***Disclaimer*** for creative purposes only, I claim no ownership of the fandom, characters and setting. I do however own a pair of size 5 blue joggers.
Author note: I' m rather nervous about this one. Thought I would get it out of the way. Read, review and hope you enjoy.
Chapter Three
After a second sleepless night in her Californian hotel room Brooke showered and cleaned herself up, taking extra care in her appearance Brooke spent nearly an hour on her outfit before deciding on a simple pale sundress, flats and large sunglasses. It was Brooke's intention to look like a mom, relatable and warm. The fashion icon tried to seek inspiration from Haley as that was the first thing that came to her mind when she thought of a young mom.
The lawyer had been optimistic yet Brooke still felt like everything was some giant tease and the rug was about to be pulled out from under her feet. As she checked herself out in the mirror Brooke heard her phone ring and rushed to get it beaming when she saw the name flashing on the screen "Hi Sam!"
"I can't wait for this bus ride to be over" the teen complained automatically while making vomiting sounds, "an hour to and from school. Kill me"
"Don't joke about that" Brooke still smiled, fixing her hair as she talked to Sam "is it really that bad?"
"Nuh" she sounded relaxed "it's okay. There's a couple of girls here I haven't seen for a few years so that's cool but you've turned me into a spoilt little rich girl, I'm use to style now, my own room and all that fancy stuff" Sam ended in a small laugh.
"Speaking of rooms while you are away I'm going to redo your room, move you to the one upstairs-"
"Right, you that paranoid that I'm going to climb out the window?"
"You said it not me" Brooke shot back, "we can go shopping after school once I'm back. What colour do you want your walls?"
"Grey and miserable like my future"
"Ha ha. Purple it is" Brooke paused and then looking at herself in the mirror still she turned serious, "I love you, you know that right"
"You've told me only like a million times" and Brooke could hear the eye roll in Sam's tone.
Smiling Brooke flicked her sunglasses down, "just making sure"
"Right well before you start crying on me I'm gonna end it here. See ya, Brooke"
"Ok, Take care Sam" and before Brooke could say anything else Sam had ended the call. Brooke placed her phone back into her purse and decided to tie her hair up in a pony.
The to do list seemed never ending and all of it Brooke had to do without telling anyone what was going on. The last thing Brooke wanted to do is get everyone involved if it all was going to fall apart. As optimistic as the situation seemed Brooke had been let down too many times to count on things going as planned or her way, Brooke knew that to get something she wanted she needed to do things herself and go for it. Waiting was not her forte.
Slipping the purse strap over her slightly exposed shoulder Brooke straightened herself up and started to leave, go get them.
-x-
Paper scattered across the table Julian was once again at his unofficial office at the café, an ice tea in front of him and a pen between his teeth. Julian wanted his mind on his work and not distracted by sexy brunette's, feisty blondes and crazy love triangle drama that was pulling him in. No wonder Lucas couldn't make a choice Julian thought as he scribbled out the line he'd just written.
Getting back to basics Julian grabbed the large booklet that was the script, full of dread Julian knew it was too long. So much had to be cut and compressed already, it had been hard squishing the two years of drama in the books down to a feature length movie yet it still had too much. It was unavoidable that things would get lost, already much of Brooke and Lucas' relationship had been written out before the Peyton reunion and even that was more a series of proclamations shadowed by the Nathan and Dan with Lucas storyline. It was hard to narrow the focus of the movie down to love, friendship or family. Three car accidents had been written out, Julian didn't even know how such a group could even have that many altercations with cars and it frustrated him to no ends that it might not turn out right due to the restraints.
Abandoning the script Julian's mind strayed to Brooke, he grabbed the novel he had with him which was full of sticky notes in various colours. Blue for scenes that were kept but were altered in a key way, he fingers the blue tabs and opened up to the part he wanted.
The words leapt off the pages, the scene where Brooke and Lucas discuss the pregnancy scare. Both characters vulnerabilities were there for the world to see. Julian was lost in another time and place when he heard his name being called.
"Julian, hey earth to Julian"
Blinking the producer quickly closed the book almost spilling his drink in the move, "sorry Luke"
"That's alright. Am I interrupting?" even as he asked it Lucas still pulled the chair back at sat down opposite Julian, his short blonde hair was slowly growing back and he looked tired as he eyed Julian.
