Hey Guys! Ok you kinda killed me on reviews that last chapter as in I didn't get very many… I don't know if that is bad or not… I do really appreciate the ones I did get though… They have inspired me to continue! It is probably going to take me 3 or more days to update chapters now because of schoolwork and stuff. I am home schooled so that is a plus… I can just tell my dad that writing is good hahahaha and come back here and write
:::WARNING:
Ok I wanted to warn you before you start reading, this chapter is a little more realistic than the other ones. What I mean by that is it isn't as sugar coated. There are going to be fights and things like the just remember as you read that I am a Brucas so there is only so much damage I am going to do. But I am trying to make it like it would really be because I know when I read some fan fictions where everything is perfect between everyone I get a little bored and think "What! Ok… yea right" and stuff like that so I just wanted to let you know…don't freak out or anything I just want to make it interesting for you guys! I hope you like it and PLEASE review and tell me what you think!
Strawberrychocolat- Sorry about the long paragraphs in the other chapters… I really have tried to space them out lol and I will try harder this chapter it's just sometimes I cant find the line where to end a paragraph and start a new one. I REALLY appreciate you telling me! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU. That's how I know what to change in the story and what to keep. I am really glad you like the story… Hope you like the next chapter just as much! J
It had been 2 months since they Laney/Parents drama ended and so much had happened. Brooke and Lucas had finally come home but had to leave Austin up there because he was still so small. The doctors said he could come home on his due date but that wasn't good enough for Brooke. She had argued with every doctor in the place trying to talk them into a shorter stay but no one had budged. So before they left, Brooke (who was very emotional) put a big sign on Austin's bed in the NICU that said, "This baby is being held hostage" and then dared anyone to take it off. The ride home was miserable. Brooke pouted and ranted about how they had made her leave and Austin stay, Emma whined because she wanted to sit in mommy's lap, and Karen called Lucas's cell phone every 5 minutes reminding him of things he needed to bring her. Lucas had about all he could handle and was glad to get home. The next couple weeks passed quickly. Brooke was busy planning wedding stuff and she and Emma went and saw Austin every chance they got. Lucas went too but not every time because between very pregnant Haley and Karen he was swamped. Keith had had to go back to work in Charleston so Karen was staying with Brooke and Lucas. Brooke had not been happy about this at all. Since all Karen could do was lay around and think she had come to the realization that is was in fact Brooke who ruined her son's life and now would barely speak to Brooke. When she did it I was always something smart like "Maybe this baby will listen to my advise on women better than the last one" or she would just look at Brooke or Emma and start to cry. Lucas knew it was only because her emotions and hormones were all out of whack but he could tell it was taking its toll on Brooke who was also still a little emotional. She had fought back saying "Lets just hope it doesn't turn out like Dan or whoever the real father of that baby is." It was like a war zone in the house.
Haley was now 2 weeks over due and very miserable. Nathan would call Lucas everyday almost in tears because of something Haley had done or said. The doctors kept telling them it would be any day now but Lucas didn't think so. With all the drama that happened in Tree Hill he didn't blame that baby for wanting to stay in there. Sometimes at night after everyone had gone to bed and his phone had stopped ringing he would go out on the balcony and think or brood as Brooke would say when she would find him there. He was 19. Most guys his age were in college right now and their biggest concern was with a long distance girlfriend. They weren't engaged with 2 kids. He loved Brooke, Emma and Austin more than anything but he just never saw himself staying here in Tree Hill. He had always said he would go to a big city and marry some down to earth girl who was a doctor or a college professor or something like that. Then maybe later on when they had started their careers they would have kids. He never imagined ever that he would end up with a girl like Brooke, but he was glad he did. One thing was for sure though. Life was never boring with her. She was crazy, and bossy, and could worry him more than anyone else. But that was Brooke never caring what people thought of her. Most girls that had been through all that she had been through probably would have killed themselves or turned to drugs but to Brooke it was all just a big adventure.
