Can You Stand the Rain
A/N: Finally here is Chapter 11. Thank you once again to everyone who reviewed and/or requested a story alert. This chapter took forever and life seems to keep getting in the way. I hope you enjoy this chapter please continue to read and review please (every review really helps)!
Disclaimer: I own nothing from OTH; I just wish I did ; ) I did incorporate a scene from 2X09 all credit goes to Mark, et.al
Chapter 11
Beautiful People with Weary Hearts
The rain and thunderstorms that had come with it appeared to have stopped. However remnants of the storms remained.
Stream filled the shower area at Phillips Arena. Practice had just ended and for once, it seemed like some of the teammates were jelling together. The once considered troublesome Scott Brothers had begun to consistently show up for practice. Once they hit the floor, all their personal issues were left at the door. One thing that upper management noticed was that when the squad of Tanner, the Scott brothers, Jaglieski, and Johnson were on the floor that the offense and defense ran more smoothly. It was starting to look like the Atlanta Hawks had a force to be reckoned with.
"Dog I know that you liked that no look pass I threw you." Skills said making his way into the locker room.
"I did indeed. If we keep it up coach is going to have no choice but to play us…I mean all of us." Nathan replied.
The two entered the locker room to find it nearly empty except for Lucas and Jake sitting in their locker area.
"Hey, good job at practice guys. Are any of you hitting up Johnson's charity party thing tonight."
"Finally, there is a party everyone wants to go to and I gotta chill with the fam tonight" Skills replied dramatically.
Throwing items in his gym bag, Jake replied, "Sorry Skills but Nate and Luke I'll meet you there."
"Okay" the Scott brothers replied in unison.
"Are you up for going out Luke, I know everything isn't…well you know."
"I'm good Nate, we need a night out" Lucas replied half-heartedly.
Lucas was really thinking he needed to get away but he couldn't just get up and leave.
The three gathered their things and exited the locker room only to stop dead in their tracks.
Standing in front of them was Keith.
"Well this looks like a party that I was not invited to so, I'll see ya'll at home" Skills said quickly as he made his way down the hall to the players parking lot.
The Scotts remained silent and stared at each other intently.
Keith swallowed as he remembered his conversation with Karen.
"Keith go to them, talk to them…and if they don't listen then you know you tried."
"Karen it's been a long time and I'm not to sure how things will play out." Keith said with exhaustion in his voice.
"Keith, I know this is going to be hard but you have to do it for them. Remember what you told me about the men that you hoped Lucas and Nathan would become? Well it's not too late…" Karen said reaching for Keith's hand.
All Keith could do was nod.
"Luke, Nate can we talk somewhere in private."
Lucas and Nathan did not utter a word or move an inch. Lucas was stunned and Nathan was plain angry.
"Look, I know the both of you probably have questions or something. Lets talk somewhere private." Keith said looking around at the people who had entered the hall.
Reluctantly Nathan gestured towards an office down the hall.
Silently all three entered the office.
Once inside, Lucas could not take it any longer. "Where have you been Keith besides here…in Atlanta?"
"It's a long story, well not really that long he began…"
"Let me guess it's complicated" Nathan interjected.
"Nathan everything about being a Scott from Tree Hill is complicated. That is besides the point and what happened was inexcusable but…I thought what I did was for the best."
"You left us…you left. What are we suppose to think. Keith you left never called and never came back." Lucas shouted trying to fight all the emotions he was feeling.
"Luke, I had to leave and don't think that I haven't thought about you guys everyday. Royal, Dan, and the others haven't made it easy. When I left…I had to break away from the constraints of the elders in our family."
"Don't we know about that?" Nathan said dryly.
"I'm sure that Dan will find out about me being here somehow but, I just wanted to try and talk to you. I have been and I am concerned about what I see in the papers."
"Don't believe everything that you read" Lucas said matching Nathan's earlier dryness.
"Prove it."
"Wait what…" Lucas stammered.
" I'll either be at Karen's café or my auto body shop. I have to go…"
Keith had just pulled a move that was classic of any Scott. They had the ability to leave you stunned and curious all the while.
Lucas and Nathan exchanged looks picked up their bags and headed down the tunnel to their cars.
