Hello again! I know I didn't post on Monday, but I made it up to you with this chapter. A lot happens in it, it's long and sweet, but we're almost there guys, this story is almost over. Thank you for keeping reading, and guess what? This story has been listed in a C2 Community!! I'm so excited!! Thank you really! Foxy4ever, I send you a big hug. Enjoy...
Chapter 48
After Jack saw Brooke's scrawls in that notebook, he felt overwhelmed and confused. Was he really missing the chance of being happy again? Was Brooke really the one for him? Would it finally last forever? To that point, he really couldn't afford to be heart-broken again, because that would be it for him. That's why he was so afraid and hesitant about letting Brooke in. Yet all the signals were there, he missed her like hell, he loved her madly and, above all, the whole shutting-her-out idea felt like a terrible mistake.
The very day of Brooke's birthday, of course he remembered the date. He thought of calling her, but then doubts filled his heart again. What if she didn't want to know anything about him anymore?
At the hospital, he couldn't concentrate at all. In one of the hallways, he saw Patrick in the distance. What if he had told her about their fight? Or even worse: what if he had told her his feelings for her, the real ones? Then he started imagining what Brooke would be doing. Was she throwing a party to celebrate? She loved parties, she'd have one for sure, he thought. Who was with her? Was she with another man? He should be the one standing beside her when she blew her candles out. Those thoughts tormented him the whole day, but he didn't dare to call her.
At night, he dreamt of her. He dreamt he was following her through a dark alley, and she was walking nonstop without looking back. He kept calling her name, shouting to make her stop and look at him, but she just didn't. And every time he was about to reach her, she ran, leaving him behind. When he woke up, a terrible feeling of despair surrounded him. He couldn't take it anymore.
When lunch time arrived the next day, he needed some fresh air and went out for a walk. He found himself wandering on Rodeo Drive. He kept walking, looking down and rubbing his head. When he raised his eyes, he saw in the middle of the crowd a woman he swore was Brooke.
He ran to reach her and when he got to her, he even turned her around to make her face him. Brooke!, he yelled, panting. The woman was stunned at first, thinking he was some kind of pervert, but she lowered her guard when he saw the handsome man standing in front of her. I'm not Brooke, but I can be if you want, she said with a flirtatious attitude. I'm sorry, I… I confused you with someone else, he said embarrassed. Of course you did, the woman said, sighing, and then continued her way.
He followed the woman with his sight, abashed. Then, he turned left and saw himself reflected in a shop window. He looked like he'd just come out of hell. But then, behind his reflection, he saw beautiful red dress. His imagination started running wild immediately. He imagined how it would be if he got it for Brooke. He'd pick her up at the airport like every Friday night, and then they'd go to the condo. There, he'd surprise her with a beautiful present wrapped in a fancy box with a nice bow. She'd unwrap it thrilled and excited, take out the dress, and then she'd tell him it was beautiful and throw herself in his arms and cover him in kisses to thank him.
Then he'd take her out to a very romantic and fancy restaurant. They'd have a great dinner with champagne and a delicious dessert that included chocolate. Then they'd go back to the apartment, dazed by the champagne bubbles, and he'd kissed her sweetly and then take off the red dress slowly to reveal her body and make love to her.
That story was really great, he thought when he came back to reality, disheartened. Wait, what am I doing? He thought. He could make it come true. Why was he running away from love and happiness? He wasn't a coward, and even though he risked being hurt again, he'd fight for it. And Brooke was not like that, he remembered. He'd never let him down because he truly loved him. He had to get her back and never let her go. But how?
He thought of asking Patrick for help, but since things were so rough between them, he thought that was a very bad idea. Then it came to him. If there was someone able to help him, that was Brooke's best friend. He grabbed his cell phone and called his secretary. He ordered her to get Ilana's phone from Patrick's secretary. Three minutes later she paged him the numbers of Ilana's office and cell phone. That's when he called her, afraid she would tell him to fuck off, but she didn't. Yet, he felt disappointed when he couldn't get Brooke's size from her. He decided to get the dress anyway.
