We Are Unbreakable

CCs POV

The next day I decided to take Seth with me to the studio to meet the guys.
I wasn’t sure if was going to explain our situation yet. At this point, only Ashley knew who he was. If he told every them already I wasn’t too fussed. They were gonna find out sooner or later.
As I pulled up to the studio I looked over at Seth and he looked nervous.
“You’re going to be fine. We’re just normal guys” I said trying to comfort him.
“What if they don’t like me? What if I say something that offends them?” He asked in a worried tone.
“You won’t. Just try to relax. We’re brainstorming ideas and collaborating right now. We’re not doing anything major.”
“Okay. Let’s go” Seth said trying to build up confidence.
We both got out of the car and I saw him open the backseat door and pull out his guitar case.
“You brought your guitar?”
“I had to. This is my chance to talk and jam with actual guitarists.”
“You realise that I see these people all the time. They are family to me. You’ll see them all the time since you are technically my step son” I said. The words feeling odd coming out of my mouth.
“Yes, technically I am, but don’t say that too much. That is so weird.”
“Agreed” I said as we walked up to the porch.
I turned the handle and the door swung open. I looked down at Seth who looked scared.
“Will you relax already?”
“I will. Just give me a sec.”
I shook my head and smiled at him. I entered the studio, walking through a lounge room and hallway to the back of the house to where all our gear was set up.
We walked past the small kitchen we had and Ashley was sitting in there with his bass.
“Ash...?” I asked when I stopped in front of the doorway. Seth stayed out of sight for the moment beside the door frame.
“Oh, hey CC” he with little expression.
“Why are you in here? What’s wrong?”
“Just needed to be alone for a bit. Got some stuff on my mind.”
“Like?” I pried.
“Riley told me it’s her. She’s the reason we can’t get pregnant” he said, his hands dropping of his bass.
I didn’t know what I was meant to say. I knew how hard they had been trying and that it was getting Riley down. “Are you guys okay?”
“Riley is depressed. When she’s not at work she wonders aimlessly around the house, not sure what to do. Hasn’t even gone to do her usual stripping stuff, which she normally does when she feels stressed. “
“Sounds like she needs to get a hobby. Maybe just hang out with her for a few days. Not like we’re tracking anything right now” I said trying to get him to perk up.
“Hmm, maybe” he said raising his hands back to the guitar in his lap and played a riff.
I heard Seth gasped beside me after he heard the riff Ashley played.
Ashley looked up at me confused.
I just sighed and looked down at Seth.
“Ashley, meet Seth. Seth, this is Ashley” I said tugging Seth around the corner of the door so Ashley could see him.
Ashley’s eyes widened in surprise. Seth just had a huge smile glued to his face.
Seth extended his hand out and Ashley awkwardly did the same.
“It’s so good to finally meet you Ashley! I am a huge fan! CC has been telling me all about you guys!” He said with pure excitement.
Ashley looked stunned. “Uhh, nice to meet you too Seth. CC did tell me about you. I didn’t realise you were coming today. Are you meeting the whole band today?” He asked, quickly shooting a glance at me.
“Yep! I’m so excited to meet Jinxx and Jake. They are amazing guitarists.”
“Yeah, they are pretty talented. Why don’t we introduce you?” Ashley said smiling and perking up slightly.
I watched as I saw the two of them bonding and talking about music. It gave me comfort that he could be like this with all my band mates.
Ashley rested a hand on Seth’s far shoulder, guiding him into the other room where Andy, Jinxx and Jake were.
“Hey guys! We need to introduce you to this little dude. This is Seth” Ashley called.
They had confused expressions, but played along saying hello and asking Seth basic questions.

After a while, Ashley took Seth under his wing and showed him some things he knew on guitar so I could explain the situation to the others.
“Seth is my step son” I said simply.
“This makes no sense. Are you saying Kimber had a kid when she was, what... 16?” Andy said, completely confused.
“15 actually, but that’s not the point. He is staying with us permanently. I’m really trying to process this and thank you so much for getting along with him. Ashley really has taken a liking to him” I said gazing over at them playing guitar together.
“Looks like Ash wants to steal him away from you” Jinxx commented.
“Hmm, probably. Him and Riley can’t have kids.”
“What?!” They all said in unison.
“Ohh, I thought you guys knew...”
“Well I guess it explains why Ash has been a little down. Can’t be the best situation at home” Jake said looking over at Ashley. “What about Riley?” He continued.
“Depressed apparently. She wants kids so bad. I think she feels like she has lost purpose, from what Ashley has said” I said explaining what things are like for Ashley.
“Well at least Seth is a distraction for Ash” Jinxx said.
“You know Riley freaked out when she found out about Seth. So it might be helping Ash, but not Riley.”
“She’s just jealous. You realise that, right?” Andy said rolling his eyes.
“Yes, I think we can figure that out Andy” Jake said shooting him a look.
“Guys! This isn’t about Ash and Riley. This is about Seth. I need him to feel welcome with all of us. We are the only family he’s got and I promised him that he would fit in.”
“You’re already treating him like a son CC” Jinxx said giving me a warm smile.
“Thanks, I am trying. This can’t be any easier for Kimber. She has to adjust just as much as me.”
“You’re gonna be fine. Stop worrying. If it is already this good, you’ve got it” Jake said patting my shoulder.
I smiled at him and decided to interrupt Seth and Ashley.
“Hey guys, sorry to interrupt, but it’s time to head off. Calling it a day. Seth, ready to go?” I asked him.
“What?! No. Ashley was just showing me this really cool thing that you guys are gonna do on the new album. Please, just a little bit longer” he pleaded with me.
Ashley looked up at me and shrugged, giving me a playful smile.
“Little bit longer then” I said, starting to walk away from them and smiling back at Ashley.

