The alarm clock went off in Brooke Davis' room eliciting a groan from the 17 year old girl. She wasn't looking forward to the day lie ahead of her. Reluctantly Brooke pushed back the covers and made her way to the bathroom to get ready. Today is the first day she was stepping foot onto the Tree Hill High campus since she watched her boyfriend's life end in front of her. Two weeks and she had done nothing but sleep and cry. She wouldn't even see Peyton or Haley when they tried to come visit her.

"Luke," she cried as she turned the water on and stepped into the shower.

This was becoming a daily routine. Everyday since Lucas had been shot she woke up and took a shower, crying as soon as the water touched her and stopping the second it was off. Just long enough to get dressed and climb back into bed and let her mind wander to before the tragic end of what was the best thing in her life so far. But today was different. Today she promised she would get out of bed and go to school. Peyton had offered to pick her up but Brooke said she would drive herself.

"Brooke, I don't mind picking you up. It's not a big deal," Peyton said.

"I know Peyt. But I want to drive myself," Brooke replied.

"Are you really gonna come to school tomorrow?"

"I'll be there. I promise."

Brooke turned off the water and walked back into her room. She looked through her closet for something to wear but nothing was good enough. Nothing she saw made her feel like everything was normal.

"Nothing is ever gonna be the same! Why did you have to take Lucas from me? Why Jimmy? I love Lucas with everything in me. And you shot him," Brooke cried as she threw article after article of clothing from the closet.

Ten minutes later Brooke was still standing in her towel with no clue what she was going to wear. That's when she spotted it—Lucas' gray "Keith Scott Body Shop" sweatshirt. A small smile played on her lips as she grabbed the sweatshirt and set out to find a cami to wear underneath along with a pair of jeans. As soon as she slipped the sweatshirt over her head Brooke felt a little bit better, like this was all she needed to get through the first day at Tree Hill High after the shooting.

Glancing at the clock, Brooke swore under her breath when she saw that it was 7:10—she had 20 minutes to finish getting ready and make it to school on time. Brooke flew around her room looking for shoes and a brush. Make-up was going to have to be absent from the Brooke Davis repertoire for the day and she didn't care if anyone said anything about it. What did they expect? Her boyfriend was shot in front of her and it had only been two weeks. 7:20, ten minutes to get to school. Brooke grabbed her bag and her keys and ran out the door. Only to turn around again to grab the necklace Lucas had given her for her birthday. It was a white gold chain with a rose pendant that he had the words "Broody and Cheery 4-ever" engraved on the back.

Meanwhile at Tree Hill High; Peyton, Haley and Nathan were waiting nervously. None of them were sure if Brooke was actually going to show up. They knew she said that she was going to show up but it wasn't the first time in the last two weeks that she told them she was gonna come to school. And she still hadn't shown up yet.

"I don't think she's coming," Peyton said as she checked her watch and read 7:25.

"She'll be here, Peyt. Brooke isn't gonna let her grief keep her away forever," Haley insisted.

"Haley's right. Brooke knows that Luke wouldn't want her to hide from the world forever. Give her a few more minutes Peyton," Nathan said.

They continued to sit on the picnic table in the front of the school; hoping and praying that Brooke was gonna show up this time. Just as they were about to get up to go in the building they heard a car door slam shut. Peyton's head snapped up and her eyes lit up when she spotted her best friend walking toward them.

Brooke closed her door and looked up at the school. Nerves shook her entire body as she stepped away from her car. There was a desperate desire in her to turn around and drive home but there was no going back now. It was time to return to life. Sighing and straightening herself out Brooke walked toward the building. She was so focused on where she was going that she didn't realize that she walked past her friends who were waiting for her at the picnic table.

"Brooke!" Peyton called as she watched her best friend stroll right by.

"Oh hey Peyton. I didn't realize you guys were sitting there," Brooke replied when she turned around to see her three friends looking at her.

"Welcome back Brooke," Nathan said as he wrapped his arms around her.

"Thanks. How are you?"

"I'm ok. You know, it's still tough but I gotta focus on what's in front of me."

