Season 5.
Chapter 9. 'A Date to Remember' SCENE 1:
KAREN'S HOUSE.
Andy and Karen are sitting eating
sandwiches.
"I still can't believe everybody knows." Karen tells Andy.
"Well," Andy says. "So what? We were going to tell everyone anyway."
"I know," Karen begins. "But in front of the whole town I wasn't expecting."
"Well, to me," Andy begins. "It's kind of romantic that it was introduced to the whole town. Come with me."
He stands up and takes Karen's hand and brings her out of the kitchen.
"Where are we going?" Karen asks him, being brought into the computer room. "What are we doing?"
Andy sits down at the computer and turns it on.
"You'll see." Andy says, as he opens up Microsoft Word application.
Karen looks down at Andy, wrapping her arms around him, smiling, and thinking back...
FLASHBACK: TRIC. INSIDE. RAINING.
Karen and Andy are sitting at the bar, having drinks. There's people sitting around them, namely one girl who is obviously drunk.
"Can I ask you something?" Karen asks.
"Sure, babe." Andy replies.
"Where do you want to go on our honeymoon?" Karen asks him curiously.
"Um." Andy begins. "Italy's nice. Didn't you say you loved it there?"
"Yeah," Karen says. "But I kind of want to go somewhere new."
The drunk girl near them stands up and starts talking loud. "You guys are getting married!?! Congratulations!"
Andy and Karen look embarassed, as Lucas
and Peyton are standing nearby behind them.
END OF FLASHBACK:
Karen's House.
"OK." Andy says. "Done. Check it out."
Karen looks at the computer screen and on it is a wedding invitation reading: "You Are Cordially Invited to the Wedding of Andy Hartgrove and Karen Roe on April 17th, 2012."
Karen smiles brightly, hugging Andy. "Sounds wonderful." She says. "I can't wait."
END OF TEASER/"I Don't Wanna Be" Plays
SCENE 2: TREE HILL HIGH. LOCKER ROOM.
Lucas and the team are getting ready for practice. Lucas is giving them a speech.
"As all of you know," Lucas begins. "Our last game was beyond pathetic and an embarassment to both me and you guys. No body here better not ever pull any stunts like we witnessed on that faithful night ever again. If anyone does in the next or any other future games, I hope you're ready to suffer the consequences by yours truly—Coach Scott."
"Man," Greg chimes in jokingly. "You don't scare me. Bring it on."
"One in every class." Lucas says. "Greg, may I remind you, you're still on thin ice for fighting with your brother—who already has gotten kicked off the team, by the way—at the last game and in the hall way. Don't push my buttons now."
"Yes, sir." Greg says getting serious.
"OK." Lucas says. "In the gym in five. Go!" Lucas shouts. "Greg! Stay here, if I may have a word with you."
Everyone leaves the locker room, except Lucas and Greg.
"Sorry about that, Coach." Greg apologizes. "I was only kidding."
"I know." Lucas nods. "But I just wanted to know why you weren't at TRIC the other night. Unless I just didn't see you maybe?"
"Your eyes are fine." Greg says. "My parents didn't let me go—or Michael, obviously. Susie's parents made her stay home, too."
"Didn't Michael and Susie have a date there that night?" Lucas asks. "He must be pretty crushed he didn't get to go with her."
"How would I know?" Greg asks. "Or care?"
"He's your brother." Lucas tells him. "Remember that thing I told you, about only having one?"
"So I'm just suppose to be fine with the fact he stole her away from me?" Greg asks. "And feel sorry that El Nino ruined his date?"
"First of all," Lucas says. "El Nino is a west coast thing only. And second of all, yes, you should feel a certain degree of sympathy for your brother."
"He didn't feel a 'certain degree of sympathy' for me when he stole Susie away." Greg says. "He got what was coming. What can I say? Karma's a bi—"
"Don't say it." Lucas warns.
"I'll see you in the gym, Coach." Greg says. "In two."
SCENE 3: TREE HILL HIGH. TUTORING CENTER.
Michael is sitting down waiting for his next tutee to arrive. A female student enters the room and begins looking around.
"Hey." Michael greets the girl, standing up. "Are you—" He begins checking his sheet of paper. "—Samantha Way?"
"Yes." The girl replies nervously. "Then I assume you're my tutor—Michael?"
"Yeah." Michael tells her pulling out a chair for her to sit. "Nice to meet you."
"You too." Samantha replies, as she sits down. "Thank you."
Michael suspects that she's really nervous. "New campus, jitters, huh?" Michael asks. "I'm a freshmen, too."
"Uh." Samantha says. "I'm a junior. But I am really nervous. In all my years at this school, I haven't one been in here. Never thought I would need one. (She pauses) Wait—they got me a tutor freshman?"
"Don't worry." Michael says. "I'm totally qualified. Went through rigorous training and testing to be here."
"Vocabulary is at high school level." Samantha says. "Hm. OK. You'll do."
