Peyton cranked up the CD full blast so that the tunes of Scissor Sisters could sound throughout the apartment until the neighbor's complained. It was her first night alone again in her apartment in months and she intended to enjoy it. Not that she didn't love Brooke, but an evening of privacy was nothing to complain about. Wearing just an old flannel pajama top, she wiped off the accumulating dust on her old easel and pulled out her paintbrushes. Art had always been her true passion and one hobby she hadn't indulged in in quite a while. She was so into her drawings that she didn't even hear the key turn in the lock. She didn't hear or see Brooke come in until her friend was standing over her. Peyton screamed and toppled over a jar of paint. Thank goodness she had already spread out newspaper to catch any messes.

"God!" she breathed, clutching at her chest. "You scared the living shit out of me!"

"Sorry", Brooke mumbled.

"Where'd you come from anyway? I didn't even hear you come in. I thought you'd be in North Carolina tonight."

"Yeah…so did I."

Peyton noticed for the first time Brooke's sullen expression and red rimmed eyes.

"Uh oh. What happened?"

Peyton's heart pounded. For a while she had given in to Brooke's Care Bear, land of fluff fantasy that actually stalking and surprising her online buddy was a good idea. From the looks of things, it was anything but and she felt like kicking herself for egging Brooke on.

"I went to Winston Salem last night, got a hotel, rested and was up first thing this morning. Dressed down so no one would recognize me and I went to the school. Some old guy was at the help desk so I flirted and sweet talked my way into obtaining a copy of Lucas' class schedule. That way, I'd know the best way and places to find him. Anyway, I look around forever and finally just decide to wait outside one of his classes. Of course he's not there so I asked someone if they knew where he might be. The person tells me to go to the library, which I do and the place is absolutely huge! I combed every aisle looking for him but no Lucas. I was hungry and frustrated so I decided to eat and figure out Plan B. On my way out, I see this guy in a wheelchair at a table and I guess he was trying to back out but the armrest thingy was stuck. So being the good Samaritan that I am, I go help. The guy gets totally offended so I'm like 'sorry' and when he turns around, guess who it was?"

Peyton's mouth dropped open.

"Oh my God! No way!"

"Yes way."

"He's…he's in a wheelchair?"

"Yeah."

"What happened to him? What's wrong? Was he born that way?"

"We didn't get into it although he did say something about not being able to do the things he used to so I'm assuming he wasn't born that way. But he didn't elaborate because he was too busy going off on me."

"He was mad?"

"Furious more like it."

"That's so sad", Peyton commented. "Poor thing...he was probably just embarrassed."

"But why? That doesn't matter to me."

"I know but it matters to him obviously. He's uncomfortable for whatever reason. You just have to respect and accept that."

"But why?"

"I don't know", Peyton shrugged.

"You should have seen him, Pey. When our eyes first met. God, he's beautiful. The most beautiful man I have ever seen. It was like this little connection for a fraction of a seconds then…he just wigged out."

"What did you expect, Brooke? I mean by going down there. I never really asked you that. I mean, I know you wanted to meet him but after that, what did you want?"

"I…I don't know, Peyton. A friend. Maybe more. I'm not sure. I just thought it would be okay. I thought everything would fall into place."

"So what do you do now?"

"I don't know the answer to that either."

"Okay you guys had developed a close friendship or whatever and obviously you care for him. And he is very good looking. So if you had met and he hadn't been in a wheelchair and presumably he would have been happier to see you, is there a chance that something romantic could have happened between you two?"

"Maybe. I don't know, Pey."

"Okay, let's say he was still in the wheelchair but he was happy to see you anyway. Then what? Would you have seen him in the same way?"

"Of course. I mean, I don't care about that. Obviously it's something he can't help."

"I know. You still care about him and he's still your friend but I sensed that before, your feelings were stronger. What about now? Are you still attracted to him despite the fact?"

Brooke shook her head in disbelief.

"Thanks a lot, Peyton. Gosh, you really believe I'm that shallow?"

"That's not what I'm saying. It's just something to think about, okay? Because even though it shouldn't matter that he's in a wheelchair, if you're thinking about being with this person, then it is a factor. You just have to be sure you can handle it."

"I can. I know that sounds strange coming from the former homecoming queen, superficial model actress but I can handle it, Peyton. I've changed. Yeah, a few years ago, and I am ashamed to admit it now, but that would have totally sketched me out. But now I'm a different person. And when I saw him today, I felt happiness and warmth and all the things I've felt ever since we started writing. I saw him…the guy that makes me laugh and the one with all the cool poems and quotes, the smart guy, the sweetheart. The person I've really grown to like. I saw right past that chair."

Peyton sympathetically patted Brooke on the shoulder.

"Okay. I believe you."

"I just wish Lucas did. Peyton, what do I do now? I don't want to just quit talking to him and I damn sure can't just forget about him."

"I know, sweetie but what can you do. You can't be too pushy and the ball is in his court now. I know it sucks to hear and it's easier said than done but right now your only option is to just give him some time, okay?"

Brooke nodded but she still felt horrible.

"You're right. I guess I could use some time myself. I need to get away for a little bit."

"Where are you gonna go?"

"Back home. I want to see my parents anyway."

Peyton smiled and hugged her again. She felt bad for Brooke and hoped things would get better. She had the feeling that a few days alone in the Hamptons with her mother and father was exactly was Brooke needed.