2015

Raleigh, North Carolina

The site was the grand banquet room of the State Capital Hotel located in downtown Raleigh. The event was the induction of the North Carolina Athletics' Coaches Hall Of Fame. Being honored was one of the most deserving high school coaches of all time, Brian "Whitey" Durham. A stern, tough loving, no nonsense, wise, yet beloved man with an impeccable winning record that spoke for itself. He had long since retired and old age had caught up with him but he was still one of Tree Hill's most respected and admired figures. Only he, an event being held to pay tribute to his legacy, would be strong enough to reunite six estranged friends…even if it was for only one night.

Sitting at the table designated for the guest of honor, Whitey looked handsome in his traditional tuxedo. He shook hands and mingled as he seemed to know just about everyone. Several hundred people had been invited, some at his request but he was hoping six in particular would show. One third of his wish came true when he saw the first couple at the door. She looked simply gorgeous in her form fitting black gown, deep auburn hair pulled back into an elegant updo. Her date looked handsome as well, garnering more stares for his good looks and keen sense of style rather than the fact he was confined to a wheelchair. They made their way over to him.

"Haley", Whitey stood, placing a kiss on both of her cheeks. "You look absolutely radiant, my dear."

"Thank you, Coach."

"I still keep asking myself after all these years why a such a saintly beauty puts up with your stubborn behind", he pretended to scowl at Nathan.

"Probably because I'm rich and I'm handsome", Nathan joked as he returned the hug from the man that had coached him in high school. "Congratulations, man. You deserve this."

"They just want to give me the honors before I die."

"You're not going anywhere anytime soon. You're too damn ornery to die."

Whitey shrugged.

"You're probably right about that. Anyway, you kids get comfortable. You're seated at the table with me tonight."

"Thank you", Haley politely smiled.

"Son, how is the rehab going?"

Nathan shrugged.

"It's going, I guess. I mean, it sucks. It's a whole new reality, that's for sure."

"You know, I was doing some reading and they have these Olympics for people in wheelchairs. You should look into it. Who knows, I ,might even come out of retirement to coach you."

"Come on, Coach. Be for real."

"I am. Look, son, you got dealt an unfortunate hand but nobody ever said life was fair. These are the breaks sometime and you just have to roll with the punches. You might not like your current situation, as I'm sure it's less than ideal but you have to go with it. And you're a hell of an athlete. Raw, natural talent…you've always had it. Don't let it go to waste. Life isn't over yet. Don't give up on yourself and what you can do and most of all, you still be a man and look out for your family. You've got a good girl sitting beside you and a beautiful little boy. Don't ever lose sight of what's truly important, Nate."

Nathan looked at Haley and rubbed her bare arm.

"Looking at me it might sound crazy but I really am a lucky man. I know that", he said softly, gazing at his beautiful wife.

For whatever reason she had remained by his side through thick and thin. He loved her for it. At times he hadn't been the best husband and the accident that had taken away his legs had also ripped out pieces of his heart. It had been a struggle but Nathan was determined to get back on track. There were good days and bad days, of course but for the most part he had put forth an honest effort to treat his family a little better.

"And how is little Landon?"

Haley grinned.

"Growing like a weed but wonderful. Oh he's so smart. I know every mother says that about her child but he really is. You should see him, Coach. Landon is really something."

"I'm sure he is. You know, I was so sorry to hear about Royal's stroke…"

"Yes. That was an unfortunate shock to us all."

"How is Mae coping?"

"Grandma is strong", Haley smiled.

"Poor Mae. With Royal getting on in age and Danny gone, Keith doing his own thing and Nathan you and Lucas at each other's throats like two madmen, the future of the Scott legacy rests on that little boy's shoulder."

"It's a birthright and a burden at the same time, I guess", Nathan sighed.

"Not if you prepare him. Raise that boy right. Give him a chance. Do for your son what Danny failed to do for you and your brother."

"Landon is a Scott by birth. I want him to be proud of that", Haley spoke up. "I'm going to raise him to be a good man but at the same time prepare him for his destiny. I'll do anything to protect my son."

"You're a good mother. That little boy is going to be just fine", Whitey commented as all eyes focused on the next entrance.

It was Jake and Peyton. He wore a nice suit while his wife glowed in a backless white gown. They approached the table and their seats, hugging and kissing everyone.

"Peyton, you look beautiful", Haley smiled. "I love your hair and your dress."

"Thanks", the blonde shifted uncomfortably.

"Wasn't too sure if you two would make it", Whitey said.

Jake looked at his wife.

"Anything for you, Coach."

"Well, I guess this is it", the old timer looked around, noticing two empty chairs among them.

The final arrival had been anticipated and feared by all. Would they even show up? The ceremony was about to begin.

"It's your big night and it's a long time coming", Jake winked. "Enjoy it, Coach. We're all here for you."

Right before the lights dimmed, an usher opened the doors. She walked in first, a living goddess decked out in the slinky but stylish red strapless dress she had probably designed herself. Her physical appearance was flawless and she was all smiles even as her husband trailed behind her. For a while it had seemed divorce had been imminent but somehow the couple had persevered and were slowly working towards a reconciliation. There were rumors that Lucas had even moved back into the Dallas ranch with his wife and their first public appearance together in ages seemed to confirm suspicions.

Everyone sucked in their collective breaths. How would Haley and Nathan face seeing Lucas after the accident? How would Lucas take seeing his brother confined to that chair? What would it be like between Lucas and Peyton? Lucas and Jake? Brooke and Peyton?

Brooke approached them with a dimple faced grin as she gave Whitey a warm hug. She gave Haley one as well and Nathan who tensed with the embrace.

