Chapter 3

The side effects of the radiation treatment were minimal. It had only turned her skin around her breast and armpit area read and irritated her like a sunburn. This was much tolerable than the side effects of the chemotherapy. Peyton's curly hair was beginning to thin out but she still had a fair bit left on her head. The worst part of the treatment, however, was the nausea. It usually lasted for three days after she got treatment and it kept her in bed or kneeling beside the toilet. Thankfully today was the fourth day after her second round of treatment and Peyton woke up feeling normal again.

Peyton entered the kitchen and found Aiden strapped in his high chair playing with his sippy-cup. The mother smiled at her son and placed a kiss on top of his head before making her way to his father. From behind, Peyton slipped her arms around his waist and let her head rest on his shoulder.

She knew how lucky she was to have Lucas and never took it for granted, especially not now. When she was too ill to get out of bed he took care of everything – the bills, the cleaning, the groceries, the cooking, their son and even her. When she was throwing up he would get out of bed and sit with her until everything was out of her system. Afterwards, he would carry her tired body back to bed and lie awake next to her, holding her until she fell asleep. And not once did he ever complain.

Lucas smiled as he flipped the grilled cheese over in the frying pan. "How you feeling today?"

"Much better, thanks,"

"Good. How about some lunch?"

"Lunch? I slept in that long?"

Lucas let out a chuckle, "It's ok. It's only 12:30," he turned around and put his arms around his wife, "And we both know that you've slept in past noon before,"

"I know, but I've spent the past three days in bed already. I just want to spend more time with you and Aiden," a hint of sadness lingered in her voice.

"And we will," he kissed the tip of her nose, "but today…I have a surprise for you and it's a good thing you slept in today cause you'll need your rest for today,"

"A surprise?"

"Uh-huh, but I think you should change,"

Peyton looked down at her tank-top and jeans, "What's wrong with this? I always wear this,"

Lucas smiled, "I know and you look great as always but I think you should get back into your pajamas,"

"Surprise!"

Peyton spun around to face her surprise. Half walking and half running across the room were Brooke Davis and Rachel Gatina. After mending the fences during their senior year in high school, the two girls found a common ground, not just in picking up boys, but also in fashion design. During their first year of college they started selling their designs making enough to pay rent for an entire year. Then one night, while out a club, Brooke had a drunken revelation – 'why pay to go to school when you can make money selling clothes' – ok so maybe it wasn't exactly a revelation at the time – but it was enough to get the gears turning in Rachel's head.

Needless to say, both Rachel and Brooke dropped out of school and worked full time for their fashion label in California. Although it was Brooke who came up with the zaniest of ideas, it was Rachel who had the brains to make the plans work. Who would have thought these two would have made such a dynamic duo.

When Rachel finally let go of her death hold on Peyton, it was Brooke's turn to bear hug her long time friend.

"We missed you so much. We would have been here sooner but apparently news travels slow in California," Rachel said as she sent a death glare over at Lucas as she picked up Aiden from his chair. The little boy stared at her blazing red hair.

"Actually, I asked him not to tell you guys," Peyton admitted. "I know how big that fashion show was for your line and I didn't you guys to worry about me. Trust me, I was in good hands," she smiled at Lucas. Peyton then noticed a couple of duffle bags sitting over by the back door, "What's in the bags?"

"Tonight, P. Sawyer, we are going to have a slumber party!" Brooke said excitedly, "Hopefully Lucas did some grocery shopping,"

"Yes, Lucas got all your chocolates, ice creams, cookies and face masks," he mocked, "He got everything that was Brooke's list," Lucas picked up a bag that was sitting on the kitchen table and took out a video camera, "He even dug out the video camera. Now explain to me why you guys need this,"

"Uh-uh," Rachel said. "That's top secret,"

Peyton shrugged and walked over to him, "Sorry, honey. You'll just have to use your imagination,"

Lucas raised his eyebrows, "Don't mind if I do,"

"Oh gross," Brooke commented.

Rachel rolled her eyes, "Isn't it time for you to pick up Haley and Lauren?"

"Alright, I can take the hint…" Lucas gave Peyton a quick kiss, "Have fun tonight,"

"I will. Thank you," she replied.

Later that night, the girls were upstairs locked in the master bedroom while Lucas watched Aiden downstairs. From time to time Lucas could hear muffled laughter coming from the closed bedroom door. It pleased him to know that Peyton was laughing and enjoying herself with her best friends.

