A/N: Leave it to me to have more time and still not update on time. Sorry guys, I'll try and make up for it soon. Anyhow, thank you all for all the amazing reviews, they really help motivate me. I especially enjoyed the one from toodntan so thank you all who take time to review. They're great, especially with the show is pissing me off so much recently. I almost had a fit when I heard Lucas call Peyton "Prety Girl" when that's always been Brooke's petname and the fact that CMM wrote it and Mark Schwan let him get away with that, knowing how fanbases are is pretty tacky and I personally took it as a slap in the face to Brucas fans as well as the character of Brooke and Sophia Bush. But anyways, thanks for reading my mini rant. Again I do appreciate all the reviews and thank you for reading.
The Saving Grace of Friendship
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Protect me from the world; I know we'll make it through. Give me all the strength I need..... Let me lean on you. (Megan Stroup)
It had been three days since Peyton's breakfast with Mitch, Jake, and Jenny and now she was in her studio, watching Jake and Mitch play together from the her producer's box. It had taken a little convincing but she'd gotten Jake to agree to sign with Red Bedroom Records; recording a song with the great Mitch Wolf had sealed the deal.
Peyton had to admit, she hadn't felt this happy in a long time. Her record company was doing great, Jake and Jenny were back for good, and on top of that her brother was flying in this afternoon to meet the man she had a feeling was their father. The only thing her life was missing right now was sharing all of this with her best friend. She couldn't remember a time she ever felt this disconnected from Brooke and it scared her to think she may have lost her self proclaimed sister.
Peyton reached down just as her cell phone starting buzzing. "Hello," she answered.
"Hi Peyton," a familiar female voice spoke.
"Hi Haley," the blonde greeted. "What's going on?"
"I actually just came from the store and you'll never guess who I saw there in the parking lot," Haley replied.
"Was it Brooke?" she couldn't stop her hopes from rising.
"No but I'm pretty sure she's back if she ever left at all," Haley continued. "It was Rachel I saw."
"Really?" her interest was piqued. "What did she say?"
"Nothing, she didn't see me," Haley answered. "This is probably going to sound crazy and I'm a little ashamed to admit it but when I saw her driving Brooke's car, I followed her."
"To Brooke's house," Peyton surmised. "And she went inside?"
"Yeah," Haley exhaled deeply. "I don't know, something just seems off about all this."
Peyton nodded even though she knew Haley couldn't see her. "What are you thinking?"
"Can you be here in about an hour?" Haley asked. "I'm going to call Luke; I just think we have to reach out to Brooke together. Something big is obviously going on… we should've never let Victoria keep us away."
"I know," Peyton said wearily. "If we have to call the police and make up something we're going to get in that house. I know Mouth is back, should we call him too?"
"Yeah, I'll take care of getting everyone here," Haley replied. "I'll see you in about an hour?"
"Absolutely," Peyton replied. "I'll see you then."
Skills threw the basketball in the air, watching as it circled the hoop twice before finally falling through the net and landing in front of Lucas.
"So she just showed up at your door?" Lucas asked as he tossed the ball at his friend.
"Yup," he shook his head. "Like nothing had happened and I was just supposed to let her in like it was all good." He made another basket. "Well it ain't happ'nin cap'n."
"You sure about that?" Lucas asked. "I mean you were pretty serious about Cassandra."
"Your point?" he said as he tried to block Lucas from making his shot.
"The point is," Lucas tossed the ball in the basket. "I've seen you in two serious relationships as long as I've known you. One was Bevin, if you could call that serious, and the other was Cass. I saw how much you loved her."
"Yeah, past tense," he replied. "I'm not you Lucas."
The blonde's brows furrowed.
"Besides, there's this other woman I'm really feeling." Skills smiled at the thought of her. "She's fun and sexy and she makes me laugh."
"So who is this girl?" Lucas asked.
"You'll find out soon enough," he gave a laugh as he sunk another ball in. "I'm keeping her to myself for now."
