Hey guys! So I owe some of you an apology for updating so late. Right now, Im in the middle of Finals, and believe it or not have some extra time on my hands. Before I celebrated my 16th birthday so I brought my friends to my beach house over Memorial Day Weekend so my free time was taken up. But to make up all the time without this story, I made this chapter extra long. I put in a few details that will make up the story later on.

So here it is Chapter 8. Enjoy!

The week was going by really fast. With practice, schoolwork, and the time she spent texting Jack and video chatting with Ryder, Sarah had barely noticed how fast the week was going.

The Ravens first game against Bear Creek was scheduled for two weeks away. The coaches were making practice so hard that Sarah would actually drip sweat, which was a really rare, and disgusting occurrence. But having Ryder with her on the team was really not helping. All of practice they flirted non stop until Jack came and rolled his eyes. The coaches were catching on too, separating the young love birds so that they could actually concentrate on Basketball.

When practice was over they would go to their respective homes, log onto iChat, and video chat until Ryder usually initiated the end of the conversation because of Landon telling him to shut up, or his mom calling him down to dinner.

In addition to her relationship with Ryder progressing, Sarah spent most of her time texting and talking to Jack. Sarah was totally amazed by Jackson, he was an awesome guy to just talk to. At first Sarah was worried that there were some romantic feelings behind the friendship, but was totally reassured when Jack told her that he was planning on asking out Amanda Smith, a cheerleader, on a date Saturday night. Sarah was just overcome with the amazing feeling of a new friendship with Jack, and always looked forward to their conversations.

When Sarah was home the house was usually empty till about nine thirty when her mom came home. The two just talked a little bit and then her mom would go to sleep since she had an exhausting job. Sarah was really worried about her, it seemed that she was still mourning her husbands death, or she was hiding something. Either way, she was acting very fishy, and Sarah was really concerned.

Sarah's parents had been really close, acting like two teenagers even though they were in their mid forties. They had met in a jazz bar in college and got married after four years of dating. Sarah was born nine months later and the new parents devoted a lot of their time to their daughter. While they lived in New Jersey Sarah's parents were foster parents to a few different kids and once the kids were off to college was when the Prestons had moved to Tree Hill. Sarah was still very close to one of the foster children named Miles, he was like her older brother, and was about 22. He lived in New York, not far from the town they lived in New Jersey, and was training to become an architect. When the Preston's moved, they were thinking about getting back into being foster parents, but that idea was shattered when Sarah's father passed away.

Sarah's mother, Debbie, was very involved with different charities and had always wanted to start her own. Unfortunately the timing was never right and Debbie was always busy. Recently however, she seemed even more secluded than usual. She was always on the phone or the computer, locked in her room. Sometimes a man named Thomas would call the house and ask for her mother, and when her mom was home, she would take the call and ask Sarah to get off the phone. Sarah had assumed that Thomas had been a colleague at work, calling to tell her mother updates on patients. Recently, however, Sarah had heard a lot of giggling and sweet talking on the phone. No doubt about it, Sarah was mad. Her father hadn't been gone even four months, yet her mother seemed to be talking to other men on the phone. What didn't make sense to her was her mothers behavior. At one minute she would be "flirting" with this Thomas, man on the phone, and then she would be moping in her bed room, acting morose and despondent.

What really bothered Sarah was her mom avoiding the Parlor room. Debbie had played piano professionally since she was a child. She was accepted to college on a music scholarship, and played piano in local clubs and even went to Carnegie Hall once. She was the featured pianist at the Jazz club where she and her husband had met. Sarahs dad had been one of the classic seventies boys, who listened to the Beatles and played guitar passionately and could play any song by ear. Going to a jazz club was really unusual for him, but he went back again and again since he was hooked on the piano player. While they were dating, Eric (Sarah's dad) learned that Debbie didn't have only a classical and jazzy repertoire, but she was a well rounded musician that even played rock! So every week they jammed together. When Sarah came along, they had taught her both piano and guitar and Sarah loved to watch them play together.

When they moved to Tree Hill, Sarah's dad made a point of creating a parlor room that included all musical instruments. A big bright room, with huge bay windows, included a grand Piano, a variety of different guitars that belonged to her dad, and bookshelves with books of music theory, sheet music, and biographies of different musicians that they enjoyed. Other bookshelves were filled with records, tapes and CDs, and different sound system equipment on which you could listen to all of them. ON the other side of the room near the door, were framed newspaper and magazine articles which were all about Debbie and her piano playing skills. Before everything changed, when the doctor came home she would change and go sit in the parlor and play. She sounded amazing! But the day her husband died, was the last day Debbie or Sarah for that matter stepped into that room. Since the funeral the doors had been closed, and had remained that way. No piano playing had been heard for months, and Sarah was worried her mother was suffering more because of her long piano withdrawal. But really, nothing could be done about it.

