The Purdy's
Finding out and Meetings
Ashley’s point of view
Starring up at the ceiling, I was waiting for Andy to return from the bathroom so we could start recording our new song when my phone rang. I looked at it to see a number I didn’t recognize. Taking a chance I answered. “Hello?” I spoke into the phone. “Hello! Is this a Mr. Ashley Purdy?” “Um, yes. May I ask who is calling?” “Hello Mr. Purdy. I’m Jo Murals and I’m calling from social services. Do you know a Mckendrie Coleman?” Mckendrie was my girlfriend in high school. I’ve seen her a few times in the past few years. Each time I see her she disappears for a long while. Remembering that I haven’t answered yet I say, “yes. Why?’ Jo replied, “ She died recently and left behind four children. You were listed as the father.” What! Mckendrie can’t be dead! I cant be a dad either! She would have told me if I was, right? “What? I’m sorry please repeat that.”
“Mr. Purdy, you have a 14 year old daughter, a 5 year old daughter, a one year old daughter and a three week old newborn son.” I dropped the can of soda that I had been holding. Jinxx looked over at me and raised an eyebrow. “ That isn’t possible. Okay so if it’s true, what’s going to be done?” I asked. Jo replied, “well Mr. Purdy, you would either get custody of your children or they would be put in foster care and separated.” My heart broke a little when she said that. Mckendrie was an amazing girl. She in fact was the only girl I’ve ever loved. To hear that she passed away broke my heart. And to hear that she apparently had kids- that are mine too, will be separated because I don’t chose to have custody is heart breaking.
“Can we take a DNA test to prove that they are in fact mine? And if they are, I will take custody and raise them the best I can I suppose.” If Jinxx wasn’t looking at me strangely before, he was now. Pinching the bridge of my nose, I waited for Jo’s answer, which was, “okay. We will have a DNA test ran immediately. Right now however I need you to come to Oregon to meet the children. Can you be ready ASAP?” “Their in Oregon.” I asked. “That is correct Sir.” She answered. “Alright. I will be on the next plane as soon as possible. Where do I need to be flying to?” “Portland.” “Alright. Thank you.” saving the number in my contact book after hanging up, I looked at Jinxx.
By now Andy was back and everyone was looking at me waiting for me to explain. I asked, “what?” Jinxx replied, “ What was that?” I took a deep breath and said, “ remember how I told you about the girl I dated in high school, Mckendrie. Well apparently the several times we got back together and then she would disappear, she had a kid. My kid. I havekids. And the reason I now know about this is that Mckendrie died. Oh god. The one girl I loved more than anything is now dead and I never got the chance to tell her. She left every time before I got to tell her. Damn it!” everyone was shocked, I could tell.
CC said, “ hate to say it bro but it’s about time you found out you had a kid. It sucks that you found out this way though.” I bit my lip and said, “ I don’t have a kid. I have KidS. Plural as in more than one. I have four! Oh my god!” running a hand through my hair I took another deep breath. Andy patted my back and said, “ What are you going to do?”
I paused for a second and answered, “If they really are my kids, I’m going to raise them the best that I can and be the dad that I should be.” Jinxx replied, “good answer. We’re going to back you all the way. Those kids weren’t exactly made on one-night stands. They were with someone you loved deeply and now they aren’t here anymore. That’s got to suck. Finding out you have kids and that there mother is dead.” “What if they hate me? What if they think that I never wanted anything to do with them until their mom died? What if they think Justin bieber is the best musician ever and that we are a stupid band?”
Andy laughed and said, “if Mckendrie raised them like her, and well we’ve met her a few times, I’m sure you have nothing to worry about.” I gave him a small smile and then said, “their in Portland so I have to out there. Do you guys want to go out there with me?” Jake said, “ when Jinxx said we’d back you 100% what did you think he meant?” I laughed and said, “I have no idea. I looked to see Andy dialing a phone. He mouthed “air lines”. I nodded and said, “I’m sorry we didn’t get to record anything. The record company is going to be pissed.” They all gave me a small smile and gave me a hug.I sat there in my thoughts thinking about each time Mckendrie left. The first time she left, I was 15 and she was 16. She disappeared for a year to live with her mom before coming to live with her dad again. (Her parents were divorced). The next time I saw her, the band was just getting famous. That was five years ago. We started right off were we left off again. She disappeared and said she had to go take care of her mom because she was sick.
