Two months went by without anymore incident. Peyton and Lucas were still going strong, and Peyton was still working at Tric. Nikki brought Jenny by to see her every chance she got, now that Peyton knew about her and Jake, and they were trying to work their way towards a better friendship. Peyton was even talking to her brother, and had hung out with him quite a bit too.
Things looked perfect on the surface for Peyton, and inside, things were pretty great, but something just wasn't right, and if she was honest with herself, she knew what it was. She was missing Brooke. Brooke had been out of her life for a number of years, but mostly that had been because they had drifted apart. Now she knew that Brooke was avoiding her because she hated her, like when they had been fighting during their junior year. She knew she was harboring her own bit of anger at Brooke, but she really wished that she could have her best friend back.
Nathan was a really good best friend, but he wasn't a girl. Haley was great, too, but she just didn't have the history with Haley. Lucas was amazing, but it wasn't like she could talk to him when she was mad at him, or when she just wanted a girl gossip session, about him. Her brother was actually a pretty good friend, too, but she hadn't been able to let him in all the way yet, though she was slowly trying.
She knew the real problem, with all of those people, and with anyone else in her life. If she was really being honest with herself, she knew they just weren't Brooke. No one could replace Brooke in the blonde's heart, and nothing and no one had never been able to, nor would be able to. She wondered if Brooke felt the same way, or if she'd already found a new best friend.
Trying not to get jealous, she wondered if Brooke and Nikki had become friends. Nikki had never mentioned hanging out with Brooke, but they had to at least be getting to know each other, with Brooke living with Jake and Nikki spending so much time there. They had to at least be on a talking basis, or there was no way Nikki would let Brooke live with Jake.
Turning away from that train of though, Peyton tried to focus on the moment she was in instead. She looked around the room again, trying to see if she could picture having an art studio in here. She needed a certain person's opinion. She looked down at her phone as it rang, and smiled as it was exactly the person she had been thinking of.
Flipping open her phone, she put it up to her ear. "Hey, brother, how is it going?" she paused, listening to his answer. "Actually, I don't think it really matters that you didn't find anything. I think I did," she paused again, and after a moment, gave him the address. "Yeah, I really think it could be the place where we could open a studio together. You'll do photography and I'll do portraits. We could make a lot of money here, and the price is right," she spoke with him for another moment, then got off the phone.
As she waited for Derek to get to the studio, she called the realtor, who was in another part of the building, giving Peyton a chance to look it over, as Peyton had requested, over to where she was. The woman asked her what she thought. "Well, I think it's almost a done deal. I called my brother over here, and he still has to see the building, but I'm in love with it," she announced.
Nodding, the woman looked around the room, too, before settling her gaze on Peyton. "Any other questions for me before your brother gets here?" she asked, and Peyton shook her head after a moment of thought. "Well, do you mind telling me what you want to do with this building? I don't mean to be nosy, just curious," she was quick to add, with a warm smile.
When her brother arrived, he agreed with her. The space was perfect for what they intended to use it for. Peyton, Derek and realtor began to go over the details, and after about an hour, they parted, with the promise that the papers would be drawn up to everyone's advantage. Peyton and Derek left the building, and Peyton's car was right in front. "I have to get to Tric for work, but we should get together to celebrate later. I'm sure Lucas would love to join us," she grinned and waved.
Getting in her car, she drove off. She was totally at ease with driving her Comet again. She actually couldn't believe that she had ever not been. The Comet had been a part of her life for so long, it was hard to imagine being scared of it. She really had a hard time believing that she had sunk so far as she did, but she also knew that without Lucas, her friends and her brother, she never would have gotten better.
Speaking of Lucas, she decided it was time to call him. She hit the speed dial, putting the phone in her lap as she drove, making sure to pay attention to the road as she did. "Hey, babe, so you should meet me at Tric, I have some great news. We're celebrating tonight," she grinned, pausing for his response. "Well, I'm driving now, but I'll be at Tric in a minute. See you when you get there," she hung up.
Yes, they had been dating for some time, and she knew she was in love with him, but they hadn't taken that step yet, exactly. She knew he loved her, and she knew that he knew she loved him, but they hadn't said it out loud yet. She was kind of waiting for the perfect moment, and it just hadn't happened. She was wondering if maybe tonight would be that night.
