Authors Note: Hi my lovelies... This is a bit different for me. So it's set in the future, it's Lucas's POV, he's 43 and working on his memoir, Love Beyond the Red Door. Each chapter is going to have a flashback, a book entry and a glimpse of the present day. Hope that makes sense. The present day parts are taking course over one week. So keeping with that theme, I will be posting one chapter a day for a week, the seventh day I will post the last chapter and the epilogue.
Please read and review, review, review. I always love to hear what you all are thinking.
Summary: Lucas Scott is 43 years old and a successful novelist. When his publishing house offers to publish a memoir about his life Lucas decides to spend some time writing and reflecting on significant events that made him the man he is today. Brucas Naley and Lucas interacting with others.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything OTH related, this story will follow some of the shows original story lines, story concept is Diane's (again) she has such great ideas... Story line changes and everything else is me. :)
For Diane...
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Love Beyond the Red Door
Chapter 1:
"There are two great days in a person's life, the day we are born and the day we discover why."
- William Barclay
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To: Lucas Scott
From: Lindsey Strauss
Subject: Last Draft of Love Beyond the Red Door
Luke:
I am loving the last draft you sent in. I showed a few chapters to George in non-fiction and he loves it too. Is there anything you can't write? I have one suggestion... In your next draft I would love to see more of the back story. I need more of your past with Brooke and a little of your past with Peyton. We all know the basic history of the complicated triangle that is you, Brooke and Peyton... But I feel like there is information that you're leaving out? And if I feel that way so will the readers. I know Brooke was almost murdered by Peyton Jagileski's stalker during your senior year of high school. Do you want me to call her and get her permission to talk about the incident? If I'm stepping on your toes I'm sorry, but deep down you know I'm right. :-)
Talk to you next week, I'll be in Belgium meeting another aspiring author. Rumor has it she's going to do for werewolves what JK Rollings did for wizards.
-Lindsey
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"I'm in love with Lucas," Peyton said looking down at the floor, she was afraid to look in Brooke's eyes because she knew what she would see... Hurt.
Brooke shook her head, "What?" 'How could this be happening again?' Brooke asked herself. "What do you mean you're in love with Lucas?"
Peyton shrugged, "I never wanted this to happen Brooke I swear. When we were in the library after the shooting I felt something between us." She started to fidget with the bangles on her wrist, "I did everything I could to forget about it," she sighed, "I even proposed marriage to Jake when I was in Savannah. I still talk in my sleep apparently."
Brooke felt like she couldn't breath, "So let me get this straight on the day of the shooting, the day you tried to kiss MY boyfriend, you think you felt something between you two?" Brooke squeezed the bridge of her nose, "even though you swore to me that the almost kiss was a mistake." Peyton couldn't muster up a response so she simply nodded, "Unbelievable Peyton. And you proposed to Jake?!"
"I did, being with him and Jenny was incredible. I had the most amazing week with them, I didn't want it to end." She looked down again, "But I was dreaming of Lucas I guess, Jake said I kept calling out his name."
Brooke huffed and slapped Peyton across the face before she even realized what came over her, "You and I are no longer friends Peyton Elizabeth Sawyer. I can't believe you would try to do this to me again? I mean there's like 250 OTHER guys in our graduating class one of them is bound to like you. Lucas Scott is off limits, he's written on my board Peyton." Brooke turned to walk away, "Here I saw this and thought of you." Brooke launched a wrapped box in Peyton's direction and turned to the door, "burn it for all I care."
Peyton opened the box and pulled out a heather grey soft cotton t-shirt that read, 'just because the song ends, doesn't mean you shouldn't enjoy the music,' "Dammit Brooke."
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Lucas heard a knock at his door, "Hey Peyt." Lucas was surprised to see her, he wasn't entirely certain what was going on with her and Brooke, but they hadn't spoken in almost two weeks and when he asked about it Brooke responded with a glare. "What's up?"
Peyton came in, "I just wanted to hang out, see how you're doing. I don't get to spend much time with you anymore so..." she trailed off.
