A/N: I'm baack :) Okay, so I have actually written up to Chapter 8, so it's just a matter of typing/editing/posting. Which may take a while. But I'll try and have them up soon. :)
Also, I just want to say that even if you don't particularily like a pairing right now, don't give up on the story, because they are definitely going to change quite a bit. Okay, that's all! Enjoy :)
Disclaimer: I own One Tree Hill, only in my dreams sadly.
"Mouth? Lucas?"
"Hey." Lucas smiled, "I brought you a present."
Mouth frowned as Lucas pointed at him, not so sure that he wanted to be her present. Not sure he wanted to be her anything.
"I don't want it." She said stiffly, her face void of emotion.
It was like a knife had pierced his heart when she said those four words. He glared angrily at her and watched as she fell to pieces before him.
"I... I didn't mean it, not like that. Mouth, I'm sorry it was..." She trailed off, burying her face in her hands.
"Save it Rachel." Mouth spat. "I don't need to hear your lies."
And with that he left Rachel and Lucas standing there, Rachel in misery and Lucas confused beyond belief.
"I'm...I'm sorry, I didn't mean to cause any problems. I thought I was helping." Lucas frowned.
Rachel shook her head, "Don't worry about it. I'm the one that messed up."
"You didn't mess up, he's just...hurting." Lucas sighed.
"Do you want to come in?" Rachel asked.
Lucas shrugged, "Sure."
They walked into the kitchen and sat at the table.
"So how's Peyton?" Rachel asked, trying to make conversation.
Lucas simply rolled his eyes, "Don't ask."
"Oh, you guys ended things? I'm sorry."
Lucas nodded, "We kind of just...fell apart. What about you and Mouth?"
"There never really was a 'Me and Mouth' " Rachel laughed bitterly, "I went away, he stayed here, end of story."
"He loves you, Rachel." Lucas whispered.
Rachel nodded, her eyes filling with tears.
"So what's wrong then?"
"Guys only ever wanted me for what's on the outside. I was always just another pretty face, and that worked for me. But Mouth doesn't care about how I look. He sees my heart, what's on the inside. And that scares me. I know I'm pretty on the outside, but on the inside, it's not so beautiful. I'm so, insecure. Scared. I'm not enough."
"First of all, did you not hear what I just said?" Lucas asked, "He loves you. And that's enough for him. Secondly, you are enough. You just have to stop putting up those damn walls. Let people in."
Rachel didn't know what to say to that. So she said nothing. Instead, she kissed him.
"James and I are going for a walk." Haley shouted to anyone who would listen, as she grabbed the keys off the counter.
"Mind if I come?" She heard him ask as he walked into the kitchen.
Haley shrugged, "It's not up to me Nathan. You're free to do whatever you want."
But she knew she wanted him to come, she wanted a chance to talk to him.
She watched as he grabbed his jacket and followed her out the door.
James seemed to be staring at his father intently, as if he was trying to decide whether or not to trust him. Haley grabbed the little boy's hand and began to walk off down the street.
"Hey wait!" Nathan exclaimed, "I thought we could talk."
"What's there to talk about?" Haley asked, gripping the small boy's hand tighter.
"That I'm an ass." Nathan sighed, "That I should have never run away."
"But you did." Haley laughed, "And what's worse is you never came back. You left me to raise a four year old all by myself. I didn't think I'd ever see you again.
"I made a mistake." Nathan said.
"And some mistakes can't be forgiven." Haley said, glaring at him. She picked James up off the ground, and walked away leaving Nathan standing there alone, just the way he had wanted it. But now, he wasn't so sure what he wanted. He wasn't sure if he liked the decisions he had made in the last few months. He wanted his old life back, he wanted to erase all the mistakes he had made with Haley and start over again.
"So." Jake smiled, "What are your plans for today?"
"To start rebuilding my life in Tree Hill." Peyton answered simply.
"You mean you're staying?" Jake asked, eyebrows raised.
Peyton nodded, "California was nice and all, but this is my home."
Jake grinned, hugging Peyton.
"I've got to go home." Jake said suddenly as he checked the time on his watch, "My parents are looking after Jenny right now, but they have to go out soon. I have to go home and watch her."
"Okay, I'll call you later." Peyton smiled.
"Good." Jake said before kissing her cheek softly. He then turned and walked away.
Peyton raised her hand to her cheek, touching the spot where Jake had kissed her. Was she ready for this again? Could she really put her heart through this again? Only time will tell.
Please leave a review. I like them. A lot. :)