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Here's the next Chapter... Enjoy :0)
...
"Hey pretty girl" he said smiling as he picked up the phone
"Hi L-Luke" she replied once she found her voice
"Baby it's late" he yawned as he looked over at the time. "I guess I fell asleep waiting for you" he chuckled. "When are you coming home?"
She stayed quiet
"Brooke, is something wrong?" he asked worried to her silence
"N-No, everything's fine. It's just I-I don't know how to tell you this, but I-I actually have to leave for NY in about 15minutes; actually I'm sitting at the airport now" she replied closing her eyes
"Wait what?!" he asked utterly shocked and confused as he sat up. "I thought you weren't leaving until next Sunday"
"That was the plan, but there's an emergency meeting tomorrow morning at 9am."
Lucas stayed quiet. "Brooke-"
"I'll talk to you soon" she said about to hang up
"Brooke-" she sighed "Is this about O-Owen?"
"Owen?" she repeated "Luke, this has nothing to do with Owen" she said now lowering her voice as she didn't want to attract attention
"Then why didn't you come home and tell me you're leaving?" he asked upset "Why are you doing this over the phone? I haven't seen you in 2 weeks and when I finally do get to see you, you leave 2 days later"
"It would have been harder for the both of us" she said as she pulled her coat tighter around her body as she fixed her scarf and sunglasses. "Look, I've got to board now; I'll call you later"
"Pretty girl-" he exclaimed as he noticed she wasn't her cheerie self
"I've got to go; I'll talk to you soon"
"Brooke-"
"Yeah Luke" she replied irritated
"I love you" he said as he felt defeated. He was losing her and he was terrified. He knew when it came to her work; there was no room on negoitiating about it.
"You too"
"You too?" he repeated "She never says you too" he said hurt
"Oh Luke, please don't come visit me anytime soon" she knew him to well. "I'm going to be so busy with the whole Macy's account and fashion show that I can't have an intruptions."
"But-"
"I'm sorry; I'll be home soon." and that was that
Oh that's what it feels like to have your heart stabbed into millions of pieces.
...
"Brooke honey, what's going on? You really scared me when you told me to come out and see you right away" she said closing the door behind her after entering the penthouse. "Not that I don't mind flying first class and taking a limo-" she chuckled "Brooke?"
"Hi" said Brooke as she slowly turned around and took off her sunglasses
Deb felt like she just got the wind knocked out of her as her knees were about to give out. "Oh my god honey, what happened to you" she exclaimed once she found her voice as tears welded up in her eyes. She walked over and pulled her into an embrace.
"I'm not going to cry"
Her fingers gently cupped Brooke's face as they pulled apart. She carefully examined her purple and black eyes, bruises and scratches all over her face, hand prints around her neck and a cut lip. "When were you attacked?"
"Last night at the C/B store in Tree Hill"
"Did you call the police?" she asked as she applied make up to Brooke's face
"No, I don't want too" she replied shaking her head
"Brooke, you have to file a police report or the insurance company won't accept the claim"
"No, I don't want too" she said once again firmer this time. "I have more than enough money for this"
Deb sighed "Do you know what's missing?"
"The computer, cash from the register and sketches from my new line. I pulled myself together after it happened and jumped on the next flight out." She explained
"Oh honey I'm so sorry" she said as they locked eyes. "I really think you need to get the police involved in this"
"No, I don't want to get the pressed involved. You can't tell anyone about this; not Lucas, Haley and Nathan, anyone. Please"
"Okay" she said nodding "I'm really against this though Brooke"
"I know, but thank you"
"Deb, you own a gun right?"
"I do"
"I want you to teach me how to use it" she said as there was silence.
"Brooke-"
"Please Deb. I need to feel safe in my own house" Just then her hands covered her mouth as she darted towards the bathroom.
"Brooke sweetie, are you alright?" she asked as she followed her worried. She knocked before entering as her heart broke at the sight of Brooke hunched over the toilet throwing up. She held back her hair as Brooke emptied her stomach; grabbing a hold of the tub as she slid down. Deb grabbed a wash towel as she started wiping her forehead.
"I'm fine. I think it's a stomach bug or the jitters" she said as she kept her eyes closed
"How long have you been throwing up?"
