2 new chaps., one sort of long... Enjoy and thanks for stickign around! ;)
Chapter 34
On Sunday, Brooke was getting ready to leave. She came out of the shower and started getting dressed, whilst Jack watched her with full attention, lying on the bed.
– You don't want me to let you go, do you? –he said impishly.
Brooke smiled, putting on her underwear. – What you're talking about? –she asked.
– You really think I'm letting you go when you're putting on that lingerie in front of me, your hair wet…? –he asked, lust in his eyes.
Brooke raised an eyebrow and went on, now sitting on the bed, turning her back on him to continue dressing. – Uh… yeah… –she replied.
But he didn't give up. Soon he grabbed her and laid her on the bed, beneath him. – I think you're missing your flight. –he assured, and then kissed her passionately, his hands all over her body.
But she stopped him. – I think I'm not. –she said, slipping away from beneath him.
Jack frowned. – Are you mad at me? –he asked.
– Why would I be mad at you? –she asked back, not looking at him and putting her jeans on.
Jack sat at the edge of the bed and reached for her. – You tell me. –he demanded, his hands on her waist.
Brooke sat beside him and sighed. She was not mad at him. She was nervous. – I'm not mad at you baby, I swear.
– Then what's going on? –he asked curious, placing a streak of her hair behind her ear.
She took a deep breath and then spoke. – Jack, I know we're not spending the holidays together this time… I get it… Um… anyway, my dad's birthday is on January the 5th. We celebrate every year, but this time is special. He's turning 55, so we're having this huge party… all family and friends are coming, it's kind of a big deal… And I want you to come… I want you to meet my parents. –she affirmed raising her eyes and looking at him frontally.
There it was. He knew this moment would come, yet he didn't expect it would come so soon. He looked at her deeply and then nodded. – Okay, I'll be there. –he assured with a smile.
Brooke couldn't believe her ears. She was afraid he would refuse. She was kind of expecting her request would turn into an argument, but it didn't. He just said yes. She was delighted. – You mean it? –she asked with glint in her eyes.
He smiled back at her. – Of course.
She threw herself in his arms. – Thank you baby! You don't know what this means to me… –she said excited. Finally, finally, she thought.
With that, Jack left the bed and got dressed. She finished dressing too. Then he drove her to the airport. On the plane, Brooke felt totally excited. She couldn't wait to be back home and finally get to tell everybody Jack was coming. She was picturing Ilana's face, as well as the one of all of her friends, her mom, her dad, Terry… She felt relief. Everything was going perfect…
New Year's Eve arrived. At the Julians', everybody was ready for the countdown. Brooke's family was very cheerful and they always threw huge parties at the lamest excuse. That's why she loved parties and was great at organizing them. New Year was no exception. Her parents' home was crowded as always, and there was plenty of food and drink. Some of Terry's friends had shown. Her cousins were also there, her aunts, her uncles. Even a couple of nieces and nephews she had. Everybody was there. Well, almost everybody. Jack wasn't there and she didn't like it at all. She started thinking what it would be like if she stayed with Jack. Would she move to L.A.? That meant giving up her job, moving away from her family, her friends. That thought frightened her. She couldn't imagine the holidays without her family, for starters. What if he moved to New York? Would he do that? Did he love her enough to move his family to the East Coast? She was trying to figure it out when her brother came to her.
– I think the end of the world might be coming this year. –Terry affirmed.
Brooke raised an eyebrow. – And why's that?
– It's 5 to midnight and you're not drunk. –he said with an impish smile.
– Ha-ha, very funny.
– Why you're blue? –he asked openly.
– I'm not blue. –she retorted, looking away.
Terry cast a wry smile. – Of course you're not. You miss your boyfriend?
Brooke flushed. – Yes… I miss him. I wish he was here. –she admitted to her brother.
– And why isn't he?
– You know why.
– No sis, actually I don't. –Terry snapped. – Why don't you bring him? Because of his kids? What's wrong with that? You know mom and dad will support you. They love kids. We can go to L.A. sometime and meet them.
Brooke smiled shortly. – I don't think that will be necessary. He's coming to dad's birthday. –she affirmed.
– Good. It was about time…
– I know.
– Oh no, you don't know. I can't get them off my back. They know you've told me everything about him and keep pushing me to crack.
Brooke bit her lip, concerned. – Really?
– Yes Brooke, they're driving me crazy. Dad's kind of worried, but mom, man! She's pissed. She thinks you don't want them to meet him and is positive there's something odd about it.
– Odd? –she asked shaking her head.
– Yes, odd, as in "There's something wrong about the guy" odd.
