Author's Note: Hey guys! Long time no see! Sorry it's taken me forever to get this chapter out. I was going to put Thanksgiving and Christmas together in one chapter but it turned about to be too long (it would have been about 25 pages typed) so I split it into two chapters. I haven't finished the Christmas chap yet but I'm getting there so it will be posted sooner. Lots of laughs in this chapter guys. Hope you all like it! As always, please read and review!
Disclaimer: I own nothing. One Tree Hill and its characters are property of the WB.
Rating: K+ to T
In the Presence of An Angel
Chapter 29
Brooke groaned as she tossed another can into the shopping cart, "Tell me again how we got roped into cooking Thanksgiving dinner for everybody?" "Well, the guys won't do it because one, they can't cook and two, they'll all be sprawled out in front of the television watching football all day. As for us girls, Peyton can't cook and you, you're my little helper," Haley smiled as she lightly tapped her on the nose with her finger. Brooke smiled in return as she leaned in and softly pecked her on the lips. "Okay, what's next on the list of what we need," she asked when she pulled away. "Um, we need to get stuff for the stuffing," Haley responded after she had looked at the piece of paper in her pocket. "Oh, that's easy. Just grab a couple boxes of Stove Top and we're set," Brooke replied. "Brooke Davis," Haley's eyes widened in shock, "I am not going to make something from a box! Everything is going to be homemade. The stuffing, the cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, pies, everything. Now, I may have never made a whole Thanksgiving dinner before, but we're going to do it the right way and that's making everything from scratch." "Oh god, we'll be cooking for days," Brooke groaned, "and how are we going to cook everything in our small little kitchen?"
"We'll just have to make do," Haley responded as she picked out some bottles of spices and seasonings from the shelf and placed them in the cart, "We can always put up a big picnic table out on the patio so all of us can sit together." "Yeah, okay," Brooke mumbled distractedly as she slowly picked up a can of peaches and held it in her hand, staring at it. "Brooke," Haley questioned, "What's wrong?" "Peaches," Brooke continued to mumble to herself as she became ensconced in a memory, "I used to call her Peaches." "Who," Haley inquired, "Brooke, what are you talking about?" Brooke sighed as she placed the can back on the shelf, her hand lingering there for a few seconds before she let it drop to her side, "Peyton. It was my nickname for her when we were younger… What do you think is going on with her Hales? I mean it's been almost a month and neither her nor Lucas have said anything. She's different. She hardly talks anymore and she always looks so sad. She listens to depressing music all the time, well that's nothing new, but she's just different. Do you think it has something to do with those test results? Do you think she could be sick," Brooke asked as she tried to swallow past the hard lump in her throat, fear in her eyes. "I don't know sweetie," Haley responded as she rubbed her back then wrapped her arms around Brooke's neck, hugging her tight.
Haley knocked lightly on the open bedroom door and walked in as Peyton looked up from her sketchbook. "Hey there," Haley greeted her with a soft smile, "Haven't seen much of you around lately. Thought I'd stop by and see how you're doing." "I'm fine. Just haven't really felt like going out so I've just been staying in and drawing. Mostly keeping to myself," Peyton responded almost emotionlessly as she closed the sketchbook and set it beside her, folding her arms and placing them on her knees. Haley sat on the edge of the bed as she gazed at her concernedly and said in a soft voice as she took her hand into her own, "Peyton, what's going on? We're all so worried about you, especially Brooke…She called you Peaches yesterday…" Peyton looked up at her as she pulled her hand away and sucked in a deep breath, "She did?" Haley nodded, "We were shopping for the Thanksgiving dinner party and when we were in one of the aisles, she picked up a can of peaches and said that she used to call you that." This time it was Peyton's turn to nod as tears began to well in her eyes, "After my mom died, I always wore her perfume so I would never forget her smell, you know? Then when I met Brooke, she said I always smelled like peaches so that was the first nickname she ever gave me."
"That's nice," Haley replied with an encouraging smile, trying to cheer her up. Peyton only began to cry harder as the tears began to fall down her cheeks, "It's so hard you know? I keep trying to remember her but sometimes I just can't…I've forgotten how she smells. They don't sell that perfume anymore. I try to remember the way she looked or some of the things we used to do together, but I was so young then…I don't want to forget my mom, Hales. She's the only real family I have left that's close to me…Sometimes I wonder what she would think of me if she were alive now…" "I bet she is so proud of you Peyton," Haley murmured in her ear as she wrapped her arms around her friend and stroked her hair. Peyton choked on a sob as she pulled away slightly but still within Haley's embrace, "R-Really? You-You think so?" "I know so," Haley smiled as she wiped her tears away with her thumbs.