"For a few days"
"When was the last time you had something to ea-" just then her phone rang "Hold that thought, I'll be right back" she said as she stepped out
"Hello" she said as she picked up
…
2 days later
"Hey Luke, what's going on?" Silence "Luke" Silence "Luke, hello?" asked his best friend as she waved her hand back and forth in front of his face.
"Oh Hales, I'm sorry" he said once he snapped out of it "What's up?"
"You alright there? You seem to be deep lost in thought"
"I Just have a lot on my mind; but anyways, what can I do for you?"
"Okay" she chuckled. "Is Brooke here or did she already take off to the store? I went by her house on my way over but there was no answer" she said looking around
He looked over at her confused. "Uh Hales, she went back to New York a few days ago. I thought you knew" he replied now closing his laptop.
"What? Why didn't she call and tell me?"
"It all happened suddenly" he said as he sighed "Why what's going on? You guys had plans or something?"
"Yeah, she's supposed to watch Jamie this Friday while I take Nathan to his doctor's appointment." she said as she sat down. "She was suppose to talk to the kids and see what she can find out" she sighed "I've called her for the last 2 days and she's never once called me back which is so unlike her. I didn't want to stop by at first because I figured you guys wanted some alone time, but after a few days-"
"Well you're not the only one" he said as she looked at him curiously.
"Wait, what? Why? Are you guys okay?"
"Yeah, we are" he said nodding his head "I mean I get the occasional text message or email here and there but we haven't had an actual conversation since she left"
"Really? That's not like Brooke; stress or no stress. What happened?"
"It's actually really strange Hales. She was working late one night and I guess I fell asleep waiting for her to come home so her phone call woke me up"
"Wait a minute" she said trying to take all this in "she called you instead of coming home to tell you personally that she was leaving?"
"Yeah" he nodded his head "I asked her the same thing. She said that it would have been too hard to do it face to face; but get this" he said as his best friend listen intently "by the time she called and explained everything, she was already at the airport" he exclaimed
"Okay that doesn't make any sense even for Brooke. Did you upset her?"
"No, not that I know of. I mean we had a good day even when she told me that Owen-"
"Owen what?" she asked confused
"He proposed to her" he said angry
"He what?!" exclaimed Haley
"Don't make me say it again Hales"
"So that's why she came home so soon"
"Bingo"
"You don't think this has to do anything with Owen do you?" she asked
"No" he replied. "She reassured me that she loves me. She said she told me because she wanted there to be no secrets between us"
"Well that's good. A relationship based on trust is a healthy one." Lucas nodded "So what's the reason she had to leave then?"
"Something about a very important meeting at 9; and that she's sorry but she'll see me soon"
"Huh" said Haley as she tapped her fingers against the dresser
"Yeah, and then I said I love you and you know what she said; she said you too"
"You too? Brooke never says you too. How did she sound?"
"Not like herself. I couldn't help but think something was bothering her; but it was like she was in a rush to get me off the phone" he replied
"And you still let her take off without making sure?" she snapped at him "Have you even called Rachel to see what's going on since Brooke wasn't picking up or returning any phone calls? I mean the girl is practically with Brooke 24 hours a day/7 days a week because of the deadlines; so she'll have answers for sure" she asked as she stood there with her arms crossed at her chest "Well?"
"No" he said holding up his hands in defense "She's been so stressed out lately with work, Victoria, and Peyton; oh yeah and now there's Owen. I didn't want to push her." He explained
Haley smacked Lucas on the back of his head "But you let her walk away again without finding out if she's okay or not! Seriously Luke, its' not like her to leave just like that; stressed or not stressed. Brooke is pushing us away and you jackass, let her." she yelled fumed
"Hales, she told me not to go visit her; she said she was going to be busy and she can't have any intruptions" he explained as she saw the sadness in her best friend's eyes. "How do you respond to that? I mean all I could do is give her her space, otherwise I might lose her for good."
