A/N: Alright, well I know Christmas was a really long time ago so this chapter being the Christmas dance seems odd. Well, here's the deal; my computer was going through some issues and I didn't have access to the site so I apologize for not getting this up sooner. Having said that, I feel very proud of this chapter and I'm hoping to hook some more readers during this chapter because lately I feel like there is absolutely no one reading. My lack of updates is probably one reason ; but I'm really trying to work on that. So if you would just give the fic a chance and review every once in awhile to let me know how you're liking it or just that you're reading, that would be amazing and I would really appreciate it. Thanks!


Afew days later, Peyton walked into her empty bedroom, feeling guilty for how she had set up Lucas. But that feeling of guilt had been circling her head for a while now. She liked Lucas. It was as simple as that, but she couldn't do anything about it. Her best friend was with him, and although it was obviously clear to Peyton that Brooke and Lucas had zero chemistry, until they figured that out for themselves, she just had to be their friend. Peyton knew only one thing would make her feel better. She walked over to her computer and turned the web cam on. Perhaps Nathan would be home.

She sat there for a while before an instant message popped up on her screen.

"Hey Peyton." It said. It was from Lucas.

Peyton just stared at the blinking box. She didn't know what to say to him.

"Can we go someplace and talk? I kinda need to vent." He sent to her.

Delighted that he wanted to get together with her, she sent him one back.

"Sure. I can come over there." She clicked enter.

Lucas smiled as he read the IM window.

"Okay, I'll be waiting." Lucas sent.

Peyton wasted no time before getting out and walking to Lucas' house. She walked up to his door and gently knocked on it. Lucas greeted her immediately.

"Hey, come in." He said, opening the door widely.

"What's up?" She asked him, looking around his room.

"Well, I did something the other day and I doubt if Brooke told you because she's probably out trying to find a date to the Christmas dance." He slightly joked.

Peyton looked at him wide-eyed.

"What did you do?" She asked, very interested.

"Well, when Brooke came to the Café the other day…I told her that I wanted to break up."

Peyton couldn't help herself but to feel a bit relieved that they finally figured it out.

"Oh, I'm sorry." She said, trying to sound sympathetic.

"No, believe me I'm fine with it. I just didn't want to be with her anymore and there's no use in pretending that I do just so I don't hurt her. I mean the way I see it, I'd have hurt her more if I kept going on with the relationship pretending that I still felt a connection. But the truth is that I just don't anymore." He explained.

"That's true. How'd she take it?" She asked the blonde boy.

"Well, not too well. She started to get teary eyed. But I left before she started to cry; I didn't want to see that." He explained.

Peyton knew that sounded right. Brooke really thought she was in it with Lucas for the long haul.

"Do you think she's okay now?" Peyton asked curiously.

"I don't really know. All I know is that I did something that I knew needed to be done and now I'm actually happy." Lucas smiled at the curly haired girl sitting opposite of him.

"I wonder why she didn't tell me. I mean, usually she tells me everything that goes on in her life." Peyton was confused and sort of ignoring Lucas.

"Oh, I don't know. Maybe she's off finding someone to go to the dance with like I said." Lucas joked at the situation, even though he could see Peyton was not amused.

"I hope she's okay." Peyton said with a sudden sympathy for Brooke.

"Well, speaking of the dance," Lucas changed the subject. "Who are you going with?"

Peyton glanced up at him with a loss for words. "I, I don't know."

Lucas smiled at his blonde friend.

"Actually, I don't think I'm gonna go." Peyton told him.

"Why not?" He asked with curiosity in his voice.

"Because I don't have a date and it would just be kind of weird for me." She explained.

Lucas looked Peyton in the eyes. He knew what he wanted to do right at that moment. But he also knew that he couldn't, he just broke up with her best friend and who knows if she even had feelings for him in that way.

"Well, what about you? Who are you going to go with?" She asked him.

"I, I don't think I'm gonna go either. I mean, Brooke will be there and that would be awkward for me. But not only that, I saw Haley and Nathan together at the Café the other day. I can't be around either of them. I haven't even had a chance to apologize to Haley for punching Nathan."

"What about Nathan? Have you apologized to him yet?" Peyton questioned.

"I wasn't going to. I mean why should I? He's such an ass."

Peyton couldn't believe the hypocrite words coming out of Lucas' mouth. She was disgusted with his view on Haley and Nathan.

