Hey...
So here's chapter two. Just wanted to say thanks to oth.daddy'sgurl.06 and to lilmonkeygirl31 for reviewing.
Please read this chapter and tell me what you think.
Thanks.

Summary: The world is a blur...at least in her eyes. There is no point to her life, not without him. Can she once again find that clarity, or will she forever be stuck in the pointless oblivion? JEYTON, BRUCAS, NALEY

DON'T FORGET ABOUT US
CHAPTER 2

People past by me, not noticing I'm here, occasionally they even run into me, mumble a sorry, and continue walking. The streets are wide, filled with cars and pedestrians, so unlike home. Nobody stops and smiles, or waves hello as you pass; nobody gives you the time of day. I'm standing here on the sidewalk in the middle of a big intersection, looking from my map to the streets trying to figure out which way to go; nobody stops to help. I look up from my map and decide to take a right, following the buildings until I finally reach my destination; the local police station.

Making my way to the front desk I move around a few people sitting in chairs and rest my hands patiently on the counter while the clerk talks on the phone. I can't help but overhear his conversation, it doesn't sound work related at all. Hoping to catch his attention I clear my throat, and it works. "How may I help you?" He asks insincerely after hanging up the phone.

"Um, I have an appointment with a Todd Smith." I answer him. He grabs his binder and flips a few pages.

"Name?" He questions, not lifting his head from the book.

"Jake Jagelski." I answer. This seams to catch his attention, which slightly startles me. I wonder why he recognizes it.

"Right this way." He says opening the half door and pointing to a door down the hall. "Just walk right in."

"Thanks." I offer a small smile, confused as to his sudden change in attitude. Not wanting to be rude I give a light knock before I push the door open. The sheriff is sitting behind his large desk on the phone, he nods and holds up a finger and then points to the seat in front of his desk. I nod in reply and take a seat.

A few minutes later he hangs up, jots a few notes on a nearby paper and then lifts his head towards me. "Good morning." He offers a smile, the first one I've seen since I've been in town, but I suspect it is just for formality.

"Morning." I offer a smile back. "I'm Jake Jagelski." I say extending my hand towards him, he shakes it.

"You're here about your daughter…" He states, grabbing a folder and pulling out a sheet of paper, "..Jenny. Am I correct?"

"Yes sir." I shift nervously in my seat. "I was wondering if there was any new information."

"Well let's see." He says removing a few more sheets of paper. "Let me call this number, and I will find out everything that I can."

"Ok." I nod slightly. He pushes the number into the phone and leans it on his neck. I wait nervously, drumming my fingers against the armrest. He calls a few different numbers during the span, talking to different people. I study his face, his side of the conversation, he seems to light up. I sit forward, 'maybe this is it, maybe they found her.' I think.

He says his goodbyes once again and puts the phone back on the receiver. "Well Mr. Jagelski…" He says grabbing a form and writing in some information. "I've got good news and bad news."

"Tell me." I say impatiently. He seems to notice my eagerness and lifts his head from the papers.

"Good first?" I nod and he continues. "We've located Nikki and Jenny."

"That's great!" I exclaim. I can feel my heart speed up, a smile quickly overtaking my face.

"But there's more." He states, I think I see a small frown. "Before you get your daughter back there are a few necessary steps we must take."

"Anything." I state.

"First is a DNA test; we have to prove that Jenny is indeed your daughter. Second is a trial; a judge has to decide who gets custody." He says continuing to fill in the form.

"How long is it going to take?" I ask, not really sure if I want to hear the answer.

"Average…" He says lifting his head. "A few weeks."

"Ok." I say. "Where is the trial going to be?"

"Um." He says lifting a paper. "Tree Hill, North Carolina."

"Thank you so much." I smile standing to shake his hand; he reciprocates the gesture and I leave his office.

Once again I'm walking down the street filled with people who just pass by; but I can't keep the smile off my face, and I notice a few weird glances shot my way. I make it back to the motel and flop down on the bed. For some reason, it doesn't seem so bad anymore. I decide to take the rest of the day off, just enjoying myself. Maybe I'll see a movie, or check out some of the local stores.

I had decided to take a walk by the river; and surprisingly, it was peaceful. Dare I say, it almost reminded me of home. I even managed to sell my motorcycle, giving me enough money to buy a plane ticket back to Tree Hill. My flight is at ten in the morning; I already know the first person I'm going to see, Peyton.

