Orange County, California

September 10, 2012; 1: 57 PM

Newport High; Free Period

BROOKE'S POV

Oh my gosh! I'm practically freaking out right now. My heart's gonna burst out of my chest right now! Literally! I mean it! Where in the world is Lucas???

PEYTON'S POV

The tryouts start in 3 minutes. I'm sooo ready to show off my moves and bring the gym down. Plus, Lucas is going to be there. I'm sure he'll be completely head over heels with me after he sees me work my butt off the tryouts. Where is he anyway? He said we'll meet at the bleachers. Oh well, I guess he's on his way.

LUCAS'S POV

Free at last! I looked down on my watch and- Shoot! I'm going to be late for Peyton's tryouts. Wait, I think I'm forgetting something. Uuhhh…I gotta stop being nervous for Peyton. I'm there to support her, not to pressure her.

I raced down the hall and headed to the bleachers, just like what Peyton and I planned. But first, I made a quick pit stop to the comfort room to check myself out. Of course I have to look my best for Peyton! Then, there she was. My Peyton. Standing at the bleachers, looking like a lost fairy wandering around. She still looked perfect in those sweats she's wearing.

"Shut up Lucas! Put yourself together, man!," my mind scolded me.

"Hey Peyton!" I shouted as I tickled her on the waist.

"Aahhh!!! Lucas, stop it! Don't creep one me like that! You always pop out of nowhere! That's so not nice!," Peyton said as she hit me on the shoulder.

"I'm sorry. I'll not do it again. Swear!," I said raising my hand.

"Ok! Come on! The tryouts will start at…well, now! Come on, we have to hurry!," she said as she grabbed my arm and ran.

"Ok. Slow down, Road Runner!"

BROOKE'S POV

I keep glancing at my watch as I waited for Lucas. Where are you Lucas?! I'm gonna be up any minute now and I still haven't seen any sign of him. Suddenly, I heard my name being called. Oh my gosh, it's my turn now! Well, I guess I have to continue without Lucas. The show must go on, like they say. I just hope he'll show up no matter what, just like he promised. Nobody likes being stood up, right?

(1 hour later)

All POVs are happening at the same time.

PEYTON'S POV

I was surprised to know that Amanda is the captain of the squad. Actually, I was more of terrified- surprised. I became worried because she might not let my join 'cause I'm just a newbie. And after the incident last Monday, I slowly lost hope on being part of the squad. But all my worries suddenly vanished into thin air when I heard that my name made it into the list of those who were accepted. But that's not all! Amanda even made me her co- captain 'cause she was impressed by me. I knew I was going to pull it off. And mind you, Amanda's not so much of a meanie. I can even see myself become BFFs with her.

As soon as all of them are gone, I ran up to Lucas and instinctively hugged him. I was so happy that time and I can't even contain it! I felt like I'm sitting on top of the world. And I'm sharing it with the person who I wanted to be standing next to me when I achieved this dream: Lucas. My one and only Lucas!

Too bad Lucas had to leave early. He said something came up. Whatever it is, I don't want to get in it, 'cause it will surely ruin my mood. Right now, I just want to enjoy myself and my victory, and celebrate the rising of my stardom. Tonight it's all about ME, ME, and ME.

LUCAS'S POV

I'm so happy for Peyton! She got what she wanted and more. I believe she made a good decision of going to this school. Now she's able to do her own thing and stand out.

While we're celebrating and all, I saw someone standing by the door of the gym, with her books lying on the floor and tears flowing freely down her cheeks, almost like the Niagara Falls. It couldn't be---- OH MY GOD!!!! IT'S BROOKE! I totally forgot her auditions today. No wonder I was having the feeling that I was forgetting something. Then, Brooke ran, leaving her things on the floor. My mind was racing but all I know is, I have to go after her!

"Peyton, I gotta go! Something urgent came up. Bye!," I said while breaking free from her.

"Oh, ok! Bye! Call me!," she called after me.

I took all of Brooke's things from the floor and chased after her.

BROOKE'S POV

How could he???? He promised, didn't he??? I ran to the football field, away from Lucas as much as possible. Suddenly, I heard footsteps coming near me. I immediately recognized it's Lucas. Damn it! I hate it sometimes when he knows me too well!

"Brooke, I'm sorry!," he said as he touched my shoulder.

"Don't you dare touch me! You promised you'd be there, you backstabbing jerk!," I hissed at him.

"I know! It kinda slipped my mind, 'cause Peyton asked me too," he said while scratching the back of his head.

"You forgot???? But you obviously didn't forget Peyton's auditions! You were even the first one to know Peyton become the co- captain. But you didn't even bother to ask if I got the role, 'cause FYI, I did! I thought we're best friends Lucas? You are so freakin' unfair!" I'm so uncontrollable right now! I can see myself fuming with so much anger at him!

"We are still best friends Brooke! Believe me! We were, we are, and we will always be! And by the way, your news is great Brookie!,"Lucas said as he smiled at me.

This time, his million- dollar smile didn't make me weak in my knees! "Oh??? That's all you have to say??? I was 100 sure that's not how you reacted when you heard Peyton's good news! And, you have no right to call me Brookie right now!", I said while pointing a finger at him.

"I know! I'm sorry about the hugging- thing and the Brookie- thing. We're just caught up with the moment. I'm 100 sincerely apologizing to you. Please forgive me," Lucas said as he lowered his head.

When I didn't move an inch, he sat across me and said, "What will it take for you to let the matter off? I'm saying sorry for like a million times. Please forgive me already." Damn those puppy- dog, blue eyes! I find that look so irresistible and it's hard for me to stay angry at me. I'm gonna lose my composure any minute now. He's pleading as if it's his life we're talking about. I hate it when my heart melts so easily when it comes to him.

"Depends," I said, softening a bit.

"Well, if it helps, I brought you your Hershey's and M&Ms," he said wriggling them in front of me.

"Ok, you are officially spared from my wrath. But it still doesn't change the fact that I'm still angry at you. And you totally owe me one. The good news though, you can call me Brookie again," I said while grabbing the chocolates from him and munching on them like there's no tomorrow.

"Thanks Brookie! Tell you what, let me make it up to you. Go to our house on September 18, that's Friday of next week. You have an exclusive sneak peek on our band practice. You'll get the first dibs on the songs we'll play for the winter formal. It's just you, me, and the band. Whaddya say?," he said as he puts his hand on my knee, which, of course, sent chills down my spine.

"That's so cool and freakin' awesome! Sure, I'll come over."

"Good! But now let's go to Starbucks and grab some frappes. My treat," Lucas said as he stood up and offered me his hand.

"Ok! Let's go! I've been craving for coffee for like, forever!

I'M SO FLOATING ON CLOUD NINE RIGHT NOW! I WISH TIME WOULD FREEZE AND THIS WILL BE FAR FROM OVER.

Well, a girl can only a dream, right?