Sorry for the slight delay. I got my A-Level results and am in the process of preparing to move to university in the next couple of weeks. And I also got a little obsessed/annoyed with 'The Sims 2' after Nathan and Haley ended up hating each other (darn it!), Brooke and Lucas wanting to have sex all the time, and Deb randomly getting pregnant 3 times!

Chapter Thirty Four: Make A Change And Breakaway

Brooke returned to Lucas' room less than five minutes later, with Dan, Karen and Dr. Forrester in tow.

Once Dr. Forrester had heard Lucas was awake, he made it clear to Dan and Karen that it was imperative that he talk to Lucas, having found out the nature of Lucas' collapse.

As they entered the hospital room, Karen was immediately at her eldest son's side with hugs, kisses and soothing words. Dan, too, seemed over the moon to see his son awake; while Brooke kept a fair distance away to allow Lucas' parents to be with Lucas.

"Good evening, Lucas. I am Dr. Forrester. How are you feeling?" Dr. Forrester asked once the kisses and hugs had subsided.

"Pretty crappy, actually," Lucas replied, his voice a little dry and croaky, "and tired as hell."

"That's understandable," Dr. Forrester said looking over his notes, "Your tox screen came back negative for any types of drugs in your system," he continued. Lucas frowned slightly, while Dan seemed to become a little irritated with the doctor's mention of 'drugs'.

"Do you know what caused Lucas' collapse?" Karen asked.

Dr. Forrester sighed, "Actually, we do. It's a disease called HCM – standing for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. It's a heart disease, which is quite rare, but sometimes there are a number of reasons that cause it," he explained. "Can I ask if you've been exerting yourself to high levels of stress recently?"

Lucas looked around the room, "Uh… I've been working out a little more than usual. I've had college scouts coming to my basketball games," he told him.

"What do you last remember?" Dr. Forrester asked.

"Nothing much. I was at the Rivercourt running some drills. I think I did a couple of laps around the court. I don't remember anything after that."

"What does this have to do with HCM?" Dan asked.

Dr. Forrester sighed, "It seems that by working out more that Lucas' body is used to, could have caused the problem. Symptoms of HCM usually include shortness of breath, chest pains, dizziness and fainting."

"So this is because of extra training?" Dan questioned. Dr. Forrester shook his head.

"Yes and no. HCM is a disease. It's usually genetic so all the members of your family should be tested for it. However, it could just have been a result of a spontaneous mutation, in which case, it might just be Lucas with the disease."

Dan held a hand up, seemingly confused, "Wait, what does this mean for Lucas? Does he just need to chill out for a little bit and let his body rest?"

Dr. Forrester looked down, "No basketball," he replied, "Lucas will now have to be treated for HCM, which means no competitive sports. He needs to take it easy, and learn to cope with his illness. We can't cure HCM, but we can deal with it. I'll prescribe Lucas the medicine, along with instructions on how to use it. There are leaflets-" Dr. Forrester handed one to Dan, who immediately threw it to the ground.

"We don't want your stupid leaflets!" Dan yelled, "My son is going to the Pros and now because of some disease you're telling him he can't do anything?"

"Dan!" Karen warned.

"It's not like that, Mr. Scott. Lucas put himself in danger with the amount of excessive exercise he was doing – genetic or not – Lucas can't put his body through that again. You're lucky that he's alive. There are cases, particularly in young people like him, where HCM has caused sudden death." Dr. Forrester continued.

"You have no idea what you're talking about. A few hours ago, you thought he was on drugs. I bet this is just some stupid mistake," Dan continued his tirade.

"Believe what you want, Mr. Scott, but we're certain HCM is the cause. We have a variety of different drugs to help deal with it, and if necessary, we'll fit in a pacemaker. But the advice still sticks – no competitive sports."

"I want a second opinion," Dan said firmly. Dr. Forrester nodded.

