It's been six weeks since Brooke made her trip to New York and discovered that her husband, Lucas, has fathered a child he knows nothing about. During these past six weeks, the secret has been eating her away. When she is alone with him all she wants to do is tell him, but something always stops her. It's fear. Fear that he will race off to New York and they won't see him. Fear that he'll fall apart. Fear that her kids won't be able to process the information. Just FEAR.
Lucas, the head basketball coach, had been fully immersed in preparing for the upcoming opening basketball game while simultaneously juggling his responsibilities as a father to his four children. Lucas has been pushing Kieran in practice every day since he switched the team to two-a-day practices. His coaching style became more intense as he challenged Kieran to refine his skills, improve his strategy, and become a leader among his teammates. As the season is ramping up, Lucas is spending more and more time in his office at the school. Going over plays, watching films, and preparing.
The Scott children have been busy just like their parents. Davis and Keith have been trying to learn the balance of being student-athletes. Keith is over-practicing, and his grades have been less than stellar, whereas Davis is the opposite. He doesn't work on the sport outside of practice; he is studying in his room. The best thing his parents did was let the boys finally have their own rooms. Davis felt more of an individual and less than a twin. Kieran has been doing nothing but basketball. The pressure is on for another season, and he doesn't know why but this season is stressing him out more than ever. Is it because his dad hasn't stopped talking about scouts, or maybe the pressure of having Clark's contact information, or is it his secret trips to the gym his uncle Jason runs on the outskirts of town? He hasn't gone inside yet, but every day after practice for the last six weeks, he goes to the gym and sits in the parking lot. Lily has been busy with cheer practice and the rehearsal for the musical. It's been tiring, but she has enjoyed every minute of it.
"PUSH THE BALL UP THE COURT!" Lucas yelled, watching his players players continue to run up and down the court.
"I NEED TO SEE FIVE PASSES BEFORE A SHOT!" Skills yelled.
"LOOK FOR THE OPEN MAN!" Lucas continued to yell.
"DOWN LOW!" Skill yelled. "OH! COME ON!" He yelled after a shot was taken two passes in.
"SCOTT, GET OVER HERE!" Lucas yelled out with both Jamie and Kieran looking over their shoulders. Kieran looked down and ran over to Lucas.
"Yes, coach." Kieran said.
"Do you need glasses?" Lucas demanded, with Kieran shaking his head. "Then I expect you to see the open man with the better shot." He stated.
"I made the shot, didn't I?" Kieran said back as Lucas nodded his head.
"Hit the baseline for 10 down and backs." Lucas said as he watched Kieran roll his eyes and run off to the baseline equivalent on the outside of the court. "Make it 15, Scott. Don't roll your eyes at your coach." He yelled out. Kieran let out a sigh and started to run. Lucas continued to direct practice as he watched Kieran out of the corner of his eye. "I expect full running, Scott, no jogging." He yelled out. Kieran kept running as Lucas called the rest of the players to the locker room. "We will not have practice…" He was saying as Kieran came in out of breath and drenched in sweat. "Take a seat, Kieran." He said as Kieran let out a deep breath and sat down. "Like I was saying, no practice after school. You're free to go once the period ends at the end of the school day. We will be lightly running through the plays, and that's it. I expect to see you all at Burning Boat tonight, as they will be talking about the game tomorrow. As for tomorrow, I would like to see you all dressed nicely for school. That means no jeans and T-shirts. You will find three new polos in your lockers, blue, black, and white. We will be wearing the white polos tonight, guys; try to keep them clean. Black polos are for away games, and blue are for home games unless one of us tells you otherwise. I want to see you in blue polo and khaki pants tomorrow. If you do not own a pair of khakis please visit Great Scott, and my wife will get you squared away." He said as he looked at the clock, there were about 30 minutes before school started. "Alright, guys, hit the showers." He said as most of them got up. Kieran stayed seated as Lucas walked past him and into his office in the locker room.
"Are you gonna be sick?" Charlie asked as he kicked Kieran's shoe. Kieran looked up with a half smile and let out a laugh.
"You think he'll go easier on me if I do?" Kieran laughed as he stood up. Lucas looked up from his playbook as he watched Charlie and Kieran exchange some laughs. He smiled and went back to his playbook.
"Definitely not." Charlie said as they both walked off to the showers. They both showered and got ready for school; just as Kieran was going to leave the locker room, Lucas stopped him. "I'll catch ya later." He said as Kieran nodded. He groaned and then walked into his dad's office.
