CHAPTER 32

'I've got to see her Nate. I'm going to LA.'

'Now?!' Nathan asked, alarmed.

Lucas nodded his head and without any hesitation he jumped from his bed and into action. Pulling a duffel bag out of his wardrobe he flung some clothes into it and rummaging through his drawer took out a wad of notes. Nathan's eyes widened at the money and he stood up,

'You're really doing this?!'

'Yes I am. I can't… it's…' Lucas stammered to a halt, he couldn't find the right words. The words he had to use to show how much he wanted, no, how much he needed to see Peyton.

'Luke.' Nathan said and there was a note of pleading in his voice.

'No Nate. I love her and I need to see her, and you're not going to stop me.' His tone of voice surprised Nathan, it was a warning. Lucas was going to fight like hell to go even if Nathan put up a strong defence. Nathan sighed, he really had no choice in the matter.

'All right, all right...' Nathan replied holding his hands up in his defence, 'Just, let me drive you to the airport at least? Your mom's gonna go ape that your spending some of your college money on a plane ticket without paying for a taxi too.'

Lucas let out a grin that startled Nathan; he hadn't seen him close to happiness in so long that he knew he was doing the right thing in encouraging Lucas to go. He knew he'd get an earful of Karen and no doubt Haley as well, but he could deal with it.

Ten minutes later and Lucas was striding towards the back door, duffel bag in one hand and Peyton's note/letter in the other.

'You ready?'

The look of pure exhilaration told Nathan that Lucas had been ready for this ever since Peyton had left. Without a backward glance they walked to Lucas' mustang and got in, Nathan starting the engine and pulling away.

Five minutes into the drive and Nathan couldn't help but shake his head with a laugh. Lucas looked over at him questioningly,

'You're an idiot.'

'A very much in love idiot.' Lucas corrected.

'You're a 'very much in love' idiot that is going to get his ass kicked when he gets home again!'

'I know.' Lucas cringed.

'Wait, you didn't tell Karen!' Nathan said loudly.

'I left… a note.' Lucas muttered and Nathan swerved slightly out of shock.

'A note!' Nathan thundered. 'Luke, never mind about you getting your ass kicked, I'll be getting mine kicked too!'

'Sorry! It was a spontaneous thing. I didn't think it through.'

'That's evident. You still want to go right? Cuz if you don't, I'll turn right back around and we'll forget about this little trip.' Nathan's eyes found Lucas' and instantly he said,

'Hell yes I want to go.'

Nathan couldn't help but smile appreciatively, 'Good.'

'Good? Aren't you meant to be against this…spontaneity?'

'Normally yes. But dude, it's you and Peyton. I love you both and seriously I want to see you happy and I know going to see her will make you happy.'

'Wow.' Lucas said in quiet surprise. 'Uh, thanks Nate.'

'And if you ever repeat that sentiment to anyone I'll dig you up after Karen's killed you and kill you again myself.' Nathan said sternly pointing a finger at him.

'I got your back bro.' Lucas laughed.

Nathan smiled, 'You too.'

'Thanks Nate and I really mean it.' Lucas said and Nathan shrugged.

'You'd do the same for me, right? Now go get your girl.' Nathan said with a grin gesturing to the airport behind him.

'Right.' Lucas said hesitating slightly.

'What?' Nathan sighed.

'Do you think…she'll be happy to see me?'

Nathan rolled his eyes at Lucas' hesitance, 'Luke, don't go all girly on me! She loves you and if you don't get your ass on a plane to LA right now…'

'Okay okay, I got it.' Lucas laughed before startling Nathan by giving him a hug. 'Thanks.'

'Cupids gotta do what he's gotta do.' Nathan smirked and Lucas bumped his fist before turning and walking as fast as he could into the terminal, a shout behind him made him turn around impatiently, 'Tell Peyton I said hi!'

