"All endeavor calls for the ability to tramp the last mile, shape the last plan, endure the last hour's toil. The fight to the finish spirit is the one characteristic we must possess, if we are to face the future as finishers."
~Henry David Thoreau, 19th century American author
Most of us made a promise once. Hoped for a certain future. Wished upon a star. There's no magic formula to conjure up our heart's desire. Nothing falls from the skies or mysteriously appears out of nowhere. It's a long and winding road to deliverance. Sometimes, it's hard to see the final destination. Just when we think we swam to shore, climbed to the top of the mountain, walked to the end of the forest, the road reveals yet another obstacle. A brand new labyrinth. Some of us give up. Even find ways to be content with coming up short of our ultimate goal. But, at war, winning a few battles early on is no different than absolute defeat. Unmitigated success requires that we never take our eyes off the prize. Not for a single second. So, the determined accept the new challenge. Embrace their fight to the finish spirit. Swim across the next river. Climb over the next peak. Walk past the next tree. Yes, at some point, we all tumble down. Get tired. Maybe, take a break. Even curse the roadblocks. But, the finishers follow through. Endure the last hour's toil. Because, there's a long-ago promise to be kept. A hope. A wish. And, quitting is not an option.
For Brooke Davis and Lucas Scott, the exhilaration over the judge's custody ruling is too brief. Unable to keep his eyes off Brooke's engagement ring, Lucas finds himself lost in a brand new labyrinth. Being met with pure rage in her son's eyes, Brooke feels the full impact of yet another obstacle she crashes into. First battle won. But, it's clear that there's many more ahead. And, the war is too important to lose. So when their son practically runs out cursing at the wind, they both follow prepared to fight to the finish. In the middle of the crowded hallway outside the courtroom, Brandon is no longer able to contain his resentment and loudly lashes out at his parents.
Brandon: "Are you out of your fucking minds?"
Lucas: "Language!"
Br: "You're crazy, right? I feel dirty...like you just threw up your insanity all over me."
L: "You're upset. I get that. But, you cannot talk to us like that."
Br: "You think all the world's your damn stage? It's a stupid little game for you, isn't it? It's my life you're screwing with!"
Brooke: "Listen to me for a second. I can explain this."
Br: "I don't care. I asked you for one simple thing. One thing in my entire life. Leave me alone. Shut the hell up. Let me go. And, you couldn't even do that. I swear. It's like you're creating your own deluded version of the Bermuda triangle and sucking me down to hell. Why don't you try to think, once, about I want? My plans?"
L: "And, what plan is that, Brandon? We all heard you in there. You have no plans."
Br: "How dense are you people? I don't want you in my life. How can I make this any clearer? I. Want. Nothing. To. Do. With. You. Either of you. There's no way I'm moving to a middle of nowhere to go live with you idiots. This has got to be a fucking joke."
Brandon is too angry to stand still, so he starts pacing back and forth in the hallway. Brooke and Lucas look at each other wondering which one of them has the words to convince him. Brooke seems to have more courage. Just a sliver more. So, calmly, she begins pleading with Brandon, who doesn't stop or look at her once during her appeal.
B: "Ok, look. You don't know us, and you have no reason to trust us. And, I know this isn't what you wanted today. But, it doesn't have to be all bad. I want you to live with me. We both do. We want to be here for you. We can make this work. If you let us. If you just give us a chance."
Brandon stops before them, and slowly, his expression changes. Even his shoulders relax down a few inches. He tilts his head slightly to the right, and smiles. Just when Brooke starts to think she's reached that elusive mountaintop, Brandon's words bury her deep under the snow like an unstoppable avalanche.
Br: "A chance? Seriously? You know what? I should thank you. For lying in there. The judge might be stupid enough not to figure out your game right away, but I know better. You can shave all you want. Put on a fancy suit. It doesn't change the fact that you two can't stand each other any more than I can stand being in the same room with you. So, this sham of a marriage you pulled out of your ass has zero chance of actually happening. Thanks to dear old dad here, you're both going to jail for perjury quicker than I can say sayonara to Creep Hill. So, thanks. I'll get what I want after all. And, your asses rotting in jail...well, that'll be my bonus for having to deal with you for thirty days."
With almost a sinister laugh, Brandon starts walking away from them and towards the exit. When Brooke attempts to go after him, Lucas grabs her arm to hold her back.
