Impulsive Reactions and Thought Out Decisions
~When we get a chill: goose bumps. When we get excited: adrenaline. The body naturally follows its impulses, which I think is part of what makes it so hard for us to control ours. (Shonda Rhimes)
Peyton lay sprawled across the couch, her rhythmic breathing filling the room as she turned to face the cushions, her dreams filled with memories from long ago.
She stood in the doorway looking at her boyfriend whose head lay in his hands before he looked up at her in interest, his brown orbs meeting her watery green.
"So," Julian cleared his throat. "What's the verdict?"
"Yes," she nodded as she stepped forward, trying to hid how excited she was by his less than enthusiastic facial expression. "Julian…"
"I'm sorry Peyton," he replied. "I can see that you're happy…"
"And you will be too," she smiled softly at him as she sat next to him. "You just need a little time to get used to it but everything will be okay, I promise." She reached up to place a comforting hand against his cheek. "I love you Julian."
He nodded before bringing his lips to hers in a soft kiss, his head resting against her forehead as they parted. "I love you too Peyton."
She rolled over once again as her mind melded another memory to the previous one.
Peyton smiled happily as she turned on Paul Westerberg's Here Comes The Regular, thinking of Ellie. Her birth mother had weighed heavily on her thoughts lately. As she stood up to grab a diet Sunkist, she suddenly felt a sharp pain in her abdomen.
"Oh my god!" she screamed as she clutched her stomach and fell to the floor. She reached back towards the cordless phone on the table, dialing 911 before clutching it to her ear, her breath heavy as she writhed in agony. "Help…please help me."
Her face looked pained as she slept, the memories assaulting her dreams and coming in full force once again.
"Peyton," Julian said as he stepped inside the hospital room. "I'm so sorry, I just got the message."
"Where were you?" she breathed out heavily, her eyes still full of tears. "Just, get out."
"Peyton," he stepped cautiously closer to her. "I-I don't know what to say."
"You don't have to say anything," she shook her head slowly back and forth. "I'm happy that your problem is solved for you," the words spewed out of her mouth like acid.
"Don't say that," Julian looked at her sympathetically. "I…"
"Just get out Julian," she turned away from him, her voice void of emotion. "Get out." She sat in silence, never turning around to watch his exit as she heard the door click behind him.
Peyton's eyes popped open as she stretched from her position on the couch, throwing an arm over her eyes to block the offending sunlight that washed over her face. Despite the fact that she'd slept so long yesterday, all the crying and unsettling dreams had left her feeling exhausted. Realizing there was no way her body was going to succumb to her willing herself to sleep and not even sure she wanted to if she were greeted with the same dreams, she grunted as she tossed the blanket away from her, a small smile gracing her features as she realized it must have been her best friend who covered her up. She looked for traces of the empty ice cream container and candy she'd devoured but that was gone as well.
"Brooke," she called out, her voice cracking from sleep. "B. Davis, you still here?" Peyton stretched once again, realizing she must be gone too.
She yawned before running her hands through her unruly waves and then wiping the sleep away from her eyes, sitting up to take in the cooling breeze that wafted its way from the ocean into her living room area. She breathed it in deeply, inhaling the crisp salty air and the smell of chocolate. Chocolate. Her brows furrowed as she stood up, following the scent to the kitchen and retrieving the folder piece of paper that sat in front of her microwave with her name on it.
"Good morning P. Sawyer," she read out loud. "Had to get back to Luke and check in with Rach for her custody hearing. Everything's going to be okay. I made your favorite, whip in the fridge, didn't want your smiley face to melt. I'll call you later. Love 'ya, Brooke." She smiled at her friend's words before opening the microwave and pulling out the plate of chocolate chip pancakes and going to the fridge, finding the whip cream and gracing her plate with a smiley face.
As she sat down, she suddenly felt more refreshed and at peace, thinking that maybe today wouldn't be so bad after all.
Brooke crept soundlessly inside the room, peeking in to make sure her fiancé was still sleeping before closing the door softly behind her and gently setting the basket on the nearby table. She sat her purse in the chair quietly before pulling out the tray that lay on top and arranging the items on the paper plates she'd pulled from the basket as well. She glanced back a few times, smiling at how peaceful he looked with his hair messy as he lay stomach down across the pillow, one foot peeking out of the covers.
Lucas squinted, trying to peer through his eyelashes as he watched Brooke with her back towards him. He tried to keep his face from smiling at her efforts, not wanting to ruin her surprising him just yet. As she turned around, he relaxed his lids slowly, hoping she wouldn't notice.
