Forever and A Day | one tree hill

thirty.

Valentina reads Chris's rider as she, Peyton, and Haley walk through the halls of Tree Hill High and laughs to herself, "I didn't even know they made number three pencils."

"He's an ass," Peyton says, "But he's also talented. Which makes him a bigger ass."

"Do you want my rider?" Val asks, "I'll need a box of Fruit by the Foot and a copy of the latest issue of Thrasher."

"Thrasher? I didn't know you skateboarded," Haley says.

"I don't," Val says, "But I enjoy Peyton's suffering."

Peyton shoves her gently, "You're a jerk."

"You love me," Val says with a wink, and she's happy to see the faint blush that rises to Peyton's cheeks. It's been a week since she said the words for the first time, and the novelty hasn't worn off. If anything, saying it feels more natural now, easier. Haley picks up on the words.

"So you guys have said the big L word then," Haley says.

"Only about a hundred times," Peyton says, smiling at Val.

"It has not been that many," Val argues.

"Oh no, Val is like a dog with a bone. Val, what do you want to eat? I love you. Val, what movie do you want to watch? I love you. Val, are you going to take out the trash? I love you," Peyton says, and she's laughing.

"I do not!" Val says as she looks at Haley, "She's exaggerating. I only blurted it out a few times."

They make their way over to Brooke, who is standing with a jar, "Change for the needy?"

Sophia walks by and drops a penny in the jar, "Sorry. All I had."

Brooke glares at her, "You just bought a Snickers bar!"

"I need sugar to be a pleasant person," Sophia says as she walks away.

"Ooo, I'm going to kill her," Brooke says.

"Foreplay," Val whispers to Peyton, who smacks her on the arm, "Ow. She started it."

"So what are we raising money for?" Peyton asks as she drops some money into the jar.

"Me, of course," Brooke says, "I need a new dress for Club TRIC's opening night."

"Do you realize how wrong that is?" Haley asks.

"Of course," Brooke says, "But what else am I supposed to do for money?"

"Try getting a job," Peyton says.

"Right, doing what?" Brooke asks.

"Anything," Haley responds, "What are your skills?"

"I don't know. Guys. Dates, dating..."

"Yeah, and?" Haley asks.

"Sex but-"

"That would make you a hooker," Peyton finishes, and Brooke shrugs.

"I'll take you shopping on a budget," Haley says as she pats Brooke on the shoulder.

Val digs in her pocket and hands Brooke a five, "You can keep the change."

Brooke snatches the five and puts it in bra. "See, this is why I like you. You understand the art of the donation."

Val laughs, "Just try not to spend it all in one place."

"Hey, I'm a responsible adult," Brooke says, puffing out her chest. "Mostly."

As they walk away, Haley pokes Val, "You're still playing with me tonight, right?"