Title: Third Time's the Charm, right?
Disclaimer: Characters and the entire show belongs to Mark Schwahn and the CW. I own nothing. No copyright infringement intended. (Although I really wished I'd own it, which you guys have probably read tonnes of, but think about it, if one of us Brucas shipper owned OTH then Lucas would have been smart enough to realize how Brooke was the one for him, and he would have seriously fought harder for her in S4 rather than giving up after what like a week? Well who am I to talk I haven't even watched that cursed season yet. No but seriously Lucas would have realized that he and Peyton were too similar to be anything but friends, I mean seriously Peyton is practically Lucas but the girl version. Anyway Rachel wouldn't have gotten hitched with Dan, she would still be besties with Brooke, and Naley would well be Naley. And Jeyton would have totally been end game. Brucas, Naley and Jeyton…Yup that's the way it should have been! The way it should be…)
A/N: Thanks for all the reviews and subscriptions (I think that's what they're called … Ha you can probably tell I'm new at this :D). I am so glad and grateful for those who bothered to read this little story. You guys have no idea how appreciative I am. Anyway, I just wanted to apologize for the super slow update and I can explain. I got capped :( so my internet was so slow that I couldn't even load Google© so once again I'm sorry. I also haven't had the chance to write because I've been sulking over my marks from my recent exams, not my best I have to say... Anyway please read and review, because all reviews are appreciated and loved. They really motivate me in finishing this story so the more the better. Anyway I hope you guys enjoy this chapter and with no further stalling I present to all you amazing people…
Title: Third Time's the Charm, right?
Chapter 2:
"Fashion Designer Brooke Davis seen leaving with Bestselling Author Lucas Scott Last Night"
"Brooke Leaving Jordan for Scott?"
"Davis Ditches Richards for a Scott brother"
"Lucas Scott staying at Brooke Davis' apartment for the night"
Brooke Davis grumbled as her phone began to wail, its ringtone sending shivers down her spine, which only meant her dreadful "mother" was calling. Attempting to return to sleep, the brunette rejected the call and snuggled further into her pillow. Unfortunately, the phone once more began to howl, indicating her mother's persistence. Knowing she won't be able to sleep any longer, the not-so-cheery woman sighed before picking up.
"Brooke, what the hell are you thinking?" her mother's piercing voice screeched through the earpiece of her phone, effectively waking up the previously tired brunette.
"Well hello to you too, mother. Damn it mother it's 4:30!" she grumbled as she looked over her alarm clock, knowing well enough she didn't need to be in the office until 7.
"What were you thinking leaving that party last night with Lucas Scott? Have you lost your mind? The damn media's been having a ball with this story!" Victoria screeched, furious at what her reckless daughter had done to her carefully crafted reputation. Victoria had been up, finishing a couple of paper work when articles of her daughter had popped up her computer screen, leading to a very frustrated and furious Victoria Davis.
Brooke groaned, her head pounding from her tired state and her mother's reprimands. Adding two and two, Brooke was certain her actions last night had finally caught up to her, and the media had already made something out of it.
"Damn it Brooke!" the older Davis hissed into the speaker of her phone, "Did you not think that you leaving that party with Lucas Scott and leaving your supposed boyfriend behind would be ignored by the media?"
Groaning, the brunette knew that this was going to be a very unpleasant and very long conversation. She got out of bed certain that Victoria would no way in hell let her go back to sleep, and wrapped her robe tightly around her, headed towards her kitchen to brew herself a very much needed dose of caffeine all the while attempting to keep the angered Victoria Davis at bay. She was in for it.
Lucas Scott woke up from the smell of coffee and the hushed hissing that seemed to have filled the apartment. Incoherent with his current situation, Lucas looked around the strange room, wondering where on earth he was and what did hell he did he do last night. Taking his surroundings in, and smelling the little but evident tinge of the familiar and calming sweet scent of butter cream that Brooke Davis was known to have, Lucas become much more coherent with his current state and was aware of who the quite hissing originated from.
Excitement surged through him as he became completely aware that Brooke Davis was merely a few feet away from him, and he stumbled out of bed in hopes to whisk her away from her work to spend more time with the bubbly brunette. As he grabbed for the doorknob, her disjointed hissing finally arranged themselves in an orderly manner and Lucas was able to get a whiff of what was troubling his former lover.
"I am focusing on the company mother!" Lucas heard Brooke huff, frustration laced all over her voice. "Lucas and I were just catching up for goodness sakes; the media is blowing this out of proportion!"
Lucas slowly slipped out of the guest bedroom, his facial expression apologetic, knowing that his little rendezvous with Brooke had got her into trouble with her mother. If Lucas wasn't feeling guilty about the situation he would have laughed at the thought. Never did he ever think that he, Lucas Scott, the innocent one would get Brooke Davis, the corrupter into trouble.
Brooke whirled around, rolling her eyes at her mother's lecture and realized Lucas who stood in front of the guest bedroom, staring at her looking extremely apologetic. With a wave of her hand, Brooke attempted to show him that this wasn't his fault, none of it was.
"Mom," Brooke groaned as she rubbed the temple in an attempt to relieve the inevitable formation of a migraine. "No! No, you know what we'll discuss this when I get to the office." Without waiting for her mother's reply Brooke hung up and let out a frustrated sigh.
