Remembering

Summary: After getting into a car accident and injuring her head, Peyton wakes up. Everyone is happy, only to find out that she still thinks a certain boy is her boyfriend.

Disclaimer: I don't own OTH!

Chapter 1: Awakening

"I don't think you're hearing me right, doctor! I asked you plain and simple: When is Peyton going to wake up?" Brooke screamed at the doctor at her usual time. Everyday it was the same. Her best friend, Peyton, lay helplessly in her ghastly blue robe, IV stuck in her wrist on the uncomfortable, shaky bed. Brooke could not stand seeing her like this. This was the start of another week.

"Please try and calm yourself down Ms. Davis. This is a hospital and for the last time, I will tell you. We do not know when Ms. Sawyer will awaken. It could be two weeks from now, or sadly, even a month or more. I'm sorry." The doctor attempted to calm Brooke down, but she only burst out in tears.

"I was behind the wheel. How could I have done this? She's driven me home countless times when I was drunk and I can't even do it." Brooke managed to choke out those words, not before sniffling each time.

"It's not your fault sweetie. Remember, it was the car in front of you." Karen extended her arm around Brooke and rubbed her back gently. Lucas sat next to Peyton for the first time and saw how weak and fragile she looked. Her injuries were covered and she still looked like she always did, except for the innocent face and pale body. Memories of Peyton filled his head and he just wished she would wake up. Seeing her like this was killing him and he knew it was killing everyone else too.

Nathan and Jake stood next to each other, gazing at Peyton. "I'm sorry, man."

"Don't say that……." Jake sighed, but then a smile appeared on his face, "I'm not worried about her. I know she'll wake up…… Just when she's ready." Jake knew Peyton like the back of his hand. No, he knew Peyton like he knew Jenny. She took her time and would wait until she was ready before taking action. He was really happy he came back to Treehill. He took a single look at Peyton and started to think: 'This is where I belong. Why did I ever leave?'

"….. when she's ready." Nathan repeated him. Would Haley come back when she was ready? Would Haley come back at all? He had gotten used to it already though. It had been two weeks since Haley's departing and life hadn't gotten much better. He stared at Peyton and remembered when he visited her that day. He had no one to visit. Lucas was with Dan, Jake wasn't there for a long time so he didn't know what was going on, he never spoke with Brooke about deep things, Felix was not the number one option, and he hadn't even spoken one word to Anna in his life. Peyton was the only one, but even in the visit, he wasn't really the greatest friend. After all that though, she still managed to give him hope and faith. Drawing that picture meant a lot and he didn't even say thank-you.

Suddenly, everyone could hear moaning coming from Peyton.

"Peyton?" Lucas called to her, and each time he repeated her name, she would squint her eyes and try to open them. Then, she smiled and she was fully awakened.

She sat up and started to screamed when she saw the IV and needles stuck on her arms. "Peyton, it's okay. Don't worry." Brooke walked up to her. Peyton dropped the cords connected to the needles and immediately hugged Brooke. Tears of joy spilled from Brooke's eyes onto Peyton's silk curls.

"You're in the hospital. You past out, so I drove you home. While I was driving, the car in front of us stopped out of no where. I'm so sorry, Peyt." Brooke cried. Memories of Peyton's mother flashed in Peyton's head and she quickly put them away. This was different, she told herself. It wasn't her or Brooke's fault. She hugged Brooke and told her it was okay. The doctor instantly took out all the needles in a second and left to pick up her medicine and some food. Soon, she got a good look around the room and found who she was looking for.

"There you are. I was looking all over for you at the party." Peyton smiled at Jake's direction.

"Peyton, I was with you all night-" Jake was cut off short when he saw Peyton walk in his direction and lock her lips with- NATHAN?

Although he enjoyed the kiss and was slightly amused, Nathan pulled Peyton off of her gently.

"Um,… what are you doing?" Nathan asked.

Peyton grinned, "Why, I'm giving my boyfriend a kiss."

"Peyton, uh I'm not your-"

Suddenly the doctor walked into the room with a basket and water. Inside the basket were fruits and the medicine bottle was inside. "I'm back….. and Peyton, you should be on the bed resting. I'm sorry, but Peyton is to be left alone right now. We're going to be running some tests, and if everything is okay, she can leave tomorrow."

Everyone did as they were told, but Brooke pulled the doctor out for a minute.

"What's the matter, Ms. Davis?"

Brooke gave an uneasy smile, "I want to apologize for being so, ahem, disrespectful to you."

The doctor laughed, "Don't worry, I get it all the time and it's nice to see that my patients are surrounded by people like you."

Brooke smiled, but then frowned as she took a glimpse of Jake and Nathan. "Oh, and Dr. Brown…… I don't know if this is part of the recovery, but when Peyton woke up, she wasn't really herself. You see, that guy over there, Jake, is her boyfriend, but when she woke up she thought that guy next to him, Nathan, was her boyfriend. The thing is Nathan is her ex-boyfriend." Karen, Lucas, Nathan, and Jake joined Brooke after hearing some of the words said.

