Chapter 17: It's all coming back to me.
John was sitting in Adam's room, and they were both getting along pretty well.
"How many times did you come here?" Adam asked.
"Not that much, when I was a kid, Jenny's mother really pushed my dad hard, so it was hard for me or dad to often visit here."
"Yeah Jenny also didn't visit here until she was twelve I think."
"Yes, I also remember she took a picture holding you and Jason together, when both of you were babies, I thought you two were twins."
"People still think we are, I have dark hair, and he has blonde, otherwise we do look almost same."
"You're right about that, I also like to meet Jason."
"But aren't you leaving tomorrow?"
"Yes we are but we'll come here sometime."
As they were talking, door opened and Haley entered the room.
"John your parents and Jenny are here."
"Ok Mrs. Scott." John stood up and left the room.
"So how was John?" Haley asked.
"He was cool," Adam answered.
"Ok I'll call you at dinner," Haley said and left Adam's room.
Adam sighed, he wanted so bad to see his mother's smile again.
Jake and Erin were sitting in the living room with Nathan.
"I wanted to stay, but you know the work." Jake told Nathan.
"I know and I understand," Nathan said, "I'm still very thankful that you came."
"Come on Nathan, we were friends once, I had to come."
"When will you leave?"
"I'm planning to leave tomorrow, I just got a call from my boss, and he wanted to see me."
While they were talking, John entered the living room.
"So are you finished here?" Jake asked.
"Yes dad, I'm done."
"I really liked him coming here." Haley said sitting beside Nathan.
"Where's Jenny?" Erin asked.
"She's outside with Ashley," Haley told Erin.
"Ok I shall call her." Erin said and stood up.
Jenny was sitting with Ashley on one of the benches.
"I know I said some harsh words, and I'm sorry." Ashley was feeling bad.
"I'm not mad at you; I know if I were in your place I would have said the same words."
"Jenny I have always seen you as big sister, well I also have Lily and Vanessa, but they are actually my aunts, you are indeed like a big sister to me."
"Thanks Ashley, it means a lot to me, Jamie may be gone, but I'm still here and you don't have to feel like you're alone."
"Yeah I know, but it's still hurt that he's gone."
"I know, it's hurting me too, but in some way he'll always be with us."
"Yeah sometimes I feel like he's still here, watching us."
"Jenny," Erin called, "We're leaving."
"Ok mom, I'm coming," Jenny answered and she along with Ashley entered the living room.
"Ok Nathan and Haley, we're leaving, but we shall meet again," Jake fare welled.
Haley and Nathan came inside their room.
"Did Lucas call?" Nathan asked.
"No he hasn't but I'm waiting for his word."
"Are you ok with all this?"
"I'm fine."
All of sudden, Nathan's cell began to ring.
"Who can that be," Nathan said as it wasn't a stored number.
"Hi, it's Nathan Scott…." All of sudden his expression changed.
"Nathan what it is?" Haley asked.
"Haley, come to the living room and call mom."
"Ok," Haley knew it was something big.
After few minutes, Deb and Taylor were with them in the living room.
Nathan took a deep breath, "I just got a call, Jamie's killers have been arrested, and they also confessed."
"What…" Haley's voice was shaking and Deb held her.
"I'm going to station, can you all be ok?"
"Yes, I'll take care, you must go." Taylor held Haley.
Nathan took the car keys and left, Haley saw him leaving and tears began flowing from her eyes.
"It's ok Haley," Deb also held her, "It's going to be over now."
Karen and Andy were sitting in Sam's room.
"You're doing good job Karen," Sam said looking at Karen's results, "Your results are good."
"Ok if we are finished here we must leave, we have to pick up Lily." Karen reminded Andy.
"Yes, we are pretty much done here; I'm giving you the prescription, take these medicines regularly."
As they were talking, they heard huge noise of people protesting, as Sam's room was close to the road.
"What's going on?" Andy asked.
"Ok I'll look at the window," Sam said and looked at the window.
Outside there was a huge crowd of people holding the banners in support of Scotts and they were protesting. All of sudden Dr. Andrews came inside the room.
"Dr. Andrews what's going on?" Sam asked.
"Your husband is a hero, he caught the killers."
"What Jamie's killers have been arrested?" Karen asked in disbelief.
"Yes cops got them and they also confessed."
"But why are people protesting here…I mean at the hospital?" Sam asked.
"You can't believe it, before cops got to two of the older men, someone has beaten them up pretty bad; cops have just brought them here."
"So they're here," Andy said and shook his head.
