Disclaimer: I do not own One Tree Hill or any of it's characters.

Thanks for the reviews, they mean everything to me with this story. This is my first time trying something sentimental and heart-warming so I need the encouragement, so if you like what you are seeing let me know by taking a second to leave me a review, it doesn't take a long time, less than a minute. So read and review.

Chapter 3: Someone Else's Life

Peyton put her head in her hands, "It's just so much is going on in my life right now. Jake left and took Jennie. Brooke and everyone else has a life, that I don't fit in anymore. I don't know if you know this or not, but there is a rumor going around at school that I am a lesbian.

"A what? Peyton are you? I mean if you are, that's fine with me." said Karen.

"No I'm not! I'm not, I swear. Wait do I act like I am?"

"Peyton I don't think there are any signs that someone's homosexual. There are some dead giveaways granted, but Peyton you can't let what others think about affect how you feel about yourself."

"I know, but it's hard, But I laid it all on the line today at school, got suspended but..."

"What did you do?"

"Painted the word DYKE on my shirt, but the reason I got suspended was because I refused to take it off. And when I did it was to throw it in the assistant principals face, and walk out with my head held high."

"Well that's telling them," joked Karen, "But I can't say I am shocked, you are a very strong minded person. Unwilling to change your beliefs to fit into a cookie cutter mold."

"Thanks, I don't know how to explain it. I just want to be me, not someone else."

"Peyton, don't let them take that away from you. Do let them steal who you are. Because there is nothing wrong with you."

"I will try, but sometimes it's like I am walking through someone else's life, just waiting for mind to begin."

"Peyton, you can't go through life like that. If you wait to long Peyton, you will lose your chance."

"I know, that why I have been thinking. I have an idea about something I would like to do."

"That is?"

"I want to go to where my mother grew up. My dad owns the place, did he tell you that?"

"No, he didn't, that is amazing. So you think going to where she grew up will help you somehow?"

"Yeah, I mean don't know, it might. I just need to do this, Karen."

"Is it near? I mean without driving distance?"

"Yeah, about 15 miles outside of One Tree Hill, why?"

"When do you want to do this?"

"Was thinking about going there tonight. But my plans kinda changed. Not sure when I will get another chance to do it."

"Need some company, moral support or something?"

"Are you serious? Yea, I would love company. Thank you so much." Peyton couldn't believe her ears. This might be my last chance, Rick will have to wait.

"Your welcome, now help me put these cookies up and I will leave a note for Lucas."

"Won't he worry about you being out so late?"

"No, I'll just leave him a note, tell him not to wait up, and pretend to be surprised when I come home to find him at the table looking at me, like he is the parent and I am the soon-to-be grounded child."

"Why do I think you two have done this before?"

"Cause we have."

I know it's short, but I will more than make up for in the the next and final chapter. Review please!