Chapter 23

"So what is going on with Peyton and the kids?" Karen asks taking a sip of her coffee "You call me and tell me to come here right away that something was wrong and that was it"

Haley takes a sip of her coffee "Peyton's seeing someone"

Karen looks at her "You needed me to come here because Peyton is dating?"

"Lucas just died"

"I realize that but Peyton has been through a lot in her life and the fact that she's able to move on is a good thing. Those kids need her if seeing someone helps her then good for her."

Haley can't believe her ears. "What about Lucas, your son?"

"He's gone" Karen says with a sigh "He's not coming back. He'd want Peyton to be happy"

Haley was getting mad "Would he want her to be happy with another woman?"

Karen looks at her in shock "What?"

"Peyton is with Brooke!" Haley shouts out

Karen's mouth drops and she sits for a minute processing what Haley just said.

"You're telling me that Peyton is dating Brooke?"

"Yes" Haley says "It's that horrible? How could she do that? It's wrong and Lucas wouldn't approve of his children be raised by two women!"

Karen's mouth turns into a smile "So Brooke and Peyton are finally together, huh?"

"What?" Haley says "It's wrong!"

Karen sighs "Haley" she says softly "Brooke and Peyton have been friends for years. They have been there for each other for everything. They have always had feelings for each other and the only thing that stood between them was Peyton's love for Lucas. Lucas knew there was more to Peyton and Brooke than just a friendship but he also knew that Peyton loved him with all of her heart. I don't think he'd be upset at all. In fact, I know he wouldn't. He'd want Brooke to help Peyton and he'd want Peyton to be happy. If being with Brooke makes her happy then he'd be fine with it"

"I can't believe you!" Haley yells "This is wrong on so many levels and everyone supporting it's just disrespectful to Lucas!"

Karen sighs "I'm sorry you feel that way but you're going to be very lonely if you don't accept what's going on"

"Well then I guess I'm going to be alone!"

Karen just shakes her head and stands up. "I'm going to go visit my grandchildren and then I'm going to go home to Lily and Andy. I suggest you find peace with Lucas' death and acceptance for Peyton and Brooke's relationship before you lose everyone you care about"

Haley doesn't say anything and Karen walks out of the house. She gets into the car she rented from the airport and drives to Brooke and Peyton's place. She gets out of the car and goes up to the door. She hears noise coming from the back and she heads out there. Nathan is chasing Sawyer and Jamie around on the beach while Peyton and Brooke are sitting on a blanket laughing. Luke is sitting on Brooke's lap. Karen smiles and heads towards them.

"Well isn't this a sight to see" Karen says smiling

Peyton looks up in surprise "Karen?" she says standing up hugging her "What in the world are you doing here?"

"Haley called me"

"Oh" Peyton says and the smiles drops off her face

"Why the frown?"

"Because I'm sure Haley told you what's going on"

"She did" Karen says

"And I'm sure you're here to talk to me about it"

"I'm not" Karen says

Brooke smiles from the blanket.

"Really?"

Karen laughs a little "Peyton" she says "You have been in love with two people your whole life… my son and Brooke. I'm really not sure who you loved more if either. I think you were with Lucas because it was the right choice. I'm not saying you didn't love him because you did. You loved him with everything you had but you also love Brooke and I would be a horrible person to not want the mother of my grandchildren to be happy. You look happy. In fact, you haven't looks this good since Lucas died."

Peyton hugs Karen again "Thank you"

"You're welcome" Karen says smiling "Now let me see that grandson of mine!" she adds walking over and sitting with Brooke.

Brooke hands Luke to Karen. Jamie, Nathan and Sawyer notice someone sitting with the women and head over to see who it is.

"Grandma!" Sawyer shouts when they get close enough to see who it is. "What are you doing here?"

Nathan sighs "Does my wife have anything to do with you being here?"

Karen smiles "She's just grieving and she doesn't understand how to cope with all of the change"

"And you think we just jumped into this without thinking about it?" Brooke says

"I know you didn't" Karen replies "Neither of you are like that"

"No, we're not" Peyton said "It just happened"

"I realize that but I think you need to help Haley realize that"

"She won't listen" Nathan says "Jamie, take Sawyer and go look for shells in the water"

Jamie knows the grownups want to talk alone so he takes Sawyer's hand and heads to the waterline. They start looking for shells.

