All thoughts and analysis of the different interpretations of Robert Frost's "The Road Not Taken" are by Yone' E. Amuka. Just thought I'd throw that in here. lol Well I hope you all enjoy this chapter. It was really hard for me to write. I wasn't sure how I wanted everything to turn out. Anyways please let me know what you think. Thanks.

Chapter Ten

I Never

Brooke placed her book bag on the floor near the coffee table and took a seat on the couch. She let out a sigh. This was seriously the last thing she wanted to be doing on a Saturday when she could be out shopping, but Lucas insisted that they work on their project today. Brooke looked up as she heard someone clear their throat loudly."Oh, hey Mr. Scott. How are you?"

Dan gave the small girl a tight smile."I'm very well. Thank you for asking Ms. Davis."he watched her smile and turn away from him."I'm not sure you're aware of this, but Nathan isn't here at the moment and even if he was he's grounded and can't have company."

Brooke turned to face him once again."Yes, actually I am aware of that. I'm not here to see Nathan."

"Oh really, then who are you here to see?"he asked confused.

"Me. She's here to see me Dan. We're working on a school project together remember? I told you about it the other night at dinner."said Lucas coming into the living room carrying two drinks. He hoped Dan wasn't going to make a big deal about Brooke being here after what he said about her at dinner.

"Oh, well I guess it must have slipped my mind. I'll just leave you two alone then."he turned to Brooke."It was lovely to see you again Ms. Davis."

"You too Mr. Scott."said Brooke as she gave him a fake smile.

Dan nodded at his son before leaving the room.

Lucas let out a sigh."Well wasn't that fun?"

Brooke let out an uncomfortable laugh."Yeah, I can't stand your dad. He always seems so fake. I know he doesn't like me which is weird because Nathan and I have been together forever and that's not going to change anytime soon so he needs to get over whatever it is he has against me."

Lucas nodded. He replayed what she said in his head. She and Nathan had been together forever and that wasn't going to change anytime soon. He only hoped that wasn't the truth. She deserved so much better than his cheating jerk of a brother."I wouldn't put too much worry into it. Nathan doesn't care what his father thinks. I don't think you should either."

"Oh, I don't. I just wish he wasn't such a jerk."

"Well you know what they say, like father like son. He must get his jerkiness from Dan."

"I was talking about Dan, not Nathan."

"Oh, right. You just said jerk and I automatically thought of Nathan."

"Okay, how did our conversation about Dan turn into you insulting my boyfriend?"

"He's my brother. I can insult him all I want."laughed Lucas.

"Look, he's sorry for acting the way he did yesterday. He said it won't happen again."

"And you believe him? How many times has he said he was sorry Brooke?"

"Lucas he knows he was out of line. We had a long talk last night."

"You did? Was the before or after you two made out in your car?"he said a little more bitter than he'd hoped for.

"You saw us?"

"Yeah, I'm sure I wasn't the only one either."

"It's not like we were doing anything wrong."

"No, but you could have a little more respect for yourself and others."said Lucas shaking his head.

Brooke glared at him."Excuse me. Who do you think you are? Don't talk to me like that. You're acting as if it's a crime to kiss my boyfriend."

Lucas looked at her. She seemed really upset with him and that was the last thing he wanted."I'm sorry. I was out of line. I shouldn't have talked to you like that. I guess I'm just more upset about Nathan than I realized."

Brooke nodded."He is sorry though. I told him he was being childish and he agreed."

"Whatever you say Brooke."

"I know he was a jerk to you, but I don't see why you won't give him the benefit of the doubt, why you won't give him another chance."

"I think you give him enough chances for the both of us."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing, it doesn't mean anything."

"Well good because I don't want to hear it. Lets just get started."she found herself really angry at him. She wasn't sure if it was the condescending way he'd talked to her or the fact that what he said was true.

Lucas nodded."Sorry. Okay, well have you read through the poem at all since we started working on it?"

There it was again, his condescending attitude. It was really bothering her because he'd never spoken to her like that. It was as if he was angry with her for some reason."Yes I have."

"Really?"asked Lucas surprised.

He was seriously pissing her off now. She got up from the couch."You know what, this wasn't a good idea. I'm just gonna go."

Lucas watched her gather her things. She was mad at him and with good reason. He was being a dick to her. Obviously seeing her with his brother like that after everything happened got to him more than he thought, but it was like she said. She wasn't doing anything wrong. She was just messing around with her boyfriend. It's not like she knew about his feelings. Even if she did she didn't owe him anything. He took a deep breath."Wait Brooke, don't go. I'm sorry."

Brooke looked at him."Are you gonna stop acting like a jerk?"she asked.

Lucas nodded."Yeah, I'm sorry about that. I guess I'm still in a bit of a bad mood."

