All Those Years Ago
Disclaimer: These characters belong to Mark Schwahn and the CW. I own none of them. No copyright infringement intended.
Author's note: Sorry it took me so long to get this chapter updated. I have been swamped with school work, and lost my Beta (so if anyone would like to volunteer I'm still looking), then I left for spring break, and came down with the flu. It's been a crazy couple of weeks! Anyways, this chapter has alot of storyline in it, and substance, which I loved grasping, but it was harder than I thought to write. I hope I did it justice, and you like it. Please review! Love!
The One That Got Away
…Would you spare a minute?
Give me a single chance
To look in your eyes
Let me hold your hands
I want to get close enough,
To read you, understand you
Open up your heart
Open up your mind
I'm only here to help you,
Learn to love me, to know me…
Brooke had been blissfully sleeping, deep in a lovely dream of her and Lucas making out, when she was abruptly woken up by the sounds of banging and loud cavernous voices coming from downstairs.
No one should be here at this time, she thought. We better not be getting robbed or something.
She then went to grab her robe, and took along a stiletto heel, the only thing she could find, to use for protection. Following the sounds, she ended up just outside her living room. Inside, she could see that there were two men picking up her grand piano. Just then the front door opened and several more men came inside. Brooke started to move towards them heel held up defensively in her hand.
"Stop that!" She shrieked. "Or else, I'll…"
"What are you gonna do babycakes?" One of the men said, as he checked her out. "I think I'd let you do just about anything."
"Sick, perv…in your dreams!" She grunted. "What is going on?"
"I dunno if your parents didn't tell you, or something, but we're supposed to take everything." Replied one of the men, who had just walked in moments ago.
"Everything? What? Why? That is mine!"
"Listen, little lady…I don't want any problems, okay? So maybe you could just get some clothes on, take what you need, and get on out of here…take up the logistics with your parents later. Okay?"
"Humph, fine…but make sure that creep stays away from my room!" Brooke shouted, pointing to the man who had harassed her earlier.
...Turn around, don't evaporate
Like you never came
Turn around don't be a ghost
Forever never there to haunt me…
The petite brunette rushed frantically around her room, finding her cell phone, and dialing up her mother. She was completely and utterly confused at this point.
Victoria better answer her phone, she thought. I mean, why would they be moving all of my stuff? This doesn't make sense, unless we're…
"Mother…" She said, after several rings.
"Victoria, sweetheart, call me Victoria. And, I'm in the middle of something important so make this quick, okay?" Said her mother, from the "very important" hair salon & spa.
"Victoria, fine, whatever… did you know that I could have been raped by any one of these loser mover people guys that are like all over our house right now? They're taking everything! What's going on?"
"Oh, Brooke…quit being so dramatic, they are just moving our things to the new house…"
"New house?" Brooke gasped. "In Tree Hill?" She hoped.
"No, silly…LA, didn't we go over this? Your pathetic twit of a father actually got that job promotion. We can leave this rancid town. I thought we told you this? Hmm, must have slipped my mind. Anyways, we'll be leaving this Sunday. Your dad insists on driving, but I'm flying out…your choice. I've really gotta run."
"But…" Brooke tried, holding back walls of tears, but there was no use, Victoria had already hung up.
The once so cheery brunette just collapsed to the floor weeping, uncontrollably.
California, that's like a million miles away, she thought. Why are they doing this to me? And Sunday? That soon…how long have they known about this and forgot to tell me? This is awful, how am I going to tell Nathan and Haley…and Lucas, oh Lucas. Just when things were looking, uh figures…too perfect, never lasts.
When she had regained some composure, she stood up. Looking in the mirror one last time before walking out, she told herself that she would figure something out. She had to.
…
Tomorrow was the Tree Hill Raven's season opener for the men's basketball team. At a school like Tree Hill, in a town like theirs, there was nothing more important than a basketball game. For the students it was a chance to show their pride, for the residents it was a chance to show their support, and for the team it was a chance to show their greatness.
This year, Tree Hill fans had been even more hyped up than usual. At first it had been because it would be Nathan Scott's senior year, and fan's expected great things from him. Later, it had revolved around the controversy over new addition, and co-captain, Lucas Scott. However, most recently, it had been in anticipation for the unveiling of the Scott brother duo that had been making headlines. Yes, the Tree Hill Raven's star players were creating quite the buzz around town. After an impressive pre-season showing, some people were even gearing up for a state championship title.
"Dude," Nathan said to Lucas, as they moved to the bench press in the weight room. "I'm gonna be killing it tomorrow on the court…Dan won't be there so I figure I'll shoot for a season-high, just to piss him off."
"Where has he been lately, anyway?" Lucas replied, while laughing.
"I dunno, something about proving he's not controlled by basketball? Which we all know he is…but his lawyers must have told him to skip a game or two, I guess."
"Wow, for him that must be torture."
"Don't worry, he made sure to inform me that he bought a satellite dish to bring in the live feed. You know…so that he can still keep up with the stats…"
The two brothers shook their head in disbelief. Their father, Dan Scott, was something else, always cooking up some mischief or scheme. After Whitey had named both Nathan and Lucas co-captains Dan had been interjecting himself into their lives a lot more frequently, especially Lucas's. It wasn't something that either of them enjoyed. In fact, it had sort of given them something to bond over; an equal, ill disposition towards their father.
