Hi there! 2 new loooong chapters...
Please people, give me some reviews, I beg of you, say something, feedback is important for writers :P
Chapter 29
– You're not serious, are you? There's no way you won't be at the Halloween party! –Ilana said, upset.
– What's the big deal? All the girls are going to be there anyway. –Brooke replied, concerned.
– Exactly, we'll all be there but you. You never miss it! It's like the official reunion of the year!
– Oh come on!
– You know it is! No matter what, everybody makes some time and goes. Why you're not coming?
– Well, it's Saturday and… –Brooke managed, hesitating.
– Yeah, it's Saturday, so what?
– You know what I do on Saturdays. –she replied, looking down, uncomfortable.
Ilana couldn't believe it. – Yeah, I know, that's why I don't get it. Not going to L.A. for a single weekend will kill you?
– No, it's not going to kill me but…
Ilana interrupted. – Then stay! Tell him you can't see him this Saturday, period. In fact, why don't you tell him to come? Then the girls can meet him, I can say hello, get to know him better…
Now Brooke cut her off, uneasiness growing more inside her. – It's not that simple. It's not so easy for him to travel.
Ilana looked at her astonished. – What's difficult about taking a plane and get here?
– Well, you know, he's a dad. He can't just take a plane and leave his children home.
– But you told me his mom helps him with that, didn't you? Besides, he doesn't have to, he can bring them and we can find a babysitter just for Saturday night.
Ilana had Brooke against the wall. – Uh… okay, I'll tell him, but to be honest with you, I don't think it's going to happen. –Brooke replied, not looking at her friend.
Ilana's concern grew more. Ever since Brooke was dating Jack, she had barely seen her or even talked to her. She lived to make time to fly every weekend to L.A. Ilana just couldn't get why Jack couldn't visit Brooke once in a while, and that worried her. – Or just tell me you don't want to come. –she snapped.
– How can you even say that? You know it's not like that! –Brooke retorted, close to lose her temper.
– I say it because that's what it looks like, Brooke. I just want to know if it's going to be like this.
– What you mean?
– I'm talking about your relationship with Jack. Since you're with him we don't see you anymore. It's okay if you just want to hang with his friends and family, but at least let me know.
Brooke rubbed her eyes and stood up from her armchair, finally losing it. She raised her voice. – You know what? I'm sick of this. You're supposed to be happy for me and you keep questioning everything I do instead. What's your problem? Can't you understand that I'm in love and I just want to spend as much time as possible with him?
Ilana opened her eyes wide in disbelief. – I don't have any problem Brooke, and I'm really happy for you, you know it. I'm just trying to understand why you're not being yourself.
Brooke frowned and gave her an abashed look. – Why you say I'm not being myself?
– Because you aren't. I know you're deeply in love with him, and that's exactly why I don't get why you're holding yourself back. –Brooke kept looking at her and listening, waiting for her to make a point, so she went on. – I just think you're working so hard for this relationship and I'm not sure if it's paying off. It's like you're always so afraid to lose him…
– Oh, you just say that because I'm the one who comes and goes instead of him! Well, I'm sorry, but as far as I can remember, you were the one who told me that I'd have to give some things up because he has other priorities. –Brooke snapped, annoyed.
– I did, and that's not what I'm talking about. I mean it Brooke. Just think about it for a second, okay? The man gives you an apartment and you can't tell him to come to a stupid party?
– I've told you a zillion times that he didn't give me an apartment! God!
– Whatever, you know what I mean.
– Actually, I don't. –Brooke replied, giving her a burning gaze.
Ilana sighed deeply. – Sweetie, listen to me. I'm not fighting with you, I'm on your team. I don't know Jack. I've only seen him once. All I know about him is what you've told me. Yet I don't think he's the dominant type. That's why I don't understand why you keep acting like you had to please him all the time. I'm sure you've never even told him to come and I want to know why.
Brooke froze. It was true. So far, she hadn't even mentioned to him the possibility of meeting her parents, brother and friends. – I just think it's too soon for that. I don't want to upset him and…
Ilana cut her off again. – That's exactly what I mean! You don't want to upset him. You live to not upset him. Why you think you'd upset him in the first place? –she asked.
– It's just… I've noticed it's hard for him to talk about his past…
– But this is not about his past, it's about his present. –she affirmed, but Brooke raised an eyebrow, confused. Ilana continued. – He's got you, so, I assume he's moving on. Being part of each other's life kind of closes the deal, don't you think?
Brooke sighed and nodded. Now she had a headache. – I know. And I don't live to not upset him. I just think time will settle things down for us. Please Ilana, don't push me. I understand your concern, but you need to know that I know what I'm doing. Yes, sometimes it's tough to be traveling every single weekend and I miss you guys too, but I just need you to be patient. We'll get to that and I promise he'll be coming home with me before you get to bug me again.
