Season 6. Chapter 6.03 (25). 'Honey, You're Just Like Your Father.'
Scene 1
Voice over (Lucas Scott) ---
"There's something about a baby being born that brings people together at once. But no body said it's always pleasant when the people get together."
Sarah and Mouth are sitting together. Brooke is sitting across from them. No body is making eye contact. They're in the Tree Hill Memorial Hospital.
"Why are you here again?" Sarah asks.
"Uh," Brooke begins. "Rachel's one of my good friends."
"Right." Sarah says. "But why are you here, as in this spot of the waiting room?"
"I'm sorry," Brooke begins. "I didn't realize we had assigned seats."
"I need some air." Mouth says. "Excuse me." He gets up and heads for the exit.
"B#tch." Sarah says to Brooke folding her arms.
"Wh#re." Brooke insults her back, crossing her arms and looking away.
Voice over: (Lucas Scott) ---
"Isn't it tragic when a baby is born in tragic circumstances? So innocent, small, and peaceful. The baby didn't ask to be born or made, yet sometimes two people's irresponsibility unexpectedly produces another life. Just how many people walking around on this earth were 'accidents'? Even more tragic is when a baby is born into an environment of uncertainty, dislike, single parenthood. Who ever said this world was perfect?"
Tree Hill Memorial Hospital. Nathan is praying in the chapel part of the hospital. He has a paper bag next to him on the seat. Lucas walks in.
"Hey." Lucas says. "Sorry. Am I interrupting?"
"Nah." Nathan says, sitting back up. "I was done anyway."
"There's a room full of people out there who love you, Nate." Lucas says. "What are you doing in here?"
"Praying." Nathan says. "For the baby."
"Rachel was just checked into her room." Lucas says. "She's not even dialated yet. Don't you think your praying is a bit premature?"
"Not the way I've been acting." Nathan says. "God may make something wrong with this baby just to spite me."
"I don't think it works that way, Nathan." Lucas tells him. "Besides, you're a good person. Good father, husband, brother."
"Yeah. OK, Luke." Nathan rolls his eyes.
"Obviously," Lucas begins. "You don't agree."
"Lucas, I'm Dan." Nathan says.
"Come on," Lucas begins. "You're so much better than Dan ever was."
"No. Actually, I'm just like Dan." Nathan says. "This baby makes me Dan. I've now gotten two women pregnant. My wife, and the 'other woman.'"
"Nate," Lucas begins. "Dan abandoned my mom and me to be with Deb and try to forget we ever existed. I don't see you doing that to Rachel or the baby."
"I also lost my dreams." Nathan adds. "I'm twenty-three years old, and I'm already asking myself questions like, 'What if?' and regretting my past. I told Dan I would never end up like him, and he said if I made the wrong choice I would. And he was right."
Nathan reaches for the paper bag and takes out a bottle of vodka.
"That's great, Nate." Lucas says. "You're drinking in the chapel."
"Spare me the lecture, Keith." Nathan says. "Oh. I mean, Lucas."
"Listen to me," Lucas begins. "You wanna wallow in self-pity over what might be or what could've been rather than being out there with all of your family and friends and celebrating the soon-to-be birth of your second son, that's your problem. Hell, maybe wallowing in self-pity is working for you, Nate. Maybe you'd rather spend time with your friend Jack Daniels over your real friends and family, not to mention your five year old son. Well, I'll tell you this. That's not gonna work for Haley, or me, or anyone else out there. Speaking of making the wrong choices, Nate, you're making one right now. You don't wanna end up like Dan? Then look around, look at yourself in the mirror, and ask yourself if this is the person you really wanna be."
Lucas begins to turn around.
"I already know that it's not!" Nathan shouts. "Don't you get it? I know I don't want to be this person. I want to play on the NBA, live my dreams, and be married to Haley and have my son at the same time."
"Well, you still have Haley and Jamie," Lucas tells him. "For now at least. Change now, and realize you still have a lot of good in your life despite losing the NBA, or you could always lose Haley and your son again. The choice is yours, Dan. Oh. I mean, Nathan."
Lucas walks out. Nathan takes another gulp of his vodka.
END OF TEASER.
Scene 2
Anna is at the river court park with her friend Mia. They're watching their guy friends play basketball. Anna and Mia are working on homework sitting on the bench in front of the court.
"Hey, Josh." Anna calls out to one of her basketball friends. Josh looks her way. "How's Coach Scott treating you?"
"Scott's cool." Josh says. "How's his bro treating you?"
"Scott's hot." Anna smiles.
"Get back to your homework." Josh says, as he slams dunk the basketball.
"Damn man!" Another player says to Josh.
"So," Mia begins. "Do you get any of this?"
"Yeah. Don't you?" Anna asks.
"No." Mia says. "Mrs. Scott doesn't explain it very well."
"I think Mrs. Scott is a great teacher." Anna smiles. "But if you need help, just ask her. She's great like that."
Cut To:
Tree Hill Memorial Hospital. Waiting room. Sarah, Brooke, Haley, Jamie, Peyton, are sitting around. Lucas walks out.
"Your husband's being a dick again." Lucas says Haley. "A drunken dick, actually. Look after him."
Lucas walks out of the room. Peyton gives Haley a glare.
"You heard him, Hales." Peyton says. "You better go."
Haley chuckles.
"I guess so." Haley says. "Be right back, kay?"
Haley gets up and leaves. Sarah, Brooke, and Peyton all look at each other awkwardly.
"So, um," Peyton says. "How is everyone?"
Sarah and Brooke look away, especially from each other.
"I'm scared!" Jamie says suddenly.
"Aw, buddy." Peyton says, picking him up and putting him on her lap. "Why's that?"
"I don't like hospitals." Jamie makes a sad face.
"Me either." Peyton agrees with him. "Hospitals and I don't agree. Never did. But, you know, I think it's like that for most people."
"Yeah, buddy." Brooke says to him. "No body likes hospitals. Especially not your Daddy or Uncle Lucas."
