In this chapter I felt I should tie up some loose ends about Carla and Jake, so I hope it sorts things out. (I was just flicking through my rough book and realised that I'd written 'Clara' half a dozen times, so I had to check this, but no, she's Carla.)

I know this isn't my best chapter, and not really a good one to take a break on (see later) but I needed a filler. Hope it's not too bad!

Ok, so after this chapter I'm going to have a short break to concentrate on finishing another story and my new OTH story. So savour this chapter – I should be back in a month or so!

Another two weeks later and Lucas had decided to go to Charlotte, leaving today. Everyone had turned up at the Scott's house to wave him off.

Lucas came out with his last bag and dumped it in the boot of his car.

"Ok guys, I'm nearly going!" He announced before going off to say goodbye to Samantha and the girls.

"You know, I really don't want him to go." Brooke walked over to Peyton, with Jamie in her arms.

"Why not?"

"Well, when Jamie was born, Lucas was there and typically, Ross wasn't." Peyton looked over at Ross, who was flirting with Lucas's next door neighbour Sara. "And I know I shouldn't say it, but I kind of liked it. I sometimes wonder what would have happened if we'd stayed together. If he's never met Samantha and I'd never met Ross. Do you think things would have worked out?"

"Ok, define 'if we'd stayed together' – before or after I came along and messed it all up?" Peyton smiled. "Look, there's no point in thinking about that now. He's got Samantha, and you've got Ross and your adorable little Jamie."

"I just think sometimes, that's all."

"Alright, so bye." Lucas climbed into his car and started up the engine. "I'll call when I get there. Bye!" He pulled out of the driveway very slowly, so he could say farewells to everyone. As he reached the end of the road, waved a final time and rounded the corner, Brooke felt a tiny tear trickle down her cheek. She quickly wiped it away, hoping nobody had seen.

………………………………..

When Jake and Peyton got back to the house, there was an all too familiar face waiting on the doorstep, fanning herself in the July heat.

"Carla." Jake stepped up to the porch. "What the hell are you doing here?"

"Jake, hi." Carla ran up to him and flung her arms around his neck. "And… Peyton, right?"

"Right."

"Can I talk to you, Jake?" Carla detached herself. "You know, privately?"

Peyton got her keys from the pocket of her jacket. "Do you want me to pick up Jenny from Stacey's?"

"Oh Peyton, would you? That'd be great. I'm sure she'd love it if I picked her up late, but I guess this must be pretty awkward for you. Thanks, see you in a bit." He gave Peyton a quick kiss and she went to start up her car. As she drove away, Jake let himself into the house.

"I could tell, you know." Carla took her sunglasses off.

"Could tell what?"

"That you and Peyton were going to get together. Just the way you looked at each other. You suit each other."

"Thanks, I think." Jake paused. "Anyway Carla, what do you need to talk to me about so bad that you don't even call?"

"OK. So I went to my doctor a couple of weeks ago, just for a regular check-up, you know, and I got the results back yesterday."

"And…? Oh god, please don't tell me you're pregnant, because I could really do without that right now."

"No no, don't worry. Or maybe do. The doctor said I'd contracted chlamydia."

Jake stayed silent.

"They think it was quite recently, so they should be able to treat it, but the doctor, Dr Murray, said I should tell any sexual partners I've had in the last two years, and they should get checked out. And that's my new boyfriend and, well, you." Carla explained.

"So I should get checked out." Jake repeated.

"They do free tests at the clinic down by the river. Jake, I'm only telling you this because it could affect your health."

"I know, Carla. And I appreciate that. It's just that-"

"I'm sorry about breaking up with you, Jake. It was just that I wasn't sure if I was ready to settle down, and then I realised 'What if I am ready but this isn't the right guy?'. And so I panicked and-"

"Carla, don't. I already know."

"You do?" Carla nodded.

"To tell the honest truth, I wasn't sure myself. I just wanted to make a good home for Jenny, and I thought I was in love."

"You're a great dad to Jenny, Jake. She's lucky to have you. And Peyton too. You and me, we'll always be friends, right?" Jake smiled at Carla and nodded. "Are you… are you in love with her, with Peyton?"

"Yes." Jake replied without even having to think. "Yes, I am."

Ok, so see you in a month or two and Happy Christmas!