Chapter 490: Covered by Roses

Tuesday, February 14th, Night

(Song lyrics are in italics)

The elevator doors opened, and Ellie stepped onto the floor and looked up and down the hall. With light footsteps, Ellie walked down the hall to her room. She unlocked the door to her hotel room and stepped into the room.

Ellie turned on the light and looked at the chair. Brooke Davis looked up at Ellie and smiled.

"So, you finally came home," Brooke said.

"What?" Ellie asked.

"You've been gone two nights," Brooke said.

"I've made all my appointments, Aunt Brooke," Ellie said.

"You've been out causing trouble," Brooke said.

"Aunt Brooke, I'm here working, I've made all my appointments, I've not missed a call time," Ellie said.

"Where have you been the last two nights?" Brooke asked.

"I was at the townhouse," Ellie said.

"Were you out partying?" Brooke asked.

"I met with a few friends all over the city during the days," Ellie said.

"You smell of sex," Brooke said.

"Aunt Brooke!" Ellie said.

"I'm trying to keep an eye on you like I promised your mom," Brooke said.

"Aunt Brooke, I'm almost thirty," Ellie said.

"You don't act it," Brooke said.

"How does a thirty-year-old act?" Ellie asked.

"You don't party and take care of your business on your own," Brooke said.

"I work, I pay my bills," Ellie said.

"What? Your phone?" Brooke asked, "You live in your dad's townhouse and don't pay rent."

"You think I'm leeching off my dad?" Ellie asked.

"It seems that way," Brooke said.

"I'm staying in the townhouse because my dad and mom insisted on me living there," Ellie said.

"What?" Brooke asked.

"When I moved up here, I intended to rent a small place and pay for it by writing," Ellie said.

"So, how did you end up in your childhood home?" Brooke asked.

"When I told my parents I was staying in New York, they suggested I live in the townhouse to keep it occupied; all I had to do was pay the utilities," Ellie said.

"Is that it?" Brooke asked.

"There are a few others, but they're not important," Ellie said.

"So, tell me," Brooke said.

"Aunt Brooke, I have an early wake-up, so we'll talk later," Ellie said and dropped her bag on the dresser.

Brooke stood up and kissed Ellie on the cheek. "We'll talk about the boy later," she said.

"Sure, Aunt Brooke," Ellie said and watched Brooke leave.

I feel my heart explode to particles

Love is always here, and I told you so

Restless in dreams, love carved in stone

This rhapsody of life, in a way, I guess we all know it

Hand in hand, we stand while we watch you flow

Heaven, can you help us? No, we can't go


After her dad left, Sawyer leaned against the headboard. Sawyer pulled Jon-Jon close to her, and she rubbed the plushy's head. After a moment, Sawyer put Jon-Jon aside. Sawyer rolled over to the side of the bed.

Sawyer opened the top drawer and pulled out a framed picture. Looking it over, Sawyer ran her fingers across the glass. Sawyer smiled at the picture, and her lower lip began to tremble. She squeezed her eyes shut a few times and blinked.

Sighing again, Sawyer put the picture back into the nightstand drawer. After she closed it, Sawyer picked up a small book. Opening it up, she started to read the small book.

After a few minutes, she closed the book and put it on her nightstand. Sawyer rolled out of bed and paced around the room. Finally, Sawyer stopped and walked towards her small bookcase.

She took a book off the shelf and ran her hand down the custom leather binding. She flipped it open, looked at the simple pages, and came to a folded piece of paper.

Sawyer removed the paper and unfolded it. Looking it over, she read the note. Looking at it and re-reading it, she put it away. The book went back on the shelf, and Sawyer ran her hands over the various spines of the books.

Finally, she came to another book. Pulling it off the shelf and flipped it open. Sawyer pulled out a sheet of paper and looked it over. Sawyer nodded looked it over; with a sigh, she reread it.

That's when her door opened, and Keni walked into the room. The shorter brunette looked at Sawyer. Keni shook her head.

"You promised to stop doing this," Keni said.

"Doing what?" Sawyer asked.

Keni walked over to Sawyer and pulled the paper out of her hand. "You're not going to get anywhere obsessing over this," Keni said, holding up the sheet of paper.

