A/N: Thank you all for being patient and to those who sent me messages. I can't begin to say how sorry I am that I've been this far behind with my uploads but a lot has been happening and just when I think I have a break to sit down and write, shit happens and I find myself getting lost in other things. I've been doing a lot of reading and have been uninspired to write but I promised myself I would get a chapter in for one of my stories! I hope you are all still out there waiting to read the rest to come!

ENJOY!

Chapter: Waterfall

A few days had passed since the night Lucas finally opened up a bit and apologized for the Chase situation. We did a little bit of exploring across the island and I've never seen Rachel this much outdoors unless she was drinking or posing for a modeling shoot. Clay became more calm and in tune with himself. Nathan shone in a different light appreciating the nature around him. Haley began to write music again, something I haven't seen her do since high school. And Lucas…

Lucas was beginning to transform into the man I always knew he could be. He was becoming someone who appreciated everything and everyone around him. He was writing more and more everyday. As for myself, I started sketching but not only that, but actually drawing. I never really thought about anything else but fashion. I was drawing everything. Trees, beaches, sand, by passers, sunsets, and my amazing friends.

Things were just magical here and everyday was a more beautiful day than the previous one.

With my sketchpad in hand, I heard the door open and someone skipping towards me.

"Tigger!"

"Tutor girl." I pushed my sunglasses further up my face as a small sweat formed along the bridge of my nose.

"Are you drawing?" She leaned over just a little to look at my sketch.

I nodded as I bit my lip and tried to keep my focus on the blooming hibiscus in front of me.

"It's amazing Brooke, you have a unique talent for making things so much more beautiful on paper." She smiled and winked at me.

"Thanks Hales." I never thought I could draw anything else except clothing designs but I began to realize that maybe, just maybe there was more to my talent than I ever thought before.

"So Nathan and I are probably going to explore the old church ruins would you like to join us?"

I knew what Haley was doing and I really did appreciate it. I told her about what happened that night between Lucas and me and for some reason she was being extremely overprotective of both of us. She didn't want Lucas and I rushing into anything and I kept repeating myself that, that wasn't going to happen not with everything that's going on with his heart. Haley wanted us both to be happy but not for the wrong reasons and I respect that.

"I think I'll stay here and enjoy the alone time. Clay and Rachel went snorkeling. Can you believe it? Rachel in the ocean doing something besides modeling?" I snickered and Haley giggled.

"Yeah it is strange but I am actually beginning to see her in a different light. I think we are even becoming friends." She smiled and shook her head at the sure idea of those them ever becoming friends.

"Yes Hales, it is a miracle." I rested my hand on her leg and she smiled at me.

"Well you know you're not alone. Luke is inside writing…" She nodded towards the main part of the house and I followed her gaze.

"I know and we'll be okay. You know we've been alone with each other a million times Hales. You don't have to keep an eye on us."

She grabbed my hand and held it in hers. There was something different about her touch just now. It was almost as if she was comforting me even though I didn't need it.

"I just…I love you both so much and in different ways that if anything were to happen to either one of you, I think I would lose my mind. I just…I love seeing you two get close again and I think it's great that you are taking what you both like to call, 'baby steps' it's just…and I don't like thinking this but we have to be realistic here, if something bad were to happen to Lucas, I think it would kill me even more to see you get close to him like you were before to only see that be taken away from you again."

Tears started to form in my eyes and I squeezed her hand. Haley has been the only constant person in my life. Even though when we were younger, it was always Peyton and me but when Haley did come into my life, there was never any tension, strain, or stress between us. We were always able to work out our differences and stay closer than ever. I pulled her into my arms and held onto her as if she would disappear away from me.

"I love you so much Haley Bob…but just know that if something were to happen to Lucas…I would want to cherish whatever moments I can have with him, romantic or not. Yes, it would probably kill me to lose him as a friend or a lover, but my world would never be the same if he weren't in it, no matter what he is to me." I couldn't help my tears. They flowed freely and I let them.

