And just as promised folks here we are again on another Monday. I ind myself trying to look at the silver lining on things and be greatful for what I have and can do so instead of bitching about how shitty of a day I had I'll just say I'm glad U ad a day, some didn't. I'll be happy I have a job, some don't. MOst of all I'll be glad this talent in writing isn't total shit and that people take the time to read it. So without any more delay thank you to all that take your time to read my stuff. I won nothing!

Chapter 16

Beginning

Jake stood shell shocked in the hall way trying to process what he was just told. Brooke was pregnant and with someone else's kid. It was something that crushed him. He knew then that even if she wanted to leave she'd always have a piece of her there in Tree Hill, with him and a piece of him with her. What was he supposed to do now? Does he tell her? Did she already know? Would she or is she planning on keeping the baby? He was getting ahead of himself. He needed to call Haley first and let her know Brooke was awake. All the while the phone rang his mind was on Brooke and her baby. He felt tightness in his throat so he cleared it just when Nathan picked up the phone.

"Haley James Scott's phone."

"Nathan, it's Jake. I just wanted to call and let you guys know that Brooke woke up."

"We're on our way n-"

"Bring your brother too."

"Uhh sure, yeah I'll call him."

With that Jake hung up and walked back to Brooke's room. She was sitting up while the doctor tested her eyes with the little flash light.

"…good, now do the same thing with the other eye Ms. Davis. Perfect, are you experiencing any discomfort?"

"Other than my throat feeling like sand paper and my shoulder hurts like hell. I'm peachy."

Her dimpled smile was enough to make Jake forget almost anything but there were things that needed to be handled and discussed.

"Well I'm afraid our choices were limited on pain relievers but we'll see what we can do about the pain. How about abdominal pain, any soreness?"

"No everything else feels fine."

"Okay well, I'll get an OBGYN in here to talk to you about fetal development because after all I'm sure your anxious to hear about the baby."

Jake studied her face very carefully. He watched as the color drained from her face and she stiffened up like a stone wall. She parted her lips slightly to speak but the doctor was already out of the room and she was looking at the spot where he had been standing.

"I take it you didn't know."

Her chest deflated sharply as she exhaled raggedly. She was sitting right there and didn't believe it. 'Did the doctor say I was pregnant? I couldn't be…it's not possible' she thought. Her eyes didn't move in Jake's direction for fear of his reaction. Her being pregnant meant she slept with someone other than him. Of course Lucas had said something to that effect previously but this was different. This was proof positive. Her being pregnant meant Jake KNEW she had slept with someone else after she all but rejected him time and time again. She was ashamed. Damn Lucas Scott. She hadn't realized he was even next to her till she felt him holding her hand. Her eyes darted to the joined hands and then her tear filled eyes slowly lifted to meet his gaze.

"Brooke…hey it's okay, it's gonna be okay. This is something to be happy about remember" he said sweetly trying to reassure her that he wasn't angry.

"But I…I…I'm.." she couldn't even say it yet. If she did she knew it would make it real. She wasn't ready for that just yet.

"I called Haley and Nathan… I told them to bring Lucas."

"WHAT? WHY?"

"Come on Brooke you know as well as I do that the chances of that baby being his are pretty good."

Brooke's face dropped, there was no way around Jake knowing now.

"I don't… I mean I'm not sure what I want. I just found this out and-wait you didn't seemed surprised."

"That's because I found out before the doctor came in here to examine you. Imagine my shock."

"You didn't tell them did you?"

"No. I only said you were awake. I'm sure they're probably breaking every land speed record to get here."

"So tell me what happened, one second I'm on the bridge-"

"What the hell were you thinking by the way, you could've gotten killed!"

"I know, I know, please save the lecture for when I get out of here-"

"No I won't. I should've known something was up."

"Look, see I'm fine, everything is fine. Apparently baby and me are fine."

"Thanks to Lucas" he said under his breath.

"What do you mean?"

"Nathan told me that Lucas almost dove off the bridge after you. Somehow they made it down to the water and Nathan went in after he saw Haley and Lucas apparently dove in and searched under the water till he found you. He was actually the one to call me when they brought you in. He stayed here most of the time till about a few days ago when he said I'm the one that should be here…although with recent developments it seems like he should."

"No Jake you are supposed to be here-"

"Brooke I need to ask you something?"

"Ask me anything."

"Is there any part of you that still loves any part of him?"

