Disclaimer: I do not own One Tree Hill or any of its characters.

A/N: Hi everybody. I apologize again for the long delay. I have a few excuses if you're interested to know. If not, you can skip right to the chapter. LOL. First I had to catch up on everything, then it was too hot to write, then the past few days I've been fighting an infection in my mouth and between the painkillers and the antibiotics, I've been so drowsy. But it's getting much better now. Also I struggled a little with the Peyton/Ellie thing. I know where I want to take their relationship but the first meeting was difficult. Unlike the show, Peyton already knew she was adopted and about Ellie so her reaction to her had to be different, but I also wanted to keep it realistic considering what Peyton's going through and true to Peyton's character. I'm still not sure if it's all that realistic but hopefully it is. Hehe.

As always, a big thanks goes out to all readers and especially to all the reviewers. Love you guys big time.

Marissa and Tamarindo: The Channing Tatum small reference was for you two since you're both soooo hooked on him. LOL.

Ok, sorry once again for the extra long a/n. Hope you all enjoy reading, even though I'm afraid you might all be mad at me. Haha.

Soft fingers grazed over his bare torso as Nathan lay face up on the bed, his temper less than a fraction diminished, despite the past hour's events. When those same fingers began toying with his nipple ring, his irritation only grew because it reminded him of Peyton and how she always did that. He didn't want to think about her right now. Or ever.

Unaware of his thoughts, Ashley leaned over to nuzzle on his ear. "I told you I could make you forget Peyton," she whispered sensuously.

He rolled his eyes at the absurdity of her comment and sat up, reaching for his boxers and slipping them on. "You made me cum," he scoffed. "Nothing else."

"Three times," she retorted, grinning smugly as though that were some grand accomplishment.

He didn't bother with a reply, just continued to dress.

Her smile was steadfast until he sneered at her attempt to give him her number and instead just walked out of the room without a word.

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The party was still going strong by the time he made his way downstairs so he headed straight for the keg. Sex hadn't made him feel any better, maybe alcohol would. At the very least, it would numb him and dull the pain.

He drank fast, anxious for the effects so it wasn't long before he felt the desired buzz. And soon after that he was flirting with a couple of girls.

"You know," he heard from behind him. "If this is what you think will get you Peyton back, you might want to rethink your game plan."

Recognizing Rachel's voice, he turned around to find her standing there with her hands on her hips. He blinked, his vision slightly blurred. "Maybe I don't want Peyton back," he challenged.

Rachel chuckled at the ridiculous comment. "Right, and maybe I don't want to have Channing Tatum's babies."

"I think one's about as far fetched as the other," he snarled.

"At the rate you keep screwing up, you're probably right," Rachel replied, sneering at the two girls who nearly hung off him.

"What's the difference?" he asked. "I could be a perfect saint and she wouldn't even notice, so I may as well have some fun. Besides, she doesn't want me anyways. She made that pretty clear tonight."

"Nathan…," she began but he cut her off.

"Look, don't you have a table to go dance on? Guys to entertain?"

"Ok, I know the Nathan Scott brush off when I hear it," she said. "But, just so you know, I think you're making another mistake."

"Yeah? Well, can you go think that over there?" he said dismissively, gesturing to a group of boys eager to get some attention from the fiery redhead.

"Fine. But don't say I didn't warn you," she replied before turning on her heels toward the boys.

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He found Brooke and Chase a little later on, talking quietly in a corner. He stumbled his way over and put one arm around each of them in an over-enthusiastic greeting.

"Nate," Brooke said, noting his condition and wincing as he leaned heavily upon them, using them for balance. "What happened to not drinking tonight?"

He shrugged as best he could. "Peyton happened," he said simply before focusing his attention on Chase. "Hi, I'm Nathan Scott," he introduced himself.

Chase smiled in greeting. "I know. I'm Chase. How're ya doing?"

"You don't really want to know," Nathan replied. "So, you like my wife, huh?" he asked, taking Chase by surprise.

"Wife?" Chase managed to choke out.

"Uh," Brooke intervened. "Private joke," she clarified. "We're not actually married," she ensured her date.

"He knows I'm joking, Brooke," Nathan said confidently. "Only an idiot would get married in high school. But you do like her, right?" he posed the question again.

"Yeah, I do," Chase admitted. "A lot." His eyes locked with Brooke's for a moment and they exchanged smiles.

"Good," Nathan continued. "Cuz you know what'll happen if you hurt her, right?"

