AN: The much anticipated update and I am nervous as hell! LOL I have mixed emotions about this one. It was harder to write Vanessa in than I thought it would be especially with this season's storyline and the way it is playing out. I went back and forth on how I wanted Vanessa to be, did I want her to be nice or catty? It took me awhile but I finally found some inspiration and this was the end result after several attempts. I hope you are not disappointed. I shall look forward to hearing your thoughts…good or bad. Thank you so much for following this story with so much enthusiasm! I love everyone one my readers and you leave me in awe every time!!!!
Thank you to Sab for recommending the song "Where I Stood" in her review for Ch. 4. I thought it fit fairly well with this chapters events and decided use it for the title of this chapter.
Disclaimer: I do not own anything affiliate with OTH. I am also just borrowing the song title "Where I Stood" by Missy Higgins for the title chapter. All mistakes are mine, for which I apologize for in advance.
SOTEOS 10: Where I Stood
"Dare I ask where you have been?" Brooke asked with a devious smile for her daughter, all traces of her crying had been carefully masked. She hadn't wanted to leave behind any evidence of how completely destroyed she was on the inside. Her daughter did not need to see that.
"You're here." Sam replied closing the door and tossing her keys onto the table by the door as she strolled in at 6am on Sunday morning.
"Of course I am, where else would I be?"
"Oh I don't know maybe in Julian's bed."
"Samantha!"
"What? It's not like you have never had sex with the guy before."
"You're not supposed to talk about your parent's sex life."
"No, I am not supposed to see my parents having sex. That can scar a kid for life you know."
"So you have mentioned several times before, as most recently as last night at dinner."
"It's true. But I can handle talking about it though."
"Too bad I can't. My sex life-,"
"Or lack thereof." Sam quickly interjected with a smirk.
Earning a glare from Brooke as she continued, "is not up for discussion."
"It's not like I am asking for details or anything." Sam shrugged. She moved Brooke's feet out of the way before she plopped down on to the couch. "So tell me about last night."
"It was a disaster."
"Figures I cannot leave the two of you alone." She rolled her eyes. "What happened?"
"I am going to spare you the details and just give you the abbreviated version which is this, Julian made it very clear that he is no longer interested and he really has moved on."
"He told you he didn't love you anymore?" Sam inquired.
Brooke shook her head. "Well, no."
"And what did he say when you told him you were in love with him?"
"I didn't exactly tell him," Brooke admitted hesitantly.
"Mmm-hmm, so how exactly did you determine that he has moved on if neither one of you talked about your feelings?"
Brooke resisted the urge to squirm under her daughter's intense stare. If the subject of conversation had not been so depressing, Brooke would have laughed at the obvious role reversal taking place in this instance. "I may have hinted to him of my interest, in a subtle way of trying to feel him out on the subject of us. Then he started using all these movie metaphors and he just shot down all of my arguments, which led me to the conclusion that he truly has moved on. I mean really, what could I expect? It has been over two years since we broke up; of course he has moved on."
Sam just sat silently for a long while, staring at Brooke as if she were trying to puzzle something out. "Seriously?! That is all you have got? You call that effort?"
"Yes, I do! I tried!" Brooke objected.
"No you half-assed it! You played it safe, mom. You are never going to get anywhere if you are not willing to risk your heart."
"I want to; I just don't know if I can." Brooke confided. "I did admit to him though that I was using the paparazzi as an excuse to get close to him."
"That is good." Sam encouraged. "What did he say when you told him?"
"Nothing because the universe chose that moment to conspire against me in the form of a sudden down pour which forced us to seek refuge at his place."
"Ah so you did go back to his house then after all." Sam teased with a knowing smirk.
"Yes but nothing happened. Though there was the incident with the almost kiss."
Sam got up on her knees in excitement at this bit of news. "Really! Who would have initiated the kiss?"
"Julian, I was too terrified to move even though my hands were itching to grab on to him and never let go."
"Yeah, he is so over you mom!" Sam scoffed.
"He is also the one who put a stop to it at the last possible second. He said it meant nothing, just that we narrowly avoided making a huge mistake." Brooke quoted, his words echoing painfully in her mind.
"Clearly he is protesting too much! I thought you were fluent in boy. You should be able to decode his obvious behavior without even trying."
"You weren't there Sam. I gave him sufficient opportunity to at least meet me halfway."
