"This is nice," Brooke smiled while linking her arm with Lucas'. The two strolled down the sidewalk admiring the water that surrounded the rivercourt.

"It is," Lucas smiled back, happy to be with his girlfriend. With everything that happened in the past few weeks he barely had any time to spend with her. She was either with Haley, at cheerleading or just not available. They sat on the bleachers and watched as Skills, Fergie and Mouth came over to them.

"Hey, what's up dawg?" Skills asked while knocking fists with Lucas. "Haven't seen you in a while. Now that the season's over, we figured you'd be down here more often."

Lucas looked at Brooke and shrugged. "Just been busy, that's all."

"Busy?" Fergie asked, raising his eyebrow and the couple sitting in front of them. Brooke reached over and hit him in the arm and laughed. "Just playing, relax princess. Hey Luke, you want to play a game? 2 on 2, we'll give you Mouth because you know, he sucks."

"No thanks, man," Lucas laughed and put his arm around Brooke. "My Woman and I need to talk." Brooke looked at him weirdly and waited for the three guys in front of them left to say something.

"Your woman?" Brooke asked with a smug look. "I didn't realize I was your property." Lucas laughed lightly and took a deep breath. "Broody, say something here, you're killing me."

"It's hard to say," Lucas explained using his hands for affect, "I guess I just need a break from things."

Brooke nodded her head in agreement and glanced at her boyfriend for a quick second before fixing her gaze towards the river. "I know what you mean. Between school and Theresa's post season cheering practice it's all very stressful. And with everything that's going on with Haley, it's all very hard to fathom."

"Fathom?" Lucas asked with a raised eyebrow. He wasn't really paying attention to anything she was saying before until he heard that word.

"Yeah. It means understand," Brooke said slowly as if she was talking to a child.

"I know what it means, question is, how do you know what it means?"

Brooke shrank in her seat embarrassedly and turned away. "I'm in AP English now."

Lucas looked at her in disbelief and bit his lip to stop himself from laughing. "How are you in AP English. No offense, but baby, you barely survive in level one English."

"I know," Brooke agreed, nodding her head, "but I had my schedule switched so I could be with Haley all the time during school. I just want to make sure she's okay and no one says anything to her."

"Don't you think you're being a little overprotective?" Lucas questioned, quickly regretting it after he saw the look Brooke shot him.

"No," she shot back defensively, "I don't think so. You of all people should be happy. You and Peyton tried so hard to get us to be friends and now that we are, it seems like you're jealous."

Lucas was in no mood for a fight, but with the way things were going it looks like a fight was going to break out in any second. "Oh yeah, I'm jealous," he shot back sarcastically, "jealous that you spend every waking moment making sure your sister doesn't get hurt. Pain is real, it's not something you can prevent, no matter how hard you try." Bitterness dripped with every word he spoke to his girlfriend. He was jealous and there was nothing he could do to help it.

Brooke stared at him in silence, trying to take in what he had just said to her. "You know something, Lucas? You're being really damn selfish right now. If it wasn't for the bastard you call a brother, I wouldn't be in this position right now."

"Don't you call my brother a bastard," Lucas said, finding himself raising his hand above his head. He quickly took it down when Brooke remained in the same position, not bothering to flinch.

"Real classy, Luke. Hitting a girl, I'm sure that would get you more attention." She stood up and made her way to the pavement, noticing Skills, Fergie and Mouth were staring at them. They quickly turned away when they saw her glare at them.

They sat in silence, listening to the rush hour traffic coming their way. Their eyes finally met after a few minutes of silence. "Choose," Lucas whispered, barely being heard over the noise.

"Excuse me?"

"I said choose, Brooke," Lucas yelled, standing up in front of her. "Me or her. This can't go on anymore. God damn it, Brooke, she's tearing us apart here."

Within seconds, Lucas felt a slap across his cheek. "Who the hell are you to say that to me? You just can't accept the fact that your superstar brother screwed up and that Haley is afraid to go near you. It's typical for someone who was nearly raped."

He rubbed his cheek and tried to ignore the stinging sensation it brought to his face. "Nathan's a good guy and you know it. You know what? I bet Haley was leading him on, she not as innocent as you think she is." And another slap was delivered to his face, but he went on. "I bet she is making this whole thing up to get your attention. It's a cry for help and using Nathan as a scapegoat, that's pretty low if you ask me."

