Writer's Note:

I was gonna a different route with this story originally but as some of you know who write fanfics sometimes once you start typing the story changes routes. Anyways if there's any questions feel free to ask. I'm not sure yet how long this story will be as I'm horrible with long fics. I'm writting as much as possible right now as I have inspiration. If there's anything you guys would like to see happen don't hesitate to say. Hope you guys enjoy this chapter. Leave your feedback as that's what makes me wanna keep writting. Alright Im off to write the next chapter, will probably be up by tonight :) Enjoy!

A week passed since the infamous screaming match between Peyton and Jake. Peyton did her best to avoid Nathan and Lucas. She would go over to Haley's when Nathan wasn't around. And she would skip gym class. She took on a few extra shifts at Karen's Cafe; she still hand't connected the dots that Lucas was Karen's son; so when he would come to the Cafe she would put on a brave face, pour him his coffee and watched as he sat there until closing. It was getting increasingly hard seeing him. It was now Friday night, and Peyton had promised Haley to come by after her shift because Jamie was asking about her. She was nervous knowing Nathan would be there and then seeing Lucas everyday this week was getting all too hard for her. Karen sensed something was up with the blonde she grew to love as she pulled her aside.

"What's going on with you Peyton?" Karen asked

"Nothing. Why?"

"Well your messing up orders, your constantly zoning out. You don't seem like yourself lately."

Peyton just nodded knowing everything Karen was saying to be true.

"Is this about Jake?" Karen asked delicately knowing they had a big blowout.

"No. It has nothing to do with that ass."

"Okay. Is this about a boy?" Karen asked getting her confirmation when Peyton closed her eyes and stayed silent.

"So it's a boy. What's his name?" She asked hesitantly.

"Doesn't matter."

"Okay. So it's a boy who's name you won't say. He clearly did something to upset you; Sweety talk to me I'm here to listen. You know I only want the best for you right?"

"I know Karen but there's not much to say. Girl meets boy, Girl sleeps with boy, Girl falls for boy, Girl gets her heart broken. End of story."

"Oh. And what did this said boy do to break your heart." Peyton was about to answer but the bell ringing as someone entered the cafe pulled her out of her thoughts. Lucas. He was here AGAIN. Karen sensed the distress at seeing Lucas. She finally connected the dots.

"Lucas." Karen said smiling at her son

"Hey mom" He said smiling back then turned towards Peyton.

"Hey Peyton" But she didn't acknowledge him. And Karen noticed.

"Peyton? Are you alright? I'd like you to meet my son Lucas." And at that she got Peyton's attention.

"Your son? Lucas is your son?" Peyton asked stunned.

"I thought you knew?" Karen asked.

"Karen's your mother." Peyton said stunned looking at Lucas who just nodded his head.

"All makes sense now. So that's why your here everynight... But... But then why do you pay for your coffee?"

"I don't want special treatment just cause my mother owns this cafe." Lucas said.

"So you and my son?" Karen asked smiling to herself. She was happy about it. Her face turned to a frown when she remembered what Peyton just said. "Girl meets boy, Girl sleeps with boy, Girl falls for boy, Girl gets her heart broken. End of story"

"Lucas Eugene Scott, didn't I teach you better matters then to break a girl's heart." Karen said in her motherly tone. Peyton took her cue, removed her apron and whispered to Karen that she was taking her break.

"Mom seriously?" Lucas shook his head as he watched Peyton dissapear.

"Don't you mom me. What exactly happened between you two."

"I'm not gonna talk about my love life with you MOM!"

"Love life? I've only ever heard those words come out of your mouth when you really cared about a girl. So you do have feelings for Peyton?"

Lucas shook his head. He couldn't explain it. They only shared one night together but that one night was the best night of his life. Better then the year he spent married to Lindsay. He knew it made no sense and that everyone would think he's crazy if he dared to utter those three little words.

"Lucas, you seem conflicted my boy."

"I can't explain it mom. It doesn't really matter anyways, she's in high school." He said looking up at her. Karen just shook her head.

"Okay I understand that but she's not your typical high school kid. Peyton's mom died when she was a kid, her father remarried and left her behind. She works her ass off to be able to afford a roof over her head which is why she's still in high school. If she would of had a normal childhood she would have graduated two years ago."

"How do you know all this?"

"Because Luke, she's been working here ever since he left. I gave her a job and we work around her schedule so she can finally graduate and leave this town."

"Your telling me your seriously okay with this? Nathan jumps down my throat and you give me your blessing? Something doesn't make sense."

"Nathan and Peyton got really close once she started working here. He thinks of her as his little sister so maybe it's the fact that he can't picture his brother with a girl he thinks of as his sister?" Karen said trying to think of reasons.

"That's not it." Nathan said as he entered the cafe. They both turned to look at him.

"Luke how about you go bring out the trash while Nathan and I have a chat." Karen said to Lucas sending him a wink.

