A/N- So here it is the final chapter. The sequel I have mentioned it might not take place directly after this but it will take the characters and the relationships that they have made into the second last year of high school, so fast forward three years. Easier to write for and more appealing I think. Tell me what you all think since I hope to keep you as readers. This chapter is going to be somewhat difficult to write and I hope I can get the emotion into it. I probably won't do what I feel justice but I'm going to try.
Disclaimer- Totally didn't put this on most of the chapters. I don't own anything associated One Tree Hill or any references made.
Chasing Dreams
Chapter Thirteen
One Last Time
The last day of school, normally a day filled with happiness and excitement for the coming summer. The fun people would plan to have, the beach, the mall, and maybe a holiday to somewhere exotic. Not this last day of school, it weighed heavily on everyone's shoulders that this was the last day at school as they knew it. People, friends to some, were leaving, going away, going to a different school. They were leaving their comfort zone, venturing out into the real world. Sure, they were only leaving their junior high school, but they had never been outside these friends, they went to preschool together and every grade since. The last day of school was also the awards night at the school and everyone was in attendance that night. Each grade was assigned an area which to sit. The eighth graders were assigned the south wall of the gym. As always, everyone sat in their little groups of friends. Peyton, Brooke, and Nathan sat together with Haley and Lucas near by. No one ever paid attention during these events and tonight's festivities was any different. Mrs. Kentwood was on stage announcing winners of awards. "The Logan Greene Award is an awarded given to a student that shows artistic talents and promise," she explained, "and this year the recipient of this award is Peyton Sawyer."
"Peyt," Brooke squealed, hitting her friend and gave her a hug all in the same motion, "you won!"
"Good job," Nathan said simply.
"Thanks," Peyton said lightly. Peyton stood up she began to make her way up to the stage and everyone was giving her high fives. Peyton had straightened her curls and she wore a short, embroidered, blue jean shirt, and a simple white tank top. Once on the stage Mrs. Kentwood presented her the reward. Peyton returned to her spot on the floor, it was the final awards of the night, Best All-Around Athlete and Best All-Around student. Both Mr. Ward and Mrs. Kentwood took the stage to present the main awards.
"This year we had an unusual occurrence, we have decided to give both of these awards to two people to share," Mrs. Kentwood announced.
"For the Best All-Around Athlete, our winners showed great leadership and over came many obstacles to achieve glory in the sport of basketball, these two young men lead our junior team to many victories," Mr. Ward explained, "this year our recipients are Lucas and Nathan Scott. Come on up boys!"
"Go," exclaimed Brooke pushing both of the guys. "You both won, get your ass' up and pick up the damn award." Lucas and Nathan both stood up slowly, looking around at everyone's looks and expressions. They both made their way up the stage and took the trophy from Mr. Ward and awkwardly posed for a picture for the year book. Their classmates screamed and cheered as the picture was taken causing smiles to be formed on each of their faces. Their made their way from the stage and back to the bench, Nathan carried the trophy and Lucas lagged slightly behind.
"Good job," Peyton whispered giving Nathan a hug and Lucas a high five. Peyton and Lucas never really had become friends, Peyton was slightly jealous over losing her best friend to him. They didn't really know each and they were slightly awkward around each other.
"Can we get your attention again?" Mrs. Kentwood demanded giving the microphone a tap. "Now for our Best All-Around Student, which is also a tie," she said, "The Best All-Around Student shows integrity in everything they do, they receive good marks, and they participate in extra curricular activities, this year the recipients both we on student council, received the highest marks in their classes and took pride in their work." "One of our winners tonight has gotten into a view fights in the last few months, and the other I have never a had a problem with, both girls are friends and they deserve this award very much," she said, "both are leaving us this year and we have given them some grief but just so you both know we love you all and we want have as many updates about your new lives at THHS." "This year our winners are Haley James and Brooke Davis."
"Oh my god," squealed Brooke grabbing Peyton's arm. She had won, she had fought with Mrs. Kentwood all year and she still won, sure she had tied with Haley but whatever she won. Brooke jumped up and grabbed Haley, "We won!" Both the girls got up and made their way to the stage and posed for the picture, Brooke posed with ease while Haley was stiff. "Loosen up," Brooke exclaimed, tickling her friend. Haley loosened up and they took a pretty picture.
The rest of the night went by in a blur, lots of hugs and tears. They soon decided to go to Kady's for one last time as the people they now were, they all new the next year was going to change them forever. Everyone decided to walk together; Alexis and Carter were holding hands, as were Nathan and Haley, and Brooke and Lucas. Kendra, Peyton, Eric, and Shawn had linked arms and were laughing and crying all at the same time. It took them awhile but they finally made their way to Kady's, Brooke raced to the door and opened it first, inside was decorated, they were streamers, balloons, and signs everywhere.
