A/N-Hey guys…sorry for not having an update last week…I had it planned and everything, but I couldn't concentrate on actually writing the chapter, but here it is.

On another note I have decided that this story will be ending soon unofficially. I say unofficially because I plan to pick it back up again after season 4 events…I just have other story ideas that I want to start writing, but I will come back to it eventually and I want it planned out thoughtfully as well.

In a previous other's note I said I was going to skip a lot of years after season 4, but I've decided against that because it would honestly be too complicated. Since Lucas hasn't been in season 7 or 8 of One Tree Hill I would have to come up with my own story lines.

Sorry for the long author's note, but I wanted to get that out there…even though it's a little early if you want to send in your ideas for a season 8 storyline I would appreciate it because I will continue it till then, but not for some time.

"Lucas thanks for helping me out with this before the game tonight," Nathan says as he and Lucas walk out onto the river court in the early morning.

"It's not a problem. I'm just sad that I'm going to miss being out there with you is all."

Nathan shakes his head and sighs.

"Dan really screwed us didn't he?"

Lucas laughs and nods his head before passing the ball to Nathan. After a few minutes of playing Lucas grabs the ball and asks for a time-out.

"I hear Chris Keller is back in town."

Nathan slowly nods his head.

"Yeah, I asked him to help Haley with her music. Haley loved being on tour Lucas, but since we have been back the only time I've heard her sing was to Sophia."

"How was the whole tour thing because my impression of Chris Keller was to get into Haley's pants?"

"I threatened him a few times, but he backed off. I think he just does it to mess with people."

"What an ass?"

~~~/~~~/~~~/~~~

Dan Scott walks onto the court watching his sons be brothers. He envied them, but there wasn't anything that he could do about it now.

"It's good to see you boys getting along."

Lucas and Nathan stop their game and looks towards Dan Scott.

"What do you want Dan?" Lucas asks first as Nathan walks closer to Lucas.

Dan shakes his head. "I missed a lot. I want to rectify all of that."

"Just go back to where you came from Dan," Nathan suggests.

Dan smiles and shakes his head. "I can't do that. I'm running for mayor."

Lucas and Nathan looked at each other in shock.

~~~/~~~/~~~/~~~

After school, Brooke and Peyton waited in the school gym for cheerleading try-outs to occur. They needed a new cheerleader because someone unexpected quit.

"Do you really think this is going to work Brooke? So far we have seen ten people and they all suck."

Brooke rolls her eyes and looks at Peyton.

"Peyton, I know you are upset and you don't want to be here, but as my co-captain or whatever, I need you here."

"I told Ellie to leave," Peyton mumbles.

Brooke gasps. "Why?" Brooke asks as she touches Peyton's arm.

"I don't want to get close to somebody who is going to die. She has cancer."

"I'm sorry Peyton."

The redhead who entered the gym a few minutes rolled her eyes at the two people in front of her. She was getting tired of waiting here.

"Excuse me? Can you cut the whole lesbian thing and let me do my routine?"

Brooke glares at the redhead in front of her.

"Name?"

"Rachel Gatina."

Rachel walks up to the CD radio and puts in her CD.

"Track number four."

"Whatever," Brooke mumbles.

Rachel stands back and looks at the people in the gym. In front of her was apparently popular, Brooke Davis and next to her was Peyton Sawyer. To her left was a blonde haired guy holding a baby in his arms. He was cute if you asked Rachel.

Brooke glances at where Rachel is looking and she glares. That was her family. Brooke presses play and Rachel starts her routine which is mildly provocative. Brooke glances at Lucas and smiles when she sees his hand over Sophia's eyes. Sophia was squirming. She didn't really like it that much. After the performance was over Rachel smiles.

"Thanks for this wonderful opportunity."

Both Peyton and Brooke roll their eyes.

"We'll call you."

Rachel turns and walks over to Lucas and Sophia leaving Brooke shooting daggers at her with her eyes.

~~~/~~~/~~~/~~~

Rachel walks over to Lucas and smiles at the girl standing next to him.

"Is she your sister?" Rachel asks innocently after she smiles at Sophia who leans against her father's leg.

"No, my daughter, I'm Lucas."

"Rachel."

Lucas nods his head and notices Brooke coming their way.

"You know single dads are so hot," Rachel says flirtingly.

Before Lucas can respond Brooke does it for him.

"Actually he's not a single father."

Lucas let's go of Sophia's hands and watches her walk towards her mother.

"Mama."

Brooke kneels down and smiles at her daughter.

"Hey baby girl," Brooke looks at Rachel's shocked face. "Like I said, he isn't a single father."

Sophia pats her mother's face to get her attention which causes Brooke to laugh.

"What is it sweetie?"

"I hungry."

"Well then I guess you and me should go home then."

Lucas kneels down next to his daughter.

"I'll see you later tonight angel."

Lucas stands up and Brooke and Sophia leave the gym. Rachel turns to Lucas and frowns.

"You and Brooke?"

Lucas just shrugs his shoulders.

~~~/~~~/~~~/~~~

"I'm Marvin McFadden here and I'm broadcasting from Tree Hill High's school gymnasium where in minutes the start of the Raven's basketball season will be underway. A new twist this year is that shooting guard, number 3, Lucas Scott will not be playing this year because of an unforeseen heart condition. But have no fear because small forward, number 23, Nathan Scott has just returned from High Flyers and ready to give Whitey Durham his Championship win this year."

Before Mouth could continue speaking a not so friendly face stood onto the court with a microphone in his hand.

"Are you ready?" Dan Scott shouts into the microphone. The crowd starts cheering and Dan finishes speaking. "Get ready for Midnight Madness!"

The team comes out of the locker room in an all man brawl. Fists are flying and students are knocked on the court.

"It looks like we have some issues on the court tonight. Apparently Nathan Scott has just punched Travis Jones in the face. I wonder what all this is about…And now it looks like the Tree Hill cheerleaders are fighting as well. Brooke Davis goes in for the smack to the face of newcomer Rachel Gatina…boy could this get any worse."

~~~/~~~/~~~/~~~

Brooke walks into her apartment and sees Lucas at his laptop and her sleeping daughter in his lap.

"Sorry I'm late."

Lucas chuckles and shrugs his shoulders. "Brooke Davis goes in for the smack to the face of newcomer Rachel Gatina."

Brooke glares and sits down on the couch after taking Sophia into her arms.

"It's not funny Lucas. And remind me to kill Mouth tomorrow will you?"

"Do you know what happened?"

"Apparently Travis had made some rude comment to Nathan about getting with Haley and Nathan blew off."

Lucas nods his head.

"What started with you and Rachel?"

"She was trying to take my spot and then she said some things about you, but what really pissed me off was what she said about our daughter."

Lucas puts his arm around Brooke's shoulder.

"I'm sorry Brooke. Maybe I can have Mouth talked to her or something. Mouth has taken an interest in Rachel."

"I just don't see it. Mouth is a great guy, why would he go for something like Rachel Gatina."

"Why would go for me? I mean a little over a year ago, you didn't know me and now we share an amazing daughter."

Lucas kisses his daughter goodnight and kisses Brooke's forehead. Lucas leaves leaving Brooke with her thoughts.