Chapter 2: I love you
Last chapter:
“No buts Julian. This is it. This is the movie of your career, the movie that will make my firm the most مقبول in Hollywood. So it’s either the girl, یا the end of your career,” Paul کہا firmly as he walked towards him, “You have one week to make your decision. These are your plane tickets. I hope to see آپ یا your resignation letter in my office in LA اگلے Monday.”
--
The اگلے evening, Brooke was getting ready for a تاریخ with Julian. She was exceptionally excited about this تاریخ because Julian asked her to dress up saying that he had a surprise for her, and Brooke Davis loved surprises.
“Can آپ take off that sickeningly bright smile of your face? It makes me want to puke,” Sam کہا rolling her eyes as she walked in her foster mother’s room and plopped messily of her neatly made bed.
“Sam I just made that,” Brooke groaned, turning to glare at the smirking teenager.
“See, now that’s the expression I like,” Sam کہا approvingly pointing at her scowling face.
“Very funny Sam,” Brooke کہا sarcastically, “You’re just jealous.”
“Jealous? Of what? آپ looking like an idiot? I don’t think so,” Sam کہا stubbornly.
“You amuse me Sam, آپ really do. One منٹ you’re all supportive of Julian and me, and the اگلے آپ have a problem with me smiling because I am happy with Julian. آپ have to make up your mind,” Brooke کہا teasingly.
“Oh no, I don’t have any problem with آپ and Julian. I just have a problem with your chirpy face every morning. I don’t think I have ever seen anyone smile so much,” Sam shot back grinning.
“I know I look like a teenager with a crush, but I can’t help it. Julian makes me really happy, Sam. I haven’t felt like this in, well ever since I graduated high school,” Brooke کہا seriously.
“So when are آپ going to tell him those three life changing words,” Sam asked curiously.
“I’m pregnant is just two words. Well technically it’s three but—”
“I mean when are آپ going to tell him that you’re in love with him?” Sam asked rolling her eyes, “But I guess the other one would be a good سوال too.”
“I don’t know,” Brooke کہا hesitantly, “I am just going to wait for the right time, I guess.”
“When’s the right time going to be? When آپ give birth to his kid?” Sam asked sarcastically.
“Sam—”
“What I am serious! You’re probably the world’s biggest procrastinator especially when it comes to feelings and stuff,” Sam کہا bored, “Look how long it took آپ to actually agree to تاریخ Julian.”
“That was different okay,” Brooke کہا dismissively.
“Well duh. Last time it was about sex. This time it’s about آپ being pregnant with little Julian. Very different,” Sam کہا enjoying pushing Brooke’s buttons.
“Sam must آپ be so blunt?” Brooke asked shaking her head.
“Hey, I just want to find out if you’re actually going to come out clean to him یا if I am going to have to spoon feed him the information. And that might get ugly,” Sam کہا innocently.
“Samantha Walker, don’t آپ dare. You’re not going to tell him anything. Promise me that آپ won’t a breath a word to him about this pregnancy یا my feels,” Brooke کہا panicked.
“Only if آپ promise me that آپ will actually make an effort to tell him at least one of your big news tonight,” Sam proposed.
“Fine, fine, I’ll try, I promise,” Brooke relented, “But if it turns out to be a disaster then I’m blaming you.”
“Everything’s going to fine Brooke,” Sam assured, and Brooke couldn’t help but believe her.
--
10 منٹ later while Brooke was putting on her earrings, the doorbell rang indicating Julian’s arrival.
“Sam could آپ get that,” Brooke shouted.
“Already there,” Sam shouted back as Brooke heard her unlocking the door.
“Hey Samson,” she heard Julian’s voice greet her foster daughter, and just his voice was enough to put a smile on her face. God, she was in too deep for this guy.
“Hey Julian, wassup?” Sam asked as she stepped back to let him in.
“The usual,” Julian answered, closing the door behind him, “Where’s Brooke?”
“She’s getting ready,” Sam answered, “She should be here in a couple of minutes.”
“Ok, cool,” Julian کہا nervously, raking his hands through his hair.
“Are آپ okay, Julian?” Sam asked concerned.
“Yeah, I am fine. Why?” Julian asked trying to put a smile on his face.
“Nothing, آپ just seem distracted,” Sam noted.
“Oh it’s nothing. Just a little nervous,” Julian lied, trying to laugh it off. Sam obviously didn’t buy it, because seriously Julian has never been nervous before a date, but thankfully she didn’t ask anymore questions.
“Hey,” Brooke greeted cheerfully as she appeared at the سب, سب سے اوپر of the stairs.
“Hey,” Julian replied, turning his gaze towards the stairs, and the سیکنڈ his eyes met Brooke’s, a real smile appeared on his face. This was the affect Brooke Davis had on him. One look, and he was grinning like an idiot. And the fact that her face lit up every time she saw him, it made him feel like the most accomplished man in this world. God, he was in too deep. But he knew that tonight was the last time her face would light up because of him. He knew that tonight was the last time she would laugh with him, kiss him, last time she would talk to him. After tonight, he would be nothing short of a monster to her. Another addition to the lost فہرست of men that had already broken her heart. His دل broke into a million pieces at that thought, but he knew there was no other choice. He had to end it with her, no matter how much it killed him to do it.
He was brought out of his reverie when he felt Brooke’s small hand caressing his face as she called his name trying to get his attention.
“Huh? What?” Julian asked stupidly.
“Where have آپ been? I’ve called your name 3 times. I know I look pretty, but I didn’t know I looked good enough to drive آپ speechless,” Brooke کہا teasingly, pulling her hand away from his face.