Brooke felt tears well up in her eyes and she squirmed out of Nathan's embrace and ran into the school. Nathan watched with a twisted look of sorrow on his face. He hadn't meant to make her cry.

"Damn it," he muttered under his breath.

"It's ok babe. You didn't mean to upset her. She knows that. Just give it some time," Haley said as she wrapped her arm around his waist.

Nathan shook his head. He didn't want to hear that Brooke needed time. That wasn't lost on him. He needed time too. Lucas was his brother. And probably the truest friend Nathan ever had. But that was gone now. All because of Jimmy Edwards and a gun. That bastard killed his brother. Jimmy and Lucas had been friends, really good friends. More like brothers, until Lucas joined the basketball team.

"He's dead because of me. I convinced him to join the team and drop Edwards. Lucas died because I told him to change who he was," Nathan said sternly.

"Nathan, no. Don't go there. You didn't do this. Lucas didn't die because of you. Jimmy was an angry kid. Jimmy pointed the barrel at Lucas and Jimmy pulled the trigger. You didn't do any of that," Haley cried. She hated when Nathan blamed himself for Lucas' death.

Peyton had already gone into the building in search of Brooke. She had to make sure her best friend was okay. It came as no surprise to Peyton that Brooke was in the bathroom crying but what did surprise her was that she was crying on Rachel Gatina's shoulder.

"Brooke," Peyton said.

"I got this Peyton," Rachel insisted. Rachel and Brooke didn't always get along but they had their moments and right now was one of them.

"Rachel, please. I just wanna talk to her."

Rachel looked at Brooke who nodded that it was okay. With that Rachel gave Brooke one last hug before she left the bathroom. Peyton stood silent looking at Brooke. She told Rachel she wanted to talk to her but in reality she had no idea what to say to Brooke.

"He didn't mean it Brooke," Peyton finally said.

"You think I'm in here crying over what Nathan said?" Brooke asked.

"Well ya, you did come running into the building with tears in your eyes right after that."

"That has nothing to do with it. You have no idea how hard it was for me to get out of bed and come to school today. The only thing that has kept me from leaving is the promise I made to be here today. Along with Luke's sweatshirt and this necklace. Nathan could have dressed up in a fucking clown suit and said what he said and I still wouldn't know what it is. And what the hell is with everyone looking at me with sad eyes?"

"We are not."

"Bull. You're doing it now. Stop it. Please. You're not making this any easier for me."

Brooke watched as Peyton's jaw dropped before she stormed out of the bathroom toward her locker. This was really going to be a long day. She was walking so quickly and not looking where she was going that she didn't realize there was anyone in front of her until she was on the floor.

"Sorry I wasn't wat" Brooke started to apologize.

"That's ok, Brooke," Mouth said with a smile. He extended his hand to Brooke and helped her off the floor.

"Mouth."

He nodded as he pulled Brooke into a hug. Smiling at the gesture Brooke wrapped her arms tightly around Lucas' best friend. Out of everyone that was affected by the shooting it was Mouth that Brooke was looking forward to seeing the most.

"How are you?" Mouth asked looking her in the eye.

"I'm, you know, okay. I guess," Brooke replied.

"No you're not. It's okay you know. Are you sure you're ready for this?" Mouth gestured toward the halls and the lockers and the students. He hadn't expected to see Brooke so soon but he was glad she was making the effort.

"I'm not sure but that doesn't matter. I need to do this. I can't hide forever."

"Brooke you weren't hiding."

"Everyone else came back already. Even Nathan. His own brother came back after three days. I've been gone for two weeks. It's been two weeks and I still don't feel like I'm ready for this. I don't think I'll ever be ready but I can't run from it either."

Brooke had tears running down her face. This was too much. She hadn't even made it to her first class yet and this was already the third breakdown. Just as she was about to walk away Mouth reached for her hand. Brooke's head shot up and she looked at him questioningly.

"I'm here if you need anything," Mouth said sincerely.

"Thank you Mouth," Brooke answered as she let go of his hand and once again set off toward her class.