"Is that why Daddy is alone in the chapel and not out here with us?" Jamie asks her innocently.
Brooke and Peyton look at each other sadly.
"Something like that, bud." Brooke smiles at him.
"I'm gonna go find Mouth." Sarah says getting up and walking out.
"What's Mouth see in her anyway?" Brooke asks.
"I think she's nice." Peyton says.
"That's not fair." Brooke tells her. "You're my best friend. You're suppose to say she's a rotten---" Brooke remembers Jamie is in the room. "---Witch. Hmm!"
"So," Peyton begins. "I guess I don't need to ask what brings you back to Tree Hill then?" Peyton chuckles.
"Oh," Brooke begins. "Shut up, P Sawyer!" Brooke says. "P Scott! Whatever!" Brooke laughs.
Scene 3
Mouth is in the front (outside) of the hospital. He's sitting on the edge of a fountain. Sarah walks out and walks over to him, sitting down next to him.
"Again," Sarah begins. "I'm sorry for the jealously and immature act."
Mouth is silent.
"Hello?" Sarah waves her hand in front of him. "Earth to Mouth."
"Stop it." Mouth says, seriously. "I'm not joking around here."
"I know that." Sarah looks down.
"You keep getting mad at me over stupid things that I can't control." Mouth says. "I didn't ask for Brooke to come back. OK? I didn't ask for Rhonda to come onto me. I'm sorry you had to see both. But it's really not fair to me that you react the way you do."
"I said I'm sorry." Sarah says. "But, come on, Mouth. Your beautiful ex comes back to town and I don't have a right to get a little insecure?"
"That's right." Mouth nods. "Because you're suppose to be secure in this relationship. Insecurity isn't an attractive quality. I should know. I used to be so. You're suppose to know that I love you, and Brooke being in town again isn't going to change that."
"I just---" Sarah begins. "Just really love you, a lot. I don't want to lose you to anyone."
"You won't." Mouth assures her. "You won't, not ever."
Sarah smiles. They kiss.
Over by the entrance of the hospital, Brooke is watching Mouth & Sarah. Peyton comes walking behind her with Jamie, and gives her a hug.
"You OK B Davis?" Peyton asks.
"If you use the term OK loosely." Brooke says sadly.
"Come on." Peyton says. "Lets go give Rachel some company. And themsome space."
Brooke touches Peyton's hand, which is on her shoulder, with her own and smiles.
"OK." Brooke says. "Thank you."
The three walk back inside.
Cut To:
Inside the hospital's chapel. Haley is standing in the doorway. Nathan is facing down, sitting. The vodka bottle is empty.
"Figured it was only time you'd be in here," Nathan begins. "Since Lucas just left."
"Your son's about to come into this world, Nathan." Haley tells him. "Why aren't you with his mother right now?"
"Didn't Lucas tell you?" Nathan asks. "I'm with my good friend. Jack." He holds up the vodka bottle.
"I thought you were going to try to not show your bad side anymore, Nathan." Haley reminds him.
"Oh well." Nathan says. "Life's a b#tch. Right, Hales?"
"Life is what you choose to make it, Nathan." Haley says.
"That's great." Nathan says. "You read that off a fortune cookie?"
"Now what's your problem?" Haley asks. "And I thought we were doing good again."
"We are." Nathan sighs. "My bad mood has nothing to do with us, Hales."
"You know, Nathan," Haley begins. "Just because we're married doesn't mean you can treat me with no respect whenever you're in a bad mood."
"I know." Nathan says. "I'm sorry. I am. I just need you close right now."
Haley sits next to Nathan and rubs his back.
"So what's really the matter?" Haley asks.
"I'm scared." Nathan admits.
"Of what?" Haley asks.
"Of this baby having complications." Nathan says. "Of me never finding my way. Never having another dream. Of Jamie growing up and having the kind of relationship with me as I did with my Dad. Of Lucas and I becoming Keith and Dan."
"I notice I didn't make the list." Haley says.
"That's the one thing I'm not afraid of." Nathan says. "Losing you. I know I never will."
"Everything's gonna be OK." Haley says. "The baby, all of your relationships. You have to stop worrying so much."
"I guess I should go check on Rachel, huh?" Nathan asks.
"Yeah." Haley says. "She needs you more than I do right now."
"You're right." Nathan smiles, exiting the chapel.
"But I still need you a lot." Haley says to herself.
Scene 4
River court. Anna and Mia are still doing homework on the bench. Josh and the guys are playing basketball. Two guys holding a basketball walk before the court.
"Can we help you?" Josh asks.
"Yeah." The guy says. "We here to practice while the official practice is not in session."
"This is our court." Josh says.
"We're all Ravens." The guy says.
"No." Josh disagrees. "In the gym we're all Ravens. Out here, not so much. Now get off our court."
"This is a public park." The guy reminds him.
"Fine." Josh says. "Then go play in the grass. This is still ourcourt."
"Tell you what, fool." The guy says. "We'll play you for it."
"You guys wanna playus?" Josh asks. "Please. I've seen how y'all play at practice."
"Oh. Too good for you?" The guy asks.
Josh laughs. "Yeah, right!" Josh says.
"Then play us, if you so confident." The guy says.
"Don't do it." Anna calls out.
"I'll play you for the girl." The guy says. "She pretty damn fine."
"I'm not a trophy, jerk." Anna says from the bench.
"No." The guy says. "But you are a 'fraidy cat."
"Watch it, b#tch." Josh warns him.
"Oh." The guys says. "So that's your weak spot. The girl."
"Get the hell of my court right now," Josh begins. "Or y'all are gonna find yourselves in a fight."
"Or maybe you find yourself in a fight, fool." The guy says, as he punches Josh.
Anna gasps and runs over to Josh.
"Are you OK?" Anna asks.
"A lot better than this guy's gonna be." Josh says, tackling the guy to the grass.
They start rolling around on the grass, fighting each other, and swinging their arms trying to hit each other. Suddenly, Anna tries to break them apart by trying to physically separate them, and the guy accidentally punches Anna in her nose.
