She watched from afar as they played like they've done it their whole lives. She heard they were getting along now but wow the sight made her so happy, for so long she hoped one day they could all put their father in their past and be one happy family. It's been years since she's last visited her brothers and there was a lot to catch up on, from all of them. As she watched the blonde past the ball to the brunette she ran over and intercepted the ball, dribbled it as she made her way to the free throw line and dribbled twice and threw the ball , nothing but net, dad would be so proud she thought sarcastically. She turned around to see the stun looks, who was this girl that would just interrupt their practice. Stunned looks turned to recognition on the blonde and brunette. "Pauly!" Shouted the brunette pulling the girl into a bear hug as she rolled her eyes. After all these years you'd think she outgrown that name. "Hi Natey " she said smiling after he released her from his grip. Only to be pulled into another hug "Lina what are you doing here" Lucas asked as he let her go smiling. "I just really missed my brothers" she shrugged. It was the truth she did miss them, which made it much easier for to pick a place to run to when her life went to shit. "why didn't you let me know you were coming? We spoke just two days ago." Lucas questioned. "Well i wanted it to be a surprise, duh." Lina said rolling her eyes. " good thing i love surprises," Nate said taking her into another hug, " good to see you little seester." " wait, hold on, sister?!" Asked one of the other basketball players. I guess in all the excitement i forgot we were in the middle of the gym. "Yes, only by 2 months though," she stated matter a factly. " crazy story of dan getting two women pregnant at the same time gets a little crazier when you add a third" she shrugged as everyone was shocked. They all knew the story of Dan getting his high school sweetheart,Karen, pregnant all to leave for college and get another girl,Deb, pregnant choosing to marry the latter but few people knew there was a third. It happened one night when daddy dearest apparently on a break from deb was at an away game in Maine,losing badly to the black bears he went to a party where he met a cheerleader for the opposition and one thing lead to another nine months,2 weeks and 4 days later i was born. My dad sure had a type. "Yes Dan couldn't keep it in his pants, I think he was trying to break a world record" she laughed. All you could do is laugh at the situation, the man was in college with 3 kids on the way. Wheeeewww blew a whistle " what the hell is going on here and why am i not seeing any practice going on my court" whitey yelled coming back into the gym " i leave for five minutes and you all decide to have a tea party..get back to practice before i make y'all do laps" the rest of the team spread out. As whitey walked up to Lina. "Well, well i should've know it was Scott behind all this, surprised it's you though." Whitey grinned. "Hello Tio Brian" Lina said sweetly hugging him. She saw the confused look from the onlookers who were pretending to practice. Her family tree was all kinds of crazy who would've known that random black bears cheerleader from Maine was the niece of of one mrs. Camilla Durham. " don't try to be all cute you're distracting my boys" he scolded trying to hide his smile he always had a soft spot for her. Him and Camilla never got to have children but the summers with Lina he grew to love her as one of his own. The one thing he could thank dan for but he wouldn't admit it out loud. " actually I was showing them how to really play" she teased knowing perfectly well she had him wrapped around his finger ever since she was a baby. "I was just stopping by to announce my permanent return to tree hill, i just came from the principal's office he told me to i could find both the cheerleading captain and Haley in here." Finally taking a look around to what she originally into the gym for. She didn't think she see Luke and Nate here, so she really got distracted. "Wait permanent move?" Nate yelled pulling her into another tight hug swinging her time causing more people to take notice of the family reunion in the middle the gym. " Nate!put me down" she laughed. I swear he forgets how big he is. "Sorry" he said as he set her back her feet, " I'm just so happy to be able to see my little sissy more often," he shrugged rubbing the back of his neck a tell tale sign he was trying to hide some emotions. Growing up she knew her brothers ,Lucas more than Nate, but the time she spent with Nate he was the perfect older brother even though he was older by two months he took the title very seriously. But with social media they've gotten closer but she saw it in his eyes this would be different and he was happy to really get to know his sister beyond email/ FaceTime and text messages. She smiled at him. " so as i was saying I'm looking for the cheer captain and Haley" she took a look around and it look like she already caught the attention of the ones she was looking for.