"If that's what you want, but I can guarantee that they're going to come to the same conclusion. Your son has HCM, and he can still lead a perfectly normal life, provided he takes the right medication."

"And no basketball?" Karen added. Dr. Forrester nodded.

"No basketball," he repeated before shuffling uncomfortably, "I'll leave you to discuss the matter further, and I recommend that everyone else get tested for the disease too," he told them as he left the room.

Once the door closed, the room was silent. With the exception of the usual beeps of the hospital equipment and the rhythmic ticking of the clock; nobody else made a noise.

"Well," Brooke said after some time, "I think I'll go phone Nathan," she announced.

Dan glared at her, "You will do no such thing," he warned.

"Didn't you hear the doctor?" Brooke asked, "He said that everyone had to be tested. That includes Natha-"

"Dr. Forrester clearly has it wrong. Lucas is going to be fine. We'll just put him on a diet and slowly rebuild his strength. He'll be on the court before you know it," Dan said facing the person in question, "We'll do weights, a few sprints… the college scouts won't even need to know about it."

"Dan, I don't think you understand what's happening. It's too dangerous for Lucas to put so much stress on his body," Karen said gently to try and knock some sense into her husband, "I think we should listen to Dr. Forrester and see the treatment alternatives."

"Lucas is not going to throw away everything we've worked hard for. He's a fighter and he's going to prove them wrong," Dan insisted.

"Dan, I don't think that's your choice to make."

Dan gave his wife a look, "I've worked too hard for this to happen now. Lucas is going to play basketball again," he told her, "Now if you excuse me, I'm going to find a doctor who actually knows his medicine," he said as he stormed out of the room.

Karen shot both Lucas and Brooke an apologetic look before following her husband outside.

Brooke glanced at the door before she looked at Lucas. He sat almost numbly in his bed as he tried to process the information.

"Hey. How do you feel?" she asked tentatively.

"How do you think?" he bit out. He groaned as he rested his head back a little so that he looked up at the ceiling. "This sucks."

"I really am sorry," she told him honestly as she came closer towards him.

To her surprise, he laughed dryly, "I bet you are. Enjoying the pity party? Must be great to see me finally get what I deserve, right?" he asked giving her an angry look.

"Lucas, I know you're disappointed but don't take it out on me. I would never have wanted this to happen to you," she told him, "I had no idea you were putting yourself through so much."

"Of course not, you were too busy hooking up with every guy that passed to get back at me," he said. Brooke's throat tightened.

"What?" she asked.

"Oh, come on, Brooke. You wanted me to get my comeuppance. You always play the victim; the one that's hurt. Well, I don't see you sitting in a hospital bed and being told you can't do the only thing you know how to do," Lucas looked at all the wires and tubes attached to him and sighed.

"You can't honestly be blaming this on me," Brooke said, her voice rising, "This is nobody's fault."

"Yeah? Why do you think that I've been concentrating on basketball so much? Why do you think I've spent every waking hour down at the Rivercourt or at the gym trying to improve my game? Why do you think I left the room when that Michael guy came to pick you up? I did it all for you!"

Brooke was stunned, she couldn't think of anything to reply with.

"Why don't you just go, Brooke?" Lucas told her, looking out of the window.

Brooke crossed her arms, "No." she told him firmly.

Lucas looked at her and raised an eyebrow, "No?"

"You know, I don't feel sorry for you anymore. Not one bit. In fact, I envy you because now you have a chance to start your life over," she told him. He continued to stare at her.

"What are you talking about?" he asked.

"You know there is more to life than basketball, but all this time, you were trapped in your father's dreams. Guess what, Lucas? You're not anymore. You can do whatever you want to do now and instead of being pleased about it, you're wallowing in self-pity because you've disappointed Daddy?"

"Brooke-"

"Want to know a secret? I bet you've fantasized about an excuse to get out of this… this box Dan's put you in. I know that you've been envious of Nathan because he managed to break free. Now you can too."

