I sit at my desk going over the piles of paperwork. The class is copying a few notes from the board while I desperately try to sort some of this stuff out. Got to love the first day of school, and all that goes with it. The bell rings out overhead signaling the end of this period. I watch as my students rush to gather their things and quickly scurry out of the room. A smile crosses over my face as I see Brooke amongst these fleeing students.

"Ms. Davis? Can I have a moment of your time please?" I notice her coil forward at my words. She swerves her petite figure around the mess of students and stands right in front of my desk.

"Can I help you with something Mr. Scott?" She questions as her hands rests on her perfectly proportioned hips and she begins to tap her foot against the flooring. I feel my throat go dry as she runs her tongue across her lips and waits for me to speak. It suddenly feels like a thousand degrees in this room. Clearing my throat I lean forward a bit, resting my arms on my desk.

"So I expect to see you in my classroom on time tomorrow?" I state and watch as her eyebrow raises and the face she is making is so damn irresistible. It takes everything in me not to lock my classroom door and throw her down on my desk. I mentally scold myself for my thoughts. As much as that would be…completely amazing, I won't allow it. She more than likely would also not allow it. My inappropriate thoughts are interrupted by her voice.

"Wow he teaches, and he's a comedian. Talented man Mr. Scott."

I love how she is not afraid to challenge me. I know she is a bit angry that I didn't inform her of my position. What can I say? It was priceless to see the reaction, wouldn't have traded that moment for the world. Pointing down at her file that was resting open before me. I scan her records for the second time today. I can't understand how someone who was one of the top students in her class, could fall so far behind right before graduation. It just didn't make sense to me. She truly was a brilliant girl; did she just not put forth the effort?

"She's beautiful…and according to school records she has brains as well. Talented woman Brooke Davis."

The color instantly shades her cheeks and she just shakes her head at me.

"You're a teacher." She throws out, like I hadn't yet realized.

"You're a student." I pronounce. I notice the smile that she is trying to hide. Her eyes dance around the room before focusing back on me. I offer her a smile as well.

"Have a nice day teach. See you tomorrow." She waves quickly in my direction before turning around and briskly moving towards the exit. My eyes automatically fall to her departing figure. Taking in the way her hair falls down her back, her hips as they sway from left to right, and her backside. I close my eyes and bring a hand up to my forehead. Slapping my head lightly I curse the gods for letting a young woman like Brooke Davis become one of my students. This year was going to be different then last, this year was going to be very, very difficult.

~~~~~SSS~~~~~

I walk into the air-conditioned building and immediately my senses are greeted with wonderful smells. I move over to the counter and gaze upon the many fresh baked goods. Inhaling the aromas I move behind the counter in search of one certain young woman. I see her at the sink; washing the dishes from the afternoon rush I'm sure. Placing my workbag on the floor in the corner, I silently sneak up behind her. Wrapping one of my arms around her tiny frame I boast.

"Hey Hales!"

She lets out a heartfelt scream before turning towards me and lashing her arms at my chest. I am now covered in soapy suds.

"Jesus Luke. You scared the hell out of me." She pants as she presses a hand to her chest. I just reply with a shrug of the shoulders before admitting.

"It was kind of the point." Looking around the empty back room I question. "My moms not around?" I was hoping to run into her; after all it was her café. I usually try and visit with her once a week. The two of us are pretty close and I like to spend time with her catching up. Haley shakes her head before turning back to the dishes.

"She had to go bring Lilly to the doctors. The poor thing has been complaining over an earache. Your mom wanted to get her on antibiotics. She doesn't want Lil missing school already you know?"

"I didn't know Lilly was sick." I remark feeling slightly bad that I was unaware of my sister falling ill. Looking down at the dirty dishes I begin to roll my sleeves up past my elbows before moving myself to stand the side of my best friend.

"Here let me help, four hands are faster than two." She smiles at me before scrunching her nose.

"Thanks Lukey." Falling into a momentary silence I take in the moment. I love spending time with Haley. We have been best friends for as long as I can remember. It was always she and I against the world. Best friends till then end and that kind of shit. Now with her dating Nathan, me teaching, and our lives just being filled with more and more responsibilities; our time together is cut short. That's why moments like this; I have really come to appreciate.

"So Mr. Hot Shot English Teacher how was the first day?"

I give her a look before fiddling my fingers in the hot soapy water.

"And that look means what exactly?" Taking a deep breath I toy with the idea of telling her. After all she is my best friend. How much could she possibly judge?

"I have this student and I don't know Hales, she's…god she's just completely captivating." I focus on the skillet that I have now taking an interest in cleaning. Scrubbing the S.O.S pad against the silver metal I avoid Haley's burning gaze.

"Lucas!" Haley screeches and immediately I flinch at her tone. "Do you hear yourself right now? You're first day, your first goddamn day and you have a student. Let me repeat a st-ud-ent that is captivating?" She steps away from the sink and paces back and forth before me.

"Haley I know it sounds crazy…"

"Lucas crazy isn't even the word to describe it." She interrupts, throwing her hands in the air. This was Haley for you, always one for overreacting. I release a slight chuckle.

"I didn't say I was thinking about asking her out, I just said…" I try once more yet again Haley is quick to interrupt.

"I heard what you said Luke." Running her damp hand through her hair she takes a few deep breaths. Joining me once more in front of the sink she reaches into the hot water and pulls out a plate. As she begins to scrub clean the white dish, she turns to look at me. Conceding, she quietly states "Alright Luke, tell me about this girl."