To be honest Sarah wouldn't have been able to go in there herself. All the memories of family moments, and of breaking out into song would come flooding back to her. No, she thought to herself, those doors to the parlor were going to remain closed.

Sarah padded down the hall to her mothers room, where she saw her in bed on the computer. Sarah climbed into her mothers big empty bed and asked,

"Whatchya doing?" leaning over to see the computer screen.

Debbie hastily shut the laptop. Sarah frowned. That was way too suspicious.

"Oh, nothing really, just sending an email to a friend." She was so nonchalant. Some friend Sarah thought.

"Oh, okay." She said playing it off. "I just wanted to tell you that my first game of the season is in two Tuesdays. I really want you to come." Her mom wasn't a basketball person. Actually she wasn't a real sports person. She liked tennis, soccer and swimming but she could hardly stand basketball.

"We'll see Sarah, it really depends on my hours that day." Sarah's face fell, and her mom had noticed. "I'll try my best, but I can't promise anything." Sarah just shrugged and nodded.

"What ever Mom. Good Night." She rolled off the big empty bed, and head off to her own room slamming the door a little bit, leaving her mom broken in her empty bedroom. Sarah got into bed and turned off the light. She looked at the clock, 11:05. She gave herself 10 minutes to cry. She cried for her mom, and for herself. As soon as the clock turned to 11:15, she turned away and slowly drifted into sleep.

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Sarah awoke to the sound of her door softly shutting. Sarah had turned fast enough to see that her mom, who was dressed and ready for work was leaving. Turning to face her clock she saw a note on her nightstand, it read:

Sarah,

I'm really sorry about my actions last night. I know that I haven't totally been there for you the past month, but I'm trying to sort out some of my own feelings too.

I want to be able to build our relationship further, but I feel like something is missing, and I need to find that.

I will for sure be at your first game. I wouldn't miss it for the world. I'm sorry I couldn't tell you that yesterday when you asked me.

Have fun on your date tonight! I can't wait to hear all about it.

Xoxoxoxo

Mom

Sarah had sat up and reread the note at least a dozen times. What did that mean something's missing? Obviously something was missing, her dad, and her mothers music. She just didn't understand why her mom couldn't figure that out on her own.

Then it clicked. Today was Friday! In a little more than 12 hours she would be on a date with Ryder Thompson, one of the hottest boys in the school. Her disposition had made a complete turn around as Sarah jumped out of bed heading towards her closet to get dressed.

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With gas prices going up rapidly, Sarah had recently opted out of driving the car to school. Sarah preferred walking anyways so it wasn't a big deal. Locking the door she put on her ipod and started down the street. The music was blaring on her Ipod, the song just so happened to be The Mixed Tape by Jack's Mannequin. Sarah was a music junkie, it just was an addition to her DNA that she had inherited. When she lived in New Jersey, her close location to New York City allowed her to go to so many concerts at the garden, and other small concert halls and she loved it. Her ipod, which was running out of space, was filled with every album of music she liked and was available on iTunes. Blasting the sound a little higher Sarah started walking in the direction of school.

A car soon pulled up by the curb and honked at her. She turned her head and saw that it was a black Comet. Sarah smiled at Peyton and took out her earbud.

"What happened to the fancy ride?" The trendy blonde asked.

"I decided to go green today, you know?" Sarah said smiling.

"Totally, So do you want a ride?" The blonde offered.

She thought about it… "Yeah sure, thanks."

Getting into the car with Peyton, Peyton grabbed her ipod and stating turning the wheel. She sat with the car running checking out Sarah's music collection.

"I totally approve of your music choice. The fact that you have every album of the Foo Fighters on there really helps."

Sarah laughed. "So does that mean that you're actually going to drive me to school?"

Peyton laughed and plugged in Sarah's iPod into her speaker system then started the car. The girls were enjoying themselves blasting the music and the wind in their hair.

"So everything's been okay with that kid on the team, right?" Peyton asked, seriously.

"Yeah, everything is cool." Sarah smiled. As they pulled up to school, Ryder who was sitting on the quad noticed her and started towards the car.

