A/N: Here's another update right before the new episode of OTH. Still haven't gotten over the feeling that it's coming to an end. Anyways, hopefully everyone will enjoy this chapter, it's a flashback. Please review!
Isabel camilla Scott: Thanks for the review! This chapter is a flashback, way back to the summer before high school.
gossipgirlfan01: Thanks for the review! I'm glad you enjoyed the last chapter. The black box in his bag is indeed THE ring, but when will he propose? It will happen in Ch. 39. Until then, here's a flashback of the Tree Hill gang the summer before high school. Hope you enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not the characters, just the storyline.
"People who are meant to be together always find a way to each other. When life gets hard, when things change, true love remains the same."
Chapter 37 – Enchanted
Flashback to summer before high school…
~BDBDBDBDBD~
"B. Davis, another party?"
Peyton flopped down on her bed, exhausted from chasing her best friend around the mall all day.
Brooke skipped into the room, smiling as she sat her shopping bags on the floor.
"C'mon P. Sawyer, it's the last day of summer and the last day before we're in high school. Plus it's a Courtney Ryan party and you know how those go."
Brooke put her pout on and Peyton couldn't resist.
"Brooke, you've never even been to Courtney Ryan party."
"So, I've heard about them."
"Alright, fine. Only because it's a Courtney Ryan party."
Brooke clapped her hands as she dug through her bags.
"Okay, here's what you're going to wear."
Brooke shoved a black tube top and a mini skirt into Peyton's hands.
"Brooke, really? This is slutty."
Brooke stuck out her tongue and continued to search through her bags. Then she gasped and ran into Peyton's closest.
"Here, you can wear this with it."
Brooke came back out with a vintage black leather jacket.
"Isn't that…"
"Your mom's? Yes, it is and it would go great with your outfit since you're totally digging the whole 'I'm Emo' look."
Peyton held the jacket uncertainly, and Brooke noticed her hesitation.
"Don't worry; she would have wanted you to wear it."
Peyton looked at Brooke and smiled.
"Okay, what are you going to wear?"
Brooke gave Peyton a devious grin, showing off her dimples. Peyton rolled her eyes as she watched Brooke pulled out a red mini dress.
"Wow, Brooke. If that dress wasn't any shorter, you could see your-"
"No need for your criticism Grumpy, just get dressed and look hot. There's going to be sophomores at this party."
Peyton gave her a look, which Brooke gave right back. Peyton pulled on the top, then the mini skirt. It was the shortest one she's ever worn. She desperately tried to pull it further down her long, skinny legs, but it wouldn't budge. She just shrugged her shoulders and pulled on the leather jacket. She looked at herself in the mirror.
I don't even know who I am anymore.
She pulled the jacket closer to her, trying to remember all the good times she had with her mother. She ran a brush through her shoulder length, blonde, curly-as-ever hair. She opened the door to see Brooke standing in front of the mirror, putting on fresh lipstick.
Brooke turned around to see Peyton standing in the doorway of her bathroom.
"Peyton Sawyer, you look hot!"
Peyton shyly smiled as she stood next to Brooke in front of the mirror.
"You ready to go have fun?"
Peyton mocked her by smiling exuberantly.
"Yeah, Brooke, let's go get wasted!"
Brooke rolled her eyes at her dark friend.
"That's the spirit."
They walked down Peyton's street, heading in the direction of Courtney's house. It was 7:25pm and it was pitch dark except for the street lamps at every corner. They walked fast, trying to get to the party.
They turned around the last corner, and could hear the music at the end of the street.
"Peyton look!"
Courtney's house came into view, lights lit up everywhere. There were too many people to count there. Brooke and Peyton walked arm and arm up the driveway and to the front door.
Brooke knocked and a blonde girl, around the age of fifteen, opened the door. She had a red cup in her hand and a dazed look over her face.
"Hey, Brooke! I'm g-glad you c-could make it. C-come in."
