AN- Sorry for the delay everyone there were some technical difficulties involving my security failing and my laptop charger dying, but good chapters come to those who wait ;) Enjoy and remember to review! ~Lyn

Chapter 10

On the flight to New York, Peyton had gotten a phone call from her Mother telling Peyton that she would not be able to meet the girls at the airport like Julie had planned. Peyton told her mother not worry about it since Julie got called into work last minute. Peyton was actually grateful for Julie being called into work. It would Peyton and the girls the house to themselves for the afternoon. It would especially make things a lot less awkward when Mia and Suki got to the Swan residence. Suki and Mia were on their second bottle of wine and were making little to no sense.

When they landed, the four girls were greeted by a limo that included two bodyguards with gun. Thankfully Suki and Mia were still out of it from the nap that Peyton and Geri had to wake them from in order to get them into the limo. As soon as the four were in the limo, Mia and Suki went right back to sleep for the forty-five minute to an hour drive. They had flown into Westchester which was a bit further then JFK from the neighborhood, but Westchester airport was smaller and therefore more manageable for security. Peyton spent the majority of the car ride drinking a bottle of water and staring out the window while Geri was looking over a file that had been left for her corner of the limo. She looked over as Peyton every once in a while, but didn't ask Peyton what the younger girl was thinking about. Geri knew it was probably nerves so she let the girl be. When they turned off I-95 a smile graced Peyton face. She was in her hometown.

"Do you a car for the weekend?" Geri asked Peyton on as Geri closed the file. Peyton shook her head.

"Mom is suppose to be coming with us tomorrow so she'll be driving us into the city and if I need a car I'm sure Ty or Joey will let me borrow their car."

"Well if they say no you can use Frankie's car." Geri looked at the two non New Yorkers who were fast asleep. "What are you going to do while the twins sleep off the trip? I can see if Vito doesn't need me the rest of the morning and afternoon."

"Thanks, but I should really go through boxes this weekend especially my clothes. Right now I have three or four boxes of clothes too hot to wear in Miami sitting in my unfinished room and only one box of clothes I can actually wear."

"Well if you want company let me know. I can always prepare for our meeting tonight while sitting in your living room." They pulled up to the house and Peyton shook Suki and Mia.

"Five more minutes," Suki begged.

"If you get up you can have a few hours on something that isn't moving," Peyton replied. The two groaned in protest and Peyton led them out of the limo and up the stairs to the apartment. She unlocked the door and the four girls entered the apartment followed by the chauffer who was caring Suki and Mia's bags.

"Miss Swan where would you like these?" the chauffer asked with bags in his hands.

"Here is fine, thank-you." Peyton turned to Suki and pointed to the hall. "The second door on the right is my room. You and Mia can have the bed." Suki walked towards the room.

"Thanks Peyton," Mia muttered. "Bye Geri."

"Night Mia." Geri waited for the chauffer to leave before she turned to Peyton. "You sure you don't want to do something? We can get coffee or go run. Frankie is home if you rather not hold me up."

"Nah I think I'll just stay home and relax after the flight," Peyton replied. "I may even take a nap on the couch if nothing good is on the TV."

"Well call if you need anything and enjoy relaxing." Geri gave Peyton a kiss before she left and Peyton waved before she shut the door. Peyton then turned to her very empty and quiet apartment trying not to let her nerves get to her about being home.

