"Can I help you?" The unimpressed receptionist asked. It was way too early to be getting visitors, and she was not happy.
Brooke flashed her an uncertain smile, "Yes, can I talk to a Tamara Peters?"
The girl smacked her gum, "Peters? Yeah, sure. What'd she do?"
"What? Nothing, I just want to talk to her."
The receptionist rolled her eyes, "Yeah sure, whatever." She grabbed the phone and called upstairs.
A few minutes later Tamara came down, "Oh great." She said with an eye roll. She was still in her pajamas, "I had to come down because of you? What'd Sam tell you now?"
Brooke stiffened, "Hi Tamara." She hoped she sounded kind. The girl's cheekiness only reminded her of Sam's break down just the night before.
"Look if you're here to talk about what I did to your precious daughter I don't want to hear it, alright? I'm going back upstairs. It's teacher work day, meaning I get to sleep in."
What was it with these girls and their propensity to act grown when it was so obvious they needed someone to love them.
"Tamara." Brooke said gently, but firmly, "I'm not just here because of Sam, I'm also worried about you."
That caught her attention. No one was ever worried about Tamara. She was always overlooked. She looked at Brooke, looking confused as ever.
"Me?"
Brooke extended her hand, "How 'bout we go to breakfast? I don't really know this area, you can pick the spot?" She offered, hoping Tamara would agree.
Tamara rolled her eyes, "Fine, let's go to the Silver Diner. I like it there, and you're buying, and I'm taking food home."
Wow, Tamara really didn't hold back. Brooke looked at her amused, "Sounds like a deal. I'll wait for you in the car."
It wasn't more than fifteen minutes later that Tamara came out and plopped herself into the seat next to Brooke. The ride was mostly quiet except for Tamara's incessant changing of the station. She really didn't have a reason too, except to annoy the woman next to her.
"Can you just decide?" Brooke finally asked.
Tamara stopped, "What, does this bother you?" Her eyes narrowed waiting to pounce on her answer.
When they came to a red light Brooke firmly grabbed Tamara's hand off the radio, "Yes. It bothers me. Now, stop."
She huffed and sunk into the seat. Luckily, for the both of them, the Silver Diner was at the next light.
Tamara and Brooke both sat down at the booth, one across from the other.
"This is a cute little place." Brooke commented.
"Yup...it's nice." This was awkward, and they both knew it, but Tamara decided to take initiative.
"Can you cut the crap and tell me what you want?"
Brooke sighed, figuring it was all or nothing, "Sam told me he hit you." She admitted softly. She couldn't stand thinking that this poor little girl in front of her was in an abusive relationship at such a young age.
Tamara's guard fell and looked at her with embarrassment, but said nothing. Brooke took her bag off her lap and moved her hands onto the table, "You don't deserve that sweetheart. Nobody does."
Tamara fidgeted a bit, "Easy for you to say you're the big shot designer."
"Do you think I'm worth more than you?" Brooke asked. Her self-esteem was more shot than Brooke had realized, if that was the case.
"Sorta." She looked away, unsure of what to do, but felt Brooke grab her hands, "Well that's where you're wrong. You, Tamara, are worth just as much as me. Maybe even more. You have so much potential, you're still a kid, and you shouldn't have to be dealing with an abusive romantic relationship at this stage in your life."
Tamara felt like a child in front of Brooke, "He, he didn't mean it. He just slaps me." Her voice was small.
Brooke wasn't fooled, "How many times has he done this to you?"
Silence.
She rose her eyebrow, "Young lady. How many times?"
"...It's only happened like four times." She felt Brooke squeeze her hand, it was oddly comforting.
"I don't want you anywhere near him anymore."
Tamara shook her head, "You have no right to tell me that! You're not my mom, you're Sam's!"
Brooke knew Tamara was right, but could only answer honestly, "You're right, but I care about you Tamara."
"Well you shouldn't." She huffed.
Brooke wasn't giving in, "Well I do. And you're gonna have to deal with it."
No, this lady wasn't going to shut up, Tamara thought, "Look, its not like it matters. We're done because of dumb Sam."
Brooke so did not appreciate the slight to her daughter, but her focus was getting Tamara to understand so she ignored it for now, "No Tamara, it does matter. He can come back. These types of guys they have a way of manipulating you. You have to say no if he wants to come back to you."
Tamara blinked back her tears, "You don't get it. And I don't expect you too."
Brooke let go of her hands, "Then explain it to me." She offered.
She sighed, if that's what it took to get this woman to back off, then fine. "Marcus is one of the few people that I've grown to trust. That's hard to come by for us foster kids, alright? It's just him and Jack, who knows about Sam."
