Hello everyone! Thanks for all the reviews you guys are A-W-E-S-O-M-E. This story has helped me a lot with everything going on in my life. Reading all of your reviews has been a great source of joy so keep it up. ;)

Thanks again!

Krystal

Chapter 4:

-0-

Brooke woke up the next morning and was face to face with Chase. She slapped his arm, "You're mother is going to think I'm the biggest slut on the face of the planet."

Chase stretched, "What time is it?" He jumped up, "Is it morning?" He looked at his phone on the night stand, "Shit, 8 messages from my mom." He stood up, "I'll be right back."

Brooke took out her journal...

Clementine: May 18

So yesterday I broke up with Lucas. It's for the best, he wants a life I'm simply not able to give him right now, maybe not ever. The look on his face, I'm never going to forget it as long as I live. I don't want to think about what he would have done to me if Porter hadn't been here. I mean don't get me wrong Lucas in his right frame of mind would NEVER hurt me... But last night I saw a side of him I have never experienced before. Hopefully we can move forward from this eventually...

I am dreading going to school today. It's not going to be fun, Porter has a BLACK eye. That is sure to get the rumor mill spinning once more. But I feel better after attending a support meeting. It was great to actually say out loud that you are in my life right now. I'm hoping continuing meetings will make it so I can eventually share you with my friends and family.

On a happy note today starts week 6 of treatments... And only radiation this week... So the side effects should be minimal... June 5th is right around the corner... I'm ringing that bloody bell Clem! Because to get my life back you need to shrivel up and die... :) Sorry, but not really sorry...

B

-0-

Chase came back in the house, "We have to go by my house before we head to school." He watched Brooke put her journal away, "How is Clementine this morning?" He grinned.

Brooke threw a pillow at him, "I never should have told you I ws journaling. What did you mom say?"

Chase shrugged, "I told her the truth, you and Lucas broke up last night. We went to a meeting and you were having dizzy spells. I never intended to sleep over. I mean I never took off my shoes for crying out loud."

"Good, glad she isn't going to hatchet you with a meat cleaver anytime soon." Brooke went to her closet, "I need to wear something black, I feel like I'm in mourning." She placed her hands on a black sundress and floral print duster with black fringe detail. "I'll be right back, then we can go." She looked at Chase's eye, "Do you want something for that eye?"

"Got a time machine lying around?" Chase smiled.

"Nope," Brooke called from the bathroom, she exited the room a few minutes later. She sat down on the bed and put on lace trimmed boot socks and a pair of knee high boots. She looked in her vanity mirror and put her hair up in a high top knot. "Alright Porter, let's go."

Chase looked her up and down, "This is you in mourning?" Brooke nodded, "You look like you just stepped out of magazine."

Brooke laughed, "Sure I do, my eyes are all puffy." She threw some eye makeup into a small case and headed to the door, "I'm going to do a wicked cat eye to draw attention away from the bags. Let's go get you some fresh clothes, the gossip mongers are already going to be talking, no sense adding to it by doing the walk of shame."

-0-

Brooke headed down the hall to her locker, Chase's locker was on the other side of the quad, after Brooke insisted she could walk to her own locker they agreed to meet up after first period. Brooke saw Nathan and Haley standing by her locker with concerned looks on their faces, 'here we go,' she thought to herself. "Hey Nate, tutor mom. How are you this beautiful Monday?"

Nathan glared at her, "Where's Adams?" He looked past her, "Lucas said he clocked him one yesterday. I wanted to make sure it looked like it hurt."

Brooke glared back at him, "Whatever hot shot, you don't scare anyone."

Haley slapped Nathan and told him to cut it out, "You look great Brooke. Does that mean what Lucas said is true? Were you seeing Chase behind his back?"

Brooke huffed, "No. And what did broody do send out a school bulletin?"

Haley's face fell, "He was at your place last night. He's a mess. He thinks you're never going to forgive him for hitting Chase. Then you come to school looking like that," Haley motioned to Brooke's outfit. "You don't look sad at all."

"That's for damn sure, you look like sex on a stick Davis." Nathan snickered, Haley hit him again and pinched his arm for good measure.

