Less than one hour after Lucas Scott had been formally released from Baptist Hospital in Knoxville, Tennessee, he, Karen, Dan, Larry, Peyton, Nathan and Haley had all boarded a chartered eight passenger van, courtesy of the Tree Hill mayor's office, that would drive them the long distance back to North Carolina. Sitting in the rear, Peyton kept her eyes on the road as the world whizzed by them. Just weeks before, she had been on the opposite side of that same interstate with Derek at the wheel. Her future had looked bleak as her weary mind had raced to hatch the one shot plan that would possibly save her.
How the tables had turned. Derek was dead and Peyton was free…supposedly. She was on her way back home with her father and friends and the man that had risked his life and everything else to rescue her. When her eyelids began to grow heavy, she had closed them and tried to settle into sleep. Peyton had dreamt of basketball courts by the river and quaint little cafes that served the best coffee and desserts in town. When she finally opened her eyes, she realized her dream was about to become a reality. They were only a few miles from Tree Hill.
"Did you sleep okay?"
She looked up into Lucas' smiling blue eyes. Her head had come to rest on his shoulder during her nap.
"Sorry…"
"It's okay," he said as she noticed his arm around her. "Actually, it was kind of nice."
She returned his smile as she looked around. Nathan and Haley were asleep, cuddled up together as his hand gently rested on her very pregnant belly. Near the front, the three adults talked in hushed voices.
"We're almost here," she thought out loud.
"Home sweet home," Lucas sighed. "How do you feel about that?"
Peyton shrugged.
"It feels kind of weird, I guess. I don't know, maybe I never thought it would happen. Sometimes it felt like I'd never see Tree Hill again but it feels good."
He reached over and squeezed her hand.
"I'm here for you, Peyton. I mean that and I just wanted you to know. Whatever you want, whatever you need, I'm here and I'm gonna be here. You can always count on that."
And she knew she could.
"Thanks. I'm just ready to move on, you know? I want to take back my life."
"What do you mean?"
"I want to put all this behind me. I don't want to be afraid of anything anymore. I don't want to be a victim anymore, Luke. I just want to live my life. I don't want to spend the rest of the summer hiding out in my house. And in August, I want to go to UNC just like I planned."
"But Peyt…"
"Please don't tell me I'm moving too fast and please don't tell me it's a bad idea. I know what's best for me and I know what I need to do."
"I don't doubt that, Peyton. You're a strong woman. God knows you are. I know you're going to be fine and believe me, that's what I want for you more than anything. But you went through a hell of an ordeal. In fact, this has been a hell of a year for you. Ellie, Jimmy Edwards and now this. You're a survivor and if anybody can bounce back, I know it's you but I can't help but worry. I just don't want you doing too much too fast."
"I know. And it's okay. I plan on taking it easy but at the same time I'm not gonna let every bad thing that has happened to me this year dictate the rest of my life."
He nodded, rubbing her shoulder.
"That's a good idea and I agree with you but can I just say one thing?"
Peyton raised an eyebrow.
"Like I have a choice to say no?"
"Just promise me and you don't have to do it right away but promise me you'll at least think about seeing somebody."
She narrowed her eyes.
"You mean like a shrink?"
"It doesn't have to a shrink. I mean, I'm sure a counselor would be okay. Look, Peyt, whatever it is, I just want you to have someone to talk to. You know you have me and your dad and all your friends but it might actually help, it might be better for you if, you know, you saw a professional."
"Yeah, alright," she answered quickly and coldly. "I'll think about it."
"Promise?"
She let out a deep breath.
"I know what you're trying to do and I appreciate it but it's okay. I'm okay."
"But if you talk about it…"
"Talk about what? My moms dying, Jimmy shooting up the school, psycho Derek kidnapping me? Lucas, my life sounds like some teeny bopper drama, okay? Yeah, I've been through a lot and I've learned how to handle things, how to get over them. This is no different. I don't need a shrink or a counselor or a priest."
