Mrs. Fields starts to hand Lily another slice of cake. "If I eat anymore cake, I'm gonna explode" Lily announced giggling as Andre takes the slice of cake from his mother and winks playfully at Lily.
Denise smiles at the enchanting child before her. She heard about what happened and gets why Lily doesn't want to be home. Poor little thing must miss her parents so much. The mother wonders if Andre remembers Q, after all he was just four when he died.
Andre rudely shoves the cake into his mouth causing Lily to make a face of somewhat disgust. "Dre, don't be so rude" Denise chided gently and runs her hand over his hair.
"Sorry Momma, it's just so good" Andre commented grinning at her, blue frosting smeared in his teeth.
Lily nods in full agreement. "It's really great, Mrs. Fields" she murmured smiling softly at them.
"Thank you, I bought it from…you know what, I think I want another slice it's just so good" Denise agreed; she was going to say Karen's, but at the last minute decided against it. "Ah, well I think it's high time, I brought you home. Don't you think?" she offered her eyes full of warmth.
"Yeah" Lily echoed wishing she could stay with them forever. Andre and Mrs. Fields make her forget everything that's happened; being with them helps her feel like she did before.
Brooke really loved Karen, growing up she practically raised all the teens in Tree Hill, herself included. Even after, she and Lucas broke up; Karen took her in. In all her life, Brooke has only ever been grounded that one time and she really did learn a lesson afterward. Brooke only hopes she can be half the mother Karen was.
All the guests and visitors have left Lucas and Peyton's house. The kids are watching a movie while the adults talk in the kitchen purposely using hushed tones. Lucas wants to sell this house and buy a new one, but Peyton's isn't too sure that is what he really wants to do.
"You grew up here; your whole life was in this house" Peyton argued remembering those moments senior year when and Luke listened to music in his room. There's just something magical about this house.
Lucas answered angrily, "That's why I want to sell it! Every time I look into a room, I remember something with my Mom and…Keith. Peyton, I don't want to live here. I can't raise my kids here."
Peyton demanded, "What about Lily?"
"What about her?" Lucas demanded; they're already taking her in, what more is there? Okay, there is more, he knows there is. Karen wasn't just his mother, she was Lily's too.
"Lucas, you know what I'm talking about" Peyton remarked raising her eyebrows at her husband. "Karen wasn't just your mother; Lily might want to live here, she might want to remember."
Haley looks around for a moment. Now that she thinks about it, she hasn't seen Lily for several hours. On second thought, she's probably off somewhere in the house; mourning. The café owner brushes off the weird feeling as nerves.
Austin uncomfortably walks into the kitchen in search of a possible dessert, his foster father glances at him mildly annoyed. "Is there something you need, Austin?" Lucas doesn't know why, but for some reason he's angry with his foster son.
"I'm just getting something to eat" Austin murmured quietly as Peyton runs a hand through his hair and smiles nodding.
Lucas shakes his head. "You already had dinner" he answered folding his arms over his chest.
Peyton blinks, surprised by her husband's tone; usually Luke is the one who sneaks the kids' desserts. "Baby, Aust only wants a little ice-cream, right?" Peyton asked nudging her son trying to sound playful.
"Just a little" Austin agreed giving his mother a grateful smile. He thought Peyton was the hard one; his viewpoint is starting to shift.
"No, go back and watch your movie" Luke ordered as Haley, Brooke and Peyton exchange looks; they're sad about what happened too, but Lucas shouldn't take his frustration out on Austin.
Austin knows he should listen to his foster father and do as he's told, but he doesn't want to. This defidently isn't fair; Peyton said he could have a little ice-cream, her opinion counts more anyway. "Peyton said I could have some" the boy countered causing Lucas to give his son a warning look.
"And I said you couldn't!" Lucas snapped; Austin stares up at his father in slight fear. He's never gotten shouted at like that before, not even by Pops.
Nathan sees the panic flash through Austin's brown eyes. For a second, he remembers when he was eight years old and Dan shouted at him for missing a basket during a game. Nathan doesn't want to see his older brother go down the same path their father went down.
The uncle smiles down at his nephew. "Aust, the adults are trying to talk right now; you can have some later. Why don't you just do what Lucas said, okay? It's been a long day" Nathan jumped in as the boy nods nervously and exits the kitchen.
Austin presses his ear against the door leading into the kitchen, wanting to know what's going on with his new family. Lucas glares at his brother, he was trying to discipline his son. "What the hell, Nate?" he demanded folding his arms over his chest.
