-I Am The Doctor-
After making her phone calls, Brooke headed up stairs to bed, it was now close to midnight, she had taken a lot longer than she thought. Before making any official decisions, she came to the conclusion that she should make sure Peyton actually wanted her to stay before she resolved to make this permanent or as close to it as she could come for the time being. For now at least, she had secured sufficient enough time off from work, and had taken care of anything else that may have been problematic back in New York. All she wanted to do for the near foreseeable future was to make sure her Peyton was okay, and to get their relationship, wherever that was to go, back on track. With the money she had received after graduating and her hefty trust fund, she didn't need to really worry about getting back to work anytime soon. And being summer now, school wasn't an issue either. So she was free to do as she wanted, and she was right where she needed to be.
Making her way over to the bed, she sat down and gently nudged Peyton awake. Not really wanting to awaken the slumbering figure, she only did this lightly, but remembered that she had wanted to be woken up, so she continued on with slightly more force.
"Brooke? What time is it?"
"It's almost midnight, I'm sorry I took so long. Go back to sleep, I'm just going to get changed and then I'll be right here with you."
"Okay, hurry up, I miss you."
Resting down in the bed, she heard the steady breathing coming from the form next to her. Gently sliding over closer to her, she wrapped one arm around the blonde's midsection pulling her closer and she snuggled into her body. She felt the girl stir slightly, and then melt into the embrace, followed with some unintelligible mumbling and then some actual words.
"Don't leave me. I love you."
"I'm right here P. Sawyer. I'm not going anywhere, go to sleep baby, I love you and I'm right here."
The both drifted off into semi-peaceful dreamland. Brooke was somewhat plagued by a few uncertainties and what-ifs, but soon brushed them away to sleep soundly. Peyton was running from her inner demons, and trying to escape her pain, before finally finding solace when she woke up in the middle of the night and realized she was being held. Her protector was there, someone who loved her, and she hoped wouldn't leave her again, she slipped into a sound sleep wrapped up in her lover's arms.
After they had woken up and gone through their morning routines, the girls were now in Peyton's car heading off to run some errands.
"So where are we headed Blondie?"
"Well, B. Davis, I need to stop at the bank, the post office, pretty much undo the stuff I did when I thought I was leaving for good. I should probably stop by Tric too, but I don't know if I want to go back to work right now, my heart just hasn't been in it for a while. So I guess we just need to take care of the small stuff since I still live here."
"Okay, so you want to stop and eat after, or just grab some coffee, anything?"
"Since I doubt you'd stop nagging me about it, we might as well. The only question is whether or not we want to run the risk of seeing people we know, which could also happen with the errands. But I mean, do you want people to know you're back, and staying with me, and that we're whatever it is we are, you know, are you ready for questions?"
"Honestly, I could care less. I'm here, with you, and we're getting back on track, and then some. So I'm happy with however much you're okay with. However you want to deal with people today, I will completely back you P. Sawyer."
"Right, okay. Well we might as well go to Karen's to eat. I should probably let her know I'm staying, but not ready to man Tric again. And then we can just say that you're back and staying with me for a while and leave it at that for now I guess."
"That's fine with me Peyton. Don't worry, we'll be okay, I promised you I wouldn't leave, and I promise I won't let anything bad happen to you, okay?"
"Okay."
"By the way, you have a doctor's appointment tomorrow afternoon. No trying to worm your way out of it, we're going."
"Fine, I know you mean well Brooke, and really I love you for it, but you can be so annoying sometimes."
"I know, but it only makes you love me more."
"You got me there."
The rest of the drive to take care of the few tasks of the day was mostly in silence. Occasional glances were stolen at each other, as well as some quality hand holding. They seemed to be getting quite comfortable 'being' with each other, and loving every second of it.
The door to Karen's Café chimed when it opened and the two girls entered. Not many people were there and almost as soon as the bell rang, out came Karen from the kitchen to greet her new customers.
"Welcome to…Peyton? Brooke! It's so good to see you!"
"Hey Karen, it's been a long time."
