Light as a feather

by Clavyus

BRUCAS. She is twenty and he is twenty four, both living in NY. They are slightly acquainted from Tree Hill. They meet, and quickly fall hard for one another. A complete story.

5. Chapter 5

Chapter 5 – Brooke

I set my alarm for five, but I was already up ten minutes before. I cleaned up, brushed, dressed on light blue trainers and sneakers. I put my work clothes on hangers together with shoes, and Lucas's suit and went out. I arrived at his building at half past five. I picked up the suit and went up, entering the apartment with my sneakers in my hands. Everything was dark. I sneak into the office, and, with the faint light, I can see Lucas lying on his side, curled protectively around the tiny girl in his arms. I still need to talk to Karen before letting him back all the way. But things have changed. I still don't know if I am good enough for him. I know, as a hard fact, that I cannot, that I will not go on without him. I'll just have to spend the rest of my life making sure I deserve him. I sneak under the covers, fitting myself against his back, kissing him lightly of the nape of the neck. The movement is enough to wake him up. Without turning, he whispers. "Brooke?"

"Yes."

He carefully untangles himself from Lilly. She whimpers a bit, but doesn't wake. He turns around to face me, wrapping his arms around me and pulling me against his chest, whispering. "I was half expecting you."

"I'm glad I came. I needed a little Lucas."

"Little Lucas needs you too." I giggle, and punch him in the arm. "Are we telling Lilly about us?"

"Not yet. I still need to talk to Karen first."

"Then I need you to go lie down on the other side of the bed. She can wake up at any second, and this can get pretty confusing."

"Ok." I get up, go around to the other side and lie down besides Lilly. This time Lilly wakes up. "Book." She snuggles against me, falling back asleep. Lucas snuggles against Lilly on the other side, and wraps his arms around both of us. Neither Lucas nor I fall asleep again. We simply lie there, enjoying our little family, until the alarm sounds. Lucas gets up and heads to the bathroom. Lilly also wakes up and notices I am there. "Book, you're here! I thought it was a dream." She looks around. "Where is Ukie?"

I tickle the little girl. She squirms and laughs "No Book! Stop tickling! Ukie, Help! The door opens, and a little copy of Lucas comes in, looking at me with a frown. What are you doing here? Let her go!"

Lilly looks at her cousin and starts laughing. "Oh, Jamie, don't worry. This is Book, I mean, Brooke. She is my friend. Book, this is my cousin, or my nephew, or something, anyways, this is James Lucas Scott, the most annoying little boy in the world."

In the middle of this speech, Lucas comes back, stops at the doorway with a toothbrush in his mouth and just follows the ongoing scene, with the goofiest smile I've seen in his face yet. I give him a sharp look, turn to his little copy and smile. "Hello, James Lucas Scott. It's very nice to meet you at last. You are very handsome. Can I call you Jamie?"

Seeing his cousin happy in my arms, his frown melts into a dazzling smile. Oh boy, this one is going to break hearts someday.. "Yes, you can call me Jamie. Almost everyone does. Uncle Luke calls me JayLuke, my father calls me JimmyJam and, sometimes, my mom calls me pest. But only when I'm bad." He gives me a once over. "You're very pretty. What should I call you?"

"You can call me Aunt Brooke. Is that OK?"

"Sure." He grabs Lilly's hand and drags her out of the room. "Come, Lilly, mommy is making pancakes!"

Lucas gets out of the way to let them pass and extends a hand, to help me up. In passing, he whispers in my ear. "I guess I am not the only Scott boy that appreciates your charms."

"He is pretty amazing, Luke. I love how protective he is of Lilly. And she is crazy about him too. Do you think..."

Lucas laughs softly. "I doubt it. They are like twins. Actually, they were born the same day. The day we, I mean, my senior class graduated. But you're right about one thing. He is amazing."

"C'mon. Let's greet the rest of the family."

