Well I'm finally back with an update. lol I just want to say a huge thank you to Elena for everything she did to get me off my ass and finish this chapter. She helped me figure out what should happen when my mind was completely blank. She really is the best. Anyways I hope you all enjoy and hopefully the next chapter won't take as long. Thanks!!!
Chapter Thirteen
Family Ties
The day had been pretty much uneventful. If Peyton hadn't known any better she would think Brooke was fine with the break up, but she did in fact know her best friend. Brooke could put up as big a front as she wanted, but there was no way Peyton was going fall for it.
Yet Brooke had actually laughed today, and that was something she hadn't seen her do in a while. Peyton was sure of one thing and one thing only. That Lucas was the cause for these small happy glimpses in Brooke. Lucas was a good guy, Peyton would give him that. He was someone she could see her best friend being with, someone she could see Brooke become a better person with. As opposed to the completely unhealthy circle Brooke had run with Nathan for so long.
It really blew to find out that Lucas was in fact Nathan's half-brother. Peyton knew that this little information was a definite deal breaker in Brooke's eyes. To her Lucas had everything but a sign flashing "off limits" over his head. No matter how much Brooke may have liked Lucas, the fact that he was related to Nathan? Was a real buzz kill and would ruin any chance she would have given him.
Peyton wasn't even sure Brooke saw Lucas as anything more than just a friend. At this point, how she felt for Lucas wasn't really the biggest thing on Peyton's mind. Brooke really didn't need to jump into another relationship. Not when her last one had been so dreadful. Brooke needed to just be Brooke for a while. She needed to find herself again and Peyton was gonna be there to help her do just that.
All Peyton wanted was for Brooke to be happy and in order for that to happen Nathan needed to back off and leave her alone. Sure she'd told Brooke she wouldn't say anything to him about his latest scheme, even as she'd said those words last night she knew she was going to do exactly that. There was no way she could let him get away with hurting Brooke the way he had. When she'd heard what he'd done it sickened her. How the hell could Nathan do that to Brooke? How could he go from supposedly loving her to offering her to a friend?
Nathan was an asshole. It was as simple as that. He was a jerk who didn't deserve Brooke. It would serve him right to have to watch her fall for his brother, but of course there was no way Brooke would do that.
Standing off to the side of the gym, Peyton waited for Nathan to enter the ring. She really hoped that he would get there before Brooke so she could give him a piece of her mind without having to worry about her distraught best friend trying to stop her.
Her patience and prayers was rewarded as she watched Nathan make his way to his side of the gym. A slight cocky swagger in his step, did he really have no soul? What did she expect? He was the son of Dan Scott. Yet deep down, even Peyton knew Nathan was better than this. This popular jock "I'm the man" façade was getting entirely too old.
"Hey jerk!" shouted Peyton as she went after him, hell bent on knocking him down a few pegs. "I know you hear me Nathan." she let out just as annoyed.
Nathan let out a sigh. He should have been expecting this. There was no way that Peyton would let this go. She was after all severely protective of Brooke. So much so she became a total fucking bitch whenever someone upset her best friend. "What do you want Peyton? If you can't tell I really need to start warm ups." he replied as he paused in his walk toward his team, turning to face her with a scowl.
"No, what you need is for someone to kick your ass! Who the hell do you think you are Nathan?" she shouted at him, causing all sorts of people to look whirl around in their direction.
Feeling the penetrating gazes of his peers, Nathan's eyes could not help but dart around to the ever so watchful faces. Sure he'd been used to being the center of attention, but that was not what he wanted for this particular conversation. He knew what he'd done was horrible. But there was no way he wanted his idiotic actions broadcasted to everyone. "Not now Peyton." he growled through gritted teeth.
At this, Peyton scoffed. "Not now? Not now?" she repeated incredulously. "Why not Nathan? Are you afraid that everyone will hear exactly how big of a jackass you really are?"
Nathan's jaw tightened. There wasn't a snowballs chance in hell that Peyton was about to drop this. "I don't have time for this." he said and turned away from her.
"You know what I don't have time for?" she yelled, completely ignoring his subtle brush off. "I don't have time to sit and watch my best friend cry over some loser when our time should be spent other ways. You are such a freaking jerk Nathan. You don't deserve her and I'm gonna see to it that she stays as far away from you as possible." She sneered.
Nathan only showed a tired and bored expression in response, an act that shot Peyton through the roof.
"If you could try and pass her off to your friends I bet there isn't anything you won't do to her, is there?" she snorted, "Yeah you heard me everyone!" She shouted toward the people in the gym, "Nathan tried to pimp Brooke out to one of his buddies. Can you believe that? He actually tried to get her to have sex with another guy!" she laughed at the absurdity of it all, "I really don't need to express how that is all kinds of fucked up."
Nathan fumed as he watched the disapproving looks and the shaking of heads that came from the cheerleaders and even some of the guys from the team. "Why don't you just mind your own damn business Peyton and shut the hell up!" he shouted at her as he stepped toward her menacingly. "I mean it." He was furious at her, more furious than he'd ever been before.
"Whoa." Jake replied shakily, suddenly popping up between Peyton and Nathan. "Dude, you just need to chill out. Walk away Nathan. Just walk away." He spoke as a warning.
"I'm not scared of him." Peyton teased further, loving the fact that she was getting Nathan so worked up. It was time he was the uncomfortable one for a change.
"You really need to control that girlfriend of yours." said Nathan as he did as he was told and took one step back. He took a deep breath trying to control his nerves. Peyton was a real bitch. There was no doubt about that.
"I mean it Nathan. Stay the hell away from Brooke. If you don't I'm sure your brother won't mind kicking your ass." Peyton snapped with malice.
"Go to hell Peyton!" yelled Nathan not bothering to turn to her.
