Do you ever feel
Like a plastic bag
Drifting through the wind
Wanting to start again
Do you ever feel
Feel so paper-thin
Like a house of cards
One blow from caving in
Boy a whole lot can change in five weeks and no one knew that better than Brooke. Five weeks ago her brother had entered rehab, her life was going so badly and she had given Lucas an ultimatum. They had barely spoken since, only in passing. Things were however looking up at home. Her father had finally landed a real good job, she decided to go back to school and her sister and Peyton had even entered her in a beauty pageant. Those who knew Brooke were so surprised because that was never her thing. She was actually really enjoying all the preparing for it. She had cut her hair a bit, was working out and wearing a bit more make-up. It's funny how just a little bit of effort made a lot more guys notice her. She was finally starting to feel like a girl. Since she spent most of her time with boys she was always more of a tomboy. But this change made her feel like a beautiful woman!
She was still spending time with Nathan although he was now seeing a girl that he went to school with. They hadn't spoken in a year and she moved to Tree Hill and they hit it off again. She and Brooke actually got along quite well. Haley was one of the sweetest girls that Brooke had met in a while.
Peyton and Jake were still together. In fact the one thing that shocked everyone was that Peyton was pregnant. It came as a surprise to everyone. She had been so nervous about it and Brooke had sat with her to take the test. Peyton was so sure that Jake would have been angry but when he found out he wasn't at all. He was actually ecstatic about it and had told her that it was perfect timing because he was going to ask her to marry him. So Peyton was engaged and expecting a baby!
Brooke was very excited for Nick to come home next week. They had talked a lot while he was in rehab via letters and phone calls. This whole fiasco had actually brought them really close together. His doctor had said that he was very impressed with how Nick was and had even gotten him to attend a few therapy sessions. Brooke was proud of that because Nick had always been badass and wouldn't talk about his problems with anyone. He had written Brooke about all the new things he was learning and had apologized for being a lousy brother and for selling her necklace. He had promised that he would buy her a new one as soon as he landed a job. Brooke wasn't worried about that but it showed her how much progress he was making and taking responsibility for his actions.
Lucas. They had talked briefly in passing a few weeks ago but it wasn't much more than- 'hi, how are you'. Nathan tried to stay away from the subject because he had offered Brooke to be like a fake boyfriend to get Lucas to admit his feelings, but she had declined. Brooke had appreciated the offer but had declined because all it would end up doing is driving a bigger wedge between the brothers. She knew Lucas was insecure and she wouldn't go out of her way to purposefully hurt him. She had explained that to him and he agreed.
Lucas and Lindsey had broken up two weeks ago. She was surprised because when Nathan first told her she had hoped that he would come to her, but a week later and she had heard nothing. She took that as a sign that he didn't return her feelings and had brushed it off. She was better than that to pine over a guy that didn't love her back. She was worth more than that. Apparently Nathan said things between Luke and Lindsey had been strained for a while. She was changing more and more and she had asked Luke to move to New York because her father offered her a job at his publishing company. He couldn't go because that wasn't his dream and Lindsey had told him that it would be better for them to end things because she wasn't going to have a long distance relationship. Last Nathan had heard Lindsey was already dating her new co-worker after only a few days in.
Her twenty-second birthday is next week. It is the day of her pageant and she can't wait for it. She is going to be getting together with all of her friends and going to the beach for a little party. Rachel and Nathan told her they would take care of all the details and all she had to do was show up. It wouldn't be until later in the evening because she had to go to class and then head straight to the pageant. Thank God her birthday fell on a Friday night this year. She wanted to let loose and just have fun.
She loved her classes so far. For some reason she had gotten an interest in the criminal justice field and had enrolled to get her degree for it at a local college. She wasn't sure what she wanted to do in the field but there were so many options that she would worry about that later. The only thing that she didn't like was the basic classes. She was struggling with Math and Nathan was actually helping her because he was a wiz in math. She had to go over to his house later to help her prepare for her exam. She didn't want to go to the Scott house because of Lucas but Nathan had plans with Haley and really needed the few extra minutes.