"Hello, Jake, it's good to see you. Peyton", she muttered through pursed lips.

"Hey, guys", Lucas nodded as he sat down and shook Whitey's hand. "Coach, congratulations. This night is long overdue."

"Thanks, son. I appreciate you being here…all of you. Tonight is a true celebration and it means a lot. You six have had quite an impact on my years. It wouldn't be right without you being here. I know a lot has happened in nine years and none of us are the people we once were. I can't tell you what to do or how to live your lives but tonight I ask that you put aside the past and personal differences, if only for a few hours."

"Anything for you, Coach", Haley agreed.

Lucas cleared his throat.

"I know it must be hard for some of you, all of you, I guess to see me. I've made mistakes, hurt a lot of people…done some things I'm not particularly proud of. I can't say sorry enough. Maybe with more time things can be the way they once were but for tonight, um, just thanks for letting me be apart of this and share this night with Coach."

"A couple of hours", Jake pointed out. "I think we can stomach that."

"Yeah", Nathan smirked. "As long as you didn't bring your money hungry lawyers."

"Nathan, stop it", Haley begged. "Please. Behave yourself. This is exactly what we didn't want."

The tension was still there but the mood chilled as the ceremony began. It was a lovely night and a lovely tribute. Whitey received a well deserved standing ovation as he accepted his award.

"I guess every coach thinks about going into the Hall of Fame. Now that the moment has come for me I find it difficult to say what is really in my heart. But I know it is the greatest thrill of my life and I am honored to be here. For all of you who voted for me and felt I deserved to be here, thank you for this wonderful credit. You know, on the way here tonight, I thought about a lot of things, a lot of people. My parents and my own coaches. Especially my beautiful wife, Camilla, whose love and support meant everything to me. Unfortunately she is not here to see me receive this award but there are a lot of special people who are. In particularly, I am blessed because the entire roster from my 2005 – 2006 Tree Hill High Ravens team is in attendance. How nice it is to look out into this audience and see their faces and their families. These boys who now sit in front of me as men were not only great players but great people. They changed my life. I feel lucky to have known them, coached them and I am grateful for their presence here tonight. Ballplayers are not born great. They're not born great shooters or rebounders. Hard work, dedication and personal sacrifice is the key. To me the game was the most fun I ever had, which probably explains why today I feel humbleness and delight because God not only let me play the game but He let me teach it as well. I taught you about steals and assists but I hope I taught you some valuable life lessons along the way. In my years I never had the chance to be a father unfortunately but I like to think I had thousands of kids. This evening I look out here at just some of the faces whose lives I hopefully impacted. We've all grown older. You've all grown up and some have you have grown apart. But it is important to always remember the people we once were and the friendships we once had. It was an amazing ride, some amazing years so thank you for the memories and once again for this most distinguished of honors. Good night and God bless you all."

He returned to the table as the servers prepared to dish up the meal. As various guests made their way over to have a word with the newest Hall of Famer, Brooke politely excused herself to go to the ladies' room. A few minutes later, Peyton also slipped away, seemingly unnoticed. She entered the restroom as the brunette was powdering her nose. She put down her bag and pulled out her make up as well.

"That was a really nice speech", she commented.

"Whitey did always have a way with words", Brooke answered in a short tone.

"It's nice that we all showed up. It means a lot to him."

"Anything for Coach."

"And um, I…I really like your dress. Did you…"

Brooke rolled her eyes.

"Peyton, stop it. Please. Give it a rest."

"I'm sorry. I was trying to make conversation."

"Don't."

Peyton closed her eyes.

"Look, I know it's been a while since we've hung out and talked…"

"Yeah? And whose fault is that?"

"I hurt you badly and I can't apologize hard enough but I am sorry. So sorry. And I just wanted you to know that. I mean it. I miss you…I miss us. The laughter and the talks and the friendship. I see you're working on forgiving Lucas and I know that's hard because it has been hard with Jake and me trying to work things out. But I love my husband and I know we're gonna be okay. Just like I know you and Luke will, too. One day…one day I hope that for us as well."

Brooke turned to face her for the first time.

"Forgiveness is a hard word. I had to forgive my husband for a lot. It hasn't been easy and I don't know if things will ever be the same for any of us again. Call me crazy but I just can't let go. It's too hard. Whether I like it or not, I'll always have that connection to Luke…and the other four, including you."

"Oh Brooke", Peyton cried, wrapping her arms around her.

Brooke backed away and put her hands up, grabbing her bag before she left.

"I forgave you both a long time ago. But I'll never forget. Never."

And with that, she walked off. She returned to the table like nothing ever happened while a visibly upset Peyton followed. They sat and began dinner, awkward small talk flowing in spurts across the table. Lucas looked over at his brother. He didn't see the stone faced man sitting in a wheelchair. Instead he saw the vibrant, joking invincible baller showing off his moves all over the River Court. Beside him was his Buddy, the goofy, clumsy chick who waited tables in the café and tutored failing students. The one who wore the colorful but fashionably challenged poncho as they shopped thrift stores and searched the campus Lost and Found for the latest cool finds. And Jake was the all around good guy, great friend, single father just trying to make a way for his beloved baby daughter. And Peyton…the brooding, mysterious, complex curly haired blonde who remained an enigma, untouchable in his fantasies. And Brooke. She smiled at him and he remembered why he had fallen in love with the pretty head cheerleader. It was the way they were and the way he wanted them to always be. They would be that way forever, if only in his imagination. Maybe time would make it a reality. But at that awkward tension filled dinner, perhaps none of them knew that time was not on their side. The next reunion would be in the form of a funeral but that wasn't on their minds. Instead they silently reminisced as they enjoyed the last supper.