Lucas shook his head, "You have no idea what you're talking about, Brooke," he said quietly.

Brooke walked towards Lucas, shaking her head slightly as she did. "Maybe I'm crazy," she said, "And maybe I read you wrong. But you have to admit that you're a little relieved."

Lucas sighed, "I have college scouts coming every week to see me play. My dad is depending on me to go to college and do what he couldn't do. Now because of this stupid disease, I have to disappoint him."

"Nobody's going to be disappointed. You heard the doc, this disease is genetic. It's not your fault. So you won't be able to play basketball? What about going to college and studying English? You're great at that. Or studying whatever the hell you want. You're not obligated anymore!" she told him, a smile forming on her face as she spoke. She was excited that Lucas got a chance to do what he wanted, but Lucas wasn't so sure.

When he didn't answer, she licked her lips and lowered her head, "Or you could just sit here feeling sorry for yourself and miss the opportunity to do something you want to do."

"It's not that simple," he told her.

"That's where you're wrong," she told him, "It's very simple. You just don't have the balls to do it." Lucas frowned at her comment. "Look," she said, "I'm going to call Nathan and tell him what's happening. He has to get checked out too," she sighed, as she gave Lucas a small wave and walked towards the door.

"Brooke…" he called. She paused. "Why are you so sure that I can get through this?"

She looked at him and shrugged, "Because I know you. And I know that if it were anybody else, you'd be telling them the same thing. You can do it, Lucas. I really believe that," she said.

He nodded and watched as she left the room. He wasn't alone for long since his parents entered the room.

"Where is Brooke going?" Karen asked as she entered, having seen the brunette leaving in the opposite direction.

"Oh, um, she went to go get some coffee," he lied.

"How are you doing?" Karen asked her son, giving him a kiss on the forehead, "I know this must be tough."

Dan scoffed, "Tough? He's going to get through this and show everyone – especially that hack doctor of his – that he's fit and healthy. Aren't you, son?" Dan asked.

Lucas merely nodded. Karen looked slightly concerned.

"Speaking of which, I'm going to tell Whitey that this whole thing was because you've pushed yourself a little too hard. He'll cut you some slack and meanwhile we can rebuild your strength."

"But I have a heart condition," Lucas said, saying it for the first time, "I don't think that I should play basketball for a while."

Dan looked at his son as if he'd grown an extra limb, before chuckling.

"Don't worry about that. Once we get a different doctor to check you out, you'll be fine. You just burnt yourself out a little. You'll be fine," Dan seemed to say it more and more; hoping that if he said it enough – it'd end up being true.

"I think you should get check out, Dan," Karen said, "You might have the heart condition too."

"There is no heart condition, sweetheart. Just some stupid doctor wanting to pump my son full of drugs, and stopping him from doing what he was born to do. We have more scouts due to come in the next few weeks. After some R and R, Lucas should be rested up enough to play," Dan told them.

Karen gave Lucas an uneasy look.

"I still think-" she began.

"Karen," he warned, "Lucas will be fine. Now, I'm going back to the dealership to make some arrangements to be off work for the next week or so, so that I can help Lucas regain his strength. Do you want me to get anything from home?" he asked.

Lucas shook his head. "No, thanks," he said. Dan nodded and left.

"Mom…"

"Don't worry, Lucas, I'll talk to him. I think your father is struggling to accept it," she explained, "How about you? What do you think?"

Lucas sighed, "It sucks," he told her truthfully, "But what else can I do? Maybe it's like a sign or something."

"A sign?" Karen asked.

"Brooke was telling me that maybe I should take it as an opportunity to do something I want to do, rather than fulfilling Dad's dreams."

"I think she sounds like she knows what she's talking about," Karen said, "So are you and Brooke talking again?"

Lucas nodded, "Yeah, she was here."

"She was really worried about you. Did you know that she came with Nathan and Haley?"

"I didn't know that," he said.

