Welcome to Tree Hill…she had read on the way into her new hometown thirty minutes ago. The aura of this place truly is welcoming, she thought as she pulled up to her new address. It was truly beautiful, Spring making all the difference, twenty-two year old Brooke Davis thought as she took in her surroundings. The vivid greens of the trees, bushes and grass. And the flowers of her own garden! Located on the side of the house, it was full of beautiful purple flowers that spikes appear above blue-tinted leaves on this shrubby native. The warm atmosphere as well as the smell of fresh air made her smile. Even the sky seems bluer here. Brooke thought as she stepped out of her powder blue Porsche and into the pathway of her new home.
It's a two story white Victorian style house with black exterior shutters and a black door, with a intricate brick walkway surrounded by bushes. She could hear the music playing as she walked closer to her house, a Spanish style jazz sound floating through the air that made her feel even more at ease.
The sun warmed her face as well as her bare shoulders and arms, right down to her feet that were adorned with sunny yellow sandals to match her sleeveless summer dress.
Brooke had loved this house, this area at first sight.
This is home. She had knew it the first time she saw the ad in the newspaper. And knew it even more when she went to the open house.
This is the place where she wanted to grow old and raise a family. Or live alone with a house full of cats, she thought sardonically considering that her social life had significantly decreased since the scandal broke out. Shaking herself out of her suddenly depressing thoughts, she inhaled and put the key in to the lock and let herself inside.
She smiled with accomplishment as she turned and addressed the movers, "Okay let's get started. And please be careful with the furniture…they're very special to me."
"Not to worry…we will be very careful with everything." Chuck Williams, the owner of the company, said with a kind smile.
Brooke signed with relief and said, "Thank you so much."
The afternoon was spent telling Chuck and the rest of the movers where she envisioned everything going, her plush cream sofa, the matching loveseat, and black recliner, the lovely cream lamps, the black wood coffee table, her dining room table and chairs, her stainless steel refrigerator, her stainless steel washer and dryer, her bedroom set. She put up her photographs, pictures of her beloved friends—her only real family.
She hated leaving them behind but…it was what she needed. To start over and…just breathe.
She closed her eyes and saw the scene like it was yesterday…
"Ms. Davis where do you want this?" One of the movers asked, holding up the box that held her romance books, successfully breaking her out of her reverie.
"Right…the master bedroom."
Brooke knew the crew was hungry and thirsty so she ordered ten boxes of pizzas and five 2 liter sodas for them all to enjoy.
She was completely moved in by six-thirty and she was so thankful she hugged Chuck and said, "Thank you so much for everything…"
"It was no problem. Especially for a kind little lady like you." He said as he released her. "So have you had the grand ol tour of Tree Hill yet?"
Brooke shook her head, "No. Not yet."
"Well if you should need a tour you can call me and I'd love to show you around." The older Caucasian man said kindly.
Brooke nodded, "Thanks I will take you up on that offer soon."
Chuck nodded, "Take care Ms. Davis."
"You too Mr. Williams."
Brooke watched him climb into his red truck and drive off. She waved him off but then her gaze caught sight of a man leaning against his car, watching the exchange. Smiling slightly she turned on her heel and made her way back inside.
Just as she closed the door her cell phone started ringing, "Hello?"
"Did you make it safely?" Millicent asked anxiously.
Chuckling Brooke settled down on her comfy sofa and answered her, "Hi Millie and yes I made it here safely."
"I still don't understand why you had to move."
"Yes you do. You know better than anyone why I had to leave New York."
Brooke could picture Millie pacing their old apartment as she said, "No I don't. I don't understand at all—"
"Mill…I love you but I needed to leave. I needed to start over. The whole thing with my so-called mom and Julian joining forces…it was too much for me."
"He came by earlier."
She stared at the painting on the wall and asked with an unfeeling tone, "Hm, what did he want?"
"He said that it was only business with Victoria. That nothing happened—"
Brooke let out a bitter laugh, "Sure, ripping the company that I worked so hard for from under me is nothing to them!"
"I was pretty sure he was talking about cheating—"
"Oh there was cheating! They cheated me out of my company!" She took a deep breath and said apologetically, "Sorry for raising my voice. It's just that…they legally screwed me out of everything. And I can't do anything about it."
Julian Baker had been her high school sweetheart, the love of her life for six years. He knew everything about her and how she felt about her parents who were the coldest, mercurial people you could ever meet. Straight out of high school Brooke had come up with a revolutionary product that changed the world of cosmetics forever.
Needless to say she became a worldwide success. She had countless ideas since but her mother who had craved her success managed to sink her claws into Julian who's also her mother's lawyer. They conspired together and drew up papers that she foolishly signed without reading it first giving Victoria control of B. Cosmetics.
