A/N: I am a little late getting this out but it's a little longer than the one before it so I hope that makes up for it a little. Thank you for the wonderful reviews. So without further adeiu...
Oh and for those of you who read it before, sorry about the space dividers. I swore I put them in there but for some reason they won't save so i put some S's in there to make it easier and that's about the only thing that would save. Anyways, thanks for reading.
People Always Leave, but Sometimes They Come Back
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We carry experiences with us always so in a way, we never really say good bye. And in those cases of true friendship, we often say hello again. (Skyla Moorman)
Nathan ran up and down the river court, basketball in hand as he drove down the middle and jumped for a lay up. It was a simple shot for him usually but he'd missed, the way he'd missed the last three baskets he'd attempted.
Nathan, remember 20 shots, no less.
He shot it from where he was this time, the ball hitting the backboard and flying back his direction into his chest.
You okay? I couldn't give you the winning bucket Nathan.
"Ugh!" Nathan grunted as he slammed the ball against the concrete, the words of his father still echoing in his mind. "Damn it!"
"Nathan," Haley called to him as the ball rolled towards her. She stopped it with her foot before rushing over to him and enveloping him in her arms.
Nathan hunched over and buried his face in the crock of her neck as she steadied him. His body shook when he could not hold it in any longer as a few tears began to escape; the hot moisture falling upon Haley's shoulder and dampening her shirt. She rubbed his back until he stopped shaking and then just held him silently. He didn't need words, only the quiet comfort she was offering.
Both were unsure of how long they stood there under the warm sun and gentle breeze that seemed to oppose Nathan's internal feelings. They were brought out of their private moment as his cell phone began to ring.
"Hello," Nathan spoke into the phone. "This is him…yeah." He paused briefly. "Okay, I'm sorry to hear that. Yes, thank you." He quickly put the phone back in his pocket before looking at Haley. "It was a lady from a church; apparently Dan use to visit some sick preacher in the hospital everyday."
Haley peered at him for a moment, "Really?"
"Yeah," he nodded. "I guess his wife talked to Dan a few times. Her husband died a few days before and she spoke to one of the nurses to see if they knew how to reach Dan for her husband's service. That's when she found out about his passing."
"Wow," Haley pursed her lips thoughtfully. "Maybe he really was trying to turn over a new leaf."
Nathan scoffed. "I guess anything's possible with Dan Scott." He looked out into the distance. "They'd actually like to have something at their church after Dan's service, like a reception."
"In a church?" she moved her jaw to the side as she thought about it before exhaling deeply. "So we're going to have Dan's reception in a church?"
"Looks that way," he replied. "I doubt Lucas will care either way."
She nodded and after a brief moment of silence, she spoke again. "We should probably get back."
"You're right," Nathan said. "I guess it's time to tell Jamie."
"We'll do it together," Haley replied as she held his hand in hers.
"This is," he breathed out as he teared up, "hard."
She immediately wrapped her arms around him tightly as he fell into her. "It's going to be okay Nathan," she soothed. "We'll get through this."
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Deb stood over the sink, dish in hand as she continued wiping the sponge around the plate. She stopped suddenly and pulled out a stool, climbing on top to get into the cabinet above the refrigerator. She reached into the very back, standing up on her tip toes until she reached the dusty bottle. Just as she retrieved it, the stool began to wobble and she felt herself tipping to the side.
"Whoa," Skills was suddenly behind Deb, steadying her. "You alright?"
"Yeah," she smiled as she stepped down with his help. "I'm fine, thanks."
"Anytime," he leaned back against the counter. "So what's that?"
"This," Deb said as she raised the wine bottle up. "This is my Dan Scott is dead champagne." She blew the dust off of it before sitting it on the counter.
"Your what?" he raised his brows.
Deb began again. "I said this is my Dan Scott is…"
"I heard what you said baby," he interrupted. "I just thought I heard you wrong."
She took a breath and sighed. "I know," she paused, "it's horrible. I've been saving this for years, waiting for the day I'd be rid of Dan." She exhaled deeply. "That must sound crazy."
"A little," he shrugged as he gave a short laugh. "But I know all the things he did to Luke and his mom and you were married to him so I can only imagine."
"He made our lives, everyone's lives miserable and for a while I let him turn me into someone I couldn't even recognize in the mirror." Deb leaned back against the counter, wondering if her next confession should even be spoken. "I almost let him turn me into a murderer." When he said nothing, she turned towards him and spoke again. "The fire…"
"The one Lucas pulled him out of?" Skills raised his brows at her. "You started it?"
