Disclaimer: I don't own anything, especially some of the flashbacks that appear throughout this story. Hope you enjoy and reviews are always appreciated.
Title of this chapter is a song by Chantal Kreviazuk

Anything in italics, will be from Lucas's POV (kinda like his reflection on his life)
Anything bolded is a flashback (from Peyton's mind)


Chapter 1: Feels Like Home

They say that before you die, your life flashes before your eyes; for me, that's an understatement. The second time I died, I saw more than just flashes. My life seemed to replay itself like a movie. Not only did I watch myself grow up and become the person I had become, I saw how my actions and choices affected the people I loved. This is what I saw…

August 24, 1981 was the day I, Lucas Eugene Scott, came into this world. I was born and raised in Tree Hill, North Carolina to the beautiful Ms. Karen Roe. Abandoned by my biological father, my mother bravely raised me on her own. In doing so, my mom sacrificed the rest of her teenage years and put her dreams on hold. I can't find the words to describe just how much I love her; not just because of what she did, but because she's also one of my best friends. She's also the most caring and giving person I have ever known.


Present Day: August 2017

Karen Roe walked out on the kitchen of her diner and into the dining area. Her once black hair had aged to a silver colour. Her face, however, remained the same as it was 15 years ago; warm and caring.

Immediately Karen smiled when she noticed the familiar blonde hair of Peyton Scott, who was seated at a table off to the side. Her back was to Karen, but Karen could see that she was busy reading.

"Peyton, hey. I didn't hear you come in,"

Slightly startled, Peyton looked over to Karen, "Hey Karen," Before standing up to greet her mother-in-law, Peyton closed her book.

"I'm sorry I couldn't pick you up at the airport," Karen said, hugging Peyton.

"Oh, that's ok. Brooke wasn't doing anything, anyways," Peyton replied as they pulled apart.

"So how was the flight?"

"Well, flying with a four and a six year old…hmm…let's just say that it was interesting,"

Karen laughed with Peyton as she imagined Peyton taking care of her two small grandchildren on her own. "Speaking of my grandchildren, where are Roewan and Sawyer?"

"I'm sorry, Karen. I wanted to bring them in to see you first, but they heard that Brooke and Felix were taking Alex to the zoo today…and well, you know kids,"

"That's alright, Peyton. That just means I'll have to spoil them alter. How about bringing them by for dinner tonight?"

"Yeah, we'd love that. I really miss your home cooking,"

"Good, it's settled then. Tonight, say around 7?"

"Deal,"

"Alright, I better get back to work," Karen motioned to her customers that had just walked in. They hugged briefly before Peyton left the café.

Peyton looked at her watch. She still had a couple of hours before she had to meet Haley. For the first time in months, Peyton finally had some free time to herself and wasn't going to let that go to waste. Taking full advantage of her time, she strolled carelessly through the streets of Tree Hill, reminiscing her high school days.

It took Peyton less then twenty minutes to walk the small town of Tree Hill. She ended her trip down memory lane at the white steel bridge. The bridge that connected the 'Hillers' to the 'River Rats'; more symbolically, it was the bridge that connected Peyton to Lucas.


FLASHBACK

As Lucas stepped onto the bridge, he noticed the familiar face sitting on the railing. It was the very face that caused his stomach to tie into knots whenever he saw her. Cautiously, he approached Peyton Sawyer and removed his earphones.

LUCAS: Hey, I've been thinking about you.

PEYTON: Try a cold shower. Sorry. You set yourself up for that one.

Peyton stole a glance at Lucas's stunned face. She gathered her belongings and began to walk with Lucas.

LUCAS: Yeah, I guess so. How you doing?

PEYTON: Let's see. Um, I broke up with my boyfriend. My mom's dead. And my dad's away on a job.

LUCAS: What's your dad do?

PEYTON: Captains a drudging boat. He's only here for those forked anniversaries but this year, he sent his sympathies in an email.

Remembering that she was alone on the anniversary of her mother's death depressed Peyton. She desperately needed to change the subject.

PEYTON: I read your article. I think it seemed like you guys are just one great, big, happy family.

LUCAS: Yeah, it's kinda ironic, huh? You know, I would gladly erase my dad if it would bring back your mom. I wish I could change it for you.

PEYTON: Thank you. I gotta go.

She picked up her pace and began to walk away from Lucas, smiling as she did.

LUCAS: Hey, Peyton

She turned around for a moment, showing her smile to Lucas for the first time. But she kept moving farther away from him.

PEYTON: Don't ruin it ok?"

Peyton continued to walk home on her own. Even though she knew it would be empty and that she would be alone, Lucas's comment made her forget.

END FLASHBACK



Still seated on the sidewalk of the bridge, Peyton smiled as she remembered that day. That was just one of the many reasons why she fell in love with Lucas Scott. She finally opened her eyes and brought herself back to reality. She let out a small sigh as she rummaged through he backpack for her book.