I forgot to say in the last chapter that all rights for the characters and some quotes go to One Tree Hill and the creator Mark Schwahn.

Author's Note: Firstly I would like to thank all that reviewed the first chapter. I really appreciate all of your support. I have tried to write this chapter as fast as I could so I hope you enjoy it. It is longer than my first but I wanted to introduce characters and stories a bit more. I apologise for any tense problems. I am primarily a script writer and so this is a different technique for me. Anyway, I will let you read now. Hope you enjoy!

February 2029

It was early on a Tuesday morning in the Adams/Dupre household and there was intensity in the air, one that Chase and Alex's daughter could pick up on.

"You slept on the sofa again last night," said Avery to her father as they were both sat at the kitchen table eating their Captain Crunch cereal and drinking orange juice.

"Yeah I was working late and I didn't want to wake anyone up so I crashed on the sofa."

Avery was not oblivious to the problems that her parents were experiencing. They argued regularly (although not in front of the children) and it was the third time that month that Chase had chosen the sofa over the bed. Chase knew that Avery was aware of his and Alex's problems but he couldn't bring himself to tell his daughter the truth.

"I'm 14 dad, I'm not stupid. Why can't you and mom just be happy like everybody else's parents?" Avery stormed past her mom, who had recently appeared in the doorway of the kitchen in her pajamas, and slammed her bedroom door shut behind her. Their apartment was only small so the sound echoed throughout the building.

"What's going on with Ava?" asked Alex as she sat down in Avery's previous seat at the kitchen table.

"She knew that I slept on the sofa last night. I'll talk to her don't worry."

"She's right though Chase, we're not happy."

"We're just going through a bad patch at the minute. I'm sorry for last night Lexi, honestly I am. I have to work late and sometimes it puts me into bad moods."

"It's not fair for you to take it out on me though Chase."

"I know it's not. Did you get the coffee I made you this morning?" questioned Chase, trying to change the conversation. He didn't want to end up in another argument with Alex.

"I did thanks."

"I didn't want to wake you up so I thought I'd leave it on the bedside table for you."

"I wasn't really sleeping."

"No?"

"No, you know that I can't sleep without you."

"I'm sorry Lex." It might have only been three words but Alex believed Chase. He had the same honesty and sincerity in his eyes that he had the moment he first told Alex that he loved her. She hated it when they argued.

"How about we do something tonight? I could get Mrs Kerensky to listen out for the kids and if they need anything, she's only across the hallway."

"I've got to work tonight, there's only me and Kara on the bar tonight but I'll try to be back early enough to read Cale a story."

"Okay, another night then?"

"Sure, maybe this weekend."

It had been a tradition, since they were young, for Brooke and Peyton to do something on a Tuesday. On this particular Tuesday, they had decided to spend the morning at Peyton's house. Both women were sat on the sofa surrounded by food that Brooke had brought with her from the Bistro that morning.

"Wow Momma Scott, are you sure that you're not feeding for more than two. How much more can you eat?" said Brooke surprised at the amount that Peyton had already eaten.

"You have seen nothing yet best friend. Last night I ate a whole tray of lasagna. Luke had to make him and the girls another one," said Peyton as she picked her legs up and lay them on top of Brooke's. She loved, what Brooke called, 'Breyton Tuesdays'; whether they just sat round each other's houses or actually went out into Tree Hill, they always managed to have a great time. "This little guy just loves to eat."

"I want one...a baby."

"I know you do best friend but you do know that you are going to be a big part of this baby's life just like you have been with the girls. I mean you're Aunt Brooke, what could be better than that?"

"Momma Brooke?"

"Oh God I'm sorry Brooke, of course being a mom is going to be better than being an Aunt I just meant.."

"I know what you mean Peyton and I love you for making me feel involved but it's just not the same you know."

"I hate that you haven't got any mini Brooke or Julian's running around but how about fostering one more time?"

"I can't do that to myself again Peyton, it killed me having to say goodbye to Angie and Sam all them years ago and I don't think I could through that all over again."

"Adoption?"

"You know what happened last time with Jayden. We were so close to having him for our own but then his dad decided to come back into his life and Julian and me lost our chance. Then there was the pregnant teenager in Charlotte but she changed her mind at last minute. Me and Julian just agreed to stop trying to adopt and focus on our careers but it has been fifteen years Peyton and I'm sick of focusing on my career. I want to focus on a child. But I just think that me and Julian are bad luck when it comes to fostering or adopting."

