Chapter Six: The Uncertainty of The Future
"Embrace the fear of the future, for within it lies the opportunity to discover your courage and resilience, and to create a future that surpasses your wildest dreams."
The morning sun spilled through the sheer curtains, casting a warm golden glow onto the polished hardwood floor. The luxurious bedroom was bathed in a soft haze, as Brooke Scott slowly woke up to the gentle sound of birds chirping outside her window.
She glanced over at Lucas, who was finally back in their bed. Though he still seemed distant, she could feel a sense of hope that they would eventually heal from this loss together. Her heart swelled with love for him and their family. With a deep breath, she pushed back the silky sheets and swung her legs over the edge of the bed.
Brooke went through her morning routine with practiced ease, slipping into her cozy robe and making her way to the bathroom. She stared at her reflection in the mirror, noting the faint lines around her green eyes, evidence of the joys and hardships life had brought her. As she brushed her long brown hair, she couldn't help but think about how far they had come as a couple and the beautiful children they had raised together.
"Mom! We're hungry!" Baker's voice echoed through the house, bringing a smile to Brooke's face.
"Coming, sweetheart!" she called out, tying her robe tightly around her waist before heading downstairs to join her family for breakfast.
In the kitchen, Lucas stood by the counter, flipping pancakes while sporting an endearing bedhead look. Their four children, Sam, Angie, Baker, and Jude, sat eagerly at the large wooden table, chatting animatedly about their plans for the day.
"Morning," Lucas said, his voice still thick with sleep. He rested a hand on Brooke's waist as she leaned in to give him a quick kiss on the cheek.
"Morning," she replied, grabbing plates and silverware from the cupboard.
"Alright, everyone, dig in," Lucas announced, placing a stack of fluffy pancakes on the table. The kids eagerly reached for their share, chattering away as they dug into their breakfast.
"By the way, Brooke, I talked to Peyton last night. She mentioned she might be moving back to Tree Hill…permanently," Lucas casually mentioned between bites of pancake, his tone casual and nonchalant.
Brooke's fork paused mid-air, her heart skipping a beat at the mention of her best friend's potential permanent return. A flurry of thoughts raced through her mind – concern over how it might affect their family dynamic, and why Lucas hadn't told her sooner. But she pushed those worries aside for now, not wanting to dampen the cheerful atmosphere at the table.
"Really?" she asked, managing a smile. "That's... that's great news."
She looked around at her children's faces, trying to gauge their reactions. Sam shrugged, seemingly indifferent, while Angie's eyes sparkled with excitement. Baker and Jude exchanged looks before returning to their breakfast.
"Is Aunt Peyton coming to visit again?" Angie piped up, syrup dripping from her fork.
"Maybe, baby girl," Brooke replied softly, reaching over to wipe a smear of syrup from Angie's cheek. "We'll have to see what happens."
For now, though, she focused on the warmth of her family gathered around the table, the smell of pancakes and coffee filling the air, and the sound of laughter dancing through their home. Whatever came next, they would face it together.
XXX
After breakfast, Brooke carried the plates to the sink, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts. She knew she needed to talk to Lucas about Peyton staying in Tree Hill, but she didn't want to do it in front of the kids. It was too important, too delicate.
"Hey, Lucas?" she called out, wiping her hands on a dish towel and stepping out into their spacious backyard. "Can we talk?"
Lucas looked up from where he was playing catch with Baker and Jude, sensing the urgency in her voice. He tossed the ball to Baker before walking over to join her, concern etched on his face.
"Of course, Brooke," he said softly, taking her hand. "What's going on?"
Brooke took a deep breath, feeling her heart sink as she prepared to voice her fears. "It's about Peyton... moving back to Tree Hill permanently," she began hesitantly, her green eyes searching his face for any hint of what he might be thinking. "I just... I'm worried about what it might mean for us – for our family."
Lucas squeezed her hand reassuringly, his blue eyes filled with understanding. "I know it's a big change, but Peyton's been spending so much time with us lately. I thought you'd be happy about her being closer."
Brooke bit her lip, struggling to put her jumbled thoughts into words. "I am Lucas. I really am. But I can't help but feel... anxious, I guess. Like, why didn't you tell me sooner? And what if her being here puts a strain on our relationship?"
