*Leaving you with a cliffhanger last time was effective. This chapter contains violence, language, and drama. Reader's discretion is advised. **

Chapter 22

*Flashback to the spring of 1986*

The event was the Tri-State Championship between the Tree Hill Ravens and the River City Panthers. The school was a buzz of activity. The pep club was making banners for the hall, and the cheerleaders were practicing in the gym while the Ravens were getting drilled fiercely by Coach Durham.

"Pick up the pace you whiny ass pansies! You too Scott!" Coach Durham screamed.

Dan looked back to Durham only to give him a dirty look, mumbling under his breath, "Why don't you get your fat ass out here Whitey." Dan could feel the sweat pour off him as he looked over in the corner to see the sweet face, that sweet innocence that made his life better everyday at practice.

"Hey KRoe! Stop day dreaming, we have a game to practice for," Lauren shouted from behind Karen as she saw her eying Dan from across the gym.

"I'm sorry…where were we?"

"We weren't doing anything, you missed the entire routine, because you were going gaga over your honey bear," Lauren cooed in sarcasm giving Karen a mocking shake of her hands.

"Take it easy on her, Lauren. We will be fine. Plus the Panthers are the worst," a soothing voice responded putting her hand on Lauren's shoulder.

"Alright, fine," Lauren relented, "If you say so Anna, but if we lose you will…"

"We will be fine, and after all who is cheer captain here? Hmmm," Anna shot a know-it-all look in Lauren's direction. Getting a giggle from the rest of the squad.

"Ha, ha, very funny guys. Remember who is the scariest co-captain too!" Lauren shouted, "Now go get into teams and do practice pyramids, and you Roe! Try not to space out huh?!"

"Yes, yes," Karen kowtowed in Lauren's direction as she made her way across the gym, leaving Anna and Lauren alone.

"Why are you so rough on her, she is only a junior. Lighten up Harp," Anna shot Lauren a sympathetic grin.

"Because I don't need her goofing off when we have regionals coming up, and have you seen the way she is with that guy. Disgusting, all we need is her horny over some player when we have to win, and this is our last year you know?!"

"I know, I know calm down. We are the best squad in the state, and it won't make a bit of difference if we have her or not, she isn't…well the most skilled member we have. Anyway what crawled up your ass and died?" Anna tilted her head in sarcasm staring at Lauren.

"Nothing, jackass…I just" as they were talking Anna broke eye contact with Lauren to stare at a young man walking into the gym. His hair was long and brown; his stare never leaving Anna, as he walked between the players to Lauren and Anna's direction.

"Oh boy…," Lauren announced, "Another one…"

"Larry!" Anna cheered and jumped into his waiting arms. "When did you get back?"

"Hey honey…I missed you." He kissed her, slowly sliding his hands up her thigh under her skirt.

"Uh Guys hello? Still here…" Lauren protested, "God could you guys just get married already, this is just…ughhhh" mocking a stomach ailment Lauren gripped a hold of her stomach in disgust.

"Hi Lauren, nice to see you too," Larry sneered in her direction, earning a playful smack from Anna.

"Hey, Chicken Boy!" Lauren scoffed.

"Would you two stop, I swear if I wasn't here. What would you do to each other?" Anna exclaimed moving towards Lauren picking her pompoms up again.

"I don't know what? Chicken Boy!"

"Anyways," Larry laughed, "you almost done honey? I had plans for us tonight."

"Oooo I am intrigued, what kinda of plans, you know I love surprises. Tell me!"

"What surprise would it be if he told you?" Lauren mocked, eying Anna with a silly smile.

"Hey, who asked you punk? Go and make the squad do…I don't know something else."

"Fine!"

"Fine!"

Lauren stuck her tongue out at Anna as she walked backwards towards the squad leaving Anna and Larry alone. It was bad enough she had to spend every waking moment since sophomore year watching them canoodle over each other in school, but now Anna was going out every night with him.

