Ok, everyone, this is the final chapter. I hope that you all enjoyed reading the story because I loved writing it. Thanks so much for the reviews. They were amazing. As for the sequal for this story, I kind of already know what direction I want the characters to take. But if you have any suggestions or want to give me some input of what you'd like to happen, let me know. Like I said before, it will probably be a while before I write it because there are a few other stories I want to work on first. Also, please keep an eye out for my new fic called Funny Little Feeling. I'm hoping to have it finished in a couple of weeks or less. It's got a nice summer time theme so I'm trying to get it done. Anyway, thanks again and please review to let me know what you think about this last chapter. I love reading your comments and thanks again!
Epilogue
Haley's POV
The summer has been going by smoothly. Brooke left for New York on June 12. You could tell our family apart from everyone else because we were the group of women with puffy faces crying our eyeballs out at the departing gate. I think that Brooke was actually crying more than we were. Anyway, she is having the time of her life. She even sent Peyton and me some samples of her designs. Donna Karen seriously better watch out! My big sister is on a role. She and Lucas have been writing letters back and forth to keep in touch. Whenever I see Lucas reading them he gets one of three reactions: a smile, a sad frown, or a kinked eyebrow. I really would rather not find out the reason for that last one.
Peyton is mostly focused on her art and music. She's been booking more bands for summer concerts at Tric (the club has really been getting popular). Fall Out Boy will be coming again. I keep telling her that Pete just can't resist her charm but she adamantely denies it. The two of us hang out a lot as we try to fill the void of not having our beloved Tigger with us. Fortunately, we found that shopping and chocolate helps. Peyton's also babysitting Jenny while Jake takes classes at the community college. He hopes to be able to sign up for college registration in the fall—with political science as his major. I guess he found something other than music that he was interested in.
Lucas has been working down at the café helping out his mom and earning money for the fall. He's also trying to save up for a really good wedding present for Karen. She and Keith are finally engaged—it took them long enough. He also still hasn't gotten his nose out of those Steinbeck books yet. But I try to pry him away and drag him out of the house to play miniature golf on the roof with me. He'll be leaving in September and I want to spend as much time with my best friend as I can. We go to River Court sometimes, too. I watch as he shoots the ball around for a few minutes. I can tell that he still really misses playing basketball but he's grown to accept it.
Speaking of basketball, that terribly good looking/talented boyfriend of mine is kicking ass at High Flyers. Like I would expect anything less. He's already getting interest from colleges for next year—especially Duke University. We talk on the phone and e-mail one another all the time. I'm happy to report that there are no cheerleaders at his camp--not that I was worried or anything...yeah right. Anyway, he's having a great time but still misses me terribly. Who knew that Haley "Tutor Girl" James could be so desirable? Let me tell you, definitely not me. But I'm counting down the days until he finally comes home.
My mom has also been doing well. She's got her hands full with the club and going out with Larry. She goes on more dates than I do now. It's actually kind of creepy how the roles have reversed. She came home a little tipsy the other night. I warned her about those Cosmopolitans but she wouldn't listen. She's not really good with alcohol--something that I obviously inherited from her. But whatever makes her happy. Larry really is a sweet and caring guy. Plus, he spoils her rotten and my mom deserves the best.
As for me, I've just been hanging out with Lucas and Peyton, missing Nathan and Brooke, and working at Karen's. I've also been concentrating on my music. I didn't know if I would ever have the courage to play again. Luckily, Nathan brought me out of that dark place and I love him for that. After our parent's divorce, my sisters and I had lost faith in true love. When my father died, we also lost faith in ourselves. We didn't know if we'd be able to go on—or if we even wanted to. When we first heard that we'd be moving to Tree Hill, my sisters and I didn't know what to expect. We had been through so much already. But it turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to us. Not only did we find the hope that we needed, but we uncovered the secrets to love that we had all so desperately been searching for. For the first time, our hearts feel whole again. And we wouldn't trade that feeling for the world.