A/N: I am so sorry for the lack of updates this week. I am a school teacher and it was report card week and I have been busy working on report cards and trying to write my chapter for you guys. Then when I finally got it done a big storm knocked out my internet. I'm back on track now and have a great treat for you I have two chapters done! Enjoy and let me know what you think! Thanks for reading and review my work. It keeps me going!

Chapter 36: Mama's in Town

(Jamie hates life in Tree Hill without his Uncle Lucas and Aunt Brooke. He is bored all the time and he doesn't understand why they can't go back and stay in LA until everyone decides to come home. Nathan and Haley are feeling lonely as well. They spend most of their days on their cell phones to their friends in LA. Haley finds herself stopping at Clothes over Bros only to find a lonely store without Brooke and Nathan finds himself on the River Court wishing his brother was there to talk to. Life in Tree Hill sucks! It's a rainy Sunday so Haley, Nathan and Jamie are sitting in the living room still in there pajamas watching movies and eating junk food)

Jamie: Momma, can't we please go back to LA?
Haley: James Lucas Scott if you ask me one more time if we can go back to LA I'm going to pull my hair out! We're going to go soon!

Nathan: Give the kid a break Hales. You know you are feeling the same way!

Haley: I know this sucks! I hate Tree Hill!
Jamie: So do I

Nathan: It's only because all of our family is in LA. Think about how Peyton must have felt for the last 4 years living in LA without any of us!
Haley: I know but it still sucks

Jamie: How many days momma until we go back to LA?
Haley: Two weeks baby boy

Jamie: Ok

(There is a knock on the door)

Nathan: Who could that be?
Haley: Maybe Skillz

Nathan: Nope, he's out of town

Haley: Mouth
Nathan: Nope with Skillz

Haley: Then I don't know! Why don't you go answer the door and find out?!
Nathan: Ok, ok

(Nathan gets up and walks to the door. He opens it and gets a huge smile on his face)

Nathan: Karen! What are you doing here?!

Haley: (from the living room) who is it?
Karen: sh… don't tell her

(Nathan hugs Karen and they walk into the living room. Haley doesn't look up from the movie)

Haley: Who is it Nathan?
Karen: Well isn't that a fine way to greet someone who just flew in from half way around the world!
Haley: (jumping off the couch and hugging Karen) what are you doing here?!
Karen: I'm on my way to LA. I had to pick a layover spot in the States so I picked Tree Hill so I could come and see my other favorite Scott Family!

Jamie: Grandma Karen!

(Even though Karen really isn't his grandma he has always called her grandma Karen and it brings a smile to Karen's face every time!)

Karen: (Smiling) well look at you James Lucas Scott! Aren't you something else?!
Jamie: I'm pretty big aren't I?
Karen: That you are. Get over here and give me a hug

(Jamie runs over and gives Karen a hug)

Jamie: Where's Lily?
Karen: On a boat with Andy. This is a short trip so I didn't bring her. I have a feeling we'll be making a trip back in the next few months anyway

Jamie: Did you say you were going to LA?
Karen: I am.

Jamie: Are you going to see Aunt Peyton, Uncle Lucas, and Ellie?
Karen: I am

Jamie: Can I go with you?
Karen: Oh honey, don't you have school?
Jamie: How long are you going to be there?
Karen: Two weeks

Jamie: Mommy couldn't you get all my work and I could go to school with Ellie for two weeks and then Uncle Lucas can help me with my work?
Haley: Baby, I don't know

Jamie: Please mommy?

(Haley looks at Nathan)

Nathan: We are flying out there in two weeks for the weekend….
Haley: I don't know Nathan. That's a lot of school to miss

Nathan: I don't see why not Hales. I mean it's only Kindergarten and he's doing really well in school. Plus his teacher said he's been disconnected since we got back and she thinks it's because he misses his family and we should try to get him around them more.

Haley: (giving in) I'll call his teacher. If it's ok with Grandma Karen

Karen: It's ok with me!

Jamie: Yes!

Haley: How long are you in town for?
Karen: I leave tomorrow. I figured I'd stay a day in Tree Hill with you guys and find out all I can about this granddaughter I just found out about a week ago!

