Teenage Dirtbag

Ch 27: Coming Back

Matt pov:

Since last hearing from Peyton I'd been pretty sad, things didn't feel right without her. We kept John off our back for awhile, trying to not let the guy know we were missing a bandmate.

It's been about a month and a half, it's December now and freezing. I worried more about the idea of where she was, scared she's hurt or possibly dead. My mom and I have been checking up on her mom and sister, not really caring for her dad.

We did our best to make it seem as if she was over at mine or Kenji's place. Speaking of him, he's been super depressed. His silence feels more tense than before, his eyes were more dull since Peyton disappeared.

Cams even taking it hard, she checks on just about anything and everything for Peyton. There were nights I had to go over and help her sleep because she wasn't getting any.

It was weird to see Fallon looking more upset than usual. She was way meaner and more argumentative since Peyton's been gone. I tried to keep everyone in good spirits but it was draining and I was one person.

School was boring without all of my friends there, band practice was depressing, and I missed her. I missed Peyton.

The bell rang and let us out of our last class of the day. I raced to find Cammy, hoping to try and keep her in high spirits. No such luck though, her and Kenji leaned against his car waiting for me.

"Hey guys. Yall ready?" I smiled widely at them, hoping they could smile a little more. They gave me small grins and I took that as a victory.

Getting into his car we took off for my house, grabbing some food on the way. Getting there we posted up in the garage, hoping to work on our music for a little bit. I threw out jokes and funny stories to keep things light.

Things went well, great even, we'd managed to get through a few songs before calling for a break. I was telling them a story about terrorizing Liv when a car pulls up across the street.

Normally I would've brushed it off but I recognized it. Getting up without a word I rushed towards it as a person stepped out. Feeling some tears escape I tackle them to the ground, wrapping them in a tight hug.

"Bad Matt! Down boy!" Cam chased after me, coming over to try and pull me off them. Seeing who it was she looked pissed but happy.

"Peyton! I missed you." I fake and real cry into her. I did miss her. I could tell the others did but they looked angry at her for leaving suddenly.

"I missed you too buddy." She pushed me off so she could stand, letting me hug her again when she stood.

"WHAT THE FUCK?!" Cam went off on her, shouting and yelling at her in Spanish, most were cuss words.

"I know- I'm sorry." She tried to calm her down but It didn't work. I let her go and held onto Cam, she looked ready to punch Peyton across the face.

She looked a little better, yet somehow worse. Her hair was messier and dyed a darker brown, she had some new piercings. She pierced her nose and got some gauges. She had some makeup on, black waterline and something to make her eyes darker. It looked smudged but in a good way.

Her clothes were tattered but grungy looking. She had some leather wrist bands, rings, and black painted nails. She seemed happier than before, but I couldn't tell she was exhausted. A slightly dull look in her eyes.

Kenji looked upset but relieved to see her. He pulled her into a tight hug, his shoulders visibly relaxing when she hugs him back. Cam pinched me and I dropped her, watching as she hugged the girl next, yanking on her ear in a way I personally knew was painful.