"Like I said I will start over here. Away from them. Besides my mother would never come to the sticks." She said with a sad smirk.
"Do you know what you're going to do yet?"
Brooke sighed and shrugged as if her friend could see her, "Not yet. I just got here. But I'm sure inspiration will hit me after awhile."
"I'm sure it will too."
Millicent confidence in her touched her heart. Not wanting to get emotional Brooke cleared her throat and gently said, "If Julian should come by again—"
"Don't worry I won't tell anyone where you are. Your secret is safe with me."
She signed sadly, "Be sure to visit when you can. I love you girlie."
"I know I love you too Brooke. It's definitely not the same without you."
"As it should be." She teased. "Listen I got to run. I'll call you tomorrow."
"Okay don't forget!"
Brooke chuckled, "I won't."
Millie exhaled then said, "Okay talk to you tomorrow."
"Talk to you tomorrow." Brooke repeated, then disconnected the call and looked at the white ceilings and smiled. She dialed up someone and said, "I'm calling to take you up on your offer…"
-x-
Lucas Scott sighed from exhaustion as he pulled into his driveway, having just come home from work. He stepped out of his white Dodge Charger XST and noticed someone moving into the house next to his. Chuck Williams, who's a friend of his uncle Keith, owned the best moving company this side of North Carolina. He wasn't usually nosey but something caught his interest. Or rather someone. She wore a yellow strapless dress that showcased her glowing slightly tanned skin, her dark auburn hair tied in a loose ponytail. She hugged Chuck in a grateful hug and smiled at the older man. They talked for a little bit before Chuck got into his truck and left, while his new neighbor looked in his direction and smiled a little smile before she went inside her residence.
Lucas entered his own house and closed the door behind him before putting the keys on the key holder hanging by the door. He walked to his answering machine and saw the light blinking signaling that he had a message waiting to be heard on it. He pressed play and listened as the machine let him know how many messages were on it.
"Damn three messages…I'm very popular today." He said sarcastically before walking into the kitchen.
He opened the fridge and scanned through it as he heard, "First message: Hi Lucas, it's your mother. I know you're not busy tomorrow so I need you to stop by the café and try out a new recipe I created. I want to put it on the menu but I'm not sure it's good enough. Okay I love you, bye."
Lucas grabbed a beer and cracked it open. He took a hefty sip but almost spit it out as he listened to the next one, "Next message: Hey Luke, it's Chuck. I'm in kind of a pickle here…I promised this girl that I would show her around Tree Hill but my secretary scheduled for me to move the Johnson's from their house. Call me back as soon as you get this. Bye."
"Next message: Hey Luke, it's Haley. Could you come by the studio tomorrow since you won't be busy? I need your opinion on a track Peyton and I have been working on. Okay bye. End of messages."
"Why do people assume that I do nothing on my days off?" he muttered as he picked up the phone to call Chuck back. As soon as the man picked up Lucas said, "Hey Chuck I just got your message."
"Oh good. Do you think that you can take Ms. Davis around, show her the sights? I would've done it but she wants to see everything tomorrow and as I said earlier I am busy all day tomorrow."
Lucas sat down ate kitchen table and asked, "Who?"
Chuck chuckled and answered, "Don't play coy boy, I saw you looking in our direction earlier. You know exactly who I'm talking about."
He tapped his fingers on the table surface as he considered it, "I don't know…I'm not a chauffeur."
"It's just to show her about. She's new to town and she has no family or friends here. Just do me a solid and do it. Please?"
Lucas smiled and looked out the window towards Ms. Davis residence and saw the light on in what looks to be the kitchen. He then saw her dancing around to music he couldn't hear as she prepped for dinner.
"Alright I'll do it. Just don't make this a habit."
"Of course not. Besides she's a nice little lady. You'll have a good time tomorrow I promise. Alright goodnight Luke."
"Goodnight Chuck." He then disconnected the call and went to the freezer and pulled out a Hungry man frozen dinner. "Hearty steak and potatoes it is."
Lucas then took a quick hot shower to wash the grime of the day away, scrubbing every inch of himself thoroughly. He then wrapped a towel around his lower half and went back in the kitchen.
He set the microwave for the appropriate time and followed the directions on the back of the box then put the tray inside and started it. He waited patiently and briefly turned to see what his new neighbor was up to only to find the kitchen empty.
After dinner Lucas went into his office and started writing on his novel. A novel that he had stopped and started for over two years. At this point he wasn't sure where he was going with it. Lucas stared at the computer screen as he managed to type only a few sentences. Then his mind went back to his new neighbor. He hoped she wouldn't take issue to him showing her around tomorrow.
-x-
Brooke got up the next morning with a bright happy smile on her face as she stretched lengthily in her red and white silk-like sheets, feeling her body loosen considerably. This is her new life…and so far it felt perfect. She stepped out of her Queen sized bed and went to her closet and picked out her softest robe. She practically skipped downstairs to the kitchen and started the espresso machine.
