Hey guys...
I wrote this story a while ago, but I am just now posting it on this site.
This is a three-part story, so I should have the second chapter up soon.
So please read and tell me what you think. Thanks.

Summary: Lucas Scott was different...and he knew it. He was different, because he saw with his heart. Will he be able to overcome the obstacles that are standing in his way and get what he always wanted? Brucas

I JUST WANNA LIVE
Chapter 1

Lucas Scott had always been different from everyone else. He was special, and he knew it. Growing up had some times been difficult but he learned to look past it. He knew who he was and what he wanted to do, and he never let anyone get in that way.

He easily navigated his way through the small and crowded Tree Hill halls; it had become so familiar to him it was like second nature. As he walked down the hall people scooted aside, people knew to stay out of his way. He found his way to his locker and listened to the clicks as he dialed in the combination.

He skimmed his fingers along the books to find his English one and pulled it out. "Hey Luke." His best friend, one of his only friends, Haley James bounced up beside him. He smiled at her and continued to try to find his English binder.

"Morning Hales." He greeted her warmly. He started to become frustrated when he couldn't find the binder. He let out a quiet growl as he started to tare through the small locker.

"Luke chill." Haley said grabbing his hand and pulling it away from the books. She reached into the back and pulled out the binder and placed it in his hands. "There."

"Thanks." He said holding out his hand so she could take it. They walked down the blue halls once again, this time heading towards the English classroom. They rounded the corner when Lucas collided with something, sending his books crashing down in front of him. "Hey, watch where you're going." Lucas said kneeling down and picking up his books.

"Yeah." The guy scoffed as he stood in front of him. Lucas could hear the sarcastic tone in his voice. "Why don't you try it?" He laughed and walked off.

Haley bent down and grabbed the last book and handed it to him. "Thanks again." Lucas smiled standing back up. "I hate that guy."

"Come on." Haley grabbed his arm again and dragged him into the classroom. She took a seat beside him and pulled out her notebook to take notes as the teacher droned on. She looked over towards him and tapped lightly on the corner of his desk to get his attention. "Luke." She whispered. He titled his head slightly towards her to tell her he was paying attention as he continued to jot down the notes. "I heard there is an opening on the team."

"Hales, you know I can't play." Lucas whispered back.

"Luke, I've seen you play." Haley replied. "You're amazing. You have a real talent."

"I can't play on the team I meant." Lucas stated. Truthfully, he had thought about it. But then he came back to his senses and realized that it could never happen.

"Luke, just try it." Haley tried to convince him. "I mean sure, it will take some time to get adjusted and everything, but you can do it."

"I'll think about it." Lucas said turning back so he could continue to listen to the teacher and take notes.

The rest of the day passed uneventfully. Lucas walked down the halls again and found his way to his locker. He placed his books back in their usual place so he wouldn't have trouble finding them tomorrow.

He had been thinking about what Haley said all day. He thought over every possible situation or outcome. He weighed the pros and the cons…and decided to go for it. He walked down the halls, but quickly became lost. He had never really ventured down this side of the school before.

"Excuse me." Lucas asked people as they walked by. He sighed when no one stopped to help him.

"Yeah?" He heard a familiar voice question in front of him. He smiled to himself, her voice was sweet.

"Peyton." He said mostly to himself. "Mind pointing me in the direction of the gym?"

"Uh, yeah." Peyton said turning to face a hall. "It's right down there, second door on your left." She had never met this kid before, how did he know her name?

"Thanks." Lucas said taking a few steps in the direction she had said. "Oh, and by the way. I hear you every morning doing the announcements." She nodded in understanding but he didn't notice.

He walked down the hallway and eventually found the gym. He walked through the doors and stopped as he took in all the sensations. The bouncing of basketballs filled his ears as it echoed throughout the gym and it smelled of sweat. "Ok. Huddle up!" A voice boomed and he followed the others towards the man.

He listened intently as Whitey instructed the others on what to do. They ran off in a couple different directions. "Lucas." The man said shocked when he first noticed the blonde-haired boy standing in front of him.

"I want to play." Lucas said firmly. He heard a small laugh from someone beside him but decided to let it pass.

"And how is that going to work?" He questioned skeptically.

"I'll sit on the sides today, get the feel of things." Lucas explained. "And tomorrow I'll start practice."

"But what makes you think this is going to work?" He asked curiously.

"Because. I'm a good player. I'll work hard, as hard as I have to." Lucas pleaded. He had to admit to himself, he really did want to try. He wanted to prove that he was good enough. He wanted to prove that he could compete with everyone else.

"Alright." He agreed reluctantly. "I'll give you a shot. This is it."

"Thanks." Lucas smiled appreciably. He sat down on the bench behind him and began to study how the others played. He studied their every move, their every step. He listened to the way they called out plays to each other and the way they passed the ball.

