Author's Note: Sorry it's been so long. Grad school has been taking up a lot of time lately, and I have been struggling with this chapter a bit. I have some great ideas for episodes down the line but I have to get there first in terms of storyline.

Also, I am sorry there's not much Brooke in this chapter. I ended up splitting one episode into 2 and all the parts she was in were in the second half. She will have some good scenes in the next installment, but I just couldn't think of a storyline for her in this one.

As always, reviews are very much appreciated. I hope people are still interested in this considering how long it's been.


EXT. CHUCK'S HOUSE - MORNING

Jamie is driving to school with Sawyer and Lydia when he drives by Chuck's house and notices Chuck and Madison walking out the door toward Madison's car in the driveway. Madison suddenly looks really uncomfortable when she sees Jamie.

Jamie stares at her for a minute, a look of "what the hell?" on his face. Chuck goes to put his arm around Madison but she shrugs him off.

Jamie drives off, looking hurt and confused.

PEYTON AND LUCAS' HOUSE

Lucas walks into his bedroom and chuckles when he sees Peyton groan and try to avoid waking up.

"Oh, sorry, did I wake you?" he asks, sitting down next to her and kissing her forehead.

"No...I need to get up," she admits. "Somebody kept me up too late last night," she complains, giving him a pointed look.

Lucas grins. "Come on, what do you expect? You put on your old high school cheerleading uniform! Which by the way still looks amazing on you," he says quickly.

"Yeah, right," she says with a groan, blushing a little.

"So sexy," he insists. She rolls her eyes and shakes her head. "Did Sawyer get off to school okay?"

"Yeah, she just left. You want some coffee?" he asks.

"Yes please," she says eagerly.

"Alright, I'll be right back," he says, kissing her gently on the lips. He walks down the hall and stops when he passes Sawyer's room. He goes in to turn off her music, and is disturbed by the lyrics he hears.

"Hey Peyton!" he calls out.

"Yeah?"

"What is Sawyer listening to?"

"Probably Nirvana...she's on a little bit of a kick."

"Peyton, this song sounds like it's describing a rape fantasy."

"Actually, that song was written as a strong statement against rape," Peyton says as she gets out of bed and joins Lucas in Sawyer's room.

"Okay, regardless of what the song was intended to mean, I don't want my 10-year-old daughter listening to a song that goes "rape me, rape me.""

"She just left the album running. She doesn't even like that song."

"So you let her listen to that song before?"

"Not intentionally. I just let her borrow some of Ellie's albums. Sadly they were recorded before the days of parental controls."

"And you didn't think to check to make sure the songs were age-appropriate?"

Peyton sighs. "Look, I'm an overprotective mom. I admit it. A lot of her friends are allowed to go to the mall or walk around town by themselves and I don't even want her alone in the house for 10 minutes. I don't want her playing sports, I don't want her hanging out at the garage...I know the doctor said it wasn't the fumes that caused the kidney failure but I'm still paranoid."

"I know. And I'm with you 100% on all of that. Okay, I think the garage is a little overkill, but I respect it. But what does any of that have to do with her listening to inappropriate music?"

"Because, I think we need to pick our battles, Luke. She's been coming to the studio with me after school since she was 5. She's heard all kinds of music being recorded, including songs with cursing, sex, and other mature subjects. She understands that hearing that stuff in music doesn't mean it's okay for her to use those words or take advice from the lyrics."

Lucas is still looking at Peyton like she's nuts.

"Come on, Luke. Do I really have to start censoring the music she listens to? Can't I be the cool mom on something?"

Lucas sighs, starting to understand but not agreeing. "Can't you be a cool mom without letting her listen to a rape song?"

Peyton sighs, realizing he's not going to budge. "Okay," she says calmly. "I will take away that album and give her the rest of the songs as mp3's. But I'm not going to start policing everything she listens to."

"Alright, I guess that's fair," Lucas agrees reluctantly.

MADISON'S CAR

"So are you gonna tell me what that was all about?" Chuck asks edgily. "With you and Scott," he clarifies when she doesn't answer.

"I don't know...still figuring things out I guess. Why?" Chuck looks at her with disbelief.

"We had a deal," he says.

"And I'm not breaking it. We never agreed that I couldn't date."

"I always thought it was kind of assumed."

"Why? Just to keep up this facade? Look, you got what you needed out of our arrangement, okay? Everyone thinks we've been hooking up for the past six months. That's long enough that nobody will suspect anything."

"So what if Jamie asks you about it? You're going to lie to him about us?"

Madison sighs. She hasn't really considered that. "I won't tell him your secret...I promise," she says sincerely. Chuck doesn't look convinced. "Look, I like him, Chuck," she pleads. "It's not fair for you to say I can't be with him because you insist on keeping up this charade. Don't you think it's time to stop hiding?"

"My mom's been sober for almost 9 months," Chuck says. "9 months, Madison. That's the longest I can ever remember. But I know this...it's going to upset her. And I'm worried if she finds out she'll start drinking again. Please, don't ruin it."

