Lucas and Brooke had spent the whole afternoon together in his room. For the moment they just wanted to leave the world behind and for a short while have it be just them… together again.

They were lying in his bed together cuddling.

"This is perfect Luke".

Lucas looked into her eyes and smiled. "Yea, it is… pretty girl. But unfortunately the world is still out there, and I kinda have a big game tonight".

Brooke smiled, "This is true boyfriend. I'm really excited".

"I'm pretty nervous".

"You'll do great Luke, I know you will".

Lucas still looking into her eyes smiled again and chuckled a bit. "Thanks pretty girl, I hope I get some cheers coming my way".

Brooke laughed again. "Bet on it".

Karen then walked into Lucas' bedroom, somewhat surprised to still see Brooke there and in Lucas' bed with Lucas none the less.

"Oh sorry am I interrupting something?'

"Well we were just gonna be on are way, but mom you know my girlfriend Brooke right?"

Brooke smiled a very big smile, laughed, and playfully slapped Lucas on the arm.

"I think we have met once or twice". Karen said jokingly and then smiled and gave both of them a big hug and wished them congratulations.

"Thanks Karen" said Brooke as they embraced.

Lucas whispered "Thanks mom" as they embraced for their hug.

Lucas then grabbed his bag and anything else he needed for the game.

"Think that's everything ladies".

Karen suddenly had a slight worried look on her face and Lucas picked up on it.

"Mom, I'll be fine. This was your idea remember?"

"I know, but I still worry".

Brooke looked on with a slight smile. She was so happy to be back in this world.

"Well don't mom" Lucas said in his assuring tone. "I'll be fine".

"And if I see any trouble, I will not hesitate to pull him off the court Karen". Brooke chimed in jokingly.

Karen and Lucas both smiled.

"I'll see you at the game mom, don't worry".

They all hugged again and then Lucas and Brooke made their way to the car as Karen looked on with a smile, but also with a nervous feeling in her stomach.

…

Nathan and Hailey also had just left the apartment on their way to the game.

All Nathan had on his mind was what he needed to do to get over his problems from that day on the bridge. Hailey still had a concerned look on her face, but was keeping in mind what Nathan had told her at the house, that she was doing all she could. She instead decided to take the focus off that day.

"Nervous about the game?"

"Never. I'm actually really looking forward to it. Did I tell you Lucas is back on the team?"

"WHAT!" Hailey said excited.

"His doctor gave it the ok and he can play for 15 minutes a night".

"Oh My God! That is awesome news".

"Yea it is really great". With that Nathan smiled and for at least the moment seemed happy at peace, and focused on the game and what he needed to do.

…

Skills was walking into the gym. He was on the phone with this mystery woman.

"Alright baby, I'm gonna have to go, but I'll get at you after the game beautiful". He hung up as he walked into the gym with a smirk of confidence on his face.

Game time was approaching and soon everything would come to a head.