"Don't give up Brooke. Look at me and Lucas, we were told that we could lose Sawyer but 17 years on and we have three beautiful girls and a little boy on the way. It's more than we expected. Something's come when you least expect them."

"So, have you got anything planned for tonight girlie?" Brooke and Alex were in Clothes over Bros sorting through Brooke's new designs for the summer line. She had already finished her spring collection and wanted to get an early start on the summer one.

"Actually I have. I'm going to surprise Chase with dinner. He's been working a lot lately and we had another argument yesterday so I thought that I would drop by Tric with some food and surprise him. Nothing beats make-up dinner."

"Or make-up sex!"

"Brooke!" exclaimed Alex.

"What? You know I'm right. You were thinking it too."

"Yeah but I didn't say it," Alex couldn't help but smirk as she said this as she was thinking about her night ahead with Chase because it was going to be perfect. She could feel it. It was Brooke that finally brought her back into the Clothes over Bros store and out of the clouds.

"I never got to do the whole make-up sex and dinner thing with Chase. We weren't together long enough."

"Ewwww, Brooke stop! I still think it's weird that you and Chase used to be together."

"Yeah but it was back in high school. It was years ago."

"So, you were his first."

"Honey, if you think that that is weird then you wouldn't want to be Nathan or Haley."

"Why?"

"You've met Haley's sister Taylor right?"

"I think so, the loud, promiscuous type?"

"That's Taylor alright. Well she was Nathan's first. So you can imagine how awkward their thanksgivings are."

"Poor Haley!"

"I know. I don't think it helps that he has slept with me and Peyton too."

"I forgot about that."

"When you think about it, we sure did get around here in Tree Hill."

"Remind me why I moved here again," Alex said jokingly.

"If I remember correctly, I was paying you millions to be my model and you were after my boyfriend."

"Oh yeah, I was a bit of a bitch back then huh?"

"Don't worry about it; it's all in the past. And you're not the only one. I mean Peyton used to be with Julian too but I suppose we're even as I was Lucas' first. I guess the only person who has been with one person their whole life is Haley."

"That's really sweet."

"Things sure have changed."

"Not really. You're still best friends with the same people you have been your entire life. You are extremely lucky to still have them in your life Brooke. Not many people get that. I haven't stayed in touch with anyone that I knew in high school, mainly because I really was a bitch back then but also because I didn't have the kind of friends that you have."

"I know you're right. I'm so grateful for what I have in my life and I'm even more grateful for having a great friend and employee in you Alex."

"Ditto," replied Alex. She had been fortunate with Brooke. When she first arrived in Tree Hill, Alex only had two friends; Millie and Julian. But over the years Brooke had helped Alex get her life back on track. When Alex quit modelling after having Avery, Brooke offered her a job at CoB and ever since they have been great friends, especially since Millie had left to live in New York. Without Brooke, Julian and Chase's help, Alex would probably not have been the person that she is today.

On the other side of town, Haley was also remembering the past during her Literature lesson with her Junior class at Tree Hill High. Haley had been a teacher at Tree Hill since she was 24 years old and she still loved every second of it. Tree Hill High had been the place where her love for studying and teaching had begun; ever since her first tutor session, back when she was 16, when she saw that light switch on when someone understood what she was teaching. Although Haley loved music and performing, her heart was really in teaching. She chose to retire from music when the twins, Lydia Natalie & Quinley Brian, were born and she became a full time Literature teacher but occasionally helping out at the tutor centre. After all, she would always be Tutor Girl first and foremost.

""It was more than just a comet because of what it brought to his life. Direction, beauty and meaning. There were many who couldn't understand and some..." Haley was currently reading through 'The Comet' by Lucas Scott with her class when a tall, dark haired teenager waltzed into her classroom without a care in the world. "Excuse me, but we are just in the middle of a lesson," said Haley looking the boy up and down. He was certainly not dressed to impress; leather jacket, scruffy jeans and white converses that were so dirty that they were no longer white.

"I'm looking for Mrs Scott's Literature class," mumbled the teenage boy with a lack of enthusiasm which Haley hated.

