Sorry it has taken me so long to update but I have been really busy…thanks for those of you who reviewed. And everyone please review because I love them!

Chapter 3: Behind These Hazel Eyes

Broken up, deep inside but you won't get to see the tears I cry….

Brooke hung up her phone, oblivious to the fact that Lucas had just repeatedly called her name. Why was that backstabbing slut calling her? And why did she care so much? She wanted so much to just be nonchalant about the whole thing and not even care that her ex-boyfriend, the person she thought she would spend the rest of her life with, was in the hospital. Or that she still cared about the girl who called her and wished she could take back the things she said. But why was she always the one who felt bad. It was their indiscretion that caused her so much pain. She shouldn't feel bad because obviously neither one gave a damn about her. Deep down though, she knew she was lying to herself. But that didn't make up for what they did. She felt tears forming in her eyes and went to quickly wipe them, remembering where she was. She turned to Lucas, who held out the tissue box to her.

"Thanks," she turned away embarrassed.

"No problem, roomie." He smirked and she managed a grin through her now tear-stained face.

"God, I've only known you for a couple of hours and yet I've cried more times in front of you than anyone else." And it was true. Brooke never cried in front of Nathan. Looking back, their relationship had mostly been about appearances. Crying in front of him would be showing a sign of weakness and Brooke Davis was never one to be perceived as weak. And Peyton had been through so much in her life. After her mom died, Brooke was her only support system. She had to be the strong one for both of them.

"Well I've only known you for a couple of hours and I feel closer to you than I ever have to anyone else." He leaned forward his lips inches from hers, his breath of her face but Brooke interrupted the moment.

"Hey Luke, what are you doing this weekend?"

---

"The drive back to Tree Hill was much more eventful than the one leaving it. At least this time Brooke had someone to talk to.

"Okay, favorite band growing up?" Lucas turned to face her.

"NSYNC" Brooke answered not missing a beat.

"That's not a band. They don't play instruments."

"Not a band? Are you kidding me? If they aren't a band then why do they call it a boy band?"

Lucas seemed to ponder this for a moment then broke out laughing.

"You know, I don't know." Once he started he couldn't stop and soon Brooke joined in. The rest of the trip was filled with good times until they reached the sign that said Welcome to Tree Hill.

"Tree Hill? Isn't that where you said you were from? What's going on?" Lucas asked clearly confused. She had just asked him if he wanted to take a road trip with her, excluding the part about going to see her ex in the hospital. Brooke figured it was probably the right time to fess up though.

"You remember that phone call I got?" Lucas nodded so she continued. "Well, it was Peyton." He still looked confused and that's when she realized she had never told him Peyton's name.

"The girl who used to be my best friend." She clarified. "So she called and said that Nathan was in the hospital. And I hung up on her. But even though I hate them both I still needed to know what happened but I didn't want to go alone and I'll understand if you're mad at me." Brooke rambled before trailing off. She had to admit the whole thing was strange. People didn't just meet like this and then go on road trips. Not to mention live together. And she was starting to get a vibe that he might think it was something more. She was probably wrong though. After he'd seen what a basket case she was she doubted he would even let her move in when they got back. Oh well she'd figure something out. It wasn't going to be a tough challenge figuring out what hospital he was in because there was only one hospital in Tree Hill. Tree Hill Hospital. She marched confidently and told the woman behind the desk she was looking for Nathan Scott. Lucas trailed behind her, uncomfortable with the awkward situation that was inevitably going to happen. Brooke strolled into the area she was directed to and took in the sight before her. There were Deb and Dan Scott, the mayor and his wife, or as she always knew them Nathan's parents. Deb looked extremely worried while Dan just sat with his ever-present smirk. Then she saw Tim a couple of his other good friends hanging out in one corner. Haley James, another one of Brooke's friends sat near them. And on the opposite side of the room curled up in a ball was her former best friend Peyton Sawyer. Her normally bouncy curls were flat and she looked like she hadn't slept in days. There were dark circles under her eyes and tears that seemed to be flowing freely with no sign of stopping. Brooke took a deep breath before opening the door. As it creaked open everyone's eyes gazed upon her as she entered. But she wouldn't break down, she couldn't.

"Brooke, I'm so glad you came," Peyton ran to give her a hug. Brooke turned away.

"This doesn't make us friends again I just wanted to make sure everything was ok." She said harshly and she could see Peyton lose hope again. Brooke just wished none of this had happened. She wished they were still best friends and that she could just run over and give her a hug. She had to keep reminding herself, that Peyton was the one who caused all this.

Swallow me then spit me out

For hating you, I blame myself

Seeing you it kills me now

No, I don't cry on the outside

Anymore...

"Nathan was in a severe motorcycle accident, Brooke," Deb stepped over to fill Brooke in on what had happened. "He's in a coma, and the doctors aren't sure if he is going to wake up. We've all been trying. Do you want to go talk to him?" Deb asked kindly. What was she going to say? No, she didn't want to talk to him. Because that was how she felt. But then how would she be able to justify coming all the way back here. She silently made her way to the door and walked inside. Back to her past which she had been trying to run away from. However, she forgot about an important part of her present was sitting right outside waiting for her.

Next: Because Of You!