AN: Thank you to all who reviewed, I hope you like teh chapters to come...

-Something That Produces Results-

After getting back from the appointment, Peyton felt exhausted, both emotionally and physically. She just wanted to sleep and let all her worries go away for the time being. It wasn't even evening yet but she wanted to crash like the dead and showed it.

"Brooke I think I'm just going to go sleep for a while, I'm so tired, I just need some rest."

"Okay, why don't you go to bed, I have a few things to do, will you be okay without me for a few hours?"

"Yeah, I'll be fine, wake me when you get back."

"Alright. Peyton, I love you."

She leaned over and gave the blonde a soft kiss on the lips. As she pulled back she smiled at her and looked away sheepishly. Peyton brought her hand under her chin and pulled her back to see her eyes.

"I love you too. Go ahead and do what you need to, I'll be fine."

Making a few more phone calls to New York, and picking up a few things from the store, Brooke was now headed towards Karen's. She now knew that she would be staying here for good. Sure, she would have to go back to New York to get all her stuff, and of course to officially quit her job and take care of whatever other little things she had to, but she was back in Tree Hill, her home, for good now. Knowing that Peyton was most likely still sleeping, having only been gone for an hour, she decided on some coffee and conversation with someone who had always been there for her, for all of her friends, Karen, the mother she never had.

Upon entering the café and hearing the all too familiar chime, Brooke headed straight for the counter and waited for Karen to come out of the back like always. It wasn't quite time for the dinner rush, so not too many people were there, so she didn't think she would run into anyone else. Just then her thoughts were thrown off as the person who came out from the back betrayed her earlier thinking.

"BROOKE! Oh my God, I heard you were here, how are you, it's great to see you!"

"Hey Haley, it's good to see you too."

"So tell me everything. Are you back for good, how was New York, have you seen anyone else, where are you staying?"

"Slow down tutor-wife. I've only seen Lucas, Peyton and Karen so far, I've been kind of busy. And yes, I think it's safe to say I'm back for good. Look, I hate to do this to you Hales, but I kind of came here to talk to Karen, is she around? I promise we will all hang out soon, I just have to get settled and take care of some things first."

"I totally understand, I'm just so glad you're back. Karen had to go on a delivery; she'll be back in a few minutes. Wait, you've seen Peyton?"

"Yeah, she's the reason I came back. Look, I promise I'll explain everything later, it's this whole big story and I don't want to get into it right now. But I'll give you a short rundown. Peyton sent me this letter, I came back, we figured everything out, I'm back for good. Peyton's not doing too great, I think she might be sick, but anyway, you'll hear the full story later. There's Karen, it's great to see you tutor-wife. We'll talk again soon, I promise."

"I'm holding you to that Brooke. I'll see you later, tell Peyton I said 'hey' when you see her, we've all been worried about her, which I guess you know, so yeah, we'll talk later."

Haley went back to whatever she was doing before in the kitchen and Karen came over when she saw Brooke.

"Hey Karen, you have time to talk?"

"Of course Brooke, for you I'd make time."

"Great."

"Why don't we go for a walk, I'll just tell Haley I'm leaving for a bit and then we can go okay?"

"Sure, I'll wait outside for you."

They two had been walking for nearly five minuets before either of them spoke. Sensing Brooke was unsure what to say exactly, Karen took the initiative and let her instincts take the wheel as she finally broke the silence.

"I take it you and Peyton have finally realized how you feel about each other?"

Brooke stopped abruptly in her tracks, a look of shock on her face as she just starred at Karen. This in turn caused the older woman to burst out laughing.

"Relax Brooke; I don't think anyone else picked up on it. I've known for a while now, the way you two always looked at each other, the stolen glances and little smiles. At first I wasn't sure, but I've been around long enough to learn how to read people, maybe it's a mom thing, but really, I'm happy for you two."

"How did, how, wow."

"So is that a yes?"

"What? Oh, yeah, I mean yes, Peyton and I told each other how we feel. So I guess we're like a couple now, I don't know, it's a little in limbo right now I guess. We have so much to talk about and get through, but basically, yeah, we're together and good. I love her so much Karen, but right now I'm just too worried about her to push anything."