"Well no one asked you, you prick. You know what? For a second I thought of choosing you because you're the only guy who actually cared about me and loved me for me, not because I was easy in bed. But god you proved me wrong. You are just like everyone else, a no good bastard like your brother and I hope he rots in jail. We're done," Brooke spat with pure hatred ignited in her raspy voice. Lucas screamed and kicked the bench in frustration, watching as Brooke stormed away.

Brooke walked the crowded streets, weaving her way in and out of the people. She always promised herself she would never cry over a boy. But Lucas Scott was different. He actually liked her and respected her, not like the others guys that just used her for sex. True, she was easy when she was drunk, but she had feelings too. And losing her virginity to the monster known as Nathan Scott was nothing to be proud of. She sighed and shook her head, ridding the thoughts that popping up. Lucas and Peyton tried so hard to get her to be nice to Haley and for him to say those things was like a slap in the face.

"Brooke," Lucas coaxed glancing at Haley sitting at a table by herself. Theresa had just grabbed the book out of Haley's hand and dangled it in front of her face. "Don't do this, Brooke. Don't let Theresa win."

Brooke pretended to look away and started to talk to Bevin. Peyton turned her around and made her look at what was going on. "Brooke James I swear to god if you don't go do something I will kick your ass," Peyton threatened making sure her point was getting across.

"If Brooke doesn't want to go over there, then she doesn't have to," Bevin said, defending Brooke. She wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed, but she seemed to have some sort of influence on Brooke's decision making.

"Thank you, Bevin," Brooke smiled at the cheerleader in front of her, she turned back around and stared at Lucas and Peyton. "If you're so worried about her, then why don't you two go and help her. Tutor Girl and I don't converse in public. It's like an unwritten law."

Lucas slammed his fist on the table in anger. "Damn it, Brooke you're a horrible person you know that? Don't be like me and Nathan, don't be mean to your sister and let her get picked on. Trust me, it's not fun."

Brooke sighed and thought about it for a second. He was right. Lucas and Nathan had a horrible relationship and that was something she didn't want to have with her sister. "I'll be right back," she mumbled before getting up from the table and making her way over to Haley and Theresa.

"Oh, hey Brooke, I was just talking to Haley here," Theresa froze, her voice shaking with fear. Brooke had told her before to lay off Haley but she never listened.


Brooke snatched the book out of her hand and set it down on the table. She grabbed her arm and pulled her away. "Leave her alone, Theresa. It's getting pretty old now," Theresa nodded sullenly and marched back to her friends. Peyton and Lucas smiled at each other and watched as Brooke made her way back over to Haley. "Are you okay?" She mumbled awkwardly, waiting for Haley to look up at her.

"Yeah, I'm fine," Haley mumbled, pulling the book back in front of her and continuing her homework.

"Well that doesn't sound very convincing," Brooke pointed out in her usual cheery voice. Haley looked up at her and coughed.

"I'm fine!" She mocked Brooke's voice and stared blankly at her. Brooke rolled her eyes and frowned, watching as Haley's gaze went back down to her books. "You don't have to pretend to care just because Luke and Peyton told you to. It's obviously very hard for you to talk to me in public."

"Jesus Christ, Haley what do you want from me?" Brooke said, all of sudden angry at her sister's bitterness.

Haley sighed and threw in pencil down in frustration. "What do I want from you, Brooke? I don't want anything from you. All I want, is for you to like me," her voice dropped into a shy whisper as she finished the sentence.

Brooke looked at her and shook her head before turning around and walking away. She stopped for a minute and walked back over to Haley. She stood next to her and bent down to give her a hug. "I love you," she whispered quickly before running back over to her own table.

"Jesus, Brooke get out of the way!" Theresa's voice yelled, bringing Brooke back to reality. She was walking with her head down and didn't even realize she was in the middle of the street.

"Sorry," she mumbled, lifting her head up to see all of her former friends piled into Theresa's Mercedes convertible. Her gaze caught Haley's and she sighed. Haley quickly turned away and Brooke rushed to the other side of the street.

"Freak," Theresa giggled while speeding off down the street. Haley looked back at her sister and felt horrible.

Brooke finally reached her house and sadly trudged up the stairs, wiping the tears that were falling down her face. She stopped outside Taylor's door and knocked loudly. "Taylooor," she moaned in a sad voice, just hoping Taylor would be home.

