The New Girl in Town Series

by tanyakapler

My series that is my version of Season 3. Lucas falls for the girl, how will it affect Brooke and Peyton. I own nothing that has to do with OTH. All credit goes to Mark Schwann and his team.

1. Chapter 1

Chapter 1

Tree Hill is just a place somewhere in the world. Maybe it's a lot like your world, maybe it's nothing like it. But if you look closer, you might see someone like you. Someone trying to find their way. Someone trying to find their place. Someone trying to find their self. Sometimes it's easy to feel like your the only one in the world who's struggling, who's frustrated, unsatisfied, or barely getting by. That feeling is a lie. And if you just hold on; just find the courage to face it all for another day, something or someone will find you and make it all okay. Because we all need a little help sometimes. Someone to help us hear the music in the world. To remind us that it won't always be this way. That someone is out there and that someone will find you.

We enter this world of drama and chaos and wonder if any of it is even possible of being solved. Brothers who hate each other, best friends who are divided by guys, a man in love with the mother of his brother's son, and friends that are made unexpectedly.

So where do you start? Well, I guess we should start at the beginning. Why you ask could brothers hate each other. I mean they are brothers, right? I believe the dictionary defines a brother as a male who has the same parents as another or one parent in common with another. Well, that's all you can really say about Lucas and Nathan Scott. They hated each other mostly because of their father, Dan Scott.

Seventeen years ago, Dan Scott was a senior at Tree Hill High School and was in love with his high school sweetheart, Karen Roe. After graduation, Karen found out she was pregnant, but Dan had already received a scholarship for college. There he met Deb Lee. The night he decided to give up basketball and go back to Karen, Deb told him she was pregnant and he decided to stay with her. They soon married and had Nathan. They moved back to Tree Hill. Dan found Karen living there raising their son, Lucas (with the help of Dan's brother, Keith) trying to make ends meet running a café, where Dan, Deb, and Nathan were just rolling in cash from the dealership that Dan owned.

Dan put Nathan on a pedestal and looked at Lucas as nothing. Dan did the same to Karen. He resented the fact that he got her pregnant, looked at Lucas as if he was a mistake, and soon put those same thoughts into Nathan's head. Nathan ignored Lucas, but Lucas ignored Nathan.

So ask me again why do you think brothers could hate each other? It all had to do with Dan. Dan tries to keep his worlds separated, but he can't. For though the boys hate each other, they do have one thing in common; the love of basketball. Both boys are extremely good at the sport. While Nathan is the star player of his high school basketball team called the Ravens; Lucas plays with three of his closest friends (Skillz Taylor, Fergie Thompson, and Junk Moretti) down at the Rivercourt.

Do I continue with the drama? You think that Lucas has enough drama in his life just having to deal with his father and brother, well he has more. What if you had to decide between two beautiful girls? Not just any two girls, but two popular, beautiful, high school cheerleaders, who are best friends. One girl is rich, crazy, and promiscuous and the other girl is a talented artist and has a huge passion for music and in so many ways you are connected to her: books, music, art. Yet, you don't know what you want, leaving them brokenhearted and alone.

Well, that's Lucas Scott drama. Lucas fell for Peyton Sawyer, the artist, and when he thought they could finally be together, she pushed him away. Brooke Davis, aka crazy girl, was out there in front letting Lucas know that she wanted to be with him. Lucas gave in and it was too late for Peyton, when she finally realized that she wanted to be with him. So both of them hid from what they felt, that was until Peyton was in trouble. Lucas was there for her and soon they were sneaking around behind Brooke's back. Everyday wanting to tell her how they felt about each other only for Peyton to find out that Brooke was falling for Lucas. When Brooke finds out about them, she is brokenhearted and furious. She ends her friendship with Peyton and her relationship with Lucas. Peyton was upset with herself for betraying Brooke and told Lucas she couldn't be with him. So not only is Brooke and Peyton alone, so is Lucas. But is he.

Lucas is an only child who grew up in Tree Hill with his mother and his Uncle Keith. But you can't forget about his best friend, Haley James. Lucas and Haley grew up together and became best friends. With that, Lucas had to deal with the fact of first learning that Haley was tutoring Nathan. Then later finding out that she was dating him and then shortly after that she married him. It torn him apart, but at the same time Haley helped him realize that Nathan wasn't a bad person, it was all Dan. So with Nathan and Lucas relationship growing stronger you would think that the drama would stop. Not a chance.

So let's hit present day Tree Hill, Lucas and Nathan are brothers, actual brothers, I mean more than what the definition in the dictionary gives you. It was a real relationship. Breaking two hearts and still actually being able to be friends with both. Brooke and Peyton is something that Lucas has been working on for a year now.

Well, what if one of those girls decides they want to be with you, but a new girl comes in and steals your heart. Well, get on the Lucas Scott drama train and find out how he deals with this.

Chapter 2

One late evening, Lucas Scott stands on the roof of his mother's café pulling on a brick from a wall. Yanking as hard as he can, the brick comes out and from the hole, Lucas pulls out a small metal box. He looks at it and smiles before sitting down. He wipes the dust off the metal and opens it. Inside are two folded up pieces of paper.

"Looks like we're gonna have to go to Augusta to get in a decent nine holes, huh?" Haley James Scott asks her best friend as she walks towards him and then takes a seat next to him.

Lucas smiles nervously, "I didn't think you were coming back so I took the course down. It didn't feel right, letting it fall apart."

At the beginning of their junior year, Haley and Lucas had built a miniature golf course on the roof of Karen's Café.

"You're just tired of me schooling your sorry butt," Haley comments.

Lucas smiles and hands her one of the papers, "I didn't think you would remember."

"Are you kidding me? Tomorrow's the first day of school. Every year we try and predict what the next year's gonna hold and every year I realizes how out of touch I was with the year before," Haley says, as Lucas chuckles. "Unless, of course, this says that I'd be married and separated by now."

Unfolding his paper, "Well, zero hour."

"You first."

"This year, I'm going to kiss a boy," Lucas read nodding his head.

"That's mine," she says snatching it from Lucas. "It's from seventh grade."

"Well, it finally happened for you then."

Haley laughs and smacks him, "Shut up! What about you? This year I'll talk to Peyton Sawyer!'"

"It doesn't say that!" Lucas says taking the paper from Haley.

"It does, look at it," she informs it as he reads it himself.

"OH!"

"This year, I'll volunteer at the tutor center."

"Mom and Keith will finally get married." Lucas reads as the smiles drops from his face. Haley looks over at her friend and smiles sadly.

"I'll date a…musician," she comments and frowns. Lucas looks at her. "Why do you do this again?"

"It's suppose to be fun," he answers.

"How bout this year we wait and see how the first day goes before making any predictions?" Haley suggests. Lucas nods and they put their papers back into the metal container.

"It's good to have you back, Haley. Couldn't done the senior year without you." Lucas comments.

Now you may wonder why Haley kind of pauses on the whole musician thing. See shortly after her and Nathan get married. Nathan discovers that Haley is a wonderful singer. He encourages her to go after her dream, but soon realizes that this dream could tear them apart. Their marriage hits the rocks when Haley meets Chris Keller. Chris helps Haley follow her dreams and soon she is on tour with him, The Wreckers, and Gavin DeGraw. This breaks Nathan's heart and sets him on a downward spiral. Nathan sends his dad, Dan Scott to Haley with annulment papers. Only Haley returns to Nathan days later, telling him that she is sorry and that she loves him, always and forever.

Chapter 3

"I don't want to be here," Ally Carter complains to her dad as she takes her seat at the breakfast table.

"Ally, I know, but Tree Hill is our new home for now. I know that you are upset that we moved from New York your senior year, but this is where we are at. Listen all the things that you need for today is on the table in the dining room. Maggie will have supper ready for you when you get home tonight. I am working late and I am sorry that I won't be able to hear about your first day of school, but we can talk about it tomorrow at breakfast," Alex Carter tells his seventeen-year-old daughter.

"Fine. Have a great day at work!" Ally says before grabbing her things off the dining room table and heading.

Ally Carter makes her way to her 1972 Ford Mustang convertible. She throws her books in the back, climbs into the driver seat, and quickly speeds off to start her senior year. In no time she is parking her car in the high school parking lot.

She gets out , grabs her books, and scans the school ground.

"Nice car!" someone comments as she is about to walk to the entrance of the school.

Ally turns around and sees a petite blonde girl standing next to her car. "You like it?" The girl nods. "It was a gift from my dad on my sixteenth birthday. It didn't look like this when we got it, but dad and I would stay up all night every weekend fixing it up," Ally says running her hand over the edge of the door.

"WOW! By the way, I'm Peyton. Peyton Sawyer," the girl introduces herself.

"Ally Carter. Nice to meet you."

"You new?" Peyton asks as they walk towards the front of the school.

"Yeah, moved from New York. So how is it here?" Ally asks as they enter the school and round the hall.

"Something I can't explain," Peyton laughs as they make their way down the hall.

"That crazy?"

"That much drama," Peyton smiles at her new friend.

Ally laughs as she continued to walk with Peyton through the school.

Chapter 4

Haley James Scott and Lucas Scott enter the corridor of the school. It is instantly obvious that Haley is getting a lot of muted attention as everyone stares at her, while she is walking with Lucas down the hall.

"Okay, I know in high school you always feel like everyone's staring at you, but this is ridiculous," she comments as her and Lucas walk to find their lockers.

"Well, they're not used to having a celebrity in their mists…" Lucas teases, but Haley smacks him. "OW! Get over it," he says looking very annoyed with her."

"Let's just find our lockers. I'm 141. What are you?" she asks as she looks through her books.

Looking at his hand, "Uh…143," he raises his eyebrows in surprise. "It must be alphabetical."

"Which means…" Haley begins and soon sees Nathan Scott, her estranged husband, closing his locker, which reads 139.

Nathan looks at them both, commenting, "You shoulda used your stage name." He turns and walks away from the both of them. Haley is clearly hurt and upset.

"Hey Brooke, I'm glad you're back!" Peyton Sawyer says to her best friend, approaching her locker.

