Lucas is standing between Payton and Brooke as they wait for someone to break the silence... meanwhile outside Haley pulls into the driveway behind Keith.
K: Hey Haley, did you just come from the hospital?
H: No, I just closed up the cafe for Deb, Dan had not even called her and told her about Nathan yet!
K: Does that really surprise you Haley? I just talked to Dan a little while ago and he said that Nathan was going to be OK. He was just dehydrated.
H: I know Deb called me and told me the same thing and thanked me for closing for her. I just came here to let Lucas know that Nathan was going to be ok.
K: I can tell him Haley, he is suppose to be grounded.
H: You're not going to let me go in for a minute? When did you become such a harda**?
K: Since Karen left me in charge of Lucas and he came home drunk, late and with a tatoo.
H: A tatoo? Of what? He didn't tell me that. Sure he tells me about a fake ID and leaves out the best part.
K: A fake ID... the story just gets better and better.
H: Keith.. hey you didn't hear about that from me. Seriously, are you really not going to let me go in and talk to him? I'm like family...please!!?? You have to let me see the tatoo.
K: you have 2 minutes and then you're gone.
H: it's a deal.
Just then Haley and Keith open up the door to see Lucas, Payton and Brooke.
Lucas's Kitchen
Lucas was snapped out of his thoughts when the door opened. Lucas saw Haley first and gave her a look that told her he needed help. Keith however did not notice anything except the fact that Lucas was suppose to be home alone and instead was sandwiched between 2 girls.
K: Luke, what the hell is going on here? Brooke and Payton both jumped, they did not notice anyone come into the room.
L: Keith listen...
Keith cuts him off.
K: no you listen...i thought I told you this morning that you were grounded?
L: I know. I came straight home after the game.
K: With 2 cheerleaders. Not exactly what I had in mind when I grounded you. Looking at Payton and Brooke. You guys need to take off, Lucas will see you at school on Monday.
Lucas was actually very happy Keith was making them go. He needed time to sort things out before he made any decisions.
Payton doesn't say anything, she just turns and walks out the door. Brooke grabs her bag and leans in and kisses Luke.
B: I guess you're not getting lucky tonight, sexy.
Luke can see that Keith is not finding any amusement in this.
L: (whispering to Brooke)Seriously Brooke, you're not helping my situation right now.
B: Fine, I'll go then. Shutting the door behind her as she leaves.
Luke can feel Keith's eyes on his back and is dreading the conversation that is about to take place. Haley sensing the tension in the room, breaks the silence.
H: Lucas, I just heard from Deb and it looks like Nathan is going to be OK. Lucas turned toward Haley trying to avoid the look that he knew he was getting from Keith.
L: Good, despite my feelings toward him, I'm glad he is going to be OK.
The phone starts to ring... keith turns to answer it. Luke is glad for a second to talk to Haley.
L: I am so glad that you walked in when you did.
H: I could tell, what was going on?
L: Brooke was waiting for me when I got back from the game. She said that she wanted to congratulate me in person for our victory. Lucas gets a smile on his face and Haley hits him in the arm to bring him back to reality.
H: Lucas..
L: Sorry. Anyway Payton comes to the door and tells me that she made a mistake and she wants everything that i want.
H: I sort of knew she was thinking that, we talked today at school.
L: Thanks Haley, you could have told me that.
H: And you could have told me that you got a tatoo. Let me see it.
Lucas takes the bandage off as Keith comes into the room and hands him the phone...
K: It's your mom.
Lucas takes the phone from Keith and tries to read Keith's face to see if he told his mom the trouble that he had been in since she has been gone. Keith was not giving him anything to go on.
L: Hey mom, how is your trip?
K: Great, it is so beautiful here. Keith told me about your night. Lucas swallows hard knowing that he is in so much trouble. He tries to cut her off.
L: Mom...
K: I am so happy for you. At this Lucas was confused knowing that she was not congratulating him on his new tatoo or barely making it home before sunrise.
You had your game high for points and rebounds. I feel so bad that I was not there to see it. I'm sorry sweetie. This is why I did not want to leave.
L: breathing a sigh of relief.
Mom, listen, I told you that you needed to do this trip for yourself and that you deserved it. Besides, there will be plenty more games when you get back. Just have fun.
K: How is everything else? Are you behaving for Keith? Lucas didn't know what to say, he didn't want to lie to his mom, but he also didn't want to tell her everything because knowing her she would be on the first plane home.
L: Hey mom Haley's here and she is getting ready to leave do you want to say hi?
M: Sure... take care sweetie, I love you.
L: I love you too.
Haley looked at him a little strange and took the phone
H: Hey Karen how is your trip?
Meanwhile Lucas walks over to Keith.
L: You didn't tell what I did?
K: Nope.
L: Thanks, I appreciate it.
K: Don't thank me Lucas. I feel like I was lying to her. The only reason I did not tell her is because I don't want her to worry while she is there. I want her to have fun. But don't worry, you will be telling her every detail when she gets back. Meanwhile Haley comes back in the room.
H: Thanks for putting me on the spot Lucas.
L: Sorry.
H: She said she will call you guys early next week.
K: Haley I think you need to go. Lucas and I have a lot to talk about starting w/ where his fake ID is.
Luke shot a glare to Haley, knowing that she was the only one that he told about that and pulled his wallet out of his back pocket. He handed the ID to Keith.
H: Sorry Luke it slipped.
L: Cant this day get any better?