Practice ended and people started to shuffle back out of the locker room. "Hey." A brown-haired boy said standing in front of Lucas. "I'm Jake."

"I'm Lucas." He said holding his hand out for Jake to shake. He stood up and walked beside Jake towards the doors.

"So, do you need a lift?" Jake questioned once they were outside.

"Uh, ya, sure." Lucas said thankfully and followed Jake to his truck. He walked in front and slid into the passenger seat. Lucas told him the way to the house and Jake drove off. "It's the third one." Lucas said as he pulled onto his street.

"Nice house." Jake said as he pulled into the driveway.

"Thanks." Lucas said. "Wanna come in?"

"Um, rain check?" Jake said politely. "I've got some stuff to take care of."

"Sure." Lucas said stepping out of the truck. "Thanks for the ride."

Lucas walked up the familiar sidewalk and pushed open the front door. "Mom?" Lucas called as he set his bag down near the doorway. He followed her voice into the kitchen and took a seat on a stool.

"Hey." His mom smiled to herself. "How was school?"

"Good." He nodded as she placed a plate in front of him full of cookies. He smelt the familiar smell and smiled contently. He placed one in his mouth and was greeted with his favorite taste.

"Why are you home so late?" She questioned curiously.

"I, um." Lucas stumbled over his words. "I kinda joined the basketball team."

She choked on the cookie in her mouth in disbelief. She wasn't sure if she had even heard him right. Lucas had never been one to make decisions, especially ones like that, on his own. He had always kept to himself, not really talking to many people. "You what?"

"I joined the team." Lucas stated proud of himself. "It's time I started living Mom. I'm not just gonna hang back forever." She sighed, knowing he was right.

"I know." She said gently. "Just, be careful. Promise me that."

"I promise." Lucas said surely. He have her a comforting smile before heading to his room and falling onto his inviting bed. He reached over and rummaged through his nightstand before finally retrieving his ipod. He placed the buds into his ears and the music played through as he fell asleep.

He awoke the next day to the suns rays warming his face. He slowly sat up and stretched his arms. It was another beautiful day outside he assumed. He made the familiar walk to the bathroom and then into the kitchen for a small breakfast before school.

The day was once again uneventful and he barely realized how much time had really passed. He was now finding his way to the gym to begin his first day of practice. He followed the booming voice and found Whitey. "Lucas. We have a game tomorrow. Do you think you'll be ready?" Whitey questioned. Lucas nodded his head eagerly.

"Definitely." Lucas said pulling on his jersey. He stood in the middle of the court and dribbled the ball.

"Coach!" A voice whined beside him. Lucas knew the voice, Nathan Scott, his half-brother. "You can't be serious putting this kid on the team. He can't even make a basket!"

Lucas smiled to himself as he dribbled the ball a few times to get used to the gym. He calculated everything about the basket, how hard he would have to throw it, and at what angle. He dribbled once more; the small bumps on the ball grazing his fingers before it hurdled through the air. He listened intently for one of the most gratifying sounds that had ever graced his ears; the ball swished through the net perfectly. He smiled proudly as he turned towards the kid.

"Lucky shot." He said sourly. He threw the ball harshly towards Lucas, who stopped it centimeters next to his head. Lucas smiled as he dribbled and once again shot the ball and once again it went flawlessly into the net.

The rest of practice went quickly with no complications. Lucas was getting used to playing with his team and playing in the gym. He was surprised at how easy it all was to get used to.

The next day was game day, the day he had been looking forward to. He had to admit, he was extremely nervous. Tonight he would make a name for himself, either the school geek, or amazing basketball star. He could barely concentrate in class.

"Hey, Peyt…" Brooke Davis whispered to her friend sitting next to her in class. Peyton discreetly turned her attention towards the hyper brunette. "Who the new guy on the team, he's kinda hot."

"Him?" Peyton said pointing her pencil towards Lucas in the front row, Brooke nodded. "That's Lucas Scott. As in Nathan's half-brother."

"Oh." Brooke said surprised. "I don't care, he's still hot." Brooke said eyeing him. Peyton had to laugh at her friend's bluntness.

The final bell rang and Lucas was the first one out of the room. Haley met him at his locker and they headed to the café. "Ready?" Karen asked as Lucas took a seat at the counter.

"I hope so." Lucas gave her an anxious smile. The entire time he couldn't stop fidgeting, he kept playing with anything he could get his hands on. Haley had to yell at him, and sometimes smack his hands away to stop him.

Eventually game time came and Lucas stood on the sideline as he listened to the home crowed cheering his team on. He listened as the other team came out onto the court, the shoes squeaking against the floor as they did. The referee blew the whistle and Lucas jogged out onto the court.

