Crying in the Rain…
This is an AU story about Brooke and Peyton. Everything up to the end of season 6 happened except Julian and Brooke didn't get back together. This story takes place 5 years after the end of season six. Jamie is about to turn 12 and Sawyer is 5. What happens when the Scotts return to Tree Hill and a life changing event occurs? Who will help out whom? What will happen with the friends?
Chapter 1
Peyton is sitting on the bed in an empty bedroom wearing a black dress. Her hair pulled half up. She is just staring at the wall holding her protruding stomach. The door opens and Haley walks in also wearing a black dress. She walks over and sits on the bed next to Peyton. She places her hand on Peyton's lap.
"It's time to go" she says softly.
Peyton just nods.
"Nathan and the kids are waiting by the car" Haley whispers
"Is Sawyer ready?" Peyton asks not taking her gaze from the wall
"Yes, she has on the dress Brooke made her"
"Ok" Peyton says standing up slowly
She stands up without looking at Haley and walks over to the mirror to make sure she looks ok. She straightens her hair and wipes her eyes before walking out the door. Haley just sighs and stands to follow her friend out the door. She finds Peyton standing in the living room looking at a picture of Jamie and Sawyer.
"That was taken when we came last Christmas" Haley says "Didn't I send you a copy?"
Peyton just shakes her head yes. "He looks like Lucas" she says
"He does" Haley says walking over and putting her arms around her friend.
The front door opens. "Momma?" a little voice shouts through the house.
"In here" Peyton responds
A beautiful curly haired blond rushes into the room and warps her arms around Peyton's legs. Peyton picks the little girl up and kisses her softly on the head.
"Uncle Nate says we have to leave now, momma"
"Ok, baby" Peyton says "We better go"
Peyton starts towards the door carrying Sawyer. Haley follows her. Nathan and Jamie are waiting for them. Jamie rushes over to take Sawyer from Peyton.
"Aunt Peyt, you shouldn't be carrying her. I'll take her" he says holding his arms out to his cousin. Sawyer reaches for Jamie and kisses him softly.
Peyton reaches the car and Nathan hugs her. "How are you?"
She just shakes her head and he understands. They all get into the car and ride in silence to their destination. The car stops at an all too familiar place. Nathan gets out first and helps Peyton and Haley. Peyton sighs before moving in the direction of the crowd.
Standing in the middle of the yard are all her friends, family and supportive people. None of which she is able to recognize. Sawyer rushes to her side and reaches for her hand. Peyton takes her daughter's hand and continues to walk to the crowd.
Once Peyton is visible to the group Karen rushes to hug her.
"I'm sorry I wasn't here sooner" She says with tears rushing down her face.
"You didn't know" Peyton says coldly
Peyton releases her grip on Karen and Karen's gaze drops to her side to Sawyer "Come here, sweetheart" Karen says
Sawyer goes to her grandmother and Karen picks her up. The three continue onto their destination. Nathan, Haley and Jamie join them. Skillz walks up to Nathan.
"Nate, where's Brooke?" he asks "She should be here"
"She's stuck in Paris" Nathan answers
"You'd think she'd be here"
"Don't say anything about it" Nathan says
Skillz walks back with the group while Peyton takes her spot at the front of the group. She had only been home a few days and they were only supposed to be home for a few more. Jamie begged them to come for his birthday. They weren't going to come. He didn't want to but she convinced him to return. Now look what she had done. She couldn't even look her family in the eyes. The minister walks up to her and places his hand on her arm.
"Mrs. Scott, are you ready?"
Peyton just shakes her head yes. The minister nods and walks to the casket.
"We have come together to remember before God the life of Lucas Scott, to bless this, his body, and to commend him to God's keeping. We are also here to offer sympathy and love to comfort Peyton and Sawyer, and all who mourn with a proclamation of our hope and God's promise that dying in Christ."
Peyton quickly zoned out of the service. She didn't want to believe she was standing at her husband's funeral. She didn't want to believe he was gone and she didn't want to think about what life would be like without him. She needed him and he promised he'd be there forever. Her hands rest on her stomach as she flashes back to the last few days.