That was one thing that she told Millie and Rachel she would miss more than them. They all laughed but there was a little truth in it. So at her going away party they gifted her with one so she would miss them more.
She didn't tell them this but there was something about going to a café. There was something about seeing people sitting there and writing their reports or playing on the internet. Or writing. Her eyes widened, she ran to her phone and face timed her best friend.
"I got it!" Brooke exclaimed as soon as Millie picked up.
Millicent groaned then asked very groggily, "You got what?"
"I know what direction I'm going to take next!"
"That's great! What is it?" she said with a huge yawn.
She squealed then announced, "I'm gonna write a romance novel."
Millie looked confused and asked, "Huh?"
"Think about it! It's different from what I've ever done and it'll be a project no one can steal from me! Plus I love reading why should writing be any different?"
Millie's eyebrows furrowed together as she said, "Um because it is? Reading is one thing but writing is a completely different thing! Not to sound like a downer but your talent is in makeup! Not literature."
"Listen…for now it's just a hobby. If I'm any good then I might make a career out of it. If not, then it's still a hobby. But I feel this is what would make me really happy."
Millicent paused then nodded with a sleepy smile, "Then go for it. I'm all for you being happy—" she then yawned again, cutting off what she had been saying.
"Why are you so tired? You're usually up before me."
She rolled her eyes, "Rachel had a guy over last night and let's just say they didn't get any sleep until an hour ago."
"The slut sticks again huh?" Brooke said humorously, remembering that while she still lived with Millie and Rachel that the latter would constantly have a string of boys coming and going.
"Yes she does. It's only gotten worse since you left."
"I've only been gone two days!"
She gave Brooke a deadpan expression, "I know."
Brooke sipped her expresso and said, "By the way I adore this espresso maker you guys got me. You two are the best."
Millicent leaned her head on her arm and said, "I should've packed my bags and left too. I barely get any sleep anymore!"
"Yeah but you love Rachel too much to leave her by herself."
"Damn my good heart."
They both laugh until a knock was heard at the front door. "Hang on a sec Mil."
Brooke then padded her way down the hall and to the front door. Without thinking she opened it and saw a six foot handsome athletically built blonde guy on her porch.
He squinted at her as he asked, "Ms. Davis right?"
Forgetting that Millicent was still on the phone she said, "Uh, yeah…can I help you?"
"Uh, Chuck sent me to pick you up." At her blank stare he added, "To show you around Tree Hill…"
Brooke smiled and nodded, "Right, I totally spaced. But I thought he was—"
"He would've but he had to move a family out of their house today so he asked me. I'm Lucas Scott by the way. Your neighbor." He said, gesturing over to his own house.
"Oh." She said with a nod then said a lengthy, "Ohhhhh. You're the guy that I saw yesterday. Sorry that I didn't introduce myself… I'm Brooke Davis."
Lucas took her hand in his in a firm handshake, "Nice to meet you."
"Likewise." She said as their hands kept in contact.
"Hello?" Millicent said after she couldn't hear anything after awhile.
"Oh shit! I totally forgot you were still on the phone!" Brooke said as she let go of his strong rough hand and looked down at her screen.
Lucas looked a little flustered as he watched her face time her friend. "I can come back later—"
"Yeah that would be—"
Millicent interjected saying, "No I'll let you go. Have fun!" They heard a click soon after, signaling she was no longer on the line.
Lucas began to speak but then Brooke beat him to the punch. "I'm sorry about that…uh…let me get a quick shower and I will walk over to your place and let you know I'm ready. Okay?"
He shrugged before stepping off the porch, "Fine with me. See you in a bit."
"Okay see ya in a bit." Brooke waited until he was in his own yard before she made a beeline for her bathroom.
She showered quickly and optioned her body with her favorite grapefruit citrus lotion put on a white spaghetti strapped shirt and some cut off jeans with her strappy Dolce sandals. She then brushed her auburn hair into a high ponytail, leaving a few strands out here and there. Brooke put on a little of her own products to enhance her already radiant skin and put on some peach lip gloss.
Brooke calmly walked over to his place and knocked on his door. She couldn't exactly say why she felt nervous but she did. When he opened the door she fought the urge to bite her lip as her eyes practically ate up the blue eyed blonde with model good looks.
He was really that hot! She didn't just conjure him in her active imagination.
Lucas was doing his own observing. She had been adorable earlier in her silk robe but now she looked damn near irresistible. She looked like a supermodel even in the simple outfit she was wearing.
Neither were aware of how long they had been staring each other down. But Lucas managed to break it as he grabbed his keys. "Ready for the tour?" He then winced, thinking: that's the only reason she's here dumbass.
