Thanks for the awesome response this story got. I really appreciate it. Some people want to know answers about what's going to happen and if this is a Brucas story, but I can't give away anything I'm sorry. The whole point of my writing this story is to keep you on edge, for you NOT to know what's coming. Sure you can make some guesses but I want you to be wrong and surprised. Only one other person besides myself knows how the story is gonna go but that's because I had to options and I trust her judgment. Without further ado, enjoy chapter two.

Looking down at the papers, she knew that it was going to be a long night of grading. Leaning back into her computer chair, Haley stretched before rubbing her face slightly.

"You look tired babe." He said as he walked into the office and over to her desk. "Long day?" He questioned curiously as he leaned down and gave her a kiss.

Smiling as she pulled away from the kiss, she sat there slightly dazed that even after all these years he still had this affect on her. A simple kiss made her feel like she was on cloud nine and made her fall in love with him again. "Long couple of weeks actually."

"Oh really? The children starting to turn on their teacher?" Nathan joked as he sat on the edge of her desk. Earning a playful slap from Haley. "You know I'm just kidding Hales. They love you, now why the long two weeks?" He asked in a concerned tone, she always hid it well when things were bothering her or he knew that he would've questioned what was wrong with her earlier.

"Just Brooke dealing with Peyton...again." She told him, not noticing the way his jaw locked when Peyton was brought into the conversation.

"Oh really, what happened this time?" Nathan asked her as he felt his back go rigged. Trying to shake off the feeling of wanting to punch something, he turned his attention back to his wife.

"Lucas again apparently. I just don't get why she stays with him. I saw Peyton after the last interaction and god Nate, I could barely look at her. The bruise was so big and so bad it made her eye swell close." Haley said, choking on the last part of the sentence already getting emotional. During high school it was her, Brooke, and Peyton. They were absolutely inseparable and involved in every aspect of high school. It killed her to think that she and Brooke had grown so far apart from Peyton since high school that she couldn't even save her.

Getting off the table, Nathan gently pulled on Haley's arm. Pulling her out of the chair and into a hug. "It's not your fault baby. She just needs to see him for the real monster he is on her own time. Sometimes people don't want to see the truth because it scares them. Especially when it comes to someone they know. The feeling of that perfect image you have built up about someone you love... it breaks your heart to find out how horribly wrong you are." He told her, hoping that it would reassure her.

"When did you become so smart?" Haley joked, already feeling better, as she looked up at her husband but kept her arms wrapped around his waist.

Smirking down at his wife of fours years, "Around the same time I fell in love with this girl who was tutoring me..." He answered before he leaned down and placed a sweet and soft gentle kiss on her lips.

Rubbing her eyes over her face, she let out a yawn as she glanced outside. Leaning back in her chair, she was ready to call it a day already and it was only 10 am. It just seemed that the nice day outside was mocking her. Especially since she had deadlines she had to meet by the end of the week which was in two days.

She honestly just needed a break from it all. Work and her non existent social life and everything that was going on with her best friend. She didn't understand how you could stay with someone that physically hurt you. Brooke had been a victim of mental and verbal abuse, that had done a number on her. It took her months to finally feel good about herself. With the help of her friends, she remembered that she was Brooke Penelope Davis, a girl that back in high school was wanted by every guy and wanted to be by every girl.

Excluding her two best friends, Haley James Scott being one of them. Oh there was so much to say about her tutor girl. Other than the fact that she felt like her and Haley had been separated at birth, then again there's a saying that 'God made you best friends because he knew that your mother wouldn't be able to handle you as sisters'. Which was exactly right, she had known Haley for one year longer than she had known Peyton. It was sixth grade, some girls were picking on Haley because she had braces on her bottom teeth. Brooke being the overconfident 11 year old she was, marched right over to the girls and told them to stop picking on Haley or she would tell all the boys they never bathed. Of course, middle school was when boys stopped having cooties and started being cute. The girls immediately backed off, Haley and Brooke had been best friends ever since.

Coming back out of her thoughts as she heard laughing, she glanced out the window and saw two teenage girls walking down the street, reminding her of herself and Haley. A smile graced her lips as she picked up her phone and scrolled through her contacts before finding the light haired brunette teachers number. Hitting the green button, she brought the phone up to her ear, listening it to ring as she finished signing some forms.

"Hey Tigger." She heard Haley greet her on the other end.

Laughing slightly, "Hey tutor wife. What are you doing?" She asked curious as to why her friend was able to answer the phone, realizing that after she called Haley probably wouldn't answer since she was teaching.

"Ah, in-service day. Attempting to go over my semester layout but it's not working. What are you up to?" Haley asked as she closed the calendar that was sitting in front of her on her desk. She was beginning to think that she was catching spring fever like her students, since every time she went to start on her syllabus she would end up gazing out the window.

"Attempting to work also. So I was wondering...if you wanted to play hookey and go out to lunch?" Brooke suggested as she stood up from her desk and started making her way to the front of the store.

