Lucas was still asleep when Keith brought Karen home from the hospital.
Karen: (Looking over the couch at her sleeping son.) Good morning.
Lucas: (opening his eyes.) Hey mom. Why didn't you call me, I would have came to get you.
Karen: On your bike? I had your keys w/ me at the hospital remember?
L: Oh yeah. (Sitting up) How you doing?
Karen: A little sore, but much better.
Kory: Looks who's home. (Coming over and giving his sister a hug.) You should have called me to come help you get home.
Karen: I figured that you would still be in bed. (Looking at Kory.) Why are you up and dressed already anyway?
Kory: I have a date.
Karen: W/ who?
Kory: The lady that cut my hair the other day. Her name is Kaitlyn.
L: Hey does she work at "A HEAD OF THE TIMES?"
Kory: Yeah.
L: I know who you are talking about. She's pretty hot! Where are you taking her at 10:00 in the morning on Sunday.
Kory: Brunch.
L: You can't take her out at night like a normal person?
Kory: She wanted to go out last night, but I was babysitting nephew.
Karen: I didn't know you had a date, why didn't you say something? I could have gotten someone else to stay w/ him.
L: Hello? I'm 16 I don't think I need a babysitter.
Karen: I didn't want you to be home alone after just getting out of the hospital.
L: Haley was here.
Haley: (Walking into the living room.) Did I hear my name?
L: They were just discussing how I need a babysitter now.
Haley: What?
Karen: Never mind. (Hugging Haley and whispering in her ear.) Sorry to hear about you and Nathan.
H: (Pulling back and trying to hold back the tears.) Thanks. You feeling better?
Karen: Yeah. Thanks for working extra at the cafe. I don't know what I would do w/o you.
Haley: Anytime. My parents are probably home, I should take off.
Lucas: Let me get dressed and I'll give you a ride.
Karen: No. That would involve driving and that is something that you won't be doing for a very long time.
Keith: I'll give you a ride Haley. I have to run to the garage anyway.
Karen: Actually Keith and Kory I need to talk to Haley and Lucas if you don't mind.
Kory: Not a problem. I'm late. See you later.
Keith: Yeah, I'll get out of here, too. I'll bring you guys dinner later.
Karen: Thanks for everything Keith.
Keith: You're welcome. Bye everybody.
Karen/H/L: Bye.
Karen: (Sitting down next to Lucas on the couch.) Haley, come sit down. (Haley took a seat in the chair.)
L: You need an audience to yell at me today?
Karen: No yelling. But I do want Haley to hear some of this because it involves her.
Haley: How?
Karen: Well it was your car that Lucas wrecked and I came up w/ a solution to your lack of transportation.
L: I already told her parents that I would be paying to fix it.
K: And you will. Every cent of it. But that is going to take a while and in the mean time she is w/o a way to get around.
L: I can be her taxi.
K: No, But I do have some good news for you.
L: What?
K: I decided to let you keep your car. I'm not selling it.
L: Really. That is awesome. (He puts his arm around him mom and squeezes.) Did I ever tell you how great you are?
K: You might want to hold the kissing up until I am finished.
L: OK.
K: (Karen pulls Luke's car keys out of her pocket and tosses them to Haley.) Those are yours.
L: You're giving her my car?
K: Not GIVING, just letting her use it, until hers gets fixed.
L: That is going to be at least a month.
K: Your point?
L: I have never let anyone drive my car. What if she wrecks it?
H: Thanks for the confidence Luke.
K: First sweetie. Be thankful that when this is all said and done, you still have a car. If you ever drink and drive again, that car is gone. That I promise you. Second, I think that since Haley is w/o a car because of you, the least you can do is let her use your car. It actually should be no inconvenience to you, because you are not driving your car, or any vehicle for that matter, for one month. And third, if she wrecks your car, I guess you can call yourselves even.
H: (Seeing how much Lucas did not like this idea.) I can't, really Karen. That is Luke's pride and joy and I would feel so bad if something happened to it.
K: He has insurance for anything that might happen and if he would have been that conciderate of your property the other night, we would not be having this conversation. Take the car Haley. If you don't, I am selling it. Lucas needs to learn from this. I'm sure that he would rather have you driving it then selling it, right Lucas?
L: Yeah, take it Haley. Just be careful.
H: Alright. Thanks Karen. This is going to be fun. I have always wanted to drive that car.
L: Try not to enjoy my punishment so much.
K: You be quiet. She's doing you a favor and I don't want you making her feel bad for it, or I add another month to you not driving.
H: OK. I have to get going. I will talk to you guys later. Bye.
K/L: Bye.
K: (Turning to look at her son.) I have my decision on basketball, wanna hear? Karen: (Looking at her son.) I have my decision on basketball, wanna hear?