"Lucas," her raspy voice came out in a sing-song way. "Wake up sleepy head."
He reached out and grabbed her leg. "I am awake."
"Luke," she jumped slightly, immediately trying to steady herself. "You scared me."
"Come here," he tugged her closer.
"If you don't let go of my leg you're in serious trouble of losing your breakfast," she smirked down at him, trying to balance. "How long were you up?" She gave a small pout.
"I watched you creep in," he said with a laugh as he did what she said, scooting back and making room for her. "I didn't want to ruin you surprising me…"
"Or you surprising me," she rolled her eyes playfully before sitting down and placing the tray over his lap. "I missed you."
"I missed you," he leaned over to kiss her lips softly before looking down at the two plates of French toasts, the cup of fresh strawberries and pineapple that sat in between, and whip cream. "Wow Brooke, this looks amazing." He looked in her eyes. "Thank you."
She smiled. "You're welcome; I thought you could use it." She sighed softly, "I'm sorry I wasn't here last night."
"It's okay," he reached over and took her hand gently within his own. "I was okay; I went to see Uncle Keith yesterday and told him about the engagement," he gave her a quick smile, "he approves."
"Well of course he does fiancé," she tilted her head. "You're really okay?"
"Yeah, I'm really okay and that has a lot to do with you," he brought their joined hands down to her ever expanding belly, "and Sweetpea and Doodlebug of course."
"Of course," she laughed. "You do realize we're not really going to name them that," she paused briefly. "I was thinking, for our son, maybe we can call him Keith."
Lucas couldn't help the wide grin that took over his face. "Thank you Brooke." He moved their intertwined hands once again, this time bringing them to his lips so he could kiss the point where they joined softly.
"You don't have to thank me Luke," she nodded, a mixture of happiness and sadness still over the wonderful man that was taken away from them too soon. "I loved him too."
"I know," he replied before running his free hand over his hair. "Well that takes care of Doodlebug, what about Sweetpea; what should we call her?"
"I'm not sure yet and then we still have middle names but we can think about those after we eat," she laughed before scrunching up her face. "Cold French toast really isn't that great and these kids keep me starving." She picked up two forks, holding his out to him. "Dig in."
"This isn't going to kill me is it?" he furrowed his brows.
"Aw kids," she patted her belly. "Daddy wants Mommy to stab him with the fork."
He laughed before taking a big bite and chewing. "Mmm, this is really good." He went for another one before looking up at her in surprise. "You really have gotten a lot better at this; maybe you could bake those treats for the team."
"Don't get too carried away there Broody," she said in between bites before exhaling deeply. "Whoa…"
"What is it?" he looked up at her alarmed. "Is something wrong?"
"No, it's…" she trailed off as she grabbed his hand and sat up on her knees, getting closer to him. "Here, they're at it again."
Lucas dropped the fork and brought his other hand to her stomach as well, splaying both hands across her. "Wow, they're really moving in there, our babies…"
"Our babies," her eyes watered as they calmed down; smiling happily before his lips met hers in an ardent kiss. "Luke," she breathed heavily as his kisses traced down her neck. "Breakfast…"
"I think we can find a better use for the whip cream," he murmured against her neck as he pulled her around and they rolled to the side of the bed as she giggled.
Nathan stood in front of the counter, reaching over the stove to remove the last of the bacon as he placed it on the paper towel cover plate and handed it to his son who carried it dutifully to the table.
"Yum," Jamie licked his lips with a smile. "It looks good Daddy."
Nathan returned to the flat grill on top of the counter, flipping the last couple pancakes on a plate before handing it once again to Jamie. "Now watch buddy, those are hot."
"I got it," he replied as he placed the large plate as close to the center as he could reach.
"We got everything?" he smiled at his boy. "Syrup?"
"Check," Jamie answered.
"Butter?" Nathan saw it on the table but asked anyways, enjoying Jamie being his helper.
"Check," Jamie nodded. "All we need is the milk."
Nathan pulled the jug out the fridge and went to the table to fill the three glasses Jamie arranged on the table for them. "Check," he said while putting it back in the fridge before watching Jamie peer around the corner.
"Momma's coming," he whispered rather loudly before he ducked back behind the wall, jumping back out as she walked into the kitchen. "Good morning mom."
She laughed after her faux jump at her son's intent to scare her. "Good morning goof ball."
"Daddy and me made breakfast," he grinned happily.
