Okay guys so you really gotta give this chapter a chance. I know that there might see like there is alot of drama but it isn't without purpose. So I know some asked about Owen and I decided to bring someone else in. So Read on and you know what to do at the end .

Chapter 12

Trouble Trouble Trouble

It had been a total of 3 months since Brooke found out she was preganant, Lucas and Rachel decided to stay married and Peyton had begun her fight for her piece of the Scott fortune. Lucas and Brooke had done their best to keep things as close to a normal relationship as possible but found themselves drifting further and further apart. Oddly enough Lucas found himself gravitating towards Rachel's friendship and Brooke drifted closer and closer to Nathan. The younger Scott had become her confidant in many ways. She still loved Haley but there was something about being able to lean on Nathan whenever she needed to. It was the night Haley was out of town visiting her mom and she took the baby with her. It was the first time Nathan had been alone since the baby was born and he couldn't go with them because he still had the court stuff to deal with. It had occured to him he never really thanked Brooke for saving his ass. It was also the night that Lucas' lawyer had set up for him and Rachel to appear at a Scott Industries function together. All the major tv networks were there covering the charity even and Brooke had gotten her first glimpse of the "happy couple" in action. Things had been strained at best between her and Lucas and she really hated it but looking at him with Rachel made her sad. He looked happy. Not the 'I'm plastering on a happy face so no one knows how sad I am' but a genuine relaxed and happy smile. It struck an even deep accord with her when she saw the same smile on Rachel. She was sitting on the couch at Lucas' apartment when Nathan showed up. She walked to the door and when she opened it Nathan was taken aback by the ball of sobbing tears that stood in front of him. Right at that moment she was such a wreck from the overload of emotions from being pregnant that she needed to be held. She reached out for him and he held her. She cried into his shoulder for a good five minutes before he moved them into the apartment and she continued to cry as they sat on the couch. When he caught at glimpse of what she had been watching he felt bad. So for another hour she sat there while he held her and she cried. Later that night she woke up with her head in Nathan's lap as he stroke her hair. He was busy watching the playbacks on espn that he didn't notice she had woken up till she sat up and wiped the slob from her face. She looked down at his lap and saw the drool spot and then looked at him. They both had a huge laugh about it and spent the rest of the night talking about life, Jamie, Haley and love in general. They were deep into the story about when she and Haley got arrested for indecent exposure when Lucas got home that night. He was a little thrown off as to why his brother was there and he had to admit a little upset because it was the first time in weeks he had seen her smile and it wasn't because of him. When he asked what all the fun was about all she would say is that her Natey was there to be her stand in best friend. He had to admit he felt a pang of jelousy when she refered to his brother as her Natey. That night was the start of a long downward spiral that could end with him alone and her in the arms of another man.

Cold nights in New York use to be Brookes favorites. It use to mean she had a good excuse to have a warm body to cuddle up to but these days all her nights seem to be cold and not because of the weather. She had been home for a total of fifteen minutes when Lucas started in on her. He was upset about something and lately when that happened he'd dump it all on her. Usually they might yell, she might throw something at his head, he might yell some more while she tried not to cry and then he'd apologize followed by her locking herself in their bedroom and neither would say another word to each other till the next morning. Whenever she'd close off like that she use to call Rachel but now she found herself heavily relying on Nathan and Haley for support. Whenever Brooke would piss him off he use to call Nathan but as of late he'd pick up the phone to call Rachel, that was up until tonight.

Flashback

They had just finished dinner with the Judge and Lucas and Rachel decided the night was too young to end it. Rachel had been playing the part of happy wife perfectly. She had to admit that she could only hope things would be this smooth when or if Mouth decided he wanted to marry her. They had had a few rough bumps up until a huge speed bump stopped their relationship all together. More like a break as he put it. He said she needed to figure out what she wanted and when she did to give him a call. What the hell was that suppose to mean? She made it no secret that she loved Mouth but apparently to him she didn't make it enough of a secret that she might have some residual feelings for Lucas. Not the kind where she was in love or anything, the kind where you have those phantom sex cravings when you get too close to an ex. She hated how it was making her feel, she hated how Brooke and Mouth seemed to be drifting further and further away and she hated how because of that she started to cling to Lucas for more than just a bussiness arrangment. They were actually becoming friends. She missed Brooke and it was that same feeling that Lucas accepted her invitation to the Devil's Lair for a drink. The sat at the bar knocking a few back till somehow they ended up in her office in back. One thing would lead to another and when Rachel felt Lucas' lips on hers' it felt all kinds of wrong. It took her a moment but she pushed him away and wiped her lips, thinking that if she didn't someone somehow would know they had kissed. She turned to walk away and on her way out she made sure to make it plain to him to never speak of that kiss...ever.

