In this chapter I'm making Peyton, Lucas, AND Brooke run into each other ,all coming from different places. Proof to be outrageous.
ENJOY AND REVIEW !!!
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Waking up to bright sunshine and a calm wind, Brooke knew that she was home. Ever since she had been back, she had been all smiles and laughter, but the old town brought her peace of mind despite all the things running through her head at the moment. She was able to just forget everything and admite the beauty Tree Hill had to offer. It was so peaceful she almost forgot about Lucas. But life hadn't been that nice to her lately. Reality crashed down on her harder than a hangover and Brooke knew she wouldn't be getting anymore sleep. Pushing back the covers, Brooke made her way to the bathroom.
To some people they would say that Brooke Davis hadn't changed at all since high school. She was still beautiful and fabulous as she was five years ago. She still had the porcelein skin, and the olive green eyes. Her hair was still shiny and sleek, with her sidebangs reaching across her forehead. And her dimples were still as noticeable as ever. With working so much lately, she still managed to maintain her figure, along with abs to show off at the pool. Yeaa, Brooke was still the same looking person, if not better. But the brunette had changed alot in her inner self. Brooke wasn't the party girl. She knew how to pick her friends and disinguish right from wrong, thankfully. Brooke always knew she was independant, but the move to NY had put alot of strength in her, since she didn't have anyone but herself.
So Brooke had evolved in a good way in the past years. BUt when it came to Lucas, she found herself in that same vulnerable position, believing everything he said. She'd like to think he was telling the truth, no more lies or false promises, but Brooke could never be sure. It was afterall Lucas, the king of bad timing and notorious for his cluelessness. But Brooke had decided that she would wait around and see what happens. Being with Lucas was a completely different story. At this point BRooke wasn't even considering it.
Most people, including BRooke, would think that it was a little weird how a guy would pursue someone else when he was still married. Brooke still couldn't comprehend how Peyton could be okay with all of this. She was pretty sure she knew about it, but she couldn't figure out how she could be unfazed about it. Sure, Lucas had said that him and Peyton had tried, but it didn't work. They could've gotten divorced, but they didn't. And supposedly Peyton had pushed Lucas to admit his feelings. Brooke just didn't know what the hell was going on.
Apart of her couldn't wait until Haley popped out Tutorbaby, so that she could go back to her old life in the city. In New York she didn't have a past and she didn't have baggage. She could be anything she wanted and do whatever, not having to answer to anybody. She would keep in touch with Haley and Nathan, and be able to keep her life seperate from Tree Hill and for awhile she liked it. But coming back to where it all started made it hard for her to leave. She considered staying longer, but she realized the longer she stayed, the extra time Lucas would have in trying to win her back, and she couldn't have that now could she?
Making her way downstairs in only her white sweats and red tank top, Brooke didn't really expect anyone to be at the house early on a weekday. So she was startled when she heard voices downstairs. At first she didn't really think any of it, Haley and Nathan were still there, but then came another voice, another woman's voice. It really could've been anyone, but Brooke knew who it was, as much as she didn't want to deal with Peyton right now, she knew she had to. It had been years since Brooke had last laid eyes on her, and it wasn't under good circumstances.
It had been the night of Lucas's accident and Peyton had been the first person Brooke saw when she got off the elevator. They had shared a brief hug before Brooke rushed off to Lucas's room. When she had left in tears, she had been so rushed she didn't say bye to Peyton. Later on that week Brooke had called and apologized, but Peyton had quickly dismissed it and they went on to forget about it. But it seemed like everytime Brooke had called Peyton, she had either been busy, or couldn't talk. And when she could, something just seemed off about the blonde. The last phone conversation they had Peyton had said that she was just figuring stuff out and that was it. Two days after Brooke had gotten the dreaded call from Haley, telling her that she had just found out that LUcas and Peyton had been sleeping together ever since Brooke had returned to New York. She'd like to say she was surprised, but she really wasn't. Somehow Brooke knew what was going on, but it didn't make it any easier. The first year Brooke just couldn't let it go. She felt alot of things, anger, betrayl, misery, but it was all the stuff she was familiar with.
Even though it had been years since Brooke had last talked to Peyton, it didn't mean she never got over it. Every single time she thought of Peyton, anger and resentment just oozed out of her. It was bad enough Peyton had betrayed her in high school, but they were in college now and BRooke and Lucas's relationship was serious. Not even a month ! That was what hurt Brooke more than anything. It was like she hadn't been important to either of them, and Brooke would never forget that.
