Alright guys; it's down to Benjamin and Dylan. Pick the one you like most, please!

Chapter 24

Alex opens her eyes to a snoring Chris beside her. She groans, wishing last night was a dream. Last night, she was incredibly lonely and needed someone to hold her. Chase betrayed her. He didn't even run after her when she left. He just stood there twiddling his thumbs like a complete idiot.

The actress quickly gathers her attire before exiting his apartment, what she doesn't know is that Chris is awake. He awoke hours ago; Chris knew Alex was going to ditch. He expected her to, but he didn't expect to feel lonely when she did. Ah well, he waits until the door closes before getting up and starting the day. Soon, he'll be going on tour and be able to get away from the drama of Tree Hill.

"Watch this, Jay" Riley giggled as she produces a pink, whoopee cushion from her backpack. Brooke and Julian had to take the twins to the doctor for a check-up, so they brought her to Karen's.

Jamie grins as Riley quickly and neatly places the cushion beneath the leather on a stool. The two little pranksters watch as a man comes out of the bathroom and sits down on the chair causing a loud farting noise to erupt. Everyone in the diner starts laughing like hyenas and the poor man's face turns pink with embarrassment.

Haley's green eyes narrow angrily at her 'niece' and son. "James Lucas, Riley Grace" she seethed dropping the dishes into the sink and walking over to them with her hands on her hips.

Riley is the picture of innocence. "What?" she asked blinking cutely, her blue eyes dancing with delight.

With the face Riley's pulling, no one would dare think, an adorable kid like Riley would ever pull such a crude prank. "You know what; did you put that whoopee cushion on that man's seat?" Haley demanded firmly glaring at the young children before her.

"You really think I'd do something that bad" Riley tries to sound offended, but it sounds like she wants to giggle.

"Don't dodge my question" Haley warned glaring at the pair, Jamie wisely decides to keep his mouth shut.

Riley chews on her lower lip. "It was just a joke" she gives up; this way she can avoid several unnecessary lectures about lying too.

Haley pointed out, "It wasn't very funny for that man, who by the way, is the Sheriff of this town."

"Is he gonna arrest me?" Riley's face whitens nervously; she's never gotten arrested before. Sure, she's seen teens in her old neighborhood get arrested, but she personally, has never gotten sent to jail.

"He can't do that, can he, Momma?" Jamie finds his voice as Haley shrugs knowing a little fear would do them good. "We need Riley to play first base."

Brooke announced sternly, "If Riley doesn't apologize all she'll be playing is the bench."

Riley turns, groaning at her mother's words. Julian has his green eyes narrowed and he's frowning. How do her parents always manage to come at the worst times? This really sucks. "Brooke, it was a joke and I'm sorry" Riley apologized offering her a weak smile.

"Good" Brooke smiles pleasantly. "Tell Sheriff Taylor that and just maybe, I'll let you play" the mother countered as Riley drags her feet over to the sheriff.

Julian kisses his wife's cheek, gently. "Don't be mad, Babe. We're getting a little girl today" he has Jude on his right and Davis on his left hip.

Brooke shakes her head and answered helplessly, "We've always had a little girl; if only, our little girl could behave."

"What kind fun would that be?" Julian joked handing Jude off to Brooke who tickles his side.

"James Lucas Scott, I know you played some role in this; apologize or you'll be riding the bench" Haley warned sternly.

Jamie looks over at his Dad wondering if she can do that. Dad's the coach, not Momma. "Jokes at someone else's expense aren't funny, James" Nathan stated remembering when he played jokes on Lucas or another kid.

"But, Dad" he tried knowing this is useless.

Nathan threatened, "Complain and you'll be warming up the bench for the next three games." He watches his son reluctantly walk over to Sheriff Taylor and apologizes with Riley.

The parents wait until their children have returned before exiting the diner leaving their teenage faculty in charge.

Lily plops down on Austin's bed, bored out of her mind. Sawyer, Lucas and Peyton are downstairs eating lunch. "Do you think we'll win today?" Lily asked as Austin searches for his socks.

Austin replied, "I dunno, I used ta play in Charlotte." Honestly, he wasn't that great of a player, but he can catch any pop fly.

