A/N: Hello all! I know I've been slacking so I'll keep this brief. I just wanted to say thanks for reading and hop eyou will enjoy the next two chapters I am putting up.

The Courage To Rise Up

"The fierce way you always, always…Rise from the tumble." (Thorsten Kaye)

Lucas sat at his computer, checking his email. Things had been so hectic lately and he'd allowed his inbox to fill up for weeks without a glance. As he weeded through the junk and finally began fishing through the real messages, he noticed one from Lindsay. He hadn't spoken to her since the book tour, Matt was the one to call and follow-up after it was over, and Lucas couldn't help but be curious now as to why she'd be contacting him. He quickly clicked the email, reading the words silently as a mixture of excitement and dread washed over him. He'd hardly had a moment to digest it all when he heard a soft rapping at his bedroom door.

"It's open," Lucas called as he returned back to his inbox.

"Hey there," Haley smiled as she walked in.

"Hey Hales," he looked up at his best friend. "What brings you by?"

"I just got done dropping Nate off at the airport and thought I'd drop by," she said as she sat on the bed. "Writing?" she motioned to the laptop.

"I wish," he replied. "I have so many thoughts on my next book but it all seems to be jumbled."

"You've just got to relax Luke and the words will come to you," she explained. "I felt that way when I first started on this album but I took some advice from a friend and took myself back to a place when music was just fun for me and not a job; it really helped relieve the pressure of it all."

Lucas nodded wordlessly. He'd missed these kinds of moments between them lately.

"Of course if that doesn't work you can always huddle under your desk and hum the tune from Les Misérables," she shrugged with a laugh. "Or in your case you can recite quotes from Julius Cesar."

Lucas laughed. "Wow, can you believe that was almost eight years ago when you and my mom gave me that book?"

"And now you're writing you own. Things sure have changed," she watched his eyes flicker to the computer screen and then back up towards her, his usual brooding face back on. "Hey, what's wrong?"

"What?" he blinked, "Nothing."

"Uh-huh," she scooted up on the bed, sitting up. "Spill."

He shook his head at how well she could read him even when he was trying to avoid thinking about it. "I got an email from Lindsay today. It seems my publishing house has been trying to contact me." He looked up to see her nod. "Apparently some up and coming LA producer wants to auction my book; he wants to make Ravens into a movie."

"Luke that's great!" she almost rushed over to hug him but stopped when she still saw the expression on his face. "Wait, why aren't you more excited about this? This is an incredible opportunity, isn't it?"

"Yes but it's not that simple," he ran a hand over his buzzed cut. "My life isn't exactly the same as it was back then. You were right when you said things had changed…"

Haley nodded thoughtfully, catching his drift, "Meaning Peyton…and Brooke."

"Exactly," he returned her nod before exhaling deeply. "I don't think any of us want to revisit the triangle we've finally put to rest."

"Hey B. Davis," Peyton said as she strolled into Clothes Ova Bro's.

"P. Sawyer," Brooke exclaimed as she came around the corner. "What are you doing here?"

"I was taking a break from apartment hunting and just thought I'd stop by and see how my best friend is doing," she smiled before handing her a cup. "It's Oregon Chai Tea; it's totally safe. Haley said she used to drink them when she was pregnant with Jamie."

She smiled appreciatively as she took the cup. "Thanks, I remember," she said before taking a sip. "This is really good. So, how's that going? You know the rebuild is almost done; you can always move back in."

"I know," Peyton replied. "But I'm kind of excited to be on my own again. I mean in LA I had roommates, then there was the ex, and then I came back here to lean on you. It'll feel good to stand on my own two feet again."

"I understand," Brooke replied. "I love Karen and Lily and Andy but I'm anxious to be in my own place again too. It's just a little…"

"Crowded," Peyton finished for her with a laugh. "Yeah, it's the same at Jake's parents' house."

Brooke gave another nod. "So, how are things with the label?"

"Great actually, I feel like I've finally dusted myself off and got back in the game," she answered. "I'm working out the details with the same record company for a distribution deal for Jake's album effectively titled "Someday" and the second benefit album is coming together nicely. I've gotten quite a few of the artist to agree to a bonus song available when you download the album from itunes too."

"Wow," the brunette nodded. "I'm really proud of you Peyton."

