A/N: This was a breakthrough it hasn't taken me a month to update, so I hope you enjoy.
So I hope you liked the last chapter thank you for all the reviews!
Also views on Alex Dupree, I can't stand her. And she seems like a second Peyton, I cried in the last episode I can't believe Brulian broke up! :(
On with the chapter

Chapter 4

The whole afternoon had just been a blur, everything she did everywhere she went it just seemed to light up. Lucas found it hard to comprehend how much his life had changed recently; his other seemed life seemed like lifetime ago. And he knew he defiantly did not want to go back.

"So are you ready for the biggest attraction of all?" Brooke asked as they were on their way to the last destination.

"Sure, though I am slightly nervous."

"Don't be, you can trust me." Brooke said casually, but it was what he needed to hear.

"So this is the new guy," A curly haired brunette said turning the corner and standing in front of Brooke and Lucas.

"Vanessa what do you want?" Brooke asked agitated.

"Just wanted to check out the new meat, and I like what I see." Vanessa said running her hand along Lucas' arm. But Lucas pushed it away and shook her hand instead.

"Lucas Scott so nice to meet you…."

"Vanessa Jones and it is very nice to meet you too. I have a feeling we will be spending a lot of time together."

Brooke scoffed, "Sorry did I hear something. So Brooke how's Daddy, last I heard he ran off with his blonde skank assistant, but then you know how rumours spread in this little town." Vanessa said spitefully, and Lucas immediately looked to Brooke whose face fell at the mention of her dad.

"So is the little girl gonna cry, Daddy got bored and I don't blame him. Who wouldn't with you as a daughter?"

"Okay I think you should leave," Lucas said interjecting between Vanessa and Brooke.

"See you around Lucas," Vanessa said walking off smirking.

"Hey Brooke, don't listen to her,"

"But she's right, he did and it's my fault!" Brooke cried.

"Brooke, listen I don't know the whole story but I am sure it was not your fault." Lucas said comfortingly.

"Thanks Luke, but I really can't get into it now. Its not that I don't want to tell you it's just-"

"Its fine, you don't have to tell me anything, just know I am here. How about we postpone the tour until a later date?"

"Are you sure?" Brooke asked unsure, it wasn't his fault that she was a complete emotional wreck.

"I insist, and besides how else am I going to convince you to come out with me again?" Lucas asked with a smile hoping to get one from Brooke as well.

"Well that sounds like a good deal." Brooke said sniffing back the tears, wiping her eyes.

"So the library is calling me, but do you want me to walk you back to school first?"

"No I'm fine honestly, but thanks. I think I will just go back to the café, help mom pack up. Lucas today was fun, you're a great guy, thanks" Brooke said walking away.

"You're not too bad yourself Brooke Davis," Lucas said calling after her, and although she didn't turn around he knew her beautiful smile was back, and he was right.

--

Brooke came back into the café with the biggest smile on her face despite the unfortunate run in with Vanessa.

"What's got you so happy?" CJ asked as he cleared the nearest table which Brooke sat down at.

"Okay promise you won't tell anyone," Brooke said all shy and embarrassed which was very uncharacteristically of her.

"You have a crush on the cute guy you spent the whole day with." CJ jumped in there for her.

"Is it that obvious?"

"To everyone but him, and you'd better hope to Nathan."

"Oh god I completely forgot about Nate."

"Don't tell him that either, not good for his ego." CJ joked.

"This isn't a joke, what am I supposed to do?" Brooke asked desperately, she liked Lucas but telling Nathan would be impossible. Nathan was ridiculously protective over Brooke, the only guy he trusted her with was CJ and that was for obvious reasons.

"Sorry B, but apart from telling Nate I don't see anyway out of it. Or just bury your feelings; you've known this guy for like a day. There is a whole queue of guys lining up to be the next Mr Brooke Davis."

"Thanks CJ, is mom in?"

"No she left early, she has been doing that a lot lately. How is she coping?"

"Not well, but it's to be expected. I feel bad, maybe me and Nate should come home, she must be so lonely." Brooke said concerned, her mum hadn't been coping after her dad left.

"No your mum will just think it as a pity plea, the best thing for her and you is that you stay at school and graduate."

"You know CJ you can be very clever when you put your mind to it." Brooke said standing up and hugging CJ.

"Well you know I'm not just a pretty face. You'll be fine . Just you see."

--

Back at school in the library Lucas had barely been able to concentrate on his work, so he decided to have a look around the library.

It was huge; there were books there that even Lucas hadn't read. Lucas scanned along every shelf, running his fingers along the books spines, in awe at the amount of books that there were.

In the corner was a blonde girl in a hideous poncho head in a book, reading one of Lucas' favourites 'The Winter of Discontent' by John Steinbeck.

"Hey I'm Lucas," Lucas said introducing himself.

The blonde put down her book, "Hey Lucas, I'm Haley."

"So Steinbeck, you a fan?" Lucas asked.

"Sort of, I am reading this purely because I have run out of others to read in the library and wasn't in the mood for going all the way down to the book store. Why?

"Oh he is my favourite writer,"

"Are you new here?" Haley asked.

"Yeah I joined a few weeks ago, why?"

"Its just most of the guys here wouldn't admit to having a favourite author, especially when they look like they should be on the basketball team."

"Oh right, I'll make a mental note. And talking of basketball, any idea when tryouts are?" Lucas, despite having the captain as a roommate, still hadn't tried out for the team yet.

"Well you should ask my boyfriend, he is the captain." Haley replied.

"Wait are you Haley James?" Lucas asked.

"Yeah, how did you know?"

"I'm Lucas Scott, Nathan's roommate. And he talks about you, a lot!" Haley smiled but looked embarrassed.

"Well hi Lucas Scott, yes I am Haley James. You met Nathan's sister yet, Brooke?"

"Yeah I have,"

"And are you already won over by the Brooke Davis charm, like every other guy in this place."

"I am sensing sarcasm, you guys don't get along?" Lucas asked curiously.

"No she is my best mate, I have been asked to do my research." Haley smiled.

"Oh right…." Lucas said feeling very awkward, what had Brooke been saying.

"I'm joking!" Haley said breaking her cool exterior.

"Right of course….."

This was going to an interesting year…….

--

Okay thanks for reading.
I will try to update sooner now I don't have exams.
Issy
XOXO