"Luke, you ready to get down on one knee?" Haley asked him.
Lucas felt wobbly in the pit of his stomach. He knew that it was fake. Yet, if he was being completely honest, he was more scared proposing at the beach than he had at the hotel room when he proposed to Peyton. Was it because that had felt more right or was it because suddenly, this was beginning to feel more right, he would never be able to tell. He looked at Brooke who was standing there feeling out of her skin. He could tell because he felt it too. Jamie was standing by Nathan and Haley looking at them in a confused manner. Brooke handed him the ring box and he felt the velvet on his fingers. The ring held so much importance to him. It was the ring his only real father figure, Keith had given to his mom. It was his dream to see Keith and his mom get together. He had felt so happy when that had happened. It was like all his dreams were finally coming true, especially when Keith asked him for permission to adopt him. He would get to make the family he had built real. Keith would be his dad, his mom would be his mom, happy with a man who genuinely loved her and cared about her and he would be their son, officially. He couldn't help but think about the parallels with what was at play at that moment. Did Jamie dream of him and Brooke uniting? Did Sam pray for him to be her dad too? Was this ring the beginning of something that felt so forbidden and yet so right? What was it that he wanted? The answer had been so crystal clear when he sat in the hotel room in Los Angeles, waiting for Peyton. Now, he didn't know. He did not have a shred of an idea and he was literally going wherever life was taking him. Lucas looked at Brooke as the pair moved closer to the water. Wind blew their hair as they heard the sounds of the waves crashing. It was a beautiful day and a beautiful place, he couldn't deny it. He looked at Brooke, she looked gorgeous in her dress as her hair flew crazily in the wind. Suddenly he saw her bend down. He looked at her curiously, not understanding what she was up to. The words appeared in the sand, 'Marry Me.' I kinked my eyebrows, not understanding what she was up to.
"Every girl deserves some decor, Luke," she replied, making him feel stupid for not thinking about it himself.
"This looks incredible. Are you guys ready?" Nathan asked. Both of them blushed as Lucas got down on one knee. He held her hand and looked lovingly at her, he just pierced into her beautiful liquid eyes. Lucas found himself getting lost in them. She looked beautiful. He simply held her hands and looked at her for a while. He didn't know why but he felt like he needed to take that time and be still. They didn't exchange any words. There was no need to. They could always pretend and say that it was for the camera since the entire purpose behind the proposal was to get pictures, right? Finally, when the silence began to feel awkward, Lucas pulled out the engagement ring box. He saw Brooke's eyes widen, which made him grin wide. He couldn't believe what was happening. Everything was scripted and yet, every emotion was so real and palpable.
"Brooke Penelope Davis, would you do me the honour of marrying you?" he asked her as he opened the ring box.
Lucas saw the tear that was threatening to fall out of Brooke's eye as she attempted to keep her emotions in check. He gave her a moment and watched her smile before lifting her hand and slipping the ring onto her dainty finger. The two of them spent a moment looking at the sparkling ring that held so much meaning. The moment was so wholesome that no words were exchanged. There were no hysterical squeals. There wasn't even a yes but the moment screamt louder than a blow horn. Lucas got up and without the two of them realising, they hugged each other, needing it to allow them to experience the flow of emotions they were going through.
"Kiss her!" Haley screamed suddenly, breaking the reverie the duo was lost in.
"What!?" Brooke screamed, jumping away from Lucas' arms. "No!"
Lucas watched her tear away from him and in that moment, he felt such a strange sense of loss. He wanted nothing more than to pull her back in and hold her. It felt so perfect. His entire body was tingling with the sensations of what that moment carried as he began to feel a little light-headed. What was Brooke doing to him? Was he beginning to plan a new course for his life? He was too afraid to admit it though, even to himself. So instead, he began to plan the next steps hoping that it would distract him from whatever signals his heart was trying to send him.
Brooke and Jamie were the first to arrive at the Davis house. She pulled out the keys and carefully unlocked the place, allowing Jamie to run inside while she brought out their luggage from the car. As decided, she had packed up their things and then driven to Lucas' house to pack some of his stuff. She felt strange being there and rummaging through his closet. A room told you so much about the person. She had grabbed some of his clothes from casuals to formals so that it looked like he actually lived there and neatly packed them in a suitcase. She knew where things were in that house from the time she had stayed with his mom. She felt like a creep though as she went through his things, picking his toiletries and packing them up to take with her. Brooke picked up some of his books, his laptop and even added a basketball because no place could ever be called Lucas' home without his books and ball. She realised that the house would have more of his things than hers considering how little she had carried for herself, but she was okay with that.