He went inside the store and asked one of the saleswomen to give him the dress. What size, sir? She asked. I don't know, he replied hesitant, show me every size you have and then I'll know, he demanded. So did the woman. No, that's too big, he kept telling her as she showed him all the sizes there were. I'm afraid that's all we have sir, she stated. I don't think so, he said looking determined at the one in the shop window. I want that one, he declared. The saleswoman nodded and asked permission to the manager to remove the dress from the window. This one is kind of small, sir, the woman declared putting the dress in front of him, so he could take a better look of it. He looked at it intently. Yeah, this one will fit her, he affirmed, and then took his credit card out of his wallet and handed it to the woman.
Once out of the store, he called Ilana again. Then they figured out the plan. Before he went back to the hospital, he sent the dress to New York. He felt jittery, but satisfied. He knew he was doing the right thing, but now he felt anxious. He couldn't wait to see her and work things out.
Back in the hospital, he went straight to Patrick's office.
– Hey… –he said from the door frame. – Can I talk to you?
Patrick looked at him stunned. – Of course. –he replied nodding, inviting him to take a seat.
– I want to… apologize for the other day. I was an ass. You were right about everything, and I was out of myself. –Patrick nodded, astonished by his determination. Jack went on. – But I want you to know that I'm mending my way. I want Brooke back and I'm going to New York to look for her. I love her, and I need to know whether that's going to be an issue between us, all of us, or not.
Patrick raised an eyebrow. – What you mean?
– Listen, Patrick. You might not believe what I'm about to say, but I really appreciate your friendship, and I know Brooke loves you as a brother. It would be terrible if this whole thing got in the way and bothered any of us.
– What thing?
– Your feelings for her. I need to know that we're going to be cool about it. I can live knowing you love her, but if having her around with me is going to hurt you…
Patrick cut him off and threw a short laugh. – You're out of your mind man. It's nothing like that. My feelings for her are not what you're thinking at all. I'm glad you've finally figured it out, and I'm sure as hell that she's waiting for you to call her. You better not fuck it up this time. –he said honestly.
– So we're cool. –Jack asked for reassurance.
– Absolutely.
– Thanks man. –he said as he stood up and left Patrick's office.
When he got home, he went to Margo. She tried to look surprised when he "confessed" he was in love with a woman. I've been seeing her for five months now, and if I get lucky, I'll be bringing her on Monday, he declared. His mother tried to hide her winning smile. Fine, I'll arrange a nice dinner, she assured nonchalant.
Then he went to Jackie's room. For his surprise, Brett was in there too. – Hey you… –he greeted his kids.
– Hi daddy! –both kids said in unison as they reached for him to hold them.
He sat on the floor. – I want to tell you something.
Jackie opened her eyes wide and sat in front of her dad. Brett wasn't that interested, but Jackie patted on him. – Brett, daddy's talking to us, pay attention. –she demanded. Brett stopped playing with his toys reluctantly.
When Jack had the eyes of their expectant kids on him, he ran out of words. How was he going to explain? – Well kids, uh… you know, since your mommy went to Heaven, I've been… very lonely, and I don't like it. So, I met someone, someone very special, and now is time that you meet her…
Brett didn't understand a damn and looked confused at his sister. Jackie rolled her eyes. – What daddy's trying to say is that he's got a girlfriend Brett, and he's bringing her home. –she explained before the amazed look of her father.
– Oh… –said Brett nonchalant. – Do I have to wear a suit? –the little kid asked concerned.
Jack threw a short laugh. – No son, not at all.
But then he got serious again and continued. – I want you to know that you don't have to worry, because you'll always be the most important thing in the world to me. If there's anything you don't like about her or about… anything, you tell me immediately, okay? –he advised.
– We know daddy. Don't worry, we'll get along. –Jackie assured. – Now Brett, go to your room and let me talk to daddy okay? –the girl ordered determined. Jack was astonished with how mature his daughter was. She was confident and concise.
After Brett left the room, Jack was waiting for his daughter to talk. – When is she coming daddy? –she questioned.
– On Monday… I hope… –he said hesitant. After all, they still had to work things out, with the risk of Brooke not wanting to take him back.
As if Jackie could read his mind, she announced: – She's coming dad, don't worry. –she said certain, putting her little hand on her dad's shoulder.
He felt moved by the gesture. – Honey, I want you to forgive me because that day when you asked me about this, I wasn't honest with you, and I'm sorry. I'll never, ever, hide things from you again, I promise.
