Time Bomb

I rushed over to my best friend and knelt beside her, she just looked down at me and continued to sob.
“Kenz what’s over?” I asked
I heard Alex lock the door and come sit on the couch.
“My marriage.” She cried
I looked up at Alex, concern laced all over his face.
“Kenzie look at me.” I said
She looked up at me and I wiped her tears from her eyes.
“What happened?” Alex asked sitting beside her
“He cheated on me.” She said
“Why would he do that?” I asked
“He said I wasn’t paying him enough attention with taking care of Anette and work. He went out and cheated on me. I’m devastated Ryan.” She said
“Are you going to try and work through it?” I asked
“No, I called my lawyer and asked her to mail me divorce papers.” She said
“What about Anette?” Alex asked
“I’m going to ask for full custody.” She said
Alex nodded
“Where are you going to stay?” I asked
“I don’t know… Anette is on your bed right now.” She smiled
“We’ll set up a makeshift crib for her and your two can stay here.” Alex said
She smiled up and him and threw her arms around him
“Thank you guys.” She said
“Want me to have a talk with him?” Alex asked
“No, I’ll let him feel bad about what he did when he can’t see his daughter again.” She smiled
“That’s my girl.” I said
She smiled at me even though tears were still falling from her eyes.
“You girls share the bedroom tonight. I’ll sleep on the couch.” Alex said
“No it’s okay.” Mackenzie argued
“Just do as you’re told.” Alex smiled
“Okay.” She said
“Thanks baby.” I said
“Any day, I love you.” He said
“I love you too.” I said
I reached up and pecked him on the lips and followed Mackenzie into the bedroom, Anette was peacefully sleeping on the bed.
“It’s all going to be okay.” I said as we laid down
“I really thought that we were going to be together forever Ry. He was perfect.” She said
“Sometimes perfect isn’t what you need.” I said
“But I’m going to be a single mother, who wants that?” She asked
“A lot of people. Look you’re young and beautiful. Men will be crawling over each other for you.” I said
She laughed
“You could date Synyster.” I laughed
“Although attractive, he’s a little too old and too much of a whore.” She said
“You have a point.” I said
She giggled and wrapped her arms around her sleeping baby.
“I’ll talk to you in the morning.” She said
“Did you get the divorce papers mailed to your house?” I asked
“No here.” She said
I laughed and turned over on my side and huffed, I laid there for a while until I heard her light snoring. I got up carefully and found my way into the living room trying not to fall on anything, I felt the back of the couch and heard Alex’s snores. I walked around and just laid myself on top of him.
“Hmm.” He groaned wrapping his arms around me
“I love you.” I whispered
“I know, I love you too.” He said
We held me tighter and we fell asleep.
We were woken up by laughing and a baby giggling, I groaned and opened one eye only to see the back of the couch. I was still on top of Alex, so I kissed his chest and crawled off of him. I walked into the kitchen to see Jack feeding Anette and Mackenzie sitting on the counter, well it looked more that Anette was feeding him.
“Morning guys?” I questioned
“I told Alex I’d be here at seven.” Jack said
“What time is it?” I asked
“Eight.” Mackenzie said from the counter.
She looked a lot better than she did the other night.
“You look good.” I said
“Holding up.” She said
Jack reached back and grabbed her knee, I smiled at them and Anette started giggling.
“I’m going to wake Lex up and I’ll cook breakfast.” I said
Jack just nodded and continued to try and feed the baby, I chuckled and walked back into the living room
“Lex.” I said touching his chest.
“No.” He moaned
“Baby wake up, Jack is here.” I said
“I can hear him.” He said
“It’s an hour after you guys agreed on him being here. Get up.” I said
He opened his eyes and smiled, pulling my face down to his and kissed me, I pulled away and looked down at him
“Up.” I said
He held out his arms asking for help up, I pulled on his arms pulling him into a sitting position.
“Go in there and watch Jack with Anette.” I said
He nodded and we both walked into the kitchen, I walked over to the cabinets and got everything I needed to make breakfast.
“Anette really likes him.” I whispered to Mackenzie
“I know, it’s weird. She didn’t even let Jack feed her.” She whispered back
I chuckled a bit and started the stove
“What do you guys want in your pancakes?” I asked
“Banana.” Jack and Alex said
“Chocolate chips.” Mackenzie said
“Two on two. How about both?” Alex asked
“Banana chocolate chip?” Jack asked
Alex nodded
“Can Ryan even do that?” Jack asked
“Hey little shit.” I said pointing my knife at him
“Whoa hasty pregnant woman.” Jack said holding his hands up
Everyone laughed and I began to cook, when I finished we all sat down and started to eat.
