Title: Third Time's the Charm, right?
Disclaimer: Not mine and if I did end game would be Brucas, Jeyton and Naley. So no, not mine. I own nothing. Nothing at all.
A/N: Okay I'm apologizing once more for the super slow update. I wish I didn't have school and assessments. I'm actually writing when I'm supposed to be studying. But I'm unmotivated so I decided to do something that can take my mind off things for a while. So I turned on my DVD player, placed OTH S3 and TADA! A brand new chapter of Third Time's the Charm, right? Although it didn't happen that fast. Once more thank you for all your reviews and alert subscription and even adding this little story to your favourite lists, really appreciate it. Oh and I've taken the suggestion about Rachel, (btw thank you DANI OTH) and I'm kind of embarrassed to say that this idea didn't cross my mind (whoops...?). OH AND I ALSO MADE THIS CHAPTER LONG TO MAKE UP FOR THE PREVIOUS CHAPTER! Anyway here you go and don't forget to review (the more the better). Suggestions are welcomed; I need your input in how the story is going in order for me to continue writing this story the way you would all enjoy. So please review. Thanks you! And so I present to you the next chapter to Third Time's the Charm, right?
Title: Third Time's the Charm, right?
Chapter 4:
A ray of sunlight made its way onto the brunette's face, striking it and effectively waking her from her restless slumber. Incoherent of where she was, Brooke was startled when she felt someone's warm arms tighten themselves around her. Perplexed, she suddenly registered that her arms too were wrapped around this certain someone. However, the mere scent of the person she was sleeping with brought her the recognition she needed. Brooke Penelope Davis was in bed with none other than Lucas Scott. And with that realization the events of the previous day had rushed to her resulting in Brooke once again feeling that void within her that she knew would not be disappear any time soon.
~Flashback~
Brooke had managed to dig deeper into Lucas' embrace and her tears had managed to stop its flow. She was exhausted from it all and had so desperately wished that Lucas could rescue her, but he hadn't managed to. She had hoped that being in his arms would make her forget. Forget all the words her mother spat at her, forget all the times she had been betrayed, forget all the times that she was forced to shed tears of misery and hurt. His arms didn't make her forget though. Instead they brought some forms of comfort. Comfort she desperately needed and wanted. And Brooke was still grateful. Grateful for Lucas and how his simply gesture could bring her some forms of escape from her troubles, grateful to the way Lucas stood up for her, tried to protect her from her horrid mother, grateful for Jordan and his protective care. She was grateful for the two men who had tried so hard to minimize the blow of her mother. But it still hurt in the end anyway. It didn't matter that she was in some way protected from her mother's venomous words because it the end it hurts all the same, just like how it hurt when Lucas cheated on her for her best friend and he didn't mean to hurt her. It didn't matter if he didn't mean to, because in the end Brooke was still hurt, she was still betrayed and she was still shattered. Similar to that, the boys' attempts to protect her was commendable and she could never be grateful enough, but her mother's words cut her deep inside.
Noticing that Brooke was no longer crying but was simply thinking Lucas tightened his embrace around her, letting her know he was here for her and he wasn't going anywhere. Seeing what had unfolded before his eyes, Lucas couldn't help but feel rage towards the woman who brought the beautiful woman in his arms to life. What kind of a mother was Victoria Davis, treating her daughter as if she was a measly piece of garbage? Brooke Davis is anything but garbage. She is strong, beautiful, independent, loyal, and trustworthy and had so much more commendable attributes that made her unique and amazing. She brought rays of sunlight in the world of others, her cheeriness contagious and her infectious laugh brought smiles to everyone who was privileged enough to befriend her. But seeing his Cheery so shattered, Lucas couldn't help but promise to himself that he was not going to let anything ever break her. He swore that he won't let anything or anyone in this entire world ever make her question herself ever again.
Snapping out of her reverie, Brooke looked up at Lucas who offered her a soft comforting smile. She couldn't help but look into his eyes, which time and time again she found herself lost in, and she hated but loved it at the same time. His eyes were always the ones that she loved the most about him, then his lips and then… She stopped herself before she let her mind wander any further. She wasn't going to let herself go back there. She was no longer going to linger her thoughts of Lucas in that way because in the long run she was the one who was going to get hurt.
Not a few minutes later, Lucas noticed how Brooke eyes were beginning to droop, possibly due to the amount of tears she had shed. Not waiting for any other indications or suggestions, Lucas slowly but firmly lifted Brooke's body who was snugly wrapped in his arms and carried her to her room. Brooke, too tired to refuse let herself relax in his arms. Slowly lowering her onto her bed, Lucas slowly removed himself from her, not wanting to snap her out of her gradual slumber. However the blonde gentleman was unsuccessful when Brooke tightened her hold of him.
