Neil Roberts sighed as he closed his front door behind him. He tossed his keys on the foyer table and headed towards his study. He was almost to the door when he heard it. The click of a mouse followed by a sniffle. Neil looked in the room to see his seventeen year old daughter sitting at his desk, staring at the computer and crying.
"Summer? Honey, what's wrong?" Neil asked as he tossed his briefcase to the side and hurried over to her.
Summer didn't say anything right away she just buried her face in his chest and sobbed.
Frantic to discover the source of his daughter's pain, Neil glanced over at the computer to see what she had been looking at. It was one of his medical reference sites. Specifically it was an article on Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. Confused, Neil glanced back down at the top of Summer's head.
"Honey, why are you researching HCM?"
Summer sniffled and looked up at her father with devastated eyes. "Because Lucas has it." She stated sadly.
Neil's eyes widened in alarm. For the past few weeks his daughter had been dating Lucas Scott. When she had first informed him, Neil had asked around about him. What he had heard was encouraging. The boy had been raised by his mother when his father wanted nothing to do with him. He was an excellent student, and was well liked and admired by his peers. Lucas was also recognized as one of the best basketball players to come through Tree Hill in years. With his half-brother he was expected to lead the team to the state championship. Everyone assumed he would play in college and possibly even go pro. If Lucas had HCM, all of those aspirations were gone.
Neil sighed and tugging on his daughter's hand, he led Summer over to the sofa and sat down with her. "Did he just find out?"
Summer shook her head. "No, he's known for a while. He hasn't told anybody else. He's scared they'll make him quit basketball."
Neil's eyes widened. "He hasn't told anyone; not even his mother?"
Summer shook her head no. "His father knows, but he doesn't care."
Neil looked at his daughter in alarm. "Is he taking his medication?"
Summer sniffled and shook her head again. "No, his father was paying for it, but he quit. Lucas is trying to save up to get some more. I offered to buy it, but he wouldn't let me."
Neil gasped in outrage. What kind of father could sentence his own son to death like that? Turning his attention back to his distraught daughter, Neil urged. "He has to take his medication Summer. If he doesn't he could have a heart attack."
"I know." Summer cried. "I couldn't stand it if something happened to him! Daddy I think I'm falling in love with him!"
Neil stared down at his daughter in shock. He knew that the teens had been spending all day, every day with each other; but he didn't realize it was so serious. He had not cared for Seth Cohen when he met him. He considered the boy immature and selfish – not someone who would take care of his daughter and appreciate her like he should. He had been proven correct when Seth had run away. Neil had yet to actually meet Lucas Scott.
Neil was pulled out of his musings when he realized that Summer was staring back up at him with a determined look on her face. He knew that whatever she was about to ask for, she would receive. He had never told that look "no".
"Daddy I need to learn CPR." Summer declared. "If something ever happened, I have to be able to help him."
That one sentence told Neil Roberts something very important about his daughter's feelings. She wasn't falling in love with Lucas Scott – she was already in love with him.
The summer sun was shining brightly through the foliage of the hardwood trees lining the street. It was going to be another hot day in the small coastal town. Lucas was on his way to the Rivercourt when his phone rang.
"Hello?"
"Hey Skywalker!"
Lucas smiled at his girlfriend's voice. "Hello my Lady."
"Listen I know that I told you I would be at the Rivercourt this morning, but something's come up. I'm going to the hospital with my dad today."
"Is everything OK?" Lucas asked, suddenly concerned.
"Not really, but I'll explain when I see you. What do you think about having dinner tonight?" Summer sighed.
"Sounds great. When should I pick you up?" Lucas asked, reaching the court.
"Actually, just come by at 6:30. We'll eat here." Summer instructed. She hesitated. "Lucas, my dad wants to meet you."
Lucas' eyes widened. "Um, ok. That was kind of random."
"Not really. He's just been busy at the hospital. Plus, he figures that since we've been seeing each other for almost a month now that it was time for him to meet you." Summer explained.
"OK, I guess I'll see you at 6:30. Is there anything you need me to bring?" Lucas asked.
"Just your hot bod." Summer teased. "I'll see you later Skywalker. Don't overdo it on the court." She ordered.
"I'll take it easy. I promise." Lucas replied sincerely before ending the call.