“Thank you for always feeding me when I’m here.” Jack said
“Like I have a choice Jack.” I smirked
He rolled his eyes a flung a piece of pancake at me.
“No, we’re not starting that.” I said holding up my fork
His eyes got wide and he smirked at me holding up another piece of pancake.
“Jack Bassam Barakat you throw that and I will never feed you again.” I said
He put the pancake directly into his mouth and never said another word.
“So, Jack and I talked.” Mackenzie
“Which Jack?” Alex asked
“Me Jack.” Jack said
“About what?” I asked
“I have two extra bedrooms so Mackenzie is going to come live with me, so you guys aren’t cramped.” Jack said
I looked across the table at Mack and she was nodding
“Okay, so you’re going to take care of them?” Alex asked
“I’m going to help.” He said
I smiled at him, I knew Jack liked them.
“Alright.” I said
“So are you going over to Jack’s to pick up some clothes and the crib and such?” Alex asked
“Yeah, and Jack wants to see her. Since the divorce papers haven’t come in yet.” She said
“Well you only ordered then yesterday.” I said
She smiled and we finished eating.
“We’re going to head out.” Mackenzie said
Alex and I nodded as the two of them got up, Kenzie hugged me and Jack hugged Alex.
“Be careful.” I said
“I’m not going to kill them… I know how to take care of people.” He said
I chuckled and they walked out with the baby, I looked back at Alex.
“Want to go back to sleep, in our bed?” He asked
“Yes, that would be wonderful.” I said
“Tomorrow we have to make an appearance with Matt.” He said
“For what?” I asked
“He said he had something to tell me and I’m just taking you with me.” He smiled
I smiled and we just got up and walked up into our room, we laid down and cuddled up.
“They’re going to start fucking.” Alex said
“Most likely.” I said
We both chuckled and eventually fell asleep.
When I woke up the next morning Alex wasn’t in bed, I just rolled over and curled up not wanting to move. I heard Alex calling my name and I pulled the comforter over my head and tucked myself into it. I felt him touch me and I rolled out of his reach
“Please don’t roll off the bed. You’ll hurt yourself and our baby.” He said
“I know the boundaries of our bed.” I mumbled
“Are you sure because you’re about to fall off.” He said
I laughed and rolled back in his direction.
“I’m lost in the blankets baby, save me!” I yelled
“Are you stuck?” He asked
“Yes.” I said
I felt him tugging at the blanket and finally I felt some cold air hit my feet.
“That’s not where I need to breathe.” I said
“I’m trying to help you get out of them.” He said
I laughed and finally I saw his face and pulled him down to me.
“You saved me.” I smiled
“You’re welcome my lady.” He smiled
“I am so happy I married you.” I said
“I’m happy you married me too. If I could have I would have married myself.” He smiled
“Fuck you.” I smiled
“Now?” He asked
I smacked his arm and sat up.
“Don’t we have that thingy to go to?” I asked
“Thingy?” He asked
“With Matt.” I yawned
“Shit.” He said
I laughed
“Want to shower?” I asked
“Yes.” He said
I pulled him up and we walked into the bathroom and stripped ourselves of our clothing.
“LOOK!” he screamed
“What?” I asked freaking out
“You’re getting a bump!!” He squealed jumping around
“Baby stop jumping your penis is bouncing around.” I said
“Isn’t it supposed to?” He smiled
I laughed and turned on the hot water.
“But yes, I’m getting a bump.” I smiled
“I’m sorry, I’m just so excited.” He said
“I know it’s exciting.” I smiled walking into the shower
He followed me in
“You know this mean we have to get a new apartment.” I said
“Why not get a house?” He asked
“Do we have the money?” I asked
He just stared at me like I was stupid
“Never mind.” I laughed
He laughed and we showered, swapping spit in the process.
“I’m completely in love with you.” I said laying my head on his chest
“I know.” He said kissing the top of my wet hair
I laughed
“We should probably get out and go meet Matt.” I said
“Mehhh.” He said
“Lexy.” I said
“Nooo.” He whined
“Fine, I’ll go and if you get a pay raise I’ll take it all.” I said getting out of the shower and wrapping a towel around myself.
“Nope, nope, nope.” He said getting out slipping on the way.
I put my hands on my knees and started laughing as he laid there naked on the floor.
“Come help me you asshole.” He said
“Do not pull me down with you, I’m carrying precious cargo.” I said
He smiled and I helped him get to his knees, he grabbed my waist and laid he head on my little bump
“Yes, yes you are.” He smiled.
I laughed and walked away into the bedroom.