As she continued through the halls Brooke looked at the floor. If she looked up she would see the looks of sympathy on the face of everyone in the building as she passed by them. Everyone knew that Jimmy Edwards was the reason Lucas Scott was dead and what's more everyone knew how in love Brooke Davis and Lucas Scott had been. Quietly Brooke slipped into her class, English Lit. One of many classes she had had with Lucas. Brooke dropped her head on her desk, she didn't need anyone seeing her tears again.

"Morning class," Mr. Sadler said as he walked in the room a few minutes later. He glanced around the room and smiled when he saw Brooke was back.

"Miss Davis, glad to have you back," he continued.

"Thanks," she mumbled, her head still on the desk.

The first half of the day was a blur for Brooke. All she could think about was lunch. Maybe things would get easier after that. If not, then tomorrow was gonna be another day in bed and there was nothing anyone could do to stop her.

"Hey Brooke, how's your day gone?" Peyton asked as the two sat down at a table outside in the courtyard.

"I have no idea. I remember seeing Mouth this morning and something about Mr. Sadler welcoming me back but after that it's all fuzzy. This was a mistake," Brooke replied.

"Brooke, you gonna be at practice later?" Bevin Maskey asked as she sat down at the table.

"Gee, Bev, I dunno. Let me think about that? Go to practice and be in the gym wishing my boyfriend was on the side playing basketball and run out in tears or go home to avoid it all? What do you think?"

"Sorry I asked."

"Bevin don't be such an idiot. Brooke, take as long as you need. The squad's all yours when you come back," Rachel said as she sat down next to Bevin.

"Thanks Rach. I really appreciate it," Brooke said sincerely.

Rachel just smiled. She never let anyone in on it but she had seen her fair share of boyfriends dying before coming to Tree Hill so she had a real good idea what Brooke was going through. No one had been sympathetic with her expecting her to bounce right back and she hated it. Now was her chance to do something nice for someone else in the same situation. Even if she had been planning to scheme Lucas away from Brooke when she first got to town.

"Peyton, where's Tutor Girl? I feel like she's avoiding me or something," Brooke asked a few minutes later when neither Haley or Nathan had joined their table.

"Oh Haley's been eating with Mouth lately," Peyton lied.

"Don't lie to me Peyt. Is Haley avoiding me?"

"I don't know. She didn't say she was. I thought she was looking forward to you coming back today. At least that's what Nate told me."

Brooke rolled her eyes. This was just perfect. First her dead boyfriend's brother tries to be nice and now his best friend is avoiding her. Annoyed with it all Brooke stood up and left the table without another word. Peyton stood to go after her but Rachel reached over and placed a hand on her arm shaking her head.

"Let her go. I know you wanna help her Peyton but there's really nothing you can say to make this go away," Rachel said.

"Why are you being so nice to Brooke?" Peyton asked blatantly.

"Jealous are we?"

"Hardly."

"Look, I'm not trying to cause any drama. I know what it's like to be in Brooke's shoes. I've been there before. It hurts, really hurts. Nothing anyone says can take away the pain or bring Lucas back. Brooke's not stupid she gets that. But it doesn't help her move on when everyone is walking on eggshells around her or looking at her sympathetically all the time. Yes her boyfriend was shot right in front of her and yes she is still madly in love with him but no the world did not come to an end. She's still Brooke Davis and although I may not know her as well as the rest of you I do know that she will move on."

Peyton rolled her eyes at Rachel as she stood to leave the table. Who the hell does she think she is. Telling me what Brooke's going through and what she does or does not need. Peyton thought to herself as she went to find Brooke. There was only about 10 minutes left before the next class and she wanted to make sure Brooke was okay.

Brooke was standing inches from the parking lot. Staring at her car. Debating whether or not she should forget it and just go home. She was about to make her way toward the car when she felt a hand on her shoulder.

"Don't leave now Brooke. You've already made it this far. Come on," she heard Haley whisper.

"I can't do it, Hales. It's too hard," Brooke cried.

"Yes you can. Come on. I'll go with you."

