Chapter 338: The End of Innocence

(Song lyrics in italics)

Tuesday, January 31st, Evening

Angela had watched the end of the game with her family. As the game ended, she joined the flow of people out the door to catch their breath before the boy's game. Angela was feeling emotionally and physically drained. She wanted to teach Jess the right things to do, so they'll stay.

As they reached, The Commons Angela looked at Jess. "So, what do you think?" Angela asked.

"I don't know, they seemed really tight, but then again, the opponents could've been bad," Jess said.

"I guess you think you could run like that?" Angela asked.

"Are you asking if I want to play for Uncle Lucas?" Jess asked.

"I think Uncle Lucas will be retired by the time you're in high school," Angela said.

"Well, I'd like to stay where I am," Jess said.

Before Angela could respond, a local TV Reporter stepped to Angela.

"Angela, do you have a minute?" The Reporter asked.

Angela looked to Jess. The girl nodded. "Go, ahead," Jess said.

"We'll revisit this later," Angela said to Jess.

"Okay," Jess said.

Angela nodded and looked at the Reporter. "I have a few minutes," Angela said.

"This is Marcy Arnold, and I'm here at Tree Hill High School with Angela Scott after she and her Tree Hill High School Girls' basketball team were honored. Welcome, Angela," The Reporter said.

"Thank you for having me," Angela said.

"So, how does tonight make you feel?" Marcy asked.

"Blessed," Angela said.

"With your decorated basketball career, how does this rate in it?" Marcy asked.

"One of the best in my life," Angela said.

"What have been some of your favorite memories?" Marcy asked.

"Playing ball with my two best friends would be among the top in my life, but playing with these twelve women," Angela paused and nodded her head, "Without them, well, I needed them, it's without them we wouldn't be here, and there would be no story of Angela Scott," Angela said.

"Any parting thoughts?" Marcy asked.

Angela nodded, "Be heard," she said.

Remember when the days were long
And rolled beneath a deep blue sky
Didn't have a care in the world
With mommy and daddy standin' by
But "happily ever after" fails
And we've been poisoned by these fairy tales
The lawyers dwell on small details
Since daddy had to fly


Tuesday, January 31st, Evening

As the girls change, Ashlyn slipped out of the locker room and headed to The Commons. Keira could watch the girls. As she was about to enter The Commons, she bumped into Dex Matthews. Well, he kind of stood in her way. She looked at the young but not so small boy.

"Oh, Coach Pierce-Scott," Dex said.

Ashlyn sighed, "Dex, we're off duty," she said.

"Sorry, it's confusing; also, it doesn't feel right to call you, in the school at least," Dex said, bit his lip, and bounced his head, "Aunt Ash."

"Dex, it's fine outside of school," Ashlyn said, trying to encourage Dex, "When I was in school, I called Coach Scott Lucas, as he was my best friend's brother."

"Auntie Ash!" a young boy's voice yelled.

"Aunt Ash!" a young girl's voice followed.

Ashlyn turned to see two brown-haired streaks run over to her and Dex. She stretched her arms out and took them into her arms. Ashlyn hugged them and kissed the side of each's head. After letting them go, Ashlyn studied them.

The girl, nine, a year older than Ashlyn's daughter Maeghan was the spitting image of her mom. Ashlyn could also see bits of Maeghan in her as well. The boy looked like his dad and was the same age as Ashlyn's twins.

"My God, Joplin, AB, what are you doing here?" Ashlyn asked.

"Poppop brought us," The Boy, Ashley Buckingham "AB," Matthews said.

The girl nodded, "Yeah, Poppop wanted us to see the ceremony," The Girl Joplin Matthews said.

Ashlyn shook her head, "It's great to see y'all," she said.

"I thought it was important they see their aunt get honored, and I suspected their brother would stand-in for his momma," an older male voice said.

Ashlyn looked up and saw the older gray-haired man. Ashlyn Buckingham Pierce IV, better known as Buck, or to Ashlyn Dad.

"Thank you," Ashlyn said, politely but coldly, to her dad, "I miss seeing them."

"AB, Joplin, why don't you catch up with Dex," Buck said.

"Okay, Popop," Joplin said and went off with Dex and their brother. Once out of earshot, Buck looked at Ashlyn.

"Your Mom doesn't know we're here," Buck said.

Ashlyn sighed, "Don't bring her up," she said.

Buck held up his hands, "I won't," he said.

"I'm grateful to see them, but this doesn't change anything between us," Ashlyn said and walked off towards her nephews and niece. All Buck could do was nod.