Jamie: Ellie's awesome Grandma Karen. Do you want to see pictures?
Karen: I'd love that

(Jamie gets up and runs upstairs)

Karen: So how come none of you bothered to tell me about Ellie?
Haley: (looking down) We didn't think it was our place

Nathan: Lucas was so against being a part of her life and he didn't want you to know so we figured we needed to respect that

Karen: I'm going to kick his ass when I see him! What the hell was he thinking? And Peyton what was she thinking?
Nathan: don't say anything bad about Peyton! She's done an amazing job with Ellie
Karen: oh, I'm not saying that because I blame her. I can't believe she let him off the hook so easily! She should have had his ass in court taking all his money!
Haley: You know that's not Peyton
Karen: I know I just can't believe my jackass of a son! He turned into Dan!
Haley: He's with her now

Karen: If I were Peyton I would have told him to shove it up his ass because he wasn't getting anywhere near my daughter!
Haley: No, you wouldn't have!
Karen: I am just so mad at him
Nathan: We've all spent the last 4 years being mad at him

Karen: So he just decided that this year he was going to go to LA and claim his daughter?
Haley: Pretty much. We spend every other Christmas with Peyton and Ellie and this was our Christmas to go to LA. Ellie's birthday is the week before Christmas so we flew out for her birthday party and we stayed until January 11. On the day of Ellie's party Lucas showed up at Peyton's house.

Karen: He did not?!
Nathan: Yep, just walked up to the door and knocked on it. Peyton was mortified.

Karen: Did she tell Ellie he was her dad?
Haley: No, Ellie figured that out after we got back from Disneyland

Karen: What was Peyton's life like?
Nathan: She has a live-in boyfriend. She opened a night club while we were there and she has her record label

Karen: She had a live-in boyfriend?
Haley: Yeah Julian. He went behind her back and made a deal with Lucas to make his book into a movie. It pissed her off that he didn't tell her so she broke up with him

Karen: Really or did she broke up with him because Lucas came back?
Haley: We think she broke up with him because of Lucas

Karen: I'm going to kill him! He does plan on staying in LA and being with Peyton and Ellie right?
Haley: Yeah but he has to come back to Tree Hill in March for 4 to 6 months to make his movie with Julian

Karen: So he's going to leave that poor little girl again?
Nathan: Yeah but as soon as Ellie's out of school Peyton's going to send her here for the summer

Karen: So she's going to have to be away from Peyton then?
Haley: Yeah but we'll all be here and Peyton will come out as often as she can.

Nathan: Actually I think Peyton's planning on coming with Ellie now that I think about it and going to LA when she has too
Haley: Yeah, you might be right about that

Karen: (shaking her head) I can't believe any of this! I've lost 4 years of my granddaughter's life

Haley: She's amazing!

Nathan: that she is. She's a mini Peyton!

Haley: After spending 4 weeks with Lucas she was starting to be a perfect combination of the two of them.

(Jamie comes back into the living carrying a photo album book. He sits on the couch next to Karen)

Jamie: Sorry I took so long I had to feed Chester

Karen: Chester?
Jamie: My rabbit

Karen: Oh, yes. I forgot about him

Jamie: (smiling) Me too! Here is the photo album with all of our pictures of Ellie

Karen: (taking the book) Thanks Jamie

Jamie: You're welcome Grandma Karen

(Jamie and Karen sit looking through all of the pictures of Ellie. Jamie is telling Karen about all of the different pictures. Karen looks at them with a smile on her face. Thoughts are rushing through Karen's head. She can't believe that her son is a father. She also can't believe that Peyton is a mother. She's sure Peyton is a great mom and she feels bad that she had to spend even 4 years raising her daughter by herself. She's going to kill Lucas! He better watch out!)

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(Peyton is sitting in the airport. She is looking at her schedule for the week and talking on the phone. She hears the announcement that Karen's plane has landed. She gets up and moves towards the terminal.)

Peyton: (into the phone) ok, no. That won't be a problem. I'm sure she can do it. Ok, thank you. (pausing) Really, it's not a problem. (Pausing) Ok (pausing) Ok. Talk to you soon. Bye

(Peyton hangs up the phone and looks towards the passengers coming off the plane. She looks for Karen. There are tons of people. Finally she sees the older woman coming towards her. Peyton rushes to greet her. She sees that Jamie is with her. Karen and Peyton hug. Then Peyton picks up Jamie)

Peyton: What are you doing here?!
Jamie: Grandma Karen stopped in Tree Hill first so she said I could come with her

