Chapter 4

Lucas stood there in the doorway of the café. "Brooke?"

Brooke sat there. She didn't know whether to be furious or elated to see him. She felt her heart flutter a bit as she took in his rumpled blond hair and sparkling blue eyes. She was about to smile when she realized that Luke was just a cheater. A guy who cheated with her best friend. That certainly deserved no merit. Plus, she had Jake. Instead, Brooke chose to do the neutral. She just offered a simple, "Hi."

Lucas had almost seen a smile spread across Brooke's face. As he anticipated for the dimples to appear, he watched her face become conflicted. Her eyes became thoughtful and stern. Lucas' heart crumbled.

Brooke watched as Lucas moved his body gracefully towards the table she was sitting. "May I?" He gestured to the seat Jake was occupying. She was about to protest when she looked at Jake and saw that he was still placing the order. She didn't look up as she answered. "Sure."

Lucas took a seat. He cleared his throat. "Look, Brooke. I miss you. Please, forgive me. I came back for you."

Brooke looked up. Lucas' eyes were burning on her face. "Look, Luke."

Brooke glanced to Jake who was next to the counter with the food in front of him. He had a confused expression on his face. She motioned for him to stay there. Helplessly, Jake stood there watching.

"Brooke. . ." Lucas said, bringing her focus back to him.

"Luke, please. I can't." Brooke started to regain some of her confidence. "What you did was wrong. I can't ignore what you did."

Lucas looked crestfallen.

"I'm sorry." Brooke whispered.

Lucas moved into to kiss her, but Brooke moved her head. All he got was her cheek.

Lucas moved back, his face tinting pink with embarrassment.

Brooke felt bad. "Lucas, I think only time can mend the rift between us."

Lucas nodded. He was about to say something back when his mother interrupted.

"Lucas Scott!" Karen yelled at her son.

"Mom!" Lucas ran to her and engulfed her in a large hug.

After hugging his mom, Lucas turned and noticed Jake. "Hey man."

Jake looked startled, but immediately recomposed himself. "Hey." He pulled in for a manly handshake/hug.

Lucas seemed so glad to see Jake. "How are you and Jenny?"

Jake contemplated before muttering, "We're . . . fine."

Jake felt bad that Lucas was oblivious to the fact that Jenny and him were staying in Brooke's house. Brooke's room.But, Brooke was the one to tell him that. Not him.

Lucas nodded. Karen pulled her son away. "Let's go home." She hugged him and they walked out the café.

Jake sighed and walked with the plates of food towards Brooke who was staring out of the window. "Hey."

Brooke seemed to jolt back into reality. "Hey."

Jake gave Brooke a quick peck on the lips as he sat down. "What's Luke doing back here?"

Brooke shrugged.

Jake knew exactly what Luke was doing back in Tree Hill. He was an excellent lip-reader. He looked at Brooke who was poking her food around. "Do you still have feelings for Lucas?"

Brooke didn't meet his eyes.

Stepping into the town's square, Lucas sighed. It was good to be back home. An impatient tap came from behind. Lucas spun around, hoping for it to be Brooke. Instead, he came face to face with Nikki.

"Nikki?" Lucas asked.

"Lucas. Have you seen Jake? Brooke told me he went to Savannah." Nikki tersely stated.

Lucas' head swam. He just Jake today at the café. "Um. Yeah. He's here."

Nikki swore, "I'm gonna kill that bitch Brooke." She ran off.

Lucas ran to Brooke's house. He was so scared of what Nikki would do to Brooke. He rang the doorbell. Brooke's housekeeper opened. Lucas rushed pass her and up the stairs down the long hallway. He was right outside of Brooke's bedroom. He heard moaning come for the bedroom, but didn't register the sounds. He burst open the door. "Brooke. . ." Then his mouth gaped open.

Jake and Brooke were both shirtless- lying on the bed and furiously making out.

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