So here we all are, Me, Brooke, Lucas, Nathan, and Haley at Tric Mouth is up on stage being the DJ. Lucas stands and him and Brooke make their way to the dance floor. Technically I'm not alone, cause Nathan and Haley are still here, but it doesn't matter seeing that they are currently attached at the lips.

Standing I walk around the counter, grabbing a cup and pouring in some vodka; it looks like water, so no one will notice. I take a few sips, already feeling the calming affect it has on me. Sighing I lean my arms on the counter, resting against it, watching all the people enjoying themselves.

Karen walks up behind me and offers a small smile; I give it back, but I don't think it was very convincing. She walks up behind me placing her hand on my shoulder. "You alight Peyton." She asks moving closer to me so no one else hears.

I give her a slight nod, "Fine." I answer. She looks at me skeptically, them moves her gaze to the cup I'm gripping in my hand. I'm silently cursing myself, hoping she will drop it and just walk away.

"What are you drinking?" She asks motion towards my drink. I'm cursing her curiosity, her motherly instincts. I consider telling her, but then decide against it.

"Water." I say lifting the glass slightly and then setting it back down. Again she looks at me, skepticism written on her face. She goes to open her mouth again, and I cave. "Fine, take it." I say handing her the cup.

"Peyton." She looks at me, disappointment and confusion in her eyes. "What's going on?"

"Nothing." I say moving away from her, and heading towards the backrooms. I lock the door behind me in one of the rooms, making my way to the desk and pulling out another bottle of vodka. I open it and take another burning sip as I plop down on the couch.

Another twenty minutes pass, and the bottle is losing more volume. I turn my head when I hear a quiet knock on the door but I don't move to open it. A few seconds later it swings open and Nathan walks in, shutting it behind him.

"How…" I say stuttering for a second. "How did you get in?"

"Secret." He says sitting beside me on the couch. "Wanna talk?"

"You wouldn't understand." I say taking another sip from the bottle.

"Says who?" He asks raising his eyebrows at me. "Just try me."

I stare at him for a few minutes, silence filling the room as I debate whether to talk or not. He stares back at me, waiting for my reply. Another few minutes pass and he finally stands. "Fine. But I'm always here Peyton." He states moving towards the door.

"Nate." I say sighing. He turns around and stares at me, waiting for me to continue. "It's just…" I hesitate. "Jake." I at last state. He nods his head and sits beside me again.

"Haley left me you know." He stated. "I know exactly how you're feeling."

"I just miss him." I say taking yet another sip of vodka. He watches me intently, watches my eyes glaze just a little more.

"Peyton." He says softly. Slowly reaching his hand out he grasps the bottle. At first I resist, but then he places his other hand on mine and I let go. "Sometimes they come back." He smiles a little at me.

"I know." I nod, my gaze shifting downwards. He takes his hand from mine and lifts my chin up.

"He will." He states seriously before standing up. "Come on." He says offering his hand down to me. "Let's get you home."

"Ok." I say, attempting to stand, but I stumble forward and he grabs me tightly. He escorts me back to the other room, me leaning against him for support.

"Hey." Lucas says walking up to us. "What's up?" He asks furrowing his brow at me.

"Someone had a little to much to drink." Nathan states. "Wanna help me?"

"Sure." Lucas says grabbing my other arm and helps us towards the door.

My world is once again blurry. Everything around me is fuzzy, I look up at Nathan, I can tell its him, but its hard; the same with Lucas. It's all one big haze as I hit my bed and fall into a slumber.

I pull my hat down lower, hoping no one recognizes me. I smile to myself at all of the familiar places, the feel of the town; I'm home, and it feels great. Walking up the street I spot her house and quicken my pace a little just wanting to be in her arms quicker. Stepping onto her porch I try the handle, and as usual, it's open.

I check my watch and its only six in the morning here; knowing Peyton, I know that she is still sleeping. I remove my shoes, carrying them in my hands I sneak upstairs. I push her door open, and my heart melts. There she is, sleeping beautifully. I place my shoes by the door and walk around to the other side of her bed. I stare at her walls, taking in her art. My heart aches a little when I see her wall, a picture of me on it. I know that I've cause some of her pain, and I hate it. Quietly I remove my shirt and my pants, leaving me in just my wife beater and boxers. Careful not to wake her I move the covers and slide in next to her.

