Chapter 14
Naive
A/N: First of thanks to my reviewers they always make me smile. Second of all I have to admit I really found this chapter hard to write, I wrote it several times so I hope I did it some sort of justice since it is a delicate subject. I'm getting to that point I get every time I attempt to write a story and that's de-motivation so if you feel like reviewing to give constructive critsim, ideas and notes are greatly applicative.
Disclaimer: Obviously I do not own One Tree Hill or the song Naive by The Kooks.
Brooke rested her head against the bricked wall watching the blurred sun rise from the sky. The bright yellow and red colours stung her eyes. She looked down towards her cell scoffing at the sight of no missed calls or messages from loved ones worrying about her missing appearance. It was early still barely even 6:00 am she doubt any one was even up to notice her not here or if they were it's not like she didn't have a reputation of disappearing and returning the next morning barely sober. Well she defiantly was sober this time, unfortunately. She wish she could just reach for a bottle of vodka and drown her sorrows like she normally would but this was deeper than anything she felt before. Everything was fixated in her head. His hands gazing across her body, his lips pressing against her skin and the sound of him moaning echoing through her head. It made her shiver through her spine as her stomach churned as if she was re-living the moment all over again.
She rubbed the sleep away from her eyes only to smudge the remaining mascara on the lashes down the rest of her cheek. She leaned against the wall as she began to pull herself up from the pavement using the wall to regain her balance. She wiped down her costume attempted to somewhat fix herself. She looked around the area realising she only made it a few blocks away from the empty warehouse where she witnessed the worst night of her life. She looked around her surroundings as she pondered were to go next. Her stomach churned at the thought of returning home to her sisters that would question her whereabouts or even worse if they accepted the state she returned home assuming it was just every other witness. She began to wonder if anyone would believe her knowing all too well of her reputation. Even if they did she would have to live with the whispers spreading around the small town as people walked around on egg shells avoiding the elephant in the room. It would never be the same and she defiantly wouldn't be treated the same. She was un-sure whether it would be worth it.
She sighed scrolling through the contacts before clicking call. She heard the ringing tone and she began to panic un-sure to what to even say how to explain any of this and avoiding lying at the same time. She let out a small laugh realising that all her life she tried so hard to get attention from anywhere since her father practically ignore her existence and know she had ammunition for him to finally pay attention and it was all for the wrong reasons. She wanted to make him proud not disappointed in how she let this happen. She finally heard a voice at the other end of the phone and her body froze.
"Hello?" He questioned continuously before adding, "Brooke. You know I have caller ID right?"
She silently cursed for being so stupid. She inhaled deeply as she pulled herself together a muster a few words. "Hi!" She barely whispered her voice was horse,
Right away he noticed the sadness in her tone of voice. "You okay?"
The question alone made her eyes build up with tears. She closed her lids refusing to let a single tear fall on her cheek. She cried so much last night and now she was determined to be strong and move on. She realised how naïve she probably was being but there was no alternative.
"Brooke?" His voice brought her back down to earth quickly.
"Not really." She once again fought the urge to cry again biting her lip for several seconds before continuing. "I had a rough night so I was hoping if I could hide away in your house for a while?"
"Yeah of course." He instantly replied without hesitation.
"Thanks I won't be long." She simply added before closing her cell and putting in her bag.
Haley fluttered her eyes waking up to an empty bed. She sighed turning on her side and glancing at her clock. 6:15 am it read and even for Haley it was slightly early on a Saturday morning. She lay on her back once again, staring at the ceiling, her eyes refusing to close as her mind ran with countless thoughts and all about him. He had this way of getting in her mind even when she did everything in her power to close herself of to him. He seemed so genuine last night but he had fooled her many of times before. She groaned and threw her body weight up from the bed before slipping on her slippers.
She made her way downstairs and groaned at the sight of the many student population passed out all over the floors of the house. She frowned her brow and she leaped over the obstacles of lifeless people before finally reaching her destination of the kitchen.
"Coffee?" She heard the familiar voice to her surprise.
"Yeah." She barely whispered before sitting down at the wooden coffee table. "You're up early?"
"I could say the same to you but I'm guessing you're normally an early riser." Nathan added as he passed her the hot cup of coffee with just a splash of cream.
"Thanks." She smiled gratefully before taking a small sip from the cup. "So I didn't know you crashed here last night." She questioned as he watched him sit on the chair facing her.
