This is the final chapter of the story..hope you all enjoy it! The title for the chapter is based on the OneRepublic song 'All We Are'.
Two weeks. It sounds like a fairly long time doesn't it. I'm sure if I had been stranded in some strange god-awful place for two weeks it would seem like an eternity. But that wasn't the case…I'd been spending time with my friends…I'd been catching up with Nate and Brooke, and most importantly, I'd been having some genuine family time with Luke and Sam. So that morning in the airport, I remember thinking that 14 days wasn't nearly enough time to spend with the people you love.
Flashback
"I'm gunna miss you guys…" I smile sadly as I look around the group…they're all leaving to go home today, and I get to go back to my big empty apartment.
"Well…you could always just buy another plane ticket and…I don't know…come to Tree Hill." I have been waiting for that comment all morning, so when Nate pulls me into his side all I can do was smirk.
"Don't worry…I haven't forgotten where home is…and even if I ever did forget…I always have you to remind me…"I lift my head to smile up at him.
"Got that right…" We both laugh before I throw my arms around his neck…there are no words to describe how much I'm going to miss him. Since our talk last week, Nate's been trying extra hard not to be overbearing…pushing me to spend time with Luke and Sam, and all with a smile on his face. So I kidnapped him yesterday evening, four hours of some much needed bonding between my bestest bud and I…no ulterior reasons, no injuries or extreme emotional distress…just quality time together.I hugged him just a bit tighter before finally letting go and stepping back, tears inevitably creeping into my eyes.
"Okay…I'm not gunna cry because I'm gunna see you again soon" I laughed lightly as I looked up at the ceiling, desperately trying to will the tears away.
"Oh come on…I can't even get one tear…" I shook my head in response and the smirk I flashed him somehow caused him to blow in my face. I blinked back hard and was about to ask what he was doing but stopped when I realized blinking had caused a tear to break free and slide down my cheek. "Much better"
"Bye Nathan…" I wiped the tear away before sticking my tongue out and walking away towards the same person I always seem to save for last…Luke.
"I really wish I didn't leave" he whispered the words into my ear as he wrapped his arms around me tightly. I don't say anything back to him, I simply pull his body closer to mine
"So I had an idea" the words leave my mouth when we pull apart a minute later. I'm extremely nervous right now and I know he notices because he presses his lips to mine just as he's always done to calm me down. He smiles down at me as he pulls back, his arms wrapped securely around my hips. "I was thinking that maybe…Sam could stay for an extra week. The idea kinda of popped into my head last night and I…I really wanna do this."
"What about work…" I open my mouth to response but have to close it because I don't really have an answer for him. He must have seen my face fall because he pulls me closer and offers a comforting smile. "Don't get me wrong…I think it's a great idea…but…you've basically got a twenty-four-seven job."
"I'm the editor…I can bring her with me…or I work from home if you don't want her in an office all day…or I can just take off…I didn't really think about all the details, I just really wanna do this. Oh my god, I sound so irresponsible right now…lime some giddy teenager with this idea that I think is so awesome but I actually stop and think about it's really stupid"
"Calm down.." he laughs lightly as her leans his forehead against mine. "You're not the least bit irresponsible Peyt…I trust you…you must trust you or else you never would have thought about doing this and you definitely wouldn't have asked…so don't start doubting yourself now."
"Sam might not even wanna stay…I mean I you say she likes me, and I've enjoyed spending time with her this past week, and I think she enjoyed it too, but that doesn't mean she wants to spend a whole week with just me. I mean…"
"Peyton…why don't you just ask her. I'm pretty sure she's gunna say yes…" I feel like a nervous wreck and he can't seem to stop laughing at me.
"Are you sure about this…" I think he's sure…it's me that's not sure. I feel like I'm gunna mess this up somehow…what if she scrapes her knee again and I just freeze up. I don't know what I was thinking…actually I don't think I was thinking…at all…I…just got way ahead of myself…I…
"Sam…would you like to stay with Peyton for a week" That breaks me out of my thoughts, and I lock eyes with Lucas, who's smirking at me.
"Peyton, can I?" I pull away from Lucas and look down at my side to see Sam looking up at me expectantly. That look is all it takes to remind me of why I was so sure of myself last night…it's all it takes to remind to that I really wanna do this…that it's important to me that Sam and I get to know each other.
"Of course you can" I watch her eyes light up and a second later she's running back over to Kristen to share the news.