"Well it turns out that you are in fact in the right class. I'm Mrs Scott and this would be my Literature class. If you would like to take a seat Mr..." waiting for the teenager to give her his name. She immediately didn't like him. She wasn't sure whether it was his appearance or his nonchalant attitude but she knew that he was going to be trouble.

"Carter. My name is Jonathan Carter but most people call me Jonny," replied Jonny as he sat down in the only empty seat in Haley's classroom.

"Well Jonathan, I'm afraid that I only use nicknames when I really know a person so for now I will call you Jonathan and you can call me Mrs Scott. Now if we can get on with the novel please. For Jonathan's knowledge, does someone want to inform him on what we have been doing? Anyone?" When no one in her class responded and offered to help, Haley decided to volunteer someone. "Sawyer? Care to explain."

"We're reading 'The Comet' by Lucas Scott. He's a local author and..."

"Typical," Jonny interrupted.

"Excuse me?" asked Sawyer as she turned around to face Jonny who was sitting a few seats behind and to the left of her.

"Nothing it's just everyone in Tree Hill is a Scott. It was only a matter of time before we started studying one of them in school. Even the teacher is a Scott."

"If you've got a problem with it, maybe you shouldn't have moved to Tree Hill," Sawyer fought back, her voice getting more defensive.

"Oh I get it, you're a Scott too huh?"

"Yeah, so what if I am?"

"God you Scott's must breed like rabbits. How many of you are there? And does that mean that Mrs Scott here is a relative of yours. I can't see the resemblance to be honest," the class begun to laugh at everything Jonny was saying. He had them under his spell.

"Right, enough Mr Carter. Settle down class," declared Haley authoritatively.

"See that everyone, Mrs Scott is defending little miss Sawyer over here. I don't think any of us would get that sort of support from a teacher. I guess it really does depend on who you know. Aint that right Mrs Scott?"

Haley was furious, she could feel her cheeks burning up and her breathing getting slightly heavier but she was nothing compared to Sawyer. Sawyer was a person who very rarely let anything affect her but this guy had really got under her skin, just like he had annoyed Haley.

"You're lucky though Sawyer, I must say that you don't take after Mrs Scott in looks. If you did, there would be no hope for you finding someone," taunted Jonny.

Before Haley could say or do anything, Sawyer had jumped out of her seat and strode to Jonny to punch him with such determination and aggression that in that single moment, Sawyer really did remind Haley of her mom Peyton.

"Right! Sawyer, back to your seat. Everyone back here for detention after school, including you Mr Carter," shouted Haley. "Welcome to Tree Hill!"

By lunch time, Sawyer was still angry about what had happened in her Literature class. She couldn't understand how one guy could annoy her so much. Sure she had always had a bit of a temper but she would usually just use words to her advantage. She couldn't even be round her friends as everyone knew of the incident during the Literature class and they were all questioning her about it. She just needed to get away. The one place in the whole school where Sawyer strangely felt safe was the school's library. When Sawyer was a young girl she had read her father's novel, 'An Unkindness of Ravens' which described the infamous Tree Hill school shooting in which Peyton had got shot in the leg and Lucas had saved her. Sawyer felt an immediate connection to the room when she first stepped foot in it 3 years ago on her first day at Tree Hill High. She didn't really care so much for books but she liked the quietness and peacefulness that the library offered and she often felt inspired by what had happened between her parents in that very room.

As she roamed the Library, occasionally taking an interest in a book's spine, she saw her sister Ella sat in her preferred corner of the library. Ella had always been the book worm of the family and although she had friends, she would often spend her time between the library and the tutor centre. The library was where she felt like she belonged and just like her sister, felt a connection to the same place that had brought her parents together.

"Hey Ella, are you okay?" asked Sawyer to the front of a thick novel as her sister's face was buried within its pages.

"I'm fine," answered Ella without looking away from her book. Most people would think of this as a rude and impolite gesture but to Ella's family it was normality. She often lost herself in the pages of a novel and it could be hours before she would return to reality. But the way Ella had answered Sawyer was what bothered her sister. Usually Ella would prefer to ask people how they were doing before she said how she was. But today she quickly answered Sawyer which was extremely unlike Ella.

"Ella? What's wrong?"

