Authors Note: I cannot apologize enough for how long its been since I last updated. Life has been crazy. I thought that once school was over with, I'd have more time for writing but I've been working every single day and some nights. Then when I'm not working, I have friends asking to meet up. It's safe to say that I'm not very good at multi-tasking :/ I am also going to apologise again because I am going on vacation for a week tomorrow. I will try to write whilst I'm there, but I will probably focus on 'Won't Go Home Without You' because I havent updated that in a while either. I hope I still have readers left, I will try to update sooner. Please review and let me know what you liked/didn't like :') Feedback is always a good thing!
P.S The Next chapter will be a new month!
P.P.S Check out my YT vids whilst waiting for an update ;) There might be something there that you like http / www [dot] youtube [dot] com/user/SharleyProductions
March 2029-
"Action!"
Julian's voice echoed on set as another early day of filming began.
"Listen up everybody!" Savannah began. "It's time to play Truth or Dare."
Today they were filming a scene in Nathan's house; Peyton and Lucas kiss for the first time.
"Or maybe just dare," Savannah continued as Brooke's character. "Cause nobody really tells the truth anymore." She sent a malicious glare to Sawyer who was stood awkwardly with Jonny. "Let's see...Peyton?"
"Brooke, come on," Sawyer begged.
"I dare you to show us how you really feel; kiss Lucas," she dared.
Sawyer looked at her, unsure of what to do. She could feel the seconds passing and she knew that she had to kiss Jonny but she just couldn't. She stayed cemented to the ground, unable to move from her spot.
"Sawyer, that's your cue!" Julian called to her.
"I can't do it," she said before running off set leaving the crew speechless and not sure what to say.
Nathan and Quinley had barely said two words to each other since the game. Two days of awkward silences and avoiding had taken place and Nathan knew that he had to talk to his son soon. He had asked Quinley to go to the Rivercourt with him; the same Rivercourt that had saved Nathan and other habitants of Tree Hill so many times. To them it wasn't just a basketball court, it was an escape for whoever went there; whether it was to just play basketball or sit on the bleachers or paint lyrics upon the worn out ground. So many great memories had taken place on the little piece of land and it had become the heart of Tree Hill. That's why Nathan knew that this was the only place for him to explain his behavior to his son.
"You know, I picked up my first real basketball when I was 3 years old," Nathan started as he got out of his car with Quinley following close behind.
"I know dad, you've told us the story," Quinley told him.
"My dad made sure that I was a pro at the game before I could even join in with little league games. He had me training in our yard every day, throwing free throw after free throw. By the time I was 12, I could make every single shot with my eyes closed," Nathan shot the basketball into the net from the edge of the court to prove his point and it went directly in. "But it was on this court that I learnt the true meaning of the game, playing right here with your uncle Lucas and the guys." He picked up the ball as they continued walking. "They just played for fun because they loved it, there was no real competition; it was just a bunch of guys playing the game that they loved and I always told myself that when I had kids, I'd make sure that they loved the game for the fun of it because it's not always about winning."
Nathan took a breath and looked at his son who was looking at his feet shuffling around nervously.
"I've been avoiding you Q, since the game on Friday but not for the reasons that you think." Quinley looked up.
"I lost the game dad. So many were relying on that one game and I let everyone down especially you," Quinley sighed.
"You've let no one down Q. The guys on the team are still going to get scholarships whether we had lost or won. They're good players and scouts don't just judge you on one game, especially a game as intense as that. The score was so close which proves that the whole team can play the sport so I'm not worried about scholarships. But I am worried about you feeling guilty for something that wasn't your fault. I've been avoiding you son because I feel like I've put too much pressure on you. I feel like I've turned into Dan," he admitted. "And then I realized that by not telling you how proud I am of you, I'm acting like Dan."
"You're not Dan," Quinley told Nathan, knowing that it was a fear of Nathan's to be like Dan.
Nathan smiled, "Thanks Q! I just don't want you to blame yourself. I didn't care whether we won or lost as long as you and the team enjoyed the game and were proud of yourselves. I was so proud to not just be your coach Q, but more being your dad. I couldn't have asked anything more from you. So are we okay now? Because I think your mom is ready to lock us in a room and get us to talk," Nathan laughed along with Quinley.
