Endless

5 Minutes Before

5 MINUTES BEFORE

I finally walk into my apartment, ready to collapse onto my couch and take a quick nap. Before i crash i check my phone that sits on the kitchen counter where i left it and notice there is a missed call and voice message from Peyton.

I sit down and play it on speaker phone.

*        *        *

"That asshole is going to prison." Nick and I walk back into the squad room, after getting the kids confession and giving him to the uni's to take to central booking.
"'bout time." Amanda says, he head resting on her hand. She looks tired, like that paper work is wearing her thin.

I sit at my desk and notice a missed call and voice message from Peyton.
"Hey peach, when did blue eyes call?" I look up at her and see something click in her head.
"Oh yeah, around 40 minutes ago, i meant to tell you guys. Nick you have a message to." I watch her look at her phone, "and looks like me as well."
We all put our phones to our ears and listen to the messages she left us all.

*        *        *

I climb onto the chair and run the thick rope through my fingers, i double check and triple check that the knots around the fan will hold. I smile as i run my hands up and down it, it's so comforting and welcoming. I have had this planned for the past two days and it is finally here and i can finally breathe easily. My demons released me when i had commited to letting myself go, they said i could be free now, that everyone could be free, and i believe them.

*        *        *

I stand at the gate just watching the empty space. He walked through around 10 minutes ago, the same time i had ignored Peyton's phone call. Whatever she had to say can wait. I mean she never rang back so it can't have been too urgent.
Noah pulls on my arm, i know he is tired and wants to go but i just can't get my body to move.
"In a minute buddy, just give mama a minute." He stops pulling and instead wraps his arms around my legs, and just lets me have my moment.

*        *        *

I dial as fast as my fingers will allow me and just pray to god, any god, all the gods, that she will pick up.
God damn it Peyton just pick up the phone.
I grab my keys and head out to my car, my phone attached to my ear and the endless ringing shattering my heart.

*        *        *

I look down at my phone ringing in my hands as the rope rubs nicely around my neck.
It's Marcus, i guess he just got my voice mail.
I pull the phone to my ear and answer it.
"Peyton! Peyton!" his voice is aggitated and he sounds out of breath. "Peyton! Peyton honey answer me! Bugs I love you! Peyton!"
His voice breaking my heart.
"I love you more," i whisper out.

The chair hits the floor, as the rope tightens stealing my last breath.
The phone falls from my limp hand hitting the wooden floor with a thud.
Marcus' cries echoing throughout the empty apartment.

I am free.

*        *        *

THE END