Disclaimer: I own absolutely nothing.

Chapter 3

Sitting in the waiting room of a doctor's office had always annoyed Brooke but it was a million times worse waiting for the doctor to see your sick child. Ava was sitting in Brooke's lap reading a book. "What's that word mommy?"

"Hippopotamus."

"Ava Scott?" They went into the exam room. "The doctor will be in soon. Mrs. Scott are you ok you look a little pale."

"Yeah I think I have a bug or I'm anemic ."

Dr. Thompson came in. "Hello ladies. So Ms. Ava what's wrong?"

"My throat and my stomach hurt."

"She's pale, tired constantly, cranky, and has unexplained bruises on her back and hands that appeared overnight." Brooke added.

"Let's take some blood and run a few tests to see what's going on." He left.

The nurse came back in and drew the blood. "Young lady you are the best patient I've had all day. Do you want a sticker?"

"Yeah." The nurse opened the drawer and let Ava look through it.

"Mrs. Scott why don't you let me draw some blood, just to see if you're anemic. Since you're already here."

"Ok." She did.

"Does mommy get a sticker too?" Ava asked

. "Why don't you pick one out for her? The results should be in later this afternoon and Dr. Thompson will call you with the results."

Brooke took Ava home and impatiently awaited the results. There was a knock on the door. Ava ran and opened it.

"Aunt Peyton."

"Peyton what are you doing here?"

"I figured that my god daughter and best friend could use a visit."

"You were right." Brooke hugged her. "Thanks."

"Anytime…So I was thinking that we could go get something to eat."

"Pizza?" Ava asked.

"Are you sure she's sick?" Peyton joked.

Ava was playing a video game after she was done, leaving the women to talk.

"Did the doctor say anything?" Peyton asked

"He's running some tests."

"Are you ok?"

"I think its just stress." Brooke replied.

"Are you sure? You usually eat when you're stressed."

"I'm nauseas." Brooke said getting a little annoyed with this game.

"And?"

"And nothing. I told you its just stress."

"Ok."

"How are the Jackouski's?" Brooke asked changing the subject to anything but her.

"Good. Probably freaking out now because I'm gone, but they can survive."

That night Peyton stayed at their house. Brooke checked the messages when they got home.

"Mrs. Scott this is Dr. Thompson I have received Ava's results. I think it would be best to talk to you and your husband tomorrow morning around nine." Brooke sighed. Peyton hugged her.

"Don't worry." She nodded. "I'll put Ava to bed. You should call Lucas."

"Yeah." said trying not to cry.
When Peyton came out, "Are all kids that good? Because Jake and I might have to have one of our own." She noticed the expression on Brooke's face. "Did you call Lucas?"

"Yeah he'll meet us there." She said flatly.

Peyton sat down next to Brooke.

"What if something is really wrong Peyt?"

"Don't think that way."

"I can't stop it. Ava is my life. What if something is wrong and I lose her."

"Brooke Ava's strong even if something is wrong then she will get through it. Just stay calm until you talk to the doctor tomorrow." Peyton hugged her.

Brooke couldn't sleep that night, so she got up and started looking at Ava's baby pictures.

"Are you ok?" Peyton asked walking down the stairs.

"Did I wake you?"

"No it's too quiet here. Jake snores. What are you doing?"

"Looking at pictures of Ava." Peyton sat down. "I remember the first time it snowed, she freaked out because it was so cold but didn't want to put it down." Brooke said.

"Do you remember when we moved to Florida and you two brought her to the house. She was in love with the beach, the ocean, everything, it excited her so much I didn't think she was ever going to leave."

Brooke smiled. "She has this thirst for life. I love when she discovers something new her eyes shine like emeralds." Tears came to her eyes.

"Brooke Ava will be fine. You need to relax and get some rest." Brooke nodded. But rest didn't come easy she was imagining everything that could be wrong with Ava.

The morning didn't come early enough for Brooke she was dressed and ready to go at 7:30. She was watching Ava sleep when a wave of nausea hit her. She was attempting to blow it off when Peyton came in. "Ready already?"

"Yeah I want to get this over with."

"Brooke get some coffee and something in your stomach, you look like you're about to pass out."

"Yes mom." She said rolling her eyes.

Brooke and Lucas both got to the office early. "Where's Ava?" Lucas asked.

"With Peyton."

"Peyton's here?"

"Yeah. She came to check on Ava."

"That's good."

The conversation was cut short by the doctor coming in. "Mr. and Mrs. Scott I received Ava's test results." "What's wrong with our daughter?" Lucas asked.

"Ava has Leukemia."