Chapter 9

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by EN2001

by EN2001

Sabrina's POV

"And cut!" Michael Jacobs yells. The crew claps as Rowan and I bow over-dramatically.

We bump into each other and laugh as we exit the stage. It's our lunch break and we're meeting up with Danielle since the boys are helping Ben with the next scene. "So, how's Peyton doing?" Rowan asks over sandwiches.

I shrug. "He was awake and alert when I got there." I blink back tears. "He has to have surgery though."

"Oh, poor little Pey," Danielle consoles. She's silent for a few moments. "Poor little Sabrina too. You seem to be taking this pretty darn hard yourself."

"Yeah, well," I begin. I sigh. I don't know what to say.

Rowan leans over and gives me a side-hug. "I know it must be hard to see your boyfriend in pain."

I manage a small giggle at this. Then I gesture over to Danielle.

She laughs. "I know, honey. I saw the way he looked at you, even when you and Bradley were still together."

"But that could just be him being nice," I argue. Secretly, though, I'm smiling. Does this mean he likes me?

"I just-" I sniffle. "If Bradley and I hadn't broken up, he wouldn't hate Peyton. And none of this would have happened. It's all my-"

Rowan interrupts me. "No," she says firmly. "It isn't your fault that you wanted to be respected. It's not Peyton's fault that he loved you so much but couldn't say anything about it. It's not Bradley's fault that his anger got the best of him. Or, it kinda is, but you know what I mean."

Danielle claps. "Another home-run speech by Miss Rowan Eleanor Blanchard!" she exclaims in a game show host announcer voice. That's what I'd call it, anyways.

"Thanks, you guys," I say. They both hug me from the sides. I surround myself in their love and, for a brief moment, feel totally, completely happy.

Peyton's POV

"You ready, Pey?" my mom asks.

I nod. Then I stop nodding since it feels like a million knives stabbing at my chin.

My phone beeps on the table next to me.

Sabrina: Just wishing you luck today. Love you bro

I smile. That hurts too. I can't wait for the surgery to be done and for me to be back to normal.

The doctor walks in. "All set!" she says. Three nurses join her to wheel me down the hall.

"See you soon," I whisper to my parents. My mom squeezes my hand as I'm wheeled away.

I see a boy peeking in from the waiting room. He looks a little like Bradley.

I blink. It is Bradley!

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A/N: PRETEND IS ALMOST AT 3k. OH MY GOSH. I LOVE YOUUUUU