L: "Wait. Give him a minute to cool down."
Still looking after Brandon, Brooke struggles to free her arm from his hold.
B: "Let me go, Luke. I have to explain."
L: "There's no use talking to him right now, Brooke. He's not seeing reason."
B: "What do you suggest we do? Let him run away? Again?"
L: "No. We'll wait here for a few minutes. Then, we'll go after him."
Unable to spot Brandon in the crowd anymore, Brooke looks over to Lucas and then back at the exit door again. She gradually relaxes her arm and in turn, Lucas lets it go.
B: "He's probably outside, smoking."
L: "Yeah, we have to do something about that."
B: "How about we pick our battles right now?"
Lucas motions with his hand to an empty bench nearby. They sit side by side, in silence, for the next few minutes. It's the first time since walking into the courtroom that either has a chance to really think about the events of the day. Looking down at the marble floor, a nervous Brooke breaks the silence.
B: "Lucas?"
L: "Yes?"
She opens her mouth, but, for a few seconds, no words come out. It's like something is stopping her from following through. Like she's afraid swimming in that particular river will drown her. Walking through that endless forest is useless. When she finally looks up at him, Lucas knows exactly the question she's about to ask.
B: "Did you just propose to me in there?"
L: "Did you just say yes in there?"
He reaches out for her left hand and grazes his thumb over the ring.
L: "Except I don't know to whom you said yes. Whose ring is that, Brooke?"
Yanking her hand away from him, she locks her eyes back on the marble floor.
B: "It's...uhm...I just had it with me. I guess you never know when a ring might come in handy."
L: "Are you telling me you carry that thing in your purse in case someone spontaneously proposes?"
Quickly standing up, Brooke grabs her purse off the bench and starts to walk out.
B: "I don't want to talk about this right now. Can we go find Brandon please?"
L: "All right. Let's go."
Brooke practically runs out with Lucas chasing not far behind. Yes, she's running towards her son. But, also away from the questions that she's not prepared to answer. She's running away from Lucas. It's not the first time. It probably won't be the last either. Making their way through the exit doors, she goes right and he turns left. Calling out his name, they search first the court steps, then the plaza for Brandon. He's nowhere to be found. Breathless from running around the plaza, Lucas walks up to Brooke.
L: "You don't have his number by any chance, do you?"
Brooke shakes her head no while her eyes continue searching the crowd in the plaza for her son.
B: "Damn it. This is so typical. We lost him again."
L: "We didn't lose him. He has to be here somewhere."
B: "No, I bet I know where he is. Where's your car?"
L: "I parked around the block. Why?"
B: "Let's go."
A few minutes later, they're in Lucas's car. A dark green Jeep Wrangler. Brooke hasn't been in the passenger seat of anyone's car in years. She usually travels in company cars driven by chauffeurs as she takes calls or responds to emails from the backseat. In fact, when she rented a car at Tree Hill airport the other day to get to Karen's house, she wasn't sure if she remembered how to drive. After she hands Lucas the address to their destination, she decides to put the radio on. Anything is better than the awkward silence. She can't help but laugh when she finds it broken.
B: "Since when does a mechanic not fix his own car?"
Lucas laughs back.
B: "The mechanic thing...that's not what I expected of you."
L: "You mean unlike how Brooke Davis grew up to be the fashion mogul everyone expected her to be?"
B: "Something like that."
L: "What did you think I'd become, Brooke?"
B: "Writer...I thought you wanted to be a writer."
L: "Yeah, well, not all of us chased our dreams. At least I'm putting everything Keith taught me into good use."
B: "True. I think of him often, you know?"
L: "He's probably laughing his ass off up there, looking at us running around like a pair of crazed headless chickens looking for the son who doesn't want to have anything to do with us."
B: "Speak for yourself. My pretty head is screwed on tight."
Brooke hits his shoulder with the back of her hand. Something sharp pokes his arm and when he looks over, he sees the ring again.
L: "Brooke, are we going to talk about the ring?"
She can see the roof above her head and that the windows are shut tight. But, there it comes. The cold air. And, just when she begins to think that they're over the awkwardness, and that, against all odds, they are sort of getting along peacefully. Even if it's just small talk. She looks down at her hand, to the ring on her finger. There's no use in lying. Sooner or later, he'll find out. And, she has nothing to hide anyway.
