***Disclaimer*** for creative purposes only, I claim no ownership of the fandom, characters and setting. I do own a lot of turtle themed things, just got a new turtle keyring.
Well you guys did it, I appreciate all those without accounts or who didn't sign in that reviewed who don't normally. I encourage you to review the fics you read, it may seem like nothing but it does help. I find it inspires me to write and update as I know people are waiting and want an update.
So as promised the next chapter!
I would also like to give a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my little boy. He is asleep now after a big day, I took him to the zoo and then we came home and he opened all his presents which def cheered him up. I think he is getting sick which sucks, he came out with a rash tonight, hopefully he is over it before his bday party grrr, so much to do. Have a good easter everyone, I'm going to enjoy the long weekend and excuse to eat chocolate and hang with the people I care about. Thanks and bye guys!
Chapter Nine
Words were not needed between Brooke and Lucas, the night before Lucas had given Brooke space and this morning they had come together in a united front. Nothing else mattered as they nervously held hands, it was reminisced of the time Lucas spent supporting Brooke while she cared for baby Angie but this time Brooke was supporting Lucas as well sending him a shy smile of hope and comfort as they entered the judges chambers.
One of Brooke's lawyers was with them, a sharp woman in her forties with a strong English accent who wore a silver-grey suit and crisp white blouse against her dark skin. Despite her no-nonsense attitude the lawyer had a smile that put both Brooke and Lucas at ease, she introduced herself as Alisha. Maxine, the social worker, had shaken Lucas' hand and now stood with them in front of the judge who sat behind his desk.
Lucas wasn't sure who had requested the privacy but suspected it was the lawyer, it felt less formal except for the judge's stern expression. The greying man eyed them, the next few minutes was a lot of doing as they were told. Finally sitting down Lucas and Brooke had their middle hands locked together resting on Lucas' knee.
When his presence was questioned Alisha was the one to explain Lucas' position as Noah's biological father and a close platonic friend of Brooke's. And too his amazement Lucas listened as his and Brooke's lives were summed up in no more than five minutes. Their living, relationship, financial, work and family support situations were all discussed. Questions were asked and answered.
Brooke's voice didn't shake when she was called upon yet Lucas could hear the raw emotion as she spoke of the decision to give Noah up for adoption and then how she learnt his adoption was cancelled and Noah was without a family. Despite six years apart there was no doubt to anyone in the room they were looking at a mother who loved her son and would do anything for him. Lucas wished he had a frame of reference to go by on Noah, there was still a sense of this all being a dream to him.
The room started to close in Lucas after he spoke about his desire to be a good father, to support Brooke in introducing him to his life in Tree Hill, he talked about his dreams of his children growing up as close siblings, when the words were finished though Lucas wasn't sure what was being said. His mind wandered and Lucas tried to catch up, he was half aware of Maxine supporting them, of the judge being more critical of Lucas' role than Brooke's.
Then Brooke was crying and her tears were wetting his shoulder where she buried her head, fingers clutching his collar. In the next moment Brooke was away from him, tears still in her eyes as she grinned, saying thank you to everyone.
"I'm not sure what just happened" Lucas smiled at Brooke when they were back in the hallway, all he realised is it was good because all the stress seemed to have just disappeared from Brooke.
"We can take Noah home on Sunday as planned" Brooke almost jumped in the air as she said the words, Lucas found himself hugging her, lifting her small frame and spinning around the slightest before placing Brooke's feet back on the ground.
Maxine interrupted them with a smile, her tone as serious as ever, "it means you can take him home tomorrow if you wish"
"Really?" Brooke held in her squeal.
"Yes. All your parental rights have been reinstated, a signature and a stamp and Noah is no longer a ward of the state, he is your son Brooke in each and every way possible, to be taken wherever and whenever at your will"
The lawyer added "I will try to expedite the paperwork. Ms Daly, and I correct to assume then you will not prevent my client from collecting her son today?"
