I woke up the next day in a sour mood. I looked around to see that I was the only one in bed. Apparently, Lucas and the kids had allowed me to sleep in. Feeling exhausted despite the hours of sleep, I ducked back into the covers, feeling unsure about how ready I felt to face the day.

I lay there and imagined what it would be like, if the kids were okay. I would be in New York going stir crazy making sure that the dresses were perfect, that the models were healthy with vibrant faces instead of anorexic girls heavy on diet pills. I would be checking every last detail from the makeup to the accessories to all the party favour hampers that would go to the guests. There would be venue set ups and a hundred other technical fires to put out. Yet, here I was at a spot where I hadn't even seen the rough prototypes of the dresses.

I got out of bed and decided it was time to at least take a peek and see how much damage control was going to be needed. I walked down to the living room to see the twins sitting at opposite ends of the couch with their ipads, headphone on and attending school. Lucas was just stepping out of his office with an empty coffee mug, most likely getting himself a refill.

"Hey good morning. There is some oatmeal for you if you're hungry and coffee of course," he said as I picked up my laptop from the coffee table where it was lying aimlessly.

Taking a spot between both my children I quickly turned the macbook on and started scanning through every email slowly. I put on my glasses and grabbing my iPad, I started to jot down notes, flagging fires. Before I knew it, I was completely in the zone. Lucas placed my coffee mug and a bowl of heated oatmeal in front of me as I thanked him quickly and resumed working. I had called Millie at least dozen times in the last hour and made even one or two begrudging calls to Victoria. She was going to come over to the house soon to discuss things. I had made sure to take all my calls outside so that the kids were not disturbed while attending school, but it felt good to work around them.

When school broke for lunch break, Jamie quietly shook me, asking if we could all eat together. In an instant, I put the lid down of my laptop and gently knocked on Lucas' door before entering. "Hey, the kids are hungry. Do you want to have lunch with us? Nobody has cooked anything. We are going to order some Indian food, Sophia wants Naan."

"Yeah, sure," he said, stretching his arms to ease out the tension knots in his back.

"Oh I should also tell you that Victoria is coming over post lunch to discuss," I said, a look of dread shrouding my face.

"Does this mean that you're taking her up on the offer?" he asked. I could hear the fear in his voice. He was afraid that I was going to shirk my parental responsibilities and leave them.

"No, I haven't. Honestly, I don't know what the correct thing to do is out here, all I do know is that there is no way I am leaving the kids and going. Not overnight for sure. I am just trying to see how much I can get done from here, but it is so hard. It makes no sense without the location and without seeing the dresses, models and things," I answered, feeling very torn and helpless.

"Can't Millie take care of things for you?" he asked though his voice sounded dim and not very hopeful.

"She and Victoria are, yet neither of the two are designers. They don't have any vision for the dresses. They aren't the face, so they can't talk to the press and if we don't get any coverage, what is even the point? If we put sub-par work out there, it is career suicide. The industry is cut throat and all the work I have put in to establish my name will be for nothing," I replied, my voice subdued. "Anyway, I'm sure the kids have already placed the order for the food. I'll come get you once the food arrives."

"Thanks, also do you and Victoria want to use the office for work. I can just sit in the kitchen and write," he offered.

"No, this is your space. I don't want you to lose your mojo, Writer Boy," I said quickly, shaking my hands no as if it was crazy for him to offer.

"Don't be ridiculous. Take the space. It's your house too. It's on the papers," he smiled.

The kids were fantastic to take a break and forget all about my work worries and woes. Jamie was telling us about how there was a game that Friday and although he wasn't cleared to play, the team wanted him there. They hadn't even seen what the school looked like from the outside after the incident. They told us about how they were planning to livestream it just for him, but in a way, he was thinking of going there, to the gym to physically attend the match and cheer his teammates.

"We can take both of you for the match, if you want. If you feel even slightly uncomfortable, we leave immediately," I suggested, trying not to make a big deal out of it and focusing instead on the spiced cottage cheese and Naan bread on my plate.

