The sunshine glowed around Tree Hill embracing the city with a layer of warmth and comfort. The weather was so nice that afternoon and just like Lucas people were out walking the city streets enjoying the fresh air. Everyone was outside. Little kids were running around their yards playing tag in their brightly colored sprinklers, while their parents shared a pitcher of lemonade as they chatted about their own childhood memories. Couples were holding hands, eating ice cream and smiling as if they had no care in the world. Although Lucas smiled back at everyone he saw, he couldn't help but be jealous for the love the couples shared with one another. Lucas wished he was that happy but his chances of finding real happiness was slim to none now. If only he could turn back time, he thought to himself. He was just about to turn the corner when he heard his name being called. It was hard not to recognize that sweet and familiar voice, since he had heard it for almost all of his life. The voice belonged to his best friend Haley James Scott who was running down the street after him. Lucas stopped walking and let Haley catch up to him. She was wearing a blue plain summer dress which bounced around her knees everytime she walked and her brown hair was done up into a tight bun.
"How mean can you be Lucas Scott?" Haley yelled glaring at Lucas with a penetrating stare.
Before Lucas could say anything to defend himself, Haley continued on.
"Why would you say I hate you to Peyton? I know she has been difficult with the situation with you and Lindsey, but can you really blame her? She is in love with you Lucas and she was doing what any of us would have done, she was fighting for the love that you two once shared. I know you are in love with Lindsey Luke, I do, but that was no way to treat Peyton, especially with all of the things you have been through. Luke, I have watched you grow from being a little boy to a grown mature man. I know you have made your mistakes, we are all human but I have always been amazed on how you would always find a way to fix your mistakes and how you would never let your friends down. That's the man I respect, that man is my best friend but right now I don't even know who you are because Lucas Scott, would never ever hurt the people he cares most about. You broke Peyton's heart and it's up to you now to fix it. Be a man Lucas." As Haley finished talking, she wiped a crystal tear that had fallen from her eye as she stared into Lucas' face.
Although Haley's words were true, they had still stung him like a slap on the face. All of a sudden he became angry and frustrated.
"Oh c'mon Haley, I had to tell Peyton something that she would actually hear so that she would leave me alone. Ever since she has been back she still thinks I have some feelings for her. But I don't! She would not listen and she broke up my marriage! She deserved everything I said." Lucas said angrily clenching his fists at his sides.
Now it was Haley's time to be slapped in the face.
"Wow Luke, what was that? See what I mean my best friend would never say that especially about a woman he used to love. What is wrong Luke? Is it Lindsey? Do you want me to help you figure things out, you know I would do anything for you, I can arrange something. Tell me Luke what is going on, like you used to. I want to help you but I don't know how and I just want to see you happy." Haley said in her sweet voice as she patted his arm.
Lucas stopped and stared at Haley, seeing the concern in her eyes made his heart sink like a weight in his stomach. He did not mean to say those things to Haley, she was right and they both knew it.
"I am so sorry Hales, You are right this is not like me at all. I just wish I could go back to those days playing on the Rivercourt where nothing else mattered except for the ball in my hand." Lucas said apologetic as he stared at his ball and for a minute all Lucas could see were golden blonde curly locks of hair bouncing in the air as if they were dancing to a beat of a song playing from the car stereo."
"It's okay Luke. What can I do to help?" Haley asked as she grabbed Lucas and gave him a hug.
"Well you know how you said you could arrange something for me?"
"Yes," Haley said nodding her head.
"Could you arrange something that would help Peyton to forgive me?" Lucas asked.
"What- why?...Oh my God you still love her, don't you? Finally you are coming to your senses!" Haley asked as a smile appeared on her face.
"Yeah Hales I do. I don't why I have been so stupid but I have finally realized that Peyton is the woman for me. I just don't know if she will ever forgive me? Lucas honestly said as he sighed.
"For one thing Luke, people sure like to forgive you a lot, remember all of the things you have done but people have still forgiven you. Second thing, I can't promise that Peyton will forgive you but I do know that you will only find out if you take a chance and talk to her. Pretend you are on the court and there is 5 seconds left on the clock, would you stand there and let the minutes tick away or would you shoot the ball hoping for a goal? The Lucas Scott I know would take that chance." Haley said looking up at her best friend.
"You are right Hales, thank you so much! I owe you my life." Lucas said smiling as they both embraced for a second hug.
"Anytime Luke, now what are you waiting for? Go get the woman of your dreams, just be prepared to fight for her."
Lucas was just about speed off to find Peyton, when he looked back at Haley.
"But what if it doesn't work out?" Lucas asked not wanting to feel the pain of rejection.
Haley held up her left hand, and showed off her wedding ring which dazzled in the sunlight.
"If Nathan and I can make it, anyone can! Good Luck Luke, just remember to be your old self and not a jerk."
They both laughed as he ran for the first location he thought Peyton would be, which was her recording studio located where his mother's café used to be. As the sun showered Lucas with warm rays of light, his smile increased. He felt like he was on the court running for his life to the goal, except this time he was running to his love.
By the time Lucas got to the front door of the recording studio, he was tired and sweaty but he did not care. His heart was on fire as it echoed against his ribs like a bass drum. Lucas turned the handle on the door and walked in.