Lucas shook his head before he grabbed the ball. "Well until then, are you going to talk to Cass?"
He shrugged. "I guess I'll have to, sooner or later."
"Looks like it's going to be sooner," Lucas said looking over his friend's shoulder. "Hey Cass."
"Hi Lucas," she smiled brightly. "Skills, can we talk?"
"I'll see you guys later," Lucas said before setting the ball down and walking off the court towards his car.
Skills gave an exasperated breath. "What are you doing her Cass?"
"I thought I made that clear the other day before you practically slammed the door in my face," she replied.
"I had company," his words came out a bit brusquely.
"But it's just you and me now," she stepped closer to him, ignoring his tone. "Antwon, I made a mistake."
"It's been a year and a half Cass," he raised his voice. "What did you expect?"
"I don't know," she shook her head as tears began to form. "I was just so lost before. We had everything planned and then…" she let the rest of the sentence hang in the air, still unable to say the words. "I just needed some time."
"Then maybe you should have told me that," Skills couldn't help the anger in his voice. "Damn it Cass, you left me a letter and took off to Paris."
"I know and I'm sorry," she threw her arms around him. "Antwon, I'm so sorry." She felt his arms instinctively wrap around her. "Please, we can get through this if you just try." She started placing kisses on his cheek before making her way to his lips.
He pulled back from her suddenly. "I can't do this. I'm sorry Cassandra." Skills turned from her and began to walk away.
"Didn't you miss me at all?" she called out to his back.
"Of course I missed you Cass," he answered, still not turning around but stopping in his tracks. "I just can't anymore. I can't save you this time."
Cassandra stood still in the middle of the court as she watched Skills disappear into his car and drive away.
Rachel walked downstairs to see Brooke hanging up the phone. She smiled, seeing the curtains were pulled back and there was actually some sunlight filtering into the house. Rick had just reentered the house and Rachel made sure to wink at him as he walked pass.
"It looks better in here," Rachel said as she strode towards the brunette. "You look better too."
"Thank you," Brooke gave her a grateful smile, before her gaze drifted back to the telephone.
"So who was this?' the red head motioned towards the object her friend's gaze was focused on. "Did you talk to Peyton or The Married yet?"
"Actually it was Deb," she answered. "It seems everyone is at Haley's planning some sort of intervention for me."
"They're worried about you Brooke," she looked at her expectantly. "It's time to call them. Do you really want them all showing up outside your door demanding answers or would you rather just give them to them, on your own terms." Rachel shrugged. "It's up to you." She walked over to the fridge and pulled out a bottle of water. "But I think you know I'm right."
"I hate you," Brooke rolled her eyes at her friend before picking up the phone and dialing a familiar number. "Hi Lucas," she said as he answered.
"Hey," he paused briefly, stepping out the room amongst whispered protests. "How are you doing?"
"Better," she replied. "Hey, you're at Haley's now with basically everybody, right?"
"Yeah," he answered slowly. "You having me followed now Pretty Girl?"
She shook her head even though she knew he couldn't see her. "Can you get everyone over here, Deb too?"
"Are you sure Brooke?' Lucas asked thoughtfully.
"Yeah," she spoke softly. "It's time." Brooke paused briefly. "And Luke, thank you."
"Anytime," he replied before hanging up and walking back into the room with the five awaiting friends.
"I hope that was an emergency Lucas," Peyton was the first to vent her frustrations over him taking a call in the middle of their meeting.
"It was," he answered coolly before turning to everyone else. "It was Brooke."
"Really?" Millicent asked hopefully.
"She wanted me to get you all together," Lucas said. "She's at home right now."
"Well let's go then," Nathan stood up. "My mom can watch Jamie."
"Actually," Lucas paused briefly. "She'd like Deb there too."
Haley nodded acceptingly. "I'll call Skills."
Deb was the first to arrive and was already upstairs with Brook when Lucas and Peyton made their way to Brooke's house.
"Miss Sawyer," Rick said after opening the door. "And Mr. Scott; nice to see you again."
