Layla

I slowly made myself wake up, knowing it was morning time. Everything that happened felt like a dream, there was no way I was really neighbors with Alex and Lisa. There was no way I really spent the night at their house. There was no way they would tell me that they were going to try and adopt me. There was no way- my thoughts were cut off by a voice I knew too well.

“Morning sunshine!” The voice said, I could hear the smile on the person's lips. I looked over, and saw a bright-eyed Jack Barakat sitting on a couch across from me, with his phone in his hand. I sat up and looked around the house. This was not the house we had just moved into.

“Wait...last night wasn’t a dream?” I asked, trying to wrap my mind around what was going on.

“Nope! Everything you think you dreamed was real.” He spoke, keeping the smile on his face.

“What time is it?”

“9:12am.”

“Oh.” Was all I could say, how could all this be true?

“I was told to tell you that Lisa and Alex will be back in a few hours, they went downtown to the court to try and see if they can adopt you, but from the looks of things, I know they will be able to.” The whole time he talked, he had that goofy grin on his face.

“Well, as much as I would love to say good-morning to them, I should probably be getting back to my house.” I spoke as I grabbed my ipod and phone off the table.

“No! You are staying here!” Jack said.

“I have to get back over there over I am going to be in worse trouble than I already am in, Jack.” I spoke with a sign.

“How about no, you are staying here with me. They are not going to get to you, I can promise that.”

“Jack-” I started, but was cut off.

“Now, let’s go to McDonald’s and get some breakfast.” He said as he stood up and grabbed his shoes.

“Uh...Jack, I can’t eat McDonald’s…”

“And why not?” He asked confused.

“Because I am a vegetarian. Who is working my way up to become a vegan.” I said, proudly of myself.

“Oh, that’s fine. We can just go to this nice small vegan restaurant I know of down the road, today is karaoke day there.” He said, changing his confused face to a smile. I chuckled and put on my shoes, there was no way I was getting out of this and going back to the house I live in. We walked outside, and over to Jack’s car. I stopped before opening the door.

“What’s wrong?” Jack asked.

“I don’t think it’s safe to drive in a car with you.” I said trying to hold back a laugh.

“And why not?” He asked with a smirk.

“I have seen you drive a hot-air-balloon on the Somewhere In Neverland music video, Kaitlin and I both agreed to never drive with you, after that day.” I said, not being able to hold back my laugh.

“Oh shut up and get in the car.” He said opening his door as he laughed. I continued to laugh as I opened the passenger seat door, and got in. I put on my seat belt, and I held my phone go off. I reached into my pocket as Jack started up the car. I looked at my phone screen and saw the name ‘Kaitlin’ flash on it. I quickly answered the phone and put it on speaker, I always talk to her on speaker phone.

“Hey Kaitlin!” I spoke with a smile on my face.

“Whoa, I can hear the smile on your face, what has got you so happy this wonderful morning?” She asked with a small laugh.

“The fact that she is in a car with me!” Jack spoke loudly so Kaitlin could hear him, I let out a laugh.

“Layla, why does that voice sound so familiar?” She asked, sounding confused.

“Because that voice belongs to Jack Barakat.” I said, moving the phone away from both Jack and I as I knew what was going to happen. And what I knew was going to happen, did happen. Kaitlin screamed at the top of her lungs.

“Damn, is that what Alex was talking about yesterday?” Jack asked with a laugh.

“Yep!” I said, keeping the smile on my face.

“Oh my fucking gosh! Layla! You said you were in a car with him?!” Kaitlin asked, her voice turning worry filled.

“Yes Kaitlin, I am in a car with Jack Bassam Barakat. And he is driving.” I said with a smirk, she was going to say the same thing I told Jack.

“We both promised each other we would never ride in a car with him after the Somewhere In Neverland video!” She spoke.

“I know! I told him that! But he just told me to get in the car.” I said laughing. “He’s driving really good, to be honest. But I was still very scared getting in the car with him.”

“Oh, well, love you too, Layla.” Jack mocked with a smile Making me laugh again.

“Wait, Layla, why are you with Jack? Shouldn’t you be back at that house with the devil and her minions? Oh my gosh! Did she do something to you?!”

“All three of them would have done something, if it wasn’t for Jack, Alex, and Lisa.” I said, keeping the smile on my face.

“What happened?”

