"Jake! Oh my gosh, it's nice good to see you," Brooke said as she ushered him into the apartment, "What are you doing in Tree Hill?"
"I was visiting my parents actually."
"How did you know where to find me?"
"I didn't. I was looking for Nathan. I thought this was his apartment."
"Nope, next one over but he's hanging out over here. Actually a bunch of people are."
"Brooke, who was at the," Peyton asked as she walked into see Jake, "door?"
"Peyton, God, you look beautiful," Jake said when he looked up to see the familiar blonde haired girl he had fallen in love with before leaving town.
"Jake. I missed you so much. How are you and Jenny doing?" Peyton asked as she walked over and hugged him tightly while breathing in his familiar scent.
"It's funny you should mention Jenny. Cause I'm about to become Daddy again. But she's great. Emily, my girlfriend, she loves Jenny."
Jake could see the open door to Avery's room with all the baby furniture from where he was standing and turned back to Brooke.
"You said this is your place right?" he asked.
"Yeah, why?" Brooke replied.
"You have a child now?"
"Actually yes, I just had a little boy two weeks ago. Avery Lucas Scott."
"Luke's a daddy now huh? I'll have to welcome him to the club."
Brooke's face fell and Jake noticed immediately wondering why. He was hoping Lucas hadn't left Brooke to raise a baby on her own the way Nikki had just dumped Jenny off on him two years ago. If that was the case Jake would kick Lucas' ass the first chance he got. Peyton grabbed Jake's arm and lead him into Avery's room. She was going to explain everything to him so Brooke wouldn't have to.
"Peyton what's going on? Why did Brooke's face fall when I mentioned welcoming Luke to the club?" Jake asked with genuine concern.
"He died Jake. Before Brooke even knew she was pregnant. He never even knew he was going to be a father," Peyton replied sadly.
"Oh god, was it his heart?"
"No."
"What happened?"
"You remember Jimmy Edwards?"
"Sure I do. He was good friends with Luke. What did he do?"
"He shot Luke. And then he shot himself. It's been almost three months. Brooke's been a mess. She was only four months pregnant but she fell into a bad spot with her feelings and almost put her life and Avery's life at risk. The doctor told her she could continue to carry Avery and risk going into a coma and losing him or save his life and allow them to take him out now. She opted for saving his life. He's still in the hospital and will be for a while longer."
"Oh gosh. I'm sorry I wasn't here for any of that. I would have helped out anyway I could. If Emily wasn't pregnant I'd come back to Tree Hill but I can't leave her and my child."
"Jake its okay. Brooke will understand."
Jake nodded weakly. He felt like his stomach was in knots. How could Jimmy shoot Lucas? Why did he do it? These were questions that not only plagued Jake's mind but also the minds of everyone who ever knew Lucas and or Jimmy. None of it made sense. Jake went out to the living room where Brooke was sitting with Haley talking about something and put his arms around her.
"I'm sorry," was all he could say to her.
"It's okay, you didn't know," she whispered.
"Jake! When did you get here?" Haley asked happy to see her friend.
"A little while ago. I was actually looking for your husband. I thought this was your place but I guess I got it wrong. Oh well, at least I found you guys," Jake told Haley.
A minute later the guys walked in carrying bags full of soda, juice, milk, water and alcohol. Brooke rolled her eyes when she saw the alcohol.
"This isn't for you. Keith bought it for me," Nathan said as he stashed the alcohol in the corner of Brooke's fridge for now.
Nobody seemed to notice that Jake was there. He was kind of amused by this as he watched his old friends interacting and then there was an older guy he didn't recognize who walked over to Brooke and hugged her. After he broke his embrace Jake looked at Brooke questioningly.
"Jake, I'd like you to meet my brother, Ryan Davis," Brooke explained when she saw the look on his face.
"Oh hey Ryan. Nice to meet you. I didn't know Brooke had a brother," Jake said as he stood up and shook Ryan's hand.
