Chapter 215: Tree Hill High School

Friday, January 20th, Evening

Ashlyn walked out of the locker room and headed up to the bleachers. She looked up at Nathan and Haley; her three younger children were nearby. Ashlyn smiled at Nathan.

"So, you're off soon?" Nathan asked.

Ashlyn nodded, "Soon, once the UBER gets here," she said.

"You'll be back Sunday?" Haley asked.

Ashlyn nodded, "That's the plan," she said.

"Well, say hello to James for us," Nathan said.

"I will," Ashlyn said.

Haley nodded. Ashlyn moved down the bleachers to be in front of her kids. Ashlyn looked into each of her younger children. They frowned at Ashlyn, and she just nodded.

"I'll tell daddy, you love him," Ashlyn said.

The three kids nodded mournfully. Ashlyn looked them over and shook her head. "C'mon here and give your Momma a hug," Ashlyn said.

Landon was the first one to step over and hug her. Ashlyn carefully leaned over and kissed Landon on the side of the head. They separated and looked away and sat down, still looking away from Ashlyn.

Logan was next, as he walked over to Ashlyn. They hugged each other, and Ashlyn kissed Logan on the side of the head. Logan separated from Ashlyn and took a seat next to his twin brother. Ashlyn nodded and turned to her youngest daughter.

Maeghan walked over to her mom, and they hugged. Ashlyn also kissed Maeghan one the side of her as well. Maeghan gave a sour look to her mom, kissing her. Ashlyn didn't see it through. They separated, and Maeghan nodded, joining her brothers on the bleachers.

Ashlyn nodded and walked down the bleachers to the floor. Slowly, Ashlyn started to turn towards the door. That was when a hand grabbed hold of her elbow. Ashlyn turned around and looked at who captured her. Ashlyn found her oldest daughter standing there.

"Drifting off and not saying goodbye?" Brett asked.

"I'd figure you'd be busy with your friends," Ashlyn said.

"I always have time to say goodbye," Brett said.

"Well, I appreciate it," Ashlyn said.

"Also, tell Daddy James I miss him and can't wait to see him," Brett said.

"Well, me too, and he'll be home for the all-start break," Ashlyn said.

Brett nodded, "Okay," she said.

"Be good for Daddy Huck and Momma Chase," Ashlyn said.

"I will," Brett said, "When will I be seeing you Sunday?"

"I'll call, and Momma Chase or Daddy Huck will bring you over," Ashlyn said.

"Okay," Ashlyn said.

"What's on your mind?" Ashlyn asked.

"I'd like to go to Bear Creek when the season ends," Brett said.

"Want to visit Charlotte?" Ashlyn asked.

Brett nodded, "Yeah," she said.

"Well, Charlotte loves you and misses you," Ashlyn said.

"I know," Brett said.

"Well, I see you when I get back," Ashlyn said.

"Have a good weekend, Mom," Brett said.

"I will, and you too, Brett," Ashlyn said.

"Not much I can do, I'm grounded," Brett said.

"Take that up with Momma Chase," Ashlyn said.

Brett nodded and headed to the bleachers. Ashlyn turned back to the doors that lead out to The Commons. She walked through those doors and looked around The Commons. She adjusted her bag that hung on her shoulder.

After a nod, she walked outside into the cold night air. Standing on the sidewalk, she looked around, waiting around for her UBER.

"Hello Ashlyn," a voice of an older male said from behind her.

Ashlyn turned around to look at him. He was tall and grey-haired. Her body got visibly tense in the cold air.

"Why are you here?" Ashlyn asked.

"It's Friday night, and it's Tree Hill during basketball season, where else would anyone be?" he asked.

"Well, then why aren't you inside?" Ashlyn asked.

"Because I didn't come to see the boy's game," he said.

"So, you came to watch Brett play?" Ashlyn asked.

"Exactly, just like I watched you play," he said, "and now coach."

"But you sided against me," Ashlyn said.

"What choice did I have?" he asked.

"Right and wrong, the only choice that's out there," Ashlyn said.

"So, what choice did I make?" he asked.

"That's between you and your God," Ashlyn said.

"You've never been very religious," he said.

"Neither have you," Ashlyn said.

"But we can't talk?" he asked.

"You've made your choice and now have to live with it," Ashlyn said.

"Again, what choice did I have?" he asked.

"Again, right and wrong," Ashlyn said.

"That was years ago, Ashlyn," he said.

"As you said, it was years ago, so, what changed now?" Ashlyn asked.

"Brett is getting ready to be to college, and well what happened four years ago," he said.

"That was a bad year for everyone," Ashlyn said.

"Even that accident?" he asked.

"Kay was in that accident," Ashlyn said.

"She wasn't the only in that accident," he said.

"I know that, believe me, I know that," Ashlyn said, just as her smartphone binged. She reached into her pocket, pulling out the smartphone. Ashlyn looked at it, nodded, and glanced around the parking lot. "My ride is here," she finally said.

"Where are you headed?" he asked.

"Miami," Ashlyn said.

"Where are the kids going?" he asked.

"To Nathan and Haley's," Ashlyn said.

"Why there?" he asked.

"Where else would they go?" Ashlyn asked.

"Other places," he said.

Ashlyn nodded, "Well, maybe you should have thought about it," she said.

"Well, four years ago made me re-think my past choices," he said.

"Maybe that was too late," Ashlyn said, sighed, "Look, I have to go."

"Enjoy your trip," he said.

"Enjoy the game," Ashlyn said and walked away towards the waiting UBER. The man shook his head and walked back into the school.