Can You Stand the Rain
A/N: Wow! I cannot believe that I have not updated this story since December of 2011. When I think about the past six months or so…so much has happened. Most of all One Tree Hill has officially ended its run on television here in the states. These characters I can never forget and with a review from a reader, I got motivated to continue this story. So here is a super long chapter...and as always read, enjoy, and REVIEW….Please!
As always Disclaimer: I own nothing from OTH. Nor do I own the lyrics or rights to "Can You Stand the Rain" the New Edition version.
Chapter 21
Sometimes All You Need Is A Little Faith
The sun had begun peaking its way through the curtains covering the bay window. Still trying to catch a few minutes of sleep, Lucas groaned and covered up his head with the covers.
"Hey Lover" a raspy voice could be heard saying.
Lucas quickly snatched the covers back from over his head. An instant smile spread across his face as he saw the brunette bring in a tray of breakfast.
"Hmm breakfast in bed"
"Yes" Brooke said followed by a quick smile. "I think you totally deserve it…some of your favorites with a dash of mine."
As she placed the tray on the nightstand, he quickly leaned over and scooped her closer to him. Snuggling her close her ran a hand through her hair. "I wish it could be like this every day."
Turning to face him, her smile was bright as she leaned in to kiss him. "It can be like this every day. Well almost every day…there is no way I'm cooking breakfast every morning."
"Why" Lucas whined playfully as he started tickling her. Squirming away from him she pointed at the tray as she leaned over to grab a piece of toast.
Pulling himself to a seated position at the edge of the bed. Lucas quickly ate some spoonfuls of scrambled eggs and a couple of bites of turkey bacon. Looking away from the tray he watched as Brooke was sitting in the bay window looking out at the street. The way that the sun was hitting her made it seemed as though she had this radiant glow of light surrounding her.
Stretching he made his way over to the window. Sitting at the opposite side of her he took her hand and smiled. "Thanks for breakfast but who told you to get out of bed and get dressed this morning."
"I had to get dressed silly. Did you want me down there in my bra and panties for your roommates to get a peek?"
"Definitely not but come here" he said pulling her into his lap. He then kissed her neck and then helped her to take off her tee-shirt.
"Pretty Girl…." escaped from his lips as Brooke returned the kiss he had given her previously.
"I love you Lucas Scott."
Lucas opened his mouth to respond but before he could it was like the wind had been knocked out of him. Gasping for air he shot up dazed.
"Hey did I scare you?"
Lucas looked around the room confused as he batted away some of the covers on his bed. Rubbing at this eyes Lucas tried to regain focus.
"Haley"
"Yes, silly Skills let me in."
"I must have been dreaming" Lucas said shaking his head.
"Wake up…I brought breakfast" Haley said sitting a box of danishes on the bed and placing a cup of coffee in his hand.
Sitting up in the bed, Lucas took one of the danishes and began stuffing his face. His dream had been too good to be true. For the last several weeks since things had been more than tense with Brooke. Two of those weeks he hadn't said more than hello, his order, and thank you to Brooke.
"So what do I owe the pleasure" Lucas said before stuff his mouth and taking another sip of coffee.
"I just came by to chat. I have barely seen you since New York. Plus you know it's been a little weird since then" Haley trailed off.
"What has she been saying" Lucas said turning to face Haley.
Haley shrugged her shoulders before she began "you know really confused and I even heard her crying one night. Lucas I mean I know you got to do what you have to do but isn't there some better way to handle this?"
"I'm not sure what to say. I miss her though" Lucas said quietly.
The turn of the door knob handle along with the forceful entrance of Skills and Nathan startled the pair. The looks on their faces said it all.
"What ya'll got going on in here. Haley, how are you going to bring Lucas something to eat and not the rest of us?"
Haley got up to take another box of danishes out of her bag and handed it to Skills waiting hands.
"I knew this girl was cool. Thanks" Skills said going to sit in the bay window.
"So Hales…Haley. What brings you out early this morning" Nathan asked.
"Just stopping by to catch up…Lucas has been a little MIA lately."
"No he hasn't" Skills said between bites. "He has been everywhere that Brooke hasn't."
Lucas shot Skills a glare.
"You're acting like the girl died or something" Nathan chimed in.
Lucas's eye roll annoyed Nathan and instantly made him chuck a pillow at his brother's head.
"You decided to do this whole thing pulling away from her again. You know every time you do this you end up right back in the same situation."
"What do you suggest I do. Live it up until the hammer drops. Oh no I got it wait until Rachel or Faith finally reads a damn magazine, blog, or website and finds out about Peyton" he yelled.
"Honestly, Luke if it meant that I was happy with someone who reciprocated my feelings I would. I would seriously think about telling her about what's going on like Haley said and letting her make the choice.
"I rather cut my loss instead of getting more involved with her and then to have her end it."
"Man, you are already so far gone you don't even realize it" Skills said tossing Lucas his gym bag.
Lucas still annoyed and on the brink of depression still managed to roll his eyes as he started putting on his sneakers.
"Who you rolling your eyes at dog. Really come on no one in this world would envy the situation you're in but face the facts. You're going to mess around and some guy is going to come along and sweep Ms. Davis off her feet…next thing you know she is going to giving some other dude honey from her honey pot".
Nathan smirked at Skills while Lucas gave him another warning glare. Skills did not know when to leave well alone at times but this was nothing new.
"So" Skills said clearing his throat. "How is her honey because man I tell you…?"
"Are you serious right now" Lucas said walking up on Skills.
"Dead" Skills said matching Lucas's tone.
Nathan pushed his way between the two. The three of them were brothers who supported one another and brothers who fought. Nathan looked at Haley who had drawn herself inward sitting on Lucas's bed. He gave her an apologetic smile before refocusing his attention on Lucas and Skills.
"You see how you just got mad right there! Use that to motivate you Luke. You keep playing and that girl is going to be gone for real."
Lucas and Nathan both looked at their phones as they went off in sync.
"How are we going to deal with our Faith problem" Lucas said grabbing his bag from the bed.
"Faith is going into the lion's den today?" Skills questioned.
"She has no choice" Nathan responded.
"Wait, what" Haley said now standing.
"Faith is our new PR agent" Lucas said pulling on a tee shirt.
"Oh my God" Haley said aloud.
"I'm telling you now" Nathan said interrupting Haley. "I will protect my brother at all cost Faith will have a decision to make. Of course if she makes the wrong choice then I feel sorry for her."
It was now Haley and Skills turn to look shocked together.
"So what does that mean? I don't think that Faith will keep this from Brooke. There is no way this is going to be a huge mess."