"My advice to you is, find out what's going on and call Rachel for heaven's sake! Something doesn't sound right! Ugh Guys!" she said frustrated slamming the door as she left "Keep me posted"
…
"What is this I hear you went home Brookie; and I didn't even get to see you this time. My feelings are hurt" she heard Nate laugh. "Okay well I just thought I'd call and see how you're doing; but I guess you're busy. Hey give me a call back will you; oh yeah please call Hales. She's going nuts not hearing from you" MESSAGE HAS BEEN DELETED
Tigger, okay this is like the 5th call I've left. Why haven't you called me back? I went over to Luke's today looking for you and guess what I found out? You left for NY! Why didn't you tell me you were leaving? Remember how we made plans for you and Jamie to hang out this Friday? He was really excited, but he understands that you had to go back to work. Is everything all right? Call me back please. I'm worried about you honey." MESSAGE HAS BEEN DELETED
"Hey slut, it's been a couple of days and I haven't heard from you. No phone call, text messaging; not even an email! Why the hell aren't you picking up my phone calls especially since I've you over 10 important messages? What on earth is going on with you? Alright call me back when you get this message." MESSAGE HAS BEEN DELETED
"Pretty girl" she heard him sigh "I want to hear your voice; I miss you. Is everything okay? I know you're busy with the sketches but the occasional texts and emails aren't making me miss you less. Please call me and let me know you're okay. Love you" MESSAGE HAS BEEN DELETED
"Slut you're starting to-" MESSAGE HAS BEEN DELETED
"Pretty girl,-" MESSAGE HAS BEEN DELETED
"Brooke, its' Hales" MESSAGE HAS BEEN DELETED
"Aunt Brooke, its' Jamie. I miss you. We miss you. Please call us back. When am I going to get to see you again? Okay, I love you"
She couldn't bare to listen to any more messages as she snapped her phone shut. She stood there in a daze as she stared at herself in the mirror. Her mind then drifted
CAUTION- DISTURBING SCENE- RATED M – MATURE & V – VIOLENT!! I CUT IT SHORT BECUZ I HATED WRITING IT. I HAD A LITTLE MORE BUT TOOK IT OUT!!
Brooke slowly came around once she heard the voices as she kept her eyes closed and body motionless praying they would just leave her there
"All you had to do was knock her out; not-"
"I did didn't I?!" he said pointing to her fragile body on the floor.
"Yeah, but she's a woman. What the fuck is wrong with you?" he shouted as he shoved his partner
"Dude calm the fuck down!" he lashed back "She got what she deserved besides the bitch was feisty! Look at my face" he yelled pointing to the blood dripping down.
"Well you got what you deserved jackass"
"Why do you even fucking care?! You got the stuff man?!"
His partner nodded his head
"Alright, now get in the car and be on the look out"
"Look out for what?!" he shouted raged "Lets fucking get out of here before we get caught"
"Dude, you have eyes; look how hot she is!"
He had to admit, she was hot but still it was wrong
"Yeah that's what I thought" he smirked "What are you jealous?" he chuckled as he moved a piece of hair from her face "No go" he said rubbing his hands together
"Dude, just leave her the fuck alone he said as he grabbed his partner by his shirt and slammed him into the wall "Didn't you do enough?!"
"Get the fuck off me" he roared "I call the shots, I will tell you when I've had enough" he exclaimed fuming as they both started pushing each other back and forth throwing punches.
"Ahhhh!" he said as he gave one last push "Stop acting like a little bitch! Its' late; the whole fucking town's asleep. You can have your go once I'm all done" he smirked
"You're a sick bastard you know that?" he said shaking his head "I'm out of here" he shouted as he stormed off
"What a little BITCH!" he roared as he heard the tires screech. A smile formed at his face once he turned his attention back to her.
"Oh god" Brooke screamed as she felt him roam his fingers down her arms. "No, no" she cried kicking and screaming as she tried to get out of his grip wincing in pain. Tears were now flowing down her cheeks. "Help, somebody please help me! Help!" she screamed once again. "Please, stop" she begged as he ripped the rest of her shirt exposing her bra. She tried to push him off as he placed kisses on her tummy, moving towards the valley of her breasts. "Please don't do this" she begged as she closed her shirt in front turning on to her side as she rolled up into a ball. "Stop! Please stop. Oh god! Get off me, don't do this!" she begged
Just then her phone went off as it pulled her back into reality. "Lucas" blinked into the screen as she hit ignore. "I'm not going to cry, I'm not going to cry she chanted as she continued drawing on the mirror angry
…
"Deb where are you? I thought we were going to have lunch today"
"Karen" she gasped
"You forgot didn't you?" she chuckled
"I'm so sorry; it's not that I forgot but something suddenly came up" she explained
"Is everything all right?"