When she got to Tric, he was already there, waiting in the parking lot, and she felt that familiar flutter of her heart as she caught sight of him. She got out of her car, her eyes raking over his tall, lean form. He was leaning against his vintage Mustang, wearing a red tee-shirt and jeans, which were worn in all the right places. His hair had grown to just the length where she could run her fingers through it, and he hadn't shaved in a couple of days, giving him the sexy, scruffy look.
As Peyton walked up, Lucas checked her out, just as he knew she was doing. She was wearing tight jeans with her Converse, and a black tank top. Her hair was up in a pony tail and she didn't have much make-up on, but he still couldn't help the fact that his heart sped up at the sight of her. He pushed off of the car, and didn't bother with verbal greetings, gathering her up in his arms, and then pulling her into a kiss.
Grinning as she broke the kiss, Peyton played with the hair at the nape of his neck. "Well, I think it's actually going to happen. Derek and I found a building that would be perfect, and between the money I got from my dad, and the money he's ready to put up, I think we can start our own business. I can have any actual career," she said excitedly.
Getting caught up in her happiness, Lucas picked her up and spun her around, placing another kiss on her lips. She was giggling when he finally set her back on her feet. "That is great, Peyt, I really am so happy for you," he said, his blue eyes studying her intensely. She knew there was a but there, and waited. "Are you still sure you want to go into business with Derek?" he asked.
Sucking in a deep breath, Peyton pulled away from him, walking toward the building. "Yes," she threw over her shoulder simply as she walked away. Lucas ran after her, grabbing her arm. "Luke, we've had this conversation before, and I don't want to have it again. This is my family, the only person I have left in the world. If I can't trust him," she trailed off. "I just would like your support," she sighed, pulling out of his grip.
This time she made it into the building before he caught up to her, and he just kept pace as she kept walking. "Peyton," he said, and the sincerity in his tone made her stop and look at him. "I'm sorry. It's just something about him," he cut himself off, knowing she didn't want to hear it. "I'll try to be more accepting of him," he conceded.
Nodding, she accepted his apology. "Alright, I'll let it go. Only because I know you're just looking out for me, and that is very sexy," she smirked at him. The smirk slowly slipped off of her face. "I just don't want to fight about him anymore, Luke," she spoke, getting lost in his blue eyes. "And I really really want to kiss you right now," she said, and then did just that.
"Hey , Peyton, are you here yet?" Haley's voice got louder as she approached the hallway where Lucas and Peyton were. She rounded the corner and saw the blondes. "Yes, you are. Well, when you get finished making out with Lucas, can you meet me in your office?" she asked, placing a hand on her stomach that was barely protruding as she turned around and headed back for Peyton's office.
The two continued to make-out for a few more moments. They had heard their pregnant friend, but they had chose to ignore her for the time being. Peyton finally pulled away, leaning her forehead against Lucas's, the tips of their noses barely touching. She smiled up at him, green and blue eyes connected. "I should really go see what she wants. Pick me up when you're done with what you have to do. We'll have to celebrate with everyone soon, but tonight I want a nice dinner with you and my brother. Can we all handle that?" she asked, one eyebrow cocked.
Not rising up to the challenge, Lucas reached up, cupping her face in both of his hands, and placed a gentle kiss on her lips. "I'll see you later, Peyton," he said, before letting her go, and walking through the club. She had a feeling he was going to talk to his mom, but at the moment she couldn't follow him, because the nausea that had been haunting her all day became too much to bear.
Running into her office, and past Haley, she made it to her private bathroom just in time, before she emptied her stomach into the toilet. Lucas hadn't heard her start running, as he'd already been out of earshot before she had needed to, but Haley was at her side in a few moments, holding her hair back.
When Peyton was finished, she sat back against the wall for a moment, trying to gather her strength. Haley flushed the toilet, because it was causing her own tender stomach to churn, and then sat next to Peyton, looking at her, concerned. "Well, I know that I've always thought kissing Lucas was barf-worthy, but I didn't think you did," she finally broke the silence, trying to lighten the mood.
Opening her eyes, which had been closed since she had started leaning against the wall, Peyton studied her friend. "Very funny Hales. I think I'm getting the flu or something. I was sick yesterday, too. For the past couple days in fact," she trailed off, and then shrugged it off. "I'm feeling better now. I'm glad I keep a tooth brush and toothpaste in my purse. Don't worry about me Hales, stress is not good for my godchild," she got up and then helped the brunette up.