"I could ask you the same question" Nathan frowns. "You didn't have to shout at him like that. He's only nine years old!" the little brother answered furiously.
"Don't tell me how to parent my son" Lucas ordered as Austin half-smiles, Lucas called him his son. Maybe this is a good thing; maybe he and Peyton want to adopt him.
"Somebody should cause the way you just treated him reminded me a lot of how Dan was" Nathan asked, raising his voice. "Is that the kind of father you want to be? A past version of Dan."
"You son a bitch" Lucas snapped attempting to punch Nathan, but Clay and Julian hold him back.
Julian said holding the blonde haired brother back, "Hey, the kids are in the other room." Austin's brow furrows as he quickly walks into the living room and plops onto the couch wondering who Dan is.
Sawyer studies her brother with no hint of dessert in hand. She pouts slightly knowing their parents probably said no and turns her attention onto the Toy Story 2 movie. Jessie's her favorite character cause she's cool and really funny.
"Lucas, come on, stop it" Clay ordered trying to hold the older Scott brother back. Lucas finally gives up and goes into his mother's bedroom, slamming the door behind him.
Peyton follows knowing her husband needs her right now. She ignores the looks Haley, Quinn, and Brooke are giving her. A part of her wants to be angry with Lucas, but he just lost his mother. She knows exactly how he feels right now. She lost two mothers and it's hard, sometimes you just need to cry it all out.
Riley sees Ms. Fields pull up and Lily quickly get out. They drive off after she reaches the door, much to Riley's surprise; Lily sneaks around back as if to use the other door. Riley never pegged Lily as the type to ditch anything. Being as discreet as she possibly can, Riley wheels herself into the bedroom.
Lily closes the door behind her. "Hey Lil" Riley sees Lily visibly jump and turn around looking a bit surprised.
"Rye…I haven't…you're really in a wheelchair" Lily remarked; she heard about Riley's condition, but never thought she'd look like this.
Riley forces herself to smile. "Yeah…well, I guess I am" the child looks down feeling guilty. She has to apologize for what happened to Andy and Karen. "Lily, this is all my fault" Riley stated causing Lily's brow to furrow.
Lily looks confused and somewhat concerned. "What?" she asked frowning; Riley can't be saying what she thinks she's saying.
"Karen and Andy…if I hadn't…if I just stayed where I belonged in Charlotte, they'd be okay" Riley admitted feeling hot tears fall down her cheeks.
"What happened isn't your fault. The guy who hit us ran a red light; it was his fault, not yours" Riley nods still feeling slightly at fault for what happened. "Please don't blame yourself, I don't" Lily said attempting to give her friend a hug, but it's somewhat uncomfortable.
Riley wipes her tear stained cheeks. "Toy Story's playing, you wanna watch it?" she offered attempting to smile.
Lily starts to tell her no, but when she thinks about it; she doesn't want to be alone. Having ice-cream with the Fields family taught her to enjoy the people in her life. "Can I wheel you there?" Lily asked looking excited, she's never wheeled anyone, anywhere.
"Sure" Riley rolls her eyes; Jamie and the others all think wheeling her around is a treat, but she doesn't like it. It makes her feel like she's a helpless baby.
Jamie watches Lily and Riley re-enter the room. The boy wonders what it's like to lose his parents. He honestly doesn't know what he'd do without them in his life. Sure, they can be annoying and bossy, but he loves them. His gaze shifts from Lily to Riley. He wishes she could be his girlfriend. His Dad said; he could start dating whenever he wanted and he wants to date Riley.
One Month Later
Chase slides Chuck a glass of Root Beer. There's something he needs to discuss with his 'little brother' who greedily takes the beverage with a smile. Chase and Paula Scolnik have talked about the possibility of Chuck moving in with Chase.
Paula knows she has a problem and wants to get help, so Chuck will have a better life. Over the past two years, he's had it hard with an abusive father and alcoholic mother.
"Chuck, there's something I need to talk to you about. Your Mom needs to get some help" Chase said choosing his words carefully; Paula nods gratefully at the young man.
Chuck looks mildly confused. "What kind of help?" he asked taking another sip of his Root Beer.
"Honey, I'm going to Rehab. Do you know what that is?" Chuck nods, he's not an idiot. "Well, I'm going there for awhile. While I'm gone, you're going to stay with Chase" Paula informed the youngster who nods trying not to look sad.