Who is this girl?! Brooke thought angrily and why is she all over my broody. Brooke wouldn't admit it but she'd been watching Luke all through practice and when this girl walked in she could help but stare more. She watched from afar as the girl made the shot and then hugged Luke and Nate, she wouldn't admit her jealousy either, so she turned to Haley knowing only she had the right to be jealous, saw random girl was hugging up on her husband she had the right to know who she was. "Haley, why is that girl all over your man?" Brooke asked. Haley looked over from where she was standing and watched the scene unfold. Her husband yelling in excitement though she could quite make out what he was saying and pulling a girl into his arms swinging her around. "I don't know but I'm going to find out" she said angrily starting to make her way over with Brooke following close til the girl turned towards them next thing Brooke knew Haley gasp and screamed "oh my god!" Running over to the girl and embracing her into a hug. Brooke was now even more she quickened her pace to catch up to the sandy blonde as she pulled away from the girl. " Oh my god, what are you doing here?" Haley said shocked she hadn't seen the girl since summer before high school started. " I came to knock some sense into you for dating my brother" Lina joked. "Seriously how did that happen?" "tutoring" Haley and Nathan said at the same time. " wait brother? How many girls did dan impregnate back than?" Brooke questioned .she was so confused yet relieved but she pushed that feeling down. "Just three,as far as we know" Lina laughed. The reactions of people would never get old. "Was he trying to break a record or something" Brooke muttered cause Lina to laugh "I wonder the same thing, either that or trying to start is own team" Brooke laughed," I'm Brooke,by the way," stretching her hand out. "Paulina but everyone calls me Lina," Lina replies taking Brooke's hand. Lina knew who she was Lucas and her spoke every other day though he wouldn't say what happened that caused the break up, she was sure he did something cause every time it was brought up he sounded real guilty and changed the subject. I'd just have to investigate later. "So Lina how long are you visiting for?" Haley asked. "Actually I'm moving here,surprise!" Lina replied, "i just finished the enrollment paperwork so I start on Monday. I came here looking for you and to speak with the cheer captain but got distracted by dumb and dumber." "Hey!" Luke and Nate replied at the same time causing her to roll her eyes and smile. She was going to enjoy a relationship with her brothers at the same time. "What?!" Lina replied sticking her tongue out. "well you found me..I'm the cheer captain." Brooke replied shocking Lina a little all the things Luke told her about Brooke he never told her she was a cheerleader I guess to prevent all like father like son jokes. It finally hit her what they were wearing including Haley, " wait Haley you joined the squad? Why didn't you tell me?" Lina whined. it's only been a couple of weeks and it's only cause Brooke asked me to" Haley shrugged. "So why were you looking for me?" Brooke asked. "Well I was wondering if there was any way I could try out for the squad?"Lina questioned hopefully. Despite cheerleading being a generation thing she really did love it and would be sad if she wasn't able to participate in her senior year. " you're in" Brooke replied. "Whaat?!" Lina asked. " well we're still one girl short and you can't be as bad as Some of the others,so you're in" Brooke smiled any friend of Haley's was a friend of hers and since she was down a friend it wouldn't hurt to make a new one. "Wow thank you, trust me i won't disappoint, cheerleading is in my blood." Lina smiled. Things were starting to look up now that she was in tree hill. "Ok now that this party is over can you girls stop distracting my boys" Whitey interrupted. " sorry tio" Lina said . Seeing the confused look on Brooke's face I'll explain later she mouthed. " ok then it settled you're on the team and you can show me some moves after I introduce you to the rest of the squad come on" Brooke said taking Lina by her arm and leading her to the other part of the gym. Lina turned to say bye to Luke and Nathan . Catching the look of pain in Luke's eyes as he watched Brooke walk away and seeing Nate kiss Haley as she Made her way to them, ew Lina smiled she was going to have to get used to that. As she was turning to face forward one of the players caught her eye he was tall, cute and dark hair number 00 she'd have to asks Haley about him later.