"Jamie, why don't you go upstairs and play with your toys while I put these things away?" Brooke asked. "I'll be around the place only, okay, so don't worry."
"Okay," he said and followed Brooke upstairs. The young mother ensured that her child was settled before she began to lug the bags up. The place had that strange scent of not being opened or cleaned in a while. She and Jamie had stayed there but it was so brief. She hadn't even seen the whole house. Brooke took a tour, the living room had a modern edge now. It was white with a navy blue couch and curtains. A plasma tv sat above the modern fireplace and the kitchen had modern fittings as well. It was incredible that she could be living there like that. If she tried to fit that one couch in her apartment in New York, it would fill the whole place up. Hell, her closet was as big as her apartment.
Brooke began with Jamie's room. She pulled his bags and placed his books in the reading corner,art supplies on the desk and toys in the trunk. Next she put away his clothes, enjoying the feel of the new hangers in her arms. There weren't many clothes, but hopefully enough to not draw Lorelai's attention. She saw Jamie lay down tracks for a train set that Lucas had bought for him and she smiled, happy that her son was getting the childhood she always wished for him and for herself while she grew up. Yes, he had things now, much more than before, but he also had two loving parents attached. Brooke knew which one was more important of the two and she was glad that she could provide him with the same.
Next, she went to the closet in her room and unpacked all of her and Lucas' clothes. She went to the bathroom and put their stuff on the counter. It felt strange keeping their toothbrushes together by the sink. She decided not to read too much into it.
"This place really needs a deep cleaning," Brooke spoke to herself. Luckily, she had the training for it! She tied her hair into a bun and began her work. She didn't have a lot of hours. Plus, they would have to arrange all the items the boys would bring with them as well. Brooke quickly opened all the windows of the house to allow light to naturally flow in. She couldn't help but take a moment to stare and look out of the front balcony above the door when she opened the doors. Being there had always made her feel like a princess, she tried to get that feeling back, but she couldn't find it. The mansion was huge with a lot of rooms and Lucas had only had enough time to ready Sam and Jamie's room, allowing the Master to be as it was for Brooke. She went around the house looking for cleaning supplies. She was glad to find some in the closet under the stairs. Getting to work, Brooke began with the lower floor, beginning to dust and vacuum the living room and dining room. She was efficient, but the space was large. She hoped that Lorelai would not want to see the backyard.
Brooke heard the doorbell ring and jolted up. She was still unfamiliar with that sound, used to no guests in New York. Peeping through the peephole, she opened the door on spotting Haley standing outside.
"Hey Brooke! You have to see how the pictures have turned out, they're gorgeous. What are you up to?" she asked when she saw a sweaty Brooke standing on the other side.
"I'm cleaning. Half the rooms have not been opened in a while. The place is dusty," she replied.
"Haa! Do you know how to use a mop!" Haley laughed, not knowing Brooke's job in New York.
"Well, I'm trying my best," she replied, not wanting to diss Haley. She simply had no idea how much her life had changed.
"I'll help you, but first, you have to see these!" she said excitedly.
Haley had several large frames with her so Brooke helped her get them in. She unwrapped them and Brooke was shocked, the pictures truly were gorgeous. Their smiles, happy faces, the scenic beach, having Jamie in both their arms together, images of Lucas and Brooke holding hands as he slipped that beautiful ring on her fingers, it was making Brooke's eyes bulge out.
"Incredible, no?" Haley asked.
"I was thinking that we hang the family picture in the living room and your engagement photos in your bedroom. I even got some in a small size for Jamie's room. We totally have to do another photoshoot when Sam comes to stay here," Haley kept babbling, unbeknownst to the fact that Brooke had been transported to her own world, a world that she fantasised about. A world where all of this was real.
"What do you think?" Haley asked again when she got no reply from Brooke.
