Chapter Thirty-Four
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Have you ever considered what your last words would be to your loved one if you were about to lose them? Have you said it aloud? Loud and clear before they slipped away right before your eyes?
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Peyton found herself wondering only for a second if the time she spent making love to him in that storage room, showing him how much she adored him, saying how grateful she was to him, was enough. If it was enough to express how much Lucas meant to her- because she really didn't know if one word, one sentence, would be the last Peyton would ever get to speak aloud to him. Why was she wondering these things all of a sudden?
The answer
The next thing she saw past Lucas' shoulder was the same drunk man advancing right towards her husband with a sharp blade, and she screamed. "LUCAS!"
Lucas felt the tip of something sharp poke a hole through his shirt and graze his back. Peyton's scream terrified Lucas to no end, and he shot around just in time to see the drunk thrust a long blade right towards him. He only had time to react, grabbing the man's right wrist and pushing back as hard as he could. His black shoes slipped against the gravel underneath him. He held his ground, trying to block out Peyton screaming his name so he could concentrate. He wasn't about to let his wife watch him get stabbed. Luke didn't take his eyes away from the gleaming knife as his muscles burned with effort. He gritted for air through his teeth but it seemed to escape him. He took deep breaths as his heart pounded like a drum when he realized the knife was inches from his chest. He felt the tip of the knife poking through the fabric of the white shirt Peyton had unbuttoned.
If Lucas weakened only slightly the knife would surely puncture his skin. He looked into the man's eyes and saw nothing but pure rabid anger, just like what he had moments ago.
"LUCAS!" There were hot tears falling down Peyton's face and she couldn't register them. In brief flashes she saw her past, present, and future. Luke was engaged in a battle of strengths as he tried to restrain the man and monitor the knife all at once. The man lifted up his left hand to punch Lucas in the face and blood spurted from his nose, to which Peyton flinched and couldn't watch, but couldn't look away at the same time. "No!"
The drunkard, his body heavy and dominating, lunged to punch Lucas in his right eye. Lucas felt the sting instantly and couldn't help but lose step. It was almost as if the alcohol was starting to wear off and the man was becoming less and less clumsy. Drunkard's grimy fingers were wrapped around the handle of the knife as he advanced. Lucas had nowhere to go but backwards. In his haste he tripped over his own feet and fell to the ground. He met Peyton's gaze and the tears falling down her face, and anger ripped through him. The next time he got his hands on the man's throat he would choke the bastard. The man laughed like it was some sort of game before putting force behind his leg and kicking Lucas hard in the chest.
"Stop! Please! Oh, God…" Peyton sobbed, her body shaking. It hurt so bad to see Lucas sprawled on the floor like that, all because he was trying to protect her. She wished she could call the police… but she didn't want to leave Luke behind and return to see him stabbed to death. So she did the next best thing and started shouting for help.
Lucas coughed, gravel flying around him like splattered paint. The pain was blinding but he tried to get back to standing on his feet. When he made an attempt, the man kicked him in the stomach harder, and he crawled into a cocoon. The man grinned in satisfaction, spitting on the ground beneath him.
"Still want to break my neck?"
Lucas blinked, breathing in dirt and grime. His chest burned, his muscles ached from this sick, crazy asshole. "Fuck you." He spit out from where the drunkard hit him in the jaw, blood staining his lips.
The man's eyes turned to steel, his fingers running along the dull edge of the blade. Before he intended on using it, he reached down for his baseball cap to cover his oily hair. In that one-second diversion, the man heard strong frantic footsteps and in a flash was pummeled to the ground by a force twice as strong as he.
"WHAT THE FUCK!" Nathan Scott yelled, putting his whole body behind the assault. He had been walking towards his car to pick up Haley, when he heard his sister-in-law screaming. His stomach flipped and he began sweating as he sprinted towards her. When he got in between another clearing of two parked cars-neither a Mercury Comet- he saw Lucas laying still on the floor and another man with a knife standing over him. That was all he needed to know, and he acted instantly. He had his arm around the man, who was obviously wasted, and heard his legs dragging against the ground. As they both fell, so did the knife. "Who are you!" Nathan screamed, pinning the man against the ground and pressing with all his might against the man's clavicle. The man spluttered desperately as he felt his head being buried against the ground. Nathan looked back to Lucas, who was still unmoving and it fueled his rage. He slammed the guy into the pavement. "What did you do to him?" He punched the man's face three times, his cheek soft against Nathan's fist. When Nathan was out of breath, he abandoned the leech that was helplessly moaning, and crawled towards his brother.
I'll do whatever I have to do to help you through this…
"Luke!" Nathan yelled, seeing how Lucas was faced down. His first instinct was the HCM and he tried not to panic. "Jesus," he muttered when he saw a small spot of blood had leaked through Luke's white shirt.
He gently turned Luke over and heard him groan, and for Nathan that was an immense relief. "Lucas, hey!" Nathan didn't let off until Lucas opened his eyes. Nathan helped him sit up as he himself tried to remain calm. Nathan was seeing what HCM had done to Dan, and there was no way in hell he was going to let it happen to his big brother. He subconsciously observed the rise and fall of Luke's chest. "You scared the hell out of me. You alright?"
"Am I bleeding?" Lucas asked in a daze, his hand automatically going to his chest.
"Barely, I think the guy just nicked you."
"Crazy fuck." Luke coughed just a bit and winced, pain shooting in his chest. "Agh…it hurts to breathe."
Nathan's eyes danced in worry. Shit. "It hurts you to breathe?" he repeated, his mind racing. Heart attack.
Lucas nodded, groaning when pain surfaced by his left rib. "To take deep breaths, yeah."
On instinct, Nathan pressed three fingers down on Luke's left rib, and it felt tender. When Luke cried out, Nathan's suspicions remained. "Ok. Don't quote me but I think you may have a broken rib." He put his arm around Luke's waist to help him stand up. The whole thing was procedural and slow since any sudden movement had him groaning in pain.
"Nathan," Peyton's trembling voice radiated into the air as she vacated from behind the parked Nissan. "The police are on their way." she said, half in a whisper. When her eyes fell upon Lucas, her Lucas, wounded with bruises on his face, she crumbled into tears and went into his arms. She was shaking with sobs to know that she could've lost him.
"It's okay," Lucas told her, his eyes watering. He said it for the both of them. He ran his hand over her back soothingly, held onto her so tightly. She felt him shaking against his chest and it broke his heart. "It's okay Peyton. I'm here. I'm never leaving you in this lot again." He cried out softly and she heard him.
"What? What's wrong!" she supposed she blocked out seeing Lucas unmoving on the ground solely to keep her sanity.
"The guy may've broken my rib," Lucas replied, tears in his eyes when saw Peyton so distraught.
