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If Peyton had been in any mood to laugh, the look on Brooke's face would have done the trick. Brooke sat at the kitchen table, glancing from Peyton, to the stairs and finally back to Peyton. Brooke's eyes narrowed as realization dawned on her.
"You mean I've been listening to this crap for four hours and you weren't even here?" she asked, referring to Peyton's choice in music. Peyton was too tired to inform Brooke that Soundgarden did not sound like crap, so she simply nodded. Brooke's expression quickly changed from irate to one of concern.
"Do you want to talk?" Brooke asked hesitantly, trying to feel out Peyton's mood.
"I saw Rachel tonight," Peyton offered, figuring it was better to tell Brooke herself. Brooke's eyes widened at the mention of Rachel.
"Really?" Brooke asked, the curiosity etched on her face. Peyton nodded.
"She was working at the bar that I went to. She really hasn't changed much; she's still as bitchy and perceptive as ever. She gave me some really good advice though," Peyton admitted. Her respect for Rachel had risen greatly this evening.
"Anyway, I was going to head home, but I had the wrong keys, so I went back to Tric. Lindsey was waiting in my office. I guess she and Lucas are taking a break. She blames me," Peyton continued quietly.
"And then I stupidly called Lucas and hung up on him," Peyton finished with a huff, throwing her hands up in defeat.
"Wow, you've had a stellar night, huh?" Brooke asked, coming around the table and throwing her arm over Peyton's shoulder. Peyton gave Brooke a small smile. She really was lucky to have Brooke as a friend. Peyton had treated her like crap the last few weeks, right along with everyone else, and yet Brooke was still here. She still had Peyton's back and for that, Peyton was grateful.
"C'mon, let's get you upstairs. You must be exhausted, you've hardly slept in three days," Brooke said sympathetically. Peyton nodded her agreement. She waved off Brooke's offer to come up with her and drug herself up the stairs. Peyton could hardly keep her eyes open as she fumbled with the light switch. She made a mental note to never mix sleep deprivation and alcohol again. That was her last conscious thought as she was asleep almost before her head hit the pillow.
Peyton's sleep was restless and troubled. Her dreams were filled with unseen terrors. When she finally awoke, drenched in sweat, she nearly rolled over and went back to sleep. The sky was as dark as it was when she'd gone to sleep. A glance at her clock gave her pause. It was 8:36pm. Peyton was only a little surprised that she'd slept the day away. It was the first real sleep she'd had in days. She took a quick shower before heading downstairs.
"Well, good evening sunshine!" Brooke called, glancing at Peyton over a stack of papers.
"I've been debating whether or not to tell you this," Brooke began, nervously. Peyton nodded, signaling Brooke to continue.
"Lucas called for you earlier," Brooke said softly, as if her tone could soften the blow of her words. Peyton froze. It had taken conscious effort from Peyton, not to think about Lucas. Now she was torn. Since he had initiated contact, she couldn't feel guilty for returning his call, but she knew that what was best for her was to distance herself from Lucas Scott, once and for all. She sighed and snatched the phone from Brooke's outstretched hand. She closed her eyes, wondering what in the hell she was doing to herself, as she dialed the familiar number.
"Peyton?" Lucas asked, having obviously checked the caller ID.
"Yeah, it's me," Peyton confirmed, hoping her voice sounded less shaky on the other end of the line. He didn't speak for a moment, but Peyton could hear everything that Lucas wanted to say in that silence.
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have bothered you," Lucas said softly. Peyton nodded, wiping away a tear that slid down her cheek.
"Bye, Peyton," Lucas said, the finality in his voice too much for her to bear.
"Wait, Lucas, I love you!" Peyton cried, finally losing all hold on her emotions.
"Lucas?" she whispered, after a moment. The only reply she received was a dial tone in her ear. She was too late.