Chapter 14: Life Goes on
Five days passed since Jamie was buried and people of one tree Hill were returning back to their lives, but they were still afraid to let their children go outside at night.
Deb looked at the outside and she could still see the bunch of news reporters outside, wanting to get some scoop. She saw Nathan entering the living room. Deb sighed; the same house that was once used to be lively was now looked almost deserted.
"Nathan, can I have a word with you?"
"Yes Mom," Nathan came to her.
"Nathan sit down, I really have to talk to you."
They both sat down, Nathan had a clue what his mother was about to say to him.
"Have you and Haley talked about the future."
"What future?" Nathan said bitterly.
"Nathan…" Deb was not pleased, "You and Haley have to think about the future, it may have sounded hard a few days earlier, but you have three more children."
"Mom…I know…I'm trying."
"You have to try harder," Deb held her son hand, "Listen I'm not saying to forget what happened, losing a child is not something you can bounce back easily, but you have to take a start from somewhere."
"I know, but I feel like I failed as a father."
"Nathan, you're a great father, and I'm so proud of you," Deb said, "Not only your own children love you, but look at Lucas and Brook's kids, they also adore you so much."
"Well mom, I can't let anything happen to my children again."
"I know that, I think a couple of years ago when you and Haley were having problems Doctor Olivia really helped you two, I think you two should talk to her."
"Well mom…I have made some decisions, and I hope I'm doing the right thing."
"I know and you must talk to Haley and figure it out, in just two days kid's school will start, and they'll have to face the world, so you two must figure out something."
"I think you're right, I have to talk to Haley." Nathan said and left the room.
Deb watched Nathan leaving but then saw Taylor coming. Deb was not comfortable with her living under their roof, but she couldn't complain as she was invited by Haley; from her attitude, she could see that Taylor was helping Nathan more than Haley, and she didn't like it a bit.
"Hi," Taylor said and went inside the kitchen.
Deb just shook her head and saw Maggie and Adam coming down stairs.
"When will she leave?" Adam said bitterly looking at Taylor.
"It's up to your mom." Deb said to Adam.
"I don't like her," Maggie said with a bad face.
Deb knew that like her, no one really wants Taylor here.
Jack was getting ready for his daily work, Sam was watching her husband now clad in a suit, she was glad that Jack was handling the case, but she was still nervous over to tell her husband that they were having a child.
"So how it's going?" Sam asked.
"It's a tough case, you know the clerk who was shot slipped in a coma, and we have no more witness."
"I have faith in you, you'll get them."
"I'm doing my best, but…"
"What?" Sam asked getting little curious.
"Ok Jamie and Scotts are our friends, but media is also taking interest in this case as you know Scott's reputation and Jamie was like the whole town beloved, so there's too much pressure on me and the department."
"I know that." Sam could see his position.
Before they talk further Jack's phone began ringing.
"Hello detective Daniels…what…that's great…I'm on my way."
"What's…you seem pleased."
"I think I have to go to the hospital with you."
"Why?" Sam was little surprised.
"The Clerk just got out of Coma, and he is ready to give his statement."
"That's great news!" Sam was also happy.
"I'm positive that we'll get some leads."
Lucas was sitting in his office at Tree Hill High. It was the first day of the new semester, and he really had to pick up the new team for the coming season. He came there so he can bury himself in work, but he didn't have the clue that once he'll be here, it'll be lot harder for him to come out of his memories.
"Mr. Scott," someone knocked on the door.
"Yes," Lucas answered.
"We are ready for the practice."
"Ok, I'm coming," Lucas stood up and then looked at the picture. It was a picture of him and Jamie holding the state championship trophy; it was the first time after fifteen years they won the state championship again.
Every Raven player was at the court as well as cheerleaders, they were all quite as they knew this court will now never be the same. Lucas came to the court, he looked at the banners hanging on top showing the numbers of times Ravens won the state championship and then saw his, Nathan's and Quentin's jerseys hanging on the wall.
