All I can say is that I am sooooo sorry I forgot to update this one on monday, or was it tuesday. Pay no mind to the ramblings of the delusional. Anyways I want to say this chapter is not for the faint of heart so don't say I didn't warn you. Read on! (I own nothing of OTH)

Chapter 10

Revelation

They had been at the site of the accident for at least five hours. The rain hadn't let up for one second and everyone had begun to think the worst, everyone but the three that sat by the broken guardrail and prayed for a miracle. The entire time Haley's tears mingled with the rain and every tear that fell she wished it would be the last. Although their relationship strained Nathan held a tight grip on his estranged wife all the while looking at Lucas. He was looking for the brother that had not been present just a few hours prior. He was looking for the man who was like his best friend and unfortunately he saw him. A few hours too late but there he was. Trying his best to not cry, to not break down, to keep it together for the others but Nathan could tell he was breaking. Lucas never once took his eyes off of the spot where Haley had pointed to, where the car went under, where she last saw Brooke's face. Haley couldn't get that look out of her head. There was pure terror and fear etched on Brooke's face. She could only imagine what her friend had been feeling at that moment when the car disappeared under the water. Haley had screamed so loud she was now horse. She clung to Nathan with her tiny hands till the knuckles were white and Nathan simply stroked her hair. They all saw the officer approaching. They all saw the look on his face and knew what it was he was going to say but none of them were prepared to hear it. The words spilled from his mouth with reservation; no sign of the car...probability of survival low...calling off the search party...sorry for your loss. Their loss? It wasn't like this was something that any of them could put into words. Haley let out a piercing cry that would break anyone's heart. Lucas looked as though he had been punched in the gut, Nathan was the most put together out of the three, he allowed himself to cry and feel her loss. They all stood on that bridge each regretting the choices that led them there. Nathan hated he let her out of his sight, maybe things would be different. Haley hated she didn't tell Brooke the truth when she had the chance, maybe things would be different. Lucas hated he let his anger get the best of him, had he had more control she wouldn't have been on that bridge in the first place. Brooke was still in the water at that time, her car had washed along the banks some time all the while slowly sinking more and more and the water in the car rising and her last waking thought was her own regret. She regretted things had come to this and wished she had just one more moment with the people she loved. Even Lucas. Especially Lucas.

Lucas awoke to the sounds of light humming. The melody was something he couldn't quite place at the moment. He cracked one eye open to see Brooke sitting at the edge of the bed with her back to him. She was brushing out the kinks in her wet strands and humming. He kicked himself because he realized he missed the morning shower routine they use to have. This would have been the first morning. He raised up on his elbows to get a look at the clock and saw it was 7:15. The sun was out and it felt like a pretty warm day already. He assumed the heat is what finally woke him up. He managed to move slow enough to not alert the gorgeous woman in front of him. She didn't even realize he was up till she felt those lips, the lips she had come to feel were like her own. Those lips were trailing kisses across her shoulder blades and hands were slowly making their way around her waist.

"Morning Broody."

"You have no idea how good it is to hear you say that."

"What else would I say?"

The words 'get the hell away from me' sprung to mind.

"I don't know, It's just really good to hear your voice is all."

"At some point you're gonna have to realize something."

"And what's that?"

She turned and kissed his lips ever so softly and pulled away the minute she felt him about to deepen it. He groaned in frustration felling the loss of her lips already.

"That I'm alive. I'm alive and well and I'm not going anywhere. Did you know you talk in your sleep Luke." She said turning her back to him.

He instantly felt like he may have said too much last night amidst his dreams.

"What did I say?"

"You kept saying 'I'm sorry, don't leave me' over and over again."

"I did huh."

"Yeah and I tried to wake you up and got quite a surprise last night."

He quickly got that panic feeling that shot through him, hoping he didn't try to strangle her or something.

"What was that?"

"You don't remember? Funny you seemed pretty alert last night."

"What did I do Brooke?"

"You attacked me, apparently in your sleep."

He jumped off the bed and got to his knees in front of her, hoping an apology would fix things.

"God Brooke I am so sorry", he said burying his head in her lap, "I didn't mean it I swear I-"

"Lucas, calm down." She said almost laughing, not really knowing the reason for his sudden outburst. " I Meant you jumped me. I tried to wake you up and you just grabbed me and started kissing me and well we ended up having some really rough sex. It was pretty hot actually."

Lucas lifted his head and studied her face. She didn't seem upset or hurt. Maybe it was possible his libido took over last night in the middle of his dream.

"What did you think I meant?"

"I uhhh...sometimes I can get pretty bad with nightmares. I kinda start kicking and well I thought maybe I did something to hurt you last night."

"No more than you did yesterday. I'm pretty sore actually."

"Did I say anything else?"

"Just that you seem to love my body more than anything" she said beaming. Hearing him say it last night did all kinds of good for her ego.

"Well I figure your name tattooed on me is proof of that."

She cupped his face and leaned down to put a soft kiss on his lips but he embraced her hips and closed in to kiss her more than she had expected. A satisfied groan escaped his lips as he kissed her and felt her hands gripping his shoulders and pushing him back slightly.