L: I'm not sure, do I?
K: I have really struggled w/ this Lucas. Every time I thought about all the trouble that you have gotten into, it always leads back to you being on that team. So of course I figure if I make you quit, there should not be any more trouble, right?
L: (Looking down and playing w/ the throw pillow that was laying on the couch. He did not like the way this was heading.) So, I'm done?
K: What if I said yes?
L: I'd say OK.
K: That's it? OK? No yelling or throwing a fit?
L: I've been doing that a lot lately and that just leads to more trouble. I've already pled my case to you, there is nothing more that I can say. I screwed up big time and I have to live w/ it. There's always next year.
K: (Karen was very impressed w/ the way that Luke was excepting responsiblity for what he did. He was almost acting like the kid she had raised for 16 years and not the stranger that she has had to deal w/ the last several weeks.) I'm surprised that you are taking this so well.
L: I don't like it, but I know that once you make up your mind, arguing just makes things worse.
K: (Smiling) Yes, you are right, but I never said that making you quit was my decision, I just asked you what you would say if it was?
L: (Looking at up at Karen w/ hopeful eyes.)
So what then? I can play?
K: My head says not to let you. But, my heart says I need to give you another chance. You can play, well, at least until I get your semester grades on the 14th. That deal still stands. If those grades aren't up dramatically, there is no more basketball for the year. Don't make me regret this decision.
L: I won't. So -assume- that the trip to New York is off then?
K: No, I'm letting you do that too. You were right, that was a gift, and I should not be able to take that away from you. But who knows, maybe if Kory falls in love w/ this Kaitlyn woman, he might not go back to New York.
L: That would be awesome. But he is still going to take me to see the Yankees.
K: (Looking at Lucas's bandage) How's the head.
L: Good. I haven't had a headache since yesterday afternoon and it only lasted a little while.
K: Good, don't forget your doctor's appointment tomorrow after school. I'll pick you up. Make sure that you are changing that bandage like you are suppose to.
L: I am. You going to finish letting me have it, or you gonna make me sit here in suspense?
K: What do you mean?
L: 3 days ago, when you found out about the accident, you were selling my car, I couldn't go to New York and I was done w/ basketball. Now, I get to play, I get to go to New York and I get to keep the car. Unless the hospital put you on some major, mind altering drugs, I seriously doubt that not letting me drive for a month is all that I'm getting out of this deal.
K: It's almost scarey how well we know each other sometimes, isn't it.
L: Tell me about it.
K: You're right, I'm not letting you off that easy. The not driving part, is for you driving drunk. We still have to deal w/ the fact that this is the 3rd time in as many weeks that you drank and that you snuck out while you were grounded.
L: So I'm grounded again.
K: Definitely.
L: Brooke is going to love this.
K: Speaking of Brooke, don't think that I have not made a mental note that she has been w/ you every time that you have been in trouble. Maybe it is HER that is the problem and not basketball.
L: Innocent bystander?
K: Bystander MAYBE, and i stress maybe, but innocent, I some how doubt. Just be careful.
L: I will. So how long?
K: Should you be careful?
L: (Laughing) NO! They really did give you a lot of drugs in the hospital didn't they? How long am I grounded?
K: 2 weeks.
L: OK. (Trying to hold back the look of surprise, but failing.)
K: I can tell by your face that you were expecting worse.
L: Sort of.
K: I can add a few weeks if you think you need it?
L: (Smiling) No, thanks, I think that will do just fine.
K: But this time Lucas, you are actually grounded. Two FULL weeks. No sneaking out. If I have to, I will make you sleep in my room on the floor, so I can keep an eye on you.
L: Not necessary. I won't leave. You have my word.
K: If you are not at school, at work or at basketball, your butt is here.
L Got it. (His cell phone rings and he goes to reach for it on the coffee table but his mom beats him to it.)
K: (Holding it up.) It's Brooke.
L: I'll just call her back when we are done. Hit the button on the side and it will silence the ring.
K: (Instead of hitting the silence button, she shut it off.) Much better.
L: Why did you do that?
K: Because you have no use for it for the next two weeks, you might as well not wear down the battery.
L: No phone? (Whining)
K: No phone, no computer, no friends, no fun.
L: So prison?
K: I don't care what you call it as long as you know what I expect from you for the next 14 days.
L: It's going to be a long, boring 2 weeks.
K: Oh don't worry, I have many things for you to do around here. It will make the time go much faster. And, when I ask you to do something, no complaining.
L: Can't wait.
K: You don't have to. I want to lay down for a while, and while I do that, there is a sink full of dishes over there calling your name and then you can get started on the laundry.
L: (Putting on a big, fake smile.) I would love to.
K: (Laughing) I figured you would.
(Lucas gets up and heads to the kitchen and Karen lays down on the couch and flips on the TV.)