"I understand. So how did it go at the doctor's?"

"Okay I guess, I like this new doctor of hers, she's really great. If her regular guy was there, I don't think it would have gone anywhere near as well as it did. We don't know anything yet though, they drew some blood and we're waiting for the test results. It could be a few days. She, Dr. Bell, said that physically, at least on the surface, Peyton was fine, pretty underweight, but okay nonetheless. So I guess we just have to wait and see."

"Well I guess that's all you can do. And you know I'm always here to talk to. So where is she by the way, I would think you two would be joined at the hip."

"She was tired after we left the office, so she's back home resting, she'll probably be asleep for a few more hours. I was going to stay with her, but she said it was okay. I had to make a few calls anyway. Now I just need to figure out a good time to head back to New York."

"I thought you were staying here?"

"Oh, I am, I'm moving back for good. Just at some point I am going to have to go get all my stuff, officially quit my job, take care of my apartment, all that stuff. And I kind of have to do it soon, I just don't think anytime would be a good time."

"I see, well, I would think the paperwork of it all could be done via fax. I bet you could take care of most everything from here except the actually moving part, which I think I have a solution to."

"If it means I don't have to leave Peyton I'm all ears."

"Why don't I see if the boys would like to take a little road trip? They could go to your place and pack everything up and bring it back here, and take care of anything else they can for you while they are there. I'm sure they'd be glad to do it."

"Really? Karen that would be great, I knew there was a reason I loved you so much. You always know how to fix things, you're a life saver."

"I try. And it's really not a problem. I think it would be best for all concerned if you stayed here, especially for Peyton right now. I'll talk to Lucas later and see if he and Nathan want to go on a road trip, maybe take Haley too, that girl could use a vacation."

"Thank you Karen, this means a lot to me. You have no idea how much I've missed this, and you, everyone, I'm just glad I'm back and everything's going to be okay."

"We've all missed you too Brooke. And even though she has been here this entire time, we've missed Peyton too, she hasn't been around much. So let us do this for you, and you take care of everything from this end okay?"

"Deal. Tell the boys I said 'hi.' I talked to Luke the other day, but haven't been able to since, I promised him we would all get together soon, I don't know when that will be though. I guess when they get back would be best. We'll figure it out later. Tell whoever's going to stop by Peyton's before they leave so I can give them my keys and stuff. Thanks again Karen, I have to go, but we will definitely talk later."

"I'll set it up, take care Brooke, see you soon."

They both hugged and then parted ways. Karen back to the café to set up this impromptu road trip, and Brooke back to check on Peyton. Though she wasn't much for religion, she sent up a silent prayer that her girl would be okay. She had just gotten her back; she couldn't bear to lose her now.

Another day had passed without event. No word yet on the test results, nothing significant happening to worry about. Brooke got Peyton to eat at least a little with each meal like Dr. Bell had ordered, and though she didn't look as pale, Peyton was still tired. But overall, she seemed slightly better. Though she was still worried, Brooke for her part did feel a little weight lifted knowing that they were at least on their way to knowing.

Karen had called later in the evening a day after Brooke had spoken to her. Lucas, Nathan, and Haley were all more than happy to take care of things in New York for Brooke. They were looking forward to the mini vacation road trip. She said they would be stopping by sometime the next day to see Brooke and get whatever they needed before they left. For now at least, all seemed to be going smoothly and she couldn't have been any happier. Her life was finally coming together and she was with the person she loved, who loved her. Yes, life was good.

The next morning, as the girls were cleaning up from breakfast, they heard a knock on the door followed by it opening.

"Peyton, Brooke? It's Nathan."

He called through the house loud enough for the neighbors to hear him.

"We're in the kitchen Nate, be right out."

Brooke finished putting stuff away and turned to Peyton.

"Do you want to come see the guys?"

"No, I think I'm going to go back to bed for a little while, I'll be down later, I promise."

"Okay, but I don't like you sleeping all day, I will get you out of this house today if it's the last thing I do."

"Sure, later."

Peyton gave Brooke a tentative kiss on the cheek, they were still knew to the whole 'girlfriends' thing and despite their feelings, they were still apprehensive. But they both knew how the other felt, and were content to take it slow and get to know each other again. Peyton headed up stairs giving their guests a quick nod hello before disappearing as Brooke came into view form the kitchen.

