I could feel the butterflies flitting around inside me. Why was I feeling like this? It wasn't like it was a date or anything. I was only going out. With Jake. As friends. Although I think I believe that more than he does.

Ding!
The sound of the doorbell made me jump. I quickly gathered myself and headed towards the door. When I opened it, Jake was on the other side, greeting me with a smile. "Hi Peyton" "Hey" "You ready?". I gave him a small smile "yeah, lets go". I closed the door behind me and we walked down to his motorcycle. "Here" he said as he handed me a helmet. "Thanks I replied, and hopped on behind him. He started it up and looked over his shoulder, "hold on tight". I slowly wrapped my arms around him and braced myself for the acceleration.
I guess I didn't brace myself enough, because as soon as he pulled away, I pulled myself closer, tightening my arms around him, and somehow, it was amazing comforting to be so close to him.

When we finally came to a stop, I let go of Jake and got off the bike. I took the helmet off, shaking my hair out, and turned around to see where we were.
"Tric?" I turned back around to face him.
"Yeah," he laughed "is that okay?" "Jake, look how busy it is. The parking lot is packed." He looked confused. "Yeah? Well it usually is at this time, is it not?" "Uh, yeah, which is why we can't be here." "I don't get it."
I sighed, "I don't think it's a good idea of us to be here. Together."
He continued to look at me, not saying anything.
"I just don't want to be seen here with you."
He looked mockingly hurt. "Ouch! Am I really that embarrassing?" "Its not a joke. People talk around here. I don't want anyone to see us together and get the wrong idea. Haley saw us this morning." "And that's a bad thing?" "It could have been if it was someone else. If Lucas was to find out that we were out like this, it wouldn't be good." "Peyton, you make it sound like were having an affair" "That's not funny! Lucas knows what we had. I don't want to risk anything."
He sighed. "Okay"
"I'm sorry."
He looked around. "What?" I asked. "Come on, I know where we can go". I put the helmet back on, got on the bike, and we drove off.

