*Thank you for sticking with this story and all your great comments, they mean so much to me and what keep me writing more, so please keep the reviews coming and share with me any ideas you have that i can incorporate. Thank you *
BAR
(Peyton is sat at the bar drinking, she looks down at her phone to find it vibrating flashing Lucas' caller i.d. She chooses to ignore it.)
Bar man: Don't you think you should answer that?
Peyton: Why?
Bar man: Because whoever has been calling you for the past couple of hours seems to care a hell of a lot. And trust me the answers don't lay in the bottom of a glass.
LUCAS' HOUSE
(Lucas is lying on his bed with his phone in his hand; bringing his phone to his ear he calls Peyton's number.)
Peyton Voicemail: Hi. You've reached Peyton Sawyer. You know what to do...
(Lucas sighs.)
Lucas: Hey. It's me again. Please call me I have to hear your voice.
(Lucas closes his phone and continues to stare at the ceiling.)
BROOKE'S HOUSE
(Chase and Brooke walk up the porch steps to Brooke's house. Brooke pulls her keys out her bag and they both smile at each other.)
Brooke: I had a great time tonight.
(Brooke leans forward and kisses Chase on the cheek.)
Chase: If I haven't already said it a thousand times tonight, you look amazing.
(Chase kisses Brooke tenderly.)
Brooke: Ok we should definitely do that...this again.
(Chase smiles and Brooke blushes.)
Chase: Goodnight Brooke.
(Chase turns and begins to walk down the porch steps. Brooke opens the door and closes it quickly behind her. Leaning on the door she smiles to herself. Suddenly there is a knock at the door. Turning around to open the door she finds Chase stood there. Chase lunges forward and kisses Brooke passionately; they both stumble into the house closing the door behind them.)
Brooke: What took you so long?
(Chase smiles and continues to kiss Brooke.)
Chase: Ready for the best 30 seconds of your life again?
(Brooke laughs and pulls Chase into her bedroom.)
TRIC
(Peyton walks up to her office door and slowly opens the door. Standing in the doorway she takes a moment to take in her new-finished office. Walking across the room to the far wall, she finds her artwork framed on the wall.)
FLASHBACK – THHS GYM
(Lucas and the team run out. Peyton is cheering nearby. Lucas stops in front of her.)
Lucas:Peyton!
(Peyton looks at him.)
Lucas: Your art matters. It's what got me here.
(Peyton smiles.)
END OF FLASHBACK – TRIC
(Peyton touches the framed drawings, a tear falls down her face, wiping it away quickly. She turns and sits at her desk looking out at her office.)
TRIC – NEXT DAY
(Haley walks up the Peyton's office door carrying boxes and notices that it is open. Slowing entering the office, she looks around for some sort of intruder.)
Haley: Hello?
(Walking further into the office Haley finds Peyton fast asleep on the sofa, crouching in front of Peyton she gently shakes her.)
Haley: Peyton. Peyton!
(Peyton opens her eyes in a sleepy haze. Looking around at her surroundings she sits up and brings her hand to her head.)
Peyton: Hey. What time is it?
Haley: It's 9'oclock. Did you sleep here all night?
(Peyton looks down in shame.)
Haley: Let's get you home.
Peyton: I can't Brooke is there with Chase.
Haley: Ok well you're not staying here. You can come back to mine and freshen up, then we can talk over coffee. Ok?
(Peyton nods. Haley helps Peyton of the sofa and leads her out the door.)
THE RIVERCOURT
(Lucas and Nathan are playing ball at the River court. Jamie is sat on the bleachers watching.)
Nathan: When's Peyton moving in?
Lucas: I don't know.
(Nathan stops playing.)
Nathan: What do you mean you don't know?
(Lucas walks over to the bench and picks up a bottle of water and sits down next to Jamie.)
Lucas: It means I don't know. She wouldn't take any of my calls last night and I think she's avoiding me.
Nathan: I thought you guys were in that whole blissed out stage.
