Yes, Lucas is an ass. I warned you i was gonna make him like Dan as much as possible lol.
This chapter is just Brooke and her interaction with her boyfriend, Brian. Imagine Brian as a kind of Jared Padelecki typee lol.
And a phone call from Haley.
ENJOY AND REVIEW!!!
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For most of Brooke's adolescent life, she only thought about two things, cheerleading, partying, and alcohol. That was it and nothing else, it was her life. Then as she got older, she only thought about another two things, Peyton, Lucas, and calculus.. It was expected, they were the cause of her trust issues, plus she completley sucked at calculus, and had to pass it to graduate. Then now, in her prime, Brooke thought about three things: Brian, work, and as much as she didn't want to admit it, Lucas. She thought about Lucas, it was the third thing on her list. It was so so so wrong and inappropriate. Whenever she thought of Lucas, she always remembered two things: One was who he used to be, the sweet kind guy that helped everybody. Then there was the person she had heard about, the cold, heartless guy. After that thought, she quickly focused on something else to take up her time.
The life of Brooke Davis was glamorous, and most people thought everything was great with her. She had the perfect boyfriend, job, and was living in luxury. Those were just the good parts though. There was the sleepless nights, the couture deadlines, and don't even get her started on fashion shows. When you really went in depth with her busy schedule, you realized that there wasn't really time for thinking about anything except what you were doing. But, Brooke managed to find some thinking time.
Back in high school, people thought that only thing Brooke thought about were boys and alcohol. If only they knew that boys were the last thing on her mind at the time. She was hot, and slept around alot, but that was never her intention whenever she went out. She just got so wasted that she didn't care if she had sex or not. Brooke would wake up along most of the time, leave to go home, and fall asleep again. That was jus the way it was. She didn't think back on it, and she didn't cry over it. Come to think of it, Brooke hadn't gotten drunk in years.
Brooke rolled over in her bed and checked the clock. 9:17. At this time she would already be in the office, getting ready for a meeting, or scheduling another fashion show. But not today on this bright Saturday morning. Today she had the day off, surprisingly. Brooke didn't knwo the meaning of the word. But today she would experience what it felt like to have a day off. NOt only that, but she would spend it with her boyfriend. Just thinking about him made Brooke all giggly like a little girl.
Brian was everything she could've hoped for. He was just the person to get Lucas out of her system. He was tall, rich, and sweet. An all around nice guy. It was ironic really. Brian was a nice guy, but Brooke had met him when she was drunk and at a social event. She couldn't really remember all the details of their meeting, but what she did remember made her face turn red. If she remembered correctly, she had spilt her whine all over his suit, and then yelled at him for it. He had been a gentleman about it, got her a new glass, and then drove her home whe nthe party was over. The next morning he had shown up with a bottle of aspirin and flowers. The rest was history.
As weird as it sounded, Brian seemed to like her imperfect self. She never questioned him about it though, afraid that he would realize what he was doing and run. It wasn't really plausible, but she was a worry wart.
Pulling the curtains open, she observed the city streets. Even on a weekend, the streets were filled with people and cabs were lined up on the street. Brooke was meant for this life style. All the glamorous fashion, the beautiful people, and she shopping.
She was brought out of her thoughts when she heard her front door open and close. Jumping over her bed and ran through the hallway into Brian's arms.
"I could get used to this greeting," Brian joked as he set Brooke down of the floor.
"Ehh i wouldn't if i were you. I'm kinda tired now," Brooke laughed as she went into the kitchen to make some coffee.
"That's too bad. So what's on the agenda for today?" he asked as he leaned against the counter.
"That's the cool part. I have absolutely nothing planned today," Brooke said proudly as she got out two mugs.
"I never thought i'd see the day," Brian laughed, "So i guess we'll have to figure out something to do."
"You're not working today?"
"Sweetie i never work on weekends."
"Lucky. It's kinda fun having your day open," Brooke smiled as she sat down on the couch.
"It is. So, what do you wanna do today?" Brian asked as he sat down next to her.
"I don't know really. I don't really have anything i need to do."
"That's kinda the point. We're gonna go out, and do something we dont' have to do, just because we want to."
"Wow, i haven't had that in awhile," Brooke said amused.
"And that's why we're gonna do it. Brooke you've been working yourself to the bone for five years, it's about time you took time off for a weekend. So we're gonna go out, and just walk around the city. If you see somewhere you wanna go, then we'll go. You've lived in New York for five years, and i know you haven't seen every bit of it, so we're gonna go see it together."
"Are you sure you wanna spend the whole day with me?" Brooke asked.
"Why, is that a bad thing?" he smirked.
"It depends on the person. I've spent the day with you before, but we're talking about now, when i don't have things to do. Are you sure you're gonna be able to handle me? I can get pretty out of hand, and annoying." Brooke smiled.
"I think i can handle it," Brian said he leaned in and kissed Brooke on the lips.
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"No way."
"I'm serious."
"Now way."