"You have to open up to people Tamara. You can't keep this little rebellious facade and expect people to warm up to you so easily."
"Look I'm not Sam. I'm not little and cute and naive like her. We've both been through some serious shit, but she somehow came out more vulnerable and I came out like a rock."
Brooke looked at her a bit incredulously, "You both are vulnerable. You both need each other."
Tamara could tell where this conversation was going, and she really didn't feel like talking about her relationship with Sam. "What does this have to do with Marcus?" She spit.
Brooke spoke more gently. She had been thinking about this all night and all morning, "If you let me, I want to file a restraining order against him to keep him away from you."
Tamara's eyes widened, "You can't!" She exclaimed.
Brooke knew this was a complicated subject, but wouldn't just let it fall through"Just think about it and everything I told you. Then tell me what you decide. Please Tamara." Brooke responded.
Their conversation was cut short when the food came. Tamara was grateful because she delved in the food and didn't have to talk to Brooke about uncomfortable things.
Brooke watched the girl devour her food. She really liked pancakes, Brooke thought. Tamara finally looked up from her plate, "What?" She asked to Brooke's staring.
Brooke felt it was time to talk about the elephant in the room. "You really upset Sam yesterday. You hurt her feelings Tamara."
Tamara swallowed her food. "I hurt her feelings?" She snorted, "What is she, three years old? Just give her a bottle of warm milk and put her down for a nap. I'm sure she'll feel better when she wakes up."
Brooke did not appreciate the sarcasm. Actually, she would've much liked to give the defiant teenager in front of her a warm bottle of milk and a nap. Maybe she'd be much easier to talk to then.
"I don't find it very funny Tamara." Brooke snapped, "Why have you been so hard on Sam?"
She scoffed, "I'm not talking to you about this."
Brooke shrugged, "Fine, but you will talk to Sam."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"I'm taking you to talk to Sam." She said matter of factly.
Tamara scoffed, "Psssh. You can't make me."
Brooke knew Tamara wanted to see Sam. It wasn't too hard to tell that Tamara missed her best friend too.
"Okay, fine, I'll just take you back to Clydesville."
Tamara went back to eating her food, but it was obvious she was weighing her options. She put her fork down, "Fine."
"Fine what?"
"Fine, I'll go!"
Content with the answer, Brooke took a sip out of her coffee, eyeing the teenage girl who hungrily ate up her food. After a few moments of this Tamara looked curiously at Brooke.
"What?" She asked, "Is there something on my face?" Brooke asked.
"No, it's just….Can I ask you something Brooke?"
Unsure of what she'd ask Brooke nodded, "Of course."
"Do you even remember anything about Sam before she came back?"
Brooke smiled widely. Of course she did. She remembered the day Sam was born vividly.
Brooke laid her head back onto the pillow, praying for the moment she could be discharged. Hoping to leave so she could try and forget the love she felt for her little bundle of joy. No, she didn't want to forget. She wanted to take her home, and cuddle with the six and a half pound infant. Brooke wanted to keep her, but the papers she had just signed told her otherwise. She knew that she couldn't care for the child. In reality the baby was never hers since the start, her mother had told her in more ways than one, but it still didn't detract from what she felt.
Yes, at that moment, an eighteen year old Brooke Davis wanted nothing more than to be a mother. Such a stark difference from the party loving, popular cheerleader that was her persona. Victoria had sent her off after graduation on a "trip," so as to not ruin her own reputation, and as the pregnancy wore on Brooke found herself falling in love with the unborn being inside of her. She imagined her daughter at age 3, then 10, then 15. She smiled thinking at all the mischief she'd probably cause, but would always end up tears when she realized she wouldn't be the one to get her out of trouble. It'd be two strangers, who her little girl would call "mom" and "dad."
"Brooke would you like to hold her?" A nurse asked.
Brooke turned to her mother, "Mom, can I?"
Victoria huffed and only left the room. The nurse was still holding the baby. Brooke nodded, "Yes, please."
The nurse put the infant in Brooke's arms, and she felt a chill of love rush through her. How could she let her go? Tears started to fall, "Hi baby girl. Hi little peanut." She cooed. The baby stirred and pushed herself into Brooke's hold. She extended her small hand and placed it on Brooke's chest. Skin to skin. Her eyes opened sleepily, and they pierced at Brooke's gaze. She saw Lucas in those eyes, big and blue. From that point on, Brooke didn't let her go. She couldn't, because she'd have to let her go for a lifetime, and this was the only chance she had.
"Baby, know that I love you. Mommy loves you and she always will." She whispered. The infant grabbed a hold of Brooke's hospital gown and cooed back at Brooke.