"Ow!" Anna yells cupping her nose and backing away. "Jerk!"
Josh gets up and goes over to Anna.
"You hit a girl?!" Josh asks the guy.
"I meant to hit you!" The guy says.
"I think it's broken!" Anna yells.
"Lets get you to a hospital." Josh says.
Scene 5
Flashback: New York City. Two weeks after Mouth and Brooke flew to NYC.
Brooke's apartment. Mouth is cooking dinner. The table is set nicely, with candles burning, soft music playing, plates set up on the table. Brooke walks in and sets down her purse.
"Oh." Brooke says. "What a long day."
She enters the kitchen and sees Mouth cooking. Then she sees the table set nicely.
"Wow." Brooke says smiling. "What's the occasion?"
"My last night in the city." Mouth tells her, as he whips the mashed potatoes with an electric masher. "Oh. And the steaks are cooking on the grill out on the balcony. Can you check them?"
"You're leaving?" Brooke asks, not moving.
Mouth turns around.
"Well," Mouth begins. "I can't stay here forever."
"I'm sorry." Brooke says. "I was under the impression we had something going here. Like, um, I don't know, a relationship."
"Brooke, we do." Mouth says. "But, I--I have a life in Tree Hill."
"But I'm here." Brooke says. "I have to be here. I have a contract with fashion designers here. You can report the news from anywhere."
"Actually, I can't." Mouth says. "Not right away, anyway. The only reason I'm giving the news now, and not doing entry level work still, is because I got a special promotion. A promotion I wouldn't be getting right away if I worked at a news station here."
"Working at news stations here, you can make a lot more money in the big city." Brooke tells him.
"It's also a lot harder to get your foot in the door in the big city." Mouth informs her.
"Not with your experience!" Brooke says.
"What experience?" Mouth asks. "I'm been giving the news for a few weeks."
"So, what," Brooke begins. "That's it for us?"
"Tree Hill's not that far away." Mouth says.
"Oh, please." Brooke says. "Long distance never works out."
"It does when the people involved really love each other." Mouth smiles, hugging her.
"Long distance puts a strain on every relationship." Brooke says, being realistic.
"Well," Mouth begins. "I can't stay. Not yet."
"So, what now?" Brooke asks.
"I guess," Mouth begins. "We weren't exactly meant to be after all."
"Yeah." Brooke nods tearfully. "I guess not."
"Enjoy your dinner for one." Mouth says, grabbing his coat, and suit case already packed, and leaving.
Cut To:
Present time. Memorial Hospital. Brooke is sitting in the waiting room, with her head down.
Scene 6
Lucas and Peyton are getting some chips out of the candy machine. As they grab their chips, they turn and there stands Anna with her nose wrapped up.
"Anna, what happened to you?" Lucas asks.
"I tried breaking up a fight," Anna begins. "And this happened."
"So," Peyton begins. "This is the famous Anna, huh?"
"Nice to meet you." Anna smiles. "You must be Peyton."
"That's me." Peyton smiles.
"You're amazingly pretty, by the way." Anna compliments her.
"Oh." Peyton blushes. "I'm five months pregnant. Definitely don't feelvery pretty."
"She's right, you know." Lucas says.
"I was waiting for you to chime in their, guy." Anna chuckles. "Like, if you didn't say that you'd be sleeping in the dog house tonight."
Lucas and Peyton chuckle.
"Are you kidding?" Lucas asks. "It's like my second home."
"Stop it." Peyton says hitting him.
"Ouch." Lucas jokes.
"Boy, Lucas," Anna begins. "You really have a different side to you around your wife. Usually you're so---so serious and, um, everything."
"Is that right?" Peyton chuckles, asking. "Well, he is a writer, too, you know. They're known for their seriousness."
"Hey." Lucas says. "Am not. I happen to have a very good sense of humor, mind you."
Haley walks by, over-hearing the conversation.
"Lucas?" Haley asks. "Sense of humor? None, whatsoever." Haley smiles at Anna. "Hey, Anna. See you in class Monday. Bye." Haley walks away, giggling.
"She's really nice." Anna says.
"Not once you get to know her!" Lucas shouts enough for Haley to hear down the hall. Lucas and Anna chuckle.
"So," Anna begins. "What brings you two here?"
"Our friend is having a baby." Lucas informs her.
"By the way," Peyton turns to Lucas. "When exactly did she become our friend?"
"I don't know." Lucas shrugs.
"Because I came back from L.A., she was still the same old Rachel to me." Peyton says.
"You're going to be a mother." Lucas tells her. "You have to learn to love everyone, no matter what." He laughs.
"Yeah. OK." Peyton rolls her eyes.
"So, Anna, you hungry?" Lucas asks. "Want to attempt to eat the horrid cafeteria food here with us?"
"Sure." Anna smiles. "Love to."
Scene 7
Eight-teen hours later. Brooke is hanging over a chair, about to fall alseep. The rest of the gang isn't seen. Until, suddenly, Mouth walks in and sees Brooke. He goes over to the chair she's laying on.
"You wanna talk?" Mouth asks.
"Really?" Brooke asks. "You want to?"
"You came all this way to talk to me." Mouth says. "Least I can do is listen." Mouth sits down next to her. "I'm listening."
Brooke sits up.
"My friend set me up with this guy." Brooke admits. "We went on a date."
"I'm guessing it didn't go well." Mouth says.
"I thought about you the whole night," Brooke says. "And it's then I realized I was still in love with you."
"I love Sarah." Mouth tells her. "You told me long distance couldn't work. It was either I move out there or nothing. And I wasn't ready to do that. You were selfish, Brooke. You chose New York over me, and there was no wiggle room from you for compromising. So I found someone else, and I'm glad I did."
"I'm sorry." Brooke says. "I put my clothing line and success and potential fame about you. That was a mistake. One I wish I could take back."
"Your friend is in there right now having a baby." Mouth tells her. "Why don't you go in there and be there for her, instead of regretting the past?"
Mouth stands up.