"So did Dan ever talk about me when you were little?" Lucas asked, as they switched places on the bench.
"Well, when I was younger I used to hear my parents argue about you. I knew you were out there. And I hated the fact so I hated you. I just thought what my dad wanted me to think. It sounds stupid now but it made sense at the time."
"Did you know he wanted joint custody of me? That's what he wanted to talk to me about the other night."
"Wow, didn't see that coming."
"So you think if Dan would have gotten his way, you and I might have grown up together?"
"What would that have gotten us, we might have killed each other?"
"Or, we might have teamed up against him?"
"Trust me, man; you didn't miss out on anything…"
…
After working out the Scott brothers went to check on their coach Whitey Durham in his office. He had mentioned to them at yesterday's practice that he wanted them to stop by in the morning. Apparently he had news to tell them. When they got there he was sitting in his usual chair at his desk, legs crossed up on a file cabinet, but something was starkly different. That day he held an article from a newspaper in his hands, and was studying it with piercing eyes. He didn't even flinch from the paper when Lucas and Nathan arrived. The boys couldn't imagine what, other than another article about the Raven's stellar year, Whitey could be holding. However they both knew an article like that wouldn't have left him emanating such distress from within.
The co-captains slowly walked closer toward their coach, being careful not to disturb him. He sat stone-like, not wavering from his position, facing the opposite direction of the door, and his approaching players. He appeared to be in some sort of a trance, almost as if a part of him was absent from the room. Regardless, this behavior was unlike him. In fact, Whitey was usually exceptionally observant. Sometimes so much that it would freak a person out, as if he had eyes in the back of his head. His years in the military had taught him to be on the defense and always ready for attack. Years later, this habit translated into one which most people would consider to be abnormal "civilian" behavior. However, while neither Nathan nor Lucas nor anyone at Tree Hill, for that matter, posed him an imminent threat, something he was perfectly aware of, those instincts were still deeply engrained.
As a coach and teacher, that super human ability to foresee and react quickly to situations had served him well throughout the years. In fact, under normal circumstances, Coach Durham would have, more than likely, greeted his players before they had even entered the realm of his office. So needless to say, today's events, and their bull headed coach's current demeanor, were chilling in contrast to what either one of the players would have expected.
"Coach?" Lucas and Nathan said in unison, finally breaking into the man's attention.
"Oh hey boys…sit down; I've got something to tell you." He sighed.
Whitey waited till the both of them were sitting, and turned to face the brothers with solemn eyes. Having refused to buy new reading glasses, he was forced, these days, to hold the old crooked pair steady with his index finger and thumb. He then looked up at Nathan and Lucas from behind his, un-framed eyeglasses, still half eyeing the newspaper clipping. He kinked one eyebrow in concentration, appearing very much torn, and lost.
"I promised Camilla I'd win 500 games then walk away. We were going to grow old together." The white haired coach explained, softly. Noticing their apprehension he continued. "And, if we win tomorrow night… that would be my 500th win."
"No offense coach, but you're already old." Nathan reminded him, smiling.
"And, you can't leave us now, I mean look at us," Lucas said, pointing between he and Nathan. "Did you ever think we'd get here? That's all your doing, coach."
The old man chuckled to himself at the obvious admiration his co-captains shared for him. Though, he particularly enjoyed the distinction between how Nathan and Lucas expressed those feelings. For two brothers, who shared such a talent in basketball, they were immensely different. Lucas, the broody one, had always been comfortable with his feelings. Nathan, on the other hand, tended to mask it with arrogance or humor.
Never thought I'd see firsthand the outcome of my advice to Danny boy, the old man thought, after being reminded of his conversation with Keith, their father's brother, only month's earlier. Keith was right; telling Dan to honor his scholarship, to leave Karen and Lucas, had been a miracle in disguise for them. Unfortunately, I can't say the same for Nathan…
You see, to make a painfully long, and confusing story short, having taken Whitey's advice to pursue his basketball career years ago, Dan Scott had abandoned his pregnant girlfriend Karen, and eventually disowned Lucas, their child. Marrying Deb, his college girlfriend and Nathan's mother, soon after, brought him her family's fortune, which he quickly capitalized on. For several years the brothers had lived separate, completely opposite lives, much to Dan's pleasure, until Lucas joined the Ravens.
Back when Lucas had first joined it had been on Keith's request that Whitey kept him on the team. It wasn't that Lucas hadn't been a strong player, but at the time the team dynamics had suffered greatly because of the tension between the estranged brothers. The strain, however, had been the result of their father's relative involvement, or lack thereof, in his son's lives. Not until today, had Whitey realized just how ironic the situation he supported had turned out.
To think, Lucas was better off not having his father in his life all along, Coach Durham laughed at the thought. I guess it's about time I do Nathan a favor…
The two Scotts sat impatiently, waiting for Whitey's response. Lost in thought, several seconds had passed before their coach's familiar husky voice broke through the awkward silence.
