Emmanuelle Vaugier

Lucas and Nathan bear the brunt of Dan's abuse as he coaches them into the playoffs, pushing both of them to their emotional breaking points. Haley is stunned after Dan threatens her, causing her to reconsider her relationship with Nathan. Meanwhile, Whitey finds out that his medical condition may be more serious than he first expected, and Dan learns a shocking secret from Deb.

Nathan must choose which parent to live with after Dan and Deb's divorce. Dan forces Nathan to make the decision by threatening to reveal Deb's (recurring guest star BARBARA ALYN WOODS) darkest secrets in court unless Nathan chooses him. Meanwhile, Lucas meets a beautiful stranger who challenges his perceptions of life since Lucas' car accident. Grammy Award winner SHERYL CROW guest stars as herself and performs her song "The First Cut Is the Deepest" in Karen's Café.

While Nathan looks for an after-school job to pay his rent, Haley hosts a party at his apartment--but she panics when the situation gets out of control. After jilted Brooke realizes she was not invited to the festivities, she decides to attend the party anyway, along with her new friend, Nicki ( recurring guest star EMMANUELLE VAUGIER - "Smallville").

Lucas must make a difficult decision regarding Brooke. Haley considers having sex with Nathan. Keith wants more from his relationship with Karen. And Dan tries to get runaway Nathan to return home.

Charlie returns to his bachelor lifestyle; Alan breaks down following his second divorce.

Lucas is shocked to learn that Dan once asked Karen for joint custody of him when he was a baby. Meanwhile, Peyton panics after her friend Nicki (recurring guest star EMMANUELLE VAUGIER) kidnaps basketball player Jake's (recurring guest star BRYAN GREENBERG) baby while baby-sitting.