The microphones were on. The cameras were rolling. It was time and Megan couldn't believe she was doing it.

"He is one of the most recognized faces in the country. A college superstar turned first round draft pick for the NBA. However in recent months, 23 year old Nathan Scott has received more attention for his antics off the court…"

"Cut!"

Pamela Harris, Nathan, Megan and the crew looked up to the voice who had just yelled the director's demand. It was none other than Dan Scott.

"Mr. Scott", Pamela said in disbelief. "What do you think you're doing?"

"Excuse me, Ms. Harris. Uh, Megan, do you think you could sit a little closer to Nathan? Nate, put your arm around her."

The red faced couple shifted awkwardly, their lame attempts at staged affection making for a more uncomfortable scene. Dan rolled his eyes, impatient.

"No", he barked orders. "Not like that. Megan, turn your knee toward him…"

Once they had been situated like the props they were, Pamela Harris was allowed to continue.

"…From the surprise revelation of his teenage marriage to singing sensation, Haley James, to their highly publicized divorce abroad which ended with a horrifying three days of being stranded in the tragic tsunami disaster. Rumors of infidelity, rumors circulating around the 'mystery father' of James' baby. The allegations that Scott showed up intoxicated at games and finally the accident one month ago that left three people injured and an innocent man nearly dead. We've all heard the rumors and we've all wondered but wonder no more. Nathan Scott and his wife Megan have agreed to their very first joint, lengthy, no holds barred, prime time interview."

The camera panned to a close facial shot of the married couple.

"I will begin straight to the point and without pulling any punches. Nathan Scott, for the record, are you an alcoholic?"

Nathan looked nervously at his father and grandfather before answering.

"No. Um, no I'm not. I know there has been a lot of speculation and whatnot but for the record, I…I do not have a drinking problem."

"Let's go back to the beginning to a little town called Tree Hill. In high school, you become emancipated from your parents during your junior year and you marry your girlfriend, Haley James."

"Yeah."

"What was all that about? It's not the norm, certainly not in this day and age, for two 16 year olds to get married."

Nathan shrugged. It was obviously a very touchy subject.

"I don't know. We were young and we made a decision because we thought we wanted to be together but uh, things didn't work out."

"Is there truth to the rumors that she left you for Chris Keller?"

Nathan cringed and tried not to have a coronary.

"Haley left to pursue her music career. Any rumors about her and Chris Keller, well, you're gonna have to ask her about that."

"Did you petition the court for an official dissolution of marriage?"

"Yeah. I, um, sent her annulment papers or whatever that she signed but it was a mix up and stuff with deadlines and the paperwork and it didn't go through but we didn't find that out until this past summer."

"So you went to the Dominican Republic for a divorce?"

"Yeah."

Why did this feel more like a cross examination rather than a simple interview?

"And after the proceedings, the tsunami hit, is that correct?"

"Yeah."

"What was that like?"

Nathan sighed. So much time had been spent trying to forget the nightmare now he was being forced to dig up terrifying memories.

"It was pretty bad. It was scary. There was an earthquake at first, then this huge wave. It looked like something out of a movie. It just didn't seem real. No one knew what was going on at first. But the water was sweeping people away and all around me people were screaming and dying and crying."

"How did you and Haley survive?"

"We climbed a tree and stayed there the first night and then the next morning we swam for higher ground and found an abandoned hut."

"How extraordinary. We've heard the tale a million times over. You and your ex wife stranded and surrounded by water for days surviving on coconuts. Unimaginable. Describe for our viewers the mood inside that hut."

Megan looked uncomfortable as Nathan nervously rambled on.

"I don't know. We were scared, I guess. Not knowing if anybody would find us. It was just really…tense."

"Thank God of course you were both rescued and recovered from minor injuries but I must ask…is it a coincidence that Haley James turned up pregnant with the dates eerily similar to the brief period in the Dominican Republic?"

"I don't know. What are you asking?"

"Is it possible that you are the father of Haley James' baby?"

Royal, Dan and Megan awaited the response with bated breath.

"No", he finally said.

"Are you in contact with her?"

"No."

"Are you in love with her?"

"I…I love my wife", he stuttered.

"So you have denied an affair with Haley James yet there have been rumors about other women. Strippers, cheerleaders, groupies, other celebrities…have you been unfaithful to your wife, Megan?"

"No."

"Okay now onto a subject we touched upon briefly earlier regarding your drinking, which some of said is out of control. You have denied a problem with alcoholism yet your behavior at a San Antonio Spurs game a few months back told a different story. Can you account for your odd behavior?"