A pretty brunette, on a soft flannel nightgown, was flipping pancakes with her back to us, while a very large man, shirtless with exercise pants was standing near the fridge with a glass of OJ in his hand. I couldn't avoid staring, he is seriously, I mean, seriously, hot. And he was staring right back at me, with a small smile. He mumbles. "Well done, big brother." The brunette turns back and sees me. "Hey! Where did you come from? She frowns at her husband, waiving a hot skillet at him. "And you! Quit staring and go put on a shirt! Boys... ". She puts the skillet down, turns off the stove and turns around to me, a slightly flustered smile on her face. "Hi, welcome. Brooke Davis, I presume."

I give her a full smile back. This is his best friend, and she looks clever and sweet. "You presume right, rockstar. And you are Haley James Scott. I love your music."

"Thanks. I love your designs too. We've met a couple of times at the Cafe, but I'm not sure we've been introduced before. Well, if you don't mind me asking, what are you doing here?"

I smile. Sometimes I just can't help myself. "I sort of live here." Lucas laughs loudly at that, He whispers in my ear. "I love you."

Haley was sputtering. "W-what do you mean you live here?" Lucas gives me a broad smile as He answer her.

"She does. I invited her to move in Friday night. Actually, she asked to move in Friday night, and I said yes. Yesterday, I gave her a key to the apartment. So, If she says she lives here, I guess she does. How much space you need for your stuff?"

I grab the toothbrush from his hand. "None, as long as you don't mind sharing your toothbrush."

And I begin to brush my teeth.

The children, who until now were sitting on a pair of high chairs waiting for their pancakes say, at the same time. "Euwww". "Gross, Book."

Lucas and I have a fit of laughter, that lasts until Nathan comes back to the living room, wearing a basketball jersey. "What, what did I miss?"

Haley directs a disgusted look at the two of us. "I can't believe it. I'm going to have to put up with this now?" Haley turns back to her pancakes, muttering to herself. Lucas and I go back laughing, and Nathan looks at Jamie, who just shrugs. "I don't know dad. It's probably grown up stuff."

After we settle down, and Haley is done cooking, I ask her. "Can I have a minute, girl to girl?"

Haley nods her head and we head to Lucas room.

Before we leave, Lilly asks. "Can I go? I'm a girl too."

I give her a peck in the forehead. "Not now, silly Lilly. Just keep an eye on the boys for me, please. Don't let them do anything too silly."

"Ok, Book. Next time then?"

"It's a promise, love."

I close the door to the bedroom and turn to Haley. "I'm sorry, rockstar.. Let me answer your question as you deserve. My situation with Lucas is unsettled. Until I can have a serious talk with Karen. I was just going to stay away from him. In fact, I was really uncertain about our future together, until the short story. After I read that, I found I am not uncertain anymore. I know I won't, I can't live without him. It hurts too much just to stay away, so we've been slowly approaching each other".

"I understand that Lilly is one of the reasons you are around now. I see how close you are. And also that, since his career took off, I get he needs your help with the consequences."

"I'm not ashamed to say, these are excuses. Good ones, granted, but excuses, nonetheless. And today I seized Lilly presence, plus the key he gave me yesterday, and decided that justified stealing a few minutes in his bed. We can't be open about it because I don't feel confortable in telling Lilly, and we don't want to confuse her."

"Are you really going to move here?"

"I don't know. I love this place. But my life is in Manhattan. I imagine we will both keep our places, but I'll spend most nights here. We talked about moving to Tree Hill, eventually. We want to raise our children there."

Haley stared at Brooke, flabbergasted. "You've been together less than a week, without talking to each other most of this time. And you've discussed where you want to raise your children."

Brooke giggles. "I know, right? It's been like this since the beginning. God, I spent my whole life missing him, without knowing. I found my missing half, rockstar."

"I think I get it. It was just like that with me and Nathan. Do you know our story?"

"Only what was whispered in the corridors around school. Braniac girl snags the hunk of the basketball team, teen marriage, teen pregnancy, bla, bla, bla. I was too busy enjoying cheerleading and crushing on Lucas to pay much attention. It's funny I didn't realize how close the two of you were."