Brooke chuckled, "Yeah I'm ready."
"Then let's go."
Lucas led her to his car and opened the door for her, "Thank you…so chivalrous…" she said as she settled into the seat.
He smiled as he got behind the wheel, "My mom taught me well."
Brooke watched him start the car and said, "I see…" As they went down the road she asked, "Do you always eat half naked in your kitchen?"
Lucas looked at her briefly then asked, "What?"
"I, uh, saw you last night eating in your towel…I didn't mean to watch but when you have a nice looking guy in a towel—attention must be paid." She said with a self-aware chuckle.
Lucas blushed, "Uh, no. If I knew you would have been watching I wouldn't have done that."
"Oh I didn't mind in the least. Except are frozen dinners the only food you eat?"
"Not really. Usually my mom sets food aside for me from the café. Or my best friend would cook and send plates over via my half brother."
Brooke smiled, "So that's how you keep up that nice physique…."
Lucas smirked but said nothing until they reached the town. "There's my uncle Keith's garage. And also where I work. Across from there is Mr. Williams office."
"So that's where his office is…" Lucas told her every shop and who owned what as Brooke took in the information as well as the scenery, but when he came to a certain shop he parked the car, "What are you doing?"
"I actually had to stop here because my mom wanted to see me. I hope that's okay…" he said as he unbuckled himself.
Brooke looked at the building labeled Karen's café and said, "No, it's fine."
Lucas flashed her a dimpled smile that influenced her own and inclined his head, "Come on."
Brooke unbuckled her belt and exited the car and quickly reached his side. Lucas, ever the gentleman, opened the door for her.
"There's my boy! I've been anxiously awaiting your arrival!" A beautiful brunette middle age woman exclaimed with a smile that lit up the entire room. She embraced her son lovingly and he embraced her right back with a kiss to her cheek. Brooke's chest ached at the longing she felt at the bond between mother and child.
Lucas parted from his mother and saw the curious expression on his mother's face then smiled and made the proper introductions, "Ma this is Brooke Davis. My new neighbor. Brooke this is my beautiful mother Karen Roe."
"Nice to meet you."
"Your new neighbor?"
"She's now living in the Evans house."
"I don't believe that I ever seen you around here before." Karen said as she observed her.
Brooke felt like squirming but she replied, "I'm not really from here. I just moved in from New York."
Karen's eyes widened, "Oh well then welcome! Since you're a new customer you get a free meal today."
Brooke allowed a bubbly giggle to come forth, "I think I'm gonna like this place!"
"I'm sure you will." Karen said before turning to her only son. "Lucas go find a table for Brooke and then make your way into the kitchen."
"Yes ma'am."
Lucas led Brooke to a well lit table near the bookshelf and said, "This is my favorite spot in the café. We'll share it for now. Go over the menu although I suggest the hazelnut waffles…they're really good. And I'll be right back."
"Okay…" Brooke watched him try to sneak a last look at her before he disappeared into the back then smiled and did as he suggested and looked over the menu.
-x-
Lucas shook his head as he made his way into the back and found his mother smiling at him knowingly. Uncomfortable Lucas asked, "What?"
"I didn't say a word."
He scoffed humorously, "You don't have to Ma. It's the way you're looking at me."
Karen stirred the oatmeal and said nonchalantly, "She seems like a nice one…"
"Yeah she is as far as I know."
"So what are your plans with this girl—"
He rolled his eyes, "Ma its not like that. I'm just showing her around town as a favor to Chuck. Nothing more."
Karen shrugged then said, "Okay whatever you say." She then went into the microwave and brought out a Tupperware bowl saying, "Your relationships or non relationships aren't what I called you here for. I have a new recipe for you to try…it's called Parmesan Vegetable Tian."
"Wow this is colorful…"
"Try it out and see what you think."
Lucas grabbed a clean fork and speared the layered potatoes, zucchini, tomatoes and squash, that was baked 'til tender crisp with a cheesy Parmesan topping.
"Wow this is very delicious mom." He said with a mouthful of food.
"And healthy." She said with beaming pride. Then her insecurity kicked in as it usually does as she asked, "You're not just saying that to make me happy are you?"
He forked some more into his mouth and shook his head, "Mm-mm! Top notch!"
"So you think I should put it on the menu?"
Lucas was still eating, no longer tasting as he said, "Definitely. This is…wow…"
"I'm glad you like it. It will go on Wednesday's menu. You can take that to go if you want."
"Uh, how about you make a nice big pan of this and that butter garlic grilled chicken and I'll be set."
Karen chuckled and shook her head, "Anything for you my boy…"
Lucas walked back to his favorite table to find Brooke eating a plate of waffles with a side of fresh fruit that was sprinkled with powdered sugar.