“Do you know what he wants to talk to you about?” I asked pulling on my undergarments.
“No, he just said he wanted to talk to me.” He said
“Hmm.” I hummed
I looked over at him and he shrugged.
“Maybe a tour.” He said
“If it is, I want to go.” I said
“You’re pregnant.” He said
“Pregnant people go on tours all of the time!” I yelled
“If it’s a tour we’ll make it a group vote on if it’s a good idea or not.” He said
I pouted and pulled a dress over my head, I wasn’t quite big enough to start wearing maternity clothes yet, besides the shirts that I have but this dress was just tight enough to show that I had a bump coming along. I looked over at Alex as I was pulling a hat over my head, he was staring at me.
“What are you staring at?” I asked
“You.” He smiled
“Why?” I asked
“I’m thinking.” He said
“About what?” I smiled
“What I did in the world to deserve the most beautiful girl in the world to have my last name.” He said
I just smiled at him
“You’re so sappy.” I smiled
“And you fucking love it.” He said walking over to me
“I do, I really do.” I said
He leaned down and kissed my nose.
“Let’s go.” He said
“Okay.” I said
He laughed and took my hand, we walked to the elevator and stood with Kellin and Vic along with Copeland.
“Hey guys.” Kellin smiled
“Hey there.” I said
“So how’s your dad?” Vic asked
“An asshole.” I said holding my arms out for Copeland
“What happened?” Vic asked handing her to me
“We announced to him that we were having a baby and he pretty much disapproves of us having one.” Alex said
“Congratulations and he’ll come around Ryan, he seems reasonable.” Kellin said
The elevator finally opened and we all boarded and hit the same floor button; basement.
“I hope so, because this baby is coming out either way.” I said
I looked over at Alex and he smiled.
“Are you excited?” Kellin asked
“Yeah.” We both said
“Then right now, that’s all that matters.” Vic said
I smiled and the elevator dinged telling us we were there.
“Well, we’ll see you around.” I said handing Copeland back to Vic.
“Keep us updated.” Kellin said
“Oh we will.” I smiled
Alex took my hand and we walked over to his car.
“Off we go.” I said
“Still so curious about what this is about… I kind of want it to be another tour but then again no because I want you all to myself.” He said
“Well if it’s a tour I want to come, I can do it.” I said
“I’ll talk to the guys about it, okay?” He asked
“Fine.” I pouted.
He took my hand and we drove off towards Matt’s office, when we pulled up front of the building I smiled over at Alex. We parked and both hopped out and walked towards the front door, Alex took my hand and opened the front door for me. We walked to the elevators and rode it up to floor sixteen.
“Matt?” Alex asked knocking on the door.
“Come in Alex.” He said
Alex and I waked into the room and Matt smiled at me.
“Look at that baby bump forming.” He said
“I know, I’m excited.” I smiled
“I bet.” He said
Alex and I sat down.
“So I bet you’re wondering what you’re here for.” He said
Alex nodded.
“I’m leaving.” He said
“What do you mean?” Alex asked
“I’m leaving, I’m no longer going to be your tour manager anymore.” He said
“Why?” I asked
“Personal stuff, it has nothing to do with you guys I swear. I just think I’m ready to move on, we’ll still be friends I just won’t be your tour manager.” He said
Alex nodded and smiled.
“Okay.” Alex said
I looked at Matt and he gave me a smile.
“So who will be arranging the tours?” I asked
“Well I have another guy coming in later but for right now I got you guys a four month tour with a couple other bands.” He said
“Who?” Alex asked
“Pierce the Veil, The Wonder Years, and A Day to Remember. It’s called the House Party Tour.” He said
I nodded and looked at Lex.
“Okay, when does it start?” He asked
“Two weeks, the bus will pick you up at Rian’s house.” He said
I nodded.
“It will pick you guys up first so be up by roughly five thirty am.” He said
Alex let out the loudest groan I’ve ever heard him make.
“They’ll be up.” I said
Matt nodded.
“Are you going on this one?” I asked
“Yes, but I will not be on the bus. All of the managers are traveling in a van separately.” He said
I nodded.
“Are you going?” He asked me
“I’d like to, Alex wants to take a band vote.” I said
“That’s smart.” He said
“Matt you’re supposed to be on my side.” I said
He just looked at me and I pouted at him.
“I know Jack is going to want you there so there’s two votes.” Matt said
“Two?” I asked
“Mine and Jack’s.” He said
“Hey, I want her to come I just know that if she does she’s going to insist on helping and I don’t want her to put stress on herself or the baby.” Alex said
“Well then don’t let her.” Matt said
“Have you met her?” Alex asked
I smiled and Matt nodded in agreement.
