Last Chapter – Good morning sunshine
(Song at the end: 'Wherever you are' by Celeste Prince; OST- Sweet November)
Haley woke up, and from the sound of shower coming from the wash room she knew that Nathan was also awake. She looked at the clock and surprised to see that it was almost eleven. She got up from bed and removed the curtains. Sky was clear with warm sunshine.
As Haley was watching the clear blue sky, Nathan came out from the wash room, still rubbing his head with a rag. He watched his wife who was quietly looking at the sky. He came closer to her.
"Haley, how are you feeling?" Nathan asked.
"I'm fine, but what about you."
"I'm also feeling better."
"Nathan can you please hold me." Haley asked and Nathan held her from the back, he wanted so bad to hold her like that.
"Sky looks so beautiful," Nathan said still holding his wife.
"Yes Nathan, its look beautiful, in that sky I can see our boy."
"Yes Haley I can see him too, I know it'll take time for us to heal from what we lost, but as you said last night, we still have each other."
"I know and you're right, the pain of losing Jamie will never go away, but in time we'll learn to live with it and besides, we have so good memories of him which we can hold on to."
Nathan nodded and held her tight.
"Nathan, did you talk to Lucas or Brook?" Haley asked.
"Yes I've talked to Brook; she was there all the time when you were in the hospital."
"I know, and we are so lucky to have such a good friend like Brook."
"Haley I think we should check the kids and more important talk to them."
"Yes I'm thinking the same, but if they're sleeping let them, you know we slept so late."
"Yes I agree, even it's almost eleven." Nathan said looking at the clock.
"Nathan I want to ask you something?"
"Of course, you can ask me anything."
"At which time the final hearing of Jamie's case will take place?"
Nathan was a bit surprised to hear that, "It'll be at six, but why are you asking?"
"I'll go with you to the court."
"Haley, are you sure?" Nathan wasn't sure if Haley was ready.
"Yes Nathan, you know I want to move on and first step for me is to face the people who took our Jamie from us."
"I'm worried, will you be able to face them."
"Trust me Nathan, I will, and you must remember what we agreed, we have to go through this together."
"Thanks Haley, you're right I'll always need you."
"I'm planning to see Lucas; I really want to talk to him."
"Yes I also want to see him, and I think we should see him right away."
Brook opened her eyes. It was late but she didn't care, Julian was just beside her.
"Hey," Brook called his name gently, and he opened his eyes.
"How you're feeling?" Julian asked.
"I never have been better in my life."
"Same with me," He gave Brook a short kiss.
All of sudden they felt someone jump on them, and when they looked, it was Shawn.
"Mommy, Daddy…oh," Shawn opened his mouth in shock, "You're both naked!"
Julian looked at Brook and like him, she was speechless.
"Listen little buddy, please go outside, we'll come."
"Ok," Shawn ran outside at once, like a scared child.
"That's great." Julian exclaimed.
"Make sure the next time door is locked." Brook said smiling.
Shawn was still in shock after watching both his parents in their birth suits.
"Hey little B, "Rebecca called Shawn, "Did you saw a ghost?"
"No, mommy and daddy were in bed, and they were naked."
"What?" Rebecca covered her mouth and gasped, she didn't need any explaining.
At meantime both Brook and Julian came outside now properly clothed.
"Mom, dad, you both need same explaining to do." Rebecca asked as if she's their parent.
"Ok we'll explain, but you stop giving me the look that my father used to give me." Julian said watching her daughter's expression.
"Ok, I'll ask Davis to come." Rebecca went towards Davis's room.
"Wow that was scary." Julian wiped his forehead.
"But exciting at the same time," Brook said smiling and Julian gave her a little kiss.
Lucas dialed a number and placed the cell on his ear.
"Hello, is this you Lucas?" Someone said from other side.
"Are you surprised to hear from me Lindsey?"
"As a matter of fact, I am, but it's so good to hear from you."
"Same here"
"Listen I heard about Jamie, and I'm so sorry, it really broke my heart, I wanted to be there for all of you but I couldn't."
"It's ok but listen, do you have any projects right now."
"No, I'm free but why are asking?"
"I'm writing a book and I want you to be an editor of this book."
"That's great, but Lucas you know I don't edit anymore."
"Please Lindsey, you're the only one who I can think of, I already mailed you a sample, please check your email."
"Ok if you insist," there was a silence for a few moments, "Lucas…that's awesome."
"Please Lindsey; I want you to be my editor."
"After reading this, there's no chance in hell I'll refuse, so I'm in."
"Thanks Lindsey."
Lucas ended the call and turned around to see Peyton staring at him.
"So you were talking to Lindsey?" Peyton asked.
"Yes, but are you mad at me."
"Hell no," Peyton smiled, "I trust you and besides, I know why you called her, and to be honest with you, I'm glad that you called her."
"Thanks, I know she's is the only one who can understand my words."
"Hey Chuck," Andre said after spotting him, "What are you doing in Jewelry shop?"
"Something, that's very important." Chuck replied, "When did you come back?"
"This morning, you know how far Stanford is."
"Yes I know, but Tina is also going to be with you."
As they were talking, the store managers came to them.
"Oh, so good to see you both, I have your rings." Store manger gave both Chuck and Andre the rings.
"So you're going to propose Lily?" Andre asked watching a ring in his hands.
"Yeah, originally I was planning to propose her after some years, but after what happened with Jamie, I realized life is too short, and we don't know what will happen in very next minute, so I'll take this chance now."
"Well that's exactly my thoughts, I'm also going to propose Tina, I already asked Mr. Parker's permission, and to my surprise, he has given me the permission to marry his daughter."