"Oh my God you were right about these waffles! They're so melt in your mouth good! And the fruit is really fresh—not like when someone says it's fresh but it's been around for a few days—but really fresh—like off the vine quality."
"I will let my mom know that you enjoy her food. And for the record she does pick the fruit and vegetables. There's a garden out back and she goes out there and pick the ripest ones and prep them for breakfast rush, then goes back out there before the lunch crowd and she takes the remainder of the fruit that wasn't used and make these incredible pies."
"I knew that I would love it in Tree Hill. Thanks to you I discovered this gem." she said as she forked a piece of hazelnut waffle that was dripping with maple syrup.
"So what's your story? What brings you to Tree Hill?" he asked as he watched her eat, unable to deny his curiosity any longer.
Brooke seemed to think about his question before saying with a slight chuckle, "Hmm…how to answer that? Uh, well I used to own my own cosmetics company and I was very successful. So successful that I barely had time for anything. Not even my boyfriend of six years." she then sighed and shrugged, "Well flash forward to last week that same boyfriend who is a brilliant lawyer helped my cold hearted bitch of a mother steal my company that I had shed precious time, sweat and tears for. Made sacrifices for. All because he said that I was burning myself out and that I needed someone else to take over."
"You don't believe that do you?"
"No. In the end he did it for money. Because Victoria—my mother—offered him a juicy deal he just couldn't pass up. Head of the legal department with his own corner office and a hefty salary." she said calmly as she speared a sliced strawberry then ate it. "All the things I could have given him but he never let me know it was what he wanted."
Lucas looked at her with sympathy, "Are you alright?"
"I'm more than fine. What wealth I made with my products is mine alone since I own the copyrights to them. What I was more pissed at was how they went about everything….and also to be perfectly honest I was growing tired of that life anyway. But since they forced my hand it made me realize that I needed to get away from the city and find a new path."
"And what's your new path of you don't mind me asking?"
Brooke shook her head, "I wanna be a romance novelist. I mean I know it's different from cosmetics but I have a passion for reading romance novels…even the really dirty ones. And I want to see of I can transfer my passion for reading into writing."
"Really? That's funny because I'm a writer."
Her green eyes sparkled with surprise, "You're kidding?"
Lucas grinned shyly then shrugged, "I'm not published yet but I dabble."
"What kind of genre?"
"Romance…which is why I found it serendipitous…because I am very blocked on my story and now I'm wondering if maybe we can help each other. I could help you get started and I can pick your brain for fresh ideas. What do you say? Do you think you could be interested?"
Brooke didn't hesitate and said, "Absolutely. When do we start?"
"Whenever you'd like."
Brooke grinned and nodded, "Okay so how about tonight…"
"Sounds good."
After Brooke finished her breakfast Lucas finished the tour around the town and ended up at Red Bedroom Records/Tric. At her expectant look Lucas rushed to say, "It's our last stop I promise. My best friend Haley—the one I've been telling you about asked me to drop by and check out a track she just recorded with my other friend Peyton. They run Red Bedroom while my mom owns the nightclub."
"Okay…are they as nice as your mom? Will I get a free CD?" she asked as they exited the car.
The way she said it with teasing breathless anticipation made him chuckle, "They're nice but I doubt you'd get a free CD."
Brooke frowned playfully, "So I got to pay like everybody else? Damn."
Laughing they entered the building.
Lucas led her through Tric which was empty except for Chase and Owen who were prepping for the night and went upstairs to Haley's office. He knocked on her door and said, "Knock, knock coming in!"
"Hi!!!" Haley James-Scott exclaimed as she looked up from the sheets of papers in her hand.
"I hope you don't mind I brought someone with me." he said as he and Brooke walked further into her office.
"Of course I don't mind. The more opinions the better." she said with a genuine smile. "Come on, I just finished putting the final touches on the track."
"I thought it was already complete—"
Haley shrugged as she led them to the studio. "You know me…perfectionist extraordinaire."
Peyton was just playing back the track when they entered. Her eyes lit up at the sight of Lucas and she quickly stood up, "Hey Luke what brings you by?"
"Haley told me she wanted my opinion on a track you guys laid down."
Peyton's eyes then settled on Brooke and she looked at Lucas saying, "And who's this?"
"This is my new neighbor Brooke Davis. She's staying where the Evans used to live. Brooke these two lovely ladies are my closest friends Haley James Scott who's a gold recording artist, and also my sister in law and Peyton Sawyer, CEO of Red Bedroom Records."
Haley gave her a friendly welcome whereas Peyton just looked at her which made Brooke slightly uncomfortable.
"So how do you like Tree Hill so far?" Haley asked, breaking the sudden tension.
"I love it here. It's a lot more peaceful than New York. And friendlier."
"Just how friendly are you with Lucas?" Peyton asked, full interrogation mode in effect.