"Oh, I thought you'd never ask. I'll meet you at The Pier in fifteen?" Haley said as she started putting things in her backpack and grabbing her purse and car keys.

"I'll call and get a table, see you in a few Hales." The auburn brunette answered as they said their goodbyes and got off the phone.

"Millie?" Brooke questioned as she started looking around the front of the store and spotted her behind the register going over receipts. "Hey, you think you can handle the store for the rest of the day?"

"No problem Brooke." She replied. "I was wondering how much longer you were going to last in there, I remember last May, you couldn't stay in for more than two hours. You actually tried to have your clients set up the meetings outside." Millicent said, laughing as she thought back to that.

Shrugging innocently. "They were old anyways, a little fresh air would've done them some good." Brooke said as she grabbed her purse, car keys and cell phone.

"I'll see you tomorrow Brooke." Millie said, laughing slightly at how childish Brooke could be, but when push came to shove she could be a hard-ass boss. It's exactly why she loved working for her.

Walking out of the store, purse draped on her arm right by her elbow. Brooke began walking towards The Pier. It was days like this where sometimes she wished she could be a kid again. Running around outside, trying to enjoy every last bit of sun before it disappeared into the horizon and her mother made her come inside.

Then again during the summer, the fun wouldn't end there. She would usually have Haley and Peyton come over. Spending countless hours in Brooke's bedroom watching movies or listening to music, flipping through magazines. Everything seemed so easy back then, the only thing they three best friends ever worried about was where they were going to all live together.

Now Haley James was Haley James Scott. A teacher, married and wanting to start a family. Married to Nathan Royal Scott. They had met their Junior year of high school when he transferred in. The two had been together ever since. They had moved to New York along with Peyton and Haley to go to NYU. After they had finished school, Haley wanted nothing more than to return home. Which her and Nathan had done, while Peyton and Brooke stayed behind. Granted there were times were Haley thought Nathan was settling for the small town life because that's what she wanted. All of those thoughts vanished when Nathan proposed to her two and a half years ago. They had a small wedding, that was planned by Brooke more because Brooke wouldn't let an ordinary person plan one of her best friends wedding. They were Naley, as Brooke put it one time too many, a real epic love story.

Brooke Davis was an owner a fashion line with a few stores along the coast. Along with some in New York, sure she had been propositioned to take her company global, but she wanted it to be hers and no one else's. It was her baby, something that was her own. She wanted it to stay that way. After burning herself out living the New York lifestyle, Brooke decided that it was time to come home. Where she belonged, and that's exactly what she did.

There there was Peyton Sawyer... sometimes. The oddball of the group, she wasn't a cheerleader in high school like the other two girls. Yet she fit in just like a missing puzzle piece. No one really knew what happened to her. She had moved to L.A. About a month after Nathan and Haley had moved back home to Tree Hill, North Carolina. Then came storming back into New York like a tornado where she was anything but the person she used to be. She had moved back home just a few months before Brooke had, claiming that this boy she was seeing was the one. Her prince charming. Yet she had yet to even introduce let alone show a picture of what the mystery man looked like or how he acted.

Brooke and Haley narrowed it down to it was just how she grew up. That she was keeping him away from her friends, in fear that they would dislike him. That was until they found out about how abusive he really was and how she stayed with him. It seemed that they didn't know Peyton Sawyer at all. Then again, no one did.

Putting her car in park, Haley stepped out of the car and took the ticket from valet with a smile. Looking around, she noticed a familiar brunette walking towards her. "B. Davis!" She yelled from across the parking lot, causing most of the valet workers to look at her. Before she had met Brooke, she wouldn't have even waved until the other person was closer to her. Now she would yell across a parking lot at the top of her lungs to get someone's attention.

Laughing at her friends antics, Brooke waved at her before pulling her into a fierce hug once she got closer to her. "How are you doing HJS?" Brooke greeted as she pulled out of the hug and looped her arms through the slightly shorter honey brunette haired teacher next to her.

"HJS?" Haley echoed, slightly confused as they walked into the restaurant.

Nodding her head, Brooke took a seat at the four top, placing her purse next to her as Haley took the seat across from her mimicking her movements. "Yep, Haley James Scott. HJS. I think it kinda makes you sound like a superhero." Brooke joked as she took a drink of her water.

"I think you have way too much time on your hands over at the store. Maybe you open up another one." Haley joked, knowing full well that Brooke overworked herself running the seventeen stores she had know. Most of them in New York, but somehow Brooke had managed to travel once a month for two days and still have things running smoothly. Haley was proud that her best friend had found a balance between doing what she loved and loving what she was doing.

Rolling her eyes, she turned her phone on silent. "Please. I have a spring fashion line I have to perfect so bite your tongue or I'll have Nathan do it for you." She teased as she stuck her own tongue out at the teacher sitting across from her.

"Oh, what am I going to do with you Davis?" Haley said rhetorically as she picked up her menu.

Kinking her eyebrow with a smile, Brooke answered "Love me unconditionally."

