Chapter 2...
Flashback
When Peyton left the room Haley, Nathan and Brooke all looked at each other. Peyton had been uncharacteristically in the presence of Lucas. Not only was that strange, it was what made them worry the most. Lindsay looked at Lucas, him still staring at the wall straight in front of him. Jamie was oblivious to what was going on, too engrossed in the photo album he'd just received for his birthday from Peyton. Lindsay nudged him on the arm, bringing him out of his thoughts.
"Lucas. How rude can you be? Not only have you been ignoring your godson/nephew on his birthday, you're the only one who hasn't acknowledged Peyton. I know you don't like her after what she did to you, and neither do I but at least exchange pleasantries; you don't want to turn your friends and family against you. Don't cause any trouble today...please." Lindsay finished shaking her head at her boyfriend.
If only she knew the truth Lucas thought to himself, thinking back to that white lie he told Lindsay when she asked why he and Peyton weren't together anymore, she wouldn't have just said that. His lie couldn't be further than the truth if he tried. That day was between him and Peyton no-one needed to know the truth, not even his editor/girlfriend. Some things were best kept secret and THIS was one of them.
Lucas looked up at Lindsay, giving her a sweet smile as an apology. "J-Man, come here and show me what you got." Lucas asked Jamie as Jamie got up from where he was sat next to his parents and headed towards his uncle.
"Uncle Lucas is this you?" Jamie asked, pointing towards the drawing of Lucas on the Rivercourt with Skills, Mouth, Junk and Fergie on the page in front of him.
"Yeah it is. What other drawings has Aunt Peyton put in here?" Lucas asked more to himself than towards Jamie.
"There are drawings from the State Championship and ones of Momma and Dad before they had me at their wedding I think." Jamie said turning over the pages.
Lucas looked towards the adjoining kitchen seeing Peyton look out of the window lost in thought. He thought back to what Lindsay said about him not acknowledging Peyton when they first arrived.
"Why don't you show Aunt Lindsay these pictures, I'm going to get a drink. Does anyone else want one?" Lucas asked looking at the adults as they shook their heads in response.
Lucas left the room to go and get a drink leaving Haley, Brooke and Nathan to look at each other worried. Not for Lucas, but for Peyton. They had no idea how this would go – Lucas and Peyton hadn't been in the same room for the first time in over 2 years. They hoped there would be no screaming and shouting matches, it was Jamie's birthday, and they wanted it to go smoothly, with no fall outs or fights.
Entering the kitchen, Lucas stopped by the door looking at Peyton who seemed to be trying to calm herself down. Lucas didn't know how to react so he said the word that came out of his mouth.
End of flashback
"Peyton."
Peyton froze at the sound of her name. Act normal Peyton she thought to herself. Act. Normal.
"Hi Lucas." Peyton said awkwardly, not knowing quite what he wanted. Peyton took another sip of her water before re-filling it.
"I...err...I want to...err... you know apologize for not acknowledging you when we, I mean Lindsay and I, arrived." Lucas said awkwardly looking anywhere other than at Peyton.
"Okayy." Peyton dragged out; cringing at herself for this awkward situation they were now in, taking another sip of her drink in order to calm herself once more.
The kitchen became silent as neither of them knew what to say, both were too scared to look at one another. Lucas heard the water run again as Peyton yet again refilled her glass.
"How have you been?" Lucas asked, finally finding the courage to look at her and find his voice.
"I've been...err...good thanks, how about you?" Peyton asked wanting nothing more than to get out of this situation and back into the living room where Brooke, Haley, Nathan and Lindsay were but she thought it would be best to return the pleasantries, not wanting to make this situation more cringe worthy and awkward than it already was.
"I've been good." Lucas said with a slight pitiful smile on his face. She could see the apologetic features on his face and she wasn't going to let her walls crumble down at the sight of them.
"That's...err... great Lucas. I best be getting back in there." Peyton said pointing back into the living room. Lucas gave a nod of his head and with that Peyton left the room not looking back. Lucas looked over his shoulder as she walked past, his eyes immediately drawn to her long legs that were revealed by her red mid-thigh length dress.
Realising he'd been staring at her legs a little too long, he shook his head in attempt to get all thoughts out of his head, especially those about how perfectly shaped, though a little chickeny, legs Peyton's legs were, and headed over to get a beer which was cooling in the fridge.
Walking into the living room, where all six of them were sitting, Lucas took his seat next to Lindsay and reached out to hold her hand, joining in with the conversation.
"Aunt Peyton." Jamie drawled out.
"Yeah Little Man." Peyton smiled.