"Please Dr. Andrew, don't ask me to attend them," Sam requested hoping to that he'll listen to her.
"I know and understand."
"Andy…" Karen looked at her husband, "You must go to the station, Lucas isn't here and Nathan needs someone, I'll pick Lily."
"Even I hate to let you leave alone, you're right," Andy agreed.
"Ok Sam we're leaving," Karen stood up.
"Ok but take your medicine carefully." Sam reminded.
Andy and Karen came outside and began walking towards the exit, but there was a huge crowd of people and then paramedics brought two men on statures.
"Oh my God," Karen hid her head in Andy's chest after she saw Craig's and Diesel's face, she felt like she'll puke.
"Karen its ok, they're gone."
"I never saw so much evil on someone face, those monsters! They took Jamie's life."
"They'll pay for what they did."
"Just leave, I don't want to stay here."
"Are you ok? I can pick Lily."
"No I'll go, you must go to station."
Sam also came out and like Karen it was also hard for her to see their face.
"Sam," It was Jack, Sam turned around and at once came into his arms.
"You did it, you caught them."
"Yes I did, but the real hero is Jacob, he's also here, and I want you to treat him."
"Of course, I'm so proud of you."
"I did this for Jamie and Scotts, I feel so relieved now."
"So I can see press is after you."
"Yeah, they want a piece but my superior will held a press conference tomorrow for press, as far as I know we have nailed them, there's no we they'll run away."
"Jack please come inside my room, I want to tell you something."
"Ok," Jack entered Sam's room, "What do you want to tell me?"
"I know I should have told you before, but I wasn't ready."
"You can tell me I understand."
"Jack we…we are pregnant."
"What?" Jack was shocked.
"Jack please say something."
"Oh Sam," Jack held her in his arms," Its best news I got, thank you."
"I'm also happy Jack, I also wanted that child."
"Trust me Sam he or she will bring so much joy in our world…Damn" Jack's phone began ringing. "Duty call but I'll be home soon, I promise."
Sam saw him leaving. Sam rubbed her belly and smile; she knew this child will indeed bring joy in their life.
Lucas was now close to Tree Hill and all he wanted to know that, was Dan really with Jamie when it happened, and if he was with Jamie, how could he let that happen to him and lie to their faces…but he was Dan Scott after all.
Lucas's mind was racing, and he didn't notice a car coming in front, but he immediately pulled the brakes.
"Hey, are you drunk," yelled the man in other car.
"I'm sorry, I lost control," Lucas apologized.
"Fine…" the man drove his car away.
Lucas parked his car, and his cell began ringing. He looked at it and Peyton's number was on the cell.
"Yes Peyton."
"Did you meet the woman?"
"Yes I meet her and you can't believe it, she's Marcus's wife who was held by Jimmy in the school."
"Wow that's strange; I called you because Jack caught Jamie's killers."
"That's good news," Lucas wasn't thrilled, only thing on his mind was Dan.
"Lucas, you seem distant, what's wrong? What did Melinda told you?"
"Peyton…"
"Lucas, please tell me, don't keep it to yourself."
"Ok Peyton, Melinda told me that Dan was with Jamie when it all happened."
"What?" Lucas could feel the shock in her voice, "If Dan was with Jamie then how could he let this happen to him?"
"That's what I can't understand; I'm just getting crazy thinking about it."
"Listen to me Lucas, come to the house, we'll talk."
"No I'm heading towards Dan's, I have to confront him."
"Lucas, please no..."
"Sorry I have to do this," Lucas ended the call and entered his car, his cell began ringing again but he switched his cell of.
"Damn," Peyton yelled, she wasn't happy that Lucas switched his cell off.
"Mommy is daddy alright," Anna asked as she was with her in the room.
"Yes he's alright, he'll be home." Peyton lied; her own heart was beating fast, "Ok go to your room."
"I want to wait for daddy."
"Anna, do what I'm telling you." Peyton said in a harsh voice and Anna left the room.
Peyton dialed Karen's number and it was picked at once.
"Hi Peyton, why you called, is Lucas here?"
"No, but it's really important. Lucas talked to that woman, and she told him that Dan was with Jamie when he was killed."
"Peyton…" Peyton could hear the car tire being squeezed, "Do you know what you're saying?"
"I'm also as much shocked, Lucas is heading there and God knows what he'll do, I'm also going at Dan's."
"I'm also heading there; Lily is with Dan…oh my God."
"We have to reach there before Lucas."
"Yeah, please hurry Peyton."