"I already do Brookie Cookie, I already do." Haley replied with a genuine smile.

"Are you ladies ready to order?" The waiter asked, interrupting the conversation.

"Yes, I'd like a cheeseburger with fries and a Caesar salad as an appetizer. Just bring us both a sprite with no ice." Brooke ordered before handing her menu to the waiter.

"I'll have the same but a Cobb salad instead." Haley answered as the waiter wrote down their orders.

"Would you like your drinks now or do you want me to bring them when I bring out your food?" The young waiter asked.

"With the food." Brooke and Haley answered in unison before the pair started busting out in laughter as the waiter walked away.

"Just like old times." Haley said sincerely with a smile, she had missed how close she and Brooke used to be. They were still best friends, but actually being adults you didn't have time to just hang out with friends on spur of the moments, this time not included since it was pure luck.

"Almost." Brooke said, somewhat sadly.

Pressing her lips together slightly, she let out a soft sigh. "Have you tried talking to her B?" Haley questioned.

"As much as I've tried talking to a brick wall." Brooke retorted. "She's like a sister to me-to us. I just can't get through to her. I even called her on the way over her, it rang twice before it sent me to her voice-mail." Brooke told her.

"How about we go over there after we're done here? Like a surprise visit. I don't have anything going on that I can't put off one more day. What about you?" She questioned, realizing that the brunette fashion designer was right. If they were going to get through their blonde headed friend they would have to take extreme measures, even if that meant doing a small intervention.

Shaking her head no, she pulled her phone out of her purse. "It'd be pointless since she's at his place." Brooke said showing Haley the text message she had gotten from Peyton. "I guess she thinks that if they live together it'll stop because this all started in the first place because they don't spend enough time together." Brooke said bitterly. "I can't even remember the last time I hung out with her before she had to leave abruptly because of something to do with him." She spat out bitterly, she refused to say his name.

Reaching across the table, Haley took Brooke's hand and squeezed it reassuringly. "It'll be okay Brooke, sometimes people don't want to see the truth because it scares them." She said, echoing what Nathan had told her how to handle the situation.

"When did you become so smart H. Scott?" Brooke said, finally cracking a smile and squeezing Haley's hand back gently.

"Around the time I met this crazy brunette in middle school. I think she was admitted to the psych word..." Haley said before adding in a whisper, "she was a little nuts." Effectively causing Brooke to push away Haley's hand and start laughing before Haley joined in. It was times like this that she missed high school, when things were simpler but Haley knew that sooner or later they had to grow up.

It was times like these she absolutely hated being alone. Sure she had her friends, her family, and her company. Yet she truly didn't have anyone to share it with.

Even with Peyton being with an abusive asshole, she still had someone that in a sick non understandable way loved her.

Locking her front door and activating her house alarm. Even with living in a small town, she was still scared to death of someone trying to taint something of hers or even harm her. Brooke turned on the living room light and looked around at her empty house. Noticing that something was missing...or someone for that matter.

"Murray?" Brooke questioned as she placed her keys and purse on the inn table, before taking off her jacket and hanging it up. Whistling lightly, she called again. "Murray?" As she began walking towards the kitchen, looking around the corner. Becoming slightly confused again as to why Murray wasn't answering. Pushing open her bedroom door, her questioned was answered. While she found her one eyed pit bull lounging on her bed completely zonked out. Laughing to herself, she slipped out of her heels and changed into some shorts and an oversized shirt before climbing into bed next to Murray.

It was only then that Murray decided to open his eye and look up at his brunette owner before scooting closer to her. Moving his head underneath her hand so that she would pet him. Laughing slightly, she began softly scratching behind his ears. "There you go baby boy." Brooke cooed softly before letting out a yawn. She may not have had a person to come home to that loved her, but she had one hell of a faithful pit bull that she would pick over any douche bag that had tried to catch her interest in New York.

Murray wasn't part of the plan, she was planning on getting a fish, something she needed to take care of but didn't need her full attention. On her way to the pet store about three months ago, she came across a stray that she would later call Murray. Having a soft spot for animals, she took him to the local pound. Only to find out that since he missing an eye and a pit bull on top of it he would more than likely be put down. Brooke would not stand for that. Here she was three months later, she had the most loyal and loving dog known to anyone in Tree Hill.

Hearing the slight snoring coming from Murray, yes he wasn't unique enough- he snored like a person, Brooke laughed softly before letting herself drift off to sleep.

Hearing her alarm go off, Haley lifted her head up from her pillow and glanced over at her alarm clock. Groaning when she saw it was seven in the morning. She forgot to change her alarm since the school was on spring break. Hitting the snooze button, she cuddled back to her pillow before moving her head and looking to the right of her, only to find the side of the bed empty.

Rubbing the sleep from her eyes, Haley pushed herself up into a sitting position. Stretching her arms above her head and pushing the comforter back from her body. She climbed out of bed and headed downstairs only to hear Nathan curse slightly from the kitchen. Laughing to herself softly as she suddenly smelt something burning. "Nate, what are you doing?" Haley questioned as she walked into the kitchen, leaning up against the door frame with her arms crossed over her chest.