Peyton: What about school?
Jamie: (holding up his backpack) I brought school with me!
Karen: He's having a hard time being away from all of you so his teacher thought this would be a good idea

Peyton: Well I'm so glad. Ellie is going to be so excited to see you again Jamie!
Jamie: Good I can't wait

Karen: Where's Lucas? I thought he'd pick me up

Peyton: He's afraid of you right now!
Karen: He should be

Peyton: One of us had to pick Ellie up and one of us had to be here so he said he's pick Ellie up so he didn't have to be alone with you!
Karen: Chicken
Peyton: That's what I told him

Jamie: Where's Aunt Brooke?
Peyton: She's in New York but she'll be back in a few days. She had a few meetings she had to go to

Jamie: Oh ok

Peyton: Are you ready to head back to the house?
Karen: (looking at Peyton) You look so stunning! You have grown into a beautiful woman

Peyton: Thank you

Karen: I was hoping Ellie would be with you

Peyton: they should beat us home

Karen: good

Jamie: Then let's get going!!!!

(Karen and Peyton find the bags and get a cart to take them to the car. They head out of the airport and to the car. They load up and head home. The ride to Peyton's house was quite. Her phone kept ringing and she has to take the calls. Jamie fell asleep and Karen dozed off as well. Peyton was relieved because she had a lot of business to deal with today and felt guilty for not being able to talk to Karen on the ride home.)

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(Lucas is sitting in the living room with Ellie. He is staring off into space. He is very worrying about what Karen is going to say and do. He should have told his mother years ago about Ellie. What an idiot! She was so pissed on the webcam and now she's going to see her face to face. He's dead! Ellie is drawing a picture for Karen. Lucas isn't paying attention to her. She's getting a little upset)

Ellie: (yelling) Daddy!

Lucas: (snapping out of his own thought) I'm sorry princess. What did you say?
Ellie: I asked you if you thought Grandma Karen would like my picture.

Lucas: (looking at the picture) Ellie, it's a wonderful picture. I'm sure she'll love it

Ellie: When are they going to be here?
Lucas: Soon honey

(Just then the front door opens)

Peyton: (from the front room) We're here!

(Ellie gets up and runs to the front room to her mommy and jumps into her arm)

Ellie: Hi mommy

Peyton: Hi baby girl! How was school?

Ellie: (looking shyly at the woman standing next to her mommy) School was ok. Are you my grandma?
Karen: (looking at the beautiful girl in Peyton's arms) Yes, I am and you are the most beautiful 4 year old in the world!

Ellie: (smiling shyly laying her head on Peyton's shoulder) thank you

Karen: I brought a surprise for you Ellie

Ellie: (lifting her head off Peyton's shoulder) What?
Jamie: (walking into the house) ME!
Ellie: (Screaming) Jamie!!!! Mommy put me down

(Peyton put Ellie down and she runs over and hugs Jamie)

Ellie: What are you doing here?
Jamie: My teacher said that I am disconnected from my group because I miss you guys too much and she thought this trip would be a good idea!
Ellie: Yes! You can go to school with me!
Jamie: (holding up his backpack) My teacher sent all kinds of work with me!
Ellie: I'll help you

Jamie: Thanks Ellie
Karen: So since I brought you such a great surprise do you think you have a hug for your Grandma?
Ellie: (walking over to Karen) Yes, I think I might have a hug

(Karen picks the little girl up and hugs her tightly. Ellie lays her head on her grandma's shoulder and snuggles into her for a minute. She then pulls away)

Ellie: I'm glad I have a grandma. My grandma Ellie and my Grandma Anna are in heaven. It's nice to have one I can hug

Karen: (smiling at her granddaughter) I'm glad I have a granddaughter I can hug too

Ellie: Did you not want me either?
Karen: (looking sad) Who didn't want you?
Ellie: My daddy
Peyton: El, that not true. Remember daddy just made some bad choices he loves you a lot

Ellie: Duh mommy! I know he loves me but it took him a long time to come home and it took Grandma Karen a long time to come and visit so maybe she didn't want a granddaughter

Karen: Do you know that I just found out I had a beautiful granddaughter?
Ellie: You did?
Karen: Yep, your daddy just told me about you!
Ellie: (Smiling) Great! So you didn't miss my birthday party because you didn't want to come?
Karen: Nope and I promise I'll be at the next one, ok?
Ellie: Ok

Peyton: El, where's daddy?
Ellie: I think he's hiding in the living room

Peyton: Why is he hiding?
Ellie: He's afraid of Grandma Karen!
Karen: He should be

Peyton: Lucas, get your butt out here and greet your mother!
Lucas: (Walking into the front entrance) Hey ma!