"Listen up everyone this our newest member Lina" Brooke announced as the reached the group of girls. "you can't just add people into the squad , Brooke" Peyton said annoyed crossing her arms across her glared at the girl, "I'm the captain and we're one member short so i made a decision, if you have a problem with it you can leave," Brooke replied. If looks could kill both of them would be dead. "Ok girls," Haley said stepping between them, "listen we need the extra to actually perform at state,"looking to Peyton causing Brooke to smirk, "I'm sure Lina will be willing to tryout for us and coach Lodge so she could officially be in the squad." Haley looked at a Brooke and Lina. "Fine." Brooke said. " I'm down." Lina said smiling at the squad only to get a glare from Peyton, ok than looks like i already made an enemy and only here 2 hours that's a new record Lina thought to herself. "Great I'll get coach" Brooke said walking off. "So what the story between those two" Lina whispered to Haley. "I think you should talk to Luke about that one" Haley replied giving her the look to say not the time or place. Oh Luke what did you do? Lina thought to herself, how i run away from drama to drama shaking her head. As they waited for the coach and Brooke to return Lina introduced herself to the rest of the squad. They all seem nice and welcoming all but Peyton who kept her distance and stared at her with hate. Lina didn't care and tried to brush it off one girl out of the whole team she could deal with as long as she just kept it to glares cause she wouldn't hesitate to fight someone. " alright ladies," Coach lodge said approaching the girls with Brooke beside her, " I hear we have someone wanting to join the squad?" Her eyes landing on the unfamiliar face. " hi I'm Lina," Lina said approaching coach lodge, "ok so brooke told me her and Haley agreed you should join the team. As captain Brooke could make that decision but it looks like they wanted it to be a joint decision, so you're going to tryout for us."
Lina nodded thank goodness she was wearing leggings and a top she thought. "So is there anything you like me do in particular?" Lina asked walking to the middle of the floor as the girls moved to sit on the bleachers beside her. "Just a cheer and Dance with some stunts" coach replied taking a seat with the girls. "Ok got it." Lina said standing in the middle of the floor looking to the girls, Haley smiled giving her a thumbs up and Brooke winked and mouth you got this Scott. Lina shook her head and smiled giving her an idea for the cheer she would do.
Stronger than steel, clap clap
Hotter than the sun; clap clap
Nathan Scott won't stop,clap
'til he gets the job done! Yells and high kick
Causing some of the girls to look at Haley
Stronger than steel, clap clap
Hotter than the sun; clap clap
Lucas Scott won't stop, clap
'til he gets the job done! Yells and jumping up and down throwing in a cartwheel.
She really got their attention and even from the guys who were supposed to be practicing, she was so going to hear it from whitey about distracting the guys but come on he was the one that had them practicing during cheer practic. She sent a wink to Nate and luke,both responding with a shake of their head. Looking back at the girls they were all whispering now surely trying to figure out how the new girl knew of the Scott boys and had enough balls to go after them in front of Brooke and Haley, Peyton glared at Lina and smirked thinking Lina really blew it this time. Coach seemed to like it but know it was time to really dazzle her. Lina didn't have a music but she got this she stood in the middle of the floor again. Was it bad that she only had the clovers dance routine from bring it on stuck in her head as she danced then she did her tricks Front handspring, step out, round off, back handspring,step out, round off, back handspring ,full twisting layout landing with her back towards the squad she turned around to clapping. "Well, " Coach smiled getting up walking towards Lina " looks like we have a new member of the squad." "See i told y'all, i mean she is a Scott they're natural born perfectionist." Brooke smirked with her hands on her hips. "And natural born beauties too" Lina replied jokingly. Brooke laughed putting her arm around the girl, " I think this is a start of a beautiful friendship," Brooke said. "Here two hours and I've already been replaced." Haley said walking up to the girls. " oh Haley there's enough of me to go around." Brooke said putting her other arm around the sandy blonde. "yea just ask all the guys at the school," the heard someone mutter. "I've been with a few guys but none of them had serious girlfriends at the time unlike you Peytwh—-" "hey now that practice is over you want to go to the cafe a celebrate you making the squad." Haley interrupted looking to Lina to break the tension before it escalated to a full on cat fight. "sure , I actually told Keith I'd meet him there after I was done here"Lina said," does anyone need a ride?" She asked. "Noi rode with Brooke so I'll see you there, check with Luke though i think his truck is in the shop again." Haley said knowing that Nate also rode with Haley and Brooke she steered Brooke to the exit. This would give the three siblings a chance to catch up even if it was a ten minute ride she was sure they'd take their time.