Lucas sat on the floor with his son, playing with some farm animal figurines when he heard a loud thump. A few seconds later high pitched screams and laughter followed. Lucas chuckled and shook his head. He looked at Aiden and said, "Girls…"

A loud knock on the front door made Lucas put down the plastic toy in his hand and get up. "I'll be right back, bud,"

Aiden's attention was fixated on the pink pig to acknowledge his father.

On his way to the door, Lucas began to dig for his wallet. Earlier, he had ordered a pizza for the girls and one for himself. When he opened the door, the kindness in his eyes quickly faded into a cold hard stare.

"Hi, Lucas,"

"What do you want, Dan?"

"I came by, hoping that we could talk,"

"You want to talk…to me?" he let out a cynical laugh. "I think you have the wrong house,"

Dan caught the closing door with his hand. "Just five minutes," he pleaded.

"Dada…"

Lucas turned around to see Aiden sauntering over to them. His tiny fingers pointed at the strange man at the door. A smile spread across Dan's face as he saw his grandson walking for the first time. Instinctively, Dan crouched down and encouraged the toddler over to him. The boy was just a few feet a way when Lucas quickly swooped his son up into his arms.

Disappointment spread across Dan's face just as quickly as he recomposed himself. It was a trait that he learned quickly – never letting anyone see your vulnerability. Never show your true feelings; otherwise other people will only see you as a weak man. It was something that he was taught by his own father, Royal Scott. Dan cleared his throat and stood up, straightening his jack as he did.

Unfortunately for Lucas, he had caught the look in Dan's face. Guilt started to build up inside him. Even though his relationship with his father was non-existant, Lucas still had compassion from – something he learned from his mother.

"Wait, here," Lucas finally said.

As Lucas carried his son upstairs, Dan entered the house. It was the first time Dan got to see the inside of the house since Lucas and Peyton had purchased the house together. His eyes wandered around the hallway until they settled on the hanging pictures. He saw framed pictures of Lucas and Peyton holding Aiden, a picture of Nathan and his family but the one that caught the man's attention was the photo of Lucas, Peyton, Aiden, Karen and Keith. They were a family.

Dan could feel his eyes begin to water. He let out a small sigh as he looked away. He was never a father to Lucas but it didn't mean that he didn't love him. There were circumstances in Dan's life that nobody really understood. Years ago he had chosen Deb over Karen. He had chosen to raise Nathan and not Lucas. He had chosen to be a family with Deb and Nathan – and a real family man didn't have two families.

He wiped his eyes when he heard Lucas coming down the stairs. The younger man came down and walked towards the front door. After opening it, he gestured Dan to follow him outside.

"Five minutes," Lucas said as he shut the door behind them.

Dan nodded, "I heard about Peyton. How is she doing?" His voice was sincere but it made Lucas feel on edge. In all the years he had known him, Dan was never just nice.

"She'll be fine,"

"I'm sure she will. She's a strong girl," Dan agreed.

"Ok…You can stop with the small talk. What are you really doing here?"

Dan reached into his pocket and pulled out his genuinely expensive black leather wallet. From inside he pulled out a white business card and handed it over to Lucas.

"Dr. McMurray?"

"He's the best in the field; the top practicing researcher in breast cancer. I made a few calls and he's taking a look at Peyton's case,"

Stubbornly, Lucas shook his head, "No. Dr. Shaw is a good doctor. She's treating Peyton,"

"Lucas, have you seen Peyton's recent results? There hasn't been any change," Dan pointed out, "Look, I'm not trying to replace Dr. Shaw. I just thought that Dr. McMurray could help and maybe find an alternative treatment…just talk it over with Peyton,"

"Even if we decided to, there's no way we could afford it," Lucas quietly admitted. Even with all the recalculating their budget, they were barely making ends meet now.

"I know. That's why I'm taking care of everything. No matter what you decide to do…"

"NO!" Lucas exclaimed. He couldn't help but think that there was an ulterior motive behind his generosity. "We don't need your help and we certainly don't need your money. After Peyton gets through this, we'll figure someth…"

"Lucas, you have a child and a mortgage to pay…," interrupted Dan. "Not to mention your bills and school loans. And with Peyton not being able to work now, you can't take care of your family on your paycheck alone,"

"You're loving this aren't you? I can't take care of my family financially and now I have to depend on 'daddy dearest' to help me out,"

"That's not it at all," Dan's voice was softer, "I just want to help. There's no strings attached to it. Nothing. Nobody even has to find out about it,"

"Why? Why now after all these years do you want to help me out?"

"Because I know what it's like to lose someone you love. And you shouldn't have to go through it too,"