Victoria didn't come in too long after, "Brooke do not attach yourself to that child. It will be no good to you."
"Leave us alone." She spit. Not taking her eyes off the beautiful baby in her arms. Us, it was nice to say that. Her and me. Brooke and baby.
The nurse looked at the scene in front of her and her heart went out to the young girl in the hospital bed, "Brooke Davis?"
She looked up from her child. It was time and she knew it. Suddenly, it's like her world was falling apart.
It was like the nurse tore her from her arms. The baby started to cry, and it made Brooke cry as well. She felt her mother's hand on her shoulder obviously keeping her from running out of the bed and into the hallway to grab her child. She was hers! Her little girl.
"...And it took me a good while to forget Sam crying. She was so little. But now when I look into her big blue eyes, I remember when she was in my arms for the first time, and she opened them, permanently taking a piece of my heart."
Tamara stared at Brooke with wide eyes. The vivid details and the lone tear that she wiped away spoke volumes to Tamara. "Wow." She simply said.
They were a bit quiet after that.
….. …. …..
Lucas checked his watch. Sam's school had teacher work day which meant the kids got a free day. Brooke told him he was going to talk to Tamara and had him wait at her house since Sam was sleeping and she didn't want her alone. It was getting late and his class started soon.
He went into Sam's room. She was huddled into a ball holding tightly onto her teddy bear. The end of the blanket always managed to make it's way into Sam's mouth. He sat down on the bed and gently shook her, "Champ." He whispered. Sam stirred. "Baby wake up." He said once more. She opened her eyes groggily, "Huh? Wh-what?"
She sat up.
"Brooke went out for a bit, but she'll be back. I have to go to my class. I just wanted to let you know, alright?"
She nodded, still not really registering everything. He smiled and pulled her in for a hug, "Have a good day, okay?"
She just shook her head, "I like it when it's all three of us." She mumbled in her sleepy haze, "I like you here." He smiled, knowing she probably wouldn't remember what she just said, and held her for a bit. After a few short moments, Sam was still clinging onto him, that's when he realized she had fallen asleep on his shoulder. He chuckled and laid her back down, giving her a kiss, and placing her bear between her arms.
…. …. ….
Brooke turned to Tamara as they walked towards her door, "You look nervous." That was new. Tamara didn't really give off that air.
She shrugged, "I'm not." Too bad her response wasn't that convincing.
When she opened the door Brooke saw Sam sitting at the counter, clad in her shirt, with a bowl of cereal. When Sam turned towards the door Brooke saw the unhappiness fall over her. The smile that had graced her face just seconds before turned into a scowl when Tamara came into view.
"Screw you Tamara." She said resolutely then roughly got off the stool and headed into the laundry room, out of view from both Brooke and her ex best friend. The laundry room was the only option since her room was too far away.
Tamara drew closer to Brooke, "Great, looks like she's mad at me now."
Brooke realized that maybe, just maybe, her teenage years were a bit too far in her past, because she really didn't understand what the hell was going on. Wasn't Sam just crying in her arms yesterday because her best friend didn't like her anymore? Teenage girls could be so confusing. She sighed and touched Tamara's arm.
"Why don't you head upstairs into my room for a bit. There's a tv. Give me a second with Sam."
Tamara looked at her like she was crazy, "You want me to go into your room?" This lady really trusted Tamara. That was also a new development for the troublesome teen.
"What's the problem?"
"I don't know. It's just weird."
Brooke laughed a bit, "Go Tamara. It's the first door on the right."
She turned to head up the stairs, "Good luck." She said.
Brooke headed into the laundry room where she found Sam atop the rumbling dryer with her legs crossed. She stared at her daughter from the doorway, waiting for the sullen Sam to say something.
"I like it here, it's warm." Sam said not looking at Brooke.
Brooke walked in and leaned on the washer just as Lucas had done. Sam was beginning to think they coordinated their "lecture poses" because they were scary similar.
"Maybe we should set your bed down here then." Brooke responded not taking her eyes off her daughter, who still wasn't looking at her.
Sam gave her a small smile as she picked some fuzz off her sock, "No, it's okay. I like my room a little bit more then I like it here." She finally met Brooke's gaze. It was soft and she could tell Brooke was trying to suppress a laugh.
"I brought Tamara here so you could talk to her. Not so you could storm out like that, little miss.".
Sam scowled again, "She was the one being mean to me! Why would I want to talk to her?!"
Brooke stopped her, "Samantha, lower your voice." She wasn't in the mood to try and defuse a tantrum.
Sam pouted, "Well she was being mean." She said less eccentrically.
