I own nothing except the storyline. Just plugging in characters and turning things sideways. For context, the comet has not been written. Any other holes will be filled in as we go. Lots of familiar characters and storylines will be making an appearance. If you have questions let me know and if there are grammatical errors don't hesitate to point them out. Some fan favorites are going to be villains. I like to cause mayhem.
Please remember, I do what I want writing-wise.
Rory guided us down the street pointing out places and telling me if they held historical significance. Granted half had references to food or coffee and I was worried about how much coffee she drank. My phone kept vibrating in my pocket and I'd try to discreetly reject them.
"You can answer, I won't be offended." She said.
"Nobody important. I just left quickly and it seems some people don't understand." I shrugged.
"You need space. What is not to understand? Last year, I took off to London and hid out. Trust me I get it." Rory mentioned.
"I should have considered Australia. That time difference would have helped." I grumbled.
"Want a ride to Logan Airport? You could still go." She encouraged.
"My mom and sister live in Australia with her husband. They are currently stateside and she'd murder me if I took off there. Don't even tell her I mentioned it." I joked.
She stopped abruptly, "This is me. Just give me two minutes and we can swing by your hotel next if you want before we eat." Then dashed off before I could respond.
I leaned against the building and pulled my phone back out. Way too many and it started to ring again.
"Hey Mom," I answered.
"How you doing, honey?" She said softly on the phone.
"I just need time. I'm not sure when I will be back in Tree Hill."
"That's okay. The house is cleared out. Haley, Nathan, and Andy helping me with a project and a gift for you. When you come home it will be like it is brand new." Mom said.
"You didn't have to do that but thank you. I don't think I could go back if her stuff was still there." Grateful for my family saving me more heartbreak.
"We take care of each other. Peyton has been kept away and we changed the locks on the house too. Only Nathan and I have a copy. The fridge has been cleared out too," She added.
"Thanks, Mom," I genuinely told her.
"Do you want to tell me where you are?" Mom asked softly.
"Boston grabbed the first available seat on the next flight out," I explained.
"Would you like Andy, Lily, and I to come to you for a few days?" She offered.
"No, it's okay. When do you go back home?"
"We can stay as long as you need us to honey. Andy and I were even talking about moving back to Tree Hill. We want to be closer to you." She admitted.
"Don't change your life because of this Mom. I should have known she would cause trouble. I just thought Lindsay loved me enough to trust me. Peyton didn't even return to Tree Hill till she heard from Brooke about the wedding. Why can't she leave me alone?" I asked my mom.
"Do you want clam chowder too?" I heard behind me.
I jumped and spun around with the new voice interrupting me from my conversation.
"Oh crap sorry. Finish your phone call and we can get food. I'll wait in the lobby. Just come get me." She dashed back inside and I chuckled.
"Lucas, who was that girl? You were getting married three days ago." Mom reprimanded and I heard the phone change hands.
"Lucas Eugene, you already found somebody new? What the heck?" Haley shouted on the phone.
"Hales, chill, I made a friend. Thanks for the vote of confidence. Tell my mom I will call her later." I hung up and slipped it back into my pocket.
I pulled open the door to the building and Rory was sitting behind the desk chatting with the older man. Stepping closer she noticed me.
"You good Lucas?" Rory asked moving around the counter.
"Can we get to the alone but not lonely part?" I said quietly.
"Of course. I will see you later Gio. Want a bowl of chowder?" She asked the older man.
"No thanks. My wife made dinner but I wouldn't turn down dessert."
Rory laughed, "Done, let's go Lucas. We've got a date with mac and cheese."
She chattered one-sided and I appreciated it without having to respond and occasionally going as far as to add huge arm gestures. For someone of her stature, her personality seemed bigger than her. Suddenly music blaring from her pocket broke her diatribe.
"Lola's house of pain. Today's special is handcuffing and for the additional price we even throw in the keys." Rory said when she answered.
I stopped suddenly and stared. What in the world did she do for a living?
"Mom, Mom, Mom, I don't need to know that about you and Luke or you and Dad. Ew gross. If you don't stop I'm telling Grandma it was you who spiked the punch at her last DAR party."
I took a few extra-large strides and caught back up to her.
"I'm going to that mac and cheese place for dinner, I'm not mailing you some. Just have Luke make you some. I wouldn't even be able to keep it warm that long."
She stopped and tipped her head back.
"I'm not using a plane to bring you food. You don't even do that to bring me your favorite child the greatest coffee in the world."
"I'm hanging up and give Luke my love. I'll call you this coming weekend before I head out of town. Bye!"
"That was strange to overhear," I said.
"That woman is a menace. I love her but she is a menace. Did you still want to drop your books off?" Rory asked as we stopped to cross the street.
"Please, I'll just hang on to one," I responded.
A few blocks later we entered the lobby of my hotel. Rory pointed to the sitting area and I headed for the elevator bank. My room was not too far from the elevator. I dumped out the reusable bag on the desk and stuffed one back in. Just in case I saw something for Lily or Jamie. Walking back off the elevator I found my new friend in a chair by the window already reading.
"Ready when you are," I announced when I got closer.
"You took forever, I need more coffee and food," She announced and we headed for the door.
