Chapter

Veracity

AN: Chapter before the final chapter…

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The world, although flowing with inevitably-intense emotions, is a world of truth, realness. The cold, bitter world we walk through everyday is reality; is actuality. This world of pain, suffering, health, and happiness, is authentic, and when one grows enough to realize the delusions, he will prevail.

Lucas Scott

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She watched her reflection, watched the shiny blue of her robe reflect off of the morning sky, and watched her vivacious curls dance under her cap. It was a beautiful image, one she had worked hard for over the years.

Peyton, counted to ten, before swallowing hard and disconnecting her reflection by moving around her room to grab her keys.

……………………

Nathan rolled over in bed, hitting his alarm clock, "it's too early for this," he moaned, closing his eyes.

"Oh, wake up," a voice chuckled, "this is one of the biggest moments of our lives and you're planning to sleep through it."

Nathan groaned, "Lucas, I'm taking back my key."

The oldest brother chuckled, throwing a pillow at his younger siblings head, "lazy ass."

……………………

"Haley James?"

"Yes mom?" Haley asked, fixing her cap on her head, "I'll be down in a second, hold on."

……………………..

Brooke kissed the mirror, and smiled, "hey beautiful, you look so sexy in that robe."

……………………

"Haley James, a boy is on the phone for you, he says it's important," Haley's mother called, sounding a bit too happy.

Haley's heart fluttered, a boy on the phone? She hesitated before picking up the phone, "hello?"

"Haley?"

Her heart sank, just a bit. "Hey Jake, what's up?"

"Ugh," he started, "we need to talk."

"Talk about what?" she bit her lip.

"About Jenny."

"Oh my god, did something happen to her?" her voice became shaky, scared.

"No," he said in a comforting tone, "it's nothing like that."

"what is it then?"

"Her mother is here...in Tree hill."

Haley's mouth formed the shape of an 'O'. "Really?"

"Yeah, and..." he hesitated, "i think i'm going away with her."

"Oh," she said confused, "so, you two are... together?"

"something like that," he said softly, "her name is Jordan, and she is..."

"Peyton's sister," Haley cut in with a nod.

.......................................................................

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Their eyes met, across the room, if for only a second Peyton felt comfortable, satisfied by even the smallest of his smiles.

Lucas could feel it, the feeling he use to get when she would look at him, and he knew that everything was going to be fine.

As they crossed the room, made their way through people that were excited to be graduating, they reached each other, entwined fingers and sat; we are in this together.

……………………………

Flashback

"Jake," Haley whispered, "we shouldn't be doing this."

Jake pulled away, bringing his fingers, that were currently touching her cheek, down to his side. "No, we shouldn't."

She sighed, shaking her head. "I love Nathan."

"I know you do," he nodded, pulling his shirt on, "and he's one of my friends."

Her cheek's burned hot, and she knew if she had glanced in the mirror, she would find herself to be a crimson red. "I'm sorry; I don't know what I was thinking."

End Flashback

Haley sighed, holding her gold necklace in her hand. It was engraved…

I'll always love you …Nate

She smiled; an ounce of confidence redeemed within her body, and placed the necklace around her neck. Let's see if he's true.

…… …………

The big day had finally come, parents and friends gathered for the graduating class. Lucas looked out of the drape, and exhaled deeply. "It's time."

Nathan gave a quick nod, and continued to pace the room where all the graduating class was to wait.

"You okay?" Lucas arched an eyebrow, "you seem a little…"

"Nervous?" Nathan cut in, "why?"

"Um…because you pacing," his brother shrugged.

"No," he shook his head, "I know, but why am I nervous?"

"I don't know," Lucas laughed, "but it's kind of amusing."

Nathan stopped, turning to Lucas and glaring hard, "shut up."

The other walked beside his brother and sighed. "Nate, it's going to be fine."

"Wow, thanks for the comforting words," the youngest Scott said sarcastically.

"I try," Lucas smiled.

…………………………….

As Haley reached the tall, white building, that held memories of the life she was about to leave, she sighed and muttered, 'here goes nothing.'

"Haley," Lucas called, watching her enter the small room.

Nathan took in a deep breath, but for a moment it felt like he wasn't breathing at all. He watched Haley smile at Lucas, but watched as it faded when she noticed he was beside her best friend.

Be brave. Haley told herself, walking over to them.

"Lucas," she nodded, "Nate."

"Hey Hales, how are you feeling?" Lucas asked, trying his best to ignore the tension.

"I'm…" she glanced at Nathan, and faked a smile, "I'm fine Luke."

"Are you sure?" he placed a hand on her arm, "because last night you seemed a bit…"

"Don't worry Lucas," she interrupted, "I'll catch you later. Bye Nathan."

