AN/ This is the last chapter but I forget to mention it before sorry. Thank you everyone who read and reviewed plus Anniecakes13 and Leytonlover3 for helping me with my bad grammar.
Disclaimer: I do not own anything to do with One Tree Hill or any of the characters associated with the show. The characters you don't recognise are of my imagination. I also don't own Bow Wow (although I wish I did) or his song Outta My System or My Chemical Romance and their song's The End or Famous Last Word either.
Seventy four hours and forty five minutes or thee days, two hours and forty five minutes, how ever you look at it. That is how long I have been awake and sitting in my room silently crying on my bed. Well I have been crying for the last twenty four hours ever since I was lying in bed and it suddenly hit me. My Mum is dead and since then I haven't been able to stop crying. Peyton and Lucas have both tried to console me but they just make me cry even more.
I tried to sleep in Luke's bed with Peyton like before the funeral but the tears won't stop and this empty feeling won't go away so I sit here watching the minutes turn into hours, the nights turn into days doing nothing at all. I don't want to do anything. I just try to work out all of these feeling that rush through me. The most dominant emotion is depression which is followed closely by the empty feeling and lastly the feeling that I am alone which is true since I don't talk to Aaron and Lucas doesn't understand. Peyton has tried but she just reminds me of Mum and I start to cry all over again.
My alarm clock started to beep beside me. I looked over to see that it is seven am. I lent over and pressed the snooze button before lying back down again. I looked up at the ceiling but my eyes unfocused and it all turned into one big blur while The End by My Chemical Romance played in the background for the seventh time.
My alarm beeped again and looking over it said ten past seven. I sat up shocked that I've been lying here for ten minutes without releasing it. I shook my head and with a sigh I got up and turned off the alarm.
I walked out of my room quietly and snuck over to Luke's room. His door is open half way and I looked inside to see both Lucas and Peyton sleeping snugly together. A small smile comes to my face and I shut the door quietly behind me. At first I was shocked and kinda annoyed that there are together but I have to admit I like them as a couple they are so goofy and crazy about each other. And watching them together even from the first day he moved into this house I knew that there is something between them. It was only a matter of time before they realised it.
I closed my bedroom door behind me and changed the song to Famous Last Words before walking over to my wardrobe. I need to get out of this room and since it is Tuesday I'll go to school. I grabbed a plain red T-shirt and my black tight jeans and placed them on my bed. When I walked back to my wardrobe the snow globe that sat by my chest of draws caught my eye. I gingerly walked over to it and picked it up. My Mum brought me a statue of Liberty snow globe when she was in New York three years ago. I held it tightly in my hands and shook it to make the little pieces of glitter swirl around in the water.
"Oh you're up" I jumped at the sound of Lucas' voice and ended up dropping the snow globe. I watched as it smashed into little pieces and the water drained from it pooling around my feet.
"Omigod are you Ok?" He exclaimed running over to me. I nodded, staring down at the globe but the weird thing was it didn't upset me like I thought it would. I didn't even care it just calmed me and stopped me from feeling so empty.
"Izzie look at me" I reluctantly looked away from the smashed globe and up at Lucas. He watched me with fear in his eyes. I blinked quickly and smiled at him. A genuine smile as I realised that I didn't care anymore. I still love my Mum more then life itself and there isn't one minute that I don't think about her but I don't want to feel depressed anymore so I won't. I know that she wouldn't want me to mope around forever.
"I'm fine" I chuckled and looked back at the smashed globe before walked over to my bed loving the new found feeling I am having.
"What's going on?" Peyton asked. She stood by the door in her dressing gown.
"Nothing Lucas is freaking" I smiled over at her.
"I am not. She dropped the snow globe and smiled about it" Lucas argued, smirking at me.
"Now Luke that is nothing to freak about it was an accident right?" Peyton asked me. I nodded. "See chill" Lucas chuckled and walked over to Peyton, taking hold of the dressing gown and leaning in to kiss her but she moved her head out of the way and looked down to the floor. I chuckled and sat on my bed.
"Wh- "He started to say but Peyton nodded her head in my direction and he immediately got the picture.
"Don't mind me" I joked. They laughed and Lucas turned to face me. "And anyway will you leave so I can get dressed"
"Dressed?"
"I'm going to school" I explained. They both looked at each other, sharing a worried look.
"Will you stop doing that? I'm fine and I want to go to school so shoo" I teased pushing them both out the door.
Coughing a little I knocked on the front door and put my hands in my pockets. I can never get use to New Jersey weather I thought to myself as a chill run up my spine but luckily the door opened to reveal a tired looking Izzie. I regarded her quickly wondering why she was up at quarter past seven in the morning.
"Hi Keith" She greeted, opening the door fully to let me in. I smiled at her and took a step inside. I have only known Izzie for two days but she is the sweetest little thing. I pulled the pack of chewing gum out of my pocket and gave it too her. She smiled brightly at me and hugged me saying thank you. I laughed and followed her into the Living room.
"Morning Izzie. Is your Dad up?" I said as I took a said.
