A/N: Hi all!First off, this is a completely AU story. I know that I probably should not be starting another story right now when I haven't been updating my other story "Eyes Wide Shut" (my version of season 6) but I had this idea for quite a while and frankly it just won't leave me alone. I'll be updating this as often as I can but I can't guarantee it'll be as often as my other story as that is my first priority. Anyways, the prologue basically sets up who and where are the main characters fit in although it's pretty much from Brooke's POV. It's a Brathan story inspired by the Phick affair from Y&R. So, without further adeiu...
Prologue
Brooke turned the key in the lock and opened the door, looking around at the new condominium she'd just purchased. Up until recently, she shared an apartment with a model and a lounge singer, Nadia and Chriselle. It had been a fun place to live and a great place to get over the break up of her marriage. She placed her keys on top of a pile of boxes near the door and stood in awe as she saw the matching couch and loveseat, in deep red, along with the coffee table and matching end tables. She smiled as she picked up the piece of paper sitting on the end table closest to her, already knowing it was from her ex-husband. The only furniture she owned and brought from the apartment was her bedroom set and it seemed Lucas had taken care of furnishing the rest of her new home.
She guessed it was pretty unheard for an ex-wife and ex-husband to be so close; she definitely didn't know of any other divorced couple, especially with no children to be so intertwined in each other's lives but she and Lucas had put aside their differences long ago and if she was honest, she knew that deep down she would always love Lucas Scott.
Brooke turned as she heard her cell phone ring, hurrying to answer it; she knocked over one of the boxes. "Shoot, I hope nothing was breakable in that," she said to herself as she watched some of the items spill out to the floor. "Hello," she answered.
"Hey, how's my second favorite girl?" a familiar male voice asked.
"Jake," she smiled, recognizing his voice. He'd been her best friend for years now. They dated for about a year in college but ultimately decided they were better off as friends. "How goes the jury selection?"
"Fine," he replied. "I'm pretty sure with the jury we have, this case will be a slam dunk."
"How great is it that my best friend is a lawyer," Brooke mused.
"Well having you as a best friend I figured I'd better make sure I could get you out of the trouble you get in to," he laughed. "So, how's the new place?"
"Beautiful," she smiled as she glanced around the room. "It seems Lucas decided to furnish it for me."
"Hmm," Jake said into the phone. He hadn't ever really been friends with Lucas and when he and Brooke were splitting; his actions only made Jake's opinion of him lessen.
"What, he's being… Luke." She finally decided that his name was the only adjective she could think of; shrugging even though she knew Jake couldn't see her.
"I didn't say anything," he laughed.
"But you're thinking it," she countered with a laugh of her own.
He exhaled deeply and she knew what was coming. "I just want you to be careful," his tone became more serious. "I don't want to see you hurt again."
"I know," she nodded. "Thanks for looking out for me."
"Always; Well, I have to head back in, do the lawyer thing." He paused briefly. "Haley wants you to bring your little sister for dinner tomorrow; we'll go to the AC or something."
She smiled at the way her best friend mentioned his girlfriend's name. He'd met Haley James two short years ago and proclaimed her the love of his life, and Brooke couldn't help but agree. "Sounds good, I'll call you guys later," Brooke replied. "Good luck."
"I don't need luck, I've got the law," he said before hanging up.
Brooke shook her head, laughing as she sat the phone on the table and returned to unpacking some of her belongings before she had to head to the airport. Her little sister would be arriving later today.
After Richard and Victoria Davis had continuously pawned their youngest daughter Samara off on Victoria's aunt while they jet set around the world, the older woman had finally grown tired of raising a child that was not her own. Brooke wasn't sure why her parents didn't just leave Samara to her own devices the way she had been at fifteen but somehow her parents had roped her in to taking care of her little sister, which is why she had to move out of her party zone apartment and into a mature condo.
She went over and began to pick up the contents that had spilled out of the box, glad to see it was nothing breakable. She soon found a photo album and sat on the couch, taking a moment to look back at the forgotten memories; pictures of her and Lucas when they were happily married. There were some photos of Lucas' brother Nathan as well with his wife Peyton, along with their oldest, a daughter; their son had yet to be born when this album was put together. It was before she and Nathan decided to work at his father Dan Scott's fashion/cosmetic house while Lucas went to work for the rivaling company, owned by his uncle Keith. The war between The Scott companies had distanced the brothers, and combined with other things, it had helped end her marriage.
Brooke suddenly closed the book, remembering now why she didn't look at that album much anymore. It only showed the good times, the smiling faces, yet it reminded her so much of the in between times, when the camera had not been there; when she felt like she'd lost everything that mattered most.
She stood up and headed to the next box, unpacking some of the more necessary items and pushing the negatives thoughts away. Everyone seemed to be moving away from all the pain and moving into her new home gave her a bright out look. This was the beginning of something new, a fresh start and that made Brooke Penelope Davis feel like anything was possible.
Little did she know, how right and wrong she was.
