The next morning Peyton woke up, in her own bed, with a splitting headache and sore, puffy eyes. She couldn't remember how she had gotten back. Nonetheless she lay in bed listening to the sounds of her family, chattering happily. She could hear Ryan and Brooke getting Haley dressed and ready. What was wrong with her? Why wasn't she a good mother to her own daughter? Did she resent her daughter because she was hers? On the other hand, was it that every time she looked at her she saw Lucas staring back at her? Refusing to get out of bed, Peyton buried her head down under the covers. She wanted to be a child again, her long blonde ringlets flying as she laughed and played with her mother and father, got teased by her big brother Ryan and cooed over her baby sister Haley. She just wished she could have stayed a child, so she would not have to have heard all the horrible things that she had. "I'm sorry they are dead." Or "It's positive." On the other hand, none of them were dreadful than three simple words that were constantly ringing in her ears, "I LOVE YOU!" As Peyton tried to hide herself from the outside world she was unsuccessful because she heard a knock on her bedroom door. Ignoring it she covered her ears trying to block out the sound.
The door creaked open as Brooke made her way into the room. "Peyton," she whispered. "There's a phone call for you." Peyton made no movement. "It's from the prison."
On hearing those words Peyton shot out of bed and snatched the phone from Brooke's hands. Ushering Brooke out Peyton pressed the phone to her ear. "Lucas?" she choked.
"Um…no sorry Ma'am, may I be right in saying that I am talking to Miss Peyton Sawyer."
"Yes," she replied sheepishly.
"Well, Miss Sawyer I am Police Constable Kole, from Tree Hill County Court Prison. And I am calling in regards to the offender Mr Lucas Scott."
Peyton cringed, she hated the word offender, and it was such a harsh word to describe Lucas. Neither Lucas nor she had done anything wrong, unless you call falling in love wrong.
"As you know," he continued. "He is being released next week. His probation trial was a few days ago and it was decided that he shall visit his probation officer once a week, for 6 months. We will also be monitoring his whereabouts, over the next 6 months. As you probably already guessed he will not be allowed near Tree Hill High School and he will be required to get a job as soon as possible."
Peyton paused, letting it sink in, "Where will he be living?" she asked. She held her breath hoping for the answer that she wanted, with her or at least near her.
"His residence has not been confirmed yet, but we can let you know as soon as we found out."
"Okay," she said. "Um...can I see him prior to his release?" Despite the fact Peyton knew the answer to this question she still had hopes that she could see him again. She could hear the Constable typing something into the computer.
"I'm sorry," he replied. "Mr Scott has requested the people he wants to see."
"Oh," she replied, tears welling up in her eyes."
"Would you like me to tell him that you wanted to see him?" he replied, hearing the disappointment in her voice.
Thinking for a moment, she paused and then replied, "No, its okay, thank you," she chocked, closing her eyes trying to fight back the tears. With this she hung up the phone. Still in her pyjamas, she walked out of her room and placed the phone in its cradle. Drawing in a deep breath she walked into the living room, where the hustle and bustle of her family was taking place.