The Way I Loved You
By LostInWriting.
Disclaimer: I do not own One Tree Hill as it belongs to Mark Schwahn and the CW. The title of this story & the lyrics within it are from the song 'The Best Day' by Taylor Swift. I do not own this either. This song and its lyrics belong to Taylor Swift.
Summary: Brooke and Julian's life with their daughter Penelope & their son Davis
Authors Note: So I have other responsibilities with WGHWY & CAT but I just had to write this one shot. I will always wish Brulian had a daughter and this is basically my dream coming to life. I hope you like it!
Written especially for those who have fallen in love with Brulian since we got their first scene together in 6x10. They have captured my heart and it's nice to see Brooke with a man who loves her and her boys. I have faith that they'll get through whatever they're going through in S9.
I'm five years old, it's getting cold, I've got my big coat on
I hear your laugh and look up smiling at you, I run and run
Past the pumpkin patch and the tractor rides, look now, the sky is gold
I hug your legs and fall asleep on the way home
"Penelope Peyton Baker, get back over here," Brooke called out to her five year old daughter who was running around the pumpkin patches.
It was two days before Halloween and just like every year, the Baker's had gone to buy pumpkins to put on their front porch on October 31st. It was a tradition that Julian had introduced to Brooke before even Penelope was born, and they loved it. Like the proud parents that they were, Julian and Brooke stood hand in hand in the middle of the pumpkin field as they watched their curly haired daughter run as fast as her little legs could carry her. She had definitely taken after her mom in every way. Her dark brown eyes shone when she was happy and green when she was sad, just like Brooke's and her brunette hair curled round her face and down to her shoulders. Even her dimpled cheeks and bubbly personality resembled Brooke. She was perfect.
"No Mommy. Come chase me," Penelope called back from a few feet away with a huge grin on her heart shaped face.
"Penny, you know Mommy can't run," Julian repeated for the fourth time today and placed his hand on Brooke's rather protruding stomach.
She was glowing beautifully along with the autumn leaves. Brooke was currently six months pregnant with her and Julian's second child. They hadn't planned on another baby but they wouldn't have it any other way.
Brooke felt their baby kick and she looked up at her husband before giving him a reassuring nod.
"Okay Penny but you better run fast because the tickle monster's coming for ya" Brooke teased and ran after Penny who was giggling happily and trying to run away from her mom who was barely jogging.
Brooke eventually got hold of Penny and swung her round gently before pulling her to her chest and kissing her cheeks.
"You got me Mommy!"
"And I always will baby girl," she reassured her and placed her little feet back on the ground but Penny still had tones of energy and she wasn't gonna stand still. Even in her big red coat, she managed to run round easily.
Julian joined Brooke's side and wrapped his arm round her waist.
"Quickly choose your pumpkins PP," Julian said using the nickname that he had for her, due to her first and middle name. "We've got to put them on the tractor and get back to the car."
"'Kay Daddy."
After another ten minutes, the Baker family had bought four pumpkins, one for each of them and the baby, and placed them in the trunk of their car and they were on their way home. At Penelope's request, Brooke had joined her in the back whilst Julian drove. Fifteen minutes into the drive back, Penelope had fallen asleep with her head on Brooke's lap. Brooke couldn't help but giggle as she looked down at her growing belly that sat next to her daughter's head.
I don't know why all the trees change in the fall
But I know you're not scared of anything at all
Don't know if Snow White's house is near or far away
But I know I had the best day with you today
True to form, as soon as Julian had picked Penelope up after pulling up at their house, she had woke up and was filled with more energy. Brooke was changing into her pajamas while Julian helped Penelope into her princess ones. He let her have a quick bounce on her bed as he placed her coat in her closet and clothes in the laundry basket, and by the time he was finished, Brooke was ready to read Penny her bedtime story. They usually took it in turns and tonight was Brooke's turn to read.
"Night PP," Julian said as he kissed his daughter's head and then Brooke's before leaving the room.
