a/n: I am aware that I promised this story ages ago, but it just wasn't possible for me schedule wise. Besides, this is a sequel to my best story to date, I wanted it to be perfect! I hope that everyone finds this story to be as interesting (and worth the wait) as the first one!

This story will have its share of twists and turns, drama, romance, comedy; everything that 'Long Live' had. There will be mentions of a few new people, but I'm going to keep the main focus on the old crew.

With that being said, here is the first chapter of my new baby, 'Begin Again', please enjoy!

CHAPTER ONE
a journey of a thousand miles, begins with one step

"Well, that's the last of it, roomie."

Slamming the truck of her matte pink Cadillac Natalya sauntered over to AJ, who stood by her yellow drop top Camaro. Their four years of University had come and gone, now came the time for something neither of them were quite ready for; their goodbyes. Enveloping each other in their arms, they chose to remain silent for the time being, once they pulled apart they could see just why; the tears were welling up in their eyes. One word would have caused a downpour. They had spent almost every day for the past ten years together, what were they supposed to do now?

"Oh, Nattie! I'll miss you so much!"

"I will too, I don't know what I'm going to do with myself! How will I ever survive without our movie nights?"

The brunette offered a small smile to her friend, "I'm sure that your new job will keep you busy enough, you big Chicago detective you."

The blonde beamed when she was called that, she was proud of herself, and she should be. Nattie had worked tirelessly for the past four years, fifteen hour course semesters, plus interning, and trying to keep up with a job to pay the bills? A weaker woman would have given up after the first semester, but not her, she was a fighter and nothing was going to keep her from realizing her dreams. If anyone deserved a shot at the 'big time' so soon, it would be her.

"And you? AJ Lee, DVM… it has a nice ring to it! I'm so proud of you, you've had so much to battle through; and you did it all with a smile on your face. You'll do such great things, kid."

"Well, I still have four more years until we can attached DVM to my name, I couldn't have gotten through any of that without you by my side."

"Oh, those years will fly by, just like these did!" after giving her another, she pulled away, "Until then, are you sure that you want to go back to Andrus? What if Phil isn't even there anymore? Or what if he's… over you?"

Those last two words hurt her more than she'd like to admit. That question had crossed her mind from time to time, more so in the last few days. But she wasn't the type of person to leave things in a 'what if' state. They very last time they talked, she had promised to come back to him. Even if they were no more, she just had to be sure.

"I just have to be sure." She repeated out loud. "Either way this goes, I need to know, and I'm ready to face whatever consequences come from my actions four years ago. Besides, if it doesn't work out, Athens and my dad are right down the road for me to run to."

"Right… Chicago is always there as well, I'll have a spare bedroom made up for you whenever you want to come up!" embracing her in what would be their last hug for a while, "if you need anything do not hesitate to call, I'll never be too busy for you, okay?"

Nodding, the brunette allowed a few tears to run down her face, "I will, and if Louie needs a checkup, you know who to call. I love you, so much."

"I love you too, babe, I'll see you soon; let me know when you get there? Also, tell Ashley and Randy that I said hello."

Releasing each other, AJ watched as she walked to the driver's side of her vehicle, and slid into her seat. Even through the heavy tint, the blond could be seen hunched over, finally letting all of her built up tears fall. Building up the courage to not do the same, she slipped inside her own vehicle, picked the perfect Pandora station for her drive, and drove out of the driveway. Passing all the homes that she had grown accustomed to seeing every day in their gated community, she felt the knot in her throat get bigger.

"April Jeannette Lee, you better not start crying. It's time to move on, you've got your whole life ahead of you now."

Reaching the gate, she rolled down her window and handed the gatekeeper her key, "Here you go, Tom, see you around." She nodded as he wished her well in her future. Soon enough, she found herself headed North on I-75, with the music blaring, she stepped on the gas in an effort to keep up with all the traffic.

She smiled nervously when she read a sign that said, 'Andrus 300 miles', "I'm coming back to you, Phil, please be there."

She should have graduated yesterday, if he still had his calculations right. He could see her now, that infamous – and infectious – smile across her face, receiving what she had worked so hard for. He wished that he could have been there, even if she didn't know, it would have been nice to see her. But the urge to run to her and envelope her in a hug would have been too strong for him to handle.

Besides, what if she was over him by now? She probably had a boyfriend, one whose family she met over Christmas break, the family fell in love with her; and now she's engaged. The thought of all of that killed him.

He hadn't done well for himself after she left, when she didn't come back that next summer, he just continued to spiral downhill. He just wanted a rewind button. He wanted to go back to the beginning of that summer, he'd do it all so differently; he'd make her want to stay. But then, she'd most likely be unhappy had he done that; she wouldn't have the chance to chase her dreams, and she'd surely take that out on him.

But wouldn't he be better off right now, had she stayed? Of course.

That would have given their relationship a chance to actually be a relationship. Then, if they didn't work out, he'd know that they at least gave it their all; instead of just leaving themselves in this big 'what if' situation. But, as per usual, he doesn't get what he wants. The man upstairs must enjoy seeing him in pain.

"Hey, Punk, your break is up, buddy."

Tossing his trash in a nearby bin, he walked to the door marked 'employees only' and clocked back in. Waving off his co-worker to their own break, he then stood behind his register, "Hello, welcome to Edgar's Convenience Store, where we aim to please."

As he rang up their items, he quickly glanced at the clock next to him. Five more hours until it was time for him to head home, and with AJ on his mind, today was definitely going to be a long one.

a/n: I am so incredibly happy to have this chapter done for y'all, I know that y'all have been waiting for quite some time! Please let me know what y'all think in a review, they are much appreciated! I hope that I didn't disappoint anyone!