"Ok explain to me again why you are agreeing to this?" Clay corks a brow at me as he parks his car in the school parking lot.

"Because he asked and has no one else," I explain about the millionth time since I told him I was skipping school and watching Lily. To say big brother was confused would be an understatement. He has asked about a million questions, wondered when Lucas and I became so close that asking to watch his sister was a normal thing and why I was skipping school? He personally didn't understand why I could skip school but he couldn't.

"But last time we talked about Lucas you said and I quote," he pauses a second to clear his throat. "It was that Lucas and I can't spend more than ten minutes around each other without him annoying me. You really need to get new friends," he tries to mock my voice but fails miserable.

"Your voice is too deep to make fun of mine," I inform him like that was the problem here.

"Brooke…" oh no I know that tone, he is giving me his warning tone. I hate that tone it makes me feel like such a child.

"Clay," I push my hair out of my face annoyed already with this conversation. "Look he looked so desperate alright and I felt really bad for him. Yes ok he annoys me but Lily doesn't and I really don't mind giving up a glorious day of school to help her," I explain really meaning that.

I felt bad for Lucas, every time I see him he seems to just have to weight of the world on his shoulders and though I don't get it, it does explain a lot. His mood, the way he seems completely closed off from the world and that he has this persona at school that I have seen change into something completely different every now and then. It's almost like he walks through the doors and a switch flips inside of him and he throws up every wall he has and doesn't let anyone see the real him; I feel like I could like the real him. I mean in a friendly way.

"Well alright," Clay sits for a second clearly trying to figure out if he is happy with my answer; I can tell he still isn't sure but just chooses to dismiss it. "Is Quinn coming to the game tonight?" he asks casually as he reaches in the back for his bag.

"Yes…" I watch him carefully as he opens his book bag searching through it. "Why?" It's my turn to kink my brow looking at him.

"I was just wondering, making sure there is someone there to look after you," he shrugs opening his door. "Shit I forgot my bag for the game you think you could bring it tonight?" he changes the topic quickly and like he did with me I let it slide…for now.

"Sure no problem," I shrug, drumming my fingers on my knees wondering where Lucas was. I figured he would be here by now, being as school is about to start in about, I look at my phone…four minutes.

"Ok thanks," he leans over kissing my head. "I'm off to school, enjoy your sick day," he climbs out of the car.

"Thanks Bubba enjoy school," I give a wave as he huffs slamming the door and walking off.


Ten minutes pass and the warning bell rings and still no Lucas, fifteen minutes and the final bell and again no sign of his red sports car and no text and I admit it, I'm a little worried.

"Lucas…" I breathe into my phone when once again his answering machine picks up. "I'm sitting here and I have no clue where you are. I told you I would meet you at school but I admit I'm kind of worried. I hope Lily is ok. I umm…" I pause thinking about what I should say. "You know I'm going to assume you are at home and just over slept or something so if you get this, call me back because I'm just going to head over," I tell him climbing over the divider of the car and grabbing the spare from my purse. "See ya in a bit," I slide my phone hanging up and tossing it on the seat.

Lucas's house is all about ten minutes from the school but it seemed longer when I couldn't remember which street was his. I mean I know he has one of the biggest houses in town and I know I have been there but it was a lot easier when I was following him and my brother. It's a lot harder when I'm by myself, but I did figure it out, slowly but yes.

Pulling into the driveway I notice his car is still there and again I grow nervous. If something was wrong he would have called me right? I mean I left a message but still what if it was bad? What if Lily got sick and he took her to the hospital? If that's the case I couldn't really see him taking the time and calling me. Or what if he fell in the shower or fell just in general and is passed out somewhere with poor Lily crying next to him not sure what to do?

"Shut up," I curse myself for such thinking. "They are fine, I mean of course they are fine, I'm stupid to think differently," I convince myself as I climb the steps to the large brick home. Reaching up I knock on the large wooden door with the glass window and wait.

Nothing.

I reach over and ring the doorbell again wait and again I get;

Nothing.

I shake the handle of the front door to find like I figured;

Locked.

After about five minutes of no answer and my mind convincing me I'm about to walk in on a murder scene I walk around to the back of the house, open the gate that leads into a enormous backyard and up the steps to the back porch where another door is and try the handle.

"Ugh!" I growl when I discover it locked. "Doesn't anybody trust anyone anymore?" I groan annoyed, trying to peak into the window but again see nothing but a kitchen. "Hmm…" I hum walking over to a window I place my hands on the screen until it touches the glass window and shove it up again to find it locked. I go to the next window and the next until I reach the finally one, groan and try it to realize it's unlocked.

"Score," I grin excited, getting down on my knees, pulling out my car keys and cutting a small hole in the screen on both sides, just enough to slide my fingers in and pop the screen out. Sitting it by the door, I place my hands on the window and slide it open with ease and climb through.

All the excitement I felt by successfully making my way into the house quickly erases when I realize I might find that murder scene. Then I realize it was probably a bad idea to break into a house where no one here but Lucas knows me to possible find him dead.

Shaking my head of my dumb thinking I walk around the kitchen of the massive home and find no one. I walk into the living room, nothing, the dining room and the million other rooms on the main floor and nothing. I head up the stairs to where I recall Lily's room is and find her not there; I walk down the hall to Lucas's open the door and again find nothing. Panic somewhat takes over when I notice his bed made as if he hadn't slept in it, I see his wallet laying on the nightstand along with his cell phone that is blinking signaling a message I'm sure which is me.

Shutting his door I quickly move down the stair ready to call the cops and inform them I didn't break into the house and that I can't find them and that Lucas might be dead somewhere when I passed a door hearing a noise coming from it. Pausing my heart is about to pound out of my chest when I grab the handle and slowly turn it until it opens. Looking to see a flight of stairs that heads into what I assume a basement. I slowly and nervously walk down each step, the noise getting louder and louder. I can't figure out what the sound is, it doesn't sound like people talking, well not like grownups talking. Reaching the final step I see another door which looks to lead into the garage and a hook with umbrellas and a few sets of keys. Grabbing an umbrella I swing it over my head ready to attack as I tip toe towards the noise.

I felt like one of those stupid bimbos in a scary movie where I walk towards the creepy sound. You know the one who everyone is yelling no stupid run the other way, get in your car and get the hell out of here. Yup I was that dumb girl and with a deep breath I turn the corner yanking the umbrella back ready to attack and freeze.

"You bastard," I smile at the scene in front of me. Here I thought he was dead when in reality he was completely asleep in the clothes he had on the day before, I must add, with a baby sleeping soundly on his chest.

It was actually extremely cute. Lucas had one arm tucked behind his head and the other resting on the back of Lily as she slept on his chest. Her little hand gripping onto the material of his gray shirt, her little body raising up and down with every breath he took and then to add to it all the main screen of Beauty and the Beast played on the big screen of the TV that took over almost the entire wall.