Oh, but I know a place where we can go
Still untouched by men
Sit and watch the clouds roll by
And the tall grass waves in the wind
You can lay your head back on the ground
And let your hair fall all around me
Offer up your best defense
But this is the end
This is the end of the innocence


Tuesday, January 31st, Evening

Candi left the field house and entered the commons. She found herself separated from Madyson and Fawn in the crowds as they shuffled out of the field house.

About halfway out the double doors of the field house, she decided she would find someplace to stand and wait for her friends. Once out of the double doors, she looked up and saw a pillar. Perfect! Candi thought, and she headed towards the pillar.

After a few minutes, Candi looked over to one side, and she saw the platinum blonde that was sitting next to Izzy. Candi sighed; she knew this was coming and still didn't look forward to what was about to happen.

"Hello Candi," The Platinum Blonde said.

"Hello, Winter," Candi said to Winter Overton.

"How have you been? You look good; California seems to be agreeing with you," Winter said.

"Thank you, and I see you're working for my sister-in-law, now," Candi said.

"Yeah, John suggested it, and Izzy's been good to me," Winter said.

"That's good," Candi said.

"So, have you visited her yet?" Winter asked.

"What? No, I haven't, Winter," Candi said.

"You should. It's your fault she's there," Winter said.

"She made her choice. I had nothing to do with her final decision," Candi said.

"She came to you and poured her heart out to you. You just rejected her," Winter said.

"I just told her the truth," Candi said.

"You were her last hope, and you rejected her," Winter said.

"I didn't reject her, Winter," Candi said.

"Whatever, Candi, just know that she's where she is because of you," Winter said and saw Izzy coming out of the field house, "I have to go," she said and walked away.

Candi bit her tongue since they were starting to attract attention. She watched Winter walk away and meet up with her boss, Izzy. Candi just looked away.

Madyson and Fawn found Candi soon afterward.

"Are you okay, Candi?" Fawn asked.

"I'm fine," Candi said.

"Are you sure?" Fawn asked.

"Fawn, she said she's fine, she's fine," Madyson said.

"Yeah," Candi said, "Let's go." She looked over to where Izzy talked with the locals and saw Winter standing there, acting like Izzy's handler. Candi shook her head and led her friends out of the high school building.

O' beautiful, for spacious skies
But now those skies are threatening
They're beating plowshares into swords
For this tired old man that we elected king
Armchair warriors often fail
And we've been poisoned by these fairy tales
The lawyers clean up all details
Since daddy had to lie


Tuesday, January 31st, Evening

In The Commons, Kay and Ivy sat at a table in the corner and watched everything. Ivy gently took hold of Kay's hand and held it tight. Kay looked down at her left hand and then up at Ivy. Ivy smiled at Kay.

"You miss this, don't you?" Ivy asked.

Kay nodded, "It's a nice place to visit," she said.

"That's not what I asked," Ivy said.

Kay nodded, "Yeah, a little," she said.

Ivy nodded and turned to Kay, "Hey, look at me," she said.

Kay groaned and looked at Ivy, "What?" she asked.

"Kay, it's okay to miss home," Ivy said.

"What makes you think I miss home?" Kay asked.

"Just seeing you," Ivy said.

Kay nodded, "I do miss it a bit," she said.

"Why don't you come back more?" Ivy asked.

"Well…" Kay said.

"Carrie Garland," Ivy said.

"Yeah," Kay said.

"You're going to have to face that dragon," Ivy said.

Kay nodded, "Yeah," she said.

"Well, you face what you fear, and don't flinch; it loses power over you," Ivy said.

Kay nodded, "Sounds like it could work," she said.

"So, why haven't you done it?" Ivy asked.

"Done what?" Kay asked.

"Christ, Karen, why don't you face Carrie Garland and tell her to leave you alone," Ivy said.

"Oh that," Kay said.

"Oh, that? Yeah, that, Christ Karen, you can be such a pain," Ivy said.

"I've already done that," Kay said.

"You've what?" Ivy asked.

"I told Carrie off already," Kay said.

"You didn't?" Ivy asked.

"I did," Kay said.

Ivy grabbed both sides of Kay's face and kissed her.

Oh, but I know a place where we can go
And wash away this sin
We'll sit and watch the clouds roll by
And the tall grass waves in the wind
Just lay your head back on the ground
And let your hair spill all around me
Offer up your best defense
But this is the end
This is the end of the innocence


Tuesday, January 31st, Evening

Kelly shot across The Commons to where Ashlyn now stood talking to someone. Ashlyn looked at the auburn-haired woman with a quizzical look. Finally, Kelly arrived in front of Ashlyn.

"What's up, Kelly?" Ashlyn asked.

"Can we talk privately?" Kelly asked.

"We can," Ashlyn said.

