02x22 - The Tide That Left and Never Came Back (1)

[bunniefuu]

LUCAS: (v.o) Previously on One Tree Hill.

[EXT. MOTEL – NIKKI’S ROOM – DAY]

(Jake is standing outside Nikki’s room.)

NIKKI: I have a right to my daughter.

JAKE: You’re not getting her.

CUT TO:

[INT. ROE RESIDENCE – BROOKE’S BEDROOM – DAY]

(Brooke looks through Lucas’ belongings; he still has pictures and sketches that Peyton made for him when they were cheating on Brooke.)

(Brooke puts a hand to her mouth and cries.)

CUT TO:

[INT. THE TOUR – GREEN ROOM –EVENING]

(Close-up of Dan holding up the annulment papers for Haley to see.)

HALEY: (Dumbfounded) Petition for annulment? (Takes the papers.)

DAN: (Silently pleased.) It’ll be like the marriage never happened.

(Haley flips the paper and sees Nathan’s signature.)

HALEY: There’s… no way that he signed this(!)

DAN: (Coldly) It’s over, Haley.

(Haley gapes at him.)

CUT TO:

[INT. NEW BRUNSWICK POLICE STATION – INTERROGATION ROOM – DAY]

(Jake is sitting in a chair. A lot of cops are in the room.)

COP: Jake Jagielski.

(Jake stands, determined.)

COP: You have the right to remain silent.

(The cop behind him puts cuffs on his wrists.)

FADE TO:

[INT. NEW BRUNSWICK POLICE STATION – VISITOR’S ROOM – EVENING]

(Peyton is talking to Jake through the phone.)

PEYTON: (Painfully) I love you.

JAKE: I love you, too.

CUT TO:

[EXT. MARSH RESIDENCE – FRONT PORCH – EVENING]

(Mouth stands with Erica on the front porch. He’s grinning as Erica says that she was pretending that their time together was a date.)

MOUTH: Did we have fun?

ERICA: You tell me.

(She kisses him.)

CUT TO:

[INT. DAN SCOTT MOTORS – DAN’S OFFICE – EVENING]

(Lucas finds the bag of money stashed away in the ceiling of Dan’s office. He examines it.)

DAN: (v.o) It’s OK, Deb,…

CUT TO:

[EXT. BRIARWOOD RECOVERY CENTER – FRONT ENTRANCE – EVENING]

(Dan speaks to Deb, just as she’s about to enter the clinic.)

DAN: -I’ll be here when you get out.

(Deb looks at him for a b*at before entering the clinic and leaving him behind. The camera pans to the sign.)

FADE TO:

[EXT. COOPER LEE ENTERPRISES, INC. – RACE TRACK – DAY]

(Nathan’s car races down the track, scraping against the wall. He shakes in his seat. The car squeals loudly before hitting the wall repeatedly.)

FADE TO:

[INT. AIRPORT – DEPARTURES – EVENING]

(Haley is on the phone to a recently conscious Nathan.)

HALEY: I’m coming home tomorrow, OK?

CUT TO:

[INT. TREE HILL HOSPITAL – NATHAN’S ROOM – EVENING]

(Nathan looks desolate; he’s in the dark room with a frown in place and a tube going into his nose.)

NATHAN: Don’t come home, Haley.

CUT TO:

[INT. AIRORT – DEPARTURES – EVENING]

(Haley listens, upset.)

HALEY: Nathan(!)

CUT TO:

[INT. TREE HILL HOSPITAL – NATHAN’S ROOM – EVENING]

NATHAN: Coz I don’t want you to.

FADE TO BLACK:

END OF PREVIOUSLY ON:

OPENING CREDITS ROLL:

FADE IN:

[EXT. KAREN’S CAFÉ – ROOFTOP – EVENING]

(Lucas is leaning on a broom, looking at nothing in particular. Haley smiles and flips the light switch. The rooftop lights up with a lot of multicoloured light bulbs. Lucas starts and looks around at the illuminated roof. Haley walks forward, nodding. She stops in front of him. This scene is from the first ever episode in season one.)

LUCAS: (v.o) And Hansel said to Gretel,…

(Lucas studies Haley.)

LUCAS: (v.o) let us drop these breadcrumbs…

(Lucas is still smiling but as the camera zooms out, the light bulbs are gone and Lucas is alone.)

LUCAS: (v.o) so that together we find our way home.

(The camera continues to zoom out and Lucas looks around.)

LUCAS: (v.o) Because losing our way would be the most cruel of things.

(His hands are in his pockets.)

LUCAS: (v.o) This year… I lost my way.

FADE TO:

[INT. TREE HILL HIGH SCHOOL – WHITEY DURHAM FIELD HOUSE – EVENING]

(Nathan stands on the court, alone, bouncing the ball. Close-up of his face. The scene is in slow motion.)

NATHAN: (v.o) And losing your way on a journey is unfortunate.

(He runs forward, bouncing the ball.)

NATHAN: But, losing your reason for the journey…

(Nathan jumps and fades out before he can hit the sh*t.)

NATHAN: (v.o) is a fate more cruel.

FADE TO:

[INT. SAWYER RESIDENCE – PEYTON’S BEDROOM – EVENING]

(sh*t of Peyton’s sketch of the traffic lights with the title ‘PEOPLE ALWAYS LEAVE’ scrawled above.)

PEYTON: (v.o) The journey lasted eight months.

(The camera pans to her sketch of Rick offering her dr*gs in order to ‘become’ somebody. The title across this one is ‘Here’s your chance kid. Whaddaya say?’)

PEYTON: (v.o) Sometimes I travelled alone,…

(Cut to Peyton, examining her sketches.)

PEYTON: (v.o) Sometimes, there were others-

(sh*t of the sketch of Jake and Jenny at the dock; about to board the boat which will take them to Savannah.)

PEYTON: (v.o) -who took the wheel…

(sh*t pans down to a sketch of Brooke, Lucas and Peyton; all aiming r*fles at Peyton’s red, flaming, heart.)

PEYTON: (v.o) and took my heart.

(Cut to Peyton as she looks up in slight shock. Her wall begins to drip black paint.)

PEYTON: (v.o) But when the destination was reached… it wasn’t me who arrived…

(Close-up of one of her sketches as it is covered by the paint.)

PEYTON: (v.o) it wasn’t me at all.

FADE TO:

[INT. HOUSE – PARTY – EVENING]

(Brooke is at one of her many parties, completely drunk. She falls over, laughing. Somebody reaches down and helps her up. She grins stupidly as she is dragged away.)

BROOKE: (v.o) And once you lose yourself, you have two choices:

BROOKE: (Waves at someone off-screen.) Bye(!)

(Brooke is put into a car. The camera cuts to the person who put her inside; it’s Brooke; present day Brooke.)

BROOKE: (v.o) find the person you used to be,…

(Brooke looks at herself for a while; examining her past. The camera pans up to the sign on top of the car. It’s her ‘DW not I’ Safe Rides programme car.)

BROOKE: (v.o) or lose that person completely.

FADE TO:

[EXT. TRIC – STAIRS – EVENING]

(People enter the club.)

MOUTH: (v.o) Because, sometimes, you have to step outside of the person you’ve been.

(The camera zooms up to the entrance.)

MOUTH: (v.o) And remember the person you were meant to be. The person you wanted to be.

CUT TO:

[INT. TRIC – FLOOR – EVENING]

(There’s a big crowd chanting.)

CROWD: Jimmy, Jimmy, Jimmy, Jimmy,

MOUTH: (v.o) The person you are.

CROWD: Jimmy…

BROOKE: (Talking to herself, nervously as she practises what to say.) Tree Hill student council is pleased to welcome- (Inhales.) No. As president of the student council, I promised you guys a good time… (Pauses as she frowns, annoyed.) I’m Brooke Davis and I’m an idiot, but, please welcome-

WHITE FLASH TO:

[INT. TREE HILL HIGHT SCHOOL – LOCKERS – DAY]

(Brooke and Peyton are standing beside Peyton’s locker. Brooke is ecstatic.)