Just moments after the dramatic altercation between two of Tree Hill's most popular people, Brooke pulled the gym doors open and walked in. It wasn't long before she felt the unspoken tension in the room. She looked around as all eyes fell on her. Cautiously she made her way to Peyton, leaning into her to ask in a confused whisper, "Okay, what the hell did I just walk into?"
"Nothing." Peyton responded with a nonchalant shrug, "Lets just stretch." she said as she began to walk away from her brunette best friend.
Brooke stuck out her arm to block Peyton's path, "Seriously, what is it?" something had just gone down and she wanted to know what it was.
Casually rolling her eyes as if she had not been the star actress in what was to be one of the schools most talked about arguments; Peyton smirked. "I just let everyone know how big of a jerk Nathan is and well," she quirked the side of her mouth, "he didn't seem to appreciate that too much."
Brooke's eyes widened in surprise. "You did what?" she should have known no matter what Peyton wasn't gonna leave things alone.
"Everyone knows that Nathan is a son of a bitch." Peyton stated, "I mean come on, did you seriously think I was just gonna let this one go? You're my best friend Davis, and the guy needed to get off his high horse."
Brooke shook her head in amazement, "I really wish you wouldn't have done that Peyton. I mean it's kinda embarrassing." she said looking around to see if people were looking at her. They were. "I didn't want anyone to know."
"None of this is your fault Brooke. You shouldn't be embarrassed because Nathan is a cock sucker." she let out furiously.
Brooke could not suppress a laugh. Peyton sure had a way with words. She gathered her best friend in her arms and gave her a tight hug. "Thanks Peyt. I don't know what I would do without you."
"Yeah, I have my moments. Just let me know if you need anything. I got a shovel and lots of trunk space. Not to mention a boyfriend who will lie for me on the stand, I got you Brooke." She bumped hips with her friend, "Hoes over Bros?" Her brow rose as she held her fist out.
Brooke laughed, "Hoes over Bros." they bumped fists.
"Whew," Peyton shivered, "that was oddly invigorating." She snickered. "I should scream at jerks more often."
"Get your scrawny ass in formation Goldilocks," Brooke snorted and pushed her friend forward with a laugh.
"Hey Brooke." called out Lucas as he adjusted his book bag while swaggering quickly to catch up with Brooke as she made her way to the parking lot.
Brooke stopped mid stride allowing him to catch up. "Hey Luke. What's up?" she asked once he fell into step with her.
"Nothing. I was wondering if maybe you wanted to work on our English assignment today." he asked cautiously. Brooke Davis and work did not go together. That he was able to figure out in the short amount of time he'd been here.
Brooke narrowed her eyes and looked forward as if thinking it over. "You know as tempting as that sounds, I think I'm gonna have to pass. Homework is not what I had in mind when considering suitable evening activities. Sorry." she gave him a small smile. "No, what I'm about to do is go home, peel off these sweaty clothes," she pulled at her practice attire." And soak in a hot steamy bubble bath." she closed her eyes and sighed at the mere thought of her relaxing ritual.
Lucas let out a smirk. "You know, that sounds a hell of a lot better than what I had in mind. Need some company in that bath of yours?" he asked eyes gleaming in anticipation.
Brooke kinked an eye brow. "No suck luck Hot Shot. Get your mind off of my bath. That's one place you will never be." she shot him a mock stern look.
Lucas placed a hand over his heart and yelped as if in pain. "Damn girl, way to kick a guy when he's down." he watched as Brooke rolled her eyes at his antics. "Well are we ever gonna work on our assignment? You know sometime before it's due." he asked her playfully.
"Do we have to?" whined Brooke as she pouted. That was her fool proof way of getting what she wanted. Guys couldn't resist her sad puppy dog eyes. "I mean can't you just do it?" she further pouted." You're so good at these types of things. Smart intelligent people always are." she said trying to butter up the blonde blue eyed hottie before her. If she'd learned anything, it was always compliment the guy. Stroke his ego to get what you wanted. "I'd owe you immensely." she finished batting her eye lashes at him innocently.
Lucas let out a chuckle. This girl seemed to know how to work a guy over. Luckily for him though, he could resist her. "You know I'm tempted to do that, seeing how amazing your little act was, but if I did work on this by myself then I'd miss out on my very important Brooke time. And I just can't have that." he said sarcastically as he looked over at her.
Brooke scoffed. This was a first. Normally all she had to do was a bat her perfectly painted eye lashes at a guy and they fought to give her what she wanted. Lucas Scott was definitely not your average run of the mill guy. "And we can't have that now can we?" she widened her eyes knowingly.
"Exactly. I'm glad you see my reasoning." he gave her a playful smiled." So..."he trailed off knowing she'd understand what he was getting at.
"Fine."sighed Brooke as if she were annoyed."If you aren't willing to change your mind." she paused to look over at him. He shook his head no."Then I guess we could work on the stupid thing tomorrow."Brooke rolled her eyes at the huge grin that appeared on Lucas face."You're gonna be the death of me Lucas."she playfully pushed him.
"Just what I love to hear."said Lucas as he reached out and gave her shoulder a squeeze."Well then I guess I'll let you get home to that bubble bath of yours. See ya Brooke."he waved at her before walking off in the direction of his car.
"Bye Luke."said Brooke as she looked after him. Before taking another step toward her car she reached into her bag in search of her keys and came up empty handed."Shit." cursed Brooke aloud when she remembered exactly where her keys lay. She'd set them carelessly down in her locker when searching for her lip gloss. Fuming Brooke turned herself around and proceeded toward the gym.
Nathan had been on his way to his car when his eyes landed on Brooke as she made her way into the parking lot. His movements stilled when he heard his brother call out to the person occupying his mind. Nathan knew watching those two interact wasn't a good idea. That it would only piss him off in the end, but some unseen force kept him planted in front of the gym. There was no way he could take his eyes off the two, no matter how painful it would be.
Nathan couldn't believe how at ease they seemed with each other. There was no way he could miss the way they took any and every opportunity to touch each other. Their innocent gestures sent his mind reeling. The fact that they didn't care enough to be discreet was almost too much.