"Nothing Sawyer, I'm fine," Ella said as she finally pulled the book away from her face to reveal her red puffy eyes. It was clear to Sawyer that her sister had been crying.

"El, what have I told you about crying over books. They're not real. You're as bad as dad," said Sawyer chuckling to herself. But as Ella did not defend her tears, Sawyer realised that something else had made her sister cry. "What's happened?" asked Sawyer sincerely.

"Sawy, am I weird?" questioned Ella to her older sister.

"Of course you are little sis," replied Sawyer as she took a seat on the floor next to her sister. "But isn't everyone? You've just got to remember that others are better at hiding it."

"Is that why I don't have friends?"

"What are you talking about? You have friends El."

"A couple of girls said that I was weird because I stay in the library all the time. I've been re-reading Ravens and..."

"You've already read it like a hundred times," Sawyer interrupted in shock. She could never understand how Ella could read a book more than a couple of times and still find it just as interesting and riveting as the first time that she had read it.

"I know but with dad and Uncle Julian working on the film, I felt inspired to read it and it got me thinking. Dad and mom had some really great friends you know by the time that they were 17. I know that I'm only 15 and there's still chance for me to find that friend who will be with me through the good and the bad but dad has been friends with Aunt Haley since they were kids and same with Aunt Brooke and mom. I want a friendship like that Sawyer."

"Those types of friendships are hard to find, I'm afraid. I don't have friends like that."

"I know but you're okay with being alone."

"Is that what you think?" asked Sawyer, turning to look at her sister. "I wish that I had a best friend like what mom and dad have but I just haven't found that best friend yet. And another thing, you're not going to find great friends in a library Ella. You've got to get out there and live in the real world, it's a scary place but you can't be wrapped up in books forever," Sawyer said as she stood up. "The real world is out there Ella and we've all got to face it, sometimes alone."

Haley was not looking forward to the detention that she had given to her Literature class but she knew that she had to show Jonathan that he couldn't get away with harassing students and teachers. Her class just wasn't interested in Literature; they needed inspiration and Haley knew just who to call.

"Hey Luke," said Haley when Lucas answered his mobile.

"Oh hi Hales, are you okay?"

"I'm fine thanks Luke. I can't really talk right now, I'm in my lunch break but I was wondering if you could drop by the school later. My Literature class are studying 'The Comet' and I was wondering if you could talk to them about it. I know your busy and everything Lucas but I would really appreciate it."

"Sure Haley. What time do you want me to be there?"

"Clearly Mr Carter has made an impression on you considering you all insisted on joining in on his performance earlier today. So until you all realise that you need to take this class seriously, you will be having detention every week," Haley said authoritatively to her students who had all turned up to her detention, even Jonathan. "Now I thought that you all needed some inspiration as you don't seem to understand the true meaning of the novel, so I asked the author himself to drop by hence why he is sat at my desk. Lucas..." said Haley inviting Lucas to sit on the chair at the front of the class.

"Thanks Mrs Scott. Well I don't know what sort of detention this is because my teachers never tried to help us understand what we were studying in a detention, we were just left to do whatever work we had in our bags..."

"Some of us would actually prefer that," Jonny sniggered.

"Excuse me, did you say something?" questioned Lucas when he heard Jonny whisper something.

"Lucas, this is my new student Jonathan Carter," Haley introduced Lucas to Jonathan.

"It's Jonny actually."

"So you're the one who caused trouble in Mrs Scott's class today? But if you don't mind I'd like to carry on talking about the novel"

"Go ahead, don't let me interrupt you," Jonny cockily stated with a smirk on his face.

"'The Comet', that's what you're all studying right? Well it's mainly a love story but I wanted there to be a twist. Because people don't necessarily have to be in love with a person they could love an idea, a dream, something that they know exists even if others don't."

"So what or who did you write it for then Mr Scott?" asked Jonny.

"If you read my dedication, I wrote it for, and I quote, 'all those lost souls who have forgotten to believe in the immensity of love."

"You must have been a pretty lost soul yourself when you wrote it," Jonny persisted.

"And what makes you say that?"

"Well I've read all of your novels and this is the only fictional type one, the other two describe your life and it's not based on your imagination. Therefore, you must have used personal experience."

"You've clearly done your research, Jonny right? I suppose I was lost when I wrote the novel."