"Relaxing indeed," Peyton told herself sarcastically. She decided to sit down and try to relax after being on a plane as well as the limo ride. It only took Peyton ten minutes of TV surfing before she felt antsy. She tried cleaning the bathroom and going through two of the boxes Julie had left out but the two task had only taken an hour. Peyton then proceeded to living and the halls which took another hour. She made herself as well as Suki and Mia sandwiches for lunch, but when she checked on the two girls they were asleep. Peyton went back to the kitchen and ate her sandwich as she watched TV. By the time she was done eating, Peyton felt the need to get out of the house before she went insane. She went back into the kitchen to write a note to Mia and Suki where that she went out for coffee, but there wasn't a notepad in the usual drawer. Peyton checked the other drawers and found nothing. She left the kitchen to go down the hall and to the closest across from the bathroom. She opened the closet door where her Mother usual stored extra household supplies and extra bedding, but found no pads. Peyton did however knock over a box of pencils that spilled in-between the numerous boxes on the floor. She swore as picked the pencils up having to move a box or two to get all the pencils. She was about to close the door when each pencil had been put away, but the label of one of the boxes caught her eye. Peyton pulled out the box labeled Freshman Year in her Julie's handwriting and took it with her to the living Room. She had never seen this box if it belonged to her Mother and there was no way Peyton would keep a box from her Freshman year of High School. Peyton sat on the couch as she opened the box and regretted ever seeing it when she took off the lid.

"Han," Peyton whispered softly. It was the box of all the stuff he had given her and the things that reminded her of him. Peyton had assembled it after Han told her to stop visiting him and she thought she had made it clear to Julie that Peyton wanted it gone. Despite her better judgment, Peyton found herself going through the contents of the box. There were various items including pictures, ticket stubs from past dates they had gone on, t-shirts she had gotten from concerts they had gone to with the crew, toys Han had won for her at the annual carnivals, and presents he had given to her. She also found her freshman year homecoming dress that she worn and the matching tie she had bought him. Peyton almost broke into tears when she came across the brown Teddy bear. She held the bear close to her remembering the day Han gave it to her and the promises he had made on that day. Peyton began to feel overwhelmed and threw the items back into the box before she put a lid on the box. She hoped that putting the lid on the box would stop her emotions from taking over but they did anyway. Peyton sat there in her own world thinking and crying. She didn't even hear the front door open or close. Julie walked over to the couch smiling at the fact her daughter was home. Her smile quickly vanished.

"Peyton what's wrong sweetheart?" Julie asked as she sat next to Peyton. Peyton wiped her face embarrassed.

"It's nothing I was looking for a pad and I found the box and stupidly opened it." Peyton looked at her mom and smiled. "How was work?"

"Nice try," Julie said as she grabbed the box. "What's really bothering you about this box?" Peyton didn't look at her. "Or is it the guy?" Peyton looked at her Mom.

"You know Leo has been in Florida with Tony, Parker and Geri, right?" Julie nodded. "I've been wondering if Leo came because he really misses me or to tell me about his and Isabella's disapproval for me not wanting to visit Han and for not wanting to go to the hearing next week." Julie took a deep breath as she processed the information.

"Do you think it is possible that it only appears that him and Isabella are ganging up on you because they're dating and it's not that they actually are ganging up on you?" Peyton shook her head.

"I wish I could say that Mum, but Leo has changed since they became a couple. If anything Isabella has officially whipped Leo into having the same opinion because the opinion he has now it not one he had a month ago. I believe that he wouldn't be as forward and mean with his opinions and the way he is acting in order for people to see things his way. Him and I have agreed that we both need space until we figure things out." Peyton knew the last part was a stretch, but she also knew her Mother would not be able to call her out on it.

"I'm sorry to hear that. I know you two have had your set of problems before but I would hate to see you two no longer friends because of a girl who neither of you have known for more than a year." Peyton shrugged.

"Him and I are stuck together anyway because we're still both members of Koori crew." Peyton looked at her Mom. "Plus there's this rumor going around that his Uncle and my Mother are said to be getting married but from where I'm sitting I don't see a ring." Julie Swan smiled as she reached into her purse.

"Well that would be because it needs to be resized and usually falls off if I type too fast." Julie pulled her left hand out of the purse and there was a diamond ring on her ring finger. Peyton gasped as she took her Mother's hand to get a better look at the ring.

"It's beautiful." Peyton let go of her Mom and looked the older woman in the eye. "So how come you didn't tell me about you and Vito getting back together?"