“I am sorry. I was just thinking,” Julian کہا apologetically as he leaned down and placed a soft kiss on her lips.
“It’s okay,” Brooke کہا a little breathlessly as they pulled up for air.
“So آپ ready to go?” Julian asked placing his hand on the small of her back.
“Yeah, let’s go,” Brooke agreed, then turning around she called out, “Sam keep all the door locked, and—”
“Call آپ if there’s any sort of emergency and absolutely no parties. Yeah I know. آپ say that before every date, it has kinda sunk in سے طرف کی now,” Sam finished rolling her eyes as she poked her head out of her bedroom, smiling mischievously at her foster mother.
“Well آپ can’t blame me for being cautious can you?” Brooke asked pouting as Julian laughed.
“I guess not. But have a good time آپ guys,” Sam کہا smiling.
“We will,” Brooke کہا confidently as she and Julian made their way out of the door.
As Sam heard the door close shut behind the couple, she released a sigh. She knew there was something off with Julian tonight. She had never seen him act so oddly, and he was never nervous. Wondering what was wrong with him, Sam made her way to the couch, praying with all her might that Julian’s odd behavior was only temporary, because if it was anything other than that, well she didn’t even want to think about the possibility.
--
“Wow Julian, I can’t believe آپ got us reservations to one of the most elite restaurant in درخت Hill,” Brooke کہا impressed as she walked into درخت ہل, لندن سٹیک House, “Don’t آپ need to make reservations 5 months in advance to get in here یا something?”
“Normal people do,” Julian acknowledged as he led her to the reception area.
“Table for 2 under the name Baker,” Julian کہا to the manager.
“Right this way, sir,” the manager کہا once he had consulted his reservation list.
“So are آپ saying that we’re not normal people,” Brooke whispered resuming their گزشتہ conversation.
“No, we’re just special,” Julian کہا smirking as they approached their table.
“Please take a seat,” the manager کہا courteously, “A waiter will be with آپ shortly.”
“Julian you’re not giving me straight answers, and I don’t appreciate that,” Brooke کہا pouting once she had taken her seat.
“Fine, fine. I know one of the managers here. That’s why I was able to get a reservation at such a short period,” Julian admitted.
“Ahh so the truth finally comes out,” Brooke کہا grinning, “But I’ve got to say, this is amazing. And they even seated us in a private seating area.”
“Actually I asked them to نشست us in a private area,” Julian کہا smiling mischievously.
“Julian, آپ didn’t need to do that,” Brooke gasped out, “Private seating is so expensive.”
“I wanted this night to be special, Brooke,” Julian کہا sincerely.
“Just being with آپ is special enough Julian. آپ didn’t need to do all this,” Brooke whispered her face glowing in the soft candle light.
“You look beautiful,” Julian کہا softly as he grasped her hand in the middle of the table.
“You look pretty dashing yourself Mr. Baker,” Brooke complimented, loving the feeling of his thumb stroking the soft skin of her hand.
Julian looked tempted to lean over to kiss her, but they were interrupted سے طرف کی the arrival of their waiter.
“Good evening,” the waiter greeted pleasantly, “Do آپ guys know what آپ will be ordering this evening?”
“I’ll have prime rib with mashed potatoes and شوربہ, یخنی with a small helping of salad,” Julian ordered.
“And I’ll just have grilled chicken with salad,” Brooke کہا politely.
“Any appetizers یا drinks?” the waiter questioned.
“Can we just have a serving of garlic روٹی sticks?” Julian asked as the waiter jotted down the order, “And I’ll take red wine with the dinner.”
“And آپ maam?” the waiter asked turning towards Brooke.
“I’ll just have لیمونیڈ, لمنڈ thank you,” Brooke said, avoiding Julian’s questioning gaze.
“Will that be it?” the waiter asked.
“Yes, thank you,” Julian کہا nodding to the waiter.
“Was I hallucinating of did آپ just order lemonade?” Julian asked surprised once the waiter had left.
“What’s so shocking about me ordering lemonade?” Brooke asked defensively.
“Nothing, except for the fact that you’re the biggest wine drinker I know. And from all the first class wines available on the menu, آپ chose lemonade?” Julian asked quirking his eyebrows.
“Maybe I just didn’t feel like drinking wine today,” Brooke کہا dismissively, “That’s not a crime is it.”
“Fine, fine, no need to be so touchy,” Julian کہا raising his hand in defeat, “You drink whatever آپ want to, but if it’s about wanting to save my money, don’t worry about it. I have مزید than enough.”
“Trust me Julian, this has nothing to do with saving آپ money. I promise,” Brooke کہا in a tone bordering on finality and Julian knew the topic was over.
As Brooke looked at Julian, she knew this was the perfect time to tell him about the pregnancy, but she didn’t want to ruin the perfect atmosphere. She still didn’t know how he would react to the news, and she didn’t want to take any chances. At least that’s what she kept telling herself.
--
“That was absolutely amazing Julian,” Brooke کہا sighing contently on their way back.
“I am glad آپ liked it,” Julian کہا sincerely sending her a smile that sent her دل fluttering.
“You know what would make this night absolutely perfect?” Brooke asked contemplatively.
“No, but I have a feeling that آپ are going to tell me,” Julian teased.
“A walk at the beach,” Brooke کہا dreamily.
“Brooke it’s about 50 degrees outside, you’re wearing a dress and not to mention your 5 inch heels, and آپ want to go walk on the beach?” Julian asked incredulously.