"I was attempting to make breakfast but I'm pretty sure the damn stove hates me." Nathan grumbled bitterly as he turned off the burner and all but threw the skillet in the sink before turning on the water so that it could soak.

Smiling at his all but childish antics, Haley walked over to him, stepping on her tiptoes and kissed him softly on the cheek. "Morning Nathan."

"That's all I get?" He questioned as he moved his hands to her waist and pulled her body close to his. "I almost burn down the kitchen, injure myself trying to be a thoughtful husband and all you say is 'good morning'?"

Nodding her head in agreement, she leaned up and gave him a soft kiss on the lips. "I love you." She told him softly before pulling away from his grip and grabbing some toast, eggs and milk along with a different skillet. "French toast okay?" Haley asked while grabbing a bowl and cracking open some eggs.

Walking over to the cupboard as he grabbed the plates and set the kitchen table, before walking over to the counter opposite his wife and leaning against it. He couldn't help but watch his wife in utter amazement, he couldn't help but wonder how he had landed her back in high school, he wasn't one of the most stand up guys. In fact, he was an asshole and even if would've admitted that. He was the typical jock and when he saw that Haley was a cheerleader, he figured it was as good as golden to get her into bed. Except the second he started talking to her, to drop a pick up line to get her into bed, he couldn't. All he wanted to do was talk to her more, get to know her. Not only did that confuse him, it scared the living crap out of him, because next thing he knew. Nathan Scott was falling in love with the most amazing girl. Now here he was in the kitchen of their house, staring or more becoming entranced at his wife.

Giggling as she noticed him staring at her, she couldn't help but blush and wonder how she had ended up with someone so lucky. Sure she wasn't too happy that he had almost burned down the kitchen and ruined a pan, but those were easily replaceable. He, however was not. The only thing she could honestly think of when she saw him in the kitchen, was how he still made her feel like she was a high school student falling in love with him all over again.

After finishing up the french toast, she plated it as Nathan grabbed the syrup, milk and orange juice.

Just as they were going to sit down, they heard the doorbell go off. Confusion before acknowledgment came across their faces, Haley started walking towards the front door while Nathan grabbed a third plate and a bowl.

"Morning Brooke." Haley said before she even had the door completely open.

"Hey, I brought muffins this time and coffee!" She teased before Haley took Murray's leash from her.

"Hi Murray." Haley said as she kneeled down to his level and gave him a scratch behind the ears. "You smelt the food huh, well maybe if you're a good boy Nate will give you some." She told the canine, before taking his leash off of his collar only to watch him bound into the kitchen, followed by Nathan's laughter.

"So I was thinking the four of us could go do something today." Brooke suggested as she handed Haley the holder that held the three coffees and the bag full of muffins while she took off her jacket.

"Four of us?" Haley asked slightly confused.

"Yeah, the three of us plus Peyton. I just feel like if we don't attempt to show her that we aren't just trying to get her away from Lucas every time we talk to her that we'll end up losing her completely." She answered while walking into the kitchen. "Nathaniel!" Brooke teased as she walked over to Nathan and gave him a hug.

"G'Morning Brooklyn. Glad to see you're such a ball of energy this morning." Nathan teased as he hugged her back. "I think the only reason I like you coming over is I get to see good old Murray here." He said as he took a seat and patted Murray on the head as he continued eating from the bowl that sat in front of him.

"Oh really?" Brooke questioned playfully as she took a seat across from him. "Because I distinctly remember a time when you hated when I brought him over, you would actually hide upstairs. Isn't that right Hales?"

"Hey! He used to hate me when you first got him." Nathan also reminded her. "But after he got over the fact that I wasn't leaving, he grew to like me. We're the best of buds, isn't that right Murray?" He questioned as the dog ignored him and continued eating, causing the two girls at the table to laugh at him.

"You just keep telling yourself that Natey boy." Brooke said while she took a bite of the french toast from that plate that was in front of her. "So does the beach sound okay?" She suggested while looking up at Haley and then over at Nathan.

"Sounds perfect B." Haley said, before they all started eating.

"It's perfect outside, so yeah I'll be there." She said before hearing the person on the other line give her a reply then end the call. Making a u-turn in her car, she started to head towards the beach.

She honestly didn't know why she agreed to meet with them, they did nothing but try to get her away from the one person she truly loved. So what if he hit her a couple times, everyone had their flaws.

Peyton just figured if she talked to them, explained to them that the heart wanted it wanted, that they would finally leave her alone. Just give her a chance to be happy with the man she loved.

A few minutes later, she was pulling into the parking lot right in front of the beach. Turning off the engine, she grabbed her keys and purse before climbing out of the car. Lifting her hand up onto her forehead, she blocked the sun from her eyes while she searched the beach before her eyes settled on three familiar people. Slinging her purse onto her shoulder she began trudging through the sand and making her way over to them.

