Season 7. Chapter 7.05 (49). 'Perfect Stranger.'

Opens at night outside in front of a motel in Tree Hill, NC. A taxi drives up in front of the motel, in the parking lot. A young woman, seemingly about early twenties, steps out of the taxi, holding a suitcase. She hands the taxi driver some money.

"Thanks." The woman says.

The woman proceeds to the motel lobby office, as the taxi driver pulls away.

Cut To:

Inside motel lobby/office area. A middle-aged man is sitting behind the front desk, as he reads a magazine. The motel's main door opens and in walks in the woman.

"I need a room." The woman tells the man.

"OK." The man says. "Just for you?"

"Yeah." The woman replies, as she nods.

"Kind of late for a woman to be getting a motel room by herself." The man says. "Are you OK?"

"I just got in from the airport." The woman explains. "I'm going to visit someone I know tomorrow in town. I just need a room for the night."

"Alright." The man replies. "I just need your I.D. and then we'll get you a room."

The woman nods, as she reaches inside of her purse.

"Thanks." The woman replies.

Cut To:

Inside of the motel room. The woman walks in, holding her suitcase, as she shuts the door, and locking it behind her. She sits on the bed, unzipping her suitcase and taking out a laptop. She opens it up and begins typing.

"Oh," The woman begins to herself. "Please let this dump have wireless access."

The woman waits a moment, as she watches the computer screen.

"Yes!" The woman says. "It does. Awesome."

The woman begins typing again.

Close-up of laptop screen: "People finder dot com."

The woman begins typing again, and then she presses the 'search' button.

Close-up of laptop screen: "Searching...this may take up to one minute."

Moments later, the woman smiles, looking at the laptop screen.

Close-up of laptop screen: "Results found (1 out of 1): Nathan R. Scott -- 1467 Crystalwood Ct. Apt. #106 Tree Hill, North Carolina 28401."

END OF TEASER.

Lucas' bedroom/house. Lucas is standing up, while on the phone talking to someone.

"You're what?" Lucas asks, shocked. "You're...pregnant? OK. Are you sure?"

Cut To:

Brooke's house. Inside her bedroom. She is sitting on her bed, talking on the phone.

"Of course I'm sure." Brooke says. "I'm not an idiot. I think I know how to read a pregnancy test. I mean, this is good, right?"

Cut To:

Outside of Brooke's house. Peyton is sitting in her car, talking on her phone.

"This is real." Peyton says into the phone. "I'm sure." Peyton pauses. "I'm really scared. Can I come over tonight?"

Cut To:

Jake's house. Jake is sitting at his kitchen table, as he is talking on his phone.

"Of course." Jake replies, into the phone.

Cut To:

College dorm room. Anna is sitting on her bed, while talking on the phone.

"I'm not pregnant, Josh." Anna says. "I mean, I thought maybe I was, but I just took a pregnancy test...and I'm not pregnant."

"That's great news." Josh replies, from his own room. "I mean, we're not ready to be parents. Obviously."

"Of course not." Anna replies. "Oh, this is such good news. I'm so relieved."

"Me too." Josh says. "But, next time, come to me first -- no matter what it is. Don't wait until the problem is resolved. I want to be there for you throughout the entire time. OK?"

"OK." Anna replies. "Thanks. You're the best boyfriend ever. I love you, Josh."

"I love you, too, Anna." Josh says back to her.

Cut To:

-- THE NEXT MORNING --

Nathan/Haley's apartment. Kitchen. Haley is pouring some coffee into her cup, as Nathan sits at the counter, eating waffles, and reading the newspaper.

"Anything worth sharing?" Haley asks Nathan.

"What do you mean?" Nathan asks.

"In the paper." Haley clarifies.

"Oh." Nathan says. "No. Not really." Nathan pauses. "So, were you serious yesterday when you said our family needed an upgrade?"

Haley nods.

"Have you found any nice homes in that magazine?" Nathan asks.

"Uh..." Haley says as she looks down at her coffee. "Yeah. Yeah, I have. I folded the corner of the pages that had a house I liked on it. You should check them out and tell me which is your favorite."

"Sure, I will." Nathan nods. "So, we're buying a house then, huh? What made you think of this all of the sudden?"

"Oh," Haley begins. "Just yesterday, after Jamie went off to school. I was thinking about how he is starting to really grow up, and it made me realize that I miss when he was a baby and needed me twenty-four/seven."

Haley looks down at her coffee, as she stirs it with a spoon.

"OK." Nathan nods. "Although that doesn't really explain why you decided you want to buy a house now."

"I just think it would be nice to have a bigger place for our family." Haley tells him.

"Hales," Nathan begins. "Do you -- I mean, are you thinking about --"

"--What?" Haley asks, interrupting.

"Are you thinking you maybe want to have another baby?" Nathan asks.

"Oh." Haley says. "Wow. I don't know--"

"Hales--" Nathan says, reading her expression.

"OK." Haley says. "A little. Maybe. OK. Yeah, I am. A lot."

"Why didn't you just tell me?" Nathan asks.

"I was afraid at how you would react to it." Haley admits. "I mean, if you remember, you weren't exactly thrilled when I told you I was pregnant with Jamie."

"We were in high school." Nathan says. "And we had just gotten back together. Things are a lot different now."

"No, I know." Haley says. "I wasn't worried because of that stuff. I was worried about your reaction because of our past recently. I wasn't sure if you would be ready to bring another life into this world with me. Besides, you do have two kids already."

"Hales," Nathan begins. "I love you. And Jamie is our one and only son. And I would absolutely love to have another one with you."

"Really?" Haley asks, happily.

"Yeah." Nathan replies. "I would especially love trying to have a baby with you." Nathan winks.

"So," Haley begins. "Did we just decide on a life-alternate thing over breakfast? We're really going to have another baby?"

"Yeah." Nathan nods. "I mean, we've been pretty successful with Jamie so far, excluding yesterday. But, yeah, I think we're ready to tackle raising another child."

"This is so great." Haley says, going to give Nathan a hug. "I'm so excited."

"Me too." Nathan says, hugging back. "Hey, uh, speaking of babies, Brooke took a pregnancy test last night and she ended up not being pregnant, after all. Did you hear any news about Peyton?"

"No." Haley shakes her head. "Not with Lucas, either."