"Hey tio Brian!" Lina said approaching the older man. It was crazy how small the world was that her great aunt's husband once coached her father and now was coaching her brothers. Whitey turn to his niece," what time is practice over so i can take my brothers off your hands?" " we are just finishing up, here they come now" he said as Luke and Nate walked over to them with their gym bags. "so Luke," Lina started, " Haley told me you might need a ride, we're all headed to the cafe you wanna come?" "Yea i told ma I'd help her out tonight at the cafe for a couple of hours." "And it looks like Brooke and Haley forgot i rode with the mind if i ride along too?" Nathan asked putting one arm around Lina and the other around Luke leading them out towards the parking lot."bye coach" Nate said. Lina looked to her uncle, "bye tio, how about tomorrow dinner?" Whitey nodded with a small wave as they exited the gym.
"Shotgun" Nathan yelled as they approached Lina's white BMW X5. Luke shook his head walking to the backseat door as Lina unlocked the doors. "You're such a child" Lina said sticking her tongue out getting into the car. "oh cause you're so mature." Nathan replied sitting down and pulling his seatbelt over his chest. Lina started the car and started her way towards the cafe. For awhile they just sat there not saying a word just thinking. All three knowing they had so much to catch up on but not knowing where to start. Finally after a few minutes Luke broke the silence," Nate and Haley got married!" Causing Lina to hit her brakes in surprise." What?!l" "Luke cheated on Brooke with her best friend and she found out via live stream" Nate yelled back glaring at Luke who replied with a punch. Lina realized where she had stopped and pulled into the park she put the car in park and turned the car off. It was quiet for a bit until Lina broke the silence "i had a baby" she turned to her brothers shocked faces. "When?" "How?" Luke and Nate asked at the same time. " March 23rd at 233am,Eight months next weekand well sex Nate " she joked shrugging. No one laughed. "Eight months?Why'd you keep it a secret?" Lucas asked," we just spoke two days ago." "I know I just didn't know how to tell anyone, I didn't tell my mom till I was 100 percent sure I was keeping the baby. I just didn't want to disappoint you guys. We only ever speak over the phone or text. It wasn't an ideal way to spring on you that you were going to be uncles. And the more i waited for the right moment i gave birth and than i planned on telling you guys but then i chickened out again. So after everything happened up in Maine i decided to get away and i thought it would be a perfect time to tell you.. I'm sorry" Lina said with tears in her eyes. Nate looked to Luke guiltily, "we're sorry for our reaction," Luke started, "but you're our sister we love you and we're just disappointed we missed being there for you during and after." Nate finished. "So girl or boy?" Luke asked. "Girl" Lina replied pulling out her phone to show off her pictures. "Aw she looks just like you" Luke replied looking through the photos. "Married?!" Lina suddenly yelled looking at Nate. It finally hit her what was the trigger for her to tell them her secret. "you and Haley got married?! You're only 17?!how?" She continued. "Well as you know I'm emancipated so we only needed Haley's parents to consent and they did, me and Haley are forever couple i just wanted to let the world know what we knew" Nate said with love in his eyes. He really love Haley and he knew no matter what life threw at them they would make it through stronger together. " aww I'm happy you're happy" Lina said reaching over to hug him as best she could in the front seat. " i just knew one day Haley would be my sister in law just thought she end up settling for Lucas."causing Nate to laugh and Luke to be offended " hey! Settle? Really Lina?" Luke replied only getting a shrug from Lina. " me and Haley have been best friends since kindergarten i love her like a sister so ew" Luke continued. "He only has eyes for one girl" Nate broke in. " Brooke's friend I'm assuming " shaking her head to Luke she was confused now all he ever talked about was Brooke, then one day he said they were broken up and never explained why. He didn't mention anyone new but apparently there was if it lead to him cheating on Brooke. "nope Brooke" Nate replies seeing the confused look on linas face. Oh now she was really confused. "ok Luke explain." Lina looked at Luke who glared at Nate. " I'm in love with Brooke she's the girl for me." Luke replied looking at Lina expecting her to smile and tell him it'll be ok, she reached over the seat and punched him shoulder,hard. "Ow!" Luke yelled what was that for causing Nate to snicker. "What the hell Luke she's the girl for you than why did you cheat?! Explain