Nathan's heart plummeted, and skipped a beat. The word 'bye' scared him.

"Earth to pretty boy," Lucas waved his hands in his brother's face, "is anyone home in there?"

"Huh?"

"You okay?"

The youngest brother scratched his head, "of course."

"Of course you're not, or of course you're a liar?"

A sigh departed Nathan's lips, "It's just…"

"Could it be the fact that this is the last time you'll be a slave to high school?"

"Yeah," Nathan paused, "maybe."

"Haley?"

"No," Nathan laughed.

Lucas rolled his eyes.

"Yeah, maybe"

"Do you miss her?"

"That's a stupid question."

"So go talk to her," Lucas said, patting his brother on the back.

"No," Nathan shook his head, "she doesn't deserve it Luke."

"So you're saying she doesn't deserve you, after all of the bullshit and pain you've caused her?" Lucas spit venom, "she doesn't deserve forgiveness?"

"I thought she loved me," Nathan whispered, "we were in love!"

Lucas chuckled dryly, "and at the speed that you two were going I'm not surprised you crashed."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Nathan furrowed his eyebrows.

"It means that you two promised each other so much, don't you see how young you are?"

Nathan turned away, maybe to revive himself, or maybe it's because his eyes were swelled with tears of defeat. But Lucas would never know.

……………………………………..

The announcement came on, and every single face in the room turned forward, completely silent.

"As most of you already know I'm Mr. Landua, the principal. Today I'm here to welcome you all, but also to say goodbye to the brightest, talented, young men and women I've ever had the pleasure in working with. When I say working, I mean it, because I didn't only teach these students, they taught me in return. So now, with my sincerest gratitude, I would like to call out the senior class."

As the students made their way out, sitting in their individual seats, mothers cried, fathers took pictures and some cried too, but it was happiness, and Nathan finally saw that.

He watched Karen; tear's filled her eyes, but a smile steadily sitting on her lips. His mother beside her, smiling like there was no tomorrow, he knew she was proud and that all she ever wanted was to watch him walk across the stage. No sign of his father, and even though pretended not to care; he sort of wished he would be there. Even his uncle Keith was there, proud as ever.

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"So what did you say in your Thank you-s?" Peyton asked, smiling.

"You'll see," Haley said.

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The lights dimmed slightly, and the huge projector, which was placed at the front of the room, switched on.

Student after students senior, 'thank-you' video's came on. Many watched with pride, tears and gratitude.

Lucas was the first of the group to have his video shown, the first name called to receive his diploma.

Lucas's video:

(Many people in the audience clapped, and screamed)

First off, I want to say, it has been a rather wild ride. The best of my years lay in this school, and I just want to say thank-you to all of the people that made this day possible for me.

(Teachers whistled gratefully, and clapped knowingly)

Secondly, I want to thank the most important person in my life, without her I wouldn't be here today.

[Wink]

Mom, you've been there through my good times, and bad. You've had faith in me, even when I was sick in the hospital and the doctors said there was no hope, you stayed strong, believing in me. I know that I've done wrong things…

[A laugh]

I remember getting that tattoo when you were away at that cooking colony, or staying out late and not calling. But when I came home, and looked in your eyes, I knew that you still had trust in me, faith in me. I may not have been the best son I could be, but I want you to know that I am your son and always will be. You've raised me, my whole life, took care of me and I think you're a beautiful person for that. You're not only my mother, but my best friend. Thank you.

(Karen's tears cascaded down her cheeks, but she beamed with happiness. Tears filled the room, and Lucas watched as everyone smiled at him)

Speaking of best friends…

[wink]

Hales, I love you, plain and simple. I don't know anyone who was more real to me than you are.

(Haley cries)

You are my role model, and I know that sometimes you have trouble with that

(Haley laughs)

But if there's someone I know who will always do the right thing, it's you. You have been there for me when the world shut me out. You are in my heart, and I intend to keep it that way.

(Everyone laughs)

I want to be the best man in you're wedding, I want to be the godfather of you're children, even if you have eight.

(Everyone cries and laughs)

So I thank-you for showing me who I am…

(Tears fall from Haley's eyes, she whispers to a smiling Lucas, 'thanks')

Nathan, I know that times have changed, and now we get along… [Chuckles]Well, occasionally, but I just want you to know, you've always been my brother. You've taught me how to dunk, you were the first person who ever opened up Haley's heart, and you taught me that honey really does taste good with peanut-butter.

(Room laughs softly)

I hope you've had as much fun as I had. Thank you, little brother.

(Nathan playfully smacks Lucas, 'did you really have to say little?)

