As usual sorry for the long wait, incase you haven't noticed I have been trying to update ALL my stories more frequently!!!

I'm on a kick lately; maybe because I'm so excited One Tree Hill comes on Tonight! Hurray 3 3

Please read and review!!! 3 3

----------------------------- Recap-------------------------------

"Is he paralyzed?" worried Karen. She had a feeling that was what worried the man.

"He suffered a spinal contusion in his lower back," revealed the doc. "We did surgery on him but I can't promise he'll ever regain full use of his legs again."

…

"Was Lucas brought in safely? "a voice was heard at the desk.

There stood the man they all wanted.

"Who might you be?" the receptionist asked the man.

"I'm the boy's father," he said in shame. No one would believe him now but he felt horrible. He truly believed Lucas tried to murder him. He would have never suspected his own wife.

"You're wife is over there Mr. Scott, go speak with her," directed the nurse pointing to Karen. Dan's heart nearly stopped right there. Slowly he turned to see five distraught and angry faces looking at him.

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"I'll kill you." Karen shouted barging over to Dan at the receptionist desk.

"Karen!" stopped Dan. "Hear me out."

Karen flared in anger. She grabbed a lamp off one of the nearest tables and lifted it in her arms. In one swift motion she threw it in his direction. "BASTARD, DON'T EVER GO NEAR MY SON AGAIN!" she screamed

The receptionist at the desk instantly called security when Dan ducked at the lamp and it crashed over the reception counter.

"Karen," Nathan grabbed her gently on the arm and pulled her back. "Stop, the officers will take care of him. You don't want to get thrown out."

In a matter of moments two large officers came in the direction of Karen and restrained her.

"Is this the woman?" one of the officers asked the receptionist lady.

"Yes," the nurse answered giving Karen a dirty look. "She threw that lamp at this poor man." She pointed in the direction of Dan.

"POOR MAN MY ASS," raged Karen. "He tried to kill my son."

The same officer that questioned Nathan earlier stared back at him and released Karen instantly. "Is that the man son?" He also was referring to Dan now.

"Yes sir, he's the one who hit my brother," Nathan confessed. He stared Dan in the eye and saw a trace of remorse in the man he used to call his father. It didn't stop what he had done though.

"And who are you?" asked the officer, directing his question at Karen.

"I'm his mother, and he tried to kill my son," cried Karen.

Both officers walked over to Dan and cuffed him immediately. After reading him his rights one of the officers walked him out the large sliding doors and into his police car. Dan didn't so much as struggle or speak.

"How bout her?" the receptionist asked the officer. She was referring to Karen, the crazed lady who had thrown a lamp in the middle of a hospital waiting room.

The officer sighed and looked at Karen. "If you get violent again I will have to restrain you as well Miss. Roe so please restrain yourself."

Karen nodded and the officer left.

Brooke spoke up now, "I want to kill him myself," she muttered.

Karen turned and smiled momentarily at Brooke. "I don't know how he could have done that to his own son." Karen shook her head tearing up again.

"Shh…" Haley comforted hugging Karen. "Lets go see Lucas ok?"

"Can we all go in at once or is there a minimum of visitors?" asked Peyton still hunched in the chair.

Brooke turned back and grabbed her friends arm. "If they try and stop us we'll throw a fit!"

Peyton stood and followed behind Brooke and Karen. Haley and Nathan followed closely behind them.

Lucas was currently placed in the intensive unit of the hospital. It was a small well lit room on the bottom floor but big enough to occupy himself and a few visitors.

Brooke was the one to rush into the room first followed by a frantic Karen.

Lucas was propped up in the bed with a few pillows and peacefully sleeping away the day and probably the night. He had been through a lot and no one had any intention on waking him until he was ready. They just wanted to watch him as he slept. Although in no way did he look peaceful upon first glance. With a huge bandage wrapped around the top of his head, a bunch of loose wires in every direction and the oxygen mask placed on his face he looked anything but content.