Karen: (Looking over the couch at her sleeping son.) Good morning.
Lucas: (opening his eyes.) Hey mom. Why didn't you call me, I would have came to get you.
Karen: On your bike? I had your keys w/ me at the hospital remember?
L: Oh yeah. (Sitting up) How you doing?
Karen: A little sore, but much better.
Kory: Looks who's home. (Coming over and giving his sister a hug.) You should have called me to come help you get home.
Karen: I figured that you would still be in bed. (Looking at Kory.) Why are you up and dressed already anyway?
Kory: I have a date.
Karen: W/ who?
Kory: The lady that cut my hair the other day. Her name is Kaitlyn.
L: Hey does she work at "A HEAD OF THE TIMES?"
Kory: Yeah.
L: I know who you are talking about. She's pretty hot! Where are you taking her at 10:00 in the morning on Sunday.
Kory: Brunch.
L: You can't take her out at night like a normal person?
Kory: She wanted to go out last night, but I was babysitting nephew.
Karen: I didn't know you had a date, why didn't you say something? I could have gotten someone else to stay w/ him.
L: Hello? I'm 16 I don't think I need a babysitter.
Karen: I didn't want you to be home alone after just getting out of the hospital.
L: Haley was here.
Haley: (Walking into the living room.) Did I hear my name?
L: They were just discussing how I need a babysitter now.
Haley: What?
Karen: Never mind. (Hugging Haley and whispering in her ear.) Sorry to hear about you and Nathan.
H: (Pulling back and trying to hold back the tears.) Thanks. You feeling better?
Karen: Yeah. Thanks for working extra at the cafe. I don't know what I would do w/o you.
Haley: Anytime. My parents are probably home, I should take off.
Lucas: Let me get dressed and I'll give you a ride.
Karen: No. That would involve driving and that is something that you won't be doing for a very long time.
Keith: I'll give you a ride Haley. I have to run to the garage anyway.
Karen: Actually Keith and Kory I need to talk to Haley and Lucas if you don't mind.
Kory: Not a problem. I'm late. See you later.
Keith: Yeah, I'll get out of here, too. I'll bring you guys dinner later.
Karen: Thanks for everything Keith.
Keith: You're welcome. Bye everybody.
Karen/H/L: Bye.
Karen: (Sitting down next to Lucas on the couch.) Haley, come sit down. (Haley took a seat in the chair.)
L: You need an audience to yell at me today?
Karen: No yelling. But I do want Haley to hear some of this because it involves her.
Haley: How?
Karen: Well it was your car that Lucas wrecked and I came up w/ a solution to your lack of transportation.
L: I already told her parents that I would be paying to fix it.
K: And you will. Every cent of it. But that is going to take a while and in the mean time she is w/o a way to get around.
L: I can be her taxi.
K: No, But I do have some good news for you.
L: What?
K: I decided to let you keep your car. I'm not selling it.
L: Really. That is awesome. (He puts his arm around him mom and squeezes.) Did I ever tell you how great you are?
K: You might want to hold the kissing up until I am finished.
L: OK.
K: (Karen pulls Luke's car keys out of her pocket and tosses them to Haley.) Those are yours.
L: You're giving her my car?
K: Not GIVING, just letting her use it, until hers gets fixed.
L: That is going to be at least a month.
K: Your point?
L: I have never let anyone drive my car. What if she wrecks it?
H: Thanks for the confidence Luke.
K: First sweetie. Be thankful that when this is all said and done, you still have a car. If you ever drink and drive again, that car is gone. That I promise you. Second, I think that since Haley is w/o a car because of you, the least you can do is let her use your car. It actually should be no inconvenience to you, because you are not driving your car, or any vehicle for that matter, for one month. And third, if she wrecks your car, I guess you can call yourselves even.
H: (Seeing how much Lucas did not like this idea.) I can't, really Karen. That is Luke's pride and joy and I would feel so bad if something happened to it.
K: He has insurance for anything that might happen and if he would have been that conciderate of your property the other night, we would not be having this conversation. Take the car Haley. If you don't, I am selling it. Lucas needs to learn from this. I'm sure that he would rather have you driving it then selling it, right Lucas?
L: Yeah, take it Haley. Just be careful.
H: Alright. Thanks Karen. This is going to be fun. I have always wanted to drive that car.
L: Try not to enjoy my punishment so much.
K: You be quiet. She's doing you a favor and I don't want you making her feel bad for it, or I add another month to you not driving.
H: OK. I have to get going. I will talk to you guys later. Bye.
K/L: Bye.
K: (Turning to look at her son.) I have my decision on basketball, wanna hear? Karen: (Looking at her son.) I have my decision on basketball, wanna hear?
L: I'm not sure, do I?
