(sorry that the chappies kinda short…but it's a filler/information chappie…it builds up for the upcoming chappies…)

Ch. 16: The Big Game

Hope dangles on a string
Like slow spinning redemption
Winding in and winding out
The shine of it has caught my eye

And roped me in
So mesmerizing, so hypnotizing
I am captivated

Spirit (n.) To impart courage, animation, or determination

Haley's POV

What is about basketball that is so cool? I mean you just shoot a ball through a hoop. The big game of Tree Hill vs. Lancaster was all that the town talked about. When I go to the little bookstore that I work at, that is all that people talk about when they are buying there books. It's either about Las Vegas or about how I think the game will turn out on Friday. OMG how cool is it that if our team wins this game we get to go to Las Vegas for a tournament. And yes I said we, meaning the cheerleaders, too! Do the people of this town even have to ask if were gonna win? Of course we are! Where's there sprit?

I am Vindicated
I am selfish
I am wrong
I am right
I swear I'm right
I swear I knew it all along

And I am flawed
But I am cleaning up so well
I am seeing in me now the things you swore you saw yourself

Nathan got released from the hospital the day after the accident. The guy that he hit isn't gonna press charges and he only has to do 5 hours of community service. The bad side is that he can't play in the game tonight. Whitey said that he was gonna have practices shortened. Nathan is pretty bummed that he can't play in the game but he is gonna sit in the stands and watch. Brooke won't let me cheer tonight. She says that she wants me in the stands with my man, and I'm not complaining.

General POV

"Tonight's game is the Tree Hill Ravens vs. the Lancaster Pirates. Currently Nathan Scott is injured and he will not be able to play in to night's game. We'll see how that will affect the score tonight." A scrawny boy called Mouth announced into a microphone on the sidelines of the basketball court. Haley noticed that he was waving at her and she waved back. She had tutored him her freshman year and noticed that he wasn't as geeky as people had thought he was. She made her way through the crowd and up to her boyfriend in the stands. She sat down next to him and gave him a light peck.

"Excited for tonight's game?" she asked her eager boyfriend. He looked like he had ants in his pants; he was bouncing his leg up and down and playing with his thumbs. Nathan just gave her a "what-do-you-think?" look. It was true that everyone was nervous about this game. This game determined if they were gonna go to the play offs in Las Vegas. With Nathan gone there was no "Scott Power". Scott Power was the town's nick-name for the Scott brothers.

"Hales, my lovely girlfriend, need I remind you how important this game is?" He asked her. She rolled her eyes at him. Of course she had heard about this game and how important it was for the past week. It was all everyone could talk about at school or anywhere in town.

"I think I get it." She joked.

"Good…now can I have a real kiss? Do you see I'm in pain right now?' Nathan asked with innocence. Haley leaned up and kissed him hard on the lips. He tried to deepen it, but Haley pulled away.

"I'm pretty sure the whole town doesn't want to see us kissing." Haley said

"Haley yes they do. They don't care." Nathan whined. Just then the lights dimmed and the spotlight turned on.

"Ladies and Gentlemen please give a warm welcome the visiting team the Lancaster Pirates." Mouth announced. The Pirates ran out and onto the court. There were a few claps for the team, but not many.

"Now, Ladies and Gentleman please welcome the Tree Hill Ravens!" The crowd went wild. Everyone was clapping and cheering while the team ran out onto the court.

So clear
Like the diamond in your ring
Cut to mirror your intentions
Oversized and overwhelmed
The shine of which has caught my eye
And rendered me so isolated, so motivated
I am certain now that

The game was in the fourth quarter and the score was 58-61. Lancaster was in the lead and there was one minute and thirty three seconds left. Jake had the ball and his passed it to Lucas who was right under the basket. He made a simple lay up that brought the score up to 60-61; they need one more basket to win. The clock dwindled down to forty five seconds. Lancaster was in possession of the ball. Jake was guarding the point guard and just managed to steel the ball from him. He passed to Lucas who was on the three point line. The clock was lessening as the seconds ticked away, 24 seconds left. Lucas was blocked and couldn't make the basket. He saw Jake open on the other side of the court. Luke passed to him and Jake dribbled to the three point line. He shot just in time as the clock rang while the ball was in the air. The gym was silent as they watched the ball soar in the air towards the basket. As the ball soared right into the basket making a perfect swish the crowd went wild. Everyone rushed onto the court and picked Jake and Luke up onto their soldiers. They had won the game and were going to Las Vegas! What a Christmas this was gonna be!

So turn
Up the corners of your lips
Part them and feel my finger tips
Trace the moment, fall forever
Defense is paper thin
Just one touch and I'd be in
Too deep now to ever swim against the current
So let me slip away
So let me slip against the current
So let me slip away

Alright my lovies that's the end of the chappie…the song was Vindicated By Dashboard Confessional…the song was in Spider Man…(I'm not sure if it was 1 or 2)…next is Christmas for sure…and then I think the tournament…who knows…but reply and you'll find out…7 or more repliesa new chappie!...i can't ud on Friday cause I'm going to the taping of Joey for my b-day…but I'll try and ud tomorrow!...alright peace….