"You two are gunna be fine…it'll be good for you…both of you." We exchange smiles as he closes the distance between us. "Thank you Peyton…"
"I should be thanking you for trusting me with your daughter…you don't need to thank me…"
"Yes I do. I know I said it before but…you don't have to be like this with her…you just chose to be. You just chose to keep her for a week and I…" he stops and laughs lightly to himself as he closes his eyes. "I can't put what I'm thinking into words right now, but you have no idea how much I appreciate it. "
"Well I love you…both of you…and you guys don't deserve any less. And don't think that I accept her because I need to in order to have you…it's not about that"
"I know" He pulls me closer as he presses his lips against mine again. "I love you, and I can't wait to marry you."
"Lucas Sawyer….has a great ring to it, don't you think" I watch him cock an eyebrow up before smiling back at me.
"Sounds wonderful…but for someone who enjoys The Aristocats so much, I'd think you'd be more into the more classic name change."
"Are you making fun of me" I scuff as I poke him in the chest. "I'll have you know that Sam and I think The Aristocats is a great movie."
"Yeah, you two enjoyed that movie just as much as Robin Hood…oh and I can't forget that because you caved to the puppy dog face I missed out on a proper goodbye and had to settle for…"
"Hey…don't you dare knock Beauty and Beast…and don't think I didn't catch you mouthing some of the words…you are a closet Lumiere fan." After I got back from my 'date' with Nathan, Luke, Sam and I spent the night in my room watching Disney movies…and although the plan had only been to watch one movie…we wound up watching two and then when Sam asked me to watch another, I caved and said yes. Sam fell asleep on Luke's stomach halfway through the final movie and it didn't take me long to follow suit with Luke's shoulder as my pillow.
"Lumiere is awesome…but don't think he's better than that shower I was looking forward tolast night."
"Well think of it this way…" I pressed my lips against his, letting my tongue trace his bottom lip just enough to tease him since were in the middle of an airport. "Now I owe you one hell of a hello" He leans in again and I do nothing to stop him when he pushed his tongue into my mouth…onlookers be damned.
"I'm gunna miss being around you…" I hadn't thought about it until now, but we've been together for the past month…he's been the last thing I see every night and the first thing I see every morning. I hadn't thought about how lonely my bed was going to be now…I've gotten used to his warmth…falling asleep in his arm…his scent is all around my room…it's on my pillows and wrapped up in my sheets..it's probably embedded in my mattress with no intention of leaving anytime soon.
"Do you have to go…" I'm pouting now and his response is to kiss the tip of my nose…which only makes me pout more because I'm going to miss all this cheesy romantic stuff.
"It's not gunna six months before I see you again right…" I've got my arms looped around his neck and my fingers are dancing along his hairline. I shake my head in response, my nose rubbing against his with each movement.
"I couldn't stay away that long if I wanted to…"
End Flashback
It's been a month and a half since that morning and I'm keeping my word…I'm planning a surprise visit to Tree Hill next week. I can't wait to see everyone again…especially Sam…she harassed Luke to let her have the phone the other night because she had been waiting all day to tell me that she lost another tooth. She lost the first top front tooth about two weeks ago and now that the second one's fallen out she's got the classic gapped smile….and it's a little surprising to me just how much I want to see it.
I glace at the picture frames on my desk…I've got a total of five, which is a big difference from the zero I had before. The first picture to makes its way onto my desk was from my third trip to Tree Hill…technically my first 'happy visit'…it's a picture from a barbeque at Nate and Hales…it's got Brooke, Alex, Nate, Hales, Luke, the girls and I all leaning in around the patio table. We took two pictures around that table…one with all of looking, and the second on with Sam and Kristen laughing and pointing to something across the patio, Alex rolling his eyes with his arm around Brooke, whose turned away from him and bickering with Nathan, Lucas trying to shut them up so we can take the picture, and Haley and I sitting in front of them respectively, the boys with their hands on our shoulders, and us with our heads leaning together laughing at a never changing situation. I choose to put the latter on my desk because it never fails to make me smile.
The picture that sits in front of that one is from the night Brooke set up for Luke and I…she got the photos combined so that the one of me leaning against Luke is in the foreground and the one of him kissing my forehead is faded into the background…it's in black and white, and it's my favorite of the two of us for multiple reasons. Next to that is a picture of me on Nathan's back…I'm grinning at the camera, and he's got his neck craned to look back at me.
On the other side of my desk there's the picture Brooke took of me, Luke and Sam on my bed. I call it my 'awe' picture…not only because that's what Brooke said when she took it, but because that's what everyone seems to say when they look at it. The picture in front of that is of just me and Sam…it's from the extra week she spent with me. I spent most of my lunch breaks that week sitting on the floor with Sam and drawing. Kate snapped a picture of us one afternoon, neither of us noticed, but she surprised each of us with a copy before Sam left. It's a great picture…it reminds me of the one I drew of her and Luke. The two of us had a great week together…but Luke said I spoiled her.