"Uh yeah of course" she replied. "It was just a friend of mine needed some help and I rushed over without thinking about anything else. I'm really sorry Karen; how about a rein check?"
"That's totally understandable, it's no problem. Yeah just give me a call and well figure something out."
"Thanks Karen"
"Hey Deb is there anything I could do to help?" she asked
"Actually I could use some advice" she said sitting down
"Sure, what's going on?"
"Well I can't really go into details about it, but you see I have a friend who's going through some really emotional stuff and she wants me to keep it a secret."
"Okay"
"I'm just not really sure if I should" she replied
"Well how did you find out about it?"
"She called me"
"Well without knowing the situation, all I can say is that she called you for a reason, and if she's not telling anyone else about it that means that she respects you enough and thinks that you're just the one person who might understand what she's going through."
"Yeah, that makes a lot of sense"
"Is there anything I can do to help the situation?"
"You just did; thanks Karen"
...
"Has it been that busy that you guys don't answer the damn phone?!" barked Rachel
"We've been closed for the past few days" replied Rochelle
"What are you talking about? Why would Brooke allow you guys to close the store on a weekday?"
"Because the store was broken in too"
Silence "Tell me this is some joke"
"No"
"WHAT?!" exclaimed Rachel as she fell back into her chair "Where's Brooke, is she there? Put her on the phone"
"She's not here. She hasn't been to the store since the incident" explained Rochelle
"What?! Why hasn't she called me" she wondered quietly to herself. "Wait that doesn't make any sense. She's in Tree Hill, why wouldn't she be at her store?" asked Rachel confused. "Was she there when it happened?" she asked frantically
"I don't know"
"What the hell do you mean you don't know? What kind of employee are you?! Haven't any of her friends been by the store?"
"Well she let us leave early that night; since she had a few things to do. No, no one's been by; and it was never publicized."
"What?! So technically she hasn't been to the store for 4 days now?"
"Uh huh. It was really hard to get a hold of her" she added
"Brooke was hard to get a hold of? That girl has her phone glued to her like no other" she shouted "So when does the remodeling take place?"
"As of now it doesn't."
"What do you mean as of now it doesn't?"
"Well Ms. Davis said she didn't want too; but instead she wanted us to clean up the mess"
"That doesn't sound like Brooke. What the hell is going on?!
"Clean up and straighten out the store"
"Are you sure? Should we ask Ms. Davis first?"
"No, just do it. If she asks why tell her because Rachel said so"
"Okay" replied Rochelle
"Tell her to call me as soon as she gets in" she exclaimed snapping her phone shut.
…
2 days later
"Brooke, its' Deb honey" she called out "Brooke?"
Brooke took a deep breath before opening the door
"Hi, I was in the neighborhood and thought you might want a girl's night"
Brooke raised her eyebrows at her
"Okay, I had to see you" she said
"Thanks but no thank you"
"Brooke, I lived a lot of years feeling powerless and alone. I was pissed off, medicated and scared to death. That's not going to happen to you, not if I can help it. Now get dressed"
After a few hours at the shooting range, they were back at the penthouse where she was sprawled out on the couch. She laid her head on Deb's lap as they talked. "You really are a good person Brooke Davis"
"And what do I get out of it?" she asked as Deb played with her hair
"Great friends who love you; and there's Luke. You've got a great life; Multi-million dollar C/B cooperation; and good karma
"I don't believe in karma" she whispered. "I tried being a good person but bad things always happen in my life"
"Brooke honey"
"It's true. I do all this good stuff; give up the love of my life so my best friend can be happy with him not to mention giving her a rent free place to live as well as help her with the record studio, help Rachel with her drug addiction as well as giving her another chance at the cooperation, change my life around for the better; but in the end I still get my ass kicked" she said emotionless.
"Let me ask you something honey; if you don't believe in Karma, what do you believe in?"
"Justice"
...
"Rachel Gatina" she replied frustrated since she still hadn't heard from Brooke
"So who's to blame for pissing you off?" chuckled Lucas
"Ugh! That would be your girlfriend! How is she by the way?"