Brooke didn't move. She couldn't, not if it meant going back into the school. She meant it when she said it was too hard. Being here and seeing everyone made it more real than she had counted on. Lucas was really gone.

They were sitting outside on the picnic table, talking and joking around with their friends. Everything was normal for Brooke and Lucas. At least that's what they had thought.

"Walk me to class?" Brooke asked with a pouty lip when the bell rang.

"Of course," Lucas agreed.

He hopped off the table and offered his hand to Brooke so she could do the same. Just as they were about to open the door and walk in the building there were gunshots fired behind them. Lucas whipped around to see where they had come from and found himself standing face to face with an angry and armed Jimmy Edwards. Brooke had scampered behind him and was peaking around his shoulder.

"Jim what are you doing?" Lucas asked calmly despite the nerves that ran through his body.

"What I should have done a long time ago," Jimmy replied.

"Come on man. Let's talk about this. Don't do it."

"Get out of my way."

"No. I'm not gonna let you go in there and shoot people. This isn't you. Put the gun down."

"Get out of my way." Jimmy shoved the barrel of the gun into Lucas' chest. Brooke whimpered behind him.

"Brooke, go inside," Lucas told her.

"Not without you," Brooke insisted.

"Brooke, please. I'll be fine."

"No Lucas. I'm not leaving you."

"Brooke, I promise, I'll be fine. Just please go inside. Find Peyton, Haley and Nate. Make sure they're safe."

Brooke shook her head no. She wasn't going anywhere without Lucas and that was final.

"Yo Luke!" Nathan called from behind Jimmy, completely unaware of what was going on.

Jimmy whipped around at the sound of another voice and pointed the gun in his direction. Nathan froze immediately, terror written all over his face. That didn't go unnoticed by Jimmy and he couldn't help but smile at the way things were going.

"Edwards, chill man. I'm not gonna touch you," Nathan said.

"You're right. No one's gonna touch me. Get over there!" Jimmy yelled at Nathan as he waved the gun in Brooke and Lucas' direction.

Nathan didn't move. He couldn't.

"I said get over there!" Jimmy yelled again.

Finally Nathan moved. He ran over to Brooke and Lucas. This wasn't how he expected the day to start.

"Jimmy come on. This isn't funny. Put the gun down," Lucas tried again.

"Shut up," Jimmy said coldly.

More kids were walking toward the building. None of them seemed to notice that Jimmy was standing there with a gun pointed directly at Lucas. Brooke did notice however and this made her nervous. Was Jimmy really gonna shoot Lucas? She didn't think so but strange things were known to happen in Tree Hill.

"Please Jimmy," Brooke pleaded.

"Please Jimmy," he mimicked Brooke's voice.

"Hey man. Don't tease her," Lucas snapped.

Jimmy had had enough. He went over to the three friends and yanked Lucas toward him. Brooke screamed as she threw herself into Nathan's arms.

"Jimmy!" Haley called from behind her friend after she witnessed him pull her best friend into a tight grip with a gun in the other hand.

"Stay right there Haley," Jimmy warned her.

"Please Jim. Let's talk about this. Do you really wanna hurt your friends?"

"I don't have any friends."

"You got me. And Luke."

"No I don't. You both ditched me and you took Mouth away from me too."

"Phone lines work two ways jack off," Nathan snapped.

Jimmy whirled around in Nathan's direction and fired the gun three times. One hit the building, another bullet a student off to the side and the last one hit Nathan in the arm.

"Damn it!" Nathan growled as he grabbed his arm.

"NATHAN!" Haley yelled.

"I'm fine."

Jimmy let go of Lucas and Brooke let go of the breath she was holding. She thought that it was over, Lucas had escaped without injury. But before she knew it another shot rang out and she watched Lucas fall to the ground.

"NO!" she yelled running over to Lucas' side. There was blood everywhere. Frantically Brooke tried to stop the bleeding but it was too much. Tears welled up in her eyes as she looked down at Lucas who was drifting quickly out of reach.

"Brooke," Lucas choked out.

"Luke please, don't give up," Brooke cried.

"I love you."

"I love you too."