– It's okay daddy, you were not ready then. I understand. –she stated.
Then he held his daughter in a long sweet embrace, and Jackie felt relieved and happy for her dad. – I'll let you know before she comes, okay?
– Cool! –Jackie said as she saw her dad leaving the room. Then she looked under her bed and dragged out a box. She searched between all the drawings she had in it and found those she had been waiting to show Brooke. – Finally! –she declared looking at them satisfied.
Brooke was sitting at the window. The flight to L.A. was being eternal. Jack had fallen asleep and she had finished reading all the magazines on board. She kept looking at the sky, thinking.
– Why you're biting your nails? –Jack asked drowsy, taking her hand off her mouth. – Don't do that.
– Okay, I'll try. I'm just… I don't know why I feel so nervous.
– Neither do I. There's nothing to be nervous about, they're going to love you.
– Right… but what if they don't? –she asked looking at him concerned. – What if your kids don't like me, Jack?
He smiled sweetly at her. – Give me one reason for them not to like you. You're young, beautiful, vibrant, you have a great sense of humor, you love costumes and parties, and you can bake cookies, what else could they ask for?
She laughed shortly. – I, uh… I don't know.
– The kids are not a problem. Claire, she's very sweet, you've already seen each other, at least once. Charlie's very friendly, he's really a people person, and you know Hurley. As for my mom… –he said and then went silent.
Brooke had to conceal. – What about her?
– Well, she's kind of… picky. You need to know that she never likes the girls I date, so don't make a big deal about it. It doesn't matter, okay? –he assured looking deeply at her.
She looked down and smiled sarcastically. He had no idea. – So you think she won't like me, huh?
– Uh… yeah. But it's not because of you. It's her. She thinks no one's good enough for me. She wasn't quite pleased with Sarah and she never liked Kate. So, I won't be surprised if she finds objections for you.
She smiled. – Well, I'll do my best then… –she said. – But to be honest with you, your mom doesn't worry me at all.
– Oh really? –he said raising his eyebrows. – Then there's nothing to be worried about.
She took a deep breath. – Okay…
When they got to L.A., they went first to the condo to leave Brooke's luggage. God, I missed this place, she said when she stepped in. He tried to get physical, but she shook her head in disapproval. No way baby, I barely have time to get ready, she declared. She wanted to make a good impression, but she didn't want to overdress. It was still winter, but L.A. was warmer than New York. She picked denim pants, a white shirt and a brown chamois leather jacket, that got to her waist. She completed the outfit with a wide belt, a stylish scarf and nice brown boots, with high heels of course. He also took a shower and wore jeans as well, with a black shirt and a black leather jacket. They were ready to go.
– This is a very nice neighborhood. –Brooke affirmed when they entered the street where Jack lived on.
– I'm glad you like it. –he said looking at her pleased.
When they finally got to Jack's home, he pulled over and opened the door for her. She went inside. It was a huge beautiful house, furnished with excellent taste. She could see a big garden and a pool at the end of the large room, behind the French windows. The table was already set, but the house was awkwardly quiet.
– Where's everybody? –he asked– They're supposed to be here by now. Brooke followed him to the living room. – Mom? –he yelled from the foot of the stairs. Then he looked at Brooke. – I'll be right back, okay? –she nodded, and he ran upstairs to look for Margo and the kids.
After she lost sight of him, she walked to the French window that revealed the pool area. She opened it and went outside. It was a beautiful night and the moon shined bright above her. Jack had a beautiful pool area, and standing there she felt like she was really experiencing the California style. She smiled to herself. She walked around the pool and then she heard a little whisper coming from behind her.
– Hey!
She turned around and saw a cute dollhouse in the middle of the garden. – Hey! –she heard again from there. – Come here!
She approached and saw behind one of the tiny windows a pair of huge hazel eyes. She bent over and looked inside. – Hey… what are you doing in there? –she asked amused.
– Get in here… –the little voice said. She smiled widely and squatted to get inside the dollhouse. She managed to sit inside with her legs folded against her chest. – Why are you hiding? –she asked.
– 'Cause I'm not supposed to be here. My sister told me to stay in my room. Who are you? –the little boy asked.