"Lorelai better believe it," Brooke said. "You think you can manage hanging them on your own? We barely have time to get the house clean," she said, needing to step away from it. She felt weak in the knees simply looking at the pictures. She was so afraid to touch them in case they did materialise into dreams because that would only lead to her heart breaking. This would never be reality. She truly hated having imagery to show her what it could be because every glace only made her want it more, want it deeper, want it stronger, want it faster and all of that would only make the disappointment when she would not get it more, deeper, stronger and faster.
"Brooke, are you alright? You do like them, right?" Haley asked again, noticing the change in Brooke's demeanour.
"Yeah, I am. They really are beautiful. Thanks Haley," she said and gave her a weak smile. Haley nodded and got to work. Lucas had already filled the place up with pictures of the two of them when they were together in High School and the ones Brooke had given him. He had accidentally even put up pictures of Brooke and Sam and Jamie together in Sam's room. So Haley quickly pulled those down and stowed those away. The large frames she had made looked incredible in the house. The blue waters and white sand matched the colours of the living room, although anything would, given how the pair's expressions stole the whole show.
After she was done, Haley went hunting for Brooke who was vacuuming what used to be her old bedroom, but Haley didn't know that. She had never been to the Davis house before.
"This is a cool house, Brooke," she said from the door.
"Oh my God, I just realised. You have never been here, have you?" she asked.
"No. I guess we were just becoming friends when your parents sold the place. I remember the yard sale and going bargain shopping with you and obviously the blood selling, but I never came in," she replied.
"This room used to be my bedroom, actually. Though it looked very different. I had pink wallpaper and the dresser had these gorgeous chandelier lights with pictures of Peyton and Lucas tacked to the mirror and my desk was home to more stuffed animals than books. Actually, no books," she joked.
"Does it feel surreal, being back here?" she asked.
"Yeah! It really does. On the outside, nothing has changed. The house is still white with the grey roof and the red door with the wide steps but the inside is completely different. It is weird, it feels like home and yet, it really doesn't. I feel confused and kinda displaced by it."
"We can redecorate to make it feel like your home," Haley suggested.
"I don't know if that will help Hales. I don't know if I belong here, in this house," Brooke confessed.
"You always belonged here, Brooke. This is your house. I remember how upset you were when it was gone. You loved this place," she said, confused by her words.
"Loving something and owning something are two very different things, Haley," Brooke replied, but she was not talking about the house at that time. Her eyes briefly flitted to the engagement ring on her finger before returning to Haley. Haley too caught that moment and understood Brooke's words.
She opened and closed her mouth a few times but what could she possibly say that would appease Brooke's heart. She was lucky because she heard the doorbell ring instead and dashed to open the door, leaving Brooke in her old bedroom, consumed by her conflicting thoughts and feelings.
Nathan and Lucas seemed to have completely raided Bed Bath and beyond. Their car was full to the brim.
"Guys, this was just for the social worker to find the place habitable, we aren't turning this place into a bed and breakfast!" Brooke yelled at the two boys.
"It's basic stuff, B. We literally got you bed, bath and beyond, things you will need to live here anyway, so it's an investment," Nathan said.
"How much did all this even cost you?" she asked.
"It cost me, my best friend coming to live in my town with my godson and new niece," Nathan replied smugly. "Now will you help us with the bags? The boot is filled with groceries, grains and snacks," he said.
"I give up!" Brook sighed and began to haul things out of the car.
Divide and rule was their strategy. Brooke vacuumed and dusted and both Nathan and Haley were surprised by how efficient she was. Haley stocked the pantry while Nathan organised the kitchen. Lucas made beds and got the bathrooms ready. He even filled up the pool which had been drained. They were all sweaty and tired by the end of it.
"We need to shower and get dressed, we stink," Brooke said to Lucas.
"Yeah," he agreed.
"I'm hungry," Jamie said to the adults, going down to find them all sitting at the breakfast nook in the kitchen.
"Umm, we still need to shower and get ready and Lorelai can be here any minute. Do you think you two can take Jamie out for lunch? I think it's better if he isn't around for the meeting anyway. In case he accidentally says something about Sam," Brooke suggested.
"We wanted to be there for the two of you, but okay. Call us if you need us, okay?" Haley offered.
"Yeah, Andy is going to be here for the meeting, so we should be fine," Brooke replied.
Nathan and Haley took off with Jamie while Brooke and Lucas each dove into a bathroom to get dressed. Lucas wore a white shirt with blue jeans, making him look very fine while Brooke chose a blouse and some jeans as well. She put on some makeup and allowed her hair to fall loose and frame her face.
