Disclaimer: This is a work of fan fiction using characters of the TV series "One Tree Hill". The show created by Mark Schwahn and it aired on The CW. I do not claim any ownership over the characters or the world of OTH. The story I tell here about Brooke is my own invention, and it is not purported or believed to be part of the creator's story canon. This story is for entertainment only and is not part of the official story line. I am not profiting financially from the creation and publication of this story. Any characters that are not in the show and created by me are also fictional and any semblance with real people is purely coincidental.
She was jogging early in the morning, a habit she picked up after her break up with him. It's not like she can go back to be her cheery self after she willingly gave up the only boy she was in love with for the happiness of her ex best friend. Best friend, she thought, yeah right! She passed by the river court and what she saw made her stop and hide behind a nearby tree. There on the court, Lucas and Skills were playing around while they were giving Nathan and his companion worried glances. On the side of the court, some feet away from the two high schoolers, Nathan was talking to a man, who she wished she would never see with one of her friends, having a heated conversation. A few moments later the shady man was gone and her friend was alone and very unhappy. She made her way to him without giving herself away and waited for him to notice her. When he did, he frowned.
"What are you doing here so early Brooke?" He asked not really caring.
"How much?" It was the only thing out of her mouth and if he thought he had seen angry Brooke before it was nothing in comparison to what she looked like now.
"Wh... what?" He faltered. She can't know! How does she know? He thought mortified.
"Don't you dare play dumb with me right now Nathan! Don't you dare!" Her voice was angry but low because she was sure if she was to yell right now, the whole Tree Hill would hear them. "I will ask one more time. How much?" Her eyes narrow as she asks again and her gaze locked in his. After a moment he dropped his head.
"Fifteen grand or win tonight's game by less than ten points." He admitted ashamed.
Her jaw dropped. They were screwed.
"Are you completely stupid?!" She shrieked and Lucas and Skills looked at them. "Go back to your game boys. It's nothing to do with any of you. I am mad as hell with Nathan right now." She said to them and turned back to the brunette boy in front of her. "Ok, I know you don't need a lecture right now. You need help. We need help." She said and started pacing back and forth. Nathan looked at her as if she had grown two heads.
"Are you crazy? What am I gonna do? We can't find that amount of money in such short notice! We will win the game with less than ten points and everything will go back to normal." He said confidently. It was Brooke's turn to look at him as if he was Hydra and istead of one head he had two.
"I don't know who is more stupid, you or a five year old." She said incredulously. "Do you really think he will leave you alone after this game? Are you mental or something? He is a loan shark you asshole! And the team goes to the finals after tonight! Do you think he won't have a say in that because you will abide by his will for tonight?"
"Brooke are you ok?" Lucas started his way to his ex and his brother when her voice stopped him.
"Luke, no offense, but this is between Nathan and me ok?" She glared impatiently to the blonde boy she so desperately tried to forget. She turned to his brother again. "Nate, I'm sorry to break it to you but he won't leave you alone after tonight. And if you shave points to the game while you are healthy everybody will smell something fishy!" She started pacing back and forth again.
"What do you sugge..." He started saying but she cut him off.
"Shh... let me think for a minute." She said and continued to pace for a few good minutes when she stopped in front of him.
"Ok, I'm gonna talk to daddy. I'm gonna ask him for the money. If that fails, you need to be sick today."
"What are you talking about?"
"Listen Nathan! No matter how many problems you had before in your life, you were always able to concentrate on basketball. Always. The statistics are out there for crying out loud! You left home, you got married, your wife left for tour, you got your wife pregnant... the only thing stable was your performance on the court. Do you really think that you can fool anyone if you do some mistakes during a match with this kind of importance? Hmm? There is no way they won't be reporters up your ass and bye bye scholarship... bye bye basketball. All it takes for point shaving is a rumor Nathan. So, whatever you do today... you play sick. Pretend that you have some dizzy spells or pretend that you want to throw up. Say some words to people that you don't feel well when they ask you... just play sick ALL day today so that when the time of the game comes and we don't have the money you can have an excuse for a bad performance. Do you understand me?" She asked firmly. He nodded looking away from her. Her heart went out to him.
"Is the money problem that big that you felt that he was your last hope?" she asked quietly.
"Yeah. They cut the power to our apartment and Haley went nuts. I went to my dad before all these and he said that I shouldn't have draw the emancipation papers, that I was a man now and on my own. Oh yeah, he told me that I wasn't an investment that he was interested in. And then Daunte came and all these started. I couldn't go to my dad because he would start on me on what a failure I am and that I can't take care of my family. You know how he is and I couldn't do it. I know it's stupid and my pride got in the way but I couldn't do it Brooke. Please tell me that you at least understand, please?" He pleaded. She did understand though. She took a step forward and hugged him.
"I understand Nate. I do." She said quietly and they stood like that for a few seconds. She couldn't see her friend like that. Nathan was always strong. The only person he allowed to be vulnerable with was Haley and now, seeing him like that, made her want to help him even more. She pulled back and took his face between her hands.
"I will do whatever I can to find the money ok? But please, if I can't find it in time... practice your skills as an actor. Because it's not only your name and your reputation that is at stake here, but your baby's too. And for any future decisions that you make, make sure you consider the consequences for your family too ok? You are not alone anymore buddy." She said seriously and nodded once. With one last hug she turned and started jogging again.
"Hey Brooke?" His voice made her turn and look at him. She was a good distance away by now. "Thank you." He said loud enough for the other two to look at them curiously again.
"Don't thank me yet Nate." She said and started her run again.
Nathan stood there watching her leave and sighed. How would he explained it to Haley all this? She would kill him that's for sure.