"I get that Lucas. I'd be too if Nathan treated me the way he did you."

He wanted to scream to her that Nathan practically did everyday, but he didn't. He held it back."Still I shouldn't take it out on you."

"No, you shouldn't. I have read the poem. I've read that damn thing so many times I bet I could recite it from memory."she said as she sat back down.

Lucas just looked at her. He would have never thought that was true.

Brooke scoffed."Why do you seem so surprised?"

"I'm not."lied Lucas."I'm just curious as to what you've come up with."

"Whatever, I'll have you know that just because I'm a cheerleader that loves to go out and party and drink, it doesn't mean that I am stupid."

"I didn't say that you were."said Lucas getting a little defensive. Sure he was a bit surprised, but that didn't mean he thought she was stupid.

"No, but you were thinking it."

"I wasn't Brooke. I swear. I don't think you're stupid. I could never think that about you."

Brooke smiled."Okay, then lets just get started. The sooner we start the sooner I get to go home and get ready for the party. Are you going?"

Lucas nodded."Yeah, I wouldn't miss it for the world."

"Yeah me either, but that isn't saying much. I never miss a party, although if I were going to start it'd be this one. Teresa is a bitch and it's so lame that she threw the party the day after the game. We always have the party the same night, but I guess she always was a beat behind."

Lucas laughed at her cattiness."Okay, well we'll start and see what we get done today. I'll give you more than enough time to get ready."he smiled.

"Well thank you Luke, lets hurry and do this."

"Okay lets read through it once again so we can get reacquainted with it. Do you want to read it, since you have it memorized?"he joked.

Brooke stuck her tongue out at him playfully."No, you can do it."she really just wanted to hear his voice again. When he read she got chills down her spine. His voice was so soothing.

The Road Not Taken

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveler, long I stood

And looked down one as far as I could.

To where it bent in the undergrowth,

Then took the other, as just as fair,

And having perhaps the better claim,

Because it was grassy and wanted wear,

Though as for that, the passing there

Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay

In leaves no step had trodden black.

Oh, I kept the first for another day!

Yet knowing how way leads on to way

I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I --

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

Brooke watched him intently as he read. She was mesmerized by him every time he read it. He always seemed so interested in what he was reading. It came across every time and his voice was so deep and sensual. She could get lost in it.

"So what do you take away from the poem?"he asked knocking her out of her thoughts.

"Umm...well call me crazy, but I don't buy it."

Lucas looked at her funny."What is it that you don't buy?"this was something he really wanted to hear.

She sat up on the couch taking her sweater off."Okay well the way I see it is when you hear the title "A Road Not Taken" you interpret it as what?"she asked Lucas who shrugged wanting to hear what she had to say."Okay well most interpret it as an advertisement of individuality."

Lucas looked at her. He couldn't believe that this was the same girl that he had met in a bar and almost has sex with up against the wall in an alley. She really was smart. There was no way that Nathan was worthy of her."Really?"he asked.

"Yes. Care to hear more? I know you do."Lucas nodded and so she continued."Well, that definition is dependent on whether or not there is a road not taken in Frost's poem. I believe that Frost was too ambivalent in his descriptions of the difference between the two roads and therefore I challenge the existence of a less traveled road."

"Really?"asked Lucas getting amazed more and more by the girl in front of him. Where she came up with all of this was a mystery to him.

"Yes, but the subtraction of a less traveled road from "The Road Not Taken" produces an equation with an infinite number of interpretations for answers. So that is a whole other story."

"You're amazing, you know that?"

Brooke smiled at him."Yeah, I did, but thanks for thinking it as well. Lets get back to work though. I have a party to get ready for. Okay, so that is just one theory of mine if you take it that way. The other might be somewhat outlandish, but still a possibility."

Lucas shrugged."Well however outlandish you think it is I want to hear it."

Brooke smiled."Okay, well I'm not quite sure if I believe in a physical speaker or even a physical fork in the road. I think that the speaker and the fork in the road are spiritual ones, but because of that I believe that the two roads are equally worn, which contends that there are no real roads for the human soul. I suppose that the existence of two distinct roads implies that all life's choices are clear-cut and that there are no grays; only blacks and whites. I believe that the choice has always been dictated by his destiny. So I guess what I'm getting at is that the soul will go where it wants to, and this random journey of the soul is what I perceive as individuality."she watched Lucas stare at her."Okay, I know it's really out there and I warned you before I said anything so don't laugh."

"I would never laugh at you Brooke. I'm not gonna lie and say that wasn't an out there theory because it was, but it was put together well and for that it's believable."

"Really? I thought I'd be alone on this one."

"Oh, you are. I don't get that out of the poem at all, but still it was brilliantly thought out. You truly amazed me."

"Thank you, but since you say you didn't get it why don't you tell me whet you think this poem means."she challenged.

