AN: Thank you for the lovely reviews I got on the first chapter! I tried to reply to most of you, but unfortunately can't reply to guest reviews, so a big thank you to you anonymous readers! :)
I noticed some of you were wondering if this story would also feature Brooke/Lucas as a pairing and I'm sorry to have to disappoint you guys, but for now that's not something that I have planned.
Also, I've never written chapters this long, and am not sure if you guys prefer shorter chapters or not, so please let me know!
FEBRUARY
Peyton hesitated for a second, key in one hand, two cups of freshly brewed coffee in the other, but decided quickly that if Chase was still around on Sunday, three days after his first date with Brooke, he might as well get used to the fact that Peyton had a key and could barge in at all times. She unlocked the door with the spare key Brooke gave her when she moved in.
A homely feeling came over Peyton when she set foot in the hall. Brooke's house was very clean and very inviting. Most walls were painted white, with pops of color coming from accessories, paintings, and photographs, and there were fresh flowers scattered across the hall, kitchen and living room. The house was fairly big, but it felt cozy and Peyton loved spending time here, maybe because her own apartment was so much more of a mess and not welcoming at all.
"Brooke," Peyton called out and closed the door behind her. She was met with a "Over here," coming from the other side of the house and she guessed Brooke was in her office, probably working on some sketches, even though it was Sunday. Brooke loved her work and could always be found sketching or jotting down ideas.
Peyton continued down the hall, one of her paintings hanging on the right wall. It was a painting she made especially for Brooke; a canvas filled with different hues of blue, a color Peyton associated with Brooke since the day she first met her all those years ago. She had called it Penelope for good measure.
Peyton passed the kitchen and found Brooke in the last room on her left, her office, sitting behind her desk, chewing on a pencil.
"Morning," Peyton said as she set the cups on the desk.
Brooke sniffed and looked up, her eyes twinkling, "You brought coffee! I love you, P. Sawyer."
"That bad, huh?" Peyton sat down on one of the chairs opposite to Brooke and took a sip of the hot beverage. "Did Chase keep you up all night, or what?"
"Ugh, I wish," Brooke leaned back in her chair and shook her head.
"Not a good date?" Peyton asked hesitantly, not wanting to upset Brooke.
"No, no it's not that," Brooke's eyes lit up again, "Thursday was amazing, seriously P., he's such a nice guy, but it just sucks that he has to work most nights."
"Hmm," Peyton agreed, relieved to hear Brooke had a good time.
"I actually wanted to ask you something," Brooke started, with a shy smile. "The only night he has off next week is Friday, so I kind of hoped-"
"Are you really considering ditching me for Chase?" Peyton held her hand to her heart, pretending to be hurt, "Brooke Penelope Davis, do I really have to remind you-"
"You don't," Brooke interrupted. "Hoes before bros, I know, I know," she pouted, "but I really, really like him."
"Fine," Peyton said, shaking her head but smiling. "You do your thing on Friday, but know that I will never forget this. Never."
"Whatever," Brooke simply said, probably knowing better than to take her best friend serious.
"Whatever," Peyton echoed with a smile.
"In other exciting news," Brooke continued, "New York called me yesterday to let me know that I get to do a show at Fashion Week!"
"Brooke!" Peyton jumped up from her seat and ran over to her best friend to give her a hug, "Congratulations! That's so awesome."
"I know, right?" Brooke clapped her hands together rapidly. "A spot opened up last minute and New York pulled some strings and made it happen."
"New York did good, I have to admit," Peyton offered.
New York, otherwise known as Victoria, or Brooke's mother, had taken over the business side of Brooke's label around two years ago, when it all became a bit too much for Brooke to handle. Peyton wasn't a big fan of the woman and had often argued with her about the decisions she made regarding Brooke's life. They had gotten into a real bad argument right before Brooke and Peyton left New York, when Victoria accused Peyton of influencing her daughter's decisions too much and that she was just a parasite living off of Brooke's fame and fortune. Peyton had thrown these accusations right back at Victoria, and the two women hadn't spoken since. Brooke, knowing how delicate the subject was with Peyton, had referred to her mother as New York ever since.
"I would say we should go out for celebratory drinks on Friday, but someone already has a date," Peyton teased.
Brooke stuck out her tongue, "Other than that date with Chase, I don't even have time for drinks. I have three weeks left to come up with five additional pieces for the show and I have absolutely no inspiration whatsoever."
"Ugh," Peyton shook her head, knowing how hard it was to have to work with such a tight deadline. "Is there anything I can help you with?"
"Not really," Brooke replied, "Unless you suddenly know how to design dresses?"
Peyton laughed and shook her head, "Nope. But I might have an idea."
Brooke squinted at her, "Ok."
"I'll get back to you about it, ok?" Peyton asked. When Brooke nodded she smiled, "Either way you definitely don't need me hanging around and distracting you," She got up and blew Brooke a kiss, "I'll call you tomorrow, ok? Now go sketch some gorgeous dresses."
"Bye babe," Brooke called from behind her desk, "Love you."
