When Two Worlds Collide
Chapter Five: My Brother…My Enemy
Thank you to everyone's who's left feedback, put the story on alert/fave list, and to everyone reading. I appreciate it all!
A special thank you to sabsfan2 who when I originally wrote this chapter, helped so much with making it better developed.
I****I
This takes place the same day as the 'poster' incident, later that evening.
I****Later****I
"Deb, you ready?"
Deb called back from upstairs, picking up her purse. "Yes…I'm coming." She walked out of the bedroom and down the stairs to find her husband pacing the living room floor. "Hey…handsome husband of mine…are you trying to wear a hole in our carpet?" Deb laughed softly, stopping her husband with a quick kiss on the lips. "My goodness, you're tense."
Dan dislodged himself from his wife's embrace. "Well, I have good reason to be. This game tonight is crucial to Nathan's career..."
"Dan…" Deb interrupted carefully. "It's just a game."
Dan laughed shortly as he reached for his coat and started to put it on. "Just a game Deb…just a game?…they're playing The Sentinels tonight, one of the biggest rivals Tree Hill High has and believe me, Nathan is not right now thinking about this as just a game. He knows the importance of beating The Sentinels. He knows how crucial it is…and that's why I made a little phone call earlier in the week."
Deb frowned. She didn't like it when her husband put so much pressure on their son. "Dan…what did you do?"
Dan smiled as he felt his wife adjusting the collar of his coat, laying it flat. "I just made sure someone important would be coming to the game tonight…someone who could be crucial to Nathan's future."
Deb's frown turned now to an almost worried expression. She knew how much her son hated it when his father did things like this, especially when… "Dan, does Nathan know about this?"
"No. I thought it would be a nice surprise." There was a wide smile on Dan's face as he locked his arms around his wife, holding her close. Yes, they needed to hurry, but she was so irresistible…just as she had been that day during freshman orientation when he had met her, only now she was wearing brown slacks with a striped sweater. Then she had been wearing a short flowered skirt with a short sleeved top. And her hair was short now. Then it had fallen halfway down her back.
Especially when he planned something without telling him first. She better be careful. Nathan pretty much did everything he could to avoid arguing with his father. She didn't want to start something that would make her son angry or upset. He would have to decide in his own time when to let his father know how he really felt about things. Often Deb wasn't even sure about his feelings. Nathan wasn't the type to reveal much that often. It was a side of him that was so much like his father.
Dan noticed the way his wife didn't answer right away, as well as 'that' look on her face. "Okay Deb, what is it now?"
Deb smiled mildly. "Nothing. I just think it would be nice if you let your son know sometimes what you have planned. And we should get going. But before we do Dan…I need to talk to you about something."
Dan had started walking to the door already. "Fine, but why don't we do that in the car?"
"No." Deb quickly walked forward, pulling on her husband's arm to stop him. "Dan, really this can't wait."
His look was curious. "Okay…"
"I want us all to go out to dinner this Saturday."
Dan laughed shortly. "Fine…just have to double check with Nathan though…you know how busy that kid is now on the weekends…probably has something planned with Peyton or Tim."
"Well, it will just have to wait. I want us to have dinner…together as a family."
Seeing the strong intent in her eyes, Dan frowned. "Something wrong?"
"I just want us to have dinner together. It's important to me Dan."
"Okay…" Dan reached for his wife, holding her. Was something wrong? "Okay Deb. I'll talk to Nathan about it later…tell him he has to go."
Deb closed her eyes, the warmth of her husband relieving her, along with his words. "Thank you." She whispered against his cheek.
I****I
"Okay Haley let's go."
Haley smiled at Karen, hoping it was covering the truth as she grabbed her things. She should have told her about earlier that day. But she hadn't because of Lucas.
He had asked her to keep it to herself, which wasn't always reason for her to keep mum about something. She had told his mother things behind his back before, like about the time he had lied about hitting a window with a baseball when he had only been covering up for one of his neighborhood friends. But this…
This was different. Very different. The game was going to be tonight and already the team was there at the school of The Sentinels, probably getting ready. Lucas hadn't even been home because the team had stayed at school preparing and then had hopped on the bus early so they could prepare a little more once there. Because of that Karen had no idea what had happened. And right now Haley was thinking that was probably for the best. At least she hoped so.
Oh God, when she thought of earlier that day…Lucas's face, the pain in his voice seemed like it would be forever instilled in her mind. The pictures…those horrible pictures…and the words.
And as her mind replayed what had happened, she couldn't push out the vision of him…Nathan, smiling…wide eyed…and pleading…with her. He had wanted her to listen to him. He had apologized to her, but there was no way that could be enough. What he had done had just been so…sick…and awful.
She thought of how he had acted earlier that day, almost caringly bringing her out of the rain…and then…just hours later doing something so disgusting that it had made her feel physically ill. How…how could someone do something like that? How could he be laughing with her one minute and the next hurting her best friend…his brother? How…why…
Haley pushed the thoughts away of Nathan Scott. It didn't matter. He didn't matter. Only Lucas did and the look in his eyes earlier today…the pain, but also the resolve. It made her concerned about tonight's game. What if-
"Hey…Haley, Karen sent me back to get you. You're coming, right?"
Haley looked up at Keith, realizing she had grabbed her things, but had not moved from the spot where she had picked them up from. "Oh Keith…I am so…just really mindless right now…"
"Looks like you had your mind on something..." Keith watched Haley suspiciously. "Haley, did something happen at school today…something you should be telling Karen about?"
