A/N: Sorry it's not up sooner... my mom was in the hospital like two days ago so things have been a little hetic. She's fine now though so I am back to work, the story not the job. Thank you all for the awesome reviews and thanks for reading.

The Ominous Stories We Tell

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(A story, which if you read in the books, you might think of it as fiction. But it's real and it's out there. ~Seema Sheety)

Brooke looked at the woman who'd been her best friend for most of her life. To say she was taken back by the question was an understatement at best and she wondered why the blonde even asked it when her eyes said she already had an answer clear in her mind. She'd just finished telling Peyton she was no longer a participant in their long standing triangle with Lucas and she wondered why her blonde friend could not just leave it at that. Brooke had no idea how to answer; tell the truth and deal with the awkwardness or lie when they both already knew the truth.

"Brooke," Peyton said as she stared at the brunette, watching some indescribable emotion flash through her best friend's hazel eyes. "Did you hear what I asked you?"

She shook her head. "I'm sorry; it just took me by surprise. I…" she stopped mid-sentence, suddenly realizing the other woman who walked in the room and for once she was happy to see her. "Victoria?"

"Hello dear," she shot a glance at the blonde. "Peyton," she nodded before turning to her daughter. "You should be resting. What is she doing here? "

"Which one of us?" Rachel asked as she sashayed down the stairs. "Great to see you again Mrs. Davis," the red head's voice was full of sarcasm.

Victoria rolled her eyes. "As displeased as I was to hear about your return, I did know you were here." She looked at the young girl as if she were a nuisance. "My daughter seems to think you've been of some help to her so I've decided to let this arrangement go for now."

"How kind of you," Rachel almost scoffed before retrieving a bottle of water and a bag of chips from the counter. "I'm going to just," she pointed upwards. "Yeah," she shrugged, sending a small smile to Brooke before returning up the stairs form which she came.

"It's nice to see at least one of my daughter's friends know when it is time for them to leave," Victoria said airily as she sat down her suit case. "In case you didn't realize it that was a hint to leave."

"Actually Brooke and I were in the middle of something," the blonde did not look like she was going to back down.

"Peyton," Brooke looked at her with pleading eyes. "Can we do this later? I really need to discuss some things about Victoria's business trip with her. And it's been a really long day…"

"Okay," she conceded. "This probably wasn't the best time for this. I'll see you later though." It almost sounded like a question.

"Absolutely," Brooke nodded.

"I'll walk you out," Victoria said as she ushered her daughter's friend outside and closed the door behind them. "My daughter has been through enough and I would appreciate if you would not come over here and upset her."

"Upset her?" Peyton looked at the woman in front of her as if she'd grown two heads. "Are you serious? Isn't that all you have ever done, upset your daughter." Peyton pointed at the older brunette, unable to control her anger. "You are using what happened to your daughter to get back into her company."

"How dare you," Victoria's eyes shot daggers at her. "Where were you? After they took Angie and after her attack, I was here while you were off with your new fiancé. You couldn't be bothered to answer your phone to the woman you claim is your best friend."

"You kept me away from her," Peyton shot back.

"I wouldn't have been able to if you had been here," she said darkly. "You couldn't find the time in your schedule to be concerned about my daughter before but you certainly have found the time now to question her about her feelings for Lucas." She paused briefly, watching as Peyton realized she'd heard her question to Brooke. "Yes, I heard you trying to badger my daughter after everything she has been through."

"This is rich," she shook her head incredulously. "Now you're the concerned mother?"

"My relationship with my daughter is none of your business however your relationship with Brooke is completely mine," Victoria said before giving a dark laugh. "You know it really is a shame when a junkie has turned out to be a better friend to my daughter than you." Victoria gave Peyton one more sneering look before heading back inside, leaving Peyton standing there stunned.

Nathan ran down the court as Lucas came in front of him blocking his drive to the basket. As Lucas stepped back, Nathan tossed the ball over both their heads as the warm sun beamed upon them. It had been a while since they'd played a one on one game and Lucas thought it would be good time to spend some time with his brother before he left for his training in Forth Wayne.

"So," Nathan said as he tossed the ball in the hoop again, watching as it landed in his brother's awaiting hands. "She came home and you guys didn't talk about it, at all?"

Lucas breathed out wearily. "I don't know what's happening to us. I thought that everything would be fine if Peyton and I just got back together, you know." He rubbed the back of his neck with his free hand. "I was so certain in that hotel room in LA when I asked her to marry me. It was after that game and Whitey had just talked to me about Camilla and…"

"Wait a second," Nathan looked at him curiously. "You're telling me you let Whitey's story about him and Camilla convince you to propose."

Lucas looked at his brother incredulously. "You don't believe they had something special?"

"No, I absolutely do; that's not my point," Nathan huffed.

The blonde's brows furrowed. "Then what is?"

"You remember our senior banquet; the one you took Brooke to after you'd broken up?" Nathan watched his brother nod. "You remember what you told me," he paused briefly as he exhaled, "that you and Brooke listened to Whitey talk about Camilla and realized he wasn't talking about your story so you let each other go."