Cut To:

Lucas' bedroom/house. Lucas and Peyton are laying on his bed together. Lucas has his arm around Peyton.

"So," Lucas begins. "It was really positive?"

"Yeah." Peyton nods. "I can't believe I'm pregnant again."

"I know." Lucas admits. "Me either."

Peyton moves onto her stomach, now looking at him face-to-face.

"Hey." Peyton says. "I know we've been through a lot, and a lot of that hasn't been fluffy white clouds and rainbows, but I love you, Lucas Scott. I really do. And I feel like ever since our night together, it has changed me. It reminded me at how happy I am when I'm with you. I'm glad you're here right now."

"I'm going to be here for you all through this pregnancy, Peyton." Lucas assures her. "I promise."

Peyton smiles.

Cut To:

Flashback:

Lucas' bedroom/house. Lucas is sitting at his desk, as someone knocks on the door. Lucas looks through the door window, from his desk chair, and sees Peyton standing there.

"Come in." Lucas calls out.

Peyton opens the door, and walks in, closing it behind her.

"Hi." Peyton says. "What are you doing?"

"Oh," Lucas begins. "Writing a new chapter."

"Oh, cool." Peyton replies. "Yeah, when are you going to come out with your next book, anyway?"

Lucas shrugs.

"Hopefully," Lucas begins. "Soon. So, how's it going?"

"OK, I guess." Peyton shrugs. "Michelle's coming back from her trip in about a week."

"That's cool." Lucas replies. "You must be excited about that."

"Yeah." Peyton nods. "I'm just -- worried."

"Why?" Lucas asks.

"The last time I saw her she had a seizure." Peyton says. "That must have really scared her. I feel bad because I don't know what exactly she's going through."

"The best thing you can do," Lucas begins. "Is to just let her know you're there for her as a friend. She'll come to you, if she wants."

"You're right, thanks." Peyton says. "So, how are you doing?"

"Alright." Lucas replies. "Melody and I kind of -- broke up today."

"What?" Peyton asks. "Why?"

"I guess it just wasn't working out." Lucas shrugs. "I don't know. It just didn't feel right anymore. I guess our 'day in the sun' had passed, you know?"

"Sure." Peyton replies, and nods. "You OK with that?"

"Yeah." Lucas replies. "It's not like we were serious or anything."

"Well, hey." Peyton says. "Since you don't have Melody anymore, and I don't have Michelle to hang out with yet, why don't you and I do something tonight?"

"Sure." Lucas nods. "Time and place. I'll be there."

"K." Peyton replies. "Well, I'll let you get back to your latest chapter. Maybe you could let me read it when you're done." Peyton winks.

Lucas chuckles, as she exits the room, and he begins typing again.

/End of Flashback. Present time:

Cut To:

Brooke's house. Brooke enters her kitchen in her robe. She sits down at her kitchen table, as she looks at her cell phone, which is sitting on the kitchen table.

Flashback. The previous night:

Brooke's house. Brooke is sitting on her bed, dialing a number on her cell phone. She puts the phone to her ear, as it rings.

Cut To:

Jake's house. Jake picks up his cell phone, as it rings.

"Hi, Brooke." Jake says into the phone.

"Hi." Brooke replies.

"Did you take the test yet?" Jake asks.

"Yeah." Brooke replies. "I'm not pregnant."

"Are you sure it's a negative?" Jake asks.

"Of course I'm sure." Brooke says. "I'm not an idiot. I think I know how to read a pregnancy test. I mean, this is good, right?"

"Of course." Jake replies. "So, that's it then, huh? I guess this is goodbye. I mean, no other reason for us to talk, right?"

"Jake..." Brooke begins.

"No, Brooke." Jake stops her. "You know how I feel about you. How I felt about you. I proposed to you, and you practically blew me off. You slept with me, and why? Because you were jealous of Lucas' girlfriend?"

"Hey." Brooke says. "It took two that night."

"Yeah," Jake begins. "But I was still vulnerable because I still had feelings for you. I know better now. I hope your pursuit of Lucas goes well, Brooke. I hope he treats you right, if you do get back with him. Just remember this: You could have had love with me, Brooke. I loved you so much -- I proposed for God's sake. I was willing to even fight for you. But not anymore. All you do is use me, Brooke. You used me before, and then slept with Nathan. And you used me again, most recently, when you obviously just want Lucas back."

"I didn't mean to hurt you, or lead you on." Brooke tells him. "That night -- it just happened. That night happened because I do love you, Jake -- so much. But I'm in love with Lucas, and I realize how much of a mistake it was to break up with him before."

"Good luck with that." Jake says. "Goodbye." Jake hangs up.

/End of Flashback. Present time:

Cut To:

Lakeside High. Gymnasium. Skills and Alicia are sitting in an otherwise empty gym, on the bleachers, and kissing. Suddenly, Nathan and Jamie walk in, seeing Skills and Alicia.

"Ahem." Nathan says, loud enough for Skills to hear.

Skills and Alicia stop kissing, as they look down at Nathan and Jamie, and stand up.

"Really, dude?" Nathan asks. "Making out with your girlfriend on the gymnasium bleachers?"

"What?" Skills asks. "It ain't like she's a student."

"Good one." Nathan chuckles. "Would have made it better if Lucas were here to have heard it."

"True." Skills replies, as he and Alicia proceed to walk down the bleachers.

"You must really like her, Uncle Skills." Jamie says.

"Oh, I do, squirt." Skills says, as he walks over to Jamie and picks him up over his head. "Oh, boy, you are getting heavy, kid." Skills puts Jamie back down on the ground.

Jamie chuckles.

"Aw." Alicia says. "He's a growing boy. A very handsome one at that."

"Thank you." Jamie says.

"Really, Nate?" Skills asks. "This innocent little guy actually punched someone yesterday?"

"Yeah." Nathan nods. "And now he has to spend the day at my work since he got himself suspended for a whole week."

"But your work is fun, Daddy!" Jamie says, happily. "I get to play basketball!"

"Think again, buddy." Nathan tells him. "You get to sit in my office and think about how wrong what you did yesterday was, and what you'll do instead in the next situation like that."

"I'll use my words, not my fists." Jamie says, obviously repeating what Nathan/Haley told him earlier.

