Little Miss Nosy

Chapter 45- Answers

Memories.

They're one of the only things that stay with you forever, no matter how good or bad.

They hit you at the most unexpected times, filling you with joy and happiness with a moment you may never experience again. Or perhaps it brings about an aching desire to go back and do it all again. Or maybe times have changed, and you feel angered or pained over what was lost.

For me, I was hit with all of these at once.

"Peyton, are you almost done?" mom asks from the doorway.

"Yeah, one second." I snap out of my gaze and close the photo album, smiling sadly at the memories: Jacob and I walking out of his 8th grade promotion ceremony, Jacob after he hit his first home run in baseball, Jacob getting his first car. It all surrounded him.

It was his photo album after all.

"The guys need to start taking out the dressers so hurry please, but take your time! There's no rush." I squint in confusion before shrugging it off, hearing her footsteps retreat from the door. Her confusing rambles are nothing new today.

In the morning, we started to pack up Jacob's old room, preparing to turn it into the baby's nursery.

Everything seemed neat and in its right place except for the thin layer of dust coating the furniture and a few cobwebs here and there. Mom's fiancé came over to help along with a few movers to lift the heavy objects out of the house and onto a truck, sending it off to the dump. Nothing was of use to us and it was just taking up space. Old clothes would be donated and personal items such as the photo album would be stored in the attic.

I gently placed the album in the box and shut it, taping over the top. Picking it up, I turn and exit the almost empty room. I set the box down in the hallway, noticing how empty it was. Mom must've been in her room, processing everything. It's been a hard day.

Mom was the one who always kept Jacob's room looking perfect. Always dusting and making sure nothing was left out of place. As the years went on, she gradually stopped, finally realizing that he wasn't coming home.

Which is why I've dealt with her confusing rambles all day today.

Sighing, I head to my room and plop down on my bed, resting my arm over my eyes to block out the sunlight.

"Are you okay, honey?"

I jump up in shock, looking over to see mom standing by the end of my bed.

"I'm fine. Do you want to sit?"

"No. If I sit I won't feel like getting back up. What's on your mind? Jacob?" she asks worriedly while rubbing her baby bump.

"Surprisingly, no. Jacob couldn't be farther from my mind. Ashton an I are having problems," I admit.

"Really?" she asks with furrowed brows. "You two seemed just fine a couple weeks ago."

"A lot can change in a couple of weeks."

"I'm sure it's nothing. You two will be back together soon I'm sure."

Should I tell mom? I mean, she's the most understanding person I know. If anyone can give me advice, it's her.

"He may have gotten someone else pregnant. Before we got together. He didn't cheat or anything," I add after seeing her eyes widen in shock.

"Okay, I may need to sit down for this." She walks over to my bed and sits down, all while trying to process what I just said.

"I'm not even sure where to start," she admits.

"Me neither."

"What is your heart saying?"

"My heart is telling me to stay...no matter if he's the father or not. What would you do?"

She takes a deep breath and looks away before turning back to me and giving me that warm, motherly smile I just realized I missed so much.

"Me? I probably wouldn't stay. You're 17, Peyton and you don't need to be with someone who already has a child. I know what it's like to be a teen parent and it's gonna be a bumpy road. But I can't speak for you. Nobody knows you and Ashton's relationship besides you and him."

I nod my head and get up to give her a hug, trying my best to avoid leaning on her bump. I think I finally know what to do.

Suddenly, my phone vibrates on my dresser as the doorbell rings.

"Oh that must be the movers! I have to go let them in. I'll be right back," she slowly gets up before waddling out of my room. I crawl across my bed and grab my phone, my fingers freezing above the screen as I read the message.

3:28- Ashton: I have the paternity test.

I nod my head, sending him a quick text telling him that I'll be right over.

He had his answers.

And now I had mine.

---

A/N: Sorry for the late update and short chapter. I know this book hasn't been interesting lately but we have to make it passed this before things really start getting intense\drama filled.

So, what do you think the results are and what do you think Peyton is going to do?

BTW, I didn't really edit this so sorry if it's bad.