BROOKE: Jimmy Eat World, that’s a great idea(!)

PEYTON: Brooke, it’ll probably never happen.

BROOKE: (Undeterred) Peyton Elizabeth Sawyer, you got The Wreakers and Pelthead to come and play; you can totally land Jimmy Eat World and when you do, I promise I won’t break up with you to run off and join their tour. (Smiles)

(Peyton’s face drops and she looks into her locker sadly.)

BROOKE: (Understanding) That’s it, isn’t it? (Peyton looks at her.) That’s why your heart’s not totally in to finding a great band for the end of the school year. Haley and Nathan.

(Peyton stares for a b*at longer.)

PEYTON: (Nods) Yeah. That, and-

WHITE FLASH TO:

[INT. NEW BRUNSWICK POLICE STATION – VISITOR’S ROOM – EVENING]

(Peyton’s at the jail again.)

PEYTON: Jake.

JAKE: (Looks at her amusedly.) You’ve been calling my attorneys a lot.

PEYTON: (Abashed) I thought I could help.

JAKE: Well, you just pissed them off.

(He looks at her. Peyton looks down, tears in her eyes again.)

TEACHER: (v.o) There are two tragedy’s in life:-

WHITE FLASH TO:

[INT. TREE HILL HIGH SCHOOL – ENGLISH – DAY]

(The teacher stands in front of the class.)

TEACHER: one is to lose your heart’s desire. (Pause) The other is to gain it.

(Everyone is sitting in the classroom, with the exception of Nathan and Haley.)

TEACHER: Now the little that Shaw realised at the time that his words would be the basis of your final. (Lucas looks at him.) I’d like you to write an essay on the meaning of Shaw’s quote. It’s due on Monday… and then your school year will be over.

(Lucas looks over at Haley’s empty seat. Brooke looks too and smiles tightly before reaching out to him. He turns to look at her.)

BROOKE: I guess Haley’s not coming back after all, huh?

(Lucas looks at her sadly. The person he started the year out with is the only person who’s not there.)

(He looks back down at his paper.)

CUT TO:

[INT. TREE HILL HIGH SCHOOL – WHITEY DURHAM FIELD HOUSE – DAY]

(Nathan is off his crutches and trying his best to train up enough so that he can go back out and play basketball like he used to. A door bangs. Nathan runs, catches the ball and throws it.)

(Lucas walks into the sh*t.)

LUCAS: (Nathan looks at him.) Game to eleven? I’ll give you ten and the ball.

(Nathan looks at him for a b*at before throwing the ball into the basket again.)

NATHAN: Game.

LUCAS: See? (Points to the basket.) You’ll be back in no time.

NATHAN: sh**ting weak-ass jump sh*ts: that’s your game.

(Lucas tilts his head at him.)

NATHAN: (Sighs heavily.) I can hardly jump, man.

LUCAS: Look, I know you don’t wanna hear this, but if you blow off this English final, you’re not gonna even be eligible to sh**t the… ‘weak-ass jump sh*ts’.

(Nathan doesn’t need to say anything for Lucas to understand.)

LUCAS: It’s about loss. I can help you if you want.

NATHAN: (Nods) You don’t think I can write about loss? (Throws the ball at Lucas.)

(Lucas catches it, completely aware that he’s just put his foot in it. Nathan walks out of the building.)

CUT TO:

[EXT. TREE HILL HIGH SCHOOL – BENCHES – DAY]

(Mouth is sitting at the benches, alone, picking at the wood. He seems depressed.)

ERICA: (o.s) Hey sexy(!)

(She sits down beside him as he looks up at her. He sighs.)

ERICA: (Takes his arm.) What’s wrong(!)

MOUTH: I’m dead(!) (Nods) I tanked my calculus final.

ERICA: Are you sure? Maybe you did OK.

MOUTH: Erica, we hung out all week and I was totally unprepared. And you can’t exactly bluff your way through math, you know?

(Erica doesn’t know how to respond.)

MOUTH: God, my parents are gonna k*ll me(!)

CUT TO:

[EXT. TREE HILL HIGH SCHOOL – SEATING – DAY]

(Brooke is sitting at a different table and bench, writing. Lucas approaches, smiling.)

LUCAS: (Taking a seat.) Hey(!)

BROOKE: (Looks up.) Hey.

LUCAS: (Grinning) You wanna go on a road trip this weekend?

BROOKE: (Amused) OK, where?

LUCAS: New York, to see Haley.

BROOKE: Alright, odd I know, coming from me, but we do have finals. (Taps her work.) The essay.

LUCAS: I’ll bring my laptop(!) Whoever sits shotgun can do the typing; whaddaya say, huh?

BROOKE: (Considers) And why Haley? Why now?

LUCAS: Because we started the year together… (Shakes his head.) and I can’t end it without seeing her.

(Brooke nods and looks around. Peyton walks past and waves.)

BROOKE: (Turning back.) OK. I’ll go, we can talk.

CUT TO:

[INT. ROE RESIDENCE – LIVING ROOM – DAY]

(Andy stands in front of the camera.)

ANDY: We need to talk. (Sighs)

KAREN: What’s wrong?

ANDY: Well, I don’t want you to be alarmed, but, uh, my mother took a spill in New Zealand.

(Karen looks sincerely saddened by the news.)

KAREN: That’s terrible.

ANDY: (Pause) She’s asked me to come home.

KAREN: Well, you have to.

ANDY: (Pauses as he looks away.) And I don’t know how long for, coz there’s a bit more to it.

(Karen waits for the bad news. Andy sits down and sighs.)

ANDY: I may have a problem coming back into the States; I’m not a citizen and, uh, well, (Pause) Dan’s trying to get me deported.

(Karen looks at him and Andy looks at her seriously.)

CUT TO:

[INT. DAN SCOTT MOTORS – DAN’S OFFICE – DAY]

(Karen storms into the building and straight into Dan’s office.)

KAREN: DEPORTED!? WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU!? WHY CAN’T YOU SIMPLY STAY OUT OF MY LIFE?!

DAN: (Calmly) Why can’t you?

KAREN: Oh, please, I’ve been ignoring you for the last seventeen years!

DAN: Have you? (Smirks and stands.) Coz you’ve been coming around quite a bit, Karen. I mean, with all your anger and outrage. (Looks at her sleazily.) Some would call it… passion.

KAREN: (Strictly calm.) Don’t flatter yourself. Just back off Andy and Lucas. And leave my world alone(!)

(She turns to leave but he pulls her back. He grabs her head and kisses her forcefully. Karen struggles and finally manages to break free.)

DAN: Isn’t that what this is really about?

KAREN: (Disgusted as she shoves him away.) GOD!

(Dan laughs evilly. Karen wipes her mouth and stomps out of the office. Dan adjusts his tie. Karen stops and considers what he just did. She rushes forward, grabs a steel chair and spins around, throwing it forcefully through his glass office window. Dan cowers away, trying to fend off the glass. He looks up at her.)

KAREN: (Coldly) Next time,… that’ll be your face(!)

(She crushes the glass as she leaves. Dan watches her, amused again.)

FADE TO BLACK:

COMMERCIAL SET:

FADE IN:

[INT. TRIC – THE STAGE – EVENING]

(Brooke is on the stage, standing in front of the mic.)

BROOKE: You guys ready for the summer?(!)

(The crowd cheers an affirmation. Brooke claps.)

BROOKE: Yeah, me too. But, first, let’s give it up for the girl who made this happen tonight; my bestest friend: Peyton Sawyer. (Claps again.)

(The crowd cheers.)

CROWD: (Chanting) Peyton, Peyton, Peyton…

CUT TO:

[EXT. TRIC – ENTRANCE – EVENING]

(Peyton is looking out over the balcony and crying. The crowd continues to chant in the background.)