"Sophie, what do you feel about this?" Lucas asked her, trying to get the kids to talk about their feelings.

"I don't know. It's like, in my head I know that I am safe, that such a thing isn't going to happen again, that Grandpa Dan is dead and measures have been put in place and I do want to go back as well. I miss hanging out with my friends, I miss cheerleading, hell, I even miss the mall! What I don't know is how I am going to react once I am there, I can't predict that. I have run the course through my head a million times but I always get stuck once I reach the classroom where we were. Sometimes at the gate of the school. I could be cool and shrug it off, or have a full blown panic attack, public spaces feel difficult, especially public closed spaces like malls, restaurants and movie theatres, but I miss them and want to go out," she spoke out.

"Aww, honey, we take it at your pace. This is just a phase, this is not forever, always remember that. One day it's going to stop being scary, I promise you."

I heard the doorbell ring and stood up, knowing who stood on the other side.

"Hey Victoria, we were just finishing lunch, care for some food or has the botox stiffened your face enough that you can't eat?" I answered, not even bothering to look at her. I just opened the door and began walking back towards the dining room.

"Why is she back, mom?" both the twins asked simultaneously.

"Just, Fall Fashion Show. She needs my help. I will be in dad's study. Get me if you need anything. Come on, break must be ending. Get back into class," I instructed, putting all our plates into the dishwasher and starting the appliance.

Once we were in the office and seated at the desk, Victoria conveniently placed a first class ticket to New York on the table for me. She thought she had won and I would be flying back with her.

"Oh no. I am not leaving the kids," I said to her, trying to make myself completely clear. "We're working from here and I am sorting as much as I can from here."

"Brooke, we can't get the dresses out here and back to New York! You're being unreasonable. You have children, when are you going to stop acting so childish?" she yelled at me. Her words stung, but I was prepared for the blow.

"Let's just focus on the now," I breathed out heavily and lifted the lid of my laptop to work again.

"Hey Brooke are you okay?" Lucas asked, poking his head into the door.

"Yeah, things are civil," I said, giving him one of my signature fake smiles that never worked on him.

"Okay then. I am going to head out for a bit. I will be back soon," he said and left.

There was no time to think, I just began fighting with Victoria about the final models to keep for the show. Lucas didn't return till late that night and he mysteriously disappeared early in the morning as well. Victoria extended her stay by a few more days and we were working together all day and night to pull the fashion show off. It was overwhelming for the kids, they were not used to having Grandma Victoria around at all and neither had they seen me work the way I was. I always turned off my phone when it was my day with the twins. They saw the red carpet mom, but rarely the sleepless nights mom.

"Mom, why have I not been able to get in touch with Millie in the last couple of hours? I wanted to schedule a video call with her and the models, approve the final dresses and things!" I said, getting annoyed that my most valuable employee was off the grid.

"That is what happens when you hire incometent people," she responded, not even looking from her phone.

"Hey Brooke, I need you to come with me," Lucas said suddenly. He seemed giddy and excited which didn't make any sense.

"What are you doing here boy? Can you not see we are in the middle of something important that your dim mind will never be able to fathom?" Victoria said shrilly.

"Hey, don't talk to my children's father like that!" I warned her. "But she is right Lucas, I really don't have the time to go out anywhere. The kids are fine, right?" I whispered the latter part to him.

"Yes, the kids are fine. We have a full house actually. Zack, Maddison, Samantha, Andre, Chuck, Quentin, Jack; they are all here. They're hanging out," he said, not losing his smile. "You really need to come with me. Victoria can too!"

"Lucas?" I asked, not understanding what how to explain to him that I really did not have the time for his secret projects.

"Listen. I promised you that I would help you figure it all out. Just, trust me," he said, offering his hand for me to clasp. "Leap of faith, Pretty Girl."

I found myself melting at his words as I took his hand. "Victoria, we are going out!"

She looked at me as if I had grown two heads. She was not happy to be wasting time, yet she complied and got into the car. We ensured that the kids knew they could call us at the slightest inconvenience and left the house, Lucas drove, not answering even a single question Victoria was throwing at him. He parked the car right outside Tric.