"Well, Well, whos that hottie coming over here?" Peyton said noticing the boy striding towards them and the fact that Sarah was applying a new layer of lip gloss gave it away.

Sarah blushed. "Thanks for the ride Peyton, I had a lot of fun. Oh by the way, you may want to fix your hair." She got out and shut the door. Peyton gave her a puzzled look.

"Don't look now, but Lucas is coming, 11 oclock." With that Sarah left as Peyton also fixed her hair and put on another layer of lip gloss.

Just as Peyton was ready to drive off, Lucas called to her. "Peyton!"

Peyton smiled, her plan had worked. Pretending not to notice was a little fun. "Hey Luke!" she said leaning on her elbow and Lucas jogged over to the car.

"What are you doing here this morning? Looking for me?" He said the signature cocky "Scott" smirk playing on his face.

"Well someone is a little cocky," she laughed. "Actually I brought Sarah to school." She turned and motioned to Sarah who was deep in conversation with Ryder. It was clear to anyone and everyone that they were flirting. "Who is that guy anyway?"

"Ryder Thompsan, most all around kid ever, sports, academics, looks, you name it. Those two are becoming a little problematic with all the flirting going on in practice." Lucas said, a frown forming on his face.

"Aw Luke, that's what happens when you put an attractive girl on a boys basketball team. Someone was bound to fall for her." Peyton chuckled.

"Well obviously I wasn't thinking about that when I let her on the team."

There was a slight awkward silence.

"Listen Luke, I got to go I'm meeting a client in like twenty minutes." She said looking at her watch.

"Wait!.. Listen I was wondering if you wanted to come out with me tonight, maybe to dinner?" Lucas asked trying not to sound too hopeful.

Peyton smiled brightly YES!! YES!! YES!! "Yeah, sure." Peyton said hoping she sounded casual.

"Great!" Lucas exclaimed. "I'll pick you up around 7."

And with that they both went on their way, both being very excited for their upcoming, long awaited date.

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Sarah had had that excited feeling in her stomach all day.She was jumpy and jittery and hyper. Her friends looked at her like she was nuts, but they were all happy for her. The day flew by and before she knew school was over, and she was heading to Michelle's car.

Suddenly she heard some one calling her name.

"Sarah! Sarah!"

She turned to see Jack running toward her. She stopped walking and told Michelle that she would meet her at the car.

"Hey Jackie what's up?" She asked glancing at her phone for the time. Three o'clock, less than four hours to get ready for her date.

"You're going out with Ryder tonight, right?" Jackson asked.

"Yeah, why?" Curious why he suddenly cared.

"Listen Sarah, I really care about you and how you're treated. You've already had to deal with one asshole I would hate to let you deal with another one…" he was interrupted by Sarah.

"Whats that supposed to mean?" said Sarah angrily.

"Look Sarah, Ryder's been out with a lot of girls and broken a lot of girls hearts. I… I guess…I just want you to be careful." Said Jack seriously.

Sarah was comforted by her friends caring words. "Thank Jackie, but don't worry, my heart is strong. Ryder Thompson won't fool me. I got to go, but I'll talk to you tomorrow after your date?"

Jack smiled. "Sure. Have fun tonight!" They shared a quick hug, and then Sarah was on her way.

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Michelle and Mackenzie had come over to Sarah's house to get ready for her big date. This was a huge deal, after all it was Ryder Thompson we were talking about. Sarah had tried on seven different outfits. She had finally decided on a mini skirt with a flowy top and her new Michael Kors sandals. Michelle was ironing her hair and Mackenzie was just watching and talking to Sarah.

The time was now around six forty and Sarah was even more apprehensive than before. The girls were sitting in Sarah's personal dressing room putting the final touches on everything. Jacks words replaying over and over again in her head. She really liked Ryder, no doubt about it, but the more that she thought about it she realized that she didn't know that much about him. What if Jack was right, what if he did want to use her. Her nerves were unbelievable.

"Whats wrong Preston?" Mac asked after she had sat on the chair not listening to anything Mackenzie was telling her about the soccer team.

Sarah shrugged, she didn't want to tell them about her doubts, she wasn't sure she should be doubting anything to begin with.

"Nothing, just a little nervous, that's all."

Michelle cheered her up. "Theres nothing to be nervous about. For once I think Ryder Thompson is falling head over heals with a girl. I mean this has never happened before. What do you have that I don't?" She joked while lightly touching up her makeup.

