"Peyton, you are a lifesaver."
"It's no big deal", the blonde shrugged.
"Yes, it is. I really needed help. Now thank you very much for loaning and explaining this book to me. You totally saved my ass now Professor Braiden can get off of it."
Peyton smiled. Anything for a friend. Anna had somehow found herself taking Art History and had needed a little help for a last minute assignment. Peyton, Tree Hill's resident art buff, had come to the rescue.
"No problem. And if you need anything else, just let me know. I know Braiden seems like a real hard ass but he's not so bad. Don't let him discourage you because the class is actually really interesting."
"I'll take your word for it", Anna grinned. "But for now I'll get out of your hair. Looks like I've got a lot of reading to do and you look pretty busy here anyway."
"Not really. Um, I was just making dinner. Corndogs are Jenny's favorite."
"Speaking of, it's way too quiet around here. Where is Jenny?"
"Out. Uh, she and Jake and Nikki went out today."
"Oh. How is that going?"
Peyton nodded. It was going well. It had taken a lot of prodding but Jake had finally been convinced to set up informal visitation with Nikki and Jenny. A month had passed and all seemed to be going well. Nikki was keeping up her end of the bargain and Jake, although at times still weary of a motive, was actually being civil. The best part was, Jenny seemed to be enjoying herself and adjusting to the new reality of having two mothers.
"It's going good. Jake and Nikki are getting along, at least for Jenny's sake and it seems to be working out."
"I'm glad", Anna said. "You did a good thing, Pey. A very good and unselfish thing for Jenny."
"Thanks."
"Well, like I said. I better get going. I promise to return this book the minute I am done with it."
"That's cool. Um, Anna…would you like to stay? I mean for dinner and all. It's just Corndogs and Tater Tots but I have plenty and Jake and Jenny are running late. I've been here all day by myself and as much as I pray for such a rare occurrence, it actually gets kind of lonely."
"Okay", Anna shrugged. "I have a few minutes."
Peyton smiled, grateful for the company. For so long, Jake and Jenny had practically been her whole world. That didn't leave a lot of time for friends and extracurricular activities. When Haley wasn't working or at school, her time was spent with Nathan and Brooke was always off doing "Brooke things" like shopping, enjoying days at the spa or tanning…things that were fun and that Peyton enjoyed but no longer had time for. It was nice to sit down with Anna in the messy kitchen laughing and talking as they ate corndogs and tater tots and sipped Hawaiian Punch from Barbie imaged plastic plates and cups. An hour or so later, the door opened and a smiling Jake and Nikki entered with a sleeping Jenny.
"You're back…" Peyton said quietly.
"Sorry we're late, babe", Jake said, placing a kiss on her forehead. "Jenny was having such a good time at the zoo and we sort of lost track of time. Did you get the message I left you?"
"Yeah."
"Anna, this is Nikki. Nikki, this is our friend, Anna…"
"Nice to meet you", Anna nodded, politely shaking Nikki's hand.
"If you guys will excuse me, I'm just gonna go put this little sleepy head down", Jake said.
"Maybe you should wake her up to eat, babe", Peyton suggested.
"Oh it's fine. We ate at the park."
"Oh."
Anna couldn't help but notice the somewhat disappointed expression on Peyton's face. From the looks of things, Nikki had picked it up as well.
"I'm uh, gonna take off", Nikki said. "Anna, it was nice meeting you. Peyton, would you mind walking me out to my car?"
Peyton nodded and excused herself as she and Nikki headed outside.
"Sounds like you guys had a fun day", Peyton said, rubbing her arms.
"It was nice. Jenny had a great time."
"I'm glad."
"Listen, Peyton…are you okay with this? I mean, Jake and I spending time together and me being with Jenny and…"
"It's okay. Really, Nikki. I'm fine."
"Are you sure?"
"I'm positive."
"Good. Because I don't want to step on your toes. I'm just so happy to spend time with Jenny and it's nice that Jake and I can be around each other for a whole day and not have an argument. All this is because of you and I'm so grateful for that. I can't thank you enough. I just want you to be comfortable with everything."
"I am. I'm glad you get to be with Jenny and I'm even more glad that you and Jake are at least being civil."
"Thank you."
"Nikki, you know I'm doing this all for Jenny. I know you love that little girl but I love her, too. And I see the effort you're making and it's great and I'm happy this is all working but I just wanted to let you know…this is your shot, your second chance. Make the most out of it because if you leave again, that's it. Don't bother coming back."
"Okay", Nikki nodded. "That's fair but I didn't come back to leave again."
There was an awkward silence for a bit.
"Well, I have to get back inside…"
"Okay. Um, thanks again for everything", Nikki smiled as she climbed into her Jeep.
Peyton turned for the house, watching quietly from the front door as the taillights disappeared in the darkness. She stood, lost in thought.
"Hey. You okay?" Anna asked softly.
"Huh? Oh yeah. I'm fine."
"You sure? You look a little sad."
"I'm okay. Just tired…"
"Alright. Well, I'm gonna take off, okay? I guess I'll see you around."
Peyton nodded again, locking up after the exit of her friend. She straightened up in the kitchen, put away the laundry and turned off all the lights. After a quick shower, she combed her wet hair and slipped on her nightclothes before entering her bedroom. In bed was Jake, sleeping soundly and snoring lightly, a pajama clad Jenny in his arms.
Peyton just stared at them. The two people she loved most, the people that were the biggest part of her world. She would do anything in her power to protect them and make them happy. Just watching them sleep, as she had done so many times before, now brought tears to her eyes. Something didn't feel right but she couldn't quite explain it. She just had a feeling.
