All I Want • Alex Gaskarth (Adoption)

Deep

"Mind if I go with you?"

I turn to face the person who asked.

"Why would you want to?" It didn't sound rude, it was a curious question.

Alex chuckled and shrugged. "No reason." He took a hesitant step forward, only continuing once I nodded. He hurried to get to where I was on the sidewalk. You never really realize how quick someone in skinny jeans can jog until it happens.

"So, hi Lexi. I guess you're a fan?" He smiled at me, and I could tell he was teasing.

"Yes, I am."

He took a moment to think of what he'd say next. "Why?"

That took me by surprise. I stared at him, and he stopped walking... Probably because I stopped. I quickly regained my senses and looked at him. Sighing, I tell him.

"Because. Music helps. As you said, music is the soundtrack to every good and bad time you will ever have. I think about that a lot. I listen to you guys, along with many other bands, because lyrics are the key. It's nice to know through lyrics how to feel. Like, in a situation. Listening to music gives you the feeling that someone else knows how you feel. All Time Low just happens to be some music that helps me through life."

We walk in silence for a minute. He focuses on what I said. I took it as my chance to continue.

"People don't focus on the main thing sometimes. For some, it's about the fame or money a band has. Other times, it's about how 'hot' the band members are. They don't really give music a chance. Don't get me wrong, they appreciate the music. But it doesn't do them anything. Like chart music, it's there to entertain but does nothing for the world. It takes better people to realize what music is for. It's for healing and overcoming bad times. Some people don't get the big picture."

He smiles at me. "For a girl who doesn't hardly talk, you talk quite a bit," I blush, "but that's a good thing. You're deep. You understand on a higher level. I think that's incredible. It shows that your mind is more advanced than the typical teenager."

I smile back at him. I ask the question that I've been curious about. "Which of the boys are going to adopt?"

Alex looks surprised. "What? How do you know it's one of them?"

"I can tell. I know it's not you, or you'd be inside the orphanage with the idiots who are trying to charm their way into adoption."

Alex chuckles at my reasoning.

"I can't tell you. Sorry, it was a rule given by Marie," he smiles at me. Alex switches topics soon after he smiled. Before asking, I saw him take out his phone and mess around with it for a second. After, he carefully slid it back into the pocket closest to me.

"Anyway, I want to ask you something else. And answer honestly," I nod, motioning for him to continue. "What are your three favorite things about All Time Low?"

I didn't expect that one either. I look ahead of me, seeing the still five minutes remaining time until we reach the gate. We've been walking slowly, but I don't mind. It gives me more time to be able to actually talk to him.

"My three favorite? Okay. First, I love your lyrics. There's just so much meaning behind them. You're honestly a lyrical genius, if I'm being honest, no matter how cheesy that sounds. Not talking about the goofy, catchy songs like Stella. I mean like Therapy. Second, I like... your guys' talent. Each of you guys are amazing at what you do. Whether it's singing or an instrument, or lyric writing. Lastly, I have to say that I love your stage-euphoria." I may have made that word up. Like stage-persona.