"He doesn't look too good," Peyton was the first to speak as they all stood there watching him for a short time.

"He looks better than he did when we found him!" Nathan insisted. "He really looked bad before!" He was trying to make light of the situation.

Karen walked up to Lucas and pulled a chair next to the bed. She sat slowly after kissing his cheek and rubbing through his hair affectionately. "I love you my baby, it will all be ok."

Brooke scooted next to Karen in another chair and grabbed Luke's hand in hers.

Nathan took hold of Haley's hand and squeezed it in comfort. He found himself disgusted thinking that it had to take one of them ending up in the hospital for him to realize life was too short to be spent on stupid grudges. He couldn't stay mad at her anymore; he loved her too damn much. It was finally time to forgive and forget.

Peyton slouched out on the floor and got relaxed. She was tempted to ask the nurse for a pillow because she knew she wouldn't be leaving and nor would anyone else until they were drug out for the night.

Haley chucked and sat next to Peyton. She pulled Nathan down beside her and rested her head calmly on his shoulder.

In no more than an hour or so they were all sleeping the evening away. They all wanted Lucas to know that when he woke they were all there for him.

It was in early in the morning when Luke finally did awake. He awoke in a sweaty delirious state due to the intensive amount of drugs he was on. His head ached as well as the rest of his body. He noticed that his right arm was in a brace and his left hand was being squeezed by Brooke. He wanted to remove the irritating oxygen mask from his face so he slowly nudged his hand away from Brooke trying not to wake her just yet.

He pulled the mask from his face and let it fall to the side. He looked around at everyone in the room. He smiled to see his mom and Brooke resting their heads near his legs and Nathan, Peyton and Haley sprawled out in the floor. He quickly remembered why he was at the hospital when a torturous pain shot up his back. A small groan escaped his mouth as he tried sitting up some. He wasn't going to try that again for a while.

He began to tense upon realizing his legs were still numb. He couldn't feel them still and that bothered him the most. That and the heavy feeling in his chest when he attempted to take in a deep breath.

He turned his head looking out the window but it was still dark outside. He couldn't see much except what was near him. There was a small lamp lit near his bed that gave off enough light to see inside the room. He still couldn't believe he didn't die. He thought he was a goner the moment Dan drug him into the car and in the storage place. He never expected Nathan to come and rescue him. He owed his brother his life; he knew it was because of him that he was still alive.

He moved his hand again to feel the bandage on his head and Brooke made a groaning sound. She yawned and looked up at him. It took her a few seconds to realize where she had fallen asleep at. It took her a few more seconds to realize it was Lucas that was looking at her with such piercing blue eyes.

"Hey you." Brooke greeted sweetly. "How are you feeling baby?" She spoke in a sweet and loving sound and grabbed his hand in hers. He was happy to see a smile spread across her face.

"Sore," he replied, his voice raspy.

"Just relax ok sweetie, don't move too much just yet," she whispered. "I was really worried when I heard what happened. I can't believe he did that to you. I mean I'm so sorry baby, it must have been horrible. I really should have walked with you yesterday. If I would have put aside my selfishness and walked with you none of this would have happened." She rambled on until he quieted her with a finger on her lips.

"I don't blame you," he said quietly. "I'm glad you weren't involved."

Brooke smiled and caressed his hair softly. "I love you Broody, you know that right?" asked Brooke.

Lucas squeezed her hand. "I love you too."

Brooke smiled and nudged Karen awake to see her son. She figured the others could wake up on her own.

Karen whipped her head up instantly terrified something was wrong.

"What is it Brooke?" Karen asked immediately.

Brooke nodded in the direction of Lucas.

Karen turned her head and a smile spread across her face as she saw Lucas stare at her attentively.

"Oh Lukie," Karen was so happy he was awake. "How are you feeling baby, do you want me to get a doctor for you?"

