Disclaimer: I do not own anything related to One Tree Hill or it's characters.
Notes: Thanks so much to everyone who's been reading and especially those who've reviewed. I love reading what people think of the story, even if they hate it.
Fall Into Me
Chapter 4 - Second Glance
Brooke opened her eyes and was greeted by the bright light of the early morning sun. She went to pull her comforter back over her head, when she realized she wasn't at home. She sat up and searched the room for the time; it was just a few minutes after six.
Brooke jogged the mile or so to her car, thankful that she hadn't given up running altogether when she quit the track team last year. It was a almost seven when she pulled into her drive-way, which gave her just enough time to get ready for school, the reminance of a smile still lingering on her face. She was on her way upstairs when she heard her step-mother. "And where have you been all night?" she snapped walking into the foyer.
"I stayed at Peyton's," she answered quickly.
She rolled her eyes, taking in Brooke's appearance. "I highly doubt that. If you're going to whore around, at least try and keep it discreet. You don't want to embarass your father."
"No, I think you already do enough of that for the both of us," Brooke spat and continued up the stairs. Her good mood was officially ruined.
She had gotten out of the shower when there was a light knock on the door. "Just a second." She pulled a pair of jeans and a white sweater from the closet and dressed quickly. She opened the door and her dad was standing in the hall. She sighed, already knowing what he was about to say.
"Morning, pumpkin," he said kissing her forehead as he walked in her room.
"Morning, daddy," she smiled. He didn't know it wasn't genuine, and if he did, he probably wouldn't care.
"I know you need to get to school, so I won't take long." She ran the comb through her hair as he talked. "I have to go to Los Angeles for business. I'll be gone a week or so, but Samantha will be here."
"The whole time?" Brooke asked, not even trying to hide her disgust.
"I know you two don't get along, but she doesn't want to go."
"Can't you send her somewhere else?"
"Brookie, it won't be that bad."
She eyed him steadily, but he didn't say anything. "Fine, do whatever you want. You always do anyway," she mumbled and walked back into her bathroom. She heard the door close shortly after. She finished her hair and make-up before going back into her room. There was a roll of
cash lying on her bed. "Of course. In daddy's world, money fixes everything." She threw it back on the bed, grabbed her purse and backpack off of her desk and left.
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"Nathan, son, get up," he heard his father calling as he felt a foot hitting his ribcage.
"What the hell?" He yelled sitting up.
"Get up. Next time you say you're staying at Tim's make sure your lacky knows to cover for you. Your mom's got her panties in a real twist."
"Dad," Nathan said making a disgusted face. "Not what I wanted to hear."
"Just like I didn't want to hear her lecturing me last night about your grades. You really ought to do something about those."
"Whatever. Why are you here?"
"I told your mom, I'd find you. You should really be thanking me. I just saved you from a repeat of the last time you didn't come home."
"I've got to get dressed," he said walking past Dan.
"Well, you better hurry. School starts in 10 minutes," Dan called up the stairs on his way out the door.
Nathan made it to class a few minutes after the tardy bell.
"So nice of you to join us, Mr. Scott. I was starting to think you'd dropped out," Mr. Rowe commented as Nathan took his seat. Nathan rolled his eyes as he pulled out a notebook. "See me after class."
Nathan sat through the rest of class, trying to concentrate, but there wasn't anything interesting in early American Literature. Besides, he was too busy wondering when Brooke had slipped out and why she hadn't said anything. The bell rang and Nathan was on his way out the door, when Mr. Rowe called him back. He waited until the classroom emptied before starting the conversation.
"I'm guessing you don't have any valid reason for your absences?"
"Depends on what you call valid."
"You're not in any position to a smart ass, Mr. Scott." Nathan stayed silent. "There is only one week left in this six weeks and at the moment, you're not passing. I'm sure you don't care about school, actually I'm positive. But you do care about that stupid basketball game and if you don't pass my class, you don't play."
"I know."
"So what are you planning on doing about it?"
"I don't know."
"Glad to see you have a plan."
"Look, you're the teacher. Tell me what I need to do to pass."
"You need at least an 87 on the exam next Thursday."
"What exam?"
"The exam I announced yesterday. Though, since you weren't in attendance you wouldn't know about it." Mr. Rowe pulled out a review sheet from his briefcase. "These are all the works that you will be tested over. I suggest you take this weekend to study."
"Anything else?" Nathan asked taking the paper.
"Yes. I would suggest getting a tutor. Find someone who actually reads the material to help you."
"Fine," Nathan mumbled as he walked into the halls.
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Nathan was on his way to the gym when he spotted Brooke at a table by herself reading, Theresa had just left.
"Hey," he said his voice low. "I missed you this morning."
Brooke turned to him and smiled. "Sorry, I didn't want to wake you."
"When did you leave?"
"Around six. I see you made it to school on your own. I was going to call, but I got side-tracked." Nathan noticed a hint of sadness in her voice.
"Bad day?" She nodded. "Me too."
"I'm sorry. Anything I can do to help? I think I owe you."
"For what?"
"Last night."
"It was nothing. Everyone has bad moments."
"I guess. So, are you sure there's nothing I can do?" She asked as her face broke into a dimpled smile. He smiled back.
"There's plenty you can do, but unless one of your specialties is American Literature, I'm afraid Mr. Rowe isn't going to find it appropriate." Brooke smiled mockingly. "What?"
"I have an A in Mr. Rowe's American Literature class," she said holding up the Lit book she had been reading.
"No shit?"
"Don't look so shocked."
"Sorry, it's just..."
"You thought I was a brainless slut? I know."
"Brooke," he started.
"Don't worry about it. Everybody does."
"So..."
"Yes, I'll help you," she answered. She knew how hard it was to ask for help, there was no need putting him through that torture.
"Thanks. Tonight, then?"
"That'll work."
"Okay, I'll call you later."
He got up and started back on his way to the gym. Brooke's eyes followed him for a few moments and then she went back to her book. She didn't see him glance back.