A/N - In this story Lucas is still with Peyton and it is set two years after graduation.

Tomorrow is a reminder that another year has gone by without you in my life. I'd be lying if I said you didn't cross my mind still every day. It doesn't feel like it has been two years now since we walked away and said our goodbyes.

I'm sitting at my computer looking at all our pictures that I saved in that private folder you created me. Since I left Tree Hill I have only opened it a few times. Remembering all of our moments, our text messages and the promises we once made of a life together hurts me still. I didn't lie to you when I said I would love you forever. It was the most honest thing I ever said in my life.

I think back to the beginning of us and remember how you showed me your world and told me I would be the biggest part of it. I have to admit that scared me so much and I was afraid of disappointing you and not being enough. In the end, it was you that felt you weren't enough for me and that I deserved more. You found love with her back then and it is hard knowing you both are still together. That is why these thoughts and feelings are my own secrets.

I was broken when we ended and I admit that I put myself back together differently than I imagined. I put on a show and threw myself into work. It was a nice distraction from the lingering thoughts of you..of us.

I look out my window and see all the lights from the city life and wonder what it's like where you are. I wonder if the stars I'm looking at are the same ones you might see. Looking at these photos I'm reminded of the holidays, graduation, parties and our secret photo moments. Yes, I still held onto those photos we took of each other sleeping randomly. Definitely not my finest photo, Broody.

A part of me still hates seeing you with her. After all this time you would think I'd gotten used to it, but I still feel that pain. It's not as painful as before, but is just enough to remind me that you still have a hold on my heart. That is why I ended up in New York. I couldn't continue hurting myself by being around you both. I know some people have called me selfish for just packing up and leaving, but I won't ever apologize for it. I felt like I had been drowning under the weight of my secrets and I was putting myself first this time.

I decided when I arrived here that I would forget all the bad memories and just remember us as we were before it concluded. I know in my heart that we truly loved each other and for a brief amount of time we believed that nothing could tear us apart. I will always be thankful to you for that. You taught me a lot about myself and I hope that in return I gave you that as well.

Looking at the clock, I see it is now midnight and decide it's time to put away all the memories. I'll lock them up in that private folder, put away the promise ring you gave me and go to sleep in hopes of waking up to a day that leaves me a little less pain. Before I do all of this though, I pull out my phone and send a text.

Happy Birthday, Broody! – Always, Cheery.