Chapter 26

Not Ready

Brooke's House

Lucas sat on Brooke's bed and Brooke walked out of the restroom wearing only her robe."You know I really don't want to go to school today."said Brooke taking a seat on Lucas' lap.

"Brooke when do you ever want to go to school?"

"Hey, I like school as much as the next person, but I just feel tired today. I guess you wore me out Broody."

"I wore you out? I think I should be the one who is tired. Who was the one who held up who in the shower?"

Brooke laughed."I thought the wall was holding me up, besides I'm not that heavy and if you disagree I'm gonna have to bite you."

"No, Brooke your not that heavy, but I'm saying that if I'm not tired then you shouldn't be either. So get up and get ready. We're already late."

"I really don't wanna, maybe we can spend the whole day in bed. Wouldn't you like that?"

"You know I would, but my mother wouldn't."

"Way to kill the mood, bring up your mother. I'm getting up, don't worry."

"I thought that would do it."

"Your not funny Lucas, now get out of here so I can change."

"Right because I have never seen you naked."

"No, because you need to go get your clothes out of the dryer. I washed what you left here yesterday."

"You washed my clothes?"

"Yes, you seem shocked. I can wash."

"Sure you can. I better go see what you did. I'll be right back."

A short while later Lucas went back into Brooke's room and found her almost ready to go."Wow this must be a first. You are actually almost ready."

"I seem to be amazing you a lot this morning and I am ready, I'm not straightening my hair today. Do you like it curly?"

"I love it, now can we leave. I want to get there before second period."

"Well then lets go. Oh so were you impressed with my washing ability?"

"Actually I am. I thought I'd find bleach stains all over, but I didn't."

"You see we're the perfect couple, you cook and I clean."

"Are you going to keep up this cleaning thing?"

"Yeah, no, it was a one time thing, sorry."

"I thought so."

They got to school right as the bell indicating the end of first period rang. They walked to their lockers and got out what they needed and then Lucas walked Brooke to her class."I'll see you at lunch babe."said Lucas kissing Brooke goodbye.

"Bye Broody, I love you."

Lucas gave her one last smile and then turned and walked to his class. He went in and sat at his usual seat and saw that Alison wasn't there. Soon the teacher came in and started class. Class continued at a slow boring pace with Lucas falling asleep, before he knew it he heard the bell and class was over. Alison hadn't shown up at all for class. Lucas went to his locker and dropped off his books and went to meet Brooke for lunch. Brooke was already there. He took his seat next to her and gave her a quick kiss.

"I missed you."said Brooke resting her head on his shoulder.

Lucas placed an arm around her." How can you miss me? We were just together a little over an hour ago."

"Yeah, so I always miss you when your not around, especially after the morning we had. You don't miss me?"

"You know I do Brooke."said Lucas looking down at her and lifting her chin up with his pointer finger and kissing her, lightly tracing her bottom lip with his tongue.

Haley and Nathan walked up to the two still kissing."Well isn't this funny." Brooke and Lucas broke apart and Haley continued."Wasn't it just yesterday that you were telling us how sickening it was to see us kissing and now here you are doing the exact same thing."

"And your point would be what exactly?"asked Brooke.

"Same as yesterdays, you two are just as bad, if not worse. So where were you guys this morning? We looked for you. I was beginning to think you weren't coming."

"We've been here. We just missed one class. We got her right before second period."said Brooke

Nathan kicked Brooke's leg under the table to get her attention."So I take it everything is okay B."

"Everything is fine Nate. Yesterday was just a misunderstanding and it won't happen again."said Brooke looking at Lucas.

"That's good news for you Lucas because I was very close to kicking your ass yesterday."

"Is that so?"asked Lucas.

"Yes it is, but we'll just have to save your ass beating for another day, Whitey wants to see us in the gym right now so lets go."

"Why does he want to see us?"asked Lucas.

"I don't know. Do I look psychic to you? Lets go and find out."

"I guess I have to go. I'll see you later babe."said Lucas turning to face Brooke.

"Fine go, but you have to make this up to me. I was really looking forward to having lunch with my boyfriend."

