Chapter Thirty Seven
New Beginnings
Jake ran up to Peyton's door. Not seeing her at school, he decided to use his lunch break to see if she was okay. He knocked and waited for her to answer.
Peyton ran to the door, thinking her dad might have forgotten his keys. She opened the door and was surprised to see Jake standing in front of her."Oh, Jake. Hi. What are you doing here?"
"Well you weren't in school today so I just thought I'd come over and see if you were okay. I know that with everything that happened yesterday, it must have been hard for you."said Jake.
"You know about yesterday?"
"Yeah."said Jake as he looked at her."Your the one who told me about it. How did Lucas take the news? What did Brooke say about him?"
Peyton nodded to herself. Of course that was was he was talking about. She motioned him in."We can talk in the living room. My dad won't be back for a while."
"Your dad's back?"
"Yeah, he just left to get us something to eat."
"Good. I'm glad he's home. This is something you really need."
"It is. "smiled Peyton."I have missed him so much and after everything that has been happening lately I really do need him here."
Jake nodded."So how did Lucas take it? I mean if you don't mind telling me, that is."said Jake sitting down.
Peyton sat down next to him."Of course I want to tell you about it. You have been here for me when no one was and I owe you so much."she grabbed his hand and held it in hers."So Lucas was definitely mad, but understandably so. Brooke ended up letting me tell him myself. He wanted to call the police, but Brooke got there and talked him out of it. I don't know if he really would have done it, but he he later apologized for the way he reacted."
"Well that's good, I guess."
"Yeah, it is. Things aren't back to the way they were, but they are still good. Things with Brooke are also a lot better. She was really there for me yesterday. When I found out what happened I wanted to die, but she was the strong, smart one who said to go to the hospital and I'm glad she did. Now at least I know what didn't happen."
Jake looked at her confused."What are you talking about? What do you mean you at least know what didn't happen?"
"Oh, that's right you don't know."Peyton took a deep breath."Yesterday I found out that Rodger, the guy who gave me the drugged Vodka for Lucas, drugged me the other night at the party."
"Oh my god. Are you okay?"
"Yeah, Brooke took me to the hospital and the doctor confirmed that I was in fact drugged with the same thing Lucas was. That's all he did to me though, if you know what I mean."said Peyton a little uncomfortable talking about this with the guy she now had feelings for.
Jake nodded, understanding exactly what she meant."I'm glad your okay Peyton. That guy is a jerk and he needs to be stopped."
"I know. Brooke and I went to the police too, so the only thing left to do is see what they do."
Jake couldn't resist any longer, he pulled her to him and held her tight."Are you sure your okay?"
Peyton nodded into his chest."I don't really remember anything, so I guess that's a good thing."
Jake pulled her away slightly and looked at her."I don't know what I would have done if you were hurt. In this short amount of time you have come to mean everything to me."
"I feel the same way about you Jake. I don't know what I would have done without you. You were here for me when I had no one and I'll never forget that, but ever since that kiss, hell even before that, I've been feeling things for you that I probably shouldn't and I don't know what to do about it."
"I've been feeling those same things too and maybe we don't have to do anything about them. We're friends, I know I want more now, but we should take this slow."
"I want more too, but your right, slow is good. I love that you make me feel safe, so yes, lets take things slow, but I really want to be with you so slow is definitely going to be hard."
Jake smiled."I want to be with you too."he looked at her."Would kissing you right now be considered taking things slow?"
"No, but we can go slow after the kiss because I really want you to kiss me."
Jake placed his hand on her cheek and pulled her to him and slowly leaned down and kissed her gently.
Brooke pulled the strap of her gym bag from her shoulder and leaned over the side of her car and placed the bag in her back seat. She decided to walk to her car and put her things away as she waited for Lucas to finish talking to Whitey. He was sharing his good news with him.
"Well, well, well, if it isn't the queen bee herself. You still have one fine ass, if I do say so myself."