"So, what subject are you suffering with this year?" Michael asks.
"Math." Samantha replies. "Which is odd because I'm usually really good at math. But, see, I've been amazingly busy this year—what with looking at prospective colleges, and I've been dealing with some, uh—, family issues lately. I just need to be caught up. I guess."
"Sounds like you have a lot on your plate." Michael says. "I guess the rumors I heard about junior year being the toughest are accurate."
"Trust me," Samantha says. "Enjoy freshman and sophomore year while you can."
"So, did you bring your math book?" Michael asks. "May I have a look?"
"Oh, absolutely." Samantha says reaching into her backpack.
At that time, Susie walks by the tutoring center doorway with her friend. She glances inside and sees Michael tutoring an older looking girl. Michael waves and Susie ignores him and walks away.
"That your girlfriend?" Samantha asks.
"Not exactly." Michael replies. "Er—not yet, anyway. Excuse me for a second."
Michael gets up and leaves to follow Susie.
"What the—" Samantha protests, rolling her eyes. "This is why stupid freshman shouldn't be allowed to tutor!"
---
"Susie." Michael yells. "Wait up!"
Susie stops for Michael. Just stands there saying nothing,
"That wasn't what it looked like." Michael assures her. "Actually, it is. I was tutoring a student and that's what you saw."
"Tutoring an older, hot junior girl." Susie corrects him.
"How did you know she's a—" Michael begins.
"That's Samantha Way." Susie states. "Everybody and anybody knows who she is."
"Well," Michael begins. "I guess I'm showing my popularity—or lack there of—right now."
"Relax." Susie says. "If I wanted to date a popular guy, I wouldn't be dating you. No offense. I like the loner types."
'So," Michael smiles. "We're dating?"
"Well," Susie says. "We didn't last weekend. Hopefully, you have something planned to make up for that."
"I do." Michael reassures her. "Let me take you out—or try to—again, tomorrow night."
Susie smiles, as Samantha walks out of the tutoring center.
"Hey, Michael." Samantha says standing there. "I have to be at work in two hours and you're cutting into my tutoring time by talking to your girlfriend. Could we—please?"
Samantha walks back inside.
"Uh, oh." Susie warns. "You made Samantha Way upset. So not good."
SCENE 4: HALEY'S APARTMENT.
"I can't believe you actually took the day off today." Nathan tells Haley.
"Hey," Haley says. "I've gone all year so far without calling in sick. The sub will be a nice change of pace for the students."
"You wanna make lunch together?" Nathan asks. "I'm starving."
"Sure." Haley says bending down into the cabinet.
Nathan stands behind her looking at her back side. Haley's shirt gets lifted up in the back and the "23" tattoo gets exposed. Nathan smiles.
"You are so sexy." Nathan tells her, smiling.
Haley stands up and turns to him. "Please. I have jeans and a tshirt on." She wraps her arms around his neck. "But I love that you think so." Haley says giving him a kiss.
Nathan kisses back. "Nice tattoo, by the way."
"You know," Haley tells him. "When I got that I was afraid I would regret it someday. Lucas too. But five years later and I couldn't be happier that I got it."
"Although," Nathan says looking on the glass is half empty side. "It is a pleasant reminder." He says sarcastically.
"Maybe it's the kind of reminder you need to get back onto the court." Haley says. "You once said whenever you stepped out onto that court it somehow made everything better."
"I don't need anything to be better." Nathan tells her. "My life is perfect now."
"That's sweet," Haley smiles. "But I know it's still your dream to play."
Nathan shakes his head. "My only dream now is to live happily with you and our son."
They kiss passionately.
SCENE 5: BROOKE'S APARTMENT.
Brooke and Cynthia are getting ready for work.
"Thanks for letting me crash here last night." Cynthia thanks Brooke. "I was pretty wasted, huh?"
"You made me look sober." Brooke laughs.
"OK." Cynthia says. "That's pretty bad."
"And now we have to work for the next ten hours." Brooke says. "What fun."
"That's why it rocks to be the managers, silly." Cynthia tells her. "We get the minimum-waged employees to work and we sit in the back recovering from our hangovers."
"I knew I loved this job for a reason." Brooke says.
"Seriously," Cynthia says. "How are you doing? I mean, since the whole TRIC night thing."
Brooke's smiles fades. "Oh, I'll be fine. I'm actually meeting Chase tomorrow."
"Eventhough Lucas is the---" Cynthia begins.
"Lucas and I are what's called exes." Brooke tells her. "History. Actually, I didn't tell you this, but the other night at TRIC---"
"What?" Cynthia asks. "You've been holding out on me? Spill, girl!"
"I was about to until you interrupted me." Brooke says. "Anyway, at the end of the night, Chase and I kissed in the rain."
"Oh, my God!" Cynthia says happily. "Does this mean---"
"Oh," Brooke begins. "I don't know. It was just a kiss. Who knows what he wants it to mean."
