Quicksand

Chapter 13

If I get it all down on paper, it's no longer

Inside of me, threatening the life it belongs to.

No one can find the rewind button now.

Brooke parked her car in the street. She had been wanting to stop by and visit. She hadn't seen Lucas since Peyton's death. The before in the room. The after with the funeral.

Lucas had been so focused on making sure everything went smoothly and taking care of Ellison. The two hadn't spoken much at all.

For Brooke she had her work. The retreat from all the fear and the unknown that came with the reality now. Which was life without Peyton.

Brooke was feeling the loss of her best friend deeply. The two had gotten closer then ever in these past remaining years.

She sighed deeply. At the sighed of Peyton's beloved car The Comet. Parked in the driveway. Besides Lucas's car.

Brooke got out and locked up she walked up the stairs and knocked on the door.

Minutes later. The door opened in front of her.

Lucas appeared.

"I'm happy to see you. You didn't have to knock. You have a key." Lucas stated matter of fact.

"I thought about using it but i didn't want to interupt."

"How are you.?" Brooke asked. Before engulfing him in a hug.

Lucas hugged her back. "I'm okay. Come in."

"You're always welcome here." He replied.

"Aunt Brooke." Ellison said. As he came down the stairs.

Brooke hugged him tightly. "Hey El." She replied.

He was all curly hair long legs and thin.

"We missed you." Ellison stated matter of fact.

"I've missed the both of you too." Brooke replied.

"Can i go finish sketching now.?" Ellison asked. Looking to his father.

"Go ahead. I'll let you know when lunch is ready." Lucas replied.

And with that. Lucas and Brooke were alone again.

"What can get for you.?" Lucas asked.

"Nothing. I know its been non stop visits with everyone."

"I've been wanting to check in. I just don't know what to say."

"And i don't want to bring her up but then I don't know how to avoid it."

"I just hate this happened at all." Brooke proclaimed. Unshed tears shining in her eyes.

"Me too. We can talk about whatever you want. Or nothing."

"I heard about you're break up with Julian. He moved back to LA." Lucas replied.

"He did. He wanted a future together. I couldn't give him that."

"So i ended it. When someone proposes you are supposed to know you want to marry them without hesistation or feel like you're settling." Brooke admitted.

"I've been married or close to it. But i think you have the right idea."

"When you're with the person you're meant for. You're ready to start a life together. You'll get married in a backyard. A diner. Because their home to you. And that's all that matters."

"If you find that in someone that is." Lucas replied.