Lucas brought his arm back and was about to hit Jake when the voice filling the house stopped him.
"Jake, I'm home", Peyton yelled into the house.
This caused Lucas to release his grip on Jake and take some steps back. Peyton froze when she walked into the kitchen.
"Lucas, what…" she honestly didn't know what to say.
"Didn't mean to interrupt the rest of your little sleep over", he said angrily while brushing past her and towards the front door. Peyton was hot on his heels. As he went out the door she continued to follow. "Lucas, I'm pregnant, I can only run after you for so long", she yelled causing him to stop immediately. He faced her.
"Oh, don't let me keep you, you look tired", he said sarcastically, "didn't get much sleep", he asked while pointing to the house. This caused Peyton to pull back and smack him in the face.
"How dare you", she yelled louder then before, "who the hell do you think you are Lucas Scott", she watched as he rubbed his now red cheek.
"I think I'm someone who wants to know what the hell your doing with God knows who, while our kids are in our house", he yelled back.
Peyton scoffed. "My house Lucas, this divorce may be moving a hell of a lot slower then I want it to, but it is moving and when it's over the only thing we will share are our children", she said with her voice still at a steady yell, "and Lucas, don't try to play martyr", she said while rolling her eyes, "you're the cheater remember", she said, tears now forming in her eyes, "not that it's any of your business but Jake's here because he's buying a house and I told him it was pointless for him to waste money at a hotel, Nathan had called him after he realized that I had nobody left to talk to", she said while wiping at a stray tear, "you see, lately everybody I love screws me over", she finished as she walked towards the house.
Lucas sighed, him and his freakin' big mouth. "Peyton", he pleaded.
"No, Lucas, just go", she said, not even turning to look at him. Peyton walked into the house and went straight into the bathroom. Jake knocked on the door and called her name but hearing her quiet sobs on the other side made him open it without waiting for an answer.
"Peyton, I'm sorry, I said some things I guess I shouldn't have and that's probably why he's angry", he said while taking a seat next to her on the floor.
"Oh, it's not that", she lied, "it's these damn pregnancy hormones", she attempted to laugh through the tears but failed miserably.
Jake knew she was lying but decided not to push her. He was about to talk again when the knocking at the front door interrupted him. They both knew it was Lucas. He saw the defeated look in Peyton's eyes and took charge.
"I'll take care of him, you get cleaned up, the mail is on the table I got it when I went out earlier", he said while helping her to her feet.
"Thanks Jake", she whispered while pulling him in for a hug.
"No problem", he whispered back as he wrapped his arm around her pregnant waist. They were broken from this moment when the knocking on the door turned into begging.
"Peyton, please open it", they could hear Lucas asking.
"Go to the kitchen, I'll be outside", he said while giving her a nudge in the opposite direction. Jake took a breath and opened the door.
"Peyt–", Lucas stopped when he noticed it wasn't Peyton who had opened the door.
"What do you want", Jake asked as he closed the door behind him.
"To talk to my wife", Lucas said bitterly.
"Yea, well you blew both those chances. She doesn't want to talk to you because you're a dick", he watched Lucas's eyes fill with anger, "and in a couple months she won't be your wife because you're a dick", he now watched as Lucas's eyes filled with sorrow. As he turned the knob to walk back into the house he stopped and gave Lucas some advice.
"Stop being a dick, and then maybe she'll give you the time of day you think you deserve".
With those parting words Jake went inside and Lucas went to his car and back to his apartment to wallow.
Meanwhile Peyton sat at the kitchen table sorting through the mail.
"Junk, junk, bill, bill, bill", she stopped when she came across an unaddressed envelope, but she would have known the handwriting anywhere. Peyton took a deep breath before she opened it.
P. Scott,
Please don't think I'm trying to be a bitch by calling you that because I'm not. You and Lucas are supposed to be together and I'm sorry I got in the way of that like I did in high school.
At this point Peyton had tears in her eyes.
I just want you to know that it really meant nothing, and I'm not sure if that's good or bad. I mean it is good because neither of us have feelings for the other but at the same time its bad because we ruined everything for something that meant nothing.
By now she was crying freely.
I'm writing this because I know you wouldn't answer if I called, and you probably would have slammed the door in my face, you might not even read this. Just don't burn it okay. She smiled in spite of herself.
