(1) Christened an Awaiting Disaster
New York City
-x-
Davis-Adams Residence
"I can't believe you had a baby!" Rasping excitement bellowed into Brooke Davis' pink blackberry. "Is he big? Ooo, Ooo, does he look like Skillz or you?"
Only a wave of cropped reddish tinted tresses were visible as she raced into her apartments finely lit kitchen. The rest of her body blurred under the gaze of her Boyfriend of nearly five years, Chase Adams. Seated at the breakfast bar on at the eateries center, Chase took large spoonfuls of his Captain Crunch cereal. Dark eyes monitored the gorgeous girl contrasting the bland eggshell walling. Rainbow prints hugged the never ending curves of her body until the dress flared out into a poodle skirt.
Slap, slap, Small ballet flats pitter-pattered against ivory tiles. Tiny feet carried the future fashionista pass her brunette lover and towards the refrigerate. Balancing the cell phone under the curve of her jaw, Brooke pulled the stainless steel contraption open. Cool air hit the brunette and chilled her spine. Listening to the ramblings of one of her best blonde friends Bevin Taylor, the brunette shivered.
"Cold-uh- I mean cool." The petite brunette's teeth chattered. Hazel eyes stared at the barren racks in the cool compartment. Only an empty carton of milk and a stick of butter sat on the many racks. Hunger caused irritation and the brunette grabbed the empty milk carton from the fridge. "So he was eight pounds! I would have died, came back, died again, and then came back again!"
"Yeah," Chipper as ever, Bevin's voice giggled into the receiver, "Ha-ha, but I knew the doctor and gave me lost go drugs. I think I gave birth to a big orange elephant! I shouldn't have eaten so much "
"Well at least you guys have food." Gingerly, the brunette quipped. Slamming the refrigerator door, the soles of her flats scrubbed the floor as she turned on her heels. Chase looked down at his green bowl of her favorite cereal then up to his girlfriend. Shaking her head, dark brows arched up. "And of course Skillz wouldn't eat and let you go hungry."
"What? " Bevin questioned but it was Chase's voice the feisty fashion designer responded to. "Brooke, I forgot! But its not like you can't just go buy something. Lord knows you have enough money. I mean-"
"No!" Ssk, ssk… Milk splashed against the carton walls as Brooke shook the container. Her boyfriend rolled his eyes per usual and she nearly snapped. Remember the new mother on the other line, she insisted, "I'll have to call you back. By the way, the christening is when?"
"In three weeks, but I was hoping maybe you, Haley, and Rachel could help me plan it. I know today's your last day of school until fall classes start."
"I'll be there!" Brooke hung up her cell and dropped it harshly on top of the breakfast bar- Plop! The male brunette shrugged his shoulder and kept eating. Predatory glares shot at her boyfriend and his inconsiderate vices. "You knew that was the last of the milk and my cereal since you ate all the waffles! Now what do I do, go to school hungry?"
"What are you talking about?" Indignant and without empathy, black locks titled to the side. "We both know that everyday you meet up with that Aaron guy and have coffee. Eat when you get there! You could stand to lose a few pounds anyway."
"Ass!" Brooke slammed the milk carton into the her boyfriends chest. Chase barely flinched, only shocked when the little portions of milk left spilled on his navel blue shirt. Large hands grabbed the carton when the Brunette threatened the drop it. The medical student exclaimed angrily, "You ruined my shirt!"
"I should ruin your face." A snarl curled luscious lips.
"Whatever Brooke," Chase smooth his hand over the wet spot on his shirt. "now who was that on the phone?" He asked as he pushed from his seated position. "Peyton, Haley or Rachel?"
To Answer or not to Answer?
That was indeed the question.
Which choice would avoid the unnecessary arguments that always arose out of nowhere? She certainly didn't owe him an explanation. And why would she? After leaving Tree Hill High, Chase had reverted back to the self-righteous, judgmental prick he had been when he dumped her in high school. Brooke understood that his girlfriend had cheated on him with his best friend, but that was the past. Besides, she wasn't even in the equation back then.
Chase and his morality bit was becoming very old very fast. Perhaps of he trusted her, there relationship wouldn't be such a hassle. The trouble started once her started calling her while she was in class. At first sentiment was cute but now it was down right annoying. Didn't he realize how expensive it was to attend the Fashion Institution of Technology?
Loving him was one thing, but allowing him to ruin their future forced her to hide the simplest things. For the first time, she realized the pressures her insecurities mush have put on Lucas. Then again, the Blonde had proved her to be correct. She refused to hurt Chase the way her ex-High School Sweetheart hurt her.
"Who was it, Brooke?" He repeated.
