When Your Sun Turns Black
This story is written by brookescott134 and Brucas46Forever. We hope you enjoy this as much as we did. Comments are greatly appreciated.
Summary: Sometimes people play hard-to-get because they need to know the other person's feelings are real, but sometimes, for some of us, we play too hard.
Rating: T
Chapter One: Ignorance Is Bliss
Nothing's gonna change the things that you said
Nothing's gonna make this right again
Please don't turn your back
I can't believe it's hard
Just to talk to you
But you don't understand
-"Perfect" by Simple Plan
It was just another day for the two; another day of waking up to each other's backs; another day of pretending this was just a faze and they would work through it; another day of skirting around the issue of why mommy and daddy didn't hug or kiss anymore. It was another day of not being happy; it was just another day.
Brooke struggled to juggle the gruesome amount of paperwork in her hands as she held the phone between her shoulder and ear. "Yes. Yes, I will call you then. And make sure—"
There was a knock at the door.
"Hold on a second, Bridget," Brooke said into the phone. "Yes?" she called to the door.
Her secretary appeared through the doorway, silver rimmed glasses shining in the fluorescent office light. "Mrs. Scott, your husband left a message for you. He says he needs you to pick up the kids from school today because he has an important conference."
Brooke let out a frustrated groan. "One day. I just needed him to do it one day," she vented. "If he calls back, tell him I actually need to speak to him this time," Brooke said the as her assistant, Melinda, nodded, exiting the room.
Lucas sighed as shuffled through the loads of paper spilled out in different directions on his desk. The head of the company was coming in today to see Lucas' finished product, and everything was a complete mess. He hadn't had his usual dose of coffee this morning, he forgot his wallet at home, he couldn't pick up the kids this afternoon because of the conference, and he couldn't find the paper he needed. The stress was building up and he was going crazy. Just then he remembered something else. Damn, he thought.
"Gabriella!" he called.
The brunette women poked her head through the door. "Yes?"
"Call my wife again and tell her the kids have a half day today so she'll have to pick them up an hour early."
"Yes, sir." And she rushed to do as she was told.
"Yes?" Brooke questions as she answers the intercom.
"Mrs. Scott, your husband says—"
"Ugh, let me talk to him," the feisty woman demands.
Lucas was put on the line. He sighs as he realizes he has to convince his wife to pick up their kids; not an easy task to do—the convincing, that is. "Hello," he says into the phone, and Brooke can tell he sounds stressed.
"Nice to finally actually get to talk to you," Brooke said, clearly rather upset with him as she sat at her mahogany desk, continuing to type away on the other end.
"Listen, Brooke. I'm quite busy. I just need you to—"
"To pick up the kids . . . again. Yeah, I know. Lucas, this has to stop. I have so much work I have to get done and every day I end up having to bring the kids home with me because you can't pull your self away long enough to pick them up."
"I know, I know. Look, I'm sorry, but this is really important."
"And my job isn't? I have a show in two weeks, Lucas. A show that I am nowhere near ready for," Brooke stressed.
"Brooke, there is no way I can pick them up today. Can't you just take some time off or something?"
"Oh yeah, sure, Lucas," she said sarcastically. "Because it's really just that easy. No, don't you worry. I will take time off again, so don't worry your self, okay? I will pick up the kids once again and I will see you later, probably once the kids have already eaten, had their baths, and are already in bed . . . but I will see you later."
"Brooke—" He was clearly frustrated, but she wasn't putting up with him now.
"Whatever, Lucas. Just do me a favor and sleep on the couch tonight. It's not like there's a point to us sharing a bed anymore anyway," she said and hung up, not wanting to hear anything else from him.
Brooke drove down the quiet roads of North Carolina with her two children in the back seat of her large SUV, Shelby, their seven year old, telling her happily about her day, explaining all about her first experience with a new kind of paint the teacher had introduced to the class that day, while Landon, their five year old boy, played happily with his action figure, completely content in his carseat.
"Mommy, is daddy coming home early tonight?" Shelby asked innocently.
"I don't know, baby," Brooke said looking through the review mirror at her dark haired daughter. She smiled softly at her. Brooke knew how much Shelby missed her dad. The little girl might have been the spitting image of Brooke, but she was a daddy's girl through and through. The only problem was that Lucas was hardly there to enjoy that fact.
"Aw, man, I wanted to show him the picture I drew today. Look, mommy. It's you, daddy, Landon, and me. And I wrote: Big Happy Family. I can write now, mommy," she informed her mother.
"That is great, Shelb," Brooke said giving her a large, fake smile. They hadn't been a big, happy family for a long time now, and as Brooke pulled into the drive way of the large house, Lucas' missing car proved that fact.