cause now I'm really was the girl?" "Peyton" Nate replied. Luke glare at Nate again who just shrugged. "Peyton.. the angry blonde from the squad?!" Lina asked shocked. Wow Luke so messy she thought. "Listen i was confused ok, before i joined the basketball team i was just the unwanted Scott son and Nate made my life hell, i didn't want anything from nates life expect Peyton she was this angry blonde who just so happened to cheer. She intrigued me, she was my first crush. Anyways fast forward to me joining the team getting to know her. She was just like me an outsider in the world of the insiders. I thought it was what i needed i thought i was in love. At the time I started dating Brooke who surprised me, you'd expect her to be what everyone labeled her but she is so much more she's smarter than most people I know. And stronger. It took making the biggest mistake of my life to realize what I had with Peyton wasn't love it was lust and what i had with Brooke it more than love it's word that's yet to be discovered." Luke finished his speech. "damn" Nate replied. "So what are you doing to prove that to her?" Lina asked she would describe herself as a hopeless romantic and of all the romance movies and books she read nothing was as beautiful as what Luke just said. "Nothing I'm starting off slow we're just starting to be friends again." Luke smiled. "Ok that's a good start, Luke if you're 1001 percent sure Brooke's the one than I'll help but if there's at least an inkling of doubt you have to settle with friendship. I know what's it like to get hurt and the person just keeps hurting you with their indecisiveness" Lina replied she could tell her brother was truly in love but she wouldn't put a girl through that pain if there was a chance it will all fall apart. " I'm sure" Luke replied. " then i have you back" Lina smiled. It finally dawned on the boys where they were at. "Why are we at the Rivercourt?" Nate asked as Lina unbuckled her seatbelt and popped the trunk,exiting the car and closing the door behind her they watched as she walked around to car to the open trunk pulling out a basketball. Looking inside she replied," how about a quick game of 21?" Closing the trunk door. Lucas followed by Nate got out the car. "Oh it's on" Nate replied following Lina to the court.
What should've been a 10 min ride turned to an hour ride with a stop at the river court. The three siblings finally walked into Karen's cafe. "What took you guys so long" Haley asked, the first to approach the siblings. " just catching up and reminding them I'm the best Scott" Lina singsong the last part bouncing on her toes. "we totally let you win"Nate replied bitterly. Causing Lina and Haley to laugh. "we got a booth in the back" Haley said taking Nate's hand comfortingly leading him to were Brooke sat. Lina and Luke followed. Once they got to the table Luke said hello to Brooke and excused himself to find his mom to see if she needed help. Lina was going to sit til she spotted Keith "I'll be right back" she said before heading to Keith. "Hello baby girl" Lina smiled waking up to Keith and taking the baby into her arms. "Hey to you too" Keith replied. He was shocked when she showed up on his doorstep last night with a baby, bags and a plan. He agreed to let her stay with him for the time being after of course speaking with her mother. Of course he'd take her in she was his niece after all. It was his job to take care of what his little brother refused to do. Though her mother refused help a lot he was still there when Lina was born and for every birthday since. Just like he was for Luke and how he tried for Nate. Now all three were together and he couldn't be happier. They deserved this despite all the mistakes of their parents past they deserved to have a relationship with each other. He just didn't expect it to wait until their senior year of high school. "hello tiooo, hellooo earth to Keith" linas words shook him out of his thoughts. " I'm sorry what were you saying" " i was just wondering if she was good?" She asked with a concerned look on face and baby on her hip. " she was a perfect little angel actually" Keith replied ," unlike you when you were a baby" " haha" Lina replied. " so did you tell Karen?" Lina continued. "tell Karen what?" Karen asked from behind Lina."hi Karen, how's everything?" Turning to face Karen. Karen was shocked to say the least she hadn't seen Paulina since the summer before they all started high school. "Paulina?" Karen said taking the girl into a half hug realizing she was holding a baby. "What are you doing here?" "to answer your question"looking to Lina, "no i hadn't told her yet,and to answer your question," looking to Karen, "Paulina is moving to tree hill and will be staying with me for a bit until her mother finds her a more permanent place, oh and she