Chapter 4: I Love You, Can You Tell?

It was a foggy night. Ethan found himself walking around a park. "Damn, this place is deserted!" he remarked to himself as he continued his stroll. At first, he had no idea where he was.

He decided to study the area around him. The park was surrounded by buildings, a small oasis tucked in the heart of a city. Suddenly, his eyes grew wide as a realization hit him, "I'm in Central Park." He let out a sigh of relief as he felt his worries subside. Still, he couldn't understand why he was the only one there. He held his left hand up to look at the time, only to discover that he didn't have his watch on. He just shrugged as he kept walking.

"Where is everybody?" he wondered as he looked around. After some time, he was able to convince himself that perhaps, people knew better than to go out on a foggy night such as that one.

Suddenly, he heard a faint sound. He could not quite tell what it was. He just knew it was coming towards him. He felt a shiver down his spine as he tried to look ahead. Unfortunately, the fog didn't allow him to see anything. Without warning, a big black bird appeared in the sky. Ethan's jaw simply dropped. "What the..." it was all he could say at the sight of a solitary raven flying high above him.

All of a sudden, he heard the sound of gentle footsteps making its way to him. The fog left him unable to see ahead. He felt his heart beating fast as he found himself unable to move. He just looked on, imagining who was coming towards him. It didn't take long before someone emerged from the fog. Suddenly, there was a familiarly beautiful face looking at him. "I never thought I'd see you again," said Brooke softly as she stopped on her tracks with a smile on her face.

Ethan could not contain his happiness at seeing Brooke. "Brooke," he began as went closer to her... "I didn't think we'd ever meet again," Ethan confessed as he took her hands in his.

Brooke nodded as she ran a hand on Ethan's face, "When you left, I was crushed. Ethan, didn't you love me?"

Ethan shook his head vigorously, as if trying to reassure Brooke that everything will be better from that time on, "No baby, I did...I still do."

Brooke didn't seem satisfied with his answer. She looked at him straight with much curiosity in her eyes, "How can you tell me you do... just like that? Every time something goes wrong, all you do is run away. Why do you do that to me?" By this time, tears were rolling down Brooke's cheeks. She was clearly hurt and Ethan felt like there was nothing he could do to take the pain away.

Suddenly, Ethan felt Brooke's hand slip away. He remained standing there, stunned. Seeing the misery on Brooke's face made him angry at himself. "Brooke, I-"

"Don't say anything, Ethan. What's done is done," Brooke began as she interrupted Ethan. So I guess...this is good-bye," she sobbingly said as she turned around and started to walk away.

Ethan wanted to run after her, but he felt like something was holding him back. "Wait!" he called after her as Brooke's figure began to disappear into the foggy night. "C'mon, please don't go!" he shouted once again, hoping she could still hear him. Breathing hard, he called after her, sounding more desperate than ever, "I love you, Br-"

Ethan suddenly heard someone whispering to him. "Hey handsome, wake up," Maria giggled as she kissed her dazed fiancé lightly on the cheek.

Ethan emerged from his dream looking pretty startled. As he opened his eyes, he saw Maria smiling at him, "Maria..."

Maria ran a hand on his hair, "You look really sexy when you're asleep, I didn't want to wake you up. But, Claudia just called and you're needed in the office today."

Ethan let out a sly smile and nodded, "They're expecting a decision from me."

Maria nodded as she stood up from the bed and stood by a full-length mirror. She did a little turn, making sure there's nothing wrong with her outfit, "I have to get to the office too. I also have a boardroom meeting and dad's in town."

Ethan got up from bed and stood right next to Maria. He put his arms around her waist as he planted kisses on her neck. Maria moaned with pleasure as he did. Ethan suddenly whispered into her ear, "I got an idea. Why don't we ditch both our meetings and just stay in bed."

Maria giggled as she turned to face him, "Sounds tempting, but we are corporate executives...we have a job to do."

Ethan sighed as he rested his head on Maria's shoulder for a brief moment, "Sometimes, I wish we could run away...just you and me."

Maria nodded understandingly as she ran a hand on his face, "Me too...well, we don't have to wait much longer. We have a honeymoon coming up."

Ethan grinned as he remembered their upcoming honeymoon, "I can't wait to have you to myself."

Maria just laughed at Ethan, "I just want to be with you."

Ethan grabbed Maria closer by the waist as he kissed her, " I'm crazy about you."

Maria nodded as she looked at Ethan intently, "I'm not so sure. You were talking in your sleep earlier."

Ethan suddenly had worried expression on his face, "What do you mean?"