"What do you mean how is she? I was calling to ask you that" he said confused by her statement
"Okay what? You totally just lost me. How would I-"
"Uh she went back to NY a few days ago. She said that there was an important meeting she had to attend at 9am the next morning. Is she around; and if she is, see if she'll take my call please?" he begged
"I'm confused, why don't you call her yourself? Why are you calli-"
"That's the thing. I've been calling her cell non stop; I even rung her office phone and it goes straight to voicemail. She hasn't returned any of my texts or emails and I'm starting to get worried about her. I mean I know she's under a lot of stress and everything but she's shutting everyone else out and it's not healthy. She never even called me to tell me she arrived safely."
Rachel was beyond baffled as she tried to function what he was saying "Brooke came home? When? Why the hell didn't she tell me? Why hasn't she called me back?" She asked herself as Lucas kept talking.
"I thought the account wasn't due until next Monday but she left so suddenly I feel like I'm a chicken with its head cut off. Has she said anything since she's gotten back; acting differently? Silence. "Rachel, you there? Rachel?" he said once again as she snapped out of it "I'm sorry to be bothering you since you're probably just as busy, but I had no other choice unless I fly out there myself; which I think I should do"
"Oh huh, I'm sorry things are a little hectic here especially with the deadline" she explained once she found her voice. "Everything's uh fine; like you said she's just been under uh a lot of stress lately. Trust me we all have" she said not knowing why she just lied to her best friend's boyfriend when clearly she's just as worried now. "I'm sure she just lost track of time and is planning on calling everyone back. You know how Brooke gets when she throws herself into her work"
"Yeah" he said as he sighed. "Its' just I miss hearing her voice. 2 weeks go by and I get a day and half with her"
"I know you're worried about her; I am too" she whispered the last part so he couldn't hear "but I'll talk to her and I'll make sure she calls you back okay?!"
"Thanks Rachel. I'm glad Brooke has you there"
"Me too Luke, me too. Have a good night" She said hanging up
"Alright Brooke, where the hell are you?!" she said upset
…
"Brooke?! Are you here?" she knocked. "Brooke? Hello?" she shouted as she took the spare key out of the lock. After getting off the phone with Lucas, she couldnt' get any work done nor any sleep later on that night; but instead she stayed up late racking her brain on Brooke's where abouts. She then decided to stop by the penthouse before heading over to the office just in case her insticts were right. "Brooke-"
"No point on hiding" she cursed "H-How did you know I was-" she called out from the kitchen
"So you are here! Wait a minute, I'm the one who gets to ask the questions here" she snapped as Brooke sighed "We've been worried sick about you Brooke, and here I find out that you've been home all this time. Why the hell have you been MIA?" she asked. "And why the hell have you not picked up or returned any one of our phone calls? Huh?!" she crossed her arms at her chest as she started pacing back and forth
"Rachel, don't freak out on me okay?" she said as she stepped into the living room
"Well it's a little too late for that!" she barked as she had her back to her best friend. "And what is this about C/B getting robbed?! Have you completely lost your mind about not reporting it to the insurance company? You do know why you bought it in the firs-" she stopped mid sentence as she was face to face with her best friend as she felt as her heart just drop. "Oh my god Brooke, what happened?" she asked once she found her voice
"I-I was doing laundry and I got all tangled up in the sheets and I fell face first down the stairs" she said not making eye contact with Rachel; using her hands to speak."
"Oh honey I'm so sorry. Why didn't you call me?"
"No, its' okay. Eh, Ugh" she said putting her hand up to stop her from coming any closer "I'm still very sore to hug"
"Wait, so you fall down the damn stairs and decide to go MIA on everyone else?!" she asked getting upset. "That doesn't make any sense. Why didn't you tell me or any of your friends when it happened?! Why didn't you tell Luke? He called me yesterday worried sick about his girlfriend who left so suddenly giving him this crap about a non existing meeting; by the way" she said as Brooke just stood there emotionless "she had to attend at 9am. He's like a freaking chicken with its' head cut off. He just wanted to hear your voice; hell everyone did"
She opened her mouth about to speak. Nope Rachel beat her to it.
"I told him that you were stress and probably just lost track of time; and that you will be calling everyone back"
Brooke stayed quiet
"Why don't you tell me the truth Brooke? What the hell is really going on? I don't believe you, and I know that you know that. I mean, the store gets robbed" she said as she started listing this off using her fingers "you rush out of Tree hill, you go MIA on everyone and now you look like you got the shit beat- oh my god" she gasped alarmed as her hands covered her mouth; as tears steamed down her face.
