Can You Stand the Rain

A/N: Alright here is the third chapter. Thanks again to everyone who reviewed and/or requested a story alert. I hope that this chapter gives you a little insight into some of the characters lives. There will be a time jump in Chapter 4. I am still working on my writing skills but please continue to read and review please!

Disclaimer: I own nothing from OTH; I just wish I did…


Chapter 3

More Lies and Secrets with Little Revelations

Tracing the edge of the dark wood dresser with her fingers, she waited patiently for the recipient of her phone call to answer. On the fourth ring, she began pacing uncomfortably. Her heart sunk as the voicemail picked up.

"Hey, this is Lucas Scott you know the routine." Beep.

"Hey, Luke it's me…Peyton." She paused for a beat and continued "Lucas, Luke look I know things are not great between us but, I need you to call me back like now. I don't want any of this to be a surprise."

"Peyton, Peyton…where are you?"

"In Luke's room" she replied.

Making her way to the huge bay window, she pulled back the curtain to see a black suv pull into the driveway.

"Peyton, hunny."

As she turned, her loose, blond curls swirled falling perfectly into place. She looked wide-eyed at her mother.

"Are you ready?" she asked as she groomed the younger blond.

Peyton nodded as she caught a glimpse of her reflection in the mirror. She was wearing a blue wrap dress that brought out her eyes. Although she was grateful for her expensive clothing, she rather be wearing jeans and a worn tee shirt.

She was a southern belle from old money. Her family along with the Scott's were considered the founding families of the town.

She was the darling daughter of Larry and Anna who were owners of the shipyard and a chain of art galleries in the south. Lucas and Nathan were the ambitious, confident, and arrogant sons of Dan and Debra Scott. They all had practically anything at their disposable except for the things that meant the most to them individually.

Those who knew them wanted to be apart of their world but it was not all it as cracked up to be. You were practically told how to think, dress, and behave. Your future was already planned out for you and any deviation from the plan would have dire consequences. When Peyton even thought about going against the grain, she would tear up.

Noticing the tears welling up in her daughter's eyes, Anna placed a hand on her daughter's shoulder. "Peyton, hunny everything will be alright".

As she dabbed away the tears that had begun to fall, she reached for her purse to refresh her makeup.

Anna watched her daughter as she fixed her makeup, she thought about how sad Peyton had been in the last year and a half. She thought maybe it was because of Lucas and the on and off relationship that they had for so many years now.

Quickly turning from the mirror, she searched her purse looking for the little blue box. So many thoughts were racing in her head. At this point, she hated herself for the actions that she had taken in the past and the actions that she would take today. However, when it came to her trust fund and everything she stood to inherit her thoughts would fade away.

Grasping the blue box, she opened it to reveal a three-carat princess cut solitaire gold ring. She stared at it and sighed because she knew that there was no going back.

"Anna, Peyton come down stairs we have guest."

"Coming Dan" Anna replied. With that, Peyton slipped the ring onto her ring finger and proceeded to follow her mother down to the foyer.


"Girl we have been on this plane for hours!"

"I know Faith but we could have made the hour trip to Lake Lanier instead of spending our savings to go Vegas." Brooke replied rubbing her eyes.

As soon as Brooke had returned to their hotel room, she found Faith pacing in the room with both of their suit cases already packed.

"I thought I was going to have to come and get you. So, how did it go?"

"No time for that we have to get to the airport. I might have to work a shift at the café if Haley doesn't cover."

"Girl you have too many jobs, what a night or two at the café, a night at that ritzy boutique in Buckhead, the weekends at the club, and then you have the nerve to go to school!" Faith said dramatically.

Brooke grabbed her suitcases and headed for the door "Faith it pays the bills, now lets go!"

"Ok, Miss Thing you never told me what happened…you were in such a rush to get to the airport."

Stretching Brooke replied, "A woman never kisses and tells."

"Brooke" Faith nearly yelled. "That boy was too cute for you to not spill! Now what is he working with?"

"I don't know honestly Faith". "All I do know is that Lucas, yeah that's his name brought me this amazing blueberry pie that I have in my purse," she giggled.

"Are you serious, he brought you pie and you gave him no sex."

"Yes, he just wanted to talk and stuff, it was nice" she said with a smile. "Ugh now we have to go back to reality."

"Yeah, you have to go back home to that guy you call your boyfriend. Umm what's his name Chase right" she said sarcastically.

