A/N: So I got a new story. Again, a AU one 'cause I've discovered I like those better :P. It'll be a quite light-hearted one since what's currently going on in OTH is depressing me. Anyway, I hope you'll enjoy it and leave a review!
Summary: AU. After a break-up, some people cry, others scream and a rare few, like Peyton Sawyer, follow their ex to TH. There her inner bitch is awakened when she sees her ex is by now dating Brooke Davis, queen of Tree Hill High. Together with unexpected but welcome help, she's determined to break them up. Heads will roll, hearts break, & new love blossom during a whole lot of scheming.
Pairings: LP with CP and maybe RN or NH later on.
Open Up the Sky
Chapter 1
I hold my eyes closed firmly, pretending to be asleep. How wonderful it is to have his fingers run through my hair, to feel his eyes rest on me. It makes me feel sheltered, and I wouldn't want to trade that for anything in the world.
"Hey blondie," he suddenly calls. A smile curls my lips but I don't respond. "I know you're awake, you know."
I feel his hands slipping alongside my waist.
"No," I suddenly cry.
"It's your punishment!" he jokingly responds and kittles me. "Say 'mercy'!'
"I'm Peyton Sawyer, begging is beneath me!" I manage to squeak in the pauses of my fit of laughter.
"We'll see about that!"
Hardly one minute later I have take my words back as the amount of 'mercies' echoing in my bedroom is pretty embarrassing. Finally he lets me go, looks down at me and then connects his lips with mine in the most amazing way. This boy is the best kisser ever, I swear. His kisses are passionate yet tender, firm yet soft. Just like him, there a whirlwind of contradictions.
As he pulls back, I catch myself gazing at him like he is my mentor. I admire him like I have never done before with any boy. He's everything I ever wanted: handsome, intelligent, witty, and genius with a guitar. He's my first love, and –call me naive- I'm certain he would be my last.
"I love you."
"I love you too, blondie."
"Forever?"
"And ever."
Ever since he cut ties with me about a week ago, these last moments with him have been playing in my head. At first I couldn't understand why he would do such a thing. He knew and must still know how much I love him, though I have to admit I don't necessarily like him right now. So how did I react to this?
Well, since I'm Peyton Sawyer, daughter of Larry Sawyer who happens to be a successful business man but also an absent dad, I just had to snap my fingers for him to grant my wish, which was an apartment in Tree Hill and a school transfer to Tree Hill High. I'm from a neighbouring town, just like Chris, but he was kicked off our high school, and every other one in the area for that matter, which is why he came here in the first place. I came to Tree Hill simply to save what I was positive could be saved. After all, didn't he say the only reason he broke up with me was the distance?
The reason turned out to be more nauseating: it was a girl. Brooke Davis, a slut- I'm sorry, promiscuous, brunette with the brain of a pea. I saw them together shortly after I arrived here, at school.Off course I couldn't accept this. Yet I couldn't immediately attack him either, so I went back home to make some plans. However, I'm afraid they aren't very concrete yet. I only got 'make both their lives a living hell' and 'torture'. After, I want Chris back. Not that he deserves me but I just can't stop loving him. What, you say? Crazy? Yes, I know it is, a bit, but I guess that's what love does to you. At least I'm not boiling his rabbit. That's something, right?
So this is my first second day at Tree Hill High, a place that has the amazing ability to make Al Gore look like the most exciting person in the world. I pass a group of cheerleaders who have been looking at me estimating from the moment I walked through the doors and widen my eyes at them provoking. They turn their heads away and immediately start to mumble about me in a bitchy manner. I can tell by the looks on their layers of make-up. You can say a lot of things about me, but that I'm a walking make-up box isn't one of them. I've always been different than the rest, actually and that isn't a good or a bad thing, it's just a fact. For example my clothing. Currently I got Lee Cooper, Ozzy and Chuck Taylor on me. Ha! That sounded kinky, didn't it?
I take my ear bugs out and look around me. Time for some action. I grab the piece of paper I received earlier from the lady at the desk and decode the numbers on it. Quickly I find my locker and open it to throw some picture of punk-, indie-, and rock-bands in it. It helps me feel home a bit, which is currently not the case. I know what you're thinking. I chose for this. I asked my daddy if I could please go to school in Tree Hill because I missed Chris very much. The poor guy off course immediately gave in. He feels guilty, you know, because he isn't around much. I usually don't take advantage of that, but if I wanted to be near Chris, I didn't have any other choice.
