After a drive that seemed to take forever, mostly because all Maddie could get out of Peyton were one-word answers, the car finally came to a stop, they were parked in the driveway of a nice little 2-story house. It looked very lived in, like a warm comforting home, but Maddie didn't know how long that would last once Peyton got inside. See the thing with Peyton that Maddie new best, was that you could always tell what was going on in her head, by what you heard coming out of the speakers. Take for example happy music could include the white strips, but if it was a mad day something loud and screaming like 3 days grace, and if it was mellow something like dashboard confessional. Maddie had a feeling that 3 days grace would be playing a lot over the next little while. Peyton didn't say anything when she got out of the car. Larry led the girls into the house.
La: So umm this is it, it's not much but its home.
M: It looks nice.
Maddie looked around, it wasn't overly decorated, just the bare minimum, a little messy, plates and cups on counters and tables, but Larry was right, it was a home.
La: sorry about the mess, I just got home late yesterday night and didn't have time to tidy much up.
M: its okay, right Peyton, we're not the neatest people either.
P: ya
Larry had learned in the last little while that Peyton wasn't going to be saying much, but that Maddie was more than happy to talk enough for the both of them.
La: So umm well there's the kitchen, and the dinning room, and that's the living room. The bathrooms just down the hall, and so is the laundry room. – He motioned around as he explained everything – And up the stairs is my room, and yours. Umm so then I'll just show you two up there, and you can get comfortable.
Larry led the 2 up the stairs, and just down the hallway. He opened the door to a large room, with red and black walls.
La: so Kate said your room at home had red and black walls, so I tried to do that so it felt like home. Umm well you can just settle in, and I was thinking that later if you were up for it we could go out for dinner, or get a cup of coffee, or something. Whatever you want to do, and when your ready just let me know, I'll be down stairs.
M: Alright thanks Larry, and by the way this looks great.
With that Larry turned and walked back down stairs as the girls walked into the room and Maddie closed the door. The first thing Peyton did was rip into one of the boxes they had brought. She pulled out all the clothes she had used as protection, then she pulled out her I-pod stereo and dock and plugged it in. Then she put her pod on and out came blasting "This house is not a home". Here we go thought Maddie. It was now or never and she knew this was going to be loud. Maddie walked over to the stereo and turned it down, as she looked at Peyton who was lying on the bed in the corner. When the music died down Peyton looked up and Maddie.
P: What the hell do you think your doing?
M: Turning it down I cant talk to you when that is blaring.
P: then don't talk to me.
M: PEYTON I'm not putting up with this, he is your dad. TALK to him.
P: Why should I, he's not my dad. He pawned me off England the first chance he got, not that I'm not thankful, but come on, its years later and now he wants to get to know me. He had all the time in the world, and then when I'm happy in London and everything is great he uproots me. NOT FAIR MADDIE.
M: It doesn't matter about FAIR Peyton, he is your dad, give him a chance. It couldn't have been easy all these years for him. Maybe he knew you were better off in London, but now he wants to be in your life, he wants his family.
P: IM NOT LISTENING TO THIS. Kate is at home alone right now, and I know she is hurting and it's his fault. Why couldn't have just come for a visit, huh, instead of ruining everything. Now I have to start a whole new life here, without my best friend, without Kate. I don't want this, I want to go home.
M: This is your home now, like it or not, this is it Peyton.
Peyton stands up and charges towards the stereo, but Maddie stops her.
P: GET OUT OF MY WAY RIGHT NOW.
M: NO, WE ARE GOING TO GO OUT WITH YOUR DAD, AND YOUR GONNA TALK.
P: No you can talk.
M: Do you think Kate would be proud of you right now? She raised you to better than this, to deal with what's in front of you, not run and hide and act like a child!
Maddie knew that would hit her, she was holding Peyton by the wrists and with that last comment the tears came again. This time her whole body shook, Maddie pulled her into a hug. This was going to work, she just had to break that wall that Peyton had put up towards her dad, and with every tear that fell the wall was crumbling piece by piece.
