A/N: Second to last chapter…and a long one at that! So I expect a nice long review. lol. I'm j/k! Short reviews are good too! Ok, I hope you enjoy!

Disclaimer: I don't own One Tree Hill.

Chapter Twenty: Olive Branch

February 9th 2006

Am I beautiful? It's a question I ask every morning when I wake up. I sit in front of my vanity, brushing my hair. It's an objective question, isn't it? I mean some might find me plain. Some may think my nose is too big or my chin is too pointed. Some may say that dying my hair blonde just makes me another bimbo. Or maybe people see me as breathtaking. Maybe they love my eyes. I've been told that they change color. They can be green or brown. Maybe my smile is charming (on the rare occasion that you see it). I'm thin, but does that make me beautiful? I don't think so. But then again, I still don't know if I'm beautiful. I guess it's up to everyone else to decide.

I keep thinking about how Jake used to call me beautiful. He used to just stare at me and I'd get nervous and ask what was wrong. He'd say, "you're beautiful, Peyton." And I'd smile. I just can't help but wonder if Lucas sees me as beautiful. It shouldn't be important. If he loves me, that's enough…but I want to be beautiful. I want to be perfect. Because Lucas deserves a perfect woman.

Paranoia. I think that's what they call this. I'm afraid he's not going to like me. Or that he'll constantly be comparing me to Brooke. Wondering if he made the right choice. Thinking he'd have been better off with Brooke. Now I know what it must be like to be Brooke…

"Peyton Elizabeth Sawyer!" Bevin calls up the stairs, "We need to leave now!" It's a school day. Ugh! I wish school was just over. I can already tell that this day is going to be craptastic.

"I'm coming," I shout back down stairs as I pull on my jacket. I run down the stairs and I'm shocked to see Rachel's missing.

"Sawyer, we're going to be late," Bevin sighs, "And I promised Skillz I'd meet him out front."

"Boo hoo, Bevin," I say, grabbing my lunch out of the fridge, "Where's Rachel?"

"Mouth picked her up a half hour ago. She needed to talk to the counselor and the principal this morning about the baby."

"Oh," I say, "So today's judgment day?"

"Basically," Bevin and I both lapse into silence as we drive off to school. We're both silently hoping and praying that they don't kick Rachel out. Or make her take private lessons and not graduate with us.

We don't see Rachel until lunch. Bevin and I are forced to eat inside with the rest of the seniors because it's raining. The only table left is right in the center where everyone can watch you eat (as if I wasn't self conscious enough). We scan the room looking for a flash of red hair.

"No sign of Little Mermaid?" Bevin whispers.

"Sorry, Cinderella," I sigh. In case you're wondering, Rachel's the Little Mermaid. I'm goldilocks, and Bevin's Cinderella. We came up with the names when we were watching Disney movies last night. See, that's what happens when you stop going out.

"Do you think they sent her home?"

"Well, I haven't seen Mouth yet either so maybe they're still in a meeting. Hey where's that boyfriend of yours?"

"Skillz tutors during lunch." I look at her oddly.

"Somehow I don't see Skillz as a tutor."

"It looks good for college," Bevin shrugs. Suddenly, her eyes light up. "Rachel!" I turn around abruptly to see Rachel and Mouth heading toward us.

"This sucks," Rachel says, "I really wanted to eat outside." Mouth sits across from me and Bevin.

"Hey babe," I say giving her a one-armed hug when she sits down next to me, "So what's the verdict?"

"I get to stay." Both Bevin and I let out a sigh of relief.

"Thank God."

"I know," she sighs, "The principal said that I'd have to leave at eight months but since I'd only be five months pregnant by graduation, it's all good."

"So what took you so long?" I ask.

"My parents were there," Rachel frowns, "It looks like I will need to stay with you."

"It's ok, Rachel," Mouth says softly, patting her hand. She gives him a weak smile and I have to smile at the two. I think they have a good chance at lasting.

"Do you have to keep it a secret?" Bevin asks.

"Nope. He suggested that I tell people on my own terms. He warned me that rumors were bound to happen."

"How are you going to tell people?" I wonder out loud, "Or when for that matter?"