"God," Peyton breathed, realizing she had probably had never been so angry with a worthless stranger. Peyton pulled back and gasped in a breath of air when she saw the purplish bruise on his jaw and how his nose was stained with his own blood. "Your face…" she cried, and this time it was her kissing away his wounds.
"You guys!" Haley shrieked, Brooke and Jullian right by her side. Her eyes darted to Lucas and Peyton and their embrace, to Nathan and how he was breathing deeply and glaring at a stranger who was lying on the floor. She wondered what the hell was taking Nathan so long, so her, Brooke, and Jullian walked through the lot to get to the other end of the club in the hopes of finding him.
"What's going on?" Brooke asked, her heart racing when she realized Peyton was crying.
"Are you all okay?" Jullian echoed, worry etched across his face.
Before anyone could answer, the glaring blue and red lights of a cop car shined over anyone. An ambulance was right behind. Two officers, a man and a woman, climbed out and repeated the same question. After they questioned Lucas and Nathan and put the stranger in handcuffs, the police officers recommended Lucas catch a ride to the hospital in the ambulance.
"I'm going with you," Brooke told Peyton before she climbed into the back of the ambulance. "Don't try and refute me because I'll just follow in your car."
Peyton just nodded, still in a daze. She couldn't believe how quickly a wonderful evening could become unraveled.
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The emergency room at Tree Hill General Hospital thankfully wasn't very busy. The EMT in the ambulance called ahead so they knew Lucas was coming, and they brought him right to an exam table behind a light blue curtain. He sat slightly slouched, trying to take deep breaths but wincing every time he did so. Peyton stood next to him, her tears had finally slowed. She rubbed his back and kissed his temple over and over again.
"You saved me again," Peyton said, her voice breaking.
You're always saving me…
Lucas put his hands on her waist and pulled her a little closer. "I don't regret it. If I had to, I'd do it all over."
Peyton looked at his face. The blood above his upper lip had dried, but the bruise on his jaw was purple and a little swollen. She huffed air of frustration as a tear rolled down her nose.
Lucas' blue eyes flickered. "Please don't be upset with me," he pleaded gently.
"I'm not, I'm scared to death!" Peyton cried, wiping her tears away with her index finger. "You could have gotten killed."
"But I didn't," Lucas said immediately. He brought her left hand to his lips and kissed it softly. "I didn't."
Brooke approached holding two plastic cups of water and handed one of them to Peyton. "What a creep," she scoffed, shaking her head. "I hope they lock him up, I really do." She handed the other cup to Lucas, and when he reached for it, groaned from the pain surging in his chest.
Peyton moaned along with him and ran her hands through her hair. "Where the hell is the doctor?" she asked irritably. Brooke put a comforting hand on her back.
Five minutes later, the pastel blue curtain opened to reveal a man in his early thirties wearing dark blue scrubs with a black stethoscope around his neck. "Sorry to keep you guys waiting. I'm Dr. Carlos Rosario," he introduced. His skin was caramel toned and contrasted nicely with his dark hair and brown eyes. His eyes fell upon the disheveled blonde sitting on the exam table. "Lucas Scott?" he flipped through the chart one of the nurses had partially completed. "As I understand this is from a physical altercation?"
"Yes," Lucas admitted without hesitance. "It was self-defense on my part."
Dr. Rosario nodded. "And the police have been informed, is that correct?"
"Yes."
"Good. So tell me what's going on one more time. You're kicked in the chest and then what?" Dr. Rosario sat on a rolling stool.
"I keep having this constant pain. Right about here," Lucas demonstrated by putting his palm on his left side below his heart.
"Are you in pain when you breathe?"
"When I take deep breaths."
"In the past half an hour after the injury, have you experienced anxiousness, restlessness, or dizziness?"
"Slight dizziness and a little headache, but it's better now," Lucas answered.
Dr. Rosario reached to where Lucas motioned to the pain origins, and pushed in the same place and manner that Nathan had earlier.
"Ow," Lucas breathed through gritted teeth. "It hurts like hell when you push on it."
Dr. Rosario nodded. "It does feel tender. Ok, I want to do a physical exam. I need you to take off your jacket and shirt for me."
Lucas started to do so, but the pain surged through him when he moved. Peyton took over and gently removed the jacket from his shoulders. She then unbuttoned his shirt tenderly.
"You're the wife?" Dr. Rosario asked knowingly as he observed.
Peyton nodded as Lucas ran his hand along her arms in thanks.
Dr. Rosario motioned to Brooke and said, "Well Lucas you had two beautiful women with you, so I didn't know what to think."
"I'm just the good friend," Brooke spoke up. She couldn't help but smile. Dr. Carlos Rosario was damn cute, she decided. If she wasn't married… indeed she was satisfied that her wedding ring didn't stop a handsome man from noticing her and Peyton both. "Best friend," she amended.
As soon as Lucas was shirtless, a wound was visible. There was a purplish, quadrangle shaped bruise on his chest. "There we go," Dr. Rosario confirmed without diagnosing as of yet. It supported his suspicions, however. He placed the ear tips of his stethoscope in each ear, and placed the tunable diaphragm against Lucas' chest. "Deep breaths. I know it hurts." Dr. Rosario then took a listen to Lucas' heart. "It sounds normal. But I saw on your chart that you have HCM," Dr. Rosario said. "When were you diagnosed, Lucas?"
"I was seventeen, I think."
"The nurse should've asked you this already, but have you suffered a heart attack or any related pains in the past six months?"
"No."
"And now with a possible injury to your ribs," Dr. Rosario shook his head. "You know that now I'm legally mandated to send you for a bunch more tests, right? Now it definitely can't be just an x-ray. Couldn't make it easy on me, huh?" he joked.
"Sorry Doc."
Dr. Rosario did a routine check of Lucas' head, neck, abdomen, and spine before sending him to Radiology for a chest x-ray. When they reconvened just about fifteen minutes later, Dr. Rosario diagnosed a bruise on one of Lucas' left ribs. " Luckily, it looks minor so it should heal on its own. I'll give you some ibuprofen to get you through the next few days. Afterwards if you still feel a great amount of pain, let me know and I may prescribe you something stronger."
"Can I give him an icepack of some sort?" Peyton asked, so relieved that Lucas didn't fracture anything.
Dr. Rosario nodded. "Yes, you can put the icepack on his bruise to help with any swelling. Lucas, it's very important for you to take very deep breaths or try and cough at least once an hour for the first few days. Also, I ask that you do not cover or tape the injured area. It increases your risk of getting pneumonia, and parts of your lung can collapse."
"OK." Lucas tried not to get too freaked out by the idea of his lung collapsing. He remembered it happened once or twice to Ella when she was in the NICU, and it was terrifying to just stand by and watch, unable to stop it.
