A/N: Okay if you read my notes, please type in your review this word first: pancakes...okay here's my note..LOVE ALL THE REVIEWS FROM ALL YOU WONDERFUL PEEPS!

I have another story up now called Nightmare of Choice, if you have not got a chance to read it please do I would greatly appreciate it.

OKAY, this story I have taken a longer break with because I have been trying to figure out how I want to get it closer to its end because let's face it, all great stories must come to an end, so I reveal a secret in this chapter, but I am sure a lot of you already knew the answer ;), but I figured I needed to do it at some point and with what I have in store this was a perfect time to do it...and I am also going to reveal soon what's going on with Brooke's behavior as well...so let's get on with this chapter!

Chapter 25: The Truth is Out

Lucas had convinced me to let Millicent take over for the next couple of days at Tric with the costumes. I was extremely saddened as Lucas left the bed this morning to go back to work. He didn't want to, but he also did not want me around Tric and the stress. I was just glad that last night, he took me back to my place; my mother was there and actually having a civil conversation with Millicent. I knew it would be difficult for them to live under the same roof, but Millicent was always over at Mouth's so she didn't mind that much. I grabbed some more clothes and brought my gun back with me. Even though I am totally against them, it changes your perspective when you've been in a situation where you wished you had one.

Haley, Nathan, and Jaime were coming back into Tree Hill today and I told them I would pick them up. There was a lot we needed to discuss. Nathan finally needed to know everything about the situation. They both needed to know that it wasn't over.

As I drove to the airport, my heart started racing. I started bouncing my leg. I looked like a crazy person, something had to be wrong. Was the stress and anxiety really making me crazy? I got to the airport and looked at my watch. I was about ten minutes early. I was in the waiting area of the airport, just waiting. I realized that there were so many bodies around me. I felt their eyes watching me, and then paranoia started settling within me.

I saw a guy wearing a grey trench coat and I became extremely nervous. What if it was him? No, he couldn't be that stupid to be that close to me, but then again I had no idea what this person looked like. Then I realized that I have no idea what this guy looks like. He could be anywhere. He could be here right now watching me. Maybe I have already met him.

I scan the room and the many different sets of eyes glancing at me. Some glare, some stare, some wink, and some lust. A guy starts walking towards me and I don't like his posture, I don't like the look he is giving me. I suddenly stand.

"Get away from me!" I panicked and screamed.

There was a hand on my shoulder and I spun around too quickly. Two hands held my arms to keep me still. Nathan looked down at me with worried eyes. Haley held a scared Jaime's hand.

"Brooke, whoa, calm down, what's wrong?"

I have never been so relieved to see him. I took in a deep breath and tears started to form in my eyes. Nathan just shook his head and pulled me into his arms. With Haley's free hand she rested it on the back of my head. Jaime reached around my leg and hugged me. They were my family, the Scotts, no matter what and it felt so good to have them back.

"I am sorry, I just—"

"Aunt Brooke, are you okay?" Little Jaime looked up from my leg and my heart began to break.

Nathan released me and I bent down to Jaime.

"Little man, I am just going through some stuff. Aunt Brooke is just stressed and worried about a lot right now." I placed my hand on his cheek, no matter what the situation was, I could not lie to this little boy.

He wrapped his arms around my neck.

"Aunt Brooke, I love you, and I want to help make you feel better."

I closed my eyes and gave Jaime one of my best smiles.

"Yeah, buddy, how about you and I spend all day together. I've missed you so much." I looked up at Nathan and Haley as I gave the little boy a hug.

The four of us walked out of the airport and I willingly gave Nathan my keys to drive us back to their warm house that will be filled with love.

Nathan and Haley were talking about Quinn and I explained that she is doing great. Of course, the three of us didn't talk about what was really wrong because Jaime was sitting next to me in the confinements of the vehicle. Once we were at the house, Jaime ran into Quinn's arms and Nathan gave Quinn a look and she offered to take him to get ice cream for everyone. He didn't even question it. They both left after some time and Nathan got me a glass of water.

"Brooke, what is going on? We saw you yell at that man." Haley sat next to me and rubbed my shoulders.

"I am losing my mind, Haley. I am turning into a crazy person." I drank the whole glass of water and Nathan didn't even have to ask me for a refill, kindly did it and gave the glass back to me.

"Brooke, what has happened since we've been gone?" Nathan rested against the counter on his elbows.

