Nathan Scott often went to the river court now. It was his way of dealing with his failed marriage with Haley. His thoughts turned bitter and cold every time he thought of it. He was far too numb to cry, no matter how much he wanted to, especially the nights when he woke up all alone. Those nights chilled his heart. He rolled the basketball in his hands, feeling the smooth seams of the ball.
He planted his feet and jumped, shooting the ball into the net. It was perfect. He took it again and made 6 more shots in a row. The 8th bounced off the front of the rim, and Nathan caught it in midair, and then made a lay-up with his rebound. He turned and saw Lucas approaching.
Lucas often joined him at the court now. His shoulder was still not 100 and the doctors weren't even sure if it ever would be. But, he was allowed to play again. And just in time for soon it would be basketball season again. Nathan could feel the pressure on his shoulders.
He would be a junior and all the college scouts would no doubt be coming. But, Nathan knew he was ready. He had been training all summer, and even went to a prestigious basketball camp.
"Hey," Lucas greeted him.
"Hey, how's your shoulder?" Nathan asked.
"It's okay. Doesn't hurt as much today." Nathan nodded. That was a good sign at any rate. He closed his eyes for a brief second. He could feel Lucas watching him. The headache was back, like a piercing knife to his skull. He opened his eyes. The pain subsided a bit.
"You okay? You don't look well."
"I'm okay. I'm just tired." And he was. Nathan was exhausted. He didn't sleep well anymore. Peyton, Brooke, and Lucas told him he looked sickly. Nathan didn't care. He didn't care about much anymore. Basketball. That was his life. Always was, though not when he had Haley. God, he loved her so much.
And he didn't know why it had failed so suddenly. Just like that, and she was gone, in the blink of an eye. He couldn't avoid her now that school had started. Nathan would give any of his basketball talent up, just to have Haley back. All the glory, he would have given it up if it meant Haley was still his wife.
He cursed to himself, as he shot another basket, making it. Lucas took a shot right after, which bounced off the rim. But Lucas surprised him by grabbing the ball and making a short jumper, a clean swish.
"Nice," Nathan commented. Nathan grabbed the ball from Lucas and made a three-pointer from long range. Then Nathan slammed the ball into the net. Lucas looked impressed.
"You sure improved with that camp." Nathan shrugged.
"I've been coming here every day," Nathan replied. Then he just said it.
"Man I miss her."