"Coach Scott," one of the boys came, "Should we start the practice."
"Yes, go ahead." Lucas said and came in the center.
All boys began practicing, Lucas was watching them, but then he was taken aback, because he just saw Jamie standing at far. He ran towards that place, but no one was there. Everyone was looking at Lucas.
"Coach Scott, are you ok." One of the cheerleaders asked.
"Wha…what…I'm ok," Lucas said and walked away.
Lily was at the Café, and she was dealing with the customers.
"Hey miss," one of the customers calls her.
"Yes, may I help you?" Lily said coming towards the customers.
"Can I have Jam filled Brownies?"
"Jam filled Brownies…" Lily sighed, "Sorry sir, I don't make them any more."
"Oh, I came especially here for those," Customer said, "I hope you'll start making them soon."
Lily saw that customer leaving the café and Vanessa came to Lily.
"People still come here for those Brownies."
"I know, but it reminds me too much of Jamie and how he used to snatch them from me."
"I remember, and you don't have to tell me."
Door opened and they saw Chuck coming inside.
"Hey," Chuck gave Lily a quick kiss, "Hi Vanessa how are you?"
"I'm fine, is there anything important?" Vanessa said placing the coffee cups on the rack.
"Lily, I know it's early to say this, but can we hang out tonight."
"No, actually I also wanted to spend a time with you."
"That's great; I'll pick you at seven."
"I'll be waiting."
"Bye," Chuck gave a quick kiss on Lily's cheek and left the café.
"I wish I had someone like him in my life!" Vanessa said watching Chuck leaving.
"You will find someone great in your life."
"So how you're dealing without Karen,"
"It's ok, and besides mom needs some rest."
As they were talking Dan entered the Café.
"Hi," Dan said coming inside, for five days Lily and Lucas has shown real soft side to him.
"Hi Uncle Dan," Lily answered.
"I'm just here for a coffee."
"Ok," Lily said and poured him the cup.
"Wow that taste's great, I have to admit you're a great cook," Dan said sipping his coffee.
"Mom thought me all this."
"I know, she raised you so well, just like Lucas, I can see that you're doing a great job in her absence."
"Thanks," Lily answered.
"I'm glad that you're really holding up."
"I'm just trying, I really miss Jamie."
"Me too, but I know he's in a better place, and he's watching us now."
"Yeah I know, he is watching us…" Lily said looking at the sky.
Haley was sitting outside the house. She was watching the sky, which was still filled with dark black clouds, and it was almost a week since people of tree Hill saw the sun.
"Hey, you're sitting here; I was looking for you inside." Nathan said and sat beside her.
"I just wanted to sit outside and feel the air, but air is cold, sky is filled with clouds and theirs is no light, just like our lives."
"Haley, I know but we have to find and then bring the light back in our lives."
"I know, but it seems so hard!"
"I know it's hard, but we have to do it for Ashley, Adam and Maggie."
"I know, and I'm only holding on because of them…"
"Did you talk to Principal Turner?"
"Yeah I did, he told me that I can take the time, he'll pay us a visit soon."
"Today it's a new day at school."
"I know it's too hard for me to face those kids."
"You don't have to tell me." Nathan said, "I also called Clay, I'm also quitting the basketball."
"Nathan…" Haley was shocked.
"I know, I'm doing it for my kids, I have to be here."
"Ok," Haley could understand as she knew this game will never be the same for him.
"Mom said that we should consult Dr Olivia again."
"Ok, I'll think about it, I'm going inside to check on kids."
"Ok I'm going to sit here for a while."
"Principal Turner," Lucas said knocking on his door.
"Lucas…come inside," Turner said looking at Lucas.
"I have to talk to you."
"Is there something wrong?"
"I know it's sudden, but I am resigning."
"What," Principal Turner wasn't very pleased, "Are you quitting?"
"I'm sorry but yes I'm quitting."
Turner sighed, "I knew this would come to this, but I was hoping that you'll stay."
