BRIGHT

Chapter 57- Peyton POV- Acceptance

My parents and Josh burst inside of my hospital room, hugging me and kissing me on the cheek.

"Oh my god, Peyton. Don't you ever scare me like that again," my mom said through sobs.

"I'm sorry, I really am," I told them as they all sat down on my bed.

"We talked to Dr. Kagan and he explained everything you said. I can't believe you thought Meredith's death was your fault," my mom blurted out.

"I know. And I feel better about it now. I know I still need help, but I know now harming myself is never the answer," I explained.

"We are happy you know that. And we are sorry about Meredith. Both of you," my dad said, looking towards both Josh and I. The two of us looked down and then at each other. 

"Thanks," I replied and my dad nodded.

"It hurts like hell," Josh whispered and I put my hand on his. 

"I know it does. But, it will get better, you hear me?" my mom confirmed and the two of us nodded.

"When can I go home?" I asked.

"Tonight. They have prescribed you some medicine and say you can go back to school after winter break is over," my dad explained.

"That's good," I replied. "Mom, Dad, I really appreciate you being here. But can I please talk to Josh, alone?" They paused and looked at each other. 

"Sure, honey," my mom said in a doubtful voice. I saw my dad whisper something to Josh before they left the room.

"Josh, I'm so sorry," I expressed. "I cannot imagine how much I scared you. But, I promise I am working hard to get a hundred percent better."

"I know you are, P. Just, don't shut me out okay? No matter what terrible, awful things happen, we can get through it. Together," he confirmed.

"I know we can. I love you, big bro," I told him.

"I love you too, baby sis," he replied and we hugged. A hug had never felt so good in my entire life. "We are going to push through this. I know it hurts and it sucks. But we can get through all this pain together," he promised. 

"I know we can," I replied as we released each other from the hug. 

"Dr. Kagan also told us what you said about Greyson," Josh told me.

"He did?" I asked and Josh nodded.

"You have to go for it, P. You love him," Josh encouraged.

"I don't know," I said, feeling extraordinarily unsure.

"I know what it's like to love someone, I loved Meredith with all my heart. And that isn't a feeling that goes away easily. Love is powerful," he said softly and I get see him starting to get a little choked up. I placed my hand on his. "And if the guy you love is still here, you need to go for. I know it is what Meredith would have wanted," Josh expressed as a single tear rolled down his cheek. I nodded.

"You're right, Josh," I whispered.

"Why don't I go get, Greyson. He's here, waiting to see you," Josh said.

"Now?" I asked.

"I know he really wants to see you, Peyton. You don't have to tell him at this exact moment if you don't want to, but I think now is a good time," Josh admitted.

"I'll see how the conversation goes," I told him and he nodded. Josh stood up and started to walk out of the room. Right before he left, I called to him.

"Josh, love you," I called.

"Love you too, baby sis," he called back, gave me a smile and left the room. I laid back. I knew I had to tell Greyson how I felt now. There was no going back. I knew this was a secret I could not keep forever. I heard a slight knock on the door and the door creaking to an open. 

"Peyton," Greyson said, briskly walking over to me and pulled me into his arms. I felt so protected by him and I snuggled my head into him. As we let go, he sat down on the bed. He looked rough. He had on a gray football sweatshirt with stains of blood which was clearly mine on it. He also had on black sweatpants and his hair was a mess. His blue eyes were red and I could tell he had been crying. "I'm so happy you are okay. You scared me so much," he said.

"I'm sorry for scaring you," I whispered.

"How are you doing now?" Grey asked me.

"Better. I am starting to realize what happened with Meredith was not my fault, but I am obviously still grieving over her death," I explained.

"I'm sure, I can't even imagine," he replied. 

"Thank you, Greyson," I whispered.

"For what?" he asked.

"For coming. It was you who saved me," I told him.

"Josh and Cameron saved you just as much as I did, P. But, of course. I will always be there for you," he said with a smile.

"Thanks, Greyson. But honestly, it was you. I was about to go into the bathroom to get pills and end it all. But I heard your voice and it calmed me down. If you would not have come, I would have killed myself," I expressed.

"How did I calm you down? Why didn't Josh?" he questioned.

"I love Josh. As a brother of course. But, Greyson, you stopped me from ending it all because I love you. I still love you, truly and deeply." I admitted.

"You still love me?" he asked. I put my hand on his.

"Yes, Greyson."

"When you sent me that letter breaking up with me, I thought you would never look at me the same way. When you came back to school, I was just happy you agreed to be friends with me so I would still have you in my life. But, being with you was hard. Because all I wanted was to be with you. I never stopped loving you, Peyton," he admitted. I looked at him lovingly and intertwined my hand into his. He scooted in closer and leaned in, kissing me. It felt like fireworks. I had missed him so much and I was happier than ever to have him back in my life as mine. He was mine now and forever.