He found himself wondering what they were talking about. What they could possibly have in common worth talking about. His imagination was now in overdrive.
Nathan was so caught up on what Brooke and his brother had been discussing that he almost missed the fact that she was heading in his direction.
Brooke shifted the bag on her shoulder as she looked forward for the first time. Her eyes landed on the lone figure stood motionless in front of the gym doors."Just great."she muttered to herself as her steps came slower. She'd done a pretty good job of avoiding Nathan all day, but of course with her luck that wouldn't last.
The last thing the brunette wanted was to be anywhere near Nathan. He'd hurt her more than she thought he ever would and the fact that she still couldn't stop loving him made her stomach turn. After every horrible thing he'd done to her she should hate him. She wanted to be able to look at him and not want to break down, but her heart wouldn't let her. Her heart hadn't yet caught up to her head.
So until that happened she'd vowed to stay away from him completely. In her mind if she could just not see him everything would be okay. When Nathan wasn't in front of her face she wasn't reminded of the fact that they were screwed up. That the four year relationship and life long friendship was over, but avoiding Nathan turned out to be a harder task than previously thought.
Deciding to act as if he wasn't there she took a deep breath, adjusted her book bag, held her head high and looked forward as she tried to walk past Nathan.
The closer Brooke got to him the fast his heart began to pound. He didn't want to still want her, but it wasn't something he could stop just because he wanted to. He watched as she made no effort to look his way or even stop for that matter. He wasn't sure how he felt about that. On one hand this was what he wanted, but on the other it really wasn't. Without even thinking about it he opened his mouth."I see you're with Lucas now."he found himself saying.
Brooke shook her head at him as she made no attempt to stop."I don't have time for this Nathan."she said not once looking his way. Even without turning to face him fully she could tell he was bothered.
"It's cool."said Nathan with a shrug."I just find it funny that you repeatedly told me nothing was going on with you two, but yet you are always together."he added knowing his little comment would guarantee a confrontation with her.
Brooke stopped and turned to Nathan."You know it's really unbelievable how you can take one incident and twist it into something that suits your purpose. You see me talking to Lucas one time and from that you get that we are always together. Seriously Nathan you should see somebody about that."she looked at him coldly as she attempted to walk away.
"It was more than one time."he let out.
"What?"asked Brooke stopping to face him once again.
"I saw you with Lucas more than once so don't give me that crap. "Nathan spewed as he gave her a scowl.
"Oh, so now you're stalking me?" She snapped incredulously.
"Get over yourself," he snorted, "its just hard to miss you flaunting yourself in front of the guy all the time. Which I'm sure you do purposely." He scowled.
Brooke took a deep breath before taking a step toward Nathan. "Okay lets get this straight once and for all. Lucas and I are friends and friends spend time together. Now you and I." she motioned between the two of them. "Are nothing. Therefore I don't need to explain anything to you." she shot him a harsh glare before walking away from him and into the gym.
Once the door slammed shut behind her Brooke allowed herself to sink down to the floor in a crying heap. That was the hardest thing she had done. Pretending to be strong and acting as if she no longer cared that they weren't together. When all she really wanted was to have Nathan pull her into his arms and tell her everything was gonna be okay. But everything wasn't okay and it probably never would be. Putting on an act was draining. And she wasn't sure how long she was going to be able to keep it up.
After allowing herself a good private cry she dusted herself off and went to grab her keys. Taking her time as she made her way out of the gym. She wanted to make sure Nathan was long gone before stepping out. There was no way she wanted him to see that she'd been crying. That he still had that big a hold over her. No to everyone she wanted to be seen as strong no matter how she was feeling in the inside.
"You wouldn't by any chance be trying to sneak off, would you?" asked Lucas the next day as he stood behind Brooke who was trying to open her car door.
Brooke jumped at the sound of Lucas' voice. "God damn it Lucas. You scared the hell out of me, you jerk." she shouted as she whipped around to face him.
Lucas let out a small chuckle as he caught the genuinely scared look on Brooke's face. "I'm sorry." he let out between laughs. "But that's what you get for trying to sneak off." he finished playfully.
Brooke rolled her eyes at the blonde in front of her. "I wasn't trying to sneak off anywhere. I was just going home. You do know that's the place you're supposed to go to at the end of the day." she let out sarcastically.
"Not when we have plans to work together Brooke." said Lucas as he shook his head at her.
Brooke cringed at his words slightly. "I was kinda hoping you'd forget about that." said Brooke honestly.
"No such luck Princess. We really need to get this done. The sooner we do this the sooner we get it over with." stated Lucas sternly. He had never seen anyone try to get out of school work like she did.
"But Lucas you don't understand. I suck at these things. I'm serious. If I help we're gonna end up flunking." whined Brooke. Lucas just didn't know what he was getting himself into.
Lucas rolled his eyes at her dramatic display. "I can't believe you think I'd fall for that Brooke. I already know you are no dummy when it comes to things like this. Need I remind you we're almost finished thanks to you and your thoughts on the poem." he added with a smile.
Brooke opened her mouth to further argue when her best friend pranced over to her holding a very cute looking Jake's hand.
"Hey Davis what are you still doing here? I thought you said you were gonna try and sneak out of here before Lucas cornered you." she Peyton with a devilish smirk.
"Ah ha. I knew it!" shouted Lucas as he turned to Brooke. "I knew you were trying to get out of this." he shook his head.
"Thanks a lot Peyt."glared Brooke playfully.
"What?"questioned Peyton innocently."Anyways Jake and I were on our way to get something to eat. We're starving. Our captains worked our asses off."she shot Brooke a pointed look." You guys want to come with?"
Brooke perked up and smiled at Lucas."Would you look at that. Peyton needs me. I guess we won't be able to study after all."she let out happily."You might as well tag along since you have nothing better to do."said Brooke with a shrug.
