A/N: Hello all! I'm back with an update... I went out of town last weekend so this got pushed a little back but hopefully I didn't keep you all waiting too long. As always I think you all for the reviews: RHatch89, Her-Imaginarium, sandygirl, lovelybeauty468, and arubagirl0926. I appreciated them more than yu know. Now, without further adeiu I give you the next chapter, enjoy! :)
.
.
The Moment You Accept Change And Embrace The New
~There is more security in the adventurous and exciting, for in movement there is life… (Alan Cohen)
Lucas stood over his son, smiling like a proud papa as he snapped the bottom of Keith's onesie before reaching for his pants and pulling his legs through one by one. He was already so enamored by the little boy, every single movement the child made filled him with such pride and love.
"Now you're all dressed," he said as he put on his son's shoes, "and ready to go meet some people who are very special to my world."
Brooke smiled from the doorway as she watched her husband get their son ready. She'd dreamed of this, of having a family for so long, and to actually be living it made her feel like she was the luckiest woman on the planet.
"And I bet mommy can't wait to show you off," Lucas continued as he picked up the infant. "And soon your sister will be home too and we'll all be together."
"Yes we will," Brooke said as she stepped towards them, kissing her husband on the cheek before placing a soft kiss on her son's forehead. "And how are my broody boys?"
"We're fine," Lucas said as he playfully jiggled his son in his arms. "Isn't that right Keith?"
"He's like my mini Luke," she reached over to smooth the crinkle in her husband's forehead before repeating the same action on baby Keith. "It's like he's contemplating our big decision with you."
"Yeah," Lucas said with a smile before looking up at her. "He definitely knows something's going on. He's smart."
"Like you," she supplied.
"Like you too," he paused briefly as his eyes met hers. "So, have you thought any more about it?"
"It's all I've thought about Luke," she said as she sat down on the top of the toy chest while Lucas took the rocker. "I know Clothes Ova Bro's would be okay without me there…" she trailed off with a sigh.
"But?" Lucas encouraged her to continue.
"But it would do better with me there to run the day to day stuff," she replied. "At least for now since the whole Tawanda thing has died down and my mom's no longer there. Plus you have to be in New York soon for the editing process and if we're there you won't have to keep flying back and forth or miss anything with the twins."
He nodded in agreement. "It would be wonderful for us all to be there together and it would definitely be easier for me to have you and the twins right there."
"What about the house you just got us?" she questioned. "I love this house Luke; I love being the girl behind the red door, the family behind it."
"It'll still be here when we get back," he replied. "It'll be like a brand new adventure: new marriage, new babies, new city."
She nodded with a dimpled smile. "That sounds amazing Luke."
"But you're still not sure," he squinted at her, seeing the slight hesitation in her eyes.
She sighed. "I want to go, it's just last time I felt so disconnected from everyone. Peyton and I barely spoke and I mean Haley and I wrote and she sent pictures of Jamie but it wasn't the same. And then there's Rachel. We're like a family and I just don't want to lose them again."
"We won't," he said reassuringly. "You're right Brooke, we are a family; us and Nathan and Hales, Peyton and Jake, Rachel and Owen, Mouth and Millie, Deb and Skills and all the kids and don't forget my mom and Andy. That doesn't change because we're going to a different state and it's not like we'll be gone forever."
"You're right," she smiled, feeling lighter about the situation. "This is sort-of like a graduation day for us too." Broke laughed.
"Starting the journey to our new future," Lucas replied before looking down at his son as he cooed. "We're going to be okay Mrs. Davis-Scott," he said before he reached for her hand and pulled her towards him, adjusting the baby so she could sit on his left side.
Brooke settled against him, smiling as she gently brushed over her son's hair before her hazel green orbs met her husband's blue. "I think we're going to be better than okay," she offered him her signature dimpled smile.
"I think you're right," Lucas replied before leaning up to brush his lips over hers gently.