Lucas nodded."Okay, but mine is a little more in this world."he joked.

"Shut up."she laughed as she playfully hit him.

"Okay, okay. I'll stop. Let me think about it for a second to get my thoughts together."he reread it to himself before speaking."Well this is how I see it. I know you interpret "A Road Not Taken"as an advertisement of individuality as most others do, but not me. I interpret it as the difficulty of having to make choices at all. I mean if you really think about it the speaker in the poem actually states his desire to travel the two roads, but he cannot do so and remain one traveler."

Brooke nodded."Yeah, I get that."

"Good. So the speaker taking the independent route and going against mainstream ideology would not long to travel the road "more" taken, if there truly was a discernible difference between the two roads."

"Okay, stop there. I'm not sure I get that."

"Okay listen if there were actually two roads and they were different why would the speaker long to travel the one that most have chosen? You see it's all about choosing."Brooke nodded and he took that as her understanding so he continued."I think more proof that the poem is about the difficulty of choosing comes from the indecision emanating from line thirteen in which the speaker states, very clearly, that he kept the first road for another day. I don't think that a speaker who proudly chose the road less traveled would not long to explore the other road later in his life."he finished.

Brooke nodded."I get it, I really do, but this theory is just as out there as mine was."she laughed.

Lucas shook his head."No, way. Mine makes way more sense then yours if you just think about it."

"I get what your saying. I'm just saying we are both stretching it."

"That's fine. I think that's what he wants. He wants to see how far we're gonna go with this, how deep we're gonna look and I think we pretty much have this essay down."he stopped recording their discussion.

"You were recording us?"she asked.

Lucas nodded."Yeah. I knew we were going to be saying a lot of stuff that would need to be remembered so I used my head and recorded it."

"Smart."

"I know I am."he teased and Brooke rolled her eyes at him."Anyways as I was saying I think we have this essay pretty much down. All we need to do is work together to put it all down on paper. I don't think it will be that difficult, but still I want us to do it together that way we don't step on each others toes. I want you to get your point across as well I as mine."

Brooke nodded. This was fun, well not fun exactly, but stimulating in a way she wasn't always able to do. Sure she had meaningful conversations with her friends and Nathan, but this was different. She actually had to use her brain for this and explain her thoughts and it had been fun. She knew Lucas wouldn't make fun of her for thinking what she did and that made it all the better.

She took a deep breath as she lied herself down on the couch.

"What?"asked Lucas as he watched her.

She shook her head with her eyes shut."Nothing, it's just that this was really draining. I'm not used to using my head this much."she laughed.

Lucas didn't he just continued to look at her."Well I think you should use it more often. You're really smart Brooke. You should share it with more people."

Brooke let out another laugh as she opened her eyes."Yeah right. Like that's gonna happen. Can you imagine me as the brainy cheerleader?"

Lucas nodded looking into her eyes."Yeah, I can and I'd enjoy it too. You shouldn't hide who you really are so that to outside world will perceive you a certain way. Be who truly are Brooke. You're smart, don't hide it. It makes you all the more beautiful."

Brooke looked at him not sure what to say. She had gotten compliments before, tons of them. It wouldn't be a normal day without a dozen compliments, but this one, from Lucas topped them all. You could just tell that he meant every word he said. She noticed that he was looking at her intently which made her a bit shy."I don't know what to say."

He shook his head."You don't have to say anything, just think about it."

She smiled at him and nodded."You're something Luke, something special."he was gonna make some girl really happy.

Dan removed himself from his position behind the wall. He'd been there for a long while now. He watched them joke about their theories and he'd watched them have a real conversation and now he'd heard what he could only perceive as a connection. There was definitely something brewing between his youngest son's girlfriend and his oldest son. There was no way this wasn't going to end badly.

"I should go."said Brooke as she looked at her watch."It's getting late and I still need to get ready for the party."

"Brooke it's only 6:00. I doubt you'll be making an appearance before 11:30."

"You already know me so well."she laughed."

"So why would you need to rush home to get ready?"

"Maybe you don't know so well. It takes a long time to look this good."

Lucas shook his head."You could go in sweats, no make up and hair up and still be the prettiest girl at the party."

Brooke rolled her eyes."Lucas stop."

"It's true."

"Either way. I have to go."

Lucas raised his hand and pointed toward the door."Then I guess I'll be seeing you Ms. Davis."

"Yeah, I'll see you at the party. Bye Luke."

Lucas watched as she let herself out of the house. This afternoon had been a lot of fun. He knew it would be fun, seeing how she was Brooke, but it had been more than that. She'd shown him a side of her that he was sure she didn't show everyone. That made it all the more special. He wondered if she knew how amazing she was, if she knew she was the one that was something special. He doubted it though. He doubted that in their everyday conversations that Nathan would tell Brooke that she was smart. He doubted that he would even tell her that she was beautiful. There was no doubt that he would tell her that she was hot or sexy, but those words didn't mean anything. She had to know she was sexy.

