"So," Brooke said, "What are we planning tonight?"
Nathan looked guiltily at her, "Actually, we need to talk about that. See…I kind of…asked Haley to go get some coffee with me after school."
"Oh…" Brooke just stared at him.
Nathan hesitated, "Are you…mad at me?" He winced, expecting the worst.
Brooke took a deep breath, "Surprisingly, no."
"Really? I…I feel like such a jerk doing this. I never meant to hurt you, Brooke."
"I know you didn't." she shrugged, "I know that you and Haley loved each other. If you love someone, you should fight for them, because true love is not easy to find. Sometimes I wish Lucas and I had fought harder for each other, you know? If you truly love someone, they stay with you forever, and some part of you will always love them."
"Lucas really did love you. He never really stopped. He tried to fight…I guess he just didn't know how."
"Yeah." Brooke swallowed, "But this isn't about me and him. We're done. But you and Haley…you still have a chance, and you should fight for her with everything you have."
They were both quiet for a moment, then Brooke spoke again, "So I guess…it's over for us."
"I'm so sorry. I don't know what else to say. I don't want this to come between our friendship."
"Friends. I can always use more of those." Brooke smiled up at him sadly. "Well, I have to go, so I'll see you later." She quickly walked away before Nathan could see the tears forming in her eyes.