"Listen up, knuckleheads…I'm not going anywhere, just yet…" Whitey barked, moving to stand. "My replacement would have been your father, and I'm way to proud a man to let him reap those benefits, or destroy what I have built. Plus, you're right, you boys have come a long way, and I'll be damned if Ol' Danny gets in the way of that…"
The brothers just looked at each other and laughed, half out of relief, and half out of amazement. Neither could have imagined anything scarier than Dan Scott, their huge ass of a father, being coach of the Tree Hill Ravens, being their coach. They couldn't have been more grateful to Whitey if they wanted or tried.
"Thanks, coach…we'll make you proud, we'll get you that championship!" Nathan promised, as he grabbed his book bag to leave.
"Yea, coach…for real we'll make it up to you… and Camilla too." Lucas chimed in as they both left the office.
Lucas then started to walk in the opposite direction of their neighboring lockers. The break from habit caught Nathan's attention and he followed.
"Hey, where you goin?" He asked, after he was close enough.
"I gotta stop by Brooke's locker before class, what do you need a baby sitter now?" Lucas joked.
"Nah man, shut up, that's not even it."
"So, you gonna to tell me what happened with Haley? I'm assuming that is what this is all about?"
"Fine, you're right…so, let's just say she found out I was looking at some websites that don't exactly make me boyfriend of the year. Alright, not that it's any of your business, but um, Haley and I, we're not, I mean she's not, you know, so, I'm just trying not to pressure her that's all.
"Yeah, sure. Porn freak!" Lucas jabbed. "Just stay away from the sites with farm animals, alright? And let her know that you'd rather be with her than any of those girls…"
"I already tried that." Nathan told him, looking defeated.
"Really mean it." Lucas said, and then walked away.
"Thanks, I guess?" He called out to Lucas, sarcastically.
….
After school Brooke had decided to go meet up with Haley at the Café. She figured that of all the people she had to inform of her departure, the level headed girl she had grown to love so much in the last few months would be the easiest to break it to.
…Got so many questions
Feelings I can't explain
We're worlds apart
Don't even know your name
I'm longing to give you my heart…
Before Brooke could start, she noticed that Haley was upset about something. This may not have been the best choice of timing for Brooke to break the news to her.
"Hales," Brooke said lightly, placing her hand on her friend's shoulder. "What's goin on?"
Haley sat silent. She had been replaying the events that had taken place in Nathan's room after practice yesterday, over and over in her head.
"Nathan, about last night?"
"Hey, look it's not about sex with me, okay? When you're ready, I'll be too." He assured her.
"Sure, then what's this?" She asked pointing to his computer, which she had now pulled up with his stash of porn.
"So that's what this is? You're worried I'm going to compare you to them when we…"
"Yes! I'm afraid that's part of it. Nathan it's hard enough for me to even think about being naked in front of you. And the thought that this is the standard I'm going to be held to? Forget it!"
Haley remembered his face, as she stormed out of his room, slamming the door shut behind her. It was painful to remember him looking at her so hurt. Luckily she had been pulled out of her daydreaming by Brooke's question.
"Oh, nothing big." Haley promised. "Just a silly fight between Nathan and I…not your problem. So, what's up…what brings you here?"
"Well, um…I don't even know how to say this but, my dad got a job in California, and I'm supposed to be leaving with them Sunday."
"What?" Haley shrieked.
"Tell me about it, I woke up this morning with a bunch of creepy mover guys in my house…They took everything! I've got nothing to wear after the game!"
"Brooke!" Haley cried, clearly upset, wrapping her friend in a huge bear hug. "That soon? Have you told the guys?"
"Apparently, my parents forgot to tell me. I don't know how you forget to tell your daughter something as big as: were moving from the only home you've ever known, ripping you from the only friends in the world you have…but it's Victoria were talking about. And, about that last part…I was kinda hoping you could help me with that?"
"Hold that thought…"
Haley then went to take care of one last customer that had just come in, before closing up early, for game day. Brooke just sat in silence, running scenarios in her head. In the meantime, Haley had made another pot of coffee, and when she had finished cleaning she brought two cups back to the table where Brooke was now sitting at.
"Here," Haley said, handing her friend one of the coffees. "So, were you planning on telling them before or after the game tonight?"
"After! No way am I risking being responsible for a poor outcome." Brooke joked, trying to hold back her emotional breakdown that was slowly reaching the surface.
"Good point," Haley admitted. "Listen, I'll do whatever I can to help you tell them, but I sorta have my own favor to ask you…"
"Spill."
"Okay, there's this guy who's supposed to be in town for a while…I knew him from the music academy I went to this summer, and well he got this amazing opportunity afterwards, and he's on the road now touring, and well that's my like ultimate dream…and I just wanna see if I can run into him, you know, and ask him how incredible it is…"
"Well, what are we waiting for?" Brooke asked, jumping up and hooking arms with Haley, pulling her towards the door, then stopping abruptly. "This guy isn't like, you know "the guy" or anything is it? Cuz, seriously I don't think that Nathan would survive it if you left him too!"
"Oh no, it's not like that, we just had this great connection artistically…promise."
The two girls bounced over to the record store, where Haley believed he might have still been at, signing CD's, if they rushed. When they arrived Haley instructed Brooke to look through the stacks and look natural, as she was doing. Brooke tried to pump her for more information, but it seemed useless, her mind had already been focused in a different direction.
"Haley?" The young man asked surprised, as he turned the corner of the store, now standing directly in front of the two young ladies.
