Back Where I Belong

Chapter 39

Zoey's pov

"Did you guys have any luck?" Michael asks, after we rendezvous in the main entrance of the apartment.

"No. Not a trace," Calum answers, glancing at me, while I play with the sleeves of Peyton's sweatshirt.

"It doesn't make sense," I say.

"Maybe he left because he started having second thoughts about being a dad," Luke suggests, not even looking convinced himself.

"No," I say firmly, completely dismissing the idea, "he was so excited for the baby. I was supposed to meet him here after the show and tell him the baby's gender."

Our meeting was interrupted by a familiar voice calling, "Hello?"

I turn, "Hello Ms. Pelo. Have you seen Peyton recently?"

Ms. Pelo was Peyton's elderly neighbor. She was a lovely old lady. She thought that Peyton and I were adorable together.

"Hello Zoey, dear. Are these the lovely brothers that you told me about?" She asks, pulling me into a hug. The boys watch, confused.

"Yes, they are. But have you seen Peyton?" I ask again.

"Peyton? Yes. Earlier. He was leaving his apartment. Quickly. I think it was after that show you were on. By the way, you were wonderful dear. I have it recorded I'd you want to come watch it," she offers, smiling.

"Maybe some other time, Ms. Pelo. But what were you saying about Peyton?" I question, encouraging her to continue.

"Peyton? Oh yes! After that bitch smacked at you, the show cut off. He went running out of this apartment and down the hallway like a madman. He was going to you. Didn't you see him?" She questions, frowning. I shake my head no, even more confused.

I hear Michael's phone buzz. He sighs and pulls it out of his back pocket. I watch as he unlocks it and reads the notification. As his eyes widen and his mouth drops in shock.

I frown, "What's wrong, Michael?"

Mikey swallows hard, "I found Peyton."

"Why? Where?" I demand, try to get the phone from Michael. He raises it higher up, preventing me from reaching it. I pout.

"He was in a really bad car accident. The other car rammed into him, head on. The other driver escaped with only minor injuries, but she's in prison for attempted murder. Peyton is in the hospital, in a coma," Michael explains to me.

It felt like the wind was knocked out of me, "What? Then why can't I see the phone screen?"

"Zoey, the pictures really aren't pretty. We need to get to the hospital. Now," Mikey urges. I nod. We say goodbye to Ms. Pelo, then go taking off for the elevator, determined to get to the hospital to see my Peyton.