Growing up

Excitement and misfortune

*Alex POV*
I wake up the next morning to the smell of bacon. I get out of bed and go downstairs. I go to the kitchen and see Peyton making breakfast.
"Hey Peyt" I say
"Hey baby girl" he says
"What are you making" I ask
"Eggs and bacon" he says
"Ooh yum" I say
I sit down at the table and he comes over with two plates. He sets one down in front of me then sits across from me.
"How did you sleep" he asks
" good. I was really tired" I say
"Oh I know. Yet you were very stubborn. You didn't want to go to sleep. Chad had to force you" he says
"Haha well I am very stubborn" I say
We finish breakfast and go to the living room.
"I'm going to get dressed then we can head to Chad's" I say
"Ok" he says
I go upstairs to get dressed. I put on sweatpants, a t-shirt, and one of Peyton's sweatshirts. I put my hair in a pony tail then go downstairs.
"Ready" Peyton asks
"Yep" I say
We interlock fingers and walk to his car we get in and he drives to Chad. We get there and go inside. We walk to the living room and see everyone there. And when I say everyone I mean everyone. The guys and their families.
"Hey everyone" I say
"Hey Alex. Hey Peyton" Fallon says
We go over and I sit in the couch and Peyton sits at my feet.
"What are you watching Joey"
Chad asks
"Wait Joey was the first one awake and here" I ask
"Yeah" Caleb says
"You sure it's not the end of the world" I ask
"It might be" Peyton says
"I heard something like that on the news" Alan says
"Ok ok stop picking on Joey" Brycie says
"We're watching The Rescuers if you're still wondering" Joey says
"I love this movie" Brycie says
After the movie ends Chad turns the tv off.
"I have an announcement to make" Kelsey and I say
"You go first" I say
"Ok so I'm pregnant" Kelsey says
"Me too" I say
"That's great guys. Congrats" Fallon says
"Great more children" Chad says
"Chad you do realize one of the children will be your sisters" Joey says
"Yeah. So" he says
"Wow Chad I thought out of everyone you would've been the most excited and supportive. I guess I was wrong. This is why I waited so long to tell you all. Thanks Chadwick" I yell
I get up and head for the door. I leave and start walking.
*Chad POV*
Well I really messed up. Wait she said she waited to tell us.
"Peyton how many months ago did you find out" I ask
"5 or 6 months" he says
"How were two able to keep it a secret so long" Alan asks
"She wore my t-shirts and sweatshirts." Peyton says
"I'm stupid" I say
"Chad stop beating yourself up over this. She can't run so she probably isn't far. You can still catch up to her"  Peyton says
"She probably doesn't want to talk to me" I say
I feel someone smack the back of my head after I say that. I turn around and see Joey.
"Chadwick. Snap out of it. She might be  upset with you but she still loves you. You always want her to go to you when something's wrong well now you have to go to her." Joey says
"You're right" I say
I get up and go outside. I start running till I catch up to her.
"Go away Chad I'm not in the mood for talking" she says
"I'm sorry Alex. I am happy and excited for you. You're going to be a great mom." I say
"Thanks Chadwick" she mumbles
"Hey come here" I say
She walks over to me and I hug her. She's about to say something when her phone rings.
*Alex POV*
I'm about to say something to Chad when my phone rings. I look at the caller id and see that it's Jailin. I answer And all I hear is crying.
A-J what's wrong
J-Alex I'm at the airport in Tennessee. Can you come get me? I'll explain then.
A-yeah. Chad and I will be there soon. Wait outside
J-ok
I hang up and turn towards Chad.
"Let's go" he says
We hurry to his house and realize he's parked in by Joey's car. He goes inside then comes back out with a pair of keys. He unlocks Joey's car and we get in. He pulls out and heads toward the airport.
"Chad I'm worried" I say
"I know you are. We just have to hope for the best. I'm worried too. She's like another sister" he says
Finally after another twenty minutes we get to the airport. We spot Jailin and Chad pulls up along the curb. I look over and see that she has bruises all over her face. I look over at Chad.
"Sit in back with her. Maybe she'll talk" he says
"Ok" I say
I get out and go over to her.
"Hey J" I say
"Hey Alex" she says
"You ready? Do you have any bags" I ask
"I'm ready. And no I don't have any bags" she says
"Ok." I say
We go to the car and get in the back.
"Hey Jailin" Chad says
"Hi Chad" J says
Chad starts the car and pulls out of the parking lot.
"So J what happened" I ask
"Well you know my mom died a few days after graduation right" she says
"Yeah" I say
"Well my dad was upset and started going to bars and getting drunk. He then found out I was a Christian and didn't like that. So he started abusing me. I finally had enough of it so I stole money from him and got a ride to the airport on a bus and came here. I knew I could call you and you'd come." She says crying
"I'm so sorry J" I say
"It's ok. There's nothing you could've done" she says
"Well now I'm going to help you. You can sleep in one of mine and Peyton's guest room." I say
"Thanks." She says
"No problem. So do you have a boyfriend yet" I ask
"No. I'm a single Pringle." She says, "what about Joey"
"No he's still single. What do you have a crush on him" I ask
"Well you see here sweetheart he is really talented in music, cute, adorable blue eyes, and I love his smile. So I think more of a crush." She says
"Awe" I say
"Wait how many years apart are you and Joe" Chad asks
"Five. I'm 24. He's 29. It's not that bad. I mean my parents were 8 years apart." She says
"Peyton and I are 3 years. Also Jailin by the way. I'm pregnant" I say
"Awe Alex. Congrats." She says
"Ok ladies we're back." Chad says
We get out of the car and go inside.
