A Trip Down Memory Ln

"No, I don't, well you know what I mean. I love him Brooke, and I always will. I want him to be happy, even if it is with Haley. But yes, the sting is still there. Not easy having one or your best friends steal your first love, but to then have to see them married and living happily ever after! Those definitely weren't my better days. But I got past that, I let Nathan go to be with Haley and guess what happens Haley's destroys him and he ends up right back on my doorstep. So what am I supposed to do? Not be bitter? I guess it is kind of ironic though, I used to pray to get him back and now I spend more time than ever before with him and all he does is whine about Haley. I think yes actually to answer your question. I am bitter, but I have earned it."

"Whoa, calm down Peyton. Where did all that come from?"

"It's been there all along. Just seems to be getting at me today."

"So I guess hanging out with Haley and I tonight is out?"

"Yeah, I would think so."

"Peyton, can I talk to you for a minute?"

"Yeah, sure."

"Do you really want Nathan back? Is he what will make you happy? Do you really think he doesn't love Haley anymore?"

"I'm not stupid Brooke! We both know that he is still in love with Haley. Even if he wasn't I don't think I can take him back. I am trying to be strong for him, but every time I think about walking in on him and Haley all the pain comes back and I don't think I could ever handle going through that again."

"Oh Peyton, I am so sorry that happened to you. You were the last person in the world who deserved that!"

Peyton wanders around the room thinking that day will never go away and neither will that feeling.

Flashback

Peyton knew something was wrong. Nathan was being really weird lately and just not acting like himself. He wasn't interested in sex, and that never happened. She could barely get him to kiss her. When he would look at her he looked so sad. She had tried to talk to him repeatedly but he said it was just stuff at home with his Dad, but they had always had problems and it had never really affected their relationship.

As she was walking up the Scott's driveway something didn't feel right. Letting herself in the house she could hear something coming from the den so she started walking towards the room. Outside of the room she could hear an intense conversation so she stopped to listen."

"Come on! Why are you doing this to me?"

"Doing what Nathan, I told you I can't do this. It is so wrong."

"Haley, I know that is wrong and I didn't do it on purpose. But I love you Haley and I really think I am meant to be with you."

"Well Nathan, that is easy for you to say. But you seem to forget about your girlfriend, Peyton, you know my best friend. How does she fit into this?"

"Look, I know Peyton will be hurt…"

"Be hurt! I think that is probably an understatement. Nathan you two have been together for almost 3 years. Doesn't that mean something to you?"

"Of course it does Haley, I really do love Peyton, but I can't help she's not you."

With that Peyton snuck out the front door. They never even knew that she was there. Looking up and having no idea where to go she headed down toward the River Court. Lucas was shooting hoops and looked up when Peyton got near.

"Hey girl, what's up?"

Peyton looked up at Luke and the tears just started to fall.

"Peyton, what's going on?"

"Did you know?"

"Know what?"

"About Haley and Nathan?"

"How did you find out?"

"Luke, you knew and didn't tell me? I thought that we were friends."

"Peyton, nothing has happened between them."

"Then what are you talking about? What did you think that I found out?"

"Well, I guess they are kind of interested in each other. But neither of them will admit it."

"Well, Nathan will admit it. I just heard him. And of all people Haley? She is my best friend. How could she do this to me?"

"Peyton, she hasn't. You know Haley. She would never hurt you. She has not let anything happen between them. I promise."

"Oh, she just lets my boyfriend declare his love for her."

"You heard him do that?"

"Yeah I went over to talk to him and surprise, he had company. They didn't hear me come in the house and when I walked over to the study I could hear them talking. The next thing I know I hear Nathan declaring his love for her."

Peyton had thought her entire world has just come to an end. Nathan was the only person she ever let get close. The only boy she had ever loved and she had given him all of her that he ever wanted including her virginity. She had given her mind, body, and soul to him and now she just felt empty.

End of Flashback