Brooke rolled her eyes. She didn't need to turn around to know who that voice belonged to. Rodger."What the hell are you doing here?"she asked as she turned around.
"What? Your not happy to see me?"he tsked."And here I thought I meant more to you. I'm hurt Brooke."Rodger placed his hand over his heart for emphasis.
"Don't make me gag. Seriously what the hell are you doing here?"
"Oh I don't know, looking for that bitch you call your friend. Where the hell is Peyton?"
Brooke scoffed."You don't actually expect me to answer that, do you?"
"Why wouldn't you? Peyton and I have gotten rather close lately, if you know what I mean."
"No, what I know is that you have to drug or force yourself on a girl to get some and the funny thing is, even after doing both of those things, you still haven't slept with either of us."Brooke knew she shouldn't have said anything, but she just wanted to wipe that smug look off his face.
Rodger walked up to Brooke and grabbed her by the arm."Well we can change that right here, right now."he said with a laugh.
Brooke tried to pull out of his grasp, but he was holding on tight."I don't think so. You need to stay the hell away from me and Peyton or..."
"Or what?"laughed Rodger."You'll go to the police again? Yeah that really worked the last time. They didn't find anything so it's my word against you two and there's no way anyone is going to believe two sluts over me and my family."he tightened his grip on Brooke and leaned into her and whispered."You know, I'm kinda happy I didn't do your friend. Your the one I've always wanted."
Brooke tried to push him away."Your disgusting. Now get your hands off of me."shouted Brooke.
"Now why would I want to do that?"
"Because she said so."
Brooke looked past Rodger and saw Lucas walking toward them. There he was, her life savor for the second time, saving her again from a creep.
Rodger turned around."Who the hell are you?"
"I'm the guy who's gonna kick your ass. if you don't get your hands off my girlfriend."
Rodger let go of Brooke and walked up to Lucas."Your going out with that slut?"he asked pointing to Brooke laughing."It doesn't bother you, having to share her with everybody? Just a second ago she was coming on to me."
"You wish."
"No, she wishes, but don't worry I don't do sluts."
"Dude if I were you I'd shut the hell up. Talk about her like that again and I'll..."
Rodger cut him off."You'll what? Kick my ass? Ha! I'd like to see you try. What damage do you think you could do with that broken arm?"
"What he can't do, I'll do."said Nathan walking up to the two."Now would you like to see me try?"
"Hey don't forget about me. I want to help too."said Jake walking up to them, but he didn't stop, he continued to walk over to Rodger and punched him."Don't you ever go near Peyton again! I'd say stay away from Brooke too, but I think those two have that covered."said Jake pointing to Lucas and Nathan.
"That's right. What Lucas doesn't got I do."said Nathan glaring at Rodger.
Rodger raised his hands in defeat."Hey guys, this is a huge understanding. It's those sluts that can't keep their hands off of me."
"What did I say about talking about Brooke like that?"asked Lucas taking a step toward Rodger.
Brooke walked past Rodger and went to Lucas."Don't bother with him Lucas. He's not worth it. He never has been and he never will be. Lets just go."Brooke pulled Lucas toward her car.
"Oh, before you leave Brooke."said Rodger. Brooke begrudgingly turned around."If you or that bitch go to the police again, you will regret it."he turned and walked away.
"Why did we let him go? We should have seriously kicked his ass."Nathan turned to Brooke."Who exactly was that guy and why did he have his hands on you?"Nathan was ready to fight that guy and he didn't even know why.
"He's the guy that gave Peyton that drugged Vodka to give Lucas."said Brooke.
"He also drugged Peyton the other night and left her thrown on Brooke's lawn."said Jake still really mad.
"What? When did all that happen?"asked Nathan.
"The other night after the party. I found her outside my house. The next morning was when she told me about what she did and then I went and talked to you about it, remember?"
Nathan nodded."Okay, so I again ask, why did we let that bastard go? He is in need of a serious ass kicking."
