A/N: This is set…I dunno when it's set, but, there's no Derek, Keith is alive, Hayley and Nathan never got pregnant, all is well with Peyton/Brooke/Lucas, and Jake doesn't have Jenny. If anything is unclear, feel free to ask!

Prologue

She sat down and made herself comfortable. It was the first time she'd been relaxed in a long time. She wasn't sure before, and that's what was bothering her. But now, she knew. It would have made most people scared, angry, or cry, but she was more relieved than anything. Now she knew what she had to do, but before she did, she just wanted to enjoy the calm before the storm. She sat on the hill where she gave herself to another a few years ago and felt what she did on that same day: love. She smiled and willed the tears that threatened to fall to keep at bay. She stood up, dusted herself off, and began to walk away. As she turned a flower caught her eye; her favorite flower to be exact. It was purple and unlike many flowers most would peg as the most beautiful. Despite her allergy to the bloom, she picked one up and brought it to her nose. She always wondered why girls did that, but here she was, taking in everything she could. The slight tingle she felt getting stronger in her nose and throat reminded her of the fatal attraction she had with this flower, among other things. She took one last look around and whispered to no one in particular.

"I'll be back soon, I promise."

Chapter 1

"Can you believe we're already half way through our college career?"

"You know Brooke, the word 'career' implies a salary. Unless you're doin some extra-curricular-"

"P. Sawyer!"

"You left yourself open for that one Tigger."

Brooke gave Peyton a pout that turned into a playful glare, which quickly found itself a smile.

The two were in their apartment. They were waiting for everyone else to arrive. They had both chosen to go to NYC for college, along with Lucas, Jake, and yes, Rachel Gattina. Surprisingly she turned out to be a good and loyal friend. Unfortunately it took her near death experience with Cooper, her parents' death in a plane crash, and her bout with depression to figure out she was indeed an itch who was lucky to be alive. Through Brooke she genuinely changed her ways and warmed her way into the group. Granted, she wasn't as close as everyone else was, but she was in.

Every year the old friends would meet up at a different college to spend a day or two at and then caravan back home to Tree Hill. This year it was NYC's turn. Bevin, Skills, Mouth, Nathan, and Hayley were coming from Duke.

"Where is everyone?! They're late!"

"Brooke, it's 7:59pm. No one is late. They'll be here at-"

Peyton was cut off by the doorbell.

"See? Not late, on time."

Brooke lit up. "Oh! I hope it's Lucas. I haven't seen him, in like,"

"Five hours?" Peyton smirked. Brooke finally reached the door but it opened before she reached it.

"Broody!" Brooke lunged at her boyfriend while Peyton chuckled.

Lucas regained his balance and laughed. "You think I would be used to this."

Lucas kissed Brooke and made his way over to the fridge.

"Rachel!" Brooke proceeded to do the same.

Rachel looked at Peyton. "How long as she been like this?"

Rachel left Jake to fend for himself.

"Generally, since she was born. Specifically, since this morning after finals."

Brooke walked over to the group. "Guys! We have a whole month off! This is so exciting!" And with that she turned to walk towards her room mumbling to herself, leaving the group laughing.

"Are we interrupting something?"

The four heads turned toward the doorway. Mouth, Nathan, Hayley, Skills, and Bevin were all smiles. A series of 'hellos,' 'how are yous,' and hugs ensued.

"What's with all the noise?"

Before anyone could answer Brooke she spotted the newly arrived five. "Hayley! Mouth! Bevin! Nathan! Skills!"

In Brooke fashion she lunged toward the four. Lucky for them she made it a group hug instead of an individual assault.

The group, packed into three cars: Mouth, Rachel, Bevin, Skills; Nathan, Hayley, Brooke, Lucas; and Peyton and Jake.

The ride was full of swapping stories, laughs, and alternate naps. Mouth and Rachel were asleep while Skills and Bevin talked about where they were eating Christmas dinner and the way toilet paper was supposed to be place on the roll. Peyton and Jake didn't fall asleep because one was driving and they couldn't take their eyes off of each other. Nathan and Brooke were in the backseat. They figured they'd let the two best friends talk to each other since they didn't see each other for a few months. They had a lot to talk about.

Four hours into the drive Lucas was the only one up. Nathan could only talk to Brooke so long about shopping and Hayley didn't want any 'alone' talk with Lucas- not yet anyway. Her nap was disturbed in trice when Brooke's car drove over a pothole. She awoke from her sleep that only lasted twenty minutes.

"Still a light sleeper?" Lucas chuckled.

Hayley wiped her eyes and got her bearings. She then looked over her shoulder before she answered.

"Yes, and they still sleep through Armageddon."

Silence that was once comfortable turned uneasy.

"So, Hayley."

"Luke, we don't have to do this now."

"That's what you said the last time."

"I know."

"But you should talk about what happened, you'll be able to move on."

"What do you think I'm doing?" she snapped. She instantly regretted it. He was just trying to be there for her.

"I'm sorry Luke. It's just, I'm trying to get over it, but it's hard to do that when everyone always wants to bring it up."

"I'm not everyone." Lucas kept his eyes on the road.

"No, you're not. You're my best friend. I promise, I'm fine."

"I'll be here when you realize you're not."

Hayley let a sad smile cross her features. "I know."

A/N: I know the alerts aren't working, but you can pretty much expect an update every 'business' day. Also, I think I'm going to post at least one more chapter today. Say hi to the grey/blue button on your way out!