"I'm happy for you; I'm also headed to Lily's home, where I'll ask his mom and brother for her hand in marriage."
"I wish you luck."
"Same goes for you." Chuck said and both boys departed.
Julian and Brook were sitting in front of their kids, and they just told them that they were back together.
"What I thought you all will be jumping." Julian said after not getting the reaction from their kids that he as well as Brook was expecting.
"Is there anything wrong?" Brook asked.
"As a matter of fact, there is," Davis spoke.
"Can you share with us?" Julian asked as he as well as Brook wanted to know.
"To be honest, I'm glad that you're back, I wanted that for so bad, but now you're back, I'm thinking, what if Jamie wasn't dead, or I didn't happen to him, did you to be together?"
Both Brook and Julian sighed, because their son was right.
"Ok all of you, yes it's true that Jamie's death brought us together, but I wanted to be back with your mother for very long time."
"It's just, it feels kind of sad!" Rebecca said and gave his parents a sad look.
"Yes I know, and trust me losing Jamie is also not easy for me, but there's something I want to share with you, and I swear in your name that I'm not making it up." Brook wanted to tell all of them about last night.
"Mom, what it is?" Davis asked.
"Ok it's sound strange, but last night, I saw Jamie."
"What?" this time Shawn spoke, "So God really let him come back."
"Well honey, I don't know maybe God did listen to you? Brook gently stroked his head.
"Mom, please tell us more," Rebecca wanted to know.
"He told me, not to live in past and don't worry about the future, just live in the present and that what helped me make this decision."
All children were silent, and their heads were down. It was not that they were sad, they realized that even in his death, Jamie did something good.
"Hey guys," Brook addressed them all.
"Well mom and dad, congratulation." All kids ran and hugged their parents, finally their family was back.
"Hey Brook, did you called Haley or Nathan?" Julian asked.
"Yes Nathan called me; both Haley and Nathan are doing fine."
"It's good to hear that!"
"Hey Rebecca, did you called Ashley." Davis asked.
"Listen Bummer, if you're so worried about her, why don't you call her." Rebecca snapped back at her brother.
"I…" Davis was little hesitant.
"Trust me, she's not gonna bite you, here take this." Rebecca handed her the phone.
"Listen Davis, your sister is right, you should talk to her." Brook also gave her vote.
"Ok then I'll call her." Davis said and began dialing the number.
Nathan and Haley both came in the living room.
"Hey how are you two doing?" Deb asked as she was still concerned.
"We are fine, and from this day forwards we will be."
"Thanks it's so good to hear you."
"Mommy, Daddy I want to tell you something." Maggie said running towards them.
"Hey you," Haley lifted her daughter, "First you need to tell me, why you went all by yourself, daddy told me all about it."
"Mommy I wanted to talk to Jamie and you know God really brought him back and I talked to him."
Haley gave his daughter a smile, "Well Maggie, me and daddy also saw him."
"Hi mom," Adam also came.
"Hey, how are you?" Nathan asked.
"I'm fine, actually I feel great to see you and mom smiling again."
"Where's Ashley?" Haley asked.
"I'm here," Ashley called entering the living room, "I just went outside to see the clear sky."
"Ok kids come here; we need to talk to you." Nathan called.
Ashley, Adam and Maggie came close to their parents.
Nathan looked at his kids and spoke, "Listen to me, I know losing your brother is harder on you and we can see that, all I want to say is that your mom and I are here, you can talk to us whenever you need to, and please don't hold anything back."
"I know dad, I really want to talk but I was just scared." Ashley said.
"Don't be, we are your parents and we will listen," Nathan assured his daughter.
"Listen me and your dad are never going to leave you, we promise." Haley said to her kids as she meant this time, "Not only you have us, but you got great Uncle and Aunts, and good friends."
"Yeah we know, but still we miss Jamie." Adam said and lowered his head.
"Listen Adam, we also miss Jamie, and it's always going to hurt us, but again he is in better place."
"Yeah we know that, we promise whenever we need you, we'll come."
"Thanks," both Haley and Nathan smiled at their kids.
"Ok we are both going to yours Uncle Lucas, but we'll be back in an hour, will you be ok." Nathan asked.
"Yes we will be, grandma Deb is with us."
"Ok then take care," Nathan said and he and Haley went inside to get changed.
Kids were about to go back to their routine when all of sudden their phone began ringing.
"I'll get it." Adam said and picked the phone. He talked a little and called Ashley.
"Who is on the phone?" Ashley asked.
Adam handed her the phone, "My future brother in Law."
"Adam…" Ashley gave her younger brother a look and placed the phone to her ear.
"Hi Ashley, how are you, just wanted to cheek on you." It was Davis and Ashley kind of blushed.
"I'm fine, glad you called."
"So is everything fine."
"Yes, it seems like that, mom and dad are really doing fine."
"Well speaking of your mom and dad, mine also got back together."
"Wow, that's great that your mom and dad are together again." Ashley was happy to hear the good news.
"Yes it's a great day for us."
"Yeah it's so great that everything is getting better once again."
"Ok we'll see each other soon."
"Yes, we will," Ashley put down the phone; she felt really good talking to Davis.
Lucas and Peyton were still in the living room cuddling Brain, the doorbell rang.
"I'll cheek," Jason shouted from far.
"Who can be at this time?" Peyton wondered.
"Mom dad," Jason came to them.
"What's wrong?" Lucas asked, "Who's there?"
"Uncle Nathan and Aunt Haley are here."
Lucas and Peyton were both surprised but also glad, they wanted to see and talk to them.