Lucas shook his head at the brunette in front of him. He didn't know why she was so adamant on not working on this. She was really good at it."Thanks Peyton. I was trying to get her to do some actual work today."laughed Lucas knowing he'd lost this battle.
"Yeah, I know. This was all a plan. Brooke said that if by any chance you caught her before she was able to escape we should come over and ask her to join us."
"Peyton!"shouted Brooke."What are you doing?"asked Brooke as if her best friend had lost her mind. She was letting everything out and it wasn't funny... well it kinda was, but still.
"Sorry Brooke, but seriously, Lucas isn't stupid. There was no way he was gonna fall for this. Now are you two coming or what?"asked Peyton as she pulled Jake toward her car which sat parked next to Brooke's.
"We're coming. Right Luke?"smiled Brooke widely hoping he'd agree with her so they wouldn't have to work.
Lucas once again rolled his eyes at Brooke. This girl was too much."Yeah we're going, but I'm riding with you. I don't have my car today."
"Sure thing Super Star, hop in."she smiled as they both threw their things in her back seat. After they were both settled in Brooke honked her horn to get Peyton's attention."Where are we going Goldilocks?"she yelled loud enough for Peyton to hear.
"The little cafe on the corner of fifth."shouted Peyton before she drove off with Brooke and Lucas following suit.
Not to far behind stood a shell shocked Nathan. He had watched as his so called friends and girlfriend drove off together. He couldn't believe this was happening. It was as if they had all moved on with Lucas. It was like Lucas had somehow replaced him and nobody cared at all that he was no longer around.
How the hell had this happened? When had he become this replaceable loser? When had Lucas taken his place? Those were all questions circling his mind. Everything had happened so fast. It was all too much to take in. The thought that he was so easily forgotten tugged at his heart. He quickly shook his head of those thoughts. He couldn't be acting like this. He needed to act as if he didn't care. Who cares if those losers left together? They weren't important to him anymore anyways and he didn't need to waste his time on them.
He adjusted his bag on his shoulder and made his way to his car. At least this way he wouldn't have to worry about seeing Lucas at home. That thought comforted him for a minute before realizing that if Lucas was at home then he wouldn't be with Brooke. And now he couldn't wait for Lucas to get home.
"Brooke Penelope Davis I know your lazy ass is not still lying in bed. What are you doing?" asked Peyton as she let herself into Brooke's room with Jake and Lucas following.
Brooke rolled her eyes at what had become the three musketeers. "I already told you all that I was not going. I said if you came by to pick me up it would be a waste of time. Now it's your own fault you'll be late." declared Brooke not bothering to budge from her position on the bed.
"And didn't I tell you I wasn't gonna allow you to stay here tonight and wallow in self pity?" asked Peyton as she placed a hand on her hip as she shot Brooke a stern look.
Brooke sat up on the bed and looked at her friends who all stared back at her. Peyton with her concerned eyes and Jake and Lucas with their small sympathetic smiles. Unable to ignore them, she let out a sigh. "So tell me again why I would want to go to Tim's party tonight?" she questioned. "If you don't remember the last party I went to ended horribly. I'd really like to avoid that tonight thank you." She rolled her eyes.
Peyton flopped down beside Brooke and wrapped a supportive arm around her best friend's shoulder, "Yeah well Nathan already knows you messed around with his brother so that secrets already out." Her brow rose up teasingly, "I mean what are the odds that there is yet another devastating secret itching to get out?" Peyton let out dramatically. "Now get your butt up and get dressed." she said as she patted Brooke's leg.
Brooke shook her head like a stubborn little child. "I don't want to go." she whined pulling a pillow over her legs as if it were a shield.
Lucas took that as his cue to try to get Brooke off her bed. He took a seat on the other side of her and leaned in close to her. "Please come. I already had to sit in the backseat and watch them be all touchy feely. It made me sick watching them be all couply. Please don't leave me alone with those two all night. I'm not above begging." pleaded Lucas sadly.
"Hey." said Jake as he mock glared at Lucas.
Brooke smiled and let out a laugh. The look on his face alone made her want to change her mind. "I don't know...I mean I really don't feel like drinking tonight."
"We don't have to drink. I just don't don't want to be left alone with the two lovebirds tonight." Lucas replied with a shake of his head. Peyton and Jake really weren't that bad, but he'd say anything to get Brooke to go out with them. The last thing she needed to be doing was sitting at home alone and depressed while his scumbag brother was out having a good time. Brooke deserved to be doing the same and he was going to see to it she had fun tonight.
Brooke bit her bottom lip as she thought about getting dressed. She really didn't feel like going to Tim's party tonight, but on the other hand she really didn't fell like staying home alone either. It was like Peyton said, what were the chances another secret was going to come out and ruin her night? She rolled her eyes as she looked at her friends. "Fine. Just let me get ready and we'll go." she groaned as if she were annoyed. She wasn't. She was glad her friends cared enough to make her get out of the house.
"Great." Peyton squealed. "We'll all just be in the living room waiting." she said as she got up from the bed. "That means you too Lucas. As much as you'd like to watch Brooke get dressed, I don't think that's an option." she teased.
"Just be quiet and get out." laughed Brooke as she shoved both Lucas and Peyton out of her room along with Jake.
"Please tell me why I let you talk me into coming again tonight?" Brooke asked as she continued to watch Nathan parade himself around different girls. He'd done it the whole night, which was why Brooke hadn't wanted to come in the first place. She knew he was gonna act like this. Especially since he was drunk.
Peyton rolled her eyes as her best friend once again whined. She loved Brooke, really she did, but when Brooke got like this it was hard to get her out of this mood. "Because you know you didn't want to be stuck at home bored while all your friends were here having fun."
"You call this fun?" asked Brooke as she looked around. All they had done all night was sit around and do nothing. She could have done that at her house and not have to watch Nathan be a jackass.
