Chapter Eight

Alex jumps on Peyton's back. They chuckle. "Hey babe." "Hi. What were you two crazy hybrids talking about?" AJ smiles. "Not much. Just about life." Peyton nods. Alex gets down from Peyton's back and then goes over to the fridge. AJ and the others go downstairs and upstairs when Alex makes a face at Peyton. They laugh. "Baby…" Alex shrugs. "What? I want you right now. My hormones are outta whack." Peyton goes over to Alex and sighs. They lay their forehead against Alex's. "Don't remind me. It scares me." Alex wraps her arms around Peyton's neck. "Why? Is it because of what's going to happen?" Peyton lets some tears fall. "Yes. There's another way if you don't want to be turned yet." Alex looks at Peyton seriously. "Yeah? What? Not have it?" Peyton shakes their head. "No. Not that. I or some other hybrid, werewolf or vampire goes inside you." Alex looks confused. "You mean like a C-section?" Peyton shakes their head. "Like physically inside you. Spiritually and then you give birth." "And that'll protect me from dying?" Peyton nods. "Slight problem though." "What?" Peyton shakes their head and starts to pull away from Alex. She grabs Peyton's hand. "What happens?" Peyton looks at the floor and then back at Alex. "The person that did this would never be the same." "What do you mean?" "They'd lose all sense of their humanity. Complete monster. Through and through." "Really?" Peyton chuckles and shakes their head. "No. Not really." Alex slaps Peyton's shoulder. "Be real with me!" Peyton sighs. "Fine they'd die." Alex looks worried. "For real?" Peyton nods. "Yes. This time I'm telling the truth." AJ comes over and puts his hand on Peyton's shoulder. "P. There's someone here to see you." Peyton walks away with AJ. They gasp when they see who is at the door. "Father." Titus smiles. "Hey. Am I allowed a hug?" Peyton walks over quickly, and they hug their father tightly. Titus pats Peyton's back a few times and then they pull apart. "Where have you been father?" "Rome mostly. I meant to come sooner but I wasn't allowed." Peyton nods. "I get it. It's okay. Aaron isn't here right now. He's away." Titus nods. "I know. We spoke on the phone. I need to talk to you." Peyton nods and then Alex comes over. She then goes to walk away. Titus grabs her wrist gently. "To both of you." Peyton looks confused. "Huh?" Alex grabs her coat and gloves. She puts them on and then follows Peyton and Titus out the house. The three walk around the park. "It's my time." Peyton lets some tears fall. "Dad. No." Titus puts his hand on Peyton's shoulder. "It's just my time. I've been around a long long time. I want to do this. For you. Both of you." Titus puts his other hand on Alex's cheek. "You have so much to do and so little time. And you my brave brave hybrid have so much to teach her. I'm just tired." Peyton wipes their tears with their sleeve. "But father." Titus puts up his hand from Peyton's shoulder. "It's done." Peyton nods. "Okay father. Thank you." A little later. Peyton shakes their head while crying. Alex looks confused. It's when she sees Peyton staring at Titus she understands what's going on. "Okay fine." Titus smiles and pats Peyton's back before leaving. Alex sits down on Peyton's lap after finishing decorating the tree with her mother. Peyton lays their chin on Alex's shoulder. "Looks beautiful." Alex kisses Peyton's cheek. "Thank you." "Lets go to bed. Got lots to do tomorrow." Alex nods and stands up with Peyton following. "See everyone in the morning." Everyone says their good nights and love you's and goes to bed. Alex and Peyton have a fast shower and dry off. They then climb into bed after brushing their teeth and getting dressed. They go to sleep. Peyton wakes up around 5 am to go to the bathroom. When they finish up in the bathroom they go upstairs after grabbing their phone. Peyton starts working on the food for later that day. About an hour later Justine comes downstairs and walks into the kitchen. "Couldn't sleep?" Peyton shakes their head. "Thought this would help me calm down but its not." Justine comes over and takes the knife from Peyton's hand and places it down on the counter. "I know what will. Come here." Justine sits up on the counter on the other side of the room. Peyton walks over and stands in between Justine's legs. Peyton puts their hands on the counter and Justine tilts her head to the side. Peyton kisses Justine's neck before biting down. They drink. They pull away after a minute and lick the wound. It heals. Peyton walks away from Justine as they hear someone come upstairs. Peyton smiles at Eric as they continue cutting veggies and some potatoes. "Morning." Eric smiles after grabbing a water. "Morning." Eric sits up on the counter beside his mother. "How many people are coming today?" Peyton shrugs. "My family. So a few. Tomorrow it's your family yeah?" Justine nods. "Yep." Peyton nods as they finish cutting. Peyton puts everything away to deal with later and then goes outside with Eric and Justine following. Justine lights a cigarette. Peyton rolls two joints and gives one to Eric. They light theirs and then Peyton hands the lighter to Eric. He lights his and then gives the lighter back to Peyton. They stick the lighter back in their pants. The three smoke away. After a few. "Can I have a puff?" Peyton walks over to Justine and puts the joint to her lips. She takes a puff. Peyton then puts the joint back to their lips and take a puff. Peyton smiles when they see Alex come outside. Alex walks over and takes the joint from Peyton's lips and takes a puff and then gives it back to Peyton to finish. "Morning babe." Alex hums. "Morning." Alex stretches. Peyton finishes their joint and then throws it into the tray. They then hug Alex from behind. Alex pats Peyton's hands and then pulls away. Peyton raises an eyebrow. "What's wrong?" Alex yawns. "Nothing. Just tired. Didn't sleep well last night for some reason." Peyton nods. "Maybe because I didn't? Just a thought." Alex shrugs. "Maybe. So what is the plan for right now?" "Well I have everything ready for later so until it gets closer to 3 we can do whatever we want." Justine and Eric walk away and go inside. Peyton smiles. "Minus that." Alex sulks. "But daddy." Peyton laughs and shakes their head. "Nope." Alex sulks again. Peyton chuckles and then sighs. "One moment." Alex looks confused but nods. Peyton goes downstairs to their room and calls the person that they missed a call from. It rings.