WHITE FLASH TO:

[INT. NEW BRUNSWICK POLICE STATION – VISITOR’S ROOM – EVENING]

PEYTON: Jake…

JAKE: You’ve been calling my attorneys a lot.

PEYTON: I thought I could help.

JAKE: Well, you just pissed them off…

(Peyton looks down, saddened.)

JAKE: at first.

(Peyton looks back up, smiling.)

JAKE: Then, you clearly weren’t going away, so they went over Nikki’s testimony line by line. (Nods) And they found something.

(Peyton’s eyes widen.)

JAKE: (Smiling) She lied, Peyton.

(Peyton laughs, relieved.)

JAKE: She said that she’d been away at college but she wasn’t. She hadn’t been there in months.

PEYTON: (Unwilling to hope.) Well does, does that even matter, you know? Is that enough?

JAKE: Well, yeah, any lie is a lie under oath. (Pause) Once my attorneys get a hold of her transcripts, the judge is gonna lift the court order; I’ll have sole custody of Jenny for a new hearing.

(Peyton and Jake smile.)

JAKE: And a chance to testify against all her other lies.

PEYTON: That’s… that’s so great, Jake.

(Jake grins.)

PEYTON: When d’ya get out?

JAKE: A day or so, probably. (Pause) And I’m gonna come find you as soon as I do.

(Peyton still looks really sad.)

JAKE: You did this, Peyton. (She about to cry.) You’ve given me hope; and I love you so much for it(!)

(Peyton looks down, laughing through almost crying.)

JAKE: Hey, hey, come on, don’t cry.

PEYTON: Haven’t you ever cried when your happy?

(Jake laughs.)

WHITE FLASH TO:

[EXT. TRIC – ENTRANCE – EVENING]

(Peyton stands against the wall, crying. She doesn’t move even though she can hear her name being chanted over and over. She looks - for the most part - lost.)

CUT TO:

[INT. TREE HILL HIGH SCHOOL – WHITEY’S OFFICE – DAY]

(Whitey is looking at some papers.)

WHITEY: (Without looking up.) Come in, Nathan.

(Cut to Nathan who’s standing at the doorway.)

NATHAN: (Entering) How’d you know it was me?

WHITEY: I can smell the confusion.

(Whitey looks at him as he takes a seat.)

WHITEY: (Takes his glasses off.) That was a joke by the way(!)

(Whitey gets no response and sighs in defeat.)

WHITEY: Nobody ever laughs at my jokes.

NATHAN: That’s coz they’re not funny, Coach.

(Whitey frowns at him.)

WHITEY: Little bird told me you were moving back home.

NATHAN: That little bird’s name Lucas?

(Whitey gets up slowly.)

WHITEY: He cares about you. (Pause) So do I.

(He sits on the desk next to Nathan.)

WHITEY: You’ve come quite a distance this year. I think moving out of that house has been good for you.

NATHAN: Coach(!) Look at me(!) (Laughs at himself.) I’m a mess.

WHITEY: (Laughs) Nah, you’re just a little bit broken. (Pause) But it’s nothing that a… summer at High Flyers couldn’t fix.

NATHAN: Could’ve fixed.

WHITEY: Still can. Dan Scott’s not the only one with pull in this town. The only thing that held you back as a player last season was heart… and I’ve watched that change over the past year.

(He pauses as he says sincerely.)

WHITEY: And I’ve been so proud of you(!)

(Nathan looks down, heartened.)

WHITEY: That camp has world class trainers. They can mend the physical part. I have a hunch, once that happens, (Pause) the game will heal your heart.

NATHAN: I dreamt about it; in the hospital… about going to that camp. (Pause) I don’t know. My mom’s coming home soon. Gotta think about it.

(Whitey stands up and leans towards him.)

WHITEY: Promise me you’ll do that.

(Whitey pats him on the shoulder and walks back around his desk. Nathan nods and reaches for his bag.)

(Nathan stands and walks out of the office slowly. It’s as fast as he can go.)

CUT TO:

[EXT. SCOTT RESIDENCE – BACK YARD – DAY]

(Dan takes the steaks off the grill and turns to Nathan who’s sitting on a bench.)

DAN: How great is this? Dinner together, steaks on the grill. (Drops a steak onto Nathan’s plate.) You not punching me(!)

(Nathan grins. Dan sits down.)

NATHAN: So I got some good news today.

DAN: What’s that?

NATHAN: Whitey thinks he can get me back into High Flyers. (Smiles)

(Dan’s good mood dies a bloody death. He just stares at Nathan.)

DAN: Well, as much as I love hearing you talk about basketball again, I really don’t think camp’s a smart play for you right now.

NATHAN: Dad, its High Flyers.

DAN: Exactly my point. You’re injured Nathan. You don’t want the scouts to see you like that. Plus, there’s your mother to consider.

(Nathan doesn’t know what he means.)

DAN: Listen, I don’t like to burden you with these things but you’re a man so I’m gonna be honest with you. (Pause) Your mother’s pill addiction started when you moved out.

(Nathan’s hurt by the implications of the revelation.)

DAN: Now, in no way does that mean you’re to blame, coz you’re not. But,… she’s gonna be vulnerable when she comes home. (Nods) And she’s gonna need you more than ever.

(Nathan considers.)

(A lot of cheering sounds off-screen.)

CUT TO:

[INT. TRIC – THE STAGE – EVENING]

(Brooke steps up to the mic.)

BROOKE: (Grinning) OK, guys, as student council president, I have one final duty before the summer begins and this is it(!) Tree Hill High, school is out and it is time to party! Please welcome Jimmy Eat World!

(The crowd cheers, Brooke claps and the lights dim. Jimmy Eat World take to the stage. The crowd goes crazy as Jimmy Eat Word start with ‘Work’.)

JIMMY EAT WORLD: #If you only once would let me,

Only just one time,

Then be happy with the consequence,

With whatever's gonna happen tonight.

Don't think we're not serious,

When's it ever not,

The love we make is k*lling its take,

A game to play along.

(The crowd sings along to the chorus)

JIMMY EAT WORLD: All I can say,

I should of said,

Can we take a ride?

Get out of this place,

While we still have time.#

FADE TO:

[EXT. THE ROAD – LUCAS’ CAR – DAY]

(The car drives along the road.)

CUT TO:

[INT. LUCAS’ CAR – THE ROAD – DAY]

(Cut to the inside of the car. Lucas is driving and Brooke is in the passenger seat. ‘Work’ is playing on the stereo.)

BROOKE: So, it’s kinda weird; (Lucas inclines his head to her.) us… living under the same roof.

LUCAS: (Smiling) Isn’t that weird.

BROOKE: Yes it is. (Pause) I mean, who would have thought this could have happened back when… (Her smile falls.) we were together?

(Lucas nods in agreement and laughs slightly. Brooke’s waiting for a conversation starter but she’s getting nothing from Lucas.)

BROOKE: (Evasively) You been talking to Peyton much?

LUCAS: Little bit. (Brooke looks at him.) I wish I was in her life more, you know?

BROOKE: Guess I know what loss you’ll be writing about for your essay. (Smirks and looks away.)

LUCAS: I lost myself this year, Brooke. And what I did, I lost the people I truly care about. (Pause) Oh, by the way, um,… when we get to New York,… I hope you’ll understand if we spend most of our time with Haley. It’s just… important that I focus on her today. You know?

BROOKE: (Smiles tightly and nods.) Of course. (Pause) Everything else can wait.

(They smile at each other. Brooke turns away and her smile fades.)

FADE TO:

[INT. TRIC – THE STAGE – EVENING]

(Jimmy Eat World continue to sing ‘Work’.)

JIMMY EAT WORLD: #Get out of this place,

While we still have time,

Yeah - We still have time.#

(The instrumental plays.)

FADE TO:

[INT. NEW YORK – THE TOUR – DAY]

(Brooke and Lucas walk up to the doors and open them. The camera focuses on the door explaining what the tour is. It’s sold out.)

