***Disclaimer*** for creative purposes only, I claim no ownership of the fandom, characters and setting. I do however own two couches, one of which I am currently using.
Author note: Thanks to those who reviewed, followed and favourited the story. Don't forget to follow so you don't miss updates. This one took a bit longer, and over the next month I might be slower due to some internet and computer issues I'm experiencing. Imagine a three year old getting his hands on a laptop and getting frustrated he can't get his ABC fix on youtube. This is why I only have 5 minute showers…
I'm not sure who I replied to so I'll to a broad thank you, if you sign in to review I try to personally reply to everyone and their questions.
-x-
Chapter Four
At eight am Julian let himself into Brooke's house with the spare key she had sent him, it was a strange sensation entering the empty room knowing the owner was hours away and he was going to be surrounded by her possessions and life like an interloper. Reminding himself he had permission in a mutually beneficial arrangement Julian relaxed and locked the door behind him, the producer took his bags over to the dining table and made himself comfortable with all the essentials sprawled out in front of him. Julian had two hours before he was meant to let the painters in and he decided to make the most of it.
Right on time there was a knock on the door, Julian was quick to let them in and show them the way. A series of parcels arrived as well and as instructed Julian placed them all in Brooke's room careful not to pay too much attention the room itself. The hour grew late and Julian ended his latest phone call and went to the fridge for a cold drink, it shut softly and Julian found himself staring at an arrangement of photos Brooke kept.
There were a lot of children, Sam included, as well as a small brunette girl with smiling brown eyes, a chubby dark skinned baby and Brooke's godson Jamie too. Julian's eyes were drawn to a particular photo of Brooke and Lucas with the baby between them, almost like a family. The complicated ties that tangled Tree Hill in a knot, Julian stepped away, he realised he was on the outside at the moment and was grateful that the full out would be a superficial burn for him and only if he wanted it. Julian couldn't help but think about his ex Peyton, the curly haired mysterious blonde has appeared so happy with him making him believe they had something special, a strong love, yet at the same time their relationship had been shadowed for her inability to fully let go of Lucas Scott. Slightly hurt, a little bitter, yet at the same time Julian wished Peyton no ill will, it strengthened his conviction that breaking up was the right thing to do because if it hadn't been Peyton wouldn't have run straight home to Lucas, the two of them wouldn't be engaged expecting a baby, and Peyton wouldn't be wearing the grin on her face. Julian recognised that Peyton appeared happy and content, and a part of Julian pitied the delicate blonde and how everything she wanted for her future, everything she expected, was going to have to make room for the unexpected turn that was about to crash into her world.
A part of Julian was curious how his ex will react and cope with the changes, there was a niggle at the back of his mind reminding him Peyton had done a great job of acting happy and content through their relationship, he hoped that her life at the moment was more real or the consequences could be dire.
Julian wasn't sure when he fell asleep on the couch; he woke the next day with a sore neck and a piece of paper stuck to his back. Rushing out Julian went back to his motel room, showered and changed, then returned back to Brooke's place just in time to let the painters in again.
At lunch time Julian packed up and went to meet Lucas at the café, the author was already there with a coffee and sandwich.
"Hi"
Julian slipped into the booth, "Hi. Did you get the email about Jon Chrissie? Are you available to fly to LA this weekend?"
"About that…" the look on his face made in clear Lucas was about to decline, "it's not good timing"
"If you want to be involved the way you said you do then you're going to have to travel eventually, we are not the big guns here, not everyone is going to come to us, we have to go to them and convince them we are worth their time" the frustration in Julian's voice was very real, "it's happening, Luke, you can come with me or stay here"
"I'm sorry but I can't just fly off abandoning my responsibilities" there was judgement in Lucas' reply.
Julian shook his head, "Tree Hill will survive without you, I'm sure Peyton will cope for forty eight hours, she's pregnant not dying" Julian spat.
Lucas froze, "how do you know-"
"Brooke told me" Julian cut in, "we can't stop the movie because you forgot to wear a condom. Focus, Luke"
"Watch it" Lucas warned, "Don't talk about my life like that" then he calmed down, "I'm not going to tell you where to go because I get what you're saying. Make the bookings, I'll talk to Peyton"
"Do what you got to do, just make it happen" Julian frowned, "how's the rewrite going?"