"We're back. And we returned with a guest" I say
"Alex I'm not a guest. I'm family." Jailin says
"Hey J" Joey says
"Hey J" Jailin says
"You guys can't have the same nick name" Alan says
"You and Alex do" Joey says
"No we don't" Alan and I say
"Yeah you do" Peyton says
"Baby you aren't suppose to be helping Joey" I say
"And we don't. I'm big al and she's al" Alan says
"It's still close enough" Brycie says
"Wow Alan they threw both of us under the bus" I say
"Sorry to say this Alex but Joey already threw you two under. Those two were just driving over you." Jailin says
"Oooh that's harsh." Caleb says
"Talk about friends" Kelsey says
"Someone's a spitball of fire" Chad says
"I'm going to see what the kids are doing" I say
"I'm coming with" Peyton says
"No you aren't" I say
"I'll come with" Alan says
"Ok" I say
We get up from the couches and go downstairs to the playroom. We get down there and there's toys everywhere and we hear yelling and arguing. We keep walking until we see the kids. Sammy and Matty are quietly playing with their toys but the four older ones are arguing and wrestling.
"Yo" Alan yells
The stop and face us.
"Each of you go sit on a different couch cushion" Alan says
They go and sit down. We walk over and look between them.
"Ok so what happened AJ" I ask
"Chase and Rowe were playing and Presley and I were playing. Then Chase and Rowe started arguing and Presley and I were trying to stop them only made it worse because then they started arguing with us causing all of us to get angry and wrestle and you saw what was going on" she says
"Oh boy. Chase and Rowe. You two are 6 and 8. You know how you're suppose to act. You know not to cheat or argue. Please act your age" Alan says
"Sorry daddy" Rowe says
"Sorry Aunt Alex" Chase says
"Now Presley you are ten years old. And AJ you're 11 you two are so close to their age that they probably won't want to listen to you. So next time just come up and tell someone so we won't have a situation like this again. Got it chicas" I say
"Yes ma'am" they say
"Good now go ahead and play" Alan says
The four get up and run back to playing. I sit on the couch and turn on the tv. I go on Netflix and turn on Tarzan. Alan sits down next to me.
"Alan can you go get me a soda and some Nutella" I ask
I'll get you the soda but not the Nutella" he says
"Ugh I hate being allergic to it" I say
"You'll get over it. Do you want anything else" he asks
"Ham. Chad has some in his fridge.  Heat it up please" I say
"Sure" he says
*Chad POV*
Alan comes upstairs and goes into the kitchen. I get up and go to the kitchen as well.
"What are you doing" I ask
"Your sister is hungry." He says
"Oh. What does she want" I ask
"At first she wanted Nutella but I wouldn't let her have any since she's allergic now I'm getting her ham" he says
"Ha ok. She's trouble" I say
"She is but you love her" he says
"Yeah I do. Now I would hurry before my sister gets annoyed that you're taking forever" I say
"Ok" he says
He grabs the stuff and returns downstairs to where Alex is waiting for her food.
"Chadwick!" Jailin yells
"Jailin I'm only in the kitchen you don't need to yell" I say
I go to the living room and lean against the wall.
"What do you want" I ask
"One can I borrow money to go shopping for necessities? I'll pay you back as soon as I get a job and money. Two can I borrow your car to go to the store" she asks
"Sure" I say
I give her my keys and some money and she leaves.
"What do we do now" Caleb asks
"Where's Alex" Kelsey asks
"She's down in the basement watching Netflix and eating food" I say
The girls all get up and go downstairs. A few minutes later Alan comes up.
"Whatcha thinking about Joe" Alan asks
"Huh" Joey asks
"What ARE you thinking about" Caleb asks
"Oh well Jailin and I were talking and apparently she went to school for music and she can play a ton of instruments so we were
Discussing job options for her. She was asking what jobs I was going to try and get before I became a part of the band" he says
"What did you tell her" I ask
"Well I know she wants to sing and play instruments so I said either join a band or do a solo project. But first start off by just singing in café's." Joey says
"That's actually pretty good advice" Alan says
"There's a first for everything" I say
"Hey. I can give good advice. I mean who has helped you and your sister out a lot beside Caleb" Joey asks
"Well I only have a 50/50 chance of getting this right" I say
"Yeah so what's your answer" Caleb asks
"Um do I have to answer this question" I ask
"Yes" they say
"Fine. Ugh." I say
"Well" Joey asks
"Joseph" I mumble
"What was that"Joey asks
"Do you really want me to repeat myself" I ask
"Nope I'm good. I heard you big bro. Heard you loud and clear." Joey says
"Good" I say
"Now what should we do" Alan asks
"Sing" Caleb says
"Caleb just because we're a band that doesn't mean we have to sing all the time" Alan says
"Let's go to the park" Joey says
"Yah" I say
"I don't want to" Caleb says
"I don't want to either" Alan says
"I'm going to hang with Alex" Peyton says
"Looks like it's just me and you lil bro" I say to Joey
"Oh joy" Joey says
"Let's just go" I say
We get up and go outside. A few minutes into the walk I break the silence.