"Hi, there," I hear. When I look at my side, I see some jock grinning at me and roll my eyes. I've seen enough of those in my life already. Dumbass 'athletic' boys who think they're the bomb but couldn't spell 'enthusiastic' to save their lives. "What's your name?" he asks. Obviously he doesn't notice the irritation dripping off my face.
"Peyton," I respond dryly.
"Awesome."
"I guess…" I respond uninterested. 'Just like you not talking to me,' I add inside. I'm not going to say those kinds of things just yet. I'm not here to make friends, nor am I here to make enemies. Just to get Chris back. However, the sheepish look he continues to give me is getting me agitated. "Is there something wrong?" I ask.
"Huh, I'm sorry… You're new right?"
I nod.
"Well, I guess they will be crying on the pillows tonight," he says and points to the cheerleaders I passed earlier.
"Why is that?"
"Because there's a new girl and she's more gorgeous than all of them combined."
He leans against his locker and raises his arm above his head. I try my best not to laugh in his face. What a player!
"Do girls actually fall for that?"
What now? Cat lost his tongue? He stares at me stupidly for a couple more seconds and then shrugs my comeback away.
"Off course they do…" He smirks at me the same way Chris can, only I don't like this guy's smirk. It annoys me. "Anyway, I have to go to class now but if you ever need something, I'm here."
"I'll keep that in mind," I respond without the least intention to ever accept his proposition. Hardly a second after he sprints away, the door of my locker is violently shut by a hand that isn't mine. Somewhat shocked I look to my right and see a redhead with psychotic eyes.
"He's mine, slut."
"Huh…Thanks for the welcome."
"I'm serious," she grumbles.
"Look, I've never seen the guy before in my life and I talked with him for what? Three seconds? You seriously need to chill. Besides, he's not my type. Too full of himself."
The girl stares in my eyes a couple of seconds and then sighs somewhat defeated. "I'm sorry. It's just that every time I'm sure I have him, I'm just that little bit too late."
"Is he that popular?"
"Nathan Scott? Huh…He's the Johnny Depp of Tree Hill High."
"Which means he's the Wall Mart version."
The redhead cracks a smile. "Rachel Gattina," she then offers me her hand. "Co-captain of the cheerleading squad, which is pretty much the only reason I'm not treated as a pariah. Just thought you should know."
"Interesting…" I nod. "I'm Peyton Sawyer." I think shortly about her words. If rumours serve me right, that means she leads the cheerleading squad with Brooke Davis, who will soon wish she was never born. "So I assume you know Brooke Davis?"
"Yeah…" Rachel rolls her eyes. Something tells me she isn't too fond of my love rival. Actually, every person I asked Brooke Davis about had a similar reaction. It's frustrating to know he picked the object of this school's irritation over me. "Everyone does, and everyone talks about her. Especially since she has started dating that Chris Keller. Rumour has it he has been kicked off every school he ever attended, simply because he was too much of a smartass."
Oh, he was more than just a smartass. When it was only the two of us, he was the most caring person in the world but he was a horror concerning authority figures. Every time a teacher commented on something he or she didn't approve, Chris had a razor sharp yet hilarious answer. I'm actually slightly scared to go through with operation 'ruin his relationship' because of this. However, I soothe myself with the thought that he still loves me and that he would never turn his hate towards me.
"He's very hot, though."
"Hmm." I nod as indifferently as I can. "Where can I find them?"
x
Finding each one separately wasn't very hard. However, I wanted them both together, so I could increase the level of discomfort when he'd see me. In case you didn't pick it up yet, before I'd get him back, I'd torture him a bit and suck the life out of his relationship with the BB –brainless brunette- slowly yet profound. So here I was, in the gym. I had to do my very best not to scoff when I heard Chris is present during every cheer practice. He never did that when he was with me.