"That paper changed my life," Sawyer said.

"So, you can't play basketball, boo fucking hoo, you have a great life and friends," Keni said.

"You don't get it; I had to give it up. I was forced to promise to give it all up," Sawyer said.

"But you did give it up," Keni said.

"I was the only one that gave it up," Sawyer said, "My dad didn't give it up until college. I never even started," Sawyer said and dropped to her knees, crying.

Keni got onto her knees and hugged Sawyer, allowing her to cry.

"I know," Keni whispered into her ear.

Covered by roses when this dance is over

We all know our beauty will die

The choirs have awoken, left our words unspoken

Remember you as long as I can


She watched the car pull away from Tree Hill Hall from the door. With a final wave and smile, Brett turned and opened the door. She walked into the main room and saw the babysitter sitting on the couch playing with her phone.

"Hi," the babysitter said.

"Hi, don't worry about me," Brett said.

"Okay, they're all in bed," the babysitter said.

Brett nodded and headed upstairs. After getting to her room, she slipped out of her clothes and headed to the shared bathroom. She shared it with BB. After starting the shower, Brett stepped under the water and washed off the night.

Getting out of the shower and wrapped herself in a towel. She returned to her bedroom and changed into her pajamas. Brett walked over to her smartphone and looked it over.

Garvan: Had a fun night.

Brett: Me too.

Brett looked through her other texts. Finally, she came to a text from Alexis.

Alexis: I had a great night, thanks.

Brett: You're welcome.

Brett smiled and looked at the messages. Finally, she came to one from Shepherd.

Shepherd: Alexis is amazing and so hot, thanks.

Brett: You're welcome.

Brett plugged in her smartphone and climbed into her bed. Slowly, Brett shifted and adjusted her pillow until she was comfortable.

After what seemed like a few moments, the door opened to the bathroom. Brett picked up her head and saw BB standing in the doorway.

"Yes, BB?" Brett asked.

"Are Momma and Daddy home?" BB asked.

"No, not yet," Brett said.

"Can I sleep with you?" BB asked.

"Why?" Brett asked.

"I had a bad dream," BB said.

Brett held her sigh in and threw up the blankets. BB ran over and climbed into the bed. Brett felt her youngest sister cuddle up next to her. BB rested her head on the pillow. Brett pulled the covers over both of them and smiled.

Soon Brett felt BB's breath steady as she drifted off to sleep. Bret smiled and kissed the top of BB's head.

Hold you in my arms all night

And spill the wine until the end

We all have our place in time

Need to live every moment


The bottle was pulled off the back wall to be locked up. The last of the glasses were brought forward to be put away. Security escorted the patrons out of the building. The till was brought to the back to be counted out.

Chase stood at the rail, watching. As the crew finished up, Huck came up next to Chase. He rested his hand on hers.

"So, you said you're taking the promotional exam," Chase said.

"Yes, I think I am," Huck said.

Chase took her other hand off the rail and rested it on Huck's. They looked at each other, making deep eye contact.

"Top four they told you, right," Chase said.

"Yes, top four, I get a second horn, and the rescue company," Huck said.

"Huck, you're not going for number four," Chase said.

"What do you mean?" Huck said.

"You're going to be number one," Chase said.

"How do you know?" Huck asked.

"I already called the tutor; he'll call you tomorrow," Chase said.

"How?" What? Why?" Huck asked.

"How? My phone," Chase said.

"I figured that," Huck said.

"What? I got you help," Chase said.

"I could see that," Huck said.

"Why? There are five reasons why hopefully asleep at home," Chase said.

Huck nodded, "So, you are guiding my career?" he asked.

"Huck, dear, you'll never be happy until you're at the best you could be. Also, one of your daughters would flip if you pinned on two more horns," Chase said.

"How do you keep up with us?" Huck asked.

"It's a woman thing," Chase said.

"You've always a mystery to me," Huck said.

Chase turned and rested one of her hands on Huck's cheek. "Let's keep it that way," she said.

"Why?" Huck asked.

"Or I'm going to have to kill you," Chase said.