Nathan shrugged taking a sip from his own cup. "You always look so beautiful when you wake up." He grinned as he watched as her cheeks changed to a light pink colour.
"Nathan…" Haley began before being quickly cut off.
"So what I'm not allowed to compliment you anymore." Nathan defended himself.
"No, you're not." She snapped. "It makes it harder."
"Well it's harder for me not to be able to say those things."
"I can't play your games anymore." She hissed before grabbing her cup and walking away from the table.
Brooke as she attempted to move her feet however her whole body felt weak and every muscle ached and realisation how much last night had taken a toll on her body. She became aware of a presence from the corner of her eye ready to approach her. She felt a light touch on her shoulder instantly causing her whole body to tense and closing her eyes tightly as she whispered words to sooth and calm herself.
"Are you okay?" The words were soft letting Brooke ease herself and open to reveal the mystery stranger. It was a man in his possible mid-twenties. He had a newspaper under his arm and one hand with a cigarette between two of his fingers. Her eyes automatically fell to the cigarette.
Brooke nodded slight letting a small smile fell on her lips. "I don't suppose I could have a cigarette?" She rarely smoked but if there was ever a morning were the bittersweet poisoning on nicotine was to cause a slight endorphin realise it was defiantly this morning.
The man stood there obviously contemplating whether to give in to the request to the under-age girl. He sighed meeting with her sad eyes piercing through him. He lifted out his box and slid a single cigarette out. She gratefully accepted it before placing it on the tip of her lips. "Bad morning, then?" He awkwardly added some small chat as he got out his lighter.
Brooke leaned into the lit flame with the cigarette between her pursed lips. She inhaled as the cigarette ignited and took it out of her mouth soothing exhaling. She turned to him un-sure how to answer his questions before shrugging. "No worse than the night before."
Her words were cold and her tone surprised him. "Do you have some where to go?" He questioned concern now evident in his voice.
She simply nodded in return.
"Okay." The man said not completely satisfied with her answer however he had no responsibility to this stranger he had just met a few minutes ago. "Are you sure you're okay?" He couldn't help but adding before he left; he couldn't help but feel a slight sense of concern and knowing how guilt ridden he would be if he left the girl on her own.
Brooke was taken aback by the question, sighing she found her eyes scrolling to the ground. She was always good at putting on a fake smile and pretending everything was okay even though she felt the complete opposite, however this was a completely different situation and she wasn't sure through all the haze of different emotions swirling through her mind. Somehow she managed to muster a small smile this defiantly not the place to discuss every detail and emotion boiling through her veins and he defiantly not the person to discuss it to. "Yeah I will be. Just a rough night." She tried to take the words in and believe them herself.
He left with a slight nod before going out towards his daily routine however his question was still on Brooke's mind. She was determined to be strong and refuse to let this situation break her but as she walked towards her destination every creak shock her to the core. Every blonde haired man she passed made her pause as she overcame an overwhelming feeling of fear and she knew this wasn't as easy as getting over anything she had dealt before.
Peyton moaned as she rolled over her bed ready to stretch her body and back to a well-deserved lie in. However she was met with another sleeping body making her instantly scramble for a few memories of a night before. Like how many drinks did she actually have and who the hell was sleeping in her bed. She quickly jumped out of bed dragging a sheet from her bed to drab around her body before tip toeing to her bathroom of course grabbing the nearest pile of clothes with her.
It wasn't long before she returned back to her bedroom showered and changed into a simple pair a skinny jeans and a white tee. She noticed the bed was now un-occupied and she frowned her brow completely clueless. Rolling her eyes in a sigh of defeat she began to make her way downstairs moaning realising how much a house party could take toll on the cleanliness of the house.
She was glad to say the least when she finally reached the kitchen enabling her to pour herself a strong black coffee quickly followed by grabbing a few aspirin and chucking them in her mouth washing them down with the kick from the black coffee. Her eyes scanned the room there was still a few people situated in the kitchen struggling to regain themselves from the effects from the last night. She finally found Chris sitting on the table talking to some random girl who was looking for any excuse to leave from the conversation.
"Hey honey" Peyton put on a fake sickening sweet voice as she sat by the table as the girl quickly made her escape.
"Now you're affectionate." Chris groaned.