“I am just saying, doesn’t mean we have to do it,” Brooke کہا shrugging.
“Okay,” Julian کہا training his eyes back on the road.
However 5 منٹ later, he turned onto a road going the complete opposite direction to her house.
“Julian, I don’t know if you’ve forgotten, but my house is on the opposite side,” Brooke کہا uncertainly.
“I know,” Julian کہا shrugging nonchalantly.
“Then why are we going this way?” Brooke asked incredulously.
“Because we’ve had a sudden change of plans,” Julian کہا vaguely.
“Change of plan? Where are we going now?” Brooke asked curiously.
“To the docks,” Julian کہا simply, and from the corner of his eyes, he watched as Brooke’s face went from being curious to one radiating excitement.
“To the docks? But what about the cold weather and my 5 inch heels?” Brooke asked mockingly as her eyes glittered in happiness.
“Guess I’ll just have to take a risk,” Julian کہا smiling, “Anything to get آپ your perfect date.”
“Aww aren’t آپ a sweetheart,” Brooke کہا affectionately as she leaned over and gave him a quick peck on the cheek.
“Please don’t use the word sweetheart when you’re describing me. It’s bad for my image,” Julian کہا smirking.
“Well then should I call آپ mathlete? Is that better for your image?” Brooke asked teasingly.
“Touché,” Julian کہا grinning, knowing that Brooke had won that argument.
“Plus, I am your girlfriend. I can call آپ whatever I want and آپ can’t complain about it,” Brooke کہا smugly.
“I guess, but only because you’re so cute,” Julian replied grinning as he parked the car in the empty parking lot اگلے to the docks.
“Shall we my lady?” Julian asked putting up a British accent as he opened the passenger side’s door to help Brooke out.
“We shall kind sir,” Brooke کہا placing her hand in his outstretched one, her eyes twinkling with mirth.
“You sure you’re going to be fine in the heels?” Julian asked caringly.
“I’ll be fine. And anyways, I have آپ to lean on don’t I?” Brooke asked seriously, her eyes finding his as he found it hard to look away from her intense gaze.
“I’m here,” Julian promised, his insides filling up with guilt and pain as he realized that this was probably his last happy گھنٹہ with Brooke.
“Good,” Brooke کہا as she leaned up and softly placed her lips against his as he instinctively pulled her closer to his body.
“You’re amazing, آپ know that right?” Julian asked softly once they had come up for air.
“So I’ve heard. But it means the most when آپ say it,” Brooke کہا gently stroking his face, and Julian almost lost it right there. He knew he was leading her on, he knew that he was about to hurt her. He knew that he should have ended this when he first walked into her door. But he hadn’t listened to the rational side of his brain. And as a result, after tonight, it would be much harder for the both of them to let go.
“Hey what happened? آپ dozed off again,” Brooke کہا concerned as Julian came back to reality.
“I was just thinking how beautiful آپ look today. And how آپ deserve so much better than me,” Julian کہا honestly as they started walking along the shore.
“You’re good enough Julian. You’re مزید than good enough for me. And it’s about time آپ realize that,” Brooke کہا seriously as she laid her head on his shoulder, his arm supporting both of their weights.
“You know in the book, when Lucas described آپ as the girl who would change the world someday, I didn’t know what to make out of it. But now I understand what he meant سے طرف کی that. آپ have changed my world Brooke Davis,” Julian admitted softly looking down at his girlfriend’s smiling face on his shoulder.
“You changed my life too Julian Baker. Before you, I had دیا up hope of being happy again, and then آپ happened and my life took a whole new turn. آپ gave me something to look آگے to Julian. آپ gave me my life back and that makes آپ the most important person in my life right now. Well first Sam and then you, but آپ know what I mean,” Brooke کہا smiling as Julian laughed.
“I think I am okay with taking سیکنڈ place to Sam. Had it been anyone other than her, I wouldn’t have been so accommodating, but Sam’s okay,” Julian کہا giving Brooke his infamous grin as he pulled her closer to him.
“Those words and that grin combined together just make me lo—like آپ even more,” Brooke کہا catching herself just in time.
Julian nearly felt his دل stop at her words. Even though the transition had been fast, he had caught her stumble, and as he looked at the woman اگلے to him, he couldn’t help but think, was she about to say that she loved him?
“Are آپ cold?” Julian asked as she felt Brooke shudder against his chest.
“A little,” Brooke کہا sheepishly.
“Here take this,” Julian کہا immediately taking off his جیکٹ as carefully draping it around her shoulder.
“What about you? Aren’t آپ going to be cold?” Brooke asked half heartedly, loving the warmth Julian’s جیکٹ was providing her cold body.
“Nah, I’ll be fine. I’ve got آپ to warm me up don’t I?” Julian asked grinning as he once again draped his arms around Brooke’s waist pulling her as close to his body as possible.
But before he could take another step forward, Brooke suddenly turned him towards her, and Julian acting on instinct, leaned down and quickly placed his lips tenderly on hers. It didn’t take her long to respond, and very soon they were both fully making out in the middle of the ساحل سمندر, بیچ completely lost into each other and their feelings.
“Wow that was amazing,” Brooke gasped out as Julian finally released her.
“Does that surprise you?” Julian asked his breathing slightly uneven.
“No, not really,” Brooke admitted as she brought his face down to meet hers for yet another breathtaking kiss.
--
After ½ an گھنٹہ of an intense make out session, Brooke and Julian finally decided to return home.
As Brooke unlocked the front door, she couldn’t keep a grin from appearing on her face as she remembered the past 30 minutes.
