A/N – Sorry this took a few days longer than I had liked! I've had a bit of writers block and with the show ending it's just been making me sad =(
But I'm back! And with a longer than usual chapter! :)
How to Save a Life
Chapter 25 –
The early, bright sun peers through the blinds, awakening Brooke from her slumber. She tosses on her side, opening her eyes. It takes her a second to remember and process what exactly had happened last night. Feeling so emotionally drained, she had opted to spend the night wrapped in Julian's comforting arms. It was a step in uncharted territory, and while Brooke would ordinarily think this would cause confusion as to where they now stood as a couple, waking up this morning, she can't help but feel content with where things are. In her mind, in this very second, things have never seemed clearer.
After climbing out of bed and making herself presentable, she heads downstairs to see what the boys are up to. She suspects Colton's already up and has been for hours – he's always up and about when he's excited about something, and this trip to L.A. has certainly made him eager and enthused.
"Hey, guys," Brooke cheerfully greets as she enters the kitchen. She decides she won't start the day off like she ended it last night. Besides, she doesn't want Colton knowing about her mini breakdown anyway.
Julian seems to notice this as well and turns around, surprised but happy, all the same.
"Hi, mom!" Colton offers a bright hello, but he seems to be more interested in some travel brochure he is reading.
"Hey, Brooke. You sleep okay?" Julian voices as his way of making sure she's fine from last night. She had been pretty emotional the night before, and he hopes that, that hadn't pushed her into turning their relationship into anything more than what made her feel comfortable.
"I slept great," she replies with a genuine smile. It's her way of assuring him she really is okay after all. She's grateful she has him as a shoulder to cry on when she gets a bit sad. She reaches out to accept an offered cup of coffee. "Thanks," she smiles wider, grasping the mug in both of her hands.
"So, Colton and I were just looking for some fun things to do today. We were throwing around ideas."
"Oh, yeah?" Brooke looks down to Colton, his face still buried in the brochures. She figures these are the "ideas" Julian is referring to.
Colton looks up and nods. "Mom, I know you like the beach and you like getting a tan – but we have all week for that!" he exclaims vigorously.
Brooke stifles a laugh and nods. "That's perfectly fine, baby. Anything you want to do…so what did you boys come up with?"
"Well, Julian told me about this really cool place! Look," he proudly holds up one of the many pamphlets. "La Brea Tar Pits," he pronounces, running a finger over the printed words.
Julian chuckles when Brooke's face washes over with confusion.
"It's only a couple miles into town," he assures.
"That's fine…but…what is it?"
"It's like a museum…and there's fossils and bones and lots of tar, whatever that is," the eight-year-old rambles with a shrug. "And sometimes you can even see the workers diggin' up new stuff right from the dirt!"
She has to admit, this doesn't sound like her cup of tea, and she would rather be sitting on the beach. But this isn't just about her. It's about all three of them moving on from the past and growing together. And the look of excitement on Colton's face is surely enough for her.
"Sounds like fun," she tells him, patting down his tousled hair.
After a few minutes, they all decide to each get showered and dressed for the day. As the boys head upstairs to go get ready, Brooke decides to linger downstairs for a moment.
She knows what she is about to do is wrong on so many levels, but at the end of it all, all she can really see is something good coming out of it.
She reaches for Julian's phone, and searches through his contact list until falling upon a number. Quickly, she presses the call button, glancing in the doorway to make sure nobody is coming.
"Hi," she says nervously to the person on the other end. "Sorry to bother you, but this is Brooke Davis…"
"Mom, look!" Colton points.
Brooke raises her eyebrows expectantly. The place has surely lived up to its name – lots of tar.
"He seems to be having fun," Julian comes up from behind, wrapping an arm around her waist.
"Yeah," she answers, leaning into his touch. "He is…how 'bout you?"
He sighs with a soft smile. "You know, for years I tried to get my parents to take me here when I was a little kid. But my dad was always off at work, and my mom…well she was always depressed because my dad was always off at work…so yeah…" he trails off with an empty laugh.
"Well now you're here," she sympathizes.
"I am," his voice is confident and affirmative. "I'm here with you guys. And suddenly I don't really care that I never got to come here with my parents when I was Colton's age."
Brooke gives him a sad smile, turning to him with a serious expression on her face. "Julian, I need to tell you something…"
He pulls away from her slightly and looks at her concerned, "What's wrong?"
"Before you get mad, just know that what I'm about to tell you was done with good intention…"
"Okay…" he draws a breath. "Now you're starting to worry me."
"No," she shakes her head in a dismissive manner. "It's nothing serious…I mean it is…but not really," she tries to explain, confusing him even more. He looks at her strangely. "Okay…so I may have…by chance…called your mom." When she finishes speaking, she stands back, holds her breath and just prays he won't get too angry.
"You what?" he asks, completely baffled.
Brooke knows she doesn't have to repeat herself.
