A/N – Yes, this is an actual, real update. What a shocker. Writers block sucks, what can I say? But I am still as determined as ever to finish this! This chapter takes place a little over a month after the last.

Like a Laceration to the Soul

Chapter 21 –

She had never felt so happy. A little over a month ago, this happiness had seemed nearly impossible. In fact, during that time, everything was falling apart. And Brooke and Lucas had been left to sit back and just watch things disintegrate, left hopeless with nothing to do. Sawyer's recovery was slow, extremely slow, and the countless visits and nights spent sleeping at the hospital in uncomfortable chairs were definitely taking their toll.

But then something happened.

Sawyer woke up.

And that's when Brooke and Lucas realized they'd be okay after all. They had stuck together, and it had managed to pay off.

As Lucas drove with a content smile on his face, Brooke couldn't stop looking at Sawyer. He had his faced pressed to the car window and he just looked so excited to be taking in all of the surroundings. He thought he'd be stuck in the hospital's pediatric ward for the rest of his life.

"I can't wait to get home and sleep in my comfy bed!" He stated and grinned, expressing a sentiment he'd brought up numerous times since he found out he'd be released from the hospital.

Brooke couldn't wait either. The pure happiness that was displayed on the young boy's face was enough to leave her satisfied. But she couldn't wait to bring him home, back into his nice, safe bed, where she'd be able to tuck him in every night like she used to do before the accident.

Lucas laughed at Sawyer's cheerfulness. "Just take it easy though. Okay, bud?"

He just wanted to make sure Sawyer's transition back to home would go smoothly so he could return back into the normal lifestyle of the energetic five-year-old he used to be.

Lucas laughed, thinking back to twenty minutes prior when Sawyer was beyond ecstatic after realizing that he was able to leave the hospital in a wheel chair.

With Sawyer's cute and lovable personality, there was no wonder why, during the month and a half he'd spent at the hospital, the recovery and pediatric nurses absolutely adored the young boy. Whenever they'd come in, whether it be to check on his surgical wound, change an I.V. or check his vitals, he'd always have a joke or a story to share. He was by far their favorite patient.

One of the nurses walked in, wheeling in a small wheel chair for him to be taken out in.

The blonde child's eyes widened at this. "Is that for me?"

"Sure is." The nurse replied. "Hospital policy."

Lucas slowly and carefully helped his son off the hospital bed as the nurse handed the wheel chair over to Brooke.

"Mama." Sawyer looked up a Brooke with a wide smile. "Can we take this home with us? It's so cool!" He ran his hands along the wheels.

All Brooke could do was laugh. She absolutely adored this boy. And she was so very grateful that he was okay and would soon be returning to his normal, rambunctious self. In fact, he already had.

"We're home." Lucas pulled into the driveway and Sawyer's eyes lit up.

He quickly unbuckled his car seat, anxious to see if all his toys were in the same places that he left them in.

"Whoa, slow down there buddy." Brooke quickly got out of her seat to help him.

"Mama, I got it!" The child insisted, though he still took hold of his mother's hand.

"You just got out of the hospital; I'm not letting you out of my sight."

Sawyer shook his head and Lucas laughed.

The three made their way up to the front door and when they opened it Sawyer's face lit up.

"Welcome home!" Cheered Nathan and Haley, walking up to the family to greet them with hugs.

"Wow, Aunt Haley, you're so big!" Sawyer exclaimed once he took notice of his aunt's large, pregnant stomach.

Everyone laughed and Haley smiled, rubbing her stomach. She was about to pop any day now.

"Why thank you, Sawyer. It's so good to see you too." She humored him.

He giggled and gave her a great hug. "I meant it in a good way."

"I know." She laughed, embracing him. "We missed you."

"Yeah, dude." Nathan hugged him next. "You totally left me to play basketball by myself. When you get better I think you owe me a game."

"Well then I hope I get better really, really, really soon!"

"Oh, I think we can all agree on that."

"Thanks for coming you guys."

It was getting late and Sawyer was getting tired from his long day.

"Of course. Anything for Sawyer."

Hugs were exchanged and once Nathan and Haley were gone, Brooke suggested Sawyer go change into his pajamas. Lucas mentioned that he wanted to talk to Brooke and he said he'd wait until she was done tucking Sawyer into bed.

"Hey, buddy. You all set?" She questioned the young blonde.

"Mhhmm." He nodded, scurrying under his covers. "I missed my bed." He smiled. "And my pillow…And my blanket…And my night-light…And my toys…And you tucking me in."

Brooke felt her eyes tearing as she sat on the edge of her son's bed. She slowly grabbed his hand and held it in hers. "I missed it too, baby…But we're back now, so we don't have to miss it anymore, right?"

"Right." He spoke in agreement before pushing the covers off of his body and moving over to where his mother sat. "Mama?" He looked up at her.

"What's wrong?"

"I'm sorry that Peyton hurt you and daddy."

And that was it. That's what got the tears flowing. Since Sawyer had woken up from his surgery, he had not once mentioned her name.

"Oh, Sawyer…it's…it's okay. It's not your fault. I'm just sorry she hurt you."

"It's okay…'Cause I'm strong now." He smiled lightly, flexing his skinny arms to produce any sort of muscle.

This got Brooke to laugh through her tears. Sawyer always knew how to make her smile.

She brushed a hand through his hair and placed a kiss on his forehead.

"It's getting late." She whispered, pulling the blankets back for him to get under them once more. "I love you, baby. So much. Sleep tight."

With one last kiss, she backed up towards the door, shut the light off and left.

He was safe now. And Peyton was gone.

"Luke…" Brooke walked into their bedroom and found him lying on the bed watching t.v.

"Hey, pretty girl." He spoke softly. "Come join me."

Without hesitation she went and lay down next to him, allowing him to wrap an arm around her body.

"I'm so exhausted." She mumbled, leaning into his chest.

This was another thing she missed. Being able to relax with the man she loved.

"Me too…But today…today was a good day."

"It was." She allowed herself to smile despite sleep taking over.

"Hey…" Lucas gently shook her to get her attention. "We're okay now, right?"

Brooke stared into his eyes, drowning in the deep, blue color. "Of course."

"That's good." He smiled, like he had something hidden up his sleeve. She stared at him curiously, urging him to go on. "I want to marry you, Brooke Davis."

"Well that was the whole point of being engaged." She laughed and wondered just how tired he actually was.

"No." He shook his head and grinned. "I mean soon. Like really soon. Now that Sawyer's okay…I don't see why we should wait. I don't care if it's just me and you at this wedding…I want to marry you now."

Brooke couldn't even remember the last time they'd mentioned the engagement. When things had finally settled down after Peyton's arrival, that's when the accident happened. And then it was never brought up.

But Brooke knew she felt the same way.

She just wanted to be his wife.

From the huge smile on her gorgeous face, he knew where this was going, but right as Brooke was ready to answer, the phone rang.

It was late and she had no clue who would be calling.

"Hello?" She quickly reached over, grabbing the phone from the night stand. "Oh my god. Okay…I'll be right there."

Quickly hanging up, she jumped out of bed, breaking into an even bigger smile.

"Haley's in labor!"

A/N – How was it?

Please review!

-Melissa =)