Flashback
"Hello" I automatically smiled as I sat down on the couch. I had gotten a call earlier from Luke letting me know that Sam had gotten to him safely…they had been waiting at baggage claim then and the conversation wasn't long since I was getting ready for a meeting. This however, was the call I had been getting every night from Luke for the past week
"Hi Peyton…" I can't say I'm shocked to hear Sam's voice come through the phone instead of Luke's. "Daddy says I have to bed, but I wanted to tell you goodnight…so…goodnight…"
"Sweet dreams…" I can't help but laugh a little as I hear Luke tell her goodnight in the background…there's a slight commanding tone in his voice and I can just imagine the puppy dog face she's giving in hopes that she can stay up a little longer.
"Night Peyton…"
"Goodnight sweetie…." I listen to the two of them exchange 'I love you's before the phone gets passed on.
"Hey you…" Every time I hear his voice I miss him a little bit more.
"Hey…" I pull my legs up onto the couch as I curl up on the cushion.
"So imagine my surprise when I pull Sam's bag from baggage claim and she tells me that there's another one."
"Yeah…ummm…" I half expected this…I was hoping it wouldn't come up, but I should have known sending Sam home with extra luggage…no matter how small, was gunna ear a few questions.
"Yeah…wanna tell me why she came home with a bag of new things…toys…clothes…shoes…" he's not angry, which takes the worse scenario I formed out of my head…there won't be any yelling about me screwing things up horribly.
"Well…see…"
"She asked for everything really nicely…and then she threw in the puppy dog eyes and you caved and got her everything she asked for…"
"Well when you put it that way…it doesn't sound so great…but that's basically what happened" We both wind up laughing a few seconds later him more than me.
"Peyt, did you tell her no for anything…" Maybe if I don't answer him he'll just forget the question and we can move past me being weak…really weak. "Okay then…"
"I'm sorry…"
"Don't be sorry…just…you gotta learn to tell her no. It's hard…trust me I know…but after the first time…it just keeps getting easier"
"But I feel like I'm going become the meanie"
"No one's ever happy when you tell them no…but the great thing about a seven year old…95 of the time, they get over it in a few minutes and they'll be your best friend again. But don't get in the habit of spoiling her…trust me, you will regret it later…"
"But she just looks so happy when you tell her yes…" He started laughing again and all I could do was join in because I know he's right.
End Flashback
I've spoken to them every evening since then…occasionally I speak to Luke a second time later on just to say goodnight…to tell him that I miss him…I really, really miss him. I've lasted for the past 6 weeks…what's 8 more days…I keep telling myself I can get through it without a problem, but there's a part of me that's just dying to hop on the next flight to Tree Hill…and that part of me is growing more and more with each day.
I look at the clock and smile…it's finally time for me to go home…I love my job, but the end of the work day means I'm that much closer to my evening phone call. I've never been one of those girls who likes to sit by the phone waiting for my boyfriend to call…in fact, Brooke and I used to laugh at those girls…but over the last two months that's exactly who I've become…I actually watch the clock in the evenings, sometimes I even sit by the phone. Pathetic…that's what I've become…pathetic….but that's not gunna stop me from doing one or both of those things tonight. I can't help but shake my head as I pull on my jacket and grab my bag.
"Done for the day…" I nod towards Rachel as I pass by her desk.
"Have fun tonight…" She winks at me…she's got a date with Brian tonight. They're not a couple you'd expect…a secretary who does modeling on the side and a computer technician…but they're unbelievably happy together. Who knew I could play matchmaker.
The ride home is quiet except for the other cars around me…and despite the traffic, the ride is fairly short. Walking into my building, I greet the doorman with a smile and make my way upstairs. Without fail, it always feels good to be home, to close the door and throw my keys down on the side table. Half an hour later, I've showered and found comfort on the downstairs couch, clad in a pair of shorts and one the shirts Lucas left here…unbeknownst to him of course. They've got a Nightmare on Elm Street marathon running…and despite the pathetic sap I've been turning into, I'm still always up for a classic horror flick. Halfway through the movie my phone startles me, and with my eyes still glued to the screen I reach over and grab it off the hook.
"Hello…" had it been a two hours later I'd be a little more enthusiastic…that's when I'm expecting my call.
"Don't sound so enthused…here I was thinking you loved me…" I roll my eyes and laugh lightly as I turn the TV down.
"Hey Nate…" he laughs at the overly perky voice I use. "To what do I owe this pleasure…"
"Can't a big brother just call to say hello…"
"Yeah…but I spoke to you earlier…" He had relaxed with the phone class since the last visit. Every night has gradually turned into every few days, which has made our conversations a bit longer.
