Upon arriving home, Brooke's phone rang incessantly, each time revealing Peyton as the caller. After seven calls, she finally answered, only to have her heart shattered by the news Peyton delivered. Despite suspecting that Peyton and Lucas would become engaged, Brooke silently hoped otherwise.
The emotional turmoil was evident as she struggled to come to terms with the painful truth. Reflecting on the recent attack, Brooke closed her eyes as she made her way to the bedroom, the journey feeling like an eternity.
Recalling the traumatic experience of waking up in her bloodied store, Brooke winced as the intense pain still resonated throughout her body and between her legs. She slowly rose from the floor, pondering the reason behind the violent assault while making her way back home.
Shaking off the memories, the brunette suppressed her distressing emotions when Peyton persistently reached out to her. She made the decision to switch off her phone, hesitating to disclose to the blond that she had been assaulted in her own store.
She was reluctant to spoil Peyton's weekend, as she knew her friend would immediately prioritize her well-being over anything else, which she found unfair. 'Although it would be comforting if she occasionally prioritized someone other than Lucas,' Brooke murmured softly, holding back tears.
While Haley and Nathan were always available for support regarding the incident, she refrained from approaching them to avoid causing inconvenience, especially when their lives were starting to return to normal.
She also hesitated to involve Jamie. Although Mouth and Skills were options for seeking help, she was apprehensive of their inquisitiveness about the situation.
She contemplated seeking solace in Deb, who might empathize with her circumstances, but she was hesitant to impose on her, despite growing up alongside Nathan and his mother, as she was unwilling to burden anyone.
However, deep down, Brooke primarily desired Peyton's company, as they had gone through similar experiences four years ago with Psycho Derick. This wasn't the sole reason behind her frustrated exclamation, 'Stop being selfish, Brooke; she is with Lucas,' which she scolded herself for. As Brooke proceeded to remove her outfit worn from the store, she noticed that her previous dress was torn to shreds.
Grimacing in pain as she raised her arms, she had lost track of time since the onset of the attack, entirely consumed by her actions and unaware of the opening of the front door or the calls for her name.
Just as she was about to put on her robe, Peyton entered her bedroom, inquiring, 'Brooke, are you in here?' while observing her friend struggling with the robe.
Brooke uttered 'Peyt?' as she attempted to adjust the robe further but ceased when she caught Peyton's voice interrupting her. Before she could finish her question, Peyton, the blond, cut her off.
Peyton had just entered Brooke's room, assuming the brunette would be there if not in the living room or kitchen. Peyton remained by the door, her green eyes fixed on Brooke's body, uncertain if she was seeing things.
Upon scanning Brooke's bruises and face, Peyton inquired, 'Brooke, what happened?' as she took a step closer to inspect her friend. Observing Peyton's approach, Brooke quickly pulled the robe over her shoulders, wincing from the pain that shot through her body. 'Why are you here?' she asked, her hazel eyes narrowed.
Upon seeing Brooke, Peyton felt the urge to inquire about the situation, but sensed impatience in the brunette's voice as she approached, stating, 'I came home to check on you,' while moving closer. 'May I ask why? What has happened to Lucas?' Brooke inquired, attempting to mask her jealousy.
Peyton replied, 'He returned with me and is currently in conversation with Haley,' as she neared the brunette, adding, 'Nevertheless, that is not the primary concern at this moment.' Observing Peyton's remarks, Brooke arched an eyebrow, and her determination surfaced, questioning, 'In what context do you speak? Did you return solely because of me?' Arms crossed in front of her chest.
Peyton shook her head and clarified, 'Brooke, I returned due to your lack of response to my calls, coupled with your aloofness, which is now understandable.' As Peyton attempted to touch the bruises on Brooke's face, the brunette recoiled, hissing in pain.
Brooke stated that she is well, assuring Peyton that there is no cause for concern. She withdrew from her best friend's touch, feeling a mixture of emotions, albeit acknowledging the comfort in Peyton's gentle caress on her cheek.
In response, Peyton, discerning Brooke's condition better than anyone else, expressed worry as she noticed Brooke's physical state. She proceeded to pull the brunette into a comforting embrace, noting the bruises on Brooke's body.