Haley got ready to answer just as Karen walked in.
Karen smiled curiously, feeling like she was interrupting something important. "What…something going on here you two?"
Keith spoke to Karen and then turned back to Haley with a meaningful look. "I don't know Kare…that's what I was just asking Miss James here."
Haley looked from one to the other, feeling trapped, but also thinking how this was not the time. Later…she could tell Karen later. Now they had a game to get to so they could give Lucas all the support he needed. He'd probably tell his mom about it later anyway. He rarely kept anything from her. He'd tell her. It wasn't her place to tell, anyway, right…the look in his eyes when he had asked her to not say anything…it had been so insistent. It could wait...
She laughed quickly, doing her best to sound like everything was fine. "No, there's nothing going on Karen. Keith is just being paranoid." She ignored Keith's dirty look and laced her hands through each of their arms. "Come on you two…before we're late!"
I****I
Shaking his head as he looked over the Parklane High school gym, Whitey was wearing a scowl on his face. He had a bad feeling about tonight's game. And yet he was mystified to what had happened to change the tides. Earlier during the day he had already been shocked to see Nathan being somewhat polite to his brother. Practice had been actually…decent. Yes, he had talked to both boys earlier as well as the rest of the team, giving the pep talk about how teamwork was vital for tonight, but he hadn't actually expected Nathan to listen. And with him actually acting okay, Lucas too had let down some of his guard, playing much better than ever before.
He should have known though that it was only temporary. Now with just minutes before the gym would be filling up with people and the entrance of the players, the tension on his team was at an all time high.
Earlier, when Nathan and Lucas had entered the bus it had been easy to see just how angry they were with each other, but the reason why was a mystery, except for some rumored incident he had heard about in the school's hallways earlier. It was definitely a major concern, but not at the top of Whitey's list. Right now, even though it probably sounded cruel and callous, he could care less what those two boys were fighting about. He just hoped they would pull it together in time for the game.
I**I
"And now before we bring in our winning Sentinels, time to give a Parklane Sentinel welcome to the competition for tonight…the Tree Hill Ravens!"
Standing next to Peyton in front of the bleachers, Brooke was jumping up and down with excitement…and anticipation. The whole squad was on edge now, after the earlier stunt pulled by Nathan and co. in the hallway. Brooke had watched plenty happen with the Ravens, seen them pull one prank after the other, but the cruelty of today's earlier act had even surprised her.
It wasn't just about Nathan and Lucas now though. It had affected the whole team. Everyone was wondering how the two Scott brothers would act tonight. Would there be an incident out on the court? Nobody knew. Noticing Lucas coming out now, with Nathan as far away from him as possible, Brooke watched carefully. This could be interesting.
Lucas looked over to Peyton, smiling, and then winked, smirking back at Nathan afterwards. Nathan grimaced, but did absolutely nothing.
"Ummm…what was that about?" Putting her pom poms down, Brooke slid in closer to her best friend.
Peyton pushed back her ponytail and also set down her pom poms. "Just the start of teaching Nathan a little lesson."
Brooke's eyes sparked with wonder. "Wait a minute…are you saying you have something planned with Lucas?"
Peyton laughed. "Yeah…maybe…" Noticing Nathan now attempting a small conciliatory smile, she immediately turned away, giving him the cold shoulder. Earlier he had tried to get her listen to him, saying something about some special plans he had for that weekend for them both, but she had turned her back on him right away. She still was furious with him for what he did earlier…furious and fed up with his pranks and attitude of late.
Watching Peyton giving Nathan the cold shoulder and seeing Nathan's frowning answer, Brooke shook her head and then smiled. "Hey, can I have a part of this too?"
I**I
Up in the stands, Haley watched with a pensive expression. It looked like things were still bad. Lucas was smiling, but the smile was so tightly contained that she had a feeling he had something planned, especially after the way he had just entered. Of course he had reason to be upset, but it wasn't like him to plot things out. He wasn't acting like himself and it was worrying her. And then there was Nathan. He looked angry and…upset.
I**I
"What's wrong with Nathan?"
Dan looked over at Deb questioningly. "What do you mean what's wrong with him? He looks kind of tense, but that's understandable. I told you this is an important game. He just needs to unwind a little before it begins. After he gets out on that court, getting to show everyone just how good he is, he'll do fine."
Deb sighed. "But he doesn't look happy Dan. And I don't think it's just about the game. What if it's more?"
Dan barely looked at her as he focused on his son. "Well it better not be because he needs to play his best tonight and not let anything, anything at all distract him."
I**I
"Well Lucas seems to be smiling a lot tonight." Keith turned to Karen with a tiny grin.
"Yes…but…I don't know Keith. Something's not right. Call it a mother's intuition, but I can just tell…he's holding something back."
"Yeah…" Keith answered wonderingly and looked over to Haley who was sitting on the other side of Karen, but she quickly become fascinated with the coke she was drinking.
I**I
Jake looked from one to the other. Oh man…this was going to be some game. All the way on the bus Nathan and Lucas had kept to themselves, not talking to anyone. In the locker room they had completely avoided each other. Jake had been ready for Nathan to do more damage than he had done in that hallway, but nothing else had happened. Nathan was actually being uncharacteristically quiet. Lucas too had said nothing. And now…Nathan was frowning…and Lucas was smiling. Just plain weird.