(Karen looks at Lucas. The anger in her eyes was scaring her. She walks over to him and slaps him across the face.)

Lucas: Ow… what did you do that for?

(Karen doesn't say anything she then grabs her son and hugs him)

Lucas: that's more like it

Karen: I am so angry at you Lucas Eugene Scott!

Lucas: I realize that by the way you just slapped me across the face

Peyton: Who would like some lunch?
Ellie: Me!
Jamie: Me too

Ellie: Grandma?
Jamie: Uncle Lucas?
Karen: I'm starving

Lucas: Me too
Peyton: Great come on you two you can help me in the kitchen. Luke, I think Champ needs to go for a walk

Lucas: (smiling at her) Ok, my mom and I will take him

Peyton: Thanks and we'll have lunch ready when you get back

Lucas: (walking over and kissing Peyton) Thank you babe

Peyton: No problem

Lucas: Champ, come here buddy

(The cute little dog comes running into the front entrance)

Karen: You have a dog, Peyton?
Peyton: Oh that was one of the guilt gifts from Lucas the first week or two he was here

Lucas: Oh you love him!

Peyton: He's growing on me

Lucas: (hooking Champ up to his leash) Come one boy.

(Karen and Lucas walk out of the house with the dog. They walk down the street in silence. Karen decides to be the first to break it)

Karen: I guess I want you to first tell me what happened between you and Peyton?
Lucas: I came to LA and I asked her to marry me

Karen: And she told you…

Lucas: (cutting her off) And she told me no!

Karen: Ok we are so not getting into that again! She told you someday

Lucas: So anyway before I left we slept together

Karen: Ok

Lucas: She showed up in Tree Hill a few weeks later and told me she was pregnant. I was really mean to her.
Karen: Why?
Lucas: I was scared

Karen: I understand that but you know what it feels like to grow up without a father, Lucas. Why would you do that to Ellie? And you know how hard it was for me to raise you by myself… why would you do that to Peyton?
Lucas: I was 19, mom. I didn't know how to be a father

Karen: But you we're ready to be a husband?
Lucas: No, and I realized that too

Karen: So why didn't you come to LA when Ellie was born?
Lucas: I wanted too

Karen: I hear it was pretty scary. Ellie had to be born c-section

Lucas: Yeah, she was early and she was hooked up to wires and machines

Karen: Haley mentioned that. Didn't you know all of that?
Lucas: Yes…

Karen: So you just stayed away anyway?
Lucas: (putting his head down) Yes

Karen: I can't believe you! I can't believe you'd ditch your responsibility like that!

Lucas: I know ma and I'm sorry

Karen: I'm not the one you should be telling you're sorry

Lucas: Peyton has forgiven me

Karen: Ok, I understand that you didn't want to be a dad but why didn't you tell me?
Lucas: I was ashamed. I knew you'd be disappointed in me!

Karen: I am disappointed in you Lucas! I raised you better than this. To ditch your responsibilities! Leaving Peyton alone to financially and emotional raise your daughter. You are not the person I thought you were!
Lucas: Mom…

Karen: Lucas, I love you because you are my son and I will always love you at the same time the fact that you left the woman you love and your baby is unbelievable! I just can't see you doing that. Then you didn't tell me! Ok, so I understand you were scared and didn't want to be a parent but you kept me from being a grandparent and that's low!

Lucas: Peyton could have told you!
Karen: Peyton, although is very much like a daughter to me, is not my child and you know you should have told me

Lucas: I know and I'm sorry. I've been a total jackass for the last four years

Karen: what brought you here now?

Lucas: Jamie, Ellie, Peyton… I don't really know. I was just feeling the pain of missing her so much that I couldn't take it anymore and then Jamie put her on the webcam and I saw her and I knew I had to meet her and be a part of her life

Karen: What would you have done if Peyton slammed the door in your face?
Lucas: I would have deserved it but she didn't. At the same time, she wasn't very nice either!

