Quiet Things That No One Ever Knows(Season 2, Episode 14)

Dan is thrilled that Haley has left Nathan. Debra should be thrilled because this is what she wanted just a few episodes ago, but now she seems conflicted. That Debra is so wishy washy!

Dan uses a chess analogy to explain to Jules how he's going to destroy Keith. Yes, he's a master chess player, like all proper villains. He's on the verge of supervillain territory here. Also, Andy goes to Dan and threatens him about manipulating Lucas. Andy shows his hand by revealing he's in love with Karen. Bad move.

Speaking of Nathan, he's a loose cannon! He shows up to class and starts chugging a giant can of booze. He also calls the teacher a slut, which gets him tossed. Lucas' worried calls to Haley go unanswered, so Lucas has no choice but to tell Dan and Debra. This doesn't go well, either: Nathan slugs Dan after Dan disparages Haley's good name.

Nathan whines that Lucas ruined his life. You see, if Lucas had stayed where he belonged on the riverside court, Nathan would have never met Haley and he wouldn't be so miserable. Boo Hoo.

Baby Jenny is sick, which is not a good thing for a guy with no job, money, or insurance. Luckily Peyton has her emergency cash her father left her. Coach has a soft spot for babies and take care of Jenny while Jake is in class!

Oh, That Brooke!  This whole school election process has a "peer endorsement assembly," in which the candidate must have someone vouch for what a good person they are. Dastardly Erica Marsh hides the schedule from Brooke and Brooke is unprepared! But wait! Mouth is there, and he tells everybody how  Brooke became his friend, despite the fact that he's a huge geek.  A Heartwarming Moment. Brooke looks like she could kiss Mouth right then! But she does not. Even Coach is happy, dammit!

 Mouth's speech has the desired effect and she wins the election. Erica Marsh is very wary to not be class president for the first time in her life, but handles it well, because all dastardly characters on this show turn out to have hearts of gold. Will Brooke's reign lead to utopia or dystopia?

(Haley only has one scene on this episode! Lucas finally reaches her on the phone, and appears to not at all be concerned about Nathan's troubles.)

Lucas voice over! I've skipped a few of these.

“Solitude is the profoundest fact of the human condition. Man is the only being who knows he is alone.”  (Octavio Paz)