Dirty Laundry.

@ saraya-jade.

Elise laughed as he reintroduced himself, rolling her eyes at how literal he takes things. “You act as I know your dogs — which I do, because hello Instagram, but you can’t just say the dogs to people you don’t even know.” She laughed softly, trying to explain to him on how to introduce himself to people. She realized after speaking that he probably didn’t even have to introduce himself that often anymore being as big as they were. There was a point where she had heard them on the radio, and being in rural as hell Maine, she remembered what she was doing. It was Dancin’ and she remembered Bowie dancing in her booster seat loving the song.

“Hi, I’m Elise, and I just moved back here from East-cuddy-bum-fuck Maine. I own the inn across the street from you and live in the slave quarters in the back, which creeps me the fuck out.” She laughed, nudging her head towards the window that shows the old-but-renovated building in the back. “I have a daughter who teaches me more than I teach her and...” she found herself rambling before she watched the look on his face. She swore silently inside her head as he asked his questions. Wanting to shoot herself in the foot to get out of the situation.

“She never met her father and that’s the way I always thought it would be. I never wanted to disrupt his busy lifestyle.” She spoke softly, dropping her hands in her lap and looking at them for a long while. Stirring in her silence, she took a giant deep breath and looked back up at him. “12, turning 13 in a couple of months.” She looked her green eyes onto his dark chocolate ones. “Listen, Lex. I’m sorry I never told you, when I found out, you just released Put Up or Shut Up and getting signed to Hopeless. You and Lisa were doing good and we hadn’t talked in months. I just figured life would be easier for the both of us if you didn’t know about her.” She was confident in her words as she leaned forward, her hand on his arm trying to calm him down. “Because you know now doesn’t have to change anything. If you want to be apart of her life now that we’re in the same city, I can try my best with that. If you want to act as if you don’t know, that’s fine. I won’t think any less. I’m not going to ask for anything. I made a mistake and I’m willing to own up to it.” Her eyes watched his, trying to figure out what emotions were going through his mind.

Realization hit Alex like a Mack truck. He was a father, an actual literal father. The little girl that had run up to him earlier in adoration was his own flesh and blood child. His mind was a virtual hurricane of emotions at that moment, the most prominent being pride. Fatherhood was always something that Alex wanted—he saw how being a dad brought joy to Rian’s life, and that was something that he craved desperately. Alex would be lying if he said he wasn’t at least a little upset with Elise. Their daughter was going to be thirteen. That was a LOT of firsts and memories that he was never going to get. But on the other hand, Alex understood where Elise was coming from. They had just reconnected not even ten minutes ago—and after thirteen years of missing the woman he loved, Alex wasn’t going to let her slip through his fingers like that again.

“Of course, I want to be a part of her life—she’s my daughter.” He was speaking the words faster than he could think of them, giving Elise’s hand a comforting squeeze. “Tell me about her. Tell me everything. What foods does she like? What’s her favorite color? Does she like Harry Potter?” Alex listened with rapt attention as Elise spoke about their daughter, soaking in the information like a sponge. He wanted to make up for lost time.

When Alex heard that Bowie was at Elise’s mom’s place, he perked up. “Let’s go to your mom’s. I want to actually meet her. Plus, if your mom’s cooking dinner I wanna eat. Don’t tell my mom, but I’m pretty sure yours is the best cook I’ve ever met.” Alex slipped his beanie back on and patted his pockets as he stood up, making sure that he still had his car keys. “I’ll even drive. Your mom still lives in the same house?” Alex asked. Once he got confirmation of Elise’s mom’s address, he grinned. “Let’s roll.”

Alex led the way out of the conference room and across the street to his car, unlocking it and opening the door for Elise. Once she was inside, Alex jogged around to the other side and climbed into the front seat.

He was going to meet his daughter.

@ liv morgan.