"Oh my gosh! Chris…What are you doing here? I haven't seen you since…" Haley responded, trying to act as coy as possible.
"Since camp, yes but…you know Chris Keller is big time now. Touring, partying…the good life. I'm headed out to my trailer now. Tons of ladies, like you two fine specimens are waiting for a some action, I wouldn't want to keep them waiting…but you two could always join us?"
"Oh jeez, I can't breathe…" Brooke choked out.
"Are you okay?" Haley asked sympathetically, as she watched him walk away.
"Yeah, sorry…I just couldn't breathe with that guy's ego taking up all the air in the room!" She shouted towards him, which got his attention.
"You know if I remember correctly you had some great pipes, Haley. I need a female harmony on one of my new hits…you wanna take a stab at recording?"
"Are you messing with me Chris, you wouldn't…" She warned, trying to gage his expression. "Oh my gosh, I would totally love to!" Haley let down her guard and shrieked, grabbing Brooke in excitement, and then noticing her overly anxious response she calmed down a bit.
"Okay, babe…well meet me tonight 7:30 at the studio." He said, and then waltzed out.
Haley stood next to Brooke bewildered. This was the most amazing thing that had ever happened to her, but tonight was the big game. She had to be there to support Nathan, even if she was angry with him.
Maybe I could go for the beginning let him see me and then sneak out, she thought. The recording shouldn't take that long? I could be back before Nathan even realized I was gone. Plus, he would understand. This is my dream.
Haley must have had a mischievous look on her face, because not long after Chris had left Brooke was speculating.
"Okay, Miss James…I know where you are going with all that brooding! I'm dating Lucas remember!" She joked. "Just, you know what, don't tell me…I don't want to know!"
The two girls left and headed off to the gym. Brooke had to be there early to cheer, and Haley wanted to get in some extra face time before she had planned to leave.
…
The arrival of the first home game of the season always brought with it a particularly good feeling; the feeling of new beginnings, but this year had been different. For Nathan, tonight's game was special because it would be his last year playing as a Raven. For Lucas it was because it would be his first. Together, this game was important, because it marked a new era, one that they would lead as co-captains. Tonight they would give Tree Hill fans their first look at what was to come…
Those two had come a long way since July, when Lucas had joined the team. Back then they had been two individuals struggling to find a common ground. Tonight they would be teammates, fighting for a common goal.
…Did you see me staring?
You caught my eye
Don't turn around
Don't walk away
The night is young,
can we get together…
As the game began Brooke and Lucas, and Haley and Nathan, both exchanged thoughtful glances. There was victory in the air, but there was also defeat. Though, the defeat was at the hands of Brooke alone, as she soon realized this would be her last game cheering as a Raven.
By half-time, when Haley had slipped out to go to the recording studio, Nathan and Lucas had already combined for 40 points, and had led the team to an over twenty point lead. In the locker room the tone was representative of that lead. However, while the rest of the team celebrated their successes, Lucas sat in the corner by himself. He couldn't help but feel like something had been bothering his girlfriend that week.
He felt confident that they had moved on from the Rachel situation. So, he knew whatever had been bugging Brooke lately, must be something else, something more. Just then Whitey had come in, and ushered the team together in a huddle. He gave his inspirational speech, as usual, and sent them back onto the court for the second half. Lucas was fortunate the game provided him distraction. Otherwise, he may have gone crazy trying to figure out why Brooke looked so blue out there tonight. Aside from the obvious factor that she was dressed completely head to toe in the color, as a Raven's cheerleader, of course.
Nathan on the other hand was fully engrained in his game. In fact, as he promised, he was only a few points short of a season high score. The entire game he had effortlessly dribbled around, shot past, and dunked over the other team's best players. Now, the Raven's were only seconds away from their first home victory this season. As the clock ran down, Nathan scanned the crowd for Haley. He wanted to share that moment with no one else but her, yet she was no where to be found.
After the buzzer went off, Lucas had run to Brooke's side, and they were happy together for the moment. Nathan only mere feet away was all alone. He briefly saw his mother standing in the distance, but he had been in no mood to fake nice with her right now. Instead he angrily stalked off to the locker room.
Where the hell is she? He thought. She couldn't still be mad could she? Is she okay? I swear I saw her there during the first half. So, why would she leave?
Meanwhile, Brooke and Lucas stood in each other's arms. He had just put her down from flinging her around in celebration, and they were now looking dead into each other's eyes.
"What's going on pretty girl?" He asked sincerely. "I'm worried about you…ever since the other day you've just looked so distant? Is everything okay?"
…I need a hook so you won't be the one that got away
I need a look that stuns ya, makes you wanna stay.
Don't wanna speak in case it comes out wrong
Don't wanna blink cuz in a second you could be gone…
Brooke hadn't wanted to reveal the news to him in such a way, in front of all these people, but she felt that lying would only make things worse. She wanted to be honest with him. She didn't want to lead him on, and hurt him even more, but the reality was, inside, it was killing her.
"My dad got a new job in California. I'm leaving Sunday…I just found out the other day, but I didn't want to burden you with that before the game." She said, pausing to take a quick breath. "I don't wanna go!" She cried out, burrowing her head in his shoulder.
"What are we gonna do?" He thought out loud.
At that moment, all her walls of strength collapsed, and in his arms she wept.