"Hello Rick," Lucas said as he and Peyton stepped inside.
She shot her fiancé a curious glance but said nothing.
"Hey guys," Rachel said as she came down the stairs. "Make yourself at home; it's good to see you again Luke." She winked at him.
"Is there something I'm missing?" Peyton turned accusatory eyes at Lucas.
Before he could answer, the doorbell rang again and Rick once again answered the door, looking back at Rachel for her approval.
"They're fine," the red head replied as the four people outside stepped inside. "Hi Mouth," she hurried to hug him.
"Rachel," he beamed. "How are you?"
"Clean," she pulled back. "It's good to see you; all of you."
"You too," Mouth nodded. "Where's Brooke?"
"She's upstairs with Deb," Rachel answered. "Deb will be down in a sec."
Nathan gave his brother a look before whispering to his wife. "This is weird right?"
"I'm going to check the perimeter," Rick nodded at Rachel before pressing the code and walking outside.
"Rachel, what's going on here?" Peyton was getting agitated.
"Your intervention," she said as she took a seat in the oversized chair in the living room. "This is what you all wanted."
"Who told you about that?" Haley asked.
They all turned as they heard footsteps on the stairs, Deb coming down.
Rachel waved in the direction of the blonde making her way to the living room. "Deb called; we went to her for help recently."
"So you've know all this time what was going on with Brooke and you didn't tell us?' Haley looked at her mother in law. "Unbelievable; how could you do that?"
"Don't be mad at her," Rachel said firmly. "She's only known a couple days and Brooke asked her not to say anything until she was ready. She was there when Brooke needed someone."
"And you think we wouldn't be?" you could see the hurt in Peyton's eyes. "She thinks I wouldn't be?"
"None of this is Rachel's fault," Lucas jumped in.
"None of what?' Haley noticed the look exchanged between her husband and best friend. "Nathan," she turned to him. "Do you know something?"
Nathan avoided her gaze. "I only knew Brooke was going through something."
"So Deb told you?" she asked.
"No," Lucas said firmly. "I did."
"You did?" Peyton questioned.
Suddenly everyone was talking over each other before a loud whistle erupted from the passive brunette, the room once again returning to silence.
"Thank you," Millicent said. "Aren't we all here because we're concerned for Brooke?" She looked around the room. "Then maybe we should act like it. Whatever is going on and whatever bits and pieces people know, it doesn't make a difference. All this fighting amongst each other can't be helpful to her."
"Thank you Millicent," Deb nodded appreciatively at the young girl before sending stern glances at Peyton, Lucas, Nathan, Haley, and Rachel. "I'll be taking you all up in pairs or individually. I think it'll be more comfortable for Brooke."
"What does that mean?" Peyton felt like there was a rock in her stomach. "What's wrong with Brooke?"
"She'll explain everything," Deb said soothingly. "Millicent and Marvin, I'll take you two up first."
Brooke stood at the window, looking out at her street. She remembered the first day she moved in and came up to this bedroom, looking out the window with such hope. She had felt completely safe in her neighborhood, on her street, in her home. And even though she felt better than the first initial week after that attack, the memories still lingered with her. The feelings of being violated and unsafe stayed with her and as she turned to the mirror, adjusting the oversized sunglasses on her face, she wondered if inviting all her friends had been the right thing to do.
"Brooke," Mouth said quietly as he opened the door. "It's me and Millie."
"Come on in," she turned around, leaning against the dresser.
"Hi Brooke," Millicent said as they walked in.
"I thought you guys were in Omaha," Brooke replied.
"We were," Mouth answered. "It turns out the guy I'm replacing isn't retiring for six weeks so we came back to get stuff in order before we return."
"I heard about the robbery," Millicent tilted her head. "We tried to call but we didn't get through. Does that have something to do with why you've been so distant?"
"Yes," she nodded. "I was there when it happened." Her voice sounded far away to her own ears.
