"Welcome to LaGuardia International Airport" I listened to the mechanical voice that sounded over the speakers. I'm not sure what I'm feeling right now. Part of me misses Tree Hill and everyone there, but another part of me is excited to be here again. Lucas was right when he said I'm a big city girl…I just loved busy it all was…all the time.

As I wave down a taxi, it suddenly occurs to me that I'm lucky to have bought my apartment instead of renting it because I actually have a place to live now. I settle myself into the back seat as prepare for the hour drive into Manhattan…possibly more if the traffic's really bad. My phone's in my hand and I dial a familiar number…eleven numbers that I should have dialed a lot more often over the years.

"Hello"

"Hey B. Davis" I smiled to myself as I heard her inhale…I can just imagine the bright look on her face.

"P. Sawyer…I take it you got in alright?"

"Yeah…I'm on my way to the apartment now"

"That good…I'm so glad you called me" I didn't need to ask her why…she's my best friend, but she was never the one I chose to call. I know it hurt her the night I told her I called Lucas…and I feel horrible about that, but I feel at least a little better hearing how happy she sounds now.

"Figured I should let you know I landed safely…plus…I miss you Davis" I smirk as I hear a small giggle erupt from her end of the conversation.

"I miss you too…sooo...can I expect to hear from you again, soon." He voice sounds hopeful….and slightly desperate.

"You can count on it" I smile and look out the window. I sigh lightly as the sign for the Lincoln goes by. "Listen Brooke, I'm about to head into the tunnel so I gotta go. But I love you Davis and I miss you like crazy"

"I love you too P. Sawyer. I'll talk to you later." There were points in our relationship when we refused to say goodbye to each other…the first being when my mom died. It was always see you later, or talk to you later, but never goodbye…that just sounded to final.

"Talk to you later" I closed my phone just as the cab drove into darkness.

---

Have you ever been so prepared for something…and then when it actually happens …your throat constricts so you can't breathe, and your heart starts pounding so hard you can hear it AND feel it in your ears…and your palms get sweaty and suddenly it feels like someone turned the thermostat up to 110. Yeah that's me as soon as I close my apartment door.

I press my back against the door and inhale deeply, my eyes closed to stop the room from spinning. I'm standing here telling myself I'm fine…over and over and over again. To think…I haven't even made it away from the door yet.

"Hey you"

"Hi Nate" somehow hearing his voice is making me feel better already.

"What's wrong" just like him to cut straight to the point.

"Who said anything was wrong"

"No one…but I can hear it in your voice…you okay"

"Yeah…I just haven't been in this apartment in so long. I guess its just hard…to many memories" I take a deep breath as a tear slides down my cheek. "I haven't quite made it away from the door yet and I just…I don't know…I thought maybe it would easier if I had someone to talk to. I know it sounds stupid…I mean I shouldn't need someone to talk to me just so I can walk through my apartment…it's silly actually."

"So how was your flight?" I smile as I wipe away the other tears that I had let fall.

"It was okay" I leaned down and grabbed my bag before walking down the hall. "How's Tree Hill without me"

"God…its so boring…I don't know how I'll ever survive" I can just see him rolling his eyes.

"Excuse you…I'm hurt" I laughed lightly as the other voice echoed through the phone.

"Tell Haley I said hi"

"Peyton says hi"

"Hey Peyt" her voice came through the line loud and clear…knowing Haley she probably screamed right next to Nathan's hear…the mental image of him cringing makes me laugh.

"I'm glad you find her making me deaf…amusing….so happy to keep you entertained"

"Ohh you live for it….don't live in denial" I suddenly realize that I'm in my room and I've begun putting away my clothes. I stop when I open the closet door and look inside.

"Nate…I gotta go" my voice is small and I already know he's gunna start worrying.

"Peyton…"

"I'm okay…I just have to finish unpacking…I'll probably call you back later…okay"

"Alright…talk to you soon." I repeated the line before ending the call. I guess I forgot that all his things would still be here…his clothes, shoes, brief case…all of it. I make my way downstairs and into the kitchen. When I retreat back into our…my room…I've got a box of heavy duty garbage bags in me hand. I take one out as I look around the room…I'm making this place mine again.