Brooke looked at her outfit, 'it was pretty impressive all things considering' she told herself. "I just threw this on in a hurry Hales. And Chase's eye is gross looking, I tried to get him to go to the hospital even. So yeah it's going to take me a while to forgive Lucas. There is nothing going on between me and Chase, he's my friend."

Haley put her hands up, "Fair enough. Nathan and I would still like to talk to you about something that's pretty important, are you free after school today?"

"No I have plans today. How about this weekend?" After they agreed to meet on Saturday, Brooke went to class. First period was so boring, when the bell rang Brooke headed out into the hall and was looking down at her book bag searching for her day planner when she ran right into someone. "Oh my gosh I'm so sorry." She looked up, "Luke."

'God she's still gorgeous,' Lucas thought, "Hey pretty girl." He leaned down to pick up the contents of her bag.

She bent down with him and picked up her pencils and day planner. "How are you?"

He stood up and placed the items back inside Brooke's open messenger bag, he pushed a few stray hairs from her face, all he wanted to do was kiss her and tell her how sorry he was. He searched her face for any signs of love, 'she's been crying' he thought, 'her eyes are red, even under all that eye make up.' "Can I walk yo-"

"Brooke," Chase called out behind them, "You ready for Chemistry."

Brooke went to open her mouth to say something when she saw something that made her eyes narrow, "Lucas are you coming, I don't want to be late for Econ." Peyton said with a smile directed at Brooke.

Lucas turned, "See you later Brooke." Brooke's breath caught in her throat at what she saw next Lucas and Peyton headed towards the library and Peyton slipped her hand in his.

-0-

Chase was driving Brooke home from her appointment. Normally she would be smiling at the good news she had received. Dr. Bryant said the treatments were working, the cancerous cells were shrinking. She was on track for finishing June 5th. She picked at the eggplant polish on her nails, "Do you think he went right from my house, to Naley's to cry a bit then went right over to slut bag central and got some action?"

"I didn't have an answer for you an hour ago, I got nothing new for you now." Chase said keeping his eye on the road, "Come on look at me, say something about the patch please. I look like a pirate and you haven't said a word." When they were at the hospital Dr. Bryant insisted on Chase having his eye looked at and the doctor in the urgent care had insisted that until the redness has gone down that he had to wear an eye patch.

Brooke looked at him and giggled, "I'm sorry Porter. Are you going to wear it to school?"

"I might if it makes you look like that." Chase smiled back, "If Lucas had sex with Peyton right after you guys broke up..." He trailed off, "It's just fucked up, but I think the hand holding was just to frazzle you a bit."

Brooke smiled, "Thank you Porter."

"Now how about we turn that frown upside down and we stop for hot coco on the way back to your house?"

Brooke nodded, "Sounds like a plan, but we better make sure Lucas isn't there first. I don't think you could wear a second eye patch matey."

-0-

After checking the parking lot twice Brooke told Chase to park. They headed into Karen's Cafe. Chase opened the door and went to the counter. Karen walked to the front, "Brooke." She smiled and gave her a hug. "How are you today?"

"Hi Karen, I'm doing alright. We need two hot coco's to go please."

"Of course," Karen walked back behind the counter, "Lucas said you were voted Prom Queen. You know I was the prom queen of my graduating class." She rolled her eyes, "At least you got a better king out of the deal." She looked at Chase, "Chance right? Brooke's volunteer friend from the hospital."

Chase removed the eye patch and extended his hand to her, "Chase actually and yes I'm Brooke's friend from the hospital."

"I'm sorry, I'm terrible with names." Karen kept staring at his eye, "That's looks painful."

'So Lucas hadn't told his mom he assaulted me last night,' Chase thought, "I know, I caught an elbow during gym class. It stings an awful lot."

Karen put up her hand, "One second." She returned a few minutes later, "Here. This one you freeze then place on your eye for an hour, and this one you heat in the microwave, put on your eye for fifteen minutes. It should help with the swelling and the redness. And for the stingy areas vinegar and warm water." Chase nodded in appreciation as he took the items, "Basketball injuries are the worst. I have learned a few things over the years." She handed them their cocos. "Brooke come see me soon okay."