"Like this," Rachel says, with a wicked grin on her face. She abruptly stands up and climbs on to the table.

"Rachel!" I hiss, "Get down before you hurt yourself." She ignores me.

"Excuse me everybody!" she yells, "May I have your attention?" The room gets incredibly silent within a couple of moments and Rachel clears her throat. "My name is Rachel Gattina. Some of you may know me. Some of you may not. I just wanted to make this clear before all the rumors start. I am, indeed, two months pregnant." It's here where the whispers break out. Rachel continues in a louder voice, "and I'm keeping the baby. The father of the child is none of your damn business but I'm sure none of you know him. He doesn't go here. Feel free to call me a whore or a slut. It really doesn't matter. But leave my child out of this. In fact, if you insult my child, then know I will make your life a living hell. Thank you! That's all" She goes to step off the table, but pauses and steps back up, "Oh wait! I also wanted to say that I'm dating Mouth but he's not the father so leave him out of this too." She steps back down as the murmurs grow back into normal conversation.

"Bravo, Rachel," I smirk.

"I thought that was the easiest way to do it. This way there's no rumors."

"There'll still be rumors," Mouth says quietly.

"Yeah, but not as many."

"I'm proud of you," I say, giving her a big hug. My eye immediately catches Brooke's. She gives me a sad smile before looking away. Did Brooke just smile at me?

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I'm currently sitting on my front porch, legs tucked under me. I should be sitting on an actual chair, but the wood is so much nicer. I'm sitting right in front of my door, looking out at the street before me. The houses lining the streets are all glowing in the sunset. It's really beautiful. I'm trying to capture on paper, but I think it's impossible to capture something that looks this amazing. I can't even describe it. I'm crouched over my sketch trying to shade my picture when I hear a car door slam. The light blinds me as I look up but I can make out the figure clearly.

"Brooke?" I ask somewhat bewildered. It's weird how the light is casting around her, making her almost glow like the houses. Her hair looks almost auburn because of it.

"Sawyer," she says shoving her hands in her pockets as she approaches my house. It's a habit she probably picked up from Lucas. It feels weird to be thinking of Lucas, my boyfriend (I had to add that), while she's here.

"What brings you here?" I ask bringing my hand up to block the sun.

"I wanted to talk to you."

"Ok," I say slowly, wondering where this is going, "Would you like to come inside? The light is blinding me."

"That would be fine." Brooke's pretty unreadable right now. So, I just nod and lead her up to my room. I sit on the edge of the bed as she lingers at the doorway. We seem to be stuck in an awkward silence.

"So, what's up?" I say breaking our silence.

"I'd like for you to rejoin the cheerleading squad." She's looking over my vanity, picking up all of the make-up Rachel left out and scrunching her nose at it.

"Umm, why?" I ask.

"Because you're good and let's face it my squad sucks without you. That and the absence of your friends."

"Right," I drawl.

"Think of this as a grape vine," Brooke says simply. I look at her with raised eyebrows.

"A what?"

"A grape vine. You know! An offering of peace!"

"Oh," I chuckle, "You mean an olive branch"

"Same thing," she says waving it off, "Practice tomorrow at three thirty. Make sure you bring Bevin and Rachel with you."

"Umm Rachel's pregnant, remember?"

"How could I forget her speech?" Brooke smirks, "I'd like her there to help plan the routine. I know how much she loves cheerleading."

"You're being awfully nice." She doesn't say anything but she points up at the drawing on my wall.

"I saw your drawing when I came to get my stuff," she says quietly, "The snow fort one with the caption before the world happened." She takes a seat next to me on the bed. "At first, I got angry seeing it. I kept thinking the world didn't happen. Lucas did. We ruined our relationship over a boy." She sighs and grabs my hand, "Then I realized it was more than Lucas. You were right, Peyton. I'm a terrible friend-"

"Brooke," I try to stop her, feeling bad for what I said before.

"No, wait Peyton! I need to say this! I wasn't there for you when you needed me. I was so paranoid about my relationship with Lucas that I didn't even think about how those feelings you felt must have hurt you. I know you didn't want to hurt me. I know you would have suppressed those feelings. But you and I both know now it wouldn't have mattered. Lucas loves you more. I knew it. I just didn't want to admit it." She takes a deep breath and looks me in the eyes. "I'm sorry I hit you and I'm sorry I spread rumors about you and acted like a total bitch." As soon as she's done, I give her a big hug and watch as my tears roll down my cheek and onto her shoulder.

