Okay huge apologies. I just want to thank those of you who took the time to pm me, i hope you enjoy the update.(Cayt326 - i hope your still reading) Sorry for being so late with this. I will try and be better, I promise! Thanks guys!
Will there be dancing?
"What? Of course. Mouths going to DJ remember?" Brooke applied the last of her lip. Peyton was sat on the counter next to the bathroom sink. Brooke checked her reflection, checking her hair and make-up, before looking back to Peyton. She was biting her bottom lip, weighing up another question. Brooke waited patiently.
Yeah but slow dancing? Like they do on TV?
"There usually is. But in Tree Hill you never know. May be Whitey will give us a song?" Brooke laughed, until she realized she was alone in her laughter. "Are you okay?"
Fine. I was just wondering what it would be like.
Peyton blushed at her admission, looking to the ground to avoid the look of sympathy that was sure to appear on Brooke's face. She'd never experienced any of normal rituals everyone else took part in, and this was just another one. Something to separate her from everyone else; from Brooke.
Make sure to get your photo taken. I'd like to see it.
Peyton trailed a hand down Brooke's side, feeling the smooth material.
You look beautiful.
Brooke grabbed her hand, linking their fingers and returning it to her hip. She smiled at Peyton who looked a little uncomfortable, still perched on the side counter.
"I wish you could come." Peyton nodded. "I guess there's always prom. Maybe you could go with one of Lucas's friends?"
Peyton slide of the counter, putting distance between her and Brooke. Brooke was getting used to it but she hated it. She was still to work out what was going on with her friend. One minute everything was fine between them, and then suddenly Peyton would pull away. She suspected Haley knew something about it but their relationship was full of tension so she couldn't bring it up.
Maybe.
"You sure your okay? I can always-"
Brooke I'm fine.
Peyton exited the bathroom, leaving Brooke even more confused. She composed herself before following Peyton into the bedroom. She was lying on the bed, flicking through her sketchpad. Brooke sat on the side of the bed, only for Peyton to shuffle further away before turning to face her.
What time do you have to go at?
"Lucas is coming to pick me up at 7."
Have a good time.
Peyton then turned her back on Brooke, ending the conversation. It infuriated Brooke. Occasionally she would ignore it, and tell herself it wasn't anything personal. But lately it had been happening too much for her liking.
"Peyton, don't do that." She gently tugged on the blonde's shoulder, only for Peyton to jerk it back. "Fine."
Brooke marched around to the other side of the bed, and sat directly in front of Peyton.
"Now will you talk to me?"
Okay
"What was that about?"
What was what about?
"Don't act like your stupid, you just turned your back on me."
I thought you were finished.
"And just now, when I tried to get your attention." Brooke knew she was lying, when she just shrugged. For a second it looked like she would turn her back on Brooke again, but she didn't. "Would you just tell me what's wrong?"
Nothing is wrong.
"You've been saying that for the last year and look where it's got us. Dammit Peyton you drive me insane." Brooke shouted, her frustration getting the better of her, as she slammed her fist onto the duvet. It only took a second for her to realize it was an over reaction on her part.
"Peyt, I'm sorry." She whispered but it was too late. She felt the mattress shift as Peyton quickly jumped of the bed and left the room, with out so much as glance in her direction. "Fuck!"
She cursed her short temper and once again followed Peyton into the living room. She was sitting motionless, eye's focused on a blank television screen.
"I'm sorry." She whispered as she crouched down before her.
So am I….I know I ruined everything.
Brooke shrunk slightly when she looked into the blonds big green eye's. She never wanted Peyton to think their situation was her fault. Nothing could be further from the truth.
"Peyton, I didn't mean that. I just want to understand, and I lost my temper. I shouldn't have shouted."
It's fine. I know I'm difficult, who could blame you for losing your temper?
Before Brooke could reply there was a knock at the door. She refused to move though, not when Peyton appeared to be looking right through her.
"Peyt, please look at me. I'm sorry. Sometimes I just get so angry, but not at you. I'm angry that I haven't been able to fix this. I-" Another loud knock caused her to look to the door, an action which Peyton spotted. She stood up and opened the door to Nathan, Haley and Lucas. Brooke sighed and got to her feet.
"Hey Peyt, Brooke. Awh you look amazing." Haley pulled Brooke into a hug.
"Hey guys. You all look great."
"You look beautiful, pretty girl." Lucas leaned forward, Brooke turned her cheek, still worried about Peyton. Lucas pulled back awkwardly and a tension filled the room.
