A/N: I had a dream and it has inspired me to write this probably three piece story...something short and sweet. So enjoy!

Chapter 1: Calls Me Home

"So many years

Can leave behind

Regretfully until it's time

To realize the moment

When you turn around

I'm coming home

To breathe again

To start again."

"Calls Me Home" –Shannon LaBrie

"So when was the last time you saw him?"

I dropped the plate I had in my hand and it shattered.

"Are you okay?" He rushed over to me and started helping me pick up the pieces.

"I…not since he left." Tears dared to leave. I forced them away.

"Me too." He placed his hand on top of mine and gave it a soft squeeze.

He smiled at me and shooed my hand away as he started picking up the pieces and placed them in the trash.

He walked out of the kitchen and I was left alone. I gripped the edge of the kitchen counter and took in a deep breath. On October 11th, 2007 everything changed and ripped all of us apart. The anniversary of that day was in a week and it was bittersweet.

"Mama! Mama!" I smiled at the angelic voice that echoed through the hallways.

"Funny bunny." I turned to face the beautiful little girl as her caramel hair hung in curls around her face.

"Jamie is being mean. He won't let me play with his toys." She buried her face in my hair and I smiled.

"Jamie Lucas Scott in here now!" I called out and I could hear the heavy feet of a five year old stomp against the floor.

"Yes." He had his head lowered and I couldn't help see him in Jamie.

"Why won't you let me play with you?" Little Lydia Scott asked her pouty brother.

"Uh…Lydi, they are boy's toys. Boy toys aren't for girls." He popped his hip to the side and crossed his arms.

Lydia turned to face him and did that sigh she used to do.

"Why not? I would let you play with my toys." She said and got that familiar frown line across her head.

"Well Lydi, I wouldn't want to play with your toys and maybe I don't want you to play with mine."

The two young kids started to bicker and they do it just like they used to do back in high school.

"Hey, hey!" I said letting them know that this had to stop.

"Jamie, Lydia is your sister and you need to learn to share. You may not want to play with Lydia's toys, but if she would like to play with yours, you should let her. Okay?" I looked between the precious twins and waited for Jamie to respond.

He let out a shrug and let the brooding line display across his face, one that I knew all too well.

"Fine. Okay." He walked out of the kitchen and Lydia started to bounce in my arms and I placed her on the ground.

The kids ran in between their dad's legs and a smile grew upon his face.

"I am going to need a favor Brooke." He clutched his cell phone in his hand tightly.

I cocked my hip to the side and looked at him.

"I don't wanna." I groaned and poked my lip out, he chuckled.

"You're cute when you do that, but it's not going to work this time." He pointed his finger at me and I couldn't keep my smile back anymore.

I rolled my eyes and crossed my arms.

"What is it?"

He looked down at his feet and then back up to me.

"Can you pick him up from the airport? I just got a call that they need me at the office. I wouldn't ask if it didn't depend on my job that supports those beautiful kids out there and well…you." He said poking his lip out at me.

My mouth dropped and I knew this day was coming but I felt I wasn't ready yet.

"Uh, yeah sure."

He let out the breath he was holding and walked over to me kissing me gently on the cheek.

"Do you want me to call Katie to come and watch the kids while you go?" He asked getting ready to dial her number.

Should I take the kids to see him? I mean they've never really spent anytime with him. He's never been here for all the important moments in the kids' lives. The three of them don't really know each other.

"Uh, sure, yes that's fine. Wouldn't want to drag the kids through the airport?" I smiled at him and he called Katie.

I checked myself out in the mirror to make sure I looked presentable. The airport wasn't a huge deal, but I would still like to look nice for when I see him.

Nathan was gathering some things he needed to head to the office on his day off and walked towards me.

"Be safe." I said as a daily blessing to him.

"You too. Tell him I'll be back some time around dinner." He leaned in and pecked me on the lips.

Katie arrived about ten minutes after Nathan left and I told her I would go do some errands before I to go to the airport. She didn't mind spending time with the kids and said she would stay as long as she needed too.

I went to the bank, bought the kids their birthday gifts from me and got myself a book and new bath salts. It was about that time I made my way to the airport.

The feeling deep in my stomach was nervewracking. I was nervous, upset, and scared. I parked the car and started walking into the airport. This brought me back to the last time I was here and it was extremely unsettling.

"Please, please don't do this. We need you." I was standing in the middle of the airport crying my eyes out as he held his bag over his shoulder and wore that brooding frown line I always loved about him…but now I despised.

"I have to leave. I promised her so many things and now, now I have to do them…for her." He reached his hand out to my face and I pulled back from him. He was abandoning us.

"The kids and Nate will need you. Peyton will need you! I will always need you, no matter what we've been through." I reached out to clasp his hand and I saw tears in his eyes.

