Growing up

Good or Bad News?

*Alex POV*
I'm woken up the next say by someone shaking me. I rub my eyes and sit up.
"What Chad" I groan
"Peyton is going to be here soon" he says
"Ok. I'll get up" I say
He leaves and I convince myself out of bed. I run a brush through my hair and put it in a messy bun. I go downstairs and to the kitchen.
"Good mornin sis" Eli says
"Morning bubs" I say
"Good morning Alex" Fallon says
"Mornin Fallon" I say
"What do you want for breakfast sis" Chad asks
"Um eggs" I say
"Ok" he says
He makes me eggs and places the plate in front of me.
"Gracias" I say
I start eating and then there's a knock at the door.
"Aunt Alex! Peyton is at the door!" Chase yells
I get up and go to the living room.
"Hey" I say
"Hey" he says
"What are we doing today" I ask
"I can't tell but you will need sweatpants and a sweatshirt" he says
"You know I hate surprises" I whine
"Yeah. And that's why I'm going to surprise you" he says
"You're lucky I love you" I say
"That I am" he says
"Well let me finish eating and then I'll get ready" I say
"Well chop chop. I'll hang with the kids" he says
"Peyton come play Mario kart" Chase yells
"I'm coming" Peyton yells
"Boys you are in the same room. There is no need to yell" Fallon says
"Sorry Fallon" Peyton says
"Sorry mommy" Chase says
I go to the kitchen and finish eating. I go upstairs and to my room. I put on a pair of gray sweatpants and my Seahawks sweatshirt. I grab my phone, wallet, and keys and go downstairs. I get down there and Chad, Eli, Peyton, Caleb, and Chase are playing Mario kart.
"What are you doing here Caleb" I ask
"Well good morning to you to" he says
"Hi. Good morning. What are you doing here" I ask
"Chase somehow got ahold of someone's phone and sent me a text asking if I wanted to come over and beat everyone" Caleb says
"Ok now that the exaggerated story is over. What's the real one" I ask
"Joe and I came to hang out" he says
"Where is Joey" I ask
"I don't know. He might be outside or something" he says
"Ok" I say
I go outback and see Joey sitting on the porch steps. I go over and sit next to him.
"Hey Joe" I say
I look over at him and see a tear fall.
"Joey what's wrong" I ask
"I don't want to talk about it" he says
"Joey if I didn't want to talk about it you made me and helped me. I'm here for you" I say
"My great grandma died this morning from leukemia. I got a call this morning from my mom" he says
"Oh Joey" I say
"I'm going to go home" he says
"No Joe stay. Come on. They're playing Mario kart and I think Caleb is losing" I say
"Baby sis I think I just want to spend some time alone to think and process all my thoughts" he says.
"Ok" I say
"Tell the guys I left" he says
"Alright. Bye Joe. Call if you want to talk" I say
"Will do love you baby sis" he says
He kisses the top of my head and leaves through the back gate. I go inside and back to the living room.
"Where's Joey" Chad asks
"He went home. His great grandma died this morning and he wants some time alone" I say
"Ok" Caleb says
"You ready" Peyton asks
"Yep" I say
"Mr. Peyton" Matt cheers
"Hey Matthew" Peyton says
"It's not Matthew. It's Matt" Matt says
"Sorry bubba but it's Matthew. Matt and Matty are just nicknames. But we can call you whatever you want us to call you" Chad says
"Oh" Matt say
"By Chad by Eli by Caleb" I say
"Bye" they says
"Bye Kiddos" I say
"Bye aunt Alex" the kids say
Peyton takes my hand and we go to his car. He opens my door for me and I get in.
"Thanks" I say
"No Problem" he says
He goes around and gets in. He starts the car and drives off.
"Now will you tell me" I ask
"Nooooo" he says
"Whyyyyyy" I whine
"Because. It's fun surprising you" he says
"Fine" I huff
We finally get to our destination and he parks the car.
"You know I'm terrible at bowling" I say
"this place has something cool" he says
"Ok" I say
We get out and he holds my hand. We go inside and get our bowling shoes. We fin out lane and in front of us across the whole walk is a tv.
"Woah" I say
"See I told you you'd like it" he says
"Who's first" I ask
"You." He says
I grab a ball and walk up to the lane. I look and see bumpers up. I bowl and get a spare. Peyton goes up and the bumpers go down. He bowls and gets a strike.
