Hometown Ties
Chapter 12
Author's Note : My readers i thank you for the endless support and much needed feedback. Let me know you're thoughts as always. Review!
Peyton/Jake's Home
Peyton looked back at her best friend with a look of shock and surprise. "Why didn't you come to me.? Or come home to be supported by the friends who love you.?" She questioned.
Brooke pulled the blanket tightly around her.
"Victoria wanted to keep it out of the media. But of course i still had work responsiblities so i showed up did what was expected. And kept my head down. I have scars on my body that i cover with makeup to this day. I live in this state of being paranoid and terrified. I pressed charges of course. But the police haven't found him in order to take him into custody. And given who he is and connections he has who knows if that can ever happen."
"My marriage is ending and i'm relieved. Going through life stuck in a relationship neither person wants to be in. Is a hell of it's own making. I'm honestly drained emotionally and mentally. I'm staying in town for good. Aside from divorcing Vince that's the smartest decision i've made in a long time." Brooke admitted.
"I'm happy for you B Davis about the positive changes you're making in you're life. But this Xzavier Daniels loose end situation makes me nervous and fearful for you and that's putting it mildly. The police in town. Know about this situation right.?" Peyton asked.
"Yeah of course. The last thing i can handle is anyone else being hurt or targetted by that man because of me." Brooke replied.
...
"I have to admit i didn't expect you to reach out to me. To talk about Brooke. But knowing you as well as i do. I knew her being back would matter to you. How her presence impacts you're current state of being is for you to decide." Haley said.
"None of this makes sense. Regardless of our relationship at the time. I had a right to know. That was my baby too. I could of been a support system to her if she gave me the chance to be one. She pushed me away. I had every right to move on." Lucas replied.
"You did. I don't think. You moving on was the issue. It's who you picked to move on with that i feel may hurt her. Unless that was you're plan all along.? To get revenge on her for leaving" Haley stated.
"No it wasn't about that. I got involved with Rachel because unlike with Brooke I knew Rachel wouldn't leave me. We were company for each other at the lowest points of our lives. All these years later. There is no risk to my heart because. Rachel and I have boundaries to our shared existance."
"We're more or less. Brooke holds all the cards she broke my heart and my trust. Being in love with her allowing myself to be open and vunerable with her that way again. Can't happen. I know that now." Lucas explained.
"You don't have control or make the rules when it comes to love Luke." Haley replied.
...
Weeks Later
With the divorce papers signed for both Brooke and Vince it was now just a matter of a judge finaling it. She walked into Karen's cafe. To get breakfast but really to see Lucas.
She couldn't help watching him. Seeing for herself how at home and in his element he was. Interacting with the customers. Making the meals with pure talent and love for food and coking.
Brooke saw the drive and passion. She recognized it because it was the same way she felt and went after her fashion line and designing.
"What can i get for you.?" Lucas asked. Pad of paper and pen in hand.
"Chef's choice. I was wondering if you had some free time later today. I was holding out that maybe we could talk.?" Brooke asked.
"English muffin sandwhiches. Are the special for the day. Unless that's too low brow for you. I have yogurt and fruit. If that's what you would prefer.? My schedule is full for the rest of the week." Lucas asked.
"Those sandwhiches sound delicious. So you have the weekend free then.? I'll come to you if you don't want to come to me." Brooke said.
"Brooke. I don't want to do this anymore. The push and pull. Trying to create a present relationship with the past is painful and un needed. You're Brooke. I'm Lucas. We are who we are. Let's just let each other go." Lucas stated.
"No! I don't want that!" Brooke replied.
"It's not up to you." Lucas replied. Turning from her. As he made his way towards the other customers.
...