"I'm not ruining anything. Your secret's safe with me, okay?" she says reassuringly. "But I can't keep pretending. Please, don't make me do this anymore," she begs.

COMMERCIAL BREAK

EXT. KAREN'S CAFE - AFTERNOON

Jamie catches up with Lily as she parks her car and heads toward the cafe for work. "Hey...how did it go?" he asks. Lily looks around furtively to make sure nobody is around. "Fine," she says with a shrug.

"What do you mean fine? What happened? Did they kick you out?"

"No," she says simply.

"Lily, that's great!" Jamie says, but realizes Lily doesn't share his enthusiasm. "Why do you not look relieved?"

Lily sighs, admitting the truth without saying anything. "You didn't tell your principle, did you?"

"No," she says with a groan.

"I thought you decided..."

"To turn myself in? Yeah, I did. And I was going to. But I just...I couldn't go through with it, okay? I was standing outside Principal Miller's office and I felt sick and I just started thinking...I've worked my ass off for 3 years. I know I made a mistake, but why should I throw away everything I've worked for for Sasha after what she did to me?"

Jamie sighs, knowing not to push too hard. "Ok, look, what Sasha did was wrong, but you can't tell me you don't feel guilty letting her take the fall."

"Of course I feel guilty!" she yells angrily. "But I'm just going to have to learn to live with it."

"Why don't you talk to Lucas?" Jamie suggests. "As protective as he is, he's great at giving advice."

"No!" Lily says adamantly. "If I tell Lucas he'll tell my mom."

"Okay, well what about Brooke? She's been in your situation...actually, both of your situations."

Lily shakes her head. "If I tell her she'll probably tell Lucas. Besides, I don't need to talk to anyone else. I made up my mind."

Jamie sighs, wanting to push it further but not wanting to alienate her.

" Look, Jamie, I appreciate your being there the other night, but I really don't want to talk about it anymore, okay?" she says.

"Okay. But look, I'm here if you do, alright?"

"Yeah. Thanks," she says sincerely.

Jamie nods. "Hey Lily?"

"Yeah?"

"Do me a favor and look out for my mom this afternoon, alright?"

"You got it," she agrees.

RED BEDROOM RECORDS

"Great, thanks so much. You're not going to regret this," Peyton says enthusiastically before hanging up the phone. Sawyer looks up eagerly from where she is supposed to be doing her homework.

"Did you sign Gavin DeGraw for the tour?" she asks excitedly.

"I sure did. Your mama totally rocked that," Peyton says enthusiastically, giving her daughter a high five. She glances over at the papers in Sawyer's lap.

"I see a very pretty picture and an empty sheet of math problems," she chides. Sawyer grins sheepishly.

"Hand em over," she says, reaching out her hand. Sawyer reluctantly surrenders her art pens and the drawing.

"You'll get them back when I see all your homework finished," she says, trying to hide her amusement at how much her daughter takes after her. "On the bright side, when you finish your homework I also have some new demos for you to listen to."

Sawyer pouts but knows it's pointless to argue. Peyton takes out the Friends With Benefit album and places a check mark next to Gavin DeGraw. She sighs, looking troubled as she surveys the rest of the list.

KEITH'S GARAGE

"Listen, Jamie, I hate to put you in this position, but do you know if there's anything going on with Lily?" Lucas asks.

"What do you mean?" Jamie asks, trying not to let his expression reveal anything.

"I don't know...she was just acting strange the other night when I stopped by her house after the game."

Jamie shakes his head and starts to say that he hasn't noticed anything, but then changes his mind. "Alright, look, all I'll say is that Lily's struggling with a tough dilemma and could probably use some advice. But she won't talk to you if she thinks you might tell your mom."

"What kind of a dilemma? Jamie, what's going on?" Lucas asks anxiously.

"That's all I'll say...I probably said too much already."

"Well, at least tell me if she's in any kind of danger."

"No. I would have told you if she was."

Lucas sighs exasperatedly. "Jamie, come on. We said no secrets."

"I know. That's why I didn't lie and say there was nothing going on. But it's not my secret to tell."

Lucas sighs, knowing he's not going to get anywhere, but still concerned about his sister.

COMMERCIAL BREAK

KAREN'S CAFE

Lily immediately shakes her head when she sees Lucas walk in.

"Uh uh. I don't think so," she says when he goes to sit down at the counter.

"What?" Lucas asks, confused.

She gives him a LOOK. "Come on. I'm on to you. You're here to spy on Haley's little date thingie. Forget it - I'm exercising the right to refuse service."

"Oh, yeah, I forgot about that," Lucas says, amused by her feistiness. "Actually, I just came to say hi to my little sister."

"Right," she says skeptically.

"I'm serious! I was just worried about you."

"Me? Why?" Lily says, trying to play it cool but suddenly looking nervous.

"I don't know. You were acting kind of funny the other night, and I just wanted to make sure you were okay. I promised Mom I'd check up on you while she was away."

"Yeah, I'm fine. I was just tired the other night."