When Brooke picked up tonight's bedtime story off the bookshelf in Penelope's room, her daughter quickly jumped under her blankets; it was her favorite story and Brooke knew. Penny pulled back her blankets and squeezed up to the wall so that Brooke could slide into the bed next to her. Her kind heart always warmed Brooke's.
Once they were both comfortable, with Penelope resting her head on Brooke's chest and the book held in front of the both of them, Brooke began to read.
"Once upon a time, there was a beautiful princess with skin as white as snow, lips as red as the red red rose and hair as black as night," Brooke began to read. It wasn't the original but a more child friendly one. "Her name was Snow White."
"Snow White's pretty isn't she Mommy?"
"She sure is."
"I wish I looked like her," Penny said as she pulled at her curly brown hair that wasn't as black as night.
"You don't need to look like Snow White, Pen because you're more beautiful than any Princess."
That seemed to do it. Penelope looked up at her mom and her eyes lit up so Brooke continued to read and just like every other night, Penny asked questions about the story; why were the men little? How could Snow White talk to animals? Why were the leaves green in the story but in her yard, they were brown? And Brooke answered each and every one of them as best as she could.
Brooke was surprised to find that Penelope was still awake at the end of the story when there was only three pages left. The Queen had just turned up at the dwarves house and given Snow White the poisonous apple.
"She's scary," Penny added.
"You don't have to be scared. She's not real Pen," Brooke tried to reassure her.
"You're not scared of her are you?" the little girl asked and Brooke shook her head. "You're not scared of anything Mommy. You're brave."
They finished the story and Penny was happy that the bad Queen got sent away and Snow White lived happily ever after with the dwarves and Prince Charming. Brooke got out of the bed and tucked Penelope in before giving her a kiss goodnight. She walked to the door and turned the light off.
"Mommy?" a little tired voice called out.
"Yes baby?" Brooke said from the doorway.
"I had the best day ever today."
"Me too Penny, sleep tight princess."
I'm thirteen now and don't know how my friends could be so mean
I come home crying and you hold me tight and grab the keys
And we drive and drive until we found a town far enough away
And we talk and window shop 'til I've forgotten all their names
Brooke was cleaning her kitchen when she heard the front door open. She was supposed to pick up Penelope and Davis today from school but Julian had offered to do it instead which meant that Brooke could catch up on her house cleaning.
Soon enough, eight year old Davis Jude Baker ran into the kitchen and sat on one of the chair's at the kitchen table. He was as energetic as Penelope was at that age and shared her dimpled cheeks and bubbly laugh but had his dad's dark chocolate eyes and beaming grin.
"What's for dinner Mom?" he asked straight away.
"Hello to you too Mister," Brooke joked as she lifted her eyebrow up at his impoliteness. He could be just as excitable as her sometimes.
"Sorry. Hi Mom, how are you?"
And then just like that, he'd be just like his father.
"That's more like it. I'm good. How was your day?" she asked but before Davis could answer, Julian walked in with a worried look on his face.
"Hey, what's wrong?"
"Nothing. I just, I think Penny had a bad day," Julian explained. She wouldn't talk to him in the car which was extremely unlike her as she was such a daddy's girl.
"I'll go talk to her," Brooke said. She kissed his lips and then looked at Davis. "I want to hear all about your day later Davey."
Heading to Penelope's bedroom, Brooke climbed the stairs and knocked on her thirteen year olds door.
"Come in," a mumbled voice replied.
Brooke entered and saw her daughter sat on the window seat with her knees tucked up to her chest and her hair hanging in front of her face. The sight broke Brooke's heart. She made her way to the window and sat opposite her daughter and waited for her to speak.
After a few seconds, Penelope looked up at her mother and Brooke could see what Julian meant when he said that she made sad look beautiful because Penelope did the same. Even at thirteen, she didn't wear any make up and let her curly hair keep it's natural curl. Over the years, Penny had certainly become more like Julian and was even top in her class.
"Dana told Ryan that I liked him," she finally admitted. "It was a secret. She's supposed to be my best friend. Best friends don't tell other people their secrets."
