A/N: Ok, I'm really nervous about this chapter. Once you read it...you'll understand why. Make sure you read the author's note at the end...
Disclaimer: I don't own One Tree Hill
Chapter Fifteen: No School Tomorrow? Let's Get Drunk!
February 4th 2006
Ok, so here's the thing. I went to school today even though I really didn't want to. Rachel said it would be good for me, and I listened because she's Rachel and lately she's been right. And in a way, I know she is this time because I can't fall behind again. Plus, I've got a fresh sense of hope. Brooke ignored me the whole day, which is really like most days. Only this time, she didn't even bother to scowl. She didn't look at me at all. And to that I say, good riddance.
Now, Rachel, Bevin and I are sitting in my room planning our next great adventure, a road trip after school lets out. It was my idea actually. This whole idea of carpe diem just kind of popped into my head. Bevin is totally on board, but Rachel is still a little hesitant. I told her she can bring Mouth which is probably a good idea in the long run, right? Mouth's the most responsible eighteen year old I know. And with us, three, in the car, we're going to need someone to keep us in line. I can't imagine Rachel staying this goody-goody for much longer.
"Ok, so we head to New York first," I say, opening up the map I've outlined with our plans, "Then, cut west, making sure to stop in Philadelphia and Chicago. We don't stop until we hit the west coast and on our way back we head south so we can catch some of Texas. What do you think?"
"I absolutely love it," Bevin says tracing our route with her finger, "How long will this take us?"
"I haven't thought it through yet," I shrug, "What do you think, Rachel?"
"It looks great," she says, biting her lip.
"You don't like it, do you?" I ask, "Did I forget somewhere you wanted to go?"
"I don't know if I'll be going," she says, "I still have to ask my parents." I furrow my eyebrows. Rachel's parents let her do anything she wants. Obviously, something about our trip is bugging her, but I'm not going to push it. If she doesn't want to go, I'm not making her go.
"Ok, well let me know," I say simply. Rachel nods.
"How many people are going?" Bevin asks.
"Well, if Rachel comes with us, then we can take Mouth. If you patch things up with Skillz, then he can come too."
"What about you? If I'm with Skillz and Rachel's with Mouth, who are you going to have?"
"Maybe Lucas will come." I say, smiling softly. I never thought I'd be able to say that after junior year, but now it feels great.
"You're right," Bevin says, "If you and him are together, that would be perfect."
If…Holy shit! That's a good point. What if he doesn't choose me? What if he thinks that his heart is still with Brooke? What am I going to do then? I should have thought of this before, but I was so caught up with the idea that I might finally get to be with him that I didn't even think of the other side. And there is another side. There's always another side. Especially with Lucas.
And if he doesn't choose me, I don't think I'll be able to handle it. I know that sounds terribly dramatic, but I'm being honest. I can't take another Lucas Scott heart break. I barely got through the first one and that took a lot of help from Jake and Brooke. And neither of them is here. Bevin and Rachel are great, but they're not Brooke. God…I think I'm really delusional. I just admitted that I need Brooke.
"Hey Peyton," Rachel says. I shake my head to try and clear the thoughts.
"What?"
"You zoned out. Don't tell me broody Peyton is coming back! I don't think I can handle any more of your bitterness," Rachel says with a smile. I laugh.
"No, I was just think what if-" I never finish that sentence because the phone rings. Rachel answers it because she closest to the phone. I watch her eyes light up as she keeps repeating the same, "Really?" over and over again. She hangs up.
"No school tomorrow or Friday!" she yells.
"Why?"
"There was a bad gas leak and it's going to take them the whole weekend to clear the gas out of the school and repair the system."
"Wow," I say.
"Let's go get wasted!" Bevin says, "Like totally smashed." I look at her oddly.
"We go drinking all of the time."
"No, but this time let's just let loose and have a good time," she says, "No brooding over Lucas and no worrying about whatever you worry about, Rachel!" Rachel frowns at her but I nod my head.
"Yeah, let's do it!"
"Are you kidding me?" Rachel smirks, "Peyton, you can't get wasted. It's like physically impossible."
"No, it's not. I just have to drink the right stuff. And besides, it's not just about the drinks. It's about what we do." Ok, I don't know why I'm saying all this. I don't think I really want to go out anyways. But that's the thing. Bev's right. I can't just sit here pining away for Lucas. I need to do something to make me forget about it.
"Right," Bevin adds, "Letting go of inhibitions and partying with some cute boys. We'll forget all about Skillz and Lucas for now! I'll call the boys!"
"What about Mouth?" Rachel says, "I, unlike you two, actually have a boyfriend who's committed to me."
"And the old Rachel returns," I mutter sarcastically. She hits me with a pillow.
"You know what I mean!" she sighs, "I can't just go out with some random guys!"
"Prude," I mumble jokingly.
"Bitch."
"Slut."
"How can I be a slut and a prude?" Rachel muses. I narrow my eyes.
"Ok, you two," Bevin says breaking it up, "I'm going to go call the boys. Be ready in five." Bevin walks out of the room.
"When did she become leader?" I ask.
"Whatever," Rachel says, "I guess I can go with you guys."
"That's the spirit," I say clapping her on the back, "It's not like we're going to force you to drink or grind with some random guy."
"Yeah, I know," she says, unsurely.
"What's the big deal anyways? You always come with us…"
"I know," she says, "I just have a bad premonition about tonight."
"Really?" I say, frowning. That can't be good.
"Don't worry. It's probably nothing."
"Hey guys!" Bevin says, bursting into my room, "Great news! Chris Keller's coming with us!" Rachel and I exchange glances.
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This is great. No, wait, wait…This is really, really great. I haven't had this much fun since God knows when. Chris is so funny. I mean really funny. Did I mention this is really great? One thing is for sure. I got to get me some of this stuff I'm drinking now for home. What's the label say? Jagermeister. It tastes like shit, but I don't care. Hey, I think Chris just licked my ear. Oh, wait that's Bevin. Dude, she's wasted. When did it get this hot out? February is supposed to be cold. Damn, I need to take off this shirt.
"You might want to keep that on," Rachel whispers in my ear. I tilt my head to the side. Why would I want to do that?
"Who's hand is on my ass?" I ask. That came out really slurred. I think I might be a little sloshed. This is new for me. I thought I'd grown tolerant to this stuff. I guess after all the shots I've taken tonight, that tolerance means nothing.
"That would be mine," Chris says, extremely close to my ear, "Should I move it?" He sounds really, really drunk too.
"Whatever floats your goat," I say waving him off. Rachel's laughing at me now. I wonder why.
"You look hot," he says, his hands crawling up my sides.
"I am hot," I mumble, "Rachel won't let me take off my shirt." I reach for my pack of cigarettes. Wait a second. Why is there only one left?
"You smoked them all," Rachel says, "Even though you promised Lucas you would stop smoking."
"Luuuke!" That name just rolls off my tongue, "Where is Lukey? He's missing all the fun."
"Forget Lukey," Chris says slamming his gin down, "Chris is here."
"Hooray! Margaritas all around!" I cheer falling into his chest. He plants a wet kiss on my neck. This night has been great. So much for Rachel's premonitions…
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Ok, so hopefully y'all trust me...and you know that this can't be as bad as it seems...and you remember Peyton's little speech to Brooke a couple chapters ago...so having reminded you of all that...Please put down the torches...maybe take a couple deep breaths and leave a nice profanity free review! lol.