Flashback
Lucas, Nathan, Sawyer and Jamie are standing on the Rivercourt. Lucas had Sawyer on his shoulders and she was laughing. Peyton is sitting on the bench sketching the scene in front of her.
"Momma" Sawyer shouts and Peyton looks up at her "Look what daddy taught me" she says proudly throwing the ball in the hoop.
"Good job, baby" Peyton shouts from the bench
"No cheerleader here" Lucas says laughing
"She's only five, Luke" Peyton says smiling at him
"She may only be five but she's my little basketball star"
Peyton just rolls her eyes at him. Lucas puts Sawyer down and runs over to Peyton kissing her passionately on the lips.
"Whoa, what was that for?" Peyton asks out of breath
"You were right." Lucas says "This was a great idea. I missed this place and the people here. Thanks for convincing me to come home" he says rubbing her belly
"You're welcome" Peyton says smiling
Lucas runs back to the court and picks Sawyer back up to play more basketball. The foursome is laughing and having a great time together. Peyton loves how happy her daughter and husband are.
As the day goes on Haley, Skillz and Mouth join the gang at the court. They laugh and reminiscing about old times. Everyone is sitting around talking while Jamie is playing basketball with Sawyer. He runs over to the bench.
"Uncle Luke" He says getting Lucas' attention
"Yeah"
"You up for a game?" Jamie asks smiling at him
"Sure!"
"Cool!" Jamie replies "You and me against dad and Uncle Skillz"
The three older men leave their spots on the bench and head to the court. Sawyer runs over to sit with her momma, aunt and uncle.
The game is going well. Nathan and Skillz are trailing behind Lucas and Jamie. Nathan was getting pissy and adding some pressure to Lucas. They were just joking around. Lucas had the ball and rushed down the court when all of a sudden he collapses to the ground. Peyton jumps up and rushes to the court. She kneels down next to her husband.
"He's not breathing!" she shouts
Haley was already dialing 911. Nathan kneels down next to Peyton.
"Move!" he shouts as he starts mouth to mouth on his brother. It seemed like it took forever for the ambulance to arrive. Mouth and Skillz took Sawyer and Jamie from the court. Peyton jumps in the ambulance with Lucas, tears rushing down her face.
The ambulance reaches the hospital and Lucas is rushed out of Peyton's sight. She falls to the floor and just sits there. Within 10 minutes Nathan, Haley, Skillz and Mouth appear next to her.
"Honey, what's going on?" Haley asks
Peyton doesn't move or say a word.
"PEYTON!" Nathan shouts
Nothing… Skillz grabs her and shakes her "Peyton" He yells
She looks at him "Where's Sawyer?" Is all she says
"She's with Jamie at the house" Nathan answers
"Oh"
"Peyt" Nathan says calmly "What's going on?"
"I don't know" she says "they took him through those doors when we got here"
"It's going to be ok" Nathan says
"No it's not!" Peyton shouts
Everyone looks at Nathan. They don't know what to do. Peyton just sits in the middle of the floor rocking back and forth. Nathan sits down next to her.
"Peyt, come on honey" He says softly "Let's get off the floor sweetie"
Peyton doesn't move. A nurse comes over "Is there anything I can do to help?"
Nathan looks at her "Can you find out what's going on with Lucas Scott, please"
"I'll see what I can do" The nurse says walking away
"Someone should call Brooke!" Haley says
"NO!" Peyton shouts "She's busy and she doesn't need to be bothered but someone should call Karen"
"I will" Haley says walking towards the door to go stand outside
Nathan tries again "Peyt, honey, you need to get off the floor. It's not safe for you to be sitting here" Nathan takes a hold of Peyton's arm carefully tugging on her.
She doesn't move. Nathan sighs and looks at Skillz and Mouth. Skillz walks over and sits down next to Peyton. "Baby girl" he starts "Let's get up off this floor and take advantage of those nice seats over there"
Peyton doesn't look at him but she allows him to take her arm and help her up. She walks over to the chairs and sits down. Haley walks back in.