Trying to act normal Julian shook his head, mouth closed tightly in a look that made him appear unusually boyish and innocent, "no just working, going over things"
"You looked worried"
Julian sighed, "honestly I am worried about the length of the script. Once we have a director they're bound to want to change things to so we should try to get it as good as we can so we can have more say"
"I really don't know how we can cut it down even more" Lucas was genuinely baffled about what to do and Julian understood why. The more you lose the more you have to change to fit it together.
Before answering Julian finished his ice tea and then licked his lips, "the pregnancy scare, we can scrap that"
"I thought we were using that to propel Lucas and Brooke back together before Nathan and Haley's reception where they break up again" Lucas talked as if it wasn't his and his friends' lives, and the way it had changed it almost wasn't.
It wasn't a subject Julian wanted to discuss much so he steamrolled over it "it's not needed. Write it out. Move the scene where Peyton gets drugged and Brooke calls Lucas to after the break up and the rest of the script as is we can keep it to just jealousy stirring his interest again before she leaves for the summer. It doesn't matter in the end as long as Lucas finds his way back to Peyton"
"Sure you just don't want to kill someone off?" Lucas joked.
Julian didn't smile, "don't tempt me"
"You okay? I know we aren't friends but…" Lucas squinted his already narrow eyes "you seem more anxious than normal"
"Look Lucas I have a lot on my plate" Julian started to pull all his stuff together, piling it on top of itself Julian opened his bag and pushed it all straight in, "let's just stick to our jobs" and he got out if there as fast as he could without meeting the other man's eyes.
Julian was never the best at hiding things, he wore his heart on his sleeve, he tried to act tough but the façade never lasted and he cringed at the secrets he was currently keeping feeling a sense of wrongness knowing he as life shattering information about other people's lives that they didn't know about.
In the end though Julian was always a sucker for a crying pretty face in need of help, it had gotten him in trouble time and time again, the last time it left him with a broken heart.
-x-
The Californian office was different to the one Brooke was use to near Tree Hill, this one was louder, more crowded and packed in. There were a lot of compartments with busy workers at desk separated by a small divider. Brooke had been told to wait, she furrowed her brow at the noise and everyone in the room. Brooke didn't fit it, she tried to fade away, luckily the place was so busy she was going by unnoticed anyway except for the odd male gaze and the few people who walked directly towards her.
Soon an older woman with dark grey hair up in a bun came straight to Brooke, "Miss Davis?" and after a nod of confirmation "this way, I'll take us to somewhere more private" and she lead Brooke through the chaos to a back room with a large table surrounded by chairs, "sit down, sit down. I'm Maxine Daly and you must be Brooke Davis"
"Yes. It's nice to meet you"
Brooke didn't know how to take Maxine, she appeared grandmotherly at the same time as intimidating ready for battle, however the no nonsense woman went straight to the point, "now Carine the case worker from North Carolina has already spoken to me regarding the situation but I would like to hear it from you, Miss Davis"
"Please call me Brooke"
Ignoring the request with a large smile Maxine continued "why do you want your son back, Miss Davis?"
Gulping Brooke straightened up in the chair, feeling like the scared seventeen year old she'd been when she gave birth. The lady kinked a brow and Brooke cleared her throat and spoke "I always wanted him, I always loved him, but I wanted what was best for him more than I wanted him for myself. I was seventeen, alone, afraid, with my parents threatening to cut me off if I kept the baby, but none of that even really mattered" Brooke lifted her chin subconsciously "I wanted my son to have a real family, the best I could give him, and I thought I had found that. Now I find out that the family chosen cancelled the adoption and my son has been living in limbo for six years. I can't give him the last six years back. I can't give him a white picket fence that comes with a married Mom and Dad and two point five kids. But I can give him love, a safe roof over his head and an extended family that will dote on him as much as I will"
"That's admirable" she opened the file she's brought with her, "On paper you seem almost too good to be true"
"I'm real" Brooke assured her.