"Nathan," Brooke hissed.

"What?" Nathan asked innocently. "I'm just asking if he knows…"

"Asking my ass," she countered. "You're trying to intimidate him."

"It's ok, Brooke," Chase said with amusement and turned back to Nathan. "I'm not perfect, by any means, but I assure you my intentions with Brooke are quite sincere, sir," he said as though he were speaking to her father instead of her friend.

Nathan didn't seem to notice and nodded in satisfaction to the reply. "Good cuz otherwise I'd have to kick your ass."

"Yeah, I kinda got that impression," Chase joked. "But thanks for clearing it up."

A few more words were exchanged before Nathan sauntered off, his steps anything but steady.

Watching him go, Brooke shook her head as Chase simply chuckled.

"Sorry about that," Brooke said sheepishly. "He's such a bully sometimes."

"Nah," Chase disagreed. "He's just making sure I'm worthy to date his wife…I mean, friend."

"How can you joke about this? He pretty much just threatened you."

"Like I said, he's looking out for you, Brooke. I can respect that."

She smiled. "You're way too good for me," she said wistfully. "Let's dance," she added, pulling him onto the makeshift dance floor before he could question her remark.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––

Deb was in the process of making herself breakfast when Nathan came in the next morning. "Where have you been?" she demanded to know.

Nathan frowned at her 'motherly' tone. "Didn't Dad tell you? I went to a party."

"All night?"

"Yeah," he answered snidely.

"You were drinking," she accused as he came fully into the kitchen to grab an apple from the fruit basket.

He rolled his eyes. "It was a party, Mom. Is Dad home?"

"No, he went to the dealership." She didn't mention the argument beforehand where Dan had told her not to worry that Nathan had stayed out all night, that he'd be back. She'd tried to argue that he shouldn't be allowing him to do that but Dan had simply scoffed and stated that he didn't want to smother the kid.

It seemed to Deb that those boys were getting just a little too comfortable in her absence. Well, she wasn't leaving again so things were going to change around there. Ground rules were going to be set. She said as much to Nathan – or rather she tried to. He ended up cutting her off mid-sentence to inform her he was going up for a nap because there was another party that night he was going to and he didn't want to be tired.

She stood alone again in the kitchen. One thing was clear. Her son hadn't an ounce of respect for her or her authority.

Nathan, unfazed by his mother's little rant, yet still feeling the digs from Peyton the night before, threw an empty box on his bed and began tossing Peyton's stuff inside. When nothing of hers remained, he closed it up and put it aside to deliver later. And then he'd be done with her – done apologizing, done being shot down. Just done.

He threw away the core of his apple and lay in his bed. 'Payback's a bitch, isn't it?' 'You're not the only one who can break hearts.'

He punched his pillow in frustration as those words kept repeating themselves in his mind. Peyton's words. He was done with her, damn it! Now all he had to do was stop thinking about her. Maybe the private party at Kelly Watson's house later would help with that. And yet, he knew it wouldn't. Still, he refused to admit it. It couldn't hurt, right? And hell, at least he was getting laid again. A month of celibacy was enough for him as Peyton played her pull and push game.

'Be thankful it was only a month. I had a year of it.' Groaning he pulled the pillow from beneath him and put it over his face in a futile attempt to get her words, her voice, hell, her entire self, out of his head.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––

It was noon before Larry woke Peyton up and only because they were set to meet Ellie at 2:00. He knew his daughter had cried long into the night and though he would have loved to let her enjoy the peaceful slumber that finally came, he knew how much it meant to her to meet her birth mother.

When she joined him at the table an hour later, freshly showered, he gave her a warm smile, to which she returned a weak one of her own. He hated the sadness that reflected in her eyes, hated that his baby girl was hurting so much, and hated the boy who caused her that pain time and time again.

"How're you doing, honey?" he asked with concern.

"Never better," she replied sarcastically.

"Listen, Lucas told me what happened last night…well, not exactly, but he said you ran into Nathan."

She shrugged her shoulders and did her best to appear nonchalant. "It was a party. The chances of not running into him were slim to none."

"Well then, I'm sorry for pushing you to go."

"Don't be," she replied, knowing the altercation between her and Nathan would have happened sooner or later – if not last night, then some other day. "It was a long time coming."

"Now do you see what I mean when I say he's no good for you?" Larry asked gently.

"It was my fault," she shot back defensively. If only she hadn't submitted that sketch.