"Shall we?" Kelly asked.

"Alright," Ashlyn said, the tall blonde- and auburn-haired women walked away to a private area of The Commons.

"Thanks," Kelly said.

"What's this about?" Ashlyn asked.

"Well, I have something to talk about," Kelly said.

"Don't be tedious," Ashlyn said.

"What would you say if I knew four students that attend this school have a parent that is a non-functioning drunk?" Kelly asked.

"I'd have to ask the student, and if I suspect more, report it," Ashlyn said.

"So, they could be investigated and may be taken care of," Kelly said.

"If the system works right," Ashlyn said.

Kelly nodded, "That's good to know," she said.

Ashlyn looked at Kelly, "What aren't you telling me?" she asked.

"Take it with a grain of salt," Kelly said.

"Just tell me," Ashlyn said.

"It's the Kilpatrick girls," Kelly said.

"That's only three girls," Ashlyn said, "Are you trying to clear them off their land?"

"No, I just want the girls taken care of," Kelly said.

Ashlyn nodded, "I'll look into it," she said.

"Okay," Kelly said.

"Yup, well, I'm not promising anything," Ashlyn said.

"Hopefully," Kelly said.

"You know Marie will be eighteen soon," Ashlyn said.

"I do," Kelly said.

Ashlyn nodded and excused herself, leaving Kelly standing there wondering if she did the right thing.

Who knows how long this will last
Now we've come so far, so fast
But, somewhere back there in the dust
That same small town in each of us


Tuesday, January 31st, Evening

Lucas stood just outside The Commons as the fans started to head back into The Field House. He sighed and watched some of the girls he coaches still went to watch the boy's game.

He watched as Kiera closed up the office. Slowly, she walked down the hallway and came to where Lucas stood. Kiera stopped next to Lucas and looked at him.

"Why are you out here?" Kiera asked.

"Just thinking," Lucas said.

"About?" Kiera asked.

"At first just the night, and later the little things we taught the girls that stick," Lucas said.

"That's a lot of girls over the years," Kiera said.

"Yeah, a lot," Lucas said.

"Taught so many good girls," Kiera said.

"We've picked many of them based on their character," Lucas said.

"That's something we talked about before we even made our partnership," Kiera said.

Lucas nodded, "I always thought it was the most important thing to have a player," he said.

Kiera nodded, "So, tonight was a success," she said.

"Yes, it was," Lucas said.

"Did you see the turnout?" Kiera asked.

Lucas nodded, "Yeah, I didn't expect it," he said.

"We've done it, Lucas, we've done good," Kiera said.

Lucas smiled, "Yeah, we did," he said.

Kiera looked at him, concerned.

"Now that this is done," Lucas said.

"And?" Kiera asked.

"On to the next thing," Lucas said.

"Senior night?" Kiera asked.

"Senior Night," Lucas said.

Kiera put her arm into his. "C'mon, Old Friend, let's watch the boys play," Kiera said and walked Lucas to The Field House.

I need to remember this
So baby give me just one kiss
And let me take a long last look
Before we say goodbye


Tuesday, January 31st, Night

The night went very well, and Nathan found himself sitting in his living room. The TV was on, and the local news played out before them. Nathan looked over to see Haley going over various piles of paperwork she brought home from the label. LK was in a chair and reading a book as this was normal for her.

Nathan looked over to see his grandson Lennon, who was looking over his small bit of homework. He's not long left before he's deep into the mix of basketball if he chose that path. Nathan knew that was one thing he and Haley agreed on, let them choose their own courses. Lennon also enjoyed soccer and little league; Nathan noted to himself. Maybe, he'll go in a different direction than his parents, uncle, or aunt.

Next, there's Lacy, his granddaughter, by his younger son Brian. Lacy is the youngest of his three granddaughters. Nathan noted of all his grandkids, there were only two redheads, and they were both girls. Lacy is one of those redheads. At six years old and just a first grader, she already had the mouth of her mom.

Finally, there's the youngest of his grandkids, his grandson Darren. He played, alone, with some blocks or something; Nathan couldn't see from where he sat. Darren generally is a good kid but is often influenced by Lacy. Lacy was often the stirrer of the group and would get the other two in trouble as well.

Before Nathan could move on, the doorbell rang. Nathan looked up at the ceiling and leveled his eyes to the room. The grandkids picked up their heads and looked around. LK didn't even seem to notice the doorbell rang, which just rang again.

Nathan finally looked at Haley, who was about to get up. "I'll answer it," Nathan said.

"Are you sure, Nate?" Haley asked.

"I'm good," Nathan said, stood up, and slowly limped towards the front door. The knee was overtired and was starting to balk at him. Nathan shook his head and couldn't wait for the surgery.