Maxine huffed, "Carine tells me that you've privately fostered a baby on a medical visa and have also taken in a fifteen year old girl you are hoping to foster indefinitely"
"Yes"
"And I am told-" she checked her notes "Samantha has done exceptionally well in your care"
"Yes. Sam's a good kid, a great kid, at first it was hard but she's come so far and she's great with kids, my godson adores her"
It wasn't the words that got to Maxine, as she stared into the younger woman's dark hazel green eyes; it was the look of love and motherly pride that shone from Brooke as she spoke about the teenager in her care.
Maxine couldn't help but nod and smile but then got back to practicalities, "you own your own home, does it have separate rooms for the children?"
"Yes. I am preparing the room across from mine on the main floor for Noah, and Sam will be upstairs"
"And it didn't take long to find out you are financially secure but as a single mother will your career allow you the time for a young child with Noah's needs. It may take months or even years to build a relationship with the boy and get him to trust and emotionally bond with you, the transition for foster children is often far from easy"
"I'm ready on all counts. My position allows me to work mostly from home with flexible hours and I am taking more and more of a backseat. My focus will be on my family. I recognise that it will take time for Noah to settle in however I am completely dedicated to making this work in any way I can, I am his mother and I've loved him for six years without anything in return. I can love him forever"
Maxine nodded, "you will receive support during the transition and reunification. Carine will be your caseworker in North Carolina, and she can let you know of any support your family may need" she slid a pen and paper over to Brooke, "this is some paper work I will need you to sign"
In shock Brooke did as she was told, ears ringing as she filled out the paper work, Maxine continued to talk.
"I know it may all seem scary but our main objective is to reunite children with their natural families whenever possible. I see no reason to deny Noah this opportunity, and Carine has already done a lot of the work for me, although before Noah may return to your care another house assessment will need to take place to take Noah into account" Maxine added some more papers. "Now because this is going across state borders it is a little bit more complicated with the transition stage, you will need to meet Noah and have regular visitation with him before anything more permanent then we will transfer him to the North Carolina state and you can take him into your care full time, after a few months if all things are satisfied Carine will support you in reinstating all your parental rights and he will cease being a ward of the state and you can wipe your hands free of us"
"Wow" Brooke mouthed, head and heart still reeling
"Any questions?" Maxine asked.
Brooke nodded, moving the paperwork away, "when can I meet Noah?"
"How does tomorrow sound?"
"Surreal" Brooke instinctively said and then grinned "but great" inside she was bursting, itching to scream out her excitement and nerves.
"I'm very happy for you and Noah. I've worked with Noah since he was two, he is a very special little boy who I feel will benefit greatly by having the family you want to give him" the older woman had a deep grin, with her own dimples, the lines on her face softened and she no longer seemed intimidating to Brooke.
A thought hit Brooke, "what about Noah's foster family?"
Maxine gave a thoughtful look, "Noah's situation has been a little unique. After he was born Noah was with an older couple for the first few years and then after I became his caseworker he was moved to another family who had a few foster children with them. Noah needed that extra attention though-"
Something dropped inside Brooke, a dark concern, she felt like she was balancing on the end of a cliff "what do you mean? Is he okay, he's not sick or anything?"
"No, no, nothing like that. Brooke, to be frank, Noah is hard to explain. He's a perfectly healthy little boy, socially however he is hard to connect with, he's very… internal. And very bright. His situation is unique in the fact he does not have a tradition carer, during the school term Noah is a fulltime boarding student at Avery Kent Academy where his care is under the school on a full scholarship, during the holidays he has been placed with another older couple as well spending time at a summer camp we organise"
"So he hasn't had any real type of family life?" Brooke said slowly trying hard to picture it and understand.
Opening the file again Maxine passed along another few pages, "here is the information about the scholarship"
Brooke took it and scanned through the information, as she kept reading Brooke felt her chest tightening "you have got to be kidding me" her face turned red.
Either it was the biggest coincidence ever or Brooke was looking at more manipulation on the part of her mother, her fist clenched, "Victoria Montgomery?"
"Yes she is the lady in charge of the grant and has taken an interest in Noah. A bit aloof if I must say so myself however she has gifted Noah a very special opportunity. I understand though you will wish to enroll him into a day school close to you, his teachers will be able to provide you with the information to help transition him to a new school"
The words were lost on Brooke, her body burning Brooke got out her phone and did a quick google search, "is this her?"
