This chapter is sort of OC-esque, I guess you could say. I'm in a hurry right now, so unfortunately, no review responses, but I'll make it up the next chapter, I promise. And Lizzie, my dead floating fish, you know I love you, okay?

Only The Good Die Young

Chapter Sixteen: Two out of Six Ain't Bad

It was no surprise that at the beginning of Sophomore year, Brooke was elected as 'Social Chair'. This basically meant she was in charge of all and every event, which was no problem for Brooke. Basically, she got to spend the school's money to plan parties.

This year, due to all her unfortunate happenings, Brooke wasn't as enthusiastic to be Social Chair, as the Senior Spring Fling was coming up, and well, she was supposed to be planning it.

It was obvious the girl was struggling as she attempted to walk. She carried two boxes, and not to mention many designs for the decorations, rolled up in her arms. Sighing, Brooke was attempting to get to her meeting in one piece, along with all this stuff.

Hearing footsteps, Brooke peered over one of her boxes, her eyes landing on none other then Lucas and Nathan Scott, looking amused. She couldn't help but feel annoyed as they stood there awkwardly.

"Looks like you could use some help." Nathan told her. She felt like saying, 'No shit, Dumbass!', but found it unnecessary, as her ex stood beside him.

"Um, yeah," She said honestly, "Thanks."

"Great. Well, I have class. Be a man, Lucas." Nathan chuckled, walking away. Lucas rolled his eyes at his brother, but grabbed the boxes from Brooke nonetheless.

"Thanks." She smiled softly at the man she was sure was the love of her life, and couldn't help but feel her heart lift when he smiled back.

"So, anything else you need me to carry?"

"Yeah, actually. There's a bird, in my car."

"A bird?"

When Brooke had said bird, she'd been literal. Lucas was holding in his arms, along with the two boxes, a large, life-sized squirrel. It was for The Spring Fling, and the idea sort of went with 'summer'. And not to mention, one of Brooke's favorite bands was 'Bright Eyes', and if she had anything to do with it, they'd be playing at Spring Fling. Yellow Bird pretty much equaled Bright Eyes, although the bird Lucas held was a mixture of colors.

He fumbled a little bit, noticing Brooke's outfit. She wore a nice pink sweater, with a gray short skirt, and pink heels. Her eyes widened.

"Be careful!"

He smiled. "Don't worry about it. I'm fine."

"No, I meant with the bird. He's very expensive."

"Oh, really?" Lucas grinned, purposely allowing the bird to slip from his grip, if only a little, tumbling forward slightly.

"Oh, whoa! Whoa!" He shouted, and Brooke screamed, attempting to help him.

"No, Lucas!" She continued to give small shouts as she attempted to steady the bird on his shoulders.

Dropping all her designs, Brooke laughed as she helped him steady the bird back on his shoulder. He dropped the boxes, and began chasing her around, promptly, the bird hoisted in the air.

They were hysterical with laughter, by the time Brooke had finally picked up a few rolls of her designs, slapping him in the back hard.

The two were still smiling when they remembered they weren't together, that'd they'd broken up.

Awkwardness took over them, and the two began to walk once more towards Brooke's meeting.

Peyton grinned as she watched Brooke and Lucas. Jake joined her, smiling himself at the two below.

"They are crazy." He shook his head. Peyton turned to him, not having noticed him before.

"I know. They broke up for like, the dumbest reason ever. They're destined to be together. It's so obvious."

Jake shoved his hands in his pockets, nodding. "I know. He's been crushing on her since we were little kids."

"And she just never noticed."

"Of course not. She was too busy being in like with Nathan."

"I remember that." Peyton chuckled, focusing her attention on Jake.

"Yeah, so, uh.."

It seemed awkwardness was affecting everyone these days. The two looked at each other, silent.

Jake was the first to speak. "Do you want to, uh, do something, tonight?"

"Like a date?" Peyton blurted out before she could stop herself.

"No-no. Just like, well," Jake hung his head, "Yeah."

"I'd love to." Peyton grinned, and he found himself smiling once more.

"Favorite rock band?"

"Rooney."

"Really? Favorite song?"

Peyton grinned. Jake and her had had a fantastic date. After getting over her initial shock of him asking her out, the two had gone to a little restaurant, and had shared two great meals. Afterwards, they'd decided to head back to Peyton's place to talk and listen to music. Peyton was loving it. They'd only recently began questioning each other on everything. Sports, music, movies.

"Um," She smiled, "Sorry, Sorry. Definitely. But I love I'm Shakin' too. It's fun to dance to."

"Peyton Sawyer, dancer? Never saw that one coming.."

"Well, I am just a load of surprises, aren't I?"

Jake chuckled. "Yeah, you are. All good ones, though. Rest assured."

"Thanks."

Suddenly, Peyton leaned up, kissing Jake. He reached over, holding her cheek, and pulling her closer to him. As they were already on her bed, they didn't need to do much in the are of comfortableness.

Peyton was in cloud nine. She wrapped her small hands around the back of Jake's head, pulling him on top of her.

Breathlessly, the two ripped at each other's clothes, kissing hard.

Jake pulled away, smiling softly. "Are you sure you want to do this?"

She nodded. "Yeah."

It seemed that at least for two of the six drama-filled teenagers, happiness was completely found.