B: "It's Kyle's. My boyfriend. He proposed the night Haley called about Brandon. I've had it in my purse since then."
That cold air finds its way to Lucas's side of the car. My boyfriend...he proposed. A part of him wants to pull over and ask what the hell she was doing sleeping with him if she was engaged. But, then he realizes that's not exactly what she said.
L: "In your purse, not on your finger. You didn't say yes?"
B: "I didn't get a chance to say anything. Haley's call stopped everything else in my life and I haven't had a chance to take a breath ever since."
L: "Do you love him?"
Lucas regrets the question the moment he utters it. He's not afraid of sounding presumptuous. No, that's not it. He simply doesn't want to know the answer. While he tries to figure out how to rewind time, Brooke tries to hide her shock at the question. After all, women in long-term relationships aren't supposed to struggle finding an answer to such a question. Especially those who carry around an engagement ring. And, it's not like she should feel guilty for moving on. So, why does she feel like there's no right response? Whatever her answer, she loses. Her mind reminds her heart that it's being foolish. Absurd, really. This Brooke Davis is not in love with this Lucas Scott. How can she be? She hasn't seen him in four years, five months and twenty-one days. Even longer by many more years as far as he knows. The right thing to do, the sensible thing, is to pick the least threatening and the safest answer.
B: "Yes."
It's not a lie. Not exactly. But, the truth is subjective. It depends on one's definition of love. There are many ways Brooke can answer that question. All more complicated than her simple yes. And, the moment Lucas hears it, he knows that it's why he wished he hadn't asked. Maybe it's a hint of jealousy. Regret over what could have been. His mind reminds his heart that it's being irrational. Ludicrous, really. Playing a cruel trick rehashing old feelings. This Lucas Scott is not in love with this Brooke Davis. How can he be? He hasn't seen her in four years, five months, and seventeen days. Even longer by many more years as far as she knows. The sane thing to do, the selfless thing, is to be glad she's found someone and wish her well.
L: "Congratulations. I'm happy for you."
Only he knows that he put on a brave face, but the crack in his voice unintentionally reveals the soft spot on his armour.
B: "Thanks. What you said in the courtroom...were you serious?"
L: "Yes. I'll do anything to hold onto Brandon. But, I see now that this complicates things for you and...what was his name?"
B: "Pull over here. That's it."
L: "Here? Are you sure?"
B: "Yes, pull over. That's the house."
Lucas parks the car but before he can get out, Brooke reaches out a hand to stop him from unlocking the door. While she speaks, her hand remains on his arm.
B: "Uhm...how should I say this? Up there...it's not exactly the home I wished for him. It's bad Luke, and you need to be prepared. Small, dirty, poor. There are too many kids. This morning, a drunk old man opened the door."
L: "Drunk?"
B: "Yes. He said he was babysitting for a woman he called Sherry. More like getting wasted watching TV. I don't know what to expect, but we need to see through all that. We need to get Brandon and go. That's all we can focus on right now. Nothing else."
L: "Ok."
B: "Promise me. I don't want you punching people. I'm too little and too old to be breaking up fights."
L: "I promise. Get Brandon and go. That's all."
Brooke nods her head and lets his arm go. She can't remember the last time they worked together towards a common goal. One carried the other across a river, pushed one and another to keep climbing or watched each other's backs while walking in the dark. Brooke Davis hasn't leaned on anyone for anything in years. Not even Rachel. It's a strange feeling to tie your fate to someone else's. The fear of not being in complete control mitigates the comfort in knowing you're not alone. It doesn't help that the man she happens to be leaning on right now has let her down too many times in the past. As Lucas knocks on the same door she did only a few hours ago, Brooke knows they need each other if they are to finish this race. It's as simple as that. When the door finally swings open, a woman in her early-forties appears.
Woman: "Yes? How can I help you?"
L: "Hi ma'am. My name is Lucas Scott and this is Brooke Davis. We're looking for Brandon."
Woman: "What do you want with him?"
B: "Are you Mrs. Kerry?"
Woman: "Who's asking?"
L: "We're Brandon's parents. His birth parents. Is he here?"
The woman steps inside and asks one of the children in the living room about Brandon's whereabouts. When she returns, she almost closes the door on them.
Woman: "He wasn't here when I came home. Next time, try calling first."