Sarah giggled. Michelle was right there was no reason to be nervous. She took a deep breath and let it out.

"Don't worry everything is going to be just fine!" Said Michelle,"He's going to be so blown away, take a look for yourself."

Sarah got up and saw what her friend had done. It was true, she did look amazing. She twirled looking at herself all around in the mirror.

"Thanks guys for everything. Youre right tonights going to be awesome." She said and pulled her friends in for a big hug.

They stood there till they heard the bell ring.

"Shit, that's him!" Said Sarah, all her apprehensions returning.

"I'll go get the door," Mackenzie proposed. "But Sarah, seriously chill. Everythings going to be great." With that she went pattering down the stairs.

Sarah and Michelle held their breath when the heard the door open, and Mackenzie saying "Oh hey Ryder, Sarah will be down in a minute."

"Ok this is it." Sarah said taking another deep breath. She started for the stairs but Michelle grabbed her arm.

"Hey Prest, don't worry ok? If he tries anything, or you don't like how its going. Give me a ring, I'll save you. Just try to have some fun okay? You deserve it." Michelle said sincerely.

"Thanks Mich. I love you, youre the best." She said pulling Michelle in for another hug. They were torn apart when they heard Mackenzie yelling "Sarah, come on down!" They had left her there with Ryder all alone.

Sarah went down the stair slowly, a little nervous. When Ryder saw her, his mouth dropped open. Michelle and Mackenzie winked at eachother.

"Ok you two don't stay out too late. Bring her back around eleven." Michelle said taking the role of the responsible parent.

"Don't worry Mich. I'll take car of her." Ryder said leading her out the door.

The two girls watched as Ryder helped Sarah into his car.

"Should we follow them?" Asked Mackenzie.

"Totally" Said Michelle with a mischievous grin.

They hopped in the car and sped off chasing their best friend. Only they didn't know that they weren't the only ones.

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Ryder had taken them to the docks in Tree Hill. It was very pleasant, the weather was a little cool, but just right.

"So I thought we'd get to know eachother a little better," he said after they had sat down at a table in a small little Italian place along the docks. "Tell me a little more about you. Like about where you lived before Tree Hill and stuff." He said taking a bite of his Chicken Parmesian.

"Well I used to live in New Jersey, bordering New York. I moved here last summer and I guess I like it here. I miss my friends at home but its okay."

"cool. So is it only you, or any other siblings?"

"Nope it was just me my mom and my dad…" She paused staring at her food.

"I'm sorry if you don't want to talk about it, its okay." Said Ryder, regretting that he brought it up.

"No its okay. I've got to face it sometime or another. But yeah, I had no real siblings, a lot of foster siblings who we hear from every now and then. Except for one of my foster brothers, Miles, he's like my real older brother. He's awesome."

They went on to talk about more personal things, like where they wanted to go to college. Their favorite foods, their favorite colors, the basketball team.

Across the dock sitting at on a bench were two girls, dressed down wearing sunglasses, one wearing a hood watching the couple on their date.

"How do you think it going?" Asked Mackenzie. "I really don't understand why you made us wear sunglasses. Its dark outside. It looks more suspicious when two girls are wearing sunglasses at night!" Mackenzie whispered loudly to Michelle.

"Then take them off. God! Just be quiet!" She said outloud. Just as she said that a kid wearing a Ravens jacket, a baseball cap and aviators sits down on the bench next to them opening a newspaper. Michelle looked him up and down several times.

"Jack?" Michelle asked.

Jack turned to her and smiled sheepishly. "Hey guys what are you doing this lovely evening on the docks."

"We should be asking you the same question." Mackenzie said laughing at him.

"Well you know, I thought it would be a great time to read the paper and maybe you know…" He was rudely interrupted by Michelle.

"Cut the shit Jack, you were here to check up on Sarah weren't you?" Said Michelle a grin on her face.

"I have no idea what you're talking about?!" He said incredulously.

"Oh come on just tell the truth!" Mackenzie urged punching him playfully on the shoulder.

Jack scowled. "What are YOU guys doing here." He asked angrily.

"were doing the same thing as you." Stated Mackenze popping popcorn into her mouth. "But if you want to be at all conspicuous take off the sunglasses and stop pretending to read the newspaper. How can you even see it with those glasses on, you two must have night vision."

"Would you keep your weird comments down, I'm trying to read their lips." Michelle said squinting into the night.

"Well no need, this night is about to get pretty interesting." Said Jack pointing to a couple who was walking down the dock.