"Chuck says he's the best on the team" Lily sighed remembering what the boy said yesterday.

Austin rolls his eyes; Chuck's always spewing out random nonsense like that, but it's mostly because he feels left out. "Don't believe a word he says, Lil" Austin advised as his 'sister' nods.

"Rye's getting adopted today" she stated softly, desperate to change the subject.

Austin nods smiling, but on the inside he feels jealous. He wishes Lucas and Peyton would adopt him too. Perhaps, it's too soon for him to be thinking things like that.

Peyton appears at the door. "Come on guys, we need to go" she said all the while attempting to brush a fidgeting Sawyer's hair.

Riley plays with the hem of her dress while watching Bevin and soon-to-be biological parents. Bevin offers the fourth grader a sincere smile. "Brooke, Julian, all you need to do is sign on the lines and you'll be parents to Riley Grace"

"Will my last name be changed?" the nine year old asked with a hopeful smile flickering onto her adorable face.

Bevin glances at her with a smile in her eyes. "If that's what you want" Riley nods, it'd be weird if she had a different last name than her parents. "Okay, once you two sign these lines; Riley will become your daughter. You'll be legally responsible for her education, financial, and medical needs" Bevin stated happily.

"Okay" Brooke signs the paper, she hands the pen to Julian who follows suit.

"Alright, on this day, May 22nd, 2013, Brooke and Julian Baker have official adopted Riley Baker" Bevin pointed out, using the formalities she was instructed to use by her boss. "Riley, you're now legally Julian and Brooke's child and have all the rights of any natural child."

Riley answered, "Cool."

"I'll sign this to confirm the adoption" Bevin signs the paper, everyone claps and Haley pats Riley on the back.

Brooke wraps her arms around Riley and gives her a tight hug. Julian ruffles her dark curls while everyone cheers and claps. Jude and Davis, who are being held by Peyton looks happy as well. "Welcome to the family" Nathan encouraged, he doesn't care if they aren't related by blood; they're family no matter what.

Sawyer starts to mimic Lily, which causes her to complain and the babies are suddenly bored and crying for attention. Jamie and Logan playfully punch one another, having a mini brawl causing their parents to attempt to settle the boys down. Austin and Riley glance at one another sharing smiles.

"Davey, baby" Brooke soothed as the boy continues to kick his legs and cry wanting everyone in the room's attention.

Riley starts out the door, excitedly. "Can Austin and I go to the vending machine?" the child asked innocently, Jamie looks over and starts to follow.

"Yeah, of course, honey" Brooke answered nodding.

"Great, thanks Momma" Riley replied, running out of the office with Austin, Jamie, and Lily chasing after her. The other little kids' follow their lead and run after them.

Brooke glances at Julian with awe in her eyes. "Mom" she mouthed as Julian smiles proudly, he's so enchanted by his new daughter.

"Thanks, Bev" Brooke said as she and Julian look back sharing smiles of excitement and wonder for the future.

Several hours later, the kids are all dressed up for their first baseball game of the season. Riley's wearing a red Sharks jersey with number five, Austin has jersey thirteen, Lily's jersey eighteen, and Jamie's wearing his usual number twelve.

Riley checks her sports bag for a bottle of water; she cringes realizing she forgot one. "Dad, can I get a water? I forgot one" the fourth grader asked with a smile crinkling onto Julian's face.

"Sure" Julian hands a five dollar bill and watches as the child skips off towards the concession stand.

After purchasing her water, Riley turns and bumps into a boy with jet black hair and sea blue eyes. He's wearing a dark Cobras jersey with a matching cap. "I'm sorry" Riley apologized sincerely, offering the boy a kind-hearted smile.

The boy looks confused; he was the one who ran into her. Why should she apologize? It wasn't even her fault. "Why are you sorry, it wasn't your fault?" he asked with a smile tugging on his lips.

"I don't know, just am, I guess" Riley shrugged; it's mostly because she's still walking on air from getting adopted.

"Well, I'm sorry too, then" the boy smiles softly. "I'm Patrick…Patrick Herron" he said wishing he didn't have to hear his last name.