"Oh yeah, I forgot you still thought that he's the ass."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Lucas felt his anger rising.

"Haley is your best friend Luc. And she really likes Nathan. If you saw the two of them together then that must mean he likes her too and that they've worked things out. They're going to do this thing with or without your support. So why don't you just get over the fact that Haley has found someone? I know you're trying to protect her, but Nathan won't do her wrong. He won't. I know this for a fact okay? He's a different guy when he's with her Luc. If I didn't think it was a good idea, I'd say so. But in the meantime I think you need to get your head out of your ass, make some apologies and start trying to accept reality."

Peyton picked up her coat and told Lucas goodbye.

"I'm gonna go…I'll see you later." She said, walking out the door of his room.


Brooke and Tim were walking together down the street by the Café when Brooke decided to lay it down on him.

"Listen Tim, I know that our past is…well a place I don't want to revisit. But, I think we have a special bond. We're good friends and let's face it. We make a good couple. Looks wise." Brooke began.

"Where are you going with this Brooke?" Tim asked.

"Okay, okay. Um…I think me and you should do each other a favor and go to the Christmas dance together." Brooke spat out.

"Brooke, you're dating Lucas. I mean I'd love to go with you but not on those terms." Tim told her.

"No, No, No…that's just it. Lucas and I, we broke up." She told him with a convincing smile on her face.

"Oh. Well, in that case, sure I'll go with you." He said putting his arm around her.

"Okay Tim, we're not getting back together so get your arm off of me please." Brooke joked as the two walked off together.


It was the night of the Christmas formal. Peyton found herself at home in her closet with the one dress she had planned to wear to this particular formal, with Nathan. It was at that point that she realized how quickly her life in Tree Hill had changed. She went from having the best time with Nathan to finding out that he was no longer the one for her anymore. Then she went from being jealous of her best friend who was dating the guy she liked. And after all of this, she ended up being friends with Nathan, her ex-boyfriend who had done her wrong. Which was good, but also she ended up getting what she wanted; Lucas and Brooke had broken up.

Even with all of this going her way, she couldn't do that to Brooke. Brooke was her best friend in the entire world. And, she knew that she didn't want that to change over a guy because that was the golden rule when it came to their friendship. But why, why Lucas Scott? He was so perfect and she loved the way he could always bring light into a mood. He could always make her laugh. She loved how she knew she could tell him anything and he would guard all of her secrets.

Peyton didn't know why she was feeling this way. She and Lucas were just friends. Nothing more than that, they couldn't be. Besides, wouldn't it be awkward? They were so close as friends that maybe being anything more would ruin their great friendship. She kept telling herself this over and over again; "It would never work out," she would say. "It would never work out."

Her emotions balled into one as she began to break down. Soft, quick tears fell down her cheeks.

She wanted for this all to be over. Every bit of it, she hated.

Lucas was in his bedroom anticipating an event that he would not even be attending. He wondered who Brooke had chosen to take to the dance. He wondered about Haley's safety with Nathan. But most of all, he was worried about Peyton. She had left his house so abruptly and they hadn't spoken since. All he could think about was how stupid he had been to say the things that he said. Brooke was Peyton's best friend and he didn't even act sympathetic at all to Peyton's dismay at the break up. Perhaps he should go see her? He thought.

Lucas glanced over at the shirt and tie that was laid out on his dresser. He had it in his plans to go to that dance. And now, he wasn't. His ex girlfriend was there with some other guy. His best friend was there with a jerk. And he was alone, thinking about one girl. He wanted to call her. He needed to see her. With one thought remaining, he quick grabbed his coat and began making his way to Peyton's house.

Once he arrived, he knocked at her bedroom door.

Peyton, in her closet wrapped up in tears, heard the knock and cautiously came to the door.

Opening it with tears incessantly running, she was surprised by a familiar face.

Lucas saw the tears on her face and quickly felt sympathy for the curly blonde.

"Lucas? What…Why?" She stuttered.

Lucas immediately embraced her with hugs.

"What's wrong?" He asked calmly.

"Nuh…Nothing. I'm fine. Why are you here?"

"That's a good question." He replied smoothly.

"Well does it have an answer?" She snapped, trying to wipe away her tears.

"Okay. I was in my room and I was looking at my suit for tonight. Or, for what was supposed to be for tonight. And, all I could think about was why I wasn't at that dance. I thought about Brooke, I thought about Haley and Nathan. But the one thought that kept reoccurring…was you."