"You have to remember that Haley and Lucas grew up together." Karen states "She spent more time at our house then she did her own house. It's like her brother died."

"He was my brother" Nathan says

"I know but you have to admit that out of all of you Haley was the closest to him"

"I'm his wife" Peyton says

"And you grieved and we were all very worried about you and I know you loved him and you did know him better than anyone but Haley had a different relationship with him and she's not coping"

"She's threatened to call child protective services on Peyton"

Karen's face angers "She better not dare to do that! My grandchildren have been through enough! They need their mother and Brooke in their lives. She just needs time to see how happy everyone is and she'll come around. I promise"

No one says anything in response because they don't think she will this time.

Karen kisses Luke's head and hands him back to Brooke "He looks like Lucas did when he was a baby"

"I know" Peyton says smiling

"Promise you'll come and visit me soon" Karen says

"We will" Peyton says "Maybe for winter break"

"I'd like that and Lily would too"

"You know Lucas' was my life" Peyton says

"I know but that doesn't mean you don't deserve to continue living"

Peyton smiles

"I love you sweetheart" Karen says hugging her

"Are you staying a few days?"

"No" Karen says "I was going to because I thought something was seriously wrong but it's not so there's a flight out of New York tonight. I already got a ticket. I just wanted to see everyone"

"We're glad you did" Nathan says hugging the elder woman

"Sawyer" Peyton yells "Come tell grandma good bye"

Sawyer runs over and hugs Karen tightly "I love you" she says smiling

"I love you too baby girl. Come see me soon, ok?"

"We will!" Sawyer says before turning and running back to the water edge

Karen stands and says her good byes and she was gone as fast as she came.

Nathan sighs "You know what?" he says "You guys need a break!"

"Huh?" Brooke asks

"You need a break from here"

The women look at him confused.

"And where should we go?" Peyton asks

"I don't know" Nathan says "But you two need a chance to be together without all of this other shit"

"And who's going to keep the kids?"

"I am" Nathan smiles

"What about Haley?" Peyton asks

"Who cares" Nathan says "She's out of control. Maybe she should go away for a while too"

Nathan looks at them "I'm serious you two should go away"

"I don't know" Peyton says

"Yes, you do" Nathan says "You two are going away tomorrow"

Brooke smiles a little "It might be fun" she says

"I don't know" Peyton repeats

"Sawyer" Nathan yells and the little girl comes running up to her uncle

"What Uncle Nathan?" She says in her sweet voice

"How would you like to go with Jamie and I to Splash Mountain tomorrow?"

Sawyer gets a huge smile on her face "Really?"

"Really!" Nathan says "And we'll spend the night too"

Sawyer looks at Peyton "Can I go mommy, please?"

Peyton laughs "How can I say no to that face?"

"You can't" Brooke says

"Yes, baby you can go"

"Yeah!" Sawyer says turning to look at Jamie "We're going to Splash Mountain!"

Jamie runs up "We are?"

"Yep, tomorrow" Nathan says

"Cool!" Jamie says

Peyton looks at Brooke "Well it looks like we're going to be alone tomorrow night"

"Not here" Nathan says "You two need to go away"

"I don't know" Peyton says

"There is a bed and breakfast a few miles from Splash Mountain. How about I drop you two off there then we go to the water park and that way if I need you you'll be close?"

Brooke smiles at Peyton "What do you think?"

Peyton sighs "It would be nice to have a night to ourselves"

"I think it's a spa too" Nathan says

"Come on, P" Brooke pleads with her

Peyton pauses for a moment and then she smiles "Ok" she says "I'm in"

"Great!" Brooke says smiling

"We'll have fun" Nathan says "And you two will just be down the road"

"What are you going to tell Haley?" Brooke asks

"Nothing" Nathan says "She won't talk to me and she's mad at Jamie now too so forget it"

"Mom just needs some time so us being away will be a good thing" Jamie says smiling "Plus Splash Mountain is supposed to be so cool"

"I can't wait!" Sawyer says then her tummy grumbles "Mommy, I'm hungry"

Peyton smiles "Then we should probably go inside and get some food"

Sawyer runs and jumps into Peyton's arms "I love you so much mommy!" the little girl says wrapping her arms around Peyton's neck.

