Chapter 1
Lucas Scott had always thought that the day Keith died was the worst day of life. He thought that seeing his mothers face at the funeral and watching her pain after Keith's death was the hardest thing he'd ever done but today he wasn't so sure. Keith had lived a good life and while it was cut short at least he got to live his. Jamie, he was only 8.
Lucas didn't know why the world had been so cruel to all of them. It was only four years ago that they had all been so excited and young. They had just graduated college and the world was theirs. They went after their dreams and passions but now they were so…so broken. Lucas shook his head as he looked around the room at each one of his friends…nothing had gone like planned for any of them. He suddenly locked eyes with the blond across the aisle but just as quickly he looked away.
Peyton cringed as Lucas looked away he still wouldn't look at her. He still hadn't talk to her, granted they were in a hospital but still a small hug or hello would have been nice. She looked at her best friend, Brooke Davis and pulled her a little closer. Peyton knew this day was hard on Brook. Everyone had told Brooke not to come but she said that everyone had been there for her and she wanted to be here for Nathan and Hayley.
Lucas's heart broke a little more as he saw Peyton holding Brooke. Brooke Davis the girl that was going to change the world had been so changed by it. He couldn't imagine the pain she felt being here today and then felt horrible he hadn't been a good friend at all. Actually he hadn't been a good friend to either one of them. No matter his feelings about Peyton they both still were his friends and they had been through a lot in the past two years and deserved better from him. He stood, it was about time he put feelings a side. It was time for healing there was just too much pain around here.
Karen looked up at her eldest child. Her heart broke for him and she whispered a prayer that he would be ok. That he would find his way back to them all. She glanced at the broody girl he had sat himself next to and knew that if anyone could save her son it would be that blond. The blond that had held her sons heart for so long, she just prayed it wasn't too late.
"Hey, can I sit here" That was stupid Lucas thought
"Uh…ummm…yyyeah sure, of course." Peyton said with a forced smile to Lucas. Her heart did a little dance she was so excited Lucas was actually sitting next to her.
"Just wanted to see how you girls are. See if I could get you anything food, coffee, a magazine, a-a-a pen…anything!"
"A pen, seriously Lucas what would we do with a pen?"
"Ummm I don't…just a little nervous I guess."
Peyton smiled and placed her hand on his knee, as she did she felt the electricity between them and took a deep breath. "Chill Luke it's ok. We're fine. Thanks."
"No problem just thought it was time." Lucas and Peyton locked eyes, exchanging hidden messages. Lucas was the first to break the gaze and immediately turned his gaze to at Brooke.
"Hey Pretty Girl, where's that pretty boy of yours?"
Brooke sat up from her place in Peyton's lap, brushed away tears and looked at Lucas with a small smile.
"With your mom and Peyton's sitter."
"Of course, guess I just didn't pay attention this morning. Either of you care for a walk?"
"Sure." Peyton said as she rose not fully sure of why she had but none the less she felt she needed to talk to Lucas. She turned to Brooke who shook her head and said she wanted to stay.
The pair walked hospital halls for awhile in silence before Lucas broke it.
"How's Brook holding up? I know this can't be easy for her."
"Actually she is doing better than I thought. Better than expected. How's Nathan? How's Hayley given Sam and everything?"
"Nathan's staying strong for Hayley and both of them are trying to be strong for Jamie too. I see the fear and I understand their pain."
"I can't imagine Luke, the waiting. Waiting as the doctors take a tumor out of your four year olds head. Loosing Lane hurt but this waiting." She regretted her last words the moment she said them and the look on Lucas's face told her they had sent him down a road he didn't need to be on. She quickly tried to pull him back.
"I am so thankful for Ellie, Luke. She is my world, my little angel."
Lucas forced a smile at the meant of the little girl. "Ellie is perfect and looks more and more like her mother every day."
"She acts more like her father every day." Peyton said laughing trying to lighten the mood after the words she spoke earlier.
It felt good to hear laugh. He loved that laugh, Ellie had the same laugh. He sighed how he loved both his girls if only the pain would pass. Peyton, I'm…."
"Luke." She put her hand on his shoulder to stop him "Luke, don't ok. I know we have some problems and we have a lot to talk about and work through but right now everyone else is so so…."
"Broken"
"Yes and I feel like we have to be the strong ones for them right now and that means putting us, our issues and our feelings aside for a time. Dealing with our problems later, can you do that?"
Lucas nodded at her. "When did you become such a Savior Peyton?"
Peyton smiled and blushed. "I learned from the best…come on lets go see what Nate and Hayley want to eat!"
"Peyton"
She turned and he brought her into a friendly comforting hug.
"Peyton, I agree with you all the way. Just know that I'm here and I promise I'm not going anywhere."
"Ok Luke, ok" She said with tears in her eyes. His words having more meaning than anyone else could know.
The two pulled apart and went back into the waiting room.
Peyton was happy she had finally gotten to talk to Lucas and while they hadn't fixed things between them they had found common ground. She really hoped they would be able to save their friends and she hoped she could save him.