"See that's kind of why I'm calling. How could you not tell me Sawyer…I'm just shocked…I thought I could depend on you…"
"What on earth are you talking about…" I'm really glad that we're having this conversation over the phone, because I'm having a hard time not laughing.
"How are you supposed to be a godmother if I can't trust and depend on you…"
"Well I only know because…wait…what" it just hit me…what Nate was implying. "Are you really…"
"Really what…asking you to be the godmother of my second born…yeah I really am…so what do you say?" I can't help but smile at the request. I know it probably shouldn't shock me…but it does.
"Of course I say yes."
"Well good…now back to why you didn't tell me…"
"I really wasn't supposed to know…Brooke just slipped up and told me and then she made me swear not to tell you because Haley wanted to confirm first. If it makes you feel any better it was really hard not telling you…" I've known for the past week that Hales might be pregnant, and I've been itching to tell Nathan the news, but I was more interested in proving to Brooke and Haley that I could keep the secret. I'm glad it's finally out though…I don't know how much longer I would have been able to keep this from Nate and Luke.
"That's not an excuse…you should have told me…I could've still acted surprised when she told me…" We both laugh, mostly because we know that would have been impossible for him. I turn towards the door when someone starts knocking. "Isn't a bit late to be expecting company…"
"Kate was working out of the office today, so she's supposed to be bringing over her work. If it's not her it's Matt." I would kill to see the look on his face right now…the overprotective younger big brother.
"Who's Matt…" I can just imagine the wheels in his head turning…it would be even better if I wasn't engaged to his brother…then I'd really have him thinking.
"He's the young man bringing me my Chinese food…" I let out a small laugh as Nathan audibly lets out a breath.
"Miss Peyton…" I grab my bag off the counter as I head for the door.
"Matthew it is…" I smile as I pull the door open and greet the 19 year old delivery boy. His family opened a Chinese restaurant a few months ago and I order food from them almost once a week. Matt's the oldest of the three children, just finished high school and he'll be leaving in a few weeks to start college upstate. "Hey Matt…"
"Hi…I have your order…extra sauce on the chicken, and some extra fortune cookies as well." The joys of being a regular customer. A minute later I've got my food and with the way it smells, all I can think about is how hungry I am.
"Stop drooling over the food Sawyer"
"Ha ha…" I hate to admit it, but he does know me well. "Oh wait…he forgot to give me my drink…" I mumble as I double check the paper bag…nope no soda. It's not like I really need it, but water and Chinese don't go together as nicely. I walk over to the door and pull it open, the phone dropping to the floor as I take a step back.
"Missing something…"
"Luke…" my voice is barely above a whisper as I look at him standing there with my soda in his hand and a bag at his feet. I break into a smile as I throw my arms around his neck, his own arms wrapping around my body as he lifts me off the floor. He sets me back down and pulls away slightly, his hand finding its way into my hair.
"I missed you…" the correct response would be I miss you too, but I wind up hugging him tightly again, burying my face in his neck. He grips my hips with his hands and hoists me onto his waist, he must know I'm not ready to let go yet. I feel him bend down and pick up his bag before moving us into my apartment and shutting the door.
"Nathan…" I mumble into his neck.
"What…" I don't know if he's asking that because of what I said or because he didn't hear me, but either way I have to laugh a little.
"Nate…he's on the phone…" I lift my head just enough to make sure that he heard me, but I go right back to my former position as soon as the words are out….I missed his scent…I'm tired of just smelling it around the apartment and not actually on him. "I missed you" I know he heard me this time because his grip on me tightens for a moment before he gently pushes me back down. I step back and smile up at him before bending down to pick up the phone.
"'Bout time…" Nate's trying to sound agitated but there's a definite laugh hidden behind his muttered words.
"Sorry…"
"I guess you're not the only one who can keep a secret…tell Luke I said hi and that Sam's doing fine….bye Peyt." I don't have time to respond because he hangs up the phone. Normally I'd call him back to tell him how offended I am before hanging up on him…but right now, I'm more interested in the Scott that's standing in front of me. I set the phone down on the counter, and turn my attention to Luke.
"Nice shirt…" his eyes drift down for a moment before he meets my gaze again.
"I thought so…" I smirk in his direction before breaking into a full smile.
"Nice legs… a little chickeny "
"You never complained before…" he held his hands up in defense, a smile forming as he shrugs. My eyes drift to Luke's duffle bag a few moments later, and I can't help but bite my lower lip. "How long are you here for…" I don't know why, but I can't get my voice to get very loud…I guess I'm just too happy for words…just more proof of me being a sap.