Patiently I wait until the practise is over. I have a sickening feeling in my stomach by now, watching him gaze at BB with googley eyes. Disgusting. However, I noticed something very interesting too: one extremely jealous blond basketball player and BB avoiding his stares. I don't have all that much experience in love but you don't have to be a love doctor to see the jealous guy and BB were once an item. She seems to be over him though. The other way around…Not so much. Confidently, I walk up to Chris and his cheerleader to give them a warm greeting. Seeing his eyes widen in utter shock as I approach him gives me so much pleasure I have to suppress to urge to burst into laughter. Oh, he's so getting what's coming to him.
Without giving him a single look, I force a smile Brooke's way. "Hi," I sweetly say and offer her my hand. "I'm Peyton Sawyer."
"I'm-"
"I know who you are. You're quite famous around here," I explain. "Anyway, I just got started here at Tree Hill High…. And uhm…I asked around a bit and it seems like you're the person to go to if you love cheerleading. Which I do. I LOVE cheerleading," I lie.
I hate cheerleading. Intensely. But, I was one at my previous school too. My mom used to be a cheerleader, you know, and we never really had a lot in common. So being a cheerleader is like a tribute to her, but it also makes me feel better about myself. I see how BB runs her eyes over me, trying to read me. I think she's thinking I'm not the typical cheerleader. Too much black, you know? Washes you out and a washed-out cheerleader is a no-go.
"Hi," I now say to Chris. "You're not very talkative, are you?"
Chris turns even redder and begins to open and shut his mouth nervously. BB kinks her eyebrow at him before she points her attention back to me. "You're lucky," she responds while she obviously can't seem to keep herself from eying me suspiciously. "Auditions are tomorrow." BB turns around and pulls Chris, who seems like he has swallowed one of those basketballs, with. "Don't be late."
"I'll be right on time."
As I watch them walk away a slender figure slides behind me. "So that's why you were so eager to find them."
"Huh…I don't know what you mean."
Rachel grins at me. "I can't see how anyone with eyes couldn't make this link. You know Chris, don't you?"
"What are you?" I ask in disbelief. "An oracle?"
"Kinda," she admits. "I'm very good at spotting love-related tension and this, well, it was the perfect example. Let me guess: he was your bf, you loved him very much but unfortunately, he broke your heart and that is why you've decided to follow him to Tree Hill High. Boohoo."
"That's really none of your business but if you must know, yes, we were together. I'm just in this hell hole to get him back. At all costs, and as soon as I succeed, I'm out of here so fast I'll make the Roadrunner jealous." I don't know why I'm telling this girl all of this but there's something about her that makes you not care about what she thinks about you.
"You vindictive little bitch…" She bites her lip and then smiles widely. "I've got the feeling we'll be great friends."
"What about your dearest co-captain?"
"What about her? I'm not her friend. She hates my guts. Same with me."
"Care to talk about it?"
"No…" she responds with a hint of vulnerability. "At least not yet… It's something that happened a while ago…But whatever," Rachel continues. "If you want to ruin her, I'm your woman."
I have to admit I'm surprised. She seems to hate BB more than I do. In any case, it's obvious that whatever Brooke did to her was awful. I mean, like awful if you know Rachel wants to help a perfect stranger bring her down.
"Alright."
x
"So…" Rachel begins between sipping her coke. It's lunch time and most people have decided to go sit outside. I cracked up earlier when Rachel plumped herself down opposite me, with a look in her eyes that suggested she was up to no good. She's something, this girl. "…If you're serious about this," Rachel continues quite business-like. "About breaking them up, you're going to have to step up the bitch act."
"I'm aware," I respond and push my plate away. God, food is bad here. And quite indefinable.
"What do you have in mind?"
"I'll just…make her think he's cheating. Or the other way around. Both should work. When they break up, I'll be there to pick up the pieces. It shouldn't be too hard really."
But…" she then changes her tone. "….Brooke and Chris…Well, they're like two love-sick puppies. It's nauseating. And they're not only crazy in love, but they are vicious! Like a devil couple. I'm sorry to say but I don't think it'll be that easy. What you want requires a lot of viciousness and cruelty. Are you up for that?"
I bit my bottom lip as I look down. The truth is, I used to be way more passive when it comes to love. Actually, didn't have a boyfriend until I was sixteen. I was very intimidating, you see. People didn't dare to approach that dark, 'emo' girl who spent her time drawing cynic images… But Chris, he saw through all of that. He saw me, as I really was. He was my first. I opened up to him completely, told him all my fears and dreams only to be left heartbroken. Isn't it only fair that he glues my heart back together now?