Uncle Keith, without you, honestly, I have no clue if I would be up here giving thanks to Nathan at all. You've brought me many things, including closer to my dreams of basketball. You're more than an uncle, I hope you know that. And hey, you got my permission to marry my mom.

(They laugh)

Crazy, Brooke. Man, there's a lot to say about you, but I can't make out half the words. You've given me a lot, courage, confidence and much more, and I thank-you for staying loyal. You're a great friend, good luck in life.

(Brooke smiles)

In life, I've always hid under this façade; this blanket that sheltered me from the light of reality, because I was too stubborn, or too scared to stop dreaming. As I walked through this dark delusion, I realized I wasn't alone. Peyton was there with me, hiding her essence from the world. So, we held hands, and walked into the light together. I am no longer scared of being who I am, and I doubt she is either. And when I close my eyes to dream at night, I never worry, because I know that my angel is there to help guide me back. That's what you are Peyton, my angel.

(Peyton fights tears)

I love you for helping me fight to stay alive. I love you for many reasons, and I want to thank-you for loving me as well.

(-the tears fall)

Last, but not least- I want to thank Dan, my father. I call you father, not because I dislike you, but because I haven't known you well enough to call you my dad. And I mention this, because I would like to know you better and be able to have a dad. It's not too late. [Chuckles] I promise. You made a sacrifice for me, and it didn't go unlooked. My respect for you is powerful and strong. And I also want to thank you for looking at me like you looked at Nathan, and even if it was only once, I know you see me as your son.

(Dan watches from the back, proudly)

I would also like to thank: Whitey-you'll always be my couch. Jake-A true friend

So, after my long and probably boring speech, I would like to say goodbye to all of you who had made me stronger.

………… fade out …………

"Lucas Scott," the principal called.

As Lucas crossed the stage, glanced at the people cheering, he realized everything was slow motion. The biggest moment of his life was over, and it didn't feel too bad.

……………………………..

Brooke's video made the whole room hysterical, and she smiled in amusement. As it faded, and she walked across the stage, she blew kisses to everyone.

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Nathan's video:

Wow, I didn't even think I would make it to twelfth grade, forget graduate.

(Everyone chuckles. Deb raises her eyebrow, but smiles)

Alright, well I'm not going to make this too long, because… well, just because.

(Laughing)

First I would like to give a shout out to my old, skinny, horrible basketball playing brother-Lucas. Did I forget to say how much he sucks at b-ball?

(Lucas shoves Nathan, laughing)

Well anyway, I just want to say, even if you suck, I love you man. But don't expect me to ever, ever call you my older brother. It's only a few months!

(Lucas laughs)

I do want to say one thing, seriously. I never got the chance to actually say that I'm sorry for everything I've done to you. I realized it, you know, that night you were in the hospital. You were in a coma, and I stayed with you, for a long time. I couldn't leave, I had to apologize, but you were sleeping then. I was too scared, so I took advantage of your state and did it then. Well, I'm sorry for being so weak, and I'm sorry for everything. You really are a loser, but you're my brother, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

(Lucas smirks)

[Nathan gets out a list] Oh yeah, I want to thank my Dad for pushing me, taunting me and torturing me, because now I'm stronger. [Laughs] I love you dad, I hope you're proud.

(Dan nods, and mutters, 'I'm proud son')

Mom, thank-you for everything; I love you, but you already know that. Oh, and thanks for the good look's [wink's]

(Deb cries and laughs)

Peyton and Brooke, you girls should be grateful I'm even mentioning your names.

(They laugh)

I know what you two are thinking, 'always the conceited.' [Nods] You're right. [Laughs] Thank you too, you're good friends.

(They smile)

But the person I want to thank more than anyone in the world is Haley James.

(Haley's heart stopped)

When my grades were slipping, you helped me. But school wasn't all you helped me with. You've helped me forgive my family, and rise over my anger. You've helped me be a better person Haley. And I love you because you helped me love more of myself. I just want you to know that wherever were heading, wherever this crazy world takes us, you'll always be the one I love. I know we've both made mistakes, and maybe those mistakes will separate us forever, but the one thing they can't do is stop me from loving you. Thank-you!

(Haley starts to cry and Peyton grabs her hand tightly)

That's all I have to say, Goodbye Tree hill.

……Fade out… …

"Nathan Scott," The principal smiled, holding out his diploma.

A sensation arose in his stomach, and as he got up he felt … different.

Somehow in someway he realized that things will never be the same, and maybe it is time that he let go.

Making his way across the stage, he looked into Haley's eyes, which were now red with tears and smiled.

Reality

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When all seems lost, maybe that is not actually true. Maybe there's a whole world to be unraveled, one must have the courage to do it.

L.S

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Difficult chapter to write and I hope you all understand. One more chapter left. Here goes nothing.