"In love?"

"Jonathan, what is this? 20 questions?" questioned Haley.

"I'm just trying to understand the book a bit more Mrs Scott."

"Its fine; anything to make you understand what the story is about. I wanted it to be accessible to everyone so that it could relate to any person and still give them hope. But for me personally it was written about my love for a person."

"Would that be Peyton Sawyer?"

"It would be yes. Now does anyone have any opinions on the novel, like what they think about characters etc?"

"I have a theory," declared Jonny.

"Okay then, please tell us."

"Well, I don't think that the scientist really was in love with the comet, more the idea that he had something that nobody else had, you know. He never treated the Comet right and like it's said in the novel, "There were many who couldn't understand, and sometimes he walked among them." But I think that he was always walking amongst them because he strayed so many times from their love."

"You're wrong," Sawyer interrupted Jonny. "He often strayed away from the Comet and believed that it didn't exist because it was difficult to explain and sometimes he lost hope but that doesn't mean he stopped loving the Comet or stopped believing in what the Comet actually meant to him. It's clear that his love for the Comet was powerful and unbeatable. Kind of like Lucas' for Peyton."

"Really?"

"Yes, I think you need to read the book some more," Sawyer suggested. She hated the fact that this guy thought that he could waltz right in to the school and mock the book that was an entire love story based on her parents love story.

"Wait a minute," said Jonny. "Sawyer. As in Peyton Sawyer? Don't tell me. You're the consequence of Lucas and Peyton's love," Jonny laughed with the rest of the class.

"Okay settle down everyone!" shouted Haley.

"No wonder you're defending the novel, if he's your dad."

Lucas found the teenage boy pointing at him and his daughter was clearly embarrassed by the whole situation.

"I should have realised. Sorry, I was a bit slow on that one. Not only are you the famous Lucas Scott's daughter but you must also be related to Mrs Scott too. No wonder you get special treatment Sawyer."

"That's enough; we don't want a repeat of today's lesson. I think we'll call it quits on today's detention," offered Haley. She thought that inviting Lucas was a good idea but it just seemed to annoy Jonathan even more. What was his problem with the Scott's anyway?

Alex had managed to persuade Brooke to let her finish early from work so that she could get everything prepared for her night with Chase. Alex had been to the shops in her lunch hour to buy lots of candles and even had time to ask Mrs Kerensky to listen out for the children that night.

Luckily, when Alex arrived at Tric, Chase was busy and hadn't realised that Alex was there. Alex had a word with Kara, a Tric bar worker who promised to distract Chase whilst Alex was preparing the back room. It was only a small room but Alex wanted everything to be perfect so she laid the blanket out on the floor and scattered candles all round the room. She took Brooke's advice and visited the new Bistro before arriving at Tric. All that was left was for Chase to arrive and then Alex could get on with her perfect night with her boyfriend. She had told Kara to tell Chase to come to the back room at 6.30 and as Alex looked at her watch she saw that it was about that time.

"Kara I really don't think that it's in the back... Alex?" Chase looked slightly confused as he walked into Tric's back room to find his girlfriend sat on a blanket on the floor surrounded by candles and food.

"Surprise!" Alex shouted maybe a little bit too nervously.

"What's going on?"

"I thought I'd surprise. You've been working really hard lately and I haven't been helping with all of our fighting and arguing so I thought that we could have some food and just be happy for a change."

"I'm supposed to be working tonight though."

"I've already talked with Kara and she asked Kevin to come and help her out on the bar so we're good for a few hours. Now are you really going to leave a girl waiting on the floor?"

Chase made his way to the empty spot on the blanket next to Alex and gave her a tender kiss. He was grateful for her effort and didn't know how to say it in words. He was good at putting all of his emotions into a kiss and Alex knew exactly what he was trying to say.

After they had eaten all of the food, Chase and Alex lay cuddled up on the floor. Alex couldn't help but smile when she realised how wonderful the night had been so far.

"I best get back to the bar," said Chase as he unfolded his arms from around Alex to get up but before he could, Alex had reached out for his hand.

"Chase, please just sit down. It's only been an hour and if they need you they know where you are," replied Alex.

Chase couldn't argue with her. The night had been great so far but he was worried about how the bar was doing. He just couldn't seem to take his mind of work.

