A/N: Heya! Ok first I need to apologize profusely for my long absence from writing. Honestly I didn't mean to take so long to update this story, first it was a month, and then it turned in to two and before I knew it school was ending and I had finals and checkouts! I wish I could promise that I would be able to update every couple of weeks or so, but I know that's going to be a tough promise to make, and I like keeping my promises. But thank you to all of you who reviewed and told me to continue, because of that I got off my butt and started typing, I hope ya'll enjoy this chapter.
Ch. 5
Brooke woke up bright and early the next day and made a mental check list of what she needed to get done for the day. She had homework, dance class, rehearsal, and the party. Not a terribly hectic schedule but dance class and rehearsal was going to be from 1-7pm.
Brooke climbed out of bed and pulled on a pair of lounge pants and yanked her long hair into a ponytail. She settled down on her desk and cracked open her calculus book and began to get lost in the world of derivatives. Vaguely she heard the phone ringing but she knew someone else in the house would pick it up.
A: Hello?
L: Good morning Mrs. Davis, could I please speak to Brooke?
Audrey raised her eyebrows at the crooning that was coming through the phone.
A: May I ask who's speaking?
L: Lucas Sawyer ma'am.
Audrey's jaw dropped, what in the world was Lucas Sawyer doing calling her daughter?
A: Just one moment.
Audrey tore up the stairs carrying the phone in hand and knocked rapidly on Brooke's door.
B: Come in!
Audrey opened the door and stepped into the room.
A: You have a phone call.
Brooke looked at her mom with an expression that was a mixture of confusion and curiosity.
B: Who is it?
A: Lucas Sawyer.
Brooke jumped up from her chair and snatched the phone from her mom's hand.
B: Hello?
L: Hey Brooke, what're you doing?
B: Nothing really just dong my h.w. What about you?
L: Just getting ready to go over to Nathan's to help set up and arrange things for the party. Do you want to come?
B: I can't I really need to get some studying done before dance this afternoon.
L: That's right, you have rehearsal. Well, the party starts at around 8:30 and it's at Nathan's beach house.
B: Ok, it's in the Rose Lot division right? Off of the freeway?
L: Yeah, it is. How'd you know that?
B: My family has one in the same area.
L: Well great! The number is 1524; I can't wait to see you there.
B: Yeah me too.
L: Bye Brooke.
B: Bye Lucas.
Brooke clicked the phone off and started grinning to no avail. This of course did not go unnoticed by her ever perceptive mother.
A: Alright, what is going on? Why are you grinning like a Cheshire cat?
Her mother's voice snapped Brooke out of her reverie.
Brooke: Huh?
A: Ok, let's try this shall we, Why is Lucas Sawyer calling you?
Brooke flopped onto the bed next to her mom.
B: Well he's been talking to me recently. He asked me to come to the game last night and we talked. He's different then what I thought, not at all stuck up or rude. Not to mention really cute!
A: Brooke, I understand that it must be flattering to have one of the most popular guys in school start to pursue you. But his reputation is definitely questionable, how do you know that he's being sincere?
B: Mom!
A: Brooke, I'm not kidding I want you to promise that you'll be careful.
B: Mom, I'll be careful. Besides it's just a party, you went to them when you were in high school.
A: Brooke, there are a lot of things that I regret from high school and most of them revolve around those parties.
B: I know you're going to worry about me regardless of what I say, but I don't drink, and I don't do drugs! I don't know what could happen that wouldn't be drawn back to those things.
A: well, I hope you are right.
Audrey got up and began walking towards the door.
B: Mom? Do you trust me?
A: Yes, I do.
B: Well, then have faith that I'm not going to do anything I will regret.
Audrey smiled and opened the door.
A: Have fun tonight sweetheart.
B: I will mom.
Brooke squealed when her mom left the room, and began spinning around. She couldn't have been more excited.
xxx
Jake was waiting outside the sawyer home when he saw both his girlfriend and Lucas walk out of the door.
Peyton was wearing a short denim skirt with a black tank top that had the words party girl emblazoned on it. Jake shook his head knowing that the shirt was very true. He hated going to parties and the only reason he did was because he wanted to keep his eyes on Peyton and make sure she wouldn't drink too much. When Peyton got drunk she was A LOT to handle.
P: So how's the experiment going?
L: I'm looking forward to my ski trip already.
Peyton rolled her eyes.
P: Whatever Luke, you got her to come to a game, big fucking deal. That does not make someone popular.
L: Well, that and the party tonight.
P: Oh fantastic! She can come in her hideous clothes and make a total fool out of herself. At least there will be some entertainment.