"I really need a drink," Lucas said throwing his gym bag into his red Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren.
"Are you going straight home?" Nathan asked throwing his identical gym bag into his blue Mercedes-Benz truck.
"Nope…I have to stop by my lovely fiancés gallery for a minute. I'll be home in a bit".
Lucas peeled off headed to the art gallery all the while all he could think about was Keith's words.
The buzzing of the alarm clock woke Brooke from her slumber. Reaching out from underneath her sateen covers, she fumbled around her nightstand for her alarm clock. Finally, she found it and let out a groan.
Lately she had been taking on more shifts at all three of her jobs and somehow finding time to go to class, sketch, and put together new designs.
It had been about three weeks since she submitted her designs for a local contest and she was a wreck just thinking about it but that was the least of her worries. She thought that her parents would be in town visiting for a little bit but so have it they were always around.
If it wasn't a dinner or her mother constantly trying to set her up with Owen, she hardly had time to sleep let alone eat.
As soon as Brooke had drifted off back to sleep, her eyes shot open when she heard someone nearly tear her door off the hinges.
"Hey Bitch" Rachel said giggling as she pounced on Brooke.
Brooke groaned in pain as she pushed Rachel off her.
"Hey there is no reason to get physical…" Rachel said picking herself up of the floor.
With her long red hair flowing she brushed of the lent of her black jogging suit.
"What are you doing here?" Brooke whined as she sat up on her bed.
Rachel tried to suppress giggles, as Brooke looked wild with her hair all over the place and indentations on her face.
"Well since I haven't seen you outside of the club I decided to drop by. I just wanted to make sure that you're alive."
"I'm alive now can I please get some sleep." Brooke said as she flopped on her bed.
"No, I'm here now so tell me what's been going on...?"
"Nothing, I work, go to class, sketch, sew, and do what my parents force me to do…then end."
Rachel starred wide eyed at her friend.
"All work and no play Brookie is never good."
"My mom has been trying to set me up with Owen every chance she gets. Victoria says that I need a man who has status and can provide for my every need," Brooke said making air quotes.
"Hmm sounds like fun, what's up with this Owen guy?"
"He is an heir to an oil empire, tall, nice built, and dark and mysterious…sounds like someone you would date" Brooke said laughing.
"Whatever" Rachel said as she got up and started looking through Brooke's jewelry box.
A soft knock came at the door.
"Yeah" Brooke said in the direction of the door.
"Hey Brooke" Haley said as she cracked Brooke's bedroom door open.
"Hey Haley"
"I was on the phone and a few minutes ago and Victoria called and said that she's on the way."
"No no no" Brooke screamed as she jumped up and ran into her bathroom.
Brooke could be heard turning on the sink and clattering items on her counter.
Rachel was tracing the rim of a collectors wine glass with her finger when she stopped to look at Haley.
"Funny how you just now decided to come and tell Brooke her mom is on the way."
"What are you talking about Rachel" Haley replied coolly.
"Brainy you know what I'm talking about first you're falling into the arms of guys you have no business being with and then oops…Brooke your mom is on the way."
"You bit…"
"No no…what are you two doing someone make my bed."
As the girls scrambled to straighten up Brooke's room, they laughed as they tripped over each other trying to clean up.
Although Rachel and Haley did not like each other, they both had Brooke's best interest at heart. Besides when Victoria was around anyone was bound to feel her wrath.
The smell of fresh bread and lasagna filled the air as Jake entered his high-rise condominium.
He rushed home one to spend sometime with his beautiful daughter and catch up with his parents.
The Jaglieski's had been in town for several weeks working on some business deals but his basketball schedule had allowed for little leeway. As he entered his spacious condo in the living room area he could see his father lifting Ellie in the air.
He smiled to himself as he walked to his bedroom and put his gym bag away. Although his parents nearly had a stroke when he told them he was going to be a father, they had come around nicely and cherished Ellie.
"How's my bunny?" Jake said as he walked into the living room. Ellie's eyes seemed to light up at the sight and sound of her father. When she smiled Jake's heart melted.
Reaching out for his daughter, he took her in his arms and snuggled her. Running his hand through her bouncy blonde curls, he said, "I missed you all day bunny."
