Chapter 14

Lucas woke up to find Brooke by his side, holding his hand. The rest of his friends and family were circled around him. He wasn't in a hospital, but he was still lying on the gym floor. He had passed out from the overwhelming pressures around him. The game. The baby. Brooke. Everything piled up, and his body's way of dealing with it caused him to black out for a few minutes. He rose to a seated position.

"Did we win?" he asked as everyone continued to stare at him. After hearing his question they all chuckled.

"Yeah Luke, we did." Nathan replied

"Are you okay man?" Skillz asked

"Yeah I'm fine" he said as he rose to his feet. "I just got a little light-headed. That's all."

Brooke then realized she was still holding his hand and immediately let go. Lucas looked at her and smiled, and she returned the favor. She knew then that everything was going to be okay, as long as Lucas was in her life. She realized that she loved him to much to keep shutting him out.

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-3 days later

The buzz of winning states had finally dulled down. The trophy was in its new home, in Whitey's office. His dream had come true.

"Hey Luke" Brooke shouted down the hall

"Hey" he said turning around to greet her.

"So I was thinking" she said happily

"Yeah"

"I'm ready"

"Ready for what?" he asked with confusion

"To forgive you Luke. To put this petty feud behind us." she paused to look at his reaction "To be your girlfriend Luke" she finished. He still didnt say anything. "Well, I thought you would be more happy." and she turned to walk away

"No, I'm elated, I just didnt know what to say" he smiled at her

"Oh" she said a little embarrassed

They stared into each other's eyes. "Thank you" he said and he leaned down and kissed her. They walked to 3rd period together, holding hands.

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Peyton had decided to skip school that day. She didnt want to miss a second with Jake and Jenny, afraid that if she blinked, it would all be gone as fast as it had begun. She was still lying in bed when Jake re-entered the room.

"Good morning" he said from the doorway

"Good morning" she responded sleepily. She yawned and stretched and smiled at the love of her life.

"I see we missed the alarm" he joked

"Yeah well, who needs school anyways"

"Funny"

"So why dont you join me in bed?" she asked coyly as she patted the empty space beside her

"You really know how to persuade a guy don't you." he said as he hopped in. She snuggled next to him as he wrapped his arms around her. They laid there, and let the morning sun swallow them together. They were so in love, and that's all that mattered.

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Haley was in the tutor center. She had just finished her last appointment for the day and was excited to finally get some rest.

"Hey Brooke"

"Hey Hales"

"Do you want to hang out today"

"I cant Haley, you see I'm dying and you didnt bother to save me." Haley's face is full of shock and sadness. She looks down and when she looks back up at Brooke, she's gone. And in place is a gravestone with Lucas standing over it.

"How could you Hales? How could you just let her die?" Lucas screams at her between sobs.

Haley jumped up and that's when she realized she had been dreaming. That stupid nightmare kept returning. She couldnt help but feel responsible for Brooke, I mean she knew about it and didnt bother to help her, or even tell anyone else about it. But what was she suppose to do without ruining her friendship with Brooke. She had sworn to her that she wouldnt say anything. Now, Haley had to live with this horrifying nightmare.

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There was a knock at the door, and Peyton went downstairs to open it. She revealed Lucas standing on the porch.

"Hey Peyt"

"Hey Lucas"

"So I came by to see if you wanted to hang out today. I mean it seems recently we haven't been able to do anything"

"I know it sucks, but I have company" she said

"Oh okay, that's cool, maybe another time" and he turned to leave

"Luke"

"Yeah" as he turned back toward her

"I'm sorry"

"For what?"

"For not being there. I dont want our friendship to change just because we're both dating again."

"Dont worry Peyton, it wont" he said and smiled and walked away. She closed the door and leaned against it, wondering why she just turned away one of her best friends.

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Haley knocked on Brooke's door until she answered.

"Hey we need to talk" she said as she invited herself in

"What is it Hales?"

"I need to know Brooke. And I dont want any games. I need to know how bad it is, and what I can do to help, or I'm gonna be forced to find someone who can"

"Haley, I told you not to worry. I went to the doctor the other day and he said that it's getting better." she lied "I'm fine Hales. And you promised not to say anything"

"I know Brooke but..."

"Hales, listen to me, look at me. I'm fine. okay?"

Haley finally gave in to Brooke. "Okay. I just wanted to make sure. And I promise I won't say anything"

"Thanks" Brooke said and hugged her friend.

"But can I say one thing?" Haley asked

"Sure, anything"

"I think you should talk to Peyton. Now that you and Lucas are dating, and she's dating Jake, there's no reason you two can't heal your friendship. You'll need her Brooke, and I'm sure she needs you."

"Thanks Haley, I'll think about it." and she smiled as Haley left the house.

She didnt know how much longer she could continue to lie to her. It was getting harder and harder to. She wanted someone to be there for her, but she also wanted to be strong. And more importantly, she knew that if she told Haley that she turned down the Chemotherapy, Haley would be so mad at her, and try and force her to reconsidere. And she didnt need that right now. She walked up to her bedroom, where she sat alone.

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