K: It;s not over yet. Goodbye Haley.
H: I guess I'm going. Bye. Call me later Luke.
L: Looking at Keith. If i'm still alive.
with that, Haley walked out the door.
Payton is getting into her car and Brooke comes running up.
B: Hey Payton, what were you doing here?
P: I just came over to tell Lucas that Nathan was OK. You two seem to be spending a lot of time together, are you that into him Brooke?
B: Have you LOOKED at him? Payton, I still don't know why you didn't grab him while you had the chance. Those eyes, they are so amazing. When i am around him I can't keep my hands off him.
P: Did I interupt you two? I see you are wearing his sweat shirt.
B: No, I was still in my uniform and when I changed I just threw this on. Hey, is everything OK? You seem down about something.
P: No, I'm fine. Just tired.
B: OK. Do you think that there is a way to sneak into Lucas' room? from out here.
Haley walks up
H: Brooke, Lucas is in enough trouble right now. I don't think that he needs you trying to sneak in.
B: Come on tutor girl. I see the way you look at him. I bet you've snuck into his room late at night. Tell the truth, you are not as innocent as you seem.
P: Brooke lay off her.
B: Since when did you two become so close?
I'm going to get going. You 2 have fun.
Brooke gets in her car and leaves.
Haley walks up to Payton
H: You Ok?
P: Tears start to roll down her cheeks. I blew it Haley. I had my chance and I messed it up, just like i mess everything else up in my life.
H: Payton,what did you mess up?
P: With Lucas, Don;t paly dumb Haley, I know he told you why I was there.
H: I only got to talk to him for a minute.
P: What did he say?
H: Not much. He just said that he was glad I walked in when I did. I think he is confused Payton. He really liked you and you blew him off and then he had a lot of fun w/ brooke and then you walk back in the picture.
P: Tears start to fall again. Exactly what I was talking about. I messed up and most likely i pushed the best guy out of my life and straight in to the arms of my best friend.
H: If it makes you feel any better, I think that you are the better match for Lucas.
P: I'm glad you feel that way, but does Lucas.
H: Give him some time to work this out. You never know, he might surprise you.
P: But he had so much fun w/ Brooke and she was wearing his sweatshirt.
H: I have like 10 of his sweatshirts and that doesn't mean he wants to go out w/ me and yes he had fun w/ her but all that got him was an ugly tatoo on his arm and grounded. Seriously Payton, give him some time. OK?
P: OK.
H: Do you want to come over? We can watch a movie, talk? My parents are gone and it will be a little lonely by myself?
P: Yeah, I'd like that. I'll follow you to your house.
Back in Lucas' kitchen
After Haley shut the door Lucas braced himself and turned around and sat at the table across from Keith.
K: So, (holding up the fake ID) care to explain?
L: Does it really need explaining?
K: You being a smarty right now is not helping.
L: Sorry, I just have a lot on my mind right now. Brooke had it made for me so I could go w/ her to the bar last night. That's how I got drunk. We've had this conversation already Keith, what more do you want me to say? What more can you say?
K: I dont know Luke. I thought I had it all said this morning when I grounded you, but I come home tonight and you have two girls here.
L: It wasn't my fault. I know you grounded me. I came home straight after the game and Brooke was waiting for me. All she did was change clothes and then Payton showed up. You walked in 5 minutes later.
K: So you're telling me that you were just getting ready to ask them to leave when I walked in.
There is a long, uncomfortable silence
K: So am I safe to -assume- that you had no intention of asking them to leave?
L: yes
K: So what do I do w/ you Lucas until your mom gets back?
L: Shrugs...trying to pay attention to what his uncle is saying, but at the same time thinking about payton and brooke.
K: That's it? I can't trust you Lucas. The drinking, staying out all night, the tatoo and now coming home and finding you alone w/ 2 girls in the house. What would your mom say right now? And don't even say "My mom's not here, is she?". Maybe I screwed up tonight when she called. Maybe I should have told her what you have been up to. In fact, I think we need to call her now and talk to her about this.
Keith picks up the phone off the table.
L: Seriously Keith, please don't call her. It's just going to ruin her trip. I'm sorry, I screwed up and I will straighten out, I promise. No more trouble.
Keith sets the phone back on the table..
K: I won't call her this time Lucas, but any more problems....
L: None, I promise.
K: You're still grounded. And no more visitors... got it?
L: How long?
K: Till your mom gets home.
L: ARE YOU SERIOUS? That's over a month.
Lucas looks at Keith and sees the smile on his face and realizes he is kidding.
K: I'll think about it and let you know
L: OK. I'm going to bed I have practice in the morning and I will see you at the shop after that.
K: good night.
L: good night
Paris..
Karen hangs up the phone and wonders ehat is going on back home. Keith did not sound himself and it seemed like Lucas could not get off the phone fast enough. She had a feeling they were hiding something. But she had no room to talk because she was hiding a huge secret of her own. A secret that she was never planning on telling anyone.
There is a knock at the door.
Karen: You're late again.
Michael: I'm sorry... again. I got stuck on a conference call and then I stopped to get you these (Pulling flowers out from behind his back)
K: Thank you. You didnt need to...
M: Yes I did. This has been the best week of my life. You are the sweetest, kindest person and I cant believe that I met you on a business trip to Paris. What am I going to do when we have to leave.
K: Let's not think about it right now. Let's just enjoy the time that we do have together. She leans in to kiss him.