"I will I promise. I love you."Lucas leaned down and gave her a kiss.

Lucas and Nathan started to walk away.

"Hey what about me?"asked Haley. Both boys turned around to see who she was talking to."I was talking to Nathan. Your just leaving without a goodbye or a kiss. Brooke over here got an I love you and a promise of god knows what and your just leaving."

"Oh shit sorry Hales. I totally forgot."

"Great just what every wife wants to hear her husband say."

Nathan walked up to her and gave her a kiss."I love you."

"Sure you do."

"You know I do. I'm just curious as to why Whitey wants to talk to us now. I know it can't be good."

"I know, I'm just kidding. I love you too. I'll see you later."

Nathan gave her one more kiss before he and Lucas left.

"Way to get what you want Tutor Girl."

"I know it's great isn't it?"asked Haley laughing.

Brooke started to laugh too, but stopped when she saw Alison slowly approaching the table, looking like she didn't know what she should do."What are you waiting for? Get your ass over here and sit down."said Brooke with a smile.

Alison quickened her pace and sat across from Brooke."I didn't know if I should come over here. I thought you'd be mad at me."

"There you go again, worrying that everyone hates you. You really need to work on that."

"I know, but this time you actually have a reason to hate me."

"No I don't. It's not like I was with Lucas when you two went out. Hell, we weren't even talking, I couldn't stand the guy. I do wish you would have told me about it though, instead I had to hear it from a smirking Peyton. She'll use anything right now to get to me and she had the perfect ammunition."

"I'm really sorry Brooke. I wanted to tell you, but I didn't want you to think you had to worry about me wanting Lucas too. I know you feel like that with Peyton."

"Well that's true, but your not anything like Peyton. You don't know half the things she's done or probably will do in the future to Lucas and me. I'm just waiting for her to do something. Now don't worry, I'm not mad or upset at you and I don't believe a word Peyton said yesterday."

"I'm glad. I don't know why she's doing this. I don't know why she is trying to stop us from being friends. I haven't done anything to her."

"I don't know, she probably feels like she's been replaced by you or something."

"Well that's not my problem. She should take it out on someone else."

"The person she should take it out on is herself and nobody else. Everything that has happened, happened because of what she has done."

"Exactly, you know I wasn't just worried about myself. I was worried you would hate Lucas too and I know how much he loves you. I'm really glad your not still mad at him."

"Your a great friend Alison, you know that. Your always worried about other people, but you don't need to worry about that. I can't stay mad at him. I love him too much."said Brooke smiling.

"I'm glad to see you two bonding and all, but I have to cut in here and ask you why all of a sudden you won't stop smiling. What's going on Brooke?"asked Haley.

Brooke's smile widened showing off her famous dimples."I just had a wonderful morning that's all."

"This wonderful morning I assume was with Lucas right? And it would explain why your guys were late."

Brooke smiled at Haley.

"Well are you going to share with us how wonderful it was?"

"It's nothing really. Lucas came over last night and we ate cereal for dinner and then we fell asleep early."

"That's what your smiling about?"asked Haley.

"No, I wasn't finished yet."

"Oh, sorry."

"Anyways, we went to sleep pretty early and in the morning I woke up and found Lucas in my kitchen making me breakfast. It was the sweetest thing ever. He said since I didn't have a real dinner, he wanted to make sure I had a real breakfast. He cooked eggs, bacon, toast, and coffee. It was delicious. I guess having a cook for a mother pays off."

"That sounds great."said Haley."But why do I have a feeling that isn't the end of your wonderful morning?"

"Because your smart. That wasn't the end."

"Then continue will you."

"Well after we ate it was late and we still had to get ready for school, so Lucas went to take a shower and me being who I am, I of course joined him, saying something about us needing to save time. One thing led to another and I think you know the rest."

"Yeah, I think I do."

"It was so amazing Haley."

"It sounds like it was and it even got you to call me Haley. I might have to tell my best friend to sleep with you more often."

"Very funny Tutor Girl."

"And there we go. It's back."said Haley raising her hands in defeat.