The next time I saw her was almost two years ago. Again we picked up right where we left off. We were going strong and then she left again. The last time I saw her was 10 months ago. I returned home from the studio to her stuff missing from my apartment and a note saying, “Ashley. I am so very sorry. I love you more than I could ever scream. One day you will understand why I left before and why I’m leaving now. Until I see you again. Please don’t hate me my love. –Mckendrie” things made sense now. She left every time she was pregnant. Why would she hide my kids from me though? Was she ashamed?
I was disgraced out of my thoughts by CC yelling, “ lets pack our bags MI AMIGOS!”We all put our instruments on their stands and left for each one of our houses. Andy rode with CC and I rode with Jake while Jinxx rode alone. Yeah sometimes we are a bunch of crazy bastards and Jinxx needs his space sometimes. Totally don’t blame him we are crazy. Jake drove since I was way to spaced out to drive. We went to his house before going to mine. We then met up with the others at Jinxx’s house. Jinxx had a cab ready for us by the time we were there. We somehow got a flight on the next flight out. Going through security went as suspected, it was wise of not to where any jewelry today. Boarding out plane, I thought about my kids.
The flight went normal and we exited and got our stuff before finding a hotel and checking in. I called Jo and told her I was here. She texted me an address and told me that I needed to be there at 3:00 (this whole thing started at like 10 am) and it was now 2:45. Jinxx and Andy decided that they were okay with going with me to the hospital to get the DNA test. I thanked Jake and CC for flying out here to be moral support before we got in a cab and left. I got more and more nervous as we got closer and closer. When we arrived I met Jo and she said, “ The test should only take 20 minutes. If you are in fact the father you will be able to meet them.” I nodded and sat down on the bed of the room we walked into as she explained what was going to happen. A nurse came in and took a cotton swab and rubbed the inside of my cheek before sealing it up and leaving.
I was literally shaking when the nurse came back in with Jo. She smiled and said, “Mr. Purdy, you are in fact the father of all four children. Would you like to meet them?” I nodded. My hands shook greatly as I stood up and followed. Jinxx stopped me and said, “If they’re anything like Mckendrie then they will love you. Calm down a bit.” I nodded and took a deep breath. Walking into the room, I was met by four faces. The youngest being held by the oldest. I walked in and awkwardly said, “Hi! I’m Ashley.” The oldest kid said, “holy crap! Your from Black Veil Brides.” I nodded and said, “ yep! I’m also apparently your father.” The oldest kid almost dropped the baby she was holding and said, “holy fucking shit! No way! Okay sorry I fan girled for a moment.” I laughed and said, “fan?” she replied, “you have no idea. Oh right yeah sorry. I’m Andrea but you can call be Andy.” I laughed and said, “your mom named you after Andy long before I even met him. Funny.”She laughed and said, “yeah. The five-year-old here is Jinxx. Yep named after your rhythm guitarist. The one year old is Eve, named after your Legion of the Black main character. And Kellin is named after the sleeping with sirens lead singer oh and Billie Joe Armstrong and I may or may have named him.”
I smiled and said, “cool names!” she nodded and said, “ So what’s going to happen to me and my siblings.” I thought for a moment and replied, “well, I live in LA so I guess you guys would move in with me. We would have to look for a bigger house because my apartment is really tiny and we would I guess get to know each other and hopefully be happy.” she nodded and said, “what about the fact that you’re a rock star?” I replied, “That isn’t important. What’s important is that you guys are happy and healthy. So if I had to give up the band, I would. I missed out on your life before but I’m not going to miss out on it now.” Andrea looked shocked and replied, “ You would do that? For your kids you never knew you had until like 5 hours ago?” I replied, “yep. I now know I’m a father so I have to do what fathers do. Raise their kids and hope they become good citizens.” She nodded and said, “ okay. I suppose you would like to know why you never knew we existed, right?” I nodded.