M: Maybe we could just crawl into your bed and spend the evening here.
K: NO! You promised me to a night out. We have spent every night in my room. I want to see paris at least a little bit.
M: Fine, but can we come back here after?
K: I wouldnt have it any other way.
(they leave the room)
Karen is in deep thought as she is walking with Michael. She cann not believe the week that she has had. The first night that she was in Paris she was seeing some sights and Michael introduced himself and hoped that she could suggest some places for him to see. They hit it off and they have spent every minute they could together ever since. She has never had this strong of feelings for anyone since Jay. She put this painful thought out of her mind. Then she remembered how she left Keith. How could she do this to him?
M: Karen...are you ok? You haven't said anything to me in a while.
K: Just thinking about my son. I talked to him earlier and he seemed like he was hidding something.
M: I'm sure it's nothing. They way you talk about him, he seems like a great kid.
K: You're right. I'm sure there is nothign to worry about.
Haley's house...
Haley and payton are walking into the house and Haley stops dead in her tracks.
P: what's wrong.
H: The light is on. I have not been home all night. Someone has been in there.
P: Maybe your parents got home early.
H: Yeah.. maybe..(not totally convinced)
As they walk into the living room they see Nathan sleeping on the couch.
H: Nathan what are you doing here.
P: You look like crap
N: Nice to see you too, Payton.
P: Sorry, but it's true.. are you OK.
N: Yeah, At least I will be.
H: They let you out of the hospital already?
N: Not exactly. I left when my dad was argueing w/ the doctor about what was wrong w/ me.
H: Nathan, you cant just leave the hospital like that, especially if they were not sure what was wrong w/ you.
P: I thought that they said you were just dehydrated.
N: I am. That's not the problem. It's why I am dehydrated.
(Haley and Payton look at each other confused)
Nathan avoids eye contact as he continues
N: I have been taking performance enhancers this week to get ready for tonights game and that is really why I passed out on the floor.
H: Nathan are you crazy. Why would you do that? You are a great player. What would ever make you think that you needed to take drugs to be better. You're the best player that the school has seen since...
P: His dad.
H: Nathan, is that why you did this???
Nathan looks away as the tears begin to roll down his cheeks. Haley and Payton go sit next to him on the couch.
N: Haley, can I stay here tonight? I can't go home and face my dad tonight.
H: Sure Nathan, but I think that you really need to go back to the hospital. Payton was right, you look awful.
N: Aren;t you guys suppose to be trying to make me feel better? I'll just take some tylenol and go to sleep and I will be fine.
Mean while Deb follows Dan out of the house.
Dan: You're kicking ME out, why are you leaving?
Deb: I'm going to try to find our son, or did that slip your mind?
Deb gets into her car and speeds out of the driveway. She was windering where Nathan could have gone. She wanted to kill him and hug him at the same time. She talked to the doctor and he told her about the drugs. She knew why he did them and just never knew that it had gotten that bad between his father and him. Changes needed to be made and she was going to make them. Just then she decided to check Haleys. They had been spending time together lately.
Haley brings the tylenol back to Nathan.
N: Thanks.
Just then there is a knock at the door.
H: Hi Mrs. Scott
D: Is Nathan here Haley?
H: Uh, yeah.. he in there (pointing to the living room).
Deb walks into the house.
Deb: Nathan Scott... What were you thinking? How could you just leave the hospital like that?
(Nathan jumps... his mother was the last person that he thought would be showing up)
N: Mom (He gets up off the couch).. listen..
D: Are you ok? She gives him a hug and tries to hold back the tears.
N: Mom I'm fine. I wish you would not worry so much.
D: Nathan, you collapsed on the basketball court because you...(stops realizing that there were others in the room and did not want the whole town talking)
N: I took drugs... they know mom. I'm sorry...I just thought it was the only way that i could beat dad's record and get him off my back.
D: Sweetie, I know that your dad can be a jerk, but i don't care, there is never a good reason to do this to yourself.
N: I know.
D: OK.. we will finish this later, right now i need to get you back to the hospital.
N: No Mom, I'm fine. I'm staying here tonight.
D: (starts to laugh) I think those drugs have made you temporaily insane. There is no way that you could seriously think that I would let you stay the night at your girlfriend's house.
N: I cant go home to him.
D: I told him to leave tonight and your dad is not coming back until things get straightened out.
N: (looking surprised and relieved at the same time) You really told him to leave
D: yep, and he packed a bag and left. He was not very happy. He'll have to get over it. Right now I'm concerned about you.
N: Don't be. Mom let me stay here. Payton will be here too, nothing will happen. We will behave.
D: No Nathan! Absolutely not. Get your coat, say goodbye and get in the car. You're going to go back to the hospital and let the doctor check you out and then we are going to get you home to bed. They can come visit you tomorrow at the house.
N: Mom...
D: Another word Nathan and your grounded. I will see you in the car.
N: I guess I'm leaving. Come see me tomorrow. (Looking at Haley)
H: You know I will. (Giving him a kiss).
N: Thanks you guys.
P: Bye
H: Bye
At the hospital
Doctor: Nathan, you're a very lucky young man. This night could have turned out a whole lot worse. I've seen kids die using the same drug that you used.
Nathan saw the worry in his mom's eyes. He hated that he was so stupid.
Nathan: I know.
Doctor: I'm going to give you guys this packet of reading material. It lists the many types of drugs that are available to athletes and the side affects that come with them. I encourage you to really talk about this matter. In the back of the folder there are some names and numbers of some very good therapists and I think it is important that you go and talk to one Nathan. It would be good for the whole family.
