Brooke returned to the party half an hour later after putting Cameron to bed and putting her to sleep... And her first instinct was obviously to look for Lucas among the guests... Near the bar, where she had left him earlier. Then on the dance floor and finally she scanned the entire room. But Lucas was nowhere to be found. Already lost without him, Brooke didn't give up and decided to look outside. She hadn't paid attention until then but Jake had followed her.
_ JAKE : I guess you're looking for who we both know...
Caught red-handed in love distress, Brooke avoided her brother-in-law's gaze while mumbling...
_ BROOKE : Oh uh... No, I'm just getting some air.
JAKE : No point in trying to deny it, Brooke... I know that guilty look! It's the same as your sister's...
_ BROOKE : I guess in this case, it's a disadvantage for me to look so much like her...
And she didn't try to deny it anymore...
_ BROOKE : Have you seen it? I can't find it anywhere...
_ JAKE : Exactly yes, and I came to tell you not to bother looking for him or waiting for him... He must have slipped away.
_ BROOKE : Really!? Why!?
_ JAKE : I didn't understand everything but there was a problem with a concert hall reservation in Paris... So, he had to talk to his producer and call a few people... He asked me to warn you.
Brooke's disappointment prevented her from detecting Jake's guilty look who wanted to protect her from the real reason for Lucas' absence.
_ BROOKE : Oh, I see... That's sweet. And it'll take him the rest of the night, you think?
_ JAKE : I don't know, Brooke... But he asked not to be disturbed for the next two hours at least... And I'm sorry, but the way he asked me... That went for you too.
His words hurt Brooke but she didn't even consider that he might be hiding something from her.
_ BROOKE : I... I know, Jake. I just didn't expect this... But I understand.
_ JAKE : Good. The best thing you can do is come finish the party with us... I hope you like this program too?
Jake wrapped an arm affectionately around Brooke's shoulder to squeeze her and comfort her with humor.
_ BROOKE : Of course! You and Peyton are the most important people tonight!
_ JAKE : Exactly! And besides, I haven't had the chance to dance with my favorite sister-in-law yet!
_ BROOKE : I'm your only sister-in-law, Jake!
_ JAKE : Lucky for them they, because they wouldn't have had a chance if they had existed!
And it was with a burst of friendly and comforting laughter that they entered the room, heading for the dance floor... And even if Brooke's mind was busy and a little confused by Lucas' absence, she distracted herself as best she could.
Around four in the morning, it was time for everyone to go to sleep... Lucas had not resurfaced and Brooke had not dared to venture into her room given the risk involved.
_ JULIAN : Good night, newlyweds! And don't forget to consummate the marriage tonight!
_ PEYTON : Oh please, Julian... Don't put that idea in her head, I'm exhausted with all this stress that has fallen back!
They all laughed as Jake wrapped his arms around Peyton to put his hands on her stomach and lead her to their room.
_ JAKE : And I'm going to work to try to change her mind! See you tomorrow, friends!
_ JULIAN : See you tomorrow! Good night!
It was strange how at that moment, Brooke hoped that Julian wouldn't try anything with her tonight... She was sure she wouldn't be able to do it.
_ BROOKE : Me too, it's crazy how exhausted I am!
She hurried to the bathroom to change and then slip under the covers.
_ JULIAN : Good night, sweetheart... Do I still get a little kiss?
Brooke quickly gave her a forced kiss that went against all spontaneity.
_ BROOKE : Good night to you too...
But Brooke's plan was clear... She didn't plan on falling asleep. She had to see Lucas. Unfortunately for her, Julian seemed just as agitated and nervous as she was... He tossed and turned in bed.
_ JULIAN : Are you sleeping, Brooke...!?
And quite shamefully, Brooke stopped herself from answering him... Hoping that her false sleep would call hers. Brooke even wondered if Julian's unconsciousness was not realizing that she was moving away from him.
Brooke fought to stay awake while Julian fought his insoumnia on his cell phone... And what had to happen happened... She ended up falling asleep... Exhausted, stirred and Lucas came to haunt her dreams for a few hours.
