A/N I know that the chronology doesn't match, but i'm playing with the timeline for my own nefarious purposes.
Summer couldn't help but think that something was wrong the next morning when she met Lucas for breakfast
Summer couldn't help but think that something was wrong the next morning when she met Lucas for breakfast. He was hunched over his coffee, staring morosely into the dark liquid. Granted he wasn't exactly Mr. Personality first thing in the morning, but he was usually a little more chipper than this.
"Ten bucks for your thoughts." Summer declared out of the blue.
Lucas raised his eyes and then his eyebrows. "Ten bucks? What happened to a penny?"
Summer shrugged and grinned. "Inflation. So spill, what's got you so down this morning?"
No sooner had Summer asked the question when the door to the café opened and Michael Leary came in. Summer glanced over at Lucas and noticed the frown that now adorned his face. She studied his narrowed eyes as he watched the hospital CEO walk up to the counter and strike up a conversation with his mother. Ah! So that's the way it was.
"Don't care for Dr. Leary?" Summer asked softly before taking a sip of her coffee.
"Keith's only been gone a couple of months." Lucas growled.
"And you think that the mourning period has not been fully observed." Summer continued.
Lucas looked back down at his cup and shrugged. Summer sighed and stood up before heading over to the counter.
"Hi Dr. Leary!" She greeted before she turned her attention to Karen. "Could Lucas and I have a couple of coffees to go?"
"Sure." Karen smiled. "Maybe you can get him out of that mood he's in this morning." She stated as she set two travel cups on the counter.
"Oh I have my ways." Summer winked. "We'll see you later. I have to go work my magic." She teased as she took the cups and walked back over to their table. "Come on Skywalker; let's go see if I can't make you smile."
Lucas cracked a half grin and escorted his girlfriend out of the café. He deliberately ignored the couple standing at the counter watching the exchange. Summer rolled her eyes at them as she left.
"I don't think that your son approves." Michael stated as he waited for his danish and coffee.
"My fiancé was killed in the school shooting a couple of months ago. He was Lucas' uncle and practically a father to Lucas. In fact he had planned to adopt Lucas at the wedding." Karen explained softly.
Michael winced. "I'm sorry. It must be a difficult time for you."
Karen nodded. "Yes, I loved Keith very much. He was a good man. He went into the school to save Lucas."
"So he was a hero." Michael observed.
"Yes." Karen agreed as she placed his breakfast on the counter.
Michael sighed. "I had hoped that you would be available for me to ask out, but I don't want to push you if you aren't ready."
Karen tilted her head and studied the man before her. There was no denying that he was handsome, in fact he had such similar coloring to her son that they could have been related. He was smart and stable, and Karen couldn't deny that his gaze sent shivers down her spine. Her heart hurt at the thought of Keith, but she also knew that he would want her to keep going.
"How about we take things very slow and just be friends for now." Karen stated. "I'm not ready for anything more than friendship at the moment."
Michael smiled. "That's more than I was hoping for – friends it is. Do friends have dinner together?"
"They do, but not anywhere too romantic." Karen smiled.
"Noted." Michael replied. "How about Friday night? We'll have dinner in a very non-romantic place."
"Sounds like fun." Karen grinned.
"Then it's not a date." Michael teased as he picked up the sack with his food and his coffee. "I'll call you."
"You do that." Karen nodded and then watched the doctor leave.
Lucas and Summer sat under their tree at the park. Lucas was sitting against the tree with Summer using his body as a recliner. His arms were wrapped around her and his chin was resting on her head while their legs intertwined comfortably.
"What is it about your mom dating again that bothers you so much?" Summer asked. "I mean, I know that it's not been that long, but how long is long enough? Is it Dr. Leary that bothers you?"
"No, he seems like a good guy. Any other time I'd probably be all for it. It's only been a couple of months and it just seems like she's already moved on and forgotten about him – like he wasn't that important." Lucas explained.
Summer turned and looked up at Lucas. "It's been two months since we met. It's only been a few days longer than that since you told Brooke that you loved her. Does that mean that what we have here isn't real?"
"Of course not!" Lucas denied. "I've never loved anyone like I love you! I hadn't met you when I told Brooke I loved her."
Summer looked down and nibbled on her lip for a moment before staring up into his deep blue eyes. "How do you know that Keith wasn't meant to leave so that Karen could meet the man that she was supposed to spend her life with? I'm not saying that Dr. Leary is the man of her dreams, but what if your mom's love wasn't as strong as it could have been with someone else? Everything happens for a reason. My dad and I would never have come here if my mother was still around. I would never have even looked at you twice if I hadn't learned to look beyond the obvious with Chino."