"I couldn't have done any of this without you," she replied. "Brooke, if you hadn't invested in me and believed in me when no one else did, none of this would be possible, you know that right?" She watched her friend nod. "How's C/B; you figure out what your next move is going to be?"

"Yeah," she nodded. "Before you got here I'd just gotten off the phone with my new PR Director; I told her about the rape," she still cringed at the word. "I'm ready to share with the world what happened to me."

"Brooke, are you sure?" her green eyes looked to her friend in concern.

"Yeah I am," she replied confidently. "I want to set up a foundation for women, for rape and assault victims. If somehow I can reach out; if I can turn this tragedy into something positive…"

"I understand," she nodded as she took her friend's hand.

"Liza," she paused briefly. "That's her name; she thinks this will actually work in my favor. She says she's going to make me the biggest feminism symbol since Joan of Arc," she gave an ironic laugh. "That's not why I'm doing this though."

"I know that," Peyton replied. "So, when are you leaving?"

Brooke raised a brow at the blonde, peering at her curiously. "How did you… I didn't say anything about going back to New York yet?"

"You didn't have to," she shrugged her shoulders. "I know we've been through a lot but you're still my best friend and I can still read you pretty well."

The brunette nodded, her dimples making an appearance as she smiled. "I'm just waiting for Marissa to come on shift and then I can tell Lucas and be on the first flight out. I'm nervous but I think this is the right thing to do."

"You're going to do fine, because you Brooke Davis are a beautiful person." Peyton enveloped her in a hug. "I love you Brooke."

She squeezed her friend tightly. "I love you too Peyton."

Deb squirmed slightly as the doctor squeezed the jelly on her stomach, the feel of the cold gel catching her by surprise. It had been so many years since she'd had an ultra sound and though she as excited she still couldn't help but to be nervous as well. Letting out the breath she'd been holding, she smiled up at Skills as he took her hand; him leaning towards her.

"Now I want you two to keep your eyes on the screen," Sr. Thompson gave them a warm smile. "That's where all the action happens."

"I guess its show time," Deb whispered to Skills before her eyes focused on the monitor.

Dr. Thompson began to move the paddle over the gel in a circular motion before branching out to run it across the width of Deb's stomach. They watched at the screen flicker twice before it came into focus, revealing the tiny life within.

"Wow," Skills said into the air, unsure if he was speaking to either of the other people in the room or just voicing his thoughts. "That's my kid," his eyes shifted towards Deb before returning to the screen. "That's our kid…"

"Yeah," she said as she began to tear up.

"There's the head of course," Dr. Thompson spoke as she moved the paddle around. "And the arms and legs; your baby seems to be developing right on schedule. And that pulsating area there; that's the heartbeat." She paused to let them take it all in. "Do you want to hear it?"

"Yeah," Deb bite her lip, unable to control the cheek to cheek smile that overtook her mouth.

They both sat in amazement as they listened to the frantic sound of their baby's heartbeat. "Is it supposed to be that fast?" Skills looked between his girlfriend and the doctor.

"Yes," Deb answered before the doctor could.

"It sounds just right." The brunette added, "Strong and healthy." She looked towards the couple. "Now before I show you anymore, would you like to know the sex?"

"I don't know," Deb looked up at Skills. "Do we?"

"I think so," he answered. "I want to know if you do."

"Then I guess we want to know," Deb answered with a smile as the doctor began to move the paddle around again.

"Come on, just turn a little more. Ahh," she sighed. "Good girl."

"Girl?" Skills repeated.

"Yes," Dr. Thompson replied. "It looks like you are having a healthy baby girl."

"Antwon, we're having a girl," Deb beamed as she felt his lips touch her forehead gently.

The doctor wiped off hr stomach before telling them she'd be back after giving them a moment but neither of them had really heard her.

"You have no idea how happy you've made me," he said softly as Deb looked up at him. "Marry me…"

"What?" her eyes grew wide.

"Marry me," he repeated. "I love you so much more than I ever thought I could love anyone. The way I love you…"

"This is crazy," she said before he could even finish, shaking her head at the absurdity of it all. Still in all her years with Dan, even the early ones she'd never felt as loved and as at peace in her life. Her mind ran through all the reasons why she shouldn't but one look up into his chocolate orbs all thought was out the window, leaving her only with the courage to follow her heart. "O-kay…yes," her voice became louder. "Yes," she smiled happily before his lips met hers in a deep kiss.

