No Happy Ending or Maybe So

Ch. 18 A Day Out

It had been two weeks since Peyton had gotten out of the hospital. She was still living with Brooke although Julian had purchased them a house. She couldn't bring herself to go to the house, and she wasn't sure if she would be able too.

Lucas had come over many times during the last two weeks to play with Julie and Brody. Peyton knew that Lucas was still having a hard time with the whole arrangement, but he seemed to be handling it better than to be expected.

Peyton on the other hand was still having a hard time sleeping at night. Tears continued to fill her eyes and memories flooded her mind. Every time Brody or Julie would do something Peyton was reminded of Julian and everything she loved about him.

It was a beautiful Saturday morning, and Peyton opened her eyes to see her four year old daughter staring at her. She smiled, "What are you doing silly willy?"

"Mommy you're finally awake you ole sleepy head," Julie laughed.

Peyton sat up and pulled her daughter onto the bed, "Why didn't you wake me up?"

"Because Aunt Brooke said that since she didn't have to go to work today we should let you sleep, but I had a really good idea," Julie smiled.

"Well funny bunny what is your idea?" she said tickling her.

Julie laughed and lost her breath, "Okay, okay, okay stop tickling me, and I'll tell you," she said giggling trying to regain her composure.

"Alright, what's your big idea?" Peyton restrained herself from tickling her anymore.

"I thought you and Aunt Brooke could take me and Brody to the park and play like you and daddy used to do," Julie smirked with her big blue eyes.

"Okay sounds like a good idea just let mommy get dressed," Peyton said as she placed Julie on the floor.

Julie ran out of the bedroom screaming, "Aunt Brooke she said we could go."

Peyton smiled. This was a very big step for her. She hadn't really been out very much since Julian died. She was trying to be carful for her and the baby. She remembered when she was pregnant with Julie, and Julian was very protective of what she did even though they barely knew each other.

Flashback:

Peyton is walking into her apartment bogged down with bags. Julian is coming down the hall, "What the hell, Peyton?" he said yelling at her.

"I'm carrying my bags to my apartment," she said like he was stupid.

"Hand them to me," he took the bags.

"I'm not an invalid Julian," she was angry at him for treating her like a baby.

"No but you are six months pregnant. You should have told me you were going shopping I would have gone with you," he opened the apartment door, and they walked in. "You go sit down, and I'll cook dinner."

"You don't have to do that I'm perfectly capable of cooking myself," Peyton told him with her hands on her hips.

"Well you don't have to because I'm here for you now," he walked into the kitchen and dropped some pots and pans. "I'm okay," he shouted.

She laughed, "Maybe I should be helping you."

"No, I've got this," he smiled his big beautiful smile.

"You are an amazing friend. How did I get so lucky?"

"That's funny I was about to say the same thing. I'm gonna take care of you Peyton I promise," he told her, and she actually believed him. Lucas was the only other person that could make her feel the way Julian made her feel, and they weren't even together.

"I really did get lucky when I met you."

Peyton was knocked out of her trance when she heard Brooke yelling for her to bring her skinny tale downstairs because they had things to do. "I'm coming Brooke," she yelled as she thought about Julian and how he was protector after Lucas had ran out on her.

Peyton was really enjoying herself with Brooke and the kids. They had eaten breakfast at the cafe, gone toy shopping, and now they were at the park. The kids were playing in the sand box, and Peyton and Brooke were sitting on the benches.

"They handled things better than I thought they would," Peyton noted.

"They are strong like you. You've always been a fighter Peyton, and you always will be." Brooke reassured her.

Peyton was fighting back the tears that were beginning to form in her eyes. Any and everything made her think about Julian. Her phone rang and she looked at the called ID. "Oh no," she said.

"What's wrong?"

"It's Christine," Peyton told her.

"Who is that?" Brooke wondered.

"Julian's mother, and she hates me with a passion," Peyton said biting her bottom lip.

"Then don't answer," Brooke suggested.

"She'll just keep calling. She is very persistant," Peyton sighed as she picked up the phone. "Hello...hi Christine...yeah we're still in Tree Hill...yes I told them...Why wouldn't I tell them? They are my kids. It is my job....You did what?" Brooke could tell Peyton was getting frustrated. "Yeah I guess so...see you soon." Peyton hung up the phone and looked as if she was going to scream.

"What happened?"

"She booked us a flight to LA," Peyton was pissed.

"Why didn't you tell her you weren't going back to LA?"

Peyton sighed, "Because I think that we are."

"Huh?"

"The kids have always lived in LA. I don't want to take them away from what they have always known," Peyton told her.

"But Julian wanted to live here," Brooke was shocked.

"I know but that was then and this is now."

"What about Lucas? He just met his daughter, and now you are going to take her away." Brooke was so confused.

"He can visit and call her everyday, but I think this is best for them," Peyton wasn't sure, but she had other motives.

Brooke didn't say anything, but she was devastated. She couldn't believe that Peyton could be so selfish and self centered. Brooke knew she had to be running from something else.

.............................................................................................................................

Lucas was at home when his mom came through the door, "I come baring gifts."

"I'm in here mom," he screamed from the extra bedroom.

Karen smiled as she entered the room, "What is this?"

"This is my daughter's bedroom. I figured I should clear out all of my things so she would feel at home when she came over. Do you think she will like it?" Lucas asked nervously. He had painted the room purple and had bought a twin size bed. He also had bags of toys, shelves, and even a dresser.

"She's gonna love it son," Karen was so happy for Lucas. He was going to be a wonderful father.

"I just want her to be happy," Lucas was beaming with joy. He was going to be the best father he could possibly be to Julie. They had missed out on way too much time.

AN: Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays if I don't update before the big day. I also wanted to thank you guys for the reviews, and that this chapter turned out different than I had planned so I'm not sure what I'm going to do next so I'm up for suggestions...so please let me know what you think.