Her eyes dropped down to the blanket and she pushed out a quick no but Jake knew better. He knew without a doubt that as much as he loved Brooke he would never be able to have her whole heart, and that was something he felt he deserved from any woman he loved. He was right. He leaned up and kissed her forehead and her attention snapped back to him as he started to walk to the door.

"Where are you going?"

"Just for a walk. I promise I'll be back."

He did promise, and with that promise it was enough to make her feel safe in letting him go, safe enough for her to fall asleep as she waited for her friends to arrive. He hadn't been lying though. He did come back but it was only to leave a heart felt good bye note. When Brooke awoke an hour later she found the letter leaned up against her water jug on the table by the bed. She didn't need to read it to know he was gone but she wanted to. She leaned over and retrieved it from its place and started to read.

My Dear Sweet Sophia,

I know it feels wrong to call you that but it's what you will always be to me. The day I found you was one of the most rewarding days of my life. You were my angel sent down from heaven to take me from my misery of losing my mother and I can't thank you enough for that. I now know there is no way I could ever take you away from your home. Tree Hill is your home and has been since the day you left. I want you to know this is going to be hard for me to let you go but I know it's what needs to be done once and for all. Whatever happened for you to close your heart you have to find a way to make things right. If not for you than that amazing kid you're going to have. I know he or she will be amazing because the mother is phenomenal. I love you Brooke, Sophia, or whoever else you may be, because if it's one thing I've learned it's that you are many things. I have no doubt you will be beyond pissed that I left but I also have faith you'll know it wasn't out of spite. I'll miss you every day and love you twice as much while you're away. Be happy.

Love,
Jake

Brooke was in tears by the end when she realized she was going to have to face these people alone. She knew this wasn't all bad. After all for the last four years all she wanted was to have Lucas Scott's baby. The one phrase that came to mind was be careful what you wish for. She was a little surprised they hadn't showed up yet so she buzzed the nurse. The nurse came in quickly and smiled at the brunette.

"What's going on sweet heart, having any cravings?" she jokingly asked to lighten the mood.

"No…umm…did any one come by for me?"

"If you mean that cute blonde and the two brothers, yes. They came by a little while ago while you were sleep. I think they went to the cafeteria to grab some food. The little boy was starving he said."

Brooke smiled at the realization that Jamie was there. She knew one look at him, hell one hug from him would make her feel a whole lot better about the little freeloader growing in her. She didn't really mean for the term to sound as bad as it did but a term of endearment. If she was honest she'd realize that small act was bonding her to her child.

"Do they know?"

"Huh?" Brooke asked snapping from her daydream.

"Do they know about the baby?"

"Um no. Actually if you could keep that to yourself I'd greatly appreciate it."

"My lips are sealed. I imagine you want to spill the beans to the soon to be daddio. I just love moments like that, aside from wedding proposals that moment when a woman tells a man he has created life outside his own is magical."

Brooke cracked a smile. The nurse was one of the optimists. She would kill to be optimistic right about then. Here she was newly pregnant with the child of man she despised and loved all at once. The situation couldn't get any bleaker than that.

"It's the blonde isn't it? I know it has to be. That poor boy was stuck on your beside the moment they let him back here but then he disappeared and the dark haired cutie showed up so I guess maybe it's not. The girls and I have a bet going on. They say it was the cutie but I say it's the blonde. Soooo…which is it?"
Normally Brooke would be put off about the intrusion but something about the nurse made her feel comfortable. Perhaps it was because during the eight days she was out Nurse Rachel had been talking to her whenever she had free time. She was tall, lean and red headed and full of life. Something Brooke felt like she use to be.

"It's the blonde."

"What's the blonde?" Haley asked entering with Jamie by her side.

"Aunt Brooke!" he yelled as he ran to the side of the bed and Brooke leaned down to help him up the side. She embraced him with all her strength and inhaled his scent and instantly all was right with the world. "I knew you'd wake up."

"Of course sweetheart."

Haley leaned against the door frame and watched. Her soon to be husband again and his brother came up behind her and observed the scene as well. Brooke was smiling. The way she was laughing as Jamie told her about the funny noise his dad made when he hit the ground when he slipped in the cafeteria made them all feel at ease. Haley had to stop a tear when her eyes locked with that of her best friend. It was one of those moments that made you feel like the world stopped because you know all the people you love are safe.

"Get over here Tutor mom"

"Whoa where did you pull that out from?"

"Call it lapse is memory."