Nathan stepped into the locker room, putting away his items before he changed. He looked up at the picture of him, Haley, and Jamie remembering why he was doing this. Every time he left them it never seemed to get easier but Haley believed in him and Jamie looked up to him, and that's all he needed.

"Nate," Bobby called as he walked passed the doorway. "Can I see you a second."

"Sure thing Coach," Nathan said as he finished tying his laces before meeting Bobby in his office. "What's up?"

"I just wanted to say welcome back," the blonde man sat up in his seat. "What you went through down there, your whole community, was a tragedy. I'm just glad to see you back and alright."

"Thanks Coach," he replied. "It was pretty bad but we're rebuilding."

"Good, good." Bobby nodded. "I also heard about what you there, helping to put that charity game together down there was very impressive, not only to me but to The NBA as a whole. The game tomorrow, I have it on very good authority that we'll be seeing some scouts in the stands."

"Are you serious?" his eyes lit up in enthusiasm even though his voice had a hint of disbelief. "Wow."

"This is your shot Nathan," he replied. "Not many get a first one, much less a second."

"I know," he nodded. "And I won't blow it Bobby."

"I believe you," he smiled. "Now get out of here; I'll see you at practice."

"Yeah," Nathan smiled. "See you at practice."

Brooke looked out of the window, staring out at the vast expansion of blue before her. She looked down at the clouds, part of her frightened and while the other part was exhilarated by it. Ever since she was a little girl she'd been scared of flying, or more to the point falling out of the sky but she'd also found a freeness in it; to be above it all. She looked over at the man beside her, head buried in a book she was sure he knew by heart.

"The Comet?" she said with a laugh.

He raised his brows before squinting at her. "You know it?"

"As a matter of fact I do," she smiled proudly. "It's kind of a metaphor for how awesome I am."

"I can believe that," he took her hand and brought it to his lips to place a soft kiss on the back of it before giving her a reassuring smile.

"Luke thank you for coming with me," she squeezed his hand.

"Thanks for letting me," he replied. "Besides Lindsay's been trying to get in contact with me about that producer."

"I still can't believe they want to make your book into a movie," she mused. "I am so proud of you."

"You're really okay with this then?" he queried.

"Of course, why wouldn't I be?" she shrugged.

"It's just the way the book ended," Lucas let out a breath. "I was with…"

"Peyton," she filled in for him with a small laugh. "Yeah Luke, I remember and sure some of it might be a little weird to watch but this is an incredible opportunity to tell a story, your story on the big screen. I'm finally at a place now where I'm not threatened by your connection to Peyton."

"I'm glad because you don't have to be," Lucas said truthfully as he placed a hand over her expanding belly. "It's you that I'm in love with, that I'm starting a family with, and that I want beside me for the rest of my life; it's always been you Brooke."

"Always huh?" she quirked an eyebrow. "I think I can live with that." She smirked, "Just make sure someone really hot plays me."

Lucas laughed. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

Peyton turned the corner onto to South Lake Blvd, driving down the familiar street that had been a staple to her during her sophomore and beginning of her junior year in high school. It was amazing how much things changed yet stayed the same. She pulled up into the empty drive way to park before hoping out of her Comet and walking up to the white beach house, keys jingling in her hands.

Peyton stuck the keys in the door before turning the knob and slowly opening the door, thinking the first thing she'd have to do was fix the squeak if she planned on moving in. Peyton walked towards the living room, pausing to take a glance at the kitchen to her right and the hallway that lead to the bedroom on the left.

She smiled as she went in the living room and took in the furniture covered in white sheets. She peeked underneath one of them to look at the couch, seeing it was just as she remembered. Peyton quickly headed to the bedroom, seeing the bed covered in a sheet as well but didn't bother to look under it, knowing she'd be getting rid of that.

She picked up her cell phone to call the number she'd already tried three times before she'd gotten here, receiving his voicemail again. A part of her was worried but she pushed that feeling aside, knowing if there was really an emergency someone would have called her.

Peyton walked back out through the living room and on to the deck, leaning against the rail as a salty breeze danced through the air. If anyone had told her she'd be living in this house someday she probably would've cringed, thinking that meant she'd settled down with her at the time ass of a boyfriend but he'd changed and so had she.