They met each other again in the living room and awkwardly looked at each other. It was ten minutes to 2:30 p.m. Lorelai would be there any minute.
"Uhh, you look great," Lucas said to her, feeling nervous as he tugged at the collar of his shirt.
"Thanks. Is it just me or are you nervous too?" Brooke asked.
"Shitting my pants. I mean there's so much that we need to explain. Dan…" Lucas replied.
"Oh let's not forget my time capsule video, my promiscuity, the love triangle from hell and this is if the fact that I am a stripper remained hidden. I feel sick, Lucas," Brooke replied, feeling the need to throw up.
"If all those scumbags can get children, we can too. They had to have been that thorough with everybody, right?" Lucas asked, but Brooke never got a chance to respond as the doorbell rang which could only mean one thing. Lorelai was there to decide the course of destiny for them.
"Hey Lorelai, welcome to our house," Brooke greeted when she opened the door for her.
Lorelai was still taken aback by just how young the couple was. They were only 21, fresh out of college, at least Lucas was. Brooke never got a college degree. They already had a son together and they wanted to adopt a child only 6 years younger than them. The entire ordeal was absolutely bizarre to her. Nevertheless, she smiled at them professionally and walked inside.
The couple offered her something to eat and drink and Lorelai accepted a coffee that Brooke got making. She widened her eyes when she realised she did not know where anything was in the kitchen. Lucas had his eyes on her and realised her predicament immediately.
"Why don't I show you the house while Brooke gets you the coffee you wanted," Lucas said and diverted her away from the kitchen. Brooke smiled and waited for them to leave before rummaging for coffee, sugar and milk. She quickly found the ingredients and turned on the coffee maker. Since she worked at a diner, she had had to learn coffee art and made a good cup for her. Her paperwork stated that she used to be a waitress anyway.
Once the coffee was ready, Brooke placed it on the table and walked upstairs to find Lorelai and Lucas. She saw them both in Sam's room where Lorelai was looking around and furiously jotting down notes. Brooke rubbed her hands on her jeans uneasily, trying to understand what was going on. She looked towards Lucas, silently asking for a hint, but he just shrugged his shoulders.
"Would you like to see the rest of the house?" Lucas offered. "We have our son, Jamie's room right besides Sam and Brooke and I are right opposite."
Lorelai went into each room but she didn't spend as much time writing notes as she had in what was to be Sam's room.
"Where is your son, James Scott, correct?" she asked, looking at her file.
"He is actually with my brother and sister-in-law. They had taken him out. Did you need to meet him? We figured this would be better without a two-year-old running around," Lucas chuckled as a drop of sweat dripped down his creased forehead.
"That's alright. Lucas, you own the house, correct?" she continued to ask.
"Yes, I do," he smiled. The doorbell rang another time just then and the trio walked down. Brooke opened the door while Lucas and Lorelai watched. It was Andy.
"Hey, hope I didn't miss much," he said and walked in.
"Lorelai, this is Andy Hargrove, my step dad," Lucas introduced the two.
"Hello Lorelai, it's very nice to meet you," Andy replied politely, stunning the woman with his accent. Brooke and Lucas couldn't help but smirk at that.
"Andy is actually here to help Brooke set up her clothing line. Remember, we talked about Brooke starting her clothing Company. Well, things have been going well," Lucas tried to hype them up.
"Actually, things are done. As of today, Clothes over Bro's is officially an incorporated entity. Once you finalise on manufacturing, we just need to pick store locations, storage godowns and fill them up," Andy replied.
"What! Really? Are you serious?" Brooke asked excitedly, her childish 21 year old self coming to the surface.
"Yes, we did it," he smiled.
"Aah! Thank you!" she said, running up to him and hugging him tight. Andy smiled and hugged the young girl back.
They moved their eyes back to Lorelai who was feverishly jotting writing notes again. They all moved back to the table where Lorelai looked at the coffee. She was impressed, or atleast Brooke believed she was. Lorelai took a sip and continued to write on the pages in her file.
"What did you write? Something good, I hope," Brooke couldn't help but ask. "Sorry. It's just that I kind of feel like I'm being judged, so…"
"You're not being judged, Brooke. You're being evaluated. It's to help clarify your reasons for wanting to adopt and to explore your capabilities, maturity, and emotional readiness," Lorelai replied with a straight face.
