Author's Note: Glad you guys enjoyed the last chapters. What a whirlwind of drama huh? Only in Tree Hill people, only in Tree Hill...lol..oh and only from my mind. hahah

FastFuriousChick- hahah He got beat up pretty bad that Vegas. Nathan socked him good. We'll consider Nathan's fists as Jill's jeep's tires. That boy does have rock hard fists!LOL

IslandGurl808- haha since you asked, I'll add a cherry on top as well. hahah aww it rocks bananas. lol

Jill opened her eyes, blinking them a few times. Everything was calm and quiet. She looked up at her ceiling, everything was familiar. Things seemed so surreal at the moment she even thought what had happened was just a dream. Of course it wasn't, and she realized it soon enough. The pain on her face spoke for itself. Groaning, she tried to turn around but was frightened when she felt someone's hand touching her arm. Suddenly she was scared all over again.

"It's okay, it's okay, it's me, Nathan," he said softly.

She looked up at him and quickly calmed down. His voice and touch was soothing. She even managed a smile.

Nathan got up from his seat and sat on her bed by her, grabbing hold of her hand.

"How you feeling?"

"Like I got beat up," she cracked a smirk.

He let out a small laugh.

"It looks bad right now, but the swelling will go down in a few days."

"Can I see it?"

"Yeah," letting go of her hand we went over to her vanity and grabbed her hand mirror. He sat back down and handed it to her.

Jill still a little weak mustered up her strength to sit up. Holding up the mirror to her face she touched her bruises. They hurt but they weren't too bad. She may have a black eye by morning, but what could she do about it? Nothing. Sighing she placed the mirror on her night stand.

"Thanks for saving me," she looked into his baby blues.

Nathan smiled at her, caressing her hand.

"I'm just glad I got there in time."

She nodded before pulling him into an embrace, holding on to him tightly. Nathan did the same, wrapping his arms around her tiny frame. They enjoyed each other's warmth and security before slowly puling away.

"Umm Peyton, Lucas, and Brooke are downstairs."

"What about Sheryl?" Suddenly that name to her meant all things wrong.

"She's not here."

Jill nodded sighing.

"Can I talk to Peyton?"

"Yeah, I'll call her up. You going to be okay?"

"Mhmm. I just need to tell her something."

"Okay I'll get her. You just rest and stay here okay?"

His voice was so concerned.

Jill laughed, "Promise, I won't go anywhere."

"Good," he smiled before bending down and kissing her on the forehead.

Jill closed her eyes as his warm lips touched her skin. She smiled back at him as he walked out of her bedroom.

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Nathan made his way down the steps to the concerned bunch camped out in the living room. They had been out of the loop for the past hour while Nathan stayed in the room with Jill. He had quickly told them the story over the phone before they arrived.

Lucas saw his little brother come into the room, he quickly stood up to meet him half way. The other girls followed suit.

"How is she?"

Nathan exhaled putting his hands into his pockets.

"She's awake, she's in pain, but she's strong."

They all nodded letting out sighs of relief. It had been such a traumatic evening.

Lucas put his arm on Nathan's shoulder.

"That's good man. At least she's safe now."

"Yeah," he paused, "she asked to talk to Peyton."

Everyone looked at Peyton who nodded in understandment leaving the room and the others to ask Nathan loads of questions.

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Jill rested her head on the headboard observing her room. She was still somewhat in a state of shock. She knew exactly what happened and she could replay the events in her mind perfectly, but her emotions were still a little fuzzy.

Looking down she noticed she was wearing Nathan's sweater. Folding her arms that were covered in Nathan's unbelievably long sleeves she hugged herself. She needed to feel comfort.

"You rang?"

Jill looked over at Peyton who stuck her head out from the door. They smiled at each other.

"Hey," Jill whispered.

"Hey yourself trooper, how you feeling?"

"Oh not so bad."

She giggled motioning Peyton to come and join her. The curly blonde did, making herself comfortable on the bed's edge.

"Peyton," she looked down," I umm I'm so sor..."

She was interrupted midway.

"Dude don't be. It's not your fault."

"It is, I was so gullible."

"No you weren't. All you ever did was trust.."

"And look where it got me," she pointed at herself.

"They don't deserve to know you."

Jill began to sob a little.

"I don't deserve to be yours and Brooke's friend. I accused you of lying I-I..."

Peyton put her hand up to quiet Jill.

"The only thing you don't deserve is friends like Sheryl and Vegas."

She looked at Peyton as she bit her lip.

"Can you ever forgive me?"

Peyton furrowed her brow before giggling a little.

"What?" She was sort of shocked to find her laughing.

"Dude I was never mad at you to begin with. So take back your apology because it's not necessary."

Jill rolled her eyes feeling like an idiot. She playfully hit Peyton's arm.

"Thanks."

The blonde smiled back earnestly, pulling her in for a hug.

"Hey, that's what friends are for."