Okay, I'm gonna take a shot in the dark and say maybe two, possibly three more chapters left in this one. It's gonna get a bit more darker, with slight hints of fluff mixed in. I've already decided that unless I get a lot of reviews requesting it, there probably won't be another sequel. Now onto the update, I hope you enjoy! Remember Read and REVIEW :D

Chapter Four: Crash Course Into Polite Conversation

Peyton sat across from Lucas, tears sat still in her eyes. Unwilling to let them fall, sniffed them back silently, and sat upright. Lucas's blue eyes had dulled dramatically over the past two weeks. Losing that love of life they used to hold. Now his eyes were just dull and pale, trying to hide a secret pain that wasn't quite so secret to her. She had noticed how quickly she was able to get over her inability to grieve over their child, and help Lucas come to terms with the fact that his mother had only six months to a year left in her. The doctor had tried to explain to them what was wrong with her, and what this meant for the remainder of her time, but they hadn't really understood that it would be so difficult so soon.

Karen was already having trouble getting up and moving around by herself. Lucas and Peyton had both her and Lily moved in with them, since Karen needed care that she couldn't or wouldn't get on her own. This was the start of a very long, very difficult time for the couple. It was like a never-ending test that god was giving them. Like he wanted them to fail horribly at it, like that was his goal. Peyton though, she promised Lucas she'd be there through it all. She had been there, not once, but twice. She had lost two mothers in her lifetime, if anyone could help someone get over the death of a parent, of a loved one, it was Peyton Scott.

"Lucas, where's your mind at?" Peyton asked finally.

She watched, as he slowly made eye contact with her. His eyes full of unshed tears, sparkling in the light of the early afternoon sunlight.

"Why does this stuff always happen to us? I mean, we were happy Peyton, and then...Now my mom..It's not fair you know? It's like god is punishing us for something, but refuses to tell us what we did wrong. I just want to know what I did wrong, what we did wrong..." Lucas's head fell into his hands as he started to cry.

Peyton's heartbroke at the sight. She hadn't never really seen Lucas cry much, and the sight was just sad enough to break just about anyone's heart. She stood up from her seat and walked over to him and sat down next to him. She rubbed his back softly, before pulling him into a half hug.

"I know that it's hard Lucas, I do. I know that just a month and a half ago our roles were reversed and I didn't listen to you. I see that now, and Lucas you've gotta believe me when I tell you that it will get easier. By no means does the pain ever go away, and there will be days when all you think about is your mom, but it does get easier. The pain eventually dulls just enough for you to live a seemingly normal life. Hell, you can even seem happy to people on some occasions, but it will always be there. Your heart will always have a dull ache where your mom used to be," Peyton let her words sink in before she continued.

"With that said, she will always be with you. In your heart, in your mind, she will always be with you. Just like Keith is, and believe me when I tell you this Lucas. She will want you to go on with your life. She will want you to move on with your life. I know your mom Luke, she wouldn't want you to dwell on her, she wouldn't want that to keep you from living a full and happy life."

Lucas pulled his head, his eyes bloodshot from lack of sleep. "What about Lily? What about my baby sister. She won't know her mom, or her dad. She won't get the greatest gift of knowing what wonderful people her mom and dad are. I have to grieve for both of us because she's to young to. What about her Peyton?"

"Well, if your mom wants, we'll raise your sister Lucas. We'll make sure she knows how wonderful Karen and Keith are. We'll make sure she understands everything Lucas, I promise," Peyton caressed his cheek lightly.

"I don't know what I'd do without you," he said it sincerely, his lips kissing her cheek softly.

"Your never gonna have to find out," Peyton promised him, as she pulled him into another hugged, before they both fell against the couch, his head falling onto her shoulder.

This was the first real conversation they had, had in two weeks time. It was a nice feeling that Peyton had almost forgotten existed, she had missed talking with Lucas. Really talking, and listening, if only it were under better circumstances. She held his hand tightly in hers, rubbing the back of it with her thumb.

Lucas sat on the edge of Karen's bed. She was sleeping peacefully, and he smiled softly and briefly before the thought of thinking she was sleeping but she's not, entered his mind. He frowned deeply, crease lines in his forehead. He brushed back a stray strand of hair out of her face. She stirred slightly, before turning on her back and look at him.

"Lucas, please make me a promise," Karen asked, her voice already becoming weaker.

Lucas wasn't even sure if she had six months like the doctor said. "Anything, mom."

"Don't grieve over me for long. Just, move on, make a life with Peyton, be happy. It hurts to see you like this Lucas. Your eyes used to hold such a great love of life, and now...their just dull. Like someone turned out that light. I don't want that for you Lucas. I know your upset and sad, and I know that you don't want me to go. I don't really want to either Lucas, but frankly? It's life, and I've grown to accept it, now it's your turn. I need you to look after your baby sister Lucas. To make sure she grows into the respectable young lady I know she can be under your and Peyton's guidance. Please Lucas," Karen nearly begged.

This made Lucas's heart break all over again, he brushed away a stray tear. "I promise mom."

He wasn't sure if he could really just 'move on' after she was gone, but he'd damn sure try. He had too, not only because he promised his mom, but for Lily, she would really need him after his mom was gone.

So, what did you think? Did ya like it? Hate it? Think I'm horrible for killing Karen? Let me know! Reviews make the fanfiction world go round, and I love hearing what you guys think. Have any ideas for future chapters, let me know, if I use your idea, I'll credit you. :D