"And does it take very long, the whole decision-making process?" she asked, wanting to know just how much longer she would have to wait.
"No. The home study is the last of it," the social worker replied with a straight face.
"So we'll know if Sam is going to be ours by the end of this meeting?" Brooke asked vulnerably. As much as she wanted it, it was scary and big. Those notes that Lorelai was writing could make or break her.
"Essentially, yes," Lorelai replied in the same stoic manner.
"Wow. Well, how are we doing?" Brooke asked, grabbing Lucas' hand. She needed to know. This meant too much to her. This was a dream that she had been building on for years now, pretending, imagining, hoping and wishing. She adored Sam so much. She wanted nothing more than to give her real security, a real home. Sam would have a family, officially. Someone to take care of her and so would Brooke, because Sam helped her in more ways than she would ever admit. She cared for her and Jamie. Sam was Brooke's only real support system in New York. It had taken a while, but Sam was someone who was dependable and whom Brooke could count on. Sam was also Brooke's past. It was like watching a time capsule for her, without the flashing. Sam was still a better version of Brooke. She was still a virgin and it was bizarre to her that Brooke was sexually active long before 15. She had been sexually abused, but she hadn't been raped, thankfully.
"Let's talk about your past," the social worker stated, getting ready for the hard conversation. Brooke and Lucas instantly realised where this was headed and sat more upright, getting themselves physically and mentally ready for the barrage of difficult questions that were going to come their way.
The two of you had a very messy relationship in High School, am I right? The two of you were on and off for a while," she asked.
"Yeah, but we were dumb High School kids. We grew up and grew smarter and better," Brooke argued.
"You two are in high school, you part ways, you find out that you're pregnant and then you get engaged to give your child a two parent home and suddenly you realise that your love isn't built on a strong foundation, so the two of you decide to take on a new project, deciding to find love elsewhere," Lorelai insinuated.
"By adopting? Look, I want to say this as politely as possible, but that logic is awfully cynical, not to mention completely wrong. Sam is not a project! She is a person! She is a kid who needs love and care and stability!" Brooke screamt. She couldn't believe what Lorelai was assuming.
"It's just the timing seems a little questionable. The two of you are so young. You aren't even married. You already have a son of your own. I don't understand why you want to adopt," she asked the biggest question on her mind.
"Listen, we know that we are young. But so what? As we said before, why does wanting Sam to be a part of our family need to have a particular age factor and marital status? I looked up the laws and there is no mention of that being the bar. Nobody asked me how young I was when I had Jamie. Why should they for Sam?" she asled.
"Okay. Let's move on. Any drug use?" Lorelai asked.
" We don't use drugs," Brooke answered, thinking this was an easy question.
"But in high school, Brooke, didn't you run a campaign based on partying and promiscuity? I think this was around the time you were arrested for shoplifting. Also, Lucas didn't your brother faint on the basketball court for using drugs to enhance his game?"
"With all due respect, Lorelai, we are not who we were in high school. My brother is playing in the NBA and Brooke not only won that campaign you are referring to, but also started incredible initiatives for our town, initiatives that are still working and running. She set up D-W-Not-I, the car service that keeps drunk and stupid teens safe by ensuring they get home safely," Lucas replied. Lorelai made some more notes as both the young parents bit their lips grimly.
"What about your Dad, Lucas, murder…" she left the question hanging.
"Okay, are you trying to tell us that all the foster parents in your database have families with clean records, because I know for a fact that that is not true. I know this from Sam. Also, he never claimed Lucas. He was never a father to him. He shot the man who was a father to Lucas and we already submitted a signed court-approved affidavit regarding the same," Brooke defended him.
"Fine, what about these financial loopholes. Brooke, it says here that you owe the hospital a huge sum of money," she replied, pulling out their financial records from her binder.
"Yeah, I had major surgery when Jamie was born. I haemorrhaged while giving birth and there were lot's of complications. They said that I almost didn't make it but I have been making regular payments to the hospital. You can check!" Brooke replied.
"Yes, my question is how? You said you were a waitress in New York. I don't understand where the deposits are coming from," Lorelai asked.