Nathan: I don't need a shrink. I was stupid, it will not happen again.
Doctor: I hope you're right Nathan. Besides being very dehydrated and worn out, you are fine. I want you to go home and rest. Come back and see me on Monday and I'll see if I can give you the OK to hit the court again.
Nathan: I have practice tomorrow...
Deb: (cutting Nathan off)... oh no you don't. The only thing you are doing tomorrow is planting your butt on the couch and getting better.
(Deb looks at the Doctor)
Thank you doctor. I appreciate everything that you did tonight. We will see you at the office on Monday and we will talk about going to one of those therapists.
Nathan: I'm not...
Deb: Again cutting him off... you're not going to argue with me.
Deb and Nathan are driving home from the hospital.
Deb: Sweetie, I know that I have worked a lot while you have been growing up. I was on the road all the time and missed a lot. I let your dad raise you for the most part and tonight I see that I made a huge mistake. You are so unhappy and I blame myself for that.
Nathan: Mom, don't do this. I feel bad enough, w/o you feeling like you drove me to do drugs. I'm a big boy, I knew that it was stupid and I did it anyway. I know that you were gone a lot and I wished that you had been there more... but I never doubted how much you loved me. I screwed up, not you. It won't happen again. I promise.
D: No, it won't, and to make sure of that we are going to go see one of those therapists.
N: You can go, but I'm not.
Deb knew that this was not going to be easy. She had not been around much and because of that she had been more of Nathan's friend then a parent. She never had to punish him, she does not even remember raising her voice to him. Dan always took care of the discipline and from the way that things have been going lately, he had not been doing a very good job of it. But she knew that the future was uncertain for her and Dan and until that was all worked out she was on her own to get Nathan back on track. She did not know how Karen did it for 16 years by herself. Lucas was such a great kid. All she knew now, is she had to take control or it might be too late to help Nathan.
D: You don't have a choice. You are going. I am going, and if your dad wants to be part of our lives again, he will be going too.
N: You can't make me go...
D: You're right Nathan, I can't. But let me tell you what I can do. I can take away your car, your phone, and your computer. And if that does not convince you to attend the sessions w/ me, I will call Whitey tomorrow and let him know that he will be short his star basketball player until further notice. Seriously Nathan, things are going to change. You're 16 and I'm your mother, and from the way I understand it, that means i get to tell you what you will be doing. So what do you say about starting sessions Monday?
Nathan was almost speechless. His mom had never talked to him like this. He figured that he could live w/o the phone, computer and probably the car, but basketball. No matter how much his dad got on his case about the sport, he still loved it. He didn't know what he would do w/o it.
N: Well when you put it that way, I guess I dont have a choice.
At that, Nathan laid his seat back and closed his eyes. His mom could tell that he was tired and she did not want to push her luck. She was happy w/ the way the conversation had went. Hopefully it was a start in the right direction.
At Haley's
Payton had fallen asleep half way through the movie and Haley got a blanket and covered her up. She turned off the TV and went upstairs and crawled in bed. She could not sleep. She picked up the phone and dialed Lucas's cell.
L: Hello?
H: Lucas, it's Haley, did I wake you?
L: Looking at the clock and seeing that it was 2:30. Yeah, but that's ok. What's up?
H: Couldn't sleep.
L: Obviously.
H: Payton is here.
L: Snapping out of his sleepiness. Haley, don't put her on the phone, I can't talk to her yet.
H: Chill! She is sleeping downstairs.
L: OH! When did you guys become so tight?
H: Not really sure, but I think I really like her.
L: I must still be sleeping. Never in a million years would i have thought that I would have heard that come out of your mouth.
H: Shut up Lucas. Do I need to remind you, that a month ago Brooke would not have been your first choice of a date, but you went out and got a tatoo w/ her last night.
L: God, don't remind me. What did you think of it?
H: It's kind of big...
L: Think my mom will notice?
H: She is going to kill you!
L: I know. Keith was pretty mad.
H: Yeah. How did that talk go?
L: He was going to call my mom and I convinced him not to, but I'm still grounded.
H: Who would have figured Keith for the strict father?
L: Haley what should I do?
H: About keith?
L: No Payton and Brooke?
Haley wanted to tell him to stay as far away from Brooke as he could, but he knew that he needed to make the decision on his own.
H: I can't tell you that Luke, what does your heart say?
L: I don't know. I have wanted Payton for so long, but it seems like she just wanted me back because she found out I was w/ Brooke.
H: And what about Brooke.
L: We had so much fun last night. I really let loose. For once I was not thinking about Nathan or Dan or anything. I was just having fun. Speaking of Nathan, did you talk to him.
Haley filled him in on what happened when she got to her house.
L: wow, it's been quite the eventful night. Hales, I dont mean to cut you off, but i have practice tomorrow and I'm beat.
H: OK, I guess I will let you go. We still on for movie night Sunday.
L: Probably not. I'm grounded and in Keith's prison, you get no visitors.
H: Laughing... Ok, well you owe me one then. Call me tomorrow if you can.
L: Ok... sweet dreams.
H: You too. I love you.
L: I love you too.
Lucas laid in bed after they hung up and thought about Haley. She is the only girl that he has ever said that to besides his mom. They have been friends since the second grade when she moved to town. He really did love her. Of course just as a best friend. Anyway most of the time that is all he thought of her as. At that thought, he fell asleep.