"Faith don't start! I told you that we talked things over before I left. I forgave him and things are going to work out just fine".

"Brooke you know I love you but you are too kind hearted and forgiving. Chase has done nothing but carry you around like a trophy and mistreat you. How can you forgive him after he has cheated on you twice?"

Before Brooke could speak, the flight attendant came on the intercom to announce that they would be descending into the Atlanta area for landing.

"Who's picking us up from the airport Chase, Rachel?"

Brooke sat quietly for a moment in her seat. She had about enough of Faith and her lecturing. She had forgiven Chase and she had her reasons. Noting in her head that she had cheated on Chase with a complete stranger.

"Jake is picking us up" she seethed.

"Oh okay, I hope he brings Ellie!" "I know Jake is like your brother Brooke but you should really consider him an option."

Brooke rolled her eyes she could hardly take one more comment. What stung the most was the fact that not only Faith but also her other friends Haley, Rachel, and Jake were right too.


Lucas was still fuming the entire plane ride from Vegas to Tree Hill, North Carolina on the Scott private jet. He could not believe his brothers actions earlier that day and of all things he couldn't believe that Peyton had called.

His eyes stung from lack of sleep and the anger the was rising inside of him. Nothing could break his train of thought. When Nathan tried to engage him in conversation, he just sat there and stared forward.

As the car began the climb up the Scott's winding driveway, his heart grew heavy. He knew how much this meeting with the scouts meant to his family. The only reason he would try to actually pretend that he wanted a future in the NBA was for Nathan. Even though he felt like he could kill Nathan at times, he would do anything for him.

Climbing out of the car, Lucas covered his eyes nearly blinded by the sun. He did not notice the Green luxury suv that belonged to the Sawyer family off to the side. However, Nathan recognized the vehicle straight away.

"Lucas, did you ever check your voice mail from Peyton?"

Lucas was about to answer when their father Dan came rushing towards them. Dan was a talk ominous dark haired man. He had an athletic build, as he was once a well-known basketball player. His professional dreams died when he suffered a career ending knee injury. Like his father before him, he had high dreams and expectations for his sons.

"Hey, boys how was your trip" he said looking back at the door.

"It was good" Nathan replied.

"Yeah, I know Nate" Dan seethed. Pulling a folder from underneath his coat jacket, he shoved the picture in Lucas's face. "Look at it" he demanded.

Lucas reluctantly looked at the picture. He looked in horror, as it was a photograph of him reaching out his hand for Brooke's.

"Don't act shy now son. How many times have I told you to keep your discretions private?"

Lucas remained silent; he was confused because the paparazzi had not been interested in him in a long time.

Nathan sneaked a peek at the picture "Whoa, what's the big deal you can even see her face. No one will know who she is…" he trailed off as the front door opened.

Out came the boy's mother, the Sawyers, and two men dressed in black suits. Dan whirled around flashing one of his cheesiest grins.

"Gentlemen let me introduce you to my sons Lucas and Nathan. Boys these gentlemen are from the Atlanta Hawks and Charlotte Bobcats."

As the boys shook the scout's hands, Lucas's eyes met Peyton's. His face softened at the sight of her. It had been months since he had seen her. She looked beautiful as always and the way the sun hit her hair made her look saintly.

"Lucas and Nathan we have heard so much about you and your accomplishments on and off the court at Duke," the taller man stated.

"Yes, outstanding students, leaders on the court, and active members of the community" the other scout continued.

Nathan nearly laughed when he heard that last statement. One reason why they were so active in their community was due to all the community service they had to perform. He glanced over at Lucas who looked like he could care less. He just needed him to hold it together until after the scouts left.

"Oh and Lucas, I think it's fantastic that your marrying your childhood sweetheart. She showed us the ring and it is stunning".

Lucas nearly choked "What" he stammered. His eyes immediately went to Peyton.

Dan went over to Peyton and held up her hand "It was like yesterday when Lucas came to me and told me he wanted to propose to Peyton. My boys have made me proud".

Nathan put a reassuring hand on Lucas's shoulder. He knew that this was going to be bad. Lucas remained still, he could not believe it.

If looks could kill, everyone standing in his front yard would be dead. It had become increasingly clear why his father was throwing a picture of him and his latest fling in his face more lies, more secrets, with the truth nowhere in sight.

A little over a year ago to this very day Lucas had proposed to Peyton with the very ring she was now wearing.

The only problem was that Peyton had said no.