"P. Sawyer!" She heard a raspy voice greet her, before she was bombarded with a hug.

Laughing at her friends overzealous behavior, she hugged her back. "Hi Brooke." Peyton greeted before pulling away and giving Haley a hug. "So...I kinda thought it was just going to be the three of us?" Peyton questioned as she glanced over at Nathan who was just coming out from the water.

"Hey, I think I'm gonna head home." Nathan said once he got closer to the three girls, almost as if he had heard Peyton's statement. "I'm kinda tired and Murray looks like he's about to pass out from the heat." He joked, causing everyone to avert their attention to the pit bull laying a few feet away, tongue hanging out the side of his mouth and panting up a storm.

Laughing slightly, she went over and hooked the leash onto Murray's collar. "I think that's actually a good idea Nate." Brooke said as she lead Murray over to the dark haired brunette.

"I'll be home in time to start dinner, ,okay?" Haley said as she grabbed Nathan's hand gently, she honestly didn't understand when Peyton came into the mix he acted so distant and found any way to leave the situation. She just figured that he didn't want to intrude on Peyton's life, they didn't really become friends in high school. In all circumstances, they just knew the same people.

"No, I got it. Just come home around seven. Bring Brooke if she wants to come." He said as he squeezed her hand back, reassuring her that he was fine. Leaning down he gave her a soft kiss before giving her another kiss on her forehead. "I love you." He said sincerely with a smile as he looked into her eyes.

"I love you too." Haley replied effortlessly as she gave him a hug, then watched him walk back to their car with Murray and head home. Turning her attention back to the auburn brunette and blonde in front of her, she walked back towards them.

"...that's just stupid, why would you do that to your hair?" Brooke said to Peyton.

"Why would she do what to her hair?" Haley questioned as she sat down by the two girls, digging her toes into the warm sand.

"She wants to cut it all off, which sure I can see her rocking the Rihanna look but then she wants to die it like a fuchsia dark red. Don't get me wrong I love you P. Sawyer but just no!" Brooke said, causing the two girls to laugh at her.

"Brooke I was just thinking about it. I ALSO said one or the other, so calm down. I'll probably just end up cutting it off. Sort of like a fresh start, at least that's what it feels like every time I do something new or different to my hair." Peyton said

"Speaking of fresh starts..." Haley began only to be cut off by Brooke who was squealing.

"Ice cream!" Brooke announced as they suddenly heard the music she was hearing, spotting the truck a few feet away. "Oh I totally want a dreamsicle!" She exclaimed, suddenly acting like she was ten years old. "I'll get you guys the same thing." Before they could even object, she was out of the sand and making her way towards the ice cream truck.

"It still amazes me how she's such an adult but hasn't changed at all since high school." Peyton said with a smile as she turned her attention to the girl in front of her.

"Yeah, some people haven't changed since high school. Then again some people have changed so much that I barely even recognize them." Haley said as she looked Peyton straight in the eye.

"Haley James-now- Scott, never one to beat around the bush." Letting out a sigh, she ran her fingers through her hair nervously. "I'm guessing Brooke told you about last week."

"Yeah, but better question is why didn't you call me too? No, scratch that, an even better question is why are you still with him?" Haley raised her voice while looking at Peyton. "The three of us were best friends in high school and after high school. Now it's like pulling teeth to even get you to come out for a couple hours with us."Haley told her. "Then to find out it happened again, it shouldn't have happened at all but after the first time- well that says something there. No 'after the first time' when he does it, you leave. You don't go back claiming he loves you." Haley vented, she just couldn't believe someone so smart could do things that were just so stupid.

"Haley, I didn't come here for an intervention about my love life. I came here to spend some time with my friends because I missed them." Peyton said, as she pulled at her hair, something she did when she was frustrated or anxious. "Just, I know you guys don't like him-"

"-'Like him'?" Haley cut in, "We've never even met him. I'm starting to think there's a reason for that. Maybe things are way worse than you're letting on. Maybe there's more abuse going on then you're letting on." Haley said softly, looking at her blonde haired friend with concern, as her voice dropped in decimal level. "Has he ever forced you...?" She trailed off, suddenly confused as to why her friend was laughing at her.

"God Haley!" Peyton said once she stopped laughing. "He's never raped me. He would never do that! He's a good guy, alright?" She exclaimed.

Rolling her eyes slightly, "Yeah, a good guy that just likes to beat on you every now and then." She saw Peyton open her mouth to object but cut her off. "Then again, every time it's your fault right?" She questioned rhetorically, causing Peyton to snap her moth closed.

"Haley..." Peyton tried again, realizing that her friend wasn't trying to attack her but honestly scared for her. "If I didn't ever feel safe...if I was scared to death I would come to Brooke and you in a split second. You just...have you ever loved someone so much that it scares you but being without them scares you even more?" She questioned, knowing that she had won Haley over once she saw her eyes and facial expression soften.