Now, she had to face the bitch that completely made Brooke's life hell.
-
Downstairs, Nathan and Haley were desperately trying to get Peyton to come back a different time. Haley still in her pajamas, and Nathan in his shirt and tie, were standing in the ktichen with PEyton, trying everything they could to get Peyton to just leave. It was too soon for her to be seeing Brooke at all, and they were pretty sure Brooke wouldn't be too happy about it.
On her way to work, somehow Peyton ended up at Naley's house. SHe hadn't planned to, but she took this as sign to go see Brooke. Peyton knew that she would get chewed out by the wrath of Brooke Davis, but she wanted to get it over with so that they could be friends again. Truthfully Peyton had missed BRooke alot. It wasn't easy being married to a evil man and have no friends. SUre, she sorta had Nathan and Haley, but they never really got over her sleeping with Lucas in college.
"Peyton come on, please, can you come back some other time?" Nathan groaned.
"Nathan i have to talk to Brooke. It's been five years, we should be able to have a civilized conversation," Peyton said calmly.
"Uhh which BRooke are you talking about?" Haley asked.
"Look i expect her to be just a little mad, but she has got to talk to me. I miss her."
Nathan scoffed, "YEaa well you should've thought about that before you slept with Lucas."
"Nathan !" Haley scolded.
"I'm sorry Hales but Peyton knew how much Lucas and Brooke meant to each other, and she slept with him !"
"Look i will be the first to admit that i fucked up okay? I just want to make things right now that Brooke's going to be here for awhile," Peyton explained.
Soon after they all heard the sound of floor boards creaking, Brooke was awake. Nathan quietly cursed himself while Haley said a lttle prayers. Peyton just stood there ready for war. She knew it was going to take alot for Brooke to forgive her, if she did that is. Brooke was angry as hell with Lucas, then no doubt she would wanna rip Peyton's head off, but they were once really good friends and Brooke couldn't forget that.
Descending the stairs Brooke walked into the kitchen and completely ignored Peyton as she opened the fridge and grabbed the orange juice. Peyton had to smile, typical Brooke, giving the silent treatment. Some things never changed. Brooke on the other hand just wanted to pour the whole carton over Peyton's head before ripping out her curls one by one. But a woman did have to stay composed in her moment of fury.
"Morning Brooke," Nathan greeted, putting his dishes in the sink.
"Morning Nate, Haley," Brooke replied, pouring her juice into a glass.
"Hey Nathan can you take me to the store real quick? We ran out of .. eggs," Haley said.
"Sure," Nathan said, quickly grabbing his keys and wallet before leaving, Haley following in toe. Peyton was still standing near the table while Brooke was putting the juice back in the fridge. Peyton sighed, obviously Brooke wasn't going to say anything.
"Hey Brooke. You look good," Peyton complimented, it was true. She always knew Brooke to be a great dresser and look good all the time and Peyton knew she would always be like that.
"What? Is that supposed to earn you brownie points or sometihng?" Brooke asked unfazing, both hands on the kitchen island.
"Not really. I just wanted to talk, see how you're doing," Peyton said carefully.
"Well I'm good. You can leave now," she said, taking a sip of her juice and walking out of the kitchen.
"Brooke come on ! You can't still be mad at me?" Peyton whined, folling her.
Brooke spun around, setting her glass down on the coffee table.
"Okay first of all i have every right to still be mad at you. Second of all i can't believe you would think i would be okay with you !"
"Well can't you just talk to me so we can figure this out?"
"No Peyton we can't because i still can't stand you," Brooke snapped, looking at Peyton with cold eyes.
"What do you want me to say? Look i'm sorry for sleeping with Lucas !" Peyton begged.
Brooke laughed bitterly, "You know i'm getting real tired of you always apologizing Peyton. No wait actually i was getting tired of you ALWAYS needing somebody to look after you, that person just happened to be someone i loved didn't it?"
"Brooke it wasn't like that.."
"Of course it was like that. Right from the get go you always had to have Lucas save you all the godamn time. Different times of the night you just couldn't sleep so you had to call Lucas and make him go to your house to be with you !" Brooke said sarcastically.
Just as Peyton was about to say something, the doorbell rang. Brooke gave Peyton another glare before walking down the hall to answer the doorbell. As if things couldn't get any more worse, it was Lucas, standing there in the line of fire, not knowing that his wife was located in the house.
"Umm hi?" Lucas said nervously.
