Hey everyone, I thought I'd update sooner because the last chapter was a bit short. Enjoy…

Chapter Twelve: Damn those multi-coloured post-its

The bell rang for the end of the lesson and the beginning of lunch.

"Okay class, I'm expecting a plan from each pair about your project and your presentation to the class. As eventful as last lesson was I would not like a repeat. Check your problems at the door, your here to work for you grades; and some of you need to work harder than others" Mr Dawson said glairing at Brooke.

"Really subtle" Brooke muttered sarcastically under her breath as she packed her books in her bag, hoping to get out of class as soon as she could so Mr Dawson wouldn't keep her back to discuss her progress. It's not that she was failing in History she was doing it pretty good, it was Maths and her Maths teacher Mr Hendricks made sure all her teachers knew about it.

Brooke hurried out of the classroom as fast as she could. Rachel wasn't in today, meaning she was left to fend for her herself, luckily Peyton hadn't started anything at cheer practice this morning, she was actually on time surprisingly and she didn't make a fuss when Brooke said she was a little slow on her diagonal. So far everything had gone smoothly today…

"Brooke" a voice called.

Brooke paused. So much for everything running smoothly. She recognised that voice anywhere… "Lucas… hi" she said turning around "I was meaning to talk to you."

"Me too" Lucas smiled, that smile that made her melt inside. "Are you okay, after yesterday? I thought I'd catch you in Maths but you weren't there"

"Yeah, I went home. I thought I'd had enough drama for one day" Brooke said forcing a smile.

Lucas smiled back "I'm sorry about what happened yesterday" He apologised.

"It wasn't your fault, I shouldn't have lied…It's just" Brooke began looking up at Lucas "It's just... It's probably going to sound really silly but when you asked me how I did I hadn't even looked at my paper and I just said what I wished I got… well… actually if I was wishing for things I wish I got an A" Brooke began rambled getting a little distracted.

Lucas laughed and so did Brooke. "Sorry, what I was trying to say and it's probably going to sound really stupid but I just…wanted you to be proud of me. I guess that's why I lied"

Lucas smiled at her, titling his head to the side. "That's not stupid and you're not stupid. So you failed one test, if you put your mind to it Brooke you can do loads better next time, you can do anything"

"I'm not so sure about that"

"Well I am. You're going to change the world one day Brooke Davis" Lucas reached out, rubbing Brooke's shoulder. And there it was again that feeling Brooke got when she was around Lucas. God, the things he said and the way he made her feel. She could feel her heart beating faster and faster and….

"I can't be you partner Lucas. You should work with Peyton"

Lucas's face dropped. No, no, no! "Brooke I want to be your partner, I've spoken to Peyton she knows that, it's fine"

"Plus…" Brooke continued "Things might get weird between us and..."

"I thought you wanted us to be friends?"

"I do, its just…" Brooke looked up at Lucas, trying to think of something to say.

"Come on, it'll be fun" Lucas said "I could come round to yours on Thursday after school and I'll even get us some of those multi-coloured post-its you love"

Brooke couldn't help but smile, damn those multi-coloured post-its. Lucas put on that cute face, he knew she loved and with those beautiful blue eyes, how could she say no.

"Yeah sure" Brooke laughed reaching up to give Lucas a hug but before she could actually hug him Peyton stepped in.

"So is everything sorted then?" Peyton asked

Brooke stepped back from Lucas and nodded.

Peyton looked uncomfortable for a moment before saying "I'm sorry about yesterday, I totally over-reacted and…"

"I'm sorry too" Brooke said, smiling politely at Peyton. God, this was so weird. She and Peyton had been best friends for years and here they were apologising "politely" to each other as if they were casual friends. Lucas smiled at the both of them. Despite everything that had happened he had never given up faith in Brooke and Peyton.

"I've got to go, I promised I'd help my mom out in the cafe" Lucas said "I'll see you later" Lucas smiled, leaving Brooke and Peyton.

Brooke just rolled her eyes, she was sure Lucas had just made that up so he could give her and Peyton time to talk.

