Chapter 13

Karen was doing the dishes, after a quiet brunch with Andy and Lily when the doorbell rang. Andy opened the door, and in came Lucas, Julian and Nathan.

"Hi, mom. Look who is finally in town."

Karen gives Nathan a big hug. "Oh my god, Nathan, it's so nice to see you! When did you get in?"

Nathan put out a big smile. "It's nice to see you too. We just got in half an hour ago. Haley and Jamie are upstairs with the girls. We came by to invite Andy for a two-on-two ball game. Lucas called his fancy gym and reserved a court for us."

Karen laughs. "Go easy on Andy, boys. He's not a teenager anymore. Well, I guess Lucas isn't one anymore either. I'm sorry we just missed your birthday."

"Well, I can guarantee that Brooke and I celebrated it with all pomp and circumstance."

"Eww. These two haven't changed a bit since high school."

"I know, Nathan. I'm still trying to recover from the last time I walked in on them. At least they don't live in my house anymore. Have a good game, boys."

"Thanks Ms. Roe. Actually, I hope these two go easy on me. I'm a baseball player, and they scare me a little."

"I told you to call me Karen, Julian."

"Well," Nathan says, "What happened is that Peyton told us to return her boyfriend in one piece, or else... and there is only one girl in the world that scares me more than Peyton."

"Little brother, between mom, Brooke, Peyton and Haley, I'll take an angry Victoria any day of the week. Or maybe baby sis here."

"Oh, you're pretty funny, Coach. You know, Lily is the first Scott born girl in generations. I think she'll be scarier than all the others combined. Isn't that right, little cousin?"

Julian looks at Lily. "She looks like a mini Karen, or maybe a mini Brooke. I bet she'll be captain of the cheerleading squad."

Nate and I exchange glances. "We'll take that bet. A bottle of the finest single malt that she's actually playing varsity basketball by high school graduation."

"Oh you guys are on. So what do you say, Andy? Coming?"

"Sure. I'll share that bet with Julian. And I'll take it easy on you guys."

"Ok, since the two of you are so chummy, it's Andy and Julian against us."

Lucas smiles. "I love playing with you, little brother. The girls are waiting for you upstairs, mom."

"I'll be right there."

Karen rings the bell at the penthouse, with Lily in her lap. A woman, a bit older than herself, sharply dressed and vaguely resembling Brooke answers the door.

"Yes?"

Karen's smile is replaced by a hard look.

"Victoria Davis, I presume"

"Yes, and you are?"

"Karen Roe. This is my daughter Lily."

Victoria is surprised by the intense dislike in Karen's face. "So, we finally meet. I thank you again for opening your home to my daughter two years ago. It was very kind of you."

"Your daughter... I love your daughter as if she was mine. I know very well how much of a mother your were to her. I have nothing to say to you, and you'd be well advised to stay away from me."

"How I raised my daughter is no business of yours. Your Lucas is marrying my Brooke, and you are going to have to put up with me, whether you want it or not, as I will have to tolerate your presence in my life. I am helping with organizing the wedding, and we have details to discuss regarding that, if nothing else."

Karen can't hide her surprise. "You support their wedding?"

"Although your son doesn't have the family, or the connections, he has proven to be an asset in other ways."

Karen can't stop a giggle. "An asset. Brooke always seemed quite enthusiastic about his assets. And Lucas about hers."

Victoria straightens herself and replies with a tight voice. "You can keep your licentious innuendo to yourself. This has nothing to do with Brooke's abominable behavior while growing up, or your son taking advantage of her and breaking her heart several times. Brooke is a businesswoman, head of an important international corporation. Lucas has proved to be a useful and worthy partner for her in that arena."

"I see. The fact that they are head over heels in love with each other, and make each other very happy has nothing to do with your approval."

"Love and happiness are fleeting and meaningless."