As the family sat down to an early home made dinner, they laughed as Ellie was trying to create art with her food.
"How was your day?" Mrs. Jaglieski said patting her son on the arm and smiling at Ellie.
"It was good. Thanks for asking…how was your day with Victoria and Ellie."
"Interesting, don't tell Brooke this but her mom isn't the ice queen that she tries to be…well around babies. She held and played with Ellie for bit. Maybe she has softened over the years."
"She must have" Jake said as fed some mashed carrots to Ellie.
"Speaking of a Davis, where is Brooke tonight?" Mr. Jaglieski said.
"She's with her friend Rachel getting ready for the event were all going to later."
"Now, that girl is a class act. She is smart, beautiful, and not afraid to get her hands dirty. You should consider her when you decided to date again."
"What?" Jake said nearly choking on his food. Looking at his parents, he could tell that they were not joking.
"You know that we are just friends. I love Brooke but not like that."
They sat in silence for a moment. Jake could not believe that his parents were going down this road again. Every time the conversation took this direction it was filled with "what about Brooke" "you need to date" so on and so forth.
The truth of the matter was the Jake was still trying to mend his heart. Ellie was now almost seven months and the day that Peyton left, he could replay as clear as day.
"Please" Jake said under his breath.
His pleadings went unnoticed.
"Did you find what you were looking for at the art gallery?"
He knew all to well where this conversation was going. Nothing good was going to come from it.
"Not inparticular." Jake mumbled.
"Well, I did when I went by there today. Your mother had wanted this piece for a while and this gallery happened to have it. Now imagine my surprise when I saw a drawing of the same picture you have of Ellie on your night stand."
He closed his eyes tight and prayed that when he opened them that his parents would be gone.
Opening them, they were still there and looking at him.
"I don't know what to tell you."
"Jake, please!" His mother said annoyed.
Her tone startled Jake, Ellie, and surprisingly his father.
"I am beyond tired of skating around this issue. That girl infuriates me and I refuse to hold my tongue any longer."
"Mom please, lets not go there and that girl is Ellie's mother remember." Jake said raising his voice slightly.
"Respect is something that you earn and Ms. Sawyer certainly will not get mine. The only thing that has kept me from wringing her neck is that fact that I don't want to go to jail."
Jake took a moment to process what he had just heard. His mother was a very intelligent woman and would never use tenses improperly…then it hit him.
Picking up Ellie, he turned on the television and propped Ellie in her swing.
"When did you see Peyton" he spat.
His mother and father were equally taken aback. Knowing that they could not lie to their only child, they knew that they could control what little they did tell him.
Taking a long sip of wine, Jennifer looked her son square in the eye and replied, "I saw her when we first arrived to the area. It was the business gala."
"And" Jake said as his heart was pounding in his chest. The last time his heart did this was about two weeks ago when he saw the drawing of Ellie in the gallery.
"Nothing much" Jennifer said swirling her wine. Trying to choose her words carefully she continued.
"I happened to be sitting with her at her table along with her parents and some other guest."
"Mom your killing me.., just come on with it already. Did you talk to her? Tell me everything."
Straightening up in her chair Jennifer moved her wine glass to the side. "What I enjoyed the most was watching that girl squirm when she realized who we were. She couldn't handle it and eventually she left…went home sick I think right Martin?"
"Yes indeed" his father chimed in.
"I can't believe that you guys just sat there and didn't try to talk to her. She was or is here in Atlanta. I mean think about Ellie." Jake yelled nearly choking up.
"Don't you dare waste another tear on her. Jake she made her decision, she walked away from you and she walked away from Ellie."
There was hardly any noise except for the sound of voices coming from the television.
"Mom, Dad you know everything that happened with Peyton was complicated and…"
It was his fathers turn to boil over with emotion.
"Enough, I am tired of hearing you defend her. She is no better off now. I hope it eats at her everyday. She chose money over her boyfriend and daughter."
"Dad…"
"No, I have worked hard my entire adult life to provide for my family. We are nowhere near the regular joe run of the mill family. I don't want to hurt your feelings Jake but, she thought that you weren't good enough."