"Ok I'll check," Peyton said and went to the main door. She opened the door and indeed Nathan and Haley were standing in front of her and to her surprise, they were both smiling at her.
"I'm glad that you both came, please come inside." Peyton gave them space and they both entered the house.
"Where's Lucas?" Haley asked.
"He's putting Brain in," Peyton said and Lucas came out and smiled at both Haley and Nathan.
"Lucas it's really good to see a smile on your face." Haley said to Lucas.
"I was about to say the same thing."
"I think we must all sit down." Peyton said and they all sat on the couch and one by one they told their encounter with Jamie.
"I know it's strange that we all saw Jamie last night, but at least we did see him." Lucas said.
"Even if it's strange I don't care, I just wanted to talk to my son for last time, and I did." Haley said remembering the time.
"Yes, at least we had to a chance to see him." Peyton said.
"Yes, and I'm glad that we got that chance, but I think we should leave now" Nathan said and he and Haley stood up.
"What, you two just came here," Lucas wanted them to stay.
"We know but we've also decided to pay a visit to Tree Hill High."
"Ok we shall see each other soon." Lucas said.
"Yes we will," Haley said and she and Nathan both left.
Lucas was about to go to his study room, but his cell phone rang and when he checked, it was Karen's number.
"Hello mom."
"Lucas, can you come to my house now."
"Of course mom I will, how is Lily."
"She's fine, she's lot stronger than I thought."
"Well mom. She's her mother daughter."
"Listen Chuck wants to see us both, he said it's important."
"Don't worry, I'll come."
"Thanks."
Vanessa and Lily were at the café. Karen just left moments ago after she got the call from Chuck.
"Hey Lily what are you baking." Vanessa asked, watching Lily taking something from the oven.
"Just look." Lily placed the trey in front of Vanessa.
"Jam filled Brownies?" Vanessa was a bit surprised, "I thought you don't make them anymore."
"Well I didn't make them for customers."
"Oh, now I know why you didn't go with me to Jamie's grave this morning."
"Yes, that was the reason, and tomorrow we'll leave, I want to spend some time with Jamie and talk to him alone."
"Yeah I can understand that."
"Tell mom, that I went to cemetery." Lily placed all the brownies in a box.
"Don't worry I'll tell her."
"Ok I'll be back soon." Lily said and left.
Vanessa watched Lily leave, she could understand that Lily needed some time alone with her father and best friend.
"So you kind of guessed why Chuck wants to meet you and Lucas." Andy asked Karen.
"Yes I know, and I'm happy as well as scared at the same time."
"We know this time will come one day, if you want my opinion, I think Chuck is a very good guy, he's kind and loves Lily."
"Yes I know, he grew in front of us and we all know him very well, it's just time passed so quickly."
"Yes, Lily is still very young, but I think we should let Lily make this decision on her own."
"Yes, it'll be her decision."
Both Andy and Karen heard the knock on the door, "Hi mom, I'm here and I know why you called."
"So what do you want to say?" Karen asked Lucas.
"Well mom, Lily is still young, and I know she'll have to make the biggest decision of her life, but I think Chuck is a good guy, and I trust him that he'll make her happy."
"That's exactly my point." Andy said.
"So I should give Chuck the permission."
"Yes Mom, I know Chuck is the right guy for Lily." Lucas gave his vote, he really liked Chuck and he has known him, since he was a child.
All of sudden they both heard a doorbell and knew that it'll be Chuck.
Karen opened the door and smiled at Chuck, he was really dressed up for the occasion.
"Welcome Chuck, please come inside."
Chuck came inside the living room, where Lucas and Andy were waiting for him.
"Hi," Chuck looked at everyone, and surely he was nervous, it was a big moment for him.
"I can guess that by now you know why I want to see you."
"Yes Chuck, we know why you want to see us." Karen said and looked at Chuck.
"Ok, let me begin," Chuck cleared his throat, "I know it's kind of early that I'm asking your permission to propose Lily, but after what happened and from what we went through, I can only say that we just can't wait for a right time, we don't now how long we'll live."
"Well Chuck, I agree." Lucas had the idea what Chuck was saying to them.
"Well Mr. Scott, you always said to us to fallow your heart, and my heart says that Lily is the one for me, I can't promise that we'll be perfect, but I can promise you all that I'll do my best to make her happy."
"Chuck," Karen came close to him, "I know Lily is young and as a mother it's sad for me to let her go, but we all like you and more we all trust you."
"So that means you are giving me the permission," Chuck couldn't believe that it would be so easy.
"Yes Chuck we are giving you permission," Lucas came, "She just went to cemetery at Keith's and Jamie's graves so go there."
"Ok thanks," Chuck said and left.
"I hope they have a great future!" Karen exclaimed.
"They will," Lucas said because he knew.
Lucas was about to leave, he heard his cell phone ringing, and he took the call.
"Who was that?" Karen asked after Lucas ended the call.
"Well it was Principal Turner, he wants to see me."
"Are you going to meet him?"
"Yes, actually I'm going there right now."
Nathan and Haley arrived at Tree Hill High.
Almost everyone who saw them, from students to teachers came towards them.
"Haley and Nathan it's so good to see you, what brings you both here?" One of the teachers asked.
"Well it wasn't planned, but when we were visiting Lucas, we decided to pay a visit." Haley answered.
"So good to see you, we're all really missing you." One of the students said.
"Nathan I'm going to check my new class," Haley said and Nathan nodded.
"Ok, I'll be at Principal's Turner's office." Nathan said and left.
Haley slowly walked towards her classroom. Every student was silently drawn towards a very young female teacher whom she knew as she was her former student.
"Hey," Haley knocked on the door.
