Prologue
Lizzy stared at the shadows on the wall. They flickered back and forth with the candle, which was stuck into the middle of a small, vanilla cupcake with vanilla frosting. Peyton's favorite. Lizzy leaned forward. There were so many memories in that house. And it was finally hers again.
"Peyton." Her mother called. "Up, up, up. Today's a big day. Do you know what day it is sweetie?"
Peyton rubbed her eyes, and sat up in her bed. She glanced across the room at her Nature calendar. June thirteenth. "It's my birthday."
"That's right! Daddy and I have lots of fun stuff planned for today."
Peyton smiled and threw back the covers, all traces of sleep now gone from her face. Her green eyes lit up. "Like what?" She asked as she threw herself into her mother's arms.
"Well, it's a surprise. But I know you'll love everything we have for you." Her mother's eyes were as green as Peyton's as she picked up her daughter and carefully placed her on her hip.
"Promise?" Peyton asked.
"Promise."
Peyton smiled. Promise was always a common phrase in their family. But it meant more to them than it did to most. It meant no matter what, I'll do whatever it takes to make sure this promise it kept. And it always was. Until June thirteenth, nineteen ninety eight.
Lizzy sat up more in her chair, her arms rested against the island in the kitchen. She felt the warmth of the fire on her face, and closed her eyes to take it in.
"Happy Birthday to you, happy birthday to you. Happy birthday dear Peyton. Happy birthday to you!"
Peyton smiled as her Father leaned forward to give her a pat on the back and a kiss on the cheek. "Make a wish, Peyton. Don't waste it, cause you only get one for your eighth birthday."
Peyton nodded. "Okay. I wish-"
"Uh, uh, uh." Her father smiled. "You know the rule. Your wish won't come true unless you keep to yourself. It's a secret."
Peyton gave her father a winning smile. "Got it." She closed her eyes, letting the warmth of the fire wash over her, feeling it on her face. I wish to be this happy every day of my life. Forever.
Lizzy opened her eyes and blew out the candle. "Happy birthday, Peyton." She said.
But there was nobody there to hear her. Because nobody in the world cared for Peyton Sawyer anymore.
(A/N) So this is my second story on . I think the first one came out a little rough, but that doesn't mean I don't want to continue it. So I'll be doing both stories at the same time. I'm not exactly sure where this one is going, but it'll be awesome, so stick around. Comment, rate, review... Kinda new to so I don't really know how it works. Just hang in there, okay?
xoxo - Ava