"So… Did you hear Junk's got a date to this thing?" Nathan final spoke up.
"Probably his cousin." Lucas muttered.
"Yeah but you've got to feel for Fergie." Brooke pretended to laugh at Nathans comments, but gave up when Peyton left the room.
"Guys I'll be right back."
"Is she okay Brooke?" Haley whispered, the boys were still poking fun at Junk and Fergie and failed to notice.
"She's fine." Haley raised an eyebrow, she wasn't fooled. Brooke led her down to the bedroom for some privacy. "Something's wrong with Peyton, and I have no idea what it is. I'm worried."
"Is she okay? When we arrived…"
"I may have shouted a little. I'm just worried about her. Lately she's been distant and every time we take a step forward she takes about five steps back."
"Just give her time. I know in the time I've known her she's happiest with you. I think you just have to be patient." Haley offered, knowing the reason behind Peyton's actions.
"Has she said anything to you?"
"No." Haley replied instantly. Lying weighed heavily on her but she had reasoned that giving Peyton time was the best option. "She'll talk with you Brooke."
Haley knew this issue would be resolved in one of two ways: Peyton would either open up to Brooke about what she was feeling or she'd bury it, eventually looking at it as a crush and love couldn't be buried, not even by someone as stubborn as Peyton. If they were meant to be together, they would be. She just worried for Lucas.
"I'll just go and talk to her."
Peyton was standing in a corner of the room painting the wall, a picture of concentration. Brooke came to stand beside her, she didn't speak. Instead she just edged herself closer to Peyton, watching as Peyton experimented with different colours. She reached to still her hands, taking the small paintbrush from her fingers. Peyton made no objections. Brooke slowly painted and when she finished her message, she rested her head on Peyton's shoulders. No words were spoken until Lucas's voice pierced the air.
"Brooke, the limo will be here in ten minutes. Are you almost ready?"
"Yeah I'll be out soon." Brooke didn't even look up, but Peyton felt her speak, and moved to look at her. She ran her own fingers over Brooke's words: I miss you.
I miss me too.
"Just tell me what's wrong. Please. I just want to help."
You can't. Please just go to the formal. I want you to go. I'll be fine.
Peyton followed Lucas into the living room, and when Brooke entered Haley was speaking to her. She watched the two share a hug, wondering how honest Haley had been with her earlier.
"Okay!" Nathan beamed "Picture time. Luke, I want a picture with all the good-looking people. So you get me and the girls."
Nathan tossed Lucas the camera, and pulled the three girls towards him. Brooke watched as Peyton reluctantly gave in. They took a few photo's before the limo pulled up outside.
"Okay last one. Let me get one of Brooke and Lucas." Nathan instructed. Lucas proudly wrapped an arm around Brooke, who smiled waiting for Nathan to take the picture. It was only when she saw Peyton hug Haley did the flash go off. She watched as Peyton retreated back into her room. "Jesus Brooke, try smiling this time."
They took the picture again but when Brooke went to follow Peyton, Haley stopped her.
"Brooke, I think you should leave her. Come to the formal, and let her have some time to yourself." Haley expected Brooke to snap back at her. Instead Brooke inhaled deeply.
"Okay. Could you just go make sure she's okay?" Haley nodded, knowing it was hard for Brooke to take her advice regarding Peyton.
"Thanks." Brooke grabbed her purse and walked out to the limo with Lucas. Haley followed about two minute later, sending Brooke a reassuring smile as the limo pulled out. Brooke plastered on a fake smile and tried to join in the conversation.
However thoughts of Peyton proved hard to shake, and she checked her phone continuously as the night wore on. When the music started, Lucas had to practically drag her on to the dance floor.
"Come on Brooke." He looked more concerned than anything.
"For you." She laughed, letting him pull her close.
"Are you okay?"
"I'm fine. Peyton's just going through some stuff. And I worry-"
"Brooke she'll be fine. Let's just focus on you tonight, yeah? This is our night."
Brooke smiled at him, fully intending to take his advice. But when the song ended, she excused herself. She headed to the bathroom to send Peyton a text, leaving a dejected looking Lucas on his own. He slowly walked over to his own table, where Nathan and Haley sat. They'd obviously seen Brooke walk off, and Nathan excused himself leaving the two best friends to talk.
"Hey buddy. You okay?"
"You saw didn't you?"