Peyton stood aside semi-awkwardly as Brooke and Karen exchanged a hug and small pleasantries. Wanting to dismiss the fact that Peyton and Brooke came in together and just act normal was outweighed by her curiosity and Karen just had to ask. She knew about the fight, she knew some of the history if not from Lucas than from his friends. She was just so happy that they were in the same company that she let herself ask the question despite any second guessing she may have had.
"So, I see you and Peyton came in together. I take it your back on at least speaking terms?"
"Yeah, something like that. It's a really long story and I promise to tell you sometime after we get it all sorted out."
"You better, Peyton how are you? I thought you would have been gone by now."
"Change of plans. I'm not going anywhere."
"That's good; I didn't want to see you go. So Brooke how long are you here for?"
"Actually I think I might be back for good. Right now I'm just playing it by ear, but there's not really anything pulling me back to New York, plus my life is here. For now I'm staying with Peyton, and then I'll see what happens."
As Brooke said this she flashed a smile at Peyton, as she did this the blonde couldn't help but recall the conversation she had had with the brunette not too long ago as they were on their way to the café after finishing with their errands.
"Peyton I have to ask you something. I don't want to push anything, but this has been bugging me since last night and we would have to talk about it sooner or later and really the sooner is the better."
"Brooke, take a breath, you're rambling. Now, what is the question?"
"Do you want me to stay?"
"Of course I do, you know that."
"Yes, I mean, no. What I meant is do you want me to stay, like, for good? Do you want me to be looking for a place of my own, or do you want me to stay with you, and for how long? Like I said I don't want to push, I just kind of need to know, you know?"
"Look at me. This is hard for me to say, so if it doesn't come out exactly right I'm sorry. Yes, I want you stay. Preferably I want you stay with me, in my house, forever. But I know that may not be what you want, so I won't beg you to and have you stay out of pity or whatever. I know we don't exactly know where we stand, but I know how I feel, and I kind of know how you feel. I don't want to lose you again. So, if you'll accept, I want you to move in with me. And not just into the guest room kind of move in. I want you to stay, permanently, with me, and like have a relationship or whatever. You know what I mean? So stay here with me, but I won't force you to."
"Now who's rambling?"
Peyton shot Brooke an exasperated glare. She had put her feelings on the line, she was still so confused, and Brooke playing around at that moment wasn't exactly assuaging her fears.
"Peyt, I would love to move in with you. You have no idea how happy that makes me. I just wasn't sure and then last night when I was making arrangements I didn't know if I should jump to the conclusion that that's what you wanted. So yes, I'll stay. Forever or how ever long we decide to stay here. Oh! I'm so excited to be moving back. We are going to have so much fun. You and me P. Sawyer, we're back. I love you."
Peyton blushed, bowed her head and then looked back up at Brooke.
"I love you too Brooke, so much."
"That's great Brooke. We've all missed you. And I'm glad you were able to drag this one out with you, I haven't seen you in a while Peyton. Are you going to be coming back to Tric?"
"If it's okay with you, I think I should probably take some time off. I wasn't doing a very good job lately and I don't think I would be of any use to you for at least a little while. I'm sorry."
"It's okay sweetie. No problem. You just find me when you're ready to come back and we'll get it set up."
"So Karen, what's on the menu today, I'm starving?"
The girls got their food and ate at the counter while chatting with Karen. Actually Brooke was doing most of the talking with Karen, as per usual. Peyton sat there half listening, half in her own world as she pushed the food around on her plate.
"…Peyton? Hey are you okay?"
"Hmm, sorry, what was the question?"
"I said are you feeling okay. You've hardly eaten a thing and you look a little frail. Do you feel okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine, just not very hungry. But really I'm okay. And just to calm any worries Brooke is making me go to the doctor tomorrow to get a check up, so all will be fine and dandy in Pleasantville once again."
"Okay…"
Peyton returned her attention back to her mindless task as Karen went back to focus on Brooke.
"…Is she okay?"
"That's what I'm hoping. You see how skinny she is, and she barely eats. I'm worried about her you know, when I came back the other day, she was sick, and so out of it. It's not that I'm making her go to the doctor, well yes I am, but I really need to know that she is okay. She doesn't look well, and I don't want to lose her again."