"Great, the boy brings us out to day drink!" Victoria complained, yet began to walk up the stairs towards the bar.

"What are we doing here?" I asked him, nothing making any sense.

"Just trust me," he smiled and we followed Victoria up the steps, hand in hand.

We climbed up to see, Tric looked nothing like Tric. The stage that it normally held had been extended and a ramp had been constructed and placed there. The place had the unfinished charm of a runway. Millie stood there, smiling at me as crew members continued to work to transform the place.

"What?" I asked, completely baffled. My brain knew exactly what was happening yet my mind could not believe how it could be true.

"Lucas worked to move the show from New York to Tree Hill!" Millie said excitedly.

"What how? Who will even come here?" Victoria asked, voicing my thoughts exactly.

"Millie worked on that. Once I saw that something had to give, I called her up, asking her if it was possible at all to have the show here instead. Her initial response was no, but I can be persistent. Millie got working with your team. It was all her and the team actually. They managed to fly the workers who were going to transform the banquet hall in New York to come here instead and they have been working all day and night to get it completed in time. Millie personally called every single on in your guest list, there was a whole lot of begging and convincing. I offered to charter a jet and offer them free stay and meals at the Riverview Suites, and the VVIP guest each get a dress from the new collection. Sorry. The team was not happy with the additional costs but the loss of not having it at all was far worse which is what I threatened them with to get them to think better. But finally, every single one of them agreed to fly," Lucas told me.

Tears dripped from my eyes, "They can have all the dresses they want! Thank you so much!" I jumped a bit, squealing delightedly. "Okay, Millie! When do the dresses get here and when do the models fly in? Also I need the entire team here, Brittney Tamera, everyone. I am making changes to the dresses, I know what the theme is going to be this time."

Victoria smiled, but did not argue. She quickly took on the role of yelling at the poor construction workers whom she was convinced were doing a poor job. Lucas just sat on one of the barstools and watched me work.

Over the next one week, things started changing drastically. Tric was completely transformed into the most glorious venue for a fashion show. The exposed brick worked well with the flower arrangements which were the colours of a sunset. The dresses as a nod to the season were a part of the same colour palette. The runway was stunning, the chairs were set. The space which was Karen's Cafe was transformed to be the spot for the After party.

I had moments where I felt like I was being selfish. I was making so many people pick up and do things differently, so that I could be with my family. It was obviously a costly and tedious affair. Yet, when I saw everyone's faces, with the stress of the work, everyone's eyes were glistening. They were excited to do something new, they were inspired and breaking from the monotony that had become of the fall fashion week. It was like a work vacation for everybody I had fly in for the event.

I worked hard with the team to elevate my former designs, adding touches here and there, giving clear instructions for hair, makeup and accessories, being a part of all the practice runs while we figured light and sound and the models got familiar with the stage. Soon, it was the day everyone was flying in. I was excited and nervous.

I had spent the entire day there, making sure each and every detail was perfect. Then I went to change and got my hair and makeup done. Victoria met me just as they added the final touches to my make up. She smiled at me, like she was proud of me. Of course, she would never say the words but the fact that she had nothing to complain about was an achievement.

I got outside, in another hour, the place would be packed with guests. Lucas was standing there, overwhelmed as he looked at the place. He was trying to find remnants of the old bar that he had been seeing for over a decade.

"This looks so great, Brooke. I am proud of you," he said, handing me a bouquet of flowers.

"Thank you, Lucas! You really came through for me, thank you so much for everything," I said to him, giving him a tight hug. Lucas hugged me back with the same firmness and then before I even knew what was happening, Lucas locked his lips with mine.

It was strong, passionate, electric, a force so powerful, I thought I would burst. Yet it was full of tenderness, sweetness and love. I did not let go at first, feeling its heat all the way to the tips of my toes. My lips moved in sync with his, letting go of everything in me as his hands gripped my waist, pulling me further toward him.