Peyton was kicking the garbage around outside as she was talking to herself. She couldn't believe she never put two and two together. She thought Lucas was simply put stalking her that's why he came by every night. Now that she knew the truth she shook her head, her heart broke even more if that was even possible.

"How could I be so stupid" She yelled out

"You're not stupid." Lucas said dropping the garbage bags in the bin. Peyton glared at him.

"Listen" He started but Peyton put her hand up.

"NO."

"I know you're in high school and all but can we be mature about this and just talk?"

"Really? Insulting me too now?"

"I'm not insulting you, far from it. I just think if we just talked it would help maybe the both of us?"

"Fine talk."

"I'm sorry about everything." He began "I know you think I regret it but I don't. How could I regret the best night of my life." Peyton smiled at hearing that but quickly put up her walls as she saw Lucas taking a step towards her.

"I doubt that."

"Look I get your stubborn, you wanna believe what you want and that's fine I guess I just needed you to know. Didn't you read my note? Did it sound like I regretted it?" He asked her as they locked eyes.

"No it's what happened afterwards. All everyone is talking about is that I'm in high school and my age and how wrong this is." She is pointing between them.

"I'm not good with words even though I'm a writer. Your age never bothered me, your not that much younger then me. It's more the fact that I'm a teacher at your high school I guess."

"Look let's not make more out of this then there has to be. We had one night together that's it. Just think of it as a one night stand and let's forget it happened. Since we're clearly gonna cross path's. Here, At Nathan's, At School. I think it would be best if we just pretended it never happened." Peyton said to a hurt Lucas.

"If that's what you want." Lucas muttered

"Yep it is. I have to go back inside." Peyton said as she walked through the doors and back inside.

After her shift was over Peyton decided to head home instead of going to Haley's. She had had enough drama for one night and couldn't deal with anymore especially after finding out Nathan had stopped by the cafe. Karen had apparently "set him straight" as per her words. She spent the better part of her day blasting the music and sitting on her bed when she got a phone call from Haley asking her to come over. Peyton agreed so she got dressed and headed over.

"Hey Hales" Peyton said as she walked into the Scott residence with Haley, Nathan and Lucas all sitting on the couch.

'Peyton, Hey. Thanks for coming by." Haley said smiling as she hugged her friend.

Peyton saw Lucas and Nathan sitting there in silence.

"Is this why you called me over here?" Peyton asked pointing at them. As she glanced over at Nathan giving him a glare and then Lucas who was looking at her.

"No. Jamie really wanted to see you. He missed you last night."

"Yeah. I'm sorry I was just ... umm ... tired." Peyton said hesitantly

"Don't worry Peyton, I know all about last night. And I had a little chat with that husband of mine and brother in law. All's good now." Haley said as she crossed her arms and glared at both men.

"Peyyyyyyyyytooonnn" Jamie came in yelling seeing Peyton there.

"Hey buddy" Peyton said picking Jamie up in her arms

"How are you doing?"She asked him

"Lucas took me to the zoo today. We saw elephant's and giraffe's and kangaroo's. It was so much fun. I wanted you there too." Jamie said all excited. Peyton was kinda glad she didn't go, hearing that Lucas went with him would have made things ackward.

"I'm sorry I missed it. Maybe next time"

"well Uncle Lucas is taking me to the water slides tomorrow. I want you to come with us." Jamie asked

"Tomorrow? I.. ummm... I think I'm working."

"Nope not working Peyton. I asked Karen already." Haley said smiling. Peyton looked down at Lucas who was playing with his hands.

"Umm I guess okay then?" Lucas's head snapped up at hearing her say she'd go with them as a smile graced his lips.

"Great. It's just gonna be me you and Lucas. My two favourite people in the world."

"Heyyy" Nathan and Haley both said at the same time.

"Sorry mom and dad, I love you guys too but I see you everyday. I barely see Peyton anymore." Jamie said sadly as Peyton felt guilty for avoiding the Scott household.

"I'm sorry buddy, I promise I will come by more often." She promised at a beaming Jamie as she put him down.

"Well if there's nothing else, I really should get going." Peyton said excusing herself.

"Actually, Peyton... I know your not working today so I was hoping you'd stay for supper and we can talk." Nathan asked standing up

"I don't think that's such a good idea Nate." Peyton said

"Just hear me out." He asked again

"I'll listen to what you have to say and if I don't like it I'm outta here. Got it?" Peyton stated firmly.

"Fine." Nathan agreed as Peyton and him left the room.

Peyton and Nathan went outside and sat down by the pool to talk. After having his chat with Karen he felt guilty for the way he treated Peyton. He would be the last to admit he screwed up but in this case he realized he did.

"I'm sorry Peyton" Nathan said after a few moments of sitting there

"And what exactly are you sorry for? Are you sorry that you pretty much called me a whore? Are you sorry that you made me stay in a loveless relationship just so you could win yourself a state championship? Are you sorry that you ever met me? What exactly are you sorry about."

