A/N: The accident is coming in a summer interlude. Please R/R - don't make me come back there!


August, Senior Year

As they burst through the door, they came to a skidding stop.

"Whoa," Lucas whistled.

"Well?" Haley asked, stepping closer so they could see her better. "What do you think?"

"Hales?" Nathan's forehead wrinkled in confusion. "Where's your hair?"

"I cut it," she stated the obvious, reaching up and self-consciously fluffing it.

"Uh…" Nathan didn't know what to say. Luke turned and gave him a dirty look. "It's different," he finally added.

"You don't like it," she accused.

"I wasn't expecting it," he restated, stepping closer.

"Well, it was my first day as a teaching assistant down at the Kindergarten and there was…Play Doh."

"Play Doh?"

"A lot of it. Don't ask," she grimaced, wiping her hand across the air as if erasing the story. "Anyway, I just went in to the hairdresser and, well,…"

Lucas shook his head, a gentle smile on his face. "It looks great, Hales, really."

"Yeah," Nathan agreed slowly, wrapping an arm around his wife and kissing the top of her head. "It'll just take some getting used to it, that's all. But it's nice."

"OK," Lucas clapped his hands together. "So was this what you wanted to talk about?"

"No," Haley stepped back from Nathan and wiped her cheeks. "Let me get it." She moved over to the desk. "Hey – how'd you like your workout?"

"The workout was brutal," Lucas admitted. "But I love the Comcast Center. I'm moving there. Seriously - Nathan showed me the suites, and I'm claiming one."

Haley giggled. "Yeah, well, the players may have something to say about that when they want to take one of their naps."

"Naps?!"

"Shut up, man," Nathan warned good-naturedly, tossing his brother a power drink from the small fridge and opening one for himself.

"Here it is," Haley put a large manila envelope into Luke's hands.

Luke put down the bottle and sifted through the contents. "Contacts and pitches from Agents…Business cards for Lawyers…Shoe companies…Wait - is this a proposal for a shoe named after you?" he looked up at his brother.

"Yeah," Nathan confirmed, a satisfied expression on his face.

"Oh, my God…" Luke inhaled, reading the papers. "Nate…are these numbers right?"

"Yeah," he repeated.

"Millions?"

Nate and Haley exchanged a look. "Well, King James got 100 mil for his."

"Yeah, but…." Lucas exhaled. "Damn."

"Now you know how I felt, seeing your name on the bestseller list."

"Let's safely assume I didn't get millions," Luke laughed, still astounded. "So. What are you going to do about it?"

"That's why we called," Haley put her hands up in the air.

"Look, man, I even look at that thing wrong and I'll lose my eligibility for this season."

"We need a lawyer. A very non-agent kind of lawyer. To deal with the shoe people until Nathan can sign after the season's over. And field the rest of it."

"So…" his brother asked. "Know any good lawyers?"

"The one Lindsey found for me is good."

"Wait, Lindsey got you the lawyer that ended up negotiating the contract with her father's company?"

Luke chuckled. "Yeah, and he kicked ass, too."

"Will you dial him up for us?" Nathan asked.

"First thing tomorrow," Luke promised. He grinned and then his eyes went somber as he met his brother's gaze. "You deserve this, you know. Both of you. When I think of how hard you've worked, damn. I'm proud of you, bro."

Nathan nodded and pulled Luke close in one of their patented half hugs. "Thanks."

Luke stared back down at the proposal. "They better be really great shoes."

"They will, and I'm so getting a new car the minute that thing is signed."

Luke dropped his head back and chuckled. "Let me guess – no cassette player?"

"Oh, hell, no," Nathan agreed, laughing.

Haley wrinkled her nose, her eyes flashing with amusement. "Holiday…"

"NO!" The brothers yelled, tackling her and covering her mouth.

"Ice Cream day!" She managed between Luke's fingers as they howled in protest. "Ice! Cream! DAY!"