She continued on, “ well my mom had me at 16, you were 15 I believe. She found out she was pregnant and then moved in with her mom for a year so she could have me. I lived with my grandma while she finished high school. She was a junior and you were a sophomore and she knew about your dreams of being in a rock band so she kept me hidden so you could live your dream. Then she saw you again right before the band really got big. Jinxx was created and she left because you just got big. She wanted you to sell out arenas and live your dream. She loved you more than anything. I know that because I would hear her cry her self to sleep at night because she missed you. She saw you again and then Eve was created. Same with Kellin.”
“The last time I saw her, she said something. Something that stood out and set off so many alarms in my head. She said, ‘I’m sorry. This might be the last time you ever see me. I am so sorry I put you through so much. I love you more than anything in this world. Please never forget that and please never hate me when you find out. Please don’t hate me. I love you so much Ash. Good bye my love.’ What did she mean? Do you know?” she bit her lip and said, “is anyone else here with you?” I said, “Andy and Jinxx.” She nodded and said, “ Jinxx, do you want to meet who you are named after?” the little one at her side nodded and said, “yeah!” I opened the door and said, “Jinxx come here, I have someone who wants to meet you!” he stood up and walked over. As I opened the door more, little Jinxx stood behind my leg with her head poking out and said, “Are you Mr. Jinxx?” he got down to her level and said, “Why yes I am. What is your name sweetie?”
“My name is Jinxx! My mommy said I was named after this guitar player. She said she wanted me to be as talented as him and as successful.” I smiled, as he said, “no way Guess what? I play the guitar and I’m in a band!” she giggled and said, “ I know. I was named after you.” he smiled more and said, “ can I get a hug?” she nodded and then ran into his arms. I asked him; “can you take her out of here for a moment?” he nodded and then picked her up and said, “I think I know where we can get some cookies in the place. Is it okay with your big sister if I take you there?” Andrea said, “yes. She isn’t allergic to chocolate or milk but she is allergic to peanut butter and peanuts. Chocolate chip cookies are fine and so are fruits.” He nodded and carried my little girl to the cafeteria.
Andrea then asked, “do you think Andy can take Eve for a few minutes while I tell you. Eve is smarter than most 1 year olds and knows English really well. I don’t want her hearing what I’m about to tell you.” I nodded and then called for Andy. Andrea handed him Eve and said, “ She shouldn’t give you to much trouble. She was fed earlier and her diaper was changed.” He nodded and then walked out of the room with Eve in his arms. Andrea then closed the door and said, “My mom loved you more than anything. Never forget that. I don’t know what she meant to you but she loved you so very much.” I sat down in the chair next to her and said, “ I loved your mom from the moment I met her. She was the one woman I would give everything up for. I would sell my soul for her. She was my entire world. Calling her my girlfriend was amazing. I couldn’t believe a girl like her could love a person like me but she did. I don’t regret anything we ever did together but I do regret not knowing you were created. I love you from the moment I found out you were mine. She may be gone now but she had you and your siblings to leave in her place. One angel may be gone but she left four in her place. I hope you know that.”
She smiled sadly and said, “ Mom was sick. She found out right after she had Kellin. She had cancer. The doctor said she didn’t have much time left. When she told me, I lost it. The one person I had left in the world was dying and I couldn’t do anything but watch. There’s a chance that Kellin could have been born with her Cancer so he has to be tested once every two weeks to make sure he is healthy. Anyways, I knew she didn’t have long. I began to put all the pieces together and realized that you were my dad. I actually only figured it out three days ago. Its like HELLO I have your last name, why didn’t I think of that as my first clue. I think I was honestly blonde at that moment. Okay back to the story, I made her tell me everything about you. I already knew who you were musically, she told me about your past. She wanted me to find you before she died so she could apologize and explain why she did what she did. When they officers found her car this morning, they said she was dead before she crashed. The traffic cam shows the crash one minute after she died. So she was already dead when the car hit a light pole.”