Everyone looked at her and they were stunned to see their favorite teacher back.
"Mrs. Scott," the young teacher was also pleased to see her.
Haley looked at the class and surprised to see the chair where Jamie used to sit was empty. Haley remembered the time when Sam sat on Quentin's chair, and she asked her to change it.
"Vicky, can you give me some time alone with the students?" Haley asked.
"Of course Mrs. Scott, you can take as much time as you want."
"Thanks and one more thing, just call me Haley now we are colleagues."
"Ok," Vicky said and left.
Every student stood up and came towards Haley, and among them was Nathan Smith.
"Hi," Nat came first, "You know Jamie was my only friend, and because of him, I really got the chance to be in Raven."
Haley sat in front of him, "Nat, the reason you are in Raven because you deserve it."
"I don't think I can lead them." Nat was not sure that he'll be able to lead the Raven as once Jamie led them.
"Nat, I know Jamie was here, he would have wanted you to take the job as Raven's captain"
"Ok for Jamie I'll do that."
"Thanks," Haley was pleased.
"Hi," someone said from behind and Haley turned; it was Lita, whom she meets in a shop.
"Lita, so you're finally here."
"Yes, we are all missing you, I really feel so bad what happened, I just dated your son once, but it really broke my heart when I heard he was killed."
"My son was kinds of a person that can make anyone fall in love with him, even in their first meeting."
"I don't know why something happened to a person like him."
Haley took a deep breath, "I know I'm asking myself the same question, but maybe God also loved him so much that he took him, but still I know part of him will always be here."
"Thanks you are very strong."
"Because I have you, and I have to tell you that I'm coming back."
"That's great," every student was happy.
Nathan was sitting in Principal's Turner's office.
As they were talking, they heard a knock on the door.
"Lucas, please come inside," Principal Turner said and Nathan at once turned.
"Nathan, I called Lucas a moment ago, so don't be surprised," Principal Turner said and Lucas also sat on the chair beside Nathan.
"So Nathan you're ok with the Memorial planning."
"Yes I think its best time, everyone can easily be there."
"So it's done, the memorial fallowed by hanging of Jamie's jersey will take place tomorrow morning at ten."
"So Lucas you may be wondering, why I called you." Principal Turner drew his attention towards Lucas.
"Actually yes, I'm kind of wondering."
"Ok I know you quit coaching, and I don't want to force you, but I'm offering you a job here as English teacher."
"What?" Lucas was surprised, "Are you replacing Haley with me?"
"No, I want Haley back, It's just this year, there are so many loads on her, and you know what she went through so I decided to hire an extra teacher and I think you are the best."
Lucas began thinking.
"Lucas, please take it." Nathan said as he knew with Lucas here, it'll really help Haley.
"Ok I think I'll take it."
"Thanks Lucas, you don't know how happy I am." Principal Turner exclaimed.
"Ok then we shall leave; children will be waiting for us." Nathan said and both Lucas and Nathan stood up.
"Ok we'll see each other in court, hope the verdict will be fair," Principal Turner shook their hands.
Both Lucas and Nathan came outside and began walking in the halls.
"Hey Nathan, there's something I want to ask you."
"Yes what it is?"
"You've retired from Basketball and you may need something to make money."
"Well I've lot of money, thanks to my twelve years run in NBA, but you're right I need something to do."
"So I'm giving you a proposal, why don't we both start a car dealership together."
"What?" Nathan stopped, "Why you want us to do the same thing what Dan did?"
"Well, whole dealership was Uncle Keith's idea, and it was his dream; Dan stole it from him."
"Ok then, I'm in."
"What you won't think about it."
"No in my heart in know it's a good idea."
"So it's a deal."
"Yes." Nathan nodded; he knew they needed to do something together.
"Hey," Haley came to them, "Lucas, I didn't know you were here."
Lucas and Nathan told her every thing.
"That's great," Haley was happy; she really liked the idea of Lucas working with Nathan.
"Ok we must go; we all have to meet in court." Nathan reminded.
"Ok Bye." Lucas waved his hand and they all left.
Lily slowly walked towards the graves which were marked Scotts. In one hand, she had flowers and in another hand she had the box full of Jam filled Brownies.
She came close to the grave marked Keith Alan Scott, and placed the flowers on the grave.
"Hi dad today is my last day here, and I want to spend a little time with you." Lily sat beside Keith's grave, "The time has come for me to enter the real world, and I know from above you're watching me."
Lily gave a look at Jamie's grave, "I kind of mad at him dad, I was supposed to see you first, but he has beaten me to it, and I know he is with you right now."
Lily stood up and came to Jamie's grave, "I know it was so soon for you to leave us, we were born together but your life ended so shortly," Lily took a deep breath, "I know in some way you are still with us, and I can feel it like you are very close, and listening to what I'm saying."
Lily put the box filled with Brownies on the grave, "Even I know you can't eat them, but still I made them for you as you loved them so much."
"Lily," someone called and Lily turned.
"Oh Chuck," Lily stood up.
"Was it a bad timing?" Chuck wanted to be sure.
"No, I'm finished here and I'm glad you came."
"Lily," Chuck cleared his throat, "I want to ask you something very important."
"Yes, I'm listening, you can say anything."
"Ok, you know the very first moment, I saw you, even we were children at that time; I felt that I just found the girl of my dreams."
"I'm also glad that you came in my life."
"Well Lily, it was also the greatest day of life when you came in my life, and deep in my heart, I know you're my soul mate." Chuck sat on one knee, "Lily Roe Scott, I love you and want to spend the rest of my with you, I want you to me my wife."
