Chapter 8 – And Here It Is

"What do you mean right before you told me that you were pregnant?" Nathan asked.

"Look Nathan there is something that I need to tell you."

"ok, I'm listening."

"I was never pregnant."

"What?"

"I made it up Nathan. I knew that you were in love with Haley and I wanted to keep you. So I made it up. The day you came back to my house and said you were going to stay with me I felt even worse. Instead of making me feel better, it made me feel sick. I knew that you loved Haley. I also knew that you cared deeply for me, and because of your loyalty you were going to give up the love of your life to stand by me. You asked me why have I stayed by your side this summer? Why have I listened to you and comforted you? Wel,l there is your answer."

Nathan just looked at Peyton not saying anything.

"I am so sorry Nathan. The night I told you that I had a miscarriage I realized I couldn't do this. So instead of just telling you the truth I made up another lie and then just shut you out. You might as well say I pushed you right into Haley's arms."

"Peyton, I all ready knew that you lied."

"What?"

Nathan told Peyton how they had figured it out.

Flashback

Hello"

"Nathan, why didn't you tell me that Peyton knows. Didn't you think that I deserve to know that?"

"Haley, what are you talking about. I didn't tell her. I told you that."

Haley recounts the events of her conversation with Luke.

"Haley, this doesn't make sense. When did Luke say that he talked to her?"

"Around 2:30. When you and I were at your house having that conversation."

"Something's not right here Nate. I realize that she is my best friend. But I just don't get it. She is up to something."

"So, what do I do?"

"Just hold on and see what happens." Haley told him she would call him in the morning.

End Of Flashback

"Why didn't you say anything?"

"Well we weren't sure at first. Haley found out that you told Luke you heard our conversation and we just kind of thought it was strange that you hadn't said anything. The next day I get a phone call from you telling me that you had a miscarriage. You were so upset. Then you told me that you weren't in the hospital because you were only 2 months along, and I knew that if you were pregnant then it wasn't mine."

"Well who's did you think it was? I didn't cheat on you Nathan!"

"Because I never slept with you again after I fell in love with Haley. I had been in love with Haley for three months at that time. At first I was really mad. But I know you Peyton, and I know the kind of person you are. You would never do anything like that it was so out of character for you. So I figured if you had lied to me it was only because I hurt you so bad. When you pushed me away I thought it was easier just to let go. "

"Wow, Nathan I don't know what to say."

"I don't mean to hurt you Peyton, but I was relieved when you said you had the miscarriage. It meant I got to be with Haley. And yeah, when you pushed me away it made it all the more easier."

Peyton looked away with tears in her eyes. "Nathan, did you ever love me?"

"Of course I did. You know that. Peyton we just weren't meant to be together."

"And you and Haley were?" She said turning around to face him.

"Yeah Peyton, we were."

"And what about now Nathan?"

"Know, I honestly don't know."

Looking around her yard he wasn't sure what to say. He looked up at Peyton and took a breath…

"Peyton are we still friends? I really hope that we are. You have been so great to me and I know that I don't deserve that. I really do care about you and I never meant to hurt you."

Peyton sighed…"We will always be friends. But for the past 3 years when I looked at you I wanted to be with you it has just been so hard. But sitting here listening to you today I figured out something. I see your's and Haley's relationship and that is what I want. That is what I am in love with. You and I don't have that. You aren't the same person that you are with me as you are when you are with Haley. So I guess what I want, is someone that looks at me like you look at her. Someone that loves me like you love her. Someone that I know is going to fight to win his love back. And you aren't that someone for me."

"Peyton, I am so sorry that I hurt you. It was the last thing that I wanted to do."

"So Haley has known this entire time?"

"Yeah."

"Well no wonder. I thought I pushed her away but I guess it went both ways."

"Well she was really upset. She was hurt by what you had done, but she was mad at herself for putting you in the position to do it."

"She acts like she hates me."

"That's how she thinks you feel. I think she has concentrated on that so much that she just gotten really angry."

"Things won't ever be the same with her again will they?"

"Well I don't know. Do you want them to be?"

"What's that supposed to mean Nathan?"

"Well just maybe some scares are too deep."

Peyton looked away as a tear rolled down her cheek. "Nathan, do the right thing. Get on with your future with your wife. Its time that I got on with mine."

Nathan walked over to Peyton and placed his arms around her. "Peyton, its gonna be all right. Thank you so much for everything you have done for me. Your gonna find him."

Peyton looked up at Nate and smiled as he kissed her on the cheek and walked off.