'Peyton, I know you're home!' Brooke yelled. 'Open the door!'
Brooke stood in front of Peyton's house. She was screaming and slamming the door. But no one opened it.
'Look, I know your life sucks right now, and you are probably depressed as hell, but I promise you everything is going to be okay. Jake is gonna come back to you, and if not, I'll be here for you. Okay? So please open the..'
Suddenly Peyton opened the door.
'..Hi.' Brooke smiled and looked at her.
'You don't look depressed', she said surprised.
'That's because I'm not depressed', Peyton simply replied.
'Hmm..' She walked in and looked around. The first thing she noticed was that all of Jake's stuff was gone. She looked at Peyton again.
'It's empty.'
Peyton nodded and looked away.
'How are you, sweetie? It must be really hard without Jake.'
She shrugged. She actually wanted to tell Brooke that she was fine. No, she was great. She never felt better, because everything was how it was suppose to be. She was back with Lucas, and it felt right.
That's what she wanted to tell Brooke, but she couldn't get in a word.
'..Oh, and by the way, before I forget, do you know where Lucas is? It's probably a stupid question, cause why would you know where he is and why would you wanna know.. But I was just wondering, because he went missing a week ago. And Karen is really worried about him, and so are Nathan and Haley..'
'Brooke.. Brooke! Shut up!'
'Oh, I'm sorry sweetie. You really don't want to talk about Lucas. I get it. I'm really sorry.'
'No, that's not it. It's just..'

At that moment Lucas walked in, and there was no need that Peyton finished her sentences. Brooke looked at Lucas, who wasn't wearing a shirt, and whose hair was all messy, because he just got out of bed.
At first she was speechless, but then started to scream, causing Peyton and Lucas to laugh.
'Finally!' Peyton walked up to Peyton and Lucas and hugged them. 'It was about time!'
They all sat down at the kitchen table.
'When did this happen?' Brooke asked curiously.
'Um.. after Peyton got out of the hospital. I took her home, because Jake was gone. And so were all of his stuff. But there was this one box.. And apparently it was a box filled with things that I gave her. She said that she looked at it every day, and then we made-out. She said she wanted me all along.'
Peyton playfully hit his shoulder.
'That's not how it went. Well, the part about the box is.. But instead of making-out, we got into a fight. We said everything we wanted to say, about..'
'About how I left her, and why I really came back.'
'And why I proposed to Jake. And that I blamed him for everything that had happened over the last month. And at the end, we finally told each other how we felt. I told Lucas that I never stopped loving him, and Lucas told me that he wanted me back. Of course it wasn't as easy as we make it seem, but that is kinda how it happened.'
'That is so sweet! I knew you two would work it out. But.. did you say that you asked Jake to marry you?'
Peyton nodded.
'Then why did he leave?'
'Because he said no.. He told me the same thing that he told me in high school. That I was in love with Lucas, and that I would always be in love with him. And then I left, and got that accident. And now we're here.'
'Yeah, about that.. Why are you hiding out here?'
'We're not hiding. We just wanted some time for ourselves. To figure some stuff out, y'know?'

Brooke nodded and looked at Lucas.
'You finally got what you wanted, huh?'
'What we both wanted.'
Brooke smiled.
'Now please, don't ever let her go. Because I really don't want to get through this again!'
'You don't want to get through this again?' Lucas said laughing. 'What about us!'
'I know.. That's what I meant. I don't want to have to see my two friends going through this again. It must've been so awful.'
Lucas laughed. 'Well, don't worry. I won't let her go anymore.'
'Good! But I have to run. Millicent is running the store on her own, and it's really, really busy. So I have to go. But um.. Maybe we can throw a party tonight? To celebrate that you are back together again.'
'Brooke, we haven't even told the others.'
'Hence the party. But don't worry, I'll take care of it. The party will be held at Haley and Nathan's and I'll invite tons of people, and.. you just show up, okay?'
Peyton smiled and looked at Lucas, who nodded.
'Sure, why not!'
'Great! Then I'll see you tonight!'
Brooke had to look at Lucas and Peyton, who were holding hands, one more time. She was so happy that they finally got back together. After everything they had been through: losing each other, then seeing each other again, many bad memories, awkward moments, pain and a lot of fighting, they found their way back to one another.. at last.

