Can You Stand The Rain
A/N: Okay, so I will try and make this short. I was an avid fan of OTH. Then Season 5 and 6 started to really annoy me. I loved the show and could no longer enjoy it because of obvious reasons and the re-writing of the show's history. Having more free time on my hands and getting somewhat excited about Season 7 has gotten me back in the groove of wanting to finish this story. Please read , review, and enjoy!
Disclaimer: I own nothing from OTH; I did incorporate some scenes from 1X09 all credit goes to Mark.
Chapter 13
Conversations with Glimpses of Disaster
His stomach turned in knots as he anticipated the Scott family pow wow. All the times that he had done so well to portray fearless, well this wasn't one of those times. The funny thing is that he didn't know the last time he saw Henderson or even talked to him. What intrigued him is how people who apparently could care less, felt the need to control every and any aspect of his life. In a room full of his relatives, Lucas often felt alone. Aside from Keith he was a very different Scott. He could be dashing, charming, sympathetic, and considerate. However, he could also be manipulative, cunning, and unpredictable.
As he walked through Keith's brownstone town home, he look at the pictures placed on the mantel. He glanced over pictures of him and Nathan as children and one of Dan and Keith when they were younger. What caught his eyes was a picture of a much younger Karen holding an infant and Keith next to her smiling.
Upon Keith entering the room, Lucas eyed him and asked "you and Karen have a child together?"
Keith paused and said "no" with sadness itched in his voice.
"Whenever I've been around her, I never heard her speak about having a child" Lucas said still looking at the picture.
"That's because she lost her baby."
Lucas turned to look at Keith. "I'm sorry to hear that. She seems like a nice woman."
"Never mind that…Luke lets talk about how we are going to deal with the elders."
"Tell me how you did it" Lucas said sitting next to Nathan on the sofa.
"Tell you what" Keith said quizzical.
"Tell me how you walked away from the family."
"Lucas I can't…."
"No, tell me because I want to know…"
"Luke, they will never let you go and if they do someone else will always pay the consequences." Keith paused "I know all too well."
"Do you know what the Scott family name means. Its legendary it's a brand. I will not let you three drag it through the mud" Royal fumed.
"I think Dan and Keith already did that" Nathan said sarcastically. Lucas tried hard to stifle a laugh but failed.
"I am glad that you are laughing now, because you won't after you leave here today" Henderson said walking in the room with some men, including Dan, Keith, and the Sawyers.
Lucas and Nathan looked at each other nervously as a motionless Peyton tried her hardest not to pass out. Sitting before them were generations of Scotts. Some of them they had only heard of in passing.
Henderson cleared his throat. "You three are causing nothing but unnecessary attention to the family. There is a difference between negative and positive press. "
"Do you know what that means" he said glaring at the three.
No one said a word.
"Answer me "Henderson's voice boomed.
"Yes" Lucas, Nathan, and Peyton responded.
Henderson picked up a folder and threw newspaper clippings at the three . "Apparently not."
"Wait a minute" Larry said attempting to address how Henderson was treating his daughter.
Henderson scoffed. "Really Larry… you can't be serious! Your precious daughter here is suppose to be marrying into the family. Some of these articles are about her alone. "
Walking around the table Henderson rubbed his brow. "You should be trying to figure out why your daughter is so sad."
Peyton shifted in her seat which caused Lucas to look at her. Anna put a reassuring hand on Peyton's shoulder.
Royal stood up from his chair and joined his father by his side.
"Peyton do you love Lucas?" Royal said flatly.
Peyton looked at her hands and said "I do."
"Lucas do you love Peyton " Royal said.
Lucas starred forward and his eyes met Keith's. Lucas remained silent.
"Lucas" Royal said.
"I am not going to answer that question here in front of all of you. Some of you I have only heard tall tales about but here you are concerned about me. Are you only concerned about me because of my last name" Lucas said filling with anguish.
"Lucas" Dan said in a warning tone.
"What" Lucas said somewhat surprised by his reaction.
"You all have seen the articles . ..that is apparent. " " We have issues" Lucas said point at himself and Peyton.