"Good job." Nathan says. "Now come with me to my office, k? Lets give these two some privacy, huh son?"

"Yeah." Jamie nods. "They look like they want some privacy."

Skills and Alicia laugh. Nathan smirks at them.

"Keep it G-rated, guys." Nathan tells them, as him and Jamie walk into the locker room area.

Skills turns to Alicia, putting his hands around her waist.

"They have a point, you know." Skills says. "I do love my privacy with you."

"Oh," Alicia begins. "So do I."

Skills and Alicia begin to kiss.

Cut To:

Lucas' bedroom/house. Lucas is wearing jeans, buttoning his shirt, as there's a knock on the door. He sees that it's Haley, so he opens the door.

"Hey, Hales." Lucas says. "What's up?"

"Well," Haley begins. "I just wanted you to be the first to know -- Nathan and I are trying to have another baby."

"Oh, my God." Lucas says. "Are you serious?"

Haley smiles and nods, happily.

"That's awesome, Hales." Lucas says. "I'm so happy for you guys."

"I'm not pregnant yet, you know." Haley laughs.

"I know," Lucas begins. "But just the fact you guys are trying again -- it was due."

"So," Haley begins. "I'm going to hand the microphone over to you. I know Brooke isn't pregnant, but what's the 411 on Peyton?"

"She called me last night." Lucas says. "She is pregnant. And, by the way, how did you even know she was taking a pregnancy test, when not even I did?"

"Duh." Haley says. "She told me. So, I mean, where's your head at, Luke?"

"It's not ideal to say the least." Lucas says. "I mean, I care about Peyton, but I'm not in love with her anymore. I just wish it could have happened with someone I was in love with, you know?"

"How does Peyton feel about it?" Haley asks.

"She seems thrilled." Lucas says. "She also appears to think there's a chance that we'll get back together. She was saying how ever since, you know, that night she realized how happy she can be with me."

"What did you say when she said that?" Haley asks.

"I told her that I would be there for her every step through this pregnancy." Lucas says. "I didn't have the heart to tell her I don't feel the same way."

"You have to tell her, Luke." Haley tells him. "Is this by any chance about Melody?"

"No, of course not." Lucas says. "We were just casual the whole time."

"Dare I ask who the girl is you are in love with?" Haley asks. "Or is it no one?"

"I think you know." Lucas admits. "It's something. Even after dating Melody and sleeping with Peyton, and now having a baby with her, I still can't get you-know-who out of my mind."

"You gotta tell her." Haley says.

"Oh, yeah." Lucas says. "I can just picture the conversation now. 'Hey, I still love you and I want to get back together. Oh, P.S., Peyton is pregnant with my baby.'"

"Maybe she won't care about that." Haley shrugs. "Maybe she actually still loves you so much that even the news of you getting Peyton pregnant won't change the fact that she wants to be with you."

"How much do you actually believe what you just said?" Lucas asks.

"This much." Haley replies and laughs, holding up two fingers with a small gap in between them.

Cut To:

Nathan/Haley's apartment. Outside, in front in the parking lot/street. Suddenly, a taxi pulls up and stops, as moments later the twenty-something woman gets out of the car, walking to the taxi driver's rolled down window.

"Thanks for the ride." The woman says, handing the driver some money. "This looks like the place. 1467 Crystalwood Ct. I have a feeling I'll end up being here for awhile, so you can take off."

"OK." The driver replies. "Call us again if you need a ride back."

"Sure." The woman nods.

The taxi driver pulls away, as the woman proceeds into the apartment complex.

"OK." The woman says to herself. "Where's 106?"

Cut To:

In front of Nathan and Haley's front door. Outside. The woman walks up to the door, reading the apartment number on it.

"OK." The woman says to herself. "This is it."

The woman lifts up her fist and knocks on the door twice. She looks nervous, as she waits for an answer, but no one comes. She listens carefully to any inside noise, but hears nothing. She then tries to look in the windows, but all of the curtains are closed.

"He's not home." The woman says to herself, discouraged, as she turns back around to leave. "And my taxi is gone. Great." She pulls out her cell phone.

Cut To:

Lakeside High. Hallway. Greg and Michael are walking, about to turn into a new hallway, just as Greg stops, putting his arm in front of Michael.

"We're not in a car, you know." Michael says. "You don't have to put your arm in front of me when we suddenly stop."

"No." Greg says. "This is Susie's hallway."

"What do you mean Susie's hallway?" Michael asks. "She owns it?"

"This is where her locker is at, you doofus!" Greg tells him, as he peaks around the corner. "And there she is at her locker now!"

"Are we seriously going to be doing this for the rest of the year?" Michael asks. "I say we just walk passed her casually."

"No, no, no." Greg says. "Look out. She's coming! Quick, act natural. Pretend we're doing something else."

Michael quickly begins to drink out of the water fountain in front of him, as Greg just stands behind Michael. Suddenly, Susie turns the corner and sees them.

"Oh, hi." Susie says.

"I'm just waiting for some water." Greg explains. "Casually."

"OK." Susie says. "Have fun with that. Bye, Michael."

"Uh, bye now." Michael says, as Susie walks away.

Greg looks at his brother, as he proceeds to drink from the water fountain.

"Smooth." Michael says to Greg.

Cut To:

Lakeside High. Nathan's office. Jamie is sitting in a chair in the corner, as Nathan is standing up in front of a chalk board, writing down basketball plays. Suddenly, Brooke walks in the opened door way.

"Aunt Brooke!" Jamie says with a smile, seeing her walk in.

Nathan turns around.

"Hey, Brooke." Nathan says, turning to Jamie. "You still have to be quiet, buddy. Aunt Brooke and I are going to talk outside. You can start on your lunch now if you want."

Jamie nods, as Nathan and Brooke step out of the office, closing the door. Jamie stands up and gets a brown paperbag off of Nathan's desk.

"So," Nathan begins. "How relieved were you when you woke up this morning?"

Brooke smiles.

"Pretty relieved." Brooke admits. "I'm not ready to have a baby, and, when I am, I want it to be with someone I'm in love with, you know?"

"Yeah." Nathan nods, in agreement. "Well, speaking of which, Haley and I decided we want to try to have another baby."

"Nate." Brooke smiles. "Oh, my God. Get out. That's excellent news."