FADE TO:

[INT. TRIC – THE STAGE –EVENING]

(The instrumental ends.)

JIMMY EAT WORLD: #Can't say I was never wrong,

But some blame rests on you.

FADE TO:

[EXT. SCOTT RESIDENCE – BASKETBALL HOOP – DAY]

(The song continues to play in the background.)

JIMMY EAT WORLD: (o.s) Work and play but never okay,

(sh*t of Nathan as he looks at the hoop, considering High Flyers and his mom.)

JIMMY EAT WORLD: (o.s) To mix the way we do.

FADE TO:

[INT. TRIC – THE STAGE – EVENING]

JIMMY EAT WORLD: All I can say,

I should of said,

Can we take a ride?-#

FADE TO:

[INT. THE TOUR – BACKSTAGE – DAY]

(Jimmy Eat Word continue to play in the background as Lucas and Brooke open the door and enter the dressing area. Haley is on the couch, Chris on top of her while he tickles her.)

(Lucas is pissed at the scene and to some degree, so is Brooke.)

CUT TO:

[INT. TRIC – THE STAGE – EVENING]

JIMMY EAT WORLD: #oh oh, oh oh oh

oh oh, oh#

(The song ends.)

FADE TO:

[INT. THE TOUR – BACKSTAGE – DAY]

(Chris continues to tickle Haley who laughs like a maniac. Suddenly she spots Lucas and Brooke. Brooke smiles politely, refraining from saying anything rude. Lucas glares at his best friend.)

FADE TO BLACK:

COMMERCIAL SET:

FADE IN:
[INT. THE TOUR – DRESSING ROOM – DAY]

(Lucas has his arms crossed, looking at his best friend who is supposed to be his brother’s wife. Brooke is keeping out of it as it’s not her place to say anything.)

(Haley looks back at Chris for a b*at before turning back and shoving Chris off.)

HALEY: (Smiling as she gets up.) Lucas! (Laughs) Oh my gosh(!) (Hugs him.) Hi.

(Lucas hugs her.)

CHRIS: Oh, well, it’s about time the tribal leaders came to collect their squaw.

HALEY: (Looking at him.) Oh, shut up, Chris.

LUCAS: (Glaring) Yeah, (Crosses his arms.) shut up, Chris.

CHRIS: Alright, I’m going. (Stands and walks to Brooke.) Oh,… I see you couldn’t stay away from me.

(Brooke looks on in disgust as Haley shoves him.)

HALEY: Out(!)

(Haley laughs as Brooke’s look deepens.)

HALEY: I’m sorry. (Hugs Brooke for good measure.) Oh, it’s good to see you too, Brooke.

(Haley looks at Lucas while pointing at Brooke’s back in confusion.)

BROOKE: Yeah, you too, fugitive girl.

(Brooke laughs and so does Haley.)

HALEY: Well, so what’re you guys doing here?

LUCAS: We bought your English assignment.

HALEY: My- (Shocked) Oh my gosh, finals! (Puts her hands to her face.) Oh, god, that just feels like a totally different life.

(There’s a knock on the door. It’s the backstage guy.)

BACKSTAGE GUY: Let’s go, diva(!)

(He moves into the doorway and sees Lucas and Brooke.)

HALEY: Hey, Joey D, this is, um, my friend Lucas and my friend Brooke.

(Brooke holds up a hand in greeting.)

JOEY D: What’s up, guys? Ah, sorry I gotta drag her away but we’ve got three meetings and a satellite radio interview. You ready?

HALEY: Um,… (Coughs falsely.) I’m just feeling a little… (Walks past Brooke and Lucas to him. Coughs again.) flu…ish.

JOEY D: (Grinning) Haley(!)

HALEY: Yeah, I-

(Brooke coughs too. Lucas looks at her.)

BROOKE: It’s totally going around. (Grins)

(Haley shrugs at him.)

HALEY: Cover for me?

JOEY D: Um-

HALEY: (Walks to Lucas and Brooke and grabs them.) Really, because I’m just, I’m sick as a dog here. (Coughs again as she pulls them out of the doorway.)

JOEY D: No, no, wait Haley, no, no, wait… guys?

(They exit.)

CUT TO:

[INT. ROE RESIDENCE – LIVING ROOM – DAY]

(Karen sits on the couch.)

KAREN: I’m gonna be sick(!) (Puts a hand to her head.)

ANDY: It’ll be OK. Dan can’t actually affect me legally.

KAREN: Yeah, but if you leave the country, then-

ANDY: (Sits beside her.) Yes, it could create a bit of red tape that would hold up my return to the states. (Sighs and looks down.)

KAREN: (Sadly) I’m gonna miss you.

(Pause)

ANDY: Unless you come with me. (Pause) Bring Lucas. (Smiles) Take the summer… few years beyond that.

(Karen smiles.)

KAREN: Oh, Andy, I would love to. Honestly, there is nothing I would want more… (Her smile fades.) but… (Sighs) with Deb’s troubles and the businesses and-

ANDY: (Getting it.) Keith.

(Karen doesn’t answer but Andy knows it’s true.)

CUT TO:

[INT. HOTEL – FRONT DOOR – DAY]

(Haley opens the door and they walk in.)

HALEY: (Smiling) Come on it(!) What do you think?

(Brooke smiles and nods appreciatively.)

BROOKE: No this is what I’m talking about(!)

(The room is big and sparsely decorated. Lucas takes the bag off his shoulder.)

HALEY: So,… what-… what do you guys wanna do today?

(Lucas spots the papers for annulment and sits down.)

HALEY: Wanna… take a limo to see the city? You wanna-

LUCAS: I was thinking maybe we could just talk(!)

(Haley sits down.)

HALEY: (Unsurely) Yeah(!)

(The atmosphere is suddenly uncomfortable and even Brooke can feel it.)

BROOKE: Um,… I’m in New York city and my parents have resumed allowances; I would be crazy not to shop right now so I’m gonna leave you two alone(!) (Smiles) OK? (Stands and quickly says.) Good luck, see ya, bye(!)

(She exits quickly. Haley stands and then sits on the couch. Lucas waits and Haley smiles.)

HALEY: What you walked in on in the dressing room was innocent.

LUCAS: (Not impressed with how she’s treated his brother.) Sure(!)

HALEY: It was, look, I’m not with Chris, OK? We were just kidding around like…

LUCAS: (Bitterly) We used to do?

(Haley pauses as she sees that she didn’t just leave her husband behind but also the best friend who shared everything with her.)

HALEY: (Whispering) Yeah.

(Lucas breaks eye contact and smiles to himself. Haley gets up, sighs sadly, and walks to him.)

HALEY: (Whispering) I miss you so much.

(Lucas stands and hugs her. He smiles contentedly.)

FADE TO:

[INT. SCOTT RESIDENCE – FRONT DOOR – DAY]

(There a ring at the door. It opens to Whitey just taking his cap off. Dan stands in the doorway. Dan smirks as he watches him.)

WHITEY: I’m sorry, Danny.

DAN: (Amused) Oh, this oughta be good. For what?

WHITEY: Whatever you need me to be sorry for.

DAN: Well, that’s a long list of screw-ups, Whitey.

WHITEY: I take the blame for all of them… if it’ll help get Nathan into High Flyers.

DAN: Ah, I see. (Pause) You didn’t come here to apologise; you came to negotiate.

WHITEY: (Seriously) I came to say I’m sorry. Dan, you were a great player… maybe I was a lousy coach… maybe I shoulda listened to you more and eased up a little bit. (Pause) But,… we can bury all that now and do what’s best for Nathan. (Smiles hopefully.)

DAN: And you think High Flyers is what’s good for him?

WHITEY: I think… he needs to get away… and bathe himself in the game that you taught him to love. (Pause) The game that… gave you all the hopes and dreams that it gave me. (Pause) If saying ‘I’m sorry’ will help your son; a kid who, by the way, I- (Laughs happily.) I think the world of… then I’m sorry. I was wrong. And I mean that sincerely.