Ashleys POV

As I drove home after meeting Seth, I couldn’t help but smile at the thought of him. He was such an awesome kid. So bubbly and talented and God, did he look like Kimber. He was the male version of Kimber. I wanted to tell Riley all about him, but I wasn’t sure if I should.
As I pulled up to my house and walked in the door, I went on the hunt for Riley.
I didn’t know what she ended up doing today. She was sleeping when I left and that made me nervous. Although she had told me what was going on, she was still somewhat depressed. I was scared she would start drinking heavily or smoking... Or worse.
I continued to wonder around the house looking for her, but she was nowhere. As I walked past the kitchen windows again, becoming frantic, I noticed some light coming from outside.
I breathed a sigh of relief when I realised Riley was sitting outside with her laptop. I slid open the door and made myself known.
“Oh hey baby, sorry I didn’t hear you come in” she said getting up from the deck chair and giving me a kiss.
“That’s okay. I was just getting a little worried about you, that’s all. What did you get up to today?” I said sitting beside her.
“Umm, just tried to take my mind off of things. I want you to listen to this” she said nervously.
“Okay...”
She fiddled on her laptop for a moment then music started playing.
I didn’t recognise the song, but I knew the voice. It was Riley singing. I always knew she could sing, but I also knew that she didn’t care that nothing came of it. She never had the time for it.
I didn’t say anything till the song ended and she was looking down at her hands.
“Riles, that was amazing. You know you are talented like that, but why are you doing this? I always thought music was my thing and the bar was yours” I said placing my hands on her shoulders.
“I-I don’t know why I did this today... I just feel empty and I need to fill the void. The song kind of explains how I’m feeling. The original is performed by some Australian band, but it is beautiful and... I’m just having trouble letting go. I mean, like... Is there something more for me? Is there something else I’m going to do?” She said getting up from the chair and pacing along the pool. “I’m like 25! I’m young! There just has to be something more to my life.”
I blew off the last bit she said. I know she loves me, but there is more to life than love. Even I know that. I could tell she was stressing out though. Our path got cut off and now she was lost.
“Baby, listen to me” I said getting up and standing in front of her to calm her. “You are amazing. You are my everything and I love you so much. What you are doing is healthy for you!” I said motioning towards the laptop. “You need this. You need a new project, a new calling. Whether it’s singing, modelling, band managing, you can do it. You have been through so much and have always bounced back. Do it again. Release the song. I dare you” I said giving her a coy smile.
“Ashley, I can’t do that... It’s completely raw and unpolished...”
“All the more reason to do it. People love stuff like this. It has so much more depth and connection if you can hear every little breath and note” I said giving her my honest opinion. “What if you performed it at the bar?” I said, my face lighting up at the brilliant idea of mine.
“I’ll think about it Ash. It’s a big step out of my comfort zone. I wouldn’t even know what to do on stage.”
“It all comes naturally” I said placing my hands on her hips and lowering my face to her level.
Her eyes glanced up at mine and she smiled.
“There’s that smile. I’ve missed it” I said kissing her cheek.
She just smiled wider and snaked her arms around my waist. I hugged her small frame, feeling it being smaller than usual. I shook the thought and decide to have some fun. I gently lifted her to bear hug her, but then threw her into the deep end of the pool, clothes on and all.
“Fucking hell Ash!” She screeched when she resurfaced. “You’re gonna pay for that!” She said walking to the edge of the pool and getting out.
I started to run around the pool and she chased me. She eventually caught up to me, jumping on my back soaking me with her wet clothes.
“Riles, you’re getting me all wet” I said playfully.
“At least I’m not the only one” she whispered in my ear. I then jumped into the pool with her on my back.
When we resurfaced I gave her a serious look. “Riles, promise me that you will consider releasing the song. You have talent. And even if nothing comes of it, you will feel better. I only want the best for you Riley.”
“I’ll consider it” she said splashing me in the face and then ducking under the water.

Notes

I know. I haven't updated in forever.
I have had no internet at all. So I've been dying.
Here is an extra long chapter. Please leave comments, would love you to know what you guys are thinking on this <3
-Tina xx