I**I
"Nate…"
Nathan said nothing, just continued removing the top part of his warm up outfit, a short sleeved button down jersey that said Ravens. He was still remembering the shared look between Lucas and Peyton.
"Nate…" Tim pulled on his friend's arm, trying to get his attention. "Nate…come on…"
Removing the long pants he was wearing over his uniform shorts, Nathan finally turned around to face his friend as he sat down on the bench and waited for the home team to come in. "What…"
"What…I could ask you that. What the heck was that with Peyton and Lucas?"
"Don't know."
"Nate"
Nathan furiously cut his friend off. "She won't talk to me, okay! She hasn't said anything to me since earlier today…she won't listen to me…she's upset with me." Nathan's head came down afterwards, his eyes closing. He wished now he could just take back the incident of earlier that day. It had been wrong. He knew that now. No, he still didn't like Lucas, and yes he still felt like he was trying to invade his life, but the way he felt now too was just horrible.
Peyton wouldn't talk to him, it was true; earlier when he had tried to talk to her she had simply walked away. Haley was upset and furious with him and even though he was furious with her for some of what she had said, he had to admit, she had hit him hard with a lot she had said. The team was completely on edge, with most of them young and inexperienced players who didn't know how to act when their supposed leader was not acting like one. Even Brooke was acting weird. But what was strangest of all was how Lucas was acting. The guy was actually smiling. And it was making Nathan feel very uneasy. Already there had been the exchange between him and Peyton…what else did the guy have planned he wondered?
Oh, and there were the Sentinels too. Just one of the most crucial games they'd be having this year…at least according to Whitey and his father.
"Hey Nate…"
Nathan opened his eyes and looked up, seeing a worried expression on Tim's face. "Forget it Tim. Don't worry. We'll win the game."
"Nate it's not just the game. Look…" Tim was feeling bad. He knew his words earlier about Haley had made his friend upset, more upset than he already had been. Truth was though, he barely knew the girl. And as he had seen it, she had only been the bait. How was he supposed to know that she might be more if his friend didn't tell him anything? And Nathan was the one who always went on and on about Lucas, how he didn't belong to the team. Well, Tim felt the same way, but now…well was Nathan having second thoughts? Oh…he didn't know anymore. He just hoped this game didn't turn out to be a nightmare because if anything went wrong, Nathan wouldn't only be dealing with the team, Whitey and the school, but also his father. Not a pretty picture.
Nathan stopped Tim with a wave of his hand. "It'll be fine." Then he got up, signaling to Tim. "Come on. Let's go hear Whitey's speech."
I**I
Lucas finished taking off his warm up suit and then started heading over to where Whitey was standing, deliberately staying as far away from Nathan as possible. The incident that had happened earlier that day was still heavily in his mind, but now he was set on doing everything he could to turn it to his advantage, to show his brother that he had gone too far by involving his mother in his little pranks…way too far.
"Okay boys, I'm sensing some tension here, but I just want to say, I want you to let it go. It is time that we play our best and nothing less…let's go out there as a team…"
Nathan and Lucas both only heard half the words, staring at each other instead most of the time…their thoughts locked away, their faces blank.
*And finally…the game began.*
Whitey groaned as he watched Lucas catch the ball meant for Nathan, nearly dropping it, but managing to hang on. Great. They were completely at odds again.
Lucas took the ball and made the basket. He smiled afterward, happy with himself.
"This is basketball, not football." Nathan passed by with an angry look, still not happy that Lucas had caught a ball clearly thrown to him.
Lucas sneered. "Not my fault if you can't manage to hold onto the ball LITTLE brother."
"Shut up!"
"Yeah…that's about as high as your vocabulary goes huh? Simple idiotic words that they use in elementary school."
Nathan was glaring at him now, but Tim intercepted before anything could happen. "Hey...come on…"
On the other side, Jake too tried to lend some help. "Come on you guys…the game… that's what matters tonight."
In the stands, many people, including the closest supporters of Lucas and Nathan, were starting to give each other looks. Something was amiss.
Nathan and Lucas finally parted.
Then minutes later, Lucas once again managed to get the ball, and made a nice clean basket. He smiled with self satisfaction as the cheerleaders called out his name. Then something really bizarre happened, when Peyton called him over and kissed him on the cheek, Brooke focusing on the other cheek.
Jake laughed at the spectacle, and then shook his head.
Nathan, standing on the other side, looked very unhappy as his girlfriend slid in close to Lucas, practically cuddling with him.
Furious, Nathan made his way over to Lucas after he finally took his hands off his girlfriend. "What the heck do you think you are doing?" He asked angrily, pushing his brother.
Lucas smiled easily. "Just getting into the act…you know, participating in a little of the Ravens way of initiating new team members. Thought I'd just show you that it's all just in fun and games. See, even us new team members can have a bit of fun."
Nathan was turning livid. "Just focus on the stupid game."
Lucas retorted with sarcasm. "Maybe it's you who should focus. Not playing too well tonight Nate…the so-called great. Haven't even seen you make a decent basket yet. What's wrong? Not feeling supercilious enough tonight?" Getting a still angry, but mildly confused look from Nathan, Lucas laughed dryly. "Ooops, used a word that's just too advanced for your elementary school vocabulary, didn't I? It means arrogant…arrogant asshole!"
"Boys…SEPARATE NOW!"
Giving each other dirty looks, Nathan and Lucas finally came apart, having just come very close to physically fighting before Whitey's angry voice interrupted them.
Both Jake and Tim shook their heads. This was going from bad to worse.
