Chapter 4: Smaller Pieces of an Unknown Picture
Lucas dribbled the basketball in front of him a smile playing on his lips. The last three weeks playing in his mind. He had plenty of phone calls from David, and had two really…amazing nights. David was like…like the guy version of Brooke Davis, or at least the Brooke Davis, Lucas knew. And with no practice, his time had been mostly spent waiting for a phone call or with Haley, who he still hadn't told…he needed to get around to that…eventually.
His mind interrupted by sound of a music and a voice singing along drifting towards him. He knew in an instant who it was. He turned the corner, and his prediction was correct. Jake sat on the stairs of his house playing with his guitar.
"Not too bad." Luke commented, not noticing the embarrassment that showed on the other boys face.
Jake looked up, wondering what brought Luke by, "Having trouble finding something to do without practice?
"Something like that," Lucas replied, "You wanna go down to the river court throw the ball around?"
"Aw, I can't, man, I've got to stay close to the house." Jake replied honestly.
"Grounded?" Lucas asked curiously, it wasn't exactly like Jake to deny a game of hoops, but on the other hand Jake was still a bucket full of mystery.
"Not exactly."
It seemed to dawn on Lucas, "Look, I'm sorry…about leaving you that night at the bar, but you…"
"It's not that Luke. That doesn't bother me." It had at first, but Jake had told himself he had gotten over it. "You and David are both my friends, so if your happy, I'm happy. I really just can't leave the house."
"Ok, whatever." Lucas could tell Jake wasn't being completely honest, shrugged and began to walk away.
Jake watched him for only a matter of moments before closing his eyes and speaking before he changed his mind.
"Lucas. Wait." When he noticed he had gotten the blonde's attention. "Come in."
Jake led Luke into the door setting his guitar by door, he walked into his family's living room and toward the crib that stood in the corner. As Lucas watched in shock, Jake leaned over the rail, and turning to Luke introduced the small baby, "So, this is Jenny. She's mine, all mine."
Lucas watched as Jake picked up the little girl, "Wow. How did?"
"It was before I realized the truth, you know. It was a night with a girl I was sorta seeing that went a little too far."
"Where is this girl now?"
"Out of the picture."
Lucas didn't push the mother any further. It clearly upset Jake, and it made sense. "Why haven't you told…"
"Come on, Lucas, you know the stereotypes…I just thought it would be easier for Jenny."
"To hide her?"
"I'm not…I'm not hiding her. She's my world."
Lucas just nodded, conveying so much more than a head movement. "Look there's an open mic at my mom's café tonight. They have boosters seats. Just think about it."
Later that night Lucas walked into the busy café, finding Haley practically flying around the room, But as soon as she spotted him she ran up to him, "Best friend!"
"Hey there, Hales." He laughed. "It looks good tonight."
"Really think so?" She smiled. "I've got to go please the masses. We'll hang out later."
He laughed and too the time to try to find a space to sit, being slightly disappointed when he couldn't find Jake.
"Hey, Broody." He turned to find Brooke and Peyton sitting on a couch not to far from the entrance.
"Cheery. Blondie" he greeted as the brunette strongly nudged her best friend over to make room for the boy. They didn't get very far into conversation when Haley came up to the mic to invite people up to take a chance. A smile spread across his face when the bell on the door rang and Jake entered with a baby carrier in one hand, his guitar in the other."
"Wait…" Brooke said as Jake talked. "Jake has a baby…I didn't know he was even seeing some one."
"He's not." Lucas instantly knew he said too much, but he refused to say anything more especially to a very curious Brooke.
"Well, then…" A defeated Brooke sighed, before happily chirping, "It works out then. While I get you, Peyton can have Jake!"
"Actually, I'm kind of already seeing someone." He replied nonchalantly.
"What? Who? How long?" The various question came from both of the very shocked girls.
"Three weeks. No one you know." He replied coolly as Haley came over with Peyton and Brooke's drinks.
"Here we go." Haley said handing each girl a mug, "Luke did you want anything? Luke, are you okay?"
He wasn't so sure himself. As Peyton's very black coffee past in front of him, he felt a tidal wave of nausea. He quickly got up and made his way to the restroom to empty the contents of his stomach.
"Hey, baby you getting ready to come down to see me this weekend?" David's voice played over the cell phone. Lucas was supposed to come down the next night to mark a one month milestone, and he had been looking forward to it.
"Actually, David, I think we're gonna have to wait a little longer. I haven't been feeling too well the last couple of days…"
"Well, maybe I could come up there and make you feel better." Lucas had quickly found out that David believed sex could solve everything. He knew this wouldn't be a long lasting meaningful relationship and as much as he wanted to enjoy this physical relationship, David appearing would make things more complicated than fun.
"I don't think that's such a great idea." Luke whispered. "I don't want you to get sick too, and then we'd have to wait even longer."
"You're sexy when you're smart. So, if you insist…I'll wait for you."
"Thanks for beings so understanding." Luke smiled into the phone.
"Anything for you, sexy. Go get better so you can come play."
"Alright. Night" he waited a few moments to here a 'good night' in his direction, but he noticed the phone call had already ended.
He rolled over to his back and stared at the ceiling…life wasn't too bad after all.
Until Next time, this is me…signing out.