Deb shrugged half heartedly as she turned back and leaned against the counter, staring at the fridge in front of her for fear of what she'd see in his eyes. "Yeah, that was me. I guess now you know I'm crazy."
"I think I knew that before," he replied as he tilted his head back, a light laugh in his voice.
She looked at him out of the corner of her eye, a soft smirk playing at the corners of her mouth. "So, I still haven't scared you off yet?"
"Not a chance," he took her hand in his, intertwining their finger. "Besides, crazy usually equals freaky and I can definitely get down with that."
"Yeah," Deb chortled. "What do you say when Nathan and Haley get back, you and me go to your place and start our own fire?"
"Fire starter," he laughed before he leaned over and kissed her deeply. "I think I like that."
She smiled brightly. "Thank you."
"For what?" he tilted his head to the side.
"For distracting me from all of this," she answered. "And for just being here."
"I will always be here for you," Skills replied. "You can count on that."
"I know," she said softly, thoughtfully as she leaned her head against his shoulder. "You know, this is staring to become like a real relationship."
"I know, right." He smiled as he wrapped an arm around her. "It's nice."
"Yeah," Deb agreed, feeling at home in his embrace. "It is nice."
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Peyton drove down the familiar street with the top down, wind in her hair as she rounded the corner to the place she up until recently called home. She looked carefree but she was anything but. She was irritated: irritated with the fact Lucas left this morning without a word and wasn't answering his phone, irritated Mia's mystery man hadn't shown up or called, and irritated that for some reason she was suddenly being pushed out of her best friend's life.
She pulled up to the house and got out of the car, her features taking on a look of determination as she strode towards the door purposefully. Peyton balled her hand into a fist and pounded on the door as hard as she could.
"Miss Sawyer," Rick said after opening the door.
"Look Rick," Peyton glared at him. "It is really important that I talk to Brooke."
"She's not here," he started to close the door but was stopped by her foot.
"I understand you work for the devil so maybe you don't get this but Brooke and I have been best friends since we were eight years old," she paused briefly. "We've been through moms dying, parents leaving, money issues, psycho stalkers, and boys named Scott and we've gotten through it all together. So whatever it is Brooke is going through, she needs me to get through it and I need her." She huffed. "And maybe she's upset about me and Luke getting engaged but we can work that out because Lucas needs her too right now and so do a lot of people so just…" she reached into her pocket. "Please, give her this."
Rick took the folder piece of paper she was offering him out of her hand. "I will let her know you stopped by." He watched her nod before closing the door and turning around to see Brooke walking down the stairs.
"Who was here?" the brunette demanded.
"It was Peyton," Rick answered a bit sheepishly for his size. "She left you this." He held the note out towards her.
Brooke looked at it quizzically before looking back at him, retrieving it. "Has she been here before?"
"Yesterday she and Lucas were here to see you," he answered. "Mrs. Davis asked me…"
"She's been keeping them away," it wasn't a question but she watched him nod anyway. "I guess she's really only doing what I asked; I still don't want anyone to see me like this." She paused briefly as she turned to look in the mirror, shaking her head at the sight. "What did she say?"
"She thinks you're mad at her because she and Lucas are engaged," Rick said plainly.
"They're engaged," Brooke actually stumbled back from the weight of it. She wasn't really surprised but the news hurt nonetheless.
She opened the note and read the short lines quickly, pausing to read a line quietly to herself. "Dan Scott died in front of Lucas and Nathan last night." She immediately dropped the paper and watched it float to the floor. "Oh my God," her eyes grew wide as she whispered. "Lucas."
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Lucas stood alone in the cemetery, hands in his pockets, as a warm breeze rushed over him. He could see the tree's branches above him swaying in the wind, letting the sunlight filter through to shine upon the simple gray tombstone. The grass that surrounded it was lush but kempt and there were fresh cut wild flowers placed on the plot. It looked peaceful, serene, and simple; a stark contrast to the huge audacious copper tone stone with a different Scott's name on it. One who was not buried there yet but soon would be.
