Author's note: I hope you like this chapter. It is two-fold, I want to develop the relationship between Lucas and Haley a little more, but I also want to use that to change part of OTH that I really hated. So, I am definitely taking some liberties. Enjoy! I also wanted to thank Gooseless for taking the time to read and review this story, she is one of my favorite writers on here so I really appreciated it. Everyone else who reads and reviews, thank you all so much, I really appreciate the reviews!

Chapter 8- Owning Up

"Lucas, what's up?" Haley asked as she opened the door to her and Nathan's apartment. Her best friend was standing there looking all sorts of confused. Haley was pretty sure that he was about to yell at her for letting Brooke know about the HCM.

"As you probably know, Brooke found out about the HCM." Lucas raised an eyebrow at Haley and then walked past her into the apartment. "To say the least, she is pretty pissed off. She told me that until I took the test we were done."

"What are you going to do?"

"Well at first I was going to stand by my pride and try and convince myself that I was right and Brooke was wrong, that I didn't need to take the test. But then I realized that I had to fight like hell to get Brooke back, and I would be stupid to walk way from that because of my pride. So I am going to suck it up, swallow my pride and take the test. That is where you come in?" Lucas glanced over to Haley, he knew that she would be so happy he wasn't mad at her for letting out the secret that she would probably do whatever he asked.

"Sure, what do you need me to do?"

"Take a road trip with me. I have to go to Charlotte to take the test, otherwise it will cost like $1000. It won't be free there, they only do the free testing once a month, but it will be really cheap still since I am an athlete. I figured that we could make a day of it, take the road trip, I will take the test, then we can go and check out Charlotte a little bit. If you want we can stay the night there, but I understand if you don't want to be away from Nathan." Lucas hoped she would agree, they hadn't had time together alone in a really long time.

"That sounds good. I don't know about staying overnight, because I would miss Nathan a lot, but we could head back late, really have a whole day up there. As long as I am back to sleep next to him I will be okay." Haley was already excited, she knew that it would be a lot of fun, her and Lucas always had fun. "When are we going?"

"Tomorrow? The testing is only on Saturdays."

"Aw, Lucas. I was so excited to go to TRIC tomorrow night, Peyton got the Wreckers." Haley looked towards Lucas, "But I suppose that for you, and for your health, I can skip it. Let's go to Charlotte."

"Great. One more thing, can we not tell Brooke? I want to surprise her once I have the results, I would rather have her mad at me while I wait for the results then have her forgive me and have to wait with me. I don't want to put her through that." Lucas had already freaked her out enough, what was a few more days of her being angry?

"I won't say anything, well to anyone besides Nathan that is." Haley paused for a second, "I am glad you are doing this Lucas, not just for yourself and for you and Brooke, but for me too. I just hope that you will be okay like Nathan is."

Lucas figured that that wasn't really the time to tell her about the 50/50 chance that either him or Nathan would have it. It didn't really matter, all that mattered were the results. "Okay, well, I will be over to get you first thing in the morning, say 7?"

"Sure, I am always up early anyways. I will see you then."

Lucas stood up to let himself out, he had other stuff to take care of that day.

ooooOoooo

"Hey Jules, is my mom here?" Lucas had gone to the café to look for his mother but she hadn't been there, Deb had suggested that maybe she was at TRIC, so Lucas had headed over there. When he walked in he saw his Uncle Keith's girlfriend, Jules, standing behind the bar.

"Yeah, she is around here somewhere. While your waiting how about you quiz me on my drinks? Keith has been trying to help me learn all the different drinks, why don't you test my skills?"

"Sure, how about a Long Island Iced Tea?"

"You couldn't have said a Screwdriver could you?" Just then Jules cell phone rang, she was on the other side of the bar so she looked towards Lucas, "Can you toss me that?"

Lucas picked up the phone and noticed that is said Dan Scott on the Caller ID. "Sure." He looked at her curiously and tossed her the phone. She picked it up and walked away to answer it. As she did Lucas' mom walked up behind him.

"I thought you were grounded?" Karen asked begrudgingly.

"I know, I came to tell you that I am going to take the test tomorrow. Haley and I are making a day of it." Lucas tried to focus on his mom, but he was still a little confused as to why Dan was calling Jules. "So you got your wish. Can the grounding be over now?"

"Lucas, I am so happy." She reached out and hugged her son, "Yes, the grounding is over."

"Good, it was really starting to suck. I guess I will head out then, do something fun for the first time in over a week." Lucas teased his mother.

"Sure, just bring in a couple of boxes for me?" Karen nodded to a stack of boxes by the delivery door.

"No problem." Lucas strolled over and picked up the boxes. As much as he was dreading the test and the results he felt good because he knew that it was making his mom and Brooke happy.

ooooOoooo

"So how about I am so bummed that I can't go and watch the Wreckers with Lucas tomorrow night?" Brooke was pouting over at Peyton's.

"You can, you are the one choosing to react this way."

"I know, but it seems like the only thing I can do. I can't let him just not get the test, he can't risk his life like that. I have to stick to my guns on this one . I guess it will also help me find out how much he cares about me. If he is going to walk away this easily then I guess it just isn't meant to be." Brooke had a sullen look on her face. She really hoped that that wasn't going to be the outcome. She hoped that he would just take the stupid test and they could get back to it.

"It is a big thing, but give him a chance. I am sure he will do the right thing. You are important to him, really important. You know that. Just be patient, this is a lot for him to deal with." Peyton had to give Brooke credit, she didn't always stick to her volitions, she was impressed that she was doing it now, especially when it came to Lucas.

"I know, I am trying to be. Tomorrow night won't suck that bad, I will be there with you P. Sawyer, that is good enough for me." Brooke sighed.

"Thanks, glad to know I am good enough for you."

"That came out wrong, that wasn't what I meant. I love you like the sister I never had. Remember hoes over bros." Brooke held out her fist.

"Buds over studs." Peyton said as she hit her fist against Brooke's, she knew the girl would be just fine.