Adopted by Vic Fuentes

Chapter Forty (Jackson's POV)

Another day, another hangover. Maybe I need to stop drinking...is that bacon I smell?

I got out of bed and threw some shorts on. I stumbled down my seemingly endless spiral staircase and went to the kitchen.

"Well good morning princess. I haven't seen you in a couple days. Thought I'd come check on you and make sure you've had a meal," Alex said. I need to change my locks.

"Good morning, dad.  Why are you in my house at....9:30 in the morning? I have jet lag and I want to sleep," I stated. I opened the fridge and pulled out a mini shot bottle of gin.

"Absolutely not. You might be an adult but you're still my son," he said, snatching the bottle from my hand and dumping it down the sink.

"Funny. You act like I don't have more," I said, yawning. Alex gave me a stern look. Damnit he pisses me off. I walked to the table and sat down. "So why are you here?" Alex sighed as he put a plate in front of me and sat across the table.

"The truth? We are the opening band for this festival thing tonight and Jack is sick. I need a guitarist pretty fucking bad so please for the love of everything, sober up and get back to what you love. The music is your safe place so get back to it," he said. I hate to say it but the old man is right. I've done nothing but prance our name around to go party and honestly, school hadn't been cutting it for me either. I ended up dropping out of university before I barely got started.

"You're right...go ahead and send me the song line up for tonight so I can go ahead and practice beforehand. What time do I need to be there?" I asked as I ate.

********************SKIP***********************

I spent the rest of my day smoking and getting ready for the show. My dad didn't trust me to actually show up. Smart of him. He basically had to drag me out to his car to get here. I sat in the bands warm up room going through every song quietly on my acoustic guitar. This is so pointless. It's not like he's going to pay me for this. What am I? Charity? Actually....might as well be, seeing as I'm adopted...whatever. Fuck this.

I got up and walked out of the room, slamming the door behind me. I fumbled with my cigarettes as I headed outside. It was breezy. Not too hot but definitely not chilly. I leaned against the brick wall and flicked my lighter. Of-fucking-course my lighter won't work. I turned the corner, aggressively. As I tried to open the door, I found it was locked.

"Alex!!!! Open the fucking door, mate!!! I just need a lighter!!" I shouted, as I banged on the door. The door opened slowly. "Vic....?" My face dropped immediately. My heart started to pound.

"Yeah....here..." Vic said. He handed me a lighter. He tied a shirt around the handles to keep the door from closing all the way. I looked at him, somberly.

"Thanks....uh h-how have you been? Danielle, Jace....Faith... everyone doing well?" I asked. I lit my cigarette and handed him the lighter back.

"They are fine. Listen...respectfully, Jackson, I would rather keep this relationship professional. It took a lot for me to even come once I knew you would be here. Alex damn near begged us to not cancel, so please," he said. He walked back inside, leaving me outside. I could hear the crowds of people behind me starting to gather. Once I finished, I went back inside and sat on the couch that was backstage. I felt two hands on my shoulders.

"Hey sexy," I heard from behind. I leaned my head back to see Laith. Her curly red hair draped over her shoulder. She kissed my forehead before starting to rub my shoulders.

"Well good evening doll," I said, sinking into the couch. "I didn't think you'd be here." No, really. Vic is here. I feel like he would kill me if he saw us together. Damn. I need a fucking cigarette and a drink.

"Ah thought a'd come tae surprise ye, gaol," she said. Damn that accent gets me. "Alex tellt me that ye wur filling in fur Jack. Ye seem tense, dear. Whit's gaun oan?" Laith came around the couch and sat beside me.

"It's nothing, love. I really didn't want to be here, but you'll make the experience better," I said, with a soft smile. I fucking hope that that's true. I looked at my watch then back at her. "The gates are opening. I need to go meet up with my dad. I'll see you in a bit." I gave Laith an endearing kiss before getting up and going back to the room.

Fuck my life....

***************AUTHOR'S NOTE**************
Thank you for reading yet another hectic chapter! Good luck to Jackson. I hope you enjoyed. Don't forget to vote and like. If you enjoyed, give me a follow. See you in the next chapter!!!! Love y'all!