Maxine frowned, "why uh yes" she grabbed Brooke's phone to take a closer look and then returned it suddenly uncomfortable.
Fuming Brooke put away her phone and replied between gritted teeth "her maiden name is Montgomery, that woman is Victoria Davis, my mother" she ended it on a harsh note.
-x-
The sky was unusually cloudy, dark and gloomy compared to the weather of the last week. Lucas threw his jacket over Peyton's shoulders as the two of them walked across the parking lot, their feet moving faster as a light shower began, "I'm freezing and I really, really need to pee" Peyton whined.
Laughing Lucas placed a hand on her lower back, guiding her forward, "soon, Peyt" he told her as he pushed the door open.
"I feel like my insides are exploding, do you think they'll notice if a pee a little" she held her fingers close together but then quickly kissed his lips before racing towards the restrooms.
A few minutes later Peyton returned looking a lot more happy though still slightly uncomfortable, "I checked us in" he told her.
Ten minutes later Peyton's name was called and the two of them stood, "thank god" Peyton drawled, her rocking had started to bother Lucas and he hoped the scan would be quick for her sake.
They were taken to a room and Peyton stretched out on the table, after a quick introduction Peyton lifted her shift uo to her breasts, the sonographer placed a paper covering into her pants hem and pulled them down a bit.
"Now the gel might be cold" he warned.
Peyton couldn't help but grin, "it's okay" she seemed slightly antsy and then uncomfortable as the doppler was placed on her lower stomach.
Soon the other man looked at her, "your bladder is extremely full, if you like you can go empty it a little"
Jumping up Peyton was even happier "yes" and she disappeared.
Lucas smiled at the doctor; the other man smiled back "your first?"
"Yes and only if she has any say in it" Lucas laughed.
Soon Peyton was back acting much more relaxed, she returned to her previous position and this time was nothing but happy as the process began.
"Okay, if you pay attention right here there is your baby"
They both became mesmerized, Lucas sat on the edge of his seat, the image was far from a baby and he wasn't quite sure exactly what the baby was in the particular spot the doctor was pointing to.
"Wow" Peyton lit up looking at Lucas, he quickly kissed her, and she looked back to the screen "why can't we hear the heartbeat" her face appeared concerned.
Moving the picture slightly the doctor went on unconcerned "it's too early to hear at this time but if you look here, that is your baby's heartbeat, very strong… let me just take a photo of it and then I will measure the little one for your dates" a few minutes later he continued "okay, you are six weeks and one day. At the next scan you can hear the heart beat or some women buy a doppler for home just to hear the heart but you're not likely to hear anything until around eight weeks gestation"
The picture suddenly change as the doctor moved around on Peyton's stomach again, a few seconds later he nodded "single pregnancy, no twins" he winked at Peyton and she gave a little laugh.
"It's real now" Lucas whispered amazed, he kissed Peyton again, "thank you"
They were allowed a few more moments and then the doctor cleaned Peyton's stomach, "that's it for today. Your regular doctor should give you your referral for your twelve week scan and I will see you again then. All the best"
It was over all too quickly and the two of them left the room with grins plastered on their faces, Peyton even giggled. After a brief trip to the ladies room again the couple returned outside to the bad weather, this time Lucas lifted his jacket over their heads as they made a run for it.
"This is crazy" Peyton laughed once they were safe in the car.
Lucas agreed, "looks like a storms coming"
"Who cares" Peyton was still smiling and laughing, "who cares about anything; we're having a baby Lucas Scott. You're going to be a daddy" and as they laughed in their safe bubble from the storm their lips met, their laughter swallowed by a gentle kiss that slowly heated up.
-x-
The sun shone over Brooke as she exited her rental car and saw Maxine waiting by the door, the driveway had been long from the huge gate of the academy. Maxine grinned as Brooke came closer, high heels tapping on the ground Brooke smiled right back careful not to go fast for fear of falling on her face.
"Hi" they both greeted and shook hands.
