~*~Finally~*~

She watched at as her sixteen-year-old daughter chattered on the phone to a friend. Giggles escaped the beautiful teen as her hazel eyes danced wildly. It had been a rough sixteen years, but she had managed to raise a wonderful child.
“You know she’ll be leaving soon.” A voice spoke from behind her. Startled she turned to see her best friend watching from the door.
“Gwen.” She laughed lightly, “When did you come in?”
Gwen Hotchkiss smiled, “Just came in. You should be proud of her, she’s a beautiful child Kay.”
Kay Bennett nodded her head, “Just like her cousin?” Kay smiled. “Peyton is wonderful Gwen, you should be proud as well.”
Gwen Hotchkiss smiled at the sound of her daughter’s name. “Of course I am. She is just like her mother.” She teased. “Can you imagine what that poor child would have done if she had been like her father? She would have never learned to spell her on name.”
The women laughed together, just as they had done for the past sixteen years. It had all started over a simple conversation at the doctor’s office one day. Both pregnant and confused, neither knowing what life had in store for them. Gwen reached out to Kay that day, at first because she was Ethan’s sister and then because she realized they were much alike. She had just left Ethan because of his love for Theresa, and Kay knew that Miguel was never going to love her. They began to talk about their pregnancies, and Gwen became a older sister to Kay, helping her when her Grace refused. Once Gwen was able to find a nice home, she let Kay move in with her, leading them to a long lasting friendship.
“Oh my gosh, oh my gosh!” Carmen Lopez-Fitzgerald shrieked running in the kitchen where her mother and Gwen stood. “I have like the best news ever, ok so not ever but it’s so close!”
Kay laughed lightly, “Trey Willis asked you out?”
“No.” She frowned. “But Peyton got asked out.” She giggled. Turning she saw Gwen’s eyes grow wide. “Oh Aunt Gwen, um maybe I should let Peyton tell you.”
Gwen sighed, “Carmen who asked my daughter out?”
Kay smiled. “Yeah, he must be something to have you flipping out about it.”
“He’s not special to me.” She shrugged. “But Peyton really likes him.”
“Does he have a name?” Kay questioned.
Carmen dropped her head. “Alex.” She spoke looking down at the floor.
“Alex?” Kay coughed. “Not your cousin Alex.” She frowned. “Alex Crane?”
“Yeah, Alex.” Carmen nodded. “I know you don’t like Aunt Theresa.” She spoke to Gwen, “But Alex is pretty cool, he’s so much nicer than Ethan Martin.”
Gwen frowned. “He’s, he’s Theresa and Chad’s son. He’s a Crane, oh I think I need to sit down.” Gwen backed against the counter bracing herself with her hands. “But, isn’t Alex younger then you and Peyton?” Gwen questioned. “Is he even fifteen?”
Carmen let out a sigh as she moved her chocolate brown hair from her face. “He’s only a year younger than us. He’s not like Ethan Martin either, he’s not stuck up and full of himself at all.”
Kay watched as her best friend caught her breath. For years Gwen had worried that Peyton would fall for Ethan Martin, but she never thought about Alex Crane. Kay could still remember finding out that Theresa was pregnant with Alex. It was such a big shock to find out that Theresa and Chad had been together. From what Kay knew, Chad had found out that he was a Crane, and went to Theresa. She was upset as well, learning that Fox was in love with Whitney and Ethan was thinking of moving away. One thing lead to another and nine months later Alex Crane was born. Although Chad and Theresa decided not to stay together, they had bonded and together they had given Alex a good life.
“She has a point.” Kay smiled. “You know Chad is a good man, nothing like Julian.” She spoke. “And Alex is just like him.”
“Aunt Gwen, Peyton really likes Alex.” Carmen smiled. “Ethan Martin is like Theresa and Julian, but Alex, he’s just like Chad.”
“Carmen, why don’t you go upstairs and finish your homework? Once your done we’ll go shopping for shoes you’ve been wanting.” Kay spoke.
”Really?” Carmen grinned. “Wait, is this some trick mom? I’ve been begging for those shoes for like forever.” She frowned. “Why are you buying them now? Dad hasn’t made you mad again has he?”
Kay chuckled, “No, your father and I have actually been getting along lately. I just thought you might want those shoes. No catch to it, I promise.”
“Oh that is so cool!” Carmen shrieked. “I’m going to call Peyton and tell her. I found the perfect shirt to go with them.” She giggled running off.
Kay shook her head as she turned to Gwen. “Alex is a good kid.”
“I know, I know, and I shouldn’t judge him because of his mother.” Gwen frowned. “I should ignore the fact that it was his mother that tore me and Ethan apart.”
Kay dropped her head, “I didn’t say that, look I’m around both of Theresa’s sons and I can tell you Alex he’s good.”
Gwen sat down on one of the stools in the kitchen. Her head hung low as she frowned. “I suppose I should just keep quite about this.”
“They are young, one date means nothing.”
“Easy for you to say.” Gwen smirked. “You never have to worry about your daughter dating Charity’s kids because she’s related to them.”
Kay shrugged her shoulders. “You know what’s really sad? Our daughters have more of a love life than we do. We have work, and we have good lives, but doesn’t it get lonely Gwen?”
“Please, Kay you could still find someone. You’re thirty-four years old honey, get out and have a little fun.”
Kay rolled her eyes, “You act like your ancient Gwen, you are a beautiful woman who deserves to be loved.”
“You find me a man, and I’ll find you one.” Gwen joked.
Kay’s blue eyes danced as she looked at her best friend. “You know you may just have something there.” She grinned.
“Kay.” Gwen warned fearing the gleam in Kay’s eyes. “Kay whatever you’re thinking don’t.”
“You’re the one said it.” She smirked. “What if I could find you a man Gwen? A man worthy of your love?”
“Kay.” Gwen whined. “I was just kidding.”
“I’m not.” Kay spoke clapping her hands together. “I’m going to find you a man Gwen Hotchkiss, and your going to love him.”
A smile played on Gwen’s lips, “And I’m going to return the favor Kay.”
~*~*~*~*~*~

New Fic... As you can see it takes place 16 yrs in the future.. Kay/Gwen are best friends... I'll hint at the couples as I go..
There will be one other couple that will slowly come into play..