Looking at them now you saw the resemblance. Though Lucas's hair was blonde and Lily's was more of a strawberry blonde it had the same shine to it. While they slept both of their top lip was parted from their bottom and flipped up a little and if you looked carefully you could see Lily had Lucas's nose.

It was adorable, so adorable I erased any being mad at him I felt.

"Mmm…" Lily moves her head burring it in Lucas's chest as she stretches her little arms up and yawns. "Book?" her voice sounds horse as she squints her little eyes at me. "Book!" she squeals excited when coming to the realization it is me standing in front of her.

"Shh…" I hush moving over and slowly picking her up. "We are going to let big brother sleep a little longer," I tell her. Knowing Lucas can sleep at least another half hour and still make it to school for it to be a full day.

"He be sweepy a lot," Lily tells me as she chews on her bottom lip. "He stay up with me and we watch movies…" she points at the screen and I can't help but laugh a little.

"Looks to me you can get big brother to do just about anything," I laugh, moving Lily to my hip and head back upstairs.

"I his Princess you know?" she tells me and I nod. "He loves me more than anyone."

"I know Cupcake," I sit her on a counter top and move through the drawers looking for some coffee and filters. "Did Lucas tell you that you are going to spend the whole day with me today?"

"No!" Her eyes widen to look at me, shock written all over her face.

"Yes," I toss a grin over at her, opening up the coffee maker lid and filling it up. "So I think we are going to go shopping-"

"Shopping!" Lily squeals clapping her hands together excited.

"Yup and maybe some ice cream and who knows maybe the park," I hit the little black button, spinning on my feet to look at her, giggling on the counter. "Just our little girls' day."

"Girls' day?" she gets a confused look, turning her head to look at me. "What dat?"

"Well…" I walk over to the little girl banging her feet against the wooden door. "Its where two girls, you and me," I wave my hand between us. "Hang out, just them no boys. Boys yucky," I make a disgusted face making her giggle.

"Lukie boy," she reminds me. "I love Lukie."

"I know baby," I brush a strawberry curl back. "You can love Lukie, he is a different boy," I grin knowing Lucas is definitely the definition of different. I am still trying to figure out if it's a good or bad different.

"Lily?" the frantic yell echoes through the room. "Lily where are you?"

"I-"

"Shh..." I hush Lily making her giggle. "Let's play a game ok?" I ask and she nods as I lift her off the counter.

"Princess come on where are you?" I hear Lucas call as we take off up the stairs and down the hall, Lily giggling all the way.

"Where should we hide?" I whisper to Lily, looking around not sure where to go now.

"There," she points to a room at the end of a hall, us slowly moving down and opening the door.

"Lily!" he yells again, we hear his footsteps moving up the stairs.

"Hide," I put Lily on the ground, patting her little bottom as she takes off and I look around the room we are in. It's a large room, I would assume it was the master with the side bathroom but it looks like it hasn't been lived in for years. There is a robe lying on the bed, the silk sheets look nice and comfortable but it's not made. The top sheet is pulled back like someone threw it off; there are glasses and a newspaper on the night stand, an empty water glass on the dresser that is seriously collecting dust and pink lip stick along the rim. It's a little eerie, I mean I haven't been all over the house but it seems to be completely spotless, even Lucas's room was nicely clean and on top of that don't they have a maid?

Walking over to the newspaper I pick it up to see the date December 23, 2010 and that just adds to the weirdness.

"Who keeps a newspaper that is almost year old?" I mumble placing it back down and walking over to the dresser finding loads of photos. Most are of Lily and a woman who looks just like her, they share the same big doe eyes and the same violet eyes but the woman shares Lucas's smile. Though you very rarely see that smile its clearly there and the woman I swear is the definition of gorgeous.

"What are you doing in here?" the cold voice snaps me out of my trace, snapping my head over to see Lucas in the doorway.

"Oh I uhh-" I sit the picture back down, feeling like I just got caught by my parents with my hand in the cookie jar.

"No one is allowed in this room," his normal blue eyes turn a dark gray as the send daggers into me.

"I'm sorry…I…I didn't know, I'm sorry," I repeat not really sure what I'm saying sorry too. I mean yeah sorry I came into the creepy off limits room but I don't see the big deal.

"What the hell are you doing in my house anyway?" his temper doesn't seem to fade as he moves over to the dresser I was at and fixing what I had touched. "I sure as hell know I didn't let you in."

"Lucas I'm sorry alright," I watch as he fiddles with all the pictures to get them back in order. "I knew we were meeting at school, you didn't show up and I got worried alright?"

"What?" his head snaps over to look at me, his voice changing slightly in tone.

"I…I was worried because you wouldn't answer the phone. I just wanted to make sure you and Lily were alright," I tell him honestly, seeing something flash in his eyes and his jaw tightens.

"I can take care of Lily," he hisses, his face only inches from mine.

"Lucas what is wrong with you?" my own temper flares up at bit. "I am here helping you and once again you get pissy with me," I remind him and see when it all comes back to him.

"I'm sorry…" instantly flies from his mouth as he takes a step back, running his hand through his bed hair. "I'm sorry I didn't mean to snap it's just no one is allowed in here."

"I know and I said I was sorry about that," I remind him, once again getting confused by Lucas Scott.

"I know, I know ok. I'm just a little out of it. I mean I didn't sleep well again last night, my back is a little sore from the damn couch, I come upstairs not thinking I would find you and I can't find Lily," he explains all and pauses for a second, his head jerking up to look at me. "Shit Lily, I can't find Lily," he freaks spinning to head out of the room until a small giggle pulls him back. "Lily?" he turns back into the room looking over at me and I offer him a shrug. "Princess?" his tone completely changes as he moves towards the closet. "Are you in the closet?"

"No," we hear a whispered giggle.

"Hmm…" Lucas tosses a look at the closet then back at the bed. "Where is she?" he taps his chin, "Maybe she is downstairs…" he raises his feet high making heavy steps before slowly sliding on the bed.

"Is he gone?" Lily peaks her head out from under the bed. "He so silly," she giggles climbing out, completely missing Lucas lying on the bed, right above her.

"He is pretty silly," I comment looking at Lucas as he looks at the little girl now standing in front of him. I wish more people saw him like that; I wish the way he acted with Lily he acted like with more people. There is almost an innocence he has when she is around, the way he looks, the way he smiles and talks, everything about him is completely different. It's sweet.

"I hide pretty good," she brushes her hair out of her face and licks her top lip.

"I don't know," I toss a glance over her head at Lucas, her little head hitting about the top of the bed. "Turn around," I smile and watch as she spins on her feet with a smile.

"Hey Princess," Lucas smiles with a wave.

"Lukie!" She squeals, turning back to take off away from him but Lucas is to quick and quickly grabs her, going crazy with tickling her and she erupts in a fit of giggles.

"You don't hide from me do you?" He questions as she squirms in his arms.

"No, no I do!" she laughs flipping away from him. "Book! Help me!"

"Don't even think about Brooke!" Lucas playfully narrows his eyes on me and pointing, dropping his tickling for a second. "You try and you're next," he informs me, a small smile playing on his lips.

