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

I'm Headed Straight For The Castle [Part Two] (Libbie's POV)

As I stood up onstage in front of nearly my entire student body fighting the stigma against teen pregnancy, I felt as though this is where I belonged. I felt strong, I felt empowered. I felt like this was something I could do for a living. The entire time I could see my small, beautiful family smiling back at me. I didn't know whether or not I would make a difference in how people perceive teenage pregnancy or not, but that certainly didn't stop me from trying.

"I guess in the end what I'm trying to say is that although I don't recommend getting pregnant at a young age, it does happen and nine times out of ten, those kids need our support because it's likely they're not getting it elsewhere. It isn't always kids from bad homes, kids with no parental guidance, etc., it can easily be someone like me, someone like you. You never know how close to home something like this can hit. Always, and I cannot stress this enough, always be kind to your neighbors. Support people if they need it, be someone they can lean on. I've lost lots of people through this journey, but I've also gained a couple new friends who have offered their support. But above all, I've always had my family's support. My dads have always had my back, even when I told them the news. My mother would've never been one to do that," I explained. "I ran away from her to be with you all here right now. She was abusive, verging on being an alcoholic. She never told me who my father was, only said he left when I was a baby, which turned out to be very far from the truth. I knew there was a possibility of a better life for me if I could just find out who my father was, so I jumped online and did tons and tons - and I mean tons - of research before I found what I needed. My dad, Andy Hurley of Fall Out Boy, married to guitarist Joe Trohman," I paused after I heard a few gasps from the crowd, making me chuckle. "Are the people I needed to be surrounded by. I packed my bags that same night and waited until the morning to leave after my mother had left for her job. I walked all the way here. I didn't realize how much danger I had put myself in until afterwards, but that meant little to me if it meant the possibility of a better life. I had his address, and soon I found it. I walked up and knocked on his door. I swear the feeling I felt right then and there was indescribable. I didn't even know if he'd be the one to answer the door, if he even still lived there! But thankfully he answered. A short, slim man with crazy red hair and a beard answered the door, looking confused, and I didn't blame him one bit. I asked if he was Andy Hurley, he said he was. I told him my name and said I was his daughter. His eyes grew wide, almost in disbelief. I probably looked the same, honestly," I chuckled. "He brought me inside, where I soon met Joe and their adopted daughter Summer, who I've now grown so incredibly close to. And well, the rest is history. But as you can see, though my life before I came here may have been rocky, my life has changed so much since I've found people who love and appreciate me, and surrounded myself with even more people just like them. I've done a complete three-sixty since coming here. Though I've had my down times, they don't define who I am, and neither does my pregnancy. I've had nothing but love and support and this still happened to me. It can happen to anyone, even with precaution. Please, your judgmental comments only add to the stress these teens are under when this happens to them. You're not helping, you're not being supportive. Even if you're not particularly fond of the person this happened to, then don't say anything at all. Don't add to the stigma. Be there for one another, be a shoulder to lean on if they need it. Love each other, care about one another," I went on. "Now with that, I think I've said quite enough," a few chuckles erupted from the crowd. "Now, there's some people I want you all to meet. Guys, come on out here."

Andy, Joe, Summer, Gage, and Max all walked out. Some people gasped, some smiled, but everyone clapped. I couldn't help but let a huge smile creep onto my face. I had done it, I gave my presentation perfectly. I felt amazing. I hoped I had helped the students and teachers, even some parents, at my school to think before speaking. I hoped that if this happened to anyone else here, we'd all only hear of how supportive other students and teachers were, not all the negative things I mentioned in my speech. People started standing up and soon it was a complete standing ovation. The feeling I felt was indescribable, but I knew one thing for sure, this was something I could get used to. 

"Thank you all so much, I appreciate everyone listening. I hope I've made a difference here today in at least just some of you. Though this isn't the best thing that can happen to people our age, it definitely isn't the worst," I said. "We all need a little more love."

"Thank you, Libbie!" my teacher smiled, walking up to my family and I, soon joined by our principal. "I think this standing ovation speaks for itself. You're truly an inspiration at this school, to your fathers, and your younger sister. Max is such a lucky boy to have you as his mother. I cannot wait to see what your future holds."

I couldn't either. The thought of the things I could do, the lives I could change, it gave me butterflies. I refused to let my past define who I am, and I refuse to let the present define that as well. 

I am brave, I am bruised, I am who I'm meant to be, this is me.