Lucas interjected by dragging Peyton away before Brooke could say a word, "Peyt is that really called for?"
"What? You bring her in here like she's—"
"Stop! I'm just showing her around and it wouldn't kill you to be nice."
Peyton nodded, "So you like her?"
"Again it's not like that. Chuck was supposed to show her around but he had to move someone out today and he asked me to do it for him."
Peyton looked in at Haley and Brooke talking then said, "She's not your type, you know."
Lucas folded his arms defensively and asked, "And how would you know my type? We hadn't dated since junior year."
Peyton nodded, "Just be careful." she then turned on her heel and walked back to the studio.
"It's not like that!" he said with frustration, feeling like that was the hundredth time saying that phrase.
As soon as Lucas sat down between Haley and Brooke Haley played back the track and the music floated to his ears then Haley's angelic voice.
I'd like to say I make good use of my time while you've been away
And it's true
I've been at my piano everyday thinking of you
They talk around
I hear them whisper
It's the funniest thing really
They think you're gone forever
I know the truth
It's just getting hard to believe it
And they all tell me it's over
Even the stars are aligned
And I
I follow the sign so clearly and still I fall in
The quicksand's pulling me down
I follow the sign so clearly and still they catch me
The quicksand's pulling me down
I'm not the same
I can't sleep nights and now I'm calling your name when I do
And yet without you they say I get on better
Better
Better
When they all tell me it's over
I'll damn the Gods until the stars are aligned
And I
I follow the sign so clearly and still I fall in
The quicksand's pulling me down
I follow the sign so clearly and still they catch me
The quicksand's pulling me down
Look at my life and look at my face
Can't you see my heart bleeding down my sleeve
You're holding my hand and holding my heart
But I just wanna feel your breath inside me so I can breathe
Somewhere in the distance I catch a spark
A grace
A hope
Something that makes me feel like I'm alive
It's never too soon
It's never too late so I start screaming out
I see your face
I see your hand reaching down and I yell to you
And I say
I follow the sign so clearly and still I fall in
The quicksand's pulling me down
I follow the sign so clearly and still they caught me
The quicksand's pulling me down
I follow the sign so clearly and still I fall in
The quicksand's pulling me down
I know you can feel me rising
And I'm on fire but they keep on pulling me out
Out
Look at my life and look at my face
And look where I've come to get to this place with you
Sitting there at your feet and rest in your arms
And listen to your heartbeat
Ah
Ah
Oh
Oh
Oh
Oh
Oh
Oh
Oh
Oh
Oh
Oh
Oh
Oh
Oh
Oh
Oh
Oh
Oh
Oh
Oh
Oh
Oh
When the music ended Lucas nodded his head with a proud grin, "It's amazing Hales! You sound absolutely beautiful."
"I was telling her that same thing but she needed your reaction before she made a decision. Even Nathan wants her to put it on the album." Peyton said with a teasing smile as she nudged Haley a bit.
Haley rolled her eyes and replied, "I just wanted my best friends input."
"You should definitely put it on the album…I like the sound and the message. I can kind of relate." Brooke then blushed prettily and laughed self-deprecatingly then added, "And you didn't ask for my input—"
"No, thank you. I was hoping that my music would touch hearts but I never had a chance to see it first hand." Haley said with a bright relieved smile.
"You're very welcome then." Brooke said with a dimpled smile.
-x-
"Do you think that you will be able to fall in love again?" Lucas asked a short time later as he drove them back toward home.
"It's better to be single than to be a slave to one that has no morals." She said as she stared out of the window, watching the trees fly by.
"I disagree. Love comes to those who still hope after disappointment, who still believe after betrayal, and who still love after they have been hurt."
Brooke looked at Lucas then smiled, "Maybe you're right. One day I will take the chance again but for now I'm satisfied with my solitude."
"Ah, solitude isn't so bad. In solitude the mind gains strength and learns to lean upon itself."
Brooke looked at his side profile and smiled a little, "Laurence Sterne. Good quote."
"You heard of Laurence Sterne?" Lucas asked as he peeked at her while they were sitting at the stoplight. "Beauty and brains…lethal combination." he said to himself softly enough to where she couldn't hear the compliment.
"Somewhat…my boy—ex boyfriend loved his work. He would quote him all the time."
"Is it a sore spot hearing that?"
Brooke shook her head, "Not really. But my favorite quote about solitude is from Katrina Kenison. Solitude is the soul's holiday. It's an opportunity to delight and surprise ourselves." she then shrugged, "I felt lonely sometimes and would read about being alone. Don't get me wrong I had my girls and to an extent Julian but I still felt alone."
"Trust me I can relate…" he said as they turned into their street. He then parked into his driveway and sighed, "That concludes the grand tour of Tree Hill."