"Thanks Hales," Peyton sniffled as she toyed with her hands in her lap. Haley reached over Peyton to grab a tissue box from her nightstand when in the process of doing so, she knocked Peyton's sketchpad to the floor. The book fell open to one of her latest drawings. Haley leaned down and picked it up slowly, staring at it as she rose back to her sitting position. It was one of her old drawings redone, the one with the stoplight that said 'People always leave'. Only now, it said 'Mom? Dad? Baby?' A baby carrier sat in the middle of the street that the stoplight hung over, but there was nothing in it. Haley sucked in a deep breath as she stared up at her friend with confusion in her eyes, "Baby? Peyton, were you pregnant?" Peyton shook her head as she choked on another sob and brought a hand up to her mouth.
"N-No…For-For a few days I thought I was because I was late and I told Lucas…then I took a test and it was positive…but Lucas said we should be absolutely sure so we went to the hospital to do a pregnancy test there and…um, as you heard, they were negative… I wanted that baby so much Hales… I mean, I know we're young, but I just- I felt something inside me, you know? And now I just feel so empty…that feeling is gone and I want it back more than anything…" Peyton wrapped her arms around her stomach and buried her face in Haley's neck as she sobbed quietly. "Oh Peyton," Haley murmured as she rubbed her friend's back in soothing circles, trying to calm her down.
Haley dabbed at her eyes with a tissue as she made her way up the stairs to her apartment, making sure they were dry so as not to alert Brooke that she had been crying. She couldn't let Brooke find out; she'd promised Peyton she'd keep it a secret until she was ready to tell everyone. Haley entered the apartment and Brooke looked up from where she was curled up on the couch, boredly flipping through channels with the remote. "Hey you," Brooke smiled as she turned the television off and set the remote back on the coffee table, "Where you been?" "Oh, just out walking around. It was nice out so I thought I'd go walk for a little while. I stopped by the house to grab the mail and stuff," Haley replied. Brooke looked at her more closely as she stood and neared her girlfriend, "Hales, have you been crying?" "My parents called…" Haley lied, looking down at her hands to avoid Brooke's gaze, "they left a message on the answering machine…"
She knew if she looked into Brooke's eyes she would crack and tell Brooke everything about Peyton. Brooke tensed up at the mention of Haley's parents, "W-What did they have to say?" Neither of them had told their parents that they were together yet because they were never home and apparently didn't care about their children anyway. Maybe they had discovered that Haley had moved out. "They just wanted to tell me that they're not coming home for Thanksgiving, again. It's nothing new; I haven't had Thanksgiving with my parents since…I can't even remember. I must have been really little. It just hurts, you know? How can someone not care about their child," Haley asked her as she sniffled into her tissue.
"Aww, come here baby," Brooke opened her arms and wrapped them around her girlfriend, rubbing her back. "You always have me," Brooke murmured in her ear as she hugged Haley tighter and stroked her hair, nuzzling her cheek and kissing her neck softly. Haley hugged her tighter as she closed her eyes and breathed her in, getting lost in her familiar smell. They stood there for several minutes just holding each other before Haley finally pulled away. "Thanks," she said softly. "No need for thanks," Brooke took both hands into her own, gently squeezing them, "Come on." Brooke led her to the couch and laid down first, getting comfortable and making some space for Haley. Brooke held out her arms and Haley carefully laid down on top of her, resting her head on Brooke's chest. Brooke kissed the top of Haley's head and gently stroked her hair, running her hands down her back in soothing motions. Haley wrapped her arms around Brooke as she sighed contentedly, "I love you, Tigger." "I love you too baby," Brooke whispered, seeing that Haley was fast falling asleep as she continued to just lay there and hold her girlfriend close.
The next morning Brooke woke to a delicious aroma drifting into the bedroom from the kitchen. She smiled and threw on a robe before venturing out into the kitchen where she found Haley cooking breakfast. When Haley spotted her she smiled, "Morning there sleepy head! Thought I was going to have to call the coroner to get you out of there. Almost took you for dead you slept so long." "What are you talking about," Brooke yawned as she ran a hand through her hair, "it's still early." "I hate to break it to you sweetie," Haley smirked, "but it's almost eleven and that my dear, is very late. I've been awake since six cooking up a storm. By the way, Happy Thanksgiving." Haley kissed her on the cheek then went back to the stove to make sure the food wouldn't burn. "Oh damn it! Why didn't you wake me up? I would have helped you cook," Brooke replied. "Please Brooke, I would like to have our apartment still standing tonight when we have everyone over. Need I remind you of the egg incident last week? We almost had to call the fire department," Haley chuckled. "Hey, how was I supposed to know that you couldn't put Tabasco sauce on the eggs while they were cooking," Brooke shrugged. "Brooke, Tabasco sauce is spicy! Spicy and fire do not mix well together! They're like combustible substances when they get together, as you witnessed when the eggs blew up all over the kitchen," Haley laughed as she turned off the stove and got out two plates from the cupboard.
