"I thought you hated our parties", Lucas smiled.

"Did I ever say that in those exact words?"

"Uh, let me think about it…yes! You said you hated our stupid parties and you hated all of us, in fact."

Jenny shrugged.

"I'm only 11. I'm allowed to change my mind."

"And I'm glad you did. Can I ask what the occasion is?"

Jenny smiled one of her rare but beautiful real smiles.

"The same reason you're sweating like a whore in church and grinning like a Cheshire cat…that bitch it out of here!"

Lucas couldn't help but grin as he looked up at the We'll Miss You, Amanda banner.

"Best news I've heard in a long time. You must be happy."

Jenny shrugged.

"When she's out the door and actually gone, then I'll be happy."

Lucas nodded.

"I know how you feel but I think she's really gone this time, Jenny. You'll be free by this time next week."

They looked as Amanda practically glided across the room flanked by her new foster parents, Peyton and some friends and teachers from the University's art program.

"May I have everybody's attention, please?" Brooke cheerily asked, interrupting the party by tapping a spoon against a champagne glass. "As you all know we are gathered here to wish our little Amanda here good luck on her new home. She is such a special and important part of all our lives and we know we'll still see her often so no need on getting all mushy but I think the guest of honor should say a few words."

Everyone clapped as Amanda blushed and hugged Brooke while Lucas and Jenny tried not to gag out loud.

"Thank you, Miss Brooke. Gosh, I don't know what to say. I'm not much for public speaking. In fact, it makes me kind of nervous. I used to be really nervous about being in front of crowds, sharing my artwork and stuff with people and just all sorts of things. But then a wonderful thing happened…Peyton. You know, they say God brings people into our lives, like real life angels and I never really believed that before. But now I do. Because Peyton is so special and she has done so much for me and other people…I can't even begin to tell you. This party is in my honor but it should be for Peyton. She deserves her own party every single day. So words don't do my feelings justice but thank you Peyton…and Jake and Jenny and Haley and Nathan and Miss Brooke and Lucas…thank you all for everything. I love you."

There was more applause as Lucas caught Jake's eye from across the room. Along with Jenny they all shook their heads.

"She's a good kid", Haley smiled. "You did a good thing here, Pey."

Peyton smiled.

"I hope so."

"Okay. We definitely need more champagne", Brooke announced, joining them.

"In the kitchen."

"You and Jake seriously need a maid", Brooke teased, rolling her eyes as she sauntered in the kitchen.

A few seconds later, conversation and almost the entire party itself were halted by the shrill scream of the brunette Mrs. Scott. Lucas, Nathan and Jake came running as Brooke stumbled out of the kitchen in her designer heels, obviously shaken. The pretty dark haired woman was trembling and red faced.

"Baby", Lucas reached out to her. "What's wrong? What happened to you?"

A tear slid down Brooke's cheek. She could barely speak.

"W…wildlife", she managed to squeak out.

Everyone frowned in confusion.

"Brooke, did, did you just say wildlife?" Nathan repeated.

Brooke nodded, pointing her shaky finger towards the kitchen.

"In…oh God, it was in there. I, I walked in to get more champagne and I saw this thing. This ugly, humongous, oh God, I can't even say it. I…I, I think it was one of those cockroach thingys."

"A cockroach, Brooke?"

"Yeah."

Nathan grinned.

"And how would you know what one of those looks like?"

"I think I saw it on Fear Factor", she said in a small voice, getting closer to Lucas.

Peyton smiled and shook her head.

"Dude, it's not a cockroach. I promise you, Brooke. We don't have roaches."

"But…"

"It was a termite."

"Termite? Iiiieewww. Do they bite?"

"No."

"Sting?"

"No."

Brooke frowned.

"Then what do?"

"Besides scare the crap out of handsomely dressed South Beach socialites?" Peyton teased. "Nothing except live beneath the surfaces of houses, multiply by the billions and eat wood framing until the frame of your home literally collapses around you. Did I get it all in there, babe?"

Jake nodded.

"Just about."

Brooke looked horrified.

"That is horrible and just…gross! What are you guys gonna do?"

"I called the exterminator. One day of fumigation and life goes back to normal."

"I told you guys. Get a mansion, but noooooooo…nobody listens to Brooke. Now you have little terminators eating you out of house and home. Literally!"

"Termites, Brooke", Peyton laughed. "And we'll be fine. Like I said it's just a one night deal. They're coming when Jake is on the road so I'll take the kids to a hotel, no big deal."

"What day?"

"Uh, Tuesday, I think."

"I'll be in Palm Springs at the spa but you guys can stay at my place."

"It's cool", Peyton shrugged. "We'll be okay."

"You guys could stay with me", Haley suggested. "I'll be around and I don't mind the company. And it's just one night. We could even ride to school together."

Peyton shrugged.

"You cool with that, Nate?"

"I won't be there but go ahead. Knock yourself out. You know you guys are always welcome."

"Okay. Sounds good. I guess we'll see you on Tuesday."

"Thanks, Haley", Amanda smiled. "And are you sure you're okay, Miss Brooke?"

Brooke nodded, dramatically clutching at her chest.

"I'm okay. I saw that Arachnophobia movie."

"Uh, babe, that's spiders, not termites", Lucas hugged her.

"Same thing", she shrugged, pouring champagne.

Amanda smiled.

"Well, I have to get back. Jerry and Brenda are waiting on me", she practically skipped off.

"So she really likes them?" Haley asked.

"Yeah", Peyton sighed.

"They seem nice."

"They are."

"You okay?"

Peyton managed a smile.

"Yeah. I'm really happy for her. She deserves a good home and good parents that will love her and take care of her. I mean, I'll miss her and all but it's for the best."

Peyton's voice broke with emotion as Haley reached out and gave her a sympathetic hug.

"It'll be okay. You'll still see her all then time and like I said, you did a good thing. She loves you and listen to what she said earlier. But you've taken her as far as you can go. Now you just have to let go."

Peyton knew it was true. She took a deep breath as she stared at the beautiful smiling blonde laughing and talking with her new family.

"I know", she sighed. "It's just that letting go is the hardest part."