Haley stood over the counter of the kitchen, steadying herself from the woozy spell that had just washed over her. Reaching up she rubbed her temples as she tried to regain her equilibrium. It had been a while since she'd felt like this and she was scared that her Epstein Bar had come back in full force. She tried to tamper down her anxiety but the last time her symptoms acted up she ended up with bacterial meningitis and almost died.
"Hey sis," Quinn said as she came into the kitchen before taking a closer look at her sister. "Hey, are you okay?"
"Yeah, yeah," Haley turned around to face her. "I just have a little headache; it's more annoying than anything else."
"Do you want me to go upstairs and bring you some aspirin?" she asked.
"No," Haley answered. "I'm sure it'll pass." She paused briefly. "There is something else you can do for me though."
"Anything," the honey brunette smiled widely.
"Could you watch Jamie?" she asked. "I wanted to meet Brooke at the hospital before the graduation and I thought maybe you could bring him there, and Nate and I will just meet you two at the school."
"Sure Haley-Bob," she grinned. "You know I love hanging out with my cool nephew. He's pretty awesome."
"Yeah he is," she smiled with motherly pride. "Well I should probably get going."
"Okay," Quinn said before studying her younger sister for a moment, noticing a slight pallor to her skin. "Are you sure you're okay Haley?"
"Perfect," she smiled before embracing the taller woman. "Don't let Jamie get you in too much trouble."
Quinn laughed as they separated. "No promises."
She shook her head before calling out. "Jamie, I'm leaving now."
"Okay," the little boy said as he flew into the kitchen to hug her. "I'll see you later Momma."
"See you later baby," she kissed him on top of the head before waving at Quinn and picking up her purse before she walked out the door.
Jake stretched as he stood beside his bed. It was nice to finally be in real clothes again after being in gowns and pajamas for so long. He hated being confined to that hospital bed and he was so glad to finally be on his way out of here and best of all after the transplant his dad was on his way to a full recovery.
"Don't you think you should be taking it easy?" Peyton spoke from the doorway.
"All I'm doing is standing up," he shook his head with a laugh at her overprotective nature. "I'm fine Peyt, really."
"I know," she said as she stepped closer. "Just seeing you in that bed, it was bad for a while and I just kept hearing my pessimistic mantra playing in my head."
"People always leave," he said softly and watched as she nodded. "I'm not going anywhere Peyton," he said before taken her hands within his own. "I made you a promise; you didn't think I was going to leave here without marrying you, did you?"
She smiled widely. "You did make me a promise and believe me I am holding you to it."
"Come here," he held out his hand to pull her closer before tilting his head down to capture her lips in a kiss.
"Hey you two," Teresa smiled as she pushed a wheelchair in the door as the couple broke apart. "I've got your release papers Jake."
"Thanks," he offered her a nod as he took them before giving her a wary look. "You're not going to make me sit in that are you?"
"Hospital policy," she chimed, "though I guess we could let you use the room one more day."
"Hell no," he jumped in the seat, feeling anxious to get out of there. "Wheel away."
Peyton laughed as she followed behind, glad that they were moving on to the next phase of their life together.
Nathan stood by the luggage claim, waiting for his suitcase to appear on the luggage turn stall. He had to admit he liked New York: the energy, the bustle, the people; but it felt good to be back in Tree Hill, back in the same town as his family. Pausing to sign an autograph for a young boy who ran up to him, he turned back just in time to see his bag makes it's way down the belt and around the luggage carousel. He scooped it up quickly just as he heard a familiar voice call out to him.
"Nathan!" Quentin rushed towards the man who had become his mentor. "It's good to have you back man."
"It's good to be back," he gave the young man dap before offering him a one armed hug. "Congratulations Q, I'm so proud of you."
"Thanks," the deep sienna man replied as he returned the hug before separating. "I wouldn't have gotten here without your help, your whole family really."
"Nah man this was all you," Nathan said proudly as they made their way towards he exit. "I'm glad you were who the school sent."
"I volunteered," Quentin replied. "You didn't think I was going to let some brain who knows nothing about b-ball come and get you."
