Hey everyone! Thank you for your wonderful comments. I would also like to thank those who gave out their opinions/suggestions. Let's see what would happen. =) I haven't decided how this story will go so I hope for your support all the way.

Recap: There had been a confrontation between Luke and Peyton while Julian reveals another secret to Brooke. We also find out that Brooke is now rooting for Julian and Peyton.

In this chapter, there'll be more of Lucas and Peyton interaction.

"Broken" by Life house.


[River court]

Brooke and Julian were walking at the basketball court headed toward the picnic table.

"So how exactly are you planning to help me?" Julian asked.

"I haven't thought about that part yet." Brooke said.

"It's not that I'm not happy to have you but why are you going to help me?" he asked.

"Don't get me wrong, I love Lucas and I would love to see him get back together with Peyton but enough is enough. I can't let broody hurt my best friend anymore. I like you and I think you'd make her happy. You can heal her heart just like you have before." Brooke explained.

"That means a lot to me, Brooke." He smiled. "Especially since it's coming from you." He added.

"I'm just looking out for her." Brooke said.

"She's lucky to have you." Julian said.

"She's lucky to have you, too." Brooke smiled.

They sat down on the picnic table, facing the river. Julian turned to face Brooke and so did she.

"I have a favor to ask." He said, smiling.

[Peyton's office]

Mia and Haley went inside to find Peyton seated by her desk, massaging her temples.

"Hey, you okay?" Haley asked as they approached.

"Just a little headache…" Peyton said.

"So your talk with Lucas was that bad huh?" Mia stated bluntly.

Peyton and Haley gave her a look.

"What?" Mia shrugged. "You look terrible."

"Thanks." Peyton sarcastically said.

"You want to talk about it?" Haley asked.

"God, no…I'm done with Lucas Scott." Peyton said wearily.

[Tree Hill gym]

"So that's it? You're done?" Nathan asked as the team trained.

Lucas looked away, frustration was evident.

"Luke, you've got to fix this." Nathan told him.

Lucas sighed. "Don't you think I know that? I don't know what to do anymore."

"I think you do. Just look in your heart and you'll see what you really want. Sure, things suck right now but keep trying. Fix it, Luke. They deserve it." Nathan said. "You deserve it, too." He added.

[Peyton's office]

Lucas walked toward Peyton's desk and upon hearing footsteps, Peyton looked up from the computer.

"What are you doing here, Luke?" she asked, clearly tired.

"I can't let us be like this." He said as he stopped in front of her.

Peyton sighed and then closed her laptop.

"You don't get a say in this, Luke." She told him.

"Peyton, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have taken it out on you." He said.

"No, don't be." she said as she stood up and went to stand in front of him. "At least now I know what you really feel instead of having to pretend that things are okay between us." She added.

"That's not---"

"Luke, I'm sure some part of you feels that way. The things you said aren't just made up because you were drunk." She fought the tears from falling.

"I don't hate you." He said.

"But you blame me for everything that's happened to you." She argued.

He couldn't respond so she continued.

"I came back hoping maybe you still want the same things I do. But after you proposed to Lindsey I backed off and tried to be a good friend to you instead. And now you're blaming me for something I didn't do. Lindsey broke up with you for something you did." Peyton told him.

Lucas looked at her with a pained expression.

Flashback

[New York – Lindsey's apartment]

Lucas went inside the bedroom and saw Lindsey seated on the bed with the manuscript of "The Comet" in her hands.

"Hey, I've been looking for you." He said as he sat beside her. "You've been pretty distant since we got here. What's on your mind?"

Lindsey looked down at the manuscript, trying not to cry.

"Linds…what's wrong?" he began to worry.

"I've been trying not to make a big deal out of it but when I re-read "The Comet" I just knew I couldn't ignore it anymore." She said.

"What are you talking about?" he asked.

"Peyton." She simply said.

Lucas felt confused.

"I saw the way you looked at her when she left at our engagement party. You still love her." Lindsey said.

"What does she have to do with "The Comet"? He asked.

"It's about her." She said.

"A part of me blames you." Lucas admitted.

Peyton's jaw dropped, shocked at his words. He met her gaze and continued to speak.

"It was hard losing you, Peyton. It was hard letting you go and it was hard seeing you again." He told her. "It still is." He added.

Still, Peyton couldn't find the strength to respond.

"But I found someone and she was going to marry me but she left me…" he paused. "Just because she thinks I still love you; that's why she left." He told her. "I'm sorry for being so hard on you, Peyton."

"Do you…?" she finally spoke.

"Do I what…?" he asked.

"Do you still love me?" she clarified.

He remained silent, not knowing how to respond.

She massaged her temple and let out a heavy breath.

"Just go." She whispered.

He stood still.

"Please, Luke." She pleaded softly,

He nodded. "I'll be seeing you." He said, turning to walk away.

He took a couple of steps before turning to look back.

"Peyton…?"

"I'm falling apart.

I'm barely breathing

With a broken heart that's still beating

I'm barely holding on to you."



As always…more drama coming up.=)