October, Senior Year

Sports Illustrated College Basketball, Q&A with ... Maryland's Nathan Scott

We chatted with Maryland's Nathan Scott, the Terp's co-captain from Tree Hill, NC who's averaged 23.8 points and 10.7 assists per game, and finished last season with a box score that featured 16 double-doubles. The following is an edited transcript of a conversation with Scott from late last week:

SI: Your last game of last season, you made what is one of the most contested blocks in recent history when you pinned the underarm toss of DeShawn Marshall, Boston College, against the backboard. The video of it has gone viral.

NS: It's become legendary. There's a lot of people who still come up to me and say it was goaltending but it's always been in the rules that you can pin the ball as long as it's on it's way up but not over the rim.

SI: Rarely seen and even more rarely done legally. Have you pulled it off before?

NS: A couple of times in High School and at Gilmore. Definitely during some pickup games. And I did it to my brother, once.

SI: Once?

NS: (Laughs) He was ready for it after that.

SI: That the same brother that went on to coach your Freshman and Sophomore years at Gilmore?

NS: Yes. Lucas Scott.

SI: He was the only student Head Coach in the Division. What it do for or against your game to have him coaching you?

NS: I've been pretty fortunate. Coach (Brian) Durham has over 500 wins and is pretty easily one of the best coaches you'll find. He brought me through High School and right up to the Division Finals during my freshman year. Sophomore year, we knew going in exactly what we wanted. The coach, the team – we were all on the same page shooting for another title. We had a strong foundation to work from and Coach Scott, my brother, had a strong vision for the team to bring that home – which we did.

When I got to Maryland, Coach (Gary) Williams immediately raised the bar. He asked if I was ready to train for a whole new level and, of course, I was. The late nights, the effort, it is all worth it to be part of this team.

SI: In one of the first interviews after you came to Maryland, Coach Williams said that in recruiting you, he'd found his Bob Cousy. How'd that feel?

NS: To be compared with a superstar player like Cousy, that was huge.

SI: Was it hard to transition to being the 6th man?

NS: Not really. Coach Williams gave me a lot of minutes right from the beginning, so whether I was starting or not – I really felt I was there to make a key contribution to the team. When he began starting me as wing mid-season, it was probably more in my comfort zone. But the experience definitely broadened my game, so I'm grateful.

SI: We heard there was some problem with signing your letter of intent.

NS: Yeah, well. It was kind of funny. They want someone under 21 to have a parent or guardian co-sign, regardless of whether you're married or whatever. Except I've been emancipated since I was 16, and there was no parent or guardian available. The rules said it couldn't be any of the school administrators or my coach, which ruled out my brother, and they also ruled out my wife.

SI: It brings up images of you going door-to-door looking for someone to co-sign.

NS: It almost came to that. We worked with the Policy & Review Committee and eventually they accepted my former coach as co-signer. We drove round-trip like 6 hours on the second signing day to get his signature. Later, they told me we could have faxed it to him.

SI: You were once destined for Duke and now you play for one of their rivals in the conference. Think that's why the Cameron Crazies put so much effort into heckling you?

NS: I think they put a lot of effort into heckling everyone who poses a threat to their team.

SI: So you don't take it personally.

NS: I don't think it's meant personally. I mean, there's always some people who take it to that level – who ambush you as you're getting on the bus or whatever. And that kind of stuff is out of line. But the Crazies are true fans; they're just looking to put the heat on the guys who might get in the way of a Duke win.

SI: What's the best thing they've called you?

NS: Babyface.

SI: A couple of your teammates do have interesting beards.

NS: Yeah. Greivis has this barber who just really works at coming up with new crazy things to do with his facial hair.

SI: Not your cup of tea?

NS: I think it's a riot on them. Not for me, though. No.

SI: Anything else they've called you?

NS: Vanilla Ice.

SI: You're not making a happy face.

NS: I'm not gonna say anything more, because I'm back at Cameron next month.

