A/N: So I know not much actually happens in this chapter, but it's kind of important for later, and just the story in general. And there isn't any Naley, but I promise the next chapter will make up for it ;) Please review!

Chapter Five

The next day, the last lesson that some of the children were having P.E. The teacher was taking register, but when he called out, "Lucas Scott," there was no answer. Tim and some of the other boys sniggered, but the teacher didn't hear. He continued taking register, and when he was done told them, "Okay, boys today we'll be playing basketball. I'll just get the balls from the balls from my office."

As soon as he walked out, Tim commented, "No wonder Lucas isn't here."

"He's just late," Jake said angrily.

Some of the others laughed, but not too loud. What surprised Jake the most was that Nathan wasn't saying anything. He didn't even seem to be paying attention to the conversation between everyone else; he was just staring at a wall, lost in his own world.

Just as the teacher was re-entering Lucas appeared through the main door. "Sorry, I'm late," he muttered.

"Don't let it happen again," the teacher warned.

Lucas nodded.

"Okay we're gonna divide into teams, guys."

As everything was getting sorted, Jake moved so he was standing next to Lucas and said, "Hi."

"Hey."

"Why were you late?"

Lucas shrugged. "The teacher was scolding us because half the class was being bad."

Jake smiled understandingly.

"Hey," a voice said.

Jake and Lucas turned and saw Nathan. Jake stares strangely at him. Lucas somehow manages to choke back a, "Hey."

"Jagielski! Get over here; you'll be captaining one of the teams."

Jake shared a looks with Lucas before he walked onto the court and towards their teacher.

Nathan and Lucas stood next to each other uncomfortably; acutely aware of some of the looks the other boys were giving them.

"So why did you say hi to me?" Lucas asked finally.

Nathan shrugged. "I don't know." In all honesty, he didn't. When Haley had shouted at him the day before, something had started in his head. He hadn't wanted to think of Lucas as his brother, of them being alike, but she had forced him to. And rather than seeing their similarities in their person, Nathan had seen the similarities in their situation. It was lot for a seven-year old to take in, but somewhere along the line Nathan had decided not to be mean to Lucas. It would just be easier for the both of them. And maybe Haley wouldn't be mad at him anymore either.

"Aren't you mad?" Lucas asked.

"Yeah. But more at my Dad really."

"Yeah," Lucas agreed. "I guess it's really his fault."

Nathan nodded. They caught each other's eye and for the first time shared an understanding. Things still weren't all okay. It would be a while before they were. But neither of them had actually done anything wrong. And they'd be living in the same town for a while. They may as well put up with each other.

"But, we're not brothers or anything," Nathan clarified.

"No," Lucas nodded fervently. "That would just be weird."

Jake, who was returning to them since stupid Tim had made a fuss to be captain instead of him, had heard these last two lines and smiled. Maybe someday.

Karen was behind the counter at her café, talking to Keith as business was slow this time of day.

"How are things with Lucas now?" he asked.

She frowned. "Better, I suppose. He's still somewhat upset. I can't really blame him, though," she admitted.

"Maybe I should talk to him again," Keith suggested.

Karen shook her head. "No, I should probably –"

Just then the door chime sounded and Karen lifted her head to see the new customer. What caused her to stop mid-sentence was the fact that her customer was none other than her ex-boyfriend's wife, Deborah Scott.

Karen just stared as Deb walked somewhat unsurely to the counter. Keith turned around to follow Karen's gaze and his eyebrows rose. "H-hey, Deb."

"Hi, Keith," she smiled at him, and then at Karen. "Hi. Could I get a cup of coffee, please?"

Karen simply nodded and went over to the coffee machine, trying to listen to Deb's conversation with Keith at the same time.

"So, how's Nathan?" Keith asked.

"Well, he's mad at me. Not that I can blame him for it, but I wish he'd talk about it instead of holing himself up in his room."

Karen came back from the machine with renewed interest. Maybe they weren't so different after all.

"Thank you," Deb said when she took and paid for the coffee. She said goodbye and headed out.

Keith glanced at Karen with an interested look on his face, but she ignored him and went to clear up a table. Keith went in the back to make a phone call so Karen was relatively alone two minutes later when Deb walked back in, half-drunk plastic coffee cup still in hand.

"Oh…hello," Karen said.

"Listen, Karen, I…Well, the truth is I know things are awkward right now, especially for you and Lucas," Deb told her, "but I hope that maybe you and I can get to know each other better. Dan's history doesn't have to be our history."

Karen looked at her understandingly and nodded. "Ok."