A/N: Thank you for the reviews, I love to hear what you all think and if you're enjoying what you're reading. This is probably one of my favorite quotes from OTH so I hope you all think it fits. Anyways, on to the next chapter. And thanks for reading.
Oh, and it refuses to save the page marks again, so S's it is!
Who Do You Run To When You Stop Running
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6 billion people in the world, 6 billion souls. And sometimes all you need is one. (Peyton Sawyer)
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Lucas awoke to the warmth of the sunlight on his face, stretching his arms upwards to the ceiling. After spreading his arms out to the side and realizing he was alone, he sat up quickly.
"Peyton," he called out to her. "Peyton, you here?"
He turned his head to see a folded piece of paper with his name on it. He reached out for it, sitting up as he read it. "Luke went to pick up Mia. Love you, Peyton." He tossed it back on the night stand as he stood up groggily, making his way to the kitchen and opening the fridge, staring at its emptiness. He searched the cabinet for aspirin to rid him of the alcohol induced headache he had.
After drinking them down with a glass of water he turned back, seeing his cell phone lying on the counter. He turned it on and noticed he had seven messages. After he'd sped off from the church, he'd met with Karen, Lily and Andy before they set sail and never turned his phone back on, not wanting to be bothered by the outside world. He'd found himself at a dive bar until he practically passed out and was asked to leave, stumbling out of the cab into his childhood bedroom; the one Peyton no longer thought they should sleep in.
Lucas listened to a few messages from Peyton, one from Haley, and one from Nathan before finally hearing on from Brooke. She still sounded broken, even more so than the last message he'd received from her. He couldn't help the guilt that seem to wash over him, wondering if he'd never left for Vegas if she'd be okay now. He wanted to call her but he knew better, he'd been calling her for days and her message basically said not to try and contact her. His eyes lingered on the vase of white lilies, white orchids, and yellow daffodils she sent to the funeral before he turned back to his phone.
The next message was from Lindsay, saying she needed to speak to him about the book. He did not relish having to tell her about his engagement to Peyton. He rally had cared for Lindsay and thought he could build a life with her. She had believed in his book, believed in him and he had broken her heart. He quickly scrolled down to his ex fiancé's number and waited for it to ring.
"Hello," a female voice answered.
"Hi," Lucas replied.
"Lucas?" Lindsay's voice drifted through the phone. "Hi, how are you?"
"I'm fine Linds," he was a bit taken back from her call.
"I'm doing well," she replied.
"Look Lindsay," Lucas began. "I got your message before after I sent the dedication to you and I'm sorry I didn't get back to you then but…"
"Let's not go there right now Luke," she interrupted. "That wasn't what I called about yesterday; I called about the book. When can you be in New York?"
"Wow, I don't know." He shook his head. "Some things are going on here right now."
"They'd like to have a meeting with you; there are some things we need to move on as soon as possible," she explained. "They'd like to go over some marketing for the book tour. This really is important Lucas."
He stayed quiet for a moment, thinking it over. He needed to get out of Tree Hill, he'd felt like he was suffocating ever since he returned with everything that happened, and the business with his book seemed like the perfect opportunity. "You're right, it is important. How about tomorrow?"
"I was hoping you would say that," you could hear the smile in her voice. "I'll make the arrangements and call you later tonight to give you the details."
"Sounds good Linds," he replied. "I'll see you soon."
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Peyton stood at the front, anxiously waiting for Mia and her guest to arrive. She played with her fingers, unable to stop the uneasy feeling that coursed through her. With everything Lucas was going through and Jake's sudden reappearance in her life, to say she was nervous about meeting a man who may have some answers about her father was an understatement.
She hoped he had any answers for her but deep down; Peyton was scared of what the answers would be; if they would match the fantasized version in her head. Eventually Peyton had understood why Ellie gave her up and she came to love her birth mother as a daughter does but she wondered if she'd be able to do the same for her biological father. After all, he'd walked out on her brother Derrick before he walked away from her.
"Peyton!" she was pulled out of her thought's from Mia's voice.
"Hey," she smiled as she embraced the younger girl. "How was the tour?"