"I know but this game reminds me so much of Jamie."
"James Scott…he was such a brilliant kid, my own heart aches for the loss, we had students that were either good in studies or sports, but he was good at both, I feel so sad that he had such a short life, Ok Mr. Lucas, I wish you good luck."
Jack was at the hospital and he was with the clerk who was shot.
"Ok, I'm detective Jack Daniels, are you ready to give me your statement."
Clerk looked at Jack, he was still weak, but he wanted to tell the cops what he just saw.
"Yes…I…I want to make a statement."
"Ok, just tell me what happened."
"They were three men, and they were wearing masks, but I'm confident that two of them were above thirties and one of them was very young."
"Yes I also know about that, can you give me some other detail."
"Yes, I memorized their car number, and here it is." Clerk handed Jack a paper note, "I already note it down."
"Is there something else?"
"Yes, I saw a tattoo on one of the masked men arms; I've also drawn it on the paper."
"Yeah I see it; thank you helped me a lot." Jack was about to leave.
"Did you talk to that woman?" Clerk said and Jack stopped.
"What woman?" it was new information for Jack.
"Wow you don't know, there was a woman in the shop that day, and she had two kids, masked men were about to rape her when that boy interfered and helped her escape, but too bad for him that he couldn't."
"Ok can you give me her description?"
"Yes," Clerk gave him all the description. Jack got a lot more information that he was hoping for.
"Hello," Jack called the station, "I need information on this car number…that's great."
Jack now got the address, and it was a neighboring town.
Peyton was sitting in her office. Haley was her partner and she was missing her, but she knew she has to work alone for a while.
"Can I come in?" Mia was standing at the door.
"Mia…" Peyton said looking at her, "You don't need my permission to come inside."
"I know, I was just wondering if you're busy."
"No I'm not, actually I'm bored."
"I'm just here to say good bye."
"Oh…when do you'll leave?"
"Tomorrow, I wished I would stay, but Chase's work is important also and girls school will about to be start."
"Yeah you're right."
"I wish I would have left with good memories, I feel so bad after what happened."
"We all are feeling bad."
"I hope no parents should have gone through what Haley and Nathan are going through."
"Did you meet them?"
"No, but we have to meet them before we leave…"
"Ok Mia, I wish you luck."
Brook entered Cloth over Bros; in her absence Millie was running the things, but Brook realized that she has to come back. Rebecca also came along with her.
"So Brook you're finally here."
"Yeah I'm here; I have to"
"I know, life just don't stop."
"Mom…I'm just going to check some new dress," Rebecca said and looked at the other side of the shop.
"Ok Rebecca," Brook said to her daughter and turned her attention back to Millie.
"So, how the sales are going?"
"They're fine, we have plenty of orders." Millie said, "So Rebecca is here, I can guess boys are with Julian."
"Yes Julian has taken them out of town for a while, so I've decided to bring Rebecca."
"Yeah it's good; our kids need some sort of activities."
"Not only kids, we also need something to take our minds off."
"I'm glad that you finally decided to take charge."
As they were talking Sam entered the COB.
"Sam, you're here? Brook was surprised.
"Brook I need to talk to you in private."
"Sam is there something wrong?" Brook was worried.
"No, it's not what you're thinking, but it's important, can you take a walk with me."
"Of course," Brook said and turned to Millie, "Please take care of Rebecca for me, I shall be here soon."
Sam and Brook began walking, and they came to the lake and sat on a bench.
"Does Jack get some leads?"
"Yes, Clerk had very valid information."
"So there's hope."
"Yeah…"
"I just wish they all get a death plenty," Brook said in anger.
"Yeah me too, but there's something I need to tell you, and you're the first one."
"Yes tell me, I'm getting little worried."
"Brook I'm…I…" Sam was nervous.
"Sam, take a deep breath and tell me."
"I'm pregnant."
"What?" Brook was totally shocked, "You're pregnant?"
"Yes I am."
