"runaway"
Andrew's POV
"Why did Keith invite you again?" I ask my father, wondering since I never saw him talk to Keith. So now I'm thinking about why he would invite my father to his wedding.
He was looking over some of the work that he brings home, not sparing me a look to answer my question. "I've known him since high school." He states. By his tone it made it seem like it was the most obvious thing ever. I roll my eyes before he speaks again, "We used to be close friends when we were on the basketball team." Being more detailed now.
"So we're going to the wedding then?" I question, getting up from my seat and placing my dish in the sink.
"Eh maybe, I'm not sure yet." I hear him respond.
I squint my eyes in confusion about his response. He just said they were close friends back in school and I mean it's kind of rude to not go to an event you were personally invited to. "But you just-"
"No, we're going," Leah said as she stepped into the kitchen while putting on earrings. This made my father look up from his papers and take his glasses off to glare at his new wife. "Don't give me that look, David. It's rude not to show up." She told him what I was thinking.
These past few weeks I have come to learn that Leah is not pretty bad. I mean she can be a bit too much at times but overall she's okay.
"Fine." He simply huffed out before placing his attention back on his work.
Fortunately, he's been focusing more on work these past days so he doesn't have time to pick a fight with me.
And I am grateful for that.
I hear knocking coming from the entrance so I rush to go open it before my father has a chance to complain about it. I pull it open to be greeted by a smiley Brooke.
She pulls me for a quick kiss and then stepped back with that smile of hers remaining. "I don't think I can ever get tired of that." She mumbled which made a smirk come across my face. "Just wanted to surprise my boyfriend and," dragging the last part a little longer, "I might no longer be poor because my dad has his final interview with this big company and they're taking him to play golf; he plays it like freaking Michael Jordan!" She informs me with an excited grin.
"That's great!" I reply as I grabbed her hands. So far since I've been with her, everything has been great. "Are you going to Keith's wedding?" I ask. She shakes her head in response and I softly smile at her before speaking again, "Well, if you have nothing planned; would you like to join me in going to his wedding?"
"Yes!" She squeals, throwing her arms around my neck. "Does that mean I get to see you in a suit?" she quietly asks with her raspy voice that I love so much.
"Haven't you already seen me in a suit?" I question with a tilt of my head.
"Yeah, but this time I can take it off you," She replied making me raise my brows. "And you can take," before she can go any further, someone cleared their throat behind me making us both look to see that it is my father and Leah.
My father put on a fake smile and extended his hand to Brooke, "Hello, nice to finally meet you; I'm Andrew's dad, David." He greeted her as she shook his hand and introduced herself too. I rolled my eyes at the introduction and I see Leah mouthing 'sorry' to me. "Robert is your dad, right?" He questions like he didn't know the answer.
"Yes, that is my dad." Brooke awkwardly replied and glanced at me making me give an apologetic look. "Why do you ask?" She asked, turning her attention back to him.
"He's applying for one of the branches of my work." He informed with a grin. Please don't say anything stupid. Please don't say anything stupid. "He's a good businessman so I have no doubt he'll get the job." He spoke causing me to relax because he didn't say anything- "Let's just hope he doesn't make us bankrupt."... stupid.
I close my eyes momentarily then opened them to see Brooke with a forced smile. "Okay, well I think that's enough for today. You'll see each other tomorrow." I excuse, as I grab her hand to walk towards her car.
"Oh, I was just joking!" He chuckled as I turn my head to him to see a smile on his face. I roll my eyes and continue to walk her to the car; hearing the door behind us shut.
"I'm sorry about that, he could say stupid stuff." I apologize as she just laughed. "Well, you've officially gotten to speak to both of my parents so that's an achievement." I joke as she nods her head.
"Yep, and I think out of both of your parents, your mom might have to be my favorite." She said, earning a small smile and a nod from me.
"You and me both," I reply as she just lightly laughed. I look at her vehicle and then back at her, "So are you going back home or,"
"Oh no, I'm going to visit Peyton's and check on the Jagielski's." She completes as I squint my eyes at the end. "She and Jake are staying together with Jenny." She informs me as I nod at the information. "It's like they're a family already!" I just let out a slight chuckle at her statement. "Okay well I'm going to head there now so if you need your amazing girlfriend, I'll be there." Unlocking the car as I open the driver's side door for her.
