Quicksand

Chapter 15

authors note : Thank you my readers. I love reading you're feedback and viewing the story through you're lense. Stay tuned.

No man, for any considerable period, can wear one face to himself -

and another to the multitude, without finally getting bewildered as to which may be the true.

Days Later

It was two years in. We had grown into a routine. A selection of actions that made living under one roof work. We had breakfast and dinner as a family. The set aside time was filled with the events in his life. His day. His activities.

Along with our own. At some point the lines blurred.

Between playing a part and reality.

"He's fast asleep." Peyton said. As she entered his room.

"My mom takes spoiling him and filling him with all the dessert he can handle to new heights."

"You seem really good. Hopeful and joyful."

"I'm glad you're okay with this whole situation." Lucas replied.

"I'm at peace with alot aspects of my life. I refuse to regret anything. What i do and say is what i mean." Peyton stated matter of fact.

"I want to get there be at peace with whats ahead."

"But i feel like we're just being cheated. Ellison losing his mom."

"Me losing you. Just when we finally have this co parenting thing under control."

"I hate that i can't change the outcome for you." Lucas admitted.

"I don't need you to save me Lucas. I just want you to be happy." Peyton replied.

"I am. And I know you are too. Even though you won't admit it."

"This is all we ever wanted before it fell apart." Lucas proclaimed.

"We're in a good place. I just hope it stays that way." Peyton replied.

It was then I closed the gap between us. Kissing her.

She was caught by surprise. But didn't pull away.

Instead she pulled me closer.

I pulled away to lock the door to my bedroom. Then wrapped my arms around her.

"This is everything." I admitted. Before pulling us down onto my bed.

...

"He's shutting me out Haley. I lost Peyton too."

"I miss her. I'm trying to be there for him and Ellison because they are my family too. He basically kicked me out."

"And then there's the whole me being in love with him."

"Which complicates everything." "My feeings for him haven't changed."

"What am i supposed to do with that.?" Brooke questioned.

As she was laid out in a living room chair beside Haley.

"He's not in the right head space or emotionally to deal with anything else."

"Peyton wouldn't want you wasting you're time and heart on someone when its clearly not going anywhere."

"You need to grieve and find some peace. Then figure out what comes next."

"Lucas's burden and loss of direction isn't for you to hold on too."

"And try to help with since he's refusing it. Let him come to you. If he ever does." Haley replied.