"I really liked being the girl behind the red door," she whispered to him through sobs.
He wasn't exactly poised either. He couldn't imagine Tree Hill with out her. This news was devastating to both of them.
"Don't go. You can't go! I can't let you go, you have to stay, and we'll find a way…"
Lucas then held her in his arms for what seemed like eternity. When he finally released her, there was no sign of anyone else in the gym. The two lovers just silently walked out into the distance, hand in hand.
…
After the game Nathan had rushed to Haley's house. It was unusual for her to leave like that, and even more so not to answer his calls. He had been worried, but figured that she must have gotten sick and gone home to bed. When his girlfriend's sister was the one to answer the door, he knew something was up.
He knew Reagan James didn't come home from college often, from what Haley had told him. When she did, he had heard, it most definitely meant trouble. For Nathan, seeing Reagan face to face meant even more trouble. It wasn't until that very moment, when their eyes met that Nathan began to remember her. But, after the fact, there was no looking back. The mental puzzle pieces were being put together unconsciously.
"Hey there handsome, Haley doesn't mess around…you're… Nathan right?"
"Uh, yea. I was actually looking for her. Do you know where she is?" He asked, still studying the girl trying to figure out exactly where he knew her from.
"I just got back in town this afternoon, still haven't seen her. But, you're welcome to come in and wait with me?" The girl told him; as she bent down to pick something up, revealing a small scorpion tattoo on her lower back.
Nathan's eyes lit up. He would recognize that tattoo anywhere, and he knew he had better excuse himself pronto, before Haley did get home. Unfortunately, he was too late to make a last ditch exit. Haley was already walking up to them.
"Lil sis! Look at you!" Reagan shouted, moving toward Haley to embrace her in a hug.
"Reg, what are you doing here?" Haley asked, looking between her sister and Nathan. "And you too, what are you both doing standing on my porch?" She added, pointing to a speechless Nathan.
"Well I'm on break from school, and this hottie…which by the way, nice work sis…he stopped by to look for you."
"Oh," Haley replied. "Sorry, I'm glad you both are here, it's just…it was weird seeing you two together, I guess. But, uh Reg can you give us a second?"
Reagan closed the front door on the two of them allowing them some privacy on the porch.
"Hey, where have you been?" Nathan finally spoke, harshly.
"I was, uh, I was…recording…with a friend. He's in town and he needed a female vocal on one of his tracks and he asked me to do it last minute. I know I should have told you, but I just figured that I would be able to leave and get back before the game even finished."
"Okay, so who's the guy? The friend I mean?"
"Nathan, don't you blow this out of proportion! I'm not the one with the unnecessarily long list of sexual partners, or the fascination with porn!"
"Hales, all I asked for was the guy's name…"
"Chris…Chris Keller. Are you happy now?"
"Keller? Are you serious? That scum bag? Man, of all people."
Nathan continued to mumble profanities, pacing in circles, as Haley stood confused. He and Chris Keller had a sort of sketchy past over a situation between the two and Peyton. Before the musician had made it big he had always worked at his father's record store in town. It was one of Peyton's favorite spots to hang out and get away from Nathan and the rest of the world. While the curly blonde and Chris had an overall rocky relationship, they immediately bonded over a shared interest in music. For some reason, Peyton never seemed to see the snake in Chris, but Nathan did. During one of he and Peyton's famous "breakups" Chris had so conveniently stepped in on his behalf. The short-lived but wild, almost Johnny Cash, June Carter type lovers, had been very secretive with their affair.
Peyton had later confessed, only to Nathan, to sleeping with Chris. She was ashamed to tell even her best friend that the cocky artist dumped her cold after a couple heated one night stands. Considering Nathan's less than admirable actions through in and throughout their relationship, he took his girlfriend back, and forgave her. Out of consideration for Peyton's wishes he had agreed to leave the scumbag alone. However being reminded of it now, he vowed Chris Keller wouldn't be let off so easily again.
He then heard his phone ringing. The caller ID showed that it was Brooke calling. From their earlier conversation at the cafe Haley knew that it was an important call.
"Listen, let's just drop it, okay? You need to take that call…" She persuaded him.
"Fine." He scoffed, walking off, back to his car and picking up the call.
"What's up B?" He asked.
"Nathan…" Brooke barely let out on the other line, falling back into her tears.
"B! You okay? Lucas didn't…"
"No, of course not…I just, I've gotta tell you something, and I don't want to do it over the phone."
"Okay, I'll be right over."
Nathan then turned on the ignition, and sped off towards Brooke's house. For beginning on such a great victorious note, tonight had sure turned out to be more a defeat than anything.
…
Nathan reached Brooke's house within minutes. He slowly crept inside the door that was cracked open, and yelled toward her. The first thing he had noticed was the emptiness. Nothing was left.
If they had been robbed there would still be things lying around. He thought. What's going on?
He found her on the floor of her bedroom, crying next to her old dollhouse, the one she had always played with as a young girl. It had been the only thing she convinced the movers to leave behind. Her mother had always hated the thing, but it was Brooke's most prized possession, an exact replica of her home in Tree Hill, red door and all. Knowing she would have to leave this place, it was even that more special to her.