"You should read Ravens. You know, Lucas first novel, that he just sold for millions. It's basically his story with Nathan, but my story with his brother is a big part of it. I think you actually show up in passing there, a young, unnamed cheerleader he had his eye on senior year. I thought he pretty much spent that whole year pining over my sister."

"Your sister? You mean, he was in a relationship with your sister?"

"A couple of months during junior year. Taylor. She is four years older. My mother calls her a free spirit. I call her a slut. I haven't spoken to her since she ran away, after breaking Luke's heart."

It's funny, I should feel threatened, or jealous. I don't. I know he is mine. I actually smile, which I can see surprises Haley. "I owe her a drink, or several, I think." Puzzled look. "I knew someone had taken the trouble to teach my boy how to properly please a girl.", and in a soft voice. "She did a very good job."

"Oh, euww!"

"Sweetie, we're gonna be sisters. You gotta stop being such a priss. It's unbecoming on someone married to that incredible hunk of yours. You gonna have to tell me how he is in bed, someday."

Haley giggles nervously. "Maybe someday." I can already tell I am going to love this sweet girl. Then she surprises me. She giggles again. "I'm going to tell you a secret, a juicy one."

I perk up. "What?"

"Lucas lost his virginity to Taylor."

"Hm, ok."

"So did Nathan."

My mouth falls open. "What?"

"It was a drunken one night stand when we were freshmen. He was the boy wonder, the only freshman to be on the varsity basketball team. She was the resident senior year slut. There was an after game party at his, I mean, at their father's beach house..."

"And how do you know that?"

"He told me. We were already married. We had a horrible fight afterwards."

"No shit, she corrupted both boys. I am going to like this slutty sister of yours."

She gives me a level stare. "You know, you're a bit like her, but you're also completely different. She doesn't like what she is. She's got this tough, maneater attitude, but underneath, she is ashamed. She wants to be like me. You, on the other hand, truly enjoy who you are. You don't want to be anyone but yourself. I'm beginning to see just how you got Lucas in such a tizzy. And I'm going to enjoy being your sister."

"Well, rockstar. I'm far from perfect, as you will find out. But I agree with you. I think I'm really going to enjoy being a part of your family. Friends?"

"I don't do things by halves. Sisters!"

"Sisters it is, then." I give her a tight hug. "Do you still perform?"

"Occasionally. A few times a year on Tric, and a short tour once in a while. Why, wanna come?"

"No. I mean, yes, I want to come, but that's not why I asked. I want to design the dresses you use to perform."

"Oh sweetie, I'd love that. I really like your stuff, and half the time I hate the clothes they make me use on concerts, interviews and stuff. They are unconfortable, and make me look like a cheap whore."

"Well, rockstar, with my clothes I promise you'll look like the priciest whore in town. And be comfortable too." We laugh together. "Let's go outside and see what the Scott boys have been up to."

What we find is pretty cool. The big boys are flying the children around the room, pretending they are dogfighting airplanes, yelling taunts and threats. The children , of course are screaming and laughing like there is no tomorrow. We start throwing food around, pretending we are anti-aircraft guns. And the battle follows.

Afterwards, we are, all six of us, lying around a little breathless, and Lucas' living room is total chaos. Nathan gets up and turns to me. "I remember you, when you were little. I have this vague memory of going to a party, probably your third birthday. I was seven, I guess. I didn't have time for little girls, but I remember you that day. A yellow princess dress, dark ponytails. You were an incredible little ball of energy, chattering away and in constant motion." He looks at me and laughs. "I guess you still are." Now everybody laughs, including me. "You singled me out that day, designated me as your prince, and had me following you around the whole party. You were so sweet, and so much fun, that I remember really enjoying it too.

"I was kind of used to being jealous of you growing up, little brother, but this memory, that really takes the prize. I would kill to remember her like that."

"You have nothing to feel jealous about, big brother. You were having sleepovers with Hales when you were nine, for crying out loud. It balances things out, I think. You have this long, incredible history with my girl. Now I have an even longer history with yours. Actually, I think I have a picture of that party somewhere. I'll try to find it."