"You sure?"

"Yeah, I'm sure," Lily says, getting annoyed.

"Well, you know I'm here if there's anything you want to talk about. And unless you're in danger I won't tell Mom, alright?"

Lily looks at him skeptically. "In other words, you'll make me tell Mom myself?"

"Oh, so there is something to tell?"

"No!" Lily says quickly. "I just meant that's what you always do."

"Well, not this time, I promise. Where is Haley, anyway?"

"At Brooke's store dropping off Lydia. And I am under strict orders not to let you or Jamie anywhere near the premises between 4 and 6 PM."

"Are those orders from Haley, or from Brooke?" Lucas grumbles.

"Doesn't matter. The point is, you need to go," she says, pointing toward the door.

"Alright, alright, I'm going. But remember what I said - I'm here if you need to talk."

"Alright. Got it. Now go!"

BROOKE'S BOUTIQUE

Brooke is busy applying Haley's make-up while the twins and Lydia play in the back room.

"Brooke, you do realize it's just coffee, right?" Haley says.

"Yeah, so?"

"So, you've been poking at me like a barbie doll for the last 20 minutes."

"Beauty takes time, my friend. Now hold still so I can finish making you look fabulous," she orders. Haley rolls her eyes.

KAREN'S CAFE

Haley returns to the cafe and is surprised to see Michael already waiting for her in the doorway.

"You said 4:30, right?"

"Yeah, sorry. It's just been a little crazy today," Haley says awkwardly, escorting inside. Lily comes out from the kitchen to serve them. When she sees Michael, she gives Haley a look that says "nice work."

"This is my cousin Lily," Haley explains.

"Cousin-in-law, technically," Lily corrects. Haley gives Lily a LOOK.

"Lily, can you get us some coffee?" Haley chides.

"Right away," Lily agrees.

Michael chuckles, amused by the interaction.

"Brooke said your family tree would take an hour to explain," he says.

"At least," Haley agrees.

"Well, I've got time," he says. Haley sighs, tensing up again. "Maybe we should save that for the third date?" he asks, seeing her unease.

"Okay, look, Michael, you seem really nice, and Brooke had nothing but good things to say about you. But the truth is, I've never been with anyone besides my husband, and I know it's been 7 years and maybe I should have moved on but I'm just..."

"Not ready?" Michael finishes for her.

"Yeah," Haley nods apologetically.

"Yeah, Brooke said you would say that," he says, surprising her. "She also said you'd say that you don't think it would be fair to your kids, and whatever other excuses you can come up with."

Haley looks indignant, unnerved but oddly charmed by his persistence.

"Look, I get it," Michael says. "My ex-wife and I went through a pretty rough split a couple years back. She was my first love and we'd been together since high school and I was pretty devastated when she told me out of the blue that she didn't love me anymore. I know that's not the same thing as losing your husband the way you did, but the point is, it took a long time before I could even begin to imagine being with anyone else."

Haley sighs, not sure what to say in response. After a moment, Michael continues.

"I have a kid too, and not a lot of relationship experience. So I'm in no rush to jump into anything...we can take things as slowly as you need to."

Haley struggles to come up with an answer for why it won't work.

"Look, we're both going to this dinner Saturday night. Would there be any harm in sitting together? You can meet me there if you don't want me to pick you up."

Haley agonizes for a minute. She is prepared to say no but he is charming, and he's making a lot of sense. "I guess sitting next to you wouldn't be so terrible," she concedes.

"Great. I'll see you there at 7," he says with a smile. He gets up and takes out his wallet to pay for the coffee, but Haley waves it away. "On the house," she says.

"Well, if you insist," he says with a grin. "But at least let me leave a tip for your lovely...cousin-in-law?"

Haley chuckles and nods approvingly. She can't help but smile as he walks away. Lily gives her a thumbs up as she puts her apron back on and gets back to work. Once in the kitchen, she texts Jamie to tell him that so far she approves of Michael.

EXT. HALEY'S HOUSE - EVENING

Jamie is shooting hoops in the driveway. He is surprised to see Lily's friend Sasha approach him.

"Sasha...hi. Are you looking for Lily?"

"No, actually, I came to talk to you," she says.

"Um, sure," Jamie says, putting the ball down and sitting next to her on the bleachers.

"So, uh, what's going on?" he asks, not sure how to act around her given everything that he knows about the saga between Sasha and Lily.

Sasha pauses, not sure how to begin. "Okay, I'm switching schools because...actually, it doesn't matter why. The point is, I'm going to be at Tree Hill High starting Monday. And I don't know how much Lily's told you about what happened, but I really want a fresh start. I know you probably think I'm a terrible person for what I did to Lily..."

Jamie puts his hand up to stop her. "I don't think you're a terrible person," he says. "Look, I know why you're switching schools, and for what it's worth, I've been trying to convince Lily to tell your principle the truth."

Sasha looks surprised. "Don't," she says. "I told her not to. I just want to start over, to go to a school where nobody knows what I did...so maybe it's too much to ask, but I would really appreciate if you didn't say anything to anyone."