P: I just want to go home, I miss Kate, and I'm gonna miss you. I don't want to be alone.
The words came out slowly betweens sobs.
M: you wont be alone. You'll make friends, and you have your dad.
The 2 just stood there holding each other. Larry who was still down stairs had heard most of what was going on upstairs, and he knew all of this was hurting her. He was willing to take the blame for this, but a part of him just wanted Peyton to know the truth. That this whole idea, moving out of London, was actually Kate's idea. Kate wanted Peyton to know her dad, she wanted Larry to know how great his daughter was, she wanted them to be a family. She knew that she had to let Peyton go and face her dad, but Larry knew he couldn't tell Peyton this, if he did she would hate him more, as well she would hate Kate, and he didn't want Peyton to be mad Kate, not after all that she had done. He knew this was going to be a long hard battle, but he was going to get Maddie to help him get Peyton settled.
It was over an hour before the girls emerged from the room, and went down stairs to see Larry.
P: Hey Larry
Larry look up excitedly, even though it wasn't dad it was something.
L: Yes hun.
P: well we were wondering if we could take you up on that offer to get something to eat.
La: Of course I wouldn't want you to starve.
P: Ok good cuz we like to eat.
The group all cracked a little smile and for once that day things between father and daughter were looking up.
La: so do you have any preference as to the type of food we get?
P: I don't what about you Maddie? Anything special?
M: Nope anything that is edible is great with me.
La: well then I think I know just the place.
All three got their coats and walked out to the car. Maddie was proud of herself and couldn't help but smile at her handy work. Larry was happy to have his daughter home and to actually have her talk. Peyton was still scared this was all just happening to fast, but Maddie was right, Kate didn't raise her to run and hide from the inevitable, so she was going to do this with her head held high. Once they got in the car and started driving the inevitable question was asked.
M: Larry where exactly are you taking us?
La: O just this little café I know. Its actually pretty good for such a small place.
The car stopped shortly after in front of a place called Karen's Café.
La: Well we're here.
They all got out of the car, and walked into the Café and took a seat. Shortly after an older woman, came up to the table, her nametag read Karen.
K: Well Larry how are you today. Haven't seen you around in while, were you out on the boat?
La: Yup just got back yesterday actually.
K: Well it's good to have you back, so who are these 2 young ladies.
La: Well actually this is my daughter Peyton.
P: Hi
La: and her friend Maddie.
M: hey.
K: Well it's a pleasure to meet you Peyton your dad has been talking about you coming here for a long time now, and Maddie its good to meet you to.
La: So can we get some menus please Karen?
K: Sure, but is there anything I can get you to drink for starters?
La: A coffee would be great.
P: umm iced tea
M: same please an iced tea.
K: Alright I'll be right back.
With that Karen went off to get the drinks.
P: So who was that?
La: oo that's Karen Scott, she owns the café. She was one of the first people I met when I moved here. Her husband Keith actually helped me get my job, and she has a son the same age as you.
M: O really well then maybe that would help my list of reasons.
Peyton rolled her eyes and glared over at Maddie.
La: What list?
M: O well you see i'm trying to find things about this place that are great reasons to stay. And since I don't think you guys have a stri…
Peyton elbowed Maddie in the side when she heard stri, and new that she was going to mention a strip club to her dad, she didn't want that conversation to continue.
M: What was that for?
P: you know why…
La: so continue on about this list what is it that we don't have?
M: oo umm well we didn't see a strobe light club…
Peyton looked over at Maddie and couldn't believe that a strobe light club was the best thing she could come up.
La: OoOo a strobe light club, I've never heard of those…
M: well they're the biggest thing back in London….
Just then a new girl came over and gave them their drinks. Her nametag said Haley.
H: Hey there Larry, here are your drinks. Umm did I just hear you mention London, as in London England?
Maddie looked up rather surprised by Haley's comment.
M: Umm yes I did.
H: Well then you must be Larry's daughter Peyton.