Elise didn’t understand why she was expecting a different reaction out of Alex. She knew he always wanted to have kids someday so the thought of him abandoning Bowie should have been taboo but it was the only thing she thought he’d do. Not because he’s an asshole, but because she was. How could she keep his child hidden for so long? Every time she went to tell him though, there was something that would get in the way. He was dating Lisa, he had a literal stalker at his house, he got pinned to the back of the tour bus, he got married. Plus all the drinking she knew the boys did, it wasn’t a place for a child growing up. She regretted it, however, more so when he said he wanted to be apart of her life. Her frown turned into a smile, her hopeful eyes looking into his chocolate pools.”Are you serious? Cause if you decided that you don’t want to we can’t just take it back. When she finds out she’s going to have a “I hate mom” parade and only want to get to know you. Especially since you’re in her favorite band.” She said, shaking her head knowing how her daughter was going to react.

“not going to lie, she’s literally your twin with my red hair and sass.” She laughed, relaxing a bit now into the conversation. This was a topic she was very comfortable with. Her daughter was her best friend and she knew her like the back of her hand. “She eats like a freaking bird. She’d rather snack all day then eat a meal. But her favorite meal would be either sushi or buffalo chicken Mac and Cheese.” She played with his fingers out of habit, like she would when they were young. He had a way that made her feel like she was in high school again, and she couldn’t believe she was giving in this easy. “Loves Harry Potter, claims she’s a Ravenclaw. We go to the Wizarding World, a lot, like more than we actually should. Like anytime she has a long weekend from school we drive or fly down.” She laughed, kind of embarrassed on how many times she’s actually been there. They ended up spontaneously getting an annual pass to both Disney and Universal one year and it’s been what they did going forward. “She’ll say her favorite color is black, but she loves orange. She’s a total bookworm, I know that there’s mischief in her but I don’t think she’s found that group of people yet. I’m just counting the days until she finds her own Jack Barakat.” She laughed softly.

Before she could even wrap her mind around what was going on, she was following him to his car like a lost puppy. “Listen, Isabel makes a great bangers and mash.” She smirked while thanking him about opening the door for her. It’s not that she was a bad cook, but she lived in England for most of her life, and they don’t use seasoning there like they did in Baltimore. “Listen, I’m nervous.” She looked over at him in the car as he drove to the house where they spent most of their youth. “I’ve lied to her her entire life. I told her that her father died in a car accident before she was born. But everything about him, every detail was all you. How we were best friends and became more, the memories. I just know when I try to talk to her, she’s going to hate me. So I have to be the one who tells her.” She said, feeling her stomach flip as they drove closer. “On the other hand, though, she can tell everyone that her favorite singer is her dad, so I mean, that’s kind of awesome. That’s like telling you Mark Hoppus is your dad instead of Peter.” She said, trying to lighten the mood.

A wave of hurt flashed over the vocalist when he heard that Elise told her (their) daughter that her father died in a car crash. But he quickly put it out of his mind when he remembered what he’d put Elise through prior to her leaving. He nodded in agreement when Elise said that she needed to be the one to tell their little about what was going on. He had to admit that if he was in Bowie’s place, the whole situation would be weird to him as well. “Listen, if Mark found out that he was my dad I’m pretty sure he would throw himself off a cliff.” Alex joked as he continued the familiar drive to Elise’s mother’s house, almost as if by muscle memory.

Every second that they drove and got closer to their daughter; Alex’s heart felt like it was going to pound out of his chest. This wasn’t how he imagined things going when he met his firstborn child. What if she ended up hating him and never wanting to speak to him again as long as she lived? What if Alex couldn’t cut it as a father? He took a deep breath and exhaled slowly to try and stave off the beginning of an anxiety attack. Everything is gonna be fine. You shouldn’t be freaking out right now, you absolute idiot. You’re gonna meet your daughter. Your first-born child. With the woman you love. You’re never gonna forget this moment.

Alex pulled into Elise’s mother’s driveway and cut the engine before turning to look at Elise. “I wish I would have brought a present or something, you know? I feel kinda awkward coming over here empty handed.” He slipped his car keys in his pocket before getting out of the vehicle and walking over to Elise’s side and opening her door. Once she was out, Alex locked the door and took her hand before following her up to the front porch. As nervous as he was, Alex was also extremely excited. He was gonna meet his mini me.

