Torn

Chapter 4

Days Later

I gazed down at my phone it was 6 ock. Parent teacher conferences had just begun and both Lucas and I were on time. We were actually waiting on the teacher.

(There must be alot of other parents here. We've never reached here before her.) Lucas said. Looking over at me.

I smiled over at him. I took in the sight of him. He had on a dark green long sleeved dress shirt and and black dress pants. With black dress shoes.

I on the other hand had on a purple sweater. Black leggings, and one of my favorite pair of boots with a heel. My hair was in layer curls and I had light make up on my face.

We made it a point to look nice for events like this at the school.

Most of the other parents didn't care about that. But for us it mattered.

There was this silent judgement that I think we both felt. With some of the other parents and even the teachers. Because we weren't a couple and didn't live together.

Lucas lives in the same neighborhood. His house is in walking distance to our home. Which makes shuffling Eli back and forth fairly easy. He never is deprived time and attention from either of us. We have complete shared custody of him. He understands we are not a couple. But will never stop being a family. He is our strongest tie but not the only one.

We are incredibly close and make it a point to have outings together with Eli and on our own with just each other. We have a past but our present relationship is all I focus on.

(We've gotten better at this being on time and coordinating our schedules. Remember when we had to have separate meetings with her because we weren't talking to each other.? We've come a long way. I'm proud of that. Of us.) I said. Looking back at him.

That's right. There was a point when Brooke and I weren't speaking. I was with Peyton then. Eli was just starting preschool then. It was a dark and stressful period for us both. We argued, and fought. I wasn't able to see Eli much. Because I was living with Peyton and she made the opportunity for our family situation to work incredibly difficult and uncomfortable. She didn't hide her hate for Brooke. And her dislike for Eli. Brooke wouldn't allow Eli to see me unless Peyton wasn't around.

And she was around all the time. After an incident where she called Eli a mistake. Was when Brooke cut off contact. Because Peyton had told that to Eli. Causing him to burst into tears. And pull away from Brooke and I. It was then I knew this relationship would not work out and I dumped Peyton. She didn't take it well to put it mildly. Her hate and anger towards Brooke grew. I moved out quickly and got my own place. I've been single ever since. Given the bond and relationship Eli and I have now I know that leaving and ending things was the greatest decision I could have made. Lucas thought to himself. As he looked up the door.

Eli 's teacher was now entering the room and took a seat in front of the parents.

Dating was apart of my life in high school. Once I became a mother none of that mattered anymore. Eli is and will forever be my priority. Plus when Lucas and I got together that one night. It was messy, complicated, and wrong. I don't regret it. But I know us being anything more than parents to our son. Terrified me. Lucas was the only man who had the capability to break my hurt and hurt me. He already did it once by choosing Peyton. We never dated and I think there was a reason for that. I felt everything so deeply and he never wanted more. So why risk it.?) Brooke thought to herself. As she focused her attention on the teacher.

(Mr. Scott. Miss Davis. Thank you for meeting with me today. I apologize for my lateness there are alot more parents here then there was last time.)

(Now let's begin. Eli is a joy to have in class. He's kind, helpful, and full of personality. An incredibly bright student. And one of the most well liked children in class. He always wants Make sure other kids feel included. And he has a book with him all the time. I have no concerns.) She said. Looking to them

(We are really happy and glad to hear he's doing so well.) Brooke said.

(He looks forward to coming to class every day. Let us know if there is any changes you have our contact information feel free to reach out to either of us.) Lucas said.

(I will see you both next time.)She said. Looking to us.

With that the conference was over.

..

Sometime Later

(Listen to Ocean by Seafret.)

Brooke and Lucas sat next to each other. They had ordered take out and were sharing one of the leftover bottles of wine Brooke had left in her fridge. The heat was on in the home along with the fireplace. Attempting to warm up the home during winter in Tree Hill.

(Tonight has went better than I imaged it would. He loves reading, is kind and protective like you are.) Brooke said. Looking up at Lucas.

He smiled up at her. (Full of personality, makes friends easily, and always wants to make sure other people feel included. Just like you. He has you're big heart.) Lucas said. Looking back at her.

(He has the best parts of us. He was worried about me staying here alone after the conference. He said he would feel better if you were with me. But I don't need you to take care of me. I can do that myself. ) Brooke said. Looking to him.

But I want to be here and take care of you. Lucas thought to himself.

(I'll stay here for the night. Just to give him some peace of mind. That boy loves you so much.) Lucas said.

Brooke smiled up at him. (That would be alright. He loves you too.) She said.

Lucas put his hand on away stray hair from her face. Tucking it behind her ear. (It's late. We should probably get to bed.) Lucas said. Looking to her.

Brooke gazed up at him. Leaning over kissing him.

He kissed her back. Eventually the two separating.

(Or we can be honest with each other and say what we really want.) Brooke said.

(For me it's simple. I want you.) Lucas said. Locking eyes with her.

Brooke's face softened. (I want you too.) Brooke confessed. Looking away from him.

...

Author's note : I'm so humbled by your support. Let me know you're thoughts. Review!