The older man laughed in amusement. "Don't be too hard on the brains, you're going to need one to tutor you man," he joked. "And if you're as lucky as me you'll get to marry one."
"Yeah but Mrs. James-Scott is super hot," Quentin smiled while raising his eyes brows up and down.
"Hey man that's my wife you're talking about," he said firmly before a smile graced his face. "But you're right, my girl is hot."
Quentin laughed again. "You know, I'm glad Tree Hill High didn't get a boring speaker." He looked out the doors at all the photographers and press gathered outside. "It must be really cool to have all these people waiting for you. How do you ever get used to it?"
"I'll let you know when I do," Nathan said with a shrug. "It's different but it's an amazing feeling. It'll be you someday."
"Man I hope so," Quentin replied with a hopeful smile.
"So, you ready?" he nodded towards the crowd outside before watching the teenager nod in return. "Here we go," Nathan said before they stepped out of the airport into a frenzy of camera flashes.
Owen stood in the backyard of his childhood home staring out into the distance. It had been three days since his father passed away and just over an hour since he'd watched him be lowered into the ground. Owen cringed at both memories, knowing he'd never get another chance to say goodbye to the man who abandoned him; to the man he'd worshipped and loved and at times hated. Shaking his head to absolve himself of the bad memories, he let his gaze turn to the empty swing set and for a moment he could see himself as a child swinging higher and higher as his dad pushed him from behind.
"Hey," Rachel said as she slipped her hand into his, "you okay?"
"I'm trying to be," he answered before his gaze turned from the swings to the woman beside him. "Ori?"
"She's with your sister and niece," she replied. "They both are really great with her."
"Good," Owen nodded. "I know this must be rough for her, not knowing anything about her grandfather till he's dead."
"I think it's probably harder for you O," the red head said as she gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. "You know I'm here for you Morello, if you want to cry or yell or curse."
"I know," he turned to face her. "I couldn't have gotten through any of this without you Rach. I just…" he shook his head, "I didn't expect to feel like this."
"He was your father," Rachel offered him a small shrug. "No matter what went wrong between you two he was still your dad and you're going to hurt."
He nodded. "It does hurt but I guess I didn't expect it too. I said goodbye to my father a long time ago, or at least I thought I had. I mean I hated him for so long and I finally had the chance to make peace and instead I yelled at him," Owen shook his head wearily, "I was so caught up in yelling at him that I didn't even realize he was taking his last breath. What kind of man does that make me?"
"You were upset Owen," she said sympathetically. "You had all these bottled up emotions and you just let it out but I bet he was glad you were there. He wanted to give you that closure before he died and he did. Now, maybe you can let the anger go."
"I sort-of feel like if I let the anger go then what will I have left of him?" He ran a hand through his hair gruffly. "I know that makes no sense."
"It makes sense Morello," her eyes were filled with warmth as she looked up at him, "but I think you'll find once you let that go, you'll be able to remember the love you had for him and maybe find comfort in the fact that in his last moments he wanted to be with you, whether you were yelling or telling him about your life; he wanted to be with the son he loved."
"You are amazing," he gazed at her in reverence. "You... you and Ori are exactly what I need to get me through this."
She shrugged in nonchalance. "Yeah well therapy will do this to you."
"Do what?" he quipped playfully, "make you know exactly what to say any time something bad happens?"
"No," she shook her head. "It just teaches you how to face things and move through them without drugs."
"You teach me that," he reached up to cup her face. "I love you Rachel."
"I love you too," she smiled before leaning up to kiss his lips softly. "I promise we'll make it through this," she wrapped her arms around him.
Owen placed a soft kiss in her hair as he pulled her closer. "I believe you."
Haley swung her legs carelessly as she sat on the examination lounger. She looked over to the brunette in the chair against the wall, happy that she wasn't going through this alone. If someone had told her in her freshman year of high school that her best friend would be Brooke Davis she would've laughed her head off or told them they were crazy but that's exactly what she was; Brooke had transformed from being a self-absorbed teenager to the most giving woman she knows and she was happy that right now that brunette was seated firmly across from her in support.