"Sorry about that Luke, I didn't wake you did I?" Brooke tiredly asked, as she looked at the blonde worriedly.
Shaking his head, Lucas walked towards Brooke and gazed at her, his face etched with concern.
"Brooke, is everything okay?"
Brooke didn't know how to answer that question. Was she okay? Was she supposed to feel this way? That after all this time it was still the blonde author who managed to make her heat skip? That no matter how long or how many times she tried, she still couldn't stop herself from thinking of him? That the whole rumour between her and Lucas didn't really bother her at all? However, the brunette opted to bury these questions into her deep black box that for some reason seemed to look as if may burst any minute now. She felt herself blink away teas that were beginning to form and mentally scolded herself for even feeling this way since she had gotten over him ages ago. She had, right?
"Brooke, are you still there?"
"What? Oh, yeah, I'm fine." Brooke said quietly, mentally cursing herself for zoning out and thinking about things that should no longer enter her mind. "I'm fine."
"Brooke, c'mon it's me you're talking to. You might not think so but I know you Brooke Davis, and I know you're anything but fine right now. I am your Broody after all, remember?"
Brooke wanted to scream in frustration. Lucas didn't get it did he? He wasn't her Broody any longer, her Broody gave up on her in senior year, when she had desperately hoped that he would realize that she had lied to him. That she was lying to him. She had wished that Lucas was the boy who captured her heart, the one who saw through her façade, the one who loved her back. But he wasn't that boy. He let her go, claiming that he was wrong, that maybe he wasn't the guy for her. But he was, she knew deep down he was and always will be. She had pushed him away because she wanted him to fight for her, she wanted to know if she was for fighting for, that he thought she was worth fighting for. "Sometimes people play hard to get because they need to know the other person's feelings are real." Brooke remembered telling Haley that in the past, and although she had pretended that it was just for Haley and Nathan's situation, truthfully it was for her own as well. She had pretended that she no longer missed him, that she wouldn't fight for him, when frankly she had fought for him, she had fought the part of her that told her that she would end up getting hurt again, she had tried to hold off that part of her, waiting for Lucas to finally do what she had hoped him to do, to show her that she was the one for him, but he never did. And in the end, she did get hurt. Again.
Of course he didn't get it. Lucas never got it. Not when it came to her anyway. As amazing Lucas is, he is still the boy who had no clue on what she wanted, the boy who had no idea that she had wanted him to fight for her, to love her, and for once put her first. But the boy who fought, loved and prioritized belonged to Peyton, because, well people who were meant to be together always find their way in the end.
Lucas watched as Brooke tried to settle the internal conflict she was having. Lucas could tell especially how her eyes seemed to cloud and how she nibbled at her lips. Contrary to what Brooke thought, Lucas was sure that he knew her, although he would be first to admit that there were times that their relationship had been on rocky terms and the two no longer spoke, he still liked to think that he knew her. Because if he didn't then Lucas was sure he would never be able to handle it. Lucas didn't have to know Brooke, in fact he wanted to, needed to. He wanted to know every part of Brooke, the good, the bad, the vulnerable and the brave. And sure he knew most of that, but Brooke Penelope Davis never failed to surprise him time and time again, and he loved that about her. That no matter how many times Lucas assumed that he knew her, she would do something or say something that would completely throw him off, showing him that he doesn't really have her all figured out. And he probably never would, but Lucas didn't mind, not when he enjoyed learning something new about the brunette every day. And if he had the chance, he would do so every day of his life.
"Look Brooke," Lucas began when he couldn't stand her silence any longer. "You might not want to talk about it now or to me, but I want you to know that I'm here okay?" Lucas took a deep breath. "I'm not going to force you to tell me what's going on coz I'm pretty sure I know what the problem is, but what I'm trying to say is that if you need to talk and figure this entire thing out, I'll be here. Yeah, I know I don't really have the best track record with you, but I really do care about you Brooke, so when you're ready to talk or when you just want to escape from all this, I'll be here, I'll rescue you from all of it." He uttered the last few words quietly, knowing that Brooke will remember the promise they had made so long ago, the promise that he had vowed he'd keep, because if there was one thing Lucas couldn't stand was seeing Brooke hurt, and yes he had hurt her many times in the past, but he would be damned if he let that ever happen again or let anything happen to her. He knew her little problem with the media wasn't so serious that it would've required such a sombre conversation but Lucas wanted her to know, he needed her to know that he would keep that promise. He would rescue her from all of it, even from the smallest of things.
Brooke whipped her head up at Lucas, her eyes widened and glazed over what Lucas had just said. He had remembered. He had remembered their promise. Not knowing what to say, Brooke simply nodded, before rushing past the blonde and into her bedroom. She couldn't handle this right now, not when she had so much going on. Lucas saying those words simply drove her to her edge. He wasn't supposed to bring the past up. He just wasn't. It was an unwritten rule, but a rule nonetheless, for former lovers to not bring up the past unless they wanted to get back together or something, and Brooke was confident that Lucas did not want to get together, because he loves Peyton. It's always been Peyton and it always will be.