"It is going to take more than that mom. You broke his heart. He is not going to let you back in so easily. You are going to have to tell him how you feel if you want him to take you seriously. He made himself vulnerable to you before, now it is your turn."
"I don't know if I can do that."
"Of course you can! You are Brooke Davis, you're brilliant and beautiful and brave."
"I am not that brave."
"Yes you are. Now promise me you will think about it."
"I promise."
"Good. Now come on, let's get dressed." Sam suggested.
"Why?"
"I want to take you to breakfast."
"Why don't we just stay in and I will cook for us. I can make your favorite."
Sam shook her head. "No, you have had a rough night. Let me take care of you for a change."
"You really don't have to do that."
"I know but I want to. I know the perfect place."
Brooke sighed. "If you insist."
"I do. If you want to cook my favorite breakfast tomorrow though, I certainly won't stop you."
"That sounds fair to me. What time is your first class?"
"Ten, I only have two classes tomorrow so I should be home by two that way I can spend some time with you before you head back."
"Great! While you're gone, I will go downtown and check out the store."
"I could skip and go with you."
"I never encouraged you to skip school before, what makes you think I would encourage you to skip now, especially when I am paying for your education?"
"Right, so I am going to go get dressed right now."
"Yeah, you do that. You better not be skipping your classes young lady. Your education is very important."
"Blah, blah, yeah, yeah, I get it." She said escaping into her room before Brooke could dive into a full on lecture.
An hour later after having to endure an endless amount of teasing from Brooke in regards to Daniel and where she had been all night, Sam led Brooke to a red BMW convertible located in the parking garage of her apartment building.
Brooke stared at the car in confusion. "Sam what is this?"
Sam rolled her eyes as she patiently explained, "it's a car."
"I am aware of that. Whose is it?" She asked as she narrowed her eyes at her daughter
"Mine." Sam answered quietly.
"You better start explaining missy."
Sam huffed and rolled her eyes. "It was a belated graduation present."
"From who?" Brooke demanded to know, needing Sam to confirm her suspicions.
"Julian." Sam mumbled.
Brooke heard her clear enough since the answer was just as she expected and sighed loudly. "He shouldn't have done that."
"Try telling that to Julian. He doesn't know how to take no for an answer."
"He is stubborn that way," she agreed.
"Oh please like you have any room to criticize."
"Hey, I am not stubborn!"
Sam gave her a look of utter disbelief.
Brooke shrugged, "maybe sometimes. But didn't he send you a card for graduation?" Brooke recalled how her heart used to skip a beat every time she had retrieved the mail and seen his scribble on an envelope, always addressed to Sam though. She used to be so disappointed there was never a letter for her, not that she ever expected one but that never stopped her from hoping for one.
"Yeah. He said he couldn't let the official day go by without sending something to acknowledge my accomplishment."
"I am going to have to have a talk with him. He spoils you."
"Tell me about it." Though Brooke had no idea the true extent to which Julian spoiled her. Sam wisely decided now was not the time to tell her what else Julian had given her upon her relocation to LA. "Can we go? I am starving."
"Partying will do that to you." Brooke replied with a smirk.
"I didn't really go to a party, how many times do I have to tell you? Daniel and I hung out with his parents for a while before we went back to his dorm and then hung out there before we fell asleep for awhile watching a movie."
Brooke and Sam settled into the car and as they buckled their seat belts, Brooke replied, "which reminds me, I really need to teach you the art of subtly."
"Hey I think I did just fine!"
"You were so obvious! Julian and I were perfectly aware of what you were doing. Were Ryan and Taylor in on it from the very beginning as well?"
Sam smirked triumphantly, "what do you think the phone call was about?"
"Yeah their sudden departure, so soon after yours, wasn't suspicious at all!" Brooke exclaimed.
"Whatever! We achieved the main goal. You and Julian spent the evening alone together."
"Nothing happened, remember!" Brooke protested.
"Probably more than you think." Sam insisted.
"You're right, it was a complete debacle."
"I wouldn't go that far, drama queen! Though the outcome would have been better had you just told him you loved him!"
Brooke shook her head and muttered, "Julian and I are not the only ones who are stubborn."
"I am only following the example you two have set for me."
"Oh shut it!" Brooke said causing Sam to laugh, delighted to have the last word.
Sam smiled secretly on the inside as her mother was about to learn that she could indeed be subtle when she had the proper time to plan. Brooke wouldn't see what came next.
Unfortunately neither would Sam.