"I have to say that. Don't worry, you're going to be fine. I know you're a regular patient of Dr. Chu but she isn't working tonight, so let me just page for another cardio consult. I know you want to get out of here so I'll do everything I can to keep things moving."
A nurse helped Lucas get into a wheelchair, and Peyton turned to her best friend. "Brooke, I really appreciate you coming along but you should get home. This is probably going to take a while, and it's already late."
"You sure?"
"I'm sure." Peyton opened her clutch for her phone and saw it was nearing 11:30. Her eyes widened. "Shit!"
"What?" Brooke asked, alarmed.
Peyton ran her hand through her hair. "I forgot I have to pick up Ella from her friend's house. I can't believe I forgot! She's probably wondering what happened….great mom I am!"
"Honey, don't be so hard on yourself. Tonight could've been really bad."
At the reminder, Peyton's lips began to quiver. "I know," she whispered, dabbing at her teary eyes.
Brooke grabbed her hand. "But you don't have to worry because Luke's going to be fine, and right now I'm going to pick up Ella for you. She can spend the night at my place."
"You don't have to…"
"I insist," Brooke cut her off. "You and Luke need to rest. I know how badly you want to see her, so I'll just bring her first thing in the morning." Brooke's smile was soft and Peyton was so thankful she had such an amazing friend. Brooke brought her into a hug to say goodbye for the night. "Just call me tomorrow, whenever. Love you," she said over her shoulder.
"Love you too."
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Julie Nowell had just finished loading the dessert plates into the dishwasher, smiling when she heard Ella and Katie laughing together. She was so happy they had finally reconnected after such a long time apart. Julie glanced at the clock on the stove and her worries returned. Peyton was late in picking up Ella, and she was never late. Although Julie didn't mind at all, she still thought it was strange that Peyton didn't even call. To make sure the girls didn't suspect anything, she allowed them to put on their favorite movie, which was now well underway in the living room.
Teddy began barking as a car pulled into the driveway. Julie heard a key turning in the lock accompanied by a jovial whistling. That meant one thing: her husband Mitch was home from a late night at the office.
"Hello everyone!" Mitch greeted when he walked into the room. His black suit jacket was slung over his right arm and covered his briefcase, his blackberry remained clipped to his waist. His black loafers shined and his blue striped tie rested against a white shirt. It was standard attire for his job, being that he worked for the city of Raleigh as an architect. The commute was tiresome but Mitchell Nowell was just the right person for the job. He and Julie met at a bar in Charlotte years ago, and the rest was history. Julie was also an architect and worked from an office in the attic of her home, and she remembers precisely that she fell for Mitchell's charm, his wit, and most likely his accent. Her husband was a Liverpool boy. An Englishman. As he put it once in a magazine interview, "I moved to the States, married an American girl, and now I have a dog and a mortgage."
"Hi Dad!" Katie greeted gleefully, running to hug her father's legs.
Mitch laughed and returned the hug as best he could. He set his briefcase by his chair and his jacket on the coat rack. He saw Ella Scott and he smiled. Something wasn't right without her around. "Ella, so good to see you!" He helped her stand on her feet and looked at her in awe. "I almost can't believe how fantastic you look!"
"Thank you!"
Mitch glanced at the TV screen and shook his head. "Are you girls really watching The Parent Trap again? How many times can you possibly watch one film?"
"It's our favorite," Ella said, sitting back down next to Katie. The girls tried to recite the lines and even tried learning the handshake one summer afternoon.
"Ella is Hallie and I'm Annie, Dad." Katie looked up to her father and smiled. "Wouldn't you say?"
Mitch laughed heartily. If memory served him right, Annie was the England twin. "I suppose." He had heard Katie and Ella call each other sis on more than one occasion. As soon Mitch stepped into the kitchen, Julie gave him a look as he undid his tie. "What?"
"Peyton was meant to pick Ella up an hour and a half ago," she told him in hushed tones.
"Is there a problem?"
"No, it's not a problem at all." Julie crossed her arms. "I just can't help but be a little worried. She's never late to pick Ella up, and she hasn't called either."
"I'm sure there's a perfectly good reason." Mitch's eyes lit up when he saw his wife's delicious apple pie sitting on the counter. He and Julie turned to the phone when it began to ring. "Maybe that's her."
Julie glanced at the caller ID and didn't recognize the number. "Hello?"
"Hi, is this Julie?"
"Yes it is, who's calling?"
"Hi, my name is Brooke Davis. I'm Ella's aunt, I'm calling on behalf of Peyton."
"Oh, of course." Julie had heard many things about Ella's 'Aunt Brooke'.
"Something came up, and Peyton apologizes but she nor Lucas can get Ella tonight. I'll be picking her up instead, I should be there in about twenty minutes. Is that all right? I'm sorry if this may inconvenience you in any way."
"That's perfectly fine," Julie replied, rubbing the back of her neck. "Is everything okay?"
"Everything should be fine. Thanks so much for watching her, I'll be there soon."
The conversation ended before Julie could reply. She placed the phone down and turned to her husband. "Something is definitely up."
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Nathan and Haley walked hand in hand into their home, each taking a deep, exhausted breath. "Damn, it feels like we got to TRIC days ago."
"I know."
When they entered the kitchen, they found Lydia James in a robe, standing by the stove. She turned upon their arrival. "Ugh, I'm so happy to see you guys." She gave her daughter and son-in-law a hug. They wrapped their arms around her gratefully. "How's Peyton? How's Lucas? What did the doctors say?" She ushered the couple to sit across from her by the kitchen counter.
"We don't know yet." Nathan scoffed and added, "You hear so many things about New York City. Luke and Peyton spend more than a month over there and they come back in one piece. They're back in little Tree Hill for a few days and something like this happens."
"It just proves that there's crime everywhere. You really never know." Lydia poured Haley a cup of warm milk. "Matthew had no problem falling asleep. Jamie told me he was going to bed, but he could very well be awake right now."
Nathan laughed. Something he used to do back in the day. He then heard something buzzing, and he realized it was his cell phone. He reached inside the pocket of his trousers and glanced at the screen for the first time since leaving for TRIC. His brows furrowed and concern entered his eyes. "Uhm…"
"What?" Haley asked, leaning towards him.
Nathan looked up towards his wife and mother-in-law. "Audrey called me eight times in an hour." Two voicemails.
Hailey raised her eyebrows and goosebumps rose on her arms. Audrey never called. "Call her back."
Nathan nodded and pressed the send button, putting the conversation on speaker. "Audrey? I'm sorry I missed your calls. Is everything okay?"
"Oh Nathan. Thank God. I've been trying to reach you all night. It's Dan. You need to come to the beach house immediately."
Nathan's stomach doubled over and he looked at Haley, who's hand was pressed to her forehead. "Audrey…"
"Nathan. Listen to me. This is it. It's time. He's barely held on but he's not going to make it until morning."