"Look at you" His mother interjected. "You are a professional basketball player, a talented musician, and in your own right you will be an heir. How dare anyone think that my son is not worth it? That their daughter is not worth it."
A single tear dropped from Jake's right eye. For months now, he had gotten to a place where he could go through the day and not think about Peyton. Once he saw the drawing and the news tonight, it hit him hard. He hated and loved Peyton all at the same time and his only saving graces were his daughter Ellie, his best friend Brooke, and his guitar.
"I have to go; I promised my teammate that I would be at his charity event."
"That's fine, we are sure that we will have a wonderful evening with Ellie."
Jake gave a weak smile, as he pushed away from the table.
"Jake, hunny" Jennifer said quietly.
"Yes, mom"
"If it helps, I think when she recognized us, I got the feeling that she was in pain and that she regrets her decision."
Shaking his head, Jake rounded the corner to his bathroom.
His head was pulsating as he rested it against the backseat window of his car. Today started off as a good day with the promise of getting better, however it appeared to not be in the cards.
Listening to the voice on the other end of the phone, Lucas rolled his eyes purely frustrated. Looking over at Nathan he gave him the signal for shot me.
"Dude just hang up" Nathan said feeling frustrated himself.
Looking out the window Nathan just wanted to unwind and just relax. No drama.
Lately when it came to Lucas drama always seemed to be waiting to erupt.
Although he had been keeping his nose clean, he knew that eventually it would be his turn.
After the argument between him and his brother about two weeks ago, they both decided that maybe they should stay away from the café for a while. Nathan decided it was maybe in his best interest because perhaps he was pursing a girl who did not want to be pursed. The somewhat confrontation with Keith had peaked both of their interest and it was in their nature to seek answers. Therefore, the one place that they promised to avoid was the one place they needed to go in order to seek answers.
Lucas's argument with Peyton was getting on his nerves and he had nowhere to go since they weren't in his car. He could not understand why two people who were clearly unhappy with each other were getting married.
"Listen, I'm doing everything unfortunately that everyone has asked of me. No one even asks Lucas what do you want or what do you suggest." He said pausing.
"Please Peyton! I have supported you, the gallery several times like a fiancé should, and the one time I ask you to attend a party you are busy. When we both know that you'll be held up in your room somewhere doing God knows what."
Nathan's patience had worn thin.
Grabbing the phone from Lucas's hand, he said into the receiver. "Peyton, are you serious right now. Its simple make a choice either your coming or not. You're giving me a headache and I'm not even involved with you like that."
Listening to Peyton go into another rant. Nathan hit the end button on Lucas's phone.
"You know you just made it worse right" Lucas said stretching.
"I know but you need to stop doing this with her…arguments."
"I wish it were that easy." Lucas said running his hand through his hair.
"Well let's have a drink to get ready for Johnson's party. There should be a lot of people there."
Lucas's only response was a nod.
As their car pulled up to the club house cars were everywhere. The club house sat near the shoreline and on a clear night you would get the feeling that you can almost touch the stars.
The red carpet was laid out for photographers to take pictures of the guest as they arrive.
Dru Johnson the backup center for the Atlanta Hawks was hosting a mixer to help raise money for his HIV/AIDS awareness programs in the Atlanta area.
Nathan pulled out his phone and dialed Dru's number.
"Hey were here…yeah our car just pulled up."
"Is he coming to meet us or something?" Lucas asked.
"Yeah, he wants to take some pictures with us on the red carpet." Nathan said fixing his coat.
As their car door opened, they were nearly blinded by all the flash bulbs going off.
Photographers were calling their name as they made their way to Dru. The three of them smiled and signed a couple of autographs.
"I am glad that you guys made it. Is Jaglieski still coming? Skills called me earlier and told me his parents were in town."
"Yeah, he's coming he had something to do earlier today though that's why we came separately." Lucas said looking around the crowd.
"That's what I'm talking about. My teammates coming through for their boy. Let's go inside and get on these drinks." Dru said excitedly.
Standing in the VIP line Brooke was too busy on her phone to care about the commotion that had just occurred when The Scott Brothers had arrived.