has a daughter " Keith finished ,"did I miss anything?" " I joined the squad and beat the boys at 21" Lina shrugged bouncing the baby in her arms she smiled sheepishly at Karen."yes i did, i beat your uncles at 21" she told the baby. " wow" Karen was now really shocked. Keith really knew how to rip a bandaid off quickly. " if you need anything let me know" Karen said to Lina,"anything at all" she patted linas arm and walked back into the kitchen. " i think she's still processing" Keith said looking at the door Karen has walked through not seconds ago. "well with that delivery, It might take her awhile ," Lina said shaking her head Keith simply shrugged in reply. "So you beat the boys st 21 huh" he chuckled. "Yup" Lina smiled proudly. "really you're going to tell everyone, " Luke said coming from the kitchen. "Yup" Lina popped the p this time grinning. "ma said she didn't need help so I'm going to join y'all to eat...is this her?" Luke asked realization crossing his face at the baby in linas arms, " no this is just some random baby," Lina jokes rolling her eyes, "yes this is your niece Esperanza Scottlyn King" smiling "and this is one of your uncles Lucas Eugene Scott" causing Luke to make a face "really embarrassing me in front of an eight month old" he really hated his middle name but not as much as Lina hated Hers smirking, " I don't go around calling you Paulina Beluah Esperanza-Scott" "Beluah!" Nate laughed as he approached them, "never gets old" "ugh I hate y'all both" Lina shook her head. "Come Essie we don't need this negativity" walking away from her brothers to where the girls were seated. "hey i came to meet my niece" Nate called out following close behind. "Niece?" Haley said as the three siblings reached the table. "Aw cute baby" Brooke beamed getting up, "hello baby girl I'm Brooke" she said taking the little girls hand causing Essie to giggle. "aw she likes me " Brooke smiled showing off her dimples. "yes ,niece and with what i know now, your niece too" Lina looked at Haley with a pointed look. "you have a daughter? And you look like that?" Brooke questioned impressed. "Not long after i had her i went back to my regular routine with some tweaks to include her," Lina replied. "when I have a kid remind me to call you for some tips" Brooke said. "sure thing"Lina laughed. "this is crazy you have a baby," Haley got up from her seat, "and you married my brother " Lina replied causing Haley to laugh. "touché " Haley replied. "I'm just shocked you were all about waiting till changed?" "that's a story for another time" Lina replied giving a look to Haley that she would tell all when her brothers weren't around. "so what's her name, hot mom?" "Hot mom?" Lina questioned. "yea Brooke likes to give nicknames to people as well as couple names," Haley answered. "it's a gift, tutor wife" Brooke shrugging. "Her name is Esperanza but i call her Essie for short" " aw that's so cute, hi Essie," Brooke smiled at the baby. "And this is your auntie Haley and your uncle Nathan" "Haley bob james-Scott and Nathan royal Scott to be exact" Luke added when everyone looked at him, he explained,"well it's only fair she introduced me as Lucas Eugene " causing the rest to laugh. "I don't know about y'all but I'm starving" Lina said taking a seat at the booth, "what can i get y'all?" Lucas asked as the others slid into booth Haley and Nate on the opposite of Lina and Brooke " bacon cheeseburger with fries and a strawberry milkshake, a baby seat and some sliced bananas" Lina said not looking up from holding Essie in a standing position between her and Brooke. "Ok" Lucas replied. " I'll have the Cobb salad and lemonade" Brooke smiled up at Luke causing Luke heart to skip a beat. "I'll have the Mac n cheese and a sweet tea"Haley said. "Of course you are" Lucas teased. "I'll have the same as Lina hold the bananas and make it a chocolate milkshake" "got it I'll let ma know and I'll be back with your drinks" Lucas said walking to the back. " soooooo" Lina said watching as Brooke stared at the door Luke just went through. "Hmm" Brooke turned to Lina, as Nate and Haley looked on. " you and my brother, I'm mean we just met so you don't have to tell me anything or you can tell me to shove it but i see the way you both look at each other, and I know what an ass my brother has been"Lina quickly added before Brooke can speak," so if you want me to kick his ass I'll gladly do it! But where are y'all now?" "Naley already offered to kick his ass,multiple times" Brooke smiled. "Naley?" Lina questioned. "Nate and Haley" Brooke pointed her head to the couple who were now in deep whispered conversation. "Oh that's cute" Lina said, "so if you and Luke were together y'all would be..brucas?" "Umm that's even cuter" Brooke smiled sadly. "Sorry" Lina apologized quietly. "It's ok, we're friends and