"Absolutely," Brooke said as they left. Karen felt uneasy, 'there's something going on and no one is telling me,' she thought to herself, 'I'll have a chat with Lucas when I get home.'

-0-

Brooke knocked on the door, "Tigger, isn't this a surprise. I thought you were busy this week."

"I missed you." Brooke said with a half smile, "I feel like we haven't talked in forever." She looked past Haley, "Nathan isn't here is he? I can't take anymore of his looks today."

"He's just supporting Luke, they are brothers."

"I understand that, but tutor mom the only thing I'm guilty of is spending too much time with someone Lucas Scott forbid me to be around." Brooke sat down in the Scott living room with a huff, "I'm not his property Hales. It would be nice if he trusted me when I said nothing was going on."

"Was?" Haley asked with an inquisitive look on her face.

"Is and was. Nothing is going on with Chase Adams, I swear."

Haley grabbed a carton of ice cream from the freezer, "I believe you Brooke. Cheating isn't your thing. You are loyal to a fault and usually to the detriment of yourself." She sat down next to Brooke and handed her a spoon.

Brooke leaned her head against Haley's, "So what did you and Nathan want to talk to me about?"

Haley rubbed her stomach, "This is really poor timing but how would you feel about being Jamie's god-mother?"

"Why is it bad timing..." Brooke frowned, "Oh I know why, you've asked Luke to be the god-father."

Haley sighed, "No we haven't yet, but we're planning to... going to. I just don't want that to be weird for you."

Brooke put her hand on Haley's big protruding tummy, "I would love to be Jamie's god-mother," She wiped a tear from her eye, "No matter what is going on with me and Lucas it isn't going to affect us. I promise you."

-0-

Clementine: May 20

So I have been subject to the Peyton/Lucas show for the last two days now. Every time I see them holding hands I want to scream and go all Lizzie Borden on their asses. Peyton keeps throwing me these satisfied looks, I want to strangle her. On a happy note, Chase's eye is healing and the bruise looks a million times better. Karen missed her calling I swear. She's a freaking wizard.

B

-0-

Lucas watched Brooke and Chase walk across the Quad like he had the previous two days. He hated seeing her smile at another man. This morning was the worst so far. Brooke was dressed to kill in lace trimmed shorts, a peach tank top, sleeveless knee length duster and knee high boots. Lucas balled his fists as he watched Brooke reach up to fix Chase's eye patch. He caught a glimpse of the kangi tattoo on her hip bone and let out a groan. Peyton was walking towards him, he forced a smile, "Hi Peyt."

They walked to her locker, Peyton was talking but Lucas couldn't focus on her right now, he was too busy watching Brooke. Chase hugged her as he headed off towards the gym. "Lucas?" Peyton asked, entering her locker combination. "Did you hear anything I just said?"

Lucas looked at her and saw the pain on her face, "No, I'm sorry I was thinking about my mom."

Brooke walked by them to her locker and Peyton's face flushed with anger, "Sure."

Lucas wanted to hurt Brooke like she had hurt him, 'what will crack that exterior,' he thought to himself. He watched Brooke fiddle with the lock on her locker. Haley and Nathan walked up, "Davis." Nathan smiled, 'now he was on her side too,' Lucas couldn't contain it anymore. When he knew she was watching he pressed Peyton Sawyer against her locker and kissed her hard. He heard Brooke's breath catch in her throat before she hurried off.

He smiled at Naley, "Hey family. How are you all this fine Wednesday morning."

Haley shook her head at him and walked after Brooke, "Brooke wait up."

-0-

Karen unlocked her front door and headed inside, "Lucas?" She called out. She didn't get a response, 'the jeep was on the street' she thought, 'where is he?' She opened his bedroom door and gasped "Lucas Eugene Scott." Lucas looked at his mother with a look of embarrassment on his face. She noticed the blond curls underneath him that didn't belong to his girlfriend, but her best friend. She walked into his room and pulled him out by his ear. "Say goodbye to Peyton."

"Mom," Lucas screeched, Karen pulled harder, "Bye Peyton." Karen closed the bedroom door behind her and bellowed, "Kitchen Lucas now!"