"This is already a big mess but I imagine that Faith hasn't had a chance to do any research on me just yet. Unfortunately you guys like Nathan said Faith has no choice…confidentiality clause" Lucas said before walking to his insuite bathroom.
It was obvious that Haley was scared and confused. She didn't know quite what to do.
"So…."Skills said. "Am I correct in that I heard Rachel's voice last night or better yet did I hear her…." Skills trailed off.
Lucas shook his head as he reentered his room. Haley's face had flushed red as she grabbed her bag.
"I guess I'll see you guys later" Haley said about to walk out the room.
"Wait, Haley thanks for breakfast and coming by. We really appreciate it" Lucas said giving her a quick hug.
"No problem "Haley said barely being able to look at Nathan.
As she was heard walking down the stairs. Skills could be heard saying "My bad did I say something wrong."
Nathan settled into seat as he removed his jacket. Today was going to be an extra long day brunch with Faith, meeting with the parents, and then the eight o'clock game. As he took a sip of water, he looked around to the private section of his newest spot in a historic part of Atlanta. Through the two way glass windows he could see Faith as she approached. This all could go just bad or turn into a complete disaster.
It was time to be a Scott...plain and simple.
Standing up to great her, Nathan pulled out the chair across from him. Once she sat down he gently scooted her chair forward. She gave him a politely thank you and smile.
"Where is Lucas? Is he not joining us today?" Faith said pouring herself a glass of water.
"He will be here soon. There are a couple of things that I wanted to discuss with you prior to his arrival."
Faith's left eye brow kinked as she searched Nathan's face. "Who knew that you were so formal Nathan?"
"People often have misconceptions of my family and me. One thing we do not leave room for error in is business."
Their waiter came in to present menus and the specials of the day. Nathan could tell as he watched Faith that she was savvy and this was going to be no cake walk. Making small talk until their food arrived. Nathan pulled out his ipad and placed it next to his plate… family first.
"Pulling out your ipad shortly after the food is brought out is definitely not a good sign" Faith said in between bites of her hash browns.
"Faith, the contract that you signed several weeks ago contains a clause regarding confidentiality. At this point I feel that there are some things that need to be disclosed regarding myself and Lucas prior to our meeting with the elders today.
I asked you here today in order to discuss some of those things so they of course won't come as a shock. The elders in our family are can you say very involved in the decisions and lives of its younger family members. Every action or decision against the elders can have repercussions. "
Faith nodded her head slowly. "Nothing will surprise me. Tell me what it is so that I can know how to move forward with my job."
Nathan took a deep breath before he began. Family first was what was running through his mind.
"Throughout my life I have always felt like the step child compared to Lucas. My one shining spotlight is that I am a talented basketball player. Compared to Lucas everyone thinks that I am that black sheep defiant bad ass who would sleep with everything breathing. While I can appreciate a beautiful woman the preceding statement is further from the truth. My current professional basketball career is dependant not only on me staying healthy but that of my brother's choices. "
"How is that" Faith said now crossing her arms across her chest.
"Since growing up in Tree Hill, our family has known the Sawyers since before we were born. My family comes from old money. My brother and their daughter have always had a relationship something that was thought of to be that perfect childhood romance that would blossom into this made for television perfect adult relationship. Well let's just say that happy story did not go along as planned. Ms. Sawyer disappeared and left everybody wondering what happened without an explanation. Lucas proposed once only for her to only tell him no. Then when she did pop back up in Tree Hill it was only for her to be gone again. Right before the NBA draft she returned again with our dad presenting her as the Lucas's fiancé to some scouts."
Before Nathan could continue Faith interrupted him. "Wait a minute the draft was not that long ago. What are you telling me? "
"For some reason unknown to myself or Lucas Ms. Sawyer reappeared and the elders have stated in several different ways that Lucas must follow through with marrying her."
"Nathan this is a joke right. Tell me this is a joke!" Faith spat frantically.
Nathan's stone face demeanor did not change. She knew everything he said was true. Unknown to them they both had pits in their stomachs.
"Brooke is my best friend. I can't keep this from her" Faith said trying to hold back emotion.
"Yes you can and you will. You have to let me finish Faith."
Nathan watched as Faith placed her napkin on the table and gathered her bag. "I cannot believe this. You brought me here to tell me Lucas's best kept secret and then you expect me one to not tell my best friend and then two continue to work with you guys. I must be on hidden video and you must think I am crazy if you think I am going to sit here and listen to the rest of this storied tale."
Before Nathan could open his mouth the door to the private room opened. A now sweat suit clad Lucas walked through the door.
Closing the door behind him he cleared his throat. "I see I'm right on time."
"I'm out of here" Faith spat.
Lucas simply held up his hand. "Faith" he said stepping aside from the door. "If you want not only your job but your career…you will sit down."
Her continued defiance continued to make its presence felt as she made a motion towards the door.
"You know this is rather unfortunate but if you walk out that door Faith. One phone call is all I need to make in order to make sure that you're suddenly unemployed and penniless after you're sued for breaching confidentiality. If you ask me you should really read everything before you sign it" Nathan said very matter of fact.
"You wouldn't" Faith said still maintaining her defiance.
"Faith, I don't even really know you so why would I do you any favors. As the motto goes family first" Nathan said with a soulless glare.
Lucas flagged off the waiter and took a seat next to his brother. Motioning towards the chair in which Faith sat he waited to see what her next move was.
"Let me tell you my side of this before you make your decision. At least make sure you have all the facts. An informed decision is always best."
As Faith sat back down Lucas poured himself some water and began the story from the top. After what seemed like an eternity. Lucas got it all out. In a last ditch effort to sway Faith Lucas laid it out all on the line.
"When I met Brooke in Vegas I had every intention of sleeping with her and then going on with my life. But that night we ended up talking and she is the sweetest and most genuine person I have ever met. I never imagined that I would see her again and again and again. Every time I tell myself that this isn't fair to her I do something to try and create distance and break it off. No matter how hard I try it just doesn't work. I have tried to tell her the truth but some interrupt happens or I chicken out. Nothing would make me happier than to just wake up every morning to see Brooke right there next to me. I promise you on my life that I do not have any feelings for Ms. Sawyer nor do I willingly want to marry her. She has betrayed me beyond belief and knowing that she has something she is hiding makes this situation ten times worse. I know for a fact that she does not want to get married either. The most important thing that I want you to know Faith is that unless I find something so damming to bring to the table regarding Ms. Sawyer then I have no choice to marry her because the elders have made it clear that they will end Nathan's dream."