"Alright," Peyton looked around her classroom at the juniors in front of her, "it's been four weeks since I gave you the assignment to paint something prompted by Love so it's time for me to judge your work. You have until the end of the class to finish your piece, please remember to either sign it or pin a piece of paper with your name on it, and I'll make sure I have them graded by next week." She gave the class a little nod to let them know she was done talking and sat down behind her desk.
She watched the students get back to their paintings and when she was content that everyone was working, she turned her attention to her lesson plan for the upcoming weeks. She hated coming up with subjects weeks in advance and rather just take things as they came, but Mr. Henderson wasn't the spontaneous type of principal.
"Miss Sawyer?" a quiet voice asked.
"Yes?" Peyton looked up and saw a girl standing in front of her. "What is it, Rose?"
"I was just wondering what the next assignment will be," the girl spoke quietly, "I think I'm done with this one."
"You think, or you know?" Peyton asked, her eyes narrowed. Rose was a very timid girl and didn't often speak up during class, but she was a really good painter and always full of inspiration. Peyton had been trying to get her out of her comfort zone a little, by trying to push her to speak her mind.
"I know," Rose replied, her voice a little louder.
"Good," Peyton nodded and smiled. She took a folder out of her drawer and handed it to the girl, "This isn't the official next assignment, and it won't earn you any points, but I think you'll like it."
Peyton watched as Rose opened the folder and saw excitement spread across the girl's face.
"Really?" Rose asked, pushing her glasses higher up her nose.
"Really," Peyton confirmed, "I would like you to design a pattern for five of the pieces for the upcoming Fashion Week show of Clothes over Bros."
Rose looked at her in shock, "But that's three weeks from now."
Peyton nodded, "I'm going to make your deadline even tighter; I need the design by next Monday."
"But Miss Sawyer-"
"No buts, Rose," Peyton interrupted the girl. "You can do this, ok? I have seen your work and I know you are passionate about geometry, and layouts, and fashion and everything else that you need to make a good pattern. I know this is something you are good at."
The girl blew her bangs out of her face and a determined look spread across her face, "Ok."
"Good," Peyton smiled, "Now, I want to be honest with you; I will give this assignment to two other students as well, so there's no guarantee that your design will make the cut, but I want you to give it your best, alright?"
Rose nodded, "I will."
"Ok," Peyton dismissed her with a wave of her hand, "Go do your thing, Rose."
"Ugh," Peyton wrinkled her nose when she saw what was for lunch that Thursday, "Enough with the soup already."
"I thought you liked soup," Haley piped up from behind her in the line.
"I like soup like maybe once or twice a year or so," Peyton shook her head to decline the bowl the lunch lady offered her. Instead she grabbed an extra roll from the counter, "but not every week." She waited for Haley to fill her tray before they walked back to the teacher's lounge on the other side of the cafeteria where Lucas was already waiting for them.
"No soup, Peyton?" Lucas asked with a grin.
"She doesn't like soup," Haley answered before Peyton had a chance to.
"How can you not like soup?" Lucas looked at Peyton, his brows knitted together in fake confusion.
"I know, right," Haley giggled. "What's not to love? I mean, you don't even have to chew."
Peyton rolled her eyes, "Stop it you two." She really liked Haley and Lucas, but sometimes their teasing was a bit too much for her. It didn't help that Haley and Lucas had been best friends since kindergarten and most of the time only needed half a word to understand what the other one was saying. They had so many inside jokes that Peyton had given up on trying to understand any of them.
"Fine," Haley agreed. "I've been meaning to ask, are you sitting in with me tomorrow afternoon? We're watching Romeo and Juliet."
"Eh," Peyton said slowly, "I think I'll skip this one."
"But it's the original version," Haley tried, "not that hot mess that Baz Luhrmann directed."
"Sorry, Hales," Peyton shrugged, "Still not my cup of tea." She could tell Haley wanted to say something else to try and persuade her, but somehow decided against it.
"Fine," Haley said reluctantly. "I've been meaning to ask about Brooke and Chase anyway; how did their date go?"
"Chase Adams?" Lucas interrupted, surprised.
"Yeah," Haley nodded, "He's part owner of Tric now, and Peyton made Brooke ask him out."
"There's a little more to it than that," Peyton added with a smile. "But yeah, I told Brooke I have to chaperone at prom and she asked if she could make me a dress and I said she could, as long as she asked Chase out for a date."
"Ok," Lucas said slowly. "Sure. If that's how these things go these days then I'm all for it."
"You'll get the full story someday," Peyton assured him. She looked at Haley, "They're actually going on another date this Friday."
"That's great!" Haley sounded excited, but then furrowed her brows, "Don't you two usually go out for drinks on Friday?"
Peyton shrugged, "It was the only night he was available this week, so I don't mind skipping for once."
Haley's eyes suddenly lit up and she turned toward Lucas, "Luke, are you thinking what I'm thinking?"
Lucas was quiet for a moment, until he seemed to realise what Haley was talking about and then nodded, equally excited, "It would be perfect."
"We would need to get her a shirt though," Haley continued.
"Don't you have a spare?" Lucas asked her.
"Ok, stop," Peyton held up her hands, very confused by their conversation. "What are you talking about?"
"Bowling competition," Lucas and Haley said at the same time.
