"Do you really have to leave so soon" I watched as tears filled Brooke's big brown eyes. I nodded in response and she huffed as she crossed her arms over her chest. "I haven't seen or even heard from you in ten years P Sawyer and now your just up and leaving again after only a week. What am I supposed to do without my best friend…I missed you…a lot. I just…I don't wanna lose you"

"I'll always be your best friend and I'll see you again soon. I promise it won't be ten years down the line this time." I wrapped her in a tight hug as we stood in Karen's driveway. It was coming up on 11:00, which meant Stan and I needed to get on the road. I had spent the entire day with Brooke and Haley and that evening everybody had gathered at Karen's. Keith grilled a bunch of food for everyone and once again it was just a time for us to relax and reminisce.

"Please can't you stay just another day…just one more" I wanted nothing more then to give in to her but I knew I couldn't. As much as we pretended this past week, when it comes down to it…we aren't teenagers anymore…I have a life to get back to….we all do…and as unfortunate as it may be, we can't just get up and avoid responsibility the way we used to.

"I'm sorry B but…" she pulled back and looked me in the eye as

"You can't. I know, I was just kinda hoping that I would get my way like I used to in high school…ya know" she smiled sadly as tears continued to roll down both our cheeks.

"Yeah, I know" I hugged her tightly again before stepping back.

"Well I guess if Brooke can't get you to stay I'm not gunna have much luck either" I turned to find Haley staring at me with glistening eyes.

"I'll miss you Hales" my voice was barley above a whisper as she pulled me into her arms.

"Okay, I don't like goodbyes so if unavoidable I like to keep them short." I laughed at the petite brunette as we broke apart. "Call me" she said seriously before I turned to Nathan.

"Now tell me again why you can't just stay here in Tree Hill…with all of us." He grabbed my hand and twisted my around before pulling me against him. His arms wrapped around my stomach as I rested my head on his shoulders.

"I really wish I could Nate…but like I told Brooke…I can't. I have to go home."

"This is your home Peyt…no matter where you are, this will always be your home." He moved in closer to me before he spoke again. "No matter how long you're gone you'll always have a place in Tree Hill. We've all left his place and we've all come back…you're the only one left. As much as we wanted to get out of here when we were younger…this place is home to us all…it holds a piece of all of our hearts whether we like it or not…its just the way it is. Just know that if at any point you don't know where to go…or your feeling lost…you can come home Pey." I felt him kiss the back of my head.

"Look at you getting all insightful…Haley has done wonders on you Mr. Scott." It was all I could say to stop myself from breaking down right there and telling him everything that had gone wrong in my life. He understands that and I'm beyond grateful because he knows how much I appreciate what he said without me saying anything.

"Take care of yourself and keep in touch this time." I nodded as I turned around and hugged him tightly. "I'll miss you"

"I miss you already Nate." I pulled back and smiled at him before turning to the only person left. I walked over slowly, more tears already flooding my cheeks.

"Come here you" he smiled as he pulled me into a tight hug. I threw my arms around him and buried my face into his neck. "Should I feel special…I mean I'm getting a tear stained shirt as a souvenir." I laughed but neither of us let go.

"Well I don't wanna share my tears with you…I just…don't really seem to have a say in the matter right now."

"It alright…I like my new and improved shirt…I think I'll get it framed and then you get really famous you can come back and sign it."

"I'll be sure to do that…I wouldn't wanna forget the little people" I joked as we finally broke apart.

"Look you've got a long ride ahead of you…so I don't wanna keep you much longer. I'll miss you Peyt…but I'm sure you already know that."

"Of coarse you'll miss me" I laughed lightly as tears slid down my cheeks.

"Okay…your supposed to say something along the lines of I'll miss you too…but whatever miss conceded." I stuck my tongue out at him and watched as he did the same to me. I twisted my head to the side as I wrinkled brows and crossed my eyes.

"Peyt…babe we really need to hit the road soon." I looked back to see Stan sitting in the car waiting. I turned back to face Lucas as I smiled up at him sadly.

"Just remember what I said okay…for anything at all…even if you can't sleep and you just need some company. Ill read you one of my boring books and I'm sure you'll be out in no time." We both laughed lightly before he pulled me back into a warm hug. "Don't hesitate to call me at anytime Peyt" he dropped a kiss on my forehead as he let me go. I reluctantly pulled away from him and smiled.

"I'll miss you Lucas" I whispered before slowly turning around and walking towards the car. As I climbed in and closed the door and waved at everyone and whispered goodbye as we pulled off and sped down the road. As we hit the highway and passed the sign telling us we were leaving Tree Hill, it became official that I was headed back to what I have grown to call life.