"I'm scared," Haley's voice sounded meek to her own ears. "What if my Epstein Bar is back?"
"Then you'll deal with it," Brooke said as she stood up and walked to her friend's side, taking her hand in reassurance. "You'll tell Nate and you guys will deal with it and I can promise you Luke and I and everyone else will be there to help you guys through it."
"I almost died the last time," she shook her head sadly, unable to fight the tears forming in her caramel eyes.
"But that was before you or your doctors really had a hold on the disease," Brooke countered. "You're strong and a fighter; you're going to be okay Hales."
She smiled before letting out a soft laugh. "I was just thinking about how far we've come. I used to envy you from a far and then after that first party when you found that letter I wrote to Nathan…"
"You hated me," Brooke interrupted. "God I was so awful back then. Looking back sometimes, it doesn't even feel like me."
"I didn't hate you," Haley shook her head in refutation, "I just thought you were mean." She laughed again. "But you made up for it the next day. If it weren't for you, Nathan and I probably wouldn't have made it off the ground."
"I could say the same about you," Brooke said with a dimpled smile. "Lucas and I have been through so much and even though you never really took sides when he was with Lindsay or Peyton, I always felt like you were secretly rooting for me."
"I was the same way you were rooting for me when no one else really was after I came back from that tour," Haley replied with a shrug. "That's what roomies are for, and now because of Lucas and Nathan you're my sister."
"A sister who is going to stand by you and make sure you get through whatever is wrong," she squeezed the shorter girl's hand in comfort just as the doctor walked in.
"Dr. Baker," she looked up at the man. "Is it… is my Epstein Bar back?"
"No," the doctor paused briefly, "your Epstein Bar seems to be managing very well but we did find something to explain your symptoms."
Haley paled as she squeezed her friend's hand tightly in anticipation of the news.
Skills stood by the bedside with his daughter in his arms as Deb napped peacefully. Smiling as he looked down at the tawny bundle in his arms he felt the contentment wash over him. Ever since Jamie was born he looked forward to the day when he would become a father and then after Cassandra lost their baby, he wondered if he'd ever have that chance. And now that he'd been given the gift of fatherhood, he vowed to himself and to his daughter that he would never take it for granted.
"Fatherhood looks good on you," Lucas said as he poked his head inside. "Is Deb sleeping? I could come back."
"No man," Skills waved him inside. "We'll just have to be quiet. That's your little man huh?" he asked as he motioned towards the car seat his friend was carrying. "He's seems bigger already."
"Yeah," Lucas nodded proudly. "He's growing every second." He peered down at the smaller baby swaddled in a pink blanket. "She's beautiful man."
"Yeah she is, isn't she?" he offered his own proud smile. "I can't believe I had a part in making something so…"
"Perfect," Lucas supplied for him. "I know what you mean. I feel the same way every time I look at Keith and Kayla."
"How is your little girl doing?" Skills asked in concern.
"She's good, getting stronger everyday," Lucas replied. "Brooke is in the nursery visiting her now and my mom's going to take Keith to visit his sister while we're at the graduation." He looked over as Darla made a small gurgle. "She really is beautiful."
"Yeah Deb and I do good work," he let out a small chuckle. "You want to hold her?"
"Sure," Lucas smiled before taking the little girl in his arms and then watching as Skills leaned down to pick up his son. "It's amazing, isn't it?"
"Yeah it is," Skills replied. "I mean your parents talk about all this stuff when you're growing up but you really don't understand it until you become a parent yourself. Let's take a walk," Skills nodded to the door before stepping out of it, the blonde man following behind him as they made their way through the halls of the hospital. "All those years ago on the River Court, did you ever think we'd end up here at the same time?"
"I think us having kids in the span of a few weeks is less surprising then the fact you actually married my brother's mom," Lucas laughed.
"Yeah I guess that was surprising," he said with a grin, "But Deb man, she's amazing."
"You'll get no argument from me," he agreed. "I don't think Brooke would've gotten through the attack without her." Lucas looked down at the baby girl in his arms. "Your mom is definitely a great lady, your dad on the other hand…" he trailed off with a laugh.