"No answer" she sighs "I asked her to call me right away"
The doors open again and the nurse from early comes out. She walks over to Peyton and the group.
"Mrs. Scott?" She says leaning down to Peyton
Peyton just looks at her.
"Your husband had had a major heart attack"
Peyton just stares at her.
"We need his medical history"
Peyton just keeps staring
Nathan steps up "He has HCM and he's had a heart attack before"
"Ok" The nurse says and walks back behind the doors
The gang sits and waits for hours. There's not word about Lucas. Mouth goes and gets coffee for everyone. Skillz goes and gets food. Haley calls Jamie to check on them and Nathan sits with Peyton. Finally, after 5 hours the doctor walks out from behind the doors. He looks beaten and tired.
"Mrs. Scott" He says
For the first time Peyton responds to her name. She stands up and walks over to the doctor.
"I'm Mrs. Scott" She says with tears rushing down her face
"As the nurse told you your husband had a massive heart attack."
Peyton shakes her head
"His arteries ruptured."
"What does that mean?" Peyton asks
"It means that his heart suffered a serious injury today. I had to go in and repair the damage done."
"Is he going to be ok?" Peyton asks
The doctor looks down "His heart is very weak"
"I know" Peyton says
"He had a lot of damage"
Peyton shakes her head
"We repaired what we could but do you realize your husband should have a heart transplant"
Peyton's head snapped up to look at him "No"
"When was the last time he had a physical?"
"I don't know" Peyton says honestly "he's on medication"
"It's not working" The doctor says "Your husband's heart isn't strong enough to pump on its own and I'm not sure your husband's body can withstand anymore surgery"
"So what does all this mean?" Peyton asks
"That the next 48 to 72 hours are critical and if your husband comes through that then we can look at our options. I'm sorry, Mrs. Scott. I wish I had better news for you"
"Thank you" Peyton says "Can I see him?"
"Yes, as soon as he's back in his room"
"Thank you" Peyton says again
Peyton couldn't believe what she just heard. He was fine this morning. He was laying next to her they were talking about the baby. He was playing basketball with Sawyer. Now, the love of her life, is laying in a hospital bed fighting for his life. She turns around and walks out of the hospital. Nathan follows her.
"Peyton" he shouts and she turns and looks at him "Where are you going?"
"To find Sawyer"
"She's at our house. Don't you want to see Lucas"
"He's going to be fine" Peyton says in a weird tone
"Peyton"
"We're having a baby…" Peyton says "Sawyer needs her father" she adds walking towards the parking lot "Where's my car?"
"Peyton" Nathan says "You didn't drive here. You came in the ambulance with Lucas"
"Oh, that's right" Peyton says looking around "How can I get to Sawyer?"
"Peyton" Haley says joining them "Do you want to see Lucas?"
"No, I want to see Sawyer"
Haley looks at Nathan "She's delirious" He says
"Lucas is in his room" Haley says
"Ok, well right now Peyton's out here looking for her car trying to leave so she can see Sawyer"
Haley walks over and grabs Peyton "Honey, I'm going to go get Sawyer for you. Why don't you go in and sit with Lucas"
Peyton shakes her head "I want to see Sawyer"
"You will" Haley says "I'll be back in just a few minutes"
"Come on, Peyton" Nathan says "Let's go in and sit with Lucas"
Peyton doesn't say anything she just walks back into the hospital. The nurse is standing there waiting for her.
"Follow me, Mrs. Scott" she says
Peyton just walks behind the nurse into a hospital room. Laying in a hospital bed is her husband, the love of her life. He's hooked to machines and wires are coming out for everywhere on his body. Tears travel slowly down her face.
"Do you need anything?" The nurse asks
Peyton just shakes her head no as she walks over and sits in the chair next to her husband's bed. She grabs Lucas' hand and kisses it lightly.
"Hi baby" She says composing herself all of a sudden. "You've had a heart attack baby" she adds.