Lucas shook his head no. He wasn't in the mood to be probed and poked just yet.

"Where is Dan?" questioned Lucas with a hint of anger in his voice.

"Don't worry about that," Nathan said sitting up on the floor, the talking had woken him. "Dan's taken care of for now." Nathan stretched and stood up from the floor leaving Haley and Peyton left sleeping.

"I'm surprised none of the nurses kicked us out tonight," spoke up Brooke. "I thought every hospital had a visiting hour."

"We figured you guys were doing no harm and I knew you guys were all worried about Mr. Scott," interrupted the doctor coming through the door quietly. "We break the rules under certain circumstances." He smiled at the direction of Lucas noticing he was now awake.

Lucas frowned back.

"Well hello Lucas," the doctor said looking at his chart. "How are you feeling this morning?"

Lucas looked outside once more. The sun was just starting to rise for the morning. The sky was dimly lit in an array of orange. Today was going to be a hot one!

"Not too talkative I see," concluded the doctor. "I understand."

"Sorry," Lucas mumbled.

Haley and Peyton were beginning to fidget on the floor from the noise.

"Awe no need to apologize Mr. Scott I certainly wouldn't be in the best of moods either if I were in you're position," Understood the doctor. "As I see it you've been having a pretty rough year!"

"What's going on?" Haley asked sitting up drowsily. Her eyes were glassed over as she looked around the room. Everyone could tell she wasn't awake yet.

"Morning Dopey," Lucas joked half heartedly. He hesitated to laugh however, he was already was in pain and didn't intent on inflicting any more on himself.

Haley turned her head instantly to Lucas's voice.

"Oh my god," Haley looked over to Peyton and hit her on the head.

Peyton shot up in alarm. "What the fuck was that for?" Peyton snapped coming out of her beauty sleep." She glared at Haley because she had smacked her.

"Lucas is awake Sawyer," Haley pointed out as she stood and walked over to the bed. She never so much as acknowledged the doctor in the room, just Lucas.

Lucas smiled at his best friend as she came and hunched over the bed.

Haley was nearly in tears. "Are you ok Lukie? Can I hug you?"

Lucas groaned and shook his head no.

"How about later then?" Haley asked. She leaned her elbow on Karen's shoulder as she leaned over and kissed Luke's forehead. "I'm so glad you're ok, I mean I don't know what I would have done if you would have died."

Peyton stood up and made her way over to the bed as well. She smiled softly and Lucas returned the gesture. That was enough for the both of them, simple yet comforting.

"Oh he's far from fine," The doctor corrected Haley. "I wish I had better news but Lucas has a long recovery road ahead."

Lucas looked up at the doctor with an ill look on his face, he wanted to ask the inevitable but he wasn't ready to cope with the answer.

"Is there a reason I still can't feel my legs?" He mumbled faintly as the doctor stood there.

Karen looked back at the doctor with a worried look on her face; she knew Lucas wasn't going to take to news well. She hoped he hadn't asked so soon, he did just wake up.

The doctor looked up from his chart and sighed at Lucas. He didn't speak right away.

Lucas nodded knowing the truth just by the tragic look on everyone's faces. "I won't walk again will I?" he worried.

"Never say never Lucas," the doctor insured. There is always a chance, your spine just needs time to heal from the trauma."

Nathan looked over at his brother, he saw the expression change in his face and he watched as the last glimmer of happiness left his eyes. In a moment's time he had broken.

"Lucas, sweetie," paused Brooke. "Don't worry about that right now, things will work out." She reached for his hand to console him but he pulled it away from her and squeezed his eyes shut.

Karen looked back at the doctor again in worry.

The doctor placed the clipboard on the table and rubbed his temples as if suffering from an excruciating headache. He hated this part of the job.

Haley wanted to cry herself as she saw a thin trail of tears run down the corners of Luke's eyelids. He pressed his eyes shut in an attempt to hide them but failed as everyone already knew he was crying.