"I'm sorry," Brooke pouted, "I will never cook again. Now what's for breakfast?" Brooke walked up behind Haley and wrapped her arms around her waist, resting her chin on her shoulder as Haley placed the food onto the plates. "Ooh! Hot cakes and sausage," she exclaimed then smirked seductively as she lightly swatted her butt, "but I've got my hot cakes right here! Now what about the sausage? Hmm, maybe we could have a threesome, maybe a little syrup…" "Brooke," Haley slapped her on the arm, laughing, "You're getting to be more like Nathan every day, and I bet Jake would love that threesome. I mean, you know how he's always asking. Hey, maybe that's what we'll do for him for Christmas!"
"Hales," Brooke exclaimed loudly, shocked at her words with her mouth hung open in laughter. "Eat," Haley ordered as she leaned over to check on the turkey in the oven. "I'm hungry, but my appetite has changed…I'm hungry for something else…" Brooke said seductively as she wiggled her eyebrows. She walked over to Haley and gently grabbed her shoulders, turning her around so that she was facing her. Brooke kissed her passionately on the lips and Haley returned with equal fervor as it grew more intense. Haley's hands moved to Brooke's waist, untying the belt on her robe then sliding her hands under her shirt when it was free, caressing her soft skin. Brooke moaned as her hands found their way to Haley's butt, lifting her up and placing her on the countertop, their lips never leaving each other's. Haley kissed along the crown of her forehead as her fingers ran through Brooke's hair then laced together at her back, pulling her closer. Brooke's hands slid under Haley's shirt, touching her stomach softly and encircling them around her back, tracing circles on her soft skin. This time Haley moaned and started a trail of kisses down her neck as Brooke began to push Haley's shirt up to remove it from her body...
Then the phone rang. Brooke groaned as she buried her face in Haley's chest, "Damn." "Impeccable timing," Haley muttered. Brooke helped Haley down then went to grab the phone, answering in a grouchy voice, "This better be good. Haley and I were just in the middle of something." "Oh, well then, go back to what you were doing and put the phone near you. I'll wait until you're done," the voice said. "Nathan," Brooke shrieked. "The one and only," he grinned. "Hey Nate," Haley called out so he could hear her through the phone. "So, why are you calling us when you live just across the hallway," Brooke asked. "I'm not at my apartment right now. I was just calling to ask you and Haley about Thanksgiving dinner tonight," he replied.
"Yeah," Brooke questioned skeptically, wondering what he needed to ask. "I know it's supposed to be us six, but could I um, could I bring someone? You know, I don't want to feel left out since it'll be all couples there," Nathan asked a little nervously. "Jake's coming solo tonight," Haley pointed out. "You want to bring someone," Brooke inquired, raising an eyebrow at Haley. "Who's he bringing, his blow-up doll," Haley asked, laughing at her own joke. "Ha ha, very funny. Tell her I heard that," Nathan replied sarcastically, "But no. I wanted to um, bringmygirlfriend." Nathan mumbled this last part quickly, the words jumbled together. "You want to bring your girlfriend? I didn't even know you had a girlfriend. Hold on," she covered the mouthpiece of the phone and turned to Haley, "Did you know Nathan had a girlfriend?" Haley shook her head, "Who is it?" Brooke went back to the phone but now put it on speaker, "Who is this new girlfriend of yours Nate, do we know her?" Nathan chuckled, "Yeah, I'm pretty sure you do, since she's on your cheerleading squad." "Oh god Nathan, please tell me it is not Bevin! I know she likes you and all but-" "God no Brooke, I would never date her! She's like the female version of Tim!" Brooke giggled then sighed, "Good, that makes me feel a little bit better. Now who is it?"
