Lovin' the reviews. I hope you're all still reading this. I know I get impatient if a writer doesn't UD soon. I just wanted you to know this is still about Brucas but it's not centered around them. Anyway, on with the story…

(oh, be on the look out for my next story…possibly called Inflicting Wounds…)

Chapter 3

Brooke and Karen had spent a couple hours at the mall, and were now enjoying a late lunch at an Italian restaurant just out of town. It was amazing what a little laughter can do to a person. Brooke forgot how important that was in your life. They were talking about places they wanted to travel and Karen started to talk about her time in New Zealand.

"So, was it everything you pictured it would be?" Brooke asked enticed.

"And so much more…" Karen smiled before continuing, "especially when you're there with someone you love, it makes it a million times better." Karen's thoughts drifted to Andy for a bit. She hadn't thought about him a whole lot lately.

"Right…" Brooke hesitated before asking the next question. She didn't want to bring up any bad memories but she was curious. "So, was it hard? The break up with Andy I mean. Do you regret it?"

Karen didn't even have to think about the question, "No, not any of it. I did love Andy, very much, but we were just headed different ways and both knew it couldn't work out." Karen paused and saw Brooke's desire for hope. "I am so grateful he was a part of my life, and so grateful that he still is. We've kept in touch and it's a good to have a friend in him."

Brooke just nodded her head and smiled. Karen was one of the most insightful people she knew.

"Well, birthday girl I hate to end this but I've got to go to the café, and help out. So I must take you home." Karen lied. The café was fine but she had gotten a call earlier and found out Brooke needed to be home soon.

"No problem, it's been such a great day but all good things must come to an end." Brooke stated as they started to leave the restaurant.

"True, but that doesn't mean more great things aren't headed your way. You just have to be on the lookout for them."

Brooke thought about this as they got into Karen's car. Not being an optimist she immediately thought that was crap, but because it came from Karen she took it more seriously.

"Thanks again Karen, for everything." Brooke said as they stopped in front of Rachel's house.

"It was my pleasure."

They hugged and Brooke got out of the car. She turned around and waved goodbye to Karen. After standing there for a moment, she turned towards the house and noticed somebody she hadn't seen when they drove up.

"What are you doing here?" Brooke asked.

"Well, when I realized I had forgotten one of my best friends birthday's I knew I had to make it up to her somehow." Haley replied and stood up to give Brooke a hug.

"I am so sorry I forgot. It's just with the accident and..."

Brooke immediately cut her off, "Haley, it's ok. I understand."

"No Brooke, it's not ok. But thank you for being so forgiving."

Haley bent down and picked up a bag that was sitting next to her chair. "And this is for you!"

It was a pink bag that had Happy Birthday written on the sides in glitter. Brooke smiled as it was given to her. She loved getting gifts, it was the best part of birthdays. As she opened the bag she giggled with delight. A few months ago her and Haley were shopping and Brooke saw this beautiful blouse she really wanted but they didn't have any left in her size, and Haley went back and got it for her. It was a deep red and cut off at the elbows. It was perfect.

"Oh Hales, I love it. Thank you so much." Brooke exclaimed and leaned in for another hug.

"I'm glad. But there's more..." Brooke looked at her confused, "all you need to do is go upstairs and get ready to have a good time. We need to be there by 7:30, so you only have about a couple of hours to get ready." Haley commented as they got up and Brooke led the way into the house.

"O.K... but I don't think I'll need that long Haley." Brooke laughed.

"Well then we'll just hang out here until it's time to go."

As they started up the stairs Brooke asked Haley excitedly, "Oh, are we going to a strip club? Please say strip club, please say strip club!" Brooke said while crossing her fingers.

"No, it's not a strip club. And you don't get to find out, it's a surprise."

They entered Brooke and Rachel's room and Brooke turned around, "I hate surprises Haley, please just tell me."

"Nope, not gonna tell you. So go take a shower..." Haley replied as she threw a towel at her, "and get ready."

With that Brooke groaned and entered the bathroom, leaving a smiling Haley behind her.

A little while later you could hear the shower being turned off and Brooke yelled out to Haley, "So what should I wear? I mean is this a skanky strip club, or one of those classy ones?" Brooke laughed as she stepped out of the bathroom.

"For the last time it's not a strip club. Just wear something comfortable. Like a pair of jeans, and definately that blouse I bought you."