Lucas shook his head with a laugh and gave a wave before heading to the first check out desk and saying hurriedly, 'Next flight to Los Angeles, please.'

'So where's Jenny?' Peyton asked turning to Jake.

'At my mom's for a few days.' He answered and seeing Peyton's face fall he smirked, 'I knew that's why you agreed to hang out with me, to see Jenny.'

'No, no…Okay well yeah.' Peyton laughed.

'Glad to know I'm wanted Sawyer.'

'Oh come on, I bet you had loads of soccer mom's after you in Savannah.' Peyton smirked.

Jake blushed, 'Not that I was interested in any of them.'

'Not even one…?' Peyton asked and was surprised at how easily she could talk to Jake about the time they'd spent apart. She knew it should have hurt her but it didn't, the thought of Lucas moving on hurt her much more.

'Well, okay, there was one.' Jake admitted.

'I knew it.' Peyton grinned, and was equally surprised that she had no negative feelings on the matter. In fact she was happy that Jake had found someone in those months between their break up and her move to Tree Hill. Oh god, Tree Hill. Her eyes burned at the simple mention of the place.

'Yeah but it lasted a grand total of a month.'

'Oh, ouch.' Peyton grimaced. 'What happened?'

'I realised she wasn't you.' Jake said simply, his eyes meeting hers. Peyton's smile became fixed and she stared at the contents of her coffee cup instead of the brown eyes in front of her.

'Sorry.' He muttered moments later.

'It's fine Jake, really. I just- I can't give you what I could before I moved to Tree Hill, I just...can't.'

'I know. It's the Lucas guy right?' Jake asked with a sigh and Peyton nodded. 'What's he like?'

'You really want to know?' Peyton asked, surprised.

'Sure.' Jake shrugged, 'I want to be in your life…even if it is just as a friend.'

Peyton smiled at him, 'You'll always be more than a friend Jake but-'

'But. I hate that word.' Jake smiled softly, 'So seriously, what's he like?'

'He's… blonde with blue eyes. A basketball player but not in a jock kind of way. He loves literature and music and…he has the most amazing heart…' Peyton sighed as the familiar face smirked at her from her memories. She couldn't do this, it was too hard. 'This is weird.' She finished.

'Yeah.' Jake sighed. 'Look, I'm sorry. I'm trying my hardest.'

'I know and I really appreciate it. The fact that you're here means a lot Jake.' Peyton smiled and at that moment Jake knew why he'd fallen in love with Peyton Sawyer in the first place and probably why Lucas had too.

Lucas smiled to himself on the plane, he was excited and yet nervous at the same time. Would Peyton be pleased to see him? God, he hoped so. Smiling again he wondered whether this was the single most spontaneous thing he'd ever done, his smile faltered a little when he realised that he would be dead when he got back to Tree Hill. His mother would surely kill him and give Nathan an earful too, which he sympathised with. However much he thought of the trouble he'd got himself into he couldn't bring himself to regret his actions or even stop the smile that was still firmly attached to his face. Looking down at his hand he realised that Peyton's letter was still firmly clasped in his hand. Straightening it out he read it again,

Luke,

I know I'll be gone when you read this and I don't really know whether I'd have found the guts to tell you how I feel by then. So here goes… I love you Lucas Scott. It's totally insane since we've known each other barely five minutes! But I do.

While I'm being honest here, you're probably going to be annoyed that I told both Haley and Brooke first. And I even hinted to it with Nathan but he can be a bit of a tool sometimes so I don't know whether he picked it up. Anyway, I told Haley and Brooke before I told you because I couldn't, and still can't really, understand what I'm feeling and I thought that maybe they'd be able to explain it all.

I realise now that I've never been in love with anyone before and it scares me. I think that is why I never told you, I thought it was crazy. That maybe somehow I'd gotten it wrong… then something Haley told me made me realise that every little tiny feeling I have for you is real.

'Love has no boundaries.'

