AN: This is loosely based on episode 5.16, up until the moment Taylor gets thrown into the mix. Still, I'm not going to follow the dialogue in the series. I want to put my own spin into things.

Disclaimer: I don't own anything related to OTH

Chapter 2

I've been trying to figure out what to wear for Jamie's birthday party when someone knocks. The one possibility that occurs to me is the girl I've been dressing for, my runaway bride Lindsay. After all, she is supposed to be here for the party as well. I go open the door, and, on the other side is a grinning Haley.

"Hey! Not that I mind the visit, but what are you doing here? Aren't you hosting a party in an hour or so?"

"Everything is under control at home, so I figured I could use a little best friend time."

I give her a sideways glance. "I know she's coming to the party, Hales."

"Yes. Are you ok with that?"

So, she thinks I might be uncomfortable with Lindsay's presence. "I'm hoping it means something."

It feels a little stupid. I mean, getting dumped at the altar, after you already said "I do" seems pretty final. But I can't shake the feeling that it was all a misunderstanding. Why throw away a two year, healthy relationship over a few ambiguous lines in a manuscript? I try to stay positive, but, in the end, what I need most is a little closure. I hope I can get that today. Haley looks a little sad. "Don't get your hopes up, Luke."

"I need to get her back, Hales." I show her two shirts, a blue and a gray one. "Which one?"

"I don't think it makes much difference."

"C'mon, girl. Help out."

"All right. The gray one." She sighs. "Brooke and Peyton will be there too."

"I know. It's an effing convention. All I'm missing is Nikki." I look at my image at the mirror. "Shit, Hales. What's wrong with me? Why can't I get it right?"

"You're twenty-two. You've got plenty of time."

"Somehow, that doesn't help much. I really thought I was done. Lindsay is the one, and that's it. I know I felt this way about Brooke in high school and I must have felt something like this when I proposed to Peyton... damn."

"I don't think it's your fault."

"I'm sure I got some responsibility in the matter. I always do."

"What makes you say this?" She checks her nails. "I mean, you said "I do". She's the one who did the skedaddling."

I laugh. "You know, I wasn't going to propose to Lindsay. I got cornered into it."

"What do you mean?"

"Do you remember that night at Tric?"

"The one when you kissed Peyton."

"That's right. I did kiss her. It was a mistake."

"It didn't look like a mistake to me. It looked like a full on lover's kiss."

"She was trying to prove we belonged together. She kissed me. I was a little drunk, she caught me by surprise, and maybe I got a little carried away. If I had any doubt, that kiss made it clear that belonged with Lindsay. Anyways, Peyton had been pushing Lindsay's buttons all night. Lindsay was insecure and angry, so she decided to leave early to New York. I was afraid that, if she just went away, that was it, we'd be done. I went home as fast as I could, to try to talk it over with her. When I got there, she had found the engagement ring I bought for Peyton. She had it in her hand, and she was all happy telling me that yes, she would marry me. I never asked her. But I knew if I told her that I had no intention of proposing at that moment, that would be it. We'd be done. So, I went along with it."

"Shit."

"I think she knew she sort of cornered me into the wedding. That's why the rush. I'm sure that's at least part of the reason she ran. That, and Peyton's behavior, and the bogus interpretation of the main theme of my manuscript."

"It's not entirely bogus, Luke. There's a love story behind "The Comet"."

"Maybe. But I'm perfectly aware of the thought process that led to my use of a comet as the object of love and longing. And I promise, it had nothing to do with Peyton's car."

Haley laughs a bit. "I believe you. Still, Lindsay couldn't be the object of longing that was inspiring you subconciously. She was right there beside you."

"There's other things to long for. It doesn't necessarily have to be romance. The book is about loving something which is distant, maybe lost forever, and what that does to the individual. No shortage of loss and longing in my life."

"There is also the timing of things. You couldn't write anything. Then Peyton came back into your life, and suddenly..."

I interrupt her "Peyton wasn't the only one that suddenly came back into my life."

"Are you saying that Brooke is the "Comet"?"

"No! Absolutely not! I haven't been pining for Brooke."

"What are you saying then?"

"Inspiration is fickle. And seeing Brooke again was a little harder than seeing Peyton, that's all."

