Chapter 2

Lucas sat in his chair by the computer thinking about what had happened an hour ago. They had departed just as soon as they had begun. His cell phone began to vibrate on his desk. Looking at the caller ID, he saw that it was Peyton.

"Hey Peyt" he said into the receiver.

"Hey Lucas. So it seems that I cant do anything today. My schedule is really busy."

"That's cool, maybe tomorrow"

"Yeah sounds great" she said. She was so hurt that he wouldn't tell her what had happened. They hung up the phone and she walked over to her computer. She turned on her microphone and began spilling her guts into her newest installment of her podcast.

-------------

Mouth walked out of a convenient store at the center of town when he spotted Brooke sitting at a park bench. She had a very puzzled look on her face so he decided to stop over and see what was going on.

"Hey Brooke"

"Oh hey Mouth. How've ya been?" she asked. She really enjoyed Mouth's company. He was one of her best friends, and she could always count of him for some good advice.

"So what caused the puzzled look on your face?"

"Oh nothing. Something just happened and I'm not exactly sure what to think about it."

"Really? Sound juicy. May I ask what it was?"

"Of course you can ask, but I don't think I'm gonna answer until I've figured it out."

"Well that will be never."

"Haha...you really know how to make a girl feel good about herself."

"I'm just kidding Brooke. Well I gotta go. I'm meeting Rachel later so..."

"How's everything going on with you and her? I don't have to tell you to be careful do I?"

"No Brooke, you don't."

"Okay, well have fun."

"I will, see ya."

------------

Lucas knocked on Haley and Nathan's apartment. His knocking was soon followed by Haley opening the door and inviting him in. He sat down on the couch as Haley poured them some water.

"So what do I owe this pleasure?" she said sarcastically

"Well I wanted to talk to you about something that happened between Brooke and I."

"Yeah I heard Lucas, I'm so sorry that she dumped you."

"Yeah Haley, that's the thing. She dumped me and then when I went over to talk to her, she kissed me."

"What?"

"Yeah. I don't know what to think about it so I was hoping you would have a clue."

"Me, know what's going on with Brooke Davis. I don't think so." They smiled and then she saw Lucas lower his head. "But if you want, I could ask her."

"Really Haley, that would be great."

"No problem Rocket Roe"

"You're cute" and they laughed as Nathan walked in.

"Hey guys"

"Hey honey. How was basketball practice?"

"Not the same without Lucas."

"Thanks man, I wish I could play." He could tell that Nathan wanted to be alone with his wife, so he decided to leave. "Well, I'm gonna head out. I'll talk to you guys later."

-----------

As Lucas was walking into the front door, he heard a knocking at the back door. It had begun to rain, so it took him a little while to wipe off his shoes before entering so his mom woulnd't get mad at him. He finally made it to the back door to find Brooke standing there, dripping from the cold rain that had fallen outside.

"Brooke, I was just gonna call you."

"Well, I guess I beat ya to it." she half smiled

"Come in, please"

"Ok, before this goes on and gets even more awkward, I just wanted to say a few things." she paused, collecting the things in her head that she wanted to say."I don't know why I kissed you earlier, I just did. But I don't think it can go any farther. Not till I know that you will be there for me."

"But Brooke, I've already told you that I will be."

"Lucas, I know you love me, but I need to know that you love me more than Peyton."

"Brooke" he said apologetic

"Lucas" she was getting very emotional and began to cry a little "you hung out with her more than me while we were dating. You kissed her twice, while we were dating. You never called me when you were out of town. I just can't help thinking that you love me and want to be with me, but you dont need me in your life."

"That's rediculous Brooke."

"But I cant help the way I feel, and until that changes, I dont think we can be anything more than friends. There's just too much going on in my life, and I cant be worrying about trusting you on top of it."

"Then why dont you tell me what is going on, and then maybe I can help you."

"I can't Lucas, not yet. I gotta go." she turned and walked out the door before he could say anything more.

------------

Mouth walked into Rachel's house and up the stairs to her bedroom. He knocked on the door. "It's me Mouth."

"I'm almost ready" she responded

The door opened and Rachel walked out wearing a tube top laced with sequens and bell bottom jeans.

"Wow" Mouth said, in shock that he was going out with such a beautiful girl. Since Cooper had died, he had talked to her a lot and last night he had asked her out. She had said yes and it made Mouth's day.

"So, where are we going?" she asked. She didn't know if she just wanted to go out, or if she was actually starting to have feelings for Mouth, as weird as that sounded. They headed out the door arm in arm and drove off into the distance.

---------

Hope you like it!