It seems ages since I updated this, I know. Thanks for bearing with me guys! I really am sorry.

Chapter 4 – Who's Gonna Be There For You?

Brooke sat alone on the couch. Nathan was out preparing some last minute things for the party, leaving her lost in her own thoughts. She knew that Lucas was back today, although she hated to think about it. She knew this day would come, that she would eventually have to see him again. I mean, what did she expect? She was dating his brother after all. But it wasn't like she had set out to date Nathan just to hurt Lucas like he hurt her; in fact it was the complete opposite. After Lucas, she really didn't want to know any guys, all except Nathan that was. There was just something about him, or maybe it was just the Scott's. Nevertheless, he was always there for her, helping her, supporting her, in a way that Lucas just couldn't.

Flashback…

Nathan walked into the room, looking over at the girl that looked so broken. He sat beside her, wrapping his arm around her, and all in that one moment, she felt safe again.

"Brooke, I'm sorry about Luke. You don't deserve that."

She looked up towards his eyes, tears forcing to spill over from her own.

"What is it Nate? Am I just not pretty enough?"

He paused for a moment, and wiped the one tear that fell from her eyes.

"Even now, with your make up running down your face, your hair a mess, you still look beautiful."

She stopped, replaying what he had said and staring at him. A small smile forced across her face for a slight second.

"Did you just say my hair was messy?"

He laughed, just as she did, and he pulled her closer, hugging her tightly as her laughter quickly turned to tears.

"He doesn't deserve you Brooke, he never did. If he's gonna be a jerk and just leave when things get tough, then he obviously isn't the guy for you. I know he's my brother and all, but what he did, I mean, was he crazy? You're amazing Brooke, don't let him take that from you."

She pressed her head on his chest as she continued to sob lightly.

"I'm always here for you, remember that."

"I know you are Nate, you always have been."

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"Hey gurlie."

Brooke quickly snapped out of her thoughts as she turned around to see Haley.

"Hey tutor girl. What's up?"

She hugged her and sat down, tapping the seat beside her, urging Haley to sit there.

"Just came to see how you were. How are the party arrangements going?"

"Good, yeah. Nate's been amazing bless him. He's out now doing some extra things. He just wants everything to be perfect you know?"

"That boy would do anything for you." She replied laughing.

"Yeah, I know huh?"

"So anyways, talked to Peyton much lately?"

"A little. I mean, it's never gonna be like before, it can't be. I guess I was just tired of arguing. I've moved on now, so I figured I should try and forget my past too and just look to the future."

"Wow, that's very optimistic Miss Davis." Haley joked.

"Uh huh. Well, you know me."

"Look Brooke, I know you might not wanna talk about this but… well… we both know Lucas is back today. You're okay right?"

"I guess I should say that I'm fine, because like with Peyton, I should forget my past and look to the future. But I guess that's a little different. I don't know Hales. Am I mad to feel nervous?"

"Course not. Even though you're with Nathan, you're still bound to be wary, anxious and everything else. I am too. We haven't exactly stayed close while he's been away you know?"

"Yeah. I'm sorry if that's my fault Hales. I know how much your friendship with Lucas meant to you."

"Brooke, don't be silly. You're my best friend, and if he can't deal with that, then he obviously isn't the guy I thought he was."

"I love you tutor girl, you know that?"

"Back atcha B.Davis."

"Hoes over Bro's?"

"Haha, you bet! Wanna go to the mall?"

"You know me too well Haley James."

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Nathan walked back into the apartment after finally finishing the party plans.

"Brooke?" He called, waiting for an answer. She wasn't there but he spotted a note.

Nate,

Gone to the mall with Hales. Be back in a few hours. See you soon!

Lotsa Love, Brooke 3

He smiled to himself at the little heart she had drawn. Typical Brooke, he thought to himself. Even now she still couldn't resist the mall. He sat on the couch, grabbing a beer as he reached to turn on the TV. Before he could, there was a knock at the door.