"Hey Uncle Keith," Lucas turned back to the simple stone. "I'm sorry I haven't been here in a while." He sat down and stared at his uncle's name. "Things have been hectic lately. I guess I'll give you the cliff notes." He paused as he ran a hand over his buzzed hair. "Lindsay and I aren't together anymore, Peyton and I are engaged now, and Brooke…well something's going on with her but she or Victoria has closed her off. And then there's Dan. He's gone and I don't know how to feel about that." Lucas stopped as he heard footsteps behind him.
"I thought I'd find you here my boy," a familiar female voice called to him.
"Mom," he stood up and hugged her.
"Aww Lucas, I've missed you." Karen returned his embrace.
"What are you doing here?" he pulled back. "I thought you guys were heading to Greece next."
"There was a change of plans," Karen replied. "I thought my son could use his mother. The Parthenon can wait."
He nodded, offering her a grateful smile. "I'm glad you're here mom."
"Me too," she returned the smile. "Me too Luke."
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Brooke quickly went to her phone to call Peyton but heard no dial tone. She hung it up and picked the receiver up again, still hearing nothing. "What the hell?" She quickly ascended the stairs and grabbed her cell phone off the end table.
An automatic message began to play. "All outgoing and incoming calls have been suspended by user, pleas dial zero to be connected to your …"
"Son of a!" she shouted as she hung up. "Rick!"
"Yes Miss Davis," he sped up to her room.
"Did you know my mother suspended my phones?" she squinted at him.
"No, Mrs. Davis didn't say anything about it." He shook his head. "I'll check downstairs to make sure she didn't just take it out the jack."
Brooke nodded.
Rick returned a few minutes later with her cordless phone in hand. "It's fine now; she just unplugged it."
"Thanks," she replied as he left the room. Just as she was about to press the talk button the phone began to ring, startling her so much she almost dropped it. She quickly pulled herself together and answered it. "Hello."
"Hello Brooke," a familiar female voice spoke. "I know you're probably still upset from the way I left but please don't hang up."
"Rachel?" Brooke said in shock.
"Yeah it's me," her voice was full of nervousness. "I'm so sorry about the money; I promise I'm going to pay you back."
"Are you okay?" Brooke asked. "I know my mother said some stuff to you. Where are you?"
"If you can believe it, I'm in Malibu." She laughed. "I was just released from Promises."
"Like the celebrity rehab?" Brooke scoffed. "Are you serious?"
"Yeah and you'll never guess who I saw here," Rachel laughed. "I'll tell you all about it when I get back to Tree Hill, if you'll have me. I'm totally clean now Brooke, I swear."
"Honey, I don't think now is a good time," Brooke replied. "I'm glad you're okay but I just need some time to myself."
"I heard about the store," Rachel could hear something strange in her friend's voice. "How are you?"
"I'm fine," she answered a little too quickly. "Look Rachel, I have to go. I'll be out of touch for a while but leave your number on my answering machine later and I'll call you when I can."
Brooke quickly hung up and stared down at the phone, suddenly unsure if she was even ready to talk to anyone.
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Nathan and Haley stood in the walkway of their living room watching Jamie as he read, Chester planted firmly beside him. He looked so happy, so at ease and neither of them were looking forward to shaking up his happy little world.
"Hey buddy," Nathan said as he walked into the room and sat on the couch next to him, followed by Haley on the other side. "Your mom and I have something to tell you."
"And it's okay to feel sad or angry or hurt," Haley placed a hand on his back comfortingly.
Jamie closed the book and looked between his parents. "What's wrong Momma, Daddy?"
"You remember how we told you Grandpa Dan was in an accident," Nathan began.
The little boy nodded. "He was in the hospital getting better."
"And he really tried to get better baby but he just couldn't," Haley looked at him with sympathetic eyes.
"His body stopped working buddy," Nathan explained. "He's gone."
"Can I go see him?" Jamie looked up at them, wide eyed and innocent.
"We can't go see him," Haley replied. "I'm so sorry but he died Jamie."
"No," he yelled. "You said we could go see him; that I could take him my card."
"Jamie, we're so sorry." Haley tried to hug him but he pushed against her.
"You're not sorry," tears flowed out of his blue eyes. "You didn't like Grandpa Dan. I was his only friend and he brought me home when I was lost and Nanny Carrie was scary." He stood up. "You said I could see him."
"Jamie," Nathan reached out to him.
"No!" he yelled as he ran towards his room. "Leave me alone!" The door shut behind him as he cried on his bed.
"Oh Nathan," Haley leaned into her husband. "What are we going to do?"