Alison couldn't help but be furious at what she had to listen to. This was the last thing she wanted to hear. She was the one that Lucas was supposed to cook breakfast for. She now knew she had to hurry and put her plan into action. She no longer was going to wait and see if Brooke messed up on her own. She still liked her, but it was too bad. Alison saw Peyton sitting at a table alone drawing. She knew she needed to stay close to her if she was going to make it look like Peyton did everything if for some reason this plan didn't work.She knew she was the perfect person to take the blame. Everybody already thought she'd do anything to keep Brooke and Lucas apart. No one would believe her even if she tried to deny it."I need to talk to Peyton, I'll be right back."

"Okay, just don't kill her okay? She's not worth it."

"Don't worry, I won't." Alison got up and went and sat at Peyton's table."Hey, what are you drawing?"

"Hey, nothing really. Your not mad at me?"

"Not really."

"I just want you to know it was an accident. Brooke was yelling at me and I just said something I knew would hurt her, but I shouldn't have used you to do that."

"I know you didn't tell her on purpose, besides you forgave me for my little slip up at the party on Friday night, so how can I not forgive you for this. It's practically the same thing."

"That's true. I guess we both have made mistakes. So how are Brooke and Lucas?"asked Peyton wanting to see her reaction to the question.

"Better than ever."said Alison with a forced smile.

Peyton saw what she knew she would. She could tell she wasn't too happy about what she just said.

"Do you miss Brooke?"

"Where'd that come from?"

"I don't know, you just look a little sad."

"Well I'm not. I guess I don't really miss her. I'm getting used to us not being friends. Brooke has always had too many problems. It's nice not having to hear about them all the time."said Peyton lying. She did miss Brooke, more than anything and it was her with all the problems, not Brooke.

"She does seem to have problems, but nothing to serious. Nathan is always there to help her out though. Have they always been this close?"

"Brooke and Nathan? Kind of, but not really. They were really great friends when they were younger, but they started to drift apart before Nathan and I went out. They stayed distant for a while, but then the whole Lucas and me thing happened and he saw that she needed someone, so he was there for her. He helped her get over everything and it was like they never stopped talking. They are the best of friends again and spend a lot of time together. Why?"

"He just seems like a great person to have as a friend."Alison looked at her watch."Wow lunch is almost over and I still need to talk to one of my teachers. I should go. I'll see you later okay?"

"Yeah sure. Bye Alison."

Alison left Peyton feeling uneasy. She wondered what was going on in her head and why all the questions about Brooke and Nathan. She didn't know why Alison was so curious all of a sudden, but she sure as hell was going to find out. Peyton got up and walked up to where Brooke and Haley were sitting."Hey Brooke can I talk to you for a second?"

Brooke looked up at her not really wanting to hear anything she had to say.

"Please."

"Fine, but make it quick. I don't have all day."

Haley got up from where she was sitting."Lunch is almost over I'm gonna go. I'll see you in class okay Brooke. Bye Peyton. I'll talk to you later."

Both Brooke and Peyton said their goodbyes and Peyton took a seat."How are you Brooke?"

"Come on Peyt we both know you didn't come over here to ask me how I am."

"Okay, then how are you and Lucas?"

"There you go. I knew that's what you really wanted to know. I'm sorry to have to be the one to tell you this, but you still can't have him. We're still together. I know that didn't stop you the last time, but hopefully it will this time, but if it doesn't, you'll regret it."

"Come on Brooke stop with all the threats okay. There's no need for them. I don't know how many times I have to say it, but I'll say it again and again until you believe me, I don't want Lucas. I don't want Lucas!"

"Whatever you say Peyton."

"Look Brooke, I don't want to fight with you. I'm worried about you. I know you saw me and Alison talking and she really creeped me out this time."

"She creeped you out? Are you sure it wasn't the other way around?"

"What is with you and this girl? Why are you always sticking up for her? Are you that blind to what she's doing?"

"I'm not blind to anything anymore. I now see you for who you really are."

"I know I have done a lot of awful things to you, but I'm trying to make up for them now. I just want you to know that Alison was asking a lot of questions about you and Nathan."

"Me and Nathan? Why?"

"I don't know, she really didn't say why."

