***Disclaimer*** for creative purposes only, I claim no ownership of the fandom, characters and setting. I do however own three purple monkey stuffed toys.
Author note: So how many people saw my unfortunate typo with the title when I uploaded the fic before I edited - my bad. Thank you for making it to chapter two. Side note this fic is named after Augustana's 'Shot in the dark' so give it a listen. Do you feel it? It took me a while to get the song that I thought had the vibe of the fic.
I would like to thank all those who favourited and followed SITD, and big hugs to the reviewers:
Guest: Thank you for your review, I can't say much due to spoilers however I appreciate your words and have many things to consider.
Callison: I'm not sure if I am able to repost my older stories, after so many years the completed copies are a question mark. Personally MBK was my favourite to work on and is still close to my heart (I still secretly ship Sam and Julian mwahaha). Thank you for the warm welcome back.
Dianehermans: I'm pretty sure you were there many many years ago for the first fic I posted and it's lovely to see your name again. Thanks again.
Tania: Lucas and Brooke are my central characters, and in my heart and mind they are always more than just friends and suck at attempting not to be so resort to staying away from each other. IMHO Thank you for your thoughts though.
Nena: Why thank you, I hope you continue to enjoy. I feel like I'm riding a bike I haven't touched in years… oh really not, riding a bike is too easy, more like hopping on a treadmill after years.
SHOT IN THE DARK
Chapter Two
Most Saturday's Sam liked to sleep in, today her alarm went off with the radio switching on and music slowing waking Sam hours earlier than she usually would, about to roll over and go back to sleep Sam stopped. Her ears perked at the sound of voices.
Feet dragging Sam rubbed her eyes as she aimlessly walked out of her room "Brooke?" she mumbled then dropped her hands and jumped "what the?"
The scene in front of Sam had the teenager holding in a squeal. Finally she screamed "I KNEW IT" and started dancing.
Julian was frozen, his shoes off and shirt untucked, "ah" he quickly stopped Sam "shhh, Samson. Brooke's asleep"
"You dog! Are you sneaking out?" Sam was calmer as Julian let her go.
Curly hair sticking out Julian shook his head, wide eyed, "NO, well yes, but nothing happened and I think it's best if you don't tell Brooke you saw me"
"And miss my chance to repeal the no boys in your bedroom rule, I don't think so"
Giving up Julian put down his shoes, he couldn't leave Brooke alone to deal with Sam, so instead he went to the kitchen and started to prepare coffee. The night before had Julian feeling very much like he'd walked out in a storm without any protection.
Sam followed, dark eyes big and wild, she took a seat at the kitchen bench "I told you so" the teasing continued until Julian placed a steaming mug in front of her "enough sugar to kill" he told her.
Sooner than Julian expected Brooke appeared, still wet from what must have been a quick shower Brooke's face was unusually pink, her eyes still puffy. Sam straightened up and put her most serious voice on, "explain yourself young lady"
Wrapped in a nightgown Brooke ignored Sam and took the new coffee Julian gave her, meeting his eyes she whispered thank you.
"It isn't what you think" Brooke told Sam, though by the teenager's expression she clearly didn't believe Brooke. Julian started to collect his things again and something in Brooke compelled her to stall him "please, Julian can you stay" she implored. With one of his charming grins Julian nodded and returned to her side, behind the view of the counter Brooke clutched her hand as she met Sam's eyes "I need to talk to you"
Sam gave a nervous laugh, "shouldn't I be saying that" yet she sat more seriously and kept her eyes on Brooke waiting.
First Brooke took a deep breath and then with Julian squeezing her hand she went for it, "Sam, I spoke to Carine yesterday. They aren't approving me as a foster parent"
"What does that mean?" the usually feisty teen sounded vulnerable, her brows low.
Brooke let go of Julian and reached for Sam's hands, clutching them between hers "it's temporary ok, bureaucratic red tape but I'm going to sort it out and then you can come home. Carine supports us, she's found you a spot in a girl's home, it's an hour away, and you can still go to Tree Hill High and we can still catch up and then once all the paperwork is done you will be straight back here"
"But I have to leave? This is bullshit"
"I don't like this as much as you but if you want to come back here we will have to play their game, for now Sam, okay, this is temporary" Brooke tried to convey her conviction to the girl and for the first time Brooke saw Sam speechless. Unable to say anything Brooke walked around the kitchen counter and pulled Sam into a hug.
The truth nagged at Brooke, the existence of a biological child was not something Brooke wanted to tell Sam yet because she wanted this last day to be focused on the both of them and there was still so much to sort out before telling people what was going on.
