A/N: Hey guys! I was so happy with the feedback and favourite story/story alerts I received, so thank you so much for that. Shout outs to lukenpeyton4ever, citigirl13, New2TreeHill, and gosal11444 for reviewing! I hope you all continue to review with your feedback it was much appreciated. So here is Chapter 2, I hope you all enjoy it. :) And even though it's an hour early: Happy 2011 Everyone! :D Hope it's great! Happy Reading -RedRover94

Lucas woke up the next morning, feeling a bit better, and in less of a funk. He was still angry as hell at the world. But he had to be strong, for himself and his Mom. Lucas was doing okay at school until he saw a tribute to Jimmy Edwards and a group of students paying their respects. 'Are you fucking serious?' He walked by and kicked the decorations and candles into oblivion.

Peyton witnessed the whole scene and looked on in pure sadness. She would never wish the loss of a parent on anyone.

Lucas staggered towards the library doors. Peyton's gaze flicked to him, he didn't deserve this, Keith didn't deserve this. Then her eyes fixated on those double doors of the library. In an instant, a whole lifetime's worth of memories flooded back to her. All from that day. Her getting shot and falling to the ground, the heap of students that brushed past her in panic, dragging herself to a safe place, begging Lucas not to leave her, him taking care of her, her brave admission, and that kiss. That unexpected, empowering kiss.

Peyton wobbled over to the library, peering in for Lucas. She spotted him at a lone table and shakily walked over. He spotted her and nodded once to acknowledge her presence. He lay his head on the cool table and Peyton mirrored his actions so she was facing him. They sat there for the longest while, and for a split second, she could swear that she saw the slightest hint of a smile, the smallest flicker of light in his eyes. The same light and staggering strength that used to make her quiver. It was humbling. And then he was back to the lifeless form of the Lucas she used to know.

"He's gone, Peyt", he murmured barely audible, against the table.

Her eyes softened when she whispered, "I know, Luke."

Lucas' eyes closed, the worry etched on his face quickly turning calm, peaceful. Peyton just sat there and watched him, enjoying how content he was when he was sleeping. He had escaped into his own dream world, where the harsh realities eluded him if only for a few minutes. The bell rung then and Lucas awoke suddenly, taking in his surroundings. When his baby blues drifted over to Peyton's mossy greens, he calmed down. Rubbing his eyes, Lucas stood up outstretching his arm for a slightly disabled Peyton. She took it gratefully, grabbing her crutches and securing herself on them. Once they reached the doors, Lucas opened them for Peyton and she unevenly walked through, peering over her shoulder at a broken Lucas. He saw her motionless in the hall, staring at him. He tried to smile for her, but it merely looked awkward.

The rest of the day was uneventful. Lucas was in his own world all day, at a standstill. He couldn't focus on anything or anyone. He felt empty.

Brooke was there for him of course. And for that he was glad. Through all of the mental madness he was experiencing, his girlfriend was still there for him. Still supporting him. Comforting him. Loving him.

Brooke walked with Lucas to his house, and she came in to check on Karen. Lucas went in his room after kissing Brooke goodbye telling of the work he had to finish, but he could still hear the faint voices of his mom and Brooke in the kitchen. He was glad that Brooke was there for not only him, but his mom as well. He really was worried about his mom. He sighed to himself. He couldn't even fathom how this had happened. Everything was finally going to be perfect. He would get the dream family he always wanted. Keith and Karen would have been husband and wife and Keith was going to adopt Lucas. Lucas would have the father he always wanted and Keith would have the son he deserved. Lucas sat on his bed, glancing at the picture of him and Keith at Halloween. He remembered that day so well. His eyes flicked over to his school bag, full of books. Great, he thought. Lucas couldn't even begin to think of homework, let alone actually care enough to do it. All he could think about was Keith. And he wished and wished that it wouldn't be like this forever. That somehow life could get back to normal. Whatever normal was. He wanted to believe that Keith's death was a dream, a horrible nightmare that he would soon awake from. And once he did, everything would be better. But he knew that it was real. Things could never return to normal and a life without Keith would soon become his life. But it would never become his normal. Life without Keith could never be normal. This Lucas knew to be true. And that was a sad reality.

A/N: Like it? Hate it? Let me know!