'Mom, I'm home!' Lucas yelled when he entered his house. He felt weird. He felt exactly the same as he did a month ago, when he stepped into his house after being away for three years. But at least then his mom knew where he was. He felt bad for her. He didn't even tell her or Andy where he was, or for how long he would be gone..
'Mom?' he yelled again. He walked into the livingroom, but no one was there. But then Andy came out of the kitchen.
'Lucas, I thought I heard something.'
'Andy. Where's my mom?'
'She's picking up Lily from her play-date.' He took a good look at Lucas, and noticed there was something different about him, but he couldn't quite say what it was.
'Where have you been?' he asked. 'Your mom and I were so worried about you. You didn't answer your phone, and none of your friends knew where you were..'
'I know, and I'm sorry.'
'So, where were you?'
Then a big grin appeared on Lucas' face.
'I was with Peyton.'
'Oh.. How is she? I heard about the accident, and Jake.'
'She's um.. you know, still recovering from the accident. But that was not the reason why I was with her.'
Andy nodded. 'You know you can tell me everything, right. I know we haven't spoken much since you've been back, and I'm really sorry about that. I wish I could've been there for you more. And you have to know that I know I can't replace Keith, and I don't want to.'
'Don't worry, Andy. I know. And you have to know that I think it's great that you and my mom are back together again. I've never seen her so happy since Keith died.'
'Thank you', he smiled. 'So now, tell me. What's up with Peyton?'
Lucas laughed.
'Well, um.. When I brought her home from the accident, well obviously Jake was gone, but he left this one thing behind. I didn't know what it was, but she did. It was a box filled with everything I once gave to her, or wrote to her. It was all there. Stuff from our past. And so I asked her why it was there, and why she kept it still. She didn't answer me directly, so I said that I thought that it was because she still loved me. And she denied everything, and got mad at me. But not just about that accusation, if you want to call it that, but about everything that happened in these past three years. She told me the truth about how she really felt about me staying in New York, and about me coming back. She said everything she ever wanted to say to me. All this pent-up rage. And I just stood there, watching her, and I could do nothing. I couldn't even fight back, because I knew what she said was true. And then I said what I wanted to say to her ever since I came back, and that was that I loved her, and that I wanted her back. And after a lot of tears from her side, and a lot of listening from my side, we gave in to each other. This, all of this, brought us so much closer to each other, and now we're better than ever. I don't ever want to lose her again.'
Andy smiled. 'Then don't. I know how it is to leave the woman you love behind and win her back, and I promise you, from now on, it can only get better.'
Lucas nodded.
'But um.. where is Peyton? If I might ask.'
'She's at home, I don't really know what she's doing. But I want to get back to her as soon as possible. I only wanted to tell you all the good news before you heard it from everybody else.'
'I'll let your mom know when she gets back.'
'I'd appreciate that. And also, Brooke is throwing this party for us tonight, at Nathan and Haley's house, so we'd love it if you all would come.'
'Oh yeah, we wouldn't want to miss it for the world.'
'Then I'll see you tonight', he said. And then he was gone.

Peyton was sitting next to the phone, and listened to her voicemail for the third time in 10 minutes. She was playing that same message over and over again. That message that came from Jake.
When Lucas had left this morning to go home, she saw that she had one message. She thought that it was from Brooke, and that it was about the party she was throwing them, but she was wrong. It was from Jake. She hadn't heard from him since he left, and she resented him for that. But when she heard his voice again, she felt like she was the one that was wrong. And that Jake had every right to leave.

She pressed the button again, and listened to it.

'Hi, Peyton. I know you haven't heard from me in a while, I'm sorry. I was a coward for leaving with Jenny. It was not fair, especially because you were in the hospital, unconscious. But I just needed to get away. But when I saw Lucas the day after you left, and he told me you had the accident, I wanted to stay. I wanted to come to you, I swear. But Lucas was already there. He saved you again, and he was taking care of you. And I knew that I wasn't needed anymore.
I still love you, Peyton. That will never change. But you will never love me the way you love Lucas. And I don't blame you for anything that has happened. I guess I blame fate.'
There was a short silence.
'Jenny is missing you like crazy. She's asking me where you are every night when she goes to sleep. She misses your bedtime stories, your hugs, and.. you. And so do I. It's gonna take awhile to get used to this silence in our new house.
By now you'll probably be back with Lucas, and I'm happy for you. You finally found what was in your heart, and I hope you two will be happy. I don't know if I'm ever coming back to Tree Hill. Maybe I will see you one day, when you are walking around in Savannah with Lucas and your kids.
I hope you have a wonderful life, Peyton Sawyer. Know you changed mine forever.
Jake.