"We just worry about you P. Sawyer, we would never ever forgive ourselves if something were to happen to you. You're like a sister to us, and it really kills us that we barely see you. Then when we do see you...it's after he's done something to you." Haley said before clearing her throat slightly, seeing Brooke come back. Brooke would be upset if she knew Haley had gone behind her back and attacked Peyton, when she had clearly said she wanted today to just be about having fun like they did back in high school. "Just promise me that you'll do two things."

Seeing Peyton nod her head, she continued. "To talk to us- see us more, not just when you need us to help you. We love doing that for you, but we love being your friends more." Haley said as Peyton grabbed her hand and squeezed it softly, showing her that she understood. "And I want you to make yourself think about this. You are stronger and smarter than this situation. Is loving someone really worth that kind of consequence that comes with it?"

Before she could even reply, "Okay so they were out of dreamsicles which is a disappoint within itself but I got the next best thing." Brooke said as she passed it to the two girls. "Push pops!" The cheery brunette exclaimed as she tore off the top of her own and pushed it up slightly before licking it.

"Oh B. Davis, our lives would be dull without you around." Peyton said as she opened her own push pop.

"And don't you forget it." Brooke said smugly, yet jokingly all at the same time.

Laughing before joining her friends in eating the ice cream, "Well it's been a while since the three of us have been together, so I think there's only one thing to do." Haley said with a serious voice and serious look on her face before a wide grin overtook her face.

"Shopping!" The three girls yelled in unison.

"Okay last store, I'm pretty sure Nathan's dinner or attempt at dinner is getting cold." Haley joked slightly as they walked into the store.

Nodding her head in agreement, Brooke began browsing around the store. "Don't you guys think it's kind of ironic for me to be shopping?" She questioned as she picked up a shirt from the pile, debating if she liked it or not.

"Why? Maybe because you're the owner of a major fashion company where you design and make your own clothes?" Peyton teased as Brooke swatted the shirt at her before deciding to put it back in the pile.

Sticking her tongue out at Peyton, she couldn't help but let out a soft laugh. "You so get me P. Sawyer." She said before walking off to look at the dresses behind them. "Okay, you get this one. You'll get that one. Then the red is perfect for me." Brooke said while Peyton and Haley came to stand on either of her sides.

"What are you muttering about B?" Haley questioned as she glanced up at the dresses.

"I'm having an opening for the new store and these are perfect. The red's for me. Green is Peyton's, yeah I know it's low cut in the boob area but you can pull it off." Brooke said as she grabbed the green dress and handed it to her confused blonde friend. "Then this purple is definitely for you tutor wife." Brooke said with a tone in her voice that said 'wear the dresses or don't come'.

"They are perfect Brooke, but what new store?" Haley questioned as she started admiring the dress, falling in love with the corset like bodice.

"In Charleston. Just a small one on Main Street, but another one none the less." Brooke said as she began walking to the register and laying her dress gently on the counter along with Haley and Peyton's. Handing her credit card to the cashier wordlessly, she waited for her to ring up the dresses.

Shaking their heads in unison, they couldn't help but laugh all at the same time. There was no arguing with Brooke, she was the most fiercely independent person they had ever met. Once she set her mind to something, it was set in stone.

"Of course we'll be there B. Davis. Just like we have been for every other store opening." Peyton reassured her as she wrapped her arm around the petite brunette's arms, giving them a reassuring squeeze.

"Exactly, what are best friends for?" Haley added in while hugging the brunette's waist.

"I'd be so lost without you guys, you know that right?" Brooke said as she wrapped both her arms around the two girls that had been there for her through thick and thin, giving them a hug.

"Okay, enough with this mushy stuff." Peyton joked as her cellphone went off. "See? Even my phone agrees with me." She joked as they all broke the hug, and she pulled her cellphone from the pocket on the outside of her purse.

"Everything okay Peyton?" Haley asked suddenly concerned as she saw the blondes face suddenly go from a smile to being etched with...worry.

Flipping her phone close quickly, she looked back up at the two girls standing in front of her. "Yeah, everything's fine. Just the band I set up for Tric on Friday is being... well for a better word they're acting like divas. So I gotta go get this sorted out, I'll talk to you guys later, okay?" She said as she began leaving the store, waving goodbye to them.

"Don't forget your dress Peyton!" Brooke called after her, speed walking over to the curly haired blonde and handing her the oversized shopping bag. "Call me later, okay?" She said, knowing that they both knew it wasn't just to catch up but to make sure Peyton was in the same shape 'later' that she was in right now.

"Of course. Don't worry so much Brooke." Peyton said with a smile as she said goodbye once again and disappeared into the crowd in the mall.

Trying to ignore the feeling of concern for their blonde friend, Brooke shook it off while she grabbed her and Haley's dresses. Looping her arm through the honey haired brunette, she began leading them out of the mall into the parking lot. "So, let's go see what all star boy attempted to make for dinner shall we?" She said, effectively getting Haley along with herself to laugh.

"I have to say Nathan, that was a pretty good meal. Now did you wait thirty or forty-five minutes this time?" Brooke joked as she pushed the pizza boxes away.