Haley closed the gap and walked to embrace her friend.

"I'm so glad you're awake" she said almost as a sob. The idea of Brooke being back and then being taken away from them again was almost too much for her to bear but now there was no need to be afraid anymore.

"I wasn't going anywhere. Surprisingly I think the people up there had other ideas."

If Brooke was one of those women that believed in the dead helping you in the hereafter she was almost certain she had Keith to thank for her reprieve from death and the little bundle of joy that made it.

"So where's Jake, I was sure he'd be mooning over you from your bedside" Haley said.

"He uh had to leave."

"I'm sure he'll be back soon but in the meantime that means we get uninterrupted Brooke time" Haley said excitedly and Jamie joined in.

"So what did the doctors say Brookie?" Nathan asked wanting to change the subject once he observed his brothers sullen face. Haley already knew he had that face the minute she mentioned Jake but she was done playing around. She was going to rub salt in his wound till he got off his ass and started trying to win Brooke back. Hell the previous night Haley and Nathan kissed again and decided to try dating exclusively and she couldn't wait to tell Brooke.

"They said everything was fine. I'm hoping I could get out of here soon. I'm starving."

"Hey dad can we go back to the cafeteria and get Aunt Brooke some of the pepperoni pizza!"

"That sounds like a good idea buddy."

"Ooooo and can you guys see if they have some pistachio pudding?"

"Sure" Nathan said lifting Jamie and placing a kiss on Haley's forehead before turning to head out the door. Both Haley and Lucas raised an eyebrow at her. Haley decided to wait till all three men were gone before she started in on the questions.

"Pistachio pudding?"

"What?"

"You hate Pistachio pudding. You use to say it looked like puke."

"Well I want some now."

"But why do you want some now?"

"I don't know, I just had a taste for it."

"Sure. Is there uh…anything you want to tell me?"

"Haley why don't we just stick to talking about you and that little display of PDA I just saw between you and Nate."

"Wwwweeellll…."

"Well what, spill."

"Nathan and I are dating again."

"Haley that's great!"

"I know."

"So tell me what happened."

"Well the night we got into it with Peyton he and I were upstairs and talking and then he kissed me and I kissed him back. Then the stuff on the bridge happened and he saved me and then when I woke up he was there and saying that life is too short to stay away from each other and he said he loved me like he always has and wanted me back."

"Aww Hales, so what did you say?"

"I kissed him and told him I couldn't go on without him anymore either."

Brooke smiled at her friend knowing that there weren't two people more deserving than Haley and Nathan when it came to happiness.

"I'm happy for you."

"I could be happy for you too."

"Yes you can and if that is your way of pushing the Lucas topic please don't."

"Alright, alright, I'll drop it…for now. I'm gonna use you bathroom real quick."

Haley hopped up and left Brooke to think over her situation yet again that day. She was running scenarios in her head if she should tell Lucas about the baby or not when the doctor came in.

"How we doing today Mrs. Davis I'm Doctor Troy, I'm the resident OB, and it seems like someone is going to have a baby."

Just as the doctor finished Haley come out and from the bathroom and from the look on her face Brooke knew she heard.

"Uhhh Doc could I have a minute."

"Sure. I've got some other patients to see but I'll be back later on."

The doctor left and Brooke watched her go and did everything to avoid Haley's eyes. Haley herself was trying to process what she just heard and was sure she heard it but needed Brooke to confirm.

"Did that doctor just say that you…you're pregnant?" Haley said with her words growing excitedly as she spoke.

"Haley you have to promise you are going to keep this to yourself."

"But Tigger-"

"No Haley, you have to promise me."

Brooke could see she was struggling to accept it but the question just kind of slipped out.

"Is it Luke's?"

Haley didn't get a verbal answer but Brooke's eyes said it all. Haley was a little surprised. She had no idea that Lucas and her had been 'intimate' since the boat trip but she was ecstatic. This was the kind of sign that Brooke wouldn't be able to avoid. This was proof that Lucas and Brooke belonged together.

"So what are you going to do-I mean you're having the baby right-Tigger you'd be such a great mom-and Lucas would be a great daddy – and oh Jamie would have a little cousin and-"

"Haley slow down you're turning blue."

"Sorry. The rambling is a sign of excitement."

"I see that, you sound like me."

"Who do you think I got it from. Oh my little Tigger is gonna-"

"Haley stop it right now" Brooke said sternly while trying to stifle her own smile.