"Don't go. Please." The fashionista pleaded, not wanting to be alone while the shadows that inhibited her dreams came to visit.
Lucas didn't need any more words and nodded. Slowly removed Brooke's arms around his neck, whispering words of comfort, letting her know he wasn't going anywhere but rather was only going to make himself more comfortable. Brooke nodding let go waited for Lucas to wrap his arms around her, in hopes that his warmth will chase away the shadows. Feeling her mattress lower, Brooke instinctively sought for Lucas and snuggled deep into his chest, just like she used to back when he still loved her. Slowly, Brooke began to slip into unconsciousness with Lucas comforting breaths soothing her and his arms protectively wrapped around her.
Lucas laid there, hoping that things were only going to get better for one of his dearest friend. He was glad that he was here to rescue her, to an extent, and he was glad that he had managed to keep one of his promises.
Brooke grudgingly but carefully and gently removed herself from Lucas, smiling gently as the blonde snuggled into the blanket while his hands searched for her. Brooke couldn't help but smile at how Lucas' sleeping habits had managed to withstand the test of time, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of loss, knowing that at one point she was able to wake up in his arms every morning and watch him sleep peacefully only for him to tell her how creepy she was, and how she would retort and tell him that he would do the exact same thing to her, only more often. Not wanting to let her mind linger to the past, because well it's the past, Brooke tip toed to her door, wanting to let her blonde friend sleep for a while longer, assuming that he didn't get too much sleep last night with her clinging onto him being restless. Once out of her room, Brooke sighed and made her way towards the coffee machine to take hold of the much needed caffeine. Moving around her kitchen, Brooke was sure to prepare her coffee as quietly as possible. While waiting for her pot of gold to be ready, Brooke's mind inevitably began to wander towards the unfortunate topic of her mother. She was slightly glad that she would no longer have to deal with her mother's demand and lectures, but the major part of her yearned for the loving mother she was so cruelly deprived of. Hell a father would have been just as wanted. Unfortunately for Brooke though, neither of her parents wanted anything to do with her, wanting a daughter who was neither seen nor heard, but someone who would graciously accept their 'love' in the form of money and be off doing something that didn't bring dishonor to the family. However Brooke of course didn't want that, instead she wanted parents who would happily have dinner with her, insist on spending time with her and most importantly love her and support her.
Before Brooke could further delve into the depressing topic of screwed up family matters a voice interrupted her thoughts and effectively gave her heart a good scare.
"Hey Brooke" a voice mumbled, sleepily stumbling into her large kitchen effectively causing the brunette to whip her head towards the voice, her eyes wide open, her mouth gaped wide and her hand cradling her thumping chest.
"Jordan? What the hell? You know better than sneaking up behind me!" Brooke screeched as she inhaled a deep breath hoping it'll calm her heart down.
"Sorry" Jordan mumbled before a yawn occupied him.
"What are you doing here? Did you sleep on the couch?" Brooke asked, worried that Jordan had to sleep on the couch because as comfortable the couch is; a person was better off sleeping on proper beds.
Sleepily, Jordan shook his head, his eyes drooping in an adorable manner. "I stayed in the guest bedroom and I decided to stay the night to make sure no other cheating rumors surfaced since Lucas was staying over again."
"Oh, thank you" Brooke began but was interrupted when Jordan walked towards her and pulled her close to him and embracing her.
"How are you Brookie?" Jordan mumbled concern deeply laced in his voice.
"I've been better." She muttered back, telling him honestly not having any strength lying to him when he was just going to call her on it.
"I'm sorry"
"Yeah me too" she replied sadly, digging deeper into his embrace, glad to have a brother like figure here with her. Jordan reminded Brooke of Nathan, always protecting her from any possible hurt. He was really a big softie and Brooke loved that about him. He had the cool popular guy reputation much like Nathan, but they were anything but cool when befriended, but rather dorky and sweet.
"Thank you for staying Jordan and I'm so sorry for dragging you into this mess and-" Brooke began but was interrupted when Jordan pulled back from the embrace and smiled her.
"It's not your fault Brooke, these things happen." Jordan said as he shrugged his shoulders. Noticing how Brooke seemed unconvinced, Jordan lifted her head to face him. "Hey it's okay. None of this is your fault. The way I see it is that an old friend came to visit, needed a place to crash and the media blowing that out of proportion. But you know what it doesn't matter because I forgive you and I'm willing to take you back." Jordan said arrogantly and sending Brooke a wink.
Brooke couldn't help the curving of her lips into a small but evident smile. Trust Jordan to say something stupid but amusing so she decided to play along, seeing that Jordan was only trying to cheer her up. "Take me back? Oh Jordan what would I have done if you didn't!"
