A/N: Here comes the beginning of the drama.

Peyton woke up the next morning to find Haley sleeping next to her, not Lucas. There was a note sticking to Haley's forehead. The blonde looked at it for a moment, before tearing it off to read.

There was something I had to do. Be back tomorrow.

I love you both,

Lucas.

Peyton shoved Haley to wake her up.

Leave me alone. She uttered, turning away from Peyton.

Haley, wake up. Peyton demanded, shoving her friend again.

This brought Haley back into reality and out of sleep mode. She was awake now.

What the hell? I don't remember sleeping here.

Lucas left. Peyton stated, handing Haley the note that was sticking to her forehead just moments before.

Where do you think he went?

Haley shrugged. I have no idea.

The air was heavier than he had anticipated. A thick layer of smog hung overhead, causing the act of breathing in and out to be harder than the action should ever be.

It was not what he expected.

When he approached the door, his hands were drenched with sweat. The little beads made ringing the door bell a rather slimy event. He slid his damp hands into the front pockets of his khaki shorts, and awaited someone to answer his beckoning.

Is someone going to get the door? A shrill voice yelled out from behind the door.

Within seconds, the door was flung open, revealing a scantily clad, and angry brunette girl.

Her anger quickly turned into shock. Lucas Scott! What the fuck are you doing here?

The boy shuffled his feet on the mat that lay before the door. He was avoiding eye contact with the girl who just weeks before he thought he wanted to be with.

Brooke. He uttered.

She threw her arms around the boy's neck and allowed her embrace to last longer than one that two friends greeting each other would share.

He took in her scent. It wasn't as terrifyingly intoxicating as he once remembered it to be.

As they parted, he hands lingered on his shoulders. She looked as though she wanted Lucas to kiss her.

Can we go somewhere and talk? He asked, bringing his hands back into his pockets.

Sure. Of course. There was a sense of nervousness in her voice. She did not like the sound of what was to come from this conversation with Lucas.

_________

It was late afternoon in Tree Hill. Haley and Peyton were listening to music on the floor, in Lucas' room.

You've got to listen to Athlete. The blonde proclaimed as she held up the very album she was speaking of, in her hands.

Hand it over, broody.

Peyton's smile dissipated. She and Lucas shared the not-so-flattering trait of being brooding. She thought her days of brooding were over now that love was in her grasp.

How can you tell?

Haley looked at Peyton puzzled.

That I'm broody? She clarified.

Haley placed the disc into the stereo and collected her thoughts before speaking.

Your mood changed drastically from yesterday to today.

It was true. The smile that had comfortably found a home across the pretty blonde's face had disappeared. Not knowing where Lucas had gone to had Peyton worried. She didn't know what to expect when he returned. Haley's equal amount of worry was not helping Peyton's mood at all.

I guess that's true.

Haley changed the track to Street Map.

I like the piano on this one. She claimed, changing the subject.

The truth was, Lucas sent Haley a text a couple hours ago, that let her know where he was. Haley was keeping the truth from Peyton, knowing it would have consequences. Besides, she didn't really know anything besides his location. It was up to Lucas to divulge the details of his spur of the moment trip.

Me too. Peyton agreed, as she laid her head down on the cool, wooden boards.

Brooke led the blonde into the backyard by the pool, where she had obviously been spending her day. There were a few items on a table next to one of the lawn chairs.

They sat down across from one another.

You're awfully quiet. She noticed.

Lucas scratched his head. He had no idea where to begin or what to say. He just knew Brooke deserved the truth, and he didn't fly 3,000 miles just sit by a pool with the girl.

How have you been? He asked, easing into the conversation.

She began to ramble on about meeting some model, who of which she went clubbing with almost every night. He tried to listen, but his mind was too focused on his own half of the conversation to keep up with the experiences of Brooke Davis.

She finished and took a breath. What about you? How's your summer going?

Moment of truth.

That's the reason I came to see you.

Brooke's face lit up.

Need a little sunshine?

He shook his head, refuting her question. Nope, I've got plenty of that back home.

Boy that sounded cheesy, he thought to himself.

She sat silent, not sure what to make of the boy's ponderings.

Have you thought about what I said to you, the day you left?

Despite all of her bravado, and the boys she had been fooling around with, it was clear to Brooke the whole time what she wanted. Who she wanted. And that was Lucas. She'd been writing Lucas a letter for everyday she'd been away from home. Her subconscious was always having a conversation with him, he was who she dreamt about. When she heard something ridiculously funny, it was Lucas she wanted to share it with.

Of course, Luke. She placed her hand on top of his, which was currently clasped with his other hand.

A light smile came across his face. It was sweet to think that Brooke was thinking about him, about what happened or might happen in the future between the two of them.

So?

Being vulnerable was not something that came easy to Brooke. She wasn't exactly superb when it came to articulating her feelings either, but she was willing to try for Lucas.

Honestly, you took me by surprise, Luke. But in a good way.

Brooke removed herself from her lawn chair and placed her bottom next to Lucas'. This made Lucas visibly uncomfortable, and Brooke wondered why her direct presence would have such an effect on him.

Is something wrong? She asked, despite the fears she had of the potential answer.

While you've been having fun here, I've been having fun back in Tree Hill. He stated, looking directly in the brunette's eyes.

What kind of fun?

The kind of fun you have with someone you're in love with.

Brooke was completely confused. Was Lucas seeing someone else? How could he be in love? He was supposed to be in love with Me. Too many thoughts, too many questions at once.

Who are you in love with?

His face grew serious in preparation for the next word that was to escape from his mouth.

Peyton.

The brunette felt as if someone had sucker punched her, right in the gut.

I thought you said I was the one you wanted to be with, not Peyton.

Lucas let his head fall into his hands. He did not want to be having this conversation. For too long though, he'd been running from his heart. He'd been running from who he really wanted to be with. It was only now in the last couple of weeks he realized that truth.

I did want to be with you.

But now you want to be with Peyton?

He nodded.

Jesus Christ! You are beyond ridiculous! She was standing now, yelling at the boy who was not looking at her. Not even a glance. I want you to leave.

Lucas looked up at Brooke. Tears were streaming down her cheek, her body was tense. This is not how it was supposed to happen.

Go! Get the fuck out! She pushed him out of the chair.

He managed to take a piece of paper out of his pocket and set it on the lawn chair where he had just been sitting.

Goodbye, pretty girl.


What are you writing? The blonde asked, noticing Haley writing something into a notebook.

The girls were still hanging out in Lucas' room. Both seemingly lost in thought over their significant others, or rather over the men they were hoping to be their significant others.

I'm writing a letter to Nathan, at camp.

Have you written him before? Peyton wondered.

Haley placed her pen down and looked up at Peyton. Once, but he didn't write back.

Oh.

Peyton had always been a big believe in Nathan and Haley's relationship. Even when they got married, she was one of the few who thought it would actually work out. Despite recent events, Peyton still had faith in their relationship. She saw and understood what they had, and what they had isn't the kind of thing that comes along every day.

Ring. Ring.

Peyton's phone rang. It was an unknown number.

Hello?

Hi.

It was Lucas. His voice was quiet, calm.

Where are you? Peyton stood up, bringing her free hand to her chest.

Somewhere above Nebraska, I think. He chuckled.

Quickly Peyton realized Lucas was on a plane. It explained for the number being unknown.

Will you pick me up when I land? We have to talk.

Her mind was racing. She was wondering what had happened and where he had gone. It didn't take her mind that long to figure out where Lucas would have to travel by plane to go. And what he had to do that was so important.

Call me when you land. She shut her phone and turned to Haley.

I think Lucas went to see Brooke.