"Great. Somebody somewhere is getting a kick out of this," Brooke mumbled before leaving the doorway and walking further into the house. Lucas followed her, shutting the door behind him. Brooke was never a morning person in the first place, he just couldn't imagine her being this grumpy. Then he saw Peyton and all mystery solved.
"Peyton? I thought you were going to work?"
"I was, but i decided to stop by."
"Which was a completely and utter waste of time," Brooke interrupted.
"Brooke can't you just let it all go? It's been years already !" Peyton exclaimed, throwing her hands up in the air.
Lucas just looked on in confusion, not really wanting to get involved. And Brooke just stood there, staring long and hard at Peyton. She couldn't believe what she had just said. Brooke would be the first to admit that she did hold stupid grudges before, but that was a long time ago and Brooke was different now. If her feelings for Lucas had been different, of course she would've let it go a long time ago. But she couldnt even begin to say how pissed she was.
"You really have some nerve asking me that. Peyton i cannot begin to tell you how much i just wanna bust your face in, and not just because you slept with Lucas, but because you were my best friend. I trusted you more than Lucas and anyone else, and you betrayed me. Sound familiar huh? I told you the same thing in high school, and it's just sad that i have to tell you again. And don't give me that crap about hwo me and Lucas were broken up, because you KNEW how much i loved him and you did it anyway. What in the hell does that say about you? You had every opportunity in the world to tell me, but no i had to hear it from Haley. My whole world blew up in smoke and it took me a long time to get it together."
"Brooke trust me when i say that i didn't mean to hurt you," Peyton began.
"Trust you? Shut the fuck up Peyton, please. I lost my trust in you a long time ago, and that's something you'll never get out of me, ever. Now if this was the first time you betrayed me, then yeaa i might consider it, but you knew you were hurting me, and you did it anyway. That's inexcusable. So now, i'm not going to just 'let it all go' because it's taught me to never trust you again. You're about five years too late for apologizing, so there's nothing else to say. I'm done getting screwed over by you," Brooke said crossing her arms, not once tearing up, opposed to Peyton.
As Lucas looked on he coudln't help but feel extremely bad. Not that long ago the pair were as close as could be and they trusted each other with their life. it was sad to see their friendship go up in smoke by Lucas and Peyton's mistake. He just wished that night had never happened, so that he wouldn't have to witness Brooke so reserved and so angry. Lucas knew a long time ago that BRooke wasn't somebody that trusted easily. It could take a long time to even get her to tell you how she was feeling that day, she just didn't trust anybody, except Peyton. Trust was somethig that Brooke wanted in a friendship, and Peyton and Lucas had broken it. Once that trust was broken, who knows if Brooke would ever look at her the same way again.
"I just don't understand how you can still talk to Lucas, but you can't let me explain myself," Peyton said, looking down at the floor.
Brooke just looked at her with calm and unfazed eyes, "It's all pretty simple really. I just didn't love Lucas as much as i loved you. Sure, i was in love with Lucas, but i would never put Lucas before you. If you were upset, i would be there for you until you thought you would be okay by yourself. You always came before Lucas Peyton, you were more important than Lucas was. And that's exactly why i can't talk to you, because it's sad. It's sad that our friendship had to end because of your mistakes, and what you wanted. Like you didn't think of me at all. I believed in you Peyton, and i held you before everyone else, and you still managed to stab me in the back once again. And Lucas can explain himself to me all he wants, doesn't mean everything's gonna be alright. But with you i really don't want an explanation because you don't deserve a chance."
There were no words to describe the atmosphere. Lucas had never seen Brooke so calm and collected. As soon as he saw Peyton he expected Brooke to go off in a rampage, screaming and throwing things. He also wouldn't have been surprised if Brooke had slapped Peyton, causing a fight. But no, Brooke remained stanidng before Peyton, with her arms crossed looking at Peyton like she was a stranger. Brooke had always been a dramatic person, overexaggerating, but now Brooke was alot more cold and sad, an dLucas didn't know which one was worse.
"Okayy then, I guess i'll just see you around then," Peyton sighed, walking past Lucas and leaving.
-
Brooke remained where she had been standing, looking at the space Peyton had just occupied. Never in her life had Brooke felt the rage and the anger that she did just now. It was bad enough it was Peyton, but just talking to her brought up all these old memories, ones that didn't need to be let out. Lucas had remained next to the wall, not saying one word, and Brooke was thankful because if Lucas had defended Peyton, she didn't think she could take it.
