Chapter 768: Tree Hill High School
Monday, March 27th, Late Morning
She sat behind her desk in the guidance department, reviewing the files of her afternoon appointments. It was a big task helping to shape all the young minds of the school. Sadly, most wouldn't break any records or discover a cure for a life-threatening plague; they would live ordinary lives, some less so. Thinking about her class and close associates, the tragic early ends, and a few prison sentences.
A knock on the door jamb made Ashlyn Pierce-Scott pick up her head. She noticed one of the teachers and the girl's basketball coach standing at the door. Ashlyn closed the file she was reading and placed it down. With a nod, she smiled.
"Come in, Mister Scott," Ashlyn said.
"Ash, you could call me Lucas," Lucas Scott said as he came in and took a seat, "You've known me how long?"
"Forever, it seems," Ashlyn said, "How can I help you?"
"I wanted to talk to you about my health and possible future," Lucas said.
"Mr. Scott, what's going on?" Ashlyn asked nervously.
"My surgery has been moved up to the eleventh," Lucas said.
"Why?" Ashlyn asked.
"As you know, I was trying to hold off until the end of the school year," Lucas said.
"Yeah, you wanted to finish the year," Ashlyn said.
"That's not going to happen," Lucas said.
"Why?" Ashlyn asked.
Lucas steepled his fingers and took a glance outside Ashlyn's window. Finally, he turned back to her. "It's gotten worse, and the eleventh is pushing it. My heart won't make the end of the school year," Lucas said.
"It's gotten that serious," Ashlyn said.
Lucas nodded, "Yes, very serious," he said.
"Sawyer?" Ashlyn asked.
"She knows, and Candi came into town," Lucas said.
"Candi's in town?" Ashlyn asked.
"Yeah," Lucas said.
"She is?" Ashlyn asked.
Lucas nodded, "Yeah, she's helping me through the various appointments and such," he said.
"I see; it must be serious to drag Candi off the left coast," Ashlyn said.
Lucas nodded, "She seemed to think so," Lucas said.
"What about Kay?" Ashlyn asked.
"I told her to stay in Connecticut; she has to prepare for the season," Lucas said.
"Angela?" Ashlyn asked.
"The same thing, plus she has Jess," Lucas said.
"Let me guess, your mom is here," Ashlyn said.
"I couldn't keep her away," Lucas said.
"How is she taking it?" Ashlyn asked.
"It's rough on her. You know her baby boy is sick, but it's mitigated, as you know Keith's home," Lucas said.
"That's right, Keith's back home. How did he take the news?" Ashlyn asked.
"He doesn't know yet," Lucas said.
"What? Lucas, you can't keep it from your son," Ashlyn said.
"I'm not; Candi thinks it's best to give him a few days with Nomi and Ellis before hitting with my news," Lucas said.
Ashlyn nodded, "I get it, just don't wait too long," she said.
Lucas shook his head, "I don't think we are," he said.
"I hope for all your sake you're right," Ashlyn said.
"I'm doing my best," Lucas said.
"I guess we all are," Ashlyn said.
Lucas nodded and kept a tight-lipped smile. Ashlyn looked him over and sighed. Suddenly, she remembered something he had said when he had first walked through the door.
"You mentioned the future when you entered," Ashlyn said.
"Oh yes, the future," Lucas said.
"What about the future?" Ashlyn asked.
"With me going in for serious surgery, the AD wanted a succession plan," Lucas said.
"Okay?" Ashlyn asked.
"I've been very plain that I want you to succeed me when I retire," Lucas said.
"Yes, you have because Kiera will leave with you," Ashlyn said.
"Yes, that's what I said," Lucas said.
"So, why bring it up now?" Ashlyn asked.
"As I said, the AD asked for it," Lucas said.
"Okay, so what's your point?" Ashlyn asked.
"There are three situations where it might come into play," Lucas said.
"What would they be?" Ashlyn asked.
"One, if my recovery is delayed and I can't coach next season," Lucas said.
"Lucas, don't say that," Ashlyn said.
Lucas held up a hand. "That's the best of the three scenarios," he said.
"The best, you're supposed to close with the best," Ashlyn said.
"Anyway, number two is if my health doesn't recover enough and I have to retire early," Lucas said.
"That's not the worst, but Lucas," Ashlyn said.
"There's one more," Lucas said.
"I don't want to talk about it," Ashlyn said.
"We have to talk about it," Lucas said.
"What is it?" Ashlyn asked.
"The final scenario is if I die," Lucas said.
"Lucas, you shouldn't think this way," Ashlyn said.
Lucas shook his head, "I have to," he said.
Before Ashlyn could respond, the passing bell rang. Lucas stood up and looked at Ashlyn.
"I have to get to class," Lucas said, then left.
Ashlyn leaned back and closed her eyes. This wasn't the conversation she wanted to have today. How was she going to do her afternoon meetings?