Nathan's heart was pounding, and Lydia looked horrified. Nathan jumped to his feet and put his jacket on. "Please. Please do everything you can until I get there."
The three adults heard the quick pattering of feet. Jamie had heard the entire thing. Lydia looked over her shoulder and started going towards him.
"Mom, I've got it," Haley said gently. She passed her phone along the counter. "Can you call Lucas for me?"
Lydia nodded. Haley made her way to the stairs while Nathan was fumbling trying to put his shoes back on. He muttered a curse, threw the shoe and started all over again. Lydia sighed, sticking Haley's phone to her ear. She got Luke's voicemail.
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Lucas walked into his bedroom trying to push through the pain burning through his chest. His steps were miniscule as he tried not to upset the injury. He had his arm around Peyton's shoulder but tried not to put too much weight on her as they walked side by side. He eyed the soft blankets on their bed and blinked his tired eyes. "I don't think I've ever felt this exhausted."
"Me either."
Peyton helped Lucas sit on the bedside, watched with soft eyes as he moved ever so slowly and internalized his physical pain-and she knew it was because he didn't want to worry her. He watched with solemn eyes as Peyton's slender fingers undid his white shirt. When she neared his bruise, he winced and breathed pure discomfort, his whole upper body completely tense. "Don't touch it," he begged, almost desperately.
"I won't." She hadn't. She slowed down and was careful not to graze the bruise, just like she had been with Ella after her cast came off and she was so unbelievably sensitive to everything.
Removing the shirt off Lucas' right arm was no problem, and he tried his damn hardest not to shout when he had to twist just a little bit to take the shirt off completely. "A bruised rib hurts like hell," Luke attempted to joke with a breathy laugh.
Peyton's green eyes flashed in hurt and Lucas instantly felt bad about saying it. She placed a kiss on his forehead, ran her fingers through his blonde hair. Lucas leaned into her touch gratefully, breathing her in. "Do you want me to start a shower for you?"
Lucas smiled gently up at her, took her hand in his own. Her skin was soft, her engagement ring and wedding ring sat right next to each other and it made Lucas so happy to see. Those beautiful hands that took care of their baby girl. That took care of him. That worked so hard. "Only if you stay there with me."
They stood bare and secluded in the rising steam of their shower. At one point of another they embraced the memories of the last time they were alone behind a shower curtain: the early morning hours of Ella's surgery day, where they were both petrified and relied on one another to get away from it all. Now, a month and a half later, those feelings surfaced all over again- so they tried to escape under the romantic notion of hot shower water and a shower curtain; where it seemed nobody could touch them, and they could touch no one but one another.
"I guess I can't lift my arms past my shoulders," Lucas said, his comment partly humorous. He was trying to wash his hair but the movement had put too much strain on his injury. He couldn't believe just how much activities of daily living were involved with one's ribs and chest and how an injury could compromise so much.
"Here," Peyton said. She took the bottle from his hands and squeezed some shampoo into her palm. After making it into a lather, Peyton stood tall and began to scrub Luke's hair clean.
Lucas shut his eyes as he felt those beautiful hands massage his scalp, and he put his own hands on the soft skin of Peyton's elbows. He watched her care for him like she always had from the start. Even when she was mind-numbingly upset with him, she still loved him. Even when she felt like they would start throwing things at each other, she would defend him against all she possibly could, to the very end.
Luke kissed her hand. "Thank you," he whispered.
"You're welcome," Peyton said back gently.
Luke's eyes traveled over her body, watched as every single drop of water traveled down her skin. Every sensual curve, every inch was all for him. Now he just had to control himself. He was too busy just looking at her to notice when she covered his neck and chest with soap. Her eyes softened when they fell upon his bruise. She just looked so vulnerable, standing there naked and mesmerizing in front of him and only him, that Lucas was suddenly so angry with himself.
"You're so good to me," he said as he tried to make himself heard over the water. "I'm sorry. This never would've happened if I didn't leave you there."
"Stop," Peyton pleaded softly. Her hair was damp and cling to her face. She stepped closer to him. She couldn't stand when Lucas did this to himself, and it was more often than she liked. She could already tell that tears were threatening to surface already. "That doesn't matter. I'm just so relieved that you're here right now. That you can hold me and kiss me and tell me you love me, and you can hear me when I say it to you. Everything else doesn't matter, because…" Her heart was pounding, and in that one second she thought back to everything Lucas had done for her since the moment they met more than ten years ago. There was a fire burning through her soul and she had never been certain of the following fact: "…Because I'll say it. I'll admit it: I can not live without you."
Lucas' eyes were so soft and he swallowed. He wasn't sure if that deeply touched him, or if it broke his heart. He was trying to survive the invisible wave of intensity that hits the moment (any moment) one acknowledges how much another person cares about them. All in a world where previously one was all alone. All Lucas could do was kiss Peyton's lips forcefully. "God Peyton, come here," he whispered. He gently tugged her to his chest.
Peyton tensed and she grew worrisome. "You'll be in pain."
"Baby you wanted me to hold you, so just let me."
I can't live without you, either.
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Harry Potter had always been Jamie's favorite series. The world was so daringly original, so wonderfully complex, and the characters within it had always been lovable. At least, the good ones had. Tonight, it proved to be another sacred escape for the boy. He could root for Harry, Hermione, and Ron, instead of succumbing to that numb feeling in his stomach. He could be running alongside them along the streets of London, instead of being stuck in his own bedroom, praying, hoping, the sadness wouldn't creep through his door.
Jamie read his Harry Potter book for what must have been the sixth time; he read until his arms ached. He felt the air around him grow stagnant as it suffocated him, and even if he felt like he couldn't breathe, he kept his eyes on the black, crisp letters on the page. He barely noticed his mother walk into his room, didn't want to recognize her sad eyes staring at him from the bedside.
"Jamie," Haley spoke softly, gently. "Can you put the book down for a second?"
Jamie swallowed and slowly closed the book, resting it beside him. He felt a lump in his throat begin to form, his heart begin to pound in his chest; he knew what his mom had come to tell him. Even if he tried to forget it, he knew all about Grandpa Dan. He knew what was coming next. It was too enormous to deny.
"I know you heard what was going on with Grandpa Dan. And I know you love him very much," Haley tried to keep her voice strong, but she couldn't help but feel Jamie's pain as hers, too. "And he loves you. I'm so sorry. But Daddy and I have to head out now," Haley said, softly stroking Jamie's hair. "Grandma Lydia is going to stay here with you and Matthew, and Aunt Quinn might stop by later. Are you going to be okay?"
Jamie's bottom lip quivered, and he could no longer stand the pain that was trying to push him down. "Yeah," he whispered. Before he could stop them, tears had arrived, harsh and raw, pain and relief side by side. The pain washed over him like a crushing tidal wave, and he began to sob. He sobbed the kind of sob that took over his entire body, made his cries silent and loud, and trapped him in a grief he could not escape. He leaned helplessly into his mother's lap, and Haley hugged him hard.