Brooke was delighted. She knew that was Brett from the moment she saw his eyes, the same eyes Jack and Margo had. – I'm Brooke. –she said extending her hand to him.
– I'm Brett. –he said shaking her hand. Brett was staring at her with huge curiosity, and Brooke couldn't help but smile. She was discovering in his face all the features of his dad. – So, Brett, what are we doing here? –she asked sweetly.
– Are you going to be our new mommy? –he asked back frankly.
Brooke went mute. She never expected to hear such a question from a 4 year-old. Not that she didn't want to be like a mom to Jack's kids, but she didn't know what he had told them about her. They haven't even talked about how they'd manage that subject. – Why do you want a new mommy? –she questioned.
– Because I don't have one, and I want one. –Brett replied looking down, with a trace of sorrow in his little voice.
Brooke was moved by Brett's statement. – Of course you have one sweetie, and she loves you very much and she's watching you from Heaven. –she affirmed caressing his soft hair, really meaning it.
– But she doesn't talk to me, just to Jackie. I want a mommy that talks to me and plays with me. I want a mommy that is alive.
Brooke held Brett's chin and made him look at her. – If you want to talk to your mommy Brett, all you have to do is close your eyes and think of her. That way, you'll be able to hear her, because she lives in your heart. And she'll stay there as long as you remember her. –she told him tenderly and convinced. Brett's eyes went wider, as if he'd had an epiphany. Brooke went on. – But, in the meanwhile, I can talk to you and play with you if you want. –she said.
– Like a mommy?
Brooke laughed shortly. – Yeah, like a mommy.
As Brooke and Brett were talking, Jack and Jackie had been listening to the whole conversation. After Jack ran upstairs, he found Margo in Jackie's room, finishing with her granddaughter's hair. Margo said she'd be down in a minute, and Jack held Jackie's hand and walked to Brett's room to get him, but he wasn't there. When they got down, they saw Brooke at the very moment she was getting inside the dollhouse. He threw her daughter a complicity look and placed his finger on his lips in a "Be quiet" sign. They approached and started listening.
Jack was moved and pleased with Brooke's dealing of the situation. He knew from that moment that she would never intend to replace Kate and pretend she didn't exist, but would always respect her memory and her place as her kids' mother. Jackie was paying close attention too, and felt relieved when she heard Brooke was willing to take care of Brett like her mommy did.
After Brett heard Brooke's answer, he spontaneously hugged her, and she felt life couldn't be more perfect. Brett liked her, and now only Jackie was left.
– Hey… what are you doing in there? –Jack asked amused, interrupting their sweet bonding moment.
– Hey! –Brooke replied content. – Nothing, we were talking, right Brett?
– Yup. –he replied letting go off her.
– Get out of there. How could you get in anyway? –he asked Brooke, laughing and helping her out.
– I'm really stretchy. –she replied standing up.
– Boy, you have no idea. –he stated giving her an impish smile. She gave him a reproachful look, knowing what he was referring to.
– So, you've met Brett, and this is Jacqueline, my eldest daughter. –Brooke squatted to meet Jackie's face. – Hi Jackie, I'm Brooke.
– We've met before. –Jackie stated looking at her with wide deep eyes.
– Yeah, at your daddy's office. I remember.
– You said you were his patient.
– Uh… yeah. But actually, I'm not. –she said embarrassed.
Jackie giggled. – I know. You're my daddy's girlfriend.
Brooke flushed. – Yeah. –she answered shortly, glancing at Jack, who was watching the scene amused.
– Okay kids, let's get inside, granny's waiting. –Jack stated.
The kids ran to the house and he grabbed Brooke's hand, following them. Margo was waiting in the living room, standing up.
– Mom, this is Brooke.
Margo shook Brooke's hand. – It's a pleasure to meet you dear. –she said concealing, giving her a complicity look.
– Pleasure is all mine, Mrs. Shephard.
– Claire will get here any minute now. –Margo said looking at Jack. – Would you like some wine Brooke? –she asked.
– Sure, thank you.
The minute Margo asked the maid to bring Brooke a glass of wine, Claire popped into the front door, followed by Charlie, their kids and Hurley.
– Hey! –Claire greeted Jack with a wide smile.
– Claire, hi. This is…
– Hi Brooke, is great to have you here… –she stated holding her hand tight. Right away she made Aaron and Charlene say hi to Brooke.