@ liv morgan.

She laughed at his description if Mark had found out. She shook her head and tilted it to the side. “How weird was it for you when you first started hanging out with him? And now you’re in a freaking band together?! I remember camping outside for tickets to their shows!” That was the craziest thing about his job to her. She knew he would always make it and inspire a new generation, he was very charismatic and had that way with people. But the fact he not only knew, but befriended some of their heroes growing up was the coolest thing to be. She wished she could have been their the first time he met Mark. She knew he would have geeked out.

As they pulled up, El tried hiding her emotions. She was freaking out and didn’t understand how this was going to play out. And when El wasn’t in control, her usual response was to run. But she had to stop running at some point. Alex was excited to meet his kid, and she knew Bowie would be ecstatic about finding out Alex was her dad. Sharon, Els mom, would be excited that Alex and Elise were actually talking again, but Elise couldn’t help but fear this was all too good. Isn’t this when the bad parts of the movies start?

She grabbed his hand and walked to the door. Usually she would knock but today she decided not to. “Lex, you being here is a gift. Don’t be silly.” She flashed a smile at him before squeezing his hand tighter and walking over to the formal living room where her mom and daughter were having drinks before dinner. She cleared her throat before Sharon looked up and immediately threw her arms around the tall man, throwing away all her etiquette. “Alexander, it’s been far too long.” She cooed while taking their coats. Elise locked eyes with Bowie, who she could tell was freaking out over Alex being in the house. “Lex, you met her briefly earlier, but this is um - Bowie Isobel. Bow, this is Alex Gaskarth.” She introduced before putting a hand on her daughters shoulder and whispering a quick “I’m sorry, kid.” Before taking a deep breath in. “I haven’t always been completely honest with most people in this room. And I apologize Bowie because you were effected but your father didn’t die in a car accident...no had ran away from him before I found out I was pregnant with you. I grew you up on our stories but didn’t let you know that your father is actually Alex.”

Alex smiled gently as he returned Sharon's hug, remembering the what seemed like thousands of meals he'd had in this very room. "Nice to see you again, ma'am." He spoke, his eyes landing on Bowie once again. This was his daughter. He could see exactly what Elise was talking about when she described their daughter earlier in the conference room. She was perfect. When Alex heard that her middle name was Isobel, his eyes welled up and he dabbed at them with his shirt sleeve. Before, Alex doubted if it were even possible, but at that moment he felt his love for Elise grow.

You could have heard a pin drop when Elise announced that Alex was Bowie's father. He looked from Bowie, to Elise, and then back at Sharon who had reentered the room. Alex could sense that the tension in the room was mounting so he did what he always did-- try to deescalate the situation. "Please don't get mad at your mom, Bowie. I can't say that I understand how you're feeling, because I'm not experiencing the situation how you are. But this has effected me too. Up until an hour ago, I didn't know that I had a daughter. At first I was a little mad at your mom. So I can understand being frustrated with her. But you need to understand that I wasn't always the greatest guy. I treated your mom pretty badly and I drove her away. I hurt her so badly that she felt she had no other choice than to leave the state." He took a shaky breath and ran a hand through his hair.

"I want to be in your life, Bow. I know... I know I've missed the last thirteen years. But I'm here now, and I want to make up for lost time. I want to be your dad. But it's up to you-- you're a young adult. If you want to forget this conversation ever happened and just think of me as the guy who lives next to your mom's Inn, I'll understand." Alex bit his bottom lip and looked his daughter square in the eyes-- his eyes. The seconds ticked by like decades. But then, Bowie got up from her seat and ran over to Alex, throwing her arms around his middle. Almost immediately Alex hugged her back, pushing her hair out of her face. He looked up at Elise with a soft, grateful smile and tears of joy streaming down his face. "Thank you for this, El. Thank you so much." He opened one arm, inviting her into the hug.