I**I
"What the heck is he doing?"
Deb spoke plainly. "I told you something is wrong with him. Look at how he's acting."
"Yeah, because of that stupid kid!"
Deb looked at Dan with shock and then smirked. "Well if he is stupid, part of that stupidity came from you, considering one half of him is you…whether you like it or not."
Dan just shook his head, not caring to discuss this now…all he cared about was Nathan finally starting to play to his ability.
I**I
Haley grimaced, her hands clenched. Could this get any worse?
I**I
Nathan caught the ball and Lucas moved alongside him, bringing his mouth close to his ear. "You know I'm really surprised she stays with you…Peyton I mean if you're too dense to understand…after all you have a brain the size of a pea. Must be why you get all those red marks on your history tests. So surprising considering Peyton's such a smart girl and she's staying with a high school flunky-
Nathan dropped the ball and jumped on his brother, now completely at the end of his limit. Grabbing him by the front of his shirt, he began to hit him. As for Lucas, he simply started hitting back.
"BOYS!" Whitey yelled out, rushing over. Meanwhile Tim and Jake too did their best to get there as quickly as possible.
I**I
"Oh my god!" Karen exclaimed, astonished at what was going on. She looked over to Keith who too was wearing a look of shock on his face. Then she quickly turned back around, worried, upset and bewildered.
Standing now as just about everyone was, Keith watched the events as if they were happening in slow motion, noticing some people starting to run out.
Haley covered her face with her hands. Oh God, she should have known this would happen. But now all she could do was watch and hope everything turned out all right. Yes, she did feel a bit of satisfaction seeing Lucas fighting back out there, giving Nathan a taste of his own medicine it looked like, but the satisfaction was minimal. The whole day had been awful. And this game was a total joke. The team was playing horribly and now it was just a nightmare what was happening on the court…brother and brother fighting.
I**I
"What the heck is going on?"
"Dan, calm down." Deb reached for her husband, trying to appease him even as her own mind was churning with disarray. Fighting on the court…and not only that…with his brother.
I**I
Some school officials beat Whitey, Tim and Jake to the punch, quickly, yet not entirely easily, separating Lucas and Nathan. Frowning at Whitey, they told him that violence was not at all tolerated at their school and that for the game to continue, both Nathan and Lucas would have to be benched for the rest of the game. Whitey started yelling, saying it wasn't fair, but gave up angrily when told that if he continued with his tirade the whole team would be asked to leave, and the game would be forfeited.
Shaking his head, Whitey spoke to Lucas and Nathan in a low fierce tone. "Okay you two…you heard them…you're BENCHED for the rest of the game. Now I want you to sit down, behave yourselves and keep your mouths shut."
Glaring at each other, their hair and uniforms in total disarray from their dispute, Nathan and Lucas got ready to say something, but wisely kept their lips sealed as they witnessed Whitey's deadly look. Oh man…they were in for it now.
Karen and Keith were shaking their heads with disbelief, but realizing they had to accept the actions the school had taken. They had been fighting, verbally fighting it seemed since the game had begun, and now it was better for the team if they were just kept out of the game.
Both Karen and Keith made their own mental notes about how they were going to let Lucas know how they felt about his actions, as Karen especially decided she was going to have to have a good talk with her son. She knew he wasn't getting along with Nathan, but for this to happen... She still felt there was something missing from the picture for her son to act this way and she was going to make sure she found out tonight what it was.
Haley crossed her arms with dismay. The way Lucas had been acting out there had been so unlike him, but it had made sense too, considering what had happened earlier that day. Glancing over at Karen now, she knew the woman was suspicious about something. Well Lucas wouldn't be able to keep it to himself anyway. Haley was almost certain he would tell his mom about what had happened earlier that day. Her eyes moved to the two boys sitting far across from each other now on the bench with unhappy expressions on their faces.
I**I
"That's it! They can't do this!"
"Dan, just sit down."
"But it was that kid's fault. You saw what he was doing. Karen's son…he was deliberately taunting Nate!"
Deb replied calmly. "And our son was rash enough to start physically fighting him on the court. The way I see it, they both deserve to not be part of this game. Now I know how important the basketball is to you, but honestly Dan, I just want to understand what made our son act this way in the first place. I want to know what happened before this game."
"Deb…"
Deb quietly cut her husband off again, finally managing to get him to sit down, hoping the staring people would just look away. This wasn't really any of their business anyway and she hated it when people just couldn't pay attention to their own lives. "Dan, after the game we will talk to him."
Thinking about the scout he had called to watch the game, seeing him sitting some seats up higher, Dan frowned, focusing his anger now once again on his son. I did all this for you Nathan and this is how you repay me…well enjoy your sit on the bench because the minute this game is over, you are going to have to deal with me.
I**I
Lucas frowned. Just minutes left and the game was not going well. More than that though was the fact that he was feeling pretty damn angry…with his brother…and himself. Looking up to the stands above, he spotted his mom with a look of discontent on her face. She was not going to be happy with him after all this, but if she knew what happened today…the disgusting display…
Lucas shook his head. She would probably still tell him he shouldn't have been fighting. It was something she was totally against, solving your problems with your fists. But the bastard deserved it after what he had done. Lucas's one misgiving though was that he had basically acted just like the bastard he was so upset with now. He had brought himself down to Nathan's level and that was just not his style.