"You don't want to know, so consider yourself lucky baby." Jordan drawled, his eyebrow rising up and down. Brooke couldn't help but laugh before wrapping her arms around him again.
"You know you're pretty awesome." Brooke muttered into his chest, smiling softly against him, glad to have such an amazing man in her life.
"I know." Jordan agreed feigning arrogance. Brooke chuckled softly against him. Before the pair had any more chances to stay in each other's arms, they were interrupted by Lucas who cleared his throat.
"Sorry, I didn't really mean to interrupt" Lucas said, looking a bit sheepish.
"It's cool. I was just telling Brooke how lucky she is because I've decided to take her back." Jordan responded, earning him playful slap from Brooke. Sending Lucas a soft smile, Brooke removed herself from Jordan's embrace and returned to her initial task of making her a cup of coffee. Moving through the kitchen, Brooke managed to offer the other two a cup of their own, which both gratefully inhaled the heavenly scent and sipped the reviving liquid.
Lucas smiled to himself when Brooke looked good. Yes she looked exhausted with the restless sleep she had last night, twisting and turning in his arms, but she was smiling a small smile. She looked good given the circumstances and Lucas couldn't help but feel that it was Jordan's doing. Lucas couldn't help but feel a tad bit jealous at Jordan's ability to so easily put a smile on Brooke's face, but then again Lucas no longer had the right to feel jealous. If anything he should be glad for Brooke to have such an amazing guy in her life, who had never let her down and was always there to catch her when she fell. And Lucas was glad, but a tiny part of him had hoped that maybe he could be that someone. He was too late he guessed, considering how he had all the time in the world to prove himself to Brooke to be that person she could always depend on and who wouldn't hurt her, but he took her forgiving nature and her for granted and committed one of the worse transgressions. Cheating on her for her best friend, not once but twice. (Well technically he didn't kiss Peyton back, but it was cheating nonetheless.) And so she found that dependable individual in Jordan who seemed to be a really great guy and loved her. Not that Lucas minded because anyone who had the privilege to get to know Brooke Davis would immediately love her or is too stupid not to. What disturbed Lucas was the feeling he was getting for not being that someone, because truth be told he wanted to be that someone who she could count on, someone she could turn to. Too bad he screwed up his chance and stomped on her heart.
"So I don't want to bring the topic up but we need to talk about it sooner or later." Jordan began seriously, keeping his eye on Brooke just in case she would refuse to get into anything at the moment. "How are we going to deal with this whole situation?"
Brooke nodded her head, knowing he was right. She couldn't expect them to simply ignore the paparazzi when all they were going to do was follow them with their cameras flashing in their eyes, their screaming voices screeching for answers and their pestering stalking. She didn't want any of them to live like that. Well technically she and Jordan lived such a lifestyle but the current rumors that circulating the media has amped the paparazzi that followed them and she wanted to reduce that to its minimum.
"So how do you guys want to deal with this?" Lucas asked, knowing that the two had been in the public eye and experience with things like this to have some forms of knowledge associated with paparazzi.
Jordan and Brooke looked at each other, each wearing a frown on their face and somehow came to conclusion when nodding to each other after looking into each other eyes, knowing what was required of the situation. Then in front of Lucas both Brooke and Jordan walked off to find their phones to call their respective fixers.
Rachel had managed to get her hands on plane tickets for the soonest flight out to New York where her best friend was currently in knee deep trouble. After more calls and text messages and voicemail and not receiving any calls or text messages back, the feisty model was sick and tired of waiting and so had decided to purchase a ticket for the soonest flight out of LA. Now, sitting in coach, Rachel felt her levels of irritation creep higher and higher as she realized that she was going to be sitting in coach for God knows how long. In her entire lifetime, Rachel had never flown coach before, always first class, not that that was difficult considering how she grew up being fed with silver spoons and was now a renowned model. Unfortunately for her though, all first class seats were taken and Rachel, being the amazing friend she was had decided that she was not going to wait any longer because her friend needed her. (And because her curiosity levels were at its peak and if she didn't find out what had happened soon she'd probably explode. Not that anyone needed to know that.) And so Rachel now suffered the unfortunate event of having to sit beside a rather unpleasant smelling individual. But of course, Rachel kept her temper at bay, her mind becoming occupied with her friend's current predicament. She kept her phone on, narrowing her eyes at it, willing it to ring. But alas, it did not do so, instead, Rachel was interrupted from her odd staring contest from an individual who had taken the seat next to her. Feeling her frustration at its relative peak, Rachel whipped her head the side to face the idiot who was stupid enough to lay a finger on her and tap her.
