Hey guys. Truthfully, I was hoping for more reviews, that's why I've been waiting so long between updates, so … can people please review…. Even if it's for suggestions! Any reviews are welcome!
That said, thank you so much for those who have reviewed… they truly made my day so thanks a million!
Anyway….. on with the third chapter!
Disclaimer…. I don't own One Tree Hill.
P.S I would like to point out that throughout this story I am going to be using some actual real life facts about Chad… I love him!! I was wondering if anyone could guess which parts of the story contain those facts? Have a go and take a guess!
Lucas sat in his English class. He was fully aware that this was going to be one of the slowest hours of his life. Sure, English was undoubtedly one of his strongest points, however, actually enjoying it was becoming somewhat of a chore for him, at school anyway. Every lesson someone in some way would manage to torture him for a whole hour longer than necessary, and frankly after this morning's beginning to the day, he was definitely not in the mood for ant unpleasant encounters.
"O.K class," their teacher addressed from the front of the classroom, " welcome back to school, and your first lesson of English of your junior year!" Mr. Thomas raised his arms in the air for emphasis and was immediately followed by a series of claps, cheers and whistles, Lucas and Haley staying notably quiet.
"O.K, I know this is supposed to be a 'Free Day' ", he continued, using his fingers to indicate quotation marks, " but your head teacher has insisted we get some work done seeing as we have some inspectors drifting around that may pay a visit to our class at any time, so we need to be doing something!"
A series of very theatrical groans, boos and hisses followed immediately afterwards, Nathan and his jock buddies being the primary culprits, causing Mr. Thomas to smile broadly.
"O.K, O.K, O.K!" he laughed, once again raising his arms in the air for effect, "I said we have to work, I didn't say we had to work hard! I think we'll just go ahead with a class discussion and save you guys the effort of having to write down anything."
A loud whooping noise from the back of the class echoed around the room, causing Haley to roll her
eyes.
"So then, the book we are going to be studying over the next term is about Pearl Harbour. The author describes how families coped with the events taking place around them and how they were affected by that fateful day. Pretty sad sounding, I know but it's on the curriculum! However, seeing as I even expected today to be a 'Free Day', I haven't had the chance to properly prepare the lesson material, so we're just gonna pull out some key aspects from the book and use them for out class discussion O.K?"
A few responses came from various places in the room.
"O.K then class. The first topic we can talk about is Family, seeing as that's probably the main standing out point of what the book is about. The second point is about heritage. The book talks about 'American Pride', but what makes an American 'American'? In fact, I can bet you that no two people in this class, or even in the whole school has the same heritage. Now I'm going to ask a few of you about you're family, and you can tell me about what they do, who they are and then a bit about your family heritage, just so we can get to know each other a bit better."
Mr. Thomas scanned the room, looking for a particular person, smiling as his eyes found him.
"Ah, Nathan," the teacher spoke, hopping up to sit on the front desk and getting comfortable, "why don't you kick start this convo for us?"
A smile crept onto Nathan's lips as he gladly accepted the offer.
"Well," he began, he too making himself more comfortable between his friends as he prepared for his 'speech', "My mom does charity work, helping whatever charity she can. In fact, she raises thousands of dollars worth of money for several charities a month. I think it's great 'coz it shows that she doesn't just think about herself. Plus, we have the money to share."
Nathan turned slightly in his chair, holding his head up high, so he could fix his eyes to the back of a certain blonde's head.
"And as for my dad," he continued, biting down on that one specific word, "well, he's my role model. If you ask me he spoils me a little too much, but then again, if you've got the money then go for it right?! He owns his own business, Dan Scott Motors, and is an amazing basketball player. One day I hope to be just like him because he's accomplished so much so early in life, and that makes me proud to be his only son."
Nathan knew he sounded like a child, but he didn't care. He knew that his classmates and his teacher knew the reasoning behind his behaviour, in fact, they condoned it. He noticed how his brother's shoulders had suddenly tensed, and even though he couldn't see them, he was pretty sure his fists were balled too.
