Peyton Sawyer formerly Scott sighed as she trudged through the New Brunswick County International Airport. The flight to Tree Hill, North Carolina from New York City had been a short one, lasting only two hours and two minutes but it had felt like an eternity. Sitting in first class in her comfortable leather seat, she had watched some of the world go by as the aircraft lifted into the Manhattan air destined for the picturesque southern coastline. Peyton had made that flight hundreds of times before but now it felt strangely and suddenly different.

Standing at the baggage claim for over 20 minutes, she was annoyed to see that only one piece of her luggage had made it with her. There was an additional half hour to stand in the customer service line to locate the missing baggage and set up a time to have it delivered the next day. Then it was on to the business of picking up the rental car. By the time Peyton was situated in the driver's seat, she was exhausted.

Following the highway into mid town, she looked around as she drove. The pretty blonde knew that small city like the back of her hand but it had been a long time since she has actually taken the time to notice the little things. The landmarks of her childhood. She would pass a store or a house and could almost see herself in front of it years ago. It was a place that stayed the same and for her it would always be home. The comfort and security that waited for her, was something Peyton was desperately counting on.

It had been many years since that morning she had packed her car to the brim and followed her then boyfriend, Lucas Scott in his own crowded car, the 622 miles it took them to make it to New York. Life had been so new and fresh and exciting then. Peyton had been ready to conquer the world. It was tough at first. She missed her father and it was hard to believe there would be no more Ravens game to cheer at and that all their friends were growing up and venturing into the real world. But with Lucas by her side, anything was possible, or at least that was how it seemed.

Columbia had exceeded her expectations and so had New York in general. Living the dorm life and wandering about the city had been a wonderful and well needed change for Peyton. The one constant in her life had been Lucas. He had been her best friend, her creative life partner and lover. Their bond had been amazing and beautiful, the grounding force that sustained her very soul.

She'd never forget that day in that cramped studio apartment they rented together during their last year of college. Lounging around in bed on a lazy Sunday afternoon, still in their sleep clothes a nervous but smiling Lucas had urged and prodded his girlfriend to get up and grab some beers from the fridge. A content Peyton had taken her time and when she finally did go, she had neglected to read the phrase spelled out for her on the refrigerator door. Instead she had marched back to bed, yawning, two cold beers in hand to Lucas' amazed disappointment. Only on the third visit did she notice the phrase spelled out with the letter magnets that said, I love you, Peyt. Marry me. When the shock let her turn around, there Lucas was in his boxers on one knee, holding a diamond ring.

Marriage had been the last thing she had expected or wanted. After all, people always left, right? But Lucas had been the one man to prove that wrong. She loved and trusted him with every fiber of her being and it had been the most glorious, emotional day of her life when she recited her wedding vows to him in front of their friends and families and promised to love him until death did them part. It was a wonderful life, a future filled with hope and promise. Finally Peyton had the happiness she deserved, the happiness and wholeness that had eluded her for so long.

Art and music had always been her passion. The two had first combined when she met her birth mother, Ellie Harp. Dying from an incurable onset of progressed breast cancer, the two women had bonded and tried to make up for 17 years of lost time. Their final project together had been a benefit album of songs compiled from various singers and bands to help raise money and awareness for breast cancer. Those few weeks had been some of the best of Peyton's life and she had worked diligently to design the perfect album cover. She and Ellie had hand picked the musical artists and pounded the pavement and phones to get their respective management to agree. After Ellie had left, an idea had come to Peyton. Secretly she had worked on a cover design and had come up with a modified version of a picture Ellie had drawn of her, along with the pink ribbon breast cancer ribbon and Ellie's unique and creative Friends With Benefit title. It was supposed to be a surprise but it was one that Ellie never saw. When Peyton made the trip to River City so the two could listen to the CD together, she found a second mother dead.