Brooke smiled as a tipsy Courtney opened the door for them and led them inside.
"Okay, the keg's out back. Dancing's in the living room. Game's down in the basement. Food in the k-kitchen and people everywhere."
Brooke smiled as Courtney was called off by her friends. Brooke and Peyton walked around, trying to find any of their friends. Theresa was already outside doing a kegstand. Peyton laughed as some guys had to catch her before she fell.
"Peyt, please don't let me get like that."
"Sure, Brookie."
They smiled as they grabbed a drink and went into the kitchen. They recognized some of their classmates, but most of people were in lowerclassmen in high school. They talked to some girls and then wandered downstairs.
They both regretted it because it was Make out Central down there.
"Okay, I'm not drunk enough to do that yet."
Peyton rolled her eyes as Brooke led to the living room to dance. They caught guys' attention as they danced together.
There I was again tonight, forcing laughter, faking smiles
Same old, tired place lonely place
Brooke looked over, knowing that she had everyone's attention on her. Then, her green eyes connected with a pair of dark, ocean blue eyes.
Who is that?
Walls of insincerity, shifting eyes and vacancy
Vanished when I saw your face
Brooke turned, but when she looked back, the boy was gone. He held her interest for the rest of the night, but she never seemed to find him. She went outside for another drink.
All I can say is it was enchanting to meet you
~LSLSLSLSLS~
"Hales, what are we doing here?"
She looked back to see a regretful Lucas behind her as she walked up the driveway.
"My mom said that I had to find Quinn and Taylor."
Lucas groaned as Haley led him through the front door. They didn't know anyone there except for a few of their classmates. People gave them a weird look, and they knew they didn't belong there.
"Haley, can we just go?"
"No, Luke, I have to find Quinn and Taylor."
Lucas rolled his eyes as he followed Haley into the kitchen. She looked around, but couldn't find either of her older sisters.
Lucas grabbed some chips as he waited for Haley to come back. He heard cheering coming from the living room and decided to check it out.
He found a circle grouped around two girls. One was tall and lanky, blonde curly hair falling to her shoulders.
Peyton
Lucas nervously swallowed the rest of his chips as he watched the girl of his dreams dance. He had been crushing on her for the past year, but she didn't know him and he didn't belong in her circle. He watched as she danced with her friend, both laughing and enjoying themselves. Her friend was beautiful, this Lucas could tell. Her dark brown hair fell past her shoulders, and her green eyes sparkled despite the dim lighting. He took another breath as he took in the rest of her features. His eyes traveled further down-
"Lucas!"
Lucas snapped himself out of his reverie as he heard Haley calling for him. He reluctantly tore his eyes away from the two girls to head back to the kitchen.
"I found Quinn outside with her friends, but I can't find Taylor."
"Did you look upstairs?"
Haley rolled her eyes.
"Of course, she's probably upstairs with some jock."
She turned around, but Lucas remained rooted to the spot.
"Aren't you coming?"
"I'm not really in the mood to find your sister making out with some guy."
"Neither am I, but life's a bitch. C'mon."
He groaned as she dragged him upstairs. They looked in every bedroom, finally finding Taylor in the bathroom.
"Taylor."
"Haley, what are you doing here?"
"Mom wants you to come home."
Taylor flicked her hair over her shoulders and strutted past Haley and down the stairs.
"Well, tell her I just got here."
"Taylor!"
"Haley, stop being a party pooper. Go home!"
Taylor stalked away, leaving Haley fuming.
"Maybe we should just go."
Haley looked up at her best friend and sighed.
"I guess. She's not my problem."
Lucas smiled as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders and led her out. He turned around to look for Peyton for one last time, but couldn't find her.
~NSNSNSNSNS~
"Nate! Nate! Nate!"
Nathan gulped the last of the cup and slammed it down on the table. He clapped hands with Tim.
"You owe me ten bucks."