"This is so cool but also unfair" I say
"How" he asks
"You can get a strike without the bumpers and I can't even get one with the bumpers" I say
"Just bowl. Lunch will be here soon. I got us pizza and soda" he says
"Ok" I say
I grab a bowling ball and take my turn. I end up getting a strike.
"See you're getting it" Peyton says
"Yeah yeah. That's only because I'm awesome" I say
"Nope I don't think that's it. Have you been taking lessons" he asks
"Yeah. From Joey. The one who needs bumpers" I say
"Really" he asks
"No. Chad and I will go bowling once in awhile just to hang out" I say
"Alright" he says
After an hour or two we finish at the bowling alley and head back to Chad's. We get there and go inside.
"Alex Joey called and said he needed to talk to you. He sounded upset." Chad says
"Ok. I'll be back" I say
"Ok. Be careful" Chad says
"Love you" Peyton says
"Bye sis" Eli says
I go outside and get in my car. I start it and drive to Joey's. I get there and knock in the door. Joey opens the door still crying. I go inside and engulf him in a hug.
"What's wrong" I ask
"I was so close to her" he says
We sit down on the couch and I try to get him to stop crying.
"Joey you have to stop crying so we can talk about it. I can't understand you if your crying" I say gently
He finally stops and looks at me.
"She was my last great grandparent. And she was the one I was closest to." He says
"Joe it will be okay. We're all here for you. We'll help you through it." I say
"It's just she was doing so well. She was getting better then it came back and worse then the last time." Joey says
"Joey that's how it was with mrs. Busch. She had cancer got better then it came back again. Worse. Then she died" I say
"Alex you don't understand. I was close to her. She got me into music." he says
"You're right Joe I don't know how you feel to lose your great grandma but I've lost many people in my life. My biological parents, adoptive parents, Mrs. Busch, grandparents, aunts, uncles, my brother was gone for a while but he's back. It's still the same feeling" I say
"I'm sorry Alex. I don't know why I was getting angry at you" he says
"It's because you felt like your heart was getting torn apart and you needed to do something" I say
"Is that part of the reason why you always yelled at Chad when you first started living with him" he asks
"Yeah sort of" I say
"Alex Chad loves you and will always be there for you. You just have to go to him." Joey says
"Thanks Joe" I say
"No problemo thank you" he says
"You're welcome. Now lets go to Chad's" I say
"I call driving" he says
"Why" I ask
"Because" he says
"Fine" I say
I give him my keys and we head outside. We get in my car and he drives to Chad's. we get there and go inside.
"Uncle Joey" Chase cheers
"Hey dude" Joey says
"What about me" I ask
"Aunt Alex" Sammy says
"What princess" I ask
"Will you play dress up with me" she asks
"In a bit. I need to talk with your daddy" I say
"Ok" she says
"Chad can I talk with you please" I ask
"Sure lets just go for a walk" he says
"OK" I say
We go outside and we start walking.
"What did you want to talk about" Chad asks
"I'm sorry for the first year or two where all I did was yell at you and run from you. You were just trying to help me and wanted me to be okay but I never realized that. I realized today as I was talking to Joey why I was yelling and I'm sorry." I say
"Alex it's fine. It's in the past. A whole 7 or 8 years behind us. Can you tell me why you did it though? I just want to know if it was something I did" he says
"No. It was nothing you did. It's just so many things happened at once. It was tearing my heart apart and I thought that if I could take my anger or stress out I would be able to fell better. I didn't mean to take it out on you. It's just that I always saw you. I also realized that I had to stop taking it out on you or you might leave me too so that just made me more upset" I say now in tears
"Alex come here" Chad says
I walk closer to Chad and he embraces me in a hug.
"Everything will be okay. I'm here for you. Everyone is" he says
"I know. Can we go to our secret place" I ask
"Yeah. Lets go. We can talk more there" he says
We continue walking till we get to our secret place. We go in and sit down on the bench in there.
"Chad" I say
"What" he asks
"When the ten years are up do you think Eli will have to go back over seas" I ask
"I'm not sure sis. To tell you the truth I think Eli is one of their better men so probably" he says
"I don't want him to" I say
"Why not" he asks
"Because there's a great chance that he could die depending on where he goes. I can't lose not people. You and Eli are the only direct family I have left. I know I have my niece and nephew and Fallon but they aren't blood related. While Eli was overseas I always would have dreams where Eli would die and then something would happen to you and I would have to go to an orphanage. And none of the guys would adopt me. They never even thought about it" I say
"Alex we all care about you and I'll always be there for you. You can't lose hope. Just trust in God and he will help" Chad says
"Thanks bubby" I say
"No problem sissy" he says
We just sit there in silence, a comforting silence, till my phone rings. I grab it and put it in speaker.
