A/N: Just to let you know, the teachers in this chapter are not mine. They're the last names of some of the cast members.

One Month Later

Lucas was home from the hospital. He had laid around in bed for a week but then decided that he was going to get up. Karen and Andy both had a hard time getting him to take it easy. He also had a steady stream of visiters. Brooke spent the most time with him. More than anything, he wanted to be back playing basketball.

"Lucas, doctor Fred will see you." The nurse said. Karen and Lucas followed her.

"Lucas, Karen, it's nice to see you. Lucas, I hear you want to play basketball again." The doctor asked.

"He won't stop talking about it. He's shooting hoops in his room. I practicly have to hide the balls." Karen said with a smile.

"Let's take a look." The doctor said as Lucas lifted his shirt.

"The scar's healing nicely. Your heart sounds perfect. Your breathing is one hundred percent better as well. Lucas, you are free to play basketball whenever you want." The doctor said. Lucas let out a scream of excitement.

"Lucas! Lower your voice! We're inside." Karen said with a smile as they went into her car.

The Basketball Game

Ladies and Gentlemen, Tonight Lucas Scott is returning from having heart surgery." Mouth said as Lucas ran onto the court. Everyone cheered. Everyone one went to their benches. As soon as the coaches had picked their players, they went onto the court and got into position.

"The ref throws the ball. Jake taps it to his team. Lucas jumps and grabs it. He passes to Nathan who passes to Tim who passes back to Lucas. Lucas throws it and he gets it in." Mouth said.

(A/N: I'm going to cut to the end of the game because I don't want to write half an hour of a game.)

"9 seconds left in the game. Lucas steals the ball and dribbles it up the court with the Cougars after him. He shoots. He makes it! The Ravens have made it to the semi-finals." Mouth said excitedly. The entire team ran and picked Lucas up.

The Next Day At School

"There's the star player." Brooke said as she gave Lucas a kiss.

"Come up for air guys. You do need to breathe." Nathan joked.

"I've seen you and Haley kissing. It's at least 5 minutes before you come up for air." Lucas joked.

"Who needs to breathe?" Jake asked as he and Peyton joined them.

"Lucas and Brooke. All they've been doing lately is sucking face." Nathan said.

"Like you don't do that with Haley." Peyton said.

"We all know you do that with Jake. Brooke said as the bell rang and they headed for math.

"Ok. Settle down. I know you're all excited about the basketball team going to the semi-finals. I want to welcome back Lucas Scott." Mrs. Kelly said with a smile. Everyone clapped.

"Lucas, are you caught up with the class?" Mrs. Kelly asked.

"Ya. Nathan brought me home the home work from all my classes." Lucas replied.

"Good. Turn to chapter 3 in Of Mice and Men."

Basketball Practice

It was one of the rare times that the cheerleaders and the basketball team were practicing together. Whitey wanted them to get used to each other.

"Hey Lucas. How does it feel to know that your best friend died to save you?" Chris asked with a twisted smile.

"Shut up Chris." Nathan said.

"Little brother is fighting your battles. I guess you must still be sick." Chris said.

"Keller, stop standing around and looking stupid." Whitey said. Chris walked away mumbling under his breath.

"Alright guys. Nathan, Lucas. Choose your teammates for a practice game." Whitey said.

The game started. Lucas had the ball and Chris pushed him down. He landed on his chest. He immediately got up and punched Chris. Chris punched him in the chest. Lucas fell to the ground again. Nathan immediately charged after him and punched him in the face. Chris hit him back. The team went and tried to pull them apart. Whitey blew his whistle before walking over.

"Lucas, you ok?" Whitey asked.

"Ya." Lucas replied. Nathan stopped trying to get at Chris and ran to Lucas.

"Nathan, you and Lucas get changed and go home. Tell your parents whet happened. They can call me if they want to talk about it.

"Chris Keller! That was not necessary. You know that Lucas had a heart transplant a month ago and has just come back!" Whitey said.

Lucas, I thought that you were tougher than that. I guess you're just a weakling." Chris said. This time Lucas, Jake, Nathan, Brooke, Haley and Peyton went after him. Whitey decided to let them go for a few minutes before he stopped them.

"Chris, you're benched for the rest of the season. You can practice and suit up with the team but you won't play. 50 laps!" Whitey yelled. Chris walked away, pushing Lucas, knocking him to the ground again.

"That's it! Keller, your parents will be called. The principle will be notified of this!" Whitey yelled as Brooke, Peyton, Haley, Jake and Nathan ran to Lucas.

"Practice is over!" Whitey yelled. Everyone went to the change room. Brooke waited with Lucas until Nathan came out. He hadn't bothered to change. He had Lucas's stuff as well as his own. Slowly they walked home.