Yawning slightly, Nathan shrugged as he stood up and took everyone's plates over to the sink. "The pizza got here a few minutes before you girls did. I honestly don't even remember falling asleep. I got the chicken out and started defrosting it, then let Murray out because he likes terrorizing the birds in the birds house in the backyard. I sat in the chair just to relax for a bit." He told them as he started cleaning up the kitchen table only to have Haley stop him and make him sit down as she took over. "Next thing I know, Murray's barking to be let back in and I notice that it's basically night time outside."

"Probably all the sun, it happens." Haley said as she came up behind the chair Nathan was sitting in and started gently rubbing the shoulders. "It's why my parents used to take all of us to the lake during the summers. It'd get us outside and moving, by the time we got home we all were just exhausted."

"Exactly what my parents did, then again it was a yacht club and I mostly just lounged in the pool but I know what you guys are talking about." Brooke added, causing both of them to laugh and a smile to come to her face. "I really do appreciate you feeding me Nate, but since both of you look beat. I know I've had a long day I think I'm gonna head home." She told them as she stood up from the kitchen table and whistled for Murray, who came slowly walking into the kitchen and looking up at her. "See, even Murray agrees it's bed time." Brooke said while laughing slightly.

"You do realize it's almost dark outside and you didn't drive here." Haley reminded her.

Shaking her head, she kneeled down to latch Murray's leash onto his collar. "I'll be fine Haley, I have the best protection there is." She reminded them as she patted Murray's head gently.

"I'll give you ten minutes to get home before I get in my car and start looking for you Davis." Nathan said as he gently pulled her into a hug.

Laughing slightly against his chest as she hugged him back, "You do realize that I live ten minutes away by car so it's probably going to take me at least twenty minutes to actually walk there-don't you?" Brooke reminded him as she pulled out of the hug only to be pulled into another one by Haley.

"Fine, fine." Nathan said as he raised his hands up in surrender. "I'll give you twelve minutes to get home, then I'll get in my car and go find you." He told her in a joking tone, but serious at the same time. Brooke was like his baby sister, she had been since they had met in high school. Sure, Brooke Davis didn't need any type of body guard, but Nathan Scott happily filled the role.

"Whatever you say big brother." Brooke joked as she gave him a playful wink, before grabbed Murray's leash and her purse. "I'll call you guys when I get home, okay?"

"I expect a phone call, if not you're in big trouble." Haley said in her most serious tone.

Trying not to laugh, Brooke simply replied. "Please don't ground me mom, I have a party to go to this weekend."

Rolling her eyes, Haley gently gave Brooke a shove as they walked to the front door. Nathan trailing slowly behind the two girls. "Yeah yeah, make fun of me now but you know it's a good thing." Haley reminded her, causing Brooke to nod in agreement.

"I know honey, but I'll see you guys tomorrow." Brooke said as she opened their front door, only to be stopped by Nathan jogging towards them. "Seriously Nathaniel? Leftover pizza is what you're sending home with me?" The feisty brunette questioned as she took the plastic bag from the taller male brunette.

"Tradition is a tradition, Davis. Isn't that what you always tell us?" Nathan asked while he stressed the word 'always', knowing he had her there. Brooke was always one for starting traditions and keeping them going- no matter how silly they might actually be.

"Yeah yeah, I'll see you guys later." Brooke told them as she walked out with Murray's leash in one hand, and a plastic bag of leftover pizza in the other, hearing the front door of the Scott residence slowly close behind her.

Yawning slightly, Brooke was starting to wonder why she didn't just have Haley or Nathan drive her home. Shrugging it off, she realized that she was about three blocks away from her house- at least if she cut through a few people's backyards it was three blocks away. Walking down Ridge Road, the fashion designer noticed someone digging through a trashcan near by.

Frowning softly, she stopped walking while Murray started sniffing around the light pole near by. Biting her bottom lip while she debated, she gripped the pit bull's leash just a little tighter as she began crossing the street towards the area the person was in who was vigorously digging through the trash in search of something.

Clearing her throat as not to scare the person, she caused them to turn around. Revealing to Brooke that it was an elderly man who was wearing worn out clothes and covered in dirt. "Are you okay?" Brooke asked cautiously, not wanting to offend them.

"No, the soup kitchen closed early today before I got a chance to get down there. Nothing for a pretty girl for yourself to worry about." The old man said as he gave her a reassuring smile that melted Brooke's heart.

"Well I just came from having dinner with some friends and they sent me home with leftovers that I know I'll never eat. Would you care to help a girl out and take them off my hands?" Brooke questioned while raising the bag up into the view of the elderly man.

"I'd be much obliged." The old man, he said as he bowed slightly in Brooke's direction. "James McGee."

"Brooke Davis." She replied as she handed over the bag of pizza. "You know, if you're ever hungry my friend owns a diner in town. It closes around 9, but if you tell her I sent you she'll be able to give you at least one meal a day." Brooke said as she felt Murray tug at his leash, telling her it was time to go home.