We forgot ourselves a bit. Suddenly, Lilly is up, fists on her hips, looking at Nathan. "What do you mean his girl, uncle Nate?" She turns to Lucas. "Is Book your girlfriend, Ukie?". I don't think he can lie to her. I certainly couldn't. He gives me an apologetic look and turns to her. "Yes, princess. She is my girlfriend.". She looks at Lucas, then at me and breaks out a beautiful smile. "Ok.". She grabs Jamie by the hand, and takes him to the bedroom. If I know my silly Lilly, probably to plan our wedding.

I turn to the others. "Well, that was that." I go up to Lucas, put my arms around his neck, and give him a toe curling french kiss, fully reciprocated. I distantly hear Nathan's voice. "Hey guys, keep it PG. The children can come back any minute."

I write Millie and Victoria, pushing the financial meeting to ten. I call the limo driver, and I tell him to pick me up in front of Lucas' building at nine. It's half past seven, so I figure we have a little time. I pull my boyfriend into the office and close the door. After another kiss, I push him away a bit.

"We have a little time. Let's talk."

"Ok, pretty girl. First. This, us. It's gone beyond you needing to talk with my mom. We are going to talk to her together. I've talked to her on the phone, she is really happy that we are together."

"All right, boyfriend, I agree. We still have a long conversation ahead of us, about the stuff in my background and in my past. Your mother is aware of this stuff, but you aren't. You may still run for the hills after that. I won't hold it against you."

"There is absolutely no chance of that, pretty girl."

"All right, we are fully back on, then. The only reason I'm not going to have my way with you now, is that you have a full house, and I'm really pressed for time. I've got to be at CoB at ten."

"I have a meeting at ten in the city as well."

"I have a limo pick up at nine, in front of your building. We can ride together. Now, I have a crazy couple of days, now, so, regrettably, I'm not coming back here tonight, or tomorrow night. I'll probably spend the night working in my office."

"Can I come by with my computer and a pizza? We can work in parallel. I promise not to get in your way."

"God, you're not real. Yes, I would love the company. Come around ten. I'll keep the limo around to take you home when you want it." I'm pretty sure I can squeeze the time for a quickie too. I've never done it in my office, and Lucas is just the guy to christen it.

"I can take the evening on Friday, so after your interview, we'll go on a proper date. Restaurant, dancing and a suite at the Plaza. You in?"

"Of course. Brooke Davis, it will be an honor and a pleasure to escort you on our night in town, and thoroughly ravish you afterwards."

I giggle. "The honor is mine, gorgeous writer, but the pleasure we will share. Bring your suit to the Plaza some half hour before the interview and ask for the Scott suite. We'll dress up together."

"That's fine. I'm going to Tree Hill on Saturday, after the game."

"I can't go. I'm stuck here until Wednesday. I'll be in Tree Hill on Thursday morning. I was going to rent a car, but you can pick me up at the airport instead. instead. I also reserved a hotel. Do you want to stay with me?"

"You should cancel the hotel. If you want privacy, we can stay at my father's beach house. Nobody is using it, and it belongs to Nathan. We might want to spend some nights at my mom's. When are you coming back to New York?"

"I have a flight on Sunday."

"You can cancel that too, if you want, and drive back with me."

"That's fine, boyfriend. I'd like that. Oh, I forgot. I have an invitation to the Fire and Ice New Year Ball. Will you be my date? I'll take care of your tux."

"Wow. I'm impressed. The Fire and Ice Ball, with you as my date? That's a dream come true, pretty girl. I thought it was harder to get than a presidential inaugural ball invite"

I think of what I had to do to get it, and I silently agree. Nevertheless, I give him a smile. "It sure is, boyfriend. We aim to please."

We get lucky on traffic, so even after dropping Lucas uptown, I still get to CoB ten before ten. I head to my office, and Millie intercepts me on the way. "Your mother is already there. She is fuming."

I see the look of concern in Millie's eyes. She knows I'm a bit vulnerable where Victoria is concerned.. "The tabloids?" Millie nods her head. "Ok, I can handle this."

I take a deep breath, put on my businesswoman mask and enter my office. "Good morning, Victoria. I happy you could make it."