I want you to know that I'm moving to New York. Haley told me to better myself and I will. You and Lucas need to work everything out. You are an amazing person and please don't let this ruin that, you have an amazing heart P, and I love you for that. I know you most likely won't, but if you ever need anything please call me, I still wanna be in some part of your life. I'm sorry for everything.
Love, B.Davis. Jake walked into the kitchen and saw Peyton crying once again.
"Peyton, its okay, he left", Jake said while putting a comforting hand on her shoulder.
"No, it's not that, it's umm, Brooke, she left this note", Peyton said while still looking at the letter, "she's moving to New York", she said while handing it to him.
"Wow", he said.
She sighed. "Yea, listen, I'm pretty drained, I'm gunna go take a nap", she said while patting his hand.
"Alright, I'll see you later", he said as she walked up the stairs.
A week went by and Lucas still had not talked to Peyton. This was because of a mixture of his stupid pride and the fact that he really didn't know what to say to her. He had disappointed her so many times before and he couldn't do that again. It was also a frustrating week to say the least. All he had heard, anytime he had the kids was how amazing Jake. He was fixing things around the house, he would cook dinner, he was helping Ellie play the guitar and Keith had convinced him to play at the wedding. Thank God he was finally moving into his own place. Lucas needed to clear his head, so he went to the one place he knew he could do that.
Nathan Scott sat on the bleachers of the River court. All week at practice he had heard how great Jake was. He was really there for 'mom' to talk to, and he gave some really good advice. Thank God he was moving into his own place tonight. He was broken from his bitter thoughts when someone sat down next to him.
"What's wrong with you", Nathan asked as Lucas looked at his shoes.
"Jake took my family from me", Lucas said with a far off look in his eyes, "What about you", he said, meeting his brother's eyes.
"Jake took my best friend from me", Nathan said with the same look Lucas had. Nathan got up and began to walk away.
'Good chat, we should do this again', Lucas said to himself as he watched Nathan walk away.
"You coming", Nathan asked as he turned around.
"Oh, umm, yea", Lucas said, obviously confused.
"Don't look too shocked, we are still brothers and right now, Jake's the one person I like less then you", he said while looking at his brother.
"Thanks", Lucas said sincerely.
Back at Nathan and Haley's house the two brothers had come to an understanding. They had lost something that meant a lot to them. Lucas had lost his family, Jake was the new man and it was like he didn't exist. Nathan had lost his best friend and confidante. Even his nieces and nephews were included in that, they had once looked up to him so much, but now they were blinded by the 'Great Jake Jagielski', this was the snide nickname they had both given him.
"Do you think it's weird that this is how we're reconnecting", Lucas asked.
"Yes and no", Nathan answered honestly, "I mean I knew someday we'd be okay again, so that's why its not, the fact that its because we both hate the other man in Peyton's life, that makes it weird", this caused both men to laugh.
Haley walked into her house.
"Nathan I'm home", she yelled as she walked toward the voices, she stopped when she saw the other person in the room. 'This can't be good' she though to herself.
"What's going on here", she asked while looking back and forth between both men.
"Oh we're just…" Lucas stopped, trying to find the word.
"Bonding", Nathan finished for him.
"Yes, bonding", he told Haley.
"Okay", she responded to their cryptic answer, "what exactly are you bonding about", she asked slightly interested.
"About how Jake Jagielski has taken what we love", Nathan answered.
"Oh for God's sake", Haley muttered to herself, "Listen to me, both of you", she said while pointing at them. If there was one thing you didn't want it was a pissed off Haley, and that is exactly what they had.
"This isn't Jake's fault", Lucas scoffed, which earned him a death glare, "This is your fault", she said still looking at them both.
"How is this, our fault", Nathan questioned.
"Well, it is kinda yours", Lucas said, "you called Jake here", he pointed out.
"That's not why you idiot", Haley yelled, "This is your fault", she said while looking at Lucas, "because you're the idiot who slept with her best friend", when she said this he looked down.
"And this is your fault", she was now looking at Nathan, "because you kept a secret from her", she was really speaking about her and Nathan at this point, "but you shouldn't sit here and sulk", she said.
"What's the point", Lucas said while shrugging his shoulders, "all we ever hear is 'Jake this, Jake that, blah, blah blah, Jake, Jake, Jake", he said bitterly.
