Even though Brooke's eyes were already less puffy when she woke up, her pain and anger were intact. And of course, she had a dozen missed calls and the same number of messages...
MESSAGE FROM LUCAS : Why that word? Why like that? Brooke, you can't do that, not like that... We need to at least talk about it... At least answer my calls, or tell me when we can see each other!? ... I'm going completely crazy, Brooke! I need to understand why!?
Luckily, Lucas knew perfectly well that she had left the premises voluntarily. The message on the note was crystal clear... "I resign." So he wouldn't have thought of calling the police, the hospitals or even worse, his mother... His mother who was there when she came home the night before... She hadn't told him anything, nothing at all.
MOTHER : So, my little chick, how are you feeling this morning!? A little better?
BROOKE : I'm okay, mom... And you?
MOTHER : Now that your ideas are clearer... Do you want to tell me a little more about the reason for this great sorrow!?
BROOKE : No, I prefer to think of something else... I need to take my mind off things... Besides, I have a little favor to ask of you... Do you have some time this afternoon?
MOTHER : For you, always, my dear. I can call Lydia to take over if necessary...
BROOKE : Actually, more than the mother, it's the hairdresser that I need...
Brooke's mother's eyes filled with mischievous curiosity. She also smiled to see her daughter smile.
BROOKE : Tonight I want to be breathtaking!
MOTHER : You already are, my girl! But it's okay, I'll do my best and even better than my best!
Brooke satisfied her curiosity by explaining the party she had been invited to tonight.
MOTHER : Wow Brooke, this is an incredible opportunity! You must be very excited...
BROOKE : I am! And I'm delighted to go with Chris... I have the feeling that we'll become friends pretty quickly.
BROOKE'S THOUGHT : I'm less excited to see Peyton and Lucas again... Because it's obvious that he'll be there too given what I heard last night! But I won't sacrifice this opportunity for fear of running into them, certainly not!
MOTHER : So... The ten thousand dollar question... What are you going to wear?!
Brooke remembered Peyton's request... Then Lucas's comment, the one in public and the one in private.
MOTHER : Why don't you wear your dress?
BROOKE : What dress are you talking about, Mom?! I have a few!
MOTHER : I'm talking about THE dress, Brooke... You told me you had it almost finished!
Brooke wondered if her mother was serious... She was talking about the dress from her workshop... The one she had been working on for months. A dress that would be her first masterpiece.
BROOKE : You don't think about it! One, I think it would be a little too fancy for this kind of party... Two, I'm not really sure I'm done yet... I still wanted to go over a few things...
MOTHER : Say instead that you don't dare... What are you so afraid of!?
BROOKE : I'm not afraid, I just don't want to look ridiculous...
MOTHER : You want to display it in a window too while you're at it! You always say that clothes are made to be worn!
She wasn't wrong. Brooke was now half considering her proposal.
BROOKE : I guess I can always try it on...
MOTHER : Yesss! We'll do that and right now before I open the hair salon, come on!
Proud of her move, she motioned for Brooke to get up quickly to follow her to the basement, Brooke laughed as she followed. When her cell phone started to vibrate...
BROOKE : Mom, it's a call from Chris... I have to take it! We'll do that right after, okay!?
Her mother raised her eyebrows and pointed her index finger upwards to dissuade her from any attempt to dodge. Brooke smiled at her, nodding as she picked up her cell phone.
BROOKE : Hello!
CHRIS : Ah Brooke! I'm glad to hear you... So, are you feeling better already!?
Brooke remained silent for a second, wondering about the meaning of her question.
BROOKE : Better?
CHRIS : Yes...Peyton told me that you went home because you felt unwell last night...
BROOKE : Really!?
CHRIS : I think that's what she told me... Lucas warned her this morning, she's very upset by the way!
Lucas? Peyton upset but not furious? Brooke understood now... Having discovered her note, Lucas had obviously not gone down to inform his wife of the reason for his resignation.
BROOKE : I'll explain to you tonight... But what exactly is upsetting her!?
CHRIS : She's worried that you won't be well again for tonight, she's counting on you!
BROOKE : So that I can wear one of her damn dresses!?
CHRIS : Whoa! Are you sure you're okay, honey!? You seem like a real bad mood this morning...
BROOKE : Sorry Chris... I'm a little on edge, indeed. But would you do me a little favor?
CHRIS : Anything you want if you come tonight, honey! Tell me!?
BROOKE : Don't tell her anything... To Peyton, I mean... Don't tell her we talked... And, can I still abuse?