"Oh Brookie, I didn't mean to make you cry…it's just I can't help but worry about you both…I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said anything." She reached up and brushed the tears away.

"It's okay, I promise. I love that you worry about me the way you do. I don't know what I'd do without you. You've become the sister, the friend I've always wanted. Thanks Hales for never turning your back on me."

We pulled each other into our arms. I don't think I could love any other girl more than I loved her.

"Whoa, I'm sorry, I didn't know I was interrupting a girly moment."

I looked over Haley's shoulder to see Nathan looking slightly uncomfortable. Haley and I both laughed and pulled away from each other.

"It's okay my charming boyfriend. We were just talking." Haley brushed the tears that now cascaded down her face away.

"Is everything okay?" He questioned and we both nodded.

"Go have fun. The church ruins are gorgeous. You two deserve a getaway with each other. If you plan on staying out late, grab a blanket for more reasons than one." I winked at them and Nathan blushed.

"Mind out of the gutter, Miss Davis, although thanks for the tip." Haley winked at me and I winked back.

"I love you." I said.

"I love you too." She said back as they walked away from me.

I caught a glare of something reflecting above me. Lucas was standing on the balcony looking down on me. The sun reflected off his sunglasses and I wish I could read his face. He disappeared back into the house and I frowned and turned back to my flower. It had bloomed fully and I was mesmerized by it. Amazing, I thought.

About an hour had gone by and I ended up drawing the entire hibiscus garden. The one flower I started drawing was the center of my piece then it became surrounded by the greenery with smaller versions of the flower accenting it. It really was good and I was proud of myself.

"That's amazing."

I jumped a little as I didn't hear him come up behind me.

"I didn't mean to scare you." He said soothingly.

"No it's okay. I guess I had gotten too wrapped up into my work, I didn't notice you came down here." I looked up at him and he didn't have his sunglasses on anymore.

I could see his face clearly now and he looked tired.

"Thank you." I whispered almost forgetting he complimented my picture.

He sat down next to me and for a moment we both enjoyed the view with the sounds of the waves crashing in the background. It truly was a wonderful place to be surrounded by.

"So with everyone else exploring, I was wondering if you wanted to join me in doing a little exploring of our own." His voice became a melody in my head. His words had never been more calm and tranquil before.

"Sure." I became excited and nervous at the same time. It was like going on a first date with the boy you've been crushing on for forever.

"Well how about we explore this amazing trail you've been telling me about?" He leaned back in his chair and I saw his chest and torso muscles stretch leaving me wanting to run my fingers down them.

"Yeah." Since when was I only able to spit out one word sentences?

I went inside to change into more appropriate attire. I put on my tennis shoes and grabbed a tank and shorts to cover my bathing suit. I quickly braided my hair into messy pigtails and grabbed one of Lucas's hats. Not cute for a date but we were going to do a little bit of hiking and walking, so no need to look cute. I grabbed my camera, just in case.

When I stepped back outside, Lucas was waiting for me. He had a small backpack and I saw him loading a couple of water bottles, towels, and snacks.

"My you seem a little over prepared." I stood resting my hands on my hips.

"Yeah, well all I know is that we're walking that trail." He pointed to the tree enclosed path that led to a mysterious place to him.

"You won't tell me anything about it and instead of letting my curiosities get the best of me; I've waited to explore it with you." He said resting the pack across his shoulder. He never looked more handsome, almost like a hero getting ready for his long-awaited journey.

"True and thanks for waiting on me. I know how you don't like waiting."

We stood awkwardly around each other for a moment and at the same time we both moved towards the trail and stopped.

"Please lead the way; I don't know where we're going." He said with a chuckle. Did he really just chuckle?

I shrugged it off, smiled at him and began walking forward. It was like it never left me. Nothing about this island ever left me. It was like I was here yesterday walking down this path that led to my escape to freedom from my distant parents when they would fight or argue about stupid, petty things. We were walking for about ten minutes when I spoke up.

"When I was younger, I would run away down this path, my parents, of course, never knowing when I'd disappear but sometimes I would stop and sit on this rock."