But the experience as bittersweet as it was, had become an inspiration. Ever since Peyton had been old enough to pick up a pencil, she had always been drawing or sketching something. Even at the tender age of three, a proud Larry and Anna Sawyer had taken noticed that their little girl's stick figures were above exceptional. Art was her expression and from an early age, Peyton had always known that it was a part of her destiny.

Music was her other love. Classic rock, emo, punk and alternative were among her favorites but she was open minded enough to enjoy it all. It was a beautiful thing compiled of different genres for all to enjoy. The music had always been there for Peyton. Each song was its own different emotion, its only little soundtrack to her life. She could remember exactly what she had been listening to when both her mothers died, the first time she got a really good look at Lucas, the night her best friend, Brooke Davis left for California. She had been lucky enough to land a job where she could indulge in both her favorite pastimes.

New York had been a happy time. Her career and marriage had been solid for a while but there came a time when it all began to change. It had been gradual but by the time she realized it, more or less it seemed like overnight. Suddenly Peyton found herself bored and restless. Something wasn't quite right and it made her want to kick herself. Was she crazy? She was financially comfortable, with a great job and an even more wonderful husband. It was the life most dreamed about and she had it and yet it still wasn't enough. Worst of all, Peyton didn't know what would be enough. She had no idea how to fix her growing discontent.

She had always loved Eric Clapton. So had her father. Clapton was one of, if not the best, guitar players ever. His music had touched her soul and it had also hummed quietly in the background the night she and Lucas had "the talk". She had been putting it off forever but she knew it was time that night they both lay quietly in bed, listening to the radio. When had it happened? When had they fallen out of love? When had it changed? As painful as it was, it was a true and harsh reality.

They had talked and cried and cried and talked some more. It was over. The spark was gone. When was the last time that had looked at each other that way? When was the last time they had really talked? When was the last time they had even made love? Neither could remember. So they had agreed Peyton would leave the residence. She filed legal separation papers the next day and divorce documentation soon after.

Lucas would always be her best friend. He would always be her rock. And she would always love him even if she was no longer in love with him. They had grown up together and eventually grown apart. She would always look back on those precious years with fondness and zero regrets. Even though she had married with the intention for it to be forever, at least it had ended amicably. There was and would never be lengthy legal arguments or nasty accusations. And they would never hate each other. The relationship would end the way it started…they came into it as friends and that was the way they intended to leave it.

Driving downtown, Peyton passed by Karen's Café. She smiled as she remembered all the good times she'd had in that place. She also made plans to stop by there in a few days. Keith and Karen had been wonderful in laws and she loved them dearly. Even a divorce wouldn't change their relationship, she thought as she also passed the office for Thud Magazine. It was a local publication that had given her her first gig, illustrating a comic strip for them. She longed for those days of simplicity. Making big bucks and living in the hustle and bustle of the big time corporations was something Peyton had desperately wanted and had strived to achieve in her career. Once she had pulled it off, it was funny that a part of her longed for the simple life once more.

Peyton also made plans to get in touch with her old friends. Over the years, of course she had stayed in touch with Nathan Scott and Haley James and also her former boyfriend, Jake Jagielski. They had seen each other often and when time and luck permitted, it was probable to catch some of the old gang like Rachel, Bevin, Skills, Tim, Mouth, and the others. Some had stayed behind in Tree Hill while others had moved far away. But with the upcoming nuptials, it was a surefire guarantee of a reunion of friends, and a certain one that always pulled mixed emotions from Peyton.

They had been through so much together. Brooke Davis had been her very best friend as long as she could remember. The pair were as close as sisters and for years nothing or no one had or could come between them. Then along came the new hot and mysterious guy from the River Court. One of Peyton's biggest regrets was not stepping up from square one and just admitting her real feelings for Lucas. Had she been brave enough to do that, so much drama and heartache could have been avoided. But her first mistake and her second, getting physical with her best bud's guy, had cost her dearly. It had cost her both Lucas and Brooke.