"He's hurting Hales," he said as he wrapped his arm around her. "All we can do is be there for him like you've been for me." He squeezed her closer. "It's going to be alright; I promise."
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Brooke dialed the familiar number and listened to the phone ring. She had never expected Victoria to take it quite so far but she couldn't really be upset because in the end, it was exactly what she'd asked her to do. Take care of everything and don't let anyone see me.
Yet after she received the note, she realized she could no longer block life out. She listened as the automatic message came on; speaking once she heard the prompting message end.
"Lucas, it's Brooke." Her voice was still hoarse. "I heard about Dan and I jut wanted to let you know how sorry I am. I heard about your engagement too. Congratulations." She paused momentarily. "I'm going to be unreachable for a while but I'm thinking about you and Nate and Jamie. I'll get in touch when I can." She quickly hung up the phone and dialed another number.
"Hello," Peyton's voice carried through the phone.
"Peyton," her raspy voice spoke softly into the receiver.
"Brooke?" it came out as a question. "Where have you been? Are you okay?"
"I'm fine Peyton," she lied. "I've been out of the country. I'm sorry I've been unreachable."
"Really; so you weren't here when the store was robbed?" she asked, heavy concern in her voice.
"No," she lied again.
"I thought you were mad at me," Peyton let out a relieved breath. "Me, Haley, and Lucas have been by but Victoria wouldn't let us see you. She changed the locks and…"
"I'm really sorry about all that Peyton," Brooke said sadly. "I asked her to take care of a few things since the store was broken into. I just really need my home to be secure. But now that you and Lucas are engaged, you can live with him, right?"
"Right?" Peyton said slowly, confusion filling her voice. "Brooke are you sure everything's okay? You're not upset about Luke are you?"
"Don't be silly Peyton," Brooke tried to sound perky but it fell flat. Truthfully though, Lucas and Peyton were the last of her problems. "I want you to be happy Peyton, both of you." She paused briefly. "Look I've got to go, duty calls. I'll call when I get back."
"Okay," Peyton replied. "Hey Brooke?"
"Yeah," she answered softly.
"I love you B. Davis," Peyton said a bit solemnly. "You do know that, right?"
"Yeah, I love you too P. Sawyer," Brooke replied before hanging up.
Peyton stared down at her phone in silence. She was engaged; this was supposed to be the happiest time of her life but standing alone in her fiancé's empty home without him and suddenly distant from her best friend, she felt more alone than ever before.
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Two days later Lucas, Nathan, and Haley were sitting at a table in the rec room of a church they'd never been in before today, surrounded by its members and friends from Dan's past. To say it was a surreal experience was putting it lightly.
They'd been to the funeral where old friends of Dan spoke. His parents were there but they said nothing. Royal had sat rigidly and left quickly at the end of the service while May sobbed. During the burial, Royal walked away and stood in front of his other son's grave. Lucas had refused to ride in the family car during the processional and for a moment Nathan feared he wouldn't be there when Dan was put into the ground but he had showed, standing in the back stiffly until it was over.
Haley watched as Jamie played with a little boy and girl across the room, grandchildren of the recently departed preacher. He was still sad about the loss of Dan but less upset and she and Nathan and that gave Haley a great sense of relief.
"Can I get you all anything?" one of the church ladies approached their table. "Some desert perhaps?"
Nathan watched the others shake their head before speaking. "I think everyone is okay, thank you."
She smiled sympathetically before walking away.
"So how long do you think we have to stay here?" Lucas asked quietly.
"I don't know Luke," Nathan replied in the same tone. "They went through a lot of trouble; the least we can do is sit here."
The brooding blonde shook his head. "This is a joke."
"Hey," Peyton walked up and took a seat between Haley and Lucas, kissing the latter on the cheek. "How was the service?" She'd chosen to skip the funeral.
"It was actually a very nice service," Haley answered. "A friend of Dan's from college spoke and the preacher's wife; it was very tasteful."
"Yeah," Nathan nodded, trying to find the right words. "It was nice, well for what it was."
"And how are you doing?" Peyton turned towards Lucas.
"I'm fine," he replied a bit too nonchalant. "I'm going to get some fresh air."
"You want me to come with you?" he green eyes looked up at him as he stood up.
"No, I'll be fine." Lucas replied before walking outside.