Lucas sat at the small table in the corner of the kitchen, "We were just kissing mom. Nothing else happened."

"I am well aware of what I saw Lucas." Karen tapped her fingers on the table, "I'm disappointed. You and Brooke decided to put the past behind you when you made the decision to get back together and here you are cheating on her again and under my roof no less."

Lucas huffed, "I'm not cheating on Brooke mom, she broke up with me. She's been cheating on me with Chase Adams."

Karen brought her hand to her mouth, "No. I just saw her on Monday, she didn't say anything about you guys not being together."

Lucas straightened in his chair, "When did you see Brooke?"

"Brooke and Chase came in the cafe. He had a horrible black eye, got it in gym class I think he said. We talked about the prom, she never mentioned you weren't seeing each other anymore." Karen rubbed her bump, "They didn't seem interested in each other, if that helps. Brooke said they had just come from the hospital where they volunteer."

"Brooke isn't volunteering at the hospital, she's been spending her afternoons humping Adams behind my back. I can't believe she brought him to the cafe, she has no shame."

Karen was a little confused by the recent revelations, "They really seemed platonic Lucas." She grabbed her son's hand, "so you want to tell me why are you making out with Peyton when you still clearly have feelings for Brooke?"

-0-

The rest of the week passed without any incidents or drama to report. Lucas and Peyton headed into the cafe to meet Nathan and Haley for an early dinner. "What's new baby brother," Lucas called to them as they walked in.

"Haley and I have something we want to talk to you about." Nathan said with a smile, "As you know Jamie is going to be making his debut at the end of next month and we wanted to talk to you about being his god-father."

Lucas ran his hands through his hair, "Wow man, of course I'll be Jamie's god-father. That's such an incredible honor."

Peyton sat there in anticipation, her and Haley hadn't really been close for a while now but they wouldn't ask Lucas to be the god-father without asking me to be the god-mother right? "So who are you going to ask to be god-mother?"

Haley smiled, "Brooke, I already spoke to her and she didn't hesitate a second. I think she'll be a great influence on Jamie."

Peyton wanted to scream, "That's great." Her eyes narrowed a little with jealousy, "I guess if you want to teach Jamie how to be a lying slut you're all set."

Nathan opened his mouth to say something to Peyton when the door chimed with a new customer. "Shit, what are the odds."

The whole table turned to see Brooke and Chase trailing behind her, "Come on get it to go we're going to be late..." He felt everyone staring at him. He placed his hand on the small of Brooke's back, "Do you want me to order?"

Brooke nodded, before turning to him, "I'll be right back."

-0-

Clementine: May 24

Do you want to know what I hate most about small towns Clem? You can't avoid anyone to save your life. So the afternoon started normally, Porter told me I had to go to another support meeting. I told him fine, but I wanted to go to the beach before hand. No big deal right?! WRONG. Of course Naley and Pucas (Peyton/Lucas) were at Karen's on a Sunday afternoon. Can't I just please take custody of the cafe in our horrendous break up? I know his mother is the owner but come on I would totally give Lucas the dirty Rivercourt. So there I am in my pink polka dot bikini and wrap dress covered in sand with Porter in board shorts and a tank top. It totally looked like a date. To make matters worse I went to the ladies room and Lucas followed me, started lecturing me on ex do's and don'ts. I walked out of the cafe and waited in the car like a coward. And to top it off Porter decides to tell me that all this could be avoided by just telling Lucas Scott the truth. I told him to watch it or he was going to end up with a second black eye.

B

-0-

A few days went by and Brooke found herself wide awake at 2:18am, she missed Lucas. She thought of Haley, 'I told Lucas he needed to chill a bit, Nathan told him he was acting like a stalker,' she had told Brooke with a giggle. Now all Brooke wanted was Lucas in her bed, she wanted to press her head against his chest and hear his heart beat. She wanted to kiss him. She thought to herself, 'nothing good ever happens after 2am.' She shook it off and dialed Luke's number. He answer on the third ring, "Hello?" He mumbled.

"Hey Broody." Brooke said, she was happy he even answered.

Lucas sat up in bed, "pretty girl whats wrong?"

"I miss you, do you think you could come over?"

She heard him sigh on the other end, "Do you think that's a good idea?"