Nathan arrived at the station, people were gathered all around the station, and shouting in favor of Scotts, but he didn't care.
"Nathan," it was Skillz.
"Skillz what are you doing here?"
"I just came here as soon as I got the news."
"Ok, in Lucas's absence you'll do me as well."
"That's what I'm here for," Skillz said, "We have to pass those people and there are ton of reporters here too."
Nathan came out and along with Skillz about to enter the station, a whole group of reporters gathered them.
"Mr. Scott your son killers are arrested, how do you feel." One of the reporters asked.
Nathan felt sick surrounding among them but Skillz covered Nathan.
"No comments leave us alone," Skillz shouted at the reporters.
Before reports could talk further, officers came and cleared the path for Nathan and Skillz.
"Hello Mr. Scott, I'm glad that you're here," The chief of police greeted Nathan.
"Is my son's killer here?"
"We got one, other two have been sent for medical treatment."
"What do you mean?" Skillz said in anger, "They should be locked behind the bars."
"Skillz its ok," Nathan stopped Skillz.
"I want you to meet D.A Miss Gina Miller." Chief introduced an attractive mid thirties black woman to Nathan.
"Hi Mr. Scott, I'm glad we meet here, there's something I need to tell you."
"I'm listening."
"All three of your son's murderer confessed, and we have very solid evidence, so there won't be any trail, but their case will be reviewed before they get the sentence."
"So what can I expect?"
"I think the elder ones are involved in a lot more crimes and trust me Mr. Scott, we got big fish, as for Marc, he'll get a lot of years in Prison but Judge might be get little easy on him."
"Hell no, he deserve a gas chamber." Skillz blurted out in anger."
"There's a good chance they might get the death sentence."
"What good it'll do to me," Nathan sighed, "It won't bring my son back."
Marc was sitting in the room with police officials.
"Are you sure, we are asking you for last time, are you confessing that you killed James Scott?" Lieutenant asked
"Yes I confess there's no one else, and I'm not protecting anyone."
"Fine, but I have to tell you that, even if you don't get a death sentence, you will spend a lot of years in prison and to be honest, you deserve it." Lieutenant glared at Marc.
"I know and I'm hoping to get a death sentence, I don't want to live either."
"Time will tell, there's someone who wants to see you and don't play any smart, we are watching you behind that mirror."
Door opened and Gwen entered the room.
"Aunt Gwen," Marc was surprised.
"Ok Mrs. Gwen we are leaving you two alone, you can talk to him."
Gwen sat in front of him, "I'm not here to give you any lecture."
"I know why you're here, how's Cheryl?"
"Your mom and Cheryl are both here, I've been awarded full custody of Cheryl and your mother is denied any parental rights."
"So you're going to take her away."
"Yes Marc, I'll never let her become the part of this mess; you know your own bad act almost cost her life, do you have any idea."
"I know what I've done."
"As I said before, I'm not here to lecture you, soon I'll take Cheryl far from here, and you'll see her in a few minutes."
"Is she ok?"
"You must thank that the person who came on time and saved her."
"I know who he was, and he was also the one who helped me escape."
"What?" Gwen was surprised, "You know that person."
"I do, but I promised him that I shall never tell anyone who he was, and I'm planning to keep my promise."
"As far as I know whoever he was, your sister as well as your mother is alive because of him, I'm going, and you'll meet Cheryl." Gwen said and left the room.
Marc Sighed, he knew tonight was the last night, he'll ever see his sister again, and perhaps it was his biggest sentence.
Lily was watching the news, and from it, she knew Jamie's killers were arrested.
"Are you ok?" Dan asked.
"Yes I'm ok, infect, I'm glad that these monsters are caught."
"Ok I'm going to washroom," Dan said and then they both heard knocks on the door.
"Lily, that's probably your mother, I'm going to washroom so go check." Dan said and went inside his room.
Lily opened the door and she was totally surprised, "Lucas...what are you doing here."
"I need to see Dan, and you better get inside my car," Lucas said and at once entered the beach house.
"Lucas what's wrong, are you ok?" Lily could feel the tension on her brother's face.
"Lily, just tell me where's Dan."
"He went to wash room,"
Before Lily could complete her sentence, Lucas stormed towards Dan's room.
"Lucas…what's going on?" Lily called from behind but Lucas ignored her.
He looked around the room and all of sudden he saw Dan's cell on the table; he remembered Melinda telling him that Dan watched his cell before Jamie was shot.