Summer turned to see her father standing behind her.
"Are you ready?" He asked her as he picked up his keys off the foyer table.
"Yeah. Thanks for this dad." Summer hugged him.
"I'm proud of you. The fact that you are insisting to learn CPR tells me a lot about what a wonderful young woman you are becoming. I remember a time when the idea of saving someone by breathing for them would have elicited the response 'ewe'." Neil smiled teasingly.
Summer blushed. She had definitely been shallow before. Not that she was the deepest person out there – she thought that was reserved for Lucas – but she was definitely aware that the world didn't revolve around the latest fashion and The Valley.
"To be honest dad, I think you can give the credit to Ryan Atwood." Summer mused as she got into her father's car.
Neil raised his eyebrows in shock. "Really? The kid that the Cohen's took in?"
Summer nodded. "Yeah. I really never recognized the world outside of Newport. Then here comes this guy who doesn't care what people wear or think about him. He's more concerned with looking out for this geek that lives with him and protecting everyone around him than he is about being accepted in Harbor society. You saw his mom at Vegas night. His dad's in jail as well as his brother, and yet he's one of the smartest people in Harbor. He's had a really rough life, but he never treated me like a dumb bimbo. He was always polite. Not to mention that he saved Marissa's life in TJ."
Neil sighed. "Julie always said that he was a thug."
"Yeah, 'cause Julie Cooper-Nichol is the epitome of good, clean living." Summer scoffed.
"It does make me regret not getting to know this kid. How come you went out with Seth instead of Ryan? Ryan seems more your type." Neil asked.
"Marissa had a major crush on Chino from the first moment she saw him – despite dating Luke at the time. I tried to be his date to cotillion, but Marissa cut me off. I recognized the lay of the land and backed off. Best friend code said you didn't poach on each other's territory. I should have ignored that particular rule." Summer grumbled. "Besides, Cohen made me laugh."
Neil shook his head. "I'm sorry honey, but I was never overly fond of Marissa. I was always worried she would drag you down into her problems."
"Yeah me too. It's one of the reasons that I'm glad we moved here. I couldn't just turn my back on her, but she's not the person that I knew when we were growing up." Summer agreed.
"I'm assuming the other reason that you're happy is named Lucas?" Neil teased.
Summer couldn't help but smile. "He's really amazing dad. He can quote all these authors. He loves to read. Lucas is such a gentleman. He opens doors, pulls out my chair, and if we're walking on the sidewalk he even walks closest to the street. I didn't know any guys even knew that rule anymore. I watch him with his mom and he's so sweet to her. I remember reading somewhere that it was a sign of a good man – or that he was gay. I can honestly say that he isn't gay."
Neil chuckled. "Well I'm glad to know that you did learn something from those etiquette classes you took a few years ago. You can recognize a gentleman when you see one. I'm looking forward to meeting your young man."
"You'll like him Daddy." Summer replied as they pulled into the hospital parking lot.
They got out of the car and Summer followed her father into the side door. He led her through a maze of hallways before they arrived at door with a glass window. Summer could see mannequins laid out on tables and a wipe board at the front of the room. Behind a table at the front, stood a woman in scrubs. She was laying out sheets of plastic and paperwork.
Neil opened the door and the woman looked up. She smiled at the sight of the Chief Surgeon. "Dr. Roberts! Hello!"
Neil smiled. "Hello Mrs. Whitney. I really appreciate this. I'd like you to meet my daughter, Summer. Summer, this is Angela Whitney, the CPR instructor for the hospital."
"It's nice to meet you Summer."
"It's nice to meet you too, Mrs. Whitney." Summer replied.
"Please, call me Angie." She smiled when Summer nodded.
"I'm going to leave you ladies to it. Summer I'll be by at 5:00. Call me if you need me." Neil told her. He kissed the top of her head and thanked Angie again before leaving the room.
"I understand that you want to learn CPR and specifically what to do in case of a heart attack?" Angie began.
"Yeah, my boyfriend has a heart condition. I want to be able to help him if something happened." Summer explained.
Angie's smile turned sympathetic. "I understand. You must love him very much."
Summer thought for a moment. "You know what? You're right. I knew I was falling for him, but I think I'm already passed that. We've only been dating a month, but I couldn't imagine how empty my life would be without him."