"We're great dad! Now are you gonna let me show you how to really throw a free throw?" Quinley smirked just like his father and stole the ball from Nathan's hands.
"You're on!"
"What's going on Scott?" Jonny questioned as he approached Sawyer. She could see that smirk that she loathed so much on his face.
"Leave me alone Carter. I'm not in the mood for your stupid comments right now," she told him defiantly, her eyes stared at the ground as her arms folded across her chest. It was her way of putting her guard up and protecting herself.
"Quit the attitude Sawyer, I was only checking that you were okay because if you hadnt noticed, we've got a whole crew waiting back there for us. So get your shit together and let's do the scene."
"My shit is together."
"Then kiss me." His bluntness shocked even her.
"Shut up, I'm not kissing you."
"Why not?" He took a step closer to her.
"Because I hate you." Those eye daggers that she liked to shoot were aimed right at him as she said what she felt.
"I don't think you do but that another story. Look just pretend I'm not me, because technically I'm not me when we're in there. Pretend I'm Lucas," he smirked.
"Yes because the thought of kissing my dad is any better."
"Well I don't know what floats your boat. It's only a kiss Sawyer, stop being a prude and get on with it."
She could feel his ever nearing presence as his arm grazed hers. She took a step back closer to the wall but he just mimicked her movement; their bodies inching closer together.
"What are you doing Jonny?" she asked as she pushed his chest back but he continued moving closer towards her. His breath tickled her face as his lips approached hers. The want to push him away was strong but the urge to kiss him was stronger which scared her slightly. She had no time to think because his lips then enveloped hers in a surprisingly tender kiss and she found herself unable to fight him off. After only a few seconds, he pulled away.
"See, that wasn't so hard. Now let's get this scene done because I have a rather sexy hot tub scene with Savannah to do after," he winked before walking off.
"You're a jerk," she shouted back but continued to follow him on set.
Peyton had decided to take the day off away from the studio; it was a Saturday after all. Luke and Sawyer had gone to set and Annie was down at the river court with her uncle and cousin, so it was just Ella and Peyton left in the house. Usually Ella spent her weekends with Lanny but today was different. Peyton knew that something was up and unlike Sawyer; Ella was a little better at opening up to people.
"What's up Broody?" Peyton asked her daughter, walking into her bedroom to find Ella sat on her bed with her head buried in a book as usual.
"Wuthering Heights," Ella said holding up the book in her hand.
"My favorite. I knew there was a little piece of me in you somewhere," she smiled, taking a seat on the bed. Her bump really was getting quite big now. "Where's Lanny today?"
"I don't know, probably with Lydia. They're dating officially now, as of this morning according to Facebook."
"Ella Haley Scott have you been Facebook stalking?" Peyton grinned but Ella didn't reciprocate, nor did she answer. "Have you and Lanny fell out?"
Ella nodded. "We had an argument because I wouldn't date him and now he's dating my cousin. It's just weird."
"Guys are complicated baby. Especially the ones who are supposed to be your best friend. Are you jealous?"
"Of Lydia?"
"Yeah because she's dating Lanny. Do you wish it was you?"
"No, I just don't understand how he can be so fickle and he never even told me. He's supposed to be my best friend."
"Well have you spoken to him?"
"No, he's been calling my cell so I've turned it off. I can't talk to him right now. I will when I'm ready."
"Alright, sounds like a good plan to me. So it's just me and you today so I was thinking we could start re-arranging your room so that we can move Annie's things in here because we're gonna have to turn her room into a nursery soon. This little guy will be here before we know it," Peyton said as she placed a hand on her stomach.
Ella stood up off her bed and began to clear her desk as she and Annie would be sharing the desk soon.
"And he needs a name. We can't be calling him 'little guy' forever," Ella pointed out. Peyton began moving some of Ella's storage boxes to the left hand side of the bedroom.
"Don't remind me," she sighed. "You'd think that we'd have a name already picked out after wanting a boy for so many years."
"I thought dad's always wanted a son called Keith?"
"He does and so do I but Keith Larry Scott doesn't flow great. It was so much easier choosing yours and your sister's names."