(Nathan takes a sip of his water.)
Lucas: Lindsey's back.
(Nathan chokes and spits out his water.)
Nathan: Hold up. You just got Peyton back and now Lindsey's back. Oh this just gets better and better.
Lucas: Nate you're not helping...
(Lucas looks down.)
Lucas: She kissed me and says she still loves me.
Nathan: Who Peyton or Lindsey?
(Nathan laughs and Lucas glares at him.)
Nathan: Ok ok I'm sorry... So what did you do?
Jamie: Yea what did you do Uncle Lucas?
(Lucas looks at Jamie.)
Lucas: I pulled away, told her I was with Peyton and that I loved PEYTON!
Nathan: What did Peyton say?
Lucas: She doesn't know. I've never even told her about Lindsey and to be honest I don't really want to either.
Nathan: She needs to know man. Lindsey is your editor after all.
(Lucas sighs.)
Jamie: You have to tell her Uncle Lucas.
(Lucas ruffles Jamie's hair.)
Lucas: I know lil man.
BROOKE'S HOUSE
(Brooke and Chase are lying in bed. Brooke rolls over to face Chase, he smiles at her.)
Brooke: Morning
Chase: Mmm very good morning
(Chase smiles and Brooks swats him on the chest.)
Chase: Hey!
(Brooke moves in closer to Chase and kisses him sweetly on the lips.)
Chase: That's so much better.
(Brooke smiles. Chase reaches out and tucks a stray hair of Brooke's behind her ear. Brooke bites her lip.)
Chase: I hate this...
(Brooke pulls away.)
Chase: No no not this. I love this. But I have to go.
(Brooke frowns)
Brooke: Just stay. We can stay here all day just you and me...please.
Chase: I can't. I promise to make it up to you though.
Brooke: How?
(Chase leans over and kisses her.)
Chase: Maybe a little bit of this...
(Chase kisses her neck.)
Chase: And this...
(Brooke pushes him away.)
Brooke: Ok ok you have to stop, because....
(Chase smiles. Brooke pulls Chase down to kiss her again.)
NATHAN AND HALEY'S HOUSE
(Peyton walks into the kitchen in a fresh set of clothes. Haley is pouring coffee and hands Peyton a cup. They both sit down at the breakfast bar.)
Haley: So are you gonna tell me why I found you asleep at Tric with a hangover?
(Peyton looks down in shame. Haley rubs Peyton's back.)
Haley: Hey. You can talk to me you know.
Peyton: I went over to Luke's last night and....he was there with someone else. Oh Haley he was kissing someone else.
(Peyton broke into tears. Haley pulls her into a hug.)
Haley: That's crazy.
Peyton: Maybe crazy was me thinking everything could go back to the way things used to be.
Haley: Peyton. Lucas would never cheat on you. He wouldn't risk losing you again.
Peyton: Then what was it Hales?
Haley: What did she look like?
Peyton: Tall, blonde, beautiful...
Haley: What was she wearing?
Peyton: Well to be honest I didn't really wait around to check out what fashion sense she had Hales.
Haley: I'm sorry. I know that was a stupid question. I do think you should talk to Lucas, it could be a complete misunderstanding.
(Peyton nods. There is a knock at the door. Haley stands and answers the door. Lindsey is stood there. Haley invites her in and Lindsey follows Haley into the kitchen.)
Haley: Lindsey I'd like you to meet one of my oldest friends Peyton. Peyton this is Lindsey.
(Peyton stands there shocked. Haley immediately realises. Peyton rushes out past them heading out the front door. Haley chases after Peyton.)
Haley: Peyton wait!!
(Peyton stops and turns to face Haley.)
Peyton: You know her!
Haley: She's Lucas' ex.
Peyton: What?
Haley: Lindsey is Lucas' editor, they were together but they broke up a few months back. I had no idea she was in town. But trust me when I say this Lucas would not risk losing you for a stupid kiss with Lindsey. You were the reason Lucas ended it with her to start with.
