Brooke was in the hospital for about two weeks. Every day she would go to the NICU to check on Avery. It was hard for her the first few days but as the days and visits continued Brooke felt it becoming less difficult.

The day she was being released Brooke went to the NICU to visit Avery before she left. He was still extremely small only weighing about 3 ½ pounds. Brooke had not held him since the day he was born after the doctor placed him in her arms for a brief moment.

"Hi Avery. Mommy's going home today. I have so much that needs to be done before you join me. But first you need to grow some more. Can you do that for Mommy baby? I would really love to take my little angel home with me," Brooke said as she stood over Avery's crib looking down at him.

Avery's only response was to stare up at Brooke with his big blue eyes. Brooke felt her heart melt whenever she saw those eyes. They were blue like Lucas' eyes had been and that of course was difficult for Brooke to handle at first but not so much now. Brooke saw them as a reflection of a resemblance to the love of her life. The nurse tapped on the window to get Brooke's attention and when she looked up the nurse pointed to the clock. Brooke sighed disappointedly. As much as she wanted to get out of the hospital she really didn't want to leave Avery behind. She wanted very much to stay with him forever even though she knew it wasn't possible for her to do so.

"Okay, baby, Mommy has to go now. I promise I'll be here tomorrow and every day after that until they say you can come home. I love you Avery," Brooke said as she blew a kiss to her baby boy.

She turned around and walked toward the door to leave. Before opening the door Brooke turned back toward Avery and blew another kiss in his direction. She made her way back to her room and jumped almost ten feet in the air when she saw Haley and Nathan sitting in the chairs next to the bed.

"What are you doing here?" she asked with her hand on her chest.

"Taking you home," Nathan replied as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

"Where's home? I thought you said my parents are in Georgia now?"

"They are. Just trust me."

So where are you taking me because if they're in Georgia the house is now longer my home."

"Brooke, do you trust me?"

"Yes, of course I do."

"Okay then. Let's go and I promise you, I am taking you home."

"But."

"Brooke."

"Sorry."

"How's Avery doing today?" Haley asked trying to change the subject.

"Same as yesterday but the nurse said he's gonna be fine. I just wish I didn't have to leave him here, you know?"

"I'm sorry Brooke. You'll have him home with you soon."

A few minutes later Dr. Madden came in the room with Brooke's discharge papers and an orderly came in behind him with a wheelchair. Brooke took one look at the wheelchair and groaned. This was not how she wanted to leave the hospital.

"Do I really have to sit in that?" she whined.

"Sorry but yes. Hospital policy. Besides, it could be fun," Dr. Madden answered.

"Oh please."

"Oh Brookie. Don't be so dramatic. Now come on. Sit down so we can get you out of here," Haley laughed.

"Thanks for the love Haley."

"Anything for you buddy. Now seriously, sit down. We can't wait all day for you to sit in this wheelchair. I dunno about you, but I can think of a million things I'd rather be doing."

Brooke flopped into the wheelchair and then turned around to stick her tongue out at Haley, who stuck her tongue out at Brooke. Nathan and Dr. Madden watched the girls and neither of them could help but laugh.

"All right girls, let's be on our way. If you're done that is," Nathan said as he stood behind the wheelchair.

"Yes please," Brooke said eager to leave the hospital but not Avery.

"Take care Brooke, but do me a favor? Try not to land yourself in here again. You're a beautiful girl with a bright future. Keep it that way," Dr. Madden said before he turned to leave.

"All right, let's go," Nathan said as he pushed Brooke's wheelchair out of the room toward the lobby and outside.

Nathan stopped the wheelchair once they were outside. Haley stepped behind the wheelchair and held it in place so Nathan could go get the car. She couldn't wait to see the look on Brooke's face when they took her home, because home was no longer the white house with the red door. No, it was an apartment in the building where she and Nathan lived that Brooke's father bought her after Karen, Keith, Nathan and herself told him and Brooke's mom what was going on. James and Julie Davis had surprised everyone by agreeing that Brooke and Avery should stay in Tree Hill. Haley just hoped Brooke didn't get upset with any of them for telling her parents about Avery. She was shaken out of her thoughts when Nathan slammed the driver door shut.

"Gee, Nate, did you park in the next county?" Brooke teased as he helped her in the car.

"No I didn't. Brat," Nathan replied.

Nathan turned his back to make sure the orderly who was waiting to take the wheelchair back in was all set. Brooke was looking out the window at Nathan with her tongue sticking out. Haley watched and had to bite back the laughter as she got into the front seat with Nathan.

"Hales, why do you look like you're excited and terrified at the same time?" Brooke asked as Nathan drove toward the apartment complex.

"I don't know what you're talking about," Haley insisted.

"Don't lie to me. What are you hiding?"