"Hey, hey, hey," the sienna man said jovially. "If there's anyone my daughter and your son need to worry about, it's you." He looked down at little Keith. "Don't be a brooder like your old man."
"Very funny," Lucas griped as they rounded the corner. "I still can't believe so much has happened since we graduated."
"We've come a long way since The River Court," Skills mused. "Now our kids are going to be growing up there, going from school to the court after school just like we did."
"Yeah," Lucas agreed. "We'll definitely be back by then."
"Back?" Skills asked in confusion.
"Yeah," Lucas sighed. "We were going to announce it at the graduation but since you won't be there I guess now is as good a time as any." He paused briefly. "Brooke and I, we're going to be living in New York for a little while with the twins."
"Wow," he replied in surprise. "That's really great news Luke; I'm happy for you guys."
"Yeah," he nodded, "we're pretty excited about it. It's just time, you know. Brooke wants to run her company from New York for a while until she has someone she can really count on heading it up and my publishing house is there so it will be convenient for me for the editing process."
Skills nodded. "I get it and I'm happy for you baby; I really am." He paused briefly. "What about the house you just brought and…"
"It won't be forever," he cut his friend off with a shrug. "It's just for a little while and the house will be here waiting for us when we get back so don't worry, our kids are still going to grow up together just like you, me, Haley and the rest of the guys."
"No doubt," Skills replied with a smile. "And I get making a change," he looked down at his friend's son before gazing over at his daughter. "This fatherhood thing is pretty intense, changes your whole perspective."
"It does," Lucas agreed. "The minute they put that little baby in your arms it changes your world, knowing that you're responsible for this tiny life, full of potential… but it's a gift."
"It is," Skills said with a smile before his daughter squirmed within his friend' arms. "What do you say we get back, I think Darla's starting to miss her mom."
Lucas nodded silently before they switched babies somewhat awkwardly. "We'll get the hang of this eventually," he laughed as his son was settled in his arms while Skills held his little girl in his.
"I hope so man," the sienna man laughed as they made their way back to Deb's hospital room.
Peyton watched from the doorway as Jake pulled the covers up over a sleeping Jenny. It felt like it had been forever since she'd felt this happy, and this worry-free. Her thoughts for some reason drifted back to Savannah when she and Jake had first been engaged and she couldn't help the smile that took over her features.
Jake turned around, seeing the far-off look in her eyes and the smile that graced her face. "What are you thinking about?" he whispered.
"Savannah," she answered as he took her hand and they made their way to the living room and sat down on the couch, his arms immediately wrapping around her. "I asked you what you saw when you looked at me."
"Hope," he answered before his brown eyes looked into her green. Reaching up he stroked her blonde waves gently. "That's what I still feel when I look at you."
"It's what I feel when I look at you too," she paused as their eyes clung in an intense gaze," hope and peace and music and love."
"Hold that thought," he said before jumping up.
"Jake," she said as her eyes widened in confusion. "Where are you-what are you doing?" She'd barely stood up from the couch when he returned. "You know that you shouldn't be overexerting yourself."
"I'm fine Peyton, I just… I didn't want to wait anymore," he explained as he stood in front of her. "I think we've waited long enough," he replied before reaching in his pocket and pulling out a small gray jewelry box. "I was going to wait till the perfect moment to give it to you but…"
"Jake," she smiled as her eyes began to mist with happy tears as he opened the lid, revealing an antique engagement ring.
It was on a platinum band, a bezel-set round diamond with a bejeweled vaulted frame, bordered in mille-grained edgework. The diamond was encircled by a floating frame of French-cut baguette sapphires with eight round diamonds set around the center stone and botanically-inspired foliate-motif with even more diamonds set around it before tapering into a svelte platinum band.
"It was my grandmother's," he said as he watched her eyes roam over it. "I had my mom bring it by the hospital yesterday."
