Authors Note: Hey guys, sorry that this update is longer than I promised you it would be but I have 'Won't Go Home Without You' & 'OTH According To...' That being said, I'm certainly not giving up with this story. Thankyou for those who still read the story, it means the world & thanks to those who review. Messages of inspiration! I hope y'all enjoy this chapter & are loving S8 as much as me! Enjoy :)

Disclaimer: I do not own anything other than the characters of Jonny, Lydia, Quinley & Sawyer. Also the song used, 'I Wont Give Up' belongs to Jana Kramer.


March 2029-

"Nathan!" Haley's voice echoed through the house. She could hear his footsteps getting louder.

"You should have just seen the free throw that Lydia just-Hales are you okay?" he asked as he looked at Haley's pale skin. "You don't look too good baby."

"I've just been sick and I don't feel myself Nathan at all." He was by her side before she could even finish her sentence, stroking her arm comfortingly. "I think you should go and get me a pregnancy test from the store."

Lucas and Julian were nearing the end of their audition process. They had every character minus Lucas. It seemed that he was even harder to find than Peyton.

"You're being stubborn Luke," Julian told him.

"And you're being stupid," Lucas retaliated. Tensions were high between the two men; they couldn't agree on anything.

"Real mature. Look we've had several great actors audition for your role but you always manage to find something wrong with them."

"I do not."

"Yes you do and you know you do. Now can we please just agree on one of them?" Julian begged. He was bored of auditioning, the task was becoming tedious and it meant that he was spending less time at home with Brooke. "You have a family Lucas and I have Brooke. Wouldn't you prefer to be at home with them?"

"Of course I'd prefer to be at home with my family but we haven't found him yet and this story means too much for me to just choose the wrong actor."

"Okay, well how about we set a deadline? One more day of searching & then we make a decision. We need to start filming Lucas. Deal?"

"Fine," Lucas agreed with a sigh as he sat down in his chair.

"Louise, will you send the next person in please?" Julian asked his assistant through his phone receiver.

Lucas couldn't look at Julian, he was too frustrated. He and Julian had bonded more over the years but they still hadn't managed to find that working relationship yet.

"Hey, I'm Jonny Carter and I'm here to audition for the part of Lucas Scott."

Haley and Nathan sat in their bathroom, waiting for the pregnancy test.

"Should we call Brooke and Julian before we look to see if you are pregnant?" Nathan wondered as he held Haley's hand.

"I don't think so Nathan, I don't want to get her hopes up. What if I'm not pregnant? You know how excited she can get."

"Good point. So how much longer do we have to wait?"

"Another two minutes or so." Haley's hand was shaking; she was nervous and excited all at the same time.

"Are you scared?" Nathan was worried about her; he didn't want her getting ill from the pregnancy.

"Oddly, no. I'm looking forward to it. When I see how Brooke and Julian are with kids, I don't regret agreeing to do this at all. They deserve this and I'm so privileged to be giving it to them." Haley looks at her watch to check the time. "Its time." She and Nathan looked at each other for a minute before glancing down at the pregnancy test to see the result.

"No!"

"Lucas, don't be ridiculous," Julian told Lucas whilst rolling his eyes.

"He is not auditioning, least of all for my character."

"That would be discrimination Mr Scott. Unfair treatment," Jonny said to Lucas with a cocky smirk.

"See, he already has your 'I know it all' tone of voice," pointed out Julian.

Lucas simply ignored Julian's comment. "Unfair treatment is what you give to Mrs Scott Jonny. Now you'll get a taste of your own medicine.

"Five minutes of your time that's all I ask?"

Lucas scoffed but Julian agreed to let Jonny audition.

"I've chosen my favorite quote from the book if that's okay, rather than a scene from the script?"

"Sure, go ahead," Julian reassured him.

"My name is Lucas Scott. I'm a senior at Tree Hill High School. I play basketball - at least I used to. I have a girlfriend - at least I used to. And I have a best friend. " Jonny recited the line from memory, knowing each pause and syllable. "Tree Hill is just a place somewhere in the world. Maybe it's a lot like your world, maybe it's nothing like it. But if you look closer, you might see someone like you. Someone trying to find their way. Someone trying to find their place. Someone trying to find their self. Sometimes it seems like you are the only one in the world who's struggling, who's frustrated, or unsatisfied, or barely getting by. But that feeling's a lie. And if you just hold on, just find the courage to face it all for another day, someone or something will find you and make it all okay." He continued with the same hope that Lucas remembered feeling whilst writing it. "Because we all need a little help sometimes. Someone to help us hear the music in the world, to remind us that it won't always be this way. That someone is out there. And that someone will find you."

