A/N: So here's another chapter... I hope you guys enjoy! Please review!


Mallory held Landon's hand as they made their way through the cemetery. Nathan had already come and went earlier that morning and brought the usual bouquet of flowers. As they got closer, Landon's hand started to shake and his nerves skyrocketed. "It's ok," Mal said soothingly. Landon smiled before continuing to follow her lead.

They finally made their way in front of Peyton's grave. Mallory leaned down and rubbed her hand across the headstone. Landon stood back a little ways to give her some privacy. "Hey Mom, I see Dad already brought your daisies. A lot has happened since last year. School is still the same, and I'm still helping Grandma out at the café. I've also been able to go to basketball practice with the team, but dad still says I can't play in the games, which I find unfair because I'm better than most of them," she laughed before adding, "I guess that brings me to the boy I met, Landon Smith. We're actually dating right now and dad is finally coming around. At first, he wasn't too happy, but Haley helped calm him down. I wish you were here to meet him though. Anyways, I love you Mom." She finished and stood back up.

Landon just looked at her a moment before finally saying, "I'm sure she would be proud of you you've become. I mean after all you're amazing in every way."

She blushed before responding, "Thank you. She would've loved you, especially knowing how much you mean to me. Do you want to go see your mom now? Or we could go to the River Court. Like I said, I don't want to push."

"Let's go before I change my mind. I think it's about time I begin to move on," he answered. She took his hand and he began walking towards the one spot that he's avoided since her funeral.


Landon stood in front of his mother's headstone for several minutes. He had been confident up until this moment, but a squeeze on his hand brought him back to now. He turned towards the girl standing next to him and smiled before facing the headstone once more. He placed his hand on the top of it before saying, "I'm finally here Mom. I'm sorry that it took me so long. For the longest time, I hated myself and dad for everything that we put you through. I'm sorry dad treated you so bad and I wish I would have been a better son for you," he continued as tears started rolling down his cheeks, "I know it wasn't my fault for your death, but I still could have not acted up and caused you more stress. I really wish you were still here with me and Jeff because we need you, I need you. I just wanted to say all of that so I can start trying to get my life back in order. I wanted to also tell you that I met an amazing girl who has changed me in just a short period of time for the better. Mal is incredible and I know you would have loved her because she's my world. I miss you Mom and I'll never forget you!"

As he finished, Mallory couldn't help the tears that slipped from her eyes. "That was a beautiful speech," she commented, "Thank you for letting me be a part of it."

"Thank you for helping me do this. Mal, I know this might sound crazy, especially since we're standing in the middle of a cemetery, but I wasn't lying when I said you've changed me. I haven't always been the greatest guy, but you overlooked that and dug deeper into my heart. I've never had anyone care for me like you have. I've also never been one to share anything personal with until you came along. I'm probably not making much sense right now because I've never been good with words, but I think I'm falling in love with you," he stated.

Mallory stood there speechless. After a couple of minutes, she finally whispered, "I love you too." He pulled her into his arms before kissing her fervently.

"I love you Mallory Scott," he exclaimed as he twirled her around, "and I don't care who knows it!"

She laughed before saying, "I'll remind you of that once my dad finds out. Why don't we head to the River Court for a game of one on one?"

"You're on, baby," he joked, "and for the record I'm not worried about Coach."


Later that afternoon after dropping Mallory off at her house, Landon headed home. He had just walked inside when he heard a noise from the kitchen. He assumed it was Jeff, so he headed in that direction. Unfortunately, it was the one person he wished he never had to see again. "What are you doing here Dad?" he yelled.

David Smith had been a deadbeat dad for most of the boys' lives and today wasn't any different. Anyone could tell that he was drunk already and appeared to be looking for more. "Is that any way to talk to your father," he sneered.

"I'll ask again, what are you doing here? You're supposed to be in rehab!" Landon replied.

"Rehab is for losers. Now find me a drink before I knock you out. I don't need any of your shit. Besides, don't act like you're better than me because you're just like me!" he laughed.

Landon ran towards him and threw a punch. "I'm nothing like you!" Landon yelled rearing back for another punch.

David ducked just in time. He then grabbed his son by the neck and smashed his head into the wall. He continued throwing Landon against the wall, while cutting off what little circulation he had left. Landon was finding it very hard to breathe as his father continued yelling at him over and over again. The last thing Landon saw was another presence running towards them before everything went black.


A/N: Sorry for the cliffhanger, but I had to keep you interested! I'll update soon an let you know what happens...