Lucas was angry with himself. Here he was, with everything he ever wanted and he felt like the biggest idiot for throwing it away with both hands. He was deep in thought when he heard her open the bedroom door and the sounds of her heels clicked on the floor towards the front door. He peered over the back of the couch and felt even more guilty. Even though no one but him could tell, he could see the smallest of baby bumps on her as her silk top fluttered close to her skin as she walked. She had on the dark skinny jeans he loved and the red boots that made her look even sexier.

"Where are you going?"

"Out."

"I can see that, but where?"

"To Naley's and then a meeting at the club."

"A little late for a meeting isn't it?"

"Duty calls."

"Why don't you stay, let's talk, we need to talk."

"We don't need to talk about anything right now, I have to go."

"Why don't you wait, I'll go with you."

"No thanks, why don't you give Rachel a call, I'm sure you guys a due for another appearace out in public."

Her sarcasm was cutting to him and made him feel even worse. If only she knew what he had done with her so called friend only an hour prior, in the very place she was headed to.

"Brooke I love you."

"I know you do Lucas, but I'm begining to think it might not be enough anymore."

"So stay, talk, let me try to fix this before we can't."

"Lucas..."

She wanted to stay and talk and work things out but she was so use to this. They'd talk things out and do good for a few days and then end up right back at square one with him yelling and her crying. She was begining to think there was no point to even trying anymore. The enviroment she was living in was not one she wanted her baby to be born into.

"Lucas I have to go. We'll talk later."

"You always say later and then later comes and then you start avoiding me."

"I do that because I am 3 months pregnant Lucas and the stress of us dealing with this is not something I need right now."

With that she stormed out of the apartment and slammed the door behind her. When did things go so wrong for them. Oh wait he remembers, when Dan decided to abduct her. Even from the grave that son of a bitch was still causing problems. Although he couldn't blame this all on Dan. After all he did kiss Rachel.

It took Brooke all of fifteen seconds to hit 2 on the speed dial and call Nathan's cell. It was funny how that number use to be reserved for Rachel. It was a total of two rings, well a ring and a half.

"Alright Brookie what did he do now?"

"Nothing, look I have a meeting at the club and I need you to do me a favor."

"What's the favor?"

"If Lucas calls over there for me just tell him I don't want to talk."

"I thought you were coming over here?"

"Change in plans, I have something I have to take care of."

"I don't like the sound of this Brooke, lying to my brother for you is not cool."

"I know but please I just...I need a little time...please."

"Alright but I'm not asking Haley to lie for you, if she gets to the phone first it's on you."

"Thanks Nate."

She hung up the phone and started her engine. Her phone buzzed with a text.

I'm the club, where r u dimples?

On the way now Gorgeous, keep your pants on

She couldn't help but be a little excited to see him, after all he was Clay Evans.

When Lucas looked at the clock he started to feel terrible. About Brooke, about Rachel, about all of it. When he wen to grab his coat to head over to his brothers hotel he stopped in his tracks. There in front of him was Rachel. She looked like she was just as uncomfortable as he was.

"Brooke here?"

"No, she left to go take a meeting at the club."

"Meeting? She say with who?"

"No, she doesn't say much to me these days."

"Well I guess it's good she isn't here...we need to talk."

She walked past him into the apartment and instantly got the feeling this was a bad idea.

"Why did you kiss me?"

The question was valid but caught him off guard non the less. He stammered for a moment and then he looked at her. He really didn't know why. He loved Brooke, sure they were having problems but that was no reason to go and kiss Rachel.

"I don't know...why did you let me?"

"I didn't."

"Yes you did."

"Okay so maybe a little I did, but it was just a kiss. Look Luc, this is begining to get real complicated."

"If it was just a kiss then why is this complicated?"

"Because for a second,...I wanted you to."

He was shocked but not so much.

"That does complicate things."

