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Chapter Two-Hundred-Fifty-Five



Meanwhile back in Florida, when Brooke finally unlocked and opened her office door she found Peyton and Brandon standing in the lobby talking with Doctor Johnson. She noticed his arms wrapped around her from behind and how extremely close they seem to each other – closer then they were before. She raised her eyebrow curiously.


“Hey Peyton!” She called out to her, causing the three people she cares about to turn their heads in her direction and look at her.


“Oh now you open your door? What were you doing in there I’ve been trying to get you to respond for thirty minutes now.”


“Taking a nap. I was really tired – you know how much I work. But anyway…come here, come talk to me.” Peyton looked back at Brandon then and he smiled at her some.


“I’m gonna go talk to my sister for a bit,” she announced.


“Okay, I’ll be around – if not here, then probably in my studio all right?” Peyton nodded and he leaned forward and brushed his lips lightly over hers for a short but sweet kiss and when he pulled back Peyton went skipping on over to Brooke who was standing there looking amused.


“Well, well, well…my little sister kissing one of the most hottest guys in the building…you’ve got some explaining to do,” she commented when Peyton approached.


“…So do you,” Peyton replied, eyeing Brooke curiously, as she noticed something different about her right off – a certain glow that hadn’t been there before.


“I asked you first,” Brooke insisted, as she watched Peyton enter the room and briefly eye the laptop and webcam on Brooke’s desk.


“You’ve been talking to Alex haven’t you?” she interrogated.


“Seriously Pey, I asked you first” Brooke laughed while shutting the door behind her. As soon as the door to Brooke’s office was shut, Doctor Johnson began the same interrogation on his little brother.


So…Peyton huh?”


“I’m in love Steve…very much in love,” Brandon announced, and he led the way to his studio while Doctor Johnson chuckled.


“So tell me something I don’t know. Are you ever going to do anything about these beautiful paintings?” he asked when they were inside the studio with the door shut. Doctor Johnson looked them over while Brandon got a clean sheet of paper and began getting his art stuff out as he has one more project that he just has to get done before his meeting with the lady at the museum.


“In just two days I have a meeting with Sandy at the museum. I told her I have some new work that I want to submit into her museum – my best work yet, and she set up an appointment. She says she’s having an art show on Saturday, and if my newest work is good enough – she has no doubts of course, then she wants me to be apart of it.”


“Does Peyton know that she is about to be the center of attention at a museum?” Doctor Johnson asked amusedly, as he came across the newest one that he hasn’t seen yet. A pastels and color pencil drawing of Peyton on his beach sitting on the rock gazing out at the sky and he can see that he had captured the expression on her face so well. That pain and sadness that he himself has so often seen on her face until Brandon walked into her life. That look that she often gets like she has something to hide from the rest of the world. Brandon captured that so perfectly that he can actually feel her pain.


“Not yet. I don’t want her to know unless my art actually makes it. I haven’t even shown any of this to her – she hasn’t even stepped one foot inside this studio yet. I want it all to be perfect for her. I want to surprise her.”


“Well, this is awesome Brandon” Doctor Johnson insisted. “It’s about time. She is going to love this. It’s really going to make her day.”


“That’s if I actually make it,” Brandon shrugged as he went right into his work with no troubles at all. He is used to having his brother around when he works. Sometimes he even gets to the point where he has to hear him rambling at him before he can get a good painting done.


“You’re going to make it. When has Sandy not ever accepted your work? I think she invites you to those meetings just to have your company,” Doctor Johnson insisted. “And besides…your work is amazing Bran. You know I’ve always loved your work but this Peyton series has got to be the best.”


“Well, I hope so. I only have now until tonight to work on it. Peyton and I are taking the boat out and waking up with the sunset in the morning – she wants to see the Dolphins.”


“You’ll have tomorrow when you come back to finish up on it. But I’ll leave you alone now to give you your privacy – I was thinking of making plans with Jenn.” This caused Brandon to actually look away from his work and at his brother with a raised eyebrow.


Really? Plans with Jennifer and I didn’t even have to give you a hard time about it?”


“Yeah, yeah, give it a rest Bran,” Doctor Johnson laughed. “Don’t make such a big deal about it, or I will never go through with it.” He insisted, and he got up from his stool and headed for the door.


“Get to work Bro, you’ve gotta deadline,” he ordered and he walked out of the studio and shut the door behind him. Brandon waited until he heard the lock turn, and then he dove right in.


~*~*~*~*~


“You had WEBCAM sex?!” Peyton exclaimed, when she finally got Brooke to confess why she is so super happy.


“Maybe…” Brooke replied, looking away from Peyton as she could feel her cheeks turning warm. Peyton stared at her older sister in shock for a few moments, and then she laughed.


“Ohh that is classic…Jaim will murder AJ if he ever finds out.”


“That is why he is never going to find out,” Brooke replied firmly, and Peyton laughed again.


“Oh honey, by the way you’re acting he very well will find out.”