"Yeah," Lucas replied. "I still don't get what you're driving at little brother."

"For the writer and the supposedly smarter one between us you sure can be dense," Nathan shook his head. "Of course Whitey wasn't talking about you and Brooke just like he wasn't talking about you and Peyton, or even me and Haley. It was their story Luke; its one thing to appreciate it but it's another to base your relationships on it." He exhaled deeply. "You're the writer Luke so when are you going to stop living someone else's story and write your own?"

Lucas just stared at his brother, wondering where all his wisdom about relationships had come from. He could remember when they first met and it was Nathan who didn't have a clue about relationships. He had to admit he was proud of how his brother had grown. Despite all the troubles Nathan and Haley had seen, they were still together, in love, and stronger than ever. Lucas could admit that their story was not like Whitey and Camilla's but that didn't make it any less special. "You're right," the blonde finally spoke. "It's time I wrote my own story and lived it this time."

"Good," Nathan laughed. "Now, are we going to play ball or what?"

Lucas laughed as well before bouncing the ball towards his brother. "Check."

Haley and Chris sat in the studio, listening to the demo of the song they recorded. She had to admit that she was glad Chris had come back into her life. Sure he still spoke in third person and thought very highly of himself, but Haley had to admit Chris had matured both musically and personally.

"It sounds great Haley," Chris said as he leaned back on the couch, crossing his ankles as he placed his feet on the table. "Chris Keller thinks you're on your way back."

"Haley James-Scott thanks you," she laughed. "Really though, it's been great working with you again."

"You too," he replied. "It has been kind of like old times without your husband hitting me." He gave him a short laugh.

"Give him time," she flashed him a smile before she stood up, her body wavering slightly as she placed her hand against her forehead.

"Haley," Chris jumped up and steadied her. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah… yeah." She took a deep breath and turned towards him. "I'm fine, thanks Chris."

"Are you sure?" he asked, concerned.

"Yes I'm fine," Haley assured him. "I think I just stood up too fast." She gave him a warm smile. "So, you ready to get started on that duet?"

"Sure," Chris nodded. "As long as you're sure you're okay."

"I'm okay, great even." Haley beamed. "Come on Keller, let's get started."

"Okay," he nodded as he followed her to the recording booth.

Brooke sat quietly, head phones in her ears as she looked out of the window at the beautiful sky. She looked towards the brunette besides her; eyes closed in slumber and wondered how someone so abrupt could look so peaceful when they slept. She also wondered how Victoria had talked her into this trip.

She guessed it was because of Peyton and the question she was saved from answering by her mother's interruption, something she'd never been so grateful for before in her life. It was the same question Dr. Kegan asked her at her last session when Brooke told the therapist about Lucas' offer.

"I came home because I knew I was missing something. I had fame and fortune but I was still missing what I've always longed for," Brooke paused briefly, "a family. Do you think it's wrong for me to want this baby?"

"I think the more important question is why it is so important to you to have Lucas' baby?" the red head therapist said in an even tone.

Brooke sat silently, wondering if she should divulge the secret she'd only ever shared with one person in her life. This was therapy. "I've never told anyone this, besides my friend Haley and it was only because she showed up when it happened."

Olivia nodded. "I want you to feel comfortable sharing anything here. This is a safe place but if you are not yet ready to talk about this yet, than that's okay."

"No, it's fine." She shook her head. "My senior year," she took a deep breath as she felt her eyes began to sting from unshed tears. "I had a miscarriage when Lucas went on this trip with his mom. I found out I was pregnant shortly after his uncle died and I never got a chance to tell him." She wiped away the stray tear that rolled down her cheek.

"That must have been very hard for you," she said before waiting for her patient to finish.

"Yeah, it was." She let out a deep breath. "By the time he came back, Peyton bombarded me with her confession about her feelings for my boyfriend." Even though it had happened so long ago, the wound still felt fresh. "And then I found out about their kiss and our friends were in the hospital and I was still reeling from the loss of my baby so I just broke up with him," she shook her head. "I just couldn't do it anymore. But you know, I always wonder what would have happened if my baby survived, if Lucas and I would have too."

"You were dealing with quite a lot at that time," the therapist replied. "And it still seems that those wounds still haven't healed. I do have to ask though if you want Lucas' baby now because you want to hold on to him. You need to evaluate your feelings and ask yourself if you are still in love with him."

"I honestly don't know if I'll ever let go of Lucas whether I have this baby or not," Brooke answered truthfully. "But having this baby, his baby, wouldn't' be about being connected to Lucas. It would be about being connected to the child I lost. I don't know if that makes sense."

"It makes perfect sense," Olivia said as she wrote something on her notepad. "I am concerned though about you holding on to a man who is engaged to your best friend. It seems he is quite a prominent and permanent fixture in your life and I have to wonder if that is healthy for any of you."

"I guess that's why I'm here," Brooke shrugged.

Brooke was brought out of her memory as the seatbelt sign lit up and the captain's voice came over the intercom, saying they would start their dissension soon.

