Lost It For
Chapter 3
Truth is still absolute. Believe that. Even when that truth is hard and cold, and more painful than you've ever imagined. And even when truth is more cruel than any lie.
Placing the platter of food down on the table. And the mugs filled with coffee and creams and sugars. As she took her time sitting down. Taking a breath before she spoke turning to Brooke.
"I can't tell you what a surprise this is for me."
"With all the success I've heard and read that Clothes over bros New York."
"Is bringing to you I couldn't believe you were able to just come back like this." "It just means the world to me."
Karen said. Looking at her. Smiling warmly.
Brooke attempted to keep her emotions at bay.
Seeing Karen now compared to when she saw her 4 years ago.
Was enough to make her completely fall apart.
She was always thin. But now she was practically skin and bones.
And her face was full and with a healthy glow. Was now pale and ghostly.
Her strength and stability had weakened. But her eyes and that fighter spirit was still very much in there.
For that she was thankful. And wanted to make the most out of her time with Karen.
And try to get a real understanding of how Lucas was really doing.
As the three of them talked and Karen and Brooke caught up.
Lucas was not really paying attention. To the conversation.
He needed to talk to Brooke alone. But seeing how happy and brightened.
Brooke's visit had caused his mom to become he wouldn't interrupt that.
Taking him out of his own thoughts was hearing his mom call his name.
And put her hand on his. "Lucas would be fine with it."
"Brooke I insist." "Have dinner with us tonight." "It wouldn't be right of us."
"To send Brooke out of here on her first night back."
"Without a proper meal." Karen said. Turning to Lucas.
Then facing Brooke again.
"Karen I will be okay." "I don't want you to go to all this trouble."
Brooke said. Looking back at Karen.
"It's no trouble we have the space and the food."
"If you have a clear schedule tonight."
"Then the seat is yours."
Lucas said turning to Brooke.
"I didn't really plan anything for the rest of the night."
"I was going to get some food and head back to my place."
Brooke said. Looking back at Karen.
"It's settled then you're staying."
Karen said smiling.
As she started to get up. And walk to the kitchen.
"I'll do everything you just show up."
"We'll make it a family night."
"And invite Nathan and Haley and Jamie."
Karen said turning to Lucas.
"Already calling them." Lucas said to her.
Sometime later. After Nathan and Haley and Jamie had arrived.
Settling in and adding more joy to his mother by the minute.
He decided this would be the time to talk with Brooke.
Away from everyone else. As he told his mom that he would be back soon.
She put her hand on his. Smiling as she watched Lucas and Brooke leave together.
The rest of her night filled with the family she loved.
…
Driving slowly both took glances at the other.
Lucas eventually stopping the car. Taking a breath.
As he started to speak.
…
Author's Note: Let me know you're thoughts so far on the story? What do you think is wrong with Karen.? Let me know in the reviews.