"So you're saying that Keith's death could have been another step in the journey?" Lucas asked.
Summer shrugged. "Everything happens for a reason." She repeated. "Even the bad things."
Lucas leaned his head back and stared up through the leaves of the tree. They were swaying to and fro with the soft summer breeze coming off the ocean. He could smell the strawberries that scented Summer's shampoo and feel the wisps of her hair against his cheek. It actually scared him to think that if circumstances had not been what they were he would never have even met this amazing girl that he had fallen desperately in love with.
Lucas tightened his arms around Summer and sighed. "I get what you're saying it's just going to take me a little time to get used to seeing someone else with my mom."
"I know. It threw me for a loop the first time my dad dated after Mom left. Of course I hated the woman that he married. I usually called her the Step-Monster. She was only concerned with where her next drink or pill was coming from. I was pretty glad when she and Dad got divorced. Then he started dating Julie. I had always despised Marissa's mom. After she cheated on him, Dad just wanted to get away and start somewhere new." Summer reminisced.
"I see what you mean." Lucas told her softly.
"It's going to be ok." Summer whispered, turning her head and looking up.
Lucas bent to kiss her tenderly. "I know."
It was later that night and Lucas was just pulling on a shirt after his shower. He was supposed to pick Summer up in thirty minutes so that they could go to dinner. Karen was working at the café and Neil had to pack to leave for a conference the next day, so the two teenagers had decided to go out for a romantic dinner.
Lucas had finished the last button when there was a knock on the door. He called for his visitor to come in while he picked up his tie. Lucas smiled when Haley came in. The smile didn't last long when he saw her expression.
Alarmed, Lucas took both her hands and led her to the bed. He sat beside her, still gently maintaining contact. "Haley what's wrong?"
Haley sniffled and turned her sad eyes on her best friend. "Nathan agreed to try again."
Lucas smiled. "Hales, that's great! Isn't it?" He asked, still confused as to why she was upset.
"He had a condition." Haley continued.
"What is it?"
Haley took a deep breath and looked up into her best friend's eyes. "I can't have anything to do with you."
Lucas felt his heart drop and a sob clogged his throat for a moment. "I knew that he was mad at me, but he really hates me that much?"
Haley wiped at the tears on her cheeks. "You lied to him." She stated as if that explained everything.
"So I suppose this is good-bye." Lucas whispered brokenly as he stood and moved away from her.
"I'm sorry Lucas. I can't lose him." Haley cried.
"Yeah, story of my life." Lucas muttered. "You should probably go. You wouldn't want Nathan to think that I mean anything to you."
"Lucas…" Haley gasped.
"Just go." Lucas growled, refusing to meet her eye. He listened as she closed the door behind her and then sat down, buried his head in his hands and cried.
Summer was worried. Lucas was over an hour late to pick her up. She had tried his cell phone, but there was no answer. With all sorts of scenarios flashing through her overactive imagination, Summer got into her car and drove to his house. It did not relieve her to see Lucas' car sitting in the driveway.
Summer rushed to the door that led directly to his room and threw it open without even knocking. At first she was relieved to see him sitting on the bed almost ready, but then she realized he was crying. Quietly she crossed the room and sat beside him. She placed her hand on his back and her head against his slumped shoulder.
"Lucas?"
"Haley came by. She and Nathan are getting back together." Lucas whispered in a broken voice as he looked straight ahead at the door.
Knowing that Lucas was hoping his friend and brother would reconcile, she waited silently for the reason he was so distraught.
Lucas grimaced. "He had a stipulation." He clenched his fists. "Haley has to cut all ties with me."
Summer gasped in outrage. "That bastard!"
Lucas laughed humorlessly. "No, that would be me. Nathan's the legitimate son, remember?"
Summer put her chin on his shoulder and stared at his profile. "I'm sorry that Nathan is such an asshat and that Haley is an ungrateful bitch."
Lucas smiled a bit and turned his head to look at her. "I'm sorry I was late."
"You get to make it up to me later. I think this calls for ice cream and comedies." Summer declared. Grabbing Lucas' hand, she pulled him up and started towards the door. Lucas chuckled and stopped her with a tug on her hand. When she looked at him, he placed his hand against her cheek and smiled down at her lovingly.
"What did I do to get so blessed with you?" He asked softly.
Summer grinned and winked. "It must have been something really good!" She exclaimed, trying to keep him from being too serious in his depressed state.
"It must have been." Lucas smiled, recognizing her ploy.