"Very good Nathan," came Mr. Thomas, wearing exactly the same wry smile Nathan had plastered across his face, "you're father must be proud of you too. Now could you tell us a bit about you're heritage?"
Nathan smirked at the comment, and continued, "As far back as I can remember, my family has been 100 American. My parents, grandparents, great grandparents, you name it, they've come from America. Some of them may have come from the south, but America none the less."
Haley snorted at the comment.
Mr. Thomas' eyes darted from Nathan to Haley.
"Something you would like to share with the rest of the class Miss. James?" the teacher frowned, standing directly in front of her desk.
Haley glared up at her teacher.
"I think that last remark was a bit offensive," she stated matter-of-factly. She could feel Nathan's eyes burning into the back of her skull, but she didn't care in the least.
"And another thing," she continued, this time turning around to face Nathan, " no one is 100 American. It's not possible, so grow up and stop being so narrow minded!"
Nathan's mouth hung open in shock, "how dare you even speak to me like that you little b-"
"Now, now Nathan," Mr. Thomas cut in, "everyone's entitled to their opinion. Unfortunately Miss. James' cost her her freedom for an hour. Detention after school."
"For what!?" Haley practically shrieked, "for pointing out borderline racism!?"
"Do you want to make that another?" Mr. Thomas questioned rudely.
Haley fought the urge to fight back and kept her mouth shut.
"Didn't think so," the teacher continued. Turning his focus slightly to the left, he notices a certain boy staring quizingly at his best friend, obviously confused by her behaviour.
"What about you Lucas?" Mr. Thomas stood in front of his desk, the smirk returning to his features, "tell us about your family."
Lucas suddenly felt as if he had someone wrap their hand around his throat. This was obviously a sore subject for him. He fought his urge to slouch even further over his desk, not wanting to see his teachers' satisfaction that he was hurting. He could feel the eyes of his classmates staring at him, and it didn't take superhuman powers to know that, excepting Haley, they were all enjoying his current state of distress, especially one person in particular. God he hated having attention focused on him.
"Well?" questioned Mr. Thomas, looking impatient.
"My mom runs a café not far from here," he sighed, his tiredness showing in his voice, " it's not a lot but it's enough for me. I come from a single parent home. So my mom takes care of me and my little sister."
Mr. Thomas waited for him to continue, but when he didn't, he frowned.
"is that it?" he asked.
Lucas sighed, his shoulders still slightly slumped. He could hear a few sniggers and comments coming from various places in the classroom, specifically the back.
"No disrespect sir, but I don't like telling people my life story."
Despite his politeness, Mr. Thomas got noticeably angrier.
"I guess you'll be joining Miss. James in detention then. Now unless you want to make that two, you'll participate FULLY in our class discussion."
Lucas flinched at the sudden raise in his voice, but knowing that this one detention wouldn't go down too well at home, let alone two, he reluctantly carried on.
"I don't know my…my father. Let's just say he's dead to me. Instead I have a great Uncle Keith who fills that spot.. As for my heritage…," Lucas sighed again before he continued, "…. I'm not so sure on my 'father's' side, but on my mom's side I'm part American, quarter Spanish and a quarter Japanese."
"I think we know who caused Peal Harbour!" Tim yelled our causing an eruption of laughter.
"I guess we can use you to get perspective from the enemies side of war the can't we?" Mr. Thomas smiled.
Lucas felt his cheeks flush and could actually hear Haley's teeth grit from anger. Lowering his eyes to the floor, he waited for the teacher to move on from him. This day truly was steadily getting worse.
"Haley, you really shouldn't give Mr. Thomas any reason to pick on you." Lucas was walking towards his car with Haley after they had both served their time in detention.
"But the way he treats you is just acceptable!?" Haley was almost shaking with rage.