K: Hey Haley, did you just come from the hospital?
H: No, I just closed up the cafe for Deb, Dan had not even called her and told her about Nathan yet!
K: Does that really surprise you Haley? I just talked to Dan a little while ago and he said that Nathan was going to be OK. He was just dehydrated.
H: I know Deb called me and told me the same thing and thanked me for closing for her. I just came here to let Lucas know that Nathan was going to be ok.
K: I can tell him Haley, he is suppose to be grounded.
H: You're not going to let me go in for a minute? When did you become such a harda**?
K: Since Karen left me in charge of Lucas and he came home drunk, late and with a tatoo.
H: A tatoo? Of what? He didn't tell me that. Sure he tells me about a fake ID and leaves out the best part.
K: A fake ID... the story just gets better and better.
H: Keith.. hey you didn't hear about that from me. Seriously, are you really not going to let me go in and talk to him? I'm like family...please!!?? You have to let me see the tatoo.
K: you have 2 minutes and then you're gone.
H: it's a deal.
Just then Haley and Keith open up the door to see Lucas, Payton and Brooke.
Lucas's Kitchen
Lucas was snapped out of his thoughts when the door opened. Lucas saw Haley first and gave her a look that told her he needed help. Keith however did not notice anything except the fact that Lucas was suppose to be home alone and instead was sandwiched between 2 girls.
K: Luke, what the hell is going on here? Brooke and Payton both jumped, they did not notice anyone come into the room.
L: Keith listen...
Keith cuts him off.
K: no you listen...i thought I told you this morning that you were grounded?
L: I know. I came straight home after the game.
K: With 2 cheerleaders. Not exactly what I had in mind when I grounded you. Looking at Payton and Brooke. You guys need to take off, Lucas will see you at school on Monday.
Lucas was actually very happy Keith was making them go. He needed time to sort things out before he made any decisions.
Payton doesn't say anything, she just turns and walks out the door. Brooke grabs her bag and leans in and kisses Luke.
B: I guess you're not getting lucky tonight, sexy.
Luke can see that Keith is not finding any amusement in this.
L: (whispering to Brooke)Seriously Brooke, you're not helping my situation right now.
B: Fine, I'll go then. Shutting the door behind her as she leaves.
Luke can feel Keith's eyes on his back and is dreading the conversation that is about to take place. Haley sensing the tension in the room, breaks the silence.
H: Lucas, I just heard from Deb and it looks like Nathan is going to be OK. Lucas turned toward Haley trying to avoid the look that he knew he was getting from Keith.
L: Good, despite my feelings toward him, I'm glad he is going to be OK.
The phone starts to ring... keith turns to answer it. Luke is glad for a second to talk to Haley.
L: I am so glad that you walked in when you did.
H: I could tell, what was going on?
L: Brooke was waiting for me when I got back from the game. She said that she wanted to congratulate me in person for our victory. Lucas gets a smile on his face and Haley hits him in the arm to bring him back to reality.
H: Lucas..
L: Sorry. Anyway Payton comes to the door and tells me that she made a mistake and she wants everything that i want.
H: I sort of knew she was thinking that, we talked today at school.
L: Thanks Haley, you could have told me that.
H: And you could have told me that you got a tatoo. Let me see it.
Lucas takes the bandage off as Keith comes into the room and hands him the phone...
K: It's your mom.
Lucas takes the phone from Keith and tries to read Keith's face to see if he told his mom the trouble that he had been in since she has been gone. Keith was not giving him anything to go on.
L: Hey mom, how is your trip?
K: Great, it is so beautiful here. Keith told me about your night. Lucas swallows hard knowing that he is in so much trouble. He tries to cut her off.
L: Mom...
K: I am so happy for you. At this Lucas was confused knowing that she was not congratulating him on his new tatoo or barely making it home before sunrise.
You had your game high for points and rebounds. I feel so bad that I was not there to see it. I'm sorry sweetie. This is why I did not want to leave.
L: breathing a sigh of relief.
Mom, listen, I told you that you needed to do this trip for yourself and that you deserved it. Besides, there will be plenty more games when you get back. Just have fun.
K: How is everything else? Are you behaving for Keith? Lucas didn't know what to say, he didn't want to lie to his mom, but he also didn't want to tell her everything because knowing her she would be on the first plane home.
L: Hey mom Haley's here and she is getting ready to leave do you want to say hi?
M: Sure... take care sweetie, I love you.
L: I love you too.
Haley looked at him a little strange and took the phone
H: Hey Karen how is your trip?
Meanwhile Lucas walks over to Keith.
L: You didn't tell what I did?
K: Nope.
L: Thanks, I appreciate it.
K: Don't thank me Lucas. I feel like I was lying to her. The only reason I did not tell her is because I don't want her to worry while she is there. I want her to have fun. But don't worry, you will be telling her every detail when she gets back. Meanwhile Haley comes back in the room.
H: Thanks for putting me on the spot Lucas.
L: Sorry.
H: She said she will call you guys early next week.
K: Haley I think you need to go. Lucas and I have a lot to talk about starting w/ where his fake ID is.
Luke shot a glare to Haley, knowing that she was the only one that he told about that and pulled his wallet out of his back pocket. He handed the ID to Keith.
H: Sorry Luke it slipped.
L: Cant this day get any better?
K: It;s not over yet. Goodbye Haley.