Lucas watched her retreating form, feeling the need to stop her but controlled himself, knowing that Brooke needed some space right now. Sighing, Lucas walked towards the heavenly batch of coffee, knowing that he really needed it.
"A bit too serious for 5 in the morning, don't you think, Lucas." He grumbled to himself.
Peyton was tired. She was tired of LA and her job. She was tired of the people there. And most of all was tired of being alone. "I should've said yes to Lucas" she grumbled as she shoved her bedroom door open. Empty and cold. That was what Peyton Elizabeth Sawyer's apartment looked like. Sighing, Peyton made herself a cup of coffee before doing anything else. Another day of work at her dead end job. "Fun!" she mumbled to herself as she thought about how her year had gone buy. Never did she think that she would still be stuck at her stupid dead end job, delivering letters and taking messages for the assistant of the assistant of the assistant and who know how many more damn assistants there were. The point was she was sick and tired of working for assistants.
She wanted to do what she loved, and that was to find new talent, talent that would bring the nostalgic feeling of hope, romance and inspiration, that feeling that you get when other human beings pick up a simple instrument and make sense of the world. The talent that would bring music into the world, to life and more importantly to her. She didn't do what she loved, no instead she just delivered meaningless letter to assistants, taking messages for assistants, assistants, assistants. Everything she did was for assistants. Why couldn't she do anything for music, the aspect she cared most of, the aspect that assisted in the moulding of Peyton Elizabeth Sawyer. She thought that by now she would've made a difference, a difference to people, to her. But instead here she was, working at a dead end job that did not satisfy her.
She was pretty much a failure in her eyes. Unlike her friends who had achieved what they wanted, what they've dreamed of. Haley was able to do what she loved, where she was given the opportunity to tour around the country and perform. She was able to later return and reunite with the person she loved, becoming a teacher, which she had been ecstatic about. Nathan was also able to do what he loved and that was to play basketball professionally, being the youngest shooting guard that was recruited by the Charlotte Bobcats. However the dream the that was possibly the most important to both Haley and Nathan that was fulfilled was the fact that after all years of obstacles, the two had remained in love, married and was given one of the greatest gifts anyone could have and that came in the form of the extremely adorable Jamie Lucas Scott. Lucas Scott, her former boyfriend also was able to do something that he loved and achieve his dreams. Even though his love for basketball and dream to one day play professionally did not happen, he had adjusted and became a writer, something he had thoroughly enjoyed since literature was always something he loved and enjoyed. And even her best friend Brooke Davis became successful, her company Clothes Over Bros becoming one of the most wanted and loved fashion brand in the world. No one had expected Brooke to make something of herself, considering her past promiscuous ways, however the influence and impact of Lucas Scott's presence has certainly assisted the brunette to venture into unknown waters and become someone who was respected and loved. Everyone had concluded that Brooke Davis would end up just like her mother, marrying someone who was wealthy and be in an unhappy marriage, however here she was, taking the world by storm, doing something she loved and was good at, and Peyton couldn't be help but feel proud. However, analysing her current situation, Peyton could not help but feel a tad bit jealous when comparing herself to her group of friends. They had all managed to do something that meant something to the, but here she was, doing something that was completely meaningless.
Letting out a groan of frustration, Peyton got herself ready for work, scolding herself for letting her mind wander into the abyss of regret and unhappiness. Again.
Both Brooke and Lucas had managed to leave her apartment paparazzi free since the two left her apartment at quarter to six, earlier than what the paparazzi expected since Brooke tended to leave her apartment at exactly 6:30.
An awkward silence loomed over the two and they didn't know how to fix it. Lucas and Brooke silently decided to leave their discussion as it is, possibly get back to it later when the timing was more convenient. The two had stood outside Brooke's penthouse building as Lucas waited with Brooke, while she waited for her driver to come around with the car. Standing awkwardly, the two had offered each other occasional smiles in an attempt to make each other more comfortable. As Brooke's driver came round with the car, Brooke had waved an awkward goodbye and hopped in as fast as her small feet could carry her. Lucas watched as the black Mercedes rolled off into the distance with the girl who's presence he cherished. Sighing to himself he called for a cab, all the while his mind consumed by the brunette who had just driven off into the distance, leaving him in her wake, like she always did.
Lucas had come to realised how many times he had let Brooke walk off from him whether it was from him in anger, in pain or just because, and never did he once go after her. The only time he could recall following her was the time they had that fight out in the rain, where he had called her a psycho, but also where he had given her his second most embarrassing speech. Lucas had realised that throughout the years that he had known Brooke, he had hardly followed her to stop her from walking away from him. He had always done so for Peyton, but never Brooke. Never the girl whom he claimed was the one for him. It was probably because with Brooke, sometimes it was just too hard, too hard to convince her that she was it, that she was the only one he wanted. But with Peyton, she had been easy, she had always believed him, never doubting him, always accepting him back with her arms wide open. And it was possibly because of this easiness that he had always followed after her, because he knew that in the end she would come back to him. But with Brooke, even if he did follow her, it would've been much harder, because Brooke Davis was not easy. Even though many had said she was possibly the easiest person there ever was, Lucas begged to differ. Brooke Davis was probably the most difficult person there was when it came to her heart, which he couldn't blame her because he was the reason for that. He had broken her heart in the worst possible way, scarring her, causing her to protect and barricade her fragile heart from any hurt.