He immediately took Dan's cell and began searching the calling list. After few seconds, he saw what he didn't want to see. Jamie's number was on the caller list for more than once, he searched further in the message, and again he found the text message reading
"Grandpa Dan, I'm in danger, there are three people in
the shop, and they have guns, they shot clerk,
please help me.
Lucas's hands were trembling, he couldn't believe that Jamie was calling Dan, and he was ignoring him; he looked further and he saw another message.
"I've been calling you for last ten minutes; I can see you from here
that you're fixing some girl's car. I really need you; my life as well
as others are in danger so please help us."
Lucas couldn't read any further, he sat on the chair; he could barley stand after what he just heard and saw. History just repeated itself, first Dan killed Keith, and now he was direct responsible for Jamie's death. His father has taken the two most important people in his life and worse he also took advantage of their deaths by playing through their emotions.
As he was buried in his thoughts, Lily entered the room.
"Lucas…" She sat in front of and realized that he was not in a best shape, "Tell me what's wrong…please you're scaring me."
"Lily…" Lucas could barely talk and handed her the cell.
Lily looked at the cell and her eyes were also widened by the shock, she finally knew that Dan was playing with them. Before that she only heard what kind of scum Dan was, but now she had seen with her own eyes.
Dan came out of the wash room, and he got surprised to see Lucas.
"Lucas I didn't know you would come here," Dan said he didn't have the clue that Lucas now knew that he was lying to them all the time.
Lucas looked at Dan and then like a hungry predator, he charged at Dan and grabbed his throat with both his hands. Dan wasn't ready for that and Lucas threw him on the floor and began strangling him.
"Luc….sss….wha….ttt" Dan struggled but Lucas's grip was too tight; his eyes were almost red in rage.
When it was seemed like Lucas will finish Dan off, someone grabbed him from behind,
"Lucas…let him go," it was Karen's voice.
"No mom, I'll kill him this time, he's the one who killed Jamie, just like he killed Keith."
"Lucas, leave him alone," Karen tried, but he was too strong for her, but at meantime Peyton also entered the room and with Karen grabbed Lucas and they were both able to pull Lucas away from Dan.
"You two, leave me alone…" Lucas got out of their grasp and was about to charge on Dan again, but Peyton and Karen both grabbed his arms.
"Honey please, don't do this, come home with me." Peyton pleaded, she knew Lucas was not himself.
"Peyton he...ohh…" Lucas grabbed his chest and sat on the floor.
"Lucas…" Peyton yelled and Karen and Lily at once came to his aid and began rubbing his chest.
Dan was chocking, he was watching everything, and he knew Lucas now knows the truth, and he won't let him walk away from this.
"Peyton, take Lucas to the car, I'm taking you both home, please help him."
All three women grabbed Lucas and helped him to the car, Lucas's eyes were now closed, and he was breathing heavily.
"Lily what happened?"
"Mom, just look at this, and you'll know." Lily handed Karen the cell.
Karen looked at the cell and her own eyes were widened with shock and anger.
"Peyton please take care of Lucas and Lily, I want to have a word with Dan."
"I was having a bad feeling; I did a huge mistake sending Lucas to that woman," Peyton had tears in her eyes.
"No Peyton you did the right thing," Karen said and entered the beach house again.
Dan was still rubbing his neck. He looked at Karen.
"Karen I…"
"Shut up you bastard." Karen yelled, "Killing your brother wasn't enough for you!"
"Karen, I tried."
"Don't you lie…I have read the messages, you were busy entertaining some bamboo, and Jamie was there fighting for his life… you filth."
"Listen I'm sorry."
"Dan Scott…" Karen couldn't believe it, "You're sorry….Sorry works when you did a mistake, what you didn't even come close to crime, you let your grandson die, to me, it's even worse then killing Keith, yes Lucas is right you are the one who killed Jamie."
"Don't you dare say that…" Dan yelled.
Karen came and slapped Dan, "Yes you're the murder of that poor boy. He loved and cared for you and when time came you abandoned him and left him there to die, and even worse you took his death to your advantage."
"Karen I just…"
"Just shut your mouth," Karen slapped Dan again, "Father's are supposed to give their son, but you have taken everything from them, I don't know what Nathan will go through when he finds out, You know Dan why you don't die because God also hates you and don't want you, you can go to hell." Karen said and storms out of the house.
"Karen, are you ok?" Peyton asked.
"Please Peyton, just go…"
They all sat in Karen's car and drove away from the beach house, because there was nothing left there anymore.
Jack entered the station. Everyone got up and began clapping. Jack did feel good but again he couldn't deny the feeling that someone also lost his life.
"Thanks everyone, I wouldn't have done without you."