"Yeah." Nathan says. "It's funny. It seems like we made the decision out of the blue, but now that the decision has been made it feels so right."

"The biggest decisions are usually the ones made on the spur of a moment." Brooke tells him.

"So," Nathan begins. "What brings you by today?"

"I needed some advice." Brooke admits. "I thought of you."

"Well, shoot." Nathan tells her. "What's on your mind?"

"Well," Brooke begins. "You know how I broke up with Lucas a couple months ago?"

"Oh," Nathan begins. "It's a Lucas thing. I should have known."

"Well," Brooke begins. "I'm realizing what a mistake it was. I never fell out of love with him, it was never about that. I just --"

"--You didn't want to hurt Peyton anymore." Nathan says, finishing her sentence.

"Yeah." Brooke replies. "I just wish Lucas and I could be together, without any outside interferences getting in the way."

"There's something you should know, Brooke." Nathan says. "It's good and bad."

"What?" Brooke asks.

"Lucas and Peyton slept together, like a week ago." Nathan says. "The good news is, Lucas told me he doesn't have feelings for her anymore -- it was just like why you slept with Jake."

"And the bad news?" Brooke asks.

"Apparently," Nathan begins. "Since that night Peyton has developed feelings for Lucas again."

"Of course she has." Brooke says.

"Sorry, Brooke." Nathan apologizes. "What are you going to do?"

"What can I do?" Brooke asks. "Talk to Lucas."

Nathan nods.

Cut To:

Flashback:

Tree Hill docks. It's in the evening/night time as a bunch of lights surround the pathways, and a bunch of couples are walking together along the docks. Lucas and Peyton walk side-by-side, eating cotton candy.

"So," Peyton begins. "Talk to me. You've been quiet since the cotton candy stand."

"Sorry." Lucas apologizes. "It's just nice walking with you right now." Lucas pauses. "Hey. Thanks for suggesting this earlier. This is just what I needed."

"Yeah." Peyton nods. "It's been fun."

Peyton suddenly pulls her arms in front of her, and slightly shivers.

"You cold?" Lucas asks.

"Oh, no." Peyton says. "I'm fine."

Lucas chuckles.

"No, you're not." Lucas says. "Look what you. I can see goose bumps on your arms. Here, take this."

Lucas proceeds to take off his jacket, as they both stop walking, and Lucas starts to put it on Peyton. Peyton looks a little nervous. Lucas finishes putting his jacket on her, and then smiles.

"There." Lucas says. "You look warmer already."

"Thanks." Peyton replies softly, as they continue walking. "So, you and Melody seemed really happy all summer."

"Yeah, we were." Lucas nods. "It's just not meant to be sometimes."

Peyton nods, looking down, listening.

"On the other hand," Lucas begins. "Skills and Alicia seem very meant to be."

Peyton looks up at him, giving a little smile.

"Oh, sorry." Lucas apologizes. "I forgot, I guess."

"No, it's fine." Peyton says. "Skills and I are in the past."

Lucas nods, as they keep walking.

Peyton looks up ahead of them.

"Oh, look over there, Luke." Peyton says. "It's the end-of-summer carnival going on. Lets go. Please, please, please..."

Lucas chuckles.

"OK." Lucas says. "Sure, why not?"

Cut To:

Lucas' bedroom/house. The back bedroom door opens and in walks Lucas and Peyton laughing and smiling. Peyton is holding a big purple stuffed animal.

"Thanks so much for winning this for me." Peyton smiles. "You had really good aim."

"You're welcome." Lucas replies. "And thank you."

Peyton laughs. Lucas throws down his car keys on his night stand.

"Hey." Lucas says. "You want to put on a movie? Unless you have to get going."

"I'd love to watch a movie." Peyton nods.

"You know where they're at." Lucas says. "Pick any one."

Peyton goes and pops a movie into his DVD player. Lucas is laying on the bed, with his head sitting up. Peyton goes and lays next to him, as he puts his arm around her, naturally, and she lays her hand on his chest, naturally.

"This is nice." Peyton says.

"Yeah." Lucas replies.

Cut To:

Lucas and Peyton are now asleep on his bed, with their heads right in front of each other, laying down. Suddenly, on the television, some music starts playing as the credits roll, and Peyton wakes up -- looking at the television. She then nudges on Lucas. He wakes up.

"Movie's over." Peyton chuckles. "We slept through it."

"Oh, wow." Lucas says. "I can't believe that. I also can't believe we fell asleep together in the same bed."

"Me either." Peyton replies, as they look at each other, just inches in between them.

"So, uh, anyway --" Lucas begins, just as Peyton gives him a kiss on the lips. "Peyton --"

"I just felt like it." Peyton says, as she slowly moves in and kisses him again. This time, Lucas starts kissing back, as Peyton proceeds to take off his shirt.

/End of Flashback. Present time:

Cut To:

Lakeside High. Cafeteria. Michael and Greg are eating lunch at one of the tables -- inside.

"I'm gonna get some more fries." Michael says. "You want anything?"

"I'm good." Greg declines his offer.

"I'll be back." Michael says, as he gets up and walks over to the food line.

Suddenly, Susie enters the cafeteria, sees Greg sitting down, and proceeds over to him. Greg suddenly sees her and is about to stand up to walk away.

"Sit." Susie tells him, as she approaches his table. "We need to have a little talk."

"Uh, OK." Greg says, as he sits back down.

"You and Michael," Susie begins. "Have been acting very strange around me lately. What's going on? Is it because we all used to date, and it's been so long since we've talked?"

"What?" Greg asks, acting as if he doesn't know what she's talking about. "No. Of course not. We're just trying to get used to this school's layout. It's so much different than the other school's."

"Uh-huh." Susie nods, not believing him.

"I'm serious." Greg says. "Our weirdness has nothing to do with you."

"OK. Whatever." Susie says, giving up, as she stands up. "But just to let you know, I was really excited to see you two again. I totally thought, 'Oh, this is so cool. Now the three of us can hang out and have so much fun for our senior year.' But obviously, neither of you want that. So don't bother trying to avoid me anymore. You don't need to, since I'm not going to try to talk to either of you from now on. Goodbye, Gregory."

Greg looks down, as Susie turns to walk away. But then turns back around to Greg.