"I appreciate that ma'am, don't worry I'll keep it under my own hat." He reassured her while he opened the bag and took out a slice of pizza and took a huge bite out of the first piece. Before he found a building and sat down next to it.

"Anytime James, I'll see you around I guess." Brooke said as she reached her hand out towards him.

"I look forward to it." James replied as he shook her hand gently, then went back to eating his pizza.

Laughing slightly, Brooke tugged gently on Murray's leash before she continued to walk home. Turning the corner, she started hearing Murray start barking. Focusing her attention, she noticed a man walking towards them with a golden retriever right next to him.

"Murray." Brooke said in a warning tone, that caused the dog to stop barking but also stop walking as he took a protective stance in front of his brunette owner.

"Ellie." The male said while the golden retriever started making his way over to Brooke and Murray. "She's harmless I promise, just curious." He told Brooke while the retriever started sniffing around Murray as Murray did the same.

"I wasn't really worried about your dog, I was worried about mine. One eye or not, he's a solid protector as they come." Laughing at her statement as she watched her pit bull start licking the golden retriever. "I guess your dog passed the test."

"I guess so." The male said as he finally come to a stop a few feet away from Brooke. Taking in his appearance. He was wearing a pair of jeans and tennis shoes. Along with a dark blue shirt that seemed to hug his upper body perfectly but was loose around his waist. He was about 6 foot, maybe a little taller. Taller than Brooke. He had dirty blonde hair, which looked a mess-like he had been running his fingers through it profusely. Then she noticed his eyes, blue but a rare blue that she hadn't seen before. Watching him bend down to Murray's level, she was shocked as Murray sniffed him then started licking his hands. Murray hadn't even taken an immediate liking to Nathan, yet with this stranger he was acting like a little puppy dog.

"...like each other. What do you think?" The male asked, causing Brooke to realize that she had tuned him out while she had began...for a better word checking him out.

"Huh?" Brooke questioned while she looked at his face.

As he stood back up and stuffed his hands in his pocket he couldn't help but let out a soft deep chuckle that caused Brooke to blush because she knew he had figured out that she hadn't been paying attention to him. "I was saying how much our dogs like each other and that we should meet at the park sometime so they could play together. I was asking you if you thought that was okay." The male repeated.

"Oh." Brooke said, turning her attention to the two dogs in front of her, who were already playing around like they had known each other forever. ""Maybe we could do that." Brooke replied, not really understanding why she was so willing to make plans with someone she had just met, but there was just something about his eyes.

"Well we just moved back into town, but we should be at the park on Sunday around noon or so if you two want to join us." He told her as he whistled softly to get Ellie's attention, before he walked by Brooke. "Don't say yes or no. She doesn't do well with rejection if you say no and I don't do well with being stood up by a pretty girl if you say yes but bail." He said with a slight crooked smirk. "It was nice meeting you." He said only to have his attention brought down to the pit bull standing beside her who barked at him. "It was nice meeting you too Murray." He added while patting his head one last time.

"It was nice meeting you guys." Brooke said, suddenly feeling like a high school girl who couldn't even form a sentence, she was just shocked by Murray's attitude towards the stranger that she couldn't seem to find her bearings.

"I guess we'll see you around." He said as he turned his attention back to his golden retriever. "I'll race ya." He said, which caused the dogs ears to perk up before she took off running. "Oh that's so cheating!" He yelled after her teasingly, before nodding his head at Brooke and took off running in the same direction Ellie had.

Laughing slightly, she tugged gently on Murray's leash as they finished walking the last block home. Unlocking the door, she let Murray off his leash as he bounded through the living room and kitchen to his food and water bowls. Putting her keys and purse on the table, she locked the front door and opened the back door. Watching Murray investigating the backyard like he did ever night, she wrapped her arms around her arms and looked up at the stars.

She loved nights like this, when it was clear outside and the stars were brighter than ever. She noticed a change tonight, like something big was about to happen.

Brooke couldn't help but notice three more things. One, he acted like she did with her dog. Two, she didn't even know his name. Three, she couldn't wait for Sunday to get here.

A/N

12 pages.

I honestly DO NOT like this chapter, but I wanted to post SOMETHING, anything because I've been neglecting you guys so bad. I honestly have three different ways I could have this story go and I think I picked one but that was so long ago and since I just now got my computer charger and I'm up and running things are going to take just a bit until I get right back into the groove of this.

This was honestly just a filler chapter and a little bit of beginning of what's to come. So I kinda just wrote so horrible written background information. Also introducing a couple new people. Just to let you guy know, they all range from the age of 22 to 24.

I also used how Sophia Bush has a one eyed pit bull that was rescued and made up the story myself, but her pit bull is just too adorable!

I have a new chapter for DYR, just a couple more pages to write and then it shall be uploaded too patience please. It is my goal to update at least every two week on ALL stories and finish at least one of my TWILIGHT stories that I've been putting off. Reviews are welcome but not required to get an update. Until next time.