Peyton didn't notice that Lucas came in, and he heard every word Jake said. He walked upto her and put his hand on her shoulder. 'Are you okay?' he asked.
Peyton turned around and faced him, with tears in her eyes.
Lucas sat down next to her and looked at her.
'You heard that?'
He nodded.
'I thought he was the one that was wrong for leaving me', she said. 'But the truth is, I almost forced him to leave.'
'What do you mean?' Lucas asked confused.
'How would you feel if I would run back to Jake the minute we broke up? It must've been terrible for him. Knowing that I loved you, the entire time we were together.'
'Peyton, it's not your fault. You didn't want this to happen.'
'But it did. I really hurt him, Luke. And because of me, he will never come back to Tree Hill. And because of me, Jenny knows what it's like to lose another mom.'
'Peyton, don't do this to yourself, please. Jake wouldn't want this for you. He wanted you to be happy, whether it was with me or with him.'
Peyton nodded, and stared at a picture of Jenny.
'Are you having second thoughts about us?' Lucas asked carefully. He didn't want to ask it, but he had to.
'No. God, no. I love you. I always have and I always will. Nothing is going to change that. I just wish my love for you didn't hurt anyone again. The first time Brooke and now Jake. He deserves better.'
Lucas nodded and wrapped his arms around her.
'If you want me to, I'll call Brooke and tell her we're not coming.'
She shook her head.
'Uh-uh. This party is a good thing. We already waited too long with telling everybody we're together again. And it's a good distraction, too.'
'Okay. Then we'll go.'

Brooke, you did not throw a party at our house!' Haley roared when many people entered their house.
'Why not? You're the ones with the biggest house. And it only seemed fair, after I planned it.'
'At least tell us why we are having this party in the first place', Nathan said.
She shook her head. 'Sorry guys, no can do. It's a surprise.'
'You're not throwing this party for us, are you? Because it's not my birthday, it's not Nathan's..'
'No, Hales. Don't worry, it's not for you.'
'Then tell us, please! Or we'll kick everyone out of here!'
'No, no, don't do that! I really think you wanna see this.'
'See what exactly?' Nathan asked.
'Nice try. Just wait another fifteen minutes, okay.'
'Brooke, you didn't even give us time to prepare. What kind of party is this? No music, no snacks, no nothing!'
'Again, don't worry. I've got it all under control!' She smiled and turned around. There was a guy behind her with a beer keg, and in front of their house stood a bus that apparently belonged to a DJ. 'See?' She turned around and walked away. Haley turned around and faced Nathan.
'This sucks!'
'Okay, calm down. Brooke said we had to wait fifteen minutes. If nothing happens, we can still throw everyone out, okay?'
She nodded and hugged him.
'I wonder what the surprise is', Haley said.
'Me, too.'
Nathan slid his arms around her, and kissed her.
'Don't worry too much, okay.'

At that moment Jamie ran to them.
'Mommy, why are all these people here?' he asked.
'I have no idea, sweetie. We'll find out soon enough, I hope.'
'Is Lily coming, too? Chester really wants to see her.'
Haley and Nathan chuckled.
'I don't know, son', Nathan said. 'You know what? I'll call you when I see Lily, okay?'
He nodded and then ran away.
Nathan looked at Haley with a worried look on his face. 'Still no sign of Lucas then?'
'No.. I don't know where he is, and I'm really worried about him.'
'Yeah, I'm starting to get worried, too. I don't believe he just left without giving us a warning. Again!'
'Just when I thought he and Peyton were getting closer again.. Argh, he could be a real jerk sometimes!'

That's when Lucas and Peyton walked in, and they were holding onto one another very tightly. And everyone in the room fell silent, which made it even harder for them. But then Haley walked up to them and hugged them.
'Finally!'
'Why is that everybody's reaction!' Peyton laughed.
Everybody started laughing. And then Nathan walked up to his brother.
'It was about time, man. I'm really happy for you.'
'Thank you man.' They hugged each other.
Then Lucas looked at Peyton and saw how happy she was to be with her friends again.
'Hey Nate, I'm gonna need your help with something.'
'Yeah, sure. What do you need?'
He looked at his girlfriend again, and back at Nathan.
'Come with me.'

'So, how does it feel to be with Lucas again?' Haley asked cheerful.
'It feels great! I really didn't think we would work things out after the last time, but I'm glad we did.'
Haley and Brooke gave each other a look and laughed.
'What?'
'Peyton.. Everybody knew that you and Lucas would get back together someday. And after Jake left, it was only a matter of time', Brooke said.
'And of course there was alot you both had to go trough, but you would work it out. You are Lucas Scott and Peyton Sawyer! You belong together!'
Peyton smiled. 'We kinda do, don't we.'
Haley and Brooke laughed and hugged her.
'So now everything is back to normal, does that mean that you will have time for us agaiN?'
'What is that suppose to mean?' she asked confused.
'Well, when you were with Jake, we didn't really get to spend alot of time with you.'
'She's right. You were either constantly with Jake, or you had to babysit for Jenny.'
'But that's over now, okay. Jake is.. gone.'
'Have you heard from him since he left?' Haley curiously asked.
'This morning. He left me a message, where he said that he was sorry and that he was happy that I was with Lucas now. But also that Jenny missed me.'
'Did you call him back?'
'No. I don't think he wants me to. It would be too weird.'
Brooke nodded and for a moment there was an awkward silence.
'But hey, tonight I'm not going to worry about anything. It's a party right!'
'Right.'
'So.. where are the guys?'