Maria just looked at him straight, "Well, you seem to be running after someone. Then right before I woke you up, you were saying I love you to..."

"You," Ethan said as he finished Maria's sentence. Inside, he felt relieved that he didn't blurt out any name. "That was close," he thought. Ethan pulled Maria closer once again, "I was running after you. You actually told me you're not going to marry me and just took off. I was desperate so I was doing what I can to get you back."

Maria looked at him curiously, "Did I come back?"

Ethan sighed as he looked down, "No."

Maria felt bad. She touched Ethan's face as he looked up, "Of course I won't...not if I'm already here."

Ethan's face lit up, "Maybe it's just wedding jitters. You wouldn't leave me standing down the aisle, would you?"

Maria smiled teasingly all of a sudden, "I don't know...unless you cheat on me."

Ethan felt his nerves tensing up again at Maria's joke. "I...I would never do that," he stammered as he plastered a smile on his face. Inside though, he cannot deny the fact that the dream suddenly got him curious about the woman he had loved so much. He fidgeted with his cel. phone and found himself looking up Jake's number, "Would it hurt to ask about her?"

"Daddy..." Jenny began as she tried to shake her dad up from his deep slumber. She sighed when she realized her gentle attempt wasn't working. She glanced at the clock and began to worry. She had to get to class in 30 minutes and her dad wasn't making things any easier for her.

"I have to think of something, quick," she muttered under her breath as she keenly observed Jake and everything else around the bed with him.

As if having a light-bulb moment, Jenny suddenly had an idea. "I'm sorry, dad," she said before she moved towards one side of the bed to which Jake's back was turned to. Her dad was sleeping on a detachable sheet the whole time and she was going to use it to make him get out of bed.

With all her might, Jenny pulled the sheet from under Jake and screamed, "Wake up, daddy!" As she did, Jake rolled to the other side of the bed. Soon, Jenny heard a loud thump on the floor as Jake landed there on his butt.

"Aw..." Jake groaned he opened his eyes and found himself lying flat on the floor. "I never thought a dream could hurt so much," Jake muttered as remained lying there, quite in pain.

There was a sudden knock on the front door and Jenny ran out to the hall to get it. As she opened it, her eyes lit up upon seeing her mother, "Mom! I thought you've left already."

Nikki smiled as she shook her head, "I can't leave without saying good-bye to my favorite daughter."

Jenny laughed, "You mean, your only daughter."

Nikki nodded as she laughed herself, "Right. Uh...where's your dad?" Nikki scanned the place from the door and was surprised to see Jake nowhere in sight. It didn't take long before Nikki's question was answered. She suddenly heard a man's voice groaning in pain.

"Jenny, where are you? I need help," Jake called out rather desperately.

"Jake?" Nikki called out as she walked into the apartment. It didn't take long for her to figure out where the groans where coming from. She gasped in disbelief when she found Jake lying on the floor and in pain. She rushed towards him and immediately helped him up.

"Are you okay?" Nikki asked worriedly as Jake sat on the side of the bed.

Jake placed his hand on his lower back as he tried to rub it, "I think I broke my back or something."

Nikki gave him a sympathetic smile, "What happened?"

At that time, Jake himself wasn't quite sure how he ended up on the floor, "I don't know...I think I was having a nightmare. I heard Jenny trying to wake me up and the next thing I know, I was falling out of my bed." Jake suddenly turned to look intently at Jenny who had gone unusually silent, "Then again, maybe there really was this little monster who took over my daughter's body in an attempt to kill me."

Jenny just gave her dad an apologetic smile, "I'm sorry, daddy. I really didn't think it would hurt that bad. I just wanted to get to school. I'm running late."

Jake glanced at the clock and groaned yet again, "Can this day get any worse?"

There and then, Nikki knew what she should do, "Um...you know what? Jake, you go lay in bed and Nikki, you come with me. I'm taking you to school."

Jenny's face lit up with hope, "Really, we can leave now?"

Nikki nodded, "Sure, go get your stuff." Nikki then turned to Jake as Jenny left, "Are you going to be alright?"

Jake managed to give a smile despite the pain he's feeling, "Yeah...this will pass. Listen, thanks for doing this. I owe you one."

Nikki nodded and smiled. Suddenly, she remembered something and found herself reaching out for a brown paper bag inside her rather big shoulder bag. As soon as she got it out, she handed it to Jake, "Here, breakfast."

Jake opened the paper bag and smiled at what he saw. Inside was a piece of muffin, a small pack of Doritos and a well-sealed cup of coffee. He turned to Nikki, "Hey thanks. What about you?"

Nikki shook her head as she waved a dismissive hand at him, "I'll be fine. There'll be plenty of diners on my way back anyway."