"I just can't do this…not right now…I...I have to go…I have to do this for her." He stepped back from me as I tried to get closer to him.

"Please…please…don't do this." I began to shake and people started staring at me.

"Goodbye Brooke."

I snapped out of my reverie and waited…the Tree Hill airport was so small that I wasn't sure which part of the building he would be coming from. My feet started to twitch as I twiddled my thumbs and bit on my lower lip. I felt like that high school girl again and it scared me a little.

An elderly man bumped into me and I nearly lost my footing. Damn wedged heels.

"Oh, miss, I am so sorry."

I clung to his arm to help him stand straight.

"It's really okay." I smiled at him; he smiled back and walked away.

I turned back around and I saw him. He had a shaved head making him look older sporting facial hair around his mouth He was a lot bulkier, sturdier in his step, and older. The lines on his face made him look his age but with him you could always tell he was a wise soul.

He finally caught my eye and it was almost like he was seeing me for the first time. He stopped in his step, looked me over and then a small smile formed across his face. I didn't think I changed that much but then again I guess I did. My hair is the longest I've ever had it and my face was a little thinner. I didn't wear skimpy, tight clothes anymore. I actually dressed more like a mom as I wear a cardigan with a pendent and jeans with closed toe shoes.

He dressed exactly the same but I can tell his travels have changed him from the boy I used to know.

"Brooke." The glint of his piercing blue eyes fell upon mine.

"Luke."

He held his arms out to me and I couldn't help but skip into his arms transforming into that school girl I used to be. His steady breathing didn't make my heartbeat skip any less.

I thought I would still be upset that he left all those years ago but being in his arms made me forget all about that in this moment with him.

"It is so good to see you." He said in my hair still holding me tightly against him.

I closed my eyes and smiled against his neck.

"Yeah."

We pulled back to get a better look at each other. It was almost like he never left. He held his hand out for me and I took it as we started for the exit. We didn't speak until we got to the car.

"How is everyone?" He asked as he loaded his bag into the trunk.

"They are all great. I am sure they can't wait to see you. I mean I think the kids will be excited to meet their Uncle Lucas." I really wasn't sure about that one.

Lucas would always send postcards and called a lot to check in with us, but that didn't mean that the kids would be as comfortable with a person they've never met coming around. I really never spoke to Lucas that much over the past five years. Sometimes I would, but not as much as he spoke to Nathan which was almost every day.

When Luke left, I felt like he was abandoning us when we needed him the most. After awhile I got over it and tried to put it past me.

We drove in silence as Lucas looked out the window familiarizing himself with the surroundings of Tree Hill.

"Did you miss it?" I asked him.

"Every damn day." He said as his head turned in all directions.

I pulled into the driveway and we both got out of the car.

"Nathan was called back to the office but the kids are inside." I walked in front of Lucas and unlocked the door.

Once inside I heard the kids running down the hallway. Here it comes.

"Mama." Lydia called out.

Lucas tensed up at the word choice Lydia chose.

"Whoa, bunny, slow down." I reached out and picked her up in my arms.

"Jamie let me play with his toys!" She was so excited that it made me extremely happy because she was so happy.

I looked over at Lucas and a sad smile came across his face. It must be hard for him right now seeing her in them.

"I told you I would be nice to her." Jamie stopped in front of us and looked Lucas up and down.

"Do I know you?" Jamie asked as he tossed the ball he had in his hands back and forth trying to figure out if he knows this person or not.

The frown on Jamie's face matched the one on Lucas's perfectly.

"Well I am your Uncle Lucas."

"Are you related to my dad or my mom?"

Lucas's face fell. He looked back up to the boy.

"Your dad."

"I've seen daddy read your postcards. Why haven't we seen you before?" Lydia asked as she twirled her finger around my hair.

"I had to leave for a little while but I am back. I want to get to know you guys more. I am back for good." He winked at her and she blushed.

"Okay I promise you guys will get to play and hang out with your uncle Luke, but I am sure he is tired right now and will want to settle in his room first before we have dinner." I said speaking to Lydia and then looking down at Jamie who still wore that frown on his forehead.

"I remember who you are now. I mean I know you're my uncle but you were my real mommy's best friend." He said and I placed Lydia on her feet and she ran off and Jamie followed her.

Lucas and I both sighed at his comment and we noticed each other's sad smiles.

"Okay, this will be your room." I walked over to the curtains and let what little sun we had left of the day shine through.

Nathan lucked out getting the beach house after his parent's divorce. Dan felt like he needed to start doing things right with his life. He told Nathan he would support and help him with anything he needed. I guess after losing your wife, having a heart attack, and a widowed son has put things in perspective for Dan Scott. The only thing Nate accepted from Dan was the house. Nathan has pride but told Dan he would repay him however he could. If there was one thing from Nate's childhood that he enjoyed and had his best moments were in this house. It was the first time he realized he was in love with his beautiful, kind wife.

