Chapter 13: The Truth Will Set You Free

Lucas's POV

Everyone made their way to our house after the funeral. It was actually a very nice time filled with family, friends, and great food. It was just what Keith would have wanted. It was very touching to my mother and I to see how many people showed up. So many wonderful memories were shared. I can't believe it but even Dan showed up and was pleasant. When I saw him walk through the door I immediately got worried. What is he going to do to make this worse for everyone? He always manages to do something and I wasn't going to let him ruin Keith's day. We all deserved better, especially Keith. But thankfully nothing had gone wrong….yet. Deb had returned when she found out what had happened. Partly out of respect and love for Keith, partly for Nathan, and partly to protect my mom and the rest of us from Dan. She watched him like a hawk the entire time.

The same went for Brooke with me. She stood by my side and never let go of my arm. It was like she was afraid of what would happen if she let go. I believe she was doing it more for me though than herself. She knew how hard this was for me, but she gave me the strength to get through. If she wasn't there I don't know what I would have done. Seeing Dan here acting like he was the perfect father and husband supporting his family and mourning the brother he desperately loved made me sick. I wanted to punch his lights out and throw him on his ass. But with Brooke being my solid ground she kept me firmly planted and before I knew it Dan had left. I wonder what the next evil thing he was off to plot.

Deb said goodbye to everyone and followed close behind as to make sure he stayed out of trouble. Before she left she told my mother she would stay as long as she needed her. She would take care of the café and club to keep away unnecessary stress. As soon as Karen was back on her feet and she could assure Nathan was taken care of she planned on getting out of town for good. The divorce from Dan was complete and she was ready to finally break free from this hold he had on her.

A little time passed and it was only my mother, Nathan and Haley, Jake and Peyton, Brooke, and I left. I didn't know when the next time we would all be together again was. I figured now is as good of a time as any to tell everyone about my HCM. It would be easier to only have to do it once and I wouldn't be alone. I needed support in this. I considered waiting, but if I don't do this now I am afraid I never will. And I can't hide it anymore. As much as it was going to hurt my family and friends, it's eating me up inside and we would all end up in more pain if I continued this lie. And I can't let that happen, especially now. So, here I go.

"You guys, there is something I have to say. Could everyone sit down for a minute?"

"What's going on Lucas?"

"Well Mom, everyone, I don't really know how to say this. So I am just gonna say it. For the past several months I have been keeping something from you. But everything that has happened has really made me value life." I checked to see if everyone was still following what I was saying. Of course I saw twelve eyes burning into my own. "Okay, so remember when Keith and I went to go get tested for HCM? Well, I told you we both tested negative and that wasn't true. I tested positive."

"What?" I looked around to see seven stunned faces. My mother's mouth was open in shock. I saw that Haley was not looking at me but at Nathan with a guilty expression on her face. Brooke was just staring off into space with a blank expression. My mom came over to me with a furious look on her face. Given our previous history I thought she might slap me. But instead she grabbed me in her arms and held me tight.

"Mom, I am so sorry that I kept this from you. I was just so scared and the longer I waited the harder it got."

"Why did you lie about it in the first place Lucas? Do you know how sick you could have become? You could have ended up in the hospital again. Do you know how terrified I was the last time? I thought I was gonna loose you. And I could have lost you in the shooting. Now I found out you're sick?"

"Calm down Karen. It'll be okay. You've been taking your medication right Lucas?"

"Actually Hales, I haven't been. I was for a while but then it slowed down my performance."

"Is this still about basketball Lucas?

"Basketball has been my life for so long that I didn't know how to let it go. It's a huge part of me. It's who I am and all I know. And now with Keith gone I feel like I have nothing left."

Haley jumped up. "Nothing left? Do you know how selfish you are being? How could you keep lying to me? You took the money from the register for the medication. What were you really doing with it?"

Nathan stood up from his seat and turned to her. "You knew?"

"Yes, I mean kind of. I knew he had HCM but he promised me he was taking care of himself. He swore he would tell someone but he didn't." Nathan started walking toward the door.

"Nate wait."