"Prevent no, caution against? yes. Noah still needs to adjust to leaving his current environment. I will happily contact the head master and confirm that Miss Davis is in charge of Noah's care now. Congratulations Brooke"
Maxine and Brooke shook hands, then out of courtesy she took Lucas' in a shake too and bid farewell.
As they began to walk down the hallway Brooke asked Alisha a few questions, the other woman responded "It went better than I hoped though the judge saw no point wasting social services time across states in your case and with Samantha in your care welfare checks will still be carried out so you're not completely out of their reach. Did you understand about your requirements with Mr Scott?"
"A little" Brooke didn't seem sure, Lucas paid close attention, after confirming Brooke was okay with having this conversation in front of him Alisha found a quiet corner and continued.
"You both need to understand that because Mr Scott is not on the birth certificate legally he is still not recognised as Noah's father. As of today, Miss Davis, you have been given sole custody and responsibility of Noah. The judge has ordered that you bare the costs of proving Lucas' paternity and adding his details to the birth certificate, when I have a copy of the orders I will confirm with you the time limit however I advise if you are both willing to do so as soon as possible. This does not however mean that custody changes, you will still retain sole custody-"
"But I'm his father" Lucas growled.
After giving Brooke a look Alisha turned directly to Lucas "and what that role entails is at the moment under the control of my client" she turned back to Brooke, "from our discussions I see no reason why an agreement cannot be reached outside the courts"
"Of course," Brooke looked at Lucas and grabbed him above the elbow pulling him around to face her as he tried to turn away, "you know I won't stop you seeing Noah"
Unsure Lucas gave a nod though he felt slightly sick at how little control he had over the situation and unbidden came the thought of how Brooke had kept their son's existence a secret for six years. Her reassurances were not enough to completely dispel his concerns.
Lucas remained quiet as Brooke and Alisha finished their conversation and then followed Brooke to their rental car, Brooke drove as she was more familiar with the area and Lucas sat with his chin resting gently on against his fingertips lost in thought.
"How do you want to do this?" Brooke asked breaking his train of thought.
"Huh?"
Still driving Brooke rolled her eyes, "we didn't plan to go back until Sunday. If we can leave earlier I would like to spend as little time away from Sam as possible if it can be helped, she only came home Monday but I agree with Maxine we can't just pull Noah away tonight with no warning"
"We are still going today though?"
"Of course, he is expecting it… You're meeting your son today" her voice was sure and Lucas gave a nod but they fell into silence and didn't start discussing it again until they went down to the hotel restaurant for lunch.
After taking a sip of his drink Lucas clung the glass a little too loudly, "what if we tell Noah today, go early tomorrow to help him pack his things and he can have one last day at school and then after school we go to the airport… and home?"
"I think seeing its Noah's first night in Tree Hill we should keep it casual, just the three of us, you could stay for dinner and say good night to Noah"
"I would like that" Lucas lipped his lips and took another sip before speaking again, "I could stay with Noah once he is in bed while you collect Sam"
"That would be great" she suddenly wrinkled her nose "Peyton is not picking us up from the airport. I am drawing the line at that"
Unable to stop it Lucas started to laugh and then laughed harder at Brooke's expression, "I am so sorry" he gained control of himself again, "I really didn't want Peyton to drop us off"
"Let me guess. She asked to in a way that would make you look like a complete dick if you said no"
The look Lucas sent Brooke was all she needed to know she got it right, "neither of us are perfect and I would like to think that other than eventually being Noah's stepmother Peyton will also be one of my best friends again. I understand that she isn't happy with me or this situation, I know Peyton well enough to know that but I can't risk Noah being in the firing line while she figures it out"
"As you said, Peyton is going to be his stepmother…"
"Noah is smart enough to read her passive aggressive remarks and will be able to tell she's faking the smile" Brooke shook her head, "I want Noah to settle in before meeting Peyton, I think it's best he meets Haley and Nathan first" his actual family Brooke didn't add aloud yet the thought was in her mind. Brooke was the last person to think family started and stopped at biology or a piece of paper yet she couldn't help but picture Nathan, Haley and Jamie as Noah's family before Peyton. There was no doubt in Brooke's mind that the Scott family would welcome Noah with huge open arms and a genuine joy.
