Bad Enough For You (Alex Gaskarth Fan Fiction)

I Promise

Hey guys, so this is kind of a shorter chapter, but considering all the updates lately I hope that's okay and I have a lot happening in next chapter so this is really just kind of filling in details and such and just preparing for the upcoming chapter.

I wake up, still surrounded by Riley’s arms. I feel her warmth radiating off of her body and it makes me feel safe. Maybe this should be the other way around, but after last night, I don’t dare move and break her comforting hold. Her heartbeat is steady and slow. I count the beats.

                After 100 beats, I look up at her as my head rests on her shoulder. She’s sleeping peacefully and I’d hate to disturb her, but I know if I don’t the alarm will. Speaking of which, it’s eight thirty, which means the alarm will go off in half an hour. Instead of waking her, I lay my head back down for another hundred beats, and after that, I wait another fifteen minutes, leaving me with ten to spare.

                I take one last look at my sleeping beauty; so peaceful and happy. Not a sign of anxiety or hurt or anger on her face. No lines around her mouth or eyebrows to indicate any worries. Just peace. I smile and adjust myself so I’m on my side, but her arm is still loftily around me. “Riley,” I say softy and kiss her forehead. “Wake up,” She groans and squirms a bit before settling again. “Come on.” I urge, speaking a little louder this time.

                “Lex,” She groans and extends the sounds. As if she realizes I’m lying with her, he eyes dart open and she gasps, quickly calming down as she remembers what happened last night. “Are you okay?” She asks, sitting up and props herself against the headboard. I sit up and angle myself toward her.

                “I feel okay now,”

                “What was wrong?” She looks at me, curiosity nearly spilling out of her.

                “I couldn’t sleep, so I wrote a song about Thomas..” I trail off. Her mouth opens, but she says nothing. She pulls me in for a hug.

                “It’s okay, Alex. Shhh, it’s okay.” She pulls away. “Today is recording day. Let’s get ready and go get everyone else for breakfast.” She smiles at me and gets out of bed.

                I get a shower and dress into skinnys and a tank top. I slide my shoes on and get my Gaskarth look. After I know I smell good and look decent, I wait for Riley. She wears a knee high black dress with gladiator sandals. Her hair is up on the top of her head in a bun. She pulls a long sleeve cardigan over herself. I know she does it to hide her scars. Some days are harder for her to face the world with those on her arms, and other days she seems pretty okay with it, like it’s just part of her. I’m guessing today is a harder day.  

                We make our way over to Jack and Zack’s room and knock loudly, knowing Zack will be up, but Jack being another story. Zack can easily be a morning person, not so much the rest of us. “Morning,” Zack says and lets us in. “Today’s the big day!” He says as he closes the door and then clasps his hands together in excitement.

                “One of them,” I note with a smile. I round the corner to see exactly what I’d expected, a snoring, sleeping Jack. His limbs sprawled messily all over the bed as his face buries itself in the pillow. “Why am I not surprised?” I joke at Zack as he sips his water.

                “I tried. He’s out, man.” Zack nods at Jack. I make my way over to him and crawl into bed. I snuggle against him and mimic his loud and obnoxious snore that even Rian could probably hear. Riley stifles a laugh and watches us. I scoot closer and snore in his ear. Without a doubt, that wakes him. His hand smacks my face.