Karen smiles at that. It surprises her that such an amazing woman as Brooke could have come from this shriveled piece of trash. "For the record, I am thrilled they found their way back to each other. I think she is perfect for Lucas and she will be a great mother to our grandchildren, despite the way you raised her." Karen pushes her way into the penthouse and turns her back on Victoria, walking towards the faint noise of conversation and laughter coming from one of the the bedrooms. Victoria just stares at Karen's retreating back, fists balled on her side, sadness and anger showing on her face.

Karen goes into Brooke and Lucas' room, to find four young women and a baby boy, sitting or lying around. The girls all start talking and squealing at the same time, but Haley is the first one to jump in for a hug. "Karen, I've missed you so much!"

"I've missed you too, sweetheart. And just look at him! So big and beautiful."

One of them stands back, looking a little shy. "And here is someone I haven't seen in a long time. It's been what dear? Four years?"

"It's so good to see you, Karen. I've missed you."

"It's a nice surprise to see you, Faith, sweetheart. I've often wondered what path you took."

"I'm attending college in Philadelphia, pre-med, on a basketball scholarship."

"Oh, that's wonderful, dear. Your mother must be so proud. Please send her my love."

"This is my baby girl Lily. She's Keith's"

Faith picks up Lily, a big smile in her face. "She is beautiful. Looks like you too. Hi, baby girl."

Haley smiles too. "It was a surprise for me too, to find Faith here. Apparently Luke and Brooke reconnected with her, after hearing she was attending college in Philadelphia."

Karen turns to Faith. "And you didn't want to go play with the boys, dearie?"

"I wanted to catch up with Haley. I still can't get over her getting married to bad boy Nathan less than a year after I last saw her."

"He was never that bad. He just needed a little shove in the right direction to show it." Brooke explains, smiling fondly in Haley's direction.

Faith decides to tease Haley. "Speaking of Nathan and Haley, that little boy looks an awful lot like Lucas."

"He does, doesn't he?" Peyton giggles.

Haley gets up and paces, pretending to be upset. "Damn, you guys. I do everything by the book, still a virgin at my wedding, only had a single guy ever, and my firstborn comes out a miniature copy of my best friend. At least he comes by it honestly, since Luke is his uncle."

Brooke's smile turns dreamy. "It's a fine model to take after, tutormom. Jamie will break a few hearts."

Karen approaches Brooke and places her hands in her shoulders. "Can I talk to you for a moment, sweetheart?"

"Sure, mom." One of the best perks of being Luke's fiancee is that she gets to call Karen "mom".

"All right, girls, just excuse me for stealing your hostess for a bit. We'll be right back."

Brooke walks with Karen to the bedroom Nathan and Haley are using, and they sit on he bed. "What's up, mom?"

"You have no idea how much I enjoy you calling me that."

"Probably about as much as I enjoy doing it. But that's not why you pulled me aside."

"No. I just met your mother in person for the first time."

Brooke looks at her, worry instantly showing up on her face.."Oh! Of course. Damn, that was thoughtless of me. I should have been there, sorry. Is everything ok?"

"It's not your fault, sweetheart. You have a house full of guests, and Victoria and I are grown women. But no, it was not ok."

"Did she say or do something..."

"No. Victoria is not the problem. I am. Until I laid eyes on that woman, I really had no idea how much I hated her. All I can think when I look at her is the way she damaged you growing up. I can barely stand being in the same room with her."

Brooke is silent for a bit, trying to absorb what Karen just said. "I get it, mom. I know you love me, and it's damage to those you love that's hardest to forgive."

"That's right, sweetheart."

"But there is something else. Most of my life, I've been trying to find a connection with Victoria. That's why she lives with me, and she is involved with my business. Most of the time, I just hate her too. But I can't bring myself to throw her out of my life for good. Of all the people in my life, I think Luke is the only one who really gets this."

"It's him and Dan, right?. I did see how much he needed something from Dan when he was growing up. I don't think I ever really understood that, or maybe I never really wanted to understand. For me, it was much easier to keep Dan away."

"That's right. This parallel between Victoria and I with Luke and Dan is one of the many things that draws us together. But there is one new thing. She seems to be making an effort."