She didn't mind Larry, she just knew that this was senior year, and she wanted to hang out with Anna before she made her big plans to go to Stanford in 2 months. She missed her friend, and had taking time out from her own parties to spend this time with Anna, and instead she spent it watching Larry take her somewhere else. Not to mention half her squad ogling over the basketball team, and Dan Scott.

"What are you guys doing!? I thought I said do pyramids?" Lauren eyed Karen in the corner. "And you Roe, can you at least feign some interest?"

Karen broke out of her daze, and was shocked to see Lauren standing right in her direction. She slowly made eye contact, trying to avoid looking over at the farthest end of the gym where Whitey was once again berating Dan. Lauren looked over in the same direction, and also saw Whitey yelling at Dan, throwing down his play book.

"Oh god, is my whole squad…including the captain a bunch a hormonal sex machines!" Lauren waved her hands around, throwing her pompoms to the floor, regaining her composure as she turned to face Karen again.

"Listen, Roe. Coach is supposed to yell at them. It is his job to make them play their best, try not to take it personally, ok?" Lauren raised her hand and put in gently on Karen's shoulder looking at her with concern. "Besides, Dan needs it. He is a mess."

Karen looked up at her, wondering how Lauren knew so much about her boyfriend. She and Dan had only gone out since the fall from the year before. But she wasn't about to admit to Lauren or the squad that they knew more about Dan than she did. Karen looked up sympathetically, "I know, but he gets so depressed when Whitey yells, and his Dad isn't much better."

Lauren took a deep breath in, wondering what lies and sob stories Dan was telling this poor young girl. She couldn't help but wonder what she saw in him. Especially since she knew all the things he did, and said at the numerous parties they both attended. It wasn't lost on Lauren what type of person Karen was getting involved with, but evidently it was lost on her. But she sucked up her contempt for the moment and tried to give Dan, the benefit of the doubt.

"I know, KRoe. And we have been friends for what? Two years now, right? Not as close as Anna and I, but close right?"

"Yeah," Karen stared at Lauren.

"Well, trust me then when I say. Dan can handle it, ok?"

"Alright"

"Ok, now could we please get some practice done?" Lauren looked over at the team, then down the gym towards the back bleachers where she could see Larry's head and Anna's blond hair waving in motion behind him.

"Oh god….if she isn't pregnant by June," Lauren reluctantly shook her head and then went off to give the girls instructions.

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Anna and Lauren walked down the hall of Tree Hill High School. They always were the center of attention, but even more so today because Anna could not smooth out her skirt from her little encounter with Larry in the gym earlier. Lauren looked over at her as she tried to straighten her clothing.

"Would you stop! Everybody is looking at us," Lauren whispered into Anna's ear as she was turned away, looking at the hem on her skirt.

"I am sorry but I think it is missing a stitch or something, can I borrow yours for the game?"

"No! don't you have a spare?"

"No, come on Lauren, please."

"Maybe if you weren't such a whore you wouldn't need a new skirt," Lauren playfully jabbed at Anna as they walked further.

"Owww Stop," she whispered, "nothing happened."

"Oh yeah right!"

"No, really I mean nothing has happened, but…" Just as Anna was about to speak a brunette forcefully pushed into their direction smacking her into the lockers near by, Lauren grabbing a hold of Anna before she hit the side.

"Watch it bitch!" Lauren shouted after the brunette, getting a death stare from her and the group she was walking with, they slowly made their way through the hall. Farther away from Lauren and Anna as Lauren helped Anna to her locker.

"Are you ok? I swear that bitch is gonna get it one day."

"Stop, you know Victoria and her clones are the worst. It is nothing personal."

"The hell it isn't Anna. She has searched you out everyday since last year when you told her she was off the squad." Lauren slowly opened her locker next to Anna's.

"Just let it go, Lauren. She is just a bitch. The same reason I threw her off the squad she isn't a team player."

"But someone…needs"

"Just let it go, Lauren let it go." Anna looked sternly at Lauren, knowing exactly the revenge scheme that she was plotting in her head. Last week it was glue on her table at lunch, Anna laughed to herself thinking back to the look on Victoria's face as she was literally glued to her seat.