DAN: (Pauses before nodding.) You know what, Whitey, you’re right. (The evil glint returns as he looks at Whitey.) I was a great player…

(Whitey smiles and nods.)

DAN: … and you were a lousy coach(!) (Smirks) You still are.

(Whitey glares at him as Dan laughs and shuts the door in his face.)

CUT TO:

[INT. TREE HILL HIGH SCHOOL – STUDY CENTER – DAY]

(Mouth is at the laptop, working. Erica sneaks up behind him and covers his eyes before kissing him.)

MOUTH: (Laughing) Erica(!)

ERICA: Come on, Mouth,… give me some… mouth. (Grins)

MOUTH: You’re supposed to be helping me.

ERICA: Take it from someone who was obsessed with trying to be perfect: (Pause) It’s not about perfect. It’s about living your life and doing the best you can. (Smiles)

MOUTH: (Grins) You’re pretty great, you know that?

ERICA: Yes(!)

(Mouth laughs.)

ERICA: I’m so great… that I’ll make you a deal: for every sentence you write of your essay,… I’ll give you a kiss.

(Mouth smiles and nods approvingly.)

MOUTH: You think I could get an advance?

(Erica raises her eyebrows and kisses him.)

CUT TO:

[INT. TREE HILL HIGH SCHOOL – TUTOR CENTER – DAY]

(sh*t of the ‘Tutor Center’ sign. The camera zooms out slowly and pans left to Nathan who is looking at the sign sadly. He sighs. There are signs of rushing footsteps and Peyton practically jumps him, putting her hands on his shoulders.)

PEYTON: (Grinning) Jake’s getting outta jail(!)

NATHAN: (Looks at her for a b*at before it registers.) Ah, that’s… that’s great, Peyton.

PEYTON: (Nods) He’s getting Jenny back, too, so I’m gonna go see him right now. (Smiles)

NATHAN: Tell him I said ‘hey’.

(Peyton nods and leaves. Nathan thinks about his own life.)

PEYTON: Hey, Nathan?

(He looks at her.)

PEYTON: (Sincerely) I’m sorry I’m happy.

NATHAN: (Smiles, brushing it off.) Sometimes they come back, right?

(Peyton nods and walks away slowly. Nathan smiles at her retreating back and looks back at the sign.)

CUT TO:

[INT. NEW BRUNSWICK POLICE STATION – VISITORS ROOM – DAY]

COP: Jagielski, long window.

(Jake walks through the cell and to the other bar-door.)

JAKE: Peyton, you don’t have to-

(He stops short as he looks ahead. A buzzer sounds and the door opens. Jake takes his time as he looks at the person there, behind the glass; it’s Nikki. He sits down.)

(Nikki smirks and lifts the receiver. Jake shakes his head and does the same.)

NIKKI: Hi, Jake. (Smiles) How’s your sex life in there?

JAKE: (Coldly) What d’ya what, Nikki?

NIKKI: I just came to say goodbye.

JAKE: You’re leaving before the hearing?

NIKKI: Yeah,… this game’s gotten old.

JAKE: Well, I guess it’s just as well. Once the judge hears my side of things, it’s not gonna matter if you’re there or not. You know it(!)

NIKKI: (Pause) Do you know how it feels, Jake? Knowing that you’ll never see your daughter again?

(Jake looks down.)

NIKKI: Knowing that she’ll never be a part of your life? (Pause) You’ll never see her walk… hear her laugh or watch her grow.

(Jake scoffs and pauses.)

JAKE: Goodbye, Nikki.

NIKKI: (Smiles) Goodbye, Jake. (Pause) Oh, one more thing.

JAKE: Yeah.

NIKKI: The next time you wanna hide my daughter,… you’ve gotta do better that Florida(!)

(Nikki sets the phone down and Jake’s eyes widen in worry. Nikki reaches over and pulls Jenny onto her lap. Jake’s trapped, there’s nothing he can do. Nikki takes the receiver again.)

NIKKI: Do you know how it feels, Jake? Never to see your daughter again? Because you will.

JAKE: Nikki(!)

NIKKI: (To Jenny) Say goodbye to daddy, bunny. (Hold the receiver to her.) Forever.

(She looks back at Jake as Jenny reaches for the phone.)

JAKE: Nikki(!)

(Nikki replaces the receiver and stands with Jenny.)

JAKE: (Standing too.) Guard! Nikki! (Bangs on the window as Nikki takes Jenny and the carrier away.) Somebody stop her! Nik-She’s got my baby! Nikki, come on! NIKKI! NIKKI!

(He bangs forcefully on the window but she’s gone.)

FADE TO BLACK:

COMMERCIAL SET:

[EXT. NEW YORK – THE PARK – DAY]

(Haley and Lucas are walking along the path in the park. A horse drawn carriage trots a little ahead of them.)

HALEY: I’m guessing you’re here because of Nathan.

LUCAS: Kind of.

HALEY: You know that he told me not to come home, right? You know that?

LUCAS: … Look, mostly, I’m here because of us, Haley. (Pause) You know, I was… sitting in class… and… (Shrugs) I looked over and saw your empty seat… and it struck me; that not too long ago, it was just you and me.

HALEY: Yeah. (Takes his arm.)

LUCAS: Suddenly, it felt wrong; that you weren’t there.

(Haley stops and so does he.)

HALEY: You think I was wrong for leaving.

(Lucas pauses and sits on a bench. Haley follows.)

LUCAS: Here’s what I think: you stood by me when I left the Rivercourt (Pause as he nods.) because a voice in my head told me that it’s what I had to do. (Pause) So I’m here for you, Hales. (Smiles as he looks at her.) And I always will be. (Pause) Even… when I don’t understand it.

HALEY: (Sadly) Thanks, Luke. (Whispers) Thank you. (Exhales harshly.) Because… sometimes I don’t understand it either.

FAN1: Um, oh my god, Haley James?

(Lucas looks up at two girls who have approached them. Haley looks up too, confused.)

FAN1: We just saw you play last night, could we get an autograph.

HALEY: Um,… (Hesitates slightly at the shock before standing.) yeah, sure.

FAN1: Oh, thanks.

HALEY: What’s your name?

FAN1: Jennifer.

(Lucas frowns sadly as he understands that Haley’s life is undeniably different now. He isn’t happy about it.)

CUT TO:

[INT. HOTEL – BEDROOM – DAY]

(Chris is sitting on the bed, playing his guitar and practising a song. Brooke walks past the open doorway, loaded with bags.)

CHRIS: (Singing) Lucas and Haley aren’t back yet(!) But you can come in to the Devil’s lair.

(Brooke steps back and stands in the doorway, rolling her eyes at him.)

CHRIS: (Singing) Drop your things… have sex with Chris Keller(!)

(Brooke lowers one hand and glares hard at him.)

CHRIS: (Singing) Whatever. (He smiles and finishes playing his guitar.)

BROOKE: (Smirking nastily.) Here’s the deal: Brooke Davis thinks Chris Keller can self-serve Chris Keller; in other words, you can go-

HALEY: (Interrupting) Oh hey, Brooke. (Enters the room.)

(Brooke stops and sighs while still glaring at Chris.)

HALEY: (Hinting) What’s going on(!)?

CHRIS: She was just hitting on me.

(Brooke scoffs. Lucas leans on the doorjamb.)

CHRIS: Hey, we missed you at the on-air. How’s the flu bug?(!)

HALEY: Oh,… it’ll pass, thanks. How’d it go?

CHRIS: Well, without you, there’s more time to talk about me. It went great(!)

BROOKE: Huh! (Look of disgust. Suffocates.)

HALEY: (Looking at Brooke.) What?

BROOKE: (suffocating) I can’t breathe… there’s no room with Chris’ ego(!) Can we go?!