Lucas felt weird in that moment 'was Peyton flirting with me?' he wondered, she looked different, "Well I don't know what's going on with you and Brooke, so I feel it's best that til either of you start talking I remain neutral." He sat down at his desk since Peyton had helped herself to his bed, "So what's going on Peyt?"
"You know Brooke, she's so sensitive all the time about everything." She started twirling her hair.
Now Lucas was really confused, it was like being in an episode of the twilight zone. "I haven't noticed her giving anyone else the cold shoulder except for you. So I'll say it again, what's going on Peyton."
"I didn't come here to talk about Brooke," Peyton smiled rolling over onto her stomach and propping herself up with her arms for balance."I found the new DaftPunk CD, the European release with the two extra tracks. I thought we could cue it up and listen to it together." Peyton smiled and batted her eyelashes.
"Is there something in your eye?" Lucas asked, "I can go get you some water or something."
"No," Peyton huffed with a sour voice, "There isn't anything in my eye."
Before Lucas could respond there was a knock at the door. "I'm certainly popular tonight."
Brooke kissed Lucas then came inside, her eyes widened when she saw Peyton sprawled out on Lucas's bed. "What's going on?"
Peyton got up, "I was just leaving." She went to Lucas and hugged him awkwardly, she turned to them at the door, "Thanks for the hot sex Luke."
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There was silence for longer than Lucas liked after Peyton left, Lucas pulled Brooke down on the bed with him and kissed her passionately, "Hey pretty girl, I didn't think I was going to see you tonight." He kissed her nose and wrapped her in his arms, "I must say I am pleasantly surprised."
Brooke pulled away a little, "What did I walk into just now Luke?"
"Nothing, Peyton brought over the new DaftPunk CD. It has two additional tracks." Lucas pulled her into him again, "She was acting weird, like she was trying to flirt with me or something." Lucas shook his head. "I know you had said you didn't want to concern me with what was going on with you two, but I feel like I'm in the middle of it and I want to know what's going on before it gets out of our control."
Brooke let out a deep breath, "She's in love with you Luke. She told me after she came back from Savannah. Things imploded with Jake and she said its because she still has lingering feelings for you. I wasn't going to tell you, because..." she couldn't finish her next thought.
"Because you were worried I would feel the same way?" Lucas finished.
Brooke began to sob into his chest, "I know it's selfish Luke, but I love you so much. All I could think about was the near kiss in the library and how distant you have been since Keith died. I don't think I can lose you to Peyton again. I know you're the one with the heart condition, but my heart cannot take that a second time."
Lucas smiled, pulling Brooke into him as he rubbed her back, "Brooke, I love you too. I am in love with you. I told you before school started that I was the man for you and I meant it. I don't have feelings for Peyton, that's why I stopped the kiss in the library. That's why all of her not so subtle flirting has gone un-noticed. I am totally and completely in love with her best friend."
Brooke looked up at Lucas, "I'm sorry I doubted you."
"It's understandable pretty girl," Lucas exhaled, "Last year we betrayed your trust. I know you expected more from me and I am still sorry for letting you down. I'm not going to do anything to compromise that trust again, I promise Brooke." He leaned down and kissed her cheek, tasting the salty tears he personally had caused.
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When Saturday came Lucas drove his jeep over to Brooke's house. He had instructed her to dress for a formal dinner and bring a jacket because where they were going could be chilly. He pulled into the driveway and the sight of Brooke took his breath away. She was wearing a tea length floral dress with thin spaghetti straps, she was wearing t-strap wedges and her hair was done in loose waves. She was putting a pale pink cardigan over the dress when she noticed him in the driveway. "So," she said with a twirl.
Lucas whistled, "Gorgeous. If we didn't have reservations I would just eat you up right now." Lucas pulled her in and kissed her hard.
Brooke pulled away first, "Hmmmm. I might be alright with that option too."
"Really," He questioned, "I mean clearly there was an effort made in your appearance tonight. Wouldn't it be wasteful if I just brought you inside and had my way with you?"
"It's only a waste if I don't have an orgasm," she giggled.
Lucas hurriedly pulled her back to the house, "I guess I'll just have to keep at it till that happens." He closed the door behind them and pressed Brooke's small frame against the door. His hands quickly encircled her waist. "I love you Brooke Penelope Davis."