"We'll think of one. I'm not gonna let my brother go nameless," Ella told her mom.
"Great scene guys, we got there eventually," Julian called out as Sawyer and Jonny finished their kiss scene. Once the two teenagers arrived back on set, the scene managed to get shot without a hitch. Julian approached them. "I'm leaving for a few hours; you both know what scenes you have to shoot but one you've finished them, I want yous to spend some time together. Go get a coffee or do whatever you kids like to do these days," he suggested.
"Sex?" Jonny added cheekily and Sawyer couldn't help but snigger at the shocked expression on her uncle's face.
"Maybe something a bit more PG13. I'll see you both bright and early tomorrow," he said before walking off set.
Jonny and Sawyer then burst out laughing.
"Did you see his face?" Jonny asked through giggle, her cheeks turning crimson.
"I know right, like I'd ever have sex with you."
"We both know that you'd give anything for a night of passion and lust with me. I'll see you in the green room later; we apparently have some coffee to drink or sex to partake in."
Jonny winked before heading to film his scene with Savannah.
Brooke had never been more nervous in her entire life than what she was sat in the car with Julian going to meet Elaine to pick up Freddie. She wasn't this nervous on the day she had her first big meeting with Macy's or the day she went to LA to declare her love to Julian. Or the day she asked Haley to be a surrogate or waiting for Peyton to wake up after giving birth to Sawyer. This was a whole new level of nervousness.
"Today's gonna be great, stop worrying," Julian tried to comfort her, reaching over to hold her hand. His touch instantly soothed her slightly.
"I can't help it. I just keep thinking, what if something goes wrong and we lose our chance at being parents again?"
"Well you can't think like that. You worry too much Brookie."
"I know, I'm sorry. I'll try not to."
"Anyway he'll love us. I mean who wouldn't?" he grinned the smile that Brooke was completely in love with. It could make her feel better in whatever situation.
They met Elaine at a gas station; it was the halfway point between her office and the Baker house. They got out of the car after seeing Elaine exit the driver's seat and walk to their car.
"Hi Elaine," Brooke greeted a little too vibrantly. Julian gave her hand another reassuring squeeze.
"Hi, are you both excited for today?" Elaine asked.
"Honestly, we're a little bit nervous," Julian admitted what Brooke couldn't bring herself to say.
"There's no need. I have every faith in the two of you. You know how this whole thing works so just be yourself and don't try too hard," she tried to advise them but it was nothing that they hadn't already heard before. Brooke took a deep breath and smiled, nodding her head. "I'll go get Freddie."
Brooke and Julian watched as Elaine opened one of the car doors and carried the three year old boy out and towards Julian and Brooke.
"I'm afraid he's just woken up so he might be cranky and a bit tired," she told them as Freddie laid his head on Elaine's shoulder.
"I'll go get his car seat out of your car," Julian offered and headed to the car.
"So what are your plans for today?"
"We were going to take Freddie to the zoo, if that's okay with you little man?" Brooke addressed him. His big brown eyes stared right back at her, taking in every little detail.
"That sounds great Brooke," Elaine said after Freddie didn't answer. "Am I okay to pick him up from your house at 7?"
"That would be perfect, thanks Elaine," Brooke confirmed as Julian joined them. He had finished putting the car seat in their car.
"Well I'll let you all get going," Elaine started to pass Freddie into Brooke's arms and the little boy no longer seemed relaxed. Brooke felt him stiffen and she could see the fear in his eyes. She hoped this would pass. "I'll see you at 7. Have fun. Bye."
"Bye Elaine," Julian called out as Elaine got in her car to drive off. He turned his attention to Brooke and he couldn't help but think how perfect she looked with a child in her arms. It hurt him to think that they could have had this for the past 15 years of marriage if things had gone their way but it never seemed to. Maybe this time it would.
Avery looked at herself in the full length mirror which stood erect in her bedroom. She was wearing only her underwear; her body skinnier than usual, even she could see that. But mentally she felt stronger, even after watching her crush enter a bedroom with another girl, she felt like nothing could bring her down. Even her parents were getting along; everything was back to normal and Avery could only think it was down to her controlling her weight. Sure, she didn't like the idea of being sick but it came so much easier to her now. Her throat no longer burnt like it used to and she found ways to cover up her gags. Hiding her weight loss was no longer an issue either as she didn't have to wear her cheerleading outfit anymore, so she chose clothes that didn't make it look like she was drowning in a mass of clothing.