"Hmm…" I sway side to side as I slowly move my feet towards them. "I really don't know," I chew on my bottom lip knowing I hate being tickled.

"You should know 'cause I promise I will get you."

"Well I guess…" I stand in front of the bed, looking down at Lily as her little heart races and she tries to catch her breath. "I don't like being tickled Lily," I inform her, "But this time I think I might risk it," I snatch Lily before Lucas catches on and put her on the ground. "Run Lily!" and her little feet take off and I quickly follow behind her.

"Brooke! Lily!" I hear Lucas right behind me as he follows, pausing long enough to shut the door and then chase after us down the stairs.

"No!" Lily squeals jumping the last two steps and spinning towards the kitchen, her little feet failing her as she slides a little but quickly recovering. "Run Book!" I hear her little voice echo as I turn the corner to go into what I discover to be the living room, well one of them.

"Lucas!" I squeal when his arm wraps around my waist and in my fight to get away from him we fly over the couch and landing on the other side on the ground, Lucas ending up on top of me. "Lucas stop!" I shriek when he starts tickling me.

"I told you I was going to get you," he laughs as he continues to tickle.

"Lucas quit or I will punch you!"

"Nope!" he grabs my hands pinning them above my head. "We will have none of that," he informs me, his breath racing in and out of his body as he tries to catch it.

"I'll do it," I breathe heavy wiggling my arms but he just tightens his grip. "Let go," I yank my hands but again he doesn't. "Lucas…" I pout and he lets out a small laugh.

"You're so cute when you pout," he smiles, somehow figuring out how to keep both my hands pinned with one hand as the other brushes my hair out of my face.

"You're dumb," I laugh a little looking at him.

"Yeah whatever," he rolls his eyes still sitting on top of me. I don't know how I feel about the look he is giving me. I can't read it exactly but I know since he has me pinned under him only about a hand full of things is going through his mind.

"Lukie!" The squeal and flying of the baby on his back pulls us out of your eye lock.

"Lily," he mocks her wrapping his arms behind his back to have a steady hold on her as he stands up. "Hold on Princess," he instructs and her arms tighten around his neck as he takes a free hand helps me off the ground.

"Thanks," I straighten out my shirt, my breath hitching in my throat when I look to see him way to close to my face. "I made coffee," I randomly announce taking a step back. "I was going to let you sleep as long as you could. I was just going to wake you up in a few," I tell him as I spin around making my way into the kitchen, him following right behind me.

"Thanks," he thanks sitting Lily on the counter and grabbing her sippy cup from the fridge. "Here baby girl," he hands it to her.

"Tank you," she sings out putting it to her lips and tilting the drink back.

"Sorry I wasn't at school and you had to come over here," he stands next to me as I make his coffee.

"It's fine," I shrug, trying to ignore him standing so close to me. "I uhh…" I cut my eyes over at him smiling and back at the cup. "I'm sorry I broke your screen."

"Huh?" he looks confused and I nod my head towards the window that's still open. "You broke into my house?"

"I thought ya'll were dead," I defend myself quickly. "But I didn't really break in, your window was unlocked."

"So you kicked in my screen?"

"No," I laugh a little. "I cut the screen just a little on the edge enough to get my fingers in and popped it out," I explain.

"Do I want to know how you know how to do all that?" he raises a brow, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

"When I was little," I start putting the sugar in my cup and stirring. "Here," I hand him his. "I always would lock myself out of the house, couldn't keep up with my key to save my life. So Clay bought me this little silver pocket knife thing and showed me a way to cut the screen so it wasn't noticeable and he would always leave the small bathroom window unlocked for me to climb through."

"You little secret agent," he teases.

"Shut up," I roll my eyes playfully, slapping his arm. "But to this day I can't remember where I put my keys. I'm always locking them in the car or just leaving them around."

"And I'm letting you use my car today because?" he creases his brow looking at me.

"Because I'm awesome," I grin making him laugh.

"Sure that's it," he chuckles taking a sip of his coffee and walking to the fridge.

I jump up next across from Lily on the counter and can't help but watch him as he moves around. How he grabs a bowl from the cabinet above his head without looking, and sitting it next to Lily. How he grabs some strawberries out of the fridge, washes them and sits them next to Lily where she hums and sips her milk. I watch how she grabs a strawberry and one by one pulls the little green leaves off and drops them into his bowl and when he hands her a peeled banana she breaks it into small pieces dropping it in the bowl as he starts cutting the strawberries.

It's funny to watch them work as a team, like they completely forget I'm here and I pretty much believe that when Lucas starts copying Lily's humming and she giggles. Standing up on the counter Lucas keeps his hand her back as he takes another sip of his coffee and she grabs a small cup and two spoons before sitting back down.

Lucas takes his coffee pouring some of it into the small cup handing it over her, "Hot Princess," he pulls it away from her mouth, grabbing a few ice cubes and dropping it in, letting it melt then handing it back to her.

"You let her drink coffee?" I question and his head snaps back to look at me.

"Yeah," he shrugs grabbing milk from the fridge and filling up the bowl with the strawberries and bananas. "I mean I know they give that whole stunts your growth crap but I have been drinking coffee since I was tiny and look at me," he holds his hands out and doing a spin. "Plus she likes it and if she wants some every now and again I'm not going to tell her no," he informs me putting some sugar in the bowl and taking the spoon Lily offers before both take a bit.

"Stand up real quick Lily," he tells her and she stands up holding the spoon in her mouth. "You need to go potty?" he asks, and I chuckle at his word choice. Potty, Lucas doesn't seem like the type to use the word potty.

"No," she shakes her head, her little curls bouncing all over.

"Why don't you try for me?" he lifts her off the counter and pulls out her spoon.

"Otay," she agrees, grabbing hold of his hand.

"I'll be right back," he informs me, walking out of the room leaving me standing a little awkwardly.

Buzzz!

The vibrating of my back pocket making me jump, reaching behind me and grabbing my phone seeing a text.

'Are we talking yet? I don't like you being mad at me.'

It's a text from Michael and I frown some. We haven't talked in a few days, not since our last talk where he told me about his date like I cared. We normally don't stay mad at each other long and even now I'm not mad. I have just been so caught up with everything going on the last few days that texting him or calling him has slipped my mind. I guess it's true what they say about out of site out of mind. I never would have thought someone who I consider my best friend and someone I talked to and hung out with everyday would slowly become someone I talked to maybe once a week or so.

'I miss you'

I send back not at all sure why. Not like I have to tell him that, he is my best friend, well I guess technically Clay's but still mine in the same. It's hard to have someone hang out with you and your family and go on vacations with you and them not become a close friend.

'I miss you too. I talked to Clay earlier and he said he was pissed you were at home and he had school. You ok?'

'Fine just taking care of a friend's little sister.'

'What kind of 'friend'?'

Is his reply back and I somewhat want to growl at that. He is snooping and odds are good he is asking because Clay made a comment about it all and he knows I won't tell him so he just sends in his back up.