"Oh, by the way," Susie begins. "When I saw you again, all of those feelings I felt for you sophomore year came back instantly. I thought about the day you got shot and we were hiding out in the school, when we were making out. I just thought we could start things again where we left off, since we didn't really get a fair chance last time." Susie pauses. "Anyway, I hope you have a great final year -- without me. Tell Michael I said that, too."

Susie now walks away, and as she does, Greg watches her leave the cafeteria. Suddenly, Michael comes back with two containers of fries.

"I got you one, too, man." Michael says. "I know you said you didn't want anything, but you always say that, and still end up eating mine."

"OK." Greg replies, still watching the cafeteria doors.

"What did she want, anyway?" Michael asks.

"Nothing." Greg says. "Just -- nothing."

Michael shrugs, as they both continue to eat their fries.

Cut To:

Lakeside High. Nathan is in his office. Lucas walks in the door.

"Oh," Nathan begins. "You just missed Brooke. She left a little awhile ago."

"So," Lucas begins. "I guess you know by now, huh?"

"Know what?" Nathan asks.

"About Peyton..." Lucas says. "You know. How she is..."

Nathan gives him a blank look.

"You really don't know?" Lucas asks. "I figured Haley would've called you."

"What is it?" Nathan asks.

"Peyton's pregnant." Lucas informs him. "She called me last night."

"What?" Nathan asks. "Peyton's pregnant? Are you sure?"

"Apparently, she is -- sure." Lucas says.

"Oh, my God." Nathan says, thinking of Brooke. "This isn't good --" Nathan begins as he looks at Lucas. "Uh, I mean...because you and Peyton haven't been together in awhile."

"Yeah, I know." Lucas nods. "I was just telling Haley that same thing basically. So, what did Brooke come by for?"

"Uh..." Nathan begins, thinking. "Just to tell me she isn't pregnant."

"Why would Brooke be pregnant?" Lucas asks.

"I--I um..." Nathan stutters. "I don't know."

"Nate..." Lucas says.

"She slept with Jake." Nathan tells him. "Sorry, man. I assumed you knew."

"No," Lucas begins. "I didn't."

"Well," Nathan begins. "What's the big deal, anyway? It's not like you still have feelings for Brooke, right?"

"I--I..." Lucas begins. "I--gotta go. See you later."

Lucas turns to walk out.

"Luke, wait." Nathan says, grabbing his arm with his own hand. "You aren't over Brooke, are you?"

"I thought I was." Lucas admits. "With dating Melody and all. But I can't get her out of my head. I slept with Peyton, I'm having a baby with Peyton, and yet I'm in love with Brooke. I'm just going to go live under a bridge now."

"Or--" Nathan begins. "--You could go talk to Brooke. You never know."

"What would have changed in three months?" Lucas asks. "She broke up with me so she wouldn't feel like she's betraying Peyton -- and then Peyton was dating Skills. Now she's carrying my baby and wants to get back together. Not to mention, Brooke is probably into Jake again. I don't see any hope for Brooke and I."

"Jake isn't Brooke's true love, Luke." Nathan tells him. "Neither am I. Or Mouth. You are, though. So, the only question you have to ask yourself is -- who is your true love? Peyton or Brooke?"

"How can you be so sure that I'm Brooke's true love?" Lucas asks.

"Call it a gut feeling, I guess." Nathan replies.

Cut To:

Outside, in front of a nice two-story house, in a random neighborhood. Haley drives up in her car, parking in front of the house. She looks out the passenger's window and reads the address on the house. There's a 'For Sale' sign on the front lawn.

"This is it." Haley says to herself, as she grabs her purse, and gets out of her car. Haley shuts her car door and stands, looking at the house.

Cut To:

(Sound of door bell ringing)

Haley is standing in front of the door, on the outside. Moments later, a man opens the door.

"Oh, hi." Haley greets him. "I'm Haley Scott." Haley puts her hand in front of her for him to shake it.

The man shakes her hand.

"Anyway," Haley begins. "I'm here to take a look at the house. I'm interested in buying it."

"Just for yourself?" The man asks.

"No." Haley replies. "For my husband and son, too. Nathan and Jamie."

"Come on in." The man says, stepping aside.

Haley proceeds to walk in.

"Thank you." Haley smiles.

Cut To:

Outside of Michelle's house. Peyton walks up to the front door and knocks. Moments later, Michelle opens it.

"Oh, hi, Peyton." Michelle smiles. "How did it go over Lucas'?"

"I think pretty good, actually." Peyton admits.

"Well," Michelle begins. "Fill me in on the details. Come on. Don't leave anything out."

"OK." Peyton says. "Well, I got over his house, and --"

"You know what," Michelle begins. "Wait. What are we, animals? Come inside. You can tell me the story over some ice cream. My parents just bought the best kind."

"OK." Peyton replies. "Cool."

Peyton walks in the door, as Michelle closes it.

"So," Peyton begins. "Are your parents home right now?"

"No." Michelle replies. "They do have jobs, you know." Michelle smiles.

"Oh, yeah." Peyton says. "Right."

Peyton and Michelle walk into the kitchen. Peyton sits down at a stool in front of the counter, as Michelle proceeds to get out the ice cream and two spoons. She hands Peyton a spoon, opens the ice cream, and leans on the other side of the counter.

"OK. So--" Michelle begins. "--Spill. The news, not the ice cream."

Peyton chuckles.

"Well," Peyton begins. "When I got to his place, he saw me and gave me a hug. I hugged him back, and we stayed like that for, I don't know, a minute or two. Then we just talked about that night for awhile, and how we felt about me being pregnant again, and then we just fell asleep on his bed. But nothing happened. Oh, yeah. When we woke up, I told him I love him and even though we have been through a lot of rough stuff together, we made it passed all of that somehow, and I told him I realized I'm really happy when I'm with him."

"What did he say?" Michelle asks.

"He told me he would be there for me during my pregnancy." Peyton says.

"That's all?" Michelle asks. "No 'I love you too'? No 'I'm really happy with you, too'? Nothing?"

"Well," Peyton begins. "It's understandable. We have been through a lot, so maybe he's just scared. I know him. He has a tendency to have difficulty saying how he feels about me, but I can tell he love me back -- as more than a friend."

"You're probably right." Michelle says. "You know him better than I do."

Peyton nods.