A few feet away his brother was looking at him with a foreign feeling in his gut. He was beyond curious about what that was all about and he couldn't understand the jealousy he felt looking Brooke hugging his brother. Will we ever reach a point that we are comfortable enough with each other to hug like that? He wondered as he saw the brunette disappear from his sight.
~ o ~
At 10.15, after the first part of the show was over, she went to the bathroom and checked all the stalls. No one was there. She locked the door and looked at her cell phone. Here goes nothing she thought and formed the familiar number. He answered at the third ring.
"Brookie! What a surprise honey!" She heard his greeting and wanted to smile but she couldn't. Not yet.
"Hey dad. Good morning." She said and bit her lip.
"Good morning. To what I owe this morning call? Aren't you suppose to be in class young lady?" He asked a bit affectionately despite the effort to sound stern.
"Yes. I should be in class but I am in a bathroom stall to talk to you. I am in trouble dad." She said honestly and to the point.
Robert 'Ted' Davis was a lot of things and good dad wasn't one of them, he knew it. But when his little girl- yes in his mind his Brookie was still little- didn't call him daddy, it meant big trouble. And he might never win the "daddy of the year" award but he would do whatever he could for his daughter.
"What kind of trouble? You are not pregnant are you? I'm gonna kill him! Give me a name!" Ted was now as alarmed as any overprotective dad would be.
"No, no! What are you talking about! I'm not pregnant! Are you crazy?" She was appalled at the idea of discussing something like this with her dad.
"Oh, ok then. That's good. What kind of trouble are you in then honey? I'm sure we can find a solution." He said calmly now.
She took a deep breath.
"Um... I need money... a lot of money actually and I need them until this afternoon. It's Daunte Jones dad." She said and started pacing around the bathroom floor. She knew she would have no time to say another word before her dad explode on her.
"WHAT!?" Ted shrieked in the phone. Brooke winced and pulled her cell away from her ear. "What the hell are you doing with that sleazy asshole!" He yelled at her.
"Daddy... please. Let me explain. Please?" She pleaded.
"Ok, Brooke. I'm listening." He said defeatedly.
"I have a friend..." she told him everything and waited for his reaction.
"What's his last name Brooke?" He asked eventually.
"What? Why do you ask?" she was nervous now.
"Brooke... his last name." He repeated.
"Scott. Nathan Scott. But dad..." She was interrupted.
"Scott? As in the mayor's son? That Scott?" He asked incredulously.
"I know, I know! But he can't go to Dan dad! He just can't ok? You may never have been around while I was growing up but Dan was even worse with Nathan despite him being around. The guy is an asshole dad. No, I'm not gonna apologize for my language. The guy is unfit to be a dad and the judge thought so too and let Nathan on his own when he asked for emancipation. How is he suppose to go to him and ask for the money now? Please dad. He made a mistake ok? He is pressured with school and basketball and he has a baby on the way. I want to help him. He is married to one of my best friends. Please? I know that I ask for a lot of money right now but... please? I've never asked for anything. The only other thing I've actually asked you was to let me stay in Tree Hill when you moved to Cali. Please dad. Do it for me, not for Nathan." She stopped talking and hold her breath in anticipation. After a while he spoke.
"Ok Brooke. I will transfer the money to your account and you can do what you want with it." He said quietly. The phrases 'you may never have been around while I was growing up' and 'I've never asked you for anything' stuck in his mind and it was like a knife for him. What made him decide though was the allusion which was well hidden in the phrase '...but Dan was even worse'. It implied that although he himself wasn't as bad of a father as Dan, he was still bad. And to have his eighteen year old daughter subtly reminding him this fact, wasn't very good for him. He heard her squeal and he laughed.
"Calm down baby, calm down." He said into the speaker.
"Thank you dad. You don't know what it means to me. I promise you, I will return the money some day ok? You can put an interest if you want. I swear to you." She was so excited.
"No need to honey. But I would like to spend some time with you before you go off to college if you would be interested. I would love for you to spend some time with me in Los Angeles. We have some good beaches and I could teach you how to surf." He was anxious now. She was right that he wasn't around and he really wanted to try and be more of a father.
"Really?" She mumbled. She wasn't sure what he was planning. "Are you sure?"
"Look Brooke. I know that I am not much of a father ok. How about I start over? I want to get to know you. Please? Will you spend a couple of weeks here with me?"
"Yes. I would love to daddy. Thank you." She said, still shocked.
"No, I am the one who should be thanking you for giving me another chance. So thank you Brooke. I love you baby." He was kind of emotional.
"I love you too daddy." She nearly choked. The school bell sounded that moment and she flinched. "I need to go dad, the bell just rang."
"Ok, I will talk to my lawyer to transfer the money to your account now. Give me a call later to tell me how it went? If you have any problems call me and I will fly there to deal with him personally got it?"
"I will call you later. I will handle it just fine from here on dad. I'm a Davis after all. Bye daddy!" She said and disconnected the call. She was happy for the first time in weeks.
"That you are baby... that you are." Ted mumbled into the disconnected line more than two and a half thousand miles away.
~ o ~
Brooke was walking down the crowded hallway in search of a certain person. When she found him she smiled at him.
"Mouth! The person I was looking for. I need a favor to ask."
"What can I do for you Brooke?" He asked smiling.
"I want a good video camera to capture something with it and then in a matter of seconds I need the video to be uploaded and sent to my e- mail account. How much time do you think it will take from the moment the camera will stop recording until the video is in my inbox?" she asked seriously now.
"Well, it depends on the equipment we will use and how long the video will be."
"Well, the video will be maximum one minute and as for the equipment, that's why I came to you. What can you find me?"
"I actually have good lap top and I can borrow a video camera. What's going on Brooke?" He rarely saw the brunette so serious and determined.
"Well... let's talk business before we go back to the show Mouth." She said and dragged him with her in an empty class to explain what she needed him to do.