Vegas groaned as he didn't finish his beer. He dug through his jeans and came up with the wad of cash. Nathan smirked as he took the money out of his hands and went to look for another drink.
"Nate, come dance with me."
Nathan didn't really have a choice as Courtney pulled him away. She led him to the dance floor, where she immediately started grinding up against him. He closed his eyes at the pleasure, but then felt something on the back of his neck. He got the feeling that someone was watching him and opened them. Dancing to his right was a brunette with her dazzling green eyes on him.
Your eyes whispered, "Have we met?" across the room, your silhouette
Starts to make its way to me
Brooke
He continued to hold her stare, Courtney still dancing. He wanted to walk over to Brooke and start dancing with her. Then he remembered the pleasure Courtney was giving him and his eyes tore away from Brooke's. He grinned as pulled Courtney closer to him, alcohol affecting his brain.
The playful conversation starts, counter all your quick remarks
Like passing notes in secrecy
He danced for a few more songs with Courtney, and then wandered off to get another drink. He walked outside, reveling in the cool summer air, giving him a breather. He sipped at the beer in his hand, thinking about the previous events of that day.
"Nathan, what are you doing? You only scored twenty-eight points. That doesn't look good for Whitey."
Dan slapped his son across the face after the junior league championship game. Nathan's ego shrunk before the might of his father. He fell to the ground, his dignity hurting worse than his cheek.
"Get out of my sight. You disgust me."
Nathan struggled to get up from the glare his father was giving him. Nathan ran upstairs, and locked himself in his room. The tears gathered in his eyes, but he wouldn't let them fall. He didn't want to feel weak. He wouldn't. He wiped at his eyes and changed into jeans and a polo shirt. He grabbed the invitation out of his drawer and headed down the stairs. He slammed the door behind him as he walked down the street towards the party, planning on getting wasted so no on could notice his pain.
Nathan shook his head and took another swig of beer. He took another gulp and then threw the can away. He walked back inside; looking for Tim. he was trying to impress a group of girls, but was failing miserably. Nathan chuckled as he walked past and headed down into the basement. He smiled as he saw a few of his friends playing Spin-the-Bottle.
"Yo, Nate!"
One of his team mates called him over and he sat down on the couch beside him.
"Alright, you spin."
Nathan spun the bottle and waited for it to stop. It landed on Courtney. She smiled as she led him into the closet for Seven Minutes in Heaven. They made out heavily, Courtney even let him feel her, but it didn't go farther. They walked back out, Nathan with his infamous smirk on his face and Courtney blushing. He high fived a guy as he sat back down.
He noticed the circle had gotten bigger. Two more guys had joined, along with three girls. One of them was Brooke. Nathan gave her a smile, which she returned with her dimples.
And it was enchanting to meet you
All I can say is I was enchanted to meet you
God, those dimples.
He tore himself away from Brooke as he watched the bottle spin. Two more people went into the closet. He waited as them gave back out, sneaking glances at Brooke, and her friend Peyton. He couldn't help himself, Brooke was hot.
This night is sparkling, don't you let it go
I'm wonder-struck, blushing all the way home
Finally, it was Brooke's turn. Nathan prayed to the gods that the bottle would land on him, but fate wasn't working in his favor. It landed on the guy next to him. He felt a surge of jealousy as the guy held Brooke's hand and led her into the closet.
I'll spend forever wondering if you knew
I was enchanted to meet you
It felt like the longest seven minutes of his life as he waited for Brooke to come back out. The guy walked out first, arrogant smirk on his face.
Is that what I looked like?
Nathan then watched as Brooke walked out second. She put on a smile, but Nathan could tell she wasn't in to it.
He better not have hurt her.
He watched her carefully as she sat back down next to Peyton. He continued to glance her way, trying to read her. She looked like she was having fun, but he could tell underneath it all, she wasn't okay.
It was Nathan's turn again, and as he spun the bottle, his eyes landed on Brooke's. He gave her a small smile as he waited for the bottle to stop.
It's just not my night.