"What?" she hissed, her eyes narrowing at the handsome stranger next to her. Normally, handsome stranger on a plane would appeal to the model, but today was not normal. Today was the day Rachel's mind blocked out every possible distraction and remained focused on one thing, her best friend. And even the adorable soft smile that hung on Julian Baker's lips, and how his eyes widened at her response, scared at the snappy reaction (which was pretty adorable if she thought about it) could not break her focus.
"Sorry but you're not supposed to have your phone on during takeoff." Julian replied easily after gathering himself.
"Is the plane taking off?" Rachel countered, her eyes narrowing further than what Julian thought was possible.
"No?"
"Phone on then" and with that Rachel turned her head away from him.
Julian sat there, dumbfounded at her behavior. Never had Julian ever met a woman quite like her. Women tended to be nice or civil with him, and they often flirted with him too. But this red head was something else. She not did not act in the typical manner that women often did in front of him, and it was a memorable experience. Julian however did not find this experience refreshing like those men in those cliché films did, falling in love with the women who treated them differently from the way everyone else did. And sure, Julian found her attractive and somewhat familiar, but he didn't find himself falling deeply in love with her, or having the sudden urge to know everything there was to know about her. No, Julian did not feel in any way like that at all, especially not when his heart still belonged to a certain blonde, who had managed to break his heart but still keep its remnants. She had managed to shatter his heart when she was unable to give him a reason why she had to buy her ex-boyfriend's book whenever she passed it. She was unable to assure her love for him, that she no longer had any feelings for her former lover. Instead, she looked at him, her eyes conveying everything he needed to know, and when he had left her that night, she didn't even bother stopping him, knowing well enough that it was over. But it wasn't really over, not for Julian anyway. He could still feel the love he had for her and he missed her. He missed her so damn much that he had began reading the wretched book that broke their relationship. And because of that wretched book, Julian had somehow managed to convince his father to make the book into a movie. And it was also that wretched book that once more steeled his resolve to win her back, because even though he had so stupidly sent her back to her 'soul mate', he still loved her. Now that he had gotten an approval from his father, Julian couldn't think of a better way of wedging his way back into her life, and possibly win her back.
"Look, I know I'm hot and everything but that doesn't give you the right to look at me the way you are now, with that freakish smile of yours. And just so you know, I'm not interested." Rachel said, her voice laced with annoyance as she rolled her eyes at the man who sat beside her.
Julian was forced back into reality and had managed to comprehend what the red head had just said. Not wanting to add fuel to the fire, Julian managed nod before shifting his head forwards.
This was going to be a long ride.
Peyton had spent the entire of yesterday after work calling Brooke, having the great desire to know what the hell was going on. Unfortunately for the blonde, she was unable to reach anything but her best friend's voicemail. While Peyton waited impatiently for her best friend to return her calls a thought hit her. What if Brooke was with Lucas and had opted to ignore her calls? What if Brooke purposely ignored her calls because she didn't want any reason to feel guilty for spending time with Lucas and possibly be with him? What if…? What if…? Those questions raced through her mind, each one giving her a sense of dread. What was she going to do if that were the case? Should she let the Brucas bandwagon run its course once more? And hope it would crash and burn? Or should she save her two friends the hurt and just swoop in and reclaim what was rightfully hers? Should she hope that this was nothing but a publicity stunt? Or should she straight up ask her best friend if there was anything going on with the former lovers? Peyton was confused and a thought she had been playing with was beginning to become more and more prominent by the second. She wasn't sure if it was the right thing to do. But then a again a voice called out inside of her screeching the fact that not doing the right thing had never stopped her before, even if it cost her, her best friend. And with that, Peyton began packing a small lightweight bag that consisted on the necessary items. It seems like Peyton was going to take the second option, readying her Lucas Stealing Face and taking what is rightfully hers. However, Peyton didn't see it that way instead she saw it as a good friend seeing her best friend whom she had not gotten the chance to see. And as a bonus, she was going to save her two friends from inevitable hurt. And with such thoughts, Peyton happily reached for her laptop and purchase tickets for the next flight to New York. Yes, she's going to go save her friends from something they will one day regret.
After much deliberation, all parties have come to an agreement that the proposed actions were the most appropriate in resolving their current conundrum. Brooke and Jordan were to remain a couple in order to tranquilize the rumors that are currently running rampant in the public, while Lucas would be introduced to be what he was. A friend who was catching up with an old friend and had crashed at her place. There was nothing more to it, but the presence of Amanda and Rick, Brooke's public relations agent and Jordan's manager, ensured that all possibilities were considered and all strings tied. No further mishaps were to happen in order to keep Brooke's reputation intact.
