AN: I'm trying to figure out a posting schedule. I'll probably post another chapter to see if there is an interest in continuing and then figure out what day to post.

I don't own OTH or anything else MS has fondled.

A Season in Purgatory

Chapter 4

The pounding beat of the music pulsated through the beach house, creating an atmosphere that was part nightclub and part chaos. Brooke leaned against the green marble counter in the kitchen, her head pounding in rhythm to the music. She'd been out of that house for almost an hour and her hands were still shaking, an after affect of her encounter with the evil step monster. Sighing, she downed her cup and motioned for Nathan to refill it from the keg.

He proceeded toward the keg, while carefully observing Brooke on the sly. Something was definitely off with her tonight. Hell, something had been off for months, he realized.

"Here ya go," he handed her the plastic blue cup, searching his brain for a way to find out what was going on with his friend.

Brooke nodded her thanks, while carefully scanning the room for any unknown threat that might be lurking. The open format of the kitchen allowed her to check out the action in the living areas and the foyer, making sure she could see all the people around her. She let Nathan stare at her for a few minutes, before she turned her head and snarked, "I'm not a zoo exhibit, Nate. Go stare at some other girl." After five beers, she was still on edge and her nerves were fried.

"I'm worried about you, Brooke," he carefully stated, never knowing what would set her off these days. The girl had a spirit like fine crystal: inexplicably strong at some points, and utter fragile at others. "You just look upset about something. I'm always here if you need someone to talk to." Nathan mentally calculated, figuring that Brooke had been acting strange ever since the divorce. Maybe she was just struggling with the new stepfamily, he thought, knowing first hand how hard it was to adapt to changes in the family structure.

Fighting back tears, Brooke mutely nodded at him, staring at a spot on the wall behind his head. There were just some things you couldn't tell a guy, no matter how close they were to you. Brooke realized that there was no one, guy or girl, she could trust with this situation. She'd already tried to explain it to Peyton, who thought she was totally over-reacting. "Thanks, Nate. I really appreciate it," she mumbled, suddenly uncomfortable as his stare grew more analytical. She quickly turned around, searching for more beer. Beer was the perfect way to numb her mind to match her already numb body.

Nathan silently watched as she left the kitchen, more than ever convinced that something serious was going on. It wasn't like Brooke to remain silent for long he rationalized. She never could keep a secret whether it was about her parent's affairs or her latest crush. It was only a matter of time before she confided in him.

Pulling out a bar stool, Nate sat off to the side of the kitchen, letting the party rage on around him. His ears were still ringing from the bitchfest his father had given him after the game. Nate realized he was lucky to still be having the party after Dan had spent an hour outlining the evils of scouts seeing you fight with a teammate. It was one thing to haze the kid a bit, he'd declared, but getting thrown out of the game for it was an entirely different situation. Staring off into space, Nate wondered if he and his dad had ever had a conversation that didn't include the words scouts or stats. There just had to be more to life than basketball. Nathan didn't see the point of getting a scholarship anyway. Dan had tons of money and could afford any college desperate enough to accept his son. He tiredly rubbed at his eyes, knowing that some of his teammates, like Lucas, would not go to college without a scholarship. He wasn't sure if he should feel guilty about his half brother not sharing in their father's wealth, or angry that Luke had avoided his share of fatherly expectations.

Hearing a roar of greeting, Nate turned around, seeing Haley and Lucas at the door of the kitchen. He lost his earlier contemplations and headed toward the couple.

Lucas hesitated a moment, before shoving the gearshift into park and turning the truck off. His mood was generally gloomy, but after being thrown out of the game, lectured endlessly by Whitey and then bitched at by his mother, he was not in the mood for a party at his evil half brother's vacation house.

"Lucas, if you are this wound up, we should just go home," Haley said, knowing the look on his face. He had the fur on his back up and he was begging for another opportunity to go at Nathan. "Come on, we can get an action movie, pick up a pizza, and have a good old fashion movie night," she cajoled, not knowing if she had enough energy to play referee tonight.

He shook his head, stubbornly refusing to give in. "Haley, why should I have to avoid my teammates just because of Nathan? Don't I have the right to go to a party, too?" Truthfully, he didn't want to be anywhere near his mother right now. She was furious about the game and had already threatened to take him off the team if the fighting didn't stop. It hadn't helped matters that Lucas brought up the fact that she was socializing with Dan earlier that night. Karen's reaction to that observation was bizarre. She looked more guilty than angry that Lucas would use that to distract attention away from his fight with Nathan. Lucas frowned, realizing that there were so many things that he didn't know, so many facts about the past and his parents and little details that they were all conspiring to keep away from him. The memory of the secret photo album still haunted his thoughts. Lucas had seen them talking after the game, with their heads close together, sharing a laugh, and he couldn't shake the feeling that Dan and Karen had secrets.

