You really made my day. Thanks! This is really only half the chapter, but I ran out of time! Almost 1TH time! So, I promise to post the other half as soon as I can, because it contains the drama portion. Ha ha. Wait and see! lol This chapter is dedicated to Giffy
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:Fourteen:
The beach house affair was already in full swing when car pulled up with a squeal of tires, showering dirt and gravel upon immediate passers by.
"I thought this was your party, man." Luke cast an uneasy glance toward the driver.
"Ya. Some of the guys were here early." Nathan pocketed his keys, leaning out the window to holler at a blue clad figure.
Cars were parked haphazardly, various couples littering the hoods and spaces in between. It seemed fun; in an unorganized state of way. Luke swung outside, one hand on the door frame. Unwilling to let go.
"A few guys? There's already like a hundred people here!"
"What's your problem? Some one had to open up." Nathan elbowed his brother. "You agreed to this."
Lucas stuffed his hands into his pockets. "I know..."
"Look, I'll find Brooke, okay? She's a good way to hang out and meet everyone at the same time."
"Okay."
Nathan grinned, turning his head from side to side. "That was too easy."
"Shut up."
X
Luke vaguely wondered if he was dressed okay. Seemed that the kids wandering around, singly and in groups, were wearing nicer clothes. It was the girls who smiled or gave him a nod as he trailed Nate into the noisy building.
Light spilled out, outlining faces in the evening dusk. The music grew louder as they cleared the steps, mixed with a dozen conversations. Something else-Luke realized, belatedly, it was the sound of the ocean. He was tempted to slip away and examine the beach, but Nate was motioning him into another room.
Lucas couldn't help staring as went. At the size of the place. And it wasn't even their house. A get away-
"Have some." Nate shoved a plastic cup into the blond's hand. "What'd I tell you?"
"Is this-beer?"
"And what else would it be?" The younger brother choked, patting Luke on the back.
"Welcome to a real party."
"It's not that." Luke studied his drink, setting it aside with a tight smile. "Not really my taste."
"Everyone's drinking. It's okay."
"You wouldn't understand. I think I'll find Brooke, okay?"
"Suit yourself." Nate's parting look was mixed with confusion.
"Is that your long lost brother?" A team mate jostled the dark haired Scott's arm.
"Ya, Tim."
"You say he can play?"
"From what I've seen. My dad and him, they've been fighting like non stop."
"He seems a little weird."
"I know. He's okay, though."
Tim followed the blond with his eyes, until Lucas slipped out the double glass doors.
Nate shrugged, tossing his drink back. "You seen Peyton?"
X
Cool wind played over Lucas' form, lifting the hair at his forehead and rearranging his shirt. He leaned on the wooden railing, harsh wood biting into his palms. It felt good. The moonlight played over gentle waves lapping the shore. Luke cast a glance behind him. The other Scott was huddled in a mass of guys sporting blue Raven's jackets. He really didn't belong.
It failed to arouse any self pity-Luke was used to being the odd man out, doing things on his own. He almost preferred it. What puzzled him was the absence of any party goers on the deck. It was such a beautiful night.
X
It was all so old. Old, worn out, tired. There hadn't been a single new face, several offers, and typical party fare.
Brooke Davis tugged her lacy shirt down with a pout. On any other face, it might have registered as unpleasant. Brooke had perfected her pout, starting when she was five and wanted a brand new tea set. It had aided her ever since.
Peyton was no where to be seen.
"What are best friends for, anyways?"
A tiny stone got in Brooke's way, almost tripping her. She pulled off her heels and marched barefoot through the maze of chattering school kids.
"Uh!"
The floor was sticky. From what, she didn't know.
"That's it."
These stupid events all blurred into one, after awhile. She hadn't been to a truly good party in like-forever.
The glass door slammed with a satisfying bang. She could feel it clear through her toes. Juggling the shoes and her drink, Brooke turned to the water and realized she wasn't alone.
Hunched over in the corner, light hair framing an attractive face.
Ah. Scott boy.
He was studying the view so intently, he didn't seem to notice her arrival. The brunette examined Lucas, red tee and long sleeves underneath. Scarlet and white, attractive combination. The material bunched tightly around his shoulders as lent forward, elbows resting on the railing. He wasn't quite as tall as Nathan, but more tanned.
"Hey, stranger."
The blond turned at the sound of her voice; he seeming to be coming from a great distance.
"Are you doing something out here?"
"No." An unmistakable smile tugged at his broad lips.
Brooke practically dissolved.
"Mind some company?"