"You're a good friend Brooke. I noticed she had lost some weight, but none of us saw her too often so there wasn't really anything we could do if we had any suspicions. It's good you're back, she needs you."
"I know. I think we'll head out now, I'll see you later, soon, I promise."
"Take care Brooke, and have a good day."
"Thanks, we will. Hey Peyton, PEYTON!?"
"Yeah, what, sorry."
"Come on, we can go now, let's get back home."
"Okay, sounds good."
Karen looked on in worry as the girls left the café. In the entire hour that they were there, Peyton had barely spoken and seemed to be in a trance. She also realized that with this one encounter she had seen more of the girl than she had in the past month. She worried for her, she was glad Brooke was back and seemed to be staying for good, and worried for her too, seeing how worried she was for her friend. It was just a big worry-fest all around. But she was glad about the appointment tomorrow. She knew there was no way anyone else would have gotten Peyton to see a doctor; she really needed Brooke in her life. They needed each other. She just wondered if they had finally figured out their true feelings for one another yet. Karen wasn't as naïve as she may have appeared to be, she knew there was something more between the two, she just didn't know if they knew it yet or not. But she was happy none the less that they were at least friends again, they had both been through so much, she really hoped they found their way to each other and happiness.
As if preparing to face a firing squad, or a funeral, Peyton got dressed painfully slow and in such a manner that just oozed her uneasiness to go see a doctor. If she was being truthful with herself, she knew there might be something going on with her body. She wasn't stupid, she knew she had gotten thin, she knew she didn't have an appetite; she just didn't want to believe or deal with any more issues. So despite not really wanting to go, she got ready, not for herself, but for Brooke. She would do anything short of murder for her, hell if the situation warranted it she just might go that far, but away with the morbid thoughts. Peyton had to go meet her fate right now.
"Are you ready yet? Come on, it's not that bad, it's just a doctor's appointment."
"I'm ready, we can go."
Brooke could tell by the exasperated tone that this wasn't going to be a fun day. They both knew that there very well could be something wrong, neither wanted to admit it though.
"Peyton, just so you know, no matter what, I will never leave you, okay?"
"Okay."
"I mean it, I just want you to get healthy, so that's why I pushed so hard for this, and if you are sick, I will be there every step of the way, forever."
"Thank you Brooke, that means a lot to me."
Half an hour later, they were waiting in the doctor's office, sitting patiently for this Dr. Bell to arrive.
"I found what I assume to be your regular doctor's number, but when I made the appointment, the receptionist said he was on vacation, so you'll be seeing his filler. Ever met the replacement?"
"Guess not, plus it's been a while, so I doubt it really even matters who I see, as long as they are a doctor, you'd be happy."
"Well aren't we excited? Honestly Peyton, everything will be fine. This won't be that bad."
Before she could figure out if Peyton was going to respond or not, there was a light knock followed by the opening of the door. In walked a tall blonde, young looking woman wearing a white coat. This was presumably the replacement doctor.
"Hi, I'm Dr. Bell; I'll be filling in for your regular doctor. Now which one of you is Ms. Sawyer?"
Peyton shot Brooke a look as if to say 'Well isn't she perky, and so like you' before she spoke up.
"That'd be me, I'm Peyton."
"It's nice to meet you Peyton, and you are?"
Dr. Bell turned and looked at Brooke, greeting her politely as well.
"That's Brooke; she's the one who forced me here today."
"Well it's nice to meet you Brooke; will you be staying during the exam?"
"You want me to stay Peyt?"
She received a small nod in response.
"Alright then, now let me take a quick look at your chart…"
Peyton was sitting on the exam table while Brooke was close by in a chair. The brunette glanced up at the blonde as the doctor was perusing the folder, reached out and gave a quick reassuring squeeze to her hand. Peyton gave a small, forced smile in response that did not go unnoticed by the other girl.
"I see you haven't been in here in almost a year and a half, and I don't mean to be rude but you have lost quite a bit of weight. Compared to your last weigh in and the one today, I would be lying if I said I wasn't concerned. It's a good thing this one here got you in here."