"I love you too Lucas Eugene Scott." Brooke said in between kisses. Lucas took off her cardigan and kissed from her neck to her collarbone. Brooke began unbuttoning his plaid button down shirt. They hadn't really made love since Peyton's revelation. They were kissing with a sort of ravenous need for one another. Lucas reached behind Brooke's back and unzipped her beautiful dress. He let it fall to the ground in a puddle of soft cotton and tulle. Brooke bit Lucas's bottom lip and he groaned out in pleasure. He slipped out of his shirt and quickly took off his slacks. Both of them then fell on to Brooke's bed in a heap.
Lucas started rubbing his hands up and down Brooke's body. "You were my first Brooke, and with the possibility of sounding like a silly cliche I want you to be my last." Brooke nodded in anticipation of the encounter that was imminent. Lucas unhooked her bra and squeezed her breasts. Brooke let out a soft moan.
"Lucas please, I want you." She let out a stifled breath, "right now." Lucas entered her slowly then quickened pace, within a few minutes they climaxed together. Lucas rolled over and pulled Brooke into him, he kissed her forehead. "Sorry we're missing our reservations," Brooke giggled.
Lucas shrugged, still trying to catch his breath, "Oh well. I can give you your present right here. I don't really need an audience." Lucas sat up and reached for his crumpled pants next to the bed. He retrieved a small velvet box from one of the pockets. "Here pretty girl, this is for you. I saw it when I was in Charlotte with Keith..." he stopped, a sad smile quickly spread over his face.
Brooke nodded, "Thank you Lucas." She opened the box and gasped, "It's beautiful Lucas." Brooke touched the small oval white gold locket. She opened it and began to cry, "It's us."
Lucas smiled at her reaction, "There's an inscription."
Brooke cuddled in close to him, she looked at the left side of the oval locket and read, I'll love you for a lifetime, "I love it."
Lucas took the locket out of the box and turned it over, he read the back, "it says if you'll have me. So the whole inscription reads I'll love you for a lifetime if you'll have me."
Brooke kissed him, "I can't think of a better way to spend my days." Lucas hugged her close. From that day forward they were inseparable.
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The look on Brooke's face when Peyton said she had been with me that night for 'great sex' had me concerned. I've often talked about my one high school regret. It isn't lying to my coach and teammates about my heart condition that could have ended my life every time I stepped onto the court. It isn't even running back into the school that fateful day and not making Keith walk out with me. No, I regret most that the love of my life nearly slipped through my fingers during our junior year at Tree Hill High School. I must admit going from being a nobody to mister popularity did horrible things to my ego. One of those things was cheating on Brooke Davis with her best friend. My first two years of high school were spent being fixated on Peyton Sawyer, I discovered in my 30's that I wasn't really in love with her I was jealous of the relationship she had with my brother. (Not the sexual aspects obviously). But my 16 year old self was just ecstatic that she wanted to talk to me and I didn't care who I hurt in the process. If I could go back in time to before I cheated on Brooke I would. In fact if they create a time machine I'll be the first in line with a check ready and eager for my turn to right a cosmic wrong. I know the trying times of high school helped strengthen who Brooke and I became as individuals but when I chose Peyton in 11th grade a big piece of their friendship died and I can tell you first hand it never fully recovered. A decade long friendship that survived dead and absentee parents, psychopaths, stalkers and everything in between, couldn't survive the addition of one silly little boy... me... Lucas Eugene Scott.
Looking back now I should have known that Brooke was the one the moment I met her but I didn't realize I couldn't live without her til I almost lost her a second time during our senior year when life changing events happened that were out of my control. William Barclay was once quoted saying 'there are two great days in a person's life - the day we are born and the day we discover why' without sounding like a love sick sap I believe I was put on this earth to love Brooke Penelope Davis, love her with every fiber of my being and never let go.
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Sunday, July 13, 2031
I heard a knock at the door and looked up, "Come in." Standing in the door way was my angel Brooke Penelope Scott. "Come in and lock the door behind you," I say with a devilish grin on my face.