"It's Teresa," he answered. "Teresa? Teresa Chambers? Wow, I never thought of you two as a couple," Brooke responded, shocked. "She's different than you think Brooke. She's more than just what meets the eye. She's nice and caring and she's really great Brooke. Just give her a chance, okay?" "She's right there with you isn't she," Brooke inquired with a smile. "No, she's not, and be nice at dinner tonight. She's my girlfriend now; I don't want you scaring her off," Nathan replied. "Fine," Brooke sighed then perked up, "hey, if she can handle me as her cheer captain, she can handle me as an overprotective best friend, right? I'm happy for you Nate. I'm glad you found someone." "Me too," Haley added from where she was eating some of Brooke's pancakes. "Hey, those are my hot cakes," Brooke shrieked. "Yup, I'm all yours, and you can have me later…after you get off the phone," Haley grinned cheekily. "Alright, going now," Nathan said, "see you guys tonight." "Bye Nate," they replied in unison before Brooke hung up the phone. "Now where were we…" Brooke grinned as she neared her girlfriend, a sultry pout upon her face.
As Lucas and Peyton reached the door to Haley and Brooke's apartment, he rubbed her shoulder with the arm wrapped around her back, lightly kissing her temple, "Try to be happy tonight, okay? I know it's still fresh, but it's just going to take some time…" Peyton nodded silently as she stared down at her hands and Lucas rang the doorbell. "I'll get it," they heard Brooke scream from inside. The door flung open a few seconds later, greeted by a bubbly Brooke. "Hey guys," she smiled big then called out to Haley, "Hales, it's the Broodyloons!" "What," Lucas questioned with a raised eyebrow. Haley laughed as she entered the living room, "Sorry, she cut into the eggnog a little early." "Is she drunk," Peyton asked with an amused smile. "Not yet," Brooke giggled then wrapped her arms around Peyton, hugging her tight, "P. Sawyer! I've missed you sooo much! Where have you been my Goldilocks?" Peyton laughed as she patted her friend on the back, "I've been around, mostly in my room listening to music and drawing, like usual." "Come on Sawyer! Let's get this party started," Brooke exclaimed as she grabbed Peyton's hand and pulled her towards the living room, turning on the stereo to an upbeat song. They began to dance as Haley and Lucas watched on, laughing.
After a few minutes, Haley turned to Lucas and whispered quietly so Brooke couldn't hear, not that she would have anyway with the music blaring loud through the speakers, and lightly rubbed his arm, "Peyton told me what was going on…I'm sorry. How are you holding up?" "It's hard. We wanted the baby but I don't think we were ready for it. I mean, I want to finish school first, get married then have kids. It's both good and bad, but I think of it more as a godsend really. We aren't ready to be parents yet, we're still just kids." Haley nodded in both understanding and agreement then replied, "I need to go check on the food. Why don't you sit back and relax. Do you want something to drink?" "I'll come with you," he replied with a smile, "I better get away while I can so they won't rope me into dancing with them." "Why not? You get two hot girls to dance with you," Haley smirked. "I'd rather spend some time with my best friend," he grinned as he curled his arm around her shoulders, "I missed you Hales. We need to hang out more. We've both been so caught up with our lives that we haven't made time to spend with each other. When was the last time we went to the movies or played golf up on the roof of the café?" "Yeah, we haven't done any of that in a long time…" Haley replied softly.
"Knock, knock," Jake said as he opened the door with Jenny in her carrier. "Jake, hey," Brooke waved, "come on in! Dance with us!" "Uh…no thanks. I have to go feed Jenny a bottle," he replied as he quickly walked to the kitchen where he found Lucas and Haley. "Hey guys," Jake greeted them as he bumped hands with Luke and gave Haley a light squeeze around the waist. "Happy Thanksgiving," Haley squeezed him back then took Jenny's carrier from him, placing it on one of the chairs and unbuckling the small child, resting Jenny on her hip, "Well look at you, cutie pie! You're getting so big! You'll be walking and talking before you know it." "She's growing up so fast," Jake smiled, "I can't believe she's almost a year old, another couple of months." "Can she walk yet? What words has she learned," Haley asked interestedly. "She can pull herself up but whenever she tries to take a step she falls flat on her cute little bottom," Jake touched the tip of his daughter's nose, causing her to giggle, "She can say a few words too. She knows dadda, baba for bottle, doggy for her toy she always sleeps with. She's still learning." He ran his hand over Jenny's light brown curls as she sucked her thumb and rested her head against Haley's shoulder. "Hey, Jenny. Who is this?" Jake pointed to Haley. "Hawey," she exclaimed with a smile after a few seconds of thought. "That's right, it's Haley," Jake grinned. "Aww Jenny, you said my name," Haley cooed as she hugged the girl closer to her then called out, "Brooke! Come here!"