"Well, hey back at you, P. Sawyer," Brooke says hugging her friend and then noticing someone else is with her. "Who is this?"

"OH, this is Ally Carter, she just moved here from New York. Her father is a big investor in the fashion world, so I thought you two should meet. You know, since you have such great fashion yourself, B. Davis," Peyton says as the girls walk to class.

"So what company does your father work for?" Brooke asks putting her arm around her.

"Well, actually, he doesn't really work for one clothing line or store. He searches for new designers and helps them start their own clothing line," Ally explains as her attention soon turns to a sandy blonde guy talking, with a light brown haired girl.

"Hello, Ally, are you there?" Brooke asks snapping her fingers in front of Ally's face.

"Yeah, sorry just got distracted. Hey, who is that guy?" Ally asks turning around and looking directly at the boy.

"Around here, you are going to have to be a little bit more specific," Peyton says looking over Ally's shoulder.

"That guy right there in the blue shirt, talking to the girl with the brown hair wearing the black and white top," Ally answers pointing directly at him.

Peyton and Brooke look at each other then back at Ally. They don't say anything.

"What? Who is he?" she asks, looking back and forth between the girls.

"Brooke, you want to take this?" Peyton asks nervously.

"What why me?" Brooke asks even more nervous.

"Cause, I don't want to," Peyton says, raising her voice just a little.

"But why am I the one that has to tell her?" Brooke questions again.

"Listen, if you telling me who he is, is going to cause you two to fight, I am just going to go talk to him myself," Ally says.

And before either one of them has the chance to say anything, Ally is introducing herself to them.

"Hey, I'm Ally Carter, new student, just moved here from New York. I was walking by and noticed how wonderful this shirt brings out the blue in your eyes," Ally says very casual.

The girl with the guy raises her eyebrows.

"Why thanks, never had a girl tell me that before, well, I guess, never had stranger tell me that before. I'm Lucas. Lucas Scott, and this is my best friend Haley James Scott," the guy says smiling from ear to ear.

"Wait, you're both Scotts?" Ally asks very confused, looking back and forth between them.

"Yeah, I am married to his brother, Nathan, who right now is not talking to me," Haley comments.

"Wow, Peyton was right. There is a lot of drama here in Tree Hill," Ally says as she looks at Haley in sympathy.

"You have no idea, girl," Haley says as they all turn and start back down the direction where Brooke and Peyton are standing.

"So you're from New York. Why did you decide to move to Tree Hill?" asks Lucas, very curious about this new redhead that had commented on his eyes, though she has beautiful brown eyes herself.

"My...ah, dad has been transferred here. He is looking for some new fashion talent," Ally explains as they pick up Brooke and Peyton on their journey to homeroom.

"Well, Brooke is a great designer," Lucas comments as they enter the classroom.

"That's what she tells me, but for some reason, she couldn't tell me who you were?" Ally says, smiling, before taking her seat next to Lucas.

Lucas looks at Brooke, who sits on the other side of him.

"What?" she asks.

"Why couldn't you tell her who I was," he smiles at her.

"Cause…cause…" Brooke didn't know what to say.

Lucas chuckles. Brooke's face fills up with embarrassment. How could she tell him that she still has feelings for him, when it looks as if he isn't even interested in her?

Chapter 5

Forty-five minutes later the bell rings, releasing the students to get their books for their next class.

"So Miss Ally, what is your next class," Lucas asks as they walk out of the classroom.

"Um, that would be Calculus," she answers as they walk to their lockers.

"Well, have fun. Mr. Stine can be tough," Lucas says as he collects his things for his next class.

"Thanks. See ya later," she says winking at him and prances down the hall.

"Lucas, you got that look," Haley says to her friend as she watches him watch Ally disappear around the corner.

"What look? I don't have a look," he says turning his attention to Haley.

"Yeah, ya do. Same look I saw when you set your sites on Peyton Sawyer. Just don't hurt this one okay, otherwise they are going to have to start up a Heartbroken by Lucas Scott Club," Haley jokes as they both walk to class.

"Oh shut up?" he says before leaving Haley in the hall to go into his Economics class.

Haley laughs as she walks outside and catches up with Brooke.

"Hey roommate, you were out early this morning. You know, it's the first day, you have to pace yourself," Brooke says as they walk the courtyard.

Haley laughs, "I'm usually one of those people who likes the first day of school. You know, new pens; new books; new backpack."

"A nerd!"

"Exactly."

Brooke laughs.

"I found out that I'm behind for the first time in my academic career and I'm gonna have to work twice as hard if I wanna graduate by June, so…" Haley breathes as Peyton walks up behind them, "and everyone here's giving me the zoo treatment except for Nathan who of course won't…really look at me."

"Right!" Brooke adds.

"You could always run away and join a rock tour," Peyton says finally letting her presence known. "Oh, wait, you already did that." Peyton smiles, waves at Brooke before walking away.

Haley looks away very annoyed, while Brooke just smiles.

"She's had a complicated year. I'll talk to her," Brooke says before leaving Haley alone. Haley makes her way to her next class. He walks past a gang of girl who make no show of hiding their curiosity and cruelty. Sue Garvey mimes an air guitar and mouths 'Rock Star'. Haley just walks past them, rolling her eyes.

"Hey, you got a problem?" Sue asks Haley, while the rest of the girls laugh.

Haley continues to ignore them and walks into the school. Meanwhile across the quad, Nathan Scott is watching them all from a far-off table. A nerdy looking guy walk up to Nathan and sat down with him.

"Hey Mouth," Nathan comments.

"Nathan, you think I can get a quick interview? I'm podcasting a preseason Ravens report," Marvin "Mouth" McFadden asks his friend.

Still a little distracted, "Podcasting?" Nathan asks.

"Yeah, it's kinda like a radio but fans can download it and listen to it on their iPods," Mouth informs.

Nathan nods.

Mouth pushes play on his recorder, "We're her with number 23: Nathan Scott. Nate, what's your prediction for this Ravens team? Is this the year that you'll finally claim that elusive championship trophy of will it once again end up in the arms of someone else?" Mouth starts off smiling but as the questioning continues his smile fades. "Someone more popular; better looking; possibly a surfer, leaving you empty and angry with only the final buzzer of regret ringing in your ear."

Nathan looks confused, really not sure what just happened. "I think…we'll have a great season." He continues to look at Mouth in confusion.

Chapter 6

Coach Whitey Durham is the coach of the Tree Hill Ravens basketball teams, has been for forty years. He coached Dan Scott, while Dan played high school ball. Dan always likes to blame people for his problems and Whitey is no exception to that rule.

Whitey is in his office, shining a trophy when Dan appears in the door of his office.

"Oh, no sometimes I wish I had gone blind," Whitey says seeing Dan in the reflection of the trophy.

"Easy, old-timer," Dan says smiling. "I just came by to congratulate you on your four-hundredth year at Tree Hill High."

Whitey laughs, not at all impressed by Dan, "Well, I see, uh…Nathan ranked, nationally, ten spots ahead of you if memory serves," Whitey announces looking down at a piece of paper that lays on his desk.

"Yeah, well, it would have been higher if they'd gone off last years records of his weak play at that damn camp," Dan says sounding very upset.

"Does anything ever make you happy, Danny?"

Smiling, "Actually, yeah. It's the agenda for this weeks school board meeting." Dan hands a blue folder to Whitey. "Take a look at item three, I put it in twenty-four point font so you can read it."

"'Replace Whitey Durham'," Whitey reads it out load.

"It's nothing personal," Dan begins and then laughs. "Oh wait a minute, who am I kidding? Of course it's personal."

"You know, it's a shame you didn't burn up along with your dealership. But of course, Dan Scott can survive anything, can't he? Like a cockroach," Whitey says as he flicks a lighter on.

Dan stares at the flame, his arrogance fades quickly, and he backs up slightly.

"What's the matter, Danny?" Whitey asks as he picks up a candle. "I'm just lighting a candle. Good for the…Feng Shui. You look a little skittish. I thought fire was supposed to be Satan's friend."

Dan places a smile back on his face, "It is…if you see Lucas, that is if you're still able to, tell him I'd like to speak to him."

Dan leaves Whitey's office. Still grinning Whitey flicks the lighter closed.

Chapter 7

Drama continues in Tree Hill, not with Lucas, but with Peyton Sawyer. Her biological mother, Ellie Harp, returns, looking for a relationship with her daughter. She informs Peyton that the reason she gave her up had to do with the fact that she loved drugs more than her. Now her life has changed from that and wants to get to know her daughter. Peyton is ready to give Ellie a chance until Lucas spots Ellie buying drugs in the park. After the deal, Ellie sees Lucas, and quickly leaves the park.

Wanting to explain herself to Lucas, Ellie goes to his mother's café to look for him. She enters the café and sees Lucas and walks over to him.

"Lucas."

Lucas slings his bag over his shoulder and picks up his basketball and turns around and looks at her. "What do you want?"

"I need your help," she pleads with him.

"I'm sorry; I'm fresh out of heroine. Try the park," Lucas expresses as he tries to walk past her.

Stepping in front of him, "Wait, Lucas."

He stops and looks at her.

"You did see me buying drugs, but it was for medical reasons," Ellie explains

Lucas smiles, "Let me guess, you're going blind." Lucas begins to walk away again.

She stops him again, "Actually, no. I have cancer."

Lucas looks away frowning.

"I didn't want Peyton to know. Marijuana helps with the nausea." Ellie explains to Lucas.

"How far along?" Lucas asks not sure how to react.

"Far enough," she answers.

"I'm sorry," Lucas says, feeling bad for jumping to conclusions.

"I came back here cause I needed to know that Peyton was okay. That she'd be okay," Ellie began to explain.

"She deserves to know."

"I know, but I want her to get to know me first. On her own terms. Not because she feels sorry for me. I though maybe…you could tell her you made a mistake. Encourage her to give me another chance," Ellie explains.

Lucas looks away and remains silent.

Chapter 8

"So how was your first day of school?" Peyton asks Ally as they walk to their cars.

