Chapter 1:

« I've been wandering round but I still come back to you; in rain and shine you've stood by me" Queen, You're my best friend

Lying on her bed, Peyton was drawing an illustration for the next issue of "Big apple ('s) rock(s)", the new music magazine launched by Peter Grant, the most famous music manager of the decade. Its increasing success among teenagers permitted it to reach the million readers last week. Peyton told herself she did fine as well as she scanned her Manhattan's loft. Yes, she did well, no one could deny it but paradoxical as it may seem, her drawings reflected sadness, cynicism and disillusion. Known as one of the best music critic in New-York, her work was authoritative. After all, her life revolved around it. She was thinking maybe she should take it easy and take a few days of vacation which would turn out to be the first ones in three years. A phone ring interrupted her thoughts. Looking at the ID caller, she smiled and answered eagerly.

"Brooke! Hey! I am so glad to hear from you. How are you doing? I am sorry I have not called you since last month but I had a lot of work going on. I guess it is the same for you since I heard Clothes over Bros is going to open a store in Paris which is awesome by the way!

-Indeed, that's big news. Do you want to hear an even bigger one?

-Hell yes! What's up?

-Julian and I are going to get married in two months!

-What? Excuse me? I mean this is wonderful but isn't it a bit hasty? Why do you want it to happen so soon?

-Well, Julian's working periods are quite unpredictable and we never know when his next movie opportunity is going to pop up. So, anyway, I would like you to be my maid of honor; do you agree?

-Of course I do. I am so happy for you. You really deserve this B. Davis. (After a few seconds of reflection she added: ) And what would you say if I told you I come back to Tree Hill to help you prepare your wedding?

-Oh Peyton that would be sooo great! I miss you so much! Tree Hill is not the same without you and Zoey keeps asking for you. You know I think her godmother really is a model for her. She worships you Peyton and you should see how she has grown up since the last time we came and saw you!

-I can imagine. It's already been six months since then. Does she still get along with Archibald?

-Yes of course and Jamie takes really good care of Zoey and his little brother. You should see how cute they look when they are together. Haley keeps taking photos. She turns crazy when they are around. You know, her tour ends in three weeks and her last concert is in Tree Hill; we could go together like we used to. What do you say?

-That's a great idea. I'm eager to see you all. I have to go Brooke, my boss is calling but I'll call you before I take off on Saturday.

-Okay, bye Peyton, love you.

-Love you too Miss Davis."

Tree Hill has not really changed since the last time I've been there, Peyton thought. Three years ago… That is quite a long time but I feel it's time to come back. Wounds have healed, life went on. I left for New-York to forget he hates me, to start again, to live again. I made a choice three years ago, I decided I could not live feeling this hatred so close. So I left. And now is time to come home, to see if I can bear this burden with all my friends' love. I want to be there for Brooke, Julian and their adopted daughter Zoey, I want to be there for Jamie and Archibald, and I want to be there for Haley and Nathan. I have already missed so many things like Zoey's first steps, Archibald's first words, Jamie's first piano lessons… I think I should go back to Tree Hill, go back to my life.

I was greeted by a big hug from both my favorite girls. Brooke held me tight while two year-old Zoey almost managed to strangle me.

"So, how does coming back feel?

-It feels like being home again."

Julian brought my luggage to the bedroom I would be occupying for the next two months while Brooke and I headed towards the living room. Zoey was taking a nap and Brooke talked about the one person I was hoping she would not mention.

"Are you alright Peyton? I mean, you know Lu-

-Yes, I am but I guess it would be better if you gave me some news now so as I can know where I stand.

-Well, he's not so right, still heartbroken and inconsolable. He tries to pretend he is ok but it's like he is… lifeless. I mean he has lost faith in life. He does things but without true happiness, sometimes like a ghost… He only seems to enjoy being at the Riverside Basketball Court teaching Jamie how to play basketball… Nathan tried to talk to him; we all did, believe me, but he has had this dejected smile on his face since then… We all made a step forward in life. Nathan and Haley had Archibald three years ago, Julian and I have adopted Zoey, you moved to New-York and yet he does not seem to be able to resume his own life.

-Well that is a problem Brooke but I cannot solve it. I am not the one who could. However, I can help you choose the band that will play music at your wedding…

-You really are my best friend P. Sawyer but I should not be the only one you make live…