B: "Wait! Please. We really need to find him. Any idea where he might be?"
Woman: "What's this about?"
L: "Uhm...we were granted custody of Brandon in court today. We're looking for him so we can take him home."
Woman: "Well, I'll be damned. So, the little bastard isn't my problem anymore? Wait here."
Brooke puts her hand on Lucas's shoulder to not only remind him to remain calm, but also keep him from following the woman inside. While they wait for her to come back, a girl, about twelve years old, approaches them.
Girl: "He's probably with Sky."
B: "Who's that?"
Girl: "Skylar Madsen. They're practically attached at the hip. It's a good bet they're together."
L: "Where can we find this Sky?"
Girl: "She lives about four blocks north, Kenner Street. It's a light blue house with a crazy dog chained outside. You can't miss it. I don't know if they'll be home. But, wherever she is, you'll find him there."
L: "Thank you. You've been a great help."
Girl: "Anything to get him out of this hellhole. Tell him Katie said good luck."
B: "We will. Thanks, Katie."
Before the girl can say anything else, she gets pushed away from the door. The woman shoves a suitcase out the door towards Lucas and she only has a few parting words before she closes the door.
Woman: "Here. This is all his stuff. Take it and get out."
Lucas's fist bangs on the door with such force that Brooke thinks he might punch a hole in it.
L: "Wait, this can't be it."
Brooke grabs his hand away from the door and picks up the suitcase.
B: "Let's go. We have to find him. He'll tell us if there's more. We can come back if we have to. Let's go find this Sky first."
Lucas is too angry to leave, but there's very little he can do from outside a locked door. He looks at the suitcase first, and then, up at a determined Brooke. With one final kick at the door, he starts walking towards his car. They drop Brandon's suitcase in the trunk and start driving north to Kenner Street.
L: "That's where he lives? God, Brooke, we could have..."
B: "Don't go there. Not right now. We have to look forward. Somehow, we have to get him to come with us. Nothing else matters."
L: "How are we going to do that?"
B: "I don't know."
L: "I might have an idea. But, I need you to go along with whatever I say. Ok?"
B: "What are you going to do?"
L: "I'm going to make him a deal. Just back me up."
B: "Ok, but what deal?"
L: "We just have to be patient. We're not going to win him over today no matter what we say. This thing we're doing...it's a marathon, not a sprint."
Spotting the blue house with the dog, Lucas pulls over and parks. He turns to his right and looks at Brooke.
L: "You in?"
B: "Yes."
While Lucas is asking Brooke to have faith in his mystery plan, Brandon is asking Skylar to do the same thing. Katie is right. Her house is exactly where he ran to straight from the courtroom. The entire bus ride to her place, he thought about what came next. And, there's only one answer he could come up with. He climbed up the side of her house to the second floor and sneaked in through the half open window into her bedroom. Her initial surprise was followed by anger when she found out what happened. At the judge. At these two strangers who messed up everything. And, at Brandon, for having to leave her behind. But, that's the thing with Skylar. She's used to disappointment. She's always facing a brand new labyrinth. Always tumbling down, cursing the roadblocks. So, when she remembers that there's no use in crying over broken promises, she calms down and sits on the edge of her bed. Brandon joins her.
Brandon: "I'm not going anywhere."
Skylar: "I don't think you have a choice."
Br: "I can just take off. That's why I'm here. Come with me."
S: "You want me to run away with you?"
Br: "Yes. Now. Before they find me. I don't care what a stupid judge or a piece of paper says. We've practically been living on our own for years already. We can do it."
S: "How? We have no money. No place to go. You want us to live on the streets?"
Brandon gets up, picks up his backpack off the floor, and takes out a bundle of cash from a case inside. He extends his hand out to Skylar so she can see the money.
Br: "This is just shy of a thousand dollars. It'll get us a place to crash. And, food. Until we get a job."
S: "They'll be looking for us."
Br: "We'll lay low for a while. Take the bus across country. Go far away. I don't care. I don't want to leave you."
S: "Are you sure about this?"
He puts the money back in the bag, and the bag back on the floor. Slowly kneeling down by her side, he grabs her hands.
Br: "I've never been more sure about anything in my life. Let's go, Red. You and me...we don't need anything or anyone else. You in?"
S: "Yes."
