Chapter Thirteen

"Going Home"

The next day, the cheerleaders had meetings and workshops all day. They were free at five.

Brooke and Peyton were just getting out of the showers. Brooke said, "Let's have fun tonight."

"Doing what?"

"Lets go out to dinner with everyone. We have cars."

"Who's everybody?"

"This room, and that one," she motioned towards Lucas' room.

"Including Carson?"

"No," Brooke said quickly. "I can't put up with her for much longer."

"Okay, go ask them."

"Me?" Brooke exclaimed. "Why do I have to?"

"Because I have to do my hair. Now go. They won't bite."

Brooke went over and knocked on the door, relieved when Haley answered. "Thank goodness!"

She walked in and sat on the bed. "Us girls are wondering if you want to go out to dinner with us?"

"Sure what time?"

"Meet at the cars at six."

"How many of us?"

"Us three and you guys. Six."

"Okay. See you," Haley said as Brooke walked outside.

Back in the girls' room, the three women were getting ready. Brooke had bought a new shirt when she went to the mall and wanted to wear it. It was a blue halter that made a V at the bottom. She was also wearing her newest pair of Abercrombie jeans.

Peyton was wearing a similar outfit, but had on a yellow tank. Teresa was wearing a floral skirt with a pink cammy.

Carson walked in. "Why are you dressing up?"

"We are going out to dinner."

"Oh," she said, looking disappointed.

Teresa asked, "What are you doing tonight?"

"Some of the other girls are going to this steakhouse. Where are you going?"

"A nice sit down restaurant, O'Charley's. We go every year."

Carson nodded. "Have fun."

"We will," Brooke said. "Peyton can I borrow your lip gloss?" Peyton tossed the lip gloss over while she made up her own face. "Why are we looking nice again?"

"Because hotties are always there," Teresa giggled. "And this time the guys are with us."

Carson asked, "They are going with you?"

Peyton said, "Uh yeah, they are our friends you know."

"I know. Just surprised."

"Why? Are we just supposed to leave them here while we have a good time?"

At six o'clock sharp, the three women took the elevator downstairs. They reaction they received was good. Lucas and Nathan's eyes got big, but Nathan was quickly nudged by Haley.

"Sorry."

When the girls approached them, Lucas cleared his throat. "You girls look... uh, wow. You look good."

Teresa flirted, "Thanks. You don't look so bad yourself, stud. Now can we please get going?"

They walked out to Nathan's suburban. Once again, Brooke and Lucas had to sit together in the back. Brooke figured someone must really not like her.

After dinner, they walked downtown, window shopping. Well, most of them were window shopping. Every now and then Brooke and Teresa would rush in a store and buy something. Nathan and Haley stood back from the group, holding hands.

When they got back to the hotel, it was nine o'clock. Ms Baker was going room to room and when she reached the girls, she said, "We are leaving at eight tomorrow morning."

Brooke groaned. "Ms Baker, that is so early! I need my beauty sleep."

"Sleep in the car."

"Whatever," she grumbled. After Ms Baker left, she announced, "I better not have to ride with Lucas again tomorrow."

Carson grinned. "I'll switch with you."

As much as Brooke hated the thought of having to ride with Lucas, she hated the thought of Carson riding with him even more. "We'll see," she murmured.

At eight the next morning, Brooke trudged downstairs with her bags. Lucas grinned when he saw her. "Morning."

"Shut up," she muttered. She was definitely not a morning person. She thrust her bags into his hands and climbed into the truck, drifting back into a soft sleep. She woke up when he started the truck. "Damn! Can't a girl sleep?"

"If you want to get home, I have to start the engine."

Brooke turned away. "Then start it."

After riding for an hour, Brooke woke up again, this time for good. "What time is it?" she yawned.

"Nine fifteen."

She nodded. "Thanks."

"Carson said she would ride with me. Why didn't you trade?"

Brooke did not want to get into this. "I didn't want to ride with Ms Baker."

"Yeah right. You just didn't want her riding with me. Right?"

"Wrong," she insisted, trying to sound believable. "I just..."

Lucas shook his head. "Some things never change."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing."

"Come on Luke. Tell me."

"I'm just saying, you are still the same old jealous Brooke."

"Oh like you weren't jealous when I was with Nathan!"

"That's different."

"How?" She demanded. "How is that different?"

"It just... it just is. Can we please stop talking about his now?"

She slumped in her seat. "Fine by me."

"So how are you doing single again?"

"What?"

"You. Nathan and you broke up. Who's your next victim?"

"Lucas, lets try not talking period."

"Just wondering."

"Well stop."

They drove a little while longer before he asked, "Are you still pissed at me?"

She groaned. He wasn't going to shut up. "Yes. Okay? Yes I am still pissed at you! You break up with me because of Carson Lane and expect me to be okay."

"Brooke..."

"No, Lucas, just stop. Okay? Just stop!"

They didn't say another word the whole way home.

Author's Note: Thanks again for all the reviews! Spoiler for next chapter: Jenny becomes sick under Peyton and Brooke's care. keep reviewing!

-Emilie-