Disclaimer: I don't own anything but my imagination

Authors note: I forgot to mention, this isn't AU. The attack happened the night that Peyton waits for Mick to turn up and he doesn't, Nathan finds out he's wanted to coach Fort Wayne and Lucas has visited Lindsey. Anyways, R&R. =]

Warning: Swearing.

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The thick scent of alcohol mixed with blood flooded her senses.

"Nathan…" she whimpered. "Nathan…stop."

"Remember how good we were together Peyton," he slurred. "Remember all those nights we'd stay up and just fuck for hours on end." His fingers dug tighter into the skin of her back, pulling her snug to him. "You could never resist a good fuck, could you blondie!"

"Go away!"

"I know you miss me Peyton. Lucas will never be man enough for you compared to me. He could never please you the way I can!"

"LEAVE ME ALONE!"

--

"She asked me to leave," he winced, dragging his feet toward the kitchen counter. "I think she's scared of me." Brooke swallowed, forcing herself not to scream the culprit's name at the top of her lungs. "Just give her some time" she whispered with a nod. He smiled sadly. "Go home and get some rest Luke. I call you if anything happens." He reluctantly agreed, pushing away his desires to stay and protect his fiancé. "I'll drop by tomorrow."

Seconds, minutes, hours passed and the battered blonde finally emerged from the depths of her ex-bedroom. She gingerly pulled herself onto a kitchen stool, watching as her friend putted around the kitchen, aimlessly cooking and cleaning. "Do you want something to eat P?" the brunette questioned. She simply shook her head in response, before clearing her throat. "Brooke…what do I say to Haley?" Brooke half smiled, half frowned at her friends questioning, happy at the most words she'd spoken since the attack, sad at the content of such words. She let out a stifled sigh. "I know you don't want to, but…I think…maybe…we should tell her about Nathan." The blonde flinched. "I know, I know, you don't want anyone to know…but, if he's done this…" she blinked back her tears "to you, he could hurt Haley too…or even Jamie!" Peyton shook her head fiercely. "No! No, please don't tell her Brooke, she'll hate me!" The brunette frowned, stepping over to her friend's side and placing a comforting hand on her shoulder, wincing as Peytons frail form recoiled at her touch. "Peyton, hun, this is not your fault." "Yes it is!" For the first time since the attack, the blonde was showing signs of anger, aggression…emotion. "It's my fault I went to the river court. It's my fault he attacked me. It's my fault he raped me! It's all my fault. I'm the one to blame!" Her frail form crumbled, tears spilling from her bloodshot eyes, harsh sobs falling from her swollen lips. Brooke stepped forward, pulling her into a tight embrace. "It's my fault I lost the baby." Her fingers clung desperately to the brunette's shoulders as she dug her face into her friend's neck.

They stayed for what could have been hours, Brooke offering soothing words and gentle touches until Peyton's sobs finally subsided. "Peyton, I want you to listen to me," the brunette demanded, pulling Peytons chin upwards. "This was not, isn't and never will be YOUR fault. Okay. You've done NOTHING wrong!" Her words were forceful yet comforting. The blonde swallowed and nodded, dropping her gaze from Brookes eyes. "Does Lucas hate me?" The words rung in Brookes ears. She couldn't grasp why her friend would think Lucas would hate her. "He loves you Peyt. He's worried about you."

Neither girl got a wink of sleep that night as they huddled in together in the same bed. The brunette didn't dare stray a glance from her friend as the blonde stared down the hours, wishing and waiting for the sun to rise. "I think I should tell Hayley. I don't want him to hurt her or Jamie." Brooke simply nodded before glancing at the clock. 9:07. "Lucas will be here soon." Peyton gulped and nodded. "Let's get you in the bath. No offense, but you stink P. Sawyer," the brunette joked. A small but definite smile grazed Peytons torn lips. "Okay."