*************
Julian scanned the crowded café and immediately noticed that his favorite table was currently occupied, by Sam and Brooke. Sensing disaster looming on the horizon, he tried to quickly disappear without being seen. But he realized that opportunity faded away as soon as he heard his name. The girl he considered his daughter in every way that mattered had a lot to answer for as soon as her mother left town. Knowing he had no other choice, he approached their table, HIS favorite table! A fact which Sam was perfectly aware of as she knew he dined here every Sunday morning without fail. Hell, she had accompanied him several times, he thought with annoyance.
"Julian!" Sam exclaimed feigning surprise.
"Good morning, Brooke." Julian greeted, glancing at her briefly, long enough to take note of her own suspicion. It seemed she was just as surprised as he was. He turned his gaze onto the mischievous young girl. "Samantha!" He had the satisfaction of making her squirm at the use of her full name rather than one of the many nicknames he reserved exclusively for her. Unless she was in trouble with him, which she clearly was! This was twice now that she had set him and Brooke up, third if you counted the fiasco that was Friday night since she had purposely left Brooke in the dark about that one, even if he hadn't been. What she hoped to gain he had yet to figure out but he planned to interrogate her the very first chance he got her alone.
Brooke took one look at Julian's face and knew exactly what was going on. "Samantha!" Brooke exclaimed, echoing Julian.
"What?!" She asked innocently.
"You know exactly what!" Julian admonished.
"I cannot believe you!" Brooke hissed at her.
Knowing the game was over, Sam shrugged, admitting defeat. It wasn't like there was anything either one of them could do about it now. Besides she wouldn't have to resort to these childish games if they were the adults they claimed to be and actually dealt with their feelings for one another. "Hey wasn't there something you wanted to talk to Julian about." Sam asked quickly, trying to deflect her mother's current annoyance on to Julian.
Brooke gave her a fierce glare. "I don't believe so." Surely Sam wasn't going to force her to say anything to Julian, in a public place of all settings.
"Are you sure? I distinctly remember you saying that you were going to have a talk with Julian about how much he spoils me."
Julian looked back and forth at both girls in confusion.
Brooke breathed out a deep sigh of relief. For a minute there she had been afraid Sam had been on the verge of telling Julian about her feelings for him. "Oh yeah, so really Julian, a brand new car for her graduation present?" Brooke replied as she gave him a direct stare.
"Oh that," he smirked even as he shrugged in a gesture that reminded her of Sam. "Come on, I couldn't have us both worrying about her using public transportation."
"Ok but a convertible?" She replied arching her eyebrow at him.
"It is LA, everyone drives a convertible." He gave her his most charming grin, the one she once referred to as being illegal.
Brooke shook her head, trying not to be charmed but damn that grin made her forget everything except how gorgeous he was just like the first time she ever saw it. Hiding the smile she felt, Brooke replied, "that grin isn't going to get you anywhere with me."
For the second time in less than twenty-four hours, Julian was reminded of his third meeting with Brooke back in Tree Hill. Rather than focus on that, Julian distracted himself by trying to tone down the magnitude of his grin as he figured Sam hadn't informed Brooke about the college fund he had started for Sam several years ago, the one in which he still put money into on a regular basis. He certainly wasn't going to be the one to break the news to Brooke either. He could only imagine her reaction to that compared to the mini-lecture she was giving him about the car.
"Well since you are here, you might as well join us." Sam invited with a smile, pleased to have diverted their attention off of her for the moment.
"I don't think that would be a good idea." Julian protested.
"Why not?" Sam asked
Before Julian could form an answer, a beautiful blonde appeared by his side and kissed him lightly on the lips.
Sam rolled her eyes.
Brooke felt like a knife had been plunged into her chest and she was having difficulty breathing. The beating she once suffered from didn't even compare to the pain she was suddenly feeling now as she witnessed their kiss.
Vanessa had yet to notice they had an audience as she said, "sorry I took so long, there was a line."
Julian nodded his head but gave no verbal response as he could not take his eyes away from Sam and Brooke, well mostly Sam because for some reason he couldn't bare to look Brooke in the eyes. He didn't want o give himself time to decipher what was in her hazel eyes for fear of what he might find there, or not find there. He somehow felt culpable for having Vanessa stand next to him and that annoyed him because he wasn't doing anything wrong.