"Oh shit" She knew Rachel caught on; but she had to throw her off. "Look, I told you I fell down the stairs, besides look at me" she said pointing from her head to her toes "I'm scary looking. I'm just not ready for everyone to see me yet"
Just then she felt a wave of nausea hit as she covered her mouth and hurried over to the bathroom.
"Brooke, what's wrong?" shouted Rachel as she ran after her "Oh god" she said as she walked over to a bent over puking Brooke. She then held up her best friend's hair as she rubbed circles all over her back. "Tell me the truth" she begged as Brooke sat against the cool tub. "Please just tell me the truth" Brooke closed her eyes
"I-I can't stop throwing up" she said as she felt the cool tub against her back
Rachel sighed "That's not what I meant" she whispered "Come here" she motion as she cradle Brooke's head in her lap. How long has this been happening?"
"For a few days now; I can't keep anything down" she answered as she rolled herself into a ball
"When does it hit you the most?"
"In the morning"
"When did you get your last per-"
Just then Brooke sprung up and emptied out her stomach once again
"Period" she said rubbing her back
…
"What the hell is going on here?" asked an upset Brooke as she walked into the store
"Ms Davis" said Tiffany and Rochelle in unison. "H-How are you?" they asked not daring to make eye contact
"I asked you both to clean up the store meaning packing it up not fixing it up. If it wasn't for Deb telling me that the store was still open I would have never known."
"We're sorry. R-Rachel told us to organize the store and get it ready to re-open"
"What?!" she roared "Why didn't either one of you consult with me first?" she yelled as they stood there quiet
"Well Rachel said if you asked to have you call her" replied Rochelle
"Just go. I don't need you both here. Go!" she exclaimed as both girls grabbed their things and left without looking back
She then grabbed the clothes off the racks as it went flying out the door
"No, no, no, hey, hey, there's been a misunderstanding here; hey! Those clothes aren't free! Hey! Take your hands off them" yelled Haley as she yanked them out of those girls grip; walking back into the store. "What the hell are you two doing throwing out Broo-" she shouted looking up "BROOKE?!" she exclaimed putting down the clothes. "Oh my god honey, what happened to you?" she asked as Brooke turned around and they were now face to face. She rushed over to Brooke as she wrapped her arm around her best friend as tears streamed down her cheeks
"I-I was doing laundry in NY and I got all tangled up in the sheets and I fell face first down the stairs" she explained as she stood there cold and detached; knowing Haley could sense it too
"W-Why didn't Luke tell me?"
"He doesn't know" she replied not making eye contact as she continued tossing out clothes
"Brooke Davis, have you completely lost your mind?" asked Haley appalled
"My store, my clothes I can do whatever I want with them" she replied as she continued grabbing clothes off the rack
"What are you doing?" she asked as she tried to stop Brooke
"Having a sale; one day and one day only where everything's free" she yelled brushing past Haley
"Hey, hey!" Haley yelled glaring at those hungry free loading vultures outside the store "Brooke, do you want to talk about whatever's going on? I'm here for you"
"Nothing's going on and besides there's nothing to talk about"
"Yes there is Brooke. I mean I haven't seen you for 2 ½ weeks you come home, then a day and half later you leave; you go MIA and then 4 days later you're here with bruises and scratches; very upset while tossing your clothes out on the street. What is going on?"
"Look, I had some stuff come up suddenly and that's why I had to leave. You know what, I don't want to talk about it okay. I promised you I'd watch Jamie; so here I am. Just bring him over later this afternoon okay"
Haley was taken back at the way Brooke was acting "Honey, lets have lunch all together; it's been awhile."
"I'm going to have to take a rein check"
"Brooke please" she begged. "Jamie misses you, we all do"
She sighed "Fine! Tell me when and where, I'll be there" she said as Haley nodded before she left
Brooke then took off moments after her
…
"What's going on Hales?" asked Nathan and Lucas in unison as they walked in "You look like you just saw a ghost or something" they laughed
"More like the freaking devil" she said as they looked over at her strangely "Luke, did you know Brooke's back in town?"