“You want to come in?” Brooke asked as she stepped in her foyer.
“Yeah sure,” Julian کہا hesitantly. He knew that this was it. He was going to come clean to her right now. This was probably the last time he would see her smiling like that towards him. That thought was enough to break his دل into two.
“Brooke,” Julian called out as he grasped her wrist and turned her towards him.
“Yeah,” Brooke asked pressed tightly against his chest.
“I-I want—oh fuck this—” Julian growled out as he crashed his mouth against her surprised one. He knew he was acting like a coward, trying to prolong the moment for as long as he could. But he had to kiss her one last time, kiss her with so much intensity and power that it would forever be embedded in his memory, because he knew that he would never feel for another woman what he felt for Brooke.
“I love you,” Brooke breathed out once he had pulled away. Her eyes were closed and her lips swollen, and for a سیکنڈ Julian thought he was hallucinating.
“What?” Julian gasped out.
“I love you,” Brooke کہا louder as she opened her eyes to stare into his stunned ones, “I love you.”
“No, Brooke, آپ can’t,” Julian کہا panicked. This wasn’t happening. This couldn’t be happening. She couldn’t tell him that she loved him a منٹ before he was about to break up with her.
“Why can’t I, Julian?” Brooke asked confused, “I know that this might come as a shock to you, and I don’t expect آپ to say it back, but I do love you.”
“Don’t say that Brooke. Don’t say that,” Julian کہا harshly.
“Why are آپ acting like this Julian? What’s so horrible about me loving you?” Brooke asked hurt.
“It’s horrible because you’re going to be biting back your words in about one minute,” Julian کہا frantically.
“What?” Brooke asked even مزید confused now, “Why would I be biting back my words. It had taken me long enough to get the courage to tell آپ this, I don’t think I’ll be biting it back.”
“You will. Once آپ hear what I’ve got to say, آپ will be,” Julian کہا sadly, his eyes filled with so much pain and misery that Brooke felt her دل clench in her chest. Something was very wrong.
“Julian what are آپ talking about? The only situation I would be taking my words back would be if you—Oh my god, you’re breaking up with me!” Brooke gasped out as realization dawned on her face.
“Brooke I—”
“You’re breaking up with me? You’re breaking up with me?” Brooke asked stunned. How had they gone from ending their perfect تاریخ to him breaking up with her?
“I am leaving,” Julian admitted softly.
“What do آپ mean you’re leaving?” Brooke asked trying to make some sense of the situation.
“I am going back to LA,” Julian clarified.
“What? آپ can’t do that. What about Luke’s movie?” Brooke asked angrily.
“The movie’s been cancelled Brooke. The director quit, and there’s no way we’d make the deadline with a new one. So the movie’s off. And I’ve got an amazing offer to produce the film adaptation of Gossip Girl in Hollywood--”
“And آپ chose Gossip Girl,” Brooke finished for him, “When are آپ leaving?”
“6 days,” Julian کہا quietly.
“So tonight, it was all a hoax? آپ were leading me on the whole time?” Brooke asked incredulously.
“Brooke I would never—”
“But آپ did, Julian. آپ knew آپ were going to be leaving the whole time, and yet آپ didn’t say a word to me. I can’t believe آپ of all people would do that to me. And to think that I actually thought that آپ were the one for me,” Brooke کہا disgustedly as tears started falling from her eyes.
“Brooke, I am so sorry,” Julian کہا softly.
“And to think that I told آپ I loved you? How stupid am I? After everything that had happened to me, I can’t believe I actually believed that maybe for once everything would be okay. Well I guess your job’s done. آپ made Brooke Davis fall in love and ended up breaking her دل worse than any other man had done before. آپ should be proud of yourself, because seriously this is a new low for me,” Brooke choked out as tears blurred her vision.
“I didn’t mean to hurt آپ Brooke,” Julian کہا sadly knowing that he had done the one thing he had promised never to do. He had made Brooke Davis a broken woman again.
“You know what the sad part is Julian? The fact that my perfect تاریخ was nothing but a bunch of lies. I—”
“Tonight was not a lie Brooke. I meant everything I کہا to you. Tonight was not a lie,” Julian کہا desperately.
“But it seems like it. I can’t believe anything you’ve ever told me. I can’t believe I gave my دل to someone who didn’t even like me enough to be honest with me,” Brooke کہا bitterly.
“I know I should have told آپ in the beginning Brooke—”
“Then why didn’t you? Huh? Why didn’t آپ end it before taking me on that تاریخ that just made me fall deeper for you? Why Julian? Was this your idea of some sick joke?” Brooke asked hysterically.
“I never wanted to hurt آپ Brooke. Trust me that was the last thing I wanted,” Julian whispered, not knowing how to answer the rest of her سوالات when he still wasn’t sure why he hadn’t told her the truth in the very beginning.
“Just leave Julian,” Brooke کہا tearfully.
“Brooke—”
“Just leave dammit. Get out of my house and my life. I don’t want to see your face again,” Brooke shouted her mind numb سے طرف کی the shock and pain of everything that had happened in the past 10 minutes.
And Julian knew that this was it. Their relationship was now officially over. Lowering his head in defeat, he just nodded quietly and turning on his heels, he walked out of the door and out of Brooke’s life.
When Brooke heard the door shut behind him, she let go off the سوفی, لٹانا as her knees buckled beneath her and she fell to the floor tears falling like waterfalls from her eyes. Julian was gone, and as her hands found her flat abdomen, she realized bitterly that he wasn’t just gone for her life. He was gone from their life.