Both brothers exchanged looks as Faith sat quietly looking through them. Putting in his pass code on his ipad Nathan placed it in front of Faith and told her to goggle their names. Taking the ipad Faith could be seen clicking and sliding away on the screen.
"What are you looking for the firm to do for you" she said passing the ipad back to Nathan.
"We want to build a brand. There are several community service projects that we would like to put in motion a basketball camp for me and Lucas wants to help homeless mothers and families. We also would like to limit the negative images in the media regarding ourselves" Nathan replied.
"So, how exactly do you expect everyone that knows Brooke… especially Brooke herself to never look at a tabloid or gossip blog and find this information out for herself?"
"We don't."
"Who else knows about this?"
"I suspect several people within your circle already know" Lucas said pausing. However the unpredictable element is what the elders will do. They have eyes everywhere and I already suspect that they will not like that we hired a PR firm."
"Are you going to tell her the truth" Faith said before taking a sip of water.
"I want to"
"You need to do it before she finds out from someone else, if she will even talk to you. I heard she is a tad bit annoyed with you at this moment.
Lucas nodded in response as he waved the waiter in. One hurdle cleared a million more to go.
Lucas was pensive as he drove Nathan's car to the Scott Manor. He pulled at a loose string on his Atlanta Hawks sweatsuit as he turned the corner and they came within eyes view of the large white house sitting in the middle of the cul-de-sac. The Scotts always had a thing for big white houses. It seemed like most of the elders had a large white house as if it meant that they truely were some regal beings.
Nathan's deep sigh broke the silence. Parking behind several cars parked along the street, Lucas and Nathan waited for Faith to emerge from her vehicle.
"You're about to enter the lion's den. Whatever happens in here play it cool, try to maintain one facial expression, and don't say too little or too much" Nathan said to Faith as she approached.
As they walked towards to the long driveway Lucas caught view of Larry Sawyers car.
"Great" he tried to say under his breath.
"What" Faith said nervously adjusting her dress.
"I think my fiancés family is here. Which means some bullshit is probably about to go down."
"Wow" Faith said chuckling.
Lucas and Nathan both stopped with expressions that seemed to say "what".
"You" she said pointing at Lucas. "Have been hanging around your home boys in Atlanta too long."
"Say what you want" Lucas said. "I just hope your still laughing when we leave out of here. We have a game so we are not staying too long but what's the signal."
"I'll handle that if we have to get out of hell's kitchen. Give me your car keys" Faith retorted with one last smoothing of her dress.
Before Lucas could ring the door bell the front door was opened by the house keeper.
"Mr. Scott's" she said nodding.
"Hello Erina" Nathan and Lucas said in chorus. They remembered Erina from the main house in Tree Hill. Seeing Erina in Atlanta signaled that the elders especially Henderson planned on staying in town more than just a couple of months.
"Who is your guest" Erina said making direct contact eye contact with Nathan.
"She is my girlfriend that I am introducing to the family" Lucas said grabbing Faith's hand. He face was serious and he did not crack a smile or let on either way.
"Mr. Scott. All due respect but you know everyone is here. I mean everyone" she responded in a hush.
"Good …are you going to announce us so we can get this over with" Lucas said with a polite smile.
Erina swiftly went into the parlor and announced the group. As they followed her into the parlor, Lucas could see their looks and whispers. Taking an empty chair from the backside of the room he added it to the end of the table. Motioning for Faith to sit down in between him and Nathan he shot a fake smile to Peyton. This action made Faith look over at the young blonde taking her in.
"Nathan who is this young lady that you brought with you today" Henderson said from head of the table.
Nathan was in utter shock. It was naturally assumed that Nathan brought a girl with him. It was naturally assumed that he was gigolo… everything that could be potentially negative had to involve him.
Lucas cleared his throat causing everyone to refocus their attention on him. "Actually she is with the both of us. You know we kind of like to share" Lucas said with a wicked grin.
Dan slammed his hand down on the table. "Lucas what is the meaning of this boy?"
Lucas and Nathan both knew that when Dan used the word boy in a sentence when talking to them usually meant he was about to pop one of the blood vessels in his forehead. Ignoring the danger signs that were presenting themselves Lucas couldn't help but take it one step further.
"She's pregnant and we don't know which one of us is the father" Lucas said with a straight face. Lucas glanced to his right to look at Faith who was sitting stone faced with her hand securely on the handle of her clutch. Nathan looked as though he was going to have a stroke. In his mind Lucas felt as though he might as well cause his own uproar before they laid down the law and told him what he was going to do.
"You have got to be kidding me" Royal said unbuttoning his suit jacket. The murmurs were getting louder and the Sawyers were stirring.
"So since Ms. Banks is pregnant we may want to change the plan. I mean I'm sure you would understand Mr. and Ms. Sawyer because I'm pretty sure…"
Before Lucas could finish Dan was out of his chair and making his way towards Lucas. This had gone too far. Faith swiftly got up from her chair and immediate put her hand out to stop Dan from coming any closer to Lucas.
"I apologize for Lucas's unsuccessful attempt to introduce me properly" Faith said sternly.
"I can absolutely assure you that neither one of these young men have sired a child with me. Opening up her bag she pulled out a stack of business cards. My name is Faith Banks and I am the PR agent that has been hired by Mr. Lucas Scott and Mr. Nathan Scott. The intent was for me to attend this meeting to assure that the correct public image will be out there as both gentlemen continue to build their brand."
"You don't know what you have gotten yourself into" Dan seethed.
"I actually do know quite a bit from the prospective of my clients. However if there is anything that you would like to share Mr. Scott, I am all ears."
Lucas and Nathan snuck glances at each other as Faith was not backing down under the slightest of pressure.
"I apologize for the way the meeting began and the time that my introduction has taken up. As their new PR agent I have to ensure that my clients are where they need to be which is at the arena very shortly."
"Ms. Banks" Henderson said carefully before continuing. "I can appreciate your remarks as it seems Lucas wanted to create some excitement today. As if he doesn't have enough excitement in his life already. What we do as Scott's is not take direction well from others. However since I do know they have a basketball game today, I will let your last remark slide. I hope you are prepared for the job that you have taken on. It can be quite the task to ensure that every indiscretion seemingly disappears. Just know young lady you will be held accountable if anything goes wrong. This family will not be embarrassed."
"I understand" Faith said with the first hint of wavering in her voice. Faith stood again and smiled politely at the Sawyers. "Ms. Sawyer I presume?"
"Yes" Peyton responded.