They discussed some more details, the air between them crackling, until Lucas eventually left inwardly fuming. Instead of going home Lucas went straight to Tric and found Haley and Peyton in Peyton's office upstairs.
Haley took one look at Lucas "whoa, what's got you so worked up"
"Julian Baker" Lucas gritted.
Peyton winced and then stood, stretching her fingers along her desk, "what's wrong"
"He's insisting I go with him to LA this weekend"
Haley gave a mock look of anger, "what a jerk, how dare he" she smiled "the nerve of a Hollywood producer you're working with asking you to come to LA with him"
"I get it" Lucas glared at Haley.
After Haley's reaction Peyton frowned and tried to be supportive, "it sucks but I'm guessing there's a reason?"
"A meeting with a possible director"
"That sounds important, Luke. For a second I thought he was planning on stealing your fiancée from you" Haley laughed but Lucas just glared more.
He shook his head, "it's the way he asked, he doesn't need to be such a dick"
"Julian's a nice guy" Haley defended the other man, she looked to Peyton "I mean, you dated him Peyton, he couldn't be that bad"
Before Peyton could reply Lucas ranted again, "and what the hell is going on with him and Brooke, I can't believe she likes that jerk" he shook his head, "you know, she told him about the baby. Our baby, as if that's any of his business"
Peyton walked around the desk and grabbed Lucas, "hey, hey" she got him to look at her, "Luke. He doesn't matter okay, Julian can't touch us. So what if he knows about the baby. I'm not ashamed"
"I know"
"Don't let it get to you. Don't let the past touch our happiness. Work is work but we… me, you and our baby… we're family"
Lucas nodded, his blue eyes slowly becoming less cold "you're right. I'm overreacting"
Not far away Haley watched the two and for the first time she felt a twinge of concern, an undercurrent ran between them and Haley got the uncomfortable feeling they weren't alone.
-x-
This time as Brooke arrived at the school Maxine wasn't waiting instead Brooke was let in by Bram who glowered at her with his bushy eyebrows as he guided her through the school to the gardens.
Brooke walked by the courts before getting to the opening of the path, it was a small maze with the hedge coming up to Brooke's knees. In the centre Brooke could see Maxine and Noah already waiting at the fountain.
When they met up Maxine shook Brooke's hand and the two exchanged greetings before Brooke went straight to Noah who was standing by the edge staring into the water.
"Hi Noah! It's good to see you again" she sat down on the fountains edge, back to the water. This time Brooke was wearing skinny navy pants and a white and blue blouse that slid down on one shoulder, she felt comfortable and tried to act relaxed with Noah as he kept staring into the water. Trying again Brooke softened her voice, "I thought we could do something together this afternoon, is there anything you would like to do? The library maybe?"
Noah stayed silent.
After a few minutes the boy started to walk around, Brooke followed slowly, not too close yet not too far. Eventually Noah sat down on a bench on the other side of the maze, looking out over a section of daisies. Maxine stayed in the centre keeping an eye on them but not encroaching on their time.
Sitting down on the bench next to her son Brooke let out a soft sigh, she gave him a few minutes before turning to face him and found his pale green eyes looking at her, "Ms Daly told me that now you've found me you are going to take me home with you" he tilted his head "that you will be my forever family"
"I would really like that" Brooke nodded, she looked out at the garden again before looking back at Noah, "I remember how I felt when I was at school and my Mom and Dad wanted to take me away from everything I knew, all my friends and home. I was really scared"
"I'm not scared" Noah replied, he said it simply not blinking. His face was entirely serious, Noah's eyes flickered in thought, "what happened when you left everything?"
Brooke smiled sadly, "I didn't, I spent one summer with my parents and then I went back"
"Alone?"
"I had my friends" she smiled again, "they're my family, they'll be your family too"
He nodded and looked down at his small feet that were dangling down. Brooke started to talk about Tree Hill, about the smell of the river after it rained and mood of walking down Grace St or the Riverwalk, she told him about the beach and the river court, and she told him about how the people made the place great.
Noah asked a lot of questions, he asked about school and seemingly irrelevant things about Brooke and her house. Brooke tried to sometimes turn the questions on him to find out what he liked. Brooke discovered Noah's favourite subjects were Mathematics and Science, he really enjoyed biology and astrology, he spatted facts off at a fast pace and Brooke could genuinely enjoy listening to the information he gave her, a lot of it was information she didn't know or had long forgotten.