"Daddy and I," she corrected before ruffling his hair. "But I can see; it smells good." She met her husband in front of the table and stood on her toes to kiss him. "Good morning," she murmured against his lips.
"Good morning Rockstar," he said once they separated, pausing to pull out her chair before helping Jamie hop in his and then sitting down himself.
"This looks great," she looked at her boys. "Thanks."
"We thought you deserved it," Nathan said.
"Yeah," Jamie chimed in, "for your album selling a lot. Daddy said you worked real hard on it." He smiled as he twirled a bite in syrup before bringing it to his mouth, "Mmm."
"He's right," Haley said in between bites. "This is really good Nate."
"Thanks," he replied after he swallowed. "So, what's on your agenda today?"
"Just going to school, playing with my friends," Jamie said with a nod, eliciting a laugh from both his parents. "What about you Momma?"
Haley smiled at her precocious son who went back to eating his meal. "I have to go to the studio and meet Peyton but then I'm free." She took another bite. "Come to think of it, Broke called last night and I forgot; she wants to have dinner tonight, sort of a celebration for Rachel's custody hearing…"
"Assuming all goes well," Nathan sighed. "So that's today then?"
"Yeah, Brooke said she had some news too," her eyes meet his. "What do you think it is?"
"Whatever it is, I hope it's good and calm." He took a drink of his milk. "I think we've seen enough drama lately."
She scrunched her face and then shook her head with a laugh. "You do know where we live right?"
"Tree Hill," Jamie jumped back into the conversation.
"And what's Tree Hill without drama?" she quirked an eyebrow as she waved an arm in the air. "Grandmothers who happen to be your nanny marry your classmate while your half brother flops between ex's whose ex's ex makes movies with while the other ex has fashion drama and we all take turns in the hospital after tornadoes." She took a deep breath as she finished. "Face it Nate, this is as normal as it gets in Tree Hill."
"I guess I better just can it then and eat my pancakes," he laughed.
"Sounds good to me," she replied before taking a bite and looking at her husband and son, happy to be able to enjoy the quiet pleasures of eating breakfast with her family. In this town, there was no telling how quiet things would stay.
Rachel reached over to take Owen's hand, trying to calm herself as they waited for the judge to come back with his verdict. It wouldn't be long now, the fate of their daughter and their involvement in at least the next few weeks of her life would be determined the minute he came back from his chambers. She felt the reassuring hand of her best friend reach her shoulder from behind and squeeze it reassuringly.
"Thank you for being here," Rachel said as she turned around, forcing a smile. "I really appreciate it."
Owen turned around as well. "We both do."
"There's no where else I'd be," Brooke replied. "You're going to win this."
Rachel glanced over at her aunt and uncle who stood near their table, chattering in whispers to their lawyer. "I'm not so sure."
"I am," Brooke replied. "Isn't that right Craig," she looked to the attorney who was shuffling some papers.
"We presented a good case," he answered. "I feel pretty good about our chances."
"That's lawyer for we're going to win," Brooke said firmly. "Believe it."
Rachel nodded. "I'm trying."
"All rise," the bailiff was suddenly in front of the room, watching as everyone complied. "The Honorable Judge Wilkins is now presiding."
Once the portly man with brown hair takes his bench, he makes a motion with his hands. "You may be seated." He looked between the parties before speaking again. "I am prepared to rule. First, I have heard nothing to convince me that there was an intent on either parties' part that the child was to be adopted or rights dissolved or transferred; therefore, Ms. Gattina and Mr. Morello are by law and by the opinion of this court the lawfully parents of the child in question."
Owen reached over to take Rachel's hand once more and squeezed it, his eyes never leaving the judge.
"Second," Judge Wilkins continued, "I have heard nothing so far to convince me the child's current setting is harmful in any way."
"Objection Your Honor," her aunt's lawyer jumped up. "The child was forcefully taken from the home and the only parent's she'd ever know…"
"Mr. Stone," he interrupted from the bench. "This is a preliminary hearing; all of the out standing issues will be settled here today. Those, along with permanent custody will be settled at a later date."
"Yes Your Honor," the lawyer returned to his seat.
"Now, I can see no harm befalling the child if she is left residing in her current situation for the next few weeks." He paused briefly. "Now based on that and the testimony given today, I am allowing the child to remain where she is until this custody issue is resolved."
"Your Honor if I may," the dutiful lawyer hopped up once again. "I am requesting visitation on my client's behalf."
"I see no harm in that," the judge replied.