"Brooooke," Taylor mocked on the other side before opening the door. "What can I help you with?" She had a smile on her face but it soon turned to a frown when Brooke lifted her head up. "What happened?" Her voice changing to a concerned tone.

"Lucas," she stuttered, trying to get the words out, "Lucas and I broke up." Taylor sighed in relief, thankful that it wasn't something dreadful. She led her sister into her room and sat her on the bed, putting her arm around her.

"Tell me what happened," Taylor said sympathetically as Brooke rested her head on her shoulder.

Brooke sniffled and took a deep breath, ready to re-tell the story. "We got into a fight about Haley and he started to defend Nathan and then he asked me to choose between him and Haley and-"

"You chose Haley," Taylor stated with a smile, "any guy who makes you choose is an asshole. You made the right choice, Brooke."

"I know, but why does it feel like the wrong one?"

"It's called a broken heart, and it's going to take some time to get over."

"How long?" Brooke asked with watery eyes. She never really got a broken heart after her hook ups left the next morning. It was all new to her and she was sort of confused.

Taylor wiped her sister's eyes and gently laughed. "A while. But you know what always heals a broken heart? Ice cream and a movie."

Brooke laughed and picked her head off of Taylor's shoulder. "Care to join me?" She did her best to look hopeful to make Taylor say yes.

"I'd love to," Taylor said making Brooke smile, "but I can't." Brooke frowned and glanced around the room, noticing a suitcase packed in the corner.

"Where are you going?" She asked nervously, dreading the answer that was going to come out of her sister's mouth. "Please tell me you're not leaving."

"Only for a weeks tops, I promise. I just have to do something before it's too late. You'll be fine, Brooke. Besides, you have Haley here with you."

"Speaking of Haley, do you know where she's going? Or where she is for that matter."

Taylor nodded and got off the bed. "She called and said something about going to some party at this girl's house. Who knew little Haley-bub would be the partying type." Taylor looked at Brooke, who was sulking on the bed and laughed, "Brooke, it won't help you if you sulk. It's not going to make it any better, honey. Call the skinny blonde chick you call a best friend and go to that party. It'll do you good." She handed the Brooke the phone that was sitting on the dresser and gave it to her. "Now, I have a flight to catch." She gave her one last hug before grabbing her suitcase and leaving the room. Brooke sighed and reluctantly called Peyton's number.

"I can't believe I let you talk me into coming," Brooke yelled over the loud music that was playing at the party. "I would rather sit home alone and wallow in my self pity."

Peyton laughed and draped her arm around Brooke's waist and pulled her closer to her. "Just enjoy yourself, Brooke. Let the bad music take you over and forget about all your problems." She didn't know what happened earlier with Brooke and Lucas and just figured Brooke was down about the whole Haley thing. "Shall we get a drink?"

Brooke shook her head, not in the mood for a drink. "No, let's see if we can do this one sober."

Peyton smiled and nodded. "Alright then, let's fine some soda." The two girls walked arm and arm into the living room in hopes of finding some sort of refuge there. "So have you seen Haley anywhere?"

"Nope," Brooke looked around to see Haley nowhere in sight. "She's probably off with the cheer nazis getting brainwashed. You know what she said to me earlier in school? That I should have really thought twice about switching into her classes and that I would pay for it later. I mean, wow, bitter much? All I'm trying to do is make sure she's okay and this is the thanks I get?"

Peyton sighed and nodded sympathetically. Trying to understand Haley's new behavior and why she was acting the way she does. "It's probably just a phase. She'll get over it soon. You did," she teased with a playful smile, resulting in a playful slap from Brooke.

"Ha ha," Brooke laughed sarcastically while scanning through the crowd. She spotted Christian grinding with someone who looked pretty familiar. "Oh my god!" Brooke exclaimed trying to get a closer look as to who the person was. "That's Haley!"

Peyton looked that way and her mouth fell open in shock. "What the hell is she doing with that Christian kid?" She seethed, remembering Haley telling her how violent he was.

"I don't know, but I'm about to find out, come on," she grabbed Peyton's hand and marched over to the two who were looking pretty close with each other. She tapped Haley on the shoulder and crossed her arms as Haley turned around. "Hi."