A man in his mid-forties in a navy suit stood with his hands by his side behind Maxine, his smile reached his black eyes as they met Brooke "Hi you must be the lucky woman who is taking Noah from us. A pleasure to meet you" he held out his hand.
"Brooke" she offered as she accepted the handshake.
He nodded and opened the door, "I'm Howard Trinidad the Headmaster here at Avery Kent. I must say it will be sad to see Noah leave us. Ms Daly was saying you live in North Carolina?"
"Tree Hill" Brooke supplied as they followed Howard.
He nodded, "yes, Ms Daly said as much. I have prepared a list of schools I recommend for your considerations and have put together a personal reference for Noah. This way" he stopped at a large heavy door and ushered them into a long hallway.
Brooke felt like she was lost in a large English manor, she couldn't imagine a small six year old or a child even younger living here almost all year round. Though Brooke conceded as he went further in, perhaps it would be a little like living at Hogwarts.
"Where is Noah?" Maxine was the one to ask.
Looking backwards Howard replied, "he's in the music room with Bram and Nicholas. As you can expect it's come as a shock that Noah will be leaving us" he tried to smile at Brooke again "Bram has already started organising things"
Maxine got closer to Brooke, "they don't waste time here. Bram is the professor who has worked closest with Noah, they are quite close, be prepared that he may be a little abrupt" and Brooke nodded at the explanation.
It felt like an hour later before they got to a room and stopped, Howard opened the doors and Brooke and Maxine stepped in and found themselves in a closed off alcove overlooking a large music room divided by a soundproof glass partition.
"Please sit" Howard motioned to the benches against the wall and the two women carefully sat, hands in lap. Brooke stared into the room, there were three adults and around nine students dressed primly. Four boys Brooke counted eyeing each one of them.
My son. Brooke thought as she explored the room, her eyes kept going to one particular boy and something called to her, she couldn't explain it but she knew. All those years of looking at little faces in the crowd wondering, scanning every picture and face, now she knew what it was to truly recognise her flesh and blood.
It was just the back of the boy, his warm brown hair was cut boyishly short yet stuck out at the top and at his ears. Brooke could tell he was skinny with pointy wide shoulders that stuck out from his body. There was something in the way he held himself, the shape of those shoulder that were familiar to Brooke.
Standing Brooke found herself up against the glass, her fingers over the spot where the boy's reflection was, "that's him" she said, not a question it was a certainty.
Noah sat in front of a large piano, his focus completely on the instrument, fingers moving fast and Brooke could see him tilt his head to each stroke. Haley will love this.
Maxine gave the headmaster a look and then he went and pressed a button, suddenly the room was filled with music and voices. To Brooke it was magical, she was in awe not believing her child could be responsible for what she was hearing.
"G, DAVIS, G. AGAIN" a man yelled as he circled the piano, his hands moving in the air. "Good, again"
Brooke closed her eyes briefly, she could hear the gruff voice instructing more, "next one now. Good, pace it, Davis" she opened her eyes again as the melody changed becoming louder, faster, more passionate. The man no longer said anything, he paused and simply closed his eyes. Suddenly across the room another student on a different instrument started playing along, and then another yet.
The only woman in the room started grinning and then clapping as joy filled the room. The other students stopped however Noah continued the same piece. A second man who sat on a chair, hands under his chin watching Noah, suddenly looked up and stared straight at the three intruders through the glass. Brooke didn't notice him at first but as his stare burnt into her she couldn't help but shift her gaze just slightly to take him in more and their eyes locked.
Head master Trinidad turned the sound off and Brooke felt like she'd been thrown into a pool of water with how suddenly it went silent and cold. They didn't heat what was said though soon the lady in the music room was ushering all the other students out of another exit until it was just the two men and Noah still at the piano. Howard motioned for the women to follow him and then guided them through the door to the music room and Brooke was surrounded by the music again.
The adults didn't speak, the man who had been siting stood and went over to the piano, standing just to the side of Noah between Brooke and the boy. The other man gave a quick firm clap and Noah's fingers stopped so quickly Brooke almost missed seeing his hands move to his lap, "good work today however I see we have some visitors"
It was then that Noah turned and Brooke sucked in a breath. The boy's eyes didn't land on her, his gaze trailed over the three newcomers into the room and then settled somewhere to the side of them.