"I agree with you there."said Lucas pulling Brooke to him."Are you okay? Did he hurt you?"she shook her head."Good."
"So why was he pissed at you and Peyton?"asked Nathan. Everyone around him seemed to know everything, but him. This involved his ex girlfriend and best friend so he wanted to know everything.
"We went to the police last night and told them everything we knew about him. I guess they talked to him already and now he's pissed."said Brooke.
"That's why he said something about going to the police again."said Nathan now understanding.
"Yeah and I guess the police didn't find anything on him, at least that's what he said, so there's nothing we can do now."
"Well we can always do what I said and kick his ass."said Nathan.
"What would that solve Nate?"asked Brooke.
"Nothing, but it would feel good. He can't go around drugging people and think he can get away with it. Sure Peyton has done some stupid shit lately, but she sure as hell didn't deserve to be drugged."
"I know that, but I don't think there is anything else we can do about him."
"Well you and Peyton need to be careful. I have to go get Haley. She said she had to talk to someone about tutoring after practice. She should be done by now."
Brooke pulled out of Lucas' hold and walked over to Nathan and gave him a hug."Thanks for wanting to beat Rodger up, but seriously he isn't worth it."
"I know, but I mean it Brooke, be careful. That guy is dangerous. I don't want anything to happen to you."
"I love you too."smiled Brooke."Besides I have Lucas over here to protect me, isn't that right Broody?"
"Yep, me and my broken arm."laughed Lucas.
"You see, I'm safe. I'll call you later Nate."
"Okay, well I'll see ya."Nathan turned and walked toward the school.
Brooke turned to Jake."So daddy, do you need a ride?"
"Na, I have my mom's car."
"Okay. So are you headed home?"
"No, my parents took Jenny to visit some family in Charlotte, so I'm actually going to Peyton's."
Brooke smiled wide."So you two, huh?"
Jake shrugged."I don't know what your talking about Brooke."
"Don't play dumb with me Jagelski, I'm better at it than you. Don't stand there and pretend I didn't walk in on you two kissing."
"Whoa, you were kissing Peyton?"asked Lucas surprised.
"Yes, he was and now he's on his way to see her. Are you two together?"asked Brooke excitedly.
"We're taking things slow Brooke, so don't get too excited."
"How can I not? This was what I've wanted for the both of you forever. This is awesome. I'm gonna have to talk to her later about this taking it slow business."
"So does that mean you two are friends again?"asked a hopeful Jake. He knew that was what Peyton desperately wanted.
"I don't know, maybe."was all Brooke said.
"Well I hope it does, because Peyton is really trying here Brooke. She really wants to right all the wrongs she's done lately. I really hope she can right this wrong."
Brooke smiled."You are too cute. I can tell you really care about her. I know you'll be good to her."
"I will be."
Brooke nodded."Well I guess I should get Broody over here, home so he can change before his mom gets upset. He has a family dinner he has to attend at the cafe."
"Well I guess I'll see you guys tomorrow."said Jake.
"See ya."Lucas wrapped his arm around Brooke's waist and they walked to her car."You are gonna go with me to this dinner thing, right?"
"I don't know, this is a family thing Lucas and whatever it is your mom and Keith have to say, I'm not sure they want me there to hear it."
"Brooke they are crazy about you, almost as much as I am, which means your practically family, so say you'll have dinner with us."
Brooke smiled at him."If you want me to go, then okay, I'll go."
"I was hoping you'd say that. Now why don't we go to my house and you can help me change."
"I am definitely up for that."
Brooke and Lucas walked into the cafe at about 9:30 that evening. While Brooke was at Lucas' house with him, he had gotten a phone call from his mother saying they were extremely busy at the cafe and would have to have a late dinner after the rush was over. That had been fine with them because they were both still in bed when Karen called.