That's when I realised what was happening and I let go.

"Lucas! Why did you do that?" I asked, reeling in from the shock of what we had just done. His face seemed to crumble with hurt before my eyes as he saw mine which were full of guilt and remorse.

"I still love you, Brooke," he confessed.

"Hey Brooke! Youre needed to check the final fittings before showtime!" I heard Millie call out to me as she entered the area where Lucas and I were standing from the dressing room.

"Uhh…" I stuttered, still staring at Lucas as I walked backwards towards the dressing room, my eyes still locked on him, my mouth still ajar from the shockwaves that had passed through my body as I heard him confess his true feelings.

The rest of the time before the show began seemed to go in a daze. The guests came in greeted everybody. They took their seats. I walked in, all smiles pretending that I was actually present for the show and knew what was happening.

"Hello everyone. I would first like to thank each and every one of you for flying out here for this show. The theme of this year's Fall line is Home, so it made sense to have it in the place that inspired the line, the place that I call my Home. You know, I do believe in magic. I was born and raised in a magic time, in a magic town among magicians. Most everybody else didn't realize we lived in a web of magic. Connected by the silver filaments of chance and circumstance. But I knew it all along. See, this is my opinion we all start out knowing magic. We are born with whirlwinds, forest fires, and comets inside us. We are born able to sing to birds and read clouds and see our destiny in grains of sand. But then we get the magic educated right out of our souls. We get it churched out, spanked out, washed out, and combed out. We get put on the straight and narrow and told to be responsible. Told to act our age. And you know why we were told that? Because the people doing the telling were afraid of our wildness and youth. And because the magic we knew made them ashamed and sad of what they'd allowed to wither in themselves. After you go so far away from it, you can't really get it back. You can have seconds of it. Just seconds of knowing and remembering. When people get weepy at movies, it's because in that dark theatre, the golden pool of magic is touched...Just briefly. Then they come out into the hard sun of logic and reason again and it dries up, and they're left feeling a little heart-sad and not knowing why. When a song stirs a memory… When motes of dust turning in a shaft of light takes your attention from the world… When you listen to a train passing on a track at night in the distance and you wonder where it might be going… You step beyond who you are and where you are. For the briefest of instants, you have stepped into the magic realm. That's what I believe.

I hope you can see the magic that I find in this place everyday. I know that Home is a feeling, it's not four walls and a roof. The people make the place and this is the place that houses my people. This is the place where I celebrated my wins and learnt from my defeats. This is the place where I meet my friends whom I call family once a month for Sunday lunch, non-negotiable, the place where I take their kids, my nieces and nephews for secret ice cream hangouts post dinner when they call me, to spoil them rotten. These are the streets that I learnt to walk on, that my children learnt to walk on after me. The place I experienced the magic and saw it in the eyes of everyone I cared about. I hope that today, even if it is for the briefest of moments, you get to experience the magic of Tree Hill, the warmth of the place you call home, the hugs of the ones you call Family.

I would also like to specially mention that 100% profits that get made from this fashion show will directly go to Moms Demand Action to help make schools a safer place for our children and 25% of profits of overall sales from this line will go to support the cause as well. I am sure everyone here is aware of the news and how my family was personally a victim to this insidious crime. Let's home to make this world a better place together, in any way that we can. Your gift bags contain a gift card to Clothes over Bro's which also has a QR code. You can scan it and get get information about the numerous ways that you can get involved. I am sure that many of you here have children, it should not be scary to send them to school. You should not be having conversations about gun control with babies. They should not be afraid and neither should you."

After that Haley began to sing a song from her newest album along with Noisettes and the fashion show began. One after another, the models strutted down the runway and I stood in the wings and prayed.

"Hey How are those nerves holding up?" Victoria asked me.

"I'm about to be judged by fashion critics who had to fly to North Carolina and love to witness failure," I answered partially truthfully, hiding the fact that my mind was stuck on a certain act with a certain someone.