"It's late." Mouth says. "Sarah and I are gonna take off. Tell Rachel we wish her the best."
"OK." Brooke nods. "There really is no chance for us again?"
"No." Mouth says. "Goodbye, Brooke Davis."
Brook gets up to go to Rachel's room. Mouth walks, turning the corner. There is Sarah, as he puts her arm around her.
"Lets go to bed." Sarah says. "I'm so tired."
Scene 8
Hospital. Rachel's room. Rachel is in there about to have the baby. The doctor is helping the baby out. Nathan is holding Rachel's hands.
"Come on, Rachel." Nathan says. "Just a little more. Push. Push. Push."
"Shut up. Shut up. Shut up!" Rachel says, annoyed.
"Just a little more, Rachel." The doctor says. "I can see your baby's head."
"Aw." Rachel says sweetly. "OK. A little more. I can do this."
Rachel pushes as hard as she can. As a few moments passes, the doctor finally takes the baby out, as the nurses wraps him up and hands him to Rachel.
"Here you go, Ms. Gatina." The nurse says handing her the baby. "Your now a proud new mother of a baby boy."
"Mr. Scott," The doctor says. "Your friends can come in now."
Nathan goes out the door. Moments later, Lucas, Haley, Peyton, Nathan, Jamie, and Brooke walk in.
"I'll let you visit with your frriends for a few minutes." The nurse says, picking back up the baby. "We just have to go get him cleaned up and good things like that." The nurse exits with the baby.
"How do you feel?" Brooke asks.
"Like I just had a baby." Rachel smiles. "Oh, Peyton. You're going to love this. I mean, not the actual delivery part because all the hyped up pain is very, very true. But afterwards, that moment when you're handed your new baby---it'll all be worth it."
"Wow, Rachel." Haley says. "Having a kid has really seemed to---change you."
Peyton smiles, leaning up against Lucas.
"This isn't so far away for us." Peyton says.
"Right around the corner." Lucas smiles, as he turns to Nathan. "So, Nate. When are you and Hales having your second one? Jamie told me he wanted a brother or sister."
"I did not!" Jamie says.
"You didn't?" Lucas asks.
"No!" Jamie tells him.
"Oh." Lucas says. "My bad. I must've heard wrong."
"Lets get off this subject, huh?" Nathan asks. "I already have two kids."
"Oh." Lucas says. "That's right. I'm such an idiot. Jamie, you already have a little brother."
"I do?" Jamie asks.
"Yeah." Lucas says. "He was just born."
"Wow." Jamie says. "That is so cool. Where is he?"
"The nurses just took him to get cleaned up." Lucas says. "He should be back soon."
"Yeah." Rachel nods. "I actually have the same question. Where did they take him anyway? I just got him and they take him away."
"Well, honestly," Peyton begins. "They probably went to do the circumcision."
"They do that now?" Rachel asks. "Oh, gosh. I signed the papers, but I just figured they did that on his first check-up." Rachel laughs at her lack of knowledge.
Haley goes over to Rachel and begins whispering.
"We didn't do that to Jamie." Haley whispers, shrugging. "Anyway, you sure you're feeling OK? Do you need anything? Ice chips, water, anything at all?"
"Gee, Hales." Lucas says. "Smothering her much?"
"Hey." Haley says. "I know what it's like to be in that bed having just had a baby, and pushing, sweating, and being tired for twenty hours and feeling really, really, thirsty afterwards."
"Thanks, Haley." Rachel smiles. "I'm fine, though. Thank you all for being here, by the way."
"Of course." Nathan says. "So how long do you have to stay?"
"Well," Rachel begins. "Everything's fine with the baby and me, so we can go within the next day. I guess back to your place?"
"Absolutely." Nathan says. "You're not going to live alone with a newborn. Stay with us, it's no problem."
Scene 9
Two Days Later. New York City. C Over B. Brooke is walking around checking all of the inventory and dresses being made, etc. Tiffany comes and finds her.
"Brooke," Tiffany begins. "There's a group interview going on downstairs. How many people do you want us to hire?"
"Enough, Tiff." Brooke says. "Make your best call. OK? How many times do I need to tell you, you're the manager I hired to basically run the store itself. Hire, fire employees. Do schedules. Gives breaks. That kind of stuff. You know, the dirty work. I'm up here doing the behind the scenes work. Remember? I don't get my hands dirty. I make the important calls, since, after all, this is my company. Remember? So just make your best call and stop bugging me for every little detail."
"It's a wonder what my brother sees in you." Tiffany says.
"That is a wonder." Brooke nods. "What's also a wonder is why I even went out with him in the first place. I came to the city to make it big and that's what I'm doing. I don't need men. I just need my clothes. Now if you're done playig freaking Dr. Phil slash cupid, then get down stairs and do your job."
"OK." Tiffany says. "OK." She walks to the elevator. "Mrs. Scrooge." She steps onto the elevator.
Brooke looks away and sighs heavily.
"Ms. Davis." A nearby worker says. "How's this dress look? Too short, small, big?"
"Looks like one of my dresses." Brooke says. "But, oh, that mannequin is not going down stairs. The shapes, curves, it's not realistic. Replace it now, or I'll replace you with a qualified worker." Brooke walks away.
Cut To:
Tree Hill High. Haley's classroom. Josh, Anna, and the other basketball player, Jeff, is sitting together.
"So," Haley begins. "Last time I saw all of you I assigned an essay that was due today. I assume you all of that done, yes?"
Josh raises his hand.
"Yes, Josh." Haley calls on him. "You have it done?"
"Yes, ma'am." Josh nods.
"OK." Haley says. "Then come present it to the class. Just focus on the main points." Haley goes over to his desk. "Get up. For the next few minutes, you're the teacher. And I'm the student."
"Alright." Josh says standing up and going to the front. Haley sits down in Josh's seat.
"OK, class." Josh says. "Class dismissed!"
The class laughs.
"No, no." Haley says. "Present your essay for real, or fail."
