Adopted by Vic Fuentes

Chapter Nineteen

As we laid on my bed we both dozed off as we traveled to LA for the next concert. When we arrived we still had a free day to chill before the concert the following day. I woke to the sound of Tony on the phone. He was sitting on his bed beside me. I looked over at Jackson who was still asleep. I gently shook his body, careful not to hurt him more than he already was. He yawned as he sat up. He glanced over at Tony before slowly grabbing his crutches and leaving the bus. As Tony hung up the phone, I got up and sat beside him.

"Is everything okay, Uncle Tony?" I asked softly. He set his phone on his lap and covered his face with hands and let out a big, stress-filled sigh.

"I don't know if I should be having this conversation with a teenager to be completely honest," He said as he rubbed his face. I nodded.

"Alright. It's up to you. I won't pressure you to tell me, but it's always nice to have someone there who is going to listen to you," I explained. He looked up at me.

"You're a smart kid," He said letting out another sigh. It's my girlfriend, Erin. She's really upset about me not being there. She said she feels like the connection between us is fading and that scares the shit out of me. I don't know what to do." He explained. I thought for a moment before responding.

"I think that you should reassure her of how much you love her. You two have been together for 3 years, Tony. That's insane. I think you should call her later tonight and remind her that you'll be home late tomorrow and that everything will be okay," I said to him with a smile on my face. I gently rubbed his back. He nodded and gave me a weak smile.

"Thanks. I needed that. Now go help set up. I need to be alone for a while. I'll see you during mic check," He replied to me. I nodded and gave him an assuring hug before I got up and ruffled through my bag for a change of clothes. I went to the bathroom and got ready for the day.

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

I walked out to the venue where I was soon stopped by a small group of teens around my age. One boy looked at me and smiled.

"Hey. This might seem really weird, but my name is Max. I'm a big fan. I know this is fan-girlish, but can I get a picture with you? I wasn't able to get a pass to the meet and greet," The young boy explained. I thought for moment as I looked at the others.

"Um...sure but I can't stick around. Vic needs me backstage," I said looking up to the young boy. He smiled and wrapped his arm around me as he lifted his phone to take a picture. We both smiled as the camera clicked. "Looks good." I said softly moving away from his grip.

"It does! Thanks so much. Um... I'm gonna put this online so I'll tag you in it. It's nice meeting you Faith," He said with a bright smile.

"You as well, Max," I hugged the other people in the group before turning and jogging over to the venue. I opened the door to the backstage and walked back to Vic's dressing room. I knocked before stepping in. "Hey sorry. I got caught up with some fans in the parking lot."

"That's fine by me. I need you to help set up the drums with Mike here in a second," Vic said walking to me and kissing my forehead. I nodded and walked over to Jace who was sitting on the couch, playing with the kitten. I smiled at the two of them. After a few moments I set my purse down and got up to go help Uncle Mike. As I walked down the hall I spotted Eliza and ran over to her.

"Hey girly! How about we dye our hair after the meet and greet?" I asked her. Her face lit up at my question.

"That sounds awesome! I'll see you later. My dad is going to give me another guitar lesson," She explained. She gave me a gentle hug before she scurried off down the hallway. I turned back around and walked to the stage where Uncle Mike was setting up his drum set. I gave him a warm smile as I helped him. When we finished I looked out to the open field and to the gates where people were waiting to enter.