The party was under way when I got there. About a dozen kids were running around, and most of the old gang was already there. I noticed Brooke had a baby with her and went to get introduced.

"Hey, Brooke." I approach the basket and see a five or six month old baby girl asleep in it. I whisper

"Who's the cutie?"

"Hi Broody." She approaches me, placing her hand lightly in my arm. "Her name is Angie."

Brooke had told me she had the intention of becoming a mother, and that adoption was a possibility. "She yours?"

She smiles at the baby. "Only a loaner. She needs heart surgery, and I'm fostering her while she is here. After the surgery she goes back to her family."

This reminds me of one of the main reasons I fell for her all those years ago. A courageous, generous heart the size of the world. "Wow, Brooke. How long?"

"She got here three days ago, and she should stay two or three months."

"And how are you handling it, so far?"

"Stressed and sleep deprived. I think she misses her family."

I nod. "It must be pretty disorienting for her. Babies are much more aware of their environment than people think."

She nods in agreement. "What about you? How are you holding up?"

"About as well as possible, I guess. Lindsay is coming here today, and I'm hoping..."

"Well. There she is." She points with her chin at the doorway. Lindsay is looking a little sad and frazzled. Not good. Brooke giggles. "She is wearing one of mine."

It's a knee length dress, white and two tones of gray. "Looks nice on her."

"Of course it does, Broody."

I hold her shoulders. "Look, I'm here for you, all right? Babysitting, holding your hand, moral support, anything, you hear? I think what you're doing is awesome."

"Thanks." She glances at Lindsay. "Go get her, tiger!"

I bring her a slice of cake. "Hey."

"Thanks, Luke." I can almost see the walls going up.

"You're not coming back."

"No. Sorry."

"This is not right, Linds. You're throwing away something good, something that makes us both happy."

"I just couldn't marry you, Luke. I think your heart is divided. I have to trust my instincts on that."

"We don't have to get married. Just come back to me. Give me time to show you that you're the one for me Trust me, please.."

I can see her hesitation. She nearly goes for it. Then she looks over my shoulder and the door slams shut. I don't even need to look, but I turn around to check. Peyton and Skillz are talking across the room, and Peyton is looking at us. I can barely contain my anger. I get up and pace. Lindsay looks at me, a little scared by my change of mood. I whisper. "She means nothing, Linds. Nothing."

Lindsay looks at the ground. "I'll be coming by the house later, to pick up my stuff."

"I'll be there."

I give Peyton a death glare, and go sit on a corner. I'm not fit for human company right at that moment. I'm still stewing when a hand lands lightly on my shoulder. I lift my eyes, ready to say something nasty when I stop. "Hey, squirt."

I can't help but smile. "Tay?" I get up. "It is you!" I check her out. Still the same girl. Ripped jeans that look painted on, combat boots, a small tank top with a bit of midriff showing. No make up, long light chestnut hair tied in a ponytail. A small, sweet smile that reaches her eyes. I grab her in a tight hug. "You're a sight for sore eyes, beautiful."

"You look like death warmed over, stud. What's up?"

"It's a long story."

"Want to tell me over drinks? Catch up a bit?"

I look around and I notice we're kinda the center of attention. Haley is throwing a death glare at Taylor, and Nathan is looking concerned. Peyton and Brooke are looking puzzled and Lindsay is nowhere to be seen. "Sure. I have to go home, though. We can have drinks there. Did you do something to piss off Hales?"

"Yup. And I was also severely warned to leave you alone."

I give Haley a look intended to calm her down, but I suspect it has the opposite effect. "I'm glad you didn't."

We look at Haley as she approaches, hands tightened into fists. There's clearly something going on here I was not made aware. Yet. Taylor whispers to me. "Do you have a place I can crash?"

"Sure. I currently live alone at my mom's old house."

Haley arrives and turns to Taylor, talking through her teeth. "You! I told you to stay away from him."

Taylor rolls her eyes mockingly. "You see the hot brunette boy over there? That's your Scott. This one is free for the taking." She turns to me. "Aren't you?"

I smile at her. "Yeah." I put a hand on Haley's shoulder. "Tay, would you mind giving us a moment?"