"I have to leave tomorrow afternoon, I've only got the two days off." I step closer to him and he securely wraps his arms around my waist. "I would've loved to spend today with you, but…I was in Long Island…" My brows wrinkling as I look up at him in confusion.
"What's in Long Island…" I can't help but shake my head at his admission.
"A house…one I've been looking at for over a month now." The shock on my face does nothing to stop him, instead it seems to make him talk faster, probably hopping that I won't cut him off and ask what on earth he's talking about. "The broker said everything is all set, all we'd have to do is sign off on it…so I went to look at it today, see if it was as nice as the pictures and the owners made it out to be…and Peyton it really is…it's perfect. It has two floors, and a pool…it's on an acre and a half of land so there's plenty of yard space…there's a great shade tree hanging over the deck."
"Lucas…" he looks so excited about all of this, like this is his perfect dream and it's all coming true.
"I found a job up here, spoke to the head doctor, and he said he'd love to have me…I found a school for Sam too, two actually, so we can go visit them and she can decide which one she likes best…and I spoke to her about all of this already and she's okay with it…she's really excited about it actually….and you could even keep your apartment and…"
"Luke…this is crazy" I've got one hand resting gently on his cheek, while the other sits against his chest…his heart is pounding unbelievably fast.
"I know, I just hope you haven't changed your mind and you still wanna marry me even if I am crazy…" he leans his forehead against mine, a small smile forming on his lips.
"Luke…I…I hope you didn't sign off on that house" I watch his face fall, he tries to cover it up, but it doesn't work. "…you can't just pick Sam up and move her…it's not fair…she's got friends and family in Tree Hill…so do you…you've got a job you love and I already put in my two weeks' notice…"
"You what…" he pulls back, takes a full step back actually so that his hands are resting on my hips now.
"Yeah…last week. I've been training Kate for the past two months…this time next week she'll be the new editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan. I told my landlord that I was leaving at the beginning of the month…so…I really hope you didn't sign off on that house." He hoists me back onto his waits with a laugh, and my arms snake around his neck as he spins us around a few times. I lean down and capture his lips with mine, pulling away only because of the need for oxygen. "I can't get your scent out my room…it's all over the house…I keep changing my sheets, and my comforter and still you're what I smell before I go to bed…and when I wake up, and I keep rolling over and you're not there…and…Luke I miss waking up next to you."
"Good to know I'm not the only one." I press my lips against his again, smiles on both our faces as we pull apart. "I have to admit I was kinda looking forward to getting a house of our own…you know…painting all the rooms, picking out some new things…maybe even fixing some leaky pipes and cleaning out the attic…"
"We can still do all that…just in Tree Hill…" the chance to do all that stuff is still something I want very much…I'm just ready to go back home and do all that. "We can still spend hours in Home Depot…paint the same wall five times because the color just isn't what we thought it would be…I can still get the change to laugh at you when you try to fix the kitchen sink and water sprays everywhere 'cause you twist the pipes the wrong way…"
"We can scream and then laugh about every stubbed toe…we can pull weeds out of the lawn…you know it's gunna be a lot of work" He arches a brow up as he tilts his head to side.
"Yeah…but it sounds like a lot of fun…and just think…after we're all done….it'll be all ours." My lips found his again, my tongue dipping into his mouth…my intention had been just to tease him, but when his hand finds its way into my hair, I know what I intended doesn't matter.
"Any…problems….with…reheated Chinese…" he mumbles between kisses. When I shake my head he starts off towards the stairs. "Then how about….that…hello…you promised…" My response…to pull my body as close to his as possible…the sudden movement must have thrown him off balance because next thing I know were on the floor at the top of the stairs…maybe we'll make it the few more feet down the hall to my room…maybe not. His hands creep onto my back, his palm presses into my back firmly enough to flip us over. He doesn't waste any time lining my neck with kisses, his lips trailing along my collar bone as his fingers creep from my back to my stomach…I'm definitely leaning towards not right now…maybe a little later, but we won't get to my room anytime too soon.
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"So how about that Chinese food…" We did eventually make it to my bed, and now I'm laying between his legs with my head on his chest, his arms wrapped around me. "I know you only ordered for one, but you love me enough to share…"
"You are always hungry afterwards…" I can't help but laugh…Lucas and his late night munchies.
