Jake sat on the edge of Peyton's bed. Few words had been exchanged they simply held hands, both silently wishing he didn't have to go. Jake began the conversation, his voice in a low hush as if afraid someone my hear.
"I missed you SO much Peyton. I saw you everywhere I went. You were always with me." He smiled gently and kissed her.
"I missed you too," Peyton said as she began to tear up. "I know you have to find Nikki, but I just can't imagine having to lose you again. I need you Jake." The pain and guilt inside of Jake became overwhelming when he heard the girl he loved say those words.
"Peyton." His voice was raspy and full of regret. "I am so sorry. I never wanted to hurt you, but you know I have to get Jenny. I told Lucas I shouldn't have come." Peyton's hand tightened around his when he said this. Her eyes grew wide.
"What? No! I'm so glad you did." She gave him a quick, reassuring kiss before her face became once again clouded by pain.
"When do you have do go?" Her question was hesitant she almost didn't want to know. Jake looked at Peyton. He hated doing this. He was always leaving her.
"First thing tomorrow morning." Jake met Peyton's sad eyes. She tried to smile, let him know it was okay, but it came off more as a wince.
Knock. Knock.
Brooke popped her head in the door and grinned at the two sitting on the bed.
"Hey girlie, you ready?"
Peyton gave Brooke the best smile she could. The sooner she left the hospital, the sooner Jake would have to go. She didn't like the thought of that. Judging by his expression neither did he. Brooke and Lucas slid inside the room and shut the door. Brooke held the vase of roses in her hands.
Yeah, let me just get my crutches." With the help of Jake, Peyton began to hobble over to her crutches. She stopped when she noticed Brooke holding something.
"Brooke…" Peyton spoke slowly as she raised a quizzical eyebrow at her best friend. "What are those?"
Brooke smiled. She also spoke slowly, but it had a mischievous ring to it.
"Um, roses…?"
"For what?" Peyton knew where this was going.
"You?" Brooke gave Peyton the innocent face and Lucas began to laugh.
"BROOKE PENELOPE DAVIS! I said no more flowers!" Peyton laughed, despite herself.
"Yeah but Peyton.." she whined. "They're pretty. Plus…It was Luke's idea." At the mention of his name Lucas stopped laughing and looked at Brooke.
"Babe! Peyton I didn't…" Peyton cut him off with her laughter.
"Well thanks, LUKE!" Brooke giggled. "I'll just add them to my collection." Everyone laughed. For a moment they all forgot why they were there.
Knock. Knock.
Peyton looked at her watch. It was almost her check out time and she wasn't expecting anyone else.
"Who could that be?" Peyton wondered out loud as Brooke went to open the door.
"Aw! Hi Tutor Girl, Hi Nate!" Brooke greeted Haley and Nathan with a smile and a hug as they stepped into the now crowded room.
"Hey! We figured we'd come see Peyton before she got released." Haley and Nathan walked over to Peyton's bed. Haley hugged her, Nathan gently kissed her on the top of her head. Peyton smiled. She was lucky to have so many good people in her life.
"Thanks guys, we were just about to…" Peyton's sentence was cut off by Haley's squeal. She had just noticed Jake. She ran up to him and hugged him.
"Oh my God, Jake! It's so good to see you!" Jake laughed as Haley lovingly cut off his air supply with her hug. When she finally let go, Nathan shook Jake's hand and laughed.
"Hey Jagelski! How are you doing?"
Jake shrugged. "Fine man. Just here checking on my girl." Jake turned back and winked at Peyton, who gave him a loving smile.
"Any luck finding Jenny?" Nathan was hesitant to ask this question. He was curious but he didn't want to upset anyone.
"Nah, man. Not yet." Nathan winced. He knew he shouldn't have asked. Poor Jake. Poor Peyton.
"I'm sorry man." Jake pat Nathan on the back. He knew Nathan was just looking out for him.
"Yeah…" All of a sudden Brooke popped up off the edge of Peyton's bed.
"Okay! I don't know about you guys, but I can't stand to be sad a minute longer. Let's all go do something." Peyton looked from Brooke, to the others, and then down at her leg.
"That's a great idea Brooke, but there's only so much I can do." Brooke caught Peyton's eye and followed her gaze to her leg.
"True. Gimpy over here kind of cuts down our options." Brooke playfully stuck her tongue out at Peyton, who returned the notion.
Psh. Sorry for the inconvenience." Lucas stood up and laughed.
"Excuses, excuses."
"Oh I got it! Let's rent a bunch of funny, HAPPY movies, order in a whole lot of food and all crash at the apartment tonight!" Brooke clapped her hands excitedly as she looked from face to face. Everyone smiled.
"Brooke…that's a great idea." Haley said with a reassuring high five. Peyton high-fived her too.
"Yeah, sound like just what we need."
