Lucas felt absolutely sick to his stomach. His heart pounded, his knees were weak and he couldn't feel his hands. Everything was so messed up. He had a feeling his father was up to something treacherous and highly illegal. His mother still wasn't over the fact that he had moved out. Jake was in jail, Peyton was devastated, and Haley was gone. Could life get any worse?

Of course! It had started out a day like any other day. Nathan had been so down about missing Haley that it was a welcome surprise when he called with laughter and excitement in his voice. Deb's brother, his uncle Cooper, was in town. He was a professional race car driver. Did Lucas want to go out racing? Hell yeah! What teenage boy in his right mind would turn that down? It had all the makings of paradise…hot cars, speed, a surefire adrenaline rush and most importantly the chance to see Nathan smile again. Lucas jumped for the opportunity.

Everyone was kitted in their protective gear. Four cars, three laps around the track. The instructions were plain and simple enough. They were ready. The most important note? Don't let the RPM tack go over 6.

It was fun! They were having a good time. Nathan, Lucas, Coop, and Daytona, a family friend, were all in separate cars. There was digging and competition as they teased each other on the microphone correspondence but mostly it was just a day to let loose. When it was over Cooper led them to the pits. One by one they all filed in. Everybody except Nathan.

No one thought any of it at first, just a last place victory lap so to speak. But he didn't stop. He didn't even slow down. Instead he went faster and faster. Cooper radioed for him to bring it in. Nathan responded by taking the tack to a dangerous 8.

For one going so fast it seemed to happen in slow motion. His car scraped the wall and tiny orange sparks flew. The car jerked violently before crashing into the wall. The car was on fire but flames didn't deter Lucas and Cooper from pulling him to safety. He was still and quiet, dark blood oozing from his nose. All Lucas could do was hold him and beg him to hang on. At the hospital Nathan opened his eyes briefly. In a whisper he told his brother not to call Haley.

Lucas wanted to throw up. Where was the doctor? Was his brother alright? And why hadn't Deb's blood been unsuitable for the transfusion? So many questions. So much fear. Lucas thought he might explode. Then she came bursting through the double doors.

"It's okay. I'm here for you."

He held her and for the first time it felt like everything was going to be okay. Her calming influence was amazing. What was even more amazing was exactly how much he needed her.

"Brooke…"

"Is Nathan alright?"

"They're prepping him for emergency surgery right now."

"Doesn't Haley have to be here? You know, to give consent."

"No because it was an emergency. And because he's emancipated, Dan and Deb really have no say. I was the next available kin so I signed for it.

Brooke shook her head.

"I take it Tutor Wife has given up the VH1 fantasy and is on her way back?"

Lucas shook his head.

"No."

"What?"

"She doesn't know."

"You mean…"

"I couldn't tell her. I haven't called. That's the last thing Nate said. He begged me not to."

"Luke…"

"I have to respect his wishes."

"I know but she's still his wife. She still has a right to know. You'd want to know…right?"

Lucas sighed and looked away, rubbing his red rimmed eyes.

"What am I gonna do, Brooke? I mean, what would you do?"

"I'd call."

He sighed.

"You're right. You're right, Brooke."

A tear slipped down his face.

"He's going to be okay", she whispered.

Lucas looked at her.

"There's more."

"More?"

"I went back to the track. It was scary. The wall is all banged up. His car is totaled. It's a miracle he made it out in one piece."

"Why'd you go back?"

"I don't know. Something was bothering me. Nathan's an athlete, right? We both are. In that instant when he was losing control, his natural reflex should have been to turn left."

"He didn't?"

"No. Not even close. He didn't even try. It's almost like…like he aimed for that wall or something."

Brooke's eyes widened.

"Nathan? You think he tried to kill himself?"

"I don't know. I don't want to believe that but I don't know. I mean, he has been so depressed about Haley leaving. He really loves that girl. He misses her so much. I know the thought of losing her is tearing him up inside. Who knows what was going through his mind?"

Brooke took a deep breath.

"Nathan was hurt and this is a very serious operation. I'm sure he'll be fine but just in case…Luke, Haley should be here. You should give her a call."

Lucas nodded. He knew what he had to do. He patted her on the back as he rose and walked outside. Pulling out the compact flip phone, he dialed the familiar number. He prayed she would answer…

MEANWHILE…

Haley laughed as she picked over a plate of half cold fried rice. The show would be starting soon and the performers always tried to grab a quick bite to eat together before sound check. It had been a rough few days but Haley had recovered from her dream. Things were much better and she was enjoying a tale Gavin was telling about the time his pants fell down on stage.

"You are so making that up!" she accused, giggling.

"Am not. I swear. It was a show in Virginia Beach. I still have the embarrassing video footage to prove it."

She shook her head as she heard her phone ringing from her bag. She grabbed it and looked at the ID. Lucas. Haley sighed. Just when things seemed to be back on track. What did he want? Just to talk? Or was he calling to bitch at her about Nathan. Taking a deep breath, she excused herself from the table and accepted the call.

"Luke…what's up?"

"Hales! Listen, I need to talk to you."

"Okay but I don't have much time…"

"This is important."

There was a quivering sense of urgency in his voice.

"Everything okay?"

"You sitting down?"

"I don't want to sit. Talk to me."

Lucas closed his eyes. He could barely get the words out.

"Haley, there has been an accident…"

Accident? Accident! She felt her knees buckle.

"Nathan?" she managed to whisper.

A lump formed in Luke's throat.

"Yeah."

"Oh my God. What kind of accident?"

"Car. We were racing on his uncle's track and things got out of hand…"

"Is he, is he okay? I mean, he's going to be okay…right?"

It was hard saying it to her and it was even harder voicing it out loud for himself.

"Hales…"

"Lucas!" her voice rose involuntarily. "He is going to be okay? Right? Please…answer me."

He breathed into the receiver and shook his head.

"I don't know."