Sighing, Lucas glanced out the window, knowing that whenever he let his mind wander to his past mistakes with the brunette he would feel his heart contort in a painful way. Instead he directed his mind to trivial matters in hopes to distract himself from the impending brooding that would sooner or later occur.
The first thing that Brooke heard when she entered her office was her mother's high pitched voice screaming at her. Groaning, Brooke knew she should've taken a detour instead of coming straight to her office. She knew she was in for it now; her actions had finally caught up to her and were going to bite her in the ass.
"Mother would you calm down!" Brooke let out, her voice laced with irritation as she nursed her already pounding head.
"Calm down! You're telling me to calm down! How can you be so reckless and do this Brooke! After all the hard work we've done to mould your reputation into something favourable, you go and do this!" her mother screeched, her voice dripping of venom.
"I don't see what the problem is-", Brooke tried to explain, but was interrupted as her mother shrieked.
"You don't see the problem? Are you joking with me right now? Did you fall and hit your little head? Because if you don't see the problem then you're much more stupid than I thought."
"Well the media is blowing this out of proportion! I don't see what the big deal is! Can't two friends bump into each other and catch up?" Brooke explained, attempting to keep Bitchtoria at bay.
"What did you think would happen, Brooke? You signed up for this life that means you have to live with the media shoving their nose in your business and making things up. But if you were smart you would've done so without having the media making things up that can ruin your reputation! Do you know what these little rumours lead to? Do you Brooke? Because I don't think you do. Your pretty little head didn't think of the consequences did it? Of course not! Damn it Brooke these rumours will lead to the media looking into your past relationship with that boy from the little Hicksville of a town, and they'll find out. I promise you Brooke, they'll find out everything there is, from your dramatic relationship with that boy and the past you. The Brooke who slept around and partied like there was no tomorrow, the Brooke who I tried to hide from the world." Her mother let out, her eyes narrowed as she pointed to Brooke, blaming her for the problem she had caused.
Knowing that she was never going to win this argument, Brooke groaned in frustration. She knew well enough that her mother was right, ditching Jordan would only cause the media to become increasingly curious about whom she had ditched him for. Meaning that they would become overly curious of Lucas Scott whose bestselling status would only cause the public to wonder how they met, if she had suddenly fallen for the articulate blonde and if they made a better couple than her and Jordan. Then they would begin their research and later realise that the Brooke in Lucas' novel was none other than Brooke Davis, and would comprehend the fact that the two had come from the same town, and that their history was in the novel. They would then realise the love she had for the author and conclude that the writer had once again stolen her heart and a public love triangle would ensue. Then if they wanted drama, they would drag Peyton into the light, asking her on how she felt about the ongoing drama that surrounded her best friend and former soul mate. The media would possibly falsely statements and manufacture stories just to add to the drama. And Jordan would be caught in the middle of everything, definitely not giving him the good publicity they had agreed on. Oh god, Brooke realised that if that wasn't enough, the media would begin pestering her Naley and their plus one for stories about her and Lucas, and the dreaded Bermuda Love Triangle of Death as well as new information. Hell they might even look deep enough and find fame deprived citizens of Tree Hill who would be willing to confess about the past for a chance to be in the spotlight. Then her whole past of promiscuity would come to light, definitely affecting her public image, and even Jordan and Lucas' to some extent. She had definitely screwed up this time.
"Jamie Lucas Scott, don't make me come up there and get you!" Haley hollered at her 6 year old son, who had scrambled upstairs of their enormous home after breaking one of Haley's vases. "Jamie what did I tell you about playing ball in the house?" Haley asked her voice stern as she made her way upstairs, on her mission to find her son. Nathan, beside her, chuckled at what was going to come out of this. Jamie was definitely in for it now.
Haley slapped Nathan lightly as she glared at him. "I don't see why you're laughing; you're in as much trouble as he is. You're the one who played with him."
Nathan looked at Haley, looking like a deer caught in the headlights. "But Hales-"
The handsome basketball player was interrupted by his wife's scowl and knew that he too was in trouble. However, what Nathan couldn't help but do was continue smiling because he couldn't help but feel extremely lucky. Never had he thought that he would end up with the most amazing woman who was crazy enough to love him as much as he loved her. He also never thought he'd be fortunate enough to have a son who adored him and that he would be living the dream. Before Haley walked into his life, Nathan had always concluded that he'd end up marrying Peyton and they'd both be miserable with each other. Or he would have been living the dream of playing basketball professionally but would have been known as the biggest ass ever, sleeping with girls and throwing them to the curb. Instead here he was, surrounded by people who he loved and who loved him back, he had a career that was earning him more money than he would ever need, he had a beautiful and talented wife who stood by his side and had faced the world together with him, he had a son who adored him and he had the amazing family man reputation that the younger Nathan Scott would have never believed. And Nathan couldn't help but feel grateful about his fortune every single day.
Sensing his wife looking at him and knowing for a fact that she was wearing that smirk of hers, Nathan quickly brought her on his shoulders, with her squealing, as he began to holler at their son. "Jamie quick, I've got your mom!"