"Okay Look I know I overacted about you and Lucas. It's not like you guys are in love or anything. You just slept together and I had no right to say the things I said. I'm sorry about that. I'm sorry that you feel like I made you stay with Jake but that's not all on me. You could have ended things with him a long time ago. And don't ever think that I wish I'd never met you. You changed all of your lives by just being in it Peyton. Me, Hales, Karen, Jamie and even Lucas."

Peyton just looked at Nathan, the way he said Lucas's name; as if there was so much meaning behind it.

"I don't know what you want me to say."

"How about you forgive me?" Nathan said hopeful.

"Before I can even think of forgiving you I need to know why you reacted the way you did"

"Honestly? I think it's cause I've been there to see all the changes in your life. With your dad leaving and then everything else it's like I feel responsible for looking out for you."

"Your not my dad Nathan."

"I know I'm not Peyton but you've become like my little sister and thinking of you sleeping with my brother was just a little too much to handle."

"So it's like incest in your eyes." Peyton said smiling for the first time.

"No it's not but it's just I don't want you to be hurt and Lucas has been a mess lately and I didn't want him to hurt you or break your heart."

"well guess what your actions caused him to break my heart."

"What do you mean?" He asked not understanding.

"I'm gonna spare you the details but I really connected with him. On an emotional level that is. And I couldn't wait to see him again and I know he felt the same after I read his note but your reaction just made it all seem like it was all a big mistake."

"So you think it was a mistake?" Nathan asked. Luke and him had a chat earlier and he had realized that somewhere within all this fighting and bickering he missed the fact that Lucas actually cared about Peyton. He promised him that he would try to make things right with Peyton. He couldn't promise Peyton with forgive either of them but he'd give it his best shot.

"Despite it all, no I don't. He just made me feel things I never knew existed."

"Too much details Sawyer." Nathan mumbled crunching his nose. Peyton laughed.

"Not just sexually Nate; I mean emotionally. It was like two souls connecting if you know what I mean." She explained.

"Yep I do. I remember when I met Haley." Nathan smiled at the memory

"Look it doesn't matter, Lucas and I talked and we agreed it's in the past, never happened never will again."

"You mean you agreed." Earning a glare from Peyton

"Luke told me about your chat last night." Peyton just nodded her head.

"Look Peyton, I can't believe I'm gonna say this but if you and Lucas wanna see each other I won't stand in the way. You have my blessing." Peyton snapped her eyes at Nathan at hearing him give them the okay. But Peyton knew it was too late, to much crap happened. Too much was made out of their one night together. She couldn't go back there.

"I woulda never expected to hear you say that."

"Yeah neither did I. So will you give him another chance?"

"I'm sorry No. Look it's not just about him and me. Like you said I'm still in high school and he's still my teacher. It would never work out. And if he got caught then I'd feel horrible. Just cause I feel this pull towards him doesn't mean it's worth risking it all."

"First off Peyton, I'm not saying to go out together in public I'm just saying you could see where it goes outsde of school. And second, love is worth risking it all."

"What? Who said I love him?" Peyton said defensively

"That's not what I meant. I mean if it would turn into love it would be worth the risk."

"Okay. Sentimental Nathan is not something I see everyday. And as glad as I am to hear you say thses nice things I just can't go there with him ever again. We can be friends maybe, but that's it. I should focus on my studies for right now. And anyways once I'm done school I'm out of here."

"I love you Peyton you know that." He said hugging her close

"Love you too big brother." Peyton said laughing at him.

Peyton decided she was fine with staying for supper after her conversation with Nathan. She was glad it was all out in the open and if something we're to come of anything Nathan would be fine with it but there just couldn't be and wouldn't be. That's what Peyton had decided was best for her. Nathan joined Lucas side as he knew Lucas wanted to know what happened.

"So?" Lucas asked.

"I'm sorry dude I tried. She needs time." Nathan said to a dissapointed Lucas.

"But she did agree to be friends with you."

"Friends. Well that's a start I guess." Lucas said.

"Luke how did this happen? Like how did you start having feeling for her so fast? Like you just met her?"

"I don't know man. It's like two souls connected you know? She did something to me just by looking at me." Lucas tried to explain not understanding it himself. Nathan shook his head and laughed

"What?" Lucas asked.

"That's exactly what she said. Maybe there's hope for you two after all." Nathan said as he went to join his wife. Lucas looked at Peyton who was outside in the pool swimming with Jamie. His heart beat faster at the sight of her smile. Tomorrow was a new day, he'd spend the day with her and Jamie. He was looking forward to it.

Alright, so the next chapter will be a good one I promise :) So leave me a comment and let me know how ya'll are enjoying the story that's usually what keeps me writing. When there's no comments I tend to lose interest so I'm off to write the next chapter. :)