"Well it would be if you got off your ass and tried to have some what of a good time." berated Peyton as she turned to her best friend.
"Please," Brooke scoffed, "like Tim's parties are ever any fun. I bet Lucas and Jake come back empty handed. Tim never gets enough alcohol. I swear why do we let him throw parties again?" asked Brooke puzzled. It's not like anyone every really had a good time at his parties.
"That's a good question B." Peyton laughed as she and Brooke caught sight of him trying to dance the Cabbage Patch. It sure was a sight.
"Here you go Brooke." Lucas drew their attention away from the horrible sight as he handed Brooke a drink.
"Thanks." she shot him a small smile. "I wasn't sure there'd be anything left." she added looking up at him.
"There is still quite a bit." offered Jake as he handed Peyton her drink.
"Good to know." Brooke nodded seconds before she tossed back her drink. Watching Nathan was becoming too much for her sober. "I'll be back." she let out as she got up from the couch and made her way to the kitchen.
Lucas and Peyton looked after her. "Is she okay?" asked Lucas a bit concerned.
Peyton shrugged. "Who knows. Maybe making her come wasn't such a good idea."
"Yeah, maybe." whispered Lucas as he watched Brooke down another drink with ease. "I think I'll go see if she's alright." he let out before walking off after her. Lucas caught up with her after she had once again filled her cup with Vodka. "You are gonna mix that something, right?" he asked incredulously.
Brooke scrunched her nose. "Why would I do that? People drink this stuff to get drunk. Why would I dilute it and delay the purpose?" she asked as if he were crazy.
"I just thought you said you weren't gonna drink tonight." he didn't want to be a pain, but he also didn't want Brooke doing something she would regret in the morning.
"Yeah, well I changed my mind." huffed Brooke.
Lucas nodded. "Well in that case did you happen to also change your mind about wanting to dance?" he asked already grabbing her drink and setting it down on the counter.
"No, I didn't." Brooke attempted to reach for her drink again but was guided away by an ever so insistent Lucas toward the makeshift dance floor.
"You will once you see my moves." Lucas chuckled as he began to dance ridiculously like Tim. He smiled as he watched Brooke laugh. He didn't care that he was making a fool of himself. As long as she was having a good time that's all that mattered to him.
Peyton watched as Lucas managed to pull her best friend out of her foul mood. "Look Jake." said Peyton as she lightly elbowed him. "She's having fun now." beamed Peyton. Of course it was Lucas who had Brooke laughing. That guy was good for her. If only Brooke would see it.
"She does look happy." said Jake looking at the two make fools of themselves.
"Do you think she would ever go for him?"
"He's Nathan's brother Peyton." Jake shook his head. There was no way Brooke would go for Lucas as anything other than a friend.
"I know." said Peyton as she buried herself into his chest.
"Okay, stop Lucas. That's enough." cried out Brooke through her laughter. He was too much. Brooke reached out and grabbed a hold of his waist when he almost fell after doing another silly move.
Lucas grabbed on to Brooke and pulled her toward him as he tried to steady himself. "Sorry about that. I guess I really shouldn't dance like a crazy person." Lucas laughed not letting go of Brooke.
Brooke shook her head. "No, you really shouldn't." she let out another laugh as she shook Lucas not realizing she was still holding onto him.
Nathan walked back into the living room and watched as his brother and his ex girlfriend had their hands all over each other. He knew Brooke was probably doing this for his benefit. She was getting him back for him flirting with a few girls. The thing was none of those girls were her sister so the way he saw it what she was doing was worse.
Nathan rolled his eyes as he watched Tim and a few guys from the team coming his way. There was no doubt in his mind what they were coming over to say.
"Dude you see your brother all over Brooke? Damn that's gotta hurt." Tim slurred in his drunken state, swaying a bit on his feet and leaning against Nathan for support.
"I hope you ain't just gonna stand there and let that happen. You better go kick Lucas' ass. We got your back." said another guy from the team.
Nathan's jaw tightened as he listened to the guys give him advice on how to handle this. It was one thing to see this happening with his own eyes. It was another to have other people come at him with this. It was some how more embarrassing this way. The last thing he wanted was to be embarrassed in front of everyone. He looked around and he wasn't sure if his mind was playing tricks on him, but he felt as if everyone was watching him with pity.
He shook his head. "Nah, I'm not gonna do anything to them. If Brooke wants him then she can have him. I'm gonna go and find Haley." let out Nathan with anger. The last thing he wanted was to go find Haley, but if Brooke was gonna act like this then so could he.
"Wait you still hittin' that?" asked Tim. "I thought that was a one time thing?" he added.
Nathan shook his head. "Nah, the girl is too good in bed to give up. I've been fucking with her all along." smirked Nathan victoriously.
"Does Brooke know?" Tim gasped.
Nathan rolled his eyes. Tim really was a twit sometimes. "I'll be back." he said as he turned in search of the blonde that would help him beat Brooke at her game.
It didn't take Nathan long to find Haley. She was with her small group of friends. He watched as she noticed him coming toward her. She gave him a small wave. He gave a tight smile to her friends before he grabbed her hand and pulled her away.
"Well I haven't heard from you in a while." said Haley as she allowed Nathan to pull her into the house. "What's going on? You do know we're in public, right?" she asked with an anger filled voice.
Nathan walked over to the drink table and grabbed the nearest cup filled with alcohol. He gulped it down before grabbing Haley's face and pulling it to his. He needed to be a little more wasted before going through with this. It didn't take long before Haley got into the kiss. He knew she would. She was the type of girl that really didn't care if she was ignored. She was happy to have you when she could. He pushed her up against the wall and continued to kiss her. He hoped it wouldn't take too long before word got to Brooke.
"Oh my god." laughed Brooke as she and Lucas made their way to Peyton and Jake. "Did you see him out there?" she asked. "He's crazy."
Peyton nodded. "You seem to be in a better mood." she noted.
