Chapter 3

"Well that's the last box." It was Friday, moving day for Brooke. All her things had been packed up into a truck and were about to make the trek to the Scott house. It was a bittersweet day for Brooke; there was no going back now. Karen and Francis had come with her to supervise the movers. After the truck was on its way the Brooke buckled Francis into her car seat and got into the car with Karen.

"So what's going through your head?" The past week Brooke and Karen had grown close. Karen had never had a daughter and Brooke had never really had a mom and they just clicked. Karen was relieved because she knew now that the kids would be in the best possible care. She had complete trust and faith in Brooke and it was the best feeling in the world.

"Alright I guess. I did like that apartment. It was close to downtown and it had the cutest little kitchen. Plus Jesse was nearby, that was a definite plus."

"I see. Well everything happens for a reason, I wouldn't worry too much about it."

"Yeah, besides I think I'm going to like my new digs. I think we went a little overboard on my new room." The two women had spent a better part of the week shopping for Brooke's new room. Brooke had been a little apprehensive at first to spend so much money but Karen had assured her it was quite all right. Once they got over that hurdle Brooke had no problem spending Lucas' money. They had gone to Nordstrom and all over the Dallas Galleria spending money. Besides just buying room furnishing Karen had decided Brooke could do with new clothes. While they were buying clothes for Brooke, they also bought clothes for the rest of the family. Brooke had bought a whole new wardrobe for Francis. That's one of the things she loved about babies, they had the best clothes.

When they got back to the house the truck was there and Francis was asleep. They put the baby in the bed and started to unpack Brooke's boxes. It would be another hour before Lucas and Jason got home. All the furniture and accessories had already been placed in the room; all that was left was to put Brooke's stuff in it.

"Oh man, I can't believe I kept this." Brooke said as she pulled out an old notebook. She opened it up and began flipping through it.

"What is it?" Karen asked as she walked out of the closet. She had been in the process of hanging up Brooke's numerous articles of clothing.

"Oh just this notebook Haley and I made in high school. It chronicles our dating life. There are pictures in here and crazy little mementos. I don't know what we were thinking when we made this." Karen shook her head and laughed at the girl and went back to hanging up clothes.

A little while later a large bang was heard as the front door slammed shut, that was the signal that the boys were home. "Grandma, Brooke, Francie! We're home!" Next thing they knew Jason burst into Brooke's room. "Hi!"

"Shhh baby, Francis is asleep." Karen told him.

"Oops sorry." He dropped his backpack on the floor and climbed onto the bed with Brooke. "Hi Brooke."

"Hi yourself. How was school?" Brooke and Jason had taken an immediate liking to each other. If both were home at the same time they were usually found together. Many nights Jason had even fallen asleep on the couch next to Brooke while watching TV.

"It was fine. Ms. Hicks was sick so we had a substitute so we went over to the other class today. Zach's in the other class and we talked the whole day. And then we watched a movie on animals. And then in PE I scored a goal while playing soccer. And I got a check plus on my work for the week." As Jason babbled on about his day Luke walked into the room to see what was going on.

As the week had gone on he had realized his mother was right about Brooke. She was excellent with the kids and took care of them like they were her own, and Jason had warmed up to her as soon as he had met her. He was still somewhat hesitant, but chalked that up to just leaving his kids alone.

"Hello ladies, spend any more of my money today?"

"Not yet honey. We were thinking we could go out to dinner later, your treat of course." Karen told him as she went to greet him. Another thing he had learned about Brooke that week was she was a world-class shopper. Karen and Brooke together were a dangerous combination.

"Of course." He smirked back to his mom.

That next Sunday, Brooke found herself at the airport dropping Karen off. Lucas had opted not to go in fear of drawing a crowd. She was going back to Tree Hill and Brooke would be in charge. "Well you know if you ever need anything just call me," Karen said as she gave Brooke last minute instructions, "don't forget Francis has to have her blanket to go to sleep and Jason hates red sauce on his pasta."

"Karen, relax, we're going to be fine. You know this. I have a notebook full of instructions back at the house and your number in my cell phone, every number you have. I will call you if anything happens. Don't worry I'll watch Lucas too. You'll be back soon enough. I can handle this, we will all be fine. Now get on your plane and call us when you get there. I'll kiss the kids for you when I get home. And I'll send you weekly pictures and let you know how Jason's school is going, do not worry. Things are going to be fine."

"I know, I'm just nervous, you're the first non-family member we've left the kids with since Lisa left. And I trust you, I do, I'm just worried how they're going to react."

"I know. But you have to board the plane. I'll see you in a few weeks."

"Yes. Bye honey, take care of my family for me." Karen hugged Brooke and the two said goodbye. Brooke watched her board the plane and then started her trek back to the car. She was currently driving Lucas' Escalade and loved every minute of it. He had put her on his insurance and she could drive pretty much any car of his she wanted.

When she got back to the house it was late and the kids were already asleep. Lucas was in his study, which meant he did not want to be disturbed. With nothing else to do, she went to the playroom to pick it up.