"I don't care if it's a bad idea," Brooke sat up and pulled her knees to her chest.

"I'll be over there in ten minutes."

Brooke went outside and sat on her front porch. She couldn't believe how cold it was, "June starts in like three days, it's not supposed to be this cold," as the minutes ticked by she felt more and more guilty for lying to Lucas. "He deserves better than that," she said. She was about to go wait inside when she saw the all too familiar jeep pull into the drive way killing the lights on the way so he didn't disturb her neighbors.

Lucas got out of the car and noticed Brooke on the porch wearing almost nothing, "I can't believe you're sitting outside looking like that, are you trying to get kidnapped... murdered... pillaged?"

Brooke looked down at her attire, "What's wrong with a tank top and boy shorts?"

Lucas walked to her, "the top is lace, I can see right through it." He pulled her into him, she wrapped her legs around him and he carried her into the house.

Brooke looked down again and noticed her nipples, "well doesn't this send a message." She headed towards her bedroom, "I bet you're wondering why I called you so late."

"It did cross my mind," Lucas let out a slight laugh.

She closed the bedroom door behind them and pressed her back against it, "I love you Lucas."

Lucas's heart was pounding out of his chest, he had been waiting what felt like an eternity for her to say that. He crossed the room and they were instantly face to face, "I've missed hearing you say that." He tilted her chin and kissed her.

Brooke wanted to pull away, but her own heart wouldn't let her. 'I do love him' she told herself, 'no matter what has happened that hasn't changed. She pulled away first, "can you help me with something?"

"Anything."

Brooke smiled and jerked Lucas to her bed, "I want to forget," she pulled him down on top of her.

"Forget what?" he asked in between kisses.

"Everything," she moaned.

-0-

Brooke woke up and found herself alone, had she dreamed about making love to Lucas? she wondered. Her bedroom door opened and Lucas peered in at her, "hey pretty girl. Did I wake you?"

Brooke shook her head, "no."

Lucas got back into bed with her and pulled her in close, "so."

"So," Brooke repeated.

He kissed her forehead, "I knew we would get through this. I missed you."

Brooke sat up, "Lucas I need to tell you something," Brooke pulled the sheet tighter around her little form. Lucas looked alarmed and he pulled her hand to his mouth and kissed it, "last night was great, but I think we still shouldn't get back together."

Lucas felt like his heart stopped, he dropped her hand, "so what was this a booty call?"

"No," Brooke wiped at the tears welling in her eyes, "I want to talk to you about something important. I did miss you. And last night was amazing." She looked down, "I've been lying about a few things Lucas."

Lucas wanted to shake her, "what's going on Brooke?"

"Well I've had several doctors appointments recently and I found out something pretty serious."

The alarmed look returned, "what is it?"

"I can't have children Luke."

His face fell, he hugged her, "Is that what you've been hiding? I don't care about that. We can adopt children, buy them for all I care. That's why you pushed me away?"

Brooke sobbed into Lucas's chest, "that's not all."

"There's more?" he asked.

"Yes," Brooke sighed, "I have cancer."

-0-

Brooke jumped up out of her bed, "Jesus," she looked around, "that was a dream?" She rubbed her head, "I wonder if seriously realistic dreams are on the side effect list?" she asked herself. She went to her desk and that's when she saw it. A note:

Brooke:

Last night was amazing. I'm not sure where we go from here. I think it's obvious we both missed each other's company. If you want to talk about this come find me at school on Monday, if you want to pretend like this never happened I understand. I'll await your response.

I'd wait for you for an eternity... I love you.

Luke

-0-

Clementine: June 1

So you are now giving me the craziest most vivid dreams I've ever had in my life. I actually felt Lucas comforting me. It was completely and totally messed up and bizarre. It did put me at ease a little I guess, at least my sub conscience thinks Lucas would handle my news with dignity. Anyways after our late night rendezvous Lucas has given me till today to give him my answer on what I want to do about "us". I love him with all my heart, I do... But I feel like I need to finish working through this battle with you on my own. I mean I've come this far without help... Why stop now?

We've entered the last week and I'm ready to kick your sassy ass to the curb.