"That wasn't very nice of her but maybe she didn't mean it?"
"I thought that at first but apparently she likes Ryan too."
"Ah, I see."
Brooke had been through love triangles with best friends before and it was hard but she had come out of it happy.
"You know Pen, best friends are allowed to make mistakes some time. I don't think that what Dana did was right, because it wasn't but I've said some really horrible things about your Aunt Peyton before and we even fought over your Uncle Lucas once or twice but I don't love her any less. And if Dana is a good friend then you two will overcome this. I know I did, I have a great husband and two beautiful children."
Brooke thought she was helping but suddenly Penelope's breath caught in her throat and she began to sob.
"Penny, what's wrong." Brooke's hand reached out to push Penelope's hair out of her face.
After taking a minute to compose herself, Penelope explained further.
"After Dana told Ryan, we were all in class and he said-" she took another breath to hold back the tears. "He said that he would never date a person like me because of my...my dimples and everyone laughed."
"What!" Brooke gasped. "That's ridiculous. Don't you dare listen to him okay? You are beautiful Penny. You love your dimples and there are gonna be plenty of boys who will too, just like your dad loves mine. This Ryan isn't good enough for you baby."
Brooke leant over and pulled Penelope into a hug and rubbed her back, letting her cry on her shoulder.
"Come on," Brooke nodded her head to the door.
"Where are we going?"
"For a drive."
Tree Hill was only a small town so Brooke had to drive half an hour before they were at the mall. Penny had spent the whole journey looking out of the window. Boy, could teenagers be mean!
They entered the mall and Brooke led Penny to the most expensive shop in there.
"Mom, we can't shop here? It's too expensive," Penny warned.
"If I've learnt anything over the years, it's that spending your mom and dad's money can sometimes help mend a broken heart, especially if your mom's spending it with you."
So they spent two hours in the shop, trying on various items of clothing and shoes, only settling for the best. Brooke came out with a new pair of Manolo Blahnik's and a red blouse. Penelope was equally as successful after her mom had bought her a black knee length dress that was laced, a new pair of jeans and a pair of black converses.
I don't know who I'm gonna talk to now at school
But I know I'm laughing on the car ride home with you
Don't know how long it's gonna take to feel okay
But I know I had the best day with you today
Brooke and Penny laughed after singing at the top of their lungs to the new Lady Gaga song. Hearing her daughter's laugh was enough for Brooke and she had faith that she'd get through school tomorrow and the rest of the year.
They pulled into their drive and carried all of their bags into the house to find Julian sat with his notepad on the couch making notes as he watched whatever film was on. When he heard the door, he turned to face his wife and daughter and was glad to see that they were both smiling.
"How're you feeling PP?" he asked, turning himself round on the couch.
"Better," she nodded.
"Do you want me to make you both a hot chocolate before bed?"
"Yes!" both Brooke and Penelope exclaimed. Julian made the best hot chocolate and after today they were gonna need it. He left the living room and headed for the kitchen, leaving the girls alone.
"Why don't you go get in to your pjs and we'll bring it up to you?" Brooke suggested.
"Okay," Penelope walked to the stairs but turned back to her mom. "Thanks for today Mom. I always have the best days with you."
Brooke's eyes lit up and her heart almost skipped a beat.
"Ditto baby. And don't worry about school. You're popular and smart and beautiful, so even if Dana doesn't want to be your friend because she's jealous, there are gonna be other people who will."
"Thanks."
I have an excellent father, his strength is making me stronger
God smiles on my little brother, inside and out, he's better than I am
I grew up in a pretty house and I had space to run
And I had the best days with you
Penelope rummaged through the boxes in their second garage that was used for storage. It contained memorabilia from her entire life; her name tag from the hospital the day she was born, her certificates for the various awards that she had won, home movies for every occasion including her recent Valedictorian speech at graduation.
She had moved all of the things that she needed into two boxes but couldn't pick them both up at the same time so would have to make two trips. As she left the garage to enter her house, she noticed Davis throwing a ball against the side of the house. He was thirteen and had kept his mom's energetic behavior. He looked even more like Julian but didn't share his love for knowledge. He much preferred playing baseball.