"Book I did it!" Lily squeals jumping up and down as she skips into the room. "I potty all by myself!"

"Awesome Cupcake," I slide my phone back in my pocket choosing to ignore Michael right now. If Clay has something to say I would rather him just say it instead of asking Michael to ask, that's messed up.

"Hey," I look up to see Lucas walking back into the room, drying his hands on his shirt. "I need to go change and get ready for school, you mind watching her while I do?"

"Sure," I shrug figuring I'm watching her today anyway.

"K, I'll be right back. Lily finish you breakfast," he tells her and she nods skipping over to the counter and reaching for the bowl.

"I got that baby girl," I walk over before she spills it all over her pajama shirt. It's cute; it's a white shirt that looks like one of those you get on vacation. You know where you get a picture of the beach and air brushed name, or so and so forever, best friends, those type of shirts. Well this one has like normal a sunset, beach setting and Lily in fancy cursive air brushed at the top and then on the sleeve in small writing there is the name 'Karen' and the air brush saying I love you Cupcake.

"Book!" Lily tugs on my hand pulling me into the living room. "I hungry."

"Sorry Cupcake," I apologize walking behind her and sitting her bowl on the coffee table. She takes the spoon in her mouth making sounds of enjoyment as she swallows and like she seems to do a lot hum. It's always the same hum, something I don't know but she hums it.

"OK…" I look over my shoulder to see Lucas walking back into the room. His hair wet from probably the quickest shower in the history of the world and dressed. He looks good, hell went does he not but he looks real good in his jeans that hang loose on his hips and his gray polo shirt, his hair is going way to many ways but it looks good, even though I'm sure he ran his towel through his hair and walked out it has that whole model thing going. "So I don't know what you have planned today but this should have everything you need," he tells me sitting the diaper bag by my feet. "Her stroller is in my car."

"Ok," I watch as he lays down an outfit next to the bag.

"Up," he tugs Lily's hand as she stands up, hands going over her head. "She can eat pretty much anything but apples make her break out in a rash," he tells me, pulling her air brush shirt over her head and tossing it on the sofa. "She can have apples if they are cooked but just regular fresh apples bother her."

"Ok no apples got it."

"I know I told you before but she is sensitive with the wipes. She has enough in her bag but if some reason she runs out there is a rag in there, run it under warm water and gentle clean her and you can throw the rag away, we have enough but like I said you should be ok with wipes," he tells me as he is kneeled down in front of Lily, taking a blue jean material dress and pulling it on her, and buttoning it all the way to the top. "Oh she drinks milk but can drink really anything but she isn't too crazy about juice."

"To tight," Lily makes a face when he goes to tighten her red belt that is looped through a few loops on her dress.

"Sorry Princess," he apologized, loosening it up. "Umm…oh naps. She has been not sleeping to well the last few days so she might get tired. If so she is easy, keep her in her stroller and she will just go straight to sleep. If she does don't wake her up. She can be real cranky."

"Ok," I laugh watching as he sits her on the table and pulls on her red socks and black shoes. "Is it ok if I take her to the mall?"

"Yeah that's fine but I give warning she likes the mall. You take her at your own will," he chuckles as he fastens up her shoes. "Red or blue?' he holds up two colored bows.

"I want…." She squints her eyes and chews on her finger as she thinks. "Red!"

"Thought so," he grins and I again watch in amazement as he gently brushes her hair, and pulls a small portion to the side before tying the bow in. "All done."

"I look pretty?" she does a spin for him making me smile.

"Gorgeous," he smiles pushing a kiss to her forehead. "Now finish eating," he slides the bowl close to her and she starts eating again. "Brooke…" he looks up at me.

"Yeah?"

"You sure you don't mind watching her?" he questions standing up and dropping on the couch close to me.

"It's fine Lucas, I told you that," I give him a smile, trying to ignore when his arms drops over the back of the couch and his fingers play with a strand of my hair.

"I'm sorry I have been such an ass to you lately," he apologizes, dropping my hair and running his hands over his face. "I'm just completely sleep deprived I guess and I know that's not an excuse but I just-"

"It's fine," I cut him off giving him a reassuring smile. "It's not like I have been the easiest person to get along with either."

"I really do appreciate you helping me out."

"It's no problem Lucas," I give his leg a pat. "I like hanging with Lily, I don't have a sister so she is like my little toy. I can't wait to take her shopping."

"Oh right," he stands up like something just dawned on him, grabbing his wallet from next to the diaper bag and pulling out his debit card. "Here."

"Oh no Lucas I'm didn't mean that. I-"

"Brooke shut up," he laughs taking my hand and putting the card in it. "You are taking care of her so whatever she wants just go ahead and get it as long as it's pretty reasonable. I mean don't go buying ponies or anything but clothes and stuff."

"Lucas…"

"Brooke really, Lily doesn't really get to go shopping often so just get her whatever. Plus it's my dad's account and anything to drive him nuts is a bonus for me," he smirks making me laugh a little.

"I don't want you in trouble."

"Please," he rolls his eyes. "I won't so don't worry. So whatever ya'll want go ahead and just go ahead and get whatever you get for the party tonight on there too."

"Lucas there is no way I can do that. I mean Clay is wanting to throw this, he has already given me money," I tell him not at all feeling comfortable taking his money.

"Then you keep what he gave you," he shrugs. "Just take it Brooke."

"Are you sure?" I question still hesitant on this.

"Positive," he smiles and when he smiles I can't help but smile. There is just something about it.

"Lukie!" Lily squeals and he jerks his head from looking at me and back to her. "You eat," she wiggles on the floor for him to sit.

"Oh right," he sits down next to her.

"Open!" she takes the spoon of strawberries and bananas and shoving it in his mouth.

"Mmm that's good," he chews and opens his mouth for another bite.

"Swaldo," she points at him and he does with a chuckle. "Oops!" her eyes widen when she sees some milk spill on the floor. "I sorry," she freaks taking her little hand and trying to get it up.

"It's ok…" Lucas tells her but she shakes her head as she takes off out of the room. "Lily!" he calls on his way to stand up but her little feet come back into the room, toilet paper in hand and dapping the spot that didn't call for that much paper.

"I didn't mean too," her little eyes water with tears as she scrubs. "He be mad," her little hand moves faster and faster on the milk, actually causing more of a mess as the toilet paper starts to rip apart, leaving little white pieces.

"Lily…" Lucas grabs her hand and I see the worry spread over him when she flinches back from him. "Princess…" his tone is completely soothing as he takes the toilet paper from her hand.

"I didn't mean to," she whispers to him, her bottom lip trembling. "Don't tell. I don't want to go to Aunt Leah's."

"You're not!" he tells her quickly yanking her small frame into him. "Oh Princess you're not going anywhere."

"He be mad," she cries in his arms, her little arms wrapping around his neck. "I sorry Lukie."

"No one is going to tell," he kisses the side of her hand, his hand running up and down her back. "I promise."

