Jacqueline22393: I'm sorry, Jackie, but I'm afraid I did. Haha.
Hilaryhilary: Hilary, trust me, everyone will hate you after they read this chapter. Don't be alarmed. You're a beautiful bitch.
Cap'nKeiraSparrow: Aw, I wanted it to be kind of happy, but I guess I'm not so good at that anymore, lol. I know. Lucas was definitely not in everyone's good books last chapter.
OTHbaby08: Yeah, I was aiming for bittersweetness. I'm glad you liked it, though. It was hard to write. Me? Not so good at the love scenes, hehe. Everyone has pretty much gone through the same emotions with Brooke. Even though Haley's the dying one, it's Brooke that's suffering. And I think people are finally starting to get that.
Daddyzangel108: I know, it was a long time coming, huh? Brooke should take Lucas back, but he might not want to be taken back anymore, what with this new girl. Yes, there is Jeyton, lol. They hooked up a couple chapters back, lol.
Brucas4ever: Thanks! Yeah, Haley most likely won't, but at least we've got hope, right?
CCScott23: Aw, I hope not. But I am glad this story is getting to you. That means my writing must be okay, haha. Aw, don't cry. Haha. Yeah, Hilary just HAD to have a cameo, lol.
Bubblz: Hey, that's almost a good thing, lol.
Crazi-prodigy: I'm glad you like it! I know, I know. I'm getting there, no worries.
Dinky: Aw, I'm sorry. I know! This story has gone by so fast, it seems. I wanted to make it longer, but I think I've made everyone suffer enough.
Foreverbrucas: She did sort of have it coming, I agree. I think you and I are the only people that think so, though, haha.
Nachochilicheese: Thanks! I'm glad you liked it!
Angelicxox: I'm so glad you like it! I know everyone wants them together, but I'm just one for making people suffer, haha. Thanks so much! I'm glad you think so, because I was worried of people's reactions to their reactions. Lmao. Yes well, I try to add in some humor.
OTHretard: Haha. Yes, Lucas wasn't exactly the sharpest tool in the shed. And he didn't bring it to the party either.
Anarchist278: Angela! We've been over this. If I feel the need to kill Haley, I will. And if you keep nagging (you nagger, you), she'll be gone in the next chapter, and Nathan and Brooke will get married and have sixty-two children! Lmao. Kidding, but I know you suffered just reading that.
Jeytonlover: Thanks! And yeah, I'm glad you liked it.
PrincessSparkle15: Thanks so much!
CutieRay: Glad you think so, hehe.
Cait: Aw, thanks. When will I be seeing your work? Anytime soon? Thank you so much. Seriously, your reviews make me glad that I write fan-fiction. Dude, did it seriously take fifteen hours? Haha, well, thank you so much, because the review totally made my day.
Lizzie: Ah, it's okay. I was waiting for you to review before I updated again, lol. I love school, Lizzie! And we will not be burning it down! Hehe, but we can burn Hilary, if you'd like. I don't know, maybe I'll write another Baley just for you. I know. Evil Davis Parents! Brooke doing homework? Where's the fire? Okay.. I killed it, lol. Nope, no more sex, muah- ha- ha- ha.
Only The Good Die Young
Chapter Twenty-Three: The Villain and The Savior
A few more weeks had passed ever so slowly. Haley wasn't showing signs of getting worse, but her sickness was now obviously apparent. She'd lost her glow. Brooke was waiting on her every need, only a little too much. Lucas and his little Hilary Holden had become an 'official couple' at Tree Hill High, and many were angered by this new alliance, as Hilary was the 'official hated popular girl' at Tree Hill High.
Brooke seemed to be more sad herself, and it Brooke Haley's heart to see her sister. It seemed at this point, the only happy people in Tree Hill were Haley and Nathan, and this was only when they were together. Apart, they were miserable, but together, they were simply unstoppable.
Haley was in bed, attempting to take a nap. Brooke wouldn't allow her to, though. Of course, this was not on purpose. Brooke was simply trying to type up a report on the computer- quietly.
Yes, this was her way of allowing Haley to sleep. She was attempting to type slowly and softly, but was actually typing loudly and much too slowly. Haley was beyond annoyed.
She'd closed her eyes at least two hundred times, but had opened them every other key or so.
Shooting up, Haley shot her sister a death glare. "Brooke! it's okay. Finish your essay. You don't have to go slow!"
Brooke groaned. "I'm sorry. Was I disturbing you? Do you want some food, or maybe some water-"
"No, no, I don't want anything. And if I do, I can get it myself."