Young Jamie poked his head out of his room and grinned at his father, his eyes lit up with mischief like a Christmas tree. Jamie dashed towards his parents and knew exactly what his father needed of him. And so he brought out his fingers as if they were some sort of weapons and waited for his father to rest his squealing mother onto the floor. And with that the two Scott boys began their mischief and tickled Haley, knowing that if they tickled her enough, she would forget about her vase and treat them with say ice cream?
Lucas had spent the rest of the day cooped up in his hotel room attempting to get some work done by reading through some of the manuscripts writers had sent in, in hopes that their novel will be published, just as he did a year ago. Lucas approached each manuscript he was given to edit and read through with a burning desire to find someone talented, someone who had the ability to turn mere words into something so much more, because truth is told, Lucas needed inspiration. He wanted to read and write something that meant to someone, that his narration and story wasn't just a story to them, it was something so much, something that gave people hope and inspiration. He had wanted to make a contribution in the world of literacy, writing something that changed the minds and perception of others as well as change their world. Sure, this goal of his was rather over the top, but Lucas wanted to write something that truly meant something, to others but most importantly to him. He wanted to write something accurate, something the editors and the publishing company did not alter because it simply "wouldn't sell". And so, Lucas Scott would often spend hours labouring over the manuscripts, finding that simple and yet significant inspiration that he had lost so long ago.
However, as previously narrated, Lucas had spent the rest of the day cooped up in his hotel room attempting to get some work done. But he couldn't possibly do that, not when his mind was consumed by no-one other than Brooke Davis. Instead of pondering over what the manuscripts expressed, Lucas brooded over Brooke Davis and how much trouble she was in. Lucas had earlier received a call from Lindsey, who was put to the task of asking what was going on, and commanded Lucas to fix whatever mess he had gotten himself into. Lucas was certain over the fact that Brooke Davis didn't have the luxury to get off the hook that easily, instead the young brunette would be forced to sit, listen to her mother's lecture and ranting about her recklessness and would later meet with her publicist and go through the process of cleaning up the mess the Broody and Cheery duo had made. Lucas couldn't help but worry for Brooke, knowing that she was being reprimanded for what the two had caused. And so, after a few more minutes of pondering over Brooke and how she was dealing with the situation as well as worrying about how much trouble she was in, Lucas had decided to find Brooke, and maybe shift the blame to him, rescuing her from the stress and pressures she definitely did not need more of considering her already thin figure which Lucas noticed the night previously and had gathered the thoughts that she had definitely lost a considerable amount of weight, and although she still looked lavishing and healthy, it was still alarming to see Brooke that thin. And so, Lucas had mounted his white horse, intending to find Brooke and rescue her and determined to keep his promise made so long ago as well as be her knight in shining armour. What Lucas failed to recognise was, he was walking directly and willingly into a lion's den, and could only add fuel to the already blazing fire.
Victoria was not given the opportunity to lecture Brooke any further as Amanda stormed into Brooke's office and had demanded that Brooke explain herself. Victoria who had exclaimed that she was just asking Brooke the exact same question, was dismissed out of the room by both Brooke and Amanda, and although the monster of a mother was furious over the fact that she was getting dismissed, Amanda had convinced the stubborn woman that it was not Victoria's job to take care of the publicity aspect of the business but rather it was hers, and so after much debate, Victoria had given in, for now. Victoria had threatened Brooke that their discussion was anything but over and had promised to return later to discuss the matter with the tormented fashion designer.
Before Brooke had the chance to let out a sigh of relief, Amanda had begun her torture. Demanding Brooke explain herself and recount the event and every other detail that was necessary in order that the issue could be dealt with. Brooke, although was still unfortunate enough to go through the strenuous process, she still felt that this was much more of an improvement from the previous circumstance she was in. Anything was better than having to face her demon of a mother. Brooke was always first to acknowledge the sad fact that her mother was a bitch. In fact, she had so affectionately named her mother Bitchtoria. After spending time with the infamous Lucas Scott at their 'engagement night', Brooke had rashly agreed to go into business with her mother, in naïve hope that her mother would finally be, well a mother. Brooke, who was robbed of loving parents and had missed out of the loving kindness and adoration from parents which many of us have taken for granted, had yearned for such affection from either of her parents. And so, she had spent most of her adolescent life doing things that even Paris Hilton would be shocked to hear, in hopes that these things will get back to her parents and earn their attention. Sadly, after years and years of trying, Brooke was not given any single glance and was simply ignored. Enter Lucas Scott who saw through her façade and caught a glimpse at the vulnerable girl who had yearned for love. He was the first guy to really look beyond the beauty and sex, but rather look for the girl who was deprived of love. He had also been the first guy to offer her some sort of love, an affection he had not because of the benefits that came with her, but because of the selflessness and fierce loyalty she had for those she loved. He had come to love her every aspect of her, cherished her, treasure her flaws rather than criticise them, but most importantly he had made her feel the love she had hopes for, he had made her feel like the most important person, and Brooke couldn't help but feel grateful. She knew for a fact that because Lucas had loved her and appreciated her, that she would always love him, and sure one day she may go and marry someone who she would love and who would do the same as Lucas did which was love her, but Lucas would however always have a piece of her heart, because as the saying goes, you never forget your first love. Getting off track here, Brooke after a year of going into business with Victoria had come to realise that her mother would never be the mother she had hoped for, rather her mother was more of a tyrannical dictator, who adored one main thing, and that was success. And so, her mother pushed her until her company became what it was today, sure Brooke was grateful for her mother's connections and what not, but the success did not come from her mother alone, rather it mostly came from Brooke and her amazing talent for fashion. Her lines were not adored by the public because of her mother but rather because of Brooke's knack for clothing, Brooke Davis was the reason for the success of Clothes Over Bros, no one else. Brooke had spent many moments with her friends and they have all made her realise that the company did not need Victoria. And sure enough Brooke had come to agree, however that didn't mean she wanted to get rid of her mother, because let's face it, Brooke still wanted to have some sort of relationship with her mother because she still carried the hope that her mother would one day want to simply hang out with her daughter. So, Brooke held onto that sliver of hope and endured through all the crap her mother made her go through.