~ o ~
Next thing in her to do list was to find Nathan. She called him but he didn't answer. She sent him a text instead of calling again.
Everything's under control so far. I found the money. No need to talk to Dan. xo
Once she sent it she focused on her show, it went well. She was happy to see Nick there. He made her forget the big day ahead of her. Then Rachel appeared with the cover of the Maxim magazine. It was amazing to see her friend so happy. Then out of nowhere she told her that Nick hit on her and that she couldn't see him anymore because he was a bad guy. She looked at her friend carefully for all of two seconds and she knew she was lying.
"That asshole... I bet he was 'Brooking' himself with that cover of yours!" She stated trying to cover up how hurt she was with her, supposedly, friend.
"Wait, that's it? You are not gonna say anything else?" Racher wasn't happy.
"Please!" Brooke said like nothing happened. "He is good in bed, I'll give you that, but as you said before, he is just a rebound. I guess I am gonna have to find another one. And now that I think about it..." She pushed the redhead playfully "...you slut! Couldn't you leave one guy for me? You have all the male students at your feet after the cover came out! Couldn't leave one teacher for me?" she hoped she played her role good enough to fool the redhead for now.
Later, she had Nick telling her that Rachel had hit on him... Drama even in a rebound relationship she thought. He told him that she knew.
"Look Nick, I don't want you to lose your job. If we pissed her off now she will go to the principle. So, let's cool it for a few days ok? Until she is sure that nothing is going on with us and then we can see each other again." She told him and he reluctantly agreed. She didn't have time for all of this today. Why don't bad things come one at a time? She thought and once again started to panic for the afternoon. She started to have second thoughts about her plan. That wasn't good. She needed some coffee and something sweet and she wasn't in the mood to listen to the teachers so she left school. In the way to her car, she spotted her least favorite person at the moment, her ex best friend. She wasn't in the mood for another one on one confrontation so she ignored her while the blonde called her name and continued walking toward the parking lot. She was unlocking her car when a voice stopped her.
"Skipping classes?" Lucas asked, trying to make small talk.
"Stating the obvious?" she asked back. Not wryly but not in the mood for small talk either. He raised his hands to placate her.
"I didn't mean anything bad, I promise. Where are you going? Do you want some company?" He asked unsure. He wanted to talk to her about this morning and what she was talking to Nathan about but he didn't know how to bring that up. She was ready to respond when her cell phone rang. She raised her finger as if to say "Give me a minute" and answered it.
"Hello... this is she... Ah, yes. It's good that he called. I forgot the policy... yes you are absolutely right... Oh no, not the whole amount. I need twenty thousand... Fayetteville? No, I don't think I can make it on time... In five hours but school's out at three o'clock. Isn't there anything else...? Really, that would be absolutely amazing. You would be doing me a huge favor... Yes. Thank you so much Mr. Bryant. You are a lifesaver. See you later. Bye!" She closed her phone and a happy smile appeared in her face. She exhale loudly "That was intense." She said to no one in particular and then her eyes fell on Lucas who was watching her carefully. "Oh, you' re still here. Look, I have some things to take care of so I guess I will see you around." She said and tried to get into her car again.
"What was all that about?" He asked curious and concerned. Twenty thousand dollars are too much money to have around. And what does she needs so much money for? He wondered.
"What makes you think that if I told you, you could handle it?" She asked having enough of him and his questions. She was already tired and it was only a little after noon.
"Try me. You know that I am here for you Brooke." He was telling the truth and he wanted her to believe him. The thing is that she didn't. And she laughed, my god did she laugh!
"What's so funny?" He was confused and a little miffed.
"You. You are a funny guy Luke. You couldn't handle my business when I was your girlfriend and you definitely can't handle it now, trust me. And besides..." She pointed somewhere behind his back "... don't you have your hands full with that one?" She said with a neutral face, without displaying any emotions. He turned and saw Peyton looking at them from a distance. He turned back to Brooke and he was a little angry now.
"I didn't know you could be so cold Brooke! She could really use her best friend you know!" He yelled at her. Brooke's face was transformed in seconds in a mask of ice. He backed up a step because he was a little scared of her at the moment.
"She gave up on her best friend when she picked her said best friend's boyfriend. She gets nothing else from me." She was hurt but didn't show it. They can go "Brooke" themselves for all I care, she thought and opened her car door. She disappeared within seconds leaving a mad Lucas looking at her empty parking space.
~ o ~
She entered the café and went straight for the counter. She saw Karen moving around and smiled. She loved that woman like a mother.
"Can I have a coffee and the biggest piece of chocolate cake you have please?" She asked playfully. Karen was happy to see the brunette. She hadn't seen her for a while now.
"Hey honey, go sit down and I will bring them to you." The older woman said kindly. She did as she has been told. She sat down in a booth and stared out of the window lost in thoughts until the older brunette brought her order.
"You seam miles away. And it's a school day and you are here instead of school... do you want some company?" Karen asked givint the younger woman a small smile.
"Sure. But I am not sure how much of a company I will be today. I'm kind of exhausted and my energy level is down... hence the chocolate delight in front of me." Brooke returned the smile.
"Anything you want to talk about?" The older woman asked concerned. She had some reservations about Brooke and Lucas in the beginning of their relationship in junior year but the young girl in front of her is totally another person from the immature cheerleader from nearly two years ago. She was proud to say that Brooke did grow up the most in comparison to the rest of her son's group of friends. It was nice to see the progress. She only wished that she would open up more. It was inversely proportional, the more she grew up to be the beautiful young adult she had no doubt she would be, the less she opened up to people. And she knew that her son had a huge part in that.
"I would love to but..." She trailed off.
"Brooke, you know that I am here for you..." Karen started but Brooke cut her off.
"Don't say that please! I am tired of that expression. In fact I am sure if I don't hear it again addressing to me I would be happy!"
