Haley went home after breakfast, and Peyton left soon after. I was alone again. I was left to face my life, the life I now lived alone. I watched television for a little while, but after twenty minutes I got bored. I decided to go to the café. I wasn't sure I was going to tell Karen yet, but I couldn't stay home.
When I got to the café, Karen looked up at me from behind the counter. Most people would think that Lucas didn't really look like Karen, but I knew different. So often I found Karen reminding me of Lucas. It was always little things, a small smile, a look in the eye. I walked over to the counter.
"Hi Brooke. Good to see you again. Feeling any better?"
"Yeah, I went to the doctor too."
"Oh, good"
We sat in silence for a little while. After a few minutes Karen sat down on the stool next to me.
"You know Brooke, a part of me really hoped you were pregnant. That a piece of Lucas would come back to us." She placed her hand on my back. A tear slid down my cheek. "Brooke, what is it? I thought you said you went to the doctor. I just assumed that meant that you really did have the flu."
"I went Karen, but you were right. It wasn't the flu, I am pregnant."
I looked up at her. She pulled me in tight and held me.
"Brooke, whatever you need, I will be there. I don't want you to think you are alone in this just because Lucas isn't here. I will do my best to be there for you with support and help."
It felt good to know that I had her help, that I wouldn't be raising my new baby alone, despite having lost Lucas. Karen was also raising a baby alone. Together, maybe we could do it right.