– There's nothing odd about him. It just took some time, but you'll meet him in another 5 days… 4 almost…
– Thank God… –he said, rolling eyes. – What's his name again?
Brooke smiled, picturing him. – Jack, Jack Shephard.
Terry frowned. – That name… it sounds familiar.
Brooke nodded. – I know. Remember my plane crash hero? –she asked with a childish smile.
– No way! It's him? –Terry asked back jaw-dropped.
– Yep. –she replied, a smug smile on her face.
– Jeez Brooke! You're really something else!
– Why you say that?
– Because you got him, you always said you would! I don't fucking believe you! –he affirmed, thrilled.
Brooke frowned, she didn't quite remember what Terry was talking about. – Did I?
– Man! How can you not remember? Whenever you were home, you were always talking about him and his heroic adventures on the creepy island. You even claimed you would marry him some day. And now you're with him, unbelievable!
Then Brooke remembered. – Wow! Yes, what were the odds, right?
– Odds my ass. You always get what you want, sis. I really admire you for that, you know? –Terry said proud.
– Oh stop! You're making me cry…
– Oh man, you're ridiculous, come on, time for the countdown…
"10… 9… 8… 7… 6… 5… 4… 3… 2… 1… Happy New Year!" was heard all over the streets, along with the buzz of cheering, clapping, fireworks and so on. At Jack's home all the family gathered in the dining room. Claire, Charlie and their kids were there, joining Margo, Jackie, Brett and him. Of course Hurley was also there. They were having a good time. They hugged and kissed each other as the year arrived.
Then Jack slipped away to his studio. He dialed Brooke, who was waiting anxious for his call.
– Baby! –answered Brooke, excited.
– Happy New Year honey! –he said cheery, excitement in his voice.
Brooke was very emotional and hearing his voice torn her. She felt overwhelmed by her feelings for him. – I miss you so much… –she managed. – I wish you were here…
He noticed her voice breaking. – Hey… everything's fine, I miss you too babe.
She couldn't hold it back anymore. It didn't matter if they were on the phone. She needed to say it. – Jack I… I lo… –but she was cut off by the yelling of the kids, who were claiming for their dad. "Daddy, daddy, come and see the fireworks!" she heard. – I'm coming. –he said, and then told to Brooke: – I'm sorry honey, you were saying?
She swallowed and took a deep breath. – Nothing, I… I'll see you on Thursday, okay? –she said stifling her tears, emotions constricted in her chest.
– Sure sweetie… Um, I've got to go. Have fun and think of me, okay?
– Always.
– Okay, bye. –and he hung up.
Some tears rolled on Brooke's cheeks. I'm just anxious, that's all, she thought. Everything was fine, she'd meet Jack at the airport on Thursday noon. She'd show him where she lived, they'd have lunch together and then they'd get ready for the party. She'd wear this amazing gown she'd got for the occasion and then they'd go together to her father's birthday, and he'd meet the Julians and all of her friends at last.
There was nothing to be nervous about, she repeated in her mind. Jack was a terrific man. He was a prestigious doctor, the Chief of Surgery of the finest hospital in Los Angeles, a refined, articulate man, sensitive and kind. He was extremely good looking, charming and athletic and educated… She went on numbering all his qualities. But above all, he was the man she loved. That was enough.
She was sure her family would like him. It wouldn't matter if he'd had 2 wives –one who divorced him and other who died–, two kids and 12 years more than her. She was dwelling on it at the terrace, her safe spot at her parents' home, when Ilana, who always came within the first hour of the New Year, jumped her from behind. – Hey!
– Hey! –she said holding her friend. – Happy New Year!
– Happy New Year for you too! –Ilana retorted, giving her a long hug. She was absolutely thrilled. – I wish all your dreams come true!
– Same to you sweetie!
– Okay now, breaking news! –Ilana announced, excited.
Brooke opened her eyes wide. – Shoot!
Then Ilana extended her left hand and placed it in front of Brooke's face. – I'm engaged!
– Oh my God! –Brooke replied, jumping and jolting Ilana. – Oh my God Ilana! Congratulations! How it happened?! –she asked thrilled.
– I have no fucking idea! We were at Times Square as always and when the New Year arrived, he just kneeled and asked me right there, in the middle of the crowd! –Ilana narrated, glint in her eyes and a huge smile on her face.
Brooke was now crying, her hand on her chest. It was too much for one night. – Oh sweetie, that's so cool! I feel so happy for you!
– I know! All this time I thought I would crap on my pants when someone proposed to me, but I didn't! I don't feel scared, I just feel stupidly excited and happy! –Ilana affirmed.
