Don't Rock the Boat

Chapter 14

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"Your mother thinks I should start going to therapy", Brooke announces as she gets out of her car in the senior parking lot, Lucas trailing behind her.

"What? What?" Lucas asks, surprised.

Brooke shrugs, "I told her about these nightmares I've been having."

"What kind of nightmares?"

"I don't really want to talk about it, if you don't mind."

"It's okay…then, look into therapy. Maybe see the guidance counselor here. That way it would be free."

"Alright. We need all the money we can get."

Lucas nods and the pair walks into school, separating to find their lockers.

When Brooke gets to her locker, she finds Haley standing there.

"Tutorwife! Hey."

"Hey Brooke. Happy first day of school!"

"Thanks. You too. We all know how much you love school."

"Oh yes. I'm still the nerd I once was."

"Nothing wrong with that", Brooke says as she smiles half-heartedly.

"Are you okay?" Haley asks.

"Oh yeah, I'm fine."

"How's Juliette?"

"Fantastic. She's been sleeping through the night lately, but not last night. I'm just tired."

"I understand. School will wake you up!"

Brooke laughs, "You're kidding."

Haley realizes what she says, "Yes, I am. Well, cheerleading will wake you up!"

"Shit!"

"What?"

"I forgot about cheer. I wanted to go straight to the café after school to get Juliette."

"You can bring her to practice. I'll sit out and watch her", Haley suggests.

"Thank you, Haley. So, what do you have for first period?" Brooke asks her friend as Lucas walks up to the girls.

"Physics. You?"

"English. I'll see you at lunch, then? Want to come to the café with Lucas and I?"

Haley shrugs, "Sure. See you then", and she waves and walks away.

Lucas turns to face Brooke, "How are you feeling?"

"I'm okay. My arms feel empty…but, I'm okay. You have English with me, right?"

"Yeah, I do. Don't worry, Brooke. The day will go by fast."

"I know. I'm okay, I swear."

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Several hours later, Brooke is beginning to doze off in the class she has before lunch.

"Miss Davis?" the teacher calls out when he notices Brooke's head on her desk.

Brooke quickly snaps to attention, "Oh g-d, I'm so sorry."

"Do you need to see the nurse?"

"No, I'm fine. I'll be fine."

"Okay. Just stay awake. There are only 10 minutes left in the period", the teacher walks back to the front of the classroom and Brooke slowly nods, resting her chin in her hand.

As the bell rings to signal the end of the period, Brooke quickly grabs her belongings and heads for the door.

"Brooke?" the teacher asks before the brunette can leave.

"Yes, Mr. Donnelly?"

"Can we talk quickly?"

"Um, sure. Quickly."

"Are you okay?"

"Yes. I just haven't gotten a lot of sleep lately."

"Regardless, you need to always be prepared for class."

"I know. Tell Juliette that!"

Mr. Donnelly cocks his head to the side, "Who's Juliette?"

"My daughter…"

"Oh, right."

"I'm sorry, but I've got to go."

"Okay, I'll see you tomorrow."

Brooke darts out of the classroom, practically running to the parking lot, spotting Lucas and Haley leaning on her car.

"Agh, I'm so sorry. I almost fell asleep in History and Mr. Donnelly wanted to talk to me."

Lucas sighs, "I'll get up for Juli tonight."

Brooke shakes her head, "No, it's okay. Let's go!" she gets into the car with Lucas and Haley, nearly speeding to the café. Once parked at the café, Brooke runs in, startling Karen who has her back to the door.

"Karen!" Brooke yells, "Give me my kid!"

"Hello to you too, Brooke."

"Hi", Brooke forces a smile, "Where's my baby?"

"In the crib behind the counter."

"Thank you", Brooke walks behind the counter and picks Juliette up, "How has she been?" Brooke asks Karen.

"Perfect. She slept from 9 to 11 and I just fed her about 15 minutes ago."

"Great. Thanks. I'm going to pick her up at 3 and bring her to cheer practice."

Karen nods, "Will someone be there to watch her?"

"I will", Haley interjects, "I miss my niece."

"Do you guys want any food?" Karen offers.

"Please", Brooke says, passing Juliette to Lucas as they sit on stools at the counter.

Karen comes back out from the kitchen with a bottle, "Juliette didn't finish her last bottle. Lucas, you want to feed her?"

"I'll do it", Brooke grabs the bottle from Karen and Juliette from Lucas.

"Brooke", Lucas says.

"What?" Brooke asks, innocently.

"Can we talk?"

"Sure…Haley, can you take Juli, please?"

"Of course", Haley says as Brooke passes the baby to her aunt.

Brooke follows Lucas to a booth in the front corner of the café and they both sit down.

"What's going on, Luke?"

"I could ask you that same question."

"What are you talking about?" Brooke asks, confused.

"You're hogging the baby."

"This isn't basketball, Lucas. I'm her mother."

"And I'm her father. A father who rarely gets to hold her or feed her. Plus, you need a break."

"I'm sorry. I didn't realize…"

"It's okay, Brooke. I'm not angry."

"Good. I promise I'll let you spend more time with her. I could use the rest."

"You do need the rest. You've been sleep deprived for the last 6 months. You know, we live together so you don't have to do this alone."

Brooke smiles in reassurance, "I know. I'm just so attached to her. I want her with me all of the time", she trails off as she turns her head around to watch Haley and Karen playing with Juli.

"I know. And I think that's great. But let me be more involved, okay?" Lucas reaches over and puts his hand on Brooke's hand and they both smile a small smile.

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I hope you guys liked this chapter. Please review!!