Brooke smiled, "I had fun today."
"Me too."
"So what time should I be over? Or do you want to do it at mine?" Her eyes widened at the sexual implication and rushed to say, "I'm sorry I meant—the book—not doing it—"
Lucas laughed, liking the way she looked when she blushed, "I knew what you meant Brooke. Well for now, how about a mix between the two? One night you can come to mine and the next I'll come to yours?" he suggested.
"That could work. So which one will it be for tonight?"
He shrugged, "I guess mine would be fine."
Brooke nodded then unbuckled her belt and exited the vehicle then leaned into the window and said, "Okay…what time should I stop by?"
Lucas looked down at his watch and saw that it had just turned four and said, "Um…seven thirty sounds reasonable."
"Okay I'm making dinner then. I hate brainstorming on an empty stomach." she said with a wink before skipping off towards her house.
Lucas chuckled and stayed in his car for a little longer as he thought of his new…friendship? Writing partner? He shook his head, whatever they were, he was glad for it.
-x-
"So how was it? Is he cute?" Rachel asked as soon as Brooke facetimed Millicent.
Brooke positioned her phone to where they could see her as she cooked, her phones volume on full blast. "It was fun. I met some townies and he showed me where the mall and other shops were…we ate at his mom's cafe and listened to his friend/sister in law's music."
"Wow that's an awesome date!" Millie said with a knowing smile.
Brooke rolled her eyes and started setting the vegetables on the kitchen island as she said, "It wasn't a date. Besides you both know that I'm not into men right now anyway. And the reason why."
"Hate to break it to you but you wouldn't last as a lesbian. That requires you actually giving as well as you receive." Rachel joked.
Brooke shot her a bird then went back to dicing the onions and bell peppers.
"What are you cooking tonight?"
"Spicy sausage and shrimp skillet. I'm putting that cooking book to use Mills!" she said, "3 Table spoon olive oil, 8 ounces. shrimp, peeled and deveined.1 medium onion, diced,1 red bell pepper, diced.1 green bell pepper, diced. 1 medium zucchini, sliced. 10 ounces. spicy sausage…spices:1/2 tea spoon basil, 1/2 tea spoon thyme, 1/2 tea spoon oregano, 1/4 tea spoon red pepper flakes, pepper and salt, to taste. 2 Table spoon tomato paste, 1/2 cup chicken broth, 2 large cloves garlic, minced…" she recited as she prepared her meal.
"Ooh that sounds like it'll be good."
"Yea but this is Brooke…she can't cook to save her life!" Rachel taunted.
Brooke frowned then said playfully, "Remind me again why I miss you?"
Rachel smirked then quipped, "Because I'm awesome bitch?"
"Yeah, sure. Keep telling yourself that." she said with a teasing yet scoffing laugh.
She laughed then heat the 1 table spoon olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Added the shrimp to the skillet and cook shrimp until just opaque in center, stirring often, about 5 minutes. Then transferred the shrimp to a plate.
She added another table spoon olive oil to skillet and sauté onion until translucent. Add peppers and sausage, cover and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Brooke added another table spoon of olive oil since the veggies were sticking to the skillet.
Brooke added the zucchini and minced garlic to the skillet and stirred, then added the tomato paste and chicken stock, and stirred everything. She seasoned with salt, freshly ground pepper and spices: 1/2 tea spoon basil, 1/2 tea spoon thyme, 1/2 tea spoon oregano, 1/4 tea spoon red pepper flakes. She cooked it for another 5 – 7 minutes until the sauce is thickened and vegetables were tender.
She then added the shrimp and cooked them for another 3 minutes until the flavors were fully incorporated.
"Look I didn't burn it!" Brooke grinned triumphantly after she turned the burner off.
The girls clapped then Millicent said, "That looks like a lot for just you…"
"Oh, I'm taking it over to Lucas. We're going to be working on a project together. He's going to help me get started with my novel—"
Millicent and Rachel looked at each other then Rachel said, "Sounds like an excuse to spend time together to me."
"Me too." Millicent cosigned.
Brooke blushed but said truthfully, "Guys it's not like that! He's a writer and he's going to help me—"
"Sure…oh don't think I forgot that you sidestepped the question of whether he was cute or not."
"Fine…he's very hot. In fact he's the opposite of Julian. He's a blonde, blue eyed Adonis." she admitted, her eyes straying over to his kitchen window.
"Maybe you should use him to get over Julian—"
"No! Absolutely not! He seems like he could be a really great friend and I want to keep us on that path."
Rachel made it known with her expression that she didn't believe a word she said and replied, "Okay whatever you say…listen I got to go. I have to get ready Mark's coming by."
"As a matter of fact I should be going too. I'll see you guys later! I love you Mills! And I love you slut!" Brooke said with fondness.
