AN-I've written numerous one-parters lately, and finally decided on writing a continuous fanfic. Most of the fanfic will probably be flashbacks. The first chapter is present, the middle chapters will be flashbacks, and the last chapter will most likely be future. I'm really looking forward to writing this, and I hope it catches peoples' interest. Like I've mentioned before, I'm always open to ideas, so feel free to share them. If I can find a way to throw them into my story, I will. And, like always, reviews are always welcomed. Heh winks Hope you enjoy.

-The First, and First Chapter ONLY, will be told in Peyton's point of view (unless written so otherwise later on).

Love, Emily

Anniversaries. It was the one word I had realized at a young age that I wouldn't experience, unless of course you count death as an anniversary. I can't say it didn't bother me because it did. I just never saw myself as the kind of person to experience them, to fall "in love" per say. But I guess you need that, the doubt, with no clarity. Because it's the doubt that gives you the clarity, even if you have to search for it, it's there. It's the doubt that brought Lucas and I back together the few months before high school graduation. It's the doubt that allowed me to throw my heart out there. And it's the doubt that let me fall in love.

"What're you thinking about, Peyt?" I turned my head casually toward the blonde, shaggy-haired Scott and smirked.

"Nothing…" My voice barely a whisper, "it's not important."

"Then you wouldn't be thinking about it." Leave it to Lucas, always determined to read into everything far too much. Partly the reason why I fell in love with him, just since he cared so much. "Come on, Peyt, talk to me." He brought my hand to his lips, gently grazing over my fingertips before giving them a light squeeze.

"It's just…" I felt foolish for even thinking about it. "Do you ever…just feel guilty? About how we got together?" My face tightened, for we had never really discussed what had happened. One day him and Brooke were just over, and pretty soon, Brooke and I were over as well. I just always figured Lucas had something to do with the reason why Brooke and I ended our friendship. He was searching for an answer, and I could tell just by his facial expression. It was blank, pondering between his own thoughts.

"Honestly?" I nodded toward him. "I really don't have an answer, well at least one that would make sense to you."

"Just tell me anyway," I nudged his side gently, playfully.

"It's simple, really, well for me." He stopped both of us in our tracks, intertwining both of his hands into mine. "It took being loving someone else to realize who I was in love with." My head cocked to the side slightly, the moonlight glare catching my eyes. "See, told you you'd think I was crazy…" One of his hands brushed through his hair nervously as a chuckle escaped his lips.

I grabbed his hand back to mine, gently leaning upward to catch his lips with mine. A small smile played across my lips before pulling away slowly, eyes still closed. "No…it makes perfect sense, kind of like Jake and I." Our eyes locked for a few moments before we continued walking.

"I'm glad you understood."

"Me too," I smiled back at him. "So now where to?" It was getting late, the sky fulfilling its full darkness.

"I was thinking maybe we could talk…" He pulled my hand over to a bench as we both sat down.

"Sure, what about?" I had a feeling it was about college. Summer was ending, and whether we both wanted to see it or not, we'd most likely be heading off to different states, away from each other. It just wasn't something I really wanted to talk about, especially on our six month anniversary.

"I got in."

"What? Where?" I was hoping, wishing. And I was pretty sure of what he was talking about. His face was glowing.

"That's the other reason about tonight, us obviously, and to tell you that you're stuck with me." I let out a small shriek before throwing my arms around his neck tightly, the smile on my face impossibly huge. "I don't know why you're so happy, that was your excuse to get away from me." I lightly smacked his shoulder.

"I'll find another one, shouldn't be too hard."

He kissed me gently before we both began walking again. His arm snaked around my waist slowly, continuing toward my house for the rest of the night.

"Hey Luke!" We both turned simultaneously to see The Rivercourt, as well as everyone down there.

"Do you mind?" He asked me. "I know tonight was supposed to be about us."

"No, I just get you for myself later," I kissed him softly before pushing him toward the court. "I love you."

"I love you too….and, you owe me."

I sat down slowly on one of the benches next to the court, watching how passionate he was with the game. It was watching me with my art or music, first loves. You didn't always have to fall in love with just people. It was easy to just drift off, watching them play. It was mesmerizing, just everything about what they were doing. The uncoordination, the random, unplanned movements that made the game worthwhile. It wasn't until I heard Fergie's voice shouting Lucas' name that I snapped back to reality. It wasn't until I saw my boyfriend look over at me, clenching at his fist to his chest before falling to the ground. My world collapsing with his, watching him lying on the pavement. I was at loss, my heart stopping as I stood, running toward his side.

"LUCAS!"

It wasn't until I realized that he would be gone by the end of the night.