I take in her smell, and it's amazing. I run my hands along her arms and through her hair smiling, hoping its not all a dream. I wrap my arms tightly around her, pulling her close to my chest and placing a kiss in her hair. I close my eyes, my smile still plastered on my face as I drift asleep.

I try to shift my body, but I feel something holding me down. My eyes fly open when I realize it is someone's arms wrapped around me. I check the clock quickly, its ten am. I shut my eyes tightly and open them a few seconds later, hoping its all a dream. I remember drinking last night, and I remember some guys bringing me home, but that's it.

Carefully I turn my body to face the man, and I'm shocked at what I see. There he is, the man I've been heartbroken over for months, the man I love with all my heart. I rub my eyes, making sure I'm awake; I am. I move my hand to his face, taking in his sleeping figure. I take in his smell, and it's just like I remember. He seems to be smiling, and that makes me smile too.

"Jake." I whisper. His eyes gradually flutter open, and his smile grows. He moves his hand up to mine, lacing our fingers together and bringing my hand to his lips. "Wha…How...? I say not able to form words.

"Shh." He smiles as he silences me with a short, but amazing kiss. "I'm back." He whispers. "They found Jenny."

"Where is she?" I ask confusedly. I sit up slightly, looking around the room but I don't see her.

"She's safe." He smiles. "I have a court day in a couple days, for custody."

"I missed you." I say pressing my forehead to his. His hand makes its way to my hair, resting it against my temple.

"Me too." He smiles. His lips move towards mine, but then he stops, a frown forming on his face.

"What?" I ask worriedly as he quickly stands from the bed and makes his way to my bathroom.

"I heard the door." He whispers quickly. "Don't tell anyone yet."

I nod as he shuts the door, just in time as Brooke enters the room. "Morning." She greets me happily.

And for the first time in months, I smile back. "Morning." I reply. She stops in her tracks, eyeing me suspiciously,

"What's gotten into you?" She questions. Then she looks around my room and notices Jake's shoes by the door and his clothes on the floor. I smile starts to form on her lips. "Who's the lucky guy?"

"What?" I ask trying to throw her off.

"A guy is here." She states knowingly. "Spill."

"Its just some guy." I say lying. "He was at the club last night, we were both drunk. He's in the shower."

"Go P. Sawyer." She laughs clapping her hands together. "Bout time you got over Jake."

"Right…" I say sarcastically as I roll my eyes. "Do you mind?"

"Oh no!" She says skipping towards the door. "Call me later. I want details."

"Sure." I state dully as she leaves my room. A few seconds later I hear the front door close and my bathroom door creak open. "Coast is clear." I smile at him. He smiles back but makes his way towards my door. "Where are you going?" I ask.

"Nowhere." He says closing the door and locking it. He then jumps onto the bed next to me smiling. "I'm staying right here." He says cupping my face in his hands.

"Why Mr. Jagelski." I laugh lightly. "What are you doing?"

"This." He whispers before crashing his lips into mine. He slowly rolls on top of me. I wrap my arms around his neck, pulling him closer, never wanting to let him go again.

We lay there for a few minutes, rediscovering each other. He breaks the kiss and I frown. "Don't stop." I whisper, a little out of breath.

I stare into her eyes, looking into her soul. I try to memorize everything about her face. My hand makes its way to her cheek, rubbing her silky skin. She stares back up at me, smiling. It then that I know that I'm ready. "Marry me." I whisper, staring intently into her eyes.

She stares back, confused. Her mouth opens, but then shuts again. "Jake…" She whispers at me skeptically her eyes scanning mine.

I move my finger to her lips, silencing her. She slowly closes her mouth, still staring into my eyes. "Marry me." I say again. I dip my head and capture her lips in mine, putting all the passion and love I have for her into it.

I break again and lift my head to study her face; her eyes are still closed, savoring the kiss. Slowly they flutter open and I'm met with the sea of green. Her lips form into a smile as she nods her head. "Ya?" I ask excitedly.

She bites her lip as she nods her head again. "Ya." She smiles up at me. My lips crash forcefully onto hers. Our hands make their way to each other, grasping our fingers together, signifying our union.