“Is it that obvious?” Brooke asked worriedly.


“You’re a lot happier then normal…I knew right off that something was different.”


Great.”


“I mean, if you were smiling that big…it makes me wonder was he really that good? It was just webcam sex.”


“Better…” Brooke replied, biting her lip nervously. “It makes me want to take our relationship to the next level – as soon as he gets home. Like the second he walks in the door I just wanna jump him.” Peyton couldn’t help but laugh though she knows she should be moving onto protective little sister mode now considering Brooke’s history. After a few moments when she managed to calm down and was sure she was able to be serious, she got up and sat on the couch next to Brooke, sliding an arm around her shoulders.


“Are you sure you’re ready for that?”


“No…but I have until Friday to think about it.”


“You have all the time you need to think about it honey. AJ isn’t going anywhere…he loves you.”


“I know that.”


“I just don’t want you to jump into anything you aren’t ready for.”


“I think I am ready…I mean I love AJ. I know he loves me, and I know he would never hurt me – ever. I know it’s news to you, Jaime, mom, and dad…and I still feel horrible about not telling you…believe me but I’ve had years to cope with it and I’m at the point where I need to move on and put it behind me. I want to move on with AJ…I don’t want to be afraid anymore.”


“If you are really ready to move on…then that’s great sweetie, more power to you. I don’t want you to hurt anymore; I don’t want you to be afraid. But it’s okay to take baby steps,” Peyton reassured, rubbing her hand over Brooke’s back.


“Baby steps was getting into a relationship with AJ…baby steps was us sleeping in the same bed together and making out all this time. I think I’m ready to take one giant step. I really feel that I am”


“Well,” Peyton began, and she wrapped her arm around her shoulders again and smiled slightly. “I think if you’re going to take that giant step, you’re going to need a baby-sitter. You can’t do the dirty with a two year old lying next to you in that bed up there – and Howie and Ryan in the bed across from you. That just wouldn’t be a good idea.” Brooke laughed.


“No shit, you think?”


“Mhm, I really do think.”


“Well, now that you got your way and got me to reveal my secret first…now it’s your turn to tell me all about your date with Brandon,” Brooke insisted, wriggling her eyebrows and Peyton smiled suddenly, and went into to full on story telling.


~*~*~*~*~


When the boys all got inside from greeting the fans, Nick set a riled up Dakota on the ground followed by Sarah and he glanced over at Ashley whom he noticed was snuggling up with Harry and looking upset. Marcus was also sitting there gently rubbing the back of her hand. He raised his eyebrow and went over to her.


“What’s going on?” He asked worriedly.


“Nothing, I’m fine.” Ashley insisted, and Nick looked to Marcus and Harry for the truth.


“You and AJ were outside busy with the fans, so Lou thought it was a perfect time to do some damage.”


“What? And you let him?” Nick asked incredulously.


“She was sticking up for herself…and doing a good job at it so I stood back and let her but when I saw the danger ahead, I stepped in.” Nick sighed heavily, and looked over at AJ giving him a look. AJ nodded and then set off in search of his manager, whom he was about to give a piece of his mind. Nick looked at Ashley.


“What is he doing? Don’t let him go cause more trouble then it’s worth” Ashley insisted, not wanting Lou to hate her even more.


“Honey he is not going to get away with bullying you.”


“I’m fine.”


“No you’re not,” Nick insisted, and he gently took her hand and pulled her up from the couch and he pulled her into the bathroom with him shutting the door behind him so that they could talk.


“Is AJ gonna kicks that mean ol’ man’s ass?” Elenore asked suddenly, as Kevin still walked around carrying her as he got ready for the Jingle Ball.


“Elenore Ellerbee, how many times do you need to be told not to say that word?” Elenore looked at him innocently.


“Keep it up and everytime I hear you use it, I am just going to start washing your mouth out with soap – with no warning.”


“Is AJ gonna kicks that mean ol’ man’s butt?” She rephrased.


“Not if Marcus has anything to do with it,” Kevin replied the look on his face softening slightly. “He went after him to referee.”


“What does referee mean?”


“It means…he sort of stands there and makes sure things don’t get too out of hand.”


“Likes he did at Mc Donalds when Nicky gots in a fight with that girl’s parents?”


“Exactly.”


“Is he gonna shoves his hand in that mean ol’ man’s face too?” Kevin chuckled.


“If he sees fit, I’m sure he will. Whats with the game of 20 questions huh?” Elenore smiled up at him innocently. He kissed her forehead softly and then set her down on the ground.


“Go see Jerry princess, I bet he’s lonely.” Elenore smiled some, and she ran off to go see her favorite Uncle. Kevin shook his head smiling, and then went back to what he was doing. Meanwhile in the bathroom that Nick had dragged Ashley into, once the door was shut, he lightly pressed her back up against the wall, before sliding his arms around her waist and he gazed into her eyes concerned.


“What did he say to you?”