"Something about you seems so familiar please excuse me if my gaze lingered too long. I just wanted to introduce myself. Mr. Scott she said motioning towards Lucas tells me that you are engaged to be married. Since your image and actions can greatly affect that of Mr. Scott's, I will be in contact to get to know you a little better. There is nothing that I should be concerned about right besides that little indiscretion while you were jogging downtown."
It was obvious that Faith had hit a nerve. The curly head blondes jaw tensed and the way she cut her eyes at her Faith made it more increasingly clear.
"My daughter should not be the focus of your attention as she leads a relatively private life" Mr. Sawyer interjected.
"Although that may be relatively true Sir the point is that Mr. Scott one of the most eligible bachelors in the county is marrying your daughter. That Sir alone is going to pique the interest of the public. Media is going to expect to see them together attending events especially his games. Do you really want more articles about a couple who don't seem like they are together in the first place popping up in magazines? Or is it something I'm missing because the only thing it could be is a secr…."
Trailing off the last word Faith could see the faces around the room as the nameless elders began to whisper amongst themselves. The Sawyers were not able to so quickly mask their feelings. This to Faith signaled that they were the meek amongst a family that had too much money and too many resources. In the end Lucas could be right there was something that the Sawyers were trying to hide.
"We have to go don't we" Nathan said looking at Faith.
"Yes"
"You know we will looking into your credentials . We can't just have anyone involved in family business" Royal stated furring his brow.
"I wouldn't imagine it being any other way. Just seems like you would trust the judgment of your younger generation, they definitely know how to uphold the family standard and values. It was nice meeting you all" Faith said gathering her items.
Prior to leaving Faith smiled politely at Keith who returned a simple but brief smile. As Lucas and Nathan escorted her out of the parlor, she held up her hand for them to wait. The door had not been completely closed and she heard someone asking Keith a question.
"Do you know this Banks woman?" someone asked.
"I know her but I don't know her" Keith replied
"Is she going to be a problem?"
"If you listened closely she has already told you that Lucas and Nathan have already read her in. What I do know about her is that she is fiercely loyal and if she is their PR rep then she will do her job as your threat probably was the second she has heard from one of our family members. She's smart that's all I can say" Keith responded.
Faith motioned for the boys to follow her outside. As they exited the home she anxiously started fiddling with things in her purse. Faith handed Lucas the keys to Nathan's SUV. "Okay so I will see you later at the game."
"Faith wait"
"What Lucas…you guys have to get going"
"He is trying to say we are sorry" Nathan added.
"This is some crazy stuff. This is ridiculous like who really lives like this. What are they going to do to me?"
"They are going to try and find out what they can about you. Just to make sure. Don't worry because we already did our own research."
"I can't believe this" Faith said throwing her bag in the passenger side of her own SUV. Taking off her heels and sliding on sneakers, she shook her head.
"You know this is a huge mess and that fiancé and her family. They are hiding something. Can you honestly tell me that you can protect the innocents in all of this? Can you protect me from the Sawyers and your family? Can you protect Brooke?"
"If you do your job, I will do everything I can to protect who I need to protect" Lucas said jumping in the SUV and with a quick turn they were speeding down the road.
Looking through one of the mirrors Nathan looked back at the road behind them. "She is tough did you see Larry and Anna's face?"
"Definitely she did exactly what I hoped she would do. The best part was Henderson's face and Dan's fist slamming. I swear he is going to have a heart attack one day."
"I just hope you cause it, because they always expect it to be me."
"Baby Bro you know I appreciate you right" Lucas said sincerely.
"Yeah, I know" Nathan responded as they continued to speed off towards to the arena.
Lucas came out of the locker room with bags of ice wrapped on knees and abdomen area. He felt and looked like he had been run over by a Mac truck. Joining his brother and their father near the end of the tunnel, Lucas nodded to Faith who was standing nearby with his bag near her feet.
"Are you sure that you are alright son" Dan asked.
"I'll be alright I just took a nasty charge. It was just a rough night that's it."
"Good don't let these punks try to intimidate you and run you off. I am proud of the both of you" Dan said putting his hands on the shoulders of his sons. "Are you headed home "he continued.
"Something like that" Nathan responded.
His comment made Dan give him a once look over. "How about you" Dan said making sure to make direct eye contact with Lucas.
"I'm going home. I really just want to soak in the tub and call it a night" Lucas answered looking around at the remaining people in the tunnel area.
"Come on I'll give you a ride" Dan said motioning down the hall.
"Actually" Faith interjected. "I have a few things that I need to discuss with your sons Mr. Scott and I would be happy to drop them off at their home or wherever their final destination will be tonight."
Lucas and Nathan looked on as their father exchanged some silent aggression with Faith. Faith surprising held up well with her own form of nonverbal communication.
"Mr. Scott I know that you are concerned about your sons wellbeing. I ensure that as their PR rep that I will do my absolute best to represent them to a standard that I know you will approve of" Faith said ensuring that she maintained eye contact with Dan.
"Little girl, I hope you know what you have gotten yourself into. If anything goes wrong anything… well I'm sure you know what's coming for you" Dan spat.
"Absolutely" Faith said motioning for the Scott brothers to follow her.
As they parted their separate ways with Dan in the parking deck, Faith put the boy's bags in the trunk and then opened the door for Nathan to assist Lucas with getting in her SUV. The boys had Nathan's vehicle taken back to their house by Lucas's driver earlier in the evening. With everyone buckled into their seats. Faith sighed deeply. "I'm sorry but your freaking dad no your whole freaking family except for Keith are freaking tools".
"Welcome to our world" Nathan replied.
"What are you getting into tonight Nate" Lucas asked half way laid across the backseat.
"It seems like a slight change has occurred but I'm getting into something tonight. I need to release some tension" Nathan said as he pulled his buzzing phone from his bag.
Answering the call he didn't realize his phone was speaker phone "Hello".
"Hey Nate. How you doing?"
Before Nate could say he was busy and would call her back. Rachel had begun rambling about her day and saying how well he played tonight even though they lost. Rachel's conversion began to cross in the Rated R range revealing a little too much before Nathan could get a word in.
"Rachel …wow I have people in the car with me" he finally was able to interject.
"Oh baby I apologize. Who is it so that I can formally apologize?"
"Faith and Lucas"
"Oh hell…I'm not apologizing to her ass. Lucas I am so sorry! Bye baby see you soon and bye Bitch!" Rachel said hanging up.
"I apologize for Rachel's behavior." Nathan said glancing over at Faith.
"Don't apologize for her. Rachel is who she is at least she is consistent."