“Uh, promise you won’t tell this to anyone? Or like put it on social media or anything?” I asked, not really wanting to get my hopes up with the whole adoption thing.

“I promise! I would never tell my best friends secrets to anyone!”

“Okay well, I told Alex everything. Like, everything. The only thing I didn’t tell him was the stuff that my Mom’s boyfriend does, I couldn’t bring myself to talk about it, yet at least. Anyways, Alex and I were talking on my porch, when Mother came over and started yelling at me for no fucking reason, and she told me if I didn’t get up right that minute I was sleeping on the porch tonight, nothing new there. Anyways, Alex took me away from the house and brought me to his house, and I stayed the night on their couch.” I started, about to continue till Jack spoke up.

“And I was on the couch across from her!” He said with his goofy grin. I let out a giggle and continued.

“Yes, Jack slept on the couch across from me. But like, last night, Alex and Lisa talked to me about adoption. They are at the downtown court house right now, seeing if they can adopt me.” I finished.

“Oh my gosh. You are going to be adopted by them?!?” Kaitlin spoke, sounding really excited.

“They say they will win the court case and get to adopt me, but I really don’t want to get my hopes up.” I spoke, as I looked out the car window, to see we were pulling into a parking lot of the restaurant. “But for now, I got to go. Jack just brought me to this vegan restaurant for breakfast. I’ll talk to you later, love you girly.”

“Okay! Call me whenever you get the chance! Love you, too babe!” She spoke. We said good-bye one more time and and hung up the phone.

“Ready?” Jack asked with a smile.

“Sure am.” I said, returning his smile. Jack opened his door and got out, me following his actions. We walked into the restaurant, side-by-side. It feels a little awkward, going to breakfast with one of my idols. Like, holy shit. If this was a one time meeting or something, I would most likely be freaking out right now.

“Jack! Hey man!” Someone said, but I knew the voice. We looked behind us and saw Rian walking up behind us.

“Rian! What’s up, dude?” Jack said, with a huge smile on his face.

“Nothing much. Just came to get some breakfast, how about you?”

“Same! Oh, Rian, this is Layla. Layla, you know who this is.” Jack said jokingly.

“Hi. You look very young.” Rian said, looking a bit confused, making me think that he thinks Jack and I are on a date or something. I could tell by the look on Jack’s face, that he knew what was going on in Rian’s head.

“Hi Rian.” I said with a smile.

“No, we are not on a date, just get that out of your head right now.” Jack spoke.

“Oh okay, so how old are you Layla?” Rian asked.

“I’m 17.”

“How do you guys know each other?” He questioned both Jack and I.

“This is the girl Alex was talking to you about this morning.” Jack spoke.

“Oh! The one that him and Lisa are going to adopt! It’s nice to meet you, Layla!” Rian said with a huge smile.

“It’s nice to meet you too, Rian.” I said with a little giggle.

“Would you like to sit with us, dude?” Jack asked.

“Sure! Beats eating alone.” And with those words, we all walked into the restaurant with each other. Here I was, about to eat breakfast with not just one, but two of my idols. Holy shit. We all sat in a booth, with menus that were brought over to us as soon as we got seated.

“So Layla, what looks good to you, on the menu?” Jack asked.

“I don’t know. Why ask me?” I asked with a laugh.

“Because I’m not the vegetarian! You are!” He said, laughing as well.

“Hmm...when my Dad was still alive, he would always make take me to vegetarian restaurants for breakfast, and I would always get a Easy Egg and Avocado Breakfast Burrito. Which they have on the menu. So I would most likely recommend that.” I said with a smile.

“Well, looks like I will be getting that then.” Jack said as he closed his menu, me following his actions and closing mine as well.

“Have you ever had whole wheat pancakes before, Layla?” Rian asked, still looking at his menu.

“Oh yes. I love them. Almost as much as the burritos.” I answered, keeping my smile.

“Well, I will be having them then! I also think we should all get a Purple Monstrosity Fruit Smoothie.” Rian spoke.

“If you want my thought on the smoothie, they are amazing as well. I used to make them all the time when I had the chance, haven’t had one in a few years.” I said, thinking about the past when my Dad was still around. We all agreed on the meals we wanted, and the waiter came over and took our orders a few minutes later. We all sat and talked and laughed for a few more minutes, till our food was being brought over. I watched Jack as he picked up the burrito, and took his first bite.