Haley looked at Nathan who give her a sideways glance and nodded. She smiled back as she reached into her purse and pulled out a key, handing it to Brooke as Nathan pulled into their parking space. Brooke held the key in her hand but she still didn't understand.

"I don't get it. Is this the spare key to your place? No, it can't be. Hales I already have one, I've had one since you moved in."

"I know. It's not for our place."

"What are you talking about? Is it for my place that I don't have?"

Brooke looked out the window and was surprised to see her car in the space next to where they were parked. Now she was really confused. She was holding a key that wasn't a spare for Nathan and Haley's place and her car was parked in a space like it belonged there. What the hell is going? This doesn't make sense. Unless…no it couldn't be. Could it? Brooke thought to herself.

"Okay, who got me the apartment?" she asked as Nathan opened the door and helped her out.

"I did," James Davis said as he walked toward his daughter.

"What are you doing here and what are you talking about? Why would you do that? I thought you and Mom said I had to go to Georgia with you?" Brooke crossed her arms defiantly.

Haley tensed as she prepared for the truth to come out. And she was sure that when it did Brooke was gonna be pissed and would turn her anger toward her and Nathan. She really didn't wanna see that happen though.

"It was brought to my attention that you were pregnant and recently had your baby. Because of that I was asked not to make you leave town and come to Georgia with us. Your mother doesn't agree with this decision but I need to make things right with you. So if allowing you to stay here with people who love and care about you in ways your mother and I don't seem to know how to do then so be it. On one condition."

"What?"

"First of all, don't ask who told me about the baby. But that's not the condition."

"Okay I won't ask you. What's the condition?"

"Don't cut me out of yours and Avery's lives the way Ryan cut me out of his life and his children's lives. I swore if I ever had children again I'd be a better father. Obviously that hasn't worked and I'm sorry for that. I want things to be better between us Brooke."

"What about Mom? Does she care? Is she even sorry?"

"Honestly I don't know. She hasn't talked to me since I told her I was going to allow you to stay here and buy you this apartment. What do you say? Can you give me another chance?"

"I don't know Dad. You're asking me to do something you've never proved yourself to be worthy of. You're asking me to trust you, and I want to but I don't know if I can because I've never been able to before. Why should I believe you now? What is so different this time? Until you prove to me that things really are going to be different, better, I can't don't that."

"I understand."

"But, I am willing to give you that chance. I would like to give Mom the same chance but if she's not talking to you then she's definitely not gonna talk to me."

"Things will be better. You'll see."

Brooke nodded trying to cover the doubt she felt swimming in her stomach. She really wanted to believe things were going to be better with her and her dad but only time would tell if he could actually hold true to his word.

"Haley gave you the key I assume?" James asked.

"Yes," Brooke replied.

"All right, go on up. I believe there are a few people up there waiting up there for you. I'd love to stay but I've gotta get back."

Brooke nodded again. James started to walk away until Brooke pulled his arm and turned him around. As soon as he was facing her again Brooke pulled her dad into a hug. He was surprised at first but then James wrapped his arms around Brooke to return the hug.

"Thank you Daddy," she whispered in his ear and then kissed his cheek before breaking the hug.

"You're welcome baby girl. I love you," James replied.

"I love you too."

James walked away smiling. Brooke watched for a moment with tears brimming in her eyes before she turned to Nathan and Haley. Both of them were expecting Brooke to scream at them for going to her parents behind her back but were pleasantly surprised when she ran at them and pulled them both into a hug.

"So you're not mad?" Haley asked.

"Are you kidding? I'm thrilled. I told Peyton I wanted to get my own place in town. Now I don't have to because my dad took care of it for me. This is awesome, now all I have to worry about it providing for Avery," Brooke replied.

"Maybe not as much as you think," Nathan mumbled under his breath.

Haley shot him a look but dropped when Brooke didn't react. Obviously she hadn't heard anything. They walked up the steps, Brooke in front of Nathan and Haley. She stopped at the top when she realized she didn't know which apartment was hers. Haley saw this and walked toward her and Nathan's apartment and then went to the next door over and stopped.

"I'm right next to you guys?" Broke said in excited disbelief.

Haley and Nathan were smiling as they nodded.

"Now I know you two told my dad about Avery. And I'm guessing Karen and Keith are in on this too," Brooke said as she put the key in the door and unlocked her apartment.

"You're not supposed to ask," Nathan said sarcastically.

"No, I'm not supposed to ask my dad. He didn't say I couldn't ask anyone else."

Brooke stuck her tongue out at Nathan as she turned back to push the door open. It was dark but Brooke thought she could hear voices. She flipped the light switch that was next to the door. As soon as she did, Peyton, Karen, Keith, Rachel, Mouth, Skills and Ryan all yelled, "Welcome home Brooke!"