"Yeah but I think he is the shower" I watched as she slumped down into the chair and flicked the channels absently, her eyes glazing over. I can tell from looking at her that she hasn't being sleeping properly and I have noticed the change is her. She is quieter, a lot more closed off.
"So how have you been Izzie?" She dragged my eyes away from the TV and looked over at me. I could tell she is debating with herself to tell me or not but I didn't push her. If she is anything like Lucas she will tell me in her own time.
"Honestly? Well I have insomnia and I feel like crap all the time"
"I'm sorry"
"It's not your fault" She said, looking back over at the TV. A silence fell on us and I wanted to say something supportive but I know nothing I say can stop her from hurting.
"I would like to tell you that it gets better but I've never personally gone through it"
"Peyton told me that the pain never goes away but it eventually stops hurting as much. I don't think I can handle it anymore" I got up and sat beside her, pulling me into a hug. She took a shaky breath, fighting off the tears.
"Do you wanna hear something crazy?" I nodded. "Earlier I was holding a snow globe my Mum brought me but Lucas scared me and I dropped it… but I wasn't upset about it. I can't explain it but it made me realise that I don't want to depressed anymore and should just live everyday like it is my last... like Mum would want me too. It crazy that a smashed snow globe can make me realise that right?"
"That does sound pretty nutty" I joked. She laughed and looked back at the TV. "But that is a good way to look at life. I'm sure your Mum wouldn't want you to mope around forever either. I think you should live your life to the fullest like she would have wanted you to" I replied. She looked up at me and smiled such a beautiful smile.
"I think your right. Thanks Keith" I laughed and she hugged me tightly before getting up. I watched her leave feeling relieved that I managed to help her in some way like I did with Karen and Luke. Those two are the most stubborn people I know and if I hadn't of made them search for Izzie together I don't think they would have talked at all. It took them a while to talk to each other properly and sort everything out but they are getting there.
"Hey Keith!" Lucas called. I got up and walked into the kitchen after him. He looked up at me as he buttoned up the rest of his shirt and as he turned to the coffee machine I could see a lipstick mark visible on the side his neck. I laughed and decided to not tell him that it is there.
"Hello to you too Luke. I just came over to tell you that your mother wants to have a family meal today"
"And you came over at half seven in the morning to tell me this?" He teased giving me a coffee.
"Yes I did! I know you'd be at work today and I needed to warn you before hand"
"Well in that case thank you" A huge smile came to his face and I watched as Peyton walked into the kitchen and smirked at Lucas seductively while she made herself a coffee. He chuckled and leant against a chair, never taking his eyes off her. I shook my head at them both but they were both too lost in each other to notice me or so I thought. Peyton walked over to Lucas but stopped short at the sight of me and blushed.
"Hello Keith"
"Good morning Peyton" I replied. She smiled at me but snuck a look at Lucas before sitting down. Lucas cleared his throat and tried not to look at her every ten seconds. I laughed at them trying to act all innocent when all they reminded me of teenage sweethearts.
Keith's words and the smashed globe struck in my mind as I took my normal seat in class and sunk in it a little. Most people know about the funeral and are looking at me with them damn sadden expressions. I smiled at them but after a while I could only manage a nod. That was until I saw Catherine and her group of girls take their seats unluckily for me they all sit around me so there is no escape. I rolled my eyes and looked over at the door only to see Aaron walk in. He stopped when our eyes met but I looked away first.
"Aw, what's wrong Isabella did you and Aaron break up?" Catherine teased. Nothing new there she is always teasing me and Aaron, mostly me. I scowled at her and watched Aaron drop his head and take a seat at the back. He usually sits next to me.
Flashback
"Morning Iz" I smiled hearing Aaron's voice. He walked in step with me as we walked to our first class.
"Morning Aaron" He chuckled but stopped when he saw Catherine and her three bitchy friends standing by the calculus classroom door obviously waiting for us. There goes my perfect morning I thought to myself. Aaron looked over at me and took a deep breath preparing for the worse. I wondered what it would be this time. Being knocked into the lockers? Called names? Death glares? Tripping?
Only one way to find out I thought as I walked ahead and tried to get through the Maths door. Catherine tripped me and I lost my balance slightly but managed to remain upright. Catherine and her little mini Catherine's snickered.
"What the hell is your problem?" Aaron snapped at Catherine. I know why she is always picking on me but I've always been too afraid to tell anyone just in case Catherine told my big secret.
"Oh look Aaron is sticking up for his little girlfriend" I turned around and faced them, begging Aaron to just drop it.
"You know me and Izzie are just friends and that is getting really old now Cat" Aaron argued.
"Cat? You don't get to call me Cat! You little freak!"
"Who you-"Aaron argued taking a step forward but I know that he would never hit a girl and I wasn't about to let him now.
"Aaron leave her she isn't worth it!" I tried to say. He looked at me and sighed pulling his woolly hat off his head and walking away. I watched him leave knowing that he is pissed right about now. Catherine and her friends all laughed.
"Go chase after your boyfriend Isabella!" I shook my head at her and turned to walk away when she barged past me and knocked me into a locker.