"Nathan! It's good to see you. Hey Lucas, Haley, come on in I just have to go get some stuff together for you."

"I'm glad you're back Brooke. Haley wouldn't quit talking my ear off after she came home from work the other day. We should catch up a little before we go, there's no rush."

"Yeah, I'll be right back."

The three settled into the living room as Brooke came back into the room just as quickly as she left.

"So…how you been? Are you, um, back for good?"

"I've been okay, and yes Nathan, I'm back for good. But you already know that hence the trip to New York."

"Don't mind him, he can be so dense sometimes. So now that you're back, where are you staying, here?"

"Well tutor-wife, I'm actually staying here, for good I guess, or how ever long Peyton and I decide to stay, but Tee Hill is where we belong so I think it's safe to say we'll be here for good."

"What do you mean?"

"Brooke, they don't know, you know, about Peyton."

Lucas emphasized the last part for Brooke to get his point across. It took her a moment, but she caught on, and also realized they didn't know about her either, or whatever she and Peyton were to each other.

"Oh, well right. Okay, so…here are the keys to my place, there's directions and anything you might need in this envelope. I also need you to drop a few things off for me while up there, but it's all in here and explained. Thank you so much for doing this for me."

"No problem Brooke, I guess we'll be on our way then, right Nathan, Hales?"

"Uh sure I guess. We should be back in a few days with all of your stuff, we're going to take our time, see the sights a little, so don't expect us back too soon. I want to take Haley on one of those horse ride things, and Luke has some museum or something he wanted to see."

"That's good, enjoy the city, there's no rush. We'll all get together when you get back, hopefully Peyton will be feeling a little better by then."

"We should definitely hang out, how is she by the way?"

"Since I assume you're not blind you can tell she looks kind of sick. I took her to the doctors the other day; we're still waiting for the results. And she's been so tired, but I think she'll be okay."

"That's good, I hope so too. Well boys, let's hit the road."

"It's great seeing you all again. Keep these two out of trouble Hales, I might actually want some of the stuff from my apartment back in one piece. Feel free to use anything you need and have a great time."

The each gave Brooke a hug as they left. Haley was the last one out the door and stopped for a second to chat.

"How are you Brooke, you look a little tired?"

"Haley, you worry too much, I'm fine. Just taking care of everything from here has been a little stressful, and then with Peyton, but I promise, I'm good."

Haley gave her one last hug and as she pulled away she told Brooke she was happy she and Peyton were finally together. She flashed her a smile and wink and then she was out the door. Brooke had to shake her head at that, tutor-wife always was smart. She was glad that someone else knew, and that she was okay with it. Realizing how much she missed her friends, she started to get a little emotional, and made her way up to see her Peyton.

Waking up from the nap her and Peyton had shared after their friends left, Brooke noticed it was well into the afternoon and decided to wake up her sleeping girlfriend.

"Peyton baby, wake up, come on, rise and shine."

Some unintelligible mumbling was the response she got followed by one eye slowly opening to scope out her surroundings.

"That's it sleepy head, wakey wakey."

"Ugh, too damn perky Brooke, not right when I wake up."

"Come on P. Sawyer more than half the day's already gone. Let's go out for a late lunch slash dinner, then I'll only force you to eat once more today, what do you say?"

"Fine, fine, just let me wake up a bit. Go pick out a place, I'll be down in a minute."

"Hurry up, I'm starving."

"Cool your jets B. Davis or I'll just take longer."

As Brooke arrived down stairs, in search of finding a decent place to go eat, she noticed the blinking light on the answering machine. Upon pressing play her nerves suddenly shot to attention and recognition poured through her as the voice spoke.

"…This is Dr. Bell; we got your preliminary results back. I would prefer to discuss them in person so I have set up for you to come in tomorrow morning at nine. I'll see you both then, have a good evening."