"Oh no," Peyton sputtered, "No, no, no, I'm not going bowling on a Friday night." Haley had told her once that she and Lucas liked to go bowling and were in some sort of competition at the local bowling alley. Already then she had feigned interest because to be honest, she thought bowling was pretty lame.
"Oh come on," Haley pleaded. "Joan and Allan have to go to their son's birthday so we're half a team short."
"Who in the world are Joan and Allan?" Peyton asked, even though she wasn't sure she wanted to know.
"This couple we met at the bowling alley about a year ago," Haley replied with a big smile, "They asked us to be a part of their bowling team when we they saw us play and it has been great so far!"
"Yeah," Lucas added, "And Nathan has already agreed to take Allan's place and you would be perfect to take Joan's."
"Nathan?" Peyton asked, not sure if she knew him.
"My brother," Lucas explained. "He's more of a basketball player, but has bowled before."
"I don't know," Peyton hesitated, "I really suck at sports." And hate bowling, she wanted to add.
"Oh, come on," Haley said again. "You'll be fine. It's the second to last round in the competition and we're pretty secure in the lead, so-"
"So you can afford a crap game, you mean?" Peyton suggested. She laughed when she saw Haley's cheeks redden.
Lucas grinned, "Yeah, but we can't afford to not play this round, so you'd really help us out."
Peyton sighed, knowing she'd been guilt tripped into it, "Ok, fine. It's not like I have anything better to do."
"Yay," Haley clapped her hands. "This is going to be so much fun!"
It was after lunch that Thursday when she spotted a familiar black backpack covered in Nirvana and Green Day patches in front of her.
"Kevin," Peyton quickened her pace and caught up with the boy, who was probably on his way to another class. "Have you seen Jack around?"
The boy shrugged but continued walking, "Not really."
"Kevin," Peyton urged, and put her hand on his arm, willing him to stop. He did and she continued, "Is he ok?"
"I don't know," Kevin shrugged again, seemingly indifferent about how his best friend was doing.
Peyton could feel she was starting to lose her temper with his attitude, but she tried to keep control. She had been worried about Jack ever since the bathroom incident a couple of weeks; he hadn't been in any of her classes since, hadn't picked up the new books she had gotten for him, and she knew from other teachers that his attendance had been sporadic. She tried to call his parents, but had no luck reaching them so far. She hoped Kevin could tell her what was going on. "Well, if you see him, could you ask him to come by my classroom this week?"
The boy nodded, but Peyton wasn't convinced and watched him as he continued his way down the hall. She let out a sigh and walked back to her classroom.
Nathan will pick you up at seven, Lucas and I will meet you at the bowling alley. - Haley
Peyton read Haley's text message again, as she grabbed her purse and keys. It was five minutes to seven and she figured she might as well wait outside for Lucas' brother. She locked her front door and went down the stairs, to the main entrance. Her apartment was on the top floor of the three-story building, which was the main reason why she had bought the place.
"You have got to be kidding me," Peyton said as she pushed the entrance door open and saw who was waiting for her, leaning against his car.
"Good evening, ma'am," the man said with a grin, "I believe we have a bowling game to get to."
"You're Lucas' brother?" Peyton asked, even though she already knew the answer by now.
"Nathan Scott," he nodded and gave her a wink.
Peyton shook her head, "Peyton Sawyer," she replied automatically even though he already knew her name.
"Let me assure you that to me you will always be the woman with the fine looking taillights," Nathan commented with a smirk. He walked over to the passenger side of his truck and held the door open for her.
Peyton sat down, not saying anything else, not sure what to say to the police officer who turned out to be Lucas' brother. But then she remembered how Brooke always told her to open up more, so she decided to make an effort. She waited for Nathan to sit down before she spoke again, "So, bowling tonight."
"Yeah," Nathan started the car and drove off. "Apparently there's quite the competition going on here in Tree Hill."
"Hmm," Peyton agreed, "Haley and Lucas seem to be pretty good at it."
"Yeah," Nathan confirmed. "They won the championship last year and this year they have been in the lead ever since the first round. They even went to the state championships last summer."
"Shut up," Peyton said, surprised, she never knew how serious they were about it until now. "So, I actually have to try tonight?"
"You better," Nathan replied with a grin. "Or you'll be banned from bowling with them forever."
Peyton laughed, "I'm not sure that's a good incentive to make me try hard."
"Not a fan of bowling, then?" Nathan asked.
"Not a fan of sports in general," Peyton admitted.
"I wouldn't say that out loud here in Tree Hill," Nathan suggested.
"Yeah, I heard basketball is a pretty big thing here, right?"
Nathan nodded, "The Tree Hill Ravens are pretty good. They won State two years in a row when I was in high school." He pulled up onto the parking lot of the bowling alley and turned the engine off.
"No shit," Peyton opened her door and stepped outside. "Did you play?"
"Yes ma'am," Nathan said with a grin, following her to the entrance, "Point guard for three years, and at varsity level for two."
"I have no idea what either of those things mean," Peyton laughed, "but I'm sure you were great."
"You should really go see a game some time," Nathan suggested, "The atmosphere is great."
"Yeah," Peyton shrugged, "I don't know." She walked past Nathan who held the door open for her.
"There they are," he said with a nod in the direction of the bowling lanes on their right.