Lucas doesn't move and Peyton sighs "Your little champ here is kicking up a storm." She says putting his hand on her stomach. "I'm so glad we decided to let it be a surprise. I can't wait to find out what it is. It's not going to be long now. You have to wake up so you don't miss it."
Peyton just sits there with Lucas' hand on her belly. She sighs "Sawyer's on her way here. She's probably scared out of her mind. Luke, you have to wake up before she gets here. She needs to see you're ok"
Lucas doesn't respond. Peyton continues to talk to Lucas until the hospital room door opens and Haley walks in carrying Sawyer.
"Momma!" She shouts
Peyton turns to look at her "Come here, baby" She says holding out her arms.
Haley puts Sawyer down and she walks over to her mom. Peyton picks her up and hugs her.
"Momma, what's wrong with daddy?" She asks
"He's sick, baby"
"Is he going to get better?"
"I hope so baby"
"Can I stay here?"
"Yeah, baby" Peyton says hugging her
"Peyt, you need anything?" Haley asks
"No" Peyton answers "Just for Lucas to wake up"
Haley doesn't say anything she just sighs. For the next 48 hours Peyton and Sawyer sat in the hospital room with Lucas. They talked to him, read to him and Sawyer sings to him. He doesn't show any sign of getting better. The doctor tells Peyton it's not good and she refuses to listen to him.
Day 3 brought reality to Peyton that she wasn't prepared for. She left the room for just a few minutes. She wanted to take Sawyer for a walk because she didn't think it was good for her to be cooped up in that room. She returned to doctors and nurses and crash carts. Lucas was fading and there was nothing the hospital staff could do. When the smoke cleared the only thing left was a lifeless Lucas. Peyton gave Sawyer to Haley and Nathan who were sitting there and threw herself on the bed with Lucas. She stayed like that for 3 hours until the doctor told her they had to take him to the morgue.
Flashback ends…
"Momma" a little voice says pulling Peyton out of her thoughts
Peyton looks down at Sawyer whose holding her arms up to her. Peyton picks her up. The minister goes on and Peyton tunes him out again. Then she hears her name.
"Lucas' wife, Peyton, would like to share a few words with us all today"
Peyton takes a deep breath and walks towards the casket with Sawyer on her hip. Haley walks forward to take her and Peyton shakes her head no.
Peyton clears her throat "Thank you all for being here today." She says with a shakey voice
Sawyer wraps her arms around her neck and lays her head on her shoulder.
"I don't know where to start. Lucas was the love of my life. I still remember the first time I laid eyes on him. I almost hit him with my car. I knew I loved him then. Our relationship was a roller coaster to say the least but Lucas was always there for me whether we were together or not. He believed in me and helped me believe in myself. He was one of my best friends. We have spent the last five year sailing around the world raising our beautiful daughter. Lucas was an amazing father. He was so kind and loving with Sawyer." Peyton pauses and looks at her daughter "We were so excited about the arrival of our new little baby. Lucas would read to it every night and talk to it. We were so happy. Lucas' life was cut short and it's only been a few days but I already miss him terribly. He was my confidant, my lover, my sounding board, my support…" Peyton stopped again with tears running down her face this time "he was my everything and I don't know what we're going to do without him…" Peyton was breaking down and no one knew what to do. "Lucas always said that everything would be just fine and everything happens for a reason… I wish I knew why this happen. I can see his broody face, hands in his pockets trying to explain this all to me…" Peyton pauses again "I'm sorry I'm rambling… I'd like to conclude with this Bob Dylan song. Peyton says pushing the play button and the song I'll Remember You starts playing.
I'll remember you
When I've forgotten all the rest
You to me were true
You to me were the best
When there is no more
You cut to the core
Quicker than anyone I knew
When I'm all alone
In the great unknown
I'll remember you
I'll remember you
At the end of the trail
I had so much left to do
I had so little time to fail
There's some people that
You don't forget
Even though you've only seen 'm one time or two
When the roses fade
And I'm in the shade
I'll remember you
Didn't I, didn't I try to love you?