"It's okay," Haley whispered, her voice beginning to break. "It's okay sweetheart."
The cries sent Jamie tumbling, tumbling down. He released shouts of anguish and misunderstanding as he drowned within himself. How could he possibly be okay, when he felt like he couldn't breathe? When somebody he loved was with him one day, and gone the very next, or how about on the same day, by the beach sand? Jamie's world was burning to nothing, and he felt the hot fire licking at his ankles, ready to swallow him up. His cheeks reddened with effort and snot ran down his nose. When he could form words and not choke over them instead, all Jamie said was, "It hurts."
"Jamie, calm down honey," Haley tried even though tears now brimmed her eyes.
"Dad!" Jamie shouted. He heard nothing. "DAD!"
A few more seconds passed, and Nathan's booming footsteps thundered up the stairwell at lightning speed. He walked quickly through Jamie's bedroom door and sat on his other side, saying nothing, yet knowing everything. Nathan brought Jamie into his arms and stroked his hair. "Shh," Nathan whispered, rubbing Jamie's back as he cried. Nathan tried to calm his pounding heart that erupted as soon as he heard his son screaming for him. He couldn't bear to hear it, not ever.
"I just wanted to say I love you, Dad!" Jamie sobbed, holding onto Nathan for dear life, clinging to his father's cotton shirt until his fingers were numb.
"I love you too son," Nathan replied, his voice barely stable as he tried to be as put together as Jamie desperately needed. "I love you too." He held James as long as it took until the boy stopped shaking, until his petrified cries came to a slow.
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"So Luke's going to be ok?" Jullian asked the question while at the same time kept his eyes on the road.
"He'll be fine, thank God," Brooke replied tiredly from her place in the passenger seat. She watched the expanse of road as Jullian turned onto Lucas and Peyton's block.
"Think they'll press charges?" Jullian pulled up to the curb and the car slowed to a stop.
"I'll bet 100 bucks that Peyton doesn't care about that," Brooke said firmly. If she were in the same position, she wouldn't either. Brooke stepped out of the car and walked up to the house directly to the right of Lucas and Peyton's- the one with the green door. She pressed the doorbell and waited patiently.
A moment later, Mitch and Julie Nowell appeared on the other side, concerned glances on their faces. "Hello," Brooke greeted. "I do apologize, I know it's late."
"That's fine," Julie answered. She stepped aside. "Please come in." Brooke stepped over the threshold and Mitch closed the door behind her. Before they stepped any farther into the house, they spoke in hushed tones. "How are Lucas and Peyton doing?"
"They should be fine. There was a situation tonight but it's been handled- Lucas got into a fight with some moron who was a little too close to Peyton."
"Oh my God," Julie and Mitch said simultaneously.
"Thankfully it wasn't bad. They're a little shaken up, which is why I think they want Ella with family right now."
"Absolutely," Julie answered. She motioned for Mitch to lead them into the living room. They entered to see that the movie had ended and that the girls had fallen asleep on the couch, Ella's legs draped over Katie's lap.
The adults softened, and Brooke walked quietly over to the couch. She carefully gathered a sleeping Ella into her arms, but she woke anyway. "Mama…" she said, her eyes adjusting to the light.
"Hi beautiful, it's Aunt Brooke," Brooke whispered, letting Ella's cheek fall on her shoulder.
"Where's Mama?"
"Mommy told me to pick you up. You ready to go to my house with me for a sleepover?"
A little smile tugged on Ella's lips. "Yeah…"
"Good. Mommy's going to come get you first thing in the morning, so don't you worry."
Ella spoke no more, instead smelled her Aunt Brooke's sweet perfume, and fell to sleep again.
-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-
Not too long after Lucas sat on his bedside, hair damp, did he see his phone blinking by the pillow. Very slowly did he reach over for it, and see that he missed a call and had a voicemail. "Haley called me."
"It's late," Peyton stated, frowning. She pulled an old tee shirt over her head and watched as Lucas returned the call.
"Lucas how are you, it's Lydia James."
"Lydia…" Lucas stated partly for Peyton to hear. He raised his brows and swallowed, ushering all terrible scenarios out of his head. "I'm going to be alright. Is everything ok?"
Lydia breathed a long, sad sigh. "Audrey just called. She says Dan's not doing well, that he won't make it until morning and that you and Nathan need to go over to the beach house, immediately."
Lucas' face turned stone cold and suddenly all feeling was nearly gone. "Is Nathan on his way there?"
"He's about to leave."
"I understand. Thank you for letting me know." There was a pause on the other end of the line and Lucas almost thought Lydia had hung up.
"Lucas…you're like a son to me. You know that, don't you?"
"Of course I do. You're my second mom. You've done a hell lot for me."
"You've done a lot for Haley. So I'll always love you no matter what. And I'm relieved to hear your voice."
Soon Lucas hung up the phone and looked at Peyton only once. "It's Dan." The look in his eyes was enough for her to know right away.
"Oh, God." Peyton watched as Lucas tried to stand but pain filled his face. "Luke…"
"I have to go." Lucas said, harsher than he meant to. "I can't just sit here and pretend like that didn't just happen. We're going."
Peyton raised her brows. "When we get back, you're going to bed." Any other day Peyton would've yelled at him for the way he was speaking to her, but she couldn't. Not after she kept seeing that bruise on his chest and the way he would literally do anything to save her. Whenever he used to say "I would kill anyone who'd ever hurt you," Peyton would tell him to stop being so dramatic. But it was clear from tonight he wasn't kidding- it was kill or be killed for her. She couldn't help but think, "Dan has such awful timing."
Peyton didn't mean to make Lucas laugh or even chuckle, but he did. He grasped the gray tee shirt he was going to wear to sleep just ten minutes ago. He held it up and his expression was soft and shy. "Help me with this?" He tried not to think that he was getting dressed to help Nathan say goodbye, and it was all just so surreal.
-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-
September 15th….shortly after midnight
The North Carolina beach waves rolled slowly against grainy sand, the sky soft, grey…nearly in mourning. When Lucas and Peyton opened the door to Dan's beach house, it seemed every movement they made was the loudest. The living room, kitchen, entire bottom floor was empty. Instinctually, the couple made their way upstairs, hands locked together.
When Peyton and Lucas walked through the bedroom, all eyes silently turned to them. There were many: Audrey, Karen, Andy, Deb, Stephen, Haley, Nathan, and lastly, Dan. Even though he was lying flat on his back, even though his eyes shrunk into his head and was surrounded by purplish, blackish skin. His hair was matted in sweat. He said nothing, could not say anything. He simply opened his left palm once, twice. Audrey walked over and grabbed his hand, and then he began moaning, shifting against the pillow. Every second passed and he got more intense.