They had eventually made up and Peyton had even moved on to a new serious relationship with Jake. And it had looked like Lucas and Brooke were also on the verge of a reconciliation. Then came the news that Brooke had to move across country to California and there was nothing any of them could do about it. Lucas had tried to profess his love for her right before she left but it was too late. It didn't matter. Brooke had gone and with it, went Peyton and her friendship. At first they had burned up the phone lines and the phone bills speaking several times a day. Then there came a time when the e-mails and conversations became less and less frequent. There came a time when it was made known to Brooke that Lucas and Peyton had become a couple.

Eventually they had grown apart as well with virtually no signs of the dear friendship they had once held. They had not spoken to each other in years but Peyton had never forgotten her. Brooke wasn't exactly the forgettable type. Peyton often wondered about her, hoping she was happy. She had heard the former Ravens co cheering captain and head choreographer had become a successful professional dancer. Peyton had always wished her well and dreamed of the day when the two would talk again. Nervously chewing her lip, she knew that time would come soon. Brooke and her boyfriend had recently moved back to the area and had opened a dance academy. She was also a bridesmaid of Haley and a meeting between the two would be inevitable. It had been so long ago, Peyton had fears of how it would turn out. Still it was something she wanted and within the half summer she was planning to stay in North Carolina, she knew somehow she was going to get her answer.

She sighed with contentment as she pulled into her father's driveway. Home sweet home, finally. He had kept her old room just the way she liked it, even after all those years away. Peyton couldn't wait to climb those stairs and crawl into that comfortable bed. When married to Lucas, they had made frequent trips to Tree Hill but this one was different. For Peyton it was more than a homecoming. It was a chance to relax. It was a chance to breathe. It was a chance to spend time with her father again without the hurry or worry of getting back to New York. It was a chance to gather her thoughts and collect herself. It was exactly what Peyton needed.

Parking next to Larry's truck, Peyton hadn't noticed the sedan parked on the street. Grabbing her bags and her purse, she dragged into the house, fumbling for the key she still had on her key ring. Dropping her things at the door, she looked around. He was nowhere in sight but there were remnants of dinner dishes and a dim light and soft music coming from the living room. She couldn't help but smile as she barged right in.

"What's going on with the Motown, Dad?" Peyton laughed out loud. "If I didn't know any better, I'd think you had a woman over or something."

Stopping dead in her tracks, she was shocked to realize she couldn't have been more right. The only person more surprised was Larry Sawyer and his beautiful dark haired lady friend. The two, red faced, sat right up, clearing their throats and buttoning their shirts.

"Peyton!"

"Dad!"

For a few awkward seconds, they all just stared at each other.

"Pumpkin, what are you doing here? I thought you weren't flying in until next week."

Peyton struggled to find her voice.

"I am. I mean, I was. That was the plan but I got a break in my schedule and I thought I would surprise you and um…surprise!"

Larry stood and smiled, hugging his still stunned only daughter.

"Well, welcome home, sweetie. I, I'm glad you're here."

"I bet," Peyton shot him a glance looking towards the mystery woman, who stood and smiled.

"You must be Peyton," she acknowledged. "Hi. I have heard so much about you."

"Wish I could say the same," Peyton looked at her father again.

"Where are my manners? Audrey, this is my wonderful, beautiful daughter I keep telling you about, Peyton. And Peyt, I want you to meet Audrey Henderson, a very, very special friend of mine."

Peyton couldn't help but notice the way her father said the word special and the way he and Audrey stared longingly into each other's eyes. Audrey was tall and thin, with olive complected skin and dark hair and gorgeous brown eyes. She was an attractive woman who seemed nice enough and Larry Sawyer certainly seemed smitten.

"It's so nice to meet you, Peyton," Audrey extended her hand.

"Likewise," Peyton shook it.