Nathan moved closer, and knelt down beside her. Instinctively, she moved her head into his lap. He slowly ran his fingers through her hair, trying to calm her down. She didn't have to tell him, what was going on, he knew. He was losing her, and from the looks of the place, it would be soon.
"Where?" He finally gained the strength to ask.
"California." She squeaked out.
"When?"
"Sunday."
"It's gonna be okay." He promised, though he wasn't all that sure of it himself.
"Let's go to our spot?" The teary eyed brunette looked up at her friend to ask. "One last time…"
"Okay, come on." He agreed, picking her frail body up off the floor, effortlessly, and placing her on his back, carrying her to his car. "Let's do this Davis…"
The two friends, made their way towards the Tree Hill Bridge, where they had often sat throughout the years. They grabbed a blanket, and the cooler of beers Nathan had chilling in his trunk, meant for the after party neither planned to attend that night, and got comfortable looking up at the stars. Nathan put his arm around her, and she rested her head on his chest, like the good ol days. They both wanted to stay in that moment forever.
…
The next morning Lucas had made his way over to Nathan's bright and early. Lucas was determined to find a way to convince Brooke's parents to let her stay in Tree Hill. The broody brother had one idea, but that would take Nathan's help, along with Deb and Dan's approval. Normally he wouldn't have dared to venture over to Nathan's home, but this was a circumstance for which the rules didn't apply.
…I need a twist to help me turn, turn this story round.
I need a bridge to cross this dangerous ground…
Lucas found Nathan sitting at the couch in his room playing video games. The dark one's eyes were completely bloodshot, as he robotically took his gaze off the television screen to look at Lucas.
"Get some clothes on man," Lucas yelled. "And wash yourself, you stink…"
"What does it matter? Haley hates me, or she will hate me…and Brooke's leaving. Dan's an ass, and Deb, she's on so many drugs she can barely see straight."
"You and Haley are still fighting? It was just some porn...right? I mean she was at the game, didn't look too pissed?"
"Well, she left...I went to find her at her house after the game, and she wasn't there. Her sister was."
"Which one?"
"Reagan?"
"Reagan?" Lucas laughed. "Dude, she's one crazy bitch!"
"Perfect Dude, the thing is… when I saw her; I got that… déjà vu thing. You know like uh… like I'd seen her before?"
"Well, she was a senior when we were freshman so you probably saw her around school. She was head cheerleader after all, used to mess with Hales all the time." Lucas informed, smirking at the thought of Haley and Reagan together.
"Yeah, I'm pretty sure I've seen more of her than that..." He sighed, remembering the uncanny tattoo he saw on her hip. "Two years ago, when they moved me up to varsity as a freshman… the seniors sorta threw me this insane party at my parent's beach house… Reagan was there."
Lucas putting two and two together smiled slightly.
"This is turning interesting, in a Tree Hill messed up kinda way." The blonde confirmed, after Nathan's nod.
"Yeah, I was… I was pretty wasted… and… she was… okay I'm just gonna come out with it. She was kinda the first girl I ever slept with."
Lucas immediately burst out laughing at the ridiculousness of the situation, and the predicament Nathan had fallen into.
"Great, yea laugh it up. You know what, why do I care? So I watched some porn, and slept with her sister...I didn't even know the girl back then."
Lucas kinked his eyebrow up in protest, conveying that his argument and defence wouldn't cut it with Haley.
"Yea, I know...I'm screwed." Nathan admitted. "But that doesn't change anything, so why are you here anyways?"
"We're going to convince your parents to let Brooke stay here. That way she doesn't have to move with her parents to California." Lucas explained matter of factly.
"Oh wow, you have it all figured out then don't ya?" Nathan scoffed, turning back to his video game. "In your dreams man, that'll never work. You don't know her mother. She's about the closest thing I've ever met to the devil..."
"Well good thing Dan is the devil himself..."
"Good point." Nathan replied unenthusiastically.
"Come on, man. I'm serious, it could work...but for real, I'm gonna need you to take a shower first, you stink!" Lucas claimed, pulling his brother off the couch and shoving him into the shower.
Nathan reluctantly obeyed, and cleaned himself up. The two brothers then plotted their attack, and went to find their father. While the task wouldn't be easy, sometimes Dan Scott would surprise a person by acting compassionately. Sometimes, their father even acted as if he were human with feelings and emotions. Though, most of the time, his true colors crept through to the surface. In this case, none of that matted. Dan Scott was their only hope. Quite a scary thought, indeed.
...
Sunday crept up on Brooke faster than she had been ready for. She was crushed at the thought of leaving Tree Hill, her friends, and mostly the boy she loved. Today she had plans to meet him to say goodbye. While she wished she could believe that everything would turn out alright, and that they would be able to keep their relationship together, long distance, she couldn't. The thought of not having Lucas by her side paralyzed her. She had never felt this way about anyone in her entire life, and it melted her very core.
…Meet me in the middle like I want you too.
I gotta find your heart to shoot my arrow through…
Walking to meet him that day, she prayed for a miracle. She prayed that her having to leave had only been a bad dream, and that she would wake up with another day to spend with Lucas. Unfortunately seeing her handsome boyfriend approaching her in the distance brought her back to reality, and confirmed her nightmares.