I lean my head towards my right side and decided to tease her a bit. "I don't know about the word amazing but-"
Before I could go any further, she gasped and slapped me on the shoulder. I try to protect myself from any more playful attacks while laughing.
I'm loving my life right now.
~
After Brooke left, I decided to get ready and practice at the Rivercourt. I left before my father could start to question where I was going because if he were to find out; he would probably scold me for not playing at the inside court he took me the previous time.
Ever since a young age, this sport has been a way to get away from everything, and when I mean everything; I'm talking specifically about my father.
Any time we would get into an argument or I just needed space from him; I always ended up on a basketball court.
It's funny thinking about it since he was the one who introduced me to the sport. But I mean it's not like I was born into this world hating the man.
When I was younger he was my role model. I wanted to be like him.
Hell, I even started to act like him when I started high school. The constant arguments, and fights that I would start for no reason. Also, the way I would play the game wouldn't be fair but at that point, I didn't care; I just cared about getting ahead of everyone else even if that meant playing dirty. Which is the part that my father misses in my game.
It probably would still be going on if it wasn't for my mom to confront me about my behavior. That was my wake-up call to be a better person and son to my mother.
A muffled ringing coming from my sports bag gets my attention as the ball went through the hoop. I jogged to the table that was holding my stuff and pulled out my phone.
I glance at the small displayed screen to my mom is the one who's calling.
"Hey, mom!"
"Hi, sweetie! I just wanted to let you know to wish Keith congratulations for me. Scratch that I can just tell him over the phone. Just tell him that his wedding gift should be coming in the mail - wait I can just tell him that over the phone too? You know what forget everything."
"Okayy. So how is everything over there? Work? The mysterious guy you won't tell me the name of?
"Okay well, now you just sound like the parent here."
"Just want to make sure my mom is doing okay."
"How caring of you, but to answer your question, I am doing good just missing my son every day."
"Well if you get time off to come and visit me, I promise we'll have a mother and son day like last time."
"I'm trying to go for your birthday. Do whatever you want for those days, I'll be fine.
"Yeah you're right and I want to spend time with my amazing mother. Maybe I can even bake you something."
I hear her laugh and we continue our conversation about how everyone is doing and of course her bringing Brooke into the mix or maybe it was me. I don't know, but I mostly spend the time at the court on the phone with my mom before we had to end the call due to our schedules.
As of now, I am currently getting ready for the wedding as I fix my collar while looking in the mirror. Then headed downstairs to see Leah about to go in the opposite direction, I gave her a small smile and she did the same then continued her way.
Brooke and I decided that since we were going to a wedding and she was going to wear a dress, it was better to go in a car rather than a motorcycle. So instead of my bike, it will have to be her car.
I walk outside and see the infamous blue beetle car pull up by the curb. Before I know it, a smile comes across my face as I see the most beautiful girl I've ever seen step out of her car.
"Wow," Is the only word that comes out of my mouth as I walk closer. She smiles and I see her blush as she put her head down momentarily.
"You don't look so bad yourself." She comments as I smile while I open the passenger door. Even though it's her car, she wants me to drive to the event.
"Well since I'm going with a gorgeous girl, I had to dress to impress." I see her beautiful smile widen as she took her seat on the passenger side.
I don't know how I manage to get this amazing girl to date me.
~~
We arrived at the location as people are entering the church. I parked the car and jogged to the other side to open the car door for Brooke.
We made our to the church with a few people standing in the front, one of them including Dan Scott with Deb.
"Hello, Andrew." He speaks, "Good to know you clean up well, unlike your old man." Dan jokes as I just let out a small chuckle.
"Thank you," I reply, and as much as I want to quickly get out of a conversation, I didn't want to be rude by not greeting Deb. "Nice to see you two again." Eh, not really. "How have you been Deb?"
"Good," She smiles before continuing, "What about you, how have you been?"