"And I love you so much" Peyton says standing up carrying the little girl towards the house. Brooke gets up carrying Luke and Jamie and Nathan pick everything up and head towards the house.

"What does everyone want to eat?"

"Pizza!" Sawyer and Jamie both say at the same time

Peyton and Brooke start to laugh

"You two are so much alike. It's a beautiful day and you want pizza!"

"Pizza's the best food on the planet, Aunt Peyt" Jamie says

"Yeah, mommy, it's the best food on the planet"

Peyton laughs again "ok you two go get changed and we'll order pizza"

Nathan sighs "Can Jamie stay here for a while?"

"Of course" Brooke says looking at Nathan with concern "What's up?"

"I'm going to go home and talk to Haley"

"Oh" Peyton says "Good luck with that"

"Thanks" Nathan says "And I'm going to get our stuff for tomorrow and if it doesn't go well we may be here for a while"

"You're welcome to stay as long as you need to" Brooke says

"I feel really bad that we've caused this fight between you two" Peyton says

"You didn't cause anything" Nathan says "So don't worry about it!" he adds pulling on his shirt

"Good luck"

"Thanks" Nathan says "I'll be back soon" he adds walking out of the house.

"I wouldn't want to be him right now"

"Me either" Brooke says

"I feel bad that he's been put in the middle of this"

"Me too" Brooke says

Peyton takes a deep breath "Maybe"

Brooke looks at her "Maybe what?"

"Maybe we should try to talk to Haley"

Brooke smiles "that's my girl" she says "I knew you'd come around"

Peyton gives her a dirty look "I'm not coming around. I just feel bad and if she's a bitch I'm walking out"

"She's going to be so you're going to have to just deal with it"

Peyton looks at her "I'm not dealing with anything"

"Fine" Brooke replies "Let me see if Skillz or Mouth can come over and hang out with the kids and then we'll head over"

Peyton just shakes her head and walks away. She goes into her room and changes. She sits on her bed and opens her drawer. She takes out a picture and a smile fills her face. It's of Lucas, Sawyer and her. They were on the Rivercourt the night they came home. She looks at it for a moment.

"I miss you Lucas" she says softly "But I'm happy… I hope you understand"

With that Peyton puts the picture back into the drawer and gets up. She walks out of her room and into the kitchen. Jamie and Sawyer are sitting at the table with Skillz.

"What's up P. Sawyer?" Skillz asks smiling

"Not much"

"Mommy, where are you going?" Sawyer asks

"Aunt Brooke and I have to take care of something"

Sawyer looks confused "I have to stay here?"

"Yes, baby girl" Peyton says "But we will be home in a little while and you're going to stay with Jamie and Uncle Skilz and I bet if you ask him nicely he'll take you to the Rivercourt"

Sawyer's eyes get really big "Really?"

"Really" Peyton answers

"Ok" Sawyer says

Peyton hugs her and looks at Skillz "I ordered pizza it should be here in a little bit. Luke is sleeping but when he wakes up he'll need a bottle. If you want to go to the Rivercourt the stroller is in the garage. Jamie can help you get everything you'll need before leaving. In fact, Jamie and Sawyer can help you with anything you need about Luke"

"Don't you worry your pretty little head baby girl" Skillz says "I got this"

Brooke laughs walking down the hallway "I'm sure you have"

"You have our numbers if you need anything" Peyton says a little hesitantly

"Baby girl, chill" Skillz says "I took care of Jimmy Jam when he was little. He's still alive"

"I did get kidnapped"

"Jamie!" Skillz says "Don't tell P. Sawyer that! She'll flip out"

Brooke laughs "Well no one's after Sawyer or Luke or Jamie so I think we're all good. Come on Peyt let's head out"

"Call if you need us" Peyton says

"Ok baby girl"

Peyton hugs Sawyer and kisses Jamie on the forehead and then heads out of the house with Brooke. They get into the Comet and Brooke grabs Peyton's hand. They drive over to Haley and Nathan's. Peyton pulls the car into the driveway and stops it. They both sit for a minute and then walk up to the door. They ring the doorbell. They can hear Haley and Nathan yelling at each other but they can't hear what they were saying. After a few minutes the door opens.