"You mean, helping out with the wedding?"

"It's beyond that. She seems to be making an effort to respect my choices, including the choice to marry Lucas."

"She did call him an "asset"."

Brooke giggles. "And a fine asset it is."

Karen playfully swats Brooke in the arm. "Please, keep the conversation away from my son's assets."

"Well, I just wanted to tell you this. For now, she seems to want to change things. I don't trust her, but I do have a little hope there might be something to salvage there. Luke is totally with me in this."

"And you want me to support you too?"

"No! You should do whatever you feel comfortable, including staying away from her. I just wanted you to be aware of the situation.

"Thank you, sweetheart. I'll try to stay out of the way, at least. We should get back to the girls. I need to talk to Haley about a birthday party."

"Right!" Brooke starts jumping up and down and clapping her hands. "They are turning one in two weeks. Do you think we could do something here?"

ooooooooooooooo

The presentation of her Fall catalog was a grueling tour-de-force for Brooke, dealing with everything, from water leaks on the dressing space, to an overdosing supermodel. The end result, however, was an unqualified success. She got compliments from a couple of her most serious competitors, a journalist offering a glimpse on tomorrow's rave reviews, a couple of new chains showing interest in her designs and a Hollywood diva, inquiring about an exclusive design for the Golden Globe awards. Now, it was time to relax and enjoy a bit.

She steps out of the limo into the awaiting hand of her fiancee. She is dressed in a black Oscar de la Renta, spaghetti straps, thin diagonal silver threads, low cut showing the edge of a creamy lace strapless bra and a nice side slit. Lucas is wearing a Brooks Brothers tux. They stop at the red carpet, and one of the reporters asks the inevitable question. "Is that an engagement ring in your finger, Miss Davis?"

She smiles at the crowd of reporters, and gives them the headline for tomorrow's gossip section: "He proposed, and I said yes."

That created a minor storm among the journalists. One of them manages to shout above the others. "Congratulations, Miss Davis, Mr. Scott. Do you have a date?"

"In a year, give or take. We are very happy to have found our way back to each other."

One of the first people we find inside is a very bubbly Lindsay, with a handsome italian photographer in tow..

"So, editorgirl, did you enjoy the catwalk?" Lindsay had modeled two of tonight's designs, looking happy and sexy.

"It was amazing, Brooke. Thank you for the opportunity. By the way, congratulations to the two of you."

"Thanks, sweetie. You did an excellent job up there today. I wish all my models looked as happy as you did during the show. I might invite you back for next year's Spring line, if you' re game."

"I'd do it again in a second Brooke. Thanks."

"Good. We are having a little family get together tomorrow at the penthouse to celebrate our engagement. If you and your father are free, please come. Around eight. Also, next Saturday, we are having a first birthday party for Jamie and Luke's sister Lily. This time, the invitation is for you, around five.

"I'll talk to my dad, but you can count on me for both. I'm dying to meet Lily." She looks at Lucas. "Luke. I was checking the changes you sent me last night. I am amazed at the progress we have been doing with Ravens. The way we are going, we might have a finished manuscript by next month. "

"I'm glad. I'm doing both the movie adaptation and the revisions at the same time, and surprisingly, the two jobs help each other a bit. It's just sharpening my focus about the story I want to tell, by thinking of it in two different media at the same time. Next week is going to be hard, though. I'll be working on the school shooting and Keith's murder. It's the very heart of both the book and the movie, but, after all this time, I still can't get in Dan's head enough to write the scene. If I can resolve this to my satisfaction, I feel all the rest will be downhill."

Lindsay smiles at Lucas. "You know I am there at any time to discuss it."

"I know Linds, thanks."

As they walk away, Brooke pulls Lucas aside for a moment and talks to him in a low voice. "Luke, you don't have to get into Dan's head. I'm not sure you can, or you should."