(-)
Do you ever feel
Already buried deep
Six feet under
Screams but no one seems to hear a thing
It was actually a pretty warm fall night and very humid. The weather had been nothing short of unusual lately. Rachel had 'vamped up' her wardrobe and she was actually comfortable wearing sexier clothes. It was hot and she didn't care tonight so she wore her short cut off shorts, a black tank top and her black sandals. She threw her hair in a ponytail, applied a fresh coat of lip-gloss, grabbed her book bag and headed out the door.
When she arrived at the Scott house she actually got nervous. She hadn't been there in over a month and it was very clear that Lucas was home because his car was there. She brushed off her nerves, walked up to the house and knocked at the door.
"What are you knocking for Davis? You know you don't have to here, you're like family," Nathan said and held open the door.
"Where do you want to do this," she asked turning to him.
Nathan couldn't help but to laugh. "You know how dirty you make that sound," he joked as she slapped him on the back of the head.
"Behave Nathan or I'll call Haley James," she said glaring and pointing at him. He laughed and put his hands up in defeat and led her into the kitchen. "I know I'm sexy but you need to focus on this," she said pointing to her bag. "And not my ass," she smirked over her shoulder.
(-)
Lucas had heard someone at the door about an hour ago but he knew Haley was coming over so he ignored it. He was laying on his bed analyzing his life. He knew he had to make some changes and get his life started but he was lost. His girlfriend had dumped him, his best friend was like a stranger, he had no job and he had no clue what he wanted in the future. He wasn't worried about the job part because he had inheritances and money to fall back on. He needed to change though because the past few weeks were filled with so many mistakes made and he was going down the wrong path real fast.
He sat up and got out of bed. He was hungry and tired of sitting in his room. He made his way down the stairs and froze in the hallway. He could hear a voice he missed so much. Neither of them had noticed him and he just observed as she stood up to go. He watched her lean up and give Nathan a hug. He could help but noticed the way her short shorts rode up on her ass and hugged her perfectly. Her tank top had ridden up slightly and he could see her lower back. How had he never noticed just how sexy she was? Maybe it had to do with the fact that Brooke had never dressed like this before. He shook his head of the thought. He was still pissed at her for the way she acted. She threw everything at him and hadn't given him even five minutes to process everything before she had given him an ultimatum. He had been so overwhelmed that he had left.
He heard the back door slam and his father start flipping out.
"Where is your brother," he demanded to know and Nathan just shook his head. Brooke just looked at him puzzled. She knew that Lucas and Dan had never seen eye to eye, but she had never seen Dan that angry.
He decided he'd make his presence known because he was pretty sure that his father was less likely to blow a gasket with company over. "I'm here. What are you going off about now," he said as he made his way to the fridge. He didn't expect his father to grab him by the shirt and slam him into the wall.
"You little shit. You will not be making a fool out of me in this town," he spat out as his face turned beat red. Lucas just smirked at him. His father had obviously heard of his indiscretion. This only infuriated his father more and he pulled him back and slammed him harder into the wall.
Lucas had met his limit with his father. He pushed his father off him hard and it caused him to stumble backwards. He knew he would come for round two and as the thought entered his mind his father was heading towards him. What he didn't expect was the petite brunette to step in front of him to stop his father and Nathan to pull Dan back.
"Luke come on," she pleaded and he looked down on her. His adrenaline was pumping through his veins, his fists were clenched at his sides and he wanted to deck his father. He felt her small hands on his chest pushing him from the room. His father was yelling still as Brooke pushed him into his room and shut the door. He was so pissed and all he could think to do was punch the nearest wall. He realized that it was a stupid idea as soon he felt the searing pain in his hand.
"Fuck," he cursed as he sank down on the bed cradling his hand.
Brooke immediately was at his side and taking his bloody hand in hers. "Oh Luke," she started but he jerked his hand away from her.