Brooke laid in bed looking out the window at Lucas. He was brooding just like he did every night. It was starting to worry her. He had taken on so much responsibility lately and never had time for himself. She was pretty sure she knew what he was thinking about. Them. Every night she thought about going and sitting with him but would always make up some excuse like he needed his space or she was just too tired. The truth was she just didn't feel like talking or listening for that matter. She and Lucas had done nothing but fight lately, which was unusual for them. They had always had little fights about dumb things like how much money she would spend or how he played basketball all the time but nothing big. Now it seemed like they couldn't get through a conversation with out one of them slamming a door or breaking down. So now she just tried to avoid him as much as possible. Things were hard right now on both of them so it was easier to just yell at each other. The worst was the day before yesterday. Brooke and Emma had just gotten home from seeing Austin when Teresa called. Brooke hadn't talked to her since she had transferred schools when they were juniors so Teresa had no idea what Brooke had been up to. She invited her to a college party at NC State Friday night. Brooke had wanted to go so bad but couldn't because there wouldn't be anyone to watch Emma. She spent the whole rest of the day pissed off at everyone and took all her frustration out on Lucas when he came home from Haley and Nathan's. She yelled at him for random things and he yelled back. They yelled at each other for 2 hours then finally he just walked out slamming the bedroom door behind him leaving Brooke alone in the den crying. Afterwards she felt guilty for acting how she did but she knew there had been times where he had done the same thing to her. The fact was it was September. All of their friends were back at school meeting people and partying. Even Tim had gotten into Pitt Community College in Greenville and was away. But they were stuck here raising 2 kids and dealing with his pregnant mother who hated her. Brooke looked over at her nightstand at the picture of her and Lucas when they were 16. She felt a tear run down her cheek but wiped it away as fast as possible so that Lucas who was walking in wouldn't see it. They were both too stubborn to tell each other their real problems so they just didn't talk. Lucas walked over to the bed and laid down next to Brooke who was still staring out the window. "Night" Lucas said pulling the covers on top of him. "Good night"
Lucas woke up to find that Brooke had already left. There was a note on his pillow saying "Gone to Target, Emma is with me" She hadn't even signed it. Not that he had expected anything more than that. That was their way of communication now. Though notes and voice mails. He walked in to the den to see Karen on the couch watching some sort of soap opera. "Hey Luke, Brooke said to make sure you got her note… She left in kind of a hurry but she said she would be back later though" Karen's said seeing Lucas come in. "Yea I got it" Was all he said. He didn't want to give her the pleasure of knowing they were fighting. "Ok, well Haley called" Karen said not turning away from the TV. "Ok" Lucas said walking into the kitchen to fox some breakfast. They were out of almost everything. All that was in the cabinet were wheat thins. He grabbed the box and went and sat on the couch next to his mom. "What's wrong Luke" Karen said turning off the TV. "Nothing" Lucas said trying to be as convincing as possible. "Lucas you are my son, I know when you are upset and I know when you are lying to be and right now you are doing both" He looked at Karen who was looking at him seriously. He decided that maybe if he didn't say anything then she would get the picture and leave it alone but he was wrong. "Its Brooke isn't it?" She asked sliding closer to him. "Lucas this apartment isn't that big. I hear you two fighting and yelling and slamming doors. It has been going on for a month now…" She was right. "I don't know what is wrong" Lucas said throwing his hands up. "Lucas you are my son and I only want what is best for you so I want you to listen to what I am getting ready to tell you very carefully. You and Brooke are 2 very different people who most likely only stayed together because it is all you knew and you felt safe. Most of the time people don't end up with their high school girlfriends but you did only because of Emma. We both know Lucas that if you had gone away to school you would have met someone more…compatible for you, you would be a much happier person and Brooke well no telling what STD she would have ended up with in college but she would he happier too. Lucas it is ok if Brooke isn't the one for you. Personally I don't think she is. You 2 made a mistake, well 2 mistakes but that doesn't mean you have to torture each other by living together and fighting all of the time. You can just get joint custody and live out your lives they way they should be… Not the way you think they should because you have 2 children. It's ok if you don't want to marry her… It's ok that she isn't the one… You will find your soul mate Lucas but you have to let go first. You don't have to live like this"
Brooke walked aimlessly down the Target isles. She really had no reason to be here. She just wanted to get out of the house before Lucas woke up so she could avoid another awkward conversation like the ones they have every morning. "We go see Awson today?" Emma asked holding onto her Barbie box. "No not today baby… Mommy has to do some wedding planning," She said turning to walk down the shoe isle. "I go be flower girl" Emma said proudly. "Yes you are" Emma was very happy about being flower girl. She told everyone they net she was going to be a flower girl and that she got to wear a pretty dress. Brooke walked the isles for another 20 minutes and decided she had better go home because store security was starting to follow her. She paid for Emma's Barbie and they walked out to her car. It was sunny and cool today so she had the top down. She wasn't sure where she wanted to go next. She had already been gone for 2 hours and figured she had better go home. "Alright Emmy… Wanna go home to Daddy?" She asked buckling Emma in her car seat. "No buy shoes?" Emma asked looking disappointed. She loved it when Brooke bought shoes because when they got home she would always let Emma wear them around the house and then take her picture. "Not today…" Brooke said shutting her door. "We have to get home to daddy… He is probably wondering where I went… or off sleeping with some other girl" Brooke mumbled the last part to herself. They drove out of the parking lot listening to LFO's Every Other Time on the radio. This was Emma's new favorite song. She didn't quite have the words but she always seemed to know the "You told everyone I was gay" part and would scream that out as loud as possible. Old women would look at Brooke like she was the worst mother ever but she didn't really care. She was her daughter and she was going to teach her whatever she wanted. That was one thing she and Lucas did agree on lately. They both decided that Emma wouldn't be sheltered.