"Chase," said Alex as she noticed that Chase had started to day dream slightly. She knew what would take his mind of things. She leant over to him and kissed his perfect lips. When Chase responded, Alex wrapped one of her arms around Chase's neck and the other was unbuttoning his shirt. A moan escaped Chase's mouth and Alex could feel herself heating up. Her and Chase hadn't been this close and intimate in a long time and it felt good having him so close to her physically and emotionally. Chase's hands were roaming all around Alex's perfectly shaped body, touching places that he hadn't touched in a while. One of his hands rested in her hair; stroking her gorgeous brunette locks whilst the other descended to her breasts. With one touch, Alex felt a shiver run across her whole body. She straddled Chase and pulled her dress from over head, only breaking away from Chase's lips for a second. She leant back down but this time went for his neck and started to suck and bite at his most sensitive spot. Alex knew that she had hit the right place when she could feel Chase harden up.

"Chase," Alex moaned.

Chase didn't know what had come over him. He suddenly pushed Alex's half naked body away from him.

"Damn it Alex."

"Chase, what's wrong? We were having a good time."

"We can't do this here Alex, I work here. Someone could walk in at any minute," said Chase standing up.

"So lock the door then," Alex whispered as she mimicked Chase's stance and caught his lips in hers again. But once again Chase pushed her away.

"I'm not doing this here Alex!" said Chase, picking up his shirt which Alex had taken off his back.

"You don't find me sexy anymore right? Not attractive enough?" asked Alex, tears welling up in her eyes. She couldn't believe how the mood in the room had changed in a matter of minutes.

"What are you talking about? Of course I do but I just don't want to do this here."

"You never used to have a problem with it. I know that you don't love me Chase. I'm never going to be the one for you but I thought that maybe over time you might learn to love me. For a while there I thought that you had but when you started mentioning how you never wanted to get married, I did start to question your love for me. I'm not her Chase and you know what, I never will be. I thought that I was okay with you just being with me because I'm the mother of your two children but I'm sick of being second best...I can't do this anymore," Alex struggled to get the last part out as she finally realised that it was over between her and Chase.

"What do you mean, you can't do this anymore?"

"I mean that we're over Chase. I don't want to be hurting anymore and I don't want you to either so I think it's best that we quit now before the Ava and Cale get hurt too," said Alex as she pulled her dress back on over her head. "I'm sorry," Alex managed to whisper as she ran from the room, leaving Chase alone and confused.

"Brooke! Brooke!" Alex shouted as she ran into the Clothes over Bros store. She was so thankful when she walked past to see the light still on. Brooke walked out to the front of the store to find her friend tear stained and puffy eyed standing in front of her.

"Alex, what's wrong? Are you hurt?" asked Brooke worriedly.

"I left him Brooke. I left Chase!" Alex broke down in her friend's arms; struggling to breath and barely standing up. If Brooke didn't have her arms around Alex, she would have fallen to the floor. She had never felt so weak.

"Right let's sit you over here," said Brooke, walking Alex to one of the sofa's in the store. "Now tell me exactly what happened."

"It's a...long story Brooke," replied Alex in between tears.

"Well I've got all night," Brooke said inviting Alex to explain.

Alex was scared about revealing the past, but she knew that that was where her and Chase's problems started so if she was going to explain, she had best start at the beginning.

Author's Note: I thought that I would leave it on a sort of cliff hanger. I'm sorry that I didn't introduce some of the other characters (Avery, Lydia, Quinley, Annie etc) and Julian & Nathan didn't have scenes this chapter. I wanted to introduce the character of Jonny and see what you guys think of him as he is going to be an important character. That's all from me for now. Leave me reviews, they keep me writing!

Oh and if you are struggling to picture Sawyer, Ella, Annie or Avery, I've kind of based them on their parents. Sawyer basically looks exactly like Peyton in Season 1. Ella is a bit shorter than how Peyton used to be, looks more like Luke and has Peyton's Season 4 hair. Annie has turqoise eyes, looks like Peyton and has Peyton's season 5 hair but Lucas's colour. Avery looks like Chase but has her mom's smile. More will be described about her in later chapters though.

Next Chapter- A step into Chalex's past, more scenes with the younger generation & an explanation as to how Leyton managed to have more children.