"What are you doing here?" Nathan says surprised to see the women standing there

"We need to all sit down and talk about this like adults" Peyton says

"I don't know if that will happen"

"I know" Peyton says "But we need to try"

"I agree" Nathan says "Please come in"

Peyton and Brooke walk in. Haley is standing in the kitchen.

"What in the hell are you two doing here?"

"Enough's enough" Peyton says "You might as well put on a pot of coffee because we're going to hash this out! I know for sure Lucas would not want this to be happening!"

Haley looks at her "Don't come into my house…"

Nathan cuts her off "She's right!" he says "So let's make some coffee or serve up some beers"

Haley sighs because she's out number and she walks over to the refrigerator and get's four beers. She hands everyone one and then opens one for herself. She then goes and sits at the kitchen table. Everyone follows her.

"I really don't know what the hell there is to talk about!" Haley says "You are being a whore and sleeping with your best friend when your husband just died!"

"Hey hold on right there!" Brooke snaps "Peyton is not a whore and we are not sleeping together! I don't appreciate you talking to her like that!"

"Ok then you're the whore!" Haley says looking at Brooke

"Haley" Nathan snaps "What the hell is your problem?"

Haley looks at Nathan "Are you serious? Really, Nate? Brooke and Peyton are dating!"

"So what" Nathan says

"Peyton's husband just died!"

"You're overacting, Hales" Peyton says "Lucas has been gone for months now and it's not like Brooke and I are flaunting our relationship in your face. You found out by accident."

"Sawyer knew!" Haley said "Don't you think that confuses here?"

"No" Brooke says "We tell her about Lucas every single night and we hear her in Luke's room telling him about their father every single morning!"

Haley looks at them "Really?"

"Yes" Peyton says "I would never let my children forget their father. Lucas loved them and we love Lucas but he's gone!"

"And you didn't waste any time jumping into bed with Brooke"

Peyton sighs

"Where you sleeping with her when Lucas was alive? Were you two sneaking round all this time?"

"Haley" Peyton says "Listen to yourself. Come on. Lucas and I were in New Zealand first of all and second of all I love Lucas with all of my heart. I would never cheat on him. NEVER! He was my life and I would have done anything for him. He didn't take care of himself. He didn't tell me he was so sick. Maybe because he thought I couldn't handle it or maybe because he didn't want to add stress during my pregnancy because he was worried. I don't know but he kept it from me. Then he brought us home. He made sure he spent time with everyone individual and all together. He told me things. Things I thought were sweet or just precautionary but now make sense. He came home to die and he brought us here so we'd have all of you. He wouldn't want us fighting like this. You're his best friend and Nathan's his brother he'd want you helping me raise our children. He'd want Nathan to be teaching Sawyer and Luke how to play basketball and coach their teams. He'd want you to show them places you two played as kids and us having a daycare at the studio so the kids could watch us work. He'd want us reading them his favorite books. He wouldn't want us to be fighting like this. Lucas would never deny me my happiness ever. Don't you think he knew I'd turn to Brooke?" Peyton says stopping with tears in her eyes

Haley just looks at Peyton.

"Answer me Haley" Peyton says "Don't you think that Lucas knew I'd turn to Brooke to help me with our children?"

"Of course he thought that" Haley says "You always turn to Brooke for everything. You never turn to us. Never!"

"Is that part of the problem?" Peyton says "You feel like I haven't leaned on you enough?"

"Are you serious?" Haley says "I'm a grownup I don't get jealous. My problem is that you are sleeping with Brooke in a home that Lucas' children are being raised it!"

Peyton sighs "We are not sleeping together and even if Brooke and I didn't start having feelings for each other we'd still be living in a house together and she'd still be helping me raise the kids"

"Don't you think all of this is confusing Sawyer?"