"With all due respect You're Honor my clients were kept away from their daughter for years," Craig stood up. "We are requesting if visitation is granted, it is supervised."
"Your Honor, that is ridiculous," Mr. Phillips interjected.
"They do not live in the state and it took years for your clients to be found," Craig argued. "Your Honor, we feel there is a flight risk."
"Very well," Judge Wilkins gave a curt nod. "The Connors are granted liberal but supervised visitation." He gave a pause. "The court expects both parties to conduct themselves in a civilized and mature manner in the best interest of the child. I will see both attorney's in my chambers to work out the visitation schedule. Case adjourned." He banged his gavel before the bailiff began speaking again, Rachel and Owen both rising but not really hearing the words.
"We won!" Rachel threw her arms around Owen before waving her hand for Brooke to join them.
"I'm so happy for you guys," Brooke said as she pulled away from them.
"Thanks Brooke, for the lawyer; for everything." Owen smiled happily before turning to the red head. "Now, let's go get our girl."
Haley peered over Peyton's shoulder, looking at the latest sales figures. "Wow, I can't believe this."
"This album really has some momentum behind it; John's really impressed." She gave a short laugh. "He's wishing he would have stolen you when he had the chance but he's happy with his payback."
"I'm impressed and it's my work," Haley said as she moved around the desk, sitting down in the chair and leaning back. "So now that the business part of this meeting is over, I really missed sharing this with you yesterday; how are you feeling by the way?"
"Truth," Peyton raised a brow, seeing the answer written all over her friend's face. "It was a pretty rough day for me…" she trailed off.
"The anniversary of the school shooting," the brunette offered with a tilt of her head.
Peyton nodded, "Among other things."
"I think we'll all carry that day with us for the rest of our lives," she sighed. "It changes you; something like that leaves scars you can't see."
"I've still got one on my leg you can see to prove…" she jolted straight up. "Oh my god, I am a horrible person."
Haley was taken back for a moment. "Peyton, what is it?" Her eyes studied the girl in front of her curiously.
"Brooke," she sighed heavily, "And Lucas."
"What, you can't make it to dinner?' Haley was still confused.
"No, not that." She waved her hand in the air. "I was having a bit of a meltdown yesterday and Brooke stayed to take care of me."
"That's what Brooke does," Haley shrugged nonchalantly.
"But she stayed all day," Peyton shook her blonde waves. "She even stayed at my place last night. I feel like the worst friend in the world."
"Because of Lucas and what he must've been going through," she nodded. "You're right," she shrugged, her voice a bit lighter. "You are a horrible person."
"Haley," she whined.
"I get that you feel guilty but I'm sure Lucas understands," she said seriously. "You know he's the first one to go out on a limb and rescue someone or empathize with whatever any of us are going through; he and Brooke are really alike in that way." She paused, wondering if that made the blonde uncomfortable but she seemed unfazed by it. "Besides, I talked to Lucas before I got here and he sounded good, happy."
"Good I'm glad, he deserves it." Peyton nodded, a warm smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "He and Brooke both do."
"You really mean that don't you?" Haley returned the smile, watching her friend nod.
"I do," she replied. "I'm still going to apologize though tonight for monopolizing her."
"I'm sure he'd appreciate that," a pregnant pause fell over them. "So," Haley's brown eyes met her green, "you going to tell me what else that meltdown was all about yesterday?"
"Actually, Peyton leaned forward. "I'd rather talk about your summer tour."
Haley furrowed her brows, the shock written all over her face. "What?"
"I can't believe we are late to our own party," Lucas shook his head as they drove. "What am I going to do with you Crazy Girl?"
"Me?" she drew back, a hand going over her chest. "It's your fault we're late."
"I think you started it," he replied.
"Who me?" she feigned innocence. "It's these stupid hormones. Who knew that book was telling the truth about pregnancy making you…" she bit her lip for a moment, "amorous."
He ran a free hand over his buzzed hair as he laughed. "I don't think I've ever heard you use that word before."
"Just in case they can hear us," she pointed to her belly with her index fingers.
"I hope not," he laughed as he pulled in the parking lot and found a space, "Cause you were loud."
"Luke," she reached off and hit him playfully while he laughed.
"So," he turned to look at her, holding her left hand up to watch the ring sparkle. "You ready to announce this to the world?"
"Whenever you are fiancé," she smiled happily, her dimples in full effect. "I love calling you that."
He brought her hand to his lips, giving it a soft kiss. "I love when you call me that." He released her hand before releasing the handle on the door. "Let's go."
