Sunlight slowly seeps into the room, beams of golden light dancing along the walls.

BEEP BEEP BEEP

The jarring sound of an alarm clock ringing echoes throughout the large room as a petit hand slams down on the device, silencing it. An unenthusiastic groan escapes cherry red lips as two unwilling legs push covers to the side and drop to the hardwood floor with a thud.

It's just another day in the life of Brooke Davis, another day of painting on a fake smile, another day of pretending that everything is immaculate and perfect when in reality it is slowly crumbling.

Running a hand through her wild tresses, the brunette beauty prepares herself for yet another day in her messed up life. Only today is different. Today she would have her first tutoring session with Lucas, who she felt this strange connection to, even though they've only ever spoken once.

Standing in front of the mirror, Brooke looks at herself carefully, studying her profile. Her hazel eyes gleam with brilliance but if you look deep into them you can see that they are empty, full of pain and loneliness. Luscious brunette locks tumble down past her shoulders, falling into small waves. A smile forces itself to etch across her lips, two dime-sized dimples naturally poking out. To anyone she looked like the happiest girl in the world. Unfortunately it was very rare that anyone ever saw the real Brooke Davis; the broken girl who hid behind a beautiful, effortless smile and desperately just wanted to be loved in any way, shape, or form.

"You've got this," she whispers to herself comfortingly as she tears her hazel eyes away from the mirror and bounces down the stairs cheerfully, her façade quickly slipping into place.

"Mom, Dad!" she calls out as she reaches the bottom of the long staircase. Her voiced echoes back at her, ricocheting off of the walls of the empty mansion.

A small piece of paper rests on the kitchen table. Curiously, Brooke snatches the paper and allows her eyes to scan over it.

Brooke,

I had an emergency meeting I needed to attend at the country club this morning. I will be leaving for my two week cruise at about two o'clock this afternoon so I will probably miss you before I go. Your father is away on business-big shocker there. I think he said he would be back in a week or so. But, we all know that means a month or so. There's a bit of food in the fridge, and a new credit card sitting on the counter. See you in a few weeks.

Victoria.

It took everything inside of her not to cry as she crumpled the note up and tossed it in the trash. "Well at least they left a note this time," she mumbles to herself sadly.

Suddenly having lost her appetite, she decides to stop for a coffee at Starbucks on her way to school. A hot tear pricks at the corner of her eye as she slides her backpack over her shoulders and a pair of wedges onto her feet. She hates that her father owns such a lavish company. She hates that cruises and country clubs mean more to her mother than she does. She hates that golf and his company mean more to her father than she does. She loves the money but there are times when she wishes that the life of money and fame would disappear and replace itself with a life that contains a genuine, happy family.

As she grabs her keys and a pair of sunglasses from the basket by the front door, Brooke checks her appearance in the mirror yet again. A white tank top hugs her torso tightly, an open leather jack covering it. Long exposed legs stick out from underneath a pair of denim short shorts. Letting out a deep breath she nods approvingly before sliding her sunglasses over her eyes. She closes the door behind herself as she steps into the bright morning sun, unlocking the doors to her powder blue convertible Volkswagen with the remote. "It's just another day," she mumbles to herself.

"Is that bacon I smell?" Lucas asks as he walks into the kitchen, using a towel to dry his hair. The smell of freshly brewed coffee and bacon fills his nostrils as he walks over to Karen and gives her a quick kiss on the cheek. "Morning Ma," he smiles, reaching for a mug from the cupboard behind Karen.

"Good morning Lucas," Karen smiles as he fills his cup with coffee and reaches for a piece of bacon. "Paws off," she warns, swatting his hand away.

"Morning Uncle Keith," Lucas grins as he sits across from his uncle, who peers up from behind the newspaper.

"Lucas. How are ya this morning?" Keith asks casually, taking a slug of his coffee and shooting Lucas a smile.

"Okay…" he shrugs, swirling his coffee around in his cup distractedly. "Actually, I was kinda hoping to talk to you guys about something."

"What's up?" Karen asks, setting a plate of breakfast in front of both Keith and Lucas, before grabbing her own and taking a seat beside Lucas. "Is something wrong?" her brow furrows with concern.

"No…" Lucas shakes his head quickly. "I just… Coach Whitey asked me to join the Ravens."