Nathan stood up as Theresa led him to the closet. They made out, but Nathan wasn't feeling into it. They walked back out, Theresa gushing. Nathan's eyes caught Brooke's. His heart sank as he caught the flash of pain that went through hers.
The lingering question kept me up, 2 a.m., who do you love?
I wonder 'til I'm wide awake
He walked away, not wanting to play anymore. He grabbed a drink and went back outside. He sat on the deck railing, watching people running around and chasing each other.
"Is this seat taken?"
Nathan looked up to see Peyton standing beside him. He shrugged as she sat down.
"You're Peyton, right?"
"The one and only."
Nathan nodded as he took another gulp of his beer. It was awkward to say the least. Nathan didn't know Peyton very well.
"So, this is fun."
Peyton nervously laughed as she played with her hands.
"How've you been?"
Peyton looked at Nathan in confusion.
"I heard about your mom."
Peyton nodded as she looked out over the backyard.
"You know, just putting on a show for everyone."
"That really sucks what happened, Peyton. I'm sorry."
"Thanks."
The awkward silence had returned.
"Brooke helped me a lot."
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Nathan perk up at the mention of Brooke's name.
"That's good that you had a friend through all of that. I wish I did."
"What do you mean?"
"It's nothing."
Peyton nodded. She didn't really know Nathan, so she didn't want to push him. Nathan looked down at his cup, it was empty.
"I'm gonna go grab around beer, you want something?"
"Sure, I'll come with you."
~BDBDBDBDBD~
Brooke laughed as she exited the closet for the fourth time, this time coming out with Vegas. He had forced his tongue down her throat, and she tried to let it go, but she couldn't. She looked around for Peyton, but she couldn't find her.
Brooke walked outside for another drink. She looked up at the deck at the sound of laughter. There was Peyton, sitting casually with Nathan. Brooke frowned as she watched her best friend talk with the boy that she was currently thinking about.
Brooke had noticed the way Nathan looked at her when she joined the game. After she came out, he gave her that same intense look, like he knew how she was really feeling. She knew she wasn't having fun, she was just lonely.
She watched for another minute until Nathan got up and Peyton followed him. She decided to follow them. They stopped at the keg, where Nathan grabbed a drink for Peyton and himself. She decided to confront them.
She tapped Peyton's shoulder.
"Hey best friend."
Peyton smiled as Nathan turned around at the sound of Brooke's voice.
"Hey, ."
Nathan looked at Brooke, and she felt butterflies in her stomach.
"Hey, Nate."
"Brooke Davis, it's good to see you."
He gave her a hug, and she closed her eyes at being so close to him.
"You too, hot shot."
It slipped out, but Nathan smiled at the nickname. She nervously looked at him while she waited for his answer.
"I like that."
Brooke smiled back, showing off her dimples.
"So, what have you been up to P. Sawyer?"
"Oh, I was just hanging out with Nathan."
Brooke nodded, trying to keep her jealousy to a minimum.
"Is it okay if I borrow you for awhile?"
"Sure, see ya later, Nate. Thanks for the talk."
"Anytime."
Brooke led Peyton away, arm in arm. She looked back to see Nathan watching her.
"What was that about? Are you crushing on Nathan Scott?"
Peyton slapped Brooke's shoulder.
"No! We were just talking."
Brooke gave her a look.
"We were!"
"Okay, P. Sawyer, whatever you say. I saw the look between you two. Give it two months, and you two will be hooking up."
Peyton rolled her eyes at her best friend. Brooke tried to hide her pain away from her best friend, and it was working. She wished she was in Peyton's position.
~NSNSNSNSNS~
Nathan watched as the beautiful brunette walked away from him. He shook his head as he went to go find Tim. On his way, he passed some girls. They smiled at him, and of course he smiled back. One caught his eyes; a dirty blonde who he was sure was a junior. He gave her a small nod and she winked back. She looked like a handful.