"Oh Brooke," Mouth reached over to hold his friend's hand. "Did someone hurt you?"
"The robber roughed me up pretty bad," she replied. "But I'm okay now; I just needed some time to come to terms with it."
"We're so sorry," Millicent said sympathetically. "Is there anything we can do?"
"No," she answered.
"We are both here for you," Mouth replied.
"I know," Brooke said. "Thank you."
They both gave her a hug before they walked to the door.
"Who should we tell to come up next?" Millicent asked.
"This is crazy," Peyton shook her head. "What the hell is going on here; Deb, Rachel?"
"Peyton, calm down," Lucas ran a hand over his buzzed hair.
"You're one to talk," her eyes shot daggers at him.
"Nathan," Mouth said as he and Millicent walked down the stairs. "You're up next." He took his girlfriend's hand in his own before walking out the door.
Nathan looked at the others before walking up the stairs, making his way to the room. "Hey Davis," he said as he walked inside.
"Hey Scott," she attempted a smile.
"What's going on?" he took a seat beside her. "Lucas said you were going through something but he wouldn't say much else."
"I was there when my store was robbed," she said it quickly. "I was roughed up but I'm fine now."
"What?" he turned to look at her. "He roughed you up?"
"I'm fine," she repeated.
"No you're not," Nathan countered. "You can tell me you're fine, you can handle it, it's all good but I know you Brooke." He exhaled deeply. "The thing is, the two of us have been down very similar roads. We were the only kids running around those stupid parties our parents had, we were in the same cliques first, and we both felt the same pressures, the same expectations. So I think you know I get it, where you're coming from." He paused briefly, exhaling again. "When I had my accident, I shut down you know? I dealt with it alone and that was stupid, selfish, and wrong. But I think you're smarter than that and you know that we're all here for you, that we love you Brooke."
Brooke couldn't stop the stray tear that rolled down her cheek. "Thank you," she said softly.
"Come here," Nathan said before wrapping his arms around her.
Haley stepped in the room and closed the door behind her quietly. Nathan had come downstairs and told her he was up next. She left while Peyton tried to pry some information out of him but she was sure that her blonde friend wouldn't get anything out of her husband.
"Haley," Brooke smiled genuinely. "It's good to see you."
"You too Tigger," she returned the smile. "I've missed you."
"Me too," she nodded. "I'm sorry I haven't been around. I've just been going through some things."
"Like what?" she asked in a motherly tone, sitting down next to her friend and placing a hand on top of Brooke's comfortingly. "Angie, your mother, the robbery?"
"Yeah," she nodded, "all of those, although surprisingly my mother has been helping me a lot lately."
"She's been keeping us away from you," Haley replied.
"That's my fault," Brooke shook her head. "I just couldn't face it; I couldn't face any of you."
"Brooke," Haley's voice was full of concern.
"I told everyone else that I was there during the robbery and the guy…" she slid the sunglasses off her face.
"Oh my god honey, what…" she immediately pulled Brooke into her arms. "You should have called me. I would have been there for you; I'm here for you now."
"I know Hales," she felt the tears starting to form. "I just felt so ashamed; so violated…"
Haley pulled back to look her in the eye. "Did he…" she couldn't even finish the sentence.
"Yes," she nodded before Haley pulled her close again.
"It's okay," Haley whispered. "It's going to be okay; we're all here for you."
Brooke sat in the middle of the bed, waiting for her next visitor. She had to admit doing it all in one day was emotionally exhausting but she couldn't bring herself to have to go through this over and over again. She turned to the door as she heard it opening.
"I can't believe I'm pretty much the last one you wanted to speak…" Peyton deadpanned the minute she saw Brooke's face. "Oh god, what happened?"
"Lindsay," she joked. "She found about your engagement and couldn't find you so she used me as a punching bag."
"Brooke," she moved slowly towards the bed. "You want to tell me what really happened before I go kick Lindsay's ass?" She sat down. "What happened?"
