Chapter 13

The book taunted Haley from it's place on the desk. It called to her in some unearthly manner and Haley couldn't stop herself as she picked it up and moved towards the bed. Slowly sitting down she fingered the cover before throwing it open. A small inscription was on the first page… which was followed with a letter – probably from Karen – written in a blue pen.

To the best friends I could ask for

The love we shared shall never fade

Here's to white houses…

Here's to OUR white house.

The inscription was very easy to understand as she knew how Lucas had always felt about the whole white house thing. Letting her eyes slowly trail downwards her eyes scanned over the written words.

Lucas

This book is amazing. I don't know why you chose to hide it from the world. Brooke, Peyton, Haley & Nathan will not kill you if you publish this. All you have to do…is ask. Do not hide amazing work because you are scared of what the others will think. You and I and all of them know that what you wrote in this book is the truth. The awful truth sometimes but that can be accounted for. Lucas…do not keep this to yourself…who knows…maybe it brings all of you together again. I truly do believe that there will be another book from you…a sequel to this one. Because dearest Lucas there is no way that the five of you are truly done forever. It is like fate pulls you back again and again and again. Do not fret about the tings you don't know…when she is ready…she will tell you all.

All my love

Karen

Tears stung her eyes but Haley knew she had to turn the page – had to read what was so important that was in this book.

I wish I could start this book with the words this is all fiction and nobody was hurt in writing this book. But I can't. This book is fact…and the people portrayed in this book did all the things that you are going to read. They got hurt. They loved. They let go. They have lived this life that you are about to read…and they will leave this life one day.

Maybe you see yourself in this book…maybe you can relate. But what you do with what is given to you is your decision and yours alone.

One day a day will come where I hope the four other people who I based this on will read this book and understand how much I love them all. They will realize how foolish we have been and maybe – beyond all other hope – we could be a family again. The fabulous five in the white house.

A hope

A fantasy

A dream

Lucas Scott

The tears were running freely over her cheeks now as she imagined Lucas sitting in front of his laptop and writing it. His eyes were probably filled to the brink with tears. His heart sore from all the love and hate that had passed through the group. She knew then that it would be important for her to read the book – to fully comprehend what he and Nathan and everyone else were feeling. She started to turn the page when a familiar laugh sounded through the hallway.

"Tutorgirl! You're sweetheart is here!" Haley's heart immediately lifted. Channing was finally there… she jumped up and ran outside – where everyone else was already crowding around. She stopped dead when two beautiful eyes looked up to hers and a little girl came running towards her.

"Mommy!" Taylor yelled happily and Haley felt her body freeze as everyone turned to Haley in shock. Haley picked Taylor up and swiftly walked towards Channing.

"Where the hell were you?" she breathed through her teeth as she pressed Taylor's face into her shoulder. Channing's smile dropped and he sighed.

"You're parents weren't there. They left a note saying they had somewhere to be but would pick Taylor up here when they come back. I just got back from there…" he spoke quickly – knowing perfectly well that Haley didn't want an audience.

"For God's sake Channing… this is not the place for Taylor!" she burst out but still kept her voice just under a whisper. Taylor on the other hand kept her eyes on two blue ones that followed her every move. She smiled at the man that stood away from her and Nathan couldn't help but smile back.

Haley stalked over towards the group – not even waiting for Channing to follow. She stopped in front of them – their eyes solely on her and her daughter.

"Everybody…" she breathed and she made sure not to look to Nathan's direction. "this is Channing Tatum…my boyfriend. And this is Taylor Rebecca James… my daughter."