Peyton, with a confused look on her wet face, wasn't done with the questioning. "What are you trying to say?"

"Peyton…the reason I'm not at that dance is because I didn't have the right date. It took me awhile to figure it out, but I believe in signs. And I know it may sound crazy, but I think there's a reason Brooke and I broke up right before the dance." Lucas began.

"Yeah, because you dumped her."

"No, because I wasn't meant to go with her. I was meant to go with, with you Peyton."

Peyton felt her eyes swelling up. "Lucas." She said, tears flowing.

"But I don't want to go to the formal, no I don't care about that," He said. "I want to spend the evening, with you."

Peyton tilted her head to the side as a smile began to form. Mixed emotions. That's all she ever felt, was mixed emotions.

"Would you please do me the honors of coming to my house and having dinner?" He asked the emotional girl.

"My Mom's chaperoning the dance so she won't be home until it's over. I think this way we could have a chance to talk and just, be together." Lucas was hopeful of her answer.

Peyton stared into his eyes for a moment, thinking about what to say. It was just dinner, just talking, nothing more than that. She told herself she wasn't doing anything wrong as long as it was just dinner and just talking.

"Okay." She said.

Lucas flashed her a big smile and wrapped his arms around her for a hug. "Come on, let's go." He said grabbing her hand and guiding her along.

This was the first time that anything had ever felt real for him. Peyton was real, Brooke wasn't. And there lay the difference.


At the dance, Tim was having an amazing time with Brooke. She was so beautiful and he couldn't believe that once again, she had chosen him.

"You know, Brooke I'm really happy that you wanted to come here with me tonight." He told her.

Brooke, less thrilled with her date, just smiled briefly at this comment.

Nathan and Haley approached the couple.

"Hey Tim." Nathan said, patting him on the back.

"Brooke, why are you here with Tim? What happened to Lucas?" Haley asked curiously.

"Oh you haven't heard? We broke up." Brooke told her, a little bitter.

"Oh God, why?" Haley was shocked at the news.

"Things just weren't um…working out for us. But hey, I see that you and Nathan worked everything out."

"Yeah, we definitely did." Nathan intervened, putting his arm around Haley.

Brooke couldn't help but be jealous of both of them. They seemed so happy with each other and there's nothing like that new feeling you have with someone. When you feel so extremely lucky to have them. She missed that feeling. It had only been a little over a week since she and Lucas ended things. And she knew that, although bringing Tim to the formal was her way of covering it up, she missed Lucas.

"Where's Peyton tonight Brooke?" Nathan asked.

"Um, I don't know I actually haven't talked to her since winter break started. I guess she's just at home."

"Well, I wish she was here…she would be having the best time." Haley remarked.

"Yeah, well at least someone would be." Brooke thought to herself.

A slow song began to play and the couples began taking the floor. Nathan grabbed Haley's hand and led her on to the dance floor.

Tim had a spark in his eye as he walked closer to Brooke.

"Hey" He whispered softly, as if not to be heard by anyone but her.

"Hey…" Brooke was curious as to where he was going with this.

"Brooke, you look so beautiful tonight."

Once again, Brooke smiled very plainly at him.

"Do you wanna dance?" He asked her.

Brooke knew what her answer was. No, she didn't want to dance with him. She wanted nothing more than to get the hell out of there and be with Lucas. But she couldn't go back in time and that wasn't going to happen.

"Fine." She said, letting him grab her hand.

The song played.

One, you're like a dream come true. Two, just want to be with you. Three, girl it's plain to see that you're the only one for me. And four, repeat steps 1 through 3. Five, make you fall in love with me. If ever I believe my work is done, then I'll start off back at one.

Brooke's arms were wrapped around Tim's neck and he held her waist close to him. But she felt nothing. Tim felt a connection, but Brooke felt like the song wouldn't end.

When it finally came to a close, she could feel Tim running his hand up her back, slowly. He smiled right into her eyes. She opened her mouth in attempt to say something to distract his actions. She knew where this was going. But he stopped her.

"Brooke…don't say anything." He whispered.

But she wanted to, she wanted to say something so bad, because she knew that this had no shot of going well. And although she was basically just using him, she didn't want to hurt him. They were still friends no matter what.