L: We'll see Peyt, I'm very optimistic about her wardrobe.
P: Why? Are you helping her get ready?
L: She's a girl I'm sure she has a modicum of fashion sense.
P: Whatever Luke.
J: Hey are ya'll ready?
Jake had rolled down his window and startled Peyton and Lucas out of their conversation.
P: I'm ready babe, the question is are you?
Peyton placed her hand on the side of the truck and leaned in kissing Jake squarely on the mouth. Jake pulled away and smiled.
J: Luke, are you coming with us?
L: Nah, I'd rather not see the peep show.
Peyton hopped into the truck and rolled her eyes at Luke.
P: Whatever just make sure your "date" stays the hell away from me!
Luke waved, hopped into his car, and peeled out of the drive way.
J: Do you not like his date?
P: Babe, when do I ever like the slut Luke brings to these parties?
J: You have a point – but who's the lucky girl he decided to bring this time?
P: Oh Brooke Davis, you know that tutor.
Peyton casually shifted her gaze to Jake in order to observe his expression.
J: He's Bringing Brooke?
Jake was absolutely floored. He wasn't deaf he had heard the rumors circulating too, but he'd assumed they were false.
J: Are they dating?
P: Jake who gives a damn? Luke will date whomever he wants no matter how socially undesirable.
J: Peyt, don't be mean. Brooke's a really nice girl.
P: Why are you so interested in Brooke and Lucas?
J: Brooke's sweet and innocent, I don't want her to become another notch on Lucas' bed post/
Peyton was fuming by now but she quickly refocused her energy so she wouldn't snap.
P: Brooke doesn't need a keeper; she can make her own decisions about Luke.
The rest of the ride to Nathan's was made in complete silence. Jake was mulling over his thoughts and praying that Brooke would have enough sense to stay far away from Lucas.
xxx
Brooke's dance rehearsal ended up running over because the whole time her mind was somewhere else. Her instructor had to shout at her multiple times to get her back in focus. Luckily though after the second time she shouted at she managed to bring her head out of the clouds and concentrate on the combinations she was supposed to learn. Brooke finally made it home at 7:30 and jumped into the shower to clean up.
Once she got out of the shower she wrapped her hair into a towel and pulled on her fluffy pink bathrobe. All of a sudden Brooke started panicking. She didn't know what to wear! Nothing she normally wore could possibly be appropriate for a party.
B: Mom! Mom! Come here! Quick!
Audrey heard her daughter frantically shouting and she ran from her office downstairs.
A: Brooke! What's wrong?
B: Mom! I don't know what to wear! I can't dance!
A: Sweetie, of course you can dance!
B: Not the way they do!
A: Oh right…
B: How am I supposed to know what to wear to this? And am I supposed to wear make up? I'm pretty sure I shouldn't wear stage make up!
Brooke was hysterical and on the verge of a nervous break down. Audrey had never seen her daughter like this before.
A: Ok, BREATHE!
B: MOM! What the heck am I supposed to do?
A: Ok, I used to be a cheerleader, I am pretty sure I know what to do.
Audrey led Brooke back into the bedroom and sat her down at the vanity table. Once Brooke was seated Audrey ran to her room and pulled out her make up case, a hair dryer, and a rolling brush. She got back to the room and opened Brooke's closet.
B: Mom? What are you doing?
A: Looking for an outfit for you to wear, I know I bought you some cute stuff this season.
Audrey pulled out several pairs of jeans and a few tops.
B: Aren't jeans too casual?
A: Not when you dress it up with a fancy top. Now go put this on, I want to see how it looks on you.
Audrey shoved a pair of jeans and a shirt at Brooke. Brooke raised her eyebrows at her mom but took the clothes without question. She went into the bathroom, and pulled on the jeans and black top that her mom had picked. When she stepped out her mom gave her a once over and she her head.
A: That's not bad, but you'll blend in too much, we need something more vibrant.
B: More vibrant?
A: Yes, the outfit has to show off a certain aura.
Brooke smiled and laughed at her mom's gesticulating hands.
A: Don't laugh at your mom! Now keep those jeans on but put this shirt on.
Brooke grabbed the shirt and quickly changed. When she came out her mom stared at her.
A: Spin around, slowly.
Brooke complied feeling slightly awkward but willing to try anything.
A: That's perfect!
The jeans were like a second skin on Brooke. Low riding on the hips and snug. They were a dirty was with pale whisker wash marks. The shirt was a clingy tube top that flowed down her torso with a small slit that exposed Brooke's perfectly toned stomach.
B: I don't know mom – I feel exposed.