Peyton: Why didn't he tell me?
Haley: You really need to talk to him Peyton.
Peyton: Thank you for the coffee and shower, but I really need to go.
(Peyton turns to leave.)
Haley: Peyton.
(Peyton leaves and Haley heads back inside.)
BROOKE'S HOUSE
(A knock at the door. Brooke rushes to the door and answers to find Lucas.)
Lucas: Hey. Is Peyton in?
(Brooke looks confused.)
Brooke: No. I assumed she was with you.
(Lucas sighs.)
Brooke: Lucas what did you do?
Lucas: I don't know. She's dodging my calls....
(Lucas runs his hands through his hair.)
Lucas: I really need to talk to her.
Brooke: Well I'm sure will come around in no time, and then you can talk and make up.
(Lucas sits on the couch and looks worried. Brooke sits down beside him.)
Brooke: What's really going on?
THHS GYM
(Jamie and Nathan are messing around with the ball.)
Nathan: You're just dreaming now. You know that? NBA's a pipe dream, son. Might as well give it up.
Jamie: No, it's not. I'm Nathan Scott.
(Jamie shoot and scores. Nathan looks on in wonder. Jamie and Nathan run over to the benches.)
Nathan: Good game buddy.
Jamie: I know.
(Nathan laughs.)
Jamie: Do you think Uncle Lucas and Aunt Peyton are gonna be ok?
Nathan: I hope so because no one likes a broody Uncle Lucas.
Jamie: That's good because I bet Uncle skills that Uncle Lucas will ask Aunt Peyton to marry him.
(Nathan looks at Jamie in shock.)
Nathan: You better not tell your mum that.
LUCAS' OFFICE/ NATHAN AND HALEY'S HOUSE
(Lucas is sat at his desk going through game plans when his mobile starts to ring.)
Lucas: Hey Hales.
Haley: (On the phone) Did you kiss Lindsey?
Lucas: What! No...It's a long story but she kissed me.
Haley: (On the phone) Peyton saw the kiss and she's really upset Luke.
Lucas: Where is she? I've tried calling but she won't answer her phone.
Haley: (On the phone) She's meeting me at Tric in an hour, so I suggest you be there to.
Lucas: Thanks Hales.
Haley: (On the phone) Luke you really need to fix this.
Lucas: I know.
(Lucas hangs up and sighs.)
TRIC – PEYTON'S OFFICE
(Haley is pacing Peyton's office when Peyton walks in.)
Peyton: Sorry I'm late. Where's Mia?
(Lucas walks in the room.)
Haley: Actually Mia's not coming.
(Haley looks over Peyton's shoulder acknowledging Lucas. Peyton turns around to see Lucas.)
Haley: I think I'm gonna leave you two alone to talk.
(Peyton glares at Haley. Haley leaves patting Lucas on the shoulder on her way out.)
Peyton: What are you doing here?
Lucas: Peyton I'm...
(Lucas approaches Peyton.)
Lucas: I'm so sorry. What you saw last night meant nothing.
Peyton: It sure didn't look like nothing.
Lucas: Lindsey came over out the blue. She kissed me but I pulled away. I told her I was in love with you, always have and always will be.
(Peyton turns away.)
Peyton: Why didn't you ever tell me about Lindsey?
Lucas: Because I didn't want my past to ruin our future. I was never in love with Lindsey; I could never be when I couldn't get over you. It didn't work because I loved you and there is no hope in hell I would do anything to risk losing you again. I love you too much.
(Peyton looks at Lucas with tears in her eyes.)
Peyton: You should have told me.
Lucas: I know.
(Lucas walks forward and wraps his arms around Peyton, Peyton melts into his embrace.)
Peyton: Was she a good kisser?
(Lucas looks a little confused. Stroking Peyton's face.)
Lucas: Nothing compares to you.
(Peyton smiles.)
Peyton: I was hoping you would say that.
(Lucas kisses Peyton.)
