A/N: Thank you for the reviews. They are great. Some of you have asked about the novel that Lucas wrote just before his wedding. Don't worry it will all be explained really soon. I will tell you though the novel has been written but not shown to Lindsey... yet. Enjoy.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

It Could Have Been Me

I said it could have been me
A Broken Heart
Needs Someone New to Blame It On


That Broken Heart Will Be Forever and a Lifetime
That Broken Heart Will Try Your Love Like None Before
And You May Fight Or You May Run
For What Was Fast Is Now Undone
A Broken Heart Needs Someone New to Blame It On

A Broken Heart Needs Someone New to Blame It On

(Big Country - Broken heart)

The bedroom door swinging open and hitting the wall woke Peyton sharply. She was still exhausted from last night. Her, Brooke and Nathan had stayed on the beach for half an hour after the books were disposed of. Then by the time they had arrived home, Peyton was no longer tired and she and Brooke had decided to stay up watching a film. It seemed that she was now suffering the consequences of the wine that had gone along with the movie. She did not have a hangover it was just the overwhelming need to sleep. Groaning she lifted the covers over her head and tried desperately to will away the day. Of course, she loved her birthday... but the fact that it reminded her of what she did not have made it depressing.

" get up now...it's your birthday and you will celebrate".

Sighing Peyton lifted the covers down slightly so she could peek over the top. Apparently her friend was not suffering like she was. Glaring at Brooke, she rolled her eyes at the obvious enjoyment her friend was getting from this situation. There was one thing that Peyton truly hated in the world... mornings. Even in High school given the choice, classes would have started at midday. Glancing quickly at the alarm clock to her side she sat up quickly.

"Brooke... its 7.30" she shrieked.

"I know... I am so sorry. I was meant to get you up earlier then this".

"Please tell me you're joking", Peyton asked tiredly. Rubbing her face with her hand, she went to lie back down. Her movements were halted by a hand on her arm.

"Come on... up... we have to make you look great".

Pulling back the covers Brooke tugged repeatedly on her arm. As she finally managed to pull Peyton up, she led her out of the room. Peyton followed dejectedly dragging her feet slowly. Leading her to the bathroom Brooke revealed a large bath filled with hot water and enough candles to attract an aeroplane.

"Wow..." Peyton said surprised at the effort her friend had made. Suddenly she did not feel as tired as before.

"I know I'm amazing... now get in, you have exactly half an hour to relax."

"Erm... okay" Peyton said, but her words were pointless as the door shut behind her friend before they were finished. Staring at the dimly lit room she closed her mouth which hang slightly open. She had never been a great fan of baths but the water did look inviting. Brooke had even left her I Pod on the side. Smiling at her friends actions she removed her top and stepped out of her shorts. Not bothering to pick them she slowly climbed into the bath. The water seemed to instantly soothe her muscles.

Letting out a small moan of satisfaction she slid down until the water covered her. Picking up her headphones, she placed them in her ears mindful of the water. The lavender scented bubbles created a sense of relaxation and she felt her mind begin to drift. This was definitely the best start to a day she had so far. Placing her head back onto wall, she closed her eyes as the music washed over her. Smiling softly she hoped that the rest of the day would go as smoothly.

xxxxxx

Brooke paced up and down the kitchen waving her hand frantically. The other clutched the phone tightly to her ear as she voiced orders down the phone.

"Tutor Mum please tell me your husband managed to finish preparing everything".

"Brooke would you calm down... everything is finished here... okay".

Sighing Brooke slowed to a stop and let her shoulders relax slightly.

"Sorry... I just want her to have the perfect birthday... she deserves it".

"I know you do... we all want that... and it will be great".

Nodding Brooke looked towards the bathroom door, which concealed her best friend.

"Okay... I'm just having a mild panic attack".

"That's alright... you're stressed out... where is the birthday girl anyway".

"Oh I made her take a bath... my hand actually still has cramp from lighting the candles."

Hearing a laugh from her friend Brooke smiled.

"Wow... you know my birthday is coming up... I love baths".

"That's what Nate is for" Brooke answered.

Noticing that the clock read 8AM Brooke began moving back to the counter.

"Okay... I have to wake her up before she drowns... We'll see you at your house in an hour".

"Sure... how do you know she's fallen asleep anyway"?

Laughing Brooke rolled her eyes knowingly,

"Because that girl does not do mornings... and I let her listen to music in there".

"True I remember last time I had to wake her up early. If looks could kill... well I'll see you soon".

"Bye Hales".