-x-
It was late in the morning when the aroma of food slowly woke Peyton from her sleep, her stomach growled, all of a sudden astonishingly hungry Peyton rolled out of bed and made her way to the kitchen. Lucas was at work finishing breakfast, he smiled at her with frypan in hand when he saw her standing in the doorway, "morning, baby. I've got bacon, eggs, toast, waffles, sausages and even some muffins"
"Breakfast galore"
"Only the best for my baby mama" he answered kissing the top of her head as they met by the table, "sit down"
"Don't mind if I do" though she stared at all the food in front of her, "how are we going to eat this all?"
Lucas laughed, "I'm starved" and continued to stack the table.
The two of them sat together and began to eat, Lucas's plate twice the size of Peyton's. Reaching for the maple syrup Peyton's stomach grumbled as more smells hit her, "Energy food. By the way I think I'm going to need five years to recover before even thinking about a second baby. Last night was an eye opener, Peyton had never been so exhausted, the skinny blonde's history with children was limited with the only child she'd had much to do with was Jenny and Peyton tipped her hat off to the energy she had as a teenager because she didn't remember being this tired back then. There was Angie though Peyton hadn't had much to do with the baby Brooke had taken care of while Angie waited for her heart surgery, other than the original crying that had kept her awake. The thought hit Peyton, her face paled as she lifted her pale green eyes to Lucas, "how long do babies cry for?"
Mouth full of food Lucas gulped, he tried to act confident "not that much" he replied as long as you constantly give them attention, food, warmth and cuddles, and don't expect to sleep more than five hours at a time for two years.
Peyton eyed him not believing Lucas' statement at all, she could read his face so easily, shrugging it off she kept eating. When her mouth was empty again Peyton spoke, "we grew up as only kids and we turned out fine. I think we were lucky"
The first instinct for Lucas was to laugh but he realised Peyton was serious as she listed off the advantages one by one, her tone casual, and on paper in made sense yet Lucas' heart ached. The truth was Lucas had always imagined a big family, with at least three children, he wanted it loud and chaotic missed with love and peace. Having a sibling when he was a child was all Lucas ached for, a real family, someone to turn to, yet he was sixteen before he and Nathan truly became brothers and they didn't live together until college. Lily, his little sister, was eighteen years younger than him and they barely lived together before he moved out, and though Lucas adored Lily it wasn't like they got to act like siblings their relationship more akin to a close uncle and niece relationship. All in all Lucas really wanted to have more kids and give his children siblings.
"Never say never" Lucas simply replied.
-x-
It was a painful experience for Brooke as she helped Sam pack her things up, "we don't have to pack it all" she said carefully, her hands folding a jacket up "just enough to make do until you come back"
"You sound so sure" Sam mumbled, clearly not as confident. Brooke grabbed the teenager by her shoulders so they can be face to face. Cupping Sam's cheeks in her hands Brooke forced their eyes to meet.
"Sam. I promise you, from the bottom of my heart, I will sort this out and you will come home"
"I don't get it Brooke"
The confusion was etched on Sam's long face, Brooke could feel it vibrating from her. A small explanation was all she could give, "I just need to sort some things out first before I tell you more. There's some things in my past I need to take care of and I just need to cross some t's and dot some I's and we will be a family again. Things will be different Sam but you will be here with me again" it wasn't much and it left Sam even more confused, "trust me" Brooke added.
Sam shoved some more clothes in the bag, "are you married or something?" she narrowed her eyes "a felon?"
"Sam!" Brooke shook her head. Changing the subject Brooke collected the bathroom bag they packed earlier and placed it next to the other bag, "anyway today is your day. We can do anything you want, the movies, shopping, a fancy lunch, the beach-"
"Gee's you are so PC" Sam rolled her eyes, "I have something better in mind"
Two hours later the two of them were decked out in jumpsuits and protective gear, Brooke lowered her safety glasses "game on, Walker" extremely confident after spending so much time at the gun range. Brooke had never actually gone paintballing before and wasn't entirely disappointed with Sam's decision.
"Whatever old lady" Sam shot back, her long hair tied up on top of her head Sam was grinning from ear to ear, "I got this."
Brooke lowered her lip, "why couldn't we be on the same team?"
"Then I wouldn't get to shoot you!"
"Good point, pay back for sneaking out all those times" Brooke grinned.
Sam lifted her brow in a very Brooke reminiscent way, "who was the one who broke the boys in the bedroom rule?"
"What boy, what rule?" Haley piped up.
"Nothing" Brooke said at the same time Julian stood up from tying his shoe laces appearing right next to Brooke, Haley sent her friend a questioning look which Brooke ignored "I call Nathan"
"Hey" everyone else simultaneously shot back.
Brooke shrugged a shoulder, "he's the athletic one".
Sam quickly pointed to Julian "you're with me" and Julian lit up excited to be picked second, he stood behind Sam, bursting with energy and coyly whispered "full disclosure, I was more a mathlete" and Sam groaned.