"Lucas, that's great!" Keith smiles as he sets his coffee mug down. "I always thought you'd make a great Raven."

"Mom?" He turns to Karen who has shock written all over her grave face. It looks like someone had just sucked the life right from her.

"If it's really what you want, I guess there's nothing I can do about it. But are you sure that you really want to be sucked into that world? You know that there are a lot of consequences that could come from joining the Ravens, right? Such as Dan and Nathan…"

"I know," he sighs, rubbing his forehead with his hands. "I'm not joining anyways. I just thought I'd let you know that I got offered."

"Lucas," Keith shakes his head, dropping his fork and letting it clink against his plate. "You can't let your fear of Dan or Nathan stop you from joining the team. If it's something that you really want, you need to go for it otherwise I'm afraid that one day you may wake up and live with the regret of what could have been."

"I don't know, okay? I'll think about it," he mumbles, standing up and placing his dirty dishes in the sink. "But for now, my only worry is getting to school on time."

"Have a great day honey."

"You too mom," he nods, slinging his backpack over his shoulder. "Oh, and I'm going to Brooke's after school so I might be home a little later but I should be back in time for dinner."

"Who's Brooke?"

"Just a girl from school that I'm now tutoring…" he shrugs as he grabs his keys from the kitchen counter. "Bye mom, bye Keith."

The day drug on slowly, almost painfully slowly. Finally, lunch hour had arrived.

"Bitch…" Rachel grins as she takes a seat next to the beautiful brunette, placing her tray on the table.

"Slut," Brooke retaliates as she looks up from her phone, sticking her tongue out at the redhead.

"Real mature Brooke," Rachel kinks an eyebrow as she bites into her burger. "Where is everyone?"

"The boys are at an emergency basketball practice. Quinn and Alex ran to grab some food from McDonalds, and I haven't seen Bev yet."

"How come you didn't go with them?" Rachel pries, taking a sip of her water, eyeing Brooke skeptically.

Brooke shrugs as she glances at her phone, before shoving it deep into her pocket.

"Have you eaten today?" Rachel prods, concern spreading across her face. She has noticed that Brooke has been acting rather strange lately. She hasn't been eating properly, she hasn't been sleeping much, and she goes through spurts of having an insane amount of energy to having absolutely no energy.

"I'm not hungry," Brooke responds dryly, taking a sip from her water bottle.

"Brooke, you haven't been eating."

"I'm just not hungry," Brooke snaps as she shoots Rachel a somber look. Truth is, she's really hungry. But, she can't eat. Her body won't allow her to.

"Brooke, I've been noticing that you haven't been eating or sleeping and your attitude has been kind of off lately. Are you okay?" Rachel narrows her eyes inquisitively as genuine concern for her best friend spreads across her face. "Because, if you're not you can tell me."

"I'm fine," Brooke states flatly, undertones of annoyance underlying her voice.

"Brooke, you're not fine."

"Are you calling me a liar?" the brunette fires back hostilely, an icy glare forming in the depths of her hazel eyes.

"I hate to ask you this Brooke but have you been doing drugs again?" Rachel asks fluidly, without missing a beat. She feels bad for accusing her friend of something she may or may not be doing but she's genuinely concerned for Brooke and the path that she might be heading down.

"Excuse me?" Anger flares in her eyes as a scowl crosses her face. She can feel the rage burning inside of her and pumping through her veins. How dare Rachel even have the audacity to ask her that?

"I had to ask Brooke…"

"How dare you accuse me of doing drugs, Rachel! I told you once and I'll tell you again, I have been sober since you have and I really don't appreciate being accused!" a cold, harsh whisper seeps from the brunette's mouth.

"Brooke, you haven't been eating or sleeping, your mood changes at the drop of a hat, and you are getting really defensive over a simple question. I'm sorry for accusing you, it's just that all the signs pointed in that direction."

"I'm sorry," Brooke sighs, looking at her hands as she speaks, inspecting her fingernails. "I'm just really stressed out right now. I've had a lot on my plate lately and I haven't had time to sleep, which is affecting my mood. And, my appetite just seems to be disappearing. I'm sorry that I got all defensive on you, I was just upset that you'd think I was still doing drugs."

"So, you're not?" Rachel asks quietly, still not fully convinced that Brooke is telling the truth.