The first half had gone well. Lucas had scored 14 of the teams 30 points. He smiled to himself when he heard his mom's voice cheering him on over the entire crowd. Lucas quickly passed the ball into Nathan and the Ravens began to increase their lead.

There were 30 seconds left and Lucas passed to Jake. Jake dribbled for a few seconds before passing it to Nathan. Nathan shot the ball but it bounced off the rim and luckily landed in Tim's hands who immediately passed back to Lucas.

Lucas dribbled the ball, trying to keep it away from the other team. When he knew he could make the shot he threw the ball towards the basket. The buzzer rang through the gym, but all Lucas heard was his ball sailing through the net.

Haley came rushing down and launched herself at his body. He stumbled backwards as he wrapped his arms around his best friend. "You were great!" Haley exclaimed excitedly. Lucas laughed happily as he gently placed her back on the ground.

"Thanks." Lucas kept smiling. "Listen, I'm gonna stick around for a while. I'll call you when I get home." Haley agreed and left him alone in the now empty gym. Lucas lay down in the middle of the court and enjoyed his first win. He couldn't believe how well he had played.

"You dead?" An unfamiliar voice questioned above him. He sat up quickly, his heart now racing from the fright.

"No." He smiled nervously. "I'm Lucas." He said standing up.

"Brooke." She said cheerfully. "What, am I too ugly to look at?" She questioned him.

"Excuse me?" Lucas said taken aback from her. He wasn't sure how to respond to that.

"I asked why you won't look at me." Brooke said waving her hand in front of his face. "What are you deaf?" She questioned when he still didn't open his eyes.

"Um." Lucas shifted nervously. "Blind actually." He said gesturing to his eyes.

"Seriously?" Brooke felt horrible now. She honestly didn't know and now she felt major guilt. "Oh, wow. I'm so sorry." Brooke said quickly.

"Nah, it's fine." Lucas stated. "You didn't know."

"I really am sorry." Brooke said resting her hand on his arm. "So what are you doing here anyway?"

"Just thinking." He admitted truthfully. "I was actually about to leave."

"Oh well." Brooke said. "I guess I'll see you some other time."

"I was going to go get some dinner at my mom's café." Lucas stated. "Care to join me?"

"Sure." Brooke smiled happily. Lucas began walking and she followed. He could sense her nervousness as they walked down the street, Lucas leading the way. He had that sense, he could tell what people where feeling, tell what they were doing even though he couldn't see them.

"So can I ask you a question?" Brooke broke the silence that had fallen between them. Lucas nodded his head as he turned the corner and continued down the street towards the café. "How do you know where you're going?"

"What, like right now." He questioned.

"Yeah. How do you know where to turn and how to get places?" Brooke questioned curiously.

"I count the steps. I know exactly how many steps to every place I need to go." Lucas explained.

"What if it's a new place? How do you know how many steps?" Brooke asked.

"In that case, I usually get my friend Haley to walk me there and I count how many steps it takes." Lucas informed her. "Then next time I can do it on my own."

"That's neat." Brooke said honestly. "Can I ask you another question?"

"Shoot." Lucas smiled gently at her curiosity.

"How do you play basketball?" Brooke asked. "I mean, its not like you can count steps in that."

"I listen." Lucas said pointing to his ear. "I listen to their voices and I can tell where people are, or to the way their feet sound against the floor. I listen to the sound of the ball as it bounces and people catch it."

"How do you know where the basket is?" Brooke replied.

"Well sounds bounce off of things. So I usually bounce the ball before I shoot and listen to the sound bounce off the basket. Then I aim there and shoot." Lucas explained again.

"That's amazing." Brooke replied. "You must have really good hearing."

"Yeah." Lucas smiled. "It's kinda true what people say, when you lose one sense the others become stronger. There are some things people just don't pay attention to or take for granted."

"So what's it like, being blind." Brooke questioned. "If you don't want to answer, that's fine."

"Nah, its fine." Lucas reassured her. "It's not as bad as people would think. I've kinda grown used to it, its become part of who I am. I mean sure, at times it sucks."

"Like when?" Brooke asked.

"I miss out on things. Like…we'll obviously I can't see anything, so I kinda miss out on the simple things. But I learned to adjust." Lucas said. "This is it." He said pointing to the door of the café.

"You're good." Brooke laughed as she pushed open the door. Lucas led her up to the counter and they took a seat. Karen walked over to them a few minutes later.

"You played great tonight Luke." Karen said resting her hand on his. "And who is this?"

"Brooke Davis." She smiled shaking the older woman's hand. Karen gave her a polite smile before returning to her customers.

"Listen, Lucas." Brooke said facing him. "I have to go. It was really nice talking to you. Maybe we can do it again tomorrow?"

"I'd like that." Lucas smiled. Brooke laid a light kiss on his cheek before she exited the café.