Stay

Chapter 37

authors note : I need you're feedback. Their marriage has been a combination of choices and mistakes. Despite the love and their kids. They both had actions that lead to their marriage ending up in this place. More to come as always. Thank you.

The audacity to question me

Like you ain't leave me out here on my own.

.Seems like I needed you more than I needed myself

Just like I always felt like cheating on you

Would be cheating myself.

"Do we have a connection i don't doubt that. That's what drew us together in the first place. But i can't give you what you want." Lucas replied.

"Luke it's okay. It's just us here. You can be honest." Peyton insisted.

"It's been nice having you on my side. I can't deny that." Lucas confessed.

"You have a part of my heart. Okay fine. I can admit that." Lucas admitted.

The expression on Peyton's face softened. "You don't have to say anything else." She replied.

"I really have to go." Lucas insisted.

Peyton cupped his face in her hands.

She kissed him hard. Lucas kissed her back.

Quickly breaking it before he left.

Peyton felt her heart soar. He could deny it. But the kisses felt the same. Before his wedding to Lindsey. Now.

Peyton made her way home. Ellie fast asleep in the backseat.

...

"You are going to be okay. I'm so thankful." Brooke proclaimed.

"Mouth is not leaving you're side." Brooke said. Gazing over at the hospital chair where he was seated. With a bag pack for himself and her.

Once he knew she would be okay. He left to put that together.

"I really messed up. I have to start fresh at my meetings now as a newbie. It's humilating. I can't believe i let what i heard affect me like this." Rachel replied.

"What brought this on.?" Brooke asked.

"I should know better then to look up myself online." Rachel replied.

A white lie was worth it if it meant saving their marriage. She decided.

"I want you to go to a treatment center. Mouth and I can't make the final decision for you. What do you want Rach.?"

"To get better and have the tools to do it. I'll go." Rachel replied.

...

Brooke left the hospital. Leaving Rachel to decide what treatment center she wanted to go too.

She was surprised to find Lucas awaiting her on the front porch of their home.

"Why aren't you inside with the kids.?" Brooke asked.

"I need to talk to you and it can't wait."

"I reconnected with Peyton a few months ago. As friends. And didn't tell you because i didn't want you to be worried or feel jealous."

"I met with her tonight and she kissed him. I left after that."

"I told her that you and our family is the only thing in the world that truly matters to me." Lucas explained.

The expression on Brooke's face hardened.

"So when i don't dedicate every waking moment to catering to you're needs and desires you turn to Peyton to take my place.?" Brooke asked.

"No! I'm in love with you." "But you created this distance months ago. You pushed me away. I needed someone and she was there."

"I felt alone. Like a passenger along for the ride for months." Lucas admitted.

"What now Lucas i need to worried and stressed out every time you leave the house? Every fight or issue we have you'll go seeking comfort and understanding in her.?" Brooke questioned.

"My heart is with you. God Brooke. How much more do i have to do in order for you to believe me!" Lucas exclaimed.

Brooke sighed deeply. Turning away from him.

"We need time apart. I love you. You know i do"

"Our marriage issues are all on me then!"

"You not having a relationship with our daughter is my fault too?" Brooke proclaimed. The emotion in her voice thick.

A hurt expression went across Lucas's face.

"Just say it." Brooke said.

"We need to end our marriage." Lucas announced. The emotion in his voice thick. Tears welling up in his eyes.

...