She smiled at herself one last time before putting on her favorite pair of jeans. She now had to wear them with a belt but anyone would think that she was just being fashionable. She picked out a White vest and baby pink colored cardigan before leaving her bedroom to walk into the laughter filled kitchen.
"What's going on?" she asked, taking a seat next to Caleb at the table.
"Daddy's being silly," her little brother told her still giggling.
Chase had made funny faces with the food that they were eating, it even had Alex laughing. Avery joined in, she missed times like these.
"What do you want to see next Freddie?" Brooke asked as they walked through the zoo. Elaine wasn't lying when she said that the boy very rarely spoke. He hadn't said one word to Brooke and Julian since they got in their car. But he had eaten his sandwiches and smiled at the animals that he liked, so Brooke and Julian were happy.
"How about the monkeys buddy?" Julian asked, bending down to Freddie's level. "I love the monkeys!"
Freddie shook his head and pointed into the distance.
"The zebras?" Brooke made sure.
Freddie nodded, "They're my favwuhte."
"No way! They're my favorite too," She agreed truthfully and picked the little boy up in her arms. He had chosen to walk most of the day and Brooke figured that he'd be getting tired.
"Are you sure you don't like the monkey's Freddie? They're great and make funny noises," Julian told him as they walked to the zebras.
"Oh yeah, like what?" Brooke asked.
"Ooh ooh ahh ahh," Julian attempted to imitate a monkey. Brooke and Freddie burst out laughing.
"That was the worst monkey impression I have ever heard," she giggled.
"See, the monkeys are cool Freddie."
"Zebwas arwe better," Freddie disagreed. Brooke loved the way he pronounced his r's as w's.
"Alright then you win the zebras it is."
After a few more hours of walking round the zoo and going to see the zebras at least 5 times, Brooke and Julian arrived home with Freddie. They were surprised at how Freddie's personality changed and he started to talk a little more.
"I'm hungry," Brooke stated as she walked into the house followed by Julian who was holding Freddie. "What's your favorite food Freddie?"
"Mmmm, pancakes!" His toothy grin shone, making him look even more like Julian.
"A tower of pancakes coming right up for Fredster!" Julian told Freddie as he placed him on the kitchen counter. Brooke sat on one of the stools so that she could hold onto Freddie so he didn't fall.
"For dinner?" Freddie's nose scrunched up and his eyebrows tightened as he got more and more confused by the unfamiliar concept of having breakfast for dinner.
"Sure buddy, you can have whatever you want."
"Do you want pancakes?" Brooke checked.
Freddie nodded his head excitedly to confirm.
"Freddie why don't you come over to the couch and I'll help you with your shoes?" Julian suggested to Freddie just after 7pm when Elaine came to pick him up. They both sat on the couch whilst Elaine and Brooke stood near the door.
"So how did it go?" Elaine whispered to Brooke.
"It went really well. He was so shy at first but eventually he began to open a little for us and we saw just how special he is."
"He seems to have had fun. I haven't seen him smile that much in a long time," she said looking over at Freddie giggling at Julian who was singing a song to teach Freddie how to tie his shoe laces. "I don't see any reason why you can't foster him and maybe eventually you'd like to adopt him."
"We'd love to. When can he move in?" Brooke got butterflies in her stomach from the excitement.
"Straight away, whenever is best for you and Julian."
Julian and Freddie joined the two women at the door.
"How would you like to come and live with Brooke and Julian, Freddie?" the social worker asked.
"F'ever" he wondered.
"Sure, if that's what you want."
"Pwease."
"Good," Julian added. "Why don't we pick him up tomorrow and he can spend the day with us. Maybe stay over if he wants."
"That's fine. You've got the address of his home haven't you?"
"Yes, we've got it on the refrigerator." Brooke confirmed.
"Great, if you want to collect him at 11 and then yous can have the whole day together."
"Okay, bye Freddie."