"How long you staying for?" Jamie asked politely.
"About a month, I think." Peyton smiled even though it was a sad smile, not liking the thought of upsetting Jamie when she had to return to Los Angeles, where everything seemed much simpler and less emotional.
"Awww, why can't you stay for longer? I don't want to go." Jamie pouted.
"I see he's learnt the pout from the best B. Davis." Peyton laughed looking at Brooke making Nathan and Haley laugh, before turning back to look at Jamie. "I wish I could Jamie, but my work is back in LA. Anyway, Jamie I don't leave for at least another 3 weeks so let's not think about that before I have to go, okay?"
"Okay, Aunt Peyton. You've got time to draw that picture in my photo album then." Jamie said smiling.
"That I have Little Man." Peyton smiled.
"Peyton, what do you do for a living?" Lindsay smiled. Peyton couldn't tell whether it was a friendly smile, or whether it was a smile of wanting to hear about how much of a failed life Peyton lead. It got Peyton into thinking about how much Lindsay actually knew about her life. Yes, she knew Lindsay had read "An Unkindness of Ravens" as she was Lucas' editor, and she only knew that from reading the book cover to cover an endless amount of times. No one knew she had read it though, no one knew she carried a copy everywhere she went and no one knew she had a copy in the bag resting by her feet at this very moment in time. Yes, she had been that Peyton in the book, but that Peyton died a long time ago. Who knew what Lindsay thought of Peyton now and who knew what Lindsay had been told about her? Hell, Peyton didn't know anything about Lindsay so who was she to judge. She decided to go along with whatever Lindsay would ask in response to Peyton's next answer.
"I work at record label out in LA" Peyton smiled, incredibly proud of what she did for a living.
"Wow. What do you do there?" Lindsay asked intrigued but somehow Peyton felt this was all an act.
"I work as an A&R assistant." Peyton smiled knowing that not even Brooke knew about this and how much Peyton had climbed up the ladder at the Sire Records in the past two years.
"Excuse me. You didn't think of telling me this news P. Sawyer." Brooke asked sarcastically, playfully hitting her friend on the arm.
"Way to go Sawyer." Nathan said smiling.
"Never thought about telling me this news, huge news should I say, on our Skype chats," Haley laughed half annoyed yet half so, so happy for her friend.
"Well, it wasn't a big deal." Peyton smiled shyly. She hated the attention on herself, hence why she didn't tell anyone when she got the job a little under 6 months ago.
"Well, this calls for a celebration. Haley, you up for it later; you, me and the... oh so secret P. Sawyer?" Brooke asked looking over at Haley.
"Oh yeah, you don't mind do you Nathan?" Haley said trying to secretly eye to Brooke that she'd missed Lindsay of her list.
"No of course not, Peyton, you and me are celebrating tomorrow, give us time to catch up as well. Is that okay with you Sawyer?" Nathan asked.
"More than fine with me, not like I've got anything else better to do." Peyton joked with him, actually wanting to catch up with one of her best friends. Peyton and Nathan were like brothers and sister, always joking with one another.
"Lindsay, do you want to come as well, the more the merrier I say?" Brooke laughed.
"I'm gonna have to pass this time, sorry Brooke. I have an early flight to New York tomorrow, how about we all go out when I get back, my treat?" Lindsay said with a smile.
"Sounds perfect." Brooke said through gritted teeth earning a look off Haley and Lucas.
"I can't wait." Haley smiled.
The adults continued their conversations way after Jamie went to bed, who'd asked Peyton to tuck him into bed and read him an extract from the book Lucas got him for his birthday. Peyton just couldn't say no to him. Time flew by as all the adults were talking. Lucas and Peyton barely talked to each other, only speaking to others or the whole group when there was a lull in the conversation, which to be honest was very scarce. Noticing the time, Lindsay stifled a yawn, indicating to Lucas it was time to be heading home, dreading the early flight she'd have to catch in the morning.
"I think we'd better be heading off now, I've got an early flight in the morning, sorry guys." Lindsay said as she started gathering her things from around them and placing it into her large handbag which was lying by her feet.
"It's okay, it's quite late anyway and God knows how early Jamie will be up now Sawyer is finally here." Nathan laughed as Haley playfully hit her husband on the chest.
"She's our guest, be nice." Haley said trying not to laugh.
Lindsay and Lucas stood up from where they were sitting on the couch with Haley and Nathan quickly following as they headed to walk in front of them to walk them out.
