1/14
TREE HILL
A few days later, although Peyton had worked things out with Brooke, they hadn't really gotten to talk much because of their busy schedules. The situation at TRIC was the only thing that Peyton could really think about, and she had been surrounding herself with her friends to distract her thinking.
Although someone had come forth at TRIC to claim the drugs, Karen and Deb still asked everyone for their drug test results. Peyton was surprised that Karen had waited so long to meet with her after handing her results in. She knew that that even though it had been a few days, a meeting was inevitable. She knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that she had failed the test.
So there she was, sitting in Karen's office, waiting for Karen to get back.
"Ok Peyton." Karen said as she came into the office and shut the door. "It's time for us to have a talk."
"Sure Karen."
"I'm sorry that it took so long to get back to you, but Deb and I just had a chance to discuss things." Karen sighed heavily. "Peyton, your drug test came back positive. Would you like to tell me what is going on?"
Peyton shook her head and spoke barely above a whisper. "Not really."
"What I don't understand is how all of this started. It was you that came to me with the idea of an 'All-Ages Night' so kids could come and have a good time in an environment suitable for them. What happened along the way that made you stray for that type of thinking?"
"I don't know. Stress?"
"Peyton, I understand if you don't want to talk to me right now, but please, talk to someone. And if you want to talk in the future, just let me know." Karen said with a comforting smile
"Ok." Peyton nodded
"Peyton, you have a good head on your shoulders, and you are such a bright young woman, and that's what makes this so hard." Karen paused, not wanting to say what she had to say. "I'm sorry Sweetie, but we're going to have to let you go."
"I understand Karen, and I'm sorry." Peyton said, tears in her eyes
"Me too." Karen said softly
Peyton held her composure until she got in her car, and as soon as she sat down and closed the door, she lost it. I just got fired from a job that I love, and Karen knows about the drugs. I cant even imagine what she's thinking about me right now. With the tears still streaming down her cheeks, Peyton reached for her phone and dialed.
"Brooke, I really need to talk." Peyton cried into the phone
"Sweetie! What happened?" Brooke said, worry filling her voice
"I got fired from TRIC."
"Peyton! Why?"
"The had a drug test, and I failed it." Peyton sobbed
"Oh. I'm so sorry." Brooke said simply, not really knowing what to say
"No, it's not like that. The last time I did it was that night we told my dad. I haven't gone near it since then." Peyton said quickly, knowing what Brooke was thinking
"Wow. Peyton, I'm so proud of you." Brooke said sincerely. "I know that must be hard. And I really am sorry about TRIC. What are you going to do?"
"I don't know. I don't know what to do." Peyton said sadly
"Babe, as long as you stay clean, I'm sure finding another job won't be hard. Why don't you see if THUD will let you start putting your strips back in the paper?" Brooke suggested
"That's not a bad idea. I'll look into that." Peyton sighed. "Thanks Brooke. I'm sorry about calling you up all depressed and stuff."
"Peyton, don't apologize. It's what I'm here for. I know that you are in a hard place right now, and I'm here for you anytime."
"Thanks Brooke."
"I love you Peyton."
"I love you too."
Once Peyton had left her office, Karen sat quietly at her desk, wondering what had happened to the troubled girl that she had just been talking to. Karen reached into her purse and pulled out a telephone number, and then dialed the number into the phone.
"Larry Sawyer." The gruff voice answered
"Larry, its Karen Roe. How are you?"
"Karen! Its good to hear from you."
"You too. But I'm not calling to chat, unfortunately."
"Is everything ok? Is Peyton ok?" Larry asked, panicked
"Calm down Larry, Peyton is fine. To an extent."
"What do you mean?"
Karen sighed. "I hate to be the one to break this to you, but I just got done talking to Peyton, and I had to let her go from TRIC."
"What? Why?"
"We issued a random drug test earlier this week, and I'm sorry to tell you, but Peyton's test came back positive."
"Positive? For drugs? My Peyton?" Larry asked in shock
"I know that this must come as a shock to you, but I thought you should know.' Karen said softly
"I appreciate it. Honestly, I think this is partially my fault." Larry admitted
"What do you mean?" Karen asked, confused
"Peyton has been acting weird the last couple months. She keeps asking for money, and she went off on me the last time I was home. She had a good reason at the time, but it doesn't change the fact that she has never done that before."
"I'm sorry Larry."
"I am too. Thanks for calling Karen."
"Your welcome. Take care."
"You too."