"Hey DJ," she called out to him. He looked over and noticed her struggling with the box and ran over to her.
"Want some help with that Sis?"
"Actually there's one more in there, do you mind getting it for me and bringing it up to my room?"
"Sure."
"Thanks bro."
They went in their opposite directions; Davis to the garage and Penelope up to her room. It was the same room that she had lived in since the day she was born. Most people want to move to different houses, but not Penelope. She loved their house and it would always be home. Her parents had promised to never sell it, no matter what happened. Even if they were to move themselves, they would keep the house for Penelope one day.
She placed the cardboard box on the floor and looked round her room. There were boxes and suitcases scattered around and the thought of moving out of this room hurt her a little. But college awaited and she knew that she had to go...she wanted to go.
A few months previous, she had been offered a scholarship at Stanford University to learn Psychology. She hoped to one day become a psychologist or therapist and Stanford would help ensure that her dream became a reality. The only problem was, Stanford was on the other side of the country. However, after lots of reassurance from her parents and boyfriend, she knew that it was the best choice for her.
Davis stumbled slightly into the room; he had always been clumsy. He placed the box that he was carrying on top of the one that Penelope had been carrying.
"Wow. Is this everything?" he asked, looking wide eyed round the room.
Penelope nodded, "Scary isn't it? My whole life packed into boxes and bags."
"Are you nervous?"
"A little. Im gonna miss you guys."
"Hey, just say the word Pen and I'll be on a plane to California. Did you know that the girls there are hot?" Davis exclaimed. Penelope laughed at her brother and pulled him into a hug.
"You're a good kid Davey," she whispered into his ear and let him go. He smiled at her and turned to leave the room.
"I love ya Penny."
"Love you too little brother."
Davis left the room and went back to his ball game downstairs, unaware that Julian had been stood at his bedroom door and heard his children's conversation. It made his heart swell to hear them say that they love each other, although it's not something that he ever doubted. Penelope and Davis had always been close to each other and rarely argued. Him and Brooke were lucky that way. Peyton and Lucas on the other hand, not so much. Three broody children can apparently cause lots of arguments or so Sawyer, Allie & Keith proved.
Julian entered his daughter's childhood room to find everything packed away. Two more days and she will be on the other side of the country. He already had his first plane ticket to visit her booked. In four weeks, he'd be going to California to spend a few days with his baby girl. She was the apple of his eye and he couldn't be prouder.
"You did good Pumpkin," he said, making his presence known.
Penelope turned away from her closet and saw her father.
"With my packing or my life?"
"Both. It's safe to say that I'm a proud father," he took a seat on her bed and she came to join him.
"Daddy, do you think I can do this?"
He noticed the worry sketched across her face by the way she bit her bottom lip and fidgeted with her hair. She was plagued with self doubt, always had been and it's no wonder considering Brooke and Julian were the same, despite their somewhat confident attitude.
"Are you kidding me? You are destined for greatness Penelope Peyton Baker. I have no doubt about it," he reassured her.
"I'm scared dad. I'm scared of living away from you and mom. I'm scared of leaving my friends and Mike behind. And I'm scared of failing."
They were the thoughts that had been in her head for weeks but she couldn't find the courage to tell anyone, until now.
"PP, me and your mom are always going to be there for you. Just think of it as you only being a plane ride away. And your friends and Mike? If they're good friends, they'll keep in touch. Just like your mom and Peyton and Mike loves you. If you fail, you fail. It's something that we'll deal with if it comes around. But you have never failed anything in your life. I don't think you're gonna start now. Okay?" Her head bobbed up and down in agreement. "Come here."
She fell into her dad's arms and although she didn't cry, she felt her worries leave her.
"What are you doing today?" he asked after Penelope had sat up.
"I'm going to spend the day with Mike. Is it okay if he comes for dinner?"
"Of course. He's welcome here anytime."
