Over My Head (My Heart Vs. My Soul)
Summary: A rewrite of One Tree Hill where Lucas chose Peyton in 1X09 with a slow building romance for Brucas. Brooke and Lucas have the same heart but he and Peyton have the same soul. Which matters more?
Disclaimer: I don't own one tree hill. Also there are spoilers for Maugham of Human Bondage. All songs are from the Top 100 song list of 2003.
Enjoy~
Why are you crying? Cause the man I love can never love me back. What can I do to make you feel better? Nothing. Why? I know you can't help me. Why not? Cause you're in love with someone else, right?
-unknown
XXXX
Lucas was in the library with Brooke. Peyton had texted him earlier and said that something came up so she would see him tomorrow. Brooke said Peyton canceled on her too so they decided to hang out. And Brooke refused to hang out at his house after the almost kiss so they went to a neutral setting.
He grabbed a book off the shelf.
"Here we go. This is the writer I was talking about." Lucas said, handing Brooke the book.
"Somerset Moggum?" she read and Lucas took it back.
"It's "Maugham of Human Bondage." Lucas corrected.
"Bondage?" Brooke said, sounding interested.
Lucas laughed.
"It's not like that," he protested.
"So, you're good. Are we done here?" she asked.
"Right. I just thought this was about an opportunity for us to spend some time, hang out with each other." Lucas asked, raising an eyebrow.
"And it is." Brooke said, with a grimace. "But can we, maybe, do it some place that smells a little less…funky?"
Lucas nodded and smelled the book, before holding it out to Brooke. Brooke smiled.
"It smells of old books." Lucas stated and Brooke slapped it away.
"Like I said." She joked. "Come on. Please?" she pouted.
Lucas pretended to think about it.
"Just keep it legal,"
Brooke nodded and then realized how close they were standing.
What was she doing?
"Actually, you know what? This is perfect! Let's go find a table and you can read your bondage book to me." Brooke rambled, talking a few steps back so there was space between them.
Lucas squinted his eyes in confusion.
"You sure?" he asked and Brooke nodded enthusiastically.
"Yeah, I want to know why you like it. After all that's what friends do! They read books and whatnot, right?"
Lucas nodded, slowly.
"Sure,"
Brooke clapped her hands.
"Then we have a plan!" she cheered, before looking for a table.
They sat next to each other and Lucas passed her the book.
"Oh no, Luke. I meant it when I said that I want you to read it for me. And you better do the voices," Brooke demanded.
Lucas rolled his eyes.
"Fine, but you can at least read along with me silently." He stood up and grabbed another copy of the book.
"Eww," Brooke whined.
Lucas opened up the book and waited.
"Okay, okay. But you owe me!" Brooke said.
Lucas shook his head and started reading.
Brooke tried to look bored but after a while she seemed to be interested.
"How about I do the men voices and you do the women voice?" Lucas suggested.
Brooke pretended she didn't want to but he could see the way her eyes lit up.
She looked down at her book.
"Is the Brute fed?" she asked, then paused. "Are you going to Narrate?"
Lucas shrugged and stared reading.
"He nodded, smiling and she lit a cigarette for him. Then, as she loved to do she came back and sat on his knees. She was very light. She leaned back in his arms with a sigh of happiness." Lucas read and paused.
Brooke read her line then leaned toward him.
"Say something nice to me," she purred.
Lucas gulped and looked at the book.
"What shall I say?" he asked.
"You might by an effort of imagination say that you rather liked me." Brooke kinked her eyebrow.
"You know that I do," Lucas blurted, then looked back at the book so he could narrate.
"He had not the heart to tell her then, he would give her peace at all events for that day and perhaps he might write to her. This would be easier. He could not bear to think of her crying. She made him kiss her, and as he kissed her he thought of Mildred and Mildred's pale thin lips. The recollection of Mildred remained with him all the time, like an incorporated form, but more substantial than a shadow; and the sight continually distracted his attention." Lucas wondered why this struck a chord with him.
"You're very distracted," Brooke noted.
"You never let me get a word in, and I've got out of the habit of talking," He answered.
"But you're not listening and that's bad manners," Brooke pouted and Lucas decided that if nothing else Brooke Davis would make a good actress.
She was beautiful enough to be an actress. With be her raspy voice and dimples she'd probably put Kate Bosworth out of work.
"Luke, you're supposed to be narrating," Brooke said, placing her hand on his shoulder, after he spent a full minute just staring at her.
Lucas blushed and shook his head to clear his mind.
"He reddened a little, wondering if she might have some inkling of his secret; he turned away his eyes uneasily. The weight of her irked him this afternoon, and he did not want her to touch him." Lucas almost laughed.