"Good. I really think I'm gonna like it in Tree Hill. Great people with great taste in cars like you, people with wonderful taste for fashion like Brooke, and really good-looking guys like Lucas, which by the way I don't completely understand why you two couldn't introduce me to," Ally says setting her books in the back seat of her car.

"Well, um, it kinda has to do with that whole drama thing I was talking to you about this morning," Peyton explains as they lean up against Ally's car.

"Really, you, Lucas and Brooke all have drama? WOW! SO what is Lucas' story? Is he free game?" Ally asks watching him cut across the quad.

"As far as I know. Let me just tell you that Lucas isn't the same guy he was last year. He has matured a lot, but be careful. Get close to him and you might get your heartbroken," Peyton informs Ally as they both watched Lucas.

"Sounds like he broke your heart," Ally says looking over at Peyton.

"Yeah, but now I'm just glad we're friends. Be lost without him," Peyton says as Lucas finally notices the girls talking.

Ally smiles at Peyton as Lucas trot over to them.

"Hey, girls, whatcha doing?" he asks.

"Talking about you and how you like to break hearts," Ally says smiling at him.

Lucas smiles and looks down at the ground.

"Peyton, you telling our new friend about me?" Lucas asks smiling at both of them.

"Gotta keep her up to date. She needs to know what she is getting into if she is going after you," she informs patting Lucas on the shoulder and then starts walking off. "Call ya later, Ally."

"See ya later, Peyton," Ally says opening the door to her car. "So Lucas Scott, what your story?"

"I thought you already knew it?"

"Well I heard Peyton's side, but how about I get it straight from the source," she says smiling at him as she gets into the car. She leans on the edge of the door and looks up at him. "So you need a ride somewhere? You can tell me whatcha you're all about on the way."

Lucas smiles and gets into the car, "This your car?"

"Yeap, daddy and I put her together," Ally says pulling out of the parking spot.

"NO way! You put this car together?"

"You seems surprised?" she says as she waves to Brooke, who is getting in her car.

Brooke looks on in disbelieve as she watches Ally and Lucas drive out of the school parking lot together.

"You don't seem like the type that likes to get…" Lucas trails off.

"Dirty?" Lucas nods "I love cars and I like to get dirty," she says smiling at him as the car cruise down the road.

"So where am I taking you?"

"River court!" he says looking over at her.

The more he looks at her, the more mesmerizing she is to him. She just has this thing; she is open and honest and didn't care what people think. She is different and that's what Lucas likes about her.

Ten minutes later…

"So you this is where you play?" Ally asks as she gets out of the car and follows Lucas to the court.

"Yeah, I have been playing here for as long as I can remember. I love it here. Helps me take my mind off of all my problems. All the drama," he expresses.

"NICE. So what's the deal with you, Lucas Scott? You put on a front that you are this hard, serious guy, but to have two girls in love with you at the same time, there just has to be something about you," she says as she watches Lucas shot.

"Well, what you see is what you get. I have played this role of letting people in my life control my life, and it seemed like every time I let that happen, someone would get hurt. Whether it is Peyton, or Brooke, or my mom or Haley and even Nathan, and my Uncle Keith," Lucas explains.

"What now? What's your role now?" Ally asks walking onto the court and standing in front of him.

"I don't know, but I don't want to be that guy again. I want to be someone that my brother can trust and a friend that will be there for Brooke and Peyton, and someone that will never disappoint my mom or my Uncle Keith, and always being there for Haley. Someone that can just be a better person," Lucas says starring into Ally's eyes.

"Lucas, you need to stop living your life for everyone else and live it for you. You have to learn to be happy and if you're happy the people around you will be happy. Take it from me, take every chance you have to cease life cause you don't know what tomorrow has in store for you," Ally says starring right back at Lucas.

"Is it wrong to feel so attracted to you right now. I mean, I just meant you today and I can't keep my eyes off you," Lucas expresses smiling.

She smiles back at him, "Well, Lucas Scott, thanks for being honest with me, but to be honest with you, I have to go. See ya tomorrow in school." She begin to walk off the court to her car.

"Wait!"

She turns around and smiles.

"Can I call you sometime, Miss Ally?" Lucas asks very polite.

"Hold on!" She runs to her car and grabs a pen and then runs back to him. She lifts up his shirt and write her number on his chest. "You better call me!" is all she says before running off the court and jumping in her car.

Lucas stand there in a daze, which is soon broken by Dan Scott.

"Girlfriend?" Dan asks.

Lucas puts up a shot and misses. Dan takes the ball.

"Can I help you?" Lucas asks annoyed.

Dan puts the ball through the hoop before answering, "Taking a walk. Seems I've been doing a lot of that lately."

"How about taking a hike? Done that lately?" Lucas asks sarcastically.

Dan smiles, "Did I ever tell you about the dog I found in this park," explains walking towards Lucas. "I took him into my home, gave him the best of everything. Some might say I even spoiled him and then one day…he bit me."

"Smart dog," Lucas says as Dan walks around him.

"Point is," Dan says leaning closer to Lucas. "That dog never bit me again." Dan walks away from Lucas. "I get why you come out here. Fresh air; solitude. Gives one clarity." Dan turns to face Lucas. "That's important. Something I've been trying to grasp all summer but it just kept slipping through my fingers. Until I say you the other night at the beach. At the bonfire. I know it was you, Lucas."

Lucas smiles nervously, "I don't know what you're talking about."

"I sees you at the dealership that night," Dan now is angry. "You think I don't remember?" Dan throws the basketball at Lucas.

Lucas catches it but his expression is hardened. He isn't going to take Dan's crap. He throws the ball back harder and Dan catches it.

"Careful now," Dan expresses. "don't want get that heart rate up. Especially since you stopped taking your meds. It'd be a shame if you collapsed right here on the court and no one to call an ambulance." (Just for your information, Lucas has HCM. He needs medication to slow his heart rate down so he doesn't go into cardiac arrest.)

Dan looks at Lucas threateningly before throwing the ball back at him. Lucas catches it.

Lucas hisses, "Thanks for the concern," throwing the ball back, Dan barely catching it. "DAD!"

"I didn't raise you so…maybe you didn't get the lesson…but if you're gonna start something you sure and the hell better finish it!" Dan exclaims throwing the ball again even harder.

Lucas holds his arms up and it hit him square on the chest. Lucas shakes his head, "I'm not playing this game anymore."

Dan pauses and soon realizes that Fergie, Mouth, and Junk have walked onto the court. They are shocked and confused on what is going on.

Placing a smile on his face, Dan comments, "Good talk son," as he winks. "We'll finish it soon."

Dan walks away, leaving Lucas there with the boys.

"You okay?" Mouth asks.

"Yeah!" is all Lucas could say.

Chapter 9

"So Ally, how was your first day of school?" Maggie Schultz, the Carter family housekeeper asks sitting down with Ally to eat dinner.

"Good. Made some new friends, learned there is a lot of drama in Tree Hill, even met a guy. There is potential there," she winks at Maggie.

"Miss Ally," she smiles at her.

"You know, what? He calls me that too," Ally says as she ate her food.

"Well, he sounds like a really polite young man," Maggie says as the phone rang.

"Polite and sexy," Ally says picking up the phone.

"Are you talking about me?" the person on the other end of the phone asks.

"Hello?" she says laughing into the phone.

"Now, Miss Ally, If you are going to talk about me can I at least be there?" the person asks.

"Hey Lucas. I'm glad you called. How did you work out with the guy that I saw you talking to at the River court?" Ally asks between taking bites for her food.

"That guy?" he laughs. "Well, that guy is not just any guy. That would be my father. That guy would be how Nathan and I are related."

"You okay?" she asks sensing a bit of anger in his voice.

"Um, I guess, but talking about my father is not why I called you. I can't get you out of my head and was wondering if you might want to go get some ice cream or something," Lucas asks in a pleading voice.

"Well, why ice cream does sound good, I have lots of homework and I need to stay in tonight, but maybe tomorrow?" she asks feeling kinda bad that she can't go and maybe cheer him up.

"Okay, well this polite and sexy man is going to let you get to your homework and he will see you tomorrow at school," Lucas says chuckling.

"You weren't suppose to hear me say that," Ally says laughing.

"It's okay, cause I think you are too."

"You think I am what? Polite or sexy?" she says smiling.

"Well, I really don't know if you have manners, so what do you think," he says before hanging up the phone.

She smiles and hangs up the phone, "You know Maggie, I really think, I'm gonna like Tree Hill." is all she says before she prances out of the room.

Chapter 10

The next day at school, Peyton Sawyer is on her way to class when she soon finds herself walking with Nathan Scott.

"What are you doing on this side of the school?" she asks him smiling

Smiling back he answers, "P.E."

She laughs, "Whoa, what by way of Florida?" You're dodging Haley."

"Well, how'd you deal with it when we first broke up? Besides from immediately trying to hook up with Lucas." Nathan asks.

Peyton smacks him.

Nathan laughs, "NO, seriously, I mean…how did you deal with have to see each other every day?"

"Really the only thing I missed was skipping algebra and making out in my car. As much as I loathed kissing you, algebra was worse."

Meanwhile…

"Oh, do you have any idea how annoying it is to only go to your locker once a day? I'm gonna need a good chiropractor," Haley comments to Brooke as they walk outside of the school.

"Let's talk about something happy. Like how we're gonna get evicted if we don't find money for rent," Brooke explains.

"Wait a minute; I thought your parents sent you money."

"Well, it barely covered my back-to-school wardrobe."

"You spent your rent money on clothes?"

"I can't come to school naked. It wouldn't be very presidential. Although I suppose I would never have to worry about reelection," Brooke explains.

"Oh my, it's so good that you're not treasurer," Haley comments.

Brooke nods.

"By the way, have you talked to Peyton? I get why Nathan's freezing me out but it's not like I put Peyton up for adopti-" Haley begins but soon stops as they look up and practically walk over Peyton and Nathan. Peyton looks at her, daring for her to continue. "-on."

Mouth runs up to the group, "Star forward, Nathan Scott and wife, Haley, face-to-face."

Peyton glares at Haley, then looks over at Brooke.