With that, Brooke placed the phone back into the holder and walked to the bathroom. Not bothering to knock she opened the door slowly and sure enough Peyton was fast asleep. Shaking her head in amusement Brooke walked to the bath and gently removed the headphones from her friend's ear. If she did this right she could definitely get some amusement from the situation. After all this was not the first time she had done this. Lifting Peyton's arm that lay on the edge of the bath she breathed in deeply before calling rather loudly.

"... wake your arse up".

Sitting up startled Peyton slipped back and went straight under the water. Feeling a tug on her arm, she came back up to the surface and coughed up the water that she managed to swallow. Bubbles fell from her hair and she rubbed her eyes. Glaring at Brooke, she splashed some water in her direction.

"If you weren't my friend ... I would hate you".

Bent over, Brooke had trouble breathing as a fresh wave of giggles hit her. The look on Peyton's face was definitely what could be called a Kodak moment. That was four times now in total since she had known Peyton that she had managed to do that. As she managed to get the laughter under control she straightened and wiped the stray bubbles from her top. Now she knew why she had had the urge to wear something old earlier. Wiping the tears from her eyes, she smiled at her friend.

"I'm sorry ... but the opportunity was too good to miss."

Peyton could not help the small smile that formed onto her lips. Her hair may be dripping with water but she could imagine that the sight was rather funny. One day she would get her friend, back... she just had to wait. Raising an eyebrow, she pushed some of her hair back from her face.

"So seeing as you ruined the relaxing mood that you set... what now?"

Walking to the towel holder Brooke picked up a large fluffy bath towel and held it out to her friend.

"Well I'm going to your room as I have something for you to wear... then we're off to visit a certain Nephew who wants to see his latest hero".

Laughing at the look of bafflement on her friends face Brooke turned and left the room. Just before the door closed, she poked her head back in and added,

"Oh and don't fall asleep again... you'll suffer the consequences".

As the door shut, she heard the sound of water hitting the wood. Laughing she walked to the bedroom.

"You missed ".

xxxxxx

As promised the two woman knocked on the Scott's door exactly an hour later. The door swung open to reveal a rather excited superhero and his mother.

"Aunt P".

Jumping forward, Jamie clad in jeans, shirt and cape wrapped his arms around Peyton's legs. Letting go slightly he pulled her down to his level and then wrapped his arms more comfortably around her neck. Closing her eyes, she smiled at the obvious joy coming from her nephew. Looking up at Hales, she smiled over his shoulder,

"Hey Hales".

"Happy Birthday Miss Sawyer", Haley said laughing at her son's antics.

Hearing a throat clear behind her Peyton chuckled and pulled back from the boy.

"Remember me... "Brooke said not being able to help the smile gracing her lips.

Looking up at her Jamie hugged Brooke as well. Haley smiled at Brooke as she hugged Peyton.

"Hey Brooke."

"Aunt Brooke... your my second best Aunt".

"Thanks' honey... you really know how to make a woman feel special."

Giggling Jamie pulled back and went to walk to the kitchen pulling Peyton along by her hand.

"I know", he said cheekily.

Hugging Brooke quickly Haley stepped back and smiled,

"Don't worry he still talks about you as well. I think he wants to move in you both."

"I'm sure we can find room", Brooke said teasingly.

As they turned to follow the Jamie and Peyton, Haley glared jokingly at her friend.

"If my son goes missing... I'll know where to look.

Laughing Brooke hooked her arm through Haley's and then glanced in front of her to see if Peyton was close by. Turning her head, she gazed at her friend.

"We all set for tonight".

"Yeah... everyone is leaving at five and meeting at Tric at six thirty".

"Good... although she sort of knows already, so I don't entirely know why we're whispering".

Shrugging her shoulders Haley laughed softly.

"It is fun".

Reaching the other two who had stopped at the door they smiled as Peyton looked slightly shocked. There were two large tables filled with enough food to feed an army. Mouth, Millie and Skills sat by the pool with a glass of lemonade clutched in their hands while Nathan and Derek operated the grill. Overall, she definitely did not expect this. It was not her friends though that had her slightly shocked it was the fact that standing next to Nathan was one of people she least expected.

"Peyton", Mia cried as she walked forward and embraced her friend. Pulling back Peyton smiled and looked at her questioningly,

"You're meant to be on tour".

Laughing Mia shrugged sheepishly,

"I am... I just had to make a one day pit stop".

"Why".

"Well it just so happens that the woman who got me where I am happens to be celebrating her birthday today... I couldn't miss it".

Hugging her again, Peyton laughed at her protégée.

"I'm so glad you're here... but you didn't have to take the day off for me. Anyway how come I didn't know"?

Pulling back, Mia nodded in Haley's direction,

"Okay one - I wanted to be here... two - Haley sorted it out behind your back."