"Okay, okay…" Audrey whispered, her voice soft and soothing. She sadly removed Dan's oxygen, gently separating the prong from his nose.
Dan's brown eyes flickered weakly from person to person in the room, First, there was Deb. Her hair had grown longer and looked healthier. Her skin was slightly bronzed from trips with her new boyfriend. A wedding ring no longer rested on her finger, yet her expression was somber. But even then, she looked happier than she ever was, could've ever been, with him.
Then, there was Haley. Her hair was light and long, her brown eyes sad. But she had always been strong. Ever since she was sixteen years old and entered Nathan's life for the first time, she had been strong. Even when Nathan put her through hell she stood by him, loved him, supported him. Dan would admit that he was first cynical of her and her worth. But he had never been more incorrect.
Then, Peyton. She stood holding Luke's hand tightly, and her eyes were worrisome and a little heartbroken. Dan didn't really know her that well, still. He always saw her hanging out with Nathan, but then they had a nasty break up and she was subsequently out of Dan's life. There was no more interaction there at all, until Dan heard about his older son marrying her (an event he wasn't invited to attend). He learned about her pregnancy and Ella's CP through Nathan, and even that was a short, curt interaction. Even though he didn't know her well, Dan admired her and loved her, for taking such could care of Lucas when he could not, and for effortlessly and selflessly raising an incredible little girl despite the hand of cards she was dealt.
Dan glanced at Karen third to last. She used to be his…used to be. Dan knew he caused most if not all of her pain. So perhaps he was wrong. Perhaps he had been more incorrect other times of his life. Like when he smothered one son, and abandoned the other.
Dan's two sons had grown into men without him. One achieved his dream of playing in the NBA, the other achieved his dream of becoming a writer. They had amazing families that they cherished, took care of. Something Dan could never learn. They put their families before any success or commodity, something Dan could never learn. They loved, they lost, they let go, they moved on. Something Dan could never learn, and never would.
The last person Dan saw in the room was Keith.
Even though it was getting harder and harder to breathe in air, and Dan's eyelids were heavy, and his feet were getting cold….he knew one thing: taking Keith's life was the biggest mistake he had ever made, and he couldn't blame his sons if they could not let go of that.
The room looked on, watched as Dan began groaning, heaving in air. The pressure was beginning to crush Dan's chest.
Lucas' eyes turned to Nathan, who stood with his eyes wide and lips shaking slightly. When Nathan was just a little boy, when his family only consisted of Mom and Dad, he thought Dan walked on water. He could make a free throw without even looking; he knew everything about the world. He was always right. Nothing ever put him down. He never got sick.
Nathan turned away, shutting his eyes tightly. Lucas could hear the pounding heart all the way from where he stood. His hand wrapped around Peyton's waist, letting her turn into the fabric of his shirt.
"His feet are blue." Nathan whispered so softly, almost nobody heard him. He turned to Audrey, who was the only one holding Dan's hand. "Why are his feet blue?"
"He's losing circulation." Audrey replied softly, her eyes teary. There was another moan, huff of air, gasp for breath…. "It's okay Dan," Audrey said firmly. "It's all going to be okay. We're all here with you."
"Is this it?" Nathan demanded brokenly. His voice was so small.
Audrey nodded even though it broke her golden heart to pieces. "Yes Nathan. This is it."
Dan took one final glance at his sons: his two greatest achievements, always. I love you. I will miss you. And I'm sorry.
A gentle breeze flew in the window, and out again. Dan took one slow breath, and his eyes rolled back into his head. His hand loosened around Audrey's and fell against the bedspread. Heavy silence fell over the room, and they turned to the window…the wind had carried him out.
No one said a word. Five minutes must have gone by, yet no one said a word.
Audrey placed her fingers under Dan's right wrist…still warm to the touch…but there was nothing. She used her stethoscope and listened to his heart, and there was nothing. She waved her fingers across his nose and felt no air. She turned to his family and took a deep breath. "He's gone."
Audrey's announcement broke the air. Yet for Nathan it was still insufferable, and he was the first to run out of the room.
Nathan broke out of the front door and exhaled loudly, stumbling over the gravel. He needed to get the hell out of there. He couldn't watch Audrey pull the sheet over Dan's body. He couldn't listen to her to call the hospital to send some help over. He couldn't do a single thing.
The wind picked up and it made Nathan dizzy and light at the same time. He was empty, completely numb, floating there and back again. His stomach twisted and he bent over in pain. He heard Lucas' voice, but could not make out the words.
"Nathan!" Lucas called, going to his aid even though it hurt to walk. He didn't ask if he was ok, just put his hand on Nathan's shoulder.
Nathan began to heave, the image of his dead father engrained in his brain forever. One second passed and he threw up violently, pink vomit spilling out of his mouth and onto the ground. He continued to throw up until his stomach was empty, until his legs grew weak and he fell against hard stone. The gravel pinched the skin on top of Nathan's hands but he felt nothing. "It's over, Luke." A tear slid down Nathan's nose. "Fuck man, it's all over." He buried his head in his hands. "Now it hurts me to breathe."
Lucas could barely understand that last part as it was masked by more tears. But he said nothing, just slowly lowered to the ground and hugged Nathan tightly. He realized it was the first time ever that his little brother broke down in his arms.
-x-x-x-x-x-
The funeral was the following Friday, on the 22nd of September in the morning. The attendance was not very large and all understood why. On top of a marble pulpit, Whitey Durham delivered a short eulogy. Nathan and Lucas were both hidden by black sunglasses and stood like statues. Jamie was the only child there and cried, glued to his mother's side.
When Lucas and Peyton sat down to tell Ella gently, she cried too; cried her beautiful green eyes out. For days, it seemed she cried- when it was only hours here and there. She needn't an explanation about death and all the angels, it came to her. Seeing Ella so distraught, Peyton began to cry, and Lucas had to take care of both of them. But his biggest concern was Nathan.
It happened more than once. But this time, it was the middle of the night and Peyton was wrapped in Lucas' arms after they made love. She made a promise to herself that after what happened, whatever she had been doing wasn't enough. She'd sleep with him more often, cook his favorite foods, visit him at work, hug him, talk to him about anything, ever. She held his hands, listened to his heart. She was patient and slowly tried to get him to talk about it. And he would, most days. He simply told her that Dan had been dead to him for a very long time now.
"Are you ok?" Lucas whispered to her in the middle of the night, as he held her. He kissed her shoulder. The night had been amazing, just like all of their nights together. He saw that she was still awake after moving her hair away from that pretty face.
"I'm worried about Ella," Peyton admitted. It was the first night she wasn't sleeping in their bed because of the nightmares.