Brooke's eyes widened. How was she to explain the stripper bills. "Uhh, I, umm, I took a lot of odd jobs and I sold my designs, part time work," she tried to explain. "I make enough to pay my debts. Lucas and Andy have helped me too. They would give me cash if I needed it, right?"
"Right," both Andy and Lucas replied.
"Besides, as you heard, I'm starting a new business and you can check Andy's financials to know how well I'm being backed up. My medical debt and Sam will be well taken care of."
"Okay, now what do you want me to make out of your high school time capsule video where you flash naked on the screen? Is that how you would want to influence Sam?" Lorelai asked.
"I would like to know where you're getting your information from because that video was taken down considering it showcased a minor!" Brooke snarled. "Also, I would never let a child of mine do that! I promise you that this doesn't affect my ability to be a good... Wait, I know how you know all of this. You spoke to my mother. When we were thinking of going into business together, before I found out that I was pregnant, she needed to know all the skeletons I had in my closet so she could have something prepared for spinning it in a good way."
"We always speak with applicants' families," she said straightforwardly.
"I understand that, but did mine tell you that she abandoned me when I learnt that I was pregnant? I can't even say that she abandoned me then, because she was never really around for my life growing up. Those few months, when we considered working together, were the only months she cared," Brooke said, tears threatening to slip out of her eyes as she tried to control her emotions.
"She told me that. I can't remember another case where an applicant's mother said she'd make a terrible candidate. She told me how stupid it would be of us to give you another child, especially with that plebian no good loser boyfriend of yours from High School," Lorelai said.
Brooke felt like someone was cracking her chest as she felt pangs of hurt and dread wash over her.
"Don't you think that speaks more about her than it does about us?" Lucas asked.
"My father cared a lot more about his golf score than he ever did about me, and my mom went heavy on the scotch and Prada. It's too bad nobody interviewed her before she had a kid, right?The good news is that thanks to them, I know exactly what kind of parent I won't be," Brooke tried to explain. "You can see that we are raising Jamie differently."
Lorelai's face didn't change. She had a stoic expression as she closed her binder. "I'm sorry we can't help you."
"This wasn't a good talk, was it? I mean, we didn't pass, did we? You're not gonna recommend us?" Brooke asked.
Lorelai continued to pack her stuff. "No, I am not going to recommend you for adoption, Brooke. I'm sorry. But the truth is you are very young and the two of you have a lot on your plate. I am very sorry."
"You're not sorry. But you should be. Do you know what my mother said to me when we considered starting a business? She said, "your chances are one in a million." And I said, "maybe I'm that one." And she said, "you're not." That's what I grew up with, but whatever she thought she saw in me was wrong... because I am one in a million. And Sam has something so special inside of her but her life is miserable because she thinks that nobody wants her. And I could be a great mother to her. I could help her find what makes her special, like my mother never took out the time to find out. And if you can't see that, then you're wrong... just like my mother. Why don't you go ahead and write that down?" Brooke said.
Lorelai's head hung low and she did not say anything. When she had her things, she slung her purse and began making her way to the front door.
"Lorelai, why did you become a Social Worker?" Brooke asked just as she was about to walk out the door.
"What?" she asked, stopping as her hand reached for the door handle.
"Why did you become a Social Worker? I mean, it can't be for the money, right? Why did you choose this job? You could have been a lawyer or something else. Why do you do it?" Brooke explained.
"Oh, wow I haven't thought of that in a very long time. You get so stuck in the job," Lorelai thought out loud. "My best friend in school was in the system. She was in a really place and she took her own life. It's so bad what happens to those kids and I was too young to have the wherewithal to help her. We were sophomores. I swore that day to do better for kids that had nobody fighting for them," she replied.
"Then do that, help Sam. We love her and we want nothing lesser than the best for her. Do you really believe that Lucas and I aren't better for her than the home she is placed in? Yes, we're young, yes our families our messed up, yes, I made a tonne of mistakes and did a tonne of stupid things in High School, things I regret and wish I could erase, but none of them affect my ability to love Sam. Love is unconditional and I am a mother so I know that kids need love more than they need anything else. We can give Sam a loving home and a caring and supportive environment to grow and be whoever she wants to be. Please give us a chance. Give Sam that chance. You owe it to her and you owe it to your best friend that you lost."