Lucas sat outside looking out at the park. He had been thinking about what Karen had told him all day. The more he thought about it the harder it was to imagine it being true… on the other hand she did have a point. Maybe he and Brooke were growing apart. It hurt to think that Brooke wasn't the one person for him. He couldn't imagine not having her in his life. Sure they fought, and had totally different interest and now they were barely speaking but it was them. If you looked up Brooke and Lucas in the dictionary the word 'Issues' would show up beside their names. But on the other hand did he really want to spend the rest of his life fighting with her? He was so confused. This must be how Tim felt all the time. Brooke had been gone forever. There was no telling where she was. Probably out, spending all of their money to make him mad. He looked over at the sliding door where Bella was barking to come out. He stood up and walked in the house blocking the door as he cam in so Bella wouldn't get out and fall off the balcony. Karen probably needed him by now for something. He noticed how well his and Brooke's bedroom was lit as he walked through. The way the light was reflecting off all the picture frames they had in the bedroom it made tiny rainbows all over the walls. Brooke had said a few days after they had moved there that it was like Heaven. They would lay on the bed with Emma for hours looking at the ones on the ceiling. Thinking about this made him wonder how he could have ever questioned that he and Brooke were meant to be together. Maybe Karen was right about the fighting but they would work through it he hoped.
Brooke drove down the road blasting the stereo as loud as it would go. She had the top down too so that the whole world could listen to her misery. Times like these she felt like Peyton. She used to make fun of her because of the way she would manage her anger at the world but now she was starting to understand why she did it. With the music this loud she couldn't really even hear her self think. No thinking meant no problems. Emma was in the seat beside her covering her ears. Brooke sometimes forgot that Emma was even in the car with her. He reached over and turned the music off. "No more Dawon's Creek" Emma said taking her hand off her ears. "It too loud" Brooke reached over and ran her fingers through Emma's long hair. "I'm sorry… no more Dawson's Creek" She turned into the McDonalds drive through to grab some lunch before heading home. "Yes I would like a 4 piece chicken nugget kids meal with a coke to drink, 2 big Mac's, 2 French fries, and 2 cokes" Brooke said into the speaker. "Will that be all?" The voice asked. "Yes" and she pulled up to the window. "I don like coke" Emma whined when Brooke handed her, her drink. "Sorry that is all they have… You should be happy; most mommies don't let their children drink caffeine. They have to drink milk." Emma scrunched her face up and happily took a sip of her coke. "Ok Lets hit he road Jack and take Daddy his food." Brooke said hitting the gas. "My name not Jack… Mommy its Emma"
Brooke drove up to the apartment and parked. "Ok Emma run up stairs and knock on the door" Brooke said pulling her out of her car seat. "Otay" Emma said running off wither Happy Meal. Brooke followed carrying her and Lucas's lunch. She hadn't gotten Karen anything because in her opinion just because she was staying with them didn't mean she had to feed her. She did have 2 legs. Brooke opened the door to find the usual picture. Karen on the couch with Haley watching some sort of soap, Nathan sitting on the other couch pretending not to watch, and Lucas sitting at the kitchen table brooding. "Who died?" she asked sitting beside Lucas. "Hey" He said blankly. "Alright then… don't talk, Emma and I brought you some lunch but keep it quiet I didn't get anyone else anything. "Thanks" he didn't even look up from the table this time. Brooke threw her hands up and walked over to Nathan "Look… Here's the thing. If Lucas and I don't have about an hour to our selves we are going to end up killing each other. I need you to watch Emma for a little while, so I can take Broody over there somewhere and make him talk." Nathan looked annoyed. "Do I have to?" Brooke didn't answer. "Alright Emma uncle Nate and aunt Tutor girl are gonna watch you for a little while, while mommy and daddy go work out some of their issues… Be good… Come on broody" Brooke said kissing Emma on then pulling Lucas out of his seat. "Hey… Brooke no…" He said struggling to make Brooke release him. "Alright Luke… Here's the thing… They're some things that you and I need to talk about… either we can go somewhere and yell at each other there or we can do it here. Your choice" Lucas stood up and followed Brooke without another complaint. They both knew this is what they both needed. To talk and t yell and do whatever it took so that they could work things out.