it's about as much as I could handle, I wish all the time that he never did what he did with who he did it with but it happened and as much as I want to listen to my heart and take him back, i also have to protect it. Cause i don't think i can handle having my heart broken again" Lina listened knowing exactly how she felt though she listened to her heart and got hers shattered, she didn't regret it cause she got to enjoy the little bit of happiness in the small time and the best gift in the world which was her daughter. "I understand trust me but that's a story for another time," she said seeing Luke making his way to their table with Karen with trays of food," but all I'm going to say is sometimes taking a chance can lead to something amazing no matter how short the time can be" Lina smiled kindly. Before Brooke can reply luke and Karen got to the table. "ok who's ready to eat?" Karen asked putting a plate of Mac and cheese and tea in front of Haley as Luke put a bowl of Cobb salad and lemonade in front of Brooke. Brooke smiled her thanks, thinking about what Lina said. He smiled back his blue eyes shining with love. Nate coughed breaking Luke out of his trance, "so am I getting my burger or nah?" Nate quipped Luke glared a reply and took the burger from his tray making it look like he was handing it to Nate before pivoting to place the plate in front of Lina causing her to stick her tongue out at him. Nate replied by stealing a fried from her plate. Karen placed the burger from her tray in front Nate. "thank you Karen" Nate smiled up at the lady who had become a second mom in the little time he started getting to know his brother she smiled her reply before placing a chocolate milkshake in front of him, "you're welcome, Nate" she smiled warmly. "That's everything" Luke said placing the rest of the drinks on the table and his plate. "Except the bananas and child seat" Lina said just as Keith came from the back a plate of sliced bananas in one hand and a high chair in the other. "Never mind" Lina said,"never underestimate Karen's cafe" Lina smiled. " exactly " Karen said taking Essie out of Lina's hands and placing her in the seat and placing the plate on the high chair. "Now that's everything." She said, "we'll leave you all alone now enjoy, if you need anything let Luke know" walking away to check on the guest who just walked through the door.
" Luke,our personal waiter" Lina teased. "Don't get crazy pauly" Luke replied. Lina rolled her eyes. "Ok tri-scotts i have only one question and we won't need to ever talk about it again" Brooke burst out, " explain the timing cause we know Luke was born May 20 and Nate was born on Aug 15 when's your birthday?" "October 15" Lina replied, "last day to be five to start school," Lina continued knowing the next question Brooke was going to ask was going to be how was she a senior. "Ok.. on to important business like state is two months and since we know you're awesome i want you to help with Choreographing a routine" Brooke stated. "I'm sure that would go well with Peyton" Lina muttered biting in a fry. "don't worry about her I'm the captain and to quote one of my favorite movies, " this is not a democracy, it's a cheerocracy. I'm sorry, but I'm overruling her" " Brooke smiled. "You are being a cheer-tator Torrance and a pain in my ass!" Lina replied laughing, " i love that movie!" "Oh we know" Haley said sharing a look with Brooke, "we recognized some of those moves back there"Haley teased. "I say we have a bring it on movie night to get our creative juices flowing" Brooke suggested. "I'm in" Haley said. "Only if I'm allowed a plus one" Lina replied. "but of course the youngest raven is invited, except to your welcome party of course" Brooke winked reaching over to Essie as she smashed banana into her mouth excited at the possibility of throwing a party. "calm down tigger" Haley said laughing knowing what was going through Brooke head. "She's too far gone now" Nate said taking a bite of his burger. "am i missing something?" Lina question taking a sip of her milkshake. "I'm going to plan you the ultimate welcome to tree hill bash ever!" Brooke said excitedly looking like a child on Christmas morning. Lina smiled, "You don't have to do that" "but I want to! Brooke assured her. "Ok,I love a good party" Lina shrugged "you've officially became my favorite Scott" Brooke clapped as Lina agreed. "Hey!" Nate, Luke and Haley said at the same time. Brooke rolled her eyes and shook her head, "it's always changing" she finished with a wink before taking a bite from her salad.
She'd never thought when she walked in the gym this afternoon that she'd have a somewhat normal life here in Tree Hill. She looked around the table at the smiling face, the longing looks, she felt it,the love and peace. She was right where she needed to be.