"Pinkie," she pulls back, her face wet from tears and her trembling hand lifting up.

"Pinkie," Lucas lets out a hurt smile, taking her little pinkie and wrapping it around his bigger one.

"You know," I slowly stand up, their heads looking over at me. "My mom taught me the best way to clean up a mess is with vinegar," I randomly state, kneeling down next to them.

"What dat?" Lily sniffles, wiping her tears away.

"Well it's this clear stuff that smells funny, but it cleans it up and you can't even tell," I wave my hand around making her let out a shaky smile.

"We have dat?" she looks over at Lucas.

"We might, I'll go check," he slowly stands up releasing Lily's hand as he heads out of the living room and into the kitchen.

"I spill things a lot," she sniffles again, wiggling her little nose to stop from crying.

"It's ok Cupcake," I brush a curl behind her ear. "I spill things all the time," I exaggerate the word all. "Just this morning I spilled coffee all over my brother."

"Really?" she rubs the back of her hand over her eyes.

"Yeah, my big brother, Clay, goes 'Brooke it's a good thing I love you because you are such a klutz,'" I quote my brother making her giggle.

"Lukie says it's ok to spill things, that I little so it's just an accident," she hiccups her voice finally coming back.

"Exactly, look how big I am," I wave my hand up and down my body. "And I still have accidents, so it's ok baby girl," I take by finger wiping her last tear that was lingering on her cheek.

"I knew we had some," Lucas comes back into the room, bottle in hand and a towel.

"Thank you sir," I take it. "Smell that?" I hold the bottle up to Lily's face and she might just make the most adorable disgusted look I have ever seen.

"Funny," she scrunches up her face.

"I know," I laugh pouring a little on the towel. "It smells funny but gets the smell of milk up, you don't want it to sour," I say like she has any idea of what I'm talking about. "And before you know it," I scrub the floor until the spot is cleared.

"It all gone!" Lily's eyes as she gets real close to the once stained floor. "Lukie it magic?" she squints looking closer.

"I didn't know that worked," Lucas himself looked a little shocked.

"Yeah Clay I swear has a closet somewhere full of this stuff with all the stuff I spill," I say looking at the bottle making Lucas laugh.

"Clay get mad?" Lily looks up at me and I shake my head no.

"Clay tells me that if it can be wiped up, sweep up or vacuumed not to fret, there are so much more thing to worry about," I quote the line I heard so much growing up.

"I tink I like him," Lily nods pretty pleased with her decisions on that.

"I tink I like him too," I laugh at her words, tossing a glance over at a smiling Lucas. He really does have an amazing smile, when he shows it.


"Hmm… that one!" Lily points out the outfit we were looking at. We have already got the stuff for the party. I very easily bought the alcohol never realizing that with a baby the question your age less and more you're parenting skills. I was asked how I could be partying with such a young child, Lily flipped her hair out of her face looking completely disgusted and informed the woman that she was not a child, she was a big girl because her Lukie told her so.

I laughed; the older woman looked completely taken back by her statement and just rang up the items and shoved my card back at me before scoffing as we walked out. I very much enjoyed it.

However now we are at the mall and shopping because I'm sorry I'm not going to the mall and not shop. All growing up I couldn't just buy what I wanted and now I can and even though I have something for tonight I could still use something for school or I don't know something.

"You sure?" I look at the gray and white flowing shirt she picked out. It's really cute, has a layered neckline and looks to be see through so I will need a matching tank top but I don't know if I would look good in something like this. It looks like something someone with huge boobs would wear and I don't have that.

"Yeah," Lily licked her lips, tucking a curl behind her ear.

"Well if you say," I lift her up in my arms and walk into the dressing room, sitting her on the small bench as I try it on.

"What dat?" She points at the scar on my lower back that my shirtless body revealed.

"I was in a car accident," I tell her pulling the shirt over my head, looking in the mirror to see that I will most definitely need a tank top. The shirt doesn't even seem to cover up my bra.

"Lukie in car accident," she tells me flipping through the clothes and handing me another shirt I had picked out. "I wike dis," she tells me and I take off the white gray top and slip on the tight fitting red top.

"Was he ok?" I ask looking at myself in the mirror, I like this top, makes my chest look bigger then it is and that's a major plus.

"No," she answers and I spin on my feet to see her in the pile of clothes looking at them. "He didn't come home to me for a few days," she tells me but her voice seems almost like she didn't understand, it's not hurt or upset that he was seriously hurt but it was like she was mad he left her for awhile. "I don't remember but he said he missed me."

"Yeah," I kneel down in front of her figuring anything that is long ago she doesn't remember much of. She is only two, I doubt she remembers much. "Lily who…" I pause for a second. "Who is Karen?"

"I don't know," she shrugs chewing on her bottom lip.

"Where is your mommy Lily? Do you know?" I ask the whereabouts of Lucas's mom being stuck in my head since I have met him. I've never seen her, heard him speak of her or anyone for that matter. I assume those pictures I saw earlier were here and if so she is gorgeous, so where is she? But I also know pumping a two year old for questions is wrong and Lucas would tear me a new one if he knew, especially if it has something to do with that whole room thing earlier.

"She's an angel," she looks at me and my heart drops to my stomach. "Lukie said she the most beautiful angel of the sky," she grins thinking that her mom being an angel is the best news to ever hear.

"I bet," I run my hand through her hair, wishing I never asked, I shouldn't have asked. "Do you want to get you something now?" I question not so much for getting new clothes.

"Really?" her eyes widen with a big grin filling up her entire face.

"Yup," I sweep her up in my arms, and grabbing my purse. "You like strawberries right?"

"Pink berry?" her smile grows.

"Yup pink berry," I laugh opening the door and heading out of the store. "I know something I think you might really like."


"I lub this Book," Lily babbles against her straw of her strawberry banana smoothie.

"I thought you might," I laugh sipping on mine as we walk through the mall.

"What dat?" Lily points at the Bath and Body Works store.

"It's a store that smells good," I roll her stroller around and head that way. "I actually need something here so good find. You're the best."

"I know," she sings out making me laugh.

"Hmm…" I pop open some body wash and taking a smell. "Do you like that?" I hold it up to Lily.

"No," she waves it away, wiggling out of her stroller and looking at the bottles in front of her. Only being able to reach the first two rows. "Pink berry!" she cheers excited, grabbing one with a strawberry on the front.

"Hmm…" I pop the lid taking a smell. "That smells sweet, like you," I squat down by her, holding it to her little button nose.

"I tink I like that."

"How about we get it for you?" I look at her and her eyes widen.

"I have big girl stuff?" she asks and I nod.

"You said Lukie said you're a big girl right?" I ask reading the back making sure it doesn't have any of those keep away from children labels.

"Right," she nods.

"Well big girls get big girl stuff," I drop the strawberry bath gel into the basket.

"What about this?" she holds up some mango chapstick. "It smells yummy."