"Fine." Josh says. "Um. I wrote on the game of basketball, and why I love it. I love the game because I'm good. It's the one thing that gets me away from my life, classes, and problems. I think all of you should give basketball a try, and the reasons are three-fold. It's great exercise. You run so much in the game, and hardly realize it because it's so much fun and it's so easy to get wrapped up in scoring and all that. Basketball teaches teamwork and working together. No matter how good you are, you're not going to be able to score and win in a real game if you play selfishly and don't know how to work with your team mates. Lastly, basketball gives you confidence. Well, if you're good that is. You don't have to be a straight A student. But if you're good at basketball, it gives you something to be the best at. To excel in. I love the game. I really do."
Haley and the class claps. Josh hands Haley his essay on the way back to his seat. Haley gets up and goes to the front.
"Very nice, Josh." Haley says. "Who's next?"
"I'll go." Anna says, standing up, still with her nose wrapped up.
"OK." Haley says, as she sits in Anna's seat and Anna stands in front.
"My essay was on the dangers of bullying and why it's wrong." Anna says. "You see my nose everyone? Get a good look at it. I know, it's not attractive, but it was the result of bullying. Bullying hurts people, physically and emotionally. And bullying can leaves scars. Again, physical or emotional ones. You may think it's funny when you see someone getting bullied, but I can tell you the bullied person carries it with herself, --- or himself, for a long time. Bullies are nothing but insecure people who have to try and make themselves feel better by putting down others. I've talked about how bullying an hurt and cause scars of all kinds, and break body parts, too."
The class chuckles a little at her nose joke.
"But," Anna begins again. "Bullying can also cause death."
The class looks serious. Haley looks nervous.
"Bullying has been the cause of death and violence in schools across the country." Anna informs them. "But, even more, bullying's been the cause of death at our very own Tree Hill High. Most recently, it's been the cause of death for one of our students, and for one of our student's fathers. Even before you or I were even in high school, this was a problem. Six years ago," Anna begins.
Haley stands up.
"That's enough, Anna." Haley stops her.
"But I'm not done." Anna says
"Yes. You are." Haley says. "You know the rules. Anyone who discusses the school shooting has to go see Principal Turner. I'm sorry. It's my job to follow his rules."
Haley goes back to the front, and takes Anna's essay.
"You may have to do this over again," Haley begins. "On a more suitable topic."
Anna leaves the class room.
"So, anyway," Haley begins. "Who's next?"
Scene 10
Nathan/Haley's apartment. Rachel is on the couch. Nathan walks out from the bedroom, and sits next to Rachel.
"He's down for his nap." Nathan says. "I forgot how much babies sleep."
"Thanks again for letting me stay here, Nathan." Rachel says.
"Rachel," Nathan begins. "It's really no problem at all. He's me son, after all. Stay as long as you need. And you really don't need to thank us everyday."
"I just feel like I've done nothing but cause trouble in this town," Rachel says. "And despite all of that, you guys are still so nice to me."
"if you're talking about high school," Nathan begins. "Then that's exactly that. Just high school. We all did things in high school we aren't proud of. I may have an even bigger list of regrets than you back then. As for the last year, well, it wasn't all you. It took two people to break up you and Mouth. You and Cooper. It took two people to make that baby. Me and you. See, nothing's just your fault. So just stop being so hard on yourself."
"Well, I'm glad one good thing came out of that night." Rachel says. "Jamie got a little brother."
"Who knew forgetting to put on a condom could result in that, right?" Nathan asks, chuckling.
"It's quite amazing." Rachel nods.
"Actually, that's how Jamie was born." Nathan remembers. "Haley wasn't on birth control, and we forgot to wear a condom. Two of the most beautiful accidents in this world."
Cut To:
Tree HIll neighborhood. Lucas and Cooper are standing outside a house in front of a movie van.
"I can't believe you're moving into a house so quick." Lucas says.
"That's the great thing about being rich." Cooper smiles. "You can start a new life whenever you want."
"For once in my life," Lucas begins. "I don't want to change a thing."
"If I had your life, I wouldn't either." Cooper admits.
"Yeah." Lucas says. "Nathan told me you wanted to start a family."
"Yeah. It's funny." Cooper says. "My nephews who are over ten years younger than I am are further along in their lives."
"Family wise, maybe." Lucas says. "But no one's perfect."
"Yeah. OK." Cooper says. "You and Nathan both have beautiful, loving, loyal wives. Nathan has a great son. You have two on the way. Yeah. That's not perfect."
"Hey, Coop." Lucas says. "You should've seen me and Peyton last year. Guy drama every month it seemed. Taking breaks here and there. Brooke confessing her love for me. We ended up kissing. There was a brief time when I thought it was over with me and Peyton. And Nathan and Haley, well, they're always going through something. It was mostly Rachel last year."
"Wow." Cooper says. "When you put it that way..."
"Yeah. Exactly. See?" Lucas asks. "Our lives may look perfect now and, sure, they're damn good from where I'm standing, but you should've seen the hell we went through to get here. Haley and Nathan are still going through a lot, with Nathan's drinking, injuries, everything."
"Yeah." Cooper says. "I actually noticed that. I'm worried about him."
"Is that why you're moving back to Tree Hill?" Lucas asks. "To look after Nathan."
"Partly, yeah." Cooper admits. "But I got to admit, I love it hear. This is my home."
"Because this is where Deb lived her whole life?" Lucas asks.
"Exactly." Cooper says. "And it's where you and Nathan live now."
Lucas smiles, they hug.
Scene 11
Recording studio. Peyton is listening to a local band play who wants to play for TRIC.
"Stop!" Peyton shouts, as she presses the intercom button. "Stop that noise."
"Man," The lead band member says. "It's called music, lady.
Peyton waves him back in her side of the room. The guy goes out his door and into her part of the room on the other side of the sound glass. Peyton hits the intercom button so no one else can hear them.
"Right now," Peyton begins. "You guys suck. And there's no way you're playing for TRIC unless you change a few things. A lot of things."
"We ain't changing." The lead member says.