Brooke couldn't help but wish she were anywhere else in the world at this very moment. It was one thing to know that Julian had a girlfriend but to actually see him with her, it was just too much. And yet she could do nothing but sit there and desperately hope they would leave soon. From her seat, Brooke watched as Vanessa registered that Julian's attention was not focused on her and she turned to see what the distraction was.
"Oh Samantha, hi!" She replied in a high pitch preppy voice, which cause Sam to wince.
"Hey," Sam responded in a voice devoid of any emotion, making it clear that she was less than enthusiastic to see her.
Brooke recognized the barely civil greeting and kicked her daughter under the table.
Sam mumbled a quiet "ow," and reached under the table to rub her injured shin.
Julian also noticed the lack of enthusiasm in her response and gave the young girl a glare with a clear warning to behave.
Sam sighed as she sat back in her chair, deciding it was best not to say or do anything else since she was already in enough trouble as it was.
To break the awkward silence that engulfed them, Julian said, "Vanessa I would like you to meet Sam's mother, Brooke Davis. Brooke this is Vanessa Barrett."
Brooke put on an overly bright smile to disguise the pain that was exploding inside her heart at hearing his words. Is that really all she was to him now, just Sam's mother? She could understand him not saying I would like you to meet my ex-girlfriend Brooke Davis. But couldn't he have introduced her as a friend of his, or an old friend, anything to give her more significance to his life other than just being Sam's mother. Not that she didn't love the title, but she wanted to know that she meant more to him than just that after everything that had transpired between them.
"It's nice to meet you." Brooke said politely with a smile that she hoped didn't appear as forced as it felt on her lips.
Vanessa nodded her head in acknowledgment.
"Why don't we go check on our table?" Julian suggested unable to withstand the subtle accusation in Sam's eyes. It was ridiculous the way the weight of her stare made him feel. He was allowed to bring a date to his favorite restaurant; he had nothing to feel guilty about. Yet he did.
"I would like to stay and chat with Sam and her mom, if you don't mind." Vanessa replied.
Of course he minded but it wasn't like he could actually say anything to that effect. Not without looking like an ass in any case. He had no idea why he was so nervous at the prospect of leaving the three women alone but he was, in the extreme. To cover his apprehension though he flashed them his most charming smirk as he squeezed Vanessa's waist and murmured, "of course. I will be right back." He placed an absent kiss on side of her blonde head before he retreated. As he walked away he heard Vanessa ask, "you're a fashion designer, aren't you? "
Julian breathed a sigh of relief realizing there was no need for him to be nervous about leaving his current girlfriend with his ex-girlfriend / love of his life and the daughter that they shared. They were all adults. Besides what could damage could they possibly cause in the few minutes he would be gone.
Had the girls been privy to Julian's thoughts Sam would have been the first to inform him that he really was clueless when it came to women apparently. A lot of damage could occur in the space of just a few minutes.
"I am, yes." Brooke confirmed with another polite smile answering Vanessa's inquiry about her profession. "Are you a model?" She guessed because Vanessa was beautiful, very tall and thin with a face that the camera would adore.
"No, I am an actress actually."
This news didn't surprise Brooke at all though, given how beautiful the girl was. Not making any effort to further the conversation, Brooke patiently waited for the woman to reveal the real reason she had wanted to stay behind. One look into her eyes was all it took for Brooke to identify that she had an agenda. She refused to engage until she found out what it was.
"I am surprised you are familiar with her designs." Sam commented with a disgusted look at the tight short barely there black dress off the shoulder dress that Vanessa was flaunting. "She doesn't seem like your style."
"Oh she definitely is not." Vanessa agreed with an overly sweet smile and pointed look at Brooke's outfit, which consisted of a crème colored silk ruffled sleeveless blouse, though she couldn't see the sexy black pencil skirt with a slit up that back that had been paired with the shirt because the table obstructed the blouse was enough to dismiss the fashionista's designs as anything worth taking notice was not impressed with Brooke Davis at all."I actually just became aware of her career this morning. There was a very interesting article about her in this morning's edition of the LA Times. Perhaps you have seen it? It was very informative though the pictures they took don't do you justice at all. I think they may have captured your bad side."
"You think so? I haven't had a chance to see it yet. How did Julian look in the pictures?" Brooke wondered, grateful that Vanessa had not taken long to draw blood first. It meant she didn't have to hold back any longer. "I am sure he looked hot, I know he did in person."
"We can pick up a copy or two after." Sam promised, flashing a victorious smile at Vanessa. "You two always look so great in print together."