When Brooke opened her eyes in the early morning, Julian was fast asleep, Cameron too. It was the perfect opportunity for what she wanted to do a little earlier. Besides, given the time, everyone must be asleep. Just as discreetly as she had just covered herself, she took care not to make any noise as she left the room. The carpet caressed her bare feet, which she then activated to move more quickly down the hallway.
First taking a deep breath, she decided to knock on the door with more or less energy to make herself heard. Obviously, given the early hour, she had to insist a little more. She then heard footsteps getting closer. She was already smiling at the mere thought of finally finding him.
_ LUCAS : Hey...
But oddly enough, Lucas clearly wasn't as happy to see Brooke on the landing.
_ BROOKE : I waited for you all night last night... Jake told me...
_ LUCAS : What exactly did Jake tell you!?
_ BROOKE: Uh, well you went back to your room to sort out a problem... Which apparently didn't get resolved?
Lucas scratched the back of his head, still extremely uncomfortable and avoiding her gaze.
_ LUCAS : Uh, let's put it that way... And what exactly did you want?
_ BROOKE : To see you and make sure you were okay... But your reaction is unsettling me there, what's going on?
_ LUCAS : Nothing, Brooke... Come on, we're going to walk a little together...
_ BROOKE : Uh, I'm not sure it's very relevant to walk around dressed like that... Let me in instead...
_ LUCAS : No!
And as Brooke received his abrupt answer like a slap in the face, a new voice was heard.
_ RACHEL : Lucas!? Are you the one making all this noise!?
Brooke's face took on the same color and the same expression as Lucas's... Livid and crestfallen.
_ BROOKE : There's a woman in your room!?
_ LUCAS : Wait please, Brooke... It's not at all what you think!
_ BROOKE : It's exactly what I think, on the contrary!
_ LUCAS : Can we go talk about it somewhere other than here!? I promise to tell you everything...
_ BROOKE : Move over and let me in!
Furious and already not listening to him anymore, Brooke took it upon herself to push him. Already fatalistic, Lucas didn't stop him. A woman was indeed lying in the bed... And in a few seconds, Brooke clearly remembered her.
_ BROOKE : You!?
The young woman looked at her between shock and embarrassment then tried to understand the situation in Lucas' eyes.
_ RACHEL : Uh hello to you too ...
_ BROOKE : So actually, you came all the way here for Lucas, is that it!?
_ RACHEL : I'm not sure I understand ... Neither what you're doing here, nor what you have against me ... But yes ...
Brooke turned her face at the same time as Rachel towards Lucas. He seemed not to know where to put himself.
_ LUCAS : Brooke, like I told you, this is all a huge misunderstanding ...
_ BROOKE : You mean you don't know this woman who spent the night in your room and in your bed!?
_ LUCAS : Of course I do, I know her... And I slept on the couch!
_ BROOKE : That's what you said!
_ LUCAS : Rachel and I, it's a long story, I was going to explain everything to you but...
_ BROOKE : But I arrived at the wrong time!? Did you think you could play on several tables at the same time!?
_ LUCAS : No, no! I was sincere in everything I told you, Brooke... She wasn't supposed to show up here...
_ BROOKE : Sincere !? By accidentally forgetting to tell me that you were already in a relationship!?
Brooke couldn't believe it... Her anger at Lucas was only matched by the anger she was turning against herself for being so naive.
_ BROOKE : And to think that I almost threw everything away for you! What an idiot I am!
Brooke looked at Lucas with already wet eyes because the sadness and disappointment were even greater.
_ LUCAS : Are you done !? Are you letting me talk now!?
_ BROOKE : So that you can tell lies to me!?
_ LUCAS : No! To clarify things... Rachel and I are no longer a couple, Brooke...
Brooke then quickly observed Rachel's face which expressed a certain suffering at the words spoken by Lucas.
_ RACHEL : Apparently because of you... So you are the famous Brooke...
Brooke heard the sound of Rachel's voice but without paying much attention to what she was saying.
_ BROOKE : No longer a couple!? But you were still a couple until last night at least, right!? Dare to tell me otherwise, Lucas!
_ LUCAS : You're right, I... I should have told you but I didn't and I'm kicking myself for it...
