AN: There's no letter in this update, but the letters will be back. Don't worry. :)

Thanks for all the reviews!

Love, Katie.

Third hour arrived, and I was anxious to find another letter. However, when I checked the book, I found absolutely nothing. I didn't believe it at first, so I checked again…and again, shaking the book until all that fell out of it was a gum wrapper someone had probably used as a bookmark or something.

But then I kind of got an odd realization. Why isn't my letter still in there? Someone had to have found it, just the question is who? And what did they do with it?

I know it's kind of superstitious of me, but I believed that whoever had replied before was the one who found it; they were just waiting on a reply. But, why?

I thought back to what I had written. Nothing really stuck out to me as to why they wouldn't have replied back. I just talked about Lucas, nothing different than the last note. Except, I did say I would talk things out with him, telling him how I feel. I don't really think that would affect anything with the notes, but what the heck; why not see for sure?

Picking up my stuff, I made my way out of the library, pacing slower than usual. I knew I had to go see him; only nerves were starting to take their toll.

Luckily, I knew where to find Lucas, and I knew he wouldn't be around Brooke. Since he has a free hour third period as well, he usually hangs out in the gym, working on his shot. Occasionally, Brooke will sneak out of her class to find him, but I remembered her telling me that she was on the verge of failing for skipping so many times. There was no way this new, "responsible" Brooke would try it again, at least not any time soon.

"You better not be shooting like that come your next game," I joked as I entered the gym, seeing Lucas miss a 3-point shot.

Letting the ball go, he met me at half-court, laughing at my sarcasm. "So, you think you know all about the game, do you?"

"Of course. I did date both of the captains, you know."

Trying to prove my confidence, I snatched a ball from the cart and threw up my best shot, completely missing the rim.

"Yep, you're quite the basketball star," he kidded. "So, besides showing off your skills, what are you doing in here? Don't you usually spend this period in the library?"

"Yeah," I was becoming a little hesitant. "Listen Luke, we need to talk."

Understanding the importance of the conversation, he guided me over to the bleachers where we could sit down.

"So what's up?" He intently looked me in the eyes, giving me his full attention.

"Luke, I think I need to get everything out in the open," I began. "I knew I needed to talk to you soon because everything is just building up inside of me, and I was practically ready to blow."

He nodded attentively, motioning me to continue. I took a deep breath and started to spill it all.

"Luke, honestly, I can't take this any longer. This whole thing you have with Brooke is driving me insane; insane enough to come break down everything to you." I paused, saw him still listening closely, and I continued. "Lucas, remember what we used to be like? We were at the point to where I would do anything for you. I would 'wait forever if I had to,' and I still will. I just need reassurance from you that someday, doesn't matter when; just someday, you'll give us another try."

"Truthfully Peyton, I understand, and I'm happy you're talking to me about this. I always wonder about you, and you know, I do care for you…"

"…And that's great Luke; really, it is," I replied after he delivered the famous 'I care for you' line. "I care for you too, but I also care for starving children in Africa. Do you see what I'm saying?"

I waited a second for his reply, but he seemed to just be unresponsive; however, after about a minute, he slightly nodded his head.

"I know I've told you before, and I'll tell you again after this if I have to. I love you, Lucas." This time I had no excuses. I had not just lost a lot of blood, and I wasn't afraid of death. I could just feel in my heart that I had to tell him. My only justification could have been the letters, but I refused to mention them.

He appeared as if he knew this was coming, even though I had thought he would have been taken by surprise.

Watching him slowly inch his way over to me on the rusty bleachers, I began to swell up in tears. I don't know why, but I just did. It was as if I expected rejection, or as if I expected him to respond with another "but I'm in love with Brooke."

However, this time, no more words were uttered from either of our mouths. I cried into Lucas' shoulders as he pulled me into his chest tightly. I stayed in his embrace until the bell sounded, and even then we remained like that for a few more minutes.

Trying to regain my composure, I stood up after he released me. I turned back to him, still speaking no words, and smiled. Getting up as well, he made his way over to me and wiped away the tears from my eyes.

"It'll be okay, Peyton. You'll see."

This time, I was the one to nod unsoundly. As I headed out the doors of the gymnasium, I heard his voice speak up once more.

"And Peyton, please know I do love you too. It's just…" He hung his head down replacing the mention of her name. He knew I couldn't bear to hear him say it, and he was right. Just the thought of it killed me.

I took a deep breath, then let out a sigh of relief.

Finally, I've told him.