This song represents how I feel writing this book. (I know, that sounds corny)
*Ash's POV*
I sat at Peyton's bedside, crying my eyes out. I had woken up about thirty minutes ago from the panic attack I had at Prom. In that time, I had been discharged and I went straight to Peyton's room. She was in ICU. Not all of us were allowed back here, but the nurses didn't care, they knew what was going on and they knew she needed everyone there with her when she woke up.
Danielle (Peyton's sister, if you don't remember) had been rubbing my back to try to console my sobs, but it wasn't working. I still felt terrible. The nurses still had not told us the diagnosis yet, but everyone except me seemed like they knew something I didn't. I hadn't really looked at Peyton much since I got in here. I couldn't. I felt guilty for leaving her alone at Prom.
Nurse: Good news is that her vitals check out and she is beginning to build her strength back up, slowly but surely.
I snapped my head up in surprise. I didn't even notice that the nurse was here.
Ash: Do you know why she collapsed yet?
I asked eagerly. Her expression turned sympathetic and I gave her an uneasy look. She smiled weakly before opening her mouth to say something, before being cut off by Will.
Will: Jesus, don't make the nurse tell him.
He said with a 'duh' tone, looking to everyone else in the room, who still remained silent.
Ash: What is it?
I inquired, mad that they kept me in the dark about my girlfriend. No one answered for a few seconds.
Will: Fine. I'll do it. He's my brother, after all.
Will turned to me with a weak smile.
Will: Peyton had a miscarriage. You were passed out for a long time, during that time, she had to have surgery. Hence why she's in ICU.
Ash: N-No. She wasn't even pregnant. That was just a joke. Right, Haley?
Haley looked away and wiped a tear from her eye as she shook her head.
Haley: She found out right before you came to her house with your memory back two months ago.
I cried silently before running out of the room. I needed air before I had a meltdown. I took random turns down various hallways to get away.
I stopped when I heard the sound of babies crying. I stopped and turned toward them. One of the ones who was screaming caught sight of me. She stopped and smiled at me. I smiled back.
???: That one yours?
I jumped at the sound of a man's voice behind me.
Ash: No.
I turned to meet his gaze and he had light brown hair and green eyes that had a brownish tint. I got a bad vibe off of him, but I ignored it.
???: I'm Scott.
Ash: Ash.
I shook his hand and it was rough and cold. It's L.A., who's cold out here? I looked down at his hand and caught sight of a large scar across his palm.
Ash: How'd you get that scar?
He laughed lightly.
Scott: Um, funny story actually. Psycho ex-girlfriend stabbed me after I broke up with her.
I nodded my head.
Ash: I've had my fair share of psychopaths in my time.
Scott chuckled again.
Scott: You look like you're seventeen.
Ash: Eighteen, actually. And I've taken down two brothers with the help of my friends and family. I killed one psychopath and put the other one in a Psychiatric Hospital. My brother is dating their sister.
Scott: Oh. Who's their sister?
Ash: Selene Taylor.
Scott had a look of realization cross over his face.
Scott: Oh! You're that kid that shot Brennen.
I heard footsteps behind me and I turned around. I came face to face with Will and Selene. Their hands were interlocked at their sides.
Scott: Well, isn't it nice to see you again?
He said with the stereotypical creepy tone and look while looking Selene up and down. Will was already mad at he was in the process of sending a glare at Scott.
Selene: Why are you here?
Scott: I told you I would never leave you, baby. I'm coming to get you.
He drawled while walking over and caressing her face. Will was about to explode any second and Scott was about to be a dead duck.
Will: Like hell you are.
Will barked in the harshest tone I've ever heard from him.
Scott turned his attention to Will for a second.
Scott: Awe, that's cute.
He grabbed Selene's free hand and dropped it quickly.
Scott: I know that if I kept ahold of your hand, you would try and kill me. Good thing I brought the collar.
Selene's eyes filled with tears as she began shaking violently.
Will: Selene? Baby, I'm right here.
Yep, this damn duck isn't going to be able to quack anymore in a few seconds. Will pushed Selene behind him and got in Scott's face.
Will: Stay. Away. From her.
Will growled in an intense tone.
Scott: I just wanted to play with her a little bit. Same thing you've been doing. You know, they say sharing is caring-
Will: Go fuck yourself sideways.
Will cursed while keeping eye contact.
Scott: Rather not.
He demurred calmly. Scott sprang back when he heard footsteps walking down the hallway.
Jack peeked his head around the corner before fully walking into the baby area. Scott left rather quickly, like he was running late for something. I looked at Jack confused.
Ash: What are you doing here?
Jack: Oh, I came to meet my daughter.
He smiled at me before turning back to the window with all the children. I heard Selene and Will leave, probably to calm Will down before he blows a fuse.
Ash: Say what now? You have a kid?
I questioned.
Jack: I'm adopting. I went through all the classes last week and I passed everything. The home studies are still pending but I'm pretty sure they wouldn't let me meet her if I didn't pass those.
The astonished look on my face gave away my next question.
Jack: I'm clean. I have been for months. Last night after I saw what happened to Peyton, I stopped selling as well.
Ash: Don't take this offensively, but, Why did you decide to adopt?
Jack: I guess I just needed someone to make a promise to besides myself. Plus, this kid's mom is like mine: addicted. I wish no one had to grow up like I did, not knowing where your next meal would come from, wondering if every time your parent left, if you'd ever see them again, having to lie to your friends about why they can't come over.
Ash: You're doing something really great.
Jack: How's Peyton? I haven't got to check on her yet.
Ash: She had a miscarriage. They had to do surgery. She's in ICU.
Jack: That's one hell of a way to find out your girlfriend's pregnant.
I looked at him, shocked.
Ash: You knew too? Was I literally the only one who didn't know?
Jack sighed and turned toward you.
Jack: She was just scared of being a mom and if she told you then everything became real.
A nurse walked out of the area where the kids were.
Nurse: Are one of you two Jack Meyers?
Jack smiled and raised his hand slightly.
Jack: That's me.
Nurse: The person who's been dealing with the adoption wanted me to let you know that everything checked out and you can take her home today.
Jack: Are you serious?
She chuckled and smiled at his elated expression.
Nurse: Completely.
Jack: What's her name?
Nurse: The biological mother wants nothing to do with her. You can name her whatever you desire.
Jack stared off into space for a second before answering.
Jack: Misti Miracle Meyers.
Ash: That's a beautiful name.
Jack: She's a miracle, so why not name her what she is?
The nurse smiled at Jack's statement before asking more questions.
Nurse: Is there a significant other or are you an only parent?
Jack: It's just me.
Nurse: Do you have any godparents in mind?
Jack looked over his shoulder at me.
Jack: Do you think you and Peyton would be up to it?
Thoughts on the events of this chapter?
Song:
"I must be running out of luck
Cause you're just not drunk enough to fuck
And now I've had it up to here
I don't want you
It took so long to see
You walked away from me
When I need you."
Previous Winner: Mychaelisbanana