Chapter 5

"Jamie, I found a frog on my swing yesterday and I told mommy that I wanted to bring it to you but she said you wouldn't want it right now." Eliie said as she laid her head on her older cousin.

"That's cool El." He responded in a monotone voice. Ellie then proceeded to kiss him on the cheek and run away.

"So Hales how is he?" Peyton asked her friend as they watch their kids.

"Better. He doesn't see double anymore, he can walk in a straight line and the movement in his left hand is improving every day."

"That's amazing Hales and how are you?"

"I'm good. I feel better like I'm going to make it now. I just still feel bad for Mattie."

"Hayley I'm proud of you. You're doing awesome given everything that you're going through but don't worry I'll take good care Mattie. He's going to be fine."

"Thanks Peyton. Nathan and I just really felt after talking to the doctors and to Jamie that St. Jude's is the best place for him."

"It is. Don't worry Mattie is in good hands." They two hugged.

"Ahh it's a hug fest I want in!" Brooke said as she came bounding in the door and pushing her way into her way into the hug. The three girls stood there in the middle of Hayley's kitchen hugging. Soon they felt three little kids giggling their way into the hug.

"Now this is cute." Nathan said walking in his back door with Lucas.

The giggling group broke apart. Peyton and Lucas both tensed up and caught each other's gaze only to look quickly away. No one saw the exchange between the two or there surely would have been questions all the way around. Instead Logan spoke up.

"We were having a group hug!" The little boy giggled while saying it the entire time.

"We'll do you guys want to stop hugging and start eating?" Nathan asked.

"Yes!" Was the unanimous response from all three kids as they proceeded to run outside. The adults we're about to follow but then heard the door bell.

"I'll get it you guys go out back. It's probably Karen and Andy anyway." Peyton said as she headed for the door. Sure enough it was. Karen hugged her daughter – in-law and they walked inside. Lily ran straight for the couch and sat next to Jamie. Livy ran outside with Andy after to her. Peyton and Karen walked slowly in.

"Jamie I'll bring you a plate back in a second. Lily do you want me to bring one too?" Peyton asked as passed the two on her way outside. Lily just nodded. It wasn't until the adults were outside the either of the kids spoke.

"How are you best friend?" Lily said with a smile.

"Hanging in there." Jamie said back. The two had been completely confused how they were related when they were little and if they even were so when they were two they had declared themselves best friends and they truly were. It was a bond that no one understood but the two of them.

"Are you sacred J?

"Lily." With that she hugged him and just let him cry.

"Jamie you're going to be ok. You know what Peyton always tells me? "You're too young not to believe it's going to be ok."

It was on that note that Peyton had slipped back into the house announce to the two of them. She just listened not wanting to interrupt.

"Lily what if it's hard? Or what if it hurts?"

"Jamie you have been living with headaches and throwing up every day for the last months. Most days you haven't even gotten out of bed. This is making you better. So you don't have to ever feel like that again. If it hurts...well I'll be here. You can call and write me every day. You're going to make it J, it's going to be ok."

"Thanks Lil." With that the boy feel asleep. Peyton took that moment to walk into the room. She set the two plates on the coffee table and took her "younger sister" in her arms.

"Lily that was amazing. When did you get to be so wise?"

"Nah Peyton I just watched you. You are so strong and I want to be just like you when I grow up."

"No Lily you don't" Lily look at her about to interrupt. "You want to be better, stronger."

"I don't know Peyton I think your pretty strong. I'm sorry Luke is so sad all the time."

"It's ok Lily we just have to find a way to save him."

"We will Peyton." The two hugged. "Peyton will you tell my mom I'm going to stay in here with Jamie."

"Sure Lily and Lily you already are strong. I love you little sister."

"I love you too big sister."

Peyton walked back outside and Karen sat frozen in one of the kitchen chairs. She knew Lucas was in trouble but after the words she had just heard she knew it was getting even worse. She just prayed that healing would come before it was too late. She shook her head and walked back out to the adults.