Back Where I Belong

Chapter 44

Zoey's pov (a week later)

"It's so nice to finally be home!" I yell, jumping up onto my bed. Peyton rolls his eyes, carrying Connor's carrier.

"The hospital can't be that bad, right?" He teases, carefully taking the baby out and laying him down in his crib, which was situated in my room.

"Oh no, it's even worse than you think," I reply, climbing off. I cross the room, walking over to him.

"I wish that I could just stay here with you guys tomorrow," Peyton whispers, holding me closer to his chest.

"I wish you could too," I start, "but you have to go to school. One of us has to do something with our lives."

Peyton laughs loudly, "Alright little Miss superstar." I grin, hugging him tighter.

"Where's my baby?" Charlotte yells, running into my room.

"Um, he's mine and Zoey's baby," Peyton points out.

"Shut up," Char snaps, picking Connor up. She smiles down at him, gently rocking him back and forth.

"I want my own baby," she confesses.

"No way, babe!" Jace says, walking into my room as well.

"Why not? Look how cute he is," Charlotte whines, holding Connor out so Jace could see him. Peyton and I watch, amused.

"Yeah, he is cute. But that's Peyton and Zoey's kid. I don't want kids," Jace says, seeming kind of on edge. He turns and walks right back out of my room. Charlotte frowns.

"Don't worry, Char," Peyton says, "he just isn't ready yet. Give him a couple of years. Then he'll be ready to have all of the kids that you want."

Charlotte grins, "Really?" We both nod. She squeals excitedly, then lays Connor back down in the crib, before running off to find Jace.

"Hey Zoey," Peyton says softly.

I turn my head, "Hm?"

"I love you so much," he whispers, leaning closer to me.

"I love you more, Peyton," I whisper back, before I connect our lips.

"For the love of God, you just had a kid! No PDA!" Michael yells, stopping in my doorway.

"You're just jealous because you don't have anyone to kiss," I say smirking.

Michael rolls his eyes, "More like I don't want another baby crying to keep me up all night." Peyton blushes red.

"Michael Gordon Clifford! Take it back now!" I demand, my face aflame.

"Never!" He laughs, taking off down the hallway.

"Watch Connor," I command. Then I turn on my heel and go running out after Michael.

"I hope you didn't forget that I can actually chase you now! I'm not huge anymore!" I yell, sprinting after my older brother. Michael glances behind him and sees me. His eyes widen.

"Ashton! Calum, Luke! I need back to! There's a hormonal teenage girl chasing me for no reason!" Mikey shouts, looking panicked.

Just when I was about to grab the back of his shirt, someone grabs me from behind, lifting me in the air.

"Put me down right now, Ashton!" I command, wiggling.

"Zoey, I can't do that. If I put you down, then you'll chase Michael some more. And he looks like he's about to die from running so much," Ashton replies, laughing.

I glance over at Michael, who was laying on the floor, breathing heavily. Cal and Luke were trying to see if he wanted water. I join in Ash's laughing.

Peyton joins us a minute later with Connor in his arms. Ashton immediately spots the baby, drops me, and takes Connor from Peyton.