Chapter Six: And I Know About You

The newly found friendship of Peyton Sawyer and Lucas Scott made Peyton the happiest she had been since moving to Tree Hill and Brooke was absolutely ecstatic. Conversation simply flourished between them from good bands; to new music they never seemed to stop talking. A fit of giggles in English class one day nearly landed the two in detention, making the heads to students turn.

The smile on Peyton Sawyer's face had been wider than it had been in the last few weeks. She was practically glowing. Brooke gave herself most of the credit and Peyton would not rain on her parade. But in reality the smile that was so largely plastered upon her face was thanks in part to the boy known as Lucas Scott.

The two friends were nearly inseparable even Haley was growing jealous of the amount of time Lucas was spending with her. However, once Lucas introduced the two girls, a spark of friendship immediately became evident. Though through it all Lucas and Brooke still shared the many intimate moments that made Peyton turn away in embarrassment. With the first basketball game swiftly approaching, Lucas' time with Brooke and Peyton became extremely limited with Whitey implementing extra practices.

"Hey Superstar!" called Brooke causing Lucas to whip around with a broad smile on his face.

"Hey you." he smiled pulling her into a soft embrace kissing her lips gently. Brooke giggled running her fingers through his sandy blonde locks.

"So after the game, you should definitely come over tonight for a little celebration." she whispered seductively raising an eyebrow at him accompanied with a coy smile.

Lucas rose both of his eyebrows kissing her once more, "And what if we lose?"

Brooke thought a moment, "Then we'll drown the post loss pain."

Lucas chuckled brushing back her bangs with his fingers, "You Brooke Davis are amazing."

"I know!" she giggled kissing him quickly on the lips.

"Good luck tonight Superstar. I'll see you at the game."

Lucas watched her walk from him, leaving him wanting more of her. He looked away eyes catching sight of Peyton sitting at a table not far from where was he standing. Normally Peyton would have welcomed a chance for Lucas to sit with her. But something crept in her chest, an emotion she was not used to feeling. Jealously. She was genuinely jealous of Brooke. She had everything now, no more meaningless hook ups, she had Lucas.

Peyton refused to meet Lucas' gaze, burying her face back into her sketchpad finishing her drawing. However, she came to a realization to what she was drawing and slammed her sketchpad shut. Things were beginning to become too complicated for Peyton likes.

--

Amidst the post game winning euphoria, the bus roared with the shouts and jeers from fellow teammates. Lucas was no different though he was more intent on getting home to be with Brooke. She had promised him a night away. But he couldn't help but feel guilt curdle uneasily in his stomach. Time with Brooke had been amazing, like nothing he ever imagined. But spending time with Peyton was like out of another person's life. There were so many stolen glances, genuine smiles. He loved every minute of it.

"Yo, Lucas!" the infamous Scott half brother Nathan called over the seat to Lucas. Lucas yanked the headphones from his ear and looked up to his younger brother.

"Party at the beach house tomorrow night." Lucas nodded immediately texting Brooke the news.

--

Brooke squealed in delight upon receiving the text message from Lucas.

"Brooke the road!" shouted Peyton turning away in fear. Brooke quickly grabbed the wheel swerving back into the correct lane.

"Tomorrow night, there is a party at Nathan's and you are so going." Peyton groaned in protest, but Brooke would hear nothing of it as she pulled in front of Peyton's house. "C'mon P. Sawyer, it'll be fun, plus there will be tons of hot single boys there, you won't even have to tag along with me and Lucas."

There in lay the problem, she would do anything to steal a few extra minutes with Lucas alone. Every time the two were in the middle of a serious conversation Brooke would come bounding out of nowhere, smiling and bubbly. She had a spell over Lucas which did not surprise Peyton at all. She did that with most boys she dated. But somehow this was different. Jealously boiled over inside of Peyton every time she saw Lucas kiss Brooke or whenever they held hands. She wanted him, and even more than that she wanted to be with him.

Her phone vibrated angrily within her pocket; reluctantly she pulled it out, smiling slightly seeing as Lucas was calling.

"Hello." she murmured.

"Hey Peyton." his voice was warm and inviting, the one she loved so much.

"Hey Luke, what's up."

"Nathan is having a party tomorrow you should come."

Peyton stifled a laugh, "Don't worry Luke, Brooke already gave me the good news. But yes I'm going."

Lucas sighed in relief and gave a small chuckle. "Somehow I'm not surprised."

The two joined together in laughter before Peyton spoke again, "Hey do you want to

come over tonight and hang out?" Silence seemed to hang on the other line.

"Sorry, Peyt. I'm going over to Brooke's."

"Oh." she did her best to mask the disappointment in her voice, though she knew she did terribly.

"I'll see you tomorrow Luke. Bye."

"Bye." his voice sounded sad as he hung up.

Peyton threw herself onto her bed staring up at the ceiling in hopes that it would give her answers. But nothing came and anger swelled in her chest. Brooke always seemed to happen between them. She was definitive line that separated them. And that line was to never be crossed. Brooke was her best friend, Lucas was just a boy. Right?