Jake didn't know what to think. He was so flustered he had to pull the car over. Peyton was looking at him the whole time trying to decipher what he was thinking.
"Jake, I love you".
"Peyton you have been through a lot lately, it is natural for your emotions to be all over the place". He was going to continue, but Peyton cut him off.
"No Jake trust me, this doesn't have to do with any of this. Today when I saw you was the first time I have felt completely at peace or completely safe since the school shooting. And that includes when I have been with Lucas".
Jake with a sigh on his face took a deep breathe and continued.
"I have a hard time believing that Peyton".
Peyton seemed to be frustrated. She knew within her heart that this was the real thing, but didn't know how she could get that across to him.
"Jake, I don't love Lucas. I thought I did that night and since then, but I realize now that I don't".
"Peyton I'm not trying to be an asshole here, but how do I know this is real, because we have had this same conversation before. Because Peyton, you know how I feel about you, but I can't take anymore pain, I just can't".
Peyton paused for a moment and looked into his eyes. "Jake, I love you".
Jake inside was a mess. He still loved her but still wasn't convinced. He just didn't think it was possible. He couldn't allow himself to believe.
Peyton anticipated his next words.
"Peyton remember what I said to you when I came back last year?"
"Let's just take things slow" Peyton said with a disappointed look on her face.
"I can't commit yet Peyton I'm sorry. I don't know want you to do something you may regret in a few weeks, and I also don't want to put myself in a position to be hurt once again, so let's just take things slow, ok?"
Peyton couldn't combat what he said, it wasn't a no, and she also agreed with most of what he said, so although disappointed, nodded in agreement.
"Alright good, now let's go meet your brother" said Jake as he re-started the car on the way to Peyton's house.