A/N: Thank you so much for all the reviews... I'm really grateful for all those who took time and read my story... Anyway, this story won't be too long. I would try to fit this story into four or five chapters coz I would not want this to be too dragging. So... here's chapter two... Reviews are really, really appreciated!

Chapter Two

"I'm leaving in three days." Brooke said in barely a whisper. It was only over an hour ago when each one of them was having a nice normal conversation over a cup of coffee and now one of them is about to leave- for good.

"To where?" Haley asked, still not believing what she heard. She was the one who broke the silence that came after Brooke's news.

"California"

"Why?" Peyton asked.

"I… just figured that I'll have a bigger chance of getting a decent job there than in here…" Brooke stammered. "I mean… I really don't see a promising future here... And my family's in California… they're really looking forward to seeing me."

"But what about your friends?"

"I'm never gonna forget you guys… but I realized that I have to spend time with my family too because I've never had the chance before and now I do." Brooke said with a sad smile.

They all stayed in silence for a few moments, all still in shock about Brooke's news. It was really hard for all of them to let someone go since they have been together for so long. Letting Brooke leave is like losing a part of them.

"I'm really sorry about this." Brooke said softly, breaking the silence.

"Well, we should throw you a party." Jake said. Everyone looked at him.

"Yeah... that's a good idea." Nathan said. "I mean, we should make the most out of the time left before you leave."

Brooke gave them a smile. "Thanks guys… this means a lot to me."

Brooke left earlier than the rest of the gang since she still has a lot to pack. The five of them are still in the café and were still stunned by the big news. But what was worrying Haley, Nathan, Jake and Peyton is Lucas. He hasn't said a single word since Brooke told them about her big news and it's starting to freak them out. Of course they all know how Lucas feels about Brooke and they are sure that Brooke leaving is gonna hurt him.

"Hey buddy…" Nathan tapped his brother's shoulder. "You're starting to scare us."

"Yeah…" Jake continued. "You haven't said anything since Brooke told us she's leaving."

Lucas looked at them with a blank expression on his face. "What am I supposed to say? I mean, she's leaving. For all those years we've all been together I never had the guts to tell her how I feel and I just can't stand the fact that I never told her."

"So what are you gonna do?" Peyton asked.

Lucas sighed. "I have no idea."

Lucas, Nathan and Haley were the last ones to leave the café. They decided to leave together since they practically live beside each other.

"Why haven't I told her after all these years?" Lucas said as they were all walking to his apartment.

"Yeah…" Haley said. "I mean, you could carry on a nice conversation with her for hours but why haven't you spared a single moment to tell her?"

"Maybe I'm just scared."

"Of what?"

"Of the fact that she might not feel the same way and never speak to me again"

Nathan let out a laugh. "Believe me… she won't."

Lucas stopped walking and looked at his brother questioningly. "What do you mean?"

Nathan turned to face him. "Brooke cares about you… a lot."

"Yeah… more than you could imagine." Haley added.

Lucas continued walking. "Then why would she leave?"

"Maybe because she's not sure if you feel this way for her" Haley said.

They stopped walking when they reached Lucas's apartment.

Lucas let out a sigh. "What should I do?'

Nathan smiled to his brother. "Tell her… before it's too late."