cause everybody tries to put some love on the line
and everybody feels a broken heart sometimes
and even when I'm scared I have to try to fly
sometimes I fall
but I've seen it done before
I got to step outside these walls

Jake's House

There was a knock at the door and Jake wondered who it was. Usually no one came over and the only one who did had broken up with him. He answered the door and was surprised to see who was there. "Lucas?"

"Hey Jake." Luke said nervously. "Can I come in?"

Jake didn't know what to say. He couldn't be rude and tell him no, but Jenny was in the house and if she cried or something. He was totally confused. "Luke, I, uh, just come in I guess."

Lucas walked in. "I wanted to talk to you about something important. I talked to Brooke earlier. She already told me about Jenny; now don't be mad at her it's not like I'm going to tell everyone, she just came to me for advice."

Jake couldn't believe Brooke had told someone but at least it was Lucas, there were worse people she could have told, but he was still a bit mad for her telling, but then he thought about what Lucas had said, she came to him for advice. "What kind of advice?" great now he sounded like some jealous boyfriend.

"Advice on Jenny. Look Jake, I know she's your daughter and you're doing what you think is best for her but I feel as though being in a similar situation I can put my two-cents in."

Jake just nodded his head for him to continue. "As you know Dan abandoned me and I was raised by my mom. When I was small my mom never told me who my dad was until one day in the junior leagues I found out that my dad was also Nathan's dad. I asked her and she told me it was the truth and I realized she was keeping me hidden, hidden from the town. And yes I see that she was only trying to protect me but the truth always comes out and when it comes out the wrong way, everyone gets hurt. I know my mom is not ashamed of me just like you're not ashamed of Jenny but hiding her the way my mom hid me, it gives off that impression. I'm not telling you to shout it out to the world but a start could be to go to the open-mic night at my mom's café. Brooke's just trying to help and you should let her in, she's a great girl. Hopefully I'll see you tonight but if I don't I won't hold it against you, but there will be someone there who will be wishing to see you." With that admission Lucas left Jake's house.

Jake just stood there letting it all sink in. Maybe, he thought, maybe it would be good to let Jenny out. He couldn't imagine that while he was trying to protect her, he was really hurting her.

Haley's House

Haley was in her room playing her guitar. No one knew about her guitar, well Lucas did but he didn't know she played. It was a secret she kept from everyone because she didn't want anyone to ruin her bond with music, but she had different ideas now. She was going to play at open-mic night and knew she was going to be extremely nervous. She was so into practicing that she didn't notice someone walk in.

"Haley James! You didn't tell me you sang and played the guitar!"

Haley turned around shocked. This was not how she wanted people finding out. "Hey Peyton. You weren't supposed to find out about this. Well you were but everyone was supposed to find out tonight. I kept this a secret for so long. I guess it's out of the bag."

"Haley it's ok. I won't tell anyone. But you sounded so awesome! I can't wait to hear it all later" Peyton said excitedly.

"Thanks Peyton. No one has ever heard me so for you to say that makes me feel a whole lot better" Haley said meaningfully.

"So are you planning to serenade a certain Scott tonight with your music?" Peyton asked curiously.

"Yes, I am planning to dedicate this song to Lucas and win him over your deadly grasp," Peyton looked at her in shock, "No, actually the song is meant for Nathan but it's not serenading because everyone will be there so that makes it impersonal."

"Haley it's not impersonal if you look into his eyes while you're singing. I can totally see him falling head over heels for you if he hasn't already. You're a cool chick James, you just gotta let the world see it," Peyton told her.

"Peyton thank you! That means so much to me. If a month ago, someone would have told me I was friends with you I would have asked them what drugs they're on but I'm glad we're friends because you're a good friend Peyton, and I mean that," she told her hugging her.

"Thanks Hales, I feels as though I can call you Hales now, ok enough sappiness," Peyton said laughing, "I just came by to check on you to make sure you would be ready for tonight but it seems as though you're all set so I'm gonna go home and get ready. Good luck tonight Haley" Peyton said as she left Haley once again practicing.

Peyton's House

Peyton arrived at her house after visiting Haley to find her boyfriend sleeping on her couch. She thought to herself, she really should lock her door. Peyton walked over to his sleeping figure and kissed him softly on the cheek.

Lucas woke up to fin his girlfriend caressing his face and he had to say he loved waking up like that. "Hey sleepyhead," she told him.

"Hey I came to see you and you weren't home so I decided to wait for you here and I guess I fell asleep. Where were you?" he asked being curious.

"I went to go see Haley. You wouldn't believe what I caught her doing! But I can't tell you because I promised her I wouldn't tell anyone, so sorry Luke can't tell you," she said teasing him, "but it's cute that you came over baby. It's a nice surprise to find you on my couch," she then whispered in his ear, "but it's a nicer surprise to find you in my bed."

