Summary: Ellie Harp never gave her daughter Peyton up for adoption. So what happens when tragedy strikes and Peyton has to live with her godmother Karen Roe? Who will be there for Peyton in her time of need? Leyton, eventually. Set after season 2, slightly Au.
Disclaimer: I don't own One Tree Hill or its characters.
A/N: This chapter has been rewritten.
Peyton Harp's room was filled of pictures, medals, and trophies. Records resided on the built in shelves and sketches were pined along the red walls. The room was warmed by the hot August air thanks to the opened windows. Peyton searched her closet, preparing an outfit for the start of senior year.
She pulled her long blonde hair into a tight ponytail, grabbing the hangers that held her two favorite shirts. Peyton exited the walk in closet. "This or that one" she said shoving a blue and black shirt into her best friend's face.
The brunette who laid on her belly in her friend's bed glanced up from her magazine and eyed the two items of clothing. "I think both shirts are ugly but that's just me" and she returned to reading.
Peyton scoffed as her friend laughed, frowning she returned the shirts to the closet. She plopped in the chair in front her computer desk and glared at the girl with her arms folded. "Alicia why are you here again"?
The girl smirked, tossing the magazine to the floor and sitting up on the queen size bed. "It's tradition, every year the day before school you show me your clothes and I insult them".
The girls shared a laugh and Peyton shook her head; Alicia thought all clothes that weren't dressy and ugly. She lectured Peyton on the how the saying was dress for success not comfort. They were complete opposites but made quite the pair.
Alicia was more of a dreamer, fantasizing enough for the both of them. She had the hugest crush on boss's son who was three years older and he was quite the flirt. But sadly she would never be able to date him until she was eighteen. Her parents were very strict when it came to boys, she had two older brothers and her being the only girl and the youngest didn't help. Her taste in music revolved around pop, something Peyton completely loathed.
It had been terrible for Peyton when Alicia was going through her boy band faze because she had taken her along for the ride.
Peyton was some what different. The girl had a wide variety of taste in music- liking bands such as Dashboard Confessional and Yellowcard. She was more level headed of the two and absorbed in her art most days a trait she inherited from her mother. Peyton could be stubborn at times too.
"So" Alicia started as she filed her nails "are you trying out for gymnastics with me tomorrow"?
Peyton tensed up, trying out for the gymnastics team had been another part of their tradition since they were seven. She bit her lip; it was something she did when she was nervous. "Uh.. I've decide to work on my art this year" she said lying through teeth. Her art was important but there was something else bothering her and she needed to be less busy and stay at home more.
Alicia eyed the girl suspiciously "Don't you dare give that lame excuse, haven't you heard of multitasking? I do it all the time". It was true Alicia had many hobbies- horseback riding and piano was only a few. "Now tell me what's really wrong"!
"I do want focus on my art...but I need to be at home more. You know my mom hasn't been feeling well and no matter how many times I tell her to go to the doctor she gives me the I'm the adult your the child speech".
Alicia nodded; she too had noticed something off about Ms. Harp- the woman who was second mother to her, she like Peyton was also worried.
Peyton wrapped herself in a hug as Goosebumps appeared on her arms. "I just have this really bad feeling".
Alicia noticed the look on her friend's face it was fear. "I'm sure it's nothing Peyton. Where is your mom by the way"?
Peyton looked at her wristwatch. "Some interior design thing" she said frowning. Work was all her mother seemed to do lately.
"Turn that frown upside down" Alicia said trying to lighten the mood. "Since I spent all day watching you try on those ugly clothes of yours...you can try on mine" she declared her eyes lighting up as reached for her duffel bag, tossing it on the bed.
"There is no way I'm wearing your clothes" she yelled, horrified at the thought of having to wear dresses, skirts, sweaters, and high heel shoes when she was more of a converse girl.
"Please try them on. Don't knock it until you tried it" she said begging.
"No and you should take your own advice"!
"Yes"!
"No"!
"Yes! Come on please. Humor me if you must"! Alicia pulled out a black skirt with a short sleeved white buttoned up blouse.
She studied the outfit; it was okay and thankfully not a sun dress. Sighing she gave in. "Fine I'll try on your clothes along with this outfit". She dragged the heavy duffel bag to her bathroom.
"Peyton I promise you'll look hot" she called after her. Smiling at her success she sat back on the bed pulling out her red finger nail polish. She hummed a tune as she painted her nails, stopping when the phone rang. After putting the polish down and blowing on her wet nails she picked up the phone. "Hello".
Five minutes later Peyton returned in the outfit and uncomfortable pumps for her any way. She twirled around. "How do I look" she asked, watching Alicia hang up the phone.
She turned to Peyton with a grim expression on her face. "Peyton" she whispered softly, something was wrong.
"What's wrong" she asked, fearing the answer. "Who was on the phone"?
Alicia struggled to form a sentence. "It was the...hospital..., something happened to your mom".
Peyton complexion paled and in a frame on the edge of her desk sat a picture of a younger Peyton and her mother; suddenly it fell from its place cracking when it hit the hardwood floor.