Lucas sat there in his thoughts and hadn't noticed his father enter the living room.

"I see the lovely Ms. Davis has gotten to you."

Lucas looked over to him."Excuse me."he wasn't sure where Dan was going with this and to tell you the truth he really didn't want to hear it.

"She's quite a girl, isn't she?"

Lucas continued to look at his father."What is this about?"

Dan shrugged."Nothing. You two just seemed to be getting along pretty well, that's all."

"Well we are friends."

"I see that. Well anyways, how about you and your old man have a late dinner and then maybe we can catch a movie or something?"

"Umm…well I'm all for a late dinner, but I'm going to a party tonight so I'll have to take a rain check on the movie."

Dan nodded."Okay then dinner it is. I have a conference call in about an hour so as soon as that is over we'll go get that dinner."said Dan happy that his son was willing to spend some time with him.

"Sounds like a plan."nodded Lucas who turned away, wanting to get back to his thoughts of the brunette that had just left his house.

Brooke sauntered into Teresa's a little after 11:00, arm looped with Peyton's. She looked incredible and she knew it. She wore a black mini skirt and a low cut leopard print halter top that stopped just above her navel. Her feet were clad in black strappy stilettos. Her hair was down and wavy. Her eyeshadow was done to make that smokey sexy look.

Peyton on the other hand wore a pair of faded jeans and a red Scorpions concert tee. She had on a pair of converse, with her hair as curly as always. She too was stunning, but in her laid back way.

Brooke pulled her through the house as they made their rounds, telling everyone hi before making a beeline to the kitchen for drinks.

Brooke picked up a bottle of Vodka and held it to her chest."You are going to be my best friend tonight."she spoke to the bottle causing Peyton to laugh.

"So what does that make me?"she asked.

Brooke rolled her eyes."I just want to drink and have a good time. I think I've earned it after all the thinking I did today."

"Ah, you worked on your English essay thing with Lucas? Was he shocked that you weren't a complete moron?"

"No, I didn't think she was a moron to begin with, but I will say that she surprised me on how smart she really is."said Lucas as he made his way into the kitchen for a drink. He went to stand next to Brooke and bumped her hip slightly."You gonna share that Vodka?"he asked placing a hand over hers on the bottle.

Brooke nodded."You're lucky you're cute. Here."she said handing him the bottle.

"But she wants it back."said Peyton."She's already called it as her best friend."she laughed.

Lucas turned back to Brooke."Planning on getting drunk I see."

Brooke nodded."I need to blow off some steam."

"Yeah, seems as if someone wore her out this afternoon."joked Peyton.

Brooke rolled her eyes."Don't pay any attention to her."she mock whispered the rest."I think she's already drunk. That or she's just crazy."she smiled.

Peyton lifted her cup of beer as if to throw it at Brooke."You're gonna get it Brooke. Keep saying I'm crazy and people are gonna start believing it."

Lucas shook his head and took a drink of his Vodka and Sprite."You two are crazy."he said as he left the kitchen.

Peyton turned to Brooke."So what was with all the touchy feely crap?"

"What are you talking about?"she feigned ignorance.

"Oh please don't try and act like it didn't happen. I saw the hip bumping and the whole hand holding over the bottle. He's hot for you Brooke."

Brooke rolled her eyes."No he's not. He's Nathan's brother."

"So, that didn't stop you two from almost having sex in the alley outside Blue Post."

Teresa's eyes widened at what she had just heard. Brooke had almost slept with her boyfriend's brother. This was just too juicy to keep to herself.

"Yeah, well we didn't know they were related at the time we hooked up. Now please be quiet about that. The last thing I need is for some stupid whore who is hot for Nathan to over hear and tell him."

Peyton nodded."True. He would kill you if he ever found out."

"Exactly."said Brooke as she refilled her cup with more Vodka.

The party was as every other party always was. There was drinking, dancing, horny teenagers making out all throughout the house. It was a typical good night.

Brooke stood in a corner and watched her best friend dance and make out with some guy. She seemed to be enjoying herself. Brooke looked closer and noticed it was Jake Jagelski. He wasn't Mr. Popular, but to each his own.

She turned around as she felt someone approach her from behind. She smiled."Hey Lucas. I haven't seen you in a while."

"Just making the rounds. These parties are crazy. I think I actually saw two people outside having sex on an old tire swing."

"Eww."said Brooke with a laugh.

"Yeah, it's pretty gross."said Lucas with a smile."You wanna go see."

Brooke nodded excitedly and followed Lucas out of the party.