Brooke and Lucas walked over to the table where Keith sat."Hey, uncle Keith. your looking pretty lonely. It's a good thing I decided to bring Lucas, huh?"
"Hey there Brooke. What have you two been up to?"Brooke and Lucas both looked at each other and smiled. Keith caught the exchange."Never mind. I don't even want to know."laughed Keith.
"So where is my mom?"
"She's in the back getting our food ready. Are you gonna stay too, Brooke?"
"Yes are you?"asked Karen walking up to the table with a tray of food."I hope you are. I assumed that you would and fixed a plate for you. It's what you always order here."
Brooke smiled at her."I'd love to stay."she took a seat and Lucas sat down next to her.
"Good. I especially want you to hear what we have to say tonight."said Karen with a smile.
Lucas fake frowned."Then why am I even here, if she's the one you want to hear this big news?"
"Oh, don't be silly. We want you here too."
"Okay, well don't keep us in suspense any longer. What do you two want to tell us?"asked Lucas.
Karen sat down next to Keith and took his hand in hers."Well we've decided to get married."Karen looked over to Lucas to see his reaction. His face was blank.
Brooke jumped up and ran over to Karen."Oh my god, this is great news. I am so happy for the both of you."Brooke turned to Karen."Didn't I tell you in the hospital that you two were going to get married soon?"
"That you did Brooke and that's why I wanted you here to hear this."
"This is so great. Did you hear her Lucas? She said she's marrying your uncle. Wow! Your uncle is going to be your dad. That's a little weird, but whatever."said Brooke rolling her eyes."It's still pretty awesome."Brooke turned to Lucas, who still hadn't said a word."Hey Broody, are you with us?"
"Oh, yeah, wow. This is pretty big. Are you two sure about this?"
"Yes we are. I love your mom Luke, you know that."said Keith.
"Yeah, I do. Wow, this is great. I knew you two would end up together. I'm happy for you mom."Lucas got up from his seat and went over and hugged his mom and Keith.
"Well this looks like a rather happy moment. What's going on?"asked Haley as her and Nathan walked into the cafe.
Karen looked up."I'm so glad your here Haley. Keith and I are getting married."
"Oh my god! That's great. I hoped for this for you two for forever, haven't I Lucas?"asked Haley giving Karen a hug.
"Yes, she did always say she wanted this."said Lucas.
"Well congratulations Keith and Karen."said Nathan.
"Thanks."said Keith.
"Yes, thank you Nathan."said Karen.
Brooke looked around the cafe. There no longer were many customers, seeing how it was about closing time."This is a celebration, we should have music. Do you have a radio in here Ms. Roe soon to be Mrs. Scott?"
Karen laughed. You had to love that girl."Yeah, there's one behind the counter next to the coffee machine."
"Perfect."Brooke walked behind the counter and turned it on. She walked back over to Lucas and pulled his hand."Come on Broody, dance with me."
Lucas groaned."Brooke, no. Not right now. I'm not in the mood."
Brooke leaned into him."Now be fair, do I say that to you when you want to, you know? No I don't, but I can start."said Brooke with a smile.
"Fine. You'll get what you want, if I continue to get what I want."
"Always."said Brooke pulling him to her. They barely started to dance when the door opened.
"Oh, we're sorry. We didn't know this place was closed for a private party."said Peyton with Jake behind her.
"Don't be silly P. Sawyer. Come in, you too daddy."Brooke let go of Lucas and walked over to Peyton.
Lucas was thankful for Brooke's distraction. He really didn't want to dance and this way he was let off the hook without her being upset.
"So you too will never guess, but Karen and Keith..."Brooke stopped herself and turned to Karen."Can I tell her?"Karen nodded so she turned back to Peyton."Are getting married. Isn't that great?"
Peyton nodded."Yeah, that's great. Congrats you two. I'm really happy for you."
"Thanks Peyton."said Karen with a huge smile.