"He's into you, Brooke." Cynthia tells her. "I've seen how that boy looks at you."
"Oh, shut up already." Brooke laughs. "Get your coat. We're late."
SCENE 6: TREE HILL HIGH. COACH SCOTT'S OFFICE.
Michael walks in. Knock knock." he says.
"Michael." Lucas says. "How are you doing?"
"Not bad." Michael says. "How's the Ravens doing?"
"Honestly?" Lucas asks. "I miss having you on the team. By the way, I'm sorry about that whole---"
"Nah, it's cool, man." Michael interrupts. "I deserved to be kicked off the team. Besides, as one door shuts, another opens, right? If I hadn't gotten kicked off I would've never joined the Tutoring Center. And I probably wouldn't have started dating Susie, either."
"Of course." Lucas smiles. "A girl."
"Which is what brings me by here." Michael says getting to the point. "You know how Susie and I had a date on TRIC night but our parents wouldn't let us go out in the storm?"
"Actually," Lucas begins. "I do."
"Greg, huh?" Michael asks. "Well, anyway, I'm taking her out on another date tomorrow, but I have no idea what to do. I want it to be perfect. I really like her. But I've never gone out on a date before."
"A date?" Lucas asks. "Kids date now?"
"You didn't?" Michael asks.
"Well, I guess I did." Lucas says. "Although it wasn't any official dates. We would just go to different events hosted by our parents, like for the basketbal team. It would be over someone's house; the adults would do their thing, and the kids would---" Lucas stops, thinking back.
"Ah." Michael says. "Gotcha."
"But I did go on dates, now that I think about it." Lucas says. "Kind of. Depends on the girl. I got drunk and made out with this girl at a poolhall once. And then we got tattoos."
"Wow!" Michael says surprised. "You were a wild one."
"Actually," Lucas begins. "I wasn't. That girl just brought it out in me. I liked that a lot. She was able to bring out the fun side of someone who was always so serious and to himself."
"Where'd you get the tattoo?" Michael asks.
"My bicep." Lucas replies. "Of an ancient symbol meaning 'fun.'"
"Nice." Michael says.
"Hey," Lucas begins. "Don't get any ideas. I regretted getting it the next day. But only because I got in trouble."
"By Haley?" Michael asks.
"Haley? No." Lucas replies. " In fact, you wanna hear a secret?"
"Of course." Michael replies.
"Haley got a tattoo her junior year of a guy's jersey number she had been dating for a few weeks. The number 23."
"Nathan?" Michael asks.
Lucas nods. "That's who."
"Shoot." Michael says. "Greg is number 23. That means Susie is Greg's Haley. And Greg is Susie's Nathan."
Lucas laughs. "I don't think it works that way."
"Please." Michael says. "They already almost started dating, but I got in the way."
"So, they were attracted to each other and had a connection, only to have a brother stand in their way?" Lucas asks. "Maybe your number 23 theory is on the right track."
"Shoot!" Michael says. "Now I really have to make this date perfect!"
SCENE 7: KAREN'S HOUSE.
Karen is on her way out the door. "Andy!," Karen shouts up the stairs to him. "I'm gonna go check the mail. I'll be right back."
"OK." Andy yells from up the stairs. "Hurry back."
Karen walks outside and down her driveway to the mailbox and opens it up. She gets a whole bunch of bills and comes accross one that stands out. It's addressed to Lucas & Nathan Scott to Karen's address, from the Tree Hill jail. She slips it into her pocket.
SCENE 8: SUBURBIAN FILTH.
Brooke is in her office typing on her laptop. Cynthia walks in.
"Oh, my god." Cynthia says exhausted. "I don't know who's more annoying. The customers or employees."
Brooke laughs while typing away on her laptop.
"Sorry," Cynthia apologizes. "Did I interrupt important business?"
"Yes." Brooke states. "Talking to Chase Adams."
"Really?" Cynthia asks, pulling up a chair beside Brooke. "What are y'all talking about?"
"Our date tomorrow." Brooke says with a big smile. "Oh. I'm so excited!"
"Glad to see you so happy again." Cynthia says. "Where's he taking you?"
"A romantic Italian restaurant, and then going miniature golfing." Brooke says looking at Cynthia's expression. "I know. Small clubs and balls. Not exactly romantic. But we've dated before. We're already past that stage. We just wanna get to know each other again and transition back into---us."
"No." Cynthia says. "I think mini golf is a great first date. Except for the 'small balls' part." Cynthia winks.
"Brooke laughs. "I really set myself up for that one, huh?"
"What did you guys do on your original first date?"
"Um." Brooke says. "Actually, ate dinner and danced at downtown Tree Hill. He was so sweet."
"Does he have any brothers?" Cynthia laughs. "So, met him at school, right?"
"Yeah." Brooke says. "Actually, in a group called 'Clean Teens.'"