Teresa watched the two walk away together. She figured they must be finishing what they started since Nathan seemed to be MIA tonight.

They walked over to the swing that was now vacant.

"I guess they're done already."said Lucas.

"Yeah, poor girl."she smiled as she rested against the tree.

"You don't seem too drunk."noticed Lucas.

"So?"

"It's just that you said you wanted to get drunk tonight and blow off steam."

Brooke shrugged."I did, but I changed my mind. It doesn't feel right with Nathan not here. I'm actually kind of bored. I think I might head home soon. Peyton's probably gonna go home with Jake."

Lucas nodded."Yeah I saw them getting pretty hot and heavy in there."he laughed.

Brooke nodded."That's my girl. I taught her well."she took a drink from her cup."So what about you Lucas? You having a good time?"

"I am now."he said looking at her.

"Lucas."

"Don't worry Brooke, I'm just saying I like talking to you."

She smiled."I like talking to you too."she said as her phone rang. She flipped it open and saw who it was. She looked over to Lucas."I have to take this. It's Nathan."

Lucas nodded."Yeah, I should be getting back to the party anyways. See you in there in a few?"

"Yeah, I'll be right there."she turned away from him and answered her phone.

Lucas watched her slowly walk off as she talked to his brother, her boyfriend. He turned around and made his way back to the party.

"Hey baby."said Brooke into her phone.

"I have needed to hear your voice all day."smiled Nathan.

"I take it visiting the grandparents wasn't much fun?"she laughed.

"You wouldn't believe how boring it was B. They asked about you though. They send their love. They keep asking when we're gonna get married."

Brooke scoffed."They do remember that we are only 17, right?"

"That's what I said, but they don't care. They got married when they were 16 and are still together."

"Well good for them, but they aren't us. Nathan I love you, but I am no where near ready to marry you. I mean I know we will one day, but not now."

"Don't worry Brooke, I'm with you. We'll get married, but later."

"That's the plan."said Brooke as she heard someone yell out to her."I'll be right there."she yelled back.

"Where are you?"

"At Teresa's party. It's kinda a bore though without you."

"Of course it is. Is Lucas there?"

Brooke sighed."Don't start Nathan."

"I'm not starting anything. I'm just asking if he's there."

"Yes he is."

"Have you talked to him."

"He's your brother Nathan, of course I've talked to him."

"I wish you wouldn't."

"Nathan I don't want to fight."

"Neither do I. Look I'm sorry, you're right. I shouldn't have said anything."

"It's fine."she heard Peyton call out to her once again."Hey, I should go. Peyton keeps yelling at me to go back to the party."

"Okay. I guess I'll talk to you later. I love you babe."

"I love you too."she flipped the phone shut and made her way back to the party. Everyone was gathered around a table."What's going on?"

"There you are Brookie."said a drunk Teresa."We've been playing I never, but you know it's never any fun unless you play."

"That's true. I was gonna leave, but I guess I'll play for a while."she went to stand next Peyton.

"What were you doing out there?"asked Peyton.

"Talking to Nathan."

"So where is the boyfriend tonight Brookie?"asked Teresa.

"Home. He was with is mom today."she said as if they actually cared.

"Well isn't that sweet. You have the sweetest boyfriend, don't you?"

Brooke shrugged."He's alright."she was beginning to get bothered at everyones attention being on her and her missing boyfriend."Are we going to play or what?"

"You go Brooke."someone shouted.

"Okay, I never…"she couldn't think of anything so she just said the first thing that came to mind as she watched someone in the distance puking."I never got so wasted I slept in my own vomit."

"Gross."was what was said through out the group causing Brooke to shrug and a few to drink.

It was Peyton's turn."I never had sex in a dressing room at the mall."she said looking at Brooke.

"Thanks P Sawyer."said Brooke as she took a shot of Vodka.

"Really?"asked Teresa."Nathan?"she questioned.

Brooke rolled her eyes."Of course with Nathan. Who else could it be?"

Teresa shrugged smugly with a smile which made Brooke want to walk over there and slap it off of her. There was something going on with her, she could feel it.

"Why don't you go next Lucas?"someone offered.

"Sure. I never…"he thought for a second before looking at Brooke and speaking."I never had sex in a swing outside a party."

Brooke looked at him and laughed, wondering if the people who he saw would fess up. No one did.

The look the two shared didn't go unnoticed by Teresa. Maybe that's what they were doing out there."Okay, it's my turn."she shouted as if she couldn't wait. She looked directly at Brooke."I never messed with…"she paused as if debating if she should actually continue."Nathan."she said looking up from Brooke.

"What?"people questioned.

"Nathan is here."she said pointing at him.

Brooke looked around and saw her boyfriend was indeed there. She got up from her seat and made her way to him. She threw her arms around him and gave him a kiss."What are you doing here? I thought you were grounded?