Why did he pick this book?
"My foot's gone asleep," he said.
"I'm sorry," Brooke said with false embarrassment. "I shall have to bait…bant," she stumbled over the next word but pulled herself together before he could correct her. "I shall have to bant if I can't break myself of this habit of sitting on gentlemen's knees."
"He went through an elaborate form of stamping his foot and walking about. Then he stood in front of the fire so that she should not resume her position. While she talked he thought that she was worth ten of Mildred; she amused him much more and was jollier to talk to; she was cleverer, and she had a much nicer nature. She was a good, brave, honest little woman; and Mildred, he thought bitterly, deserved none of those Epithets. If he had any sense he would stick with Norah, she would make him much happier than he would ever be with Mildred; after all she loved him and Mildred was only grateful for his help." Lucas paused, thinking of Peyton.
Why did she suddenly decide she wanted to be with him?
He hadn't questioned it because he didn't want to chase her off but what if-
"Lucas!" Brooke's voice rose.
Lucas's eyes snapped to her.
"You're being all broody again. Do you want to stop reading? Because-" Brooke started and Lucas shook his head.
"No, I'm good. Hold on," He cleared his throat. "But when all was said the important thing was to love rather than be loved; and he yearned for Mildred with his whole soul. He would sooner spend ten minutes with her than a whole afternoon with Norah, he prized a kiss of her cold lips more than all Norah could give him," he recited.
"I can't help myself…I've just got her in my bones." Lucas tried to sound thoughtful and Brooke tilted her head, frowning.
"He did not care if she was heartless, vicious and vulgar, stupid and grasping, he loved her. He would rather have misery with one than happiness with the other." Lucas read and Brooke stared at him.
"But why?" Brooke asked.
Lucas looked down at the book. That wasn't what Norah said.
"Huh?" he asked.
"Why does he like Mildred more than Norah? It sounds like Mildred is using him? Norah loves him so why would he cast her aside for Mildred?" Brooke questioned.
"I mean, who in their right mind would choose to be with someone who makes them miserable when they could be happy?"
Lucas didn't know what to say.
"I guess you can't help who you love," Brooke mumbled, then her phone beeped.
"Hello? Really? I'll be right there!" Brooke hung up and stood.
"Where are you going?" Lucas asked, standing up to.
"Bevin said there's a sale at the mall and I have to get there before someone buys all the good stuff," She turned to leave then hesitated.
She grabbed her copy of Maugham of Human Bondage and smiled.
"I'm going to check this out and maybe we could finish reading it later?"
Lucas nodded and Brooke left. Lucas looked at his book, before going to check it out to.
Who knows? Maybe he and Brooke could start a book club.
…
Lucas made his way to Peyton's house when he heard a crashing noise. He noticed her front door was open and called her name. Lucas grabbed a rake off her porch and threw down his backpack before heading inside. He called Peyton's name again and received no answer. He found a man in the kitchen going through the cupboards. He knocked on the table with the rake to get the man's attention.
"Where's Peyton?" he asked.
"Dressing for school's my guess," the man said, unfazed by Lucas's presence.
"Who are you?" Lucas interrogated.
"I'm the guy who's about to take that rake from you and beat your scrawny ass," The man threatened.
Lucas narrowed his eyes and tightened his grip on the rake in preparation for a fight.
"I'm her dad. Who are you?" the man announced and Lucas almost dropped the rake.
"Sorry," he said, nervously. "The front door was open, and I thought…" he trailed off. "I'm Lucas," he said, holding out his hand.
"Larry Sawyer," the man replied, shaking his hand.
"Dad, do you know where my…" Peyton trailed off when she noticed Lucas.
"What are you doing here?" she asked.
"He's trying to rake me to death," her dad answered, helpfully.
"What?" Peyton laughed.
Lucas looked embarrassed.
"I thought you were…Nothing crucial." He decided. "I'm going to go put this back,"
Peyton and her father started laughing.
….
Brooke and Peyton were walking together through the courtyard.
"So what did Lucas do now?" Brooke asked.
"Lucas?" Peyton repeated confused.
"He's the reason you're smiling, right?" Brooke asked, knowingly.
"Actually, that would be my dad," Peyton replied.
Brooke smiled dreamily.
"I'd be smiling too, but for entirely different reasons." She said, and Peyton slapped her on the arm.
"Dude, that's my dad. Don't go all horn dog on me! There's a line." she said and Brooke giggled.
"Well, maybe I'll stop by later and ask your dad how far that line goes," Brooke said, kinking her eyebrow.
Peyton looked like she was about to hit her again and Brooke tensed.