"Why…why would you do that?" he shakes his head, clearly still shocked. He doesn't even know what to say.
"Because, Julian," she whines. "You can't not go and visit your parents. You're in L.A. You haven't seen them in months. Your mom misses you and she wants us all over for dinner tonight. She said she invited your father over. She wants to be with her family."
"Right, you sure she wasn't intoxicated when she told you that?" he scoffs. His mother has always found pleasure in burying her sorrows in bottles of wine.
"Julian…" Brooke says in a warning tone.
"And I'm sure my dad would just love to see me! I mean, come on, Brooke…You met the guy."
Brooke didn't expect him to be happy about this, but she can't help but think he's being a little stubborn.
"They're your parents, Julian…" her voice is low as the words fall flat. Maybe she's being a bit hypocritical, not having the best relationship with her parents. But if she's learned anything from the whole situation with Lucas, it is that life truly is too short.
"I know," he mumbles quietly, hanging his head. "It's just being there with them…it never amounts to anything good…ever."
She slowly walks back over to him, looping her arm through his. "Well there's always a first time for everything. There's always time for people to change; to give people chances. I didn't want to give you a chance, but now, look where we are," she giggles slightly, trying to lighten the mood. She then leans up to place a kiss on his cheek. "If you really don't want to, we don't have to."
Julian closes his eyes briefly, almost as if his answer will come to him in his deepest, inner thoughts. He tries to recount a memory, any memory, where he truly felt happy as a kid. He can't think of any. Opening his eyes, he nods slowly. "I'll go…but only because I trust you," he responds, a small smile making its way onto his face. Brooke has been able to trust him, and now he must return the favor.
"If something happens and you want to leave, just say the word."
"Are you sure my shirt's fine? It's not wrinkled?" he asks for the tenth time in the car as he drives into the long driveway.
"Julian," Brooke laughs softly. "It's fine. You look very handsome."
"Why are you so nervous anyway?" Colton asks from the backseat. "Are your mom and dad gonna throw you out the window if they don't like your outfit?"
Julian sighs, drumming his thumbs against the steering wheel. "Something like that," he mutters.
"What?" Colton's baby blues widen.
"He's just kidding, babe." Brooke turns around and assures him.
"My parents are just…very judgmental," Julian pauses. "Meaning if they don't like something, they're gonna make sure to tell me," he feels the need to clarify to Colton.
"I'm sure they still love you," Colton assures him and Julian doesn't respond. It's not worth confusing the young boy. Colton is lucky to be able to experience what a true parent is.
"You ready?" Brooke asks, gently placing a hand on his knee.
"Ready as I'll ever be…besides, I'm sure they heard the car pull up in the driveway. And if we sit out here long enough, my dad will probably think I'm mentally preparing myself or something..." he stops as Brooke raises her eyebrows. Continuing on, he smiles slightly. "Which I am…but I don't need my father calling me a coward…so lets go."
Julian can't remember the walk up to the front door ever being so painful and so long.
"You'll be fine," Brooke nudges him and whispers reassuringly. "We'll leave whenever you want. I promise."
He nods his head before knocking swiftly on the door, bracing himself for what is to come.
Within seconds the door swings open and Julian is met face to face with his mother who he hasn't seen in the longest time. At least with his father, he'd see him from time to time, working with him on some projects.
"Oh, Julian!" his mother holds her arms out and wraps him in a giant hug. "I'm so happy you're here."
Colton turns to Brooke confused. Why had Julian been so nervous?
"And you must be Brooke and Colton," she cheerfully speaks. "I'm Sylvia. It is so great to meet you both."
"You too," Brooke replies, shaking the older woman's hand as Colton politely offers a smile.
"How old are you, Colton?"
"Eight," his voice is only above a whisper as he timidly answers her.
Seeing Colton this shy instantly throws Julian back to the first time he met him and how he'd acted that same way towards him. He's grown out of his shell so much since then.
"He's shy towards strangers," Brooke answers for her son, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"Oh, that's okay," Sylvia waves her hand. "He's adorable!"
"Um…" Julian awkwardly scratches his head. "Where's dad?"
Sylvia makes a face before answering. "Paul is in the dining room." Suddenly, her happy demeanor has vanished, and Brooke takes note of this. "I suppose we shouldn't keep him waiting any longer."
She leads them out of the foyer and down the hallway.
"Hey," Brooke walks beside Julian. "You okay?" she rubs his arm in comfort.
Julian has no expression on his face as he walks down the halls of his childhood home. "So far."
"Ah, well it's about time, son." Paul's voice is distinct as the four enter the dining room. He gets up to greet them as Sylvia takes a seat.
"There was traffic," Julian mumbles.
Paul scoffs. "Don't lie to me, Julian. The beach house is five minutes away tops…I would know considering I bought it."
Julian rolls his eyes. Dig number one and they've only been in the same room for ten seconds.
"Great to see you, too."
Paul pats his son's shoulder before turning to Brooke. "Nice seeing you again, Ms. Davis."