Brooke turned to Lucas."Now lucky for you Peyton showed up. Your off the hook."she turned to Peyton."You on the other hand, have to dance with me."she pulled Peyton from Jake's side."You too Tutor Girl. You can leave your boy toy's side for a couple of minutes and come dance with us."Brooke saw her hesitate and she pulled Peyton with her as she went over to Haley and drug her too to the middle of the cafe. Brooke was surprised to see Haley get into it after only a few minutes. The three girls were enjoying their dancing and had even convinced Karen to dance with them, when the door once again opened. Brooke and Peyton stopped dancing when they saw who was standing in the doorway.
Debbie motioned them over and they both excused themselves and walked over to her.
"What the hell are you doing here?"asked Brooke.
"Okay, well I expected that kind of a welcome."
"Yeah, well Brooke was being nice. What do you want Debbie? We really don't have time for this."said Peyton.
"Well, I was on my way to your house Peyton, when I saw yours and Brooke's cars parked outside. I thought you both would want to know that the police arrested my brother. Apparently they were watching him and he was at a party and I guess he put something in a girls drink and when he tried to leave with her, they stopped him. He still had some of whatever he gave her on him, so they arrested him. I'm sorry for what I said to you the other day Peyton. Obviously I was wrong. Well that's all I came to say, so I'll leave you both to finish whatever it was you were doing. Bye."Debbie turned and walked out of the cafe.
Brooke turned to Peyton and threw her arms around her."Did you hear that? We just got what we wanted. I can't believe it."
"I know. I guess he was dumb enough to do it again."said Peyton still hugging Brooke.
"Hey, what's going on?"asked Lucas as he and Jake walked over to them.
Brooke let go of Peyton and went and hugged Lucas."That was Debbie, Rodger's sister. She just told us that the police arrested him. Can you believe it? He's actually going to be punished for everything he did."
"That's great news."said Jake."How did the police arrest him?"
"Well apparently he was stupid enough to try and drug another girl and the police were watching him. They stopped him and arrested him."said Peyton.
Karen walked up to the happy foursome with Keith, Haley, and Nathan behind her."What's going on over here? You all seem pretty happy."she smiled at the teens.
"Well we just found out that the guy that drugged me was arrested.
said Lucas.
"Oh my. That's wonderful news, but how do you know who drugged you?"
Lucas looked at Peyton and then his mother."That's a really long story and I don't want to get into it. Just know that I found out and he is now in jail."
Nathan nodded at Lucas and Lucas gave him a nod, both in understanding.
"Well Like I said, that is great news. This is turning into a real celebration. First we find out that Lucas will be able to play basketball again, then we announce my engagement, and then the creep who caused your accident is put behind bars. Can this night get any better?"asked Karen smiling. She turned around and hugged Keith.
Brooke looked around the cafe and saw that everyone was genuinely happy. All the drama that had been surrounding them was finally gone and now it was time for nothing but good things to come. She turned and looked over at Peyton, who was laughing with Jake. She was finally happy. She looked over to Haley and Nathan, who were talking to Karen and Keith, both men had their arms around the girls protectively. She finally looked over to Lucas, who was looking at her and smiling. He made his way over to her and wrapped his arms around her."I love you."he whispered."More than you'll ever know."
They had finally dealt with all the unexpected things that had occurred in this short time and now it was time to heal. Things could only get better from here.
The end
I just wanted to say that I am sad this story is over, but it had to end sometime. I had a really great time writing this story and an even better time reading all of your reviews. I loved each and every review I got. I loved hearing that you all liked this story. I hope I didn't disappoint you with this last chapter. Please let me know what you thought. This is the last time you can reviews so please do so, even if you never reviewed in the past. Let me know what you thought of this story. For any of you who are interested, I have already started my next story. It's called Secrets Kept. It's a Lucas/Dan/Nathan story with BL and NP. If your interested please check it out and let me know what you think. Well that's pretty much it. Let me know what you think. Please read and review. Thanks.
l-a-c-18