AN: For me, this is probably the saddest chapter in the story so far. I have to admit I even teared up a little writing this, but then again, I'm pretty emotional as it is, so go figure :)
I really hope you'll like this chapter - please leave a review! For anyone who did last time - thank you ever so much!


"I'm sorry, guys," Peyton got up and wrapped Nathan's jacket tighter around her shoulders "I think it's time for me to go home." Peyton tried to walk over to Brooke and Haley but felt she had to sit down again after just a few steps.

Lucas rushed over to Peyton and grabbed her arm. He gently helped her to sit down "Are you ok, Peyton?"

Peyton lowered her head "No," she said softly.

"Ok," Brooke got up and looked at Peyton "Why don't you just sit there for a second and me and the guys can clean up here." Brooke grabbed Haley's hand and pulled her up "You just sit here together with Peyton, Mom."

Haley smiled, she really came to like Brooke. She sat down next to Peyton and patted her on the knee "Don't be sorry, Peyton. It's not your fault you're ill."

Peyton nodded and put her hand on Haley's.

Nathan gathered all the empty cups, while Lucas collected the bottles.

"We sure made a mess, didn't we?" Lucas asked.

"Yeah," Nathan looked around to see if there were more cups lying around, but it seemed like he had collected them all "I think we're done, though."

Lucas walked over to Nathan and stood next to him, his eyes scanning the roof "I think you're right."

Brooke joined them, as they overlooked the rooftop.

"So, this is it, I guess." Brooke said. She heard her voice crack and wished she wasn't so emotional all the time. "I'm gonna miss you guys."

Haley took Peyton by the arm and they slowly walked over to where the other were standing. "I'm really glad we all decided to come here tonight. I truly believe that this was meant to be." Haley looked at the others, who all nodded in agreement.

"Shall we try to get down?" Nathan looked at Peyton while he asked that question.

Peyton nodded "It's only a fire escape, right?" She gave Nathan a wink. He smiled back at her, remembering how they first met tonight.

Brooke took a last look around before she went down, followed by Haley.

"I think it's best if I go before you, Peyton." Nathan said, as he climbed on the stairs. He was afraid she was too tired to make it down safely.

"Ok." Peyton looked over the edge, when she saw Nathan was at a safe distance she made her way down as well.

Lucas waited until everyone was off the ladder and then climbed down as well. He joined the others, who were waiting for him on the grass.

"I'm gonna take a cab home," Brooke said "Is there anyone who wants to share?"

Haley looked at Lucas "I think we'll walk."

Lucas nodded and put his arm around Haley "Sounds like a good idea, Hales."

"I'll join." Peyton looked at Brooke, who smiled back at her.

"I'd like to join as well," Nathan added "I'll pick my car up later today."

"Ok, let me just call for a cab." Brooke got out her cell phone and stepped back. She soon put her phone in her purse again and rejoined the group "They're here in five minutes."

Haley took a deep breath "It's time to say goodbye guys." Already tears were coming to her eyes. She walked over to Nathan and gave him a hug "Goodbye Nathan. I hope you'll find peace."

"Thank you, Haley. I hope you'll have a wonderful family." Nathan said. He walked over to Lucas and shook his hand "You take care, man."

Lucas nodded "You too."

Brooke walked over to Haley and gave her a kiss on the cheek "Bye Mom, I'm gonna miss you."

"I'll miss you too, boozy." Haley added as she stroked Brooke's hair.

Brooke laughed and walked over to Lucas. She pulled him in for a hug and put her mouth next to his ear "Bye, handsome."

Lucas was surprised to hear those words. He smiled as he pulled back and looked at Brooke "Bye miss Davis. Be good and be honest." He gave her a little wink. Brooke nodded.

Lucas turned to Peyton and gently kissed her cheek "You're a strong woman, Peyton Sawyer."

Peyton wiped away her tears as she looked at Lucas "You just have to believe in yourself, Lucas. Everything will be ok when you do."

Lucas nodded "Thank you."

"You're going to be a great Mom, Haley." Peyton walked over to Haley and gave her a hug "I wish you all the happiness in the world."

"Thank you." Haley whispered. She dried her eyes and looked at Lucas "Come on, Luke, let's go."

Lucas nodded and put his arm around Haley's shoulder. They waved at the others before they walked off, knowing the next time they would see them was at Peyton's funeral.

Brooke hooked arms with Peyton, so she could support her. Nathan was standing on the other side, his hand on Peyton's back. They stood in silence until they saw the lights of a car approaching.

Brooke sat down on the passenger's seat, as Nathan helped Peyton getting in. "I think it's easier if we drive by me first, it's only five minutes from here." Brooke said, as she turned around to look at Peyton and Nathan.

Nathan nodded "Yeah, I think Peyton's after that and I'm last." From what Nathan had understood, he lived closer to Brooke than Peyton, but he didn't want Peyton to be the last one to get home. She shouldn't be having to spend time alone in the cab.

They all were silent during the ride, until they reached Brooke's house. "Can you just wait here for a second?" Nathan asked the taxi driver, who nodded.

Brooke got out and walked over to Peyton "You just sit there, hon. No need to get out for me," Brooke leaned in and gave Peyton a hug "I think you're very brave, Peyton. If there's anything you need, just call me, ok?" Brooke said as she handed Peyton her card.

Peyton nodded "Thank you, Brooke," she grabbed Brooke's hand and squeezed it "I hope you'll be happy, Brooke Davis, no matter what you decide to do."

"Thank you." Brooke felt tears streaming down her face as she waved at Peyton. She turned around and gave Nathan a hug "Bye Nathan. Take care, ok?"

"I will… I will. Good luck, Brooke. With everything." Nathan gave her a little nod as he got back into the cab again. He waved as they drove away.

"So, it's just you and me, huh?" Peyton said. She looked at Nathan. He smiled at her and Peyton looked down. She told the taxi driver the address and thought about tonight. It had been amazing. And even though she was really tired right now, she had gotten a new strength from tonight.

Nathan put his hand on Peyton's and squeezed it. He knew this would be the last time he would see her. He felt a lump in his throat when he thought about that.

"We're here." Peyton said.

The cab stopped and Nathan got out. He walked over to Peyton's side and helped her to get out.

Peyton gave him back his jacket "Thank you, Nathan Scott. You've been a true gentleman this evening."

"Do you want me to walk you to the door?"

Peyton shook her head "No. I need to do that alone," she pulled Nathan in for a hug and gave him a kiss on his cheek "I'm gonna miss you, Nathan. I wish we could have met sooner."

"Me too," Nathan cleared his throat "So this is it, I guess. I… I just want you to know that I think you're an amazing woman, Peyton Sawyer. The world will be a lesser place when you're gone." Nathan pulled Peyton in for another hug.

"Don't…" Peyton stepped back "Don't do this Nathan. Don't get attached to me. It's not worth it." She turned around and started walking. Before she reached the front door she turned around and smiled "Goodbye Nathan."