Peyton: (Whispering) Thank you for my new office.
(They smile at each other.)
NATHAN AND HALEY'S HOUSE
(Nathan and Jamie are play fighting on the couch. Haley walks in.)
Jamie: Hey, mama!
Haley: Hey. I missed you.
(Haley lifts Jamie of the ground and embraces him.)
Jamie: You should have seen daddy today. He's gonna play in the NBA for sure.
Haley: Oh, we'll see, huh? Hey, listen, um, I was talking to Chester, and apparently he hasn't been fed this morning.
Jamie (sighing): He always tells on me.
Haley: You better get out of here, you wascally rabbit feeder. Go.
(Jamie goes upstairs and Haley comes to sit down next to Nathan.)
Haley: Making progress on the court, huh?
Nathan: Yeah. Today, for the first time, I, uh... I felt like I was on my way back.
(Haley smiles.)
Haley: I'm so glad for you, Nathan.
Nathan: Have you spoken to Lucas?
Haley: Actually I've just come from Tric where as we speak Lucas and Peyton are talking.
Nathan: That's my girl.
(They kiss.)
BROOKE'S HOUSE
(Peyton is packing up boxes in her room, Brooke is stood in the doorway with two glasses of wine.)
Brooke: Who knew you had so much crap.
(Peyton fake laughs and Brooke smiles and hands Peyton a glass of wine.)
Peyton: Actually not all of this is crap. I did find this.
(Peyton pulls out the Victoria Beckham mug that she made for Brooke; it had been glued back together.)
Peyton: I think this belongs with you.
(Brooke starts to cry as she reaches out for the mug.)
Brooke: I thought I broke this.
Peyton: You did. But I couldn't bring myself to throw it away. Even when we weren't talking you was always my best friend.
(Brooke hugs Peyton.)
Brooke: Thank you. So do you need any help?
Peyton: No I think I'm pretty much finished.
Brooke: Well I guess this is it.
(Brooke and Peyton both start to get teary eyed.)
Peyton: I don't know why I'm crying. It's not like I'm not gonna see you everyday.
(They both laugh.)
Brooke: I'm gonna miss you roomie.
(They both hug again.)
Brooke: This will always be your home.
Peyton: I guess it's a good thing I'm going, at least you and Chase can have some quality time together.
(Peyton laughs. Brooke smiles and playfully hits Peyton. Brooke picks up a box.)
Brooke: Come on lets get you moved in with that boy of yours.
(Peyton picks up a box and they both leave the room.)
LUCAS' HOUSE
(Peyton is in Lucas' room unpacking her boxes. Lucas sneaks up behind her and wraps his arms around her waist.)
Lucas: Hey Roomie.
(Peyton turns around to face Lucas.)
Lucas: You settling in ok?
Peyton: Yea although I never feel at home until I've unpacked my music.
Lucas: Actually I have something to show you.
(Lucas holds Peyton's hand and drags her into the living room.)
Peyton: Oo I love surprises.
(Peyton looks at the wall to find shelves of Music and books.)
Peyton: Luke?
(Peyton turns to face Lucas.)
Lucas: It's our home now Peyton.
(Peyton smiles and delicately kisses Lucas. Lucas surprises Peyton by picking her up and carrying her to the bedroom giggling.)
Peyton: Luke we can't. Haley and Nathan will be here soon.
(Lucas doesn't speak just lays Peyton on the bed and smiles at her. Peyton gives in and pulls Lucas in for a kiss.)
BROOKE'S HOUSE
(Brooke is sat on the sofa with her mug from Peyton, a few stray tears falling down her cheeks. Chase knocks softly on the door and then lets himself in. Walking into the house Chase finds Brooke sat on the sofa and sits next to her, wrapping his arm around her, remaining silent, just letting Brooke cry on his shoulder.)
Brooke: She really moved out.
(Chase kisses Brooke's forehead.)
Chase: I like your mug.
(Brooke laughs.)
Brooke: Peyton made it for me.