Brooke strolled over to her (well, Rachel's) closet and gazed over her clothes. In a matter of minutes she had a perfect outfit to match her perfect new blouse. She threw a smile at Haley, who was sitting on her bed, and went back into the bathroom. Soon you could hear the blow dryer on, and shuffling going around in the bathroom.

About a ½ an hour later Brooke coolly sauntered out of the bathroom doing a 360º for Haley. After which she took a bow.

"Very nice, very nice." Haley responded as she clapped. "We still have a bit before we have to leave, wanna pick out a movie?"

"For sure!" Brooke cried out and scurried over to her dvd's. She pulled out Sixteen Candles. "One of my all time favorite movies." She said as she stuck it into the dvd player. Then she went to her bed and joined Haley as the movie started.

"No more yankie my wankie. The Donger need food". Both girls exploded into a fit of laughter.

"That is by far the best line." Brooke commented.

"I know..." Haley looked down at her watch noticing what time it was, "we better get going, it's almost 7:30." She said as she stood up.

Brooke and her grabbed their purses and headed out of the room. Just as they were about to go down the stairs Brooke turned around and looked at Haley seriously. "Just promise me we're going to have fun tonight." Brooke pleaded.

"I promise that you will have fun tonight Brooke. But you've got to do me a favor and promise me that you'll be open to that, ok?"

Brooke reluctantly nodded and Haley put her arm around her and led her downstairs.

"Oh, and I'm going to drive." Haley informed Brooke and Brooke just nodded. She didn't mind if Haley wanted to drive, it was nice actually.

They both got into the car and Haley started it up. The speakers immediately stared blasting out music and Haley quickly turned the radio down. She laughed and gave some excuse like she wasn't use to having people in the car. For a few moments it was quite until Haley spoke up.

"So, is it as great as living with Rachel as I hear?" Haley asked with a smirk.

Brooke laughed at this and answered with a solemn tone, "Nope, not really. I thought maybe it wouldn't be too bad, but I was off. I mean it's not horrible but...I guess I just had different expectations...but stupid me for being naive."

Her eyes wandered out the window.

"Ya know, Nathan and I have a really nice apartment. Actually, I think you've been there once or twice..."Haley joked, "and you are more than welcome to stay with us as long as you need to. I mean, you would be sleeping on the couch but it's pretty comfortable." Haley offered.

Brooke wanted to scream out 'YES' but she held it in. "I wouldn't want to impose. You and Nathan are going..."

"Ok, now my turn to cut you off. First of all you wouldn't be imposing, trust me. And B there will always be something me and Nathan are dealing with, we are still in high school. So, please just say yes. PLEASE."

Brooke agreed as long as Haley would tell her if she ever got in the way, to which Haley agreed. A few minutes later Haley stopped the car in front of a bar.

Brooke looked over at Haley, "A bar huh? I never thought I'd get you to come here with me, but I guess great things happen when somebody forgets your birthday."

Brooke started to open the door but Haley grabbed her arm before she could. A confused Brooke turned around and stared at her.

"Actually, I'm not coming in with you. That's kinda the catch." Haley said in a quiet tone. Brooke's expression became even more confused and Haley continued. "Ok, so you can't be mad at me because I'm doing this for you, and I know you'll have fun."

"What? Haley if you're not coming in with me, who the hell is?" Brooke asked with a hint of resentment in her voice.

Haley just nodded her head, motioning for Brooke to look behind her. When Brooke did her face fell. There, just a few feet away from the car, was Lucas. He was holding some presents and a single red rose. She turned to Haley with a "What the hell?" look on her face but before she could say anything Haley interjected.

"Look, you can be mad later. But right now just go in and have some fun. Please? Give him a chance Brooke." Haley was now pleading not just with her words but with her eyes too.

For some reason Brooke nodded her head and turned to get out of the car. "You owe me tutorgirl." She said without turning around.

Ok, so this chapter was basically a filler but I still think it's important. I love Brooke and wish she hadn't gotten more of a story line in this episode. Maybe some of you are wondering why they're at a bar, but it's good I promise.

Also, any references I make to OTH or other movies, etc. I fully credit to their owners.

I did make a reference in here to the movie SIXTEEN CANDLES (great movie BTW).

Ok, next chapter should be up very soon. I was thinking of keeping this fanfic short, but let me know what you guys think. I could go far with this if you guys think it would be worth it. Thanks for Reading and don't forget to Review on your way out. Even a small "I liked that" would do!