5 Oct. '05
Saw Lucas today. Went to Karen's Café…very peculiar reunion.
It was the perfect fall day. The leaves in Tree Hill were turning golden…auburn…brown, and falling languidly into the streets.
Peyton walked into the café. It was far too long to remember the last time she had actually been in there.
She sat at a booth, her sketchpad sat in front of her as she began draw carelessly.
Lucas was helping at the café today. He watched her, bent over her work, from behind the counter.
He didn't plan to talk to her, but it was as if he was drawn…
When a shadow cast over her sketchpad, Peyton looked up slowly. Lucas was standing over her, amusement written all over his features.
"Hey."
"Hey," she returned in greeting.
There was awkward silence.
"How have you been," she asked finally.
"Good…good."
There was that silence again.
'Cool."
Lucas nodded. "Yep," and paused. "Well…I guess Ill talk to you later."
Peyton nodded quickly, returning to her drawing.
Lucas grimaced all the way back to the kitchen. Stupid.
………………………
Lucas laughed at the memory. Peyton was right. Peculiar.
………………………
15 Oct. '05
Car in the shop. Bullshit. But in an ironic twist—Lucas friggin Scott walked me home.
Peyton slung the strap of her satchel over her shoulder and brushed her hair out of her eyes. It was a nice enough day. It was crisp and cool…autumn. THS was just out of sight when Lucas pulled along side her in his truck.
"Need a ride?"
She smiled. "It's nice out. Wanna walk?" She said almost sarcastically.\
So she was more than a little surprised when Lucas parked on the came along side of her shrugged.
"Why not?"
Peyton laughed. Sure, company for two more blocks might be nice…
They talked about inconsequential things…Light hearted.
And by the time they had reached her house, they were shoulder to shoulder.
She wanted to ask him in…
He wanted to come in…
She didn't invite. He didn't ask.
"Well, I guess I better go."
"Yeah," Peyton paused. "Hey Luke?...Thanks for walking me."
His smile was warm. "Don't mention it."