We stopped before a rock that looked like it was made for sitting. I sat down on the rock and pulled my knees to my chest, Lucas stood in front of me.

"I would write in my diary sometimes here, or just curl up into a ball and sit here believing that I lived a different life." I let the sad, bittersweet memories flood me.

"I'm sorry."

I snatched my head up in his direction.

"Your parents were always worthless. You never deserved to go through all the bull shit you did." He reached his hand out to me and pulled me from the rock.

I lost my footing a bit because he was so strong; it was like I was weightless to him. My feet couldn't find the right place to stay grounded as I fell a little into him.

"I know." I said into his chest.

I pushed back from him just a bit and looked up at him. Not to sound vain, but everything about him fit me perfectly. His hands against the small of my back, how his arms molded along mine and his head was perfectly taller than mine, the way it should be.

"Come on." He took my hand and began to lead me.

"Do you know where you're going?" I asked him amused.

"No, but you'll let me know if I'm heading in the wrong direction."

A memory skirted across my mind…to those familiar words he's spoken before.

"Are you crazy?" I yelled at him. I hardly ever yell at him.

"Relax, okay."

He wants me to relax? How the hell am I supposed to relax when he's told me something like this?

"Fuck you." I stormed away from him and heard him run towards me.

"Whoa, calm down. What's your problem?" He looked at me confused and just for a moment I couldn't be that mad at him.

"I just…I just can't believe you would do that! I mean…" What was I saying?

I just always thought that Lucas and I would experience all the firsts together…well maybe not all the firsts, but things like this…

"I just…" My awkward fifteen year old self began fidgeting with my thumbs.

"I just thought that maybe we could have done something like that together, that's all." I looked up at him and this genuine smile came across his face.

"Brooke, you really wanted to smoke weed with me? I didn't know that. Honest to God." He reached up and brushed the hair from my face.

"I mean yeah, no, but if you're going to do things like that, I would hope you would want to do them with me…" I sounded so ridiculous and needy right now.

"Well okay how about this…" His hands left my face and glided down to my arms.

"The next time I want to experience anything for the first time, I'll come to you." He smiled at me and shook his head, "although there are some things I can't experience the first time with you." Sex, of course.

Was he mocking me? Making fun of me now?

"I get the feeling you'll let me know if I'm heading in the wrong direction…if I come to you first about these things, you'll forbid me to do them."

I shrugged him off and looked up at him.

"Lucas, drugs are not something I would like to get myself involved in but if I ever do, I would want to experience them with you! At least then I know if something were to go wrong, you'd be there to make sure nothing does go wrong." I hoped he understood what I was saying, what I was trying to get across to him.

His whole body began to relax and he nodded.

"Of course, Brooke."

"You're one of my best friends, or at least my best friend who I know can protect me from certain things." I am sure Peyton couldn't prevent some dude from trying to rape me like Luke could, or punch out some guy who tried to get handsy with me…Lucas was that person for me, someone who could have my back in any situation.

He smiled again and brought his hand up to my face.

"Of course, Brooke, and I guess I can admit to something now." His tone became more serious.

"I would love to come to you first about these kinds of decisions, because if I were to get hooked on something, God forbid it, I know you can help me go down the right path away from that."

I reached up and touched his face.

"Of course I would!"

I did end up saving him once from doing something extremely stupid…like heroin. Damn that Felix Tagarro for trying to get him to do that stuff. Ecstasy, weed, Xanex, and mollies were one thing…but heroin, cocaine, meth? Never would I let Lucas do such horrible things.

"Uh, no, take the left, not the right."

He looked back at me confused.

"Trust me. The left is where you want to head." I smiled at him and he nodded.

We walked farther and we saw some of the most beautiful birds I'd ever seen. I stopped and took some pictures hoping that maybe I could recreate them in my own vision. Then I began to hear it. My heart sped up a little as I hoped Lucas would become entranced just as I had all those years ago. He turned to look at me with surprise and curiosity etched across his face. I pushed his back making him walk a little faster and through the excessive amount of trees and overbearing leaves, we finally came into view of one of the most beautiful cites I'd ever seen. Lucas' breath caught in his throat.