"Lucas-"
"No don't baby me. I'm not blind okay. She's spent the whole night moping because they've had a falling out. I'm asking for one night." He knew he sounded like a five year old, but he couldn't help it. He was jealous, there was no point in trying to hide it. "I'm her boyfriend, and I understand that Peyton is her best friend. I understand that she comes first most of the time. But it shouldn't be all the time."
"I know, I think Brooke is just trying to make sure Peyton doesn't feel abandoned."
"We've barely spoken tonight. And every conversation is about Peyton…" He crossed his arms in a huff.
"Oh stop sulking. It could be worse, Tim is Nathans best friend." Haley said trying to lighten the mood. Lucas just squinted back at her. "Okay, maybe just remind her she's at her first formal. Bit of the Scott magic…I can't believe I just said that."
"Neither can I." Lucas finally cracked a smile.
"Let's forget it. But the point is good. A bit of…romance."
Lucas stood up looking determined, leaving Haley hoping she hadn't just made this worse. She just didn't know what to do: on one hand Lucas was her best friend. But she was fairly sure he wasn't in love with Brooke. On the other hand she felt a loyalty to Peyton, to give her time to work out what was going on.
Lucas was waiting outside the bathroom, when Brooke emerged. She smiled when she saw him waiting.
"I was afraid you'd get lost. Being an out-of-towner."
"Cute." She linked their arms.
"So I was thinking, it'll be a while before they announce the King and Queen and I'm not that into dancing. Would you like to take a walk with me Miss Davis?"
"I'd love to Mr Scott." Brooke laughed sincerely.
He led her out of the hall, knowing if they cut through a nearby field they'd be right on the beach.
"I hope you don't mind a bit of dirt." Lucas asked extending his arm to Brooke, she accepted it linking there fingers.
"Lucas I'm pretty sure I've seen a dirt road before."
"Well I'm never sure about you New York girls."
"New York?" Brooke questioned, completely confused.
"Yeah I doubt there's many dirt roads in between those sky scrapers."
"Oh right…yeah."
"You know I've never been."
"Really. It's not that far."
"I know. Furthest I've been is Florida. Disneyland"
"Wow, you really are a true Tree-Hiller." They both laughed, as they walked down to the beach.
"What about you? Been anywhere amazing."
"Well New York, I went to L.A once but the best trip I ever had was with Peyton. Her Dad took us camping in San Juan Islands in Washington. It was only for one week but it was the best holiday I've ever had. We went swimming everyday, and fishing. I know you wouldn't think it, with those skinny arms but Peyton caught this huge fish. It was like a whale. I think I still have the picture." Brooke took a breath noticing the funny look on Lucas's face. "What?"
"Nothing. Just never took you to be a camping girl." He offered.
"I'm probably not. But I've been to fancy hotels with my parents and I swear to god, it was a waste of time. We barely spent any time together. Camping was good because I was with Peyton. What about you? Best thing about Florida?"
"We drove down, just me, my Mom and Keith. That was the best thing, being a proper family. I loved the rollercoaster's and everything, but that was the best part. Made me realize that I didn't need Dan. I had Keith."
"I get it. I don't exactly get on with my parents. Peyton's Dad is the closest I've ever come to a parental figure." Brooke was again met with that questioning look.
"Where is he now?"
"He died. So now it's just me and her." Brooke snuggled into his chest as they stood and looked out at the ocean. She missed the look of disappointment that briefly appeared on Lucas's face. He quickly regained his composure to smile down at Brooke.
They walked back to the hall, exchanging their predictions for the Fall King and Queen. They arrived just in time to see Nathan crowned King. He milked the applause for all it was worth, announcing he'd be throwing an after party at his parents beach house.
"Mouth has his Dad's car, I'll ask him if we can get a ride with him." Lucas whispered during the Queen announcement. Brooke waited until it was announced Rachel had won, before turning to face Lucas.
Before Brooke could contemplate her response, Lucas had ghosted past her. He turned only to take her hand and pull her onto the dance floor with him. His strong arms quickly encircled her waste and his infectious smile stopped the sentence forming in her mind. Instead she nestled her herself into his arms. It was only when she felt his breath tickle her ear did she wake up from her dream like state.
"Do you want to stay with me tonight? Nathan said he'd lock a bedroom, so we can have it." At his words Brooke took a step back, forming a seemingly insignificant gap.
"I can't… Peyton's at home."
"It's one night."
"Lucas…"
"Won't there ever be just one night, where you put me first?" Brooke silently took another step back.
Hope you enjoyed
L xxx