"Horrible," she scrunched her face before giving a laugh. "Man, it was awesome. I owe you like, everything." She turned to her traveling companion. "This is Payton and Peyton, this is Mick."
"Hey," he smiled as he offered her his hand. "Good to meet you."
"It's an honor to meet you," she beamed as she shook his hand. "I'm a huge fan; that stuff you did on The Lifeless album, it blew me away the first time I heard it."
"Thanks," he laughed. "I didn't know anyone your age actually knew who I was. You are definitely Ellie's."
"Not to break this up but can we get out of the airport," Mia laughed.
"Yeah," Peyton tilted her head. "Come on, my car's out front."
Mia and Mick followed her out to the parking lot, Mick stopping to admire her car. "Woo, a comet?" he asked with a laugh.
"Yeah," she answered before lifting her eyebrows slightly. "What?"
"I used to have one of these," he smiled.
Peyton nodded. "I think we are going to get along just fine." And suddenly all the nervousness she felt before had vanished.
"Oh great," Mia chimed in from the backseat. "This is going to be a long ride."
Peyton and Mick both laughed as she drove off.
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"Oh yeah!" Jamie shouted as he moved around the controller, mimicking the movements of the basketball player on the video game.
"I think you're cheating," Nathan laughed as he sent his son an amused look.
"It's okay Daddy," the young boy smiled. "All you have to do is practice."
"Is that it?" he questioned, enjoying the carefree time with his son. Things had become so tense lately and it was nice to have a few minutes of normalcy. "How'd you do that?"
"Uncle Skills taught me," Jamie answered proudly. "And this too." He laughed as Nathan pretended to be discouraged over the game.
"Pause little man," Nathan said as the phone started to ring and he walked over to answer it. "Hello," he answered.
"Hello," an unfamiliar man spoke. "I'm looking for Nathan Scott."
"You got him," his brows furrowed. "Who is this?"
"My name's Bobby," he answered. "I'm the general manager for a basketball team here in Fort Wayne; the D league."
"Yes," Nathan could feel his pulse elevate, his curiosity and hopes piqued.
"I'm doing some changes down here and I'd really like to meet with you," he explained.
"Wow, I don't know what to say." He was practically speechless.
"I'd like to sit down with you and go over some options if you're interested," Bobby paused. "What do you say?"
"I say okay," he answered.
"Great," the man on the other end of the line sounded pleased. "How would you like to fly up here tomorrow? You can see the gym and we can talk about the possibilities."
"That sounds good," Nathan couldn't believe this was happening. "Thank you."
"Thank you," Bobby replied. "I'll have someone call to confirm the flight info once it's all sorted. I'll see you tomorrow Nathan."
"Yes Sir, see you tomorrow." Nathan grinned as he hung up the phone and then looked at his son, who was looking up at him in anticipation.
Jamie stared up at him, his blue eyes wide. "Who was it Daddy?"
"The D league," he said in amazement.
"Like the NBA?" Jamie asked.
"Yeah," he almost felt out of breath. "I can't believe it."
"I knew you could do it," he held up his hand which Nathan quickly responded to, giving him a high five. "I can't wait till we tell Momma."
"Tell Momma what?' Haley said as she walked in the door, grocery bag in hand.
"The general manager of The Fort Wayne Mad Ants just called," Nathan explained. "They want me to fly down there."
Jamie beamed. "Basket ball Momma; Daddy's gonna play for the NBA."
"Oh my god Nathan that's amazing," she immediately put the bag down and rushed to hug him. "I am so proud of you."
"Thanks Hales," he looked into her eyes. "I wouldn't have been able to do this without you," he paused to lift his son up in his arms, "both of you. I mean it, thank you."
"You're welcome," Jamie said proudly.
Haley laughed, "So let's celebrate. They were setting up the fair in the park."
"What do you say Jimmy Jam?" Nathan turned to the boy in his arms.
"I love cotton candy," he grinned.
"It's settled then," Nathan replied. "We celebrate family style."
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Lucas sat on the cushioned bench at the local Chinese restaurant, waiting for his order. Since his mom's café closed, this had become his favorite take out place.