"What's up coach?" Kieran said.
"I need you to pick up the boys after school." Lucas said.
"I have plans Dad." Kieran groaned a bit.
"Yeah, to pick your brothers up after school." Lucas said. "A car is a privilege Kier…" he started to say.
"Okay, fine." Kieran said. "Is that all?" He asked. Lucas sighed and then nodded his head towards the door. Kieran turned around and walked out of the locker room. He ran into Samantha.
"Hi Kieran!" Sam said as he continued walking. "I said hi." She said and then sighed. "Tough practice?" She asked.
"Yeah." Kieran said as he continued to walk down the hall. She followed him.
"Kieran can we talk. Please." She said, grabbing his arm. He stopped and turned around to face her.
"Fine. You have until the bell rings." He stated. She sighed.
"So your dad is really on your case this season huh." She said he leaned against the wall.
"Yeah…it's been nonstop since practice went to two a days. If it's not on the court it's at home." He sighed. "Sometimes I don't know, is it worth it." He said.
"Would you really quit?" She asked.
"Oh god, never." He said. "I love the sport, and I know my dad is just hard on me so that I'm better." He sighed.
"I'm worried about you." She said as he tilted his head.
"Why?" He asked.
"I talked to Jenny." She said as the smile left his face.
"And what did she say." He said.
"That you have Clark's contact info." She said as he shook his head.
"Good bye Sam." He said as he started to walk away. She sighed.
"Is that the place you've been going after practice every day for the last month." She said as he stopped in his tracks. "So it is." She said as he turned around.
"How do you know about that?" He asked.
"I followed you." She said. "Yesterday, the day before, and the day before that. I followed you to the gym. Have you gotten out of your car yet?" She asked. He walked up to her.
"Stop." He said. "Just stop talking about it okay. Yes it's the place that is listed as his place of work. But Sam, stop. Stop trying to get back into my life. Stop trying. You know everytime I look at you I think maybe today I'll talk to Sam again, maybe today I'll forgive Sam for cheating. But I can't." He said as the bell rang and students started to walk into the school. "Sam I loved you. Yeah did we have our bad times of course, but you so easily cheated on me. I never did that to you. Ever. And to do it with Bryce! I mean come on. Did our relationship mean anything to you?" He asked.
"Kieran." She said as she titled her head and grabbed his hand. "I love you." She said.
"Stop. I can't do this anymore." He said as he dropped her hand. He started to walk back into the locker room.
"Kieran I'll tell your dad." She said as he opened the locker room door. He stopped and looked over his shoulder. He shook his head and walked through the door
"Okay." He and the door shut in her face. Kieran walked to his locker and sat down in front of it. He sighed as hung his head. He sat there for a moment and noticed a familiar pair of shoes stop in front of him.
"Bud is everything okay?" Lucas asked as Kieran looked up at his dad. He had just a couple tears on his cheek. "Hey hey hey." He said as he squatted down to get eye to eye to his son. "What's up kid?" He asked.
"Dad I did something really stupid, and I know you're going to be mad." Kieran said.
"Nothing you say will make me love you any less Kieran. What ever it is it will be okay." Lucas said. Kieran sighed and looked back down. "Come on." He said as he patted his son's knee and nodded for him to follow him. Kieran got up and followed Lucas to his office as the tardy bell rang. "Sit down, I'm going to email your teacher and let her know that you got sick at practice and will be late." He said as Kieran nodded and sat down in the chair across from Lucas' desk. Lucas sat down and spun to face the desk. "Uh…who am I emailing?" He asked.
"Mrs. Bryant. AP English." Kieran said as Lucas nodded.
"That's right." Lucas said. He drafted up the email and then sent it off. He exited out of his email and then turned to face Kieran. "Alright bud, let's hear it." He said as Kieran sat in silence for a moment.
"Dad you promise it won't be too much?" Kieran asked as Lucas sat forward.
"Let me guess, this is about Clark?" Lucas said. "I assume you found his information on my computer?" He said as Kieran shot up.
"You know?" Kieran asked surpirsed.
"I had a hunch." Lucas said. "Let's talk about it." He stated.
"How did you know?" Kieran asked.
"Your my kid, I know everything you do." Lucas said as Kieran laughed.
"Oh yeah? What did I have for breakfast." Kieran laughed.
"Alright alright. I went to the river court last night and you weren't there, so I checked your location." Lucas said.