H: I guess I'm going. Bye. Call me later Luke.
L: Looking at Keith. If i'm still alive.
with that, Haley walked out the door.
Payton is getting into her car and Brooke comes running up.
B: Hey Payton, what were you doing here?
P: I just came over to tell Lucas that Nathan was OK. You two seem to be spending a lot of time together, are you that into him Brooke?
B: Have you LOOKED at him? Payton, I still don't know why you didn't grab him while you had the chance. Those eyes, they are so amazing. When i am around him I can't keep my hands off him.
P: Did I interupt you two? I see you are wearing his sweat shirt.
B: No, I was still in my uniform and when I changed I just threw this on. Hey, is everything OK? You seem down about something.
P: No, I'm fine. Just tired.
B: OK. Do you think that there is a way to sneak into Lucas' room? from out here.
Haley walks up
H: Brooke, Lucas is in enough trouble right now. I don't think that he needs you trying to sneak in.
B: Come on tutor girl. I see the way you look at him. I bet you've snuck into his room late at night. Tell the truth, you are not as innocent as you seem.
P: Brooke lay off her.
B: Since when did you two become so close?
I'm going to get going. You 2 have fun.
Brooke gets in her car and leaves.
Haley walks up to Payton
H: You Ok?
P: Tears start to roll down her cheeks. I blew it Haley. I had my chance and I messed it up, just like i mess everything else up in my life.
H: Payton,what did you mess up?
P: With Lucas, Don;t paly dumb Haley, I know he told you why I was there.
H: I only got to talk to him for a minute.
P: What did he say?
H: Not much. He just said that he was glad I walked in when I did. I think he is confused Payton. He really liked you and you blew him off and then he had a lot of fun w/ brooke and then you walk back in the picture.
P: Tears start to fall again. Exactly what I was talking about. I messed up and most likely i pushed the best guy out of my life and straight in to the arms of my best friend.
H: If it makes you feel any better, I think that you are the better match for Lucas.
P: I'm glad you feel that way, but does Lucas.
H: Give him some time to work this out. You never know, he might surprise you.
P: But he had so much fun w/ Brooke and she was wearing his sweatshirt.
H: I have like 10 of his sweatshirts and that doesn't mean he wants to go out w/ me and yes he had fun w/ her but all that got him was an ugly tatoo on his arm and grounded. Seriously Payton, give him some time. OK?
P: OK.
H: Do you want to come over? We can watch a movie, talk? My parents are gone and it will be a little lonely by myself?
P: Yeah, I'd like that. I'll follow you to your house.
Back in Lucas' kitchen
After Haley shut the door Lucas braced himself and turned around and sat at the table across from Keith.
K: So, (holding up the fake ID) care to explain?
L: Does it really need explaining?
K: You being a smarty right now is not helping.
L: Sorry, I just have a lot on my mind right now. Brooke had it made for me so I could go w/ her to the bar last night. That's how I got drunk. We've had this conversation already Keith, what more do you want me to say? What more can you say?
K: I dont know Luke. I thought I had it all said this morning when I grounded you, but I come home tonight and you have two girls here.
L: It wasn't my fault. I know you grounded me. I came home straight after the game and Brooke was waiting for me. All she did was change clothes and then Payton showed up. You walked in 5 minutes later.
K: So you're telling me that you were just getting ready to ask them to leave when I walked in.
There is a long, uncomfortable silence
K: So am I safe to -assume- that you had no intention of asking them to leave?
L: yes
K: So what do I do w/ you Lucas until your mom gets back?
L: Shrugs...trying to pay attention to what his uncle is saying, but at the same time thinking about payton and brooke.
K: That's it? I can't trust you Lucas. The drinking, staying out all night, the tatoo and now coming home and finding you alone w/ 2 girls in the house. What would your mom say right now? And don't even say "My mom's not here, is she?". Maybe I screwed up tonight when she called. Maybe I should have told her what you have been up to. In fact, I think we need to call her now and talk to her about this.
Keith picks up the phone off the table.
L: Seriously Keith, please don't call her. It's just going to ruin her trip. I'm sorry, I screwed up and I will straighten out, I promise. No more trouble.
Keith sets the phone back on the table..
K: I won't call her this time Lucas, but any more problems....
L: None, I promise.
K: You're still grounded. And no more visitors... got it?
L: How long?
K: Till your mom gets home.
L: ARE YOU SERIOUS? That's over a month.
Lucas looks at Keith and sees the smile on his face and realizes he is kidding.
K: I'll think about it and let you know
L: OK. I'm going to bed I have practice in the morning and I will see you at the shop after that.
K: good night.
L: good night
Paris..
Karen hangs up the phone and wonders ehat is going on back home. Keith did not sound himself and it seemed like Lucas could not get off the phone fast enough. She had a feeling they were hiding something. But she had no room to talk because she was hiding a huge secret of her own. A secret that she was never planning on telling anyone.
There is a knock at the door.
Karen: You're late again.
Michael: I'm sorry... again. I got stuck on a conference call and then I stopped to get you these (Pulling flowers out from behind his back)
K: Thank you. You didnt need to...
M: Yes I did. This has been the best week of my life. You are the sweetest, kindest person and I cant believe that I met you on a business trip to Paris. What am I going to do when we have to leave.
K: Let's not think about it right now. Let's just enjoy the time that we do have together. She leans in to kiss him.
M: Maybe we could just crawl into your bed and spend the evening here.