"It's… it's the most beautiful ring I've ever seen," a tear rolled down her cheek as he removed it from it's case, tossing the gray box to the bed before lifting her left hand. "It's exquisite, it's so beautiful and unique…" Her hand trembled slightly as he slipped it on her ring finger.
"Just like you," Jake replied as he gazed into her orbs. "I know the way I asked you the first time was pretty spur of the moment but nothing about wanting to be with you for the rest of my life is a whim or even about worrying that time may not be as long or infinite as we think it is. It's because I love you more than I can say in words; it's because with you I not only realized we could have the fairytales that we read Jenny but because, you Peyton Elizabeth Sawyer, are my fairytale." He reached up to cup her face, brushing her fallen tears away softly with the pads of his thumbs. "So, for the sake of doing it right this time," he got down on one knee. "Will you, marry me?"
"Hell yes baby," she said as she fell down to her knees on the floor and grasped his face in her hands before planting a mind numbing kiss on him as his arms encircled her waist. When they finally parted over lack of air she mumbled against his lips, "next week."
"What?" he pulled back to look at her.
"I can hardly wait another day to be your wife and we said we weren't going to leave our song on pause any longer," Peyton replied.
"I want you to have the perfect wedding," he said, "the wedding you want."
"This is what I want," she stated emphatically. "And it will be perfect as long as it's us. I don't need some big fancy wedding, that's not me and it's not you. All I need is you and Jenny and Brooke to be my maid of honor and I figure it'll take us no longer than a week to get the marriage license."
"Okay," he nodded with a smile that seemed to light up the whole room.
"Okay?" her green eyes lit up.
"Okay," he reiterated. "Next week, we'll be husband and wife."
She practically squealed before throwing her arms around him once again before his lips met hers in another ardent kiss.
Lucas and Brooke sat a few rows from the stage that had been set up for the graduation, Lucas sitting next to Quentin's family while Sam's family sat on the other side of them. It was being held in the same auditorium as theirs had been held almost six years ago and as they locked eyes they could both tell they were remembering that day; so many things had happened with Karen as well as Haley, it had been the day she'd given birth to Jamie. Brooke looked up at the subject of her thoughts, Haley sitting on the stage with several other teachers and guidance counselors as well as the guest speaker: Nathan.
"Hey guys," Quinn whispered as she slid into the seat next to Brooke, Jamie taking a seat next to her.
"Hey Quinn," Lucas smiled. "It's been a long time. I don't know if you and Brooke ever met."
"I think we did," Quinn said. "I was two years ahead of you guys. It's good to see you both again."
"You too," Brooke reached over to tap her godson on the leg. "How's my favorite nephew?"
"Hi Aunt Brooke," he beamed. "Hi Uncle Lucas."
"Hey Jamie," he returned the smile before they all grew quiet again as the principal introduced Nathan.
"Good afternoon Tree Hill High graduates, family, and friends," Nathan began his speech, "it's good to be back at my Alma Mater to share in this moment with you," he paused briefly as he looked out into the crowd of faces. "When they first contacted me about coming to speak at your graduation, I jumped at the chance to be here today but after I decided to do it I had no idea what to say to you all. My wife Haley, you know her as Mrs. James-Scott is usually the person who gives the motivational speeches in my family or even my brother Lucas Scott, the former basketball coach. You know when we graduated our valedictorian told us that nothing in life is promised, and she was right." Nathan turned back to wink at his wife quickly before focusing his attention back to the crowd. "Nothing in life is, you have to work at it and you have to really want it, be hungry for it. These last four years within these walls have shown you that if you work for something, you can achieve it. The foundation you've received here has set you up to face the future, whatever that may be and to step up when the time calls for it." His gaze went to his son before it fell on the graduates again, "at least stepping up is what it's called in sports. In life, I call it pushing back. Life's funny sometimes; it can push pretty hard but if you are willing to push back you can accomplish anything you want to." He let out a small breath. "A lot of people have asked me how I made it to the NBA after my accident, and the best answer I have to that is I knew what I wanted to do and I did it. Did I make mistakes, have people telling me no? Of course but I kept going because I had determination and perseverance; two fundamental tools that were honed right here within the walls of this school. You know Bradley Whitford said that, "At the end of your days, you will be judged by your gallop, not by your stumble." It's a simple concept. It basically means to rise above yourself when you fall and learn to get back up, that's what people will remember you for and those are the moments you will remember. So as you go out into the world the only advice I have for you is to be open to change, to know you are capable, to work hard at something you are passionate about, and to fall in love. Don't be afraid to open yourself up to new experiences and don't be afraid to really go out into the world… this moment is yours."