Last chapter:
“No buts Julian. This is it. This is the movie of your career, the movie that will make my firm the most مقبول in Hollywood. So it’s either the girl, یا the end of your career,” Paul کہا firmly as he walked towards him, “You have one week to make your decision. These are your plane tickets. I hope to see آپ یا your resignation letter in my office in LA اگلے Monday.”
--
The اگلے evening, Brooke was getting ready for a تاریخ with Julian. She was exceptionally excited about this تاریخ because Julian asked her to dress up saying that he had a surprise for her, and Brooke Davis loved surprises.
“Can آپ take off that sickeningly bright smile of your face? It makes me want to puke,” Sam کہا rolling her eyes as she walked in her foster mother’s room and plopped messily of her neatly made bed.
“Sam I just made that,” Brooke groaned, turning to glare at the smirking teenager.
“See, now that’s the expression I like,” Sam کہا approvingly pointing at her scowling face.
“Very funny Sam,” Brooke کہا sarcastically, “You’re just jealous.”
“Jealous? Of what? آپ looking like an idiot? I don’t think so,” Sam کہا stubbornly.
“You amuse me Sam, آپ really do. One منٹ you’re all supportive of Julian and me, and the اگلے آپ have a problem with me smiling because I am happy with Julian. آپ have to make up your mind,” Brooke کہا teasingly.
“Oh no, I don’t have any problem with آپ and Julian. I just have a problem with your chirpy face every morning. I don’t think I have ever seen anyone smile so much,” Sam shot back grinning.
“I know I look like a teenager with a crush, but I can’t help it. Julian makes me really happy, Sam. I haven’t felt like this in, well ever since I graduated high school,” Brooke کہا seriously.
“So when are آپ going to tell him those three life changing words,” Sam asked curiously.
“I’m pregnant is just two words. Well technically it’s three but—”
“I mean when are آپ going to tell him that you’re in love with him?” Sam asked rolling her eyes, “But I guess the other one would be a good سوال too.”
“I don’t know,” Brooke کہا hesitantly, “I am just going to wait for the right time, I guess.”
“When’s the right time going to be? When آپ give birth to his kid?” Sam asked sarcastically.
“Sam—”
“What I am serious! You’re probably the world’s biggest procrastinator especially when it comes to feelings and stuff,” Sam کہا bored, “Look how long it took آپ to actually agree to تاریخ Julian.”
“That was different okay,” Brooke کہا dismissively.
“Well duh. Last time it was about sex. This time it’s about آپ being pregnant with little Julian. Very different,” Sam کہا enjoying pushing Brooke’s buttons.
“Sam must آپ be so blunt?” Brooke asked shaking her head.
“Hey, I just want to find out if you’re actually going to come out clean to him یا if I am going to have to spoon feed him the information. And that might get ugly,” Sam کہا innocently.
“Samantha Walker, don’t آپ dare. You’re not going to tell him anything. Promise me that آپ won’t a breath a word to him about this pregnancy یا my feels,” Brooke کہا panicked.
“Only if آپ promise me that آپ will actually make an effort to tell him at least one of your big news tonight,” Sam proposed.
“Fine, fine, I’ll try, I promise,” Brooke relented, “But if it turns out to be a disaster then I’m blaming you.”
“Everything’s going to fine Brooke,” Sam assured, and Brooke couldn’t help but believe her.
--
10 منٹ later while Brooke was putting on her earrings, the doorbell rang indicating Julian’s arrival.
“Sam could آپ get that,” Brooke shouted.
“Already there,” Sam shouted back as Brooke heard her unlocking the door.
“Hey Samson,” she heard Julian’s voice greet her foster daughter, and just his voice was enough to put a smile on her face. God, she was in too deep for this guy.
“Hey Julian, wassup?” Sam asked as she stepped back to let him in.
“The usual,” Julian answered, closing the door behind him, “Where’s Brooke?”
“She’s getting ready,” Sam answered, “She should be here in a couple of minutes.”
“Ok, cool,” Julian کہا nervously, raking his hands through his hair.
“Are آپ okay, Julian?” Sam asked concerned.
“Yeah, I am fine. Why?” Julian asked trying to put a smile on his face.
“Nothing, آپ just seem distracted,” Sam noted.
“Oh it’s nothing. Just a little nervous,” Julian lied, trying to laugh it off. Sam obviously didn’t buy it, because seriously Julian has never been nervous before a date, but thankfully she didn’t ask anymore questions.
“Hey,” Brooke greeted cheerfully as she appeared at the سب, سب سے اوپر of the stairs.
“Hey,” Julian replied, turning his gaze towards the stairs, and the سیکنڈ his eyes met Brooke’s, a real smile appeared on his face. This was the affect Brooke Davis had on him. One look, and he was grinning like an idiot. And the fact that her face lit up every time she saw him, it made him feel like the most accomplished man in this world. God, he was in too deep. But he knew that tonight was the last time her face would light up because of him. He knew that tonight was the last time she would laugh with him, kiss him, last time she would talk to him. After tonight, he would be nothing short of a monster to her. Another addition to the lost فہرست of men that had already broken her heart. His دل broke into a million pieces at that thought, but he knew there was no other choice. He had to end it with her, no matter how much it killed him to do it.
He was brought out of his reverie when he felt Brooke’s small hand caressing his face as she called his name trying to get his attention.
“Huh? What?” Julian asked stupidly.
“Where have آپ been? I’ve called your name 3 times. I know I look pretty, but I didn’t know I looked good enough to drive آپ speechless,” Brooke کہا teasingly, pulling her hand away from his face.