"The point is that you don't just give up on something that means so much to you, you stand up and do something about it. You push whatever is in the way, out of the way. Weather its pride, or fear, or another man, you don't let that stop you. Lucas you spent a better part of your life fighting for Peyton, are you really gunna stop now", she questioned him, "and Nathan, you've been there for Peyton even when she pushed you away in the past you can't let this get in the way of still being there for her. We have spent too much time building up our relationships with each other, we can't just let it all go to crap", she finished and let her words sink in. They all looked at each other and then left the room in search of a private place to use the phone.
Peyton sighed as she walked into the house. They had all gone out to dinner as a farewell to Jake. Ellie and Keith had gone out after and Kaitlin had offered to watch Mikey and Anna. That left Peyton and Jake to entertain themselves; they had decided that a movie was a good way to end the night. So here they were, Jake was in the kitchen making popcorn and Peyton was checking her messages. There was one from Karen, but she had already gotten in touch with her, one from Ashley asking Jake to call her about the wedding song, and then the next one made her eyes widen. A voice filled with uncertainty came into the room.
"Hey Peyton, its Haley. Ummm, I'm not really sure what I want to say.", she let out an uneasy breath, "I'm just really sorry and I want you to know that I know I should have told you but Lucas was my best friend and I really wanted to believe that it was a one time lapse in judgment", Peyton could hear the sniffles coming from Haley, "I miss you Peyton, I miss your friendship and advice and how we used to talk about everything and anything.", she heard Haley laugh and knew she was thinking of the ridiculous conversations they had, "or how you would delicately tell me that for a person who knew music so well my taste in it sucked", she laughed at this too, "You know Ellie and Sarah's birthday is coming up", Haley paused and Peyton knew where this was going, "remember how we used to have the joint birthday party for them, I swear those girls are more like sisters then cousins, Sarah has said that she might want to do something at Tric, but only if its okay with you of course, and I was hoping that maybe we could do it again you know, the joint party, their both gunna be sixteen and I don't know, I'm rambling and Nathan is giving me a look because he's been trying to call you and he just realized that I'm the reason he can't get through.", she heard Nathan telling Haley to 'hurry it up' in the background, "Okay, well I guess the point of me calling is to let you know how sorry I am, and that I miss you, I miss my best girl-friend Peyton, so please give me a chance and call me back", she heard Haley sniffle again, "damn hormones", she heard Haley mutter as she hung up.
Peyton didn't even realize she was crying until now. As she harshly wiped at the tears the next voice made her stop. She knew she would be crying again soon.
"Hey Sawyer, hopefully you can tell that this is Nathan." he let out an uneasy laugh, "I know you know I'm sorry and I know that no matter how many times I say it, it won't make it any better, but I am sorry. I know I let you down but I never meant to, that's the last thing I wanted to do", she heard Nathan's voice crack, this caused her tears to fall once more, "You may not be my friend but I'm still yours Sawyer, you can't get rid of me that easily. I feel like we haven't talked in years, even though its only been eight days, seven hours, and a couple minutes, but who's counting", he said while laughing which caused Peyton to laugh also, "I guess it feels like that because we used to talk everyday, sometimes three times a day. I'm amazed I never got sick of your talkative ass", he said sarcastically, "I miss that though, everything. I told you things that I never even told Haley and I know you told me things that Lucas doesn't know. That's what best friends do, Sawyer", she heard Nathan sigh and knew he was going to get serious, "I promised that I would always protect you, that I would be that one person that was always there, no matter the circumstances. I let you down in that area too. I got so wrapped up in my own sulking that I stopped being there for you. You're going through so much right now and its killing me not knowing how you're doing or how you're coping. And I don't just miss the serious talks, I miss hearing about a new song you heard, or making Anna say words that we know she can't pronounce but try to make her say anyway because it sounds funny coming from a four year old, or the way you stick your tongue out when you know I'm right but refuse to say it, I just miss being there. So please let me be there again, I promise I won't let you down ever again. Let me be your best friend again", she heard a sob escape his throat at the same time one came from hers as the message ended. When the next voice came on she felt her heart stop.