Lucas got into the passenger side and shut the door. "Alright Luke… Here are the rules to this… We don't talk until we get there…not a word… we sit here and we think about everything we need to say to each other or yell at each other or whatever got it?" Brooke said starting the car. "Got it". Lucas was confused. He had no idea where Brooke was taking them or what she was going to do to him. Plus he didn't have a clue what to say to her. It was like when she had found out about him and Peyton… There was just nothing. They had been driving for about 10 minutes when Brooke's cell phone rang. "Hello…Yes this is she… Oh My God… Are you serious? No its not that I just didn't think… I'll have to get back to you… Thank you… Bye" Brooke hung up the phone. From the way she was talking he had thought it was something really important but she didn't say a word. "Who was" Lucas started but Brooke stopped him by putting her finger to her mouth. "You are whose than Emma you know that? I said no talking." They drove about 5 more minutes and then Lucas realized where she was taking him, the river court. Brooke parked the car and got out. "Ok are you ready?" She asked grabbing his hand wand walking him to the picnic table. "I guess" they walked over to the table and sat down. "Do you want to go first or should I? Ok I will" Brooke said without stopping to even let him respond. "First of all that was the lady from admissions at Duke on the phone. She called to let me know that I got in. How I don't know maybe it was the fact that my parents went there and give them so much money each year… I don't know… I applied when UNC was calling you a few months ago… I didn't think I would actually get in or anything but I did. Brooke stopped waiting for Lucas to respond. "Wow… Brooke why didn't you tell me?" She looked down at her feet. "Because like I said I didn't think I would actually get in… That is a really good school" There was a long pause. "Do you want to go?" Lucas finally asked still looking down at his feet. "Lucas we have 2 kids…" Lucas stopped her. "That's not what I asked… I asked if you want to go" He hated when she did this. She somehow always had a way of twisting good things that happened to her so that somehow they were bad. "I don't know… Do you want me to go?" What kind of question was that? He didn't care if she went or not… As long as she was doing what made her happy. Why was she putting all of this on him? "Brooke… I don't care… It is totally up to you" Brooke was getting mad. "Lucas do you care about anything anymore? Every time I talk to you its like you shut down and don't listen and when I try to tell you, you flip out" She yelled. "I don't flip out I just don't want to fight! Plus you yell too much" He yelled back at her and then stood up and started walking. "Fine! Walk away! Leave me here… You know what I don't care anymore either! You go find some girl who is going to take your crap and feel sorry for you because it's not me!" The sky was turning black and she could hear thunder in the distance. "You keep walking… You know everyone told me you would do this… even your own mother! Like father like son she said! I told her no because you were different! But maybe I was wrong" He couldn't believe this. She was basically in her own stubborn way calling him Dan. He looked back at her. She had sat down on the picnic table with her hands in her face crying. But she was right… If he walked away from this they would probably never fix things.
Haley and Karen sat on the couch with nothing to do. Nathan had taken Emma outside to the park so it was just the 2 of them. "So…wonder what Brooke and Lucas are doing" Haley said playing with her hair. Karen looked over at her. "Wanna know a secret? I think Lucas is calling things off with her. Its for the best I mean they need to move on ate start their lives." Haley's mouth flew open. "What! No Brooke and Lucas cant break up! They love each other… They are what keep Nathan and I going. We see how happy they are and that is how we deal with our issues… If they break up then Nate and I don't have a chance." Haley rambled. "Look sweetie you and Nathan will be fine. Brooke is too wild and stubborn for him… Have you seen how they fight lately? She is going to drive him to a early grave" Karen said almost laughing. "No Karen… Its you… You can't try and run his life. They only started fighting when you moved in. Brooke does everything possible to try and make you like her and its like the harder she tries the more you hate her. She is a good person and Lucas is happy with her… What makes him unhappy is when you put doubt in his head. You are his mother and he is going to listen to pretty much everything you say including Brooke. You have to lay off!" Haley said. Karen looked down at her big stomach. "He was my baby and she stole him from me still so young. Because of her he will never lead a normal life… I use to be the one who laid out his clothes for him and kissed him goodnight" Haley saw a tear run down Karen's face as she spoke. "Karen… You have to let go… You are always going to be his mother and no one can take that away… Brooke doesn't want to steal him from you… She just wants to be the one to layout his clothes for him and kiss him goodnight is all." Karen looked up at Haley. " I know… But couldn't you just marry him?" They both laughed. "You might have to run that one past Nathan"
Lucas walked back to the picnic table and but his arm around Brooke. She looked so sad "You know… Today my mom had a talk with me…She sat there for about 10 minutes and tried to tell me that you weren't the one that I was suppose to be with, that I should take back the ring and just get joint custody. Then I spent the next hour thinking about what she had said and came to this decision… It was the only one I could have ever come too. Brooke I don't have any doubts about us. As much as we have been through I know we are going to be just fine." Before he could finish Brooke broke in. "Lucas … we don't talk anymore… I mean we talk but not about important things" Brooke said pulling away from his embrace. "I am worried about you…and when I worry about you I worry about us and when I worry about us I worry about me because with out us then I don't know where I would be. Lucas I love you more than anyone and when we fight and you walk out and stuff I get really scared… How do I know that one day we are going to fight so bad that you walk out and don't come back? So it is easier for me to avoid you and not talk to you than risk that." Lucas could tell she was trying to hold back her tears. "Brooke…" Lucas said pulling her head up and looking her in the eyes "I love you… I am not Dan and I never will be… If I wasn't 100% sure that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you I wouldn't have given you that ring…" He said pointing at the ring. "Good because I think I would be pretty pissed if I saw another girl wearing this ring… Luke, I love you too" This was the first real conversation they had had in weeks. It was nice to see Brooke smile again. "Now what about Duke?"