"No" Peyton says "She's happiest she's been since Lucas died. She's well adjusted and she's excited to start school. She loves Brooke and loves being in Tree Hill. We're also very respectful of her feelings"

"Oh really?" Haley says "Then how did she know you two were together?"

"She figured it out" Peyton says

"It's wrong!" Haley yells "It's wrong for the two of you to be together!"

For the first time Brooke speaks "Why?" she shouts startling everyone causing them to look at her "Why is it wrong? Tell me Haley!"

"Because if Peyton's gay then what was she doing with my best friend for all those years!" Haley yells

Peyton sighs and goes to speak but Haley cuts her off.

"He was so in love with you Peyton! From the first time he saw you… That day you almost hit him with your car. He loved you when he picked you up the day your car died. He was in love with you even when he was with Brooke. You broke his heart and he moved on and you came home and he couldn't deal with it because he loved you so much. He wrote two books about you and you told him you loved him. You told him you wanted forever with him and you lied… you lied to him!" Haley finishes with tears cascading down her face

Peyton gets up and moves over to Haley pulling her away from the table and turning her towards her "I never lied to Lucas. Never!" Peyton says softly "I love Lucas with every pieces of my being and I miss him every single day. He was my past and if he were still alive I'd still be with him and we'd still be happy raising our two children together because I will always love Lucas. He wasn't my second choice or my back up plan or the way for me to be normal. He was my life but he died. He left me!" Peyton says raising her voice "He left me alone to raise our two children and I fell apart! I almost killed myself and I abandoned my children. I was a mess. While I was falling apart my best friend picked up all the pieces. She took my children in she watched them she protected them she brought them to see me she promised them I would be ok. She held Sawyer at night while she cried because Lucas and I weren't there. When I came home I wanted to hate everyone. I didn't want to be around my children and I didn't want to feel. I went through the motions day by day but I didn't truly connect. Then one day something changed and I got better. I tried to fight Brooke on my feelings. I tried to deny I had feelings for her and I couldn't. She's my best friend but I also have feelings for her and I always have. I've always loved two people… Lucas and Brooke. I gave my life to Lucas and he died. Shouldn't I be with the other person I love and who loves me?"

Now all three women are crying and Nathan is looking at them not sure what to do.

"I need time" Haley says

"Ok" Peyton says "In the meantime will you stop threatening to take away my children?"

"Yes" Haley says

Peyton sighs "Ok" she says looking at Brooke "We should go. Thank you for listening to me"

"You're welcome" Haley says

Peyton stands up and so does Brooke.

"I'll walk you out" Nathan says

Peyton, Brooke and Nathan walk to the door.

"Well you guys keep Jamie tonight?" Nathan asks

"Of course" Brooke says

"We'll go to Splash Mountain tomorrow"

"We don't have to go" Brooke says "I think there's a lot that has to be dealt with"

"I promised Sawyer so we're going to go" Nathan says "I just think Haley and I need to work some things out tonight."

"Ok" Peyton says

"Thank you for coming over and trying to make things right" Nathan says hugging Peyton

The two girls walk away and get into the cry. Peyton sighs and Brooke just looks at her.

"Want to go for a drive?" Brooke asks

"No" Peyton says "I want to get home to my kids"

"Ok" Brooke says

The two drive home in silence and pull into the driveway. They get out of the car and head into the house. No one is home so Peyton goes into her room. Brooke sighs. She follows Peyton in there.

"Are you ok?" she says

Peyton shakes her head yes

"Why won't you talk to me?"

"I am talking to you"

"No, you're not" Brooke says walking over and sitting next to Peyton on the bed "What's going on in that pretty head of yours?"

"She thinks I lied to Lucas that I never loved him" Peyton says crying

Brooke wraps her arms around her "Honey" she says "No one believes you didn't love Lucas. We all know you did. It's not fair for her to treat you like that. You have a right to be happy"

"Can I just have some time alone?" Peyton says

Brooke sighs "Sure. I'm going to drive over to the Rivercourt and pick the kids up"

"Ok" Peyton says

"Hey Peyt"

"Yeah"

"I love you"

"I love you too"

Brooke walks out of the room and out of the house. She gets into her car and heads across town but not to the Rivercourt. She pulls into Nathan and Haley's driveway and gets out of her car. She walks up to the door and walks in without knocking.