Her sister was not getting the hint. "No, you shouldn't have to. I can go.."
"Please, Brooke. You've done enough." Haley had unintentionally sounded bitchy. She went to apologize, but Brooke was always standing up, hands stubbornly placed on her hips.
"What is that supposed to mean?"
"It means that I'm fine, but you're treating me like I'm a baby."
"Maybe because you're deathly ill!" Haley took this as a chance to rip the covers off of her thin body, standing before her sister with a frown placed firmly on her face.
"That doesn't mean I need to be babied! I'm fine, Brooke, and you're really getting to me."
"How?" Brooke's tone softened, but her facial expression didn't.
"It's just that, I love you. But not only are you throwing away your social life for me, but you're completely bugging me! I know I sound beyond selfish and ungrateful, but come on! You're being too clingy! You have to be able to let me go, Brooke! You know? I mean, please."
Tears filled Brooke's eyes, but she nodded. "I'm not trying to be so annoying. I just- I miss you already."
"Brooke, come on," Haley smiled weakly, "I'm still here. And I'll be here for a while. You can love me, you just don't have to worship me."
Brooke nodded softly, as her sister fell back onto their bed. Haley bit her lip, looking up towards her sister, and allowing the slightly taller brunette to lay beside her.
"I think I'm going to move back into my old room." Brooke whispered, and Haley nodded.
"I think you should get back together with Lucas."
"I think that he has a new girlfriend."
"I think she's pretty much a whore, and a way to make you jealous."
Brooke laughed. "I think I'm going to miss you a lot."
"I know you will." Haley said with attitude in her face, causing Brooke to smile.
"Yeah. Don't forget me, okay? When you're up there with the angels and stuff. Don't forget to check up on and me and see how I'm doing and stuff, okay?" She seemed so genuine, so sweet, so Brooke. Haley couldn't help but tear up.
"I won't ever. I promise."
"So," Brooke looked over at her sister after a few moments of silence, "How do you feel?"
Haley bit her lip, honesty rushing through her veins. She'd tried to avoid her feelings for so long, and now, they were right there, before her. She knew what she was. What she needed to be. What she wanted to be.
Painfully, she said, "Ready."
Brooke showed up at school the next day, tired from moving back into her bedroom, and sleeping by herself. This was something she hadn't done in months.
She looked around at the faces of pity, some of anger, some were those of friends, and some of enemies. Of course, Brooke knew these were all faces for different reasons.
Some were mad because she'd let Hilary get with Lucas, some were sorry because Lucas had moved on. Some were sorry because her sister was dying. Some were pitiful, because she looked so lonely, and so very tired.
Brooke tried to annoy these faces, brushing past them, or looking down. She was going with the latter, when she rammed into someone, falling backwards, and completely losing control of her books, as well as her balance.
Looking up, she saw the most terrible thing she could see that day. The one thing that she'd hoped to avoid.
Hilary Holden stood before her, a smug smirk on her face.
"Brooke? What are you doing down there?" She asked innocently.
Brooke looked around at the people in the hallways, staring, wide eyed. The most popular girl in school, Brooke Davis, had not only been knocked over, but she did not look angry. If anything, she looked scared.
Tears flooded her eyes, and Brooke attempted to pick herself up, only to fall back over. Hilary brought her hands to her face to stifle the sounds of a nasal giggle. Others felt tears come to their eyes out of sadness. None rushed to help her. She was alone.
She was so, so alone. And what would she do when things got worse? What would she do without her Haley? Without her Lucas?
Tears streamed down her face, and she was humiliated. Some were laughing now. Why was she crying over being knocked over? Hilary stepped over her, walking far away, and Brooke felt almost thankful.
The world was spinning now. Black spots clouded her vision. And suddenly, strong hands were around her arms, lifting her up. She leaned into her savior, afraid she would faint if she attempted to push him away.
Hours later, Brooke awoke to a worried Haley and Nathan, sitting around her on her bed. She began to blink rapidly, attempting to remember what had happened after she'd been picked up off of the hallway floor.
Haley threw her arms around her sister, and held on a little too tight. It seemed that the roles had been reversed, and Haley was now the too touchy sister, while Brooke was the weak, clueless one.
Nathan pulled Haley off of Brooke, and gave his best friend a quick peck on the cheek.
"Thanks for helping me." Brooke whispered, grabbing his hand.
"I didn't.." He trailed off, looking uncertainly at Haley.
Brooke tossed her sister a confused look, and Haley bit her lip, looking into her sister's eyes.
"Lucas did."