He knew that it must have been one of Brooke's friends in Tree Hill, but he couldn't be too sure. Brooke Davis was not the saintly virgin that he had intended to be with but he loved her. In fact, a marriage proposal was sure to happen soon but with all their problems and issues it would be ridiculous! Not to mention medical school and working as a lab tech was not he most lucrative job.
Luckily, Brooke had inked a contract with a big clothing franchise and was selling pieces from her "Clothes over Bros" line. Slowly but surely the line was becoming a multi-million dollar corporation. And independent and smart as she was, his girlfriend placed her money in a future bank trust. The money they managed to keep paid for their utilities.
"Bevin and Skillz!" Brooke shouted in annoyance, "And yes you are invited!"
~LWY~
Tree Hill, North Carolina
-x-
Scott Household
"So, you want Nathan and I to be the Godparents!?"
Shock and Amusement mixed with honor at her friends request. The gorgeous Haley James Scott loved children but she had never figured Bevin and Skillz would request she and Nathan as Godparents. Leaning against the living room entrance's doorframe, chocolate curls framed her face. Honey hued irises concentrated on her husband and son seated in the living room. Both Scott men were watching an ESPN Classic basketball game together.
"Of course I do," Bevin informed through Haley's house phone. The high school teacher slipped her left hand into the pocket of her straight leg jeans. Mindlessly, she listened to her friend's chatter. "You and Nathan are probably the best parents I know. Plus Brooke and Lucas are Jamie's Godparents even though Brooke does give the best presents…"
"WHATS GOING ON, HALES?"
A head full of raven colored hairs lifted from the television. The ninth grade mathematics and English teacher pointed at the house phone and shrugged. It was simply more rambling from their favorite little ditzy blonde. Little James Luke looked up at his father wearing a mock frowned. Teasingly, the little blonde boy poked his father in the ribs. Nathan feigned pain, "Ouch."
"No talking when da game's on, Daddio!" A pudgy little finger wagged in front of his father. The spitting image of Nathan, Jamie had the infamous Scott temper as well as his mother's sarcastic wit. "Silence is Golden or at least dat's what Mama says."
"Oh, does she now?" Nathan chuckled before grabbing his little boy and tickling him. Jaime's laughter was loud, "Ha-ha-ha! Stop Daddy!"
They never had enough time to play together now that Nathan was the full time coach for the Raven's basketball team and Jaime was in preschool. The day Lucas handed over the reigns of the team was the best and worst day of his life. After all, Haley and Jamie were his heart and he wanted to spend every moment with beautiful wife and son.
"…but then we have Rachel and Mouth, but Rachel, well-" The conversation just wouldn't stop with the new mother. More useless words followed, "You know I wouldn't make Rachel child's godmother until she is ready so-"
"Are you sure you want us to do this?" Haley interrupted, "if so, just say the word and that's that."
"Okay. I guess I'll see ya soon."
"Bye."
END button pressed, the high school teacher glanced over at her family. The twosome appeared to be the happiest father-son duo in the world. Haley couldn't help but smile at the sight of her four year old and his father. Times like these were rare now and if Haley wasn't working she was taking on-line college courses. After two years, Nathan and Haley finally brought their own house. A three bedroom, two bath love nest built to house their small family.
James loved the house, even though her wished it was a two story.
"You two look so cute together." Haley pushed off the doorway with her right foot. Coming around the couch, she moved being them. Both Jamie and Nathan looked up at the only woman in their lives. Nathan grinned, "Of course we're cute, it's the Scott curse, Hales."
"Psh," Lips popping, Haley pushed her hand into dark locks. "Well, you really know how to make a girl feel special."
"You look cute too, mommy!" Jamie exclaimed happily.
"See, my son knows when his mother is fishing for complements." Haley bent over her son and husband and kissed them both on the forehead. The Raven's Coach gave a haughty laugh, "Ha! I know what you wanted, but you're so gorgeous I assumed you already knew."
"That's cause I'm a Scott!" She winked and giggled, "He-he! Chew on that!"
~LWY~
Durham, North Carolina
-x-
Duke University
"One last person to call, Skillz Willzy!"
Bevin kissed her handsome brown-skinned husband full on the mouth. Their dorm phone lay trapped between the married couple. Cuddled together in their bed, naked ebony skin darkened beautifully against milky hues. Blonde hair coated the pectorals of his bare chest and tickled his flesh. The light of day was destroyed by dark curtains, providing a drowsy atmosphere. Their little three month old laid sleep in his crib beside his mother and father's bed.
Days spent in their marital dorm simply sleeping were the days they cherished the most. After a two years of dating, Bevin followed her basketball playing boyfriend to Duke. Majoring in nursing, the former cheerleader discovered she was not only smart be extremely passionate about helping others. The discovery had been a kind revelation from GOD and soon Antwon 'Skillz' Taylor married his high school Sweetheart. Only a year and a half later Antwon Taylor Junior was born.