Since he had been a young boy, Lucas had rarely dealt with things in a hot headed way. He always thought things through before acting. He avoided fights and walked away from bad situations, but this…
He wasn't an idiot. He had been smart enough to know that riling up Nathan that much would lead to destruction and yet he had done it anyway because…
When he had seen those pictures up in the hallway, the cruel words about his mom, it had just made him feel so incredibly angry, so enraged and pained that the only thing he could think of was revenge.
Focusing on Nathan's sullen profile now for a second, Lucas knew his decision hadn't been a good one, but he didn't care so much about Nathan's feelings. It was more having to do with the team and himself…after all his actions had led him to this bench.
And one thing was very surprising to Lucas's inquisitive mind right now as he regretfully accepted his 'benched' state…how upset Nathan had gotten from his taunting, and how quickly.
Of course Lucas had to admit…he hadn't minded so much hitting his brother…not after what he had done earlier. It had even felt kind of good…for a second…and then the whole nightmare of it hit him…as he felt his brother's rage concerning…
It seemed he had hit a very sensitive part of his brother earlier, with his diatribe dealing with Nathan's less than stellar performance in school academics. Nathan's distress had been pretty evident after he had jumped on him like a raging bear, which Lucas found kind of interesting…and surprising. He would have thought someone like Nathan would have no problem with not doing so well in school, but maybe that wasn't so true. Maybe there was more to the surface than met the eye. Fine. At least it gave Lucas a bit of satisfaction. Earlier his brother had hit his most sensitive spot and now…well he may have just found Nathan's.
Well you got a bit of what you deserved my ass of a brother.
I**I
Nathan looked down at the floor again, anxious. Just one glance up at the stands had told him how pissed off his father was right now. Remembering his father's lecture earlier that The Sentinel game was a very important one, a vital one, Nathan frowned. Honestly, he hadn't really thought it as important as his father, still didn't think it was so much a matter of life and death. But that didn't mean that he thought being benched was a little thing.
Turning to Lucas, Nathan felt his anger fade tiredly. He wanted to hate him still, to blame him for all that had happened tonight, but actually he just didn't have the energy for it anymore right now. Tomorrow…tomorrow he could be angry again.
Right now though Nathan just wished the game would end, that it could just all be over so he could get the aftermath over too. He knew his father wasn't going to let it go easily. He also knew he just couldn't escape, so he wished he could just get the lecture and screaming session done with…because he knew it was coming.
Thinking about Lucas again, Nathan felt some surprise. His brother had caught him unaware tonight. Usually, Lucas acted with a cold reserve, giving the image that nothing anyone could do would ever faze him. He just gave everyone that stupid brooding look. But tonight, Nathan had been shocked when his brother started playing mind games with him, flirting with Peyton and Brooke, smiling charmingly at all, stealing the ball, and worst of all, taunting him about not only Peyton, but also school.
That had been it for Nathan. That had been what set him off…which shocked him now. He didn't want anyone to know…to realize…that not doing well in school was something that was really starting to bother him, and not only because of basketball. He didn't want to admit it to anyone…not even himself.
I**I
Both brothers inadvertently turned to each other simultaneously…and then turned away, not wanting to admit anything of what they were feeling, not to each other, not ever.
For they hated each other…right?
And meanwhile, the buzzer sounded, signaling the end of the game…The Score…Sentinels: 40…Ravens: 11.
I**I
"Okay that's it. Get ready to get on the bus.…Oh no. Not you two. You two sit down, shut your mouths and listen to what I have to say."
Looking at each other with reservation and disdain, Nathan and Lucas once again sat down…far away from each other on the bench. Just about the whole gym was vacant now, the Sentinels probably celebrating as the Ravens walked away with heavy faces.
"That stupid idiot! This is all his fault!"
"What do you mean his fault? If you and Mr. Egotistical Airhead hadn't pulled off that pathetic prank in the hallway earlier today, Lucas wouldn't have been so rightfully upset tonight!"
"Well it's not our fault that he can't take a simple joke"
"BOYS!" Whitey yelled, stopping the argument immediately. "I have just about had it with adolescent brats tonight so if you don't put a lid on it you can walk home! And let me just remind you it happens to be pouring out there right now."
Sharing one more sullen look, Jake and Tim turned away from each other, thinking it wasn't a good idea to risk Whitey's wrath right now.
Nathan and Lucas just shook their heads, startled to see their friends acting in such a way… feeling vindicated and a bit embarrassed by it too. After all, they were the ones who had started this all in the first place.
Turning back to Whitey, they quickly forgot all about any other thoughts. The man's long unforgiving forehead was now creased into a look of total fury. Followed by it was a smile …that left the boys feeling even more uneasy.
When Whitey smiled that way…it meant the beginning of…
"Well, well, well. Now wasn't that a game boys?" Whitey suddenly frowned. "One of the WORST games I have ever witnessed in my life…and whose fault do you think that was?"
Nathan and Lucas swallowed hard, not even daring to answer.
"LOOK…I know something happened earlier today, but let's just say, I DON'T CARE. I don't care about any of your feeble little problems you have with each other. All I care about is that this game gets played the right way and tonight you turned this game into a TRAVESTY. Now, I want you to listen to me and listen good. I will NOT have any more fighting on the court, do you understand me? And I will not have any more stealing the ball from the other person. Basketball 101: You try to get the ball from the other team, NOT EACH OTHER. And I don't care if you cry out bloody murder all the way; you two will learn to get along with each other! IS THAT CLEAR? Because if you don't, you BOTH CAN GO FIND ANOTHER TEAM TO PLAY WITH." Whitey smiled maliciously. "Or how about you try out for the wrestling team? I'm sure the audience would love seeing you two in the ring! Quite entertaining watching two idiots knock each other around!"
