Never Let Me Go

"And isn't it just so pretty to think

All along there was some

Invisible string

Tying you to me?"

*

"No, Peyton, the presents go over there and, Hales, that banner is totally wonky!" Brooke darted around her apartment frantically. Karen was going to be arriving any minute for her bachelorette party and all Brooke wanted was for everything to be perfect.

"Well, that's what you get for assigning the pregnant one a job that involves a step ladder," Haley replied drily, adjusting the bright pink 'congratulations' banner until it was even enough.

"And here I thought that Karen was supposed to be the Bridezilla," Peyton mocked, lugging the pile of presents over to the coffee table.

"Guys, I get that I'm being totally neurotic but this is important!"

Haley slowly lowered herself from the step ladder. "I highly doubt that Karen is going to mind the placement of her presents, Brooke."

A knock at the door interrupted Brooke before she could respond. She smoothed down her hair before strutting over to the door, an excited smile adorning her face. When she opened it, she realised the bride-to-be wasn't standing on the other side, it was Lucas.

"Boyfriend, what are you doing here?" Brooke asked as Lucas bent down to give her a quick kiss.

"I left my wallet here last night and I need it to pay the pizza delivery guy." Lucas entered the apartment, giving Haley and Peyton hugs before heading to the bedroom to find his wallet.

"It's Keith's bachelor party and you're ordering pizza?" Haley questioned.

"It's just guys hanging out. Pizza, poker, maybe some beers. Nothing too exciting." Lucas reemerged from the bedroom, his brown, leather wallet in hand.

"So, you didn't order Keith a stripper? Gee, Luke, you're the worst best man ever!" Peyton mocked.

"Yeah, let's order the guy who's marrying my mom a stripper. You're full of great ideas, Peyt."

"Well, I think it sounds like a lovely evening," Brooke stated, as Lucas draped an arm over her shoulder. "Not as special or sophisticated as the evening I have planned but I'll teach you my ways eventually."

Lucas kissed Brooke on the forehead and she smirked at him. "The place does look great, Brooke. I especially love the banner."

"See! Finally, someone appreciates my hard work," Haley exclaimed, collapsing on the couch.

Lucas let out a small laugh. "I'm sure my mom's gonna love it."

"I do love it!" Quickly, they all turned around to see Karen standing in the doorway. She moved around the apartment, giving them all hugs of gratitude, admiring all of the banners and balloons that were scattered around the room.

"I'm glad you like it, Karen! We've been trying to make sure it's perfect for you," Brooke said with a vibrant smile.

"It's lovely, Brooke. Truthfully, you could have just ordered some pizzas and I would have been happy but I really do appreciate all of the thought and effort you've put in. Thank you all."

"See, Hales, pizza always wins," Lucas joked, walking over to his mom and giving her a goodbye kiss on the cheek. "Have fun girls. Don't get into too much trouble."

Brooke wrapped her arms around Lucas' shoulders, planted a soft kiss on his lips, and closed the front door. "Okay girls, let's get this party started!"