Chapter 8

It was down to the last thirty-seconds of the game and the opposing team the "Wilcats" were now one point ahead of the Ravens. The next basket would determine who would win the game. All eyes were on Nathan Scott to go for the win, but due to his consistent lack of respect towards his coach, he had been benched. The spectators were now losing all hope of an undefeated season, unless someone could make a goal in the next thirty-seconds.

Tim passed the ball to Matt Skiller and Matt passed it back as he soon found himself double teamed. Tim looked desperately for someone to pass the ball to and noticed Lucas Scott in the corner about 15 ft away from the net. Nobody was guarding him as people had long since gave up, he was playing his worst game ever. Tim screamed his name and Lucas turned around in complete shock as the ball was passed to him.

The buzzer read fiver seconds as he positioned the ball to shoot. Soon three seconds came and Lucas threw the ball, the crowd went completely quiet and suddenly the ball hit the rim and bounced off. The Ravens had lost their first game of the season and things were already turning bleak.

Lucas fell to the ground, completely shocked and sad that he missed the basket. If he had been on the Rivercourt he could have made that shot no problem. But due to all the pressures of being in that gym, he found himself at his worst. Everyone shook their heads as they walked past him and from the corner of his eye Lucas could see Dan smirking at him, as if this is what he expected. Lucas just glared at him as he got up and walked over to where Keith and Cassie stood next to Whitey.

Cassie gave her brother a hug as soon as he stepped up to them.

"What was that a pity hug?" Lucas asked bitterly.

"Luke, you did the best you could. Thats all you can ask for." Keith said trying to remain positive and helpful.

"I agree with Uncle Keith." Cassie said. "You tried, so what if you didn't necessarily succeed. We all have our bad moments. We love you anyways" Cassie said.

Lucas only nodded. "Wait, where's Haley? I she to ashamed to be seen with me now?"

Cassie shook her head. "She made a beeline for the bathroom as soon as the game ended. Look there she is." Cassie said as she pointed in the direction of Haley who stood talkig to some guy with his back turned.

Everyone watched in surprise as the guy turned around and revealed himself to be Nathan. Nathan walked with Haley back to the group.

"Look man, you still up for that party?" Nathan asked.

"Even after I completely ruined the teams chances at an undefeated season?" Lucas asked.

Nathan nodded. "There's always next year. And if it helps your sister and friend Haley here have already agreed to come."

Cassie looked at Nathan confused. "I have?" She asked.

Haley darted a glare at her.

"I guess I have. Well Luke, what do you say? Maybe it'll take your mind off of things." Cassie encouraged.

"Or maybe it'll make things worse." Nathan mumbled under his breath as he let out a mischievious smirk without anyone noticing. "Uncle Keith it was good to see you, see the rest of you guys later." Nathan said as he walked away.

"Bye Nathan." Keith called to his nephew.

"What was that?" Cassie laughed. "Since when does Nathan Scott acknowledge that he has a family?"

"Maybe things are turning up for the better." Haley said. "He seemed ok to me."

"Yeah Hales, he was totally flirting with you." Cassie said.

"He was not, he was just being nice. He invited me to the party and said you and Luke were going." Haley said.

"Something just isn't right." Lucas commented still feeling weery of the situation.

"I agree." Cassie conquered. "But lets just try and have a good time tonight. So you'll never guess who was talking to me outside the gym at halftime."

"Brooke and Peyton." Haley said. "Yeah I saw them. What's up with that?"

"I have no idea, but Peyton actually seemed kind of cool for the all of 5 seconds that I talked to her. And Brooke was well Brooke." Cassie said.

"Something is definitely going down, and I'm going to find out what." Lucas said.

"Look you guys head to the party, Luke I'll talk to your mom." Keith suggested and they all agreed.