What lay before us was one of the most enchanting waterfalls that flowed into a spring lake. The trees cast the appropriate amount of desired shade and you could hear the wonderful calls of nature in the distance and you could actually smell the crisp freshness of the water. There were several large rocks centered in the lake with one sanded area that the water danced across as it ebbed in and out gently.

"I…" Lucas's words got lost in his mouth.

"It's amazing, isn't it?" I looked over at him and I don't even think he realized it, but he pulled me into his side and brought his mouth to my ear.

"Thank you." He whispered sending chills down my spine in the most spectacular way possible.

"You're welcome." I said looking up at him and he began to lower his head towards mine and I just couldn't…not yet…

"Come on! I want to show you something else!" I skipped ahead of him, resting my camera in its bag along with my clothes and shoes.

He took off his shirt and shoes and placed his bag next to mine. I started climbing along the edge of the waterfall with my feet fitting perfectly along the rock pathway. The sound of the waterfall became louder and harsher, the closer we got to it. Lucas was close to me as he moved behind me. Then I saw it…the small opening behind the waterfall. I ducked inside and he followed in.

"Wow." He said as he looked around the small cave.

There wasn't much here, I was just glad no animal…or person was residing here…or at least at the moment.

"You're amazing…this place is amazing. Brooke, you have given me the most precious gift." He said not looking at me but looking ahead through the waterfall.

"I'd do anything for you, you know that right?" I said to him, the butterflies gathering in my stomach batting their wings like crazy trying to break free.

Then he got this look in his eye. I raised a brow at him. He held his hand out to me and with no hesitation I placed mine in his. He pulled me with him as we exited the small cave and we began to climb to the top of the waterfall. Once there we could see out as far as the ocean. Everything was just breathtaking. I wasn't sure how else to explain it. There was something about this place, these surroundings, sounds, everything about it almost made you feel like you were in a magical universe where nothing else mattered but you…or in this case, me and Luke.

"It's great isn't it, I mean…" A gush of wind blew past me as I saw him just jump off the edge.

"LUUUUCCCAAAS!" I screamed as I watched him fall a good, I don't know, fifty feet from the edge?

I held my breath waiting for him to surface. I began to panic as I still didn't see him.

"LU—"

His head popped up from underneath the water, he ran his hand over his shaved head.

"Woooooooooo!" He screamed and let out this giddy laugh.

"DAMN YOU LUCAS SCOTT!" I screamed from up above him.

He looked so small down below as he craned his neck up and yelled out to me.

"Come on pretty girl! Live your life! Jump! It's an unbelievable rush!" He was treading water and his hands were moving back and forth to keep himself afloat.

I wasn't expecting him to do that, let alone myself doing that. It was pretty high up but I knew the water was deep. I just never had the courage or the thought to jump from the top; I was only a kid when I was last here. Looking down at Lucas made me realize that he was having fun and he was smiling. I don't think I've seen him smile this much since he's been back in my life.

"Shit." I cursed as I looked down again and backed up a little.

"Shit, shit, shit, shit!" I took in a deep breath.

"Just breathe." I whispered to myself.

"One, two, three!" I squealed the last word as I ran and jumped over the edge.

The wind caressed my face as my two braids flew around my head and I wrapped my arms around my legs as I made a cannonball splash into the water. The sweet, cool sensation of the water kissed my skin and I felt so alive in that moment of pure insanity. I surfaced and inhaled a huge lungful of air.

I screamed in excitement. I looked around and Lucas wasn't in sight. I turned as I tread water.

"Lucas!" I called out, no answer.

Then a pair of arms came around my legs and pulled me under. Luckily, this spring lake was some of the clearest water on the island. I saw him grinning at me and as I resurfaced, I squealed as his body glided up against mine and his head popped out of the water. We were face to face and I don't think I have ever felt this nervous before in my life. It was like for the very first time, that feeling you get when the boy you've been in love with forever is finally yours. I began to shake.

