Only One

Chapter 16

Authors Note : Brooke 's life before Lucas involved Chris Keller but they didn't date. As we gain deeper insight on Julian/Brooke.

(You owe me Brooke. In case you forgot what happened that night. What I made sure didn't happen.) Julian said.

(You want me to thank you. I did then. I do now.)

(Just leave me alone Julian. Us working together. Is over.)

(Go back to LA. Find someone who wants you back.) Brooke said.

Julian grabbed ahold of her hands. Gripping her wrists.

As he kissed her. Brooke pushed him away. Slapping him in the face.

As she drove away in her car.

...

Lucas hadn't expected to see Brooke at his office.

At the sight of her. He could clearly see she was upset and shaken.

Lucas wrapped his arm around her. As he brought her into the office and closed the door behind them.

(I was supposed to come here to apologize for last night.)

(And I will I just. I need to talk to you. About Julian and Chris Keller.)

(I need you.) Brooke confessed.

Lucas engulfed her into a hug. (You have me.)

(Take a breath.) (Take you're time.) Lucas insisted.

Brooke took a breath. Running her hands through her hair.

It was only then did he see her bruised wrists.

(I was hurting and drinking. I texted Julian.)

(It caused him to get mixed messages about what I thought was our friendship.)

(When I made it clear I didn't want a relationship of any kind and that I wanted him to leave town.)

(He grabbed me and kissed me. I slapped him and drove straight here.) Brooke explained.

Lucas was seeing red. He knew something was up with Julian. His motives were never pure.

Brooke reached out to him.

(I know what you're thinking and how you're feeling.)

(But there is more I have to say and the last thing I need is for you to go after either of them. That won't change what already happened.) Brooke proclaimed.

Brooke took a long sip from the water bottle he had given her.

(I ran into Chris during the end of the year party. When I was 15. The schoolyear was over and I had no parental control or curfew. So I stayed out late.)

(Drinking partying. I remember when things took a turn.)

(Chris wanted me to date I guess. Or maybe he just wanted to see if the rumors about me were true.)

(I woke up in bed next to him and I was half dressed.)

(Julian got him out of the way. And because of that I was able to get away.) Brooke explained.