"How will her return affect his game? Will she destroy his average like Erica Marsh," Nathan lets out a sigh as Mouth continues. "threatens to destroy this reporter's GPA?"

All of them look at Mouth in varying degrees of exasperation. Haley raises her eyebrow, unsure of what is going on. The bell rings and they all disperse, leaving Mouth by himself. Mouth turns around only to run into Ally Carter.

"Oh, I'm sorry," Mouth apologizes.

"No problem, just trying to get to English," she says as she sees the hurt in Mouth's eyes. "Are you okay? You look kinda sad?"

"Well, that's only because I've lost my girlfriend. He broke up with me cause she got popular," Mouth says as he and Ally walk to class.

"Well, that's kinda a shallow decision on her part. Well, I am sorry that you are hurting," she says smiling at him.

"By the way, I am Marvin McFadden, but my friends just call me Mouth," Mouth introduces himself.

"Ally Carter, I just moved here. Hang in there man, you'll get your girl," she says before giving him a side hug and running off to class.

Mouth smiles and turns to see that Lucas has been watching the whole time.

"You hitting on the new girl?" Lucas asks jokingly.

"Why you jealous?" Mouth jokes back

They both laugh.

"She seems pretty nice," Mouth says to Lucas.

"Yeah, she does," Lucas says smiling.

"Luke, you go that look on your face," Mouth says as they take a seat on a bench outside the school.

"What? I don't' have a look?!" he exclaims.

"Yeah? You like her don't you?" Mouth asks his friend.

"Like who?"

"The new girl, Luke I've seen that look before, it was the same look you had…" Mouth begins.

"With Peyton?" Lucas finishes Mouth's sentence.

"Yeah, but this is deeper than that. She really gets a hold of you don't she and she don't even know it," Mouth says as he watches his friend fidget.

"Mouth, she just is different. She is honest, sincere, kind, open, outgoing. Nothing like anyone else I've been with," Lucas confesses to Mouth. "She told me yesterday to cease life, to not worry about if I'm making everyone else happy, but to make sure that I'm happy."

"Sounds like a smart girl," Mouth says getting up from the bench and leaving Lucas alone to think.

Chapter 11

"I DON'T CARE HOW MANY BOARD MEMBERS GOT THEIR CARS AT COST. Forty years of coaching should count for more than that," Whitey Durham is screaming into the phone when Haley James Scott enters the doorway of his office. He hangs up the phone and looks up.

Haley walks into office, "Hey, Coach."

"Well, well, Avril Lavigne. What can I do for you?"

"I wanted to talk to you about Nathan. I'm not exactly his favorite person right now," Haley explains.

Searching his desk, "And you'd like for me to talk to him?"

"I was hoping. He really listens to you," she says smiling.

"Listen, girly, I'm a basketball coach, not Dr. Phil. I don't have time for anybody else's problems right now. I got plenty of my own," Whitey informs.

"I understand."

"Besides that, I should be happy that my star player's focusing on his game rather than on his love life," Haley looks at the coach sadly and he writes something down. "We got a championship to win this year." He hands her a pink slip. "Here."

"What's this?"

"Called a detention slip."

Haley is surprised, "Detention for what?!"

"Last time I checked, this was the boys' locker room. Take it and go," he says to her.

Haley walks out, open-mouthed and in disbelieve.

Chapter 12

"So that was really nice of you this morning to say those things to Mouth," Lucas says to Ally catching up to her during lunch.

"Oh, it was nothing. Mouth seems like a really nice person, and doesn't deserve to be treated the way he was," she says sitting down at a table. Lucas sits with her.

"Yeah, well not many people would say what you did, that he would get his girl," Lucas says quoting her.

She smiles, "Well, it's true, he will. And how do you know I said all that to him?"

"Kinda saw you with him this morning. You know with the exception of my friends, I have never seen a girl so great with Mouth. Normally someone would just blow him off.

"Everyone deserves a chance to be heard and this morning, he looked like he needed someone to talk to you," Ally says as she takes a bite of her hamburger.

"You are just full of surprises," Lucas says smiling at her.

"Oh you wait, Lucas Scott, you haven't been surprised yet," she says placing her hand on his.

Across the quad, Brooke watches Lucas and Ally and her heart feels like it is breaking all over again. Why can't she just tell Lucas how she feels and why is she so upset with Ally for going after Lucas. It's not like she has him.

"Brooke, are you okay?" Peyton asks her friend as she takes a sear next to Brooke at the table.

"Yeah," Brooke answers sadly, still watching Lucas and Ally.

"Come, Brooke, what is the problem," Peyton asks and then follows Brooke gaze. "It's Lucas ain't it?"

Brooke has tears in her eyes, "Peyton, why? Why do I have these feelings for him and why am I so pissed off at Ally? I shouldn't be cause first of all she could help jumpstart my career and second Lucas is fair game."

"Oh, Brooke. Have you told Lucas how you feel?" Peyton asks as they both watch Lucas and Ally.

"No, besides, it won't matter. You see the look he has. He likes her," Brooke says as she watches Ally place a kiss on Lucas' cheek and then walk off with her tray.

Lucas watches her walk away and then turns his attention back to quad and sees Peyton and Brooke looking at him. He gets up and starts walking towards them.

"Peyton, does it look like I have been crying?" Brooke asks nervously.

Peyton shakes her head no, just as Lucas takes a seat at their table.

"So, enjoying your lunch?" he asks almost giddy.

"We see that you were?" Brooke says placing a smile on her face.

"Yeah, she is great. Do you know that this morning after that little awkward moment between you two, Nathan, Haley, and Mouth? That Ally told Mouth that Erica made a swallow decision and that one day he would get his girl. She made Mouth smile," Lucas says smiling even bigger than before.

"Wow, two days and she has the whole school charmed," Peyton says jokingly.

They all laugh. Lucas could see the sadness in Brooke's eyes.

"You okay, Cheery?" he asks placing his hand on hers.

She pulls away from him, "Yeah, Peyton, I will catch you later. Bye Luke." she says and then quickly walks off.

"She okay, Peyton?"

"I don't know," is all she could say.

Chapter 13

Larry Sawyer is really not sure how to deal with the fact that Ellie is back. So he decides to go talk to a friend. He soon finds himself at Karen's Café talking to her.

Sitting at a booth and drinking coffee, Karen asks, "So how, uh…everything going with Peyton and Ellie?"

Larry shakes his head, "I don't know. I told Ellie to stay away. But…a part of me thinks it might be a good idea for those two to talk.

Karen nods, "How much do you know about her?"

"Not much really. We met her when she was pregnant with Peyton, looking for an adoptive couple, she chose us," Larry explains.

"What about Peyton's father?" Karen corrects herself. "UH, biological father."

"Well, we asked about him but she would never talk about him." Karen smiles. "I don't know, Karen…half the time I'm floating in the Atlantic trying to keep a roof over our head and Peyton scratching her way through adolescence - alone."

"Peyton knows that you love her, Larry," Karen reinsure him.

"I know she does. I just don't wanna see her hurt again," Larry answers.

"You, I don't - I don't know Ellie. I don't' know her intentions…but this may be the one opportunity that Peyton had to find out." Larry just stares at her. Karen smiles and continues, "I know you wanna protect her but maybe what she needs protection from is regret"

Larry nods in agreement.

Chapter 14

Haley walks into a classroom and sees Whitey waiting. She holds out her slip. "Coach Durham, if I said something to upset you earlier, I'm really sorry."

He takes the slip from her and puts it on his desk, "Take your seat."

Haley sighs and walks to a desk just as Nathan Scott enters the classroom. He see her and sighs.

"What're you doing here?" Nathan asks Haley as she turns around and looks at him.

"She's got detention, just like you," Whitey says to Nathan.

"What, are we the only two people that got in trouble today?" Nathan asks.

A guy walks in the door with earphones in his ears and holding a half eaten bagel. He hands Whitey his slip. Whitey takes it and shoves him back to the door.

"Get lost, kid," Whitey says pushing the kid out the door. "You're pardoned."

Nathan shakes his head and takes his seat, not anywhere close to Haley. Whitey shuts the door. Haley looks at Nathan and he avoids eye contact and stares straight ahead.

"Today, we're gonna allow talking. I believe you two have some catching up to do," Whitey says as he winks at Haley.

Chapter 15

"So, you waiting for someone?" Ally Carter asks Lucas Scott, who was sitting on a bench outside of the school.

"Peyton, she had something to do and I told her I would wait for her. What are you still doing here?" Lucas asks as Ally takes a seat next to him.

"Well, I decided to stay after and do homework. I wanted to be able to stay out late, just incase someone wanted to go get some ice cream or something," Ally says smiling at Lucas.

"So we going out tonight?" Lucas asks smiling.

"Well, that all depends," she says placing her hand on his.

"On what?" he asks playing with her fingers with his.

"You, cause you see I don't date casually. I am out looking for the one, so when you date me, you date only me," she explains looking deep into his eyes.

"Okay, well, Miss Ally, you got yourself a date tonight and definitely a guy," he agrees leaning over a planting a soft kiss on her lips.

She smiles pulling away, "Pick me up at 7, that is if you have a car," she says getting up from the bench.

Lucas laughs, "See at 7."

She gives him a quick kiss before leaving him alone. Lucas grins as he watches her jump into her car and leave.

"What's got you smiling?" Peyton asks putting her face in front of Lucas'.

Lucas laughs.

"It's Ally isn't it?" Lucas nods. "Man, how do you do it? First, Anna and now her. The other guys don't stand a chance with you around. So you gonna tell me what is up with you two?" Peyton asks her friend as they start to walk home.

"Well, we're dating and when I say dating I mean only each other," Lucas spills.

"Really, and what makes you think she is the one, cause last time I knew, you say that the next person you were going to be exclusive with was going to be the one," Peyton informs.

"I think she is. Peyton, I know I've only known her for two day, but she gets me. She sees through the tough guy that I am trying to be. She's already called me on it, and her heart is loving. She is great with Mouth," Lucas says as they walk up to the front door of Peyton's house.

