LUCAS' POV

I opened my eyes and saw someone walking towards me. It was Keith!

"Keith?"

"How are you doing Lucas?"

"What are you doing here? Why am I here? Am I dead?"

"Funny, that's what Brooke asked me when she got here."

"Brooke? She's here?"

"Yes, she was. You just missed her."

"Where did she go?"

"I pushed her over a cliff."

"Keith! Why would you do that?!"

"Trust me, both of you will thank me for that."

"Why am I here? What is this place anyways?"

"A purgatory. I'm here to show you something."

"What is it?"

"Patience Lucas. So, let me ask you. How's your mom?"

"I don't know actually. I haven't heard from her ever since."

"That's too bad. Well anyways, here we are. Come inside."

"What is this place? Is this Tric?"

"You might want to see this Luke."

"It's Peyton…and Brooke."

"This was the night before Nathan and Haley's wedding."

"I remember."

"Brooke, I think I still have feelings for Lucas," Peyton said.

"She said that? For real?" I asked Keith.

"Yes she did. That's why Brooke gave you to Peyton."

"Why?"

"She wanted you to be happy."

"But I wasn't. The only time I felt happiness was when I was with her. I made a wrong decision when I went after Peyton."

"You can't change the past Lucas."

"I just don't understand why she would do that? Was she just waiting for a reason to push me away? Was she willing to give up on us? Did she not love me? Tell me Keith."

"I think it's better if you see this."

"What is this?"

"It's the State Championship night. The night Brooke gave you away."

I saw the whole thing again. It's like a movie being replayed.

"Are you doing this on purpose? You want me to feel hurt again? You know how much I regret doing that. You want me to see how happy Brooke was to push me away? Is that what you want, huh? "

"Didn't you see?"

"See what? Brooke giving me up?"

"No. The reaction Brooke had when you happily went to Peyton."

"What reaction? The dimpled smile she had on her face?"

"No Luke. She was crying."

"Why? Tears of joy?"

"No. Those were tears of hurt and sadness. She cried because of you."

"Why? She's the one who pushed me away!"

"I thought you were smart Luke. I thought you know her very well."

"I do. I know her. I love her. With all respect Keith, you're here to guide me and not to stir up my conscience. Help me out here."

"She was crying because she doesn't want to give you away. But being a good friend that she is, she gave you to Peyton because she wanted the two most important people in her life to be happy and she thought that's what you wanted."

"It's not what I wanted. Damn it! I was confused that time. I felt like she was not letting me in. I thought I love Peyton."

"You have to understand Lucas. She grew up without a family. You know she had so many failed relationships- even yours. It's just you and Peyton whom she falls onto and it's just both of you whom she trusts. But both of you keep on screwing things up that she slowly lost trust on you. She's vulnerable."

"I know. I get that. But Peyton, she's my friend. Peyton's both our best friend."

"That's the thing Lucas. You said it yourself. She's just your best friend. But Brooke was your girlfriend. You should have paid more attention to her. You know that the three of you had a history. That love triangle will just keep on going and going unless one of you breaks it."

"Your point being?"

"Brooke has always been insecure of Peyton. She sees you always saving Peyton and she thinks you ignored her. She needed you Luke, but you weren't there."

"I had no idea."

"It's because you were too blind to see it."

"I have to go back, Keith. For Brooke. For us."

"I was hoping you would say that."


"One question, how do you know all of this?"

"The day I died, I promised myself I'd watch over you."

"And Brooke?"

"Brooke has been like my own child. You're meant for each other Luke, that's why."

"So what are you? Our guardian angel now?"

"Something like that. Lucas, do me one favor. Just promise me this one thing."

"After all of this, anything Keith. Just say it."

"Make things with Brooke right. She deserves it."

"You don't have to ask. I already had that in mind."

"Good. Now go!"

"Keith, thank you for everything. I just want you to know, you're the father I never had."

"It's my pleasure Lucas."

"So where do I go now?"

"You see that door over there? You have to go inside before it closes. Hurry!"

"Ok. Thanks Keith."

"Remember, Brooke loves you…a lot," he shouted after me.

"I know. I love her too." I shouted back at him

I have to go back! I need Brooke! And she needs me too.

The door was a few inches away from closing. Fortunately, I caught it before it fully closes. After passing through it, I feel my body go limp and all I remembered was falling to the ground.

This couldn't b the end. I have to save Brooke. I need to be there for her!

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AN: Readers of this fic may also check out my other fic, "Risks We Know We Have To Take." It's also a Brucas fic. Lots of drama too. Please read and review that too!

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--cheery