Jonny finished and Julian was staring back at him grinning happily. He had found his Lucas. Luke on the other hand bore his signature broody look but did not speak.

"Great quote choice," Julian broke the silence. "Luke, what did you think?"

"I still say no. He doesn't even look like me," Lucas said under his breath.

"So he can cut his hair and dye it blonde if necessary. The point is, he sounded just like you and his voice is perfect for voice over's. I say we get Sawyer here and see what chemistry they have together."

"We can't, Sawyer is in school, which is exactly where he should be." Lucas glared at Jonny.

"What can I say? I'm really dedicated to this part."

It shocked Lucas at how fast Jonny could switch from acting like Lucas and then being Jonny again. His sarcasm was annoying.

"Well listen, could you come back in a couple of hours when Sawyer is here and we'll do a test shot on you both."

"Peyton Scott?" The nurse called out to the waiting room.

"That's me," Peyton indicated holding her hand loosely in the air.

"The Doctor's ready to see you now."

"Come on then Momma Scott, let's get you out of this chair," Brooke offered as she gave her hand to Peyton to hold as she raised herself out of the chair.

"Brooke, I'm pregnant not incapable."

"Okay, I'm sorry."

"Thanks though, for coming with me today. Lucas is really busy with the movie and-"

"Peyton, stop. I love coming with you to these things. Plus, it's practise for when Haley eventually gets pregnant." Brooke said pouting as she and her best friend walked down the corridor to the ultrasound room.

"Still nothing?"

Brooke shook her head. "No but the Doctor warned us that this could happen. How many attempts did it take you to get pregnant baby boy Scott?"

"Two tries, it was hard work but worth it." They entered the darkened room where the Doctor and ultrasound technician were waiting.

"If you want to lie down on the bed Peyton and I'll be with you in a second," the Doctor told her before leaving the room. Peyton, with Brooke's help, lay down on the bed and lifted her shirt for the technician to put the gel on her tummy.

"Are you going to the Talent Show tonight?" Peyton asked turning towards Brooke.

"Of course, I wouldn't miss Lydia's performance for the world. She's totally gonna own that stage, just like her mom and dad would." Brooke's face beamed with pride for her niece.

"Okay Peyton, sorry to keep you waiting," the Doctor apologised when he entered the room. "How have you been feeling?"

"I've been great. This has been the best pregnancy yet I would say."

"That's great news. No pains or sickness?"

"No pains and no sickness, not since the food poisoning last month but you already know about that."

"Are you still working?"

"I am, though not as much as I usually do. Things have died down for me with work. Plus, I don't think Luke would let me do much anyway. He's always telling me to rest."

"Good, so he's doing what I told him," the Doctor grinned. "So how about we see how this little guy is doing?"

Nathan had been coaching the team for the past hour. The game tomorrow was the one before State Championship Finals; if they won that game then they were going to the State Championship, the first time for the Ravens team in 10 years.

"Right guys, we're finished for the night."

"What? Dad we've only practised for an hour," Quinley complained.

"I know Q but I don't want to push you all. So go home, maybe come to the talent show tonight to support my Lydia and get some rest before the game tomorrow. You guys have got this. I've got faith in you." Nathan always tried to motivate the team, just like Whitey did for him.

Sawyer finished school and quickly made her way to Julian's production office. She had received a text message off him telling her that they had found a Lucas for the movie and they wanted her and the actor to do a scene together.

"Hey Uncle Julian," she greeted as she entered his familiar office. "Dad."

Then she saw him, the face that was annoying her so much lately.

"What are you doing here?" she asked Jonny with a glare.

"Sawyer, Jonny is here to do a scene with you," Julian explained.

"Wait, you're the Lucas? No, I'm not doing this."

"See I told you that she wouldn't agree," Lucas smirked. He knew his daughter well enough to know that she hated Jonny.

"Look, there's that 'I know it all' tone that I said Jonny had." Julian was now the one with the smirk as he was proven right. "Sawyer, please? Just one scene. Jonny give her the scene."

Jonny handed Sawyer the paper with the scene that they had to act out. She took one look at it and agreed.

"Right, ready when you are then kids."

"Can I ask you a question?" Jonny put on his shy exterior; similar to how Lucas' was when he first spoke to Peyton.