"What?" he asked "No, no that must be some kind of mistake because you see, my girlfriend rushed off to NY in the middle of the night and yes she hasn't returned any of my phone calls, text messages or emails but I know she would have called me to tell me she was here" he replied
"Well your girlfriend IS back buddy. From the looks of it, she just got back today. I ran into her about 15minutes ago at her C/B store where she was tossing her clothes out onto the sidewalk where hungry free loading vultures waited eagerly"
"What?!" exclaimed the Scott Brothers
"Are you sure Hales?" asked her husband
Haley nodded her head "Yeah, she was claiming she was having a sale; one day and one day only where everything was free. FREE! Can you believe that? All her hard work free! I can tell you one thing though, she for sure wasn't acting like herself."
"Hales, what are you talking about?" asked a very confused Nathan
"I don't know if I should be the one to be telling you this" she said as she got teary eyed
"Hales what is it? Is she okay?" Lucas asked scared as he felt his heart beating rapidly now standing up. "Ah, I need to go see her" he said heading towards the door
"Luke meet us here for lunch okay?" He nodded as he darted towards his car
"Hales?" said Nathan as he turned to his wife. "What happened?"
"She told me, s-she told me she was doing laundry in NY and got all tangled up in the sheets and s-she fell face first down the stairs. She's badly bruised and she's got cuts and scrapes everywhere"
"Oh my god, poor Brooke" said Nathan as he sat down as he felt his knees where going to give out any moment
I'm really worried about her honey. She was cold and very distant. She didn't have that sparkle in her eye like she used too. I-I don't understand why she didn't tell us"
"You know how Brooke is Hales" said Nathan as he looked at his hands "She always pushes everyone away and throws herself into work. I bet you that's exactly what she did."
…
"I know you're home Brooke, open up" yelled the voice behind the door. "Brooke"
"Are you following me now? And why the hell did you tell those girls to fix up the store when I specifically told them to pack it up?!" she exclaimed upset
"Because the store is important to you and besides no one has to know there was a robbery. We can say we were remodeling
"It's my store, it's my decision, so stay the hell out of it" she snapped as she crossed her arms at her chest.
"What do you want Rachel?" asked Brooke as she let her in. They then headed towards the kitchen as she stopped and looked into Peyton's semi empty room.
"She'll be back if that's what you're wondering"
"It's not; and I don't care" she said trying to play it off once she realized Rachel was watching her
"I came to see how you're doing"
"I'm fine"
"You're not fine. Why don't you really tell me what's going on"
"Look I don't know how many times you want me to say it but I fell down the damn stairs Rachel. God, let it go already
Rachel lost it as all hell broke loose. "Don't give me that crap Brooke" she shouted back "If you fell down the damn stairs, why the hell do you have red hand and bite marks around your freaking neck huh?! Or how about those finger like bruises on your arm?" she pointed at. "Did the fucking stairs warp itself into a human figure like form and beat the shit out of you? Huh?!" she knew she was being harsh but enough is enough. "Tell me Brooke, did it?! Did it?! Why the fuck can't you just tell me the truth she cried as Brooke stood there appalled. She felt like she just got the wind knocked out of her as she grabbed onto a chair for support.
"You don't know what the hell you're talking about so just stop it! Just stop it Rachel" she yelled. Just then her hands once again found its' usual spot over her mouth as it sent her running to the bathroom before voiding it into the toilet.
Rachel sighed shaking her head as she pulled something out of her purse before making her way over to hold up Brooke's hair. "Here" she said placing a box in her best friend's hands once she was finished. "If you want me to stay in here with you I can, otherwise I'll be right outside waiting for you."
She looked over towards Peyton's room once again as she closed her eyes. "I-I can't do this" she said shoving it back into Rachel's.
"You can and you will" replied Rachel "She may not be here, but I am" she added as she pushed it back into Brooke's "You and I both know you want to know"
Brooke was about to say something but Rachel beat her to it
"I have a bunch more in my purse just to be sure; and if you need me too I'll run to the store and buy as many more as you want me too"
Brooke nodded her head as she looked down at the box in her hands.
Rachel then wrapped her arms around Brooke as Brooke tensed up in her embrace "I'm a little over a month late Rach" she whispered before Rachel walked out of the bathroom.
"2 minute response right?" she asked as Brooke came out a few minutes later
"Yeah" she replied
Just then there was a knock at the door as both girls turned their attention that way