Haley fought to contain a snort of disgust at his words, failing miserably. "First of all, you hate parties. Luke, you are the most anti-social person that I know. And if this were any other party, you'd probably blow it off in favor of reading a book."

Luke's avoided her stern gaze, knowing that in truth, she was right. He didn't love parties or groups of people. It was too stressful for him to deal with that many people in a social situation. Normally, he preferred people in two's or four's, but not groups. He just didn't want to go home and co-exist with his mom right now. And there was always the possibility that Brooke or Peyton would show up, as well.

Luke frowned, knowing that Haley was totally missing his point. "If I limited places that I went based on Nathan and Dan, I'd never leave my room. I have every right to be here with my friends," he ardently finished.

"Friends? Or Peyton and Brooke? I can't keep track of who you are stalking this week, but I do know that you don't have many friends on that team. Not ones that you'd voluntarily hang out with," Haley remarked, seeing the frustration on his face. She softened a bit, knowing that Lucas had internal demons that only he truly understood.

"I'm just saying that you don't have to go to this party to make a statement, Luke."

Nodding, he sat there a moment, before opening the door and getting out of the truck. He had agendas that didn't include Nathan. And he didn't see any reason to not pursue them.

Haley rolled her eyes before jumping out and running to catch up with him.

Lucas walked into the foyer of the beach house and stopped, taking time to look around in amazement. He didn't need a degree in interior design to know that this place was expensively decorated. Haley nearly plowed into the back of him before she too stopped and looked around. "Wow, I can't believe they even let kids under 18 in this place," she commented, before looking at a mute Lucas.

She followed his eyes to the huge family portrait that hung over the marble fireplace in the living room. It was the focal point of the room, and lavish enough to stand out all the way in the foyer. The smiling faces of Dan and a much younger Nathan stared out at them, resplendent on the oil painted canvas. A woman that Haley assumed was Nate's mom sat between the two, smiling serenely at the artist.

"Well, at least I know where several of my child support payments went," Lucas mumbled, knowing that gilded frame alone would have fed him for months. He forced himself to calm down, knowing that his anger wouldn't get him very far. He'd wanted this his entire life. He'd wanted to travel in the same circles as his other family and see what their lives were like. It didn't take a genius to realize that Nathan and Dan were rich. But it was one thing to intellectually understand that and another thing to be confronted with so much squandered money. He loved the little house that he shared with his mom. It was just the right size for the two of them and the well-worn furniture was comfortable, if not stylish. It was like living in his favorite hoodie, he realized. But there was a basic injustice in the way he lived and the way Nathan lived. It wasn't fair, he childishly thought.

Haley followed Lucas from room to room as he distantly inspected the rooms' contents, studying all the family heirlooms. She frowned, comprehending that Lucas was basically inventorying all the family pictures he could find. "Luke, I don't have to have a psychology degree to know this isn't healthy." She knew he had so many mixed emotions about Dan that it was hard to express, but she'd never seen her friend this on edge before. Luke paused a moment, digesting her words, before closing his eyes and slowly exhaling.

"I just need to understand them, Hales. I want to have some information, so that I can put things into context." Lucas could admit that he was confused about all his conflicted feelings. He'd never really been force to deal with them because he'd never been around Dan or Nathan. But the more he interacted with them the more information he craved.

"They're just pictures, Luke. Pictures and a lot of expensive furniture that will be covered in beer cans before the night is over. This stuff isn't going to give you the answers you need," she softly explained, trying to be heard over the pounding music, but still trying to be discreet. She knew that Luke's pride would never admit to being curious in or hurt by his other family.

He remained quiet, trying to process everything he could. It was nearly overwhelming trying to sort out all his confused and conflicted feelings. He'd given up rationalizing his thoughts when he caught a glimpse of shiny blonde curls bouncing in the corner of the room. Haley followed his eyes over to where Peyton stood talking to some of her cheerleaders. Fickle though she might be, Haley knew that Lucas had not completely let go of his obsession with the petite blonde.

Haley turned around, not wanting to watch the train wreck of Lucas and Peyton. She jumped back, unprepared to be face to face with Nathan. A slow smile crossed his face as he watched her cheeks flush pink. There was something so compelling about her naivety. While most of the girls at the party were half naked and drunk off their asses, Haley was refreshingly sedate and natural. She didn't have to wear short skirts to get his attention, he realized, not all together happy at those thoughts. She was his tutor, and his thoughts seemed vaguely inappropriate given their academic relationship and her ties to Lucas and Karen.

