-1Brooke looked around the room of the examination room of Tree Hill Memorial Hospital. Since Chase was in the same hospital Lucas wasn't able to come with Brooke to the emergency room, so Mouth came with her for support. Brooke was lying on the exam room table and Mouth sat next to her as they waited for the doctor to come in and do a sonogram.
"How are you feeling?" Mouth asked taking a hold of her hand.
"Not good…I'm still pretty uncomfortable…Oh god Mouth what if I have a miscarriage?"
"You won't your doctor Andrea is going to come in here and do an ultrasound and everything is going to be fine" Mouth assured.
"I'm just so worried about Lucas" Brooke sighed her eyes welling with tears again that night.
"Brooke you just need to relax ok…everything will turn out ok" Mouth said forcing a smile.
"I just can't believe this it's like a nightmare…I don't know how I'm going to explain this to Hannah" Brooke shook her head as she cried.
"Brooke…you're not going to have to tell Hannah anything…Nathan and Haley waited for Lucas to be released on bond they're going to take him home and you know Andy is there with her so it's going to be ok….Hannah is going to be fine…you're going to be fine, Lucas is going to be fine, and this new baby is going to be fine…how come you didn't tell anyone you're pregnant?" Mouth asked.
"I just found out…this afternoon…I couldn't wait to get home and tell Lucas…and now he has to hear about it from our friends" Brooke laid her head back down on the pillows.
Knock Knock
Brooke's OBGYN Andrea walked into the exam room and half smiled at Brooke.
"Brooke I wasn't expecting to see you for a while…when did you find out about this pregnancy?" Andrea asked slipping on some exam gloves.
"Today" Brooke said quietly "He said I was about…"
"5 weeks….I talked to the doctor you saw up in New York…let's see what's going on" Andrea announced kneeling down at the end of the bed and lifting the blanket over Brooke's legs and inserting the sonogram spectrum inside of her. "I'm not going to promise you anything Brooke…so you need to prepare yourself"
Brooke closed her eyes and tightened her grip on Mouth's hand "I need Lucas here"
"It's going to be OK Brooke" Mouth assured silently praying at the same time.
The room was silent until the loud rhythmic sound of the unborn baby's heartbeat echoed through the room
"Thank You" Brooke said softly looking up toward the Heavens
After doing the sonogram Andrea told Brooke that she figured the cramps were from severe stress and told Brooke to take it easy, informing her that this probably wasn't going to be an easy pregnancy. She also told Brooke that she wanted her to stay for observation but, Brooke said no and assured Andrea that she'd take it easy when she got home. Andrea finally gave in and discharged Brooke but not before pulling Mouth to the side and telling him to inform Lucas of the news about the baby.
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Lucas sat in Hannah's nursery as he watched his baby girl sleep. He wanted to take in every feature about her because deep down he feared he'd never see her again. He'd royally screwed things up so bad and having to hear about Brooke's pregnancy from Haley and Nathan wasn't how he wanted things to go. On top of that hearing that she had collapsed had him on edge and the fact that because of what he did he couldn't be by her side killed him. Lucas heard the front door open and he walked out of the nursery and saw Brooke slowly walking in.
"Hey" she said quietly
"Brooke…I'm so sorry…I wish I could have been there" Lucas said quickly walking over to her and wrapping his arms around her.
"I'm ok…our baby's ok" Brooke sighed and buried her face in his neck.
"Our baby" Lucas smiled and pulled back running a hand down Brooke's stomach.
"Yeah…We're having another baby" Brooke smiled as a tear rolled down her cheek.
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Lucas sat at the table on his side of the courtroom nervously shaking his leg. Jim, his attorney, sat next to him. Jim was a friend of Jake's that he'd met during all the trouble he had with Nikki and Jenny. Brooke sat behind Lucas in the front row of benches along with Mouth, Rachel, Jake, Peyton, Nathan, Karen, Whitey, Haley and Skillz. The prosecuting attorney sat at the opposite table and was diligently writing on a yellow legal pad. Lucas felt his heart racing as they waited for the judge to appear. This was only his preliminary hearing, the hearing where he would submit his plea. Since it was Friday afternoon the courtroom was virtually empty, only those who absolutely had to be there were there. It had been four days since the incident and Lucas's face was still battered and bruised but he looked much more human now.
The double doors to the courtroom opened and in walked a figure that Lucas hoped he would never see again. Chase walked up to the prosecuting attorney and said something quietly, not looking in Lucas's direction at all. His head was partially bandaged on the back and right side, covering the stitches that covered where his skull had cracked. Chase's face was as bruised and battered as Lucas's was, only he also sported a split lip as well. Lucas closed his eyes and his stomach seized as he remembered the blood. He also felt his anger begin to stir as he saw the contemptuous look on Chase's face, as he finally looked Lucas's way. Lucas held his gaze, unwilling to look away. He wasn't going to give Chase the satisfaction. Lucas felt a gentle hand clasp his shoulder firmly and he turned to look at the person attached to the hand.
Brooke smiled and winked at him as she mouthed, "I love you."
Lucas covered her hand with his and brought it to his lips to kiss her knuckles softly.