"No one is worried or thinking about that. Why is it so important that we get married and be together!" Lucas demanded.
Peyton inside was silently cheering Lucas on. She wished that she could steal some of his bravery.
"You will do as you are told" Dan said.
"Or what?" Lucas said feeling braver.
You could see the scowl on some of the Scott elders faces.
"I play basketball, I am making money. You can have my car and you can take my trust fund" Lucas yelled.
Keith shook his head because he knew that this was going to go down bad. Fixing himself a drink Henderson smirked.
"Lucas we love the fighter and modesty in you. However we know money is not an issue for you.. "
Henderson chuckled.
Starring Lucas in the eye Henderson said "You will marry Peyton and live whatever happily ever after will look like for you. In addition to you, you will also do whatever else we ask you to do."
Before Lucas could respond. Henderson interrupted him.
"If you don't then we have no other choice then to take everything that the closet person to you loves…we mean everything."
Lucas looked at a horrified Peyton.
'No" Henderson said clearing his throat. "We are talking about your brother Nathan."
"You wouldn't" Lucas said looking at a visibly upset Nathan.
"What do I have to do with Lucas and this whole thing with Peyton" Nathan demanded.
"I worked my butt off to get where I am in the NBA. You would take that away from me."
"You would destroy one of your own" Lucas said putting a hand on Nathan to try and quite him.
"Yes" Henderson said.
"Why didn't you do this with Keith and Dan…huh " Nathan demanded.
"That is none of your concern. We have learned from past mistakes." Henderson spat.
"Lucas the decision is yours ."
"Luke" Nathan said looking at Lucas. "I think they are serious."
"I know because they threaten the one thing that they knew I can't live without." Lucas said shaking his head. Lucas could feel his face growing red.
Standing up to face his brother Lucas said " I won't let you down we won't be a repeat of our father and uncle."
"Before you leave Lucas lets get this straight" Henderson said. "Everyone needs to be on their best behavior. Ms. Sawyer you better find a way to get happy by any means necessary and start planning your wedding publicly. Nathan your escapades need to be on a minimum. Lucas well you're a smart boy."
Lucas had almost made it to the door to leave. Before Henderson spoke again.
"Oh and we will be providing our own watchful eyes to make sure we are aware of your doings" Henderson said.
With a slam of the door Lucas was gone, leaving Peyton and Nathan to get a personal scolding from the Scott elders.
With her head whirling Peyton immediately rushed home and locked herself in her room. Bracing herself against her bedroom door, she took deep breaths. It was all she could do from having a panic attack.
All she could hear were the Scott men's voices and everything was so jumbled up in her head. She wanted to run but the only thing stopping her was her family. They depended on her and the future of the family was in her hands.
Everything she wanted or needed, she had to give up for them.
Taking off her cleanly pressed pastel blue stepford dress she rambled through her closet until she found a medium sized laundry bag. Pulling out a pair of dark wash worn jeans, Peyton held them against her chest as they gave her some form of comfort.
Rummaging in the bag, she pulled out a gray nearly faded tee shirt with the band name The Get Up Kids on the front. Pulling out some black converse sneakers, Peyton quickly put on the clothing and sneakers.
Grabbing her sketch pad, she stopped when she got a glimpse of herself in the mirror.
She felt like she knew the person staring back at her in the mirror. However, no one else knew the real her but Jake. No one but him knew her passion for music, her ability to sketch, or how much she hated pastel colors.
Hearing her parents in her living room, Peyton went into her bathroom and propped the window open. Tossing her bag through the window, she propped herself up using the toilet and lowered herself to the ground.
Once she hit the ground she looked around for her watcher courtesy of the Scott Family. Darting across the grass Peyton ran as if her life depended on it. Cutting through neighbors yards, she finally made it to a side street.
Laughing at herself while taking deep breaths, Peyton felt free. Brushing her curls from her face, she adjusted her tee shirt and headed towards the infamous Piedmont park.
Blending in with the people walking down the street, Peyton let out a sigh of relief she felt free.