Green eyes, pale, Brooke hadn't expected that. Noah's skin was flawless, it wasn't porcelain like her but had a peach glow to it like Lucas yet on his right cheek, between his cheekbone and his tiny nose was a single small mole in the same position as her own. Dark eyebrows, with a sharp arch in the middle, the eye shape was hers though the bridge of the nose was Lucas, eyes placed a little closer together like his father, a narrow bridge. The mouth was Lucas too. It hurt in a good way for Brooke to look at him, to actually soak in the features and note each little curve and angle knowing this was her son, not what might be, not a picture in her mind, this was him. The face was long and narrow ending in a pointed chin, the mouth was Lucas too she saw, she waited and though Noah didn't smile he licked his lips and in that movement Brooke saw the dimples that marked both cheeks. Deeper than his father but not quite as distinct as her own.
"Hello" her voice cracked.
One step forward, Maxine grabbed her arm stopping Brooke.
Sounding chipper Maxine brought Brooke's attention to the men "this is the music teacher Nicholas and this is Bram" she smiled even more and focused on Noah "and this young man is Noah August Davis. Noah, I have a friend I would like you to meet" she grabbed Brooke's elbow and moved her forward slightly "this is Brooke Davis. She is here to meet you, say hello" Maxine motioned for Brooke to get down so Brooke carefully kneeled so she could meet Noah eye to eye, he was surprisingly tall so she ended in a bent at the knee standing position that wasn't comfortable in her dress, yet Brooke found the best position she could and smiled.
"Hi, Noah"
The boy didn't speak, he looked to the adults he knew and then briefly at Brooke before he stood making him even taller.
Maxine softened her voice, "Noah, it's polite to greet your guest"
Finally Noah switched his eyes back to Brooke, his pupils dilated, "Hello" he clipped.
Unable to help herself Brooke went to move closer and Noah flinched, immediately Bram who had protectively placed himself between them held out his hand onto Noah's shoulder in a signal for her not to move any closer. Mine, it said.
Brooke stood, she looked around awkwardly and then grabbed a nearby chair and placed it close to the piano, Maxine did the same.
"I heard you play" Brooke told the boy, "I have a friend Haley who loves the piano, she's a singer too"
Noah was disinterested; he replied blankly "I don't sing"
"Well that's alright, neither do I" she laughed at herself, "I can't play the piano either"
"It's very easy" Noah told her, he turned back around, "I can show you" he stood waiting and then turned back to Brooke not quite meeting her eyes, "you must sit for me to show you"
"Oh" Brooke quickly closed the distance almost wanting to stick her tongue out at Bram as she sat at the piano bench, Noah's warmth almost touching her as he took a seat next to her, "I'm a little nervous"
With a quick flick of the wrist Noah started playing, his voice soft "it's like counting see" he stopped the tune and started to do key by key "ABCDEFG, 1234567" and then he repeated it, then his fingers moved more around, numbers coming in a whisper from him that Brooke couldn't understand.
Maxine smiled wider and pressed Noah gently, "Noah, would you like to come for a walk with us?"
Without looking or even skipping a beat Noah shot back quickly, "No, thank you"
"It's a lovely day outside" Howard tried.
Noah stopped playing, "I already noticed it was lovely when I went out at lunch. We had our science class outside as well" his eyes went to the clock, "at four o'clock I go to the library. Ms Daly you may come too"
This wasn't what Brooke expected, she felt out of her depth, trying she gave up on the piano and went straight to the point. Something told Brooke that Noah wouldn't mind that, "can I come too?"
"You may" Noah said before shooting his eyes back to her, brows furrowed "was that not obvious? You are here to see me" he answered his own question.
Bram chuckled, "okay, let's go. Why don't you show Ms Daly and Miss Davis the way".
On the way Noah walked in front with Bram not far behind his and Brooke and Maxine a bit slower, side by side. Grey eyes alight Maxine kept pace with Brooke, "there was no real way to warn you, as you can see you have to experience Noah. He is exceptionally bright that it's hard to remember he just turned six; sometimes it's very hard to talk or reason with him as he has an answer to everything. Very, very independent"
"It'll be like having two teenagers" Brooke smiled back but Maxine stopped her, she took Brooke's wrist and looked at her seriously.