"Then I guess I'll need all the help I can get," I answer firmly.
"What about him?" Rachel points to something. I look over my shoulder and rest my eyes on the guy who I saw staring so jealously at Chris earlier.
"Blondie?
"He's Brooke's ex, and Nathan's brother but that doesn't matter now. Anyway, the moment Chris came in the picture she dropped him like a ton of bricks. It was a huge embarrassment, and he looked very hurt, broken… You know, sad. I actually felt sorry for him. And me feeling sorry for someone, that's rare."
"Rachel," I sigh and kink an eyebrow. "Yes, I saw him. He is…blah. His biggest sin is probably the one time he skipped church, five years ago. And that was because he had to take care of his sick grandma. He's too nice. It'd be like asking Zac Efron to lay off the lip gloss. He'd never do it, unless I force him or something."
She shrugs and takes another sip of her drink. "It's your call."
x
Day three at Tree Hill High. During lunch, I'm able to get Chris alone in the English class. I block the door and look at him as if he isn't fit to wipe my boots. He doesn't pay any attention to it and paces aggressively between the chairs. "Are you fucking serious? You moved to Tree Hill?"
"Oh, no, it isn't going to be like this," I let him know. "I'll do the talking, and you listen to me…" He's speechless and I take the opportunity to continue my rant. "I loved you so much, Chris…You know, so how could you lie? You said the reason you were breaking up with me was because of the distance. I thought if I moved to Tree Hill maybe… Anyway, I know it seems impulsive-"
"You can say that again," he mumbles.
"But I just wanted to be able to make us work."
"Peyton…"
"And then I come here, and I see you making out with some bimbo?"
"Don't talk about her like that."
This order is like a sledgehammer hitting me. How can he make this about her? I'm the one hurting here? Where is the caring Chris as he was with me? I thought I had changed him. He used to be the biggest ass before I knew him, and it seems like he has reverted to his old ways.
"Look, I loved you too, but… I'm with Brooke now. I'm sorry. You shouldn't be here."
"Well, I am, aren't I?" I give him an icy look and reduce my voice to a calculated calmness. "But don't worry, I won't try to break you guys up or something," I lie with ease. "I will stay here though, 'cause I refuse to waste my dad's money, just because you're a man-ho. Actually, Nathan Scott has already sparked an interest in me and he's twenty times the man you are." Let's not mention I wouldn't go anywhere with him, emotionally and physically unless someone would hold a gun at my head.
Chris rolls his eyes, turns around and walks through the door. "Whatever. As long as you leave me alone."
In my imagination, I'm running over to him, pulling his hair and scratching his face. In reality, I exit the class room a couple minutes later, yet still fuming. To make matters worse, I am immediately confronted by Chris and BB making out by his locker. What an ass. Why in God's name do I love him? I wish I had no heart, just a hole where it should sit. Life would be much easier then. Looking away from them, I see a broken figure by the stairs. It's the blond I saw at the gym yesterday. Lucas, I believe. I notice his facial expressions growing harsher and begin to wonder…Maybe I can use him after all. The look in his eyes betrays the hate he feels towards Chris yet also the love for BB. If there's any other person beside me who desperately wants those two apart, it must be him. Without a doubt.
So after school, I follow Lucas outside where I see him settling himself on a bench and pulling out a book. A jock reading? The only thing this boy misses is one of those hair-dos boarding school students had in the fifties. He's too perfect. I step over the school ground, step through the gate and then walk over to him. He indeed looks very innocent and sombre, like Rachel had hinted. He is like a wounded puppy that is crying for help, but so silently so no one hears it. Except for me but that's because I'm exceptionally alert right now.
"Hi there."
He looks up at me with a glance in his eyes that makes it clear he doesn't know what the hell I'm doing here, or why I'd talk to him. "Hi."
"I need your help."
"Huh… I don't know you."
"You will soon. See, from now on, you're gonna be the Clyde to my Bonnie, Lucas."
This was one of the first times I ever wrote in the I-person so I hope I did alright. Just a small reply to the person who said Peyton seems OOC. I know she does now, but the typical Peyton traits will come out soon. I got it all planned out in my head lol.
Anyway, tell me what you think!