Larry sighed. Why must she always defend the guy? "Honey…"

"What time are we meeting Ellie?" Peyton questioned despite already knowing the answer.

Again her father sighed softly, aware that her question was posed simply to avoid hearing a negative remark about Nathan. Silently he wondered when she'd finally pull off the blinders for good.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––

"Thank you, Haley," Ellie Harpe said, reading the young waitress's nametag as she placed her coffee cup in front of her.

"You're welcome," Haley replied with a smile. "Can I get you anything else?"

"No thanks," Ellie declined politely, knowing she couldn't stomach anything beyond the hot liquid. She was too on edge for that. Today was the day she would get a formal introduction to the daughter she'd given birth to seventeen years ago. The day she'd dreamed of was finally here. At Peyton's request.

That was the only thing that kept her from being one giant bundle of nerves – the fact that Peyton had requested the meeting. She knew she'd have a lot to answer for and she was prepared for that, but knowing her daughter wanted to meet her helped calm her nerves a little bit.

Her breath caught in her throat when Larry and the curly blonde walked in. She was even more beautiful than Ellie remembered. She hadn't thought that were even possible.

She stood from her seat and her eyes met with her long lost daughter's.

–––––

"You ready for this?" Larry asked softly.

"Yeah," Peyton replied, sounding more confident that she actually felt. Her heart pounded erratically as her gaze caught her birth mother's. "Now or never," she said with false bravado.

Larry put a comforting arm around her as they headed toward the table.

"Hi, Peyton," Ellie greeted tentively.

"Hi," Peyton answered in much the same tone.

Haley was there in an instant taking orders.

Much to Peyton's chagrin, Larry announced that he had errands to run and wouldn't be staying. She sent him a pleading look, which almost changed his mind, but he knew if he stayed Peyton and Ellie couldn't speak as openly so he apologized and told Peyton he'd see her later on at home. Ellie smiled at him thankfully.

Once he left Peyton ended up ordering a double cheeseburger, a large frie, an onion ring, a salad and a large chocolate shake for lunch.

Haley gave her a strange look and asked if she was kidding. She knew, in the time she'd become friends with Peyton, that the girl had an unusually large appetite for her tiny size, but that was a lot of food, even for Peyton, especially since Karen's portion sizes were more than generous.

But Peyton insisted she was sure, knowing her nerves would always allow her to eat more than she was normally capable of.

"Ok," Haley responded with a shrug.

"Hungry?" Ellie asked in amazement.

"Something like that," Peyton responded as they both sat.

The tension was thick the first few moments as both of them seemed to be waiting for the other to speak first. Ellie was the first to break the silence.

"So, did you want to start by telling me a little bit about yourself or…maybe you have some questions for me. I'll answer anything you want to know."

Peyton met her gaze. "Ok, I got a question for you," she said dully. "How does a mother abandon her own child at birth?"

Ellie was more taken aback by the sharp tone of Peyton's voice than the question itself. But it was, she silently reasoned, a fair and logical question that deserved an answer.

"There are a number of reasons a mother would make that kind of decision," Ellie began. "And most times it's a selfless act on the mother's part, to give her baby a better life than she can give." She paused to reflect a moment before continuing. "I wish I could tell you I was one of those mothers, but the truth is I was selfish. I had a drug habit I wasn't willing to give up and freedom I didn't want to lose."

"So, basically, you just didn't want me," Peyton spoke softly.

The truth clearly hurt the girl but Ellie knew she had to be honest with her. She deserved it. "It wasn't you, Peyton. I was just…"

"A selfish bitch," Peyton finished for her.

"Yes," Ellie readily agreed. "I'm not proud of those days and if I could take them back, I would."

"It's a little late for that," Peyton returned coldly.

Ellie took a deep breath. "You know, correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't you want this meeting set up?"

"Yeah. So?"

"So, I'm thinking maybe ease up on the sarcasm and attitude?"

Peyton cocked an eyebrow. "What'd you expect? The red carpet? You gave me away."

Ellie closed her eyes for a moment. "Fair enough," she conceded. "I guess I just assumed you'd be open to hearing my side, but maybe that was just wishful thinking. I shouldn't have expected that you'd be ok with all of this. But I did promise myself that I'd answer all your questions honestly and to the best of my ability. I won't try to twist the truth to make myself look better, no matter how ugly the truth is.

Peyton didn't respond so Ellie continued. "You do have the right to be upset and I apologize for implying that you don't."

"That's what you're apologizing for?" Peyton asked incredulously.