K: NO! You promised me to a night out. We have spent every night in my room. I want to see paris at least a little bit.
M: Fine, but can we come back here after?
K: I wouldnt have it any other way.
(they leave the room)
Karen is in deep thought as she is walking with Michael. She cann not believe the week that she has had. The first night that she was in Paris she was seeing some sights and Michael introduced himself and hoped that she could suggest some places for him to see. They hit it off and they have spent every minute they could together ever since. She has never had this strong of feelings for anyone since Jay. She put this painful thought out of her mind. Then she remembered how she left Keith. How could she do this to him?
M: Karen...are you ok? You haven't said anything to me in a while.
K: Just thinking about my son. I talked to him earlier and he seemed like he was hidding something.
M: I'm sure it's nothing. They way you talk about him, he seems like a great kid.
K: You're right. I'm sure there is nothign to worry about.
Haley's house...
Haley and payton are walking into the house and Haley stops dead in her tracks.
P: what's wrong.
H: The light is on. I have not been home all night. Someone has been in there.
P: Maybe your parents got home early.
H: Yeah.. maybe..(not totally convinced)
As they walk into the living room they see Nathan sleeping on the couch.
H: Nathan what are you doing here.
P: You look like crap
N: Nice to see you too, Payton.
P: Sorry, but it's true.. are you OK.
N: Yeah, At least I will be.
H: They let you out of the hospital already?
N: Not exactly. I left when my dad was argueing w/ the doctor about what was wrong w/ me.
H: Nathan, you cant just leave the hospital like that, especially if they were not sure what was wrong w/ you.
P: I thought that they said you were just dehydrated.
N: I am. That's not the problem. It's why I am dehydrated.
(Haley and Payton look at each other confused)
Nathan avoids eye contact as he continues
N: I have been taking performance enhancers this week to get ready for tonights game and that is really why I passed out on the floor.
H: Nathan are you crazy. Why would you do that? You are a great player. What would ever make you think that you needed to take drugs to be better. You're the best player that the school has seen since...
P: His dad.
H: Nathan, is that why you did this???
Nathan looks away as the tears begin to roll down his cheeks. Haley and Payton go sit next to him on the couch.
N: Haley, can I stay here tonight? I can't go home and face my dad tonight.
H: Sure Nathan, but I think that you really need to go back to the hospital. Payton was right, you look awful.
N: Aren;t you guys suppose to be trying to make me feel better? I'll just take some tylenol and go to sleep and I will be fine.
Mean while Deb follows Dan out of the house.
Dan: You're kicking ME out, why are you leaving?
Deb: I'm going to try to find our son, or did that slip your mind?
Deb gets into her car and speeds out of the driveway. She was windering where Nathan could have gone. She wanted to kill him and hug him at the same time. She talked to the doctor and he told her about the drugs. She knew why he did them and just never knew that it had gotten that bad between his father and him. Changes needed to be made and she was going to make them. Just then she decided to check Haleys. They had been spending time together lately.
Haley brings the tylenol back to Nathan.
N: Thanks.
Just then there is a knock at the door.
H: Hi Mrs. Scott
D: Is Nathan here Haley?
H: Uh, yeah.. he in there (pointing to the living room).
Deb walks into the house.
Deb: Nathan Scott... What were you thinking? How could you just leave the hospital like that?
(Nathan jumps... his mother was the last person that he thought would be showing up)
N: Mom (He gets up off the couch).. listen..
D: Are you ok? She gives him a hug and tries to hold back the tears.
N: Mom I'm fine. I wish you would not worry so much.
D: Nathan, you collapsed on the basketball court because you...(stops realizing that there were others in the room and did not want the whole town talking)
N: I took drugs... they know mom. I'm sorry...I just thought it was the only way that i could beat dad's record and get him off my back.
D: Sweetie, I know that your dad can be a jerk, but i don't care, there is never a good reason to do this to yourself.
N: I know.
D: OK.. we will finish this later, right now i need to get you back to the hospital.
N: No Mom, I'm fine. I'm staying here tonight.
D: (starts to laugh) I think those drugs have made you temporaily insane. There is no way that you could seriously think that I would let you stay the night at your girlfriend's house.
N: I cant go home to him.
D: I told him to leave tonight and your dad is not coming back until things get straightened out.
N: (looking surprised and relieved at the same time) You really told him to leave
D: yep, and he packed a bag and left. He was not very happy. He'll have to get over it. Right now I'm concerned about you.
N: Don't be. Mom let me stay here. Payton will be here too, nothing will happen. We will behave.
D: No Nathan! Absolutely not. Get your coat, say goodbye and get in the car. You're going to go back to the hospital and let the doctor check you out and then we are going to get you home to bed. They can come visit you tomorrow at the house.
N: Mom...
D: Another word Nathan and your grounded. I will see you in the car.
N: I guess I'm leaving. Come see me tomorrow. (Looking at Haley)
H: You know I will. (Giving him a kiss).
N: Thanks you guys.
P: Bye
H: Bye
At the hospital
Doctor: Nathan, you're a very lucky young man. This night could have turned out a whole lot worse. I've seen kids die using the same drug that you used.
Nathan saw the worry in his mom's eyes. He hated that he was so stupid.
Nathan: I know.
Doctor: I'm going to give you guys this packet of reading material. It lists the many types of drugs that are available to athletes and the side affects that come with them. I encourage you to really talk about this matter. In the back of the folder there are some names and numbers of some very good therapists and I think it is important that you go and talk to one Nathan. It would be good for the whole family.