Upon hearing Brooke's detailed explanation of what happened, he sighed, "I was afraid this was going to happen. It's hard to explain now, but basically, Peyton cannot remember any recent events. Her memory of any of this has faded plus the remains of other recollections, but luckily, I can guarantee that it will come back, even when you least expect it. The best thing to do now is to just play along with her. However, when she regains her memory again, chances are she'll forget about your role playing, so don't get too comfortable. This is strictly for Peyton's wellbeing. I don't want you to get too involved or serious….. it may end up hurting you all, emotionally…. Especially you two." The doctor gestured to Jake and Nathan.

"But, won't she see what date it is? She could freak out when she sees that." Lucas thought ahead.

"I've been in many situations like Peyton's and in almost all the scenario's, they just play along with it. You just have to tell her that her memory may be a bit hazy, but don't tell her too much." He explained, and then he looked at his watch, "I'll come back later but I think it's best if you all got some rest. It's been a long week."

Karen shook hands with the doctor. "Thank-you doctor."

"No problem." He smiled, and walked away.

"I know I won't like it, but do it like old times." Jake patted Nathan's shoulder.

"With Haley gone, I've already been living like that." Nathan smiled, "But, I'll do it for you, and Peyton. I owe her that much."

"For what?" Brooke asked.

"For being there…… I'm going in…. you know, just to talk to her." He walked into the door and immediately, Jake felt like he could just die. He wanted to strangle Nathan but he knew it wasn't the guy's fault. Why should I feel this way, Jake pondered. Haley just left Nathan and their marriage. Maybe this would be good for Nathan. It could take his mind of Haley. Jake just hoped he wouldn't enjoy spending time with Peyton too much.

"Hey," Nathan entered the room and waved to Peyton.

She beamed at the sight of his face and gestured to the seat for him to sit down. "Hey, I felt like I haven't seen you in years."

Nathan chuckled softly. "Yeah, me too. I was really worried about you."

"Don't be. My head just hurts a bit and my memory is just really hazy because I still think it's the year 2002…. Or 3. Well, I guess it's just hard to believe we've been together for so many years now. I mean it's 2005 now Nate. That's an awful long time." She kissed his cheek.

Hesitantly, he grabbed her hand gently and kissed it. "It's just the beginning."

Although he was uncertain if he should do it, Nathan kissed Peyton. It was a short, but good kiss. It brought memories to Nathan about their past relationship. It shocked him too. He thought that the first kiss he would share in a long time would be with Haley……. Although he knew that he wouldn't be so forgiving towards her.

"I'm sorry." He blurted out.

"For what?"

"For anything I've done to hurt you in our relationship. My father… well you know the story." Nathan spoke as if they were younger. He still had to explain about his emancipation.

"Yeah, but don't worry. I'll be there for you all the time." Peyton placed small kissed on his hand like he did. He hadn't had anyone do that to him in a long time. The again, he hadn't felt loved like this in forever.

"Um, while you were unconscious….. I…. I got emancipated." He muttered under his breath.

"Nathan that's great!" She hugged him, but squirmed right after, "Wait, ow, ow, ow. That hurt. I'll just lay down now." He laughed and started to remember her goofiness. When they were younger, Peyton was always this unique chick. She was different. Very different.

"You okay?"

"Yeah, I'm alright… but Nathan, that's awesome. You have your own place?" She asked.

"Yeah, I do. I actually unpacked and everything. It looks great." He started to remember the boy toy auction and suddenly, he couldn't wait for her to get out. He wanted to have fun like that again. "I have to go, but I'll come by tomorrow and pick you up to see my place."

Peyton pouted, "Fine……. But you better not be late. 2: 00 p.m."

"I won't be. I'll see you later." He kissed her forehead and was about to walk out when she just had to say it. She really just had to say it.

"I, I love you." She seemed uncertain and hesitant at first, but then it just drifted off her lips.

He turned around, still unsure, but remembered : this was not real. This was just for Peyton. He smiled, "I love you too." Then, he walked out the door, knowing exactly what to do.

Unknown to the 'couple', Jake and Lucas had watched them. Once they saw the kiss, they left. Well, more like Jake left and Lucas followed.

"Jake, he's only doing this for Peyton." Lucas reasoned.

Jake groaned in frustration, "I know, but…. It just looked so real."

"It did, but I know Nathan. He still loves Haley deeply. But otherwise, I think this could be good for him. He just needs to have fun and as hard as it may be, he needs to stop grieving over Haley for a while. Taking care of Peyton will take all the stress off his back. Just trust him, alright?" Lucas reasoned.

"I trust him…….. It's just going to be hard for these couple of days." Both boys got into the car and buckled their seatbelts.

"I know, man, but you can stick it out. I know you can." Lucas patted his shoulder. After that, they both left the hospital, not knowing that those few days could turn into a few weeks…… or even worse, months…………….

Yay or nay? Tell me what you think and if I should continue! Hope you enjoyed! Reviews are much appreciative! Off to do my homework!

SoHappy!