She tosses some tabloid edition on the table, with pictures of Lucas and of myself, and the caption "The steamy night of Brooke Davis and Lucas Scott."

"What is the meaning of this, Brooklyn?"

"It was a very good night, mother. The best of my life, so far."

"You and the Scott bastard." That word again. My blood begins to boil. "And the idiot boy decides to describe your sluttish behavior for the world's delight. We are going to sue him for all he is worth."

I turn to my icy tone. "Three things, mother. First, do not use the word bastard in the same sentence as my boyfriend's name. Ever. Second. I was delighted by his story. He turned the best night of my life into a piece of art that will be remembered long after I'm dead. The day you have a brilliant artist producing a masterpiece in your honor you can come complaining. Third, stay away from my personal life. You are still married to a philandering jackass. My boyfriend is kind, talented and treats me like a princess.

"You stupid girl. He exposed your intimacy to the whole world, and made a mockery of the Davis name. How do you expect to make a proper match with this kind of baggage in your name? Your father is furious."

"Have you read the story, mother?"

"I don't read smut."

"Try it. If you do, you will understand what I am about to tell you. I don't need a match. I have found the love of my life. I am sure he will offer me a ring soon, and I will accept it. And I will have his children, and spend the rest of my life loving him and our children with all my heart. If you want to be a part of my life, mother, get on with the program. Or not. I don't really care."

"He is only after your money."

I laugh sarcastically. "He's signed publishing contracts worth four million this week. And he's just getting started. Give it up, mother."

"It's your life, Brooklyn. If you insist in throwing it away on a boy without a family or connections, I won't be a part of it. She drops the envelope with her unsigned CoB contract on the desk and marches out. As she slams the door on her way out, I pour myself a finger of scotch and sit down in my desk, smiling. I recall the morning spent with the Scotts. Without a family. I take the unsigned contract from the envelope and tear it in half. Sometimes things work out much better than expected.

He comes into the office, wearing jeans, a Knicks jacket over a white t-shirt and old sneakers. He has a backpack, a pizza, with a coffee cup and a single rose on top. I stop what I'm doing to watch him. He takes a small crystal vase from the backpack, puts a bit of water in the vase, puts the rose in the vase, and the vase in an unused corner of my desk. He gets a paper plate, opens the pizza. Deep dish, pepperoni, extra cheese, drops a slice in the plate and the plate in front of me, together with some napkins and the coffee cup. I sip the coffee. Caramel latte, no foam. Still without a word, he goes around the desk, gives me a sweet peck in the lips, and goes sit on the floor next to the coffee table, grabs a slice, a soda and opens his computer, puts jacks in his ears and starts pecking. I go on, working on the design in front of me for another hour or so. When I'm done, I get up, stretch, and go kneel next to him. I take one of the jacks off his ear and put it in mine. Yuck. Noisy, whiny shit. He saves his work, closes the computer and turns to me. "Hi, pretty girl. I missed you."

"I missed you too boyfriend. Thank you. You don't have to keep wooing me, you know. I'm already completely yours."

"You called me here yesterday, having anticipated a bunch of problems I didn't even know I had and you set out to solve them. I hadn't felt that cared for, since I left my mother's home. This is just a little thank you. Besides, I like wooing you. I'll probably be doing it the rest of my life, if you will let me.

"I don't have much time, so this will be quick. We will do it properly Friday night." I get up, lock the door and walk back to my desk. I am wearing three inch heels, so I am already close to the right height. I take off my black lace panties and give them to him as I walk back to my desk. He places my panties to his face an inhales.

"I love your smell, pretty girl."

I pull my skirt up and prop myself over the table, stretching my bare behind at him. He approaches, caressing my buttocks with those rough hands of his, and sticks two fingers up my hole, while caressing me with his other fingers. I feel I'm melting around his hand. With his other hand he undoes his belt, opens his jeans and pulls pants and underwear down. "Condom?"

I speak breathlessly. "I have, I have a little g-gift for us, b-b-boyfriend. I'm on the p-patch, and... Lucas! And I had a, a DIU placed this, this week."