Lily was outspoken, it was the most beautiful ring she had ever seen in her life, but Chuck's words were more beautiful than the ring. Tears started to flow from Lily's eyes.
"Lily," Chuck was beginning to fear the worse.
"No Chuck, these are tears of joy….I love you….and and yes I'll marry you." Lily gave Chuck her hand and Chuck placed the ring in her finger. Now they were officially engaged.
"Oh Lily, you have made me the luckiest man on earth." Chuck held Lily.
"No I'm the Lucky one!"
"Sorry Lily, I really picked the spooky place to propose you."
"No Chuck, you picked the perfect place, here I can feel that Dad and Jamie are with us."
"Yeah it's weird, but I can also feel Jamie here."
"Ok we must head home, its lunch time, and I'm starving."
"Yeah, so am I."
Chuck and Lily began walking towards the exit and from far they saw Andre and Tina, and by the look of their face, Chuck and Lily knew they were both happy.
"Hey Andre," Chuck called and both Andre and Tina came towards them.
"Look Lily, Andre asked me to marry him," Tina showed her the finger with ring on.
Lily smiled, "Well Chuck asked me to." Lily showed Tina her ring.
"Wow that's great, we both engaged at the same time." Tina was exited.
"So Chuck congratulations," Andre said tapping Chuck's shoulder.
"Same to you today was our lucky day," All four smiled at each other, it was a big day for them.
It was six and court was flooded outside with people as well as reporters. As usual, there was a whole group of people holding banners, and they were shouting.
Haley and Nathan came first fallowed by Brook and Julian.
All of sudden all reporters ran towards them.
"Here we go." Brook said watching the reporters coming towards them.
"Ok I'll clear the way." Julian came in front and all four really struggled to reach inside.
Once they were inside, they got really surprised to see Lucas, Peyton, Karen and Andy were already there.
"So you came earlier." Brook asked Peyton and they took one of the corners.
"Actually Karen wanted to come earlier, and we decided to come with her."
"That's good, we are all here."
"Hey I heard you and Julian are back together."
"Yes, we got back together."
"Congratulation, and besides I knew it'll happen."
"Yeah, but we'll talk about it later."
"Yes I agree."
After sometime Skillz, Mouth and Millie also joined them.
Nathan looked at his watch and then at Haley, "Uncle Cooper was supposed to come and mom was coming with him."
"Don't worry nephew, I'm here." Cooper came and sat with Nathan.
"Thanks Uncle Cooper."
Cooper shook his head, "How many times do I have to tell you not to thank me."
"Uncle Cooper, you really helped me." Nathan was thankful, just like Keith was there for Lucas, Copper was there for Nathan, one thing both brothers were lucky at, that they had great Uncles.
Soon the court was filled with people. The door opened and Craig, Diesel and Marc were both brought in.
Brook held Haley and she could feel that her whole body was shaking; even her own body was shaking after watching the faces of the people who took the life of someone they all loved and cherished so much.
"Haley, are you ok." Karen asked.
"Yes I am," Haley lied, she wasn't ok, and after all she was facing her son's murderers and it was making her sick.
"Please everyone rise." Attended address the court and everyone stood up.
An elderly female judge dressed in black robe came and sat on the seat and everyone fallowed her.
"So I have reviewed the whole case," Judge began, "Before I can give my final verdict, there's something I need to say."
Everyone looked at the judge.
"I looked at the whole case and my heart breaks for the loss of that boy, James Lucas Scott was such a brilliant kid, so kind and caring, and he could give this world so much with his talents, but it's so sad to say, for nothing the life of that God gifted child was taken by these three inhuman criminals." Judge gave the glaring look at Marc, Craig and Diesel.
"I can see his parents sitting here as well as his whole family and all I can say that in my heart, I can feel your pain. We need to keep these streets safe, so what happened to Quentin Fields and James Scott shall never happen again."
Whole court was silent, Nathan and Haley heads were down, and they were both holding their hands.
"Ok it's time for my final verdict, defendant may rise please."
Craig, Diesel and Marc stood up.
"Ok as for Craig and Diesel, I have read their history, and I can say they are both devils in a flesh, the list of their crimes is big, and to kill someone is like a sport to them, it's really disgust me say that they even tried to kill a nine years old girl, so they are also facing charges for attempted murder, my verdict for them is a death sentence."
Everyone in court began gossiping; well, they wanted that for them. Craig and Diesel felt like someone just took life from their legs. Finally, they can see for themselves that what it's like to see a death.
"Ok Silence…" Judge ordered, "As for Marc, his crime is still big, but I think it's not as big as Craig and Diesel, so my judgment is that he'll serve thirty five years in prison, with no chance of appeal, and no parole for first twenty years."
Marc closed his eyes, he was happy with his verdict, because he knew he did wrong, and he has to pay for it.
Cops came and took all three of them.
"Haley…" Nathan called her name whose mind was on something else.
"Yes," She answered quietly.
"It's over," Nathan squeezed her hand.
"I know." Haley looked at Nathan.
"I think it's was a fair decision." Julian gave his opinion.
"Yes I agree, I think tonight justice was served." Skillz was also happy with the final verdict.
As they were all standing, Marc came close to Nathan and Haley.
"Please, I'm sorry for what I did," Marc said coming close to them, "This punishment is too less for me, if I could wish I can take everything back."
"Well you can never bring us back what you took from us!" Nathan said in anger.
"Please Nathan tell them to take him away," Haley buried her head in Nathan's chest; she just can't forgive him…not yet.
Marc sighed; he knew it wasn't easy for them to forgive him after what he did to them.
"Haley," Lucas puts his hands on Haley's shoulder. "They are gone."