"Oh," Huck said.

"Wait here while I finish closing up," Chase said.

"Yes, dear," Huck said.

Chase smiled, "Good boy," she said and walked away.

We built our castles high, turned our dreams to gold

We took the blows with pride, went through it all

The dawn is closing in, new tales are told

This rhapsody of life in a way, I guess we all know


The city's lights leeched through the closed curtains over the bedroom window. It gave the bedroom an eerie glow of a pale blueish color. The couple laid on the bed in a slow and steady movement, one of them stroked their fingers along the other's arm.

Trin stopped stroking Zav's arm and rolled to the edge of the bed. After a pause, Trin got out of the bed and grabbed her robe. After tying it securely, she walked out of her bedroom. Trin walked down the hallway and stopped at a bedroom door.

She slowly opened the door and stepped in. The room was largely empty, mainly used for storage. Trin looked at a few random furniture, bins of his and that, and a bagged Christmas Tree she never used. Trin finally stopped by a chair and sat down.

Trin looked around the room and studied the walls. She looked at the corner and the slightly uneven patch from one of many sins in the past. Finally, she leaned back in the chair and looked up at the ceiling.

Every so often, Trin would come into this room. Her childhood room was a place of comfort for Trin. When she needed to think, she would go into this room. Trin would use this room to be centered.

There is a reason that Wyatt had Chase's room. Also, the same reason the guest room was Izzy's room. Trin's old room was her fortress of solitude.

Closing her eyes for a minute, Trin took a few deep breaths. Her eyes shot open, and she sat upright. Slowly, Trin left her childhood bedroom and returned to the master bedroom. Standing over her bed, she saw Zav was still there. Trin adjusted her robe and watched the sleeping form of her Valentine's Day date.

After a deep sigh, Trin walked over to the bed and shook Zav. After a few shakes, he finally woke up and looked at her.

"What?" Zav asked.

"It's time to go," Trin said.

"Huh?" Zav asked.

"It's part of the deal, no sleepovers," Trin said.

Zav nodded and started to get dressed. Once he was dressed, Trin walked him to the door. They said their goodbyes and parted ways. Trin cleaned up their nightcap and went to bed. Tomorrow was a big day.

Covered by roses when this dance is over

We all know our beauty will die

The choirs have awoken, left our words unspoken

Remember you as long as I can


They entered the house, and Haley went right away to settle up with the babysitter. Nathan went upstairs and looked at pictures in the halls. Nathan stood in the hall and looked at a picture on the wall.

The picture he looked at was one of his few in his NBA Uniform. Nathan smiled; it was one of him after winning one of the championships. Nathan wore his Laker's uniform, number twelve, and Haley was cuddled up to his side. James stood before him; Nathan held Brian in his free hand. All four of them smiled as the team photographer took their picture.

Nathan purposely kept the number of photos of his career low. This was to keep pressure off first his kids and later grandkids. Having been over many other players' houses, the narcissism was entirely on display. There were many framed pictures and plaques from his career in the attic. Nathan wasn't sure, but there was probably more than one flash drive with videos and photos of his career highlights.

Shaking his head, Nathan walked down the hallway. Nathan looked at his daughter's bedroom door. LK was staying over with her cousin and sister-in-law's house. That was good for LK but not the best since it was still inside LK's comfort zone.

Walking down the hallway, Nathan looked in on Lennon. Brian's second oldest was curled up on his bed. Nathan listened to Lennon's steady breathing. The oldest of Gabi's three children had a room that reflected his eclectic tastes. There were dream catchers and other new-age stuff. Nathan didn't get it, but it's what Lennon liked and wanted.

Nathan once met Phil Jackson, and Lennon gave Nathan the same vibes. That wasn't a bad thing; Phil Jackson was successful. Nathan shrugged and closed Lennon's door.

Nathan moved to the second of Gabi's kids, Lacy. The redheaded girl was curled, upholding a stuffed animal. Nathan enjoyed the silence, as Lacy was the mouthy grandchild. She was very much her Grandma Rachel's child. Shrugging his shoulders, Nathan closed the bedroom door and moved down the hall.

