So, I had this done on Monday or so, but my Beta was having trouble accessing her e-mail, so she couldn't proofread until recently. I know I promised Brucas confrontation in this chapter, but it didn't happen. It WILL happen in next chapter, I promise. The show should be back on soon, and I am excited!! As, I'm sure all of you are!
Last chapter won the award for most reviews! SO, THANK YOU!!
Thanks go out to Brucas2006, all the readers, and especially all the reviewers! Enjoy and REVIEW!!
Walking along 5th Avenue, Jenny was in shock. It was like her dream come true! Clothes everywhere, just begging to be bought. And Brooke, no, Mommy, was sure to buy her something. She always did! Pulling Brooke over to a fancy little boutique on the corner, J.J. stood there eyeing the gorgeous red strapless dress in the window. Brooke chuckled at the girl's eyes, almost as big as saucers. Ah, to be young, love shopping, and be spending someone else's money! It was the good life back when she was a teenager. But, hey, she couldn't complain about her life now. She had Brett, and Jenny, and even Jake filling it; she truly felt loved unconditionally for the first time in her life.
"Jennybop, see anything you like?" Brooke asked with a hint of amusement in her voice.
The six year old nodded, picking up her jaw.
"Well, then, let's go buy some things!" she exclaimed as the two strutted into the store.
Immediately a shopping assistant was at their sides. "Hello ladies. I am Ariel and I will be here to assist you in anyway." The young blonde said cheerfully. Looking from Jenny to Brooke, she gushed, "Oh! You guys look so adorable. The whole mini me thing going on is just too cute!" Kneeling down at Jenny's level she asked the little girl, "Did you pick out your outfit?"
Jenny nodded. "Uh huh. I picked out both outfits. I wanted us to match." She concluded, her eyes sparkling.
The sales assistant still at the girl's eye level smiled. "Well, cutie, you look just like your Mommy even down to the eyes and hair."
At this comment, Jenny beamed, her pearly white teeth glistening. Turning her attention to Brooke, she squealed, "Hear that Momma? I'm just as pretty as you!"
Brooke couldn't help the smile that was creeping up on her. Her dimples in full view, she reached down and lifted Jenny to her hip. "No babe. You aren't pretty; you are gorgeous. Now, Little J I thought we were on a mission to buy some clothes!"
Jenny giggled. "Of course. And, then we'll have Brett and Daddy carry around the bags for us!"
Beaming Brooke responded, "I've never been so proud!" She really is my mini me! "You are going be trouble when you're older, aren't you?"
"Of course!" Jenny responded, rolling her eyes. At the action both brunettes erupted in laughs.
The blonde sales associate stood off to the side, viewing the two interact. They had to be the cutest Mom and Daughter pair that had passed through the boutique's doors. Getting back to the reason as to why the two entered the store, she directed them over to the couches in the middle of the store. "So, ladies, what are we looking for today?"
Brooke sat with Jenny snuggled under her arm, her hazel eyes dancing with the prospect of even more clothes! "Well," Brooke started, "I need a few casual dresses, as does Jenny, and of course shoes!" she added. "Do you also offer male clothes?"
Ariel already started formulating the possible clothing options for the brunette woman and her daughter. Realizing the last question had gone unanswered, she piped in, "Yes, although it is quite limited compared to our female clothing. But, all the possible clothing choices for males are very nice and high end, at a reasonable price, of course."
Brooke nodded. "Okay, well then we'll also be looking for some shorts for both boys and men, preferably dressy and a few casual. Also, do you carry shoes for boys and men?"
After getting the sizes for the boy's and men's shorts, the blonde answered, "Well, not a very extensive collection, but, yes we do carry some. What kind are you looking for Mrs….?"
"Oh, it's Ms. Davis. Actually, just call me Brooke," she added, reaching out the arm not around Jenny to shake the young woman's hand.
Upon hearing the name of her customer, the girl's jaw dropped. "Ms. Davis? Brooke Davis? The fashion designer?" she asked with wide eyes.
Brooke smiled and nodded. Sure she wasn't super famous, but every now and then someone would act like that when hearing her name. It never got old!
"Wow! I just love all of your designs," she gushed. Realizing that Ms. Davis was there for a purpose, the sales assistant got back to business. "Okay, so any style preference?"
Thinking out loud, she said, "Well, Brett could really use a new pair of tennis shoes, and so could Jake. But, then both also need a dressy pair." She concluded, talking to herself. "Okay," she stated, talking to the sales girl, "Um two pairs of K Swiss, white, sneakers, size men's 11 and boy's 11. And same sizes for dress shoes. I'm thinking a casual but dressy type of sneaker or tie shoe. Have anything to match either description?"
"Let me look in the back, but I'm pretty sure we have something to match each description. I'll be right back."
Brooke turned to Jenny who had been very quiet throughout the whole exchange. The little girl was staring in awe at all the rows of fancy dresses and high-end clothing. Sure she had gone shopping with Brooke a few times, but mainly most of her clothes had come from Brooke's boutique, her own home designs for the girl, or some larger store. But, never had she been to a store where they wait on you hand a foot and a place that held such high-end clothing, especially for kids her age.