"I am not sure why you are so happy Sam. It is obvious that your little parent trap failed this weekend." Now it was Vanessa who smiled triumphantly as Sam's smirk turned into a glare.
"The weekend is far from over." Sam reminded her.
"Sam, be nice." Brooke warned in a tone that alerted Sam to the fact that she was treading on shaky foundation. While it was obvious that there was no love lost between Vanessa and Sam, she wasn't going to allow her daughter to be so blatantly rude and purposely antagonize Vanessa, though clearly Vanessa wasn't innocent either.
Sam sighed and leaned back in her chair with her arms crossed in front of her, still glaring fiercely at Vanessa.
"Why bother? At least she is honest. Are you going to pretend you were not a part of her plan?" Vanessa challenged.
"So tell me, is the entire world out to get you or just Sam?" Brooke rolled her eyes as she asked the question. "There was no plan, just Parents Weekend. Sam invited both Julian and I since we are her parents. We were just spending the day together." Brooke explained. "If you are planning to be a part of Julian's life, you are going to have to accept Sam as a part of Julian's life."
"Oh you are absolutely right; I do plan to be a part of Julian's life. In fact I intend to become the biggest part of it."
"Wow you already have the role of wicked step mother down pat, don't you?" Sam commented.
"I hope you enjoyed the illusion of being a family for the day because it is the last time that will ever happen. As for Sam and I, I am sure we will eventually come to an understanding of some kind; one that we can both live with." Vanessa added.
"You think so?" Sam replied. "Clearly you haven't figured out who you're dealing with yet lady."
"That works both ways," Vanessa assured her. "It would be a shame if Julian were to have to choose between us."
She felt Sam tense beside her and Brooke was livid that Sam experienced even a moment of doubt about her place in Julian's life. Brooke could handle all the bitch's insults but she crossed a line when she threatened Sam so unnecessarily. "If that is your plan, I suggest you rethink it because you are definitely overestimating your worth to Julian. Sam is the only woman in Julian's life that is permanent, everyone else is replaceable. Just ask all the flings before you."
"Including you apparently. The fact that he is here with me proves just how much I matter to him. He could be here with the two of you, but he is not! Surely even you can understand the significance of today Sam."
"You are such a bitch! It is only a matter of time before Julian sees you for what you are." Sam exclaimed focusing on the harpy in front of her rather than Brooke's confusion.
Vanessa saw Julian making his way back to the table out of the corner of her eye. She ignored Sam, knowing how important it was to have the last say in this situation. "I suppose I should thank you both though because up until now Julian seemed to be holding back. Clearly that isn't the case anymore since your little plot backfired. So thank you Brooke and Sam."
Julian reappeared preventing either Brooke or Sam from responding. He immediately sensed the tension vibrating off of all three of them. He looked at each of them curiously however before he could inquire further Vanessa asked, "is our table ready, honey?"
Julian nodded his head as his gaze locked onto Brooke, recognizing the anger swimming in the depths of her eyes. They were very green, which only served to confirm his suspicions. He remembered they only turned to that striking green when she was extremely emotional.
Vanessa distracted his attention momentarily though when he felt her slip an arm around his waist and he heard her say, "great, we should get going then."
"Sure," Julian smiled. "Enjoy your breakfast ladies."
"You too," Brooke replied with a strained smile.
Sam was too pissed off to even respond to him, which caused Julian to become concerned. What the hell had he missed?
Brooke realized that Sam's lack of response was Julian's reason for lingering, so she gently shook her head silently advising him to leave her alone.
Understanding that Brooke knew best he transferred his gaze from Sam onto Brooke again knowing this would be the last time he saw her for awhile. He ignored the ache that thought caused. "Have a safe flight back to Tree Hill. Take care of yourself Brooke."
"You too Julian. It was great to see you again." She said softly, trying to bury the emotion in her voice.
That should have been Julian's cue to walk away. Instead his feet remained firmly in place as he took this last opportunity to memorize everything about Brooke. Her image was already burned into his mind but he still wanted to take the time to remember her. Saying good bye to her shouldn't be this hard. He had said it to her last night, indeed he had spent the whole night reconciling himself to that he wouldn't be crossing paths with her again for awhile. But he couldn't regret seeing her this morning. After his initial surprise had worn off, Julian had been grateful to have a few more minutes with her. He didn't want their last encounter to be the poignant one from the previous night. He wanted to be able to reminisce about her gorgeous smile with her dimples on full display as she adorably lectured him about his gift to Sam, he didn't want the tears she has been on the verge of, the ones he saw glistening in her eyes as she stood outside the taxi cab haunting him. But even now the memory of her and Sam from earlier was tainted because of the emotion he had just heard in Brooke's voice, in her eyes and the unspoken tension radiating from her. It must have been his longing for one last good memory that kept him standing in front of her; he rationalized to himself even if he wasn't sure what that would change. In the end, he would still be saying good-bye to her.
