Austin squints at his best friend. "What's the matter?" he's extremely worried about Riley; she's been acting strange all day and hasn't even bothered to mouth off to the adults since they entered their former Home.
Riley shrugged, "We're in trouble."
"We're always in trouble" Austin remarked knowingly. "It's something else, what's the matter?" He raises his eyebrows half-jokingly, half-worriedly; Riley's never been one to talk about her feelings, she plays the martyr.
Riley rolls her eyes and suddenly realizes he's right, they are always in trouble. Maybe if they started behaving more, then people would've wanted them sooner. "Nothing" she mumbled sourly.
"Yeah right, you've been acting weird all day. Come on, you can tell me, Rye" Austin encouraged quietly, Bevin specifically told them not, to speak until she returned. But, she isn't here, so who really gives a flying pickle what she says?
Riley chews on her lower lip; she doesn't want Bevin to catch her disobeying or they'll be in even more trouble. Bevin may seem all bubbly, but she can be quite scary too. Then again, why should she care? Brooke and Julian are probably gonna send her back, anyway. Riley wants to tell Austin what happened this morning, but he might not understand or he might be jealous. Nah, Aust's her best friend. She can trust him, he trusts her.
"Brooke and Julian said they wannna adopt me" Austin's dark brown eyes light up, Rye's always deserved a good home with a real family. "But, there are complications" Riley murmured causing her best friend to sigh sadly.
"Like what?" Austin asked; Brooke and Julian seemed like alright people in his opinion. He actually wishes Lucas and Peyton would consider adopting him too, but he hasn't really lived with them that long.
Riley answered softly, "I dunno."
"Then don't think they don't want you" her best friend advised wisely, Riley has this problem when she thinks people don't need her; when really, everyone needs her much more than they know.
"How do you know I think that?" Riley's eyes narrow at him, but she can't keep the smile from crinkling onto her cherubic face.
He replied rolling his eyes at her, "Cause I'm your best friend, dope."
"Shut up, dork" Riley slugs his shoulder causing Austin to pull a goofy grin causing Lily and Jamie to giggle.
Jamie looks around as a flood of children swim past him. The Home isn't that bad, sure it's busy with children and people shuffling around, but okay. Jamie doesn't know if he could live here full-time, but this place feels safe enough. He glances over at Riley and smiles softly, he can sense her nervousness.
"How much trouble do you think we're in?" he dared to ask, his parents are bound to be a little more than pissed with his behavior. He doesn't blame them, hell he'd understand if his Dad took all the good stuff out of his room.
"Depends" Riley tries to look cool, but that quickly ends when she sees Bevin glaring at her. Really, this wasn't her idea. It kind of sucks how everything thought it was, though.
Riley tries to keep her thoughts together. Brooke and Julian are probably not gonna wanna adopt her now. Well, it's not like they could anyway. Apparently, there are some complications which in her world, means they don't want her anymore.
"On what?" Jamie sounds confused, what the heck could that mean? If they're in trouble, that's it.
"On who comes to get us" Riley answered simply as the front doors burst open to none other than Haley and Nathan Scott; the nine year old would never admit this aloud, but she was hoping Brooke and Julian would get her themselves.
Haley's eyes fall on the four guilty children. "James Lucas Scott" she shouted stomping over to her son and glaring at him, she has her hands firmly placed on her hips.
Jamie answered weakly, "Hey Mom."
Haley wraps her arms tightly around him and once, she can see he's physically okay. She gets right to the point. "Don't you 'hey mom' me, young man. You're in so much trouble" she admonished sternly.
Nathan gives his son a hug and ruffles his hair. "You worried us, J-Luke, especially your mom. You do realize, you're grounded for a long time" he whispered causing Jamie to groan, this really sucks.
Riley's suddenly glad Brooke and Julian didn't come. Austin nudges his friend and they both share looks of relief. They feel wrong for thinking this, but they're both relieved their parents didn't come. Riley knows for certain, Brooke would've created a scene and Austin doesn't know if he can face his parents. They're gonna be so disappointed in him, hearing those words sucks worse than anything else.