“Well…?” I asked, hoping he would like it.

“It’s amazing!” He said with wide eyes as he took another bite.

“I told you!” I said with a laugh.

“Rian, sit here with Layla, I’ll be right back!” Jack said as he got up and went somewhere.

“Where do you think he is going?” I asked Rian confused.

“He’s Jack. He most likely saw a cute waiter and is going to go and hit on them.” Rian laughed. Making me laugh as well. We continued to eat our food, and about five minutes later, Jack came back over to the table.

“So, did you get her number?” I asked with a smirk.

“I didn’t even go and hit on anyone, but if I did, I would have got the number.” Jack laughed.

“Well what did you do then?” Rian asked.

“I went and signed Layla and I up to perform with each other when we are finished eating.” Jack said with a smirk. My eyes went wide.

“Oh hell no. Not happening.” I spoke as I shook my head.

“It is happening! I heard you singing last night! Your voice is amazing!” Jack tried reasoning with me.

“No.” I said.

“Yes, and I will drag you up there with me if I have to.” He said. I put my head on the table and let out a loud sigh, making Rian and Jack laugh. I lifted my head back up and looked at Jack.

“Only if I can pick the song.” I spoke.

“What song?” He asked with a smile.

“Your guys’ song Heroes.” I spoke.

“Deal.” Jack said as he took another bite of his burrito. Till his phone rang. He put the burrito back and looked at his screen before answering the phone. “Hey Lex. How did it go?” Pause. “That’s awesome!” Pause. “We are down at the vegan restaurant about a mile from your house, we ran into Rian when we got here as well.” Pause. “Okay, we will see see you guys soon! Bye.” He spoke, then hung up the phone. “Alex and Lisa are on their way here. They have some awesome news.”

“That’s great!” Rian spoke with his huge smile. We continued eating till we all finished. I took longer than both Jack and Rian, as I tried to stall time so I wouldn’t have to go on stage with Jack.

“Okay Layla, you are done eating. Let’s go.” Jack said with a smile. I shook my head quickly.

“I don’t want to.” I said just as quick as I shook my head.

“Would you go on stage is Rian came on and with us and did his little beat thing he does on the drummer box thing they have up there?” He asked. I turned to Rian and he smiled at me. I turned back to Jack and spoke.

“Yes.”

“Then let’s go!” Jack said as he grabbed my hand and pulled me up, Rian following behind us. We got to the small stage in front of everyone, and I saw there were a few microphone stands, a drummer's box, and a couple of acoustic guitars. Rian went and sat on the drummer’s box, as Jack went and grabbed one of the guitars, and a guitar pick that was already with it. I walked up to the microphone, feeling my anxiety wanting to take over, but I wasn’t going to let it. Not in front of everyone. “You will be perfectly fine.” Jack came over to me and whispered in my ear.

“And how do you know that?” I whispered back to him.

“Because Rian and I are both up here with you to make sure you are.” He smiled when he finished. I nodded my head slowly, and Jack took a seat on a stool that was next to me. Rian was on the other side of me, sitting on the drummer’s box. “Ready?” Jack asked. I nodded my head a little bit, telling them both I was ready. Jack and Rian both started up the song, and I waited for my part to come. When it did, I sang, as I closed my eyes, and made myself think I was alone in my room.

Not gonna miss you when you're dead and gone.
Not gonna talk about you over and over and over.
Not gonna file you under latest nostalgia.
Nor happily ever after.

I opened my eyes back, and saw Jack and Rian both smiling at me. I looked into the small crowd of people, and saw they had smiles on their faces as well.

Not gonna listen to your played out songs
(Played out songs)
Don't wanna think about you over and over and over
Not gonna read about the latest fads on your trendy blog
I want nothing to do with that

I sang again, as I looked into the crowd again, and saw Alex and Lisa in the front, pointing their phones at us. They must have just got here. I started to get more into the song and started to ditch my quiet tone and sing a bit louder.