"It's all your doing…" There's only so much teasing I can do…especially considering I'm feeling kind of hungry myself. "Which is all the more reason for you to share that Chinese with me…"
"Really can't argue with that logic…" I turn my body to face him and press my lips lightly against his. "Come on…" I grab my robe off the end of the bed and slip it on, tying it around my waist before moving over to the dresser on the other side of the room. I open up the bottom draw and toss Luke a pair of the pajama pants he actually did just forget here. He pulls them on quickly before following me out the room and down to the kitchen, both of us smirking at the clothes strewn around the hallway, some things even laying on the stairs.
It's not long before we're standing side by side at the counter eating cold Chinese out of the cartons. "You know…I haven't done this since college…and I remember it tasting a lot better back then." He looks a cold piece of chicken before shrugging and popping it in his mouth anyway.
"That's 'cause back then you were probably always hung over…and in some cases still drunk…." I point my chopsticks at him and watch as nods in agreement.
"Yeah…I'm sure that made just about everything taste better…" he laughs as he continues eating. Knocking on the door causing me to look away from him a minute later and my eyes focus on the clock. It's only ten thirty, and I quickly remember that Kate was supposed to drop her articles off. I'm sure my cheeks are still slightly flushed and my hair's a mess, but I can't just leave her standing in the hall…she knows I'm never asleep this early.
"Be right back…" I do my best to smooth my hair over as I walk towards the door and pull it open to see Kate holding a manila folder stuffed with paper. "Hey…."
"Hi…sorry it's so late, but I did say I would get these to you tonight…so here you go…" she hands me the folder with a smile.
"Thanks…" I return her smile as I take the folder.
"Goodnight Peyton…" she offers a small wave which I return.
"Night Kate…"
"Goodnight Lucas…" she rolls her eyes at me as feel myself blush.
"Goodnight Kate…" He leans back and waves in our direction as he comes into view. We all exchange smiles before she turns and heads back towards the elevator. I wait 'till she's inside before I close and lock the door and retreat back to my position next to Luke. He offers me a piece of chicken which I happily accept as the extra redness slowly fades from my cheeks.
-5 days later-
"So are you all set" I look around my barren apartment before looking back at Luke and nodding.
"I think so…" He grabs my mind and interlocks our fingers, giving my hand a gentle squeeze…despite the fact that I'm the one who initiated the move, it's still a giant step for me and he gets that. I've already said my goodbyes at work…they threw me a big party, how they did it without me knowing, I don't know, but regardless it was appreciated.
"You sure…" I take one last look around before turning around and grabbing Luke's other hand. All my stuff is already on its way to Tree Hill, all I'm bringing with me today is a suitcase with some of my clothes. I smile up at Luke before getting on my tip toes and kissing him lightly.
"Positive…" He drops my hands and loops his arms around my shoulders, pulling my body into his side.
"Then let's hit the road…" I lean my head against his shoulder as we make our way down the hall…this is the last time I'm gunna be waiting for this elevator, and after almost a decade in this apartment, it makes me a little nostalgic, regardless of the bad memories this place harbors. We head straight down to the parking garage, most people are still at work so it's only my car and a few others in the lot.
"Where does everyone think you are…" I question as we pull out into traffic.
"At a conference in Raleigh…Nate's got the girls for the day because Haley actually does have a meeting to go to."
"So they really have no idea I'm coming." He meets my gaze and shakes his head with a smile.
"Not a clue…" I take a deep breath to calm my nerves, but it doesn't seem to anything. What does work is when Luke takes my hand again. "I love you…"
"I love you too…" the smile finds its way back onto my face as I lean back in the seat and settle in the eight hour drive.
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I must have dozed off because when I open my eyes it's a little past two, and I'm shocked to find myself in Nate and Haley's driveway. "I'm just gunna run in and get Sam and then we can head to the house."
"I know I said I was gunna wait until tomorrow to surprise everyone, but I think I changed my mind." I shrug my shoulders with a smirk as I undo the seatbelt.
"Figured you would…come on…" he follows suit before we exit the car and head up the pathway to the front door. My hand lightly knocks against the painted wood, and I fear that it was too lightly when no one opens the door, but just as I'm about to knock again, the porch light comes on and I hear the lock being turned. I'm excited and anxious and nervous all at once and its wreaking havoc on my stomach.
"You know when you said the conference ended at five, I didn't think that meant you'd be showing up here at two in the morn…Peyton…" I smile shyly as I offer a small wave in Nathan's direction. "What are you doing here…"
"What…no I'm happy to see you…no I missed you…." I watch him roll his eyes at me and cross his arms over his chest in defiance, typical Nate. "I'm home…for good." I watch his arms drop to his sides and I can't help but smirk. "Now who's better at keeping secrets?"
"Who cares…" he pulls me into a big hug and I instinctively return the embrace. Out of the corner of my eye I see Luke slip into the house, but it doesn't take long for me to focus my attention back on the hug.