"Quite a lot actually. My mom is staying in town for a while, she tells me that Sean Hamer is dead, and Lucas discovers yesterday that Sean Hamer wasn't the guy who attacked me. He's still out there and I am turning into a psycho who probably needs to be put in one of those padded rooms." I started rambling and my leg started bouncing again.

Haley rested her hand on my leg; my leg did not stop bouncing.

Their minds were blown and they were trying to register everything. I looked over at Haley and I knew she was going to hate me when I say this next part.

"Nathan, there is something you need to know." I looked back over at Haley and she knew what I was going to say. She shook her head.

Nathan saw the look exchanged between us.

"What is going on?" He tensed and sat up with his arms crossed over his chest.

"Brooke—"

"Haley was confronted by my attacker some time before it happened. He threatened your family if Haley didn't give him access to me. She did and Nathan, you just needed to know especially since he's still out there." I gripped my hand tighter around Haley's.

It needed to be said and I was tired of lies and secrets being withheld. We were all going to be a part of this together.

"Haley!" Nathan yelled in horror and frustration.

He hurried over to her and placed his hands on opposite sides of her face. Tears began to form behind her eyes as Nathan's eyes were filled with rage and anger, not towards her, but towards the fact that someone threatened his beautiful wife and his family. He caressed her neck where he believed the knife had rested against her skin. I really wanted the comfort of Lucas right now, we just got that back, and I missed him terribly.

"Why did you never tell me this? Even after we all thought this person was locked up."

After realizing that Nathan was not angry with her, she rested her hands on his arms that still clasped around her arms.

"Nathan, I was scared, and I never wanted you to worry about me and I got a cryptic note in the mail a couple of days before Brooke got back and it told me to not say a word about anything. I just panicked." Haley's sobs became louder as she finally released all her secrets.

She was pregnant and she didn't need any of this stress.

"Haley, its okay, baby, calm down. Remember you are pregnant." He rested his hand against her stomach.

Even in this horrid time, I sat here and envied their love for each other. Lucas and I were rediscovering that and I just hoped that after this nightmare passes, Lucas and I can blossom into that and have a family of our own. I didn't realize I spaced out as Haley shook my arm.

"Brooke?" Haley was wiping away her tears.

"Sorry, I guess I left a second." I squeezed her hand.

"Brooke, what are you talking about you are going crazy?" Nathan asked concerned.

"I accused Lucas of making out with one of the actresses on the movie and I have been having crazy mood swings and seeing things. I just—"

"Brooke, calm down, you have every right to feel this way. You have just learned that the person you believed was your attacker was locked behind bars has actually been walking freely on the streets." Nathan gave my arm a reassuring squeeze.

"Where is Luke?" Haley asked.

"Directors are coming in town today and I don't think his work or job should stop for me. We both agree our lives should not be on hold because of this. I mean we've been doing it this long." I let out a bitter laugh.

I know that I encouraged Lucas to carry on with his day as I knew that I would be safe with Nathan and Haley, I just really wanted to be with Lucas.

"That makes sense. You don't need to let this perv take control of your life." His hand was still on my arm and this was one of the many reasons why I love Nathan Scott.

It seemed that Nathan and I were close and not so close at the same time. I guess growing up in the same boat has always kept us connected.

"But that's just it, I feel like he is controlling my life. It scares me."

"Brooke, you are one of the strongest people I know. You have been doing so well and you have been so strong. Don't let this control you now." Haley said to me.

I really don't know what I would have done if I didn't have them in my life. I was just so relieved that I came back to Tree Hill when I did. If I were still in New York, I would definitely be in a mental institution or worse…

We were interrupted by Jaime and Quinn. They had quite a few pints of ice cream from the local ice cream shoppe.

"Aunt Brooke, I got your favorite." Jaime shyly handed me the pint. I closed my eyes and opened the lid.

Sure enough it was my favorite: coffee mocha with a gummy bears.

"Kid, you know me too well." I reached down and pecked him on the lips. He blushed and ran to grab spoons.

We decided to leave the subject of my attacker alone. I wasn't lying when I said I wanted to spend the whole day with Jaime. His innocence was a breath of fresh air. We played games on the Wii at the house. Nathan took us to the River Court as Jaime could not stop talking about going there. We had a great day and during that time I didn't even think about my situation.

Once we got back to the house, it was time for Jaime to take a nap. He has been wired since 8 am this morning. I reassured Nathan and Haley that I was okay and that I would be fine to leave. I decided to go to Tric instead of going home by myself.

Once I got to there, I saw Lucas talking to a guy who was all over the place. His hands were flying in every direction and he was using them to express his vision. I looked over at Lucas and even though he thought it was completely absurd at what this man was saying, he was intrigued by him as well. I grinned at myself.