Brooke stood up, when she realised that Lucas and Lindsay were leaving making Peyton stand up to in order to say her goodbyes. Brooke awkwardly hugged Lindsay. "Goodnight, have a safe drive home."
"Thank you," Lindsay replied before turning to Peyton, neither knowing quite how to react in this situation. Do they hug? Do they just say words? What? Deciding on the latter, Lindsay spoke, "It was nice meeting you Peyton, I hope we can get together again before you head back to LA."
"You too, have a safe trip to New York." Peyton smiled as Lindsay nodded and headed towards the door, waiting for Lucas to finish saying goodbye to Brooke.
Here we go, awkward situation two commence. This would either go two ways. One; they'd hug, Lindsay would no doubt feel insecure, it would make me go crazy and my walls would finally crumble. Or two; we'd both do nothing, just stare at each other for a fleeting moment before looking elsewhere and Lucas would leave embarrassed, maybe. Peyton thought to herself as he was moving towards her.
"Err..." Lucas stumbled, as he moved his arm to scratch the top of his neck and collar, something he always did when he was nervous. Peyton just looked at him waiting for a response, trying to show that she was strong, when deep inside she was dying. "It was...err... good night Peyton." Lucas finally spoke.
"Goodnight Lucas." Peyton said placing one arm on top of another and rubbing them, something she always did when she felt uncomfortable. Lucas nodded his head and with that headed to where Lindsay was standing with Nathan and Haley before walking towards the door and heading off home.
As soon as Lucas left the room, Peyton felt she could finally breathe again. When she came home she expected the situation to be uncomfortable between them, but what she'd just experienced was actually crazy. It was cringey to say the least, and very, very uncomfortable. She knew as soon as Haley entered the room again the round of 20 questions would come from Brooke and Haley, with Nathan probably leaving them to it as he'll most likely than not, ask what he wants to know tomorrow when they catch up.
Brooke was unusually quiet when they both made themselves comfortable on the couch. Brooke turned to look at her, not saying anything, making Peyton feel a little bit uneasy. Upon seeing this Haley laughed as re-entered the room.
"Go ahead Brooke." Haley laughed knowing she held off the questioning until her return.
"Where's Nathan?" Brooke asked.
"Gone to bed, He said he'll interrogate her later." Haley said looking at Brooke before turning to Peyton. "His words, not mine." Haley laughed.
"What the hell, happened two years ago to make you both act like that? I have NEVER seen you and Luke NOT touching each other ever, I mean in the platonic way before any of you start." Brook said seriously.
"Brooke, it doesn't matter what happened. What happened happened and none of us can take it back, I've moved on, he's moved on, it's in the past, and I'm looking to the future." Peyton said full of emotion yet deadly, deadly serious.
"Peyton, no one knows what happened, hell, I don't even know whether you are okay?" Brooke said putting her hand on Peyton's arm.
"No one is going to know what happened. That's between Lucas and I and it's going to stay that way." Peyton said turning to face them both.
"But Peyton, I'm worried about you." Haley chirped in.
"Why foxy?" Peyton asked.
"You're just... I don't know how to phrase it... You're just not the...not the Peyton we knew in high school. "Haley said, showing her feelings on her face.
"I'm still the Peyton from high school, I'm still a bitch, I've just learnt to deal with tragic events in my life, hell I've needed to, considering what I've had to deal with throughout my 22 or so years of existence." Peyton remarked.
"But Peyton, you've got to let us help you, you've taken 3 years to come back home." Haley started before Peyton interrupted her.
"LA is my home."
"Peyton you cannot be serious. Tree Hill is your home, your home is where you family is, and your family is here in Tree Hill." Brooke said with a look portraying a, you cannot be serious look.
"I have no family Brooke." Peyton said without a hesitation.
"You cannot be serious Peyton. You have a family, you have me, Brooke, Nathan, Jamie, Skills, Mouth; need I go on." Haley spoke, flabbergasted at what Peyton just said.
"It's not the same. Both my mother's are dead, my father is literally non-existent, my brother is off in battle, who knows whether I will see him again and I don't even know who my biological father is, he could be dead for all I know. We all know that he's most likely dead knows my luck with parents." Peyton said quite sharply.
"Family doesn't have to be blood related Peyton, Family can be a group of people who love you, who you can be yourself with and Peyton you have that right here with us." Haley said trying to get her to understand.
"Peyton, you know my circumstances with parents and a certain bitch-toria, and you know who I consider my family." Brooke asked but didn't let her respond and answered the question herself. "You... you, Haley, Nathan, Jamie, Skills, Mouth and Lucas; you have a family Peyton, just like I do."