Suddenly she felt the need to sit down, so she did. Why was the message so vague? Was it serious? Maybe she just didn't discuss those kinds of things over the phone. But if everything was fine she would have said so right? Her heart sank with worry. She didn't want anything to happen to Peyton, she just wanted her to be fine, she had been through too much in her life already. No, she told herself, she would be fine. Peyton is 19 years old; of course she'll be fine. But then why do I have this sinking feeling? Brooke took a few more minutes to sort through her thoughts and was snapped out of her daze when Peyton appeared ready to go in front of her.

"What's wrong?"

"There was a message; Dr. Bell wants to see you tomorrow morning."

Peyton listened to the message as Brooke still sat in her chair. She seemed to be taking the 'news' lighter than the brunette.

"Okay, don't jump to any conclusions, it's probably nothing. And she clearly said she would be seeing us both, so that means you're coming. We'll be there for each other okay? Now let's eat."

It was odd, the way she acted, but also strangely soothing to Brooke. She was thankful for that. Even though she knew there was so much more going on inside the other girls head, the way she brushed it off made her feel stronger. She would need to be strong too, even though they were both a little worried, she knew she could be there for Peyton, no matter what.

The rest of the evening had gone by semi-smoothly, avoiding any discussion of the possible test results. After actually eating something more than what she had been, Peyton decided that she wanted to see a movie. So as the evening progressed, a movie was seen, jokes mocking said movie had been made, and they returned to the house at a somewhat respectable hour for girls their age, midnight.

Sleep had come surprisingly easily for the two, and by the time morning came, they were both noticeably more nervous about the impending appointment. Getting dressed and ready, they both wandered aimlessly around the house a bit before they had to leave.

"You ready?"

"Yeah, just uh, yeah."

"Come on Blondie, I'll be right there with you."

"I know, that's the only thing keeping me as together as I am."

The drive to the doctor's was much like the one a few days before, quiet. Neither knew what to say, so they just sat in content silence as the approached the office building. They stayed in the car for a few minutes before resigning themselves to get a move on.

"So what does that mean exactly?"

"Well, honestly we still need to do more tests, Peyton. You're blood work was fine for the most part, but there were a few possible concerns."

"Wait, so, what are we talking about here?"

"It could be a number of things Brooke; right now we don't know much. It could just be a simple stomach virus that has gone relatively unnoticed, it could be worse. I think it's best to not dwell into it too much and keep things in perspective."

"Okay, I guess I'll just try and stay positive, I mean how bad could it be right?"

"I'm going to send you to another wing of the building for some more tests, and then once we get the results we'll know more."

Peyton just nodded her head, seemingly taking the news in stride. Dr. Bell stepped out of the room to get the orders and papers they would need, Brooke however was not satisfied with the vagueness of the answer and not wanting to push it in front of Peyton, she decided to ask the doctor privately.

"I'll be right back Peyt, I just need to use the restroom."

She highly doubted she actually bought her explanation, but Peyton nodded all the same as Brooke stepped out of the room. Looking around quickly for the doctor, she spotted her and made her way over to talk with the woman.

"Excuse me, Dr. Bell?"

"Yes, Brooke, what can I do for you, I assume you have more questions?"

"Yeah, I didn't want to ask in front of Peyton, she can be so passive sometimes and I didn't want to upset her. But I need to know, with the preliminary results you do have or whatever, what is like the worst case scenario? How bad could this really be?"

"I'll be honest with you. Probably the worst case would be she has leukemia, though I highly doubt she's that sick. Like I said, it could be a virus, but it is more likely that something else is going on. She's not too sick, but with the weight loss and other factors of her life over the past year, there are concerns for her health in the immediate future. But I promise you, we will find out what is wrong and we will do our best to fix it okay? You just need to be there for her, that's really the best thing for her right now."

"Okay, I'm sorry if I'm bugging you. I just can't lose her, not now, not after everything we've been through, not after we just found each other. We're all each other have, she's lost two moms, and her dad is never home, he actually signed the house over to her after she graduated. I just don't want her to go through anymore pain in her life, there's already been too much."

"I understand. Just try and have faith that she will be okay. We will all be doing our best to get her better and I know you will too. And I know you're good for her, she doesn't look nearly as pale as she did the other day. So just try and stay strong until we know more okay?"

"Thank you Dr. Bell, for being straight with me, for everything."