"Brooke," Lucas said gently, cupping her cheek with his free hand. "I didn't tell you sooner because we were tired last night. And as for our relationship, you have nothing to worry about. You're my wife, the love of my life, and the mother of our beautiful children. Peyton's return won't change that."
She wanted to believe him, she really did, but a nagging feeling settled in her chest, making it difficult for her to let go of her worries. "I just... I need you to promise me that we'll be okay, Lucas. That our family will always come first, no matter what happens with Peyton."
"Brooke," he murmured, his gaze filled with love and sincerity. "I promise you; nothing will ever come between us. We've been through so much together, and we've only grown stronger because of it. Peyton is our friend, and I know she'd never do anything to hurt us or our family."
Brooke took a deep breath, clinging to Lucas's words like a lifeline. She knew he meant every word he said, but the fear still lingered, refusing to fade completely. As she gazed into his eyes, she prayed that they could weather whatever storm lay on the horizon, hand in hand, as they always had.
"Okay," she whispered, resting her head against his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart. "Okay."
XXX
The sun was just rising in the sky, casting a warm orange glow over the river-court as Lucas Scott approached. He hadn't been back here since he got the phone call about Dan, but it still felt like home. The familiar sound of sneakers squeaking on the pavement and the swish of basketballs passing through nets filled the air and brought back memories of his youth.
"Lucas!" called out a familiar voice, causing him to turn in its direction.
There stood Peyton Sawyer, her blonde hair catching the sunlight and her green eyes sparkling with a mix of excitement and apprehension.
"Hey, Peyton," Lucas greeted her with a tentative smile, trying to gauge her emotions. They used to be close friends, but time and distance had put a strain on their relationship.
Peyton returned the smile, though it didn't quite reach her eyes.
"It's been a while since we were alone, huh?" she said, shuffling her feet nervously.
"Yeah, it has," Lucas agreed, stuffing his hands into his pockets. The initial awkwardness between them was palpable, and he couldn't help but feel a pang of nostalgia for the days when their conversations flowed effortlessly.
"So, how have you been?" Peyton asked, breaking the silence that had settled between them.
"Good, yeah. Busy with my family, coaching, and writing," Lucas replied, glancing at the basketball court where he had spent countless hours practicing and playing games. "What about you? How was your life in L.A.?"
"Can't complain," Peyton said with a shrug. "But I've missed this place. It's always been a part of me, you know?"
Lucas nodded, understanding all too well the connection to Tree Hill. He watched as Peyton walked to the edge of the court. In that moment, he couldn't help but remember the high school days when they'd confide in each other about their deepest fears and dreams.
"Hey," Peyton said softly, turning to face Lucas. "About Dan… I'm sorry."
"Thanks," Lucas replied, his voice cracking slightly as the painful emotions he had been trying to suppress began to surface. He looked away from Peyton's gaze, focusing instead on the worn lines of the basketball court.
"Lucas, if you ever need someone to talk to or a shoulder to cry on, I'm here," Peyton offered sincerely, her eyes filled with empathy. "We may not be as close as we once were, but I still care about you."
"Thank you, Peyton," he whispered, touched by her genuine concern. As they stood there on the river-court, surrounded by memories of their youth, Lucas felt a renewed sense of connection with the girl who had once been one of the most important people in his life. Though time had changed them both, the bond they shared was still strong, and it was comforting to know that, even after all these years, some things would never change.
XXX
Brooke stepped into Clothes Over Bros, the scent of fabric and fresh paint filling her nostrils. The morning sunlight streamed through the large windows, casting a warm glow over the room. She paused for a moment to take it all in, hoping that the familiar surroundings would calm her racing thoughts. With a deep breath, she approached her worktable, where sketches of potential designs lay scattered.
"Morning, Brooke!" Millie greeted her with a bright smile.
"Good morning, Millie," Brooke replied, forcing a smile onto her face as she picked up a pencil, determined to focus on her work.
But as she tried to sketch out new ideas, her mind kept drifting back to Peyton and the conversation she'd had with Lucas earlier. Her hand shook slightly, causing the lines on the paper to come out jagged and uneven. Frustrated, she crumpled up the drawing and tossed it aside, only for it to join a growing pile of discarded attempts.
"Everything okay?" Millie asked tentatively, noticing Brooke's agitation.