"Well, Luke, You've grown since all the drama that was between you, me, and Brooke. I truly believe Ally has a keeper," she smiles at Lucas and then gives him a hug.

"Thanks Peyton and hey, call Brooke and make sure she is okay," Lucas says before walking back down the walk and then heading towards his house.

Peyton's smile fades. How is she going to tell her best friend that Lucas is no longer available. She would soon find out cause, Brooke pulls into the driveway.

"Hey, P. Sawyer, was that Lucas who just left?" she asks she walks into the Sawyer house with Peyton.

"Yeah," she answers and makes her way up to her room.

"So I was thinking that maybe I should call Lucas up and tell him how I feel," Brooke says as she watches Peyton start a record on the player.

'Brooke, do you think maybe Lucas isn't the one for you?" Peyton asks.

Brooke looks confused, "What do you mean?"

"Nothing, I think you're right. You need to talk to Lucas," Peyton informs.

Chapter 16

"Wow, Ally, just yesterday you were coming down to breakfast complaining how you didn't want to be here and now you have a boyfriend and he is taking you on your first date," Alex Carter says to his daughter as he watches her put final touches on her make-up.

"Daddy, it's not that big of deal really. Lucas is a sweet guy and I think you are really going to like him. He loves basketball, as do you, and if it makes you feel better he is a real gentlemen. He calls me, Miss Ally. It's cute," Ally explains lighting up with she talks about him.

"Well, I've never seen you this excited about a boy before, He must be something," Alex comments as the doorbell rings.

"You want to do the pleasure, daddy?" she asks smiling at her father.

"You finish up," is all he says before leaving his daughter to answer the door.

Alex walks towards the front door and pulls it open. Outside he finds a sandy blonde young man standing on the porch, wearing a pair of blue jeans and a light blue buttoned down shirt.

"Mr. Carter?" Lucas Scott questions.

"Lucas?" Lucas nods. "Well c'mon in. Ally is still upstairs, she will down in a minute."

Lucas follows Alex into the dining room.

"Wow, you have a really nice house, Mr. Carter," Lucas comments looking around and all the antiques that were decorating the living room.

"Please call me Alex. So Ally tells me you play basketball. Are up any good?" Alex asks taking a seat in his chair.

Lucas takes a seat on the couch and smiles, "Good, I guess you can say that. And even I wasn't that good at it, I think I would still play. I just love the sport."

Alex just smiles at Lucas as Ally enters the room.

"My dad talking your ear off?" Ally asks Lucas as she walks up beside him.

Lucas looks up about to say something, but loses all words when he sees Ally. She is wearing a pair of white capris and a yellow halter. Her red hair is curls perfectly around her face.

"Lucas, are you okay?" she asks looking down at him with her brown eyes.

"Yeah, and no, your dad was not talking my ear off. We were talking about basketball," he says quickly standing up.

"Oh, great. You sucking him in aren't you dad?" Ally teases her father as she makes her way to the front door.

"Whatever, Ally. Lucas, just so you know. Curfew is at 12 and not a minute later," Alex informs as Lucas and Ally walk out of the house.

"Yes, sir," Lucas is able to say before Alex closes the door. "So, uh, you know you look amazing, girlfriend."

"You don't look too bad yourself, boyfriend," she says as Lucas opens her car door for her.

He smiles as he shuts it and then jogs over to the passenger.

"So what do you have planned for us tonight, this being a first date and all," Ally asks as Lucas pulls out of the driveway.

"Well, I was thinking maybe we can have a nice quiet dinner by the pier and then maybe we can go to the beach and walk and then after that you can decide," he informs as he pulls into a parking spot close to the pier.

"Sounds good. So you gonna let me know what happened between you and Brooke and Peyton?" Ally asks smiling, knowing it is going to make him nervous.

Lucas laughs, "You mean Peyton, didn't already fill you in?" Ally shakes her 'no' as she gets out of the car. "Well…" he begins taking her hand and walking to the pier. "Peyton and I have always made sense or at least I thought so at the time, until she thought I was asking too much of her and she got scared. So I started hanging with Brooke and by the time Peyton realized that she wanted the commitment that I wanted, Brooke and I were together."

"Well, that doesn't seem that bad. Kinda you snooze you lost situation," Ally adds.

"That's not the bad part. Peyton and I took a road trip to see if her father was killed. Well, he wasn't, they found him. Well, we went back to the hotel cause Peyton had lost her bracelet and well, one hug led to us almost sleeping together. We actually snuck around for a couple weeks and Brooke soon found out. Hence all the drama. We are all friends now, but it took a lot of time to get where we're at now," Lucas explains as they take seats at a table.

They place their order and turn back to conversation.

"So Lucas, yesterday, when you were talking about the person that you didn't want to be, was that the person you were talking about?" Ally asks taking Lucas' hand in hers.

"I hurt two people that I truly cared about cause I was only thinking about what I wanted. I didn't think about how it would hurt anyone else. I was selfish," Lucas explains.

"Lucas, you have grown since then and I don't see you going back to being that person," Ally says looking into his eyes.

Lucas just smiles back, "Do you know how great you are? I look at you and think I must be dreaming, cause people like you don't exist. Thanks for listening," Lucas says as they food arrives.

"Always! Now lets eat," she says grabbing her fork.

"So how about you tell me your story?" Lucas says before taking a bite of his food.

"Okay, I guess that's only fair cause I have been asking so many questions about you," Ally answers. "Well I am originally from Manhattan, New York. My parents divorced when I was four. My mom later remarried, which only two months later that marriage was annulled." Lucas let out a chuckle. "Yeah I know my mom can't keep a guy around long enough to give me sibling, so I am an only child."

"What about your dad?"

"Daddy? Well, he always seems to finds ways out of dating. He is always too busy or he wants to spend time with me, or there just isn't a woman out there that is good enough to be a mother to me. I really don't care if she is good to me as long as she makes my dad happy," Ally says as they continue to eat their food.

"You really love your dad," Lucas comments.

"More than I can put into words. What about you, do you love you dad?"

Lucas laughs, "Yeah, my dad doesn't even care that I am alive. He treats everyone so badly and that's why I try and be a better man cause I don't want to end up like him." Ally smiles at him. "So what else can you tell me about yourself. Ever broken any hearts?"

"I've broken hearts, I mean I think I would have broken yours if I didn't agree to go out with you," she says smiling at him. Lucas laughs. "But I have had my heartbroken too. I was with this guy, who I thought loved me. Yeah, but love to him meant that he could control me and beat me up whenever he wanted. It took me three broken ribs and a week in the hospital to finally realize that wasn't love," Ally explains as her smile fades from her face.

Lucas looks at her, "Wow," is all he can say. He looks at her with sympathy.

"Don't…I'm stronger now because of it. Listen, how about we go and take that walk on the beach," she says to him grabbing his hands.

"Okay," he answers placing money on the table.

They make their way to the beach. Taking off their shoes, they walk in the waves.

"So are you glad you moved to Tree Hill?" Lucas asks and they continue to walk hand in hand in the sand.

She stops and turns to him, "How about you tell me," is all she says before leaning into his body and kissing Lucas.

"Well, I think I'm gonna like having you here," Lucas says before leaning back down and kissing her again.

She laughs as she falls into the kiss.

Chapter 17

"So I called you last night to see if you wanted to hang out and your mom tells me that you are on a date. Could I assume that date was with Ally Carter?" Haley smiles at her friend.

"Yeah," Lucas answers blushing.

"So you gonna tell me about it?" Haley asks as the walk into the quad at their high school.

"Maybe later. So how'd detention go?" Lucas asks changing the subject.

"Oh, it was exactly what it was supposed to be: punishment. Nathan looked at me exactly once when my stomach growled funny and then stared at the clock the rest of the hour," Haley explains.

"Well, gave you time to work on those predictions though, right?"

"Are you kidding me? The way this year's going, I predict I'm gonna get my GED."

Lucas sighs, "I'll see you at lunch." He veers to the left heading to class.

"Alright," she answers patting him as he leaves.

Haley walks to class and walks past Sue Garvey and her friends. The look at her again and laugh.

"Excuse me! Um, aren't you Kelly Clarkson?" Sue asks.

Haley stops, keeping her back to them. They laugh at her.

"Bitch!" Sue says under her breath.

Haley turns around very irate, "You wanna try saying that to my face?"

Sue stands, "You like to sing about stars? Maybe you'd like to see some." She pushes Haley hard.

Haley stumbles back before she dodges forward and pushes back.

"I have never done ANYTHING to you!"

Whitey sees what is happening and intervenes.

"Hey, hey, hey, break it up!" using all force to separate them. "Break it up now!"

Sue smiles and she and her friends leave.

Whitey looks at Haley, "I'm not gonna have any catfights on my watch." Haley breathes. "Fighting in school - that's a detention."

"Coach, she started it."

"Talking back to a teacher - " as he nods. "that's two."

Haley closes her eyes, "Whitey, I really appreciate it but I don't think it's gonna work."

"Calling me Whitey…is three."

"OK, I think two's enough," she says very depressed.

"I'm serious about that third one. I'll see you in detention," Whitey says before walking off.

Haley sighs and grumbles before stomping off to the school.

Later that day…

Haley is sitting in detention, resting her head on her schoolbag and staring off into nothing. Nathan has his books in front of him. He looks over at Haley.

He laughs, "Did you really, uh…knock out Sue Garvey's front tooth?"

Haley looks up at him, surprised he's talking to her, "Wh-what? Where did you hear that?"

"It's all over school," he answers grinning.

"Great, add 'bully' to me resume now, " she groans and runs her hand through her hair. "You know, I've played for some tough crowds on the road…nothing compares to the hostility I feel walking down that hallway." Nathan nods. "What's I even do to make those girls hate me anyway? They don't even know me."

"It's high school. They don't need a reason. Try missing the winning shot at a home game; you'll feel hatred at a whole new level," he said smiling at her.

She smiles back, "Yeah, I guess, I never thought of it that way."

Nathan turns back around. Haley want to keep him talking to her, "Nathan - "

"I should get back to this," he says flipping pages in his book. "I don't have a tutor anymore."