In order to put their plan into action, they have all decided to put it into place that very night, where all three public figures, some more than others, would go out for dinner and answer some of the questions that paparazzi would surely bombard them with. They would together have dinner, with Brooke and Jordan showing that they are very much together while Lucas was to converse with the two and if possible with Jordan as much as possible to convey the lack of tension that may arise if the rumors of cheating were true.
Lucas who had never really been in any public schemes had watched dumbfounded at the entire process, glad to not have to deal with such things at a regular basis but also feeling sympathetic to both Brooke and Jordan. Honestly, no one should have to live such a life where their every move and step have been put under the microscope. Celebrities should be able to live their lives as they were, not being afraid of others scrutinizing their every move, their every decision. They too were humans, although more known than others, they too had the right to their privacy and with the media following their every move it was hard for them to claim this right. Then again it was a price to pay for their highly hectic lives of fame and luxury. Only those in the business who have managed to live their lives the way they want it, not caring of what people thought were able to survive and although they may have to lie to the public occasionally, they were able to keep their head up and lead a relatively happy life.
The flight had taken much longer than both Rachel and Julian had preferred. After their little conversation, if you will, Julian had attempted to keep to himself, not wanting to converse with the feisty tempered red-head who seemed to have had something against him because she continuously sent him a glare throughout the flight. By the time the plane had landed, Julian was itching to remove himself from the flying machine and flee from the redhead who had been grumbling to herself throughout the flight. Not waiting for much, Julian attempted to dash out when the hatch was opened but alas it was not to be as the redhead beside him had forcefully moved him to the side, her eyes fixated on the open exit. She had beaten him out of the dashing action when she practically clambered out of the plane. Julian watched in amusement, truly surprised from the attractive woman's eccentric behavior. Leaving the plane, Julian made his way for his luggage, eager to see the city that many had dreamed on visiting. Julian being born and raised in LA had never really had the opportunity to visit New York and was now feeling a surge of excitement in him, pulling him into an ecstatic mood.
Gathering his luggage and calling for a cab to take him to a hotel, Julian breathed a sigh of relief. He was this much closer to meet the author that had managed to capture the heart of the woman he loved and he was also this much closer to winning her back.
Once out of the flying transport, Rachel, who miraculously did not bring with her anything other than her phone and her valuables had left her clothing back in the hotel and had advised them to mail it to her, plummeted out of the airport and had caught a cab straight for her best friend. Impatience was running through her veins, wanting to know everything that had managed to occur during the short time she had left her designer friend's life. Why is it that all the good drama occurred when she wasn't there? Rachel tapped her perfectly manicured finger on her lap, as if somehow the act would result in the vehicle to travel faster than it already was. Rachel couldn't imagine the current state her friend was in. Was she in her room, crying herself to death? Or was she working herself to the bone to bury her feelings? Or was she drowning her thoughts and misery with alcohol back in the apartment? Rachel didn't know, but she was hoping that her friend wasn't doing any of those things. Brooke was known for her unpredictability and although Rachel liked to think she knew her friend very well, there wouldn't be a time that Brooke had managed to surprise her, effectively exclaiming to the redhead that she didn't have the brunette all figured out. And Rachel enjoyed that aspect associated with her friendship with the brunette because it made things between the two friends exciting and different, not boring and routine-like.
Their friendship was anything but a routine, it was nothing short of spontaneous. The two were known by the public to have the most puzzling sort of relationship, having known to do the craziest things, although Brooke was seen to be the responsible one who managed to get dragged into trouble by the model. Rachel had scoffed at the idea of Brooke being responsible especially when considering how she was back in high school, but Rachel knew that deep down, the brunette had matured through the years. True that the fashion designer was still a child at heart, often showing her immature side in the presence of those she loved, Brooke had still over the years had grown up to become an amazing woman who had managed to conquer the world of fashion. Rachel was proud of that fact and although she had never once voiced such thoughts to Brooke it was very much implied and Rachel was certain Brooke understood. The two although have had their fair share of fights, had still managed to keep their friendship on track, sharing almost everything with each other. The public had even dubbed the two to be BFFLs and sisters, with Brooke the angel while Rachel was the spawn of Satan, which Brooke enjoyed throwing at Rachel's face every time, not that she minded anyway, after all it was true.
The media was indeed correct with their dubbing, with Rachel publicly known for her partying ways and her highly publicized moment where she was known to have had a slight disagreement with another model which ended with both having to face charges from the police. Brooke who was furious at Rachel had threatened the model that if she were to ever engage in such an activity ever again, would find herself fired and friendless. Rachel in the heat of the moment had not shoved her foot in her mouth retaliated and made the already furious Brooke even more furious. Brooke, finding that the only way to control the out of control behavior that the model was demonstrating had fired her in that moment, leaving her in the detaining cell. Rachel then of course managed to clean up her act and showed up to work the very next day (after of course begging her manager to bail her out and not tell Brooke), pretending nothing had happened. Brooke seeing her at work ignored her for the next few weeks, and it was only when she was convinced that Rachel would behave herself that she had begun to talk to her again. Rachel of course was grateful for Brooke's treatment of her considering how she may have ended doing something she would regret forever. Instead Rachel owed her success as a model to Brooke who kept her in line, not allowing her to expose herself to negative publicity.