"Dad, call her Brooke," Julian sighs. "And this is her son, Colton."
Paul stares at the two in an inspecting way. "So I take it these are the two responsible for you staying in that hole-in-the-wall town?"
"Actually," Brooke clears her throat. "It's Tree Hill, Mr. Norris," she sends a glare his way as she steers Colton and herself to a seat at the table.
"The food should be done soon." Sylvia cuts in.
"I'd hope so, Sylvia," Paul comments. "You've been preparing it all day."
Sylvia narrows her eyes. "I just wanted it to be perfect for my baby boy, who I'm so glad to have back home…not that I owe you an explanation, Paul," she finishes off curtly.
Paul lets out a sardonic, deep laugh. "And suddenly I'm reminded of why I asked you for a divorce."
Julian buries his face in his hands. He knew this would happen.
Sylvia turns to her son and then back at Paul. "Stop it. We have guests."
Paul simply shakes his head. "Fine," he sighs. "So, Julian, tell me…when are you coming back home for good?"
Julian looks bewildered at this question and turns to look at Brooke. Beside her, Colton stares up at him and Julian can see the hesitancy in the young boy's eyes.
"Oh, come on…Los Angeles is your home. You can't leave this place behind."
"I like Tree Hill, dad."
"No…you liked it to film that movie…which terribly failed..."
"Paul!" Sylvia protests.
"What, Sylvia? It's the truth. The kid came to me with this idea to turn a novel into a movie. I don't even know why I ever agreed."
"Because the story was good." Julian is quick to defend Ravens.
Paul shrugs. "I don't know if good is the right word…the plot was a bit weak if you ask me."
"Dad, just stop it…that was Brooke's husband's novel."
Paul turns to look at Brooke. "Well then, Brooke, I must say your taste is just as questionable as Julian's."
Brooke gasps at the audacious words that spill from Paul's mouth.
"Okay!" Julian slams his fist down, pushes his chair back from the table abruptly, and stands up. "That is it! I'm sick of this! Of the bickering, of your degrading comments! You can insult me. I'm used to it. I mean I've only dealt with it all my life…but do not insult Brooke. Lets go. We're out of here."
Without question, Brooke stands up, and Colton does the same.
"Julian!" Sylvia calls after him, but he doesn't answer. "You see what you did, Paul?"
"This is why I never wanted to come here! Do you understand now, Brooke?" Julian angrily scoffs his shoes against the pavement once they're outside the house. "That's what I grew up with!" He gestures back to the large house behind them.
Brooke feels tears begin to well in her eyes. She should have never made that phone call this morning and she should have never pressured Julian into agreeing to going. She's never seen him this angry, this upset.
Colton stands by the car, afraid to get too close and too involved in the situation.
"And now…now he's attacking you. For what reason?"
"Julian…I…I'm fine…" she tells him. She wants him to know that he doesn't have to worry about her. Paul's comments meant nothing to her.
"Well that makes one of us," he murmurs, running a hand over his face. "I can't go back in the there…I won't."
"So don't. We'll leave," she tells him calmly, walking over to him. "I'm sorry I made you do that. Please don't be mad. I didn't know-"
He silences her, placing a finger on her lips. "-Shh…it's okay," he shakes his head, finally now cooling off. "I know you didn't…it's kinda unimaginable, huh?" he gives her a half-hearted smile.
She nods, reaching out to hold his hand. "Actually, I can relate…but are you okay?"
Gripping her hand tight, he kisses the side of her face. "I will be eventually."
They walk over to the car and Brooke gets in while Julian stays out to talk to Colton.
"Are you okay, Colt? I'm sorry you had to sit through that." Julian kneels down before him to get at eye-level.
"It's okay," he shrugs. "As long as you're okay now."
"I am," Julian tells him with certainty.
"Good," he smiles, wrapping his arms around Julian's much larger frame. Leaning his head on his shoulder, he calls out to Julian. "I know your mom and dad make you sad..." he begins once they part from the hug. "But…" he continues on slowly. "I would do anything to have my dad back."
A/N –
Anonymous reviewers:
Caroline – Thanks! Sorry for the wait and I hope you enjoyed this slightly-longer chapter! :)
How was it everyone?
And now onto a rant…
I am SO SO SO SO SOOO SAD that there is only ONE episode left of oth…EVER! I feel like I've grown up with these characters and now I'll have to say goodbye :'( It's truly unbelievable. What an incredible 9 years! I'll miss every aspect of the show; especially BRULIAN (who I absolutely adored since the start in season 6! I always knew something good would come out of them!)
I'm hoping to get in another update before Wednesday but if I don't I just wanna say that I hope everyone enjoys the series finale of one of the greatest shows EVER. Just take it all in and make sure you have a box of tissues beside you ('cause I know I'LL be crying! I've been crying for WEEKS!)! But just remember everyone: there is only ONE tree hill ;)
-Melissa