The boy asked softly, "How long will you be gone?"
"Anywhere from one to five months" the mother attempts to smile, but tears tremble down her cheeks. "I'll write you as soon as I can. I promise, baby."
Chuck nods looking at the glass of soda. He suddenly doesn't feel very thirsty anymore. Chase studies his little brother knowing this is defidently going to be an interesting few months.
Brooke isn't sure this is for the best. Riley only just stopped using the wheelchair and already she wants to make treks around the mall using her crutches. It just doesn't seem safe in Brooke's opinion. Only, if it was up to Brooke, Riley would still be in her wheelchair. Too bad, Doctor Copeland doesn't agree with Mother's Intuition.
"Remember to be careful and if you want, you can call me to pick you up early" Brooke reminded her daughter sternly.
Riley nods dully, Brookes been saying that ever since they dropped the boys' at the sitter. Riley thought when she got out of the wheelchair, her parents would loosen the reigns a little, but they've only tightened them. They still don't let her out of their sight and make her sleep downstairs for safety measures. Ted and Victoria left last week due to an important business deal.
"Brooke, I'll be okay. Lily will be with me" Riley complained, it's not like she's some baby; she can take care of herself alright.
"That reminds me; try to get her to talk about Karen and Andy. Peyton and Lucas are worried about her; we all are."
Riley lied knowingly, "Lily's fine."
"I doubt that" Brooke shakes her head as she pulls into the driveway to Peyton and Luke's new driveway. Their new home is closer to where she and Julian live and twice the size of Karen's. "Maybe, I should go with you guys" the foster parent wondered aloud.
"We're old enough to go to the mall by ourselves" Riley answered causing Brooke to sigh, she and Peyton were allowed to go to the mall by themselves when they were nine. Then again, their parents weren't exactly hands on.
"Sweetie, I'm only trying to look out for you" Brooke explained gently ruffling her daughter's curls.
Riley takes a deep breath; she gets that, but Julian and Brooke are always babying her. "I've only got a week left on the crutches then I can walk again" the child pointed out, much to her foster mother's apprehensiveness.
"Woah there, you've got two weeks left on crutches. Riley, you need to slow down. I don't want you to rush through this" Brooke advised warmly.
"I know" Riley rolls her eyes earning a very warning look from her foster mother.
Brooke raises an eyebrow. "Don't roll your eyes at me" she ordered narrowing her eyes slightly. She's had enough of her daughter's attitude to last a lifetime.
Riley nods meekly as Brooke honks the horn. Lily comes running out with a purse looking adorable. Brooke smiles warmly at the child who offers her sort of aunt a tentative smile. "You look great, Lily" Brooke gushed hoping to appease the child.
"Thanks" Lily smiled, when really all she wants to do is scream. When they think they're in asleep, Lucas and Peyton have started to fight.
Lately, Lucas has started to drink more and snap at them. Poor Austin gets the brunt of it. He prefers spending most of his days at the River Court than at home. Sawyer doesn't understand what's going on with her parents and clings to Austin like a fish out of water.
"How's everything at home?" Brooke asked trying to look casual, but it fails; she looks worried for Lily's safety.
"Great" Lily lied, everything's been like shit. Lucas and Peyton are always arguing, Sawyer's confused, and Austin keeps getting in trouble for stupid things.
"Huh" Brooke can tell the nine year old is lying, but decides against pushing her on the subject. It has only been a few weeks.
Riley takes a deep breath, she's been wondering about buying a certain item for quite some time. Tessa was talking to one of her friends about it earlier this week. Maybe, it's high time she got herself some boobs and a bra too.
The foster child clears her throat. "I was thinking" she announced as Lily glances at her friend with mild amusement.
"That can't be good" Riley huffs at her mother's teasing. "Okay, sweetheart, what were you thinking about?" Brooke asked giving her daughter an apologetic grin.
Riley nods seriously and said, "While Lil and I at the mall, I think I should buy a bra."
Brooke purses her lips together trying not to smile. "No" she answered shaking her head and laughing. She remembers asking her mother a similar question and receiving a similar answer. It was one of the few times Victoria mothered her.
"Why not?" Riley complained pouting slightly at her foster mother's answer; she thought Brooke would be on board with it.
"For lots of reasons" Brooke keeps her eyes on the road trying to keep the laughter inside.