"Probably the same reason you didn't tell me about Dominic Toretto. Sometimes we don't want others to persuade us out of making the choices we want even if it would be for the best." Julie stroked her daughter's face. "It's why you've been losing sleep at night over Han's hearing from an internal struggle instead of talking about it."

"That's not true," Peyton snapped. "Toretto yes, but with Han my decision was made by him long ago. I'm not being asked to testify. No one who knew me when I was in a relationship with Han is asking me to make an effort to reach out except for Leo. They all know that I am staying away from Han because it's originally what he wanted. His timing for wanting to talk things out sucks and everyone can see that." Peyton looked at her Mother. "Speaking of timing don't you think it's a bit funny Uncle Vito wants to get back together with you and I end up moving into a different state a month or so later." Julie Swan gave her daughter a smile that Peyton hadn't seen for a long time.

"It is funny how things work out," the Mother said. "I figured with your Senior year and all getting back with Vito wouldn't be too much of stress on you unlike when we broke up when you were in sixth grade. Between soccer and your grades I know you'll have your choice at whatever university you want and I thought it was about time to make some changes in my life not because it is what I feel I have to do but because it's what I want to do." Peyton put a hand on her Mother's lap.

"Mum I would have been fine if you wanted to back together before now. Would I rather you get away from men with criminal and violent tendencies like Dad and Vito…absolutely. I do however believe that unlike Dad, Vito will never lay a hand on and will protect you with every fiber of his being. I know Uncle Vito makes you happy and that in turn makes me happy for you no matter who he is. I just wish you would have told me that you were getting back together with him when it actually happened and would have liked to hear it from you that you were engaged."

"Well if I ever get engaged again, which is very unlikely, I promise to call or fly to you straight away." Julie kissed her daughter's head as if to seal that promise.

"Good." Peyton looked at her watch and saw it was only one o'clock. "If we keep talking like this, I don't know what else we're going to talk about at dinner." Julie scratched her nose.

"About dinner…how disappointed would you be if we didn't go to an Italian restaurant."

Peyton may not have gotten Italian food at a restaurant, but she did get Italian food in the form of numerous appetizers at the Fiorillo Manor where an engagement celebration for Julie and Vito was currently taking place. Peyton hadn't been thrilled with the switch and had felt bad leaving Mia and Suki, but Peyton knew Brian would kill her if Mia had step foot in the house of Vito Fiorillo. Vito had given Geri the night off to entertain Peyton's friend, but Geri and Peyton both knew it was a bribe for Peyton. Peyton had accepted it in order to be able to talk to Vito and that was exactly what Peyton had done as soon as she had arrived. Vito had been thrilled to see Peyton walking again, but Peyton skipped the catch up session and instead asked to speak with him. The two had talked in his study for an hour discussing Peyton's concerns and fears of the marriage until there was a knock on the door informing both of them that guest were arriving. The two left the study satisfied with the conversation they had and went into the parlor were guest were gathering. Peyton had picked up a few appetizers on her way over to the bar where Frankie was sitting with a one of his and Leo's friend Peyton recognized as Fred. Fred looked at Peyton, said something to Frankie, and walked away from the bar.

Good news always travels fast, Peyton thought to herself. To Frankie she said, "How is it that you can pull off the pinstripe suit with converse?" Frankie smiled at her as she sat on one of the stools.

"Born in the right family I guess," he replied as he looked over her form fitting black dress and black booties with a disapproving look. "Uncle Vito drag you into the study to tell you to change or something?"

"Actually we were talking about my concerns for the engagement but him and I are on the same page now." Peyton caught the bartender's eye with a smile and ordered a coke before she returned to her conversation with Frankie. "And the outfit is for later depending on how late this thing goes." Frankie gave her a sideways glance.

"You really think going to the races is a good idea tonight?" Peyton tilted her head and gave him a smile.