A: I promise you that the girls at this party are going to be wearing a lot less.
Brooke thought about the outfits that she had seen Haley and Peyton wear to school before responding.
B: You're probably right.
A: I know I am! Now sit down.
Brooke sat down at the vanity table facing her mother instead of the mirror.
Audrey quickly blow dried Brooke's hair and simultaneously straightened it using a rolling brush. When the hair was completely dry she added a cream designed to keep hair shiny and bring out natural highlights.
With Brooke's hair done Audrey started on Brooke's make up. She put a light layer of foundation on and grazed her cheekbones with a light bronzer before putting powder on her face. She then put a goldish red eyeshadow on her eyes and black mascara on her eyelashes. After she put the mascara on she outlined her eyes with black eyeliner. To finish off Audrey filled in Brookes lips with a mocha red lipstick and sealed it with a clear and shiny lip gloss.
After Brooke's make up was done she helped her put dangly silver earrings in her ears and a silver chain around her neck.
A: There now wear these cute black heels and your set!
B: mom?
A: Yes sweetie?
B: Can I please look in the mirror now?
A: Oh Right! Of course.
Brooke slowly turned around a looked at her reflection. Her hair was shiny and long resting just below her shoulders. Her eyes looked bigger and dramatic. Since she was still wearing her contacts you could see the deep hazel color of her eyes. She smiled at her reflection which showed off her dimples.
B: Mom thanks!
Audrey smiled at her daughter.
A: There's no need to thank me, I just enhanced your beauty, I didn't create it.
Brooke smiled again.
B: CRAP! It's already 8:45! I got to go!
Brooke shoved her feet into her shoes and ran to her car.
Nathan's Party
Lucas was standing off to the side pretty much scowling at any girl who attempted to flirt with him or get him to dance. Not only that, but Peyton was smirking at him from the other side of the room. She obviously believed Brooke was a no show.
Nathan and Haley watched Luke reject yet another girl before Nathan decided it was time to talk to him.
N: Dude that is the fourth hot chick that you have rejected since we got here. What's up?
L: None of those girls matter to me.
Luke was about to tell Nathan everything when he saw Brooke walk into the room. His mouth went dry. He knew that if she'd made an effort shed be pretty, but knowing that in his conscious mind did not prepare him for how stunning she looked.
N: Is THAT Brooke?
Lucas nodded slowly.
N: Damn! Who would have known she was hiding that body under those sweat shirts!
L: Hey! Hands off, you've got your girl, this one's mine.
Nathan watched as Lucas walked purposefully towards Brooke.
Brooke saw Luke coming towards he and she nearly stopped breathing. He looked so heart breakingly handsome that she felt woefully inadequate.
L: You came.
B: I came.
L: You want to get something to drink?
B: Sure.
Brooke and Lucas walked towards the kitchen both unaware that a pair of angry eyes followed them.
H: Nate!
N: Yeah babe?
Haley and Nathan had been dancing on the make shift dance floor when they saw Brooke and Lucas head toward the kitchen.
H: Let's go say hi!
N: To who?
H: Brooke you idiot!
Nathan stepped away from Haley trying to see her demeanor, but all he could see was humor alighting her eyes. Nathan smirked a bit.
N: I think that's a great idea, but first…
Nathan leaned in and captured Haley's lips in a sweet bit intensely passionate kiss. They both broke away when air became a necessity.
H: What was that for?
N: You being you.
Haley smiled and grasped Nathan's hand and led him to the kitchen.
Brooke was sitting up on the counter while Luke fixed her a drink.
B: Luke?
L: Yah?
B: No alcohol please.
Luke spun around to face her.
L: You don't drink?
Brooke shook her head.
B: I have to drive myself home. I don't want any trace of alcohol in my system.
L: I am impressed. Here.
Luke handed her a bottle of water that hadn't been opened yet.
L: At these parties by this time, pretty much everything has been tampered with.
B: Thanks.
Brooke cracked open her bottle and began bobbing her head to the music. Kevin Lyttle's "Turn Me On" was crooning in the background.
L: Would you like to dance?
B: Umm.
L: its fine if you don't want to.
B: No it's not that, god this is so embarrassing.
L: What, I promise I won't laugh.
Luke was standing in front of Brooke with his hands on either side of her body.
B: Ok, I don't know how to dance.
Lucas burst out laughing.
B: You promised you wouldn't laugh!
But even Brooke was smiling and laughing.
L: I'm sorry, but that's not possible, I have seen you dance. Remember at the park?
B: That's ballet!
Luke chuckled softly.
L: Come here, I'll show you.
