A Do Or Die Situation (Sequel to To Offset The Shakes) // Andy Hurley/Trohley

Youth (Libbie's POV)

Two days after I gave birth to my son, I was allowed to go home. Gage helped me pack my things and helped me out to the vehicle, considering I was still a little sore. Andy carried Max out to the vehicle and put him in his carseat. I hopped in next to him, and Gage was next to me. Joe and Andy hopped into the front seats, then we head for home.

I missed home, I missed my bed. I missed waking up to laughing from my dads joking around with Summer. I especially missed Summer. I missed everyone else too, I felt like I hadn't seen them in ages. They said they didn't want to come visit in the hospital; they'd wait until we all got home so everything could get settled down. I was thankful for that, considering I was still mentally preparing myself for being a young mother.

I felt like I knew what was in store for me, considering I had spent endless nights staying awake until three am researching stories of what to expect with a newborn. But, as prepared as I felt, I felt just as unprepared, if that makes any sense. I knew no baby was the same, but I prayed Max would be an easy baby, because as much as I loved him already, I had a lot on my plate. 

In just three months, I'd be going into my junior year of high school. I would have to balance family, as well as schooling. I would have to balance my relationship with Gage and my son, as well as my relationships with my friends and my teachers. But, above all, I would have to prove that I would be a good mother, that I wouldn't live up to the name I had gotten. I was determined to prove those who said I would be a bad mother, wrong.

-

As Andy helped me get Max out of his carseat, Joe and Gage carried my bags inside. Andy and I followed soon after, and I breathed a sigh of relief when I stepped inside our house. I kicked my shoes off and made my way to the couch, sitting down and paying attention to the still somehow sleeping Max in my arms. Gage sat next to me, while Joe and Andy said they'd unpack my bags and put things away. I thanked them, then turned my attention back to Gage and our son.

Nearly a half hour later, my phone buzzed from my pocket. It was Mack, asking if her and Cody could stop by to see Max. I asked Joe and Andy if it'd be okay, and they were alright with it as long as I felt ready to see people. Gage said the same, kissing my cheek. I let them know that could stop by anytime today.

I was happy that they were so excited to see Max. It meant a lot that my friends were still in my life, and would hopefully continue to be, even after I had had a baby as young as I am. As Gage and I waited for Cody and Mack to show up, Max started to get fussy. I took him into my room and changed his diaper, then rocked him around. 

-

A short while later, the front doorbell rang. I gently put Max into Gage's arms and ran to the door, instantly wrapping my arms around Cody and Mack, eliciting chuckles from Joe and Andy who were on the couch. They laughed and hugged me back, then I led them to my room. Gage was facing the window, looking out into the quiet street. Max was still in his arms, bouncing around and making little noises. I walked up to them, scaring Gage only slightly, then told him Cody and Mack were here.

He instantly spun around and a smile grew on his face. Mack was still standing in the doorway, her hands covering the big smiled that formed on her mouth. Cody smiled too, then I motioned for them to come over. Mack nearly ran over, instantly reaching for Max. Gage laughed and gently set our baby boy in her arms. She squealed with joy, and the three of us laughed at her. 

I sat down on my bed, and Gage sat next to me, rubbing small circles onto my hand. Cody sat on the chair I had in my room, while Mack stood by the window and talking to Max. 

"So, how are things going to work between you now?" Cody asked.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"Well, I mean, it wouldn't be fair to just leave Max here all the time at let Lib take care of him, while you're home every night not having to deal with him," Cody said, actually making a good point.

"I guess we never really thought about it ... I mean, he's right. I don't want to do this alone," I shrugged.

"I get it," Gage said. "I'd come here every day, you know that, but leaving you alone with him all night wouldn't be fair."

"Guess we'll have to talk to Joe and Andy and see what they have to say," I said.

Cody made a really good point. As much as I loved Gage and our son, I didn't want to be the only one caring for him, and I certainly didn't want to have to 'share' our son by sending him to dad's house one night, then mine the next. We've got plenty of room here for Gage to move in if it came down to it, but him and I both know that his dads wouldn't be too fond of it, considering we already got ourselves into one mess. Although, I wasn't too sure we could get into much more trouble. I was certain this was the most trouble kids our age could get into.

-

Two hours passed before Cody and Mackenzie left. Max became fussy about halfway through their visit, so Gage fed him, burped him, then put him down for a nap. We retreated to the living room afterwards, where Joe and Andy were still sitting. I curled up on the couch next to them and tried my best to fall asleep. Gage sat on the floor next to the couch, looking as though he was doing the same.

"You know," Andy said, breaking the silence among all of us besides the tv. "I heard you all talking about the whole baby situation."

"We have no idea what to do," I plainly said.

"Well, Joe and I were talking while you guys were still in your room and as long as your dads are okay with it, Gage, we don't really have a problem with you moving in here," Andy said. "That is, if you swear on your life that you'll stay committed to our daughter, treat both her and your son with respect and love, and understand and listen to the rules we set."

"Of course I would!" Gage said. "But, I'm not sure my parents would let me. I would have to talk to them. Maybe if we all sat down together and talked about it, they'd be a little more lenient. I don't know how they'd react to all of this, considering they're still upset with me about everything that's happened. I really appreciate what you guys are willing to do for me and my family, though. I love you guys."

"You're like a son to us, Gage. Of course this whole situation was very shocking when it first happened, and I know it'll be hard for the both of you, but I believe you're both very strong and will get through this. Sure you're young, but you're both very mature for your age. We'd welcome you with open arms here, and I think your fathers should know that. I don't think either of us would have a problem sitting down with them and talking about all this," Joe explained. "Why don't you go on home and ask them if we can all set up a time to talk within the next few days?"

"You all mean the world to me," Gage said, standing up, reaching for his sweatshirt. "I'll let you know what they say. Thank you again!" he said. "I love you," he said, kissing me. "And I love you!" he said again, but kissing Max's forehead. After that, he left to head on home.