Staring at Peyton, Haley had a feeling there was something Peyton wasn't mentioning, but after staring at her for a moment, Haley decided she was either in denial, or just really good as lying to herself if that was the case, so Haley decided to leave it alone. "Well, I guess I should get to the reason I'm here," she paused, waiting until Peyton finished brushing her teeth.
Looking over at the brunette, Peyton could tell something was really up. She could tell that Haley was nervous, wringing her fingers and avoiding Peyton's gaze. She didn't know what it could be that Haley would be this nervous about. "Hales, whatever it is, it's okay. Just tell me. You're kinda freaking me out here," she said, nudging the brunette with her shoulder, thinking it couldn't possibly be that bad.
Taking a deep breath, Haley decided to just delve right into the subject. "Well, um, Peyton, you know Jamie's birthday party is coming up in a few weekends," she started and Peyton nodded, not seeing the problem. She had a few sarcastic remarks sitting on the tip of her tongue, but decided not to voice them. "Well, Brooke will be there," Haley finally spat out.
Shocked into silence, Peyton couldn't really say anything for a moment, and Haley, always a rambler when nervous, just kept talking. "I mean, she is his godmother, Peyton, and she wants to be there, and he wants her there. I know it's going to be hard for you, but I already told her she has to be on her best behavior, and," she cut herself off after receiving a look from Peyton. "I'm sorry," she apologized for rambling and for everything else.
Finally regaining her voice, Peyton just shook her head. "No need to be sorry, Hales," she said, pasting on a smile that Haley didn't buy for a second. "Alright, yeah, it'll be a little tough, but, like you said, she's Jamie's Godmother. She should be at his birthday parties. I promise to be on my best behavior as well. No catfights," she said.
After another moment of examining Peyton, Haley finally just shook her head slowly in awe. "You know, Peyton Sawyer, you really are a pretty amazing person. I don't know if I would have had the strength to go through everything you went through and still be able to do all you do," she said, not letting Peyton protest as she backed away with a wave. "I'll see you later," she added, and she was gone.
Shaking her head, trying to figure out what to do with that last bit of information, Peyton moved into her office and sat behind her desk again. She had trouble focusing for a while, but she finally was able to immerse herself in work for a few hours before she had to go home to get ready for her celebratory dinner with Derek and Lucas.
A little while later, she was just finishing up getting ready when there was a knock on the door. She called for whoever it was to come in, and finished zipping up her boots. She looked in the mirror. She was wearing a white tiered skirt that ended just above her knees, and a blue halter top. Her curly hair was left down, cut to just above her shoulders now, and her make-up was simple. "Beautiful," she heard a voice, and, looking in the mirror behind her, saw her brother standing in the doorway.
For a moment she felt a little awkward, not because he had called her beautiful, but because of the tone of his voice, but she quickly shrugged that of, when she heard the footsteps coming up the stairs. She knew it had to be Lucas. He didn't knock anymore, because he was at her house so much anyway, and he never had knocked really, since her door was always open, and she only rarely heard anyone knocking. "You guys are lucky. I'm already ready. Let's go," she said, when Lucas appeared at the top of the stairs.
Less than twenty minutes later, they were seated at the Café. It wasn't the most expensive place in Tree Hill, and Peyton had already taken her brother to the Café multiple times, but they all agreed that it had the best food. Peyton and Lucas were sitting on one side of the booth, while Derek sat across from them. "So, I still can't believe this. We're actually going into business together. This is going to be great," she grinned, once the waitress had taken their orders and left.
Lucas took her hand and started playing with her fingers, and she glanced at him, sending him a smile, but didn't say anything. Derek was acting kind of weird, almost nervous, and he didn't say anything either, so Lucas took it upon himself to speak. "So what kind of paperwork did you guys get done today?" he asked, looking at Derek curiously.
It appeared that Derek wasn't going to answer, so Peyton took it upon herself to answer, while silently wondering what was going on with her brother. She had never seen him in a mood like this before. "Well, we got the contracts mostly drawn up, and I put down a sizable down payment. Most of it is done, just the signing of the papers, and the realtor will call when they're ready," she said.
The waitress came with their drinks, and Derek changed the subject after. He continued to spend the entire night changing the subject whenever the new business came up. Even Peyton, who was trying not to see anything suspicious about him, couldn't help but notice how fishy that was. The rest of the evening went like that, and Lucas, who was not a fan of Derek under normal circumstances, had to try really hard not to say anything.