"What's on your mind" I ask
"How could you tell" Joey asks
"I'm not stupid. You're usually talking or wrestling me" I say
"Oh I'm just thinking" he says
"About what" I ask
"Not what. Who. And Jailin." He says
"What do you like her" I ask
"Maybe" he says
"When did this start" I ask
"Um the second day she was here and we all hung out" he say
"Ask her out." I say
"Noooo" he says
"What not" I ask
"Because. How do I know she likes me too" he asks
"Joseph you sound like a teenager asking that question to his best friend" I laugh
"Well what should I do" he asks
"Ask her out and if she says yes have a good time and don't ask about her family" I say
"Why not" he asks
"I'll let her tell you that when she wants" I say
"Ok" he says
We finally reach the park by the time our conversation is over.
Joey pushes me and yells, "beat you to the slide"
He takes off and I take off after him. I catch up and tackle him to the ground. I get up and continue to the slide. I get to the slide and climb up to the top. Joey gets to the bottom and stares at me.
"Not fair. You cheated" he says
"How did I cheat" I ask
"You tackled me. It's unfair" he says
"Get over it you big baby" I say
I go down the slide and I'm automatically tackled. I flip over and get up. Joseph I would run before I throw you in the pool" I say
He gets up and takes off running. I quickly follow after him. We get to my house and go inside. Joey and I run into Alan.
"Woah" he says
"Hey big Al" we say
"What happened" he asks
"Chad cheated" Joey says
"I did not" I say
"Ok Chad and Joey separate corners" Alan says
I'm about to argue but Alan gives me a look. We huff and go to separate corners. A few minutes later J walks in.
"Here Chad thanks" she says
She tosses me my keys and I catch them.
"Wait why are you two in a corner" she asks
"Chad Cheated!" Joey yells
"Did not" I yell
"They're in trouble" Alan says
"Are not" Joey and I say
"Yes you are" Caleb says
"Ugh" Joey whines
"I want food" I whine
"Oh boohoo. Now where are the girls" J asks
"Downstairs watching a movie. Send Peyton up will ya" I ask
"Sure" she says
She goes downstairs and a few minutes later Peyton comes up.
"What up" he asks
"Don't you dare Caleb don't you dare" I say before Care can correct him.
"Do you want to play Mario kart with us" Caleb asks
"Sure" he says
"You two playing" Alan asks
"Sure" I say
"No thanks" Joey says
"Ok" Caleb says
Joey goes downstairs and I go over to the guys and get handed a remote.
"Why isn't Joey playing" Peyton asks
"How am I suppose to know" I ask
"He tells you a lot of things" Caleb says
"After I wrestle him or something" I say
"Well do you know anything" Alan asks
"He might ask Jailin out" I say
"Oh ok" Caleb say
"Let's just play" Peyton says
"Yeah" Alan says
"Alright. I'm donky Kong" I say
"Wario" Peyton says
"Bowser" Alan says
"Mario" Caleb says
We start playing and Caleb ends up losing.
"How" Caleb asks
"How what" Alan asks
"How did everyone beat me and Chad come in first" Caleb asks
"Luck" I say
"Rematch" Caleb says
We play a few more times until everyone,including the kids, come up from the basement.
"Chadwick front porch now" Alex says
"Yes ma'am" I say
I get up from the couch and follow her out front. We go and sit on the porch swing.
"What's up" I ask
"Did you tell Joey to ask J out on a date" she asks
"Sort of" I say
"What do you mean by sort of" she asks
"Well Joey and I were walking to the park and we were talking. He told me he liked Jailin and has ever since he met her. Then when I heard in the car that Jailin liked Joey too I made it my goal to get the two of them together" I say
"Ok. Well Joey asked her and she said yes. They're going out tomorrow night" she says
"I did a great job. I actually helped Joey out in a good way for once" I say
"That you did. Good job big bro" she says
"Why thank you lil sis" I say
She yawns as she laughs.
"You tired" I ask
"Yeah" she yawns
"You should probably go home to sleep then" I say
"No Bubby I want to stay here with you" she whines
"Ok ok I will. I won't leave you" I say
She lays her head on my shoulder and closes her eyes.
"Will you sing to me" she asks
"What song" I ask
"Turn around. I like the song" she says
"Oh I know you do" I say
She laughs then yawns again.
I play with her hair as I sing turn around. Once I'm done I look down and she's fully asleep.
"Goodnight lil sis" I say kissing the top of her head.