A-hey Eli
E-hey where are you two at I want to talk
C-where are you at
E-fifth street
C-ok we'll come get you and bring you to where we are
E-alright
We go out of our secret place and see Eli standing there. He couldn't see a building because roots and miss and flowers have grown on it.
"Eli" Chad says
He turns around and sees us.
"Where were you" Eli asks
"In our secret place. No one knows about it besides us so you can't tell anyone" Chad says
"Ok I won't" Eli says
He follows us inside and we sit down.
"So what do you want to talk about" Chad asks
"So I know my captain said I won't have to go back for ten year but I got a call from the lieutenant and he said they need me." Eli says
"Where and for how long" Chad asks
"Somewhere in Asia and I'm not sure how long but for awhile" Eli says
"You said he wasn't leaving. You said everyone will be here for me." I yell at chad
"You said you didn't have to leave. You said you would move to Nashville to be with your family. To spend time with us" I tell at Eli
I get out of the secret place and run. I'm not sure where to but until I can run no more.
*Chad POV*
Eli is about to get up and run after her but I stop him.
"She doesn't want to talk to us. I'll call Joey and see if he'll go look for her. Then you and me will talk" I say
"Ok" he sighs
I pull my phone out and call Joey.
J-hey Chad what's up
C-Eli told Alex and I something that made Alex run. We would go after her but she's mad at both of us. Can you go look for her
J-yeah
C-thanks
J-no problem
I hang up an put my phone away.
"Eli couldn't you have done something about it" I ask
"No I couldn't. The captain has no say in who leaves and who doesn't. He can say something but his plans can also change." He says
"I don't understand why they have you leave again after 9 years of being gone" I say
"It was actually 10." He says
"What about Alex. You get back and she's so happy and thrilled then you leave again. You know how many people have left her? she was just telling me about how she has these dreams where you get killed overseas then something happens to me. That she gets sent to an orphanage and none of the guys adopt her or even think about it." I yell
"Chad stop. Take a deep breath and look at me" Eli says
I take a breath and look at him.
"Ok close your eyes" he says
I close my eyes and wait for him to continue.
"Chad don't think about Alex right now. Joey will deal with her. He's looking for her right now. Jut think about you and how you feel about all this. With me leaving after just coming back. And I want the truth" he say
I open my eyes and look at him.
"I hate it. I don want you to leave. I feel that when you leave we lose our bond that we ha when we were younger. Sometimes when Fallon is out of town and Alex is at one if the guys house's I would cry myself to sleep. I don't cry in front of the others or Alex because I know I have to be strong for her. It just tears me apart." I say
"I'm sorry I put you through so much pain" he says
I'm about to respond when my phone rings.
C-hey Joe
J-hey I found Alex. I'm going to have her spend the night and try to talk with her
C-ok are you heading to your house now
J-in a little bit
C-ok
I hang up and put it back in my pocket.
"He really cares about her as a sister" Eli says
"Yeah he does. He doesn't have any sisters or younger siblings so he's glad that he can protect And treat Alex like his sister. Joey and Alex are the little siblings of the band. We would protect them anytime we get the chance" I say
"You guys are all really close aren't you" he says
"We're just one big deranged and demented, but happy family" I say
"I can tell. Also that Alex really looks up to all of you she sees all four of you guys as her hero" he says
"You're her hero to. Mom gave me some of her papers from when she was little. She wrote a small paragraph about her older siblings and how her siblings are close. How she wants to be just like us" I say
"Man did we have her fooled" Eli says
"Yeah we did. Lets go back" I say
"Ok" he says
We walk out and walk back to my house. We go inside and everyone but Alex and Joey are there.
"Hey guys" I say
"Hey" they say
"Where's Joey and Alex" Kelsey asks
"That's a long story" Eli say
"We got the time" Brycie says
We sit down and start telling then the story.
*Joey POV*
"Alexandra Graham" a doctor calls
I get up from the chair and go over.
"So she woke up and has a concussion. Does she do any sports" he asks
"She does football" I say
"Ok no football for three months and then when she can play again she'll need those special helmets for those who have gotten a concussion before like they wear in the NFL" he says
"Ok can I go see her" I ask
"Yeah. Room 313" he says
I thank him and start walking towards the room.
So when I found Alex she was unconscious. That's why I brought her here. I didn't want to tell Chad because he would've wanted to come and I don't think Alex wants to talk to him or Eli at the moment.
