Peyton sat at her desk, tapping her nails against the hard wood. Even though she was supposed to be finding new acts, her mind was elsewhere. No matter what she did to try to push Lucas away, he always haunted her thoughts. She stared blankly at the laptop in front of her, not really focusing on the words in front of her. What was in that note? She knew she shouldn't want to know, but once again her heart was still holding on to Lucas. Peyton felt as though she was fighting a war with herself. She wanted to prove that she was strong enough to do this. That she could keep him out this time. But that was proving more and more difficult to do.

Finally coming too, Peyton realize that she was supposed to meet Brooke for lunch soon. She shut her laptop down and grabbed her purse and headed out the door. Getting in her car, she tossed her bag beside her and drove to get lunch. Blasting the radio, she took solace in the wind blowing her curls around. It was great weather in Tree Hill and she was getting more and more used to driving her faithful Comet.

"We've learned to run from

Anything uncomfortable

We've tied our pain below

And no one ever has to know"

Stopping at a local deli, Peyton pick up two salads and water for her and Brooke. Paying for the food, Peyton then drove the short trip to Clothes Over Bros. Gathering the bags, she walked into the store to hear the familiar chime overhead. Brooke was going over some notes at the counter and looked up when Peyton came in.

"About time P.Sawyer. I was beginning to think you forgot." Brooke said with a smile.

"I didn't forget. I just got caught up in work was all." Peyton gave a small smile back.

Brooke knew something was off with that, but decided to let it go for the moment. She knew that she needed to approach Peyton carefully to try to get to her. It was tough being on the outside of those walls sometimes. Brooke felt like she was never that great at getting through to her. She knew that Lucas always had that knack before, but that wasn't going to happen this time.

Sitting down on the couches, the two girls began to eat in silence for a few minutes. Finally Brooke couldn't take it anymore.

"So, I know that you told me about what Luke said earlier. But Peyton, there must be some reason he said that. This is Luke we're talking about. He really seems like he's changed back to the old Lucas we knew in high school. It just seems so out of the blue that he said that to you."

Sighing, Peyton put down her fork and took a long drink of water. She knew that this would happen eventually. But she love Brooke for trying. She really did. Besides, it felt kind of good to have someone to talk to about it now.

"I don't know Brooke. But I do know that I'm afraid to trust him again. I mean, look what happened. I got left in an empty hotel room, came home to find him with someone else, and then he told me I ruined his life. A few months ago, I would have given anything to hear Lucas tell me he loved me. But it just seems kind of empty this time. I mean, what if I trust him and he hurts me again? I honestly don't think I could take that again, Brooke. He's the only person that has known exactly how to break me. It's scary knowing that someone has that power over you, you know? I just don't think I'm ready to let him back in my life yet." Peyton let her thoughts out finally.

"I know. I know that he hurt you. I know how it feels to be hurt by Lucas too. But you have believed with your whole heart for so long that he was the one for you. Do you really want to lose him forever because you're scared? I know that it's too soon right now. Just don't close yourself off to the possibility that there will be a future for you with Luke. Just think about that girly." Brooke hugged Peyton with the last sentence.

Pulling back, Brooke had a huge grin on her face.

"You know what? Enough with this emotional stuff. What you need is a really great girls night out. Just me and you. We should go to TRIC tonight. We haven't done that in a while and I know that I could use some fun after the past few weeks myself. So, are you in?" She asked and held out her fist.

"Yeah. Ok, that does sound good. I feel like I've holed myself up lately and I need to get out." Peyton responded with bumping her fist against Brooke's.

"Great. I have an outfit that will totally rock those legs of yours!" Brooke said excitedly.

Peyton laughed and knew that it would be hard to talk Brooke out of dressing her up tonight. But it felt really good to have her best friend back. She needed the time to just be Peyton.

"I'll see you at home. I have some things to finish up. And Brooke, thanks. You're a great friend and I don't know what I'd do without you." Peyton told her as she walked out the door.

Brooke knew that she was closer to getting through to Peyton than before. She just hoped that she could help her the way she knew she needed.

"Now I've gone for too long

Living like I'm not alive

So I'm going to start over tonight

Beginning with you and I."

A/N: Song is Miracle by Paramore. I liked the upbeat tune and thought the lyrics described both girls point of views. To answer the questions, no Peyton has not read the note. Don't worry, I haven't forgotten about it. Thanks for the reviews! You guys inspire me to keep going.