Brooke got out of the car, meeting up with Lucas to and joining hands as they walked up the stairs to the entranceway of Tric. Before they could get to the door, it was already swinging open.
"About time you two got here," Nathan said as he stood in the doorway. "The caterers came and asked us where we were setting up; they put everything in the kitchen."
"I'm sorry Nate," her face was apologetic as she stepped up to hug him.
"Yeah, yeah Davis." He shook his head as they separated. "Everyone's inside; hey Luke."
"Hey little brother," he nodded before they walked inside. "Are we the last to arrive at our own party?"
"Pretty much," Nathan replied as they walked inside the club.
The party was pretty much in full swing as they stepped to the secluded area that was roped off for them, seeing their friends sitting in the three booths that were put together. They immediately sat down and said their hellos to everyone, happy to see they could all attend on such short notice, even Karen and Deb making it.
"I'm glad you guys are all here," Brooke said from her seat, her right hand resting on her stomach while she kept her left out of view until she was ready to make her announcement. "By the way, where are all the kids?"
"Can you believe Skills parents took all four of them tonight," Haley laughed.
"Man, you parents are going to go insane," Nathan laughed.
"It's practice for when ours comes," Skills replied before looking over at Deb.
"They won't need that much practice," she shook her head. "It's just the one."
"For now," he winked at her.
"Dude please," Nathan shook his head while everyone else except for Karen and Andy laughed. "That's still my mom."
"So go ahead slu…sorry," Rachel said as Karen's eyes focused on her. "So Brookie, you going to spill this little secret or what?" she looked at her friend coyly, her and Owen already getting the news at the courthouse.
"Yeah B. Davis," Peyton chimed in. "What's going on?"
She suddenly felt a bit of stage fright although she wasn't sure why. "Well you guys are the most important people in mine and Luke's life and…" she trailed off before flinging her hand towards the center of the table. "We're engaged!" She yelled.
"Oh my God, I knew it!" Haley squealed as she, Rachel, Peyton, and Deb tried to get a better look.
Congratulations were heard all around the table, the girls squealing and hopping around while the guys looked at them all liked they'd lost their minds.
Brooke pulled Peyton off to the side slightly while the buzz was still in full swing. "You're really happy for me Peyton," her voice came out in a raspy whisper, "because I would never want to rub this in your face or make you feel uncomfortable or…"
"Brooke," Peyton said forcefully to get her attention before her voice returned to normal. "I am really, really happy for you. You are my best friend and that comes first from now on, for always. Honey, I love you."
"I love you too," she threw her arms around the blonde, embracing her as tight as she could with her pregnant belly. She pulled back, "Are you okay, not about this but…" she let the sentence open ended, knowing Peyton never liked to vocalize the words.
"Yeah, today seems to be going a lot better. Thanks for being there yesterday and for breakfast," she smiled. "It really cheered me up. I'm sorry about keeping you away from Luke when he probably needed you."
"It's okay Peyt," she threw her arm round her as they made their way back over to the crowd, Skills grabbing her for a congratulatory hug as the blonde walked over to Lucas.
"Hey," she smiled happily, the light bouncing off her green eyes. "Third times a charm, eh?" She tilted her head.
"Yeah, I think so." He sighed, his eyes squinting as he looked at her. "Peyton…" he wasn't sure what to say.
"You don't have to find any right words here, I'm happy for you and Brooke Lucas, really. You and I both know no one deserves to be happy more than her," she replied, truly meaning it.
"You deserve to be happy too," Lucas nodded. "Jake's a good guy."
Her eyes traveled to the man in question, his face immediately making her smile wider. "Yeah he is," she turned back to the blonde. "Luke, I am sorry about taking up Brooke's time…"
"It's okay," he interrupted. "Brooke and I have a lot of time."
"The rest of your lives," she filled in, "Congratulations."
"Yes, Congratulations Lucas," a familiar female voice he hadn't heard in quite a while spoke from behind them.
Lucas turned around in surprise. "Lindsay?"
"Oh boy," Peyton muttered to herself, maybe today was going to go so well after all.
Shonda Rhimes wrote, "At any given moment, the brain has 14 billion neurons firing at a speed of 450 miles per hour. We don't have control over most of them. When we get a chill: goose bumps. When we get excited: adrenaline. The body naturally follows its impulses, which I think is part of what makes it so hard for us to control ours. Of course, sometimes we have impulses we would rather not control, that we later wish we had… The body is a slave to its impulses. But the thing that makes us human is what we can control."