Faith started making gagging sounds as she waved to the parking deck attendant as she pulled out of the deck. When she looked into her rear view mirror Lucas was making faces back at her.
"Okay break from professional mode. I do not like Rachel and I cannot figure out for the life of me why Brooke is friends with her let alone…why you Nathan wait are you slee.."
Nathan quickly interrupted her. "Whoa why does it matter if I am sleeping with Rachel or not? What if I really enjoy her company?"
"Are you interested Faith" Lucas said with a laugh.
"Hell no but I could think of a better woman for you Nathan."
"Let's get away from my personal life right now please and thank you" Nathan replied with a hint of annoyance.
As Faith guided her SUV through the downtown streets, Lucas was out cold before he knew it.
Brooke took a sip of wine from her glass as she starred out the front window. She had made it back to her mom's town house and was contemplating whether she was making the right decisions. Everything with her fashion career was beginning to take off and she really had to focus on the next steps.
No matter what however her matters of the heart always interjected themselves at the absolute worst possible time. Since New York things had been extra weird with Lucas and it almost seemed like he was more distant than ever. It absolute irked her that he had something that he wasn't sharing with her but how bad could it be…in the end would it even matter that much. She was hopeless as she shook her head.
Haley came in the room behind her and put a comforting hand on her back. Brooke smiled a Haley and gave her hand a squeeze.
"Why are boys so confusing" she said with a sigh.
"I wish I knew the answer to that question" Haley laughed.
"What are you bitches in here hackling about" Rachel said playing with some strains of her hair.
"Talking about boys as usual and how confusing they are" Brooke replied.
"Boys really aren't that confusing. You have to figure out what they want and if you want the same things. I 'm looking for some good company and great sex. Nathan meets my criteria" Rachel responded with a wicked smile.
Brooke could tell from Haley's face that she had been hit hard by Rachel's comment. It would be tough for her to be Haley's position. She was pinning for a guy who never really seemed to see her.
"I mean really it should be illegal how hot those brothers are. Nathan's abs are yummy but Lucas has those sexy cuts in the right spots heading south" Rachel smirked.
"Excuse me" Brooke said loudly.
Rachel's comments brought Brooke back out of her daydream. Rachel was a friend who you always had to keep an eye on. She was the type of friend who could easily cross the line…as she just had.
"I'm sorry" Rachel said laughing. "When I was over their house last week, I was walking back to Nathan's room and Lucas was passing by in the hall with just his boxers on. B Davis I can see why you can't get him off of your mind.
"Rachel really" Haley said annoyed.
"What! I just say what everyone else is too scared to say. I'm the friend that tells you like it is…good or bad. Beside Brooke needs to get her shit together! Either make it work with Lucas or prepare for him to be sexing it up with someone else."
"So what are you going to do Brooke?" Haley interjected.
"I don't know" Brooke responded.
"Oh my God be spontaneous Brooke! What are you thinking about because you're thinking too much. Lucas is an eligible bachelor any woman would love to get her claws all over him. He has shown you what type of guy he could be for you. I just don't know what more you can ask of a 20ish guy."
Brooke looked at Rachel silently because she in many respects was absolutely right. She was enamored with Lucas and he is a good catch but she didn't even know if they were traveling on the same paths. She definitely wanted to let go and not dwell on every little thing.
"How much fun can I have with a banged up basketball player" Brooke said finally breaking her silence.
"You know I could think of several things but you're going to have to figure out that one yourself Brookie"
"Let's take some shots!" Rachel said running over the make shift bar in the corner of the living room.
"Two shots each" Rachel said pouring. "One for friendship and these probably being the best years of our life and the second for liquid courage to do something totally unexpected".
Finally inside his home, Lucas took his gym bag off his shoulder. Pulling a bottle of water out of the fridge he leaned up against the counter as he looked at the bottle of pills that the team doctor had given him. Looking down at the bags of ice strapped to his body he began to tug at the plastic wrapping aggravated. Lucas was looking at potentially missing some practice and even games but that would be determined after further evaluation tomorrow. Letting out a heavy sigh he turned and saw Faith standing in the kitchen with some scissors.
"How you feeling?"
"Still like I was run over" Lucas said lifting up his arm barely so Faith could cut the plastic.
"Are you sure that you don't want me to stay behind… I have some paper work that I can do."
"Nope besides Nathan wants to go out tonight and since he is your client too. I would advise you to keep close watch of him."
Faith sighed as she poured the bags of ice into the kitchen sink and turned on the hot water.
"I don't know if I should be offended by your statement or not big brother" Nathan said walking into the kitchen closely followed by Skills.
"Well well…you two sure did clean up extra nice" Faith said picking up her bag as well as Lucas's gym bag.
"What about you Ms. Banks" Skills said.
"I am going up stairs to change my clothes. Please believe that I am always prepared" Faith said with a smirk.
After a quick change of clothes into a club ready outfit, Faith rattled off instructions for Lucas on top of putting her number in his phone. She also took care to write it on a piece of paper and tack it to the cork board in the kitchen.
Taking a quick shower, Lucas toweled off and lay across his bed. It felt like as soon as his head hit the pillow he was out like a light.
Elsewhere the party was just getting started as Faith negotiated a table for Nathan, Skills, and a few other team mates. Faith made her way from the VIP to search through the crowd to find her friends. She was exhausted and the red bull that she was drinking from was not helping her cause at all. Through the crowd she could see Rachel's long red hair. Making her way over the group she instantly did not like what she saw.
As she approached the group, she could see that Brooke looked totally wasted and was dancing and grinding all over this guy. The guy looked totally wasted as well and so did his friends. Rachel was singing to the top of her lungs as she was dancing around. The one person she could always count on Haley who looked super cute and unusually club ready appeared to be buzzed as well. The tell tell sign she almost fell when she tried to walk towards Faith.
"Hey" Faith yelled over the music.
Rachel gave Faith a quick fake smile and continued to dance to the music. Brooke smiled and waved as she kept dancing with her dance partner.
"What are you doing here" Haley yelled.
"Here at the club with one of my clients" Faith said pointing up at the VIP section.
"Who Skills?" Haley yelled.
Faith shook her head taking a sip of her red bull. When she gulped the rest of the red bull down she finally said "No silly one half of the new contract I just picked up…Nathan."
Faith broke out in a hearty laugh as she saw Haley begin to blush and adjust her clothing in the hopes of fixing herself up.
"What's up with you bitches" Rachel said standing next to them.
"Nothing much…you know your friend is up in VIP" Faith said with a grin.