"Babe you wanna look around while I pick out some clothes for Daddy and B.L.?" Brooke asked.
Jenny merely nodded and got up to walk around the store. Silently touching the fabric of each piece of clothing she went by, her little face lit up. The girl stopped in front of a crimson red silk dress, her fingers gliding up and down the material. She seemed mesmerized by the outfit, not even taking her eyes off of the cloth to blink. Brooke smiled, watching the girl. She was just too precious. It was amazing how the littlest things just made her whole face light up! And, she was always in a good mood. Rarely, had she ever been cranky or snotty.
The saleslady came back, breaking Brooke out of her thoughts of Jenny. Ariel smiled, following Ms. Davis's line of sight. "She is adorable. And, so polite! You must be so proud of her."
Brooke turned from J.J. to look at her sales assistant. "Yes, I am. I'm so proud of her," she stated, turning back to look at her little girl. Realizing that Jake and Brett would be waiting for them, she turned her focus back to business, shopping business.
About an hour later the two brunettes reemerged from the boutique. Bags overflowed from both of their arms. Not only did Jenny and Brooke get some new ensembles, but the boys' too had gotten outfits and shoes. But, hey, it was spring! And, the new season required new clothing! Ask any fashion guru.
Jake and Brett drove up to Jake and Jenny's previous apartment to pack up what was needed for their three-month stay with the Davis's. In no time the boys had all of Jenny's cloths thrown into the boxes they brought along. Jake left Brett with the task of collecting all the toys she liked while he went to get his own belongings packed. The duo worked so fast that in an hour and a half all that was needed was packed. From Jenny's uniform for kindergarten to Jake's guitar and the books he just had to have with him were stored in brown, cardboard boxes. On top of packing, the boys had even gotten it all loaded into Brooke's black Ford Explorer.
With nothing left to do and still waiting on the girls, the two did what boys' did best, sat and played videogames. They were so into their game of NBA Street Live, that they didn't even hear the front door open or the giggles escaping from Jenny as her and Brooke walked through the door. Only after hearing the front door slam shut did the boys take notice that Brooke and Jenny had finally arrived!
"Hey guys," Brooke said calmly, while setting down the many bags she had carried up from the cab her and J.J. took to the apartment.
Jake gaped at the multiple bags his friend and daughter had set down on the couch. There were over 20 of them! How cold they possibly buy twenty bags worth of clothes in 2 hours! Then, again, it was Brooke Davis. "Geez, Davis did you buy out the entire store?"
"Very funny, Jakey. Now, don't pout, I got you and Brett things too!" she added, sending her dazzling smile his way.
Unable to resist her charm, Jake's annoyance at all the extra lifting that he would have to do disappeared. "Thanks, I had been meaning to get out to buy some new clothes," he lied.
Calling his fib, she said, "No you weren't."
Laughing he responded, "Okay, you're right, I wasn't. Now, we have got to get going. Jen, why don't you go see if I missed anything you wanted to bring, okay?"
Nodding, Jenny took Brett's hand, and started out of the room. "Let's go B.L. and then later I can tell you all of the things Mommy bought me!"
Once the two were out of the room, Jake turned to Brooke, shocked at what his daughter had just said. She called Brooke "Mommy". Never in the four years she knew Brooke had she called her that. He was flabbergasted. Was he supposed to sit her down at let her know it wasn't all right to call Brooke that? Was he supposed to let it slide this one time? What was he going to do? Before the answer came to him, Brooke's voice spoke softly to him.
"Now, Jake, don't freak, okay? This morning Jenny asked me if we could pretend to be a family while you guys stayed at my place. I'm sorry, Jake. I just took one look in her eyes, and I couldn't say no! She was doing the puppy dog face, and you know how I can't resist the face!" she rambled on at lightening speed.
Jake laughed at her musings. She didn't even seem to realize that Jenny got that face from herself. "Brooke, it's okay. I know the feeling of not being able to say no." Rubbing the back of his head, he continued on nervously," I kind of told Brett that he could be my son." Now it was Jake's turn to ramble. "I'm sorry. But one second he's telling me about how Billy or Bobby or someone told him he didn't deserve a dad and the next I'm telling him how great it would be to have a son. He said he could be my son. And, Brooke, I just couldn't shatter the hope he held in his eyes. I just couldn't hurt him, so I said yes. And, you know what? I couldn't be happier. He always kind of been like my surrogate son. I know, I should have told you first or asked if it was okay with you, but-" he was cut off by Brooke.
"Jake, Jake, it's okay. You've always been there for him. In a way, you are his dad. Who was there holding his hands while he took his first steps? You. Who was it that helped him make his first shot when we took him to the basketball court at the park? You. Now, what was this about some other boy telling him he didn't deserve a father? Who was it? I'm going to have a talk with that little boy's mom." Brooke stated angrily. Nobody, I mean nobody, ever hurt her little boy.