Peyton turned back to Haley and Nathan, her face saddened. "I don't know how to help him. I thought I'd be able to because of my mom and Ellie but it's different. It's like he doesn't want to accept he's upset."
"He has to get through this his own way," Haley paused momentarily. "We just have to be there for him when he's ready. Just give him some time."
"I don't know how to be there for him," she said sadly. "And I don't know how to be there for Brooke." Peyton breathed out heavily. "She called me the other day."
Nathan nodded. "She sent flowers to the service. I think Lucas has them in his car."
"You mean the car he's speeding off in right now," Haley said as she leaned back in her chair, looking out the door. "Sorry," she said after seeing Peyton's expression. "What did Brooke say when you talked to her?"
Peyton shook her head, not having the energy to chase after Lucas; especially since she was sure he didn't want to be followed. She turned back to Haley. "It wasn't what she said but the way she said it." She ran a hand through her hair. "She said she was out of town."
"But you don't believe her?" Nathan could still read her easily.
"She's in that house," Peyton said firmly. "Something's going on."
"Maybe she really is gone," Nathan offered. "Maybe Brooke just needed some time away."
Peyton sighed. "Yeah, people always leave."
"Yeah they do," Nathan said before talking Haley's hand in his and holding it up. "But sometimes they come back." He smiled at her. "Brooke will too."
"Thanks Nate," Peyton returned the smile before reaching into her purse as her cell phone began to ring. "I should probably get this." The blonde stood up before sliding her phone open. "Hello."
"Peyton," a familiar voice spoke.
"Mia," Peyton smiled. "Is that you? There's a lot of background noise."
"Sorry," Mia said as the noise quieted. "Backstage is crazy but I only have one more performance and then it's back to Tree Hill, with a surprise."
"Surprise?" Peyton repeated. "Does that mean you talked to the guy who knew Ellie? Who is it? What's his name?"
"Mick Wolfe," she answered.
"Like the Mick Wolfe?" Peyton's eye grew wide with excitement. "The dude is a legend. His rifts are incredible."
"O-kay," Mia replied, annunciating both syllables. "Well anyways he wants to meet you so he's going to fly home with me tomorrow. Who is your favorite rock star?" She laughed.
"Do you even have to ask?" Peyton replied, "So cool, tomorrow then?"
"Yeah," Mia paused. "I gotta go but I'll call you with the flight info in the morning."
"Thanks Mia," Peyton smiled. "Do me proud."
"Yeah, yeah." Her tone was laughingly sarcastic. "See 'ya tomorrow Peyt."
Peyton grinned happily, the first wave of relief she felt since she'd returned to Tree Hill from Vegas. She suddenly had a new lease of hope. She glanced over to the empty spot where Lucas' car had been moments earlier but she suddenly wasn't worried anymore; she was sure he'd be back.
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Skills fumbled for his keys as Deb trailed kisses down his neck. During the reception at the church, they'd slipped out unnoticed and met back up at his house in need of some alone time.
He finally got the keys in the lock and opened the door, twirling her inside in between kisses before kicking the door shut. Deb slipped his suit jacket off before working on the buttons of his white shirt, sliding it down his broad shoulders once the task was completed.
Skills turned her around, kissing the back of her neck as he slide the zipper down her black dress and pushed it down her arms, watching it fall to the floor in an inky stain against his beige colored carpet. She leaned back against him, wrapping an arm behind his neck, her face tilting backwards as he bent down to capture her lips with his own in a heated kiss. Deb turned around without breaking the kiss and dropped her arms over his shoulders, hooking her leg around him to bring him closer.
Skills pulled back to gaze at her lovingly before whispering. "You are so beautiful."
She smiled like a school girl and bit her bottom lip, looking him over. "So are you," she laughed before crushing her lips against his once again as he backed her up towards the couch, their bodies falling on top of it.
"You are sure that Fergie and Junk are not coming home?" she asked breathlessly as he kissed her on her neck.
"Yeah baby, they went to some comic convention or something. Don't worry," he smirked before kissing her again.
They were both so entranced in each other; they didn't hear the door knob rattle or the sound of the door opening slowly.
"Hey guys, anyone here?" Mouth froze at the sight in front of him.
Deb scurried to the corner of the couch and brought her knees to her chest as she ducked behind one of the pillows and Skills' body, his eyes looking like a deer in headlights.
Mouth let out a nervous chuckle. "There's no place like home."