Cynthia laughs. "You mean like, 'Virgins til Marriage? We had one at my school, too. We made fun of everyone in there."
"So did I." Brooke states. "I only joined as a cover up to getting caught stealing a test's answers."
"Brooke Davis." Cynthia says. "Scandalous."
"Well, she was." Brooke says. "My friend, Rachel."
"What's he saying now?" Cynthia asks.
"He's wondering why I'm not typing as fast." Brooke says as she types her response and saying it out loud. "Because my friend came into my office and started ease dropping and talking to me." Brooke laughs.
"Oh, whatever." Cynthia says. "I can not be out there right now."
"Then you're gonna have to stay in here and watch Chase and I make googly---instant messages at each other." Brooke says.
"Gladly." Cynthia states.
SCENE 9: SOUTH CAROLINA.
Rachel and Mouth pull up to a nice-looking, huge house.
"So this is it." Mouth says. "This is your place?"
"This is it." Rachel nods.
"It's huge." Mouth replies. "It's beautiful."
"Let me give you the grand tour." Rachel says getting out of the car. "Come on, boyfriend."
Mouth and Rachel walk up the steps and into the door. "Are you kidding?" Mouth asks. "The inside's even nicer than the outside."
"I knew you'd like it." Rachel smiles. "Are you hungry? I have plenty of food."
"Sure." Mouth replies.
They walk into the kitchen. Rachel opens the refrigerator. "What do you want? I can make sandwiches, salads, or we have leftovers, too. Oh and tonight you should cook these steaks on the barbeque."
"Will do." Mouth replies. "I'm a pro at the grill."
"Perfect." Rachel smiles. "Want a---orange soda?"
"Sure." Mouth replies. "Actually, you go any beer?"
Rachel winks and smiles. "Of course." She tosses him a Corona. "Glad to see you drink now." She opens up the soda for herself.
"Well, now I'm of legal age." Mouth informs her. "You're drinking a soda? No more beer for you?"
"Not these days, no." Rachel tells him. "I just bought that for you---just in case you had a change of heart about drinking."
"Why don't you drink these days?" Mouth asks. "Although I think it's great of you."
Rachel looks down and pauses. "I got really depressed, Mouth." Rachel admits. "I battled alcoholism for a few years. Finally checked myself into AA."
"Oh, my God." Mouth says surprised. "I'm so sorry. But that's great you overcame it. What were you depressed from?"
"Graduation, I guess." Rachel says. "Everyone knew what they wanted to go to college for and do with their lives. But me---I was in California with my parents---doing nothing. So, I started doing something. Drinking. You're the second person I told that to."
"Who's the first?" Mouth asks.
"Nathan." Rachel replies. "He was an alcoholic, too, while he was with Brooke. After him and Haley broke up and he got hurt. He turned to alcohol, too when he was depressed. He told me while we were---having sex in a motel room."
"Yeah. I heard about that." Mouth replies. "Uh. The motel room. Not the alcoholism. He's better now, right?"
"He's back with Haley." Rachel says. "Of course he's better."
"Does Haley know about---" Mouth begins.
"I doubt he told her." Rachel replies. "And knowing Haley like I do, she's big on honesty---especially from her husband."
"How about her ex-husband?" Mouth asks, half-joking.
SCENE 10: THE NEXT DAY.
Haley is getting out of bed. Nathan is just laying there, waking up. "Where're you going?" Nathan asks.
"Babe," Haley says. "It was just a one-day sub. I have to go back to work today." She says sadly.
"Oh, come on." Nathan says. "Stay home today. We can go out and do something fun together with Jamie---as a family."
"That sounds wonderful." Haley smiles. "How about tonight or tomorrow? Besides, you should spend some one-on-one time with your son. He really missed his Daddy."
"That's a good idea, actually." Nathan admits. "I'll have dinner ready when you get home."
Haley smiles and sits next to him on the bed. "Thanks. Oh, and maybe start looking for another job in between spending time with your son and cooking dinner?"
"Also a fine idea." Nathan smiles. "But, if I don't have time for dinner---Pizza or Karen's Cafe?" Nathan jokes.
Haley laughs and kisses him. "OK." Haley says. "I gotta hop in the shower. Get your son up for school maybe?"
Nathan laughs. "Or maybe join you in there?"
"Mmm." Haley says, taking off her shirt while going into the bathroom. "OK."
Nathan goes into Jamie's room to wake him up and sits in the bed. "Jamie? Hey, buddy. Time for school."
Jamie covers his head and rolls over. "No!"
"Come on," Nathan tries to pursuade him. "Daddy's taking you today."
"N-O." Jamie spells it out. "No!"
"Hey," Nathan says sternly. "Don't take that tone to me. OK? Now, guess what? After school, I'm gonna pick you up and we're gonna go do something fun together."
"Like what?" Jamie asks, sitting up.
"Maybe buy you a toy at the store." Nathan suggests. "Go for ice cream. Or shoot some hoops. Or miniature golfing."