Spoilers: Haley and Karen WILL have their babies' next chapter and Austin comes home, Lucas and Brooke get married, and more…
There are only maybe 2 chapters left but if I you guys like it I will write a sequel… Then that way I could have a fresh new story line with new characters and people for Lucas and Brooke to interact with… Brooke and Lucas at College… YAY!!! I can't wait to start that one!!! Please review and tell me what you think! J I love reviews lol
:::WARNING:
Ok I wanted to warn you before you start reading, this chapter is a little more realistic than the other ones. What I mean by that is it isn't as sugar coated. There are going to be fights and things like the just remember as you read that I am a Brucas so there is only so much damage I am going to do. But I am trying to make it like it would really be because I know when I read some fan fictions where everything is perfect between everyone I get a little bored and think "What! Ok… yea right" and stuff like that so I just wanted to let you know…don't freak out or anything I just want to make it interesting for you guys! I hope you like it and PLEASE review and tell me what you think!
Strawberrychocolat- Sorry about the long paragraphs in the other chapters… I really have tried to space them out lol and I will try harder this chapter it's just sometimes I cant find the line where to end a paragraph and start a new one. I REALLY appreciate you telling me! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU. That's how I know what to change in the story and what to keep. I am really glad you like the story… Hope you like the next chapter just as much! J
It had been 2 months since they Laney/Parents drama ended and so much had happened. Brooke and Lucas had finally come home but had to leave Austin up there because he was still so small. The doctors said he could come home on his due date but that wasn't good enough for Brooke. She had argued with every doctor in the place trying to talk them into a shorter stay but no one had budged. So before they left, Brooke (who was very emotional) put a big sign on Austin's bed in the NICU that said, "This baby is being held hostage" and then dared anyone to take it off. The ride home was miserable. Brooke pouted and ranted about how they had made her leave and Austin stay, Emma whined because she wanted to sit in mommy's lap, and Karen called Lucas's cell phone every 5 minutes reminding him of things he needed to bring her. Lucas had about all he could handle and was glad to get home. The next couple weeks passed quickly. Brooke was busy planning wedding stuff and she and Emma went and saw Austin every chance they got. Lucas went too but not every time because between very pregnant Haley and Karen he was swamped. Keith had had to go back to work in Charleston so Karen was staying with Brooke and Lucas. Brooke had not been happy about this at all. Since all Karen could do was lay around and think she had come to the realization that is was in fact Brooke who ruined her son's life and now would barely speak to Brooke. When she did it I was always something smart like "Maybe this baby will listen to my advise on women better than the last one" or she would just look at Brooke or Emma and start to cry. Lucas knew it was only because her emotions and hormones were all out of whack but he could tell it was taking its toll on Brooke who was also still a little emotional. She had fought back saying "Lets just hope it doesn't turn out like Dan or whoever the real father of that baby is." It was like a war zone in the house.
Haley was now 2 weeks over due and very miserable. Nathan would call Lucas everyday almost in tears because of something Haley had done or said. The doctors kept telling them it would be any day now but Lucas didn't think so. With all the drama that happened in Tree Hill he didn't blame that baby for wanting to stay in there. Sometimes at night after everyone had gone to bed and his phone had stopped ringing he would go out on the balcony and think or brood as Brooke would say when she would find him there. He was 19. Most guys his age were in college right now and their biggest concern was with a long distance girlfriend. They weren't engaged with 2 kids. He loved Brooke, Emma and Austin more than anything but he just never saw himself staying here in Tree Hill. He had always said he would go to a big city and marry some down to earth girl who was a doctor or a college professor or something like that. Then maybe later on when they had started their careers they would have kids. He never imagined ever that he would end up with a girl like Brooke, but he was glad he did. One thing was for sure though. Life was never boring with her. She was crazy, and bossy, and could worry him more than anyone else. But that was Brooke never caring what people thought of her. Most girls that had been through all that she had been through probably would have killed themselves or turned to drugs but to Brooke it was all just a big adventure.