"See you tomorrow Fredster."
"Byeeee."
Avery was walking through Tree Hill with Caleb early Sunday morning. Alex had wanted to clean the apartment before opening Clothes Over Bros for a few hours for Brooke, so Avery agreed to keep Caleb occupied for a few hours. She could see Quinley running down the street towards her; she was still frustrated with him and couldn't talk to him right now so turned around and walked in the opposite direction to avoid him.
"Avery, wait up!" Q shouted to her. He knew that he had been a jerk to her Friday night and she didn't deserve it, but had become one of his closest friends, he could tell her anything and he didn't want to lose that friendship. But she ignored him and continued walking. He quickly caught up with her and stood in front of her so she couldn't continue walking.
"Oh look Caleb, it's a jerk. I think we should leave," Avery spoke sarcastically.
"Avery please let me talk to you."
"No, we're not talking right now. Just leave me alone Q." she tried to walk in a different direction but he persistently followed her.
"Look I know I was a dick the other night-"
"Q, you sweared." Caleb pointed out with a gasp.
"Sorry Cale," he said to the young boy. "Sorry, I didn't mean to swear in front of him, but I know that that's probably what you're thinking of me right now."
"Is it that obvious?"
"I didn't mean to take it out on you, I guess you were just there and I was angry but that doesn't mean it was right for me to go off on you like that. I tried to find you to apologize but you'd gone. I don't want us to fall out over this, you're one of my best friends Ave, I'd miss that."
"You wouldn't miss our friendship Q; you'd miss having someone to complain to. Why don't you talk to your girlfriend about all this instead of sleeping with her?" she whispered the sleeping part hoping that Caleb couldn't hear. She was furious, Quinley could tell. When she was angry she could be as bad as Sawyer.
"I've never slept with Tasha."
"There's no point in lying Q. I know you went in one of the bedrooms with her."
"I went in there because it was quieter and I wanted to talk to her, not that it's really any of your business."
"You're right. It's not my business because we're not friends anymore. Don't talk to me again."
Avery picked up Caleb and quickly walked away.
The whole weekend, Lanny tried to call or text or Facebook Ella. Every possible means of communication, he tried but she chose to not reply to any of them. He was worried about her but most importantly, he missed her. For the little time they had known each other, they had never gone this long without talking. He and Lydia were walking through the hallways of Tree Hill High hand in hand; they'd had a great first weekend together, when he spotted Ella at her locker. Lydia noticed him looking at her cousin.
"Go talk to her," she told him. They had stopped walking.
"You don't mind?" he checked.
"Of course not. I'll see you later today." She reassured him with a kiss on the cheek and then she made her own way to class. So Lanny took a deep breath and walked to Ella's locker.
Ella was pulling at her signature blonde curls. She wasn't really focused on what was in her locker or what class she was meant to be in next. Her mind was flooded with thoughts of Lanny. Ella often had a tendency to regret her actions just like she now regretted ignoring Lanny all weekend. She was brought out of her daydream when she noticed Lanny a few feet away from her. Closing her locker, she turned to face him.
"Hey, where have you been?" he asked with that big smile of his.
"What do you mean?"
"I've been trying to call you all weekend."
"Oh that. I had lots of homework and I figured you'd be with Lydia. You're dating now right?" The question that she didn't want the answer to. She wasn't sure why her cousin's relationship with her best friend pained her so much, but it did.
"Well I was but I missed my best friend. It was weird not having you around. So we're cool right?" He held out his closed fist. It had become their thing to bump fists; Ella couldn't even remember when they first started doing it. She tapped his fist with hers.
"Of course," she lied.
"You know, you can come out with me and Lydia if you want to." He told her as they began to walk to class.
"I don't wanna be the third wheel, honestly Lan, its fine. How did it happen anyway? You and Lydia?"
"We just got talking at the party and I don't know, I guess we like each other."
"I bet you're glad I didn't go to the party now. If I was there then maybe you and Lydia wouldn't have started talking."
"You're right. But I still wish you would have come."
"Thanks," she replied. A feeling rushed through her stomach; she wasn't sure what it was or why she was getting it but it happened every time Lanny looked at her. It was a feeling that she hoped would never go away.