"Well," Peyton begins. "Then you ain't playing my club, either."
The guy shrugs. He pulls out a smoke and lights up.
"Are you kidding me?" Peyton asks gesturing toward the 'no smoking' sign. "And besides, I'm pregnant!"
"I don't pay attention to signs." The guys tells her.
"Put that out right now or you'll never play in this town again." Peyton threatens him. "Trust me. I have connections. I can make it happen."
The guy puts it out.
"Satisfied?" The guy asks. "Now, what do we need to be playing TRIC?"
"You really wanna know?" Peyton asks. "Because I'm all about brutal honesty."
Cut To:
Nathan is fixing him and Rachel something to eat. Rach stands up and goes to the kitchen to talk to Nathan.
"Honestly, Nathan," Rachel begins. "I can't stay here permanently."
"You'll get your own place in Tree Hill eventually." Nathan says.
"I don't wanna live in Tree Hill forever." Rachel tells him. "I already called my parents. They're driving here right now and they'll be here tomorrow. I'm going with them, stay with them for awhile."
"You're taking a newborn on a cross-country road trip?" Nathan asks. "What's the rush?"
"I talked to my doctor." Rachel says. "As long as we stop once in awhile, he'll be fine. I never wanted to live here for good. I only out here for Mouth, and, well, that's over. No reason for my to stay here anymore."
"No reason?" Nathan asks. "How about the fact that you just gave birth to my son? That our son's brother is here, too. His father. That's not good enough reasons to stay?"
"Lets gets something straight, Nathan." Rachel says. "You, Haley, and Jamie are a family. In fact, you're the perfect, cookie-cutter image of what a family should be."
"Hardly." Nathan disagrees.
"Anyway, still," Rachel begins. "My son and I are a separate issue. We're not apart of the Scott family. And we both know it. It's time we start admitting it."
Nathan sighs.
Scene 12
Cooper and Lucas are carrying in a couch.
"Where do you want it?" Lucas asks.
"Uh," Cooper looks around. "Right here's good."
Lucas and Cooper set it down lightly, against the wall.
"You wanna take a beer break?" Cooper asks.
Lucas laughs.
"Already?" Lucas asks.
"Hey." Cooper says. "I'm no spring chicken like you anymore."
"Alright." Lucas says. "I'll take a cold one for a few."
"That's the spirit." Cooper tells him, as he goes to his fridge and takes out two beers. He walks back over to the couch, and hands one to Lucas. The guys sit down.
"I'm thinking we should've brought in the T.V. before we took our beer break." Lucas says.
"That would've been smart." Cooper realizes. "So, how's the job at the school going?"
"I like it." Lucas says.
"More than coaching?" Cooper asks.
"Basketball's always been a big part of my life," Lucas begins. "And I think because of that I just thought I would want to do something basketball related for a career. But I found my true callings. Writing and helping high school aged students with their problems. This year is the first one in my whole life that I've lived without basketball."
"How do you like helping those kids?" Cooper asks.
"It's wonderful." Lucas says. "I get to help them with small problems, sometimes they just need to talk to someone about anything. And other times, I can tell I'm helping someone who reminds me of Jimmy Edwards. Helping the bullied students, talking with the bullies, it feels great to make a difference in their lives."
"God, I'm so proud of you." Cooper tells him. "You remember that day on the river court when we talked right before Haley and Nathan renewed their vows?"
"Yeah." Lucas says. "You told me basketball wasn't everything."
"Yeah." Cooper says. "I told you the world would keep spinning, the sun would keep rising, even though one door has closed, a new one would bound to open some time soon. And that you would be OK, with or without basketball."
"I am so glad you're living here now." Lucas says. "With my mom, Keith, Deb---Dan, all gone, it feels good to have more family nearby."
"You know, Lucas," Cooper says. "For several years we didn't have a relationship because things with your and Nathan's families were so awkward and complicated. I'm really glad you and Nathan were able to break away from all of that, and make a new legacy for the Scott family."
"We pretty much owe it all to Haley." Lucas says.
Scene 13
Tree Hill High. Josh and Jeff are waiting outside the office. Anna suddenly walks out, as they begin walking together.
"What did Turner say?" Josh asks.
"He suspended me for a week." Anna tells them.
"What?" Josh asks.
"For doing an essay on bullying?" Jeff asks.
"So," Josh says. "Essentially this jerk off suspended you for doing your homework."
"Yeah." Anna says.
"Look,"Jeff begins. "We're not gonna let him get away with this."
"Yeah." Josh agrees. "We gotta get like a petition going. We'll get a bunch of students to sign to get you back into school. With two jocks and a senior girl, we can get anyone to sign it."
"A senior girl who everybody sees as scared." Anna adds. "Whatever. It's only a week. I'll just hang out with Lucas."
"Lucas?" Josh asks.
"Mr. Scott." Anna says. "The counselor. He told me to call him Lucas now."
"Wow." Jeff says. "You two are getting friendly awfully fast."
"Oh, yeah." Anna rolls her eyes. "I'm thinking about asking him to prom. Stop being so dumb, you guys."
Anna walks in front of them.
"Hey. We were kidding." Josh says.
"Fine." Anna says. "I know. I mean, it's not like he's even that much older than me. You know? I'm almost eight teen."
"Uh, yeah." Josh says. "Anyway, lets the three of us go to the movies tonight. Alright? We can see that new I Am Legend."
"Cool." Jeff nods. "Lets call Mia to come along, too."
"You got a little crush on her, Jeff?" Anna teases.
"No!" Jeff says.
""Jeff and Mia sitting in a tree..." Josh begins.
"Oh." Jeff says. "That's real mature."
Scene 14
That night. Haley/Nathan's apartment. Lucas knocks on their door. Nathan answers.
"Is, uh," Lucas begins. "Is Haley home?"
"Yeah." Nathan says. "Hold on."
Nathan walks away. Moments later, Haley walks to the door.
"Lucas, hi." Haley smiles. "What's up?"
"Can we talk out here?" Lucas asks.