Haley's smile disappears and she sighs before leaning on her bag and resuming the position she held only moments ago.

Chapter 18

Dan Scott is playing basketball by himself when Nathan Scott gets home from school. Nathan shuts his car door and walks over to him.

"Let me guess - mom's not home; she doesn't know you're here," Nathan comments.

"Well, technically, we haven't divided our assets yet," Dan answers his son.

"Well, technically, hanging around the house when your wife's licked you to the curb makes you a loser," Nathan informs.

"Well, I guess you'd know, right," Dan says smirking before turning back to the hoop. "Come on, get suited up. We'll play one-on-one. Where you been, anyway?"

Nathan watches his father score a basket before answering, "I had detention."

"Nathan, you can't afford to be a discipline case. This get back to the scouts - "

"No, it wasn't like that. Whitey's just…playing games with me and Haley," Nathan informs.

Dan nods, "Whitey, huh? Well, you won't have to worry about him much longer."

"What does that mean?"

"I'm looking out for you, son," Dan smirks. "I'm going before the school board tonight, we're gonna get you a real coach."

Nathan doesn't look too happy about the new he just received.

He slowly walks to the house. He is about to go in, when he notices a very nice antique car pull in the house across the street. He watches as a girl gets out of it and walks to the front door. She disappears, only to appears seconds later with a guy that looks as if to be her father, and a basketball. He smiles and walks across the street to introduce himself to his new neighbors.

"Hey," the man says as Nathan approaches.

"Hey, I'm Nathan Scott. I live across the street, so I figured I come introduce myself," he says.

"Alex Carter and this is my daughter, Ally. You say your last name is Scott?" Nathan nods. "Related to Lucas Scott?"

"Yeah, we're brothers," Nathan answers. "How do you know him."

Ally looks down at the ground and then Alex answers, "He is dating my daughter."

"WOW, Lucas sure moves fast. Listen, watch out for that boy. Cause sometimes he doesn't know what he wants," Nathan warns Ally.

"If you are talking about Brooke and Peyton, he told me what happened. Listen Nathan, I don't know you and I don't really know your situation with Lucas, but he is trying to be a better for everyone, including you and Haley," Ally says to Nathan.

"He's got you convinced," Nathan informs Ally.

"I don't have to be convinced cause I can see it in his eyes. Everything he has been doing the past four month, as he explained it to me, has been for Karen, your mom and you. So you guys can escape Dan," is all Ally says before going back into the house.

Nathan looks back across the street and looks at his father, who is still shooting hoops.

"You okay?" Alex asks. Nathan nods. "You play?" Alex hands Nathan the ball.

"Well, I guess my brother hasn't told you guys everything about me. I am the star forward of my high school basketball team," Nathan says taking the ball and putting it through the hoop.

Across the street, Dan looks on as he watches Nathan and Alex shoot the ball around. Dan becomes very angry.

Chapter 19

"So are you gonna tell me about what happened last night on you date?" Peyton asks Lucas as they drove towards her house.

"How did you know about my date?" Lucas questions looking over at her confused.

"Ally told me. She called to borrow some earrings cause she was going to be going out on a first day with her exclusive boyfriend," Peyton explains making Lucas blush.

"I wondered why those earrings looked familiar," he says smiling at her as Peyton parks her car in the driveway.

"Hush!" she says walking to the front of the house with Lucas following her.

"So, I've been thinking about Ellie and maybe I was wrong about her," Peyton gives him a look as they enter the house. "Who knows what I saw? I mean, it could have been any number of things."

"What, crack, speed, maybe she's huffing model airplane glue," Peyton says.

Lucas sighs, "That's not what I mean!"

"Lucas, I confronted her about it - she didn't' deny it," Peyton explains.

"There could be some explanation," Lucas says.

"There's always an explanation with her. It's called lying," Peyton explains and they walk up the stairs on their way to her bedroom. "Why are you on the Ellie train all of a sudden anyway?"

Lucas looks at her very serious, "I'm not. I'm just saying, maybe you should give her a chance."

Peyton sighs and continues up the stairs. She opens her bedroom door and suddenly stops.

"Hey," Larry Sawyer says leaning on her desk.

Ellis is looking through Peyton's sketches on her bed.

"Hi, Peyton," Ellie says.

Peyton is in shock, "What're you doing here?"

"I invited her. I-I thought, maybe we could all…talk," Larry informs.

"Peyton, I had no idea how gifted you were," Ellie informs looking at the sketches.

Peyton ignores her and looks at Lucas, "You set me up!"

Lucas is confused, "No, I-"

Larry interrupts, "Hey-hey, Peyton, wait-wait, listen."

"NO, YOU LISTEN! THIS IS MY WORLD, OK? This is my music," she grabs a picture from Ellis. "This is my art." Larry tried to stop her but she backs away. "Art that has everything to do with mom. My real mom, OK?" Peyton begins to cry. "I can't believe you'd do this to me."

Larry can't find the words to say to his daughter. Ellie looks very uncomfortable.

Peyton turns to Lucas, "Did you know about this?"

"Wh-"

"Peyton!" Larry calls.

"No, jus-just stay out of my life, OK! All of you!" Peyton says and then leaves the room crying.

"It's my fault, "is all Larry says.

Lucas looks at them, feeling sympathy for Peyton.

Chapter 20

Haley James Scott stomps out of the bathroom, of her apartment that she shares with Brooke Davis, with an arm full of clothes and dumps them onto the bed. She turns around and head back to the bathroom.

Entering the room, Brooke announces, "Good news! Our money troubles are over. I am a working girl."

"Is that legal?"

"I am now the newest employee at Suburban Filth. It's a clothing store," Brooke informs Haley.

Haley walks out of the bathroom with more clothes, "Suburban filth, that's…perfect."

Brooke makes catty noise.

"What've you got there?" Haley asks noticing Brooke hold something.

Brooke holds up scrunchies, "These, my dear roommate, are hair scrunchies, Circe 1995, and they are what's going to make this little living arrangement bearable."

"Brooke, I know you never like my hair, but it's just - " Haley begins.

"No, well…true, but…no. When either of us has a boy over these scrunchies will be our first line of defense. Observe," she begins by walking over to the door. "Red scrunchy," she puts it on the doorknob, "means occupied; some serious action going on in here. The yellow scrunchy means; we're just making out but one or more of us my be topless."

Haley closes her eyes, "And the black one."

Brooke smiles, "Hmm, you're gonna have to leave the apartment."

"Well, I'm not sure I can handle thinking of you and other guys hooking up in the same room where I am sleeping," Haley says grabbing more clothes.

Brooke crosses her arms, "Other guys and Lucas."

Haley stops, I guess Brooke doesn't know about Lucas and Ally. thinking to herself. "Brooke, it's, uh…it's a really good…system, um, but I-I just really don't think I'm gonna be needing any scrunchies any time soon, so…" Haley says walking forward.

"Oh, no, no roommate, come here," Brooke hugs her. "Come on," she forcefully put Haley's arms around her shoulders. "Nathan's gonna come around. He just need to know you're her for the long hall."

She's talking about herself as much as Nathan. She looks at the board depicting how she pent her summer vacation. She looks at the one of her and Lucas kissing on the beach. She rubs Haley's back and lets her go.

"You know, sometimes people play hard to get because they need to know…the other person's feelings are real," Brooke explains.

"Or you wait to long and then they move on with someone else," Haley says wiping her tears from her face and they walking about from Brooke.

Brooke looks confused but blows it off.

Chapter 21

Karen Roe is cleaning up her café, when Nathan Scott walks through the front door.

"Oh, Nathan. It's been a long time.

"Yeah, Have you seen Lucas?"

"OH, not for a few hours," she answers.

"Okay, thanks," he says and then turns to walk out.

"Nathan." He stops at the doorway and turns back around. "Haley came back."

"Yeah," he manages to say quietly.

Karen walks to him, "Do you, uh, do you remember that day on the Rivercourt? When you told me that you would give anything to have her home?"

"Yeah. Yeah, you told me to have faith," he answers.

Karen nods, "Yeah, well, faith is believing when there's nothing else you can do." Nathan smiles and nods. "She's here now….what're you gonna do about it?"

"Haley's her. I just…don't know if the guys she left is ever gonna come back." He smiles and shrugs before walking away. "Oh, and, uh, if you see Lucas, tell him he might wanna come to the school board meeting tonight."

"School board?"

"Yeah, my dad is trying to get Whitey fired. And, uh, we both know he usually gets what he wants," Nathan explains and then leaves the café.

Karen frowns.

Chapter 22

"So, I, ah, meant your brother today?" Ally says to Lucas, who lays across the bottom of her bed.

"Really?" he asks sitting up on his elbow and looking at her as she sits at the top of the bed finishing her homework.

"Well, yeah when he is your neighbor, you're gonna run into him sooner or later," she says smiling at him.

He lays back down, "Yeah, so what did he say about me?"

"Just that I need to be careful with you. I knew he was talking about Brooke and Peyton, but I told him that you are just trying to be a better person for everyone, including him and Haley. I told him that everything you've been doing the past months have been for your mom, Deb, and him," Ally says as she puts her book down and lays on her stomach and puts her chin on Lucas chest.

"Do you think he believed you?" Lucas asks running his hand through her hair.

"I don't know, but what I do know is that you two are brothers and you shouldn't be angry with each other like this. Something has to be done about Dan. You know I don't him, but what I have heard about him and how he hurts people, just doesn't seem right for him to have the people that he does in his life," Ally says as she scoots closer to Lucas.

"I'm so happy to have my mom, and Haley, and you. I just want to fix things with Nathan," he says and he gives her a light kiss on the lips.

"Hey so how did things go with Peyton today?" Ally asks as she sits up and turns part of her attention back to her book.

"Not anything what I thought it would be," Lucas comments closing his eyes.

Meanwhile, Peyton sitting on a bench on a corner, watching a empty road. Peyton stares at the traffic light, thinking. She looks to the side and sees her father approaching. She doesn't move as he takes a seat beside her.