"I thought you wanted to fix things between her?" Brooke really was trying to understand.
"I don't feel like being yelled at and insulted right now. Okay? Can you just, just take her back?" She looked at Brooke with the best puppy dog eyes she could give. She'd never really used them, but there was something about Brooke and that look she gave her.
Brooke took her hands off the washer and got closer to Sam. She could tell instantly that she'd have to learn how to build a defense against that cute face Sam put on.
"And I don't think I want that either. How 'bout you talk to her and the moment you feel attacked, just leave the room. I'll take Tamara back, and I won't ask any questions."
That sounded like a great plan to Sam. "You're serious?" She raised an eyebrow.
Brooke nodded, "Dead serious. So is that a yes?"
Sam hopped off, "Fine, but you'll be here if I need you, right?" Sam needed to know. She knew it was Thursday and her mother might go into work, but she really just wanted her there. Brooke could see the slight anxiety in Sam's face. She found it so easy to read her emotions. "I'll be right here, downstairs kiddo."
With that assurance Sam made her way into Brooke's room.
Tamara was sitting at the edge of the bed.
"Your mommy make you come talk to me?"
Just as soon as Sam entered, she turned her heels to make her way out.
"Wait, Sam wait! It was a joke!" Tamara said her tone sounding more urgent than before. Sam sighed and went back in, "What, Tamara? God, why are you such a bitch!" She hissed at her.
Tamara looked down feeling a bit embarrassed for how she had treated Sam, "Look Sam, I just I want to say I'm sorry, alright?"
But Sam wasn't going to give it to her that easy, "So, what? I'm just supposed to forgive you and forget about it? You're such a jerk! You know I actually tried to get Brooke and Lucas to leave me for you?! Do you get that!? You can't just say sorry!" Sam felt her body rumble with anger. She was surprised that she was actually that mad.
Tamara stood up from the bed. It was time to be honest, as much as it pained her. "I saw you with her Sam. I saw you with Brooke when we went to her office, and I felt jealous, alright?! You happy now! I was jealous, and then I figured well fuck it, at least I have Marcus. And now, now I don't even have him!"
Sam saw the anguish in Tamara's words. "T?" She said softly.
"So I was mad, mad that it was your fault! You seem to have everything go your way. And I don't." Tamara finally let her guard down. Her tears dripped down her cheeks.
Sam sat on Brooke's bed, "T. I, I'm not gonna apologize for Brooke and Lucas anymore, but I'm sorry that you feel that way. I know it's not fair." She looked tentatively at Tamara, scared that she would flip at Sam's confession.
Tamara just nodded, "Sam, I love that you're here with them. I know they love you. I just, I know I'm gonna be a bitch sometimes because of it. It's hard you know? I don't have anyone like you do."
Sam gulped. It was true. Tamara didn't.
"You have me. And you can always hang out here."
Tamara sat next to her, "Brooke's pretty cool." She purposefully evaded Sam's statement. They both knew, things were going to be different, and it was just a matter of accepting it. Sam sighed, but didn't try to pry. Tamara was calm now, and she wasn't mad, and at least she knew why she was being such a bitch.
"Yeah, she's cool." She replied. Tamara turned to her, "Are you mad at me? 'Cause you totally can be."
Sam shrugged, "Kinda, yeah. But I miss you too."
Tamara totally understood, "Well...do you wanna hang out today? With Jack and stuff?"
"What about Shellie? And all that stuff you wrote on facebook?"
Tamara blushed. Wow, she really was a big jerk. "I was a stupid idiot, Sam. I'm sorry."
Sam got off the bed, "We can hang. L'emme just go tell Brooke." It was still rocky between them, but she wouldn't say no to the offer. There was just too much history between them.
Tamara got up and headed out with Sam, "You should probably change too." She said chuckling a bit.
Sam looked down. She really hated wearing pants, "Oh. Right."
When they went downstairs, Brooke wasn't in the kitchen or the living room. "Where's Brooke?" Tamara asked.
Sam looked around, "Hey Brooke!"
"I'm in my office Sam." She heard her say. Sam stopped, causing Tamara to bump into her.
"Sam she's in there. Go, already." Tamara said annoyed.
Sam hadn't been in there yet. Two whole months, and she hadn't dared step in there. Brooke was always so...focused, to say the least, when she went in that room. And she figured Brooke needed a place where she wouldn't be bugged by Sam. I mean, even Sam could admit that she could be annoying.
Too late, she felt Tamara pushing her forward,"Sam go already, so we can leave."
Sam took a deep breath and made her way in. She opened the door slightly and stood at the doorway.
