Hello Jemley,
Thank you for using Apple Support Communities. It sounds like you're having issues trying to use the Messages app. If so, we'd like to recommend some steps to help you out. Follow the steps below to isolate this issue:
1.) Close the Messages app: Close an app on your iPad - Apple Support
2.) Navigate to Settings > Messages. In this section make sure that iMessage is enabled and shows you're currently signed in.
3.) If you're prompted to sign in with your Apple ID to activate iMessage, please do so.
If you receive an error message trying to activate iMessage, please review the following resource for steps you can attempt: If you can’t turn on or sign in to iMessage or FaceTime - Apple Support
We hope these steps help you. Thank you for using Apple Support Communities.