Rachel couldn't be any more grateful for and adored her friend dearly, hence there was no way she was going to let her best friend endure through whatever it was she was going through alone. If Rachel knew Brooke, then she was certain that Brooke hated to be alone more than anything in the world. Indeed Brooke was independent and was able to handle herself, but she still hated being alone but never admitted this to anyone. Brooke 1.01 was simply be there for Brooke, and even if she didn't want you there, just be there. It was simple as that. It didn't matter if physically Brooke was alone, as long as she was aware that she had someone there, someone who was willing to wait for her to pour her heart out, or was willing to just be there to keep her mid off things. It didn't matter what the person's role or job was, what mattered was the Brooke knew she had them around, content and wanting to just be there for her. That was Brooke after all, independent and strong, not wanting to show anyone her vulnerable side, not wanting to make herself the victim like someone else we are familiar with, and especially not wanting to burden anyone. That was Brooke by nature, always thinking of others and keeping herself at harms way after being so many times trampled all over.
As Rachel contemplated over such things, she couldn't help but feel anger being to boil in her upon realizing that her friend may have not returned any of her calls because she didn't want to burden Rachel with her tears and confusion. But then again whenever it came to Lucas Scott, Brooke never liked to share anything. Rachel let out a groan of frustration and a string of curse words. Thinking over this frustrated her, hating that she was in a position where she didn't know anything.
"You are so dead Slut" Rachel muttered as she grumbled to herself.
Peyton packing herself some things in a small luggage and felt herself honestly smile for the first time. Here she was finally going to visit her best friend. She had missed Brooke dearly, after a few months of no communication with her and an even longer period of time not being able to see her best friend Peyton really missed her perky friend. She was proud that her friend had made something out of herself, considering her rather troubling past. But Brooke being as amazing as anyone could ever be had managed to shed her promiscuous image and make something out of herself, someone who was happy with what she had achieved. Unlike herself, who had only managed to become assistants of god knows how many assistants. Back in high school she had never expected for Brooke to become so successful, sure she was certain Brooke was going to do something with her life, maybe marry someone rich and enjoy the high-end lifestyle she was so used to living, but never had Peyton ever thought that Brooke would become so successful. When Brooke first came up with the idea of being a fashion designer, Peyton truly believed that Brooke would become successful but never could she imagine the success that Brooke had obtain. Not that she wasn't proud of her best friend. She was ecstatic for her best friend. Brooke deserved the success she had achieved and continues to achieve, considering the enormous amounts of efforts brook had invested in the company and her work. Back when Clothes Over Bros was just starting up, when it was at its infancy stage, Brooke and Peyton rarely had any time to talk properly because Brooke always had someone to meet with, someone to dazzle her designs with. And even now, when she was had managed to become a household name with her clothing company in every large retail stores, Brooke was still as busy as ever, in fact it wouldn't surprise Peyton is Brooke was even more busier than ever. Peyton knew how much Brooke worked and was glad that it had and still is paying off.
Peyton after finishing her packing since she didn't need all that much things, smiled to herself. She was going to fly and see her best friend and former lover in a few days time. She initially had been disappointed for not being able to purchase a ticket for an earlier flight but it wasn't something that could be helped. And so here she was with a few days to spare, after of course quitting her job, since after all she wasn't happy with her job. Not that the whole quitting idea was resulted from a spur of the moment, but Peyton had contemplated over it for quite some time, knowing that she wasn't going anywhere with her current situation since her job was after all a dead end job. Wondering what she was going to do, now that she was unemployed and wasn't going to go anywhere for at least a few days, Peyton let her eyes trail over her bedroom and let her eyes land on her bookshelf that was home to quite a collection of one book. Deciding to once more relive the epic love story that was forever recorded in the book, Peyton walked towards it, a skip in her step and was certain that she would soon be content with her life.
"Mom, how come Uncle Luke and Aunt Brooke are in the magazine?" Young Jamie asked his preoccupied mother.
"What?" Haley replied, her mind not registering what her son had just uttered.
"Are Uncle Luke and Aunt Brooke dating?" Jamie asked.
"Don't be silly sweetie, where did you even hear that from?" Haley responded absentmindedly.
"I got it from this magazine."