"Move it Skywalker! There's a half gallon of cookies and cream with my name on it!" Summer declared.
Lucas just shook his head and followed his girlfriend to her car.
The Tree Hill airport was bustling. It was late in the afternoon and Lucas stood to the side and watched as Summer said good-bye to her father. He was on his way to New York for a conference. It was the first time that she had been without him since they had moved to Tree Hill, and she was a little upset. Lucas had plans to make up for the romantic dinner that they had missed on his account the night before.
He was going over the plan in his mind when a familiar voice spoke up behind him. "I suppose you get points for meeting me at the airport."
Lucas turned and saw Brooke Davis standing in front of him. Her hair was a little different, and she was sporting a tan, but it was still the same girl that had left him at the first of the summer. "Hello Brooke, how was your summer?" He asked casually, still keeping an eye on Summer and Neil.
"It was great! Sun, surf and shopping – and no drama." Brooke shrugged. "I was thinking about it, why don't we try dating again, but we'll do it non-exclusively? You can see other people and so can I."
Lucas grimaced, thankful that he wouldn't have to play her games. "Actually, I think that my girlfriend would have a rage blackout."
"What?" Brooke asked in shock. "Since when do you have a girlfriend and why are you here if you do?"
Before Lucas could answer her, Neil and Summer walked back over to him. "Now Lucas, I'm trusting you to take care of my daughter."
"I'll protect her with my life, Neil." Lucas vowed as he stared down at the spunky girl he had come to love.
Neil kissed the top of Summer's head and grabbed the handle of his luggage. "I'll be back Thursday, and I'll call you every night." He promised Summer.
"Ok Daddy. Be careful, I love you!" Summer told him, hugging the man one more time before moving into Lucas' waiting arms.
Neil nodded and smiled before walking off towards his gate.
It wasn't until he was out of view that Summer noticed the other girl standing next to them. She studied the girl for a split second before she recognized her from pictures that Lucas had shown her. Pasting a friendly smile on her face, Summer offered her hand. "Hi! I'm Summer!"
Brooke grimaced. "Brooke Davis, apparently Lucas' ex-girlfriend."
Summer forced out her Newport laugh. "I would hope so, since I'm Skywalker's current girlfriend. I thought you were in California."
"I just got back today, this minute in fact." Brooke informed her, not sure what to think about the nickname.
"Welcome back then! Did you need a ride?" Summer offered; trying not to alienate this girl since Lucas had just lost his brother and best friend.
"Are you sure?" Brooke asked, confused why Summer wasn't intimidated by her.
"Absolutely! We were going to have lunch at Mrs. Skywalker's café. Why don't you join us? You have to be starving after the flight. I know that I was!" Summer invited.
"You flew from California?" Brooke asked, leading the way to baggage claim.
"Yeah, that's where I'm from – born and raised in Newport Beach." Summer smiled when Brooke's eyes widened in recognition. "We were both beginning to hate it, so when Dad got offered a job out here we jumped on it." She explained as they watched Lucas grab Brooke's luggage.
Each of the girls took the handle of a suitcase and wheeled them out the door and towards Summer's BMW. Lucas loaded them into the trunk and then climbed into the driver's seat as Summer got in on the passenger side and Brooke crawled into the back. Brooke didn't know what to think about this girl. By all rights she should hate her since Lucas moved on so quickly, but there was something about Summer that kept Brooke from making her an enemy. Maybe it was the designer labels that Summer was sporting comfortably, or maybe it was the disarming way that she presented herself. Having been around elite society, Brooke recognized that she was dealing with a different breed of teen than those found in Tree Hill. It was almost refreshing.
"So how did you two meet?" Brooke asked.
"I was sitting by the river when this hot guy comes up to me and asks if he can sit with me. We told abbreviated versions of our life stories, realized they both sucked and decided to hang out and commiserate. A couple of weeks of spending every spare moment together, and we were in love." Summer explained, smiling tenderly at Lucas. Lucas turned his head from the road and let his eyes convey her worth to him.
Brooke sighed softly and sat back. So that was that. She had never seen this particular look on Lucas before, and she knew what that meant. He had never truly been in love before Summer. Now Brooke had a decision to make. She could fight for him and try to break them up, making an enemy for life; or she could make nice with the California girl and maybe make a great friend in the process. If it had been Peyton, Brooke would have gone after Lucas in a heartbeat, and had been prepared for just such a fight. But now, the fight was over before it even began.
Taking a deep breath, Brooke leaned forward again. "So I was thinking about throwing a party next week before school begins – maybe a last bash of the summer party. Do you want to help?"