Brooke could freely admit to herself that she was not ready to say good-bye to Julian, not now and not ever. She also couldn't deny that it gave her some measure of comfort that he seemed disinclined to do so as well since he hadn't broke the intense stare they were both locked into. She could not tear her gaze away from him had someone yelled out that there was fire in the restaurant. She knew she shouldn't look at him so obviously with his girlfriend standing right next to him. She knew it was wrong but she had no control over her actions. This was going to be the last time she saw him for an unspecified amount of time and she needed to commit all of his magnificent features to memory. His was the face she was going to see in her dreams for years to come and she wanted to remember Julian as he was standing in this restaurant rather than the image of the broken man in an airport that her subconscious carried. She looked forward to the times her mind would recreate all the happy images that she had filed away from their day together on Saturday with Sam. They had shared some amazing moments and they were now among her most precious memories. She only wished she had a few more to take back with her. She wished things could be different than the reality she was facing.
Neither could say how long the look they shared lasted as everything else seemed to lose significance around them except for one another. It wasn't until Vanessa's voice broke through and shattered the moment when she said, "it was a pleasure to meet you Brooke. Bye Sammy, I am sure we will be seeing each other again soon."
Julian recovered fairly quickly and replied, "good-bye Brooke."
"Good-bye Julian." Brooke replied in return, swallowing the tears that burned her eyes.
"Bye Samson, I will call you tomorrow," Julian promised.
"Bye Julian." Sam managed to say around the burst of resentment that surged through her entire body.
Brooke and Sam watched the couple walk away with their arms wrapped around one another, while Brooke had to physically restrain Sam from launching herself at the blonde bitch's back with a hand pressed hard against her daughter's knee.
"How dare she?" Sam seethed, furious that that skank would dare to use one of Julian's nicknames while addressing her.
"Oh that bitch is good!" Brooke remarked.
"And you are just going to let her get away with it?"
"What do you want me to do Sam?"
"Anything! Just save Julian from that viper!"
"Nothing good would come of me interfering, I promise you that. Besides maybe she is not as bad as she seems."
"Are you kidding me? We're you not just sitting here with me just now?!"
"Sam, in all fairness it was two against one. She is probably just feeling a little threatened is all."
"Now you are defending her?" Sam cried incredulous.
"Of course not but she was in a very awkward situation considering the article. And she did have a very valid point."
"Which would be?"
"Julian is here with her and not us."
The conversation was brought to a momentary halt with that cruel observation. To make matters even worse, mother and daughter noticed the happy couple were being seating several tables away but still offering them a clear view of their profiles.
"They look like freaking Ken and Barbie!" Sam replied with a grimace.
"Ken and Barbie are the epitome of America's perfect couple." Brooke pointed out reasonably.
"Well they were certainly never mine."
"Did you even play with barbies?"
"Never! They terrified me with their perfect hair and perfect clothes and perfect bodies. No one is that perfect. No one should grow up thinking they have to be that perfect."
"You know I think that explains a lot about you." Brooke teased with a smile.
Sam gave her a light push. "Hey!"
They shared a small chuckle before their attention was inadvertently drawn back to Julian and his date.
"We can go now." Sam suggested quietly.
"No, unfortunately we can't. Our food hasn't even come out yet." Not that Brooke was even remotely hungry anymore but that was beside the point. "I will be damned if I give her the satisfaction of thinking she ran us off."
"Mom, I'm really sorry. I didn't know she would be here. He told me I was the only person he had ever shared this place with."
Brooke took a moment to process Sam's statement. That certainly explained the blonde's smugness earlier. "She obviously matters a lot to him then." Brooke replied, hating that it was so difficult for her that she couldn't even use her name, she had to continuously refer to Julian's girlfriend as "she".
"I don't see why. She is completely wrong for him!" Sam declared.
"That isn't for you to decide." Brooke reminded her. "Have you even tried to get to know her? Or did you just dismiss her right away?"