"Mom, I'm ready," Jenny called out as she stuck her head out by the door way. Turning to Jake, Jenny gave him an apologetic smile, "I'm really sorry, dad."

Jake nodded, "Next time Einstein, try ringing a bell right beside my ear or slamming some cymbals together. Better yet, just turn up my stereo really loud and I'll-"

"Okay, okay dad, I get it. I'm really sorry and I'll let you throw me off my bed if it makes you feel any better," Jenny said as she interrupted her dad.

Jake just let out a sigh as he held out his hand, "Come here..."

Although unsure, Jenny approached Jake and climbed up to the bed next to him. As soon as Jenny was near, Jake grabbed her with one arm and tousled her hair with the other. Then, he gave her a kiss on the cheek, "Love you kiddo, sorry for nearly making you miss class."

Jenny nodded with a sly smile, "Sorry for throwing you off the bed. So, we're even?"

Jake couldn't help but laughed as he nodded, "Yeah, we're even." He held out his fist and Jenny knocked it with her own, "Bye daddy."

"Bye sweetie," Jake replied as he watched Jenny leave with Nikki from his bedroom.

Lucas opened his eyes and smiled as he turned to his side. There was Peyton, sleeping peacefully beside him. He gently kissed her on the forehead before he got up from bed, "Damn, she always looks beautiful. How does she do it?"

As he stood up, he felt a hand on his arm. "What time is it?" asked Peyton in a sleepy voice.

Lucas smiled as he leaned his face towards hers. "It's only 6, go back to sleep," he whispered as he kissed her lightly on the lips.

Peyton just smiled as their lips parted, "I'm 'gonna go make some chocolate chip pancakes. I promised Kyle I'd have them ready when he gets back."

"I can make the pancakes," Lucas volunteered.

Peyton shook her head as she got up herself, "That's okay, baby. You go take a shower."

Lucas nodded as he gave Peyton a quick kiss on the cheek, "Alright...hey we're meeting up with that preschool for Kyle today, right?"

Peyton looked at him with a slight hint of concern, "Are you sure about this? I really can manage to meet up with them on my own. Besides, wouldn't Jonah be looking for you? You weren't in the party last night, you know."

Lucas chuckled as he grabbed Peyton by the waist and pulled her closer to him, "I'm sure. Besides, I want to be able to spend a little more time with my family. Hey, maybe you, me and Kyle can go out to dinner tonight."

Peyton just smiled as she nodded, "Sounds great. You're the best husband in the world." Peyton gave Lucas a long passionate kiss.

Lucas couldn't help but grin as he pulled away, "I wish my mom could hear this. I bet it would make her proud."

Peyton burst into laughter, "I know she's already proud of you, Luke. I am too."

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. Peyton looked knowingly at her husband, "They're here." With that, she headed to the door and opened it.

"Mommy!" Kyle squealed as he put his small arms around his mom's waist.

Peyton smiled as she ruffled her son's hair, "How are you, babe? Miss me?"

Kyle smiled as he nodded, "I miss you."

Peyton turned toward Karen who was smiling admiringly at them, "How did your night go?" asked Karen warmly at Peyton.

Peyton smiled at her gratefully, "It didn't go as planned, but we still had a good time."

"Hi mom," greeted Lucas as he walked over to his mom and gave her a gentle kiss on the cheek.

"Aren't you suppose to be in practice by now?" asked Karen curiously.

Lucas just smiled, "Not really. We don't have any more game this week so coach is not so tight on practice. Oh yeah, we're also checking out a preschool for Kyle today. He'll be four pretty soon."

Lucas kneeled towards Kyle, "And how's my boy?"

Kyle just smiled at his dad, "Good!" He suddenly wrapped his arms around Lucas' neck and hugged his dad, "Love you, daddy."

Lucas let out a chuckle as Kyle kept hugging him, "I love you too, son."

Peyton suddenly made her way to the kitchen, "You know, I was just going to start making chocolate chip pancakes. We would really like it if you could join us for breakfast, Karen."

Kyle's eyes lit up at the sound of his favorite breakfast treat, "Can I help?" Peyton smiled at her three-year old, "Sure sweetie, come here."

As Kyle ran towards Peyton, Lucas stood up and turned to his mother, "Thanks mom."

Karen looked puzzled, "For what?"

Lucas ran a hand on his hair as he gave his mom a sly smile, "For taking care of Kyle for awhile. Peyton and I, we really appreciate you letting us have some time to ourselves."

Karen smiled as she nodded understandingly, "Every couple needs it."