Didn't I, didn't I try to care?
Didn't I sleep, didn't I weep beside you
With the rain blowing in your hair?
I'll remember you
When the wind blows through the piney wood
It was you who came right through
It was you who understood
Though I'd never say
That I done it the way
That you'd have liked me to
In the end
My dear sweet friend
I'll remember you
Peyton finishes with tears cascading down her face. Sawyer just snuggled into her. She walks back to her place and the minister walks back up the casket.
"Would anyone else like to share anything?"
No one moved. No one wanted to speak after Peyton did. The minister clears his throat. "We will now lay to rest our dear sweet friend Lucas Scott. He will be greatly missed. May Lucas rest in peace until he is rejoined with his family again. Let's pray: Our father who art in heaven hallow be thy name thy kingdom come thy will be done on Earth as it is in heaven give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those why trespass again us and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil for the kingdom, the power, and the glory are your now and forever amen."
Mia steps forward and starts singing On Eagles Wings.
"You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord
who abide in His shadow for life,
say to the Lord: 'My refuge,
my God in whom I trust!'
And He will raise you up on eagles' wings,
bear you on the breath of dawn,
make you to shine like the sun,
and hold you in the palm of His hand.
The snare of the fowler will never capture you,
and famine will bring you no fear:
under His wings your refuge,
His faithfulness your shield.
And He will raise you up on eagles' wings,
bear you on the breath of dawn,
make you to shine like the sun,
and hold you in the palm of His hand.
You need not fear the terror of the night,
nor the arrow that flies by day;
though thousands fall about you,
near you it shall not come.
And He will raise you up on eagles' wings,
bear you on the breath of dawn,
make you to shine like the sun,
and hold you in the palm of His hand.
For to His angels He's given a command
to guard you in all of your ways'
upon their hands they will bear you up,
lest you dash your foot against a stone.
And He will raise you up on eagles' wings,
bear you on the breath of dawn,
make you to shine like the sun,
and hold you in the palm of His hand."
As Mia sings people exit the area by laying a white rose on the top of Lucas' casket. Peyton is just sitting there watching everyone walking by her. As the crowd thins she lays eyes on someone she's been hoping to see… Brooke. Brooke walks up to her and hugs her tightly.
"Oh, Peyton…" She says "I'm so sorry and I'm sorry I wasn't here earlier. My flight landed and I rushed her"
"Thank you"
Nathan, Haley, Jamie, Skillz, Mouth, Karen, Lilly, Brooke, Peyton and Sawyer stand around the casket. Brooke is holding Peyton's hand. No one wants to make any movement. They stand there for a few more minutes and then Karen walks forward and places her rose on his casket and kisses her hand laying on it.
"I love you my son" she says and then walks towards the car that is waiting for her. Lilly follows her mother.
"I'll miss you" she says softly
Everyone else files out saying their good byes. Peyton doesn't move and Sawyer looks at her "Momma, are we going to leave?"
Peyton just stays in her spot.
Sawyer turns to her Aunt Brooke "Are we going to leave?"
Brooke just looks at the little girl for a moment and then sighs "Yes, baby we are" She says "Give your momma a kiss and hug and then place your rose on your daddy's casket and then we're going to leave"
Sawyer does what she's told and looks at her aunt who does the same thing. Brooke then picks Sawyer up and starts towards the car. She puts Sawyer in the car with Haley, Nathan and Jamie. She then climbs in herself.
"You're going to just leave her here?" Jamie asks
"Yes" Brooke says "She needs some time"
"But…" Jamie goes to say something and Haley just shakes her head.
The car pulls away and Peyton is left standing in the cemetery alone holding her white rose. She sits on the ground next to the hole that her husband is going to be lowered into.
"Lucas, I can't do this without you. I can't raise Sawyer and this baby. I just can't. I can't sail around the world without you by my side…" Peyton says crying "What am I supposed to do, Luke?" she asks putting her head in her hands. Peyton cries and cries. She doesn't move from the spot where she first sat down. In fact, she doesn't ever know if she'll move again…