~~~~~SSSS~~~~~

"Die Die Die…. DIE!" My younger brother Nathan yells as his thumb taps repeatedly over the small red button on the controller. I give a laugh as I let my tongue fall out of my mouth slightly moving my controller from side to side. We sat in the dark, beer bottles scattered around us, chips, pizza, and other junk food piled along the coffee table. Had to admit, this was a nice ending to a very long day.

"You suck!" Nathan bellows when the sound of victory rings through my ears and a grin swipes across my face.

"Sorry Nate but I do believe it is you that sucks." Throwing the controller down on the coffee table I lean back against the couch cushion and lace my fingers together behind my head.

"So Haley mentioned something about you having the hots for one of your students." Nathan lets out as he holds the green beer bottle to his lips and takes a long swig. Sighing I close my eyes, already tired of this topic.

"Man you have no idea. She's insanely irresistible. Hot, Sexy, beautiful, cute, feisty, innocent. It's all there. She's definitely sparked my attention." I lick my lips pausing and letting the image of Brooke Davis run through my mind.

"That sucks huh? I mean she's your student." He adds and I just nod in agreement. Sucks doesn't even begin to sum up the way I feel about it.

"I was just shocked man, when Haley mentioned it earlier. You never let yourself go there with woman. I mean sure you check them out and will agree if one of us comments bout a girl. But to actually talk the way you are about her, and you just fucking met her." Nathan states all the things that I myself know. Because despite the fact that I am a twenty three year old man. Despite the fact that I am actually a pretty decent looking twenty three year old man, I don't get myself hooked on girls. I don't even give them enough time for them to get hooked on me. Not since my last relationship two years ago. Not since Peyton Sawyer. Shaking my head trying to rid my mind of any memories containing my ex girlfriend, I reach for another beer. Using my bottle opener I hear the pop and quickly let the moisture reach my tongue.

"God these are good." I tilt the bottle towards Nathan and he instantly clanks his bottle to mine.

"Cheers man, to you…" Nathan pauses and cocks his head to the side in question. "Maybe getting past everything, moving on?"

I sigh and place my feet on the coffee table. Nobody understands the need I have to get past it all. The desire inside of me to erase everything that happened with Peyton and I. To push forward through life and find someone else that makes my heart beat the same way or close to the same way it did before. Groaning, I mutter something similar to the words goodnight, pat my hand to my brother's shoulder and make way towards my bedroom. Entering the dark room I shed my clothing and turn down my covers. Slipping into the warmth of my bed my hand instantly finds the framed photograph resting on my nightstand. Taking it in my grasp I bring it close enough that I am able to make out her face. My thumb softly runs across her beautiful form. I choke back the pain that I feel when looking at and or thinking of Peyton. We had a remarkable love story. A love story that some novelist could write about. A novel that I myself have considered writing. But I am partial against love stories ending in despair. I am completely against love that is forced to come to a haltering end. Placing the frame back securely in its place on my nightstand I close my eyes and softly mutter.

"Sweet dreams Peyton Scott."