The truth was, Julian did like Mike. He and Penelope had started dating two years ago but had been friends for a long time before that. He was a local boy, whose family were popular and successful in Tree Hill with their French cuisine restaurant. Mike had decided to stay in North Carolina for College to study Culinary Cuisine so that he could one day take over his family's business. Julian secretly hoped that because Mike was staying in Tree Hill then Penelope would definitely move back after College.
"I'll leave you to get ready," he tapped her knee and stood up from the bed but before he could leave, she called out to him.
"You know Dad...I love Mike but you'll always be my number one guy. You always make my days better."
There is a video I found from back when I was three
You set up a paint set in the kitchen and you're talking to me
It's the age of princesses and pirate ships and the seven dwarfs
And Daddy's smart and you're the prettiest lady in the whole wide world
"The day has finally arrived; Penelope Peyton Baker is finally marrying her high school sweetheart and best friend, Michael Matthew Donovan," Haley introduced the wedding, stood in front of a projector with the happy couples name on. Penelope had asked her to be the vicar and it seemed that Haley had a new career calling.
It was April and the perfect day for a wedding. After fifteen days of rain, the sun was finally out to celebrate the day with Penny and Mike's family.
In her third year at Stanford, Mike had taken the weekend off work to visit her. He had already completed his culinary degree and was working full time with his dad, earning all the money that he could. It was on his trip to California that he proposed to Penelope. He promised her that he'd get married whenever she was ready to and would even move to California if it's what she wanted.
She said yes but moved back to Tree Hill anyway, as soon as college was finished. Making both her parents and Mike happy. She had told her mom that she only wanted a simple wedding in her childhood home's back yard. It felt right to do it that way. Everyone agreed and after inviting only close family and friends, including; her Aunt Haley, Peyton and Alex, Uncle Nathan, Lucas, Skills and Mouth and various cousins, they set the date.
At twenty three, Penelope was more than ready for this. She looked at the man before her, his blue eyes shining. He had clearly lost the ability to stop smiling as he was wearing the goofy grin that she loved and she chuckled quietly to herself. Behind Mike's shoulder, stood her grown up brother who was close to graduating high school to move to college. Behind her, as she took a quick glance, was her best friend Dana, Mike's sister Laura and her three cousins, Sawyer, Allie and Lydia. Her eyes scanned the front row, till they landed till they landed on her proud parents, sat hand in hand, tears in both of their eyes. Her mom as beautiful as ever.
"Now before we move onto the vows, your mom and dad Penelope, have got something for you. Mouth, press play," Haley called to Mouth who was sat towards the back with his laptop, playing the music that Penelope & Mike had requested. He pressed play and on the projector behind Haley, a home video played.
Penelope must have only have been three as she sat at the kitchen counter on a stool, painting as her mom drew. Penelope always wanted to be doing what her mom was doing. Julian was cooking, watching his favourite girls. Then Penelope's voice echoed through the yard.
"Pen drewed a pwincess momma," she cried out, holding up the picture towards her mom who looked at it with pride.
"My baby's an artist."
"For you," Penelope pushed it towards Brooke's drawing.
"Thanks pumpkin."
"Hey!" Julian called. "Where's mine PP?"
"Daddy, you gets a piwate."
"A pirate? Wow. Let me see that."
He was impressed, maybe Penelope would be an artist one day.
"I marry a piwate one day Momma!" she said with gusto.
The gathering of family and friends laughed at Penelope's childhood antics. She had definitely quietened down over the years. The screen quickly changed from three year old Penelope to a three year old Mike. His almost white hair shone in the sun as he ran round his back yard with an eye patch over one eye and a wooden stick in his hand.
"Ahoy there captain," Mike's dad called from behind the camera. "What you doing there Mikey?"
"Fightn' the baddies. The princess needs savn'"
"You want to save the princess?"
Mike nodded, "I'm gon marry the princess!"
