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Some would say that going on your first date is a right of passage into adulthood. How many other firsts can one keep overlooking before they sit down and realize that it's okay to make a big deal of at least one of the firsts in life. So, on this night, while Brooke was trying her hardest to stay calm and collected, Karen and Haley weren't exactly making it easy for her with all their squealing and hand clapping when they caught sight of her in her "date" outfit. And to Brooke, it probably would've been a lot less embarrassing had Lucas not been standing in her doorway observing everything with a bemused smile gracing his face.

"Brooke, honey, look at you." Karen's smile widened as she placed a hand over her beating heart. "I always knew you were beautiful, but this..." she gestured up and down "...this just proves it."

Brooke stood in front of her full size mirror and studied her reflection and it took her a moment to recognize the girl staring back at her. Gone were her usual attire of hooded sweatshirts and baggy pants only to be replaced by a pair of dark, low riding skinny jeans that were snug on her hips and a fitted red halter top encased itself on her torso, accentuating curves she hadn't realized before And gone were her comfortable sneakers and in its place were a pair of knee high black boots that zipped over the leg of her jeans.

Her hair hung in loose curls down her back, her eyes were lightly shadowed in neutral colors that made the color in them stand out all the more. Long earrings hung from each side of her face. Lips were shimmering in a pale pink gloss that Karen had swiped across.

Definitely not a face Brooke was accustomed to seeing when she looked in the mirror.

"And now, to complete the ensemble.." Haley held out a black knitted shrug for her friend to slip on. "Perfect!"

"Perfect!" Karen reiterated.

Haley studied her friend carefully and was confused to see such a lack of enthusiasm on her face. "Come on Brooke, can you at least try to look a little excited? Aren't you looking forward to this?"

Lucas watched as she tried to force a smile on her face, but he didn't buy it. Although instead of saying anything, he bit his tongue and tucked the thought to the back of his mind for a later time.

"Of course I am Hales..." Glancing between Karen and Haley's hopeful expressions, she tried to find the words to express how she really felt without bursting their bubble and ruining all their hard work. "It's just, don't you think this is a bit much?" She pointed at her reflection in the mirror. "Makeup? Jewelry? Just seems to be an awful lot of time and effort for no reason."

Lucas had to bite his lip to keep the laughter from escaping his mouth. He had to admit, she had a point. It did seem a little much. He wasn't naive enough to believe a girl rolled out of bed looking good. He knew that some effort was put into it, but if he had to be honest with himself, he always thought that, out of all the girls he knew, Brooke was the one that he could see doing just that. Roll out of bed and still be as attractive without all the work.

"I mean, seriously guys, in all the time I took to get ready and made up, I could've finished two games on the court." Brooke watched as the smile fell from both Karen and Haley's face. "I didn't mean for it to sound like I'm being unappreciative."

Karen placed a motherly arm around the young girls shoulder and rested her head against Brooke's. "I know it seems like a lot sweetie, but this is the first date, believe me, it won't be as bad the next time around." She quickly sent Haley a look when she heard her scoff under her breath.

"I'm sorry Karen, but, that's a load of bull, and I say that with the utmost respect..." She quickly continued when she saw Karen open her mouth to speak. "Brooke, this is what girls do. We shop, we talk about boys, we get excited about dates with new guys, we get manicures and pedicures, we pamper ourselves and we do all of this with a smile and grace because even though we may not always love it, we still do it."

"Well that's great and all Hales, but not all of us are like that."

"Alright girls, we can debate this all night, Lord knows this topic is about as controversial as a presidential election, but we don't have time for that right now." Hearing the authoritative tone, both girls knew to keep their mouths shut. "And besides, isn't Jake due to pick you up any minute now?"

Off of Brooke's nod Karen made her way to the doorway and noticed her son for the first time. "Lucas, you gave me a scare there, how long have you been standing there? I thought you were going out?"

"Sorry Ma, didn't mean to. I was just heading out but wanted to stop by and wish the Brookester here luck on her date." He shifted his gaze from his mom to Brooke. "You look good pretty girl, Jake's not going to know what hit him." He quickly kissed his mom on the cheek before heading down the hall, completely missing the blush that graced Brooke's face upon hearing his words.

"Oh, by the way, remember when the time's right, lips will meet lips..." He poked his head back in to give her his parting words and this time he did catch the blush making it's way across her face once again. He chuckled as he quickly made his way back out when he saw the curiosity on both his mom's and Haley's face. Don't want to be pulled into that conversation, he thought to himself as he made his way out of the house and into his car.

Haley and Karen both turned to Brooke with questioning eyes but before either could voice their thought aloud, Brooke dashed passed them offering a small smile.

"Oh, will you look at the time, is that a car pulling up, that must be Jake. Thanks you two, I'll see you later." Brooke rambled as she walked out of her room and towards the front door, praying that Jake would just miraculously appear on the other side and save her from an embarrassing conversation.

Prayer answered as Jake was indeed on the other side of the door with his hand in mid motion to knock.

Before Jake could say anything, Brooke quickly pushed him toward the front steps, closing the door behind her, only to hear Haley yell out "We're so talking about this later Davis."

A/N: Hey guys, sorry, short chapter. A lot's been happening lately, but I wanted to get a chapter out to you. If, in the future, you would rather I hold off on updating, so that the chapters can be longer and of better quality, just let me know and I will do just that.

Thanks for all the awesome reviews, gotta say, it's what keeps me motivated to update and continue. Let me know your thoughts!!