"I think we should all leave; now there's nothing else for us left." Brook said and watched cops taking Craig, Diesel and Marc away.
"Yes I agree," Copper said and they all walking towards the main exit, but as expected, as soon as they came outside, the whole army of reporters surrounded them.
"Please now the killers of your son are behind bars, what you both think," One of the reporters asked.
Nathan and Haley looked at each other, "We think the verdict was fair, all we can hope that no parent again suffer the same fate as we do, but right now we want to go home to our kids, we shall talk to you later."
Reporters were not in a mood to leave them, but somehow all of them managed to escape.
All kids were at the Haley and Nathan's home. They were all waiting for their parents to arrive and give them the news.
Lily and Vanessa were watching the kids.
"Wow Lily, that's an amazing ring." Sawyer complemented after watching a diamond ring in her aunt's finger.
"Yes it's indeed beautiful."
"So when do you and Chuck will get married." Ashley asked.
"We haven't decided yet, and first thing for us is to complete our education, so we can support ourselves."
"Com on, you have Café' and Tric, and Chuck's dad owns a really big store."
"Sawyer, we have to make something for us, ourselves." Lily gave her niece the advice, which was just only six years younger than her.
"Hey," Vanessa came with cups of hot chocolate.
"Wow I really needed that." Rebecca took one cup.
"I wonder when we will be old enough to drink coffee." Sawyer really loved coffee but Lucas and Payton didn't let her drink it.
"I can bring you if you like." Vanessa offered.
"You'll be and Angel!" Sawyer really wanted to drink the coffee. "Please bring me with some rich cream."
"Ok but it's going to be one time deal."
"I know, and mom and dad really don't like me to drink coffee."
"They won't be minding for just one time." Vanessa said and went back to the kitchen.
"Hey where are the boys?" Lily asked.
"They are outside playing." Ashley told her.
Outside Jason was standing; quietly examine the cricket bat that was brought by Robert.
"So what do you think?" Robert asked.
"It's pretty heavy in comparison to baseball bat, but it's wide, and I think we can get pretty good shot."
"Hey I heard cricket ball is very hard, we can be really hurt." Davis gave his opinion.
"Well we can also play cricket with the tennis ball, it's is used in playing cricket."
"Ok It's seemed like an interesting game, so teach us the rules; we shall play it sometimes." Adam said and took the bat from Jason.
"Yeah, like dad I'll like to commentate on it," Face said looking at Robert.
"Well you are welcome to play, cricket or basketball." Robert said to Face.
"Thanks but I think I'm not really good at supports."
"Hey look everyone is coming," Adam shouted after watching the car lights.
Soon everyone was inside the living room and elders told kids what happened in the court.
"So it's finally over." Lily took a deep breath.
"Yes," Lucas placed his hands on Lily's shoulder.
"Listen there's something I want to ask you all," Julian said and everyone was drawn to him, "Why don't we all hang out at café, only us."
"What are you suggesting?" Karen asked.
"Listen I'm not asking to celebrate anything, just a little get-together with all of us, we can spend some time together, just talk and more remember Jamie, Lily also got engaged, we can bring Chuck, and we can all wish them there."
"Yes I think Julian is right." Brook really liked that Julian's idea.
"I agree." Peyton also gave her vote as she knew they needed something like that.
"Ok I'll go to Café, now it's eight; we shall all meet in an hour." Karen said and they all agreed.
At nine everyone was at the café. Chuck and his parents were also there, they were also happy and along with them Andre, Denise and Tina and her parents were also invited to wish them for their engagement.
"Hey," Chuck's mom came to Haley.
"Hi," Haley smiled at her.
"You are a strong woman, if I was in your place and that would have been happened to Chuck, I don't know what I should have done."
"Well your son has a great future; he was very close friend of Jamie." Haley said looking at Chuck.
"Well I still remember the first time we meet, you really punched me hard."
"Yeah now we are hanging together."
"Hey," Denis also came to them.
"Hey Denise," Haley also greeted her, "It's a big day for you."
"Yes ma boy Andre has asked his girl to marry him."
"Yes," there was a little sadness in Haley's voice, one day Jamie could have brought some girl that was really meant for him, she could see her son becoming a husband and father, but now it can't never happen.
Nathan was watching Haley; he came to her, "Are you alright?"
"Yes I am." Haley assured Nathan.
"Listen to me." Denise came in front of Nathan and Haley, "I know what you are both thinking, I still wonder what it would have been if Quentin was still here."
"Yes that's what we are thinking, actually we think about it all the time." Nathan said.
"Ok here the advice, which some gave to me, when the one you love so much is taken from you, the best thing to move on is to never stop loving them."
"I know and that's what we'll do," Haley said and squeezed Nathan's hand.
After some time Chuck's parents came to Karen.
"I know soon we'll be relatives, we love Lily and happy that she'll be part of our family." Chuck's father said and looked at Lily.
"Feeling is mutual, Chuck is also a good kid, and I know he'll make Lily happy."
"Ok we'll leave as you know we have to be there for the memorial."
"Yes, thanks for coming."
"Please don't thank, soon we'll be a family." Chuck mother's said and shook Karen's hand.
Chuck was also about to leave, Lucas came to him. "Please take care of Lily as now she's yours and one thing if you break her heart, I'll break your neck."
Chuck smiled; he knew Lucas didn't mean that, "You don't have to worry about that."
Sam and Jack were also there as Brook invited them too and everyone was happy that they were there.
Brook came to Sam, "So how it's going with Jack and the baby."
"It's great," Sam rubbed her belly.
"Yes it's a great feeling to be parents." Jack held Sam's hand.
"Did you tell anyone besides me?" Brook asked.