"What did he do now?" Karen asked for she knew that Lucas much have been involved somehow. Brooke had the 'your son is such an ass' look on her face. Brooke didn't know how to answer this question but she tried.
"He always said that to me 'Brooke, I'm here for you for whatever you need', but he rarely was, if ever. I mean most times than not, I would find him taking care of my ex best friend. I mean, can you see Nathan not being there for Haley because he was busy helping his best friend out? Why should I have a stalker on my back to make Lucas wanting to spend time with me? It's not my fault I am not stupid enough to have my life on the internet in the name of Art and giving away an 'all access' invitation to every Tom, Dick and Harry with mental disorder to be obsessed with me!" Brooke said looking out of the window with tears gathering in her eyes.
"Brooke..." Karen took her hand in hers but the younger woman pulled it away.
"No, it's ok. I'm not gonna cry Karen. It's not worth it anymore." She said blinking rapidly to avoid the tears coming out.
"Please honey talk to me." The older woman begged.
"You have a lot in your plate as it is Karen. You don't need me to add to it. I'll be fine. It's just one of those days." The younger brunette reasured the older one.
"Don't do that. Don't close off like that. You build walls around you that one day will be impenetrable Brooke. That's not healthy."
"I know that. But it's the way I cope. At least if you don't allow anyone close there won't be a chance for them to disapoint you in the end. Speaking of disappointments..." She motioned with her head to something out of the window and soon enough Karen saw Dan getting out of his car and heading to the front of the café.
"You know that I love you Karen. Two years ago you were the mother figure I needed in my life and that won't change. Like you gave me advices in so many things since we've met, I will return the favor and if you are mad at me and you don't want to talk to me after that, it's fine. But I refuse to stand by and just watch you while you make one huge mistake. That man over there is not father material. He is an asshole and a big one at that. He can't take care of his own sons, how do you think he can take care of the baby of the brother he hated? I'm sure you know better than me of the things he did or didn't do for Lucas, but let me tell you what he said to Nathan when he asked Dan's help because they are struggling financially with Haley at the moment. He said that he had emancipation papers drawn and that it wasn't his problem anymore. That he needed to be a man and find a solution and that he wasn't an investment that he was interested in. So, if you think for a minute that that asshole will be there for Keith's baby..." She trailed off not wanting to finish that sentence. She looked at the front of the shop. He was nearly there now. She kneeled in front of Karen and placed a kiss in her cheek.
"I don't have any plans this weekend. If you have some free time and you still want to talk to me, or you still want me to talk to you for that matter, give me a call." Then she touched her belly where a little bump was making it known that there was a baby there. "I love you baby. Take care of your mom and don't give her too much trouble. She has me for that." For the whole time she was there, she smiled for the first time, a true Brooke Davis smile, dimples and all. Karen smiled back and hugged her before she disappeared to the back door of the café just as Dan greeted the older woman.
~ o ~
Brooke drove around until she saw a little baker. She bought something to eat and with a huge cup of coffee she drove to the only place that could calm her down, the beach. She stayed there for a couple of hours before her cell phone rang and 'Nate' appeared on the small screen.
"What's up Hotshot?" She greeted playfully before continued. "Have you puked yet?" she teased.
"Ha ha! Very funny. I haven't convinced anyone before you sent the message. I think my career as an actor is over before it even started. Where are you?" He asked.
"The beach. Why?"
"Ok, do you want some company? I need to tell Haley and she will kill me and I figured if we talked to her together..." He stopped hoping she would help him a bit more.
"Are you high? There is no way in hell that I will be in the path of the wrath of one Haley James Scott when she finds out about this!"
"Please Brooke! Please? She will kill me and I want to know my kid when he comes. And Haley needs to be less stressed right now and I know that you being there will help her." Nathan tried to be convincing.
"He? It's a boy?" Brooke grinned. "I didn't know that you found out about the sex yet!" She nearly squealed.
"Um... From all the things I said you kept the 'he' part?" Nathan looked at his phone not believing what he was hearing.
"Well duh!"
"No, we haven't found out about the sex of the baby. It was wishful thinking on my part. But to the point... do you really want to raise my kid Brooke?" He asked determined to make her cave.
"Why would I want to raise your kid?" She asked suspiciously.
"Well, you are the godmother and since Haley will kill me she will be in jail and the godmother gets the kid, that's why."
"Are you trying to bribe me with godmother duties Nathan Scott?"
"Hell yeah! Is it working?" He asked hopefully.
"Hell yeah! Come to the beach at your beach house. I am at a spot a couple hundred feet north. We have a little over an hour before I need to go to the bank and get the money Nate." She instructed.
"Ok. We will be there soon."
"Wait. Where are you?"
"At Karen's café, why?"
"Bring me a chocolate cake. I want some sugar in my system. I'm dying here. And quick please. I'm nervous, so let's get it over with. I mean, how bad can it be?" She asked but she knew very well the answer.
"You have no idea. We will be right there. See you soon." He said and disconnected the call.
Fifteen minutes later she saw them coming her way. Nathan with a concerned look and a small package on his hands and Haley a little tired but happy. Then she saw something she wished she wouldn't for the rest of the day. Lukas and Peyton were a few feet behind the couple. She exhaled.
"Why did you invite them?" She hissed to Nathan pissed.
"I didn't! She did!" He quickly blamed his wife. What? He knew that Brooke would never hurt a pregnant woman.
"You mentioned the beach and they were right there with us. What was I supposed to do? I was polite, I didn't think they would come once you mentioned Brooke!" Haley whispered so the two blondes wouldn't hear her.
"Ok, ok. I will be magnanimous and I will let them be for today because I have more important things to do for now. Just remember that when you have to do another magnanimous thing and forgive your husband ok? If I am to do my good deed for today and leave them alone you sure can forgive the man you are in love with right?" She started rumbling now.