Brooke was pretty proud of herself. Never did she think she could deny Peyton an explanation, or anything really. Apart of her wanted Peyton to tell her how she could've misunderstood what had happened, but she knew PEyton would only tell her tings that she already knew. There was no point because her and PEyton's friendshp ended a long time ago, and BRooke wouldn't go down that road again. It hurt of course, if Brooke could've just forgave the whole thing, then everything would be fine. BUt she couldn't because that was the last straw, the last she could take of Peyton.
"I'm sorry," Lucas said.
"For what?"
He shrugged, "Lots of things. Peyton, the way things happened. Brooke, i can't speak for Peyton, but i know that she's really sorry. If she could, she would take it all back."
Bad move on Lucas's part was all Brooke could think. Once again, there it was, Lucas defending her sorry ass. Brooke could never see Lucas not defending her. And he said he wanted her back. Well it looked like he wasn't doing a good job.
"Yeaa well sorry isn't gonna help. It doens't erase nights of feelings miserable. You two made me feel the most worthless i've ever felt. And because of that i will never look at Peyton the same way again," Brooke said harshly.
Bad idea. At first Lucas had felt a little offended when Brooke had said that Peyton had been more important than him. He always thought that he was the first person on Brooke's list, the first person she thought of. Sure, she might've been in love with him, but her and Peyton had a longer friendship and bond. But when he really thought about it, he was kinda glad that Peyton was more important than him. If Lucas had been number one, then Brooke wouldn't have even given him a glance, let along give him enough time to talk to her. Peyton didn't have a chance to do that.
"I know, sorry."
"So, what did you come here for anyway?"
"Uhh no reason. Just wanted to see how you were doing and stuff," Lucas said.
"Well i'm hoping you can guess how i'm doing."
"Yup, i got a pretty good idea," Lucas laughed.
"So, that's all?"
"Yeaa pretty much. I'm just gonna get going," Lucas said, heading towards the door. With his hand on the handle, he realized it would be a complete waste to have Brooke alone with him and not say anything to benefit himself. Sure, call it a selfish move, but Lucas didn't want to miss a single opportunity in letting Brooke know that he wasn't going anywhere. Right now he was surprised she was even talking to him. Yeaa they had a conversation the other day, but he didn't expect anyting else. She was a hot and cold person.
"Look, i know that what me and Peyton did hurt you, really bad. You can be mad at Peyton forever, that's your decision. I'm not gonna say anything about it anymore. And i don't expect you to do anything for me. But i just want you to know, that i'm here for you. I know you might not like it, but i'm gonna be here for you whenever you need me."
Great, once again Lucas had weaved his way into her good side. Brooke didn't know if that was a good or bad thing because honestly she liked having Lucas being there for her, as friends and as a couple. The bad part was obvious. She had a boyfriend. Brooke had told herself to stay away from Lucas, that they could never be anything more than just acquaintances to one another. Continuously putting Lucas at arms length was exhausting. Just when she thoght she had it down, he made one of his little speeches, and then her guard would be down. Lucas may be clueless and dumb, but he was consistent.
-
Haley and Nathan had taken more time at the store than they had thought. At first Haley didn't think she needed eggs, then realized that they actually didn't have any, so they bought that. Strolling down the other aisles, Haley found alot more stuff that she needed, and started piling up. A distressed Nathan pushed the cart around, watching his wife pick up the most random things. He didn't know if she really needed all this stuff, or if she was just making more time for Brooke and Peyton to talk. But nevertheless they paid for their groceries and loaded them into the car.
"Okay they have to have made up by now," Haley said as they drove into their neighborhood.
"I don't know Haley. Brooke was still pretty pissed about everything last time i checked."
"Yeaa she might have. BUt come on Nathan, they were best friends for years ! You can't just forget that."
"For most people probably not. But this is a sticky situation Hales. Plus it's Brooke Davis we're tlaking about," Nathan said, pulling up in at the house.
"Well, let's hope for the best," Haley said, sliding out of the car.
They opened the door to only hear nothing but the television on. Haley expected the sound of howling laughter, while Nathan expected to hear screams of pain. But all both could hear was the sound of Rachel telling Ross that he had to get their marriage anulled. Not one other sound was heard, and at this point they were just confused.
"Maybe they fell asleep," Haley guessed.
"Or maybe they killed each other," Nathna said, and was met with a glare from Haley.