"Not yet."
"I think everyone is here, and it's a best time."
Sam looked at Jack and he nodded.
"Hey everyone," Brook called and everyone was drawn to them. "Sam and Jack have something they want to share."
Everyone looked at Sam and Jack and Sam looked at everyone, "Ok there's good news, which I and my husband wants to share. We are pregnant and we're having a child."
Everyone was amazed to hear that.
"Hey Sam is it a boy or girl?" Rebecca asked in excitement.
"It's very early." Sam answered.
"Well I really don't care about the sex of the child, I'm just so happy that I'll be a father." Jack said putting his arm on Sam's shoulder.
Sam looked at Haley and saw her coming towards her.
"Hey," Sam was little nervous.
"I'm so happy for you." Haley hugged Sam.
"Thanks," Sam was relieved.
"Listen I'm so happy that a new life is going to begin inside you, and I really need a good news."
"Yeah I wish things would have been different."
"Don't worry about that, I'm happy for you." Haley was really happy for them.
"Ok we must leave," Chuck's parents said.
"Ok, Lily bye." Chuck gave a little kiss on Lily's cheek and he along with his parents left.
"I think it's also time for us." Tina's father said looking at the watch.
"Ok Mr. and Mrs. Parker, we're glad that you came." Karen shook their hands.
"No we are glad that you invited us." Mr. Parker thanked Karen.
"Ok Andre I guess we'll see each other tomorrow." Tina said to Andre
"Yes," Andre smiled at his fiancée.
"Ok Tina, we must leave." Her parents called.
"Ok bye," Tina waved her hand to everyone, and they also left.
"Wow!" Julian said looking at his watch, "It's going to be eleven, we must all head back home."
"Hey," Lucas shouted from a room, "Please bring the camera."
Everyone walked in the room where Lucas called and inside there, they saw the most beautiful sight. On the couch Shawn was in the middle, with Maggie and Anna sitting beside him and having their heads on his shoulders. All three of them were sleeping quietly and looked so cute. Lucas took the camera and took their picture.
Anna and Maggie squeezed their eyes and then opened them, but Shawn didn't.
"I know my son; he won't wake up, even if you'll play drums around him," Brook said and lifted Shawn up in her arms.
Lucas also lifted Anna and Nathan lifted Maggie and finally they all left the café.
At the very next morning, the basket ball court of Tree Hill High was filled. In the center, a big picture of Jamie was placed and students and teachers were coming on the dice one by one, saying their words to honor Jamie's life.
Finally, Principal Turner came to the dice, "I'm glad that the students arranged such a nice memorial and said such a kind word." Principal Turner looked at Nathan and Haley, who were sitting in front chairs. "Please can I call the parents of James Scott, I really want them to say something to us."
Nathan and Haley looked at everyone.
"Nathan you can go first," Haley said and Nathan stood up, and walked slowly towards the dice.
"First I have to say that from a bottom of my heart; I thank you all for being there for my family in such a tough time. I want to say just one thing. About fifteen years ago, I had an accident, and I was paralyzed. To me my life was ended. I shut everyone from my life, but that time my son didn't give up on me, and if it wasn't for him, I would have never bounced back, I still have to thank my wife, who also stood by me all the time. The thing I learned from my son is never to give up and there's always a second chance." Nathan said and looked at Haley, who slowly walked towards the dice.
"Thanks Nathan," Haley said to her husband and took the dice, "Like my Husband, I also want to thank you all for supporting us, I know as a mother, losing a child is the worst thing that ever happened to me, and I'm still suffering from it, but now I can see that so many people care about my son and miss him. I thought facing all of you will be hard, but now I know with all of you, I belong." Haley looked at her students. "In your eyes, I'll always see my son, and again I thank you all for doing this for us."
Everyone got silent and Principal Turner came back to the dice, "Ok this is the time, we know Jamie was a great basketball player and not once but three times brought the championship to us, and to honor him, we have decided to hang his jersey."
Everyone once again got silent and watched Jamie's number five jersey being hanged among his father's, Uncle's and friend's jersey.
"Ok I thank you all for coming here, with this, I wind up this ceremony."
Soon everyone started coming towards Nathan and Haley, and saying their words of condolence.
When the whole crowd was finished, Lucas came to them, "So you two are alright?"
"Yes, actually we are all feeling good." Nathan said to his brother.
"Lucas I really want to say thanks." Haley said and put her hands on his shoulder.
"For what?" Lucas asked as he didn't get it.
"I know you're writing a new book based on Jamie's life and I know from this book whole world will know about him and I'm really thankful."
"Yes, with this book I really want people to know about him because you know people die, but our love for them lives forever, and I also believe that life is stronger then the death."
"Yes Lucas life and love are lot stronger then the death."
"Hey," Peyton and Brook also came towards them. "You two were great at the stage."
Haley begins thinking about something.
"Hey what are you thinking?" Brook asked.
"I'm thinking about the person whom I thought I would hate all my life." Haley answered.
"Who is it?" Brook was curious as were the others including Nathan.
Haley looked at them, "I'm thinking about Carrie."
"Carrie?" Nathan was a bit shocked why his wife was thinking about her.
"I know she tried to destroy my marriage and worse she tried to take Jamie from us, and I've always hated her for that, but now I can feel her pain, she lost her child and that's what made her crazy, I think it's time that I should forgive her."
Everyone was silent; they knew it was really big of her to forgive Carrie, after what she had done to her...maybe one day she'll find a strength to forgive Marc.
"Hi," Lily and Vanessa came to them.
"When will you leave?" Nathan asked them both.
"Actually just now, our flight is in an hour.""