"Brian stop! I'm telling you the truth!" Brooke laughed as they walked along the sidwalk hand in hand.
"Brooke there is no way you haven't been to Jamba Juice before," Brooke shook his head.
"Well i havne't been. I've just never gotten around to it," Brooke explained.
"They didn't have Jamba Juice in Tree Hill?"
"Bri there are only like 250 people in Tree Hill. There will probably never be a Jamba Juice," Brooke laughed.
"You really missed out. It's so good."
"What's so special about it? It's just a smoothie," Brooke whined as they walked into Jamba Juice.
"Brooke Penelope Davis don't diss the Juice," Brian said as he ordered to two Orange Machine Dreams.
They walked to a table and sat down while waiting.
"Thanks Bri," Brooke said.
"For what?" he asked.
She shrugged, "For being here i guess."
"You don't have to thank me. I came here because i wanted to. You're my girlfriend, i wanna spend as much time with you as possible."
"Okayy stop, you're gonna make me cry or something," Brooke laughed.
"Why should i stop? It's not like you haven't heard this before."
"I know, it's just that i never really believed it until now."
"That someone wants to be with you?" Brian asked.
"Yeaa, i mean, all the guys i've been with have screwed me over somehow. I guess i always thought that i wasn't worth someone sticking around."
"Well don't believe that anymore because i'm here aren't i? And i'm not going anywhere, and i promise not to screw you over."
"I'll believe you, if you promise me two things?"
"Name them."
"Well one, you let me know if you're having doubts, that if you want out, then tell me, don't try to keep it from me."
"I seriously doubt that, but I promise. And the other?"
"Don't sleep with Kate."
Brian laughed, remembering Brooke's ex best friend.
"You won't have to worry about that."
"I believe you."
"Good," Brian said as he was called to get their drinks.
As Brian was paying Brooke looked outside and saw all the people, each with their own story. Each one was different, therefore they had a different story. Their lives could've went from bad to good, or good to bad, or sometimes bad straight on. Brooke's story, bad to good. She had been hurt, more than she could count, by the two people that meant more to her than anything. They were her family, the only people she had. But now she managed to move on, with someone that she knew would never do that to her. As long as Brian was with her, Brooke would never have to feel that kind of pain ever again, and for that she was glad. For once things were perfect.
"I promise you're gonna love this," Brian said setting her smoothie in front of her.
"I believe you." Brooke said.
"I love it when you say that," Brian smiled.
Brooke took a sip and her eyes popped out in delight.
"Oh my gosh, this is so good!" Brooke exclaimed as she took a longer sip.
"HA! I told you that you would love it. No one can insult Orange Dream once they've tried it."
"Hmm you're right," Brooke mumbled, the straw still in her mouth.
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After being out the whole day, Brooke was pooped. Her and Brian had checked out all the stores she hadn't been to, tried Jamba Juice, went to the movie theatre, even had their picture sketched by somebody in the park. Brooke had a good day, it was fun and she got to spend it with someone that mattered.
At this rate she didn't ever wanna go back to work, to the hustle and bustle, but sooner or later she would have. Maybe she could just work weekdays, rework her schedule a little bit. It would give her more time to spend with Brian, and she could shop like she used to. Only this time she made her own money, and it was pretty endless to her.
She never wanted to leave New York, even if it was for a little while, but she had to go back to Tree Hill for Naley's baby. It wasn't that big of a sacrifice, but being stuck in Tree Hill for a few weeks with Lucas and Peyton minutes away, now that was a sacrifice. Thinking about Tree Hill reminded her that she had to call Haley and let her know when she would be coming down. From what she had been told, Haley was due in three weeks, which meant Brooke had to be there at least next weeks. Which meant that she would have to see Lucas and Peyton doing married stuff. She didn't plan on running into them, but in a town as small as Tree Hill, it was inevitable. You couldn't hide from anybody there.
"Hello?"
"Hey Tutorgirl," Brooke said.
"Brooke! Hey, what's up?"
"Nothing really, just got back from shopping," Brooke laughed.
"Why am i not surpriised?"
"Beats me. But anyway, i was thinking about maybe flying down there next weekend or something, just a couple of weeks until the due date."
"So next weekend? That sounds good. We'll have the guest bedroom ready by the time you get here."
"No that's okay, i can just check into a hotel," Brooke said.
"No way, you are not staying in a hotel. You're gonna stay with me and Nathan, he's gonna need some help. My hormones are absolutely crazy."
"Oh that's great. So how is everybody?"
"We're good. Nathan's doing good with the Ravens. Maternity leave sucks but ehh whatever... I talked to Peyton the other night."
"Really? Weird. You and Peyton haven't talked in five years."
"I know, me and Nathan were at the Rivercourt, and then Peyton shows up. She had a fight with Lucas."
"They fight alot don't they?" Brooke asked in her most uninterested voice.
"No not really. They don't even really talk to each other."
"And they're married?"
"Yup. She's still waiting for him to change i guess."
"It's because of me isn't it?"
"Umm what?"
