Thanks for the awesome reviews. I love getting them (hint, hint) and I'm glad that you like it so far. I think I'm going to pretty much stick to the plot lines in the show, but there may be a few minor changes. As for Peyton being angry with Haley, I just felt like Peyton would be upset with the way Haley left, (since Peyton does have people leaving issues) and that Peyton saw how Haley's decision affected Nathan. If there is anything that you like or don't like, just let me know...other than that, enjoy!

Disclaimer: I don't OTH or any of the characters

Chapter 2

Lucas joined Haley on the porch as they watched Peyton's vintage car drive away. Even though she didn't want to leave, Peyton thought that it would be best if Lucas had some time alone and catch up with his long-time best friend.

Flashback

Lucas walked Peyton to her car. "Are you sure you'll be ok?"

Peyton nodded, "Yeah, I can't hide at your house all summer. Besides, I'll probably stop by the hospital to see Nathan. You sure you don't want to come with me?"

Lucas shook his head, "Nah, after everything that happened with Dan, I'm the last person they want to see. Besides, I'll probably stop by Keith's, see how's he doing and if he still wants to talk to me,"

"He'll get over it. He just had a lot to deal with this past year he just needs time. Just don't give up on him,"

"Who? Keith or Nathan,"

"Both,"

Lucas nodded before he opened the car door for Peyton. "Let me know how he's doing?"

"I will," She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him into a comforting hug, "Don't worry, they'll come around Luke…I did,"

End Flashback

"So…you and Peyton…"

"Are becoming friends again," Lucas filled in Haley's blank. "We've been through a lot this year and now we're just getting things back on track,"

Haley nodded, "That's good. I'm glad, Luke. You guys deserve to be happy,"

"So do you,"

Haley was quiet for a moment, "I was…and now look where I am,"

"What do you mean?"

The brunette shook her wavy hair, "Nothing,"

"Hales…you can talk to me you know,"

"I know…it was just nothing,"

Lucas saw the sadness in her eyes but he didn't want to push her. He knew that she would talk when she was ready. Even though she looked different – more mature and feminine – she was still Haley James, his best friend.

After a quick shower and throwing on a clean t-shirt, Peyton made her way to the hospital to find Nathan. Lucky for her, she didn't have to deal with the nurses at the triage to track him down.

"Guess you heard?" Nathan had seen her first. He had been sitting outside on a bench when he spotted Peyton's car pull in the parking lot. "Let me guess…Haley found you?"

Peyton shyly smiled, "Something like that," she sat down beside her friend and former beau. "How is he?"

"Still unconscious…but alive I guess,"

"You don't sound all that relieved,"

Nathan shrugged, "Should I be?"

Peyton shifted in her seat uncomfortably.

He laughed bitterly, "He's in there, clinging on to his life and here I am, his own son, confused about how to feel. I know he's my father and I should be there for him, but he made my life a living hell,"

"Sounds like someone else I know,"

"Huh?"

"Your brother,"

His eyes narrowed, "What brother? I don't have a brother," Nathan was still angry with Lucas for lying to him. Lucas kept on spying on Dan even when he promised Nathan that he would stop.

"What are you? Two years old?" she snapped, "Whether you like it or not, Lucas is still your brother. He always will be,"

"Maybe so, but doesn't mean that he has to be a part of my life,"

"That's bullshit and you know it Nathan,"

"He's nothing but a liar and a fraud. You and Brooke should know first hand," He said spitefully.

Peyton didn't flinch at his remark. She was used to fighting with him, "Will you get off your high horse? Lucas is human…he made a mistake and he's sorry. You know, when I let Lucas in my life for the first time, I was never happier. And the thing is, I didn't realize that until I pushed him away,"

"Well, good for you, but what does that have anything to do with me?"

Peyton calmed down, "Because I saw how much you changed when you finally accepted Lucas. And I don't want you to make the same mistake I did. Don't push him out of your life when you need him the most,"

"You know what? If you think you need that loser to make your life better, then you're more naïve than I thought. As your friend, I'm warning you right now, if you let him get close to you he'll just break your heart again. I don't need that punk-ass liar in my life," Nathan abruptly stood up and angrily walked into the hospital, without looking back.

"Lucas?" Keith said when he opened the door, "What are you doing here?"

