ok, so i'm starting this story because the idea came to me, and i know i'll forget about it if i don't start it now... this doesn't mean i'm giving up on Better Together. i'll keep updating both as soon as i can :)
this first chapter is a little on the short side, but it's just setting everything up. please review!
Another Kind of Green
The Quiet Things That No One Ever Knows
Brooke looked down at her newly manicured nails as she walked home from Haley's. Haley had actually done a decent job this week. It was routine for her and Haley to spend every Thursday after school having a "girls day." It didn't matter that Haley was her only true friend, they made up "girls day" to have an excuse to give each other manicures, eat ice cream, and cry as they watched some movie based off of a Nicholas Sparks book. As soon as the clock struck 2:50, and the bell rang dismissing them from school, Haley and Brooke headed to the nearest Rite Aid, buying manicure kits, and several pints of ice cream.
This week they had watched "A Walk to Remember." They both drooled over Shane West, and how badly they wanted a guy to give them attention like Langdon gave Jamie. Sadly, Brooke realized, they wanted any guy to give them attention. Her mind flashed back to the conversation she and Haley had shared just an hour or so before.
"Oh, I love it when he defends her right there, and how he chases after her." Brooke said dreamily.
"I'm more of a fan of how he helps her accomplish all her dreams and goals." Haley replied.
"Oh yeah, and if my guy could look like that while doing it. Mmm. Mmm." Haley laughed at this, but her smile fell short.
"Haley, what's with the long face?" "Why don't we have that Brooke? I mean you're gorgeous. and I never thought I was hideous looking-"
"Haley, I've told you a thousand times you are-" "I know Brooke, but why can't we just get somebody." "Ok." Brooke started, trying to make a clear explanation. "It's not our fault we weren't born with the last name Sawyer, or even Scott for that matter, and we definitely weren't born with the priviledges they all have. But look at Jamie Sullivan. She's the minister's daughter, and she wears those awful sweaters and dresses you wouldn't even be caught dead in, and she gets hotty hotty Landgon."
"She also gets Leukemia." "Ok, so not the point, Haley. I meant that somewhere out there our guys our waiting for us, and they will see how hott we are, even if we do shop at Bargain Mart!"
She sighed realizing how pathetic they both were, spending every Thursday night crying over movies, and dreaming they had more. She knew, however, that she wouldn't give it up for the world. She and Haley had been best friends since elementary school, and they had always been there for each other.
"Ok, so you mean to tell me that you, once again, turned down Emma Jacobs?" Nathan teased his brother as they sat at the bar in the kitchen of their father's house. It had become routine for them to grab a bite together after practice, or even after playing at the rivercourt. Most of the time they ended up at Karen's cafe, but she had been out of town for the week, attending a cooking seminar in Boston. As much as Lucas loathed his father, he wouldn't disappoint Nathan because of it. In reality, he had loathed Nathan all the way up until their eighth grade year when they were assigned to do a project together. Nathan had stayed at Lucas' house working on the project, and they had come to terms that they really had a lot in common. This didn't mean, however, a new friendship had blossomed. They still avoided each other, and pretended to hate each other, especially when they both made the Varsity team as freshmen. It wasn't until Lucas saw Dan practically choke Nathan against a wall for missing a shot, that things had changed. Lucas had defended Nathan, even to the point where he let him stay at his house until Nathan was ready to face Dan again. After that, they shared an understanding and respect for each other, and had become pretty close over the last three years. Not to mention they practically ruled the school together, having girls throw themselves at them everyday. They both admitted it was nice having the other around. The Scott brothers had become a legend in the school.
"Ok. So what if I did? What's the big deal?"
"But man, she is so hot."
"Dude, I just wasn't feeling her."
"Ok, but you still could have had a little fun."
"Whatever, Nathan." The fact was, Lucas was tired of all of these brainless, gorgeous girls throwing themselves at him. Of course he would never admit that, or even for a second ruin his reputation he and Nathan had worked three years to get. He was a god at tree hill high, and he didn't really want to lose that. He knew, however, if he kept rejecting these girls and missing parties, that people would talk. Lucas had always been, and still was, the more responsible of the two. He attended class, and actually tried hard to get good grades, which in fact wasn't hard for him at all. He was the one at parties who drank very little, making sure everyone had a safe ride home. But everyone else at the parties saw Lucas Scott, who laughed, drank and had a good time while he was there, and they never questioned more than that. It was the way it had always been.
"Ok, so maybe you're right. I guess I've just been in a funk lately. I just want to put more time into basketball."
"Ok, seriously. Don't get all Dan on me now-"
At that moment, their father walked into the house.
"Speak of the devil." Lucas laughed.
"You can sneak out the back door and he'll never even know you've been here."
Lucas gathered his things, and headed towards the door, but it was too late.
"Lucas, what a pleasant surprise." Lucas set his bag back down and turned to face Dan.
"Dan." Lucas said, acknowledging his father's existence.
"I didn't know you were here son, I didn't see your car."
Lucas boiled inside at the word son. "My mom had to use it to drive to a seminar, hers is in the shop."
"I wish you guys would have let me known, I could have helped out. Maybe lent you some money, or a car."
Nathan could tell Lucas was so frustrated he was about to hit something, and wished that he could have gotten out in time.
"You know that we don't need your money Dan. Or your help. And I know you know that, so don't even offer. My mom's had a lot of success with her cafe and diner, and especially with TRIC. She actually became wealthy from working hard, not from using her spouse's money." He flashed Nathan an apologetic look, who smiled to reassure him there was no offense taken to the comment.
"Son, I was only trying to help."
"Nathan, I'll catch ya later." Lucas picked up his bag, and walked to the door.
The next morning worked like clockwork for Brooke. She woke up, showered, and got herself ready for the day. She met Haley at the same corner they met at every morning. Neither of them had a car, or had parents who could afford to buy them a car, so they walked together everyday, unless it rained, and they hitched a ride from one of their parents. Both preferred walking than having to ride with their parents. It gave them a chance to prepare for the day.
"So are you ready for the new semester, Haley?"
"God yes. I am so glad that I'm out of Calculus. I almost died of boredom in there."
"That's because Ms. Ritter is like eighty." They both chuckled at the thought of the elderly woman. "So what classes do you have?"
"Um.." Haley pulled out her schedule. "Well, I tutor for the first two periods, and then I have English, History of Religion, and then Chemistry. How about you?"
"Well, I have Fads and Fashions first period-"
"Brooke! That's like the third time you've taken that class."
"Haley, it's ok. I'm allowed to. It's like art, every time you take it, you take it as a higher level. And if I actually want to be a designer someday, I have to know how to properly make clothes." Brooke said defending herself.
"Ok, ok. You're right. What other classes do you have?"
"Uh, I have gym second period, and then it looks like I have English with you. I have History of Pop Culture after that, and then Chemistry with you too."
"Oh, I hope you're my lab partner. I don't want to get stuck with some weirdo, or worse off- some cocky jock."
"Well, let's hope the gods on our sides!" Brooke exclaimed, as they approached Tree Hill High. "You ready for this?"
"As ready as I'll ever be."