"Uh no. No more nookie for you. I'd think you had enough."

"I could never get enough of you Pretty Girl."

She beamed at him with both dimples showing through.

"I want to go for a swim."

He cocked an eyebrow and though maybe her in the water wasn't such a good idea.

"You sure? I mean-"

"Relax. I'm sure if anything happens you'll be right there to protect me" she said placing a quick peck on his lips.

"Definitely. Okay so how bout I make us some breakfast and then we can shower and then go for a swim."

"I've already had a shower Broody."

"Well then I guess we'll just have to find some way to make you dirty" he said placing his lips on her neck.

"How was I ever able to resist you."

"You did a good job."

He got up from the floor and walked to the galley to get some breakfast going. All the while smiling and remember the previous night. Today was the first day of the rest of their lives. After a nice swim and a few more hours of making out followed by some pretty hot sex they decided they wanted to go back home. The trip back into Tree hill was a silent car ride. The two lovers had held hands, sneaking looks at each other and the occasional quick kiss. The moment they arrived back in Tree Hill things seem to be perfect. She felt like she was home.

In the time Lucas and Brooke had been gone and reunited Nathan and Haley had somehow managed to do the same, well at least take a step in the right direction. They had gone to lunch, to dinner, and Haley had even let him spend the night...on the couch, but it was definitely a big step. Neither thought it was possible after the damage had been done. Nathan felt heartbroken when he felt her pulling away from him and to that asshole Chris Keller. He knew there had been nothing he could do but it hurt all the same when he asked her if she still loved only him and was met with silence. That kind of silence is what ruined their marriage. True enough Haley hadn't been in love with Chris but at the time she didn't know. She had been conflicted. They had so much in common and the music they made was just so powerful. She mistakenly thought that pull was about Chris and not the music but by the time she realized it the damage had been done. Nathan now sat on the couch of his old home and watched as his son enveloped himself in the video game and thought about how far they had come. Right after Brooke died and Lucas told Haley about him sleeping with Brooke she didn't let him come anywhere near them.

Flashback

"Is it true?"

"Haley-"

"Just tell me Nathan is it true, did you sleep with Brooke?"

The same silence he heard when he asked about Chris was the silence that cut straight down to her heart. He made a movement towards her she recoiled from his touch and the look she had on her face told him all the words in the world wouldn't make up for his betrayal. He had fucked up and the one person he needed the most was gone.

"Haley, what we did...it wasn't-"

"I don't want to hear it Nathan. I just...I don't want to hear it."

Her eyes glassy with tears broke his heart. He wanted to reach out and hold her and love her because if anything taught him that life was too short, it was losing Brooke. He watched as she staggered away from him and his eyes zeroed in on his brother. His first instinct was to go over there and beat the shit out of him but instead he simply stood next to his brother who was staring at the newly placed tombstone in Brooke's memory. They stood in silence for a while till Lucas realized he wasn't standing alone.

"Nathan. I'm sorry I...I didn't mean to tell her."

Nathan could only tighten his jaw to stop the anger from spilling out. He wouldn't do this now, not here. Brooke wouldn't want that.

"How could you man. You were my brother. She was-"

"She was your ex-girlfriend. And you are the LAST person to act hurt in all of this. The only person who has that right is Haley. You and I...we both did out dirt. I slept with her. You beat the crap out of her. From where I stand you are the last person to shed a tear at this grave seeing as how you put her here."

"Nate-"

"Shut up Lucas. I want you to know I won't tell her what you did. She already hates me, we don't need her hating you too."

"I'm sorry Nathan, I'm just so sorry."

"Yeah you are Lucas, you really are."

Nathan knew being this cold to Lucas would only have made Brooke upset. It was so strange to not see her swooping in from out of nowhere to elbow or kick him for being mean to his brother. It was then he realized he would have to start getting use to her not being around, it was official now.

End Flashback

Nathan had been too deep in thought to hear Lucas calling his name from the door he and Brooke had just entered. He slowly stood to greet his brother and friend but something was wrong. Lucas had a smile on his face but and so did Brooke when she entered but he watched as her smile faded and the look she had on her face was like he had just slapped her. Lucas didn't notice it because his back was to her but Nathan did, that look meant trouble.

"Hey Nate where's Haley?"

"She's...in the back I think, cooking something I guess."

"Just like her, well me have some news for you two" Lucas said gripping Brooke's hand and breaking her trance on Nathan. He turned to look into her loving eyes but found them not to shine like they were moments ago.

"Hey...baby what's wrong?"

Brooke was trying to focus. The picture she had in her head was like the one from the boat when she had that fuzzy flash of two people making love, only this one was clear as day. She didn't want to believe it but something in her heart told her it was true. She knew both Lucas and Nathan were watching her for some indication of what was wrong but she couldn't do it, she couldn't talk about what she had just remembered.

"Uh...nothing...I just...I need to go to the..." she said as she walked away to the bathroom without finishing her statement or acknowledging the 'love you' Lucas whispered to her retreating figure. Lucas and Nathan both looked at each other hoping that she hadn't just remembered that night. Neither of them were ready to lose her to that truth just yet but it looked like it was possible.

