Chapter 2

Better Today

Yesterday I hit the ground

I felt so down

I let some baggage that I don't need get the best of me

Some days I wake up with a frown

Easily annoyed by any sound

I wish this negativity would stay away from me

Peyton was sitting in the school's student lounge. She was working on one of her drawings. She was really concentrating on it. A petite girl walked over to the table Peyton was sitting at.

"Hey is it okay if I sit here?" the girl asked.

Peyton looked up from her drawing. "Yeah, go ahead." She locked eyes with her and smiled.

"Thanks." She said and the girl took a seat. "You're in my Psychology class right" the girl asked.

"Maybe. When is it?" Peyton asked.

"Tomorrow 1pm with Julie Stout." She replied.

"Then I guess I am" Peyton smiled. "I haven't seen you I guess. My name's Peyton." Peyton extended her hand.

The girl shook it. "Haley. So what are you working on?"

"Just another drawing. I love drawing it's like therapy to me."

"Really? That's cool. I would have to say singing is my therapy."

"Oh wow you sing? That's awesome." Peyton replied.

"So, I haven't seen you around here before. It's a small college are you new?" Haley asked curiously.

"Yes I am actually. I moved back here from New York not too long ago."

"What? Why would you come back from New York? I'd love to live up there."

"Um…" Peyton got a bit tongue-tied. "You know…just…It was personal reasons."

Haley nodded in understanding. "It's cool if you don't want to talk about it. But if you do ever need someone to talk to I'm always here."

"Thanks Haley. I might do that some time." Peyton replied. "So, what's your story?"

"Not much of a story…I was born in Tree Hill. I went to High School in Tree Hill. I was valedictorian. And now I go to college in Tree Hill."

"Nothing wrong with that, Haley."

"I know. I've just been here my whole life and I feel like I haven't done anything really."

"Yeah, I know what you mean…" Peyton told her. Haley nodded.

Haley's phone started vibrating. She picks it up and looks at it. "Hey I have to go but why don't we exchange numbers?"

Haley and Peyton exchanged numbers. Haley stood up and gathered her things. "It was nice meeting you Peyton. I'll see you tomorrow." Haley touched Peyton's hand slightly.

"Bye." Peyton said.

Peyton watched as Haley walked away. She smiled to herself and then went back to work on her drawing.

Brooke awoke to her phone vibrating several times. "Oh my God! Shut up!" She grabbed her phone and read she had a few next text messages. They were from Nathan. She read, "I left her. I already moved out and settled in at my new place. I hope you're not still mad at me or anything. Go out with me tonight."

Brooke sat up in her bed. She text him back saying to give her a call.

She couldn't believe he finally broke up with Rachel after four years. Four years is a long time. She was sure he was going to marry her. She began to wonder what happened. He was single now so now she had no problem with going out with him on a date.

She got ready for her day and then headed out to school.

Today is a new day

I'm awake and expecting so much more

This pain can hurt no more

I washed it away

Now I'm standing at the door

The world looks better today

It's so much better today

Brooke sat in her Physics class. It was 5 minutes into class when Peyton walked into the room.

Peyton walked up to the teacher. "Hi I'm sorry I just got transferred into here." Peyton showed her a paper and the teacher nodded.

"Have a seat." The teacher responded.

The only available seat happened to be next to Brooke so she took a seat next to her. Brooke looked over at her and gave her a warm smile. Peyton smiled too.

"Okay class now that I have explained what to expect for this class it's time to begin. Get your paper and pens out to write notes."

Brooke opened her notebook and then she started digging in her purse for a pencil or pen. "Damn it" she said softly to herself.

Peyton put a pencil on her desk. "You can keep it. I have plenty."

Brooke looked over at Peyton. "Thanks."

"No problem."

"My name's Brooke." She whispered.

"I know…" Peyton whispered, "You're in my color fundamentals class"

"And that's how I know you're Peyton." Brooke smiled. Peyton smiled back.

"Ladies in the back. Pay attention." The teacher said to Brooke and Peyton. They chuckled.

The girls got quiet and the teacher continued with her lecture. The rest of the class time the girls took notes. The class ended and the girls walked out together.

"Thanks again for the pencil" Brooke said.

"Yeah, no problem." Peyton replied. "So, I guess I'll see you around, Brooke. It was really nice to meet you."

"Likewise, Peyton."

The girls went opposite ways. Brooke headed home. It was nearly six and she hadn't heard from Nathan. She decided to text him again. When she was about to start texting him her phone started to ring. It was Nathan.

I had no reason to feel down

For I have found that my negativity starts inside of me

Waiting for things to turn around

Tired, tired of feeling bound

I wish this negativity would stay away from me

"Well, it's about time." Brooke answered.

"Sorry, I've been busy. What's up?" He asked.

"Nothing. Just home. Are we doing something tonight?"

"Movie?" he asked.

"Yeah that's fine. Pick me up in an hour." She replied.

They said bye and hung up. Brooke began to get ready. An hour later her doorbell rang.

She went downstairs, opened the front door, and there stood Nathan. He smiled. Brooke smiled back.

"You look handsome today" she said to him. He blushed.

"Thanks. You look beautiful as always. You ready?" He said. She nodded. She locked her front door and they walked to his car.

Brooke sat in the passenger seat while Nathan drove.

"Are you going to tell me what happened?" Brooke asked curiously.

"No, Brooke. I don't' want to talk about that. I want to enjoy this date with you." He said to her.

"Okay that's fair." Brooke replied. "So, I haven't heard from you in over week. How have you been?"

"Good. I'm happy to be with you right now." Nathan smiled and she smiled.

Brooke was a little nervous. She'd been friends with Nathan for a while but now they were on a date and it was different. A good different and it made her nervous. When they arrived at the theatre he went to open the door for her and they walked toward where you buy the tickets. When they guy told them how much it was Brooke started getting her wallet out.

"Brooke, don't. I got this." Nathan said.

"Thanks Nathan." Brooke said.

Brooke and Nathan walked inside. They didn't hold hands. They were both being shy and were both nervous about the night. Throughout the whole movie they didn't hold hands but they would glance at each other. When the movie ended he drove her back home. He walked her to the front door.

"I enjoyed tonight with you Brooke. I really do like you." Nathan said.

"I had a good time too, Nathan." She said.

They stood there a few moments. They didn't know if they should kiss. Instead they shared a hug. Brooke was thinking she should've just kissed him. She really wanted to but was so nervous she went for a hug. Nathan thought the same thing that he should've kissed her. She walked inside her house. Nathan walked down the walkway back to his car. He drove off. He was happy. It was the first time since his breakup with Rachel that he was feeling happy.

I'm making the decision to turn my back on yesterday

Now I know I'm in control

I will make it better today

Thanks for the people who have this story as a favorite. I do appreciate it. Sadly, I didn't get any reviews on my last chapter. I really would love to get a review so I know how the readers feel about the chapters. I love feedback and they also motivate me to write more. Again, Thank you and please review.