"Uh, yeah," Brooke lied, her voice wavering. "Just... a lot on my mind today."
A soft knock at the door interrupted their conversation, and Haley peeked in, concern etched on her face. "Hey, can I talk to you for a minute?"
"Of course," Brooke said gratefully, eager for an opportunity to escape her own thoughts.
The two women retreated to a small sitting area near the back of the studio, where they could speak privately. As they sat down, Haley placed a comforting hand on Brooke's arm. "What's going on, Brooke? You've been so distracted lately."
"Lucas told me this morning that Peyton might be moving back to Tree Hill permanently," Brooke confessed, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Wow," Haley said softly, her eyes widening in surprise. "And how do you feel about that?"
"Scared, honestly," Brooke admitted, her eyes filling with tears. "I know Peyton's been around a lot lately, and she's great with the kids, but I can't help worrying about what her being here all the time will mean for our family."
"Brooke, listen to me," Haley said firmly, looking her directly in the eyes. "You and Lucas have been through so much together, and you've come out stronger every time. Peyton moving back doesn't have to change that."
"I know, I know," Brooke sighed. "It's just... I can't shake this feeling that something bad is going to happen."
"Have you talked to Lucas about your fears?" Haley asked gently.
"Yes, and he reassured me that nothing will come between us," Brooke replied, her voice cracking with emotion. "But I still can't help feeling scared."
"Brooke," Haley said softly, squeezing her hand. "You're stronger than you think. And no matter what happens, I'll be here for you. We all will be."
"Thank you, Haley," Brooke whispered, hugging her sister-in-law tightly. "I don't know what I'd do without you."
"Neither do I," Haley joked, her laughter ringing through the studio like music. As they pulled apart, she gave Brooke one last reassuring smile. "Now go on, get back to work. You've got a fashion empire to run, remember?"
"Right," Brooke said, wiping away her tears. "Back to work."
As she returned to her sketches, her thoughts still swirled with uncertainty, but there was also a small flicker of hope – hope that, with the love and support of her family and friends, she could face whatever challenges life had in store for her.
XXX
Lucas watched as a gentle breeze rustled the leaves of the nearby trees, casting dappled shadows on the river-court where he and Peyton stood. The warm sunlight caught in her golden hair, and for a moment, it was like they were seventeen again.
"Remember when we used to come here after games?" Lucas asked, breaking the silence that had settled between them.
A wistful smile spread across Peyton's face. "Yeah, those were some of my favorite nights. Sitting here, talking about life, making plans... it feels like a lifetime ago."
"Time sure flies," Lucas agreed, his gaze drifting toward the hoop. "I can still picture you drawing beneath that tree while I practiced. You were so absorbed in your art, yet you never missed a single shot I took."
Peyton laughed. "You always knew how to make me feel special, Lucas. And don't think I didn't notice you glancing over at me between shots, trying to catch a glimpse of what I was working on."
"Guilty," he admitted with a grin, feeling the tension between them begin to dissipate. "I was always amazed by your talent."
"Thank you." She paused, her expression growing somber. "Listen, I'm glad to see that you're not checked out today,"
"Thanks," Lucas replied, his smile fading as the weight of his father's death settled back onto his shoulders. He swallowed hard, searching for the right words. "It's been tough, but I'm getting through it."
"Is there anything I can do to help?" Peyton asked, her voice soft with concern. "I know we haven't really been in touch, but I'm here for you if you need someone to talk to."
"Your support means a lot, Peyton," Lucas said, his heart warmed by her offer. "It's just... complicated. My feelings about my dad, I mean."
"Complicated" was an understatement – Lucas had spent years grappling with the anger and resentment he harbored toward his father. But as much as he wanted to share the tangled emotions roiling within him, he hesitated, unsure whether he could bear to lay himself bare.
Peyton seemed to sense his inner turmoil. "Hey," she said gently, placing a hand on his arm. "Whatever you're feeling, it's okay. Grief is messy and confusing. And if you ever want to talk about it, just know that I'm here."
"Thank you," Lucas murmured, touched by her kindness. As they stood together on the sun-dappled court, their shared memories swirling around them like fallen leaves, Lucas knew that, in Peyton, he'd found an understanding friend who would help him weather the storm of loss and grief that lay ahead.