"I'm sorry I fell in love with your boyfriend."

"He's your boyfriend now," she says, "Just do me a favor and don't act all coupley around me for awhile."

"How did you find out?" I stutter out through my shock. I've only told Rachel and Bevin.

"Lucas came to me first before you're little get together at Rivercourt. He told me how he felt and for once, I was supportive no matter how much it hurt. Because you're right. He deserves to be happy. And you, Peyton Sawyer, have always been the best at making him happy."

"Brooke-"

"That being said you're also the best at depressing him. So try to refrain from doing that," she smirks, "Or I'll have to beat your little ass." We both share a laugh. "Well, I got to get home." She stands up and makes her way to the door.

"Brooke!" I call out. She turns around and looks at me.

"What?"

"What does this make us?"

"We're not friends," she says. I frown, but it lightens when she finishes, "But we're not enemies. And maybe one day we'll get there." She sends me a small smile and leaves. We haven't even touched on our problems. The fact that I broke her trust. The fact that she spread viscous rumors about me. But hell, I've got some hope for us.

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"Ok, Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom and Jake Gyllenhaal," I hear Rachel say as I round the corner.

"Easy. Kill Jake Gyllenhaal. Marry Orlando Bloom. Be intimate with Johnny Depp," I can almost see Bevin blushing as I approach the door.

"Oh, Bev, don't be so modest. You'd screw Johnny Depp."

"What the hell are you guys doing?" I ask as I enter the room with our drinks.

"It's called screw, marry and kill. Somebody lists off three people and you have to decide who you'd screw, who you'd marry and who'd you kill. The trick of it is that you can't sleep with who you choose to marry. And the guy you screw you can only screw once and then never see again."

"Wow," I say giving Bevin her coke, "You guys have a lot of time on your hands."

"You cannot tell me you've never heard of this game!" Rachel says in awe.

"I haven't."

"Well then you're just gonna have to give it a try!" Bevin says.

"I'm good really."

"Nice try! You have to!" Rachel whines, tugging at my sleeve.

"Fine."

"Ok, Rachel and I are going to come up with a good one." Rachel and Bevin start whispering back and forth, giggles escaping from their little huddle every once and a while. And I feel like that gangly little girl who's left out in the cold. Only I know better.

"Ok," Rachel says perking up, "Have we got one for you!"

"Oh no," I mutter.

"Oh yes," Bevin says with a smirk, "Jake, Nathan and Lucas." I look at her with wide eyes.

"I thought this was about celebrities!"

"No. It can be anyone."

"I can't do this!"

"Come on, goldilocks," Rachel sighs, "It's not like this situation will ever really arise." I roll my eyes.

"Fine," I say stretching my arms over my head, "I'd definitely marry Lucas." That response comes natural, but Rachel and Bevin look at me confused and a bit shocked. "What?" I ask.

"You do realize that means no sex."

"Yeah but I could never see him again if I slept with him."

"Aww," Bevin squeaks, "That's so sweet!"

"But if you slept with him, you'd at least get a great parting gift!"

"Rachel Danielle Gattina, you did not just say that!" I chuckle, "I can't imagine life without Lucas in it!" Wow. I can't believe I just said that.

"Ok, fine. I get it. You'd marry lover boy," Rachel says rolling her eyes, "What about Jake and Nathan?" I bite my lip. This is such an awkward question. But I know how I have to answer. It was my instinct.

"I'd kill Jake, screw Nathan." Both of their mouths drop open.

"You'd kill Jake?" Rachel says in disbelief.

"Uh, well…Nate was better," I mumble. Oh Lord! Did it suddenly get really hot in here? I'm fanning myself with my assignment notebook. I need to turn on the fan or something…

"Nathan was better than Jake? I didn't know you slept with Nathan!" Rachel says.

"Oh yeah. Nathan and Peyton were Tree Hill's 'it' couple sophomore and the beginning of junior year."

