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

Ch. 36

When we got to Disneyland I figured I should call my mom and let her know that I was okay and I made it to Ryan's okay. 

"Hey guys I need to make a quick phone call" I told the group. 

"Meet us at Tower of Terror" Kendall said. 

"Got it"

I sat down on a bench and dialed my mom's cell number, she'd probably be at work but I had to do it. It rang a few times before it was answered. 

"Linda Marshall's phone. Who is calling please?"

"Umm, her daughter. Who is this?"

"Oh, you must be Peyton. Listen, I'm a nurse at the Sawyerburg Rehabilitation Clinic, my name is Penny"

"Are you saying my mom is back in a program?" I asked. 

"Yes, Peyton. And we'd like to keep her for a few months. She nearly overdosed on alcohol the other night"

"ARE YOU SERIOUS?" I yelled. 

"Peyton I know this is difficult for you but I promise we'll have your mom back in shape in no time. You can come visit whenever you want"

"Is she going to be out by the time I graduate?" I asked. 

"Most likely. If not, we'll have some escort her to the ceremony. Is there anything you would like us to tell her?"

"Yeah, give her a big fat fuck you" I said before hanging up and going to find my friends. I was sobbing like there was no tomorrow, how could she do this again?

I found them in line and I didn't stop crying. They got out of the line and took me over to another bench. Ryan held me as I cried and told him the story. 

"What are you supposed to do?" Kendall asked "Live on your own for the rest of the school year?"

"I can go live with my dad" I told them. 

"Where does he live?" Brendon asked. 

"New Mexico"

"PEYTON!" Kendall yelled "You already live far enough away from us, you can't go farther"

"Kendall what choice do I have? I won't be eighteen until January!"

"You could move out here?" Ryan asked. 

"What?" I replied. 

"Come live with one of us, go to our school. It'll be perfect"

"Ryan she can't do that. She has her own life back there" Brendon said. 

"Can we just forget about this for now and have a good day?" I asked. 

"For sure" Kendall said as she and Brendon raced off to Tower of Terror. 

"Peyton are you sure you're okay?" Ryan asked. 

"No, of course not, but I'm in Disneyland with my favorite people. Shit at home can wait a day"

"My little fighter" he said before taking my hand.