"I'm just kidding! But maybe we could all have dinner. It's been a while sense I've had Larry's famous chili," Brooke said.
Peyton sighed.
"I'll ask but I think my dad was taking us out to eat." Peyton said.
"Us?" Brooke questioned.
Peyton smiled.
"Me and Lucas. I want my dad to get to know my boyfriend and Nathan wasn't exactly up to standards in that area so Lucas should be an improvement." Peyton joked.
Brooke nodded, but her eyes were sad.
"Hey, you could join us if you want," Peyton said, seeing the look on her face.
"No, that's okay. I'll just go curl up in the tub with a good book," Brooke said.
Peyton shook her head.
"That's funny. Brooke Davis reading? The tabloids would have a fit,"
Brooke laughed too but inside she was hurt.
"Yeah, you're right. I should give Bevin a call. We could go get some sushi," she announced.
"Good idea," Peyton said, walking ahead and Brooke followed her after a second of hesitation.
…
Brooke found Lucas sitting at a table by himself, doing his homework, and grinned.
"All work and no Brooke make Luke a boring boy." She joked, sitting down.
Lucas's face lit up.
"Hey, Brooke," he said.
"I got something for you," Brooke said, reaching into her book bag.
"But I don't have anything for you," Lucas joked.
"And yet you do," Brooke said.
She handed Lucas a CD.
"I made you a mix CD of all my favorite songs. Because if you keep listening to Peyton playlist of death you'll be even more of a broodier than you are now. Don't get me wrong. The brooding is hot! But only in moderation…" Brooke was rambling.
Lucas watched her face while she talked, enjoying how open her expressions were.
"Brooke," he called, when he realized she seemed to have forgot what she'd been talking about.
"Oh, right, so this has some of my favorite songs on it and I figured that we'd exchange CD's and compare." She said.
Lucas turned the case around.
"In those jeans?" he questioned.
Brooke smiled.
"Who doesn't like genuine?" she asked and Lucas shook his head, chuckling.
"Okay, if that's what you want," Lucas said, and Brooke nodded.
"Also, I need help with my English assignment," she added.
Lucas gave her a look.
"What? I brought you a present!" Brooke pouted and Lucas couldn't be mad.
"Sure, what part do you need help with?" he asked.
Brooke pulled out her paper and Lucas read it over.
"Alright, I see where you made some mistakes. I'll make some corrections and we can go over these later," He said.
Brooke sighed, relived.
"Thanks, Luke," she said, as the bell rang.
"Check out track eight and thirteen. You'll love them! Bye," she grabbed her bag and was gone.
Lucas stared after her with a bewildered expression.
"Brooke Davis," he mutter to himself, putting the CD in his bag and getting up.
…..
Lucas found in the art room, drawing.
"Hey, Peyt," He said, kissing her cheek.
"Lucas," she said, smiling.
"So, I'm sorry about this morning with your dad." He apologized and Peyton laughed. "I had no idea he was there,"
Peyton shrugged.
"It's because he usually isn't," Peyton said, sadly then tried to make the conversation light. "Hopefully, you'll make a better impression at dinner tonight,"
Lucas looked concerned.
"I thought you were happy with your setup?" he questioned.
"That's what I tell him. I'll make up stuff in the e-mails I send him about how happy I am being on my own and how responsible I'm being, even when I'm not. He loves his job, you know? And after my mom died," Peyton paused. "It's just not fair to ask him to give that up. But I miss him when he's away,"
"Did you tell him that?" Lucas asked.
"He worried…It's just better not to," Peyton stated.
Lucas looked at the book in his hands.
"Listen, do you mind if I just sit here and read while you draw?" he asked.
"As long as you don't act out the parts," Peyton said, and Lucas laughed remembering yesterday with Brooke.
"Yeah, right," Lucas said, opening his book.
Peyton glanced at him out of the corner of her eyes with a smile tugging at her lips before looking back at her drawing. Lucas glanced at her when she looked away before looking back at his book.
This was nice…but something was missing.
…..
Lucas was in the library with Brooke going over her essay.
"Okay, so do you here?" he said, pointing to the sentence he highlighted.
Brooke nodded.
"You don't need this line because you already made the same point early on." He explained.
Brooke grabbed her pen and crossed it out. Lucas went over a few more errors and Brooke frowned.
"This is why I don't do homework. I suck at it!" Brooke complained.
Lucas shook his head.
"This is actually a really good essay. It's a little rough around the edges but other than that you should get a B," he promised.
Brooke smiled.
"Really?" she asked, with barely concealed joy.
"Really," Lucas said.
Brooke clapped her hands and squealed.
"Yay, I'm not an idiot!"
Lucas squinted his eyes.
