Love, Lies, and Loss
Disclaimer: I own no rights to One Tree Hill or any of its characters.
A/N: Sorry it took so long to update! I've been crazy busy with work. Hope you all enjoy this one.
Brooke stood in the airport squeezing Tegan's hand harder than ever before. She was sure she looked like a ghost as pale as she was. Before she got off the plane, she covered her face with almost and entire bottle of cover up trying to conceal her ghostly complexion. It obviously didn't work.
"Mommy, you're hurting me," Tegan yanked his hand out of hers.
"I'm sorry honey. Mommy is really nervous," Brooke apologized to her son.
"Why are you nervous? Aren't you happy to see your friends?"
"I'm happy and sad at the same time."
"Why?"
"Because I haven't seen everyone in so long, I don't know what to say to them."
"Why?"
"It's hard to explain honey. Why don't we go get something to drink while we wait, okay?"
"Yeah, I'm thirsty and kinda tired."
Before the two reached the vending machine, they head someone screaming.
"Brooke!" Haley yelled as she ran to greet her.
Brooke reluctantly led Tegan to the voice. She felt sick until she saw her friend.
"Oh my god! Haley!" She ran and hugged her old best friend.
"At least there is one good thing about being in this town again. I've missed you so much. I didn't realize how much until now," Brooke hugged Haley again.
"I know. It's the same with me. Now you are here, I'm going to have a hard time letting you go back," Haley released Brooke.
"Are you sure its okay that we stay?"
"Of course. Oh my gosh, I almost forgot," Haley looked down, "Hi Tegan! I'm your auntie Haley."
"Hi Auntie Haley," Tegan replied excitedly.
Haley pulled her son out from behind her, "Brooke. Tegan. This is Zachary. He's a little shy."
"To much like his mother used to be if you ask me," Brooke laughed.
"Hi," Tegan approached Zach as he tried to hide behind his mother again.
"Zachary, what are you going to do when you go to school? I'm not going to be there for you to hide behind," Haley sighed.
"It's okay Hails. I'm the original chatter box. I'll break him out of his shell and he'll be talking in no time," Brooke kneeled to the child's level.
"Good luck. I've tried everything with him. Nathan gets so upset sometimes. The only people he will talk to are Nathan, Luke, and I."
"You had to mention him didn't you?"
"Brooke. You can't avoid him this entire trip. At some point, well more than some point, you two are going to cross paths," Haley led the way to the car and they began on their way home.
"He's bad Brooke," Haley stated.
"Who's bad?" Brooke questioned.
"Luke. I don't know what to do. It's been so hard keeping myself together for him and I'm trying, but I can't help him. He's not responding to anyone. It's like he's in a black hole and can't find his way out. We've all tried. He's can't even be around his own daughter anymore. I guess she reminds him of Peyton to much. Nate, Karen, and I are taking turns watching her. I love Annabelle, but I don't know how long we can do this. I want to help him and I will, but if he can't pull out of this I don't know what we are going to do."
"It's going to be okay Hails. I'm here now. I'll help you."
"It's not me who needs help."
"How am I supposed to help him? He probably still hates me for leaving."
"He never hated you for leaving. He was glad you were chasing you dreams. He was upset that you didn't stay in contact with him."
"You know I couldn't, he would have found out."
"I know that, but he doesn't."
"So, what am I supposed to do? Say I'm sorry and be forgiven."
"If that's all it takes, then yes. We have to do something. I don't know what else to try Brooke. He's so lost. You guys connected, maybe you can help him."
"You guys have been best friends your whole lives and you couldn't help him. What makes you think I can?"
"Because he loved you once. He loved you more that you know and maybe that can pull him out of this."
"I'm married. I'm not about to start up a fling with an old flame."
"That's not what I'm talking about. I'm talking about giving him hope. Hope that things will be okay."
"I don't know. I'll try, but I don't know how much I can handle myself."
"I'm not asking for a miracle. I'm just asking for you to try."
"Okay, I'll try."
"Thank you," Haley finally pulled into her driveway.
Nathan greeted them at the door. He gave Brooke a welcoming hug, "It's good to see you."
"Thanks Nate. It's good to see you too," Brooke smiled.
Nathan grabbed her bags, "Come on. I'll show you your room."
Brooke settled her and Tegan in. They changed into their pajamas and went to say goodnight to the others.
Brooke found the family in the kitchen having ice cream before bed, "It's been a long day. Tegan and I are going to hit the hay. I need to get my rest up for tomorrow.
"Are you sure you don't want some ice cream before bed?" Haley asked.
"No thanks, us two are hyper enough with out adding to it."
"Well, some things never change," Nathan cut in.
"Hey! I've only been here a few hours and you're already getting on my nerves," Brooke replied.
"Like I said, some things never change," Nathan laughed.
"We'll see you guys in the morning. Goodnight Zachary."
The child glanced at Brooke then quickly turned his gaze to his ice cream.
Brooke tucked in her son and kissed him on the forehead, "I love you."
"I love you too mommy."
"Tomorrow is going to be a hard day for me. I don't want you to get scared if you see me upset."
"Why are you gunna get upset?"
"One of mommy's old friends went to heaven. Tomorrow I have to say goodbye to her."
"If she went to heaven, how are you going to say goodbye?"
"When someone dies and goes to heaven, there is a service for them. All of the person's friends and family get together to remember that person. That is saying goodbye."
"Okay mommy. I won't get scared; I'll hold your hand."
"Thank you honey. I love you so much."
"I'm sleepy," Tegan rolled over and closed his eyes. Brooke kissed him once again and snuggled up next to her son.
A/N: What's next? The reunion of Brooke and Lucas.