"Hello?" "Hey Ash, it's P." "I know. I called you." "Okay. Why?" "It was an accident. I meant to call my other friend Peyton. I'm sorry." "It's all good. So, what you are doing for Christmas tomorrow?" "Oh, you know. The usual. Drink until I pass out and then do it all over again on New Years."

Peyton chuckles.

"Well instead of that why don't you come over for drinks with me and everyone else?" "You sure? Like I wouldn't be imposing?" "Nonsense. You're my best friend. Hell. If you really wanted to you could come tonight and stay until New Year's. I'm sure Aaron won't mind." "Isn't he away with Tristine?" "Yeah, but I can still talk to him through our bond." "Okay. Talk to him and then message me. I have to go." "Okay. Say hi to the kids for me." "Will do. Love you. Bye." "Love you too. Bye."

Alex comes downstairs and sits down on the bed. "Who was that?" Peyton smiles and sits down beside Alex and stretches out. "My friend Ashleigh. He hates his name though, so everyone calls him Ash." Alex nods. "Okay. He trans?" Peyton nods. "He transitioned about 10 years ago. Got bottom surgery two years ago." Alex nods. "I see. I remember having this friend back when I was in my old high school who always talked about going through transition, but their parents couldn't afford it." Peyton hums. "You still in contact with this friend?" Alex shrugs. "Every so often when they have the time." Peyton takes out their phone and goes on Facebook. "Name?" Alex looks confused. "Why?" "Just wait and see." "Kyle. Kyle Longbottom. They changed their name recently to that." Peyton nods and types in the name on Facebook. Peyton shows Alex their phone. Alex clicks on the second profile that shows up. "Him." Peyton nods and clicks on message.

Peyton: Hi Kyle. I'm Peyton. You don't know me but I'm friends with your friend Alex Philips

Kyle: Okay. Hello. What's up? I'm in the middle of work

Peyton: I'll be quick then. Sorry to ask this but how much do you need to transition?

Kyle: Excuse me?

Peyton: Is it $25,000?

Kyle: No…. More like $180,000 sadly. Hence the reason I'm working my ass off

Peyton: Okay so. I have a proposition for you

Kyle: Okay?

Peyton: You look after Alex while I go away in a few months, and I'll pay whatever is left on top of what you have saved up. Or I can pay the full amount and you keep what you have saved for something else you want

Kyle: I don't even know you. How do I know you're not some serial killer?

Peyton: Just ask Alex. She's known me since she was a kid

Kyle: Well…. Thanks Peyton was it?

Peyton: Yeah

Kyle: Well thanks Peyton but I can't accept your money

Peyton: It's okay dude. I have Trillions. I'm more than happy to help you out if you want

Kyle: Seriously?

Peyton: I've been around a long long time

Kyle: You one of those cool looking creatures I see on TV sometimes?

Peyton: 😂😂😂 A hybrid yes

Kyle: Cool! So. Do I really have to do anything for that?

Peyton: No. Not if you don't want to. I was just playing. Alex can take care of herself

Kyle: Yep, and I was scared of her at first

Peyton: I wasn't but I was definitely off put at first. Well lovely chatting with you but I better go. I have stuff to do