"I certainly don't want to, my love. But if I'm going to tell this story, I need to get what was in Dan's head when he shot Keith. The simple truth is that I don't know. It's too important to me, and to the story, for me to just make it up."

"Luke, Dan did something that put essentially put an end to his own humanity. I'm not sure your history is about him. It's more about the impact of his incomprehensible action on the people around him. If you leave the workings of Dan's head at the time as a mystery to your audience as much as it is still a mystery to all of us who were around it, you be telling precisely your story, our story, exactly as we experienced it."

Lucas stares at his fiancee, rolling her words in his head. She is right. In the story he is trying to tell, nobody knows what really happened inside Dan Scott's head in that hallway. It's been everyone's burden, specially his and his mother's to make sense of the consequences without really understanding, without hope of understanding why it really happened. One day a little girl, whose life was shaped at that hallway, is going to have to come to terms with it too, without understanding.

"Thank you, my love. I think you've just found the key. You never cease to amaze me, Brooke Davis. Beauty, smarts and the wisdom of an old soul." Brooke smiles at him. I've been writing this story to captivate a faceless audience, but this is a mistake. There is one person that is going to read this story very personally one day."

"Lily."

"That's right. And she will have to come to terms to the unknowable darkness at the core of it, just like all of us. That's who I'm telling the story to, Brooke. As truthfully as I can."

Brooke contemplates the sudden fire in her fiancee's eyes. "You want to go home and write."

"Yes."

She understands it. Art can be a demanding mistress. Even her own modest version of it can grab her by the throat sometimes. "Just go, love. I'll hold the fort."

A sweet careful kiss. "Thanks. I love you."

To his back, as he walks fast out of the ballroom. "I love you too, writerboy."

He is hard at work when she gets home. He is using a desk in their bedroom, and he barely notices as she gets in, changes into her pj's and gets ready for bed. Hard mistress indeed. She hasn't been this solemnly ignored by her boy since before she got naked in the back of his car. She falls asleep to the soft patter of his long, strong fingers on his computer keyboard.

She is awaken by Lucas getting in bed. It's light outside. She talks to him with a soft, sleepy voice. "Hey, fiancee. Pulled an all-nighter?"

"I'm done."

"Done with the book?"

"No, done with the hard part. I got the school shooting down, both for the book and the movie script. Just like we talked about last night, without trying to get into Dan's head. In the way I want Lily to read about it when she is ready."

"That's good, fiancee."

"Thanks to you. My gorgeous, brunette Yoda."

Brooke giggles and speaks in a funny accent. "Hmmm. One with the Force, must be. Kiss fiancee, I need."

oooooooooooooooo

Victoria is standing to one side, watching Brooke interact with her friends. They are around in a rough circle, Brooke, Haley, Peyton, Faith, Lindsay, and the newly arrived Rachel. Brooke has an arm around Haley's waist, the baby boy in Peyton's arms, while Faith is telling them a story that has all of them in stitches. She notices that Brooke's eyes never wander far from her fiancee's across the room, who is watching a football game with the other boys in the large flat screen, at the same time that he can hardly keep his eyes off her. Victoria wonders if these two will manage to keep their obvious infatuation for each other, or if life, with its cruel circumstances, will eventually drive them apart. The doorbell rings, and Brooke peels off from her friends to answer the bell. It's Karen, with Andy and Lily, and Victoria can't avoid the sinking feeling as her daughter squeals "Mom!" and embraces the older brunette with the warmest of hugs. Victoria notices that the other girls also receive Karen as one of their own, with warm hugs and kisses, drawing her into their group as naturally as one of their own. Victoria is lost in contemplation, and she doesn't feel his silent approach until his hand reaches her waist from behind, and he whispers in her ear. "Boo!"

She squeals, and nearly drops her glass of wine. "Lucas! What are you thinking?" She can't avoid the ghost of a smile when she looks at her future son-in-law.

"You seemed to need some company."

"I'm fine, Lucas. Go play with the other boys."