Rachel on the other had taken full notice of Johnson and his teammates. Rachel's father was one of the physicians on the board of Johnson's charity. While Rachel didn't know him personally everything about professional athletes screamed interesting to her.
When Brooke got off the phone, Rachel said "I think some of Jake's teammates arrived they were on the red carpet taking pictures with Johnson.
"That's nice." Brooke said half interested.
"Brooke what is wrong with you? We are out at a nice event dressed to kill and your bringing me down."
"My parents are…." Brooke tailed off before being interrupted by a bouncer.
"Name"
"Rachel Gattina and Brooke Davis" she said flashing her pearly white smile.
"When the Anderson's step off the carpet it will be your turn. What do you want your press byline to be?"
"Press byline" Rachel repeated excitedly.
"Rachel Gattina daughter of Mark Gattina One Fight One Cure board member and Brooke Davis Fashion Designer."
Rachel's comments made her snap back into reality. "Whoa" Brooke uttered out.
The bouncer looked her over in her long purple maxi dress that was accented with a black sash tied into a bow.
"Did you design what you are wearing?" he asked.
"Yea, yes I did" Brooke said beaming.
"Cute, go ahead ladies and enjoy your evening."
Brooke and Rachel started down the red carpet posing for pictures. Both girls glowed under the night sky as they made their way down the aisle.
As they entered the clubhouse, the donation ceremony had already begun.
"Hey come with me to check my make-up real quick"
"Real quick" Brooke said looking around the room.
A pure look of horror crept across her face when she saw Chase walking on stage to present a check.
Of all places and all nights, Chase was here and Brooke wanted to run and hide.
Although she had broken up with Chase quite a while ago, the wounds were still fresh. While she managed to barely give off the impression of being, fine…she was far from it.
Brooke was feeling all the array of feelings a woman feels when she is cheated on and lied to by her significant other. All of that on top of being tired and stressed out.
By the time Rachel had finished touching up her makeup, Chase had his five minutes on the stage.
Scanning the crowd, Brooke searched the crowd intently but found no sign of Chase. She hoped maybe his company donated a check and he had left immediately afterwards.
As the girls shuffled their way through the crowd towards the bar, Rachel walked smack into the back of the very person Brooke was trying to avoid.
"Ugh, excuse you" Rachel said.
"You're excused" Chase said as he turned around to see who had bumped him. His eyes grew wide when he recognized Rachel.
"Rachel, hey fancy seeing you here. Where is Brooke?" he said looking around.
"Oh hey Brooke, I almost didn't recognize you." Chase said sarcastically.
Brooke rolled her eyes. All she wanted right then was a drink.
"Let me introduce you guys to my date, Ms.Wright?"
Chase introduced the girls to a leggy blonde that look like a centerfold in Playboy magazine. Her dress was pink short and tight.
"Where did you find her?" Rachel retorted. She never liked Chase and at this point, he was blocking her view.
"We actually met at work we've been together for about four months."
Four months, four months Brooke thought to herself…going back in time, that is when it came to her.
"You've been dating this girl for four months," Brooke yelled over the music.
Chase ignored her.
"Well Rachel you look lovely as always. Brooke you've seen better days you should really get some sleep."
"You prick" Brooke exclaimed.
Motioning for his date to go to the bar, Chase focused in on Brooke.
"All the stuff you told me about you being a Davis and all that other crap. It appears that you were talking out the side of your neck. You look run down. Nowhere near, the girl I first met. I'm glad you did me a favor."
"Please" Rachel said in a huff.
Brooke waved Rachel off, as she was ready to engage in a verbal battle with Chase. How dare he insult her.
"Seeing you tonight has made this night more interesting. I'm not missing anything in fact Christy is more of a woman in all arenas. She knows how to treat her guy."
Brooke looked at Chase and shook her head. "Excuse me I just threw up a little in my mouth."
Chase chuckled "Look at you, you still have your wits about you. Well you have a good evening with your date Rachel. But knowing Rachel you'll probably end the night the third wheel alone and bitter."
With that, he left Brooke standing there with a horrified look on her face.
Still frozen in motion Brooke felt a hand on her shoulder.
"Are you okay?" she heard a familiar voice say.