HALEY: Yes, let’s go. You can show me what you got.

CHRIS: Hey, you can show me what you got, too.

BROOKE: Eh heh heh!

(Haley exits. Lucas waits for Brooke.)

CHRIS: (Points) Lucas, it was good seeing you, buddy. (Nods)

(Lucas watches the girls leave before turning back into the room and slamming the door shut. He st*lks up to Chris.)

CHRIS: Wow, yo-you angry or you just hitting on me?

LUCAS: (Glaring) You ever tried singing with you jaw wired shut?(!)

CHRIS: I guess you’re angry.

LUCAS: Do you think this is a joke?

(Chris looks away.)

LUCAS: Because it’s not(!)

(Chris sets the guitar down.)

LUCAS: You’re messing with people’s lives; people I care about(!)

CHRIS: Messing how? (Stands) You mean having sex with Haley?

(Lucas scoffs and shakes his head, one step away from hitting him, hard.)

CHRIS: Coz I never did that. (Pause) OK? Is that what you needed to hear?

(Lucas eyes him coldly.)

CHRIS: How’s Nathan doing, anyway?

LUCAS: Don’t go there(!)

CHRIS: Oh, come on, man, you don’t think I think about the guy?

(Lucas turns to him.)

CHRIS: I’m a song writer; I carry all that crap around.

LUCAS: WELL, THEN YOU SHOULD KNOW HOW HE’S DOING! HE’S TERRIBLE!

CHRIS: Well, he should be. Haley’s a great girl. It would suck to lose her.

LUCAS: AND YOU DON’T FEEL THE SLIGHTEST BIT GUILTY ABOUT THAT?!

CHRIS: No, and I’ll tell you why: this is a one in a million chance we’re taking here. You gotta be selfish as hell; you’re either all in… or you’re out. (Lucas looks away, smirking.) You don’t think I’ve tried to talk to her about it? In the middle of the night on some random bus ride? Hell, man, I’ve talked to her a lot more than you have these past few months.

(Lucas looks away, knowing that he’s right about not talking to Haley.)

CHRIS: Listen, Luke, I know she’s your friend, so… you can hate me for helping her chase her dream, but… I’m just trying to help her, now. You know?

(He sits on the bed again.)

CHRIS: That same way you are. (Grabs his guitar.) The rest, it’s up to her.

(He begins to play again and Lucas walks to the door. Before he can walk through it, Chris point at him.)

CHRIS: Hey(!) Tell Brooke I said ‘hi’.

(Lucas opens the door and just leans against the frame, his back to Chris. He smirks and continues playing. Lucas walks out slowly.)

CUT TO:

[INT. DAN SCOTT MOTORS – DAN’S OFFICE – EVENING]

(Andy enters the building and walks straight to Dan’s office. He stands in the doorway.)

ANDY: (Pointing to the entrance) You don’t lock your door at night.

DAN: No one can hurt me.

ANDY: Now, that’s where you’re mistaken.

(Andy looks up at Dan who smirks.)

DAN: Is that right?

ANDY: That’s right. You see, I know about your little tax evasion scam… and more than that,… I have proof of it.

DAN: (Laughs and walks to him.) You know, I don’t have any idea what you’re talking about.

ANDY: Really? (Looks up at the camera.) I see you’ve got a, uh, (Points) new security system installed.

(Dan looks up at it.)

ANDY: Who installed it?

(Dan shrugs.)

ANDY: Gotta diversify your portfolio, Dan. Security’s good business; I should know, (Pause) I own the company that put your system in.

(Dan nods, slightly nervous.)

ANDY: I have your ledger.

DAN: You’re bluffing.

ANDY: Well, we’ll see about that.

(He exits and Dan looks down, torn. He grabs an award of his on his desk and throws it through the glass. It shatters and showers Andy who’s still walking past. Andy bends, avoiding the shards, but straightens quickly enough.)

ANDY: (Smirks and walks to the yet again destroyed window.) You know, leave all this. I plan to redecorate when I buy this place, anyway.

(Andy crushes glass as he leaves. Dan stares after him; scared.)

FADE TO:

[INT. TRIC – THE STAGE – EVENING]

(Jimmy Eat World start another song; this time it’s ‘Polaris’)

JIMMY EAT WORLD: #I'll say it straight and plain,

I know I've made mistakes,

(Fade to the crowd who are listening quietly)

JIMMY EAT WORLD: I've always been afraid,

I've always been afraid.

A thousand nights or more…#

FADE TO:

[INT. HOTEL – BEDROOM – EVENING]

(Haley and Lucas are lying on their backs on the bed.)

HALEY: Oh yeah, sorry about today with the fans, earlier. We were talking and, I just, I’m sorry-

LUCAS: It’s OK. It’s OK; actually, it was kinda cool to… see how far you’ve come. (Pause) You know, I-I-I’m proud of you.

HALEY: But?

LUCAS: (Sighs) It’s k*lling him, Haley.

(Haley closes her eyes and sighs.)

LUCAS: I guess I just don’t understand why it has to be one or the other: music or Nathan. (Sighs) I noticed you weren’t… wearing your wedding ring.

(Haley looks at her vacant finger and Lucas looks at her.)

HALEY: It’s not because of the record label. (Pause) And it’s not because I don’t love him. (Pause) I just,… (Sighs) I feel like I don’t deserve to.

(They look at each other for a while.)

HALEY: Things were so much simpler when it was just the two of us.

(Lucas lifts his hand and takes Haley’s.)

LUCAS: But it’s not.

FADE TO:

[INT. TRIC – THE STAGE – EVENING]

JIMMY EAT WORLD: #When you go, I'll let you be,

But you're k*lling everything in me,

(Erica is watching the band. Mouth comes up behind her.)

MOUTH: Hey.

ERICA: Hey(!) How’d your essay go?

MOUTH: (Shrugs) I did the best I could.

(Erica smiles and they watch Jimmy Eat World together.)

JIMMY EAT WORD: I'm done, there's nothing left to show,

FADE TO:

[INT. HOTEL – BROOKE’S BEDROOM – EVENING]

(Brooke is lying on her side on the bed, awake and a little sad.)

JIMMY EAT WORLD: (v.o) Try but I can't let go,

Are you happy where you're standing still?

FADE TO:

[INT. TREE HILL HIGH SCHOOL – WHITEY DURHAM FIELD HOUSE – EVENING]

(Nathan is looking at the basketball hoop.)

JIMMY EAT WORLD: (v.o) Do you really want the sugar pill?

(Nathan bounces the ball and heads for the hoop.)

JIMMY EAT WORLD: (v.o) I'll wake up tomorrow and I'll start,

(Nathan jumps and falls, his knee giving out in the process. He holds it and winces in pain, angrily.)

JIMMY EAT WORLD: (v.o) To another, it feels so hard.

FADE TO:

[INT. DAN SCOTT MOTORS – DAN’S OFFICE – EVENING]

(Dan lifts down the huge painting on the back wall. Behind it is a safe.)

JIMMY EAT WORLD: (v.o) As a train approaches, getting on,

As I'm sure your kiss remains employed,

(He taps in the unlock code and the camera zooms out to show Andy watching from the car.)

JIMMY EAT WORLD: (v.o) Am I only dreaming?

(Dan pulls out the ledger and grins.)

DAN: Nice try, Hargrove.

JIMMY EAT WORLD: (v.o) You say that love goes anywhere,

(He puts it back in and shuts the safe. Andy looks back, content.)

JIMMY EAT WORD: (v.o) In your darkest time, it's just enough to know it's there,

(He shuts the laptop.)

FADE TO:

[INT. HOTEL – HALEY’S ROOM – EVENING]

(Lucas is in the bed alone, sleeping. Haley is up at the laptop, frowning.)

JIMMY EAT WORLD: (v.o) When you go, I'll let you be,

But you're k*lling everything in me.

When you go, I'll let you be,

(Haley has assignment papers with her.)