Everyone who was present there wished Lily and Vanessa.
"Ok we should leave at once." Karen said.
"Ok bye," Lily and Vanessa said, they also had tears in their eye. Lucas and Peyton also fallowed them.
"Mom," Nathan called his Deb.
"Yes Nathan," Deb came to him.
"Please you must take kids home, there's still something we need to do."
"Ok," Deb knew what Nathan and Haley were planning, and she knew they had to do it, in order to move on.
Andy, Karen, Lucas and Peyton were at the airport waiting for the plane to arrive. Chuck was also there as he also has to leave with Lily and Vanessa.
"Lily, are you sure you had everything?" Karen asked.
"Yes mom, I'm positive."
"Ok you have to call me every day you know."
"I know mom." Lily could see the concern on her mother's face.
"Ok Vanessa same goes for you." Karen was now drawn to her.
"Of course we will call you daily." Vanessa said.
All of sudden they heard the announcement that plane to Durham will soon take off.
"So it's time to say goodbye." Lily said and hugged her mother.
Karen had tears in her eyes. Lucas was also holding his tears, and he came to his sister.
"Ok Lily, I'm really going to miss you." He held Lily tight.
"Me too," Lily also had tears in her eyes.
"Ok Vanessa, bye." Lucas said goodbye to her, and she smiled at him.
"Ok we must leave or we'll never catch the plane." Andy said.
Lily, Vanessa and Chuck slowly began walking towards the port, and all of them had tears. It's not that they'll never see each other again, but goodbyes are always hard.
At the cemetery, Nathan and Haley were both standing at the grave, marked with their son's name.
"Nathan you can go first," Haley said to her husband.
"Ok Haley, I won't take long." Nathan said and Haley moved little further so Nathan can talk to Jamie alone.
Nathan sat beside Jamie's grave, "Hi son, I know from somewhere you are watching us…how ironic, you were supposed to come on my grave and say these words, but I know you are in better place and sooner or later, we'll see each other. I promise you I'll take care of your mom and your brother and sisters, and as you wanted me to say, goodbye son."
Nathan wiped away his tears and looked at Haley.
"Haley, please come." Nathan stood up and gave Haley a space.
Now Haley sat beside Jamie's grave, "I know, losing you is the most painful thing that I've to go through, but I know part of you is still here, and I can feel it. I know going on without you will be hard, but I'll do it for your father, your brother and sisters and most importantly for you." Haley's tears were flowing, "My beautiful son, Goodbye."
Nathan came to Haley and held her. They both stood there for a while.
"Ok Haley we must leave, whenever we feel like talking to Jamie, we can always come here."
"Ok," Haley slowly walking towards the exit, but then she stooped and turned to her son's grave, "Goodbye …Goodbye from this world, James Lucas Scott!"
...
Time has come, what's done is done
It's time to move on
To another place, another space,
maybe circling some other sun
Don't ask why, don't ask how
I still can't explain
To say goodbye, goodbye for now till I see you again
In the sunlight that's where I'll be
In the moon night close your eyes, you will see me
In the sunrise in the twilight
I'll be the morning and the evening star
I will be there with you wherever you are
Life is strange, such joy and pain
The betrayal and the kiss
It maybe meant to be, maybe destiny
Leads us down a path like this
Child is born, true love is sworn
All the in-between
Well you walk on, walk on until the path is gone
Learning love is the only everything
In the sunlight that's where I'll be
In the moon night close your eyes, you will see me
In the sunrise in the twilight
I'll be the morning and the evening star
I will be there with you wherever you are
So it's goodnight, things go wrong
but it's alright
We're all just passin' through here
At the speed of light
In the sunlight that's where I'll be
In the moon night close your eyes, you will see me
In the sunrise in the twilight
I'll be the morning and the evening star
I will be there with you wherever you are
-FIN-
Finally at last, I've done it, but I wouldn't have done it without it. I want to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart. I know I could have written some parts better, but that was my first attempt and with English not being my first language, I struggled at some parts. I want to say some words to:
Mcgir6541: Thanks for everything you have done, you always been there for me and supported me and I'm so lucky to have a friend like you.
AnnOTH21: The words right now are too less to describe how thankful I'm to you. You've been the one who reviewed my every chapter and I'm so honored to have you as my reader.
HaleyDavisbaker: I know and I can see that you're a Brulian fan; I know I didn't give them the justice they deserved, but I thank you for reviewing.
GottaLuvNaley: I know kind of guessed where I was taking the things. Thanks for the reviews.
LadyCatrea: Thanks for replying me when asked for beta; I wish you good luck with everything.
Othspnluver: I know we haven't talked lately, but it doesn't mean I've forgotten about you. I really wish I can read something new from you. You are indeed a good writer.
Princess-Tequilla: I know as I said before, I'm glad you read and liked my story. I also like your stories.
Mazzy: I never meant to make anyone cry. I'm really glad that you liked the story.
G-Styler: I really hope I got your review a little earlier; your review will really help me in writing my next stories.
Bonnetta: Thanks for reviewing and it really boosted my spirits after reading your reviews.
LPfan4ever: Thanks for taking interest in this story and for the kind words.
Also thanks to Virgenie, Saint and Sailor, A Amanda A, Dukeforver and Sally1212 for reviewing.
I also want to thank all who read, subscribed and put my story in their favorite list.
Ok everyone, there still one last thing left, so wait for the Epilogue, that will be posted soon. This time I promise it'll be posted soon, as it'll be very short.
To everyone, I thank you again from bottom of my heart, and one more thing that I said before, I'm sorry for any grammar mistakes. When I'll get time, I'll re-edit the story.