"Who said you were an idiot?" Lucas asked.
Brooke shrugged.
"I tried to get tutoring before but the girl who was tutoring me said that I was hopeless and when the guy took over all he was interested in was…" she trailed off.
Lucas frowned.
"Well they were wrong. You're more than what people think you are. Tell you what? Next time you need help with an assignment you come to me or ask Hayley," Lucas said and Brooke nodded.
"Okay, Luke," Brooke said, and they went back to finishing up her paper.
"Do you want to finish reading Maugham of Human Bondage?" Lucas asked and Brooke shook her head.
"You should be leaving now, right? You have dinner with Peyton and her dad," Brooke reminded him.
Lucas looked at the clock.
"Shoot! I'm going to be late," he cried, standing up and grabbing his book off the table.
Brooke watched him leave and smiled sadly before looking over her essay.
"Brooke Davis gets a B on an essay? The tabloids with have a riot,"
…
Lucas rushed into the café and looked around. Peyton's dad called out to him and he went over to their table.
"Sorry, I'm late. I was-" Lucas started but Larry shook his head.
"Sit down, rake boy." He said, gesturing to a chair.
"Hey," Lucas said, and they slapped hands.
"I'm never going to live that one down." Lucas muttered, as he sat down.
"Probably not," Larry agreed.
"It's okay. He can be way worse." Peyton said, and everyone laughed.
"What do you got there? You're reading Faulkner in school now?" Larry asked, stealing Lucas's book.
"No, I just love his stuff." Lucas said, he'd tried to get book to check it out but she said that she should finish the one they were reading first.
Peyton's father passed the book to Peyton and she started flipping through the pages.
Brooke came into the café and went to the counter.
"Hey, Tutor Girl. Can I get a slice of cake? I'm celebrating!" she asked.
Hayley nodded, looking hung over.
"What kind?" she asked.
"Chocolate and what happened to you?" she asked.
Hayley shrugged.
"I skipped sixth period to go drinking on the beach with Nathan," she confessed and Brooke let out a slow whistle.
"I don't know whether to be proud or worried. Was that the first time you ever drank?" Brooke asked and Hayley didn't answer.
"You know, drinking isn't the answer to whatever identity crisis Nathan is having this week and you shouldn't do it with him," Brooke said, wisely.
Hayley set her cake in front of her.
"What do you know?" Hayley asked, crossing her arms.
Brooke rolled her eyes.
"Please, Nathan and I have been friends for years. He's the one who gave me my first beer and let me tell you, that is a road you don't want to travel," Brooke said, taking a bite of her cake.
Hayley sighed.
"I just want to be there for him." She said.
Brooke nodded.
"I know, but try to be there for him in a way that doesn't involve you skipping and drinking. You don't want to end up being the next Brooke Davis because, I'm sorry, but you couldn't pull it off," Brooke joked.
Hayley laughed.
"There's only one Brooke Davis," she said. "Though you did try to make me a second one,"
Brooke cringed.
"Yeah, sorry about that. I was drugged," she admitted.
The two started talking and laughing causing Lucas to glance over. He smiled when he noticed Brooke and Hayley getting along. Peyton noticed the smile on his face and followed his gaze. She frowned and Lucas's smiled widened.
"Hey, Brooke!" he called, and Peyton's dad looked over to.
Brooke froze.
"Please don't tell me that Lucas is here with Peyton and her dad," she begged Hayley.
Hayley sighed.
"Okay, I won't tell you," she said, walking back into the kitchen.
She turned her head slowly and forced a smile.
"Hi, you guys!" she said waving.
Larry waved his hand.
"Come join us! Feels like I haven't seen you in years!" he said.
Brooke tried to think of an excuse before giving up and taking the empty seat to the right of Lucas.
"Hi, Peyton's dad," she said, with a smile.
Larry looked her over.
"You've really grown. You look nice. Did you have a hot date or something?" he asked.
Brooke blushed.
"Nope, I just came to get a slice of cake to celebrate," Brooke said.
Peyton raised an eyebrow.
"Celebrate what?" she asked.
Brooke hesitated.
"I might be getting a B on my English essay," she said.
Lucas smiled, proud of her, Brooke smiled shyly turning redder by the second and Peyton laughed.
"No, really, what are you celebrating?" Peyton asked, and Brooke's smile fell.
"I…um…" Brooke couldn't think of a response.
Lucas shot a dark look at Peyton.
"What? You don't honestly expect me to believe that she's getting a B, do you? She's never gotten higher than a C-." Peyton said and Brooke sank down in her chair.
"You're right. I was just joking!" she said, forcing a smile. "I just felt like eating some cake."
"Brooke," Lucas started and Brooke cut him off.