"No take backs" Brooke shot out as she pointed and winked at her next choice, "come on Mouth, put those gamer skills to the test"
A second later Sam replied "Mia, mine"
There were only two options left, Sam and Brooke eyed them both, Brooke smiled and was about to speak when Jamie started jumping up and down "I want to be om Sam's team" causing Brooke's face to fall before she lowered her shoulders, "fine, Haley, I pick you"
The other woman scowled, "thanks, Tigger"
"Come on, wifey" Nathan called her over, "I will keep you safe"
"I will keep myself safe, thank you very much!"
The group laughed, feeling easy. Then the games began.
-x-
Walking hand in hand Peyton and Lucas went from item to item, Lucas appearing slightly bored as Peyton cooed over how small everything is.
"I just think it's too soon to be buying things" Lucas pointed out, cringing when Peyton picked up a black onesie.
Putting it down Peyton went for a soft cream blanket nearby, "just looking. Luke, feel this?" she handed it to him "besides you're the one who was talking about painting the nursery"
"Not tomorrow though"
"Oh right" Peyton ignored him, snatching the blanket from his hands "well I'm getting this"
"Fine"
"And this" she picked up a red onesie with I love Mommy written on it.
-x-
When it was all over Sam walked in front of Julian "I should have picked Haley, by the way from now on you're Julia because you hit like a girl"
"In my defense I did kill Brooke"
The saucy brunette strutted pass them, her head flipping back, "I'll remember that"
"It was an accident!" Julian exclaimed.
Brooke quickly caught up to Haley and Nathan, looping her arms between the couple, "I really appreciate you guys coming today, I know it was last minute and all"
"No problem, Davis. Our pleasure, we really had fun and it was nice kicking some ass too"
Haley nodded, "I agree, it was really fun" then she gave Brooke a girl to girl look, "anyway Nathan can you keep an eye on Jamie I'm going to the ladies" and she kept hold of Brooke as she turned away forcing her friend to come with her.
Once alone Haley turned on Brooke, "spill"
"Spill what?"
"Everything! You and Julian?" her eyes were bright with questions and excitement.
Brooke rolled her eyes, "we're friends. He's really been there for Sam and I lately, and they really get along. He crashed at my place last night but nothing happen unless you count me crying on his shoulder until three in the morning" her voice trailed off, "that's why today is happening. I found out yesterday that I haven't been approved to foster Sam, I have to drop her off at a home tonight"
"Oh Brooke" Haley was in shock, 'I am so sorry"
"It's okay, there's a lot to it but it's temporary I just need to sort some things out then reapply" she wiped away a tear, "everything is just so much"
Haley went in for a hug, embracing Brooke in a warm embrace "we're here for you"
"I know" Brooke continued to sink into the hug, "Not going to lie, I'm going to need you"
"You got me" Haley smiled and pulled away, "anything you need?"
"Seeing you asked" Brooke leant back, her mind overcome with everything she needs to do, "I'm going to have to go away for a week or so, I'm hoping to come back occasionally to see Sam but can you just keep an eye on her. Sam acts all tough but she's not"
"Of course I will" Haley nodded, "when are you leaving?"
"Tonight after I drop Sam off, Julian is going to take me to the airport" Brooke stopped and eyed Haley, "don't give me that look. He's a friend"
"Friendship comes with certain benefits" Haley ended for her with a sly tone.
Brooke simply rolled her eyes again, the last thing she needed in her life was a romance. One thing at a time. The two left the bathroom in silence to join back with the others.
-x-
In the doorway to his old room Lucas leaned against the doorframe eyeing all his belongings still spread around the room, he moved forward and made up two boxes he'd collected. One by one he started picking up smaller objects, filling one box for storage and the other to move to other places in the house.
It was strange for Lucas and also a huge eye opener, really setting in how his life was about to change forever. Eventually Lucas came across a small purple monkey caught between his desk and the drawers next to them, he picked it up feeling the soft vibrant fur between his fingers and a small smile came to his lips as he remembered the baby girl who it had belonged to. Lucas went to put the stuffed toy in the second box though his hand stilled as Peyton appeared, "what you got there?" she asked.
A little hesitant Lucas held the purple monkey up "Angie's monkey. Brooke gave it to me after Angie went home"
"It's cute"
"Just like the one Brooke use to have" he carefully placed it down, "I'll give it back to her"
Peyton stepped forward, looking at the boxes, "we should keep it for the baby"
He shook his head feeling instinctively wrong for even thinking about it though instead of arguing about the issue he simply made a mental note to return the stuffed toy to Brooke next time he saw her, "any ideas for dinner?" Lucas changed the subject.
