Author's note: I'm getting over the most devastating breakup I've ever had. So, instead of crying, I'm gonna write about it. Coz I'm a woman. And I am strong.

Lucas held her in his arms as she sobbed.

"Shhh… no one is gonna hurt you again. I'll protect you alright?"

He tightened his grip on her as he saw her dad's retreating form. It's finally over. He won't be able to come anywhere close to Lindsay anymore.

oOoOoOo

Brooke sighed as she stroked Nick's cheek. They seemed so happy in that photo. He had his arms on her hips as she rested her head on his chest. It was their very first date.

A million years ago

Flashback

"Dance for me crab." Brooke narrowed her eyes at him. She was having the worst time she's had since her breakup with Lucas in that god-awful costume ushering kids and their parents to the restaurant. She did not need a couple of frat boys telling her to 'shake it.'

"Why don't you do your mama a favor and drown yourself."

"Oh, she's got bite." These guys, unfortunately, reminded her of Tim. Under ordinary circumstances, she loves Tim. However Tim, multiplied by four irritated her beyond humanly-tolerable limits. Brooke was ready to poke one of them in the eyes to permanently blind him with her orange claws when a very masculine voice stopped her.

"Gentlemen, that's no way to treat a lady." Oh how chivalrous was he. Hot too. Brooke surveyed the newcomer with approving eyes. Intense eyes, square jaw, strong arms. And such a tight…

"Besides, it's more fun doing this…"

Before Brooke understood what was happening, she was lying heads up in the middle of the restaurant. She heard the laughter grow louder as she tried in vain to get up thanks to the ridiculous costume. She was about to take off her claws when her manager knelt beside her.

What a relief.

"You klutz. Don't you dare take off your uniform here. It would ruin the illusion." he whispered urgently into her ears.

"You know what would ruin the illusion?"

Brooke hit him so hard in the face that her claw flung out of her arms. She walked out of the restaurant, head held up high.

"Hey, crab, wait up." She recognized that voice. It was the retard who pushed her.

"What do you want?"

"I'm sorry, that was a mean thing to do."

"Wow, did you figure that one out all by your itsy-bitsy self?"

"I'm sorry. I thought that it was the only way I could ever get your attention." That was the last thing Brooke expected Retard to say. She couldn't help but smile.

"I'm Nick."

End of Flashback

We were so happy.