Karen: Good for her

Lucas: She called me Dan and said some really mean stuff to me

Karen: You're lucky she didn't kick your ass

Lucas: That might have been easier

Karen: How did Ellie find out?
Lucas: With Jamie's help but she totally figures it out by herself then she called us out on it

Karen: She's smart!
Lucas: (Smiling) Yes, she is so cute too. She's a lot like Peyton. She loves to draw and listen to music but she's a lot like me too. She loves to read and she plays basketball. She's a little like Brooke too. She loves clothes and pink which drives Peyton crazy. She's her own person too. She's stuck on the thought of us being a family and she wants a baby brother. She loves to talk and she's not afraid to ask questions or tell Peyton and I how she feels. She dances and her best friend is Molly.
Karen: (smiling) There's the boy I know and raised. Looking in your eyes while talking about your daughter I can see how much you love her

Lucas: Peyton has really let me step in and be a hands on dad… I love her for that

Karen: (raising her eyebrow) you and Peyton?
Lucas: (smiling a huge smile) We're together

Karen: I realize that but what are your plans?

Lucas: I want to marry her

Karen: What if she doesn't want that?

Lucas: then we will continue the way we are. We're happy and that's all I've ever wanted

Karen: I don't understand why you did what you did but I'm glad you've come to your senses and you're being a father
Lucas: Me too
Karen: Let's head back Lucas. I want to spend as much time with Ellie as I can

Lucas: How long are you staying?
Karen: Two weeks

Lucas: That's great mom

Karen: I do love you Lucas

Karen: I love you too ma

(Karen and Lucas head back to the house. They walk into the house to smell something wonderful cooking. Lucas unhooks Champ from his leash and he and Karen walk into the kitchen. Peyton is at the stove stirring something while Jamie and Ellie are sitting at the counter coloring. Lucas walks up to Peyton and kisses her softly on the check. Peyton smiles)

Karen: What are you making?
Peyton: Chili

Karen: (smiling) Lucas and I ate that almost every night at the café

Peyton: I know. It's one of his comfort foods so I learned how to make it a long time ago

Lucas: She's actually a pretty good cook

Ellie: There are chocolate brownies in the oven too!

Karen: I love chocolate brownies
Jamie: It's your recipe Grandma Karen
Karen: I can't wait!
Ellie: (getting off the stool and walking over to Karen) I made you this while daddy and I were waiting for you and mommy to get home (handing her the picture)
Karen: (looking at it. It's a picture of Lucas, Peyton and Ellie at the park) oh, it's beautiful Ellie! (Bending down and hugging her) Thank you

Ellie: (Smiling) you're welcome

Karen: So Peyton tell me about your life here in LA?
Ellie: Mommy has a glamorous life… Anyway that's what the magazines always say when they write articles about her

Peyton: How would you know what they say? You can't read yet!
Ellie: I can read some things mommy! Plus every time you were in the magazines Julian and I would buy them and he'd read them to me! That's one thing I miss reading about you in the magazines

Peyton: I haven't been in the magazines in a long time
Ellie: Yes you were when you opened the club. They sent you tons of copies to our house and you just shoved them in the basement. I saw them down there!
Karen: Ellie, tell me about your mommy's glamorous life and tell me who Julian is?

Ellie: Mommy has a record company called Red Bedroom Records and she's the hottest producer in the business!

Karen: Really?
Ellie: Meg says it's because she young and hot and that the young guy bands like to look at her and the new young girl groups want to be with the guy bands. Mommy lets me help her sign bands. It's a lot of fun. I get to meet all of them and I've been in a lot of their cover work. Mommy draws a lot of the album covers because they like to have the Peyton Sawyer original touch

Karen: (Smiling) your mommy is a great artist

Ellie: I know I want to be just like her when I grow up. Actually, I think I'll write children's books and illustrated them myself

Karen: What?
Lucas: It's the school we send her too. They teach them those big words and what them mean

Karen: that's amazing

Ellie: Then when I'm not busy writing books I'll work with mommy at the recording studio or the night club

Karen: Peyton had a night club?
Ellie: yeah, TRIC West. It looks just like your night club in Tree Hill

Karen: It does?