Haley sees Riley's look and frowns. "Riley Grace, I wouldn't look so happy if I were you. Brooke told me to give you hell and this" the blonde haired mother pulls the child into a hug.
"I'm sorry, Jamie wasn't supposed to come" Riley said feeling tears singe her eyes. "It was just possed' ta be me and Aust, so no one would worry."
Haley looks at Austin who nods, confirming his best friend's words. "It doesn't matter who left, we'd worry no matter what. You're both family now. Do you understand?" she asked giving Riley's shoulders a quick shake.
Riley nods and suddenly a brilliant idea comes to her. "Umm, I was thinking…maybe, Jamie, Lily, Austin, and me could go back on the train and meet you home" Riley announced as Lily, Austin, and Jamie's eyes widen. Lily wonders if Riley has some kind of death wish.
"What?" Nathan asked sharing looks of confusion with his wife.
"The tickets were for here and back, wouldn't it be a waste if we couldn't use them?" the child explained rather uncomfortably. Austin presses him lips together to keep from chuckling at Riley's response.
Nathan tries very hard not to laugh at the child's gall. He sometimes wonders if she's actually Brooke's kid cause only her kid would ask somehting like that. "You're joking, right?" Haley demanded rubbing her brow.
"No, we can meet you at the station" she sounds hopeful; Nathan tries to hide his smile.
Haley opens her mouth to tell the fourth grader to sit down, but Natalie deciding this is the perfect moment to take Riley to Mary's house and be done with her payment towards this woman. Only, she has a gut feeling these people don't trust her and they're right not to.
"Riley, I think we should have a talk, in private" Natalie encouraged offering the child a smile, that grin reminds Haley eerily of Carrie's.
Riley squints confused and starts to get up. "No, you're staying right here; I'm sorry Ms. Bennett, but I don't want Riley to sneak off" Haley snapped as the fourth grader rolls her blue eyes.
"Dude, I wouldn't do that" Riley said sounding and looking very offended with Jamie's mother who rubs the back of her neck, wondering if these kids want her to get gray hair.
"Dude, sit down and be quiet" Haley ordered sternly, her eyes narrowed. The singer suddenly wishes Brooke and Julian came; they seem to be the only ones who can reel in Riley's mouth.
The little girl doesn't know if she should listen or not. Haley raises her eyebrows at Riley giving her the look. The same look she gives Jamie when he isn't minding his manners.
Riley reluctantly sits down, "Jay, your Mom's scary" she mumbled as Jamie and Nathan smile.
"You have no idea" Nathan answered winking playfully at the kids who look up with hope in their eyes. If Nathan's goofing around, maybe they aren't in as much trouble as they think.
Lily murmured softly, "Maybe, we're not in that bad trouble."
Her mother stomps into The Home; her eyes narrowed looking seriously pissed off. "Lily Roe Scott!" she shouted, Lily can see her father walking behind smiling weakly at his daughter. Poor kids, they don't stand a chance against Karen Roe.
"Never mind" Lily shakes her head and looks up at her mother feeling like an idiot. This has to be the dumbest thing she's ever done.
Austin looks past her and searches for his parents. He can't help, but feel somewhat relived when he doesn't see them. Lucas would lecture him like crazy and Peyton would...well who knows what Peyton would do. "You're all in so much trouble, why would you do this?" Karen demanded angrily.
The kids look at Austin who gulps, nervously. "Well...my brother, Cooper...sent me an email and I had to see him...I'm sorry Grandma Karen" the boy said hoping she'll smile at the fact he called her Grandma.
Much to his chagrin, Karen doesn't smile, her eyes narrow. "Why didn't you tell us? Actually, why didn't any of you tell us about this?" she demanded glaring at all four children who shrug. "This was the stupidest thing...you should have told us. Do you know what could've happened?" Karen rubs her damp eyes.