"Not many people do. I live out in California. But I came to Tree Hill when I heard my baby sister was a mommy," Ryan explained to Jake.
"Your sister is an amazing girl. I've always thought so."
"Well I'm glad to hear it. That seems to be the mutual feeling about my little Brookie. And you know something I think I agree with ya'll. She is amazing."
"Stop. I am not amazing. If I was amazing I'd be able to handle living without my boyfriend and the father of my child much better then I have. Just wait till I break down. You won't think I'm amazing then. Trust me," Brooke said as she felt her cheeks getting red.
"Brooke, I don't have to see you break down. And even if I do, you're still amazing to me. You've put up with Dad and Julie for 17 years without killing them."
"Well it's pretty easy when they're never home to take care of me. I'm surprised social services didn't get involved after all the times I would tell my teachers how they were never home and I was left in the house alone. Well once you were gone that was. Even before you went off to college I never saw you much either. But that's okay. I'll see you more now and I can appreciate your presence in my life."
About an hour later, Brooke decided it was time to kick everyone out of her apartment. Everyone except Ryan that was. As she was saying goodbye to Jake she made him promise to keep her in the loop.
"Jake, don't be a stranger. Come back and visit anytime and make sure you keep me informed on what's going on with you," Brooke said as she hugged him.
"I will. You too. Good luck with Avery. He's lucky to have you," Jake said as he kissed Brooke's cheek before leaving.
Brooke shut the door and joined Ryan on the couch. He still hadn't given her what he had for Avery but he wanted to wait until they were alone anyway because it was kind of over the top. Especially for a 17 year old widowed teen mother.
"Here, this is for you and Avery. Use it however you want," Ryan told Brooke as he handed her a check.
Brooke unfolded the check and stared blankly at the number in front of her. She shook her head and tried to give it back. Ryan wouldn't take it though.
"Ryan, no. This is way too much. You can't do that," Brooke said insistently.
"Yes I can. You are my sister and I wanna do something nice for you," Ryan retorted.
"$500,000 Ryan? That's too nice. What about you? Don't you need money to take care of your own kid?"
"Brooke, don't worry about it. I've got plenty of money. Besides, I imagine you're not really gonna have time for a job with school and Avery to think about. This should keep you afloat long enough to get you through at least two or three years of college before you have to worry about money on your own."
"You're amazing Ryan. I love you. You know that right?"
"I love you too Brookie. Take care of my nephew."
"Of course. Hey where are you going? Why don't you stay here?"
"I can't Brooke. I've gotta get to the airport. I'm sorry. I'll come back in a few weeks. And I'll call you when I get home. I promise."
"Okay. Thanks for coming out here Ryan. I missed you."
"I missed you too Peanut."
Ryan enveloped Brooke in a hug and kissed her forehead before releasing her from his embrace and walking out of the apartment and down to his rental car. Brooke watched as Ryan drove away before going back inside and into Avery's room. She sat down in the rocking chair and rocked herself to sleep. She was exhausted from all the day's excitement. First with getting out of the hospital; then finding out about the apartment and seeing her dad. Brooke smiled to herself as she thought about how lucky she was to have such a great support system in Tree Hill.
"Luke, I miss you," she mumbled just before she fell asleep.
Brooke was back at school a few days later. In fact she was back just in time for the top ten of the graduating class to be announced. It was no surprise to anyone that Haley was named valedictorian. The surprise of the top ten however was Brooke. She was named salutatorian. After Brooke it was Mouth, Abby Brown, John Ferris, Marcus Vasquez, Peyton, Brandon Roth, Skills and Rachel. Brooke was totally blown away, she had no idea that she ranked so high in the class but it was kind of cool at the same time because it meant she could finally shake the brainless cheerleader stereotype so many people had slapped on her.
"Brooke!" Nathan yelled as he came up to her in the halls.
"Hey Nathan," Brooke replied as she took her head out of her locker.
"Congratulations on being salutatorian."
"Thanks."
