Forgetting Peyton

-Chapter 2-

A day or so after the whole fiasco with Liam, I worked up the courage to show my face and go for a walk around the neighborhood. There was a slight a breeze, Summer was just starting to finally transition to Autumn and it was comforting. It was nice weather, a nice walk and also nice to just be alone and not worry about what I would come home too. 

About 20 minutes into my walk, I hear footsteps getting louder behind me and my name being called. I turn around and find Liam frantically trying to catch up out of breath and I suppress a smile. 

"Hey, we didn't get to talk much earlier" he smiles, fixing his hair and I nod back at him. "Are you new in town?"

"I guess you could say that" I say. 

He smiles softly and I notice his green eyes, "How long have you been in the neighborhood? I haven't seen you around."

We have started walking together now and I try my best to focus on not telling him exactly why he has never seen me around. 

"I don't get out much.. I've lived in town my whole life, my brother moved in a little over a month ago and I moved in with him." I look at him and his happiness in his eyes seem genuine, his body language shows no sign of confusion. He is genuinely curious and it feels nice to have someone want to get to know me so eagerly. I cross my arms, hoping to hide how anxious I am with the new experience. 

Liam grins at me, "Well, welcome to the neighborhood, if you wanted.. tonight I am having a little get together, we will be up in the treehouse."

"That sounds nice but I don't want too-" Liam cuts me off.

"I can always come by your house and get you so you don't walk in alone." He nudged my arm and I let out a small chuckle. 

"Okay, okay. I will be there." I take a deep breathe, scared this is a bad idea. 

"Yes! You won't regret this, I promise Peyton!" He runs off, leaving me on the sidewalk as he goes back home.

A few hours later after stressing about the outfit to wear and if I actually want to go, I hear a knock at the door. I come out of my bedroom and Carson meets me as I walk into the living room, "If you don't want to go, I can tell him.".

I shake my head as I slip my shoes on, "No, I think it's time I finally have a friend. As much as you are a joy to be around." I tease him and walk past him smiling. I walk to the front door and open it, greeting Liam. 

"Oh. Hey.. you ready?" Liam says as I take a step outside and wave goodbye to Carson as I shut the door. 

"As ready as I will ever be, I've never done anything like this, never had friends really." I can't bring myself to make eye contact with him as anxiety my anxiety grows.

"That's very hard to believe but no worries, you are about to meet some great people." he leads me to his backyard, "Dustin can be a little much but his humor might make you feel welcome."

We make our way in and Liam wastes no time to introduce me, "This is Dustin, the one I was just telling you about, ignore 95% of his jokes, we don't want to feed his ego."

"Hey! I am hilarious. You hear me? Comical. Get over yourself", he smirks and Liam rolls his eyes.

"And this is James, usually lurking in the shadows." Liam laughs.

"No, just keeping the usual banter to a minimum. It's nice to meet you Peyton, sorry we scared you off." He holds out his hand and I shake it.

 "It's okay, Im easily spooked" I smile. 

"Well I'm glad you are back, I will say, you look very familiar. What's the last name?" he inquires.

"uhm, Henderson." I fiddle with my hands so hopefully no one will notice them shaking. I don't want them to notice who I am, I just want to be the new girl. 

Liam clears his throat to break the short silence, "Well this is everyone. Welcome to the coolest place on Earth" he smirks at me and I give him a glance of appreciation for changing the subject. 

We spend the whole night joking and eating, playing games. I hadn't felt so at home in my life. I never got the girl sleepovers, the birthday parties or school friend groups. I find it hard to believe I was able to come across such genuine people, who were so comfortable with having me around. It was nice to act as if I was a normal person, they had no idea about my past so there was no pity or caution. I was treated like any other girl would be treated and I loved it. I didn't want the night to end to be completely honest, unfortunately it did though and Liam insisted on walking me home.

"I am really glad you came tonight, really. I know it can be hard to be surrounded by new people." Liam smiles softly, "We should hang out again."

"For sure. Thank you for inviting me Liam, it was nice." I smile back and walk up the front steps.

"Peyton?"

"Yeah?" I say, turning to face him.

"I will see you around, and if you ever need to crash in the clubhouse again, you can" He puts his hands in his pockets, "You have my number now too, so feel free to text or call anytime." 

"I will. I promise." my face feels hot, seeing him so timid in front of me. He scratches his head and his body language seems uneasy. 

"also, I don't think I told you. You looked- look very pretty." his eyes meet mine and I chuckle.

"Thank you, goodnight Liam" I walk in my door as he nods and makes his way back home again. 

Liam was new and exciting. Someone who looked like he did was not usually shy about being around girls but for some reason he was. It was refreshing. 

"How did it go?" Carson says, interrupting my thoughts. 

"Good. They were all very nice, I will probably see them again" I hide my smile and put my jacket on coat rack. 

"I'm very proud of you. You are pushing yourself and I can tell you are willing to make changes. It's exciting to see you live life finally without limitations." he gives me a small hug and walks to his room. 

I look down at my phone and smile wider, there is a text from Liam.

*I meant what I said by the way Peyton. I have a good feeling about you.* 

I walk into my room and flop down on my bed. There is no way this is my life. Liam. I like the sound of this already.