"No, I'm not," Brooke attempts to smile as she reaches out and places her hand on top of Rachel's. "I promise."

"So what are you doing today after school?" Rachel asks casually, attempting to steer the conversation that was clearly hard for Brooke to talk about in a different direction.

"I'm busy."

"Doing what?"

"I'm just loaded down with homework. Clay might come over and watch a movie later," Brooke lies expertly. She hates lying to Rachel but at Lucas's request nobody must know about their arrangement.

"Oh," falls from Rachel's lips as she glances at her phone. "I was just…"

"Bitches!"

The best friends are broken from conversation as Quinn and Alex fall into the two empty seats at the table, setting their McDonalds bags down onto the table.

"Brooke, we got you some food," Quinn smiles as she pulls a burger out for Brooke. "We figured you'd be hungry by the time we got back."

"That's okay. I have to get going but thanks anyways. Later, bitches."

Without saying another word, Brooke gets up, throwing her empty water bottle in the trash and heading down the cafeteria, towards the bathroom.

"What's wrong with her?" Alex murmurs, glancing in the direction of Brooke's retreating figure.

"I don't know. But, I'm going to find out," Rachel mutters darkly. She was determined to find out what is bothering Brooke because she hates seeing her best friend like this.

Entering the girl's washroom, Brooke looks around before grabbing the trash can and placing it underneath the door knob so that it could not be opened up.

She could almost swear she heard a creaking noise. Whipping her body around, she scans underneath the stalls, looking for feet.

After finding nothing, she pulls the bag of white powder from her purse, dumping a small amount on the bathroom counter. Pulling her credit card out, she expertly fixed the substance into two perfect lines, before lowering the rolled up bill to the counter and allowing the lethal drug to seep into her system.

Her nostril burns as she sniffles and shoves her things back in her purse, checking herself in the mirror.

She's about to leave when she hears a creaking noise coming from one of the stalls. Without missing a beat, she walks to the stall and throws the door open. Peyton Sawyer is crouched on the toilet seat, cringing as the door flies open, green eyes wide with surprise.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?" Bitterness taints the brunette's voice as she stands with her hands on her hips, frowning.

"I was just um… playing hide and go seek with Haley…" she mutters sardonically. "But, it looks like you blew my cover."

"Peyton… why were you in that stall and what did you see?"

"I was… well you know… in the bathroom doing my thing when I heard the door open. I heard you blocking the entrance so out of curiosity, I peeked out the stall door and saw you so I decided to hide out in here and…"

"Spy on me?"

"Yeah basically," the blonde chuckles as she jumps off the toilet, her black converses landing on the floor. "Well, it was nice talking to you Brooke but I've gotta bounce."

"Not so fast," Brooke angrily grabs Peyton and throws her against the stall door, pinning her against it. "You tell anyone about this and your chicken ass is dead."

"I didn't see anything," Peyton mumbles, looking around. "Or at least, I'll pretend not to. But, just know that I'm not keeping my mouth shut because I'm afraid of you."

"Then why?"

"It's your problem, not mine," Peyton shrugs coolly as she reaches for the door knob, pushing it open.

"Hey Peyton?"

"Yeah?"

"Thanks. For vowing to be silent, I mean. You didn't have to…"

"I know I didn't."

There are times when she misses Peyton and the friendship they used to have like crazy. Peyton always knew her better than anybody else and it didn't matter how different they were, the two of them were always inseparable. But, then high school tore them apart. They became members of different cliques and slowly drifted apart. Eventually, the animosity between the two of them had sparked a rivalry and everything had suddenly become a competition between them.

He looks at the note that Brooke had passed him in his last period English class. Her address is written across the piece of paper in loopy handwriting that holds so much character to it. He looks up again at the house before him. It basically resembles the American dream; white exterior, white picket fence, black shutters, an American flag blowing patriotically in the slight breeze, bright red door, and large perfectly groomed yard with blindingly bright green grass.

His hand is slowly lifted, shaking uncontrollably as he reaches for the brass knocker, pulling it and letting it slam down against the door. He can feel his heart nearly beating out of his chest. This has been his dream since he was like twelve. And now here he was at seventeen years old, finally being invited into his junior high and senior high school crush's home.