"Don't you mean two, Baby Girl?" Skillz wrapped muscular arms around his wife's waist. Through the covers, he played with the bare flesh of her thighs. Rough fingertips traced circles on the delicate skin. "You have to call Rach and Luke."
"Well, Brooke will tell Rachel and Peyton will tell Lucas." The blonde lifted the phone up towards her ear. She snuggling closer to her husband and sighed, "You know Lucas and Peyton are engaged. I guess I was wrong about Brookie and Lukie! They were like the white version of you and me."
White Version? The tired male couldn't help but laugh, "Ha-ha, Baby Girl saying stuff like that is exactly why I love you."
"I love you too." She grinned, staring up at him. "But I really thought that Brooke and Luke would work. I wanted them to but now he's with Peyton. I love Peyton but-"
"Well, Luke aint never been the love `um and leave `um type, Bev." Reflectively, the college basketball star explained, "So, of course he and P. Sawyer are engaged. At first I was worried `cause it looked like Luke still love B. Davis but I was wrong. And we are gonna stay out of it!"
"You can stay out of it, Haha." Bevin laughed, "As for mio, I don't know about that! You know that Lucas has been acting really strange lately and he hardly ever even talks to you and Mouth anymore!"
"Bev-"
"Nope, he's been so wrapped up in Peyton and his job. I just don't know. I think he needs a little fun in his life and I know just who makes him have fun."
"We aint meddling in other people's business, Baby Girl." Wanting to change the subject, Bevin's kindhearted husband glanced at his sleeping son. "Speaking of Mouth, did you call him?"
"They are in Nevada so you can be sure Brookie will tell them. Now, I'm calling Peyton."
~LWY~
Las Vegas, Nevada
-x-
Comfort Inn
"We'll be there Brooke!" Rachel Gattina said before quickly hanging up the hotel phone. Her partner in crime was currently unable to even speak to his best friend. Rachel didn't see Mouth romantically but they had come to terms with the fact that they enjoyed each others company. Thus, they committed to a completely platonic relationship.
To celebrate the new relationship, they had gone to Nevada to party, gamble, and drink alcohol now that they legally could. With College out for summer break, the timing couldn't have been better. Unfortunately, Mouth had gotten extremely drunk last night and he was just starting to feel the side effects of his hangover.
GRH! A disgusting puke sound caused the redhead to jump. Crimson tangles sprayed her face as she turned towards her beau. Marvin 'Mouth' McFadden leaning over into the trashcan, regurgitating all remnants of last nights meal. A rancid scent spread across the small Vegas hotel room like wildfire. Nearly dry heaving, Rachel grabbed her stomach in pain, "McFadden, you ding Bat! Go to the Bathroom!"
"Oh-"Green bile rushed up from his mouth, chunks slipping out. Stuttering, Mouth stumbled through his words nauseously, "GhOD! Kill me now!"
"We have to leave soon and you can't throw up in my car, Mouth!"
~LWY~
Los Angeles, California
-x-
Sawyer- Scott Loft
Peyton sat by the house phone in dread and complete anxiety. Long legs dangling from the living room countertop, torn jeans baggy and stiff. Green eyes monitored the phone, reviewing the conversation she just had with Bevin Taylor. How was she to tell Lucas that they had been invited to the Junior's Christening as a couple? No one new of the breakup and that Lucas had been home in over a month since the fight.
The Brooder had found the perfect excuse to say away from her: His stupid book tour. Of course, the gentleman in him forced contrived calls every morning and every night. Even still, he refuse to talk to her about the status of their dying relationship. The phone call was most definitely an obligation. Like clock work the phone rung.
Ring…Ring… Quickly, trembling hands shot out for the phone. Desperation willed her to snatch the phone from the cradle without care of how pathetic she appeared. Then again, she was truly pathetic and not showing her ex-fiancé any thing different from the norm. Sharp breathing, an inhale and exhale followed before she answered the phone. "Um, Hello?"
"Hello Beautiful." Monotone and without feelings as usual. Thud Magazine's junior editor pretended a chipper attitude, "Hello handsome. Where are you today?"
She really didn't care to know… not really.
"I'm in San Francisco on the book tour." His voice rose in excitement and she felt inadequate. For the first time in months, his tone was happy. "I finished my article for the magazine last night, and I finished the third chapter to 'One Tree Hill'…"
Lucas trailed off before halting completely. There was an awkward silence and he knew that he shouldn't have mentioned work. His ex-fiancée seemed to hate his work now. Well she should understand that he was busy, shouldn't she? Then again, Peyton was busy too. Thud magazine deemed her Junior Art Editor though she was not making a lot of money, but she was doing well to have just graduated four years ago from high school.
