Chapter 24

Secrets Told

Tree Hill High

It was now Monday and everyone was at school. Brooke walked to Lucas' locker after first period and saw that Alison was already there with him. She walked up to them and wrapped her arms around Lucas' waist."Hey Broody, where were you this morning? I looked everywhere for you."

Lucas kissed Brooke."I over slept, great way to start my first day back, huh?"

"Well as long as your here now who cares. You see if you would have stayed over last night you would have made it to school on time like I did. You should tell that to your mom the next time she orders you to go home."

"Brooke you know that the only reason you were on time was because I didn't stay over."

"Yeah, whatever. What's up Alison?"

"Hey Brooke."

"I'm really sorry for the way Nathan was acting the other day at the café. We were just having an important conversation and he didn't want to be interrupted. He shouldn't have been that rude to you."

"No, I'm the one who is sorry. I shouldn't have even went up to you guys, it did seem like a pretty intense conversation."

"Hold on what were you two talking about so intensely?"asked a curious Lucas.

"It was nothing Broody."

"If you say so."

"So Brooke have you seen Haley? I really want to apologize to her for everything that happened Friday night. I hope she's not still mad at me."

"She's around here somewhere, but she's not mad at you so there's no need to apologize to her."

"Good I really don't want to lose the only friends I have here."

"Don't worry so much, you won't lose us."said Brooke putting her arm around Alison."Friday night was Friday night, everyone had too much to drink and things were said that we all want to take back, so lets just forget it all happened. I know I already did. Just come sit with us at lunch and I'm sure Haley will tell you the same thing."

"Okay, but only if your sure."

"I am, now I have to get going or I'll be late for class. I'll see you later handsome."said Brooke kissing Lucas.

"Bye Brooke." Lucas stared after her until she was out of sight and then turned back to Alison.

"I guess we should get to class too Lucas. I hate that this is our only class together. Being near you makes moving here a lot easier."

"I'm really glad your here Alison. It's nice having a friend from Charleston."said Lucas wrapping his arm around her and walking to their class.

-

Brooke sat down next to Nathan and Haley at their usual lunch table."Do you guys always have to be all over each other? It's a little sickening to have to watch everyday."

"Your one to talk, you've been back together with Lucas for how long? And we've already walked in on you two making out a dozen times."said Haley.

"You exaggerating and you know it."

"No I'm not, so you have no room to talk."

"Speaking of Lucas, where is he? He hasn't gotten here yet?"

"Do you see him here?"asked Nathan.

"Your such an ass you know that. He could have been here and then went to get something to eat."

"We haven't seen him."said Haley."But I'm sure he'll turn up."

"I wonder where he is. At least I know he's not with Peyton."

"How do you know that?"asked Haley.

"Because there she is running off to god knows where."

Everyone heard laughter and turned to see Lucas and Alison walking and laughing hysterically.

"There you are. I was beginning to worry, what's so funny?"asked Brooke.

"Oh sorry we had to stay after class to finish a test."said Lucas taking his seat next to Brooke, giving her a quick kiss on the cheek.

"So what was so funny?"asked Haley.

"It was nothing we were just talking about something that happened in Charleston. It's one of those you have to be there things."said Alison still laughing.

"Well that's too bad, I'm sure we could all use a good laugh."said Brooke rolling her eyes.

"Haley I want to apologize for everything that I said the other night. I should have kept my mouth shut."

"It's okay, lets just forget about it. It's in the past and it should stay there."

"Thanks, I'm glad you feel that way. I was telling Brooke earlier that I really don't want to lose my friends here and I honestly thought that I had."

"Well you didn't so lets drop it."

"Okay."said Alison with a smile on her face.

"So Brooke what are you going to do at practice now that you have Peyton and Theresa at each others throats?"asked Nathan.

"What are you talking about?"asked Brooke.

"Didn't you hear about what happened this morning?"

"Obviously not, so tell me what happened?"

"I don't know who started it, but when I got there I practically had to pull Peyton away from her. I'm guessing it had something to do with what Theresa said on Friday."

