√ | false promises, 𝐩𝐞𝐲𝐭𝐨𝐧 𝐬𝐚𝐰𝐲𝐞𝐫¹

xliii. the day we met

________________________________________

𝗙𝗮𝗹𝘀𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗶𝘀𝗲𝘀
:: xliii. | the day we met
( flashbacks will be in italics )

School just had ended and Chad was so relieved. Throughout the day he felt kind of odd, off. He was quite aware of these feelings and moods. He just didn't know what to do with them. Sure he could go somewhere but from his experiences, that never works. But that's beside the point. Today was the day of the big game, which means Chad along with his sister has to go support their good ole friend, Lucas Scott.

He never really liked going to those games but since Lucas is now apart of the team, he really had no choice. And well, for Ashely . . . she was just a supportive girlfriend. As usual the Donovan siblings met at Chad's car in the school parking lot.

"Can't believe school's almost over." Ashely shut the door once she was in the car.

Chad immediately turned the car on and started the engine, "Thank god for that. Can't wait till summertime." He began to back out the parking space. Just before he drove off, there was a light knock on Ashely's window.

Ashely rolled it down as Lucas leaned in.

"You guys coming to the game tonight?" Lucas ask, with his arm leaning in.

"We'll be there." Chad nodded.

"We wouldn't miss it." Ashely leaned in and placed her lips upon his. After a moment or so, the kiss soon broke and well Chad drove off after waving bye to Lucas.

It was a quick drive. They didn't live too far from the school which was nice. Chad and his sister both got out and headed inside. Ashely went to her room and well he went to his. Though it was still early in the day, he felt like it wasn't. He felt that the day was going by way too fast but maybe that was just him.

• • •

Eventually the game rolled around. It was only minutes before the game started and the Donovan siblings had just arrived. Ashely was in a rush. She wanted to see Lucas before the game began, so once Chad finished parking, Ashely swung that door open and just started sprinting to the entrance. Chad sighed, looking at the open door his sister left behind.

He got out the car and closed his side before heading to the passenger's side and closing that door. Once he locked the car, he began to head into the school.

He soon got to the gymnasium and sat near his buddies which were Alexa, Jay and his sister. He waved to Haley who was also a friend of his who was sitting with Karen and Keith, Lucas' immediate family. As his eyes scanned over the room, they happened to land on Peyton Sawyer.

She was the girl of his dreams. Sure he's had a girlfriend or two before, but there was just something about Peyton that he could never shake off. He knew it was more than just a crush. The only problem was that he never spoke to her once or even got her to look his way. That and she was dating Nathan Scott, he was the asshole of the school.

Just for a split second, he swore Peyton looked right back but only for a second. The reason why he swore was because he looked away just as quickly. It wasn't because he wasn't confident or nervous . . . it was because he was afraid of rejection.

After four quarters, the game finally ended and the ravens lost. It sucked but he didn't really care much. So Ashely left with Lucas, meaning he was by himself for the rest of the night. Of course on his way out the building he crosses paths with Peyton, but just like every time she paid no attention. It was almost like he was completely invisible to her. If that was the case, then why did she look back at him?

People may think that she's this preppy cheerleader but Chad saw pass that. She wasn't that at all, she was the complete opposite. She was a loner cheerleader. Sure she may have had lots of friends, opportunities, and dating the star basketball player but underneath it all . . . she was just a girl trying to find her place in the world and maybe that's what attracted Chad.

Chad was just like Peyton. He put on this persona but underneath it all, he was struggling too. Especially at home. He never was able to find that person he could talk too. Not until he saw a glimpse of hope of what the future could hold.

• • •

As soon has he got home, he left back out. This time, he was going for a little late night jog. Once he stepped out his house, he plugged earbuds in and began his way. He jogged the normal route he always did. Sometime during that time, he slid his hood on. It was a bit chilly outside.

As he jogged down that same road which was a few blocks from his house, Peyton was also about to turn on that road as well. They were both inching closer and closer together. Chad with his head down as he jogged which by the way is highly unsafe. Then there was Peyton, who was paying attention to the road until she turned around and started digging for something in her backseat. Again, highly unsafe.

Eventually peyton looked back at the road and once she came to realization, she pressed her foot so hard on that break. The hood of the car was only inches away from him. Chad took his hood off as he looked up. Him and Peyton met eyes once again. He wasn't sure if he should say anything so he didn't.

After a moment of staring and well for Chad, gazing into her eyes — Peyton was growing a bit annoyed. She gestured him to get out the way and with a light chuckle, he continued to jog but the other direction.

Peyton watched as he jogged away and once that light finally turned green, she quickly drove off.

That moment was monumental for them. Sure they didn't say anything but if you're good at reading people like they both are, you would notice they said a lot of words in those couple of seconds.

a/n:
yes i did a full ass flashback
chapter, what's your point?