"Don't worry, I talked to Brett. He is 100 percent over it. He knows that the little boy was just jealous of him and what he said was hurtful and mean. B.L. was fine after we talked and cuddled a little."
"Thanks Jake." Brooke softly replied.
Taking Brooke into a hug, Jake whispered back, "Anytime Brooke. I'm here for you and Brett anytime.
Lucas stretched, happy to finally be off of the plane. Gradually making his way up the ramp of the plane to the airport, he thought about how exciting the next few days were going to be. Moving to baggage claim after stepping off of the plane, he quickly located his one bag and head off in search of his the car the company had set up for him, complete with a driver. Noticing a pretty blonde holding a sign with "Lucas Scott" written on it, he advanced towards her.
"Hey, I'm Lucas," he said, offering his hand out.
She didn't hesitant to take it and responded, "Hey, I'm Monica."
He looked her over. She was very attractive. Her long blonde hair was accented with big brown eyes. She couldn't be older than 25. "So, you're my driver?" he asked curiously.
She laughed and Lucas smiled. He liked the sound of her laugh. "Gosh, no! I'm actually the photographer for the games. I just figured I'd meet you early. We could talk strategy before the press conference tonight. And, frankly, I figured you might get a bit lonely, not knowing anyone here in New York."
Lucas didn't bother to correct her. He was pretty sure, no positive, that Brooke Davis lived in this city. He was just scared to find her. Because if he found her and she was married, possibly with kids, it would just devastate him. Not knowing was better than knowing and finding out he could never have her again. "Well, that was very nice of you."
And, with that the two headed to the black Lincoln Navigator parked off to the side. After loading Lucas's bags in the back, the two hopped in and the driver sped off, leaving JFK Airport behind.
The foursome left a little bit after that and headed to the park, after stopping for ice cream, as promised earlier in the day. Brett and Jenny immediately dashed for the playground, their parents shouting warnings after them. Settling down on a bench not far from their kids, Jake and Brooke just talked. For May, the usual warm weather turned a tad chilly. Brooke shivered and Jake scooted closer to her, drawing her tiny body under his arm. She instinctively wrapped herself around him, one hand going behind his back and the other curled into his shirt.
"You cold?" the brunette male questioned.
"A little," she confessed.
Jake pulled them both off of the bench and brought her into a hug, trying to warm her body with his. He hadn't worn a jacket and the car was a few blocks away. He whispered something that caused her dimples to appear. She pulled back, looking into his eyes; and threw her head back in laughter. At this, a similar smile adorned his face.
Brett and Jenny stopped what they were doing and watched their parents. Jenny smiled and turned to the little boy next to her. "Brett, guess what? I asked your Mom to be my Mommy too! And, she said yes! Now, we're like a real family!" she exclaimed, excitedly.
B. Landon's blue eyes grew wide. "Really? Wow, that's so cool! Jake said he'd be my Daddy!"
The two tots returned to staring at the grownups. They both finally had what they wanted, a true family, complete with a mom, dad, and sibling. What could be better?
The kids rushed over, instantly being picked up by one of the adults. Brett lounged comfortably in his mother's arms. He hadn't had any real cuddle tie with her the whole day, and was happy to be in her arms. Jenny, likewise, giggled as her dad threw her up in the air.
They all settled back on the bench Jake and Brooke had previously occupied. Brett took this opportunity to sit himself on Jake's lap while J.J. snuggled up to Brooke. The older woman ran her fingers through the girl's brown locks as Jenny looked up at her and smiled. "Mommy, what was it like where you grew up?" the little girl questioned, quite loudly. Luckily, no one else appeared to be in the park.
B. Landon chose to pipe in with her, "Yeah, Momma where did you come from?"
Brooke laughed. "Well, babies, your Daddy and I came from Tree Hill. That's in North Carolina," she clarified upon seeing their confused faces.
B.L.'s eyes widened. "You and Daddy grew up together?"
"Sure did little man. And, your Mom sure was a firecracker. Jen, babe you are just like she was when she was your age. And, Brett Landon, you are like her in many ways too." Jake said.
J.J. beamed, she loved being compared to her idol. "I am?"
"Yeah, you are Mini Me," Brooke replied, giving Jenny a new nickname.
Brett merely smiled. He already knew he was a lot like his mom, everyone who had met him said so.
The little family continued on chatting, enjoying the peace of the quiet Sunday afternoon. No parties were being held that night. Nothing exciting was happening. All in all, it was a very slow weekend for celebrity news. Many stars were vacationing in tropical climates, leaving the New York social scene very low on gossip.
As the foursome chatted and laughed, no one saw the shadow in the bushes off to the left of the bench, capturing the entire family, click after click. It was a calm and soothing atmosphere that Sunday afternoon in May, but with one snap, everything was about to be stirred up. Thankfully, Brooke, Jake and the kids were enjoying their afternoon. It was a good thing, because who knew what Monday morning was going to bring them? One thing was for sure though; it wasn't going to be good. As everyone knows, Monday is the least favorite day of the week for a reason!