"It wasn't going to work out she was nowhere near drunk enough to think you were in her league." Peyton simple added and sipped from her cup.
"Good point." He smirked not in the mood to begin their usual bickering. "So where did you disappear last night?"
"So it wasn't you in my bed last night." She smiled realising a genuine sigh of relief.
"Wow already having an affair as if you can't get enough from Chris Keller."
"Please my stomach is already upset I don't need images like that making me gag." Peyton quipped back.
"I can't believe you got some action and I didn't." Chris moaned.
"Really? You're whole charming persona and talking in the third person isn't making the girls swoon, shocking." Her sarcasm dripped from her lips.
"I know it is un-usual." He added deciding to ignore her obvious sarcasm.
"How delusional you are ceases to amaze me."
"Thanks." Chris smirked knowing how to wind the blonde up. "I do have a piece of bad news though."
"You're leaving?" Peyton said hopeful as she crossed her fingers for effect.
"Ha ha cute. No but some-one from our past sent me a text." He said grabbing his cell and sliding it over to Peyton.
One down, three to go.
-Derek.
"Cryptic." She muttered as she tried to process the text but she couldn't help but have an over whelming sense of fear overcome her. Derek wasn't one to let things go easily and always manage to everything he wanted and that was the thought that made the fear shiver down her spine.
"Yeah." He frowned. "One down?" He questioned trying to work out who the one was as far as she knew he vendetta was against him and Peyton.
"I guess he was has other business before us. He is probably just trying to make us sweat it out." Peyton said trying to be optimistic although her words weren't convincing herself.
"Yeah because he is normally all talk and no action." Chris sarcastically replied.
Peyton sighed before running her fingers through her tangled blonde curls frustrated with the situation she was far to hangover to properly process it.
"We knew this was bound to happen sometime?" Chris chirped in, panic evident in the tone of his voice.
"Well I sure as hell didn't sign up to be stalked down by some psycho drug dealer." Peyton hissed.
"Well if I haven't said it yet; welcome to the family, wifey." Chris sarcastically added.
Brooke sat on the bricked wall outside the small house as she inhaled the last of her cigarette letting the nicotine rush through her system. She jumped of the wall and slowly made her way to the all too familiar door. She smiled as she let a few memories flash through her mind, closing her eyes and wishing hard to go back to that much simpler time. Pre make-up, drink, sex and guys. The thoughts haunted her mind causing her stomach to churn. She made a fist with a hand and banged it against the door before sitting on the step on the porch patiently waiting for him to open his door.
The air was cool and crisp and she felt goose bumps form on her skins. Her eyes shut momentarily as she once again let the thoughts form in her mind. She was so occupied with her trail of thought that she hadn't realised of the figure standing above her examining her torn clothing not to mention the fact it was the same costume as the night before. Her make-up was smudged and he swore he could notice bruises forming on her wrist. Her face was mascara stained and lip stick smudged. This was completely un-like Brooke. He noticed a shadow under one of her eyes and a cut on her chapped lip.
He sat down beside her and lightly grabbed her arm to make her aware of his presence causing her body to jump.
"Don't ever do that again." Brooke hissed as she felt the sense of fear overcome her body. "Sorry bad…"
"Night? So I have heard. "Jake quickly cut Brooke off. "How bad was this night?" His tone was evident of worry and concern.
"Pretty bad." She said honestly.
"I am getting the sense that you really don't want to talk about this yet." Jake added letting a small laugh out.
"Ding ding ding. We have a winner." She sarcastically added as an automatic defence mechanism.
"Well I am glad you came any ways." Jake added as he pulled her into an embrace.
Brooke fought the urge to squirm from his touch as it instantly reminded her of his fingertips running across her body.
She eventually pulled away as her eyes fell to the concrete ground. "Thanks." She nodded regarding his last comment. "I just couldn't face being alone or the house. I know I am being slightly cryptic with the regards of last night's events but just give me time, please." Brooke attempted to explain herself.
"It's cool. I get it you just couldn't get enough of me after last night. Don't worry I'm used to it." Jake attempted to lighten the mood and even earned him a small smile. "So you look like you could use some strong coffee and possibly pancakes."
"Well as along as you're making them." Brooke smirked as he took his hand to help her up from the step.
"Trust me you making them is more like a threat to humanity than a treat." He playfully added as the two entered the house.
"So do you want a muffin, muffin?" Chris grinned.