Haley's eyes widened in surprise and she struggled to stay up right. "Brooke," she paused for a minute, trying to think of what else to say. "Hi!" It was obvious that she was drunk, something that Brooke never imagined living to see.

"Hi," Brooke said back in amusement, "what are you doing?"

Christian rolled his eyes, angry that people would come up and interrupt them. "Dancing? What the fuck does it look like we're doing."

Peyton rolled her eyes, fighting back any urge to punch this guy in the face. "Relax, dude. We know you're dancing, but question is, Haley, why are you dancing with him?" Haley turned away to avoid Peyton's look.

"Because, dancing is fun." Haley retorted with a goofy grin. She turned back around and continued dancing with the blonde in front of her.

"I don't think so," Brooke stated, grabbing Haley's arm and pulling her towards her. Haley gasped in surprise and tried to free herself from Brooke's grip.

"Brooke!" She yelled forcefully, "Let me go!"

"Haley," Brooke hissed, trying to calm her sister down. "After everything that happened with you know who, you should not be throwing yourself at some guy. Now come on, I'm taking you home."

"I don't want to go home," Haley hissed right back. "Stop being such, such," she struggled to find the rights words, "such a cock block!" Brooke ignored her rude comment and continued to drag her out of the party, Christian right behind them.

"Look big sis, if she doesn't want to go, she doesn't want to go," he grabbed Brooke's wrist and attempted to pull her back. He had a tight grip on her and it was making her wince. Peyton pushed him off and stepped in front of the James girls.

"Buddy, I suggest you back away really soon before something happens." Christian snorted but gave up after a few seconds of staring down the girls.

"Brooke, that was not nice at all," Haley slurred as she stumbled down the stairs with Brooke attached to her hip. "I can't believe you would do something like that."

"You'll thank me for this tomorrow when you wake up with a pounding headache."

Haley groaned and held her spinning head, leaning all her weight onto Brooke. Although she was drunk, she knew it was for the best. She just couldn't keep away from Christian. He was too strong and she was afraid he was going to hurt her again. "Jesus Christ Peyton, could you have parked farther away?" Brooke complained while trying to hold Haley up with all her strength. Peyton rolled her eyes and stopped walking.

"Well if I would have known we were going to lug your drunk sister home, I wouldn't have parked so damn far away!" Peyton exclaimed, sighing as she went to help Brooke out. "Just stay here, I'll go get the car."

They carefully led Haley to the curb and sat her down, Brooke soon following suite. "Hurry up," she snapped while watching Peyton take off down the street. Haley was practically on top of Brooke and it was very uncomfortable.

"I don't understand why you dragged me out of the party," Haley mumbled, prompting a groan from Brooke.

"I'll tell you when you're sober, it's just going to go in one ear and out the other if I tell you now," Brooke said will shifting Haley into a sitting position. "Where the hell is Peyton?" They heard footsteps from behind them and Brooke immediately tensed up.

"Need some help?" Lucas slurred. Brooke turned around to see her ex-boyfriend of 5 hours standing behind her. His eyes were all bloodshot and he was swaying back and forth.

"I've got it," Brooke whispered, standing up and pulling Haley up with her. Haley groaned and held her head at the sudden movement. Lucas saw what a struggle it was for Brooke to hold them both up upright and took a step forward.

"Just let me-"

"Go away!" Haley screamed in a fit of drunken rage. Brooke tightened her grip just incase she decided to lunge forward. "Why can't you just leave me the HELL alone?" Both Lucas and Brooke's eyes widened at the tiny girl's outburst.

"Haley, calm down," Brooke said, cursing at Peyton for not showing up now.

"Don't tell ME to calm down," Haley yelled, wriggling free of Brooke's grip. She stumbled over to Lucas and fell right into his arms. Brooke bit her lip in anticipation of what Haley was going to do next. "I told you to leave me alone, why can't you understand that?"

Lucas swayed back and forth, threatening to topple over any minute. Brooke became agitated, hoping Lucas wouldn't do anything stupid. He had a temper when he was drunk and became outspoken.

"Fine," Lucas spat at his soon to be ex-best friend. "the only reason why I became friends with you is to get closer to, Brooke. Why the hell would I want to befriend a loser who does nothing but study all day?"

Her rebuttal was to be short and sweet and something he wasn't expecting. With one simple kick to the groin, Lucas was knocked to the ground while Brooke pulled Haley back violently. Brooke had never seen this side of Haley and it was starting to scare her. Finally, Peyton pulled up and Brooke gently put Haley in the car, slipping in beside her.