“I am sorry. I was just thinking,” Julian کہا apologetically as he leaned down and placed a soft kiss on her lips.
“It’s okay,” Brooke کہا a little breathlessly as they pulled up for air.
“So آپ ready to go?” Julian asked placing his hand on the small of her back.
“Yeah, let’s go,” Brooke agreed, then turning around she called out, “Sam keep all the door locked, and—”
“Call آپ if there’s any sort of emergency and absolutely no parties. Yeah I know. آپ say that before every date, it has kinda sunk in سے طرف کی now,” Sam finished rolling her eyes as she poked her head out of her bedroom, smiling mischievously at her foster mother.
“Well آپ can’t blame me for being cautious can you?” Brooke asked pouting as Julian laughed.
“I guess not. But have a good time آپ guys,” Sam کہا smiling.
“We will,” Brooke کہا confidently as she and Julian made their way out of the door.
As Sam heard the door close shut behind the couple, she released a sigh. She knew there was something off with Julian tonight. She had never seen him act so oddly, and he was never nervous. Wondering what was wrong with him, Sam made her way to the couch, praying with all her might that Julian’s odd behavior was only temporary, because if it was anything other than that, well she didn’t even want to think about the possibility.
--
“Wow Julian, I can’t believe آپ got us reservations to one of the most elite restaurant in درخت Hill,” Brooke کہا impressed as she walked into درخت ہل, لندن سٹیک House, “Don’t آپ need to make reservations 5 months in advance to get in here یا something?”
“Normal people do,” Julian acknowledged as he led her to the reception area.
“Table for 2 under the name Baker,” Julian کہا to the manager.
“Right this way, sir,” the manager کہا once he had consulted his reservation list.
“So are آپ saying that we’re not normal people,” Brooke whispered resuming their گزشتہ conversation.
“No, we’re just special,” Julian کہا smirking as they approached their table.
“Please take a seat,” the manager کہا courteously, “A waiter will be with آپ shortly.”
“Julian you’re not giving me straight answers, and I don’t appreciate that,” Brooke کہا pouting once she had taken her seat.
“Fine, fine. I know one of the managers here. That’s why I was able to get a reservation at such a short period,” Julian admitted.
“Ahh so the truth finally comes out,” Brooke کہا grinning, “But I’ve got to say, this is amazing. And they even seated us in a private seating area.”
“Actually I asked them to نشست us in a private area,” Julian کہا smiling mischievously.
“Julian, آپ didn’t need to do that,” Brooke gasped out, “Private seating is so expensive.”
“I wanted this night to be special, Brooke,” Julian کہا sincerely.
“Just being with آپ is special enough Julian. آپ didn’t need to do all this,” Brooke whispered her face glowing in the soft candle light.
“You look beautiful,” Julian کہا softly as he grasped her hand in the middle of the table.
“You look pretty dashing yourself Mr. Baker,” Brooke complimented, loving the feeling of his thumb stroking the soft skin of her hand.
Julian looked tempted to lean over to kiss her, but they were interrupted سے طرف کی the arrival of their waiter.
“Good evening,” the waiter greeted pleasantly, “Do آپ guys know what آپ will be ordering this evening?”
“I’ll have prime rib with mashed potatoes and شوربہ, یخنی with a small helping of salad,” Julian ordered.
“And I’ll just have grilled chicken with salad,” Brooke کہا politely.
“Any appetizers یا drinks?” the waiter questioned.
“Can we just have a serving of garlic روٹی sticks?” Julian asked as the waiter jotted down the order, “And I’ll take red wine with the dinner.”
“And آپ maam?” the waiter asked turning towards Brooke.
“I’ll just have لیمونیڈ, لمنڈ thank you,” Brooke said, avoiding Julian’s questioning gaze.
“Will that be it?” the waiter asked.
“Yes, thank you,” Julian کہا nodding to the waiter.
“Was I hallucinating of did آپ just order lemonade?” Julian asked surprised once the waiter had left.
“What’s so shocking about me ordering lemonade?” Brooke asked defensively.
“Nothing, except for the fact that you’re the biggest wine drinker I know. And from all the first class wines available on the menu, آپ chose lemonade?” Julian asked quirking his eyebrows.
“Maybe I just didn’t feel like drinking wine today,” Brooke کہا dismissively, “That’s not a crime is it.”
“Fine, fine, no need to be so touchy,” Julian کہا raising his hand in defeat, “You drink whatever آپ want to, but if it’s about wanting to save my money, don’t worry about it. I have مزید than enough.”
“Trust me Julian, this has nothing to do with saving آپ money. I promise,” Brooke کہا in a tone bordering on finality and Julian knew the topic was over.
As Brooke looked at Julian, she knew this was the perfect time to tell him about the pregnancy, but she didn’t want to ruin the perfect atmosphere. She still didn’t know how he would react to the news, and she didn’t want to take any chances. At least that’s what she kept telling herself.
--
“That was absolutely amazing Julian,” Brooke کہا sighing contently on their way back.
“I am glad آپ liked it,” Julian کہا sincerely sending her a smile that sent her دل fluttering.
“You know what would make this night absolutely perfect?” Brooke asked contemplatively.
“No, but I have a feeling that آپ are going to tell me,” Julian teased.
“A walk at the beach,” Brooke کہا dreamily.
“Brooke it’s about 50 degrees outside, you’re wearing a dress and not to mention your 5 inch heels, and آپ want to go walk on the beach?” Julian asked incredulously.
