Things Have Changed For Me [SEQUEL TO FORM A MOUNTAIN]

Ch. 34

My late period finally came in time for Thanksgiving Break, meaning that Ryan and I would have to lay off the hook-ups. Mother Nature WOULD do this to me; a glorious week off with my boyfriend and I have to hate my uterus...well at least I'm not pregnant. 

After their little weekend surprise, Kendall, Brendon, and Ryan went home. I would be seeing them anyway since mom and I were going to Ryan's for Thanksgiving dinner just like I promised. 

I was trying to pack when I heard the ring of a Skype call coming from my computer, I bet anything it was Ryan. I set down my pile of tees to answer. My suspicions were confirmed when I saw his face on my computer. 

"Ryan, I'm trying to pack" I told him "Oh, and hi"

"Hi" he smiled. "Well I have condoms and you have lingerie, what more do we need?"

"Tampons" I stated bluntly. 

"Really?" he groaned "Well at least you're being honest about it"

"I know. Mother Nature is a real dick sometimes"

"Well, we can have other fun" he said "Non-sexual fun"

"What did I do to get a boyfriend like you?" I asked sweetly. 

"I am pretty great aren't I?"

"You nugget that's when you're supposed to give me a compliment too" I laughed. 

"You're pretty" he told me. 

"Thank you, now let me pack!" I blew him a kiss before logging off. 

I threw all my stuff in a duffel bag (including some lingerie since my period had a history of ending early) and went downstairs for some dinner. Mom wasn't home from work yet which was weird considering it was eight PM and she got off at five. I was digging through the freezer for one of my burrito dinners when the house phone rang. 

"Hello?" I answered. 

"PEYPEY!" my mother's voice shouted from the other end. 

"Mom where are you?" I asked. 

"I went out for drinks with some friends from work"

"Mom you don't drink" I told her. 

"It's just a few, it's not like I'll have to go back into a program or anything like that"

"Mom" I said sternly "Did you forget we're supposed to leave for Ryan's house tomorrow?"

"Oh gosh honey, I did"

"Mom you know how important this is to me!"

"I know, sweetheart. Tell ya what, why don't you drive out there without me and I'll meet you there during the week?"

"Okay" I said "My burrito is ready"

"Enjoy, honey. I love you"

"I love you too" I said before hanging up the phone. 

She wasn't coming to Thanksgiving dinner and she knew it. I pulled my burrito from the microwave and called Ryan on the phone. 

"Miss me?" he asked. 

"Mom isn't coming for Thanksgiving. She started drinking again and forgot all about it"

"Oh Pey" he said "You're still welcome, you know that"

"Mmhmm" I said through an attempt to hold back tears. 

"Pey are you crying?" he asked. 

"I JUST WANTED HER TO MEET YOU AND YOUR MOM AND WE WOULD ALL HAVE A NICE FUCKING DINNER TOGETHER AND IT WOULD BE A REAL THANKSGIVING FOR ONCE!!"

It was quiet, Ryan said nothing into the phone while I unleashed sobs all over my couch and pounded my fist against a pillow. After ten minutes, he spoke. 

"Pey, I'm coming to get you right now. I'm in the car and I'll be there as soon as I can. Just breathe and stay calm"

"Okay" I squeaked before the call ended. 

I laid there on the couch in silence waiting for Ryan to get to me. I still cried a little bit and there were a few tears left when I opened the door for him. 

"Peyton I am so sorry" 

"Just get me out of here" I grabbed my duffel bag and purse and walked out to his car. I threw everything in the backseat and sat myself up front. Ryan got in the driver's seat and we left my driveway, I didn't even leave mom a note or anything to let her know where I was, but she knew anyway. The drive to Ryan's house was quiet, when we got there we walked up to his room. I changed into my pajamas and curled up in his bed. 

"Pey, I-"

"We'll talk in the morning" I told him. 

He laid down next to me and pulled me close to him. I shut my eyes and tried to sleep.