"Peyton, I regret that I was too self-absorbed to keep you back then, but on the other hand, if I hadn't done what I did, you would have never had such wonderful parents. And let me tell you, I did you a favor because Anna and Larry are better people than I could ever be. I've been clean a long time now, but your mom was ten times the woman I'll ever be."

Something in Peyton shifted at that comment. Ellie's acknowledgement of her true parents was just enough to chip a little piece of the wall she'd put up. "She was really great," she practically whispered.

"I'm not looking to take her place, Peyton," Ellie assured her. "I know I never could and that's not why I'm here."

Peyton nodded. "I know," she admitted. "My dad told me everything, about how you wanted to be in my life when I was younger and how he and my mom made arrangements to introduce us slowly. And how those plans changed after she died."

Ellie smiled sadly and nodded her head. "The last thing I wanted to do was walk away again, but your father was right. You were too traumatized as it was to add more confusion to your life."

"I understand that. I do," Peyton said. "And I don't know what's wrong with me. I didn't plan to be such a bitch when we met, I really didn't…"

"It's ok, Peyton. You have every reason to be."

"No," Peyton contradicted. "My dad explained everything and I understood. I wasn't mad at you. I wasn't."

"Until now," Ellie pointed out.

"Not really," Peyton countered. "It just hurts to know you weren't wanted, that's all."

Ellie nodded in understanding but offered no comment since there wasn't anything she could say to justify her actions back then.

"And plus, I have some other stuff going on too so I kinda took that out on you too. Sorry."

"Don't apologize. I deserve whatever hell you want to throw my way." Ellie wondered about the other stuff Peyton referred to but decided it was way too soon to ask "But I'd still like the chance to get to know you if you're ok with that."

Peyton gave her a small smile and nodded her head. "I'd like that," she said earnestly.

"Ok," came the friendly voice of Haley James. "Your one-person dinner for eight is served," she said with humor. "Good luck."

Peyton could only laugh at her selection now. "By the way, this is my good friend, Haley," she said to Ellie. "Haley, this is Ellie, my birth mother.

They exchanged pleasantries until another customer called for Haley's attention.

"So, do you still hang around that other brunette girl?" Ellie asked curiously. "Brooke, I think?"

Peyton chuckled. "Oh yeah, Brooke's my girl. We'll always be best buds."

"I remember watching the two of you under the bridge and thinking that girl wears way too much eye shadow for a nine year old."

"That's my Brooke," Peyton said affectionately. "She liked to look more grown up. But she's great though. I'm really lucky to have her."

"It's always nice to have a friend you can count on."

"Yeah," Peyton agreed. "She was pretty much the only one who was there for me after my mom died. Well, other than my dad, but he was grieving too. You know? But Brooke, she came over every day to make sure I was ok and when I wasn't, she would sit there with me and let me talk or cry or just do nothing. I don't know how I would have gotten through it without her."

"I wish I could have helped you, Peyton," Ellie said sincerely. "I mean that.

Peyton smiled but another uncomfortable silence fell upon them. This time Peyton broke it. "So, you gonna help me eat this food or what?"

"Are you sure you can spare any?" Ellie joked.

"Hmm, maybe a fry or two," Peyton joked back, pushing the entire tray to the middle of the table.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––

Dan's head shot up as someone entered his office without so much as a knock. "Larry Sawyer," he greeted with surprise. "What can I do for you?"

"You can keep your bastard son away from my daughter," Larry didn't hesitate to say.

Dan flinched imperceptibly but remained outwardly calm. Smirking at the man in front of him, he spoke. "Now, it's my understanding that Lucas and Peyton are just friends."

"I think you know I'm not talking about Lucas."

Dan chuckled. "As far as I know I've only sired two…"

"Listen," Larry interrupted with an impatient sigh. "I'm serious. Keep Nathan the hell away from Peyton. I'm tired of him messing with her head."

Again Dan laughed. "Let's say I agree to do as you say," he mocked. "How do you suggest I go about doing that? Lock him up in a dungeon? Deprive him of his basic human rights? What do you say, should I starve him too?"

"I really don't care what you do, as long as he's far away from my daughter so she can finally learn to live without him."

"I can see you missed my point altogether," Dan scoffed. "Reality check – they're seventeen. In the end, they'll do what they want to do, no matter if Daddy disapproves. And for the record, she messes with his head just as much as he does hers."

"I somehow doubt that. Has he ever come home crying over something she's done?"