"If we don't hear her yelling for us, it's good news. She's strong."
"Yeah, she is."
Luke's hand traveled to the side of Peyton's neck and she got chills. She reached up to kiss him in the darkness, bringing her arms around his back. All they heard was one another, the way they breathed in sync to break the silence surrounding them. Luke's hands roamed her body with the same passion he had when he had first been with her that night in Honey Grove. They were just kids, but he adored her, respected her just as much as he did right now. She still held the same purity in his eyes, and was still just as amazing when she was vulnerable. After so long of being hidden, Peyton was vulnerable with him in every sense, and Luke would never, ever, take it for granted.
"Ow," Luke breathed against her lips when his chest surged in pain.
"Sorry," Peyton answered quietly, running a hand over his cheek. Poor thing.
"Hold on," he said, and he rolled off of her and onto his side. He felt the cold air in between them both and he hated it, so he pulled her to cuddle against him. It was so warm under the sheets with her, and the world outside was quiet. So quiet that noting else existed.
Their kissing was broken when Luke heard his phone ringing. Any other time he would've ignored it, but he knew a call this late at night was never good. The last call he got this late, he found out about Dan. So, he relunctantly turned toward their nighttable and reached blindly towards the vibrating noise.
"Don't answer it," Peyton begged, wrapped her arms around his waist and kissed his neck.
Luke stifled a groan before looking at the phone screen. "It's Haley," he said, and immediately his alarms went off. He sat up and flicked on the light, and Peyton watched anxiously. "Hales?"
"Luke, I'm sorry. I'm sorry but it's happening again. Nathan still isn't home and I have no idea where he is."
Lucas easily heard the nervousness and frantic tone in his best friend's voice. "Ok. Don't jump to conclusions, I'm sure he's on his way."
"Or he could be wasted out of his mind like last time-"
Both Lucas and Peyton were startled when they heard a crash outside their bedroom window. "What the hell was that?" Peyton asked, her heart jumping to her throat.
Lucas sighed. He wasn't sure why, but his instincts were screaming at him that it could only be one person. "Hales, hold on one second, ok?" He put the phone down and moved to get up off the bed. He was stopped for an instant when Peyton put her hand around his wrist.
"Wait," she pleaded. Her eyes looked sad and Lucas understood wholeheartedly. She was still a little traumatized from the incident at TRIC, and he couldn't hold it against her.
"I'm just looking out the window Peyt," he promised gently. He pulled the white bed sheet around his waist and moved behind the curtain. He moved the curtain over with one hand and sure enough, a stumbling figure had fallen into the garbage cans. Lucas squinted to make out the face…dark hair, tall build, muscular physique. Luckily the garbadge cans were under streetlights. He was right. It was Nathan. "Tell Haley I've got Nate," Lucas told Peyton, before quickly putting on boxers and pajama pants.
Luke walked quickly out of the room, down the stairs and out the front door. He ignored the discomfort as his bare feet walked on brick. Turning to his right in the darkness, he walked over to the trashcans and saw that Nathan was sprawled out, knees bent, arms extended. He had a goofy smile on his face, reeked of alchohol and was holding a bottle of Hennessy hidden in a brown paper bag.
"Luke!" Nathan sang. He pointed at him. "I fouuunndddd you!"
Lucas sighed and shook his head. He knelt by Nathan's side and immediately looked for bruises or blood but couldn't see much. He pasted on a smile and put on a familiar act. "What a coincidence Nate, I was looking for you. You okay there?"
"I'm fine." Nathan paused, and pain flashed through his eyes. "My Dad died."
Lucas swallowed. "I know." He almost couldn't believe exactly a week had passed since they buried Dan, and September was almost over.
Nathan tried to aim for the bottle but missed and it spilled all over his shirt. "You…you don't have to do that. We both know…you both know that he was an abusive, son-of-a-bitch," Nathan spat, suddenly angry. "Mother fucker. Fuck him!" Nathan yelled, and Lucas flinched. "He didn't talk about you, you know," Nathan said, blinking, barely understandable. "He didn't love you. He didn't love me either."
Lucas decided not to answer. Instead, he reached for the bottle of Hennessy in Nathan's hand gently. Nathan gave it up with no struggle. Lucas poured out the entire bottle and heard the liquid splashing on the asphalt.
"Hey!" Nathan protested.
Lucas ignored him, and carefully put his arm around Nathan's shoulder to lift him off the floor. Nathan's converse slipped, but Lucas held him up and they walked slowly towards the house.
"Where are we?" Nathan slurred, whipping his head from left to right. His legs felt like jelly but somehow they were moving.
"We're at my house. You came to see me, remember?" Lucas navigated both of them up the front steps and through the door carefully. "Try not to be too loud."
Nathan nodded enthusiastically and shushed himself. "Hey Luke, did I ever tell you about the Blue Man Group?" he was loud again.
"I think you have." Lucas caught Peyton's sad glance by the stairwell, but he walked past her and towards the guest room.
"Dude, they're blue."
"I can't believe it." Lucas carefully sat Nathan on the bed and threw the cover pillows to the side. He was quick enough to undo the bedding before Nathan fell to the pillows. Lucas carefully set him on his stomach and patted his shoulder. He tried not to get too upset to see his brother so broken.
"I love you man," Nathan said. "You're like a brother to me."
"I love you too, Nate." Lucas took a seat on the recliner by the window, where he was going to spend the night. "Now get some sleep okay?"
Nathan started snoring.
-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-
"Mama!"
A shout from Ella's room had Peyton petrified, and she ran back up the stairs and through the door. She found Ella sprawled on the bed, curled into a little ball and crying.
"What!" Peyton exclaimed, her heart racing. "What's the matter?" She sat by Ella's side and moved damp hair away from her face.
"I miss Grandpa Dan!" Ella wailed, sobbing. Peyton's glance moved to the side and saw Ella was clutching a framed photograph: the very same photograph Karen took of Ella and Dan back in New York City, when he paid a surprise visit. It was the day he later collapsed, and the mess began.
"Oh baby," Peyton soothed, bringing Ella into her lap. "It's OK to miss him." She shook her head. Ella really was so sentimental. Peyton wrapped her arms around her tightly and rocked her back and forth, back and forth, rubbing circles on her back. "Shh," Peyton said gently, trying not to get worried about how affected Ella was by all this. She supposed she cared more about Dan than anyone first thought.
"Don't leave," Ella cried, clutching at her the old shirt her mother was wearing.
"I'm not, I'm going to stay with you," Peyton promised. She gently lay Ella back down on her pillow, and crawled next to her under the covers. Peyton kissed her nose and held her, playfully letting Minnie Mouse kiss her to make her feel better.
Lucas almost ran into the room when he heard Ella sobbing. Without saying a word he walked to Ella's bed and lay down on her other side, kissing her head. "Come on pumpkin pie, no crying," he soothed, bringing his arm to connect with Peyton's. "No crying."
