BRIGHT

Chapter 36- Peyton POV- Realization

It had been a few days since the interview with my parents. It had changed everything. I found out that Greyson was actually my ex-parents birth son along with the fact that Mrs. Emerson and Mrs. Kole were sisters. They never spoke to each other and hid it the best they could when we were at the homecoming pictures. Meredith was their biological daughter, so technically, she and Greyson were siblings. No information had been found on my birth parents yet, but my parents had told the detectives that I was actually born in Chicago, not Iceland or Seattle, so my birth parents may live around here. For the surgery, the doctors had found that my parent's gene edit may have been inactive. There was a high chance the surgery may not affect me at all, but it was not for sure. 

"Peyton," I heard a voice say. I sat up on my bed and turned around to see Dr. Jansen.

"Hi," I replied to him.

"So, two things. The surgery is tomorrow, everything is set in stone," he explained. I nodded. I was beginning to realize why the surgery was necessary. It truly was not fair for me to possibly have boosted intelligence level and that level was illegal. 

"What is the second thing?" I asked.

"Letter for you," he added, handing me an envelope. 

"Thank you," I expressed.

"Of course, I will see you tomorrow," he said. 

"See you tomorrow," I repeated. He gave me half a smile and exited. I looked at the letter and noticed it was from some sort of therapy association. I was confused as to what it was. I tore the top open and began to read.

Peyton-

Hi Peyton, this is Greyson. Ever since you were taken a lot has happened to me. It is all pretty crazy, but I am just going to be straight out and honest with you, because as you said, if this ever were to work again, you have to be able to trust me. First, I was arrested for trying to save you, then I got suspended from school for beating up Matt again, and then I did something awful. Something I have been regretting since the second I did it. I had just read the letter from you and I was beginning to lose control of myself. I had beaten Matt up a couple hours earlier. I slapped Maggie. I was not in control of my actions and I have not talked to Maggie since. After I did that, I started sobbing and that was when my parents realized there was something wrong with me. I have been staying at an overnight therapy place and getting the help I know I need for the past couple of days. Apparently, I have to stay for two weeks. The doctors and therapists say I am making good progress.

Again, I just want to say, I truly feel awful for what I did, betraying your trust was a terrible thing to do. I know it took a lot for you to tell me something so personal, and I just threw it away. It is my fault you are where you are and I do not think I will ever be able to forgive myself for my actions. I don't blame you for ending things between the two of us because I would have done the same thing. Again, my brain seemed to take over, which is what I am getting help with so I can correct my irrational behaviors. I understand I will probably not get it, but I ask for your forgiveness for my mistake and I promise I am working hard to ensure I never do anything like that again. I hope one day we can visit each other again. I really appreciate the incredible time we spent together. When I was with you, I felt incredible and you brought the best out in me. I wish you the best with everything and know I am always here for you if you need me.

Yours Truly- Greyson

 I held the letter close to my chest. It was difficult to comprehend everything Greyson had expressed to me, from how he was arrested, to him hitting Maggie. He hit his baby sister? He had always been so protective of Maggie and I admired that so much. He had really messed up, but I was in awe of how mature his letter was to me. I reminisced all the incredible memories I had with Greyson and the indescribable, yet amazing, emotions I felt when I was with him. I admired how he was strong enough to admit he needed help and was getting it. Then it hit me. I missed him. And I still loved him. He had broken my trust, but I could tell his letter was genuine. But, then I remembered I would never see him again. He was gone forever.