This is it, she thought. This is the end. I know he said it wasn't but…there's just no way to make this work 2,000 miles apart. He was just trying to make me feel better. Once I'm gone things will be different. But, you know what they say, "Tis better to have loved and lost, then to have never loved at all…"
He was now only a few feet away from her. His blue eyes sparkled in the sunlight, making it that much more difficult to surrender to parting.
People who are meant to be together, always find their way back in the end, she reminded herself, taking in a deep breath to calm her emotions down. Be strong…
Lucas's heart broke the moment he saw her standing in front of him. He admired her valiant stance, arms slightly crossed, crutching her body tight as if letting go would cause her to collapse. He could tell she was trying so hard to put on a brave face, yet her red lined eyes gave away her pain. He knew that his pretty girl was doing so for his benefit, and it made him love her even that much more.
You know, last year I didn't even know Brooke Davis, he thought. Now I can't imagine my life without her…
"Why don't we just walk?" He suggested.
"Okay." She peeped out, trying to contain her lips from quivering and tears from falling.
The two walked hand and hand for several blocks, without words. It was easier to just take in the beauty of the day than face the inevitable farewell that was approaching. They passed through the town, over the bridge, by the school, and now were approaching her old neighborhood. When they had finally stopped walking; now standing between her and Nathan's homes, a single tear escaped, and fell onto her porcelain skinned cheek.
"Are you okay?" Lucas asked her, gently wiping away the tear, then placing his hands on her shoulders.
"Yea, I'm fine. It's just, this whole time we were walking, I kept taking these mental pictures of everything, you know? Every time I see something in Tree Hill I realize it's probably the last time…" She explained, choking up at the thought.
"Yea, I get it." He assured her, now moving her towards Nathan's house. "Well, just make sure you make me look good when you take my picture." He joked, trying to ease the situation.
"Of course." She promised. "Where are we going, anyways? I already said good-bye to Nate?"
"We got you something, to remember us by..."
"Oooh. You know I love surprises!" She squealed, smiling for the first time that day. "So, what are you gonna miss most about me?"
"I can only choose one thing?"
"Yes, and it has to be something good; not… how much you'll miss hanging out with me or how hot I am! Cause that's a given."
The two stopped beside Nathan's pool house door, about go in, as Lucas pondered her request.
"Hmm… neither one of those, huh?" He asked, sarcastically.
"Nope."
"Well, I guess I'd miss the girl behind the red door." He finally said, smiling as he pointed to the red door behind him.
Brooke nodded, and smiled reminiscently of her days in Tree Hill. Lucas then placed his hand on the doorknob and gestured the brunette inside. Tilting her head in confusion she hesitantly followed his direction and entered the doorway. To her surprise it was now identical to her old bedroom in Tree Hill.
Inside was everything from her crystal lamps, to her lavish bedding. In one corner, was a small vanity, with her vintage silver mirror above it, and velvet stool below it. On the opposite side was a convenient area with a wet bar and kitchenette. Directly next to it was a beautiful glass dinner table, set up with deep red and purple tableware. However, most of all what continued to bring back her attention was her favourite dollhouse, front and centre. A small recessed light above shone over it making it the focal point of the room.
"This is all my stuff," she gaped, still admiring the essence of the room. "I don't understand."
"I…well, we," Lucas began to explain, nodding towards Nathan and Haley as they appeared from the bathroom. "We talked to Nathan's parents and they said that you could stay here till graduation, we fixed the place up, and Nathan got in contact with your mom. She didn't… want to, Brooke, but… Haley can be really convincing."
Brooke squealed out of pure joy, trying to take in all the glory.
"Did you pull your famous, 'I'm math, and math don't care speech on my mom?'" Brooke teased, turning to Haley with gratitude.
The four of them laughed at her comment, and Brooke then turned her attentions back to Lucas. Looking up at him through her deep hazel eyes, she moved closer.
"You did this for me?" She asked.
"I wasn't ready to lose you yet." The broody blonde sighed, shrugging to himself.
"So, you stayin or what?" Nathan asked impatiently, moving closer alongside Haley.
Speechless, Brooke could only nod frantically, at first. Looking around at the amazing friends, and boyfriend standing before her she fell at ease.
"Yeah, of course! You guys are the best!" She finally blurted out, as she rushed forward engulfing the three of them in a huge embrace, and closing in on Lucas's face.
"Oh… I so wasn't ready to be lost. Thank you." She whispered into her boyfriend's ear.
For that moment all was well. There was no need for banter, or foolishness. They had dodged a huge bullet, and celebration was in order.
"So, what do ya say...why don't we check out this mini bar?" Brooke pierced her eyes, and turned her smile into a more mischievous, and familiar one. They all laughed, and joined her lead.
....
Haley rushed into Karen's Café for her shift, out of breath from running. She had nearly forgotten all about working that day, but luckily at the last moment something had reminded her.
The past few weeks had been rough on Haley. For some reason the bliss between she and Nathan had worn off, and now it seemed nearly everything came between them. They no longer had each other for support. In fact, with basketball season in full swing, and Haley recording with Chris it seemed as though things were falling apart between them. The fear of being the one left behind had started to take its toll on both of them.
As a result Haley had begun to question her relationship with Nathan, wondering if they had jumped into things way too fast. Her passion for music had enveloped her entire soul, and Chris, unlike her boyfriend, understood that. That connection, their music, bonded them.