The crowd erupted into a sea of clapping as Nathan returned to his seat, his wife reaching over to squeeze his hand to show how proud she was of him.
The rest of the graduation went off without a hitch, Sam Walker making her own speech as the valedictorian before the graduates were called in alphabetically order, Lucas and company cheering loudly for Quentin and Sam; as well as the members of the basketball team Lucas had coached.
"Congratulations," Lucas walked up to Quentin after the ceremony was over where he was talking to his mom and little brother. "I'm really proud of you man."
"Thanks Coach Scott," he replied before embracing the man who had first taken a chance on him to teach him a better way.
"Coach Taylor wanted to be here but his wife just had a baby," Lucas pulled two envelopes from his pocket. "He did send a card though; the other one is from me and Brooke."
"Thanks," the teenager smiled widely. "I appreciate it."
"You're welcome," Brooke smiled. "Congratulations."
"Yeah congratulations Q," Jamie said before they did their special handshake. "Daddy said you got into Duke."
"I did," he said proudly, "and it's all because of your family J-Luke."
"I keep telling him it was all him," Nathan said as he and Haley walked up.
"Congratulation Quentin," Haley said as she gave him a hug.
"Thanks," he replied before looking over at some of his other family members he hadn't yet seen. "I should probably go make rounds with the fam; thank you guys for being here. It meant a lot."
"Go," Haley smiled as she ushered him towards the group of smiling relatives. "He's come a long way."
"Yeah he has," Lucas agreed just as a group of kids came up to ask for Nathan's autograph.
"Mr. Popularity," Quinn teased once he rejoined their group.
"Hey Quinn," Nathan said giving her a hug. "Sorry, I didn't even say hi…"
"It's okay," she laughed as she interrupted his apology. "So my famous brother-in-law, what's it like being in New York?"
"I really like it actually," he replied. "There's a real energy about the place."
"Yeah," Brooke agreed with a nod. "I know what you mean. Tree Hill will always be home but for me New York is a second home. The whole place just energizes you."
"You sound like you miss it," Quinn surmised.
"Sometimes," the fashion designer replied.
"Speaking of New York and your speech Nathan about being open to new experience, Brooke and I sort-of have some news," Lucas rubbed the back of his neck in habit, hoping they'd be happy for them.
"So do we," Jamie chimed in energetically.
"Yeah?" Brooke asked. "What's going on?"
"You want to tell them or should I?" Haley looked back at her husband who shrugged before facing her two best friends. "We're moving to New York."
"Oh my God," Brooke squealed before jumping up and down and hugging Haley. "So are we."
Rachel stood in the kitchen as she watched Sophia pile some food in a container for them to take on their trip back to Tree Hill. It had been an eye opening trip for her, seeing how Owen's family interacted after all these years. When she was younger she hadn't had many dealings with them, it had always been just her and Owen. She had been able to tell how separate they were as a family, something she and him had in common even back then, and she could still see that in them now; though she could see his sister longed to be more uniformed.
"Are you sure you guys have to take off now?" Sophia asked.
"Sadly yeah," Rachel nodded. "It's about an eight hour drive back to Tree Hill from here and we'd rather get Ori back early tomorrow so she can kind of have the whole day to get back on track. We're just starting to get a real schedule with her," the red head shook her head. "I'm sure that sounds kind of stupid to you but…"
"No, not at all," the dark haired woman shook her head before offering the other woman a kind smile. "You and Owen just got her back really and this, all of this, has to be a little overwhelming for her."