"It's my fault that Peyton can't deal with Lucas. He's still pissed that i left him," Brooke stated.
"Well.. yeaa kind of... BUt don't worry about it Brooke. We all know it's not your fault. Lucas is just being.. well.. Dan." Haley sighed.
"He better keep his attitude in check. He's bound to say some mean things once he sees me."
"Yeaa, that's inevitable. But just keep your distance, and you'll be fine."
"I seriously doubt that Hales. He might come find me on purpose just to start something."
"Lucas is an ass, but he's not that stupid. He knows you're not gonna just let him trash you."
"You're right about that. So how's Peyton taking my homecoming? I bet she's just jumping for joy," Brooke said sarcastically.
"Actually no. She was pretty happy when i told her you were coming back for the birth. Maybe you it can give you guys a chance..."
"Hales no offense, but im here for only one reason, and that's to see you and Naley with the baby."
"Alright, but don't say i never tried."
"I won't."
"Soo, how's Brian?"
"Omg he's awesome. Today was like my first day off in forever, so he took he out and explored the city. I've been working so much, i never really realized the different stores that were here. And i actually shopped! Like alot. I haven't done that since college."
"No way," Haley said seriously.
"I'm serious! But that's all taken care of now. I think i bought enoug hstuff to make up for those past years."
"That leaves a whole lot of clothes though."
"More than a whole lot."
"Well i'm glad that Brian makes you happy. Lord knows you needed it."
"I did Haley, and Brian does that for me. He makes me feel like im more than just a piece of ass, like im enough."
"Something Lucas never did for you?"
"Lucas didn't make me feel like a piece of ass, but i wasn't ever enough for him. And now, i guess nothing's enough for him."
"Yeaa, Lucas really took a turn. Brooke you should hear all these things he's done. It's so cold and not Lucas."
"That's Lucas now, so we might as well get used to it."
"I hear ya. But i gotta make dinner, so i'll talk to you later?"
"Yep. I'll call you tomorrow with my flight plans."
"Okay, let me know. Nathan can pick you up."
"ALright, talk to ya later. Tutorgirl."
"Byee Tigger."
Talking to Haley was always a trip. Talking to Haley made her remember all the good times with good old Haley. It was hard to imagine they had never been friends, but all the things they've been through, it's not surprising that they are. Haley was the geek and Brooke was the slut, and that's the way it was, but somehow they had found a friend in eadch other. No matter what Brooke could always count on Haley to stay the same kind person. Sure they had thousands of miles seperating them, but that didn't really matter to them. They were just as close as ever. Haley would never change, even when she was married and a cheerleader, she was the same.
Surprisingly Brooke had found a brother in Nathan, as weird as it sounded. Her and Nathan had always ran with the same crowd, right from day one. But they had never really had any kind of relationship, even when he was dating Peyton. There were greetings here and there, but nothing short of acquaintences. Brooke couldn't pinpoint the exact moment her and Nathan bonded, but she was guessing it was during the time when she had left Lucas for good. Nathan was understanding, and just there for her. It was awkward sometimes, to be talking to Nathan about stuff, but she got used to it. She knew now that she could count on him.
Thinking about the couple and everything they've done for her always made her think of Tree Hill. Her home.
It always brought her back down to her roots, where it all started. When she was a teenager she talked about Tree Hill like it was a piece of crap, and it kind of was in every sense of the word. There was only one mall, one supermarket, you could tour the whole town in a span of ten minutes. Tree Hill meant nothing to her at the time. It was just some place where her parents stuck her to finish off high school, thinking that they could get her away from the trouble. Yeaa, Tree Hill was a town full of nothing.
But when the time came for her to move on from that, it was hard. There were times when Brooke missed Tree Hill, her home. The people there were friendly, on the surface, and it was just home. So much had happened to her in that small little town, so much that she would never forget them. She had met her best friend there and had lost her there, found the love of her life, then lost him. But she had gained another best friend, Haley, and found a brother in Nathan. There was Karen, the mother she never had, the one she went to with all her problems about her son.
Brooke could try to block out all the shit that had gone on in that town, but it would take psychological help to have it removed from your memory. There was Dan Scott, destroying everyone's lives. There was the school shooting, which would forever leave a mark on that school and town. Naley's second wedding would never be forgotten, or the night of the state championship game. ANd who could forget psycho Derek? The love triangle had set Tree Hill through a shock wave. No one's heart could be protected or saved. Haley's homecoming made people realize what's important, and what's just petty.
Karen used to say that there was only One Tree Hill, and Brooke totally believed that. There was no other town that had as much heart as Tree Hill. Excpept today, the hearts stayed true, or they just turned to ice. Brooke had experienced the most painful memories there. Times when she wanted to kill herself, and almost did. There were times when she felt nothing but a whore and a bitch. And she had nobody there at the time. It seemed like it, but she never had anybody.
Despite all the good things that happened there, Tree Hill would always be crap to Brooke. It was a crappy town.
But it was her crappy town.