"So, not to change topics, but --" Peyton begins. "Now that you're back, what are your plans?"

"With what?" Michelle asks.

"What you're going to do." Peyton says. "Your future. You're out of high school now, so where to?"

"I don't know." Michelle admits.

"How about college?" Peyton asks. "Even junior college for now, since you can probably still get in for this semester. You could, oh, I don't know, major in something to do with music."

Michelle shrugs.

"Whatever." Michelle says. "I'm in no rush."

"Well," Peyton begins. "I'd say OK if you were at least singing again and recording songs, but you're not. So, you really should do something productive with your time."

"I'll think about it." Michelle tells her.

"You know," Peyton begins. "My friend, Nathan, was talking about going back to school to finish his degree. Maybe you guys could do it together."

"That may be kind of cool, actually." Michelle admits.

"OK." Peyton replies. "Great. I'll talk to him about it."

Cut To:

Inside the two-story house. Haley and the man are walking down the stairs, as they talk.

"So," The man begins. "That's pretty much it for the tour. Do you have any other questions for me?"

"It's a great place." Haley smiles. "I definitely love it, and it would be perfect for my family. Just let me run it by my husband, and maybe he can stop by to take a look himself. He knows all of the technical stuff about buying a house, unlike myself, so he will definitely have some questions for you."

"OK." The man replies. "Just have him call me and he can stop by whenever."

"OK. Great. Thanks." Haley smiles. "Thanks for letting me take a look. We'll be in touch."

The man leads Haley to the front door.

Cut To:

Lakeside High. Lucas' office. Lucas walks in his office, holding a sandwich and water. As he sits down, he unwraps his sandwich from the plastic, and Greg enters.

"Your advice sucked." Greg tells him.

"Excuse me?" Lucas asks.

"Are you just eating lunch now?" Greg asks.

"Yeah." Lucas asks. "And are you referring to what I told you and Michael to do about Susie? Why did it suck?"

"Because we couldn't avoid her." Greg says. "Neither of us, especially my. We tried, too. And she cornered me in the cafeteria today, to basically tell me she wanted to get back together...if I hadn't been trying to avoid her."

"Do you want her back?" Lucas asks.

"I don't know. Maybe." Greg admits. "But it doesn't matter now, because now she's avoiding me."

"Why?" Lucas asks. "Because of how foolish I was acting in trying to avoid her, thanks to your advice."

"Hey, wait a minute here." Lucas says. "You told me Susie wanted to catch up with you and you didn't want to see her anymore, and you asked for my advice on what to do. So I told you to avoid her. Had you told me you wanted her back, I would've told you to go for it."

"I didn't think I wanted her bacl, but--" Greg begins. "I don't know anymore."

"Did you tell Michael all of this?" Lucas ask. "I mean, I know he had a little something with Susie back in the day."

"No." Greg says. "He doesn't know any of it."

"Figure out what you want," Lucas begins. "And then tell both Susie and Michael. Keeping secrets from anyone never helps."

"That's pretty good, I guess." Greg says. "Maybe you're not so bad at this job, after all."

"Thanks." Lucas says. "I think."

Greg chuckles, as he turns to leave.

"Hey, Greg." Lucas says, as Greg turns around.

"Yeah?" Greg asks.

"So," Lucas begins. "You agree that the best thing to do is to tell a girl how you really feel about her?"

"Yeah." Greg nods. "But what do I know? I'm just taking your advice."

Cut To:

Savannah, Georgia. Jake's house. Jake is laying on the couch, holding the remote, as he watches the television. He has a bottle of vodka next to him. Suddenly, he hears the front door open, with Jenny and Nikki talking and laughing. Nikki and Jenny enter the room Jake is in.

"Hey, Jake..." Nikki begins, as she sees Jake laying there with a bottle of vodka.

Jake turns around, seeing them, as he sits up.

"Hey, Nick." Jake says. "Did you get all of your homework done, Jen?"

Jenny smiles, looking up at Nikki.

"Uh..." Jenny says.

"Yes." Nikki replies, for Jenny. "Yes, she did." Nikki turns toward Jenny. "Uh, honey. Go double check all of your homework, OK? Make sure we did it right."

"OK." Jenny replies, as she walks out of the room.

Nikki goes and sits next to Jake, picking up the bottle with her hands.

"I know what you're thinking." Jake says, with his hands in front of him, cupped together, looking down.

"You do?" Nikki asks. "Because I'm thinking Brooke is pregnant after all."

"No." Jake shakes his head.

"Oh." Nikki says, surprised. "Well, that's good news, isn't it?"

"Sure." Jake nods. "Of course."

"So then," Nikki begins. "Why are you sitting here getting drunk on vodka, when your daughter is just in the next room?"

"She wasn't home when I opened it." Jake says.

"Jake..." Nikki says.

"Brooke still doesn't want to be with me." Jake admits, after a pause. "I thought she was falling back in love with me -- if she ever was to begin with -- when we slept together. But it turns out she was just using me as a way to try to get over a Scott brother. Lucas this time."

"Oh, Jake." Nikki says sympathetically. "I'm so sorry." Nikki rubs his back, comfortingly. "At least now you know, and you can move on for good. Thank goodness there were no consequences to sleeping with her, like a baby."

"No babies, maybe." Jake agrees. "But no, it didn't happen without consequence. My heart broke into pieces for the thousandth time over the same girl."

"You're way too good for her." Nikki tells him. "She doesn't deserve you. You need to move on from all of this, Jake."

"That's quite different from your advice before." Jake says. "I believe you told me to fight for her."

"That was really crappy advice." Nikki admits. "But in my defense, I didn't realize Brooke was such a slut."

Jake chuckles.

"So," Nikki begins, as she closes the vodka bottle with the cap. "Why don't you forget about all of this, and come with me to our daughter's room so we can help her finish all of her homework?"

"I thought she got it all done when she was with you." Jake says.

"Uh..." Nikki begins, as she opens the vodka bottle, and takes a big sip.

Nikki looks over at Jake with a grin.

"Come on." Jake laughs, as they stand up together, leaving the vodka bottle, and leaving the room together.