"Yay!" Jamie jumps up excitedly.
"You think about it at school. OK?" Nathan asks. "But our time together today won't ever come until you go to school."
"I'm going!" Jamie runs to his closet. "I'm going!"
SCENE 11: GREG AND MICHAEL'S ROOM.
Their alarm clock goes off. Michael wakes up after and looks at the clock. "Oh, my God!" Michael says jumping out of bed. "We're gonna be late for school!"
Grge rubs his eyes waking up. "Calm down, you nerd." Greg tells him. "So we're a little late---big deal."
"Maybe you enjoy walking to school," Michael says. "But I don't. We're gonna miss the bus!"
"I'm too tired to get up." Greg says. "Why you care if we're late so bad, anyway?"
"Because if we're late, we're gonna mis part of or all of Miss James' class!" Michael reminds him.
Greg jumps up. "Shoot! Why didn't this alarm clock wake us up?! Haley's too hot to miss!"
"Of course, man." Michael says.
"Hey, wait a minute." Greg says. "You can't be thinking of other girls. You have Susie."
"Haley's not 'other girls.'" Michael says. "She's our hot teacher. A fantasy."
"So," Greg says. "Is Samantha Way a fantasy, too?"
"How'd you know about that?" Michael asks.
"Dude," Greg says. "She called me after she got off work."
Michael is amazed. "Samantha Way has your number?"
"Of course." Greg tells him. "Now get dressed! I can't miss my Haley time!" Greg runs into the bathroom for a shower.
"You little perv." Michael says to himself, about Greg.
SCENE 12: SOUTH CAROLINA.
Mouth and Rachel are asleep in bed together. Rachel is cuddled next to Mouth, as he has his arm around her. The alarm clock goes off, and wakes up both of them.
"Oh." Rachel says in a grumpy tone waking up. "Why did you set that thing?"
"I didn't." Mouth tells her. "I didn't touch it."
"Oh, that's right." Rachel remembers. "I set it awhile ago and never turned it off."
"Thanks for that." Mouth says. "Well, I'm up."
"Wait," Rachel says pulling him back to her side. "Wasn't last night great?" She asks smiling and looking at a opened pack of condoms on the night stand.
Mouth kisses her. "It was the best night of my life."
"Mm." Rachel says. "I wish I dated you sooner."
"Well," Mouth begins. "Instead you were dating Cooper, or went after Nathan, and recently getting Nathan."
"Aw," Rachel says. "I'm sorry about that. Truth is, I didn't feel anything when I was with them. Because when I was with Nathan and Coop, it was all about the sex. But with you, oh, it's so much more than that. And I love that. We have friendship, a strong connection, a bond. You are so the best I've ever had."
Mouth smiles. "Wow. I'm so happy to hear you say that." He kisses her again. "I'm gonna make you breakfast. In bed."
Rachel winks. "It may be easier if you make it in the kitchen." She laughs. "Just a suggestion."
"Funny." Mouth replies. "Stay here. I'll be right back with your food." He kisses her once more and leaves the room.
Rachel gives a huge smile and lays out on the bed looking up at the ceiling happily.
SCENE 13: KAREN'S HOUSE.
Karen is sitting at the kitchen table alone, drinking coffee. Dan's letter is on the table in front of her. Andy walks out in his robe.
"How long have you been up?" Andy asks.
"Few hours." Karen replies. "I couldn't sleep."
"I noticed." Andy tells her. "Anything wrong? What's that on the table?" Andy says picking up the letter and reading the front.
"It's nothing." Karen says quickly. "Give me it."
Andy begins to read it outloud. "Lucas and Nathan Scott. Tree Hill prison?" Andy asks. "This is from Dan."
"I received it yesterday." Karen tells him. "In the mail."
"I can see that." Andy replies. "So I'm guessing you have given this to either brother."
"That's right." Karen replies. "I've been thinking about it all night, if I should or not."
"Does Dan deserve for his sons to read his letter? Does he deserve Nathan and Lucas possibly seeing and talking to him again?" Andy asks.
"Absolutely not." Karen replies.
"I agree." Andy nods. "But does Nathan and Lucas deserve to know their father sent them a letter from prison?"
Karen pauses and nods. "Yes." She says softly. "Oh. This is just like Dan trying to weasle his way back in. He knows I can't keep this from either of them."
"I think it's time I pay Dan Scott another visit." Andy states. "And in the meantime, you go give Lucas that letter."
SCENE 14: TREE HILL HIGH.
Haley is standing behind her desk. Almost all of the class is there sitting in their seats. Suddenly the bell rings. A few moments later Greg and Michael come rushing in.
"Sorry we're late." Michael tells Haley.
"Just sit down." Haley tells them.
Michael walks toward an empty desk next to Susie and sits down. Greg looks at them and then sits down toward the front, away from them.
"Glad to see you're joining me in the front today, Greg." Haley tells him.