I find the room and go in. Alex is just staring at the wall. I go over to the bed and sit down.
"Hey Alex how are you feeling" I ask
"Hey Joe. I just have a really bad headache" she says
"Well you'll be able to leave soon and then I'll get you so pain killers" I say
"Ok. Did you tell Chad" she asks
"No. Because I know you probably don't want to talk to him. But when we get to my house you and I are going to have a small talk" I say
"Ok" she says
I nurse comes in and says we can leave. I step out do the room for Alex to change and wait for her to get changed. She comes out and we walk to the front. I sign her out and we go to my car. I start the car and drive to to my house. Once we get there we go inside.
"Joey can you turn some of the lights off it's really bright" she says
"Yeah" I say
I turn all but one light off and I go over to the couch where Alex is laying. I lift her head up and sit down then lay her head on my lap.
"Why did you run" I ask
"I was just upset, mad, and shocked. Eli told Chad and I that he had to go overseas again and soon. He doesn't even know how long." She says
"Alex he didn't want this to happen. He wanted to stay here and be there for you and Chad. He loves you both." I say
"You're right. I need to go talk to Chad and Eli. When we get to Chad's can you send them outside" she asks
"Of course. Lets go" I say
She gets up then I stand up. We go outside and get in my car. I start my car and head to Chad's.
"Oh Alex the doctor said you have to wait three months before you can be active in football" I say
"Ok well the draft isn't until in three months" she says
We get to Chad's and Alex sits on the porch steps. I go inside and over to Chad and Eli.
"Alex wants to talk with you two. She's out on the front porch" I say
"Ok" they say
*Alex POV*
Eli and Chad come out and sit on either side of me.
"I'm sorry I ran. I was shocked and a little angry" I say
"It's okay sis. I'm sorry that I have to leave right after I got back" Eli says
"When do you have to leave" I ask
"Tomorrow" Eli says
"Alex are you okay" Chad asks
"Yeah. Can I have some Tylenol" I ask
"Why" Chad asks
"I have a head ache. As I was running I tripped and hit my head. I fell unconscious and I have a concussion" I say
"Why didn't Joey tell me" Chad asks
"Because he knew that I probably didn't want to talk to you or Eli yet. I was thankful for that because I didn't. I probably wouldn't have talked with you two unless he talked with me" I say
"We're sorry. I'm sorry that I haven't been there for you" Eli says
"I'm sorry that I haven't been helpful. Joey is usually there for you. I'm sorry that I'm not being a good brother" Chad says
"Chad I could never ask for a better brother. You let me live with you. You took me in when I had no where to go. And Eli as long as you're alive I'm okay." I say
"Good now lets go inside" Chad says
"Alright" Eli says
We stand up and I hop on Chad's back.
"Why mine" Chad asks
"Because last time I hopped on Eli's he whines and whines. You finally give in" I say
"Fine" Chad says
We go inside and to the kitchen. Chad gives me Tylenol and water. I take the pills then we go to the living room.
"You three good" Fallon asks
"Yep" I say
"Yep" Chad says
"Yep" Eli says
"Ok" She says
I hop off Chad's back and go over to Caleb, Peyton, and Joey. I sit down on Peyton's lap. I then lay down with my head on Caleb's lap and my feet on Joey's lap.
"Hello can we help you" Caleb asks
"No" I say
"You okay" Peyton asks
"Yeah. I'm just peachy keen" I say
"Oh gosh" Joey says
"What" I ask
"Nothing. I just haven't heard that saying in a long time" he says
"Oh well" I say
"Can we watch finding dory Uncle Chad" Rowe asks
"What's the magic word" Chad asks
"May we watch Finding Dory Uncle Chad" Presley asks
"Magic word" Chad says
"Uncle Chad please may we watch Finding Dory" AJ asks
"Sure. Alan put it in" Chad says
"Why can't you" Alan asks
"Chase, Sammy, and Matty are all on my lap" Chad says
"What about Eli" Alan asks
"Sorry dude but Rowe and Presley are on mine" Eli says
Alan sighs but gives in. He puts the movie in and sits down. Half way through I start to get tired so I close my eyes and drift off to sleep.
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~A/N~
Ok so this story is four years later so you're probably wondering how old the kids are. Rowe is 9 Presley is 11 an AJ is 13. Chase is 6 Sammy and Matty are 3. I've been pretty busy with school so my updates will be slower and in march I start track so it will be very rare if I get to update. I'll try my best though. Continue reading my books and giving feedback. I really appreciate it.
Megan😎