The last of the grandchildren that lived here was also the youngest. Darren lay sprawled out on his bed. The five-year-old was probably the quietest of the three that lived here. Nathan watched as the young boy slept, as his chest raised and fell with a nice rhythm. Nathan nodded and closed the door.

Nathan turned to see Haley standing there.

"How are the grandkids?" Haley asked.

"They're good, all asleep," Nathan said.

Haley nodded, "That's a good thing," she said.

"Yes, it is," Nathan said.

Haley sighed, "Still have a lot of week ahead of us," she said.

"Yes, there is," Nathan said.

"James should be home visiting soon," Haley said.

"Yes, all-star break," Nathan said as they went to their bedroom to sleep.

Hold you in my arms all night

And spill the wine until the end

We all have our place in time

Need to live every moment


They walked out of the ballroom into the main hallway. Kayla had her arm looped in Christian's, and she leaned on him. Kayla kept her face neutral, but her feet hurt from the heels she wore. She understood the look but hated the pain they caused.

It had been a lengthy affair, and Kayla was tired. She had work tomorrow, as did Christian. She looked around the main entrance hall at the tired staff. Kayla speculated that Barnett didn't keep the staff awake this late.

AS they left the manor house, they found their car waiting for them. They climbed into the car and drove off. They moved through the roads of Drake's land and arrived at their cottages.

The married couple moved inside their cottage. Christian went upstairs to check on their children. Kayla walked over to the nanny and checked in with her. Once she finished and the nanny left to go home, Kayla locked the door and shut down the downstairs lights.

Kayla walked upstairs and checked in on each of her children. Jory and Fi were sleeping in their rooms like perfect angels. Kayla smiled, turned, and headed towards her bedroom.

Her children had cousins of similar ages. Kayla pouted and knew they weren't close with their McMichael and Burke cousins. Both Jory and Fi went to private school, while Kayla's brother and sister chose public school.

Kelly could afford private school for Phelan and Liv, but she chose public school. Kayla suspected it was a Murphy Land thing. Huck having more children, probably chose a public school on a cost basis. Jory and Fi were Drakes, and Drakes went to private school. The Drakes didn't go to school with plebes, and in fact, the school they went to had a lot of Drake money funding it.

So, no matter how much Kayla tried, her children were closer to their Drake cousins. That was the effect of having disparaging lifestyles between families. It didn't help that Kayla came from the poorest part of her dad's family.

Kayla walked towards her bedroom. Opening the bedroom door, she walked in, seeing Christian already in bed. Kayla smiled, kicked off her heels, reached behind her back; she undid her dress. As the dress piled up on the floor, she stepped out of the pile and walked to the bed.

Once Kayla reached the bed, she crawled up onto the bed. Slowly, Kayla crawled across the bed towards Christian. As she crawled, she straddled Christian and came face to face with him. They kissed and looked into each other's eyes.

"So, did you have a good night?" Christian asked.

Kayla shrugged, "It was alright," she said.

"Just alright?" Christian asked.

"Not what I wanted to do tonight," Kayla said.

"So, what did you want to do?" Christian asked.

Kayla kissed Christian again. They looked deeply into each other's eyes. "I want my real Valentine's Day present," she said.

"Oh yeah!" Christian said.

For all we are is falling stars in the night

A blinding light raging down from the sky

The rise and fall, the rhapsody of our lives

It's all we are and know we've gotta let go


Throwing off the covers, Kay slipped out of bed. Kay slipped on her robe and took a long look at Ivy's sleeping form. Kay blew out a heavy breath and left her bedroom.

Kay walked over towards her small kitchen. After a deep breath and sighed, Kay looked at her smartphone. Picking it up, she saw an indication of a text message. Kay took a deep sigh.

Slowly, she worked the phone and opened up the text message. Kay looked at the message and put down the phone. She looked up at the ceiling and shook her head. Kay closed her messages and walked away from the smartphone.

Kay stood at the window and looked out upon the City of Chicago. She took in all the lights and life of the US City, known as The Windy City or The Second City. Not that she minded the view; the fans embraced her after the accident. It made her love the city even more.