Eventually he stood up "I would like to go swimming"
"Swimming?"
"Yes" Noah nodded, "you asked if there was something I would like to do. I would like to go swimming" reading her expression he added on "there is a swimming pool inside, it's very warm"
Brooke stood, clapping her knees, "why not, let's go see"
That's how Brooke found herself slipping off her clothes in the change rooms, standing in only her panties, comforted in the knowledge of it just being Noah, her and Maxine in the area Brooke covered her body with a large shirt they had leant her. Maxine sat on a bench watching and Noah stood by the pool waiting, he wore only a red bathing suit that clung to him and goggles. As Brooke had expected from looking at him he was tall but skinny, his bones seemingly sticking out in sharp angles. Noah didn't appear unhealthy just awkwardly lanky.
"All ready" Brooke grinned.
Brooke stepped into the water first, climbing down the ladder she pushed herself away from the edge before finding her footing. The water flowed around her neck, "are you sure it's not too deep for you?" Brooke wasn't sure about Noah's swimming ability but the boy shook his head and then stepped down into the water and swam out pass her.
Together the two of them swam around in circles, eventually floating on their backs. Brooke found herself counting the tiles on the roof as they fell into a long silence, suddenly there was a splash and Noah was kicking in the water next to her, his arms working to keep him afloat "there's 458"
"Sorry?"
"The tiles"
"Oh" she straightened up, with her tip toes she stood in the pool, "you're very good at math's"
"Bram says I am gifted" he swam to the side some more and then swam closer to the edge, Brooke followed until she could stand comfortably. Noah pulled himself up until he was sitting on the edge, his legs in the water, "Bram doesn't like you"
"He doesn't know me"
Noah's face scrunched up in a look Brooke was becoming familiar with, after a moment his face softened "if you are my mother that means I grew in your uterus after you mated-"
"Whoa, hold up there. You sure do know a lot for a little boy" Brooke laughed awkwardly.
Noah ignored the comment, he kept going, "Ms Daly said you found me and that means you must have lost me. How did you lose me if I came from you?"
Swimming to Noah Brooke stopped straight in front of the boy, she placed a hand on the edge by his side, she became all too aware of her surroundings before it all disappeared and there was just Noah as their eyes locked.
"Sometimes Moms do things for their children thinking it's what's best for them even if the child or someone else won't agree, sometimes we make mistakes and sometimes it turns out it is better" Brooke wanted to touch Noah but she held off doing so, "When I found out I was going to have you I was very young, still a child myself. And I thought it was a good idea to find you a different Mom and Dad, ones who are older and really wanted a baby so much but couldn't have one. And I thought I found them. So when you were born I thought you were with a different Mom"
Noah was listening intently. Brooke moved closer and Noah wiggled away an inch, the rejection hit Brooke yet she didn't let it show, "so I thought I was doing the best for my son but I have a mother too and she thought I was too young to have a baby too, she wanted me to do a lot of things that I wasn't sure I wanted to do so when my mother found out that the Mom and Dad I found for you had found their own baby and I might want to keep you she decided to not tell me. And I didn't know where you were but now I've found you" it was a lot, and uncharacteristically Noah hadn't asked any questions while she was talking. Nervous Brooke tried again, "does that make sense?"
"Yes" he replied simply and stood up, "I'm done now"
Brooke pulled herself up with the room Noah gave her and stood up, Maxine walked over and gave them each a towel, and together they walked to the change rooms each going in opposite directions. Brooke rushed getting dry and dressing, placing her damp panties in her bag she slipped on her pants and then the rest of her dry clothes, hair still damp and out Brooke went outside to meet Noah by the change rooms.
Noah came out a few minutes later, his damp hair looking a lot darker, dressed once again in his uniform and this time his blazer was on top of his cardigan.
Brooke smiled when she saw Noah, she wanted to appear as open as she could to him, he didn't smile back but her heart leapt when he spoke, "would you like to see my room?"
As she was about to answer Bram came up to them, "Noah, it is nearly time for dinner, Miss Davis will have to go now, why don't you say goodbye and go join the others in the dining room"
Noah frowned at Bram and the older man cleared his throat, Noah blinked "she is my mother"
"So I hear" Bram drawled clearly unimpressed.