When Brooke walked in she was able to spot Clay amoung the numerous bodies moving to the booming music. She made her way carfully over to the bar and saw that there was a bleach blonde hitting on him and he looked less than interested. Same old Clay, beating the ladies off with a stick. She walke dover and placed her hand on his shoulder.

"Sorry I'm late baby, traffic was a bitch."

The girls face turned all shades of embarrasment as she saw Brooke and the way Clay lit up when he laid eyes on her.

"Oh, I'm sorry I didn't know-"

"It's okay sweetie, run along, have fun."

The girl slinked into the crowd freeing the seat next to him where Brooke sat.

"So this is where you work?"

"It's a living, how you been Clay-bear?"

"Better now you're here. Hey can we go someplace a little more quiet. My ear drums are bleeding."

She took his hand and led him out back to where the office was. She gestured for him to sit as she shut the door leaving on the vibration from the bass to break the quiet in the room.

"You look absolutely sinful Brooke, what have you done with yourself?"

She walked around the back of the desk and sat. It didn't take her long to flash a smile and show him those dimples he loved and missed so much.

"Dimples, are you blushing?"

"Not at all, Just not use to hearing your obvious come on lines."

"You mean to tell me you don't have some poor sap wrapped around your finger already. As sexy and smart as you are I would think you would be married by now."

She winced at his statement, it didn't go unnoticed.

"What...did I hit a nerve?"

"No, no nerve."

"Well if I had been given the chance Dimples I would've made an honest woman out of you by now."

Feeling the conversation taking a wrong turn into the past she changed the subject.

"Was there a reason you asked to meet me. My father said it was imperative I meet with-"

"Careful dimples, you'll give me whiplash with the conversation change."

"Just trying to keep it PG."

"Nothing we ever did was PG."

"Clay, stop being your usual charming self and spill."

"I'd rather keep being my charming self and see if I have a chance at a drink after this."

"Sorry, can't drink."

"What, you stop drinking."

"I'm pregnant."

He half laughed and then stopped. She was serious.

"You...pregnant...uhh congratulations Dimples."

"Thanks Clay-Bear."

"So who's the Lucky guy and why don't I see a ring on your finger?"

"The unlucky guy is a...i'm not sure what he is anymore and that explains why there is no ring."

"Now I see why your father was so hot to push us together, you've lost your mind."

"How so?"

"Brooke, come on, you're about to have some guys baby and there isn'teven a definition of a relationship. Is he even still in the picture?"

"Sort of."

"Well how bout we push him all the way out and you make room for someone who can take care of you."

"Someone like you? Please, if this is why you're here you can leave now and tall my father no more matchmaking."

She rose from her seat and started to walk to the door but he caught her by the wrist and stopped he in her tracks.

"Listen Dimples-"

"Don't use that name thinking it's gonna save you."

"Hey don't be like this. Yes I came here because your father asked me but I also came here to see the woman I use to be in love with that is obviously in way more trouble than she even realizes. How bout you give me a ride to your place. Show me where you been living and we gan have that drink. Well I can have a drink and you can have a glass of milk or something."

She couldn' help but soften a little. He followed her out the club and into the New York streets. It wasn't long before she was back home and putting the key into the door. As she opened the door she heard voices. when she turned to put her finger over her mouth to hush Clay he knew something was up. He watched as she walked in quietly and followed her in. She stopped just short of the wall by the kitchen and listened as Lucas and Rachel talked on the couch.

"I can't be the one to ruin this. She loves you."

"I'm not so sure anymore. We're suppose to be happy because of this baby and all I feel is..."

"You feel what?"

"That things are just so much more simpler with you. I know that kiss was a mistake but, I can't help but feel like..."

"Like there was more behind it than you want to admit, I know what you mean. I'm not in love with you Luc but...nevermind, it doesn't matter. Even if Brooke has pretty much cut me out of her life I love her like my sister."

"I am in love with her, I just don't know if it's enough."

Clay watched as the two sat on the couch and then he saw the guy lean in to kiss the girl. He had been at the club when they were their earlier and it wasn't till then he realized they were the same two and that the guy must be the guy she was talking about. He was pissed. He went to take a step forward but was stopped by Brooke putting her hand to his chest. She walked around him and out the door with tears streaming down her face. The kiss was short and Lucas knew within that instant it was wrong. He just didn't know how wrong. Both his and Rachel's attention were brought to the door when thet heard a throat clear. They jumped apart and Rachel looked at the guy and knew there was nothing but trouble ahead.