Brooke only hesitated for a second before sliding off the counter into Luke's waiting arms.
Luke kept Brooke's body about an arm's length apart.
L: Now sway your hips.
Brooke started moving but her hips weren't going to the beat and her swaying looked forced.
L: No, match my movements.
Lucas pulled Brooke's body flush up to his and began moving his hips and Brooke's simultaneously. At first Brooke moved hesitantly but soon she was moving her hips in tandem with Luke and had put her arms around his neck. Luke let his hands run down the sides of Brooke's body till they rested firmly on her hips.
H: Ahem!
Haley's clearing her throat caused the couple to break apart quickly.
L: Hey Hales.
H: Lucas...
Haley looked at Lucas, her expression guarded.
N: Brooke, would you like a tour?
Brooke smiled at Nathan.
B: Sure! I'd love that!
Nathan and Brooke left the room chattering away leaving Haley and Lucas to duke whatever it was out.
L: Haley...
H: No, let me go first Lucas.
Luke took a step back at Haley's vehemence.
H: I'm sorry for biting your head off after the game the other day.
L: Haley, it's ok.
H: No, it's not. Luke we have been best friends forever, and I should trust you. But please be careful I don't want you or Brooke to get hurt.
L: Hales we're just friends.
H: You say that now Lucas. But I saw the way you were looking at her. You aren't going to be "just friends" much longer.
Haley left Lucas alone with his thoughts in the kitchen.
Brooke was standing in the living room trying to find Lucas when someone tapped her on the shoulder. She whirled around and found herself nose to nose with Jake.
J: Hey Brooke.
Brooke took a step back putting about a foot of space between them.
B: Hey.
J: How are you enjoying the party?
B: It's interesting.
Jake rolled his eyes.
J: Is that your way of saying you' rather be at home?
B: Well, it's not that bad.
Brooke surveyed the room looking at people dancing, laughing, and talking.
J: No, I admit it does have it's moments of hilarity, but it's usually kind of ridiculous. I mean what's the point?
Brooke thought for a few minutes as she continued to people watch.
B: Then why do you come?
J: Honestly? Because I cant seem to tear Peyton away. I'd rather be hanging out with just her, but she loves these parties.
B: Have you tried talking to her about it?
J: No – but she never listens to me.
B: I see…
J: Where's Luke?
B: He was talking to Haley but I haven't seen him yet.
L: Jake!
Lucas popped up surprising Jake and Brooke.
J: What's up Luke?
L: Peyton's doing a keg stand – I can't get her down! IF she comes home drunk one more time…
J: Shit! I'll take care of it. Tell your parent's that she's sleeping over at Haley's.
Luke turned to face Brooke as Jake ran off to the kitchen.
B: Luke you remember what you promised?
L: Huh? What promise?
B: The one that if I felt uncomfortable…
Brooke looked at the ground trying to avoid Lucas' gaze. Luke grasped Brooke's chin and forced her to look at him.
L: Then we could leave.
B: If you don't want to go, I understand but...
L: Let's go, Jake's fully capable of taking care of Peyton.
Luke grabbed Brooke's hand and pulled her through the crowd. Within minutes they found themselves on the beach. They started walking hand and hand admiring their surroundings.
L: I don't know if I told you this already, but you look absolutely beautiful.
Brooke blushed at his comment.
B: Thanks, you look great too.
L: Where'd you get your outfit from?
B: That's a good question, I don't actually know.
L: What do you mean?
B: Well, I have never really liked shopping and my mom always says I have atrocious fashion sense, so she usually just buys stuff for me and sticks it in my closet.
L: I have never seen you wear something like this to school before.
B: Well, I don't really think there's a point in dressing up for school. Plus I almost always wake up late so I don't have the time to put in my contacts.
L: Well I always thought you were pretty, but you completely took my breath away tonight.
Brooke blushed again. Somehow they had made it towards Luke's truck.
L: You want to sit in the back and star gaze?
B: I'd love to.
Lucas unlocked the bed of the truck and hopped in first. Then he held his hands out for Brooke to grab onto and hauled her up into the truck with him.
L: I know I have a blanket in here somewhere.
Lucas puttered around the truck till he found an old flannel blanket. He spread the blanket on the bottom of the bed of the truck and sat down. Brooke sat down next to him, leaning aback and staring straight up at the sky. Before either of them realized it they were cuddling and pointing out different constellations.
L: There's the big dipper!
Luke pointed at the constellation tracing it with his finger.
B: It's such a beautiful night.
Luke gazed at Brooke.
L: I couldn't agree more.
B: Luke?