"Is that a smile? I think that's a smile."

"Haley I am being so serious right now, wipe that smile off your face or everyone's going to know-"

"That I am super happy that your gonna make me an aunt!"

"Volume Haley."

"Sorry. So is that the reason why Jake pulled a Houdini?"

Brooke tried her best to not cry. She knew Jake left for her but it still hurt all the same. She flashed Haley that fake smile and looked to the window to blink away her tears but Haley already saw them.

"Hey Tigger don't cry."

"We're gone for a few minutes and you make her cry, good job Hales."

"Oh shut up Nathan."

"Aunt Brooke why are you crying?"

Brooke tunred to look at the people who had just come back. First she was the cute concerned face of her godson. She genuinely smiled at him as she grazed his cheek with the back of her hand, next she looked up at a smiling Nathan who had taken his place behind the woman he loved and embraced her. Then her eyes trailed to the brooding blonde who had that same look of concern. The way his piercing blue eyes burned into her made her turn away quickly but at the same time even if she wasn't looking at him she could still feel him. Her hand, out of instinct, went to her stomach but she quickly moved the hand away. That act was not unnoticed by Haley.

"So if you girls are done Karen just called and said there was some sort of emergency at the café and she needed my help." Nathan said knowing full well there was no emergency.

"I hope it's not serious. I can drop you off and take Jamie to his playdate."

"I could take him if you want Hales" Lucas suggested knowing what his brother and best friend were doing and he was determined to keep his promise to stay away from Brooke but he got an unexpected push.

"No Broody stay…we can talk" she said returning her gaze to him with a warm smile. His own smile appeared out of habit once her dimples came out.

Not being ones to pass up an opportunity Haley scooped up Jamie and Nathan ushered them out the door uttering quick goodbyes and that they'd be back later. Lucas stood in the doorway scratching the back of his neck nervously.

"Come sit."

He followed her suggestion and sat in the seat next to her bed. It had been a little while since he had been curled up there. He remembered falling asleep in the same chair the night they brought her in and he had watched her chest rise and fall. He listened to the heart monitor beep and the suction of the ventilator had somehow lulled him to sleep. When he had woken up Jake came in and Lucas tried his best to stay but after a few days of watching Jake fawn over a sleeping Brooke he couldn't take it anymore so he bowed out gracefully. He wanted nothing more than to be there when she woke up but his heart told him she wanted someone else there waiting. Looking at her smile almost did away with the nightmarish visions he suffered from; the look of her pale skin, blue lips, motionless body were images that had plagued his dreams for the past few days.

"So I hear I have you to thank for being alive."

"It wasn't anything special. I just got to you before Nate did."

"Lucas don't do that" she said reaching out to graze his cheek with her fingers. " Don't down play it. I died and if you hadn't found me I wouldn't be here. Thank have no idea what you did for me" she said silently thanking him for not only saving her but her unborn child. Their unborn child.

"Brooke I did what anyone would do. You really should be thanking Haley for grabbing the gun like a mad woman."

"She was pretty kick ass."

"They haven't found Peyton yet. I-"

"Look don't worry about it. I'm sure she'll turn up sooner or later and when she does I am so going to kick her ass" Brooke growled through gritted teeth, earning a laugh out of Lucas.

"What the hell is so funny Scott?"

"Nothing. I was just happy that the old feisty Brooke is back."

"You better believe it."

"So did the doctors say anything about when you can get out of here?"

"Not yet but uhh….I was wondering when I do…" she drew out the question looking from him to her lap back to him hoping to gain the courage, "..when I get out I would really like to come home."

It had been so long since she referred to Lucas' house as home but that's what it was. Lucas smiled wildly but then dropped it when he remembered his promise.

"I don't think that's a good idea."

"Oh."

The disappointment was evident in her voice so much so Lucas felt like a jackass. He immediately felt the need to explain himself as he rubbed the back of his neck trying to make himself keep his distance.

"Brooke it's not that I don't want you to stay with me but I don't think Jake would-"

"Jake is gone."

