"Peyton! Peyton! Peyton!" She could hear the crowd calling her name. After all she was the one who got Jimmy Eat World to play Tric. She was proud of that, but right now, she couldn't care less.
Jake came by earlier today, after being released from prison. At first she was excited to see him, until he told her Nikki had Jenny and he had to go after her. He had to get his daughter back.
Peyton understood that, but it didn't make it easier. She was still staring at the spot where Jake stood a couple of minutes ago. She leaned her back against the wall and sat down. Tears streaming down her face.
All of a sudden her phone rang and she looked at the screen where Nathan's name appeared. Peyton pressed the green button "Hey Nate."
"Hey Peyton. Listen, I'm sorry to bother you, but you said I could call if I needed anything, right?" Nathan waited for a reply, but didn't got one, so he just kept talking.
"I, I decided to go to High Flyers after all, so I gave up my apartment. And well, I kinda need someone to help me move," Nathan looked around his apartment and smiled, knowing that when Peyton promised something, she'd come through "I would ask my Dad, but being the ass he is, he finds work at the dealership more important. And Luke's just too busy with Brooke right now, so I wondered if you could help?"
Peyton tried to answer, but the words seemed to be stuck in her throat. Nothing but a sob came out.
"Peyton?" Nathan got worried when he heard Peyton cry on the other end "Peyton, what's wrong?"
"Jake,"
"Where are you?" Nathan grabbed his car keys and headed outside. No matter how much his knee hurt, he needed to get to Peyton. He just hoped he wouldn't damage his knee more by driving.
"At Tric." Peyton tried to fight her tears when she heard Nathan's concerned voice, but didn't succeed.
"Ok. Stay there, I'm on my way. Just hang in there, Sawyer." Nathan started his car and rushed to Tric.
Peyton took deep breaths as she looked at the sky. It was bright this evening and getting cold. She didn't mind it though. She liked sitting outside, it cleared her head a bit. Her mind still was with Jake and Peyton really hoped he could find Jenny.
She looked at the stars and her mind drifted. Ever since her Mom died she used the stars for comfort and tonight was no different. Looking at the stars was her therapy.
Nathan slowly made his way up the stairs and was almost at the top when he saw her. Marks of tears on her face, her eyes red and the sad look on her face.
She heard footsteps and without looking she knew who was there "Hey."
He sat down next to her and put his arm around her, without saying a word.
She put her head on his shoulder and sighed. It comforted Peyton that there still was someone who cared enough about her to come here in the middle of the night "Thanks Nate."
"No problem, Sawyer." Nathan said, as he pulled her close and kissed her forehead. It was getting cold, but he didn't want to move. He liked sitting here with Peyton. He liked the fact that she somehow still trusted him enough to let him come here. Nathan pulled her closer when he felt her shiver "Peyton, we should go, you're cold."
She shook her head "I don't mind."
He smiled as he remembered the habit she already had when they began dating. Whenever she had a bad day, she would go out at night and wouldn't come in until the sun came out again. It was her way of dealing with things.
"I know you don't, but I do," Nathan got up and held out his hand "Come on, I'll get you home."
Peyton looked up and took his hand, not wanting to let go of it when they walked over to his car.
Nathan pulled over at Peyton's house, but she seemed reluctant to go inside. "You don't want to be alone, do you?" Nathan looked at her.
She shook her head. It surprised her how well Nathan still knew her.
"Do you want to come with me? I'm sure we can find you a place in my almost empty apartment," Nathan laughed "You might have to go homeless style and sleep in a cardboard box, but that shouldn't be a problem, right?"
Peyton had to smile at his effort of trying to cheer her up "Nah, I'll manage."
"Wow Nate, you really weren't joking when you talked about your almost empty apartment." Peyton looked around the living room, which was filled with boxes. She sat down on the couch "What do you need my help for?"
Nathan shrugged "I just thought it would be nice to spend some time together before I leave tomorrow."
"Yeah, about that," Peyton looked at Nathan "I think it's great that you're going, you know, that you're living your dream and all," she sighed "It's just, I'll miss you, Scott. Who will annoy the hell out of me this summer, now?" She laughed when she saw the semi-hurt expression on Nathan's face "Oh come on, Scott! You know I love you!" Peyton punched his arm and laughed.
Nathan got up and walked over to the fridge "How about a Coke, Sawyer?" Without waiting for a reply he took two cans out and made his way back to the couch. They sat next to each other for a while without saying anything.
Peyton felt her eyes getting heavy "Nate," she yawned and smiled "I think it's time for bed. If you just give me a pillow and a blanket, I'll crash here."
Nathan looked at her with a smirk on his face "You know, Sawyer, If you can resist my perfect body, your instincts and keep your hands to yourself. I might let you crash with me. In a real bed."
He wasn't even finished when Peyton let out a laugh and punched him in the arm.
"Oh, come on. You know you want me!" Nathan looked at Peyton, who rolled her eyes. He realised he would miss her too. He liked joking around with her and even though they didn't spend much time together after they broke up and before his accident, nothing seemed to have changed.
"Nate?" Peyton touched his arm "Can I borrow one of your shirts?"
He nodded and walked over to his closet. He found one and handed it to Peyton. Nathan turned around so she could change.
"Done." Peyton got in to Nathan's bed and under the covers.
He turned around and took of his sweater and jeans, getting under the covers as well. Nathan turned the lights out, thinking about what had happened tonight.
"Listen, Peyton, I know you don't usually talk about your feelings, but I just want you to know I'm here for you." Nathan rolled over, so he faced Peyton.
Peyton was touched by his words and before she knew it she leaned in and kissed Nathan.