"Truthfully I think it's more overwhelming for me and O," Rachel shrugged. "I don't do well with this kind of stuff and as you know it's hard for your brother too."
"You really get him," Sophia said, a bit of amazement in her voice. "I'm really glad he's found that somewhere. My family, we've never been all about being together but these past couple years have been a little different but Owen, he basically stayed away and I guess I didn't know how to reach out. "
Rachel nodded silently.
"Are you close with your family?" Sophia asked.
Rachel let out a laugh. "Not at all… My parents liked to take vacations year round while they dumped me in whatever town would take me until I got myself kicked out of whatever school I was attending at the time."
"I'm sorry," she smiled sympathetically. "I just thought since you and Owen and Orianna seem so…"
"No," the red head shook her head, "but we've got a good foundation, some really great friends back in Tree Hill and they've become our family." She paused briefly. "So, Stephen's gone already?"
"Yeah but he'll be back, he just figured now was as good a time as any," the olive toned woman finished putting the containers in a bag before placing it on the counter. "Our dad really wanted to leave his business to both Steve and Owen but I think he knew Owen wouldn't want it." Sophia looked up at her. "Do you know what Owen wants to do?"
"No," she answered, "but he has time to figure it out."
"Hey," Owen said as he and Orianna stepped in the kitchen. "You about ready to go?"
"Yeah," Rachel nodded. "It was really nice getting to know you."
"You too," Sophia said before hugging the other woman.
Rachel stiffened for a moment before hugging her back for a moment before stepping out of the embrace. "Why don't you give your aunt a hug Ori?"
"Bye Aunt Sophia," the little girl said before embracing her aunt. "It was really nice meeting you."
"It was nice to meet you too sweetheart," Sophia smiled down at the child. "But now that we know each other we're going to stay in touch, okay?"
Orianna nodded. "Tell Maria I said bye."
"I will," she replied with a smile.
"Let's give Daddy a few minutes." Rachel reached out her hand to her daughter as she picked up the plastic bag of food with the other hand. "Bye…" she said a bit awkwardly; not really knowing what the parting words to say to someone whose father just died.
Owen smiled at his girlfriend and daughter as they walked out before turning back to his sister. "I don't really know what to say Soph," he shrugged.
"Me either," she shook her head sadly. "I am glad you were here though," she reached out to take his hand, "for all of this." She paused briefly as her chocolate orbs looked up into ones that looked so much like her own, orbs that looked like their father's. "He was happy you were here too."
"I don't know about that," he blew out a shaky breath. "I don't think I exactly brought him peace in those final moments."
"You were there and you got to show him a picture of your family and show him that you were happy," she allowed a stray tear to roll down her cheek. "I really got to know Dad these last few years and I know you being here brought him peace." She patted his hand in comfort. "I hope it gave you some too."
"I don't know," he shook his head. "Rach seems to think that after the pain isn't so raw that it will though; that it will have given me some type of closure."
"She's good for you," Sophia commented.
"Yeah she is," he agreed with a small smile. "She's changed me in ways I never thought was possible."
"I'm happy for you Owen," she let out a small breath. "Well you better get on your way; Columbus Georgia is a long way from Tree Hill North Carolina."
"I love you Sophia," Owen said before hugging his sister.
"I love you too," she said before releasing him and walking to the door with him, waving from the porch as he got into the SUV and pulled out from the driveway.
"You okay?" Rachel asked as they drove down the street.
"Yeah," he glanced back to where his daughter was playing a game on her PSP2 in the backseat before looking over at the woman he loved, feeling a sense of peace and gratefulness for the changes they had made in his life. He reached over to take her hand as he gave a silent thanks to his father, making a conscious choice to forgive him and let go of the anger and hurt, for every moment both good and bad had brought him to this point, and in this moment he was now truly ready to embrace what life had given him. "I'm great."
Alan Cohen wrote, "It takes a lot of courage to release the familiar and seemingly secure, to embrace the new. But there is no real security in what is no longer meaningful. There is more security in the adventurous and exciting, for in movement there is life, and in change there is power."