"Don't worry, I won't," Jamie reassures her.

"Thanks," she says appreciatively.

"Hey, why don't you come to my game tomorrow night? I'm not exactly the king of the social scene, but I can introduce you to some people."

"Is Lily going to be there?" Sasha asks.

"I don't know...she didn't come to my last game, but she said she was going to try to make it tomorrow night."

"Thanks for the invite, but I think I'll pass." Jamie nods, understanding.

"Why are you being so nice to me anyway?" Sasha asks. "Lily's like a sister to you and you're always so protective of her. I thought you would have hated me for what I did to her."

"I don't hate you," Jamie says. "And neither does Lily. She's just really hurt, but I know she misses you, even though she won't say it. Just give her some time and don't give up on her, alright?"

"Yeah," Sasha says sadly.

KAREN'S HOUSE - LILY'S BEDROOM - MIDDLE OF NIGHT

Lily is walking with her mother and Andy in a graduation gown.

"I'm so proud of you, honey. Graduating first in your class...you've worked so hard for this."

"I wish I could say the same," she hears suddenly. She freezes in her tracks. She glances over and is shocked to see the father she never knew.

She looks up and sees Karen still walking, oblivious to Keith's presence, or unable to see him.

"Lily, you coming?" she asks.

"Yeah, I'll be there in a sec, Mom."

Lily walks over to Keith, bewildered. "I...I wish you were here too, Dad. I wish you could be here to see me graduate."

"Oh, I'm here," Keith says firmly. "I'm with you and I see you everyday. What I meant was that I wish I could say that I was as proud of you as your mother is. But I can't, for the same reason I'm guessing you're not so proud of yourself."

Lily gets teary-eyed as she realizes what he's talking about. "Look, I'm sorry. It was one stupid quiz, okay? One stupid quiz that was worth maybe 1% of our grade for the class."

"I know," Keith says with a shrug, making it clear that doesn't change how he feels.

"Sasha's cheated a bunch of times on other stuff," Lily tries to justify. "I never cheated on anything else before or after that...not even copying homework. And she stabbed me in the back and slept with my boyfriend in my car."

"I know. But something tells me that doesn't make you feel a whole lot better about yourself right now," Keith says.

"Just...stop. I mean it, stop," she says angrily. "Look, I know you're supposed to be my dad, but if you wanted to tell me what to do you should have been there for me! You haven't been here my whole life!"

"Keep telling yourself that," Keith says calmly. "But just know that I'm with you, and I can see you. I can see everything," he says ominously.

Lily wakes up with a jolt, and tears start streaming down her face as she glances at the picture on her nightstand.

PEYTON AND LUCAS' HOUSE - NEXT DAY

Lucas and Peyton are awoken very early in the morning by the doorbell ringing.

"Who is it?" Peyton grumbles, half asleep but slightly alarmed at the doorbell ringing so early.

"I don't know...I'll go check," he says, kissing her cheek and dragging himself out of bed.

He opens the door and is surprised to see his sister standing there, looking like she's been crying.

"I'm ready to talk now," Lily says.

COMMERCIAL BREAK

PEYTON AND LUCAS' HOUSE - PORCH

"I don't understand," Lucas says. "This quiz is worth 1% of your total grade for one class and they kicked Sasha out because of it?"

"My school has a zero-tolerance cheating policy," Lily explains.

Lucas sighs, not sure whether to act like a parent or a big brother who can empathize. "Alright, look, I don't need to tell you that what you did was stupid because I think you already know that."

"I know," Lily says tearfully.

"Look, what's done is done. You can't go back. So now you've got to decide what to do going forward. I generally believe in being honest, but in this case the punishment is so disproportionate to the crime that if nobody had gotten caught, I'd probably tell you to just let it go. But we're not just talking about getting away with one little mistake. We're talking about letting someone else take the fall for it, someone who until recently was your best friend. And in spite of everything she did to you, I know you, and I think you're going to have a hard time living with yourself if you don't say something."

Lily nods, knowing he's right. "I thought I could learn to live with it, but then I had this dream last night that my dad was there on my graduation day but he said he couldn't be proud of me because of what I did," she says, tears streaming down her face. Lucas wraps his arm around her.

"I remember the last time you told me you had a dream about Keith," he says. "You were four years old and I was traveling with you and Mom and Andy after Lindsey left me at the altar. Do you remember that?" Lily shakes her head.

"You told me that in your dream, Keith said that everything was going to be okay for me. And he was right...my life's turned out pretty good. So if you think he was trying to send you a message in your dream maybe that's a sign."

Lily sighs. "I just don't know what to do. I know it's wrong to let Sasha take the fall but turning myself in means giving up everything I've worked so hard for...This is going to go on my permanent record. I'll never get into college or law school, and I'll never be able to pass the bar exam...they have a section where they check your character and fitness. And I can forget ever running for office."