"Nothing happened" Riley answered huffing, it's not like they didn't think this through. They did, well sort of, they thought of enough to get them to Charlotte and back.
Karen turns to the little girl, stunned; she hadn't expected any of the kids to defend their actions. Haley gives Riley a sharp, warning look. "If you don't watch your tone, something will happen" Haley warned, knowing she may not be Riley's mother, but that doesn't mean she's going to let her talk like that.
"You could've gotten..." Karen's tone becomes soft as Andy takes her hand and kisses it. "We'll talk about it more when we get home" she stated shaking her head.
Haley clears her throat. "We can take the boys, you take the girls. Thanks for watching them, Bev" Haley added giving her friend a hug goodbye.
Karen takes Lily's hand and leads her away. "Riley, let's go" she called over her shoulder. The child doesn't move a muscle, instead she remains frozen and unsure.
"Oh no problem, we had fun didn't we, Nat?" Bevin asked, nudging her friend with a happy smile.
"Sure" Natalie looks at Riley noticing the child doesn't look a thing like her mother. "Hopefully, we'll see one another again on better terms" she replied knowing Mary's going to be livid about this entire situation.
Haley nudges her best friend's daughter. "I think you should go to Karen now. Come on, Riley" she ordered sternly causing Riley to cringe.
"Are Julian and Brooke pissed?" the child wondered causing Jamie to grin at his friend's gall.
"Extremely" Haley remarked taking Riley's upper arm and standing her on her feet.
Riley asked curiously, "Like how mad, on a scale of angry to pissed?"
"Hmm, one notch above pissed" Haley answered, mostly because she wants to see Riley squirm. "It won't be as bad as you think. Go on; go with Karen, Andy, and Lily. We'll see you soon."
"Yes ma'am" Riley mumbled as she walks over to Karen who has her arms folded over her chest. "I'm sorry I got Lily in trouble."
Karen wants to be angry with the girl in front of her, but for some reason she can't. "You all had an equal part in this and will be equally punished" she answered as Lily snuggles close to Andy in an attempt to avoid her mother's wrath.
Andy kisses the top of her head and ruffles her head. "You had your Mum and I worried, Lily-Flower" he murmured opening the car door and guiding the children inside.
Lily apologized, "I know, I'm sorry." She wants her Momma to forgive her too, but she also wants to avoid getting grounded forever.
Karen puts the car in drive and starts on her way home. While on the way to Charlotte, she and Andy discussed a possible punishment for their daughter.
"Lily, you're grounded; two weeks. One for being skipping school and another for getting on a train without an adult" the mother stated sternly causing Lily's mouth to drop open in shock.
This totally sucks, it's not like skipping school was her idea. Then again, Lily doesn't want Rye or Austin to get in the most trouble. Maybe she can talk her Momma into making it a week only grounding.
"But, Mom" Lily whined, she's already grounded for stealing; this would make it three weeks total and her Mom knows it.
"Complain and it'll be three" Karen warned as Andy shakes his head, he swears Karen and Lily are the most stubborn women he's ever met.
Lily snapped, "This isn't fair."
"Lily" the mother snapped angrily.
"What?" Lily asked kicking her Momma's seat. Riley's blue eyes widen with amusement, she's never seen Lily behave like this.
"Watch yourself" the mother warned stopping at the red light and shooting her youngest a look.
"Whatever" the nine year old replied rolling her green eyes causing Karen to blink, surprised. When did her daughter learn this behavior?
"Don't whatever me, young lady. You just earned another week onto your grounding and if you keep this up, you'll get another week added."
Lily opens her mouth to talk back, Riley seeing the interaction between the stubborn two quickly jumps in. "Karen, don't be mad at Lily, I made her come" she squeaked softly.
The mother looks in the rearview mirror with concern flickering through her eyes. "Riley, I know Brooke and Julian don't like being lied to and neither do I, so don't" Karen warned, raising her eyebrows at the youngster who shifts uncomfortably in her seat.