– Oh honey, it's so great! Where's Lance?
– He's inside, but I wanted to tell you myself.
Brooke held her friend tight again. – Honey this is amazing, I couldn't be happier for you.
– Thanks Brookie, but now, you know I know shit about style, so I'm pronouncing you my official wedding-planner. You have to take care of everything, everything. All I'm doing is calling the shots from the choices you make, okay?
– Absolutely. Oh my God, it's going to be so much fun! Ideas are running wild in my mind already!
– You bet.
– Which date you're going to pick?
– February the 16th.
– But that's almost a month ahead! –Brooke said shocked.
– I know, but we can't do it later. Lance is getting promoted in March, so if we don't do it in February, we don't get to honey-moon. Besides, that way we'll be here for your birthday.
– Fair enough.
– So, let's go back to the party and tell the world!
– We'd better hurry, we barely have time!
Both girls went inside and got wasted, thrilled and emotional for the things that were coming. Life couldn't be more perfect.
The first days of the year flew. It was Wednesday already. Brooke arrived at her parents' home after work. They were having a huge feast, so the kitchen was in siege. Mr. Julian's sisters, Blanche and Marilyn, were also there, as well as Lydiette, Mrs. Julian's sister. They were all cooking when Brooke joined them.
– Speaking of the devil… –Aunt Blanche said.
Brooke raised an eyebrow. – I'm glad to see you too.
– Oh just give her a break! –Aunt Marilyn snapped.
– Hello dear… –Mrs. Julian said, as she kissed her daughter.
– So, what's this all about? –asked Brooke, suspicious.
Aunt Lydiette spoke. – Your mom was telling us that your boyfriend's coming tomorrow.
– Uh-huh… so? –said Brooke, putting on an apron.
– Well, we're glad. –Blanche retorted.
– We're really looking forward to meet him. –said Lydiette.
– You're all a bunch of snoops. –Marilyn complaint.
Brooke giggled. – Okay. Tomorrow's the day. –she affirmed, as she started peeling potatoes.
– So, why don't you give us some sneak previews about him? –asked Lydiette.
Brooke felt their eyes fixated on her, her mom included. She went on with the potatoes. – What do you want to know?
– Everything. –Mrs. Julian said flatly.
Brooke was nervous, but she smiled. – Well, he's a doctor…
– A doctor?! –retorted Blanche, excited. – What's his specialty?
– He's a spinal surgeon.
– Oh, that's so wonderful! We don't have any doctors in the family. –Blanche said.
– And what makes you think he'll be a part of the family? –Mrs. Julian snapped.
– Oh that's so rude of you Vivian! –Lydiette reproached.
– Of course he's part of the family! He's Brookie's boyfriend since, how long dear? –asked Marilyn.
Brooke sighed, fed up. – Three months.
– Three months already, I think they're steady. –Lydiette said.
– Then how come we haven't met him? –Blanche asked amazed.
Brooke felt dazed by the chit-chat nonsense. – Because he lives in Los Angeles, Auntie.
– Is he handsome? –asked Aunt Marilyn, trying to break Brooke's uneasiness.
Brooke smiled. – Oh yes, he's gorgeous. He's very tall and fit, and he has big beautiful hazel eyes.
– Oh you're going to have such beautiful children! –affirmed Lydiette.
Brooke couldn't take it anymore. – Okay! I think it's enough speculation. Be patient ladies, all your questions will be answered tomorrow. You can ask him everything you want to know. –she said with a nervous smile.
The ladies got the message indeed. They continued cooking and talking about other things, like the people invited, the menu, the catering service. Everything was ready.
Brooke was ready as well. Her apartment was neat to the core. The fridge was full of Jack's favorite food and the bed was waiting for him with brand new silk sheets. There were flowers in every single vase and she had within reach the pictures taken by Marty, which he wanted to see.
The evening felt like an eternity to her. At last, the day was over. When everything was arranged for the party, it was late. She stayed at her parents', in her former bedroom. Before going to bed, she called Jack.
– Hi baby, were you asleep?
– Hey… no, I was waiting for your call. –he said with a sleepy voice.
– I'm sorry I didn't call before, it's been crazy over here…
– I know.
– So, your flight leaves L.A. at 8:00 am, right?
– Yes.
– Fine sweetie, I'll meet you at the airport, okay?
– Can't wait. Night babe.
– Night honey. –she hung up.
She felt safe when she got into her old bed. She was home. Her heart was beating fast. She was excited. Exhaustion made her sleep at last.