A/N: This fic was originally written for part of another story, but it wasn't flowing well with the rest of the storyline. Anyways, I still like this version better and decided to post it as a little story of its own. Some parts, like the first chapter, will seem similar if you've already read the other story. Other than that, enjoy!
Chapter 1
It had been almost a month since they had broken up. They had gotten in a silly little argument that escaladed into screaming match. By the end of the night, he stormed out of her house, no longer Peyton Sawyer's boyfriend. It was no surprise to anyone that the two were able to avoid each other for weeks. Everyone knew how good Peyton was at keeping people at bay and everyone knew how stubborn Lucas could be.
It was even less surprising to learn that when the smoke cleared and enough time had passed, the two were finally talking again. They weren't together, that needed more time, but at least they were on speaking terms. And it was just in time as prom night was quickly approaching and neither one of them had dates, yet.
As the girls were getting dressed into their cheerleading uniforms, they talked excitedly about the Prom, which was now only two days away. Peyton, on the other hand, sat on the middle of the bench, quietly tying her shoe. She was probably the only senior who wasn't looking forward to that night at all. There was only one person she wanted to spend that night with but he hadn't asked her yet. As the night quickly approached, it looked as though she was going to spend the night alone in her room.
Brooke took note of her best friend and sat down beside her. She put her arm around her and leaned in until the sides of their heads touched.
"Sorry. You know when someone mentions the 'P' word, I just get carried away,"
Peyton shook her head, "No, don't apologize. You shouldn't have to. You should be happy and you should talk about your plans. You did organize the whole thing," she smiled and stood up quickly, "It's a big night for everyone, including me,"
"So, does this mean you changed your mind? You're going to come?" Brooke stood up with hope in her eyes.
Peyton stood up and shut her locker. She was about to answer when Rachel loudly charged through the doors. Everyone turned to look at the girl who had a huge smile on her face.
"Someone looks happy," Bevin commented in her usual happy tone.
"If by someone you mean, moi," Rachel said, "Then yes. I am very happy,"
Brooke rolled her eyes.
"Spill it Gatina," Bevin curiously wanted to know.
"Well, if you must know. I was just asked to prom…" she looked directly at Peyton, "by Lucas Scott,"
The room fell silent. Eyes shifted over to Peyton, waiting for her reaction. Some anticipated a cat fight to break out between Rachel and Peyton while the rest of the girls waited for Peyton to break down into tears and run straight out of the room. But Peyton wouldn't give anyone the satisfaction. Like always, she kept her emotions bottled up inside her.
Brooke, on the other hand, wasn't one who kept her emotions in check. She was about the charge at the smug redhead when Peyton held her back. Peyton caught Brooke's eye and telepathically begged her not to make a scene. Reluctantly, Brooke listened to her friend. Instead, she turned around and glared at her squad.
"What's everyone looking at?" Brooke yelled, "It's game time. Get out on the court! NOW!"
The room cleared out quickly as each cheerleader feared an angry Brooke. Only two remained in the room. Brooke stepped towards her best friend to offer her a hug but the blonde held her hand up. Her curls shook and a false smile played on her lips. The last thing she wanted to do was to go out onto the court with red puffy eyes and cheer in front of him.
"I'm OK, Brooke," Peyton said. She quickly stepped around Brooke and walked out onto the court with her head held high and her heart barely hanging by a thread.