AN: Okay so firstly I want to apologise for the long wait. I meant to get this up sooner but writers block plagued me and then I was busy with preparations for Xmas, assignments for Uni, etc.

I want to thank everyone for the encouragement after that negative review. After thinking things over I realised that you were all right and I shouldn't let one comment stop me from doing something I enjoy.

Anyway here is the next chapter, my apologies once again for the wait.

Chapter 9 – Can't Take It

"Peyton I've tried calling but there was no answer...its Anna...she...she's in the hospital."

Hearing Nathan's distraught and frantic voice sounding through the answering machine made Lucas and Peyton both freeze in fear and shock.

They had just had an amazing day together, and things were finally looking up for them until now. In one moment everything came crashing back down.

Peyton didn't move. She felt as though every ounce of happiness and restored hope had been drained from her body. She couldn't comprehend the idea of losing her daughter, she was everything to her. She was the person who got her through the pain of losing their son, who made her life worth living when it was being torn apart.

Lucas tensed in fear; this was his precious little girl, his princess. He was her father, the person who is supposed to love and protect her from the cruelties of the world yet he couldn't protect her from this. He didn't even know what had happened, or how bad it was but he could hear the distinct concern in his brother's voice which was more than enough to make him worry like hell. All he could think about was getting to his baby girl. He didn't want her to be alone and scared, he needed to see her, to tell her he loved her......he needed to save her.

With those thoughts running through his mind he broke the silence.

"Peyton we have to go" he said grabbing her hand to pull her with him but she didn't move. "Peyton!" he added in a louder, panic filled voice.

But she said nothing. Instead she remained still in her position staring at the phone in front of her.

"Peyton come on" Lucas said again trying to urge her to follow him, wanting so badly to get to his daughter.

"I can't do this" Peyton whispered in response as a lone tear fell down her face.

"Yes you can." Lucas replied placing both hands onto her shoulders and staring into her sorrowful eyes. "She needs us Peyton."

"I...I'm scared. The last time...the last time we were in the hospital we lost William...I...I can't lose Anna too" she replied through sobs.

Seeing his wife break down in front of him caused Lucas' own heart to break. She had been through so much pain and suffering, they both had and all he wanted was for his family to be safe and happy...like they used to be.

He pulled a distraught Peyton into his arms and whispered soothing words into her ear in hopes of calming her down. He held her close, with a firm and reassuring grip letting her know he was there for her. She cried into his shoulder and he could feel her hot tears soaking through his thin cotton shirt but he didn't care, this was his wife and he would do anything for her. A big part of him wanted so desperately to get to the hospital but he knew he had to calm Peyton down first; he couldn't leave her alone like this.

Moments later and her sobs began to steady and turn into sniffles. He gently pulled her head out of his chest and wiped the remaining tears from her face. He placed a kiss to her forehead and whispered softly "We have to go."

She nodded her head in response coming to terms with the reality of the situation.

"It will be okay Peyton" he added after seeing the apprehension in her eyes.

"You don't know that" she replied solemnly.

"She's strong baby and this time I'll be here" he said with conviction wanting her to know that he would support her, that whatever was ahead of them he would be there, his running days were over.

No more words were spoken. They both left the house together to go to the place they never wanted to have to set foot in again; the hospital. The place where Lucas and Peyton had lost people they truly cared about.

The drive was quiet, the car laced heavily with tension. Their thoughts were solely on their beloved daughter. Questions raced through both of their minds; 'what had happened?' 'was it bad?' 'was she okay?' 'was she afraid?' 'in pain?' 'all of the above?' It was unbearable for them both but neither of them could rid the thoughts from their minds.

Peyton stared out of the window distantly. She was hoping this was some big nightmare but she knew it wasn't, this was reality, her twisted reality and she couldn't escape from it no matter how much she wanted to. She tried to think of anything to relieve the pain in her heart. She tried to focus on something, anything that would take her mind away from her thoughts of Anna suffering but those attempts were futile.

Lucas focused on driving but his thoughts kept drifting to Anna. He was trying to be strong for Peyton but deep down he was scared to death. He didn't know what had happened, or what condition his daughter was in and that terrified him. He glanced over at Peyton from time to time and his heart broke, she was so desperately trying to hold herself together but it was no secret that she was falling apart. He rested one hand on hers and gave it a reassuring squeeze hoping that he was helping even if by only a small amount.

She looked over at him and tried to smile to let him know she was grateful but the best she could manage was a half smile that looked more like a grimace. He sadly returned the gesture before turning his attention back to the road.

Ten minutes later and they arrived. Lucas parked in the first place he could find and then they both rushed through the entrance until they got to the front desk.

"Our daughter was brought in...Anna Scott" Lucas said gasping slightly from the fast pace he had previously been moving at.

"If you'd like to take a seat I'll get a doctor" the receptionist replied.

"No!" Lucas replied in a raised voice the impatience and worry washing over him. "I want to see her now. How is she? What has happened?"

Before the receptionist could respond Lucas and Peyton heard their names being called. They turned around to see Nathan. Peyton let go of her husband's hand and rushed over to her brother in law. "What happened Nate? How's Anna?"

"There was an accident?"

"What kind of accident?" Lucas asked his patience wearing thin and the worry evidently showing in the tone of his voice.

"There was..." Nathan said his voice drifting off as he looked between the two feeling absolutely terrible for them. This was the last thing they needed after what they had been through. However, seeing the concern in both of their eyes he quickly continued. "There's been a car accident."

Tears spilled from Peyton eyes. She couldn't handle any more. Her mother had died in a car accident, she didn't know what she would do if she lost Anna the same way.

"Who was driving? What happened?" Lucas asked needing more information. He wanted Nathan to tell him it was only minor, that his daughter was lucky and wasn't in any immediate danger but now staring into his brother's eyes he saw the complete opposite.

"Haley was driving. She...she was taking her home because she wanted you." he replied turning his attention to Peyton.

"Haley did this?" Peyton questioned in disbelief. The two had had a rocky friendship ever since she lost William, as things deteriorated between Lucas and Peyton Haley took Lucas' side on everything and things went downhill from there.

"It was an accident" Nathan reminded her not wanting Haley to be hated for something she couldn't control.

"Answer the question Nathan" Peyton replied as the anger started to take over.

"Yes okay Haley was driving but it wasn't her fault, a drunk driver ran a red light and there was nothing Haley could do."

She remained silent as the realisation that this wasn't Haley's fault settled in and washed over her. She so desperately wanted someone to blame, she needed someone to be responsible for this but she knew that that person was not Haley.

"Where is Haley?" Lucas questioned breaking the silence.

"She's getting stitches for a couple of cuts" Nathan replied and waited nervously for the next question he knew was coming.

"What about Anna? How is she Nate?"

"She's in surgery" he breathed out and the tears both Lucas and Peyton had been fighting back cascaded down their cheeks as the thought of their little girl being operated on filled their minds.

Thanks for reading, reviews are very much appreciated.

Hope everyone has a great Christmas!!