"Hey, hey, are you okay?" If he wasn't holding me, I may have drowned.

"I know that we've known each other for a long time and that we've slept together, seen each other naked, kissed, done almost all that we can together, this just feels like the very first time I'm experiencing it with you." I began to cry scared tears, nervous tears.

He wrapped one arm around me and with the other he brought my legs around his waist and he held us in place, his legs kicking fiercely and steadily to hold us above water.

"I'm nervous too because…I've never felt this way about any other girl except for you. Brooke…" His mouth was getting closer to mine and I couldn't stand it any longer.

I crashed my lips into his, betting on my life, blood was shed. His mouth opened mine and his tongue found mine as if it had been searching for it all this time. We fought for dominance but I allowed him to take control over my mouth. He kissed me with a vigor that I've never felt before. This was the first time, our first time. He may not be able to say it but right now in his movements, his touch, I knew that he loved me. Every ounce of him was in love with me. We began to sink a little as our bodies started taking over.

We both didn't want to pull away from each other but we also knew that we didn't want to drown. I pulled away from him already feeling like a part of me was lost for the rest of eternity.

I swam until I was able to touch the ground and I got out of the water with Lucas close behind me. I went to reach for a towel but he pulled me into his chest quickly turning me around in his arms. I rested my hands on his chest and I have never felt more at home than I did just now.

"Lucas."

"Brooke." His lips found mine again and I knew what was about to happen.

There was no way my body would reject him, hell, I wouldn't allow myself to reject him. For the first time in years I was going to have sex with this amazing man, this man who has always had my heart, no matter how he treated me.

"Luke…" I brought my hands to his shoulders as he picked me up and my legs automatically went around his waist.

He started walking forwards and I trusted him to lead us to wherever it is he planned on taking me. My bare back was up against a tree.

"Luke…" I was barely able to say his name as he removed my bathing suit top.

I started to lose my vision. This is the effect he had on me. It was so mind-blowing, so crazy how my body responded to him. His mouth found one of my breasts as he devoured it. I shook from his wet mouth sucking hard and gently along my nipple. I loved how he could be gentle but rough with me.

He set me down just for a moment to remove my bottom suit and I was completely naked in all my glory in front of him. His hands ran down my body.

"You are the most beautiful woman in this world. I, I don't deserve you, Brooke." He was breathing hard and as I removed his swim trunks, I let my hands snake up his torso, his chest and rested them over his heart.

"I love you, Lucas."

He was about to speak but I cut him off. I couldn't stand it any longer. I needed this, I wanted this and I am not sure I can go on without being with him in every possible way. He picked me up again and pressed me against the tree. One of his hands held me in place as the other found its way to my aching center. He rubbed me gently and then with more force.

"Brooke." He was hesitating.

"Please…" I begged him.

He removed his hand and then everything felt complete as he entered me. We both gasped at the same time as everything fell into place. This was right, it was more than right, it was meant to be. I didn't belong to anybody else but him, and he belonged to me. He stayed still for a moment remembering how it felt to be inside of me. I had forgotten just how big he was as I could feel myself becoming familiar to him filling me whole.

"Luke…" I needed him to start moving.

He began to thrust slowly in and out making my whole body spark with electricity. My body was on fire. I dug my nails into his shoulders as he increased his speed. I wasn't sure how much longer I could keep from exploding. I have had sex a couple of times after Lucas but I have never felt anything like this with any other guy.

"Brooke, I…I lo—" He increased his thrusts faster and faster and I screamed in pleasure as his hands tightened around me.

We both climaxed at the same time and he collapsed against me. I was pinned between him and the tree and I didn't care that the rough texture of the tree was cutting into my skin. It didn't matter because what I just experienced with him was unlike anything else.

"Brooke, I…"

"Shhh." I wasn't going to force him to say it; I didn't need him to say it because I felt it.

He looked up at me and I held his face in my hands. I leaned down and gently kissed him.