“So I guess it looks like I’m going on the tour, your three votes already beats out Zach and Rian’s.” I said
Alex nodded and I smiled in victory.
“She wasn’t supposed to win.” Alex said
“She’s your wife, she will always win and she will always be right. Those are words to live by.” Matt smiled
I laughed and Matt tapped papers down onto his desk.
“Well that’s really all I had to talk to you about.” He said
“Okay, I guess we’ll see you later then.” Alex said
“Yep. And Ryan.” He said
“Yeah?” I asked
“Take care of the boys, yourself and, that baby.” He said
“I will.” I smiled
He smiled back at me and Alex and I walked out of the building.
“He’s leaving.” Alex said once we got into the car.
“I guess so.” I said
“He’s been with us since the beginning.” He said
“I know, he’s got stuff going on baby. You’re not going to lose him forever, I’m sure he’ll come back.” I said
He nodded and started up the car.
“Are you hungry?” He asked
“Yes.” I smiled
“Do you want to stop somewhere or got to Jack’s and feed us there?” He asked
“Jacks.” I said
He nodded and we headed to Jack’s.
“I guess we can tell him about matt while we’re here.” I said as we pulled into his driveway
Alex nodded and we got out of the car and walked up to the door, he used his key instead of knocking and when we walked into the living room there was a full on tonsil hockey game going on, on the couch. I looked at Alex and he just shook his head, I cleared my throat and they stopped and looked over at us.
“She was choking, I was just doing mouth to mouth.” Jack said
“That’s not how to stopping choking works.” I said
“It’s nottt?” Mack asked
“Come on guys is this a good idea, Mack you could not get full custody if the other Jack found out about this.” I said
“I know.” she said
“My god, I didn’t know.” Jack
“Look you two living together might not be a good idea.” Alex said
“Why not?” Jack asked
“Jack you know why.” He said
I just looked at the two of them questioningly.
“What are you talking about Lex?” I asked
He looked at me and pulled me to him.
“Jack has been in love with her since they met.” He whispered.
I pulled away and looked at him with a smirk.
“No.” Jack said
I smiled.
“What?” Mack asked
“Nothing, it’s nothing.” I said
“You sure?” she asked
“Yeah she’s sure.” Jack said
“You guys haven’t had the sex yet have you?” I asked
“No you two sort of interpreted us.” Jack said
“Well I’m glad we did. You two get into some serious trouble.” I said
“How though? We’re not doing anything illegal?” jack asked
“No you’re not but if the other Jack found out he could use it against it in court that she was also cheating.” I said
They looked at one another.
“Shit.” Jack said
I nodded and they just stayed quite.
“Now if we don’t know we can’t yell at you.” Alex said
“Alexander William.” I said
“Ohh she full named you.” Jack said
“He’s giving you guy’s bad habits.” I said.
We all smiled and Alex cleared his throat.
“Matt is leaving us.” He said
“What do you mean?” Jack asked
“He said he’s got some personal things going on. He’s doing this one last tour with us.” He said
“How long?” He asked
“Four months, it’s the House Party tour so it’s us, PTV, the Wonder Years and, A Day to Remember.” Alex said
“Are you guys taking the bus?” Mack asked.
“Yeah, it’s picking us up at five am at Rian’s house in two weeks.” I said
“You’re going?” Mack asked
“I am, it’s a short one.” I said
She nodded and smiled at me, Jack looked at me and nodded.
“Okay so this is exciting.” He said
“Are you guys hungry?” I asked
“We just ate.” Mack said
I nodded and looked up at Alex.
“Alright, lets go home.” I said
He nodded and I looked at Jack and Mackenzie.
“You two, be careful and be safe.” I said
They both laughed and nodded at us.
“Thank you!” Jack called out as we were walking back towards the front door.
I laughed and Alex took my hand as we walked back out to the car.
“Kenzie didn’t really look to happy that you were coming with us.” He said as he opened my car door for me.
“I noticed, she can’t come.” I said
He got into this side and looked at me.
“Why?” He asked
“Jack L isn’t going to let that slide after she confronts him with those divorce papers. He’s going to try his hardest to do everything to make her suffer. And if she leaves for a four month tour leaving Anette with who her mom? He’s going to use that.” I said
“I mean, I guess that’s true.” He said
“She’s going to be fine here for four months, she’ll stay at Jack’s or with her mom. We’ll talk to her every day, she’s a strong girl.” I said
He nodded.
“Alright, what do you want to eat?” He asked
“A nap.” I said
He laughed and just drove us home.

Notes