The house was quiet and dark when Lucas entered at 2 in the morning. He could see leftover dinner on the table, but he didn't really have an appetite. He tiptoed quietly through the dark corridors of his house and stopped when he passed by his children's room. He walked over to each and placed a kiss on each of their foreheads, careful not to wake them up. He unbuttoned his shirt as he walked back to his room. Exhausted from a long day at work, he was ready to hit the sheets. He stripped down to his boxers and climbed into bed, stopping when the other occupant of it stirred.
"I didn't think you were coming home," she said in a raspy, sleepy voice, her eyes not opening as she spoke. Her back was to him, like always, as she was cuddled to her pillow instead of her husband.
"I'm sorry, I just got caught up at work," he said, reaching out a hand to touch her shoulder.
"Don't," she said, pulling away from him. "It is two in the morning . . . and your not the one who had to explain to your crying seven year old daughter that daddy really did want to be home to tuck her in to bed and not at the office with his buddies," she spat.
He sighed a bit angrily. "The guys just wanted to go out for a beer. It was no big deal. I'm home, aren't I?" He decided to ignore her comment about his daughter. He loved her, and she knew so. That was the most important thing, right?
"So a beer with the guys is more important to you then dinner with your family. That is really great Lucas."
"You misunderstood me, Brooke. The head of the company really liked my project. The guys decided for a little celebration. That's all."
"So your cell phone was broken then?" she questioned, knowing full well that he is guilty.
"I . . . uh, I must have forgotten in it in the car," was the best he could come up with.
"Whatever, Lucas. I think the couch is probably the best spot for you tonight."
"Come on, Brooke. Don't be like that." He tries to reach out to her again.
"No, I am sick of this, Lucas," she said pulling away again. "Just go."
He sighs and gets up, grabbing a sheet and pillow on his way out. The couch was his bed for the night, but not to worry. He has gotten pretty used to it by now.
Brooke awoke the next morning to roll into the cold spot that her husband rarely ever kept warm anymore. She groaned softly as she let her eyes open, adjusting to the light, sitting up in the bed. She let out a yawn, stretching her body against the cotton sheets.
Lucas sighed and wiped a hand across his face, his tired eyes staring at the computer screen before him. Last night had really taken a toll on him. He hadn't expected Brooke to act so harshly, but in actuality, he didn't really blame her. She just frustrated him sometimes, though. He had had an excellent time at work, the presentation having gone excellently, and then his buddies decided to celebrate. What was the harm in that?
Brooke slipped on her think silk robe and walked down stairs. It was a little past six and yet there was no sign of Lucas. She figured he had probably left for work already. He always left at this time and it upset Brooke that he never stayed for breakfast. She never saw her husband; her kids never saw their father; and he honestly seemed to make no effort to change that.
Since his work was going so well, he decided he could use a break now. He stood and picked up his Armani coat from around the chair, lifting it up to put it on himself. He picked up his keys, checked to make sure his wallet was in his back pocket, and walked to the door. "Gabriella, I'm going out. Save any messages I receive, okay?"
"Sure thing, boss," she called happily.
He strolled through the corridor and made his way down the building. Fishing for something in his pocket, he took out his cell phone, which was ringing at the moment.
"Hello," Lucas answered.
"Hey, dude. What's up?" The voice of his half brother rang into the other end of the phone.
"Nothing. I just decided to take a day off of work."
"So are you going to go spend sometime with Brooke and the kids?"
"Well, I, uh, was hoping you would be off. I thought maybe we could have some brother bonding time."
"Well, from what I hear, you need some bonding time with your wife and kids, man."
"Oh, and where are you hearing this from, Nathan?"
"It doesn't matter where I'm hearing it from, Lucas. What matters is that you fix it."
"There's nothing to fix, Nathan. I have a perfectly happy, family."
"Whatever you say man . . . but I would talk to Brooke, but that is just me."
"Listen, Nate, honestly, things with Brooke and I are fine. Last night she just got pissed because I was out late. But that's perfectly understandable."
"What about the night before when you stayed on my couch?"
"Okay, seriously, what's going on man?"
"Nothing. Just forget I brought anything up. Meet me at the river court in 20?" Nathan said, deciding not into this one, knowing he wouldn't win. They all knew things weren't right with Lucas and Brooke, and they were all just wanting for Lucas to realize it himself.
"Yeah, see you there," Lucas said. He turned off the phone, a quizzical look on his face. He didn't understand what all the questioning was about. Him and Brooke were fine. They just had normal arguments like any normal couple. Why couldn't Nathan see that?