Rachel swirled around to see Nathan and Skills with a drink in their hand leaning on one of the rails in the VIP area. Faith laughed again as she saw Rachel smooth her hair.
"You should have said something earlier" Rachel snapped.
"Well let's go" Rachel said. "We certainly don't have to be down here… with the everyday joe's."
"Let me go tell the owner that I am going to bring up some additional guest okay" Faith said.
Faith had already started making her way through the crowd towards the VIP area, leaving Rachel to round up Brooke and Haley.
Annoyed and really anxious to get up to the VIP Rachel attempted to grab Brooke's arm and lead her away from the pack of guys. This action did not go over so well and the guy Brooke had been drinking and dancing with for most of the evening jerked Brooke back closer to him.
"What are you doing" Rachel said yelling over the music. "It's been fun but we are moving on" Rachel said with a hand on her hip.
"She's not going anywhere" the guy retorted giving Rachel a slight push.
"Are you serious" Rachel said. Not backing down she pulled her hair to the side "Brooke let's go…" Rachel said grabbing her arm again.
Brooke attempted to follow Rachel again and this time the guy jerked her back even harder causing Brooke to let out a cry. Haley attempted to intervene and the guy pushed her away hard. It all happened so fast but the friends of the guy seemed to circle him and Brooke leaving Haley and Rachel on the outside looking in.
"Oh no…we are not playing this game" Rachel said pulling out her phone and sending a group text message. Looking over at Haley Rachel's facial expression was tense. Looking back down at her phone she hit the resend button as she saw that her text message had not gone through yet. Grabbing Haley's hand she looked over her shoulder at the VIP and could see that Nathan, Skills, and Faith were talking in the VIP. She didn't want to draw any attention by waving so she checked her phone and saw that her text had finally gone through. If it was one thing she knew it was that Faith would come through.
Rachel's text message had gone through but no one was paying attention to their phone…not even one. Back at the townhouse Lucas had gotten up to go the bathroom he had laid back across his bed when he heard the beeping of his phone. Looking at his phone he had two text messages in his phone from Rachel. Tapping on the alert he opened the text message…
"We have a situation…this loser and his crew stopped me from getting Brooke and coming up there to the VIP with you guys. I need your help asap dude already pushed Haley"
Lucas got off his bed and went to his closet pulling on a shirt and jeans. He searched his contacts until he got to Nathan's name. The phone rang and rang until it went to VM. Hanging up he called his driver.
"Hello"
"Where are you?"
"Just about to pass your property matter of fact is there anything that I can do for you?"
"I need you to drive my car into midtown" Lucas responded hastily.
"I will be right there".
After hanging up Lucas grabbed his car keys and locked up the house before standing on the front steps. He could see a set of car headlights at the bottom of the hill coming towards the front gate.
Lucas called yet another number and the phone kept ringing until it went to voice mail. So many thoughts were going through his mind. As he tossed his keys to his driver he said into the receiver "Get ready to earn your money. I'm on my way."
Alexander guided Lucas's car through the streets of Atlanta to the Midtown area. As they were coming up to the club Lucas could see the long lines in front of the club.
"Good no camera's" Lucas said coolly.
"Have you heard from Mr. Scott or Ms. Banks yet?"
Shaking his head no, Lucas asked if his driver could pull into one of the lots on the side and wait for him. Walking the short distance from the side lots he walked up to the door almost unrecognized until he got to the security guard. Never having really been the one to use his fame to get favors, he whispered to the guard and said he was meeting his brother and team mates inside.
Making his way inside the crowded club he searched the crowd attempting to locate his brother and Faith. He could see that his brother and some of his team mates were in VIP with some females with their back turned to the crowd.
"Useless" he muttered. Looking down at his phone he did not have any return calls or text messages. Trying to make his way through the crowd he attempted to smile and nod politely as people noticed him. A small crowd had gathered to the side not in plain view of the main crowd. Rachel's hair color signified to him that he was correct with his hunch and had probably arrived just in time.
As he walked up on the crowd Haley went flying in one direction and Rachel another. Faith had jumped in the guys face and was trying to find some separation between him and Brooke. Lucas looked up towards the VIP where people were starting to take notice. When he thought he caught Nathan's eye he waved him down…which caused Nathan followed by his team mates to start headed down the stairs.
Lucas pushed his way to the front where all the commotion was occurring and easily pulled Brooke from the guys grasp. Before Lucas knew it the guy was swing on him which he immediately side stepped however the punch happened to land catching Faith at the corner of her mouth. Although blood began to trickle Faith was right back in the guys face swinging. Lucas held back Brooke as Skills grabbed Faith and Nathan gathered Rachel and Haley.
"Chill out" Lucas yelled to the guy and his friends. The guy was obviously drunk and so where his friends and the situation had already turned bad with the guys roughing up the girls. The guy continued to spew insults at Lucas and his teammates.
The guy reached around Lucas and grabbed at Brooke catching hold of her arm. No matter what he tried Lucas wasn't going to be able to stay out of trouble.
"Let her go" Lucas yelled over the music. One of the guys spit at Lucas and wildly threw a punch at him, it caught Lucas on his already injured ribs. It all happened so quickly and all Lucas could do is feel himself moving towards the side exit.
The ringing in his ears was loud but he could hear people talking loudly and screaming. When the night air hit his face he bent over and started coughing. Clear flem started turning into blood.
"Come on we got to get you moving. Did you drive….Lucas did you drive?"
Shaking his head no, Lucas muttered Alexander before coughing up some more blood. Everything had suddenly dark. He could hear people around him but nothing was making sense.
"Put him in my truck and we will take him to the hospital" a familiar voice said.
"No hospital" Lucas yelled.
He could hear a group of people yelling and talking outside of the vehicle. Every time he went to attempt to sit up or hold his head up, someone gently told him to relax. The car door opened and the noises and voices got louder.
"Noel have all of them arrested. Give them this address where we will be and I promise statements tomorrow. I know Noel….I apologize. No no…you won't lose business even if I have to promote the club for you for free."
"So we are leaving the scene of a crime"
"We have to Haley" Faith said. "I had to get Nathan and Lucas out of there. Now I need to call in a bigger favor if Lucas is not going to the hospital."
"Hanging in there Luke" Haley said as she stroked his hair.
"Who do you work for again" Haley said after sometime. The silence during the ride back to their townhouse was irking her.
"I work for the top PR firm in Atlanta Hales" Faith said sounding stressed.
"I don't know if I can do this" Faith muttered.
"Hang in there" Skills said pulling the SUV to the front gates.