Chase's eyes darkened as he watched their exchange. His eyes swept over the group sitting in the row directly behind Lucas, stopping briefly at his former friends. Nathan and Peyton had never come to see him in the hospital and never once called in the one day he'd been home. He knew that Lucas and Brooke must have poisoned their minds against him and it made him sick to think how weak and impressionable his friends were. Chase's eyes continued to sweep along the bench. He moved quickly past the people he didn't know and his gaze finally rested on Brooke.
His breath caught in his throat. She was more beautiful than he remembered. He felt a stirring in his pants and he quickly sat down, not wanting his lawyer to notice it but he continued to watch Brooke out of the corner of his eye. Chase's parents shuffled into the courtroom and sat behind their son in full support. They didn't look toward Lucas, only looked straight ahead.
The Judge entered the courtroom and called the room to order.
'This is case number 23095748. Chase Adams and the State of North Carolina vs. Lucas Scott. The charges are assault and battery with the intent to do grievous bodily injury."
He turned to Lucas. "Mr. Scott, please stand."
Lucas stood tall and held his head high.
"Mr. Scott, how do you plead?"
"Not guilty your Honor." Lucas replied, his voice strong and confident.
"Your plea will be entered Mr. Scott. You may have a seat."
Lucas sat again and Brooke reached out to rub his shoulder gently.
The Judge then addressed Chase's attorney.
"Mr. Sullivan, please state your client's response to Mr. Scott's counter claim that Mr. Adams attempted to rape Mrs. Scott the night of June 8th, 2008."
Chase's lawyer stood. "Your Honor, my client asserts that this claim is completely false. He adamantly denies any such event taking place. In addition, in response to Mr. Scott's claim, my client believes that due to Mr. Scott's history of violence especially with his father Dan Scott, it is very possible that he put those bruises on his wife and is now trying to conveniently place the blame elsewhere."
The whole room gasped at the insinuation that Chase's lawyer made.
Lucas's body stiffened and he had to restrain himself from walking over to Chase and punching him again. How dare he insinuate that Lucas could ever abuse Brooke?
Brooke stood abruptly. "How dare you?" Brooke hissed through clenched teeth as she glared at Chase.
Lucas turned to her and grabbed her hand, his eyes silently begging her to sit.
The Judge hit his gavel on his table. "Order! There will be no further outbursts in this courtroom do you hear me? Now who are you?" He asked, addressing Brooke.
"I'm Brooke Scott your Honor and what this man is saying is a complete lie!" She turned to Chase and glared at him again.
"Well, Mrs. Scott, that will all be determined in good time. In the meantime, I will not tolerate outbursts in my courtroom by anyone. Have a seat or you will be removed."
Lucas tugged lightly on her hand and she turned to look at him before she sat again.
"This case is bound over for trial. Both parties report back here on August 24th at 9AM. This courtroom is dismissed."
The Judge stood, as did everyone else. He stepped down and returned to his chamber.
Lucas stood and turned to pull Brooke into his arms.
"It's all right Brooke. We knew he'd probably do that." He whispered against her ear as she clung tight to him.
Jim turned to Lucas and put his hand on his shoulder.
"Okay, Luke. I'll see you on the 2nd. Try to enjoy time with your family and don't worry. I have plenty of tricks up my sleeve."
Lucas turned and shook Jim's hand. "Thanks again Jim. I really appreciate it."
Jim smiled at Brooke and squeezed her hand before he walked over to Jake to say goodbye.
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Brooke stood in the hallway of the courthouse. Everyone had left and headed back to Peyton and Jake's for Friday afternoon dinner. Brooke was waiting for Lucas who ran to the men's room. She glanced out the window absently and didn't notice the figure approaching behind her.
"Brooke," the voice was sarcastic as it said her name and Brooke visibly stiffened, immediately recognizing it.
Brooke turned slowly and came face to face with her mortal enemy. She frantically looked around the empty hallway for signs of anyone but there was no one to be seen. Her heart raced with fear as she backed up slightly only to find herself in a corner.
"Chase, what do you want?"
Chase stepped closer to her. He could smell her perfume and it made him lightheaded. "You know what I want Brooke. It's what I've always wanted." He lifted his hand and stroked her breast. "You!" He whispered huskily as his eyes darkened.
Brooke slapped his hand away, her eyes blazing. "Don't you dare touch me Chase! I will scream so loud all of Tree Hill will come running."
Chase cackled as he stepped even closer to her. Brooke tried to hide the terror she was feeling at that moment, not wanting Chase to know how truly terrified she was. He saw it in her eyes though and he laughed again.
"Awww, Brooke. Don't be afraid of me. I'll never hurt you. Not unlike Lucas. He'll never cause you anything but heartache Brooke. Why can't you see that?"
"Chase, back away from me. And how dare you say that to me. I should slap you for what you insinuated in that courtroom. Only you'd probably try to sue me too and accuse me of giving myself those bruises that night."
"Brooke, you can't expect me to let Lucas get away with this. The beating aside, you and he are trying to ruin my good name. I can't allow that."
"Chase there is nothing good about you."