"I am, but my mom gave me tonight off. She said I earned it after having to put up with my grandparents."

"Good."she kissed him once more before pulling him over to the table with her.

"Yes, Nathan come play with us."said Teresa. This was even better than she had planned.

Nathan gave her a weird look. She seemed a little too excited having him play."Yeah, okay. What's the game?"

Brooke rolled her eyes."It's just I never. We could just go if you want. I wouldn't mind spending some time alone with you."she smiled and he agreed.

"Oh come on, you two can have sex any time you want. Stay here with us for a while."said Peyton grabbing onto Brooke's arm.

Brooke turned to Nathan."Is it alright if we stay for a while?"

"Yeah, whatever. Whose turn is it anyways?"

"Mine."smiled Teresa.

"Well then lets get to it."said Nathan as he took a big drink from Brooke's cup.

"Okay, well…"she trailed. She wasn't sure she could actually go through with it now that Nathan was standing right in front of her. It would be mean, but then again if Brooke was cheating on him with his very own brother didn't he have the right to know? It wasn't like Peyton was making any effort to say anything, but then again she was Brooke's friend so of course she wasn't going to say anything.

"If you don't hurry, we're just gonna skip you."laughed Brooke."It's not our fault that you can't find anything you haven't done."everyone seemed to laugh at her comment.

That was it. Brooke made up her mind for her. Nobody made fun of her at her own party."Okay. I never…"she looked at Lucas and then to Brooke. She looked so smug holding onto Nathan. She liked Brooke, but she hated that she always looked down at everyone other than Peyton, like she was so much better then them. She needed to be knocked down a few pegs."I never almost had sex with my boyfriend's brother in an alley outside a bar."she smiled.

Brooke's head jerked to Peyton as if to accuse her of telling Teresa. Peyton shook her head indicating it wasn't her so she turned to Lucas, who looked back at her just as shocked as she was. Her heart was racing. This wasn't happening. This couldn't be happening.

"Aren't you gonna drink up Brookie."smirked Teresa.

Brooke glared at her. She was such a bitch. She turned to Nathan once she felt him roughly pull away from her.

"What the hell is she talking about Brooke?"Teresa had to be lying. Brooke wouldn't do that to him. He watched her look at him guiltily."Brooke?"he questioned again.

"I'm so sorry Nathan."

"What? It's true?"he shouted.

Brooke nodded, tears already forming and threatening to spill out.

"You and that bastard? No."he shook his head."It's a mistake."

"Let me explain."she pleaded.

It was all sinking in now. Brooke had been with his brother. She cheated on him with his own brother."You bitch."he said as he glared at her before walking away from the table.

"Nathan wait."yelled Brooke as she went after him.

Peyton left Jake's side and walked over to Teresa. Teresa smiled at her and that was all she needed, She raised her hand and slapped her across the face. She held her throbbing hand."I hope that was worth it because Brooke is going to tear you apart."she shook her head before walking away.

Lucas stood there with everyones eyes on him as if wanting answers. He wasn't about to give them anything. He walked out the back door. He was torn. He wanted to go after Brooke who had gone after Nathan. He wanted to make sure she was okay. In the little time he spent with Nathan he could tell he had a temper and he wasn't sure what he would do if angry enough.

"Nathan!"yelled Brooke, but he would stop walking. She began to run as fast as her shoes would let her and finally caught up with him as he was reaching his car."Nathan wait."she pulled on his arm making him face her.

He pulled his arm out of her grasp."Brooke stay the hell away from me. I won't be responsible for my actions if you don't leave me alone."

"What are you gonna do Nathan?"she questioned.

"Just go."

She shook her head."No, I need to explain. You have to let me. You owe me that much."

"I don't have to do a damn thing. You're just a slut Brooke and I don't owe you anything."

Brooke cringed at his words. She hated when he talked to her like this, but what did she expect? He had just found out she was messing with his brother."It was one time only. I promise."she explained anyways.

Nathan scoffed."If that's your story."he couldn't believe he was standing here listening to her try to explain what she did."I knew something was going on that time I found you two together in the restroom practically naked."

Brooke shook her head vigorously."Nothing happened that day. It was like I said. I thought it was you."

"Quit lying Brooke. You're not good at it."

"I'm not lying. Nothing happened that day. I was with Lucas the night before I left for Paris. I swear to you that was the only time. We weren't even technically together and I didn't know he was your brother at time. I'm sorry."

Nathan scoffed."Do you think any of that matters? It doesn't. Whether it was one time, which I don't believe it was, or a dozen times you still did it and that doesn't make you any less of a bitch."

Brooke wiped at her tears. She knew he would react this way, but it didn't make it hurt any less.

"That's enough Nathan. You have no right talking to her like that."said Lucas as he walked over to the two.