Lucas nodded, "So, are you staying for breakfast? I'll fry some bacon and put some syrup on it, just the way you used to."

Karen just laughed as she remembered Lucas' childhood days, "Sounds good, but I think I have to get back to Tree Hill. You know, I'm meeting up with my chefs today. I'm thinking of adding some new stuff to the menu."

Lucas smiled with surprise, "That's great, mom. Keep the old ones though, they're already classics. I would still want to be able to order them when we visit Tree Hill."

Karen nodded, "I'll keep your advise in mind, son." She gently squeezed Lucas on the arm before she headed towards the kitchen where Peyton and Kyle were having a good laugh as they made the pancake batter. "Peyton, I'm afraid I can't stay long today. Maybe I can have breakfast with you all another time," Karen said as she smiled apologetically.

Peyton nodded, "Are you sure you can't even stay for a quick bite?"

Karen she shook her head sadly, "I really have to get going. I'm meeting some people in the café today."

Peyton smiled understandingly, "You're always welcome to visit us." Peyton reached out and hugged Karen warmly.

Karen smiled as they hugged, "And you're all welcome to drop by anytime too." As they pulled away, Peyton turned towards Kyle, "Honey, say good-bye to grandma."

Kyle immediate went over to Karen and hugged her, "Bye, grandma!"

Karen looked down at Kyle and laughed, "Bye dear, you be a good boy now!" She bent down and kissed the young boy lightly on the cheek before she left the kitchen.

As Karen approached the front door, Lucas kissed her mom the cheek before opening the door for her, "Visit us again, mom."

Karen nodded, "The first chance I get, I will. You know, you three should also visit Tree Hill. Some things have changed there since you all left."

Lucas nodded with a smile, "We will drop by sometime, mom. Take care of yourself now." With that, Karen left and Lucas closed the door behind her.

As he entered the kitchen, he grinned at seeing Peyton and Kyle making pancakes. As soon as Kyle caught sight of his dad, he ran towards him with a small slice of pancake in his hand. The young boy held it up to his dad, "Taste it, daddy."

Lucas smiled as he kneeled down and took the pancake bit in his mouth, "Mm...that's really good."

Peyton smiled at seeing her husband and son. As she placed a huge stack of pancakes on the table, she motioned for both of them to come over, "Breakfast is ready."

As Lucas walked over, Peyton pulled him to her side, "Are you really sure we're not messing with your practice schedule or something? I can take the other car."

Lucas shook his head as he took Peyton's hands in his, "We're going to check out a preschool for Kyle today, right? I want to be there more than anything."

Peyton smiled as she leaned over to give him a kiss, "I love you."

As they pulled away, Lucas smiled back as he kissed Peyton's hand, "I love you more."

They both turned to Kyle who's full of chocolate syrup around the corners of his mouth. He was just beaming at his parents as he continued to eat his favorite pancakes. Peyton and Lucas both burst into laughter.

Nathan was awakened by the sound of his phone. Keeping his eyes closed, he picked it up, "Hello..."

"Hi babe, did I wake you up?" asked Haley in a cheery voice.

"Hey Hales, I miss you," answered Nathan as he sat up upon hearing his girlfriend's voice on the other end of the line.

Haley just giggled, "I miss you too. Well, guess what? I'll be with you sooner than I expected."

Nathan's face lit up at what he just heard, "That's great. What time are you arriving? I'll pick you up."

"Trust me, that won't be necessary," Haley said in a definite voice. She suddenly let out a sigh, "Damn, I can't wait to see you..."

Nathan chuckled, "Me too...this place is pretty lonely without you."

Haley just laughed, "Are you trying to tell me that there's no other woman lying beside my boyfriend right now? That's impossible...Nathan Scott is a basketball hotshot!"

Nathan laughed himself, "Some girls tried to flirt with me last night, but I just told them I'm taken!"

Nathan suddenly heard Haley let out a sigh of relief, "Well, it's good to know I can leave my boyfriend alone for the night without having to worry."

Nathan smiled, "Well,how about me...letting you fly off to Paris on your own? Is there anything I should be worried about?"

Haley laughed before she answered, "Well, let's see...French guys are oh so romantic and Paris is the city of love so I'd say you should be worried...that is if your girlfriend isn't crazily in love with you."

Nathan now found himself letting out a sigh of relief, "You scared me for a second there. I just can't wait to see you Hales, I've missed you."

"Me too...hey, how do you feel about éclairs?" Haley casually asked as she held one up to herself and took a small bite.

Nathan was suddenly taken by surprise, "Um... éclairs? They're okay"

Haley smiled with satisfaction, "Good. I know they're really high in calories, but they're really good!"