"Yeah, you know I love dancing." smiled Brooke. "But I'm kinda thirsty now." She waved a hand in front of her face like a fan.
"I could use a drink myself." Lucas agreed. "I'll go with you." he added.
"What the hell lets all go." said Peyton. "My drink is warm." she turned to Jake and pulled him up. "You're coming too." she ordered.
"Yes ma'am." chuckled Jake as he allowed her to pull him with her.
"I do have to say that you had the Sprinkler down Lucas." laughed Brooke as she turned to him on their way to the kitchen.
"I know." spoke Lucas confidently. "Wait until you see my running man." He grinned.
Brooke rolled her eyes at him. "I shouldn't have said anything." she smiled.
Peyton watched as her friend playfully flirted with Lucas. It was nice seeing Brooke so carefree for a change. Her eyes drifted away from her brunette friend and landed on another brunette making out heavily with some blonde not too far away. As her eyes focused a little more she realized it was Nathan kissing that girl. "Umm... Brooke I really need to go to the bathroom. Come with me." yelled out Peyton a she lunged toward Brooke. The last thing Brooke needed was to see this and have her foul mood resurface.
Brooke eyed Peyton suspiciously, but didn't think too much of it. "Okay Peyt. I'll go with you." she spoke slowly.
Peyton inwardly sighed in relief as she began to pull Brooke away from the scene, but not before some idiot began to yell.
"Dude come see this. Nathan is practically fucking some girl over here." laughed a pretty drunk guy. That was all it took for Brooke to pull away from Peyton and start looking around.
Brooke turned in time to see Nathan and Haley pull apart. Both of their lips were swollen from their make out. Brooke locked eyes with Nathan and shook her head in disgust. It was as if he didn't get enough of seeing her hurt.
Nathan watched as Brooke's eyes glazed over. She looked angry like he knew she would, but at the same time she looked hurt. He hadn't anticipated that one. He hadn't been expecting to feel as bad as he did by this. He hated himself for always doing this. Every time he tried to piss Brooke off he ended up feeling like scum.
Every single time.
Lucas watched as Brooke glared at Nathan. She wouldn't take her eyes off of him. There was no way she was over Nathan. It finally dawned on him in that moment that she wasn't going to just get over Nathan. There really wasn't any chance of him getting with Brooke. Not when she loved his brother as much as she did. It really sucked too because all Nathan seemed to do was hurt her. He looked over at Nathan and he wasn't sure but he could have sworn that he saw a hint a regret cross his brother's face. "You're such a bastard Nathan. What the hell are you doing man?" shouted Lucas as he made his way to Nathan.
Nathan pushed Haley off of him and stepped toward Lucas. "If I were you I'd back off man. I'm in the mood kick your ass right now so don't tempt me." growled Nathan through gritted teeth.
"I'd love to see you try little brother." Lucas taunted. He was sick and tired of sitting back and doing nothing as his brother repeatedly hurt Brooke. He looked over at the girl standing a few feet away from his brother. She was blonde and familiar. He knew he'd seen her before, but he wasn't sure where.
Nathan looked past Lucas and watched as Brooke left the room. Peyton of course followed her. He turned back to Lucas who was still in his face. "Not now Lucas. I'm not in the mood." Nathan muttered.
Lucas scoffed. "You're not in the mood? Do you think Brooke was in the mood to see you sucking face with some girl? What I don't understand is that, that girl still loves you despite everything you've done so far. She shouldn't have had to see you like that. You really are a son of a bitch Nathan." Lucas replied full of disappointment before he turned and walked away.
Jake stood still for a second and shook his head at Nathan. "Dude what the hell are you doing?" he asked knowing he wasn't going to get an answer.
Nathan looked down at Jake's question. What was he doing? That was a good question. He didn't know what he was doing.
"I never thought you would turn into Dan until right now." He watched as Jake grimaced and turned to walk out of the room.
Haley turned back to Nathan once everyone seemed to go about their business. She walked over to him and tried to pull him to her. "Don't worry about anything Nate. I'm here." she whispered.
Nathan cringed at her words and pushed her off of him roughly. "Your purpose for the night is done. And hooking up with me wasn't it. You can leave now." he knew he was being a jerk to her too, but right now he didn't care. He just wanted Haley as far away from him as possible.
Haley looked at him and shook her head. She should have known this was what this was about. He was just using her to make Brooke jealous. "You're such an ass Nathan. God I hate you." she yelled before she pushed him and walked away.
Lucas and Jake found Peyton sitting on a couch. "Where's Brooke?" asked Lucas worried.
"She's in the restroom. She said she needed a minute and then we could all leave. I swear to god I want to kill Nathan for this." Peyton exclaimed ramming her hand through her curls in frustration, "I don't understand why he keeps doing things like this. I mean does he get off on hurting her?" she questioned sadly.
"I don't know, but hopefully this keeps her as far away from him as possible. Maybe she has had enough of his crap." Lucas replied hopefully.
"I hope so." said Peyton not really believing it.
Brooke took one last look at herself in the mirror and took a deep breath. She was finally satisfied with the way she looked. It wasn't too obvious that she'd shed a few tears, which was what she wanted. Nathan was a jerk there was no doubt about it. The last thing she wanted was for anyone to see he still got to her.
She quickly turned and let herself out of the restroom only to come face to face with a very pissed off looking Haley James. Brooke thought about being the bigger person here, she really did, but she was a little drunk and to be honest she really wasn't in the mood to take the high road tonight. She broke out into a fake smile as Haley tried to pass her.
"What's wrong Haley? Did Nathan throw you to the side already? Wow, he couldn't even be bothered with you any longer. That's what happens when you give it away so quickly. They lose interest. You'll learn. It doesn't pay to be a slut." she bit out venomously as she pushed past Haley forcefully.