Finally, he got to the door and silently noted he needed to get one of those doorbell cameras. Shaking his head, he opened the door and found a tall, around a five-foot-seven-inch tall, dark brown-haired woman, with a dancer build, standing on his doorstep. When she looked up at him and made eye contact, Nathan noted she had cat green eyes.

"Yes?" Nathan asked.

"Hello, Mister Scott?" she asked with a noticeable accent.

"Yes," Nathan said.

"I need to talk to you about your son," she said.

"What about James?" Nathan asked.

"No, it's not about James, but Brian," she said.

Just lay your head back on the ground
And let your hair fall all around me
Offer up your best defense


Wednesday, February 1st, Night/Early Morning

They were out late, a night patrol. They were within sight of the Walberge border. In the gunner's seat, Tarheel had his eyes pressed against the gun sight scanning his sector of the tank.

The music filled his ears and helped keep him awake, barely. Every so often, Darkhorse, the tank in front of them would shift, causing Damage Plan to move. Not every shift by the lead tank was to dodge something. Darkhorse is the Lieutenant's tank, and Tarheel knew that the Lieutenant wasn't happy with how his tank kept shifting.

"Contact – tank – two o'clock," Garrison reported over the intercom, temporarily drowning out the music.

Tarheel slowly slewed the turret, matching what Darkhorse was doing. They were trying not to start a shooting war. They were center lining their turrets showing Walberge the US Army weren't aiming gun tubes at the Walberge Troops.

Suddenly the night sight grew bright with a streak. Tarheel's eyes opened wide; it couldn't be. He's only seen this before in live-fire training. The streak made contact with the side of Darkhorse's turret. The Trophy System was triggered, but there were telltale signs of an impact; Tarheel could see through the gun sight. Next, the night came alive with a steady stream of tracer fire.

"All vehicles engage! Repeat engage!" echoed into Tarheel's ears, drowning out the music again, as the Lieutenant ordered the patrol to return fire.

"Gunner – target -tank – two o'clock!" Garrison ordered over the intercom.

Tarheel slewed the turret again, reversing the path it had been taking, and lined it up roughly at two o'clock. Tarheel steadily guided the tank sight onto the center mass of the Walberge tank. This wasn't a video game, Tarheel told himself; lives were at stake, no aiming for "weak points."

"Identified!" Tarheel called out over the intercom.

"Up!" Palmer called out, arming the main gun. The 120mm smoothbore was now alive; for them, the first time, it was live and not on a gunnery range.

"Fire!" Garrison ordered.

"On the way!" Tarheel called out, and on the Y of way, he depressed the trigger. The main gun fired, and the tank shook with what felt like more force than the main gun's recoil usually sent out.

But this is the end
This is the end of the innocence


Author's Notes

So, it's over, it's finally over were in February. It only took eight episodes and 338 scenes. Anyways that's for staying with me. I think we have some great stuff coming out in Episode 9. Episode 8 if this was a television show would be a mid-season finale or holiday finale before a hiatus. Most stories have been building up to the last scenes of the chapter. Episode 9 would be the premier when we came back from hiatus.

The story here is that originally Episode 8 was supposed to be Episode 7, but a chopped off the last day from Episode 6 to do that last Episode 7. Episode 8 is a way to get characters out and in the same place. Also, I started writing parts of Episode 8 and 9 while I was writing Episode 7. In fact, you can say parts of all three were written at the same time, making them tightly bound together.

Finally, we know who Dex is. Dex was not created to be who he was, but it worked and helped patch some holes in the story. So, Dex Matthews is Ashlyn's step-nephew.

The gray-haired man, as some have suspected is Buck Pierce. Just confirmed.

The Title for Chapter 335 was chosen solely because it was the song on my Youtube Generated mix that was playing when I started writing the scene. Petshop Boys It's a Sin.

These last two Episodes have drifted to the older chapter naming because many of the same locations were used, and couldn't be recycled.

This marks the first riding of the story (third) has ended. So, so you can consider this the first riding finally.

The Annus Horribilis Secrets

1) Carson Murphy has passed away. (Episode 2)

2) Spencer Churchill "Church" Grady was killed in action as a US Navy Seal and buried in Arlington National Cemetery (aka The Garden). He is also Jessica Ashlyn Scott's Dad. (Episode 4)

3) Constance "Connie" Garland is in a permanent vegetative state. (Episode 6)

4) X

5) X

6) X

Playlist

Chapter 322: Hatebreed - Live For This

Chapter 338: Don Henley – The End of Innocence

Poems

Translation Guide

Chapter 329: Kochanie - Polish for My Darling