I love you Lucas Scott and I'm pretty sure I always will. This summer was the best one I've ever had; you've healed me in ways I never knew were possible and I'll be forever thankful to you for that.

Maybe our paths will cross again someday, if they do… I'll be waiting.

Love always,

Peyton.

Those words had made his heart ache an hour ago and yet now all they did was make him smile and feel lighter than air. Their paths were going to cross again…in mere hours. He couldn't help but smile once again at the thought. Deciding to bide the time with a bit of music, he took his ipod out of his pocket and turned it on,

Another sun soaked season fades away,

You have stolen my heart

You have stolen my heart

Well that's ironic. His smile seemed to widen but he held it in a small amount. The person next to him seemed to be a little scared at his constant unexplained grinning. He closed his eyes; it was bound to be a long flight.

Nathan sat in Lucas' Mustang for at least five minutes outside his house before he found the courage to take the keys out of the ignition open the door and get out. He walked up the pathway cringing all the way and slowly preparing himself for the verbal bashing he was about to endure. He took a deep breath before opening the door of Karen's house and stepping inside.

'Lucas!' He heard Karen say urgently. 'Oh, Nathan.' He closed his eyes momentarily and then a second later turned around. He was surprised to find Karen, Haley and Brooke all sitting at the table.

'Hey.' He said slowly and deliberately.

'Where's Lucas?' Karen asked her tone biting. Nathan sat down at the table and closed his eyes again,

'Probably about half way to LA by now.'

'What?!' Karen exclaimed standing straight away, 'He's gone…where?!'

'Los Angeles.' Brooke whispered with a knowing smile before turning to Nathan who smiled back at her pleased that at least she was happy with Lucas' decision. Well their decision.

Karen seemed speechless with anger, 'Well I'm going… we need…he is NOT going!'

'He's gone Karen. He checked in an hour ago.' Nathan sighed.

Karen seemed beside herself with anger, 'Can you explain this?' She asked Nathan and passed him a note. He looked at it closely, it was Lucas' very shaky writing and all it said was,

'I'm sorry mom but this is something I have to do.

I'll only be gone the weekend. I promise.

Don't worry.

Love Luke.'

Nice one Luke, Nathan thought decisively.

'Why has he gone?' Karen asked and when Nathan peered at her he thought she was about to explode.

'He… said he needed to see Peyton.'

'Great! My son's gone rushing half way across the country for a girl!' Karen practically shouted.

'Not a girl Karen, his girl. The girl.' Nathan reminded her.

'It doesn't condone running away without telling anyone!'

'Well technically that bit was my fault.' Nathan said and as soon as he said the words all three heads turned to him so fast that he thought they got whiplash.

'What?' Karen hissed.

Nathan stood up, 'I told him to go. Granted he had the idea first but I encouraged it.'

'Nate.' Haley groaned.

'I-'

'No Nathan, do not defend your actions, it was irresponsible.' Karen fumed. This was the first time she'd raised her voice to him and instead of making him feel ashamed it actually made him feel angrier,

'I will Karen, I'm sorry. But haven't you all seen Lucas lately? He's been miserable, you may all be able to just live with it but I can't. He's slowly breaking inside and I know one person who will heal that in an instant. I refuse to feel guilty about that.'

His little speech seemed to have done the trick. No-one said a thing for a good five minutes before Karen let out a breathy sigh,

'I understand Nate, I really do. But his ass is still grounded when he gets back.'

'That's fair.' Nathan grinned and Karen couldn't help but give him a small smile accompanied with a shake of her head before walking out of the kitchen.

'So LA, huh?' Haley breathed.

'Yeah… that's crazy and so not like Lucas.' Brooke added.

'I know, but he seriously needs it. You should have seen how happy he was. He did not stop smiling the whole way to the airport.'

'Yeah that's great. But did either of you think how he's going to feel coming back? Separating for a second time is going to break both of their hearts all over again.' Haley sighed.

