Ashes and Regret
Chapter 4
I feel doomed in hotel rooms
Staring straight up at the walls.
Counting wounds and i'm trying to numb them all.
I was there when no one was.
I gave you all of me
My blood. Sweat. And tears.
Now you're gone and i'm here.
Lucas pushed aside his empty breakfast plate and empty cup.
He moved to the couch. Turned on the laptop. Smiling at his home screen image. A picture of him and Brooke from high school popped up. He loved this picture. It said so much without showing off anything.
He clicked on video chat screen. Taking turns as he spoke to each of his kids. This was the highlight of his day. Being away was always a struggle for him. He hated missing things. Once he was an update on everything currently going on and their plans for the days going forward.
Lucas clutched the laptop tightly.
"Once P is asleep and the boys are off to spent the night with their friends. I'm getting a glass of wine and a bubble bath. These past few days have been an didn't call to hear me complain. So what are you up too.?" Brooke asked.
The expression on Lucas's face softened. "I want to know how you're holding up. I appreciate you being so honest with me."
"I'm sorry about leaving so soon. It wasn't planned." He replied.
"You could of stayed home. I have savings. There is no need for you to work this much." Brooke announced.
"Savings are meant for unexpected emergencies. Not because i don't want to work when i'm fully capable of doing so." Lucas replied.
"Didn't we get married so you could enjoy the benefits of being married to a Davis." Brooke proclaimed.
"No i didn't marry you for you're money. I pushed to get married because you got pregnant. If you hadn't been pregnant we wouldn't of gotten married at all." Lucas admitted.
Brooke's eyes went wide as she closed the video chat window.
Lucas turned off his computer. Knowing he went too far.
...
Brooke pressed hard on the cash register. As she finished a sale with her last customer before her lunch break.
"If it isn't B Davis Scot. I figured you needed a break and thought why not pick you up so we could get some lunch." Peyton requested.
"Sounds great Peyton." Brooke replied. Getting out from under register and linking arms with her best friend as they made their way out of the clothing store.
...
BackWoods BBQ Bar
"As amazing as this food is. And the live music. I know you alot better then that little brother. We have lunch together at least once a week but there is more to it then that. So just tell me." Lucas insisted.
The brothers were seated outside besides each other.
"Haley and I's wedding anniversary is coming up. This year she wants to do a simple adult only get together. We'll provide the food and drinks. All you have to do is show up." Nathan explained.
"I am never not in favor of celebrating the two of you. Of course i'll be there." Lucas replied.
"Great. And Brooke already RSVP'd. So she'll be there. Haley and I just don't want to make either of you uncomfortable." Nathan admitted.
"You and Hales have nothing to worry about. Or be concerned over. That day is about the both of you. Brooke and I are adults we can handle ourselves in a polite way no matter how weird it may be between us at the moment." Lucas said.
...
The Escape
"I've had a double cheeseburger and fries. With a milkshake. I thought the comfort food would loosen you up. You've been obviously distracted lately. So spill it." Peyton said.
Brooke finished her Blt and took a long sip of iced tea then looked to Peyton.
"It's been two years. I shouldn't be missing him and the life we had so much. We fell apart and lost each other. I need to stop living in the past." Brooke admitted.
"When Jake left town and I finally got see him again and be reunited with Jenny. I felt whole again. I had been walking around with my heart torn in pieces. Until i stopped denying what i truly wanted and was honest with Jake about how i felt. I proposed to him and he accepted. Love doesn't make under normal circumstances."
"At some point you and Lucas need to figure out what you want and what you need to do to get it. So the both of you can be happy and fufilled." Peyton replied.
...