"Put it in," I hold the basket towards her and she drops it in and so the start of a fun lotion, gel, shampoo starting day begins.


"How do I look?" Lily does a twirl in her little dress we just picked out.

"Gorgeous," I sit watching as she does a spin in her dress looking in the mirror. "Oh look who it is," I grin seeing my phone ringing, 'Lucas' flashing over the screen. "I'm stealing your sister, you can have Clay," I say as soon as I answer.

"Umm…I don't know if that's a fair deal," he chuckles.

"It is! She is so much fun! We went shopping and got some clothes, and then we went and got smoothies and this stuff for when she showers. I checked and made sure it was ok for her age and it is! Now we are getting her a dress," I ramble into the phone, him laughing at me the whole time.

"I feel like you are spoiling her."

"But I don't have a little sister, I just have Clay and I don't like shopping with him," I grumble.

"Well then I guess I don't need to ask if she is being good huh?"

"Of course not she is fantastic!" I tell him honestly thinking that the day so far has been amazing. I didn't think babysitting could be this fun but I seriously love it.

"Ok good, that's good," I can all but picture him scratching his brow. For someone so secretive and mysterious he is very easy to read.

"Of course it's good," I lean back against the wall, Lily still doing her twirls. "Lily's in good hands you don't have to worry."

"I know I wasn't worried, I didn't think you couldn't take care of her. I wasn't checking up on you," he tells me quickly but I know he is lying. Of course he was checking up on me I'm not stupid. Just like all those parents who call while out to check to see if their child is behaving, everyone knows it's to check on the babysitter; make sure their child was in safe company. Plus I know Lucas doesn't leave her often so I'm more surprised he hasn't called twenty times to check on her.

"Mmhmm…" I grab Lily's stuff and put it on my arm, strapping her back in her stroller. "Oh I was wondering what is your number?"

"Well we are talking so don't you have it?"

"No dumbsh-" I look down at a happy Lily slurping on her smoothie. "shoe."

"Dumbshoe?" he laughs at me and I roll my eyes.

"What is your basketball number?"

"Three, why?"

"Just wondering," I shrug, strolling Lily out of the dressing room and paying for what we bought.

"Ok? You aren't doing something weird with my little sister right? No piercings or some shit? I have seen those people at the shops with the guns and needles things. The pop it in their ears and the baby cries and…and I don't like when Lily cries got it."

"Lucas," I laugh shaking my head. "Chill dude, why would you assume me asking for your number would mean I'm getting her ears pierced?"

"I don't know, I don't know how you think clearly," he informs me and I just choose to ignore that statement.

"She will return back to you with no extra holes in her. I can't promise I won't get her a tattoo."

"Brooke that is not funny!"

"What? I have a tattoo," I shrug not thinking they're that big of a deal.

"Really?" I hear the curiosity in his voice. "Where?"

"I am not telling you that," I stop in the middle of the mall, hand on hip.

"You're no fun."

"You're so stupid," I roll my eyes and start pushing again.

"You are still bringing Lily tonight right? To my game?"

"Of course, I was just kidding earlier I'm not going to kidnap her."

"I know I just like knowing where she is that's all. But umm…I have to go, bell just rang but I'm glad she is being good. Tell her I love her and to be good and I'll see ya'll later."

"Not a problem," I smile down at the girl kicking her feet around. His so easy love with her is refreshing. Lucas doesn't seem like the type to say I love you but I have yet been around him and her where he hadn't said it at least once to her. "See ya later Luke, bye," I close my phone slipping it back in my pocket. "Big brother said hi and that he loves you," I squat down next to the stroller.

"I love him too," she giggles sucking on her straw. "He my Prince you know?"

"Oh really?"

"Yup," she nods pushing her hair out of her face. "I his Princess, he calls me that, so he my Prince. Like in Snow White."

"You know I think big brother is probably the best Prince ever," I tap her nose with a smile.

"You tink?" she uses the line she uses all the time that makes me laugh.

"Yup, I do tink," I shake my head pushing her stroller to head towards the car and head back to Lucas's house.


"You tink Lukie will like it?" Lily looks down at her shirt we had made before the game.

"I think he will love it," I promise, lifting her out of the car and placing her on my hip. "He will think you are the cutest cheerleader ever," I tell her and she nods happy with that.

"Brooke…" I hear looking over my shoulder to see Felix walking towards me. "Hey," he smiles and I offer one back. "I didn't see you at school today."

"Yeah I skipped, had some stuff to do and told Lucas I would watch Lily," I bounce the baby on my hip and Felix moves his attention to her.

"I didn't know you and Lucas were friends," he looks almost bothered by that factor.

"Well I mean…" I pause a second not sure how I want to answer that one but when my gaze drops to Lucas by the gym talking to Theresa I chose just to leave it up in the air. "You ready for the game?"

"Yup," he gets a smile crossing his face again. "Are you ready to spend the night hanging out with me?"

"Cocky much?" I raise my brow with a small grin.

"Just enough," he winks slinging his bag over his shoulder. "But I have to go warm up; I want to be in good shape for this game. I kind of have a bet with a pretty girl and I really want to win."

"Well you better go then," I wave my hand towards the gym. "Because from looks of last game you will definitely need it."

"I knew you were watching me," he smirks and honestly I didn't. I didn't pay much attention to him at all but I wouldn't say that, I wouldn't want to hurt his feelings or anything so I just give him a shrug. "Well make sure to watch me tonight," he touches my jaw and gives me a wink before walking off.

"Felix is cute right?" I look down at Lily who has her face scrunched up. "I mean he isn't terrible."

"Lukie cute," she tells me and I let out a laugh. "He the cutest like me."

"Not the answer I needed Cupcake," I switch her to my other hip and push the stroller towards the gym. We aren't halfway there before I see Lucas roll his eyes at something Theresa says and a look that begs to get out of whatever he is talking about and just because I love to screw with Theresa I send in the only girl who can hold his attention. "Hey," I put Lily on the ground, sitting next to her. "You see Lukie?" I question and her little eyes scan around.

"No," she moves her head around and I turn her head and point. "I don't wike her!" she growls her little hands tightening by her side.

"Go show Lukie your outfit," I pat her bottom and she looks at me almost nervously. "What?"

"She don't wike me," she bites her bottom lip sad. "She don't wike me talking to Lukie."

"Who cares?" I smile not at all caring what Theresa likes or doesn't and not at all happy she lets Lily know that. Lily is two, Theresa is what eighteen? You don't compete with a two year old and what I learn so far she won't ever have Lucas pick her over his Lily. "Go on, Lukie I know has missed you today."

"You tink?" she tilts her head to the side squinting at me and I nod.

"See if you can scare him, be really, really quiet and grab his leg saying guess who," I smile making her smile.

"I can do dat," she spins on her little shoes slowly tip toeing towards Lucas as I follow behind.

"Lucas that is bullshit!" I hear Theresa yell and debate if I should let Lily get in the middle of their argument. "You have known all week and now decide you just can't, because of that…that…"

"Watch your next word Theresa," he warns and I see anger fly all over him by whatever she was about to say.