"But your Uncle just informed me the word is out among his clients current and former as well as partners of the engagement. I'm officially untouchable as his step-daughter to be and Mom's personal security started when people began to enter the manner."

"I'm talking about the whole IT and Han situation. Do you think it's a good idea promoting that you as Vito daughter can use the jet to fly back any time you want but you won't come back for the hearing? I really don't want to see you with a bullet in your head. You need to start thinking like a Fiorillo if you're going to be one of us." The bartender picked that moment to give Peyton her coke.

"You forgot that before I was anyone's step-daughter or girlfriend I was a young girl living in this neighborhood and volunteered to better this neighborhood every chance I got. The races are the one place I can feel at home even with your family constantly being responsible for picking some sort of fight with every group there. Your Uncle would get a bullet in my head faster than me going to the races tonight." Peyton thanked the bartender before she got up and walked away from the bar and into the foyer to say hi to some of her Mother's friends, but mainly to get away from Frankie. She knew he was trying to keep her safe, but it wasn't like she wasn't used to her Mother being involved with a Mafia member. Peyton was so wrapped in thoughts that she didn't herself collide with a guy.

"I am so sorry," she apologized to the five foot nine guy who now had soda on his black button down shirt. The guy looked up from his shirt and his blue eyes met Peyton's. She took a step back and looked at the guy with semi-spiky brunet hair Peyton knew he had spent a half hour on. Peyton smiled and gave him a mischievous grin. "Or maybe I just hit the wrong cousin." The guy gave her a grin and looked her over. Very few guys in her life could get away with it him being one of them.

"Well if you agree to play nice if you see my cousin perhaps there can be an escape plan to get you out of here," the guy said. He gave her a devilish smile that made most girls melt. "That is if the price is right." Peyton laughed and hugged the guy.

"And how exactly do you think you're going to bust me out while exhorting me, Tyler," Peyton whispered in his ear. Tyler let her go and pointed to the parlor where Vito was tapping his glass for silence.

"Friends I want to begin tonight by thanking each and everyone one of you for coming out here tonight," Vito said to the room. "Julie and I appreciate the warm wishes you have all given us especially the warm welcome you have given Julie's daughter Peyton. Peyton sweetheart where are you." Tyler had to practically drag her back into parlor where she was greeted by a round of applause. After the applause had died down Julie smiled at Peyton before she gave a nod to Tyler. Tyler nodded back to Julie and took Peyton's hand leading her out of the house.

"What was that thing with my Mother all about?" Peyton asked Tyler when they were outside.

"You really think you're Mom was going to make you sit through all that when you're only here for forty-eight hours." Tyler unlocked the doors to his red 1999 Nissan. "Lucky for you your Mother is not the kind to make her only daughter take edict classes so she can use her daughter to rise through the ranks of the Bronx elite. She's the kind of Mother to befriend the parents her smart ass daughter makes and allows her smart ass leave functions so the daughter doesn't ruin the Mother's chance." Peyton laughed and Tyler smiled at her as they got in his car. Tyler was one of the most attractive men she knew, but most people never saw past the six-pack under his chest and sideburns to give off a sexy bad boy style. Peyton counted herself lucky that was one of the few people that had the opportunity to see his genuine side that revealed just how smart and caring he truly was.

"Probably for the better I'm not staying anyway," Peyton told him as they pulled away.

"Trouble with the love birds in paradise?" Peyton shook her head.

"Not with them." Tyler looked over at Peyton.

"So who pissed you off."

"Leo while he was in Florida with Tony and Parker this past week. They should be arriving back here later tonight and I rather not be there when they do. Your cousin seems to feel that I'm being a two-faced bitch with everything going on with Han and Leo being her boyfriend seems to suddenly think the same." Peyton looked over at Tyler and saw the twenty year old looking at the road with an intense stare. "I love Isabella you know that, but she has no business saying half the crap she sayings about me. She didn't grow up with me and doesn't have a say in the choices I make objectively or otherwise. The same goes for calling Geri the Fiorillo personal slut which you and I both know is not true." Tyler removed his right hand from the wheel and rubbed his non-existence mustache.