He'd spoken to Peyton but had yet to tell her the news about his upcoming meeting with Lindsay in New York. She was on her way to her studio to show Ellie's friend around and he didn't want to ruin her day with his news. He was sure with all the time he'd needed to himself lately that she would not be too pleased about this impromptu trip.
Lucas watched as a red headed woman walked into the restaurant, cell phone in hand as she sashayed to the counter.
"Yeah," she spoke. "I got everything; don't worry about it. You just make sure I can still get in when I get back although I'm not too worried. Rick always did have a crush on me." Her laugh was familiar. Yeah I'll try to avoid it… bye."
"Rachel?" Lucas stood up. He'd recognize that voice anywhere.
"Lucas," she turned around a bit guiltily, almost as if she'd been caught stealing. "Hey, how's it going?" She planted a fake smiled on her face.
"Fine," he answered although his voice clearly said otherwise.
"Yeah right," she called him on it. "I heard about Dan; that must be hard. I know he was an ass but he was still your dad. My dad's an ass too although he never killed my uncle but you get where I'm going with this, right?"
"Yeah, thanks." He nodded, surprisingly understanding she was actually trying to be comforting. "So, where are you staying, Brooke's place?"
"What?" here eyes darted to the Chinese woman approaching and she found herself saying a silent thank you in her head.
"Your order is ready, thank you." The woman held a bag out to Lucas before turning to Rachel. "You call in right?"
"Yes," Rachel nodded. "The salt and pepper wings…"
"Fried rice, egg roll, and pan noodles," the woman finished for her. "She order the same thing every time. I'll be right back; it almost ready."
"She?" Lucas stared at her with accusatory eyes. "I thought Brooke was out of town. What's going on Rachel?"
"Look Lucas, Brooke will call you when she's ready." Rachel turned away from him.
"Is that what she did with you or did you just find a way to barge in like you always do?" he grabbed her arm, forcing her to turn and look at him. "Rachel, please. If something happened, if this is about Angie…"
"This isn't just about Angie," she sighed, her eyes clouded with concern for her friend.
"Here you are, she pay over the phone." The Chinese woman returned, handing Rachel a bag. "Thank you very much."
"Thank you," Rachel said before returning her eyes to the blonde man in front of her. "Lucas, I don't know if I should be helping you."
"Rachel," his eyes were pleading.
She shook her head, unsure if she was making the right decision or not. "Let's go."
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Peyton watched as Mick looked over the record collage on the wall.
"These all your favorites?" he turned back to look at her.
"Some of them," she answered with a laugh. "Some of them I just thought looked cool."
He laughed as well. "You know Peyton; you've done well for yourself. I have that benefit album you worked on with Ellie and I was really impressed."
"Thanks," she nodded. "It meant a lot to me, being able to have that time with her."
"I'm sure it meant a lot to her too," Mick replied. "What you wrote about her was beautiful."
Peyton nodded appreciatively. "So," she paused as she gained the courage to ask the question that had been on her mind. "Did you know my father too?"
"Yeah," he answered. "I knew him fairly well."
"Did he… I mean, were they in love?" Peyton paused, exhaling deeply as she sat down. "Ellie didn't really tell me a lot about them, about him."
"Yeah they were in love," Mick mused. "It was almost from the moment they met and it was this all consuming kind you know, which made it crazy but it made it really real too."
"Could you tell me about them, anything really?" her green eyes stared up at him. Do you know how they met; if it was on tour?"
"Sort of," Mick shrugged. "Your father was a roadie at the time. He played his own stuff but no one had really given him a chance so he just traveled with bands, setting up just to be around the music." He paused briefly as he hopped up on her desk. "Then one day, the band he was traveling with stopped at this diner outside Indianapolis and he saw Ellie, all blonde curls and smiles. I think that was it for him right there."
"So it was love at first sight?" she smiled, waiting for him to continue.
He nodded. "They were going to be in town for a three day gig and everyday after he was at that diner and she was at the shows. Man was she beautiful," he replied. "Everyone who knew her thought so. She just had this passion for music and art." Mick laughed. "She used to draw her own little comics on napkins and give them out."
Peyton beamed. "That sounds like Ellie."
