I can almost hear myself think. 
Brooke’s excitement got the best of her as she jammed to a one of Peyton’s wacky mix tapes she had found lying on her car’s floorboard. It had seemed like a lifetime for Brooke since the last time she had seen her best friend and not having her around was like losing a finger; painful and depressing. If anyone was family it was Peyton Sawyer because just like all families they had their ups and downs. You can’t have quality rocky road ice cream without trying other flavors. It’s a way of testing whether the rocky road was truly the one with the best eminence and in the end you’ll pull out the one that’s always sitting in your freezer: the rocky road. Or, at least, that’s how Brooke saw things.
The pang of missing home eased a little as Brooke felt herself draw closer to Peyton’s house. She instantly recognized the front porch and the double set doors. This house had been like a second home for her growing up and since she’d spent so much of her time here with Peyton she practically had the history of this place sketched in her brain. Brooke clutched the steering wheel as she parked behind Peyton’s 1963 Mercury Comet. As she switched the engine off, stepped outside of her vehicle, and locked it with her car keys while making sure her alarm was set she gave a little skip to the front door. Not bothering to knock she opened the door figuring it was unlocked since they never worried about it anyway.
As soon as she made it to Peyton’s room she couldn’t help but let a grin form on her lips. “Are you going to just sit there or are you going to give your best friend in the whole wide world a welcome back hug?” Noticing the sketchbook lying at the end of the bed Brooke walked over and picked it up to get a good look at Peyton’s artwork. “Is this another one of your fantasies? Needing to put all of your sexual frustration into a sketchpad?” Gently putting it back where she had picked it up she pulled Peyton into a hug. “I missed you P. Sawyer.”
Peyton and Brooke had been inseparable ever since they were little girls. Sure, they had had their fair share of bumps in the road, but they found a way to end up back on top. There wasn’t anybody else in the world that Peyton trusted as much as Brooke, except for maybe her father. Just knowing that Brooke would be moving in to the Sawyer residence for at least a few days made Peyton ecstatic.
Peyton glanced up as her bedroom door opened and a familiar cheery face reached her eyes. A happy laugh escaped her lips and she climbed up from where she was lying. “Ugh. Don’t even worry about him. He’s not important.” Brooke pulled her into a hug and Peyton gladly squeezed back. “I’m just happy you’re here B. Davis.”
Peyton hung up the phone with a smile on her face and sat it down the desk in front of her. It had been long enough since she and Brooke and spent some quality time together and tonight that was going to change. With her dad finally being around for a little longer than usual Peyton found herself actually content at home. Whenever her dad was here, it didn’t feel nearly as empty. Sure, he made her turn down her music and come downstairs to eat, but having that parental authority was actually comforting in a way. Peyton got up from her chair and headed towards her door, opening it as she went. She made her way down the hall and knocked softly on her dad’s door, not knowing for sure if he was still up or not. “Come on in.” Peyton opened the door and stepped into the room, smiling at her dad who had his a book in his lap. He quickly set the book down and seemed to be trying to hide the cover, but Peyton didn’t think anything of it. “Hey.. Sorry, I thought you might be asleep, but I thought I’d let you know that Brooke’s on her way. Is it alright if she stays her for a few days or so?” Peyton raised one eye brow and leaned against the door behind her as it shut closed. “Of course, Peyt. You know Brooke’s always welcome here.” Her father smiled and Peyton nodded. “I know.. I just wanted to make sure.” Peyton smiled at him again and turned to open the door. “I love you, Peyton.” Peyton glance back at her father and felt her smile widen, even showing her teeth. “Love, you too.” She shut the door and walked down the hallway to her room.
Peyton had already turned off her music, knowing that her dad was trying to get some sleep and Brooke probably wouldn’t want to listen to the same music anyway. She was sitting on her bed, with her sketchpad in her lap when she heard Brooke’s car pull up outside. Peyton didn’t bother to get up, knowing full-well that Brooke would let herself in anyways. She glanced back down at her sketch, sighing as the same cocky eyes that she had been drawing for days stared back up at her. For whatever reason ever since meeting that Damon Salvatore, it was as if he was all she could draw. She tossed the sketchpad over to the end of the bed and the page turned to an already finished sketch with the same memorable face.
There’s only one person I can call my best friend.
Really Peyton? Because that would be so perfect! It will be like cheer camp, but even better. But honestly if it’s going to be a problem I can always stay with Rachel since that’s what I had planned to begin with.
Of course, Brooke! I’d feel lonely without you. It’s not a problem at all. Just come over anytime. 
For the moment. She’s off somewhere in Costa Rica I think. Probably with that European she met. It was the first time I’d actually given my mother props for doing something right for a change. As long as she stays gone the world will be a better place.
Well, you’re better off without her anyways. Where are you staying right now? If you want to come a spend a couple days with me, you know you’re always welcome. My dad is back and apparently staying for longer this time, but he already considers you like a second daughter. 
Someone’s got to. It might as well be me.
It’s about time you showed your face around here. Has Bitchtoria finally released her grasp on you? 
I blame Peyton.
You just blame me for everything, Brooke Davis. 
