Chapter 6

Then 2017 struck us like lightning and our worlds came crashing down around us. That was the worst year of my life...not only mine but yours, Peyton's, Brooke's, Jake's, Karen's, Keith's and Haley's parents. That was the year your parents passed away at the young age of 29. They had been at a party and were on their way home when tragedy struck. I don't know what had happened but I remember the phone call I received, while watching the news, from the police. They informed me that there had been a horrible car accident involving Lucas and Haley. They didn't need to tell me how it looked...for soon the news was filled with a breaking story. I remember how I was asking about it when I read the headline on TV.

"Lucas Scott, from LA Lakers, and wife Haley Scott die in terrible car accident!"

I stared at the TV and I didn't even register that the phone fell on the floor behind my feet. I didn't even register that Brooke had fainted. I knew that it couldn't be happening but the sad and scary thing was that it WAS happening. I snapped out of my thoughts when I saw their faces fill the screen and I heard the unmistakeable voices of you three saying "Mommy" and "Daddy". The rest of that night is a blur to me for I have tried my best to block it from my memory. But I do remember that Jake and Keith went with me to identify the bodies. I spent the next two days heavily sedated just like Brooke, Peyton and Karen. Keith, Jake and my own mother, Deb, helped with you guys. Those of us who were sedated were in shock...but none of them as much as Karen and I. She had lost a son and daughter and I had lost a brother and sister. My world came crashing down and I spiralled into depression for a long while. You can see that Lucas and Haley meant everything to us and that they were the backbone of our group. Two weeks later Lucas' will was read. He left everything to me and appointed me and Brooke your legal guardians. We have done our best with raising you the way they would have wanted us to. I must tell you that sometimes it was hard raising you three, Brian and my second son, James Jared Scott. I hope that Lucas and Haley are happy with the way we raised you and I believe that they look down now on you three smiling. I hope that this letter will have helped you in understanding your parents. I know that the story has many spaces and that it most probably will have given you more questions that time will not allow me to answer. One day, when you join us, your parents will answer them.

Now I want you to read this next part well for it is the end of my letter and my last advice to you. Love with all your hearts. Live like there is no tomorrow. Cherish family and friends. Strife for happiness. Never forget your roots and always know that there are people in heaven looking after you.

Lucas. Haley. Brooke. Peyton. Jake. Karen. Keith. Whitey. Deb. Even Dan. Remember these people for they are your past; your family. These are the people that have each played an important role in your lives. And...remember me. Not for my stubbornness, basketball abilities or even my wittiness. But for my life. For what I have done and will do for you.

Remember the love that your parents shared. Strife for that love for that is true, passionate love that last till the end of time and knows no bounds. Remember Lucas and Haley and their story for it is the one love that proves that 'Best friends do make best lovers.' and 'Love is not just a four letter word.'.

Lucas Scott

4

Haley James

4

ever

Look for that carving in the tree at the River court in Tree Hill. Your parents love was truly the greatest love of all times and YOU are the prove of that.

I will see you all again some day...when we will all be together again as it was meant to be.

Love always.

Your uncle and guardian.

Nathan Scott