"What is she talking about?" Haley asked now concern written all over her face. At that time, Lucas and Peyton arrived.
"Hey guys." Lukas greeted them with his eyes on Brooke. From the look on his face she could see he had their last conversation in his mind.
"Hi." Peyton's greeting was a little more hessitant and weak.
The couple said a quick 'hey' back but the brunette remained silent ignoring them.
"So, what did she mean Nathan? What's going on?" Haley asked again.
"Before you start Nate, is that my chocolate cake?" Brooke's eyes lit up like a kid in a candy store.
"Yeah and Karen wouldn't let me pay." Nathan gave the small container to Brooke and she opened it.
"Mmm... yummy!" She took a bite savoring the flavor of chocolate in her mouth. Lucas then came forward and gave her a cup of coffee.
"This is from mom. She said that you were right and, if you want to, you two can have lunch at the café tomorrow at noon." He gave her a cup of coffee.
"Oh! Coffee! You can never have enough coffee! I will thank her tomorrow." Brooke said and took a sip.
"Any idea what she was talking about?" He asked impatiently.
"Of course. But it's non of your business." She said and continued eating her cake.
"Brooke, we are talking about my mom!" He was pissed now.
"No! We are talking about a conversation I had with your mom! And clearly, since she didn't tell you, she though that it wasn't your business! Deal with it already!" She raised her voice a bit. Lucas would have continued but Nathan stopped him.
"Dude, not now! I asked Haley here for a reason." He said and turned to his wife again. "Look Hales, about the money..." He started but he got interrupted again.
"Hold it a sec!" Brooke nearly choked on her cake.
"Brooke!" Nathan had had enough interruptions. He wanted it out already.
"No, this is important. Tutor-mom... you need to understand first that everything is under control, ok? We got a plan, we got the money and it's over by tonight's game. Ok?" Brooke started looking intently in her friend's eyes.
"Um... ok? What's going on guys? You are starting to scare me a bit."
"Oh, no no no no no! This is not our intention! We are here to reassure you that everything will be ok before tonight's game." Brooke stated firmly.
"What is gonna be ok? Baby, what is she talking about?" Haley asked Nathan with a complete blank expression on her face.
"I borrowed some money from a loan shark and he wants me to shave points at the game tonight or have his money back." He said quietly but it had the effect of a bomb.
"WHAT?!" Was the reaction from three different people but with the same high piched tone.
"Haley, you need to think of the baby right now! Stress isn't good for the baby honey." Brooke tried to divert the attention but ofcourse failed.
"Brooke! You knew about it?! Nathan what the hell?!" Haley started ready to explode.
"You knew about it! This is why you were fighting this morning? Why didn't you tell me?!" Lukas came dangerously close to Brooke's face and that was all it took for the brunette to loose it. And that was why Nathan wanted her there in the first place. No one goes off like Brooke Davis. Not even his wife.
"What is your problem?! I don't report to you and my world doesn't revolve around you! I have more important things to do than me running to you to solve my problems! And I didn't choose this. I was running this morning and I saw him talking to this guy. You were right there playing hoops with Skills for god's sake! Right under your nose and you did nothing! And since we are at it, what would you do even if you knew? Let me tell you what would have happened! That knucklehead over there..." she pointed to Nathan without looking at him "...would have convinced you that it's nothing and for you to mind your own business. You would let it slide and tonight he would shave points at the game trying not to be obvious about it thinking it would end there. Then you would have, somehow, figured it out and you would yell at him and point fingers at him as if that would help the situation. And if or when it all settled down you would say a mawkish 'I'm sorry' and you would expect to everything be ok! Did I miss anything?" She looked at him with fire in her eyes. Then she looked at Haley a bit calmer.
"Look, you have every right to be mad at him ok? I get it, it was stupid and he knows that he has to think before he acts next time because he isn't alone any more. Believe me, I lectured him already. But he was desperate. He went to Dan first and that turned out... yeah... not so well. Hey!" She said suddenly and looked at Nathan "Why am I telling her your story? You tell her. I will eat my cake." She said and sat down again starting eating her cake. All of them looked at her as if she was crazy.
She wasn't though. She was anxious and stressed and nervous. She wanted her sugar intake for the day and some more coffee. And above all, she wanted all of this done and over with so she could go back to her normal... no matter what the normal was. So, she sat there drinking and eating while Nathan explain the situation to the others. After a few minutes and a new lecture about how his actions have consequences to their child from Haley, the pregnant girl sat down next to the brunette.
"So, you have the money?" She asked quietly.
Brooke nodded and Haley wrapped her arms around her and started thanking her. Brooke shrugged it off.
"Where did you find it?" She asked her again.
"I called daddy. Sorry Nate, but I had to tell him the truth. He hates lying. In the beginning he didn't want to help cause you are a Scott so I told him about Dan too." Brooke said with genuine sad face.
"It's ok Brooke. It's not like there are a lot of excuses to come up with when someone asks their dad for fifteen grand." He smiled at her letting her know that it was to be expected anyway.
"He didn't say anything bad once I reminded him that all I ever asked him for was to stay in Tree Hill and he caved. He doesn't want the money back. He just asked me if I wanted to spend a couple of weeks in L.A. and he would teach me how to surf. Got it? He asked me! I mean he never does that. Said something about how he wants to make up for all the time we... crap! Totally out of topic! But yeah, he doesn't want the money back so you don't have to worry about that." She smiled at the couple.
"Wow, he is being very generous but we will find a way to give him the money back Brooke. It's too much!" Haley exclaimed. Brooke smirked.
"Like I said don't worry about it. Because of this I get to spend two weeks with my dad. That never happened in the eighteen years of my life, so thank you for taking rushed decisions Nate!" She laughed to let him know she was joking.