Nathan hugged her briefly before he ran off to find Haley to congratulate her for being named valedictorian. He was so proud of his girls, all four of them; for all making the top ten in their class. He knew that would never be something he could do himself but as long as he graduated and got into the college he wanted to, that was all that mattered to Nathan about his own academics. But it was important to him that the girls do well because he knew what they were all capable of doing and they all proved him right by making the top ten.
Brooke closed her locker and made her way toward her class—math with Haley. The only person who ranked higher in the class but that didn't bother Brooke at all because she knew Haley deserved it. She worked harder than anyone Brooke had ever seen when it came to school work.
"Hales!" she squealed as she ran into the room and sat next to her friend.
"Hey Tigger," Haley replied happily.
"This is so great. I'm so happy for you."
"Thanks. You too. Luke would be so proud of you. I know Nathan is. He told me so when I saw him just now."
"Yeah, he told me too. Luke would have been proud of you too you know. I mean yeah I was the girlfriend but you were the best friend. Wait a second; does this mean I have to give some sort of speech at the graduation?"
Haley couldn't help the smile that spread across her face or the laughter that escaped through her lips. She waited until she had recomposed herself before answering Brooke.
"Yes it does Brooke. But you can do it. I know you can. If you can kick ass and make it all the way up to number two in the class you can write a speech and give it at the graduation. Do it for Luke and Avery."
Brooke smiled. Do it for Luke and Avery? Yeah, she could handle that. She sat through math hoping that her dad and Ryan would be proud of her accomplishments like she was proud of herself. She had been through so much in the past few months it was amazing that she finished where she did in the class.
"All right, I'll do it. But only for Lucas and Avery, no one else."
Haley nodded. She was glad that Brooke was going to give a speech, even if it was only for Avery and Lucas. The two girls linked arms and walked out of the school building. It was just about time for the day to be over and they were meeting Peyton and Rachel and then going to the hospital to see Avery.
"Hey, it's Val and Sal," Peyton said with a crooked grin as Brooke and Haley approached her and Rachel.
"What?" Brooke asked, completely lost.
"Hales is valedictorian, hence the name Val. And you're salutatorian, hence the name Sal. So together you're Val and Sal."
Haley and Rachel were biting their tongues to keep from laughing at Brooke, but it was rather entertaining for them to think Brooke could be ranked number two in the class and still have no idea about some things. But they loved her anyway.
"Okay, stop picking on me. Let's go see my baby," Brooke said as she hopped into her car.
Brooke drove the four girls to the hospital. They got there in about seven minutes because she was so excited to tell Avery about the class rankings that had been announced. She hoped that even though he didn't understand what she was talking about that Avery would be proud of her anyway.
"I hope he's proud of me," Brooke said quietly as they got on the elevator to go to the NICU.
"Of course Luke's proud of you. I told you that already," Haley said as she rested her head on Brooke's shoulder.
"Not Luke, Hales. I was talking about Avery. I hope he's proud of me even though he has no idea what's going on."
"I'm sure he is. He knows you're his mommy and that you love him immensely. It would be a shame if he weren't proud of you. I know I am," Peyton said as she leaned her head against Brooke's other shoulder.
Rachel stood back and nodded in agreement. The three girls were proud of Brooke and they were convinced that Avery would be too. A smile broke out across Brooke's face as the elevator stopped on the fourth floor where the NICU was. She walked off quickly and practically ran through the hallway. A few hospital personnel had to tell her to slow down because she was going so fast. Haley, Peyton and Rachel followed behind her apologizing to people as they went but they couldn't help smiling at how eager Brooke was to get to Avery.
As soon as Brooke was at the door for the NICU she pushed it open and smiled brightly at the nurse who was sitting behind the desk.
"How has he been today?" Brooke asked as she paused to catch her breath.
"Excellent. Avery is quite the little fighter. Dr. Andrews wants to talk to you today before you head out," the nurse replied.
"Is everything okay? Should I be concerned?"