Brooke reached for her cup of coffee and took a sip out of it. She had unfortunately realised that her batch of the heavenly drink was draining at an alarming rate, and noted to herself that she was going to have to get some more. Brooke then made herself comfortable and began to recall what happened last night to Amanda.
Lucas had decided to stop by Brooke's office, however had been stopped by a crowd of paparazzi who had camped out of the hotel. Lucas, overwhelmed by the flashing and screaming of questions, that Lucas stumbled a bit. Taking his time to comprehend what was going on, Lucas had realised that Brooke's fame was so much more than he had thought. Sure he had thought she was huge and the public loved her, but never did he imagine that rumour that surrounded her and others would be bombarded this way. Lucas had been first to be exposed to the public, and was known to be a bestselling author before Brooke made her big break, and never had he been attacked by paparazzi this way.
"Lucas is it true? Have you been dating Brooke secretly?"
"How long have you guys been together?"
"Is Brooke Davis from your novel really THE Brooke Davis of Clothes Over Bros?"
Lucas stood there and gaped at the paparazzi, awestruck at what was happening. Being in the public eye was never something Lucas wanted. Sure he knew that part of being an author was the publicity, but the public's attention to him was never really an issue, he was left alone most of the time, and the only time he had to face the media was in interviews and promotional meet and greets. There was also the occasional attendance to his brother's basketball banquets that often had media coverage, but other than those, Lucas was new to the whole paparazzi thing and was pretty much a normal civilian. Lucas finally got himself together, and had weaved through the sea of photographers. He jogged a bit, down the road and had called for a cab. The paparazzi had followed him and continued throwing their questions at him, their flashing seriously taking a toll on Lucas' eyes. A cab veered near Lucas, causing Lucas to sigh in relief. Telling the cab driver where to, Lucas finally felt himself relax. Burying his face in his hands Lucas thought, what had he gotten himself into.
Rachel Gatina was rather weary after her early morning photo shoot and had decided to take one of her extremely long breaks, and call it a day. Contemplating on which club she would go to tonight, the feisty red-head almost failed to recognise the image of her best friend. However, the red-head was always the observant one and after glancing at the headlines and doing a double take, had snatched the gossip magazine from the stand. Her eyes widened as she had come to realise that the cover consisted of her best friend and the infamous Lucas Scott. Throwing change at the vendor, the red-head broke into a rushed power walk and had slipped out her phone, intending to ask her idiotic best friend in what the hell is going on. After getting nothing but voicemail, the model cursed and knew that her friend was so dead with Bitchtoria. The model rushed to get to her apartment after a few more minutes of walking, wrenched the door open and slammed it shut, threw her keys into some unknown location, which she will later come to realise the idiocy of the action and regret her decision of throwing it, and yanked the magazine wide open to the page that ranted about the latest rumour that involved her best friend. Seeing that her best friend had once again enabled Lucas Scott to whisk her off her feet and into her apartment, the model knew her best friend was probably going to be dealing with her bitch of a mother as well as the publicity that she was getting. Groaning, the red-head wanted to catch the soonest flight to New York and punch her best friend's stupidity. Grabbing her phone, she dialled the fashion designer once more and had opted to leave a frustrated message.
"Damn it Brooke! When I told you to find Lucas' stupid ass and fix the stupid tension between you two during those freakin' months you spent sulking over him, I didn't mean for you to get it on with him. And we both know I wouldn't have a problem if you did the dirty with the younger Scott, instead I'd be ecstatic since that'd mean that you haven't lost your touch at all, but we both know you're too much of a killjoy to do that. " The model exclaimed into her phone.
Her tone however softened, knowing that Brooke did not need her to be all bitchy right now. "Hey Slut, call me okay? Just don't go getting it on with your other ex-boyfriends. Bye"
She ended the call and stared at the picture that was splashed over the article page. Brooke looked happy, and the red-head knew it. She could tell from the stupid grin the brunette had and how her dimples were so prominent that Brooke Davis was really happy. And Rachel wasn't sure whether the mess that was in front of her was such a bad thing after all.