Lucas groaned. "Hales, take it from me, sometimes it's best to just keep your mouth shut.
They both reached Lucas' car and out of frustration, Haley kicked one of the tyres.
"Woah there firecracker!" Lucas laughed grabbing Haley's arms and shaking her jokingly, "want to take it easy there, I can't really afford new tyres at the moment!"
"But he's a teacher Luke," Haley continued. Her vice showed an obvious change in her emotion, going from anger to sadness, " that makes it all the more unacceptable, it just spurs on the whole class… especially Nathan and-"
"Hales."
Haley looked up at her friend and saw that he no longer wanted to hear about the topic, "it's O.K" he told her.
Haley hugged her friend, defeated, " no…. it's not," she muttered sadly to herself.
Lucas pulled away from the hug and opened his car door, eager to change the subject.
"You want a ride to work?" he asked stepping aside for her.
Haley lingered for a moment, before forcing a smile on her face "I guess," came her reply, " seeing as I almost broke my damn foot kicking your stupid car!"
Lucas laughed, slinging an arm around his friend and leading her to his car.
"Where the hell have you been?"
Lucas had just finished putting down his keys and school bag down in his room. "I'm sorry Matt, I- I just got held up at school." Matt's voice was eerily calm and it was scaring him.
"I've had Keith fucking calling me all day asking for you to help at the shop. I had to get out of bed three fucking times to answer the fucking phone and you were held up at school for two fucking hours!"
He was steadily making his way toward Lucas, backing him into a corner.
"I had to drop Haley off at work," he avoided the matter of having detention, that would surely fuel his anger even more, " where's mom and Lily?"
"They're at the café. There's no food in the house because you weren't here to pick any up so they're getting take out."
" I thought you were getting the groceries today?"
Lucas didn't know what possessed him to say it, he just did. Realising what he did, he snapped his eyes shut. To any normal person, it would have just sounded like a confused question, however Matt was not normal. This was confirmed as a strong fist collided with Lucas' stomach, knocking the wind out of him. The force of the punch slammed Lucas up against the wall behind him, bouncing his head against the wall. Crying out in pain, he slumped down to the ground.
"Get up," Matt stated, still calm. When Lucas remained on the floor, dazed, Matt brought his boot down onto Lucas' side repeatedly.
"I-SAID-GET-THE-FUCK-UP!" he screamed, his true emotion finally registering his true emotion in his voice.
"Stop!" Lucas' voice was filled with agony, but he could barely talk above a whisper. This whole day had been too draining, both emotionally and physically. Suddenly a sickening crack sounded throughout the room. Matt lifted his boot away from the position it had been, upon Lucas's now crushed side. Matt stepped back for a wile, a bit shocked at how loud that sound had been, sending chills down his spine. He watched as Lucas groaned in anguish, clutching onto his swollen side. How the hell was he going to explain this to Karen. The kid looked like he was clinging onto consciousness and sounded like he was dying. Matt snapped out of his daze. He had to gain control of this situation and quick, God knows Karen could walk through the front door any moment now. Grabbing Lucas by the throat, he dragged him to his feet, and slammed him against the wall yet again. Lucas could only manage a slight gasp of pain, as the crushing grasp around his neck choked out both his voice and air supply.
"Now you listen here you sick fuck," Matt sneered, " you best keep your damn mouth shut, or not only will I fucking kill you slowly and painfully, I'll get your sister first and make you watch! Am I making myself clear?"
The pain pulsating throughout Lucas' body disorientated him. By the time he had registered what Matt had said it was too late and another fist collided with his rib cage, the one had remaining around his throat stopping any cries escaping.. Despite the grip, Lucas forced himself to nod. On cue, Matt released his grip, and Lucas crumbled to the ground, choking and gasping for oxygen to once again fill his lungs.
"Now that we've got things clear," Matt sneered through gritted teeth, "straighten yourself out, we wouldn't want your mom to think there's anything wrong now would we?" With those final words, Matt slammed Lucas's bedroom door shut, allowing Lucas to once again clutch his side in agony.