End of Flashback
Everyday Catherine and her friends would say something against us and at least trip one of us up. A whole year of that is enough for anyone.
"Aww look Isabella you upset him!" I looked up at Catherine and smirked at her, sitting forward.
"You know what Catherine I'm sick of you and your crap and its time I stood up to you" I stood up and turned to look at Aaron. Catherine looked at me with worried eyes and watched me in horror as I looked Aaron straight in the face, living up to what Keith and I talked about. Live everyday to the fullest like Mum would want me to.
"Aaron. Ever since the begging of middle school Catherine has liked you and hated the fact that we are… were best friends that's why she picks on us. Everyone Catherine loves Aaron!" I shouted a huge smile on my face. Everyone sat silently waiting for a reaction from Catherine me included. I turned to her and folded my arms across my chest.
"You little cow!" She shouted, standing up and pushing me. I laughed and pushed her back harder. This came to a shock to Catherine, to everyone and I laughed again. I looked around at all their dumbfounded expressions especially Aaron's and grabbed my bag leaving the room.
I walked past the numerous grave stones silently. I haven't seen her yet but I know she is here. After eleven years I have this ability to know where she is even if I don't find her the first time. I walked up the little hill and there she was sitting by Amy's grave. I took a deep breath and put my hands into my pockets, walking over to her slowly. She must have noticed me by now or is at least ignoring me.
We both stay silent until I couldn't take it anymore. "What the hell was that?" I ask. The news that Catherine likes me is still a huge shock to me. She laughed and stood up.
"I have no idea. This morning I smashed that Statue of Liberty snow globe Mum brought me and it made me realise that I have to live my life to the fullest like Mum would want me to. So when Catherine started I just… I didn't care anymore. I wasn't afraid of her" She turned to face me. "If that makes sense"
"Not really" I replied. We both started laughing. I regarded her hoping that she has forgiven me or we are at least on good terms.
Our eyes met and she sighs. "Sit with me" I obliged and sat beside her on grass, taking in Amy's grave stone. It is back marble with the words "Here lies Amy Lawson beloved Mother, daughter and sister. She will be missed dearly" Her date of birth and death is carved underneath. She was only thirty two. A lump grew in my throat and I swallowed trying to get rid of it. Amy was so young and was like a second Mum to me. I'll miss her.
"I miss her too" Izzie spoke up. I put my arm around her neck loosely and nodded slightly still choked up from thoughts of Amy. Izzie looked down at the grass by her feet and started to pull blades out of the ground. We stayed this way most of the day until Lucas rang Izzie wondering where she was and telling her to come home.
"Where you been Izzie?" Peyton asked when we walked into the kitchen. Izzie looked at me and Peyton smiled at me understanding that I was with her. Like always.
"Are you staying for dinner Aaron?" Lucas asked. I looked at Izzie silently asking her if that was ok.
"Of course he is Luke" Izzie replied. Lucas laughed and placed another plate at the kitchen table. Izzie and I both took a seat.
"Hello everyone!" Karen greeted as she entered the kitchen, Keith by her side.
"Hey Ma" Lucas replied first and gave her a quick hug before taking a plate of delicious looking apple pie off her. "Hey Keith!" Keith hugged him quickly and I laughed. They remind me of my older brother and my Dad. Too manly to give each other hugs. Izzie shook her head at them both and greeted Keith as he sat beside her.
"Nice to see you again Aaron" Keith called to me.
"You too Sir" I replied shyly.
"Sir. I like him" Karen said as she joined us too. I blushed and looked away from her. Izzie laughed and nudged me playfully.
"Ok grubs up!" Lucas announced as he and Peyton brought over numerous plates and bowls that held sliced chicken, a bowl full of rice, roast potatoes, vegetables, stuffing and lastly gravy.
"Grubs up!" Karen repeated, shaking her head at Lucas. He laughed and sat down beside Peyton and everyone started to dig in. I helped myself to the chicken my favourite but decided that I won't have too much of it and dug in. I looked around at the table at everyone as I ate. They all seem so happy even Izzie who has been laughing at Keith and interacting with everyone. Karen who sat opposite me caught my eye as she took a bite out of the chicken and smiled at Lucas.
"So you can cook!" She teased.
He scoffed "What do you except I grew up in that Café something had to rub off" He replied. Karen, Keith and Lucas all laughed while I watched silently confused.
"Hey Aaron" Izzie whispered. I looked over at her just in time to see a pea fly past me. I glared at her playfully and flicked a carrot back but she ducked and it hit Keith instead. Everyone stopped eating and looked over at Keith and then me. I nearly died from embarrassment.
"Aaron" I heard Keith say. I gingerly looked up and ducked as a carrot flew at me. Everyone started laughing and talking again. I even laughed myself and continued to eat my dinner, silently watching the happy family before me.
AN/ I hope you liked the last chapter I'm a sucker for cheesy endings I guess but I think they all deserved a happy ending. Drop me one last review even if it is good or bad. Also if anybody is good at writing poetry.
Deanie