"Um." Haley says. "Sure." Haley closes the door. "What's this about, Luke?"
"Did you send Anna to Turner's office today for writing an essay on bullying?" Lucas asks.
Haley sighs.
"Yeah." Haley nods. "So I take it you talked to Anna."
"She called me." Lucas says. "Why would you do that? I mean, you knew what she's going through. And as far as she said, their were no restrictions what she could write about for the essay."
"That's right." Haley says. "But, Lucas, Turner makes the rules. He said any students who talks about that day needs to go talk to him. The talking about bullying wasn't a problem. It's when she brought up the school shootings."
"Hales, Turner's rule is crap and you know it." Lucas says.
"That maybe so." Haley says. "But he's still the boss. He's not just the boss over the students, Luke, he's the boss over us. We have to listen to his orders."
"It's called standing up for what you know is right." Lucas tells her.
"Come on, Luke." Haley says. "She got a week's suspension. Not expelled. It's not the end of the world."
"But it also isn't fair." Lucas says. "That poor girl was so upset in my office, crying even, talking about getting bullied, about being afraid to come to school because of last April, and what do we do when she finally expresses those feelings to the class? We punish her for it, and make her write the essay over. An essay that's probably an A paper, by the way."
"I'll grade the paper she wrote if it'll make you feel better. OK?" Haley asks. "But, Luke, this notion you have that you think you can over rule the principal of the school, no matter what the reason, has to stop. Believe it or not, there are other counselors that he would get. Is this girl really worth losing your job over?"
"That's not gonna happen." Lucas says. "You know, I've known Turner for years."
"That doesn't matter, Lucas." Haley says. "This isn't high school anymore, Lucas, do you get it? We're not protected by the real world and everything that comes with that anymore. If you keep defying Turner with his rules he could very weel find a replacement for you. Just be careful, Luke. That's all I'm saying."
"I'm a counselor, Haley." Lucas says. "And by that, I'm there to help the students with their lives. Not to agree on everything Turner decides on, especially when it's as ridiculous as this rule. Good night, Haley." Lucas walks away.
Scene 15
Lucas/Peyton's apartment. Peyton is watching television and going for some band's profiles. Lucas walks in and sits next to her.
"How was your day?" Peyton asks.
"Alright." Lucas says. "Cooper is all moved in."
"That's pretty cool he's living in Tree Hill now." Peyton says.
"Yeah. Good to have more family in town." Lucas says.
"Oh, I'm not enough?" Peyton jokes.
"What do you got there?" Lucas asks gesturing to her paperwork.
"Work stuff." Peyton replies. "I gotta get three more bands for this weekend."
"Peyton," Lucas begins. "I told you. You shouldn't be working when you're pregnant. You're carrying two lives in there. Take it easy."
"Lucas," Peyton begins. "It's not like I'm a CEO of a big corporate company. I'll be fine."
"OK." Lucas drops it. "Just don't over do it."
"So tell me more about your day." Peyton tells him.
"Oh, wait til you here this." Lucas says. "Anna got suspended for a week for writing an essay on bullying on that school shooting. And, you know, I would expect that from Turner. But guess who's the one who sent Anna to Turner's office? Haley."
"Well," Peyton says. "She's just doing her job, and following Turner's rules."
"Don't tell me you agree with this stupid rule." Lucas says.
"Of course not." Peyton says. "But Turner is yours and Haley's boss, isn't he?"
"Alright. You sound like Haley." Lucas says. "Change topics, please."
"Alright alright, mister grouch." Peyton smirks at him. "Jeez."
Scene 16
The next morning. In front of Haley's/Nathan's apartment. Rachel is holding her baby in the car seat, waiting for her parents to arrive. Nathan, Haley, and Jamie ar standing by her, too.
"You got everything?" Nathan asks.
"Yeah." Rachel nods. "I tripled checked."
Rachel's parent's car pulls up.
"That's my ride." Rachel says, looking down at her son. "Are you ready, sweetie?"
"I still can't believe you're a mother." Haley admits. "Even more shocking, I think I'm actually gonna miss you."
Haley and Rachel hug.
"And I know this little guy," Haley says rubbing Jamie's head. "Is gonna miss his little brother. You wanna say goodbye to him?"
Jamie walks over to the car seat and gives his little brother a kiss on his fore head. Everyone says, "Aw."
"Take care of my boy for me, Rachel." Nathan tells her. "Take care of yourself, too."
"Same goes for you, Nate." Rachel says. "And take care of your wife." Rachel winks. "Well, I should be going. Tell Brooke I said I'll miss her."
Nathan nods. Rachel opens the car door, Nathan puts the car seat in for her. And then helps her in.
"And tell Mouth goodbye for me." Rachel adds. "I'll miss him. But don't tell him that when Sarah's around."
Nathan chuckles. Rachel's parents begin to pull out of the driveway. Nathan, Haley, and Jamie all wave goodbye. Rachel and her parents wave goodbye from the car.
"Goodbye, Nathan Jr." Nathan says, waving to the car.
The car pulls away, as Rachel looks behind herself at the three Scotts still waving.
"You gonna be OK?" Haley asks.
Scene 17
Tree Hill High. Josh and Jeff are standing in the hallway holding a clip board with a piece of paper and pen attached. Lucas walks in and sees them, stopping to talk.
"What are you guys doing?" Lucas asks.
"Getting signatures to lift Anna's suspension." Josh says.
"Like a petition." Jeff adds.
"Exactly like that, you goof." Josh says.
"How many signatures do you have?" Lucas asks.
"Thirty." Josh says. "We just started this morning."
"I think most people are just signing to get us off their backs when they walk by." Jeff thinks.
"Hey, signatures are signatures," Josh says. "No matter how you get them."
"That's it." Lucas says. "You guys just gave me a great idea to get Anna's suspension lifted."
"Uh, hello?" Josh says. "We already have a great idea for that. The petition!"
"Listen, Josh." Lucas says. "Do you think you can get all those thirty people and more to the auditorium in fifteen minutes?"