He hears footsteps clamber down the stairs as the latch is removed and the red door is opened. Brooke Davis stands before him, all smiles. She looks good, there's no denying that. And he feels his breath hitch in his throat.

"Hey… Brooke," he mutters nervously, his eyes finally settling on her beautiful hazel ones.

"Lucas," she grins, studying his profile briefly and nodding her head approvingly. "Come in."

He slips his coat off and looks around curiously. The home is immaculately polished, with everything in its place. It looks like one of those homes you see in magazines. But, it doesn't feel like a home. It's missing that warm and bright comfort a house should bring to someone.

"Where are you parents?" he asks, suddenly noticing how empty the house looks.

"Who gives a fuck?" she shrugs, leading him into the kitchen. "They usually disappear for weeks at a time without me seeing them."

He can't imagine his mom and Keith doing that to him. "That sucks…"

"Pretty much… Can I get you something to drink before we start?"

"A glass of water is fine."

She fills two cups with water and leads him up the staircase, a long and winding one. There are no family pictures in this house he notes. A house should have family pictures in it.

She pushes the first door on the left open as he stumbles into her room. He's always dreamed of being in Brooke Davis's bedroom.

"Well, let's get started," she grins eagerly, taking a seat on the bed and patting the spot next to her for him.

"You're really serious about this huh?" Lucas asks, pulling his things out of his backpack and gently setting them on the bed.

"It means everything to me."

"God, this is so frustrating," Brooke throws her hands up in the air in defeat. "I just don't understand this Shakespeare crap. It's like he's talking in another language.

"That's because he pretty much is," Lucas chuckles as he closes the book. "Let's take a break. The brain can only handle so much at one time."

She nods, letting herself fall back on the bed, running her hands over her face. "Thanks for doing this for me Lucas. You didn't have to."

"I know. But, if someone is willing to take the initiative to improve their grades, I'm always happy to help."

"I really do appreciate it."

They fall into a comfortable silence as Lucas lies beside her, stretching out. "So tell me about yourself Brooke Davis?"

"What is there to know?" she questions with a smirk, one that he finds absolutely captivating, just like the rest of her.

"Everything…"

"Okay," she nods slowly, her eyes focusing on the ceiling above them. "Well my parents aren't around much. My dad works all the time and when he's not working he's golfing or sitting in the bar. My mom is never around. She spends all of her time at the stupid country club or jetting around the world on expensive trips. She pretty much hates Tree Hill and despises the fact that we live here so she escapes every chance she gets. Sometimes I don't see either of them for months at a time. And when I do see them, we don't usually talk. They're usually too busy fighting with each other."

"That must be really hard," Lucas mutters quietly. He can't even imagine his mother and Keith disappearing for months at a time with no contact. They are pretty much the biggest part of his life aside from Haley.

"It is and it isn't," she answers with a simple shrug of the shoulders. "It's nice having the house to myself sometimes because my parents drive me nuts with their constant bickering. At least it's quiet when they aren't around. And, I don't have any rules or anything like that. I can pretty much do whatever I want and be responsible for myself."

"But it must get lonely."

"Sometimes I get lonely," she nods, cutting her eyes over to his. "But, I have my friends. Sometimes, I just wish that my parents were around more often and that they got along and actually loved me. I always feel like I'm not good enough for them. I just wish that I had a normal family like everyone else."

He reaches over and places a hand on top of hers. "I'm really sorry that your parents are so shitty."

"Yeah, me too."

"Sometimes I wish people understood the real me," Brooke whispers as she removes her eyes from Lucas's and lets them wander aimlessly to the ceiling above them. "I wish that people realized I'm not just some dumb cheerleader. I actually have goals and aspirations in my life. I want to be a fashion designer one day. I want to own my very own company and have my designs sold in stores all across the country and maybe even the world."

"You're smarter than you think Brooke. You just need to focus on what you want and fight for it with determination and you'll achieve it."

"I like talking to you Lucas," Brooke smiles widely, her eyes brightening. "You actually see through the façade and the labels and just see me. Not many people do. That makes you a pretty special person Lucas Scott."

"I think you're a pretty special person too Brooke Davis."