'Are you sure about this, Luke?' Nathan asked him.
'Positive. I've never been so sure about anything in my entire life.'
'Okay.. Then I'll help you.'
'Thanks, man!'
'No problem. I don't get many chances to help my big brother, so I'll be glad to help now.'
He smiled.
'So.. How are you going to do it?' I mean, you have to do something really special.'
'I know. And I already have something in mind, but then I need to get away for a little while. And I need you to cover up for me.'
'Are you leaving already? Isn't that a little weird. You just got here.'
Lucas sighed and thought about how he would handle all of this.
'Look, why don't you just go to Peyton and have a good time or something. And that gives me time to come up with something. And then you can do whatever you have in mind, okay?'
'Yeah. Thanks again, you are really helping me with this.'
Lucas waked back to the livingroom where Peyton was talking to some of her friends.
'I'm sorry, can I borrow Peyton for awhile?' he asked and smiled at his beautiful girlfriend.
'I was wondering where you went', she said while they walked through the yard. 'I missed you.'
'I missed you, too', he said and kissed her. 'It's good to be outside, though. No more hiding in your house.'
'We were not hiding. We just needed some time for ourselves.'
'May be so, but I can tell that you are happy to be outside, too. I can see how much you missed spending time with Haley and Brooke.'
'True.. They said that I sort of neglegted them while I was with Jake. And that's also true.'
'What do you mean?'
'Well, I was spending all my time trying to make it work between me and Jake. And maybe I was trying to hard, but I hardly ever spoke to someone but Jake and Jenny.'
'You don't have to try so hard with me. Your friends are important to you, and to me too. Haley is my best friend, too. And I still have to make up for being away so long. With her, but also with Nathan and Jamie.'
'And your mom, Andy and Lily. They must have missed you like crazy.'
'They have, and I've missed my little sister, too. I haven't been able to spend alot of time with her, even now I'm back. See, I was really busy winning back the girl I loved. And.. saving the girl I loved.'
Peyton smiled and looked into his eyes. Her grip on his hand tightened.
'You are always saving me.'
'Somebody's got to.'

Just when they were about to kiss, Nathan walked towards them.
'Um, Luke?'
'What's up, Nate?'
'Um.. your mom called and she asked me to ask you if you wanted to come pick her up. Her car broke down.'
'Oh, of course.'
He looked at Peyton and pecked her lips.
'I'm sorry baby, I have to go.'
'I will go with you!'
'No! I mean, that's not neccesary. And besides, only four people fit in my car.'
'Oh.. Okay, then I'll stay here, with everyone. But you know, this is our party. You can't just leave.'
'Honey, I have to pick up my mom. I'll be right back.'
'Promise?' She looked at him with her begging eyes, knowing that he couldn't resist that.
Lucas laughed. 'I promise..'
He kissed her again, and then walked away.
He first walked up to Nathan, to make sure that he did make up the story about his mom. But Nathan reassured him that he could go and take care of everything that he had in mind for his big surprise.

After two hours Lucas still wasn't back and Peyton started to get really worried. She walked up to Nathan who was playing with his son.
'Hey Nate. Do you know where Lucas is? He said he was going to pick up his mom, but she's already here..'
Nathan looked around and saw that Karen and Andy were standing at the bar. 'Damn..' he thought to himself.
'Um.. Have you tried calling him?' he suggested.
'I already called him a few times, but he won't answer his phone.'
'I'll try to call him, okay? Don't worry.'
'Thank you, Nathan. And will you please let me know if he's alright?'
'Sure, no problem.' He smiled at her and then walked away to call his brother. To his surprise Lucas immediately answered.
'Nathan? What's up?'
'What's up? This plan of yours is taking a lot of time, and Peyton is starting to get worried. What do you want me to tell her?'
'Tell her that my car broke down, and that she has to come pick me up.'
'Okay, genius. You know that you have the car, right..'
'I know. Why don't you take her to the place I told you, and as soon as she gets out of the car, you drive away.'
Nathan sighed.
'Sure, anything for my brother.'
'Thank you, Nate. I really do appreciate this.'
'Yeah, you better!' Nathan laughed and hung up. To make sure that Karen wouldn't mess up Lucas' plans, he walked towards her and Andy and told them about Lucas' plan. After that he walked back to Peyton.