"I got to go! People to see, boys to flirt with, parties to hit," she said, then turned to Peyton's dad. "It was really nice to see you,"
She left the café and Lucas stood up.
"I'll be right back," he told Peyton and ran after Brooke.
"Brooke!" he called and Brooke paused.
"What?" she asked.
"Why'd you lie? You could have shown her your essay." He said and Brooke shook her head.
"I'm not that person, Luke. I'm not smart. I don't do well in school. Peyton's right. No one would ever believe me," she said.
"I would," Lucas protested and Brooke smiled softly.
"Yeah, that's probably why I like you so much," she admitted and Lucas smiled too.
"I like you too, Brooke Davis."
Neither of them noticed Peyton watching them through the window with a suspicious expression.
….
Lucas was at his locker when Peyton came to him.
"So, what was that last night with Brooke?" she asked.
"What are you talking about?" Lucas asked, confused.
"You two looked pretty friendly," she stated.
Lucas laughed.
"That because we're friends," he said.
"Right," Peyton said, skeptically.
"Where is this coming from?" he asked.
"I don't know. It's just that you two spend a lot of time together and…" Peyton trailed off.
Lucas sighed.
"Look, I had my chance to be with Brooke and I chose you, didn't I?" he asked.
Peyton nodded and smiled.
"Okay, you right. I'm just being silly," she said.
Lucas shrugged.
"That's okay. You're allowed to be sill every once in a while," he lifted her chin with his fingers and gave her a peck on the lips.
"I'll see you at practice," she said, and walked away.
Lucas turned back to his locker when someone hugged him from behind.
"You're the best!" Brooke exclaimed.
"Thanks," Lucas said, not even trying to get her to let him go. "Why am I the best?" he asked and Brooke pulled away.
"I got a B+!" Brooke cheered, and showed him the paper.
"That's great," Lucas said. "I knew you could do it," he messed up her hair and Brooke slapped him hand away.
"It's all because of you!" Brooke said, then looked around.
"Where's Peyton?" she asked and Lucas groaned.
"She seems to think that there's something going on between the two of us." Lucas said and Brooke frowned.
"I should go talk to her. What did you tell her?" Brooke asked.
"I said that we were just friends. I had my chance to with you and I picked her. She'd being ridiculous!" Lucas said and Brooke sighed.
"Yeah, I mean, why would anyone pick me when they could have Peyton, right?" Brooke asked, dejectedly.
Lucas's eyes widened.
"Brooke, I didn't mean-" Lucas started but Brooke shook her head.
"No, I get it. You and Peyton have this intellectual/emotional thing and I'm just a fun time," she stated.
"You are not just a fun time. You're more than that Brooke. You're sweet, and funny, and you're smart, even if you don't know it and beautiful, and…" Lucas trailed off.
Brooke shot him a hopeful look.
"And?" Brooke pressed.
The bell rang.
"I got to get to class," he said, slamming his locker. "We'll continue this later,"
Brooke watched him go, replaying his words in her head.
She smiled.
…
Brooke and Peyton were at cheerleading practice.
"Look, about last night," Brooke said and Peyton shook her head.
"No, you and Lucas are friends. I understand," Peyton said. "I just been feeling weird sense my dad announced that he was taking this job and," Peyton shrugged. "I know you'd never do anything like that,"
Brooke smiled but felt a little guilty.
She wasn't do anything wrong. So she liked hanging out with Lucas. So she still had lingering feelings. As long as she didn't do anything about it then she was fine.
"And I'm sorry about last night," Peyton said. "I didn't mean to make you feel stupid. I know you can do well in school if you tried,"
Brooke smiled.
"Actually," she ran to her bag and pulled out her essay. "I got a B+!" Brooke announced.
Peyton look surprised.
"I'm so proud of you!" Peyton said, pulling her into a hug.
That's when the basketball players ran into the room.
"Hey," Peyton said, to Lucas.
Lucas grinned.
"Hey, you. And you," he nodded his head to Brooke.
Whitey blew his whistle.
"Welcome back, gentlemen. Let's see how soft you all got after that little hiatus…Suicides Now!" he ordered.
Jake ran into the gym with Jenny.
"That better be a basketball, Jaglieski," Whitey said.
"Come on, Coach. It was either this, or I miss practice." Jake explained.
"All right. Find her a spot with a good view, so she can watch her daddy throw up." Whitey said.
"I'll take her, Jake." Brooke said and Peyton shot her a look.
"What?" she said at the same time Jake said "Yeah?"
"Sure, she can be an honorary cheerleader for a day," Brooke said, going over to her.
"Thanks," Jake said and Brooke smiled.