Both looked like they were getting ready to say something, but wisely kept their mouths shut. Whitey wore a look of self satisfaction on his face and continued. "Good…now I want you two to come to my office right before school starts tomorrow."
"Why?" Nathan asked and then frowned. He should have just kept his mouth shut.
Whitey looked livid at first, and then just smiled…that malicious smile again. "Penance Nathan…you didn't honestly think that I was going to let you two get away with your stupid shenanigans tonight, did you? Oh no. Tomorrow you two are going to learn how to get along…and be TEAMPLAYERS…or would you rather that I give a call to the wrestling coach…let him know that I found a new entertaining act for him?"
Both Lucas and Nathan just shook their heads, regretting what was to come, but once again wisely staying mum.
Whitey smiled…those two actually looked a lot alike when they were scared.
But if Whitey had scared them, it was the faces of the people that were just making their way over to them that were making them look even more fearful…their parents.
Dan of course went right to Whitey, getting ready to blame him. "Whitey! Look, whatever you have planned for them, Nathan won't be having any part of it. I don't want him anywhere around this kid that you used to replace him with. What a stupid replacement anyway! Look at how dumb he acted tonight!"
Livid, Karen stood up to Dan right away. "Don't you ever talk about MY son that way! You have no right to say anything about him!"
"Karen…" Deb came between the two of them, seeing the rage in both their eyes. Karen of course had a reason to be angry, but this wasn't going to solve anything.
Standing by Lucas now, Nathan glanced over at him, seeing a tight expression on his brother's face. He was used to this. It was typical Dan Scott. First he yelled at the coach…and then soon he would be yelling at him. But now to have Lucas be a part of it…it was just too strange…and awkward.
Whitey was the one to completely cut through though with some firmly stated words. "All right, listen. This was a bad game all the way around and it was both of these boys faults that it ended up the way it did. The way I see it they both need to be taught a lesson." Then he turned to Dan with a smirking look. "And Danny, if you don't want Nathan to be a part of it, then fine. Why don't you go find another team since you were never really happy with me being coach anyway, too greedy and selfish to be part of the team!"
"Look Whitey…"
It was Keith now who intercepted with his calming voice. "All right. All right. Look everyone, us fighting in front of the kids is not going to solve anything. Dan…you may not like it, but Lucas and Nathan are playing on the same team now. They are going to have to learn to get along. And Whitey…what you have planned for the boys, I'm sure it's just going to be a little something for them to learn teamwork, that's it, right? Some extra practice or something."
Whitey smiled simply. "Of course. What did you think I was going to do to them Dan…torture them?" Of course, Whitey was thinking what he had planned might end up being sort of torture…for the two 'little boys' that were having such a hard time learning how to get along enough to be part of a team. Oh well, they earned it.
Even though this whole disagreement had them in the center, Lucas and Nathan looked sheepishly at each other now, feeling like they had been totally forgotten. They had never seen their parents all interacting like this and it was just plain weird for both of them…watching them fight. And eye opening too a little bit, showing them just how rash and crazy their own earlier actions had probably looked.
Dan got ready to say something, but Deb pointed to their son and finally got him to shut his mouth. Glancing over at Nathan, Dan's look was almost deadly.
Meanwhile, Karen and Keith took Lucas aside, as Whitey got ready to leave. He had a busload of upset boys to escort back to the school.
"Okay Lucas, I just want you to know that what I saw out there tonight was totally unacceptable. And when we get home we are going to talk about this. Right now though I want you to get your things."
Keith gave Lucas a firm look. "You heard your mother. Let's go."
Lucas just nodded his head and got ready to leave, knowing better than to argue with either of them, and not yet ready to admit what had happened earlier that day.
"All right. You dealt with Whitey. Now you're going to have ME to deal with." Dan told his son in a dangerous low tone.
Seeing their son grimace, Deb intercepted. "Dan, why don't we just save this for when we're home?"
"Oh come on Mom, its so much more fun for Dad when he lets me have it in public!"
That was the last straw for Dan. Furiously, he gripped his son's arm, fixing him with a piercing glare. "You just shut up! You were a total embarrassment tonight, you know that? The way you acted out there, fighting on the court?! My son, a total embarrassment!"
"He started it!" Nathan retaliated, some of his fire coming back. It always did with his father. He always made the stupid mistake of opening his mouth, inciting his father into an even more volatile reaction. But being verbally beaten down could be painful and so his first instinct was to defend himself…even when his defense was poor, like it was tonight. He…himself… had started this…in that hallway.
"I don't care what that kid did! I told you earlier today to put everything out of your mind except the game! I told you to focus on one thing…playing well…and what do you do? Give Whitey a reason to act like the self righteous person he is and make a total fool out of me! There was a scout watching you tonight, one I sent for. What the heck am I going to tell him now…that my son is actually a terrible player who just can't get it together enough to play as well as I used to…that he's becoming a disappointment to me?!"
"Dan, that's enough." Seeing the cold starkness in her son's eyes, Deb could also read the hidden pain. "We'll discuss this at home."
Dan turned to her coldly though. "Stay out of this Deb. This is between me and my son."
"He is MY son too and I won't just stand here saying nothing as you derail him!" Deb answered back with spirit.