Nathan let out a laugh."And here you are. I was wondering if you would show your face or just slink away like the little bitch that you are."

"I'm right here Nathan. You can talk to me any way you want, but you need to leave Brooke alone."

Nathan turned to Brooke."Here he is defending your honor. This was what you wanted all along wasn't it?"

"Nathan stop."she pleaded.

"Stop what? You're the one that wanted to talk, now talk. Was it good? Did it feel good when he had you up against the wall?"

"Nathan."she whispered looking at the ground.

Nathan shook his head."I mean I knew you were into kinky shit Brooke, but outside in an alley? That's even more slutty than I thought you were."he knew he was hurting her with his words, but so what. His worst fears were true. Brooke had been with his brother and it hurt like hell. She'd spent numerous times reassuring him that this was never going to happen. It had all been a lie.

"Nathan shut the hell up. Don't talk to her like that."

Nathan held up his hands."That's fine. I really don't want to talk to her at all."he turned toward his car.

"Nathan wait."called out Brooke as she stepped forward.

Nathan turned around and saw her trying to follow him. He looked at Lucas."I suggest you keep your slut away from me."he took one last look at Brooke who was now crying fully before getting into his car and driving away.

Brooke stood in place and watched Nathan disappear. She let the tears fall. Everything was so screwed up.

Lucas walked over to her and placed his arm around her. She shrugged him off."Brooke come on."

"Come on what?"

"This isn't my fault. Don't take it out on me."

"How the hell did Teresa find out? The only person that knew other than us was Peyton and there is no way that she said anything."

"Well I don't know. I didn't say anything. I told you I wouldn't."

"Then how?"

"I don't know Brooke. Maybe she over heard you talking about it."

"Like I talk about that night."

"Well then I don't know what to say."

"Shit. Everything is so screwed up right now. I don't know how to fix it."

"Maybe you shouldn't. Maybe you should just forget about him."

Brooke turned to look at him."Yeah, well maybe you should stay the hell out of this. You know what, stay the hell away from me as well."she turned to walk away.

Lucas watched her leave. She was hurting and there was nothing he could do to help her. All she wanted was for Nathan to forgive her. He shook his head and made his way to his car. He was dreading going home. He knew Nathan was going to be there and he wasn't going to be happy to see him.

Nathan parked his car in the driveway and took a deep breath. This wasn't happening. This couldn't be happening.

He place the palms of his hands on both sides of his forehead and pounded them up and down, willing the ache in his heart to go away. Before he even realize it tears were threatening to spill out. This was a pain he had never felt before. This wasn't supposed to happen. Brooke wasn't supposed to do this to him. She was the one that no matter what happened he could trust the most. She was the one that was always supposed to be there, no matter how big of a jerk he was. She was one he was gonna marry someday. She was suppose to love him, not his brother.

He let out a loud angry yell. She was with Lucas. She let him touch her. She let him put his hands all over her body. She let all that happen outside in a dirty alley. How could she do that? He remembered the night before she left. They had a fight after he called her because she was wasted. That was the night she was with Lucas. She was drunk. She was drunk and that's why she allowed herself to be with him. Did that mean it was okay? No, that wasn't an excuse.

He cursed himself for not figuring this out sooner. He knew something was going on. He could feel they had something together. They were always too friendly with each other. They must have been laughing at him behind his back all this time.

Nathan angrily wiped at his tears. He hated her for making this happen. He hated her for making him feel this way. He was doing something he never thought he would. Cry. He was crying over her. Why did he have to love her so much? Why did she have to be so important to him? Why did he have to care so much?

He knew he had been an ass to her in the past, but never would he have hurt her this way. He would never have messed around with Peyton. Sure he had someone he went to every once in a while when he and Brooke would be on a break, but she wasn't Brooke's best friend or sister. She didn't even really matter to him. She was just someone that was there to pass the time with.

Nathan caught sight of himself in the rear view mirror. He was a mess. His eyes were red and watery. He looked horrible. Never in a million years did he think this would happen. Sure he was worried it would, but he always knew that no matter how much he worried about it Brooke would never do it. He knew he shouldn't really be angry with her because of what he did behind her back, but she wasn't him. She was supposed to be better than him. He held her on this pedestal above everybody else.

He took a deep breath trying to regain some control. Brooke had made a fool of him. Everyone would know that his girlfriend, the one not hours ago he'd talked about marrying, had cheated on him with his brother. What was he supposed to do about that? What did everyone expect from him? How was he supposed to deal with all this? Should he show everyone that he was hurting? No, that was out of the question. There was no way in hell he could let everyone know that Brooke broke his heart. Nathan Scott couldn't be perceived as weak. They would all laugh at him. He couldn't let that happen. No, from here on out, he couldn't be sad. He couldn't cry, he couldn't show he gave a damn. No, from here on out Brooke meant nothing to him. That's the only way to show everyone that he didn't care. It was the only way that people wouldn't pity him.