"Thank you so much, again," Haley said while she gave Peyton a hug. "I can't believe you actually threw three strikes."
"Me neither," Peyton let go of Haley and smiled at her friend. "I'm glad you guys are still in the lead."
"Thanks for helping us out, Peyton," Lucas gave her a kiss on the cheek before he turned to his brother, "And you too, Nathan."
"Sure," Nathan nodded, "Glad to see team Ravens had another win tonight."
"You guys drive safe, ok?" Haley waved as she got into Lucas' car, "See you on Monday, Peyton!"
"Bye," Peyton waved back and followed Nathan to his car.
"I'm so glad that's over," Nathan said over his shoulder as he unlocked the door for Peyton. "They really need to take it less serious." He was referring to the scolding he had received from Lucas when he had hit the gutter two times in a row.
"I actually had a good time," Peyton said, surprised at her confession. She watched as Nathan rounded the car after he closed her door and waited until he sat down before she continued, "But I agree; Lucas shouldn't have gone off on you like that."
Nathan shrugged, "He's my older brother, that's what he does." He started the car and turned onto Shipyard Boulevard.
Peyton looked at Nathan, "You two look so different."
Nathan smiled but kept his eyes on the road. "Same dad, different moms," he said, matter-of-factly.
"Oh," Peyton replied. She was hesitate to ask more questions, not sure how comfortable Nathan was talking about it, but before she had a chance to change the subject, Nathan already continued.
"My dad's an asshole," He glanced at her and gave an apologetic smile, "I hate to say it but it's true. He knocked up Lucas' mom in senior year of high school and before Lucas was even born he'd already left her and did the same to my mom. We're only seven months apart."
"Oh," Peyton said again.
"My mom and he were married for sixteen years before she realised she could do better and divorced him," he shook his head, "I haven't seen him since. Don't regret it either."
Peyton was about to say she would give anything to see her parents again, but swallowed her words, deciding that she didn't know Nathan well enough to share her story. Instead she put her hand on his arm and gave it a gentle squeeze, "I'm sorry."
"Don't be," Nathan smiled at her. "It's just the way it is."
"Yeah, but still," Peyton shrugged, "It sucks."
"Let's talk about something else," Nathan suggested. "Like how we kicked ass at bowling tonight."
"I kicked ass at bowling," Peyton let out a laugh, "You would have done so much better if Lucas had just put the bumpers up."
"Oh, not fair," Nathan complained, "I just needed some time to get into the game."
"Yeah, like three rounds," Peyton said under her breath, but loud enough for Nathan to hear.
"Say what?" Nathan responded. He gave her a stern look, but his eyes twinkled "You keep this up and next time I see you driving around with a broken taillight I won't be so nice."
"Oh," Peyton scoffed, "Whatever."
"Yeah whatever," Nathan said, pulling over. "Get out of the car, ma'am."
"Ha. Ha," Peyton said slowly, when she realised they were in her parking lot. She unbuckled her seat belt before she turned to Nathan, "But seriously, thanks for driving me home."
"No problem at all," Nathan said with a smile. "I'll see you around then?"
Peyton laughed as she got out of the car. "That you will," she said before she closed the door and watched as Nathan drove off.
It was another Monday, just after lunch, when Peyton walked back to her classroom. She had another two freshmen classes to get through today and hoped they showed a little more progress in their assignment than the first freshmen class that morning.
She had asked them to put together a mood board that would reflect their first year in high school, and when only a couple of students could show her their work this morning, she was worried the assignment maybe was a little bit too abstract for the first years. She was trying to come up with ways to motivate the kids when she heard a voice call her from behind.
"Miss Sawyer?"
Peyton turned around and was met by a smiling Rose, "Yes?"
"I wanted to give you this," the girl handed her a large folder. "I hope Miss Davis likes them."
"These are amazing, Rose," Peyton said with a smile when she took a quick look at the work inside. "And right on time too."
The girl shrugged, "I really liked the assignment, so it was actually quite easy."
"Good," Peyton nodded, "I will give these to Brooke and let you know what she thinks, ok?"
Rose nodded before she continued to her next class.
"They are gorgeous, Peyton," Brooke raved as she looked through the designs Rose had turned in.
"I know," Peyton agreed. "I knew she had it in her, but I never knew she was this good."
"Looks like your little plan worked," Brooke said. She was referring to the fact that while Peyton had told Rose two other students would also get a chance to design patterns for Brooke's Fashion Week line, in reality Rose was the only one who had gotten the assignment. Peyton had hoped it would bring out the girl's competitive side and make her push her limits. It had. The patterns Rose had created ranged from abstract black and white shapes, very clean, very geometrical, to a pattern where the colours seemed to blend into one another effortlessly.
"Very sneaky, Miss Sawyer," Brooke added with a grin. "I'm going to send these to New York and see what she thinks, but I've already decided we're going to use the coloured pattern, it's just too gorgeous not to!"
Peyton smiled, proud of her student, "I'll let her know."
"No, wait," Brooke thought for a second. Her eyes lit up when she continued, "Don't tell her anything yet, ok? I want to surprise her."
"What do you have in mind?" Peyton asked.
"Can't tell you yet," Brooke stuck out her tongue when she saw Peyton roll her eyes, "It will be great, P., promise."