Haley scoffed. Brooke sure was something. "I'm a slut?" she asked incredulously. "That's actually kinda funny coming from the girl who is screwing her ex boyfriend's brother. Oh and just so you know, no Nathan hasn't lost interest in me. We're leaving together after I finish." she exclaimed confidently hoping the truth couldn't be seen in her eyes.
Brooke rolled her eyes at the girl. "Whatever. Do what you want, but you should know that no matter what happens with you and him tonight he doesn't respect you. He just sees you as an easy lay. A one night stand, so have fun with that." she shot out sarcastically.
Haley let out a chuckle. "You really are that clueless." she shook her head and smiled when it looked as if her actions had infuriated Brooke. "What's going on with me and Nathan is far from a one night stand sweetie. We've been seeing each other for months." she let out with a smirk. Nathan was gonna be furious at her for telling his precious Brooke, but that didn't really matter right now. All that mattered was knocking Brooke Davis off her high horse and the look on Brooke's face said she'd done just that.
Brooke's eyes narrowed as she glared at the blonde. "You're such a liar. Like Nathan would touch you sober." she spoke through gritted teeth. No way was Haley telling the truth. Nathan hadn't cheated on her for months with this slut.
"Please. There really isn't anything that Nathan wouldn't touch as long as she spread her legs. I was with Nathan all throughout your little Paris vacation. If you don't believe me just ask Lucas. He saw us together." she further taunted.
Brooke continued to look at her trying to see if Haley was telling the truth. She was about to tell Haley to go to hell when a voice shouted behind her.
"What the hell is going on here?" asked Nathan as he walked over to the two girls. He took in the satisfied smirk on Haley's face and the surprised and pissed off look on Brooke's. This didn't look good. "What's going on?" he repeated.
Brooke swallowed hard before turning to face him. "You were with Haley while we were together?" she asked angrily. "You were sleeping with her while I was in Paris?" she already knew that it was the truth, but a part of her wanted for Nathan to deny it, for it to be a lie. Sure she knew that Nathan messed around, hell she did the same, but it was never with the same person. There were never any feelings involved. If Haley was telling the truth then that meant that Nathan and her had some sort of relationship and she wasn't sure she could handle that.
Nathan's head quickly shot to Haley. He should have known she'd tell Brooke everything. The look on Brooke's face was one of anger. Sure he'd wanted to make her jealous by using Haley, but he never wanted her to find out about his past with Haley. He knew that that would hurt Brooke more than anything. He wasn't sure what he was supposed to say, but Brooke was growing impatient.
"Answer me damn it!" shouted Brooke as she shook with anger.
Nathan looked down. He hated seeing Brooke this way. Sure he was mad at her, but still even he could see that this was too much for her. "I can explain." he let out barely above a whisper.
Brooke scoffed and shook her head. That was all she needed. He confirmed Haley's words. "Get the hell out of my way." Brooke scowled as she pushed him violently out of her way.
Nathan let out a sigh as he went after Brooke. "Brooke wait. Let me just explain." he spoke trying to get her to stop. She never looked in his direction. "Come on Brooke. Just stop." he shouted as he grabbed her arm, whirling her around to face him.
Lucas caught sight of his brother forcefully pulling Brooke to him and was up and running over to them in seconds. "What the hell is going on?" he shouted when he stood beside the two.
Nathan ignored Lucas and continued to look at Brooke. "It didn't mean anything. She doesn't mean anything. You have to believe that." he urged. Of all the things he thought would happen tonight this wasn't one of them. He didn't think he would be apologizing to Brooke tonight, trying to get her to believe him, but he was and he'd do anything in that moment to get her to forgive him. Forgive him for what she'd just found out and for everything he had put her through. He just wanted Brooke back.
Lucas couldn't believe what he was hearing. Was his brother trying to convince Brooke to take him back? That's what it sounded like. Would Brooke even consider forgiving Nathan after everything he'd pulled? He wasn't sure about that. He just prayed that Brooke would use her head and stay as far away from his brother as possible.
Brooke glared at Nathan, her jaw set tight. "Just let me go." she roared as she tried to pull herself out of his grasp. She wasn't sure why he was doing this. It wasn't like he cared. A person who still cared didn't act the way he had.
"You heard her Nathan let her go." Lucas belt out as he took a step toward his brother.
Nathan's eyes shot to Lucas briefly before once again settling on Brooke. "Look Brooke we need to talk about this. Lets just go back to your place and talk about everything. If you want me to leave afterward then I will." he pleaded.
Brooke scoffed and yanked her arm free. "Like I'm going anywhere with you. Stay the hell away from me Nathan. Thank god we're not together anymore." she bit out before turning and walking away from him.
Lucas stepped in from of Nathan when he took a step forward. "You heard her man. Leave her the hell alone Nathan. If you go near her again I will personally see to it that you walk away limping." Lucas took a second to look into his eyes to make sure he knew just how serious he was before going off to find Brooke and everyone.
When Lucas caught up with everyone they were already in the car waiting for him. He could tell Brooke was angry right now, but he couldn't stop the question from escaping his lips. "What the hell was all that about Brooke? Was Nathan trying to get you back?" He knew he should just leave well enough alone, but he had so many questions circling in his head.
Brooke shook her head and smiled down as she felt her best friend squeeze her hand. "That was me being an idiot." she let out not bothering to look up. "I can't believe how clueless I was. Was I that blinded by him Peyton?" she asked finally looking up and over to her friend. "Was it obvious that he was seeing her all along?" she added causing confusion all around.
"What are you talking about Brooke?" asked Peyton trying to come to some sort of conclusion from her friends rambling.
"He was seeing Haley too. All along I thought he loved me and he was dating her too." she shook her head at how crazy it all sounded.
Peyton looked at Brooke in disbelief. There was no way she heard correctly. Nathan couldn't have been seeing Haley all this time. Nathan was an asshole. There was no doubt about it, but never not once did she think he was capable of simultaneously dating Brooke and someone else. "Maybe you heard wrong Brooke." she said hoping to bring some sort of comfort to her friend.