"It's no problem." She said.
Brooke looked at Jenny who was chewing on a brush.
"You're a cute little girl, aren't you?" she teased, and tickled her.
Jenny giggled.
"Brooke, maybe I should watch her," Peyton said and Brooke shook her head.
"Its fine," she waved her pompom in front of Jenny.
"All right, gather around." Whitey ordered and all the basketball player ran over.
"Where's Nathan? Tim, you're his girlfriend. Where is he?" Whitey asked.
Tim shook his head.
"I don't know, Coach. He was in school today." Tim said.
Whitey looked around before glancing at his clip board.
"All right. I've got some offensive sets worked out here. Line up at the low stacks." He demanded.
Brooke was still playing with Jenny and the other cheerleaders were getting antsy.
"Brooke," Peyton called and Brooke's head snapped up.
"Right," she said and got up.
Peyton took her place beside Jenny but Jenny reached her arms out for Brooke.
"Ug...goo," she whined.
Brooke turned around and gave Jenny one of her pompoms with a smile.
…..
Lucas was in his room writing an email to his mom.
'Hey Mom, I was just thinking of you.'
Keith came into his room.
"Hey, Luke, how are you doing?" he asked.
Lucas smiled.
"I'm fine," he said. "Just writing an email to mom."
Keith nodded.
"Good, how's Peyton?" he asked.
Lucas shrugged.
"She's having dinner with her dad," he said.
Keith leaned against the doorjamb.
"How's Brooke?" he asked and Lucas smile grew.
"She's good. She got a B+ on an essay that I helped her write and she's reading this book that we picked out which she makes me do the voices to and she gave me this CD to listen too…" He trailed off realizing what just happened.
Keith smirked.
"Just friends, right?" he asked and Lucas groaned.
"Leave me alone," he growled.
"Okay, okay," Keith said, chuckling and turned to leave.
"By the way, what song is this?" he asked.
"My love is like…Wo. It's by Mya," Lucas said, as he went back to typing his email.
Keith smiled.
"And who gave you this CD?" he asked.
"Broo-Damnit Keith!" he exclaimed as his uncle closed the door laughing.
Lucas shook his head and sent the email to his mom before flopping on his bed.
So what if he was listening to the CD Brooke gave him? He actually liked some of her music…even if a lot of it was kind of…
My sex is like, WO
My ass is like, WO
My body's like, WO
Ain't you're kissin' it?
So what you think of it? WO
Hold me, yeah
Hold me, oh, my
Tasty, my, tasty, my
Lucas laughed so hard he almost cried.
….
Brooke was walking out the school when Jake caught up to her.
"Missing this?" he asked, holding out Brooke's pompom.
"Thanks, I gave it to Jenny to play with and she looked like Christmas came early." Brooke said, smiling.
"Maybe she'll be a cheerleader," Jake said and Brooke nodded.
"I'd be happy to have her. She can already swing a pompom better than most of the girls on the squad and with her cuteness we'd definitely win the cheerleading contest," Brooke joked.
"All right. That might be fun to watch. Would she get to stand on of the pyramid?" Jake asked.
Brooke shook her head.
"She's got a long way to go before she earns that," Brooke warned.
"Well, whatever makes her happy," Jake said and they both laughed.
"It's nice how good you are with her," Brooke said and Jake shrugged.
"It's not that hard. From the moment I saw her, I was totally hooked. She's so cute. And I think about watching her grow up. I couldn't imagine not being there." He stated.
Brooke looked away thinking of her own parents. They hadn't been home in a few days and, when they were home, they just looked right through her as if she wasn't there.
"I bet you're a really great dad." Brooke said, wistfully.
"I don't know. Some days I wonder." He said with a shake of his head.
"You are. If you weren't a great dad then you wouldn't worry about it," Brooke said.
"Thanks, Brooke," Jake said, smiling.
Brooke smiled back and neither one noticed Lucas who was leaning against a pillar glance in their direction with an unhappy look on his face.
…
Larry was in Peyton's room looking at her artwork when Lucas came in.
"Doorbell broken?" Larry asked.
"She never hears it?" Lucas said. "She always has her music on"
"I tell myself I'm doing what's best for my daughter…that she should have whatever she wants." Larry pondered, aloud.
"What I think she wants is you," Lucas admitted and handed him the paper. "Did you see her comic strip today?"
"What strip?" Larry questioned and looked at the picture of a girl aging as a boat leaves the dock.
"It's supposed to be anonymous. Our secret, okay?" Lucas said, and Larry nodded.
…..
Lucas was still at Peyton's house eating a sandwich and drinking a cup of coffee when Peyton got home.