Nathan: I don't need a shrink. I was stupid, it will not happen again.
Doctor: I hope you're right Nathan. Besides being very dehydrated and worn out, you are fine. I want you to go home and rest. Come back and see me on Monday and I'll see if I can give you the OK to hit the court again.
Nathan: I have practice tomorrow...
Deb: (cutting Nathan off)... oh no you don't. The only thing you are doing tomorrow is planting your butt on the couch and getting better.
(Deb looks at the Doctor)
Thank you doctor. I appreciate everything that you did tonight. We will see you at the office on Monday and we will talk about going to one of those therapists.
Nathan: I'm not...
Deb: Again cutting him off... you're not going to argue with me.
Deb and Nathan are driving home from the hospital.
Deb: Sweetie, I know that I have worked a lot while you have been growing up. I was on the road all the time and missed a lot. I let your dad raise you for the most part and tonight I see that I made a huge mistake. You are so unhappy and I blame myself for that.
Nathan: Mom, don't do this. I feel bad enough, w/o you feeling like you drove me to do drugs. I'm a big boy, I knew that it was stupid and I did it anyway. I know that you were gone a lot and I wished that you had been there more... but I never doubted how much you loved me. I screwed up, not you. It won't happen again. I promise.
D: No, it won't, and to make sure of that we are going to go see one of those therapists.
N: You can go, but I'm not.
Deb knew that this was not going to be easy. She had not been around much and because of that she had been more of Nathan's friend then a parent. She never had to punish him, she does not even remember raising her voice to him. Dan always took care of the discipline and from the way that things have been going lately, he had not been doing a very good job of it. But she knew that the future was uncertain for her and Dan and until that was all worked out she was on her own to get Nathan back on track. She did not know how Karen did it for 16 years by herself. Lucas was such a great kid. All she knew now, is she had to take control or it might be too late to help Nathan.
D: You don't have a choice. You are going. I am going, and if your dad wants to be part of our lives again, he will be going too.
N: You can't make me go...
D: You're right Nathan, I can't. But let me tell you what I can do. I can take away your car, your phone, and your computer. And if that does not convince you to attend the sessions w/ me, I will call Whitey tomorrow and let him know that he will be short his star basketball player until further notice. Seriously Nathan, things are going to change. You're 16 and I'm your mother, and from the way I understand it, that means i get to tell you what you will be doing. So what do you say about starting sessions Monday?
Nathan was almost speechless. His mom had never talked to him like this. He figured that he could live w/o the phone, computer and probably the car, but basketball. No matter how much his dad got on his case about the sport, he still loved it. He didn't know what he would do w/o it.
N: Well when you put it that way, I guess I dont have a choice.
At that, Nathan laid his seat back and closed his eyes. His mom could tell that he was tired and she did not want to push her luck. She was happy w/ the way the conversation had went. Hopefully it was a start in the right direction.
At Haley's
Payton had fallen asleep half way through the movie and Haley got a blanket and covered her up. She turned off the TV and went upstairs and crawled in bed. She could not sleep. She picked up the phone and dialed Lucas's cell.
L: Hello?
H: Lucas, it's Haley, did I wake you?
L: Looking at the clock and seeing that it was 2:30. Yeah, but that's ok. What's up?
H: Couldn't sleep.
L: Obviously.
H: Payton is here.
L: Snapping out of his sleepiness. Haley, don't put her on the phone, I can't talk to her yet.
H: Chill! She is sleeping downstairs.
L: OH! When did you guys become so tight?
H: Not really sure, but I think I really like her.
L: I must still be sleeping. Never in a million years would i have thought that I would have heard that come out of your mouth.
H: Shut up Lucas. Do I need to remind you, that a month ago Brooke would not have been your first choice of a date, but you went out and got a tatoo w/ her last night.
L: God, don't remind me. What did you think of it?
H: It's kind of big...
L: Think my mom will notice?
H: She is going to kill you!
L: I know. Keith was pretty mad.
H: Yeah. How did that talk go?
L: He was going to call my mom and I convinced him not to, but I'm still grounded.
H: Who would have figured Keith for the strict father?
L: Haley what should I do?
H: About keith?
L: No Payton and Brooke?
Haley wanted to tell him to stay as far away from Brooke as he could, but he knew that he needed to make the decision on his own.
H: I can't tell you that Luke, what does your heart say?
L: I don't know. I have wanted Payton for so long, but it seems like she just wanted me back because she found out I was w/ Brooke.
H: And what about Brooke.
L: We had so much fun last night. I really let loose. For once I was not thinking about Nathan or Dan or anything. I was just having fun. Speaking of Nathan, did you talk to him.
Haley filled him in on what happened when she got to her house.
L: wow, it's been quite the eventful night. Hales, I dont mean to cut you off, but i have practice tomorrow and I'm beat.
H: OK, I guess I will let you go. We still on for movie night Sunday.
L: Probably not. I'm grounded and in Keith's prison, you get no visitors.
H: Laughing... Ok, well you owe me one then. Call me tomorrow if you can.
L: Ok... sweet dreams.
H: You too. I love you.
L: I love you too.
Lucas laid in bed after they hung up and thought about Haley. She is the only girl that he has ever said that to besides his mom. They have been friends since the second grade when she moved to town. He really did love her. Of course just as a best friend. Anyway most of the time that is all he thought of her as. At that thought, he fell asleep.