Karen grimaced, now turning around to face the argument. She wanted to lend her support to Deb and…
She knew this wasn't really her business, but in a way…that wasn't totally true. Deb was her friend, Nathan was Lucas's half brother, Dan was Keith's brother…and Dan…
Well, she knew this side of him…had seen it before. But when he had been younger it hadn't seemed as awful as it did now…or maybe it had been because she was younger then…and more naïve. Maybe it had to do with the fact that she was now a mother and to see a child, any child put down like that, torn apart with other people there… was just something…something she found incomprehensible for a parent to do.
Lucas too now turned around to face the debacle that was going on. Always he had thought of Nathan as spoiled and privileged, but when your father acted like this…when he seemed to care about only one thing and the rest be damned… Your feelings be damned… Lucas wondered now…had Nathan, the brother who he was still furious with because of his earlier prank, not been as lucky as he had previously thought? Well it didn't really matter. It didn't excuse the guy for acting like an ass…but it did shed a little light on the reason.
Dan continued with his mental breakdown of his son, too angry and self focused to even be thinking about what he was doing…how destructive his actions and words were. "This is about basketball Deb, something that you have no involvement in. This is about our son's future career and me being humiliated tonight because of his ungratefulness. Well I guess it was time I find out. You just really don't have what it takes to be a star player like I was…you don't train well enough…you can't get down low enough to keep that ball in position…and you can't even guard the ball like I used to! You were a public disappointment to me tonight Nathan…made me feel ashamed. Your playing was so awful even before the fight that it was embarrassing to watch you acting all morosely and being stupid enough to"
"DAN!" Keith cut in suddenly. He had been standing there with Karen and Lucas watching the whole spectacle and finally hadn't been able to take anymore. Seeing his nephew just standing there with that stone hard expression on his face…masking the fact that his hands were shaking. "That's enough, all right! You've gone far enough. Now just stop before you say something you regret." Keith appealed to his brother, attempting to remove the hand his younger brother was still using to grip his son's arm, and giving Nathan a gentle look of encouragement.
Amazingly it worked. Looking at Deb's upset face and then at his son's, Dan took a step back, but he wasn't backing down completely. He realized now how rashly he had been acting, how out of control. Maintaining a firm hold on himself, he calmed down…and started to quietly yet viciously retaliate. "Sure Keith…nice when you actually try to act like an uncle."
Nathan frowned. He knew what was coming now. And even though his uncle's support had made him feel a little better, he was certain things were just about to get worse, as his father found a way to make everyone feel awful. Victim number one…his brother…Keith.
Keith just laughed dryly though. He knew the games Dan sometimes played, how he tried to make everyone feel awful after his own failings had been pointed out. "Oh Dan, don't even try that. Look, let's just call it a night, okay? Karen and I are going to get Lucas home. You and Deb can get Nathan home."
Dan laughed wickedly. "Lucas…had to make sure your bratty little kid got on the team didn't you Karen?"
Nathan watched as Lucas and Karen got ready to say something, but it was Keith who acted first. "I swear Dan you just don't know when to quit. But you're not going to do this all right…I'm not going to have it out with you here in front of the kids!"
Nathan looked at his mom, saying nothing, but wondering…with a bit of anxiousness. Was it just the lighting in the gym or was her face kind of pale right now? It made sense after all the strife with his dad, but…it concerned him now too. His thoughts were halted though as a new voice shot through the silence.
"You have no right to say anything to my mother."
Everyone turned around now, noticing Lucas standing there, speaking quietly yet effectively…to Dan, the father that had given him up. "You're the one who left her all alone years ago. Well I won't ever let you hurt her again."
There was total silence in the gym now as father and son simply faced each other…battling one another without words. Finally though, Dan broke the stare, turning back to Nathan, his other son. "You shouldn't have disgraced me tonight Nathan. I've put so much into you and your career and that's how you pay me back, by failing miserably." He turned back to his wife. "Let's go home."
Deb nodded, but didn't move. "Fine. I'll be there soon."
Dan just nodded his head and walked out of the gym.
"Karen, Keith...I'm sorry…and Lucas…"
Karen stopped Deb's apologies quickly though, touching her hand. "Deb, you don't need to apologize. You did nothing wrong." Then she took her friend aside as Nathan finished getting his things and Lucas and Keith waited for Karen. "How are you feeling?" Karen asked her friend with concern. Yes, she was anxious to talk with her son, but right now, after everything with Dan, she was noticing the tiredness in her friend's expression.
Deb sighed. "I'm alright…"
"I know this probably isn't really a good time to ask about this, but have you decided when you're going to tell them?"
"Yes…" Deb sighed again and then faltered, feeling Karen grab her arm.
"Deb!"
"Shhh…" Deb pointed to Nathan who had his back turned to them. "Karen please…keep it down. I'm okay."
Karen shook her head, but at least was a little appeased when Deb moved a bit away from her.
"Nathan…"
Nathan finished putting on his jacket and looked up at his uncle, a man he felt he barely knew, but somehow respected. It had happened before a couple of times, his uncle interceding when his father became too pushy or verbally brutal. Still, Nathan felt like the guy was almost a stranger in some ways…while Lucas seemed almost like a son to him from what he had seen. It just made this whole strange situation…even more bizarre and confusing. "Yeah…"
Seeing the tiredness and beat look in the boy's eyes, Keith was worried. If Dan kept pushing him this way, tearing his son down… "Look, I know your father said some pretty awful things, but he doesn't mean it Nathan. He does really care about you. He just gets upset sometimes and lets out more than he should. He does love you Nathan."