B

-0-

"Are you sure about this Brooke?"

"Yes Porter, I need Lucas to move on from us. I am a firm believer in true love always finds its way in the end. If Lucas and I are meant to be together we will get back together when our time is right, because right now it just isn't right." Brooke said picking at her nails.

"You're ringing the bell on Friday. I think you're just afraid to let Lucas love you when you think you're broken."

"Thank you Dr. Phil." Brooke grabbed his hand, "So are you going to help me or not?"

"Well my eye is better," he sighed, "do you think you can tell Lucas to punch the other eye?"

"He isn't going to punch you Chase. He told me we could pretend it never happened." Brooke got out of the car, "And that's exactly what I intend to do."

-0-

Lucas was pacing the hallway in front of first period. When she hadn't even called Lucas told himself to prepare for the worst. He saw her coming around the corner, he smiled until he realized she was on the arm of Chase Adams. He shook his head in disbelief, his heart began to race. 'How could she have sex with me Saturday night and show up to school with Adams Monday morning?' They exchanged quick looks as they passed him in the hall. Chase bent down and kissed Brooke's cheek then hurried to his own class. Before Brooke could go into first period he grabbed her and pulled her into the supply closet. "What are you doing?" He asked her.

Brooke didn't look him in the eyes, "Saturday was a mistake Lucas. I still want to see other people. I think you should too." She gulped and willed herself not to cry, "I see the way you look at Peyton." She turned to leave the closet, "I hope she makes you happy Luke. Really I do."

-0-

This last week of treatments had been a doozy, Brooke missed school Wednesday and Thursday because she had been ill. Chase brought over her assignments and helped her as much as he could. "So was school horrible for you while I was out sick?" Brooke asked, sipping her juice while she watched the last round of chemo drugs drip into her IV.

Chase ignored her, "What book are you reading today?" He reached into her bag and pulled out My Fair Lady, Catcher in the Rye and A Tale of Two Cities. "Good choices."

"So are you going to ignore me then?" Brooke asked kinking her eyebrow.

"What do you want me to say, the school is going crazy right now. The cutest couple winners in the yearbook have broken up and people think you've been sleeping with me since March. I have gym with Lucas and Nathan. It hasn't been pleasant." Chase looked down and got up from his chair, "You've been the hardest patient I've helped Brooke Davis. There have been times throughout this ordeal where all I've wanted to do is strangle the life from your body. I feel like we've gotten to know each other pretty well," he grabbed her free hand. "I want you to know I think you're making a mistake finishing your treatments without telling a single soul about your cancer. And before you say you've told loads of people, I'm talking about your family. When they all find out what you've been hiding they aren't going to be nice about it."

Brooke felt like she was going to cry, "That was harsh Porter." Deep down she knew what he was saying was true but all she could hope for at this point was that no one finds out... ever.

-0-

Karen headed down stairs and realized she had gotten off at the wrong floor. She went searching for a member of the hospital staff to help her get back to the lobby. She turned down the corridor and headed towards oncology. She heard a commotion behind the set of double doors, she looked through the small glass window pain. "Brooke?" she questioned aloud.

Karen opened the door slightly and heard a doctor say, "Brooke Davis you have completed your arduous treatment schedule. I am now pleased to tell you it is time." Karen saw Brooke crying with her hands to her mouth. The doctor handed her a rope attached to the clapper, "Ring the bell Miss Davis." Brooke jumped with excitement and Karen heard the bell clang loudly. When she got to her car she picked up her phone and called her son.

"Hey mom, how was your appointment?"

"Where are you Lucas?" Karen asked trying to steady her shaking voice.

"I'm with Nathan on our way to Durham. He had to turn in some paperwork to his new coach. Is everything alright?"

"Yes everything is fine. I can't remember why I was calling you son. I have some baby brain issues right now. Drive safe, call me when you get to Durham." Karen said turning on her car.

"Will do mom." Lucas paused, "Why don't you go home and put your feet up, you sound tired. I love you mom, see you in a few days."

-0-

Chase pulled into Brooke's driveway behind a red Toyota, "expecting someone?" he asked.

"No," Brooke said recognizing the car instantly, "It's Karen's car, I hope Lucas is alright. I'll text you tomorrow."