"What?" Lauren exclaimed seeing the amused look on Anna's face she was trying to hide.

"Nothing, oh nothing…just let it go Lauren. She's not worth it."

"I suppose your right, voice of reason yet again," Lauren mumbled, "Buzz kill"

"Hey! I am not; I just don't want her to attack you again. You know how those vicious rumors got started." Anna closed her locker leaning up against it, giving Lauren a concerned look.

"I know, I know…so what does Larry have planned for you guys tonight? Fire, a long walk, hot sex," Lauren whispered in Anna's ear.

"Shut up! No!" Anna slapped at Lauren, Lauren leering away.

"What, you know Chicken Boy wants you."

"Stop calling him that, I really wish you guys got along."

"We do, he just bugs me. Uhum, chicken boy," Lauren faked coughed to her side earning her another glare from Anna.

"Alright punk, what are you doing after the game?" Anna crossed her arms in front of her chest. She knew what Lauren did after every game, but she wanted to rub it in that like always, Lauren was going to another party.

"Don't know, maybe I'll surprise you."

"Oh you will, will you?"

"Yep, I just might. There is more to Lauren Harp than parties, beer and sex."

"Oh really," Anna smiled devilishly, "like what?"

"Oh you know the small stuff. Like making out," Lauren whispered as the bell rang, pushing lightly into Anna's shoulder.

"Get to class you jerk," Anna slowly walked off as Lauren wandered the other direction, shooting her another devious look.

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The after party was underway, and everyone gathered at the local party house to celebrate another win by the Ravens. Once again lead by Dan Scott. His arm tightly wrapped around Karen as the stood in the kitchen toasting their victory with the free booze.

"To the Panthers, may they suck just as bad the next time we beat their ass!"

"Here, here," the team raised their glasses as Karen looked on to see Lauren walking into the room, slowly shooting Dan a dirty look. She may have been happy they won, but she wasn't happy the snotty junior had another win under his belt. She slowly took a sip of her beer, wandering off to another part of the house.

"Hey you," voice gleefully popped up behind her.

"Hey sis, what's up?" Lauren turned to see her kid sister Ellie bouncing around the party like it was a carnival. "I thought I told you to stay out tonight, and watch for mom and dad," Lauren scolded.

"I know, but you always throw the best parties at our house sis. And I wanted to come." Ellie pouted, "Besides I brought someone."

"Let me guess that guy from the local band, Mick." Lauren sneered at her sister yet another girl swept up into the romance of hormones. She couldn't understand the appeal. Once she was done with a guy, he went home. There was only one guy she loved, but that was over. She looked back over to her sister with hopeful regret in her eyes. "So where is he?"

"In the back getting beer," Ellie smirked. She loved rubbing it in Lauren's face that she had a boyfriend but Lauren didn't and she was younger, yet so mature. She playfully nudged her sister's arm.

"Alright, Harpy" Lauren smirked in her sisters efforts to get the best of her, "just don't go getting 'lost' with him ok? I don't need to explain that to Mom and Dad."

"Ok, see ya later?" Ellie slowly made her way through the crowd away from Lauren. Leaving Lauren to shake her head, and take another sip of her lukewarm beer. Then glancing over at Karen again being leaned upon by a very drunk Dan.

Lauren sighed deeply "Gonna be a long night," she moaned quietly to herself cautiously sipping more of her beer. Wishing Anna was there to at least distract her from her misery. "I hope she's having fun."

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The party had gone on for quite sometime, and Lauren could feel the effects of the many pints of beer she had consumed. Feeling dazed she went upstairs past the many make out sessions going on in her hall, trying to make it to her room. She was glad her parents decided to go away the weekend of the championship and go to the retreat they had planned in Maine. She felt her legs buckle as she went past a guy in the hall who was leaning on her bedroom door his girlfriend pressed up underneath his chest.