“Nicky I really don’t want to –“


“-- Baby I need to know. I won’t be able to concentrate on work tonight if I don’t know what’s bothering you…If I can’t make it better.” Ashley stared back at him, fighting back the urge to cry. Lou didn’t just pour salt on her wounds. He dumped the whole thing on them.


“Please? You know I don’t like it when you’re hurting.”


“He came in the room and made a comment about how surprising it was that I wasn’t outside holding onto your arm like some trophy…” she began softly, and she looked down at her feet avoiding eye contact with him. “I told him that I didn’t need to be your trophy. That I feel confident about our relationship enough to respect your love for your fans, and your Space. That I know you love me and I love you, and he proceeded to tell me that you didn’t.” Nick gently placed his forefinger and thumb to her chin and gently tilted it back so she is looking at him and he noticed a tear streak running down her cheek and brushed it away.


“Do you believe him?”


“He said that I’m just a seventeen year old girl and that I’m depriving you. That eventually when you get tired of waiting on me to give you what you really want, you’re going to leave me for someone else much older and experienced,” she explained softly.


“Do you believe him baby?” Nick asked again, still remaining gentle and patient. Ashley gazed into his caring blue eyes for a few moments, contemplating on his question and her feelings, and after a few moments she shook her head quietly.


“I trust you…”


“But you still have your small doubts,” Nick guessed. “Otherwise, you wouldn’t be so upset right now. You wouldn’t have let Lou get to you like this.”


“You have to understand that before you walked into my life, I was used to everybody important to me leaving me…to heartbreak and disappointment,” Ashley reminded. “So yes a very small part of me has always been a little sensitive about the subject. A small part of me has always feared of losing you…and when we had our almost-breakup just recently, I came very close to that happening. So I was a little touchy about the subject. I was able to ignore it…and not let it bother me, but when Lou came a long and said those things…he hit a nerve. But I love you and I trust you…”


“Nothing he said was true,” Nick reassured, sliding his arms firmly around her waist and pulling her close and he rested his forehead against hers. “It was all bullshit. Lou sees you as a threat to the ‘perfect boy band image’ that he’s created and wants you to get upset and leave me.”


“I’m not leaving you,” Ashley insisted, wrapping her arms around him in return.


“Good, because I don’t want you to. You’re my whole world…and to lose you, it would just destroy me. I’m not going anywhere...and yes, it drives me crazy waiting for you, but it’s worth it…because I love you. Trust me…if I was feeling deprived, I would have left a long time ago.” Ashley gazed up into his eyes quietly and he lightly caressed her cheek with his finger.


“I love you,” he reassured. “And when I look into my future ten years from now…I see you in it. I see us married and raising our three girls…and a boy too.” Ashley raised her eyebrow.


“A boy huh? Where is this boy coming from?”


“From you and me of course. He’s gonna be our love child,” he insisted, before leaning down and placing soft kisses on her neck and she giggled.


“Well, this love child of ours, had better be arriving WAY later in the future mister.” Nick chuckled.


“Well, you never know. He could be produced on our very first time for all we know.”


“Ha, yeah right. We’re using every source of protection that there is otherwise you aren’t touching me. I have one baby already and she alone is quite a handful – plus Dakota and Sarah. We’re good in the kid department for now.”


“Well okay, but as long as we agree that there will be a boy some day. I can’t be the only male in the family, or I’m gonna go crazy.”


“Well, that all depends on you mister,” Ashley insisted, lightly poking him in the chest. Just then, they heard Dakota squeal in the other room.


“PETE WENTZ! ASHEE, I THINKS PETE WENTZ IS HEERE!” Nick looked down at his watch then, and saw that it read five thirty.


“Heh, yeah I probably should be – and if not, he should be on his way. I’m willing to bet they’ve let the fans into the arena too.” Ashley looked at Nick with sudden excitement in her eyes and he chuckled.


“Come on love, let’s go meet some fall out boys,” He told her, and she turned around and opened the door. Nick slid his arms around her and followed her out of the room and they found Dakota peeking out the door they came in from earlier. Nick looked at AJ with a look that AJ understood right away. AJ shook his head.


“I couldn’t find him. He knows he’s in shit and his hiding from us. He’ll have to show his ugly face soon though, and I’ll be waiting to chew him out when he does.”


“AJ, he is our manager, you need to control yourself” Kevin warned sternly.

“I don’t care. Manager or not…he has reached strike two.”


“And what happens when he reaches strike three?”


“I don’t know…but it will happen.” Kevin shook his head, seriously fearing for his bandmate, who has always clashed heads with Lou the most and then Dakota shrieked.


“IT IS! IT IS HIM, IT IS!” She started to open the door all the way and run out, when suddenly Nick’s arms wrapped swiftly around her and he lifted her up into his arms.


“Let him take care of the fans first, and then when he comes in you can meet him. Calm down honey,” he told her, laughing a little and he kissed her forehead softly. Dakota sighed impatiently, and she rested her head against Nick’s shoulder and stared at the door ever so patiently. Or at least trying to be patient.