Turning around she looked up to a pair of piercing blue eyes.
Swallowing hard Brooke tried to side step Lucas.
"Brooke can we talk please" Lucas said almost pleading.
Brooke thought for a minute and final said "talk."
"You know there is nothing going on with me and Haley."
"I know Lucas, I'm just…"
Seeing Chase approaching with his new girl made her stiffen.
As Chase approached, he seemed to be gloating. When he final made his way through the crowd next to Lucas, he bumped him slightly.
Lucas followed Brooke's eyes to his side. He realized that the person who bumped into him was not just by accident.
"Pardon me was I in your way" Lucas said coolly.
"Excuse me, I thought I would warn you. This one here" he said pointing at Brooke. "Is nothing but trouble and she isn't even that good if you know what I mean."
Brooke's face grew hot she felt humiliated. She couldn't believe it, Chase had managed to hurt her again.
She wanted to run but the room was too crowded.
"Really, is that what a gentleman says about a lady? Perhaps there was a deficiency on your end." Lucas said with a wink.
Reaching in his pocket for his blackberry, Lucas scrolled through his phone.
"I remember you, from the art gallery in midtown. Your company signed a deal with owner right?"
Chase nodded his head.
"Well, I know Mr. Tanner would not be so pleased if he knew how you handled business at public events. When he tells you he got a call from Mr.Scott remember this conversation."
"Excuse me," Lucas said as he put a hand on Brooke's petite shoulder.
Turning on her heels Brooke cut through the crowd towards the bathroom where hot angry tears rolled down her face.
Furious that she was letting Chase get to her. Flaming mad and flustered Brooke moved through the crowd until she reached Chase.
Interrupting his conversation with some men, she spat "I need to talk to you now!"
Tightening her grip on his suit jacket, Brooke dragged an unwilling Chase out to an empty patio.
"How dare you!" she screamed turning away from Chase. She didn't want to look at him in the eye…he didn't deserve it.
"Brooke are you serious, you should be embarrassed. I'm embarrassed…I' working."
Chase said with his arms folded.
"Cut the crap Chase! You weren't working when you felt the need to belittle me in front of people."
"Why do you even care what I have to say Brooke? You never cared when we were together and now this…"
Brooke took a millisecond to think because she wanted to choose her words carefully.
"I did care what you had to say Chase but everything was about you. My problem with you is your actions tonight. I may have said some hurtful things and I will apologize for that…"
"I don't want your apology Brooke and for one I don't need it. I am doing fine with or without the oh wonder Brooke Davis."
Brooke's anger from the events earlier and the sickening tone of Chase's voice came over her.
Loosing her composure Brooke picked up her purse from the rail and spat "I'm glad you're doing fine… you know with your last season Ralph Lauren suit coat and what brand trousers are those. You can't hardly compete with the caliber of men in that room."
Brooke's words had struck a cord with Chase.
'What don't look so shocked? You should spend more money on your appearance and not on the girl of the moment."
"Brooke"
The two shuffled uncomfortably at the mention of her name.
"I've been looking for you everywhere…what's going on here?" Jake questioned.
"Oh it's nothing' Brooke said fixing the sash on her dress.
"Some people just bring out the bitch in me' she said stepping back into the building.
Her words left a confused Jake looking at torn down Chase.
Taking another shot of rum from the bartender, Brooke threw the warm liquid to the back of her throat.
She hated how it tasted but the affects was what she was looking for. Tonight had to be one of the nights that she rather forget.
Looking around the room, she envied the people dancing around and socializing carefree. Tomorrow when she woke up the nightmare would continue because her mother was in town.
Somehow she had found herself placed back into a world that she was fighting so hard to get away from. Things were simpler when she didn't have to worry about her parents and live her life the way she wanted to.
Trying to drown out her fears and pain Brooke signaled for the bartender. Throwing down another shot Brooke made her way steadily threw the crowd.
What she did pride herself on was the fact that she could handle her alcohol.
Searching for Rachel through the crowd, she spotted her in the corner of the room.
"Hey Rach' she said making her way towards the red head. Trying to focus her eyes on what she was seeing Brooke continued towards an unsuspecting Rachel.