There was another part of Brooke that wanted to put her hands protectively on Noah's shoulders, narrow her eyes at her oldest friend and growl mine. It went both ways, Brooke was not blind to the possessive show Peyton had tried to put on over Lucas. The blonde had been marking her territory and it was those actions Brooke didn't want Noah to be in the middle of, and when it came to her son Brooke wanted to make sure that Peyton understood that though she has Lucas and her own baby, though she would play an important role in Noah's life, Brooke is the one and only mother.
"I'm asking for a week. A week for Noah to get to know us, to start to feel comfortable, time for Peyton to calm down" her soft words reached Lucas, he didn't blink, only into at Brooke's sparkling dark eyes.
He gave a nod, "one week"
With a sigh of relief Brooke leaned back, her tone turned slightly nervous "have you told Karen yet?"
Lucas froze, "not yet" uninterested in his food he pushed the plate away, "I've asked Mum to visit as soon as she can so I can tell her in person" he paused then, head down he watched Brooke from between his lashes "have you talked to your parents?"
As quick as lightning Brooke grimaced and replied, "I thought we could invite them to a welcome home party for Noah, along with Dan and maybe Nikki and Nanny Carrie-"
"And I get it" Lucas cut in before Brooke's sarcastic rant went further, "Nathan and Haley first"
"Yes, let's take this slow"
"How exactly do I fit into this?" Lucas asked looking directly at Brooke again.
It wasn't something Brooke had ignored and many hours had been spent by Brooke trying to think about how sharing Noah with Lucas was going to work. Nothing seemed perfect yet it had been a desire to give Noah perfect that had Brooke not believing they could do it all those years ago and now she was simply looking for a compromise.
After a moment to prepare her words Brooke replied, "I had an idea. I really do believe Noah needs consistency most of all, one home, one bed, for now. I can't predict when we will all be ready for a two house scenario and I know that may upset you but I am thinking of Noah. My suggestion is that you see Noah every second day, on school days you can pick him up from school and bring him back for dinner, and if you can't you can come by collect Noah after you finish work or visit with him at my house. On the weekend you can collect him in the morning and bring him back at the end of the day"
Lucas listened carefully and couldn't help but agree, "I like that but if you need someone to look after Noah I want you to come to me first"
"Deal. And I expect the same respect back if you can't spend your time with Noah we can arrange to make it up instead. This Friday I'm suggesting you could come over after lunch for a few hours and then on Saturday the same thing and you could take Noah out alone to a park or something. Sunday we could go to Nathan and Haley's. I'm guessing we both want to be there for Noah's first day of school, if he can start Monday we could both drop him off and pick him up. Then from Wednesday you can pick Noah up by yourself, that'll mean your day with Noah would be the Sunday" her thought process was half ramble and Lucas listened patiently.
"You've thought about this?"
"Once or twice" Brooke smiled.
Agreeing Lucas nodded "It's a plan, down the track we can adjust when needed"
They finished their lunch with the odd remark every now and then, Brooke confirmed she had emailed the school about Noah starting next week and had arranged with Millie for her to organise Noah's school uniform and supplies. Though Lucas was curious about Noah his questions remained vague and Brooke encouraged he learn about Noah through the boy, giving advice about Noah's aptitude and temperament.
As the day went by the more nervous with anticipation Lucas became, on the way to Noah's school Lucas began to squirm, "I would tell you to just relax but I know exactly how you are feeling" Brooke smiled.
The head master met them as soon as they arrived and as always made Brooke feel welcome, she thanked him for everything and introduced Lucas as Noah's father. Though Brooke was paying close attention to everything Headmaster Trinidad was saying Lucas was distracted, his mind and gaze straying every few seconds.
"He is in the library" Trinidad advised Brooke and she motioned for Lucas to follow her.
