Authors note:

So this is a new story I am working on. Spent a day in Wilmington and got to see the River Court and Clothes Over Bro's and just hang out so it was a bit inspiring I guess. I know I need to update my other stories…and I will, eventually. This is my take on things…Brucas fan at heart, so you'll always get that in my stories. This is going to show season 5 and forward…the difference is that we will see Brooke calling and feeling lost, looking for something and deciding to come home. Hope you enjoy…it's been something I have played with in my head since visiting Wilmington. Oh yeah, I own nothing…and you will see differences in my story versus the show…hope you like it. Flashbacks in italics…The chapter titles are based on songs…

Brooke Davis stood in her Manhattan apartment. Alone. That's what she had been since that night two years ago. That night she decided to go into business with her mother. The night she kissed her best friends fiancé, well technically ex. The night she decided to make her company a priority. Just like all the other nights, she was alone. She sat down on her window seat with a glass of wine and a book. A book she had read a hundred times at least.

"Hey, it's Brooke," she said in a saddened tone, "hey, I'm sorry, I know you're busy there, but, I just…" she hesitated, "what happened to us, you know? I don't know who I am anymore, or how I got here. I miss who I used to be. I wanna have a home again, you know, I miss that. And I miss you. I guess I miss all of it. Does any of that make any sense?"

"Yeah, it makes all the sense in the world, Brooke. Four years ago it all seemed so clear didn't it? Conquer the world, save the world, live happily ever after. "

"Are you happy Haley?"

"I am," she said as she glanced around her house, "are you?"

"No," she said wiping her eyes.

"Ok, then, let me ask you something. What is going to make you happy Brooke? Is it how you look or the car you drive? The people you know? Is it more money, or celebrity, or power and accomplishments? Because I don't think it's enough."

"Well, then what is?"

"Love, I think," she said as she felt him wrap his arms around her waist. "And that love can be for a boy or a girl, or a place, or a way of life, or even for a family. But where you find it is up to you. So where are you gonna find that love tigger?"

"I think I need to come home."

"Yeah," Haley smiled, "I was hoping you'd say that."

Brooke stood at the river court, alone. No one knew she was back yet, so she was enjoying her little peace and quiet time. She looked around, somehow it seemed so different than it had been four years ago, but still the same. She sat down on the bleachers looking at the spot where they had all written their names. Most of it was faded, but she knew it was there. She heard a ball bounce on the pavement and turned to see who it was.

"Luke," she whispered as their eyes met, "how long has it been?"

"A couple years," he said staring blankly at her, she tried to hug him, but he pulled away.

"It's been a lot longer than that," she said, "how are you?"

"Good," he said as she sat back down, "I'm good. I'm engaged actually," he looked away from her, "Lindsey, she's amazing."

"Congratulations," she said, "I'm happy for you Lucas."

"Thanks," he said as he sat beside her on the bleachers. They both sat in silence for a few minutes, neither knowing what to say. "What are you doing here?"

"I missed this place, you know," she said, "who I was when I was here."

"It's my world, Brooke, at least it used to be."

"I have been here before you know."

"I know," Lucas said as they watched the guys, "but I never told you what this place is to me. It's not just a court, it's where I came from, it's where I belong, it's my world."

"So, do I get to be a part of this world?"

"The biggest part."

"I'm sure you're the same girl Brooke," he said, "how have you been, the company and expanding with your mom?"

"Fine," she said, "the company is doing great, the magazine and the couture line. I'm thinking about a store here, in Tree Hill, coming back for good, back home."

"I should get home," he said as he stood up, "Lindsey is probably waiting."

"Hey Luke," she said as he turned back towards her, "I am happy for you. I mean it, you're doing great things."

"That means a lot, Brooke," he smiled as he turned to walk away, "I'll see you around."

"Yeah," she whispered to herself as she watched him walk away. She sat there watching him walk away while everything inside of her wanted to stop him. To tell him that she still cared, that the truth was she was still in love with him. But she let him go. Because in her mind, the one thing she needed more than to be with him, was to know he was happy. And he was. Lucas Scott was happy and engaged, successful. All of the things she had wished for him.

"Little man you gotta get to bed," Nathan said as he put Jamie over his shoulders.

"But I want to see Aunt Brooke some more," Jamie said as Haley and Brooke watched the father and son.

"Buddy, I'll be here in the morning," Brooke said as she kissed Jamie's cheek, "promise. Now be good for your daddy, ok?"

"Ok," Jamie said with a grin that nearly broke her heart. He reminded her so much of Lucas.

"Night buddy," Haley said as she kissed her son, then her husband, "I'll be up in a bit."

"Night," Nathan said, "it's good having you back Davis."

"It's good being back," Brooke said as she hugged Nathan. She watched as he and Jamie made their way upstairs.

"So," Haley said in her motherly tone, "how are you really doing Brooke?"

"Good," she smiled.

"Brooke," Haley said wrapping her arm around her best friend, "I know you. You can tell me anything, you know that, right?"

"I know Hales, I do. I'm just lost you know? I just feel alone," she sighed, "I mean look at all of you. You guys are all here, together."

"Brooke Davis, you are never alone, ok? You are my best friend, and honey, you are a part of our family, always."

"Thanks Hales," Brooke said.

"You're not doing so bad for yourself," she smiled, "all successful with your company and everything. You've got a pretty amazing life Brook Davis, and the way you're phone has been blowing up I'd say you're not alone."

"Guess not."

"What happened Brooke? It's been over two years since I've seen you," Haley said, "what happened that night?"

"What night," Brooke asked confused, not exactly sure what Haley was talking about.

"In New York," she said, "with Luke. He told me he saw you, and he never said what happened," Haley said as Brooke looked away trying to hide her tears, "he changed after that Brooke, and so did you."

"Nothing happened, Hales," Brooke forced a smile, "it was right after he and Peyton split, when he found out the book was getting published," she sighed again, "the night I went into business with Bitchtoria."

"You always did try and mend your heart with your work," Haley said as she nudged Brooke. "He's engaged."

"I know."

"How," Haley asked shocked, "I mean that haven't told everyone."

"I stopped by the river court earlier, before I came here," Brooke said.

"Lucas was there?"

"He showed up," she smiled, "told me about Lindsey. I just want him to be happy."

"What about you," Haley asked, "are you happy Brooke?"

"I'm working on it."