The three of them parted after dinner, with Lucas and Peyton going to her house to watch a movie, and Derek claiming he was tired and going to his hotel room. Peyton changed into one of his shirts and an old pair of cheer shorts and Lucas changed into some pajama pants, because he kept clothes at her house, and they settled on the couch with a blanket to watch a movie.
They had actually sat through most of it, while actually watching it, before Lucas looked down at Peyton and realized how close she was to falling asleep. Her eyes were at half-mast and fixed on the screen, but he knew she wasn't really feeling anything. He couldn't help but chuckle at how cute she was, and that, in effect, drew her attention. "You are so cute, Peyton Sawyer, but there's no point finishing this movie. You're not taking it in," he leaned down and kissed her nose.
For a moment she opened her mouth, like she was going to retort, but she was caught up in a yawn before she could say anything. He laughed at her, and she nodded. "Okay, maybe you're right. Let's go to my room, then," she said, but she was really to tired to move immediately, and he sensed that.
Grabbing the remote, Lucas stopped the movie and turned off the TV and DVD player. He then scooped his girlfriend up into his arms, and took her upstairs. She would normally protest him carrying her, but this time she was tired enough that she just wrapped her arms around him and nestled her face in the crook of his neck, taking in a deep breath of his scent. "I love you, Lucas Scott," she mumbled without realizing it.
Freezing for a moment, he just kept on going up the stairs. He had heard her, but that was going to have to be a conversation for another time, for when she was more awake. He wanted to say it back, but he wanted to say it back when she was aware of him saying it, aware of herself saying it. He just placed a kiss on her head instead, and gently placed her in the bed when he got there.
Covering her with the blanket, he climbed in with her, and she immediately cuddled up to him. He whispered the words she had just spoken back to her, glad to finally say them out loud, even if she wasn't really conscious at the moment. He closed his eyes, and was just about to drift to sleep, when a ringing sounded throughout the room.
Startling Peyton, she fumbled around for the alarm clock, but then realized that it was the phone, when Lucas picked it up. "Peyton Sawyer's house," he answered, as she settled back into him, sure that he would be able to handle who ever it was that was calling at the late hour. "Uh, hold on a second," he pulled the phone away from his ear. "Peyton, babe, wake up. This guy says he's your brother, and he wants to talk to you," he said, giving her the phone.
Sitting up, trying to wake herself up, she put the phone to her ear. "Hey, Derek, what's up?" she asked, but the voice that responded wasn't familiar. She paused as she listened to the guy. "Wait, what do you mean you want to meet me? I've known you for over a month now," her brow kinked as she became confused. "Well, if you're my brother, then who the heck did I just go into business with?"
OTH OTH OTH OTH OTH OTH OTH OTH OTH OTH OTH OTH OTH OTH OTH OTH OTH OTH OTH OTH OTH OTH OTH OTH OTH OTH
Haley woke up and had to run straight for the bathroom. She was used to it by now, and so was Nathan, who followed after her, to hold back her hair and just comfort her, getting her whatever she would need. She finished vomiting and thanked her husband, telling him she would meet him in bed in a moment. She brushed her teeth, trying to shake off the last vestiges of sleep, because she knew she wouldn't be able to fall back to sleep.
Something was bugging her, but she couldn't think of what it was. She spit in the sink, and then it hit her. Her toothbrush dropped out of her hand in surprise. Peyton had been throwing up? And from what she had said, it had been going on for a few days, and otherwise she seemed fine. Surely Peyton would have figured it out on her own, though, if that was the case. Haley decided she would wait it out, but if the symptoms continued, she would have a talk with her blonde friend.
A/N: So, it has been soooo long since I've updated this fic. The same could be said for my other fic, Luke and Peyt Plus Eight. I am sorry about that, but I have a lot going on lately, moving and graduation and the like. I think what I'm going to do right now, is focus on this one until I get it finished, because the ending is only a few chapters away, I'm pretty sure. Then I'll see what I feel like writing from there. I want to get a couple of the fics I'm working on done, because I think I've got a bit too much on my plate, writing wise, right now, combined with everything else. Well, tell me what you think, if anyone is still reading. As always, I love to hear your feedback!
Disclaimer: I don't own anything.