"Yeah," he said slowly before clearing his throat. "Anyway, there were these two guys who needed anew guitarist for their group and they asked him to be a part of it. The only thing is they were leaving that afternoon for LA."
"So he lost his break then?" she questioned. "He stayed with Ellie?"
"Of course not, this is a rock 'n roll love story," Mick said with a laugh. "He went straight to that diner and told her, he didn't know what the future held but he was sure he wanted her in his present. Then there was something about fighting oppression with music and making a difference together; we were all kind of big on that stuff back then." He shrugged. "Ellie hopped over the counter and kissed him. She quit in the middle of her shift and they left for LA about an hour later. It was crazy but it was passionate and that was them."
"Wow," Peyton's eyes were wide. "That's some story."
"Surprisingly it's all true," Mick said.
Peyton began to speak. "I know this may be a strange question but…"
"Hi," a young brunette woman tapped on the door as she entered. "I'm not too early am I?"
"No Emilie, just give me a minute." Peyton replied before turning back to Mick. "That's my new artist but we could postpone or something. I was really enjoying this."
"Don't worry about it," he shook his head as he stood up. "I'll be around for a while." He headed towards the door.
"Hey Mick," Peyton waited for him to turn around. "Thank you."
He gave her a nod. "Anytime."
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Nathan, Haley, and Jamie walked in the house, all wearing silly hats and carrying various stuffed animals they'd won at the fair.
"Hey," Deb smiled as they walked in.
"Hi Nanny Deb," the young boy ran up to his grandmother and hugged her.
"Hey, did you have a good time sweetheart?" she pulled back to smile at him.
"Yeah," Jamie replied. "We went on bumper cars and spun in teacups and Daddy got me this." He held up a stuffed basketball and net set with suction cups. "I can hang it on my door or the call."
"That's great," Deb smiled at him.
"And we saw my friend Cassie and Mouth and Millicent were there too," Jamie said as he sat down next to her.
"Oh," her eyes grew wide.
"You okay Deb?" Haley peered at her. "You look a little pale."
"I'm fine," she answered quickly. "Did Marvin say anything?"
"Like what mom?" Nathan looked at her strangely. "You sure you're okay?"
"Yes I'm fine," she shrugged. "I was just making conversation."
"Okay," Nathan shook his head and resolved to let it go, he'd learned a long time ago that his mom could be a little off at times. "So how was your day?"
"It was good," she nodded, relieved that Mouth had apparently kept her secret. But for how long was what worried her.
They all turned back as the door bell rang.
"Don't all get up at once," Haley said sarcastically as she set the items in her hands on the couch. "I'll get it." She walked over to the door, her mouth dropping open at the sight in front of her. "Well if it isn't the devil and his guitar?"
"Haley James Scott," he smiled as he lifted his eyebrows. "Miss me?"
She scoffed, shaking her head incredulously. "Chris Keller."
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Jake sat at the counter inside Tric, waiting for Peyton. Last night when he saw it, it took everything in him not to kiss her right then and there and tell her that she was the biggest reason why he came back to Tree Hill.
"What can I get you?" the bartender asked.
"Whatever you have on tap is fine," Jake replied. "Thanks man," he said as the man placed a beer in front of him. Jake took a long drink before returning the mug to the counter, his mind wandering back to last night.
"I missed you," he smiled into her hair.
"Oh Jake," she huddled against him. "I missed you too." After a few minutes she pulled back to look at him. "What are you doing here?"
"It was just time," he smiled. "I just got back earlier today and I decided to walk and somehow I wound up here, with you. I came back for…" he froze as he saw the ring glistening on her finger. "You're engaged?' He looked around. "That's Luke's house, isn't it?" He hadn't realized it until that moment.
"Yeah," it came out softly. "Lucas and I are engaged."
And suddenly, he felt his heart sink.
"Jake," Peyton beamed as she took a seat next to him.
"Peyton," he returned the smile. "How did things go with Ellie's friend?"
"Good," she replied. "He told me this amazing story on how my parents met. They had this really amazing love; it's nice to know I came from that."
"Hey Peyton," the bartender flashed a smile. "How's Brooke?"
"Oh great," she rolled her eyes. "You're back."