"Are you waiting for me?" she asked, and Lucas smiled.
"Actually, I'm just hanging with your dad." He replied.
"God help me." Peyton said and Lucas stood up, putting down his cup and finishing off his sandwich.
"Welcome home," he said and kissed her.
"Am I interrupting?" Larry asked, as he came in the room with a duffle bag on his arm.
Lucas looked nervous.
"Actually, I was just going," he said, and ran out of the house before her dad could kill him. "Call you later, Peyton"
…..
Brooke and Lucas were sitting on his porch with their books. They had just finished going over their homework together, when Brooke suggested they continue where they left off.
Lucas wondered why Brooke refused to go inside his house but figured that maybe his Uncle made her nervous.
"You do spoil me," Brooke said, running her fingers though Lucas's hair.
"Hey," Lucas protested, knocking Brooke's hand out of his hair. "You're just supposed to be doing the voices. Not acting it out."
Brooke shrugged and gestured for him to continue.
"He took her hands and kissed them," he narrated.
Brooke giggled.
"It is nipping to have you here," Brooke said.
"He arranged the cushions and photograph frames. She had sever jars of green earthware." Lucas paused to change his voice to how he thought Philip would sound. "I'll get you some flowers for them,"
"As I'm not going out anymore I think I'll get into a tea-gown," Brooke said. "Undo me behind, will you?"
Brooke lips twitched and he could tell she was trying hard not to laugh.
"She turned around as unconcernedly as though he were a woman. His sex meant nothing to her. But his heart filled with gratitude for the intimacy her request showed. He undid the hooks and eyes with clumsy fingers." Lucas paused and Brooke waited for him to continue.
"The first day I came into the shop I never thought I'd be doing this for you now," Lucas said, with a forced laugh.
"Somebody must do it," Brooke answer, arrogantly.
He could see a difference in the way she acted when she was reading for Noah and when she was reading for Mildred. She poured more of herself into Noah than she did Mildred.
"She went into the bathroom and slipped into a pale blue tea-gown decorated with a great deal of cheap lace. Then Philip settled her on a sofa and made tea for her.
"I'm afraid I can't stay and have it with you. I've got a beastly appointment. But I shall be back in half an hour." Lucas read, trying to sound regretful.
"He wondered what he should say if she asked him what the appointment was, but she showed no curiosity. He had ordered dinner for the two dinner for the two of them when he took the rooms, and proposed to spend the evening quietly. He was in such a hurry to get back that he took a tram along the Vauxhall Bridge Road. He thought he had better break the news to Norah at once that he could not stay more than a few minutes." Lucas read, and Brooke frowned in disapproval.
"I say, I've got only just time to say how do you do," Lucas said. "I'm frightfully busy,"
Brooke did her best to look hurt.
"Why. What's the matter?" she asked.
"It exasperated him that she should force him to tell lies, and he knew that there was a demonstration at the hospital which he was bound to go to. He fancied that she looked as though she did not believe him, and this irritated him all the more." Lucas read.
Brooke sighed.
"Oh, well, it doesn't matter," she said. "I shall have you all tomorrow."
"He looked at her blankly. It was Sunday, and he had been looking forward to spending the day with Mildred. He told himself that he must do that in common decency; he could not leave her by herself in a strange house." Lucas read and Brooke looked furious.
"The bastard," she muttered.
"I'm awfully sorry. I'm engaged tomorrow." Lucas said.
"Yeah, he's busy chasing Mildred's ass around like a stray dog," Brooke accused.
"He knew this was the beginning of a scene which he would have given anything to avoid. The color on Norah's cheeks grew brighter." Lucas delivered.
"But I've asked the Gordon's to lunch," she cried. "I told you weeks ago,"
"I'm awfully sorry, I forgot," he hesitated. "I'm afraid I can't come. Isn't there somebody else you can get?" he asked.
"What are you doing tomorrow then?" Brooke asked, crossing her arms.
"I wish you wouldn't cross-examine me." Lucas shook his head in false exasperation.
"Don't you want to tell me?" Brooke asked.
"I don't in the least mind telling you, but it's rather annoying to be forced to account for all one's movements." Lucas complained.
"Norah suddenly cringed. With an effort of self-control she got the better of her temper, and going up to him, took his hands." Lucas narrated
"Don't disappoint me tomorrow, Philip," she begged. "I've been looking forward so much to spending the day with you. The Gordons want to see you, and we'll have such a jolly time."
"I'd love to…if I could." Lucas felt bad and this wasn't even real.
"I'm not very exacting, am I? I don't often ask you to do anything that's a bother. Won't you get out of your horrid engagement…Just this once?" she begged, her eyes filled with sadness.