CHRIS : Another unfair request towards my boss that could cost me my job!?
BROOKE : No, not for that one... Would you like to pick me up tonight? Before the Gala? So that we can arrive together?
CHRIS : Well, nothing would make me happier! Will you send me your address?
BROOKE : I'll do that... And Chris? THANK YOU!
A few hours later, less than an hour before the Gala.
The big night was approaching... It was time to put on her dress for Brooke and admire the final result. She went back up when Chris warned her of his imminent arrival. Her mother was behind her counter.
BROOKE : Isn't that a little too much?
MOTHER : Too much? The only thing that's too much here is your talent, sweetheart... Look at you, you look gorgeous! This dress is even more beautiful on you... You're going to turn heads and make the cameras flash!
The doorbell chime announced to Brooke that her date had arrived, she turned around a little feverishly. Chris' eyes widened and he brought the back of his hand to his forehead as if he were seized by a delirious fever.
CHRIS : Oh my God! I think I just became straight right now... Thanks to that simple vision, sweetheart!
BROOKE : I take it you approve!?
Chris approached while tilting his head a little. He circled Brooke, observing her with his expert eye.
CHRIS : I approve! I validate! I cheer! I applaud! I even give a standing ovation! You're gorgeous of course, but this dress is magnificent! Where did you find such a marvel!?
BROOKE : I didn't want to wear Peyton's dress because I wanted to wear... My dress. It's mine.
Chris' chest heaved in surprise and his astonished eyes fixed on Brooke's as if to verify that what she was saying was true.
CHRIS : It's sensational... Incredibly contemporary with a retro touch, fluid but so complex. Promise me that you won't forget me when you're world famous, Brooke!
Brooke was flattered, but she couldn't help but think that their praise wasn't very objective.
BROOKE : Only if you promise me that you'll think of me if you're the first one to make it in the industry!
CHRIS : I promise, I swear, I spit it out... Uh, I'm not going to spit here but... I promise! We should even seriously think about merging our talents... You for the women's fashion, me for men's fashion..
BROOKE : It's not entirely stupid... A double signature could increase our chances of getting known!
CHRIS : Of course it's not stupid! Well, I suppose we'll still have time to think about all that... Shall we go?
PEYTON : Sweetheart, let's go... We can't be late!
Peyton called Lucas who was slow to come back up from his workshop. He finally appeared in the hall.
PEYTON : Are you really going to go like that?
LUCAS : I put on a suit... And even a tie!
PEYTON : A simple white shirt and a very classic and versatile jacket, I see that...
LUCAS : It's that or nothing, Peyton.
PEYTON : Good, good! And me, what am I like!?
LUCAS : As usual I suppose...
PEYTON : And what does that mean?
LUCAS : I'm not sure you really want to know the answer...
Lucas' voice was full of sarcasm... It was almost as if he didn't want to go to this party.
LUCAS : Have you heard from Chris and Brooke?
The only reason he came was Brooke's presence. He was so hoping she would be there.
PEYTON : Chris apparently didn't reach her... It's really unprofessional of her to let us down like that!
LUCAS : She didn't let us down "like that" like you said, she warned and is suffering... Was suffering.
PEYTON : Ok... Well, we agree tonight, we're not leaving each other, right!?
LUCAS : I promised to come with you, not to be your lapdog all night...
While the atmosphere was already particularly tense between the two spouses ...
LUCAS : I'm going to say goodbye to Sawyer and we can get going.
PEYTON : Lucas! We're really going to end up being late! I remind you that I'm the guest of honor and ...
LUCAS : It's non-negotiable Peyton, if it doesn't suit you, the door is there, I won't hold you up!
Peyton was fuming but she was too keen to arrive on her husband's arm tonight. Lucas found Sawyer in the living room, she was watching cartoons with Julie.
LUCAS : I just came to say goodbye before leaving ... Do I get a hug from my princess?
The little girl stood up instantly, smiling at him with all her teeth to throw herself at his neck.
LUCAS : Be good, my dear... And when Julie tells you to go to bed, we don't argue, okay?
SAWYER : Okay, dad... But I'm a little sad, you know...
LUCAS : Why, princess? Because I'm leaving? I'll be here tomorrow morning when you wake up...
SAWYER : No, dad... Because I wanted Brooke to stay with me...
Lucas' heart tightened even more than his daughter's. But he didn't show it.
LUCAS : She'll be back soon.
SAWYER : Are you sure?
LUCAS : I'll do everything for my little dear, I promise!