Cut To:

Lakeside High. Gymnasium. Nathan has Jamie on his shoulders, as Jamie holds a basketball, and shoots it toward the net. Every time Jamie throws the ball, Nathan races under it to catch it, and they repeat this a few times. Suddenly, Peyton walks in the gym, seeing Nathan and Jamie play. She stands there for a moment with a smile on her face, watching them. Jamie finally makes the ball in the net. Nathan and Jamie cheer, as Peyton claps, as she walks toward them. Nathan turns around, seeing her, as he puts Jamie down.

"P. Sawyer." Nathan smiles. "How are you doing?"

"Oh, good, actually." Peyton says.

"So," Nathan begins. "I heard congratulations are in order. The baby."

"Yeah." Peyton smiles, rubbing her stomach. "It's hard to believe there's a embryo forming in here right now."

"And nine months later," Nathan says, picking up Jame. "You get one of these."

"Hopefully a little smaller than him." Peyton says. Nathan smiles, putting Jamie down again.

"So," Nathan begins. "Let me guess. You've come here to talk about Lucas."

"Actually, no." Peyton says. "Lucas and I are good. I stayed over last night, told him I love him and how happy I am with him, and he said he was going to be there for me and the baby."

Nathan looks down.

"I see." Nathan replies.

"What's wrong?" Peyton asks.

"Hey, buddy." Nathan says to Jamie. "How about you go chill in my office? I'll be right back there."

"OK, Daddy." Jamie nods. "Bye, Aunt Peyton."

"Bye, Jamie." Peyton waves.

Jamie exits.

"So?" Peyton asks.

"Nothing." Nathan replies, changing his mind. "So what's up, if it's not about Lucas?"

"Well, you know Michelle?" Peyton asks. "Well, I can't get her to sing her music again because she's scared that what happened at her graduation last June is gonna happen again. So, i suggested she get into a school and major in some kind of music subject."

"That's a good idea." Nathan nods, agreeing. "I'm sure she just needs some more time to get over what happened."

"Yeah." Peyton nods. "Anyway, I told her about this friend I had who was thinking about going back to school to finish his degree."

Nathan chuckles, knowingly.

"I thought maybe they could go together." Peyton suggests.

"Cool." Nathan replies. "For once now my life is pretty calm and settled, so it may be a good time to do this."

"Exactly." Peyton nods. "I know the semester started already, but you both should be able to get into thing colleges are doing called, 'Open University.' Anyone can take classes through Open University. You don't have to be enrolled in the school."

"Well," Nathan begins. "I'll definitely look into that when I get home."

"Good." Peyton smiles.

Suddenly, Lucas steps into the gym. At first, not seeing Peyton.

"You here, Nate?" Lucas calls out, as he proceeds to walk in, seeing Peyton.

Peyton and Nathan turn around.

"Oh." Lucas says. "Hi, Peyton."

"Hey." Peyton smiles.

"I think I hear Jamie calling me." Nathan says, turning toward the locker room. "Coming son!" Nathan turns back to Lucas, as Peyton has her back to Nathan, and he gives Lucas a nudging motion regarding to tell Peyton.

Nathan exits. Peyton walks up to Lucas, giving him a hug. Lucas hugs back.

"So," Peyton begins. "What do you say we get some dinner tonight, you know, and talk...about us."

"I definitely think we should talk." Lucas says.

"Just talk?" Peyton asks. "No dinner?"

Lucas nods.

"We need to talk now actually." Lucas says. "Sit?"

"OK." Peyton says, confused, as they sit down on the bleachers. "So, what's going on, Luke?"

"Look," Lucas begins. "I'm just going to say it, alright?"

"OK." Peyton nods.

"I think there was a little miscommunication after we slept together." Lucas says.

"Oh, my God." Peyton says softly, thinking about what Michelle said earlier.

"And also this morning." Lucas adds. "See, I am going to be there for you during this pregnancy. And I'll be there for the baby when he or she comes in nine months, and for his or her whole life. I'll be there for you too...as a friend."

"Say no more, Luke." Peyton says, as she stands up, covering her face.

"Peyton..." Lucas begins softly.

"It's fine, OK?" Peyton asks. "God, I'm so embarrassed. I'm such an idiot."

Lucas stands up.

"You are not an idiot." Lucas tells her, rubbing her back.

Peyton moves away from him.

"Yes, I am." Peyton says. "I knew we had been through too much to ever be the same again. I'm sorry for jumping to things."

"It's really not about that. I just..." Lucas begins. "...I don't feel how I used to about you. I just want to be friends."

"What about last week?" Peyton asks.

"I guess we just got carried away." Lucas says. "We have been through a lot together. A lot of good. That will always be there between us. But all of that is in the past, as are my romantic feelings for you."

"I understand." Peyton nods. "It's fine. Really, Luke. Friends it is."

"I'm glad." Lucas smiles, as he puts out his arms. "Can I?"

"Sure." Peyton says, as they give each other a hug, and then let go seconds later. "I should be going. I have to talk to Michelle about something."

"OK." Lucas replies.

Peyton begins walking toward the gymnasium's exit.

"Peyton--" Lucas calls out.

Peyton turns around toward him.

"For the sake of being completely honest," Lucas begins. "I'm going to go see Brooke tonight."

"Well," Peyton begins, knowing what he means by that. "Then I'll guess I'll see you, too." Peyton pauses. "Good luck."

Peyton exits. A moment later, Nathan and Jamie walk out from the other side of the gym.

"How did it go?" Nathan asks.

"Surprisingly well." Lucas says. "We both decided to be friends, and I told her I was going to see Brooke tonight."

Nathan nods, as Jamie runs and picks up a basketball.

"Daddy!" Jamie says, smiling. "Uncle Lucas! Come on, lets play!"

Nathan and Lucas laugh.

"You down, man?" Nathan asks.

"Absolutely." Lucas says, as they both join Jamie.

Cut To:

-- THAT NIGHT --

Brooke's house. Brooke is in her kitchen, microwaving popcorn. Peyton enters the kitchen with a towel wrapped around herself, and her hair in pony tail.

"Hey." Brooke says. "Good shower?"

"Excellent shower." Peyton smiles. "Thanks."

Brooke smiles, as she opens the microwave and takes out the popcorn. She grabs a bowl, and opens the popcorn, pouring it inside the bowl.

"I'm watching The Notebook." Brooke tells her. "You wanna join me?"

"Na, not tonight." Peyton declines. "I have to go help Michelle with something. But I do have something to tell you."

