Reflected Back At You
Chapter 11
Author's Note : Haven't felt connected to a story of mine like this in a long time. Glad you all are along for the ride.
No man, for any considerable period, can wear one face to himself -
and another to the multitude, without finally getting bewildered as to which may be the true"
Brooke smiled happily as she was engulfed in a hug from her sons.
"I've missed the two of you so much." She stated matter of fact. Once they pulled apart.
"We missed you too momma." Barney said.
"We got invited to a party. A boy/girl party. Can we go.?" Bailey asked. Handing over the invitation.
Brooke looked it to over then stared back at her sons.
"Why don't the two of you unpack. And i'll let you know when to come down for dinner. We'll talk about this party later." Brooke instructed.
They nodded their heads in agreement and rushed upstairs with their backpacks and suitcases.
"How did it go.?" Brooke asked. Looking to Lucas. Who had just entered the entryway.
Lucas smiled. He walked over to where she was.
Reached out to her and engulfed her into a hug.
Brooke smiled hugging him back.
When they pulled apart. Brooke found herself feeling shy.
"I take it. It went well.?" She asked.
"It was amazing. Incredible. More then i could of ever imagined."
"My life has become full of meaning. Substance. And family."
"Because of you returning here. And allowing me to be a father to those boys. I can't thank you enough for that." Lucas proclaimed.
"You're welcome. Coming back here was worth the risk."
"My sons have their dad. I was able to reconnect with my friends."
"I just wanted a second chance to be a better verison of myself."
"The mother they deserve. but maybe i was naive. Foolish."
"To believe you're able to restart and have a new beginning."
"My past never stays gone. And i'm just so tired of running." Brooke admitted.
Lucas focused his gaze on Brooke.
"What's going on.? And don't tell me. It isn't my business. Or my problem. If it affects you. It affects me." Lucas proclaimed.
"I'm not you're obligation. Or you're burden."
"I'm the mother of you're children. Nothing more." Brooke replied.
Lucas sighed deeply. Unable to deny his frustration.
"We keep hitting the same road block. We open up to each other."
"Then you pull away. You say you want to be friends but you refuse to let me see you for who you really are."
"I'm far from perfect and somehow you find my flaws something you're willing to invest in. Yet you keep putting up these walls and changing the subject."
"Why is so difficult for you to be honest with me.? Or at the very least tell me how you feel.?" Lucas questioned.
Brooke leaned over and kissed him.
Lucas kissed her back. Pulling her close.
His hands in her hair. As he backed her up against the wall.
Brooke soon broke the kiss.
"Yes. I like you. Okay. But we can never happen."
"I haven't dated in all these years because letting someone in to my life and heart isn't worth the risk the person would have to deal with."
"Luke. Just forget this ever happened. Please." Brooke confessed.
Lucas caressed her face with his hand.
"I can't forget it. I have feelings for you. Whatever the risk is. We can face it together." Lucas replied.
"Just go home. Lucas. I can't do this. I won't get you involved." Brooke stated matter of fact.
"Brooke." Lucas said softly.
Brooke turned from him. Running her hands through her hair.
"I have to get dinner for the boys on the table. I'll see you around." Brooke said.
Lucas left the home knowing Brooke wasn't going to tell him anything else.
Once he was in his car. He called Haley.
"Clearly. I know nothing about women. What am i doing wrong.?" Lucas questioned.