“I am just saying, doesn’t mean we have to do it,” Brooke کہا shrugging.
“Okay,” Julian کہا training his eyes back on the road.
However 5 منٹ later, he turned onto a road going the complete opposite direction to her house.
“Julian, I don’t know if you’ve forgotten, but my house is on the opposite side,” Brooke کہا uncertainly.
“I know,” Julian کہا shrugging nonchalantly.
“Then why are we going this way?” Brooke asked incredulously.
“Because we’ve had a sudden change of plans,” Julian کہا vaguely.
“Change of plan? Where are we going now?” Brooke asked curiously.
“To the docks,” Julian کہا simply, and from the corner of his eyes, he watched as Brooke’s face went from being curious to one radiating excitement.
“To the docks? But what about the cold weather and my 5 inch heels?” Brooke asked mockingly as her eyes glittered in happiness.
“Guess I’ll just have to take a risk,” Julian کہا smiling, “Anything to get آپ your perfect date.”
“Aww aren’t آپ a sweetheart,” Brooke کہا affectionately as she leaned over and gave him a quick peck on the cheek.
“Please don’t use the word sweetheart when you’re describing me. It’s bad for my image,” Julian کہا smirking.
“Well then should I call آپ mathlete? Is that better for your image?” Brooke asked teasingly.
“Touché,” Julian کہا grinning, knowing that Brooke had won that argument.
“Plus, I am your girlfriend. I can call آپ whatever I want and آپ can’t complain about it,” Brooke کہا smugly.
“I guess, but only because you’re so cute,” Julian replied grinning as he parked the car in the empty parking lot اگلے to the docks.
“Shall we my lady?” Julian asked putting up a British accent as he opened the passenger side’s door to help Brooke out.
“We shall kind sir,” Brooke کہا placing her hand in his outstretched one, her eyes twinkling with mirth.
“You sure you’re going to be fine in the heels?” Julian asked caringly.
“I’ll be fine. And anyways, I have آپ to lean on don’t I?” Brooke asked seriously, her eyes finding his as he found it hard to look away from her intense gaze.
“I’m here,” Julian promised, his insides filling up with guilt and pain as he realized that this was probably his last happy گھنٹہ with Brooke.
“Good,” Brooke کہا as she leaned up and softly placed her lips against his as he instinctively pulled her closer to his body.
“You’re amazing, آپ know that right?” Julian asked softly once they had come up for air.
“So I’ve heard. But it means the most when آپ say it,” Brooke کہا gently stroking his face, and Julian almost lost it right there. He knew he was leading her on, he knew that he was about to hurt her. He knew that he should have ended this when he first walked into her door. But he hadn’t listened to the rational side of his brain. And as a result, after tonight, it would be much harder for the both of them to let go.
“Hey what happened? آپ dozed off again,” Brooke کہا concerned as Julian came back to reality.
“I was just thinking how beautiful آپ look today. And how آپ deserve so much better than me,” Julian کہا honestly as they started walking along the shore.
“You’re good enough Julian. You’re مزید than good enough for me. And it’s about time آپ realize that,” Brooke کہا seriously as she laid her head on his shoulder, his arm supporting both of their weights.
“You know in the book, when Lucas described آپ as the girl who would change the world someday, I didn’t know what to make out of it. But now I understand what he meant سے طرف کی that. آپ have changed my world Brooke Davis,” Julian admitted softly looking down at his girlfriend’s smiling face on his shoulder.
“You changed my life too Julian Baker. Before you, I had دیا up hope of being happy again, and then آپ happened and my life took a whole new turn. آپ gave me something to look آگے to Julian. آپ gave me my life back and that makes آپ the most important person in my life right now. Well first Sam and then you, but آپ know what I mean,” Brooke کہا smiling as Julian laughed.
“I think I am okay with taking سیکنڈ place to Sam. Had it been anyone other than her, I wouldn’t have been so accommodating, but Sam’s okay,” Julian کہا giving Brooke his infamous grin as he pulled her closer to him.
“Those words and that grin combined together just make me lo—like آپ even more,” Brooke کہا catching herself just in time.
Julian nearly felt his دل stop at her words. Even though the transition had been fast, he had caught her stumble, and as he looked at the woman اگلے to him, he couldn’t help but think, was she about to say that she loved him?
“Are آپ cold?” Julian asked as she felt Brooke shudder against his chest.
“A little,” Brooke کہا sheepishly.
“Here take this,” Julian کہا immediately taking off his جیکٹ as carefully draping it around her shoulder.
“What about you? Aren’t آپ going to be cold?” Brooke asked half heartedly, loving the warmth Julian’s جیکٹ was providing her cold body.
“Nah, I’ll be fine. I’ve got آپ to warm me up don’t I?” Julian asked grinning as he once again draped his arms around Brooke’s waist pulling her as close to his body as possible.
But before he could take another step forward, Brooke suddenly turned him towards her, and Julian acting on instinct, leaned down and quickly placed his lips tenderly on hers. It didn’t take her long to respond, and very soon they were both fully making out in the middle of the ساحل سمندر, بیچ completely lost into each other and their feelings.
“Wow that was amazing,” Brooke gasped out as Julian finally released her.
“Does that surprise you?” Julian asked his breathing slightly uneven.
“No, not really,” Brooke admitted as she brought his face down to meet hers for yet another breathtaking kiss.
--
After ½ an گھنٹہ of an intense make out session, Brooke and Julian finally decided to return home.
As Brooke unlocked the front door, she couldn’t keep a grin from appearing on her face as she remembered the past 30 minutes.