Haley could sense the worry in his voice which caused her to send a text message that could make the situation better or worse.
Once inside the town house that Brooke and Haley shared, everyone was moving around and talking excitedly. Nathan, Skills, and their driver helped get Lucas to the sofa in the living room. Lucas cried out in pain as his body hit the couch.
"This is bullshit. I swear I didn't get one of your text messages or phone calls until after the fact" Nathan said angrily.
"It's not your fault" Faith said quickly. "I tried to keep you out of it. How did Lucas know what was going on anyway?"
"I accidently sent him the text message too" Rachel said quietly.
"Rachel" several people said in chorus.
"It's not her fault "Lucas said weakly. "She was trying to help" he continued.
Alexander bid his adeu's as he was called to do a drop to the airport for one of the elders. Faith left the room in a hurry when she received a call. The tone in her voice was serious as the calls came fast and furious.
By the time Rachel and Brooke had returned from upstairs the group was gathered in the living room. Lucas was still coughing and was in obvious pain. A loud knock at the door stirred them all. Haley quickly left the room to answer the front door. When she returned she was followed by Karen and Keith. Their sudden appearance had everyone in the living room trying to suddenly appear sober.
"Keith" Nathan said with surprise finally.
"What happened with all of you tonight" Keith replied.
The group was quite as they all looked at each other and didn't say a word. No one could explain something so simple as a supposed fun night out on the town turned into something unimaginable.
"Brooke what happened?" Karen demanded.
Brooke still trying to collect her thoughts had no clue what to say because the truth seemed like this huge fabrication. Finally she began to speak.
"We went out to the club and I had too many drinks and this group of guys started getting all possessive putting their hands on me, Rachel, Haley, and Faith" she said.
When Faith walked back into the room, Karen gasped as she saw the bruising that Faith had on the side of her face.
"I cannot believe this. Men put their hands on you "Karen said looking over Faith's face.
"I don't feel it Ms. Roe, so don't worry about me" Faith said politely.
"Who else is hurt" Karen demanded.
Brooke had reddish pink bruises on her arms and wrist where she had been grabbed and jerked around. Everyone gasped again when Haley reluctantly pulled up the side of her shirt to reveal a large bruise forming on her left side from where she had been pushed around and fell at the club.
"You all need to be seen by the police and a doctor" Karen spat.
"They are on their way" Faith said quietly before continuing. "The police are on their way and since Lucas refused to go to a hospital, I called in for a favor. A doctor will be here shortly."
"Boys get Lucas upstairs so he can lie down on a bed and ladies come in the kitchen with me. Some of you need to sober up before the police get here."
Rachel and Brooke followed the men upstairs to get Lucas situated in Brooke's room.
"This is a dangerous game "Karen said slamming cups down on the counter. Haley lowered her head in response to a glare from Karen.
"Am I missing something here" Faith said matter of factly.
"You do not know what you have gotten yourself involved in do you" Karen said making a pot of coffee.
"I'm not sure if I am following correctly" Faith said giving Haley the side eye.
"I know a lot of things" Haley said clearing her throat all the while making sure not to make eye contact with Karen.
"And I know Faith, that what you have gotten involved is basically a suicide mission" Karen replied keeping her eyes on the hallway and entry way to the kitchen.
"If you know all of that Ms. Roe then you know that I have no choice. None what so ever…so either way it's a lose lose situation. So the thing is do I accept defeat or do I try to do something about it?"
Karen heard her name being called from upstairs. Grabbing a couple of packs of frozen vegetables she went in the direction of the stairs. Haley quickly made her way to the top of the stairs and after a brief moment she returned to Faith in the kitchen. Faith was touching the side of her face as she was getting some ice out of the ice tray. Haley's presence startled Faith when she turned around and came face to face with the burnette.
"What's Karen's deal" Faith mumbled. "I swear she looks like she wants to kill all of us."
Haley looked towards the direction of the stairs for a brief moment before deciding it was okay to speak.
"Faith there are some things that I have to tell you and I am afraid that there is not much time" Haley said quickly.
Looking at the direction of the stairs Haley continued "I have a lot of responsibility that I don't want and I know a lot of things that I should not know. But I feel like you should know some of these things so that you can begin to see the whole picture a little bit clearer. Faith, I know that Lucas is engaged to a woman he does not want to be with. I found out by accident when I did a search on the Scotts when they first started coming around. Before I even let Lucas know that I knew the truth, I found out a secret so devastating that it would change everything. Working at the café one day I overheard Keith and Karen talking…."
"Oh hell no….." Faith interjected.
Haley ssshhh Faith as she continued to keep her eye on the stairs. " Ms. Scott is not Lucas's biological mother and you can come to your conclusion in regards to who is. What makes the situation worse is that Lucas nor Nathan know. I also came to the conclusion on my own that this Sawyer family have to know something about this because if what Lucas and Nathan say is true….then they are being blackballed into joining the two families. I read online in the papers from North Carolina that the Sawyers shipyard lost some contracts that could have caused some major financial issues."
"Does Karen know that you know all of this stuff? Why haven't you told Brooke, Lucas, or Nathan?" Faith questioned.
"Karen and Keith confided in me the truth. I don't know the full story of what happened and why she gave her baby away. What I do know is that I do not have a death wish and neither do you. These people and their lives are more than a couple of girls from Georgia can handle. I love Brooke and I struggle with this every day. I have tried to convince Lucas to tell Brooke the truth in hoping that he would believe that she would eventually maybe understand."
"Oh my God" Faith said as she ran her fingers through her hair. "This is too much. How do you look at him at him and not want to tell him the truth?"
"It's not my truth to tell" Haley replied simply.
Faith shook her head as her head was beginning to hurt with all the information she had received.
"I knew it was something the Sawyers were hiding when I met them today. I bet I have a target on my back Hales. All of these people are going to be out to get me".
"The one thing that I can say that I have come to trust" Haley said "is the goodness in those brothers through all the bad. If they say something in that moment of truthiness then they mean it. When they hired you what did they say?"
"Lucas said he would try to protect those who needed protecting" Faith replied.
"Then he will try."
"What about Rachel" Faith said.
"What about her?"
"What's to stop her from finding out the things that you know?" Faith replied.
"There is nothing but if they had any idea that she knew …I'm sure that it would be managed. I told you these things because I care about you Faith. Your closer to this more so than I am, like Karen said this is dangerous so be careful."
Haley plastered a smile on her face as she finished her statement. Moments later Skills, Nathan, Brooke, and Rachel joined them in the kitchen.
"Let me start pouring this coffee" Haley said quickly.