Looking for the perfect spot where it wasn't too hot and not too much shade, Haley found it and spread her blanket out on the grass. Reaching down into the ultra modern stroller she had in tow, Haley unbuckled the most beautiful blonde haired little girl.
"Hello my Ellie Bear" Haley cooed.
The little girl smiled and reached for Haley's nose as she lifted her out of the stroller.
Placing her on the blanket Ellie looked around wide eyed. Soon a butterfly landing on a patch of grass caught her attention.
Pulling out her tablet Haley began to hum a melody. Music was one of her passions. She had pages upon pages of songs just waiting to be heard. Unfortunately her shyness won out every time she stepped in front of a microphone. Music was the way she could express her feelings without worrying about anyone's response.
Looking out at the people in the park, her mind wandered to the one person who was miles away. Shaking her head she scribbled words on her up to check on Ellie she smiled. The little girl was sprawled out on the blanket playing with her feet.
Laughing she said "You having fun Ellie Bear."
Unknowingly her words fell upon the ears of a stranger.
"Hi" Haley heard a voice behind her.
Turning around Haley eyes were meet with a figure standing in the glare of the sun. "Hi, may I help you" Haley said trying to cover her eyes with her hands.
Stepping out of the glare of the sun , Peyton twirled one of her blond curls identical to the little girl rolling on the blanket.
"Hey" she said her eyes traveling to the little girl. The way her heart was beating in her chest, she knew and could feel that the precious little girl laying on the blanket was hers.
Haley standing up now, dropped her pad on the blanket and papers went flying everywhere.
Peyton helped her pick up the papers. Looking at the words scribbled across the page, she said "You're a song writer."
"Yea" Haley said shyly.
"I love music" Peyton said hanging Haley some more papers. "My dream would be to own my own label and put music out there that means something and speaks to people."
"I do too, I hope one day that someone hears my music…"
"What's stopping you?" Peyton said eyeing the brunette.
"I don't think I'm ready yet. What about you?" Haley said wearily.
"The life that people want me to lead."
There was a silence between the two but at the same time an understanding.
"My name is Elizabeth" Peyton said extending her hand.
"I'm Haley."
"Your little girl is so precious" Peyton said bending down to take a closer look at the little girl.
"Oh she isn't mine. I'm babysitting for my friend."
"Well they are lucky, Peyton said reaching for the little girls fingers. "
With her finger wrapped tight in Ellie's petite hands, Peyton felt tears well in her eyes. She noticed the birthmark that Ellie had under her right arm. It was strawberry shaped.
Peyton remembered when Jake's mother told her to stop eating so many strawberries. She couldn't help it though because that was her pregnancy craving.
After all this time she had come face to face with her daughter.
"Can I hold her" Peyton said looking at Haley.
"Umm…" Haley said.
"I promise I won't run off with her, I know you just met me and all."
"It's just that her dad is so over protective, that 's why me and my friends have to watch her. He doesn't trust strangers" Haley replied.
Peyton smiled at Haley's words. She knew from the beginning that Jake would be a good father.
"Here are my keys and my wallet" she said placing it beside Haley. "Just in case I run off…"Peyton said picking up Ellie.
Standing the little girl up on her lap Peyton looked the little girl in the eyes. "Hey bunny bear …look at you."
Haley's phone rang and she excused herself off to the side.
Trying to make sure that Haley not hear her Peyton whispered "My sweet Ellie. How are you? "
Ellie cooed as if to answer Peyton.
Bringing the little girl close Peyton hugged the little girl. "Ellie please remember momma loves you."
Writing on Haley's pad Peyton scribbled " Don't be afraid of your music."
Placing Ellie back on the blanket, Peyton grabbed her walled and keys and walked off. Turning back to look at Ellie, she saw the little girl looking in her direction.
Running up the little hill and out of sight, tears streamed down her eyes.
With the radio blaring the Top 40 hits. Brooke and Haley sang for Ellie as the straightened up the café for the night.
"Thanks for helping me close" Brooke said filling up sugar canisters.
"No problem" Haley said wiping down counter tops.
"So something weird well maybe not weird happened to me at the park today" Haley said.
"Hmm" Brooke said while dancing along to the radio.