"Wow. Ok, details!" Rachel says throwing her hands up, "I've always wanted to know what he's like in bed." I'm saved from the awkwardness of having to answer that by the phone. I sigh in relief as Rachel grumbles answering it for me.

"Hello, Sawyer residence, Rachel Gattina speaking," she says in her most polite voice. Bevin and I crack up laughing in the background. "Why hello, Mr. Scott! You're wife is right next to me!" Rachel grins handing me the phone, "Your husband, precious Peyton." I send her a quick scowl.

"Hi Luke," I say, cheerily.

"When did we get married?" he chuckles.

"Oh, we were just playing this game," I say. I proceed to explain the circumstances of the game in detail.

"So we'd be married but never…well…be intimate," Lucas mutters. Aww! He's so cute when he's embarrassed.

"Luke, it's just a game."

"I know," he says a little bit defensively causing me to chuckle, "So wait, if you didn't chose me, then who'd you…"

"Decide to screw?" I cut him off before he gets too tongue tied.

"Yeah."

"Umm, can I not answer that?"

"It's not big deal. Jake or Nathan? I won't take it personally."

"Fine," I sigh, "Nathan."

"Nathan! Why would you choose Nathan?" he blurts out.

"You said you wouldn't get mad!"

"I'm not mad! I'm just shocked! I assumed you'd choose Jake." I try to hold back my laughter. "Why'd you choose Nathan?"

"Do you really want to know?" I say, barely containing my giggle.

"No," he says quickly, "No I don't."

"Let's change the subject," I chuckle, "So you're home then?"

"Yes, I am," he says, the frustration barely ebbing away from his voice.

"When can I see you?" I immediately feel like an idiot for sounding so giddy.

"You could come over right now," Lucas suggested.

"I don't have my car. Rachel let Chris borrow it." I glare at Rachel. I knew letting her do that would come back to haunt me.

"Well I don't have my car either. My mom went to see Deb."

"Tomorrow then?"

"Yeah I guess," he says letting out a huge sigh.

"I'm sorry, babe," I say, "I wish I could see you tonight."

"Well not to sound creepy but I'm watching you right now." I stop pacing in my tracks (a habit I have when talking on the phone) and glance around the room.

"What?"

"Webcam." I turn to my computer and see that sure enough the webcam is switched on.

"Oh," I say giving a little wave to the camera, "Hi!" He chuckles at me.

"You're beautiful, you know that?" I smile recalling this morning's thoughts.

"Really?"

"Yeah," he sighs, "So beautiful that I can't help staring at you. Even if it is through the webcam." I sit down in my computer chair and bring my face really close to the camera.

"I wish I could see you back," I say, "You should get a webcam."

"I should."

"How often do you watch me?" I have to ask it. Because it's both flattering and unnerving. I'm a very self conscious person.

"You know this is embarrassing to say but I used to watch you during those three weeks you weren't talking to me. I checked on you every night to make sure you got home safe. And once and awhile I'd watch you sketch."

"Oh wow," I whisper with a frown.

"And now you think I'm a creep. I can see you frowning." I look into the camera and sigh.

"No!" I say, "I'm just a little surprised. I never imagined you'd still be watching me after junior year. But it's kind of sweet."

"Or really creepy."

"Both, babe," I laugh.

"I love you Peyton."

"I love you too."

"Meet me at the beach tomorrow." I sigh just thinking about all those days we spent on the beach. I wouldn't trade those days for anything. He was there for me like he had never been there before. I can still remember the feeling of his arms wrapped around me that night. It was the first time we had touched in months and yet there was still that familiar aching when we hugged. And I may have ignored it, but at that point I knew I was still in love with him.

"Sounds good. What time?"

"One?"

"Ok," I say softly, "I'm looking forward to it."

"Me too," he sighs, "Ok, I'm going to get some sleep. Goodnight, Peyt."

"Goodnight, Luke." We hang up and I see that Rachel and Bevin have wandered downstairs. I smile and lean into the camera placing a small kiss on the lens. As I pull back, I mouth the words, 'Love you' before I shut it off. I can't wait until tomorrow.

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One more chapter to go! And maybe an epilogue...Oh and btw, Screw, Kill, Marry is a real game. I didn't make it up! lol.