After Lucas had graduated from Tree Hill High, his book The Unkindness of the Raven had been published and surprisingly did very well thanks to his mother's new boyfriend, Andy. With the fame of a top selling novel under his belt, Lucas had landed the job as a sports writer for 'Sport's Illustrated'. His publishers felt with his success now would be the best time for a special addition of The Unkindness of the Raven. Which, caused the eventual boo tour and the beginnings of a sequel titled, 'One Tree Hill' .
This new novel was meant to be dark and disturbing, focusing on the destruction of his life. All the heartache, pain, lies, and murder in Tree Hill transformed into bad memories. Regrets and Mistakes haunted with images of losing Keith, hurting Brooke, choosing Peyton, watching his mother struggle as a single mother, having HCM, Nathan losing his scholarship, Karen trying to replace Keith with Andy, and Dan…
The first to feel the wrath of Lucas Scott was Brooke Davis whom disappeared just after graduation. The cheerful brunette kept in touch with him and Haley, calling to talk about all the crazy thoughts she had in her head. He enjoyed her until last month when Brooke scolded him for avoiding his mother because she moved on so fast with Andy after Keith's death. Part of him was angered about her finding comfort in Dan and reliving his past through the new book made him examine his feelings.
He was still pissed.
He had quickly told her to 'Butt out because she WASN'T family.' resulting in a hang up and avoidance by Brooke for the rest of the month. When Karen enlisted the help of Haley and Nathan, Lucas had told his brother and best friend he would call them later but refused to live up to his word. Of course, he barely spoke to anyone from Tree Hill anymore. It hurt too much, and that was why he avoided Peyton like the plague.
Couldn't she see that he hated Tree Hill even if he wouldn't admit it? Moreover, Peyton was always talking about her problems. He figured that if he didn't want to talk about his problems, he was most certain that he didn't want to discuss hers. She never listened or shut up long enough to listen, but now she was utterly speechless. Strange.
"Peyt?" His husky voice questioned, "You still there?"
"Yeah," Peyton gripped the phone tightly, "I'm here Luke. Bevin called and invited us to Juniors Christening."
"Really…?"
"Uh," The blonde artist sighed loudly, "Luke?"
"Huh?" A quick acknowledgement of attention received a surprising response, "They invited us as a couple."
"Oh."
"Yeah, so what are we supposed to do?"
"Ha," He gave a short laugh at the ridiculousness of the conversation. Obviously, they would just go to Tree Hill and fight off the angry mob waiting to devour him. "We go, I guess."
"Yeah…" She slipped in uneasily, "It's not like we broke up. We just canceled the engagement, right?"
He couldn't think of anything to say to her inquiry. Hell, he couldn't think of anything to say to this entire situation. He really did love Peyton, loved her a logical, calculated way. Loved her because she was always there and he could do anything to her, and she would still be there. But he wasn't certain if he loved her enough to stay in their relationship. "MmmPeyt?"
"We are still together aren't we, Luke?" Tears swelled in her eyes and slipped down her cheeks. "Aren't we together?"
"Sure." Lucas mumbled into the receiver. "Sure."
"Luke, maybe this is just what we need. A trip... A vacation you know? We could work things out! If you are willing to." Peyton suggested with a laugh. "We could meet up at the Java Hut and then we can drive to the airport together. Hey, I'll even let you listen to some of that crappy music on the way from the airport in Tree Hill."
"I guess we could do that. I'll just tell my publisher I have to take off for a while."
"Sweet." Peyton grumbled at Lucas' lack of enthusiasm.
~LWY~
Text Message From: Bevin
Forward Message To: Brooke, Haley, Lucas, Mouth, Nathan, Peyton, Rachel
Meeting at da Airport & Karen's Cafe
-tbc-
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If you Dare! Muhahahaha!
To Anonymous Reviewers:
Melly Mel- I am the hundred story man, am I not!? LOL! You know I got love for you and your Mean Reviews! LOL, TODDY NO JERKY! :-)
Jennifer- Hahaha! Of course I remember your long reviews, they practically wrote this story! LOL, so of course don't worry about the review thing because not only do I understand but there is really no point anymore. Haha, and as for the Pucaser, I was very nice and told them the truth in as nice a Toddian way as possible. Seeing as I am not really a nice person, I kinda just told them to STOP reading. I think I was nice and I even put a weird, slightly pussified smiley face so if that doesn't scream nice... well, it might scream: Condescending, so... Haha! Now I'm sure I was sarcastic! Damn! And I was really going for nice.
Pointless off Topic Question: Am I the only person not getting FF alerts & Emails. I haven't been getting them for months but now they are showing up as SPAM! Am I alone in this?