Though the walk there was quick with both parents going as fast as they could while still technically walking once they were outside the library Lucas froze, taking step back he ran his hands through his short blonde hair as the panic set in.
The air changed, Brooke knew Lucas needed help before she turned around to see him, his face had a blush to it, his eyes oddly bigger than normal and his breathing quickly becoming rapid, it too a second for Brooke to react and take a hold of his arm, his skin clammy.
"Breathe, Luke"
Her hand rubbed his arm as her other rested in the middle of his back, "just breathe" she whispered again, "it's going to be alright, let's wait a minute, it's okay, you'll be fine"
"What do I say?" his words were uneven, his breathing quickening.
Brooke looked around them before grabbing Lucas and holding his face between her hands, "look at me" and he did, "you're Lucas Scott, he is six he doesn't need one of your speeches, just a hello. You won't screw this up, just take your time, take it easy and don't overwhelm him" she was clear and Lucas was amazed at the gentle authority in her voice. It hit hi just how far high school was behind them, Brooke Davis was no longer a teenager she was a strong, independent woman.
With a nod Lucas straightened up and Brooke quickly backed away from him, smoothing down her dress she entered the library and after a minute Lucas followed.
Brooke was already sitting at a desk, Lucas could see her face and her mouth moving but the only thing he could see of Noah was the back of his head. When Brooke saw him she smiled, whispered something else to the boy and began to stand again, her hand out.
Noah took Brooke's hand, his fingers wrapping around hers, body swivelling the boy stood and slowly face Lucas who was now not far from them.
His breath hitched, heart skipping a beat, looking at his son or the first time Lucas felt something strip from him, the world suddenly seemed more solid. Noah was flesh and blood, there in front of him, and real. The realisation truly hit for Lucas, he was a father, it wasn't the same as the idea of becoming a dad, the expectation, the waiting. Lucas was now a dad, something had shifted.
There was no doubt this was his son, he felt it, knew it, his body recognised the truth, he saw the shadow of himself in Noah and could see Brooke in him as well. Lucas wanted to see Noah smile but the boy stood motionless with a face that gave nothing away.
"Noah, this is Lucas Scott, your father"
Bending over Lucas smiled, "I'm so happy to finally meet you, Noah"
Back straight Noah raised his eyes to meet Lucas, "It's nice to meet you too" he looked to Brooke who was watching with a smile and then Noah held out his hand.
Lucas grabbed Noah's hand and they gave a quick shake before Lucas added his other hand cupping Noah's between his, getting down on one knee Lucas didn't want to let go of his son's warmth. His heart felt ready to burst, unable to contain it Lucas pulled Noah into a hug, holding the boy to him and burying his face into the boys neck a tear escaped from Lucas.
It almost escaped from Lucas to tell Noah how beautiful he was, how absolutely perfect he seemed to Lucas, instead the moment was quickly broken. A startled Noah instinctively pushed Lucas away, escaping from the hug Noah's eyes had narrowed, his pupils dilating, he jumped backwards and when he came to stop his body turned slightly away from his new father.
For a moment Lucas' mouth dropped open, Brooke almost went to touch Noah's shoulder but stopped herself unsure how the contact would be received, Lucas saw her hesitation, saw her hold her hand back, looking at Noah who didn't quite meet his eyes Lucas bowed his head slightly "I'm sorry, Noah. I guess I am just really excited to see you"
"Why are you crying?" Noah asked, his tone serious.
Lucas gave a chuckle and wiped his wet eyes, "sometimes when people are happy they cry"
As soon as Lucas finished talking Noah blinked and moved on, "Brooke told me you're a writer"
"I am. Do you like books?"
Noah's eyes circled the room and then he kinked his brow as if to say a sarcastic we're in a library, what do you think? And then he spun on the spot and sat back down at the table pushing his books aside, "I prefer nonfiction"
Brooke took a seat again, eyeing Lucas to sit as well when he continued to kneel awkwardly. Lucas slipped in beside Brooke, his hands resting on the table, "my novel was more of an autobiography"
Eyes going between the two adults Noah pursed his lips before reaching for one book and pulling it back to himself, with a thud the book open as Noah replied, "Brooke told me I am not allowed to read your book until I am eighteen"
"We will cross that bridge when we get to it" Brooke gave a nervous smile, "what are you reading this week?"