"This girl at the park totally came up to me and started talking and…"
Brooke stopped and scrunched up her face. "What… was she totally into you or something?"
"No… I don't know but I think she was into to Ellie too" Haley replied.
Brooke stopped and looked at Haley as Jake knocked on the door. Still looking at Haley, she went over and opened the door.
"Brooke what's wrong" Jake said entering the café.
"Nothing" Brooke said looking at Haley.
Giving Haley a quick hug, Jake went and picked up Ellie. "Hey bunny" he said smiling at his daughter.
"I'm surprised she isn't sleeping" Jake said cradling his daughter. "Let me go warm up a bottle" he said walking towards the back of the café.
"What's wrong" Haley said to Brooke.
Brooke said "I'll tell you later don't say anything about that in front of Jake…"
"Brooke, I know he is over protective but…" Haley whined.
"But nothing Haley don't say anything about it to him" Brooke said sternly.
"Say what" Jake said walking back into the room.
"Nothing …"Haley said quickly.
"It doesn't look like nothing" Jake said.
"Ugh" Brooke said. "Haley was going to tell you that she had a crush on you but I said no because crossing that friend line would not work" Brooke said trying to sound believable.
Jake looked at Haley searching her eyes.
"Nah, I'm not buying it…Now tell me the truth."
Brooke shot Haley a warning look.
"I was at the park today and this random girl comes up and starts talking to me. I was just telling Brooke before you got here that she kinda seemed totally into Ellie."
Jake looked at Haley and didn't say anything at all.
"What do you mean" he finally said.
"We kinda talked about music and she asked to hold Ellie. I told her I didn't know about that and your overprotectiveness. She gave me her wallet and keys and played with Ellie while I had a phone call. When I turned around she was gone Ellie was on the blanket and she had wrote me a note on my pad."
Jake placed Ellie in her carrier and walked back towards Haley.
"What did this person look like?" Jake said calmly.
"What" Haley said. "Jake I don't think its that serious."
"I do" Jake said flatly. "If it was someone just stopping and making a comment no big deal but you felt the need to talk Brooke about it."
"What do you know" Jake said looking at Brooke.
"I don't know what happened , this is my first time hearing the story" Brooke said quickly.
"What did she look like" Jake repeated.
"She was slender about 5'6 or seven, had blue eyes and blonde curly hair…."
Brooke gasped " No you don't think!"
Jake slammed his hand down on the table.
"I knew she was somewhere close, I could feel her that night I was at the gallery. When I saw that sketch of Ellie I knew" Jake ranted.
"Huh..what's going on" Haley said confused.
"Ellie's mom" Brooke said.
"What's her name " Haley asked.
"I don't want to say her name… I can't believe she is here. I can't believe she got that close to Ellie" Jake cut in.
"Jake she didn't take her and she had every opportunity to" Haley pointed out. She knew that what happened at the park could have turned disastrous.
"I can't think" Jake said pacing. His heart was pounding and sweat was on his brow.
"Haley take them home" Brooke said . "I can clean up by myself."
"Jake, I didn't know" Haley trailed off.
"I know you didn't know Haley…I just can't think right now."
Moore's was filled with its usual customers aside for a few new faces. A group of men were hollering
at each other even though they were sitting at the same table. It was obvious that they had way too many pitchers of beer. The crack of pool sticks hitting the multicolored balls could be heard mixed in with the beat of a Chris Daughtry song.
At one of the pool tables was a tall blond with a low cut. He stood sipping the last of his beer from his mug.
"Hey Scott can I get you anything" a waitress came over and asked.
"Not right now, thanks" Lucas said as he looked at his vibrating phone . The drama of today's events had him drained.
Every phone call he received got forwarded to his voicemail. His life wasn't his own and today he finally realized it. Planning his next shot, he starred at the balls intently. When he focused everything wrong in his life didn't matter.
Opening the door to Moore's Brooke ran her fingers through her brunette hair. She was dressed in a pair of fitted blue jeans and an off the shoulder black shirt.
