Author's Note: Flashback sequences written in Italics...

"Brooke, I like it when you're like this."

"Like what?"

"Peaceful, calm…happy."

Brooke smiled as she twirled the phone cord around her finger. Things had changed definitely for the better so much so that she woke up each morning with more than a little fear in her heart. Things were going so great sometimes she was waiting almost expecting for the bad stuff to happen again. But so far, so good. They were safe.

"That's because I am happy, Mom."

"I'm glad. Sweetie, you certainly deserve it. God knows you have been through a lot lately."

That was an understatement. Brooke could hardly believe it herself. Life the past two years could be described with one word…drama. Drama with a capital "D". An unfaithful husband, the longest "almost" divorce in history, a miracle pregnancy at the wrong time, a baby, being just friends with Lucas, hating Lucas, the Dan/Felix/Mrs. Patterson aka the Axis of Evil, a humiliating life spent in the ever present eye of the tabloid press as she lost everything she'd ever had…and the unlikely alliance of friends and family that had rallied together and saved her.

"Well, things have definitely calmed down and I won't complain about that."

"And you and Lucas?" Mary asked with a smile her daughter knew was present even though half a county separating.

"We're okay, I guess. I don't know. Still taking it slow, I suppose."

"Slow in the bedroom?" Mary teased.

"Mom!" Brooke shouted.

"What?"

She was still adjusting to the new relationship with her mother where the two could be friends and joke about sex and everything else. Not only was she getting to know her husband all over again but she was having a similar experience with her mother. They'd had all their loves to be close but it had taken nearly 27 years for it to happen. Neither one wanted to waste any more time.

"Not that slow", Brooke joked, garnering a giggle from Mary. "Anyway. I don't know how to explain it but we're happy and things are going well. I love him and I know he loves me too. What happens from here on out, well, who's to say?"

"Well that's a great attitude to have, honey. I hope you guys can keep working it out, especially with time in California winding down. Have you decided what you're going to do?"

"I have no idea. Lucas and I haven't even talked about it much. I'm thinking I'll go back to the City. I mean, I love New York and I consider it home. As much as I love my beautiful house in Greenwich, I just can't go back there. It brings back a lot of sad memories and it shouldn't be that way. I want to raise Harmony in a nice home and loving environment where she'll be happy and free. And don't even mention Tree Hill because I can't imagine going back there for anything other than a weekend visit to Karen's. There's just nothing in that town for me anymore."

"Well take your time, Brooke. I'm sure you'll figure something out. In the meantime, why don't you and Harmony come out to the ranch and spend a few weeks with me? Bring Lucas too. I know your little sister and stepfather really would like to see you. After that, maybe we could take a vacation all together. What's nice this time of year? Barbados? The Bahamas?"

Normally time spent under Mary's roof and an extended family vacation would be enough to make Brooke want to tear her hair out and run screaming for the hills. But life had changed. She had changed. They all had and suddenly time with the family and her mother didn't seem like the worse thing on earth.

"Um, that would be great, Mom. We'll talk about it some more and make plans."

"I'd like that very much, Brooke."

"Mom?"

"Yes, darling?"

"I'm glad we're friends. I like that we can talk like this. I know it's been a long road and we still have a ways to go but this is nice."

"It is, isn't it?"

"And I don't know if I ever thanked you properly but I really appreciate you getting together and doing the little Mod Squad deal with Pey and Gordie and figuring out what really happened with all that Dan crap. You really saved my ass and it meant a lot, Mom. So thanks."

"No, sweetie. I'm the one that ought to be thanking you."

"What for?" Brooke asked.

"For being born. And for forgiving me and Lucas and everybody. Life wasn't always easy for you but you always handled whatever was thrown at you and you got through it like the champ you are. I'm proud of you, honey. I don't know if I ever told you that but I am. And I love you. Very, very much."

"I love you, too, Mom."

Tears sprang to Brooke's eyes. She could never remember a time she'd had such a pleasant conversation with her mother. It felt good. After so many years spent hating her, it was nice that they could see each other in a new light.

Mary had brought up one valid point. Time in Malibu was certainly nearing the end. Sure a nice visit to her mother could definitely be squeezed in the agenda but Brooke had no idea what would follow. She knew the practical thing to do was just talk to Lucas about it but Brooke Scott had never done a practical thing in her life. Besides, as much as she hated to admit it, even to herself, she was afraid. Deep down she was scared shitless. What if when they left Malibu, they would leave all the happiness and serenity behind? It was a thought so unpleasant that she couldn't bare to think about it.

What if Lucas moved on? It would be the first time they would really be apart in a long time. Even with all the angst they had experienced, they had remained either in the same house or at least on the same grounds. They hadn't been apart since college when he was at UNC and she attended ECU. There was a considerable amount of distance between them as well as two busy and separate schedules. Breaking up seemed like the only real option at the time. Brooke could remember that phone call like it was yesterday…

"Luke, it's me, Brooke. Listen we need to talk."

"I know. I got all your messages and I swear I wasn't ignoring you. I've just been crazy busy and…"

"I know", she sighed.

She did know. Not that she wasn't swamped herself. But it was hard. Lately their conversations had been rushed and visits were far and few between. The previous weekend Brooke had driven up to surprise Lucas at UNC only to have to suffer the disappointment of being stuck all alone in this room for three days while he was forced to participate in the grueling, unrelenting lifestyle of a fraternity pledging rush. He promised he would make it up to her but his plans to visit her the following weekend were aborted when the Tarheels lost a pivotal game to Wake Forest and the coaches called four a day weekend practices.

"I guess this is harder than we thought it would be, huh?"

"Yeah, it is. Listen Lucas…"

"Don't say it. Brooke, I know what you're going to say and I know it needs to be said and I feel the same way but if I actually hear the words that means it's really over."

"Things are so different and we're headed in opposite directions, Luke."

"I guess I just never thought we would break up."

"Me either. We've been through a lot together and you're the biggest, most honest part of my life. I don't want us to ever be strangers to each other and I won't let that happen. I don't want to hurt you Lucas and I don't want to hurt either. I just want us to be happy…whether we're together or apart. Maybe one day, who knows? We might find our way back."

"I know we will", he said in a sure voice. "This isn't good bye, Brooke, it's just a 'see you later' for a little while. We need a break. But I love you with all my heart and no matter what happens or where we go, that will never change. Ever."

She knew his words by heart almost. She had been terrified of losing him even then but always a young man of his word, the two stayed friends and remained in touch. They spoke once a week by telephone and e-mailed each other whenever possible. In a way, their relationship grew stronger when they were apart. Trying to live the college experience to the most ultimate, they had even tried dating other people but it was of no use. Their hearts only belonged to each other. That summer she often watched him from afar shooting hoops on the River Court and it was only the weekend before they were due back to school that she made her presence known. He looked happy to see her and they laughed and talked and shot hoops together, badly on her part. That evening they had dinner at the café then sat at the park and watched the stars. When dawn broke the next morning, she gave him a kiss. That Broody Cheery spark was still there and there was no denying it. They kissed and stayed in each other's arms and that's where they had remained ever since.

Now here they were at yet another crossroads…