"No, it won't be. Noah may sometimes act like a little adult and he might not talk or beat to the same drum as other kids do however he still is a six year old in every way that counts, his emotions, his heart, and that makes him that much more vulnerable"
Brooke took in the words and nodded, getting too far behind Maxine pulled her back forward to follow Noah and Bram again, this time when Maxine spoke it was more optimistic "Noah might benefit from a type of life he hasn't had yet, one I believe you can give him".
Soon they reached the library, when they got there Maxine turned her attention to Bram "It was lovely of you to show us they way but you may go now, thank you" her words and expression were polite and sweet however it was clear to everyone what she was really saying was shove off. Bram cleared his throat and kneeled down to Noah, "would you prefer I stay or go?" he asked the child.
"I am fine" Noah replied, "this way" he told the women and left Bram kneeling by the door as he lead them to a section of the library towards the back. They sat at a table by the window and Noah went off for a brief moment to collect a few books, he came back with four and plopped them down before taking his own seat.
"How are you, Ms Daly?" he asked in a very proper tone.
The older lady smile gently, "I'm good, thank you for asking. Boris has planted a new lemon tree and Harriet is having another baby"
"Is the orange tree still alive?"
"Yes, it is"
"Is Echo still alive?"
"Yes. Would you like to see a picture?"
Noah's nose scrunched up, "would it make you happy to show me?"
"I'll be happy either way"
"Yes, I suppose" he settled on an answer and then took Maxine's phone to look at a picture of a large silver cat, "she has gotten fatter" he turned to Brooke "do you like cats?"
"I guess. I've never really had one around?" Brooke wasn't sure if that was the right answer and Noah quickly turned his head away from her and picked up a book.
"I'll go get a drink of water" Maxine muttered and stood up to leave. Once gone Noah whispered so Brooke could hear him, "she went to leave us alone"
The next half an hour was strange for Brooke, Noah seemed to go from completely ignoring her to engaging in conversation and expecting her to keep up, when she went to read a passage to him the boy called her strange and gave her a book of her own.
After a whole Brooke realised Noah had stopped reading and was looking at her once again, this time he didn't look away when she met his gaze, "will you come here to see me again?"
"Yes, very soon I hope"
"I thought so" he nodded and then scrunched up his face a bit before leaning closer to her with a serious face, "are you my mother?"
It took Brooke by surprise, nothing had been mentioned about it and she wasn't sure what she was meant to say, Maxine who was in earshot had a fine brow arched up, when she saw Brooke had looked at her she gave a nod of approval.
Brooke sighed, she was about to say something she had never said before, "yes, I'm your mom"
Sitting back he looked at her as if contemplating something, Brooke unable to wait spoke again "how does that make you feel?"
A light in Noah's eyes appeared and his shoulders relaxed "I never had a mother before"
"I know but I'm here now and I would like to get to know you if that's alright"
Not answering Noah closed his book and stood, Maxine and Brooke both stood as well, "I have to go" he told them, he titlted his head towards Brooke "you may come again" he told her before walking away with the books.
Maxine clutched Brooke's hand, "you did very well. Come on, let's go"
Outside Maxine handed Brooke a sheet of paper, "I have organised a visiting schedule, here are the times and days. Alright Brooke, I will see you the same time Thursday. Bye"
Alone Brooke walked back to her car and climbed into the driver's seat. You survived it, she smiled to herself. It wasn't going to be like Brooke expected, her mental plan had changed once she met Noah as he was nothing like she had expected. It didn't matter though, the love and protectiveness had ran through her almost to the point Brooke didn't know how she hadn't exploded and grabbed Noah and never let go.
Brooke couldn't see anything but she could feel Noah, even now she could feel his eyes watching her from somewhere in the dark lit school. Waiting for her.
-x-
Next Chapter: Brooke returns to Tree Hill.
So, I can't take back the path I'm going with Noah now, it's set that this is the stories version of him. What do you think? He's not going to be an easy child to bond with for many Tree Hill characters. And can anyone guess how Noah so easily new who Brooke was?
Thank you all for reading, and for those who reviewed.