Brooke's cheeks redden, "There will be none of that tonight Lucas Eugene Scott," she said with her hands on her hips, "I only came in here to tell you dinner would be ready soon. Nick called to say that him and Holden are on their way, Amelia is getting a ride home with her boyfriend. I know you haven't wanted to meet him, but I said he can stay over for dinner."
I sighed, 'my daughter cannot possibly to old enough for a boyfriend can she?' I thought to myself, "How long have they been dating again?"
"Off and on since last summer. I can't even remember his name, what kind of a mother am I?" Brooke adjusted her watch and fiddled with the oval locket she still wore around her neck.
"She hasn't exactly been forthcoming with that information anyhow. She is determined to keep him a secret, I'm surprised she wanted him to come tonight." I let out a deep breath as all the worst case scenarios flashed through my mind, "You don't think they want to get married do you? She couldn't be pregnant can she?"
Brooke crossed the room and sat down in my lap, everything I was thinking about faded away, 'God she's just as beautiful as she was the day I met her.' "Listen here broody, Amelia is going to Yale in the fall, there's no way she's marrying this guy. If I remember correctly he's going back to USC soon, he was in Tree Hill visiting his mother or some relative he doesn't see often. " She leaned down and kissed me hard, I didn't let her move from my grasp, "Luke I need to go take dinner out, I want to put the pie in so it's ready and cooled in time for dessert."
I groaned and dropped my arms, "Alright I'll be out in a minute. Lindsey wants me to flesh out a few parts of my last draft." She kissed me a second time, "Don't be long. This is the first time in months all of our children have been in the same place and after Amelia goes to school in the September it's going to just be the two of us."
I laughed, "you say that like it's a bad thing. We used to get into so much trouble when it was just us." I stretched in my chair, "No more hot wiring cars though, our press people would have a field day."
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I came out fifteen minutes later when I heard voices in the living room. I closed the door behind me and headed towards the voices. The lowest of the three voices would be Holden, our middle son, he was born 6 minutes after Nicholas. At nearly 20 and there wasn't a book out there that Holden hadn't read. I couldn't have been happier when he came home and told us he had been accepted to Harvard and was going to pursue a career in Medicine, strong jawline like his uncle Nathan, many mistaken him for one of my brother's children. Dark raven colored hair, bright blue eyes, if it wasn't for that dimpled smile of his mothers and his propensity to squint I might have been concerned of his patronage. I craned my head and heard Nicholas, our oldest. Even though they were twins the boys could not be more different. Nicholas graduated high school by the skin of his teeth, and he only got into Duke on a full basketball scholarship, his mother and I were still paying for regular tutors. Blonde hair and dark blue eyes, Nicholas could have been MY twin. As I continued to the living room I waited for the delicate voice to speak. I stood in the doorway and smiled at the sight, Amelia was sitting between her two older brothers. She was the best of both the boys, she was smart and athletic. She was going to Yale on a partial volleyball/partial academic scholarship and occasionally modeled for Brooke's catalogs. I never imagined that when my pretty girl gave me a daughter she would come out looking just like her mother. Dark chocolate hair, hazel eyes, every mannerism, every smile screamed Brooke. She noticed me first, "Hi daddy," she said before giving me a hug and kissing my cheek.
I looked around for the face I wasn't going to recognize, "So where is he?" I squinted.
"Benji is spending the evening with his parents, mom said he could come over on Wednesday night when Aunt Haley, Uncle Nathan, Jamie and Lydie are here." I watched as she smiled a dimpled smile and pulled her brunette locks into a high pony tail.
"So his name is Benji?" I fold my arms across my chest and notice the boys are listening now as well. "Why haven't we met him before?"
Amelia blushed, "Because it was just something silly daddy. But with him considering a transfer to NYU it could turn into something more."
Brooke came into the room before I could grill Amelia further, "Dinners ready."
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So what did you all think? I hope you enjoyed it. For anyone interested I will be updating Black Parade sometime tomorrow, I fell down the stairs in my townhouse earlier today and did some real damage to my ankle. My husband insisted I get some rest, so I'll be updating Black Parade tomorrow when I put up chapter two of this new story, Love Beyond the Red Door.
Review, review, review!
Thank you!
-Krystal