L: Yeah?
B: Why'd you and Nathan meet at the park last night?
L: Oh boy...you aren't going to let this go are you?
B: I was born with the Danes gene for stubbornness; I get it from my mom.
Luke laughed.
L: To be perfectly honest, I don't really know why. It's become tradition for Nathan and me to meet at the court after games. Especially when they are stressful. It's a good way for us to blow off steam.
B: I don't think I believe you; does it have something to do with your family?
Luke met Brooke's gaze head on.
B: My mom's told me stories about what it was like in high school, having to put up with Mr. Scott, she always told me that he gave Karen a really hard time for breaking up with him.
L: Those are all true; Dan Scott made my mom's life a living hell for her last two years of high school. My parent's got married pretty much right out of high school, and Dan married Deb and had Nathan. Dan hates that Nathan is friends with me, so it makes life…difficult.
B: I don't believe that's the reason you weren't going home last night, in fact I know it's not. But I'm not going to force you to tell me.
L: Maybe one day I will be able to explain, but I don't even fully understand myself, it's just something happens whenever Dan and my parents are at a game. Nathan and I are both overcome with this urge to avoid home. So we do.
B: Luke, don't worry about it, maybe one day you can explain it.
Brooke started to take in the sights around her. The waves crashing against the sand, the moonlight streaming down and wait a second…
B: Lucas! There are people making out on my car!
Lucas peered in the direction that Brooke was pointing.
L: Oh my god!
B: Why in the world would people make out on top of a car?
Lucas could say anything he was laughing too hard.
B: This is REALLY not funny!
L: Right! Not funny!
But even though Lucas was trying to hold back his laughter he couldn't help it.
L: C'mon Brooke, it's a little funny.
Brooke cracked a smile.
B: Maybe a little. But how am I supposed to get home? I don't want to wait for them to finish!
L: How about his, I give a ride home tonight and we can come get your car in the morning.
B: Leave it here?
L: Yea.
B: Overnight?
L: I do it all the time.
Brooke sighed and mulled it over in her head.
B: Ok…but could we go now? I'm pretty worn out.
L: Sure, if you'd like.
xxx
Jake had found Peyton doing a keg stand in the kitchen and managed to get her off. He'd put her in of the bedrooms so she could just pass out before attempting to take her home. He scanned the living room for signs of Brook or Lucas among the gyrating teenagers but he didn't see them.
J: Nathan!
Nathan turned around at Jake's call. Haley wrapped her arm around his waist.
N: what's up Jake?
J: Have you seen Lucas?
N: I think he left to take Brooke home.
H: Yeah, actually I saw them leave.
J: What? When?
H: umm, I think it was about half an hour ago.
N: Do you need help getting Peyton into your truck?
J: No I just wanted to tell him what happened. Haley, Lucas is going to tell his parents that Peyton's sleeping over at your place.
H: That's fine – if you want you can just leave her here tonight. Nathan and I can take her home tomorrow.
J: Thanks Hales, I really did feel like baby-sitting tonight.
Nathan smiled as Jake walked away.
Jake looked around outside trying to figure out what was going on. Luke had never shown an interest in Brooke before, why would he start now? Something was not adding up in his head, not to mention Luke had never left a party before when his sister was trashed. What was going on?
xxx
Brooke and Lucas were sitting in his truck outside of Brooke's house. Brooke was laughing at Lucas' stories of basketball practice.
L: God Brooke, you wouldn't believe how much trouble Nathan and I manage to get into. I'm surprised Whitey hasn't benched us.
B: He probably needs the two of you.
L: More likely then not.
B: I should probably go; I don't want my mom to worry.
L: ok, I'll call you later.
Brooke hopped out of the car and began walking up the steps. Lucas cursed under his breath and jumped out of the car after her.
L: Brooke wait!
Brooke turned around and Lucas grasped her by the shoulders.
B: What's –
The sentence remained unfinished because Lucas brought his lips to hers effectively smothering her thoughts. After a few minutes they broke away and Brooke buried her head in his shoulder.
L: I have been wanting to do that all night.
B: I'd been hoping you would.
Lucas broke out into a huge smile, not a sarcastic smirk, but a genuine smile.
L: I'll call you tomorrow.
Brooke nodded and watched him drive away. She wasn't stupid she knew that something had triggered Luke's interest in her, but she wasn't going to question it. At least not yet.
A/N: Well if you have gotten this far that means you actually muddled through my writing. I don't know how this chapter turned out this way, and I apologize for the length (18 pages!) but I hope you weren't disappointed. Please review and let me now what you think, also tell me what you think should happen !