"Wow, Peyton sure is making enemies left and right these days. This should be interesting. I can't wait."

"So what is it like being a cheerleader?"asked Alison out of the blue.

"I don't know, it's great I guess."said Brooke with a shrug of her shoulders.

"And your the captain too. That must be amazing."

"It has it's moments."

"Peyton told me you wanted to be a cheerleader since you were little. Is that true?."

"Guilty. My mother was a cheerleader and my mother's mother was one and so on and so on. You get the picture. So it's something I always knew I would do."

"I know this is a lot to ask, but do you think I could sit in on one of your practices? I've always wondered what it would be like to be one. I promise you won't even know I'm there."pleaded Alison.

"Sure why not. Practice starts right after school in the gym."

"Thanks, I can't wait."

Brooke smiled at her."Oh yeah Lucas I almost forgot, I really need to show you something."

"Okay what is it?"

"I can't show you here. I need you to come with me. It's really important."

"Okay lets go."

Brooke and Lucas got up and started to leave.

"Should I even bother asking if you are coming back?"asked Haley.

"Probably not."said Brooke turning back to her."We'll see you in class."

Brooke took Lucas to the back of the school near the parking lot.

"So what was this important thing you needed to show me?"

"There is no thing. I lied. I just wanted to spend some time with my boyfriend alone. I haven't seen you all day, well except for that two minutes between class. I missed you."said Brooke wrapping her arms around his neck.

"You didn't have to lie to get me out here. You could have told me the truth, that you wanted to make out. I would have been more than happy to come out here."

"I didn't say that that's what I wanted to do."

"I know, but by the way you keep stroking the back of my neck tells me otherwise."

Brooke stopped."Sorry, it's just a habit."

"I didn't say I wanted you to stop."

"Good because I don't want to."Brooke pulled Lucas by the hand to a bench and sat on his lap.

"So what do you want to do now that making out is out of the question?"asked Lucas.

"I didn't say it was out of the question. I just said that's not why I brought you out here."

"Good because there's nothing wrong with a little making out."said Lucas kissing Brooke's neck.

"I didn't say there was."said Brooke now kissing Lucas on the lips, slipping her tongue between his lips. They continued to kiss with Brooke caressing the back of Lucas' neck and with Lucas pulling Brooke closer into him. They were so into each other at that moment they didn't even realize they were being watched.

Peyton sat in her car watching to two make out. She knew she shouldn't, but she saw how happy Brooke looked and wanted to be able to tell her she was happy for her, but she couldn't. Brooke didn't want anything to do with her. She thought they were making progress on Friday, but then Alison, whether on purpose or not, had put a stop to that. Now Brooke wouldn't even look at her. Peyton turned away from the kissing couple and saw Alison standing there just watching them, not looking too happy. Peyton got out of her car and went to see what she was doing."Hey Alison, what are you doing out here by yourself?"

Alison's facial expression changed when she heard Peyton approach."Hey Peyton, what are you doing out here?"

"I just got back from the record store, they were holding a CD for me. What are you doing out here?"

"Nothing, I was just looking for Brooke to ask her a question, but she looks rather busy, don't you think?"said Alison pointing to Brooke and Lucas who were still kissing.

Peyton turned in the direction she was pointing."I don't think they'll be stopping soon, so we might as well leave them alone."

"I think your right."

"So what did you need to ask Brooke anyways?"asked Peyton knowing she didn't need to ask Brooke anything.

Alison had to think fast."It's nothing important. She's letting me sit in at practice today and I just need to know what time it starts."

"Oh, well I can tell you that. It starts right after school."

"Thanks, I didn't know that."said Alison taking one more look at Lucas and Brooke before turning the corner.

Peyton noticed what she did and wanted some answers."So can I ask you a question?"

"Sure go ahead."

"I know this is none of my business and all, but how close were you and Lucas when you two lived in Charleston?"

"Wow, I didn't see that question coming. We were just friends really. I mean toward the end we did go out on a few dates, but it never turned into anything. Who knows what would have happened if we were still in Charleston though?"