Kyle: Alright. Tell Alex I say hi. Also. Thanks

Peyton: No prob dude. Talk again soon

Kyle: For sure. Bye for now

Peyton: Bye for now

Alex smiles and hugs Peyton tightly. "I love you." Peyton kisses Alex's cheek and then goes off to shower. Alex follows soon after. The two finish their shower and dry off. Alex puts on the clothes Peyton hands her and then gets dressed themselves. Alex finishes doing her make up when there's a knock on the bedroom door. "Come in!" "You sure? You both dressed?" Peyton laughs. "Yes. Come in Eric." Eric opens the door and comes in. He then shuts the door. "If I have to hear one more joke about your aunt and uncle, I'm going to have to bleach my ears." Peyton chuckles. "I know. I'm sorry. My mom gets very rousy when she drinks and smokes." Eric lays his head on Alex's shoulder. "Do I have to be here?" Peyton smiles. "No but then your mother would think you're being rude so in a way. Yeah. Sorry dude." Eric groans. Peyton wraps their arm around Eric's shoulder and walks out of the room with Alex close behind. The three go upstairs and go to the living room area. "Hello everyone." Sarah smiles and walks over to Peyton. "There's my favourite hybrid. I need a favor from you." Peyton sighs. "Really mother?" "What? I'm in need." Peyton sighs and takes out their pack of smokes and hands one to their mother. "Outside please." Sarah nods. "Oki doki." Peyton sighs and rubs their face. "This is going to be a long night." Alex kisses Peyton's cheek and then goes into the kitchen to help with dinner. Peyton leaves the house and goes to their car. A few seconds later the car door opens and closes. "Hey." Peyton smiles. "Hey Ash. You need me?" Ash shakes his head. "I just want to give you something before we go inside." Peyton nods. "Okay." Ash takes the box out of his pocket and hands it to Peyton. They tsk. "Ash… You shouldn't have." Ash scratches his beard. "Just open it." Peyton does so and gasps. They pick up the watch. "Ash… I love you bud." Ash smiles and hugs back when Peyton hugs him. "I love you too bro. Lets go in." Peyton nods and exists the car with Ash following. Peyton puts on the watch before going in. Ash stays beside Peyton the entire night. Everyone opens presents. After everyone goes home and all the paper and food has been put away. "Thank god." Eric and Alex sit down on the couch beside each other. Peyton chuckles and takes a large swig of their beer. "I know. They're a lot to deal with. Especially with my mother being drunk and high." Eric looks at Peyton. "How come she didn't get the same reaction I did?" Sarah and Peyton laugh. "We're both already dead bud. It doesn't affect us." Eric huffs and folds his arms over his chest. "I wanna be dead now." Justine laughs with Peyton and Sarah. "You know what I mean mother." Justine nods. "I do. If that's what you really want, I won't stop you. I've even considered it." Eric and Alex look shocked. "Seriously? Babe?" Peyton nods. "We've had conversations about it before. I don't want this life for you love. Not yet anyway. I can't be the one to turn you though. It would have to be AJ Eric and Justine." Justine nods. "I know." Eric looks confused. "I don't. Why?" Alex tells the story to Eric that Sarah told her. Eric nods. "Ah. I see." Peyton smiles. "I mean not that I give a shit, but I don't really feel like dealing with those assholes again just yet." Alex nods. "I'm honestly considering that instead of what your father suggested." Peyton shakes their head. "It's already done babe. You can't break the promise now. A year or so afterwards I'd be okay." Alex nods. "Okay. So, Sarah. How's it feel to be almost a grandparent?" Sarah shrugs. "I'm honestly excited. What about you Justine?" Justine shrugs. "Honestly, I'm not sure. I've never had a grandchild before." Eric and Alex look confused. "Neither has Sarah." Sarah nods. "Yes, I have." Alex and Eric look confused. Then Alex looks shocked. "You have a kid?" Eric still looks confused. Peyton sighs. "Yes babe. I have a child. His name is Imre. He was born shortly after I left Romania. He's in Vietnam. Fighting the war." Alex holds Peyton's hand. "Does he call or send you letters?" Peyton wipes their face. "When he gets a chance, he'll send me pictures. This is the last he sent me." Peyton shows everyone their phone. Sarah sits up straight. "They've also been married before." Alex smiles. "That I knew. I remember when they first started coming around, they'd talk about how much they hated her then." They all laugh. "All she did was bitch and complain." Peyton finishes their beer. Sarah excuses herself when her phone rings. Peyton looks confused. Justine shrugs. "Just leave it. Must be a private call. So no listening in." Peyton nods. Alex giggles and leans more against Peyton. "I just realized something." Peyton hums in Alex's hair. "You listen to me and my mother more than I've seen you listen to your mother." Peyton smiles. "I do listen to my mother." Alex and Justine laugh. Eric just moves farther away from Peyton while smiling. Peyton growls. Everyone turns to Peyton. They push Alex off them and go over to the door to the backyard. "What's going on?" Peyton huffs. "Nothing." Peyton goes outside in the backyard. Alex and Eric look confused. "Go to your rooms." Alex and Eric obey. Justine goes outside and stands beside Peyton. "Are you ever going to tell her the truth?" Peyton looks at Justine and then back at the sky. "What truth?" "That it's getting harder and harder to keep the monster within at bay." Peyton grunts. "No. She must never know. Not about that or about Ariana." Justine sighs. "She's our own blood. She and Eric deserve to know." Peyton grunts. They grab Justine's arm. "No! They can never know! Especially Alex. We both know it was a mistake." Justine nods. "True but like I said. Like it or not she's our blood and Alex's and Eric's." Peyton growls. "Please go Justine. I. I don't actually know how much longer I can hold back." Justine backs away. "I need you to know something." Peyton screams and falls to their knees. "Better hurry." Justine comes closer. "Ariana is still alive. She's been turned and she's free of my DNA." Peyton screams. Alex comes running. "Peyton what's going on?" "Go back inside!" Peyton screams.