“Thank you for telling me. I know it’s not easy. I’m going to be here for you. Now and forever. I know you barely know me, let alone trust but I want you to know that I will do everything in my power to give you and the others the best childhood I can and love you with all of my being.” She smiled and then gave me a side hug. I pulled her in close and said, “you’ll never be alone again. Is it to soon to say I love you?” she pulled away and laughed and replied, “ probably but that’s okay. I love you too…dad.” My heart swelled and exploded from happiness when she called me that. I replied, “I love you more daughter.” and for the first time in my life, I felt complete. We were in the middle of our lovey-dovey moment when Kellin began to cry. I felt unsure of what to do. Andrea picked him up and rocked him back and forth while I watched. She smiled and said, “ I can tell you’re nervous as well as slightly scared. Its fine. Why don’t you hold him?”
“Okay. You’re really good with him, Eve and Jinxx.” I told her. As she handed me Kellin she replied, “yeah. I spend most of my time with them. My best friend hunter and me used to baby-sit them all the time. He used to brag that Eve was his kid and that Jinxx was all mine. It was quite funny actually. He was 5’6 and had black and blue hair so to see him hold a toddler that looked nothing like him and say it was his was hilarious. You should see the looks we got in target before. Oh wait I think my other best friend Evelynn recorded it and then put it on youtube since she thought it was funny.” I questioned her about the past tense and she said, “ Hunter moved to LA with his dad because his mom couldn’t accept that he was homosexual and loved Rock music. She called him some awful names so his dad fought for custody at the end of last year. He moved and I haven’t seen him since, we still talk though. Evelynn moved to Florida when her grandma got sick. Sadly she didn’t stay much as a best friend. I looked her up on face book and it turns out she gave up her band shirts for mini skirts and she acts like a whore now. its really sad too, she was a nice girl.”
I gave her a sad smile and said, “Well in LA, I think if you find out what school Hunter goes to, I may or may not be able to get you to be able to go there. No promises.” Her smile was a mile wide and she said, “ That would be awesome! Thanks.” I smiled and said, “so tell me about your self.” she looked into space before replying, “well my name is Andrea Dawn Purdy. I prefer the name Andy or Andy Dawn. I’m 14; I turn 15 on June 29th and I am a freshman in High school. Music is my life. It’s my everything. My favorite bands are Pierce the Veil, Green day, Sleeping with Sirens, Alice in Chains, Bullet for my valentine, Escape the Fate, black Veil Brides, we came as Romans, New years day, Alvarez Kings, falling in reverse, my chemical romance, Fall out boy, All-American Rejects, Jimmy eat world, The Relapse Symphony, Linkin Park, Avenged sevenfold and don’t laugh, its really odd but the only pop band I would ever listen to would be…One Direction. I know it’s awful. But I can’t get over how cute they are!” I laughed and said, “ Not only is my teenage daughter in high school, she’s boy crazy! Oh god. Lets hope you are nothing like me when it comes to hormones.”
She laughed and said, “ yep. I know all about you but I know your not perfect and I’m not going to judge you for what you choose to do in your live or should I say WHO!” and then burst out laughing. I laughed and said, “How did I get such an understanding kid?” she smiled and said, “because I’m smart and my best friend is awesome! I can’t wait to tell him that you’re my dad. He told me when we first looked up your band that I looked like you.” I raised an eye brow and said, “really now? How would your friend like to me and the rest of the band? He seems like he is important to you and so that means he’s important to me now.” her eyes went wide and she said, “Dude! If he met you, Sleeping With Sirens and Pierce The Veil, his life would be complete and he would love me forever.” “Well your in luck, warped tour is this summer AND I happen to know them pretty well. I’m sure they wouldn’t mind meeting you. Oh and you have to officially meet Andy and the rest of the band.” She nodded and asked, “When can we leave? Hospitals make me extremely uncomfortable.” “Soon I think. We’re waiting on Jo to bring the papers so I can officially have custody of you guys.”
Just as I said that there was a knock on the door. Jo entered and said, “MR. Purdy, I need you to sign these papers and you will then have full custody of your children. However I will need to ask you to remain in the state for 48 hours so the papers can be processed.” I replied, “aright. Anything else?” she replied, “ Andrea will need to be enrolled for school, Jinxx may be able to be put in preschool as for Kellin and Eve, Day care or in your care would be fine. There is one thing however; there will be a wellness check at a undisclosed time. Basically, I will show up and check that the children are properly fed and clothed and clean as well as in good care.” Nodding I asked, “is there anything else I need to know?” she thought for a moment and said, “ well I do not know if Andrea has told you yet but she does have ADHD and some other things. Andrea do you want to tell him?” she sighed and replied, “ sure. So I have ADHD as well as Anxiety, depression and Panic attacks. I don’t need medicine as long as I have someone to talk to and or music.”