"It's a free country..." Sawyer sighed.

"Why are you a cheerleader? I mean, no offense or anything, but you're about the least cheery person I know."

Sawyer stared fiercely at him.

"Come on; let me give you a ride. I'll let you insult me," Jonny offered with a smile. Sawyer hated to admit it but he was good. It was like he was another person but she still hated him.

"First of all, you don't know me. Second of all, you don't know me." Sawyer's bluntness was identical to Peyton's. "God, why are guys such jerks?"

The scene had finished but she continued to glare at Jonny which he loved.

"That was perfect guys. You got that love/hate chemistry going on. Wouldn't you say so Luke?"

Lucas just nodded his head; he refused to comment on how good Jonny actually was.

"I'm just kinda worried that you both wouldn't be able to do the more romantic scenes between Lucas and Peyton. If you would try the scene on the other side of the sheet and this time Sawyer will you act like you worship him?" Julian advised the two teenagers before they started the scene.

"Peyton! It's you." Jonny spoke as he acted out the realization that Lucas felt when he knew he was supposed to be with Peyton.

Sawyer knew what line came next, she knew how she was supposed to act but how could she let her face light up for him? But she really wanted this part; it wasn't so much for the acting, but more for acting out her mom, her biggest role model.

"What?" she questioned confused, letting her guard down, the green glare no longer in her eyes.

"When all my dreams come true, the one I want next to me. It's you," he recited honestly. Reaching out his hand, he stroked her face and brought himself into her. Sawyer took a deep breath at his touch, his touch that sent warm shivers through her body. Her smile lit up her face. "It's you Peyton." His hand left her cheek and moved softly to the back of her neck as he gently pulled her face towards him. Sawyer couldn't stop herself, she wanted to pull away from the boy that gave her the creeps, but there was something in his eyes that enchanted her and she was rooted in that one spot.

"Wow!" Julian's voice seemed louder than normal as Sawyer realized where she was and quickly jumped away from Jonny, her cheeks blushing. "You both really tried then. I wanna just talk to Luke, do you mind waiting outside please?"

The two teenagers left the room; Sawyer felt her cheeks burning up.

"It was pretty intense in there Scott," Jonny said as he casually leant against the wall outside the door.

"That was acting."

"Is that why you're blushing?"

"I'm-"

"Yes you are," he said whilst reaching out to touch Sawyer's red cheeks. "I think it's rather cute." He continued to close the gap between them; their noses almost touching as Sawyer saw him close his eyes. She did the same when she heard him sniggering. "See I knew you wanted me."

"You're such a jerk," Sawyer punched his arm in typical Peyton Sawyer fashion.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the door, another argument was ensuing.

"I refuse to cast him in my movie," Lucas was determined not to give Jonny the part.

"Luke, he's perfect for the part and your putting your grudge for this guy before what's right for the movie. I have final say on it anyway so you either agree to work with him or you don't be part of the movie anymore, it's up to you?"

Tree Hill High's talent show had become quite popular over the years, especially when the famous Haley James Scott became involved. It was the one thing that she felt was missing when she went to school there, so she set one up herself. The filled gymnasium was buzzing, every place on the bleachers were taken.

"Thanks for coming tonight guys," Haley thanked all of her friends, who had all turned up to support Lydia.

"Don't be silly Hales, we're family," Lucas added nonchalantly.

"Exactly, plus you know that me and Julian will be expecting y'all to come to our baby's dance competitions and science fairs," Brooke grinned a dimpled smile. "Speaking of teacher mom, any news?"

Haley looked at Nathan and they both thought back to earlier in the day as they sat in the bathroom looking at the pregnancy test.

"It's negative," Haley told him.

"Oh."

"I really thought I was pregnant Nathan." She leant her head on his shoulder and he wrapped his arm around her as they sat on the edge of the bathtub.

"Well it might just be too early to tell right now babe. Let's just give it a few more weeks."

"No, I'm sorry Brooke. I mean I've been ill the past two days but it was just food poisoning," Haley told Brooke.

"You'll tell us if anything changes though?"

"Of course Tigger, you'll be the first person I tell." Haley's hand extended towards Brooke and squeezed it comfortingly.

The night continued with the gang having to sit through numerous entertaining and not so entertaining performances, from dancers to puppeteers. Caleb was getting restless and everyone was hungry.

"When's Lydia coming on dad? I'm starving!" Quinley complained.

"She's on next right Hales?"