"I'm sorry Peyton. I had no idea she was that out of control about everything or I would have said something when she first mentioned that you should be here for the trial." Peyton took his right hand with her left and squeezed.

"It's not your fault. Isabella is your cousin not your daughter. You're not responsible for her actions and blaming you for them would be just as productive as blaming Tony for Leo's behavior."

"So we're cool."

"Always."

"Good because I hate to show up to the races with the hottest girl in Pelham Bay just to have her not talk to me." Peyton raised an eyebrow.

"Hottest girl?" Tyler let go of her hand and placed it back on the wheel.

"Leave it alone Peyton. You know I don't mix business with pleasure no matter how good the pleasure might be. The crew will always win over any kind of pleasure." Peyton surprised him by smiling.

"Lucky for us there's tons of pleasure to get from being in the crew that always wins." She looked out the window as they pulled up to the usual pre-race location. "It looks like everyone is here tonight."

"There here for you," Tyler told her as he killed the engine and unbuckled his seatbelt. "Word got out your back in town for the weekend. Do me a favor and stay put for a second." Tyler was out of the car before Peyton could ask him why. She decided to play along and unbuckled her seatbelt as her door opened. Peyton looked up at Tyler who held her door opened and shook her head as she got out.

"Always the show off," she whispered. Tyler gave her a smile as he shut her door. He then put his arm around her waist which Peyton didn't know if it was from wanting her and not being able to have her or just protectiveness. Whichever reason it was, Peyton was receiving many glares from the neighborhood racer chasers since she was on the arm of Tyler. Peyton was about to make a snarky comment at them when she heard a familiar voice.

"Peyton!" Peyton turned to see a guy with black hair who was Peyton's age and height running towards her. Peyton let go of Tyler long enough to get hugged by the new comer.

"Hi Joey," Peyton greeted as she hugged him back. When they let go Peyton ruffled his hair playfully. "How's everything going?"

"A whole lot better now that your back," he replied. "Welcome home." Peyton smiled at him before she saw a six foot twenty year old guy with shoulder length blonde hair that tied neatly in the ponytail and dark blue eyes talking to a girl Peyton used to go to school with, but really didn't like. The guy smiled when he saw Peyton but did not stop his conversation with the girl. Peyton gave him a slight pelvic thrust which made Tyler and Joey laugh, but forced the blonde guy to bite back a laugh. The girl he was talking to looked behind her and glared when she saw Peyton. Peyton gave the girl a wave before she made her way over to Suki and Mia.

"Is there anywhere you don't piss off girls?" Mia asked Peyton. Peyton looked behind her to see the girl yelling at the blonde guy.

"You realize Wolf is going to accuse of being a cock block again if you keep pissing Carly off," Geri told Peyton as she joined the group. "Seriously I think Carly is about to rip off his ponytail." Peyton shrugged and looked at Suki.

"So what do you think?" Peyton asked Suki.

"It's a lot like Miami, but I have to say I love all the boots and leather pants. The clothes are too hot to wear in Miami, but I gotta say Miami boys are way hotter and a lot less pushy." Suki looked at Mia.

"What happened?" Peyton asked her Brother's girlfriend. Mia sighed.

"Just a guy who was hitting on me and isn't aware of what the word no or I'm taken means. That guy with the blonde ponytail grabbed him and told the jerk to get lost in a lot more words." Peyton looked at Geri.

"Wolf wouldn't tell me who the guy was," Geri informed Peyton. Peyton looked over shoulder to see Carly storming away from Wolf. Wolf looked at Peyton and gave her a nod before he walked over to Tyler and Joey.

"Guess I owe him twice tonight," Peyton said with a sigh. Geri smiled and wrapped an arm around Peyton's shoulder.

"Welcome home Miss Swan."