"You're just saying that because my secret was better…" I place my hands on my hips as soon as we break apart.
"You get no arguments from me….this was a great secret" He presses his lips to my forehead just as Luke reappears with Sam in his arms.
"You two can play catch up later…even though I don't know what you could possibly have to catch up on…but either way, I need sleep…" He's got work in the morning and after driving from New York, I know he must be exhausted.
"Go home…I'll see you tomorrow…" I give Nate one last hug and Luke thanks him before we make our way back to the car. He sets Sam down lightly in the back seat before getting behind the wheel and heading to the house. It's not long before we pull into the driveway and he turns off the car with a yawn. Before he has a chance to, I get out and lift Sam out of the back seat…she's fairly light, so I just motion for Luke to grab my bag before I make my way to the front door. Once inside, I head upstairs to her room, she's already in pajamas so all I have to do is lay her down and tuck her in. It's as I'm pulling the blankets up around her that her eyes flutter open.
"Peyton…"
"Hey sweetheart…go back to sleep. I'll see you in the morning…"
"I missed you…" she smiles up at me and I can't help but smile back, especially when I see the decent sized gap between her teeth.
"I missed you too…" my hand comes up to sweep the hair out of her face.
"When are you going home…" she yawns as she struggles to keep her eyes open.
"I am home…" I lean down and drop a kiss on her forehead as she finally closes her eyes again.
"You know I like the sound of that" I turn back to see Luke leaning against the doorframe. I walk over to him and he snakes his arm around my waist before leading us towards the bedroom. Minutes later we've both changed and migrated to the center of the bed. His arm takes its place around my waist again as he lips flutter against my shoulder. "You know what's great"
"I thought you were tired" the heat of his breath beats a bit harder against my skin as he laughs, his arm pulling me closer.
"Not that…well yes that, but not what I was talking about." It's my turn to laugh as I intertwine our fingers. "I get to hold you every night now…you'll be the last thing I see every day." he kisses the base of my neck and gets ready to bury his face in my curls, but I turn to face him before he has the chance.
"And you'll be the first thing I see every morning..." I smile as I lean in to connect our lips briefly before I rest my head against his chest. He rolls onto his back, his arm never leaving my side, and I unconsciously snuggle deeper into his body. When his breathing evens out, I know he's fallen asleep, and I gladly let his heart beat lull me to sleep.
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"Can we get frosting…" Sam points to the shelf full of different types of frosting…we were bored and decided to back cupcakes…but that required a trip to the supermarket, and that's how we wound up with a cart full of enough sugar to keep us both bouncing off the walls for hours.
"What kind of cupcakes don't have frosting…" I make a face at her as we come to a stop.
"Let's get chocolate…" her eyes light up, and I can only imagine the trouble I'm setting myself up for…oh well.
"Sounds good to me…" I grab the chocolate frosting, and with that being our last item, we head to the register. I have to stop by Brooke's before I head back to the house, and as I wait on line, I can't help but wonder about the verbal lashing I'm going to get for not telling her about all this…I'll probably get yelled at before I get a hug. Ten minutes later Sam and I are headed in the direction of Brooke's store and I can't help but feel excited about the shocked look that's going to be on my best friend's face.
I pull the door open and walk in with Sam's hand gripped in mine. I look around and on the other side of the store I spot Brooke talking to one of her associates. "So let's see that ring…" I'm few feet away from her and I watch as spins around with wide eyes.
"You witch…I can't believe you didn't tell me you were coming…when did you get in…I would have picked you up from the airport…how long are you staying…it better be long enough for me to kiss your scrawny butt for not mentioning this while we were on the phone for an over an hour yesterday."
"Oops…guess it just slipped my mind." I shrug nonchalantly and watch as she narrows her eyes before walking over and hugging me, and I release Sam's hand so that I can return the gesture. "Now the ring…" I grab her hand as we pull apart and nod in approval at the diamond ring glistening on her finger. She had called me at 1 in the morning over the weekend to tell me that Alex had finally proposed…she sounded so happy over the phone, and I can tell she's a had a smile plastered on her face since he slipped the ring on her finger.
"I really wish I didn't have all this inventory stuff to finish." She pouts before giving a dramatic sigh causing Sam to giggle. "You would laugh at me…and here I was thinking you loved me…" she ruffles Sam's hair before turning her attention back to me. "So how long are you here for…"
"I'm actually headed home now…" I watched her entire face fall as her lips part.
"What…you just got here…you can't leave already…" she scuffs as she finally purses her lips back together.
"We're going to bake cupcakes…with chocolate frosting…" Sam claps her hands together in excitement as Brooke just looks on in confusion.