"She really didn't say why or she really didn't ask any questions? Why are you doing this Peyton?"

"Doing what Brooke?"

"Trying your hardest to keep me from being friends with Alison. Are you that intimidated by her?"

"I am not intimidated by her or anyone else. I don't even know why I'm bothering with all of this. I keep coming to you and telling you all this stuff about Alison, but you don't seem to care. You don't care that she is trying to ruin your relationship. I am putting up with all your name calling and belittling because I want to help you, but maybe I should stop. You obviously don't believe me so why am I still trying to help you? Okay I'm done, no more. Oh and when she does succeed in ruining your relationship with Lucas and I'm sure she will, with you putting on your blinders when it comes to her, don't come running to me." Peyton turned and walked away leaving a very stunned Brooke behind.

-

The Gym

Nathan and Lucas walked into the gym and saw Whitey.

"Coach you wanted to see us."said Nathan.

"Yeah, how are you two getting along these days?"

"Good, why?"asked Lucas.

"Well I want you two to work together for a while."

"On what?"

"I don't think your ready for the game on Friday Lucas."

"I am ready. I can't wait to play. It's been a long time since I've played in a real game."

"That's just it son. It's been too long. Your still a great player and you always will be, but I don't think your ready to play on Friday."

"I am ready."

"I don't feel like I have your full attention. You need to focus."

"This is about yesterday isn't it? Everything is fine with Brooke now. I can concentrate on the game now."

"Yeah, until the next time you two argue. Look son I don't make it a habit to get into my players personal lives, mainly relationship wise, but I just don't see you focusing. We really need you, but we need you at 100 percent."

"This seems like it's all about Lucas, so why did you want to see me?"asked Nathan.

"Well you come in now, I want you to practice with Lucas everyday until Friday and then even after Friday. I need you to remind him of what he needs to be doing. Can you do that?"

"I don't need him. I can do this by myself and be ready for the game on Friday."

"Lucas quit being a jackass and take the help I'm offering you. I don't know if it was just you having girlfriend problems, but from what I saw yesterday I don't want to put you anywhere near the game."

"Come on coach, I was distracted yesterday, that's all."

"Okay, well work with Nathan this week, get yourself back on track and then we'll see if your ready on Friday."

"I really don't need him."

"Lucas pull your head out of you prideful ass and work with your brother."

"I'll work with him coach."said Nathan.

"Good, now you two get a ball and work through the rest of your lunch." Whitey exited the gym.

"Can you believe him? Saying I'm not ready."

"Well Lucas you didn't do that great a practice yesterday, so I do understand what he's saying."

"I was just distracted by everything that was going on with Brooke yesterday and you know that everything is fine with her now."

"Okay then prove it. Show me what you got."

Nathan threw Lucas the ball and they played one on one. Lucas made his first basket without effort and then he made his second after stealing the ball from Nathan. Nathan got the ball back and made his shot. Lucas then made his third shot. Nathan got the ball, dribbled it and then made the basket. Lucas got the ball, dribbled it and Nathan stole the ball from him. Lucas jumped up and blocked Nathan's shot, took the ball back and made his shot. The bell rang ending lunch.

"It looks like I won. I guess I am ready."

"You did good Luke, but look at you, your about to fall over. I've never seen you this tired from a simple game of one on one and we didn't even finish the game."

"I'm just a little out of shape. I didn't really play in Charleston, but I'll be fine though."

"I know you will, but we're still gonna work together like Whitey asked us to and then on Friday you'll show him he was wrong."

"That sounds like a plan. Lets do it. Thanks Nathan."

"No problem, you helped me out when we went to the classics remember?"

"Your right I guess we'll be even now."

"I guess so. We should probably get to class though. I'm sure Brooke and Haley are waiting for us."

-

Thanks for all the reviews. I hope you liked this chapter even though I'm not sure I did. I know it wasn't the best. I wanted to put some Lucas /Nathan in. I'm not sure how this chapter turned out, but I really wanted to give you guys an update. Let me know what you think. Read and Review.

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Coming Up:

Nathan asks Brooke out.

Alison finds out Nathan and Brooke

are making things very easy for her.

Haley is in for a shock.