Noah looked back to Brooke, "when will you come to see me again?"
"On Monday"
With a nod Noah seemed pleased, "I can show you my room then if you like"
Brooke knelt down, "I would like that very much" and then she waited, she was very careful "Noah, would it be alright if I hugged you?" as soon as the words left her Brooke held her breath. It was the young mother's greatest wish, to wrap her arms around Noah and hold on tight, to put her cheek against his, to feel his soft hair and smell the scent that is unique to him.
It hurt Brooke to see the shock on her sons face at being asked to be hugged, "it's okay" Brooke told him hoping that her disappointment wasn't too obvious, a part of her wanted to cry though.
As Brooke went to stand back up Noah stopped her with his voice, "okay, you may hug me"
The excitement bubbled up inside Brooke though she contained it to not scare her son, then gently Brooke went to hug Noah. Leaning sideways into the hug Noah kept his arms straight at his sides and faced away from Brooke as she let her arms settle around his thin frame. It was awkward yet perfect for Brooke simply because she was holding him, she ached to feel him hug her back but she embraced this first nonetheless.
It wasn't long before Noah fidgeted and started to move away, Brooke let go and moved backwards, standing up, "thank you. I'm going to miss you Noah and I can't wait for Monday"
"You're welcome" his dimples went on display as he sucked in his lips.
Bram placed his hand on Noah's shoulder and motioned for Noah to leave, the little boy did so and Brooke fumed at the professor for interfering.
With Noah gone he turned his attention to Brooke, "I'll show you the way out" and then he nodded his head to Maxine as she joined them.
A part of Brooke wanted to say she was fine yet knew she would probably get lost so she followed Bram and stayed close to Maxine. Outside Maxine quickly said goodbye and left, moving surprisingly fast for a lady of her age and size. On the other hand Bram stopped Brooke, "Miss Davis, may I talk to you for a minute?"
Inwardly sighing Brooke placed a false smile on her face and turned back, "yes?"
"I have been told you are planning on moving to North Carolina with Noah"
"It's where I live and all his family"
"I understand that" his gruff voice held impatience, "however I propose it would be best for Noah to remain at his school, which he is familiar with and has flourished in for two years. I put it to you to continue his schooling and reenroll him here where he will always be welcome. During the school term you can always visit him on the weekends whenever you desire"
Over my dead body, Brooke wanted to hiss. After so long away from Noah she wanted to take him home, show him what family is not continue his existence in a school. A part of Brooke hoped that Bram was doing this because he genuinely had affection for her son so she tried to answer kindly.
"I appreciate your concern for Noah but I think it's best for Noah to be surrounded by his family in a loving environment, there are many good schools near me and I ensure you that Noah will receive a wonderful education. If you care for my son I'm sure you can understand that I want to have as much time with him as possible"
The man's expression darkened, appearing taller as he straightened up "frankly you have no idea what is best for Noah. You are nobody to him, just some silly girl who got herself knocked up and your selfishness knows no bounds" the words seemed to shock him as much as her.
Furious Brooke span around and walked straight off in fear she was about to slap him which she would have if not for fear of it backlashing on her and her chance for Noah.
The tears started falling as soon as Brooke closed the door in her rental car; alone she let her insecurities and pain overtake her. Shoulders shaking Brooke started the car and drove off, the radio drowning out her sobs.
-x-
In the early hours of the morning Brooke returned to Tree Hill, exhausted the brunette struggled to keep her eyes open. On automatic pilot Brooke stumbled to her room, kicking her shoes off as she walked towards her room. As soon as the door was open Brooke froze, her eyes clearing she took in the boxes and bags over her bed and floor. Ignoring the mess Brooke went to her couch and plopped down, her eyes closing before her cheek landed on the cushion.
It didn't feel like long before Brooke woke to strong knocks at her door, groggy Brooke rubbed her dark hazel green eyes and looked around. The room was warm and filled with light streaming through the windows, as the knocking continued Brooke checked her watch to realise it was now nearly lunch time.
Wishing she could go back to sleep Brooke reluctantly made her way to the front door "I' coming" she called as the knocking got louder.
