A/N: Thanks to all the reviewers! Since the last one so short here is another quicky to hold you over. I am working on a longer chapter for my next real update.

Disclamer at beginning still applies.

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Chapter 6: Return to Me

Peyton's POV

I've only ever been inside a church 4 times in my life. Once on Dare Night, once for Keith's wedding, once for my mom's funeral, and now for Keith's. It's hard to imagine a few months ago Keith was standing up on that alter ready to experience a life with someone he thought he loved, but now he was there dead and lying in a coffin. This is the same church where I sat in the same spot eight years ago looking at my mother's coffin. Now it was Keith's turn to leave. And if you think death gets any easier or that you get used to it you are wrong. Every time another person you know gets taken away another part of your soul goes along with them. I didn't know Keith that well and never spent any time with him, but this was still just as upsetting. Keith was very important to some of my closest friends. He had been an uncle to Nathan and Haley, a father to Lucas, and a love to Karen. He was very special in each of their hearts and I know what they must be going through.

I know plenty about grief considering that at seventeen I have already had two mothers die. At least Lucas and Karen have each other. Both times when my mom and Ellie died I was alone. Of course I had both my father and Brooke but it was different. My father was always on some job and there were periods where he wasn't around. And Brooke was so great just like I told Lucas, but she still couldn't go through it with me. This time it was different. My father came home the minute he heard I was hurt and hasn't left me side since. He told me he couldn't ever imagine loosing anyone else after my mom and was going to find work closer to home. That meant the world to me to know I am never gonna be alone again. When I was shot that was the worst feeling. I didn't know what was going to happen or even if I was going to live or die. Thank God Lucas was by my side or I wouldn't have been able to hang on. I knew I was safe and nothing would happen to me as long as he was there.

Like I told him, he was always saving me and I had to let me know how I feel. That's why I told him that I loved him. It was true. Lucas means to world to me and is an amazing guy. And Brooke is an amazing girl. They were my two best friends and they deserved each other. I only kissed Lucas to thank him and to finally put this never ending love triangle to rest. It was risky because it could have brought old feelings back to the surface, but all I felt was comfort in his kiss. There was no passion or heat like when I kissed Jake. I feel bad about this because while I was kissing Lucas I was picturing Jake. But then I know Lucas was thinking about Brooke while kissing me so it's all good. I wanted him with me so bad and if he couldn't physically be with me he was in my mind, heart, and soul. So in a way, what I thought was going to be my last kiss was with the two men I loved more than anything. It was with my best friend and the man of my dreams. But I didn't die and I believe it was my love for Jake that kept me alive. I knew I couldn't let go without being with him again. Now I believe in the power of love more than ever. Suddenly I feel a hand on my shoulder and look back at a supportive smile. The smile of a man whom I love and loves me in return. I am so happy he is here with me during this. My father has given me the best gift I could ever ask for, the gift of love.

Flashback

I am being released from the hospital today. It's about time because if I have to stay in this place any longer I am gonna freak out. It has only been two days but that is long enough. This hospital holds so many bad memories. It's where my mom died and where Lucas scared us to death in his coma. The entire time I have been here I have had this feeling in the pit of my stomach that just won't go away. Like this place is cursed and something bad will happen to me as well. I was brought of these thoughts by my dad's voice.

"You're all checked out. Are you ready to go honey?"

"You don't know how much Dad."

"Oh I have a pretty good idea. How's the leg feel?"

"Surprisingly okay. I kind of can't feel anything right now. It's like I'm numb."

"Well let's go home because I have something to fix that."

"What are you talking about?"

"You'll see."

He picked up my bag and wheeled me out to the car.

"We should get one of these things. I could get used to this type of service."

"Don't get any ideas. Once you are feeling better I am no longer your chauffer."

I got into the car and watched my dad as he got in. He had this huge smile on his face and after a few minutes of driving it was driving me crazy. How could he be so happy right now after what had went on? I couldn't take it anymore.

"What's going on Dad?"

"Nothing. I guy can't just be happy his only daughter is alive."

"I guess. But it's more than that."

"Man you can't let a fellow surprise you."

"So there is something. Tell me because you are weirding me out."

We pulled into the driveway and I looked at my house. It was good to be home. You never realize how good a house looks when you think you will never see it again.

"Well we're here so you won't have to wait much longer."

He came around and helped me out of the car and with my crutches slowly made it up the driveway to the house.

"Did you do something to my room?"

"Nope. Go into the living room. Your gift is on the couch."

"Oh Dad. What did you buy me? Was it expensive? Because I know we can't afford anything pricey."

"Well it didn't cost any money but it is valuable."

I went into the other room and before I got all the way in I called back to him, "You didn't have to get me any-" Right then I saw the most beautiful thing ever sitting on the couch. When my father saw the smile on my face I heard him say "Yes I did."

"Hey Peyton."

I dropped my crutches and ran over to him not caring how much my leg hurt. My dad was right; I was no longer numb and could feel again. I enveloped him in the biggest hug and wouldn't let go.

"Jake."

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So did that surprise you at all? Or was it very predictable. I tried to bring him back where you didn't see it coming but I am sure all you that read a lot of fic could see it. LOL. Hope you still like. Coming up next is the continuation of Haley's POV and more Nathan. Then a BL chapter for those of you waiting patiently. Enjoy!