Brooke watched as Lucas' head fell back against the dirt and his eyes closed. All at once Lucas went limp in Brooke's grasp. Desperate to save him, Brooke yelled for someone to call an ambulance. She was determined not to lose him. Not now, not ever. They were supposed to be together forever. This wasn't supposed to happen. Tears spilled over as she hugged Lucas' limp body to hers tightly and sobbed. She was still holding on when the EMT's showed up. Peyton who had been in the building when everything started rushed out when she heard the first shot. She was holding Brooke in a tight embrace while the EMT's fought to save Lucas' life. Not too far from where they stood, Haley and Nathan were in a similar embrace with the exception of Nathan's arm being in a sling.

"I'm sorry. We lost him," the EMT said with a grim expression.

"LUKE!" Brooke screamed as she crashed to the ground, sobbing wildly. She didn't even react when another gunshot rang out. Jimmy Edwards had done the unthinkable. First by taking the life of a friend and then his own.

"Brooke?" Haley said softly.

"I'm sorry. I can't. I'm going home," Brooke shook her head as she ran to her car.

Haley watched as Brooke got in her car and sped away. It was hard on her with Lucas being shot but she knew how much Brooke loved him.

"Luke, she really misses you," Haley said as she turned to walk back into the building.

"Hey, have you seen Brooke?" Peyton asked as she caught up to Haley.

"Yeah. She just left," Haley replied.

"You let her leave?"

"Peyton I tried. I'm sorry. She doesn't wanna be here yet. We can't force that on her."

Brooke sped down the streets of Tree Hill with the music blasting and tears rolling down her cheeks. It had been a mistake for her to think she was ready to go back to school after only two weeks. Two weeks didn't change the fact that Lucas was dead and she'd never hear him say he loved her again. Two weeks didn't make the reality of it any less severe. All it did was add to the days Brooke was going to have to spend without Lucas. As that thought crossed her mind she finally let go and sobbed. By now she was home but she didn't have the energy to get out of the car. Instead she sat in her car and cried. For two hours. When she thought she couldn't cry anymore Brooke shut off the car and went in the house.

"I guess it's back to ice cream and sleeping," she said to herself as she opened the freezer and grabbed a carton of rocky road and a spoon before flopping onto the couch.

Nathan had watched Haley and Brooke talking from a distance. He could tell that Brooke was leaning toward leaving and that Haley had asked her to stay. If he had been over there he would have done the same thing but it was Brooke's choice. He just shook his head as he watched Brooke get in her car and drive away.

"Hey Coach, can we cancel practice this afternoon? I need to take care of something," Nathan asked Whitey as he stuck his head in the coach's office.

"I'm not gonna cancel but you may be exempt for the afternoon. Take care of Brooke," Whitey replied, knowing exactly what Nathan needed to take care of.

"Thanks."

The rest of the day went by rather quick for Nathan. He was glad. As soon as the bell rang for the last period he ran out of the building to find Haley. He was gonna tell her that he was skipping practice to check on Brooke even though he knew she would get upset with him.

"Hales!" he called when he spotted her.

"Hey babe," Haley replied, "let me guess. You're not going to practice again cause you're going to check on Brooke."

"I just wanna make sure she's okay. I saw her leave earlier."

"Okay, I'll see you later than?"

"Of course. I love you."

"I love you too."

Nathan kissed Haley quickly before running to his car. He wanted to get to Brooke's quickly before she was asleep. This had become a routine the past couple days. So he was pretty sure he still had sometime before Brooke was asleep. He reached the Davis house in record time. As soon as he was in their driveway Nathan slammed the car into park and killed the engine before dashing up to the door and knocking.

Brooke was drifting into sleep when she heard someone knock on the door. Reluctantly she stood to answer it, hoping it was Peyton.

"Nathan," she said as she opened it.

"Can I come in?" he asked hopefully.

"No."

Brooke closed the door in his face and went back to the couch. He stood there knocking for another 20 minutes before he gave up. Brooke sighed as she let herself fall asleep on t he couch. Yes, going back to school had been a mistake indeed. One Brooke wasn't repeating the next day. And that was it.