When Elise introduced the father and daughter, she wanted to take a mental picture of Alex when he found out her middle name. She was going to make fun of him so bad for tearing up, but she could understand why. Elise’s mom wasn’t always the best mom. Quite the opposite, really, until the time Elise’s dad had passed had Faith (since I have to change Sharons name cause hello Rians mom) even know what it was like to be a normal human. Of course, Faith had always preferred Alex to anyone El had ever brought by the house. When she was pregnant with Bow and told her mom, El was prepared for a lecture, which she did receive, but on how selfish she was being for not letting Alex know.

Elise’s eyes locked on Bowie and they exchanged looks. Elise could tell that Bowie was pissed at her - which she had every right to be. The look made Elise upset. Bowie was a great kid. A geek. The kind of kid Elise picked on in school. And since she was young, they were more like best friends instead of mother and daughter. Elise tried speaking and Bowie cut her off, “don’t speak, we can talk later.” She said, turning her attention back to Alex and studying him.

When Bowie realized everything, she ran up to Alex and hugged him. It was so surreal for her to be hugging her favorite musician, but it was her long lost father. What the hell was she even going to tell people. She hugged him tightly as he held her, feeling safe and warm - something her mother always provided but having a second person felt good. When Alex extended their hug to Elise, Bowie moves over to make room. Even if she was mad at her mom, the experience was still surreal. “I’m sorry, guys. I should have just been honest. We wouldn’t have wasted so much time not as a family...” she spoke softly, hugging both of them tighter. “But Bowie needs a dad and I need my best friend back in my life. So you’re stuck with us, Gaskarth.” She said, trying to laugh before dabbing her eyes, getting assaulted with all these emotions.

As their hugfest calmed down, Faith directed them to the dining room because dinner was ready. When they had all started eating, Faith smiled over at Alex. “So, Alex, are you still friends with that weird Lebanese boy? The really skinny one who skinny dipped in my pool when we were out of town and Elise through the party and forgot we had security cameras?” She had asked, shoving a bite full of salad on her fork. Before Alex could say anything, Elise pointed around him then at Bowie. “Jack is not babysitting. He’ll give her too many crazy ideas and she’s on her way to an Ivy League school.” She scolded, Bowie pouting that she couldn’t hang with Jack.

Alex laughed under his breath when Faith mentioned the party that Elise had thrown what seemed like ages ago. “Yeah, I’m still friends with Jack. Rian and Zack, too. We started that band that we were always talking about.” He took a bite of his salad before rolling his eyes at Elise’s sentence. “Listen, if Rian and Sienna trust Jack enough to babysit their six-year-old, I think we’d be fine. Plus, she’s about to be a teenager, El. That’s a little old for a babysitter, no?” He sipped his water before turning his attention back to his dinner, listening to the women in the family go back and forth.

“Do you wanna maybe go meet your other grandmother and your grandfather?” Alex spoke after a second, breaking the silence. “I mean, we should probably give them a call and let them know first instead of just heading over there, because I’m pretty sure if I go over to my mom’s and tell her I have a thirteen year old daughter, both she and my dad are gonna end up having strokes.” Alex had to admit to himself that as over the moon as he was that he was a father, the situation itself was a little hard to believe. He smiled brightly when Bowie announced that she did want to meet her other grandmother and grandfather, if it was okay with Elise.

He looked across the table at the girl who’d stolen his heart all those years ago and to that day refused to give it back, and he gave her another smile. “And then maybe you and I can get coffee or grab some food after school tomorrow? Just you and me. I wanna get to know my kid. Your mom says you’re pretty cool but I wanna see for myself. She can be kinda shifty sometimes.” Alex joked, giving Elise a wink. He was even more over the moon when Bowie agreed to that as well. “Awesome—anywhere you wanna go. You name the place.” Alex knew he was probably already starting to go a little overboard with spoiling Bowie, and he’d just found out about her existence less than two hours beforehand. But she was his firstborn child. And he had thirteen years world of spoils to catch up on.

“Also, you gotta meet your siblings—my dogs. They love people.”

@ liv morgan.