"Who are you, what are you doing in my apartment?"

"Apparently I'm the guy that's about to get what he always wanted. Rachel, always a pleasure."

He turned and walked out hoping to catch up to Brooke.

"You know that guy?"

"Yeah, he's Clay, the guy Brooke was dating... before you, but ...why was he here?"

Haley had just put Jamie to sleep when she heard a knock at the hotel room door.

"Brooke, oh my god sweetie what's wrong, what happened?"

"I'm done Haley. I can't be that girl for him again."

"Wait slow down, what happened?"

"Well I was out with a friend and I brought him back to my place and Rachel was there and he kissed her."

"Who kissed her?"

"LUCAS, that bastard kissed her!"

"Are you sure, I mean this is Lucas we're talking about."

"Don't you dare take his side, I saw that two timing ass with the whore formally known as my best-friend."

"Brooke calm down okay, think of the baby."

"Oh am, I am thinking clearly he has feelings for that fat ass and I'm the knocked up idiot with a fat ass in the works!"

"Brooke calm down, you don't have a fat ass."

"I do Haley, my ass is getting so fat. I could barely fit into my jeans. This is all his fault."

"How about we stop talking about him and go split a pint of icecream."

"You know...that sounds like a winner. Look at us we've gone from doing shots of bourbon to shots of icecream, oh how the incredibly hot have fallen."

"Speak for yourself grandma, I still got it."

"Yea lucky you having Nathan to help you work off the baby weight. I on the other hand will be single, fat, and covered in stretch marks with no one but my fat ass to keep me company."

"Awww Brookie...you'll have me . . . along with your fat ass to keep you company."

Haley shot her a grin as Brooke flung a spoon full of the chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream at her.

"Hey, don't make me spoon feed you missy."

Nathan had heard when Brooke came in and heard what Lucas had done. He managed to sneek out and figured now would be a good time to confront his brother. Nathan was a little dissapointed, he thought Lucas had changed but it looked like the evil cloud of Dan still hung over his head. When Nathan got there he knocked and it took all of a half a knock for Lucas to swing the door open. He had a dissapointed look on his face.

"Expecting someone elese Lucas?"

"Yea actually, a brunette with a killer smile carrying my baby."

"Not too sure you wanna see her right now."

"Why?"

"What do you mean why, you screwed up again."

"What the hell are you talking about Nate, I;m the one at home waiting for her and she's not here and she's not even deeming it important to answer any of my calls or texts, the way I look at she's the one screwing up."

Was this asshole serious? Lucas obviously was so stupid he didn't even realize he got caught. Nathan had to restrain himself from choking his brother because yet again he had managed to screw his life up royally. His jaw was tightly clenched as he thought his next words through carefully.

"Well you might wanna flip that picture around and look at it again, Brooke saw you. . . kissing Rachel."

His heart dropped into his stomach. He had the feeling like he was drowning all of a sudden. Nathan would've felt sorry for him from the bewhildered look on his face but he did it to himself.

"Where is she?"

"She's at the hotel with Haley. What the hell were you thinking or should I even ask if you were thinking at all?"

"Not right now Nate, no lectures, I gotta talk to her."

Lucas tried to brush past him but Nathan grabbed his arm.

"No, you are going to give that girl some space. She pregnant for god sakes, she doesn't need this added drama in her life! You are gonna stay here and if she feels like it she'll call you, otherwise you leave her the hell alone Lucas, I mean it."

Lucas was infureated his brother felt he even had the right to tell him to stay away.

"Where the hell do you get off Nate! She's MY Brooke, I can go and try to talk to her if I want, it's up to her if she wants to see me or not. What is this are you like in love with her?"

"I should punch you in the face for that shit man. Yes I love Brooke, she's been one of the best friends I could ask for. She's like family to me and I know this is a foreign concept to you but men can be JUST friends with a woman. You are really screwed up if you think friendship is the only thing between me and Brooke. If that's what you plan on using as an excuse as to why you were sucking face with Rachel you better think of something better. I was coming over here to tell you she might be lost to you, but now I'm not even sure if you care."

"Of course I care Nate, I love her, she's carrying my baby and I. . . . I know I'm screwing up."

"Only this time there's no Dan to blame. Grow up Lucas! This money is not worth your soul."

