Peyton spent the next two weeks getting ready for Christmas and finals. The Ravens were still unbeaten and the guys were starting to feel the pressure. Haley stopped by one afternoon to check on Peyton.
"Hey Hales, long time no see." Peyton said as Haley took a seat on her bed.
"Been busy with work and school. How are things with you? It feels like ages since we've talked."
"Same old same old. How about you? How's married life?" Peyton teased.
"Not at all what I expected." Haley admitted.
"What does that mean?"
"I wasn't stupid enough to think it would be all flowers and romance, but sometimes it really feels like work." Peyton didn't exactly know what to say to that. "Like the other day I realized that I will never have a bed to myself anymore. Not that I don't like sleeping next to Nathan, because I do. But it isn't my bed anymore – it's ours. Maybe I am over thinking it."
"Maybe, but it's only natural. Most people have time before the wedding to prepare themselves for what a marriage will be. You kinda skipped that part."
"I love Nathan, I do. It's just the daily stuff that kinda bothers me. Like can't he see the toothpaste left in the bathroom sink in the morning? And why is it that he thinks because I am a woman that I automatically know where everything is? The other day he asked me where his practice jersey was. I asked him where he had left it. He said he didn't know, and I wanted to scream back, then how should I know!?" Haley was clearly exasperated.
"Don't sweat it Haley, it will get better." Peyton tried to reassure her.
"I know. I'm just venting. So really, enough about me. How are things with you?"
"Nothing new. My dad is due back on Sunday and then he's home for like a week and then gone another ten days and then home until the New Year."
"How are things with Jake?" Haley asked tentatively.
"Trial is almost over. Judge is ruling on Friday." Peyton replied.
"Then you guys can hang out again right?"
"Yep. Can I ask you something?" Peyton said.
"Sure."
"I kissed Jake before he left Tree Hill in June. We have never talked about it, and it hasn't happened again. Do you think that's strange?"
"Does it feel strange?" Haley asked.
"Kinda. It isn't awkward or anything...maybe we've just transitioned into the friend zone." Peyton replied.
"The friend zone?" Haley repeated.
"Ya, you know. You really like someone, there is chemistry there but you wait so long to act on it that it just kinda disappears. I mean it's cool because you are friends, but in the back of your mind you also know that you let the moment pass when you should have seized it."
"Is that what you think is happening with you and Jake?"
"Maybe. I don't know. It's not like we've had a lot of face time in the last three months. It just wasn't good for the trial, but now, with it coming to an end, I'm kind of nervous. He asked me to be there ya know."
"Be where?" Haley asked.
"In court when the judge gives his verdict."
"That's huge Pey."
"I know. But he asked and I couldn't say no. I'm nervous about that too." Peyton admitted.
"It'll be fine. Do you want me to come and hold your hand?" Haley offered.
"No. Jake doesn't want it to turn into some big thing. Plus, what if it doesn't go his way? What do I say?"
"You got me. Most of the time I just wing it," Haley grinned.
"How is Nathan doing with this whole unbeaten streak?" Peyton asked.
"Depends on the day. I can handle him moody, but Dan is breathing down our necks again and..."
"I know. Dan is a piece of work." Peyton agreed.
"Nathan's just like everyone else, he has good days and bad. I just try to stay out of his way when it's a bad one."
"He has a lot less of them because of you Haley."
"I don't know about that Peyton." Haley grimaced.
"I do. I knew him pre Haley and he is really lucky to have you. You make a difference, don't ever doubt that."
"Some days I wonder." Haley glanced down at her watch. "I need to get to work. Will you be coming by for dinner later?"
"Probably. No food in this house."
"I'll have a bowl of soup waiting for you." Haley said with a smile and left.
Haley was the first person that Peyton had told about Jake's request. She had been going over it in her head for the past two weeks trying to figure out how she felt about it. She was nervous – for him and for herself. She had no idea what to feel, what to wear, what to say, all of it. Brooke had suspected that she was thinking about something but she knew that it wouldn't do her or Peyton any good to push. When Pey was ready she'd spill. Luke was so busy being wrapped up in the pressure that basketball had become that he didn't even notice that Peyton was brooding. His own broodiness overshadowed hers. It was a really bad pattern in Peyton's life. Haley had come over that day to talk about Nathan. Peyton knew it. Her asking about things with Jake was a courtesy question. Sometimes it bothered her that everyone was so wrapped up in their own lives that they didn't consider she might have some issues of her own she wanted to talk about. On the other hand, Peyton had spent most of her life concealing her issues, so she felt like she had no one to blame but herself. Almost everyone believed her popular cheerleader façade and so they should, she worked hard enough at it.
Friday was the day the judge would deliver his verdict and it was also a teachers workday so Peyton didn't have to come up with an excuse as to why she wasn't in school. She had been standing in her closet for nearly twenty minutes trying to pick out something to wear and was still drawing a blank. She heard her computer bing telling her that someone was online. It was a way to avoid the clothing decision so she opened messenger to see who it was.
DD: do you need me to pick you up?
TC: How did you know I'd answer.
DD: webcam
Peyton realized that she had not covered the webcam the night before. Good thing she was wearing respectable pajamas.
TC: right. Gotta turn that thing off.
DD: no need to on my account. So, you need a ride?
TC: not even dressed yet.
DD: I know. What's the problem
TC: turns out, I don't have any respectable clothes
DD: Anything you wear is fine.
