13. Hanging by a Moment

Complete story — includes the ending

Lucas and Peyton struggle with their feelings for each other and what to tell Brooke, so they start sneaking around together. Meanwhile, Brooke realizes she is in love with Lucas. Keith is nervous about Karen coming home and is ready to restart their relationship. A fight with Dan makes him drink some beers to calm down. Haley catches Lucas and Peyton kissing and is angry that he is doing something like that. They get into a heated argument over it where Lucas tells her she's only with Nathan because he wanted to hurt him, while Haley storms off angry. Deb catches Dan flirting with another woman and realizes she wants a divorce, despite this Dan doesn't. Peyton prepares to tell Brooke about her and Lucas. Haley and Nathan get into a fight when he admits they're only together because he wanted to upset Lucas. Keith and Lucas head to the airport to pick up Karen but are hit head-on, with the car slamming into Lucas. Dan witnesses the accident and pulls Lucas out of the car and speeds him to the hospital. Lucas is in bad shape and needs surgery and Dan has to acknowledge that he's his son. Keith is asked how many beers he had by a doctor as Karen returns and receives a phone call. In surgery, Lucas flatlines. This episode is named after a song by Lifehouse.