"Your not still into him are you?"

"No, of course not."

"Good, because he's with Brooke now and they're happy."

"I know that and I'm happy for them. I don't want Brooke to worry about me or anything so can this Lucas thing stay between us. I mean it was only a few dates."said Alison knowing Peyton wasn't going to keep this a secret and she didn't want her to.

"Sure. I won't say a word, besides she's not talking to me remember?"

"Right, I forgot."

The bell rang.

"I guess we should get to class. Bye Peyton, I'll see you later."

"Yeah you too."said Peyton wondering if Brooke knew that Lucas went out with Alison.

-

Brooke and Lucas broke apart when they heard the bell. Brooke had to readjust her shirt because Lucas' roaming hands had been underneath it now leaving it lopsided."Now this is what I call a great lunch, too bad we have to go to class now."said Brooke.

"We could always skip and go back to your house."said Lucas pulling her toward the parking lot.

"As much as I would love to do exactly that, we can't. I can't miss another practice and this is your first one back. I know you still need to take it easy, but you still need to be there and we have Mr. Kelsner's class next and you know he always gives us a test. We can't afford to miss it."

"He's out sick today, we have a sub."

"Well that's even better, now Tutor Girl and I can spend the whole class talking. Lets go Broody. There's plenty of time to make out later, we have to get to class."

"I never thought I'd hear that sentence come out of your mouth. You sure have changed Brooke."

"Not that much, I definitely want to continue this later at my house and this time you are staying over."

"You don't have to tell me twice."

Brooke and Lucas took their seats next to Haley and Nathan. The teacher explained to them that they were to finish any work they had and then to simply keep the noise level down.

"So where did you two disappear to?"asked Haley.

"We didn't disappear, we just went outside to talk."

"To talk?"

"Yes to talk Tutor Girl."

"Well what did you guys talk about?"

"Stuff that's none of your business."

"Sorry I asked, so have you talked to Peyton today?"

"No, why would I?"

"She came by right before you got here and asked where you were. I guess she didn't find you."

"I guess not. I really don't feel like talking to her anyways."

"I figured as much, but thought you should still know she's looking for you."

"Thanks."

Lucas and Nathan pulled out their ipods and headphones not wanting to have to listen to their girlfriends gossip all period.

"So are you really going to let Alison join the squad?"

"What are you talking about? She's just going to watch us practice. No one said anything about her joining. In fact you should come and watch too. You could keep her company and just in case she got the wrong idea and assumed she could try out you being there would squash that."

"I guess I could stay and watch, that way I don't have to come back and pick up Nathan. We really need another car."

"Okay."said Brooke still thinking about Alison."I mean even if she wanted to join she couldn't. There isn't room, we have everyone we need. Although there would be room if I kicked Peyton's ass off."

"You wouldn't really do that to her would you?"

"No, I hate to admit it, but she's actually the best one on the squad right now. Well besides me that is."

"Yeah, we can't forget about you."said Haley rolling her eyes.

-

It was the end of the school day and practice was about to start. Brooke carelessly walked into the locker room and saw that Peyton was the only one in there. She quickly walked to her locker trying to hurry and change before Peyton came up to her, but with no such luck."What do you want Peyton?"

"I just wanted to ask you how things were going with Lucas that's all."

"Why because if they are bad you want to lure him away to be happy with you?"

"No that's not it, I really want to know."

"Well to bad. My relationship with Lucas is none of your business."

"Brooke I'm not asking to be nosy or to see if there's an opening for me to swoop in and take him away. I'm just worried about you that's all."

"Sure you are Peyton."

"Fine if you don't want to tell me about how things are with Lucas then at least tell me how things are with you and Alison."

"Why do you care so much about my life? We are no longer friends remember? Just stop! Oh wait is that it? Are you worried that I have replaced you with Alison?"

"That's not it Brooke. There is something off with that girl."

"Do you hear yourself Peyton? Your talking like a crazy person. Alison has done nothing wrong to anyone. I really think you've lost it this time."