"Like what?" the nine year old asked smartly.
"Like your nine and I said so" the foster mother replied easily and smoothly, Lily watches the exchange trying very hard not to laugh at her daughter's ridiculousness.
Riley regrets ever asking for permission. "But, I need one" she whined kicking Brooke's seat.
"No, you don't need one" Brooke's tone becomes stern. "You want one, there's a big difference. Ask me again, when you're twelve."
"But, my boobs are huge!" Brooke chuckles at that statement. "They are; they're really big" Riley stated annoyed and hurt her mother finds this topic entertaining.
"Rye, you aren't old enough to wear a bra. Trust me on this one, anyway why are you in such a rush to grow up? Enjoy being a kid forever" the mother said remembering when she was young and had the same wishes her daughter now has.
"Brooke, come on" Riley whined pleadingly, this isn't fair, if she's old enough to go to the mall by herself; she can buy a bra too.
Brooke's eyes narrow, she's done talking about this. "Riley, you can get a bra when you're twelve and that's final" she answered, deciding to stay firm with her beliefs.
Riley thinks about it, if she can't get her Mom's permission, she's gonna hafta force her hand. "If you don't lemme get one, I'll never talk to you again" she stated nodding precisely.
"I guess I'll learn to live with that" Brooke raises her eyebrows and shrugs her shoulders.
Riley glares sourly at her mother and gives up. Lily watches the scene unfold, secretly jealous of Riley. At least, she still has a mother to fight with; hers is gone forever. Peyton could never be her mom, she's her sister and that's it.
The rest of the car ride to the mall is in silence. When they pull up, Lily helps Riley with her crutches. Brooke parks the car and stares at her daughter. "You better take it easy or you'll be back in your wheelchair, Riley Grace" she warned uneasily.
The stubborn child gives her mom a look causing Brooke to roll her eyes; Riley's not old enough to go on rides at amusement parks, she's defidently not old enough to start wearing bras.
"Have fun and no bras. Love you, sweetheart" Brooke tries to give her daughter a kiss goodbye, but Riley moves her head away more out of stubbornness than anything else.
Brooke rolls her eyes and kisses Lily's head. The mother watches Lily and Riley enter the mall feeling apprehensive and worried. A part of her wants to follow them just to make sure they're okay, but decides against it as she drives to Baker Man.
Austin stares nervously at his foster father. Ever since Karen and Andy's funeral, things have been weird; Lucas stays in the car messing with a car, Peyton stays late at the studio, Sawyer keeps getting in trouble at school, and Lily doesn't talk much. In fact, Austin's almost certain the only people she really talks to are Andre and Riley.
Lucas can hear his son's breathing. "Something you need?" he asked with his back turned to the boy, who swallows hard.
"Umm…well, could I…maybe…umm, you see" Lucas wipes his brow and glances over at the nine year old; eyes narrowed. "Maybe, I could help you with the car" Austin said struggling to find the right words.
"No" Lucas hates how mean-spirited he's been with his son, lately.
"But, I can help" the fourth grader pleaded trying to connect with his foster parent, the only time they really talk these days is when he's in trouble.
"Austin, I don't need your help" Lucas answered sharply. "Go inside and do your homework."
"I already finished it" Austin stated proudly, he wants to be just as smart as Lucas was in school.
Lucas ordered sternly, "Do something else then."
Austin clears his throat. He misses the guy who used to help him with his homework. "My Mum died when I was little. She was a nice lady and…" the nine year old began, trying to relate with his father.
"I'm trying to do something here, Austin" Lucas cut the boy off who feels tears prick the walls of his eyes.
The blonde haired child sniffles and quickly ducks out of the room, Lucas winces realizing he's being a total dick. Austin was trying to reach out to him and he shot him down.
As Austin rushes out of the garage, he collides into Peyton. He sniffles trying to brush past her, but the mother stops him. "Hey, darling, what's the matter?" Peyton gently wipes a stray tear.
Austin stuttered feeling heartbroken, "N-Nothing."
"Obviously something's wrong" Peyton leads him over to the couch and gently wipes his tears away. "We can sit here all day, if you like or you can tell me what happened."
Austin wants to tell her what happened, but he doesn't want to betray Lucas or anything. He's heard them fighting and he's scared. If they get a divorce, he'll get sent back to Charlotte.
"I hafta do my homework" Austin lied feeling his face redden with shame, he's never lied to Peyton before and he hates it.