"I'm glad you finally made," he warmly said, ignoring his preoccupied half brother. "I was afraid that he'd opt out of the party after the fight." Lucas finally jerked back to reality, realizing that not only was the spoiled brat standing next to him, but that he was already talking trash.

"Well, we didn't come for your company, that's for sure," Lucas shot back, his focus on Peyton momentarily forgotten. Haley raised her eyebrows at his hostile tone. She could understand why Lucas and Nathan didn't get along, but she didn't have to condone their pointless fighting.

Nathan smiled at his "older" brother with a satisfied grin. "Oh I think it's obvious what you came here for. Whether you get it or not remains to be seen." The double entendre of his words was not lost on Lucas. It wasn't just a reference to Peyton and Brooke, but to Dan, as well.

He'd watched the couple enter the house, and noted the amazed expression on their faces as they took in the opulent house. Nathan had taken a sick sort of satisfaction in seeing the blatant look of jealous on the other boy's face. He'd taken special care in putting out every picture of him and Dan that he could find, wanting Lucas to see what he'd missed out on. He frowned momentarily, not sure if he and Dan had anything outside of sports. Lucas might not have had a father but Nathan didn't have a mother. That was a type of leveling experience he should have related to. But he'd consoled himself with the idea that if he was no longer Dan Scott's oldest son and heir apparent, then he at least was the chosen son. His dad had picked him over the golden boy, and Nathan didn't want Lucas to forget that.

Luke's shoulders hunched up in a manner that Haley knew signaled anger. Desperately, she pointed over to Peyton and said, "I think she waved you over, Luke." He smiled at her, seeing through her obvious attempts to separate the boys.

Nathan's heart lurched at the closeness between the two. He'd never shared that kind of shared meaning with anyone he'd ever dated. Maybe with Brooke, but she was different.

Before he could stop himself, Nathan directed a cold comment toward Luke. " I would say make yourself at home, but it's not your home and it never will be."

Wincing at Nate's words, Lucas forced himself to walk away. He'd never let Nathan or Dan know just how much that little fact hurt him. Haley watched him walk away, before spinning around and confronting Nathan. "Was that necessary? I mean, do you lie awake at night plotting nasty things to say to him?"

A wounded expression appeared on Nathan's face, disappointed that she viewed him in such a negative light. "Come on, Haley. It's not like he didn't start it," Nathan whined, suddenly looking much younger than he usually did.

She heavily exhaled, wondering why she'd even bothered. "You two are incorrigible," she reluctantly commented. She didn't give up easily, but there was no hope in trying to forge peace between the two brothers.

He smiled at her words. "I'd probably be insulted if I knew what that word meant, but since you applied it to both of us, I won't get mad." Haley laughed, glad that someone was trying to lighten the mood. She was impressed by his rare displays of humor, liking the shades it added to his personality. They turned to watch Lucas and Peyton in the corner for a minute, before Haley shook her head. "I knew I'd be dumped for one of the girls, I just didn't expect it to be so soon."

Leaning in toward her ear, Nathan spoke gently, but firmly. "I'd never leave a nice girl alone at a wild party like this." Not sure how to respond to that, she silently took in the revelers. Most of the teens were playing drinking games or dancing, but she noticed several couples slipping upstairs or into other remote corners of the house.

Nathan grabbed her small hand, tugging her toward the kitchen. "You can stay with me until Lucas is finished with Peyton. I'll fight off the drunks for you." His voice was filled with the cockiness of a guy who knew just how attractive he was.

"I'm not sure, Nate. Luke should be…" her voice trailed off as she watched Lucas lean in closer to Peyton's face. "On the other hand, what the hell." Tonight was turning out to be one huge disaster after another. Once Peyton finished toying with Luke's affection, she'd end up being the shoulder he cried on.

Nathan pulled her small frame closer to his, as he propelled them through the throng of people. Haley wasn't used to parties like this. Most of the ones she attended had parents at every doorway making sure that no fun was had. Nathan's party was something out of a Hollywood Frat movie. She shivered, not knowing if it was from the cool air wafting in from the open veranda doors, or the proximity of his body so close to hers.

They walked into the spacious kitchen, taking advantage of the distance from the living room's speakers. The music was reduced to a dull throb, making conversation easier. "Okay, first up, we'll get you something to drink. Then, we'll dance so that my earlier promise to you is fulfilled."

She leaned against the marble counter, analyzing him for any sign of deceit. "What makes you think I want either a drink or a dance?" she questioned, with just enough teasing in her voice to make him smile.