I nodded and asked her, “has anything that’s happening now bothering you?” she took a deep breath and said, “ I had a panic attack in the back of the Officer who brought me here’s car. I passed out. I haven’t had anything bother me in a while. All though with everything happening, I haven’t had time to process it. And going with the wind sometimes just unnerves me. I’m quite surprised I haven’t had an anxiety attack yet. Oh and my triggers. So large crowds when I’m alone, being in a room where people don’t like me (so pretty much school every day) pressure or stress about a school project, not knowing what to do in a situation, being corned and confronted, meeting people I don’t know and I think when I’m out with someone and they ditch me. Oh and when I have to ask someone I don’t know for help, I freak out. So yeah I’m a whack job but you already signed the papers!”
I laughed and said, “ Kid, I wouldn’t trade you for the world. So what you have anxiety. I had anxiety for a long time. Being in a band helped me fight back against it. I also have depression. You’re not alone. We’ll brave this storm, together.” She hugged me from the side and said, “thank you. You have no idea how much that meant to me.” I kissed the top of her head and then said to Jo, “so I have to wait 48 hours to go home? All right I can do that. Is there anything else I need to know?” Jo said, “ Eve is allergic to grapes, hazelnuts and peas, Jinxx is allergic to peanuts, peas, carrots and grapes. Andrea is allergic to almonds and grapes as well.” “Alright. Thank you.” Andrea coughed and mumbled, “and bull shit.” Cough. I and said, “Anyhow, young lady child of mine, I am going to have to lay down some laws I suppose. We wouldn’t laughed to be wild animals.” She laughed and said, “ If you make the law and you break it, would it make you an outlaw?” and she started cracking up. I laughed and said, “ yes. I thought you were smart.” She smiled and said, “ your tattoo also says you break the law. So I really cant help it if I break one of your ‘laws’ because you’re an outlaw and well, I’m part of you.” I shook my head and said, “ you are smarter than I gave you credit for. Anyhow the first rule will be…1) when you get your own room, no boys in your room.”
She laughed and said, “Like any boys would want to go near me. What about Hunter? He isn’t exactly into girls.” I bit my lip and said, “ when I meet him I will decide.” She nodded. “2) Curse words such as Mother fucker, fuck, penis, Vagina, cunt, dickhead, fucker, and whore will not be tolerated. You can however say: shit, crap, mother TRUCKER, Fire Truck, smurf, slut and sometimes you can say Fuck but not a lot. I will try to not say it so please don’t say it. I don’t want to influence Jinxx and Eve. For Kellin it won’t matter for a little bit. 3) No boy friends. I don’t want you to have a baby because boys are bad. I know this because I am a boy and I don’t think with my brain, I think with my hormones and you’re still just a baby. 4) Curfew will be 9:00 until you are 17. Then you can think about staying out until 11 I haven’t decided yet. 5) You will have a few chores like unloading the dishwasher. I want you to get a sense of chores. 6) keep your room clean for the most part. 7) No sexting, dirty pictures or dirty phone calls. I want you to be innocent forever. Haha. Oh and your shorts cant be too short and or your shirt show your tummy and or boobs. You are 14 not 21 8) Do your homework and turn it in on time. I want you to get the best grades possible. 9) No fighting at school. I understand if you fight back but don’t go around being the instigator. 10) No drugs, sex or alcohol. Those are pretty much my rules. Are they fair?”
She nodded and said, “ surprisingly yes. I agree to your terms as long as I am allowed to continue my music lessons my mom made me take and I can design a BVB t-shirt.” I agreed and we shook hands on the agreement. Jo said, “ good rules. All right so I am going to take the paper work to be processed, Andrea, your stuff as well as your siblings stuff will be taken with you when you go to LA. You can keep anything of your mom’s that you want to keep but your apartment will be put up for sale. Is that alright?” she nodded and said, “ How badly was her car damaged?” Jo replied, “ the front end is damaged but it could be salvaged if enough money was put into it and it went to a decent body shop.” She nodded. Jo bid us good luck and then left.
