BRIGHT

Chapter 52- Greyson POV- Gesture

"She what?" my mom asked as our family sat down to dinner. Our family had been extremely close after everything that had happened. Luckily, Maggie and I were back to how we were before, and I was more protective of her than ever before.

"Meredith was taken in too. Apparently, they have specific evidence that her gene-edit worked, so she has to go through surgery as well," I explained.

"Oh my god, how scary. Poor Josh and Peyton. The poor things must be terrified," my mom sympathized.

"Peyton is doing okay. I think she understands better since she was able to get through it herself. But, Josh is not doing so well. He is kind of a mess," I told them. 

"I can't even imagine," my mom said, shaking her head.

"Meredith's aunt took her in right?" my dad asked.

"Yes, her Aunt Daisy cannot have kids, so her and her husband adopted Meredith," I explained.

"Do you know how they are doing?" my mom asked.

"I haven't heard anything, but I'm sure they are struggling as well," I said, putting a spoonful of peas into my mouth.

"Maybe we should bring them something, like a pan of brownies," my mom offered.

"Yeah, I think that would be nice," my dad agreed. I nodded.

"I have some brownies I made earlier today. They were supposed to be for us, but I think we can do without them. There is ice cream in the freezer anyway," my mom said. 

"Could you bring them over tonight, Greyson?" my dad asked.

"Yeah, sure," I replied.

"Can I come?" Maggie asked, letting out her first words of the conversation.

"I suppose she could tag along," my mom decided.

"Okay," I said, taking the last bite of my meal, taking my plate into the kitchen as my parents and Maggie did the same. I threw my dishes in the dishwasher and grabbed the pan of brownies in the fridge. I plastered some aluminum foil over the top.

"You ready to go, Maggie?" I asked.

"Yup," Maggie replied. I threw on my jacket and grabbed my keys. Maggie grabbed her jacket also along with her booster seat and we walked out the door.

"I got it," I said, taking the booster seat from her and throwing it in the back of my Jeep.

"Thanks," she said, hopping into the backseat. I jumped into the driver's seat, put the brownies on the seat next to me, and put the key in the ignition. I pulled out of the driveway.

"Maggie, you know Peyton and I broke up, so please don't talk about us dating okay? I'm happy we are able to be friends and I don't know to jeopardize that," I requested.

"I won't, don't worry. But I have to ask, do you still like her?" Maggie asked.

"Maybe a little, but you can't tell anyone," I instructed, turning down the street.

"But, Greyson," Maggie pleaded. "You have to go for it!"

"No, Maggie. I don't think she feels the same way about me!" I said firmly.

"Look, Grey. I know I may only be eight, but I can tell by the look in your eyes when you talk about her. You love her," Maggie expressed.

"That's enough, Mags," I said with half a laugh. 

"Sorry. But, you know I'm right," she said back.  It was hard for me to admit to myself that she was right, even though she was.

We pulled into the driveway and I grabbed the brownies. We hopped out of the car and walked up to the door.

"You want to give them the brownies, Mags?" I asked her and she nodded. I rand the doorbell and I heard footsteps coming towards the door. Mrs. Simone came to the door.

"Hi, Greyson! Hi Maggie! How are you both" she asked us.

"We are good, thanks! We just brought you guys some brownies. I know Peyton and Josh must be going through a really tough time," I replied.

"Aw, that's so sweet, thank you! Why don't you guys come on in? I'm sure the kids would love visitors," she offered, taking the brownies. Maggie and I walked into their house.

"Josh and Peyton are upstairs, I think they are together actually, you can both go up," she said.

"Okay, thanks," I replied and Maggie and I went up the stairs. Peyton's door was open and empty, so I assumed they were in Josh's room. I knocked on the door and then opened it. Surprisingly it was just Josh. He was on his phone.

"Hey, Josh," I said. 

"Josh!" Maggie exclaimed and ran over and gave him a hug.

"Hey, guys, what are you doing here?" Josh asked.

"We brought you guys some brownies," I explained.

"That's nice, thanks," he said. Then I heard the door open and I turned around to see Peyton.

"Oh my gosh, Maggie?" she said and ran up to give her a hug.

"I missed you, Peyton!" Maggie exclaimed as they released from the hug.

"Really feeling the love here, Peyton," I joked.

"Sorry, Grey," she said with a laugh and gave me half a hug.

"Maggie, why don't you guy hang out with Peyton for a little bit. I have to talk to Grey about a few things," Josh offered, looking at Peyton and she nodded.

"Yeah, I want to catch up with you Mags," Peyton expressed. Maggie nodded excitedly and Peyton led her out of the room and closed the door behind her.

"So, how are you doing?" I asked, sitting down next to Josh.

"It's been tough. It helped to see her, I can tell she is trying to stay positive. But, she's scared. Meredith is one of the bravest people I know, so to see her scared is terrifying," Josh vented. 

"I kind of understand. When Peyton and I were together and she was taken, you just feel so powerless. Clearly, your situation is a little different, but she will be fine. And you know she is brave, so she can pull through," I encouraged.

"I know she can. But, like you said, I feel powerless. Like there is nothing I can do to help her. And it is a feeling I hate," he explained.

"It's tough, I know. But, you just have to push through. I will help you and you have Peyton, the group at school, the football team, your parents, they all have your back," I told him.

"I know they do. Thanks, Grey."