SI: All right. Then tell us what's it like to go in front of the Duke team – and win, like you did so notably your first time facing them?

NS: There's no denying that Duke is a great team. I respect Coach K and what he's done for college basketball as a whole. Growing up in North Carolina, his stature there is amazing – as it should be. Competition with a team like that does nothing but good things for you. Making that winning free throw is a moment I'm never going to forget.

SI: At home games, Maryland's Athletic Director cited bad language as the reason she has banned the use of Gary Glitter's Rock n' Roll Number 2…

NS: Just the recorded version. The band can play it.

SI: And the fans sing the along with the words, which are…

NS: "Hey, you suck" is most of it.

SI: Do you agree with decision to ban the recording?

NS: Not for me to say. Most other schools use it without a problem, but Maryland isn't most schools. And I think it's had this sort of unintended benefit because it really riles up the fans, which is great. We've got awesome fans.

SI: OK, switching gears: why number 23?

NS: It started in peewee leagues, I was a huge Michael Jordan fan. It stuck after that, and I've had great luck with it.

SI: It's pretty unheard of not to change around numbers through a career. You've never worn another?

NS: Uh, my brother's. After he was diagnosed with HCM, I wore his shirt to finish a game after mine got ruined. It definitely had the magic – and the right name on the back.

SI: What number?

NS: 3. My uncle, who died when I was in High School, he wore 22 – which I would also definitely consider if 23 was unavailable. But for now, I'm sticking with what works.

SI: Now you're 21 years old and in your 4th year, on a team heavy with freshmen and sophomores. What's the dynamic like?

NS: The freshmen and sophomores like to go out and mix it up, sure. But we've got a really good group of guys. They came to Maryland ready to play and to prove themselves. Whatever the lifestyles off the court, once we walk into the Comcast Center for practice or a game – we're a team, man. We're pretty tight.

SI: You don't "mix it up"?

NS: Oh, I wouldn't say that. But I've got a family that comes first.

SI: End of last season, you were named to All-ACC third team. Last week, you were named to preseason All-ACC first team. What changed?

NS: I think a combination of seniors graduating and the work I did last summer and this fall. I've worked really hard to bring me and my teammates to a peak level of athleticism. I think this could be our championship year. I really do.

SI: You want to win it all?

NS: Absolutely. That's why I'm here.

December, Senior Year

Nathan tried to slip down the aisle unobtrusively as he looked for his family. Spotting them, he ducked down a row to take the empty seat next to Luke.

"Practice went long," he explained to his brother. "What'd I miss?"

On the other side of Lucas, Haley leaned forward to smile at her husband and Nathan smiled back. Deb reached over and touched his arm in greeting.

"OK," Luke explained softly, "Once upon a time, there was Mary and Joseph and…"

"I know the story," Nathan elbowed his brother. "Where are we?"

"You didn't miss much. He's about to make his entrance," Haley cut in, indicating the little stage.

Several children dressed in shepherd's robes stepped onto the stage, surrounded by others dressed as animals and a couple of trees.

"He's the third sheep from the right," Haley whispered to them proudly.

"The one with green antlers?" Deb squinted.

"They were out of brown felt," Haley defended. Luke and Nathan smothered their explosions of laughter.

An older child, dressed as an angel, stepped into the center of the stage and the rest of the cast all bowed clumsily.

"Yo! I mean, uh, LO!" the angel shouted.

"Oh, we are sore afraid!" one of the shepherds screamed back.

"Be NOT afraid!" the angel continued. "For I have GOOD tidings. The Savior is born, to bring peace and goodwill!!"

Reggae music began to play, piped through the small speakers hung from the walls.

"I think I'm sober, but I'm hearing…Bob Marley?" Deb looked around, confused.

The children began to clap randomly. Their teacher stood in front of the stage and pointed, and they began to sing and yell; "This is my message to you-ou-ou! Don't worry about a thing, because every little thing gonna be all right! Don't worry about a thing, 'cuz every little thing gonna be all right!"