Nathan laughed dryly. "Yeah…sure…whatever…"
Smiling sadly, Keith touched his nephew's shoulder, trying to give him some comfort, and then walked back in the direction of Karen and Deb. He wanted to support his nephew and yet he still felt that distance with him. He knew of course a lot of it was his own doing, but that didn't make him feel any better.
This situation was getting so hard for Lucas and Nathan it seemed. Yes it was difficult for the adults, but he knew that Karen would feel the same way. Both Lucas and Nathan unfortunately were at the center of it and because so much had happened before either was even born, they had to deal with so much that they knew little or nothing about. It was easy to see the animosity they felt towards each other, but it also was becoming evident that it confused them. And unfortunately now Dan was the one who was making the rift even bigger, with his control of Nathan and his disgusting attitude towards Lucas. Heck, Keith thought wryly, his attitude with Nathan sometimes was pretty awful. And even with Deb…
It all made Keith wonder, if Dan could finally accept responsibility, end the rift with him and Lucas (if that was even possible after all the years of pain he had put that boy through), could it help guide the way for Lucas and Nathan to finally accept that they were brothers…help them learn to deal with each other? He could only hope so…but he had doubts of Dan even getting that far. After years of not even calling his son by name, it seemed highly unlikely that he would start showing any type of caring attitude towards Lucas, especially after the way he had acted tonight.
Grateful to his uncle for his bit of kindness, but also having a hard time believing his words, Nathan noticed Lucas standing a bit off waiting for his mom. Their eyes locked and Nathan saw…wait…was it pity…the look making him feel even more out of sorts, he turned away from his brother and walked closer to the door. Turning to the side of the gym, he saw his mom talking to Lucas's mom…ha…what a bizarre thing that was now…the two of them being friends…bizarre and-
Nathan frowned suddenly as he noticed his mom not standing too straight, almost leaning on Karen. What was that about?
"Nathan…"
He turned around to be face to face with Haley.
Standing on the far off side, Lucas watched as his best friend stood there with Nathan Scott. It didn't look like they were talking, but still it made him unhappy and anxious too see them together. He better not try anything, because the way Lucas saw it, right now, after everything that had happened earlier, there was little to keep him back from finishing that fight that had gotten them benched.
Haley watched Nathan now, his face full of conflicting emotions it seemed, and said nothing. She had been standing there all that time, keeping her distance because she hadn't wanted to interfere in what had been a family matter. She'd watched Whitey lecture the boys and even felt angry when he had pretty much let them both have the brunt of his wrath. Lucas hadn't deserved that, though she assumed Whitey didn't know what had happened in the hallways earlier that day. Stupid school patrol…seemed to only be around when dumb things were happening like someone getting caught swearing or whatever. For all she knew none of the school officials, principal or anyone knew about the hideous event that had happened and so it seemed once again Nathan Scott was going to get off scot-free. No pun intended.
Then she'd watched Dan Scott spring into action and for the first time she had believed that her best friend was almost lucky to have been abandoned. Father of the year he was not. He could go on the opposite list, Father Dearest…
She hadn't been totally surprised to see him lash into Karen, Lucas and even his own brother. But what had shocked her was watching him tear into his own son. The man was utterly vicious it seemed. She had always heard of how Nathan Scott had a demanding and domineering father, but she had only seen them at a few games, saw the support he seemed to lend his son…while stressing that he needed to play his best, stay focused…blah blah blah…
That was pressure. That was something she had expected and basically believed was nothing to complain about. There were kids a lot worse off. But she hadn't known just how verbally abusive he could be until now and hadn't seen any real reason behind his son's ways until…well maybe now.
Still, Haley thought scornfully. It didn't at all excuse Nathan for what he had done earlier today…not at all.
Tired, bitter, remorseful, and feeling emotionally wired, Nathan was growing even wearier of the look he was getting from Haley James. Why did she just continue to stare at him, but say nothing…other than his name? What did she want… the girl with those deerlike eyes that seemed to look through you? Deciding it was time to cut the silence, he spoke self indulging words. "Why don't you just go to Lucas…the good brother…at least he's not a jackass coward, right?"
Seeing him speak, Lucas watched carefully. You better watch yourself Nathan Scott because I swear if you hurt her…you'll be sorry the rest of your life.
Haley frowned, his words sounding shallow and conceited after everything he had done earlier that day. Yes, he had a jackass for a father, and yes what had happened here tonight must have hurt him, but…well she had dealt with kids in worse situations. Let Nathan Scott see what it was like for those who really had no place to call home…because home was a place they were afraid of. Let him realize just how selfish and egotistical he was. Ha…like that would ever happen. "You know I'm sorry that your father did to you what he did tonight. No one…not even you deserves that kind of abuse, but if you think I'm going to say what you did earlier today was okay…that I understand it…well you're sadly mistaken Nathan Scott…and a fool."
"Hales…"
Nathan looked away from her and to the speaker of that voice, Lucas. He watched how he put an arm around her and stood close to her and he felt a wave of jealousy rush through him.
Haley smiled at her best friend, wrapping her arm around him, smiling.
Smiling back and ignoring Nathan, Lucas spoke again. "Come on…my mom and Keith are waiting for us."
Not even glancing at Nathan, Haley nodded her head, and left with her friend.
Leaving Nathan Scott alone with himself and his unhappy thoughts.
To be continued…
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