"Lucas just because you won't be able to walk doesn't mean your life is over," encouraged the doctor. "You'll never begin to believe all the advancements they have made these days for the handicapped."

"Leave me alone," Lucas spoke quietly as he rubbed the corners of his eyes trying to stop crying.

"Lucas, we're all here for you buddy," helped Peyton. "We'll be here every step of the way."

"Leave me alone please," Lucas spoke more harshly. He opened his eyes to look at everyone. "I'm ok I just need some time to take it all in." He tried acting strong, being tough. His eyes were red and watery, any minute he looked as if he was going to burst out in tears.

The doctor sighed and grabbed his clipboard. "A nurse will be here a little later to check on you." He exited quietly and sadly.

Lucas looked up at his mom who was crying for her son.

"Mom please don't," Lucas insisted. "I'm fine I just want some time to myself."

Karen nodded and stood. She looked to the others and with a frail look she asked them to follow.

Peyton stood and squeezed Brookes arm. "Come on Brooke, he needs some time alone."

"I'm not leaving you Broody, you're not alone in this," insisted Brooke. She grabbed his hand and squeezed it.

"Brooke I know," Lucas nodded. "I love you; I'm just tired and want to be alone. Please?" He squeezed her hand.

Haley looked at him sadly. "Lucas," she hesitated leaving as well.

Nathan touched Luke's arm and smiled. He walked over to Haley and grabbed her hand. "Come on Hales, we'll come by later." He looked over at Lucas and he nodded in thanks.

Haley sighed and kissed Luke's forehead. She silently followed Nathan and Peyton out.

"Come on Brooke," Karen pressed. "We'll come back later too. Let's go to the house and grab some of Luke's things so we can bring them back."

Brooke looked at Karen and back at Lucas. Lucas nodded with his mother.

He looked so fragile; she didn't have the heart to leave him.

Lucas squeezed her hand again and nodded once more. "It's ok, I'm good." He smiled tentatively. "Do you mind grabbing me my hoodie; this hospital gown is a little drafty in areas." He forced a soft laugh, his entire body ached with it.

Brooke gave in. She smiled and insisted she'd be back. He acted happy. He was good at acting she learned. She knew him well enough to know when he was being fake.

"I love you Broody," She whispered as she closed the door and left him in the room alone.

Karen looked at Brooke in the hospital hallway and sighed.

"He needs some time Brooke; he's not trying to shove us away. You know Luke, he likes acting tough." Karen insisted. "I'll go get the car and pull it up. Are you coming with me or going with Peyton?"

"I'll go back with you," Brooke responded.

"Ok, I'll meet you with the car." insisted Karen walking down the hallway and out the big sliding doors.

Brooke stood in the hallway looking through the glass window of Luke's door. She was heartbroken to see the sight inside.

…. Lucas looked out the window, the day was beginning. It had gotten light outside quickly.

All at once he felt his emotions run to the surface in a flood. He couldn't cry in front of everyone, that's why he had them leave. He couldn't let them worry any more than they already were.

He leaned his head back on the two hospital pillows and looked out the window again. And then, he cried. He literally sobbed, taking in heavy labored breaths as he gasped and let everything out. He closed his eyes and let the tears roll down his pink stained cheeks.

He cried until he grew tired and fell into an unbearable sleep.

….

Brooke ran out the hospital bawling for her Broody. She wished there was something she could do for him, it hurt her so much to see him so upset. He was broken and she couldn't fix it. She needed a way to fix it!

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I tried to make this chapter somewhat long because of the long wait I made all of you endure. I apologize again and totally intent to try and update more frequently with all of my stories. Thanks to those who keep me going with their kind words and reviews! It helps encourage me to keep going. 3 3

Thanks again, and please review with your opinions.

Next chapter… A LOT OF DRAMA SO STAY TUNED.

Ashley (lucasscottlover)