"Fine," Peyton sat back in her chair. They were seated at Brooke's kitchen table, where Brooke had just served them a home-cooked meal. Peyton had suggested they'd meet up after work, instead of their usual Monday night phone call, and Brooke had offered to make dinner. Peyton took another sip of her wine, "So, how's Chase?"
"Good," Brooke smiled, "We actually spent the night at his place on Friday. He made dinner and we watched some movies, and oh," she sighed dreamily, "it was just perfect."
"Does this mean you're ditching me again this Friday?" Peyton teased. She wouldn't mind if Brooke did, she knew how much her best friend longed for a relationship and Peyton sure as hell wasn't going to get in the way of that.
"Don't know yet," Brooke confessed. "I think he told me he'd try to get Saturday off instead, but he had to talk to Owen first." She looked upset, "I'm really sorry about this, Peyton."
"Honestly, Brooke, don't worry about it," Peyton assured her. "Maybe there's another bowling competition I can go to," she joked.
"And have a chance to hang out with that handsome police officer again, I'm sure," Brooke retorted with a wink. Brooke had pressured Peyton to tell her all about her Friday night, and Peyton was sure she wouldn't hear the end of it for a long time.
"His name is Nathan," Peyton replied, "and he's Lucas's brother."
"So?" Brooke took a sip of wine, "I don't see the problem."
"It's just weird," Peyton shook her head. "Lucas is best friends with Haley, and then Nathan's is his brother and they all know each other and-"
"Peyton," Brooke interrupted, "you're doing it again. You really need to stop putting up these walls. Just have some fun with that guy, see where it goes. You don't owe Lucas or Haley anything."
"I know," Peyton agreed with a sigh. She knew Brooke was right, but she also knew Brooke was making a much bigger deal out of this than it was. She only went bowling with him and probably wouldn't see him again for a long time.
"Good," Brooke looked pleased, "So maybe call him sometime this week, huh?"
Peyton walked around her living room barefoot, her hair in a messy bun, and paint covering her hands and clothes. The Cure's I Will Always Love You was blasting through her speakers and she quietly hummed along. It was Saturday and Peyton had been painting all day, working on a piece for Haley's birthday that was coming up next month. So far there was a lot of yellow covering the canvas, a colour she associated with Haley. It was easily the brightest piece she had ever made and certainly the most colourful thing in her living room. It felt out of place in her apartment, where the walls were a dark grey colour that looked almost black. The only hint of colour came from an antique cabinet, which used to be a dull brown, but which her mother had painted a vivid orange. It was the only piece of furniture she had taken with her from New York and one of the few things she still had from her parents.
Peyton looked at the clock and saw it was already five in the afternoon. No wonder she was feeling hungry, she thought to herself, she hadn't eaten anything since breakfast. A quick look inside her fridge told her it was empty except for a jar of pickles and some mayonaise. She sighed heavily, cursing her own inability to make sure her fridge and pantry were well-stocked. She grabbed her car keys from the dining table and put her sneakers on, deciding she might as well go grocery shopping now, as there was not enough natural light left to continue painting. Grabbing an old NYU hoodie from the sofa, she headed outside.
It was a lot colder than she thought it would be, and if she had been in New York she would expect snow to start falling soon, but here in North Carolina snow was an exception rather than a rule. For a second she debated going back inside to get a coat and scarf, but she figured she'd be in and out of the supermarket quick enough to not need them. There was a Wholefoods down on Oleander Drive that was just a short drive from her house. Peyton usually didn't care if her food was organic or not, but they carried a particular brand of coffee that she liked.
The parking lot was almost empty when she pulled up, and she hurried inside. She was met with calming pan flute music which she hated and the smell of freshly baked bread that made her stomach growl. When she saw all the hearts that decorated the aisles and ceiling she realized it was Valentine's Day today and it made her feel even worse. She grabbed a basket and made a quick round through the store, again only picking up the essentials instead of finally stocking up. She reasoned she'd go shopping for real later this week, after work some time, when all these Valentine's Day decorations would be gone.
Peyton was standing in front of the white wine selection when she heard someone calling her name. She turned to where the sound came from and smiled when she saw Rose coming toward her, "Hi Rose. I didn't know you worked here."
"Miss Sawyer," the girl started, excitement written on her face and completely ignoring what Peyton had just said, "You won't believe what happened today!" Without waiting for a reply Rose continued, "Miss Davis," she shook her head, "I mean, Brooke, called me this morning to tell me that she picked one of my designs for her dresses!"
"That's great, Rose!" Peyton said with a smile.
"But that's not even the best thing," Rose bounced on her feet, "She invited me and my mom to come see her show at Fashion Week!"
"Oh Rose, that's amazing," Peyton gave the girl a hug. "You totally deserve it!"
"I'm so excited," the girl exclaimed, a blush spreading across her cheeks. "I've never been to New York before."
"You'll have a great time," Peyton reassured her. "Let me know if you need a place to stay, ok? I still have some friends living there."
"Oh no, that's ok, Brooke said she'd take care of everything."
Peyton wasn't surprised to hear that Brooke had offered to pay for the entire trip; she always went above and beyond for everyone. Peyton smiled at the girl, "You really had some great designs, Rose. You should look into doing something with that."
