Peyton and Brooke entered the café, and Peyton slowly looked around. The place hadn't changed much, if at all, since the last time she'd been there. She could feel the memories tugging at her brain to let them out, but she pushed them back, something she could only do when she was on her medication. Brooke hooked her arm in Peyton's arm, and lead her over to the counter.
"Karen!" Brooke called towards the back. Peyton stood silently next to Brooke. A young boy, no more than 5 years old, came running out of the back room, followed closely by Karen. Karen wasn't surprised to see Brooke, as she knew that Brooke was coming, but she was definitely surprised to see Peyton with her.
"Well, hello girls!" Karen called cheerfully to the blonde and brunette standing in front of her. "It's so good to see the two of you."
"It's so good to see you, too, Karen," Brooke replied, just as cheerfully. "I can't believe how big Little Keith has gotten since the last time I saw him!"
"He'll be five at the end of October, and he's already into books!" Karen told the girls. Peyton just smiled shyly at the woman. "Peyton, it's really good to see you."
Peyton just kept smiling. She had no idea what to say to this woman. It had been two years since they spoke, and Peyton has been avoiding her since. Karen smiled sadly at Brooke when Peyton looked away. It hurt to see how much Peyton had been suffering these last few years.
"I, um, need to use the restroom," Peyton said quietly, excusing herself from an awkward situation.
"Oh, Brooke," Karen said, sadness in her voice. "It hurts to see her like this."
"I know, Karen," Brooke agreed.
"She's too skinny now, very unhealthy," Karen pointed out as Brooke just nodded. "How did you manage to get her to come?"
"I wouldn't tell her where we were going," Brooke replied. "I'm so worried about her. I wish there was something more I could do to help her. I'm afraid for her, Karen. She's so fragile."
"At least she still talks to you," Karen said. "She's avoided me for the last two years, and I completely understand why."
Just then, a teary-eyed Peyton emerged from the bathroom.
"Brooke, we need to talk," She said seriously.
"What's wrong, Peyt?" Brooke asked, very concerned for her friend.
"Let's sit down," Peyton said. "You'll probably hate me after what I tell you, but I need to get this out."