She reached out and touched the window. Kay felt the cold glass under her hand. There was something she liked about touching the window. It was like a visceral connection with the city outside the window.

It was so late the trains had stopped running. Kay sighed, lowered her hand, and turned away. She walked away from the window and crashed on the couch. Leaning back on the throw pillows, she looked up at the ceiling. Kay stretched out her right arm towards the ceiling.

Kay looked at her hand as she pointed them at the ceiling. Kay turned her hand over. Kay started to open and close her hand. She kept making a fist and felt the tension run up and down her arm. Kay studied her arm and the partially complete sleeve on her arm.

This design on her arm was one of her own. Kay spent a year learning how to transfer 2D designs onto a 3D surface. It taught her away to design the sleeve.

Kay reached over with her left hand and slid it inside her robe. She ran her fingers over the surgical scar on her shoulder. Kay closed her eyes and thought about the number of surgeries she went through.

Kay looked down from the ceiling to see Ivy sitting there. "What are you doing?" Ivy asked.

"I came to check my phone," Kay said.

"Why?" Ivy asked.

"I heard my phone go off," Kay said.

"But you're on the couch," Ivy said.

"I wanted to calm down before going back to bed," Kay said.

Ivy picked up Kay's smartphone and looked at it. "Kochanie, it just says Happy valentine's Day, love Grandma and Andy," she said, as she walked to the couch, "That's sweet; why does it have you worked up?"

"I thought it was Clay," Kay said.

"The trade?" Ivy asked, taking a seat on the couch.

"Yes," Kay said.

"Oh, Kochanie," Ivy said and cuddled up to Kay.

She dwells with Beauty, Beauty that must die

And Joy, whose hand is ever at his lips

His soul shalt taste the sadness of her might

And be among her cloudy trophies hung


The party was a success; Candi finished up the last of her empanadas. This was her third plate of the night; of course, they were heaping plates. Leto Pena-Carven was obsessed with feeding Candi. Candi liked Leto's empanadas, and she wouldn't argue too much with Leto.

Candi watched as the guest started to leave. She found herself standing next to Brendan.

"So, it seemed like a successful night for Dani and Marcel," Brendan said.

"Yes, it was," Candi said.

"So, what did you think of the party?" Brendan asked.

"It's fun," Candi said and stretched.

"Yeah," Brendan said, "Well, it's a pleasure to meet you, and I'm sure we'll be seeing plenty of each other."

Candi nodded, "Are you sure?" she asked.

"With the wedding and all," Brendan said.

"Oh, yeah," Candi said and shrugged.

"I'll be seeing you," Brendan said and left.

Candi shrugged and walked over to the happy couple. After a minute, Candi hugged Marcel and then Dani. Candi smiled at each of them.

"I had fun," Candi said.

"Did Abuela fill you up on her empanadas?" Dani asked.

Candi put her hand on her stomach, "Oh, yeah, I'm going to work out extra tomorrow," Candi said.

"Well, only you could do that," Dani said and laughed.

"You seemed to hit it off with Bren," Marcel said.

Candi shrugged, "He's interesting; I like to hear his stories of what he does," she said.

"I see," Marcel said.

"Well, I hate to be a bad host, but I need my sleep," Candi said.

"See you," Dani said.

"See you," Marcel said.

Candi walked by them and upstairs. Marcel looked at Dani.

"Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" Marcel asked.

"Maybe," Dani said.

"Bren went right for her," Marcel said.

"I've never, and I mean never, seen Candi act the way she did when he first arrived," Dani said.

'Interesting," Marcel said.

"Are you thinking what I am thinking?" Dani asked.

"We're putting them together at the wedding," Marcel said.

"Oh yeah," Dani said, and they smiled at each other.

Covered by, covered by


Fallon looked to where Grant was pointing. Her stomach fell out like she was on a roller coaster. Grant was pointing at her townhouse.

"What's so special about that brownstone?" Fallon asked.

"It has this look, very pretorian," Grant said.

Fallon shrugged, "I guess you would know," she said.

"How would I know?" Grant asked.

"Aren't you a pretorian?" Fallon asked.

"Not as much as who lives there," Grant said.