Ellie: That's what everyone kept saying! It had an awesome grand opening because designer Brooke Davis was there, Author Lucas Scott was there, Indie movie producer Julian Baker and Record Producer Peyton Sawyer are co-owners and they had the hottest acts in town. They do every night

Karen: Why, Ellie you are very smart!
Ellie: Thank you Grandma Karen

Ellie: So mommy is very busy but since daddy's been here she doesn't work like she used too. She does a lot of business on the phone but she likes to be home with us. I don't get to spend as much time with her at work anymore. I used to go to work with her every day but now daddy picks me up and we come home and my mommy comes home a lot too. Like today… we should be working to sign new bands but we're not!
Peyton: Ellie, for your information I have been on the phone all morning booking Mia and two other bands on a tour! Plus I brought home a boxful of demo tapes for you! It's no fun for daddy to sit at my office every day and he likes to be with you!

Ellie: Ok, ok

Karen: (walking over and hugging Peyton) I am so proud of you! You have done a wonderful job with your life and my granddaughter. She's amazing

Peyton: I think she is

Karen: She's very articulate too

Peyton: That she is. She sure can talk and talk and talk

Karen: (smiling) It's cute. So Ellie tell me about this Julian guy?
Ellie: He was mommy's boyfriend and my uncle. He lived with us. Mommy was (making a funny face) in love with him. He helped mommy when I was a baby. They were friends first and they fell in love. We moved into this house and we were a family. He asked mommy to marry him but she said no. He is making a movie with daddy. He doesn't like daddy because daddy kisses mommy and he used to kiss mommy. But can I tell you a secret grandma

Karen: Go ahead sweetheart

Ellie: I'm glad that Uncle Julian isn't kissing mommy anymore… Mommy should be with daddy that's what I want more than anything. I didn't tell Uncle Julian that though because I didn't want to hurt his feelings

Karen: that's a good idea sweetheart.

Ellie: So Uncle Julian doesn't come around anymore only when he needs to talk to daddy about their movie. I miss him sometimes but I understand that he has a broken heart and he's trying to mend it. Which I hope he doesn't have to go to the hospital for that. I don't really get what that means but I know it means he's sad

Karen: I see

Ellie: Oh, and do you know Aunt Brooke?
Karen: (smiling) Yes I do!
Ellie: She's dating my best friend Molly's daddy!
Karen: She is?
Ellie: Yeah and she has sleepovers every night! Mommy only let's me have sleepovers on weekends but Aunt Brooke stays there every night and a lot of days she brings Molly to school and then her and mommy go for coffee. Then Aunt Brooke and daddy pick us up and take us to lunch. Some days Aunt Brooke has to go to the clothing store so daddy takes me and Molly wherever we want to go. Molly and I are hoping that Aunt Brooke and her daddy get married so we can be cousins… We also hope we can all move to Tree Hill
Karen: That's interesting… Hey James Lucas Scott you're awful quite

Jamie: Who can get a word in edgewise with motor mouth over here!

(Everyone started laughing)

Ellie: Hey I just met my grandma and I have a lot to tell her!
Jamie: I know and that's why I'm not interrupting you!

Ellie: Thanks Jamie

Peyton: ok, lunch in ready!
Ellie: Finally! I'm hungry

Peyton: Put the bread on the table please

Ellie: Yes mommy

(Ellie jumps down and grabs the bread from her mom. She takes it to the table and puts it in the middle of the table. She then walks to the fridge and grabs the butter and puts that on the table. Karen watches how helpful Ellie is an all the things Peyton have taught her to do. She's just like Lucas. Karen can't believe how much Peyton reminders her of herself as a young mother. Peyton is kind, patient, and supportive. She's a great mother and Ellie is very lucky)

Peyton: Everyone head to the table for lunch!

(Jamie, Ellie, and Karen walk over and sit down. Lucas walks over and grabs the pot of chili from Peyton. He smiles at her and kisses her lightly on the check. Karen watches. Karen missed that when Lucas was growing up: someone to talk to, to help her with the pot of chili, to be there to support her. Peyton and Lucas have always brought a smile to her face. She knows they are the perfect couple. Haley and Nathan Peyton and Lucas that's the way it's supposed to be. She's so glad that Lucas finally came to his senses and decided to get his family back)

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(Karen loved the time she was spending with Lucas and Ellie. She wished Peyton didn't have to work so she could hang out with them too but she understood what it meant to support a child. She also wanted to mention to Lucas that if he's going to stay in LA he better get a job himself. She'd bring that up later and make sure her son was financially supporting his family. It was Wednesday and Peyton wasn't rushing out of the house. Karen wondered why. Karen had taken over cooking to give Peyton a break. Peyton was grateful for the help. She'd never noticed how much she was missing out by being an almost single mom and she loved having a family around her and Ellie. Ellie, Jamie and Molly were sitting at the table and Grandma Karen was serving up French toast. Brooke, Peyton and Lucas all descended for upstairs at the same time. They all looked really tired and crabby. Jackson was out of town on business so Brooke decided to stay at Peyton's with Molly. The house was crowded once again but Peyton loved it!)