Her quick response threw him. He looked at her angelic face and saw the hurt behind her eyes. After he called that asshole he left her here? Lucas was pissed but without a second thought was sitting on her bed and gathering her in his arms. She let out her painful sobs into his chest and gripped his shirt. His grip on her tightened the more she shook and somehow they pulled away just enough to look into each other's eyes and it was as if their hearts took control. He leaned in to brush his lips softly on hers as her eyes fluttered closed and she increased the pressure of the kiss. Her hands gripped his elbows as his hands sunk into her soft brown tresses. The kiss was a sweet as if their lips were becoming reacquainted and then she slipped her tongue in to seductively coax his into playing with hers. The moan that escaped him did away with the last of the breath he had left in his lungs so he slowly pulled away to gaze into her warm hazel eyes.
"Tell me you love me" she said, not really asking but more like commanding it. He didn't expect the kiss let alone ask him to declare his love. He was so off guard that she had to ask it again when he never answered. "Lucas, tell me you love me" she said even softer as her eyes danced back and forth waiting for him to speak.

"I do love you. More than anything I've ever loved" his hand stroked her cheeks and brushed away the tears that were falling, "I think I realize now that it's not just that I love you but…I want you…I need you."

Her tears were overflowing and escaping down a path when it hit her, this was the moment, their moment to seize the future she had always wanted but never dreamed it could happen. It was time to stop running.

" Lucas…I…I'm p-"

Brooke was interrupted with the voice of the woman she considered to be like a mother to her. They broke apart but Lucas didn't go far. His mind was still swirling from

"Oh my god Brooke sweetheart you're awake!"

"Brookie you came back!" Lily yelled as she charged the bed and Lucas caught her and brought her up with them.

"Lils aren't you supposed to be at daycare? You better not be skipping school already baby sis."

"Lily tell your brother that was his department and that you are going to be my little angel and not give me any trouble."

Brooke watched as Lucas interacted with his sister and thought her choice to tell him was the right one. Haley was right, he was going to be a great father. For so long and so long ago she wished for his baby. She wished to have a piece of her and a piece of him and now she had it and for the first time in a long time the fear she had that her world was going to be turn upside down was gone and in its place was the warm feeling of family.

"Hey I thought you had some kind of emergency?" Lucas asked still aware his brother had been lying.

"I…well….there was but Nathan and Haley filled me in on the miracle that we had been praying for."

Karen approached the bed and pushed her son out of the way to gain access to the smiling young woman whom she loved like a daughter.

"I'm so glad you're alright sweetheart. We were all so worried about you."

"Well no need to worry now, I'm good, better than good."

"Glad to hear it. So I was wondering where you were going to be staying once you get out of here. I know Nathan and Haley would offer in a heartbeat but I was hoping you would come stay in the old house with me. Lily and I have barely had anytime with you and we'd love it if you came to stay with us, let us take care of you."

"I'd really like that Karen."

Brooke didn't need to look up to meet Lucas' eyes to know he was staring at her. A part of him knew that was a better idea than her staying with him but since the kiss he was starting to think differently.

"How about I go hunt down one of those doctors to find out when we can spring you out of here" Karen offered as she picked Lily up from the bed and headed out of the room to badger some poor doctor about her surrogate daughter's release. Once Karen was gone Brooke's gaze returned to Lucas. He was looking at her from his chair, looking into her soul it seemed.

"Brooke what was that about."

"What do you mean?"

"Don't do that, please don't do that I don't think my heart could take it. Just tell me what that kiss was about."

"Lucas…I guess almost dying can make a person think."

"And what is it your thinking Pretty Girl?"

She grinned at the use of the nickname. She started to feel the nerves melt away when she saw him smile back.

"I'm thinking you were right. Staying with you would only complicate things but I'm thinking you could've been right about something else too."

"What's that?"

"That maybe…we belong together. I keep getting all these signs that I can't ignore anymore and maybe it's time I stop running."

"Brooke, baby if this is what you want, to be with me, then I will do anything," he by now was back on the bed with her and holding her hands and gazing lovingly in her eyes, "absolutely anything you ask to be with you again. I want to be back in your heart Pretty Girl. You never left mine."

"Lucas, I don't know if it'll work out but I'm thinking we should try."

"Can I kiss you?"

Brooke smiled at the innocent tone he had with his question and leaned forward as her eyes stayed locked to his. Once she felt the pressure of his lips on hers her eyes closed and her courage was building again. It was as if the breath had been sucked out of her when his tongue entered her mouth and his hands cupped her face again. That morning Lucas Scott woke up thinking it was going to be another day of being without his Brooke but now he couldn't be happier. Little did he know that Brooke was going to make him even happier.

I know, I know about time we got some happy Brucas. Well folks that does it for this week. Next week same time same place and don't forget, Simon Says REVIEW!