Chapter 8
"Luke what do you mean you're not going." Peyton said throwing her hands in the air as she watched her husband pack. It was December 18 and they were supposed to be leaving for Florida tomorrow with everyone else.
"It's simple Peyton. I am not going." Lucas said with a firm look on his face as he threw another shirt in his bag.
"Lucas it is Christmas! How can you do this to Ellie?"
"Peyton its one Christmas and everyone else is going to be there." He said running his hands through is hair. "Just buy her some more stuff it's not like she'll remember this Christmas in a few years anyway." He said throwing his hands in the air.
"Luke! She is your daughter not just some animal you throw toys at when you're not around. She is not something you get rid of when things get hard. She needs our love not our credit cards and she may not remember this Christmas but you will. Make a memory Luke for me and for you. Please make this Christmas one to remember not dread."
"I have work Peyton doesn't that mean anything?"
"It does when it's a real reason Lucas."
"Come one Peyton what do you want from me? It happened on Christmas Eve I just can't be around people on that day."
"Lucas! Brooke lost her husband on Christmas day a year ago get over yourself already."
"I'm sorry I'm leaving Peyton. I'm going to New York." He said walking out of their bedroom door.
"Well maybe you should just stay there."
"Peyton."
"Luke, I 'm serious." She was standing there with her hand on her hip. But he just turned and walked away. Leaving her standing there. The moment he was out of sight Peyton fell to the floor in tears. She felt like her heart had just been ripped out of her chest and stomped on. She slowly got up and got back in bed letting the tears fall.
Brooke sat at the kitchen table her head in her hands she had heard the conversation. She was thankful the Logan and Ellie we at Karen's. Tears ran down her face as she watched Lucas leave.
The next day
Lucas didn't come back and Peyton seemed to have just stuffed all her emotions down inside like she had so many other times in her life. Brooke and Karen we're mad at him to put it lightly but Nathan was the worst. Hayley and Brooke had to physically hold him and beg him not to go to New York to find Lucas and beat him up. Ellie seemed to be the least fazed by it all and for that all the grownups were happy.
"We're on a plane! I love planes."
"Me too. Ellie where is your daddy?" Mattie asked his cousin. The adults froze at Mattie's question they had kind of forgotten to tell him that Lucas wasn't coming.
"My daddy is finding his happiness so he's not coming to Florida."
"He's going to miss Christmas."
"I guess."
"Are you sad Ellie?"
"I miss him but I want him happy so it's ok."
"I want Uncle Luke happy too. I like him like that."
"Oh I do too. That's what I asked Santa for a happy daddy!"
"Maybe I can ask Santa for that too."
"Thanks Mattie Santa will defiantly have to bring me my happy daddy if you ask him too." The two hugged and the adults exchanged worried looks.
"I'll be right back. Just going to run to the restroom." Peyton said as she hurriedly got up from her seat.
"My stupid brother." Nathan said under his breath.