:Nineteen:
Sunshine washed over the black pavement, shimmering heat on a gorgeous day. The white clouds were perfect-too perfect, too perky. How could everything seem so green, and brilliant, and beautiful-when people's lives were so messed up?
Brooke reached toward the radio for perhaps the fifth time, hesitating. It wasn't as if she didn't appreciate Lucas' emotional distress. After all, his face had been lying open and unguarded against the head rest. Had been for the past three hours. She wasn't picky. Well, really picky. But this drive wasn't turning out to be the trip she'd hoped for.
Chewing on the tip of a carefully manicured index finger. Three hours was like two hundred minutes. Less. If she didn't wake Lucas up soon, he probably wouldn't be able to get a good night's sleep.
"Wow. Looks like I'm going to have to fill up."
No response or movement in the stillness.
"Yep, about time to pull her over and get something to eat." The cheerleader rolled her eyes. "I can't believe it. Who sleeps like this?"
Lucas muttered something, sinking farther down against his seat.
To heck with it. Brooke tapped her foot, wriggling a little. "That's it. Next rest stop, I'm coming in." A person could only wait so long.
Out of nowhere, alittle red mustang shot in front of her, causing the brunette to slam on the brakes. "There goes my cruise control. I hate setting that thing! It was perfect!" Wrenching the wheel to the left. "Getting away from this jerk!"
Tree Hill's Cheerleader tossed her head as she blew by the mustang's driver. "Have your little center lane, hon."
Enjoying the victory, Brooke shrugged smugly. What did she always tell Peyton? Hoes over-
A familiar blue rest area sign flashed by.
"Crap!"
X
Lucas felt his head slam against the door frame for the second time.
"Brooke?"
Acceleration hit him, Lucas' eyes widening at the approaching semi and his driver's determination to cut it off.
"What are you doing?" His voice came out strange.
"I have to use the bathroom." Brooke spun the wheel, crossing two lanes almost blindly. Lucas cringed at the barrage of horns and squealing tires.
"Don't panic."
"Who's panicking?" Lucas' gaze was fixed on his side mirror, the semi truck trying to down shift. "Oh crap."...
X
"Lucas?"
It had been more than ten minutes. They had made a promise to meet at the water fountain separating boy and girl rest rooms. And here she was, without the boy. What could Luke possibly be doing? After all, it only takes girls ten minutes, and fifty percent of that time is spent on redoing make up.
Brooke contemplated sailing into the forbidden door and calling Lucas' name. Just poke her head in and shout.
"Where is he?"
"What-ah-" Brooke spun about, nearly dropping her bag. "Mr. Scott?"
"Surprised?" Dan Scott's familiar creepy smile put the cheerleader on edge.
"What are you doing here?"
"You know why I'm here. I had to drop everything I was doing to chase after my son."
"Excuse me, but I don't think he needs a babysitter."
"No? That's none of your business." Dan was shifting impatiently, only half giving the high schooler his attention. "Where's Lucas?"
"In the men's room."
"Oh. And you're waiting. How cute. Almost like a real couple."
"Your son is dating me, Mr. Scott. He made that decision."
"Really? I thought it was because Nathan passed you over. At least he appreciates class."
"You're not getting him back." Brooke's comment seemed to hit home.
"You don't know what you're talking about."
"He's Keith's. Anyone could see who he belongs to."
"I get what I want. Miss Davis. It's getting late. Why don't yougo outside, put your car in reverse, and forget all about this little excursion of yours."
"I gave Lucas a choice. That's what made you angry.Why do youhave to control every single aspect of his life-"
X
"Why are you here?" Lucas felt the door nudge him, standing frozen in the rest room doorway. His face was slightly puffy, he'd been sitting in a stall, hugging his knees for support. Smashing the door with a fist. Asking the eternal question, why? Why would Keith do this to him? Trying to figure out what to say, how to deal with Dan.
Something deep inside him told the blond he'd developed paternal affection for more than one man. Trying to scrub his face at the sink, icy water rejuvenating. Watching the clear liquid slip through his fingers, like so much in his life.
"Lucas. I was worried-"
The blond neatly avoiding that reaching embrace. "No.You followed me?" Hoping Dan couldn't discern the dried tears.
"You think I was going to let my son face this alone?"
"But how-"
"I saw the car in the parking lot. Luckily I was able to get off at the next exit and find my way back. You didn't think-"
"You said we were done. That I made a choice-"
"People make decisions when they're upset. It doesn't mean a thing." Dan seemed to sense the aversion in his son's eyes, the slight shrinking in those blue depths. "We'll see big brother. Then you're coming home. With your family where you belong."
Lucas glanced downward, Brooke watching in helpless fascination. The blond was thinking about Nathan, his real life brother.
Dan pressed his advantage. "You can't do this to Nate."
"Keith needs me. I was too selfish to see it before."
"Lucas, think. You want to know your mother, don't you?"
"Don't bring her into this!"
"Why not?" Smoothly. "I'd take you to her. When the time was right. The condition isn't irreversible. If we caught her at a lucid moment, you might be the one thing she needs."