"I'm doing great right now," I answer, turning my head to look at the girl along my side. For once I'm not answering that question with a lie. "Uhm, we better start heading in, catch you inside," I say as I gave a polite smile and grab Brookes's hand to go inside.
But not quickly enough to escape one of Dan's comments, "Save a slow dance for me, Miss Davis."
I furrowed my brows and turned my head to see a fake smile on Brooke's face. "Okay." She responds before muttering under her breath. "You old perv."
"I'm sorry," I apologize as we walk into the hall of the church. "I should've just kept walking instead of stopping,"
"It's okay. I've gotten worse than that from drunk high school boys every Saturday night." She replies, keeping her eyes forwards.
"Yeah but still doesn't help that it's from that man," I say right when I hear someone call my name.
We turn to see my dad and Leah entering, "Andrew, go get the wedding present in the back of the car."
"Can't I just get it after-"
"Now Andrew." He spoke with a certain tone that made me clench my jaw.
I felt Brooke take my hand before speaking, "It's okay, go get the gift and I'll still be here."
I nod my head and gave an apologetic smile before heading outside to get the present for the about to wed couple.
It was a box that was not heavy at all. I'm pretty sure my father could've carried this but it doesn't matter now.
I carried the stuff back into a room that was decorated. I spotted the table that held the gifts and placed the item there, making sure it was fully on the table so it wouldn't fall.
"You shouldn't have." I heard a voice say as they patted my shoulder before turning to fully see me. "Can I take any guesses?" Keith asked with a tilt of his head.
"You can go right ahead but I'm not telling you." Not that I even know what's actually inside. "So how are you doing? Need a pep speech or maybe a person to cause a distraction to help a runaway groom?"
He laughed before speaking to reply, "I think Lucas already handled the speech. And as for the runaway thing, I don't think I'll be needing that but thank you." He smiles before his eyes look past me. I look back to see where he was looking at seeing Karen fixing up the tables.
"Alright, well I'll see you later. Good luck." I say before walking away to find Brooke.
As I enter the hall, I glance around until I see Brooke and a smile takes over my face. That was until I saw Lucas with her. I couldn't help but notice the way he looked at her and... the way she looks at him.
Maybe I'm overanalyzing it.
Yeah, I'm definitely just looking at things too far.
Right?
"Did she come with you or him?" I hear a familiar voice question. I turn to see Jake and Peyton close to each other.
"Yes, she came with me-" I paused as I look closely at them. "Did you guys just have sex?"
I heard a gasp, that I already know is Brooke's. "They totally did."
"Okay, wow. Uhm you guys we're in a church" Peyton whispers to us.
"So? If we can tell, so can he." Brooke responds in the same hush tone while she points up.
I chuckle and so does the rest of the group. I look out of the window to see a glimpse of what looks like Nathan stumbling. I squint my eyes before excusing myself from the group and rushing outside.
"True love. That's a good one." I heard his voice yell while I was trying to make my way through the crowd of people. "Don't do it, Keith. Just get out while you can. It's all a lie." As I pass through, I could hear the murmurs that started among the group after Nathan's speech.
"Nate," I started, trying to calm him down after seeing the bottle of alcohol shatter. He tries to back away but fails as he almost trips but I caught him, "You're not in the right state of mind right now."
"No, I'm in a great state of mind because I can see the truth. Love is a lie." He declares while he gets out of my hold. "I'm just giving him a heads up."
"What the hell are you doing?" Dan voiced yelled at his son. "This is a church for God's sake!"
"Oh, shut your hole you freaking hypocrite," Nathan replies before pointing at him. "I know what you did." He told him which made Dan just keep quiet and look at him.
"C'mon let's just go," I said attempting to calm down the situation.
Then Deb appeared as she rushed towards us. "Nathan, it's okay. Let us help you."
"Do what?" He questioned.
"Be happy again." She replied, looking at her son sympathetically.
Which caused him to laugh at her words, "Happy? You don't even know how to be happy, mom. Haley and I never stood a chance with you."
"Is that what you think?" Deb asked him but he didn't respond to her as he moved his attention back to his father.