"Wooooooow…invasion of privacy much? Kieran laughed as Lucas nodded and then made a face of get back on it.
"Yeah so I've been going out to the gym. I haven't gone in or anything. I don't know dad, I just wanted to see it. Kinda like how I wanted to see him leave the jail. I know it's probably not smart…but dad I just wanted too." Kieran said and looked down. "Dad I'm sorry." He said.
"Bud I get it. I understand the curiosity." Lucas said. "But I would like you to stay away from that place, okay." He said as Kieran nodded. "Now I don't need an answer right away, you can think about it so do you want to sit down with him?" He asked.
"No." Kieran said quickly. "Dad I really don't." He said.
"Alright bud." Lucas said. "Do you have anything else you want to tell me?" He asked.
"Did you ever wonder about Dan?" Kieran asked.
"Yes I did." Lucas said. "I even lived with him for a bit."
"Did you get your answers?" Kieran asked.
"Yes and no." Lucas said. "I realized that he will always be the man everyone thought he was. I thought there was something there, but nope just Dan and his lies." He said as Kieran nodded. Lucas watched his son sit there squirming in his seat.
"Have you been harder in me in practice because you knew this?" Kieran asked.
"No." Lucas said. "And I don't want you to think I'm not upset with for getting onto my computer. Kieran my home office is a private place for me to go and work. I have sensitive information on that computer, and it violates my trust that I have with you. But I also violated your trust by checking your location. Key I don't want you going into my office anymore, and I especially don't want you on my computer, got it?" He stated.
"Yes sir." Kieran said. "So what's the reason?" He asked.
"Because you're better than what you've been doing in that gym lately. Key I want a winning season and if I need to push you I will. And bud your eye rolling on the court is going to stop. I will run you til you puke if you roll your eyes one more time. I mean it. Run til you puke." Lucas said as Kieran shook his head.
"Yes coach." Kieran said with a soft smile. "Thanks for letting me talk about this dad." He said as he stood up.
"There's only 15 minutes of class left, you can stay in here if you want." Lucas said as he shifted his focus to his computer. He was checking his emails as he watched Kieran twiddled his thumbs.
"So dad's there's one more thing." Kieran said as Lucas let out a sigh.
"Key I swear if this is another thing you did I don't know if I can overlook it." Lucas said.
"I know the things that you did with Aunt Peyton back in high school. Mom's told me. But uh…did mom ever do anything like that?" Kieran asked. Lucas sat back in his chair and remember the night he forgave Brooke for sleeping with Chris.
"She did, but I forgave her." Lucas said.
Lucas was alone in his room when he heard a knock on his door. He opened it and saw Brooke standing at his door, tears in her eyes and a box in her hand.
"Brooke." Lucas said concerned about her crying.
"There are 82 letters in here." Brooke started to say tears in her eyes. "And they're all addressed to you. I wrote them all this summer. One a day, but I never sent the because I was afraid." She said with a tear streaming down her face.
"Brooke…" He started and she cut him off.
"I was afraid of getting my heart broken again. Like before." She said and then let out a shakling breath. "'Cause you hurt me so bad, and I was afraid to be vulnerable. And I was afraid of you and the way that you make me feel. And I know that doesn't matter now after what I did, but I just thought that you should is how I spent my summer, Luke." She paused and then continued. "Wanting you.I was just too scared to admit it." She said crying, and turned away from him. She started to walk across the yard and he came out after her.
"Brooke!" He yelled out after her. She stopped and turned around. "I'm sorry. What you did with Chris, it's okay." He said as she cried.
"It's not. It can't be. It's too much to forgive." She cried.
"Well, that's too bad." He stated and then continued "because I forgive you."
"You can't." She cried back.
"I just did." He said. "So you're gonna just have to deal with it. I'm the guy for you, Brooke Davis. And I know I hurt you last time we were together, but…" He said as she cut him off.
"I love you." She said finally, which caught him off guard.
"I love you, too." He said back and then touched her face lovingly. "Pretty girl." He smiled and then kissed her, she pushed into him and kissed him back.
"You know Key sometimes it's worth forgiving the person." Lucas said as Kieran nodded. Kieran than pulled out his phone. "Now who could you possibly being texting, all your friends are in class." He said.
"Lily, Davis and Keith." Kieran said as Lucas was a bit touched.
"Great my kids are the texters in class." Lucas laughed.
"Yeah this group chat blows up all day." Kieran said with a smile as he was texting back.