"What?" Haley whipped her attention towards her son. Snatching the glossy magazine in her son's hands, Haley felt her eyes widen. Smirking Haley knew that Brooke and Lucas were at it again. The two definitely had a knack for trouble and even if they had spent quite a while apart from each other they still had managed to get themselves into trouble. Big surprise here.
"Oh baby, I don't think they're dating."
"Why not? Aunt Brooke is pretty, and Uncle Luke isn't too bad either." Jamie asked his inquisitive mind genuinely puzzled. It wasn't that his godparents were hideous. In fact they were quite the opposite. Jamie had seen many other men and women giving attention to Brooke and Lucas respectively. And Jamie was pretty sure that his godparents liked each other, not that his parents or his godparents ever made him think otherwise.
"Well, some people like making things up sweetie, and your Aunt Brooke and Uncle Luke are just friends.
"But why would people like making things like this up. It's lying." Jamie asked, awfully confused at this point.
"Well they like to use their imagination and sometimes they don't realize that their stories hurt people." Haley replied.
"People are weird momma." Jamie replied scrunching his nose in confusion.
"Yes they are buddy."
"Momma can we buy some ice cream." Jamie asked, their previous conversation forgotten.
"Of course buddy, but only one scoop. I don't want to high on sugar tonight."
"Okay." Jamie responded a tad bit disappointed, but nevertheless happy to have some ice-cream.
The mother and son pair continued their little shopping trip, although Haley's mind was circling around the situation the Broody Cheery duo had gotten into. She smiled to herself, feeling that something was going come out of this. After the two had broken up in senior year, to say that Haley was disappointed was an understatement. She had supported the Brucas bandwagon, but because of her pregnancy, she never really had the chance to show it, and now she had hoped that this time round if anything does happen between the two, they would understand her happiness for them.
Rachel finally reached the building where she and her best friend resided in together and she was not happy with what she saw. There was quite a number of paparazzi camped outside the building, waiting for anything to splash the internet or magazines covers. If Rachel had her way she would give the vultures a piece of her mind, but she knew that it would only cause damage not only to her image but also Brooke's. Thus Rachel decided to keep her head los and her mouth shut once she was out of the cab's protective care. Rachel slipped on her sunglasses, hoping it'll obscure her face and possibly enable her to slip through the building's doors without being recognized, but her wishful thinking was not heard and from the moment she slipped out of the cab, the paparazzi flooded her with flashing cameras. Irritation further fueled the feisty redhead and she had to bite her lip shut in order for her to keep her mouth shut.
"Rachel, why are you back so early?"
"RACHEL LOOK UP!"
"IS IT TRUE? ARE Brooke AND LUCAS AN ITEM?"
"How long have they been together?"
The short tempered model was just about to give the paparazzi a good old scolding for even thinking and suggesting the idea that her best friend would cheat on someone, let alone to implying that the two were having a long term affair, when the doorman easily caught hold of her and guided her through the stream of flashing cameras. Grateful for the interruption, Rachel thanked the George, the doorman who both she and Brooke have come to adore. The lovable middle aged doorman who had served by the door and prevented any unwanted visitors into the building was adored by everyone. He brought smiles to who around him, endlessly providing others conversations both amusing and at time intellectually challenging. All who inhabited the building loved George's company and Rachel couldn't agree more. Being older than she was by quite some years, George had been wise enough to prevent Rachel from speaking her often foul mind and Rachel was glad that he did. If not Rachel too would have to deal with the unfortunate situation Brooke was in. Offering a smile of reassurance, George indicated to her the already open elevator. Sending her thanks, Rachel rushed for the elevator door and anticipated the state in which her best friend would be in. Hoping that her mother hadn't managed to rip her way through Brooke's fortified façade, Rachel impatiently waited for the elevator to move towards the top floor. If Brooke was found devastated due to her mother's awful reprimands, then Rachel would be obliged and would be happy to give that pathetic excuse of a mother a good talking to, and it would all be done for her best friend's sake, and for her own enjoyment of course.
By the time the elevator door opened to reveal the large shared penthouse, Rachel was rather impressed at the state it was in. if anyone knew Brooke it was the fact that she had the tendency to throw things around when frustrated at someone who would incessantly scold at her, not allowing her the chance to speak or explain herself. And Victoria was usually that someone who would frustrate the fashion designer to no end. Before she had any chance to call out the brunette, Brooke stepped out of her office, accompanied by Lucas, Jordan, Amanda and Rick. All were preoccupied conversing with one another and didn't realize he presence of the feisty individual who watched in interest at the smiling brunette who didn't seem at all affected by the predicament she was in. In fact she looked content with the way things are, not minding that at the current mess she had managed to weave herself into.