The walls were painted a baby blue with a black comforter on the bed with white furnishings. Very formal and fit just nicely for Lucas.

"And where is your room?" He asked tossing his bag onto the bed looking over at me.

"I am in the master downstairs. The kids are across the hall from you and Nathan sleeps in the other room downstairs." I began to fidget my feet again waiting for anything or something to happen.

It was almost like I forgot how to act around him. In the airport, not much was said between us. We were just both excited to see each other and now it felt awkward.

"How's Peyton?" He sat on the bed and I leaned against the desk.

"She's doing fine. You haven't been speaking to her?" I figured that if there was anyone besides Nathan he would keep in close contact with, it would be Peyton especially after everything they went through to be together back in high school.

"No, we lost touch about a year after I left."

I also wanted to tell him that I lost touch with Peyton also. About two years went by before I spoke to her again. Lucas was never a subject we talked about, it just only made us think about that day.

"I'm sorry."

"So the kids call you mama, you must be proud." He got up from the bed and unzipped his bag. Was he disappointed in that?

"I'm the only person they've ever known as a mother, why would that be a bad thing." I crossed my arms almost hoping he would argue with me about this.

"No, it's just…you aren't their mother. It just almost doesn't seem right." That frown line appeared across his face again.

"At least I stayed and stuck around to watch them grow up and take care of them while you ran off claiming it was something you had to do when you could have stayed! You chose to leave when we all know that she would have wanted you to stay as well! You were selfish back then just as it seems you still are!" I was beginning to think he hadn't changed at all. That maybe his travels didn't do anything to improve him.

"Whoa, I didn't mean it the way it came out, but it's nice to know how you truly feel." He seemed relaxed, not getting too upset the way I just had.

"You did know how I felt back then just as I still feel the same to this day! Those kids could have needed you in more ways than you could have imagined. I wasn't ready to fill her shoes and I didn't have to. Nobody asked me to but I did it for her…I did it for Haley!"

Lucas flinched as I said her name out loud. I was shocked too. I haven't said her name out loud in a very long time; it was almost too painful to say it.

"Yeah and I left for her! We made promises to each other and I was not going to break those promises. I went out there and fulfilled what she wished for us to do and I did it." He pointed his finger out getting his point across and I just shook my head.

"You don't get it, Luke. You two made those plans together. Guess what, when she died there was no more together!" I shouldn't have said that but I need him to wake up and realize she isn't coming back no matter where they both promised each other they'd go.

"Take it back Brooke." He pointed at me again and I couldn't help it.

"Damn it, Luke! I miss her too! When I had my miscarriage, she was there for me! She was the only one was always there for me!" I stomped my foot towards him and his eyes went big.

"Haley may have disliked me for her own reasons in the beginning but she had always been honest and open with me from that beginning unlike you! So get this, I miss her every damn day and I didn't run away! You did!" I pointed right back at him.

He was still in shock from my statement. I never told him about the miscarriage until now. I left the room and headed downstairs to see the kids playing with Katie. She was a smart, young girl; she had to have heard us yelling.

She said something to the kids and walked slowly towards me.

"You okay Miss Davis?" She was the sweetest kid I'd ever met.

"Please call me Brooke and I am fine. Did the kids hear anything?" I peeked into the den and they were busy arguing about whom was cooler: Buzz Lightyear or Woody.

"Not really, I kept turning the volume up. They didn't seem to notice. Do you want me to stick around until Nathan comes home?"

I rested my hand on her arm and smiled at her.

"It really isn't necessary. I can handle Lucas, and he will know better than to start an argument in front of the kids. So think of them as my safety net until Nathan gets home." I winked at her and she smiled.

She said her goodbyes to the kids and left. It was around five o'clock now and I wasn't sure if I should get dinner started or just wait a little bit. Nathan left around three so he should be home around six or six thirty. I sent him a short text and he said it would be back around six.

I thought about making Nathan's favorite and then I thought about making Luke's or the kids. I decided to make the kids' favorite.

"Anybody out there want to help me make their favorite dinner?" I shouted out and heard the feet running towards me. It became one of my favorite sounds that echoed through this house.

"We're making campfire stew?" Lydia jumped up and down as Jamie started watering at the mouth.

"Well of course it's a special occasion. Your Uncle is back in town and I thought you two could show your uncle Luke what your favorite meal is." I smiled down at Jamie and handed Lydia the bag of carrots.

I laid out five square sheets of tin foil, grabbed the step stools for the kids and they started divvying the ingredients out. I began to hum as I began slicing the potatoes and then one of the most heavenly sounds came to my ears.