"Glad I could be of service!" He mocked her and all three of them laughed. The two blondes felt out of place with this conversation.
"Ok tutor mom. You need to focus more on the baby and less at this ok? We got it under control. I talked to Mouth. I didn't tell him anything about you Nate. I asked him if he could recorder a video of me giving someone some money so that I can have proof that he received it. He said he would. Then let's hope he gets the hell out of our life. Dad offered to come and deal with him if we run into any problems." She sighed.
"Nervous?" Haley asked knowingly.
"Yeah. I just want it over with." She looked at her clock and sighed again. Time to go to the bank, she thought before she spoke again. "I don't know when exactly the exchange will take place. Probably before the game because Mouth is the speaker but I am sure that by that time players and cheerleaders will be out on the court. I want you to look out to me the time of the exchange. I will pretend to be scared so I want you to ask the rest of the cheerleaders to look at me and if they can tell that I am scared."
"Why?" Haley asked confused.
"For evidence if something goes wrong. If anyone asks, we can fabricate a story about him threatening me or something and the cheerleaders can verify how scared I was. That way, Nathan's name stays out of it." She explained.
"Brooke! You can't take the blame for it!" Nathan was appalled at the idea.
"Well, better me for a sex scandal than you for shaving points Nate. Basketball is your future, so it is that little guy's future too." She said pointing to Haley's bump. She saw her friend narrowing her eyes at her. "What? He is rooting for a boy! I'm with him in this one!" She said smiling. "I will spoil him rotten!"
"Yeah, cause if it's a girl you won't? I can only imagine the trips to the mall for baby dresses and little girly things. Just imagine all the accessories for a life size doll Brooke! And then her sixteenth birthday and the gown for her first formal or her prom... Who better to go shopping with than aunty Brooke?" She wiggled her eyebrows at the brunette who had a dreamy look on her face.
"Ok Nate, I've change my mind. I want a girl! Oh! It will be so perfect!" Everyone laughed at her.
"Thank goodness it's not up to you then!" Nathan shoved her lightly.
"Well, on that note, I am gonna go to the bank. See you in an hour at school!" She said and stood up gracefully. She drank the last sip of her coffee and she put all her junk in a small bag that she had with her. Then she gave it to Nathan. "Here, practice on the trash can for tonight's game. I expect you to win." She said and hugged him lightly. She heard a muffled 'thank you' and when they separated, she smiled at him in return. Then it was Haley's turn. The two friends hugged tightly.
"Thank you so much for your help Brooke. It's means everything to me." Haley didn't keep her voice low like Nathan.
"I know honey. It's ok." Brooke reasured. "Everything will be ok. You will see."
"If I can do anything in return..." She started and she felt the brunette pulling back a little.
"Now that you mention it, you can. I'm failing math, so if you can find me a tutor it will be great. Because I'm telling you, I am a step away to steal your keys to the tutor center and steal the math tests." Haley frowned and Brooke laughed. "What? I admit it crossed my mind but I'm fessing up, aren't I? Oh, make sure he is not cute or anything because I want to concentrate on the subject and not the tutor himself. Actually if it could be a girl it would be awesome! With my luck in guys recently you never know!" She laughed not caring who heard her or not.
"You got it." Haley laughed not caring either.
The four of them watched her retreating form for a few moments, each one deep in thoughts and with different emotions. The couple had only respect and gratitude while the blonde duo had jealousy and anger for the brunette... each for different reasons...
~ o ~
Her trip to the bank was successful. She met Mr. Bryant and he gave her the cash. She asked if she could have a checkbook for the rest of the money in her account. He, of course, complied to her wishes. Then she explained to him how two of her best friends were married and they were both so young so they would like to have someone to give them some advice about managing their income and any savings they had. He made an appointment for them with the bank's advisor for sometime after school next week. She thanked him profusely and made her way back to school.
When she arrived, the school was alive with energy. Everyone was optimistic for the game. One winning and the school was at the finals. She had no doubt that the boys would win tonight. Especially if what was about to do had the desired outcome. That would give Nathan, and even her Broody, a boost to their game. She went to the gym and found Mouth in the corner at the opposite side of the bleachers. She gave him a few last minute instructions and went to the locker room with the rest of her squad to put on her uniform. She told Rachel to take the lead until she gets back. On the raised eyebrow she received from her, she just smiled and said she had to do something before the game started. She didn't elaborate, she just left.
Ten minutes before the game started everyone was on the court and Brooke was on the bleachers waiting for the scum to make an appearance. He did along with his right hand man and headed straight to the first row of seats. She frowned when she saw him looking at Nathan with a smirk plastered in his face. He who laughs last, laughs best asshole, she thought and made her move. She gave a nod to Mouth to start recording and made her way to the two men in the front of the bleachers. She started thinking all the things that could go wrong tonight in order to get in the mood and act scared. She pretented to look around her so she saw the cheerleaders looking at her as did Nathan and Lucas from the court. She gave her squad a tight, shaky smile.
She approached them and said something to the ear of a very excited freshman who was sitting next to the scum. The poor guy nodded with a grin and left. Brooke sat down on the vacant seat and looked a the man next to her who looked back at her. The brunette, without saying anything, pulled out of the brown paperbag she was holding two wads of cash and handed them to him with shaky hands. She hoped the video could catch it but she wasn't sure. She just thought it was a nice touch to add shaking into the picture. She looked one more time around with a scared expression on her face and then touched her hair- her signal to Mouth to stop recording and start uploading the video. She saw him giving her the thumps up and she smiled relieved and turned to Daunte with a smirk.
"What's this?" He asked her.
"Your money of course. Fifteen grand per your request. Straight from the bank. As you can see there will be no point shaving tonight or any other night for that matter." She said sure of herself.