"Sam…" Brook hugged her, "That's amazing…oh God; I really needed some good news."
"Yes Brook, Jack and I wanted a child so bad, but now I'm scared."
"Sam," Brook took her hand, "I know why you're scared, after what we been through, its natural to be worried, you know I also get scared whenever I couldn't see my kids, it freaks me out."
"I know, this child has not yet come to this world, and I'm scared for its safety."
"Sam, you and Jack are going to be amazing parents, you have to tell this to Jack."
"I know, it's just his mind is on this case, and I'm worried it will distract him."
"Sam, I'm lot older than you, I know keeping this from Jack is not good."
"Ok I'll tell him tonight." Sam stood up, "It was good talking to you; I better get back to the hospital."
Brook also stood up. She was very happy for Sam.
Marc entered his house and surprised to hear some woman's voice. He saw Cheryl coming towards him.
"What's going on?" Marc asked.
"Do you remember Aunt Gwen?"
"Yeah, I know her, why she's here?"
"Well she just came here to see us and when she saw how we're living, she got so mad at mom."
"I know, Aunt Gwen is our only relative, and she's a nice person."
"Yeah she's seemed nice," Cheryl said looking at her mother's room, "Mom got very upset when she came."
"I know, mom don't care about anyone except herself."
"So are you going to meet her?"
"No, I'm going to the garage."
"Ok," Cheryl said and saw her brother leaving.
Inside the room two women were arguing.
"So why you're here Gwen?"
"Doris, I just wanted to see you, is that's how you're living?"
"So you have seen it all, so get the hell out of here you bitch!"
"DORIS!!!" Gwen yelled, "You're the bitch, you brought your kids to such a dangerous place."
"Yeah, they're my kids."
"Well Doris, I'm there aunt, Marc is old enough, but I'll do my best to get Cheryl out of here, I'm not going to stand here and let you ruin her life."
"Are you threatening me?" Doris came closer.
"No, I'm going to do best for the kids."
"Get out of here."
"I'm going but I'll be back."
Gwen came out and saw Cheryl, she was a sweet girl. She came to Cheryl.
"I know you may have heard what I just said to your mother, she doesn't care about you and your brother, but I do."
"It's good to see you." Cheryl also kind of liked her, for the first time in her life someone spoke to her with kindness.
"You're still here," Doris yelled watching his sister with her daughter.
"I'm not planning to stay here either." Gwen said and left.
"Listen you, I don't want you to see her and talk to her." Doris ordered her daughter.
"Whatever," Cheryl snapped back and entered her room.
Nathan was still sitting outside.
"Hey," Taylor said coming towards him.
"Hi Taylor, how are you?"
"I'm fine, can I sit here."
"Of course you can sit here."
"I heard you're quitting basketball."
"Yes, I have to be here to look after my kids, and I got plenty of money, I can take care of my family."
"I just wish you would still play, you know I always watched your game."
"I never thought you're in Basketball."
"I'm not but I enjoyed watching you."
"Sorry but I'm afraid you won't see me playing again."
"Nathan…" Taylor held his hand and almost placed in her lap, "I know, and I understand, let me help you."
They didn't notice that Ashley was behind them, and she just saw her Aunt taking her dad's hand. She was mad and angry, not at Nathan because she loved her father and knew he'll never do something to hurt his family, but she knew her aunt is here for no good.
"Ashley," Someone said from behind, and she turned around.
"Aunt Quinn when did you come?"
"Just a moment ago, go inside I'll take it from here."
Quinn walked towards the bench where Nathan and Taylor were sitting.
"Nathan," Quinn called his name, "Vivian is on the phone with Haley, she wants to talk to you."
"I totally forgot about your eldest sister," Nathan stood up and went inside the house
Taylor was also about to leave, but Quinn grabbed her arm.
"Taylor I want to talk to you." Quinn said coming in front.
"What?"
"What were you doing holding Nathan's hands?"
"I was comforting him, what's a deal."
