"I love you Lucas, and I probably always will. But, we go days without having a meaningful conversation. And, I used to miss you so much when that happened. But, it never seemed like you missed me. And, I guess because of it I stopped missing you. I mean, look at today there was a horrible accident and you hadn't even called me... it shouldn't be like this Luke. I'm sorry. I can't do this anymore."

Brooke Davis woke with a start. She sat up and searched the room with her eyes. Seeing that she was alone, she laid back down, trying to push the memory from her mind. She could feel that familiar ache grow in her heart. Why hadn't he tried to stop her that night? Wasn't he the one that claimed he was the guy for her?

Letting out a heavy breath, Brooke could hear the rain falling onto the roof. She, again, searched the room that she and Rachel shared. With the memory still looming in her mind, she closed her eyes and took in a shaky breath. She could feel her broken heart racing, knowing what was coming. She rolled onto her side, closing her eyes tighter as she clutched the blankets to her chest.

It had been two weeks since the day she ended things with Lucas, and every night she had the same dream. She'd go to his house, break the news to him and leave, trying not to pay attention to the pained look on his face. She wanted so desperately to hold on to him, to get back what they used to have. He just didn't seem to want to put his heart into the relationship. At least, not the way she did.

"Brooke?"

The brunette sat up, quickly pulling herself together. She wiped her eyes quickly with the heels of her hands, knowing that Rachel couldn't see her torn apart like this. She had to keep it together for everyone else. As the red-head came into the room, Brooke looked over and smiled a bit.

I can take the rain on the roof of this empty house
That don't bother me
I can take a few tears now and then and just let them out
I'm not afraid to cry every once in a while
Even though going on with you gone still upsets me
There are days every now and again I pretend I'm ok
But that's not what gets me

"I'm heading out for the photo shoot. I'll catch you later?" she asked with a tilt of her head. Brooke simply nodded and waved, indicating she would be fine.

As soon as Rachel left, Brooke got up and walked over to bathroom connected to their room. She wrenched on the shower, knowing the water pouring over her body would give her a chance to break down in peace.

----

The basketball fell through the net effortlessly and bounced to the ground. Lucas Scott jogged over, letting out a sigh as he bent to pick it up. He dribbled it back to the free-throw line, bouncing it against the wet pavement for a moment. He then threw it again, watching another basket being made.

Ever since he was old enough to pick up a ball, basketball had been his release from everything that was bothering him. But now, with his heart condition, he had to settle with throwing free-throws by himself, usually. Lately, however, the familiar rubber-meets-cement sound couldn't clear his mind.

Just then, he heard a car approaching behind him. He looked over his shoulder, seeing Peyton's car. A small smile came to his lips at the sight of his friend. "Hey, Sawyer," he called out. She got out of the car, pulling her hood closer to her head. "What are you doing out here, Luke? It's pouring!"

He ignored the question as he jogged over, grabbing the basketball again. He then walked over to where Peyton was standing, his hair wet from the rain. "What brings you out here?"

The blonde shrugged a bit, a smile on her face. "There's a party at Tric tonight, and I thought you might want to be invited."

Lucas grimaced a bit, his eyes looking out towards the road. Did he really feel like a party tonight? As if reading his mind, Peyton spoke again, "I'm going to try and get Brooke there. Maybe you two can work things out."

His blue eyes looked back to his friend, his heart skipping a beat at the thought. Would she really forgive him that easily? And if he didn't, was he ready to fight with her. He chewed his bottom lip in thought before taking a deep breath. "Alright. Just promise you won't pull anything sneaky?" he asked, his eyebrows raising slightly.

What hurts the most
Was being so close
And having so much to say
And watching you walk away
And never knowing
What could have been
And not seeing that loving you
Is what I was tryin' to do

"Sure. Nothing sneaky," she said with a grin. With that, she turned to walk back to her car. She paused before opening the door, her hand grasping the handle. "It'll work out, Luke. I can feel it."

----

After about thirty minutes of feeling helpless and broken, Brooke decided to get out of the shower. She dried her body off, and then walked back into the bedroom, gathering some clothes. There was a knock on the door as she pulled her pants on and let out an irritated breath. Couldn't they all just leave her alone?

She headed down the stairs, tugging her black tank top onto her body as she did. "Coming," she shouted, hoping they'd wait. The knocking came again, causing Brooke to scowl a bit. "I said I'm coming!"

She pulled open the front door, seeing Haley on the other side. She smiled a bit in apology. "Sorry, Tutor girl, I didn't know it was you." Haley simply shook her head at the apology.

"No worries, Brooke," she said with a smile. "Can I come in?" Brooke nodded and stepped back, shutting the door after Haley was inside.

"There's a party at Tric tonight," Haley explained as she turned to face her friend. "And even if Peyton is throwing it, I think we should go. You need to get out of here and have some fun."

Brooke opened her mouth to protest, but Haley held up a hand. "Nathan and I are going together, and Mouth will be there, too. Rachel is going, but you know she'll be busy with some guy. I really think this will do you good, Brooke. You need to get out there and have some fun again."

It's hard to deal with the pain of losing you everywhere I go
But I'm doin' It
It's hard to force that smile when I see our old friends and I'm alone
Still Harder
Getting up, getting dressed, livin' with this regret
But I know if I could do it over
I would trade give away all the words that I saved in my heart
That I left unspoken

Brooke took in a deep breath, nodding a bit. "Fine, I'll go. I'm just not going to dress up, okay?" Haley smiled and nodded, throwing her arms around the girl. Brooke hugged her back, fighting the tears again. "I'll see you later, then?" Haley asked as she pulled away. Brooke nodded again, and then watched Haley leave.