Strength Of The World

About a week or so later, Peyton found herself at the cemetery, Lincoln cradled in her arms. “Hey Jimbo.” She said softly, sitting down in the grass. “This is your nephew, Lincoln.” She looked down at the sleeping baby and sighed, “He looks just like Zack, and has a set of lungs that rival Matt’s.” She laughed. “Brian is obsessed with him. While he was on his honeymoon he texted at least once a day, and has been at the house every day since they got home. You’d laugh at how much he loves this kid.” Tears filled her eyes, thinking about how much she missed her friend. “Oh, Zack and I set a date. September twenty second, so if you could like work it out with Mother Nature that we have a beautiful sunny day, that would be great. I miss you so much, Jim. It’s just not the same without you.” Peyton wasn’t sure how long she sat there, talking to Jimmy and just enjoying the weather. But when she heard a voice behind her she figured it had been a while. “I knew I’d find you here.” Brian said as he sat down in the grass beside her. “Catching up with Jim?” Peyton nodded, drying the tears off her face. “Everything has been so crazy lately, I just wanted to take a minute to see him.” They sat in silence for a little while before she spoke again. “You know, some days I still search for him in a room. Then I remember he’s gone, and my heart breaks all over again.” Brian sighed and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “I know what you mean, Peanut. I do the same thing. It’s going to be weird going on tour without him.” “The new album is great, Bri. I’m really proud of you guys.” “Thanks munchkin. You ready to head home? Zack is worried sick about you two.” Peyton chuckled and leaned into her older brother. “Yeah, let’s get him home before daddy starts a search party.” Brian stood up and helped Peyton off the ground. “ZV as a daddy. Crazy shit.” He chuckled. He helped Peyton get Lincoln settled in the car before giving her a hug and kissing the top of her head. “I love you kid. Call me if you need me.” “Love you too Bri. Tell Chell to come see us soon.” She said, getting into her car and heading home to Zack.

When she pulled up at the house, her garage door was already open. “That’s weird.” She said to herself. She noticed Zack’s car in the other bay, so she pulled in and turned off the vehicle. When she got out of the car, she headed toward the passenger side to get the baby out when she felt a hand grab the back of her head and slam it into the passenger side window of her 4Runner, shattering the glass and then throwing her to the floor of the garage. As soon as she saw the person’s face she knew she was in trouble, so she screamed as loud as she could before Jason hit her with so much force everything went black.

Notes