Karen: Well this is an unusual morning

Peyton: Why?
Karen: Because you aren't running down the stairs fully dresses shoving breakfast in your mouth, grabbing Ellie and running out the door

Lucas: (laughing) She's only been like that since you've been here. Usually she's up way before the rest of us making breakfast

Karen: Yeah I don't understand that! Peyton gets up, makes breakfast, gets Ellie ready for school and then takes Ellie to school. Luke, what do you do in the morning?
Lucas: The dishes

Karen: Since you don't go to work you should be making breakfast!
Peyton: really I don't mind. I'm just a little out of my routine right now.
Karen: But you're not even dressed this morning

Peyton: Oh, I don't work on Wednesday. I'm room mother at school

Karen: You are?
Peyton: Yeah, so I spend all day at school with Ellie and then we hang out in the afternoon

Karen: Can I do it today?
Peyton: Be room mother?
Karen: Yeah, I'd love to go to school with Ellie and then you and Lucas can spend the day together

Brooke: Well whoever is taking the kids to school would you mind dropping Molly off? I have to go to the store today. Millie is faxing a whole bunch of paperwork to me and I have a meeting via the internet

Peyton: Of course we can

Brooke: You're angels

Peyton: And of course you can go to school with the kids today.

Ellie: Yeah Grandma that will be so much fun!
Molly: Grandma Karen at school will be great!

Lucas: So I'll have Peyton to myself all day?
Peyton: Nope sorry. If your mom is going to take Ellie today I might as well go to work!
Karen: Absolutely not! Peyton the only condition is that you stay home with Lucas today

Peyton: Done! Since you're going to take the kids and they are all dressed and ready to go I'm going to go back to bed. I haven't been sleeping that well with a 4 year old's foot in my back!
Lucas: I'm going back to bed too then!
Ellie: Kisses and hugs first mommy and daddy

(Peyton and Lucas walk around the table giving all the kids a kiss and a hug. Peyton hugs Karen)

Peyton: Thank you

Karen: Get used to the help sweetheart. You need to lean on Lucas more and while I'm here I'm going to help you do that

Peyton: I'm just used to being on my own

Karen: I understand that but you're not anymore… Let him help you

Peyton: I will thanks

(Lucas hugs Karen and they head back upstairs. Karen finishes serving breakfast and cleaning up the kitchen. Shortly after that she packs all the kids up and scoots them out the door. She is going to love spending the day with the kids. She's hasn't been room mother in almost sixteen years. This should be a great day!)

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(Lucas and Peyton are snuggled together closely in bed. They were both still sleeping when her cell phone started to ring. She opens her eyes and grabs it. Lucas mumbles something and she kisses his forehead. He rolls over on his back and is still asleep. She looks at the caller id. It's Meg. She sighs)

Peyton: Meg, it's my day off! Figure it out
Meg: (through the phone) I'm sorry Peyton for bothering you. I have just a quick question

Peyton: What is it?
Meg: (over the phone) Do you want me to fax you the tour dates or do you want to wait and confirm them tomorrow?
Peyton: When do they need them by?
Meg: (over the phone) Friday
Peyton: Then I'll deal with it tomorrow. Just lock them in the top drawer so no one gets their hands on them
Meg: (over the phone) will do. Sorry again. Bye

Peyton: Bye.

(Peyton turns off her phone. She rolls onto her stomach and puts her head on Lucas' chest. He wraps his arms around her. He kisses the top of her head and they fall back to sleep. Lucas' phone starts ringing. Peyton rolls off his chest and he reaches for his phone. He looks at it. It's Julian. He groans and answers it)

Lucas: What?
Julian: (over the phone) well good morning to you too!

Lucas: It was a good morning until you called!
Julian: (over the phone) why are you so crabby?