"Please never say that again." Peyton groaned as she attempted a bit of breakfast.
"Oh muffin, yum." Haley skipped to the table snatching the muffin as she sat down at the table.
"I hate you both!" Peyton moaned.
"Hey what did I do?" Haley questioned folding her arms defensively.
"It's not fair that some people are bright and chirpy while others are suffering." Peyton replied rubbing her temples for dramatic effect.
"Okay first off all I don't think it is fair to blame you're hangover for your less than cheerful demeanour. That's face it you are always this grumpy." Chris playfully added.
Peyton narrowed her eyes as let out a small sarcastic laugh before snatching the muffin in Haley's hand and threw it directly at Chris' face.
"Hey! I was actually going to eat that. I feel like I am sitting around a table with a couple a five year olds." Haley remarked.
"Says the girl who always orders mac and cheese when we go out to any restaurant." Peyton retorted.
"Funny!" Haley added grabbing an apple from the centre bowl in front of them.
"I miss Brooke at least we could be hungover together." Peyton pouted and she lay her head against the cool glass table.
"Well she would still be more cheerful than you hangover or not." Chris smirked immediately after the comment knowing all too well the rise he would get out of her.
Peyton shot him a sarcastic glare before turning to Haley. "Should we wake her up and make her suffer the irritable chirpiness of you two."
"No don't be mean let her sleep on. She hasn't even really been feeling that well the last few days." Haley softly added as silence dawned on the dining room.
Brooke pushed the food across her plate back and forth staring blankly at the plate. Jake however had finished the last bite of his pancakes and turned to the girl. She looked broken and sad like a small girl lost and confused.
"Okay I am starting to take offence." Jake broke the silence causing Brooke's head to shot up and stare blankly at him scrunching her nose like she always did when she wasn't following.
"What now?" Her words were vacant but at least they were words.
"You haven't ate a bite of, if I must say so myself, my delicious pancakes."
"I know. They look delicious though. I mean the smell and everything is filling enough." Brooke lightly retorted letting a small smile fall across her face.
Jake smiled offering to take her plate as he attempted to clear up. Making his way to the sink and began to scrape the last over food in the dispenser he turned his head back to the brunette. "You went there last night didn't you?"
Brooke felt panic strike her body as he asked the question. "Where?" She decided to play dumb.
"You know where. The mystery text. That is what this is about right?" Jake continued to question.
"Okay enough of the third degree. Do you mind if I use your shower though quickly and borrow some clothes." And just like that she changed the subject as quickly as it came up.
"Yeah of course. You know where everything is…"
Brooke slipped into Jake's room locking the door instantly. The towel was securely wrapped around the majority of her naked body however her eyes fell slowly on the already forming purple and blue bruises scattered across her arm. She manoeuvred herself towards his bed letting her fragile body fall onto the smooth cooling sheets. She let her tired eyes close briefly before the memories rushed hitting her like it was happening again. She groaned slightly frustration and aggravation bubbling through her veins. She tried constantly reassuring herself with thoughts of determination however she knew they were empty as her right now.
She pulled her exhausted body from lying flat against the bed to an upright position. Her body reaching to his bedside cabinet and grabbing a few baby wipes. As she began to wipe the last of her make-up stained face, turning to the mirror as she did so. She suddenly felt more bare and naked than ever but it felt refreshing at the same time. Like some of last night was washed away and she felt more comfortable even if the feeling didn't last she would enjoy the peace as it did.
She jumped from the bed and took out a few clothing from Jake's drawer. Sweats and hoodie seemed most appropriate for her mind set. She snuggled closely into the clothes feeling warmth at last and finally she tied her hair up into a quick messy bun. She reached for her cell quickly typing against the keypads and sending the message to her sister.
She inhaled deeply before exiting the room and forcing her exhausted and weakened body down the stairs back to the now empty kitchen. "Jake?" She instantly panicked her body tensing up as nothing but silence remained.
"Hey!" The voice came from behind her causing her body to turn quickly on her heel.
"You really have a knack of scaring people." Brooke quickly pointed out.
"I know call it a talent." Jake smiled brightly. "I got a blanket and a lot of bad movies in the living room?"
She just smiled brightly and truly genuinely. His kindness was becoming overwhelming and she couldn't help but feel un-deserving. "Thanks." She barely whispered tears whelming in corner of her eyes.