"Well, Well, then I guess they're gonna be disappointed tonight. You did a good job, Brooke and that speech in the beginning about the magic of this place… Frankly, I fail to see any magic in this godforsaken suburban town, but those Fashion critics milked it up. Tori already came up with the perfect headline and is whispering it in the reporter's ears as we speak. Charitable and Philanthropic Belle from the City, Brooke Davis finds inspiration back home and takes Fashion Icons from across the globe to taste that magic," she said to me.

"That's great mom. But, let's still be successful. They came here for the clothes," I reminded her.

"Oh just look at their faces. They are gasping. The line is fresh and original, Brooke. It will be enough to stabilise the Company. You did great work," she said. I breathed out deeply, hearing her give me a compliment. "And that boy didn't do a bad job either." I couldn't help but smile at that.

"You know, you could stay an extra day. Your grandkids would love to get to know you. They enjoy baking with Karen and they always go to the park with Andy and Lilly. I'm sure they would love going shopping with you or maybe a lunch. You could just come by the house and hang out with them, maybe watch a movie," I suggested, surprising myself.

"You know I can take this place only in small doses. But maybe one day won't hurt," she said after a moment's thought and just like that, I saw the Ice Queen melt a little. "Come on, it's almost time for the final walk. Stand straight and tall."

Although, it was only for a brief moment, I smiled. Maybe she did care a little after all. I got ready and walked in with my show stopper dress. It was a blue ball gown. The design was such that the tulle made it look like the dress was a waterfall with cascading icy cold clear waters. Tiny crystal shimmered under the spotlight, adding to the charm of waves bopping under a resplendent sun. Everyone stared, admiring it's beauty, yet they did not know what was coming. The model, Mckenna strutted and showed the dress from every angle. Then she began spinning. The put my hand on her waist, pulling the detachable waist cape ever so slightly, the top came undone to reveal a shimmering skirt, one which was midnight blue and twinkled like all the dazzling lights that lined the river near the River Court. The dress had drawn inspiration from there. The earlier design which cascaded and flowed, showed the beauty of the river during the day and the transformation its grandeur during the night. The rest of the models joined us on stage shortly after and we did the Final walk and bow. I received a standing ovation from everybody. I could not help but smile from ear to ear, the show was a huge success.

Everyone began to move and mingle with each other. I was quickly ushered to where an LED screen had been set up showcasing images of the models in the dresses. The interviews soon began. They tried to ask me more questions about my personal life than my work, but I smartly redirected them, highlighting the cause I was supporting repeatedly.

"So, are your kids here with you tonight? They must be so proud of your work and the cause that you're supporting," one of them asked me.

"No, the kids are at home actually. You know how it is, your parents jobs are always boring and embarrassing. But, I do know that they are proud of the cause I am supporting tonight," I answered.

"Yeah and I am sure that you are going to be raising a lot of money for the cause tonight. I mean, the show was fantastic. Those designs were fresh and unique and so mesmerising, especially that last dress. You, Brooke Davis are the original masterpiece!" he said.

"Oh, thank you for all the flattery," I blushed, my dimples on full display.

"So does this Masterpiece have a suitor? Everyone is dying to know, whom did Brooke Davis bring to the fashion show. Perhaps an old flame that you have been pictured with lately?" he asked inquisitively.

"As you said, I am the Masterpiece. This gal does not need anybody to bring her to a party. She is capable enough of taking herself. I am very single and very happy. My children are the love of my life and my friends, all of whom were here today, cheering me on, you know Haley, the singer and songwriter, her husband Nathan who is in the NBA, music Producer Peyton and her husband Jake, and Lucas, the bestselling author."

I did a lot more interviews and stood tirelessly for photo ops. Finally, everybody had started proceeding towards the After Party at Karens using the limos we had waiting for them outside. I knew I was supposed to leave and go there, play hostess, but I did not just feel like it. I knew that everybody would be drunk enough to forget that they never saw me there anyway. So I stayed back, helping Millie in the back to pack the dresses away.

"So we got lots of orders, more than I expected frankly. It was a huge success!" Victoria said to me entering the back room.