In the back, Susie and Michael begin to talk quietly to each other. "So, where are we going tonight?" Susie asks him.
"I have the perfect night planned out." Michael tells her. "I'm taking you downtown to the festival. Dinner, dancing, and rides tonight."
"Sounds like the perfect date." Susie smiles. "How are we getting there?"
"It's a surprise." Michael says.
Haley notices the two are talking in the back. "Oh. Excuse me. I'll stop with my discussion here. Wouldn't want to be rude and interrupt your guy's conversation." Haley announces.
Greg looks back at them for a second.
"Oh, thanks." Michael says to Haley. "We'll only be a minute more."
The class laughs. Susie laughs and hits him playfully on the arm.
"Step outside, Michael." Haley tells him. "Now."
Michael walks outside the door into the hall. Haley follows him, closing the door behind her.
"OK," Haley says. "You know what, this isn't the first time you acted like a complete smart alec in my class. You need to start showing some respect. Girls don't like disrespectful guys, you know."
"OK." Michael says. "Noted."
"Have you completey switched roles with your brother?" Haley asks. "He used to be the rude one."
"We're brothers." Michael says as he sees Lucas from a few yards away. "You should know brothers are one of the same."
Haley looks behind her where Michael was glancing and sees Lucas. "Yeah, but Lucas nor Nathan was ever that disrespectful." Haley tells him.
"Well," Lucas says walking by. "Nathan used to be."
"Yeah." Haley says. "Before I trained him."
Lucas, and Michael, laugh.
"Hey, no laughing." Haley says to Michael. "You're in trouble. Go to principal Turner's office."
Michael walks away. Lucas stops to talk to Haley. "What was that about?" Lucas asks.
"Oh," Haley says. "The boy is always interrupting my class and misbehaving."
"Well," Lucas says. "I can't do anything as his coach anymore, but he still does listen to me. I'll try talking to him."
"Thanks, Luke." Haley says. "What's Peton up to today?"
"Oh, she's at our apartment helping move in our stuff." Lucas says. "Me and Nathan's."
"Oh, right." Haley says disappointed. "He's moving out. Oh, well. Having Peyton there alone will be so much fun."
SCENE 15: SOUTH CAROLINA.
Mouth is finishing cooking breakfast, and has everything on a plate and breakfast in bed platter for Rachel. He takes it upstairs and into her bedroom for her.
"Aw," Rachel says. "It looks delicious."
Mouth sets it down on her bed. She looks at all of the food and begins eating. "Here," Rachel says placing some bacon near Mouth's mouth. "Have some."
"No, it's all yours." Mouth insists. "I was eating as I cooked." He laughs.
"How lucky was I to find such a sweet guy to be my boyfriend?" Rachel smiles.
"Your parents decided to move to Tree Hill." Mouth says. "And I'm so glad."
"Even though I denied my feelings for you then?" Rachel asks.
"I don't think you did." Mouth says. "Not completely, anyway. I seem to remember a few kisses, dances, hot tub nights."
Rachel smiles. "You noticed that, huh?"
"It was very obvious." Mouth says. "I just couldn't get you to admit it---until now."
"I guess I was scared." Rachel says. "Because you were such a good friend and I didn't have very many of those."
"I understand." Mouth says. "But you have nothing to be afraid of anymore. I promise you." Mouth smiles and they kiss warmly. "I wish things could be like this all the time."
"How's that?" Rachel asks.
"Cooking breakfast in bed." Mouth says. "Being together all the time."
"Maybe it can be." Rachel begins to suggest.
"What do you mean?" Mouth asks.
"How would you like to move in with me into this house?" Rachel asks smiling.
"Are you serious?" Mouth asks. "That seems fast."
"What?" Rachel asks. "After five years?"
"I don't know, Rachel." Mouth says.
"Come on." Rachel says. "You just said you wish it could be like this all the time. Well, it can be."
SCENE 16: LUCAS SCOTT'S OFFICE.
Lucas is doing paperwork. His mother, Karen walks in. "Hey." She says. "You busy?"
"Never too busy for my mom." Lucas says. "What's up, ma?"
"I have something I need to show you." Karen says. "It's serious."
"OK." Lucas says. "Should I be worried?"
"I don't know." Karen says. "You tell me." She hands him the letter she received a day earlier.
"What's this?" Lucas says looking down at the letter. "Tree Hill jail? (He pauses in disbelief) Dan?"
Karen nods. "I didn't open it, of course. But who else would be sending you something from jail? It's addressed to Nathan, too."
Lucas tries to find some words. "I---can't believe this." He says. "For the last five years, I've tried to forget about that man. Nathan too. And now out of the blue he's able to play with my emotions---even from prison."
"Maybe it's nothing." Karen says. "He probably just wants to know how you're doing."
"It's Dan, mom." Lucas says. "What would he care?"
"Lucas." Karen says. "He does love you, you know. He is still your father."