FADE TO:

[INT. TRIC – THE STAGE – EVENING]

JIMMY EAT WORLD: But you're k*lling-

FADE TO:

[INT. TREE HILL HIGH SCHOOL – WHITEY DURHAM FIELD HOUSE – EVENING]

(Nathan jumps and gets the ball in finally. There are three sh*ts of the ball going in.)

JIMMY EAT WORLD: (v.o) -everything in me.

(Nathan looks down and sees blood on his shirt; he’s popped a few stitches. He frowns as he looks back up.)

JIMMY EAT WORLD: (v.o) When you go, I'll let you be.

FADE TO:

[INT. TRIC – THE STAGE – EVENING]

(The crowd cheers as the song comes to an end.)

JIMMY EAT WORLD: But you're k*lling everything in me.#

(There is a lot of whistling and clapping as they walk off stage.)

FADE TO:

[EXT. NEW YORK – HOTEL (EST) – DAY]

BROOKE: (v.o) Lucas,… we’ve got to get out of town before I-

CUT TO:

[INT. HOTEL – BEDROOM – DAY]

(Brooke is loaded down with more bags.)

BROOKE: -spot another sale(!)

(Haley walks forward and Lucas stirs in the bed.)

BROOKE: (Smirking) I’m gonna go find somebody to carry these.

(She raises her eyebrows at Haley and leaves. Haley laughs. Lucas looks at her.)

(Haley holds out some papers to him.)

HALEY: Here, um,… it’s my English final. Pulled an all-nighter. (Laughs)

(Lucas takes the papers and looks at it.)

LUCAS: Aren’t you… supposed to be trashing hotel rooms or something? You know, what kind of a rock star spends the entire night doing an English final?

HALEY: Well,… I am still Tutor Girl. (Smiles) Right? Besides, it was… it was a pretty easy topic for me. (Looks down.)

LUCAS: (Sets the papers aside.) So,… maybe this means you’re coming back soon?

(Haley looks at him sadly.)

HALEY: No. (Pause) I’m not coming home, Lucas. (Looks up and shrugs slightly.) This is my life, now.

(Lucas doesn’t say anything. He is definitely not happy.)

HALEY: (Remembering) Oh, um,…

(She walks to a table and picks up some more papers. Lucas squints and she turns back around, stuffing papers into an envelope.)

HALEY: I need you to… give this to Nathan for me, please.

(Lucas looks at her as if he doesn’t know her.)

HALEY: Please, Luke.

(There is pain in his eyes as he snatches the annulment papers from her. He can’t look at her and instead stares at the ground. Haley wipes tears from her eyes.)

(Lucas stands up and looks around. Haley waits.)

LUCAS: (Painfully) So I guess this is goodbye?

HALEY: Yeah, I guess so. (Smiles)

(He hugs her after a b*at.)

LUCAS: I… will always be there for you, Haley.

(Haley cries.)

LUCAS: (Whispers) You’ll always be my best friend.

(Haley nods.)

(Cut to Lucas who is still upset that she’s left his brother and him.)

FADE TO BLACK:

COMMERCIAL SET:

[EXT. TRIC – ENTRANCE – EVENING]

(Peyton leans over the balcony and looks down, crying hard. The crowd are still cheering.)

WHITE FLASH TO:

[INT. SAWYER RESIDENCE – PEYTON’S BEDROOM – EVENING]

(Peyton turns around, delighted, and stands.)

PEYTON: Hey(!)

(She rushes over to Jake and hugs him.)

PEYTON: Come here.

(He hugs her.)

PEYTON: It’s all gonna be OK now.

JAKE: Peyton,… (Lets go of her.) I have to go.

PEYTON: What?(!) No, don’t. Stay here.

JAKE: Nikki found Jenny.

(Peyton looks at him, eyes wide.)

PEYTON: What d’ya mean?

JAKE: She has her, Peyton.

PEYTON: What(!)? (Desolately) How?

JAKE: I don’t know how. (Walks past her.) OK, but I have to go, I have to find her.

PEYTON: I’ll go with you(!)

JAKE: No, you can’t.

PEYTON: (Sits on her bed.) But…

JAKE: Peyton(!) (Sighs sadly.) You can’t.

(Peyton is completely desperate.)

PEYTON: Why not? I mean, what’s the point of school and grades and all of this if I’m not… (Pause) God Jake, I can’t be without you, I love you(!)

(Jake looks away, sadly. Peyton looks down brokenly.)

JAKE: (Sighs) You’re meant for better.

PEYTON: (Instantly) I’m not(!) (Shakes her head.)

JAKE: You are.

(She cries.)

JAKE: Hey, look, I don’t know, maybe I’ll find Jenny sooner than later. Maybe I’ll be back-

PEYTON: (Angrily) YOU WON’T! You won’t!

JAKE: Come here. (Holds out his hand.)

(She takes it and stands.)

JAKE: Listen to me.

(Peyton shakes her head and looks away.)

JAKE: I need you…

(She looks back up at him.)

JAKE: to get past this.

PEYTON: (Vehemently) No(!)

JAKE: I need you to forget about me and move on(!) (Pause) OK?

(Peyton wants to argue.)

JAKE: (Wipes her tears away.) You’re too amazing to carry this around. Y-you’re too full of greatness and… (Sighs) I love you too much.

(Peyton can’t take it anymore and cries harder. She hugs him again. He holds her tightly before letting her go.)

JAKE: But I have to go.

PEYTON: No!

JAKE: You know, I can’t have Jenny be with Nikki.

(Jake looks at her and Peyton looks at him, realising that he’s right and his daughter comes first. She kisses him. He walks past her.)

PEYTON: (Turning to the door.) Jake(!)

(He stops at the doorway and looks back at her. It’s hurting him too.)

PEYTON: (Looks at him and sniffs.) Thank you.

JAKE: (Desolately) You know, I coulda held you in my arms forever. (Pause) It still wouldn’t have been long enough.

(Peyton looks down and covers her eyes. His parting words do not help to ease the pain. He walks away. Peyton looks back up at the empty doorway and sighs brokenly.)

FADE TO:

[INT. TRIC – THE STAGE – EVENING]

(The music starts up again. Jimmy Eat World start another song, it’s ‘Hear You Me’.)

JIMMY EAT WORLD: #There's no one in town I know,

You gave us some place to go,

I never said thank you for that,

(Brooke watches them, no hint of a smile on her face.)

JIMMY EAT WORLD: I thought I might get one more chance.

(She moves to the side and looks at Lucas who is watching the band.)

JIMMY EAT WORLD: What would you think of me now,

(Lucas looks at her slowly and smiles. Brooke smiles back at him.)

JIMMY EAT WORLD: So lucky, so strong, so proud?

WHITE FLASH TO:

[INT. LUCAS’ CAR – THE ROAD – DAY]

(Lucas is driving again, desolate. Brooke looks at him, not knowing what to say.)

JIMMY EAT WORLD: (v.o) I never said thank you for that,

now I'll never have a chance.

BROOKE: You miss Haley, don’t you?

(Lucas nods.)

JIMMY EAT WORLD: (v.o) May angels lead you in.

BROOKE: You gonna be alright?

JIMMY EAT WORLD: (v.o) Hear you me my friends.

LUCAS: Yeah, it’s just hard to let someone go, you know?

(Broke nods knowingly. Jimmy Eat world play in the background as Brooke and Lucas talk over them.)

BROOKE: (Stiffly) It’s OK that you’re into Peyton.

(It takes a while for the sentence to register with his clogged up brain. He looks at her, frowning.)

BROOKE: I’ve been avoiding it the whole trip, but I found the things in your closet; and its fine. (Looks at him, smiling.)

(Lucas understands and looks at her again. He wants to explain but she just smiles and shrugs it off. She looks out of the window.)

FADE TO:

[INT. TRIC – THE CROWD – EVENING]

(Brooke smiles and turns back around. Lucas looks at her; finding it hard to say nothing. He sighs.)