When Brooke finally made her way closer to Rachel, she could see that the red head had sunk her claws into some tall dark haired guy.
The two commenced to making out in the corner and Brooke looked around somewhat surprised that no one else was seeing this despite the fact that light was lacking in that area.
"Rach" she said this time touching her on the shoulder.
Rachel wiggled away from the gentlemen spinning around.
"Hey…you scared me. What's up?"
Looking at Rachel awkwardly Brooke sighed and stated "I'll be on the beach call me on your cell when you're ready to go."
About to walk away Brooke caught a glimpse of the Rachel's tonsil hockey partner.
"Nathan" Brooke said in disbelief.
"Hey Brooke how you doing?" Nathan said wearily.
It was apparent that Nathan was just about if more so drunk then she was.
"This night gets better and better…"Brooke said as she put her hand up to stop both Rachel and Nathan from speaking.
Walking down the steps of the patio, Brooke took off her shoes and started to a more secluded part of the beach.
As she walked down the beach, what she did not know was that a pair of eyes had been on her all night just watching.
After looking around for Nathan for several minutes Lucas decided to give up. He had spent majority of the night back and forth with Peyton on the phone.
By this time, he had hung up on her and turned his ringer off. He had enough and apparently, he was not the only one having a bad night.
Finally catching up with Jake, he said "Hey have you seen Nate?'
"No I haven't but I'm going to head out…my parents are in town and apparently something has come up."
"Oh okay, well see you at practice" Lucas said as he gave Jake a pound. Walking past the bar, he grabbed a bottle of water and walked onto the patio. Looking out into the water, he felt some sort of relief. As he continued to look out at the water and beach, he caught glimpse of something purple.
Trying to give Brooke some space he purposely avoided her for most of the night. He decided to take his chances just to make sure that she was okay.
Brooke lay in the sand motionless. She looked serene as the light from the moon hit her.
"Is this beach taken?" he said sitting down quietly.
"There's plenty to go around" she said tentatively.
"Don't worry; I'm not gonna ask you if you're okay."
"Thanks" Brooke said quietly sitting up and starring out into the water.
"So do you know any good jokes?"
Snorting at his question after a pause, she replied 'You're looking at one.'
Lucas looked at her feeling the pain in her voice.
"Why does everybody lie? You know, the bad guys lie to get in your bed ... and the good guys…they lie to get in your heart."
Her words were simple but yet they stung. Some of the same things she spoke of Lucas had done in the past.
Looking out into the water Brooke took a deep breath and said "And I'm the idiot that falls for it ever time."
"Brooke you're not an idiot. Not even, close! I can't say why people do the things they do. Sometimes it's for selfish reason's and sometimes because they make a bad decision. But never feel like demanding the truth is wrong. Its not."
Even though she did not feel like smiling, she gave him a weak smile. His words somehow made her feel a little better.
'So, I know that I've been drinking and you've been drinking too but do you want to get out of here.'
Seeing her blank stare Lucas paused cautiously. "I mean unless your friend is taking you home that's okay…you know I just didn't want you to be out here by yourself. Besides Nathan disappeared and I have no idea where he is."
Brooke let out a little chuckle.
"Do you always ramble or just when you've been drinking."
"Very funny Ms. Davis" Lucas responded with his own little laugh.
"Nathan is probably still trading saliva with my friend Rachel."
"What?" Lucas said nearly choking.
"Yeah, I ran into them making out in a corner right before I came out here."
Lucas got up shaking his head "I guess some habits die hard."
Brooke continued to look at the water as it crashed against the shoreline. She just wanted to get away.
Lucas stood beside her wanting the same exact thing.
"So" Lucas said cautiously. "Are you going to let me take you home or what?"
Brooke's hazel eyes turned to meet his blue ones as they had done several times before. Everything in her said to tell him no and let him walk away.
Reaching out her hand, she decided to take her chances one because she could be out on the beach all night and two because for some reason she felt everything would be alright.
Taking her hand in his, Lucas held her hand after he gently helped her off the sand.
"Don't you think its weird Lucas, how no matter where we are we seem to run into each other?"
