Chapter 11

"Be My Escape"

For Nathan Saturday couldn't come fast enough, but for Lucas it came too fast. Lucas was able to put up with Dan long enough to go to the bus station to say goodbye to Nathan. After leaving the bus station Lucas found himself at the rivercourt. He needed to clear his head and work off some stress, so he went to the place where he could find his escape. However, today he was getting more frustrated as he practiced his jump shot. He just couldn't seem to sink it. After missing his third shot in a row he slammed the ball hard into the pavement.

"What did the ball do to you?'

Lucas turned around and saw Peyton standing next to the picnic table with her hands in her pockets. "It's being stubborn," he replied.

"You're trying too hard."

Lucas shot her a confused glance. "What?"

"It's not the ball," Peyton said as she moved closer to him. "It's you…you're trying too hard."

"How do you know?"

"My sketches suck when I try too hard to make them look good. They come out the best when I clear my head and just let the pencil move." She picked up the ball and handed it to Lucas. "You should try it…keep your head clear when you take the shot."

Lucas took her advice and took the shot with a clear head. This time the ball hit nothing but net. Lucas looked at Peyton with raised eyebrows as she picked up the ball.

"I'm impressed, Scott…you don't suck after all." She bounced the ball back to him. "If you make it again drinks are on me."

"We're going out for drinks?" Lucas asked. His interest was peaked.

"Only if you make the shot…I don't go out with losers."

Lucas shrugged his shoulders. "I guess it's all or nothing." He took another shot and again hit nothing but net. He looked at Peyton and smirked. "How does the café sound?"

Peyton linked arms with him. "You're an easy date, Scott."

Lucas and Peyton found themselves sitting in a booth at the café, each sipping a soda and sharing a muffin. They talked about anything and everything. They were still getting to know each other, but Lucas felt like they already shared a connection. He found it easy to open up to her, and he was telling her things about himself that only his mother and Haley knew. Peyton was also able to open up to him, and she told him things about herself that she didn't dare tell Brooke…her best friend. She felt like she could trust him with her deepest secrets.

Lucas excused himself to go to the restroom, and as soon as he was gone Haley brought Peyton a refill of her soda. "You two seem to be getting pretty close," she said as she sat in the spot that Lucas had vacated.

Peyton nodded her head. "You were right, Haley; he's so sweet." She leaned in closer to her friend. "I think I'm falling for him."

Haley clapped her hands excitedly. "That's great!"

Peyton grabbed her hands in an attempt to calm her down. "What if he doesn't feel the same way?"

Haley rolled her eyes. "Believe me…he does."

"He does what?" Lucas asked as he leaned over the table.

Haley looked at Peyton and saw her face red with embarrassment. I'll just leave you two alone," she said as she rose to her feet.

Lucas put a hand on her shoulder to stop her. "You don't have to go, Hales."

"I have to check on my other tables."

She started to leave again, but Lucas stopped her. "How about we have a movie night on Friday."

Haley smiled. "You bring the movie, and I'll supply the popcorn."

"It's a date."

When Haley was gone Peyton rose to her feet. "Let's get out of here," she suggested.

Peyton followed as Lucas led the way out of the café. She couldn't help but notice Haley smirking at her as she walked by. She knew Haley would want all of the details. She smiled at Haley before walking out the door.

Lucas was a little surprised, but happy when Peyton took hold of his hand as they walked down the street. He really liked her and he hoped that she felt the same way about him. They ended up at Peyton's house, and Lucas stood at the front door with her. There was an awkward silence before Peyton spoke. "Do you want to come in?" she asked.

"I'd love to," Lucas responded.

Lucas found himself standing in Peyton's bedroom. He scanned the room while she picked out music to listen to. He was in awe of all the sketches that covered her walls. They were full of emotion just like she was. He was drawn back to reality when he heard Fall Out Boy coming from the stereo.

"I love Fall Out Boy," he stated.

"I know," Peyton responded dreamily as she stared into his icy blue eyes.

"What?" Lucas asked with a confused look on his face.

Peyton wanted to kick herself for saying that. Now she'd have to tell him that she and Haley had been talking about him. "Haley told me that you like this type of music."

"Oh," Lucas responded. He never got the chance to say more as Peyton leaned forward and their lips met. It felt so good, and Lucas didn't want to break free…not ever.

Lucas smiled the whole way home after he left Peyton's. They had spent hours laying in each other's arms on her bed and talking. Lucas didn't want to leave her, but he was also didn't want to upset Dan. It was the first time in a while that he was happy, and he didn't need a pill to feel that way.

This chapter is titled after the Relient K song "Be My Escape"