K: I have really struggled w/ this Lucas. Every time I thought about all the trouble that you have gotten into, it always leads back to you being on that team. So of course I figure if I make you quit, there should not be any more trouble, right?
L: (Looking down and playing w/ the throw pillow that was laying on the couch. He did not like the way this was heading.) So, I'm done?
K: What if I said yes?
L: I'd say OK.
K: That's it? OK? No yelling or throwing a fit?
L: I've been doing that a lot lately and that just leads to more trouble. I've already pled my case to you, there is nothing more that I can say. I screwed up big time and I have to live w/ it. There's always next year.
K: (Karen was very impressed w/ the way that Luke was excepting responsiblity for what he did. He was almost acting like the kid she had raised for 16 years and not the stranger that she has had to deal w/ the last several weeks.) I'm surprised that you are taking this so well.
L: I don't like it, but I know that once you make up your mind, arguing just makes things worse.
K: (Smiling) Yes, you are right, but I never said that making you quit was my decision, I just asked you what you would say if it was?
L: (Looking at up at Karen w/ hopeful eyes.)
So what then? I can play?
K: My head says not to let you. But, my heart says I need to give you another chance. You can play, well, at least until I get your semester grades on the 14th. That deal still stands. If those grades aren't up dramatically, there is no more basketball for the year. Don't make me regret this decision.
L: I won't. So -assume- that the trip to New York is off then?
K: No, I'm letting you do that too. You were right, that was a gift, and I should not be able to take that away from you. But who knows, maybe if Kory falls in love w/ this Kaitlyn woman, he might not go back to New York.
L: That would be awesome. But he is still going to take me to see the Yankees.
K: (Looking at Lucas's bandage) How's the head.
L: Good. I haven't had a headache since yesterday afternoon and it only lasted a little while.
K: Good, don't forget your doctor's appointment tomorrow after school. I'll pick you up. Make sure that you are changing that bandage like you are suppose to.
L: I am. You going to finish letting me have it, or you gonna make me sit here in suspense?
K: What do you mean?
L: 3 days ago, when you found out about the accident, you were selling my car, I couldn't go to New York and I was done w/ basketball. Now, I get to play, I get to go to New York and I get to keep the car. Unless the hospital put you on some major, mind altering drugs, I seriously doubt that not letting me drive for a month is all that I'm getting out of this deal.
K: It's almost scarey how well we know each other sometimes, isn't it.
L: Tell me about it.
K: You're right, I'm not letting you off that easy. The not driving part, is for you driving drunk. We still have to deal w/ the fact that this is the 3rd time in as many weeks that you drank and that you snuck out while you were grounded.
L: So I'm grounded again.
K: Definitely.
L: Brooke is going to love this.
K: Speaking of Brooke, don't think that I have not made a mental note that she has been w/ you every time that you have been in trouble. Maybe it is HER that is the problem and not basketball.
L: Innocent bystander?
K: Bystander MAYBE, and i stress maybe, but innocent, I some how doubt. Just be careful.
L: I will. So how long?
K: Should you be careful?
L: (Laughing) NO! They really did give you a lot of drugs in the hospital didn't they? How long am I grounded?
K: 2 weeks.
L: OK. (Trying to hold back the look of surprise, but failing.)
K: I can tell by your face that you were expecting worse.
L: Sort of.
K: I can add a few weeks if you think you need it?
L: (Smiling) No, thanks, I think that will do just fine.
K: But this time Lucas, you are actually grounded. Two FULL weeks. No sneaking out. If I have to, I will make you sleep in my room on the floor, so I can keep an eye on you.
L: Not necessary. I won't leave. You have my word.
K: If you are not at school, at work or at basketball, your butt is here.
L Got it. (His cell phone rings and he goes to reach for it on the coffee table but his mom beats him to it.)
K: (Holding it up.) It's Brooke.
L: I'll just call her back when we are done. Hit the button on the side and it will silence the ring.
K: (Instead of hitting the silence button, she shut it off.) Much better.
L: Why did you do that?
K: Because you have no use for it for the next two weeks, you might as well not wear down the battery.
L: No phone? (Whining)
K: No phone, no computer, no friends, no fun.
L: So prison?
K: I don't care what you call it as long as you know what I expect from you for the next 14 days.
L: It's going to be a long, boring 2 weeks.
K: Oh don't worry, I have many things for you to do around here. It will make the time go much faster. And, when I ask you to do something, no complaining.
L: Can't wait.
K: You don't have to. I want to lay down for a while, and while I do that, there is a sink full of dishes over there calling your name and then you can get started on the laundry.
L: (Putting on a big, fake smile.) I would love to.
K: (Laughing) I figured you would.
(Lucas gets up and heads to the kitchen and Karen lays down on the couch and flips on the TV.)