"I thought you would be here," Larry says. Peyton sits uncomfortably. "Ever since your mom died I've been…guessing a lot. Sometimes I guess wrong. I shouldn't have brought Ellie into your room with asking you. But, she didn't have anything to do with it. Neither did Lucas."

Peyton pauses then decides to talk, "Sometimes you guess right," Larry looks at her. "You guessed where to find me."

Peyton smiles weakly and Larry puts an arms around her. He kisses her on the head as she looks down sadly.

"This has all been a lot to take." Peyton nods. "I want you to know you an always talk to me," Larry informs his daughter.

"But sometimes I can't, dad."

"Yeah, I get that…if you're not always comfortable talking with me, maybe we should find you someone," Larry says.

"Like a shrink?" she questions.

"Well, it might help you to get some of this out," Larry expresses.

Peyton thinks as she puts her head back on her dad's shoulder, He kidded her on the forehead again.

Chapter 23

Later that night at the school, students are gathered outside the hall where the board meeting will decide Whitey's fate.

"Just beyond these doors, Coach Durham's fate is being decided as we speak. This tension is palpable." Lucas looks at Mouth as he approaches. "The only audible sounds are the heartbeats of this Ravens team. Beating in unison for its beloved coach." Lucas looks at him with his eyebrows raised as angry appears in Mouth's voice. " My heart would be beating too but it's been ripped out and stomped on by one Erica Marsh!"

"Mouth!" Mouth turns to Lucas. "You got a second?" Mouth nods and sits beside him. Lucas shakes his head, "Look, I know what you going through, man, but at a certain point, you gotta stop wearing your heart on your sleeve." Mouth looks at him and then looks away. "In fact, your whole shirt's getting a little ripe," Lucas says looking down at Mouth's shirt.

"That's easy for you to say, Luke. You get your hear broken, there's a dozen girls waiting to put it back together, like the new girl." Lucas sighs. "It doesn't work like that for me. You know, and even if it did, I don't want it to…I just want Erica back."

Lucas nods with understanding, then Mouth gets up and walks away.

Inside the school…

"To the school board, -" Dan Scott stands in from of the school board. "- concerned parents, Mr. Mayor. I think Coach Durham's record speaks for itself. He's never won a state title. In fact, the closest he ever came were those years where myself and my sons were on the team. And let's face it - Whitey's running out of my DNA." Dan grins.

The people in the seats laugh. Whitey looks around, annoyed.

"This is Nathan's final year at Tree Hill - and a lot of the other boys too. We may not have another chance like this for decades," Dan looks at Whitey. "Now, I love Whitey. He's an institution in this town…but this is bigger than just one man. This is about civic pride. This is about driving into Tree Hill in the middle of the night.. And seeing your headlight splash that sign: 'Welcome to Tree Hill, home of the Ravens: North Carolina State Basketball Champions'," he grins at the board. "Gives me chills just thinking about it." The Mayor nods. "Now, our kids deserve to have that feeling, too. Hell, so does all of Tree Hill. Now, if we make this change, by replacing Coach Durham, we can get there - this year. I honestly believe that. Thank you." Dan smiles and walks off the podium.

"Well, thank you, Mr. Scott," The Mayor coughs. "Time to call this to a vote."

"I would like to say something," Karen Roe says standing up, looking at Dan.

"Uh, Mayor Mulling, Miss Roe's not a member of the school board," Karen walks to the front and ignores what he is saying. "As a matter of fact, I don't think I've ever seen her at a meeting before. I object," Dan says very disturbed.

"Well, this is not a court of law, Dan. We got by my rules, " the Mayor informs. "Sit down." Dan doesn't argue, even though you can tell he wants to say something, but he sits. "Please go ahead, Ms. Roe.

Karen steps up to the podium, "Thank you. Most of you know me – I am Lucas Scott's mom, I run a café down town and Lucas joined the Ravens last year. What you don't know is that I was against it. Whitey knew that but he recruited him anyway. Um,… I was against it for good reason; because I have seen what this game can turn people in to. And I was worried that that would happen to my son… what I didn't realize… is how what Whitey teaches these boys goes beyond the simple game. I have seen his influence in my own son beyond the X's and the O's. And so have all the other parents in this room. Our boys are becoming men, " she smiles, "and I cannot put that into statistics. It may not translate into championships…but if you put too much focus on those things,… in the end, all you're gonna end up with is a sad bunch of boys who never learn to leave the game behind.," she looks directly at Dan.

Dan doesn't say anything, he lets her continue, "Unlike Dan Scott, I don't believe that our sons deserve anything. You get what you earn…" she turns to look at Whitey. "but Coach Durham, he deserves better." Whitey smiles. "He's already earned it."

Karen turns around and walk away from the podium. She shakes Whitey's hand as she passes him.

Chapter 24

Lucas sees Nathan sitting on a bench, and walks over to him.

"So, my mom told me you cam looking for," Lucas says.

"Oh, it wasn't about you," he looks away indifferently. "Just wanted to make sure everyone knew about Whitey."

"So you do care about something besides basketball."

"Whitey gets me touches. He knows it my team. Pretty soon the scouts will too," Nathan expresses.

"Your team, huh?" Nathan nods. "Yeah, I guess we'll see about that when we get back on the court, won't we?" Lucas pats him on the arms and begins to walk away.

"Lucas," Nathan calls. Lucas stops and turns around. "You know you got that girl fooled. You got her thinking you are someone that you're not."

"Yeah, well, maybe she sees something in me that no one else see, kinda like Haley saw in you, right," Lucas says before shaking his head and walking away. He stops when he sees Peyton. "Hey."

"Hi."

"Listen, about earlier. I-I'm sorry, I didn't know that she-" Lucas begins.

"I know," Peyton smiles. "My dad told me you weren't on the grassy knoll" Lucas smiles and looks down. "Luke, I'm sorry. You're actually one of the few people that's been honest with me through this whole thing."

"So, what're you doing after this?" Lucas asks.

Peyton starts to answer but the door to the hall opens. Everyone looks and see Whitey lead everyone out. There is nothing but a rumbling murmur from the students. The team wait for the verdict. Lucas and Peyton turn expectantly.

"Bad news, gentlemen," Whitey says not smiling. Lucas looks at Whitey and soon a smile spreads across. "You're stuck with me."

Everyone cheers and claps. Nathan smiles. Lucas walks up to Whitey and hugs him. Karen watches them with a smile. Dan walks up behind her but stops. Karen looks back and he walks away… She smiles triumphantly.

Lucas and Peyton walk in to school and into the deserted gym.

"Been awhile since we've been in here, huh?" she says.

"I'm in here every night." he pauses. "In my mind, anyway."

Peyton knows, "You're playing the shot you missed. The shot that ended out season; the shot you probably made, what, like a thousand times. " She grins.

Holding up his hands, "Okay," he sighs and walks a few steps away from her.

"So watcha have to tell me?"

"How'd you know?"

"Well, I figured you either brought me in here to talk, to make out, or to kill me. And since we're not gonna make out…I guess it's talk or die, right?" Lucas smiles. "Is it bad?"

"Yeah."

"Let me guess, I've got three mom," Peyton smiles and then looks down at the ground.

"Ellie was buying marijuana…but not for the reasons you think. She's sick," Lucas pauses. "She has cancer, Peyton."

"She told you that?" Lucas nods. "Come one, Luke, that's just another one of her lies."

"I don't think so. I think she was afraid that if you knew that truth…you'd feel obligated, or some way. You know, then it would change things between you for the wrong reasons, " Lucas explains.

"Kinda like…your little secret about Dan and the fire," Peyton says. Lucas smiles.

"And what little secret is that?" Dan asks entering the conversation.

Peyton's smile drops and she turns around and there stands Dan.

"Sorry to interrupt your little melodrama but Lucas and I have unfinished business," Dan informs.

"Peyton, you should go," Lucas tells her.

"Yeah, we'll both go," Peyton says dragging Lucas away, but Dan follows.

"Bit Oedipal, don't you think? Trying to kill daddy," Dan says as he stops in front of them, making them stops as well. "Someone should tell mom she's in for some action."

"You don't know what happened that night," Lucas informs him. "You can't remember and it's killing you." Lucas walks forwards and Dan stops him. He puts his hand around Lucas' neck.

"Enlighten me!"

"Let go!" Lucas yells.

Peyton moves between them and tries to pry his fingers off. "Leave him alone," she continues to pull on his arm.

Dan looks at Peyton, "This is a family matter. You'd understand if you had one," Dan says as he puts his hand on her head and shoves hard. Lucas can't believe what he just saw.

"You son of a bitch!" Lucas says punching him hard.

Dan goes down for a moment, but comes back up laughing, "My record on this court's a little better than yours, Lucas."

Lucas tried to hit him again but Dan blocks him.

"Don't, ah-" Lucas tries to say, but Dan grabs him by the throat again; a lot harder than before. Lucas struggles to breathe under the pressure.

"YOU REALLY THINK YOU COULD TRY AND KILL ME?" Dan yells.

Peyton comes up behind, "STOP IT!"

"You think you could get away with this?" Dan asks as Lucas' mouth is wide open, trying to get some air.

"LET GO!" Peyton pleads hitting him on the arm.

"There are easier ways to kill a man, Lucas," Dan informs him.

Peyton continues to try and separate them, "HE WASN'T TRYING TO KILL YOU!"

Dan squeezes harder, "LIKE CHOCKING!!"

Peyton gets in his face, "HE SAVED YOUR LIFE!!"

Dan looks at Peyton but doesn't ease the pressure. Lucas continues to choke as Dan thinks. He looks back at Lucas. Lucas continues to choke as Dan remembers. Finally he lets go and Lucas falls to the floor. Peyton rushes to him to see if he's alright. Lucas coughs, trying to get air back into his lungs.

"Lucas, please, you have to tell him," she pleads with him.

Lucas continues to struggle and Dan stands there waiting, eyes wide.

Lucas says very hoarse, "I was there." he breathes hard. "But not to kill you!"

Dan flashbacks to the fire.

"I saved your life…but I should have let you burn," Lucas' voices echoes in Dan's head. Dan looks around, dazed, as he remember. Lucas is still sitting up, looking at his father coldly, still trying to catch his breath.