"I'd kind of enjoy it." Lucas took in the whole affair with a gesture. "I don't really fit in."
"You just need a little time. And the right person to show you around."
"Who could that be?"
Brooke played along. "Well, we could start with me."
Lucas laughed; actually laughed. Brooke had been afraid all those looks were wasted on someone far too serious to have any fun.
"Do you want to go inside? I'll introduce you."
"I'd rather take a walk on the beach. If you don't mind."
Brooke cocked her head.
"You know, I don't think you're making a move on me. You seriously want to-"
"Take a walk on the sand with a pretty girl." Luke reached out, gently removing the shoes from her hand.
"Wait, I need those-"
"No you don't. We're going to go barefoot, with the sand between are toes."
The brunette threw her cup down, beside the sandals. Some of the cheerleaders had wandered toward them, definitely sizing up the new guy on campus. Nothing intrigued women more than a hint of the unknown. Brooding blond, rough clothes...where was he from?
"Well, lead the way."
Following his broad back down the slanted steps, Brooke couldn't help giving her friends a wave. There are a million different meanings attached to that movement. And this one clearly stated, "Back off, he's mine."
X
"So, Dan. Lucas is back and he's actually staying with us-for however long you two can get along. Keith was here, and you managed to destroy my kitchen. Nathan stayed out all night-again-and now he's at another party.Oh- our beach house, of course."
Dan tipped his coffee, irritating smirk over the rim.
"That about sums it up, Deb."
"Dan, this has got to stop. I can't live where everything is always turned upside down."
"Is that what you've been doing? Not living here?" Dan scanned the paper. "Because it sure seems like it."
"No, Dan, I was away. On business. If you ever bothered to listen to what your wife has to say-"
"Oh, I do. Far too much."
"Why don't you talk to Nathan? All it ever is are parties, more parties, sleeping out all night, and basket ball. His grades are suffering."
"He gets by. As long as it doesn't effect his game-"
"There's more to my son's life than a stupid game!"
"My son? How about our son? And I find it peculiar that you're always referring to Nate as your son. What, is this because of Lucas?"
Deb straightened her place mat. "You know it isn't that."
"Well, I think it is. You're still blaming me for Karen's son."
"I don't think it has anything to do with our problems."
"Until you can get Karen out of your head, no one's going to be happy."
"What about you? Have you ever stopped thinking about her? I've been married to you for how many years, and yet I still find myself being held up to her standards. I'm tired of being compared to a woman who was never your wife."
Dan crumpled his napkin. "Then maybe you should figure out what causes those feelings of inadequacy, Deb."
"I don't need to. You do, Dan."
"Don't blame your problems on me. Or Lucas. He's my son, just as much as Nathan, and he'll be living with us."
"Luke is the only person your brother has."
"Not anymore."
"Lucas isn't property, Dan. You can't just buy him and own him."
"He's my blood. I already own him."
"Oh, do you own Nathan , too?"
"As much as any father has a right to."
"I don't want to hear anymore. I'm going to bed." Deb pushed her chair out, clearing her dishes. "Have fun waiting up."
Dan wiggled his fingers. "Night, night."
X
Lucas gazed at the ocean, knees drawn up. Not saying anything, just watching. Listening to waves splash against the shore.
"What makes it so big?" Brooke leaned on one arm, idly following his gaze. "It scares me at night, like this."
The blond turned his face, eyes soft in the darkness.
"What's your story?"
"Oh, I have a family. Parents that love me with money and always leaving me behind."
He didn't respond, slipping his warm hand around hers.
"What about you? How come you're staying with Nate?"
"A lot of reasons. Mainly because I have to figure things out."
"What about your family?"
"Well." Lucas drew in a breath. "Dan is my family."
Brooke straightened. "I'm sorry. I didn't know you were an orphan."
Luke gave a weak laugh.
"Dan's my dad."
"Wait. Nathan said you were cousins-"
"That's what I thought. Turns out, Dan isn't my uncle, Keith is."
"The man you thought was your dad-"
"Right." Lucas sifted a handful of sand. It shimmered in the moonlight, pearl dust.
"That's really mixed up. So are you going to live with them?"
"I decided to give it a try. I've never had a brother before."
"What about friends. You know, friends who are girls?"
"No. None of those, either."
"Good." Brooke rested her head against his arm. It was completely unexpected, almost foreign. Lucas wasn't used to people touching him.
The moon's reflection shivered, perfect imitation riding the water. It held the blond's attention, sparkling golden warmth. The stars in the city had never looked as big or near.