Sam shrugged guilty, "I have good instincts and they screamed she was no good for Julian from the moment I met her."
Brooke sighed. It was hard to reason with Sam when she got into one of her moods. She decided to put the subject on hold as their food arrived.
Brooke had lost her appetite but forced herself to eat a couple bites of everything on her plate. She was surprised that she managed to keep the food in her stomach as particular scenery in the restaurant made her nauseous. She tried to keep her focus on anything but them but her eyes and her brain didn't seem to want to cooperate as her eyes were continuously drawn back to their table. Witnessing Julian and his companion's shared laughter and smiles made her conscious of the figurative knife slipping deeper in her, the same knife she had felt earlier when she first saw Julian kissing someone else. The pain only seemed to intensify as the knife twisted with how often the two touched one another. Watching their exchanges was torture of the worst kind for Brooke as she knew that could have easily been her sitting so intimately with Julian once upon a time. That realization just tore her apart from the inside out.
Ironically the more she watched them, the more things became clearer for her.
As Brooke waited for the check she made one last attempt with Sam, who had remained pretty quiet once they began to eat. She was determined to make things easier for Julian and the best way to accomplish that was to get Sam to back of his current romantic interest. The actress may not have been who Brooke envisioned Julian to be with but that was neither here nor there. Taking into account all of the hurt she had put him through the very least she could do was get Sam to accept that Julian deserved a chance at fresh start, free of any interference or resistance from the girl whom he considered to be his daughter. "Samantha, I think your instincts might be off in this instance. Perhaps she is good for him after all." Brooke gently suggested with a slight nod in the couples direction.
Sam didn't bother to look at them, keeping her glower fixed on Brooke. "Why they hell would you even say that?" Sam asked angrily.
"Because she makes him smile Sam. In fact since they have sat down, he has barely stopped which is something you would have noticed if you weren't so stubborn. He looks really happy. Can't that be enough for you?"
"Is it enough for you?" Sam shot back.
"I no longer get a vote; I forfeited that right when I refused to move here with him." Brooke reminded her wistfully.
"His so called happiness is based on a lie. So no, that is not enough for me. He deserves more than that and certainly better than her! Vanessa isn't the person she is pretending to be around Julian. She showed us the real her in his absence. She is an actress and she knows how to play the part to get what she wants." Sam argued.
"Admittedly she crossed a line when she suggested that Julian would ever choose between the two of you. Julian would NEVER turn his back on you. But people act out of character when they feel threatened Sam. Insecurities can make us irrational causing someone to say or do things they normally wouldn't."
"She should feel threatened. She is not even half the woman you are. At least she has the sense to comprehend that much."
"You are completely missing my point, Samantha. She obviously cares about Julian; she must if she is willing to fight for him."
"You could fight for him too."
Brooke took a deep breath and tried it from another angle. "Answer me this…what kind of woman do you see Julian with?"
"You," Sam answered simply, automatically, not even having to think of her answer. "I know there is not a woman on this planet who could love him the way he deserves except you."
Brooke blinked back the tears at the strength of conviction in her daughter's voice. "That is an extremely biased opinion and I love for having it. However I think it is only making matters worse. You also need to remember all of the pain I caused Julian."
"But-,"
"No Samantha." Brooke cut her off. "You are being incredibly unfair to Julian. He has been so amazing to you over the years. Shouldn't you do something for him in return and keep an open mind about Vanessa since she is obviously important to him." Brooke was shocked to discover she could actually say the girls name without choking on it.
"I am not sure I can." Sam admitted honestly. "I have seen Julian at his happiest, when he was with you so I know when he is happy. I don't believe he is happy with that snake. He is just settling with an extremely poor imitation at that."
"Sam please," Brooke begged. "Julian knows more than anyone else what he needs and wants; only he can determine his own happiness. No one else. He is with Vanessa now and you need to respect that. He has never asked you for anything and neither have I however I am asking that you to make more of an effort with her. You owe him that much."
Sam could see how much this was killing Brooke even though she endeavored to put on a brave façade. Searching her mother's heartbroken face, Sam reluctantly nodded her head and conceded. "I promise to try for you and for Julian."
"Thank you." Brooke replied giving her a small smile.
"I do have to say this though; you've just proven once again that you are the only one who loves Julian the way he should be loved. You are willing to do anything to make sure he is happy and not everyone would do that."