"I'll go talk to our nephew." She turns around and stalks away.

I turn to Haley, who is clearly still fuming. "Hey! What's the problem?"

"She is! She comes here uninvited and makes a beeline to you. I swear, she can smell vulnerable, Luke. She is an evil bitch!"

"C'mon, Hales. What happened?"

"She tried to seduce David!"

"Quinn's David? When?"

"Yes. Quinn's David, a couple of weeks ago. They were at a party, everybody had a bit too much to drink and she kissed him. Quinn called crying. And you know it's not the first time she's done this kind of thing. I can't have her around here, flirting with Nathan and with you."

"She's allowed to flirt with me Hales."

"Aren't you trying to patch things up with Lindsay?"

"I think that ship has sailed for good." I pass my hand on my head. "Look, I'm sorry. You have no way of knowing this, but Taylor and I have a bit of history."

"What? Did she sleep with you too?"

"No." I lose myself a bit in the memory. "She kissed me once. It was rather sweet."

"When?"

"Freshmen year. It doesn't matter. I know her, Hales. I know about the bad blood with Quinn and Vivian, and how she tries to steal their guys. I know she can be pretty heartless and a slut. She is also plain spoken, strong and she has a good heart. I like her. And she likes me too. She would never do anything to hurt me, I swear. Given how things have been going for me, seeing her today is the best thing that happened to me lately."

She looks at me suspiciously. "You want to get in her pants."

"Of course. Just look at her. And I suspect all I have to do is ask. But I'm not going to. You know why?"

"Why?"

"Because it would not really be casual. For either one of us."

She stares at me for a second. "You're crazy. She only does casual."

I shrug. "As you wish. She's staying with me, Hales. I have no idea how long. If she sticks around, just keep your eyes and your mind open. You might be surprised. Even if you're furious with her, you still love her."

She lowers her eyes. "She's family."

"Right."

"All right, Luke. But it's on you. Keep her away from Nathan."

"You got it."

I search the party for Taylor, and I find her after a couple of minutes, talking to Jamie. By the looks of it, things don't seem to be going very well. They are outside, Taylor is kneeling in front of Jamie. Jamie is standing, about three feet away, looking tense. I squat next to him, with a hand on his shoulder. He presses his body to me, while watching Taylor wearily. "Hey, JLuke. What's up?"

"Hi, uncle Luke." He points at Taylor with his chin. "She said she's my aunt."

I signal Taylor to come closer and put my arm around her shoulders. "Well, let me introduce you. James Lucas Scott, meet your aunt Taylor Lee James. Taylor is one of your mother's older sisters. I'm sure you've seen her picture."

Jamie opens his eyes wide in astonishment. "You're Tay?"

Taylor giggles. "You've heard of me?"

"I heard aunt Quinn and mom talking about you. You're bad!"

Taylor looks both shocked and sad. "She is not all bad, JLuke. Your mom and aunt Quinn were mad about something silly aunt Taylor did, that's all. They love her very much too. She can be pretty cool." I squeeze his shoulder. "I, for one, like her a lot."

He looks at me, trying to figure out if I'm not pulling his leg. Satisfied, he turns back to Taylor. "How come I've never seen you around?"

"I've been travelling. But I've wanted to meet you for some time."

"Are you staying?"

She looks at me. "As long as you want." She mouths a soundless "thanks."

"I'll stick around for a while, James Lucas. Maybe we can get to know each other a little."

Jamie smiles. "I'd like that. Are you staying here with us? There's a lot of rooms."

"No. I'll be staying with Lucas."

"Why?" Jamie gives me a sly look. "Is she your new girlfriend?"

I smile. "She's staying with me because your mom is still a little mad with her. And she is not my girlfriend. We are friends."

He looks at my arm around Taylor's shoulders and gives us his version of the Scott smirk. "Could have fooled me." He turns and runs away, yelling. "Bye!"

We get back up. "Thanks, Squirt." She smiles."That boy is smart!"

I laugh. "You haven't seen anything yet. As you've heard, you really have to watch what you say around him."

"No kidding. He also looks a lot like you. Have you and little sis..."

"No!"

"All right, all right. I was just kidding." A little silence follows, and she looks at her own feet. "I'm bad."