"Well let's get to work so that you don't have to find out." Angie declared.
Summer nodded and they settled in for the day of instruction.
Lucas took a deep breath and rang the doorbell. He had arrived at Summer's house right on time. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest at the thought of meeting Summer's father. Lucas was scared to death that he would screw this up. He couldn't stand it if Dr. Roberts decided that Summer couldn't date him anymore.
The door opened and Lucas felt his heart skip a beat. "Summer you look beautiful." Lucas declared.
She was dressed in a red summer dress and heels. Her luxurious brown hair was piled on her head exposing her long, delicate neck. Lucas took a moment to catch his breath at the sight of her. Then she smiled.
Summer's eyes were dancing as she posed for her boyfriend. He was panting slightly as he eyed her up and down and she couldn't help but feel a thrill at the raw desire in his expressive blue eyes. She had to hold herself back from attacking him. He was delicious in a button-down shirt and slacks. Then she noticed the flowers in his hand – lilies.
"I know that you said not to bring anything, but I couldn't resist. You are too beautiful not to shower with gifts and flowers." Lucas declared, presenting her with the handful of cut flowers.
"Lucas they're beautiful!" Summer exclaimed, pulling the flowers to her face and inhaling their fragrance.
"They pale in comparison." Lucas disagreed. "But I'm glad that you like them."
Summer smiled and pulled him in for a searing kiss. "I love them." She whispered when they came up for breath.
Lucas smiled back at her and lost himself in her deep brown eyes.
Neil smiled from behind his daughter. The teens were so absorbed in each other that they never noticed him watching their greeting. He could see why Summer was so taken with the young man. He was definitely a charmer. Neil liked the reverence that Lucas showed his daughter. There was a sincerity with which he delivered his words. These were not pick-up lines.
Deciding to end the stare-fest before dinner got cold, Neil cleared his throat. Instead of jumping back as if he was caught doing something wrong, Lucas merely raised his intense blue eyes and met Neil's gaze. He wrapped his arm around Summer's shoulders and stretched out his free hand to shake Neil's. He was really beginning to like this kid.
"Hello Dr. Roberts, I'm Lucas Scott." The young man greeted him, shaking his hand firmly.
"It's nice to meet you Lucas. Please, call me Neil." Neil replied, grinning when Summer's eye lit up at his invitation. She now knew that Neil approved. "Shall we go into the dining room? I believe that Marie has dinner ready."
"Who's Marie?" Lucas asked Summer.
"The housekeeper." Summer replied.
Lucas swallowed uncomfortably. By all rights his mother could have been working here. Lucas glanced around at his opulent setting as they moved towards the dining room; he was way out of his league. Just when he was about ready to make his apologies and escape back into the comforts of the lower income housing of his neighborhood, Summer looked up at him and smiled. Lucas felt himself calm down and relax. He would do anything for Summer Roberts. That included sitting in a dining room larger than his house and eating food that he had only ever read about.
Once the first course had been served, Neil started up the conversation. "So tell me Lucas, how do you like school?"
Lucas finished swallowing his bite of roast duck. "It's fine. I really enjoyed my English lit class last year."
"Really? Summer told me that you liked to read. Who's your favorite author?" Neil asked, taking a sip of his wine.
"I'd have to say Emerson." Lucas replied. "I've pretty much structured my life around his quote 'make the most of yourself, for that is all there is of you'."
Neil smiled and nodded, this kid was impressive. "Do you write yourself?"
Lucas shrugged. "I've always kept a journal, but lately I have been working on a novel of sorts."
"I didn't know that." Summer exclaimed.
"I haven't told anyone. I'm not sure I'll ever let anyone read it." Lucas replied.
Neil nodded. "It does take a lot of courage to put yourself out there like that. I don't blame you for being hesitant."
Lucas stared down at his plate for a moment. "I had always dreamed of being a professional basketball player. Then I started playing for the Ravens, and those dreams seemed attainable for the first time. Recently though, basketball has become a fantasy – impossible to achieve." He said softly.
Neil debated whether to tell the teen that he knew of Lucas' condition.