Sighing jokingly, Peyton raised an eyebrow at Haley,

"Wow I don't know what goes on in my own business".

Feeling a tug on her hand she looked down as Jamie tried to gain her attention

"Aunt P... the food is ready".

"Okay sorry... come on then".

Walking forward she joined the group hugging her four friends who stood to wish her 'happy birthday'. Lastly, she moved to stand in front of Derek.

"Hey", she said gripping onto him tightly.

"Happy Birthday Peyton". Moving his head closer to her ear he continued quietly so only she heard. "You okay".

Nodding she tightened her arms feeling the comfort of her brother's embrace.

"Yeah... thank you for yesterday".

"Did you burn the books?"

"How did you know?" she asked stepping back slightly. She knew that he had given her the idea but how could he possibly know she would use the idea.

"I came to your apartment last year remember... you had a few then. Plus if you really are my sister the whole burning thing would be seen as symbollic".

"True... yeah I burnt all of them... had myself a nice bon fire on the beach", Peyton said smiling.

Turning she walked to the table where Jamie was patting the seat next to him. Obviously, the youngest Scott had chosen her place already. Sitting down she watched amused as Brooke glared at her brother.

Storming up to him Brooke slapped Derek lightly on the arm.

"So I hear you're the one who decided a bon fire would be the way to go".

Laughing he rubbed his arm where she had hit him.

"You know... maybe you should join the marines."

Holding his hands up jokingly as she raised her arm to slap him again Derek nodded in Peyton's direction.

"It worked didn't it?"

Gazing over at her friend Brooke could not help but smile lightly.

"Yeah... it did", turning back to glare at Derek she continued, "But next time you can help... me and Nate had to cart over seventy books around".

Shrugging his shoulders, he chuckled at her look. Turning he walked to the table where his sister was waiting. About half way, he turned, looked over his shoulder at Brooke and winked.

"You're doing a good job Brooke Davies... but I bet my idea was just as fun as any of yours. Everyone loves a fire."

Letting her mouth hang open Brooke closed her eyes and pushed her fingers through her hair.

"Why did I invite him again", she muttered as she walked to the table and sat down on the other side of Peyton.

xxxxxx

After the largest breakfast, Peyton could ever recall having they all stayed seated as the conversation continued to flow. Everyone was telling stories of high school leaving out the ones that were very Lucas centred. Smiling at their efforts Peyton let her friends continue what they were doing. If they really wanted to go out of their way to do this then who was she to stop them. As the conversation began to slow down Brooke stood up.

"Okay who wants to go the River Court?"

A collected chorus of agreements sounded out and everybody slowly stood to begin tidying away. As the time moved on the place was cleared and they all walked over to the site that held most of their memories. Mia had left to go the studio for a couple of hours, but after much insistence had promised to return later.

Stepping onto the Court, Peyton laughed as Jamie ran forward clutching a ball between his hands.

"Come on... Aunt P you're on my team".

Shrugging at the looks, she was receiving Peyton walked over to stand near Jamie. Nathan stood off to the side and laughed at his son.

"Okay then... Skills you're with me".

"Aunt P... who do you think?"

Lifting her hand to her chin, she pretended to think about her answer.

"How about Derek?"

Nodding he pointed to the marine.

"Uncle Derek."

Smiling Derek looked slightly touched at the name that Jamie had said. He had never thought he would hear himself be called 'Uncle' by the young boy. Moving forward he pulled Peyton into a one armed hug and leant down to speak to her quietly.

"Uncle huh".

Shrugging she smiled at her brother.

"He asked me yesterday whether he could call you that... I said it was okay... you don't mind do you".

Smirking he shook his head.

"Of course not".

Stepping forward Nathan pointed to his wife.

"Hales".

"Aunt Brooke", Jamie said excitedly. He really did think she was cool.

Smiling Brooke walked towards the small group.

"Are you sure you don't just want me to be a cheerleader."

Shaking her head Peyton grabbed hold of Brooke's arm.

"No way . This was your idea... now suffer in silence".

"Okay... Millie". Nathan said.

"Hey", Mouth exclaimed looking at him.

Shrugging his shoulders Nathan smirked at his friend.

"What, I saw you on the beach the other day with the ball... plus I have seen you attempt basketball before... you suck man".

"Thanks... I'm so glad I came today". Mouth said glaring jokingly and crossing his arms.

Peyton smiled as Jamie ran forward and patted Mouths arm.

"It's okay Uncle Mouth... you can be on our team".

"Thanks Jamie".

"Well you're the only person left", Jamie said giggling as Mouth raised an eyebrow.