"You," Nathan started as he pointed to Dan. "you hired Chris too?" Stepping closer to his dad. "Huh?"
I feel like I should've let this be a family thing because I am confused right now.
"Don't make me knock you out, son," Dan said with a low but harsh tone.
"Screw you, you sick son of a bitch." Nathan spat at Dan which made him try to grab his son.
I rushed to get in the middle, trying to pull the two apart from each other as Lucas arrived.
Great, it's like their own personal family reunion.
"Don't do this to Keith. Not here." Lucas told him which made Nathan stop fighting and moved past us.
"I'll go check up on him," I excused myself as I followed Nathan to see him stumbling over his steps. I throw his left arm around my shoulder as we walked. "So what happened this time?" I wonder since he seemed better the last time I saw him.
"She told me to watch her on national TV, just for her to say she was with Chris." I furrowed my brows at that statement.
"Do you believe that? I mean this is the same girl that got your jersey number tattooed." I say which caused him to look at me. "I just don't think that's true."
He looked back ahead and moved his gaze to the ground. "I just miss her,"
I gave a soft smile and just patted him, "I know," I hope this girl comes back because I don't know how long Nate can go on like this.
"Where's Brooke?" He asked me.
"She's with Peyton and Jake right -" I try to answer but was interrupted by a small shove as Nate pulled himself away and puked on the side. Well, at least he didn't puke on me.
I stayed by his side until Lucas showed up with Brook. Nathan looked at them then at me and gave me a wary gaze as I just shook my head.
"Okay, so 'DW not I' should be here soon," Brooke informed. "This is good." They gave her a look as I just chuckled. "Not Nate being smashed but it's good for the council." She explained.
"Okay well, I'm just going to talk to Nathan until they arrive." Lucas said.
Brooke and I nodded as we started heading back inside but not before I patted Nate on the back. "Call if you need anything." I told him which made him smile and nod in response.
"Never would've guessed that you two would be best friends." Brooke starts as I laugh lightly. "You know you're my date but yet I haven't talked to you since we got here."
"Yeah, I'm sorry about that. I got caught up talking to Keith then when I came back you and Lucas were talking." I said which made me think of how they were looking at each other. "What were you guys talking about anyway?" Curiosity getting the better of me.
Or at least I think it's curiosity.
I see her smile falter and I look into her eyes to see if I could determine a reaction but I just can't figure one out. Then all of sudden she has a small smile that looks forced. "Oh, just life. Nothing important really." I hummed in response, didn't look like anything. Great, now I feel like jealous douche. "We should hurry, I don't want to miss the thing." She grabbed my hand and pulled us into the chapel as we sat next to Jake and Peyton.
After a few minutes, Deb and Karen walked down the aisle, then the bridal chorus starts to play. Everyone stands and waits to see the bride come through those doors but the music keeps playing on and on.
Maybe she missed the cue.
Then Karen's boyfriend, Andy, walks slowly, "I'm sorry. She left."
The chapel fills with gasps of shock and disbelief. I turn to look at Keith to see him looking down, confused about why she left. Keith grabs the keys that Lucas gave him and sprints to the exit as Karen calls him and Lucas follows the two.
~~~
"Hey, is there something wrong?" I ask Brooke, who's been quiet throughout the car ride to the house. She's been avoiding eye contact with me since we left the church. I don't if it has something to with earlier or-
"My dad got the job." She says as I put my arms up in celebration.
"That's great news." I smile as she picked her gaze off the floor and back to me.
"It's in California." She tells me as my smile and arms drop. "We're moving next week." Then my heart too. "I don't wanna go." Her voice breaks down as tears start to swell in her eyes. I see her look away as she tries to contain her emotion.
Out of impulse, I pulled her in for a hug and placed my head on top of hers as she cries into my chest. I placed a kiss on her head. "It'll be okay, it'll be okay." Trying to reassure not only her but me.
I can't lose her.
A/N
Hello everybody! Once again I'm sorry for the wait. Trust me I don't want this to be a routine. I've just been busy these past months with personal things but I should be posting more now.
So how do y'all feel about the story so far?
Thank you all for reading and see y'all in the next chapter!
💙