"No more condoms?"

"N-no more. Aaagh. Just g-give it to me, Lucas..."

"All right, my love. Thank you."

He slides all the way in. He leans over me, and starts gives me little bites on my neck, as he moves around inside me. It's little shocks along my neck and a throbbing deep inside me. It's been nearly a week, so it wont take long. Before he starts losing it, I crash, once, twice. "Holy shit, Lucas! Faster!" Then he begins to moan, grabbing my hips roughly, and thrusting even deeper. He finally unloads, after I crash the third time. I stand up, put my skirt down and pull him down for a kiss. "Thank you, boyfriend. I needed that."

He laughs softly. "No need to thank me. I think we both enjoyed it."

"Can I have my panties back?"

He smiles at me. "Can I keep them as a souvenir?"

"You can keep them, as a token of my appreciation. I'm sorry, but I have to get back to work."

Luke goes back to his computer, and his music, and continues tapping his keys for another couple of hours. When he starts yawning, he gets up, gives me a kiss on the top of my head, cleans up after our dinner, and leaves, without a word. I can still feel him a little, deep inside me, while I work into the night.

I'm wrapped in a towel, doing my eyelashes when I hear the door of the suite. "In here, Luke." He comes into the bathroom and leans on the sill. "Don't just stand there grinning like a fool, boyfriend. Get on with the program. We don't have much time."

"Hello to you too, pretty girl. I missed you."

I just glare at him.

"All right, all right. On with the program."

A few minutes later, he's got the suit on. I do his tie, and turn around, so he can zip my dress. I'm wearing a slightly understated burgundy number, strapless, that wraps around me like a boy's hug. I show it to Lucas, and I get an appreciative look. "Nice, pretty girl." I sit him down in a chair, to touch up his hair, and apply a bit of make-up.

"I'm amazed how you can do all these different jobs with such competence, love."

"I make a point to know all aspects of my business, sweetie. Preparing a model for the runway or for a shoot, involves make-up and hair just as much as it involves clothing. I can't criticize if I can't do it." I stand him up and check him out. "Very presentable. You could be a successful model, you know? You have both the build and the presence. Next media appearance, don't shave the same day. The twenty-four hour shadow looks sexy on you."

We meet Lindsay at the lobby and Lucas introduces us. Lindsay sizes up both of us in a professional way, and nods her approval. I was paying close attention to her, and I could see the intelligence and professionalism, covering a bit of lingering heartbreak. I whispered in Luke's ear. "You have to be gentle with her, boyfriend. She is not completely over you." He looks at me and nods. The interview itself is fairly painless. There are a dozen reporters, and three cameras. Lindsay controls the interview, and nothing controversial gets asked. They ask about our relationship, how we met, if we were living together, what are our plans for the holidays, about the "That Night", how much of it was fact, how much I liked the it, how surprised we were of its impact, about "Ravens", what it was about, when he started writing it. They also ask him about his decision to become a writer, and his relationship with basketball. We answered the questions candidly, for the most part, except for playing down how factual "That Night" really was.

The reporters left, and Lindsay turns to us. "Great job, guys. You really killed it."

"Thanks Linds. I'm leaving tomorrow, after the game, to spend Christmas with my family in Tree Hill." He gives he an envelope. "First, this is what I owe you, with a little bonus. You've done an incredible job as an agent, and I hope you can continue doing it. Second, I finished Ravens this morning. I sent you the file, and it's all yours for now. If you find it acceptable, we will be working hard on it next year. For now, I hope you enjoy reading it. Third, I want to thank you for this, for accepting to be my agent and editor, after I hurt you the way I did. I would just like to say I appreciate how difficult this is for you. He gives her a little wrapped package. This is a little Christmas gift, from myself and Brooke. We wish you all the best on the holidays, and the same to your father."

She blushes a bit. "Thank you Luke, Brooke. Can I open it?"

"Sure."