Lucas and Nathan almost slipped to the floor in hysterics.

The child trampled off the stage and the audience applauded enthusiastically. Nathan sat up straighter in his seat and looked over at his wife; "Tell me you had nothing to do with this."

"Just the costume," she promised with a grin.

The lights came back up on the manger scene. In small groups, the rest of the cast came back on stage: the shepherds, animals, and finally Jamie. He had traded his antlers for a crown and robe and was carrying a treasure chest full of plastic gold. He took his place with the other Magi as Mary presented the baby doll playing Jesus, whose swaddling promptly fell off.

As she tried to re-wrap it, the angel returned and narrated the birth story. Then the teacher stood back up and music began to play again from the speakers. She raised her hands, and again the children joined in their best approximation of singing; "I think I've found my way home, I know that it might sound more than a little crazy but I believe... I knew I loved you before I met you; I think I dreamed you into life. I knew I loved you before I met you; I have been waiting all my life!"

"Oh, God," Luke whimpered, holding a stitch in his side.

"It's Savage Garden," Nathan moaned, trying not to dissolve in laughter again.

Haley bit her lip hard, trying to keep a straight face.

Finally, it stopped and the lights went up. The parents and family thundered in response – clapping and calling out "Bravo!" Lucas and Nathan stood, as well, joining in with big grins plastered on their faces.

The teacher turned and took a bow and then indicated the audience as a final song began, this time pounded out on an old piano in the corner.

Nathan, Lucas, and Deb all swung their eyes to Haley, who calmly handed each a printout. From the stage, the children began; "Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let Earth receive her King…"

And with that, Jamie spotted his father. He slipped off the stage and ran down the aisle; Nathan caught him up into his arms easily, and they finished the song together.

February, Senior Year.

Haley watched Jamie playing with Skills, running to catch snow with his tongue as light flurries fell. Around them, the entrance of the Comcast Center was buzzing with activity; she never heard him approaching.

"Hi, Haley," Royal Scott said quietly.

"Hi, Mr. Scott," she straightened, surprised. "You made it."

"Yeah, uh, flight was delayed. Please, call me Royal," he urged. "I was, uh…thank you, for this," he said, awkwardly.

Haley shrugged, and kept her eye on Jamie.

"He looks like Lucas," Royal announced.

"People do say that," Haley smiled. "Especially Lucas."

"Lily, now…she's Karen and Keith all over again," Royal's voice grew hoarse as he said his son's name out loud.

"I agree," Haley said, gently peering at her grandfather-in-law and trying to gauge his mood. "How's May?" she asked.

"She's better. The pneumonia hit her hard, but she's up and around again," he glanced around. "What are those," he asked, pointing at the earphones in her hand.

She held up the bright red headset. "Noise cancelling, for Jamie."

"Are they necessary?" He looked at the device doubtfully.

"It's louder in there than it is in the cockpit of a helicopter, Royal," she chided, gently. "Jamie's worn these to every game he's attended since we got to Maryland."

"OK," he nodded. "So, uh…do we go in now, or…?"

"Actually, I'm not going in with you at all. Jamie and I are sitting in a different section with our friend," she explained, digging through her purse. "We can only get two of these - for a Duke game, especially." She handed a ticket to Royal, who looked at it closely in the overhead lights. As though it were a precious, fragile thing.

"Two?" He looked up at her again.

"Yeah," she nodded.

"Then, who…"

She indicated behind him with her eyes and Royal turned around.

"Hi," Lucas greeted his grandfather, pushing away from the wall he'd been leaning against.

"Hi," Royal responded, his voice rough with emotion.

"Should we go in?"

Royal nodded. Glancing again at Jamie, he took a deep breath and followed Luke towards the entrance.

Skills walked up as they left, Jamie high on his shoulder. "Nate couldn't have liked this, one bit. You giving away that ticket."

"That's a safe bet," she agreed.

"What he say?"