"You're glowing."

I jumped a little and turned to see Julian standing next to me.

"What?"

"Something is different about you." The way he was looking at me, I couldn't read it, but he was definitely studying me.

"Yeah and?" I sort of got snappy with him but he just grinned.

"It's a compliment, Brooke."

I felt kind of bad. He called a truce the other day and I am all about putting things in the past. I haven't had anything else to make me believe or see that he was being vindictive.

"Thanks." I said quietly. I turned back to Lucas.

"I think he likes him. I think we've found our director." Julian crossed his arms.

Before I even knew what I was saying, I just asked him.

"How's your mom?"

There was silence between us for a moment. I don't know where that came from…but I felt like I was heading in that direction.

"She's fine. Why are you asking me about my mom?" He turned towards me and his body language I couldn't read.

"I guess because I feel like I am going crazy."

Something in him twitched. He cautiously placed his hand on my arm.

"Brooke, if you need to talk to talk about anything. I am here. I told you that I am going to try and keep this professional and I know that you are with Lucas, but I would like to be your friend."

I didn't know what to believe in that, but I turned back to Lucas.

"Do you want anything to drink?" He asked me.

"Sure, water?" I said without looking at him.

Lucas laughed at something the director said. I smiled. Julian came back and handed me the glass of water.

I thanked Julian and walked over to Lucas. When he saw me he was shocked and excited at the same time.

"What are you doing here? I thought I told you take it easy today and stay away from here." He kissed me lightly on the lips and began drawing circles on my lower back.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, now this isn't Peyton Sawyer…let me guess…Brooke Davis." The quirky man who reeked of whiskey held his hand out to me and then looked back at Lucas and winked.

"Brooke, yes, and you?" I shook his hand and he winked again at Lucas.

"Lucas Scott, you devil, are you just going to take turns between them? On and off every few years?" He nudged Lucas in the arm as he said it.

Lucas and I both were not amused by his comment.

"Dixon, seriously. Brooke is the one and only. Period."

"Aren't we making a movie right now about the one and only Peyton?" The man Lucas called Dixon said with hand gestures.

I felt my heart pounding and my fingers tighten around the glass in my hand.

"I didn't catch your name." I said sharply. Lucas tightened his grip around my back.

"Reese Dixon, I am looking forward to working on this project." He took my free hand and kissed it.

I quickly jerked it away from his grasp.

"So you've already picked a director?" I asked turning my attention to Lucas.

"We actually are considering him over the others we have come in contact with." Lucas said as he ran his hand through his hair.

Reese Dixon gave Lucas a look, crossed his arms over his chest, and raised an eyebrow.

"I like you, Lucas, I do, but you do realize that it will be Julian's decision with little input from you." Dixon shook his head and walked away towards Julian.

I gave Dixon a scowl and Lucas wrapped his other arm around me and made me face him.

"Dick." I said.

"Pretty girl, I have missed you all day, but I thought you were going to hang out with Haley, Nathan and Jaime until I got home from work."

"You trying to keep me away from here so you can flirt with your other girlfriends?" I don't know why I said it, but I can make a joke. It didn't seem like he found it funny.

"Brooke, you know you're the only one for me." He smiled gracefully and if it was even possible, I do believe I fell in love with him all over again.

"You may be the only one for me." I joked as I crept up on my tip toes and pulled his lips to mine.

I only meant for this kiss to be gentle and sweet, but after the amazing night I spent with him and being away from him all day today, I couldn't help but intensify the kiss. I tightened my arms around his neck bringing his whole body flush against mine. My tongue found the inside of his mouth and his danced with mine. I let my right hand creep down to his butt and I gave it an appreciated squeeze. He quickly pulled back from me.

"Brooke, we have an audience." He blushed slightly as I began to look around the room and see people watching us.

I caught sight of Dixon and Julian. Dixon was nodding and winking at me as Julian just watched with a hint of sadness, jealousy, and disappointment. I pulled back from Lucas and brought my attention back to him.

"Let's get out of here so I can really show you just how much I've missed you today." I said as I kissed him again teasingly.

"Yes mam, but I have to give something to Brittany real quick. It's something I tweaked just a little with one of the scenes." He winked at me, kissed me, and walked away.

I watched him carefully as he made his way to Brittany. She was wearing the outfit I wore the night I brought Lucas my box of letters. Anger started to build within me.

I watched as Lucas handed her the script, she flipped through it and then stood beside him as she held up the script and pointed to something. Her body became very close to his and I had to sit the glass down on the table.