Brooke looked up from the computer. She could tell Sam looked a little unsure, "What's wrong?" She asked, hoping that it wasn't anything Tamara did.
"I just, I've never been in here before."
That's right, she hadn't. Brooke gave her a small nod to come all the way in, "Well come on in!" She said jovially, hoping to let Sam know that she wasn't banned from her office.
Sam started to close the door, "Nah, it's okay. This is your space anyways. I just wanted to let you know that Tamara and me are gonna hang out with Jack. T's waiting for me anyways."
Brooke let go of the mouse, "Sam, come in, please." She spoke more firmly, letting Sam know that "no" wasn't an option.
Sam bit her lip, but listened. She went in, "T's waiting, Brooke."
Brooke put her hand up, "She can wait five more minutes."
But Sam had stopped listening she was looking all around the office. She plopped herself onto the floor, to Brooke's amusement. There were picture frames of Jamie, Julian, Lucas. Practically everyone, but not of her. That saddened her a bit. Brooke could tell Sam was searching for a picture of herself.
"Turn around, you're right there." She said softly pointing to a frame.
And there Sam was. It was a picture of her blowing out her candles, Lucas was watching her laughing and Brooke was holding her hair. The picture was the biggest and it hung directly in front of Brooke.
Sam couldn't have smiled any wider, "That's my favorite." She said to Brooke.
She laughed, "It's my favorite too."
Sam then looked at the many headlines, awards, and even magazine covers that lined the walls, "Wow. I knew you were important, but, geez Brooke, you're, you're like a movie star or something. "
"Something like that." Brooke mumbled.
Sam frowned a bit, "I'm sorry."
"For what?" Brooke asked. She knew what Sam was going to say though. Sam felt guilty that she somehow took Brooke away from her success.
"You probably miss all this stuff, instead you're stuck in dumb Tree Hill trying to take care of me."
Brooke got up and then sat next to Sam on the floor, "It's not like I quit my job, Sam. I'm still working, I just took a bit of a backseat to all the limelight. I like dumb Tree Hill. I like being with you, and I regret absolutely nothing."
Sam just sighed and picked at the immaculate carpet. Sam had trouble believing her.
"Sammy, I hope that one day you can believe me when I say this." She said putting some of Sm's hair behind her ear.
Sam kept her head down, "Okay." Was all she could say.
There was a quiet. Brooke had never sat down on her carpet before, it was actually quite comfortable. Sam stood up and Brooke followed her lead, "So can I hang with Tamara and Jack today?"
Brooke nodded, "Sure, back by curfew. Okay?"
She nodded and headed out, but not before Brooke pulled her back by her large shirt and gave her a big hug, "You're welcome in this office anytime kiddo." Her words were muffled by Sam's hair, "Now go change into some clothes." She said with a light swat to Sam's exposed behind.
"Ow!" Sam whined, "I'm going, geez." She walked out rubbing the small sting.
Brooke looked around her office. She had a feeling Sam would be spending a lot more time in there, and she didn't mind it one bit.
….. ….. …..
Peyton looked at the door. She couldn't muster up the courage to knock. She didn't want to face Brooke. They had ended things rockily, and now Brooke apparently knew about her fling with Julian. But it turned out that she didn't have to knock because the door was flung open by Sam.
"Whoah!" Sam said almost crashing into Peyton, "Peyton! I haven't seen you in forever." She exclaimed, when she was able to register the towering character in front of her.
Peyton pulled Sam in for a hug, "Hey kid. I missed you!"
Sam stood on her tippy toes and reached her ear, "I miss cuddling with you." She whispered so that Tamara wouldn't hear her.
Peyton squeezed her, "I miss that too." She whispered back. They let go of one another, then Peyton looked over at the perplexed Tamara.
"Oh. Peyton, this is Tamara, my friend. Tamara, this is Brooke's best friend, Peyton."
Peyton smiled. She had heard plenty of the girl standing in front of her. "Nice to meet you Tamara." She said kindly.
"Same." Tamara answered, "Sam, can we go? Jack's waiting by the bus stop."
Peyton moved out of their way, then saw as Brooke came out to the commotion. "Kid, text me some time and we can hang out."
"Sure thing!" Sam said as she walked away, "Bye Peyton, Bye Brooke!"
Brooke waved and then looked at Peyton, her face clearly upset.
"Looking for Julian?" Brooke hissed.
Peyton rolled her eyes, "Oh, don't do that Brooke. Did you forget what you and Lucas did?"
"Just come in." Brooke groaned, "I'm not doing this in front of all the neighbors."
They both sat down at the island. "Sam looks much better." Peyton commented. Sam was smiling again, and acting like a normal teenager.