"You promised," she whines making me roll my eyes.

"No I didn't, I said we would talk and we did and that's-" he stops his words when Lily's little arms wrap about his leg, squealing, "Guess who?"

"I don't know," he chuckles looking down at her, her little face grinning up at him. "Maybe my Princess?" he questions her smile only growing.

"It is me!" she squeals jumping up and down excited.

"I thought it might," he smiles down at her and I watch Theresa scoff before spinning on her feet and stomping away from him.

"Sorry we interrupted," I nod my head at the fuming blonde.

"I'm not, that conversation was annoying me," he admits, giving me a wink before bending down to look at Lily. "Well look at you."

"You lub it?" She does a twirl in the outfit we made her. It's not that big of a deal just a pink shirt, because she loves pink, with the number three on the back, cut and tied on the sides and 'Scott' written at the top. Then we got a matching black and pink cheerleading skirt and a pink ribbon to match. It took about an hour and a half to do the paint and glitter and tying but to see how excited Lily was I would make her a million more.

"I do lub it," he gives a nod looking her over. "I think everyone now knows your mine," he winks making her giggle.

"Everybody know that silly," she giggles more licking her top lip. "Oh Lukie!" she squeals right in his face making her flinch back some. "I forgot!" she runs over to the stroller and grabbing her smoothie. "Try dis!" she shoves it in his mouth before he can even comment. "Lukie it pink berry in a cup!" she grins big.

"That is very good," he wipes his lips from the drink.

"She kinda likes them," I wave my hand around, Lucas picking her up and sitting her on his hip. "She has kind of had four today," I bite my bottom lip nervous with his reaction.

"You are sucker for her," he chuckles. "But it's all healthy so it's ok," he shrugs taking another sip when Lily offers. "And they are pretty good."

"Right?" I throw my hands up finally glad someone agrees. "Clay doesn't believe me when I say its heaven in your mouth."

"Huh," he chuckles wiping his bottom lip. "I wonder what else is heaven in your mouth?" he teases and my face turns a bright red I'm sure.

"Lucas!" I shriek slapping his arm making him laugh more. "I have helped you today so be nice!"

"Yes because from what I can tell today was such a chore. I mean you skipped school and shopped all day and played dress up with my sister."

"I know it was so much fun," I gush again making him laugh.

"Well thanks again Brooke, I really mean it," he gives me a genuine smile that makes my heart flutter a second.

"Anytime," I shrug making the mistake of locking my eyes onto his and for a second I swear I can see what he is thinking but as soon as I do he drops the gaze and starts to hand Lily back to me.

"I have to go warm up," he adjusts. "I'll umm...see ya'll after the game."

"Yeah," I nod.

"Be good Princess, enjoy your pink berry in a cup," he kisses her head and my heart tightens in my chest at how close he is.

"Yeah," he shakes his head, walking passed us and to the locker room, still tossing a glance over his shoulder before disappearing behind the door.

"Ugh," I growl a little slinging Lily's bag over my shoulder. "Come on Lily, let's find a seat," I move towards the bleacher hating whatever Lucas and I just had…again.


As I warm up I can't help but let my eyes wonder over to Brooke. She looks good like always. Has on a pair of nicely tight jeans tucked into a pair of black boots that hit just below her knee, a tan flow top and like most games Clay's jacket. I notice she wears it a lot, I think maybe even more then he does, but it fits her nice. Of course it swallows her and I wonder if mine would fit better, though I'm taller than Clay I'm not as built and I think mine would fit better.

I can't really fight the smile that tugs on my lips as I watch Lily talk so animatedly with her. Her little hands are flying all around her head and her eyes will get real big about something that makes Brooke throw her head back laughing. I can only imagine what their conversation is about and in this moment I realize why I trust her so much with Lily. Even with just knowing her a few weeks she is just so natural with Lily and really seems to listen to what she is saying. Sometimes Lily will ramble about nothing but Brooke is always listening and hanging onto every word even when I'm not even sure Lily is speaking words.

Her gentle side this morning was something I didn't expect either. The way she talked to Lily, helped her feel better about her little accident and I admit Lily has a lot of them. I think it's because her body gets ahead of her little mind and she just starts going and before you know it she has slipped spilling something, knocked something off a stand and broke a vase that cost way too much but it really doesn't bother me. Because when those big gorgeous eyes look at me and that little lip trembles I know I can't be mad at her, which just confuses me how my father can be so furious all the time.

"Scott!" I lift my head from Brooke to see Felix running towards me.

"Yeah?" I don't really hide my irritation so well only because I saw him talking to Brooke earlier, I saw him laughing and giving her looks that made her blush and it really made my skin crawl.

"The party tonight you're going right?" He questions.

"No," I tell him catching the ball and slinging it towards the hoop.

"What? You aren't going? I thought you and Davis were new buddies or some shit."

"I have things going on tonight," I offer him not much more. Truth is I wish I could go I wanted to go but my plans went down the crapper when I realized I had to take care of Lily tonight, yeah Felix wouldn't understand that.

"Dude you are seriously becoming like a nun," he informs me and I catch the ball turning to look at him confused.

"How the hell am I a nun?"

"Because all you do lately is ball, school and stay at home. Hell Theresa throws herself at you and you just completely dismiss it and Theresa is the definition of fucking hot," he informs me and I can't help the noise of disgust that creeps passed my lips.

"What is your point?"

"My point is your becoming soft," he shrugs. "What I'm saying is that you should just get whatever the hell you want out of your system and become Lucas again. I mean I need my wing man at parties," he slaps his hand to my back with an annoying grin.

"Why do you need a wing man?" I question going back to warming up. "Aren't you trying to get with Davis's sister?" I ask trying not to show how that thought makes me want to hurl.

"Trying to get with her doesn't mean I'm dating her. I mean yeah she is good to look at," he turns his gaze to Brooke who is tossing a giggling Lily in her arms. "But it's not like I'm seriously interested in her."

"So you are just trying to fuck her and be done?" I send a glare at him. "Dude that is fucked up!"

"What is it about me screwing with Brooke that has you so tweaked? I mean I know she is your little babysitter or whatever but what? You want to fuck her or something? Because if so you can just have her when I'm done" he shrugs and I feel the rage fly all over me.

"She is Clay's sister, your friend that alone should tell you not to do that shit," I inform him, ignoring the piece in my head yelling hypocrite but again its different for me, if I could explain it I would but Felix's doings are so different.

"Brooke is like new meat man," he starts to explain and I take the ball in my hand and throwing it at Nathan, hearing the loud smack of it flying past his head and slamming into the wall. "No one has gotten her here yet and the guys are starting to notice her. If it's not me it's going to be someone else and hell why not let it be me?" he justifies himself with that and I don't even respond just sling the ball once again at the basket. "Plus it's not like she won't enjoy her time."

"She is a good girl Felix," I growl, tossing a glance over at him. "She isn't like your sluts and it's really fucked up what you're doing."