"She did. And she stood up to Dan when he wanted them out. Do you spend a lot of time with them?" she questioned. Lucas hesitated before nodding.

"I know you didn't want me to-"

"Oh honey, it is fine. I'm glad you did. He's okay?" she asked.

"They're both fine."

"And they're happy?"

Lucas grinned, "I don't think I've seen a couple happier."

Karen smiled widely, "That's good. I'm glad."

"They don't blame you," he told his mother, "They don't blame you at all. They know it was Dan who didn't want anything to do with them."

Karen nodded, "That's a relief. Hey, um, is it okay if I…"

"They'd love to have you over," Lucas said, watching as a wave of relief washed over Karen's features, "I'll come with you too," Lucas offered.

"Well, let's just get you better first," Karen patted him on his arm, as Brooke walked back in. She looked at the two and offered a small smile.

"Oh, I didn't know you were here. I can leave," she said pointing to the door.

"Don't be ridiculous, Brooke. Come and sit down," Karen said urging the girl to come forwards. Glancing at Brooke's empty hands, she frowned, "I thought you went to get coffee," she said giving Lucas a look.

Brooke and Lucas looked at one another, "Oh, well, I drank it all…" Brooke began trying to make-up a believable story, "I was really thirsty!" she said.

Karen smiled unconvinced, and Lucas explained the truth, "Brooke went to call Nathan," he said. Brooke gave him a look, to which he replied, "It's okay."

Brooke nodded in comprehension and Karen seemed happy.

"What did he say?" Karen asked.

"Oh, um… I told him about Lucas and HCM. He's going to get tested for it as soon as possible. Just in case," she said, "And he and Haley send their best."

"That's good," Karen said, "Tell them that they're free to come and visit him here whenever they want. I'll try and keep Dan away," she promised. Brooke smiled.

"I will," she nodded.

"I'm going to get some coffee… the real kind," Karen glanced at Brooke as she said it, "Will you both be okay for a while?"

They nodded, although Karen could sense a little tension in the air as she left.

"So…" Brooke began, scratching her head nervously, "Alone again, huh?"

Lucas nodded, "Yeah. I guess so."

"Your dad seems to be-"

"In denial?" Lucas rolled his eyes, "Well, that's Dan Scott for you. He doesn't want to tell Whitey or any of the scouts that I have a heart condition. After all, it might affect my chances," Lucas said dryly.

"I'm sorry," she apologized.

"Don't worry about it. I'm sorry for being such as ass."

"You were just told you had a heart condition. It's okay, I understand."

"No," Lucas shook his head, "I meant for being such an ass over the last couple of months or whatever. Things just… they haven't been going well lately," he explained, trying to avoid meeting her gaze.

"It's been rough for me too," she said, "I think we're both to blame. I know I didn't make it easy on you."

"Not that I didn't deserve it," Lucas said.

Brooke bit her lip, "Can we just… I don't know… start over?" she asked. Lucas gave her a look, "Not completely, because you were an ass to me before too, but just-" she struggled to find the right words to say.

"Forgive and forget?" he suggested. She shook her head.

"No, not exactly. Just… move on from the whole drama."

"So you haven't forgiven me, then?" Lucas looked down at his hands.

"I can't," she told him honestly, "Not yet."

"Oh."

"But I'd like to be friends," she tried.

"That sounds good," he said. She nodded.

"Yeah, sounds good," she repeated. Lucas tried to repress a yawn, "Are you tired?"

"A little," he admitted.

"You should rest," she advised him pulling up his blankets slightly.

"I'm not that tired," he protested, although the yawn that followed told Brooke otherwise. She smiled.

"Go to sleep, Lucas," she told him firmly, "I'll be here when you wake up."

"Promise?" he asked sleepily, his body giving up the fight against the tiredness.

"Yeah," she promised, "What else are friends for?"

Friends, Lucas thought as he closed his eyes.

It was a word he'd have to get used to.

To Be Continued…