"Uh. Yeah. Maybe." Josh says.
"Great." Lucas nods. "I'm gonna have Turner there in twenty minutes, and as many teachers as I can, too."
"But, wait." Josh says. "What's the plan?"
"You'll see." Lucas walks down the hall.
Cut To:
Auditorium. There's forty students in there, with Josh and Jeff. There are twelve teachers standing along the back wall. Lucas enters the doors with Turner.
"What's this about, Scott?" Turner asks.
"Just stand over there with the teachers." Lucas says. "I'm making an announcement."
Lucas goes up to the stage and begins speaking into the microphone.
"Good morning everyone." Lucas announces. "You all probably know me as the ex-basketball coach, Mr. Scott. This year, however, I'm the counselor of your school. I think all of you have signed that petition that Josh and Jeff handed out, to get Anna's suspension lifted. You hear that, Turner? Forty-two students have signed there names saying they think Anna's suspension was unfair and that you should lift it and let her return. For those of you who don't know, Anna was suspened because she wrote an essay regarding the school shooting of last year. Obviously, a lot of people agree with me that that was indeed an unfair decision on Turner's part."
Turner goes up to the stage and steals the microphone from Lucas.
"This is insane." Turner says. "You really think a bunch of student's signatures are gonna make me change my policy?"
"I wasn't counting on it." Lucas says. "That's why I have a back-up. Along that back wall are twelve of your teachers who are very willing to go on strike if you don't lift Anna's suspension. And you an count a thirteeth teacher to that list. Me."
"You have got to be kidding me." Turner says. "Over a week?"
"It's the prinicple of it all." Lucas explains.
Haley walks into the auditorium.
"Make that fourteen, Luke." Haley calls out.
"Mrs. Scott," Turner begins. "You're actually apart of this insanity?"
"No." Haley says. "But I was. I used to stick up for you no matter what rule you ordered out. That was the insane part. But, see, then I remembered a time when you weren't going to let me deliver my valedictorian speech at my graduation. Something that I had worked so hard at for four years. And the reason you weren't going to allow me to give my speech had nothing to do with me. But I remember there was one person who stuck up for me, who actually got through to that stubborn skin of yours. My husband, Nathan Scott. He stuck up for me then, and now I'm sticking up for Anna, because it's the right thing to do. So if you want to keep Anna suspended, then you mightaswell close down the school for awhile. Because we fourteen employees aren't going to stand by that choice."
Everyone claps in the room. Turner doesn't but he looks as if he has been pursuaded. Lucas and Haley look at each other. Lucas smiles at Haley and mouths the words, "Thank you." Haley smiles back.
Scene 18
Voice over: (Lucas Scott) ---
"Stand up for what you believe in. Let no one push you around, walk all over you, or take you for granted, Because when and if you do, you're letting yourself fail a little. You're not being true to yourself or all you can be. Today, my friend Haley got a lesson in that."
"I'm proud of you, Hales." Lucas smiles, putting his arm around her. "For what you did back there."
"Thanks." Haley looks down, sadly.
"What's wrong?" Lucas asks.
"I'm just worried about Nathan." Haley says. "Rachel and the baby left today. And he's been kind of going back to his bad ways lately. I fear what his new son's absense is going to do to him."
"He really needs to get his life on track." Lucas says. "Every time it seems like he's taking twenty steps forward, he ends up taking a hundred steps back."
"Maybe Cooper can get some sense into him." Haley says. "Lord knows I can't."
"That's actually why he moved back to Tree Hill." Lucas says.
Cut To:
New York City. Brooke's cell is ringing. She picks it up.
"Hey." The person on the other end says. "It's Bryan. Tiffany's brother."
"Oh..." Brooke says. "Hi."
"Well," Bryan begins. "I was wondering if you'd like to get together again."
"Look, Bryan." Brooke says. "You're a really nice guy, but I'm not looking for anything related to guys. In fact, I'm perfectly happy with my clothing line and working on Clothes Over Bro's. I'm sorry. I'm just kind of straying of guys for ahwile."
Brooke hangs up. It's shown now that she is working.
Cut To:
WECT station. Mouth is walking up to the news podium where Rhonda is already sitting.
"So," Month begins. "No more of that flirty stuff, right?"
"I'll try to contain myself." Rhonda says, as she winks at Mouth. "But I can't make any promises."
"I guess I'll take it." Mouth shrugs, as he sits down and the cameras begin rolling.
Sarah stands behind the camera, watching Mouth work.
"Hello. I'm Marvin McFadden and this is Rhonda Ray." Mouth smiles. "And you're watching the evening news." Mouth catches Sarah in his eye, and smiles at her, as she smiles back.
Cut To:
Nathan/Haley's apartment. Nathan is sitting on the couch with a bottle of vodka. He is looking at pictures of Rachel and pictures of his newborn son. Haley and Jamie walk in holding a board game. Nathan quickly puts the vodka in a paper bag nearby.
"Hey." Nathan greets them.
"Jamie wants to playLife." Haley says, glancing at the pictures in front of Nathan. "He wants you to play, too."
"Please, Daddy?" Jamie asks holding the game.
Nathan smiles.
"Sorry, buddy." Nathan declines. "Daddy's a little busy right now."
"Nathan---" Haley begins to protest.
"Not now, Hales." Nathan says, as he stands up, picks up the paper bag, and walks to his bed room, closing the door behind him.
Jamie looks saddened. Haley begins to set up the game.
"Hey," Haley smiles. "We'll play. It's more fun with two people anyway. OK. Do you want to go to college---or be a bum and skip it?"
Jamie laughs. Haley puts on a smile for Jamie. The two of them begin to play the game.
Cut To:
Nathan's bed room. He turns on some music pretty loud and takes a big gulp of the vodka. He looks at his new born son's picture again and yells loudly.
Angle change: From the wall's point-of-view looking at Nathan. Nathan throws the vodka bottle against the wall, and as it shatters into pieces, everything goes black.
END OF CHAPTER.