I mean it's not like he shouldn't understand? She thought. He has basketball. That is his dream, his music. Chris is offering me a chance of a lifetime! I would want Nathan to follow his dreams…why wouldn't he want me to follow mine? I just don't get why he's so adamant on me not working with Chris? He's harmless.
Breaking the sandy blonde out of her thoughts was Karen, who had just walked through the door. If there was anyone Haley could turn to for advice it was that woman. Through the years Karen had become a second mother to Haley.
"Hey, can I ask you something?" Haley asked, sheepishly.
"Of course, you know you can always ask me anything." Karen replied, taking a seat at the counter.
"Ok, so here's the thing, you know I've been recording with Chris right?" She paused, waiting for Karen's nod. "Well, I think I want to pursue my music more."
"And…"
"Meaning, I would focus only on my singing career. I am far enough ahead in my classes that I could finish out the year from home, and still graduate."
"Wow," Karen gasped. "So you are serious about this, huh?"
"Yea, I guess I really am." She proclaimed, almost surprising herself at her conviction. "The only problem is Nathan…"
"Listen Hales, never make a decision solely based on how it will affect someone else, you'll end up either regretting it or resenting them. Do what's in your heart. I've known you for a very long time, and you've always made the right choice. I am confident you will do the same this time."
"Thanks Karen, I can always count on you."
Karen smiled compassionately at the young woman standing before her, exuding an aura of confidence. It was something Haley needed to feel at that very moment, and it gave her the courage to dig deep inside and sort things out.
Luckily for Haley there were very few customers who had come in that night. Therefore, she had had plenty of time to weigh her options before leaving. Just as she had stepped outside it started to rain. Attempting to release her nervous energy she looked up at the sky, letting the raindrops fall over her. Busy enjoying natures shower, now soaking wet head to toe; she hadn't noticed that Nathan had approached her from behind.
…Sliding doors, they are just on a train
We're alone on a platform in the rain…
"Nathan?" She half-yelled, out of shock. "What are you doing? You're soaked!"
"So are you." He pointed out, with a smirk, then turning serious again. "I just went out for a run, and I guess this is where I ended up." He paused trying to find the right words. "So, I've been doing a lot of thinking…the thing with Reagan, it was a long time ago, I should have told you sooner, but I didn't know you back then, and it didn't mean anything to me, not then and not now…"
"Well, it did to me, okay? I can't be Reagan; I can't be those other girls in your porn! I just, I won't!"
"Listen, I don't want you to be…and I don't want Reagan, or any of those girls, I want to be with you...and I understand that you want to wait, so I will wait for you, with you…"
"Is that it?"
"You know, my pride says yeah, that's it. Just walk away and let Haley deal with the fact that she's clearly threatened by a sexual relationship. But my heart says, just forget about your pride you idiot. You love this girl, and even if you're going to catch pneumonia, standing out in the rain, you'll stay until she forgives you. So, what do you say Hales, come on, meet me half way here?"
…Theres a chance
And it won't come again…
"Nathan, I love you too, but I can't, I'm sorry. I forgive you, I do, but us, you and me were drifting."
"Is this about Chris?"
At Nathan's accusation Haley froze. She had thought long and hard about her decision, but it hadn't made telling him any easier, or less painful. In reality it was about Chris, but it wasn't her desire to be with him, it was the chance that he could provide for her; a chance to live her dreams. Nathan took her silence as an answer of yes, and put his head down in shame.
"Chris asked me to go on tour with him. A real, full-blown tour. It's a chance of a lifetime…I can't passed that up."
"I'm proud of you Hales, I really am. Good luck…" He said solemnly, as he turned to walk away.
"This is not about him…" She tried to reassure him.
"Either way, you made your decision."
"So that's it?"
"Yeah...shoulda listened to my pride." He mumbled as he walked away, leaving Haley standing alone in the dark rainy night.
….
Nathan slowly walked home in defeat. He took one last look at the girl he loved, taking a mental picture for memory's sake, and continued on. It seemed as though only moments ago life and meaning were clear to him, and he had direction. However, all of that would soon leave with Haley.
…Turn around your whole life has changed…
He thought about the verse, which was written on Haley's favorite picture frame:
"Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for a while, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never, ever the same."
Nathan knew without a doubt his life would never be the same. It was how he would manage it that he was afraid of. He couldn't go back to the way things were before. No, now he was really alone. He began to believe Peyton had been right all along, "that people always leave," but in this case, he felt people always left him.
At the same time Haley had crawled into her bed, exhausted from the nights events. She had knots in her stomach of both nerves and excitement, as she sat restlessly writing a few quick lines in her journal. Before putting her head down to sleep she scribbled:
Gilda Radner once put it this way, "I wanted a perfect ending. Now I've learned, the hard way, that some poems don't rhyme, and some stories don't have a clear beginning, middle, and end. Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what's going to happen next." I have my chance, right in front of my face, and I have to make the most out of it. I don't know what's going to happen, if it'll be the right choice in the end, but I know I have to do it. I'm going to go on tour with Chris Keller. There, I said it; it's on paper, no going back now…
***Lyrics for this chapter were taken from The One That Got Away, by Natasha Bedingfield. (I just noticed this is my 3rd chapter using a song of hers, apparently I am writing an album fic, lol!)***