"I um…I, I was sick with the flu and due to a late flight, I didn't have the chance to see the team doc and I know that was a very important game and I really didn't want to miss it so I took some over the counter meds, like cough syrup and cold tablets and stuff and…well, I don't know if I took too many or if it was too strong but it kind of messed me up."

Dan could barely contain his grin. He was a hell of a coach after all. His son had answered the question just like they had rehearsed.

"Any response to your recent demeanor and behavior on the court that has resulted in numerous technical fouls and ejections."

"I love the game. I play with heart and passion. Sometimes emotions get heated. I also feel like I've been hit with some pretty unfair and premature calls from the refs. I admit my temper has gotten out of control in the past but it's something I'm working on."

"And the compromising photos of you exiting a Philadelphia strip club?"

"It's innocent. I was just partying with some friends. My wife knew I was there and I had a beer or two but nothing happened. The tabloids just like to make a big deal out of stuff to sell magazines."

"What about the accident? Last month in your SUV with your mother, Deborah, as a passenger, you struck a cyclist on his bicycle. Michael Sanchez suffered life threatening injuries and has been through multiple surgeries. What caused that accident?"

"It was an accident, dude. I didn't mean it. It was dark and I didn't see him and I tried to swerve to miss him but I hit him and then went in the ditch."

"Have you had contact with the victim since and what is your attitude towards what happened?"

"Um, I haven't had direct contact with him, no, but my wife has been in contact with his family. And, uh, I'm sorry and my heart and prayers go out to them."

"And alcohol was not a factor? You were not driving while intoxicated?"

"If I was, I'd be doing this interview from jail."

Pamela nodded.

"I'd like to turn my attention to Mrs. Scott, the woman sitting beside her husband. You've listened to Nathan answer my questions and it's a lot to take in for any wife. Tell me, Megan, how have you kept your sanity through all this?"

"With God's help", she smiled politely.

"Have these series of unfortunate events caused a rupture in the marriage?"

"No. Um, it's definitely not positive but it's something we are dealing with."

"A lot of anger on your part? A lot of arguing?"

"No."

"Megan, you are six months pregnant and in light of all that's happened, you sit here composed and poised and almost saintly about it."

"Like I said, we deal with it. Family is very important to me. Nathan and I work out our problems in private. No one really knows us or what we think or how we feel."

"What do you think about Haley James?"

Megan was cringing outside but she never broke a sweat on the outside.

"I don't really know her. I only met her once. From what I could see, she is a very nice person. I also think she is a talented musician. Other than that, I have no opinion because I don't know her."

"And her pregnancy?"

Megan shrugged.

"I wish her and her family well."

She managed to get it out without gagging.

"Megan, tell me about the state of your marriage."

"Great. Um, Nathan…Nate is amazing. We really take care of each other."

"And the baby you're expecting?"

She smiled her first real smile.

"There are no words…I am beyond ecstatic. This pregnancy is the best thing that has ever happened to me. We are just thrilled and excited."

"Let me pose a question, first to you, Megan and Nathan you can jump in. What do you feel the future holds for you?

Megan took a deep breath and looked thoughtful.

"Hope", she answered. "Peace. Happiness. Good things for our family."

"And Nathan? Your future personally and professionally…"

"I just want to spend time with my family and my baby. I know my name and reputation will be cleared and I hope to be back on the court soon, doing what I do best."

"Alright. Thank you very much. Ladies and gentleman, Nathan and Megan Scott candidly, head on addressing the rumors and speculation. The biggest of question marks still loom but we wish them well. Signing off from Charlotte, North Carolina, I'm Pamela Harris, ABC News."

"…5, 4, 3, 2, 1…and we're off the air", the production assistant announced as the camera shut off.

"Bravo", Royal grinned, lighting a cigar. "Good job, darling."

Megan wasn't in the mood. They hugged her and she felt like she might vomit.

"You did us proud", Dan winked.

Megan just looked.

"Meg…" Nathan began.

"Please excuse me", she walked away.

She was humiliated, angry and disgusted. They all made her sick and what was worse was once again she had participated in such an idiotic and unthinkable plan. But she had pulled it off. She had done her wifely duties. Maybe investments and stocks were the wrong career for her. After the interview, she might as well have considered taking up acting. Why not? She was obviously good at it. Her latest performance could have earned her an Emmy, a Tony, and an Oscar!