"Lily, that's ridiculous. Everyone does stupid things when they're 16. People have gotten elected president who have done far worse than cheating on an 11th grade chemistry quiz. Look, I know it's not going to be easy to start over at a new school, but you can still make all your dreams come true."

Lily doesn't look convinced.

"Hey, look at Nathan," Lucas continues. "He got a full scholarship to Duke and for a while it looked like he was on the fast track to achieving his dream. But then Haley got pregnant with Jamie, and they fell behind on their bills, and he got involved in that whole point shaving scandal and lost his scholarship. He had to start over at a third-rate school that wasn't exactly known for basketball and then overcome a serious injury that almost cost him his mobility. But he kept working, and he never gave up on his dreams, and in the end he made it to the NBA. It may have taken him longer and he may have had to work harder but he still got to the same place and so can you. You just can't let one mistake define you."

Lily nods. "I was going to turn myself in yesterday but I just couldn't go through with it."

"Well, how about today I go with you and I'll try to talk some sense into your principal?"

"Okay," Lily agrees after a moment. "Come on," he says to her, leading her back inside. "I'll make us all some breakfast and then we'll go, alright?"

"I can't...I have to get ready. Even if I am getting kicked out, I can't go to school looking like this."

Lucas chuckles. "Alright, well, what time does your school start?"

"8:45."

"I'll pick you up at 8:15."

Lily nods and gives him a hug. "Thanks, Luke," she says sincerely.

"It's going to be okay," he reassures her. "One way or another, it's all going to work out."

HALEY'S HOUSE

Haley comes downstairs and is surprised to see her teenaged son up sitting at the kitchen table surrounded by PSAT books.

"What are you doing up so early?" she asks.

"Just studying," Jamie says. "The PSAT's are in two weeks, and I've fallen a little behind in studying because of basketball."

"I see. So are you concerned about getting a scholarship, or are you concerned because Lily kicked your ass last time you guys did a practice test?"

Jamie grimaces, embarrassed. "A little bit of both, I guess. I mean, I know we don't need the money, but it would be nice to get a merit scholarship instead of having to rely on you to pay for college. And yeah, Lily did kind of rub it in my face. And 40 points higher is not exactly kicking my ass!"

"Well, whatever motivates you," Haley says with a chuckle.

Jamie glances out the window and sees Lucas and Lily sitting on the porch. Lily sees him and nods to him. Jamie gives her a supportive smile.

COMMERCIAL BREAK

LUCAS AND PEYTON'S HOUSE

"It's not fair!" Sawyer pouts. "Everyone else in my class is allowed to go to the movies by themselves."

"Really? You've asked every single person?" Peyton asks skeptically.

"Well, everyone I know. But that's not the point!"

"No, the point is, we're not everyone else's parents. We're your parents, and we say you're not old enough to go places by yourself. And don't think I'm fooled, missy. Don't think I'm not on to your plan for you and Amy to meet your 'boyfriends' at the theater," she says teasingly.

Looking both angry and uncomfortable, Sawyer looks away and heads for the door. "You never let me do anything! You're ruining my life!" she complains as she storms out the door.

Lucas catches the last bit of this exchange and runs out after her.

"Hey!" he yells. She turns around, startled.

Lucas takes a deep breath, trying to contain his anger. "What the hell was that all about?" he demands.

"Nothing," she says angrily, knowing she won't get anywhere with him.

"Well, whatever it is, we'll talk about it when you get home. But for now, give me your phone and your iPod."

"What? Why?"

"Because, you do not talk to your mother like that," he says firmly. He holds out his hand expectantly. Finally, Sawyer relents and hands him the iPod.

"Phone too," he demands. She continues to hesitate, blinking back tears. "Please don't read the texts," she begs. "Please?"

Lucas looks concerned but softens when he sees her expression. "Alright, I won't," he promises. "This time," he adds sternly, but he can't help but soften when he sees her struggling not to cry.

"When will I get them back?" Sawyer asks.

"What's today, Friday?" She nods.

"Alright, you'll get them back Sunday."

"That's two whole days!" she whines.

"Next time it'll be a week," Lucas warns.

Sawyer stomps her feet and storms away, slamming the door when she gets into Jamie's car.

"Whoa...what's up with you today?" Jamie asks.

"My parents won't let me do ANYTHING!" she complains.

PEYTON AND LUCAS' HOUSE

Lucas goes inside and joins Peyton at the kitchen table. Seeing that his wife looks upset, he walks over and massages her shoulders.

"You okay?" he asks.

"Yeah," she says with a sigh. "Do you think I'm being unreasonable, Luke?"

"What, about not letting her go to the movies with her boyfriend at age 10? No, I don't think you're being unreasonable at all."

"I remember when I first told Brooke I was pregnant, and she was fighting with Victoria and she said 'I don't know why anyone bothers having kids when they're just going to refer to you as evil bitch Mom someday.'"

"Sawyer better not call you that, ever," Lucas says sternly. Peyton chuckles a little. "If she does that I'm taking these away for good," he says, showing her the phone and iPod.

He fiddles with the phone, looking like he's contemplating something.