—11 months later—

Alex had fallen into sink with Elise and Bowie’s lifestyle. Especially since All Time Low was on a semi-hiatus and Simple Creatures ruled his life - it gave him a lot of free time to hang out with Elise and Bowie. They tried to keep Bowie’s life as normal as possible, but Bowie had requested to switch from her mother’s maiden name to Alex’s, which had a lot of unwanted attention for a few weeks, but it ended up calming down. Bowie got to live her summer the way any teenager would dream - endless concerts and travel. She got to meet some of her favorite artist because they would come by the house since they were friends with Alex, and she had started to write songs again. This time, though, they were about more than unicorns and butterflies, much to Elise’s dismay.

As for Elise, her life at the inn was getting busier as more people found out about it. Her business partner ended up leaving the company after the legal issues they went through due to Siennas ex-dirtbag, but in the end Elise was stronger for it. The days that were too insane, Alex and Bowie would drop in and help as much as possible. The days that were relaxed she wouldn’t even stay at her house around back but escape across the street with the pups. Whether Alex was home or not. He had given her a key pretty early on, they weren’t even officially dating but he trusted her with it. They’re lives were pretty much intertwined after Alex found out about Bowie. It made Elise regret even more that she ran away. Seeing him as a father was the most precious thing in the world to her.

Bowie and Alex has gotten together after a few weeks of reconnecting. There was still obvious feelings there and it would be stupid to hold it off any longer. They had talks about where they saw the future together, if they’d get married, how many siblings Bowie would have. It was like they never left each other. Even after a while, when Lisa started dating Si’s brother, they all became friends again. Especially when Si and Rian got engaged and they were all in the wedding party together.

There plan was to wait until Simple Creatures was done touring and the Nothing Personal shows were over, they’d consider a deeper look into what their family would be.

However, the plan came a little earlier than expected. After a week of the flu, El decided to take a pregnancy test and the little pink plus that was there 13 years ago was there again.

This time, she would tell him. Especially seeing that his birthday was in two days.

She went down to her obeying and did the bloodwork test to just confirm that everything was right. She packed the pregnancy test into a jewelry case, and then wrapped it and waited for the party later that week.

After their last practice before the shows and the WHOHURTYOU show, their was a lull where it was just the three of them. He had been watching the Ravens game on the couch next to Bowie, who was being an absolute traitor to her New England ways to appease her dad. Elise quietly slipped behind the couch, her arms wrapping around him as she kissed right below his ear, and smirked wickedly. “Aw, that’s cute. Watching the last few shows before the Pats kick their ass?” She giggled before kissing the spot again. “Happy birthday, handsome.” She repeated for the millionth time today, but she was hoping he’d have the best day ever.

Alex was the happiest he’d ever been. He had the love of his life back, and he had a beautiful daughter. He and the guys were getting ready to go on the road for the Nothing Personal shows and there was talks of a new record. And Alex was even thinking of asking Elise to be his bride.

Those were the thoughts swirling around his head when he felt Elise hug him from behind and tell him Happy Birthday for what felt like the millionth time. But Alex didn’t mind. It was honestly the best birthday he’d had in years. He rolled his eyes at her remark about the Patriots before turning his head to give her a kiss. “Babe, you and Si can keep dreaming about the Pats getting anywhere near the Superbowl. The Ravens are gonna take it all the way this year.” He scooted closer to his daughter so there was room on the couch before patting the now empty spot. “C’mon, babe. Come sit. We don’t gotta be anywhere for another hour or two.” Alex smiled gratefully when Elise sat next to him, slinging his free arm around her shoulders and pressing a kiss to her forehead. “I love you.”