Lucas gulped. "Sorry then I didn't give you the ultimate surprise but I'm here aren't I. By the way I have to say the flyers for the café were amazing. I'm proud to say my girlfriend drew them," he said giving her a quick kiss on the lips.

Peyton blushed at the compliment, "I went over to your house before I went to Haley's but you weren't home."

"Oh yeah I had to talk to Jake. A friend asked me to clear some things with him so I went over and had a quick chat then came here," he said trying to dodge the question.

Peyton knew he was lying, "Lucas what aren't you telling me?"

"I don't like having to keep this from you but I promised them I would keep it a secret so I can't tell you, but if all goes well then you'll know what's up by tonight. Besides you're keeping a secret with Haley from me," he said trying to reason with her, he didn't want to start a fight.

Peyton looked at him and saw that he really wasn't trying to hurt her so she spoke, "ok Luke I trust you. Besides you'll probably learn Haley's secret by tonight too," she said giving him a long, passionate kiss to confirm that things were ok with them.

When they broke apart Lucas spoke honestly, "I'm really glad you and Hales are getting along because you're my girlfriend and she's my best friend. I mean her relationship with Nathan is already straining our friendship so I would hate for this to make it worse."

"Luke you should really give Nathan a break. He's not such a bad person, but you know Dan. He's had so much pressure over the years and I think the drugs made him reach his boiling point. I think Haley's good for him, I think she's just what he needs and he's just what she needs," she said trying not to get Lucas mad at her for defending Nathan.

"Peyt I guess I can try. I think I would be this protective over her anyway because she's like my little sister. And knowing Dan, I could only imagine what it would be like living with him. But just know that if he ever hurts her I will have to deal with him," he spoke confidently.

"I get that Luke. Because if Nate hurts her then he really is dumber than I thought. So boyfriend of mine I have a proposition for you. Your choice, either we go upstairs for a steamy make out session or you can go home and I'll see you at the café later," she said confidently.

"Let me think about that one. Make out with my girl or go home and do nothing. I say make out," he said picking up Peyton and carrying her upstairs.

Nathan's house

After Haley finished practicing she dropped her stuff off at Karen's and went to Nathan's. She knocked on the door to find Dan Scott had answered it.

"Well if it isn't the tutor who's taking advantage of my son" he told her rudely, "if you think I'm going to let you in then you have something else coming."

Luckily for Haley, Nathan walked in the room at that moment. "Dad what the hell do you think you're doing. How dare you talk to her like that. This is my girl and if you have a problem with her you can just shut up. You said we were going to go out but you can count me out, I never wanted to go. Like I said I had plans and my plans are with Haley," he turned to Haley, "Hales lets go to your house, I don't want you to have to deal with this."

Haley just nodded until they got to his car. "Nate if you had plans with your dad you should have gone with him, I don't want to come between the two of you."

"Hales that's mighty nice of you but believe me. I don't want to be anywhere near him. It's like, every time I'm with him, I just get caught in this rip tide, you know, the harder I try to get out, the harder it is for me to keep from downing. So you coming over saved me," he said sincerely.

"I'm glad I'm helping you steer clear from the water. Nathan just know I mean it when I say I'm here for you. And baby you're gonna love the surprise I have for you tonight," she said when they pulled up in her driveway.

"Now that we're at your house I wonder what we're going to do" he asked already knowing the answer.

"I wonder," she said knowingly, "I got an idea, my parents aren't home, we can go upstairs and make out on my bed!" she said excitedly.

Karen's Café

After what seemed like forever it was time to set up for open-mic night. Deb, Haley, Peyton and Brooke were decorating the café. Peyton and Haley both sent the boys to hang out with each other and since Lucas and Nathan didn't want to face their wrath decided to do as told.

Brooke was having a good time decorating, after all it was her forte but it didn't take away the empty feeling she had in her heart; the space that was occupied by Jake and Jenny. She missed them so much but she needed to stay strong and let Jake make his choice. Lucas told her she talked to him but that in the end it was Jake's choice but that he hoped he got through to him.

Peyton looked at her best friend and she felt for her. Brooke had told her that she was unsure of where she stood with her boyfriend and Peyton had never seen Brooke look so sad.

After they had finished setting up the four looked at each other and gave each other a high-five. The place looked amazing.

Haley was excited about her performance tonight. She just hoped she sounded as good as she was excited. Her thoughts were interrupted when a stranger walked into the room.

"Is anyone allowed to play here?" said the voice.

thanks to all my readers and for those who just joined. to all those who have replied, a special thanks. this story is going ot go on a mini hiatus, the next update will probably come in 3-4 weeks so please be patient and i will try to update more often after that. the lyrics for this chapter come from teddy geiger, these walls. pick up his album, its really good!