"So…" Peyton said uncomfortably

"Look Peyton, are you really sure about this partner thing. I mean I think its all been blown way out of proportion and I'm probably making a bigger deal out of it right now my asking you again but I just want to know if you're okay with it, because honestly I can't say I would be if I was with Lucas…"

"Yeah, well we all know we're your lack of trust got you and Lucas don't we" Peyton said bluntly

Brooke looked at her in shock, pausing for a minute to gather her thoughts "Okay, that was a little harsh Peyton but I guess that was fair. So…" Brooke said taking a deep breath "Just ignore how I would feel and concentrate on you. Are you okay with this?" Brooke said trying again.

"Yeah, I am. I trust Lucas"

Brooke nodded. "Okay"

"Okay" Peyton said.

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"You should have seen her; she was standing their telling me that my lack of trust with Lucas was the reason why we broke up"

Rachel popped her head round the bathroom door and glared at Brooke who was brushing her hair.

"Don't give me that look" Brooke said, throwing a scrunchy at Rachel. "There were others reasons why I split up from Lucas"

"Like?" Rachel shouted from the other room.

"Like… erm..." Brooke began to think aloud.

"Like Peyton?" Rachel shouted back.

Brooke rolled her eyes "Okay and …."

"Peyton and Peyton. Yep it was pretty much to do with Peyton and what else was it again…" Rachel asked sarcastically

"Peyton!" Brooke and Rachel said at the same time laughing.

"Seriously Rachel, it wasn't all to do with her, sure she played a significant part in our break up but it wasn't all Peyton."

"Ok fine. Well once you figure out what the other reasons are…oh, what time is it by the way?"

"Erm…" Brooke looked over at the clock "Oh my god, it's nearly 6.30pm"

"Okay what's happening at 6.30… are we having a party?"

"No! I told you when I came back from school. Lucas is coming over to start work on the project." Brooke said rushing around to tidy their room.

"Oh yeah, I remember you saying something about Lucas but I though you were just twittering on about how much you love him. Plus I was still hung-over from last night so you were pretty much a blur with a really high-pitched voice"

"Haha, really cute. Now move it and help me tidy up."

"Oh no! You invited lover boy round, you can tidy up for him, I'm outta here"

"So you're just going to leave?"

"Yeah, you didn't expect me to hang around here and watch you and Lucas pretend to do some work whilst really flirting with each other?"

"For the last time Rachel… we're just friends!"

"With benefits right?" Rachel teased

"Rachel" Brooke shouted, playfully throwing a pillow at Rachel "Out now! You're only slowing me down"

The doorbell rang. Both Brooke and Rachel looked at each other.

"I'll get it, I'll tell him you're getting ready" Rachel joked in a seductive voice

"Don't you dare" Brooke laughed, finishing off tidying up.

Rachel skipped down the stairs, opening the front door.

"Hi Rachel, is Brooke…"

"She's upstairs" Rachel said before leaving "See ya"

Lucas made his way up the stairs. It felt weird being here. He was so used to Brooke's room or what used to be Brooke and Haley's apartment. Lucas got to the landing, wow Rachel's house was big. As he looked straight ahead he could see Brooke in her room, stuffing some things into the top draws. Lucas smiled to himself, she looked so beautiful. He walked over to the door and knocked.

"Hey there" Lucas said

Brooke turned around "Hey, come in" she gestured for Lucas to sit on her bed as she sat on Rachel's. Only now that he was sitting down did she realise that they were in this huge house with loads of rooms, rooms with tables and chair and of all places they were in her bedroom. Real smart Brooke! She thought to herself.

"So this is weird…" Lucas began

"Yeah, I know. We haven't been alone in ages" Brooke said

"Oh… no, I meant being in Rachel's house. I'm used to going to your house or the apartment if I want to see you"

Brooke paused and smiled stupidly. You idiot! Brooke screamed to herself. He wasn't talking about the two of you he was talking about the house, the house, and way to make the situation uncomfortable. Brooke thought to herself.

"Oh yeah, I see what you meant. I was only saying that…erm… we... erm" Brooke bit her lip, even though she was stuttering and probably looking like a complete idiot she could help but want to laugh.

Lucas burst out laughing followed by Brooke

"You were saying?" Lucas asked still laughing

Brooke smiled, biting her lip again "Okay where are the post-its I was promised?"