Lucas looks at a picture of Keith, Karen, and himself at a younger age on his desk. Noticably, there is no picture of Dan. "No." Lucas tells her. "My father was and will always be Keith Scott."
"Are you gonna open it?" Karen asks.
"Not without Nathan." Lucas says. "I'll bring it by Haley's place tonight to show him."
Karen nods. "You know, Luke. I could never forgive him for what he did. But it wouldn't be wrong for you to want to go see him. He is your biological father. Maybe not for sentimental reasons, but even to just see that he's gotten what he deserves all these years."
"What would I say to him?" Lucas asks. "Seriously. Do you realize the last time I saw him I had a gun pointed at his head?"
"It wouldn't be wrong for you to still care about him." Karen says. "I know it's a fine line. But I wouldn't want to see you carry arounf any bitterness or hatred for him."
"It's not." Lucas says. "It's a very clear line that I shouldn't go see him. But thanks for giving me this."
"Well, I'll let you get back to work." Karen says. "By the way, about
the other night at TRIC, I'm sorry you had to find out that way."
"Oh, it's fine." Lucas says. "I'm happy for both of you."
Karen smiles and walks out. Lucas just stares at the letter for a minute.
Michael walks in suddenly. "You wanted to see me?" He asks.
"Yeah." Lucas says. "Have a seat."
Michael seats down across from Lucas.
"Haley informed me of your behavior in her class." Lucas tells him.
"Look," Michael begins. "I already got chewed out with a detention by Turner."
"Now it's my turn." Lucas says. "Seriously, what's going on with you?"
"Just some stuff going on in my life at the moment." Michael tells him.
"Like what?" Lucas asks.
"My Dad sorta came back into my life recently." Michael says. "Greg's not handling it well, either."
Lucas glares down at the letter. "I know how that feels."
"Anyway, he left when we were two years old." Michael says. "Left my mom for a younger woman. Hasn't spoken to any of us since."
"That's rough." Lucas says. "I'm going through something similar. My Dad's been in prison for something the last five years and he just sent my mom this letter addressed to me and my brother."
"Are you gonna open it?" Michael asks.
"Not without Nathan" Lucas says. "If at all."
"Why do Dads have to be such jerks?" Michael asks.
"I don't know." Lucas says. "But at least we know your and mine generation of men won't end up like our father's generations. Because we know what not to do now. How not to behave. Like, for instance, interrupting your teacher's class." Lucas winks.
"Nice tie-in." Michael says. "Lesson understood."
SCENE 17: THAT EVENING.
Nathan and Jamie are at the miniature golf course. They're just starting on the first hole. Jamie has an ice cream cone in hand.
"OK, son." Nathan says lining up his putt and ready to swing. "Watch Daddy how it's done."
Nathan putts the ball and it doesn't even make it over the second hump. Jamie laughs.
"Or watch me for what not to do." Nathan laughs. "Your turn, sport. Want me to hold that?"
Jamie hands him the ice cream. He takes a stab at the putting and the ball flies to the hole. Nathan walks to the hole holding his bicep with his other arm's hand.
"What's wrong with your arm, Daddy?" Jamie asks.
"Oh, nothing." Nathan says. "Just twisted it from putting."
"You have to be careful, Dad." Jamie tells him.
Suddenly Brooke and Chase walk up to the hole laughing and being touchy-feely.
"Brooke!" Jamie shouts and runs to hug her.
Brooke is very surprised and hugs him back. "Hey, kiddo. Golfing with your Dad?"
"Yeah." Jamie says. "But he hurt his arm putting."
"Oh." Brooke looks at Nathan.
Nathan walks over to them and shakes Chase's hand. "How are you doing?" Nathan asks. "Brooke." Nathan says greeting her.
"Just on a date." Chase says. "Who knew you'd be here?"
"Chase." Brooke says in a stern tone.
"I'm just out with my son." Nathan says. "No reason for awkwardness."
"Sure." Chase says. "No reason at all."
SCENE 18: SOUTH CAROLINA
Mouth is outside cleaning up the grill. Rachel walks out in a jacket and jeans.
"Hey, cutie." Rachel says approaching him.
"Hey." Mouth says.
"Dinner was great." Rachel says. "Thanks."
"Oh," Mouth says. "Don't mention it. I love cooking for you."
"You just wouldn't want to every night." Rachel says.
"Rachel," Mouth begins. "I'm just scared we'd be moving things too fast. It doesn't mean I can't be over here a lot."
"Yes, it does." Rachel says. "You can't have the best of both worlds. Living with me and the single life on your own when you're not here."
"It wouldn't be like that and you know it." Mouth tells her. "I wanna make this last, Rachel. And rushing things never helps. OK?"
"Or maybe you're just afraid of committment." Rachel says.
"I'm not." Mouth says. "It just hasn't been that long for us."
"You're acting like we just met." Rachel tells him. "We haven't."
