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person who can feel my pain and heartache.
Maybe it’s because we both share a situation where death took away someone very close to us
. Maybe it’s because I’m the only one who knows about the connection we possibly share. Trying to decode Peyton is like trying to crack the Da Vinci code.
Too long and impossible for most
.
    ***
    I come home to an empty house, or so I think. As I walk into my room, I’m almost frightened to death to find Jackson sitting on my bed. “What are you doing in here?” I ask, calming myself down.
    “I think the question should be, where the hell were you all night?”
    “Now you’re sounding just like Eva and Henry,” I blurt.
    “Taylor, I’m serious. You shouldn’t be hanging out that late and not telling anyone where you are. I was worried about you—and what the hell is that on your finger?”
    “A ring,” I say, a little annoyed.
    I hate it when Jackson attempts to turn into an actual big brother. I try to cover the ring with my right hand, hoping to move off of the topic. I thought I would have time to think about how I would break the news to him. I’m not exactly prepared for this.
    “Please don’t be a smartass right now, Tay. Not with me, at least. It looks like an engagement ring.”
    “Well, it’s not. It’s a wedding ring. Mason thinks having two rings is overrated.”
    “A wedding ring? You’re not even married!” he says, walking closer to me.
    I back away a little. The truth is, I’m a bit scared by his reaction.
    I pause. “Now I am. We did it last night. He took care of all the business that needed to be taken care of, and we got married last night. And it was the most memorable night of my life. And I don’t regret it—not for a second.”
    He grabs my left hand and takes a good stare at the ring. I can see his facial expression change, but I can’t exactly read it.
    “Well, I guess all that’s left to say is…congratulations.” He forces a smile.
    “You mean it?” I ask, confused.
    “Yeah, I do. You know Mom and Dad are going to give you hell and say you’re too young, but like I say, I’m here for you until the day that I die. And I feel like no one can put an age on love. No one ever said you have to be a college graduate with a high-powered career before you find true love.”
    I can tell that he’s a little disappointed, but he tries to be happy for me and that’s what matters. He doesn’t bother asking any further questions; he just lets it be.
    “Jackson, you never cease to amaze me,” I say, hugging him.
    “I know.”
    ***
    I decide that I’ll tell my parents the news that night when they come home, instead of letting them find out on their own. I mean, I am a married woman now, and that’s the adult thing to do, right? I hope so. Besides, Jackson says he’ll be there for me if I need him; Jackson always makes everything better.
    “Eva, Henry, I have something to ask you,” I say, holding my left hand with my right.
    “Oh God. First you talk to us like we’re strangers on the street and now you want something from us?” my mom asks in frustration.
    “I’m asking to become an emancipated minor!” I blurt out without a second thought.
    I don’t want this conversation to be a long, drawn-out one. This has to be over with as soon as possible. I have no desire to “talk it out” with my “parents.”
    Silence was the room’s best friend for a moment or two
. That is, until I hear my mother and father laugh.
    “Is something funny?” I ask folding my arms to my chest.
    “You? An emancipated minor? Sweetie, you can’t even take care of yourself,” Henry states blandly.
    “I’ve been taking care of myself for as long as I can remember. You were never there!” I yell. “And I won’t be alone; I have Mason—my husband.” I put my left hand on display.
    Silence and the room must’ve reunited because it was the loudest thing present for two moments—or three
.
    “You’re married?” Kristen screamed as she ran