"RYAN! What are you doing here?" Brooke squealed happily as she ran toward her brother who lifted her off the ground and spun around.

"Visiting my baby sister of course," Ryan told her after he put back on the floor.

"I'm so glad you're here. Did Dad call you?"

"No, I called him," Peyton said as she grinned at Brooke.

"Aw, P. Sawyer. You're the best," Brooke said happily as she wrapped her best friend into a hug.

"I know."

"Humble too."

The girls giggled as they hugged again. Next Brooke moved onto Karen and Keith who just wrapped her into a hug. Karen pulled back and the look in her eye told Brooke she was glad to see that she was okay now.

"Okay my turn Ms. Roe," Skills laughed.

"Hey buddy. I'm so glad to see you," Brooke said as she hugged him.

"Me too. No more crazy stunts now you hear? And when you bring that boy home let me know I wanna meet the little dude."

"Of course. Avery's gotta meet his Uncle Skills. I wouldn't cheat you out of that. Luke would want you to know his son and I would never have a problem with that. Skills you and Luke go way back, you can tell Avery stories about Lucas I've never heard."

"You know I will. I'll help with whatever too."

"Thanks Skills."

Brooke pulled him into another before moving onto Rachel and Mouth. Surprisingly this was harder for her to handle then Karen and Keith. Rachel stepped up and hugged her friend when she saw the tears in Brooke's eyes.

"I can't believe I almost let you down. Rachel I'm so sorry," Brooke cried into her friend's shoulder.

"Shh, Brooke, it's all right. You pulled through. I knew you would. You're a strong person. Maybe I didn't know you were pregnant when I got to the hospital but just like you said you're gonna help me, Mouth and I are gonna help you. Whatever you need. We'll be there for you. This is gonna be a popular line today but I wanna do something for you because you've been so good to me," Rachel said as she rubbed Brooke's back soothingly.

"I can't tell you what that means to me Rachel. Thank you so much. I love you."

"I love you too."

Peyton cringed inwardly. She was glad that Brooke had more friends she could count on but it wasn't common for her to tell them she loved them. Obviously her friendship with Rachel was stronger than Brooke was letting on.

"Rachel's right, Brooke. Whatever you need, you can come to us whenever you want. I loved Lucas like he was my brother and I've always had a soft spot for you. I couldn't have been happier the day you two got together except I wanted you for myself but knowing what a great guy Luke was I let that go. Please, don't hesitate to ask for anything. It's all gonna be fine but I agree with Skills, no more crazy stunts okay?" Mouth said as he wrapped his arms around the two girls.

"Mouth you are amazing. How come I have such a kick ass friend?" Brooke asked as she wiped the tears from her eyes.

"You haven't seen nothing yet."

"What?"

"Come with me."

Mouth grabbed Brooke's hand and led her to one of the two bedroom doors. Brooke smiled when she saw that it said Avery in lettering that looked like basketballs. She looked back at everyone who was watching and they all motioned for her to open the door. With butterflies swirling in her stomach Brooke opened the door slowly and what she saw when she did brought tears to her eyes. There was a crib, rocking chair, changing table and dressers arranged around the room. She walked in and sat in the rocking chair. As she did that Brooke noticed the closet with some clothes in it already. Immediately her glance went to Karen who nodded at her.

"This is amazing. Not even an hour ago I was worried about where Avery and I were gonna live and how I was gonna all this stuff for him and now, I've got more than I could ask for," Brooke said as a tear slid down her cheek.

Haley and Nathan walked over to Brooke and handed her a box with Pooh Bear wrapping paper on it. She shook her head in amazement as she opened the box. Inside the box was a newborn sized basketball jersey, shorts and an infant sized baseball cap. Each article of clothing said "Ravens" in black lettering. Brooke lifted the jersey out of the box and turned it around, Haley watched carefully for her reaction. As soon as Brooke turned it around she saw that on the back it had the number 3 and Scott above it.

"This is amazing you guys. Thank you," Brooke said as she looked up at her friends and smiled through the tears.

"You're welcome. Nathan wanted to get a basketball but I convinced him to wait a couple more years," Haley said as she walked over and hugged Brooke.

"Hey, he's gonna learn to play some day. It's in his blood, poor kid," Nathan said as he too walked over to give Brooke a hug.

"Okay, okay. Best friend's turn," Peyton laughed. She handed Brooke an envelope. Brooke looked up at Peyton with a confused expression.

"P. Sawyer what did you do?" Brooke asked.

"If you open it you'll see what I did, B. Davis," Peyton replied.

Brooke opened the envelope and wasn't surprised to find a drawing inside. She pulled it out carefully and looked at it, her breath catching in her throat when she realized it was a picture of her, Lucas and Avery.