Riley lied, "I'm not."
"Yes, you are and there's no need to."
"But" Riley purses her lips together, trying to figure out a way to tell the truth without actually telling the truth.
"But, nothing" Karen cut her off, the kid reminds her so much of Brooke; she's stubborn, yet as loyal as a St. Bernard.
Lily stares at her friend, her eyes widened. "Shut up, Rye, I wanted to come. It was kinda fun" Karen raises her eyebrows at that. "But, really stupid cause we could've gotten hurt" she added causing her mother to roll her eyes and smile.
The light changes to green and Karen pushes on the gas pedal, moving forward. Suddenly their car is struck wildly by a truck. Their car spins around like a carnival ride, until it slams into a pole and the adults are thrown from their seats. A hazy discoloration swims through Riley's eyes. The girl tries to scream, but she no sound comes out of her mouth. Lily's screaming and shouting for her parents.
Riley opens her mouth weakly. "Lil…shh, we okay" she said attempted to comfort her distraught friend.
Pain shoots through her entire body as Riley's head bangs against the window and the haze becomes darker and darker until everything becomes hidden behind a veil of blackness.
"Rye, my parents aren't okay. We hafta call…Riley, stay awake. Please, you have to" Lily pleaded feeling tears fall down her cheeks as she shakes Riley. "Somebody help! I need help" she screamed, her throat aching as a bystander dials 911.
3 Days Later
Julian rubs his wife's shoulder, Brooke leans into him. Over the past few days things have been quite difficult. Ted and Victoria flew out to help them with the boys and everything. Julian hasn't slept in several days, neither has Brooke; she pretends to, but all she does is sit there and think.
"Babe, you should go home and get some rest" her husband advised his tone soft and tired. He hasn't slept much either, in fact he's gotten into the habit of watching his sons sleep.
Brooke shakes her head, defiant and unwilling to comply. "I don't want to leave her" she pleaded feeling tears burn against her eyes.
"She's not going anywhere. I'll watch her and if she wakes up, I'll call you, first. You need to sleep."
"So do you" Brooke answered raising her eyebrows, he thought she didn't know about him staying up all night. For the last three days, they've both have been running on empty.
Her husband promised, "I'll call you if she wakes up."
"I don't know what I'll do if she doesn't…Julian, I can't lose her. She's my daughter, I love her" Brooke whispered her tone cracking with despair; she can't lose another daughter, she won't.
"I love her and you" Julian kisses the top of his wife's head.
Brooke bites down on her lower lip, much to her anger tears fall down her cheeks. "I love you too" she said leaving the hospital room wiping the tears away.
Julian sits down in the spot his wife was before. "Rye, you have to wake up. We all miss you…you have to wake up. I don't know…you just need to wake up, okay? Just wake up" he said his voice trembling as he closes his eyes.
Riley studies the scene feeling guilty as hell. She hadn't wanted to cause Julian or Brooke any grief. Austin, Jamie, and Andre came by saying they missed her and couldn't wait for her to wake up. Even, Madison and Chuck visited saying they were sorry for everything. Riley honestly wonders what they'd be sorry for.
Her 'extended' family visited as well; the Evans brought colorful balloons, Peyton and Lucas brought music, Haley and Nathan brought toys, and others came to consol her parents.
The child squints and looks up at her grandmother. "Grams, why won't I wake up?" she asked tilting her head to the side.
"Love, you get to choose if you want to or not" Grams studies her grandchild with obvious concern. "Do you want to wake up, lovie?" she asked curiously.
"I don't know" Riley shrugged sadly. "I miss you so much."
"Oh sweet girl, I'm with you everyday" Grams taps her granddaughter's chest. "Right here, I'm in your heart just like you're in mine" she murmured kindly.
"I'm sorry about what happened" Riley explained causing her grandmother to squint, confused. "If I had taken gooder care of you…you wouldn't ave' died."
