Age Is Just A Number

Chapter 25 The Dinner With Naley, and other News

That evening Peyton stood nervously behind Chase and Brooke on Nathan and Haley's front step. Waiting on someone to answer the door. She had called Brooke after her little disagreement with Lucas. Asking if she could catch a ride with them. She didn't want to show up alone. She was really hoping Lucas would come back to the apartment, willy to go with her, but he never did. She worried about where he was, what he was doing? And if he was going to come home.

"Hey guys."

"Hey Man" Chase said.

"Hey Brooke, nice to see you again." Nathan said, as he step aside to let them in.

"Yeah, you to, thank god I'm in clothes this time." She joked, trying to hide her embarrassment. The first time she met Nathan was not a pretty site.

"Yeah we are all thanking God for that one" Peyton joked, causing Brooke to smack her arm. "Och!, Kidding, B"

"Hey Peyton,"

"Hey Nathan"

"Um...Wheres Luke?" Nathan asked, as he looked out the door, "Is he coming later?"

Peyton sighed, "Um...He was unable to make it." she said, as she looked at Brooke who was giving her a small smile.

"Oh! Is everything okay?" Nathan asked, as he shut the door.

"Yeah, he just had something else planned." she lied. "I'm sorry I should have called to tell you he wasn't coming."

"No it's fine." Nathan said, as he smiled at her. But he knew there was more going on. "Let me take your coats."

Nathan took all three coats, and hang them in the hall closet. "Chase you and Brooke go head in to the living room. Haley should be in there soon."

"Okay" Chase said, as he reached for Brooke's hand.

Nathan waited till they were out of site. "What's really going on Peyton?"

"What?"

"Peyton, Why didn't Luke really come, Don't tell me it's because he had plans I don't buy that."

"He thinks that this dinner is just another one of Haley's plans to break us up. I tried to tell him that it wasn't like that. We had a little disagreement, and he left. I don't even know where he is." she sighed,as a her eyes watered.

"I'm sorry"

"It's not your fault."

"No it's mine." A voice said, interrupting Peyton's and Nathan's little chat.

"No it's n...

"Yeah it is, I was so fucking selfish, That I didn't even think about the people I was hurting. Lucas and I have always been close. I just wanted him to be happy, And to me his happiness was with Lindsey. I never really thought he could fall in love with someone else. And he could be happy with someone else. I'm sorry Peyton, I really am." Haley said, as she walked over to her.

"I just want him to be happy to Haley, and I would never hurt him. I love him, I really do, even when he is acting like a compete jackass. I still love him." Peyton smiled.

"I believe you, Thank you for coming. I'm sorry that our little dinner caused in argument between you two. But knowing Luke, Like I do, he is probably kicking himself right now. "

"I hope." Peyton whispered, as she looked down at her watch. She was silently praying that he was kicking himself and that he realizes just how important this dinner is to her.

"Come on let go check on Brooke and Chase." Nathan said, as he wrapped an arm around Haley and Peyton's shoulders. Walking them into the living room.


Lucas sat alone in his and Peyton's room. He was sitting in full darkness, deep in thought. Questioning himself. Why? Why did he have to be so stubborn? When he thought about it, deep down he knew that a part of his reaction was to the fact that Peyton was going to be around Haley, And if Haley wanted to she could tell Peyton all kinda lies to made Peyton leave him. And that's what scared him the most, He was afraid to lose Peyton.

He wondered, what was going on at the dinner? Was they talking, Laughing, fighting, yelling, Putting things into Peyton's head. Was Lindsey there?

Lucas stood up in walked over to the closet, there was only one way to fine out, what was going on. He thought, as he started to get dressed. He just prayed whatever Haley's plan was that he got there before it's to late.


After about thirty minutes of talking about Brooke's and Chase's baby and Brooke telling them she was giving Chase another chance. Which had Peyton smiling, especially when they said that they had already started to turn Lucas old room into the baby's room. And Brooke was going to move in to the apartment this weekend.

Peyton couldn't be happier for Brooke, she deserves happiness. She smiled, as she watched her best friend, lay her head on her boyfriends shoulder. As she listen to Haley telling them what it was like when she was pregnant for Jamie. And Nathan telling then what he felt the day he got to hold Jamie for the first time.

