Into you

Payton's problem

The next day, you go to school, but when you arrive Charli comes to see you.
Charli : « y/n, tell me you didn't kiss Payton »
You : « I-.. » not knowing what to say and wondering how she found out.
Nick : « sorry y/n, I didn't know she didn't know »
Nick had confided in Charli during the night because he did not know what to think about it all. But he did not know that she did not know and he did not know either that he should not tell her.
So the whole group knows about it now.
Charli : « y/n but why did you do that ? »
You : « it was a mistake, I know, I messed up »
Avani : « yeah.. » clenching her teeth.
Larray : « it's okay girls » raising his eyes a little.
Josh : « but wait- did you cheat on Nick ? »
You : « no, that was before »
Nessa : « well it's okay, it's no big deal »
Anthony : « it's no big deal but she's attracted to him anyway »
You : « I'm not »
Charli : « you kissed him y/n, so yes you are »
You : « no, I'm with Nick now, I've moved on, I know he's a player »
Avani : « you sure ? »
You : « yes, I swear »
Riley : « well, we're not gonna argue for that seriously, she made a mistake- »
Nessa : « kissing a guy, wow, big mistake » ironic.
Chase : « it's Payton, Ness »
Nessa : « yeah but there are worse things, like, come on » raising her eyes a little.
Larray : « fr »
Riley : « anyway, we're not mad, live your best life with Nick and Payton can go fuck himself » smiling awkwardly.
You : « ..cool »
Charli : « well, come on, let's go to class »

You go to class, the morning goes by and then you end up in math next to Payton.
Payton : « you okay ? »
You : « I got in trouble with my friends because of you »
Payton : « I didn't say anything »
You : « no it's Nick but- »
Payton : « so it's Nick's fault »
You : « you're the one who told Nick, you idiot. And it's because I kissed you »
Payton : « come on, there's worse, no ? » smirking.
You : « you're really funny Payton » ironic.
Payton : « I know »

He acts like he does not care, but he still goes see Charli at the end of classes to try to work things out between you and your friends.
Payton : « hey Charli ? »
Charli : « Payton » faking a smile.
Payton : « y/n told me that you guys had a fight »
Charli : « because of you, yes »
Payton : « I know, it's okay. But don't blame her, I was the one who kissed her »
Charli : « ofc it's you »
Charli : « but you better not get your filthy hands on my friend again Payton. Because you're a bad person and she really doesn't need you »
Charli : « she's happy with Nick, so leave her alone » leaving.
Payton : « it's always a pleasure to talk to you » ironic.

The days go by and everything is going well with Nick and your friends. You talk to Payton a little less after that but you do not ignore each other either.

Then 2 weeks go by. The first one, Payton started skipping school quite often and when he was there he was closed on himself. At first you thought that he was starting to ignore you again for no reason, but you soon realized that he also distanced himself from the boys and was cold to everyone.
And the second week, he just did not show up for class. You see very well that there is a problem, like everyone does actually. The guys are a little confused and some of your group of friends are a little worried about him anyway. Even though Payton is not their friend, they can see that there is a problem.
You go ask the guys if they have any news, but nothing.

The weekend goes by, and on Monday morning you go to high school hoping that Payton will be back. You arrive and see in the distance that the guys are talking with your friends. You frown a little and walk towards them. The guys leave and you join your friends.

You : « what's going on here ? »
They all look at you with sad faces.
Avani : « y/n... Payton's father passed away last week... »
When you hear this you are shocked, you do not even know what to say. You understand how it feels, since you lost your mom.
Riley : « that explains his behavior and absences... »
Nessa : « it makes me so sad.. poor him... »
You still do not say anything, you are zoning out.
Larray : « y/n, you okay ? »
You : « ..yeah » tears in your eyes.
Nick : « hey.. come here.. » coming to hug you.
Nick : « it's okay.. »
You try your best to hold back your tears.
Charli : « come on, let's stop talking about it, okay ? » understanding that it reminds you too much of your mom.
So you guys go to class and Payton is obviously not there.

The morning goes by, you have not been paying attention at all in class. You decide to skip the afternoon classes and go see the Moormeiers.
You : « well, I'm going »
Nick : « where ? »
You : « at the Moormeiers »
Nick : « y/n.. »
You : « I'm gonna go see them anyway, I just didn't want to lie to you »
Nessa : « let her go, she knows how it feels... »
He sighs a bit.
Nick : « okay.. »
You : « thank you »

So you go to Payton's. Faith opens the door. You look at each other sadly, then you give her a hug.
You : « I'm so sorry... »
She has tears in her eyes.
Faith : « ...he had cancer, so we knew it yk, but it's always hard to realize... »
You : « oh... I didn't know.. but yeah I understand »
You : « ..how's Payton ?... »
Faith : « idk... he hasn't spoken all week »
You : « do you think I can go see him ? »
Faith : « well, try but.. I can't guarantee you anything »
You : « k thanks.. »

You are going upstairs but meet Joanne on the stairs.
Joanne : « y/n ? »
You : « oh hi.. I came to see Payton... I'm so sorry for your loss... »
Joanne : « oh thank you... it's very nice of you to come see him, he's really not doing well lately » tears in her eyes.
You do not really know what to say, you feel so bad for her.
Joanne : « he's in his room, go ahead... »
You : « thanks.. »