"I lied to you," Brooke said softly. "When I called and told you I was out of town, I wasn't." She took a deep breath before continuing. "I was at the store when the robbery happened and I was attacked."
"Brooke," Peyton's green eyes looked at her sympathetically. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"I don't know," her face was pained.
"I'm your best friend and I love you Brooke," Peyton shook her head. "It kills me that I couldn't be here for you; that you felt you couldn't come to me. I don't want you to ever feel that way."
"I know," Brooke nodded. "I just felt embarrassed and ashamed and weak you know. And I felt so violated." She cringed at the last word.
"Violated," she repeated. "Brooke," her tone was slightly firmer. "Did he rape you?"
The tears streamed down the brunette's cheeks before she softly whispered, "Yes."
"Oh no," she pulled Brooke in her arms. "I should have been here; I am so sorry Brooke. I'm so sorry." She began to cry too. "I'm so sorry I wasn't here before but I'm here now, okay? I'm here for you forever."
"Promise?" Brooke's voice cracked.
"Of course I promise," she said as she pulled her friend closer. "You're stuck with me B. Davis."
Brooke nodded. "I'm sorry I was so distant before; I'm trying to get back but it's going to take some time.
Peyton smiled sadly. "I'm not going anywhere."
Lucas knocked on the door before stepping inside, finding Brooke lying on the bed. "You look tired?"
"Thanks," she sat up. "Isn't that just code for you look like crap?"
"You look beautiful," he said as he closed the door and sat beside her. "But you look like this took a lot out of you."
She gave a half smile. "It did. Is everyone gone now?"
"Yeah, Haley and Nate went to pick up Jamie and Deb and Rachel went to the shooting range," he raised an eyebrow at her, questioning the last part of his own sentence.
"It's what Deb had been helping me with," Brooke replied. "I need to not feel like a victim anymore." She watched him nod. "And Peyton went to pick up Derrick?"
"Yeah," he answered. "Besides, I think she's pretty pissed at me for not telling her what was going on with you."
"I didn't tell her," Brooke looked up at him.
"I know," he shook his head as he gave a short laugh. "I did but I think she had her suspicions when both Rachel and Rick told me how nice it was to see me again."
"The last thing I want to do is cause trouble for you and Peyton," she paused briefly. "I'm sorry Luke."
"Don't be," he said. "I told you I'd be here for you and I meant it."
Brooke smiled at him. "And I appreciate that Luke, I do but…"
"But what?" he asked.
"I remember what it was like when we were together and you lost Keith," she paused briefly. "Peyton was going through something and she needed you so you pulled away from me. I don't want to do that to her." Brooke turned away from him. "I wouldn't want to do that to anyone."
"I'm so sorry for how much I hurt you," he placed his hand on her chin, turning her face towards his. "If I could back and change what happen, I would."
"But you can't Lucas," her hazel eyes stared into his blue ones.
"Maybe I can't change the past but maybe I can change the future," he said softly.
Brooke cleared her throat as she reached for her cell phone, wanting to lighten the intensity of the moment. "What do you say I call for some pizza and we watch some old sappy movie?"
"Okay," he smiled at her. "You order; I'll get the movie."
After stuffing themselves with pizza while watching Casablanca and then moving on to His Girl Friday, Lucas turned to see his movie partner had fallen asleep. He pulled the blanket up over her before settling back into the pillows and pulling her close. Brooke nuzzled against his chest instinctively as Lucas kissed her on the forehead before closing his eyes. He knew that he was only putting more distance between him and Peyton but somehow it didn't matter; the only thing that matter to him at the moment was being there for Brooke and keeping the promise he'd once forgotten. Lucas Scott was going to save Brooke Davis.
Megan Stroup wrote, "Keep your eyes upon me, keep me in your sight. Help me don the crooked road, lead me to the light. The road I'm on is dark, I'm not sure if I know the way. Yet with you right beside me, I'm certain I won't stray. Protect me from the world; I know we'll make it through. Give me all the strength I need..... Let me lean on you."