TC: bet you are in a suit
DD: ya, but it's required for me. You can come naked if you want
TC: don't you mean you want?
She couldn't believe she had typed that. They had stayed away from all sexual innuendoes in the past. If she could erase it, she would. Instead she threw a shirt over the webcam.
DD: not fair. Why'd you cover up?
TC: getting dressed now. I should go. I'll see you at the courthouse in an hour OK? Relax
DD: am trying my best. See you there.
She heard another ping telling her she had e-mail but she decided to ignore it and focus on getting ready.
Peyton finally settled on black pants and a white blouse. It was decidedly boring, but respectable. She had a great desire to put on her runners, but abstained and wore dress shoes instead. Her leather jacket completed the look and she felt ready to go. The butterflies in her stomach told her this would be a big day.
Jake was waiting for her on the courthouse steps. His parents were inside already and they had Jenny with them. He was dressed in a dark suit with a dark shirt and tie. He looked very fatherly Peyton decided. And the butterflies in her stomach did a synchronized flip.
"Peyton, thanks so much for coming."
"You asked, here I am. Are you ready to go inside?" Peyton asked.
"Nikki's in there." He said.
She reached out and squeezed his hand. "Come on. We'll face her together." Peyton smiled.
The verdict was a mixture of bad and good. Jenny's primary residence would be with Jake, but Nikki did get joint custody of sorts. She had to go through six months of supervised visits before she'd be allowed to take Jenny on her own. Nikki also had to live where ever Jake lived. She wasn't allowed to take Jenny across state lines and she had to give Jake what the judge called "reasonable notice" when she wanted to spend time with her. They would have a meeting with the judge in six months to determine how things were progressing. Jake had to keep Nikki informed of all major decisions when it came to Jenny too. Peyton couldn't figure out if it was good news or not. It definitely meant that Nikki would be around for the foreseeable future.
After they were done in court Nikki was taking Jenny out with her family for lunch. She would bring Jenny back to Jake's place at two.
"So, wanna come over for lunch?" Jake asked as they exited the building.
"Don't you want to spend time with your parents?" Peyton replied.
"They have to get back to work. Plus, if I am forced to sit by myself for the next three hours I may go crazy. Keep me company?" He explained.
"Sure. Can we stop by my place so I can change?" Peyton asked.
"No problem."
After Peyton was back in her standard uniform of jeans and t-shirt the butterflies seemed to be taking a nap. She felt better.
"I've never seen your room before." Jake commented from her bed.
"Well, this is it." She said.
"It's very you."
"What does that mean?" She asked.
"It's exactly how I pictured it." He replied.
"You've seen it on the webcam." She pointed out.
"I've seen your closet, never your room. I like this," He pointed to a sketch on the wall. It was the one she had done on the café placemat.
"Thanks. So, should we go?" she asked. She didn't really want to talk about that particular sketch.
Jake knew she was avoiding him, but he figured he'd let it slide for now. He wasn't one to push. "Sure."
They spent the afternoon hanging out watching a movie and eating frozen pizza. As two o'clock got nearer she knew he was getting anxious. The unspoken thought was what if Nikki didn't come back. But at five minutes to two the doorbell rang and there she was. She was even civil to Jake. She asked if she could take her Sunday afternoon for a couple of hours. Apparently the court appointed supervisor was available and Nikki wanted to take her to the park. Jake reluctantly agreed and Nikki left without incident.
"Wow." Peyton remarked when she was gone.
"What?"
"I don't think I've ever seen civil Nikki before. Do you think it will last?" Peyton asked.
"Probably not. But for now, we'll try our best. So, you got plans for Sunday afternoon?" Jake asked with a smile.
"What am I? A Jenny substitute for you?" Peyton teased.
"No, it's just if I have some free time I'd like to do something with you. After the last three months of not hanging out at all, I think we have some catching up to do." Jake explained.
"We'll see. I have a strip due Monday and so far I'm uninspired...again."
"Maybe I could inspire you?"
"Doubtful. Can I call you Sunday morning?" Peyton asked.
"I guess." He pretended to pout. "You don't have to leave now you know. I know Jenny missed you too. Why don't you stay a little while longer."
"Sure, why not."
The three of them enjoyed the afternoon together. It was relaxing and stress free. The laughed and joked and did everything they could think of to make Jenny smile. In the process, they both decompressed. Peyton couldn't remember when she had had such a good time. When she finally decided it was time to go home, it was already dark out. Jake walked her to the door and Peyton was secretly hoping for a kiss. She wanted to lean in and kiss him, but she had made the first move last time and this time, she was going to restrain herself. He made no move to kiss her. He did give her a hug and thanked her again for coming, both to the courthouse and then spending the day with them. Peyton gathered up her disappointment and went home.
It had been a long day, and she headed straight to bed. The next morning she got up, made herself some coffee and remembered that she had new e-mail to read. She got comfortable in front of her computer and opened her inbox. The message from the day before was her dad. She opened it, looking forward to her dad's dry sense of humor. As she read the first line, the bottom fell out of her world. She dropped the cup of coffee she had been holding and started to cry.
A/N So, I'm finding myself less inspired. I just have to say for the record that Naley is so much easier to write...but, I do have the outline done for this, I just have to put my brain to it and keep going. Your reviews have been so great - and tardychic, I am so sorry your arm is in a sling! that sucks. It made your review extra special. As always, let me know your thoughts/suggestions. Carys