(Fade back to the stage where Jimmy Eat World are still playing.)

JIMMY EAT WORLD: So what would you think of me now,

FADE TO:

[EXT. ROE RESIDENCE – FRONT PORCH – EVENING]

(Andy walks up the step and to the front door.)

JIMMY EAT WORLD: (v.o) so lucky, so strong, so proud?

(Karen opens the door and smiles.)

JIMMY EAT WORLD: (v.o) I never said thank you for that,

ANDY: I just wanted to say goodbye before I left.

KAREN: (Frowning) You’re leaving now? Tonight?

JIMMY EAT WORLD: (v.o) now I'll never have a chance.

ANDY: (Nods) I think it’s best. For mum,… and for you.

JIMMY EAT WORLD: (v.o) May angels lead you in.

(Karen hugs him. Andy closes his eyes and hugs her.)

JIMMY EAT WORLD: (v.o) Hear you me my friends.

On sleepless roads the sleepless go.

KAREN: (Whispering) Andy(!)

(She lets go and looks at him.)

JIMMY EAT WORLD: (v.o) May angels lead you in.

ANDY: Oh, and, uh,… (Holds out a big jiffy bag.) I need you to give this to Lucas.

KAREN: (Confused) Of course.

(Andy smiles and kisses her on the cheek.)

JIMMY EAT WORLD: (v.o) May angels lead you in.

May angels lead you in.

(Andy turns to walk away.)

KAREN: Andy.

(He stops and waits.)

KAREN: I love you, you know?

(Andy nods and looks at her.)

KAREN: I do.

ANDY: And I love you, Karen. (Pause) But, somehow, it just… doesn’t seem to be enough.

(He smiles tightly and walks down the steps.)

FADE TO:

[INT. TRIC – THE STAGE – EVENING]

(Jimmy Eat World continue to play.)

FADE TO:

[EXT. ROE RESIDENCE – FRONT PORCH – EVENING]

(Karen watches as Andy opens his car door and gets in. He looks back once before disappearing inside. Karen looks on helplessly.)

JIMMY EAT WORLD: (v.o) And if you were with me tonight,

BROOKE: (v.o) George Bernard Shaw once wrote;-

FADE TO:

[INT. TRIC – THE STAGE – EVENING]

JIMMY EAT WORLD: I'd sing to you just one more time.

(The song is drowned out buy Brooke’s voice.)

BROOKE: (v.o) -‘There are two tragedies in life: one is to lose your heart’s desire,… the other is to gain it’. Clearly, Shaw had his heart broken once or twice.

JIMMY EAT WORLD: May angels lead you in.

FADE TO:

[INT. TREE HILL HIGH SCHOOL – WHITEY DURHAM FIELD HOUSE – EVENING]

(Nathan is still playing single person basketball, trying to get better. He jumps and hits successive baskets.)

JIMMY EAT WORLD: (v.o) Hear you me my friends.

(Lucas walks into the field house and Nathan sees him. He stops and sighs.)

JIMMY EAT WORLD: (v.o) On sleepless roads the sleepless go.

NATHAN: (Out of breath.) Where you been?

LUCAS: (Shakes his head.) Went to see a friend.

NATHAN: Yeah? Anyone I know? (Throws the ball.)

LUCAS: (Considers before answering honestly.) Not really.

(Nathan sighs and Lucas sees the blood on Nathan’s shirt. Nathan looks down at it.)

LUCAS: You know you’re bleeding, right?

NATHAN: (Looks back up.) Yeah. It should probably hurt, but, uh,… it’s kinda weird; I don’t feel anything.

(Nathan bounces the ball twice and throws it into the hoop.)

NATHAN: (v.o) As far as I’m concerned, Shaw was a punk(!) (Nathan does a few smart moves and hits the basket again.) Coz you know what? Tragedies happen.

(Lucas watches his brother with worry.)

FADE TO:

[INT. TRIC – THE CROWD – EVENING]

(Jimmy Eat World sing but Nathan drowns them out.)

NATHAN: (v.o) What’re you gonna do, give up? Quit? No.

FADE TO:

[INT. NATHAN’S APARTMENT – LIVING ROOM – EVENING]

(Nathan walks around, picking up the last of his things.)

NATHAN: (v.o) I realise now that when your heart breaks, you gotta fight like hell to make sure you’re still alive.

(He takes of his shirt.)

NATHAN: (v.o) Coz you are, (Looks down at his bleeding wound.) and that pain you feel:… it’s life(!)

(Nathan looks up at the pink wall.)

NATHAN: (v.o) The confusion and fear… that’s there to remind you that somewhere out there is something better. (Nathan walks past it.) And that something is worth fighting for.

FADE TO:

[INT. HOTEL – HALEY’S ROOM – EVENING]

(Haley walks out of the closet and into the room.)

JIMMY EAT WORLD: (v.o) Hear you me my friends.

(She has her golf club and picks up a cup from the table. She takes out two balls and sets it in front of the glass.)

HALEY: (v.o) This year, I got everything I wanted and everything I wished for… but, in a way, I lost even more.

(She gets ready to hit the ball. Joey D comes up behind her.)

JOEY D: Haley, the new tour posters are here.

(Haley turns her head, smiling. Joey D kicks her glass away and her smile falls.)

JOEY D: What’s this? (Indicating the amateur golf set-up.)

HALEY: (Brushing it off.) Um,… nothing, you know, just… stupid kid stuff.

(She walks up to see the poster.)

JOEY D: What d’ya think?

HALEY: (Impressed) Wow(!)

(The poster has Chris and Haley set professionally into the poster under The Wreckers. Haley’s smile becomes strained.)

FADE TO:

[INT. TRIC – THE STAGE – EVENING]

(The camera revolves around the stage.)

LUCASL: (v.o) Shaw was right: as we strain to grasp the things we desire,… the things we think will make our lives better:… money, popularity, fame… we ignore what truly matters…-

FADE TO:

[EXT. KAREN’S CAFÉ – ROOFTOP – EVENING]

(Back to the beginning, Lucas is standing on the roof, thinking.)

LUCAS: (v.o) -the simple things: like friendship, family, love.

(The camera moves up above him and zooms out. Lucas looks up and directly into it.)

LUCAS: (v.o) The things we probably already had.

FADE TO:

[INT. TRIC – THE DANCE FLOOR – EVENING]

(Mouth is standing with Erica. They kiss.)

MOUTH: (v.o) So, Mr. Shaw thinks that getting your hearts desire is a tragedy? I say he’s wrong.

(He and Erica look at each other.)

MOUTH: I mean, clearly, Shaw never kissed Erica Marsh.

(He kisses her again.)

JIMMY EAT WORLD: A song for a heart so big, god wouldn't let it live. May angels lead you in. Hear you me my friends.

FADE TO:

[EXT. TRIC – ENTRANCE – EVENING]

(Peyton looks down, still sad but the tears have gone.)

PEYTON: (v.o) Yeah, losing your heart’s desire is tragic.

(The sh*t finally cuts down to where she’s looking. Jake is down below; on his motorbike and looking up at Peyton.)

PEYTON: (v.o) But gaining your heart’s desire…

(Close-up of Jake looking at her. The tears start to form again.)

PEYTON: (v.o) It’s all you can hope for.

(She smiles. Jake nods.)

PEYTON: (v.o) This year, I wished for love. (Pause)

(Jake puts his helmet on.)

PEYTON: (v.o) To immerse myself in someone else and to wake a heart long afraid to feel.

(Pause as they look at each other.)

PEYTON: (v.o) My wish was granted.

(Jake turns his lights on.)

PEYTON: (v.o) And if having that is tragic… then give me tragedy.

(Jake starts the engine and rides away. Peyton starts to cry again.)

PEYTON: (v.o) Because, I wouldn’t give it back for the world.

(Her body shakes as the cheers sound again.)

END