It was moments like this that Alex cherished more than anything. Just sitting on the couch watching football with his family. As much as he loved going out and touring with the guys, if he were forced to make a choice, he would choose his family a thousand times over. “El, our child is refusing to tell me what she got me for my birthday. She’s disobeying a direct order.” Alex teased, poking Bowie in the side. The teenager rolled her eyes, shaking her head at how dumb her dad was being before getting up from the couch. “It’s not even at the house anyway. I got it when I went shopping with Liv yesterday.” Bowie stuck her tongue out before walking into the kitchen to get herself a drink. “Get me a White Claw from the fridge, please!” Alex called in the direction of the kitchen before looking at Elise with a grin on his face. “You know, that’s probably my favorite part about having a child? What does that say about me?” He laughed, giving Elise a kiss.

Bowie returned a few moments later with her own drink, plus her father’s requested White Claw. “Thanks, kid.” Alex spoke, cracking it open and taking a sip. “Ahh, perfection. Babe, do you want some?” He offered the can to Elise, always one to share with his woman.

Elise rolled her eyes at the Ravens comment before sitting in between her family on the couch. It was amusing how much Alex and Bowie got along, just like they were best friends or he had been in her life the entire time. She cuddled into him and gave him a kiss back, humming in happiness. “Ditto.” Her typical response — a habit picked up from one of her old romance movies that seemed to work perfectly for them.

As Alex tried getting their daughter in trouble, she felt one arm holding her stomach. It wasn’t obvious but her mind kept slipping to what changes were going to come. She was excited to have another baby, especially with Alex, but she hoped it wouldn’t disturb Bowie’s success and drive for and Ivy League school or worse, Alex caring more for the baby than Bowie since he didn’t raise her. Alex yelling for a white claw snapped her mind out of it before a laugh escaped her lips. “Listen, she won’t ever tell you what she got you. She keeps so many secrets, I don’t even think I know her half the time.” She laughed, cuddling closer as her fingers dropped from her belly. “That says you’re an alcoholic and need help.” She winked, kissing his cheek playfully.

When Bowie came back with the Claw, Bowie and Elise locked eyes with grins before rolling their eyes at his dramatic expression on how good it was. When Alex asked her if she wanted a sip, she felt her face turn white before shaking her head. “Oh no, it’s fine. I don’t like White Claw.” She lies through her teeth, hoping Alex doesn’t remember her White Claw
Adventures for the year. “Thank you tho, I’ll probably just stick to water.” She state’s matter of factually.

Elise’s refusal of The Claw struck Alex as odd, but he shook it off, thinking that maybe she wasn’t wanting to drink until his party that night. Which was totally understandable. “Suit yourself, babe.” Alex shrugged, sipping his beverage before putting it on the coffee table. He slung one arm around Bowie and one arm around Elise, kissing both of his girls on top of their heads. “You know, at the risk of sounding like an absolute cornball, this is probably my best birthday ever.” Alex spoke, mostly to himself. Fatherhood and domestic life fit Alex like a glove.

Eyes looked up at the clock above the fireplace and Alex jumped slightly when he realized that they had a lot less time than he thought. “Okay, so it turns out we gotta be on the road in like forty-five minutes. Bow, go upstairs and finish packing—and don’t gimme that look because I walked past your room and saw your stuff all over the place.” He spoke, watching as his daughter went upstairs. Once she was out of the room, Alex turned his attention back to Elise, giving her a soft kiss. “I love you, babe… are you sure you’re feeling okay? Like you don’t have a cold or anything? You just seem a little off, is all.” He spoke in a concerned tone. There was a weird feeling in the pit of Alex’s stomach that Elise wasn’t telling him something, but he brushed it off.

“Liv and Zack are taking the spawn off of our hands tonight, so maybe I can have a little bit of cake on my birthday?” Alex teased, wiggling his eyebrows before going in for another kiss.

“You guys are disgusting.” Bowie speaking from the staircase, snapping Alex out of his thoughts. He stuck his tongue out at his kid before getting up from his seat, stretching as he did so. “You really need to stop being such a sasshole, Bow. No idea where you got that attitude from.” Alex winked at Elise as he put his phone in his pocket. “I’m gonna take a quick shower so I don’t stink at rehearsal. If you need me, babe, just holler.” He kissed Elise on the forehead before jogging up the stairs, taking a quick second to nudge Bowie with his elbow and stick his tongue out once more.