Clean Slate
Chapter 12
Author's Note : Thank you my readers. For the ongoing support. Buckle up my readers.
Weeks Later
Paul was shocked and un prepared for his reunion with Victoria to be over shadowed by so much truth.
He was relieved they were alone in his hotel room. The last thing he wanted or needed was for anyone else to know.
"Why exactly did you tell her anything.?" Paul asked.
"She heard me and Ted fighting. She heard her name being called out. We couldn't avoid it anymore. Look we can figure it later. All that matters now. Is that we get another chance to fix the mistakes of the past." Victoria replied.
"I'm not leaving my wife. We've managed to repair the disconnect."
"What we had was a long time ago. In the past."
"You have Ted. And so does Brooke. I'm not trying to disrupt my life. Or my family. You understand right Vickie.?" Paul explained.
Victoria hadn't prepared for this. Paul's rejection.
...
At the sight of her dad entering her clothing store. Brooke let an exhausted sigh. Just when she thought her day was going well.
"You've never been to my store before. Why are you dropping by all of a sudden.?" Brooke questioned. Hopeful a customer would come in and need her help.
Even though the store was closed since she was on her break.
"I came here to talk to you. I wanted to apologize for keeping this secret and i hate that learning this hurt you. But it doesn't change how i feel. You're still my Brookie."
"I love you." Ted stated matter of fact.
"Is that why you had no problem never being aroud.? You and Victoria left me to raise myself. If it wasn't for my friends. And Lucas. I would of have no one."
"All i ever wanted was love and support from both of you. But instead i got money and not much else."
"No wonder i'm so sure that i couldn't be a mom."
"Neither of you showed me what to do. That's why i'm such a mess." Brooke confessed.
The expression on Ted's face softened. "You're far from that."
"In spite of us and our lack of influence. You became better then either if us combined. And that is all you." Ted proclaimed.
Brooke found herself. Affected by his words so much more then she expected to be.
"I didn't just come here to apologize. I came here to tell you another truth you need to know."
"You have a brother. His name is Julian Baker."
"Paul. Chose to stay with his wife and raise Julian. The two of you are the same age. Paul's wife and you're mom were pregnant at the same time. Paul was nearly married at that point." Ted revealed.
Brooke felt unsteady. She swallowed hard. So she was the product of an affair. It all made sense now. She was a secret. A dirty hidden truth.
"I have customers. You should go." Brooke insisted.
Ted knew he had dropped alot of information on her and she needed to process it which is why he didn't put up a fight about leaving.
Brooke took deep her arms around herself.
She left the store. And went to see Lucas. She needed him now.
...
Business Inc
Lucas was talking with his editor about the recent changes made to his latest final draft of a book he was writing.
When Lucas's assistant announced he had someone who really wanted to see him.
He replied to send them in.
Rachel Gatina entered the office. Smiling up at Lucas.
"You know if you just answered my calls or texts. I wouldn't have to drop by like this." She stated matter of fact.
"Or does Brooke does not know we never lost contact.?" Rachel questioned.
"What do you want.?" Lucas asked. Feeling this ball of tension build up inside of him.
"It's been years since we've seen each other. The bonfire. The kiss we shared. But you and I both know it went beyond a kiss. I mean. When i think back on that night. I still need a cold shower." Rachel said.
"I don't have time for whatever this is. I'm busy." He explained. Clearly annoyed.
"I got pregnant that night." Rachel revealed.
Brooke busted through Lucas's office door.
"Things couldn't get worse. Ted. He told me i have a brother and then there's more!" Brooke proclaimed.
She scanned Lucas then glared at Rachel.
Brooke left. Not being able to take anymore.
"Still threatened by me. I thought high school Brooke graduated." Rachel said.
"Brooke!" Lucas called out. As he went after her.