"I don't know if Summer told you, but I tested positive for HCM." Lucas looked up to see Neil nod. "I thought she might. I haven't even told my mother. I didn't want to worry her. Dan, my biological father, found out and had been buying my meds. We had a disagreement and he cut me off. I haven't been taking my medication. Today I was standing at the free throw line and just shooting when I felt my heart start pounding. I had been kidding myself thinking that I would continue basketball despite my condition. I kept telling myself that I was the master of my fate."
"I don't believe that William Henley had a heart condition." Neil pointed out.
Lucas smiled grimly. "No, he was in the hospital with tuberculosis and an amputated foot. He ended up beating the disease and going on to Oxford. I kept telling myself if I could just persevere… but today opened my eyes. I can't persevere if I'm dead. I had to sit down and decide if playing basketball was more important than living. I thought about what dying would do to my mother. Then I thought about your daughter. Before Summer came into my life, I didn't even think twice about dying. I honestly wasn't afraid. I almost died in a car accident last year and I promised myself I wouldn't be afraid anymore – of dying or living."
Lucas stared into Summer's eyes "I'm in love with you." He paused to smile as she gasped and her eyes filled with tears.
He turned his attention back to Neil. "I've loved three girls in my life. One is like a sister to me. The other two I only thought I was in love with."
"How do you know that Summer is any different?" Neil asked, playing devil's advocate.
Summer listened intently, scared that this was the moment of truth for their relationship.
Lucas looked straight at Neil. "Because even though I would die for any of them, I would only live for Summer. As much as I love her, I don't know that I could give up basketball for my mother. I could never do anything to hurt your daughter. That's why tomorrow morning I plan to tell my coach that I can't play anymore."
"Oh Lucas!" Summer exclaimed through her tears. "I love you too!"
"I'm proud of you son. I know that Summer returns your feelings. Why else would I find her researching HCM last night?" Neil told him.
Lucas looked at Summer in surprise. "Really?" He asked, choked up.
"I wanted to know if there was anything that I could do to keep you safe. I had to cancel on you today so that I could go to class and learn CPR and what to do in case of a heart attack." Summer explained. "I love you Lucas, and even though I hated that you were taking such a chance with your life, I wasn't going to stop you. But I wasn't going to sit back and do nothing either. I wanted to be ready if something happened."
Lucas stood up from his chair and walked around the table to Summer's side. He took her hand and gently pulled her to stand in front of him. Then he took her face between his two hands and tenderly kissed her, not caring that her father was right there. He leaned his forehead against hers and looked at her very seriously.
"I promise that I will do everything in my power to keep you from going through that. I will take care of myself. I will tell my mother so that I can get my pills and take them like I'm supposed to. I don't want to leave you Summer. I don't ever want you to have to mourn me like my mother is grieving over my uncle." He vowed.
Summer reached up and kissed him passionately through her tears. Lucas held her close for a moment before ending the kiss.
"Why don't we move into the living room?" Neil suggested, not saying anything about the make-out session that just occurred in front of him.
Summer and Lucas followed him into the room and sat together on the sofa. Neil took the chair across from them and settled comfortably.
"Lucas, I'm glad to know that you love my daughter so much that you would give up something you hold so dear for her sake. After I dropped Summer off at her class this morning, I set up a meeting with our head of cardiology, Dr. Thornton. I told him that you didn't want to give up basketball. He told me that if you were that serious about still playing, that there was a way. You wouldn't be able to play at the college or professional level, but you could finish high school on the team." Neil informed him.
Lucas sat up and leaned forward slightly. "Are you serious?"
Neil nodded and smiled. "You would have to see Dr. Thornton so he could examine you and make sure that you haven't done yourself any damage by not taking your pills; but if everything checks out, you could play a limited number of minutes each game."
Lucas jumped up and whooped loudly as he swung Summer around. Summer laughed in sheer delight.
"Did you hear that Baby? I could still play and be safe!?" Lucas exclaimed. He turned and grabbed Neil's hand, shaking it enthusiastically he declared. "I don't know how to thank you enough!"
"You just keep making my daughter this happy. That's all the thanks I need." Neil smiled, verbally giving his blessing for their relationship.
Though it should have been impossible, Lucas' smile widened. "It's become my life's ambition to make Summer smile."
Neil chuckled as he watched Lucas return to hugging his daughter. He knew it was early yet, but he could already visualize dark haired blue-eyed grandchildren running around the mansion one day.