"Peyton," she said softly.

"I drew that before I knew you were pregnant. I wasn't gonna give it to you originally but when I found out you were pregnant I knew I had to. Hang up wherever you want," Peyton explained.

Brooke stood up out of the chair and placed the picture and envelope on the chair before pulling Peyton into a hug.

"I so wasn't kidding when I said you're the best. Thanks, I love the picture. But not nearly as much as I love you."

"I love you too."

Ryan watched as his sister interacted with all her friends. He was glad to see that so many people loved and cared about her. It made him feel a little bit better for living so far away. When Brooke was growing up he would come to visit but he never saw her because she was always off with Peyton or another friend. It was nice to be able to meet the people that played a big part in Brooke's life. And he was glad to see she had a best friend that really loved her and a bunch of other friends who she could depend on too. He waited a minute before making his way toward Brooke again. He didn't want to make Peyton feel like she had to rush or anything.

"Brookie, my baby sister. I know I wasn't around much to watch you grow up. I wanna be around to watch Avery grow up and maybe help when I can. Obviously it won't be as often as everyone else who's here but I will come around more often. I missed too much in your life as it is and I feel like the crappiest brother ever," Ryan said.

"Ryan, you're not a crappy brother. It's not your fault you're like 7 years older than me. I've never held that against you. But I would love to see you more often and I would definitely love for my son to know his Uncle Ryan," Brooke replied as she turned to her brother.

"Oh, Avery will know Uncle Ryan. In fact, Uncle Ryan just might be his favorite uncle."

"I dunno about that. Unless you plan to spoil him lavishly, Uncle Nathan might beat you out Uncle Ryan."

Nathan couldn't help but grin. Brooke was right, he was absolutely gonna spoil Avery whenever he could. She didn't know it yet but there was stuff in the closet and dresser that Nathan had bought for Avery without Haley even knowing it. He wasn't sure yet how he managed to pull that one off but he wasn't gonna jinx it by saying anything now.

"Okay, I've been staring at this furniture and I'm getting the feeling it was Lucas' baby furniture," Brooke said as she looked around the room again.

"Good feeling. I've been waiting for an opportunity to use it again and when I found out you were pregnant with my son's baby I thought what better way to get rid of it then to give it to you to use for Avery. Lucas would have been thrilled and I figured you'd appreciate the gesture," Karen explained.

"I totally do. This is awesome. Thanks so much Karen. I love you."

Brooke hugged Karen tightly for a minute before going to hug Keith too. Maybe he wasn't Lucas' biological father but nobody cared. It was Keith's influence that molded Lucas into the person he had been.

"Brooke you're gonna raise an amazing kid. Just make sure he's not a slacker like my nephew over there," Keith laughed as he nodded his head toward Nathan.

"Don't worry he won't be," Brooke said as she laughed.

"You're a real funny guy Keith," Nathan said as he walked over and punched him in the arm.

"Yeah, I know," he said before turning back to Brooke, "Before I forget, I have a surprise of my own."

"Are you kidding? You've all done way too much already," Brooke said with an astonished look.

"Are you kidding? Brooke, you knew you were gonna get spoiled rotten once everyone got wind of you being pregnant. Come here."

Brooke walked over to Keith who pulled something out of his pocket. She looked at it and then at Keith, her eyes searching his facial expression for any sort of clue he might have for her. When she gave up trying to read his expression Brooke opened the tiny envelope only to have a key fall on the floor in front of her. She bent down to pick it up and look at it. Her eyes widened when she realized it was a car key.

"Keith you didn't have to," Brooke said.

"No but I wanted to. Brooke I know you love that Beetle of yours but I think you're gonna like this better," Keith said as he handed her a picture of a baby blue Mustang convertible.

"Shut up. You did not."

"I did."

"Why? How?"

"Well somebody came to my shop with it, insisting it was dead. Being the mechanic I am, I checked it and found the problem, fixed it up. Called the guy to tell him his car was fixed but he didn't want it. I thought about selling it to Danny but then I decided I'd let you have it. It's bigger and can fit more stuff then your car can now."

"You're amazing. I love you."

"I love you too kiddo. Take good care of Avery."

"I will."

Everybody stayed and hung out at Brooke's apartment for a couple hours. They ordered pizza and the guys went out to get some drinks. While they were gone there was a knock on the door. Brooke got up to answer it wondering who could be on the other side. Especially since she didn't think there was anyone else who knew that she had her own place in Tree Hill now. A smile spread across her face as she stared back at a familiar face.

Oh yes…cliff hanger. Don't hate me. Whoever guesses who's there gets a cookie…well you'd get a cookie if I had a cookie to give you. Leave me the love and don't forget to make your guesses! Peace out kids!