"Well, a stronger man would have." Lucas squints at him. "This'll be our secret, Lucas and that goes for you too, Miss Sawyer," Dan says pointing at Peyton.

Peyton's eyes jerk and she looks at him coldly herself. Lucas' head drops. Dan shakes his head but leaves without an apologizing. Peyton doesn't dare move until he is gone.

She moves close to Lucas, "Luke, I'm sorry. I had to tell him."

"It's alright, I know," he says to her still weak.

"You okay?"

Lucas closes his eyes weakly, "That's my father. What do you think?" He looks at her.

Chapter 25

Nathan Scott stood in his bedroom looking in some boxes. He takes about a heart shaped bottle filled with sand that was on the beach the day he and Haley got married. He looks at it. On the bottle, it real: 'Our Wedding Day' - with little flowers painted.

He begins to think back to his wedding day and how happy he was that day. How beautiful Haley was that day. His thoughts are soon interrupted.

"If I were you, I'd keep those boxes packed," Dan says to his son.

Nathan looks sideways and sees his father in the doorway.

Nathan sighs, "What are you still doing here?"

"You mean other than paying bills," Dan says smiling.

Sighing, "It's over, dad. Let it go."

Dan nods and looks down, "I saw you today, playing ball with the neighbor. What were you doing over there?"

"Dad, stop. I just went over there to talk to the man. He is nice, you know, unlike you, it's not about whose the best at the sport," Nathan explains.

Dan laughs, "I saw you talking to the girl too. She looks…" Dan begins.

"Dad, he is dating Lucas and plus I am married to Haley," Nathan informs him.

"Can't blame a guy for trying, can you?" Dan says before walking away.

Nathan looks back at the bottle.

Chapter 26

Lucas opens the door to Brooke and Haley's apartment, "I hear this place is open all night."

Haley is sitting on the couch with glasses on and a pen in her mouth. She's looking through some papers.

Haley laughs, "You heard right!"

Lucas shuts the door.

Brooke is on the phone, "Okay thanks." Lucas sits on the couch next to Haley as Brooke hangs up the phone. "And, now that I have a new job, we eat too." she says standing. "Pizza's on the way. I'm gonna change, you guys hang." She leaves the room.

"What happened to you?" Haley asks.

"Oh," he examines his shirt, "this pick-up game got a little rough." He looks at her. "What're you doing?"

"Eurgh," she says taking off her glasses. "I'm just looking through this list of predictions and wishes I made over the years. You know, I really think that maybe, back then, I was a better person.

"You're the same person you've always been. That's not a list of who you are, it's a list of…who you're gonna be. That's still up to you," Lucas says.

"Yeah, well…whatever I want to happen this year, I'm gonna just predict the opposite cause life always has a ways of figuring out how to surprise you," she explains.

Lucas smiles and shakes his head. There's a knock on the door.

"That's fast," she comments as she set the papers aside and stands up to answer the door. "You pitching in, you mooch?"

Lucas looks at her in amusement. She opens the door, smiling. Nathan's standing there, she smile fades.

Surprised, she says, "Hey!"

"Nice place," Nathan comments smiling. "Can I talk to you?"

"Yeah," she says.

Lucas watches Haley leave with Nathan. His cell phone rings.

"Hello?" he answers.

"Yeah, Luke. My um, dad is working late tonight and was wondering if you would like to come over and watch a movie, or something, "Ally asks.

"Yeah, um, I am going to have some pizza with some friends and then I will be over okay. Say in forty-five minutes?" Lucas smiles.

"Yeah, I will see ya then," she says before hanging up the phone.

Lucas clicks his phone close and looks at it smiling.

Chapter 27

Nathan and Haley walk through town slowly and quietly. So much that needs to be said, but neither ones knows where to begin.

Haley sighs, "I'm glad it's you that stopped by, Living with Brooke, you never know what's gonna come in for a late night booty call."

Nathan is very uncomfortable, "Look, um…I've been doing something about us. About what we're gonna do, and, um…I still have the annulment papers but -" Haley looks away sadly, but Nathan speaks up. "if we get an annulment; that mean that our marriage never happened. That'd be a lie. I mean, we had a lotta great times together, Haley. I don't wanna pretend like we didn't."

She looks at him, "Neither do I."

Nathan sighs, "So, instead of an annulment, I've looked into a divorce." Nathan keeps his eyes away from Haley and on the ground. Haley stops as he continues walking. He pauses a few steps ahead of her and looks back. "The state says we have to be separated for a year."

"What -," she begins trying to find the words. "Uh…what're you saying?"

"I'm saying that I…think we should see what happens between now and then," Nathan informs her.

She walks forward, "Nathan, I love you." He looks down at her. "I know that we can work this out, and a year from now, things will be good for us again."

"Maybe…and maybe not. I guess we'll just have to see," Nathan says and Haley shakes her head in disbelief.

Chapter 28

Back at Brooke and Haley's apartment, Lucas is sitting on the couch. He finishes his drink. Brooke is sitting opposite of him, watching.

Looking at his watch, "I should probably go," he says putting down his glass.

"What, you're just gonna eat Haley's half of the pizza and then run?" Lucas looks down and laughs. "Let's be optimistic. Nathan and Haley have a lot of problems; they'll probably be out all night," she smiles. "And you know I hate to sleep alone."

Lucas groans and stands up, "Brooke, you know that I would love to spend the night…"

Brooke smiles, "Yeah."

"But I can't," Lucas says.

"Okay, but before you go," she begins as she stand up. "Did I mention that one of the perks," she unties her robe, "of my new job is that I get to take home the free samples?" Brooke unfolds the robe and shows off a yellow t-shirt with matching yellow panties.

Lucas looks at her and then takes the sides of the robe and closes them, "Brooke, I can't. I'm with Ally and that's whom I am about to go see. I'm sorry."

"But, how, I mean at the beginning of this summer you told me you had feelings for me and now they are gone. How can that be?" Brooke asks very crushed.

"Brooke, I did have feelings for you, but what did you do to me?" he asks her. She remains quiet. "You pushed me away. You wouldn't let me in. Ally has let me in, all the way in and care for her so much. I have to go, Brooke. I'm sorry," is all he says before leaving her in the apartment alone.

Lucas stands outside of the apartment and for once in his life, he didn't feel as if Brooke had a hold of his feelings. He walks to his car feeling free. He is smiling ear to ear and gets in and drives to Ally's house.

He pulls into the driveway, ten minutes later, with that smile still on his face. He gets out and walks to the door. Ally opens it before he gets a chance to knock.

"What are you smiling about?" she asks as she lets him walk pass her into the house.

He turns around and looks at her. He takes her in his arms, "For the first time in my life, I feel free of my past. I feel like I can move on completely; move on with you," he says before placing a kiss on her lips.

"Oh, yeah. Well, I am glad that I get to be that person you move on with," she said leading him into the living room.

Chapter 29

Coach Whitey Durham sitting in his office at the school enjoying a drink. When he finishes it, Mouth knocks on the door. Whitey turns and looks at him.

"Mouth McFadden - newsman extraordinaire. What're you doing out so late?" Whitey asks.

"Well, I was hoping I could get a statement about your first win of the season," Mouth says smiling.

Whitey smiles and sits in his chairs, "I'll go you one better than that. I'll give you an exclusive." Mouth grins and eagerly walks into the room and sit opposite of Whitey. "This'll be my final season. The end of this year - win or lose - I'm retiring."

Mouth looks speechless, "But…why?"

"That's it," he says holding up his hand. "That's your scoop. Oh, and do me a favor - keep it under wraps until…after the first game."

Whitey smiles and turns his chair to the side so that he's looking at his late wife, Camilla's picture. Mouth sighs and walks to the door.

Turning around, Mouth asks, "Hey, Coach? Um…could I ask you one more question?" Whitey looks at him. "Off the record." Whitey nods. "How do you…deal with losing someone you love?"

Whitey gathers himself for a bit before pointing at the door, "Shut the door, son. Pull up a chair."

Mouth closes the door carefully.

Chapter 30 - Montage

"All are architects of fate so look not mournfully into the past. It comes not back again."

-Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Lucas is sitting in the empty café with a pen and pad. He writing his new prediction for the coming school year. He writes: 'This year…I will work things out with Nathan.' He continues to write more.

Haley is sitting in her apartment. Her glasses are back on and she is writing. Haley is concentrating on her predictions. Haley has written: 'Nathan and I will be together again'. She looks away.

Lucas and Haley stand together as he puts the lid back on the tin box. Haley smiles as he put is back into the hole and replaces the bring that she hands him.

Peyton is leaning on her bed, "My dad said I should talk to someone…so I'm talking to you," she begins holding a microphone to her mouth. "All of you. Where do I begin? Um…well, I guess, until a few days ago I thought my mom what my mom and my dad was my dad." she continues to explain, podcasting her issues to the world.

Brooke is laying on her bed, writing on a envelope. It's addressed to Lucas. She turns it around and slips a folded piece of paper in and turns it back around. She caps the pen and opens a small compartment at the foot of her bed. Inside is a shoebox full of letters addressed to Lucas, all different colored envelopes and different sizes. She puts the letter in the middle and continues flipping pas the envelopes.

Dan is sitting in his car, thinking. Blue lights flash on the vehicle behind him. Someone walks across the path to his car - it's a cop. He hands Dan an envelope. There's a cold look in Dan's yes as he nods his thanks. He looks at it as the cop walks away and he gibe it a little flick.

It's a new day and students are milling around the corridors as usual. Haley walks in, moving aside for a rude guy who shoulders her as he passes. She pauses and looks back for a bit before looking forward. Sue Garvey is there again, whispering to her friends about Haley and avidly looking at her. Haley stands there, not moving, just watching them. Nathan walks up behind her and stops when he see what she's so distracted by. She and her friends pause when the see who Haley is with.

"Come on, we're late for class," Nathan smiles and walks forward. Haley gives a weak smile and walks beside him. They walk past Sue and then Nathan puts his hand on Haley's lower back and guiding her down the corridor. She looks at him and smiles.