They smile at each other, sealing the new deal. It's complete trust. Unbreakable bond. A brand new plan. Just the two of them against the world. Free. Skylar quickly stands up and goes over to her closet.
S: "Give me a minute. I have to pack a few things."
Br: "Hurry."
She finds a duffel bag at the back of the closet and throws in some clothes, shoes, a few pictures, her diary, and the contents of her desk drawers. It only takes a minute. Turning around to face him with the bag held close to her chest, she has probably the biggest smile Brandon has ever seen on her face.
S: "I'm ready. Wait, one more thing."
She runs out of her bedroom and enters another room down the hall. When Brandon follows, he sees that it must be her foster parents' bedroom. Going straight for a small metal box on the dresser, she flips it over and some jewellery fall out. She reaches in the box to what seems to be a secret compartment with cash inside. She quickly rolls the bills and throws them in the duffel bag.
S: "They don't think I know where they keep the petty cash. I figure they owe me."
Br: "Let's go."
And, when they run down the stairs and finally open the front door, they step into their new life. Except, that's the very same moment reality hits them. Cold. Hard. The second Brandon steps out onto the porch, he is faced with the nightmare he wanted to escape. Seeing them running out in a hurry with a duffel bag, Brooke and Lucas know exactly what their arrival interrupted. And, they cannot be more glad.
Lucas: "Looks like we're just in time."
Br: "Depends on who you ask. How did you find me?"
Brooke: "Katie told us about your friend."
Br: "Katie? You've been to the house?"
B: "Yes. You disappeared from the courthouse. What were we supposed to do?"
Br: "You were supposed to get the hint. But I see now that I'm dealing with two retards."
L: "That's enough! You want us to listen to you? Respect you? Treat you like an adult? Then, start acting like one. You've been nothing but a rude brat so far."
Br: "Unbelievable. Sky, let's go."
Without looking back, Brandon walks past his parents shoving Lucas back a few feet.
L: "Stay here. Let me go after him."
Skylar isn't sure if his order is meant for her or Brooke, but she's too stunned to move forward anyway. So, both women just stand behind watching Lucas run after Brandon. Skylar drops the duffel bag, and walks over to the bench by the window. Brooke watches as Lucas catches up to Brandon, grabs his arm, and stops him from leaving. She gets frustrated that they are too far away for her to hear what they are saying. Deciding that her time is better spent getting to know her son's best friend instead, she walks towards the bench.
B: "Can I join you?"
S: "I don't bite."
Brooke sits down, and they are silent for a minute or two until Skylar turns to look at her.
S: "You're Brooke Davis."
B: "Yes."
S: "I mean, you're the Brooke Davis. Brandon told me your name but I never made the connection until now. You're like a celebrity. You're rich."
B: "Uhm...I guess I am. You wear my clothes?"
S: "They're a little out of my price range. But, you're good. I mean your clothes. They're beautiful."
B: "Thanks. If you'd like, I can send you a couple of dresses when I go back."
S: "No, thanks. Bribery will get you nowhere. Brandon's got a mind of his own. Don't assume my putting in a good word for you will change anything."
B: "I didn't mean it that way."
S: "It's cool."
B: "How did you guys meet?"
S: "City Hall. Three years ago. The day we both entered the system."
B: "So, this is your foster home?"
S: "Yeah."
B: "What's he like? My son? Tell me about him."
Skylar isn't sure if she should. A part of her wants to yell at this woman for abandoning Brandon. After all, didn't all his heartbreak start the day Brooke let him go? Just as she's about to tear into her for even daring to ask the question, she sees the look in Brooke's eyes. Honest. Caring. Nervous. Scared. Sincere. Worried. Everything a mother is supposed to feel when talking about her long-lost son. So, she finds herself wanting to tell her everything she knows so she can catch up on the years lost. She looks away and clears her throat.
S: "He's...well, he's Brandon. The best person I've ever met. He doesn't judge or get scared easy. He's loyal...always there when you need him. He takes care of you even when you give him every reason to walk away. He's brave. Strong. The tough guy thing...it's just an act. That's how we survive. But, he cares. More than anyone I've ever known. If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't be here today."
B: "Thank you."
S: "For what?"
B: "For loving him. I'm glad that he has someone like you in his life. That he wasn't alone all these years. And, I'm sorry."
S: "Sorry?"
