4 years, 6 months, 2 days

Chapter 7

Peyton drove back home safely during the heavy night. Lucas went to Hayley's right after what happened in the cemetery and explained to her what happened. Haley and Nathan were worried about Peyton so they called Brooke and Julian to come over as they knew they were the two closest people to her right now.

When Peyton arrived her apartment, all of nicks stuff were gone, his grandmothers picture by the kitchen table, his leather jacket, and the rest of his unpacked boxes were gone. She rushed to their bedroom and found the keys to the place and a letter placed on top of her pillow that wrote:
Dear Peyton,
You are an amazing person and it hurts to write this but ever since we've come back to tree hill, you've been acting different. I think you still have some feeling for Lucas, I can see the way your face changes when you see him or how hard you smile in the mention of his name and I understand it, he's your first love, the only man you've ever loved, the only man you'll always love. I know it's been hard for you seeing him with another woman and I need you to know that I can't do this anymore, it's too hard watching you be in love with someone else. I will always love you Peyton Sawyer, please take care of yourself and Julian for me.
Love always, Nick.
Peyton wiped away her tears and she couldn't help but smile, she felt this sense of relief and freedom brush over her. She called Brooke immediately.
"PEYTON ELIZABETH SAWYER, WHERE THE HELL HAVE YOU BEEN?" Brooke shouted through the phone.
"I went to go visit my mum, anyways can you come over and sleep here for the night only you, no offense I love Julian but I really need my best friend tonight" Peyton sniffed.
Brooke got concerned and she could hear the sadness from Peyton's voice "Of course I'll come over, I'd love to, give me 15 minutes"
"Is she ok?" Lucas said, concerned.
"She will be, I'm going over there now" Brooke replied
"I'm coming with you" Nathan said in a firm voice.
"Sorry nate, she just wants to be alone"
"I don't care,I'm coming with you"Nathan said
"Fine, Julian I'm going to spend the night at her house so I'll see you tomorrow"
"Ok babe, tell Peyton I say hi" Julian said.
Haley,Lucas and Julian went for dinner while Brooke and Nathan went to see Peyton.

Brooke and Nathan arrived at Peyton's apartment and since Brooke already had a key they opened the door to find Peyton curled up in the sofa crying with the fire on.
"Peyton what's wrong?" Nathan asked
"What are you doing here?" She said softly
"He insisted on coming" Brooke said
"Why, was he in your house?" Peyton replied
"Actually we were all at Nathan's house, we were worried about you"
"Ok so Nick left me and this day was just one of those crappy days"
"Well I brought ice cream" Nathan said with a goofy smile.
"Oh honey it's alright, how are you, are you ok?" Brooke said.
"I will be as soon as Nathan hands me the ice cream" Peyton said laughing for the first time in a while.
"Chocolate brownie fudge your favorite, and Brooke pistachio and rocky road for me"
"YUMMMM" Brooke said snatching the pint of pistachio ice cream.
Peyton got three spoons from the kitchen and gave each one of them.