Strength Of The World

When Zack and Peyton’s parents left her room, they stopped by the waiting area to ask the rest of the group if they’d like to see her. Johnny stood up without hesitation and headed for her room, not saying a word to anyone. “He’s really freaked out.” Lacey stated, a little worried about her boyfriend. “I’ve never seen him like this.” “Peyton is Johnny’s best friend.” Brian told her. “They’ve been through a lot of shit together. I’m sure it couldn’t have been easy finding her like he did. Honestly I probably wouldn’t have been able to hold it together as well as he has. I would’ve been a big fucking baby.” “Let’s give him a few minutes with her before we go in.” Valary suggested, going to sit back down in the waiting area. “He needs to make sure she’s okay. He’s always been like that with her. Remember when she was hit by a pitch during a softball game their senior year? He lost his shit.” “I remember that.” Dan Smith said with a laugh. “He threatened to kick that pitcher’s ass if she ever hit his best friend with a ball again.” The entire group laughed at the memory, “We had to make him go home. He about got himself in trouble.” Matt added with a laugh. “Oh Johnny. That crazy little fucker.” Jimmy chuckled.

Johnny opened the door to Peyton’s room slowly and walked in. He looked up from his feet and saw Peyton grinning at him. “Hey buddy.” She smiled, “Zack went down to get some food, come keep me company.” Johnny calmly walked over to her bed and wrapped his arms around her, squeezing her tight. “Thank god you’re okay.” He whispered, tears falling down his face. “We’re both fine, thanks to you.” Peyton said quietly, tears forming in her own eyes. They hugged for a little while longer until Peyton felt her shoulder get wet. “Jonathan Sweard are you crying?” She asked in disbelief. “Peyton, I thought we had lost you. You scared the shit out of me.” He said, wiping his eyes and face. “I’m okay, and the baby is okay. Now stop before you embarrass your nephew.” “Wait, What? It’s a boy?” Johnny asked. “Yep! Just like I told everyone it would be.” Peyton grinned triumphantly. “Alright! A nephew!” Before Peyton could say anything else, the rest of the gang came in, carrying flowers and balloons. “Knock knock” Michelle said softly. “Hey guys!” She greeted with a smile. “You didn’t have to bring all this.” “We wanted to. We know how much you hate hospitals, so we brought some stuff to brighten up the place.” Leana smiled, sitting the flowers on the counter. “Ohhh and you guys got my favorite ones too!” “That was Jimmy. He knew exactly what you wanted and made sure we got them.” Matt said, leaning in to kiss her cheek. “You feeling okay kiddo?” “Yeah.” Peyton sighed, “I’m a little sore, but that’s to be expected. I already hate this knee brace.” She chucked. “But I’m okay and the baby is okay. That’s all that matters. Anyone know how my Jeep is?” Everyone looked around the room at each other, no one wanting to give her the bad news. “Pey, it’s totaled.” Brian told her, sitting on the end of her bed. “No.” She whispered, eyes filling with angry tears. That was the moment Zack came back into the room. “What’s going on guys?” He asked concerned. “What’s going on is as soon as this baby comes I’m going to fucking kill Gena.” Peyton seethed. “Gena? What the hell does Gena have to do with any of this?” Val asked, looking over at Zack. “Gena is the reason she flipped the Jeep.” He explained, “She saw P and pulled over into her lane. Peyton didn’t have much of a choice other than hitting her or jerking the wheel.” “I should have fucking hit her and her little fucking BMW.” The brunette said angrily. “At least my Jeep would have been totaled for a good fucking reason.” “Hey. Don’t be like that.” Jimmy said, walking over to her. “You’re a better woman than that, Peyton. Besides, you’re way WAY hotter than Gena. Your ass is nicer than hers. And your boobs are bigger. Plus you’re growing baby V. So you win.” The drummer grinned at one of his oldest friends, who was finally back to smiling. “Yeah you’re right. I do win.” “Jimmy, get away from my fiancée before I punch you.” Zack said with a laugh. Jimmy grinned down at Peyton and winked at her before kissing her on top of her head. “Love you kid.” “Love you too Jimbo.” “So, we got some good news today.” Zack said, changing the subject. “What?” Everyone asked at the same time, making Peyton burst into laughter. “I think I’m losing it.” She laughed. “Anyway. Babe, tell them the good news.” “Well. I was wrong.” Zack started. “Turns our baby Vengeance will most definitely not be a girl. Saw the little dude’s wiener and everything.” “Shut up!” Lacey shouted. “I knew it!” Brian said, “A little mini ZV!” “Aw congratulations guys! What a good birthday present for you, Zack!” Michelle said excitedly. When Peyton realized what Michelle had just said, she gasped. She ruined Zack’s birthday. “Oh no.” “What’s wrong Pey?” Matt asked her. “I ruined it. I ruined the entire day. Zack I’m so sorry.” “Hey. Stop it.” Zack said, climbing into the bed with her and pulling her into his arms. “All that matters is you and the baby are okay. We can celebrate my birthday a different day.” “But today was supposed to be perfect! We were going to have surprise ultrasound at the doctor today and then lunch together. And then we were gonna go have dinner with our best friends and tell them baby V’s gender.” She sobbed into his chest. ”Hey. We can do dinner later. Maybe tomorrow when you come home.” Leana suggested. “I can’t go anywhere but home or the studio. I’m on fucking bedrest for two weeks.” She said, crying even harder. “Okay. How about this? We bring dinner to you. Whatever you want. We’ll order a shit ton of food and hang out and watch those bullshit Christmas movies you love so much.” Brian suggested. “My moves are not bullshit.” She said angrily. “You’re right, not bullshit.” He said, holding up his hands. “So how about it Pey? It sounds like a fun night to me.” Jimmy said while smacking Brian on the back of the head. “Yeah. That does sound like a good night.” “Alright then it’s settled.” Matt said, standing up and clapping his hands together. “Come on guys, let’s head out so Peyton can get her rest. We’ll see you tomorrow evening guys.” The group said their goodbyes to Peyton and Zack, and as they were leaving Peyton apologized “I’m so sorry I’m an emotional disaster guys.” “Hey, don’t sweat it. You’re pregnant and just crashed your baby. You’re allowed to have an emotional day.” Michelle said with a smile as they walked out the door. Once everyone was gone, Peyton snuggled into Zack’s side and they spent the rest of their evening watching tv and discussing baby names.

Notes