Rose nodded, "I will, thank you Miss Sawyer."
A voice came through the intercom, requesting assistance in the fresh produce section. "That's me," Rose said with a smile, "See you later, Miss Sawyer."
"Bye Rose," Peyton said and gave a quick wave, "See you on Tuesday."
"Brooke," Peyton said when she picked up the phone, not even looking at the caller ID. It was Monday night, so the only person that would call her was her best friend. In fact, Brooke was the only person that called her, period.
"Peyton!" Brooke exclaimed, happiness running through her voice, "How are you, babe?"
"Not nearly as excited as you are, apparently," Peyton replied with a sigh. She was pacing around her living room, too restless to sit down.
"Oh, don't start, Peyton," Brooke shot back, "I'll call back tomorrow."
"No, no," Peyton shook her head even though Brooke couldn't see her, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean it like that."
"I know," Brooke said with a soothing voice, "but maybe next time don't pick up if you don't feel like talking, ok? I know that this a difficult week for you, but there's no need to take it out on me."
"Noted," Peyton agreed. She stood in front of her window and watched as lightning lit up the sky. They had predicted heavy thunderstorms for tonight, and Peyton loved watching them from her living room. Being on the third floor of the apartment building meant that she had a clear view of the sky, not like her apartment in New York where all she could see where other apartments.
"Good," Brooke continued, "Now ask me about my Valentine's Day."
Peyton couldn't help but smile, "How was your Valentine's Day, Brooke?"
"Amazing," Brooke exclaimed, "Chase went all out; flowers, dinner, a romantic stroll on the beach-"
"A little making out, I'm sure," Peyton added. Another flash of lightning lit up the sky and was followed by loud thunder immediately.
"Definitely," Brooke replied. She let out a sigh, "I really like him, Peyton."
"But?" Peyton asked, hearing the hesitation in Brooke's voice.
"But he's so," Brooke hesitated, "Blah."
"Blah?" Peyton asked, surprised at Brooke's choice of words.
"Yeah," Brooke confessed. She explained; "I need someone who's on the same level, you know? Who isn't afraid to call me out on my bullshit, or when I'm working too hard."
"Like me, you mean?" Peyton asked with a grin.
"Exactly!"
"You've only been on three dates with him, Brooke," Peyton reasoned, "Something like that takes time. Hell, it took me twenty years to perfect."
"Yeah," Brooke said hesitantly, "I don't know. Maybe I'm expecting too much."
"Or maybe you should just go on another date with him, and talk to him about it," Peyton suggested.
"Yeah, maybe," Brooke agreed. "Anyway, enough about me, how are you holding up?"
Peyton shrugged, "Same as every year, I guess."
"Are you sure you don't want to go to New York on Friday? Take the day off? I' could come with you," Brooke offered.
"I'm sure," Peyton replied, "There's nothing for me in New York, Brooke. They're as much there as they are here."
"I know," Brooke spoke softly. "I guess we'll skip drinks on Friday then?"
"I'll let you know, ok?"
"Sure," Brooke hesitated, but continued, "I know I don't have to tell you this, but I'm here for you, Peyton. Don't shut me out, ok?"
"Ok," Peyton agreed. "I'll call you."
"Love you, P. Sawyer,"
"Love you, B. Davis." Peyton hung up and turned around. Her eyes fell on the picture frame that was set atop the orange cabinet. Her eyes filled with tears when she saw the picture of her parents smiling back at her. It was taken on Valentine's Day, a week before her mother died in a car crash, when Peyton was only eight years old. Anna Sawyer was on her way to pick her daughter up from school, when she ran a red light because she was running late, and didn't see the truck that came from the left.
Her father passed away when his boat sank at sea during a violent storm making Peyton an orphan at only eighteen. Eight years later Peyton still wondered whether it was coincidence, fate, or bad luck that her father died on the same day her mother did.
It was Tuesday afternoon, after classes, and Peyton was headed to the teacher's parking lot when she saw him. "Jack," Peyton said, trying to get the boy's attention. When he didn't respond, she tried again, louder this time, "Jack!" She ran across the court and caught up with the boy who was about to get into the passenger's side of a car that Peyton doubted belonged to a student.
"Hi Miss Sawyer," the boy said with a wicked smile, as if he hadn't skipped four classes in a row.
"Jack," Peyton said again, a little out of breath because of the running, "Can I talk to you for a second?"
The boy hesitated, dipped his head inside the car and said something to driver before he turned around, "I'm kind of in a hurry."
"And I kind of haven't seen you in my class for a while now," Peyton countered. "Are you ok?"
"I'm fine," the boy said with a shrug, "But I don't think Visual Arts is for me anymore."
"Bullshit," Peyton said, hoping none of the teachers or students heard her swear. "There's something going on, Jack, and I'd rather you just be honest with me, than avoid me."
"I really should go," Jack insisted, turning around to get into the car.
"At least come pick up your new books tomorrow," Peyton tried. "You need them." She was surprised when Jack didn't reply and instead closed the door. She watched as the car drove off and felt like she was missing something.