Picking up her cell again, she dialed another familiar number and waited for someone to answer. "Hey it's me… I'll take it."

Haley sat with Jamie at the piano, helping him to learn a new song. It had been a while since they'd played together and Haley had been surprised when he asked if he could play with her. She smiled as his little fingers roamed over the keys, sometimes hitting the wrong ones but trying so hard.

"Here try it with me," she said as she placed his right hand over the set of keys. "E E F G, G F E D…" she sang as they hit the chords. Good."

"This is really cool Momma," Jamie beamed up at her. "I told all my friends that you were gonna make a CD and have a concert."

"You did?" she smiled warmly.

"Yeah and they all thought it was cool," he replied. "And then Kathy asked me if I could play the piano like you and she's going to bring her keyboard tomorrow for recess."

"So that's why you want to learn a new song," she looked down at him.

Jamie nodded. "Uncle Skills says you gotta impress the ladies."

"Did he?" Haley laughed. "What else did…" she stopped mid sentence as she heard the phone ring. "Hold that thought there Casanova." She picked up the phone. "Hello."

"Hey Hales," Nathan's voice rang through the line.

"Hey Nate," she smiled at the sound of her husband's voice. "How was practice?"

"It was great," he answered.

"Is that Daddy?" Jamie said as he hopped off the piano bench and walked over to his mom.

"Sure is buddy," she said before picking him up and sitting him on the stool. "Hey Nate, let me put you on speaker." Once she did she called out to him, "Hey, you still there?"

"Yeah," Nathan answered. "Hey Jimmy-Jam."

"Hi Dad," Jamie said happily. "Momma's teaching me a new song."

"Yeah he wants to learn it to impress some little girl," Haley laughed.

"That's my boy," Nathan replied. "I have some good news about the game tomorrow."

"Ooo, what is it?" Jamie leaned closer to the speaker.

"There's going to be scouts here," Nathan still couldn't believe it as he said the words. "This may be it…"

"Oh Nathan that's great," Haley said.

"It isn't a done deal yet but I have a good feeling about this," he replied. "I mean after tomorrow…" he let the rest of the sentence hang in the air, afraid to jinx it by saying the words.

"It'll happen, I know it." She nodded even though she knew he couldn't see.

"Thanks Hales," Nathan replied. "I miss you guys."

"We miss you too Nate," she glanced over at a picture of the three of them on the table.

"Yeah Daddy we miss you," Jamie said.

"So," Nathan paused. "Jamie, tell me more about this girl."

Deb looked over at the man in front of her before her eyes returned to the young man across from her. "Sometimes, I don't know how I got here but I know I'm glad I did. I made a wish a long time ago and I never thought that it would come true until you came into my life. Antwon, you have made me so happy. You have given yourself to me with no reservations or empty promises. You were the best surprise; you came into my life and knew my heart before I realized it was still there. And I don't care what people think or how insane this seems because I know that this is right. I love you so much." She smiled through happy tears.

"Deb," he reached out to take her hand. "I never thought something so real could come from a chat on the internet but somehow it did. You are crazy lady; my lady. You keep me laughing and smiling everyday we're together. I look at you now and I see my best friend. You've given me support and you're giving me the greatest gift of all; a family. I know some people are going to think this happened too fast but I know nothing could be more right than to be with you. I see you now and I know that loving you is who I am."

The minister looked between them. "Do you have the rings?"

"We don't…" Deb started but stopped mid sentence as Skills pulled a set of simple gold wedding bands from his pocket, a diagonal row of diamonds adorning both bands. "When did you…"

"They were my grandparents," he said softly as he lifted her left hand.

"Antwon, place the ring on her finger and repeat after me," the minister said. "Deb, I give you this ring as a symbol of my commitment."

"Deb, I give you this ring as a symbol of my commitment," Skills said as he slipped the gold band onto her ring finger.

"And Deb as you do the same please repeat after me," the minister spoke again. "Antwon, I give you this ring as a symbol of my commitment."

"Antwon," she said softly as the tears rolled down her cheeks. "I give you this ring as a symbol of my commitment."