"I'm not doing this for the money, it's for you and Haley and Jamie and-"

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, you have the balls to stand there and tell me you're hanging on to Dan Scotts money for me and my family? I don't need it, neither do they. I've been taking care of my family since day one man and I didn't need or have Dan's help, hell he even purposely put obstacles in my way and I still managed to make it. So do not act like this is some selfless act. You are hanging on to Dan's money and power with both hands for yourself. I just hope it was worth losing the woman you claim you loved because believe me . . . . she's gone."

Nathan turned and walked out of the apartment, leaving the door open behind him. Lucas stood there looking almost like a lost child. Was Nathan right? Was this all really about him? He couldn't believe it but now what was his reason for hanging on. Nathan all but told him he wanted nothing to do with the money and now Brooke was probably never going to love him again. He had to admit this time was all on him, Dan wasn't around to blame anymore.

Nathan arrived back at the hotel and by now he was sure that both Haley and Brooke would be asleep but he was stunned to see them still sitting at the table talking, icecream long gone.

"So you mean to tell me Clay is here?"

"Yeah, he called me up a few days ago and said he wanted to meet up and talk business."

"Business huh? I'm not buying it."

"You know Clay all to well."

"Of course I do. He was after all the guy you almost married."

"I did not and stop saying that Haley James Scott."

"Well what else do you call a guy getting down on bended knee, in the middle of a bar full of people mind you, and asking you to marry him."

"I call it a proposal, I never said yes."

"That doesn't mean he didn't want you to."

"I know."

"So how is sexy man Clay-Bear anyway, still hot?"

"Hey I'm not sure I like the fact you're asking about old boyfriends being hot."

"Not to worry hubby of mine first of all Clay is Brooke's Ex and secondly I only have eyes for you."

"You two make me wanna gag."

"Morning sickness there Brookie Cookie?"

"No Naley sickness. Hey did you just get in?"

"Yeah, I went out for a bit."

"Nathan Royal Scott, where have you been?"

"Easy on the middle name there Hales."

"No you spill."

"I went to see Lucas."

The room got real quiet. Haley and Nathan both looked at Brooke and saw the visable pain that crossed her face at the mention of Lucas' name.

"Was Rachel still there?"

"Bro-"

"You know what I don't want to know."

A single tear fell she managed to wipe away. Soon there was apounding on the door followed by a womans voice yelling through the door. Nathan stood to go get it but Brooke motioned for him to sit. She walked to the door and saw Rachel standing there with her arms folded around her like she was ashamed, she should be.

"Brooke I-"

"Whatever it is Rachel save it. I don't want to hear it. I trusted you and you stabbed me in the back."

"I'm sorry please just-"

"No, I warned you. You know I actually saw this coming, so now you can have him."

"I don't want him Brooke, it was a mistake. I love Mouth."

"Yea, you keep telling yourself that Rach."

Brooke backed away and slammed the door in Rachel's face. Rachel erupted into tears. How could she do this to the one person she loved most in the world. She walked away slowly and left the hotel, headed straight for the bar.

It was close to 1 am and Rachel was on her sixth shot of vodka, the top shelf of course.

"Drowing your sorrows in the bottle?"

Rachel turned to see none other than Clay stitting beside her at the bar.

"What the hell do you want?"

"I want Brooke, and thanks to you and lover boy I may just have a chance."

"You don't want her."

"Really, I'm in the mood for some Rachel Gatina boozy brilliamce. Lay it on me."

"You don't want Brooke because you don't really love her, you love being with Brooke Davis, daughter to billionare Richard Davis, but that's not love."

"You know what Rachel I really should thank you but before I do I was wondering if you knew where Brooke was?"

"She's someplace that's not with you."

"Funny, okay Gattina, I'll find her myself after all I have a feeling she'll probably call me before she calls you."

With that Clay got off the stool and walked out the bar. Rachel poured another shot and downed it hoping to hit that drunk wall very soon.

Next Chapter

'B' is for Brooke and 'B' is for bitch

Richard Davis to the rescue?

Baby no more

Okay so I decided to end it here. So what did you guys think about Clay being Brooke's boyfriend from college? I promise next chapter will have more explaination of the Brooke/Clay past as well as some Richard being thrown in the mix. There will be Brucas too but more or less Brooke Davis from hell. Don't be shy, feel free to review. Tell me how much you hated it or loved it, I can take it I'm a big girl.