Several months have passed since Lindsay left Lucas at the altar. He hasn't seen Peyton since that day. Meanwhile, Peyton is spiraling out of control and is almost on the verge of being an alcoholic. Lucas is on a trip with Karen, Andy and Lily.

'So, have you seen Peyton since... you know..?', asked Karen.

'No.' replied Lucas.

'Lucas, I think you need to stop pining over Lindsay and talk to Peyton. It's not right for you to keep your feelings to yourself. If Peyton is the one you want to be with, then you need to talk to her before... well, before she finds someone else. It will be too late then.' said Karen.

Lucas knew his mother was right. He had to talk to Peyton at some point of time. He couldn't avoid her forever.

A few days later.

Knock Knock. Brooke opened the door. 'Hey Luke, when did you get back?' asked Brooke.

'A couple of hours ago. Is Peyton here? I need to speak to her urgently.' replied Lucas.

Brooke's eyes started shifting nervously. "Uhh Luke, when was the last time you spoke to Peyton?' asked Brooke.

'To be honest, not since the day when Lindsey left me at the altar. Look Brooke, I really need to speak with her. Is she here?' Lucas asked.

'Luke, ever since you left for the trip with your mom and Andy, well, Peyton has kinda not been herself lately. She's developed a... a habit.'

'What do you mean?'

'Luke, she's been drinking heavily for the last few months. She comes home at three in the morning completely drunk and is not in proper shape. I've tried talking to her, but she refuses to get help.'

Lucas couldn't believe this.

'Brooke, where is she?'

'Where else? The same place she's been for the past three months. ECHO bar.'

Lucas left hurriedly. He reached the bar in twenty minutes and went inside. He looked all over and finally caught a glimpse of her blonde hair. However, it was much longer and she had apparently straightened it. He approached her.

'Peyton.'

Peyton turned towards Lucas. What he saw was a complete mess. Her eyes were puffy and blackened with sadness.

'LUKE!!', Peyton screamed. She hugged Lucas tightly and started laughing very loudly. She was completely drunk.

'Two more shots', Peyton told the bartender.

'No. No more shots for her', Lucas told the bartender. 'Cmon Peyton, lets get you home.'

'Hey, get your hands off me.', Peyton told Lucas.

'Peyton!'

'I said, get your hands off me. I'm not Lindsey who can be manhandled by you. TWO MORE SHOTS!'

Lucas looked at Peyton and stared at her disbelievingly. She was definitely not herself.

'Peyton, please...', pleaded Lucas.

'Peyton, please...', mimicked Peyton. 'Cmon Luke. Sit and have a drink. You'll feel much better, I promise you that. This place is great. I can't believe I've never come here before.'

She had her shot and asked for another beer.

Lucas couldn't see her like this. A tear fell upon his cheek.