The sunlight danced on the river, casting shimmering patterns on its surface as it flowed gently by. Lucas and Peyton stood side by side on the river-court, a place where they had once been inseparable. The faint scent of honeysuckle wafted through the air, bringing with it memories of laughter and carefree days gone by. But now, the weight of loss hung heavy between them.
"Y'know," Lucas began hesitantly, his voice strained with emotion. "He wasn't a good person. My dad, I mean." He kicked at a small pebble, sending it skittering across the ground. "He abandoned my mom and me when she got pregnant, and... he killed Keith."
Peyton remained silent, her expression encouraging him to continue.
"Yet, here I am, upset about his death and even more upset at myself for feeling this way." Lucas paused, taking a deep breath, steadying himself before continuing. "I don't know why it hurts so much. After everything he did, or didn't do, you'd think I'd be relieved he's gone."
"Lucas," Peyton said softly, searching his eyes for understanding. "You're allowed to feel pain and confusion. Just because he wasn't a good father doesn't mean you can't grieve the loss of what could have been."
As Lucas looked into Peyton's compassionate gaze, he felt the dam of emotions begin to crack, and tears welled up in his eyes. "It's just hard, Peyton. He's been this ghost haunting my life, always there but never really present. And now that he's gone... I don't know how to let go of all that anger."
"Letting go isn't easy," Peyton replied, giving his hand a gentle squeeze. "But you don't have to figure it out alone. We can work through it together."
Lucas's heart swelled with gratitude as he looked at Peyton, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Thank you," he whispered, his voice barely audible over the rustling of leaves.
"Of course, Luke." Peyton smiled warmly, her own eyes misting with emotion. "That's what friends are for."
As they stood on the river-court, surrounded by memories and shadows of their past selves, Lucas took solace in Peyton's unwavering support. And though the pain of loss still lingered, he knew that, with her by his side, he could begin to heal.
Peyton watched Lucas closely, his eyes reflecting the weight of a thousand unspoken emotions. She knew that allowing him to open up was essential, but she also understood that it wouldn't be easy for him.
"Lucas," she began softly, "I know how much pain you're in right now, and I want you to know that it's okay to grieve. I've been there too."
He looked at her, his eyes searching her face as if trying to find the right words. Peyton took a deep breath and continued, remembering her own heartache.
"When my mom passed away, I felt so lost. I didn't know how to process it all. And then, when I found out about Ellie... losing her too, it just made everything so much more complicated." Her voice held a tremble, and she paused to collect herself.
"Complicated is right," Lucas agreed, nodding slowly. "It's like... even though you know they're gone, you can't help but wish you had more time with them, or that things could have been different."
"Exactly," Peyton said, her hand reaching out to touch his arm gently. "But you learn to navigate through the grief, and eventually, you learn to live with it. You don't forget them, but you allow yourself to heal."
Lucas closed his eyes momentarily, absorbing her words. When he opened them again, there was a flicker of determination in his gaze. "How did you find the strength to move forward, Peyton? How did you let go of the anger?"
Peyton thought for a moment, her memories flooding back. "For me, it was about finding closure and focusing on the people who were still here, who needed my love and support. And it wasn't always easy, but I learned to cherish the moments I had with them and make peace with the past."
Lucas took a deep, shaky breath and nodded. "I think that's what I need to do. Focus on the people who are still here, like my mom... and Brooke…and my kids." His eyes met Peyton's, gratitude shining in their depths. "And you, Peyton."
Peyton smiled through her own tears, "I'm going to be here from now on, Luke."
As they stood on the river-court, the sun dipping low beneath the horizon, Lucas and Peyton shared a moment of understanding and connection, their intertwined histories providing them both with solace and strength.
The sun hung low in the sky, casting an orange glow on the river-court as Lucas stared at his worn sneakers. He felt the weight of years gone by and the ache of memories long buried. Peyton stood beside him, her hair catching the light like a halo around her head.
"Life is so fragile, isn't it?" Lucas murmured; his voice barely audible over the gentle lapping of the water against the shore.
Peyton nodded; her gaze fixed on the horizon. "It's easy to forget that when we get caught up in our day-to-day lives. But moments like these... they make you realize just how precious every second is to the people we love."