"I want to," Mouth begins. "But everytime I rushed things with a girl before, I lost her. I can't loose you, too."
"You won't." Rachel says. "No matter if we live together right now or not. I'll always be here for you."
Mouth smiles and kisses her. "I love you, Rachel." Mouth tells her. "I do."
Rachel smiles brightly and hugs him. "I love you, too, Mouth McFadden."
SCENE 19: LATER THAT NIGHT.
Haley is on the couch just hanging up the phone, watching TV, and grading papers. Nathan and Jamie walk in the door.
"Oh," Haley says. "You two are back finally. How was the day?"
"So much fun, Mommy!" Jamie shouts jumping onto the couch.
Haley smiles. "Aw, sounds like. How are you, Nathan?"
"Couldn't be better." Nathan says. "Spent the day with my one and only son."
"Hey, Jamie." Haley says. "It's bed time for you, kiddo, OK? Go get ready for bed."
"OK!" Jamie says running to his bedroom.
"I was just about to send him back there, actually." Nathan says.
"So you had fun with him today?" Haley asks.
"Yeah." Nathan says. "And while he was at school, I kind of did something for you. For us."
"What's that?" Haley asks. "And how much did it cost?"
"It's no keyboard." Nathan says. "But I think you'll find it very sexy."
"That's quite confident of you." Haley teases.
"I got this because I love you." Nathan says. "And like you, I want to show it."
Nathan pulls up his sleeve revealing a tattoo on his bicep with the number 23 on it and a heart around it with the words, "Haley James Scott" in the middle.
"Aw," Haley smiles. "That's so sweet. Did it hurt?"
"Yes." Nathan says. "It did. But it was worth it for the girl I love most."
Haley smiles and they kiss.
Suddenly Lucas, not bothering to knock, opens up the door and sees them kissing. Also sees Nathan's tattoo and Haley's "23" on her lower back.'
"So," Lucas says. "You finally took got the matching tattoo, huh, Nathan?"
Nathan laughs. "Yeah. Today. What's up, Luke?"
"Well," I'd hate to ruin this happy moment, but---" Lucas says handing Nathan the letter unopened.
Nathan reads the return address. "This is from Dan. He sent this to you?"
"To my mom, actually." Lucas says. "She just gave it to me today."
"Well," Nathan begins. "Thanks for not opening it without me."
"I wouldn't do that." Luca says. "Do you though? Want to open it?"
"I seem to remember agreeing we were done with Dan." Nathan says. "I assumed any letters from him were included."
"I know." Lucas says. "And nothing in that letter could make me want to see him again. But, I don't know, do you just kind of wonder---"
"Little bit." Nathan admits. "He is my Dad. And unlike you, he's the Dad who raised me."
"You can read it alone." Lucas suggests. "I don't need to know."
"I wouldn't do that to you." Nathan says. "I think we need a third party to read it for us."
Nathan and Lucas look at Haley.
"OK." Haley says. "I'll do it. Give me."
Nathan hands her the letter.
SCENE 20: DOWNTOWN FESTIVAL.
Voice over (Lucas Scott)---
"New love blossoming. It's a beautiful thing when it happens."
Michael and Susie are riding on the ferris wheel together. Michael has his arm around Susie.
"Best date ever." Susie smiles. "You know that?"
"I do." Michael says. "Because I wholeheartedly agree."
Michael and Susie look at each other and then kiss for a few minutes.
CUT TO: GEORGIA.
Voice over (Lucas Scott)---
"Second chances don't come by very often, so grab onto them when they do."
Chase walks Brooke up to her front door. "So, did you have a good time?"
"I had a great time." Brooke smiles.
"Even seeing your ex-fiancee?" Chase asks.
"Nathan and I are still friends." Brooke says. "We've always been. He's with Haley and I'm dating you. We both know we're not where we belong."
Chase smiles and kisses Brooke passionately.
CUT TO: INSIDE BROOKE'S PLACE.
Brooke goes into her room, taking off her jacket. She goes into her bathroom and looks in the mirror while smiling.
"I'm happy." Brooke smiles.
Voice over (Lucas Scott)---
"Don't ever take happiness for granted. Don't ever take anything for granted."
Brooke begins to take off her shirt and glances down, seeing the beginnings of a lump on her lower backside. Brooke looks concerned and curious.
CUT TO: TREE HILL JAIL.
Dan is laying on his bed in his cell, talking to himself. "I don't want forgiveness. I don't deserve it. I just want to be able to know---at least see, my grandchildren. And to know my two sons again. You two. Lucas and Nathan. I love you both very much. I would give nothing more than to see the people I love again once more---before I die."
CUT TO: HALEY'S APARTMENT.
"...Before I die. Love, Dan." Haley says putting the letter back into its envelope.
Lucas and Nathan aren't sure what to say.
CUT TO: PRISON CELL.
"Love, Dan." Dan says to himself, finishing his thoughts.
END OF EPISODE