Brooke rounded the corner to the bathroom and turned to shut and lock the door behind her. 'It's not possible' was all she could tell herself. She looked into the mirror trying to figure out her emotions that were all over the place. Tears were forming in her eyes when she heard the echo of words she knew she had lived before.

"Brooke we can't."

"Please Nathan, please don't push me away. Not now"

The tears that were building spilled out and down her sullen expression. It was true. She had slept with Nathan. To think it was hard enough. To have to go back out there and sit next to Lucas and smile at Haley was a whole different thing. That was not about to happen. Before she could think her feet were taking her out the bathroom down the hall and right out the front door. She knew this was crazy. They'd all be worried about her but how was she supposed to face them with this realization. She had cheated on Lucas and slept with his brother, her best friend, Nathan. She made it down the block before she felt a strong pair of hands grab onto her and spin her around. The second Nathan saw her face he regretted never telling her the truth. Her beautiful face was twisted into an expression of pain and self-hatred and tears streamed freely.

"Is it true Nathan. did I..did-"

"Brooke we're sorry that we didn't tell you."

"What do you mean we...did Haley know?"

"Yes but-"

"Oh my god, I'm gonna be sick" she got out and turned away from Nathan, she couldn't look him in the eye any longer.

"Brooke please don't be mad, we thought it was for the best that we didn't say anything, we were all just so happy to get you back."

"HOW COULD YOU NOT TELL ME NATE!"

He was trying as hard as he could to even out his voice and stop from crying but it was so hard since he felt like he was losing her all over again. The way she looked...it looked like she was about to run away but he gripped her hard enough to turn her to face him so he could look her in the eye.

"Brooke I'm so sorry, the whole Lucas and Peyton thing was a mistake."

Then there was silence. Her tears ceased instantly and her face was like that of a kicked puppy.

"What?"

Nathan paused, now realizing she wasn't talking about Lucas.

"Uhh nothing I meant-"

"No. No you said it so explain. You said the Lucas and Peyton thing. Did Lucas cheat on me?"

Nathan couldn't do anything but look at her with his guilty expression and Brooke had her conformation.

"So does that mean I slept with you before...or after?"

"Brooke, don't do this."

Her words were slowly becoming more angry and Nathan knew what was coming next. He had unintentionally told her the one thing he had never intended.

"Nathan let go of me."

Brooke-"

"LET GO OF ME!" She screamed with such malice and yanked from his grasp just in time for Haley and Lucas to run up and see. The minute they saw her face, they knew. Haley thought if she could only talk to her maybe she'd be able to get through to her.

"Tigger wait-"

"No. I am done with you, with him...all of you. God I was so stupid" she said, whispering the last part. Her tears were reforming again, now with the knowledge of her lover's infidelity. She scoffed. She then wiped the tears away and looked each of them in the eye and started to laugh. They didn't know how to take this. Her mocking laughter cutting into each of them, this wasn't new for Lucas.

"Some family. So you cheat on me with some, Peyton was it, I sleep with your brother and betray my own friend and..."

That's when things got real bad. She remembered. She remembered that night; the accident and the fight with Lucas. Suddenly being outdoors with them around was suffocating. She spun around to leave but Lucas called after her.

"Brooke, wait baby don't go!"

She spun around at his plea and launched her fist as hard as she could in his face and recoiled her arm to repeat the assult. She wanted to hurt him. She wanted to Kill him but alas she wasn't strong enough to do the damage. When he went to hold her she pushed off him. Tears were streaming down her face and they could see she was struggling to breath. He made a step towards her but she almost growled to warn him off. It was then the pure hatred started to come through and he knew it was all over.

"Don't talk to me, look at me or ever think about me again. I...remember what you did to me you SICK BASTARD! Leave me alone. All of you."

She turned once more and took off running down the street. They all stood on the sidewalk with their hearts aching. Just as soon as it felt like things were back to the way they should've been, they were all blown to hell.

Brooke had been running. She ran till her legs felt like they were going to give out and she had no idea where she wanted to go. She ran till her blurred eyes were now tired with unshed tears of mourning for the love she thought she had with Lucas. The moment she stopped to catch her breath she realized where she was. In front of the house, his house. It was almost like a feeling of terror crept over her. She could almost see that night happening in her head like it was yesterday. Her eyes had been filled with tears, the violent impact from hitting the guardrail, the impact from hitting the water and then the cold. Wait, something was missing. The rain, her crying, the car swerving and...and...then it hit her, there was something missing. There was a piece of that night….her accident that was missing.

I know I'm terrible for doing this but it had to come out some time and at least Lucas got him some before the shit hit the fan and Naley seems to be making a comeback. So now the questions are what will Brooke do next? What is it that she forgot? Tune in Monday to get another piece of the puzzle because it only gets crazier from here kiddies. Anyone in the mood to read vengeful Brooke? I am, I am (she said like an impatient child) Okay folks Simon says REVIEW!