Lorelai didn't say a word. She just heard what Brooke had to say and walked out of their house. Brooke's eyes welled up with tears the minute the door closed behind her.
"Hey, it's okay. We'll figure it out," Lucas said, rubbing Brooke's back. Yet, she was inconsolable. She shook her head fervently, unable to take the rejection. Her sobs only got heavier as the realisation set in. Before she knew it, she pulled out the ring on her finger and handed it back to Lucas. Then without a second thought, she opened the door and using Lucas' car keys that she still had, she drove off.
Lucas stared at the ring in his hand, not knowing what to do. His hands shivered as he realised just how invested he was in the fake life with Brooke.
"Hey, I am so sorry, Lucas," Andy said and that's when Lucas noticed the tears that were streaming down his face. He couldn't believe how much it could hurt to lose a fake family. He gripped the ring, hoping that it would act as a talisman and somehow, Keith would change the course of destiny for him from heaven. He hoped that this was a bad dream, but the pain was too intense for it to not be real.
"What do we tell Sam?" he asked, his eyes widening. She would be the one most affected by it. Yes, she would continue living with Brooke in New York like before, but she would not get a family, like she deserved.
Brooke drove straight to Nathan and Haley's ringing the bell.
"Brooke, how did it go with the social worker?" Nathan asked, opening the door for her. Jamie was standing there too.
Brooke crouched down, getting on her knees, ignoring Nathan.
"Hi, buddy," she said, but it sounded more like a croak. She held her son in her arms and burst out crying. Jamie began crying as well, seeing his mother that upset. Brooke kept hugging him, letting her emotions get the best of her.
Eventually, Nathan managed to coax Brooke and Jamie back into the house. He moved to another room and called Lucas.
"Hey man, what happened with Lorelai? Brooke is here sobbing," he said.
"Lorelai said no," Lucas struggled to get the words out, choking horribly as he said the words.
"Why don't you come over? You need to talk to Brooke, chart a future plan of action," Nathan suggested. Lucas grunted in response. He didn't want to plan another way. He wanted this for Brooke and her family. He wanted it for himself. Nevertheless, Andy drove him over before returning to his house.
Brooke had calmed down by the time Lucas reached the Scott homestead. Brooke was in the room she had been staying in. She was putting Jamie down for a nap, softly humming a tune as she pet his forehead lovingly.
Brooke noticed Lucas standing in the hallway. She checked on Jamie, he was out like a light. As quietly as she could, she got up from the bed and sadly walked out.
"Now what?" Lucas whispered to her, feeling lost and helpless.
"Now I do something that has been playing in my head, but I was too selfish to suggest," Brooke said, confusing Lucas.
"Did you or Andy speak to Karen about what happened?" she asked, her dead eyes finding Lucas' dead eyes.
"Uhh, no," he replied.
Brooke pulled out her phone and conference called Karen and Andy. "Hey Karen, is Sam around you?"
"Hey Brooke. No, she is out with her friends. You couldn't get a hold of her?" Karen replied on the phone.
"No, I wanted to talk to you and Andy about something. Uhh, Andy was there for this. We… umm… we actually met with Sam's Social Worker, Lorelai right now for the house check and final interview and she is not going to recommend us for adoption."
"Oh no!" Karen screamt on the phone.
"I was wondering something actually. I know it's a big ask. Like a very very big ask. But, I only want the best for Sam. Uhh, since we can't adopt Sam, do you think you and Andy would be interested in adopting her instead? I have seen the way she loves both of you and you are exactly the right age to be her mom and there's no bad history for the social workers to nitpick or families who want to give you bad reviews. I know it's a crazy ask, asking you to be someone's parent, but it is the best for her. You guys should take your time to figure it out. Uhh, Jamie and I will return to New York soon anyway so you can come to Tree Hill with Lily. The Company is incorporated, although in Tree Hill, sorting manufacturers and marketing seems like the last thing that I care about currently anyway. Maybe if Sam moves to New Zealand, I'll come back here and start up. Andy, I promise that I will pay you for the delay somehow though I will never be able to repay you if you agree to adopt Sam," she suggested, startling Karen, Andy and Lucas.
"Also, please don't tell Sam anything yet. I need to do this in person. She will not understand. I need to be the one who explains it all to her. No pressure, I promise, we will be fine otherwise, but please give it a thought."