"Dude!" she screamed, "Get off my door! Or get the fuck out of my house." Lauren staggered past them as she made her way into her room, flicking on the lights. In a moment she knew she wasn't alone. She saw someone's flesh from the corner of her eye, lifting her hand she ducked away. "Sorry, sorry but guys come on. This is my room, I said it was off limits," Lauren scolded as she stood there with her hand averting her eye sight.

"Sorry, sorry. We'll leave," a voice announced out of the corner. Lauren felt puzzled the voice sounded very familiar but she didn't know if she was right or just too drunk to tell. She slowly pulled down her hand, and there she saw him.

"You—Son of a Bitch!" she threw the first thing that landed in her hands straight at his head. "Two timing, piece of trash." Then she looked over to a very shocked and yet another familiar face, a face burned into her memory by this horrific sight. Lauren looked back at both figures, and could not believe her eyes.

"Hello, Lauren" the woman replied shooting her a slightly fierce look. Lauren looked back at the man standing in front of her, naked from the waist up clenching a sheet around his waist.

"Dan Scott…Oh my god" Lauren shouted, "I knew you were scum but to sink this low, you and her while Karen is probably down the hall!"

"Leave Victoria out of this, she didn't do anything," Dan shouted as he slowly got his clothes off the ground. Lauren watching him and Victoria mill around her bed shocked her out of what was left of her drunken haze. She eyed them in disgust.

"I knew you were a fucking retard that screwed around on her but this! And with her, oh my god Dan…get the fuck out of my house"

"You can't tell Karen, Lauren. It will crush her," Dan half heartedly pleaded as he got his pants buttoned giving Victoria her shirt.

"Oh I won't, you will," Lauren sneered.

"I will not!" Dan gasped.

"Oh, yes, yes you will Dan! You claim to love her, and she has done nothing but be good to you. I have watched her moon over you for months now, only to find you time and time again screwing half the squad behind her back, and now what you had to have her too!" Lauren pointed contemptuously at Victoria, only to receive the death stare in return.

Dan walked slowly over to Lauren's face pressed his body into her, looming over her.

"I swear to god, Lauren" he said coldly "if you tell her…"

"You'll what?! Huh, you won't do jack," Lauren pushed away from Dan "you forget who the hell you are dealing with! Get the hell out of my house! And take that worthless trash with you!"

Dan and Victoria slowly loomed their way out her bedroom door, both staring intensely at Lauren as she slammed the door behind them. Lauren pressed her weak head against the door, wondering how the hell she was going to handle this one. She had to say something, Karen had to know.

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"What in the hell have you been saying about me?" Dan rushed up into Lauren's face as she stood aloofly at her locker. She slowly turned slamming it in his face, "The truth, that you are a two timing whore."

"What the hell, Lauren. You know this isn't anything new. We have been to tons of parties together, and you never once ratted on me! Why now!"

"Why! Why! I will tell you why Dan Scott," Lauren looked around the hall as they stood there alone, making sure no one else walked in on their conversation. "Because it wasn't my place to tell before, and because I have seen the way Karen looks at you, she is in LOVE with you jackass! And then you go and have sex with her! That vile slime, what you couldn't find a hooker?! I am tired of keeping your secrets, Dan. Tell Karen, or I will."

Lauren turned to walk away, as Dan slammed his hand in front of her it hitting the metal with a clash. "You tell her what went on last night, or any other night…" Dan inhaled intensely staring contemptuously at Lauren, "And you will be sorry." Dan stepped back slowly from Lauren's face eying her as he walked away. She could feel the rage he had inside of him, and she knew now more than ever she had to tell Karen, before it was too late.

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"Keith! Where's Karen?" Lauren walked into the back part of the gym where Keith was talking to Whitey on the bleachers; he turned his attention from Whitey to Lauren.

"Well, hello to you too Miss Harp," Whitey exclaimed feeling left out of the conversation.

"Sorry, coach…but Keith have you seen her?"

"No, I am not her keeper Lauren," Keith laughed turning to Whitey.