– Dude, we thought we'd never see you again. –Hurley told her, giving her a long hug.
– So this is Jack's best kept secret, huh? I'm Charlie Pace, you probably know me though. –Charlie said breaking Hurley's hug and standing in front of Brooke, shaking her hand.
– I sure know you, my brother's a big fan of yours. –Brooke said thrilled.
– Smart guy your brother, you should bring him sometime.
– I will, he'll drop dead! –she said excited.
– Okay people… –Jack said between the buzz– time to eat, I'm starving really.
They went to the dinning room. Margo had cooked a very nice dinner and she was actually a very good cook. Yet Brooke thought her mom was better. She kept answering the questions everybody made the whole night, how she'd met Jack, how long they've been dating, how was her life in New York, what was her job about, and so on.
At some moment she was talking about music with Charlie and Hurley. Later on, Claire and Margo got very interested in the upcoming fashion trends and the gossip about models. Aaron asked her if the buildings in New York were the tallest in the country, and Brett wanted to know if it was true that they had the biggest toy shop in the world. The only one who remained sort of quiet was Jackie, and that concerned Brooke somehow. But all she was waiting for was her turn, and she kept listening to every word Brooke said with thorough attention.
At 9:00 pm, the kids were put to bed, and the adults went on with their gathering. Brooke was staying the whole week in L.A., so they even made plans with her, which kind of annoyed Jack. The truth was he wanted her all for himself. He couldn't wait to be back at the apartment to have a moment alone.
At 11:30 Claire and Charlie took their sleepy kids and left, as well as Hurley. Brooke tried to help Margo and the maid clearing the table while Jack walked everybody to the door. – Oh no dear, you're our guest, remain seated please.
Brooke stood anyway in front of Margo. – Mrs. Shephard, thank you very much, for everything. I feel really welcomed.
– I'm glad you do dear.
Then Jack was back in the dinning room. Margo spoke. – Now son, why don't you get Brooke's bags inside? –Brooke and Jack looked at each other abashed. – Because you're staying here, aren't you Brooke?
She flushed and Jack looked away. – Uh, no mom, actually she's staying in a hotel, her bags are already there. –he lied.
Margo threw a suspicious look. – But why?
– I, um, it's really nice of you Mrs. Shephard, but I respect you and the kids too much to just stay with Jack like that and…
– We have a guestroom dear, of course. Don't get me wrong… –Margo told her with a warning look. – So, Jack, why don't you go to this hotel and bring her bags, huh?
Jack swallowed and looked back at Brooke concerned. That meant his mother wanted a moment with her alone. Brooke nodded and gave her an approving look, meaning he had nothing to worry about. – Fine then. I'll be back in 20 minutes, okay? –he told both and then kissed Brooke on the cheek. She flushed again.
When both women were alone, Margo looked at Brooke satisfied. – Well, you're finally here dear, that's a relief.
– Thank you Mrs. Shephard, you were right. All he needed was some time…
– Exactly, and call me Margo. Come on, I'll show you your room… –she declared as she guided Brooke upstairs.
– Okay, Margo. But you really think I should stay here? Won't that confuse the kids?
Margo raised an eyebrow. – Absolutely not dear. The kids know what's going on. Jack and I have talked about it with them, don't worry. Besides, that place is a mess, and you don't want to be anywhere near that Florence woman, believe me. –she stated rubbing her temple. – You have to tell Jack to get rid of that apartment, for good. –she demanded.
Brooke felt embarrassed when she realized Margo knew about the apartment and what was going on there. – Uh, I, yeah, but we really like it…
– If you want some room to escape from the world, you get another place with no housekeeper, for God's sake. But to that apartment, you're not going back. I won't let you be Florence's soap opera anymore… –she said determined.
Brooke was stunned, but she knew what Margo meant. Of course, she thought, Florence was how Margo had learnt everything about her and Jack. – Fine.
– Okay dear, I hope you like the arrangement I made for this room, if you don't like the sheets, the towels or anything, please let me know.
– Thank you Margo. –she said content looking at the room delicately decorated for her. Then Jack's mother gave her a hug. – Good night dear.
– Good night. –she said surprised with the gesture, but hugging her back.
