Jake and Peyton had gotten back to her house about 2 hours ago and had been talking with Derrick the whole time. Derrick who had obviously been very stern and often harsh on Peyton seemed to really like Jake and had opened up quite a bit these past few hours. And it seemed for the first time since the incident, Peyton seemed calm, and to not be in a state of fear.

"So how long did you say you have been in the marines for Derrick?" asked Jake.

"About 3 years now".

"Wow, I have so much respect for anyone in the service. I wouldn't be able to do it".

"Well thanks, I appreciate that".

It was almost as if Derrick was Peyton's father and Jake was trying to make a good first impression. Peyton was looking on smiling, and was feeling really good. She couldn't keep her eyes off Jake and wanted to be with him so bad. And also, Psycho Derrick wasn't on her mind at all for the first time in a long time.

With that, Derrick got a phone call and left the room for a moment.

Jake turned to Peyton and smiled, Peyton smiled back. They began to talk in a whisper.

"I really like him Peyton, he seems like an awesome guy".

"Yea he is".

Jake noticed the change in her personality since they got back.

"Someone seems happier".

Peyton gave a little chuckle. "I am, I don't feel worried at all. I think a lot of it has to do with you being here".

Jake smiled "Thanks Peyton". He wanted to go on, but he was still telling himself to fight his feelings and make sure that Peyton was being sincere. And also Derrick walked back into the room before he could continue.

"Hey Jake, do you mind if I talk to you for a minute in the kitchen".

"Uhh sure no problem".

"What, no girls allowed?" Peyton said jokingly.

"It will only take a minute" Derrick assured.

"Alright, I'll be in my room when you guys are done. We got to start getting ready to go to the game, we are gonna be late if we don't hustle".

They both nodded.

Peyton made her way upstairs with a smile on her face and Derrick brought Jake into the kitchen with a very serious look on his face.

"What's up?" Jake asked.

"That was my commanding officer who just called. I have been re-assigned to Korea".

Jake was surprised. He composed himself, well when do you have to leave by?

"Tomorrow night" he answered back.

"Wow, that soon".

"Yea, but there is a reason that I wanted to tell you first…. I need you to look out for Peyton for me. You know everything that she is going through and I need you to be there for her. You seem like a great and honest guy and someone I would trust if you were in my platoon".

"Wow, that's an amazing honor, thank you for the compliment, but you know that I am only gonna be here for a week right?"

"I think we both know that you are gonna be with her for much longer then a week. (Jake smirked at that comment, almost as if he knew it was true) Just take care of her ok, be there for her, but don't baby or shelter her. She needs to get back that toughness she use to have".

"You have my word Derrick".

"Thank you that puts me at ease. Now go on up and see her, I'll be up there in a few minutes to break the news, I just have to make a call real quick".

Jake nodded and they then shook hands, as Derrick took out his phone and Jake made his way up the stairs.

Jake entered Peyton's room with a boat load of emotions on his mind.

All Peyton could do was smile every time she saw him.

Jake sat down next to her on her bed.

"Where's your head at Peyton?"

"All over the place as usual".

Jake smirked. "I am not surprised".

Peyton really wanted to be with him, she was going to try and convince him again.

"Jake" she said as she looked into his eyes.

Then suddenly they heard what sounded like a window shattering and a scream coming from down stairs. Peyton's face suddenly went from happy to terrified, and Jake's went from confused to determined and protective.

"Oh Peyton!" could be heard in the distance from that familiar psychotic voice.