"Haley!" She shouts from the doorway "Haley, where the hell are you?"

Haley walks around the corner and looks at Brooke. "What are you doing back here?"

"I've come to have a little word with you about my relationship with Peyton!"

Nathan comes down the stairs and looks at Brooke and then at Haley.

"Brooke, what's wrong?"

"I'm here to have a little chat with your wife!"

"Ok" Nathan says "I'm going back upstairs"

"Probably a good idea!" Brooke says with anger in her eyes

Nathan turns around and walks up the stairs. Haley looks at Brooke.

"Seriously what do you want?"

"How dare you!"

"How dare I what?"

"How dare you question Peyton's feelings for Lucas"

"Well if she can jump in the sack with you she must not have been that in love with him now was she?"

Brooke had had enough. She raises her hand and slaps Haley in the face. Haley looks at her in shock.

"What the hell is your problem?" Haley asks

"What's yours?" Brooke replies "You're being a bitch! It took all I had to get Peyton to open up to the idea of us and she was so worried about what you and Nathan would think. I promised her that you were our friends and that yes at first it may be a little shocking but you'd support us. Wow, was I wrong. You treat her like shit. How would Lucas feel about that? His best friend treating the love of his life like a piece of shit? Threatening to take her children? Calling her a whore? Do you think he'd be your friend if he were here right now? I sure and the hell don't think so! He loved Peyton and Peyton loved Lucas but he's gone! He's not coming back so get off our high horse and except that Peyton and I are going to be together!Brooke doesn't wait for Haley to respond she just turns and walks out of the house slamming the door behind her. Nathan comes down the stairs.

"What was that about?"

"Oh Brooke sticking up for Peyton"

"She loves her"

"So they say"

"Well when you're ready to talk you know where to find me"

"Yep" Haley says

"I'm taking the kids away tomorrow so we won't be back until the next day"

"Fine"

Nathan doesn't say another word. He just walks out of the house gets into his car and drives away. He reaches Peyton and Brooke's house. He walks up to the door and walks in.

"Hey" He says

"Hey" Peyton says "I guess you're staying with us?"

"Looks that way"

"You can have my room" Peyton says

"Where will you sleep?" Nathan asks

"With Sawyer"

"I'm sorry about all of this" Nathan says

"So am I" Peyton says

"Is Brooke back?" Nathan asks

"She went to get the kids from the Rivercourt and then to go to the store, she's not back yet"

Nathan laughs a little "That's because she stopped by my house and told my wife off"

"What?" Peyton asks

"Yep" Nathan says "Sticking up for you"

Peyton smiles

"She really loves you"

"I know" Peyton says "I love her too. It's just hard"

"I know but at least Haley isn't going crazy on you anymore"

"Yea" Peyton says

The door opens and Sawyer comes running in "Mommy!" She says jumping up on the couch and on Peyton's lap "I missed you"

Peyton laughs "You weren't gone that long baby"

"I know but I still missed you"

"I missed you too"

"We went to the store and got stuff for s'mores and a campfire"

"That sounds fun" Peyton says

"Aunt Brooke said maybe Uncle Nathan could start a fire for us"

Nathan grins "Sure" he says "let's head to the beach"

Jamie looks at his dad "We staying here tonight?"

"Yeah" Nathan says

"Ok" Jamie says "She'll get over it"

"I know" Nathan says "Come help start a fire"

"We'll be right there" Peyton says "I just want to get Luke in his pajamas"

"Sounds good"

Nathan and the two kids walk out of the house and Peyton takes Luke from Brooke.

"So I hear you went to visit Haley"

Brooke rolls her eyes "Nathan has a big mouth"

Peyton doesn't say anything she just leans in and kisses Brooke "Thanks"

Brooke smiles "You're welcome"

"I'm looking forward to our night alone tomorrow" Peyton says smiling and walking up the stairs to Luke's room.

Brooke gets a huge grin on her face. She gets the things ready for the campfire and Peyton returns with Luke. They spend the rest of the evening hanging out around the fire just relaxing and having a good time. They weren't going to let this ruining everything. They couldn't.