"What?" Peyton asks. He looks at her questioningly. "You have that look."

Lucas sighs. "When I took away her phone, Sawyer begged me not to look at the text messages. I wasn't going to, but the fact that she was so anxious about it makes me think maybe I should."

"Oh, honey, come on. She's 10 years old. She probably either has texts with Adam or texts about Adam that she doesn't want us to see because she's embarrassed. I didn't have a cell phone when I was 10, but if my dad had seen some of the notes Brooke and I passed in class I would have been mortified."

"Yeah, you're probably right. I promised her I wouldn't so I guess I should stick to my promise, right?"

"Mmmm hmmm," Peyton agrees.

"But, I didn't promise her you wouldn't look at them."

"Uh uh," Peyton insists. "I might be protective, but I am not going to be one of those overbearing mothers who snoops through my daughter's things unless she gives us a reason to."

"Yeah, I guess you're right. G-d, I am just not ready for all of this," Lucas says, shaking his head.

"Yeah, me either. I thought I had a few more years before my sweet little girl started viewing me as the evil bitch mom."

"Look at me," Lucas says firmly. "You are a great mom. And you are going to keep being a great mom no matter how many times she tells you otherwise for the next 10 years."

Peyton winces, not looking forward to the prospect. "That doesn't exactly make me feel better," she whines. Lucas chuckles and kisses her forehead as he gets up.

"I have to go pick up Lily," he says.

"Do you think her principle's really going to kick her out?" Peyton asks.

"I don't know. I'm going to do what I can to convince him that it's ridiculous."

EXT. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

[Note: In my world, 5th grade is part of the junior high school in Tree Hill.]

Jamie drops off Lydia at the elementary school.

"Sawyer, you want to come up front?" he asks. Sawyer shakes her head and stares out the window.

Jamie suddenly makes a U-Turn.

"What are you doing? My school's the other way."

"I know. But we're making a quick pit stop. Unless you're hell bent on being there for morning announcements."

"No, they're boring. It's the same thing every day," Sawyer says.

"Good," Jamie says.

"Where are we going?"

"You'll see."

OPPENHEIMER SCHOOL

Lily is sitting across from her principal, looking nervous.

"I don't understand," Principal Miller says. "The cheat sheet was in Sasha's handwriting, and she already admitted that she used it on the quiz. Now you expect me to believe that you took her study guide and used it and she told me she did it to protect you?"

Lily nods, looking down.

"Come on, Lily, I know you. This doesn't sound like you."

"It's the truth, I promise. I didn't come forward right away because I was scared of the consequences. But even though Sasha and I aren't friends anymore, she didn't cheat...at least, not on the quiz."

Principal Miller sighs, not sure what to do. "Alright, look, I'm going to be frank and tell you that I don't believe you. But if you insist on sticking to your story, I have no choice but to expel you for violating the honor code. So if you didn't cheat, I'll give you one more chance to tell me and we'll pretend this conversation never happened."

Lily freezes, tempted by his offer. She contemplates for a minute and then decides to hold firm. "I'm sticking to my story, because it's the truth," she says softly. "I'm sorry."

"I'm sorry too," Principal Miller says regretfully.

RIVER COURT

Sawyer looks confused when Jamie pulls up and motions for her to get out.

"What are we doing at the River Court? I'm not allowed to play basketball because of my heart."

"I know. I just want to show you something. Come on."

Sawyer gets out of the car and follows him.

"It's pretty faded now, but if you look closely here, you can still see a little bit of the drawing you and your mom did as a memorial after my dad died."

Sawyer looks closely for a minute and then realizes what he's talking about.

"When I was a kid, this was my favorite place in the world. There was nothing that would make my day more than my dad taking me here to shoot hoops. But then when I was about 8, I stopped wanting him to take me. I started asking if I could go by myself, because some of my friends were going by themselves and I was embarrassed to have my dad come with me."

"Did he let you?" she asks, missing the point of the story.

"Yeah, most of the time."

"When you were only 8?"

"Yeah. But that's not the point. The point is, I would give anything in the world to be able to come here with my dad just one more time."

Sawyer just stands there, feeling guilty as his words sink in. Her imagination starts running away with her and she starts imagining if something happens to her mother suddenly, with her last words to her being "you're ruining my life." Suddenly, she looks like she is going to cry.

"Hey, listen, I'm not saying anything's going to happen to your parents," Jamie says when he sees her expression. "I'm just saying you shouldn't be in such a hurry to grow up. I was too when I was your age, and looking back I wish I wasn't."

Sawyer nods, still looking upset. "Can I use your phone?" she asks.

"Yeah, sure." Jamie hands her his phone as they get back in the car. She quickly dials her mother's studio.

"Red Bedroom Records," Peyton answers.

"Mom, it's me," Sawyer says.

"Hey, Sawyer, are you alright?" Peyton asks worriedly, concerned by her daughter's tone.

"Yeah, I just wanted to say I'm sorry," Sawyer says, trying not to cry.