"Hey!" He hushed wiping the brim of her eyes refusing to let her cry a single tear. He ran his hand through his hair and gently kissed her forehead as he pulled away he softly continued. "Brooke. You have to tell me. I can help you."
She shook her head. Every though quickly caught up on her making her un-able to no longer control her emotions as she let the tears and hysteria out of her system. "I can't" She desperately said hoping that somehow he could still pry it out of her so it would no longer be her burden, she would have someone to share this weight with but she automatically realised how selfish and terrible that single thought was.
"If I tell you then you will treat me differently. Every-one will. And as much as I pout and moan I have really good life and I don't this changing it." She gritted through her teeth.
Jake pulled her closer to his chest as he left her to sob softly. He looked down and wondered what horrible thing could break such a strong and fierce sweet girl like Brooke. The thought alone made his blood boil with anger. "I just want to help" He finally admitted desperately trying to reach out to her. "Just please let me in."
She broke away from him tilting her head so her blood shot eyes could met his perfectly clear blue eyes. She almost felt herself almost getting lost, they were the type of eyes you swore that actually twinkled and it made her think how it fitted Jake perfectly. She sighed preparing herself to 'let him in' as he wished she felt he deserved that much. However she felt her throat instantly close over at the thought alone making the words near impossible to form into speech.
"I feel like…" She paused trying to scramble the mayhem of her mind that trailed her thoughts together making her confused and disorientated. She sighed deeply and continued. "A part of me feels like I just want to be left in some dark room indulging in self-pity, anger and hate. Though the more scared part of me just wants some-one to just hold me and tell me everything is going to be okay, even if it is a lie. "
Brooke was surprised how relieved and a bit calmer she felt just by letting him into that small insight of her mind however as she studied his expression she could tell that some of that burden and weight was now shifted onto his shoulders. Knowing that he was feeling guilty for how she felt made her feel guilty for telling him anything.
"It's going to be okay." Jake wasn't really sure how to respond to her and even though he wasn't completely clear on the situation he genuinely meant those words because he was going to make sure of it.
"Liar." Brooke teased.
Jake brought her into his chest once again. "I promise."
"Haley has been gone a while." Peyton finally spoke.
"Yeah how convenient. Leaving the Chris Keller to clean up." Chris scoffed. "At least she has some excuse you are literally sitting on the table watching me. Just call me Cinderella and well I guess that would make you one of the ugly sisters."
Peyton shrugged rolling her eyes. "First of all I'm supervising. Second of all I'm more like your fairy god-mother I did take you in like a stray dog except a dog would be cuter and less whiney. And by the way you just implied you were a girl, genius."
Peyton felt her cell vibrate against her leg as she pulled the slim phone from her pocket she glanced at the new text message she received. "By the way Brooke text me saying she is at Jakes and had stayed the night so looks like it's still left to you."
"Yeah whatever." Chris moaned continuing to lift the numerous plastic cups from the kitchen floor. "Just tell me in advance next time you have a party so I can make plans for the next day."
"What plans? You have no friends around her apart from me and even then…" Peyton retorted.
"Chris Keller has friends." He quickly defended himself. "Speaking of friends who was sleeping in your bed last night goldilocks?"
"Jealous?" She questioned. "Plus it's none of your business."
"Technically it is since I am your husband. This why divorce rate is so high."
"No Las Vegas is why divorce rate is high." Peyton paused for a second. "I guess we should discuss it actually."
"It?" Chris questioned. "Are you trying to have the talk with me?"
"It's just we don't even know if it was legal and if it was I don't even know how to even start a divorce proceeding…" Peyton trailed off.
"Me either it's not like Chris Keller just marries every girl he meets in La Vegas."
"Who knows where Chris Keller has been." Peyton mocked.
Brooke woke to cold sweat dripping from her skin. Her body tensed as her hand squeezed tightly against Jake's arm as she attempted to catch her breath. Everything was so vivid the moment she closed her eyes. "What happened?" Her body and mind in shock.
"You fell asleep." Jake hushed her soothingly. "Don't worry it was just a nightmare."
"It's not just a nightmare though." She hissed bitterly.
"What do you mean?" Jake delicately questioned.
"I was raped…"
How could this be done
Your such a smiling sweetheart
Oh and your sweet and pretty face
In such an ugly way
Something so beautiful
That every time I look inside