The Wild Ride

It had been a month since Peyton had lost their baby, and she was still as devastated as she was the day she found out. She made sure she kept things as normal as possible for Lincoln, and spent a lot of time with her family and friends during the day. At night, after Lincoln went to bed, she fell back into the darkness. The band was working in the studio a lot, recording their new album, and after work Zack would go to the bar, sometimes not even coming home for dinner and to say goodnight to Lincoln beforehand. Peyton could feel their marriage crumbling, and she knew she had to do something about it before it fell apart completely, so she suggested they go out and have a romantic dinner one Friday night while Lincoln was with his parents.

They were currently in their bathroom, Zack taking and shower and Peyton putting on her makeup and discussing where to eat, when Zack’s phone signaled he had a text message. “Hey babe, can you check that for me? It’s probably Brian.” Zack asked, poking his head out of the door. Peyton picked up the phone and frowned when she saw the message. “Apparently Bridget wants you to come out tonight, exclamation smiley face.” Peyton said sarcastically, flinging the phone on the counter and putting her makeup back into the basket she keeps it in. “Wait, what? Bridget? I haven’t talked to Bridget in at least two years.” Zack said, voice laced with confusion. “I saw her the night of my bachelor party. Told her I was getting married. She said congratulations and we parted ways.” “Then why the hell would she text you, Zack? If you’re not talking to her, then who is it? Because you sure as hell haven’t been fucking talking to me. You don’t even touch me anymore.” The brunette said angrily. “Babe, I don’t know. I swear. I haven’t talked to her.” Zack replied, turning off the shower. “If you go out tonight, Linc and I won’t be here when you get back.” Peyton said calmly before walking out of the bathroom and into their bedroom. “Hang on a fucking second Peyton, you can’t just say some shit like that and fucking walk away. What the hell do you mean you won’t be here? You’re just gonna leave, just like that?” Zack said, following his wife. “I’m not doing this, Zachary. I will not be that woman that sits at home while her husband is out flirting and talking and doing god knows what else with other fucking women. I will not be Gena.” Peyton said, turning to look at her husband. “Peyton, you are not and will never be Gena. I would never cheat on you, and you know that. I know I haven’t been around much, but you haven’t exactly been a ray of fucking sunshine.” Peyton’s eyes widened and her blood started boiling, “Zack, I lost our fucking baby.” “Yeah, I lost a baby too, Peyton. You aren’t the only one fucking grieving.” He stated. “Then where the fuck are you, Zack?” She shouted, “Every fucking night, I cry myself to sleep. I have nightmares about losing you, losing Lincoln and I can’t shake them. Do you have any fucking idea how it feels to know that the one fucking thing a woman’s body was created to do, mine can’t fucking do right? I am crushed, Zack. My heart aches every single day. Where the fuck are you? Where are you when your wife needs you the most?” By the end of her rant, there were tears flowing down her face and her voice was barely above a whisper. She stood in front of her husband, waiting for a response, but never got one. “I’m going to the lake house for a few days.” She sighed, turning to walk into the closet. “I’ll pick Linc up on my way out of town, you can take the time to figure out what you want.” “Peyton, come on.” Zack pleaded, watching his wife pack clothes into a duffel bag. “We’ll just be gone for the weekend. When I get back Sunday we can talk about what you want. I don’t want to leave you, Zack. But I can not live like this anymore. I need you, and even when you’re here you’re not really here.” Peyton said, walking out of their bedroom and into Lincoln’s room to pack some of his things. “Peyton, I’m sorry. Please don’t leave.” Zack said softly, following her through the house. Once Peyton had her bags packed she grabbed her keys and purse and turned toward Zack, placing a hand on his face, “I love you. So much. But you need time to figure out what you want in your life. Do you want a wife and kids, or just the kid? Take the weekend and figure it out. I’ll be home Sunday.” She stood there a little longer with her hand on his cheek, memorizing every part of his face, before dropping her hand and walking out into the garage. “Peyton.” Zack said right before the door shut, but she never responded. Zack sighed heavily and sat down on the couch, “What the fuck have I done?” He asked himself as tears began falling down his face.

Notes

This one is kind of short, but I’ll be back in a few days with another one!