Chapter 36:

Three weeks after she'd spoken to Brooke, Peyton was headed for the airport, heading back to Tree Hill.

She didn't know what to expect. All she knew was that when she landed at the airport, she'd get a taxi and take it from there. When informing Brooke of her impending visit, she left out the exact time, merely telling her that they would land in the afternoon so they could get a taxi and ride in peace. She desperately hoped that everything would go smoothly.

Addie had loved their trip to Tree Hill before and was very excited.

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Although Peyton's father no longer resided in Tree Hill, he had kept the house, and she decided that they would stay there, rather than impose on people she once knew. As they pulled up, she got this feeling she hadn't had in years. The feeling of being home

"We have to hurry! She could be here any minute!" Brooke was screeching at Lucas, Nathan and Haley. James cowered away, afraid she might round on him next.

Brooke wanted the house spic and span before Peyton arrived, although it was coming off like she was neurotic. In reality, she was just on pins and needles for her friend's return.

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The doorbell rang and she walked to the door, hoping to see the curly haired blonde who'd eluded her for years. Holding her breath, Brooke twisted the knob and opened the door.

Brooke rushed to hug her, whilst emitting a squeal of joy. "Oh my god buddy, I've missed you so much!"

Peyton returned the embrace, "I've missed you too B. Davis,"

After everyone had greeted Peyton and the "I've missed you's" were over," they all went into the living room.

"God, I can't believe I'm here! So tell me everything I've missed,"

Excitedly, Brooke began filling her in," Well, Lucas is still writing, and I'm still designing clothes. I'm actually going to be sending some of my designs out soon."

"Nathan just got drafted to Charlotte, and we're having another baby!" Haley added in.

"Nathan! Haley! That's awesome, congratulations! Where is Jamie? I haven't seen him since he was a baby,"

"He's upstairs, probably playing video games,"

Peyton looked wistful, "I'm sorry,"

Haley put her arm around her, "What for?"

"Everything, everything I've missed, and everything I've kept away,"

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They all looked puzzled, even Lucas. Was there something else she was hiding from him? Breaking the silence, he spoke, "Peyton, whatever it is, you can tell us."

A couple tears fell, "I've missed out on so much, all of you, and I've missed seeing Jamie and Lily grow up and you haven't even met Addie,"

Now, they all clustered around, looking concerned, "Who's Addie?"

"Adelaide Elizabeth Anna Sawyer, she's my daughter,"

Everyone gaped at her, save for Lucas who had carefully excused himself, unsure of what to say. "You.. you have a daughter?" Brooke recovered quickly.

Peyton sighed. She'd been expecting this response. "I do, she's 3 years old,"

"Wow P, who's the dad?" Nathan asked.

She inhaled sharply, hoping that they wouldn't take it too badly. "Lucas,"

No one looked especially surprised, but Lucas managed to feign amazement and shock.

"Are you saying I'm a dad? I have a daughter?"

She nodded sadly, but in reality, she was fighting to no laugh. What a pathetic charade!

"Where is she now Peyton?"

"She's with Karen, and yes, she already knows. I'm so sorry Brooke,"

"Don't worry about it P Sawyer, you guys were together then, and it's okay, I promise you it is." Brooke looked sincere, which releved Peyton.

Eagerly, Haley jumped in,"When can we meet her?"

"How about tomorrow? I'll bring her over. But I want time for Lucas to meet her first," She hoped this would be a good enough excuse, seeing as Addie was already quite close with Lucas.

"How about we go to the mall? You, me, Haley and Addie?"

"I'd love that, thanks Brooke, but I'd better get going now,"

"Where are you staying?"

Peyton gathered her purse, and hugged her friends, " My dad's house,"

"Can I come over later? To see Addie?" Lucas opened the door for her.

"Of course you can,"

Peyton drove towards the cafe in her dad's car, feeling relieved that everything had gone to plan, and everything was out in the open.

Lucas tucked Addie into bed and gave her a kiss, " 'Night baby girl,"

She yawned and shut her eyes, "Night daddy,"

He sat at her bedside a moment longer, his heart had melted completely now, and he never wanted to leave her bedside.

"Stay here,"

Peyton spun around. She'd been sitting in the kitchen, staring out the window. "Stay here?"

"Yes, I want you to stay. Don't leave me again, please."

"Luke, you're engaged, it's been years."

"Even if I can't be with you, I want you near me. Both of you. And I know everyone else wants you here. Please Peyton, just give it a chance, give us a chance,"

"I can't, I don't want you hurting my best friend,"

"I don't mean as a couple, just our relationship, give it a chance,"

"Friends?"

"Always,"

"That's all I'm asking, for you to be near me," Lucas got his jacket and placing a kiss on her forehead, left.

A/N- I'm so sorry about how long it's been since I last posted! I've been insanely busy, and it's taken forever to get the chapter finished! I can't promise when I'll be done the next chapter, but I'll try to get it done. December is even busier for me than November! Anyway, as usual, Please Review!

xo-Sasha