"That's blackmail." Weakly.
"Let's go."
Luke paused, one hand going to his forehead. "I need some time."
"Why? We're practically there."
"I-I just need a minute."
"Tylenol in the glove compartment. Come on."
Lucas glanced from one to the other. "I'm riding with Brooke."
"Like she's your girlfriend now?" Dan's mocking smile wasn't lost on his son.
"We'll meet you there."
X
Dan watched his first born walk away, the angry brunette on his arm. Stupid choice. Girls like that were a dime a dozen. He couldn't suppress the small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. Lucas was a mess. This would be easier than anticipated.
X
"Dad." Lucas' voice was more an indrawn breath. He didn't know what he should call the man. Something said "Keith", but this person lying so wan and pale brought the tears to his eyes. "How could you?"
"Luke. You don't need me to mess up your life." Keith concentrated on the ceiling. "I mean, more than I already have."
"Why didn't you call me?"
"I knew you'd go crazy with that sympathetic thing you do and high tail it over here. Whether or not it was the best decision."
Lucas looked away, unable to meet those probing eyes.
"That's what you did, didn't you? Threw everything to the wind, told Dan off."
"How-"
"Oh, I knew Danny wouldn't want you rushing away to spend time with me. Afraid I might just get you back." No mistaking the tiny spark of hope.
Lucas swallowed. "Keith-"
"Don't go getting emotional, Lucas. I'm alright. Where is big brother?"
"Outside. I told him to give me a moment." Keith's white skin against the stark white sheets. A colorless bandage wrapped about the broad forehead. He looked pathetic, lost, lonely. Lucas stared, wondering for the first time what it felt like to see someone you loved slipping away. Like Karen. How many days had Keith sat there, watching and waiting for the insanity. Trying to hold her up, and failing. Wishing he knew better how to raise a little boy that wasn't even his own. "I'm sorry." Lucas' arms snaked gently about Keith's shoulders. "I'm sorry, Keith. So sorry."
"For what?" Easing away, one hand awkwardly patting the blond's back.
"Everything. I'm coming home with you."
"Luke, you can't."
"I am."
"There isn't a home to come back to. I sold it."
"Sold it?" Privately wondering who bought their house. Lucas drew back. "Without letting me know?"
"That's my point. It isn't yours anymore. You have a home. A family. Dang better than what I ever offered you."
"It's not the same." Lucas fidgeted with the blankets. "You're the one I love. You've been a dad to me my whole life, and it wasn't just because of some promise. Don't tell me that."
"Stop." Keith's fingers closed around the young man's hand, hard. "You were my responsibility. But now that's gone. I've done right by your mother."
"You don't mean that."
"Yes, I do, Luke. I've been thinking a lot lately. It's all I've been doing."
"Don't. Don't say things you don't mean."
"I'm not."
Lucas swabbed a palm across his eyes. "You're trying to drive me away, and it's not going to work."
"Luke, stop making this so hard on yourself." Keith's voice broke unsteadily. "I'm glad that you've found a real home. I was never cut out to be a father. We're both happier this way."
"Not me."
"Do yourself a favor? Give it a chance." Keith shifted, a brief grimace flitting across his features. "I won't be hanging around, so better get used to it."
"What are you planning on doing?"
"The things I've always wanted to."
"You just tried to kill yourself."
"I was drunk."
"Don't lie to me."
"You look so much like your mother." Keith turned his face away. "You can make it, Luke."
"Do you think I could see her?"
"Lucas-"
"Dan's holding it over my head, why can't you just tell me the truth for a change!"
"I'm sorry you were born into this family, Luke. The truth is-" Keith shook his head. "It's not a good bunch of people most of the time. And I don't even know what really started it. I could lay the blame on your grandfather, but who know's if that's where it began. The truth is, you're different. You're not like the rest of us. You can be-so good, Luke, so Karen. Don't ever lose that." Searching that anxious face. "If knowing your mother will keep you where you belong, I'm not going to be the one to ruin that. Dan will tell you in good time."
"How could you-" Lucas paced the small room, no idea how Keith was hurting.
Watching his "son" in a rare sober moment, wanting to take Lucas with him forever. Recapture the spirit, the essence of a little boy who laughed and played in the rainy patches along the sidewalk. Gripping Keith's fingers desperately, Lucas' first steps. The way Luke's five year old body snugged against him during a thunderstorm. Battered stuffed tiggers and the thrift store toys at Christmas. Before Keith forgot about Christmas.
"Remember that you mean everything to me. If you ever really need me, I'll be here."
Perhaps the blond sensed his "father" weakening. "I'll stay with you. Just until you're back on your feet. I could get a job after school-"
Keith closed his eyes. Why was Lucas making it so hard to let go? How many times would he have to give his son up?
"Luke. Leave. Turn around, walk out that door, and don't look back."
"You need me. You know you do."
"I need things to return to normal. Where I don't have to make conversation every evening, watch you eyeing me with pity and disgust. Feed and clothe you. It's done, Lucas. Let me be!"