Chapter Two

The school day had finished. Kids were starting to file out from their classrooms in a rush to return home or head out with some friends. Lindsey waited patiently for Haley outside, though not daring to venture any further. Lucas was inside, or so she hoped and any more contact with him would only lead to continued conflict at home. Slight talking was fine, but she would not be able to stand a completely silent marriage. She would even be happy if they were yelling at each other. At least then they would be fighting for their marriage. They were already passed the point of no return. Now it was a game of patience waiting for the latter to crack. However, that did not appear to be happening any time soon. They were both stubborn.

Haley finally emerged a few minutes later, looking as graceful as ever. She meant that sarcastically of course. The teacher mom was juggling several books and trying to adjust the shoulder strap of her bag. Lindsey met her halfway taking the books from Haley.

"Thank you." she managed to huff out between breaths graciously taking the books back from Lindsey. "How are you today?' she asked in serious tone knowing how estranged her marriage to Lucas had become

"Same as ever. He's stayed pent up in his study and I've avoided walking passed that door as much as I can." Tears began to pool behind her eyes at the sight of the weekend. He had fallen asleep hunched over the toilet bowl on a number of occasions throughout the weekend. Yet she could never bring herself to help him out of his vomit stained clothes and get him back into bed. "Did he even show up today?"

Haley nodded chewing on her lower lip as they got into her car and drove to get lunch. "Yeah he was there, looking as horrible as ever. I just don't know what to say to him anymore. He's not Lucas anymore." Haley's eyes dropped immediately. She missed her best friend.

"I know Haley. People think I'm crazy for holding on. But I have this hope that I'm going to see the same innocence in his blue eyes or I'm going to hear the same caring tone he had used with me. It's just become more and more difficult. Honestly I'm at ends at what to do now."

"I know Lindsey." she whispered patting her arm. Their friendship had grown stronger since the wedding, even more so now. They both had the same thing in common. The man they both loved was heading down a path that strained the two of then. They spent many a night crying with each other mourning the loss of Lucas Scott. It was too much to see this stranger take over his body. "I wish he understood how much he was hurting everyone. But even then I don't think that would help."

Lindsey nodded, "He doesn't even react like a person. He doesn't cry, he doesn't even show emotion. It's like it's permanently been sucked from him. It doesn't even feel like I'm married anymore." She spent most days now reminiscing over how beautiful the first year of their marriage had been. All she wanted to do was pretend the last four years were a horrible nightmare.

"You're going to get through this. You are a strong, independent woman. Lucas doesn't define who you are or your accomplishments. He would be nowhere if it wasn't for you. Just remember that." Haley said sternly keeping her eyes fixated on the road. She had never been so infuriated with Lucas before. But she was all but passed that now. Far too much time had passed for her to even be disappointed anymore. She lived her life normally. Lucas just seemed to be a nagging wall in her brain now.

"Thanks Hales." she murmured.

Lucas was never brought up in their conversation again. They ate lunch laughing and talking about anything came to mind. Friendship with Haley just seemed so natural. It was her escape from the realities in her world that weighed her down. Spending time with Haley allowed her to think clearly and forget her troubles at home. Without Haley she would probably remain locked in the bedroom crying. Haley was her sun, much like Lucas had been. They shopped and picked out new outfits for Jamie. The boy was growing at such an alarming rate he soon outgrew most of his clothes from last year. Lindsey was more than upset when the alone time had to end.

Mr. Lucas Scott had darted from school immediately after basketball practice. He actually did not even run it anymore. It didn't even feel like his team. Skillz and Nathan had all but retained responsibility. He just had to make an appearance and yell sometimes. Even then the attempt was weak. He left practice in haste. He only had one destination in mind tonight.

Eventually, he made his way to Tric flashing his i.d. though with his beard he looked far older than twenty-seven. He found his usual seat at the bar and Owen eyed him suspiciously. "Tequila." he ordered in a detached voice.

Owen said not a word and poured the shot leaving him to do as he pleased. Lucas downed the shot then five others following that. He then proceeded to order bourbon, tipping the glass to lips. He was drowning in his own sorrows and the alcohol only seemed to be an anchor in the process. His glassy eyes flicked over to the women at the opposite side of the bar. They all looked the same to him now: an easy lay. The woman who he was staring at met his stare. She flashed a seductive smile. The exact reaction Lucas had been hoping for. She made her way towards him taking a seat next to Lucas where so many girls had sat previously.