It was Jordan who first realized the spectator who had kept her watchful eye on them. Grinning, Jordan tapped the talking fashion designer effectively bringing her out of the conversation with Amanda. Looking inquisitively at Jordan who in return offered a wink pointed at the red head who stood near the doorway with her eye brow perfectly raised. Lucas couldn't help but notice how the two were so similar. Both had the knack for arching their perfectly groomed eyebrows in the most effective and faultless way.
Rachel didn't have time to offer a witty response targeted at her best friend when the devil herself launched at the model, her relief evident to those present. Rachel struggled to steady herself in order to keep both she and the trouble magnet on their respective feet. Smiling to herself, Rachel held onto her best friend who couldn't compose herself and had let her emotions get the best of her. It looked like the stress had caught hold of the fashionista once more and she stayed in the arms of her best friend, unable to compose herself and allowing the tears to fall freely off her flawless face.
Vulnerability was something many people hated appearing. But to Lucas it was something he loved. Not because it brought uncertainty to the individual who was feeling it, but rather it was because those who were vulnerable were at the state in which they were most honest, most exposed. And if Lucas were to think back on how many times Brooke seemed vulnerable he could definitely count them. There weren't much moments where Brooke was vulnerable and thus Lucas appreciated her when she was. Not because he enjoyed the pain or the uncertainty that loomed over the brunette but it was because at that moment, at the precise moment, he got the chance to see the girl she really was, the girl that she so protectively hid from the world. The girl that made Lucas fall even more in love with Brooke Davis. Back when they were dating, Lucas had managed to catch glimpses of the very girl who had managed to capture his heart. And although Brooke showed it often, it was different. It was only when Brooke was at her most vulnerable did Lucas ever really see the depths of Brooke Davis. Brooke Davis is like an onion as the writers of Shrek© have so articulately put it, and she had many versions of the girl within her walls and each version was equally beautiful, but the vulnerable one, that was the one that Lucas would never forget, She was hurt and disappointed, and afraid of losing those she loved and those who loved her back, but she was strong, honest and beautiful.
As Lucas stared at the closed door that hid the crying Brooke and the consoling Rachel, Lucas was aware that at this very moment, Brooke was vulnerable. Not because she was hurt or disappointed, but because she was lost. She had just lost her mother (not that she was much of a mother in the first place) and only Rachel would understand. Sure she had shown Lucas her tears and sadness, but with Lucas it wasn't vulnerability, it was simply sadness and disappointment. With Rachel however, Lucas managed to catch a glimpse of that vulnerability in the sobbing form of Brooke Davis. The pain of her mother never loving her had truly dawned on her for the first time. And only Rachel could understand her considering how the two were so similar, in that both their parents had thought that they had fulfilled their duty as parents by throwing money at their children. It wasn't something many could relate to, especially Lucas as he had the most supportive mother anyone could ever had, and it wasn't something anyone would wish to be able to relate to, but at the moments Lucas had wished that he could. He had wished that he could understand the amount of pain that kept hold of his dear friend because all he wanted to do was rescue her from it. That he could whisper her words that will show her he knew what it's like. But he didn't. Even though his own father had abandoned him and had many times conveyed how he never wanted Lucas, Lucas had never really cared because he had Keith whose love overshadowed Dan's lack of affection towards him.
Lucas sighed inwardly. He really did have a hero complex. Always having the urge and obligation to save those around him. No wonder he had the knack of getting into trouble either it was with a girlfriend, or a worried mother or an anxious friend. Either way, Lucas really needed to work on that flaw of his. But his want to save Brooke was not rooted from this hero complex, but rather the need to right the wrongs he had caused in the past, and the fact that he was sick and tired of seeing Brooke hurt or disappointed. He wanted Brooke to finally obtain that happily ever after she deserved. No one deserved it more than she did. Not after all the crap she had gone through, from absentee parents, idiotic boyfriends (mainly him), backstabbing best friend and dictator mother. If anyone had gone through all the crap Brooke had gone through they truly deserved a happy ending and Lucas was determined to make that happen for his beloved friend.
Okay first off, apologise for any mistakes that may have been present within this chapter, but I haven't really had the chance to edit it. If you could just point out any mistakes that may have occurred throughout the story then it'd be appreciated. It'll give me the chance to edit it and make sure the story is as mistake free as possible. So please just mention it to me. Thanks. Anyway I really hope you enjoyed this chapter, so please review! :D Next update will probably be sooner than it usually is (less than a month) b/c my school holidays just started, and yes I still do have a lot of studying to do, but I'll try to make the most of my holidays and attempt to at least update every two weeks (I doubt I'll achieve it considering how my inspiration is at its low at the moment, but I will try my best).