"I'm Riley O…" Riley pauses and laughs, causing Patrick to look even more confused. "Riley Baker" she said giggling at the use of her new last name.

"You play for the Sharks?" Patrick winces realizing how stupid that sounds, of course she plays for the Sharks. She's wearing a Shark jersey with number 5 on the back.

"Yeah, my Dad's one of the coaches" Riley said pointing out her unathletic father trying to lead the stretches.

"My father's the coach of my team too. I think we're playing you guys today" the boy stated as a well-built man stomps over.

"Patrick, don't talk to the other team, son" the father ordered sternly and in Riley's opinion, rather harshly.

"Dad, I was just getting some water" Patrick answered uncomfortably, now it's Riley's turn to look confused.

"Don't talk back, Patrick" anger flashes through his eyes. "Your brother behaves better than you and he's nine. Come on, you need all the practice you can get" Coach Herron ordered, using a tone that breaches no room for arguments.

Patrick glances at Riley with an apologetic look flashing through his blue-green eyes. "Good luck, Patrick" Riley murmured softly.

"Thanks, Riley" Patrick answered earning a scowl from his father.

Coach Herron turns glaring dangerously at the curly headed fourth grader in front of him. "He doesn't need luck, little girl" he stated a muscle in his jaw twitching with annoyance.

Riley takes a step back; Patrick's father is kind of a jerk. She watches as he and his father leave the concession stand. Patrick looks over his shoulder several times, wanting to say something, but deciding at the last minute not to.

Julian quickly goes over to his daughter and puts a protective arm around her waist, pulling her close to him. "What was that about, Riley-Roo?" he asked sounding concerned.

"Nothing" Riley lied huffing.

"Did that boy say something to you?" Julian's eyes narrow, he doesn't think he could handle it if his daughter was getting bullied by some brat on the other team.

"No."

Julian leads Riley over to where Brooke is sitting. "What happened, you can tell me" he encouraged as Brooke glances up in concern.

"Nothing happened" Riley snapped earning a look from her mother, the child casts her eyes downward and stomps over to Nathan.

Brooke asked looking curious, "What was that about?"

"Some boy was mean to her and she's embarrassed" the father replied shaking his head, kids can be so cruel.

"I'm so glad; I'm not a kid anymore" Brooke said jokingly, but her eyes looks contort with worry.

"I'll watch her, Babe" Julian strokes her shoulder, attempting to calm his wife down. "Don't worry" he encouraged smiling softly.

"I'm a mother; it's sort of my job."

Julian countered winking, "And I'm a father; I'll make sure nobody ever hurts her."

Natalie stands in front of the police officer telling him exactly what she's done. The officer eyes her for about a second before cuffing her and getting her arraigned. This is going to be for the best, her going to jail might just let her get some rest tonight. Her only hope is that neither one of her cases discover what she's done.

It's the final inning of the game; Brooke's been cheering like crazy, all the moms' have, but Brooke has been the loudest. Riley wants to be mortified, but she likes the fact that her Momma is cheering her on. The newest Baker stands at the mound with her bat clenched.

"Don't mess this up, Riley" Chuck warned from the bench earning looks from Nathan, Clay, and Julian.

The bases are loaded; Jamie's on first base, Austin's on second and Lily's on third. If she and the others are able to get home, they could win the game. All she needs is one simple homerun. Maybe she can do this; maybe she can be the champion and win the game.

Austin rolls his eyes at Chuck's annoying behavior. "You can do this, Rye. I know you can" he shouted as Jamie nods in agreement.

Jamie shouted, "He's right, R. You can."

Patrick hears Riley's friends and stares at her. He isn't sure, their team will win this game. During this season, they've won every game; thanks to him and his awesome pitching. Of course, his father doesn't care; all he does is point out what he's been doing wrong. Their mother fears their father's temper and is too busy with work to bother.

"Patrick, you need to win this" Coach Herron shouted causing the boy to nod angrily.

The black haired boy's eyes flicker over to his first baseman and nine year old brother, Tommy. His brown little haired brother is eyeing him with anger and hope in his eyes. "Patrick Michael, focus" Coach Herron ordered clenching his fist in fury.