Chief came to Jack, "You've done a great job, you made me so proud."
"Thanks sir."
"There's little work left here for you."
"Ok I understand."
Jack came to his desk and Nathan was there waiting for him with Skillz and Andy.
"Jack, I'm so thankful to you." Nathan thanked.
"It was my job; I'm glad that they are behind the bars."
"So do I, finally it's all over."
"Yes it's finally over."
"Are we finished here?" Andy asked.
"Yes, there's nothing more left, I'll also leave soon."
"Thanks again Jack," Nathan said and stood up with Skillz and Andy.
When they were about to leave, Andy's phone rang, he looked at it and Karen's number was on the display.
"Excuse me," Andy said and came to a corner, "Yes Karen, why you called?"
"Andy are you finished, you have to come quickly."
"Karen what's wrong, your voice seems little shaky?"
"Nothing is alright please come home, I'm going to Lucas, you must come there, and I'll tell you everything."
"Ok I'm coming," Andy was now officially worried.
"Andy, is there something wrong?" Nathan asked.
"No everything is alright," Andy lied; he didn't want Nathan to be worried after everything that's been through.
Cops brought Marc in front of a room, Jack also arrived there.
"Ok listen, I'm in no mood for giving you any favors; I'm only doing this for Cheryl, she doesn't know what you did, she leaves with your Aunt soon, and it's her chance for a better life."
"Listen I know you don't like to get complement from me, but you're not like any cop, you do care a lot."
"Well I'm also a human being; but now you must see your sister."
"Ok." Marc said and opened the door; Cheryl was sitting on the couch.
"Marc," she ran towards her brother and embraced him.
"I'm alright, its ok."
"I was so worried, who were those people."
"You don't need to know them; they'll never hurt you or anyone again."
"Marc Aunt Gwen is taking me far away."
"Listen Cheryl, Aunt Gwen is a very good person, she'll give you all the love and care you never had."
"But I don't want to leave you, please come with me."
"I can't…"
"Please Marc, I can't do this."
"Listen to me Cheryl." Marc sat in front of her, "You are getting a chance at better life, you'll become something in life, and if you love me, you'll go with Aunt Gwen, I promise I'll be in touch."
"Marc, I'm really going to miss you."
"So will I, but it's for your own good."
"Goodbye Marc."
"Goodbye," Marc held his sister, tears were flowing from his eyes, and he knew it was the last time he is holding his sister.
Karen and Peyton helped Lucas out from the car.
"I'm ok now, I can help myself," Lucas gently pushed them away.
"Lucas don't fool us, we know you're not alright."
"It's my fault; I'm the one who's responsible for Keith and Jamie's deaths."
"Lucas…" Karen was shocked to hear those words from Lucas, so was Peyton, "Don't you dare say that ever again."
"Mom, I should have never pulled Dan from the fire, I saved him, and what he has done…he took Keith's and Jamie's lives."
"What did you just said?" it was Haley's voice from behind.
They all turned around and shocked to see Haley standing behind them there with a shock on her face.
"Haley…when did you come?" Karen asked with shaking voice.
"Just tell me is Dan responsible for my son's death?" Haley demanded.
"Listen to me Haley…" Karen came to her, but she backed away.
"Please I need to know."
"Haley….yes, Dan lied, he was with Jamie when he was shot."
"What….He let my son die...," Haley was shaking badly, "How could he do that, why in the hell I let Dan in Jamie's life."
"Haley, please calm down," Karen held Haley.
Haley looked at Karen and then collapsed in her arm.
"Haley…" Karen yelled her name and began shaking her, but she was out cold.
Peyton, Lucas and Lily also ran towards Haley and began rubbing her hands.
"Please Haley, I'm sorry open your eyes." Lucas pleaded.
At meantime Andy also arrived and like other's he was also shocked.
"What happened here?" Andy asked.
"Please call 911," Peyton told Andy.
"Ok," Andy at once dialed 911.
"Haley please hold on," Karen placed her head on her lap, everyone had tears in their eyes, they already lost Jamie, they just can't afford to lose Haley.
I know, I also feel bad as you guys already saw what Haley went through after her mother's death, and now I'm doing this to her. I planned this story long time ago, and it's hard for me to change it now. Wait for next chapter; I'll try my best to update soon.
Furthermore, I've been watching some member profile pages and saw some of them posted pictures of how their characters look like. I really loved the idea and decided to do it myself. I already collected the pictures, and I'll post them in few hours, so check my profile page tomorrow, and you'll see how my characters of this story looks like.