"Taylor, I'm warning you, if I find out if you're stealing Nathan, trust me, you're going to regret it."
"Quinn, give me a break."
"I'm going to give you a break, and next time, keep your distance from Nathan, kids don't like you being so close to their father." Quinn said and left the scene.
Taylor was mad, her sisters were having perfect lives, and she couldn't accept it, she was here for the Nathan because she wanted the same fame and glory that her sisters were enjoying.
Marc entered the garage. A middle aged man came towards him.
"Marc, so you're here."
"Yes Jacob, I'm ready to work."
"Ok there's some engine in the back that needs tuning."
"Ok," Marc said and went inside.
Jacob saw Craig and Diesel coming.
"Hey what do you want?" Jacob was not happy to see them.
"Hey Jacob we used to work here, we just came to see you."
"I know what you want, just go away and leave Marc alone."
"Well Jacob, Marc is now part of our group, and he'll get a lot more from us then you."
As they were talking they saw a car with a police light on top to them.
"Ok we're leaving," Craig and Diesel immediately walked away.
"Hello, I'm detective Jack Daniels," Jack said coming outside the car and showing Jacob his badge.
"Yes detective, may I help you."
"Is this car belongs to you?" Jack handed Jacob the number.
"Yes it's my car and it's been missing."
"Well sorry to say this car was used for robbery and murder."
"What?" Jacob was sweating.
"There were three men; they killed an eighteen years old boy who was also a friend of mine and a great person."
"I don't know but trust me, I'll help you."
"Ok take this card," Jack gave Jacob his card, "Talk to me in case of any progress."
As they were talking Marc came outside.
"Hey Marc," Jacob said and Jack all of sudden turned towards him. He knew one of them was a young and his name was Marc, could he be the same person.
"Do you found the engines?"
"Yes I did."
"Marc this is Detective Jack Daniels, he's investigating a murder case."
"Hi," Marc said, he was nervous and Jack could read it from his face.
"Ok I'm leaving but I'll be in touch." Jack said and left the garage.
Marc took a deep breath and came back to the backyard. He was about to resume his work, but Craig grabbed him from behind.
"Did you say anything to that cop?"
"No, he didn't ask me anything," Marc said struggling to get out of his grasp.
"How did he found us," Diesel was worried.
"I told you not to take Jacob's car, now you see," Marc yelled at them.
"Shut up," Diesel roared.
"No Marc is right, we may have disposed the car, but it was a mistake," Craig was also worried.
"So what will we do?" Diesel was also worried now.
"We'll figure out something." Craig said and turned towards Marc, "In meantime shut your mouth or else your sweet sister will pay."
"If you two even touch her, it's a hell to pay; you already made me kill a person, so I'll have no trouble killing more." Marc said in rage.
"Ok we're leaving but we're watching your back."
Jack was getting inside the car but stopped when he saw Craig and Diesel outside. He looked at Diesel's arm and the tattoo was there, fortunate for him Craig and Devisal didn't notice him. Jack waited there till they left and he came out of his car and walked back to the garage.
"Jacob one last thing."
"Yes detective."
"Who are those two people who just left?"
"They were Craig and Diesel, used to work for me, but I fired them."
"Ok thanks."
Jack came back to his car; now everything was getting right on track. He was positive that Craig, Diesel and Marc are the one's who killed Jamie, and now all he needs is something to nail them down.
So Jack finally got the killers, This chapter doesn't have too much to offer but stay tuned for next two chapters as something big is going to happen and Lucas will going to have big part in next coming chapters.
Mcgirl6541: Thanks for reviewing last chapter. I love your story and I hope I can create half as good drama in my story like yours.
AnnOTH21: I'm glad you are reviewing my every chapter, I'm so glad that you have seen Crow, the scene at the grave is heartbreaking and one in the best with Returntograve score. You'll see that I've taken some inspiration from this movie; also a short lived TV series was also great, too bad it was canceled.
Bonnetta: Thanks for reading and reviewing, next chapters are focused on Leyton.
