-1A/N: Sorry for the lack of updates recently. I'm in the middle of working 9 days without a day off and I haven't had enough time to so much as look at the computer. Sorry!!
Disclaimer: I own nothing but my own characters!
The walk to the gym had been strained at best. Lucas wouldn't talk to her and Jake was definitely realizing that something was up between the two of them. Peyton would have to say that things had taken a turn for the worse this weekend. Honestly, it was only a matter of time before Jake questioned her about Lucas and she didn't have the heart to tell him the truth, but she couldn't keep lying to him either. She had backed herself into a corner and she didn't see an easy way out this time.
Peyton had been thankful they were at a basketball tournament. Lucas and Jake had cheered loudly and discussed the plays, leaving her to her own thoughts. She had analyzed their predicament from every angle. During half-time she'd taken a break from her thoughts and enjoyed watching Lauren cheer.
She had taken off just before the fourth quarter started. She wanted to walk back alone. She had decided that the only way to avoid further confrontation this weekend was to make herself scarce. Peyton planned to hide out in her room as much as possible. She changed into her pajamas when she got back to her room and was sitting on her bed, flipping channels, when she heard someone knocking on her door. She glanced at her watch, but it was too early for Lauren to be back from the game. She opened the door slightly and was surprised to see Jake standing in the hallway.
"What are you doing back so soon?" She asked as he came into the room. She shut the door behind him, wishing she could run out of it and away from the conversation that was sure to come.
"I noticed you never came back from the restroom and I got worried. I decided you probably came back to the hotel, so I thought I should come and check on you." Jake explained, sitting down on the edge of her bed. He motioned for her to join him, but she was too nervous to stop pacing.
"I'm not blind or stupid Peyton. It's pretty obvious that something is up between you and Lucas. What's going on Peyton?" Jake asked her bluntly. She was taken aback by the abruptness of his question. She knew he wasn't blind nor stupid, but she had hoped he would somehow be oblivious to the situation. She let out a long breath before trying to formulate a response.
"I haven't been very honest lately, with anyone. I really didn't want to have this conversation with you, Jake. I do love you, I want you to know that." Peyton began shakily. She took a deep breath before she wrecked Jake's world.
"Lucas and I slept together last weekend. We didn't go out to discuss Lauren, we went out on a date. There is a part of me that would love nothing more than to marry you and raise our children, but that's the part of me that's scared. I've always known that part of my heart was with Lucas. I thought that I would get over him with time, but when he came back, my feelings for him were too strong for me to ignore. I really am sorry, Jake" Peyton said quietly, feeling relieved that the truth was now out.
She stole a quick glance at Jake as she continued to pace. The pain and astonishment was painted on his face for the world to see. The hurt in his eyes reduced her to tears. She had never wanted to hurt him. She truly did love him, which made this hurt all that much more.
"Jake?" She whispered, in tears. She wanted him to rage at her, tell her he hated her, something. She deserved that much. His silence was nearly unbearable.
Without a word he slowly got up and left the room. The slam of the door behind him shook her. She collapsed on the floor, sobbing. She hated herself enough for the both of them right now.