Brooke had finished recalling all the details Amanda had asked of her, and Amanda who, although was a driven woman who can sometimes be, well a bitch, was still considerate enough to notice that Brooke was exhausted from the demand and anxiety of the situation, and had managed to use her persuasive ability on Brooke and convinced her to return home and rest up. It was going to be a long process but, Amanda reassured her that they'll confirm that Brooke and Lucas are simply friends and agreed with Brooke that the media definitely blew the impromptu get together out of proportion. Brooke was relieved and had agreed to go home, because her headache was getting worse, she knew she should try and get some rest before Victoria comes and demand her presence for another one of their 'discussions'. Amanda had forewarned her of the crowd of paparazzi waiting for her at the entrance of Clothes Over Bros headquarters and had suggested that Brooke call her driver instead of trying to get a cab. Knowing that she was right, Brooke had done as she was told.
Twenty minute later, Brooke opened her apartment door, and dropped her bag onto the floor. She headed straight for her bed when someone cleared their voice. Panicked, Brooke whipped her body around to face the intruder and had caught sight of Jordan's apologetic but amused smile.
"Jesus Jordan what the hell?" Brooke screeched, as she placed her hand near her heart.
Jordan shrugged his shoulders before letting out an amused laugh. "Sorry, didn't mean to scare you there."
"Well you should have thought of that before letting yourself in MY apartment without MY knowledge."
"I'll keep that in mind." Jordan said, as he smiled at her and patted the seat next to him, inclining Brooke to take it.
Brooke made her way towards him, and plopped onto the seat. Jordan, still smiling at her, placed a comforting hand on her knee and gazed at her adoringly. During the short time the actor had known Brooke; she had managed to weave her way into his heart and had become one of his great friends. Sure he didn't love her in a romantic way, but he loved her like a sister and seeing her exhausted was something that he did not enjoy. Jordan could tell that Brooke had probably been lectured by her mother and she was probably sick of the whole rumour that's taking the world of fame by a storm. Jordan's publicist had been quite neutral about the rumour, claiming that the public would feel sympathetic for Jordan since he was the one who was being allegedly cheated on, but his publicist also claimed that this was still unwanted attention. His publicist had said that he would discuss the matter with Amanda and told Jordan to ignore everything, and was considerate enough to tell him to go check on Brooke, since well they both knew that she was being tortured by Victoria. Jordan and his publicist had been acquainted to Victoria enough for them to be aware that she was a terrible mother, and Jordan hated seeing the heartbroken look on Brooke when he asked her about it.
"You okay Brookie Cookie?" Jordan asked, knowing that would get a smile out of the beautiful brunette.
Brooke scrunched her face at Jordan's odd choice of a pet name. "Brookie Cookie? What the hell? Jordan, are YOU okay?" Brooke asked, smiling as she placed her hand on his forehead playfully, to check his temperature.
"I asked first Penelope." Jordan smiled, feeling good that Brooke was smiling.
"I'm okay." Brooke muttered before letting out a sigh.
Before Jordan could say anything else, the apartment door slammed open, and Victoria came barging in, her eyes and nose flared out like those bulls in cartoons, the only this missing was the smoke that would fume out of her nostrils. If Victoria didn't look like she was going to kill Brooke, Jordan would have laughed. Instead, he remained fixed in his seat, and squeezed Brooke's knee as a form of comfort when he felt her tense up. Seeing Brooke's mournful look, Jordan was determined to stay with her, because he'd be damned in letting her face Victoria's wrath alone.
"Brooke you haven't explained yourself yet, what in the world were you thinking? I thought you learnt from your lesson that nothing good comes out of Lucas Scott or anyone else from Hicksville" Victoria let out, and before giving Brooke the chance to explain, exploded at Brooke. "Damn it Brooke, didn't you think this would have affected your reputation? It affects not only your reputation but it also affects Jordan. Why are you so reckless?" Victoria continued to vomit words of reprimand, her condescending tone ringing throughout the penthouse. Brooke groaned in exhaustion, scolding at herself for thinking she had gotten away from the situation for a while.
Lucas could see Clothes Over Bros headquarters, and could tell that the entrance was crowded by a mass of paparazzi. Knowing that he won't be able to get through them without being recognised, Lucas told the driver to instead drive to Brooke's apartment. At least there, he could go in through one of the side entrances and not be seen. He would then wait outside Brooke's apartment, and go from there.
Twenty minute later, Lucas paid the cab driver and entered from the right side entrance. He made his way in and soon reached the top floor or the building. Exiting the elevator and into the large hallway that contained only one door, Lucas was about to knock when he heard Brooke's outburst. He could comprehend some words like terrible mother and bitch, which Lucas was certain were aimed at none other than Victoria Davis. Not letting himself any more time to wallow in his thought and wondering what was happening, Lucas burst into the home of Brooke Davis and took in the sight in front of him.
All outbursts seized once the subject of the argument stepped into the room, looking well dumbfounded. After Victoria had comprehended the fact that Lucas Scott was standing in Brooke' living room, she had gone completely livid over this. "WHAT IS HE DOING HERE? BROOKE DID YOU CALL HIM? ISN'T IT ENOUGH THAT THE PAPARAZZI CAUGHT HIM COMING HERE LAST NIGHT?" she bellowed, her voice beginning to sound strained. Lucas took a step back at Victoria's outburst, looking suspiciously scared. Victoria however then pointed her finger at him and her eyes narrowed. "YOU! Will you stop ruining my daughter's life and leave her the hell alone. She doesn't need any of you country people coming and leeching off her! You may have done so in high school but that is no reason to continue doing so when she has a company to look after!"
