Did you miss Allison while she was away from the Hill?

Allison Munn, who plays school teacher Lauren on One Tree Hill, has been M.I.A. from the CW drama ever since she bade farewell to her on-screen love “Skills” in December 2009 — but HollywoodLife.com can exclusively reveal that she’s back in North Carolina filming scenes for episodes that will air later this year!

“Back in NC, will go to bed dreaming of Jackson’s Barbeque,” Allison tweeted Jan. 19, and I couldn’t help but wonder if that meant she was going back on the show, which films in Wilmington, N.C. So I tweeted my question to her, and she responded (with incredible speed) in a direct message, saying “Yep – back on the show for a bit… :)”

So, what say you One Tree Hill fans — are you excited for Allison’s big return? I have to admit I got a little choked up watching Lauren and Skills say goodbye as he took off for Los Angeles. And could her return also mean that Skills will be back in town, as well? I guess we’ll just have to keep watching and see!