"That's great," I said, grabbing an entree from the leftover food tray.

"You never let me finish! I personally heard Suzy Menkes praise and love your tactic to host it here since this place drew the inspiration. In fact, she wants to visit the place that inspired the final blue gown. They sipped up the change so well!"

I rolled my eyes, "It wasnt a tactic, I meant what I said."

"Who cares as long as it multiplies sales!" she reminded me. Her eyes were always on the prize.

"I'm glad that youre happy," I said, not knowing how I was having a conversation with her moments ago about her spending time with her family and there she was, back to counting her dollar bills. Not that today was making any, todays orders would all go to charity.

"Brooke, when are you returning home now? I dont mind running things, I frankly prefer it. But- I need to keep an eye on the gold spinner. I'm sure you arent getting any work done here. And your children look fine to me now, we are spending the afternoon together tomorrow. How bad could it be if they can do that?" she asked.

"Not until they feel comfortable going back to school. They dont want to switch schools but they won't step foot outside the house. They didn't even come for the show. And they were afraid to be alone. Vanessa and Zack came over and then they stayed with them. Although I don't know how good it is to leave my two teenage children alone with their partners, but they are babysitting Jude and Lydia and Jenny is keeping an eye on them all so it will all be okay, I hope!" I mumbled.

"Yeah, let's hope they have more sense and better judgement to not end up like you! Knocked up and alone at 16," she shook her head with embarrassment.

"I dont regret any of it, Victoria," I said, meaningfully.

"Even though that boy you decided to marry left you?" she asked, her voice cracking. She was confused with my answer. I could tell.

"I left him. I was the one to call it off and I really don't need to explain anything to you. You never had that right. We work on strictly professional terms if you remember," I reminded her.

"Yes, I- I just need you to get back home already. I can already see that boy begin to manipulate you again," she replied, her eyes narrowing in disgust.

"Did- did you see the kiss?!" I asked a little too quickly, biting my tongue a little too late!

"Wait, what! He kissed you! I mean, by the look he is giving us right now, I am quite surprised. He looks like a wounded puppy, gosh it just makes me wanna run him over with my car!" she said, her fingers on her temple.

I ignored the latter part of her comment and spun around on my heels. Lucas saw me turn and immediately tried to pretend that he was busy doing something else, yet it was too fake.

"Just excuse me, will you?" I told my mother before walking to him.

"We need to talk!" I said. I grabbed his tie and tugged it that so he would follow me up to the terrace. "What the hell was that earlier, Lucas?"

"My real feelings?" he said, in a rhetorical tone.

"Lucas, you-you can't just do that!" I yelled at him.

"What, feel my feelings? Its how I feel Brooke! I can't exactly turn it off!" he yelled back.

"What am I supoosed to do with that?" I asked, not lowering my volume, but feeling conflicted.

"I dont know, Brooke but I needed you to know how I truly feel," he said, this part coming all hoarse and wispy.

"God Lucas! We had our time, we had our try, we had the perfect textbook family and we were miserable," I reminded myself more than him.

"We were children Brooke! The kids were born at 17, we married at 21 and divorced at 26! We were just so young, just beginning our careers. We didnt know what we wanted or needed, we didnt have the tools to make it work. Even you said it to the Therapist that maybe if we had the right tools and the right help, we could have still been together, been the ultimate love story," he countered my argument.

"We put the kids through utter hell the last time. How do we justify this to them now?" I asked, tears forming in my eyes.

"I think they want us together Brooke, I mean… you dated Julian and what did Jamie have to say for that? He said that his movies sucked. He dissed him at dinner that one Thanksgiving you got the poor poor chap for. And Sophia called him everything but his name and said that she wouldn't even bother remembering it because he wasn't going to last long anyway. Nobody did.

And with me and Lindsey…. Sophia went as far as to call her cheap and fake because she wore a knockoff Clothes over Bro's dress or something on our date. I dont even know how that girl could tell. She told Lindsey that she wasn't half as pretty as you and she was just wasting her time if she thought I would pick her after being with Brooke Davis. And Jamie began betting with Sophia about how long she would last… in front of her!" he tried to justify.