"It is the very least I can do after everything that has happened with us. Now can I push my luck and ask you for one more thing?"
Sam nodded.
"Can we not talk about Julian any more for the rest of the day?"
Remorse consumed Sam knowing she was partially responsible for Brooke's misery since she orchestrated this whole run in with Julian. It was the guilt that prompted her to comply with Brooke's request. "If that is what you want."
"It is." Brooke said definitively as they gathered up their purses and walked out of the restaurant careful to avoid one certain table in the middle of the establishment.
A/N: So I am dying to know…were you disappointed with Vanessa? With Brooke? With Julian? With Sam? With my writing of the event? I welcome any and all comments / criticisms. I hope you will share your thoughts with me. Thank you again for your time and attention to this story. It means the world to me!!! You are all are the BEST EVER!!! :D
I will leave you with some good news, the next chapter is almost completed and it is my favorite. I just have some fine tuning to do that hopefully will not take too long. Reminders of what is to come… Vanessa may or may not make one last appearance before all is said and done. I have an idea that I am trying to work the details out of.
Chapter 10: Sam and Julian have a heart to heart. Sam and Brooke share opposing views AGAIN.
Chapter 11: Vanessa?? And I wish I could tell you the rest but I am keeping that a secret. However, please feel free to leave me any guesses you may have. LOL
I would also like to thank a couple of my readers who I have not been able to respond to until now...
Macaroni ~ Thank you so much for all of your lovely words. I am so relieved to hear that I am not alone in my difficulties on writing for Brooke and Julian given the current state of the show. In this case, I can admit misery loves company. LOL I am happy to hear that the update made you a bit sad. I agree it could this could have been their reactions for where they are now on OTH. I hate that we are even having to deal with a broken up BJu on the show, especially with the recycled writing and the same scenes over and over with no progress being made. But then you and I have already discussed that. I do like that Brooke is having to break down Julian's walls. I think it really is only fair since he had to do it last time. Plus she is the one who hurt him. I promise these two are going to come to terms with things very soon. I have a bit more work to do but we are getting there :D Thank you for your reassurances on my portrayal of the characters. I try so hard to keep them as accurate as possible. Thank you for your review! It is wonderful to see you back on FF. I hope the show and lack of inspiration doesn't drive you off again!
Sunshine~ Thank you as always for your amazing review!!! Season 7 really has been a huge let down in regards to BJu. It breaks my heart, stifles my inspiration and makes me want to speed up my own storyline to get to the end of this misery. LOL I am all for angst on the show just not the same the same scenes and definitely not the same contrived 3rd party storyline with no progression for BJu at all. That is not entertaining, imo. They had so much potential with Brooke's infertility but they just made that into nothing but a bad plot point, which still ticks me off! If they are going to take away the girls dream at least give her some material to work with. Okay dory for the rant…on to your beautiful review!!!
Thank you so much for all of your touching compliments. I am so thrilled that you enjoyed it!!! I am glad you approved of the length and that the tension captured your attention. I am relieved that you were not disappointed about them not kissing. I was tempted to have them kiss but ultimately it just didn't feel right because we know when BJu start kissing, they won't stop there. LOL Not with all the passion they have for one another, combined with the fact that it has been more than two years. I really do like the idea of keeping my readers in their toes though! :P
LOL I am glad you enjoyed Julian's lusty thoughts about Brooke. If you are bad Sunny for appreciating it, I guess that makes me very bad Angell for writing it. LOL In my mind Julian will always be weak for Brooke but in the best possible way! It is one of the things I love about Julian, he really does wear his heart on his sleeve and he would do anything for his girls! Well the season 6 Julian that I feel in love with and am keeping alive in this story. (Season 7 Julian is a contradiction for me!) I firmly believe that Brooke has to fight for Julian this time, no way around it in my mind. I am happy that you agree as well with my take and on how Julian is responding. I agree with you about Vanessa as well. While Alex may just be a roadblock to BJu, I still want to her to get as far away from BJu as possible. It was hard not to write Vanessa as Alex in this most recent update, let me tell you. LOL
I am so happy that my writing and perspective keeps pulling you in. That is so amazing to hear as a writer! Thank you for your reassurance that I am not a disappointment. I hope you know how much your encouragement means as well as your reviews. I always look forward to hearing your thoughts and reactions to the story! Thank you as always for taking the time and for being so honest with me in your reviews. I am extremely lucky to have you as a reader, Sunny!!