Peyton took another sip of her whiskey and felt the amber liquid burn her throat. She stared into the distance, the waves crashing on the beach as the soundtrack to her misery. It was Friday night, and instead of having drinks at Tric with Brooke, she was sat on the beach with a half-empty bottle of whiskey and a feeling of melancholy that came over her once a year. It was the Friday after Valentine's Day and the anniversary of her parents' deaths and Peyton preferred to spend it alone, no matter how much she knew Brooke also mourned her parents.
She closed her eyes for a second and tried to bring her parents back to life, tried to hear their voices again, see their faces in front of her. Instead she felt someone sit down next to her and she sighed, annoyed that she was no longer alone.
"I was about to fine you for parking in a no-parking zone," a deep voice came from beside her, "but I can let that one go as long as you promise to leave you car there until you're sober enough again to drive." He held up the bottle that sat between them and whistled, "How long have you been here?"
Peyton grabbed the bottled and rolled her eyes, not looking at him, "That bottle has already lasted me eight years, don't worry."
"Peyton-"
"It was a Christmas gift for my Dad, but then he died two months later and I found the bottle unopened in a cabinet when I had to empty the house so it could be put up for sale. Every year on this day I drink a glass to remember him," Peyton explained, not caring whether she sounded cold or not, "So I appreciate your concern, but I can handle a glass of whiskey."
"I'm not saying you can't," Nathan replied, keeping calm, "I'm just saying you shouldn't drive home."
"Or what, you'll arrest me?"
"If I have to, yes," Nathan simply stated.
Peyton looked at him and furrowed her brows, when she saw he wasn't wearing his uniform, "You're not even on duty."
"No, but my colleagues are," Nathan shrugged.
"What are you even doing here then?" Peyton asked, venom seeping through her voice. She took another sip of her drink and stared at the ocean again.
"I saw your car on my way home and wanted to make sure you were ok," Nathan explained.
"Well, I'm not," Peyton shot back, tears welling up in her eyes. She didn't know if it was because she was frustrated that he was still talking to her, or if she was touched that someone actually cared enough to check up on her.
"I know," Nathan spoke quietly.
Peyton bit her lip, still not looking at him, "Thank you."
Nathan shrugged, "Don't worry about it." He got up and brushed the sand from his jeans, "Listen, I live right over there," he pointed at a white beach house to her left, "come find me when you're ready to go home, ok? I'll drive you."
Peyton nodded, "Ok."
"Nathan?" Peyton carefully stepped inside, not sure if she was allowed or not. It was just after midnight and even though she didn't want to burden him, she knew the responsible thing to do was to let him drive her home.
"Over here," his voice came from somewhere on the other side of the house, and Peyton walked across the kitchen to what she figured was the living room where she found him in front of the TV, watching a basketball game.
She narrowed her eyes when a familiar face flashed across the screen, "Is that Lucas?"
Nathan nodded and smiled, "Yeah, I was just watching some old footage from when we were in high school."
She then recognized number 23, "That's you?"
Nathan nodded again, "Yep."
"You look so young," Peyton said with a smile, "How old were you there?"
"Eighteen, I think," Nathan replied. "This was when we won State for the second year."
"No shit," Peyton sat down next to him while she kept her eyes on the screen, "I didn't know you were actually part of the team that won the championships." She referred to what he told her the night they went bowling. "Why did you stop playing?"
"An old knee injury prevented me from playing at college level,"
Peyton noticed a hint of sadness in his voice, "That sucks."
"Yeah," Nathan agreed, "So I became a cop."
Peyton let out a laugh, "Yeah, because that's a logical next step."
"It isn't?" Nathan asked, faking surprise.
"Not really, no," Peyton countered. She watched the game unfold and smiled when the final buzzer rang and the players celebrated their win.
Nathan turned the TV off and got up, "Come on, let's get you home."
"I can still call a cab," Peyton offered, but she followed him outside and hoped he would tell her not to. She liked his company and hadn't felt this at ease with someone for a long time. For a short time while watching the game she had even forgotten about her parents.
"I'm just going to pretend I didn't hear that," Nathan said as he unlocked his car and held the door open for her.
Peyton sat down and fastened her seatbelt, waiting for him to get inside. When he did she turned toward him, "Thank you."
Nathan smiled at her, "It's the least I can do."
"Peyton," Haley said a little out of breath as she caught up with her friend on their way to lunch that Thursday.
"What's up?"
"I know it's a little last-minute, but I haven't really had the chance to speak to you this week and I wanted to ask you before you leave for New York tomorrow," Haley smiled.
"Spill it," Peyton said with a smile.
"I wanted to invite you to the party Lucas and I are throwing for our birthdays two weeks from now," Haley pushed the door to the cafeteria open and waited for Peyton to pass her before she continued, "you'll get an official invite some time next week, but I wanted to give you a heads up-"
"About what?" Peyton asked, knowing Haley well enough that there probably was more to the invitation than she let on.
"We kind of always have a theme party," Haley confessed, "and it kind of involves dressing up."
"Haley," Peyton whined but with a grin.
"I know it's not really your thing," Haley apologized, "but I'd love for you to come. The theme this year is famous movie characters."
"Brooke woulds so love this," Peyton muttered under her breath while grabbing a plate of fries.
