Peyton loaded the trash bag with empty food cartons from the Chinese dinner from the night before. She was in a calm mood and had been ever since the visits from her father and Jake.

"Knock, knock", came a small voice from the backdoor.

Anna.

"Hey", Peyton smiled.

The anger and hurt of their last visit had already faded for Peyton. She was in a forgiving state.

"Mind if I come in?"

"Sure."

Anna entered and took a seat at the kitchen table.

"Looks like you were hungry."

"Yeah. I had some visitors this week. My dad was here."

"Really? That's nice. How is he?"

"He's good, thanks. It was a nice few days hanging out with him. Also, um, Jake came by."

"Jake?" Anna asked, her smile dropping.

"It's not like that. We talked but he didn't stay long."

"How is he?"

"Happy. Adjusting to Raleigh. He and Nikki are uh…exploring things, shall I say."

"I'm sorry, Pey."

"Don't be. It's cool. I mean, it hurts but I'm okay. That's life, you know? Sometimes you have to accept things you don't want to. He and I just weren't meant to be. I'm just glad he and Jenny are alright. Even if it is with Nikki."

"Good for you."

"Thanks. Listen, Anna, I was going to call you and…"

"It's okay."

"No, it's not. It's just….um, the last time I saw you it was pile on Peyton day. You know? So, um, I guess I owe you an apology. I am sorry."

"Well, you had a right to be pissed at me. You needed a friend and I wasn't there for you."

"So we can call a truce then?" Peyton smiled.

Anna shook her extended hand.

"Friends?"

"You bet. Always. Who else am I going to take crazy road trips with and try to win potato sack races with?"

"Thanks. Anyway, can I, um, still take you up on that 'we can talk anytime' offer?"

"Of course. What's up?"

"I don't know. With school and everything, I'm working really hard to keep it all together but sometimes it's hard, Pey. I don't know what I'm doing."

"None of us do", the blonde shook her head.

"I feel like I'm losing it. I try so hard to be right and perfect and keep it all under control that I feel like I'm slipping away."

"What do you mean, Anna?"

"There is something or rather I should say someone."

"Someone special?" Peyton treaded nervously.

"Yes. Someone very special. I guess I'm kind of scared about my feelings, confused even. Gosh, there has to be something seriously wrong with me?"

"What? No! There is nothing wrong with you. You're a great person. You're smart and funny and your heart is made out of absolute gold. You have this tough side yet you're still so feminine and vulnerable at the same time. You have a lot of awesome qualities and whoever you end up with, they are going to be very lucky…and very happy."

Anna's face brightened.

"You mean that?"

"Sure I do."

"So…what do you think? Should I just tell this person?"

"Sure. Why not? Honesty is the best policy, right?"

"Yeah, I guess."

"Don't be shy, girl. Don't be nervous. Just go for it. What do you have to lose, Anna?"

Anna sighed as she thought.

"Possibly a very valuable friendship."

"Yeah, that's gonna be weird telling a friend you want to be more than friends. It's tough but I say take the shot. It might go your way, then again it might not but you'll never know unless you try. Even if your friend doesn't feel that way, if it's a real friendship, nothing will change."

"Yeah…maybe you're right."

"Dude, I'm always right. Now come here."

Peyton grinned as she pulled Anna in for a hug. It was a friendly embrace that ended with Peyton pulling back and stroking her friend's long, dark hair. God, Anna was beautiful. Their eyes locked and Anna slowly moved her head forward. Their mouths met, lips soft as they pecked gently.

For a minute, it felt good. Normal. Sensual. Sweet. Then the shock set in as Peyton floated back to reality. It was none of those things. Anna was her friend. Anna was a girl. Friends didn't kiss friends like that. Girls didn't kiss other girls like that.

"Anna, I…"

Anna sprang to her feet, embarrassed that she had lost control of all emotions and functions. What the hell had just happened?

"Oh my God! Peyton…"

"Anna, um, that…that's not really my kind of a thing", Peyton replied quickly.

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."

"But…"

"I have to go."

"No, Anna. Please don't leave. It's okay."

"No, I just…"

"It's cool. Look stay and we can talk and…"

Anna grabbed her purse and ran out of the house leaving a stunned Peyton who sat at the table still in shock. What was going on? Had Anna just confessed her feelings? Was Peyton the person she wanted to be with?

It didn't make any sense. Peyton wasn't gay. As far as she knew, Anna wasn't either. Those were just rumors…weren't they?

Peyton blushed. The kiss was…it was good. It was kind of nice kissing another woman. It was just like kissing a guy…only better.

"Whoa! Get ahold of yourself, Sawyer!" Peyton said out loud.

She was confused. About everything. About the kiss itself, why Anna had done it and more importantly why a kiss hadn't made her toes tingle like that since the beginning of her relationship with Jake.