"No, I don't think so. In fact, you might really like what he has to say."
Brooke nodded as she grabbed a gown and gloves before going into the back. Haley, Peyton and Rachel all did the same and then followed Brooke to Avery's crib. They all stood around him looking down through the glass, smiling at the sleeping boy.
"Hey baby. I'm here now. I brought your Auntie Haley, Auntie Peyton and Auntie Rachel. They came to say hi. We can't wait until you're allowed to come home with me. It's going to be so much fun. Your Grandpa James bought us a new place to live and your Grandma Karen gave us all of your daddy's old baby furniture and some clothes. Oh and I can't forget that Grandpa Keith gave Mommy a new car. It's a Mustang convertible. If you're anything like your daddy was about cars you'll love it when you're old enough to appreciate it. And maybe, if it lasts long enough you can have it when you're older," Brooke said as she reached in through the multiple tubes and stroked Avery's cheek.
"Avery, Mommy's leaving out a very important tidbit. She was supposed to tell you that she was named the class salutatorian today. And she was scared you won't be proud of her. I think you are even though you don't know what it means right now. We all love you pal. Get stronger quick, little guy," Peyton said as Brooke stepped back a little.
"Okay, my turn," Rachel said with a smirk. Peyton backed up a little bit to give her some space so she could stand next to the crib.
"Hey, Avery, it's your Auntie Rachel. I wanted to tell you a quick story about your daddy and me. When I first got to Tree Hill, Mommy had just come back from spending time with your Uncle Ryan in California. Anyway, they weren't dating or anything but your dad wanted to give it another chance. Your mom was being stubborn like always but that's why we love her and she kept saying no. Then she finally said okay but it had to be non-exclusive. Anyway, during this time of their non-exclusive but secretly exclusive thing they had going on, I tried to get your dad to turn his eyes away from your mom and fall for me. It almost worked but then I saw something, your dad's eyes lit up with this sparkle anytime someone would mention your mom by name. I knew then that they were made for each other so being the sneaky girl I am, I managed to get them back together. Avery, your parents were the textbook definition of made for each other and I know he would have loved you very much and that your mom does love you very much. You can count on being the sunshine in her world and having her totally devoted to you. Some people will say she's lucky to have you for a son but I think you're lucky to have her for a mom. She's amazing and we all love her," Rachel said as she turned to Brooke and winked.
"Geez, the kid is two weeks old and you're already telling him that story?" Brooke asked as she stuck her tongue out at Rachel.
"Okay, you all had your fun talking to Avery. I want my turn," Haley said as she pretended to pout.
"Aw, Hales, you know I wouldn't jip you out of your quality time with your nephew. I didn't jip Peyt or Rach out of their time. So why would you get jipped?" Brooked teased.
"I'm not saying I'm getting jipped. I just want my turn." Haley's hand flew to her mouth as she realized she had been harsher than intended. She noticed that she was snapping more at people since Lucas had been shot and it bothered her but there didn't seem to be anything she could to stop it no matter how hard she tried.
"Hey, what's wrong Tutor Wife?" Brooke asked seriously as she placed a hand on Haley's arm.
"I don't know. I thought I was ready for this, you know, to see Avery but looking at him is like looking at a reflection of my best friend. Maybe I should come back later," Haley replied as a lone tear slid down her cheek.
"No, it's good that you're here. I know it's hard Hales because it's still hard on me sometimes. Every time I look at Avery it makes me miss Luke a little more than I did before. Sometimes I have to leave and come back because the pain grips too tight and I just wanna run away. If you need to go clear your head or something, then go for it. We'll be here for a while because I don't plan on leaving until they kick me out of here tonight."
Haley nodded as she turned and walked out of the NICU. She barely made it to the hallway before sliding down against the wall and sobbing in her hands. Ten minutes later, the tears were still falling but Haley had stopped sobbing. She got to her feet and started to make her way back to Avery before she changed her mind and ran to the elevator. Anxious to get away from the hospital Haley kept shifting her weight back and forth until the elevator finally stopped. As soon as it did she took off running and didn't stop until she was sitting in front of Lucas' grave sobbing again.