"What," Brooke inquired, laughing, as she and Peyton entered the kitchen. "Watch this," Haley replied then turned to the little girl in her arms, "Jenny, who am I?" "Hawey," Jenny giggled, playing with Haley's curls. "Oh my god! She said your name," Brooke shrieked then calmed her tone, "What's my name, Jenny?" "Book," she replied, bouncing in Haley's arms at being the center of all the attention. Everyone burst out laughing at Jenny's pronunciation of Brooke's name. "Aww, that's so cute," Haley smiled at the little girl then pointed to Lucas, "Who's that?" "Unkie Wuke," Jenny giggled. Another round of laughter filled the kitchen. "Hey, Jenny, who's this? You remember her," Jake asked, pointing to Peyton. "Pey Pey," the little girl exclaimed, reaching out to her. Haley walked over to Peyton and laid Jenny in her arms. Haley kissed the child's forehead then whispered in Peyton's ear as she rubbed her back, "There's still a baby in the family that needs you." Peyton looked up at Haley, tears forming in her eyes as she gave her a small smile and nodded, hugging Haley with one arm and uttering a soft, "Thanks."
Nathan held hands with Teresa as they entered the apartment. "Nate, shouldn't we have knocked," Teresa asked quietly, feeling a little nervous, "Won't they get mad?" She had never been to Brooke's house or the apartment before, only seeing her at school and cheer practice, and she had never really hung out with this crowd before, only Brooke and the other cheerleaders, so she was feeling a little unsettled about meeting everyone. "Nah, they won't mind. It looks like we're the first ones here. I don't hear anybody else. If any luck, they're probably-" "Brooke, get out of the whipped cream! That's for dessert," they heard Haley shriek. "...Fooling around," Nathan finished. "Does that mean I get you for dessert," Brooke inquired with a seductive smirk on her face. "Brooke," Haley exclaimed, slapping her shoulder. Groans could be heard throughout the apartment. "Not again," Peyton rolled her eyes. "Hello, baby in the room," Jakes said, gesturing to Jenny, who was now back in Haley's arms again. "Stop with the sex talk," Lucas exclaimed, covering his ears, "I don't want to hear about my best friend having sex!" "Do you two ever stop," Nathan smirked as he and Teresa walked into the kitchen.
"Nathan, hey," Haley smiled as she hugged him with one arm, "glad you could come." "Late as usual Nate," Brooke grinned as she hugged him as well, "but what's a party without Nathan Scott, eh?" "What's a party without Brooke Davis," Nathan countered with a smirk. "True, so very true. I'm the life of the party. I keep these things going," Brooke chuckled. "So, if you're the life of the party, where's the booze," Nathan asked. "Now Nate, you know I don't drink anymore. I gave it up because of my heart condition. But you're welcome to try the eggnog," Brooke winked at him. "Oh please Brooke, I know you still drink once in a while. Maybe that should be one of your New Year's resolutions," Haley replied as she checked on the turkey and stuffing in the oven. "What, drink more alcohol," Brooke grinned cheekily. "No," Haley glared at her good-naturedly, "stop drinking altogether." "But Hales, then I'll die of thirst and dehydration," Brooke gasped in fake shock. "Not all liquids weirdo, just alcohol," Haley rolled her eyes, laughing as she stuck out her hand towards Teresa, "Hi, I'm Haley. Nice to meet you." Teresa smiled as she took her hand, "Teresa. Nice to meet you too. Thanks for having me over."
"Oh it's no problem. Besides, it's not often Nathan brings a girl home to meet the family," Haley winked. "Hales," Nathan responded with an embarrassed chuckle, "stop." "Excuse me? Is Nathan Scott blushing," Brooke laughed. Nathan's cheeks reddened even more as a small smile played on his lips. "Alright everyone," Haley clapped to get their attention, "the turkey is done! You all go take your seats at the table. Lucas, will you do the honors of cutting the bird?" "Sure Hales," he responded as he stood from his chair. "Finally! That turkey has been in the oven all day. You'd think it'd be burnt to a crisp by now," Brooke exclaimed, throwing her hands up in the air. "No Brooke, that's just anything you cook," Haley smirked as she grabbed some oven mitts to pull out the turkey. "Not true," Brooke replied indignantly as she placed her hands on her hips, "You love my hot cakes." "Pancakes, Brooke," Haley reiterated, "they're called pancakes, not hot cakes." "Potato, potato; tomato, tomato," Brooke responded nonchalantly, pronouncing them each differently. "It doesn't exactly work that way with pancakes Brooke," Haley chuckled. "Whatever, just get that bird on the table. I'm starving," Brooke exclaimed with a flick of her wrist. "No wonder you've been getting harder to carry," Haley muttered under her breath. "Hey, I heard that," Brooke gave her a mock glare as she placed the cranberry sauce on the table. Haley chuckled as she stuck her tongue out at her girlfriend.