Grams answered shaking her head, "That was never your fault. I was the one who was supposed to take care of you. I just..I wasn't very good at it. Don't you ever think it was lovie; sometimes people…sometimes bad things happen."
"Who did something bad?" the child asked, hearing the stumble between words.
The older woman honestly doesn't know what to say. She thought Riley hadn't noticed her stumble over words like that. If her grandchild finds out what Natalie has done, she'll lose faith in all those who've ever helped her.
"Nobody, love, old people sometimes say crazy things" Grams lied offering the child a warm smile. "I think it's time for you to go."
Riley feels hot tears burn against her eyes. "But, I don't wanna leave you. You're my family" she whispered guiltily; the girl loves the Bakers, but Grams is gone.
"Sweet, you have a new family" Grams pointed out happily. "That's something I wish you had in the very beginning, guess we do things kinda backwards hu?"
"I really do love you, Grams" Riley sniffled; she hasn't called her that in years.
"And I love you, Riley Roo" Grams gives her granddaughter a hug goodbye. "But, it's time for you to wake up. You have to wake up, your family misses you. Wake up, love. Wake up" she ordered firmly and sadly.
Riley opens her eyes and looks around. Julian's still here, only his head is in his hands like he's been crying or something. It sucks cause she really didn't mean to make him feel guilty at all. He's been really kind to her and stuff. This isn't fair.
"Riley, you're awake" Julian gives her a warm hug. "Do you know how worried everyone was?" he asked paternally.
"I think so" The child forces herself to smile weakly.
"You stay here; I'm going to call Brooke" Riley gives her foster father a look, where else would she go? Her ankle's busted and her head is throbbing. Obviously, she doesn't plan on going anywhere. Dad's can be so stupid sometimes.
Three hours later, Peyton leads her two children down the hospital hall, after Brooke called saying Riley was awake; Austin demanded one of his parents take him. Lucas was too busy consoling Lily, so Peyton decided to take them.
"Soy, why don't you go in? I need to talk to Austin" Sawyer skips inside poking her tongue out at Austin. Peyton waits until the door is shut until she turns to her son. "Bud, I'm gonna get straight to the point; you can't tell Riley what happened" the mother stated sternly.
Austin shakes his head; they haven't told Sawyer what happened and he gets that, Soy's a little kid. But, Rye's his age. She has a right to know about what happened.
"She's my friend, Peyton. I'm not gonna lie" Austin objected shaking his head clearly dismayed.
Peyton answered calmly, "You aren't lying; you're just leaving a few things out."
"That's bull" Austin sees a warning look flash in his foster mother's green eyes. "I mean…she should know, too" he mumbled sourly.
Peyton knows her son wants to remain honest with his friend, but Riley has a severe concussion and can't handle news like that. "Hon, Riley might not be up for hearing news like that. I know you think telling her the truth is good, but she just got out of a coma" Peyton pointed out causing Austin to roll his eyes.
The mother gives him a warning look, Austin quickly ducks into the room smirking. Peyton shakes her head, hoping her foster son won't disobey her. Jamie is sitting on the bed, giggling with Riley. Austin smiles, relieved his best friend is somewhat alright.
"Come sit with us, Aust" Riley encouraged excitedly, she pats her other side and the boy quickly jumps onto the bed.
His body grazes Riley's ankle, causing the fourth grader's breath to catch slightly. Brooke glances down at her daughter, alarmed. Austin chews on his lower lip, worried he's hurt her. "Sorry Rye" he apologized as Riley forces herself to grin.
"No worries" the curly headed child looks past him. "Where's Lily?" she asked curiously.
The adults share knowing looks with one another. Jamie and Austin wisely avoid meeting her eyes. "My house, she's been stayin' with Momma, Daddy, Aust, and me" Sawyer answered as Peyton gives her daughter look.
"Sawyer" Peyton warned tucking a stray blonde lock behind her daughter's ear.
Sawyer looks up, confused. "What'd I do?" the six year old wondered squinting at her Momma. Brooke chuckles softly, that was defidently Luke's squint.
