Mr. Irwin|A.I.

•17•

Lacey

I slowly wake myself up once I notice the sun peeking through the blinds. I untangle myself from Ashton, slowly turning on my side. I reach for my phone to check the time.

10:45am

I sigh as I see few messages and missed calls from mom's. I know I left them worried, but at that point I really didn't want to talk about what happened at my birth parents home. I'm 19 and it's still tragic for me.

I text Becca back saying I'll be over later this evening to ex9kain what happened, surely they'll understand. Although I don't want to see Viv's reaction to telling her they're using again, while expecting a child. I set my phone back down and turn when I feel Ashton stir in his sleep.

"Good morning my very handsome Ashton" I giggle before kissing his lips.

"Someone's in a good mood." he says, breaking the kiss.

"Last night may have something to do with that. It's exactly what I needed." I say back and he smiles in response. "Hey, is everything okay?" I ask once I notice his composure changes.

"There's something I need to talk to you about. I've been avoiding it lately because of what you've been going through." he says, looking at me.

"Okay, what is it?" I ask.

"The lads and I have been getting big lately because of the gigs we've done. Word about us has spread tremendously all over the world. So, since we just released our EP and actually have fans. We have decided to go on a summer tour." he answers.

"Babe, that's great. I'm so happy for you. Is it this summer?" I ask and he nods. "When do you leave?" I ask.

"After the jam. It's a six month tour and we're literally going everywhere." he tells me.

"The summer jam is just a month away. I have a month with you before I have six months without you." I finally realize before years strike my eyes.

"Yes, but hey. I was thinking, and I talked it over with the others and they love it. I know you love this music thing just as much as I do. Why don't you come with me?" he asks, my eyes widen in shock.

"Come with you? Are you sure? What about school. I have to finish." I say in a rush.

"They offer online classes, I can always help you in my spare time. You can sing with us on stage and get your career started as well. There's always huge music producers at almost every show scooping out talented people." he tells me.

"Of course I would love to go. Just give me time to think on it, okay?" I ask and he nods.

"Of course."

Later That Evening

"I'm so glad you're okay. You look a thousand times better than you did last night." my mom Becca tells me.

"Yeah, I just needed time to myself to think things over. But I'm ready to talk about it now." I say and they both nod.

We sit in the living room, across the coffee table from one another. I put my head in my hands, taking a deep breath, thinking of how to say what I need to.

"When I first went into the house, everything seemed so normal. Two parents living in a home who loved each other deeply. Amelia was as sweet as could be. But John was just rude. Absolutely rough. I knew something was off, I just couldn't put my finger on it. Once I decided to leave, I was going to use the restroom since we had a long ride home. That's when I found it. A syringe. They're using again, both of them. And Amelia is pregnant again. She's doing exactly what she did with me. Ruining another child's life." I say, letting tears roll down my cheeks.

"They're what? I saw this coming. I new they couldn't stay sober for long." Viv says, shaking her head.

"I was also thinking. This house will be empty soon. Josh is moving into a house with his girlfriend, I'm in college so I'm barley ever home, and the twins have one more year of school before they move out for college. You guys have been talking about a baby lately, maybe this can be your chance. Adopt Amelia's baby." I say with pleading eyes.

"Adopt the baby? That's a big step, I'm just not sure." Viv says.

"It's a lot. I know. But you guys are amazing parents and Amelia and John are not fit being parents. Especially if they're doing what they did with me. John's abusive and Amelia doesn't stop him. That's how I ended up like this." I try to convince them.

"I know you want what's best for that baby being your little brother or sister. And we both know they aren't fit to be parents. That being said, that baby will end up in the system either way. Let mama and I talk it over okay? We'll get a lawyer and talk to Amelia and John about it. Okay?" Viv asks and I nod.

"Another thing before I get ready for bed. I know this is my last night with you guys, and I have a month left for school but I'm not sure if I'll be back for summer." I say.

"What do you mean?" Becca asks me.

"Ashton's band has gotten huge lately and they're going on tour this summer. My passion for music is nearly as strong as his so he asked me to join them. It's only a six month tour so I'll only be taking a semester of school off and then I promise I'll go back. I just wanted your approval before actually going." I say.

"That's good. That you came to us. We know you have amazing talent and we want others to see that, so this would be a great opportunity for you. We really have no say since you're over 18, but we will let you go only if you promise to go back to school in the spring." They agree and I nod.

"Of course." I say before hugging them and walking upstairs.

I walk into my room, throwing my hair into a messy bun before pulling on pajamas. I lay in bed and take out my phone, clicking on Ashton's name.

Me: Hey love! Staying the night with mom's, so I won't see you until tomorrow. I just wanted to say that I love you and I'm going on tour with you. Goodnight!

I quickly send the text, and lay my phone on the night stand to charge. I pull the blankets up to my shoulders and slowly fall asleep.

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A/N

This chapter was quick to write but it's just bleh. Sorry it sucks! Haha

There's only gonna be about 20 chapters so it's almost over!

Please comment, vote and share if you're reading!

~Kat

P. S. I started making signs today for my OTRA concert and now I'm exhausted lmao.