"All the girls want to dance with me, Haley." His tone managed to be both honest and proud. Haley was well aware that most girls at school would kill to have Nathan's undivided attention. She just wasn't sure what was motivating his interest in her. She knew she wasn't ugly, but she also knew that she wasn't really his type.

"Okay, I give. I'll take a coke, please." He looked at her in concern, not sure that anyone ever came to his parties with soda. "Like a rum and coke?" he asked, looking around at the various bottles that littered the counter tops. She leaned in toward him and spoke slowly. "No booze, Nate. Just a plain coke." She took an evil delight in watching his ego deflate somewhat, letting him know she didn't plan on getting drunk under any circumstances.

Ten minutes later, he shrugged his shoulders at her in concession. "Okay, I don't have anything vaguely nonalcoholic in the house. Your choices for the evening are a peach wine cooler with very low alcoholic content," he said, presenting the cold bottle like it was a fine wine. Nathan dramatically continued, "Or a glass of tap water."

Frowning, Haley's eyes moved back and forth between the offending bland water and the wine cooler. "I don't suppose you'd run to the store and get me a coke?" she hopefully asked, as a couple knocked over some bar stools next to them. Nathan the host shoved the couple out of the kitchen, before turning back to her. "Uh, with this crowd? I think it's best if I stay here." He was having a surprisingly nice time with her. What had started as an attempt to buy Brooke some time alone with Lucas was rapidly turning into a good time for him.

Rolling her eyes, Haley pointed to the bottle. "Fine. I'm desperate enough to drink the wine cooler. Anything is better than warm water," she said, as he handed her the now opened bottle. Nathan smiled, still uncertain why he cared if his tutor was comfortable or not. He could have been upstairs having a good time with one of the freshmen cheerleaders instead of standing on his head to find an acceptable drink for this girl.

There was a peculiar challenge about her, though. Haley wasn't impressed with his basketball skills, and she never brought up the sport when they were together. He couldn't go to school or the drug store and avoid people gushing over his latest game. Nathan kind of liked how Haley found so many things to talk about other than his sport. She didn't fall at his feet like most of the girls at school and for that reason Nathan was intrigued. He poured himself another shot of vodka as he listened to her talk about her family.

"What's up? I've not seen much of you lately," Luke shouted to Peyton, trying to be heard over the speaker she was using as a chair. Peyton looked up at him and smiled in that coy fashion she was famous for. She was perched on the edge of the large Bose floor speaker, taking advantage of the object in a room where sitting space was limited. Lucas watched as she smoothed her short red skirt, noting how nice her legs looked.

"Not too much is going on. Cheering and art is keeping me pretty busy," she replied, standing up so she was chest to chest with him. She downed the rest of her cup of beer, before putting a hand on his chest to steady herself. "Whoa…" he said, as he wrapped an arm around her for support. "How much have you had to drink?" he asked, concerned that someone might take advantage of her.

Peyton thought for a moment before shrugging her shoulders. "Not too much. I'm not drunk," she insisted, putting a foot out in the air, to show her remarkable balance. Smiling at her antics, Luke pulled her closer to him, so that they were slowly swaying to the music. It wasn't dancing, because he didn't dance. But it was a way to talk privately, he reasoned. "I want you to go out with me tomorrow night," he suddenly stated, watching as her eyes lowered and then darted around the room, as if looking for an escape.

She finally met his eyes as a sensuous smile crossed her jaded face. "I need to stay home and clean the house. My dad's coming back Sunday night and I don't want him to get mad about the party I had last week," she explained, before realizing that she hadn't invited him to that little soiree with some of her squad and a few football players.

Luke's heart clenched, hearing her finally admit that she wasn't sitting at home alone. It was one thing to not invite him to a party, but it was another thing to make excuses when she didn't want to go out with him. He pushed her away, wondering why he bothered playing all these mind games. She'd chase him around school one week, and then avoid him the next. The hot/cold game was getting very old. "Are you ever going to have time for me or are you just messing with me?" he asked, tired of all the lies and secrets that seemed to surround him. First his mother and Dan, and now Peyton. He wasn't particular well vested in conversing with girls, and he didn't expect to talk to them as easily as he did with Haley, but Peyton was down right cryptic most of the time.

Peyton pulled him back to her, pressing her chest against his. "I've told you that I didn't break up with Nathan in order to get into a relationship with you, Luke," she explained, trying to clarify for the millionth time that she needed some space.

