Hero(A Newsboys fanfic)

Chapter 9: Are you safe?

Around seven in the morning, we pulled into Duluth, Minnesota. It was Friday morning and the streets were mostly clear except for the few cars of people hurrying to work. I sat in the lounge, staring lazily out the bus window, searching for the stadium the guys were playing at. Everyone else was either talking or, like me, was trying to fully wake themselves up.

After about ten more minutes, the stadium finally was in view and the bus pulled into the back. I followed Avery and Mya to the floor section while the guys helped the crew unload all the instruments and equipment.

"Hey Layla, would you mind watching Aidyn and Ben for a moment?" Avery's asked me as we found a spot to sit. "I need to talk to Mya about something in private."

"Sure. I don't mind." I replied.

"Thank you." Avery said, handing me Ben. "We won't be long."

I gently took Ben and helped Aidyn curl up along two chairs. I watched Avery and Mya disappear backstage. I looked down at the baby in my arms. His eyes were closed and quiet little breaths escaped his mouth. Flashbacks of when I first held Adam when he was born replayed in my head. I was twelve when he was born and it was the happiest day of my life. The day I became a big sister.

I looked over at Aidyn. Something told me that as she and Ben grew up, she would be an amazing big sister. Something I always tried to be to Adam. And right now I wasn't sure if I was.

"You're a natural."

Looking back up, I saw Jody standing beside me. "Well, that's what happens when you parents give you a little brother when you're twelve." I replied. I paused for a moment and let out a small sigh. "And then when your mom dies, so you have to take care of him."

A few seconds of silence drifted through the air and then I heard Jody sit beside me. His eyes were soft. "If he's anything like you then I'd say your raised him perfectly."

I smiled back and turned away. I didn't know if he planned what he was going to say to me or if he thought of it on the spot but it always seemed like he knew just what to say.

"I wouldn't say perfectly." I replied. "Maybe just the best way I could."

"That's all that matters then."

I sighed. "I feel like I've been a pretty awful big sister to Adam lately."

"Have you tried calling him?" Jody asked.

"Yeah. None of my calls have been going through." I answered. Another sigh escaped. "I just hope he doesn't think I've forgotten him."

"I'm sure he doesn't think that." Jody reassured me. He opened his mouth to say something but was cut off by his bandmates calling back on stage for sound check.

"Duty calls." He said, standing up. "I'll see you before the show starts."

I nodded. "See you then."

I watched as Jody walked off. I watched as he hopped back onto the stage, walked over to his rig then slung one of his guitars over over his head and shoulders. It was interesting to watch him work. Even though he didn't say much, I could tell his was in sync with his bandmates and crew. I couldn't help but to get a little jealous at how at ease he seemed with everything.

I couldn't be at ease. Not with everything that happened. Not when I didn't know how this was gonna end. Not when I couldn't stop worrying about Adam. Not when I couldn't stop blaming myself for his current situation. The guilt I felt for this whole thing felt like a heavy weight in my chest.

I didn't want to get lost in my own head and thankfully, A eru and Mya were walking back over. Avery gently took Ben back from me and sat down next to Aidyn. Mya sat down beside me.

"What were you and Jody talking about?" Avery asked.

"Just stuff." I replied. I knew if I brought up the conversation again, my brain would start to spiral.

"You sure?" Mya asked.

"Yeah." I with the smallest smile. "Jody was just being nice and talking to me."

Mya nodded. "I get it. If it's something you wanna keep between the two of you, we understand."

I opened my moth to respond but was interrupted by my phone ringing. I pulled my phone out and looked to see who it was and my heart nearly leapt from my chest.

"I have to take this." I said standing up in a rush. "It's my brother."

Before either of them could reply, I ran off to a secluded place where I could talk in private. I answer the call. "Adam?! Adam, are you okay?"

"Layla!" Adam's voice came ringing through the other end. "I'm finally got a chance to call you. I'm fine. Are you okay? Where are you?"

"I'm fine" I assured him. " I'm in Duluth, Minnesota."

"Minnesota? Why are you in Minnesota?"

"Well, it's a long story." I explained. "I got picked up by the Newsboys and they're helping me. I'm on tour with them."

"Are you serious?!"

"Yeah, I can't believe it either." I said.

"I'm glad you're okay and away from Dad."

I felt a small lump form in my throat. "Enough about me, are you okay? Are you somewhere safe?"

"Yes." Adam replied. "I'm with Grandma and Grandpa. I ran away a couple days ago when dad went out and took a couple of buses and got to their house this morning."

I let out a sigh of relief. "That's good. Do they know what happened?"

"Yeah, I told them."

"What'd they say?" I asked.

"They said they're sorry it happened. And that they're praying for you and hope you safe." Adam explained. "They're gonna try and get custody of me and transfer me to the high school in their town, at least until until I graduate."

Hearing thay Adam was getting help, help that came with a plan, made me realize that I still was unsure of how I was getting helped. I hadn't been told anything. I'm grayeful that I'm here and still on the streets but I couldn't help but feel like I was being a burden to everyone.

"Adam, I'm so glad you're safe," I said, my voice filled with sincerity. "And I'm thankful that Grandma and Grandpa are taking care of you. You deserve all the love and support in the world. This is all my fault and you shouldn't have to go through it too."

There was a moment of silence before Adam responded, his voice filled with concern. "But what about you? Are you safe? Are you getting the help you need?"

I took a deep breath, letting his words sink in. I didn't want him to worry about me. I'm the one who's supposed to worry about him. "I'm safe. And I think I am. The Newsboys have been incredibly kind and supportive, but to be honest, I'm still figuring things out. I don't know their full plan yet, and sometimes I feel like a burden to everyone."

There was a pause on the other end, and I could almost imagine Adam furrowing his brow in concern. "Layla, you're never a burden to me and this isn't your fault. You're my sister, and I love you. We're a team. We'll both get through this together."

Tears welled up in my eyes as I felt the weight on my shoulders begin to lift. "Thank you, Adam."

I could picture his smile through the phone. "Just remember that I'm here for you too, no matter where we are."

"I love you, Adam," I said, my voice filled with emotion. "Thank you for always being there for me. You're my rock."

"And you're mine." he replied, his voice filled with affection. "Stay strong, keep the faith, and know that I'm with you every step of the way."

We said our goodbyes and I felt another lump form in my throat. I turned around to look at the stage, the empty arena. I watches the guys as they rehearsed. They were intune with each other, in everyway. Nothing had changed for them. Avery and Mya, nothing changed for them. My life had changed, while their's were still filled with a stillness and peace that I wished for.

They said they were going to help me. They say they're happy to have me here.

But My doubt won't let me believe it.