The gift is a drop-shaped pendant , gold framing a large cabochon aquamarine, with tone close to her eyes. It's beautiful and thoughtful. Hm. Boyfriend is good at gifts. I wonder, not for the first time, what I am getting for Christmas.

"Thank you, Luke, Brooke. I love it. Let me say one thing. Sure, I was falling for you, and working with you now is not easy at times. However, seeing the two of you, how much in love you are, and reading Luke's story makes me want to believe in true love. I realize that I just haven't found mine yet. Second, I've loved books and the written word since I can remember, more than anything else. Working closely with a writer with your talent and helping develop your full potential is a dream come true. There is nothing else I would rather be doing. I should say thanks for your willingness to work with me, despite the personal history.

"All right, yadah, yadah, guys. You two dorks will be talking until tomorrow." I grab Lindsay and give her a hug. I'm staying in New York until Wednesday. Let's do lunch next week, we have a million things to discuss. I'll have my people contact yours for details. Sorry to rush, but we do have a dinner reservation, We shouldn't be late."

Lucas smiles. "Bye, Linds, merry Christmas."

"Bye, Luke. You too."

At the restaurant, we sit across each other, each with a glass of wine, as we wait for our meal. We've been talking about the interview, but after a little silence, Lucas turns to me with a serious look. "I am comfortable with you, like we were the oldest of friends, and I am crazy for you, body and soul. But I still feel I hardly know you. So I propose a game. We ask questions. Preferably difficult, embarrassing, hard questions. And we try to answer them. What do you think?

"In the spirit of honesty, boyfriend, it makes me uncomfortable. I've done many things I am not proud of in my twenty years. But I am game. Let me go first. You've been in love before. Tell me about them. He tells me about Taylor and Maddie. With Taylor, it is as Haley told, an older woman that gets involved with a younger boy and ends up running away. Luke is clearly still fond of her, despite the heartbreak, and she is who taught him how to enjoy sex, and how to please his partner. Maddie is a different story. He is clearly still mad at her. They were together for about six months, during his sophomore year in college. Again, she was an older woman, a graduate student, and it was very intense, sexually and emotionally. Lucas said they fought a lot, often because of his jealousy. The relationship imploded when Lucas walked in on Maddie making out with her professor. He tells me he became angry with women, and spend the following year getting drunk and having sex with whoever crossed his path. He said that he only got back to himself after Haley had an accident and broke her leg. She had to spend two months hobbling around, and with Nathan in the middle of basketball season, and Jamie a crazy active three-year-old, Luke moved in with them to take care of Haley and Jamie. He ended up living with them for a whole year, and getting over Maddie.

He asked the same thing about me, and I told him my story, a little girl with too much money and not enough love, raised by a succession of housekeepers and nannies, left alone at thirteen with no parents and a credit card. I told him about Peyton, about cheerleading and about sophomore and junior years, when I became the school queen, and the school slut, getting drunk and sleeping with every single boy I could get my hands on. I told him about meeting his mother, and finding in her the parent I never had. I told him about breaking up with Peyton over a boy, and a pregnancy scare, and how Karen helped me through that, her faith that I was better than what I showed the world. I told him of my parents losing their money, of spending several months living in his bedroom, meeting Rachel, finding my better self, running for class president.

I told him about Chase, the only other boy I ever called boyfriend, and how that relationship ended over a sex tape. I told him about a series of gorgeous boys in New York, that I used for their bodies, and threw away before they could get too attached. I told him about the previous six months, where, bored by the boy game, I threw myself at work. And I told him about my bitch of a mother, circling around like a vulture, now that I had something she coveted.

The conversation lasted through dinner, and, abandoning the plan to go dancing, continued as we got back to the hotel and into the night. He told me about a boy growing up with abandonment, about his love of books, and of Haley, of fixing cars and his uncle Keith, of the Rivercourt, of hating his brother, and becoming a Raven. He told me of pulling his father out of a fire, and his guilt, when the man he saved payed him back by taking away the only father he knew. The guilt that he still feels every time he looks at Lilly. I tell him that he did the right thing when he pulled Dan out of that fire. That he wouldn't have been true to himself if he didn't, and that killing Keith was all on Dan. He told me of his deepest fear, of becoming Dan, of being like Dan, and I told him of my similar deepest fear concerning Victoria. We cried, and we laughed, and we fell asleep in each other's arms without ever removing our clothes. One week after that other night, we fell in love with each other all over again.

