A/N : Just wanted to say thank you for the reviews ! It really means a lot since this is my first ever fanfiction and I have no idea if I'm doing good or not. So again, thank you :)

Chapter 2 : things only best friends know

« Oh ho » Peyton thought.

Her mobile was ringing and she could see Brooke's face smiling at her on the screen. It meant that she had also read the e-mail. Peyton waited a few moments before answering, knowing that her decision wouldn't please her best friend.

« Hey! » she said, trying to sound as cheerful as she could

« Finally! I thought you were never going to answer! But no time for 'how are you's' or anything else, we'll have loads of time to catch up in a week! All I want to know is when's your flight? »

« Hum, - » Peyton begin, before being cut off

« Wait, you did read the e-mail right? »

« Yeah I did, but, - »

« Great ! Because I had an amazing idea! I rented a beach house in Tree Hill for Julian, you, Rachel and I to stay for however long we want. I thought we could make it a longer stay, maybe one week or two you know? So we can all catch up properly and everything! What do you think? » she squealed, clearly excited at the thought of them all living together.

« Brooke...I'm sorry but I'm not going. » she said hesitantly

« Wait, what? Come on, we promised! Four years ago at the river court, we said we would all meet again there! You have to come! » she paused and then gently said « is this about Lucas and the- » she stopped not knowing if Peyton wanted to hear that word.

Peyton sighed, knowing what her best friend had been about to say. Brooke was the only one she had confided in when tragedy had striked. Her best friend had really been great with her. She'd left her work behind and flown over to L.A. to look after Peyton until four months later, she was finally feeling better and ready to face the world again.

« Yes » she admitted, « it's just going to be too hard. Seeing Lucas is only going to remind me of what happened and you know how bad and dark it got, you're the one who looked after me. And I just don't want to return to that, I don't want to be that person again...I'm scared » she said her voice breaking a little with her last words.

« Peyton » Brooke said softly « I won't let you go back to that, I promise! And besides, don't you want to see Haley again? Nathan? Skills? The others? »

Peyton smiled « Yes of course I do, I miss them. » she admitted « and I miss you. »

« I miss you too ! And don't worry I'll be there for you. Plus, you have mister hotty Julian now » she added, trying to make her best friend laugh a bit.

It worked and it was good for Brooke to hear the sound of her laughter. But then Peyton suddenly stopped laughing and said seriously « But Brooke? I still haven't told him. I know you said I should and I tried but I just couldn't, I don't want him to be disappointed in me. No one knows but you okay? I feel guilty enough without needing everyone in Tree Hill knowing and blaming me.»

« Honey, how many times do I have to say this : it wasn't your fault. You have got to stop blaming yourself »

« I know » she lied, « but please don't say anything »

Brooke sighed, she did not think it was a good idea for Peyton to keep everything buried inside but she gave in anyway : « Okay, I promise. » Then realising what that promise meant she asked excitedly « So does that mean you're coming to Tree Hill ? »

« Yes, I guess that means I'm coming » she replied, smiling despite herself

Brooke shrieked at the end of the phone and Peyton couldn't help but chuckle.

They both talked for a while more, organising the date, time and everything practical for their arrival in Tree Hill. When she hang up she was confused by her mixed feelings : apprehension but also slight excitement.

All that was left now was for her to tell Julian.