Chase leaned forward and sniffed Brooke's neck. "God, you smell so incredible Brooke. I'm as hard as a rock right now, just being this close to you."
Brooke felt her stomach lurch and the urge to vomit was overwhelming her. "Chase, get away from me this minute. I will not tolerate this harassment from you."
He laughed again, evilly. "I'll make you a proposition Brooke. I'll drop the charges against Lucas if that's what you really want."
Brooke looked at him through narrow eyes.
"But in exchange for my dropping the charges I want something from you."
"What do you want Chase?" Brooke asked, afraid of his answer.
"Brooke, I told you that night all I want is a night alone with you." His breath hitched as he continued. "I'll drop the charges against Lucas as long as you give me one night. One night to show you what you're missing. One night and I promise you'll never want any other man between your thighs again but me." He breathed against her ear.
Brooke shoved him hard in the chest, pushing him away from her.
"Screw you Chase!" She spat angrily as she brushed past him and she saw Lucas quickly approaching, a mixture of terror and rage in his eyes.
"Brooke?" He asked as he reached her, pulling her against him. "Are you all right?"
Brooke nodded as she tried to fight back the tears that threatened.
Lucas glared at Chase and growled. "You stay the hell away from her Chase."
"Or you'll do what Luke? Attack me again. That will help my case tremendously, so by all means come on." Chase mocked Lucas.
Lucas's hands clenched into fists at his sides. Brooke took his arm and tried to lead him away.
"Come on Luke. He's just trying to goad us. Please don't give in to it." Brooke pleaded softly.
Lucas looked down at her upturned face. He felt an instant calm come over him. How could she do that? Her very existence steadied him and he closed his eyes a moment. When he opened them the rage was gone.
He lowered his mouth and kissed her softly.
"Come on Pretty Girl. Let's go home."
Brooke sighed in relief and smiled softly at him. The both glared at Chase before they walked away. He watched them retreat and he narrowed his eyes as he felt his hatred for them both flare.
"We have one stop to make Luke."
"Where are we going?" He asked as he wrapped his arm around her.
"The police station."
He stopped walking and turned to look at her.
"What?"
"I said we're going to the police station. I'm pressing charges against him. And don't try to stop me Luke. I have to do this. For me! I'll go alone if you don't want to come with me." Her voice was steady and truly calm for the first time in days.
Lucas nodded. "Okay Brooke. Let's go see Skillz."
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Brooke and Peyton were sitting in the living room of Brooke's house watching the kids play. Brooke ran a hand over her stomach and sighed. The doctor had put her on strict orders to keep herself calm, but that's easier said than done.
"I don't think we'll ever be ready for it. But I'll tell you what I am ready for. I'm ready for it to be over. I just wish there was something I could do. I can't lose him Peyton. I can't."
Peyton sat back down across from Brooke.
"I know Brooke. You just have to stay positive and believe that everything will be all right. That lawyer of yours is really good and you're in good hands. Not to mention he's a friend of my very handsome husband." Peyton giggled as she sighed wistfully. "Too bad he's married we could totally hook him up with Millie"
"I would do anything to make this go away Peyton. Anything at all but I don't know what to do."
Hannah walked over to Brooke and climbed up onto the couch beside of her. She handed Brooke a teddy bear and smiled "Mama play"
"Hannah baby you go and play with Hayden and later tonight you and mommy will play" Brooke picked Hannah up and sat her down on the carpet. Hannah walked over to Hayden and sat down on the floor next to him.
Suddenly Brooke's eyes darkened and she sat up as a myriad of emotions swept over her face.
"You know what Peyton. I just thought of something. Can you do me a favor?"
"Absolutely. What is it?"
"Would you mind keeping an eye on Hannah for me for a little while" Brooke asked
"Sure no problem"
"If Lucas calls looking for me, cover for me will ya?"
"What do you mean cover for you. What are you going to do Brooke?"
"I'm going to do what I should have done a long time ago. I'm going to put a stop to this."
"Brooke, I don't like the sound of that."
Brooke got up and grabbed her coat. "Trust me Peyton. I know what I'm doing." She grabbed her purse off of the table and looked for her keys.
"I won't be long. Just cover for me with Luke."
Brooke rushed out Peyton's front door and Peyton closed her eyes. She hoped to God she wouldn't regret this.
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Brooke stood on the Adams's front porch and took a deep breath as she gained her courage to do what she was about to do.
Thoughts of Lucas flashed through her mind and she hoped he'd forgive her for what she was about to do. She couldn't let him go to jail though. She couldn't. Not when there was something she could do to prevent it.
"I love you Lucas," she murmured under her breath as she knocked on the door.
The door opened to reveal Chase in sweats standing on the other side. He looked at Brooke, surprised to see her standing on his doorstep.
Brooke cleared her throat before she spoke. Her heart was beating in her chest and her mouth was dry. She wanted to turn and run but she knew she had to do this.
Finally Chase spoke.
"What are you doing here Brooke?" he asked as his gaze swept over her.
"I have a proposition for you Chase. Are you interested?"
Chase eyes lit up as he stepped back to allow her to enter the house.