"She is." Brooke answered curtly.
Peyton brushed a hand through her hair. This was going to be harder than she thought. "Look Brooke, I know you broke up with Julian."
"Great." Brooke said looking at her phone. Peyton snatched the phone, "Quit it Brooke." She snapped, "You're acting like Sam. You're not 14."
Brooke did not appreciate being talked down to, "Let me remind you that you're in my home. You can feel free to leave if you don't like the way I'm talking to you." She said narrowing her eyes.
Peyton tensed, "I'm not leaving B. Davis." She said more kindly. Her nickname softened them both up a bit.
"I'm not with Lucas, if that's what you're worried about. I'm with Sam. She's my sole focus, right now. Her and my company."
Peyton nodded, and gulped a bit, "Brooke, tell me the truth," She was scared to ask it, "Do you love him?"
Brooke knew she was talking about Lucas. Of course she loved him. She exhaled a long breath, "God Peyton, what the hell do you want me to say? That I came here with the sole purpose to steal your boyfriend? That it was my whole plan to find my daughter, get custody of her, just so I could get to Lucas?!"
"I just want to know the truth." Peyton answered. She knew that Brooke hadn't meant for any of this to happen, but it still hurt. It was like high school all over again.
Brooke looked straight at Peyton, "Yes Peyton. I do. I'm sorry. I really am." She finally admitted, "And if you can't accept that, then I understand. It just, just happened. But we didn't do anything. We kissed, yes. But we didn't have sex. He stayed over, yes. But Sam had just had a breakdown, and we were talking about it, then we ended up falling asleep. "
Peyton felt her eyes water, but she willed the tears away, "Okay."
Brooke wasn't sure if she should ask, but did anyways, "And why didn't you ever tell me that you and Julian had a relationship before us?" She dind't sound mad, it was more like hurt.
Peyton sighed, "I don't know Brooke. I didn't want anything to get confused, and I didn't want to ruin things between him and you. It was in the past. It's over."
"Tell me about you and him." Brooke said a bit firmly.
Peyton looked at her surprised, but agreed anyways, if there was any hope of saving their friendship, she had to tell her, "I met him in LA. He was producing a movie. We went out on a few dates. We got close quick, and he even offered me to go back to New York with him. I said yes. We were all set to go, but the day we were supposed to leave I, I realized that I wanted to go with him because I just, I needed a change. I felt like I was using him."
"And that's when you moved back to Tree Hill." Brooke said in a, "Duh" voice, "Of course." She said almost to herself.
Peyton looked at her friend who was in deep thought. "
So you left him...he, he loved you." Brooke said sadly.
Peyton could only nod, "I think it's my turn to apologize B. I'm really sorry."
Brooke looked at her friend with hurt eyes ,"It's, it's fine. I guess him and I just weren't meant to be. Peyton, you, you never loved him?"
Peyton rested her chin on her hand, "I don't know. I think I did. I think I-" She stopped herself from saying the rest, "I think I do."
"I'm happy here and that's all I know. She said instead.
Brooke looked out the window, "P. I know that you loved Lucas and that I probably messed that up forever."
"Stop Brooke. Lucas and I were having problems way before you came along. Some things just aren't meant to be." She said sadly.
"P. I need you. You know that? I hope we can get over this."
Peyton smiled sadly, "I need you too. And I miss hanging out with your kid."
Brooke chuckled, "She's great right?" She responded allowing their mind to move from their heartache to someone they could both appreciate.
"A bit of a dramatic flare to her, but yes, great nonetheless."
"Well she's my daughter, what'd you expect?"
Peyton laughed, "Very true." She then stood up and then embraced Brooke, "I love you." She said.
… …. …..
The night had come and Brooke found herself still hard at work in her office. She checked the time, Sam was coming dangerously close to missing curfew, but she always managed to run in right on time, if not just a few minutes late. But as she went back to her work she heard the door open and close. Brooke relaxed a bit. The day had been long. She just needed to finish up a few sketches, but she had not forgotten that her and Sam still needed to talk about Sam's attitude and ditching.
She was definitely not excited for that. Sam came in quietly into Brooke's office. "I'm here Brooke." She said.
Brooke nodded, "Okay, sweetie. Go shower, you and me have to talk."
Sam groaned, ignoring Brooke's request and then sat on the carpet once more. It was so comfortable!
She laid down and folded her hands on her stomach, "Brooke, I don't wanna be in trouble!" She whined.
Brooke looked at Sam who was laying down on her floor. Yes, Sam definitely loved her office.
"Would it help if I told you, you're not in trouble. This one time, Lucas and me are letting it go."
"Really?" Sam said excited.