"Okay? So, who lives there?" Fallon asked.

"Fallon Stafford, that's her place," Grant said.

Fallon laughed, "Fallon Stafford? The reclusive heiress?" she asked, in a laughing voice, which she faked.

"Yes, but she's not as reclusive as the press like to portray," Grant said.

Fallon nodded, "So, what about tomorrow night?" she asked, trying to change the subject.

"What's wrong, Fallon?" Grant asked, his voice empathizing her name.

"It's cold," Fallon said.

"So, why don't we go inside?" Grant asked.

"What? I don't have access to this house," Fallon said.

"Of course you do," Grant said.

"What are you getting at?" Fallon asked.

"Your real name, who you really are," Grant said.

"You're Fallon Stafford," Grant said.

"What?" Fallon asked.

"Give it up," Grant said sternly.

Fallon sighed, "Fine, I'm Fallon Adams," she said, with one last Hail Mary on her fake identity.

"There were only three Adams in your age, and I met one of them Trin; the other two also went by the last name Davis," Grant said.

"So?" Fallon asked.

"Also, there is no Fallon Adams," Grant said.

Fallon lowered her head and shook her head. "How long have you known?" she asked.

"I've known the whole time," Grant said.

Covered by roses when this dance is over

We all know our beauty will die

The choirs have awoken, left our words unspoken

Remember you as long as I can

Hold you in my arms all night

And spill the wine until the end

We all have our place in time

Need to live every moment


In the long silence of the night, Saint Valentine's Day ends. Some people are satisfied. While others are less so. All I know is another day ends and another begins, and is yesterday anymore different than today? Any thoughts, please comment below.

Raven Hussar


Author's Notes

Where to begin with this one? This was conceived out as a single-day episode because I wanted to devote time to Valentine's Day. I am a romantic at heart. It went through several works where it started as thirty-seven chapters, then grew to add more couples, it was at forty-four and I did a last-minute add, to bring it to forty-five for reasons. This makes this the fourth-longest episode by chapter count in all stories. The other three are tied with fifty each.

This was fun to write. But as for me, things must come to a head. Ellie is getting ready to return to Tree Hill. Trin is trying to figure out what she wants. Brett is starting to drift from Garvan. Kay, and it's Kay, is brooding. Sawyer is breaking down just a little. Candi is being Candi. But Fallon has been found out about.

Well tune in, same bat time same bat channel.

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)

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Playlist

Chapter 466 - Mindme – Come Back to Bed

Chapter 479 - Avril Lavigne - Complicated

Chapter 480 - The Outfield - Your Love

Chapter 480 - Vance Joy – Riptide

Chapter 482 – REM – Everyone Hurts

Chapter 483 - Coldplay – Lost

Chapter 484 - Lovelytheband – broken

Chapter 490 - Within Temptation - Covered by Roses

Poems

Translation Guide

In Chapter 476:

Abuela is Spanish for Grandmother

Hola, Abuela, ¿cómo has estado? is Spanish for Hello, Grandma how have you been?

Doctor Candace, venga a darme un abrazo. is Spanish for Doctor Candace, come give me a hug.

He estado bien ¿Cómo has estado? is Spanish for I've been well. How have you been?

He sido buena, ocupada, pero buena. is Spanish for I've been good, busy, but good.

Entonces, flaca, necesitas comer, ven a buscarte algunas empanadas que tanto te gustan. is Spanish for So, skinny, you need to eat, come let's get you some empanadas you like so much.

No, no, Abuela, hago mucho ejercicio, por eso estoy tan flaca. ¿Hiciste las empanadas? is Spanish for No, No, Grandmother, I exercise a lot, that's why I am so skinny. Did you make the empanadas?

Un hombre quiere una mujer con curvas, no una bolsa de huesos, y sí, yo hice las empanadas. is Spanish for A man wants a woman with curves, not a bag of bones, and yes, I made the empanadas.

Tengo curvas, deberías ver a mi hermana, es flaquita. Vamos por unas empanadas. is Spanish for I have curves, you should see my sister, she's skinny. Let's get some empanadas.

In Chapter 477:

Banríon Is Irish for Queen