"Oh my god." I said as I got off the bike and pulled off the helmet. "Is this better" he asked. I took a few steps toward the middle of the basketball court, memories flooding back. "I figured this would be okay" he smiled at me. I felt like it had been so long since I had been back to the river court. "Yeah, this is great" I said as I walked over to sit on top of the picnic table. "I've had really great memories here with the guys…" he sat down beside me, "and you". I couldn't help myself from blushing, which Jake noticed, and he smiled at me. "I remember coming here almost every night. I loved it. I will always have a place in my heart for the river court" I said and Jake looked at me, saying, "What about the good old high school days?"
I laughed. "Good? I wouldn't exactly say all the high school days were good". Now he laughed. I looked at him, "you know, one thing about a high school that was hard for me, was you leaving".
It was the truth. When Jake left, I didn't think I would ever get over it.
"I never thought I would see you again. I mean, I hoped I would, but I never knew." "Trust me, I didn't want to leave. I didn't want to leave you."
I was starting to shake.
"I was so made at Nicky for making you go. But I understood that it was what was best for Jenny, and I'm glad that you did it for her."
He reached out and touched my hand. "I came back." "And I was so happy that you did." I turned to face him. "You saved me that night. If you hadn't come, who knows what would have happened. I needed you so bad, and you came." I was on the verge of tears. "I'll always be here for you, Peyton. Always" I softly smiled at him. It was nice to hear him say that. "Do you remember the time capsule?" he asked. "Yeah, how could I not. That brings back some not so good memories." "I said I was falling in love," he touched my hand, "with you."
I silently gasped, and slowly looked up at him. "That was then, Jake." "It hasn't changed much, Peyton. Only now, I'm no longer falling in love with you. I've fallen." "But then you left me again" I could feel my tears starting to push over the edge. He took my hand in his and said "I had to" "I know. I know that. But I was willing to go with you." "I couldn't let you. You needed to finish high school. I couldn't live with myself it you gave up everything just for me" "I wouldn't have given up everything.." I slowly looked up at him. "Peyton…". I tried to smile. "I guess it was for the best. If I had gone with you, I wouldn't be with Lucas now." "Right. Lucas." I could tell that those words had hurt him.
"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have brought it up" "Don't worry about it" he smiled at me, but I could tell it was forced.
I have to admit it though, there were times where I had wondered what would have happened if Jake and I had stayed together.
I turned to him. "Hey, Jake?" "Hm?" "Where do you think we would be if we were together? If I had never had that dream, and if I had stayed with you?". He thought about it, and I could see a smile on his face, and it was genuine. It made me smile.
"Well," he looked me in the eyes, "Honestly, I probably would have proposed to you." His smile got bigger as he went on. "I could see us being happily married, living in Savannah, maybe with a baby or two. I know Jenny would love that. You would be doing something you love, as would I. And we would be so in love. And so happy.
I felt warm tears spilling down my face. He had really thought about it for a while. It made me so upset knowing I had really hurt him that night I had that dream.
I started crying harder, and I stood up and walked across the court.
"Peyton?" Jake got up and followed me. "Hey?" he touched my arm. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you cry."
I couldn't believe how upset this was making me. I was so sad that I had missed out on this life I could have had with Jake, and Jenny. My heart felt like it was about to explode.
"Hey, come here. Its okay." I felt Jake wrap his arms around me, and I suddenly felt more at ease. I wrapped my arms around him and held onto him tightly. I felt so safe in his arms.
He pulled me in closer to him, and whispered in my ear, "I hate seeing you cry. I'm sorry."
I slowly pulled away from him and looked up at him.
"I would have said yes."
"What?"
I quickly glanced down before returning my gaze to his. "If you had proposed to me, I would have said yes." Why was I telling him this? "Damn" he smiled, "I really blew that one didn't I?" We both softly laughed and he pulled me in for a hug again, and I hugged him back. "You're so amazing Peyton" he whispered in my ear. We both pulled away and he held me out at arms length. I knew what was coming next, but I couldn't stop it. Or maybe I just didn't want to. I wasn't sure.
Jake slowly leaned in, holding my face in his hands, and he kissed me.
I returned his kiss.
I liked the way his lips felt against mine. My body started to shake.
I slowly pulled away.
"I-I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that" Jake apologized. I stepped back. "I think I need to get home." "Yeah. I'll take you home."

When we pulled up in front of my house, I slid off his motorcycle and handed the helmet back to him.
"Thanks for coming tonight, Peyton."
I gave him a small smile. "It was a good night. Thank you."
He looked down.
"Goodnight Jake." I Turned around and started toward the house, when he said something that made me stop.
"It could still happen, Peyton. You and me. Its not too late."
I turned around. "Jake, don't. I don't want to talk about this. Lucas will be back in two days, and when he does, we wont be able to see each other like this. Please don't make this any more complicated than it already is.
He sighed. "I wish we had more time. I don't want to leave you again." "Goodnight, Jake. I'll talk to you another time" I said as I turned and headed into the house. As I shut the door behind me, I let out a sigh. Why did he always have to do this?
I ran my fingers over my mouth, and I could still feel his kiss lingering on my lips.
I wish we had more time too. I still hadn't figured out what I was going to do.

As I headed to the bedroom, the phone began to ring. I walked into the kitchen to answer it.
"Hello?" "Hey baby. I miss you so much!"
It was Lucas. I was so relieved to hear his voice. "I miss you too. How's New York?" "Its very hectic. Unfortunately, I have some bad news." My heart sank. "Oh? What's wrong" "I have to stay for at least another week or so. They need me for a bunch of meetings and what not for this book." "Oh." "Sorry baby. I wish I could come home to you right now." "Its okay. You deserve to have this book be the best it could be. I can wait another week." "You're amazing Peyton. I love you." "I love you too." "I have to go, but I promise I'll call you soon, okay?" "Okay. Bye Lucas." "Bye, Peyton. I love you." And with that, the call ended.
I guess that gives me the extra time I need with Jake. Only now, I didn't know if I needed the extra time, more than I wanted it…

Yay! I finally got one up early!
I hope you guys like this chapter.

*Please R&R!*