"Daddy don't leave either!" Ella begged, holding his hand. Both parents knew Ella wasn't just talking about leaving the room. She was talking about something much bigger, much scarier than that and it involved history repeating itself. She couldn't bear to even think of it.
"I'm not going anywhere," Lucas said. "You think I'd leave you? What're you nuts?"
Lucas made his tone goofy on purpose, and in the midst of all her pain, Ella couldn't help but laugh just a little bit.
-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-
That night was the last Nathan appeared. He sobered up and got his act together after seeing Jamie in more tears. For weeks after Dan's death, everyone had trouble sleeping. Nathan couldn't stop thinking about Dan and a coffin and it made him sick. He tried to shut it out but reminders of Dan were everywhere. In pictures, which Nathan put away. Around the old car dealership. And in Tree Hill High School, in the hallway, where no one walked down, especially not Lucas. But unfortunately, Lucas had to be in the gym, because it was October and Midnight Madness was in one week.
Thursday evening basketball practice just ended, and Lucas tried not to laugh at the way the boys slugged out of the gym like they were in pain. Lucas was certain they wouldn't be complaining when they became State Champs for the fourth time, though. He heard his own footsteps against the wood floor and breathed in the majestic silence of an empty gym. He watched Ella reading a book on the bleachers and smiled.
"Thanks for being such a good girl and behaving," Lucas said. He took a basketball from the rack and bounced it as he walked, his blue wind breakers crackling with every step. "Want to play with me?" Lucas was taking heed and following the footsteps of Ella's babysitter Maria: everyday she would take Ella to the park and have her run around, here and there, to keep her active and the muscles in her legs loose. Dr. Farrell and Amy were adamant about that very thing also: Ella needed to do at least thirty minutes a day of some physical or aerobic activity other than physical therapy she received twice a week outside and twice a week at school.
Ella shrugged and stared down at her red converse shoes which swung underneath her.
"What's the matter?" Lucas placed the ball down on the floor and knelt-with little bruise pain- by Ella's side. The nightmares had stopped and she was asking about Grandpa Dan less and less.
"My legs hurt," Ella said sadly.
"I know," Lucas replied, his voice sympathetic. "But it's all just strength. Your bones are all healed." The family of three just got back from New York City again for a follow up with Dr. Farrell. They honestly felt like they were just there, and in reality they were. This time, the visit was only for a weekend and they took up Brooke's generous offer to stay in one of her apartments on Central Park West free of charge.
"It's my braces Daddy, they really hurt. They sting."
Lucas frowned. "They sting?" He deftly united Ella's shoelaces and removed the shoe from her right foot. He undid the Velcro hinge of her left tornado brace, then put his thumb under her toes and gently released her foot. Ella sighed in relief, and Lucas could only imagine how good it felt for her leg to be free. He pulled off her long white sock and saw that there was blood on the side of her foot. That damn brace was cutting into her skin and causing skin breakdown. He winced and saw that Ella only stared. She really did have a high pain threshold.
"Whoa, I'm bleeding," she noted. "I hate these braces. Why do I have to wear them again? I thought the surgery fixed me."
"It did. And you have to wear them because they keep your ankle straight. But maybe we should talk to Mommy and re-evaluate." Lucas reached for the first aid kit he had a student grab for him in his office and began cleaning the wound. He finished with a red band-aid in the same spot on each foot.
"Know what I like about my gym class, Daddy?" Ella began, watching as Lucas sweetly rubbed the sides of her feet for her.
"What's that?"
"I get to take off my braces to play and Mr. C lets me," she ended with a cheeky smile, reffering to her gym teacher.
Lucas rolled his eyes. This girl was clever. "You're only going to agree to play with me if I keep your braces off, aren't you?
Ella nodded quite emphatically.
"What's 'Mr. C' got that I don't have?" Lucas asked, and didn't hide his little pout.
Ella paused and thought about it. "He's got lots of toys in his office."
Lucas narrowed his eyes and let Ella's feet down gently. He took her hands in his. "Come here, silly," he began to pull Ella to stand.
"Where are we going?" Ella asked, suddenly very aware that she was standing upright.
"We're walking."
"But my walker's over there!"
"We're not going to use it. Amy said the walker has to go, and Dr. Farrell and I agree." Lucas held Ella up with his strong arms. He saw her legs beginning to shake and he softened. "You can do it sweetheart. Just trust yourself." Lucas knelt on his knees and walked slowly backwards, knowing Ella would soon follow.
Ella took a deep breath, concentrated for a moment, and willed her legs to move. Eventually they did, her feet squeaking against the wood. She placed one foot in front of the other through her pain. Lucas moved and stood next to her, holding just one hand.
"Try and cross that blue tape," Lucas instructed, pointing to the tape he put down for ball practice. He grinned at how Ella was barely holding onto his hand. Eventually she let go completely and was walking on her own.
Ella took deep breaths and held her arms out in front of her, trying to imagine she was swimming in a pool and her arms were cutting through the water. She accelerated and smiled when she crossed the blue tape all by herself. As soon as she did, her adrenaline wore off, her legs gave out. But Lucas was there, and grabbed her before she fell.
"I did it!" Ella said, smiling. Lucas laughed and gave her a big hug.
"I'm so proud of you," Lucas said, holding her in his arms. "Soon you'll be running all over the place and I won't be able to keep up."
Ella did the unexpected and gave Lucas a little kiss on his forehead. "I love you, Dad." She held out her arms the widest they would go. "This much!"
Lucas laughed and remembered the day he bought Ellathat Eloise book by the Little House. One look at Ella's face and it looked like she remembered that day, too. "I love you too!" Lucas lifted Ella onto his shoulder and helped her make a basket. When the ball filled the net, they cheered and it echoed in the empty gym.
It really was just the two of them.
-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-
A few things you guys need to know: this was the last real chapter. The following installment will be an epilogue. But here's a question, and I need an answer from you all: What do you guys think of a sequel? I've had the idea for a long time but I'll only do it if you guys stick with me. There's no story without you!
Here's the premise of "Things Don't Always Turn Out that Way": Ella will be a Freshman in high school and will have to deal with all the drama associated with that. Keep in mind, Ella will be very aware that she has Cerebral Palsy and will struggle with it. But she will also triumph. Lucas and Peyton will also have drama of their own to deal with.
Jamie will have a bigger role and his relationship with Ella will be a focus.
Katie Nowell and company will also be in the mix as well as Ella's other best friend who has yet to be introduced.
Ella will also have a love interest :)
If I decide to do the sequel, the epilogue will be in two parts. If not, the epilogue is just one part. Either way there will be an Author's Note too so please keep an eye out.
Hit that review button! Please let me know what you think.