"No, but he's come home drunk or punching walls. Same feeling, different reaction."

"Well then, you can at least agree that their relationship isn't healthy."

"I agree they need to get it together or let it go, yeah. That's why I told Nathan to quit playing into her games so much. I doubt he'll listen, but what the hell, I had to try."

"Her games?" Larry sneered.

"Like I said, neither of them is perfect, regardless of what you want to believe. Spend more time at home and you'd see your daughter has flaws just like the rest of us."

"Not all of us had the luxury of marrying into money," Larry fumed, enraged that the man should even bring up their living arrangements.

"I'm just saying, get to know your daughter before you go blaming my son for every problem they encounter. Truth is, they bring most of it on themselves and they're both guilty of it."

"Yeah, except my daughter is a sweet girl, whereas your son is nothing but a manipulator who treats people like dirt just because he can. Peyton's biggest character flaw is not seeing through his act a long time ago and letting him trample on her heart repeatedly."

"Ok," Dan said and went back to the paper work he'd been pouring over before the interruption. "Look, I got work to do so shut the door on your way out, will ya?"

–––––––––––––––––––––––––

My dad's not home yet," Peyton mentioned as Ellie pulled into the driveway. "Did you wanna maybe come in for a bit?" she offered. "I can show you my record collection," she added, having learned that Ellie too, was a music fanatic.

"I can't resist that one," the older blonde said.

"Ok, prepare to be amazed," Peyton said as they headed up the walkway. "What's this?" she wondered aloud of the box sitting directly in front of her door. She bent to open it and her heart momentarily stopped beating. Various pieces of clothing, hair accessories, makeup – all her things she'd left behind at Nathan's house. She pulled out the CD that was placed inside as well.

"Autumn Effect!" Ellie exclaimed. "I've been trying to get that CD for months."

Peyton didn't hear her. Her mind had closed off to her surroundings and gone back to a week after her and Nathan's breakup.

Flashback

"Yeah, well you left all kinds of shit at my house so you're gonna have to come pick it up."

Peyton's voice just came out tired. "Listen, just pack it up and bring it to school whenever."

"Forget it, I'm not packing anything. You want your stuff, come and get it."

"That's just a way to get me to your house," Peyton said knowingly.

"Whatever."

"Ok, you know what, keep it, keep it all."

"Yeah, cuz I could use some women's clothes, makeup and hair clips. I was running out," he remarked sarcastically. "And like I really want all your crappy music."

"Then just…I don't care, do whatever the hell you want with it."

"Fine, I'm gonna toss everything then."

"You do that," Peyton replied dismissively.

"Including that Autumn Effect CD," he said smugly, reaching the desired effect as she fell silent and simply glared at him. He knew that would get to her. He opened her front door and then turned back. "Oh, and don't bother sending someone else to pick it up for you. I'm not handing it over to anyone but you." He sent her a triumphant smile before walking out the door.

End of Flashback

The next items she pulled out were the three remaining anniversary coupons she'd given him. He'd said just last week that he planned on cashing them all in eventually. But instead he'd just given them back. He'd returned everything. She swallowed hard as the pain threatened to engulf her. This could only mean one thing. He was doing what he said he wouldn't do.

He was giving up on her.

"You alright?" Ellie asked, seeing how distraught Peyton was.

"Umm, yeah. But listen, could we maybe do this some other time? I'm suddenly not feeling so good."

"Oh, absolutely. I'll stop by in a day or two. Sound good?"

Peyton could only nod because the lump in her throat was getting bigger and more painful.

Ellie drove away, knowing in her heart that the stuff in that box had something to do with the stuff Peyton had earlier mentioned she had going on. And she was willing to bet it had everything to do with a boy.

Peyton spent the rest of the day locked up in her room, mulling over the box's significance, sketching and listening to depressing music. She pretended to be asleep when her dad called her down for dinner.

After a while she pulled out the sketch she'd drawn the last time she and Nathan had made up from one of their regular few days break-up. The sketch she'd then thought would always hold true. 'He always comes back.' The tears poured down her cheeks. He always had. Until now.

In a fit of anger and despair she ripped the page out of her book and crumpled it up, sending it flying across the room before completely losing it and breaking down into a brand new onslaught of fresh tears.

When her eyes finally dried, she picked up the phone and dialed a familiar number.

"Hello," came the reply from the other end.

"Hey, Rach. I need to ask you something."

"Ok, shoot."

"You said before that I was playing Nathan. What did you mean by that?"