Summer grinned. "That sounds great! Maybe we could have it on the beach!"
Just as Brooke was about to reply, Summer's phone rang.
"Hello?" Summer answered.
"Summer?" The voice on the other line asked softly.
"Chino? What's wrong?" Summer asked, sitting up.
"I told you that Trey got out?" Ryan began. "And Marissa had been acting strange since we got back from Miami?"
"Yeah," Summer replied, she had been in contact with her friend all summer. She knew that Seth had returned and was now dating a girl named Alex, and that Ryan had gotten back with Marissa after a two week stint with a girl named Lindsey.
"Seth found out that Trey attacked Marissa. He tried to rape her Summer." Ryan growled into the phone.
Summer sat up. "Where are you? Where are you right now?" She asked urgently.
"I'm on my way to his apartment." Ryan confessed.
"Stop the car Ryan! Pull over right where you are! Right now Ryan, I mean it!" Summer shouted urgently. Lucas looked over at her in concern while Brooke just stared.
"Ok." Ryan whispered brokenly.
"If you go after Trey, you will go to jail or he will kill you." Summer reasoned.
"He attacked her Summer!" Ryan cried. Summer could hear him pounding the steering wheel.
"Then Marissa should have gone to her mom and the police, not Cohen and definitely not you. Where are Sandy and Kirsten?" Summer retorted.
"We had an intervention for Kirsten. She's an alcoholic. Sandy is taking her to rehab right now. She – she said some things." Ryan croaked.
"What did she say?" Summer asked gently.
"She said I had no right to say anything. That she let me in her house. It was like I was some jerk that she barely tolerated." Ryan whispered.
Summer closed her eyes. Of all the bad timing in the world. Gripping the phone tightly, Summer took a deep breath. "Ok Chino, this is what you are going to do. You are going to turn that car around and go back to the pool house. You are going to pack a bag. Then you are going to drive to the airport where there will be a ticket waiting for you. You are not going to talk to anyone, and you don't answer your phone unless it's me. You come to me Ryan, do you hear? You haul ass across this country and I will take care of everything."
"I hate to fly." Ryan protested weakly.
"Either the plane or a rage blackout." Summer declared.
"I'll get on the plane." Ryan agreed softly.
"I'll have that ticket waiting for you. Take the first flight to Tree Hill, North Carolina." Summer instructed. "I'll pick you up at the airport."
"Thanks." Ryan said solemnly into the phone.
"You're my friend Ryan. I look after my friends." Summer told him gently. "I'll see you in a few hours."
Summer ended the call and turned to face Lucas. "We need to go back. I need to set up a ticket to get Chino here and it'll be easier at the airport. I can't afford any mistakes."
"What happened?" Lucas asked, making a u-turn and heading back in the direction they had just come from.
"You know how I told you that Marissa and Ryan had gotten back together and that Ryan's brother Trey was out of jail?" Summer asked. When Lucas nodded, she continued. "Trey attacked Marissa."
Lucas gripped the steering wheel with white knuckles.
"Instead of going to the cops or her mom, she went and told Seth. So in turn, Seth told Ryan. Ryan was on his way to confront Trey when he called." Summer told him.
"Where were the other Cohen's?" Lucas demanded.
"Sandy is checking Kirsten into rehab tonight. They staged an intervention and she said some harsh things to Ryan. He didn't think he had the right." Summer sighed. "I'm just glad he called. There's no telling what Trey would do."
Lucas picked up her hand and kissed her palm. "You're a good friend. I hate that this happened, but I'm looking forward to meeting him."
"I think you guys will get along even though he plays soccer instead of basketball." Summer grinned.
"Nobody's perfect." Lucas shrugged.
Summer gasped and turned around. "Oh my gosh! Brooke I'm so sorry, I got distracted and forgot you were there. I promise I'm just going to run in and make the arrangements. It'll take him at least four hours to get here and that's if there's a flight leaving right away. We can go eat and take you home while he's traveling."
Brooke smiled sympathetically. "That's fine Summer. It's more important that you help this Ryan guy. Who is he anyway?" She asked.
Summer went into the entire story of Ryan Atwood while they drove back to the airport. By the end of her story, Brooke was rather intrigued to meet this guy herself. Taking a chance, she leaned forward. "If he needs a date to my party, I'd be happy to fill in."
Summer stared back at her for a moment before a slow smile came across her face. "I just might take you up on that. Let's see how long we get to keep him."
Brooke sat back and smiled in satisfaction. She was glad that she had matured and started thinking things through better this summer. Otherwise, she might have cut off her source to a potentially yummy guy.