B: "This must feel like you're losing him. I want you to know you're not. You're always welcome in our home. The last thing I want is for you to think I'm taking him away from you. Come visit anytime you want. It's clear you two are family. So, that makes you a part of my family. And, all I want is my family back together."
S: "Brooke?"
B: "Yeah?"
S: "Don't hurt him. He's just as broken as the rest of us."
Brooke reaches out and grabs Skylar's hand. And, in that one brief moment, Skylar wonders if this could be the person to fix Brandon. To make him whole again. To put the million little pieces of his soul back together. And, if there's a small chance Brooke's the one, she knows what she has to do. Step aside. Let him go. Better yet, make him go. Because, he won't go willingly. She sees that Brandon and Lucas are still arguing out there on the road.
S: "What do you think they're talking about down there?"
B: "I think it's time I find out."
Brooke gets up to leave, but before she can take her first step down from the porch, Skylar calls for her. So, she turns around one last time.
S: "Bye Brooke Davis. Take care of him for me."
B: "I will. Bye."
Out of earshot and in the middle of the street by his car, Lucas is arguing with Brandon. Again.
L: "All we did was to get your stuff from the house."
Unlocking the trunk, Lucas shows him the suitcase.
L: "See. That's all."
Grabbing the suitcase from the trunk, Brandon starts to walk away, and Lucas follows.
Br: "You did me a favor. Now, I have everything I need to get away."
L: "You don't want to do that."
Br: "That shows how little you know me."
L: "Fine, but I really don't think you want cops on your tail."
That stops Brandon in his tracks. Lucas stands his ground, arms crossed over his chest. He begins to think he's finally making progress.
Br: "Are you threatening me?"
L: "Just stating a fact. You can run if you want. But, you'll be in direct violation of a court order. I believe FBI gets involved in missing children cases."
Br: "You're something, you know that? What do you want from me?"
L: "I want you to stop and think. For a moment. About what your life on the run would be like. I want you think if it's really better than living with us. I want you to stop being so stubborn and give me a break. I'm trying. Tell me you see that."
Br: "That's your best shot? This is pathetic."
As Brandon starts to leave again, Lucas grabs his arm to hold him back.
L: "Ok, I'll make you a deal."
Br: "What deal?"
That's when Brooke finally joins them.
B: "That's what I'd like to know."
Br: "Oh great, tag team."
L: "One simple deal. Thirty days. You come to live us for thirty days. And, if you still want to leave at the end of the month, I will drive you to the airport myself. I'll give you cash, whatever you need. I'll even stand up for you in court if you still want to be emancipated."
B: "What? Are you crazy?"
L: "Brooke! Be quiet. Please. This is between me and Brandon."
B: "Oh, to hell with that. You can't make deals without me."
L: "Yes I can. We all heard the judge. I have custody. Not you. Brandon, what do you say?"
Br: "Is this for real? You're going to let me go. Just like that."
L: "No, not just like that."
Br: "Oh, I knew there would be a catch."
L: "Not a catch. Just some ground rules. You come with us now. Willingly. And, for the next thirty days, you'll be living with us in Tree Hill. I need you to give this a shot. A genuine shot. I need you to keep your mind open to the possibility that you may want to stay. Can you do that? Because if you can't, the deal's off."
Furious, Brooke just stares at Lucas. Brandon drops his suitcase and reaches inside his back pocket for a cigarette and a lighter.
L: "One more thing. No smoking."
Br: "Are you kidding me?"
L: "Nope. Those are the rules. What do you say?"
Without a response, he lights the cigarette and starts walking back towards Skylar's house.
L: "Where are you going?"
Without looking back or stopping, he just yells back his answer.
Br: "Running away. Just kidding. Give me a minute. I have to think about it."
As Lucas attempts to follow him, this time it's Brooke's turn to grab his arm to stop him.
B: "What the hell did you just do? That was your deal?"
L: "Didn't you say you were in?"
B: "I didn't know what I was signing up for then!"
Coming close enough touch her, Lucas looks straight into her eyes.
L: "Brooke, do you trust me?"
B: "Yes."
Her voice is clear. Not one hint of hesitation. Brooke doesn't have to think about it. After all these years, even after what he just pulled, she trusts him with their son. It's the honest truth.
L: "Let him think it's just thirty days. That's thirty more than we had a minute ago to change his mind. To show him he can be happy with us. If he thinks he has a way out, he's more likely to come with us. It's a chance, Brooke. Weren't you just asking for one? The way he is right now, it might be the only chance we've got."
