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No Happy Ending or Maybe So

Ch.2 Lucas' Life

There he was standing in the center of the court where his love for basketball had grown stronger and stronger. He loved the river court and lately it was the only place he felt at home. He was twenty-four years old, and his life was nothing like he expected it to be. He had always dreamed of being a famous author but that didn't seem to be working for him. His first book had been really popular and sold a lot of copies, but his second book was a flop, and he didn't feel like he had anything in his life to inspire him. He didn't feel like he had anything to live for ever since he had lost Peyton, and now she was coming back to Tree Hill.

He knew that she was probably still as beautiful as she ever was. He couldn't wait to see her big beautiful green eyes and wavy blonde hair. Lucas had missed her every single day and even tried to call her a few times, but she never answered. He was hoping that she had forgiven him, and a part of him was hoping that she would jump back into his arms and tell him that she never stopped loving him. He wanted everything with Peyton Sawyer but little did he know that she had already moved on, and she had everything she could ever want without him.

After Lucas left the river court he headed to see his best friend, Haley. Haley had been so worried about him lately. For the past five years he hadn't been himself, and his personality change had gotten worse since he learned Peyton would be returning for Brooke's wedding.

Lucas had never told Haley, but he was jealous of what she and Nathan had. Their life was perfect. They had everything they could have possibly ever dreamed of, and he had nothing. Haley had become a high school English teacher, she had a beautiful six year old son, Jamie, and was pregnant with her second child. Nathan had given up his dream of playing basketball in the NBA so he could be a better father and husband. He had many jobs, all jobs that he loved. He took over Dan's job at the dealership, he helped Lucas coach the Ravens, and he helped the youth of Tree Hill train for basketball tryouts. That was actually his favorite job because he had a chance to work with the youth, and it was his job to help them pursue their dream. He felt accomplished. Lucas hadn't felt accomplished in a really long time, and he wanted to have that feeling again, but he didn't think he would ever get it again.

He arrived at Haley and Nathan's, and his favorite God Son beat him to the door.

Jamie- (He had spiky blonde hair and looked a lot like Lucas. He jumped into his Uncle Lucas' arms.) Uncle Lucas…Uncle Lucas…I missed you!

Lucas- I missed you too buddy, but I was here last night

Jamie- (He smiles really big) I know that, but I missed you anyway….

Haley- (yells from the kitchen) Lucas we're in here….

Lucas puts Jamie down and walks into the kitchen. He saw Haley who was six months pregnant and glowing.

Haley- Luke…you look great (sarcastic) How many hours of sleep did you get last night?

Lucas- I didn't really sleep that much.

Nathan comes in from the back room.

Nathan- hey man…wow you look like ass

Lucas- thanks man…really thanks….

Haley- So Luke are you nervous?

Lucas- (he knew what she meant but he didn't want to look so obvious) Why would I be nervous?

Nathan- Well let's see man the woman you were madly in love with and wrote a book about is coming back to town after five years. You are bound to be nervous.

Lucas- Yah I guess I am. I've missed her, and to be honest with you I can't wait to see her, and hopefully apologize.

Haley and Nathan both share glances. Lucas notices.

Lucas- What's going on? (He shift uncomfortably in his chair)

Haley- Well there is something you should know about Peyton.

Lucas- What?

Nathan- I don't want you to get mad at us for not telling you.

Haley- We actually just found out ourselves.

Lucas- What the hell is wrong with Peyton?

Haley- She's with someone now. (Lucas' face dropped and his heart sank into the pit of his stomach)

Lucas- she's with someone

Nathan- There's more Luke….She's a mom…They have kids

Lucas- Kids….Is she married?

Haley- No, they're not married

Lucas- but she has kids, and you guys knew she had kids…

Nathan- none of us knew Luke

Lucas stands up and rolls his eyes.

Lucas- (he was curious) How old are her kids?

Haley- I'm not really sure. Brooke just warned us that they are all coming with her. We wanted you to know before you found out first hand. (Lucas shakes his head in disbelief and walks to the door) Where are you going?

Lucas- I need some fresh air (He leaves and slams the door behind him)

Haley- I'm worried about him.

Nathan- Yeah me too, but he brought this on himself Haley….He shouldn't have walked out on her. (Haley nodded her head in agreement)

Lucas had told Nathan and Haley he needed fresh air, but what he really needed was a shot of whiskey or any alcohol he could get his hands on. He went to his apartment and poured. He had started to drink a lot, but he was of age and it helped him sleep at night. He sat on his couch and looked at his pictures of Peyton. He couldn't get her out of his head but now he could never have her, and it was his own damn fault.

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Peyton, Julian, and the kids were still on the plane to Tree Hill. The two little ones were fast asleep. Peyton was biting her bottom lip, and Julian could tell something was wrong with her. He knew that she was dreading this trip, but she would never tell him.

Julian- (He put his hand on her shoulder) I can't believe they finally fell asleep.

Peyton- Yeah after all the bickering they did.

Julian- I know but you have to admit the bickering is pretty cute.

Peyton- (She smiles) Yeah well you don't have to worry with it every single day.

Julian- You are a wonderful mother, and I am so lucky to have you in my life. (He kisses her forehead) Are you ok?

Peyton- Yeah I'm fine baby.

Julian- Are you sure? Because I know that this has got to be hard for you….going home after all these years….

Peyton- I've missed my friends…I can't wait to see them.

Julian- (he was prying because he knew that she had once loved Lucas with all her heart and he was jealous) Even Lucas

Peyton- No not really….you know that things didn't end well between us, and if I could go to Tree Hill without ever seeing him I would…(He takes a hold of her hand)

Julian- Well you have me to help you get through it, and I won't let him hurt you again.

Peyton- (She smiles) I think I'm the lucky one Julian. You are too good to me.

She kisses him and smiles. He was so good to her, and she really was lucky to have him in her life. He saved her. She never thought anyone but Lucas would save her, but Julian had become hero and if Lucas asked she was going to tell him that.

Julian- I think we are about to land.

Peyton made a face and thought "oh joy" to herself.

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Back at Lucas' apartment he was still drinking. He heard a knock at the door.

Lucas- Go away Haley I don't want to talk…(The door opened and Brooke Davis entered the apartment) Brooke

Brooke- Get your sad ass up off of that couch, take a shower, and sober up because I'm not going to let you do this.

Lucas- Not gonna let me do what Brooke?

Brooke- This…drink and act crazy because Peyton is coming back into town…You overcame this a long time ago….

Lucas- I don't need you to tell me what to do

Brooke- My wedding is important to me Luke, and it is important to me that all of my best friends are there. Now I want you to get up and clean up….please if not for yourself for me…

Lucas- How old are her kids, Brooke?

Brooke- (She sat down next to him) Julie is four and Brody is two

Lucas took in the words that Brooke had spoken.

Lucas- She's four….

Brooke- Yeah…maybe you should talk to Peyton

Lucas- (he sighed) Is she mine?

Brooke- No…

Lucas- but she's four that means that Peyton moved on pretty fast

Brooke- (Shakes her head) It isn't my place to tell you this, but since Peyton didn't I will. You broke her heart Lucas, and she started drinking and she met Julian in a bar. They had a one night stand, so she thought, but he kept coming back and within two months they were together and in love.

Lucas- but Julie is four

Brooke- Yeah she was born prematurely, and fought for life for months….She's strong like her mama…I'm sorry Lucas, but Julie is definitely not yours….Peyton is happy don't ruin that for her.

Lucas wanted to drink more after all Brooke had told him, but he didn't. He did as she requested and took a shower. He loved Brooke and did not want to ruin her wedding, but he did want more answers from Peyton.

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