"Oh, besides the fact that we haven't seen hide nor hair of Royal except at our graduation from Gilmore and pretty much the only contact we've had over the years is game commentary via email?"

"No demands for Jamie updates or such? That is one fucked-up family, my friend."

"Yeah, it really is. Although, to be honest, I actually think it pisses Nathan off more how Royal treated Lucas all those years."

"He said that?"

"No, but when I tried to remind him that Royal had checked in with Karen every time he came to town, Nathan gave me that look and said…"

"Whatever," they both uttered at the same time.

"Yeah, that's my boy," Skills shook his head.

Jamie tired of watching the snow, which wasn't sticking on the ground. He began tugging on her jacket for attention and she lifted him into her arms. "I suppose we should go in," Haley looked over at the lines for the entrance and groaned.

"Sure," Skills agreed. "So how bad's our section?"

"Nosebleed," she laughed.

"Oh, man," He complained, taking Jamie from her so she could fish through her purse for their tickets.

"Don't worry, Uncle Skills," Jamie reassured him. "We'll get you a popcorn. Popcorn always helps."

Skills gave the little boy a doubting expression that made him giggle.

"I'll throw in a soda, too," Haley grinned.

"OK, now you're talking!"

April, Senior Year

They lay in dim, only a wedge of light from the bathroom illuminating the room.

Nathan pulled Haley close. She felt his skin next to hers, and rested her head in the head in the crook of his arm. "Mmmmm," she sighed.

"I love you, so much," he breathed.

"I love you, too," she answered, closing her eyes and letting herself drift.

He closed his, and tried.

"What is it?" she asked without looking.

"We should of won it, Hales," he groaned.

"Ohhh," she heaved a sigh. "It's been over two weeks, Nathan."

"I know…" he lifted his head and dropped it back on the pillow.

"You brought this team closer to a NCAA championship than they've been in years," she reminded him.

"It just doesn't feel like enough"

"I was reading online today, the message boards for Player of the Year. Someone said that you're the only player in the country who plays hard all the time, whether it's in games, practice, or pickup."

"Nah, there are others."

"How many?" she challenged gently. "One guy wrote that you've worked not only to maximize your own potential but that of the team, in a thousand undocumented ways. And that even though other players may have higher stats or more wins that your heart is bigger and that's what college basketball is all about."

"Yeah?"

Haley nodded against his skin.

"Did they mention that stupid 'Vanilla Ice' nickname?"

"Only a little," she promised, chuckling. "And always in a good way."

"There is no good way," he grumbled.

"One of the voters said that your 'Ice' demeanor and focus under pressure kept your team's concentration on the prize many times when the game was on the line. That's a good way," she told him.

"What do you think, Hales?"

"You're already my player of the year, you know that."

He leaned over and kissed her, deeply.

"So, what are you thinking now?" she asked.

"Actually," he propped himself up on an elbow. "I'm thinking I want to go home."

"What?" she sat up a little in surprise.

"I want to go to Tree Hill. Look, I sign the shoe deal on Thursday and we get the up-front money. After we get a decent set of wheels, I want to drive home."

"What about school?"

"Take a couple of days off. Finals aren't for weeks yet; I don't have to report to NBA camp until next month. Don't you get it, Haley? We can do this - just unwind, as a family. Maybe look at a couple of houses."

"Houses?" she coughed. "We don't even know where we're going to end up! Could be Charlotte, Houston, or even Seattle."

"I know, but just humor me? Plus we can see Lucas and the guys… It's the first time since we've been married that we can relax, not worry about money or basketball or anything."

"OK," she agreed, looking into his eyes in the near-darkness of their bedroom.

"Yeah?" he smiled, leaning over to kiss her again. "OK, now what are you thinking?" He peered at her expression.

"That this is the end, isn't it?" she mused aloud. "Of our little college bubble."

"No," he pushed a strand of hair out of her face. "It's the beginning, Hales. Of something even better. I promise."