"Don't give me that crap; I know you know where she is!"

"Oh no, the Harpy is on patrol, I'm going elsewhere," Whitey smirked as he made his way to the locker room. He looked back, eying Keith in pity. Whitey knew how fired up Lauren could get, and he didn't want to see it again.

"Listen, Lauren. I don't know where Karen is…I am sorry," Keith turned to walk away leaving Lauren standing near the bleachers.

"It's about her relationship with Dan, Keith" Lauren spoke softly as she saw Keith walking away. Keith stopped turning slowly back to face her.

"What about it?" he said lowly.

"I can't say but I need to find her. Please just help me out," Lauren pleaded she knew Keith was never far from Karen, they shared a special bond even though she was dating his younger brother.

"She is by the water front, she goes there to think," he said humbly as if it was a secret he was supposed to keep between just them.

"Thank you," Lauren swooped around and walked out of the gym doors to find Karen. She still didn't know what she was going to say, but she knew she couldn't let her stay with Dan, not after what she had seen.

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Lauren found Karen right where Keith said she would be, for a moment she stopped to compose herself, reflecting on how much Keith really knew about her. If she only knew how much he cared. But right now she had more important things to do, and say. She quietly walked over behind Karen, sitting down next to her.

"Hey friend," Lauren nudged Karen's shoulder, "what's going on?"

"Oh nothing, hey how did you find…"

"Keith told me"

"Awww I see, well. What's up? Did you guys need me for practice today?" Karen turned to face Lauren only to see the look of confusion on her friend's face. "What is it Lauren?"

"Oh nothing. I just—Karen I know we aren't close but I feel like I should look out for you, like I do with my sister. I know it sounds strange and we haven't had a lot of time to bond and all but I just really need you to know…"

"Whoa, whoa you are rambling. Just tell me," Karen put her hand on Lauren's shoulder. Lauren knew they weren't close and she deserved to hear this from Dan, but she knew that was never going to happen. As she looked into Karen's concerned eyes she felt a well of remorse build inside of her. She knew how much Karen loved Dan, and a part of her knew in his own twisted way Dan loved Karen. It was obvious the way they were with each other, how could she be the one to take away Karen's happiness.

"Dan—well he is---,"

"There you guys are!" a voice bounded up from behind them making Karen and Lauren turn, only to see Anna bouncing up into their conversation.

"Anna! Hey what are you doing here?" Lauren asked in confusion, considering it was Saturday and Anna should have been out with Larry, yet again.

"I have the greatest news, and I had to tell you guys!" Anna gleefully took both girls by the shoulders walking them towards the picnic tables.

"What!"

Anna bounced in front of them, her joy beaming through her face.

"God damn it Anna what!" Lauren said impatiently she hated it when Anna dragged out news.

"Geez Lauren way to kill the mood! Alright guys sit down," she motioned for them to sit on the picnic tables. "I have to tell you…" she waved her left hand in front of Lauren and Karen at the same time, "Larry proposed last night! We're getting married!" Anna gleamed jumping up and down, as both Karen and Lauren looked at each other in astonishment then finally giving Anna a big hug.

"I knew it; I knew he would knock you up!" Lauren pulled away from Anna looking her dead in the eyes, "Damn, Chicken boy!"

"Stop it, no!"

"Are you sure?" Lauren looked concerned at Anna, knowing their history. She knew Anna better than anyone, they had been friends since the eighth grade. Ever since Lauren and Ellie moved from Grove Park.

"Yes, would you stop...I am not pregnant!"

"No" Lauren leered in Anna's direction, "No…?"

"Nope, that would be me," Karen's small voice stepped into their conversation, leaving both Lauren and Anna's faces in a state of shock. Lauren turned slowly to Karen giving her a hug as Anna looked on. Lauren could only wonder as she gripped tight to the lost and lonely girl she knew last year, what she was going to do next.