"Oh my god," Brooke began to cry, "You did this for us?" Brooke ran jumped Kady.
"You guys deserve it, you have been such great friends for the last few months and now its over," explained Kady.
"Still," Peyton began, "it's so nice." Peyton wasn't much to be an emotional person, but this sight had brought her to tears.
"No more crying," demand Alexis, pulling the group into a large hug. "Tonight is going to be fun." The three leaving girls just nodded their heads, swatting at some stray tears. They all went inside; there was food, drinks, movies, and games to be played. They mostly hung out as a group but every once in awhile people would leave to talk. Mid way through the night Kady and Nathan left the table and went to talk.
"Natie," Kady cried, "I know we haven't really been friends since we broke up but I just wanted to tell you that when we were together that it was great and I loved having you as a friend and as much as we tell each other we will stay in touch I know we won't but please don't forget, I love you and always will, just as friend, but you have changed my life."
"Kate, there is no way I have that much of an affect on your life," Nathan said quietly.
"But you have, if it wasn't for you I would never have been friends with Brooke, Peyton, and Haley, that's has changed me."
"Kady, this is you on the inside and it would have eventually have come out," Nathan explained giving his friend a hug.
"Thanks Nate," Kady sniffled, "I really do mean that I love you and we have to stay friends."
"I know you do," Nathan said, "call me and we'll talk."
"Okay," Kady said wiping the last tears from her cheeks. "Let's go back before Haley gets jealous," joke Kady.
"Okay," Nathan laughed. When they got back to the room, Haley was sitting at Kady's piano, lightly hitting the keys, beginning to play a song.
"Kady, do you mind if I play it?" asked Haley politely.
"No one ever does, but I don't care," Kady responded.
"Thanks," mumbled Haley. Haley had a hidden talent for music, no one ever knew, not even Lucas. She had been playing piano since she was six years old and was a natural at it.
"Hey I know that song," Kendra exclaimed running up beside Haley.
"It's a great song," Haley said, she began to sing lightly. Once she had finished her song, everyone was clapping.
"I don't know you could sing," Exclaimed Lucas, "and we have been friends forever."
"No one knows."
They sat around talking until ten o'clock when Kady's parents came home and told everyone it was time to leave. Everyone stood up giving each other hugs. There were tears in everyone's eyes. They had grown up together and now it was the end. They would no longer spend every Friday night at Kady's house, know each other the way they do now. It was the end. There were fresh beginnings on the horizon. This was the final moment in their early childhood years. They had decided to leave it all behind.
Grew up in a small town
And when the rain would fall down
I just stared out my window
Dreaming of a could-be
And if I'd end up happy
I would pray
Trying not to reach out
But when I'd try to speak out
Felt like no one could hear me
Wanted to belong here
But something felt so wrong here
So I pray (I would pray)
I could breakaway
I'll spread my wings and I'll learn how to fly
I'll do what it takes til' I touch the sky
I'll make a wish
Take a chance
Make a change
And breakaway
Out of the darkness and into the sun
But I won't forget all the ones that I loved
I'll take a risk
Take a chance
Make a change
And breakaway
Wanna feel the warm breeze
Sleep under a palm tree
Feel the rush of the ocean
Get onboard a fast train
Travel on a jet plane, far away
And breakaway
I'll spread my wings and I'll learn how to fly
I'll do what it takes til' I touch the sky
I'll make a wish
Take a chance
Make a change
And breakaway
Out of the darkness and into the sun
But I won't forget all the ones that I loved
I'll take a risk
Take a chance
Make a change
And breakaway
Buildings with a hundred floors
Swinging around wild indoors
Maybe I don't know where they'll take me but
Gotta keep moving on, moving on
Fly away, breakaway
I'll spread my wings
And I'll learn how to fly
Though it's not easy to tell you goodbye
I gotta take a risk
Take chance
Make a change
And breakaway
Out of the darkness and into the sun
But I won't forget the place I come from
I gotta take a risk
Take a chance
Make a change
And breakaway, breakaway, breakaway
They all had broken away. It was time to lead new lives and begin to make changes and take chances. They were gone. It was the end of now. They taken the chance and now they were going to chase their dreams.
A/N 2- THE FIRST FUCKING STORY I HAVE EVER FINISHED! I am so proud of myself. So I began writing this on Tuesday then went back to school so I didn't have anytime, so I just finished it today. I love that song. It's my favorite song and it fit so I had to put it in. I'm pretty certain that I'm going with the idea that they are in grade 11 and it going to be these characters and this is how they became friends but it is how much has changed since this. I don't know for sure, we'll see. Just watch for my penname because the next story it is associated with will be a sequelish story this. Review please it will make me feel GREAT! And I will feel like have accomplished so much. I love you all; thanks for reading you have been great!
-Lauren