Nathan's smile faded, 'I never really thought of that.'

'But at least they'll get a few days of happiness compared to pining for each other like every other day!' Brooke retorted.

'That's true.' Haley nodded, 'I really hope they're okay at the end of it though.'

The three didn't talk for a long moment before Brooke muttered, 'Right little ray of sunshine you are.'

Nathan burst out laughing and Haley opened her mouth in mock hurt before chuckling as well. All she was trying to be was realistic.

Lucas looked at the small piece of paper which had Peyton's address on again. He had asked the owner of a small café where he could find the address and he'd pointed him in the right direction. Cars rushed past him as he walked quickly checking the street and the numbers of the buildings beside him, a taxi whizzed past and stopped suddenly, he watched somewhat curiously. Then as the door opened he knew why, out stepped the girl he'd been thinking about non-stop, his heart skipped a beat. Someone stepped out of the cab behind her and he squinted to see who it was, he was definitely male. Brown hair, tall…

They walked up the steps to an apartment door and Peyton put her key in the lock, turning the door handle and opening it slightly. Lucas' breathing slowed, she wasn't going to invite him in was she? He didn't know what he was going to do if the guy behind her followed her into the apartment and as Peyton turned back around he tensed, she seemed to be saying something but he couldn't understand what. The man nodded with a small smile and Lucas walked closer, keeping to the shadows, trying to hear what was being said.

'Bye then.' He heard Peyton say and he felt his heart lift slightly, just to plummet right back down as the guy pressed his lips to hers softly, it only lasted a second before Peyton had moved away,

'I'm sorry, Jake…I can't.' She said clearly and Lucas didn't know whether to walk up to her and kiss her there and then or walk up to them and knock the guy out. Jake, he snorted; he would have known it'd be him. He strained to hear as Jake spoke again,

'I know. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to do that. I'm just- I'm trying Peyt, but I'm no saint. You can't hold onto him forever you know.'

Did this mean that Peyton was yearning for him as he was yearning for her? It didn't take long for Peyton to speak again and her voice sounded shaky as if she was close to tears,

'I-I've got to go. I'm sorry.'

Before Jake could say anything else she'd disappeared inside the apartment and shut the door behind her, Lucas heard him sigh and felt a little sorry for him, however he also felt an overwhelming desire to hit the guy who was trying to get back together with his girlfriend. Of course, they hadn't really spoken, at all, since she'd left because it had been too hard, but neither of them had ended it either… so surely, hopefully they were still together… He watched Jake leave a few minutes later and deliberated, nothing was stopping him from just simply walking away, except the burning desire he felt in the pit of his stomach and the way his heart beat furiously against his rib cage and the way his feet were suddenly moving closer and closer to the apartment…

He needed to see his girlfriend and a kiss from Jake, that Peyton didn't even want, wasn't going to stop him…

Peyton shut the door behind her, a tear rolled down her cheek. She wanted to love Jake, she willed herself to and she thought that maybe she would get there eventually until he'd kissed her, that was when she knew she couldn't just move on… his kiss was nothing like Lucas', his lips nothing like Lucas', his smell nothing like Lucas'… a few more tears leaked out of her eyes and she walked into her bedroom, pulling off her top and jeans and pulling on a tank top and some shorts. She needed ice cream… actually what she really needed was Lucas but she'd settle for the ice cream.

She was rummaging through the freezer when it happened, a knock on the door made her groan. She was sure it was Jake and she felt sorry for him because nothing could change the way she felt… She placed the ice cream on the counter and walked towards the door, slowly, hoping that maybe he'd think she was sleeping or something…but as another knock rang through the kitchen she huffed and stalked towards the door almost angrily pulling it open and saying,

'Look…' before her throat constricted and she couldn't breathe let alone talk.

Lucas, it was Lucas.

Hope you liked the chapter, reviews are always appreciated! :D