Stay

Chapter 11

authors note : My heart hurts for them both. Are you picking a side?

authors note : Brooke's fertility issues started in the wake of losing that pregnancy early on. She was told then of her issues but as time when on what exactly was the issue regarding her lack of fertility became a reality she couldn't ignore. Peyton saying she wishes the baby she's having was Lucas's was meant as her wanting him to experience having kids of his own.

Lucas went back to his hotel suite. Wanting to reach out to his wife but he wasn't exactly sure how to go about it. He was relieved to get out what he felt honestly with Peyton.

The reality was he would of gone to Haley but her and Nathan are dealing with their own stuff. They have their jobs and kids. He didn't want to intrude on that.

Skills and Mouth were single and as much as he loved them and valued their friendship. They wouldn't really get it. They were roommates enjoying this time as they should be.

Lucas decided he would wait until he got home before he adressed anything with her.

...

Lucas smiled at the sight of Ethan and Brooke.

Ethan was waving a welcome home sign with a bright smile.

Lucas scooped up the boy in his arms after Ethan ran to him.

"I missed you so much. Next time you'll take us with you right.?" Ethan asked.

"Yes i will. I missed the both of you too." Lucas said.

"Husband." Brooke said with a smile.

"Wife." Lucas replied. Kissing her hard.

"It's not home without you." Brooke said.

"I'm not me without you." Lucas replied.

"Let's go home." Ethan proclaimed.

"Momma." Ethan said. As the doors opened.

The limelight. The cameras and people asking questions made Ethan on edge.

Brooke quickly picked him up. He buried his head. Shaking with nervousness.

"I don't like this." He whispered to her.

Brooke held him securely.

Lucas lead the way. Through the flashing lights and questions in every direction.

...

Peyton drove from the airport straight home.

"We've missed you. I need real food." Peyton annnounced.

"Why were you holding hands with Lucas Scott.?" Julian asked.

Peyton walked onto the porch of their home. And looked to her husband.

"He was just protecting me. I'm pregnant and the flashing and questions can be alot. We're close friends. This is nothing new Julian."

"No need to get all jealous even though its cute." Peyton said. Kissing him softly. As she got out her key and entered the home.

"Ellie. Daddy cooked for us. Flowers. Something sparkly to drink."

"How perfect. The jet lag hasn't kicked in yet." Peyton aded in. Putting her hands on her bump.

...

"Alright little guy. You stayed up and got to see you're dad come home from his trip. Now it's time for bed. You have school in the morning." Brooke explained.

After reading Ethan one of his favorite bedtime stories. Lucas and Brooke left the room.

"I know you're probably exhausted. I thought some cuddling and kissing is much overdue." Brooke said. As she lead the way to their bedroom and closed the door behind herself.

"I need to be honest about what happened."

"I revealed to Peyton that you can't have kids." Lucas admitted.

Brooke's face fell. The expression on her face hardened.

"I told you that and thought you could keep it to yourself."

"That was private and personal."

"It was difficult enough to tell you. That wasn't for you to share with anyone.!" Brooke exclaimed.

"You were possibly poregnant with my baby back in high school and you never told me! "You're the one keeping secrets here!" Lucas exclaimed.

Brooke glared at him. "It was too early to tell paternity. I spent days in a fog. Waiting for the pregancy to pass through my body. I didn't tell anyone. Peyton and I weren't friends then. Haley had her first pregnancy. Rachel had her stuff. You and I were over."

"I handled it alone. Cramping. Bleeding. Crying myself to sleep when it finally happened. I didn't want to relive one of the worst moments of my life at 18 over and over again."

"That is no excuse! You're my husband. Not Peyton's!"

"You're loyalty is supposed to be mine! I have always been there to love and support and defend you!" Brooke exclaimed.

As she stormed out of the bedroom.

...