B: "This deal better work. Because, if we lose him again, I will never forgive you."
L: "You'll see. It'll work."
Brooke and Lucas watch Brandon walk away in silence. He takes the steps up to Skylar's porch and sits down next to her on the bench. The two teenagers are silent for a moment. It's like they both know what's coming. That this is goodbye.
S: "You have to go."
Br: "I don't want to leave you."
S: "And, I don't want you to leave, but you have to. I'll be just fine without you. Don't you always tell me I'm strong?"
Br: "Strongest."
S: "Besides, you can't take care of me forever. You have to live your own life."
Br: "My life is here. With you."
S: "No, you see that's where you're wrong. I always knew you were meant for something better."
Br: "It's just thirty days."
S: "It doesn't have to be. Your mom. She's not so terrible."
Br: "Rooting for the enemy, are you?"
Skylar gets up from the bench, walks over to the edge of the porch and looks over at Lucas and Brooke for a brief moment. She turns around to face Brandon and leans her back against the porch railing.
S: "That's what I mean. They don't have to be the enemy. Look, why would they come to court or even here if they didn't want you? They're trying. Maybe you can do the same. I never met my father. And, my mother, well, you know about her. She was so strung out on pills to be awake most of the time. But, if I had a second chance with them, I'd like to think I could at least try to make it work. And, you have these two people who practically fall out of the sky and onto your lap, who are fighting for you, and what do you do? You push them away. You piss me off sometimes, you know that?"
Br: "Sky."
S: "Don't sky me. Go. Save yourself. Let them save you. Be happy. What are you waiting for?"
Brandon quickly gets up, and at one fell swoop, takes her into his arms. Embraced in a tight hug, he kisses the top of her head and leans down to whisper in her ear.
Br: "I'll come back for you. This isn't goodbye."
A part of her wishes it was. But, she knows he'll be back. Brandon Walker is the only person who has yet to let her down. Even if he has to swim against the current, climb over the sharp rocks, walk in pitch black to get to her. That's the kind of person he is. A finisher who follows through on his promises. And, that's what scares her. The possibility that coming back means he sacrifices the life he was meant to have. But, telling him to never look back won't change anything. No one tells Brandon what to do. So, she returns his hug and when they part, her arms linger on his for a moment. She smiles and takes a step back.
S: "Go. Get out of here. Before I change my mind."
So, Brandon walks down the steps. Leaving the life he knows, the one person he loves, behind. And, when his feet hit the street, he sees Lucas put his suitcase in the trunk of his car and walk to stand next to Brooke, who doesn't take her eyes off her son. His steps are short and slow. It's like he struggles with the pull from what's familiar. Afraid of the unknown ahead. Like, all of a sudden, he forgot how to swim, walk, climb. But, he keeps taking that step forward until he reaches the car. He first looks at Brooke, and then at Lucas. And, he makes his decision.
Br: "I'm in. Thirty days."
To endure until he's free. Until he is finally rid of these people. Until he can come back for Sky.
L: "Thirty days."
To erase the past. Ask for forgiveness. Find peace. Be a family.
B: "Thirty days."
To get to know her son. Care for him. Protect him. Love him.
As Brandon takes his place in the backseat of Lucas's car, Brooke looks up at the house, at Skylar. She knows they owe this turnaround partially to her. Before she takes the passenger seat, her lips move in an inaudible thank you and she waves at her in gratitude. Skylar smiles and waves back. Before Lucas turns the key in the ignition, he looks up at the rear-view mirror and sees his son staring back. Smiling, he drops his head for a moment, and then turns to look at Brooke, who smiles back at him. One more battle won. But, the war rages. Brooke will fly to New York first, to not only take care of the move to Tree Hill, but also break the news to Kyle and Rachel. And, Lucas will take Brandon with him to Charlotte while he prepares to pack up his entire life and return home. They both know that they're nowhere close to the finish line. No, they can't even see the final destination yet. There are many more rivers to swim across, mountains to climb, and forests to walk through. Yes, it's a long and winding road ahead. And, all three of them have miles to go before they sleep.
"The woods are lovely, dark, and deep. But I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep, and miles to go before I sleep."
~Robert Frost, 20th century American poet