"So much for baby steps." He said quietly.

I smiled but knew he was right, this was too soon, but I didn't care anymore. After talking to Haley earlier and coming to terms that there is always a possibility that I could lose Lucas unexpectedly, I got to experience his love, his love that he would and could not give to any one else than how he did with me just a moment ago.

"Come on, let's get back, the sun will go down soon. I don't want Haley worrying about us." I said as I kissed his forehead.

He was still panting, taking in rough, ragged breaths. I started to walk away from him but he grabbed my hand and kissed it gently. I smiled to myself and we started gathering our clothes. We got dressed and started walking back. Mid way through our walk, the sun had set, and we were greeted with the moonlight guiding us back. All the lights were on in the house indicating that everyone was back and I was dreading the mother inside Haley worrying away about the both of us. At one point during our walk back, Lucas grabbed my hand and we walked all the way back with our fingers intertwined.

I let go of his hand as I took the steps first ahead of him reaching the deck. I saw Clay and Rachel playing a game of checkers and Nathan with Haley in the kitchen. I smiled. I opened the door and Lucas followed in behind me.

"Thank God! I was so worried about you two." Haley ran from the kitchen and pulled us both in her arms.

"Hales we just went for a walk." Lucas said as she held a death grip on us.

"Okay Hales cutting off my air supply." I coughed and she let us go.

Rachel was eyeballing me and she bit her lip and winked at me. I rolled my eyes at her. She always knew when I had sex and this time was no different.

"Did you enjoy your walk, Lucas?" She asked emphasizing on the word, walk.

"Yes." He said coolly.

"What's for dinner?" I asked.

"Lobster chowder. Thought I'd keep it simple tonight." Haley said.

"That sounds amazing." Lucas said as he winked at me and I smiled.

"How was snorkeling?" I asked as I gave Clay a hug from behind and he kissed my arm.

"It was pretty great. Rachel was greeted by a barracuda. I probably have permanent nail indentions on my arm." He pointed to his arm and it sure did look like she left her mark on him.

"I don't think I have ever been more terrified and excited in my life. It was scary and exhilarating. It was like ten feet long. I've never experienced anything like it before." She said as she flipped her hair in her hands.

It was very rare to see Rachel without make up and she was even more beautiful without it.

"That does sound like fun." I looked over my shoulder quickly seeing Lucas and Nathan talking.

He was laughing. I don't think I've ever seen him so happy before. He said something to Haley and she laughed, lightly hitting him in the arm. He kissed the side of her face. He started pulling out dishes for everyone and I never wanted to leave this place now. There was no drama, no fighting, and no stress. We were all happy and enjoying ourselves.

Clay went into the kitchen to grab something to drink when Rachel yanked me towards her.

"You better spill." She gripped me tightly.

"There's nothing to tell." I said.

"I'm calling bull shit. You had sex!" She whispered harshly and everyone in the kitchen noticed us.

"Rachel wants my bod." I said as Nathan and Haley snickered as Clay and Lucas tried to picture it in their minds.

"It's true." She said only encouraging the wakening image in their heads.

I pinched her and she cried out and thumped me in the arm. I turned only facing her and mouthed, later. Her mouth dropped and she bounced with joy.

"Okay you two what's the big secret?" Haley asked as she came around with the large pot of chowder.

"Like I said she's getting tired of Clay and she wants me." I said. I wasn't going to keep it from Haley but I also didn't want everyone at this particular moment knowing my business.

"Well, Rachel, keep it in your pants until dinner is over." Haley joked.

We all gathered around the table. I sat in between Rachel and Nathan, Haley by his side, Lucas across from me, and Clay next to Lucas and Rachel. Lucas's foot found mine and I grinned.

"Let's eat!"

Soooo...what did we think? I figured I would give you what you've all been waiting for but like always...what will come of this?

Up next... Brooke and Lucas talk. Haley and Rachel spend some time together. Brooke spills the details to the ladies while the guys talk, but what do the boys talk about?

Stay tuned! REVIEW PLEASE!