Cardboard Cutouts
Chapter 4
Live in each season as it passes: breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit.
Hours Later
In the morning
"You know most kids sleep at this time." Lucas said.
Benjamin took another shot. Looking to his father as he started to dribble the basketball again.
"I can sleep when i make it into the NBA." Benjamin replied.
"I understand and support you're dreams. But high school is supposed to be one of the best times in you're life. You don't want to miss out on that focusing on the future." Lucas proclaimed.
"Dad you were just as determined and focused as i am." Benjamin replied.
"I was and you need to learn from my decisions."
"Life happens and you have to deal with the aftermath. Ready or not. So just be a kid. The future isn't going anywhere." Lucas advised.
"You should go get ready for school. Breakfast will be ready soon." Lucas said.
"A few more shots then i'll be there." Benjamin replied.
...
Lucas made his way into the kitchen. Looking to his wife.
"I almost forgot i'm working double shifts. So i'll be home late." Brooke announced.
"Why you are exhausted by normal shifts why would you extend it?" Lucas asked.
"I just think it would less pressure and more relaxing if we had some more money around." Brooke explained.
Beckett had already been at the table. Quietly reading The Crucible.
"Who's taking me to school.? I'm staying over at aunt Rachel's. So i just need to come back and get my stuff." Sloane explained.
"I'm bringing you to school but you're dad will pick you up." Brooke explained.
...
After dropping off Beckett. Benjamin and Sloane. Brooke found herself at Keith's auto body shop.
"Brooke is everything okay with you and Lucas. The kids?" Keith asked.
"Yeah i just wanted to thank you for offering him the chance to run the shop on his own. I know that was a big decision." Brooke replied.
"It was and i'm surprised he didn't want it. But I'm ready to come in less. You know i want spend more time with Karen."
"Spoil our grand kids maybe go on vacation for awhile."
"We're here for you and them if there is anything you need." Keith stated matter of fact.
"We appreciate that more then you know. Lucas is unhappy here."
"He wouldn't admit to you but he's opened to me." Brooke announced.
...
"You and Brooke have a stable happy fufilling life. Why wouldn't that be everything and enough?" Haley asked.
"Because while you and Nathan were living in dorms. Mouth and Skills being roommates. Exploring and figuring out yourselves and having adventures."
"We were running on a hamster wheel. Trying to be more then we were capable." Lucas replied.
..
Awhile later
Lucas smiled at the sight of his daughter.
Sloane got into the passenger seat. Placing her bookbag in the backseat.
"Enjoy you're sleepover at aunt Rachel's." "How was school?" Lucas asked.
"I had the best show and tell presentation."
"I need a new bike. I love aunt Rachel. And aunt Peyton." Sloane replied.
"They love you too. But me and you're mom love you most." Lucas said.
As he soon pulled into Rachel's driveway.
He had made it back home and Sloane had grabbed her bag quicker then he expected.
...
Days Later
"I need to talk to you." Brooke said. Once they were both awake.
None of their kids were up yet. The sun was just starting to rise.
"I told Keith that you weren't happy there."
"You're clearly going through some changes and maybe you would thrive better in a new environment." Brooke explained.
"You had no right to do that. We're not going to stay stable on what you make. You know that and you going there telling him that isnt help it's making it seem like i can't handle my own life."
"You need to stay out of it." Lucas proclaimed.
"You're my husband i'm not just going to turn a blind eye to this." Brooke replied.
"I love you." Brooke stated matter of fact.
"Love me less and stay out of my business." Lucas proclaimed. As he got out of bed.
...