She said something and Lucas laughed. He took the script from her hands and he started saying something to her. As he was talking to her and looking at the script, she looked towards me and the look she gave me. It was evil. Pure evil. My blood began to boil in my skin. Lucas was looking down at the script and with her eyes still on me; she placed her hand on Lucas's arm.

I stormed my way over to them. I snatched her hand from his arm.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?" I snapped at her.

She jumped back in fear and Lucas placed his hand on my arm.

"Brooke, whoa."

"I saw that look you were giving me, you stupid bitch." I scolded her.

She just looked at me like she had no idea what I was talking about.

"Brooke, what did I do? We were just talking." She began to shake and cower down.

I went towards her, but Luke grabbed me.

"Brooke, babe, what the hell?" When his hands touched my face, concern etched across his face.

"Brooke, you're burning up." He pulled me into his arms.

I pushed away from him.

"Lucas, I am fine! This bitch is lying. She looked at me with mocking eyes and purposely put her hand on your arm to get me angry."

Lucas pulled me closer in his arms. Brittany was looking at me with those eyes again.

"Look Luke!" I pointed.

When he looked back at her, he shook his head at me. I couldn't believe this, why wasn't he seeing what I was seeing?

"Brooke, let's just leave, babe okay?" He placed his hands on opposite sides of my face and the look of fear was in his eyes.

I looked back at Brittany and she rolled her eyes at me. Why was she being that way? Why was she taunting me? I had to walk away. I grabbed my stuff and ran out of the building.

Lucas was close behind me and he ran out in front of me.

"Stop Brooke! Please!" He placed his hands on opposite sides of my arms and held me.

"God, Brooke, you are burning up again. That's it; I am taking you to the hospital." He started leading me to his car and I pulled away.

"No!" I pulled back from him.

"I don't want to go to the hospital! I just want to be with you, Lucas, I just want you to hold me and I want you to protect me, and I just want you to love me." I started crying. My emotions were on overload and I started to notice that I was slowly losing my composure and my strength.

I was becoming so weak and I couldn't control it.

The look of sadness and fear was etched across Lucas's face. He pulled me into his arms.

"Okay, okay." He whispered in my hair.

I wrapped my arms around him tightly and I never wanted to let go. Was this real? Was I somehow crossing my nightmares and dreams into my reality? What is wrong with me?

"Let's go home." He pulled my hand to his lips and kissed it gently.

I nodded and enclosed myself in his arms.

"We need to turn it up a notch without her thinking I am manipulating her." He threw his bag onto the bed and started undressing himself.

"Well that's what you're doing, what difference does it make? Your goal is to drive her crazy, right?" The dark haired girl sat beside him on the bed and began to undress herself as well.

"No, I want to gain her complete trust and then tear her down. She deserves everything she gets coming to her. I am still upset with myself that I didn't get a chance to finish the job when I had the chance."

The girl beside him shivered a little.

"What did you do?" She asked him as she slithered her arm around his back.

"It doesn't matter. Brooke Davis is a selfish bitch who never did anything for anybody but herself." He tossed his shoes across the room replaying the memory in his mind.

"Julian, baby, I'll help you, and I don't like seeing you be this upset over someone like her. She's not even that pretty."

Julian with his eyes still closed turned to face the girl. When he opened them, instead of seeing the face of the girl beside him, he saw Brooke Davis instead.

"Just shut up and get on the bed." He pushed her on the bed and climbed on top of her.

He pinned her hands behind her head and held them there as he began to violate her and she held her wicked grin as she enjoyed the way he roughed up their sex. She loved being dominated by him and found herself falling in love with him.

As he started getting close to his climax, she was able to get one of her hands free and she placed it on his face forcing his eyes to snap open and lock with hers.

"Oh God, Julian, I love you!" She said as he growled at her and released his pleasure within her and she soon after released hers as well.

Brittany finally fell asleep and Julian looked over at her and he couldn't believe she said those words to him. He didn't know what to think. He only coaxed her into being a part of this as a job and now she was in love with him? Something that started to bother him was did he feel the same? Of course she resembled Brooke in appearance, but could that be the only reason why he felt those feelings for her?

Julian closed his eyes and took in a deep breath.

"Brooke, I will get you to trust me. I just need to figure out how." He rubbed his hand across the scruff of his chin. Then his sly grin appeared on his face as the answer came to him.

I am evil I know...up next: What is it that Julian is grinning about that will get Brooke Davis to see him differently? Stay tuned!