"Guy, seriously, I know what you guys are trying to do. I'm fine, I'm not about to push myself in front of bus, or start taking drugs again. I'm fine; I'm finally satisfied with how my life has turned out. Please, I'm fine and you should all stop worrying about me." Peyton spoke, looking at Brooke and Haley who'd both suddenly got quiet. "Now, if you don't mind I've had a long day of travelling and then, well, yeah, so I'm gonna head off to bed." Peyton asked gathering her things together.
"That's fine. You can use the guest room, the room last on your left after the stairs. It's all made and there are fresh towels in the en-suite." Haley said, not able to wipe the look of concern off her face.
"Thank you. Good night guys. I guess I'll see you both tomorrow?" Peyton asked as she headed towards the door after hugging both Brooke and Haley goodnight.
"That you will P. Sawyer. Sleep well." Brooke said to her, already thinking about what they could do tomorrow.
"Goodnight Peyton." Haley added.
With a final smile to the both of them, Peyton headed out of the door and up the stairs to the guestroom she would be occupying for the next few weeks for some much needed rest. Today had been a day full of emotions. Not only had she seen Jamie for the first time since she saw him at the hospital right when he was born, but she'd also had her first encounter, if you could call it that, with Lucas within two hours of her touching down in Tree Hill. If today was like that, she didn't even want to think about what the next few weeks would bring. Hopefully she wouldn't have to see him tomorrow, and she could just spend the day with Brooke, catching up with her best friend, the one who she considered to be her honorary sister.
After completing her nightly routine, she got herself under the covers and placed her head on the fluffy pillows. All thoughts were erased from her head as she started thinking about what she'd like to do in the few weeks she has back in Tree Hill, wanting to spend as much time as she could with her best friends and her honorary godson, Jamie. Finally feeling her body relax, she shut her eyes, and fell into the first peaceful sleep she'd experienced in a while. For once she could fall asleep, and she could fall asleep feeling safe.
Their eyes were glued to Peyton until she left the room. Brooke and Haley turned to each other, neither knowing what to say. Peyton certainly seemed a lot stronger than in High School but they both had an inkling that it was just an act. They both knew her, and knew that she went through the hardest thinks alone as she built up her strong walls around her. The only person they knew who could break those walls down, was Lucas, but no one knew what was going on with those two, all they knew was that it was bad, really bad.
"I'm worried about her." Brooke said looking at Haley.
"To be honest I think we all are. We'll all just watch out for her, I'll ask Nathan to push her for answers tomorrow." Haley said, knowing there was a special brotherly sisterly bond between those two, some wives would be worried about that, but not Haley; she found it cute, and related it lot to her relationship with Lucas.
"Thank you, I'm going to spend the day with her tomorrow, so make sure Lucas stays away." Brooke said sternly.
"Okay, I'll try. How do we know it's Lucas' fault or that Lucas is the problem? It could be Peyton." Haley commented.
"When has it ever been Peyton? No one's ever made Peyton go more into her shell than that guy and Lucas has Lindsay so it definitely wasn't Peyton's fault. If it was Peyton's fault I don't think Lucas could move on. I know that sounds strange but that's what happened in High School and to me what I just said makes sense." Brooke replied.
"I see your point, but I'm going to remain neutral. I can't walk on egg shells around her, not inviting Lucas round to the house; he's my best friend, just like she's yours." Haley said feeling stuck in the middle.
"I'm not asking you to take sides. We don't even know what's happened, but she's no longer calling Tree Hill home, and it scares me at thinking that this visit will be the last time she'll be here." Brooke added emotionally.
"We've got time to work on that." Haley smiled as looked at the time. "And we'll start on that tomorrow. It's late and I should be in bed." Haley laughed.
"Oh, to be a parent," Brooke laughed. "Goodnight Hales, I'll see myself out. You get to bed, and I'll be round in the morning to take P. Sawyer out of your hair after she's spent some time with Nathan." Brooke said as they hugged.
"Night, girly; get home safely, okay?!" Haley asked.
"I will, don't worry. Night Hales," Brooke said as she closed the door behind her.
Both of them were left with the same thought as they either headed to bed or home – it was going to be one crazy...and bumpy month; no one could, or would want to, predict what is going to happen.
Tbc...
Thank you so much for all your reviews on my last chapter. I appreciate them all, even the bad ones. Your reviews have made me want to get this up for you faster. Hope you liked this update and I hope you'll continue your reviews no matter how good or bad you think this chapter is and if you have any suggestions of what you would like to see in the upcoming chapters. Thank you once again, B x
