Chapter 13

Brooke dressed herself in her all-too-common cheerleading outfit. Tonight was their last game, and she definitely wasn't going to miss it. Across town, Peyton and Haley were doing the same thing, with the same thing in mind. In a few hours, the Tree Hill Ravens would face the Charlotte Bobcats for the state title.

The boys were already at the gym, taking a look around and getting use to the court. Whitey thought it would be a good idea and the boys followed in suite.

Jake had told Peyton he would see her at the game, with Jenny. She was delighted. It seemed like the only thing on the town's mind was this game, and that's how they all wanted it.

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"Errrr" the buzzer went off to sound the tip-off of the game. Nathan jumped as high as he could to get the ball first. He was successful. He immediately passed the ball to Skillz who ran it down the court and put up a layup.

"Score" Mouth screamed into his microphone. "The Ravens 2-0 only 5 seconds into the game. This is going to be one good game." Everyone in the stands cheered. The whole first quarter went the same, with the Ravens always on top. With 10 seconds left in the quarter, Nathan passed the ball to Lucas, who shot from the three-point line.

"Score again." Mouth screamed. "The Ravens are on fire."

Brooke looked down at Peyton. She really missed her best friend, but she didn't want her to know that. Peyton looked back at her and she immediately turned her head and began talking and laughing with Rachel; always keeping a close eye on Peyton.

"And with that buzzer the first quarter is over, with the Ravens ahead by 5."

After a little pep-talk by their coaches, the two teams returned to the court to begin the second quarter.

Jake and Jenny had walked in sometime after it had begun.

"Way to be late" Peyton yelled

"Sorry, fell asleep." He said and pointed at Jenny

"Gotcha" and she gave him a wink. Was Peyton finally moving on? Brooke wondered the same thing. Could this mean their friendship could reform?

There was cheering all around them and Brooke immediately came out of her thought to congratulate Nathan on scoring another basket. This was where she wanted to be. Not in some hospital.

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At half-time, each team went to their rooms to have a half-time speech from their coaches. Still on the court were the adoring fans, and the cheerleaders. Peyton was in the stands talking to Jake and Jenny. Brooke, Haley, Rachel, and Bevin had formed a circle, and were busy talking. After a little while, Peyton had dismissed herself from them and went to join the circle. She was immediately accepted by everyone, except Brooke. The two just gave each other looks. Both aching to be with the other, but never admitting it.

In the team-room, Whitey was going on with his speech.

"Gentlemen, as you all know, tonight is my last game, and I wanted to be special. But damn, this game is magnificent. You boys are playing your hearts out, and I'm so greatful. Now you know I'm not gonna get weepy, but I just thought I would say that."

"Thanks Coach" Lucas said and all the boys joined in by nodding their heads.

"Now let's get out there and win." Whitey announced. "Nathan, I want you at the top of the key. Skillz will pass it in to Luke, who can make an upcourt pass to you. From there, there should be no one on you, and you'll have the open basket. If they want to foul, let them. We have some of the best free-throw shooters, so it will just be easy points." He finished and gave the boys a smile. "And thanks for making this the best season ever"

They all put their hands in a circle and on the count of three released them into the air while shouting Ravens!

As Whitey and the rest of the team left, Nathan held Skillz and Lucas back.

"What's up?" Luke asked

"Yeah, we need to get out there and woop those dawgs man" Skillz chimed in

"This game means a lot to Whitey. We need to make sure he gets the state title he's always waited for."

"I agree Nate, but this game is also important to all of us." Lucas said

"Yeah man" Skillz replied

"Then lets get out there and do it" Nate said and gave them each a smile. "For all of Tree Hill" and they exited the room.

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During the third quarter, the bobcats seemed to have gained control of the game. They had scored 9 points within the first minute; leaving them leading the game by 4 points. They boys seemed to have given up, thinking that the game was over. Whitey noticed and called for a time-out.

"What the hell is going on out there? This is ridiculous. We're down by 4 points when we should be up by 50. We need to get out asses in this game boys, or I'm gonna ask the cheerleaders to play for you." He finished and they again went out on the court.

"Come on Ravens" Brooke yelled from the sideline and the rest of the squad joined in for a cheer.

With 5 minutes left in the entire game, the Ravens had regained their lead by 2 points. It seemed they had also regained their hope and will for the game. The lead kept switching back and forth the rest of the game, until there was 1 minute left. The bobcats were up by 2. The Ravens needed 2 to tie, and a three-pointer to win. Unfortunately, the other team had the ball. As they were dribbling up the court, Nathan was whistled at by the referee.

"Foul, number 23, charging." He said. Also, unfortunately, that was Nate's 5th foul, and he was now forced to spend the rest of the game on the bench.

The other team got to shoot two foul, shots, and they made one of them, putting them ahead by 3. The Ravens now needed to not only shoot a three-pointer, but also be fouled while their shooting; all in the matter of less than 1 minute. It wasn't looking too good.

Skillz passed the ball into Luke who instantly began dribbling down the court. He had to be the one. He knew, Whitey knew, and the rest of the team knew. He looked for some open spots to shoot and then waited for someone from the other team to join him, hoping that he could get him to foul him.

As the clock ticked down, Lucas knew it was now or never, he shot, the ball went in, and the whistle was blown. The whole gym burst with cheers.

"Lucas Scott just made the three, and now gets to shoot a foul shot. If he makes it, the Ravens win. If he misses, we'll go into overtime." Mouth continued the play-by-play.

Lucas stepped up the free-throw line. The ball in his hand. Everyone's eyes upon him. He concentrated hard on the task at hand. He collected the ball, and looked up at the hoop. But all he saw was Brooke. This beautiful girl who had his heart, and his child. His heart began to ache with what he once did to her. How could he have done that. As the ball flew through the air, everyone watched as it went in and the Ravens won the title, but their cheering was soon stopped as Lucas Scott fell to the gym floor.

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