Author's Note: This chapter is short and sweet I wanted to get it to you quickly so I could address something. I wrote the last chapter before doing some research but even after the research was done I know the chapter wouldn't have changed the only difference is this note would have been on that chapter instead. A few of you have left reviews questioning Nathan's not being able to play basketball with one kidney. I did not look into this before writing it. Although it is rare there have been two NBA players (that I know of now) to play with only one kidney. Also the NCAA doesn't have any rules against it either though I have found some documents that state a doctor would strongly suggest not playing contact sport with one kidney but in the long run it has been left up to the player. I know most places don't allow minors (including high school students) to play contact sports with only one kidney and that was where I was basing my storyline from. For story line purposes I do believe that I would still have written the last chapter the same way so just keep in mind it is a work of fiction and the truth is stretched a little just like with the kidney problem being this severe I have stretched reality that way as well. I do like to keep the story as realistic as possible but stretching the truth for storyline purposes is sometimes necessary. With that said I would like to thank you all for reading and for paying attention to detail I am impressed and encouraged by the knowledge you possess and allow me to possess as well so thanks again and keep reading its about to get interesting.

"Is he alright," Lucas asked.

"I don't know," Haley answered honestly. "He's upset because he can't play basketball with one kidney."

"That's understandable," Lucas said. "Basketball was his life until you came along and it became his life again when you left. That is until you and Keith came back."

"Yeah but the amount of time we were in his life versus basketball," she paused, "basketball would win."

"Hales," he said. "He'd save Keith in a heartbeat even if it means giving up basketball."

"Yeah you're right," she said, "I just hope he'll be ok."

Nathan walked down to the pier. He knew his dreams since childhood died the second he was a match but his son got to live so why was he so sad? He felt guilty for feeling this way and he couldn't face Haley. Just a walk, some fresh air, maybe that would help ease these feelings for him. He stood looking out at the water. Where does he go from here? What would he become and would it be good enough? He took a deep breath and sighed. Suddenly he felt a sharp pain in the back of his head and everything went black.

"He's still not answering," Haley said to Lucas, "in fact it's been going straight to voicemail for the last hour. That can only mean one of two things, he shut his phone off or the battery died."

"Well maybe he's on his way back," Lucas said trying to sound reassuring.

"Lucas it's midnight. It was only supposed to be a walk. After four hours I was worried. After six I started calling him every five minutes and calling places I thought he'd be. But now," she paused, "Lucas it's been nine house and Deb hasn't heard from him either."

"Do you want me to go look again," he asked her.

"You've done that already three times," she said. "Luke I'm scared."

"Alright we're calling the cops," Lucas said.

"Mrs. Scott from what you've told me, you just recently got back together after almost two years apart, basketball is the only thing that's been a constant for him and now he'll have to give that up. I hate to say it but I think your husband got scared and ran," the officer said.

"No, no way," Haley said shaking her head, "we talked about it earlier. He made sure I understood he'd do anything for Keith."

"Maybe he was covering his tracks before he took off," the officer said.

"Hales what do you think happened," Lucas asked.

"I don't know," she said shakily.

"Maybe he did get scared," Brooke said. "I know how much he loves Keith but he'd have to give up basketball."

"No Brooke," Haley said, "I know it was a lot to ask but it's his son. The surgery is in the morning. He wouldn't do that to Keith, to me, to us. He wouldn't."

"Maybe you're right," Brooke said not sounding sure. She shot Peyton a look who forwarded it to Lucas who then looked to Rachel.

"Haley's right," Rachel said moving to stand next to Haley.

"Thank," Haley mumbled then looked at the officer.

"I'll be in touch Mrs. Scott and we'll keep our eyes and ears open at the station but I think your husband was just scared," the officer said.

"Thanks," Haley said and quickly turned and went back to Keith's room. She was happy her friends had rallied around her but was aggravated they doubted Nathan's loyalties. She was frustrated Rachel was there. Haley was sure she was only checking on Lucas. She didn't trust her after her comment the other day.

She walked back into Keith's room, "Karen thank you so much for sitting with him."

"Of course honey," Karen said hugging her. "What did the officer say?"
Haley filled Karen in, "even Lucas seems unsure," Haley finished.

"Well honey what else could have happened. I mean it is pretty coincidental that it's the night before surgery but," and she threw that out there quickly, "I've seen him every morning at the café with you and Keith he was happy. I had seen him a few times since you had been separated and sure he was doing well but he wasn't happy not like that. You and Keith are his world."

"Thank you Karen," Haley sighed, "thank you for believing me even though I don't know what else could have happened. I'm scared."

"Well he is kind of high profile being a Duke star but he doesn't have money," Karen said, "maybe… no he wouldn't do that again."

"What," Haley asked.

"A bet gone wrong," Karen said.

"Your right he wouldn't do that again," Haley said.

"Are the cops looking at all of this? I mean you're famous too now you have money maybe that's it," Karen said. "Or maybe… I don't want to scare you but maybe he passed out or something."

"I don't know. They really think he just got scared and left so I doubt they're thinking about all that," Haley began to cry. "Karen what am I going to do? What if I lose Keith? What if Nathan's in real trouble? What if I lose them both," she began sobbing.

Karen held her, "you have to stay strong stay positive. I can't tell you what to focus on but we need to keep looking for a match for Keith until we find another or Nathan is back."

Lucas came in, "I sent the others home for sleep. You should go home too mom. I'll take over."

"Ok," she said, "Larry's probably sitting up waiting for me."

"Karen thank you again for sitting with him. I really hate leaving him at all even for a little while when he's sick like this," Haley said.

They hugged again and Karen said she would check in tomorrow. Lucas tried to persuade Haley to sleep but she told him she wouldn't be able to and she stood at the window. Eventually Lucas passed out.