"You didn't look fine." Lucas looks in the direction of his mother and the girls. "You know they are very close, Brooke and my mother. Since mom came back from Italy, nearly three years ago. Even when Brooke wasn't speaking to me, they stayed close."

"I can see that. It is no concern of mine, though."

"Our children will have a strong, kind grandmother that will love them very much." Lucas looks into Victoria's eyes. "But I wish they could have two."

Victoria has gotten a little used to Lucas and his ways in the past month. She's learned why he seems to have such an unbreakable hold on her daughter's heart. Sure, he is quite handsome and charming, but there is more. There is something behind those blue eyes of his that she's never really seen in any man. It pulls at her too. And knowing that doesn't really makes her immune.

"I don't know about kind."

Lucas laughs. "Oh, Victoria! I'll gladly settle for just the love part."

"That you may count on."

"You're going to have to stick around, and repair some of your relationship with Brooke."

"I'm working on it. It's not easy. I made a lot of mistakes."

"It can't be easy to admit that. But it is a good first step."

Victoria puts her hand in Lucas face, and gives him a sad smile. "You know, Lucas. I want you to call me mom too."

Lucas looks at her, a startled look in his face. "Are you sure? Brooke is going to flip over when she hears it."

"Yes, I'm sure. And why do you think I asked?"

Lucas gives her a kiss in the cheek. "Very well, mom. You got it." He turns around in time to see Brooke send him a very puzzled look from across the room. Flip over, indeed. "But, in return, you're going to let me give you a hug now and then."

"Let's not get carried away, Lucas. You can keep the touchy-feely stuff to yourself."

Lucas laughs again. "Whatever you say, mom." There's a little Brooke in Victoria, which is enough for Lucas to enjoy dealing with her. At least when she is not being a total ass.

Nathan gets up. "Hey, everybody. I need a minute of your attention." People gather around, turning to him. "My brother asked me to give a toast today, and as he, and most everyone here knows as well, I am not the man for speeches. But, in all honesty, Lucas himself has given me and Haley two wonderful speeches and Brooke here has also given us one, so I must get out of myself and make an effort. It was Nicholas Sparks who said that loving someone and having them love you back is the most precious thing in the world. Lucas and Brooke found their love in high school, but it's been a long road for them. Brooke herself once said that people who are meant to be together always find their way back in the end. I'm very happy to see Brooke's idea confirmed by these two. When they first found each other, people doubted them. They seemed so different, Cheery and Broody, as they called each other from the start. Time passed, and everyone who knows them came to realize how perfect they are for one another. How they balanced each other in their differences, and how similar they are in what is really important. Two great, generous hearts, two incredibly brave souls, two accomplished individuals with a huge capacity for hard work and the commitment needed to achieve their dreams. It is immensely gratifying to see them finally collect what Nicholas Sparks called the most precious thing in the world, as they so much deserve. All happiness in your engagement. To Broody and Cheery!"

"To Broody and Cheery! Hear, hear."

Lucas gives Nathan a big hug, his eyes moist. "Thank you little brother. That was incredible."

Brooke also gives him a hug. "Thanks, Nate."

Nathan turns to them. "Just one thing, guys. This was all I had. So, come the wedding, I'll just sing some rap, ok?"

People around laugh. "If it's meant to be, little brother. I'll just have to tape it to show it to Jamie when he grows up."

Lucas and Victoria's little surprise for Brooke only comes at the end of the party. Lucas is sitting in one of the leather chairs, with Brooke in his lap. Victoria approaches the couple.

"I'm ready for bed, goodnight."

"Goodnight, mother."

"Sweet dreams, mom. See you tomorrow."

Victoria walks slowly to her room, a slow smile forming on her lips, as Brooke turns to Lucas. "Mom?"

Lucas gives Brooke a very innocent look. "She asked me to call her that, earlier today."

Brooke looks straight into Lucas eyes. "She did?"

"Yup."

Brooke shakes her head. "Impressed with your mind powers, I am. Mighty padawan, you are. Lucky tonight, you will get."

"Happy to hear it, master."