"Like father like son", he muttered not amused by the situation.

Stepping forward Derek clapped his hands together.

"Okay let's play then".

At this, the game began. After a few minutes, the play stopped suddenly. Derek had just managed to score a basket by running past Nathan and Skills. Both of the men in question stood with their mouths open as his team players congratulated Derek. Shaking his head Nathan raised an eyebrow at Peyton's brother.

"Where the... how did you manage that?"

Shrugging Derek put Jamie down who had jumped up at him once he had scored. Shrugging his shoulders, he smirked at the man in front of him.

"I'm a marine... we have to do something when we have free time".

Laughing at the answer he received, Nathan walked up to Derek and patted his shoulder.

"Maybe you should think about a career change".

Meanwhile Peyton stood beside her brother amused at the situation. She could not believe how good her day had been. This was definitely going to have to go down in the history books. Laughing at the look on little Jamie's face as he tried to keep up with the situation she reached out a hand and stroked his hair. Feeling the movement on his head Jamie glanced at her and moved closer to her to take her hand. Tugging her to the side, he picked up the basketball and moved a few steps away. Bouncing it to her, he waited,

"Come on Aunt P... we can play while we wait".

Smiling she started to bounce the ball while trying to manoeuvre around him. As she went to the left, he managed to stick his hand out and take the ball from her. Running away, he giggled as she took chase. As she gained on him, she reached out and pulled him into her arms so he could not shoot.

"You're cheating", he said giggling as she held onto him tightly.

"Maybe".

Hearing a chorus of 'aww's' Peyton stopped the struggle and looked up. Somehow, the conversation between her friends had stopped and all of their attention had been diverted to the two playing. Blushing Peyton slowly stood and let Jamie shoot. As the ball went in, she cheered as he held out his hand for a 'high-five'. Gently slapping his hand, she turned to her friends and raised an eyebrow.

"You lot done yet... or are you afraid we'll win".

With that the game continued.

xxxxxx

Lifting the suitcase from the bed Lucas glanced once more around the room. He had liked this place... it was just a shame he felt homesick. As he walked to the door, he placed the luggage down and moved back to the balcony. Due to the lack of sleep he had gained, this balcony had been like a second home to him. Looking out at the view, he watched the bustling people move around. From here, he could see into everyone's lives as they walked past. It had always fascinated him how much detail a person gave away in the space of a few minutes. Seemingly zoning in on the people below he failed to notice the person come up behind him. As she wrapped her arms around him, her hands landed on his chest. Closing his eyes he tried to ignore the sense of deja vu he was feeling. He had dreamed this scenario the other night. Only this time it was real but with the other woman. Turning slowly he opened his eyes and looked at his wife.

"Hey",

Standing on her toes, she leaned forward and kissed him. As she pulled away, she smiled at the dazed look on his face.

"No more painkillers for you... you're getting that zoned out look."

"Mm... but they make me less sore".

"Yeah but I want you lucid for the flight home".

Laughing he placed his forehead against hers and closed his eyes.

"Are you okay with us going home early"?

Nodding softly she lifted her hand to place it on his cheek.

"Of course I am... if you hurt and want to go home... then we will".

Pulling back, he smiled stiffly. His chest ached with the hurt he was causing. Here he was on his honeymoon with his amazing new wife, and he was leaving early because he missed he old girlfriend. Nodding he cringed internally at the look of absolute trust she showed him.

"Thank you".

"I love you Lucas", she sighed as stared into his eyes.

Smiling he tried not to flinch as he answered her,

"I love you too".

He did love her. He would never lie about that. What hurt was the fact that he was conflicted. Shaking his head, he nodded towards the room.

"Are you ready?"

As she smiled and turned to leave, he pulled her back by her hand and kissed her. Letting his lips caress hers, he tried to push all thoughts away of Peyton. It was useless. She seemed to have taken over his mind and gave no hint that she was leaving. Sighing slightly as the kiss became more intense he gently manoeuvred Lindsey backwards towards the room.

As they collapsed onto the bed, he tried desperately to lose himself in her. They should be going home... really that should be where Lindsey was. However, for some reason for him home was where his family were... where Peyton was. Internally he berated himself for even thinking these things when he was with Lindsey.

That was the problem though. She was his wife... he was her husband. This was what newlyweds did... they did things at inappropriate moments. Nevertheless, a question was bothering him. It came to the front of his mind and refused to leave him.

Why was his heart just not in it?

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

A/N: Okay... so technically this was not a party but I thought I would do a few chapters about Peyton's birthday. So really this is, part one. The party was at the end of this but I cut it down other wise the chapter was going to go on. Hope you all don't mind.