Brooke found the situation completely surreal. She wasn't even sure she understood what was happening to her.
_ BROOKE : It's the first thing you should have done!
_ LUCAS : I should have... But I didn't know yet if you would give me a chance... And after that, I didn't dare anymore... I was planning to go back to Paris and leave Rachel to come back and finally be yours... All yours...
_ BROOKE : And you would never have told me anything, is that it!?
_ LUCAS : Surely. But it didn't happen like that and Rachel came to join me to surprise me...
_ RACHEL : A bad surprise, apparently. And you behaved like an idiot with her as much as with me!
Lucas took a deep breath, overwhelmed by the two women who were next to him in the room.
_ LUCAS : I know Rachel and I'm really sorry. You mean a lot to me and I didn't want to make you suffer either...
_ BROOKE : Have you two been together for a long time!?
_ LUCAS : A little over a year and a half, Brooke... But we're not together anymore, now. Since yesterday.
But Brooke didn't hear the second part of his sentence. A year and a half!? So it was a more than serious relationship.
_ BROOKE : And you're going to make me believe that you're going to sweep away the only stable relationship of your entire existence just for me!?
_ LUCAS : Yes! For you and for Cameron, Brooke... I explained everything to Rachel last night...
Brooke looked at Rachel again. Her heart ached even more for her, especially since she was crying discreetly.
_ BROOKE : Except that changes the situation, Lucas! You lied to me! And you're making everyone suffer now!
_ LUCAS : I didn't lie to you!
_ BROOKE : A lie by omission is still a lie! And you hoped that I would never find out the truth! I thought you had changed, that you had become a new man... But in fact, no! You are still the same immature and selfish boy! You are still this heartbreaker who only thinks of himself!
_ LUCAS : Don't say that, it's not true, no! I was a bit of a coward, okay... But I love you, more than anything!
_ BROOKE : A bit of a coward!? That's an understatement... And Rachel? You love her too, right!?
_ LUCAS : I love her too, that's true... But not as much as I love you... Not for as long... Not like you.
Brooke couldn't believe what he dared to say right in front of Rachel, she really felt very sorry for her.
_ LUCAS : Sorry Rachel... You don't deserve to hear all this... But Brooke has to hear it.
_ RACHEL : I'm not sure I can take any more... But I'm stuck here. I wish I had a magic wand and disappear... Or had my own private jet and went straight back to Paris.
_ LUCAS : You will leave at the same time as me, Rachel... I am not going to abandon you like that here...
Brooke could see in Lucas' eyes that he was hurting from making his ex-girlfriend suffer... A sincere sadness.
_ LUCAS : And then, I'll come back Brooke... So that we can finally be together, you and me...
_ BROOKE : No! You're not coming back, Lucas!
_ LUCAS : What do you mean!?
_ BROOKE : I think I was wrong all along!
_ LUCAS: Wrong!? About me!?
_ BROOKE : About you as much as about me and my feelings! I was blinded by what I wanted to believe... Because in the end, look... Look what's happening!?
_ LUCAS : It's like a trap closing in on me... When I only wanted to protect you both.
_ BROOKE : Oh no, don't play the victim after all that! It's okay, I think I've had enough!
_ LUCAS : Where are you going!?
_ BROOKE : In my room, with the only man who truly deserves me!
_ LUCAS : Don't say that, you know I love you more than anything!
_ BROOKE : I'm not even sure who you are anymore, Lucas! I'm so disappointed...
_ LUCAS : I didn't mean to... Forgive me...
Brooke looked at him without saying a word... His gaze and his air were pleading but she only saw Rachel on the bed. How could he have forgotten to tell her this detail!? He may have loved her but he also loved another woman who was suffering more than reason because of him... And the beauty of what they were living was brutally destroyed by this shattering and painful discovery. Brooke's eyes stared at his for several seconds. But unable to hold back her tears any longer, she finally said:
_ BROOKE : Stay away from me, Lucas... I beg you, stay away from us...
Brooke started running towards her room as if to escape him. Still completely in shock, her ears were ringing unbearably from the words Lucas had spoken. But everything got mixed up in her head and in her heart and tears escaped uncontrollably from her eyelids. Without a sound, or rather trying to control her sobs to make them inaudible, she lay back down discreetly. She placed herself on her side, with her back to Julian, to hide as much as possible from him... And she let herself go in her sadness.