"I just want you to feel better."
"Well talking about things makes them worse."
She realized she had raised her voice a little too loudly when all the others stared back at them.
"I'm sorry," Lucas whispered. "I don't want to fight with you, Peyton."
"I know. I don't want to fight with you either. I know you want the best thing for me and right now, I know what that is so I just really need you to trust me on this one, okay? Please."
He looked into those pleading eyes and conceded, against his better judgment. But fighting with her and getting her all riled up wouldn't help things and he knew it. All he could do for the moment was just be there for her, be with her and love her like he always had.
"Okay, we are in Tree Hill as you can see, and I'll just have the driver drop you and Peyton off first, Larry and then you and Lucas, Karen, if that's okay with everyone," Dan spoke to nods of confirmation.
Peyton's heart began to race as the van made its way onto the familiar streets that led to her own address.
"You gonna be okay?" Lucas asked. "Do you need me to stay with you for a little while?"
She shook her head.
"I'm okay. Dad's gonna be with me and we're gonna be fine. Um, I'll call you later on."
Holding on a little tighter to his hand for support, she waited with bated breath as they approached the Sawyer driveway. But a few yards short, the van came to a stop.
"What the hell?" Larry muttered.
Lucas and Peyton took a look out the window. The entire street was lined with people, crowds on either side that had moved out to the middle of the street blocking traffic both ways. Some were just curious onlookers while others held signs that read, "Welcome home, Peyton!" Peering further towards the house, reporters and camera crews were camped out on the Sawyer's lawn.
"I'll call for backup security for crowd control," Dan said as his fingers began dialing away on the cell phone.
Peyton was in awe. People held signs with her name on it. They were screaming her name. It was an incredible sight and it was all for her. They were there for her homecoming and she couldn't believe it.
"Who are these people?" she asked Lucas. "I, I don't know any of them."
"I don't either. There are a lot of good people in this town. They did a lot to try to help find you. They're just glad you're safe now."
She continued to look on, still amazed as the group patiently waited for the reserve Mayor Scott had called upon to help escort them. Peyton was still in shock but her heart was warmed by the sweetness of their gestures. But it was unnerving when an overzealous onlooker broke from the crowd, through the police officers and banged on the window of the van. Peyton, startled and frightened out of her mind, let out a scream as Lucas held her close while the cops subdued the man.
"It's okay, honey," Larry tried to comfort her from the front. "People are just getting a little too excited, that's all. We're fine."
But the small action had terrified her. Every loud noise, every sudden movement, reminded her of Derek and it was a sigh of relief when the private security detail arrived in calvary type fashion. The mass of spectators were quickly contained and held off in an orderly manner to allow the van entry onto the Sawyer property. A path was cleared to the front door but the media was still everywhere.
"Lucas?" she looked up, confused and afraid.
He helped her up and draped his arm securely and protectively around her.
"I'll be with you every step of the way," he looked right in her eyes.
Grabbing onto him with all her might, she slowly, reluctantly followed him off of the van, Dan and Larry leading the way.
"Mayor Scott, can we get a statement?"
"Lucas, is it true you rescued Miss Sawyer?"
"How did you know where to find her?"
"Peyton, what can you tell us about the story of you getting a young girl in a Knoxville convenience store to send an SOS? Is there any truth to that and if so, what did the message say and have you had contact with the girl and her family since?"
There were dozens of people all around shouting questions, shoving microphones in her face. The flashes from the cameras were blinding as they went off one right after another. All the commotion and the bodies around was an unsettling experience from an unprepared and unsuspecting Peyton.
"Come on," Lucas guided her to the door that was quickly opened and closed behind them.
"What the hell was all that?" a disbelieving Larry Sawyer asked again.
"It's a huge story and everyone is interested in Peyton and her miraculous rescue. I will do what I can but I'm afraid the press just isn't going to go away so easily," Dan explained."