Next morning we woke up and ran to his apartment in Queens, arriving while Haley was making breakfast. Lilly ran into my arms, "Book, Ukie! I missed you. Where were you?"

"Oh, sweetie, we were just talking, and I lost track of time. I have something for you." I opened a large CoB bag I had been carrying, and brought out three identical cheerleader outfits in green and white, designed after the players jerseys. The short dresses were designed to be used over long sleeve turtlenecks and leggings, and included matching white and green sneakers. I even arranged for three sets of pom-poms, two regular size and a miniature one. Lilly was incredibly excited, but Haley was a little less so.

"You are not going to get me into that outfit."

Lilly took charge in convincing Haley. "Oh, aunt Haley, please! You will look so pretty." Lilly had the big eyes and the pouting down to a science. Jamie decided to join Lilly's side. "C'mon, mommy, it's going to be fun!" Haley finally agreed to do it. After breakfast, I locked Haley and Lilly in the bedroom and got us ready, including doing our hair with green and white ribbons.

"All right squad. Now for some cheers" one-two-goooo-Panthers!" I taught them a couple of routines. Lilly was in heaven, and, at the end, even Haley was clearly enjoying herself. Of course, I never really stopped loving it, and I missed it like crazy.

"Boyfriend, if we go live in Tree Hill, and you become basketball coach, is there any chance I could be cheer coach?"

"I don't see why not. That's a hard position to fill, and you were captain of the squad for three years. I understand you got both the best choreography trophy and the sparkle trophy. It should be easy, specially if you do it as a volunteer."

"I didn't realize how much I miss it."

He comes close and whispers. "You and Lilly just made one of Nathan's oldest dreams come true. He's been trying to get Haley into a cheer outfit since before they got married. Look at the silly grin on his face."

I giggle. "Happy to be of service, boyfriend."

"You're looking pretty fine there too, although what I really want is to see you in that Ravens two-piece outfit, with the bare middle. I remember you in that outfit during the championship game, but you'd fill it up much nicer now."

"You got that right, boyfriend. I'll take it to Tree Hill, and I will give you a nice lap dance as part of your Christmas gift." I just love the goofy look on his face after I that.

We go to the game, and the whole neighborhood is there. Since the home team is already in the playoffs, it's a pretty relaxed crowd, out for a good time. Also, the people here, and the players, are clearly very fond of Lucas. There is a van from a local News station setting up to make a piece on the game, and their focus is on the handsome young coach for the home team. They interview some of the players, and their families. When they interview Lucas, he manages to focus on the good work the City League does for these kids, who go to public schools without an athletics program. I can't even begin to describe how proud I am of him.

Home team wins the game easily, and we girls have a lot of fun with our little cheering squad. After the game, a group of mothers approaches me. They say some of the neighborhood girls want to organize a cheering squad for the playoffs. Since I'm coach' girlfriend and all, they wanted to ask for my help in doing it. I say I'd be happy to do it, that the girls should come to the first practice after new year's and I would teach them some routines, and get them outfits. We go back to the apartment, and, after organizing their departure, Lucas goes pick up their car. He comes back with this incredible vehicle, a huge vintage Cadillac, top down, all white, chromes and with blue leather interior. He honks his horn and the Scotts come down with the baggage, car seats and huge smiles. We hug, and we kiss, me and Lilly even cry a little. After everybody is settled, Lucas comes to me for a goodbye kiss.

"I'll miss you, boyfriend. Drive safely. See you in a few days."

"Can I ask you something?"

"What?"

"Can we make out in the back seat? I know just the right spot."

"I think I know it too. Beach parking after sunset?" He nods. "You're on, gorgeous. I've done it there before, but not with this much space, or in such good company."

"Same here, pretty girl. Hurry home."

"Counting the minutes, boyfriend."