'Cause you've made a mess of everything
(And I'm not listening)
You're not a hero, you're a liar
You're not a savior, you're a vampire
Sucking the life out of all the friends you've ever known
You're just a train wreck, not a winner

Up on your soapbox, preaching down to the sinners
A saint without a cause
We're not listening, we're not listening
I'm gonna start a revolution
Of convoluted disillusion

(Start a revolution)
I'll lead a war with no conclusion
And in the final hour I'll be a confident coward
'Cause if we stand for nothing

We'll fall for anything
You're not a hero, you're a liar
You're not a savior, you're a vampire
Sucking the life out of all the friends you've ever known

You're just a train wreck, not a winner
Up on your soapbox, preaching down to the sinners
A saint without a cause
We're not listening, we're not listening

Yeah, this is moving in the same direction
But I'm a little too spent to care
'Cause it's a battlefield 'til it blows over
Keep your friends close and your enemies closer

We're throwing stones though we live in glass houses
We talk shit like it's a cross to bear
You're only relevant until you get older
Keep your friends close and your enemies closer, enemies closer

They're gonna miss me when I'm dead and gone
They're gonna talk about me over and over and over
They're gonna file me under latest nostalgia
And happily ever after

I'm not a hero, I'm a liar
I'm not a savior, I'm a vampire
Sucking the life out of all the friends I've ever known
We're a train wreck, not winners
On a soapbox, preaching down to the sinners

Saints without a cause
We're not listening, we're not listening
We're not listening, we're not listening

I sang out as we finished the song. I looked over to Jack as he put the guitar back on it’s stand and came over to me with a huge smile on his face.

“You are amazing!” He spoke as he brought me into a hug, to which I gladly returned.

“He’s right Layla! You are amazing!” Rian said behind me. I pulled from Jack’s arms and gave Rian a smile. We all three left the stage together and were greeted by Alex and Lisa.

“Layla! How come you didn’t tell us you could sing!” Alex spoke with a huge grin on his face.

“I didn’t think I could.” I said with a small laugh.

“Well you can! you are amazing! Alex and I both recorded it, we will show you when we get back home.” Lisa said with a smile. I nodded my head telling her okay, and we all left the restaurant, after Jack paid for his, Rian, and my food. Even with both mine and Rian’s protests.

“You coming back to our place, Rian?” Alex asked when we got outside to the cars.

“Nah, I have to meet up with Zack, we will come over later and hear the good news.” Rian said with a smile.

“Okay! See ya later!” Alex spoke, we all said our good-bye’s to Rian and he walked over to his car. Alex and Lisa parked their car right next to Jack’s. “I’m surprised you didn’t kill yourselves on the way here.” Alex spoke, talking about Jack driving us.

“I was thinking it was going to be my last day on Earth the whole time he was driving.” I said with a giggle as I joked.

“Oh bull shit, you even told Kaitlin that I’m not that bad of a driver.” Jack said laughing.

“You did a lot better than you did in the Somewhere In Neverland video.” I said. Making Alex, Lisa, Jack, and I all laugh.

“Get in the car and shut up.” Jack said as he lightly pushed my shoulder jokingly.

“Who said I was riding with you, again?” I asked with a smirk, continuing to mess with him. “I don’t want to die.” When those words left my mouth Jack picked me up and threw me over his shoulder. “Put me down!!” I shouted as I kicked the air.

“Will you get in the car?” Jack asked, I could hear the smirk on his lips.

“Yes.” I said with a sigh. When I said that, Jack happily put me down. I walked to the other side of the car, as Jack, Alex, and Lisa all laughed. “If I die, I blame all of you.” I said joining them in the laughter.

“Get in the car and hush your mouth!” Jack shot over to me with his goofy smile.

“Be nice to my soon-to-be-daughter!” Lisa laughed as she spoke. “Oh, and that’s what we need to talk about when we get back to the house Layla! See you soon!” And with those words, Lisa and Alex both got in their car and drove off as Jack started up his car, with me sitting next to him. I saw he had some CD’s next to the radio, and I picked them up, going through them. I looked at them till I saw he had Green Day’s Dookie album. I squealed with joy as I put the other CD’s back down and put the CD in the CD player. Jack and I both sang out loudly as soon as the album came on and started playing the first song, Burnout. We sang along to the album the whole time we drove to Alex and Lisa’s house. When we passed my house I saw there were cops in the driveway, talking to my Mom, her boyfriend, and my brother. We pulled into the driveway of Alex and Lisa’s house and got out, both of them were waiting in their driveway from us. When we got out of the car they walked over to us.

