Doc01

A/N: Thank you so much for your reviews! I really appreciate them. I actually don't have the plot formed in my head, just little random stuff. This means that I'm writing this as I go. Any suggestions? Comments? Constructive criticism? Let me know! Don't forget to R&R! ---Sera

Disclaimer: It's truly a pity that I'm not Mark Schwan.

Peyton smiled widely as she pocketed her cell phone and turned to Lucas, who stood nest to her. "God, I don't know why you even doubted me."

Lucas frowned. "You sure the plan is going to work?"

"I'm a genius. Trust me on this." Peyton said, slinging her bag over her shoulder.

"Well, it looks like Plan B is starting ahead of schedule." He remarked.

"Why?"

"Nathan's headed this way." Lucas muttered.

"Hey, Nate. How are you?" Peyton asked in the most cheerful way possible.

Personally, Lucas didn't think Nathan needed to answer the question. He looked terrible. His dark hair was all over the place, as if he hadn't combed it for weeks. There were bags under his eyes and it was like he didn't eat a decent meal in a very long time. In fact, he practically appeared to be malnourished.

Nathan simply glanced at her but said nothing.

Peyton cleared her throat and said, "Listen, Nathan, Tric is having this huge party tonight and we were wondering if you could come and hang out with us there."

"Do I look like I'm in the mood to hang out?" Nathan asked rather impatiently. When she fell silent, he grunted, "Didn't think so."

Lucas exchanged glances with Peyton. "Nate, this party is going to be awesome and you wouldn't want to miss it for the world."

"As a matter of fact Luke, I do." Nathan closed his locker and began to walk away.

Peyton desperately racked her brain for something to make him agree to come. But it was too late. He was already gone.

"Got any more bright ideas, genius?" Lucas said.

Peyton leaned against the lockers. "You have to talk to him. You're the only one he'll probably listen to."

"Emphasis on the word 'probably.' I don't think he'll even give me a chance." Lucas said exasperatedly.

"You have to at least try. It's pointless that we got Haley to come if Nathan isn't," Peyton checked her watch. "I have to get to class. I'll see you later."

Lucas watched Peyton walk away, realizing that she was right. He sighed and went to the place he was sure he would find Nathan; the school gym.

Sure enough, Nathan was there, shooting hoops. For a few minutes, Lucas watched him miss every basket he attempted. Finally, he spoke up. "She won't even be there."

Nathan turned to him, frowning. "Excuse me?"

"Haley won't even be in Tric tonight." Lucas said.

"Still trying to make me come?" Nathan asked, throwing the ball to Lucas, who caught it.

"Why won't you?"

"You've seen me lately. I'm in terrible shape. I couldn't play a good game to save my life. I'm not in the mood for anything."

Lucas shook his head. "You're avoiding us, aren't you?"

"Give me one good reason why I should come, Lucas." Nathan said.

He was silent for a while. "It would take your mind off everything that has been happening to you lately."

"You think it's going to make much of a difference? I'd still be thinking about her, wondering what I did wrong. You could put me in a damned roller coaster in Mars, have me watch every NBA game live in the front row and give me everything I could possibly want but my mind will always be on her." Nathan said bitterly.

"How would you know that?" Lucas asked, throwing the ball back to Nathan.

Nathan bit his lower lip. He had to admit, his brother had that uncanny way of persuading people without so much of an effort. It was a getting annoying, especially because it worked on him. "Okay, I'm going but that better be one hell of a party."

Lucas gaped at him. "Seriously?"

"Yeah, now go away before I change my mind." Nathan said gruffly.

His brother grinned. "You won't be sorry, Nate."

As soon as Lucas left, Nathan dribbled the ball and made a shot. The ball went right through the basket.