Brooke gave the doctor a small smile and nod of the head in response that told her she too was worried about her friend. Peyton remained silent, starring at the floor.
"I have all your medical history from before, and there was nothing too significant, just the regular stuff. Can you tell me a bit about what you might think has been going on, any thing could be relevant. I need to gather information so I can figure out if I might want to order any additional tests other than the basics I am already planning."
"Well, um… I haven't really been hungry, for a while. So I guess I don't eat much. I wouldn't even be here unless Brooke came back and got so worried. She's been like forcing me to eat, even though I don't have the stomach for it. So yeah, that good?"
"It's a start, is that all, nothing else happened over the past year and a half that might have put your health in jeopardy?"
Brooke liked this doctor, not only was she extremely friendly and easy to talk to, but she actually paid attention. This was just what Peyton needed, she was glad Dr. Bell wasn't like most doctors. When Peyton failed to answer the doctor, still staring at the ground, Brooke decided to speak up.
"Peyton, you need to tell her."
No response, just a slight tensing up from the blonde on the exam table.
"Would it be okay if I told her then? Just about the important stuff?"
She added that last bit while looking Peyton in the eye letting her know she wouldn't talk about the 'crazy' aspect if she didn't want her too. Peyton just sighed and nodded her defeat, thankful that she didn't have to explain anything.
"Okay. Well doc, Peyton here has had kind of a rough year. We had this huge falling out and I think that put a lot of stress on her. Then, unfortunately, she got in pretty deep with drugs. From what she told me she was addicted to cocaine for about six months, and then got herself clean. She said during that time is when she had lost her appetite and it never really came back since. I had moved away, so I didn't know any of this was going on, and I wish I had known. Anyway, I came back this last week, we patched things up, and I noticed how bad she looked, I'm worried about her, and she's been so tired, so that's why we're here."
"Okay, good to know, really it's important. I'm sorry it may be a tough subject Peyton, but I really did need to know. Now, it sounds like you've been through a lot, we can get to the tests now and then you can go."
"Thanks."
"Not a problem, you're lucky to have Brooke, just let me go get some stuff and I'll be right back to finish up in here."
Dr. Bell left the girls alone and Brooke stood up and came right up next to Peyton's side, grasping her hands between her own.
"See, that wasn't so bad. It'll be okay Peyton; you have nothing to be ashamed about. What has happened this past year happened because you were hurting. We'll get through this."
"Thank you Brooke, for talking, I don't know if I could have told that story, I wouldn't know where to begin, or what to say. And I'm sorry I've been so difficult, I guess I'm okay with you bringing me here. And it's good my regular doc wasn't here, because I definitely wouldn't have been comfortable with him."
"Not a problem Goldilocks, I'm always going to be here for you."
The girls hugged, and Brooke still stood by Peyton's side as Dr. Bell came back into the room.
"Back, now I'm just going to perform a basic physical on you, then draw some blood for some tests, okay?"
"Okay, let's get on with it then."
After about fifteen more minutes the doctor was finished and about ready to let the girls leave.
"Alright Peyton we're all done for now. You did great. After I get the test results back I'll give you a call and we'll go from there. Physically as far as I can tell there is nothing wrong with you, other than being underweight. Hopefully we'll know more in a few days. Brooke, make sure she eats at least a little something with each meal. She may not be hungry, but she does need to eat. I'll be in touch within the next few days, take care girls."
"Thank you Dr. Bell, we will. Come on Blondie, let's go home."
"Finally."
As they were leaving the office building, Peyton linked her arm with Brooke's and snuggled into her walking to the car. She didn't need to say anything; Brooke knew she was thankful she was with her. Peyton may not admit how scared she had been, but she didn't really need to, the other girl could read her so well, despite their time apart. Brooke just smiled to herself as they reached the car and headed off back to the house.
AN: Honestly, I'm not really feeling this story, but I'm doing everything I can to try and finish it up. So for those of you who are reading it, there will be and end, I just hope it doesn't disappoint too much. Reviews are welcome, have a nice day.