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Lucas followed Rachel inside the house he'd been in more times than he could count but it now looked unfamiliar. There were dark curtains drawn over the windows and the lights that were on were all dim.
"Why is it so dark in here?" he looked to the red head beside him.
She shook her head. "I'll let her tell you."
"Miss Gatina," Rick walked into the room. "What is he doing here? Mrs. Davis is going to fire me and Brooke has made it clear she doesn't want anyone to see her."
"I'll take the blame with Victoria, she hates me anyways and you'll probably already be fired for letting me in." she smirked. "Rick seriously though, Brooke will want to see Lucas; trust me." She turned to the aforementioned party. "She'll be up in her bedroom. And Lucas, do not freak out when you see her. She needs us."
"Rachel," he peered at her. "You're starting to scare me."
The red head nodded before quietly speaking. "I know."
Lucas climbed the stairs slowly, suddenly nervous of what he might find. On the way over he couldn't wait to see her but Rachel and Rick seemed so concerned about her that it scared him. He wondered what else could of happened or if something bad had happened to Angie. He finally made it to the door and opened it quietly, freezing at the sight in front of him.
Brooke was lying on her side in a black tank top and biker shorts, leaving so much of her skin visible, her blackened eyes slightly swollen and closed. The left side of her lip was busted and she had the beginning of a scab over what looked like a nasty gash on her forehead. He could see light bruises on her arms, one reminiscent of a hand print, and a deep purple contusion on her inner thigh. But what worried him the most were the shadows on her neck and the circular bruise in between her shoulder and neck that reminded him of teeth.
"Did you get the…" Brooke deadpanned as she opened her eyes and saw the brooding blonde standing above her. "Lucas, what are… how did…" she couldn't quite finish her thoughts.
"Brooke," it came out as almost a whisper, his face pained.
"Lucas, please." She sat up, covering her face with the pillow.
"Oh my god Brooke," he kneeled in front of her and slowly took the pillow from her, tossing it aside before holding her hands within his own tenderly; his eyes taking in the scrapes on her knuckles. He looked up at her. "What happened?"
"I fell down the stairs," she looked down at their intertwined hands, avoiding his gaze.
"Brooke," he spoke softly. "Brooke, look at me." He waited for her to comply. "This was from the robbery, wasn't it?"
She nodded slowly. She had never really been able to lie to him, especially when he looked at her with those compassionate blue eyes.
Lucas stood up and immediately sat beside her, still holding on to one of her hands. "Why didn't you call me?"
"I couldn't," Brooke shook her head. "I couldn't bear you to see me like this; anyone to see me so weak."
He turned towards her. "Brooke Davis, you are the strongest person I know."
"I don't feel very strong right now," she looked up at him and suddenly felt very uncomfortable. "Don't look at me like that."
Lucas shook his head. "Like what?"
"Like you feel sorry for me," she finally removed her hand from his and stood up.
"Yes I'm sad for you but I don't feel sorry for you in the way you mean' I feel angry." His face tensed. "How anyone could do this to you. I want to kill the bastard that did this but mostly," he paused as he let out an exaggerated breath. "Mostly I feel guilty."
Her eyes softened for the first time in a week. "Guilty?" she repeated. "Why?"
"I should have been here," Lucas said as he reached out to her and gently pulled her into his arms, cradling her on his lap.
Brooke laid her head against his chest, her fingers lingering over the fabric as she listened to the steady beating of his heart. "You're here now," her raspy voice came out in a whisper.
Lucas placed a soft kiss on her forehead as a single tear slid down his face. When Brooke felt the moisture slip down her own face, something in her began to shift and warm tears began to cascade down her cheeks; the first tears she allowed herself to cry since it happened.
He pulled her closer and rocked her as she sobbed into his chest. "Everything's going to be okay," he whispered, unsure if he was telling her or himself. "I promise."
Mark Schwan wrote, "At this moment, there are six billion, four hundred seventy million, eight hundred eighteen thousand, six hundred seventy one people in the world. Some are running scared. Some are coming home. Some tell lies to make it through the day. Others are just not facing the truth. Some are evil men, at war with good. And some are good, struggling with evil. Six billion people in the world, six billion souls. And sometimes, all you need is ONE.