But no, both were wrong. It was just Brooke, sitting in front of the television with a cup of coffee in hand. It felt like the past hour hadn't even happened. Everything still looked the same and BRooke seemed unfazed.
"Brooke?" Haley said, confused.
"Oh hey guys. You took longer than i thought," Brooke said, smiling at them before returning to the tv.
"Uhh yeaa well Hales needed more stuff. So, what happened?" Nathan asked, getting right to he point.
Brooke shrugged, "Nothing i didn't warn you about before. Peyton asked me to let it all go, and i simply told her that i wasn't going to, and that i can't stand her. So thanks guys."
"See Hales i told you they weren't going to be friends just like that."
"Well it was worth a shot Nathan."
"Actually there was no shot, or a chance in hell that i would ever be friends with her again. Oh and Lucas stopped by in the middle of it."
"Really?"
"Yup, just in time to see the fireworks. Although i appreciate the fact that he waited until after she left to defend her, saved me some embarassment."
"What was Lucas doing here?"
"To 'see how i was doing,' he left but not soon enough to give those little 'i'm here for you,' lines he's knows so well."
"Wow, i haven't heard one of those in awhile," Haley said.
"Well, look at it this way, you let Peyton know how you were feeling, and now she knows not to bother you now. Lucas on the other hand, yeaa the dude's just going to keep coming around. So, enjoy your stay," Nathan said sarcastically, bring the groceries into the kitchen.
Haley watched Nathan enter the kitchen before turning around, facing Brooke.
"Okay, are you going to tell me how you really felt?"
Brooke smirked. Haley knew her too well. She didn't expect to be this close to Haley in high school. Hell Brooke didn't even know who she was, and now they had already lived together for a year, and been through alot. NO matter what Haley would always be a constant in Brooke's life, regardless of the miles seperating them.
"You know me soo well Tutorgirl."
"I should. I lived with you," Haley laughed.
Brooke chuckled before being serious, "I don't know, it just seems like everybody wants something from me. Lucas wants me back and Peyton wants to be friends again. But i just can't do that for them just because they say sorry. I can't give them what they want Hales. I came here to be here for you and Nathan, and that was all, not to make reconciliation with the two people that crashed my world to the ground. Everything i ever knew was being questioned, and i was doubting my abilities as a friend, a girlfriend. Everything. All those insecurities from high school came back to me. I felt like i wasn't worthy for anyone, that i wasn't enough. And now they expect me to just forget about it?"
"I understand what you mean. I agree, it is kinda irritating how they just think that they can apologize and things will be alright, because they should know you better than that. But i'm not saying to hate them forever Brooke. You're still angry, i get that, and your'e still hurt and so much time has gone by where you coudl live without them. But they're not going away. So you can ignore them and tell them the same things over again, or you can forgive them and move on. Sure, it's been five years, but who knows?"
"I know what you're saying Hales, and i want to be able to forgive Peyton and eveyrthing be like it was. But i just can't because i don't trust her anymore, and whenever i think of her i just wanna beat the crap out of her, yell, scream, anything. I will never be able to think of Peyton the same way, she knew how i felt about Lucas and she slept with him anyway. Why? Because she was lonely? That doesn't make it alright. And when i think of Lucas, i think of all the good stuff that was thrown away by his idiocracy. He said he loved me? Then why the hell did he sleep with her? I come back and he thinks that just because he said he loved me that i would just jump back into his arms? That's not how it works. I have someobdy at home that hopefully i'll be able to spend my life with. I know it would be the best thing to forgive, but i just can't."
"You just need time."
"Really? Look where that got me. It's been five freaking years and i still can't get over this," Brooke laughed bitterly.
"It's a big thing to get over. I'm still not over it. SOmetimes i can have a conversation with Peyton, and then i'll remember and all this anger comes back up. What they did was inexcusable and selfish, but it's over now. They obviously don't love each other that way, and it's just the way it is."
"Then why are they still married?"
Haley shrugged, "Couldn't tell you. I've been wondering the same thing myself. I guess it's just convenient for them. Divorces are long processes you know."
"Well it's pretty retarded how Lucas says he wants to get me back but he's still married to the person that helped destroy us."
"Yeaa it does sound pretty ridiculous."
"Lucas says that he's gonna change and be that guy that i fell in love with and eveything, it's almost tempting. But i have this other life after Lucas and Peyton, and so far it's been pretty good. I just don't see a point in going back to that old life."
"Would you think about getting back with Lucas?" Haley asked.
"Honestly, i have no idea."