"We appreciate everyone's help and support but this is a little overwhelming. And this is private property, Dan. I mean, you're the mayor. Do something about this. We just arrived back in town and look at Peyton. She isn't up to this."
Dan nodded.
"I'll see what I can do. Removing them from your property is one thing but getting them off the street in general won't be so easy, I'm afraid. The only way to deal with this situation, unfortunately, is to play their game. You are going to have to talk to them, at least give a brief statement for now to hold them at bay."
"I don't know. What would we say?"
"Say what's in your heart, man," Lucas spoke up. "Yeah, it's a little crazy out there right now but the media was pretty good to us through all this. When the cops wouldn't pay attention, we were able to use the local news and the papers and stuff. We at least owe them a statement."
"You're right, son," Larry agreed. "You're absolutely right. I'll go take care of it."
"I'll go with you," Lucas volunteered.
"I can't go back out there," Peyton said. "I know I should and I know everybody is concerned and stuff…just tell them I'm okay and that I said thanks but I can't. I'm sorry. Not right now. I, I just can't have them take my picture."
Larry and Lucas looked right at each other, remembering instantly Derek's freaky collage of stalker like photos. Who could blame Peyton? But she closed her eyes, fighting back tears. She felt like a walking contradiction. In the van she had told Lucas she wouldn't let Derek have control over the rest of her life. But from beyond the grave, he still had power over her whether she admitted it or not. And she hated it.
"It's okay, baby," Larry assured her. "You're home now and you're safe. You don't have to do anything you're not ready for."
Lucas stroked her hand before returning outside.
"I'll be back," he told her as she nodded and went over by the window to listen.
As soon as the door opened, the frenzy continued with camera bulbs flashing and the reporters shouting out question after question.
"If I could everyone's attention, please," Dan began. "Larry Sawyer, would like to address everyone at this time. He will make a brief statement, with no questions at this time. I only ask that you the wonderful citizens of Tree Hill and visitors alike, remain sensitive and respectful. Thank you. Larry…"
Larry stepped forward.
"Good afternoon, everybody. I'd like to take this time today to say thanks. Peyton is home, as you saw. She is safe, alive and well and that's what we've all been praying for these last two months. Um, it was a difficult time for everyone involved and during Peyton's disappearance, you, the press, treated our friends and family well. You were all instrumental in getting the story and Peyton's picture out there. Words cannot express my gratitude. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all your help, your kind words, and your support. Peyton thanks you as well. Everyone has been so concerned about her wellbeing and I am pleased to announce that my daughter is resting comfortably and we expect a full and speedy recovery. I know there have been lots of rumors and speculation about how the rescue went down and hopefully in the near future in a more controlled setting, our family will be able to comment on that and clear everything up but for now I respectfully and sincerely ask that you respect all of our privacy, especially Peyton's. It has been and continues to be an extremely stressful process and we want to get through this the best way we can as a family. Thank you."
He turned to leave, the unrelenting media hounds still trying their best to ask more questions and gain information.
"How are you Lucas? It was released by the Knoxville Police Department that you were indeed shot by the kidnapper, Derek Helm. What are your thoughts on this experience, sir, as you have gone through so much to ensure the safety of Peyton Sawyer?"
Lucas knew he wasn't supposed to address the reporters but he couldn't help it. He had one thing to say.
"Thanks for the concern. I am recovering and doing well and so is Peyton. As far as my thoughts on the experience…needless to say I wish the whole thing had never happened but it did. Um, Peyton is still with us and she's back home and she's gonna be okay and that's all I ever wanted anyway so it was the best outcome out of a really bad situation."
"You have been portrayed as the hero in this situation, some saying you took a bullet for the woman you love. Any regrets?"
Lucas turned to face the window which he knew Peyton was watching from. He already knew the answer without hesitation and with the utmost sincerity.
"Peyton is home. I have zero regrets."
And gunshot or no gunshot, in a heartbeat he wouldn't hesitate to do it all over again.