Lucas shrugged his shoulders "Something like that or maybe its just destiny" he said giving her a smile.
Thinking about what he said Brooke smiled as they made their way towards the parking lot.
Apologizing was never one of Peyton's best virtues but tonight she felt the need to apologize for her behavior.
Although it had been several weeks, she was still shaken at having seen Jake and his parents.
Vodka had become her friend and instead of trying to "try again" with Lucas she had become a short-tempered fool.
Most of her time had become devoted to her new piece whose standing title was "The One That Holds the Key".
She thought about her sketch as she sat and watched the houses go by. The sketch was an abstract version of Jake looking out the window into darkness.
Earlier that night her mother had nearly slapped her after overhearing her last verbal exchange with Lucas on the phone.
"Do you want to be alone and have nothing Peyton?" Anna screamed.
"I have nothing now and I might as well be alone," Peyton said dryly.
"You know that isn't true. Snap out of it Peyton…you have a wonderful future ahead of you and it includes Lucas."
"Lucas" Peyton mumbled.
"Would you rather someone else have him?"
"No" Peyton said somberly.
"Well if that's the case then act like it, Lucas is trying and that's more than what we can say for you. Go to him, talk, and apologize."
After much consideration, Peyton knew that her mother was right. Lucas was trying and lately she turned into a raving bitch. Thinking that Jake couldn't and wouldn't forgive her, she got her new driver to take her to the event Lucas had begged her to come to.
Getting out of the car, she asked her driver to wait. In the line of cars outside of the building, she saw Nathan's driver even though she thought the brothers had taken Lucas's driver.
Smiling at him as she walked up the steps, what she did not see was the driver pulling out his phone texting away.
The event was still in full swing as she looked around trying to catch a glimpse of Lucas. Taking out her phone to call him, she dialed his number and it rang and rang.
Seeing someone in the dark room that looked like Nathan, she walked up to him and tapped him on the shoulder.
When he didn't turn around, she tugged at his arm saying "Nathan" loudly.
"What the hell' Nathan said as he turned around to see Peyton.
"Where's Lucas?"
"Hello to you too Peyton" Nathan said nonchalantly.
"Where is he?" Peyton insisted. When it came to Nathan, she had a tendency to lose her patience quickly.
Having gotten the message from his driver that Peyton was here and that Lucas had left with a guest, he quickly came up with a lie.
"He left he said that he needed to get out of here, he wasn't feeling well. If I remember correctly something about his head hurting" he said giving her a wicked grin.
Peyton groaned as she turned around and walked away from Nathan. Feeling like an idiot she found herself at the bar.
Ordering two shots of Vodka with cranberry juice, she took them down swiftly.
Not sure, what to do next, Peyton walked outside to the patio overlooking the water.
As she made her way down the beach, she walked along side a set of two sets of footprints.
Plopping down on the sand, she closed her eyes and tears began to trickle down her face.
Leaning back with his eyes closed and head against the headrest, Lucas's car was traveling the winding roads back to Atlanta.
When his phone began to light up, he hoped that it wasn't Peyton again. Looking down he saw it was Nathan.
"Hey" he said in a low whisper.
A heavy breathing Brooke had fallen asleep laying across his lap with his coat jacket draped over her.
"Bro, Peyton showed up her but my driver gave me the heads up before she could find me."
"Really" Lucas said adjusting his legs.
"Yea, I just told her you left. But I want to know who your guest is because Jake drove himself here."
"It's Brooke, but let me go and thanks for the heads up."
As he hung up the phone, Brooke sat up brushing her hair to the side.
"Is everything okay, Lucas?"
"Everything's going to be fine," he said giving her a half smile.
"I hope so because I don't know about you but my life is a mess," she said as she curled up next to him.
"Mine is too," Lucas said before closing his eyes.
The two were fast asleep within minutes.
Lucas's driver picked up his cell and waited for the person for the other end to answer.
"Yes, where should I take Mr. Scott and his guest? They are asleep in the back and I need to confirm a destination."
There was a long pause as Arthur looked at the sleeping pair in his rearview mirror.
"Yes, I understand…thank you Mr. Scott, I will take them to the Biltmore good evening."
Hanging up the phone, he smiled.