Across the room, Brooke watched as Lucas chased Peyton around like a puppy dog. How a guy that hot would reduce himself to begging for some of her best friend's attention amazed her. Besides, Brooke knew Peyton better than she knew herself. The girl was terrified of love and relationships. Lucas' devotion did more to frighten Peyton than it served to attract her to him. She continued watching, as Peyton ran her fingers up Luke's chest, before she abruptly stood up and headed for the door. Brooke wasn't sure what disgusted her more; Luke's chasing Peyton or Peyton playing him like a violin.

Then again, Brooke was generally annoyed at Peyton for her earlier comments that night. When Brooke had tried to talk to Peyton about the incident with Trey, Peyton had accused her of thinking everyone wanted to sex her up. Brooke wasn't sure what to think anymore. She didn't have a good indicator of if she was overreacting or if she was stuck in a seriously sick household. Shaking her head, Brooke forced herself to stop reliving that incident. She took one last look at the happy couple, before grabbing her bottle of Tequila and quietly exiting the house.

Luke rubbed his temple, trying to figure out what Peyton was telling him. She pulled him closer and nuzzled his neck, prompting him to speak. "Are you saying that you don't want to date me now, or that you just don't want to date me?"

She teasingly nipped at his neck before pulling away and looking him in the eyes. "Why does everything have to be so formal with you, Luke? Why can't we just have some fun without titles like 'boyfriend' and 'girlfriend'?" she asked, running her hands down his muscular back. "I mean, if you'd just consider being friends with benefits, we'd both have a lot of fun." She liked the guy, but his intensity tended to freak her out.

Lucas pulled away, hearing those words. Something inside of him grew cold, understanding what she wanted. "So I'm good enough to fuck but not good enough to date?" he questioned, his anger quickly losing out to his hurt feelings. He knew he didn't have money or a sports car, but the idea that she just didn't want to be seen with him in public was painful. If he wanted rejection, Luke could get plenty of that from the owner of the beach house. He didn't need any more crap from the girls he dated. He pushed her away from him, giving her one last angry look before storming out the veranda doors.

The cool fall air whipped at his face as Lucas restlessly paced around the beach house's porch. There were too many people socializing, so he headed for the house's pier, seeking the isolated dock at the end of the long walkway. The stars and moon were bright, naturally illuminating the creaky boards that formed the walkway. The sound of the waves was soothing, helping to lessen the impact of Peyton's harsh words. He knew that she wasn't being cruel, but he also knew that he couldn't play her games anymore. He needed someone who was consistent in her affection, not pulling it in and out of his reach on a whim. Conditional love was not something that Lucas needed more of in his life.

He paused, looking back over his shoulder at the beach house, knowing that it was a mistake to come here. He didn't belong here, just like he didn't belong on the team. He slowed his pace to unhurried walk, happy to be away from the house and it's reminders of all the rejection: Dan, Peyton, everyone. He didn't need their acceptance as long as he had his mom, Keith and Haley. Fighting back tears, he realized that he was lying to himself. As much as he hated Dan, he still craved answers as to why his own father didn't care if he lived or died. Answers that this house couldn't provide. The familiar weight of despair washed over him again, taking refuge in not so remote corners of his soul. There were times that being labeled as brooding was a compliment. And then there were times that that quality threatened to overwhelm him like a wave crushing a surfer beneath its pressure. He'd always been introspective, but lately Lucas felt that he spent more time worrying about the past than he did living in the moment. He could spend hours lost in thought, losing track of time and meandering through school as if in a trance. There were times he felt that his life was spinning out of control, eluding all his attempts to control it.

Nearing the end of the pier, Lucas tried to clear his mind of all thoughts of his messed up family and depressing social life. He focused on the soothing sound of the ebb and flow of the waves, and the relaxing salty air. He felt a bit calmer, though the dark, secluded setting did more to entrench his ominous mood.

He saw the railing of the wharf and moved toward it, lulled by the hypnotic rhythm of the waves. Lucas stumbled on something, squinting in the dark to inspect what he'd tripped over. "Brooke?" he questioned, trying to verify it was her and not some other brunette. The clouds shifted, and a shaft of moonlight fell over her pretty face, even as she wiped away traces of tears. "Are you okay or did someone hurt you?" he asked, concerned about finding her all alone in the dark.

She remained mute, shaking her head at his question. Well, it was kind of the truth, she figured. Someone had hurt her, just not tonight. "I'm fine," she whispered, wondering why he was there. It's not like he'd gone looking for her or anything.

"Is this spot taken?" he lamely joked, waiting for her slight nod of approval before sinking down to sit beside her. She'd found a spot leaning against the back wall of the pier, with a clear view of the dark water. They sat there in silence, neither feeling compelled to speak, neither wanting to shatter the relative sanctuary that they had found.