"I'm not here talking to you to listen to all your insults. I'm here as a friend."

"Well in that case you should just leave because we're no longer friends."

"Fine if that's how you want it okay, but your worried about the wrong person."

"What are you talking about?"

"If you want to hold on to Lucas and I know you do, you better keep an eye on Alison, not me."

Brooke couldn't help but laugh.

"I'm not kidding Brooke, apparently they went out in Charleston and I don't think she's over him."

"Your such a liar. They never went out. I asked Lucas when we got back and he told me they were just friends."

"I don't know what Lucas told you, but I talked to Alison at lunch today and she told me all about it."

Brooke couldn't believe it. Had Lucas lied to her again?"I don't know what she told you or if she even told you anything at all, but you need to mind your own business and stay the hell out of my relationship."With that Brooke walked out of the locker room and into the gym.

Brooke saw Haley and Alison walk into the gym and waved at them and then walked straight up to Lucas, who was already warming up with Nathan."Lucas can I talk to you for a second?"asked Brooke."Alone."she added when she saw Nathan turn to see what was going on.

"Sure."said Lucas as they walked a short ways way."You look hot in those shorts."Lucas leaned in and tried to kiss her, but she moved away."What's going on?"

"Look, I didn't ask you to talk so you would tell me how hot I am or to make out. I just want to know why you lied to me."

Lucas stared at her not knowing what to say.

"I would really like an answer today Lucas!"shouted Brooke.

"I'd give you one if I knew what the hell you were talking about Brooke!"shouted Lucas in return.

"When we got back from Charleston and you saw Alison for the first time I asked you how close you two were and you said you were just friends."

"I know that and that's the truth."

"Okay, well then why didn't you tell me you went out in Charleston?"

"I didn't say anything because we weren't actually going out, we just went out once or twice."

"Was it once or was it twice?"

"Twice. I'm sorry Brooke I didn't think it was important enough to ruin the friendship you both were starting to have."

"Were these dates you went on toward the beginning or the end of you moving there?"

"The end. It was about a week or so before I came down here."

"Okay now we're getting somewhere. If you both were still down there do you think that something would have happened between you two?"

"Not a chance. I want you Brooke, nobody else. I'm sorry I didn't tell you. I seriously didn't think it was worth mentioning."

"Is that also what you told yourself when you were making out with my best friend? It's not worth mentioning."

"Brooke come on that was a long time ago."

"Whatever you say Lucas. I'm done."said Brooke as she walked off.

"Brooke come on."shouted Lucas as he started to go after her.

"Lucas get your behind back over here and warm up. You can work out your girlfriend troubles later."yelled Whitey.

Lucas looked at Brooke as she continued to walk off without looking back and went back to warm up.

"What the hell was that about? Brooke looks pissed."asked Nathan.

"I don't want to talk about it."

"Too bad because your gonna talk about it."said Nathan walking toward Lucas.

"Dude step back, I don't know what the hell that was about okay, but I'll talk to Brooke after practice."

"You better."

Brooke walked toward the squad and passed Peyton."Are you happy now?"

Peyton just looked at her as she walked away.

Alison couldn't help but be happy at what she just saw. Brooke and Lucas were now fighting. She might not even have to put her plan into effect. This was great she thought to herself.

"I wonder what that was all about?"asked Haley concerned.

"Me too. I hope whatever it is they work it out."

"So do I."

Practice continued with Brooke getting bitchier by the second and with Lucas not taking his eyes off of her. Finally Brooke called for a break. She went up to Peyton."I don't want for you to think this makes us friends again or anything, but I'm sorry I called you a liar earlier. What you said was the truth. Lucas was the one who lied."

"It's okay Brooke, I've lied to you more than enough times for you to be able to call me a liar have it be the truth."

Brooke nodded and walked away.

-

Thanks for all the reviews. I hope you liked this chapter. Let me know what you think. Please read and review.

-

Coming Up:

Brooke continues to be a bitch.

Lucas tries to talk to Brooke.

Someone has an early morning surprise.