"So bring her along," Haley suggested with a big smile. "I've always wanted to meet her and this way you won't have to come alone."
Peyton thought about it for a second and then smiled; popping a fry in her mouth, "Deal."
"Alright," Haley gave her a wink. "It's going to be so much fun!"
Peyton practically ran through the airport to where the cabs were lined up. She knew she was pushing it and hoped rush hour hadn't started yet. She was on her way to Brooke's show at Fashion Week, and hadn't it been for the delayed departure because of a missing passenger she would have been there already, but now she prayed for a miracle to get there on time.
She would much rather have taken the day off, but Mr. Henderson didn't allow her to because it was the last day before Spring Break and he didn't want her senior classes to have to miss any classes. And so she had to rush to the airport after her classes ended and still hadn't changed into the outfit Brooke had asked her to wear. She figured she would to that en route in the cab.
She got into the first available cab and told the driver the address, trying to catch her breath. She promised him a fifty dollar tip if he kept his eyes on the road and swore she'd subtract five dollars every time he looked in the rear view mirror while she changed. Pulling her top off she grabbed the garment bag and pulled out the dress Brooke had given her earlier this week. It was a part of the Clothes over Bros winter collection and made especially with Peyton in mind; a black body hugging dress that made her curvier than she was and accentuated exactly that what needed accentuating.
It took some effort to get into the dress and the cab driver had already lost twenty dollars by the time she put on her shoes, but she was ready to go when they pulled up in front of Lincoln Center. Peyton handed the man the fare for the ride and the promised thirty dollar tip and got out quickly. She had five minutes until the show would start and she still had to find a place to store her bags. Another big tip to the girl manning the coat check to keep an eye on her belongings meant she made it to her seat just in time. Before Peyton had a chance to see where Rose was seated the lights were dimmed and the music started playing.
The show was over before Peyton knew it and she felt immensely proud when Brooke took the stage. She clapped and cheered, not caring about the looks she got from the people sitting beside her on the front row. Brooke shook her head at her, but smiled and quickly stuck her tongue out at Peyton.
Peyton watched as her best friend exited the stage and waited until most people had left the room before she made her way back to where she left her things.
"Miss Sawyer!"
Peyton turned around and smiled when she saw Rose and her mother walking toward her, "Hi Rose."
Rose was all charged up, her cheeks red with excitement, "Did you see my patterns, Miss Sawyer? Can you believe Brooke actually used them?"
Peyton smiled, "I told you they were good." She held out her hand to the older woman, "Hello Mrs Oliver, it's nice to finally meet you."
"Thank you so much for everything," Mrs Oliver said as she shook Peyton's hand, "It's been an amazing day."
"Your daughter earned it," Peyton smiled, "She's an amazing artist."
"Thank you," Mrs Oliver said again and put her arm around her daughter, "I always knew she was special."
"Mom," Rose rolled her eyes, not used to all the attention.
"If I remember correctly," Peyton looked at her watch, "You two have dinner and a Broadway show to get to." Brooke had told her she arranged tickets to Wicked for Rose and her Mom, after Peyton told her she'd heard Rose talk about really wanting to go see the show one time during class.
Rose nodded enthusiastically, "Thank you once again, Miss Sawyer. I'll see you in a week."
Peyton said goodbye to Rose and her mother and wished Rose a good Spring Break. She made her way to the coat check and retrieved her bags. Brooke had told her to wait for her there so they could grab dinner and drinks after, and so she did.
"Good morning, sunshine," Brooke said with a smile as she jumped on Peyton's bed in their shared hotel room.
Peyton groaned in reply, still dealing with the aftermath of yesterday's cocktails.
"I got us coffee," Brooke offered.
"That was my job," Peyton said into her pillow. She turned onto her back and looked at her best friend, "You're Fashion Week famous now, B. Davis, you shouldn't be getting us coffee. If anything you should hire someone to get us coffee."
"Pff," Brooke scoffed, "Promise me you'll slap me if I ever start acting that crazy."
"Promise," Peyton said with a wicked grin. She sat up and took the cup from Brooke, "You're a lifesaver, though."
"I know," Brooke smiled and took a sip of her coffee.
"And an amazing designer," Peyton added. "Seriously that show was incredible, Brooke."
"Thanks, babe," Brooke gave her a nod. "I'm so glad that it's over though, I'm done stressing about lighting plans, and dresses not fitting as they should and models that are way too thin."
"Next time you'll have to bring your own models," Peyton suggested certain that there would be a next time.
"We'll see," Brooke replied. She put her hand on Peyton's and squeezed it, "I have been so busy all week that I forgot to ask how you are doing? Are you ok?"
Peyton knew she was referring to last Friday, when she had opted out of drinks with Brooke because of her parents. Brooke had left for New York that Saturday, and Peyton had only spoken to her over the phone once since then. "Yeah, I'm good,"
"For real?" Brooke asked, a concerned look on her face.
"For real." Peyton assured her. She hadn't told Brooke about how Nathan drove her home that Friday night, because she knew Brooke would make a much bigger deal out of it than it was.
Brooke gave her a hug, "I love you, P. Sawyer."
"Love you too," Peyton replied. She let go of Brooke and smiled, "So, what are we doing today?"
Reviews are appreciated :)