Author: Selene Romanov

Title: Lucas

Rating: PG-13

Disclaimer: I own none of OTH.

Summary: Lucas has an operation. Haley realizes something.

A/N: Thanks for all the great reviews. You guys rock. Enjoy!!

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Cranberry juice coated her soft lips, her brow furrowed in worry as she paced the floor anxiously. Waiting to hear news about Luke's operation was killing her. From when they found Luke to now was just a big blur.

"Honey, come sit down and rest your arm," Karen held her arms open. "He'll pull through, what would he think if he knew you were tearing yourself apart out here."

"Yeah, you're right." Haley sat down and looked at the white walls. Willing them to have a doctor come out and tell them Lucas would be okay.

Nathan sat on the other side of Karen, beside his uncle Keith who had his head down in prayer.

"Haley, if you would just tell us what happened?" Karen started.

"No." Haley's eyes filled with fear. "After we know how Lucas is, then I'll tell you."

An hour later

"Haley, I know he'll pull through and be as strong as ever. He's a fighter and nothing will make him give up." Nathan hugged her closely, in a dark corner of the hospital.

"I just wish I could talk to him and make sure, myself." Haley buried her head in Nathan's shoulder and hoped Nathan was right. Drawing strength from Nathan was remarkably easy, he exuded the stuff in loads. If only I was as strong as him, how am I ever going to get up the nerve to tell him……….that I don't want to see him anymore…….it's only for his own good………I don't want to die……….obviously this guy went after Luke as a warning……..he's serious.

I'll tell Nathan soon……….Haley looked out the window at the sunny day. How could the sun shine when Luke lay in the hospital fighting for his life?

Two hours later

A man in green scrubs walked out into the waiting room. "Scott family." His face was impassive, no one could guess if he had good or bad news.

"Lucas came through the operation very well." Everyone cheered. "But, a major nerve in his back was injured. We tried to fix it when we operated. But the swelling is too severe right now. Until it goes down to normal, he won't be able to feel anything below his waist."

Silence filled the waiting room.


"Is he awake now?" Karen asked.

"No, he's still under the anesthetic and will remain asleep for several hours, come back this evening." The doctor walked away.

"Oh my god, what if he never walks again." Images bombarded Haley. "What if he never plays basketball again?" Haley started to cry.

Nathan moved forward to comfort her. "No Nathan leave me alone." She rushed down the hallway.

Nathan stood there, feeling forlorn. "Well I should go home and tell my parents what happened," awkwardness colored his tone. He walked down the hallway in the opposite direction that Haley had taken.

"I'm going to go talk to Haley, it's time to know what happened on that trip. I want answers to why her arm was cut and Lucas was stabbed." Karen said, steel evident in her tone.

"I'll go by your house and bring you a change of clothes." Keith offered.

"Thanks. See you later." Karen dropped a light kiss on his lips and walked down the hallway, in the direction that Haley had run.

Hospital church

Broken sobs echoed throughout the quiet room, candles flickered in the dead air. Haley lit one for Lucas and said a soft prayer.

The door clicked quietly behind her.

"Please Nathan just leave me alone." Haley whispered brokenly, between sobs.

"It's time to tell me what happened." Karen demanded.

"I can't. He'll find out and then he'll kill me." Haley's voice shook with fear and anguish.

"Who?" Karen sat next to her on the bench.

Haley's shoulders trembled with the strength of her anxiety.

"Ok, I'll tell you." Taking a deep breath. Haley told Karen what had happened in the cabin and then when they'd found Luke afterwards.

"Oh my god, we have to tell the police." Karen rationalized.

"No, If I tell the police, then this person might hurt someone else close to me. You, Keith, or my family. I can't risk it." Haley said firmly.

"Well if that's your choice, but………..have you told Nathan?" Karen asked her.

"No. If I tell him, he'll go crazy and I can't…………I have to tell him that I can't see him anymore. It breaks my heart but I……….just can't---" she broke off.

Karen hugged Haley as she sobbed her heart out. I couldn't bear if anything happened to Nathan because of me……….just because the person said they'd kill me…….doesn't mean they wouldn't hurt Nathan…………if anything happened to him………..I ……..love……..him

With that last thought, her eyes closed and her mind focused on an image of Nathan healthy and happy and alive. A man that she was in love with…………….

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Next update: by January 8th at latest!!! R/R if you want more.

**Will Luke be paralyzed permanently?**

**Haley loves Nathan, will she let a death threat keep them apart?**