'Hey Peyton, you don't have to worry about Lucas. His car broke down, and he wanted me to go help him. Do you want to come with me?'
'Why? I mean, Lucas has fixed many cars before. Why can't he fix his own car?'
'Because Lucas is so stupid he forgot that he could fix it', Nathan mumbled under his breath.
'What did you say?'
'I said, because he.. um.. doesn't have his tools with him! He asked me to bring his tools.'
'Oh, okay..'
'So are you coming with me?'
She nodded. What was the point of this party if Lucas wasn't here to be with her. She waited for Nathan to get the tools and then drove off with him to Lucas.

'So, you and Lucas are finally back together, huh? You must be pretty happy.'
'I am.'
'I already told him if he would hurt you again, I would come after him.'
She chuckled.
'Thank you, Nathan. But something tells me that he won't screw it up this time.'
'No, I'm pretty sure that he won't. I haven't talked to him much, but when we did talk the only thing he mentioned was you. You really got him this time, Peyton.'
'I hope so.'
For a moment they both didn't say a thing, until Peyton broke the ice again.
'I'm really glad that we stayed friends, Nate. And that we can have these conversations. The Nathan you were in Junior year, didn't listen to anyone but himself.'
'I know. But a lot has changed since Junior year. Like, Haley and Jamie. They're the best thing that ever happened to me.'
'True. If Haley hadn't come along, who knows what might have happened.'
'Thank you', Nathan said sarcastic and playfully hit her on her shoulder.
'What? It's the truth. Haley changed you, and I'm glad she did.'
'And Lucas changed you, and I'm glad he did.'
What do you mean? I never changed.'
'Sure you did. When we were dating, you listened to depressing music, and you drew some creepy 'nobody understands me' drawings, like Brooke called them. And you closed yourself off to everybody. Untill Lucas came along. I don't know what he did, but you opened yourself up to him. You started to trust more people, and you've been happier with him than I've ever seen you.'
Peyton shrugged.
'And when Lucas left three years ago, you did the exact same thing you did in Junior year. Even when you started dating Jake, you never seemed as happy to be with him as you where when you were with Luke.'
'You're right, and now I have all of this, I will not screw it up. It means too much to me.'
Nathan smiled and then focused on the road again. But all of the sudden he stopped. Peyton looked at him as if he was crazy.
'What's wrong?' she asked.
'We're here.'
'What do you mean? I don't see Lucas anywhere.'
'You'll see him in a minute. Just get out of the car.'
Peyton did as he said, expecting that Nathan would get out of the car too. But he didn't. Instead he drove off and left her behind, stunned, and not understanding why she was brought to this place. But then, for the first time since she stepped into that car, she looked around to see where she was. She saw that she was at a place that she knew very well. A place that had a special meaning to her.
She looked around again and then noticed that there were candles everywhere, but still no sign of Lucas. Untill she saw a guy coming closer and closer to her.

'Lucas? What is all of this? I thought your car broke down.'
'Yeah, it sort of did. I um.. I kinda wanted to be alone with you, you know? Away from everyone that is keeping us apart this evening.'
Peyton smiled.
'I know what you mean. Haley and Brooke are really sweet for throwing us this party, but the only thing I wanted was to be alone with you.'
Lucas gazed into her eyes, took her hand and walked to the water.
'Do you remember the first time we were here together?'
'How can I ever forget, Lucas.'
'I can never forget, it is engraved in my heart forever.'
'Luke..'
'Your car broke down, remember. You called my uncle Keith and he sent me to fix it. You were the most stubborn girl I had ever met in my entire life. And yet I fell for you the moment I layed eyes on you. But you were still with Nathan, and I didn't know where I was, but despite all of that, I knew you would be the woman that I would love forever. And I got lucky, because you loved me back in return. And God knows it hasn't been easy for us, but here we are.. again. And you are still the woman that I love, and the woman I want to spend the rest of my life with.'
Lucas smiled and got down on one knee as he continued.
'So I stand here with all that I am, and all that I can give to you. And I'm asking you, Peyton Elizabeth Sawyer, Will you please marry me?'

Tears rolled down her cheeks, but through her tears she smiled and nodded. 'Yes, I'd love to!'
As Lucas got up, she kissed him and started to hug him. And there wasn't a moment in her life when she felt happier than now.