"What are you drinking?" he asked gruffly inclining his head towards her nearly empty glass.

"Gin and tonic." she answered airily drumming her fingers lightly against the bar. Lucas made eyes with Owen and jerked his head towards her cup. Owen obeyed with a roll of his eyes. He knew all of Lucas' tricks.

"Thanks." she grinned tipping the glass to her lips.

Lucas nodded and watched her down her drink quickly. The glass clinked carelessly upon the bar. Her hands found his face and their eyes locked. Within seconds their lips were locked and tongues shoved down the opposite's throat. They probably looked like porn stars at the present moment, but Lucas was not one to care. He groaned hungrily into her mouth urging her towards the door. Her fingers entwined in the short tresses of his sandy blond hair. She was more than willing as he led her from the bar entwining their fingers as they made their way outside. They very nearly got busy on top of the car as their lips were eager to meet at any moment. Yet anticipation was better than sex. Lucas would laugh at that. Sex was better than anticipation he would argue. However, he never had wait at any point in his life. Now women just seemed to fall over him with one seductive look. The deal was only furthered sealed when their lips touched in an intoxicated kiss. He never asked for names, as if he would remember. It was easier that way, identities completely hidden. He knew how easily the tables could turn if he accidentally said the wrong name. Honestly though, he was under the impression he was invincible, no girl could resist his charm. Maybe he was a cocky son of a bitch, but after four years of living this façade it had all but taken over his body. He an ass of a man, a womanizer by anyone's standards but naturally Lucas had stopped caring about that long ago.

After their show of P.D.A. in the parking lot he found himself situated next to a girl whose name he did not know in the car. The wait was agonizing. All he could picture was her on his bed naked moaning his name. She only furthered his agitation as her hand deviously reached between his legs to grope while he drove. With a sharp intake of breath he gnashed his teeth together trying to focus solely on the road but his mind was elsewhere. His knuckles were white while she continued his special attention and he had the wheel in a death grip. Given the roads were an icy mess, he very nearly lost control several times and ordered the woman to stop or she would get them both killed. She shied away from him at first, but found his aggression an immediate turn on. She sat beside him quietly allowing her fingers to dance along his forearm her lips at his ear nibbling at his lobe.

Finally, they arrived at his humble abode. The lights were off which he noted as a good thing. That meant Lindsey was still with Haley or something along those lines. He could still recall that embarrassing night when he brought a girl home with Lindsey in the kitchen sipping wine. Like most things though, it did not provoke a fight. They were passed hateful words and fighting for their marriage. They stayed together out of its convenience.

"This is nice." the woman murmured as he unlocked the door and lead her inside. He turned to face her and their lips crashed instantly. Suddenly hands seemed to grope for any part of bare skin while trying to get out clothing as quickly as possible. Shoes kicked angrily against the wall, belt buckles hit the floor with a clunk. His shirt was untucked and unbuttoned in a matter of seconds. She lost her top and her bottoms then proceeded to worm Lucas out of his pants leaving him in only his boxers. There was no question to their destination for they left a trail of clothes and destruction in their wake.

It took only a matter of seconds for Lucas to coax her down on to his bed and he whispered sweet nothings in her ear. She fell to pieces almost instantly allowing Lucas easy entry. She moaned his name in such ecstasy and Lucas claimed victory for yet another night. It was all too easy now. Hardly even a game for him.

—

Lindsey arrived home later than she had expected to that night. Haley had insisted they stop for drinks at a bar downtown. Much obliged Lindsey joined her and the two ended up losing track of time. It was not until a phone call from Nathan wondering where Haley was, did it prompt the girls to finish their drinks and head home. Lindsey pulled into the driveway shortly after Lucas did. His car was still warm from the engine. She glanced into the home through the window and saw his silhouette in the light. She very nearly cracked a saddened smile though she knew he was not alone. She watched them dance and remove articles of clothing as if it was a race for completion. She watched them stumble into their bedroom and waited for the light to click off. A single tear rolled from her cheek wishing she could be naïve to the whole situation.

Silently, she reached into her pocket and pulled out her phone and dialed Haley's number. She picked up on the second ring and answered with a worried 'hello'.

"No, everything's fine. Or it's not. I don't know anymore. I was just wondering if I could stay with you and Nathan tonight?...Thanks." Then she hung up the phone returned to her car and drove to Haley's wishing she could just forget everything she had witnessed.

So I reposted the first two chapters. I've been working away at this story for months now. Hopefully you'll get an update before I scamper off to college. Sorry loves.