Ilana gave her a long look and then nodded. – Okay. I just want you to be fine.
– I am fine. I'm really happy Ilana. I love him. I love him so much sometimes I feel I don't have enough room in my chest.
– I know, but him? Have you told him what you feel?
– No, not yet.
– Why?
– I've just told you it's a matter of time. I don't want to freak him out.
– And why on Earth telling him you love him will freak him out? See? You're afraid of speaking your mind, why's that? You fear he won't respond the way you expect?
– I'm not afraid of anything. I just need some freaking time, that's all! –Brooke replied, desperate.
– Fine. –Ilana retorted, defeated. As she walked to the door to leave Brooke's office, she stopped her.
– Ilana, wait. –She turned around to face Brooke. – Please don't be mad at me. I really appreciate your concern. I get it. You just want me to be happy. And all I'm saying is I'm very happy right now. I'm not planning on escaping every Friday to L.A. for the rest of my life. You're not losing me, believe me. –Brooke said, casting a short smile.
– Okay.
Ilana left Brooke's office and she sat on her armchair again, her face on her hands.
Back in L.A., Jack was finishing with some paper work when Patrick stepped in.
– Jack?
– Patrick…
– How did the Smith surgery go?
– Good. I'm discharging him tomorrow.
– So you have nothing for the weekend, right?
Jack thought for a second, still looking at the charts. – Uh, right.
– Great, is Brooke coming? 'Cause Marion booked this amazing cabin and we're having the wildest Halloween ever, you've got to come, both of you, and you can bring the kids, so there's no excuse.
Jack frowned. He still thought it wasn't the time for the kids to be around Brooke, let alone taking them to a party with his friends altogether. – Um, I don't know Patrick, uh… I think we have other plans. –he lied, trying to evade Patrick's insistence, which he knew was coming.
– Really? Are you going to the Official Halloween Party then? –Patrick asked with a huge smile, not believing his ears.
Jack had no idea of what was he talking about, but found a great excuse to turn him down. – Well, you know, I'm thinking about it.
– What's to think about? You'll have one hell of a time. You'll get to meet her friends and since you're going to be in town, you can also meet her family.
– How you know about that? –Jack asked curious, not paying attention to what Patrick just said. So far, Brooke hadn't mentioned anything about a party.
– Well, Brooke and her girl friends throw that party since college. That's how I met her family back then. I guess this year is no exception. Brooke's great at throwing parties, you know?
But Jack didn't know. There was still a lot he didn't know about Brooke and that annoyed him somehow. The fact that Patrick knew more about her than him kind of made him jealous. – Of course I know, I just haven't attended any of her parties to confirm it yet. –he replied flatly.
– Well man, I guess some other time. But please, you tell Marion, 'cause she's been bitching about how essential is that you guys come to the cabin.
– Okay.
When Jack was done with his paper work, he left the hospital and went home, where Jackie and Brett were playing in the studio. Jackie had turned Jack's desk into a massive mess, since she was using watercolors to paint a huge drawing she had made. Brett was playing with his Legos, whilst Jackie yelled at him for not staying still.
– Why do I have to stay still? I want to go out! –a terribly pissed Brett snapped to his sister.
– Because I'm painting you! You want to look ugly in my painting? Come on, I'm almost done!
– What you're painting anyway?
– My version of the Last Supper, only this is a First Supper.
– What's that?
– Never mind. But it has to be finished for Halloween.
– Why? –asked Brett.
– 'Cause mommy told me we'll meet Brooke soon and I want to show it to her.
– Who's Brooke?
– Daddy's girlfriend.
Brett opened his eyes wide, amazed. – Daddy has a girlfriend?
– Yep.
Then Brett frowned and shook his head. – I don't believe you. If daddy had a girlfriend he'd tell us.
– He hasn't told us because he's scared. Mommy told me.
– Aaron says you're crazy 'cause you say mommy tells you things. He says death people can't talk to the living.
– He's lying! I'm not crazy, mommy talks to me in my dreams! –Jackie affirmed, furious.
Brett thought for a second and then asked. – Why mommy doesn't talk to me? Is she mad at me?
– No Brett, she's not mad at you. She doesn't talk to you because you don't understand what she's got to say.
– I'm not dumb! I understand things…
– I know you're not dumb, you're just too young.
– You're young too! Aaron's the biggest.
– Yeah! But mommy has nothing to say to Aaron!
– I want to talk to mommy. –Brett said with sadness in his eyes.
Jackie also felt sad at her brother's claim. In spite of being so young, they missed their mother so much. But Jackie knew she had to comfort her brother and be a big girl. – I know, but you can't. That's why Brooke's going to be your new mommy. You can talk to her instead. She's very pretty and mommy says she's very sweet.