Andrea exited the room and saw Andy playing with Eve. We both smiled and walked over to him. “Andy, I would like you to meet my eldest Daughter Andrea.” I said. He smiled and said, “Hello Andrea. I’m Andy.” She smiled and said, “ I know. I may or may not be a fan.” And she smiled sheepishly. He laughed and said, “welcome to the BVB family Andrea! The rest of your life you will be putting up with grown men acting like 5 year olds and awesome music!” she laughed and said, “ That’s fine with me. Oh and my nickname is Andy or Andy Dawn.” He smiled and said, “can I take a picture of the two of us and post it on twitter?” she nodded but looked to me for permission. I said, “ well, were going to have to release something about how I have 4 kids now. Yeah I don’t know how. Go ahead though.” Andy then pulled out his phone and took a picture. Moments later my twitter notified me that Andy sent a tweet. It read, “ welcome Andrea to the BVB family or should I say welcome Andy Dawn Purdy to the BVB army. Glad we finally met you kid.” I mumbled Aw out loud. Andy was laughing at me and I flipped him off. Andrea giggled and said, “ can I get a twitter?” I replied, “yes. As long as you don’t tweet inappropriate things.” Jinxx had happened to be walking up to us when I said that and replied, “as long as you agree to do the same.” I nodded and said, “ I’ll do you one better, how about I delete those tweets. I know they aren’t gone forever but hey it’s pretty much gone right?” he nodded.
I handed Kellin to Andrea for a moment while I deleted the tweets I could find before saying, “oh and I would like you to officially meet Jinxx Kendall Purdy, Kellin Billie-Joe Purdy and Eve Purdy.” The guys smiled and introduced themselves to them. We then left the hospital and got in a cab to go to our hotel to meet up with Jake and CC. The drive went well. Andy dawn told us a bit more about her likes and Dislikes as well as her sisters likes and dislikes. For example, Jinxx knew of BVB because Andrea always listened to it and she liked us. She said Andy was pretty. He then smiled and asked if he could take a picture with her. A moment later my twitter went of and his tweet read, “ This little cutie right here said I was pretty. Your adorable little Jinxx. Welcome to the BVB Family!” again I mumbled Aw. Everyone then laughed at me and I pouted.
Andy then took a picture with Kellin and tweeted, “this little guy doesn’t know but I’m his favorite Uncle. Welcome to the BVB Family Kellin.” We got back to the hotel and my twitter mentions were at a large number. Getting out of the car, I held Kellin, Jinxx held Jinxx and Andy had Eve. I’d hate to say it but those two were already attached to them. Eve loved playing with Andy’s long hair and little Jinxx found it funny to tease adult Jinxx about how they had the same name. Needless to say, MR. Ferguson had a new name: AJ, which stood for Adult Jinxx. Little Jinxx’s nickname was LJ meaning Little Jinxx. Andrea went by Little Andy or LA and she went by Andy Dawn. Adult Andy or should I say man child Andy, went by Andy still and batman however, everyone refuses to call him batman.
One the way to the elevator Andy asked Andy dawn that was her favorite super hero. When she answered Iron man. He wasn’t exactly happy. She said, “ me liking iron man makes me different from you. It makes me an individual. Your music is about supporting who you are. So quit telling me Iron man sucks and shut up. Thank you and have a nice day.” I guess Jinxx recorded the mini dispute and then posted it on twitter. Andy held his head down in shame as the elevator reached our floor. As we neared our room, I could tell LA was having a bit of anxiety. So I slowed down and gave her a side hug and said, “they’ll love you. Andy and Jinxx love you and I love you. CC and Jake will love you too. I promise. And if they don’t, I’ll kick their butts. Got it.” she nodded and gave me a small smile. Andy was the first into the room and called out, “WE’RE BACK!!!” Jinxx went in and then did Andrea and then me.
Thanks! (:
2/23/15