"Lucas - but -" I said, trying to rack my brains to come up with some reasoning good enough for him to give up on our imaginary futures together.

"Brooke, Julian proposed to you right? Right before you ended it with him for good?" he asked, grabbing my hands. I was glad he did, because my feet felt like jelly at that moment.

"You told the kids and I that it was long distance, the reason you broke up wih the movie producer. But it was because of the ring wasn't it?" he said with so much confidence, it surprised me.

"What! How do you even know that?" I just did not understand!

"I overheard you on Facetime with Haley. Nathan wanted to make dinner for Haley and give her some rest but Nathan cannot cook. So I was there helping him. I came up to call Hales down for dinner and I heard you on the Facetime call. Now Brooke, tell me why didn't you say yes?" he was smiling, grinning rather. It scared me.

"Wh-whaaat!" I was flabbergasted.

"You and I both know that the whole long distsnce thing of he is in LA shooting and I'm in New York designing is a ruse. Tell me why did you say no and break up with him?" he asked again, with more confidence this time.

"Lucas don't make me say it, please!" I begged him. "I couldn't say the words to him and I can't to you."

"Why, Brooke? Why can't you just be honest with yourself if not me?" he asked, screaming his guts out.

"If I do- it just becomes real and I can't pretend anymore. And then what do I do with it? It's just better like this," I tried to explain, resigning to the fate I believed had been set in stone for me.

"Brooke, why did you say no to Julian?" He was looking at me, nay, staring at me without blinking and without flinching. He looked like a statue out there, keeping his stance. His gaze did not leave me even for a moment. His hands clasped mine, tightly, like he would never let them go even in a million years, no matter how hard I tried to break free.

"Because I am in love with you. I am in love with you, okay? Totally, madly and completely, deeply in love with you. I tried to get over you, tried so damn hard but I just couldn't. So when he popped that question, I couldn't do it. I tried to let go, I had so many options but no matter what, my heart would not allow it and so I focused on building this castle, - I pointed towards the door leading to the club. I thought the walls of this castle would hold up and protect me, protect my heart from being broken again though it wasn't even mine to give seeing how you held it in your palms all along!" The words jumped out of my mouth before I even had a moment to realise what I was saying, with it came the tears. The loud break as I felt everything I had been carrying in my heart for years come out. So many years of longing, desire and disappointment leaped out of my heart and mouth, making me almost faint. Yet, I somehow remained standing.

Lucas just walked to me and smashed his lips on to mine. Hungrily, sloppily. It was like a dam broke and we could not help the gushing, the water pouring. I allowed him to, cupping his face with my fingers and kissing him with equal passion and fury, allowing my lips to feel everything they longed for since so many years but were denied. His tongue licked my lips and I parted them, allowing both our tongues to battle. It was a complete weak in the knees kiss. It was perfect, full of love and warmth and lust. His hands were roaming around my body as we continued to move our lips hungrily until we were panting and heaving for breath.

"We can't, Lucas. It's too complicated! It will confuse the kids and they are dealing with enough right now. I am dealing with enough right now. We shouldnt. We had our chance, Luke. Heck we had many many chances and we blew it every single time. When will we learn? This is all temporary anyway. Once the kids are doing well, they will want to go out with their friends and eventually back to school at which point, I will go back to New York," I said flatly, my voice defying me.

"Why cant the fact that we love each other ever be enough? Its London all over again!" he cried, holding me tightly from the waist, afraid that if he let go, I would somehow mystically vanish.

"Maybe we should have learnt it back then itself, we just aren't meant to be Lucas!" I said, not meeting his eyes. I couldn't. I just… couldn't.

"No Brooke! Just no! We both love each other, when will that be enough?" he argued, fighting for me. For us. "We write our fate. We pick what we want. We decide what we want to make work and I want to make us work."

I didn't know what to say, I just looked at him, helplessly, trying to search for the right answer.