"We can't" Peyton whispered, she had moved just far enough away so that there lips were no longer touching but she was now resting her head against his. She didn't think she had ever felt so much passion as she had with that little kiss and being so close to Nathan "Haley" she reminded

"Peyton, I need you so bad. I need us" Nathan pleaded

"We can't do this to her Nate, she deserves so much better" Peyton pulled away and stood up, as much as it hurt her to do so

Nathan blinked away tears and coughed "Your right". He stood up and silently followed Peyton out to her car. Neither spoke the whole back to Tree Hill until Nathan was about to get out of the car. He turned and looked at Peyton "I can't pretend that never happened, I can't pretend I don't feel this way about you Peyton". Without waiting for her response he got out of the car and jogged up to his house not looking back as she drove away.

--

"Where's your head at Peyton?" Jake asked his friend as they sat wordlessly on Peyton's bed with his daughter Jenny.

She looked up at him and gave a quick smile "Sorry, I was just thinking about school"

"I find that hard to believe" he smirked, handing Jenny a little teddy bear in order to stop her from fussing. She shook her head and handed the little girl her keys and got a big smile in response

"Considering you were in school less then a period today".

"I just couldn't be there anymore, you know" she shrugged, laughing a little at Jenny

"You really good with her you know" he pointed out

"I know" she replied, and then gave him one of her rare real smiles "I love her"

"She loves you to" he smiled happy that Peyton could be the mother figure she didn't have "I don't think I can even explain how thrilled I am that Nikki left again. I don't think I could bare losing Jenny"

"I'm so happy for you Jake". She picked up Jenny and hugged her close "Jenny's so lucky to have you"

"I'm luckier to have her" Jake smiled at the sight of his daughter and good friend "And just as lucky to have you"

"You guys are all I have these days, and I wouldn't trade it for anything"

"Not even Lucas?" Jake asked, not sure if he was stepping his boundaries. He really didn't want Peyton to start to block him out, but he felt like she really needed someone to talk to

"Not even for Lucas" she nodded, her facial expression dropping a little "Me and Lucas were not meant to be"

"Lucas is a good guy, but I think you may be a better girl"

"Thanks Jake" Peyton smiled, and then grew serious "Can I tell you something Jake? You have to promise not to tell anyone"

"sure" he nodded, worried about her grim face

"I think I may still be in love with Nathan"

--

"Lucas?" Brooke asked, tapping him lightly on the shoulder "Lucas?"

"Hmm?" he murmured, snapping from his daze

"Have you been listening to me at all?" Brooke whined

"Sorry Brooke" he smiled, kissing her softly on the cheek "I have a lot on my mind"

"Care to share" she smiled

"The usual. Family, Basketball... The classic is coming you know"

"Do I ever know!!? This is my year to win!" Lucas had to smile at the look of determination on her face

"You will Brooke" He cupped her face and gave her small kiss "I believe in you"

"Thanks boyfriend" Brooke replied cheerily, grinning from ear to ear "But you know, what im most looking forward to is me and you and a hotel room"

He nodded and suddenly became lost in his thoughts again "So is Peyton going?"

"She's still on the team so I guess, but then again you never know with that girl" Brooke sighed, suddenly pouting "I tried to talk to her today, you know"

"Really?" Lucas's head shot up and he suddenly became interested again "What happened?"

"I asked her if we could be friends again and basically she said no" Brooke said sadly, laying her head on Lucas's shoulder " I don't understand Luke. I thought she was over you"

"ahm" Lucas coughed "Brooke there's something I never told you, something I should tell you?"

"What is it?" She asked bolting up in alarm

"You remember the night of our first date? And Peyton showed up at my house" Brooke slowly began to nod, already beginning understanding what he was getting at "Well she told me she wanted to be with me. That she wanted everything that I had wanted. That she wanted to be with me"

"Omg" Brooke whispered "How could I not ... I guess deep down I always... No wonder she hates me" she finally said with a puff and finally fully understanding.

"She doesn't hate you Brooke" Lucas held her close "It's just all so confusing"

"Lucas" Brooke whimpered "What should we do?"

"What do you mean?" He asked, knowing that things with him and Brooke would never be the same after this conversation ended. She sat up and looked at his dark brown eyes "Broody" she said sadly "We are hurting Peyton. I care about you so much, more then you could ever really know, but Peyton's been my best friend forever. I love her more then anyone, she's my family. I can't do this to her"

"Were breaking up aren't we" he sighed, avoiding her tear-filled blue eyes

"I'm sorry Luke" She said, her voice choked with tears "I wish it could be different"

"Me to" He nodded and gave her one last hug "I'll miss you cheery"

"I'll miss you Broody" she whispered and gave him a slow soft kiss on the cheek "I'll see you around okay"

He nodded and watched helplessly as she tearfully fled the room. He wasn't sure at what point his life had become such a drama. Life had been simple once upon a time. He sat down and his computer and clicked on the familiar bookmark. When it loaded he saw that Peyton was with Jake and Jenny. He watched her for a few more minutes and when he saw Jake getting ready to leave he knew this could be his chance. He cared for Brooke, but what he felt for Peyton was much stronger then caring. He loved her .