– But when is she coming home?
– Soon, we just have to wait. –Jackie assured with a smile. Then she heard her daddy's car in the drive-in. – Daddy's home! You can't tell him about the painting, it's a surprise, remember?
– Okay.
Jackie ran to hide her painting kit along with her drawing. Brett just stayed on the floor, still playing with his Legos. After saying hello to Margo and Claire, who were in the front door, and watching a speedy Jackie running upstairs, Jack walked in. He saw Brett on the floor and squatted to meet his eyes.
– Hi buddy, what you're building? –Jack asked his son, giving him a sweet kiss on the head.
– A freeway. –Brett replied, not looking at him.
Then Jack noticed the mess on his desk. – Your sister was here, right?
– Maybe.
Jack smiled at Brett's answer. He was in love with his little son. He was one witty boy, but he was sort of quiet. There were days when Brett would rather play by his own than with Aaron, who he followed a lot. Jack thought maybe Brett was shy because he lost his mom too early in life. He couldn't help but remember himself as a child when he saw his own boy. Therefore, since he was born, Jack promised to himself he would never let him down and would be his best friend. Not like his father did with him.
Brett always listened to his sister. Jack was thankful of Brett and Jackie getting along. That way, his kids would always have each other to count on. He was thinking of that when Brett suddenly stood up and reached for him. – Daddy, can I meet your girlfriend? –he pleaded, whilst holding his dad. Jack couldn't believe what he was hearing. He moved his son aside and sought for his eyes. – What?
– I want to meet her.
– Did your sister tell you to say this to me?
– No. She just said you have a girlfriend who's pretty and sweet and that we'll meet her soon.
Jack ran out of words. This time, Jackie had gone too far with her wild fantasies. He couldn't believe how his daughter could make up all those stories in her mind by just having seen Brooke once for less than 5 minutes. But at that moment he had to deal with Brett. – I don't have a girlfriend Brett. That's why you can't meet her. But if I ever get one, I'll let you know, okay? –he lied.
– Okay. Can I go to Aaron's? Aunt Claire's walking me.
– Sure, just be careful and listen to your auntie, okay?
Brett kissed his dad's cheek goodbye and left the studio. Jack stood on his feet again and rubbed his forehead, concerned. Jackie arrived just in time.
– Hi daddy! –but when she reached for her dad to hold her, an upset Jack gave her a reproachful look.
– Hi you back.
Jackie knew that look. It was the one she got when she had done something wrong. – Daddy, are you mad at me? –she asked, nervous.
– Do I have reasons to be mad at you?
– I'll clean your desk, I promise. I just didn't have time.
– I don't care about the desk. –Jackie kept silent and stared at her dad with her huge green eyes, waiting for his words. – Why did you tell Brett I have a girlfriend?
– Because you do. –Jackie retorted, determined.
– Don't you remember what I told you when you asked me that before?
Jackie nodded. – I do.
– So? Now you come with these stories about meeting her. Why you do that?
– Because it's true. When I first asked you she wasn't your girlfriend yet, but now she is.
Jack was starting to lose his patience. – She? Who is she?
– Brooke.
At that moment, Jack didn't know what bothered him the most, Jackie being so shrewd or himself lying to his daughter. – Honey, I told you before that lady's one of my patients.
Jackie's look hardened. – You're lying.
Jack couldn't believe how stubborn his daughter was, though she'd got it from both him and her mother. – Oh really? Says who?
– Mommy.
He couldn't stand it anymore. In spite of all his efforts, all the talking, the therapy, the attention, he couldn't stop Jackie from saying she talked with her mom. At first it worried him, but right that minute, it just enraged him. Now he was yelling at her. – Stop saying that! You know your mom can't say anything to you!
– But she does! Why don't you believe me? –Jackie retorted, her eyes watering.
– Because she's dead!
Jackie's eyes were burning, now with tears. – I know she's dead, but she talks to me in my dreams! –she yelled back at her dad, her voice breaking.
– Precisely Jacqueline! Those are just dreams! Now listen to me, you're not allowed to keep saying or thinking they're true, neither to fill your brother's head with them! Is that clear?!
Jackie couldn't take it anymore and burst into tears. – Fine! –then she walked away wiping her eyes, leaving her dad standing behind her.
He was leaning against the desk, rubbing his eyes, when Margo appeared in the studio's door frame. Jack raised his eyes and saw his mother giving him a reproachful look, which read what he already knew: that he was indeed lying to his son and daughter, and that the scolding he gave Jackie had been totally an outburst. Margo was about to speak when Jack cut her off with a burning gaze. – Don't mom, just don't. –and he walked away from her.