Chapter 3

Sorry it took so long. I tried to make this a little more positive. The romance starts here. I've started to include the other characters more, and plan on putting some NALEY and whatever Keith/Karen is in.

Please read and review. I wanted to say thanks to those who reviewed, you really made my day! And I have been made aware of an error in chapter 1 – when Lucas leaves a car at the school, it's the red truck, but when he carries Peyton out to a car, it's his black jeep thing.

Peyton swung her legs over the edge of the uncomfortable hospital bed, glad to finally be leaving. She had been in the hospital a week, in which she had been forced to speak to half a dozen psychiatrists and doctors. She was just glad to be able to finally get back to her peaceful room, sleep in her own bed, and be able to sit in front of her computer and just draw to her heart's content. She sat up quickly, scanning the room for her ride. Lucas had been there a lot the past week, wanting her to have someone there. Haley and Nathan had also come by. Brooke had expressed concern before stating that she couldn't possibly visit the best friend who had hurt her so much.

She smiled as she thought of Lucas. She thought he would be off with the wind, chasing Brooke at every second. But he hadn't. He had stuck by her, making her laugh and just being there. She sighed. She knew that this was dangerous, that she was quickly growing feelings for her ex – boyfriend. But she also knew that they had always been there, at the bottom of her heart, just waiting for a sweet release. She kept running their first kiss over and over again in her mind, the soft feel of his luscious lips against hers, a toned body pressed up against. She shivered just thinking about it, feeling a crimson blemish appear at the cheeks. It was hot, to say the least.

But that was about two years ago. Things aren't the same now. He'd finally gotten Brooke to trust him again, and they were seeing each other. But then why was he here? She thought. Ever since he had first walked into her hospital room, she had known. She suddenly saw how full her life was, that she didn't have to put up her walls because so many people had already broken them down. And stayed. I guess everyone dosen't leave………

Lucas walked up the white steps to the hospital, a bouqet of white roses in his hands. She had told him once, so long ago, that she loved white roses. She had told him that she loved how pure and innocent they were as white, something that she had long since lost. He was happy. He and Brooke had decided to call it quits. They weren't right for each other, he saw that now. But before, he had been too clouded with hurt and sadness to even consider that he didn't love her. She had come to him a few days ago, telling him of plans to leave Tree Hill for New York. She had seen this coming, knowing that Lucas didn't love her as she loved him. So she had expressed a silver goodbye, packing and leaving his life forever.

Lucas was sad that he would probably never see her again, of course he was. But he was focused on helping Peyton. He couldn't let a little pain cloud his ability to help her. Or else, she would get lost again.

He took the elevator up to her floor, stalling slightly at the foot of her door. He knocked on the white wood, quite chipper at the thought of finally seeing her as Peyton, and not just some girl in a hospital gown who he happened to have strong feelings for. He had brought her some clothes yesterday.

He heard a mumbled 'come in!' as he twisted the door knob. He just stood there in the doorway for a few minutes, basking in the sight of her. He had said it once before, and he would say it again. She was like an angel. His angel. Blonde curls were sprayed about her face, sticking to ruby lips. Her eyes were a vibrant hazel, complimented by her maroon leather jacket. She was wearing a MXMX band tee.

'Peyton. You look good,' he greeted, unsure about how to approach her. After all, she had just tried to kill herself, he thought wryly. But somehow, he knew. He knew that he couldn't possibly understand her right now, that he couldn't empathise. But he did know that she felt alone. He could see the pain radiating from that in her eyes. It was always there, a raging fire that was never put out. Lucas knew that he had to put out the fire, and show her that he was loved. Not just by him, but by a multitude of people. She had strong friends' in Nathan and Haley, a connection with him, and hell, even his mother felt a strong parental connection to her. He just had to show her.

'So, you ready to go?' A familiar voice echoed it's way into his mind, putting his thoughts on hold.

'Um, yeah, just let me grab your bags for you,' he replied, looking at her. He found himself doing that more and more often nowadays, looking into her, trying to ease the pain.

She shuffled her feet under the intensity of his gaze, not wanting to break the connection. She looked deep into his eyes, not quite sure what she was seeing. She saw quite clearly concern, then there was something else, something pure and radiant. She reluctantly broke the gaze, feeling a bit overwhelmed.

'Let's go then,' she said, wanting to escape the heat of the small room. She walked out the room, letting him follow. They made their way down to the car, Peyton getting in the passenger seat. Lucas looked up from where he was texting Haley, and got into the drivers' seat, nonchalant.

He couldn't say anything, but Haley was at Peyton's house right now with Nathan, Karen, Keith, and even Deb and Whitey. He had called them a few days ago, to arrange a party of sorts to show Peyton what a big group of supporters' she had. He had kept it to family and friends' though, not wanting to overwhelm her.

Twenty minutes later, they arrived at the house. They got out, Lucas leading Peyton up to the doorway. He opened the door to a loud: 'SURPRISE!'

He looked around, pleased. Nathan and Haley were there, as well as Keith, Karen, Deb and Whitey. Even Mouth and Skills had stopped in. He looked over at Peyton, noticing the small tear that ha escaped her eye. She looked happy, though. That made this all worth it.

Peyton looked around in awe. So many people were here. She didn't even know that this many people cared for her. She felt her eyes well up at the gesture. Lucas had been so kind. He did this all for her…..with that, she felt her heart swell with love. She looked round the room. Streamers and balloons were everywhere, with a stack of pizzas, sodas and a massive chocolate cake on the dining room table. But what struck her most was the banner hung up in the living room. It read:

Welcome home Peyton. We missed and love you!

She wiped a tear from her eye, walking into the room. She moved forward as Haley pounced on her, hugging her hard. Nathan came and joined the hug, catching Lucas in the eye as he held her tight. He knew how Lucas felt about Peyton, and could see it here, that she loved him too.

Next, Karen and Keith moved forward, each giving Peyton a quick hug. Whitey came and gave her a firm handshake, whispering in her ear:

'Hope you make sure that boy of yours gets plenty of time in the weight room!' With a wink, he went over to the sodas. Peyton left the laughing group then, over to where Lucas stood just outside of the door. She looked up at him with her soulful eyes, dark with love. He looked down at her, completely transfixed, staring down.

Then like electricity, their lips met in a slow, yet passionate kiss. It wasn't like the heavy kisses they had shared before. This one felt light, pure and real. They could feel the emotion surging through them like a lightning bolt, and as Peyton reluctantly opened a gap between them, he sighed. He had wanted to do that for so long, to feel what she felt, see what she saw. And it seemed like he had. He felt how repressed she felt, like she was trapped in a tiny, dark room alone. He felt love there, like a surge of heaven had hit him in the face. And then just like that, it was over. Lucas did know one thing. He knew that forever, he would remember that one moment. The one moment in his life when everything felt right, like the world was bathed in light, and he was right on the equator. It was one of those pure moments when an individual being achieves, however short lived, true love. And he had found that true love with Peyton Sawyer.

Ok, let me know what you think! Next chapter will be up soon.