"What are you talking about? What have you done?" He was angry now and she could see the other man fidgeting in his seat. She grinned at them.
"You see the boy with the camera and the laptop?" She pointed at Mouth before she continued. "He now has you on video accepting money from a scared cheerleader in a highschool basketball game. A few clicks and the video goes up on youtube with a catchy title and in every news station in the country. Let's see what that will do to your business. Nice huh?" She laughed.
"You bitch!" The sidekick tried to get up but she shook her head.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you. If you think I am bluffing give me a sec to prove it to you." She said and dialed Mouth's cell phone and put it on speaker.
"Hey gorgeous? What can I do for you?" The three of them saw Mouth talking to his phone and the two men gritted their teeth.
"Give me an update on the video please." She said lightly.
"As you instructed me... I uploaded it and it's ready for use. If I see anything suspicious I upload it on youtube. I have already sent copies of it in ten people's inbox. You are good to go B."
"I owe you big time for this honey." She smiled across to him and disconnected the call. "Now, you have your money, so get the hell out of my gym. If I see you or any suspicious looking men around any of my friends or around school, the video will go public. If something happens to any of us, the video will, again, go public. If there are any rumors about Nathan and point shaving, you are going down. So you see, the video is our security net. There is nothing left for you here, so go and don't let the door hit you on the way out." She smirked and stood up. "Oh, I almost forgot... the mayor sents his regards." She narrowed her eyes on the guy and with one final smile she left.
She made it on the court at the same time the final whistle sounded for the game to begin. She smiled brightly at Nathan and nodded once before she made a bee line to her squad. Haley hugged her tightly.
"It went well. We will talk later ok?" She reasured the pregnant girl smiling.
~ o ~
The game went well. Nathan gave the performance of his life. He was on fire. All the pent up emotions of the last couple of days made him unstopable. Lukas on the other hand did good but not so great. He was still mad at his brother and his ex girlfriend so he was a little preoccupied during the game. Brooke and Haley were smiling and cheering all the time while Peyton wasn't even in the gym. That bothered the brunette. She knew that the blonde had problems with crowded places but she didn't think she could miss tonight's game. Maybe the problem was deeper than she thought. She hated herself for caring so much so she pushed all thoughs of her ex best friend out of her mind and tried to focus on the mini celebration in front of her. She saw Nathan and Haley kissing and all the other players and cheerleaders hugging and smilling. Her gaze fell to her Broody. She wanted to cry. She caught herself though and started her way to the locker room. Half way there, she felt someone lifting her up and turning her around. From his laugh she knew it was Nathan and she relaxed. She started laughing with him and after a few moments he put her down and hugged her tightly with Haley watching them nearby.
"Thank you Brooke. Tonight was all thanks to you. So thank you." He said sincerely.
"You are welcome buddy but you did the job!" She laughed at him.
"I wouldn't without you and you know it. How about we celebrate tonight? Our house in an hour?" he suggested to the brunette looking back at his wife questionably. She smiled and nodded.
"How about I cook? It's a special occasion and the traditional pizza after a game doesn't seam appropriate. Is lasagna ok?" She asked the brunette.
"I will tell you what. Today was a difficult day for all of us and you are pregnant. How about you rest for tonight and you can do the cooking tomorrow. It's been ages since I last had homemade food so one more day won't hurt. For tonight let's do the traditional pizza. Is that ok with you two?" She asked unsure.
"Sure. Whatever you want. Um... who do you want there?" Nathan asked unsure. He risked a glance at his brother who was still on the court talking to some guys.
"Oh... eh... it's ok Nathan. They can come, both of them. But let's not make it a party ok? A small gathering would be great. You can invite the rivercourt guys and I will talk to Bevin and Teressa. I will bring the beers ok?"
They talked some more and they separated. Brooke stuffed her whole trunk in beers. They were cold too. She laughed when she saw Nathan's jaw hit the floor.
"What did you do? Bought the whole liquor store? We will only be fifteen people tops." He reminded her.
"I know but we have tomorrow too and then it's better to have more than not enough. Did anyone showed up yet?" She asked not helping him bringing the beers inside.
"No, not yet."
"Good, come inside. I want to talk to you and Haley alone."
The couple was sitting in the sofa and the brunette was pacing in front of them a bit nervous. She didn't want them to think she was oversteping any boundaries.
"Brooke, what's wrong?" Haley asked starting to feel nervous herself.
"Look Nate. Don't get mad ok? I could have gone to Haley with this and not say anything to you but that wouldn't be fair to your relationship. I couldn't put her in a position to keep a secret from you. It's just that I don't want you to think that I think any less of you or that I don't have faith in you to provide for your family..." She got interrupted by her friend.
"Brooke you are rumbling. What are you talking about?" He asked couriously.
"Ok." She said and pulled a small paper from her back pocket and she handed it to him. His eyes almost popped out of their sockets when he saw what it was. An eighty thousand dollar check with his name on it.
"Brooke!" He cried and stood up.
"I know, I know! Before you say anything though listen to me ok? You are my friend and you are married to one of my best friends. You have a child on the way and you are going to play college basketball starting next season. Practice, classes and games won't allow you to have a job Nate. This is to make your life a little easier. I don't doubt that you can provide for your family, I swear to you. But you said that I can be a godmother and this is it. This is me trying to give my godson a good start, ok? I don't..." Her voice disappeared as he put her in a bear hug. She sighed and relaxed in his arms. She felt something wet on her bare shoulder and pulled away. She saw him wiping a tear. He looked a the check again.
"Brooke... this is too much. Not even my dad..." He trailed off, he couldn't think right now. He showed the check to Haley and she almost screamed.
"Brooke!" She was in her feet in nano seconds eyes still on the check.