Chase: How about I take you out for something to eat, cheer you up a bit? You can even bring your mug.
(Brooke smiles.)
Brooke: That sounds good.
LUCAS AND PEYTON'S HOUSE
(Peyton is emptying her suitcases, then she calls up at Brooke, but she falls on the answering machine. She listens to the message, smiles and hangs up.)
Answering machine: "Go! Hi. This is Brooke. And this is Peyton. Leave us, call us, you said I was supposed to go next. No, I did not. Yes, you did! Leave a message. Bye. I told you I was gonna go next."
(Lucas walks into the bedroom and smiles at Peyton.)
Lucas: Nathan, Hales and Jamie are here.
Peyton: Ok I'm coming.
(Peyton walks over to Lucas and he kisses her on the forehead. They both walk into the living room to greet the Scott clan.)
Jamie: Aunt Peyton!!
(Jamie runs into Peyton's arms.)
Peyton: There's my favourite guy.
Nathan: I thought I was your favourite.
Lucas: Excuse me?
(Haley, Peyton and Jamie laugh. Peyton leans forward and whispers in Jamie's ear.)
Peyton: Do you want to hear a secret?
(Jamie nods.)
Peyton: You're my favourite.
(Jamie and Peyton smile.)
Haley: So how's the moving in going?
Peyton: It would be going better if someone didn't keep distracting me.
(Peyton looks at Lucas winks.)
Haley: Ok forget I asked.
(They all laugh.)
Peyton: Actually Hales you and me need to pop to the studio quickly. Mia said something about writers block.
Haley: Oh ok.
(Peyton smiles.)
Peyton: So will you guys be ok for a little bit. There's beer in the fridge and snacks in the cupboard.
Jamie: Cool.
(They all laugh. Lucas walks over to Peyton and kisses her.)
Lucas: Have I told you how much I love you?
Peyton: One more time wouldn't hurt.
(Lucas smiles.)
Lucas: I love you.
Haley: Leave the poor girl alone Luke. It's bad enough she has to live with you.
(Haley smiles at Lucas.)
Lucas: Your mean.
(Peyton and Haley leave. Nathan walks up to Lucas and puts a hand on his shoulder.)
Nathan: You've got a good one there. Try and hold onto her this time.
(Lucas nods.)
TRIC – PEYTON'S OFFICE
(Peyton and Haley walk into the office. Haley looks around for Mia.)
Haley: What time did Mia say she was meeting us here?
Peyton: She didn't.
(Peyton smiles and Haley looks confused.)
Haley: What?
(Peyton pulls Haley into the studio and sits her down on the piano stall.)
Haley: Peyton what's going on?
Peyton: Ok here's the thing I've found a really great artist and I need your help in convincing them to work with me.
(Haley smiles.)
Haley: Ok who is it?
Peyton: A great local talent who goes by the name.....Haley James Scott.
(Haley sits in silence.)
Peyton: So what do you say?
(Haley starts to laugh standing up she hugs Peyton.)
Haley: Thank you.
(Haley's face soon turns to sad and turns away from Peyton.)
Peyton: Haley what is it?
Haley: I don't know if I can do it. I mean I have a husband and son who need me, yet alone a classroom full of students. Do you remember what music did to my relationship with Nathan before?
(Peyton laughs.)
Peyton: Hales take a breath. Why don't you for once do what you love and what you want? I know you can do it and so do you. Plus this time will be different because I will help you.
Haley: Ok.
(Peyton smiles.)
Peyton: Ok?
Haley: Let's make a record.
(They both smile.)
LUCAS AND PEYTON'S HOUSE
(Lucas, Nathan and Jamie are all sat on the sofa watching basketball drinking beer and Jamie is drinking Juice copying Nathan and Lucas.)
Lucas: I'm gonna ask Peyton to marry me.
(Jamie looks at Nathan, Nathan reaches into his pocket and pulls out $5 and gives it to Jamie. Jamie smiles.)
TO BE CONTINUED...