Lucas was shocked to say the least that Victoria would think he was leeching off her daughter. If anything she is the one who's leeching off Brooke. Victoria's the one who's feeding off her daughter's success and is the one that's making her life hell. Narrowing his eyes, Lucas was just about to give Victoria a piece of his mind, when Brooke stepped up and stopped her mother's insults that were directed only at him.
"Mother, this isn't Lucas' fault!" she began but Victoria stepped in.
"Not his fault! NOT HIS FAULT! Are you blind Brooke? Has this boy got you so wrapped up that you can't see what he's doing? Are you really that stupid!" Victoria hollered her eyes lit up in flames from the anger that was stored within her. "Of course you're stupid! You've always been! God damn it! It's Clothes OVER Bros Brooke! Get it through that thick skull of yours. That boy is nothing but a parasite to you and the company! But you can't comprehend that can you? Your just too dense to understand and quite frankly too dense to run the company. Clothes Over Bros would prosper without you! It doesn't need someone who's going to prance around with a boy that would threaten their reputation and company. You're just the same slut in high school who never thought of consequences, and who couldn't pass her classes. And I don't understand why I ever agreed to work with an ungrateful child like you! It's obvious you needed my help, and yeah sure you've got the talent, but talent only gets you so far. You're a talented designer Brooke, but you have no business sense. Truth be told, you're not smart enough, and so for the past year I've laboured to build this company while all you did was look pretty for the camera and stay out of trouble. But you couldn't even do that? Now tell me Brooke what does that show you? Do you know what that shows me? That you don't deserve to stay with our company."
Lucas felt his blood boil in anger at the words that spilled out of Victoria Davis' mouth. Who did she think she was saying such things to Brooke. Lucas glanced in Brooke's direction and the tears that streamed down her face only drove him to the edge. "How can you disrespect Brooke like that? She's your daughter for god's sakes!" Lucas let out in disbelief. "Let me set you straight, if anyone is stupid, it's you, because from what I see and know, Brooke is amazing. She is selfless, beautiful and so amazingly loyal. You should be grateful that you've been blessed with an amazing woman for a daughter, but instead here you are putting her down. God, I don't know why Brooke puts up with you, but it's probably because of her amazing heart, the one she uses to forgive you. Can't you see how amazing your daughter is to be able to put up with a bitch of a mother like you? Brooke Davis is not stupid, in fact she's one of the smartest people I've had the privilege to meet, and if you can't see that then you're more pathetic than I thought."
"You think your insults affect me? Coming from a pest like you? You're words are nothing to me, so if I were you I'd walk off before I say something that will hurt your pitiful feelings."
Brooke couldn't believe the wicked women that stood before her. She had never seen her mother this way before, and truthfully all it did was show her what her mother really was like. Brooke Davis would be first to admit that though she may not be the brightest crayon in the box, she was still proud of herself, and her mother's exclamation simply hurt her. And her mother's lashing out at Lucas was something she will not stand for. No one messes with Brooke Davis' family, and Victoria was far from being family.
"How dare you? How dare you barge into my house, speak to my friend that way? How dare you tear me down and how dare you Victoria accuse me of ruining the company I built up. Clothes Over Bros is my company, not ours, mine. I don't know who you think you are to come and speak to me and my friends that way but if anyone is ruining my life and the company, it's you."
Before Brooke could let out another word, she felt a stinging on her cheek and looked at her mother's raised hand.
To be continued...
A/N: So what do you guys think? Is Victoria a bitch or what? Anyway please read and reviews. Reviews really help so please :D.
So I have a couple to replies:
Princesakarlita411: So will Lucas fight for Brooke? I hope this chapter has shown that hell yes Lucas Scott will fight for Brooke. Stuff the Lucas who was pathetic enough to let Brooke walk away from him time and time again. This is my fanfiction and I'd be damned to let the Lucas let Brooke go without him having to fight her first. And it doesn't hurt to let Brooke play hard to get for a bit. :D But yes I hope this answers your question, and thank you very much for reviews.
Sunshine: Thank you. That means a lot. I hope this chapter is proper too, considering I didn't really get much time to edit, and so there will be many mistakes, but please bear with me.
dianehermans: Thank you so much for your comments and messages. I would reply to you privately but I just thought I should write it here so people are aware on how your messaged help me finish this chapter A.S.A.P. Once again thank you! 3
seddieconnection: Thank you, I'm ecstatic that you enjoyed the story so far. It's so nice to see reviews like these.
HouseBroken: I'm so glad you loved it, thank you so much.
OVERALL: Thanks you to everyone who put an alert on my story and reviews. I feel so loved. (giggle) Anyway THANKS SO MUCH! New Chapter will be up as soon as I finished. I know that sucks because well I take a really long time to write and I totally should've written like 10 chapters before posting the first, but I wanted to do it as I post it so I could get feedback and improve it according to your suggestions. Anyway I'll try my very best to finish the next chapter.