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The former model sat in the cab as it rode down the familiar streets of Tree Hill to her destination. Once she was in front of the house, she quickly paid the driver, grabbed her suitcase, and headed to the door.
"What are you doing here?" Rick couldn't help but smile at the woman in front of him but did not budge as she tried to move pass him.
"Don't be silly," she said flippantly. "Step aside Rick and let me in."
"Miss Davis does not wish to see anyone at this time," he repeated his famous line.
"Look we both know you're going to let me in so let's just skip pass this part, shall we?" she tapped him on his chest, her brown eyes casting flirty glances at him as he let her step inside. "Where is she?"
"Upstairs," he replied as he began punching in the security code. "I love the hair cut."
"It is cute isn't it?" she flipped her auburn locks before climbing up the stairs and opening the door to the bedroom, finding the girl in question standing with her back towards her. "So I know I left pretty fast and when we talked you didn't want to be bothered but I missed you and I'm better now and I'm sorry," she rambled. "I'm back now and I'm here to make it up to you Brooke. Plus my hoes ova bro's radar totally went on red alert when I talked to you so will you just turn around and tell me what's wrong?"
"Don't freak out," Brooke said quietly but firmly. "Promise me Rachel."
"Okay," the red head agreed.
Brooke turned around slowly and looked up, her black eyes and bruises completely visible.
Rachel looked like she could burst into tears any moment. "Brooke?"
"Don't," the brunette commanded. "Say something mean; something funny. Please Rach."
Rachel shook her head, fighting back tears as she cleared her throat. "Well it looks like someone finally…" she paused, unable to follow through.
"Come on." she paused, waiting for her frenemy to speak. "Fine, I'll start." Brooke exhaled in a huff. "What happened to your hair; finally coming out as a lesbian?"
"If you're talking about my cute bob, I cut it because I caught lice from you the last time I was here," she sniffed.
"Still doing drugs?" she asked, hand on her hip.
"Still pinning after Lucas?" she countered.
"I missed you slut," Brooke smiled for the first time since the attack.
Rachel stepped towards her to hug her. "I missed you too biotch."
The brunette held her hands up. "I'm too sore to hug. I fell… down the stairs."
"How many flights, thirty two?" Rachel raised a brow. "How are you?"
"I'm okay," Brooke sat down on the bed, causing Rachel to follow suit. "So, how long are you here for this time?"
"As long as you need me," Rachel held her hand as Brooke leaned her head against her shoulder.
"How did you get over it?" she asked softly.
"I didn't" she answered honestly. "I tried to bury it with the drugs. It took time but I got through it and you will too. I'm back for good Brooke, as long as you need me."
Brooke gave a sad smile. "Welcome home."
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Peyton stood outside on the porch in the cool night air, looking up at the stars. She had tossed and turned for a few hours before walking outside to take solace in the stars above. Lindsay had said that Lucas' recent book was about her; that she was his comet. She sat dejectedly on the steps before whispering to herself. "Then why don't I feel like it?"
He was pushing her away and she had no idea how to stop it, how to reach him through the wall he was building up ever since Dan died. She wondered now if this was what happened to his relationship with Brooke when Keith passed away.
She looked out at the street, noticing all of Tree Hill seemed to be locked in for the night except for a lone figure that was walking in the distance. Peyton watched as the blurry figure became clearer and clearer, the silhouette of a tall man taking form in the moonlight.
He strode purposefully, like he was on a mission and she had the urge to grab her sketch book and draw the scene before her although she wasn't quite sure why.
The blonde woman stood up, her curls drifting in the breeze as he approached closer towards her. Peyton began to make out his features: his jaw line, his brown hair, and then his face came into view, illuminated by the twinkling lights above.
Her green eyes grew wide at the realization, her body moving towards the sidewalk magnetically.
He froze, seeing her for the first time, before a smile spread across his face. He immediately rushed towards her and captured her in his arms, smelling the once familiar fragrance of her hair. Peyton wrapped her arms around him tightly as the moonlight shined upon them, laying her head against his chest.
"I missed you," he smiled into her blonde tresses.
"Oh Jake," she nodded against him. "I missed you too."
Skyla Moorman wrote, "Eventually people always leave. They leave for new job, new experiences, and sometimes new lives all together. They move on and move forward but the impact someone makes on your life is never gone. We carry experiences with us always so in a way, we never really say good bye. And in those cases of true friendship, we often say hello again."