She nods, surprised at how easily she and Lucas get along. She can already feel the strong friendship forming between them and it's only been a day. But unlike her other friends, he sees her as Brooke Davis the person. Not Brooke Davis the brainless cheerleader. Not very many strangers, if any at all, would see what Lucas sees in her.

"I want to run for class president this year," Brooke tells him quietly as she plays with her fingers distractedly. "I want to show people that I'm more than just a cheerleader."

"I think you'd make a great president Brooke. You definitely have my vote."

"You think so?" Brooke raises an eyebrow as she begins to yet again doubt herself. "I mean isn't the president usually like really smart?"

"The president doesn't have to be the smartest person in the school Brooke," Lucas tells her with a smile. "The president is a leader, someone who cares and communicates with the students, someone who wants to make our school a better place for the students."

"But what makes you think I can win?"

"People like you Brooke. You're personable. All you have to do is show people that you care. I can help you with the campaign if you want."

"You'd do that for me?"

"Of course, I would." He glances at his phone and notices the time. "Brooke, I have to go. I promised my mom I wouldn't be late for dinner and I'm already ten minutes late…"

"Of course. So, I'll see you tomorrow at school then?"

He notices the loneliness breaking in her eyes and he hates to leave her like this. He can't. "Brooke, do you want to come for dinner with me and my family?"

"Oh no that's okay. Thanks for asking but I'd hate to impose."

He knows he should run it by his mother first. But, she doesn't have a real family and he wants her to know what it's like. "You wouldn't be imposing. It's just the three of us, there's always room for one more."

"Are you sure?"

"Of course I'm sure. Now come on or we'll be really late."

"Thanks Lucas," she smiles kindly at him as she follows him out the door. She doesn't know why but something is pulling her towards Lucas. He's the kindest, most caring person she's ever met and she needs someone like that in her life; someone who cares and sees past the bullshit and the blunder of high school drama.

"Almost there," Lucas smiles as they round the corner, stopping in front of Karen's café. He pulls the door open and flips the sign to closed.

"What are we doing here?" Brooke's eyebrows shoot up in surprise as she inspects the small café that she has never been to before despite having lived in Tree Hill her whole life.

"My mom owns the café," Lucas chuckles, walking around the counter and calling for his mother.

"Just a second honey!"

"So your mom owns this place huh?" Brooke looks around, taking in the beauty of the small cafe. "It's nice."

"So you've never been here before?"

Brooke shakes her head. Honestly, she doesn't know why she hasn't been here before. She didn't even know that this place even existed.

"Well you're in for a real treat," Lucas winks just as Karen walks out from the back with Keith, carrying three plates.

"Luke, who is that?" Karen questions as she stares back and forth between Brooke and Lucas, confused.

"Mom, Uncle Keith, this is Brooke. I'm tutoring her. I was hoping it would be okay if she joined us for dinner tonight?"

"Of course she can. It's nice to meet you Brooke. Call me Karen," the older brunette smiles warmly as she shakes Brooke's hand.

"And I'm Keith," Keith offers, sticking his hand out for Brooke to shake. "It's great to meet you."

Keith offers to grab Brooke a plate and Brooke excuses herself to the bathroom for a minute.

"She's pretty," Karen offers as she sits across from Lucas, folding her napkin into her lap. "Wait a second, she isn't the Brooke that you've been crushing on for like ever is she?"

"I have not!" Lucas's face flushes a deep shade of red as he buries his face in his hands.

"According to Haley you have," Karen grins as she takes a sip of her water. "Since you were like twelve years old."

"Whatever," Lucas scoffs, rolling his eyes as Keith and Brooke both return to the table.

"Karen this food is fantastic," Brooke smiles as she takes a bite of her chicken.

"I'm glad you like it."

It was nice sitting down with a real family for once, having a proper meal. She really likes Keith and Karen but she can't help but feel the pang of jealousy that hits her. She looks at the happy family Lucas has and she longs for one of the same.

"Well, I should probably get going," Brooke murmurs as she glances at the clock. "But thank you so much for letting me have dinner with you guys. The food was amazing."

"You're welcome any time sweetie," Karen smiles as she envelopes Brooke in a hug.

"I'll walk you home," Lucas offers as he stands up and puts his jacket on.

Brooke nods as she says her goodbyes to Keith and Karen and heads out the door with Lucas by her side.