It was then that she took a big gulp and closed her eyes in anticipation of what was about to happen. Tim put his hand on the side of her face, tilted his head to the side and leaned in for the kiss. Their lips met instantly. Brooke didn't want this, and as Tim began to open his mouth even more, she realized what a big mistake she had made by asking him to the dance. But to prevent hurting him, she continued with the kiss and mirrored his mouth.


"This is it…this is the spot." Lucas said to Peyton, as he continued to pull her hand along.

"Lucas, it's the middle of your living room floor." Peyton joked.

"Yeah, so? It's perfect. Here. I'll set the mood, give me that blanket behind you." He directed the blonde.

"Yes, sir." She giggled, handing him the blanket.

"Thank you very much." He said as he spread the blanket onto the floor. "I'll be right back, don't you move a muscle."

"Okay…" Peyton laughed.

Lucas rushed into the kitchen and quickly made up two peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on two very nice china plates. Then he grabbed two wine glasses and began making his way back into the living room.

"A picnic for two M'lady." He said, placing the plates onto the blanket.

"Peanut butter and jelly." Peyton smiled.

"Yes, please…take a seat Miss Sawyer. What are we drinking tonight?" He asked, a smirk upon his face.

"What are my choices?" She asked, as she sat down on the blanket.

"A little Champagne? A little Chardonnay? Or a little Sparkling Apple Cider?"

"Hmm, let's go with the safe choice…sparkling apple cider please."

"Right away." He said as he poured the two wine glasses full.

Then taking a seat on the blanket next to Peyton, he knew that this is what he wanted.

"So, did you just come up with this little picnic or have you had it planned out?" She asked her blonde friend.

"Well, I got the idea when I was walking to your house. But it was all up to what you said. I just didn't imagine I'd see you crying like that when I came." He told her.

"Oh…yeah. Sorry about that."

"Peyton, why are you sorry? It's perfectly normal to cry sometimes, and I was just worried about you is all." He explained.

"Oh. Well, I'm fine."

Lucas smiled at her. He had never been this happy during his relationship with Brooke. Never.

"Let me set the mood a little more." He smiled, getting up and moving towards the light switch.

"What are you doing?" She asked him.

"Dimming the lights." He said, as he turned down the lights so that it was fairly dark in the room, just enough light to see your food.

"Luc, you're so cheesy!" She told him.

Lucas looked at her with a glare. Then slowly began making his way over to some pillows on the couch. "Cheesy huh?" He said, then tackling her with pillows.

The two blondes giggled while squirming around like little kids on the floor. They both knew something inside. This was fun. This is what they both had been waiting for, just knowing without having to say a word that this is what they wanted.

As they continued to toss pillows at one another, it became a contest to see who got the last laugh as they both simultaneously spotted one last pillow on the floor. Glancing at each other first and noticing that they both noticed the pillow, Lucas got a huge grin on his face. He knew just the way to stop Peyton from reaching her destination.

"Oh, no that's okay. You can have it. I'm already beating you in this game anyway. Go ahead, it's your turn. Let me see what you got." Lucas chuckled.

Peyton smiled and began crawling over to the pillow. Lucas wasn't finished toying with her yet. He had it all up his sleeve.

"I don't think so, Sawyer." He yelled out as he grabbed her by the waist and took her down hard to the blanket.

Peyton screamed a little bit, but not enough to make him think she was weak.

Lucas began tickling her stomach until he realized something. He was falling really hard for her. And not only that, but he was laying on top of her, looking down at her beautiful face.

They stopped laughing for a while and just stared at each other. Lucas had a small smile, but Peyton was partially wide-eyed. He was lying on top of her. She anticipated the kiss coming. She couldn't do that to Brooke. Brooke was her best friend, and regardless of whether or not Brooke had hurt her in the past, Peyton wasn't about to do that to her.

"Lucas…" Peyton whispered.

"Yeah?" He whispered back.

She was so weak for that breathy sound in his voice. How badly she wished she could just kiss him and let him know that she wanted to be with him.

"I think I should go…" She told him, coming out from underneath him.

"Why, is something wrong?" He asked, puzzled.

"Um, no everything was great. Thank you for everything. I just can't stay here any longer tonight. I'm sorry." She said.

"Peyton…wait." He said.

She turned around. She wouldn't let him kiss her. She wouldn't let him.

"When can we hang out again?" He asked her.

"I…I don't know, I'll call you."

Lucas cracked a half smile as he went over for a hug, kissing her on the cheek.

She left in a rush, leaving him absolutely puzzled.