"I don't need your fucking help," he gritted out angrily.
"Oh stop being such a jerk and let me look at your hand," she said as she pulled his hand back. She stood up and left his room and returned moments later with a first aid kit. She kneeled down in-between his legs and went to work fixing up his hand. "One second," she said as she leaned over his bed and into his drawer to pick out the ace bandage. She knew her body was leaned over him so she grabbed it quickly and moved back in front of him and went to work on his hand.
"Thanks Brooke," he said as she popped the pin in place for the ace bandage and his hand was all set now.
She smiled up at him. "You're welcome. You wanna tell me what that was about," she said throwing her thumb over her shoulder towards Dan.
"No. I'm not trying to be a jerk but we aren't exactly friends Brooke," he said as he looked down and scratched the back of his head nervously. She didn't argue or try to change his mind. She knew where she stood in his life.
They both stood there awkwardly for a few moments, neither knowing what to say to the other. Brooke was the first to break the silence. "Well…I gotta go. I have to go meet my partner for my dance routine," she said while he nodded. She headed towards the door and stopped, turning around. "Listen I am taking part in this pageant Peyton and Rachel signed me up for next week. If…if you want to go you can. Then we are going to the beach after, well everyone is, and you can come."
"I might have something going on that night," he said and scratched the beck of his neck. She knew he was lying but she went along with it either way and just smiled before she left the room and went to meet Owen.
Do you know that there's
Still a chance for you
Cause there's a spark in you
You just gotta
Ignite the light
And let it shine
Just own the light
Like the fourth of July
(-)
Brooke couldn't believe how fast the week had gone by. She was currently starring at herself in the mirror as Rachel finished curling her hair. She had on a beautiful short black Versace dress that had a lace over covering that went a little lower than the bottom of the dress and covered her bare arms. She had fallen in love with it the moment she saw it but there was no way she could afford it. Nathan had surprised her with it this morning as a birthday gift. She cried so hard when she opened the box and he told her that she deserved it and it was the least he could do for her for being such a great friend. She knew this would be the dress for her routine. She had her hair cascading over her shoulders all done in loose curls. She wore black strappy heels that gave her a few extra inches
"You look amazing," Rachel said as she stood in front of Brooke. "I can't believe how hot you look. You picked the perfect song for the new you," Rachel said as she pulled Brooke into a tight hug. Owen came in to get Brooke to go get ready and Rachel gave her a good luck wish and smacked her on the ass.
(-)
Brooke roamed around the beach laughing with her friends, a beer cup in her hand and a crown on her head. She had won the pageant and was currently getting a bit tipsy. More people had shown up at the beach than she imagined and she didn't even mind that she didn't know half of them.
"You did real good tonight," Owen said as she threw his arm over her shoulder and pulled her into him.
"Thanks," she said as she smiled up at him. "I had a pretty rockin partner that helped," she said as she bumped her hip into him. "Ya know I never noticed how fricken adorable you are," she said as she pinched his cheek. "You got dimples just like me," she said as she smiled and stuck her fingers into them. Owen couldn't help but laugh at how cute she was when she was tipsy.
Owen had liked Brooke as soon as he met her. She was smart, spunky and beautiful. She had this radiance about her that lit up a room as soon as she entered. They quickly became friends and when she asked him to help her with this pageant stuff he couldn't say no. She had become like a sister to him and just about every guy at school hated him because he got to spend time with her. He knew even before he spoke to her that her heart wasn't exactly open to anyone new at the moment. She never said it but it was hidden behind her eyes.
He pulled her into a hug and kissed her forehead. He looked over to the crowd of people and he knew right away that there was someone else who wanted her attention. He leaned and whispered into her ear to turn around. He had a feeling this may be the guy that owned a part of Brooke's heart. She told him she would meet up with him after and made her way over to her other guest.