"You ready to rejoin the business community," Victoria glanced at her daughter before adjusting her seat to the upright position, "and close that dark chapter you've been living recently."

"Absolutely," Brooke nodded, hoping that she knew how.

Peyton and Derrick sat in front of the gate leading to the terminal. She'd managed to get her brother to breakfast with Mick before his flight but the conversation had definitely been strained. Mick had of course apologized again, saying that he wanted to get to know both Derrick and Peyton and though he didn't expect to be treated as their father, he thought they may at least be able to eventually become friends. Peyton couldn't help but notice her brother looked completely unimpressed by the whole ordeal.

"Do you hate me?" she looked over at him, breaking the deafening silence.

"Of course not Peyton," Derrick sighed. "I just don't understand why you didn't tell me before I came out that you thought Mick was our father."

"I don't know," she shook her head. "I guess I thought if I told you, maybe you wouldn't come." She shrugged. "I know it's no excuse but I just wanted to get to know him and I wanted you to too, I guess I just had this picture perfect family reunion in my head."

"I'm sorry I disappointed you," he said flatly and Peyton was unsure if he was being serious or sarcastic. "it's just, I went through a lot when Paul, Mick," he breathed out deeply," whatever the hell his name is now walked out on me and my mom. I was so angry with him and with life; watching my mom struggle really changed me. I had all this resentment and that's part of the reason I was unsure about even getting to know you."

"I know and I hope you don't regret that now," her green eyes stared up at him.

"Well it's too late now," he laughed as she gave him a shove. "I guess we're pretty much stuck together at this point."

"Don't sound so thrilled about it," she gave a laugh as well before her voice turned serious once again. "It's just I'm getting married soon and I'd love for you to be there and even though my dad Larry will be there, I'd like Mick to be there too." She shrugged as she gave a weak smile. "One big dysfunctional family."

"You're my little sister Peyton, of course I'll be at your wedding but if you stick me at the same table as Mick I can't say what will happen," he smiled at her as he shook his head. "I gotta go, make sure I have enough time to get through security."

"Okay," she nodded as they stood up. "Thanks for coming. I'm sorry if this trip wasn't what you expected."

"I'm sorry it wasn't what you expected either. Come here," he held his arms out to hug her. "I love you little sis."

"I love you too big brother," she stepped out of his embrace. "Call me when you land."

"I will," he smiled before walking through the gate.

Peyton waved to him once more before turning around and dialing Brooke's number, getting her voicemail. She quickly stuck the phone back in her pocket as she walked out of the airport, trying to stop the sinking feeling that things between them would never be the way they once were.

"Mmm," Deb laid across her boyfriend's lap as he massaged her back. "It's been forever since I've spent the day in bed being pampered. I somehow feel a little undeserving of all this."

"Well don't because you do deserve it," he replied as she sat up and laid her head on his chest. "We deserve this." Skills wrapped his arm around her, pulling her closer.

"It's just at times I think of how much simpler your life could be," she shrugged against him.

"Simpler?" he repeated.

"Yeah," Deb sighed. "I do have quite a few years on you and come with significantly more baggage."

"I think I can handle it," he brushed her hair away from her face. "Besides you're only as young as you feel and you feel just right to me." He bent down to capture her lips with his own in a soft kiss.

"You're so sweet," she smiled. "I tell you I tried to set my ex-husband on fire and I go on and on about our age difference and, you're so understanding. I feel like I can tell you anything."

"And you can," he replied. "I want to know everything about you."

"You're going to be sorry you asked," she laughed. "It's not a pretty story."

"Then we'll write our own," Skills smiled.

"I think you just may be the best thing that's happened to me in a long time," Deb replied before leaning up to kiss him once again, pulling back once she heard his cell phone ring. "Do you have to get that?"

"No," he shook his head. "The rest of the world can wait."

"Mom please," Rachel said into the phone. "I need to know where Aunt Casey and Uncle Jack are."

"I'm sorry Rachel but I just don't think it's a good idea," her mother replied.

"But mom, I'm doing a lot better," the red head argued. "I'm clean now and I'm not going to mess up anymore."

"And I am very proud of you but it has only been a few weeks since you've been out of that facility dear," the woman countered. "Look, she's happy and healthy. Isn't that the most important thing?"

"Mom…" Rachel started but was cut off.

"Honey, I have to go," she replied. "Please just leave this alone. It really is for the best. I love you."

Rachel heard the line click and stared at the phone a few minutes before hanging it up. She shook her head as she tried to hold back the tears that began to form, losing the battle as they began to cascade down her cheeks. She quickly wiped them away, more determined than ever to track them down, despite her mother's reservations. She quickly got out the phone book, scanning the yellow pages until she came to the page she was looking for. Picking up the phone, she quickly dialed the number.

"Scoot and Associates Investigations," the receptionist answered. "How can I assist you?"

"Hi," Rachel spoke firmly. "I need to track someone down."

Seema Sheety wrote, "If you think about it you'll realize that everyone has a story. At least everyone I know has a story. A story, which if you read in the books, you might think of it as fiction. But it's real and it's out there."