Brooke laid in bed looking out the window at Lucas. He was brooding just like he did every night. It was starting to worry her. He had taken on so much responsibility lately and never had time for himself. She was pretty sure she knew what he was thinking about. Them. Every night she thought about going and sitting with him but would always make up some excuse like he needed his space or she was just too tired. The truth was she just didn't feel like talking or listening for that matter. She and Lucas had done nothing but fight lately, which was unusual for them. They had always had little fights about dumb things like how much money she would spend or how he played basketball all the time but nothing big. Now it seemed like they couldn't get through a conversation with out one of them slamming a door or breaking down. So now she just tried to avoid him as much as possible. Things were hard right now on both of them so it was easier to just yell at each other. The worst was the day before yesterday. Brooke and Emma had just gotten home from seeing Austin when Teresa called. Brooke hadn't talked to her since she had transferred schools when they were juniors so Teresa had no idea what Brooke had been up to. She invited her to a college party at NC State Friday night. Brooke had wanted to go so bad but couldn't because there wouldn't be anyone to watch Emma. She spent the whole rest of the day pissed off at everyone and took all her frustration out on Lucas when he came home from Haley and Nathan's. She yelled at him for random things and he yelled back. They yelled at each other for 2 hours then finally he just walked out slamming the bedroom door behind him leaving Brooke alone in the den crying. Afterwards she felt guilty for acting how she did but she knew there had been times where he had done the same thing to her. The fact was it was September. All of their friends were back at school meeting people and partying. Even Tim had gotten into Pitt Community College in Greenville and was away. But they were stuck here raising 2 kids and dealing with his pregnant mother who hated her. Brooke looked over at her nightstand at the picture of her and Lucas when they were 16. She felt a tear run down her cheek but wiped it away as fast as possible so that Lucas who was walking in wouldn't see it. They were both too stubborn to tell each other their real problems so they just didn't talk. Lucas walked over to the bed and laid down next to Brooke who was still staring out the window. "Night" Lucas said pulling the covers on top of him. "Good night"
Lucas woke up to find that Brooke had already left. There was a note on his pillow saying "Gone to Target, Emma is with me" She hadn't even signed it. Not that he had expected anything more than that. That was their way of communication now. Though notes and voice mails. He walked in to the den to see Karen on the couch watching some sort of soap opera. "Hey Luke, Brooke said to make sure you got her note… She left in kind of a hurry but she said she would be back later though" Karen's said seeing Lucas come in. "Yea I got it" Was all he said. He didn't want to give her the pleasure of knowing they were fighting. "Ok, well Haley called" Karen said not turning away from the TV. "Ok" Lucas said walking into the kitchen to fox some breakfast. They were out of almost everything. All that was in the cabinet were wheat thins. He grabbed the box and went and sat on the couch next to his mom. "What's wrong Luke" Karen said turning off the TV. "Nothing" Lucas said trying to be as convincing as possible. "Lucas you are my son, I know when you are upset and I know when you are lying to be and right now you are doing both" He looked at Karen who was looking at him seriously. He decided that maybe if he didn't say anything then she would get the picture and leave it alone but he was wrong. "Its Brooke isn't it?" She asked sliding closer to him. "Lucas this apartment isn't that big. I hear you two fighting and yelling and slamming doors. It has been going on for a month now…" She was right. "I don't know what is wrong" Lucas said throwing his hands up. "Lucas you are my son and I only want what is best for you so I want you to listen to what I am getting ready to tell you very carefully. You and Brooke are 2 very different people who most likely only stayed together because it is all you knew and you felt safe. Most of the time people don't end up with their high school girlfriends but you did only because of Emma. We both know Lucas that if you had gone away to school you would have met someone more…compatible for you, you would be a much happier person and Brooke well no telling what STD she would have ended up with in college but she would he happier too. Lucas it is ok if Brooke isn't the one for you. Personally I don't think she is. You 2 made a mistake, well 2 mistakes but that doesn't mean you have to torture each other by living together and fighting all of the time. You can just get joint custody and live out your lives they way they should be… Not the way you think they should because you have 2 children. It's ok if you don't want to marry her… It's ok that she isn't the one… You will find your soul mate Lucas but you have to let go first. You don't have to live like this"
Brooke walked aimlessly down the Target isles. She really had no reason to be here. She just wanted to get out of the house before Lucas woke up so she could avoid another awkward conversation like the ones they have every morning. "We go see Awson today?" Emma asked holding onto her Barbie box. "No not today baby… Mommy has to do some wedding planning," She said turning to walk down the shoe isle. "I go be flower girl" Emma said proudly. "Yes you are" Emma was very happy about being flower girl. She told everyone they net she was going to be a flower girl and that she got to wear a pretty dress. Brooke walked the isles for another 20 minutes and decided she had better go home because store security was starting to follow her. She paid for Emma's Barbie and they walked out to her car. It was sunny and cool today so she had the top down. She wasn't sure where she wanted to go next. She had already been gone for 2 hours and figured she had better go home. "Alright Emmy… Wanna go home to Daddy?" She asked buckling Emma in her car seat. "No buy shoes?" Emma asked looking disappointed. She loved it when Brooke bought shoes because when they got home she would always let Emma wear them around the house and then take her picture. "Not today…" Brooke said shutting her door. "We have to get home to daddy… He is probably wondering where I went… or off sleeping with some other girl" Brooke mumbled the last part to herself. They drove out of the parking lot listening to LFO's Every Other Time on the radio. This was Emma's new favorite song. She didn't quite have the words but she always seemed to know the "You told everyone I was gay" part and would scream that out as loud as possible. Old women would look at Brooke like she was the worst mother ever but she didn't really care. She was her daughter and she was going to teach her whatever she wanted. That was one thing she and Lucas did agree on lately. They both decided that Emma wouldn't be sheltered.