"Come on children, be nice now," Nathan laughed as he, along with Teresa, brought more food to the table. Brooke stuck out her tongue to Nathan in response. "Very mature Brooke," Haley replied with a grin. Brooke pointed a finger at her in protest, "You just did the same thing!" "I'm younger than you so I'm allowed to be immature," Haley giggled. "Not true," Brooke replied, "You're older than me and you never let me forget it!" "Are they always like this," Teresa whispered to Nathan as she linked her arm through his. "Yeah," Nathan chuckled as he watched the couple continue to bicker, "but sometimes it can be much worse." "You can't always kiss your way out of everything," Brooke responded after accepting a soft peck on the lips from her girlfriend in apology. "Sure I can, it works like a charm," Haley smirked as she kissed the tip of Brooke's nose, "I know you can't resist me." "That's for damn sure," Brooke whispered huskily under her breath as she pulled Haley close and wrapped her arms around her waist, nuzzling her neck. "Alright, move away from each other! We don't want you two doing it right here on the table where we're about to have dinner. Now let's all sit down and eat," Nathan ushered everyone to the table and they all took their seats. Brooke sat at one end of the table with Haley at the corner end next to her. Beside Haley sat Peyton with Lucas to her left and Nathan sat at the other end of the table with Teresa on the other corner adjacent to her boyfriend. Jake sat next to Teresa with Jenny in her carrier on the chair beside him by Brooke.
The guys started to reach for some of the dishes to fill their plates but they stopped at the tsking sound Haley made as she shook her head, "No guys, before you go diving into the food, we're going to say a prayer." "Fine," the boys groaned softly and sighed as they set their plates back on the surface of the table. "So, who wants to do the prayer," Haley asked, looking around, "Lucas? Why don't you say the prayer your mom always says when we have Thanksgiving with her?" "I don't pay attention to that stuff. I'm always focused on the food. You probably know it by heart Hales, and since you suggested the prayer, why don't you say it," Lucas responded with a smile. "Chicken," Brooke coughed under her breath. "Nope, turkey. We're having turkey Brooke," Lucas grinned cheekily at her. "Why I oughta," Brooke made a move to stand with her hand raised, but Haley pulled her back down. "No fighting at the table please," Haley said, "now let's all join hands." Nathan and Lucas turned to each other with disgusted expressions on their faces, "Ew, I don't want to hold hands with you," Nathan joked good-naturedly. "Right back at ya," Lucas replied. "Come on guys, it's just for a minute or two while we say the prayer," Haley sighed. "Fine, just for you Hales," Nathan smiled. "Thank you," Haley responded as she lowered her head and closed her eyes, "now everyone please bow their heads." All did as told and after a few seconds of silence, Haley finally began.
"Dear God, please bless this food we are about to eat. You have been good to all of us this year despite the hardships we each have faced. We lived life to its fullest. We found love," Haley smiled as she gazed at her girlfriend and gently squeezed her hand, "We made new friends," Haley looked to Nathan and Lucas, two brothers who had once been enemies and now were the best of friends, "We lost some people along the way," Haley glanced at Lucas again then Peyton, who had her eyes open with tears welling in them and she looked up to give Haley a small smile, "But most important, we stuck by each other through everything. God, please watch over our friends and family and bless them with all that you have. Without them, we wouldn't be who we are today. Without them, we wouldn't be a family," Haley said, getting teary-eyed herself as she squeezed Brooke's hand once more then finally raised her head again, "Amen." "Amen! Now let's eat," Nathan exclaimed as he began to heap mashed potatoes and gravy onto his plate. "That was beautiful, baby," Brooke whispered as she leaned over and gently kissed her lips. "Hales, that wasn't my mom's prayer speech," Lucas replied with a smirk. Haley opened her mouth and pointed a finger at him, "I knew it! You just wanted to get out of saying the prayer! And, I improvised!" "Well it was much better than I could have ever said it," Lucas responded. "Thank you," Haley accepted politely then stood from her chair, "Now who wants some turkey?" All three boys responded in unison, "I call a drumstick!"