"I came to see how you are…I heard about the fire,"

Keith nervously looked at Lucas and casually put his hands in his pocket, "I'm…I'm fine. How's Dan?"

Lucas shrugged. Keith nodded, understanding that Lucas never stopped by the hospital. The two stood awkwardly at the doorway, neither knowing how to act or what to say.

Lucas was the first to break the silence, "Can we talk?"

"Lucas…um, now isn't a good time,"

"Look, Keith…" Lucas pleaded, "just let me say I'm sorry for not telling you about Dan and Jules/Emily, whatever her name is. You were just so happy and…"

"I know, Luke. I know… while I was away, I had some time to think and to cool off. You were in a tough spot and you tried to the right thing. I guess I was just hurt that you couldn't come to me,"

"I'm sorry," Lucas tilted his head and gave his uncle a hopeful look, "So we're cool now?"

Keith smiled, "Yeah," with his right hand, he shook Lucas's hand and pulled him into a hug, "We're cool,"

After watching Lucas leave, Keith shut the door. He let out a smile, happy that he worked things out with his nephew. But there was something else that he was hiding. It wasn't quite time to tell anyone just yet. Keith took out his left hand from his pocket and stared at the white gold ring that was resting on his ring finger.

"Who was that?"

Keith turned around and smiled at his new bride.

Haley rang the doorbell and nervously waited for Peyton to open the door. On her way back to Tree Hill, one of the friendships she wanted to salvage was the one she shared with Peyton. Besides Lucas, Peyton was Haley's first friend.

The door swung opened, revealing Peyton's hard icy glare. It softened once she realized it was Haley on the other side.

"Oh…I thought you were someone else," that was Peyton's apology.

Peyton's glare had scared Haley, "Geez, do you always answer the door like that?"

Peyton shrugged, "Just the ones who ring the doorbell," she joked.

"I thought you were ready to kill me,"

Peyton sighed, "Haley, I'm mad at you, but that doesn't mean I want to kill you,"

Haley began to relax, "Good to know. My mom likes the fact that I'm alive, too,"

Peyton let out a chuckle. Seeing the brooding blonde smile made Haley feel a bit more comfortable.

They sat down on the couch in the Sawyer living room. Haley was the first to speak, "Peyton, I came over cause I was hoping that we could work things out. I'd like us to be friends again or at least try…"

"Yeah, about that…" Peyton tried to explain behaviour earlier that morning, but Haley continued on with her rehearsed speech.

"Peyton, please don't be mad at me. I'm sorry for leaving, but I only did it because I was following my dream…"

"Haley!" It came out a little harsher than she intended, but it finally got Haley's attention. Peyton softened her tone, "look, you don't have to apologize or explain yourself for following your dream. I understand why you had to go. And I'm happy that you did,"

"So…you were never mad?"

"Oh, I was mad…just not about that," Peyton shifted on the couch so she could face Haley. "It may sound selfish, but I was upset with the way you left. You didn't say goodbye or even called. It was like you just left and never looked back,"

"Believe me, I wanted to call, but I was scared,"

"Scared of what? Haley, I was your friend. You knew that I supported your music and pushed you to show off your talent…you knew of all people that I would have been the only one who never would have asked you to come back home,"

Haley looked away and nodded her head, agreeing, "I know…maybe that's why I couldn't call you. You know, I dialed your number so many times, but once I got to the last digit…I hung up. Believe me Peyton, I really wanted to share this experience with you cause I knew how excited you'd be, but I couldn't,"

Peyton didn't quite understand. She remained quiet, allowing Haley to explain herself. She looked back up at Peyton.

"If I knew that you were happy for me, then I would have felt like I was doing the right thing…and that I wouldn't have felt guilty for leaving or for having so much fun singing on stage. I felt like after everything I did to Nathan, I didn't deserve to be happy…"

"Hales, you have nothing to feel guilty for. You do deserve to be happy…just call next time,"

Haley smiled and hugged Peyton. When they pulled away, Haley asked Peyton, "So you gonna pack your bags?"

"Huh?"

Haley stood up, "Come on, Lucas said that we could have sleep over,"

"He did?"

"Well…Lucas/me…same difference," Haley pulled a surprised Peyton off the couch and pushed her towards the stairs. "Now go pack your bags and drive us home,"