Lucas sighed and kicked a small stone across the court, watching it skid to a halt near the edge. "I've been so focused on my anger towards my father that I haven't allowed myself to grieve properly. I've spent years building walls around my heart, trying to protect myself… but maybe it's time to let them down."
"Sometimes," Peyton said gently, placing a hand on his shoulder, "it's in letting go that we find the strength to heal. And it doesn't mean that we forget the pain, or that we forgive the people who hurt us. It just means we choose to focus on what really matters – the love we share with those who are still here."
Lucas glanced at her, his eyes reflecting the vulnerability he had kept hidden for so long. "You're right, Peyton. And I don't want to waste any more time being angry and bitter. I want to make the most of the time I have with my family and friends – including you."
A soft smile tugged at the corners of Peyton's lips. "That's all we can really do, Luke. Just be there for each other, no matter what."
"Thank you, Peyton," Lucas said sincerely, his eyes filled with gratitude. "For everything – for being here today, and for always understanding me better than anyone else. I don't know what I would do without you."
"Hey," Peyton replied, lightly nudging him with her elbow, "what are friends for? And remember, you're never alone, Lucas. You've got a whole family who loves you – and I'm always just a phone call away."
As they stood together on the river-court, the sun dipping beneath the horizon and casting long shadows across the ground, Lucas felt something shift within him – a newfound resolve to cherish every moment with those he held dear. And as Peyton's hand slipped into his, he knew that no matter where life took them, they would always have each other to lean on during the darkest of times.
XXX
Brooke's fingers danced across the fabric, her mind finally settling into a rhythm as she lost herself in the world of design. It was almost a relief when the creak of the studio door pulled her back to reality, forcing her thoughts away from the swirling uncertainty that still haunted her.
"Brooke?" Peyton's voice was hesitant, laced with a vulnerability that seemed foreign on her lips.
"Peyton," Brooke exhaled, her hands trembling slightly as she turned to face her old friend. "What are you doing here?"
"Thought I'd surprise you –" Peyton said, her smile tentative as she took in Brooke's guarded expression. "Maybe we could grab some lunch together? Catch up on things?"
"Sure," Brooke forced a smile, trying to ignore the knot tightening in her stomach. "Just give me a minute to wrap up here."
As they walked side by side towards the local café, the air between them felt charged with unspoken words and emotions long buried. Brooke glanced over at Peyton, taking in the way her fingers nervously played with the strap of her bag, the slight tremor in her lower lip.
"Lucas mentioned this morning that you might be moving back to Tree Hill permanently," Brooke said, her voice unnervingly steady despite the turmoil brewing within her.
"Uh, yeah," Peyton hesitated, her eyes darting away from Brooke's probing gaze. "I've been thinking about it for a while now. I miss everyone, and... I want to be closer to Angie."
"Of course," Brooke replied, trying to keep her tone neutral. "She's your daughter too, after all."
The sunlight filtering through the leaves of the trees cast dappled shadows on the sidewalk, creating a shifting pattern as Brooke and Peyton walked side by side to the local café. The tension between them was palpable, the air thick with unspoken words and emotions that had been buried for so long.
"Alright, Peyton," Brooke took a deep breath, her heart pounding in her chest. "I need you to be completely honest with me. Why now? Why are you coming back to Tree Hill after all this time?"
Peyton bit her lip, her eyes downcast as she hesitated before answering. "Brooke, I'm not here to cause any problems for you or your family. I promise. I've just… I've missed home. I've missed you, and everyone else. I want to find a way to make things right between us again."
"Can you understand why I'm worried?" Brooke asked, her voice wavering despite her best efforts to keep it steady. "Our past is so complicated, and I can't help but worry about what your return might do to my family's stability. It's taken so much to get to where we are now, and I can't afford any more setbacks."
As they approached the entrance of the café, Peyton paused and looked at Brooke with vulnerability etched on her face. "I know our history is messy, and I'm sorry for the part I played in that. But I've grown, Brooke. I don't want to be the same person I was back then. If there's any way I can make amends, I will. Your family means everything to you, and I would never do anything to jeopardize that."
"Actions speak louder than words," Brooke said softly, her green eyes searching Peyton's face for any hint of insincerity.
"Brooke, I know this is hard for you," Peyton said softly, reaching out to touch her arm. "But I promise you, I'm not here to cause any trouble. I just want to be a part of you lives And... I want to try and rebuild our friendship."