Rachel grinned and blew a kiss to her as she said, "We love you too whore."
After the call was disconnected Brooke looked at the clock and saw that it was getting closer and closer for her to go over to his place. She was nervous as hell. She felt like she was going in blind. She didn't have a plan or knew exactly what she wanted to write. Or even the basics like what were the characters names.
After telling herself to stop freaking out, Brooke put the food in a large enough Tupperware bowl and grabbed her computer and the Sauvignon Blanc and headed out the door. Brooke took a deep breath and knocked on his door and was greeted with a genuine smile.
"Hi…right on time…come in…" he said as he stepped aside to allow her entrance.
Brooke entered his home and saw that the layout was a smidge different than hers but the space screamed bachelor pad with leather mix match furniture, Oakwood shelves and coffee table. A huge flat screen TV mounted on the wall that surrounded by an entertainment Center. The walls were covered with light and dark green striped wallpaper.
"Make yourself comfortable."
"Thank you…where's your kitchen?" she asked politely. At his puzzled look she explained with a slight smile, "I get my best ideas in there."
"Have you figured out your plot yet?" he asked as he brought forth his own laptop.
"No…before you judge me I literally just decided to do this, like this morning. In my kitchen." She said as she set her things on the table. "Should we eat first or…"
Lucas practically drooled when he had inhaled the things she was cooking earlier and said, "We should definitely eat first. Because I would not be able to focus at all if I didn't know what you brought over…"
"It's spicy sausage and shrimp skillet." Her eyes widened as she said, "I forgot to ask if you had any allergies—"
"I don't. So no need to worry." He said as he brought out a couple of plates and wine glasses.
Brooke looked overwhelmingly relieved as she said, "Thank God! Usually I ask but I was so nervous about tonight that—"
Lucas furrowed his eyebrows and asks as he placed the plates on the table. "Why are you nervous?"
She shrugged insecurely and replied, "I never did this before, like, tried to write anything—much less a book. But I can't help but feel as if this is the right thing for me to do. Even if I suck at it…at least I tried."
"I don't think you will—" he said as he set the table for them to be able to eat.
Brooke looked at him and smiled, "Thank you for that but I know you're just saying that to be nice."
Lucas sat down beside her and said, "Okay for creativity's sake I will be one hundred percent honest with you. And I ask for the same in return."
Brooke grinned, "You got it."
"Okay first things first…"
Brooke laughed and fixed their plates while he opened and poured the wine. After dinner Brooke read his few chapters and said, "It's an interesting start…I like it. So is this fiction or is it based on your experiences?"
"I don't exactly know for sure. I wake up and get the urge to write—or I used to before this damn writers block." He complained with a bitter laugh before taking a sip of his second glass of wine.
"I like Charles "Charlie" Hollister…he's charming, funny and romantic, an idealist. But that Bruce Bryson…he reminds me of all the fuck boys my best friend Rachel dealt with in high school. I enjoy that exchange with Bryce and Charlie! I could practically hear them as I read."
"What about Gwen?"
"I'm not feeling her as the love interest at all. She comes off as cold, unwelcoming and a total self righteous bitch."
"That's the beauty of it. When Charlie does eventually get inside her head and heart, those walls burn down to ash in the wake of their passion."
Brooke shook her head, "To be honest if I'm not feeling the character after three chapters then I'm never going to. Whereas Mia…she's fun, sassy, vibrant and funny. Like you want to see her win! I would pair Mia and Charlie together. Charlie could use her energy."
"I suppose I could. For the moment." He said after taking a sip of wine. "What about you? Have you come up with anything?"
"The lead female characters name is Candice Newman. She's socially awkward and doesn't know her worth or how beautiful she truly is. The lead male character is Michael Humphrey. He's a laid back, self confident man but he's a bad boy turned good. Michael teaches her to relax and enjoy herself. Eventually he'll fall head over heels in love with her."
Lucas liked the idea. "Sounds pretty good. I can't wait to read it."
"Now the idea is set…how do I go about building the story?"
"I'll help you."
Brooke looked over at him and asked, "Maybe you can co-write it with me for now? It'll be like training wheels until I feel at ease doing it by myself. What do you think? I know I'm asking a lot—"
Lucas didn't have to think about it. "No I'll do it. I would love to help you."
She felt a rush of gratitude and relief and told him, "Thanks Lucas."
"Why don't we get started?"
"Sure!"
The pair had hammered out a chapter completely sober, both bouncing ideas back and forth as they kept drinking the wine. They wrote down their ideas before the wine took over where they couldn't see the keyboard nor the words on the screen anymore.
"We should call it a night…" Brooke slurred. "I don't usually get this drunk…"
"Neither do I…god the room is spinning!"
Lucas and Brooke somehow made their way to the couch and promptly passed out on each other's arms.