"Why do you care?"

"Because she is my friend!" I choose to believe that is the only reason. "She is my friend and I don't like people messing with my friends. So again just leave her alone," I tell him, locking eyes on him and my whole body feeling like its tightens up.

"She is a big girl Lucas, whatever she wants to happen will happen and I'm not really going to tell her no if she is offering," he shrugs before spinning away and walking off.

"Jackass," I grumble pulling back and slamming the ball forward.


"And up!" I toss Lily in the air and catch her again as she giggles.

"I love up!" she tells me as I go again.

"I know you do Cupcake," I do it again before settling her back on my hip. Today was a good day, a fun day and though I'm excited for the party tonight I'm a little upset the game is over and I don't get to spend more time with Lily. When she is around its like everything is so carefree and I like that feeling, like I live in a world of innocence again and everything else isn't complicated.

The guys won, not shocked and also not surprised when Felix scored the final shot. I could see the smug look of happiness with the fact he did so well. I also didn't miss that when the ball left his hands, the wink he threw at me.

I guess I should be happy or something, I mean I smiled back shaking my head but I'm really not as into it as he seems to be. He is nice yes, he is attractive and funny but I just really don't care. I have had the funny guy, the attractive guy and the guy with the nice eyes before and it leads nowhere and I don't want to do that again. I can look at Felix and know what he wants, I knew the moment he approached me and I know he talked to Lucas about me because of Lucas's weird protective crap he pulled and then the glances he would toss at me every time he and Felix talked during the game.

I want to say it's a side of jealousy, that when he would catch the ball and throw a lot harder to Felix then the rest of his team was because in a way his mind wanted to hurt him. That the flinch of pain that flickered in his eyes every time he caught it was just a glimpse that Lucas didn't like what he was trying. That he didn't like Felix trying to hit on me, because secretly in a way he wants me.

I only let that thought linger a moment, I mean I know he said he wanted me but I don't know what that means. He is so hot and cold with his feelings I can't keep up but I know it's not a good sign that I would rather play his little game then Felix's any day. Yet at the same time I like I know what Felix is after, Lucas I really don't have a clue.

"I watch Nemo tonight," Lily's voice trails into my thoughts. "Lukie say we watch it," she tells me.

"He is?" I look at her and she nods.

"He said he likes the missing fish more than princesses and lovey dovey shit," she informs me and I slam my hand to her mouth as a few people's heads turn to look at her word choice.

"Shoes," I tell them. "She said she has princess shoes," I try to play off but they all give me a questionable look. "Look she is two alright?" I toss my hand up in the air and they turn around whispering things. "That a bad word baby girl; can't really say it."

"I know dat," she giggles, brushing a curl from her face. "I just telling you what Lukie said."

"Right," I laugh shaking my head. "Well we need to tell Lukie not to say those words anymore."

"What words?" My heart races at just his voice spinning to see Lucas standing there with a grin.

"Well your little Lily just said…" I pause looking around to see who is paying attention.

"Shit," Lily answers for me and I slap my hand to my face as the heads once again turn.

"Oh really?" he chuckles reaching for sister and I hand her over. "You said shit huh?"

"I was just telling her what you said," she shrugs, placing her hand on his shoulder and running her hand back and forth. "Lukie you need shower, you smell funny," she scrunches up her face.

"Do I really smell that bad?" He questions tossing a glance over me and I shake my head no. He doesn't smell, not really, well he does but not bad. He more smells like someone who has been working hard and broke a sweat, not bad just not his normal Lucas smell.

"Yes," Lily nods her head, reaching back for me. "I want Book, she smells better."

"Well fine then," he hands her back and I laugh a little at his hurt expression. "To think we were going to have ice cream."

"Ice cream?" her head perks up to look at him and he nods. "Pink berry?"

"Pink berry," he chuckles, reaching over and fixing a piece of hair that was in her face, pinning back into her bow.

"I love pink berry Book," she tells me licking her lips.

"I know you do," I grin.

"Brooke you mind carrying her to the car for me? I have some stuff I have to carry plus apparently I smell."

"Yeah sure," I shrug, adjusting Lily on my hip. "I have some stuff in your car anyway."

"Ok cool," he grabs his bag off the ground and I ignore when he places his hand on my lower back leading me towards his car. "So you get everything you need for the party?" he asks as we walk.

"Yup," I nod, watching him unlock his car and opening the back. "You're coming right?" I ask putting Lily in her car seat and walk around to see Lucas loading his stuff in the car.

"Umm…no," he rubs the back of his neck lifting his head to look at me.

"Oh," I don't think I do to well hiding my disappointment with that one.

"I mean I wanted to," he tells me quickly. "I mean of course I wanted too," his tone is a little different as he takes a step towards me.

"Its fine," I shrug like I don't care.

"Brooke…" his hand slides up under Clay's jacket, making my skin burn at his touch.

"Yeah?" I run my finger tips slowly up and down his arm, my body quivering when he brings me closer to him.

"You know I wanted to come," he drops his head down to look in my eyes. "I planned on it but I have Lily…" he trails off and I don't know why I forgot about that. Of course he can't come, he almost missed school today because he had to watch her so that makes complete since why he couldn't come.

"It's whatever," I tell him as if I didn't want him there. "I just thought Clay wanted you there," I go to take a step back but his hand tightens on my side.

"Why don't you just say you want me to be there?" he questions, his thumb stroking my side making my whole body quiver.

"Because I don't," I let out a laugh like it's the most absurd thing ever.

"You are a terrible liar," he chuckles.

"Your eyes twitches when you lie," I randomly state and he just laughs more.

"You're too much Brooke Davis you know that?" he questions, pushing his finger under my chin and lifting my head to look at him. "You want me there," he says and again I shake my head no. "You do and sooner or later you just going to have to stop fighting that," he drops his hands and taking a step back, my body quickly missing his warmth. "Thanks for watching Lily today," he slams his trunk. "Have fun at the party just be careful ok?"

"Ok," I answer in a low voice almost afraid to speak, afraid of what I might say and what he might read off me. I don't like him reading me so well, its quiet annoying.

"Bye Brooke," he pauses at his door, looking at me almost waiting for me to say something and I guess after a moment of realizing I'm not climbs into his car and pulling off.

"B!" I hear snapping my head to see Clay on the other side of the parking lot. "There you are, get your ass in the car, I need a shower before tonight."

"Right," I shake my head of Lucas thoughts, walking over and climbing into the car.

"You have a good day?" he asks as he cranks the car.

"Yeah," I wrap his jacket around me, taking in the warmth. "It was a good day," confusing. I want to add, a confusing day, confusing last few minutes but so far it has been good and really hoping the party tonight makes it better.


Well thank you all for the reviews! Ya'll gave me so many last chapter I loved it! Let's keep it going my loves and tell me what you thought of this chapter! Hate it, love it, want Lucas to just strip Brooke and threw her on the nearest bed whatever, you know I enjoy!

Review!