Lucas sat outside looking out at the park. He had been thinking about what Karen had told him all day. The more he thought about it the harder it was to imagine it being true… on the other hand she did have a point. Maybe he and Brooke were growing apart. It hurt to think that Brooke wasn't the one person for him. He couldn't imagine not having her in his life. Sure they fought, and had totally different interest and now they were barely speaking but it was them. If you looked up Brooke and Lucas in the dictionary the word 'Issues' would show up beside their names. But on the other hand did he really want to spend the rest of his life fighting with her? He was so confused. This must be how Tim felt all the time. Brooke had been gone forever. There was no telling where she was. Probably out, spending all of their money to make him mad. He looked over at the sliding door where Bella was barking to come out. He stood up and walked in the house blocking the door as he cam in so Bella wouldn't get out and fall off the balcony. Karen probably needed him by now for something. He noticed how well his and Brooke's bedroom was lit as he walked through. The way the light was reflecting off all the picture frames they had in the bedroom it made tiny rainbows all over the walls. Brooke had said a few days after they had moved there that it was like Heaven. They would lay on the bed with Emma for hours looking at the ones on the ceiling. Thinking about this made him wonder how he could have ever questioned that he and Brooke were meant to be together. Maybe Karen was right about the fighting but they would work through it he hoped.
Brooke drove down the road blasting the stereo as loud as it would go. She had the top down too so that the whole world could listen to her misery. Times like these she felt like Peyton. She used to make fun of her because of the way she would manage her anger at the world but now she was starting to understand why she did it. With the music this loud she couldn't really even hear her self think. No thinking meant no problems. Emma was in the seat beside her covering her ears. Brooke sometimes forgot that Emma was even in the car with her. He reached over and turned the music off. "No more Dawon's Creek" Emma said taking her hand off her ears. "It too loud" Brooke reached over and ran her fingers through Emma's long hair. "I'm sorry… no more Dawson's Creek" She turned into the McDonalds drive through to grab some lunch before heading home. "Yes I would like a 4 piece chicken nugget kids meal with a coke to drink, 2 big Mac's, 2 French fries, and 2 cokes" Brooke said into the speaker. "Will that be all?" The voice asked. "Yes" and she pulled up to the window. "I don like coke" Emma whined when Brooke handed her, her drink. "Sorry that is all they have… You should be happy; most mommies don't let their children drink caffeine. They have to drink milk." Emma scrunched her face up and happily took a sip of her coke. "Ok Lets hit he road Jack and take Daddy his food." Brooke said hitting the gas. "My name not Jack… Mommy its Emma"
Brooke drove up to the apartment and parked. "Ok Emma run up stairs and knock on the door" Brooke said pulling her out of her car seat. "Otay" Emma said running off wither Happy Meal. Brooke followed carrying her and Lucas's lunch. She hadn't gotten Karen anything because in her opinion just because she was staying with them didn't mean she had to feed her. She did have 2 legs. Brooke opened the door to find the usual picture. Karen on the couch with Haley watching some sort of soap, Nathan sitting on the other couch pretending not to watch, and Lucas sitting at the kitchen table brooding. "Who died?" she asked sitting beside Lucas. "Hey" He said blankly. "Alright then… don't talk, Emma and I brought you some lunch but keep it quiet I didn't get anyone else anything. "Thanks" he didn't even look up from the table this time. Brooke threw her hands up and walked over to Nathan "Look… Here's the thing. If Lucas and I don't have about an hour to our selves we are going to end up killing each other. I need you to watch Emma for a little while, so I can take Broody over there somewhere and make him talk." Nathan looked annoyed. "Do I have to?" Brooke didn't answer. "Alright Emma uncle Nate and aunt Tutor girl are gonna watch you for a little while, while mommy and daddy go work out some of their issues… Be good… Come on broody" Brooke said kissing Emma on then pulling Lucas out of his seat. "Hey… Brooke no…" He said struggling to make Brooke release him. "Alright Luke… Here's the thing… They're some things that you and I need to talk about… either we can go somewhere and yell at each other there or we can do it here. Your choice" Lucas stood up and followed Brooke without another complaint. They both knew this is what they both needed. To talk and t yell and do whatever it took so that they could work things out.