At first, she wondered how she could have been so naive and swallowed Lucas' words like she had.
_ BROOKE'S THOUGHT : I wanted to believe it so much that I never imagined that he was hiding something so big from me at the same time... After all, what did I believe!? As if this man could really be single!? Not only because he's a star, because he's handsome as a god and he's completely charming! But also, and I knew it, because he's always played with women and collected conquests! How could I have believed that he would have really changed today... Even if he claims the opposite... And this poor girl who takes all this in the face when she had come to join him lovingly. I complain about my fate but hers is even worse ... Everything Lucas told me in front of her ... That he loved me for so long, that I came before everything else ... That I was the woman of his life in the end ... Was it courageous or cowardly of him? A small part of me would like to think that it was reckless and honest to dare to say all that ... That he must really care about me to assume such remarks in front of two women he loves and that he has just betrayed ... And although he suspects that he has surely lost me for good, he tries everything even if it means sacrificing Rachel.
Despite her disappointment, Brooke finally became a little more aware of the strength of Lucas' words and his determination.
_ BROOKE'S THOUGHT : Would he have really ended up admitting to me that he was in a relationship... I will probably never know... But did he really have the opportunity or the chance to tell me in the end...? We were only alone a few times and the mutual attraction took over each time. Stop making excuses for him, Brooke... That kind of thing is something to say! No matter the circumstances! And yet... If we look more closely, I too have been lying for five years... I tell myself that my reasons are good to reassure myself... I blame him for the same kind of behavior. Oh, all this is definitely too complicated... His lies, mine and all that it implies... In the end, it is perhaps better for everyone that we definitively put a cross on each other... And at the same time, how could I really do it now that he knows that Cameron is his son.
As she tried to think about the how and the when, a small voice came to pull her out of her inner conflict.
_ CAMERON : Mom? Are you awake?
Brooke quickly wiped the tear still stuck on her cheek before motioning for her son to join her in bed.
_ BROOKE : Hey sweetheart... Come on, but don't make any noise. Julian is still asleep.
Cameron hurried out of his bed to snuggle up against Brooke. Her little body warmed his heart and already soothed him.
_ BROOKE : Did you sleep well, sweetheart?
_ CAMERON : Yes! And you? How late did you party?
And while whispering, Brooke remembered the strange end of the night before.
_ BROOKE : It was late... I don't really remember the time...
Brooke then realized that Jake must surely be aware of the situation. He had come to see her spontaneously last night. Either he had invented this lie himself. Or, worse still, he had fomented their dishonest plan with Lucas.
_ CAMERON : I'm hungry, mom!
_ BROOKE : Shh quietly... We'll have to wait a little longer, my angel...
_ JULIAN : Too bad, because I'm starving too!
_ CAMERON : Oh! I think we woke Julian up and no one is sleeping here anymore!
_ JULIAN : It must be the sound of your little belly gurgling so loudly! Are you all in good shape?
_ BROOKE : In good shape is a big word...
_ JULIAN : Yes, of course! With the few hours we slept! Are you okay, sweetheart? You have small eyes...
_ BROOKE : As you just said, my eyes are like me, they need a few extra hours of sleep...
_ JULIAN : Okay, that reassures me a little because it looked like you had been crying...
_ BROOKE : No, no... What a strange idea...
_ JULIAN : So much the better, then. On the other hand, I like your son's idea! How about we go down and eat something!?
_ BROOKE : Brunch isn't until an hour, that's a little early, right?
_ JULIAN : But we could just have a coffee and a croissant at the bar while we wait... Can you hear my gurgling too!?
_ CAMERON : Please, Mom! We're hungry! We're hungry! We're hungry!
Of course, Brooke didn't lack the desire to see a good coffee... But it was something else that was holding her back. The idea of meeting Lucas terrified her... And God knows that could happen... Especially in the presence of Julian.
_ JULIAN : Come on, let's get dressed Cam! I'm sure your greedy mom will follow us!
But it wasn't like they finally gave her the choice...