Brooke just shook her head, "Yes, really. But Samantha, I understand you were upset, but you do not, under any circumstance, close us off like that again, or push us away with your belligerent attitude."
Sam rolled her eyes, "You don't understand Brooke. I had to do that." She answered matter of factly, "Well at least I thought I did."
"And do you think that now?" Brooke said raising her eyebrow at the sprawled out Sam from her desk.
"No m'am." Sam groaned.
Brooke could see that Sam was in deep thought. She saw Sam's eyebrows furrow.
"Did Tamara make you think that?"
Sam nodded sadly, "I wanted to show her that she meant more to me than you guys did." She sat up, "But it wasn't true Brooke. I just, I didn't know what to do, I swear." She was scared Brooke would get mad at her for admitting that.
"Sam you don't have to apologize, sweetheart." Brooke added compassionately, "I know things are confusing. I know that. Your father and I-"
She stopped, it was the first time she had called Lucas her father. How would she take it? But Sam didn't stir, she didn't even notice, or maybe she did, and it didn't bother her, because it just felt right.
Brooke continued, "We know it'll be rocky for a bit, but we're learning together."
Sam stayed quiet and laid back down, "I ditched school 'cause I was mad. I missed two periods because I took the metro bus, and then I just figured things couldn't get any worse."
Brooke rolled her eyes at the teenage logic, "Well this is your only get out of jail card, young lady. Being upset doesn't justify missing school. I'm not against going to school with you and sitting at every class."
Sam groaned loudly, "That's so lame...and embarrassing!"
"Well then don't give me a reason to do it." Brooke pointed out. She picked up her pencil once more, then glanced over at Sam again.
She looked tired, "You have fun today?"
"Mhm. It was fun."
"Brooke?"
"Yeah?"
"Where's Julian?" She asked.
After having seen Peyton, she was reminded that she hadn't seen Julian in a while. Brooke froze. Shit, she needed to tell Sam about that too.
But luckily, Sam kind of figured that things between them weren't going so well, "Did you guys break up? I miss him."
Brooke frowned, "We did, Sam. I'm sorry. But he's not leaving you, I promise. He'll come down to visit."
"Promise?" She asked.
"Cross my heart and hope to die."
Sam just sighed and stayed on the floor hearing the movement of Brooke's pencil. It was getting late, and Sam had school the next day.
"Sam, sweetie, go shower, and head to bed. It's late now."
Sam stood up and headed towards Brooke. Brooke slid the chair from under her desk, so she could give Sam a goodnight hug. "Night Sammy." She said as Sam wrapped her arms around Brooke's neck. Then gave her a kiss on the cheek.
"Brooke, you love me right?" Sam asked so simply that it kind of shocked Brooke.
"Of course, Sam."
Sam shrugged, "Good, 'cause I love you too." Then she walked out.
But Brooke was stunned, it was the first time Sam had said it. There weren't any fireworks or grand proclamations, but it still meant the world to hear those words come from her daughter's mouth.
…. ….. …..
Sam stood happily outside with Jack. They were waiting for Tamara to come out. But Jack saw a man come into their view, he protectively pulled Sam closer to him. "What the hell Jack?" Sam asked turning to look at him. He pointed at the man who was now closer to him, "Let's go." He said to Sam.
But Sam froze. Oh my God, why was he here?
She felt Jack pull at her sleeve, "Sam come on."
But she didn't move.
The man was now facing them, "Well, well, Sammy." He slurred. He was drunk.
Sam felt her body tense at his words.
"Leave Mike!" Jack hissed at the man. Tamara came out and saw as the man caressed Sam's cheek.
"You're lookin' so pretty, baby." He said in a conniving whisper.
Sams' eyes widened, "S-stop Mike." Her voice lost it's power. Her whole being lost power. She was in front of him again.
"HEY, you dip shit! Leave!" Tamara yelled coming at him.
Jack followed her lead and then pushed the man, "Fuck off." He said angrily.
The security heard the yells and ran over, "Hey! Hey sir, what're you doing?" He said grabbing his hand. He noticed the terrified girl in front of him, along with two very angry friends, "Sir you have to leave, now."
The man laughed, "Fine." He then looked at Sammy, "I'll see you 'round Sammy baby."
The security guard made sure the man was gone completely. He then spoke more kindly, "Samantha let's go to the office." Jack and Tamara didn't leave Sam alone.
It wasn't too much later when Lucas and Brooke got out of his truck and headed into the office. Brooke walked in and found Sam sitting with both her friends. She was practically on top of Jack, which Lucas did not appreciate.
