-1Disclaimer: I own nothing but my own characters!
Brooke had never been so bored in her life. After spending a week unpacking and doing other mundane tasks she felt restless. Charity was starting school at Tree Hill high today, Lucas was finally settled in enough to start writing again and that left Brooke with nothing to do.
After a long shower and spending most of the morning pampering herself she decided to go to the school and see about volunteering with the squad. Besides, she wanted to be there when Charity tried out for the squad. Moral support and all.
The drive to the school brought back a flood of memories for Brooke. Mainly of her and Peyton rushing to class after being out far too late the night before and oversleeping. She had been wondering about Peyton. She hoped her friend still lived in Tree Hill. She really missed her and hoped they could reconnect.
When Brooke arrived she was told by the principal that of course she was welcome to volunteer. After all, she was a former Raven's cheer captain. He told her that tryouts were starting in just minutes, so she headed over to the gym. Walking inside was like going back in time for Brooke. Most of her fondest memories of high school took place in this very gym. The fondest being the first time she had taken notice of Lucas Scott. She chuckled remembering how she had changed in the backseat of his car. He had been so nervous, especially when Whitey had shown up.
Brooke spotted Charity sitting in the bleachers listening to the coach giving a classic pre-tryout pep talk. Charity looked almost exactly like Brooke had at 16. The only trace of Lucas in the girls features were her big blue eyes. Brooke sat on the bleachers and turned to survey the rest of the squad who were standing behind the coach. The coach was starting to introduce the squad.
"Lila Mason, Nikki Cooper, Brianna Larson, Jenny Jagelski, and Lauren Sawyer. Now, these ladies will be happy to help you in any way you need. Alright, they are going to teach you our welcome cheer, and in 45 minutes you'll perform with them and I'll decide who will become a Raven's cheerleader. Also, I'll be announcing our new captain at the end of practice." Coach Martin finished up and took a seat to watch the girls work.
Brooke had smiled when she heard Jenny Jagelski's name called. When she heard Lauren Sawyer, her stomach dropped. The girl had Peyton's blonde curls. She had Peyton's build, but the rest of her screamed Lucas Scott. As much as Charity didn't look like Lucas, Lauren did. Brooke's mouth had gone so dry she couldn't even swallow. How could a girl who looked to be Charity's age, have Peyton's last name, but look like the spitting image of her husband?
Brookes mind was racing. Obviously she couldn't be Lucas's. Lucas would never had withheld something like that from her. She had also speculated that Peyton had cheated on Lucas, why else would she have broken up with him after being so in love. Perhaps Lauren was the product of Peyton's affair. That had to be it, Brooke told herself.
Finally it was time for Charity to perform. Brooke felt happiest watching her daughter cheer. Charity's love for cheerleading shone in her eyes. Brooke felt sorry for the other mothers who were sitting near her. They were fretting and worrying over whether their daughters would make the squad. Brooke knew she had no reason to worry.
Charity did her mother proud. She nailed the routine and her clear voice rang out above everyone else. Brooke smiled at her and gave her the thumbs up sign as she was walking off the court.
Coach Martin finished making notations on her clipboard. Finally she stood up and addressed the anxious crowd.
"Very nicely done ladies. Joining our squad this year will be Hilary Osgood, Bella Davidson and Charity Scott. Also, after watching that performance I've decided that I can't assign only one girl the title of captain. I saw no less than three cheerleaders who were deserving. We've had co-captains before and I think we will again this season. The co-captains for this year will be Lauren Sawyer and Charity Scott." Coach Martin finished smiling at her two new captains.
"I know you're new here Charity, but I read in your file you had been elected captain of your old squad and I definitely saw why. I hope you'll be an inspiration to our squad. And Lauren, you always give 110 percent and you always shine on the court. I know you'll make us proud this year." Coach Martin said dismissing the girls.
Brooke all but ran up to Charity. She squealed in delight and hugged her daughter.
"Mom, you're embarrassing me." Charity said with a smile. Brooke knew that she was pleased she had come to watch her though.
"Charity right? Congratulations." Lauren said walking up to the pretty brunette. Lauren held out her hand for Charity and she shook it with a smile.
"I'm Lauren Sawyer. Here let me give you my number and you can give me a call later and we can get a practice schedule set up. Oh and you can grab a copy of the calendar with the games on it in the athletic office." Lauren said, writing her name and number on a scrap of paper.
Brooke had been trying to hold her tongue, but she had to ask.
"Lauren, what are your parent's names?" Brooke asked trying to sound nonchalant.
"My mom is Peyton Sawyer and um, I don't know my dad." Lauren trailed off quietly as a blush rose in her cheeks.
Brooke felt badly for embarrassing the girl.
"I went to school with your mom. She was my best friend, actually. We cheered together here." Brooke said quickly.
Lauren's eyes lit up. The only person she knew from her moms past was Jake, Jenny's dad. Her mom often talked to someone named Haley, but she had never actually met her. Oh and Karen. Her mom had said that Karen was the mother of an old friend, but Lauren hadn't met that person either.
"Wow, I was beginning to think my mom didn't have any friends." Lauren laughed.
Brooke tilted her head, trying to understand what Lauren meant.
"Its just that she doesn't like to talk about when she was younger. Other than Karen and Jake I don't know anyone else who knew my mom when she was my age." Lauren explained.
"Karen? Karen Roe?" Brooke asked with a confused expression on her face. Why would Peyton keep in contact with Lucas's mom?
Lauren nodded.
"Yep, I've known her since before I can remember. In fact I work at this dance club attached to her café. My mom started it when she was my age. Its called Tric." Lauren said proudly.
"Why don't you tell your mom to stop by sometime? I'm sure she knows where we live and I'd love to catch up with her." Brooke suggested.
Lauren nodded that she would and waved bye to them and walked out with Jenny. Brooke's eyes clouded over in thought. She hoped Peyton would take her up on her invitation. Brooke had quite a few questions for her old friend.