Hi! I wasn't planning on updating until later in the month, but I've written further ahead than I thought I would be at this point so thought that now would be a good time to update. Big thank you to those who viewed the last chapter, the views are much bigger than I anticipated, so thank you to every single one of you! Also thank you to those who took the time to review, it is really appreciated and its nice to know that you're enjoying the story so far despite me being only a few chapters in.

This chapter focuses mainly on Lucas, but there will be some significance to it as the story progresses.

I also wondered whether some of you wanted to get more involved in the story, particularly with the pairings for Lucas, Brooke, Peyton, Jake and Julian. I do kind of ship all 4 but obviously I cant do all of them and wanted to see if there was one that you really wanted. So as usual please review and leave any suggestions for me as well and hopefully you'll enjoy the chapter. :)

Chapter 3.

Lucas stepped out into the early morning sun, turned on his iPod and began to run the familiar path from the James' cabin to the lake, just north of the woods. He'd ran this path a thousand times, but each time he was met with a new sight, something which he appreciated. Picking up the pace to his latest favourite upbeat track, found on Nathan's playlist, he steadily climbed the gentle slope through the trees. The sun was breaking through the branches, highlighting small parts of the forest around him. That was one of the things he loved most about the early mornings here, it always had that earthreal look, one that couldn't be replicated anywhere else.

He continued to tread the beaten track, keeping his pace fairly steady and even, just like the doctor had advised him. He shook his head slightly, as if to shake the thoughts from his head. He'd tell his Mom and Keith this week, he had to, but for now he needed to concentrate on something else and running was exactly that. He slowed as he began to reach the top of the path, knowing that just beyond the hill was the lake. He'd had so many memories here as a child, many of just him and Haley playing by the clear, cool water; Nathan only joining them occasionally, when he wasn't training or at basketball camp.

Steadily slowing down more to a gentle jog, descending from the peak of the track down towards the lake. He headed towards the rocks bordering the edge. He climbed onto a not so high rock and sat firmly upon it, before unplugging his iPod. He leaned forward slightly, resting his arms upon his legs, just gazing at the scene in front of him. In all these years it hadn't changed a bit. It was still the same calm, peaceful place it always was, somewhere that he had fond memories of, but also found the solitude of just being alone by the lake comforting, always allowing him to be alone with his thoughts.

He remembered the first time he'd come to this lake, he'd encouraged Haley to follow him, an adventure he'd called it. They'd gotten lost wandering through the woods, found the lake and stayed put, playing at the water's edge, completely unaware of time.

Of course being an adventurous 5 year old at the time and the bolder, more confident one of the two, Lucas had influenced Haley and the two had wandered further than was allowed. Inevitably this had led to both Karen and Lydia being frantic and worried at the realisation that both Lucas and Haley were missing. After a brief search from both Keith and Jimmy, the two had been found and grounded for the rest of the week.

Lucas reflected on how worried their parents must have been, but as a 5 year old, the world was there to explore! He continued to reminisce, smiling to himself at the memory of a particular afternoon one July three years ago.

It had been a scorching summer once again and that summer both Dan and Deb had decided to join the two families at the cabin. Well, by saying Dan and Deb decided, that actually meant just Deb, as Dan had been brought along practically kicking and screaming, in typical Dan Scott style. Deb had believed that the summer would give Lucas and Nathan a chance to bond more outside of Tree Hill, as well as giving Dan a chance to reconcile his rather rocky relationship with Keith.

The afternoon he remembered started with a suggestion of fishing from Jimmy James, who believed that a 'man's afternoon' was just what was needed. Luke remembered how Keith showed both him and Nathan how to fish, while Dan glared and moaned for the majority of the afternoon. It had escalated from moaning on Dan's part to being raging mad when being answered back by Nathan. Dan had stood up on the boat and started towards Nathan, with the intent to "instill some manners into the little punk", only to lose his footing and fall into the lake.

Lucas chuckled to himself, remembering how mad Dan had been at not only Nathan, but at all of them for laughing. He'd spent the next hour sitting on the far side of the boat, sulking, sipping on a bottle of his beer, absolutely soaked. It was safe to say Dan declined every fishing trip offer after that.

Luke's smile began to fade as he began to reflect on this morning's events. He had so many questions he needed answering; how long had it been going on? Were they dating, were they a couple or just two friends having fun? He needed answers and he knew he would get them, even if it mean dragging Haley away from Nathan for a few hours. If that was even possible anymore. How had he not noticed it before? Thinking about it, Lucas recalled how secretive both had been lately, and how Haley often had to leave straight after she'd finished her shift at Karen's Café, for one reason or another, not having as much time to spend with him. Obviously it wasn't purely coincidental that Nathan had always been too busy to hang out on the same nights then.

Lucas reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone, checking the time. He'd been here for around an hour and decided it was time to head back. His mom would probably be preparing breakfast right now and it would take him around fifteen minutes to get back to the cabin, he didn't want to miss his mom's pancakes and to find that Nate and Jimmy had eaten them all. Pushing himself up off the rock, he contemplated confronting Haley and Nathan at breakfast, but decided against it. He knew it wouldn't be good involving the parents before he properly knew what was going on.

He stuffed his phone into his pocket and began to search for his iPod, but stopped when his phone began to vibrate. He fished it out and looked at the caller id, his smile returning to his face.

"Hey you" he spoke softly upon answering.

"I'm okay, I managed to get out for a run so the signal isn't very good. How about you?"

He paused, listening intently to the caller.

"Good, good, as long as you're okay." He began to lightly kick at the sand, content with listening.

"I miss you too. But I'll be back in Tree Hill and back with you before you know it."

"Yeah.. Anyway, I'd best get back otherwise I'm gonna' miss breakfast and I'll let you get ready for your day out."

"Okay, I'll text you later.."

"You too…. Bye."

He locked his phone and slid it back into his pocket, still smiling from the short conversation he'd had. He plugged his iPod in once more, choosing his Travis playlist and began to jog back towards the cabin.