Riley's eyes narrow, tiredly. Since she woke up, maybe half of Tree Hill has come to see her. All this talking to people and stuff has been extremely tiring and exhausting. Madison even came by, although much to Riley's chagrin she brought her homework.
"Why's Lily at your house?" Riley asked pushing herself up, so it doesn't look like she's getting ready for bed.
Haley clears her throat and smiles sadly down at the child. "She's a little busy, right now" she replied, knowing that isn't exactly a lie.
Austin glares at Haley. "Rye, when you were asleep, something happened to Andy and Karen" he stated as Jamie nods, keeping his eyes cast downward.
Riley looked alarmed. "What happened?" she demanded feeling pain shoot through her head.
"You see…" Austin began, but he's sharply nudged by his mother.
"Austin Keith" Peyton interrupted giving him a look. Normally, Austin would mind his manner, but this time, he doesn't want to.
"She has a right to know" Austin replied weakly, realizing he's going to catch it for disobeying Peyton.
"Not another word or you can expect no desert tonight" Peyton threatened causing Sawyer and Austin's eyes to widen. Desert is a very sacred ritually at their house, one they get once a week. Neither child likes the idea of skipping out on it.
The boy looks down annoyed, Julian pities the kid. "I don't care bout' stupid ice-cream" he lied; testing the waters with his mother who raises an eyebrow in warning.
Julian understands where Austin is coming from, but Riley just woke up from a coma. "Now isn't the right time" Julian cut in, hoping to help the boy gain ice-cream.
Normally, Jamie would agree with Julian, but in his opinion Rye looks just fine. "That's a load of crap" Jamie blurted and for a second, it doesn't register what he just said, when it does he winces.
"James Lucas Scott, don't talk to Julian like that. Apologize right now, mister" Haley ordered, placing her hands firmly on her hips; she should really consider purchasing a bar of soap.
Jamie winced; he shouldn't take his anger about this on his favorite guy. "Sorry, Julian, I didn't mean it" he apologized guiltily, Julian's his friend and it was wrong of him to jump down his throat like that.
"You know what" Haley rubs her brow, tiredly. "I think we should start heading home" she stated gently ruffling Riley's dark curls.
"But, Momma" Jamie objected looking annoyed.
Haley shakes her head, she needs to start getting dinner ready or else Nathan will think he has to cook. The only thing he can cook is macaroni and microwavable pizza. "No buts, James Lucas. Come on, let's go" she urged sternly.
Brooke can see a fight starting to brew between the two stubborn Scotts and jumps in. "Jamie, Riley needs to rest. You can come by the house tomorrow and see her" she offered as Riley nods, sleepily.
"Okay" Jamie relented as he reluctantly follows his slightly annoyed mother out of the room.
About fifteen minutes later, Peyton urges her children to leave due to Sawyer needing a nap. Doctor Copeland waits until all of Riley's visitors have left to talk to Brooke and Julian. He tells them how Riley was extremely lucky to have survived with minimal injuries.
Riley only half-listens to that, she honestly doesn't think a busted ankle is minimal, but whatever. Doctor Copeland also advised no school for the rest of the week, two weeks in a wheelchair, and another two weeks on crutches. Then, hopefully she won't need a lot of physical therapy.
The nine year old waits until the good doctor has left the room to groan overdramatically. "This sucks" she sighed resting her head against the stiff pillow.
"It could've been worse, Rye" Brooke reminded; ever since she heard about Riley waking up, she hasn't dared leave her daughter's side.
Riley shrugged as her thoughts start to wander back to what her friends said before. "What happened to Andy and Karen? Is Lily alright?" she asked expectantly.
Brooke and Julian share a look. Both adults don't want to cause a relapse, but Austin's right, Riley does have a right to know what happened. Julian takes a deep breath. They had planned on waiting a few days before telling Riley, but they can't lie to her face. They aren't that kind of parents and anyway honesty is what he likes most about their relationship.