Despite feeling flustered by the close proximity, Brooke affirmed her well-being to Peyton. In that moment, torn between her rational thoughts urging her to distance herself from Peyton and her emotional impulses urging her to confide in Peyton about the previous night's events, Brooke stood conflicted.
Brooke's slender form tensed as Peyton rested her chin on top of her head, expressing concern, 'You are not fine, Brooke,' she said. Despite hating herself for causing discomfort, Peyton aimed to emphasize that Brooke was not okay.
The blond squeezed Brooke tightly, prompting a pained gasp from the brunette, who exclaimed, 'What the hell, Peyton, that hurt,' while pulling away to glare at her.
Peyton, observing the fingerprints on Brooke's throat, remarked, 'But I thought you said you were fine,' recalling past traumatic experiences with Psycho Derick.
Meeting Peyton's gaze, Brooke hesitated but decided to confide in her, acknowledging that Peyton would likely understand her feelings.
"Peyton, please refrain from panicking or becoming overly concerned," Brooke uttered as she attempted to control the lump in her throat. "What is troubling you, Brooke? It is imperative that I am informed so that I may offer my assistance," Peyton inquired as she guided Brooke to sit on the bed.
Upon nodding, Brooke sensed her heart racing although she realized it was inappropriate to desire Peyton's company, yet she couldn't resist and shook her head.
"I…I was…assaulted last night in my store," Brooke disclosed amidst heavy breathing, as the recollection of the attack replayed in her mind, she gazed up to meet Peyton's wide green eyes. "What? By whom?" The blond questioned, her voice faltering.
Brooke shrugged, casting her eyes downward. "I am unsure, as it all occurred rapidly and the assailant was wearing a mask, preventing me from seeing his face," she explained, tears streaming down her face.
Upon receiving the information from Brooke, Peyton frowned as she learned the truth behind the brunette's distant behavior. "Is that the reason for not answering my phone calls?" she inquired, expressing a hope that it was simply related to that rather than Brooke being upset about her departure.
Brooke, in response to Peyton's question, closed her eyes, contemplating the reasons behind her actions. The attack was one reason, but the primary cause was her reluctance to confront the feelings she had developed for Peyton and when they had originated.
"Yes, the attack played a role because I didn't want to interfere with your happiness; you should focus on enjoying yourself," Brooke explained, withholding the true depth of her emotions for the time being.
Peyton, understanding Brooke's explanation, nodded in response, expressing her support. "You shouldn't feel that way, B-Davis. I would be there for you in an instant," she reassured, embracing Brooke gently to avoid causing her further distress.
Brooke expressed softly while resting her face in Peyton's chest, 'However, you should not feel obligated to do so. Please continue planning your wedding without considering me. "
"Just because I am marrying Lucas does not mean I am unable to support you.'
With a frown, Brooke shed tears into Peyton's chest and said, 'You are my closest friend, Brooke, and I am positive Lucas will comprehend the situation and not be upset.' Reflecting on this, Brooke realized that Lucas would not be angry, but she had a feeling he might be annoyed that Peyton was spending more time with her.
'Let's postpone this conversation for later. You should rest, and we can consider taking you to the hospital for a check-up,' Peyton suggested while gently running her fingers through Brooke's hair.
'I do not require hospital care; I am well,' Brooke objected, letting out a yawn. Peyton laughed at the brunette, knowing Brooke detested hospitals even though she was not typically the one among their group to end up in the hospital. 'I do not care what you say, Brooke; you are going,' Peyton declared, kissing the top of the brunette's head.
Brooke observed her with a mischievous gleam in her hazel eyes and questioned, "And what will you do if I refuse?" This question caused Peyton to laugh. "If you refuse, I will personally escort your beautiful self to the hospital," Peyton declared, blushing at the bold statement that had left her lips.
"Is that so?" Brooke inquired, her face flushing as red as Peyton's. The reason behind the blonde's declaration puzzled the brunette, but she chose to dismiss it, even though she noticed Peyton blushing. "I dare you to try," Brooke replied before falling asleep in Peyton's arms, a myriad of questions swirling in her mind.
"Rest now, Brooke. I will be by your side when you awaken," Peyton reassured, running her fingers gently through the brunette's short hair. "Whoever is responsible for this, I promise to seek justice for hurting my B-Davis. They will not escape punishment," she vowed.
Peyton ignored the ringing phone, valuing Brooke's well-being over any possible caller, likely Lucas.