"I can't believe you Luke!" What about your family and the people that care about you the most in this world? What about us? And do you not care about your health?

"I did think about you guys. That's why I am telling you before it's too late."

"It already is. Do you not remember yesterday when I found you passed out on the Rivercourt?" I spanned across everyone to Brooke and say extreme panic in her eyes. Her face had lost all color and she was breathing unevenly. I started to walk over to her and Nathan held me back. "Are you listening to me?"

"Of course I remember. But I'm fine."

"I wouldn't call that fine." He turned to Haley and began yelling at her. "And you. How could you not tell me?"

"I promised Lucas."

"And you promised to be true to me till death to us part. Or did you forget that again?" Haley looked completely mortified by what he said.

"Nathan, it's not like that."

"What's it like Haley? Is there no one in my life I can trust anymore?"

"No you can trust me."

"You broke that trust." With that he let you of the hand she was holding and walked out the door.

Haley yelled after him. "Nathan please!"

"Don't follow me. Just go home and I'll see you later." Then he got into his car and drove off. I again looked over to Brooke. I was worried about her. She still hadn't said anything. That was the scariest because Brooke Davis could never keep her mouth shut. I would have rather had her scream and yell. I started to walk in her direction when Peyton appeared in front of me.

"I think Jake and I should leave." She grazed my arm with a warm smile. "It'll be okay Luke. It had to come out sometime. I'm glad it finally did. We can both rest easier."

Haley looked over to Peyton. "You knew too?"

"Yeah actually. I've known since the summer."

"And you had the nerve to be angry and a complete bitch to me for lying to Nathan and leaving to go on tour?"

"Haley that was different."

"I really don't see how Peyton. Oh wait yes I do. This is worse. This is a life or death situation not your neediness."

"Haley!" She turned to me.

"So you told her before me? I thought you were afraid and you tell Peyton."

"Haley you are my best friend. But you had just come home and were dealing with Nathan. I didn't want to add my problems to the mix. My mom was in New Zealand, Nathan was at High Flyers, and Brooke was in California." I turn to her and she wasn't there. "Brooke?" I looked around but she was no where to be found. "Did anyone see where she went?"

"Jake and I will go find her Lucas. I think you have plenty to worry about here."

"Peyton to Lucas's rescue again. You just have to but in everywhere Peyton. I'm going by the apartment to pick up some stuff. I'll check there." With that Haley was out the door.

Peyton looked over at Jake with a worried look and he just squeezed her hand and shook his head. "Don't worry." She smiled at him relieved that he didn't jump to any conclusions as Haley did and Brooke must have. "Let's go."

"Thanks guys but I can't let you do that. She must be really upset and god knows what she is thinking about me and Peyton. The last thing I need is for her to think I choose you again."

"Trust me Lucas I know, but I think what she needs to process everything. She knows she could have lost me in the shooting and now she finds out her boyfriend could die. Just give her time."

"Time is not on my side Peyton. I don't want to loose any more with her. I already made that mistake."

"Fine then we'll split up. You check the Rivercourt and I'll go to the mall. She's probably just shopping or something."

"That's ridiculous Peyton."

"What? That's what she does when she's upset. The mall is Brooke's Mecca."

"Then if she is okay why isn't she answering the phone?"

"I'm sure she just wants to be left alone."

"Okay well let's go. I'll follow behind." They walked out and I turned to my mom. "Are you gonna be okay? I know we haven't finished talking about this. I don't want to leave you upset."

"Of course I'm still gonna be upset Lucas. I don't think this is going to go away anytime soon. And yes you can bet we'll be talking about this a lot more. So you go deal with Brooke for now. Make sure she's okay and I'll deal with you later." That didn't sound good but I should be glad that's all she said.

"Please don't be mad Mom."

"I'm more than mad Lucas. I'm extremely disappointed. But don't worry about me right now. I have to clean up and it'll give me some time to think. I'll be waiting for you right here."

"I love you Mom."

"You know I love you too. Nothing changes that." I gave her a hug and left to make things right with the other most important woman in my life.

TBC