Peyton wondered if Lucas would be as excited as Nathan was. The day that their baby is born. She caresses her stomach. As she daydreams about the life she is carrying. Then her thoughts went back to her and Lucas's little disagreement, She wondered if he was going to be there when she got home tonight. As the thought of him leaving her enter her mind a tear went down her face.

Which didn't go unnoticed by Haley, "Hey what's wrong?" she asked in a concern voice, but she knew it had something to do with Lucas not being here.

Upon hearing her voice yet another tear cascaded down her face 'Nothing' She quickly wiped away the tears.

" Brooke said, in her worried voice. "What is it?" she got up in walks over to her friend,

"Nothing Brooke, I'm just a little tired," she lied, hopping to end the conversation.

"It's those damn hormones. Huh?'' Brooke jokes. totally forgetting about Nathan and Haley been in the room.

"I knew it" Haley said, causing both girls to look at her.

"What?" Peyton asked, completely confused

"Your Pregnant to," Haley asked, as Nathan looked over at Peyton.

"How did you know?" Peyton asked, scared of what her reaction would be.

"Well, for starters, You haven't touched the glass of wine that Nathan poured for you. " Haley said, as she point to the glass of red wine, that was still half way full. "And you have a habit of rubbing you stomach, when you think no one is looking. I use to do that when I was carring jamie."

"Oh."

"So how many weeks are you?" Haley asked,

"I'm twelve weeks, I'll be thirteen tomorrow." Peyton smiled.

"Wow, you two are only a month a part." Haley said, as she smiled.

"Amazing" Brooke said, as she smiled at Peyton. "Peyton and I have always talked about getting pregnant at the same time. We wanted to go through the pregnancy together. We want are kids to be best friends, just like we are."

"So what happens if one of you have a girl and the other has a boy?" Nathan asked.

"They can still be best friends, A boy can have a girl as a best friend." Peyton said.

"Wow, there be more than just friends. There be cousins. Who would have thought that huh?" Haley said, still smiling

"Not us" Peyton smiled, as she reached for Brooke's hand.

"How did Lucas take the news?" Haley asked, as she walked over to the two girls. "Was he happy?" she asked, as she sat down beside Peyton.

"Yeah, he's was pretty e..

"Excited, so excited that he drop to one knee in proposed" Brooke said, interrupting Peyton. "Sorry" she said, after getting an evil glare for Peyton.

"He pr...He proposed?" Haley asked, clearly shocked. Her smiled faded. "Really?"

"Yeah, he did." Peyton answered, as she watched, Haley's face for some kinda of reaction. She noticed Haley wasn't smiling anymore.

A few seconds of silent, Nathan spoke. "So I guess you said yes, right?" Nathan asked, he wasn't to should if she did are not she wasn't wearing a ring.

"Nathan, she didn't say ye...

"Yes I did" Peyton said, stopping Haley from talking. "I love him Haley, and I'm sorry if you don't get it. And no he didn't just ask me because I'm pregnant, He said he had thought about it even before I told him I was pregnant."

"So why aren't you wearing a ring?" Haley asked,

"I have a ring, a real beautiful ring. I took it off when we got here. I wasn't to sure how to tell you guys. Are if Lucas wanted me to." She said, as she pulled the ring out of her skirt pocket. And slipped in back on her finger.

"Oh!" Haley said, as she stared at the ring. "Nice"

"I'm happy for both of you." Nathan said, as he bend down in gave her a hug. "I kinda can't wait to be an uncle," he smiled, at both girls.

"I think dinner is ready now." Haley said, as she quickly walked to the kitchen.

Peyton closed her eyes. She wasn't to sure what Haley was more upset over. One miutie she is smiling as they talk about her being pregnant, then her smile fades when she finds out she is engagged.

"Come on," Nathan said,

They all walked into the dinning room. Taking a seat, Peyton was now feeling very uncomfortable. She looked down at her rings, wishing Lucas was there with her.