I grab her hand and we walk back inside. "Haley just told me about David. What happened?"

"Don't judge me."

"I won't, promise. But I can see you're not happy about it. You can talk to me."

"We'll talk later. Do you want to leave?"

"Let me say goodbye to people. Do you have luggage? A car?"

"No. I have a backpack. I hitched my way here. Which one is your car?"

"Red mustang. Outside to the right."

"Hm. Sexy ride. I noticed it when I got in. Five liter?"

I can't hide my surprise. "You like old cars? Affirmative to the five liter."

"It must drive like a dream." I nod. "Can I try?"

I don't usually let people ride it, but... "Sure. You can drive home."

"I'll pick up my backpack and wait for you at the car."

"I won't be long."

First I find Nathan. He gives me a broad smile. "Did I get this right? You're going home with Taylor?" He slaps me in the back. "You lucky dog!"

I look at him and smile. "What do you think is happening, little brother?"

"You're moving on with Taylor's help?"

"No. Taylor is a friend."

He gives me a suspicious look. "Since when?"

"Long time ago."

"Haley is under the impression you barely exchanged two words with her before today."

"Haley didn't know."

"I see."

" I'll tell you about it some other time. She wants to get to know Jamie. I think she's willing to stick around for a while. Any objections?"

"Not from me. I like Taylor. Despite her usual behavior, I know she has a great heart."

That surprises me. I didn't realize Nathan knew Taylor enough to know that. "That's right."

"You should talk to Haley about it." He slaps my back again. "Friend or not, you're going to have some fun."

I hunt for Haley, and I find her fiddling with Jamie's gifts. "Hey. I'm leaving. But before I do, I have a question."

"What?"

"Taylor wants to get to know Jamie. She's willing to stick around a while to do that. Any objections?"

Haley shrugs, clearly not pleased with the news. "That's fine, Luke. As long as you keep an eye on them."

"All right. Bye." I begin to walk away, but she calls me.

"Luke?"

"Yes?"

"I'll come by tomorrow, to check up on you guys. I'll bring Jamie."

"Around three?"

"Fine. Take care of her."

"I will."

I go around briefly, saying goodbye. I don't see Lindsay again, and I carefully avoid Peyton, still a bit too annoyed to deal with her. Last, I look for Brooke. When I find her, she is getting ready to leave.

"Hey. Need help?"

"Sure. You take the baby stuff, and I'll take the baby."

I check in the basket, and cutie is still asleep. "She's a doll, Brooke."

"Sure. When she's asleep. So, what is it with you and Hurricane James?"

"You remember that nickname?"

"She was a force of nature back in high school."

I smile. "Not the only brunette I would describe that way."

We both get lost in our memories for a second. "So?"

"She's a friend, Brooke."

Brooke looks at her, and smiles. "I've never seen anyone wear Walmart chic that well. If you're moving on, you could do a lot worse."

"You're impossible!"

Brooke gives me one of her dimpled smiles. Those that turn night into day and make my heart skip a beat. "I call it as I see it, Broody." She turns serious. "What happened with Lindsay? I saw her leaving under a black cloud, after talking to you."

"I was getting to her, I swear. I think I had her nearly convinced to go back and try again. Then she looked over my shoulder and saw Peyton staring at us."

"Damn." Brooke opens the back door to her SUV and struggles to latch the basket with Angie on its place.

"Can I help?"

"Sure."

I align the thing with the base and it latches. "I'm so clumsy..."

"A sister and a nephew when I was eighteen. Lots of practice."

"Right." She turns to me. "Peyton is in love with you, Lucas. You know that."

I let my annoyance show. "She made it very clear. That doesn't give her the right to do what she did. She basically killed what I had with Lindsay."

Suddenly Brooke is very uncomfortable. "What?"

"Nothing, Broody. I have to go."

"What is it? You know you can talk to me."

She raises her voice. "It's nothing, all right! Leave me alone!"

She climbs on her car, slams the door and leaves in a cloud of dust. I stay behind scratching my head, wondering what had happened. I walk towards my car, and approach Taylor. "What was that?"

"Honestly, I have no idea."

"She was always a little excitable, wasn't she?"

I look at her. "That's one way putting it, I guess."

.