Chapter One: Betrayals and Brotherhood

He awoke to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee as the bright morning sunlight streamed through his bedroom window. He inhaled slowly and tried to ready himself for what was to come. He inwardly groaned. He hated going to Dr. Smith's office and telling all of his family's business, sharing his emotions and talking about his dreams like some raving lunatic. Everything about that office made him uncomfortable. Just the thought of what was to come made him anxious to get this latest session over with so he could return to the safety of his father's house where no one could point, stare or whisper in his direction. After all in a town as small as Tree Hill nothing stayed a secret for long.

News of his mental instability had spread like a wild fire, causing a great mount of divide amongst his friends and family. Some stayed around and stood by his side like Peyton, Mouth and Skills. However Brooke, Haley and the other members of the team had long since decided to abandon him, avoiding him like the plague at every turn. Out of all the betrayals Brooke's and Haley's had hurt the most.

Brooke said that she couldn't handle seeing him go though so many changes nor could she handle the violent outbursts or mood swings. She had cried to him and begged for his forgiveness, hugging as tightly as she could while wishing him well and asking him to contact her the instant that he was able to put everything that happened the day of the school shooting behind him. His response was simple once she had made her decision known. All he did was shake his head in hurt, anguish and disappointment and walk away from her. It hurt too much to say or do anything else.

Haley was definitely the hardest to cope with. She had been his best friend since they were seven years old and he always believed that they would be there for each other no matter what, but he was wrong. At first the young wife and soon to be mother stuck by his side never once letting on that anything was "wrong" with her best friend. She had covered for him saying that he was just grieving and it was because of this that his mind was playing tricks on him. However this was before he was overcome with rage and bitterness. Once he pushed the young woman against the wall and threatened her life and that was the last time he had seen her because that very same day his brother informed him that Haley would no longer be allowed to visit him. It hurt like hell but in the end Nathan had helped him to understand that it was for safety and that if the situation were reversed that he would expect the blond to do the same.

Suddenly the buzzing sound of the alarm clock snatched his attention, luring him from his thoughts and into the starkness of his reality. As he stretched his muscles and removed the blanket from his body the sound of pots clinking around in the kitchen. He sighed. He didn't really feel like looking into his mother's worried eyes or being picked apart by his father. Not in a bad way but Dan always studied him as if he were some psycho that was ready to snap at any moment. Not only that, but after the way he acted last night he was way too embarrassed to looking the man in the face without growing flushed.

After taking a quick shower and getting dressed Lucas slowly opened his bedroom door and peered into the hall. Unable to get a clear view of the person responsible for the late morning ruckus, the blond haired male stepped into the hallway and made his way towards the kitchen. Taking a deep breathe he took the final step that would lead him into the dinning area and instantly took notice of someone kneeling in front of the open refrigerator door. He nearly jumped out of his skin as the person quickly sprung to their feet, catching him completely off guard.

"What are you trying to do give me a heart attack?" the tall dark haired male practically shouted before shutting the door.

"I could ask you the same question. What are you doing here?" the boy said while breathing a sigh of relief.

"I figured that you could use some company this morning. Why is there some kind of law against spending time with your big brother" Nathan said smiling in his direction.

As much as he wanted to hate the boy for keeping Haley away from him he couldn't. He knew Nathan loved both him and his best friend and was only trying to do what he thought was right.

"Thanks for coming by and all Nate but it's really not necessary. I'm a big boy I can handle going to Dr. Smith's on my own" he said walking out of the massive kitchen, heading to the living room and sitting down on the couch as Nathan sat down beside him.

Both were silent for a moment before Nathan spoke.

"Dad said that you had another nightmare last night. You know I'm here for you if you ever want to talk, right?"

For some reason something inside of him snapped. He didn't know why but something about Nathan's words and tone sent him over the edge.

"You know I'm not some fucking little fragile nut case Nathan"

"Lucas, chill out man. I didn't mean to…"

"To what? To treat me like some psychopath? You know what Nathan I don't need your pity so if that's why you're here then don't bother. Just get the fuck out and stay the hell away from me!"

Hearing all the yelling Dan and Karen rushed into the room.

"Lucas, Nathan, what's going on in here?" questioned their father looking between the two.

"Nothing. I just…" Lucas began but trailed off, ashamed of how he had just treated his brother.

"Lucas and I were just talking, that's all Dad" Nathan replied as he stood "I guess I should be going since you guys are on your way out. Lucas, I'll talk to you later"

Dan and Karen looked on in confusion as Nathan walked quickly towards the door with Lucas following closely behind him.

"Wait up Nate"

"No Luke it's cool. I knew that you were already on edge from having to go to Dr. Smith's office and I shouldn't have tried to play therapist on you back there"

"Nathan please" pleaded Lucas taking Nathan by the arm and spinning him around so that they were now face to face.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean it ok. I'm just really freaked out about the dreams returning and having to go back to Dr. Smith's office. It's like no matter what I do Abby won't leave me alone. I can't get her out of my head Nate and I don't know what to do. Maybe I am crazy after all"

Nathan sighed.

"No Luke, you're not crazy. You're just…"

"A little unwell" said Lucas with a grin.

"That's so not funny dude. But hey if it will make you feel better I'll stick around and go with you to Dr. Smith's office and afterwards we could shoot some hoops. You know burn off a little steam"

"That sounds great. Thanks Nate"

The younger boy smiled.

"No problem bro"

"Lucas come on, we need to get going" Karen spoke softly to her son as she and Dan appeared at the front door.

"Is everything okay?"

Lucas looked at Nathan who nodded in his direction.

"Yes everything's fine or at least it will be"

"Okay then. Let's go boys. We don't want to be late"

Following their father's instructions both Lucas and Nathan headed out the door. Little did they know, one of them wouldn't be coming back.