Peyton smiles, looking relieved. "You mean for saying I'm ruining your life or for slamming the door in my face?"

"Both," Sawyer says sheepishly.

"Alright, apology accepted. Now go to school. I love you."

"I love you too, Mom." She hangs up and hands the phone back to Jamie as they pull up to her school.

"Feel better?" he asks, worried he went too far trying to get through to her.

"Yeah," she nods, but she still looks like something's bothering her.

"Hey, listen, I know I told you not to grow up too fast, but I'm here if you need someone to talk to about teenager stuff. And so is Lily."

Sawyer smiles. "Thanks, Jamie," she says gratefully.

OPPENHEIMER SCHOOL - PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE

Lucas walks in tentatively. "Principal Miller?" he asks. The principal looks up.

"Hi, I'm Lucas Scott."

"Are you...Lily's father?" Principal Miller asks, looking confused.

"No, I'm her brother. Her father died before she was born."

"That's what I thought. Look, if you're here for her records, I can't release them to you unless you're her legal guardian."

"I'm not here for her records. I wanted to talk to you."

"Mr. Scott, this school has an iron-clad policy of zero tolerance for academic integrity violations. If you're here to try to convince me to bend the rules for your sister, you're wasting your time."

"Please, just hear me out. I know the rules exist for a reason, and I get that you need to make sure they're taken seriously. I have a 10-year-old daughter who's acting more and more like a teenager every day, so believe me, I get it. But I also think the punishment should be proportionate to the crime. You talk about integrity, but Lily had the integrity to come forward and take responsibility for what she did. Shouldn't that count for something?"

"She only came forward because she felt guilty that her best friend was being punished. To be perfectly honest, I'm not entirely convinced she's not taking the fall for Sasha, but I have to go with what she told me."

"She's not taking the fall, trust me. She's been losing sleep over this. And if you paid any attention to the gossip in this school, you would know that Sasha's not exactly Lily's favorite person right now."

Principal Miller shakes his head. "It doesn't matter. Look, I like your sister a lot. She's a great student, and I know she's going to do great things with her life. But I don't have the authority to waive a policy that's been a bedrock of this school for as long as I've been here."

"Then who does? Who has the authority to look at an individual case and decide that this is ridiculous?"

"Your sister has the right to go before the academic appeal committee. But as long as she sticks to her story, it's highly unlikely she's going to get anywhere. She can also reapply for admission next year, and in spite of this incident I will make sure that her application is at least considered."

Lucas sighs, frustrated that he's not going to get anywhere.

COMMERCIAL BREAK

OPPENHEIMER SCHOOL

Lucas joins Lily at her locker, which she is cleaning out.

"Did you talk to Principal Miller?"

"Yeah, he won't budge," Lucas says glumly. "I'm sorry."

"I figured," Lily says softly.

"Listen, he said you can come back and get your stuff later if you don't want everyone to see you packing up."

"That's okay. I just want to get this over with," she says, taking one of the tissues Lucas offers her to dry her eyes.

She finishes packing up her stuff and they head toward the parking lot.

"Hey, listen, I know this sucks, and I know you probably feel pretty ashamed right now, but I think one day you're going to look back on this and you're going to be proud of yourself."

"For what? For cheating and getting kicked out of school?" she asks incredulously.

"No. For doing the right thing. It took a lot of guts to put aside your anger at Sasha and come forward and take responsibility knowing what the consequence was going to be."

Lily doesn't look convinced. "Look, sometimes it takes more strength to admit you made a mistake and accept the consequences than it does to avoid screwing up in the first place. I'm proud of you for that, and I know Keith would be too if he were here."

"I wish I could believe that," she says softly.

TREE HILL HIGH

Madison catches up with Jamie in the hall.

"Jamie, wait up," she says. He turns around, looking annoyed.

"Um, about yesterday..."

"Look, it doesn't matter, alright?"

"It's not what you think," she says.

"It's none of my business about you and Chuck. The other night wasn't even supposed to be a date...we just got carried away. No hard feelings, I promise," he says.

She opens her mouth to respond, but he cuts her off. "I'm late for practice," he says, quickly running off.

COMMERCIAL BREAK

EXT. OPPENHEIMER SCHOOL

[Lyrics are for "Beauty in Walking Away" by Marie Digby]

I float on the streets that are empty
Take the path that the wind only knows
Tonight is the last time that I'll ever be here

Lily takes one final look at the school before getting into Lucas' car, saddened but also relieved as she silently says goodbye to life as she's known it for the past 8 years.

"Hey," Lucas says to her. "Think of this as a beginning, not an end."

There's an answer in the sound of a train
There is wisdom past the bridge on the bay
There's a lifetime through the fog, in the rain
There's a beauty in walking away

EXT. TREE HILL JUNIOR HIGH - AFTERNOON

Peyton waits in a line of cars to pick up Sawyer. Sawyer is relieved when she sees her mother's car.

She gets in and gives Peyton a big hug, clinging to her in a way that she hasn't done since she was much younger.

"I'm sorry," Sawyer says, blinking back tears.