Moore's was a place where Brooke went to relax and be low-key. Any and everyone was welcome and she had been a faithful customer for a little over a year. As she walked further into the bar, the brunette's hair moved like she had a fan blowing at her . Tucking a piece behind her ear, she smiled as she approached the bar.
"Hey Moore" she cooed in her distinctive voice.
"Hey there Brooke! We have missed seeing you around" Moore said as he fixed Brooke the drink she always requested at his bar cranberry and vodka.
"I've been working hard" Brooke said laughing playfully.
Taking a sip of her drink, a tall blonde guy caught her eye. Picking up her drink she moved in for a closer look. Her hunch was correct, the one guy that always seemed to be around was there in the flesh at Moore's.
"This has to be fate or something" Brooke said chuckling as she approached.
Lucas was so wrapped up in his own world he didn't hear Brooke's greeting.
She placed her hand gently on his arm and gave it a squeeze.
"Hey you" she said.
Lucas turned around almost annoyed only to meet eye to eye with a dimpled filled smiling Brooke.
"Wow, I am sorry…hey pretty girl" Lucas said giving her a squeeze.
"What are you doing here" they both said at the same time.
" I come here to get away from everything " Brooke said taking a sip of her drink.
"I found this place one night when I was out driving…I like it" Lucas said looking around.
"People don't bother me and I can have a good time."
Brooke took a extra stick hanging up nearby and sank in a difficult shot easily.
"I didn't know you could shoot pool."
"There's a lot that you don't know about me."
"Really like what" Lucas said intrigued.
"Like… I love it in the summer when there's heat lightning at night. And up until the fourth grade, I called squirrels squirrlers."
Lucas laughed and smiled. It was something about Brooke that made him forget his troubles and want to let go.
"And I love beating guys at pool. Oh my God is he is letting lose."
"I let lose" Lucas said defensively.
"What is your definition of letting loose" Brooke said. "You always look like your thinking too much and brooding."
"You wouldn't understand" Lucas said looking away.
"You never know unless you tell me" Brooke said.
"Hey, can I get you guys anything" the waitress said. Brooke turned up her glass and gulped it down.
"How about some shots on me Luke" Brooke said with a devilish smile.
"Sure" Lucas said.
"Two double shots of Yegar ..please."
"So, let's make a wager, Brooke said. If I beat you at pool you have to do something totally spontaneous and fun."
"I know I shouldn't agree to this but…yeah you're on Ms. Davis."
Upon arrival of the shots, Brooke and Lucas finished them off in one burning gulp.
"Alright, now that that's out of the way. Let the games begin" Brooke said breaking the balls.
A crowd had gathered to watch Brooke and Lucas play pool. Their gazes at each other from across the pool table were intense. You could feel the energy in the air.
The alcohol had long set in and Lucas was feeling good. As he studied the table planning his next shot, his eyes caught a glimpse of Brooke.
She looked beautiful in a simple outfit with hardly no make up at all. She knew that she had his attention as she playfully tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. Taking the shot Lucas cleared three balls in a difficult shot leaving one ball standing.
"There is nothing like a comeback" Lucas said taking a sip of his beer.
"Hmm…" Brooke said in response. Moving in for a closer look her walk was seductive she was trying her best to distract Lucas.
Trying not to look fazed Lucas said "Alright, this shot is for all the marbles."
With a crack the eight ball was headed to the right corner pocket but as it neared its destination , the ball went wide and grazed the edge.
"You got to be kidding me" Lucas said in disgust. He was competitive by nature and he couldn't believe that he lost.
Smiling ear to ear Brooke cleared her throat.
Taking careful aim Brooke sink the eight ball into the right corner pocket that it had just evaded.
Clapping her hands together. Brooke took a bow in front of the crowd that had gathered.
Lucas still couldn't believe that he missed the shot but he smiled a little. He had to give it to Brooke , she was a force to be reckoned with. A pretty girl who could play both sides of the fence in the world of privilege and that of ordinary people.
"Come on' let me get you another drink" Brooke said reaching out her hand.
"I should be getting you a drink" Lucas said hesitantly taking her hand and following her through the bar.
At the counter they both sipped on a mug of beer.