“So, before we go over to your house. We wanted to say that, we talked to the court people, as well as the police. They are going to want a statement from you next week when we bring you in. And if it proves to be true, which we know it will be. Within the next month, you will officially be our daughter after we sign the adoption papers.” Alex spoke with a smile. I nodded my head, to tell them I heard what they said, but I was still looking at what was going on over at my house.

“Let’s go over and get your stuff now! I can’t wait to see the guitar! And remember, if it’s broke, we will get it fixed.” Jack spoke with a smile as well. I nodded my head again, and we all walked down the side-walk, to my house, which was two houses down. My eyes locked on my Mother’s and she sent me a death glare, as her and her boyfriend moved away from the cops and made their way to us. As the cops watched them make their way to us.

“You little brat! You think you can pull this shit and get away from me? Well that’s not happening! There is no way in hell I will sign papers for them to adopt you!” My Mother spoke as they both stopped in front of us, keeping the death glare on me. Jack grabbed my hand and pulled me behind him.

“Well here is some news for you, when the statements go in, and everything is worked out, we will not need you to sign anything. The court will have everything processed where we just need to sign a couple papers and she will be our daughter.” Lisa spoke up.

“I don’t even see why you two would want a daughter who is the worse thing in the world, anyways! She can’t do anything right!” My Mother spoke, raising her voice.

“That is where you are wrong. Layla is a really sweet, kind, and talented person. You are just to selfish to notice.” Alex spoke this time.

“Oh bullshit.” My Mom’s boyfriend huffed.

“I don’t want to hear shit coming from your mouth.” Jack growled at him. Taking Alex, Lisa, and I by shock, not knowing he was this angry.

“What are you going to do about it pretty-boy?” He laughed.

“Alex, stand in-between them right now.” Lisa whispered in Alex’s ear. To which Alex did as told, and Lisa walked away to get the officers.

“Calm down Jack, he is not worth it what so ever.” Alex spoke. “Just ignore him and hug Layla or something to calm yourself down.” To which Jack did. He let go of my hand and turned around, putting his arms around me as he kept his glare on my Mom’s boyfriend. A minute later, Lisa came back over with two police officers following her.

“Okay you two, let’s go.” The officers spoke as they both grabbed onto my Mom and him.

“You guys can go on in, get whatever belongs to her.” The girl officer spoke. Making Alex nod his head and he took Lisa’s hand in his and started walking to the door. Jack released me from his grip and took my hand in his as we walked into my house as well.

“So, where is your room?” Lisa asked.

“Basement.” I muttered, as I saw my brother walk into the house and look at us confused, I don’t think he saw us outside, he was too busy on his phone.

“And what the hell are you doing here?” He spat at me.

“I’m just getting my stuff.” I spoke softly as I moved a little bit closer to Jack.

“I don’t see why, not like you will be moving out anytime soon.” He spoke with a evil smirk on his lips.

“That’s where you are wrong. My fiance and I are adopting her.” Alex spoke.

“Why? She’s useless.” My brother spoke, looking at Alex now.

“Just ignore it Lex, come on, let’s go get her stuff.” Lisa spoke as she pulled on his hand. I heard my brother huff and we all made our way downstairs into the basement, well, my room.

“How many rooms does this house have?” Jack asked.

“Five, I think.” I spoke.

“And they made you stay down here? What the fuck.” He muttered.

“Ha, my family for ya.” I spoke as I looked around the room, for one nothing looked to be messed up, with was the first time ever. I looked in the corner and saw my guitar there, perfectly fine. The first thing I did was walk over to it, as I felt all their eyes on me. I picked up my guitar and turned around with a small smile on my face. “Well, this is it.” I spoke with a small laugh.

“Is that a Martin Standard Series D-28 Dreadnought Acoustic guitar?!” Jack asked with wide eyes.

“Wow, you sure do know your guitars.” I said with a small laugh.

“Well, I am a guitarist, Layla.” Jack laughed as he walked over to me. “Can I see it?” I nodded my head and handed it to him. “It’s beautiful. How old is it?”

“About 7 years old I think. Still in perfect condition.” I spoke proudly.

“Okay guys, you can talk guitars after we get this stuff over to the house.” Alex said with a laugh, getting all over us to laugh as well. Most of my stuff was still packed, so we just had a few boxes to carry, since I didn’t own very much in the first place.

Notes

This took hours to write....longest chapter I have ever written!
12 pages~

Hope you enjoy!