"Oh hey, come in."

The blonde girl entered, sitting down on the couch.

"Brooke's gone to the mall Peyton. But I don't know when she left this note so I'll give her a call and see how long she's gonna be."

He picked up his cell phone, dialling the number he knew all too well.

"Hey you. How long you gonna be? Yeah… Hmm… No that's fine. Okay… See you later. Yeah, love you too."

He turned back around, walking over to the couch.

"She left about twenty minutes ago, so she won't be home for another two hours or so."

"Oh okay. Who'd she go with?"

"Haley as usual." He laughed. He quickly stopped as he saw the look of hurt on Peyton's face. "Look, Peyton… I… I didn't mean it like that you know."

"Yeah I know Nathan, it's not your fault. Just I always used to be the one to go to the mall with her. But…it's fine honestly." She replied, reassuring him with a smile.

He smiled back, but sensed it wasn't fine. He realised she was lonely, and by the looks of things, she just needed a friend.

"You know, you could stay for a while if you want. I mean, I've finished all the party planning so, we could just hang out if you wanted?"

"Yeah, I'd like that."

There was a slight pause. "She'll come around Peyton. We both know how stubborn Brooke can be. But well, you hurt her so things take time. But she's ready to let you in again so that's gotta mean something."

"You must really hate me huh? I bet you think I'm some kind of home wrecker." She replied, laughing to hide her guilt and seriousness.

"Brooke's everything to me and you and Lucas both hurt her. I guess I don't like you both for that part but… if you hadn't have done it, I'd never be this happy now, and who knows, I might never have gotten Brooke in the end. Everything happens for a reason right?"

"I guess so. I know we don't know each other all that well… because of Brooke and I falling out but you're a good guy, and I'm glad she found you."

"Beer?"

"Huh?"

"You want a beer?" He clarified.

"Umm, yeah, sure."

He tossed over the beer, flicking on the game he had been waiting to watch.

"Don't mind do you?" he asked.

"Are you kidding? I love basketball. I mean, you learn a lot from being a cheerleader in high school." She laughed.

Nathan smiled hugely. It wasn't that he was attracted to Peyton, because he genuinely loved Brooke, but she was cool, and he really enjoyed her company. In all honesty, he missed having people to hang out with, because it was Lucas that used to watch every game with him. Somehow, the game lost its atmosphere when you watched it alone. One beer led to another and before long they were even a little drunk.

"Woo hoo!" They yelled towards the TV, giggling crazily as they did so.

Oblivious to the pair sat on the sofa, Brooke flung open the door. She felt anger rush through her. This wasn't happening again, it just couldn't. She dropped her bags and they both suddenly turned around. Nathan saw the look in her eyes, he knew it a mile off.

"Brooke…"

"Save it!" She yelled as she ran back through the door, slamming it behind her.

He got up, rushing to follow her as he looked outside. There was no sign of her and he certainly wasn't in a fit state to drive.

"Let her cool off, it'll all be fine. She's just scared of getting hurt again that's all. I suppose you being with me didn't help the matter, considering my past. I'm sure she trusts you, but me, she's still wary of. She'll come back, don't worry."

"All I do is worry about her, I have to worry. I don't know what I'd do if I lost her Peyton."

"You won't."

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She wandered around, not knowing where to go, just following her footsteps to wherever they led her. There she was, at the place she hadn't been for years, the place Lucas had shown her, the river court. She sat alone on the bench just thinking. She saw two lights coming towards her.

"Nathan." She thought to herself. "Wait, I can't believe he would drive here in his condition. I mean, he was obviously drunk."

The car stopped and he stepped out. She couldn't believe it was really him.

"Hey pretty girl." He greeted.

"Luke."

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So I'm gonna try and update this quicker if I get a lot of reviews. I like this chapter but what do you guys think?

Please review telling me what you thought of it and your fave couples/friendships etc.

Thanks so much for reading.

Luv ya, Sophiaaaa x