When the door opened a few seconds later Peyton lifted her glasses up "that's what she said. Hey B. Davis, you look like shit" and the smiling blonde pulled Brooke into a hug. Brooke returned it and then gently pulled Peyton inside.
"Thanks. You look great though"
"I feel it! Jesus Brooke what are you doing in here?" Peyton's attention quickly turned to the mess, "what's all this?"
"Oh" Brooke looked away, pretending to survey the room, "I'm renovating. Redoing Sam's room for her for when she comes back"
"How's that going?"
Brooke smiled as she answered, "good. A couple more weeks at most I think, have to get the house approved. I'm picking her up from school today"
Peyton sat on the edge of the couch, allowing herself to relax even more "that's great. How's New York going?"
"New York?" Brooke was confused, though she quickly clicked and hoped Peyton hadn't noticed her eyes widening, "yeah great" giving the room another once over Brooke did her best happy look for Peyton "you want to go out for lunch? I have to have a quick shower first but I am dying for some fresh air and something to eat"
"Yeah, sounds cool"
Brooke nodded and grabbed a few of the boxes that had been left by the staircase, "right, give me ten minutes" and she rushed to her bedroom.
Within half an hour the two women were sitting across from each other at a table on the river walk, both with a glass of cold water.
"I just want you to know I'm here for you" Peyton was serious.
"I know that"
"You can talk to me"
Brooke tried to smile, the attempt she made was weak barely deepening her dimples let alone reaching her dark eyes. Shaking the truth away Brooke leaned forward slightly, taking another sip to give her more time before she replied "I just don't want every conversation to be tiptoeing around it, Peyton, I'm dealing with it. I'm okay and I'll talk about it when I need to. Can we just not talk about kids and drama and all things Tree Hill!"
Peyton chuckled and the two of them shared a look, "that doesn't leave much" Peyton told the brunette.
"What about Mia's new song?" Brooke asked and just like that the two of them fell into easy conversation.
Eventually Peyton mentioned Lucas, "so Julian is taking Lucas to LA this weekend for some meetings. He's not happy about it but he's got to do what he's got to do, anyway I'll be home alone and I was thinking maybe I could come stay your place like old times"
"The house is crazy at the moment, there's boxes everywhere and there's no spare bed at the moment"
"Right, of course" Peyton shrugged one shoulder "what about my place?"
The words made something ping inside Brooke, long ago emotions bubbled to the service at how easily Peyton referred to Lucas' place as her own. Rationally Brooke knew she had no reason to feel this way, that the words didn't change the truth behind them which Brooke knew without Peyton voicing it. Everything was meant to be in the past, from another life and time, Brooke had no right to feel uncomfortable like someone else was playing with her favourite toy.
Her voice caught in her throat as she was about to answer, Brooke stared wide eyed at the smiling Peyton, it took a moment to regain her composure "I've got a lot to do this weekend and it's the only time I have with Sam before I fly out Monday morning"
The disappointment was clear by Peyton's face, Brooke quickly tried to make it better "what about…" she went through her plans "I get back Wednesday night we could get together Thursday"
"What if you and Sam come over for lunch next Saturday?"
"I won't be home that weekend, I fly out early Saturday" Brooke quickly replied knowing that would be her first weekend with Noah.
Their plans sizzled but Peyton remained optimistic as Brooke secretly was grateful. Soon the time came for Brooke to leave, the goodbye was not as awkward as Brooke felt inside, everything she wasn't telling her friend still hung between them though Peyton was none the wiser with her bright eyes and cheeky smile that barely left her face. It was like she was lying to her yet Brooke told herself she had to wait, she couldn't tell Peyton first. And not telling Peyton was easier than thinking about actually telling Lucas.
Every time Noah looked at Brooke or talked it was a stark reminder that she wasn't alone in this change, the boy was a shadow of the young Lucas that filled the photo albums Karen had once shown Brooke. Which reminded Brooke about the ripples her secret would send out, Noah was not just Lucas' son, or the brother of Peyton's unborn baby; he was the grandchild Karen had never met, the nephew of Nathan and Haley, and the cousin of Jamie. Would they all feel betrayed?
Parking across the road from the back of the school Brooke pulled out the notebook in her bag and began to write.
Lucas, I can't explain fully why I lied to you but I do know…
-x-
Next chapter: Getting closer to reveals, who will be the first…How would you tell people in the circumstances?