Cause baby, you're a firework
Come on show 'em what you're worth
Make 'em go, "Ahh, ahh, ahh"
As you shoot across the sky
Come on let your colors burst
Make 'em go, "ahh, ahh ahh"
You're gonna leave them all in awe
"Hey," she said as she grabbed a bottle of beer from the cooler next to her.
"Hey," he said as he shuffled nervously. "Happy birthday and congratulations on your win. You look absolutely stunning."
"Thanks," she blushed. She wasn't sure if hugging him would be okay but she did have a little liquid courage in her. She leaned forward and pulled him into her. "Thanks for coming Luke," she whispered into his ear and she felt him nod.
"I'm gonna go see Nate, but uh I wanted to give this to you he said as he handed her a wrapped present.
"Luke you didn't have to get me anything," she said as she looked at him curiously.
"I have since the day we started being friends. I couldn't just stop now," he said as he put the package in her hand and kissed the side of her head. "Happy birthday Brooke," he said as he walked away.
She couldn't resist opening the gift because her curiosity had gotten the best of her. When she opened the box she felt a sob build in her throat and a tear slip down her eye. He had replaced the necklace that her brother had sold. She knew he must have had to have the necklace custom made since they didn't sell it in stores anymore. She brushed her fingers lightly over the necklace before removing it and putting it on.
She turned around curiously and eyes the blonde boy who was currently laughing with Nathan and pounding back a beer. He looked up and caught her eye. He nodded his head and smiled. She smiled as she ran her fingers over the necklace once more. How had Lucas known what had happened to the necklace he bought her? She didn't tell him and she knew Nathan hadn't. She grabbed another beer and headed in the opposite direction of everyone on the beach. She wanted a few moments to just sit back and relax by herself.
(-)
"You know there could be a psychopath hiding out here," he said as he sat beside her on the rocks. He had watched her walk away by herself and was curious as to what was on her mind. He missed her and if he was honest with himself, there wasn't a day that had gone by that she wasn't constantly in his thoughts.
"Well now that you are here I have someone to push in the way so I can make a run for it," she smirked up at him and saw him chuckle.
"I'm glad I serve a purpose being here," he said as he sat beside her.
"I'm glad you're here," she said as she leaned her head to rest on him. "I'm sorry about the way I acted Luke. It wasn't fair and I do want you as a friend," she said and smiled up at him.
"Well I'm glad because I kinda miss my best friend," he said as he rocked into her. He noticed the flash of rejection that flashed across her eyes and as quickly disappeared. He knew she wanted more and he just had to be sure that's what he wanted before he took a chance on ruining the only real friendship he's ever known.
"Well your best friend misses you too. Call a truce," she said as she smiled and stuck out her hand. He laughed and pulled her into a hug.
They sat like that for a few moments and Brooke was the first to break the silence. "Hey Lucas, can I ask you a question?"
He wasn't sure where this would go and he didn't want this conversation turning awkward if she brought up that day or Lindsey so he didn't answer until she looked up at him, then he nodded.
"How did you know," she asked and he looked at her wondering what she meant. She brought her hands to her neck and ran it along the necklace. "About my necklace I mean."
"It doesn't matter," he said as he stood up. That wasn't a conversation he wanted at the moment. He held his hand out and pulled her to her feet. "What do you say we blow this joint, go back to my place and pop in a movie? I know how much you love those Nicholas Sparks books to film," he said with a goofy smile.
She smiled. It finally felt like she was getting him back. She may not have him the way she wanted but t least he was in her life and she was pretty sure as long as she didn't push the envelope he would want her back soon. "Sure," she said as he held her hand and walked along the beach.
Okay here is the next chapter. I pushed it ahead a few weeks and Brooke and Lucas are now speaking again. Yay! Lol. I'll try to have the next chapter up by the weekend's end. This story doesn't seem to be one that as many people like but I enjoy writing it. For everyone who has alerted and reviewed THANK YOU so much. I got my motivation for this one from Tay, Rosie and BdavisLScott23 and their rockin reviews so thank you guys so much for those great reviews! And everyone else who reviews thanks so much because they honestly keep me writing!