They managed to get her up the stairs despite her threats and warnings. Brooke sat on the bed and watched as Haley drifted in and out of consciences.

"We should probably get her changed," Brooke mumbled to Peyton who nodded uneasily. She knew Brooke would start asking questions once she saw the huge bruise that stretched across her sister's abdomen.

"I can just wait outside if you want," Peyton said while heading to the door. Brooke pulled her back and shook her head.

"Don't be silly, we're all girls here," Brooke giggled while tapping Haley on the head to wake her up. "Arms up, babe," Haley complied and did as she was told. She was too tired to argue and all she wanted to do was sleep. She collapsed back onto the bed, falling asleep just in time to avoid hearing the horrifying gasp that escaped Brooke's mouth.

Brooke pulled her back up and shook her to wake her up. "Haley," she said nervously while Haley groaned and opened her eyes. "Haley, look at me," she put Haley's chin up and looked straight into her eyes, "what happened? Where did you get this bruise?"

Haley looked down at her stomach and threw her hand over it. Peyton turned away to avoid being thrown into this mess. "Don't worry," she mumbled, grinning from ear to ear.

"I am going to worry about it!" Brooke yelled in shock, her body was trembling and felt Peyton's hand on her shoulder. "Did, did Nathan do this to you?"

Haley gazed up at Brooke's eyes and shook her head, "No," she giggled, as Brooke threw a tank top over her head. "Christian did."

Brooke's mouth fell open and her breathing became heavy. "What?"

"Don't worry, Brooke!" Haley exclaimed, trying to stand up on the bed, resulting her falling into Brooke. Brooke sat her back down and knelt down in front of her, resting her hand on Haley's knee. "He said he wouldn't do it again, no need to worry. No big deal," she went on and on with a smile, not knowing what she was saying.

Brooke stood up and looked at Peyton. "Do me a favor and get her to bed, I'll be right back." She went to the door but Peyton pulled her back.

"Brooke, don't." Peyton looked at her friend with pleading eyes and begged her not to go. But Brooke was beyond angry that she was about to kill someone. "He's violent and you don't know what he could do to you."

She shook her head in protest and pulled her arm free. "Peyton, put her to bed and I'll be back later," she said more forcefully.

Peyton sighed and looked around the room. "If you go, I go, simple as that." There was no way Peyton was going to let Brooke do this alone.

"No, you need to stay here with her. God knows what she'll confess next." Brooke glanced back at Haley who was currently looking under her bed for something. "Honey, what are you looking for?"

"Mr. Waffles," Haley mumbled, while poking her head back under the bed. Peyton looked at Haley and realized that she needed someone to be there with her.

"Why can't Taylor stay with her?" Peyton asked, wondering why their older sister couldn't spare an hour or two. "I don't want you to go alone."

"Because, Taylor went somewhere for the week and my god damn brother and his girlfriend are god knows where and frankly I don't care." Brooke replied curtly as Haley got under the covers.

"Where is he?" Haley whispered, looking under the pillow for the teddy bear that she found comfort in. Brooke ran out of the room and into hers. She grabbed Mr. Waffles and ran back into Haley's room, walking over to the bed and placing it into her sister's arm.

"Hales, Peyton is going to stay with you for a bit, okay?" Haley looked up at Brooke with lost eyes and sank further down into the bed.

"Where are you going?" She asked in a small voice, still in a delusional state. "I want you to stay here with me." Brooke sighed and had to fight the urge to climb right into bed with her sister. Peyton walked over to the bed and sat next to Haley.

"She'll be back in a few minutes, okay?" She whispered softly to Haley, who nodded and looked back at Brooke.

"Do you want to take Mr. Waffles with you?" Haley said, holding out the bear for her sister to take. Brooke shook her head and pushed her hands back. Haley kept fluctuating into different moods; bitchy, needy, scared, independent. It was all very hard for Brooke to take in but right now she didn't have time to deal with it.

"No you keep him here," Brooke whispered getting off the bed. "I'll see you soon." Haley gave her a little wave and snuggled closer to Peyton, who put her arms around her, praying that Brooke wouldn't do something stupid.

But knowing Brooke, she was going to do something stupid. And she just hoped to god he wasn't going to hurt her.