Penelope smiled as the sound faded out but clips of their childhood continued to play behind them. She looked at her best friend in front of her and couldnt help herself, she had to kiss him. Luckily, there was no veil to lift up so she closed the small distance between them and placed a small peck on his lips. Seeing Mike as a child made her think about what their children were going to be like.
"I guess that was just to show that you two were made for each other. Even at three years old, you both knew that you wanted to marry each other," Haley continued. "Mike, would you like to start your vows?"
And now I know why the all the trees change in the fall
I know you were on my side even when I was wrong
And I love you for giving me your eyes
For staying back and watching me shine
And I didn't know if you knew, so I'm takin' this chance to say
That I had the best day with you today
"Mom, I'm scared," Penelope whimpered, gripping the bed sheets. Her knuckles white as she lay on the hospital bed.
Brooke stroked her daughter's hair. She was sat on her right and Mike on her left.
"It's going to be fine baby. You're ready for this," Brooke reassured her heavily pregnant daughter.
She nodded, "Mike, will you get me some ice please?"
"Sure babe. I'll be right back." He kissed her slightly sweaty forehead and left the room.
"Where's dad gone?"
"He went to get your brother."
"I can't believe that in a few hours I'll be holding my baby," Penny gushed, pushing her head back on the pillow.
Only eight months earlier, did she and Mike find out they were one month pregnant with their first child. The grandparents were ecstatic at the prospect of their happily married children were finally giving them a grandchild after two years. Four months after finding out the wonderful news, the couple asked Davis and Mike's sister, Laura to be godparents. They were delighted.
Penelope winced as she was hit with a contraction. Brooke continued to stroke her hair.
"Grip my hand again Pen. Now breathe through it," Brooke advised. Penelope followed the instructions and after a few more reassuring words from her mom, she gained composure. "You're doing really well baby."
Soon after, Mike came back with ice, Julian, Davis and the Doctor. The Doctor began to check Penelope's vitals.
"How're you holding up Sis?" Davis asked. He could tell she was distressed from his spot at the end of her bed.
"I'm okay I guess. I just wish I could start pushing already," she sighed.
"Your vitals are looking good Penelope. I'm just going to check how far dilated you are. If everyone else wants to look somewhere else," the doctor said and all people in the room turned their eyes to Penelope whilst they waited for the Doctors verdict. "You're ten centimeters dilated Penny. Let's get you to the delivery room. Who will be in the room with you?"
"Mike and my mom."
"Okay can everyone else wait in the waiting room please? I'll get a nurse."
The doctor left and Julian and Davis said their 'see you soon's and 'good luck'. Julian even placed a kiss on Brooke's lips knowing that she would get emotional.
"Go bring me our grandchild," he whispered in her ear and left the room with his son.
"Are you ready for this Penny?" Brooke checked and her younger double looked back at her with excitement in her eyes but nerves in her face. Everything she expected from a first time mom.
After one hour and and twelve minutes of labour, weighing in at 6lb 13oz, Jennifer Jane Donovan was born. Cradled in her mother's arms with her grandmother sat next to them on the bed whilst Mike saw their families out. The nurse had allowed Brooke to stay for a little longer.
"She's beautiful," Brooke said.
"She's perfect," Penny agreed.
Jennifer had her father's blonde hair but her mom's dimpled cheeks and ever changing brown and green eyes. Penny looked to her right and saw her mom who hadn't stopped crying since Jennifer had arrived.
"Thank you Mom."
"For what baby girl?"
"For giving me your eyes so I could give them to my daughter."
Brooke smiled and leaned across to kiss Penelope's head. It was her way of saying 'You're Welcome'.
"Thank you for teaching me how to be a good mom and thanks for today. I couldn't have done it without you. I know I had Mike and he means everything. But there are somethings that you need your Mom there for and I'm so glad I had you with me."
"Like I've told you a million times, I'll always be there to get you. On your best days and your worst," Brooke soothed her hormonal daughter.
"Well today was definitely my best day and I'm happy I shared it with you Mom, or should I call you Grandma."
They both laughed and saw Jennifer open her now brown eyes and stare back at the two women who would be there for all of her best days.