"Friendship," Brooke echoed, the word feeling foreign on her tongue. "We used to be best friends, Peyton. But so much has changed since then."
"I know," Peyton's eyes shimmered with unshed tears. "And I'm sorry for the pain I caused you in the past. But I want to make things right. I want us to be friends again, Brooke. Can we at least try?"
Brooke stared into the clear blue of Peyton's eyes, searching for any hint of deception or hidden intentions. But all she could see was genuine remorse and the desperate need for connection.
"Let's take it one step at a time," Brooke said finally, feeling a small weightlift from her chest. "We can start with lunch today."
"Thank you," Peyton whispered, relief flooding her features as they continued walking towards the café.
As they sat down at their favorite table, Brooke found herself caught between the memories of their shared past and the fragile hope for a new beginning. She knew that the road ahead would be fraught with challenges, but perhaps, just maybe, they'd find a way to navigate it together.
"Here's to rebuilding bridges," Peyton said, raising her glass with a tremulous smile.
"Rebuilding bridges," Brooke echoed, clinking her glass against Peyton's, her heart still heavy with uncertainty but daring to believe that there might be a light at the end of this tunnel.
As they settled into their seats, Brooke couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions—hope, fear, uncertainty—all swirling within her.
XXX
Brooke stepped out of the café, the bell above the door chiming softly as she made her exit. The warmth of the sun on her face served as a stark contrast to the whirlwind of emotions churning inside her. She took a deep breath, inhaling the crisp autumn air, and began walking down the tree-lined sidewalk.
Her thoughts raced back to her conversation with Peyton, playing it over in her mind like a broken record. Could they really rebuild their friendship? And what would that mean for her family?
"Hey, Brooke," called a familiar voice, snapping her out of her reverie. It was Glenda, Lucas's friend from high school and the owner of the local bakery, waving at her from across the street.
"Hi, Glenda!" Brooke forced a smile, pushing her doubts and worries aside for a moment. "How are you?"
"Doing well, thanks! Lucas mentioned that Peyton might be moving back to town. That's quite the surprise, isn't it?" Glenda's words were innocent enough, but they sent a shiver down Brooke's spine.
"Y-yeah," she stammered, trying her best to maintain her composure. "We'll see how it goes."
"Well good luck!" Glenda said cheerfully before disappearing into her bakery.
As she continued her walk home, Brooke couldn't shake the feeling that their lives were balanced on the edge of a precipice, teetering between stability and chaos. She knew that she had to protect her family, but what was the right approach? Was she doing enough by cautiously rebuilding her friendship with Peyton or should she have pushed her away completely?
Upon reaching her front door, she paused for a moment, taking another deep breath. She couldn't let her children and husband see her uncertainty. They needed her to be strong. With a determined nod, she turned the doorknob and entered her home, forcing a bright smile onto her face.
"Mom!" Angie raced towards her, throwing her arms around Brooke's legs. "You're home!"
"Hi, baby girl," she said, hugging her daughter tightly. "How was your day?"
"Good! We painted pictures today in school!" Angie beamed, showing off her paint-stained hands.
"That's wonderful, sweetheart," Brooke replied, trying to focus on the joy of her children and push away her lingering unease. She turned to Lucas, who was sitting on the couch with Sam, and gave him a warm smile. "And how are my two favorite authors doing?"
"Making progress," Lucas replied, returning her smile. "We'll have a new book ready before you know it."
"Can't wait to read it," Brooke said, her voice filled with affection and pride.
As they settled into their evening routine, Brooke tried her best to maintain a semblance of normalcy for her family's sake. But deep down, she couldn't ignore the nagging doubts and fears that gnawed at her heart, leaving her wondering what the future had in store for them all.
Author's Note: Hello, Everybody! Thank You for reading my story.
I can't reply to guest messages. So, I'm sorry. The other story is just a simple glimpse into the life of Brucas with no drama and this story is a reimagining with all the drama. Angie's hair color is different in both, because the Angie in the other story is the Angie from S5 of One Tree Hill where Brooke got to keep her. And the Angie in this story is a different Angie. Any mistakes are just slip ups on my part. This is my first story so I'm struggling a bit with how everything works on the site. If you login you can PM me and we can talk. Sorry to the people who left me messages in the reviews, I couldn't respond.