“You want to come in?” Brooke asked as she stepped in her foyer.
“Yeah sure,” Julian کہا hesitantly. He knew that this was it. He was going to come clean to her right now. This was probably the last time he would see her smiling like that towards him. That thought was enough to break his دل into two.
“Brooke,” Julian called out as he grasped her wrist and turned her towards him.
“Yeah,” Brooke asked pressed tightly against his chest.
“I-I want—oh fuck this—” Julian growled out as he crashed his mouth against her surprised one. He knew he was acting like a coward, trying to prolong the moment for as long as he could. But he had to kiss her one last time, kiss her with so much intensity and power that it would forever be embedded in his memory, because he knew that he would never feel for another woman what he felt for Brooke.
“I love you,” Brooke breathed out once he had pulled away. Her eyes were closed and her lips swollen, and for a سیکنڈ Julian thought he was hallucinating.
“What?” Julian gasped out.
“I love you,” Brooke کہا louder as she opened her eyes to stare into his stunned ones, “I love you.”
“No, Brooke, آپ can’t,” Julian کہا panicked. This wasn’t happening. This couldn’t be happening. She couldn’t tell him that she loved him a منٹ before he was about to break up with her.
“Why can’t I, Julian?” Brooke asked confused, “I know that this might come as a shock to you, and I don’t expect آپ to say it back, but I do love you.”
“Don’t say that Brooke. Don’t say that,” Julian کہا harshly.
“Why are آپ acting like this Julian? What’s so horrible about me loving you?” Brooke asked hurt.
“It’s horrible because you’re going to be biting back your words in about one minute,” Julian کہا frantically.
“What?” Brooke asked even مزید confused now, “Why would I be biting back my words. It had taken me long enough to get the courage to tell آپ this, I don’t think I’ll be biting it back.”
“You will. Once آپ hear what I’ve got to say, آپ will be,” Julian کہا sadly, his eyes filled with so much pain and misery that Brooke felt her دل clench in her chest. Something was very wrong.
“Julian what are آپ talking about? The only situation I would be taking my words back would be if you—Oh my god, you’re breaking up with me!” Brooke gasped out as realization dawned on her face.
“Brooke I—”
“You’re breaking up with me? You’re breaking up with me?” Brooke asked stunned. How had they gone from ending their perfect تاریخ to him breaking up with her?
“I am leaving,” Julian admitted softly.
“What do آپ mean you’re leaving?” Brooke asked trying to make some sense of the situation.
“I am going back to LA,” Julian clarified.
“What? آپ can’t do that. What about Luke’s movie?” Brooke asked angrily.
“The movie’s been cancelled Brooke. The director quit, and there’s no way we’d make the deadline with a new one. So the movie’s off. And I’ve got an amazing offer to produce the film adaptation of Gossip Girl in Hollywood--”
“And آپ chose Gossip Girl,” Brooke finished for him, “When are آپ leaving?”
“6 days,” Julian کہا quietly.
“So tonight, it was all a hoax? آپ were leading me on the whole time?” Brooke asked incredulously.
“Brooke I would never—”
“But آپ did, Julian. آپ knew آپ were going to be leaving the whole time, and yet آپ didn’t say a word to me. I can’t believe آپ of all people would do that to me. And to think that I actually thought that آپ were the one for me,” Brooke کہا disgustedly as tears started falling from her eyes.
“Brooke, I am so sorry,” Julian کہا softly.
“And to think that I told آپ I loved you? How stupid am I? After everything that had happened to me, I can’t believe I actually believed that maybe for once everything would be okay. Well I guess your job’s done. آپ made Brooke Davis fall in love and ended up breaking her دل worse than any other man had done before. آپ should be proud of yourself, because seriously this is a new low for me,” Brooke choked out as tears blurred her vision.
“I didn’t mean to hurt آپ Brooke,” Julian کہا sadly knowing that he had done the one thing he had promised never to do. He had made Brooke Davis a broken woman again.
“You know what the sad part is Julian? The fact that my perfect تاریخ was nothing but a bunch of lies. I—”
“Tonight was not a lie Brooke. I meant everything I کہا to you. Tonight was not a lie,” Julian کہا desperately.
“But it seems like it. I can’t believe anything you’ve ever told me. I can’t believe I gave my دل to someone who didn’t even like me enough to be honest with me,” Brooke کہا bitterly.
“I know I should have told آپ in the beginning Brooke—”
“Then why didn’t you? Huh? Why didn’t آپ end it before taking me on that تاریخ that just made me fall deeper for you? Why Julian? Was this your idea of some sick joke?” Brooke asked hysterically.
“I never wanted to hurt آپ Brooke. Trust me that was the last thing I wanted,” Julian whispered, not knowing how to answer the rest of her سوالات when he still wasn’t sure why he hadn’t told her the truth in the very beginning.
“Just leave Julian,” Brooke کہا tearfully.
“Brooke—”
“Just leave dammit. Get out of my house and my life. I don’t want to see your face again,” Brooke shouted her mind numb سے طرف کی the shock and pain of everything that had happened in the past 10 minutes.
And Julian knew that this was it. Their relationship was now officially over. Lowering his head in defeat, he just nodded quietly and turning on his heels, he walked out of the door and out of Brooke’s life.
When Brooke heard the door shut behind him, she let go off the سوفی, لٹانا as her knees buckled beneath her and she fell to the floor tears falling like waterfalls from her eyes. Julian was gone, and as her hands found her flat abdomen, she realized bitterly that he wasn’t just gone for her life. He was gone from their life.