"It's okay, honey," Peyton says, kissing the top of her head. "Just don't do it again, alright?"

"Okay," Sawyer agrees. She stares out the window, looking like something is still bothering her.

"When your dad took away your iPod, he didn't say you weren't allowed to listen to music at all for 2 days, did he?" Peyton asks.

"No...thank g-d!" Sawyer says.

"Okay, good, because I have a really great demo to show you," she says, pulling out a CD and making Sawyer light up.

EXT. TREE HILL HIGH - PARKING LOT

Jamie is walking out toward his car after practice when Madison approaches.

"What are you doing here?" he asks.

"I wanted to tell you the truth," she says.

"I told you, it's none of my business."

"I know. But I need to tell you."

"Alright, I'm listening."

"My baby sister cries half the night, and I don't get along so well with my stepfather. Chuck's one of my best friends, and he lets me crash at his place when I don't want to go home. In exchange, I let people think we were sleeping together."

"Why?" Jamie asks, bewildered.

"To boost his reputation," she says.

Jamie doesn't buy it. "Look, I know Chuck's a little weird, but I can't believe he's that desperate."

"Look, it's complicated, okay? The point is, I'm not sleeping with him...I've never slept with him, I promise."

Jamie stares at her, trying to figure out what to believe. It seems far-fetched, but she looks like she is telling the truth.

"Have you ever slept with anyone else?" he finds himself blurting out. He instantly kicks himself for it when she looks away, looking ashamed.

"Alright, look, it doesn't matter," he says quickly. "Look, I like you, Madison. I've liked you for a long time. But I don't want to be with you if you're hooking up with anyone else...I know lots of people just hook up with no strings attached but I don't want to do that. That's not who I am."

"That's not who I am either," Madison says. "I'm not seeing anyone else, I promise. And I told Chuck I'm done pretending."

Jamie sighs. "So where does that leave us?" he asks.

"Well, I guess we never got to finish our date, or, whatever it was the other night," she says.

"Yeah, Lily did kind of interrupt things."

"So, do you want to?" she asks shyly. "Finish our date, I mean."

"Tomorrow after the game?" he asks with a grin.

"Alright, you got it," she says.

Jamie can't help but grin as he watches her walk away.

Suddenly, a rare wave of confidence comes over him and he runs after her.

"Hey Madison!" he yells. She turns around.

"We never finished this either," he says, leaning down and covering her lips with his.

It's never quite simple, it's never that safe
It never seems perfect until it's too late
It's never the right time to find a new way

KAREN'S HOUSE

Lucas and Lily sit in the living room. Lily looks really nervous.

"You ready?" Lucas asks as he takes out his phone.

"No," she says, blinking back tears. "But go ahead."

Lucas nods and dials his mother's number.

"Hey, mom, it's me. Lily has something to tell you, but before I put her on, I just want you to know that she knows she messed up, and she's suffered a lot already...no, she's not pregnant...alright, here she is."

He hands the phone over to Lily, giving her a supportive nod.

There's an answer in the sound of a train
There is wisdom past the bridge on the bay
There's a lifetime through the fog, in the rain
There's a beauty in walking away

INT. DORM - UNC WILMINGTON

Chuck glances around to make sure he doesn't see anyone he knows before knocking on the door to a room.

His boyfriend, a college freshman named Steve Gilnack, opens the door and pulls him in, giving him a kiss on the lips.

HALEY'S HOUSE

Jamie walks in and sees Haley sitting on the couch looking at a photo album.

"Hey...what are you grinning about?" she asks him.

"Nothing," he says, trying to act nonchalant.

"Uh huh," she says skeptically.

"I said it's nothing," he says, his cheeks turning pink. Suddenly, he sees the photo album and realizes Haley has been crying.

"Mom, are you okay?" he asks.

He sits down next to her and looks her in the eye.

"Look, Mom, Dad would want you to be happy," Jamie says gently. "I really believe that."

"I know," Haley says tearfully. "It's just hard to let go."

Jamie nods understandingly, pulling his mother into an embrace. He then starts looking at photos with her.

The episode ends with a montage of flashbacks of Nathan, Haley, and Jamie from seasons 5-8, set to "Dance With My Father." If you go to youtube[dot]com/watch?v=Iv4HkfFTXWk or visit the link in my profile, you can actually view the montage.


I hope that was worth the wait and that people are still interested. If you are, PLEASE review, and feel free to be candid and make suggestions. When possible I try to incorporate them (unless your suggestion is to break up Leyton, bring Nathan back from the dead, or make Quinn and Clay a regular part of the series).

Here are some lines from next week's "episode":

BROOKE: Um, Haley...what do you say we leave this home for the night?

HALEY: My wedding ring? Forget it!

KAREN: I did such a good job with you, Lucas. How on earth did I go so wrong with Lily?

Jamie stands with Lily outside the diner where Dan works.

JAMIE: You ready?

Lily nods and follows him in.

Lily stands in the doorway looking haunted and terrified as she lays her eyes on Dan.