As she saw Margo getting in her room, she smiled to herself pleased. Everything was going so great, she felt scared, but she immediately got rid of those pessimistic feelings. Then she felt a little patting in her leg. It was Jackie.
– Hey! What are you doing awake? –she asked.
But Jackie grabbed her hand and made her squat to cover her mouth and made her shut up. – You need to come with me… –Jackie whispered.
Brooke nodded stunned and followed her to her room. Once in there, Jackie sat on the bed and invited Brooke to join her.
– I want to see the bracelet.
– What? –Brooke asked confused.
– The one my daddy gave you.
– Oh… –she replied showing Jackie her right wrist.
The little girl nodded satisfied, now that she was certain that was the real Brooke she expected and not an impostor. – I was waiting for you. –she said.
– Really? Why?
Ignoring her question, Jackie kept speaking. – Did you know my mommy?
– No, I didn't.
– Would you like to meet her? –Jackie asked excited.
– Sure… –Brooke replied with a tender smile, puzzled. Jackie was very sweet.
Then the girl looked down under the bed and grabbed her special box, the one she kept her treasures in. As she was taking it out, she said: – When she died, my daddy put all her pictures and her stuff in boxes, and then put the boxes in the attic. But he let me keep this one, you want to see it? –she asked.
– Of course. –Brooke replied curious.
Jackie handed her the picture. When Brooke looked at it, she froze, and a deep shiver ran trough her spine. That was the woman she had dreamt of, the one who told her not to give up when Jack broke up with her. She went mute.
– She talks to me in my dreams, but nobody believes me. Do you believe me, Brooke? –Jackie asked with eyes wide open in expectation.
She had to stifle her tears. – Yes Jackie, I believe you. –she said nodding, with a broken voice.
– You mean it?
– Yes sweetie. –she said looking deeply at the picture. – Your mom's beautiful, Jackie, and you certainly look like her. –Brooke affirmed.
– That's what everybody says. –Jackie declared. – So, now that you believe me, I have to tell you my secret.
Brooke returned her the picture and looked at Jack's daughter, puzzled. – Okay…
– I have a gift. I see things when I sleep, and then they happen. You think I'm a freak?
– Of course not. I think you're special.
Jackie smiled. – I made some paintings for you. –she declared handing Brooke all the drawings she had made.
Brooke looked at each one shivering. The walk in the park, the Christmas dinner, her Cat Woman costume, she arriving at Ilana's wedding, Jack buying the red dress, she opening him the door in it, everything was in her drawings. Even the dinner she'd just had with the Shephards was there, she could recognize her brown jacket in the scene. She felt overwhelmed.
– I saw all those things in my dreams. Now you have to tell me what they are, 'cause I don't know.
Brooke nodded and then took one of the drawings and told her the story. She did the same thing with each one of them. Jackie listened with full attention, but little by little she began to get drowsy and leaned on Brooke.
– I think you need some sleep Jackie. –she said softly. The little girl nodded. Then Brooke stood up and tucked her in.
– Can you stay here until I get asleep? –Jackie asked.
She felt moved. – Sure sweetie… –she replied and then lied beside her, meeting her face and her beautiful green expressive eyes.
Jackie's eyes were shutting every second, but she said something else. – You belong here, Brooke. No matter what happens, your place is here with us.
She was about to ask her what she meant, but then Jackie felt profoundly asleep. She watched her little freckled face and smiled. Soon after, she fell asleep too.
Jack was finally back in a really bad mood, 'cause one of the streets was blocked under repair and he had to take the long way, like everybody, and got into a traffic jam. He found all the lights off and everything quiet. He went straight to the guest room. Finally, he'd have a moment with Brooke. But she wasn't there, which he found very weird. Maybe she was still with Margo. He went to the studio, then to the pool, the kitchen. Nothing. He went to Margo's room, but she wasn't there either, he went anxious.
He checked on Brett, then on Jackie, and there she found Brooke. Both girls were asleep, breathing placidly. Brooke was lying on her back, and Jackie's head was resting on Brooke's belly. That was the sweetest thing he'd seen in a long, long time. Well, it seemed that night he was sleeping alone after all. He wasn't thrilled with the idea, but he approached the bed and removed Brooke's boots to make her comfortable. Then he kissed both her princesses on the forehead and went to his room.