Haley walked back out of the kitchen with the food, "I hope everyone likes Roast Chicken with Rosemary." she said, as she placed the chicken in the middle of the table.

"Lately I be able to eat anything, this baby isn't pickle" Brooke said, causing everyone to laugh.

A few minutes later, everyone was eating Haley's amazing dinner. While Brooke, Chase and Nathan talked about all kinds of stuff. Haley would smile here and there. Peyton was so lost in her own thoughts, to even pay attention to what was going on around her. When Lucas walked in. He stood in the doorway of the dinning room for a moment. Starring at Peyton, who was pretending to eat. Everyone was in there our little world to notices him.

"Lucas" Haley said, as she noticed him.

Everyone turn to look at him. Expected for Peyton, who was still looking at her plate, lost in her own thoughts. It was then that he knew something was wrong.

"What happen?" He asked, as he kept his eyes on Peyton.

"What? What are you talking about?" Haley asked, as she followed his gaze.

"Something happen, Haley, what did you do?" He asked, clearly getting annoyed.

"Nothing happen, I didn't do anything Lucas." Haley answered, standing up. "She upset over you not me?"

Lucas ignore her in walked over towards Peyton. "Hey" he said, as he kneel beside her. Placing his hand on thigh.

She snapped out of her daze at the touch of his hand. Her eyes went wide, as she smiled down "Luke" she whispered, her voice full od surprise. "You came."

"I'm sorry," He said, his voice full of honest. " I over reacted about this whole dinner thing. I'm just really scared of losing you Peyt, I love you some much, that it scares me sometimes."

"Lucas, I'm..." she started, but then turn to face him. Taking his hands in placing them on her stomach. "Lucas, we aren't going anywhere, You are not going to lose me or our baby. I promise. Your stuck we me forever. " she laughed.

"You promise?" he asked, as he looked her in the eyes. Already knowing the answer.

"I promise. I love you Lucas Scott, No augment is going to make me stop loving you." She said, as she reached over in kissed him.

"Aww, God they are so sweet" Brooke said, as she begin to cry.

"Brooke, you okay?" Chase asked,as he wrapped an arm around her.

"Yeah, it my damn hormones, they have me crying at all kinda of Chessy moments." Brooke said, as she wiped her eyes. "Just think six more months of this." she joked.

"I can handle it." Chase said, as he kissed her forehead. Brooke just smiled, life has should turned around for her.

"Luke do you want something to eat?" Haley asked, as sat back down.

"No, I'm not really hungry." He said, as he conyuined to look at his girl.

"Oh, Thanks for coming, It means a lot to me an...

"I'm not here for you Haley, I came because I was worried about Peyton. " He interrupted her.

"Lucas, Look we need to talk." Haley said.

"No we don't,."

"Lucas, Please I want to work things out between us, Before your baby is born"

"You told her?" Lucas asked, Peyton

"Well it kinda slipped out of Brooke's mouth."

"Sorry" Brooke said, as she takes a bit of her food.

"Congrats man" Nathan said, as he stood up and extended his hand out to him. "On being a father and on your engagement."

Lucas looked at Peyton again giving her a glare. "Brooke told them, She has a big mouth, "

Lucas sighed, then shook Nathan's hand. "Thanks man, I just hope I'm half as good as a father as you are,"

" Thanks man."Nathan said, clearly happy over what he said. "You will be, I can see it in you."

"Lucas, if you don't mind I kinda of just want to go home." Peyton said, as she stood up. She was still feeling unconformable over Haley's reaction to their engagement.

"Yeah, you okay."

"Yeah, I'm just tried." she lied, she just needed to get out of this house before she bust out crying or scream.

Okay." Lucas said, knowing something was bothering her.

"Thank you both for inviting me over and for the wonderful dinner Haley. It was amazing." Peyton said, as she pushed in her chair. She wouldn't look at Haley.

"Your welcome" Haley said, as she stood up also.

"I'm going to go get your coat." Lucas said, as Peyton walked over to Brooke.

Haley stood there for a moment, as Brooke and Peyton were hugging, and Peyton hugged Chase and Nathan. She decided to go talk to Lucas.

"Lucas" She said, as she found him in the hall closet.