Haley laughed, "Sorry boys, there's only two drumsticks so you're gonna have to decide between yourselves which person will lose out." "Lucas and Nathan can have them, I don't really care as long as it's not white meat," Jake replied. Once everyone had gotten their food and had begun to eat, Brooke asked as she slid a cranberry into her mouth with her fork, "Hey Hales, what did you mean earlier when you said we lost some people along the way?" "I um, well I meant-" Haley started but Peyton placed her hand over Haley's, "No Hales, you shouldn't have to keep it a secret anymore. It's my place to tell her." Brooke looked up to her friend with confusion in her eyes, "Peyton, what are you talking about?" "Well, um, remember those tests results at the hospital," Peyton began and gave Lucas a small smile when he took her hand in his and squeezed it. "Yeah, they were negative," Brooke responded, still confused. "Well, for awhile I thought I was pregnant so I finally told Lucas, and this was all when Haley and Lucas were fighting, and I took an at-home pregnancy test and it was positive. We talked for a little bit and decided we wanted to keep the baby but Lucas still wanted to be absolutely sure so we went to the hospital and the doctor took some blood, I peed in a cup, and what do you know, the next day I find out I'm not pregnant," Peyton said this last part in a whisper as she lowered her head to hide the few tears welling in her eyes.
Brooke's bottom lip trembled as tears of her own formed behind her eyes sitting there staring at her friend in shock. She rushed from her chair and wrapped her arms tightly around Peyton, burying her face in the crook of Peyton's neck. "Oh Peaches," Brooke whispered softly, "I'm so sorry…Why didn't you tell me?" "I-I was scared and upset and I didn't know what to do. I wanted to tell you, but things were so messed up…You and Haley were dealing with your own problems and things weren't all that great between Lucas and all of us… I just-I didn't know what to do. I was so torn…I hated that I broke the promise I made to you and Haley but this, this was just too much…" Peyton placed a hand on her stomach as she choked on a sob, "I had to talk to him, Brooke." "Sh, it's alright," Brooke murmured into her ear as she stroked her hair and rubbed her back to comfort her. Peyton choked on a breath of air as she wiped her eyes and let out a slight laugh, "I'm sorry, here I am crying in front of everybody and ruining Thanksgiving dinner. Let's just eat and have a nice night. I don't want to talk about it anymore." "Sure P. Sawyer," Brooke gave her a small smile as she rubbed the side of her arm and stood back up, returning to her chair.
Lucas gently squeezed her hand in comfort and leaned near her, whispering in her ear as he kissed her cheek, "I love you, you know that? We'll get through this. Things will get easier as time goes by. Just know that I love you and nothing, nothing will ever change that." "Stop, you're making me cry again," Peyton smiled as she wiped her eyes then kissed him softly on the lips and rested her head on his shoulder, "I love you too." "Can somebody pass the mashed potatoes please," Brooke whined as she strained to reach the bowl, threatening to get her shirt dirty by the other dishes on the table. "Brooke, stop whining like a one year old, here's your mashed potatoes. No offence to Jenny. She's such a cutie pie, yes you are," Haley cooed as she tickled the little girl's tummy, causing her to giggle. "What about me," Brooke asked, a pout forming on her face. "Eat your mashed potatoes Brooke," Haley grinned, playfully sticking out her tongue. "You better watch that tongue of yours, missy," Brooke warned. "Oh really? What are you going to do to it," Haley smirked back. Brooke opened her mouth to answer but Jake spoke up, covering Jenny's ears, "Whoa, stop right there! Little ears in hearing distance!" "Sorry Jake," Brooke smiled, "got a little carried away there for a moment." "I'll say," Lucas muttered with a chuckle. "Excuse me, but weren't you just sucking face with your girlfriend not two minutes ago," Brooke asked with a raised eyebrow. "Yeah, yeah, let's just eat," Lucas grumbled as he stuffed his fork in his mouth. "That's what I thought," Brooke replied with a smirk and Lucas glared at her for a few moments then rolled his eyes and retuned to eating his food.