Peyton objected, "Austin." The boy steps away from his mother's outreached hand and runs upstairs.
Sawyer and Logan quietly make objects with Legos. Logan didn't think girls' liked Legos, he's hoping his future sister won't like any boy stuff and stick to dollies. Several minutes after arriving, he told Sawyer about his little sister and how it's gonna be awesome to have one. Mom told him the sex isn't exactly definite, yet.
"My Daddy's sad a lot. He doesn't tell me stories no more" Sawyer admitted; Momma, Daddy, Lily, and Austin don't think she knows what's going on, but she does. Grandma died and now Daddy's sad.
Logan looks up at her, since Sawyer first arrived; she hasn't said much which is extremely out of character. "My Dad used to wander around Tree Hill; when he found me, he didn't wander anymore" the little boy informed his friend.
Sawyer considers this, maybe her Dad needs to go on walk. Last night she heard Momma and Dad fighting, so she went into Austin's room in hopes of being consoled. The two read stories until their parents quit arguing and went to bed.
"Sawyer, Logan, lunch time" Quinn announced appearing at the door to her son's bedroom.
The child stares at her 'aunt' she's never seen anyone that fat before. "Aunt Quinn, Logan says you're having a girl" Sawyer said as Logan nods firmly in agreement.
"Hon, there's a chance I'll have a boy too" Logan shrugs causing Sawyer to look down. "Wolverine, your lunch is on the table. Sawyer, wait, I want to talk to you"
The little girl nods weakly and stares up at her. "How are things going at home, sweetie?" Quinn asked curiously and worriedly. Peyton, Lily, and Austin avoid the topic at all costs.
"Things are different now" Sawyer doesn't believe in lying, she doesn't see the point in it. "Daddy and Momma fight cause Daddy's sad and is mean to Aust" she murmured playing with the Legos.
Quinn asked, "Your Daddy's mean to Austin, how?"
"He shouts at him a lot and Aust cries too" Sawyer answered, a sad smile crinkling onto her face. "He thinks I don't know, but I do. I know a lot of things."
Quinn gently strokes Sawyer's cheek. "That's good, there's macaroni waiting for you on the kitchen table" the aunt said as Sawyer skips out of the room, Quinn brushes a stray tear from her cheek.
Chase helps Chuck carry his suitcase into the apartment. Chuck looks around clearly dismayed by his new living arrangements. Paula offered to have Chase stay at her house, but Chase politely declined. He wouldn't feel comfortable with that.
Chuck glances at Chase wondering if he's serious. This 'bedroom' is the size of a closet compared to the one at his house. "I know it's a little small, but you can do whatever you want" Chase compromised, he checks his watch. He and Alex are supposed to go on a date tonight, their first date, actually.
"Are you and Alex, back together?" Chuck's been wondering this for quite some time now. He sees them together a lot and it'd be sort of cool if they got back together.
Chase doesn't know what he and Alex are. They're either friends or something more. Only, last time they were more, it didn't end well. "I don't know…maybe. It depends, I guess" Chase murmured offering his 'little brother' a grin.
Chuck demanded, "On what?"
"If she's gonna stay this time" Chase feels his phone buzz; he smiles as he answers it. "Hey, I'll pick you up at…oh, what's going on? No, I get it; yeah we can do this another time. Sure, sounds great" Chase answered sounding disappointed.
"She cancelled, didn't she?" Chuck asked pointedly, purposely trying to get a rise out of the older man.
"Shut up" Chase ordered sounding hurt.
"I'm just saying" Chuck feels a bit guilty for commenting on his older brother's obvious disappointment. "Why'd she cancel?" the child asked nervously.
"Her sister needs some money" the dark haired man answered smiling with a look of relief.
Chuck asked, "Why?"
"Well nosy dude, her sister's son is sick and Alex wants to help" Chase joked winking playfully. On the inside, he's quite worried about Alex's family, considering her nephew is adopted they may not know his medical history.
"Huh, that's a good excuse" Chuck mused knowing as excuses go, that one's the best he's heard. "Can I go to the River Court?" the boy asked, under normal circumstances he wouldn't ask.
"Be back before nine" Chase runs a hand through his hair and watches his brother dash out of the apartment. His bags are still scattered throughout the room.
Chase stomps downstairs and blinks at the figure before him. This can't be happening, not again. "Mia? What are you doing here?" he demanded pinching his arm, hoping this is a dream.