"Your family is pretty great," Brooke smiles as they step outside, the cool evening air hitting them like a wave. "Is it wrong of me to be a little jealous of them?"

"Not at all," Lucas shrugs, a smile growing on his face. He looks over at Brooke and notices her shiver. "Cold?" She nods as he hands her his jacket and places it around her shoulders.

"Thank you so much for inviting me Lucas. You really didn't have to."

"I know I didn't. But I wanted to. Everyone deserves to have a family they can sit down with and have a conversation over a meal."

A comfortable silence washes over them as they walk the streets of Tree Hill, making occasional conversation. It isn't long before they're standing in front of Brooke's house.

"So, I was asked to join the Ravens..." Lucas drawls out slowly, staring at the sidewalk below him as if it became suddenly interesting.

"Lucas, that's great!" Brooke grins, her eyes lighting up. "You'd look good as a Raven," she winks, her eyebrow kinked.

"Um..." Lucas scratches the back of his neck nervously. "I declined the offer."

"What?" Brooke narrows her eyes at him as she shakes her head in exasperation. "You got an offer to join the Tree Hill Ravens, meaning you must be really good because nobody just gets offered to play, and you turn it down! Are you crazy?"

"Maybe," Lucas attempts to crack a smile in light of the situation. "But, I just... Nathan plays and Dan will be there... I just don't want to get sucked into that life. It's not me."

"So, you are going to avoid doing something you love just because you're afraid of Dan and Nathan?"

"It's complicated Brooke."

"It sounds to me like you're running. If you love basketball Lucas and you have the chance to play, you should take it. Don't let that fear of Nathan and Dan stand in your way. Don't let anyone stand in your way."

"You should take your own advice Davis," he grins, shoving her playfully with his shoulder.

"Oh so now we're on a last name basis Scott?" Brooke smiles, returning the shoulder shove.

"I'm just afraid of becoming something I'm not," Lucas mutters, his eyes wandering aimlessly to the ground below him. "I've seen how it's made so many people into pompous assholes and I don't want to be one of those people."

"Then don't be," Brooke smiles simply, her eyes shining with confidence. "Don't let the game change you. But, don't let it scare you either."

"I don't know..."

"Do you want to play on the Ravens?" she asks suddenly. "I mean like if you set aside all the crap with Nathan and Dan and throw them out of the picture, would you want to play?"

"Is this a trick question?"

"Lucas..." she growls, hands planted firmly on her hips. "Answer the question."

"Yes..." he gulps guiltily. He would love to play for the Ravens in an ideal world. But the world he would be exposing himself to isn't exactly idyllic.

"Then do it," she encourages him with a smile. "For me?"

When she sticks that bottom lip out, a perfect pout forming on her lips, he knows he can't say no. "Fine..."

"And if you don't like it you can always quit," she tells him seriously, although a smile is spreading its way across her face like a wildfire. "It will be so cool when you join the team."

"Yeah," Lucas gulps as he suddenly grows nervous.

Brooke senses his nervousness and reaches out to touch his hand with hers. "I'll make sure you don't catch too much flack from Nathan."

"Well it's nice to know that a fiesty cheerleader has my back."

"Not just any cheerleader. The head cheerleader," she emphasizes the word 'head' to make herself sound even more important.

"Good to know," he grins as he stares into her beautiful hazel eyes, suddenly lost in the beautifully pained story that they tell.

His phone goes off unexpectantly and he looks down to see a text from his mother demanding that he be home soon.

"I've gotta go," Lucas apologizes as he shoves his phone into his pocket. Brooke hands him his jacket and smiles. "I'll see you tomorrow for our session."

"Of course," she nods with a contagious dimpled smile situated on her face. "Have a good night."

"You too," he grins, waving as he turns and heads down the walkway and towards his own house.

Brooke can't help the widening of the smile that grows on her face as she closes the door. There is just something about that boy that she can't get enough of. She's just not sure what it is yet.

AN: I have to say that I was quite impressed with the number of views the first chapter got, I was not expecting that at all! I've been really busy with moving and getting ready for college but I will try my best to update when I can. I have the whole story outlined chapter for chapter, it's just a matter of finding the time to sit down and type it all out. I'm really excited for this story and I promise that there will be lots of twists and turns and tonnes of drama to come. Please review because the more you do, the sooner I will update :)