Haley huffed angrily as she chased the five-year-old boy. "Austin Scott! Get over here right now!" He stopped running and turned around, his blue eyes gleaming with mischief. He lifted his little hands up and placed them on the side of his face, spreading out his fingers and sticking his tongue out at his fuming mother, taunting her. "Why you—" she was cut off by the doorbell ringing. "You stay right there," she demanded, pointing her finger at him. She stalked towards the door, opening it to reveal a very pregnant Peyton on the other side. "Hey, Peyton," she said quickly before turning away and back inside her home.
"Well thanks for the invite," laughed Peyton.
Haley ignored that. She lifted her hands to her head, pulling at her dirty blond hair. "He's driving me nuts," she enunciated slowly.
"Oh, Haley, that's just what 5 year old are meant to do."
Peyton chuckled, looking at the little boy. He was now out in the backyard, making an effort to climb the big tree. "Wait," she said as she came to a realization, "shouldn't he be in school?"
"Yeah, he should," replied Haley. "But the little wart faked sick, and me, being the clueless mother that I am, believed him."
"Poor little Haley," Peyton teased.
"Peyton, I don't know what to do. He's driving me and Nathan crazy," she whined.
"Maybe you should have thought of that before you had him. What? Three wasn't enough?" Peyton said, sitting down on the couch with her friend.
"Peyton, you and I both know Tree Hill has the most un-effective birth control pills." She paused and looked warily at Peyton as a crash was heard from outside. Haley groaned.
Peyton laughed. "He is fine," she assured the frantic mother as she peered at the boy through the open window. "So, have you heard from Brooke lately?" she asked, effectively changing the subject.
Haley sighed. "Sadly, not much. She's been pretty busy, what with her job and taking care of the household and tending to the kids all by herself." Her tone had a slight bitter taste to it.
"It's funny. I always would have pictured it the other way around. You know, like, Brooke off doing her own thing, leaving Lucas to take care of the kids. Instead, Lucas leaves her to do everything. I don't know how she does it; I really don't. Don't get me wrong, I love Lucas and all, but seriously, when is he going to pull his head out of his ass?"
"He's too stubborn to realize his marriage is falling apart. And it's seriously killing Brooke. I don't know how much longer she can hold up. You know, Brooke, though. Always playing tough. She won't admit to it, but I know she's scared their spark might have died out," Haley said softly.
"I think she knows it already has and she is just trying to act like it is still there. She can't do that to her kids," Peyton sighed. "I just hate that she won't just open up about it to anyone. I mean, she just holds it all in and puts on her infamous Brooke Scott smile and acts like everything is okay."
"Yeah, but, like you said, maybe she just needs to act like it's okay, for her kids, and ultimately, for herself."
"Yeah, but it still makes me want to hit Lucas just the same," Peyton said with a sigh. They both dazed off for a second, thinking about their beloved friend and her failing marriage. "Well, I will let you tend to your little bundle of joy," she said sarcastically. "I'll talk to you later." She stood up, placing a hand on her back to steady herself as she did so.
"Okay, Peyton. I'll see you later," Haley said standing up to walk her friend to the door.
The day passed quickly for Brooke and before she knew it, her kids were sitting at the table doing their homework as she prepared dinner, still no sign of Lucas.
"Hey, guys, you want to help me clean up before dinner?" Brooke asked, walking over to the table where her kids were sitting, papers and crayons scattered all over the expensive deep oak table.
Just then, the door opens, and Lucas walked in, shoulders broad, and head held high. "Hey, kids," he greeted.
"Daddy!" yelled Shelby, running up to her dad to hug him by the waist. Landon did the same, and Lucas relished in the feeling of having his children close by.
"Your home," Landon said.
"Well, of course I am, son. Where else would I want to be?"
Brooke let out a subtle huff at that statement as she continued clearing the table, leaving the warm welcome her husband was receiving to her kids. In her eyes, he neither deserved it nor did she feel the need to give it to him. This was the first time he was home before dark in as long as she could remember, and that peeved her beyond belief.
The act didn't go unnoticed by Lucas, and his eyes looked warily to her. She seemed troubled, he thought, and he wondered what could be bothering her. Once his kids returned to their seats on the dinner table, he walked over to his short-tempered wife. "Hey, Brooke," he said carefully. "How was your day?" Lucas moved closer to her, hoping to comfort her with his touch.
"It was fine," she said simply, easily maneuvering her way out of his reach as she busied herself with the cleaning the last things off the table. She then set down the sliverware for all of them. "I called your office today . . . to see if you wanted to have lunch, and you know what Gabby told me?" Brooke said as she continued to prepared the table for dinner, avoiding eye contact.
Lucas could sense the anger emitting off of Brooke, and he decided to play along for his own safety. "Um, what'd she say?"