"Firstly I want you to know that I'm sorry and I know that saying it is getting a little played out with me, but I am. I had no right to yell at you like I did last week, I'm the last person who should be giving lectures on fidelity", he let out an awkward laugh, "I just couldn't help but get jealous, you and Jake have so much history and I don't know I just couldn't stop. I got some advice today", he paused Peyton could picture him rubbing the back of his neck, "I was told that if I wanted something I had to stand up and do something about it, so I am. Peyton I'm letting you let me go", Peyton's eyes snapped to the answering machine, "This doesn't mean I'm going to stop fighting for you, it just means that I'm going to respect whatever decisions you make. And if I'm not the person that you feel is right for you then…well then I don't know", he stopped as if he was realizing this for the first time, "But I'm trusting you to follow your heart Peyton, and despite what the person in your heart has done to you, we both know how much they love you. And incase you don't know I'll say it again; I love you so much Peyton that it hurts. It physically hurts", "she heard the sob escape his throat, "It hurts not waking up with you curled up next to me. It hurts not being there to rub your swollen feet, or run out to get whatever crazy pregnancy craving you have at one in the morning. It hurts to know that Jake has probably been there for two out of those three cases", even though he couldn't see her, Peyton looked away guiltily, Jake had been there to rub her feet and get her a watermelon when she was in the mood for one, "It hurts to know that it's my entire fault that I'm missing these things", by this time both he and Peyton were fully crying, "I'm not giving up on you or us, I could never. I just feel like after what I've done you deserve to do something for yourself but you haven't gotten a chance to because I've been in the way. I'll still be here of course, if you ever want to talk or go for a walk or anything really, call me. Let me be the guy that I love being for you, because he's still in here, he just got lost for a little while. I miss you. Did I say that already?" he asked while laughing through his tears, "I miss the way you bite your lip right before you kiss me. God, I miss your kisses. The way you run your fingers through my hair. The way you stick your tongue a little bit out to the side while you're drawing. I miss that all, and so much more. Before the machine cuts me of I just wanna say something. I love you Peyton Elizabeth…well whatever you decide you want your last name to be, know that I will love you forever. Forever and a Day, Peyton Elizabeth", Peyton smiled in spite of the situation, "Forever and a Day", he whispered right before he hung up.
And with that the room went silent as Peyton stifled her sobs and wiped at the tears that were already falling from her eyes. Without hesitation she hit the 'replay' button and his voice filled the room again. Jake watched from the doorway with a bowl of popcorn in his hands and a small smile on his face. He was unsure about leaving her alone in this state, but somehow he knew she knew exactly who to call if things got too bad. He quietly walked out of the door and got into his car. Peyton let out a shaky breath, after listening to the messages they had left at least six times each, she was pretty sure she was all cried out. Her right hand unconsciously went to her left ring finger before she remembered she had taken off the rings she was about to twirl, she was obviously nervous as she held the phone in her hands. 'Baby steps', she thought to herself. She dialed a familiar number.
"Hello", came the questioning voice.
"Hey Hales", Peyton said as her voice quivered.
"Peyton", Haley said, her voice carrying the same reaction as Peyton's.
The rest of the night was spent with the two old friends talking and apologizing and forgiving, although they knew that trusting would come later. And considering Peyton thought she had no tears left to cry, she was dead wrong.
A week went by and Nathan was growing frustrated.
"Haley, how come you leave Peyton a message and you're attached at the hip, I leave her a message and she still hasn't called me", he asked exasperatedly.
"Nathan, we're hardly attached at the hip", she said, mocking her husband, "we've gone shopping twice and out to lunch once, besides you were her best friend, it's going to take her longer to forgive you then she forgave me", she pointed out while rubbing her husbands back.
"Yea, but-", Nathan was cut short as the doorbell rang. He and Haley exchanged questioning looks before he got up to answer it.
"Hey", she said in a small voice.
"Sawyer", he said with a large grin.
"I know it took me a while but I was finishing this", she said as she handed him a long list."It's all the reasons you're my best friend", she said while looking down, "I know its incredibly cheesy and nothing like me, but somehow just talking didn't seem right, I don't know if that makes sense but there it is", she said while shrugging her shoulders. Nathan gave her a toothy grin.
"What", she asked innocently.
"I like the last one", he said while handing the paper back.
"Because you're like my Haley", she said quietly.
"Do you remember when you said that to me", he asked, intrigued.
"Of course, I wrote it didn't I", she responded sarcastically.
They both got lost in that small moment.
