The Hardest Thing

On a cool spring day Keith Scott's car flew past a sign that read "Welcome to Tree Hill." If you hadn't been paying attention, you might have missed it. It's something that a lot of people have said about the small town located in North Carolina. However, that day Keith was not traveling alone. Lucas, his nephew, sat in the passenger seat staring fixedly out the window. His once long and disheveled fair hair had been shaved close to his head, giving him an older appearance, but his cool blue eyes remained the same.

"Welcome to Tree Hill, indeed," Keith muttered as he signaled to turn right. "What're you thinking about Lucas?" But his nephew made no sign that he had heard him. "Lucas? Earth to Lucas Scott. Come in Mr. Scott!" Keith continued, waving his hand in front of Lucas' face.

"Huh? Oh, sorry, Keith…what were you saying?"

"Well you seemed a little quiet so I was wondering what's on your mind. Spaced out a little?"

Lucas sighed and glanced back out the window. Only days ago he had been looking forward to making a fresh start in a new town, though it hurt him to leave his friends behind. Now here he was back where he started. No, not back where I started. Taking a moment before he answered Keith he recalled the words Peyton had spoken to him about how he had changed and not for the better. He remembered the look on her face. Those words cut like knives and the look...the sadness, the disappointment...I'll never cause that again, he silently resolved.

Turning back to Keith he gave a small smile and assured him nothing was wrong.

"I'm just thinking of a few things I need to do." The rest of the way to Lucas' home was quiet, just the radio playing softly in the background some sad, lonely tune that had long been forgotten. For the most part, the thoughts in his head stayed silent as he tried to clear his mind of everything, but as they drove past a small house a million things began racing into his head and pouring out of his heart. He knew that if he was to come up the walkway and step onto the porch there would be a doormat that read "Sawyer" waiting to welcome him. Actually it would welcome anyone but him and he was pretty sure the occupant of the house felt the same way. At that moment he decided he would cause her no more heart ache. It would be the hardest thing he'd ever have to do, but he was going to stay out of Peyton Sawyer's life for good.

AN: I'm one of the biggest fans of LP so don't worry about them. I wouldn't want to lose readers b/c they think I'm going to destroy LP.

Now, thank you so much for the reviews for my little prologue. I think I got more for my little intro than I did for all 3 chapters of "The Things that Move Us." (shameless plug: check that one out too!)

drown-in-fate:you might find that I may be keeping that SL. I've alway thought they didn't do it justice.

Laurie: thank you for the review! I will definitely be continuing this.

bitterkidxsweety: Esther, thank you for the kind words. This will be a bit different. A little less campy drama I think. More feeling.

Jessica: Ha! That's my name too! Well, I didn't leave myself a review I promise. Thank you for taking a moment to read this.

Kayla: Same goes to you! I really appreciate you reading and commenting. I hope you all stick around for this one!

More to come for Lucas and Peyton...stay tuned.