Love Comes Softly
Prologue
NOTE: Starts off right after the end of Episode 5x11 when Brooke showed up at her and Peyton's house, crying.
Brooke stood there crying in Peyton's arms. Peyton didn't say a word. All she knew was that her best friend's heart had been broken. By whom, she didn't know. And right now wasn't the time to ask. Brooke would tell her on her own time. Right now she just needed a shoulder to cry on.
After a few more moments, Brooke pulls away. Peyton stares at Brooke, making sure she's okay.
Brooke: I need to get out of here.
Peyton wipes away Brooke's tears.
Peyton: Brooke, I don't think you should be out alone. Let me come with you.
Peyton starts to get her purse.
Brooke: No, Peyton. (pause) It's fine.
Brooke shrugs.
Brooke: I just…need to sort some things out. (pause) On my own.
Peyton nods. Brooke wipes the last tear from her eyes and walks out the door.
20 minutes later…
Brooke didn't know how she ended up here. She left the house because she wanted to be alone. It was time for her to figure out her problems on her own. Yet, here she was in front of his apartment door…knocking.
After a few moments, the door opens. Owen stands there, seemingly surprised to see Brooke.
Owen: Brooke?
Brooke: Hey.
Brooke starts to break down again, but she holds it in. Owen doesn't need to see her crying. It made her seem pathetic. At least, to her it did.
Brooke: Um, can we talk?
Owen: Sure. Is everything okay?
Brooke: Not really.
Owen holds the door open, as Brooke walks in. She goes into the living room and puts her purse down. It's silent for a few moments.
Owen: Brooke…
Brooke: Rachel's gone.
Owen walks toward her, concerned.
Owen: Brooke, what happened?
Brooke: I don't know exactly. (pause) She was doing so well! I mean, I really thought she was going to make a decent turn around. (pause) But when I got home tonight, she was gone. She took the money that Peyton had given me. I just…Owen, I don't know what to do!
Brooke's voice starts to crack from all the emotion building up inside her.
Brooke: What if she starts shooting up again? What if she uses all that money for drugs? She could…she could die and it's all because of me!
The tears start to flow. Owen pulls her into his arms.
Owen: Hey…hey listen to me. (pause) Brooke, don't you dare think for one second that this is your fault.
Brooke: But it is, Owen! I should have listened to you. I should have taken her to a rehab facility instead of bringing her home with me, thinking I could take care of her. She wasn't stable enough.
Owen gently sits her down on the couch, still holding her.
Owen: Brooke, you only did what you thought was right. You were being a true friend to her. It's not your fault that she didn't appreciate that.
Brooke pulls away and wipes her tears.
Brooke: I'm so sorry about all this, Owen. You don't need me to be dumping all my problems on you.
Brooke tries to regain her composure.
Brooke: God, I'm such a mess!
Owen: Oh come on! (pause) You're a beautiful mess.
Brooke stares at Owen. Her heart was pounding so quickly. What did he mean by those words?
Brooke: Um…you know I think my mother had something to do with it.
Owen furrows his brow.
Owen: What do you mean? Why would your mom have any interest in Rachel?
Brooke: She doesn't. That's just it. I saw her later tonight at the shop. She mentioned talking to Rachel. She must have said something that really got to her. Believe me, I know how conniving and ruthless my mother can be. I've heard it all.
Owen: And yet you still keep her around.
Brooke: Not anymore.
Owen looks at Brooke, who is staring straight ahead.
Brooke: I fired her tonight. (shakes head) I fired my own mother.
Owen: You know it was the right thing to do, Brooke.
Brooke nods.
Owen: But I know it doesn't make it any easier on you. I know you love her.
Brooke: Yet she doesn't love me.
Brooke gives a light laugh.
Brooke: I seem to always have that problem. Loving someone when they don't love me back.
Owen: I'm sure she loves you, Brooke. She just doesn't know how to show it. If you ask me, she's the one that needs to grow up.
Owen puts his arm around Brooke and pulls her close. She lays her head on his shoulder. There was something about him that made her feel safe and at ease.
Owen: You know, I wanted to know what's underneath all the clothes, but I didn't expect I'd have to deal with all this.
Brooke laughs and playfully punches him in the shoulder. Owen smiles as Brooke places her head back on his shoulder. He gently starts to brush the hair away from her eyes.
Owen: You're gonna be fine, Brooke Davis. I promise.
Brooke slowly smiles. She believed every word he had said. And she had never felt more comforted.
One hour later…
Owen looks down at Brooke who has fallen asleep in his arms. He smiles. He had never seen anyone look so beautiful awake…and asleep.
Owen gently lays her down on the couch. Brooke wiggles a little, getting comfortable again but never waking up. He grabs a blanket from the closet and places it over her. He gently brushes the hair out of her eyes and just stares at her.
Owen: (whispering) Oh, Brooke Davis. What are doing to me?
After a few more moments, Owen slowly gets up and walks over to the chair across from the couch. He sits down and just stares at Brooke. He felt like he could sit there forever…just watching her sleep. It was the most innocent and yet the most beautiful thing he had ever done.
To be continued...
Dedicated to my Browen Bunnies at FanForum! Love ya girlies!
-Lyncoln