Honeygrove Prom
The teens had decided that since they were stuck in Texas they should make the best of it. After unwillingly meeting up with Chris Keller, they agreed that a second chance at prom was exactly what they needed; their first one didn't go to well. So that's where these teens were now. Brooke and Mouth were dancing while Nathan, Haley, Peyton, and Lucas were sitting at the table talking.
"Do you wanna dance" Nathan asked Peyton, she gave Lucas a look and they both laughed at the irony. "Sure", she said while taking his hand. Lucas gestured for Haley to do the same. Nathan and Peyton were slow dancing and talking. Peyton brought up the topic. "Two years ago did you ever think that this is how we'd spend senior prom", she asked while looking around. "Well, technically this isn't our prom", he said which earned him a playful smack, "Alright, alright, what exactly are you talking about", he asked genuinely confused. "That you'd be married and almost a dad", she said while looking at Haley, "or that I'd be dating your brother", she said while her and Lucas locked eyes. "Honestly, I figured we'd both be in our ever so happy relationship", he said sarcastically and watched as Peyton glared at him, "Seriously though, when Lucas got on the team and he was dropped into our world, I figured that you and him would end up together", Peyton snapped her head up to meet his eyes. "What", she asked disbelievingly.
"Well he was already the better boyfriend, and he wasn't even your boyfriend at that point", he said honestly, "I was a sucky person to you then Sawyer and I've said it before, but I am sorry", he said sincerely. "I'm glad that after everything we've been through, we can be the kind of friends that we are", he said somewhat proud. Peyton looked over at Lucas and Haley, they were laughing and talking about something, you could see the friendly love for one another in their eyes. She looked back at Nathan and saw that same look. "You're like my Haley", she said as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. "What", Nathan asked amusedly.
"I know, and I've said it before, but I am proud of who you are now", she said while looking him in the eyes.
"Well I mean think about it, minus the fact that we've had sex and at one point were in love, we're exactly like them", she said while pointing at Lucas and Haley. To most people that would have sounded absurd, but to Nathan it made perfect sense.
"So, then that makes you my Lucas", he asked while smiling. "Way to ruin the moment, smartass", she joked while they continued to dance.
As they were brought back into the moment Nathan looked at her. Not waiting a second longer he scooped her up into his arms.
"I've missed you Sawyer", he whispered into her ear.
"I've missed you too", she said while burying her face into his shoulder, "but just so you know, your not fully trusted yet", she said quietly.
"I'll work on it forever if I have to", he said, meaning every word.
Peyton went home after spending that afternoon with Nathan. They had quite a bit to catch up on. Most importantly the fact that Lucas thought Jake was taking his place, Nathan had let it slip. She held the house phone in her hand; she was in a brave mood today.
"Hello", said the voice that involuntarily made her smile.
"Hey", she said while still smiling.
"Peyton", his voice squeaked a little, "what's up".
Peyton rolled her eyes. It was obvious he wasn't expecting her call.
"Umm, I got your message last week, sorry I didn't call you back but Haley and Nathan had called too and I guess I just got so caught up with them that I–", she stopped herself before finishing the sentence.
"Forgot about me", he said while slightly laughing.
"Sorry", she said meekly.
"It's okay", he said sincerely, "truth be told I'm glad you waited, I don't know what I would have said if you had called back the next day".
"I also want you to know that I appreciate that your gunna let me be, although it was hard to hear you say it", she said honestly.
"Well, it was hard to say", he said just as honestly.
"But now maybe we can find some kind of peaceful existence", she said trying to sound hopeful but failing miserably.
"Yea, maybe", he said doubtfully.
"I also want you to know that…Jake isn't taking your place", she said in a hurried breath.
"What", he said, his voice squeaking again.
"Well, I had a lot of catching up to do with Nathan and once he started talking he didn't stop", she said innocently.
"Oh well…" he was obviously embarrassed.
"Lucas, its okay", she reassured him, "I get that you would feel that way and I'm sorry that you did. When I first found out about you and Brooke I felt like she was going to take over", she said honestly.
"Peyton that would have never happened".
"I'm confident in that now, but I wasn't then".
They both sighed.
"We're something else huh, given everything, I'm amazed that we can sit and talk like it were a normal time", Peyton asked while shaking her head.
"Well, it's always gunna be there", he said matter-of-factly.
"What", she played along, remembering the words he had spoken to her that one summer.
"You and me", he said simply. Even though he couldn't see it, Lucas knew she was nodding her head.