Soft curls bouncing Peyton plopped herself on the bed on the opposite side of the boxes, happy to reply "I was thinking we could go down town and try that new place"
"Alright just let me finish up here"
There was a moment of silence then Peyton stood, kissed Lucas and left the room. Lucas sighed, time was moving so fast, he was almost afraid he would blink and miss it. Instead of doing anymore packing Lucas left to join Peyton and the two of them went in her car down to McLaren St. They were about to sit down when a voice caught their attention, "Uncle Lucas!" the two of them turned to see Nathan and Haley sitting and Jamie running towards them, "hi Uncle Lucas! You need to sit with us"
Picking up his nephew Lucas carried Jamie over to his brother and best friend "that alright by you guys?"
"Of course" Haley smiled and pulled out a chair, Nathan grabbed another for Peyton, and the two of them joined the family.
Jamie climbed onto his uncle's lap, "I got to shoot Daddy and Momma" the boy exclaimed before shoving a breadstick in his mouth. Peyton awkwardly laughed as she eyes her friends and Lucas narrowed his brows.
Haley shook her head with a smile "we went paintballing today"
"It was soooo cool. Mouth shot me but he said he was sorry, and Julian shit Brooke and Sam said he will have to sleep on the couch now"
"James Lucas Scott" Haley quickly slowed her son down, "he had a lot of fun. It was a good day"
"Yeah, but it sucked for Brooke. I don't know how she stayed so happy" Nathan lowered his face and Haley nodded.
Jamie with his mouth full mumbled "Aunt Brooke was sad but she's just really strong because she's Brooke Penelope Davis"
Ruffling his son's hair Nathan agreed "that's right, buddy"
Behind on the conversation it was Peyton who sought an explanation, "what's wrong with Brooke?"
"Oh" Haley's eyes widened, "sorry, you wouldn't know. It all happened so fast. Brooke found out yesterday that Sam can't stay with her, today was their last day together until Brooke can reapply to foster Sam"
Peyton's face fell, she looked at Lucas and then back to Haley, "oh my god, Brooke must be so upset. You know, I knew something wasn't right last night. There she was probably heartbroken about Sam and we tell her I'm pregnant"
"She's just going through a lot at the moment" Haley tried to be sympathetic.
In his mind Lucas was thinking about Brooke last night, he wanted to call her and see how she was though he knew things had changed between them and it wasn't like when Angie left. Peyton was visibly upset and it made it easy for Lucas, Peyton becoming the middle man in the friendship.
"I'll have to go see her tomorrow" Peyton added.
Haley went to speak but Jamie beat her to it "she's going on a plane"
"Just for a week or two" Nathan explained further. The waiter came then changing the subject and before it moved to Nathan's training. It was there though between them, Peyton's mind was elsewhere, the crease between her brows remained the entire time they were there. Lucas grabbed his fiancée's and squeezed, "it's okay" he mouthed just loud enough for her to hear.
-x-
There was a sense of finality to the moment as Brooke stood by the car, face to face with Sam, she held out the bag for the teenager and Sam took it. Brown eyes met dark hazel green, Sam gave a nod and Brooke broke down, hugging Sam and bringing the smaller girl to her chest, "this isn't the end" Brooke promised, "this is the start of a new beginning".
The nod against her chest wasn't accompanied by any words, Sam pulled away and straightened her face though her eyes were red. Seeing right through her Brooke touched Sam's cheek and then rubbed a thumb to Sam's eyes just in time to wipe a tear away, "love ya, kid"
"Love you too, old lady"
Brooke smiled and watched as Sam hitched the bag over her shoulder and turned away. Not breaking her gaze Brooke watched Sam disappear into the building before she allowed her body to sag.
Next to her Julian turned his head to see how she was going, "you ready?"
"Not really" she gave a nervous smile, "I've never been more scared in my life"
"You're going to do great, Brooke, they won't know what hit them" and he smiled, "he's a lucky boy"
"Thanks, thanks for everything. You didn't have to do this-"
"I wanted to" he cut in, "I don't mind at all. You're secrets are safe with me, Brooke Davis"
The smile she gave was nervous because the truth was she didn't really know Julian but he now knew more about her than her closest friends, "I'm sorry for putting you in the middle of this"
"Like I said, I don't mind"
It was too good to be true, Brooke thought. This whole thing was like a dream, it didn't feel real as she got back in the car and headed for the airport. Nothing felt real anymore.
Brooke was floating through the minutes, she wasn't ready and she never would be, she lifted her chin this is just a beginning.
-x-
Next chapter: Brooke sees her son for the first time.
I really wanted to get up the second chapter but I kept writing future scenes, so I pushed them aside and focused on this. It's a bit filler for the next chapter to show development and time moving. Hope it was okay. Hit me back. Please read, review and tell me after all these years what OTH thing do you still hold onto? Something brings you back right. Later
Mickei