Lucas was awoken as he felt a light weight hit the bed and cuddle up to him. 3:16 AM. He wasn't sure what time he had fallen asleep, but after willing his legs to carry him to the bathroom, he had forced himself to take some painkillers and sleeping pills. He wasn't stupid. He knew his rib was broken and that he should be in a hospital right now but he would rather suffer through this pain over and over than have to put Lilly even close to any danger. Plus his mom loved the man. He wasn't naïve. He knew his mom was also seeing his uncle Keith, but the two men made her happy and he wasn't willing to take that away from her. After crawling back into bed, he had curled up into a ball, clutching his side, praying to fall asleep soon as he knew the painkillers were a lost cause, so solely relying on the sleeping tablets to relieve him of this pain… even if only for a few hours. He had even taken three tablets, instead of one, just in case. But now he lay awake, screwing his eyes shut as the little pressure wrapped around his body made the pain that was currently screaming back to him ten times worse.
"He hit you again, didn't he Lucas?" came a tiny, sad voice spoke out.
Lucas forced his eyes open and looked down to see Lilly looking up at him, her big, brown eyes expressing her emotional torment. She quickly withdrew her arms, seeing the pain she was causing her older brother, the sudden movement causing him to wince.
"What? Don't be silly!" he replied softly, smiling at her.
Lilly sat crossed-legged on his bed, her expression sad. "WE had this person come into school today. She said she worked for this thing where they help kids where their families hurt them."
Lucas' blue eyes darted up and met with Lilly's brown ones.
"what?" he choked out.
"She showed us how to try and spot someone like this guy Sam, who's daddy used to be him up. He was just like you buy his older brother didn't notice anything wrong until it was too late. The little boy Sam died. I don't want my brother to die!"
Lucas heard a sob escape his sister's lips. A second ago, he didn't think he could feel any more pain before going into shock… clearly he was wrong.
"Hey, hey hey," he comforted his sister best he could, wrapping his large masculine hand around her little, childish one, making her look at him right in the eyes. He had tried sitting up to hug her, but was struck with a wave of nausea brought on by his broken side, making him collapse back onto his pillow. "I'm not going anywhere O.K? I promise you that." He whispered soothingly.
"But the lady said to tell someone about it, to help them." Tears fell from her cheeks.
Lucas' eyes widened with horror, and almost jumped out of bad before his ribs cried out in protest.
"Lilly, listen to me O.K? you can never do that, never. Matt doesn't mean it, but sometimes he gets a bit mad. I'm doing this to protect you O.K?" Lucas tried to explain to his little sister. "He loves you very much. But remember what I said, if he ever gets rough with you…."
"Then I tell you." Lilly finished.
"Right," Lucas smiled, " but in order for me to protect you, we need to keep this our little secret, only us two can know, not even mommy can know O.K?"
Lilly nodded.
"Besides," Lucas continued, " I doesn't even hurt that much. Believe me. Look how much bigger that you I am! I don't get hurt easily…. Promise."
Lilly smiled down on her older brother and slid off his bed to go back to her own room.
"I pinkie promise to keep our secret," Lilly smiled extending her little finger.
Lucas did the same and wrapped his little finger around her.
"Thanks Lil," he sighed, relieved.
"wanna know why?" Lilly questioned
"Why's that?" Lucas asked absentmindedly, gasping softly as he once again wrapped his arms around himself.
"Because this way I can sorta protect you."
Lucas stared wide-eyed as Lilly made her way out of his room before shutting the door behind her. The pain he was feeling was definitely worth protecting that little girl, he'd do anything to keep her safe. Lucas sighed shakily, letting his head hit his pillow for the last time that night. That night, for the first time in years, he let one solitary tear escape, and roll down his cheek.
Up next: things get even more painful for Lucas, in more ways than one!
Tell me what you guys think please and review, thanks!