"Then by the power invested in me by the state of North Carolina I now pronounce you man and wife," he said before giving them a nod. "Antwon, you may kiss your bride."

Skills placed a hand on Deb cheek as he leaned over to kiss her deeply, Deb smiling as his lips met hers.

"So," Lucas said as he glanced around the office. "How have you been Lindsay?"

"Good," she nodded. "How about you?"

"I'm pretty good now," he replied.

"I heard about the tornado," she paused briefly. "I assume everyone's okay."

"Haley and Brooke were pretty touch and go for a while but they're both okay now," he stared down at the floor, not really wanting to talk about the next part. "Fergie though, he didn't make it."

"Oh my god Lucas, I'm so sorry." Her eyes softened for the first time since he'd stepped inside. "I-I didn't know…"

"It's okay," he rubbed the back of his neck. "It's still hard but I'm moving on. It hit Junk the worst though, besides his parents, but they seem to be getting through the best way they can."

She nodded, unsure of what to say but glad when she was interrupted by the intercom telling her the other guest was here.

"Hello, you must be the man behind An Unkindness of Ravens." The brunette man walked through the door and made a beeline for the author. "I have been hounding Lindsay to set up a meeting with you for the last two months now. I have to say your work is incredible and I am willing to bet my career that this movie is going to make us both very rich."

"Hmm," Lucas nodded at the man that strangely reminded him of a cocky version of himself. "Lucas Scott," he held his hand out.

"Julian," He took the hand he was offered, giving it a firm shake. "Julian Baker."

Brooke sat in the conference room looking out at her board members. She'd just finished explaining what really happened to her that night in the store and she could tell by everyone's expression that it had no been something they expected.

"Look," she finally spoke again. "I'm not telling you this for pity or sympathy. I'm telling you because I want you to be prepared for when I tell the world. I'm not going to be ashamed or let myself continue being a victim and I really think this could help women who have gone through the same thing."

"And I believe it well," Liza nodded at her encouragingly before glancing at the board members. "I can see that you all seem to be on board with this but most of you are wondering how this will save Clothes Ova Bro's, am I right?"

"Yea," a portly man answered. "I don't want to seem insensitive Miss Davis because what you went through must have been horrific but it will be hard to run a charitable foundation if C/B tanks."

"Well that's where I come in," Liza said as she stood up. "I'm not going to be modest, I am the best in the business and Brooke and I go a long way back so you can beat I'm going to work my ass off for her. The negative press from Victoria Davis is what's caused such a drastic decline in this company's stock but I'm going to change that. Right now she looks like some crazed vigilante but when I get done with her she's going to look like Tawanda from Fried Green Tomatoes and Brooke's gonna come out of this as the next Joan of Arc. I am going to spin this so many times that no one is going to see a negative here and Brooke's story of the night will only help. Now Brooke has also come up with something else because while I'm spinning this into woman's empowerment, we can't seem like we as a company hate men."

"And that's where the new line I've been developing for some time comes in," Brooke said as she stood up to take the black sheets of the three easel that were at the front of the room. "Introducing BDM, Brooke Davis for men. This is another market we haven't tapped into and the timing of this could really work out to our advantage."

"Or sink us," one of the women spoke, shaking her blonde hair. "Coming out with a new line, a men's line at that, is extremely risky right now. If it's not successful…"

"It will be," Brooke interrupted.

"Can you guarantee that?" the blonde asked.

"I know this market and I know people." Brooke replied. "I started this company out of a one bedroom apartment my senior year of high school and it became a multimillion dollar conglomerate. I think I have proven that I can rise up against any circumstances."

"She spins thread into gold and when I'm done spinning it people will think it's platinum," Liza jumped back in. "We have a chance to not only save this company but increase our market by at least twenty-five percent. I don't know about you all but I'm willing to take that risk." She shrugged. "It's honestly not much of one with Brooke Davis, fashion icon and soon to be female advocate, leading the way."

"Liza and I will leave you alone for a few minutes to think about what we've said," Brooke began towards the door.

"That won't be necessary," the portly man spoke again as he watched the other six heads nod in agreement. "We're in."

Thorsten Kaye wrote, "But then, I'll remember the courage of a child who knows he can't fly. But never stops trying. Then I'll remember the strength of your hands; the knuckles whitening. The fierce way you always, always…Rise from the tumble."