"Well, she told me that you finally decided to take a day off, and that you had left hours before . . . But when I tried calling your cell, it was off." Her voice suggested she was real angry, and he didn't want to say the wrong thing now.
Damn, he thought. He knew he was in trouble now. "Well, the battery died and—"
"I am sure it did," she said sarcastically with a subtle eye roll as she made her way over to the stove. "So, Lucas . . . where'd you go?" She still didn't look directly at him as she talked.
"I, uh, went down to the River court with Nate," he said. He didn't understand exactly what he did wrong, but he figured it was because he came home a little late. He turned to the side, opening the refrigerator, and, looking for something to drink, he muttered, "Didn't know that wasn't allowed."
"Maybe if you were ever home it would be fine, but seeing as how somedays it's hard to even remember what you look like, it would have been nice to actually have gotten to see you and spend some time with you today. Now that you're home, though, I'm actually kind of wishing you would leave again," she spit bitterly, pushing past him and setting the plates down for her kids with a sweet smile to both of them, trying to cover the fact that mommy and daddy were fighting once more.
"Brooke," he called after her. She ignored him as she walked through the house, aiming for the comfort of her room. He followed her, though, still calling out her name. "Brooke," he repeated. He called out again, and yet she ignored him. Catching up to her, he grabbed her arm at the elbow and turned her around to face him. "Brooke, what's going on?"
"Go eat with your kids," she demanded. "They deserve that. Just leave me the hell alone right now before you push too far, okay, because I am so not in the mood right now, Lucas. I am so mad with you, it isn't even funny, so just go, okay? Spend time with your kids. Maybe you will get lucky and they will actually remember who the hell you are," Brooke spat, ripping her arm away and continuing up the stairs.
Lucas stared back in total shock. He had no clue what set her off so bad. He came home a little late, but it was a small mistake. Did it deserve this much attention? He sighed sadly and returned to the kitchen, giving his two kids a reassuring smile as he sat down to eat with them for the first time in God knows how long.
Brooke came down after a few minutes, needing to take a breath. However, she was afraid of what would happen if she was around Lucas any longer. After all, with her kids right there, there really wasn't much she was willing to do or let them see. So after cooling off she went back down, put on her fake smile and refused to even look at Lucas, displaying all of her attention on her kids instead. The "family" finished their meal, the kids running off to play, leaving Brooke to clean up. Not saying a word to Lucas, she took the plates off the table and carried them over to the sink, the soap and the water mixing to create a white cloud of bubbles over the dirty dishes sitting in the elegant stainless steal sink.
Lucas stayed seated, smiling at his kids as they left the table to go color in the living room. He could hear their giggles, and it brought a smile to his face.
ClankStanding over the sink, she scrubbed and scrubbed, her long sleeves rolled up so they wouldn't get wet. Setting the plate on the divider inside the sink, she grabbed the sponge and pressed hard into the glass plate and began a series of rough strokes. The water rushed down the pipe, its temperature almost hot enough to melt butter. The plate shined in the light, yet still she scrubbed. And as she scrubbed, he stood by, watching her every move. He didn't say a word, for he was scared he would trigger an atomic bomb. Minutes passed, and still she scrubbed.
Clank
The dishes sounded again.
"Brooke, are we going to talk about this like sensible people or not?" Her strokes became more violent. "Brooke, calm down—" he said, walking towards her.
"Calm down? Are you serious, Lucas?!" She said, now fuming at him, stopping the scrubbing for a second.
"Yes, I'm serious," he replies, his own anger rising. "So I didn't answer my phone, so what? So, I came home a little late. Big deal. I don't see why we need to blow this all out of proportion."
"You don't see why we should blow this out of proportion!?" she raged. "God, the fact that you don't know that our marriage is obviously failing is the worst part of this." She paused. Count to ten, she told herself. "You want to know why I'm blowing this out of proportion? Hm?" She paused again, and her anger built back up. "Because this isn't the fucking first time Lucas! This is like the tenth time this month alone! Damn it, Lucas," she cursed. "If it wasn't for those two kids you can bet your ass you would have been done a long time ago and I can guarantee you . . . if you don't pull your head out of your ass really quick, me and you and this marriage are over. And you and count on that," she threatened, throwing the sponge at him. "You can finish the dishes, hot shot."The sarcasm was like poison dripping from her lips. She pushed past him and out of the kitchen.
Lucas stared at her, too stunned to move. Should he go after her? Console her? Or should he let her sleep it off? Let her breathe and let the anger wear away? He didn't know what to do at this point, and his mind was spinning with questions. Since when has this been bothering her? Is it even that big of a deal? He squinted his eyes, trying to think of answers. Sadly, none came to him, and he sighed as he walked to find his kids and put them off to bed. It was obvious Brooke left him with that chore tonight.