A/N: Okay, welcome to the Brucas.
Chapter 11
Missing When Gone
Brooke pecked Jake on the cheek. "Have a good game."
Jake, decked out in his uniform, walked out of the door, his daughter, Jenny, in tow. He turned and waved to Brooke and their children, Ashlee and Drew. "I'll see you guys later. . ." He winked and walked out looking back.
The TV screen blared, the blue light flashing the silent room. Brooke sat cross legged on the bed in front of their plasma TV. Images of a car wreck on the highway flashed on the screen, police sirens were swarming around and the newscaster looked mournful.
Brooke reached for her remote, and pointing it towards the TV, she unmuted the noise.
The voice of the woman reporter suddenly appeared. "It is apparent that Jake and his daughter were in the car. Both were pronounced dead at arrival at the hospital. Our hearts go out to his widow, Brooke and their two children."
Brooke switched the TV off. She pushed herself off the perfectly made empty bed and walked numbly to her daughter and son's room. She kissed each of their soft brunette heads. "Daddy loves you," she whispered to the sleeping children.
Brooke followed the trail of people in black to the Tree Hill commentary. Ashlee and Drew held each of her hands, to young to comprehend, but realizing their daddy was gone forever. The line of people stretched for miles, Jake was the town hero. Some devoted fans even flew to humble Tree Hill to pay their respects to the talented basketball player.
Two caskets were lowered in the ground, but Brooke couldn't look. It was too dreadful. It was too surreal.
Brooke's black veil still shaded her face. It cast a dark shadow over his face. Stoned face and pale, people came to pay respects to Brooke Davis-Jagielski. They kissed each cheek and paid their respects and condolences.
Most of the crowd had left now. Trash remnants left. A small brunette ran up to Brooke. "Oh god, Brooke. I'm so sorry."
"Haley?" Brooke gasped in shock.
Haley convulsed in tears. This was so hard. What happened to the beautiful cheery girl that used to brighten up everyone's day. And Jake. Haley was so close to Jake.
For the first time, Brooke felt a tear drip out of her eye. She grabbed Haley and hugged her tightly. The tears were pouring out now.
A tall figure approached her. "Brooke," a masculine voice called. Brooke looked and saw a solemn Nathan.
Nathan gave Brooke a hug too.
"We're here for you, Brooke. Anything, you need." Haley said, holding Brooke by the shoulders.
Lucas and Peyton walked over, hand in hand.
"Brooke,"
Brooke hugged Peyton and Lucas. She missed her high school friends so much.
They all held each other in a tight group. They were back together, the A-crowd. Only this time, with the addition of kids and many years later.