Nathan raised his hand up and wiped away the remaining tears that stained his face. This wasn't him. He didn't cry over anyone, especially not over a girl who obviously didn't give a crap about him, one that could lie to his face for weeks and not feel the least bit bad.

He took one final deep breath before opening the car door and getting out. All he wanted to do was go inside and go to sleep, forget tonight ever happened.

Lucas drove home thinking about what it was he could do to help Brooke fix things. He didn't think she should stay with Nathan, especially after the way he talked about her tonight, but for some reason she still wanted him.

Once he got home he took a deep breath before entering the house. He wasn't sure what was going to be waiting for him on the other side of the door.

As soon as he opened the door he saw Nathan. He was on his way up the stairs. He saw him shake his head in disgust before proceeding up the stairs."Nathan, we need to talk."

"There is no way I am talking to you."said Nathan as he took the stairs two at a time.

Lucas ran up the stairs after him."Seriously, we need to talk about Brooke."

Nathan stopped walking at the mention of his girlfriend's name coming out of his brother's mouth."I don't want to hear what you have to say about her. You want her? Take her. I'm done with her anyways. She's a good lay, but you probably already know that."

"We're not sleeping together. What happened with us was a one time thing and she didn't even know who I was."

Nathan laughed."That sounds kinda slutty to me, but hey, if that's what you're interested in then go for it."

Lucas took a step forward toward him."You're supposed to love her. How can you talk about her like that? You have no respect for her, do you?"

Nathan too took a step toward Lucas."Don't you dare act as if you know how I feel about her. You have no clue what our relationship is about."

"Really? Because I know that you cheated on Brooke while she was away. Why you are so angry at her for doing the same is beyond me. If you respected her you wouldn't have done that."

"You condescending little bastard. Don't you even try and act as if what I did is worse than what you two did."

"That doesn't even matter right now. What matters is the way you treat her. You need to pull your head out of your ass and apologize to her because if you don't I will go after her and I will treat her the way she should be treated and she won't even remember being with you."

That was all it took. Nathan lunged at Lucas and landed a punch square across his jaw.

Lucas was dazed for a second when he was thrown against the wall, having the air knocked out of him. He closed his eyes as he saw Nathan's fist come at him. It only took him a few seconds to get himself together and go after Nathan. His fist went straight for Nathan's eye. He heard Nathan yell out in pain before he was thrown to the floor by him.

Both boys swung at the other while wrestling on the ground before Dan appeared and with all his strength pulled them apart.

"That's enough."Dan shouted as his wife looked on scared."What the hell is going on?"

Nathan and Lucas just stared at each other not bothering to answer their father.

"I asked you two a question. What the hell is going on?"

Nathan shook his head."Nothing. I just can't stand the guy and I haven't pretended otherwise."

"That doesn't give you the right to physically assault him."chimed in Deb.

Nathan turned to her. He hadn't even realized she was there."I'm sorry mom, but he deserved it. I'd do it again."

"You will do no such thing. You two are brothers and you need to get along as such. Do you understand?"she asked. No one answered her."I do expect an answer."

"That's not gonna happen mom. I'm sorry. I don't ever want to see this guy again."

"What is this all about?"demanded Dan. He watched as both boys just stared at each other not answering him."Alright, nobody wants to talk. Then fine, you both are grounded until I decide otherwise. Now I don't want to see either of your faces right now so get to your rooms and don't dare come out."

Both boys stared each other down before going to their rooms.

"Dan what are we going to do?"asked Deb sadly.

Dan turned to his wife and pulled her into his arms."I don't know, I really don't know."and he didn't. They boys weren't getting along no matter what he tried and tonight they actually became physical. There was only one reason he could think of as to why his sons would go to blows. Brooke Davis.

Okay, so most if not all aren't really liking Nathan right now, and that's understandable.lol I feel like I should explain his character a little. I want you to keep in mind that he is a jerk as he was in S1.He's like Brooke, they both lash out when they are hurt. They want you to hurt as much as they are hurting. That combined with the fact that he's going through a lot makes him act like a jerk. His whole life is changing now that Lucas moved in. His father has basically chosen Lucas over him, or that's how he feels. Lucas is everywhere he turns. He feels as if Lucas is trying to take everything that is his. He has this feeling that something is going on with him and Brooke. He just isn't taking all this well. Now he finds out that Brooke was with Lucas. The one thing he was openly worried about. So he's dealing with a lot right now. Nathan is going to get worse before he gets better. I hope you all keep this in mind before hating Nathan completely. Anyways, thank you all for all the reviews. I love them. Thanks. Read and review again. lol