"Of course, I will," Lucas said and Brooke shot him a confused look and glanced down at the book.
"That's not what Philip said," Brooke said and Lucas laughed.
"Sorry I forgot. You were really convincing and I don't like to see you beg," he admitted.
Brooke smiled.
"Glad to know, Luke. Now will you please go back to being Philip so I can hate you again?" Brooke asked and Lucas nodded.
"I'm not very exacting, am I? I don't often ask you to do anything that's a bother. Won't you get out of your horrid engagement…Just this once?" she repeated her line.
"I'm awfully sorry, I don't see how I can," he replied.
"Tell me what it is," Brooke said.
"Griffith's two sisters are up for the weekend and we're taking them out," Lucas explained.
Brooke sighed.
"Is that all?" she asked, sounding relieved. "Griffith can so easily get another man."
"He wished he had thought of something more urgent than that. It was a clumsy lie," Lucas read.
"No, I'm awfully sorry, I can't –I've promised and I mean to keep my promise." He declared.
"But you promised me too. Surely I come first," Brooke cried.
"I wish you wouldn't persist," Lucas said.
Brooke's face turned red with anger.
"You won't come because you don't want to. I don't know what you've been doing the last few days, you've been quite different." She accused.
Lucas glanced at his bare wrist, pretending to look at a watch.
"I'm afraid I'll have to be going," he said.
"You won't come tomorrow?" Brooke questioned.
"No," Lucas stated.
"In that case you needn't trouble to come again!" Brooke shouted and Lucas jumped in surprise.
"That's just as you like," he said, nervously.
"Don't let me detain you any longer," she said, bitterly and turned away from him.
"Brooke," Lucas said gently. "Are you okay?"
"He's really just going to abandon her?" Brooke asked and Lucas didn't know what to say.
"Why doesn't anyone want Norah? She's so nice. She's going to end up all alone and Philips' probably going to marry that slut Mildred. It's not fair," she sounded like she was about to cry.
"Hey," Lucas said, putting a hand on her shoulder. "He doesn't marry Mildred. She ends up becoming a syphilis riddled prostitute." He said.
"Good," Brooke huffed but still wouldn't turn around to face him.
"Brooke, come on. It's just a book," he said and Brooke shook her head.
"Things like that happen all the time. Norah's never get the guy. They're always glossed over. He didn't even have the decency to apologize." Brooke complained.
Lucas sighed.
"Do you want to stop reading?" he asked and Brooke nodded.
"I don't want him to go back to Mildred," she admitted.
Lucas rubbed her shoulder.
"I don't either but that's the way the writer wrote it." Lucas said.
"Well maybe the writer made a mistake." Brooke stated and Lucas nodded.
"Okay," he said and they sat in silence for a minute.
"I'm sorry," Brooke finally said. "I didn't mean to get upset,"
Lucas smiled.
"It's fine. A lot of people get lost in books." He said and stood up.
"Do you want to come inside?" he asked and Brooke shook her head.
"I should be getting home," Brooke nervously.
"Oh come on, I think we have some cookies," Lucas tempted and Brooke shook her head.
"Not tonight," she said, and grabbed her bag, stuffing her book in her bag.
"Okay," Lucas said, sadly.
Brooke gave him a look.
"Did you listen to the CD I gave you?" she asked and Lucas nodded.
"Yeah, there are some really nice songs on there," he said, glad to keep the conversation going.
He really liked spending time with Brooke. She was interesting and so open about everything she was feeling.
"Thanks. Peyton always tells me that I have no taste in music. Glad to know that someone likes my taste," she said and shuffled her feet.
"Bye," she said and Lucas nodded.
"Bye," he said and she walked away.
He turned to go in the house and found Keith standing there.
"You're an idiot," Keith said and Lucas glared at him.
"How long have you been there?" he asked.
Keith shrugged.
"Long enough to know that Brooke is going to get an Emmy one day and to realize that my nephew is a fool," he replied.
Lucas growled and shoved past him into the house.
"I can't wait for mom to come back," he announced.
Keith laughed and looked in the direction that Brooke had gone.
"Well she's not a Norah," he muttered, then glanced back to where Lucas had gone. "Not a Mildred either."
He went back into the house and heard music coming from Lucas's room.
Sliding down the pole, horny but fo sure
Both our hands were up, drinks was in the club
She showed me some love so we left the club
Now were up in the Hummer V
She's hot, she's kissing on me
This is the girl of my fantasy
After the remix, we were doing our thing
I had her singing
Thoia, thoia, thoia, thoia, thong, thong
Keith barely got the door to his room closed before he started laughing.
His nephew had it bad.
Author's note: Please review and let me know what you think.