Following The Heart
Chapter 22
Lucas hugged her back. (Okay. I want the both of you. To live you're lives.)
(Enjoy it. Have fun. Make mistakes. Memories. You're only going to be this young once. Make it count. That's all I want from either of you.) Lucas stated matter of fact.
(I'll let you know when dinner gets here. Why don't the two of you get started on homework.) Brooke suggested.
(Do you need anything dad.?) Elijah asked.
(Make a painting or two that I can brag about to everyone who comes by my hospital room.) Lucas replied.
(I'll work on that.) Elijah said. Leaving the living room.
(What are you in the mood for?) Brooke asked. As the two entered the kitchen together.
Brooke went into the take out food menu drawer.
(I have important papers. All in the back of the closet. I'm that box. It's not labeled. Everything it's a folder. Life insurance. And things like that.) Lucas said.
(I'm not talking about this. Do you understand. You don't know what's going to happen.)
(Stop talking like this is over because it's not. It won't be.)
(You're only 32. I sighed up for a lifetime with you.)
(Graduations. Birthdays. Anniversaries. Early bird dinners. Grandkids one day.)
(That's happening. And I won't accept any else.) Brooke proclaimed. The emotion in her voice thick.
Lucas wrapped her in his arms.
(I'm sorry.I didn't mean to upset you.) Lucas replied
Brooke kissed him gently. (It's too soon Luke. I can't do this without you.) Brooke said.
Tears welling up in her eyes.
(I'm going to do whatever I can to stay here with you and the kids.)
(Let's get pizza. With sides. And some dessert.) Lucas replied.
(I'll order.) Brooke said. Kissing him gently as she grabbed her cellphone and the pizza takeout menu.
...
Days Later
Tree Hill high school
(Just because I left the house doesn't mean you have to avoid me.) Brian said.
Announcing his presence at the lunch table where Elijah and his friends were seated.
(Actually it does. I don't reward stupid behavior. We have enough going on and you aren't a main factor. Life goes on.) Elijah replied.
(What's going on.? What could be bigger than me leaving?) Brian questioned.
(It isn't really any of you're business. It's not like you care about anyone but yourself anyway.) Elijah replied.
...
Elijah made it straight home after school. Given the time he knew his mom was at her store and his dad was at the hospital.
He had heard bits and pieces of his parents conversations lately.
Their dad was going to surgery. Then chemo. After that see what else is needed.
He had made upstairs after hearing items smashing and hitting all over.
He knocked on Belinda 's door before entering.
From the looks of it. She had trashed her bedroom.
She was seated there on the bed. Clutching her purple monkey.
Tears falling from her eyes.
...