S"o tell me something Lucas" Brooke said looking at Lucas from behind her mug.
"Like what " Lucas questioned.
"Okay how about when I was younger, not that were old but…..didn't you love weird science?"
Lucas drinking from his mug nodded his head and cracked a smile.
"Ah, the family jewels."
"He doesn't even have a license, Lisa."
The two laughed hysterically.
There laughter was interrupted by Lucas's phone. Looking at the caller id, Lucas saw Peyton's name across the screen. Lucas looked at Brooke who was taking another sip of her beer.
"You going to take that call" Brooke asked.
"No" Lucas said.
Downing the last of his beer Lucas said "Where were we?"
"Having fun?"
"Yeah…I am glad that you happened to show up here."
"Good. So what's your take on tattoos?"
"I don't know ….it depends" Lucas said quizzical.
"Come here" Brooke said leading Lucas to a more private corner of the bar.
"Come here "Brooke said again this time more playfully.
"What do you think about this tattoo" she said slowly undoing her jeans.
Brooke revealed a small tattoo on the inside of her right hip.
"Interesting" Lucas said coyly .
Brooke let out a giggle as she pulled Lucas into her. Kissing him gently, their kisses intensified and the bar with its noise and patrons faded away.
Thunder crackled in the distance but the smell of rain was in the air before a drop had even hit the ground.
Jake sat staring out the windowing with his strong arms wrapped securely around Ellie. Pain, Fear, and Love were the emotions running through him. As he relaxed he ran his fingers through Ellie's blond curls.
"I 'm never going to let you go" Jake said as Ellie stirred in his arms. As he looked into the night sky he remembered those same words he said to Peyton over a year ago.
Jennifer Jagielski watched her son with his daughter. When he had come home earlier, she could tell that something was bothering him. She over heard him talking to Brooke on the phone about Ellie's mother.
She was there when her son was scared and distraught when Peyton left him. Knowing that she was so close made her nervous. Stepping out of the room she took a deep breath and pulled her phone out of her pocket.
"I need your help" Jennifer whispered into the phone. As she hung up the phone, she came fast to face with her husband.
"What are you doing?" He asked.
"Protecting our son and granddaughter she said " brushing past him and heading towards the guest bedroom.
Peyton sat in the perch of her window. Looking at her sketch pad, she starred into the eyes of her daughter. On paper Peyton could hold her, tell her she loved her, and how sorry she was that she made bad decisions.
She could still smell the scent of baby lotion on her tee shirt. She swore she would never wash it. Picking up her phone she dialed Lucas's number.
"You've reached Lucas Scott , leave me a message and I'll get back to you." Peyton sighed. Today's threats apparently meant nothing.
Peyton jumped when her phone rang. Looking at the caller id she rolled her eyes.
"Hello" Peyton said trying to sound tired.
"Let me speak to Lucas" Henderson said quickly.
"You can't" Peyton said just as quickly.
"Why, isn't he there with you?" Henderson spat.
"Lucas, is sleeping he had a headache. Can I give him a message." Peyton said trying to keep her composure.
"Ms. Sawyer, I am in no mood to play games."
"Well if that is the case you would let us live our lives" Peyton said dryly.
Henderson chuckled.
His laugh was taunting. After his laughter had ceased he said "Ms. Sawyer you are out of your league."
Thinking fast Peyton yelled "Luke, Henderson is on the phone . Apparently your not here as ordered!" Peyton slammed her open bedroom door as hard as she could.
"There is your answer" Peyton said into the phone.
Peyton heard a click and Henderson was gone. Quickly she text Lucas about Henderson.
"I hope you get my text " Peyton said as she dropped her phone on the sofa and walked into the bathroom to draw her bath.
Across town two short beeps stirred the sleeping twosome in the oversized bed. Shifting Brooke rolled over to her side and Lucas was right behind her . As the cover fell from around his right shoulder, the evidence of their intoxicating night revealed its self.
A Chinese symbol appeared , covered with Neosporin and a clear protective bandage.
Lucas would have explaining to do but for now, he was sleeping soundly as the lighting crackled in the distance.
A/N: It's been awhile…please remember to review!