Change of Heart

Lucas was busy cleaning all the department stores on the lower level, and for some odd reason he couldn't get Brooke out of his mind. He felt a little sorry for her. She looked like she had been crying and was in complete misery. He and Brooke never got along at school due to the fact that she liked to pick on him and his best friend Haley James. But at that moment he felt like maybe she needed him. He put his things down and went to find her. He figured she was probably over in the food court sitting down being as there weren't many places to go. What could she possibly have to be so upset about? He thought. The girl had everything she could possibly want. HE didn't see where she could be lacking in anything.

Just as he thought, there she was sitting in the food court staring at her hands. He saw her cheeks were tear stained. She obviously was crying again. He slowly walked over to her trying not to scare her. He sat down across from her and placed his own hands on the table. They sat in silence for a while before he heard her small voice speak up.

"What do you want Lucas?" Her voice was laced with sadness. She didn't bother to look at him.

"Brooke…" He sighed. He hadn't really thought about what he was going to say.

"Look we are going to be in here for a while so….I thought we could at least try to get along."

"What am I suppose to say? We've never said anything but mean things to each other. I don't know what kind of conversation we're supposed to have."

"Well….we could start by you telling me why you're crying."

"It's stupid. It's no big deal."

"Brooke, I know we're not friends, but I can be a real good listener. Give me a chance. I might surprise you." She looked up into his eyes and saw a genuine smile. It warmed her heart. Something about the way he was looking at her made her feel safe. In a way it even made her feel like he saw her for who she was, not the front she put up for all her friends at school.

"Luke, I know what you and your friends think of me. Brooke Davis, spoiled rich girl. Gets everything she wants."

"Well it's kind of true is it not?"

"I guess. It's just….I don't. Not really. Sure I can go shopping any time I want, or I can get daddy to buy me anything under the sun but…It's not what I want."

"Then what is it Brooke? What else is there you could possibly want that's got you so upset?"

"Him. My dad. He's never there Luke. He's always to busy for me or he's out of town working. I feel so alone. We use to be so happy." Tears were coming harder now. She couldn't believe she was saying this to Lucas Scott of all people. She never thought in her life she would talk to Lucas about something so personal. "He use to be such the family guy you know?"

"What happened?"

"It all changed when my mom died. I was only 12 years old when the doctors told us she had ovarian cancer. It was too late to do anything by the time the doctors figured out what was wrong with her. After she died, my dad just kind of shut down. Wrapped himself up in his work. Any time I needed something it was one of the maids or assistants that took me. I never see him anymore except when we're sitting down for dinner. Even then he doesn't act interested in the thing I try to talk to him about. Everyday I come home it's the same thing. I'm alone." She placed her head in her hands as the tears were flowing freely now. Lucas moved closer to her and rubbed her back with his hands.

"Wow. I guess you and I have more in common then we thought. We both have absentee dads. Brooke I had no idea. I'm so sorry you have to go through that. Isn't Payton there for you?"

"She knows about it. But she's so wrapped up in Nathan that she doesn't seem to really have time for me anymore."

"Right, Nathan. Brooke I think I should apologize to you."

"For what? It's not like it's you who caused all this."

"No but I haven't been as nice as I could have been. I just thought you were a spoiled brat and didn't care about other people's feelings. I had no idea you had the same problems the rest of us have."

"Lucas I don't treat you any better. I'm always finding ways to put you and your girlfriend down."

"Just so we're clear, Haley's not my girlfriend. We're just best friends. I've known her all my life."

"Oh. I just thought because…you know, you two are always together."

"It's ok. I'm sure a lot of people think that." They both shared in a laugh. Lucas was surprised. He was actually enjoying Brookes Company. He wondered if she was thinking the same. He saw her in a whole new light.

Brooke was starting to really enjoy herself. Maybe this night wasn't going to be so bad after all. Lucas was actually a really nice guy. She always thought he was cute but never took the time to get to know him. She wished she had now.

"So Ms. Davis I have a confession to make. You're not as bad as I thought you were."

"You too Mr. Scott. I'm glad I'm getting a chance to get to know you."

"So Beautiful, what shall we do? We are locked in the Promenade mall for the entire night, what can we possibly do to keep ourselves entertained?" His words shocked her. He just called her beautiful. No ones ever called her that before. Sure she's been called hot but never beautiful. Did he mean it? Nah, she was probably reading too much into it.

"Well, I could go for a good cheese burger right about now."

"Ah my specialty. Coming right up ma'me." She gave him a smile as he got up and headed over to the burger palace stand and flipped on the grill. She couldn't stop smile as she stared at him. This couldn't be happening. She was developing feelings for him.

Lucas was getting everything out to make them each a nice meal when he looked over at her. She was smiling at him. He had never seen her smile like that. She really was beautiful. How could he have missed her big heart hidden under all her meanness? He wasn't sure but he thought he was starting to feel something for her. It made him smile just looking back at her. The only thing he was sure about now was that he wanted to protect her and save her from her pain.

A/N I still learning. Let me know if you think I left anything out or anything I might want to add in. Next chapter has a little bit of a twist so keep reading please.