Knowing full well, Dan Scott was involved. Lauren pulled away from Karen, gazing into her shell shocked eyes. Lauren could feel herself screaming inside to tell her the truth, but she mustered her courage and swallowed the bile that ached in her throat, to regurgitate out the only word she could think of, "Congratulations."

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*Present Day*

"We need a neck brace and a cardiogram, she has lost consciousness and wasn't breathing for the last nine minutes," the emergency worker rushed a very pale Peyton on a gurney into the Emergency room as a flock of nurses rushed to her side following it down the hall.

"Maam you are going to have to stay here," one nurse brushed a very weak Lauren to the back of the waiting room.

"But, she is my niece. Please you have to help her she is---carrying twins. Please!" Lauren begged through her tears she could feel Peyton slipping away, the further she got down the hall.

"The only way you can help her is by telling us what happened," the nurse sat Lauren down at the nearest chair. Just as a detective walked in, following Dan's stretcher.

"I—I found her like that in the park, she was unconscious and I called the police."

"And the man they just brought in with her, who is he to you or her?" the Detective asked.

Lauren felt her stomach churn at the mention of his name; she gathered her strength not to fly into a rage as she stared at his body being hauled off into another room. She clenched her teeth together, "that is Dan Scott…" she hissed through her rage, "he is no one to her."

"Ok, well he had extensive damage to his brain, from a bullet lodged in his skull; did you see anyone at the scene? Or did it look like there was a struggle?"

"What the hell would I know about it!?" Lauren rushed out of her seat staring intently at the detective. "I am waiting to see if my only niece and her children are going to make it through this, and you are asking me about Dan Scott! Screw Dan Scott! He is a murderer!" Lauren spat towards the detective as he rose from his seat staring calmly at her.

"All we need to know is what happened, whether or not they were attacked by the same person, or what family to contact, ok?" the detective walked towards Lauren, Lauren flinching away. "Is there anyone we can contact about your niece, friends or family?"

"I can do it," Lauren hung her head lowly realizing she hadn't called anyone yet. She was so concerned about Peyton and the twins she hadn't even thought of calling Luke.

"One more question Ma'am, how did you know she was there? Were you supposed to meet, or did you have plans?" the detective inquired looking inquisitively at Lauren for any sort of response; he knew there was more to the story than she was letting on.

"No," she said curtly, "I have been following her. As a precaution."

"Why?"

"Because, I knew she needed me. I am a private investigator with the River City Police," Lauren lowered her head she knew the detective was going to look into her records and find many stories on her investigations.

"Ok, well you go and call those people for your niece Ms. Harp," the detective said callously. Lauren left the room as she dialed her cell phone; passing by a nurse she looked back only to see another cop holding up a piece of cloth wrapped inside it, was her revolver. She knew it was only a matter of time now, but she didn't care. All that mattered now was Peyton.

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"Peyton! Honey I got off the shoot early thought we could…" Luke walked through the dark house feeling his words fall empty in the air he switched on a light in the kitchen. "Peyton, honey. You asleep?" he walked into their bedroom only to find the bed was still made from this morning, he felt a twinge in his chest. His throat tightened as he looked over at the digital night stand clock, it was 12:30am. Where was she at this hour? She wouldn't have worked this late on a Sunday, and she knew he was coming straight home. His eyes widened as his mind raced on so many possibilities. Just then his phone started vibrating in his pocket; he quickly grabbed it with a sigh of relief looking at the screen.

"Peyton, oh thank god. I was so worried. Where are you?"

"Luke---"

Luke's face turned from relief to confusion he knew that voice, but it wasn't Peyton. He felt his chest tighten once more.

"Luke, it's me Lauren. There---well there has been an accident."

Luke remained silent, his face began to flush, his eyes deepening with fear. "Lauren, what is it?" he reluctantly brought the words to his lips, still afraid to know the answer.

"It's Peyton, she well---was attacked."

Luke felt every bone in his body quivering with anger, and fear. He couldn't help contain the thoughts that raced in his head as he ran out the door, his phone still firmly pressed to his ear. "Where is she Lauren! Where is she!" he screamed as he started his car backing it out into the street and tearing down the avenue.