"Luke I can't do this anymore. I need you. Best friends are supposed to stick together forever. How could you leave me like that? I can't even look at your son without seeing you. Please, Luke. Come back to me. Come back to Brooke and to Avery. We all need you. Nobody knows how this feels for me. I grew up with you. I need my best friend, oh god, Luke. Please just come back," Haley cried.
Her cries were so loud that Haley didn't hear anyone come up behind her. She almost screamed when the person pulled her into an embrace but then she breathed in and relaxed as she recognized the cologne to be Nathan's.
"Baby what happened? Are you all right?" Nathan asked sweetly as he held Haley tighter.
"I went with the girls to see Avery and as soon as I looked down at him, I lost it. Nathan looking at Avery is like looking at Lucas. That was just too much for me. I couldn't handle it. Brooke, Peyton and Rachel talked to Avery no problem, but the minute I get my chance I lose it and leave. Oh god, Brooke must be freaking out right now," Haley replied as she furiously wiped tears out of her eyes.
"Well you're right about that. She actually called me to tell me you had left and that she was worried about you. She also said it's okay if you don't feel like going back to the hospital tonight. I think she also feels a little bit guilty for making you go to the hospital today. I told her not to worry about anything. She didn't do it to be mean, she just thought you'd enjoy seeing your nephew and I'm sure that's how you felt too."
"It was. Until I looked at him and it wasn't his face staring back at me but Luke's. Oh Nathan, I don't wanna never be able to look at Avery and see him as an individual. What if I always see Luke when I look at Avery? I didn't think it would still hurt so much to miss him but Avery certainly proved that wrong today."
Nathan squeezed Haley tightly into his chest and kissed her head. He wanted to take away her pain and make everything right again. But the only thing that would do the trick now was bringing Lucas back and Nathan knew that was impossible although he would if he knew how. Because he would do anything for love.
"Luke, please, just let Haley know it's okay to miss you. Show her that you'll always be in her heart because you were her best friend and even though you're gone now, she can carry that friendship with her always. Thanks man," Nathan said desperately as he looked toward the sky.
Haley whimpered softly beneath him and Nathan felt bad. That wasn't what his plea was supposed to do to Haley. Nathan wasn't trying to make her cry more, he just wanted her to know that no matter how she was feeling about Lucas' death, it was okay to let it show. And at the same time, it was okay for her to be happy and live her life the way Lucas would want her too.
Meanwhile back at the hospital. Dr. Andrews had come looking for Brooke. The two were in his talking while Peyton and Rachel stayed with Avery.
"Dr. what's going on? Is Avery all right?" Brooke asked, a worried look in her eyes.
"Avery's doing just fine, Brooke. As I'm sure you know, he's not fully developed but his lungs are getting a little stronger every day. Now I know you would love to take him home soon but it's going to be a while. I can't give you a date but I want him to stay here until he's about 6 ½ pounds. Maybe a little heavier," Dr. Andrews explained.
"How much does he weigh now?"
"3 pounds and 12 ounces, while his lungs are developing nicely the weight's not sticking as of right now."
"What can you do for that?"
"There's not much really. We don't want to over feed him and shock him. His body is so little that we can only give him small amounts of formula at a time. But I promise you, Avery will be a healthy little boy."
Brooke nodded. She didn't know what to say to that. The doctor was telling her that Avery hadn't put on a whole lot of weight since birth and that he wanted to keep the boy there until he was almost double in weight. Brooke was sure she couldn't wait that long for him to be home, she sighed as she realized that she didn't have much choice. Once again she was kicking herself for the poor choice she had made that landed Avery in this predicament.
"I'll let you get back to Avery. Don't hesitate to ask me any questions," Dr. Andrews said a few minutes later.
"Thank you," Brooke replied as she stood up to leave his office and go back to her son.