Lucas and Brooke went over. "Champ what happened? Why'd they call us?" He asked her. Then gave Jack a harsh look. Jack daringly narrowed his eyes at Lucas and held onto her tighter.
Sam just shook her head, not saying a word. Tamara looked at Brooke, and then pointed to the principal who was looking at both parents ,"He'll explain."
The principal gave them a sympathetic glance, "We have much to talk about. Can we?" He asked kindly.
Brooke sighed and made her way in with Lucas behind her.
…. …. …..
"He was her foster father. That much we know." The principal explained, "We don't know what he did to her, but we've been warned by authorities to watch for him. This has happened twice before, but he didn't touch her face, like he did this time. I'm worried that-"
Brooke was furious, "He touched her face. That disgusting man touched her?! And your security just let him go?"
He couldn't lie, Brooke scared him a little. More than Lucas did.
"I know, it was just a snap decision. We couldn't really arrest him for that anyway."
Lucas tightened his fists, "You do realize that he can just come back, right? Who knows what this man is capable of!"
The principal knew they were right, "Yes sir, we know that. Before your situation with Sam, we could only make sure he was removed, but now I understand that you live in Tree Hill with Sam?"
"Yes." Lucas said annoyed.
The principal cleared his throat, "It's my recommendation that she be transferred. This man is escalating and we don't want something unfortunate to happen."
Brooke and Lucas were stunned. They knew it was the right decision, as they had been thinking about it before. This was definitely the rather large straw that broke the camel's back.
The principal wiped the sweat off his face, "She, uhh, she has a better chance at Tree Hill anyway. And we're certainly worried about her safety."
Lucas stood up, "Is that all?"
"Yes sir." The principal said standing up, "I hope that you take what I said into consideration. Sam needs this."
"We know." Lucas said extending his hand. The man took the handshake.
"Good day Miss Davis." He said giving her a handshake as well.
When they walked out Sam was still holding Jack's hand, while Tamara was sitting next to her.
Lucas bent down, "Come on Sam, let's go home."
She bit her lip, "Can Jack and Tamara come?" She looked less scared, now. But was still a little hesitant.
Brooke spoke before Lucas could say anything, "Of course sweetheart."
Lucas glared at Brooke, who shot him a "You better shut up." glance. He wanted to talk to Sam, not be stuck with two other teenagers.
They all piled into the truck. Lucas kept looking back. Who was this Jack kid, anyway? Why was Sam so attached to him, and not Tamara.
Once at Lucas's they all got out. Lucas and Brooke stayed behind the kids. He felt Brooke touch his arm, "We can talk about it after they leave."
Lucas was angry, "Why'd you let them come? We need to talk to her now!"
Brooke glared at him, "Luke, Sam has friends. She needs them, just as much as she needs us. I'm not planning on taking them away from her. I want to talk to her as much as you do, but they're providing her comfort. They probably know about this more than we do! So stop being so hard headed!"
Lucas rolled his eyes, "Fine." He grumbled, "That Jack kids has some guts. Did you see the face he gave me?"
Brooke gave him a sly smile, "Are you jealous?"
He pouted, "Pssh. No." Of course, he was.
The parents walked in, and saw that the kids were all in the living room watching T.V.
Sam was at ease now, "Luke, this is Jack and Tamara. I don't think you've ever really met them, met them. They're my friends."
Luke nodded, "Nice to meet you guys officially." He said sounding cordial, but gave Jack a "watch it" look before he walked out the living room. Jack turned to Sam, "Your dad freaks me out."
Sam looked at him funny, "He's just Lucas. He won't do anything."
Jack seriously doubted that.
Brooke and Lucas were in the kitchen when Sam walked in halfway through the movie they were watching. They both gave her sympathetic smiles.
Sam sighed and sat on a stool, "I know Mr. Jeffries probably told you about Mike." She said, "He just freaks me out. But I'm okay, now. I don't know why he called you guys."
"Samantha that man is dangerous." Lucas said.
Sam didn't like how this conversation was going, "Can we talk later? We really want to finish this movie." She said giving her puppy dog eyes, which Lucas fell for. "Alright, go ahead."
No, Sam was not going to be happy at all about moving to Tree Hill High.
Hey y'all! Thanks for all the love :) I hope you enjoyed this chapter. If you haven't yet, check out the pictures of Sam. Just click the link on my profile. I also changed the cover photo for y'all…
So Sam's going to Tree Hill, and she'll definitely find trouble there! And Mike, well Mike isn't going away that easily. Also, expect to see glimpses into Sam's past soon! I know many have suggested that I do so. Please review! This was a hard chapter to write for me, for some reason. But you're reviews kept me going. So thank you! :)