"What's that?" Brooke asks, munching on popcorn, holding the bowl out to offer some to Peyton.

"No, thanks." Peyton passes on it. "Anyway, I talked to Lucas earlier. He should be by any minute to talk to you."

"Oh." Brooke replies.

"And if it is about what I think it's about," Peyton begins. "I just want you to know we're good. No matter what. I'm happy for both of you."

"OK." Brooke says. "Thank you, Peyton. Although I'm still a little confused. I thought you and him were--"

"He actually just sees me as a friend." Peyton says. "But he told me he was going to stop by here for you tonight."

Brooke can't help but smile at the news.

"I'm sorry, P. Sawyer." Brooke apologizes.

"Don't ever apologize for being happy." Peyton says. "I should go get dressed now. I'll try to stay out all night." Peyton winks and then exits the kitchen, walking back to her room.

Brooke starts to smile brightly, bouncing and jumping up and down happily in the middle of the kitchen.

Cut To:

Nathan/Haley's apartment. Haley and Jamie are watching a movie. Nathan enters the apartment, going to Haley and Jamie.

"It's a really nice house." Nathan says.

Haley looks up at him, smiling.

"And the owner was really nice." Nathan continues. "Well, the old owner. I hear the new owners are really nice, too."

Haley starts to get up, knowing what Nathan is implying.

"I put an offer on the house." Nathan says. "And he accepted it. We just bought ourselves a house!"

"Oh, baby!" Haley smiles, as she hugs Nathan. 'Jimmy Jam, we're moving into a house!"

"Awesome!" Jamie says excitedly, as he runs over to Nathan and Haley, hugging their legs.

Nathan and Haley rub their hands in his hair.

Cut To:

Outside Nathan/Haley's apartment. A taxi pulls up in the parking lot. The woman from earlier gets out, handing the taxi driver money.

"Goodnight." The taxi driver says, pulling away.

The woman looks up at Nathan/Haley's apartment, and sees the lights on.

"He's home." The woman says to herself. "I can't. Oh, God."

The woman looks behind her, and then walks over to the sidewalk and sits down on the edge, looking down.

Cut To:

Michelle's room. Michelle and Peyton are on her computer.

Close-up of computer screen: 'North Carolina State University -- Open classes, start now!'

"You ready?" Peyton asks.

"Here's to a start of my future." Michelle tells her. "Wish me luck."

"With my money." Peyton adds, laughing, as Michelle starts laughing too.

Cut To:

Susie's house. Outside. Greg walks up to the front door and knocks. Moments later, Susie opens it.

"OK." Susie says. "I thought neither of us wanted to see each other. You hide from me at school, yet show up at my house. I'm officially confused."

"So was I." Greg admits. "It had been a really long time since I've seen you, and I panicked. Because I knew if I let myself, all those same feelings from before would come rushing back. Really fast. Susie, I'm sorry for being a jerk. I missed you, and that's the truth. And seeing you now, it doesn't even feel like any time has passed since we made out in the school that day. But a lot of time has passed. I have a healed leg to prove it."

"What are you saying?" Susie asks.

"I'm saying..." Greg begins. "I'm saying this."

Greg suddenly kisses Susie, as she kisses him back.

Cut To:

Brooke's house. Outside. Lucas walks up to the front door, holding a bouquet of flowers. He knocks on the door, and waits. Right away, Brooke opens the door, dressed nice, her hair done, etc.

"Wow." Lucas says. "You look nice. Are you going somewhere?"

"Oh, no." Brooke shakes her head. "Are those for me?"

"Yeah." Lucas smiles. "Yeah, they are."

Lucas hands her the flowers, as she takes them and smells them.

"Oh," Brooke begins. "They look beautiful, Luke. And smell beautiful, too."

"Then they fit you well." Lucas tells her.

Brooke blushes.

"I did just use mango shampoo on my hair." Brooke admits. "Anyway, do you want to come in?"

"Sure." Lucas nods, as he walks in.

As Lucas has his back to Brooke, Brooke smiles to herself, as she closes the door.

"So," Lucas begins. "I came over for a reason."

"Oh." Brooke says, playing along. "Well, until we get to that reason, do you want some lemonade? I just made it."

"That sounds good." Lucas nods, as he follows her into the kitchen.

Brooke pours two glasses of lemonade, and hands one to Lucas.

"So," Brooke begins. "Why do you look so nervous?"

"Well, you know how Peyton and I--" Lucas begins.

Brooke nods.

"She's pregnant, Brooke." Lucas says.

"I know." Brooke tells him. "She told me earlier. She also told me later on that you were going to stop by tonight."

"She did?" Lucas asks.

Brooke nods, with a smile.

"Luke," Brooke begins. "I don't care that Peyton's pregnant. I love you, Lucas Scott. And for once we can be together without feeling guilty and with no one standing in our way. I just want to be with you, and we'll both be there for Peyton during the next nine months. We're all grown up now, we're all friends, and Peyton told me she's happy for us."

"She did?" Lucas asks.

Brooke nods.

"I love you, Brooke Davis." Lucas tells her.

"I'm sorry for ending this before." Brooke apologizes. "I just--I felt bad for--"

"No more of that." Lucas says. "Lets just look forward to the future. Our future."

Brooke smiles, as they hug each other, and then kiss passionately.

"Oh, I've missed that." Lucas says. "Melody has nothing on that."

Brooke laughs, as she kisses him again, and he kisses her back, wrapping their arm around each other.

"Hey." Brooke says. "Do you want to go back in my room, and do a little more of that? And then maybe, say, talk for awhile. And of course, then some more of this."

Brooke kisses Lucas, as they walk back to her room.

Cut To:

Nathan/Haley's apartment. Inside. Nathan, Haley, Jamie are playing the Wii game. Suddenly, there's a knock on their front door.

"I got it." Nathan says, putting down his controller. "Let me know who wins."

Jamie and Haley continue playing together, as they laugh and have fun. Nathan walks to the front door and opens it. The woman is standing there, looking nervous.

"Hi." The woman says. "Are you Nathan Scott?"

"Yeah." Nathan nods, a little confused. "How may I help you?"

"I think I'm your sister." The woman says to him.

Nathan looks speechless, as they stand before each other.

END OF CHAPTER.