"Wait…I thought you said…" I raise a brow at her and I can tell when it finally dawns on her…not only form the look on her face, but from the fact that she hits me in the arm. "How could you not tell me…you little…go bake your cupcakes and come back when you're not in the presence of someone with v-i-r-g-i-n e-a-r-s." she scuffs once again before turning around and walking away. "You know if I wasn't so mad right not…" she turns back around and places her hands firmly on her hips. "…I'd tell you that I missed you, and that I'm really glad you're home…but I am mad…and I'm not talking to you…"
"See you later Brooke…" I wave goodbye before taking Sam's hand in mine again.
"Bye Sam…" she waves in Brooke's direction and all I can do is laugh as the two of us walk out of store…I know she'll pop up at the front door as soon as she gets off.
"Can we go make the cupcakes now…" I nod in Sam's direction and se flashes me a toothless grin as we approach the car. It feels a little odd to not be shuffling through articles at this time of day, but I don't have a single complaint about making cupcakes with grinning brunette in the backseat.
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Two years ago, who would have thought we would all be here, genuinely happy and satisfied with our lives. I didn't think I would ever get to this point or anywhere near it. I have the all these people around to thank for getting me to where I am. The brunette whose playfully bickering with Haley started it all, and the two brothers laughing about high school and college memories, they made sure I got through it, that I survived it all, everyone one of them steadying me when I stumbled…but two of them picked me up when I fell and started towards rock bottom, they carried me for as long as I needed, until I was ready and able to carry myself. None of them have ever left my side, and for that I'm eternally grateful.
I've been back in Tree Hill for a little over a month now, and everything is falling into place perfectly. I'm now business partners with Nate and we've been talking about expanding Tric. It's just talk right now, but I can see it happening and we're both looking forward to it. Lucas and I bought a house on the outskirts of Tree Hill, we're a little bit further from the other's now, but still close…just not within walking distance. The house needs some work, but we're excited about it all. We've been spending our weekends unpacking and looking at color swatches, debating between carpets and wooden floors. The only room two room's that are done are the master bedroom and Sam's room, everything else is still in the works. And despite all the chaos and the numerous stubbed toes, I've never been happier.
"Food's ready…" Luke's voice breaks through my thoughts as I finish filling the glasses with ice. I set them on the tray with the salad before making my way to the back door leading out to the porch. Luke meets me at the door, sliding it open with a smile.
"I've got it…" he takes the tray from me and I slide the door closed before following him outside. I grab two of the smaller glasses from the tray as I pass Luke and I stop first to pour some juice in each before I make my way over to the small table Sam and Kristen are sitting at. I set the glass down in front of them and receive a thank-you from each before they go back to eating their burgers and chatting away happily.
"Now you're not gunna give this whole big spiel about how happy you are we're all here to celebrate the new house…'cause the food smells really good…" I roll my eyes at Nate as I take a seat between Brooke and Luke.
"My stomach seems to agree with Nathan…" Brooke swats Alex in the arm as before shaking her head. I watch as Luke stands up and receives a sigh from his brother.
"Well we do appreciate you being here…but there's no long drawn out speech…this is the new house…we love you all…now dig in…" I laugh as he sits back down next to me.
"Nice appreciation speech…" I joke as I hand him the salad.
"I thought so too…" he presses his lips to mine as he takes the salad bowl from my hands.
"You two are nauseatingly sappy…and you're still not married yet…I honestly fear the day…" I stick my tongue out at Brooke who in turn points her finger at me.
"Like you two are any better…" Haley chimes in as she nods towards Brooke and Alex.
"Hey…we have more self control than these too…" the brunette next to me defends.
"Really…and who was it that I caught in some dark corner at Tric last night…" I watch my best friend's cheek's turn a dark shade of red as a chorus of 'ohh's echoes around the table. My eyes follow the piece of bread the flies across the table in Haley's direction a second later and I join in on the laughter that follows.
"I already warned you about the food throwing…" despite the words coming out of her mouth, she launches the same piece of bread back at Brooke. Yeah…at thirty, these are the people I choose as my friends, and I wouldn't trade them for anything.
Okay, so this story is officially done…FINALLY. As usual…I have to apologize for the huge gap between updates...I didn't realize it'd almost been a year. Thank you to everyone that stuck with me and has continued reading this story over the past two and half years…and thank you to everyone who started reading somewhere in between and thought it was worth the read….I really do appreciate it. And of course….thank you sooooo much for all the wonderful reviews…you guys never failed to bring a smile to my face with the things you had to say, and it makes writing these stories that much better…so thanks again to everyone that read Walk Away…and I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