"What Hales?"

"We need to talk."

"Look, Nathan told Peyton you are sorry for everything. Peyton told me. I want to forgive you, but I can't yet. I just need some more time. To trust you guys again."

"I understand that, I do, and I'm sorry for everything I did, or said to you and Peyton. I really, want you to believe me."

"Peyton does, I don't, I can't yet. Maybe one day." Lucas said, as he started to walk back to the dinning room.

"Wait"

What?" He asked, as he stop right at the door.

"I'm really happy you and Peyton found each other and, I'm happy you two are going to be parents. It's a wonderful experiences." She smiled,

"Thank you and I can't wait to be a dad and a husband,"

"About that?"

About what?" Lucas asked, clearly confused

"About you been a husband. Are you sure you want to marry her?"

"I love her Haley, yes I'm completely sure I want to marry her. I want everything with her. I can't believe you. You invited us over to clear the air. Peyton being the wonderful, incredible woman she is. Was all for letting you and our life and, our child's life. Then you question rather I should marry her or not."

"Lucas I believe you love her, I do, I see it in your eyes and, in the way you look at her. I'm not questioning if you want to marry her. I think you two are pretty amazing together. It just do you know what you're getting into. Does Peyton know? I'm just looking out for you, I mean is Peyton ready to be a wife, a mother, and a step mom." She asked.

"Yes, I'm" Peyton said. as she walked in the hall way with Nathan.

"Peyton you don't know what you're getting yourself into." Haley said, as she turned to face the blond.

"Then I'll find out, it my choice Haley. And I want to marry Luke, as soon as possible. And I want this baby and I plan on being apart of Joshua life to. If he is Lucas." she took her coat from Lucas,

"Why are so worried about Peyton and Me, but not Chase and Brooke?" Lucas asked, as he wrapped his arm around Peyton. Who was wondering the samething.

"because Chase doesn't have a son. that he is ignoring."

"First off, I just found out about him, Like a week ago or so., it's not like I knew about him for five months." He said, giving ,Haley and Nathan a glare. "And for you info, I called Lindsey yesterday, but she never called me back. So she is the one ignoring me. And if Josh is mine, I will be in his life and, so will Peyton. " Lucas said, as he looked down at his finacee. "Now if you will excuse us, I want to take my fiance home."

Peyton smiled, at Nathan, " Bye Nate, thanks for dinner" she then walked towards the door with Lucas, She turned back to face Haley again. " Haley, you don't know me, so please don't judge me, or think you know what's best for me. I wanted to get tho know you, I want my child to have a aunts and uncle, I was willy to push everything aside just to give you another chance. I just wish, I knew why you hated me so much." she then walked out the door. Haley just stood there.

"Bye Peyt," Nathan said, as he watched them get into the car. "Why? Why can't you just let them be happy?" He asked, his wife. "Everything was going great, till you found out about them getting married. What is wrong with Lucas marrying Peyton?"

"Nothing, I just think they should slow down. They need to wait in see if Josh is really his."

"Rather Josh is his or not, They are still going to be together, they are still going to get married and, they are still going to have a baby in seven months. Which isn't a long time. So if you want to be apart of your Niece or nephew life. You better get your act together. Stop worrying about Lindsey, I get she is your best friend, but she cheated on him, she left him, Lucas didn't do no wrong. All he did was moved on with his life, I happy that he did. Let go of the past in let Lucas live his life. Before he cuts you out all together." Nathan said, then walked back to the dinning room.

Haley just stood there, she was shocked for what Nathan said, but she knew he was right. It's Lucas life, he has to make his own decisions. and Marrying Peyton didn't really seem, as bad as she was making it out to be. Hell, deep down she knows Peyton is the one for him, and she hates the fact that Peyton thinks she hates her. She could really make him happy. He could make her happy to, And she really wants to be an aunt. To both Chase and Lucas children, and she wants Jamie to have lots of cousins.

She sighed, as she walked back to the dinning room, "Brooke can I talk to you?" she thought if she could get Brooke to talk to Peyton and Lucas for her, Maybe they would give her another chance. At least she hoped they would.