"What's going on?" Lucas asked.
"Well Keith asked that girl Dylan to go to the game with him tomorrow. Davis isn't texting back, figures, he liked the girl too. And Lily is talking about what Keith should wear." Kieran laughed as the bell rang.
"Sounds about right. Let me know if Davis and Keith continue to drift." Lucas said as Kieran stood up.
"Dad it's a good thing they are drifting." Kieran said as he put his backpack on his shoulder. Lucas paused as Kieraan walked to the door. "They are two individuals, not the twins, not the boys, but different. They need space." He said as Lucas titled his head and leaned back in his chair. "Dad your creative writing class is this period." He said as Lucas jumped out of his chair.
"Oh yeah!" Lucas said as he followed his son out the door.
The bell rang and the students started to pour out the high school; with tonight being the Burning Boat ceremony all after school activities were cancelled. LIly was walking across the front entrance when she heard her named being called out behind her, and some shuffling of feet getting closer to her. She turned around and saw Charlie running up to her.
"Hey Lils!" Charlie said with a big smile. "I think Kieran already took off to get your brothers. Can I give you a ride?" He offered as he pointed at his truck.
"Oh yeah, sure." Lily said with a smile. Charlie smiled big and reached for Lily's backpack. He carried both of their backpacks across the parking lot to his truck.
"So am I taking you home or maybe do you want to come hang out at my house?" He asked a bit awkwardly.
"Uh well no one is home at my house, so sure." She said, he laughed. They got into his truck and drove off to his house. "So how is being a cheerleader. I remember when you were like what 10 or 11 all you talked about was being a cheerleader once you got to high school. Is it everything you wanted it to be?" He asked.
"I love it!" She said. "Tomorrow we are doing a new stunt!"
"The stunt y'all have been trying to land? The one that you keep getting dropped?" He asked.
"Well yeah…but we will land it tomorrow." She said.
"I hope so, I would hate for you to hit the gym floor and not get to watch me play tomorrow." He laughed as she rolled her eyes.
"Are your parents going to be at the game tomorrow?" She asked as the smile left his face.
"No. They went back to Europe." He sighed as he pulled into the driveway at his house. They got out and walked inside.
"I'm sorry…" She said as he shrugged.
"It's fine." He said. "I'm going to throw a party after the game tomorrow. Do you want to come, it's going to be invite only." He said as he placed their backpacks on the kitchen counter. He opened the fridge and held up a water bottle to her, she nodded.
"Invite only?" She asked as he handed her the water bottle.
"Yeah like it will be the team, most of the cheerleaders, and then invite only." He said. "Spencer can come of course." He said as she slightly smiled.
"But just to be clear you're my invite." He said with a slight grin.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow over the town of Tree Hill, anticipation filled the air. The residents were bustling with excitement, converging upon the town square for the much-awaited Burning Boat Ceremony and to bask in the joy of the impending basketball season. The aroma of freshly baked treats from Karen's Café wafted through the streets, mingling with the savory scents of barbecues set up for the celebratory feast. The tangy aroma of hot dogs on the grill and the sweet scent of cotton candy hung in the air, enticing taste buds and igniting appetites. Families gathered, their laughter and animated conversations merging with the lively buzz of the crowd. Children ran around with beaming smiles, their faces painted with whimsical designs in vibrant colors. Vendors lined the square, their stalls adorned with colorful trinkets, balloons, and glowing lanterns. Amidst the cheerful commotion, townsfolk eagerly prepared for the start of the Burning Boat Ceremony. They carried delicate paper boats, carefully crafted and inscribed with their hopes, dreams, and lingering burdens. The boats symbolized the shedding of past sorrows and the embrace of new beginnings. Nervous whispers circulated among the crowd, their voices filled with anticipation and excitement. Some shared their aspirations for the future, discussing the possibilities that lay ahead. Others reminisced about the challenges they had overcome, finding solace in the unity of the community. But beyond the ceremony, another source of jubilation resonated within Tree Hill. Tomorrow marked the beginning of the basketball season, a treasured tradition in this sports-loving town. The air crackled with energy as fans donned jerseys and waved team banners, eagerly awaiting the first tip-off. The sound of basketballs bouncing and sneakers squeaking echoed from nearby courts, a preview of the upcoming exhilarating games. The anticipation of victory, the camaraderie of the team, and the shared love for the game filled the hearts of Tree Hill residents, binding them together. In this moment, as the scent of hope and happiness mingled with the crisp evening breeze, the residents of Tree Hill reveled in the festivities. They stood united, ready to cast their burdens into the flames, embrace the promise of a new day, and celebrate the joy of both the Burning Boat Ceremony and the imminent basketball season. A hush fell over the square as the crowd gathered around the flickering flames of the Burning Boat Ceremony. The murmurs faded away as a figure emerged from the shadows, commanding attention with his presence. It was Whitey Durham, the revered coach and mentor, standing tall on the stage, ready to address the eager townspeople. With a voice that carried the weight of experience and wisdom, Whitey spoke of hope and honor. He spoke of Tree Hill's resilience, the challenges they had overcome together, and the brighter future ahead. His words resonated deep within the hearts of those who listened, instilling a renewed sense of purpose and unity. And then, with a flourish of anticipation, Whitey stopped and looked over at Nathan Scott with a smile.
"Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor to introduce the new mayor of Tree Hill," Whitey declared, his voice filled with pride. The crowd erupted in cheers as Nathan Scott, beloved basketball prodigy turned leader, stepped forward onto the stage. Nathan, his face illuminated by the glow of the flames, radiated confidence and determination. He took the microphone, his voice steady yet filled with excitement. He spoke passionately about his vision for Tree Hill, promising to be a mayor who listened, understood, and worked tirelessly to improve the town for its residents. With each word, Nathan's speech ignited the crowd's enthusiasm, their anticipation for the basketball season intertwining with their faith in his leadership. He expressed his gratitude for the support of the community and shared his unwavering belief in the power of teamwork and perseverance. As his speech drew to a close, Nathan's voice resonated with a contagious energy.
"Tomorrow, we step onto the court, united as a team, representing the spirit of Tree Hill. Together, we will overcome obstacles, celebrate victories, and create a legacy that will inspire future generations. Let us seize the moment and embrace the joy of the game that unites us all!" Nathan said. The square erupted in thunderous applause, echoing their belief in Nathan's ability to lead and their shared excitement for the upcoming basketball season. In that moment, hope, honor, and love for their town intertwined, painting a picture of a community ready to face the future with unwavering determination and unwavering passion. And as the flames of the Burning Boat Ceremony danced higher, illuminating the faces of the gathered townspeople, a sense of unity and anticipation settled over Tree Hill. With their new mayor at the helm and the promise of an exhilarating basketball season just hours away, the town embraced the challenges and triumphs that awaited them, bound together by their shared dreams and the strength of their community.
Brooke walked out of the bathroom and smiled as she saw her husband reading in bed. She walked to her side of the bed and got in. She pulled out her sketchbook and stared at the empty page. She looked over at her husband and sighed. The secret she had been keeping from him was eating her alive. She sighed again and he raised an eyebrow.
"Yes pretty girl?" Lucas said setting his book down.
"No it's okay." Brooke said as he chuckled. He started to pick up his book and she sighed again. "How was your day?" She asked.
"You know I actually need to talk to you about that." He said. He marked his spot in the book and set it on the nightstand. "Kieran and I had an interesting conversation, and before you get mad, I told Kieran I am not mad." He said.
"Lucas…" She said.
"Kieran got on my computer and took down Clark's information." He said as she sat up more.
"Lucas, and you said it was okay." She stated.
"No I didn't tell him it was okay, and I told him it needs to stop." He said. "But I wanted to tell you, because your my wife." He said as she sighed.
"Lucas I need to tell you something." She said.
"Yeah?" He questioned.
"The last time I was in New York…I saw Lindsay." She said. "Well more like I followed Lindsay all around the city." She said.
"Why?" He asked as she took a deep breath in. She let it out and closed her eyes.
"Lucas, Lindsay has a daughter." She said as he nodded.
"Yeah I saw her the last time I was in New York. I ran into them at the coffee shop next to our place." He said.
"She's yours." She stated as he paused.
"What!" He said.
"Lindsay was pregnant when you two called it off. She didn't know at the time, but she was." She said. "She came to Tree Hill a little after the basketball season started to tell you. Well she saw our family, me pregnant and decided not to tell you." She said as she put her hand on his. He was speechless.
"Uh…what do I do?" He asked her.
I hope it's good! A new update will be coming quickly just like this one. I'm finally back in my grove of writing. Also, I just recently got my bestie into watching One Tree Hill! She is texting me as she watches the show. Currently in the middle of season 1, and it's giving me so much energy to write more! Let me know what you think of this chapter! -m :)