"Well, Audrey and I finished dinner already, honey, but please sit down and…"

"It's okay, Dad. Um, I didn't mean to interrupt. Uh, I'll just be up in my old room unpacking and stuff so please, Audrey, stay as long as you like."

Larry and Audrey exchanged glances as Peyton retreated upstairs. Once in her room, she could exhale. It was good to have some sense of normalcy again. But it wouldn't last long as there was a knock on the door.

"Can we talk, Peyt?"

She looked at her father and nodded.

"Come in."

He gave her a hug and patted her hand, sitting next to her on her bed.

"I am glad you're here. I missed you and it's good to see you."

"Okay."

"I, I just don't want this to be uncomfortable and it is."

Peyton shrugged.

"Is it weird seeing you with a woman after all these years? Yeah. I mean, you haven't had a girlfriend, like ever, except if you count those few dates with Karen my junior year of high school. Yeah, it's weird and not the first thing I expected to see my daddy feeling up his new chick on the couch, but hey. Who am I to judge, right?"

"Peyton…"

"Is she nice?"

He smiled warmly.

"She is the best. Once you get to know her, you'll love her. She is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. She works as a legal secretary in town and she's a few years younger than me and she's a divorcee with one child, a daughter named, Madison who is 15. Audrey is the sweetest, smartest, warmest woman you'll ever meet and she makes me very, very happy."

"So I saw," Peyton quipped. "And just for my personal info, how long has this Audrey been making you happy?"

"A few months."

"How many months is a few?"

"About seven."

"Dad!" she hit him with the pillow. "Seven months? That's a long time. Why didn't you tell me?"

"We had only been dating about two months when you and Lucas split up. By the time it got serious, I didn't want to bring it up with everything you're going through."

"I appreciate you trying to protect me or whatever but I am not made of glass and I won't break. I want you, I need you to be honest with me always. Obviously this person is very important to you."

"She is and so are you. I want you two to be important to each other, Peyt."

Peyton sighed.

"Fine. Look, I'm really tired and the airline lost some of my stuff and right now I just want to shower and crash. Apologize for me and tell Audrey I'll see her later. Maybe she can come over and I'll have more of a chance to get to know her then. Is that cool?"

Larry nervously played with his hands.

"Actually, there is something else I have to tell you that I was planning to call and tell you this weekend before you flew in."

"What's up?"

"Audrey won't be coming over later."

"I don't get it."

"Audrey won't be coming over because, uh…she already sort of lives here."

"What?" Peyton yelled and stood up. "Dad!"

"Lower your voice, please."

"Are you joking? I mean, let me get this straight. You've had a girlfriend for the last seven months. I speak to you by phone every week, sometimes several times a week and you have neglected to inform me of Audrey and her kid and the fact that she has moved in this house?"

"Peyton…"

"Wait a minute. If Audrey already lives her, what about…"

"Madison does too. She is with her father right now. He doesn't live far away. He and Audrey share joint custody."

"Unbelievable. Seriously. Unbelievable. I feel like I just stepped into an episode of the Twilight Zone or something."

"I should have told you and I was going to, I was just waiting for the right time. I guess I blew it."

"Dad…"

"Talk to me. What bothers you most? The situation or the fact that I didn't tell you?"

Peyton was at a complete loss for words.

"I don't know. Both."

"I'm sorry, honey. Listen…"

"Just, I don't know, Dad. This is a lot to take in right now. I don't know how I feel and I don't know what to say to you. Just let me hang out here alone and I guess we'll deal with this in the morning."

Larry sighed.

"If that's what you want…"

"It is."

"Okay, Pumpkin. I, we'll see you at breakfast," he closed the door.

At breakfast? We? Peyton wanted to scream. Only in Tree Hill. She was coming back to North Carolina hoping it would be like it used to be. She'd be safe and she'd be alone with her daddy. Most importantly she could deal with her own family falling apart but 15 minutes home, she had just learned she had a whole new family. Flopping back down on the bed, she put a pillow over her face. What the hell had just happened?