Hours passed, and Nathan didn't even notice. It was going on two o'clock, yet he hadn't seen Brooke again. He figured she must have left, but he ran into her in the kitchen.
"Davis, how's it going?"
She jumped at the sound of her name.
"Nathan, you scared me."
She was leaning against the counter, mixing some drink. Nathan stood close to her, he couldn't help it. He was inches away from her plump lips.
Now I'm pacing back and forth, wishing you were at my door
I'd open up and you would say
"Sorry, didn't mean to."
It was enchanting to meet you
All I know is I was enchanted to meet you
He was struggling to breathe around Brooke; he didn't know what was going on. He could tell she noticed the tension between them too.
This night is sparkling, don't you let it go
I'm wonder-struck, blushing all the way home
I'll spend forever wondering if you knew
"What are you making?"
"Sex on the Beach."
Nathan almost choked on his beer and Brooke giggled.
"Sounds delicious."
"Oh it is."
Her green eyes were sparkling and teasing him. He took a gulp of beer, confidence surging back through him. He smirked as he started to rub her arm. Every time he touched her skin, he could feel heat underneath his fingertips. Brooke gasped at his touch. She looked up into his eyes, hypnotized.
This night is flawless, don't you let it go
I'm wonder-struck, dancing around all alone
"Can I have some?"
"Have some what?"
Brooke shook her head.
Damn it, he's good.
"Some Sex."
I'll spend forever wondering if you knew
I was enchanted to meet you
She raised her eyebrows at the double meaning of his words. His eyes were begging her to say yes, but she wouldn't give in that easily. She stood up on her tip toes to whisper in his ear.
This is me praying that
"Maybe later."
She smirked as she walked off, drink in hand and leaving a stunned Nathan.
That's never happened before. No one's turned me down.
Nathan felt frustrated that Brooke had said no, he was so sure she would say yes. He finished his drink, and went to find a girl who would say yes.
This was the very first page, not where the storyline ends
My thoughts will echo your name until I see you again
He felt someone tap his shoulder and turned around.
These are the words I held back as I was leaving too soon
I was enchanted to meet you
"Br-"
He stopped halfway through her name. It wasn't Brooke standing behind him, but the dirty blonde who had caught his attention earlier.
"Taylor."
She held her hand out for him to shake. He smirked down at her as he shook it.
"Nathan."
"I know that. Why do you think I'm talking to you right now?"
Their hands were still connected and Nathan looked down at them.
"You wanna go upstairs?"
He could tell Taylor was surprised at his forwardness, but at this point, he couldn't care less. His ego couldn't take any more hits.
"Sure."
She led him up the stairs, and he looked down at the people below him. His eyes met with green ones filled with sadness. He stopped halfway up, and looked down at Brooke, but she just shook her head and stalked off. He shrugged his shoulders as he followed Taylor into the bedroom where they had sex, the first time for Nathan.
Nathan pulled on his boxers afterwards while Taylor pulled on her dress.
"That was your first time, wasn't it?"
Nathan sheepishly grinned at Taylor.
"It's okay. I'll be too hung over tomorrow to remember."
He smirked as he pulled on his jeans and shirt.
"I'm not really sure how this works."
Taylor laughed at his inexperience. She walked up to him.
"This was just a one time thing, I just need a good fuck, and you were it. See you later, Nate."
She gave him a kiss on the cheek and walked out the bedroom. Nathan soon followed. He walked downstairs, ready to leave. He was about to leave when he saw Brooke heading for the front door with Peyton in tow. She looked up at him, and could tell what happened.
Please don't be in love with someone else
Please don't have somebody waiting on you
"Brooke-"
His yell was drowned out by the loud music, but he didn't need to say anything. The hurt on her face and in her eyes was evident. She stopped in her tracks as realization hit her. She shed a single tear, but wiped it away quickly. She then surprised him by grabbing the guy closest to her and shoved her tongue into his mouth. He didn't stop her and when she pulled away, she looked at him for a reaction.