Patrick's sea blue eyes narrow in disgust. He knows he shouldn't hate anyone, but he hates his father. He hates him so much it hurts to think about hating him. Smirking slightly, Patrick aims the ball at Riley's head and chucks it at her.

Riley ducks, her eyes widened. Why'd he do that? Patrick's mouth fall open in shock, he didn't mean to do that. Coach Herron stomps onto the field. "What was that?" he demanded stalking towards his eldest.

Nine year old, Tommy Herron shakes his head wondering why Patrick always has to push his father's buttons. "Nothing, it just got away from me" the eleven year old lied taking a step back.

"Bull Patrick, that's bullshit and you know it" Coach Herron grabs his son's jersey and shakes him violently. "You never ever throw at the batter, never" he shouted releasing Patrick who falls hard on the pitcher's mound.

The crowd gasps causing Coach Herron to look around. He glances down at his son with fake sincerity. Seeing as to how; this might not look good, he helps his son up and roughly ruffles his hair. "It's okay, he's fine" the father said wiping the dirt from his jersey.

Patrick is too stunned to move. He eyes his father uneasily; he's been shaken tons of times, but never in front of strangers. "Don't mess it up, Patrick" Coach Herron warned giving his son a fake smile.

The boy fixes his jersey, before glancing around. Everyone's watching him, even Tommy. He glares at his father's retreating back and something inside him snaps.

Patrick shouted, "Hey Baker" Riley blinks and looks over at the sound of her new name, "good luck" the boy tosses the ball, basically handing over the game.

Riley swings the bat and connects with the baseball causing everyone in the crowd to jump up. Patrick smiles watching as Riley wins the game, but his grin disappears as he meets his father's gaze. The eleven year old looks down.

Nathan eyes the black haired boy. He's reminded of a time in his childhood when Dan wanted to regain his youth. His jaw clenches with disgust wondering if this is how bystanders saw Dan. Jamie runs over to him grinning. "We won, Dad. We won" the boy sounds full of content, Nathan gives his son a hug and when he looks up again; he doesn't see the black haired boy anymore.

Riley looks around for Patrick Herron, she wants to thank him for letting her win the game. A part of her is happy he let her win and another part of her is pissed. She wanted to win that game fair and square, not cause some dumb boy let her. She sees Coach Herron retreating to his car with a tall black haired boy and a short brown haired boy.

It's around nine fifteen; Chuck is still out with his baseball team relishing in their win earlier today. Chase is washing the dirty dishes. He's considering getting more staff for Tric as a way to spend more time with Chuck.

Sobbing, Alex knocks on Chase's door. The door opens to Chuck who looks at her; he's never seen anyone, but his Mom cry before. "Are you okay?" Chuck lets her in as Chase nears and quickly runs over.

Chase's green eyes are full concern; he hopes to god nothing bad happened to her. Yesterday, he should've followed her and made sure they were okay. "Alex, what happened?" he demanded trying to help her sit down.

"C-Chase, I'm so…sorry. I-I…Chris and I…we…we did…i-it. I'm so…so sorry Chase. It meant nothing…he was…was there and you weren't. I was so mad at you" she pleaded earnestly.

"Chuck, go get a Coke" Chuck gladly leaves as Chase studies his girlfriend, it's a two way street. He had sex with Mia. Well, he almost had sex with Mia. He was about to when he realized he would be betraying the girl he loves. "Alex, I almost had sex with Mia."

Alex sniffles guiltily; she knew something was going on between Chase and Mia, but didn't want to believe it. "What?" the pop singer demanded blinking back tears.

"She was there and I was drunk. We started kissing and then…I don't know it just hit me; I love you" Chase answered more to himself than to Alex.

She admitted tears tremble down her cheeks, "I knew you lied yesterday and I was angry and I'm so sorry. I bet you wish you never met me."

"Shut up" Chase blinks back tears. "I love you; I'll always love you, Alex. You're the one I love, not Mia, not anyone. I'll love you forever, if you let me."

"I love you too" Alex means it; she honestly loves Chase more than anyone in her entire life.

"Come here" Chase said wrapping his arms around her and kissing her passionately on the lips. Alex takes off his shirt and the couple stumbles onto the couch.