"Yeah she is. I'm sorry that you all had to sit through this," Haley apologised.

"Don't worry Haley, its fine," Lucas said and then whispered to Peyton. "We should have arrived late; this has been the longest night of my life."

Peyton laughed and slapped Lucas' arm. "Come on, we here to support Lydia."

"I know, I know. But don't you think you need the rest?"

"Lucas I told you what the Doctor said. Me and the baby are fine. He's feeling really hopeful about this one. Our little guy is being strong."

"Just like his mom." Lucas kissed Peyton's cheek. "And his big sister's," he added when he saw that his three daughters were looking at him and his wife.

"Last performance tonight is Lydia Scott," the Principal said over the microphone.

The crowd cheered, especially the Scott/Baker/Adams-Dupre section of the gym. Lydia made her way into the centre of the gym, where her microphone stood, carrying her guitar. She was dressed casually in a floral dress and cow boy boots; totally rocking the country look. Her raven colored hair fell in loose curls around her shoulders as she stepped up to the Mic.

"Hi, I'm Lydia Scott and I'll be performing a song that I wrote called 'I Won't Give Up'. My songs are often inspired by those around me, just like this one."

Lydia began to pluck at the strings on her guitar before singing the first line to the song.

"Don't tell me love is something you won't try again; that's just not true.
But baby right now maybe what you need's a friend, well, I'm here for you."

Haley and Nathan were the picture of proud parents as they smiled at each other before focusing their eyes on their only daughter who looked so content playing for such a large audience. She had gained Haley's singing skills but Nathan's confidence; she had not acquired the stage fright that haunted her mom.

"I will be by your side if ever you fall deep in the dead of the night, whenever you call.
And I won't change my mind, no, I'll see you through and I won't give up, no, I won't give up.
I won't give up on you."

"Haley, she's beautiful," Brooke gushed.

"Where did that voice come from?" Alex wondered.

"You need someone who knows you from the inside out, the way I do.
I seen you walk the wire never looking down, I believe in you."

"We did good baby," Nathan told his wife, tears filling his eyes. His little girl was all grown up.

"We sure did."

"I will be by your side if ever you fall deep in the dead of the night.
And I won't give up, no, I won't give up, I won't give up.
You can call it love but I won't give up on you."

Lydia ended the song with a few more chords then stood looking out at the applauding crowd. Her family were frantically clapping and cheering stoop up from their seats. Even Peyton, heavily pregnant as she was, stood up to cheer on her niece. Lydia waited on the stage as the other contestants and the Principal joined her.

"Now to reveal the winners," the Principal announced. "In third place is Bentley Hudson for his skateboard skills. In second place is Juliet Moore with her violin. But in first place is Lydia Scott."

Haley's cheers could be heard above everyone else's as she jumped up and down next to Nathan. Lydia received her gift voucher and trophy from the principal and took a bow with the other students, then ran to her family who welcomed her with hugs. Once Haley had let go of embracing her daughter, Peyton approached her.

"Haley, can I talk to you for a minute please?"

"Sure Peyton, what's up?" Haley asked as they stepped away from everyone else.

"I want to sign Lydia."

Haley stared at Peyton in shock. "With Red Bedroom?"

"Yeah and look I know that she's only fifteen but she's what I've been looking for for months now. I forgot how amazing her voice was. But I understand if you wouldn't want this for her. I know how hard it was for you and you were older than Lydia but I just thought I'd suggest it to you so that you and Nate can discuss it with her."

"Wow, I don't know what to say?"

"I'm sorry Hales; I didn't mean to ambush you. I'm just really excited because that girl has so much potential."

"Thankyou Peyton. I'll mention it to Nathan tonight and we'll sit down with Lyds, see what she thinks."

"Okay and maybe the three of you can come for lunch on Saturday and we can discuss it?"

"That would be great."

"Well me and Luke are gonna head home, this little guy is sitting in an uncomfortable position," Peyton explained pointing at her stomach, causing Haley to laugh.

"See you tomorrow at the game girly," Haley said as she hugged her friend of so many years. "And be easy on your momma little nephew," she placed her hand on Peyton's stomach before leaving to join her husband and children, excited to tell them about Peyton's proposal.

Authors Note: So Jonny & Sawyer will be playing Lucas and Peyton in the movie, Lydia is the new Haley James Scott & Haley still isn't pregnant. I decided to stay away from Avery's storyline for this chapter, I wanted something a little more light hearted. Let me know what y'all think. Thankyou!