"Brooke," Haley giggled in a whisper ten minutes later as she tried to concentrate on eating instead of what was going on under the table, "stop." "Why Hales, I thought you liked being on the bottom," Brooke smirked as she murmured in her ear. "No, I told you I liked it on top," Haley hissed back quietly as she jerked her arm and placed her finger on top of Brooke's. "Ha-ley," Brooke whined as she too twisted her arm and tried to gain the advantage. They battled it out silently for a few seconds but when Brooke tried to overpower Haley again, she ended up knocking their hands against the underside of the table. "Ow Brooke! That hurt," Haley replied as she pulled her hand out and began to rub it to soothe the pain. "I'm sorry baby," Brooke kissed her injured hand, "I didn't mean to hurt you." "I know," Haley replied, "it's just that you can be a little rough sometimes." During all this, the others had stopped eating their food at Brooke and Haley's words and actions and sat there staring at them in shock. Nathan was the first to regain his voice, "Do we have to separate you two? What were you doing under there?" "We were playing thumb war," Brooke responded nonchalantly. "Thumb war? Is that supposed to have some kind of sexual undertone to it," Lucas asked warily. "No, we were really playing thumb war," Haley grumbled, pouting because she had lost. "So Haley, you like it on top," Nathan winked and wiggled his eyebrows at her. "In thumb war! The winner of thumb war is always on top!" Haley exclaimed as a dark pink color flushed her already rosy red cheeks.
"Nate, you have a girlfriend, who might I add, is sitting right next to you. Plus, Haley is like your sister. Show a little respect," Lucas replied as he lightly slapped his brother in the back of the head. "Then I should say the same for you big brother," Nathan grinned as he hit Lucas back, "You're the one who implied that something sexual was going on under the table. She's like your sister too." "Ew," Lucas replied as he scrunched up his face. Jake laughed, "Haha, you suckers lose out. I don't have a girlfriend." "But she does. Hands off, she's mine!" Brooke replied, wrapping an arm around Haley's shoulders protectively. "Aw, come on Brooke, be a good sport. Remember what we were going to give Jake for Christmas," Haley smirked and winked at her. "You aren't serious," Brooke stared at her wide-eyed, "were you?" "Maybe," Haley grinned her devilish little smile at Brooke then leaned over to Jake and kissed his cheek, "You're gonna be one lucky guy this Christmas, Jake."
"God I am so full," Brooke groaned, holding her stomach as she flopped down onto the couch, laying her head in Haley's lap. Their friends had left about an hour ago and since Haley had done all the cooking, Brooke had offered to clean up and do the dishes. "That's what you get for each two platefuls of food," Haley chuckled as she set down the book she was reading on the side table next to the armrest. Brooke only grumbled something incoherent in response. Haley picked a few strands away from covering her face and softly stroked Brooke's hair, "Christmas is coming up you know. What do you want for Christmas? Are you going to give me a list?" "I don't want anything," Brooke responded as she smiled and took Haley's hand into hers, lacing their fingers together and softly kissing her hand, "I have everything I want right here." Haley smiled lovingly at her girlfriend and leaned down to give her a slow, gentle kiss. "I have everything I want right here too," Haley murmured against her lips, "I love you so much." Brooke nuzzled Haley's cheek and gave her a sweet kiss on the tip of her nose, "I love you too. I don't know what I'd do without you, you know. I don't know what I did to earn a love like this, but I must be doing something right if I got you. I thank god every day that you came into my life…" Brooke stopped, becoming too choked up as tears streamed down her face and she gently caressed Haley's cheek with her thumb.
Haley covered Brooke's hand with her own then moved their hands to her lips so she kissed her palm, her own tears welling in her eyes, "Me too. Like you told me that night on the beach, I never knew love before, real love, and I know ours is true. Our love is the kind that will last a lifetime and beyond…I never want us to fall out of love because it would hurt too much and I don't think I can ever stop loving you." "I don't think I can ever stop loving you either," Brooke murmured as she placed her free hand behind Haley's head and pulled her down to meet her lips in a tender and passionate kiss. They parted for air some minutes later and Haley rested her forehead against Brooke's, staring deep into her eyes as she stroked her hair and brushed a few strands away from her face. Brooke's eyelids fluttered up and down slowly, fighting sleep as she kept her gaze locked on Haley. "It's getting late," Haley whispered as she rubbed her thumb across Brooke's cheek, "and we're both exhausted. Why don't we go to bed?" Brooke nodded as she sat up then stood to her feet, clasping her hand with Haley's as they walked to their bedroom. They changed into their pajamas and brushed their teeth and hair before crawling into bed under the covers. Haley snuggled close as Brooke wrapped her arms around her girlfriend and with one hand, laced her fingers through Haley's. "Goodnight Tigger," Haley murmured, fast falling asleep. "Night baby," Brooke stroked her hair once and kissed the top of her head as she pulled Haley closer to her body and closed her eyes, smiling as she too began to drift off to sleep.
Note: Teresa is a nice cheerleader in this fic. She's a little like Haley but like Brooke too. Kind of hard to explain her. But she's nice in this fic. She is so often portrayed as a bitchy or airhead cheerleader in other fics so I tried a different personality with her for this story.