Nathan just laughed, "Haley James, are you pigging out on a whole box of éclairs as we speak."

Haley couldn't help but nod, "Guilty as charged? You know, you can do me a favor...save me from bloating here?"

Nathan sat up in bed with a curious expression on his face, "What do you mean?"

"Have an éclair with me?" Haley answered in a matter-of-fact tone.

Nathan just laughed, " Is that all? I would love to have an éclair with you, Hales."

Suddenly the bedroom door burst open and Haley stood by door grinning. She had a box of éclairs tucked under her arm as she held a bitten piece of the pastry in one hand while she held her cel. phone in the other, "Great, then eat with me right now."

Nathan's face lit up upon seeing Haley. He immediately dropped the phone and rushed towards her. Once he was near, he scooped Haley's slender body into his arms and drew her face near for a kiss. After the kiss, Nathan just grinned at her, "I knew you were up to something."

Haley just laughed, "I got you, didn't I? I knew you'd still be in bed at this time."

Nathan laughed too. He also noticed that Haley still had a piece of the éclair on one hand. He suddenly took a bite from it, "Mm...that sure is good!"

Haley just giggled, "It's good to know you like it. I'll be asking you to finish up the whole box during the next few days."

Nathan suddenly looked at her curiously, "What's the matter? Don't you like éclairs?"

Haley sighed, "As much I as I love them, I'm afraid of the damage they can do to my waistline."

Nathan suddenly set Haley down on the bed and appeared to be studying her figure for some time, "Honestly, I don't see what damage it can do to you, Hales. How many of those have you had so far?"

Haley thought for a moment, "Umm...about five yesterday and two today."

Nathan nodded as he crawled to bed next to Haley, "Well, Ms. James...I don't see any need to be concerned about eating those things. After all, you're still the same woman I know...sweet, sexy and hot." With that, Nathan grabbed Haley and gave her a long kiss.

Haley just giggled as they pulled away, "Well, you're still the same man that I know...sweet, sweet and sweet!" Nathan just laughed as they kissed again. Afterwards, Nathan looked at Haley intently and whispered, "I would give anything for the world to stand still right now."

Haley smiled and whispered back, "I love you, Nathan Scott."

Brooke arrived in the office with a wide grin on her face. She was still thrilled that Cindy would no longer have to show up at her desk. "Am I good or am I good?" she remarked to herself as she went through some papers on her desk.

Suddenly, there was a soft knock on her door. As she looked up, she saw Vanessa, a co-worker of hers. "Hey, someone's in a good mood this morning!" remarked Vanessa as she stepped in.

Brooke's grin grew wider as she nodded, "I feel like I'm on Cloud Nine!"

Vanessa just laughed, "Well, Tanya feels like she just got a wedding curse."

Brooke's eyes widened in surprise, "Cindy's giving her a hard time, huh?"

Vanessa nodded sadly, "I totally understand why you opted not to do her wedding. She's such a wreck. She keeps on changing her mind. Not to mention, she's also fighting with her fiancé inside Tanya's office."

Brooke rolled her eyes, "Well, that's Cindy for you. Anyway, can I help you with something?"

Vanessa sighed, "I lost my bible. I was hoping if I can borrow yours." The bible is actually the wedding planning handbook. Kate gives each of her wedding planners a copy during their first day at work.

Brooke nodded as she tried to figure out which drawer did she put the said book in, "Sure, just let me find it."

Sensing that it was going to take awhile before Brooke could find it, Vanessa decided to take a seat by Brooke's desk. "So, I hear you have a major client right now...one of Kate's friends."

Brooke just kept looking from one drawer to another as she answered, "Uhuh...I've been going through some plans with Kate since yesterday actually."

Vanessa nodded, "Well, you're a lucky woman, Brooke. That is sure to give you the promotion."

Brooke gave Vanessa a briefly appreciative smile as she opened one more drawer from her desk, "Here it is." As she pulled out the book from the drawer, her eyes widened with surprise as she saw what was underneath it. Vanessa couldn't help but notice the change on Brooke's face.

"Are you alright?" Vanessa asked as she looked at Brooke with concern on her face.

"Um..." Brooke began as she stammered, "Yeah...if that's all you need, do you mind? I really need some time alone." Vanessa nodded as she stepped out.

As soon as she was alone, Brooke pulled out what she saw from her drawer. She sighed upon seeing Ethan's picture. She found herself letting her fingers go around his face, "Why didn't you ever come back to me?"

A/N: I want to thank everyone who has given me reviews. I really appreciate it! I hope you'll keep enjoying this story!