Please don't be in love with someone else
Please don't have somebody waiting on you
So that's how it's going to be?
She looked satisfied with herself, and he knew it was his fault. He shook his head as he walked out the front door. He walked down the street towards his house, but then remembered what happened. He turned around and headed for the River Court.
He sat on the picnic table and watched river boats pass by, then he heard heels clicking on the pavement. He didn't need to turn around to know who it was.
This night is sparkling, don't you let it go
I'm wonder-struck, blushing all the way home
I'll spend forever wondering if you knew
"What do you want Brooke?"
This night is flawless, don't you let it go
I'm wonder-struck, dancing around all alone
She didn't reply and Nathan turned around. The look on her face made Nathan feel like a piece of shit.
I'll spend forever wondering if you knew
I was enchanted to meet you
"Do you remember that conversation we had here two months ago?"
Nathan's heart fell as he remembered.
"So, how is Kyle?"
Nathan was shooting around as Brooke watched him. School had just ended, but all Nathan wanted to do was play basketball. Brooke accompanied him to the River Court.
"He's good."
Nathan looked over at Brooke, knowing she was holding something back.
"Just good?"
He walked over to her and sat down beside her.
"No, it's not good. He's trying so hard not to pressure me, but he can't help it, he's a guy. And you know… I haven't…"
Nathan nodded his head understandingly.
"Well, if you're not ready, then just tell him that. If he really cares about you, he'll understand. If not, dump his ass."
Brooke giggled and Nathan wrapped an arm around her.
"It's not that I'm not ready, because I think I am, it's just… I want it to be with someone I love and trust."
"And do you love him?"
Brooke hesitated as she looked up into her best friend's eyes.
"I'm… not sure."
Nathan looked back her, something stirring inside of him. He leaned closer towards her. He was inches away from her lips before she pulled back.
"Nate…"
"Sorry."
There was a silence between the friends.
"I just want it to be with someone I trust, you know?"
"Do you trust me, Davis?"
Brooke looked up at him, astonished.
"Of course, you're my best friend."
"Good, just making sure you knew."
There was a pause in the conversation as Brooke came to a realization.
"Sex is just sex right? It doesn't have to mean anything."
"Only if you want it to."
"And I trust you, Nate. You're my best friend, well besides Peyton."
"Where is this going?"
Brooke shyly looked at Nathan as he figured out what she wanted.
"Please, Nate. I trust you and I just wanna get it over with."
"I don't know Brooke, won't it change our friendship?"
"Only if we want it to."
Nathan didn't know what to do. On one hand, Brooke was hot and he would be stupid to resist her. On the other hand, Brooke was his best friend and he didn't want to lose that.
"Are you sure?"
Brooke nodded her head.
"Why don't you sort out your feelings with Kyle first and then maybe after the summer…"
"So is it a yes?"
"It's a maybe."
Brooke squealed as she hugged Nathan and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
"I want you to be my first Nathan. I trust you with my heart."
"You were supposed to be my first, Nate."
Nate stood up and walked closer to Brooke, but she back away.
"Brooke…"
"No, I saw you with that skank. You fucked her."
"Brooke, it wasn't like that."
"I trusted you with my heart Nathan."
"And you still can."
"I don't know Natey, it hurts too much."
She turned to walk away, and Nathan grabbed her by the arm.
"Brooke, we're still friends, right?"
"I don't think we can be, hot shot. Not after this."
Tears in her eyes, she walked away from him and their friendship. Nathan regretted losing his virginity to Taylor, even after he found out she was Haley's sister. Oddly, it hurt worst knowing that he betrayed Brooke's trust and heart.
Please don't be in love with someone else
Please don't have somebody waiting on you
A/N: Whew, that was a long chapter and somewhat sad chapter, but it's okay because it was in the past and now Brooke and Nathan are together. Lyrics were to 'Enchanted' by Taylor Swift. Only three chapters left. Please review!