Brooke shook her head. "He pretty much admitted it." she quickly turned to Lucas. "You saw them together?" she asked him quietly.
"I did?" he questioned curiously.
Brooke nodded. "Yeah Haley said you saw them together while I was in Paris. She said you were my proof she wasn't lying."
Lucas nodded once everything clicked. He knew Haley looked familiar when he saw her earlier he just couldn't place her, but now he could. "Yeah, I walked in on them the day before you came back." he admitted sadly. The last thing he wanted was to cause her anymore sadness, but he felt that Brooke should know everything.
"That son of a bitch." said Brooke as she furiously wiped away tears. "Jake can we please go? I can't stay here any longer. I need to get the hell out of here." she stated as calmly as she could muster up.
"Sure thing babe. I'll take you home." he offered.
"Thanks." said Brooke as she slouched down into the seat.
Peyton pulled Brooke to her in a warm embrace. "I'm gonna stay with you tonight okay?"
Brooke shook her head through the hug. "No, I think I want to be alone tonight." she explained.
"I don't think that's a good idea." said Lucas from the front of the car.
Brooke turned to face him. "Well then I guess it's a good thing I didn't ask your opinion." she shot at him not caring if she was being rude.
"I agree with him Brooke. You shouldn't be alone tonight." added Peyton cautiously. She didn't want Brooke to go off on her as well, but that was just how she felt.
Brooke pulled away from Peyton. "Oh my god you guys. I'm not glass. I won't break. Nathan is an ass. I knew that before tonight. I want to go home and be by myself and that's all to it." she shouted to her friends before turning to look out the window. She knew they were just trying to help, but that was the last thing she wanted. These people just didn't understand. As much as they tried, they just didn't.
The rest of the ride went on in silence. Brooke let out a sigh of relief when her house came into view. The tension in the car was becoming too much for her. It was like she couldn't breathe. As soon as Jake stopped the car she swung open the door. "Thanks Jake. You're the best." with that she got out and shut the door behind her, not bothering to tell anyone else bye.
Once Brooke stood at the door she realized that there were lights on in her house. Someone was home. Her mind immediately went to Nathan. He did after all have a key to her house. It was more than likely him in her house. She took a deep breath preparing for a fight before opening the door.
"It's about time you decided to come home Brookie. I've been waiting for you here for hours." recited Brooke's mother indignantly.
Brooke halted her steps at the sight of her mother dressed in a black Prada woman's suit with her hair and make up done perfectly. It was late and normal parents were in their robes, but not her mother. Her mother always had to look her best. Brooke had always assumed her mother slept with her makeup and clothes on in case a fire or an emergency arose. It was always about appearance with the Davis'. No one not even herself had ever seen her mother looking anything less than perfection. That's just the way it was. Brooke rolled her eyes at her mother's nickname for her. Others called her by that name occasionally and Peyton even did it more frequently, but when spoken by her mother she despised the name.
"What are you doing here mother?" Brooke questioned, not bothering to hide the irritation from her voice, "Did daddy finally wise up and cut you off?" something had to be going on for her mother to cut a trip short and come home unexpectedly. She didn't bother to wait for an answer as she made her way to her room.
Mrs. Davis was a bit taken back by her daughter's tone, but was not about to be one upped by her. "Well aren't you brusque. No wonder the Scott boy tossed you aside." she let out miffed.
Brooke stopped and turned to her mother with a glare. "Is that why you're here? You heard about me and Nathan?" she questioned incredulously. This was just like her mother, worrying about how this was going to affect her.
Brooke's mother placed a hand over her heart and feigned hurt. "I can't believe you would think that. I came home to see you, but by your curt greeting I simply made an observation." she spoke candidly.
"And what was that?" asked Brooke enraged.
"Just that if you spoke to Nathan the way you spoke to me it is understandable that he felt the need to go at it alone. You really should do something about that attitude Brooke. It isn't very becoming." she gave her daughter a tight smile. "Not to mention the fact that your choice attire doesn't leave much to the imagination darling."
The woman was unbelievable, "It's funny that you come here pretending to know what the hell you're talking about when you couldn't be more clueless mother." spit out Brooke as she once again turned to walk away.
"I'm clueless?" huffed Brooke's mother. "Sweetheart you're the clueless one if you think you have a chance at a half decent life without that boy marrying you. He can give you everything Brookie if we could just come up with a way to get him to forgive you for whatever it was you did. Honestly Brooke, you really screwed up this time." she spoke with disdain.
Brooke's mouth fell in shock. She couldn't believe the things coming out of her mother's mouth. Of course the breakup had to be her fault. "You're incredible mother. Not everything is about money." she shot out.
Mrs. Davis rolled her eyes as if she cast off what Brooke had to say. "If not money than what Brookie? What is it all about? Please enlighten me because money sure has bought you happiness all this time."
Brooke shook her head in disgust. "You're not even worth my time mother. This conversation is over." spoke Brooke calmly as she tried to pass her mother.
Brooke's mother shot her hand out and grabbed her daughter by the arm. "No sweetie me coming down here to try and fix your screw up is what isn't worth my time."
"Did I ask for your help?" asked Brooke as she pulled out of her mother's firm grasp.
"You really are ungrateful, you know that? You need to get your priorities straight Brooke because your looks can only take you so far before you lose them. And sweetie we both know you aren't bright enough to be independently wealthy. Hopefully you'll get lucky and Nathan will take you back. Do whatever it takes darling, whatever it takes. Everyone makes mistakes, this is your chance to fix it." She gave a small smile, "I know you may not understand right now but you will later." her mother feigned sincerity and patted her on the head as if she were a puppy before walking off in the direction of the bar.
Brooke fumed as she watched her mother walk away. She had never hated her more she did in that moment. Parents weren't supposed to act like this. They were supposed to be there for you no matter what with a shoulder for you to cry on, but that wasn't how her family worked.