Disclaimer: Characters aren't mine…
A/N: First attempt at One Tree Hill fandom. What do you think? Good, bad, trash it, continue? Up to the reviews.
In the weeks following Peyton's disappearing act, Brooke had spent a lot of time wondering about the 'where's', 'why's', and 'how long's'. The she tried to remember all the changes Peyton had made in her life and what they might have meant. She had moved back in with Brooke as soon as she found out about the attack, against all arguments and protests. Brooke had accepted Sam into her home not only to help Sam and herself, but to push Peyton into moving back in with Lucas and continue with the wedding planning she had postponed to help her. Instead Peyton had simply moved into her room, which was fine. Brooke had always loved how completely Peyton would be there for her.
She had simply wanted Peyton to un-pause her life. And when she finally did, it was as if her CD of life had skipped and thrown her off course and away from Tree Hill, Lucas, and Brooke.
Brooke could still remember the day as clearly as ever. She had been so excited when she got home. She finally had an idea as to what she wanted to do with her future. She not only wanted to continue designing, but she wanted to form an entire fashion house of her own. There was a man in Paris, not much older than herself, who had just recently successfully done the same thing, and he was willing to speak with her. Brooke wanted to turn the visit with him into a mini-vacation, and of course she wanted Peyton to go with her.
As soon as she opened the door, she knew Peyton wasn't there. Anytime Peyton was home alone, she always had music blaring on the record player she had moved in, but the house was silent. Brooke checked upstairs just to be sure, but the room was empty just as she had expected. As she sighed and turned to head for the phone, she noticed a note lying on the bed.
Brooke,
I'm sorry for taking off like this, but I need to get away. There's just all this stuff mixed up in my head right now and I need to straighten it out. Not sure how long I'll be gone, but don't worry about me. I'll be back someday. Gotta come back for my B. Davis.
Love you! Peyt
Brooke had rushed to the phone only to have the annoying voice recording tell her Peyton's cell phone had been disconnected. She then called all of their friends to find out if they had heard from her, but none of them had. Lucas hadn't received any explanation whatsoever. He had returned home only to find her ring on his pillow.
It had been just over five years since that day, and no one had heard from her since. Brooke had a feeling Peyton had stayed in contact with Nathan, but he wouldn't admit it.
Soon after their break-up, they had formed a strong friendship. Often times Brooke had been hurt by the fact that Peyton would say she needed to speak with Nathan about something. Brooke could never understand this. Why would Peyton need to speak to anyone other than herself about anything? Brooke told her everything, so why couldn't Peyton do the same? It's how they had always been, sharing everything.
But now she's coming back, and Nathan, not Brooke, was the one she told. Brooke thought that it should really hurt, but the fact that she would finally see Peyton again washed out any feelings of jealousy she might have had.