Walking towards the restaurant was none other than Peyton and Lucas.

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The date was going really well. They were talking about their pasts, some childhood memories. They were getting ready to go when Sarah saw who walked through the door.

"Uh oh…" Sarah said with wide eyes looking at Peyton and Lucas who were talking to the Matre'd. Unfortunately for Sarah and Ryder the only free table was right next to them. "This is about to get really weird."

"What?" said Ryder incredulous. He started to turn around.

"Don't turn around!" Sarah whispered yelled grabbing Ryder's muscular forearm. But it was too late. Ryder had seen them, and they had seen him. Lucas sent over an awkward wave.

Sarah's face was probably beet red by the time Peyton and Lucas were seated next to her. Thank G-d that by the time there could be anymore awkwardness the waiter came with their check.

"Bye Coach." Ryder said as he got up from the table. "Enjoy the rest of the evening."

"Yeah, bye Coach. Seeya Peyton." Sarah said hurriedly, and rushed out of the restaurant as fast as they could.

"At least that wasn't awkward at all," Said Lucas opening up his menu.

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"Oh My GOD! That was extremely awkward." Sarah laughed as she remembered what had happened at the end of their dinner.

They were leaving the miniature golf course after having play 3 rounds. It was getting late so they decided to head home.

Ryder had taught her to play miniature golf alright. He had come close to her, so that their bodies were touching. Sarah could smell his Abercrombie "Feirce" cologne and it made her tingle all over. He then put his hands on top of hers and went through the swinging motion of hitting the ball. Of course Sarah knew perfectly well how to play golf because she played with her father and grandfather, but she enjoyed the lesson from Ryder much more.

No matter how much fun Sarah had had on the date, she still could hear Jack telling her to be careful.

Once they were in the car driving, Ryder asked "So did you have fun?"

Sarah nodded. "Yeah it was great. Just one question. How many girls have you brought on the same date?"

Ryder was quiet. It wasn't that Sarah was mad, she just wanted to know the truth. Sarah for sure didn't want to be one of Ryder's two week flings.

"Sarah…" Ryder said a little taken aback.

"No Ryder, its okay. It's okay that you take a girl out on the same date at least twice a month, but I just want to let you know that if anything was to happen between us it wouldn't be a two week thing."

They pulled up in Sarah's driveway Ryder turned off the car. Everything was quiet.

"Sarah I know that I have the reputation of being a player. And yes I will admit you are not the first girl to go on the same date with me."

"Ryder its ok" Sarah assured him.

Turning toward Sarah, Ryder shook his head. "No, no its not. Its not okay. You are the only girl who I felt completely worthless standing next to you. I mean look at you, your gorgeous, you have a great smile. You're a starter on the boys basketball team. So much has happened to you and you've overcome all of it. I guess for the first time, I don't feel worthy."

"Ryder…" Sarah said taking his hand.

"No. You're right. If I'm in this, I should really be in it. Sarah, you're an amazing person. With all my accomplishments, my grades my social status, it can never measure up to the kind of person you are."

Sarah's heart was melting. This was not one of Ryder Thompson's traps, this was the real deal. He was close to tears.

"Sarah I really like you, would you consider being my girl friend." He looked her straight in the face, his ice blue eyes locked into her hazel ones.

Sarah thought about it. Oh my G-d. He just asked me out…Ryder Thompson just asked me out!

"Ryder, I would love to be your girlfriend." She smiled softly.

"God I was hoping you'd say that all night."

As he said that he leaned over the armrest, and Sarah leaned over hers, and they started to kiss. At first it was soft and gentle, and then it was filled with so much passion. Ryders tongue was pushing Sarah's mouth open for entrance. She opened at let his tongue explore while she did the same in his mouth. They kissed for about twenty minutes only stopping for air.

Looking at the clock Sarah saw that is was 11:28, her curfew was in 2 minutes.

"I've got to go.." She mumbled on Ryders lips.

"Ok, goodnight. Sweet dreams." He held her close and kissed the top of her head.

"I'll text you later." She said as she was climbing out of the car.

"Bye!" he called.

Sarah ran up the steps of her house. Found the key under the false panel of the house, and went inside.

Closing the door quietly, Sarah leaned against it thinking about her date tonight. It was clear that Ryder Thompson had stolen her heart.

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Ok so I hope you enjoyed it PLease REVIEW. Your comments and suggestions are really encouraging and inspire me to write more and faster! So just click the periwinkle button on the bottom left! Thanks A ton!