Back Where I Belong

Chapter 54

Zoey's pov (a week later)

"How are you doing little sis?" Mikey asks, sitting on the edge of my bed beside me.

"Horrible. He's gone, Michael. I miss him so much," I cry, my throat burning.

"It'll all work out," Michael reasons, holding me close to him.

"No it won't! Peyton died thinking that I hate him! He will never get to see Connor grow up. Connor will never know his father. Michael, do you know what I found in Peyton's apartment?" I ask.

My older brother gives me a blank stare.

I uncurl my fist, releasing the onesie that I hadn't let go off. It falls onto the bed. Michael grabs it.

"Oh my God," he breathes after he reads it.

"He was going to propose using Connor. And he would've if I hadn't been so stupid and let him get away. If that stupid bet that he and Jace made had never been brought up," I sob.

Jace. That was another hard topic.

He was at Peyton's funeral, which was two day ago. He and Charlotte avoided each other at all costs. But when I was alone, he came up to apologize.

"Zoey, I'm so sorry that I blew this for you and Peyton," Jace said.

"He's dead now because of it. He died thinking I hate him," I replied, staring into the coffin, numb.

"No Zoey. I swear, he really loves you and I know that he knows you love him too," Jace protested. We were both quiet.

"This is partially my fault," Jace finally speaks.

"How is this your fault?" I asked, confused.

"I told Charlotte about the dare. It was only because I panicked. I got scared when Charlotte told me she was pregnant. I don't even know why I brought it up," he told me, miserably looking at his deceased best friend.

"Jace, do want to be part of the baby's life?" I asked, shocked. Charlotte made him seem like he hated her and wanted absolutely nothing to do with her whatsoever. But Jace sounded remorseful.

He sighed, "I honestly don't know, Zoey. There are times that I'm so excited to have a kid. Then there are others when I'm just terrified. But either way, Charlotte hates me. Take care of her for me, will you?" I nodded.

Jace gave one last remorseful look at Peyton's body, then walked away without saying another word, leaving me standing there alone and confused.

"Zoey? Hello?" Michael asks, waving his hand in front of my face.

"I was just thinking," I reply, wiping my puffy eyes.

"Don't think about it too much. And please Zoey, don't do anything stupid. That's not what Peyton would want," Michael reminds me. I nod. He gives me a hug goodbye, then leaves.

I didn't bother telling him about the Jace situation. I haven't told anyone about that. Not even Char. She won't listen to me. I can't bring up with his name while she's in the room.

Sighing in defeat, I look back down at the onesie in my hand, which had the words 'Mommy, will you marry my daddy?' printed on it, which only brings another wave of sadness over me.