"How are things up there" Faith asked aloud.
"I'm worried" Nathan responded taking a cup of coffee. "We should have taken him to the hospital."
"He will go if it is something the doctor thinks he can't take care of here" Faith responded.
"How are you going to work this out" Skills asked.
"I've already called in some favors, I may just need to call in some more" Faith said as a loud knock came at the door.
The police had come and interviewed each person privately, and then each one of them had pictures taken of their injuries. With a cup of coffee in her hand Brooke sat motionless in the arm chair.
Her now bandaged wounds were a reminder of the events that had occurred a few hours ago. She could still remember hearing Haley scream out in pain as they doctor examined her side. Three bruised ribs just on initial evaluation but she would have to have a follow up visit to see a doctor to be sure she begins to heal properly. Dr. Nichols gave them a list of things they needed to monitor Haley and Lucas for and if they met enough of the items on the list they needed to be admitted to the ER immediately.
Rachel who needed to attend a family function tomorrow morning had to leave to her dismay; which subsequently left Nathan in charge of monitoring Haley, Skills sitting with Faith, and Brooke with watching Lucas. Well that was after Brooke convinced Karen and Keith that she would contact them if anything changed.
She had not closed her eyes not once and she rarely left her chair. If she needed to use the bathroom or needed another cup of coffee she would text Faith who was down stairs on the couch with Skills. Dr. Nichols had examined Lucas thoroughly starting a drip with medication. It was clear that Lucas's injury from the basketball game had been further aggravated by the events that had occurred. Dr. Nichols reported that he would come back in the morning to have a traveling tech come out to take some scans and x-rays.
Brooke could not help but feel as though this was all of her fault. If she had not taken those shots, if she had not let Rachel talk her into to going out to the club, and if she had not drank all those drinks at the club none of this would have happened. She just wanted to be numb and not feel anything. Most of all she just didn't want to think about Lucas.
So here she was clutching her cup of coffee and looking at a sleeping Lucas laying in her bed.
His once again stirring made her gently place her cup on her dresser and walk over to the bed. As she reached her bedside she heard a soft knock at her door.
"Come in" she said quietly.
"How's he doing" Nathan said with obvious fatigue in his voice.
"He is doing alright he started stirring again so I just left my chair."
"How is Haley?"
"She finally stopped fighting sleep. So, I'm going to go to the bathroom, get some water and try to catch about 15 minutes I'm exhausted."
"I'm sorry Nathan" Brooke said quietly.
"You don't have to apologize Brooke. It happened. I mean who would have ever thought anything like this would have happened."
"Why did he come out there" Brooke said in almost a whisper.
"Why wouldn't he come Brooke? If I had gotten a text message like that I would have come too. Besides that Brooke I know things are not where you would like them to be with Lucas but he cares about you. It's just complicated."
"Yeah it's complicated" Brooke said checking to make sure that the medication was still running properly through the drip.
An hour later, Brooke found herself getting tired. Half of her was afraid to go to sleep but she wasn't going to be able to hold off too much longer. She paced the floor of her room too exhausted to even notice a pair of eyes looking at her through the softly light.
His clearing of his throat made her jump.
"Hey how are you feeling" Brooke said immediately coming to the bedside.
"I've had better days" Lucas said.
"I was …I mean I am so worried about you" Brooke said grabbing a bottle of water from her dresser top.
Holding the water bottle she poured a little in his mouth. When their eyes met, she quickly looked away.
"Well this is awkward just a little bit" Lucas said breaking the silence.
"Thank you for what you did tonight" Brooke said in response.
"No problem" Lucas said trying to adjust himself in her bed.
It truly was awkward because he did not know what to say and she was a loss for words as well. So he continued to lie in her bed and she went back to the chair she had been sitting in for the majority of the night. When she nodded off the second time almost falling out of the chair he called her name. When she came to the bedside he reached out for her hand and gently tugged at it.
"Come lay down… it's not like we haven't done this before" Lucas said.
She was so tired that she didn't even resist as she lay on the opposite side of the bed. She tossed as she couldn't fall asleep with him laying there next to her. Frustrated she propped herself up on her elbows and looked over at Lucas. To her surprise he was still awake looking back at her.
"I hate you" Brooke said in frustration.
"Do you really" Lucas said annoyed.
"I can't do this with you" Brooke said about to get out of the bed.
"Come on Brooke…I don't want to do this with you either. I obviously can't go anywhere hooked up to this IV."
"So you don't want to be here. I can go wake up your brother and your friend so they can help you home. Besides it's up the freakin street."
"So you hate me" Lucas said matter of factly.
"I don't hate you. I am frustrated with you and I'm tired of all of the back and forth. Really, oh my God I love you…." Brooke said before she even realized it.
"Do you know what you just said "Lucas said now putting some distance between their bodies.
"No what" Brooke said with total conviction.
"You said " Really, oh my God I love you. Is that true? Did you mean it?"
Brooke was shocked as she didn't want to acknowledge the words that had come out of her mouth. "I ..I.. she stammered.
"Do you love me" Lucas said with intensity. After everything do you love me?" Lucas continued.
Brooke could hear her heart in her ear drum and of course she could feel her heart about to jump out of her chest. She looked Lucas squarely in the eye and said "I can say I love you even despite the ups downs and you disappearing. I hate feeling this out of control. I fell in love with you Lucas somewhere along the way. "
Brooke was trying to hold her composure to not cry as she felt so vulnerable. She did not want to feel this way because what Chase had done to her hurt her so deep to her core. Tears were welling up in her tired eyes.
"I love you too" Lucas said after a brief moment.
"Wait what" Brooke said matching Lucas's intense look.
"I said, I love you too Brooke. Why else would I have put so much on the line tonight going to that club?"
"So what does this mean" Brooke said confused.
"It means you love me and I love you but what does it change a lot but at the same time it doesn't" he said shifting and coughing.
Lying next to him in the bed, Brooke placed her hand gently over his heart. She felt his heart beating beneath her hand as he took breaths. It was steady and strong. Leaning into him she kissed his lips and pulled back to see to his reaction.
"Kiss me again" he said.
This time when she kissed him, he kissed her back again and again.
Love unconditional I'm not asking just of you and girl to make it
last I'll do whatever needs to be done.
But I need somebody who will stand by me, when it's tough she won't run she
will always, be right there for me.
Sunny days everybody loves them, tell me baby can you stand the rain? Storms
will come.
I know I know all the days won't be perfect this we know for
sure but tell me can you stand it, can you stand the rain?
Please Don't Forget to Leave a Review! Thank You!