M: haha no that would be goldie over here, I'm just the best friend.
Maddie felt a little threatened by this Haley person, sure they didn't know each other but she knew who Peyton was, although she trusted Peyton and her were best friends, she still have to let Haley know.
H: O sorry, I'm Haley.
Haley reached across the table and shook Peyton's hand, then Maddies.
H: its great to have someone new in town, and Larry told me you are going to be in grade 11 at tree hill high. That's so cool, if you need anything don't be afraid to ask, and if you want someone to show you around town or go with you on the first day just come down to the café and ask. Its no big deal, we don't get new kids often so it might be intense when people find out you're here.
Wow Peyton thought this girl can really talk, she had managed to get all that out in one breath. Peyton looked over at Maddie who was trying to hide her smirk from Haley, yet at the same time looked a little pissed at this girl.
P: Alright then well I might take you up on that. Thanks Haley.
H: Not biggie, well I should probably get back to work, it was great to meet you to.
With that Haley turned and walked off back to behind the counter. As soon as she was gone Maddie uncovered her mouth and turned to face Peyton with a big smile on her face. The group ordered and about half way through it Larry excused him self to go to the washroom. No sooner was he gone then 2 boys walked into the café both were tall, but one had dark brown hair and the other had shaggy dirty blonde hair. Maddie elbowed Peyton in the side.
M: those seem like 2 pretty good reasons to stick around this place.
Maddie motioned Peyton's gaze towards the 2 boys who had just walked in. However no sooner had Maddie made her comment, then the tall dark haired on leaned across the counter and kissed the girl named Haley.
P: Or not
M: Hey that one doesn't seem to have anyone (motioning towards the blonde0
P: Maddie boys are not reasons to want to live somewhere.
M: And why is that? If they are hot, unattached, and look really good shirtless, then its definitely not a reason to leave the place.
P: you are so shallow
With that Peyton picked up a fry that was covered in ketchup, and rubbed across Maddie's cheek.
M: What the, are we playing that game now?
P: Maybe…
M: fine then (and with that she picked up a fry and threw it at Peyton)
P: O you are so gunna pay!
Maddie let out a laugh, then got up and started towards the door. By now the 2 boys, Haley and Karen were looking at them like they were crazy. Peyton then got up and looked towards Karen.
P: Karen can you tell my dad we'll meet him at home, we have to run off out plane legs.
K: No problem have fun.
And with that Peyton was running out the door and down the street chasing after Maddie.
Just as Peyton was out of sight Larry returned to find both girls missing and Haley and her friends looking out the door at the 2 girls chasing each other around the streets. Larry looked at Karen.
K: Peyton said she would meether dadat home, they had to run off their plane legs.
La: Alright then, Kate warned me about this, she said once those 2 start its hard to stop them…umm do you think I could get that to go, and get 2 more burgers and 2 more orders of fries as well, I have a feeling they might be hungry later. (knowing that peyton had called him dad put a smile on his face)
K: Sure no problem.
Just then the door opened and in walked man.
La: Hey Keith
Ke: Hey Larry your back. Did you guys see the crazy girls who are running around out there?
La: unfortunately yes, the one is my daughter Peyton and the other is her best friend Maddie.
Ke: HAHA well good luck looking after them.
Keith looked over at the 3 teens still standing by the door
Ke: Lucas, Nathan, Haley, don't you guys have something to do other than stand around and stare.
L: Hey dad.
Nathan and Haley: Hi Keith
L: Actually I do have something to do, I'm supposed to go play ball at the river court. Do you want to come Nathan?
N: Sure if it's okay with Hales
H: Go on I'll meet you there when I'm done here.
K: You know what Haley the place is dead, and you came in early today, so if you want you can go right now.
H: Really are you sure?
K: Go on all of you before I put you all to work doing the dishes.
With that the 3 teens left the café and headed down the street, and somewhere off in the distance they could hear laughter and screaming. The 3 adults all sat and watched them leave.