"Listen to me, both of you. Money is stressing you out Hales!" She pointed to her belly. "It's not good for the baby! This is for the baby! And Nate, if it makes you feel better, you can give the money back when you have your first multi- million contract in the NBA. Come on... please? It's not like my dad needs them right now. Please?" She pleaded with them to understand and accept the check. They looked at each other for a few moments before Haley nodded to her friend.
"Thank you Brooke. I don't really know what to say." The pregnant girl was actually lost for words.
"Don't say anything. I don't do it for you to thank me. I want to help. And it's only the three of us that will know about it ok? We will never speak of it again. Oh, and I forgot!" She opened her bag and pulled out a small wad of cash handing it to Nathan. "Five grand in cash. You need a family car that has room for a baby seat in the back sometime in the future. I just thought that when you go and search for one that maybe a couple of grand before the sale maybe will look good to the dealer and they will make you a better deal or something. And lastly..." She gave Haley a paper with a date on it. "I don't know if you need one but I talked to the bank manager today and I made an appointment for you two to talk to someone about what to do with your check and what is the better way to use it. Of course it's not necessary for you to go. I just... I would have no idea what to do if I were you and I would like someone to point out my options, that's why I did it. We can cancel it. What?" She asked when she saw their faces. Haley was crying and Nate was really close to tears too. They both hugged her tightly and didn't let go for a long time.
There was a knock in the door but the emotional couple didn't want to move. Haley was still crying a little and Nathan was still out of it.
"Huh... guys? The door." They didn't move. Brooke sighed and continued patting their backs. "It's open!" She said a little louder so she could be heard to the people outside of the door. Then Lucas and Peyton got inside.
"Hey." They said in unison with raising eyebrows when they took in the scene in front of them.
"I know right?" The brunette mouthed to them rolling her eyes. "Nate? You need to snap out of it. We have company." She tried with her male friend since he didn't have the small matter of hormones to think about. It worked and he pulled back from the brunette kissing her cheek.
"Thanks again Brooke. You will never understand what that means to me." He said pointing to the money and check in his hand. Then he took the small piece of paper from his wife's hand. "Um... I am gonna go... take care of that ok? We'll be right back." He kissed Haley, took her in his arms and together they went in their room.
"What was that?" A curious Lucas asked.
"Whew! Hormones! I don't know who has it worse, Haley who has to deal with the hormones or Nate who has to deal with Haley dealing with hormones!" She chuckled a little. "I'm gonna bring the beers from my trunk inside and put them in the fridge." She said quietly and moved to go outside.
"Um... you want any help?" Peyton asked unsure how the brunette will take it.
"Sure, why not? We will finish quicker that way." Brooke replied taking the two blondes by surprise. "Lucas can you make room in the fridge?" She asked in a civil manner. He nodded still confused at her change in tone with them.
The two ex best friends made their way out of the door to the brunette's car as the blonde boy went to the fridge. Before the reach the car though Peyton started talking.
"Brooke... I don't want you to think that Lucas and I are..." but she got interrupted of course. The brunette was in no need for drama right now.
"Look Peyton. Today was a difficult and an emotional day. All I want is to unwind with some friends, have a couple of beers... or five... and have a good and relaxing evening. I'm in no mood for fights, verbal or otherwise. If you can't play nice for a few hours tell me now and I'm gone. I don't care about whether or not you are together with Lucas and what you do or don't do together or otherwise. There will be no snide remarks or evil looks on my part ok? Tonight is about Nathan and Haley. Can we agree not to bring our triangle drama out for one evening?" Brooke asked in an even tone. Not demanding but not ready to budge either. The blonde nodded disappointed. She wanted to talk to the brunette but she could see that it wouldn't happen tonight.
The brunette opened the trunk and the blonde whistled impressed.
"I don't know what would you do if the cops had stopped your on your way here!" She laughed.
"I would have probably flirt my way out ot it!" The brunette said shrugging and smirking.
"Yes you would. It's like I can picture it. Officer, are you sure that we need to go in all that trouble? Can't I do anything to change your mind?" The blonde said in the best "Brooke" voice she could master and played with her hair biting down on her lip trying to mimic the brunette.
"You bitch!" Brooke laughed. She opened a beer and threw the cap to the blonde. "I don't sound like this!" She chuckled and took a sip of her beer. She motioned for Peyton to help her with the plastic crate. She tried to move it but then she gave up.
"You know what? I brought them here, the least the boys could do is bring them inside. They have muscles for a reason!" She says and gives one bottle to Peyton.
In the meantime, back in the apartment, Lucas made room for the beer. It wasn't that difficult. It was Friday evening and he knew that Haley did all the shopping for the week at Saturday, so the fridge didn't have many things inside. He put all the things inside in one shelf and left the other three for the beer. He didn't know what else to do so he went to check on his brother and sister in law. He figured that the girls could use the time alone. He could hear them laughing. He knocked on the bedroom door twice.
"Hey, it's me." He said softly. The door opened and Nathan appeared with eyes a little red. He could see Haley in the back sitting on the bed, calmer than before. "Hey little brother, is everything ok?" He asked concerned.
"Yes, don't worry about it. It's happy tears. But I can tell you one thing big bro! If you let that girl slipped out of your hands for something less that what Hales is to me... then you are more blonde than people give you credit for." Nathan said seriously, patted his brother on the back and went outside to help the girls bring the beer inside. It was time to relax and have some fun. He would thing a way to thank Brooke properly another day.
Haley smiled at her best friend. She was a mess. She needed to go to the bathroom to clean herself up. On her way out of the room she hugged Lucas.
"I love you Luke. I just hope that letting Brooke go will not be the worse mistake that you made." She said seriously and disappeared down the hall.
Lucas remained in his position for a little longer contemplating what his brother and best friend said to him. What did Brooke do this time to have this reaction for the couple? He wasn't sure if he would ever know.