"Greek mythology"
"Oooh Zeus and Hercules, right?" the excitement showed through as she remembered bits and pieces from when she was at school and from movies, she looked to Lucas and kinked her brow "almost as dramatic as your life. I'm going to see the teachers for a bit and do all the boring stuff, I'll leave you two to this and meet you back here in about thirty" she stood and patted Lucas' back before walking off.
Alone with his son Lucas found himself at a loss of words, Noah followed Brooke with his eyes and then turned his attention to Lucas, "she can be silly sometimes" Noah shook his head and started reading his book, mumbling "more dramatic than this" and gave a little laugh that had his dimples crate two craters in his cheeks.
Lucas observed Noah as he quietly read, the more he watched the boy the more he was reminded of himself, Brooke was there in his eyes and in his smile, but Lucas felt his heart swell at how similar Noah was to him. Nobody could deny Noah was his, people joked that Jamie looked like Lucas because of his colouring yet Noah showed how much Jamie didn't look like his uncle.
"Do you mind if I talk to you?" Lucas asked because Noah didn't seem interested, he tried to look as relaxed as he could yet feared he was failing miserably.
Noah looked up, "that's why you're here, right? Brooke always talks to me. She is my mother but you know that because you're my father, Brooke doesn't like me talking about procreation, but so you know, I understand"
Clearing his throat Lucas once again didn't know what to say.
Noah's gaze was clear, the boy didn't seem to blink as much as Lucas was use to, his unwavering stare burned, when Lucas didn't speak Noah continued, "you and Brooke are friends but you're getting married to-" he paused to think, "-Peyton"
"Yes. Peyton and I are getting married in a few months" the next words fell out naturally "before the baby is born"
"Oh" Noah's mouth formed a perfect O shape, he blinked, looking back down at the open page Noah added "I didn't know that"
Lucas regretted telling Noah in that way, he winced and tried to turn it back around, "yeah, you're going to be a big brother, it's still a long time away though. I'm a big brother, my brother Nathan lived with our dad and his mum and I lived with my Mum"
"Zeus' father ate all his children"
-x-
When Brooke returned to the library she found Lucas and Noah at a familiar corner Brooke had spent much time with Noah at. It was his studying space, Lucas grinned as Noah answered each question correctly yet the boy was as serious as ever.
For ten minutes Brooke joined in and then she gently caught Noah's attention, though she appeared calm on the inside Brooke was nervous as she explained to Noah that he was now able to go home with her and that they wanted to take him with them the next day.
"You can say goodbye to everyone here tomorrow first" Lucas reassured Noah.
"And I will live at another school?" Noah frowned.
Brooke shook her head, placing her hand close to Noah, she smiled "No, kiddo. You're coming to live with me, during the day you'll be going to your new school then your dad or I will pick you up. Remember I've got your room all ready"
Lucas leaned forward, his hand going over Brooke's, "and if you ever need anything, your Mom and I are will be there for you" for a moment he looked at Brooke and sent a small smile her way with a squeeze of his hand. Her breath hitched, Brooke felt frozen, Lucas looked back at Noah and his smile grew.
Their fingers began to tingle, Lucas pulled his hand away, the warmth remained. Noah with his clear green eyes nodded solemnly, and though it was not obvious Brooke would swear that there was something different about Noah, something lighter.
-x-
So, I am not a lawyer or a social worker and I have no experience in the area of fostering and that. Nor am I an American so I know even less about the system over there so I am winging that side of this story completely. Totally for artistic purposes.
Noah is officially Brooke's now and Lucas has finally met his son. Soon the three of them will be back in Tree Hill. How do you see Noah moving to Tree Hill going?