Chase pulled out of the driveway and Brooke headed up to her front porch. She smiled when she saw Karen, "Hi Karen is everything okay?"

"Can we go inside?" The older woman said rubbing her back, "Wicker chairs and late term pregnancy od not mix."

"I'll keep that in mind," Brooke said opening the door, "Would you like some tea?"

"Yes," Karen said.

Brooke and Karen headed to the kitchen and Brooke put on the kettle of water. "Earl grey, fruit or black?" Brooke asked, "How's the baby. You look great. How many weeks are you now?"

"37 weeks on Monday. Earl grey is fine."

Brooke sat down across the table and waited for the kettle to chime, "So what brings you by to see me today?"

"Why didn't you tell me about you and Lucas. I know you're parents aren't living in town I would have helped you in any way I could."

Brooke smiled, "When I saw you a few weeks ago I didn't know what to say, Lucas obviously hadn't told you about the break up or Chase's eye." She looked down, "I didn't mean to lie to you Karen." The kettle whistled, Brooke poured hot water into two mugs.

Karen nodded, "Wait Chase's eye, my Lucas did that to him?"

"Yes, it was all a big misunderstanding. Lucas and I want different things I suppose. I'm hopeful we can remain friends."

"Did Lucas know about the cancer?" Karen asked matter of factually.

Brooke gasped and felt her cheeks redden, "How did you..."

"Know you had cancer?" Karen finished. "I didn't until I saw you in oncology this afternoon. You were ringing some bell. What does the bell signify?"

Brooke couldn't look Karen in the eyes, "I have finished my treatments."

Karen nodded again, "Congratulations. What type of cancer?"

"Cervical," Brooke sighed, "they caught it fairly early. I needed to have chemo and radiation. In six months I will have a follow up check and if that goes well I'll have another one in six months. If that check is also clear my cancer is considered in remission and I'll only need followups once a year."

"Is the cancer the reason you broke up with Lucas?" Karen sipped her tea.

Brooke felt her eyes well with tears, "Yes. I know we're still in high school but Lucas has made no secret about his desire to have a family someday and there's a high possibility that I will never be able to have children. I had some eggs frozen at the urging of my doctor, but that carries substantial risks also." Brooke paused, "I didn't tell Lucas I had cancer because I worried about his heart. The only real person that knows is Porter and a bunch of people from an annoyomous cancer support group I started attending after Lucas and I broke up."

"How does Chase Adams fit into this?"

"Chase is my hospital provided cancer supporter. I call him Porter, it's a nick name. He is just a friend, I am still desperately in love with Luke." Brooke choked back tears, "I just think he deserves the life he dreams of having."

Karen couldn't help but roll her eyes, "Lucas is miserable right now because he doesn't know why you broke up with him. He has been going crazy trying to figure out the reasoning. Clearly his anger is misguided if he's punching people. I think you should tell him when him and Nathan return from Durham. The rest of this will work itself out."

"But I've been lying to him for months, he's never going to forgive me."

Karen let out a deep breath, she felt a contraction radiating across her tight stomach, "If he doesn't forgive you that's up to him, but you need to tell him. He has a right to know." Brooke nodded, "Where are your parents?"

Brooke slouched down in her chair, "Who knows? They don't know what's going on either. I was in the hospital a month ago they didn't even come home."

Karen felt another contraction come, 'that one was quick' she said to herself. "My heart breaks thinking that you went through this alone Brooke." Karen stood up to leave, "Now I need to head home and get some rest."

Brooke noticed the pained look on Karen's face, "Karen are you going to be okay driving yourself home. I can take you I don't mind."

Karen rubbed her back as another contraction raked her body, she opened the door, "No I should be-" she stopped and looked down.

"Oh my God! Is that what I think it is?" Brooke shrieked.

"Yes Brooke my water just broke. I need to get to the hospital immediately."

-0-

So another giant chapter down... about 6 more to go I think... Karen knows... Who will Brooke tell next? Haley? Nathan? Peyton or Lucas?

Upcoming: Karen gives birth, graduation, Haley gives birth and most of the gang makes plans to leave Tree Hill...