"And I will take you to places where you never thought you'd have the chance to love.
Love, Love is all we have, I will run myself in circles here without you, Please believe that I tried my best to forget you, the memories keep flooding back like tears."

Tears started to form in my eyes as Lydia sang her favorite song her mother wrote so many years ago. I remember Haley always used to sing to her bulging belly.

"Oh mother don't you see I've got to live my life the way I feel is right for me, say it's not right for you, but it's right for me, I believe, this is heaven to no one else but me and I'll defend it as long as I can be left here to linger here in silence, if I choose to would you try to understand." She was rocking back and forth and I couldn't help but eavesdrop on her as she caressed her belly.

She looked up and smiled at me.

"You are going to be an amazing mother, you know that?" I crossed my arms and leaned against the door.

"There are some times I am just not sure, I mean I haven't even graduated yet, Brooke, and I'm freaking out just a little." She said as her face went flush.

My face fell a little as I remembered going to the doctor with her and discovering we were pregnant at the same time. Only shortly after that visit, I had a miscarriage.

"Brooke." She held her hand out to me as she noticed the sadness on my face.

Like a child, I ran over to her, fell to my knees, and placed my head in her lap. She began to brush my hair from my face.

"I'm sorry. I just wish it wasn't this hard on you. I really don't want to keep throwing this baby stuff in your face."

I pulled back to look at her appalled.

"Haley, don't ever say that. I love that you are starting a family with Nathan because you both deserve this and I know I have lost my baby but I don't want you thinking that you can't express how you feel about this." I rested my hand on her stomach and reassured her that it is not a bad thing for her to talk about these kinds of things with me.

"Brooke, one day I promise it will happen for you again."

In the most bittersweet way it did happen for me. I considered Lydia and Jamie my world. Although they weren't my biological children, I considered them mine.

I heard another set of feet shuffling towards us and I tensed up a little.

"Did you know that I wrote that?" Lucas said as he walked over to see what we were doing.

"You did?" Lydia and I both questioned at the same time.

He looked over at me and smiled.

"Yeah, I hurt someone very important to me and I had to write about it. Your mom found it and asked if she could write music to it. She sang it so beautifully." He said and Lydia became entranced by his words.

"Did you love my mommy?" She asked him as she kept dividing the carrots out equally.

"I loved your mommy very much, she was my best friend." He said as he helped Jamie split up the onions I cut earlier.

I looked over at Lucas and a part of me became extremely curious. I knew that song by heart as it was one of my favorites as well. Was it about me or Peyton?

I got done slicing the potatoes and handed a batch to Jamie and Lydia.

"So what are we making? This looks very interesting." Lucas was trying to figure it out and even though I was still pissed at him a little seeing that curious look on his face made me smirk

"Campfire stew. It's their favorite." I said as I went to the cabinet with all the spices and pulled out a few.

"Luke would you like to help?" I asked not taking my eyes off the children.

"Sure what would you like me to do?"

"Help me with the ground beef?" I asked finally looking up to him and he smiled.

We continued making dinner and Jamie grew quickly attached to Lucas pulling him into his room to show him his toys, books, and his basketball. I turned the oven on and we had to wait about forty-five minutes for it to cook and Nathan would be home right around that time.

Lydia asked me to braid her hair as we watched, Tangled, one of her favorite movies and I had to admit one of my favorites as well.

We both laughed at a scene from the movie and then I heard the boys. I turned around behind me to see Lucas carrying Jamie on his shoulder and making a whoosh sound.

"I feel like Superman!" Jamie squealed.

As I finish tightening the hair band on Lydia's hair, she ran towards Lucas.

"My turn. My turn. I want to!" She held her arms up for him and Lucas laughed.

"Okay kiddo." He placed Jamie down and picked up Lydia.

A small part of me felt so relieved that the kids were growing attached to him so quickly but the other major part felt that Lucas was going to let the kids down and hurt all of us all over again.

"Daddy!" Lydia ran down the corridor and jumped into Nathan's arms.

Nathan had Lydia in his arms as he walked over to me and just out of habit, he pecked me on the lips and we, both, felt the tension grow in the air as Lucas looked between both of us.

"Lucas, it's really good to see you." Nathan placed Lydia on her feet and walked over to his brother.

I have never seen them act more awkward around each other since they hated each other all those years ago. Nathan leaned in for a hug while Lucas held out his hand and they both settled for the handshake.

I felt that dinner was going to be interesting and I am waiting for a storm to hit.

Songs were: "Honestly" - Bethany Joy Lenz (Lydia sang) and "Elsewhere" -Bethany Joy Lenz (she sang for the first time to Nathan in 1x15)

So how was it? Like I said it's going to be a three part story probably. So REVIEW and tell me what you thought?