Chapter Two: Running Into Love

Another boring day at Tree Hill High. I don't really feel like being in school today, but I have no choice. So I reluctantly park my car in the lot and head into school. Thankfully, I hadn't seen my sister yet. She had gone in early for some club meeting. I walked along the halls, heading to my locker. Before I could react, a hard body collided with mine. My bag fell to the floor, as did I. A soft groan fell from my lips when I felt someone on top of me. My mouth opened to utter a snide remark, but I was stopped by a pair of bright blue eyes.

"Hi." he said with a smile.

"Hi." I replied softly, short of breath. The intense stare between us continued for a few more moments before he climbed off of me. I grabbed a hold of his hand which he offered to me.

"Sorry I ran into you like that. It's my first day and I'm a little lost." he said apologetically.

"That's alright. I wasn't really paying attention to where I was going." I replied, picking up my bag.

"Would you mind showing me to my first class? It's in room A-213." Sure, A-213 wasn't even close to where I was headed, but being a few minutes late wouldn't kill me.

"Right this way." And of course, I planned on taking the longer route. I smiled at him and led him down the stairs.

"Thank you so much. What did you say your name was again?"

"I didn't." I replied with a smirk.

"Ah, mystery...I like that quality in a woman." I could feel my cheeks turning red as he spoke, and hoped that he didn't notice.

"So, what's your name?" I asked.

"If you get to be mysterious then so do I." he retorted with a smirk.

"Touche." I said with a smile.

"Well, you can call me Broody." he said. I laughed softly, then realized that he was serious.

"Broody?"

"Yeah. That's what they called me back in my old school." I nodded my head.

"Alright. And you can call me...Sawyer."

"Okay. Sawyer it is. So Sawyer, what's your passion?"

"My passion?"

"Yeah, everyone has a passion. I, being truly original, have two passions."

"Oh yeah? What are they?"

"Writing and basketball."

"Those are kinda opposite...don't see too many smart jocks." I said with a laugh. He chuckled in response.

"Well, what can I say? I'm gifted."

"Wow. Someone has a big ego."

"Not all the time. It's just a part of my charm. Anyways, what's your passion?"

"Well, it just so happens that I have two passions too."

"Ooh, we have something in common. What are they?"

"Music, and art."

"You draw?"

"No, I fingerpaint." I teased lightly. "Yes I draw."

"You sing?" he asked, intrigued.

"Yeah, in the shower." I joked. "But that's not what I meant when I said music. I think that music can change the world, it can change the lives of people all over the country. People just need to listen to the lyrics."

"Wow. That was deep..." he said, surprised. "But what type of music? Please tell me you're not talking about the Lil Wayne, G-Unit, rapping about girls and fast cars." I couldn't help but laugh.

"Yeah, not exactly. More on the other side of the spectrum. Have you ever heard of Travis? NOFX? Dashboard Confessional?" I asked, naming a few.

"You're a Travis fan?"

"You listen to Travis?" I asked, shocked. Not many guys did, especially not guys on the basketball team. He nodded his head.

"You have good taste in music. I'm surprised." he said with a smirk.

"Oh it's not too surprising. Most cheerleaders I know listen to NOFX all the time." I joked.

"You're a cheerleader?" I nodded.

"Yeah...I was forced into it, but it's not too bad."

"So I guess I'll be seeing you at the games?" I nodded, smiling.

"Just make sure you stay focused on the game...no drooling over me, alright?" He laughed softly.

"I'll keep the drooling to a minimum. I promise." We shared a laugh, and unfortunately, we were now at the classroom.

"I'll be seeing ya, Sawyer."

"Bye Broody." I smiled and walked away, I could hear my heart pounding ferociously. I felt butterflies flapping around in my stomach. I was never one to believe in love at first sight, but now my opinion had changed. I hurried to class when I heard the late bell ring. I slid into my seat, next to my best friend Rachel Gattina. "Oh my god."I mumbled.

"What?" she asked, turning to look at me.

"Well, I was just flirting with the hottest guy ever."

"What's his name?" she asked interested.

"I don't know...he told me to call him Broody."

"Weird...so he's new?" I just nodded. My mind consumed with thoughts of him. "Sweet Jesus." Rachel said with a laugh.

"What?" I questioned.

"You are totally falling for this guy!"

"I am not." I said defensively. "He was just nice. And hot. It's just a tiny crush."

"Yeah, right..." Rachel said with a laugh. Of course she wasn't right? Was she? I chose to believe that it was just a small little crush. The rest of the day went by, and I didn't see him once. I didn't see my sister either, and that was always good. I didn't even see him during cheerleading practice. I watched the basketball players all day and he wasn't there. I just figured that he had to talk to the coach or something before he could start. I headed home after school, trying to figure out how I could see him again. Maybe I could just happen to wander past his classroom in the morning. Or figure out where his locker was. Something. These thoughts were pushed aside as soon as I walked through the front door.

"Peyton! What took you so long to get home?!" Haley exclaimed.

"I had cheerleading practice. Like I do everyday after school." I replied with a sigh.

"Well, my boyfriend is gonna be here any minute!! You need to go get changed."

"Why?" I whined.

"Because we all need to look presentable." my mother interrupted.

"Fine. I'll change." I said, walking upstairs and collapsing on my bed. After a few minutes I decided to change. I put on a tanktop and mini skirt. I figured I could get her boyfriend all hot, he would be gone in a few days. It was win win. I sat down at my computer desk, playing around with random websites. After about an hour, I heard the doorbell ring.

"Peyton!! Can you get that?! Mom and I have to finish getting ready." I groaned and walked out of my room, jogging downstairs.

"Fine!" I pulled open the door and was shocked by who I saw. "Broody?" I questioned.

"Hey Sawyer!" he said, pulling me into a hug.

"What are you doing here?"

"This is where Haley lives, right?"

"You're my sister's new boyfriend?" I asked, shocked.

"I guess so." he said with a shrug. I could feel my heart drop into my stomach. My sister was dating him. How unfair was that? Once again, Haley got what she wanted, and I was left alone.

"Hey Lucas!" I heard my sister call. "I see you've met Peyton." she added, looking me distastefully up and down.

"Ah, so that's your name. I think I'm gonna stick with Sawyer." he said with a smile. Haley glared at me before slipping her arm through Lucas's. "Let's go sit down. Dinner is ready. Mom's at the table." I watched them go, feeling a pang of jealousy run through me. It didn't matter if I was crushing on him anymore. Now I just had to let go, and hope that Haley would be done with him in a week, maybe less. One thing I know for sure, is that this is going to be the dinner from hell.

A/N: I hope to have chapter three up sometime this week. Reviews are appreciated!