Lucas: because I just had a hot blonde in my arms and she moved when the phone rang

Julian: (over the phone) Not two months and you're already cheating on Peyton huh?
Lucas: Julian, what do you want?
Julian: (over the phone) I just wanted to know if you could make a few meetings tomorrow with some directors

Lucas: Sure, what time?
Julian: (over the phone) I don't know because I need to talk to Peyton and see if we can use her office at TRIC West that way they have to come to us and we can schedule more meetings for one day

Lucas: Hold on. (Laying his hand gently on Peyton's back) Babe, Julian wants to talk to you

Peyton: (holding out her hand) Ok

(Lucas hands Peyton the phone)

Peyton: Hello

Julian: (over the phone) Peyton, are you sick?
Peyton: No, why?
Julian: (over the phone) because you sound like you're still in bed

Peyton: I am

Julian: (over the phone) But Peyt it's 10:30. What about Ellie?
Peyton: She's with Lucas' mom

Julian: (over the phone) Why aren't you at work?
Peyton: I don't work on Wednesdays. What's with the 20 questions?

Julian: (over the phone) Sorry. I was wondering if Lucas and I could use the office at TRIC West tomorrow to interview some directors

Peyton: Sure and you don't have to ask Julian. The club is half yours

Julian: (over the phone) Thanks, Peyt. Tell Lucas I'll see him at 11 tomorrow at TRIC West

Peyton: Will do. Bye

(Peyton ends the phone call and hands the phone to Lucas. He turns it off. She looks at him, he looks at her. They smile at each other)

Lucas: So much for sleeping the day away

Peyton: I know

Lucas: Did my mom say she was bring the kids back here?
Peyton: No she was going to take them to the zoo and then a movie. She said they'd be back by dinner time

Lucas: I better make dinner then

Peyton: Yeah

Lucas: Do you have any plans today?
Peyton: Nope

Lucas: Good because since you've been back to work we haven't had any Peyton/Lucas time and I really miss you

Peyton: I know. It's hard when you have a full time job and a kid to get alone couple time and I've been so damn tired lately

Lucas: Are you feeling ok?
Peyton: Yes, I've just been working more and having Ellie sleep with us every night doesn't give us a chance to be alone

Lucas: I know it was kind of nice having Molly and Jamie here last night so Ellie slept in her own room

Peyton: (Smiling) Yeah

Lucas: Go ahead tell me you told me so!
Peyton: Nope… We're just adjusting to our new life. I didn't realize how much Julian was gone until you got here and are here every night. I'm not used to that either. I realized that Ellie and I spent a lot of time alone

Lucas: (kind of looking sad) Am I here too much?
Peyton: No! I love it! I love you

Lucas: (smiling) I love you too

Peyton: How is family life treating you?
Lucas: It's different. I didn't realize what it was like to be with someone 24/7 and be responsible for a little being. It's a lot of work and it's sometimes overwhelming

Peyton: (now looking sad) Well Luke if it's too much for you you don't have to stay here… I just want you to be happy

Lucas: (Kissing her face softly) Baby, I wouldn't be anywhere else. It is overwhelming but I love every minute of it. I can't imagine my life without you and Ellie. I don't even remember my life before they two of you. I don't know what I was thinking and why I wasn't here sooner. This is the best feeling I have ever felt…. Being here with you and Ellie fills my heart and it's a feeling I haven't had since the day I left here 5 years ago

Peyton: I know what you mean. Ellie consumes my heart and when I had her I felt complete but then slowly there was a small part of my heart that just felt empty. When you came back to LA I felt whole again.

Lucas: God, I love you!
Peyton: I love you too.

Lucas: I'm sorry about my mom being here

Peyton: Are you serious?! I love having your mom around. I always have

Lucas: Do you want to go to lunch?
Peyton: Sure

Lucas: Ok, let's get up and go then

Peyton: Or we could order something to be delivered and spend the whole day locked in the house together

Lucas: I like that idea even better
Peyton: Ok, so let's order some Chinese
Lucas: Sounds great. What do you want?
Peyton: Chicken Lo Mien and Crab Cheese

Lucas: Ok, I'll order

Peyton: Number's in the night stand

Lucas: Sounds great

Peyton: I'm going to take a shower

Lucas: Mind if I join you after I place our order?
Peyton: Absolutely not!

(Peyton walks into the bathroom and Lucas orders Chinese food. He then joins Peyton in the bathroom. He plans to make the best of the day with his girl because they are few and far between and it's only going to get worse when he has to go back to Tree Hill).

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A/N: The next chapter is mostly going to be about Peyton and Lucas spending the day together…. I'm trying to think of some cute fun things they can do together…

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