Lucas got into the passenger side and shut the door. "Alright Luke… Here are the rules to this… We don't talk until we get there…not a word… we sit here and we think about everything we need to say to each other or yell at each other or whatever got it?" Brooke said starting the car. "Got it". Lucas was confused. He had no idea where Brooke was taking them or what she was going to do to him. Plus he didn't have a clue what to say to her. It was like when she had found out about him and Peyton… There was just nothing. They had been driving for about 10 minutes when Brooke's cell phone rang. "Hello…Yes this is she… Oh My God… Are you serious? No its not that I just didn't think… I'll have to get back to you… Thank you… Bye" Brooke hung up the phone. From the way she was talking he had thought it was something really important but she didn't say a word. "Who was" Lucas started but Brooke stopped him by putting her finger to her mouth. "You are whose than Emma you know that? I said no talking." They drove about 5 more minutes and then Lucas realized where she was taking him, the river court. Brooke parked the car and got out. "Ok are you ready?" She asked grabbing his hand wand walking him to the picnic table. "I guess" they walked over to the table and sat down. "Do you want to go first or should I? Ok I will" Brooke said without stopping to even let him respond. "First of all that was the lady from admissions at Duke on the phone. She called to let me know that I got in. How I don't know maybe it was the fact that my parents went there and give them so much money each year… I don't know… I applied when UNC was calling you a few months ago… I didn't think I would actually get in or anything but I did. Brooke stopped waiting for Lucas to respond. "Wow… Brooke why didn't you tell me?" She looked down at her feet. "Because like I said I didn't think I would actually get in… That is a really good school" There was a long pause. "Do you want to go?" Lucas finally asked still looking down at his feet. "Lucas we have 2 kids…" Lucas stopped her. "That's not what I asked… I asked if you want to go" He hated when she did this. She somehow always had a way of twisting good things that happened to her so that somehow they were bad. "I don't know… Do you want me to go?" What kind of question was that? He didn't care if she went or not… As long as she was doing what made her happy. Why was she putting all of this on him? "Brooke… I don't care… It is totally up to you" Brooke was getting mad. "Lucas do you care about anything anymore? Every time I talk to you its like you shut down and don't listen and when I try to tell you, you flip out" She yelled. "I don't flip out I just don't want to fight! Plus you yell too much" He yelled back at her and then stood up and started walking. "Fine! Walk away! Leave me here… You know what I don't care anymore either! You go find some girl who is going to take your crap and feel sorry for you because it's not me!" The sky was turning black and she could hear thunder in the distance. "You keep walking… You know everyone told me you would do this… even your own mother! Like father like son she said! I told her no because you were different! But maybe I was wrong" He couldn't believe this. She was basically in her own stubborn way calling him Dan. He looked back at her. She had sat down on the picnic table with her hands in her face crying. But she was right… If he walked away from this they would probably never fix things.
Haley and Karen sat on the couch with nothing to do. Nathan had taken Emma outside to the park so it was just the 2 of them. "So…wonder what Brooke and Lucas are doing" Haley said playing with her hair. Karen looked over at her. "Wanna know a secret? I think Lucas is calling things off with her. Its for the best I mean they need to move on ate start their lives." Haley's mouth flew open. "What! No Brooke and Lucas cant break up! They love each other… They are what keep Nathan and I going. We see how happy they are and that is how we deal with our issues… If they break up then Nate and I don't have a chance." Haley rambled. "Look sweetie you and Nathan will be fine. Brooke is too wild and stubborn for him… Have you seen how they fight lately? She is going to drive him to a early grave" Karen said almost laughing. "No Karen… Its you… You can't try and run his life. They only started fighting when you moved in. Brooke does everything possible to try and make you like her and its like the harder she tries the more you hate her. She is a good person and Lucas is happy with her… What makes him unhappy is when you put doubt in his head. You are his mother and he is going to listen to pretty much everything you say including Brooke. You have to lay off!" Haley said. Karen looked down at her big stomach. "He was my baby and she stole him from me still so young. Because of her he will never lead a normal life… I use to be the one who laid out his clothes for him and kissed him goodnight" Haley saw a tear run down Karen's face as she spoke. "Karen… You have to let go… You are always going to be his mother and no one can take that away… Brooke doesn't want to steal him from you… She just wants to be the one to layout his clothes for him and kiss him goodnight is all." Karen looked up at Haley. " I know… But couldn't you just marry him?" They both laughed. "You might have to run that one past Nathan"
Lucas walked back to the picnic table and but his arm around Brooke. She looked so sad "You know… Today my mom had a talk with me…She sat there for about 10 minutes and tried to tell me that you weren't the one that I was suppose to be with, that I should take back the ring and just get joint custody. Then I spent the next hour thinking about what she had said and came to this decision… It was the only one I could have ever come too. Brooke I don't have any doubts about us. As much as we have been through I know we are going to be just fine." Before he could finish Brooke broke in. "Lucas … we don't talk anymore… I mean we talk but not about important things" Brooke said pulling away from his embrace. "I am worried about you…and when I worry about you I worry about us and when I worry about us I worry about me because with out us then I don't know where I would be. Lucas I love you more than anyone and when we fight and you walk out and stuff I get really scared… How do I know that one day we are going to fight so bad that you walk out and don't come back? So it is easier for me to avoid you and not talk to you than risk that." Lucas could tell she was trying to hold back her tears. "Brooke…" Lucas said pulling her head up and looking her in the eyes "I love you… I am not Dan and I never will be… If I wasn't 100% sure that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you I wouldn't have given you that ring…" He said pointing at the ring. "Good because I think I would be pretty pissed if I saw another girl wearing this ring… Luke, I love you too" This was the first real conversation they had had in weeks. It was nice to see Brooke smile again. "Now what about Duke?"
Spoilers: Haley and Karen WILL have their babies' next chapter and Austin comes home, Lucas and Brooke get married, and more…
There are only maybe 2 chapters left but if I you guys like it I will write a sequel… Then that way I could have a fresh new story line with new characters and people for Lucas and Brooke to interact with… Brooke and Lucas at College… YAY!!! I can't wait to start that one!!! Please review and tell me what you think! J I love reviews lol