"Mercy Hospital, on fifth and Lincoln."

Luke hung up the phone tossing it to the passenger's seat, gripping both of his hands to the steering wheel as he pressed his foot to the gas, feeling the car lurch forward at record speed. What if he had lost her? After all this time, it couldn't happen. He wouldn't let it, "Hold on Peyton, I am coming"

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Luke pulled the mustang into the emergency parking lot, as the tires screeched against the pavement. He jumped out of the car, leaving the door swung open he rushed into the automatic doors, just as Brooke, Nathan and Haley arrived behind him. Luke ran over to Lauren as she was sitting quietly behind the two detectives in the waiting room.

"Where is she, is she ok?" he blurted out his face pale, his hands trembling.

"They won't tell me, she has been in the ER for the past 35 minutes," Lauren pulled Luke over to the side as he stood waiting on her information. Brooke, Nathan and Haley all stood close by.

"Is she ok?!"

"I don't know…they won't tell me," Lauren looked emotionless; she knew what the next question Luke was going to ask. She didn't know if she had the heart to tell him, especially in front of the very fervent detectives standing close by.

"What happened? She was only supposed to be home today?!" Luke's fear turned to panic; he couldn't understand why this was going on. He looked down at Lauren, wondering how she was there, and how she was involved. She pulled him over to the side of the waiting room, far from everyone.

"Luke, it was---Dan," she whispered "he attacked her"

Luke felt his mind stop cold, his heart filling from pain to rage. The one man he hated most in the world, his own father did this to the only woman that held his heart. He stepped back from Lauren, looking aimlessly around, wandering near Haley.

"Luke what is it?" Haley asked through her own tangled grief.

"It, it was Dan. He attacked her Haley."

"What!?" Nathan's face turned in horror, he felt himself go numb. He looked over at Brooke and Haley as Luke walked around the waiting room, holding his hands on his head.

A nurse walked up to Lauren, Luke rushed in front of her.

"Is she ok? Peyton Sawyer? Is she ok?!" he pleaded.

"Are you the one who found Miss Sawyer and Mr. Scott at the river court?" the nurse turned her attention over to Lauren who was standing behind Luke.

"Yes," she muttered.

"I am sorry to have to tell you this but, Mr. Scott didn't make it. He died from an extensive amount of trauma to his brain. We did everything we could; can we contact his family for you?"

"No," Luke said frigidly, feeling his anger boil over, "He has no family."

"Ok," the nurse looked over in concern at a very distant Lauren.

"What about Peyton?" Brooke blurted out, "Is she going to be ok?"

"They are still working on Miss Sawyer. Please have my condolences on Mr. Scott." The nurse slowly walked away as Luke turned to face Nathan and the detectives.

"Some good that restraining order did Detective Andrews!" Luke screamed his anger getting the best of him, Nathan stepping in to block his attack.

"She's gonna be ok, man…she wouldn't leave you," Nathan grabbed a hold of Luke's shoulder and his head pressing it into his chest in comfort. "She is a fighter, you know that," he whispered as Luke grabbed his brother in fear, leaning on him with his whole weight. "She has to be…" Luke sobbed. He couldn't contain is grief any longer, it was too much to bear. Brooke and Haley gathered around the two brothers as they all comforted each other.

The two detectives walked over to Lauren, who was still standing away from the rest of them in the solitude of her own grief. Hoping her involvement would go unnoticed.

"Lauren Harp?" Detective Andrews walked over to Lauren placing her hands behind her back. "You are under arrest for the murder of Dan Scott, anything you say can and will be held against you in a court of law if you…" Lauren felt her life slip away, but if Peyton wasn't ok it didn't matter anyway. She couldn't help be feel the fear finally hit her. Fear she was avoiding, the fear of losing the only family she had left.

"Do you understand these rights as they have been read to you?" the detective asked

"Yes," a tear rolled down her face, "Yes I do."

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*Please comment on my 11 page chapter…phewww*