Almost There and Back Again

by Nancy

Chapter 4

Jake was getting more and more concerned about the apparent developing relationship between Nathan and Haley. Nathan had been spending a countless number of hours with her the past several weeks. It was obvious to everyone they were getting closer.

On the one hand, he felt like he needed to talk to Nathan about the disastrous way Haley’s last relationship had ended, on the other, he felt like it was her place to tell him. The whole thing was beginning to keep him up at night.

Nathan had obviously heeded Jake’s first warning of not telling Haley he played basketball. Where he said he was when he disappeared for hours every afternoon at practice time concerned him as well. He must be good at lying or deceiving or some other ‘ing’ that wasn’t good – or maybe they weren’t close enough yet for Haley to be interested in his whereabouts. Who knew…it was making his head hurt for sure.

It amazed him the way Haley had taken to Nathan. It was plain as the nose on your face that Nathan and…David – the fucker – were frighteningly similar. He noticed it right off…why hadn’t she? Of course, she’d never seen David for the complete ass wipe he was till it hit her right between the eyes so…he really shouldn’t be surprised.

There was one encouraging difference – he hoped anyway. He’d walked around campus with both Nathan and Haley – together and individually. Girls were constantly trying to chat him up…flirting with him, calling out to him – it could have been a real ego bruiser for Jake if he’d let it. When Jake first met Nathan, he’d always stop…for every girl he’d stop, and let them talk for at least a couple of minutes, acting like he was interested, sizing them up all the while – were they worthy of more or not. Jake used to laugh about it…somehow now it didn’t seem so funny.

But since he’d been hanging out with Haley, he seemed…different. The girls called to him, he just kept going. Maybe he’d give them a half hearted wave, or head nod, or grunt, but he pretty much just…ignored them.

David had received similar attention. He was their schools big shot basketball player. All the girls fawning over him, trying to get next to him – they didn’t have to try very hard either. When the girls called to him – he never quit looking – even after getting with Haley he never stopped. Oh he might just give them a blank expression when Haley was around, half the time turning his head and winking, or giving them an air kiss behind Haley’s back. It was all Jake could do to keep from beating his ass.

He’d never told Haley any details, but kept throwing the idea of not getting too serious about David, not falling for all his lines. She couldn’t see it. He loved her – she just knew he did – after all - he said he did. And maybe he did, but it was the most pathetic version of love Jake had ever witnessed.

With each passing day Haley seemed more into Nathan. It was actually beginning to scare him. She was crushed, broken into a million pieces when her relationship with David came to a nightmarish end, he couldn’t see her recovering from something like that again. He had to talk to Nathan, or somebody did…Greg – yeah big bad Greg – even Nathan would be intimidated by Greg.

“Hey man,” Jake greeted when Greg finally dragged himself to the door.

“I’m trying to sleep here dipshit,” he growled back, “practice is about to bust my nuts. I need some rest,” his hulking form not budging from where it blocked his doorway.

“I need to talk to you about Haley.”

Greg yawned, rubbing his massive hand through his hair, “You said the magic word – get your ass in here,” he grumped moving back so Jake could come in, going back to drop with a thud on his bed.

“Have you talked to her?”

“Yeah I’ve talked to her some – I’ve only seen her a couple of times though. I’m telling you the football practice around here is a killer. When the seasons over I’ll be able to spend more time with her, but right now I’m tapped out man. Between classes, and practice, and games, and the barely occasional girl, I’m done for most of the time.”

“Yeah well, boo hoo for you. I need your help so find some time.”

“With Haley?”

“I said that already didn’t I!”

“Hey don’t bite my head off squirt – it hasn’t been that long since the last time I beat your ass – don’t make me do it again,” he chuckled.

He watched Jake’s flustered face. He was really bothered by something it was obvious. Both he and Jake had major soft spots for Haley. Jake lived across the street from Haley – Greg’s house was behind hers – no fences between yards made it easy to make friends. The three of them spent more time together than they did with their own families when they were growing up. By the time they’d gotten to high school, their friendship seemed…odd. The two jocks and the nerd who threw so much like a girl it was just…sad. She hated sports – hated them, but there she was week after week, supporting Greg in his football, and Jake in his basketball. They’d supported her in what…her book reading – yeah right. They knew they got a lot more than they gave, but she never complained, seeming more than content to tag along with her boneheaded jock friends.

There was no crossing of the line between friendship and love…except for once. Freshman year Greg had gotten it in his head he liked Haley, more than friendship like - probably more attributable to her developing figure than anything else. She assured him he was wrong, but he insisted there was something there. So, she accommodated him, and agreed to a real date. They went to the obligatory dinner and movie. Everything was going fine, Haley had never been uncomfortable around Greg, but this was just…weird. And then it happened…he kissed her. Oh he’d been a gentleman – asking permission first. Haley wanted to scream ‘no’, but couldn’t hurt his feelings like that. So they stared nervously at each other, shifting back and forth on their feet, both of them pursing their lips, eyes wide open till their lips met.

It was all Greg could do not to twist up his face and spit out ‘yuck’! He wanted to wipe his mouth – feeling sure Haley thought the same thing. It felt like it did when his Aunt Agnes planted kisses on him. She couldn’t be the type to place a sweet little kiss on your cheek – no she went for the lips, every single time. Yuck! Kissing Haley was…just…ewww! The kiss itself wasn’t horrendous, but the feelings – or lack there of it evoked – were…yuck!

“Okay,” Greg had said, “I’m over you. Let’s not kiss like that ever again…deal?”

“Deal,” Haley had giggled in return – draping their arms around each other as they walked home.

“So spill it Jake,” he said, stretching out his six foot six inch, two hundred sixty pound muscle bound body on his bed, hands folded behind his head.

“She has a new boyfriend – at least I think he’s a boyfriend.”

“Isn’t that good? I mean hell Jake she was a total wreck just a few months ago – I didn’t think she’d ever speak to another guy again, much less have a boyfriend. Sounds like she’s finally putting David fuck face behind her.”

“Yeah well, I’m really worried this guy is David junior.”

“Meaning…”

“Meaning – he’s on the basketball team. He’s good looking, he’s all charm with the girls. I know for a fact he was banging them left and right not long ago.”

Greg had the same sinking feeling in his stomach that Jake had been fighting for several days now. Sitting up, leaning his arms on his thighs, his face hardening more with every word.

“And now?”

“And now…I don’t know. He seems like he really likes her, and I know he hasn’t been to a party at Charlie’s in at least a couple of weeks. The last time he was there he drank a few beers, shot some pool and left – alone. I mean he usually left alone anyway, but not without nailing some girl before hand. He never left the room that night. I don’t know Greg.”

“I can’t believe Haley would fall for another jock. She was emphatic she’d never date another jock as long as she lived, blah, blah, blah. You were there, you remember how freakin’ hysterical she got – yelling and crying and Jesus it was a nightmare,” shaking his head frustratingly at the memory. “I never felt as good as I did the night I beat the holy shit out of that fucking David. It still makes me smile just thinking about it,” he grinned at Jake.

“I remember – it was truly awesome,” Jake laughed. “But ummm, she ummm…”

“She ummm what?”

“She doesn’t know he’s on the basketball team,” Jake mumbled quickly.

“What! How the hell could she not know Jake…Jake! How the hell could she not know?”

“You know she doesn’t pay any attention to sports, and maybe because I told him that if he wanted a chance with Haley he needed to hold off telling her he played basketball,” he sighed, his head dropping in his hands.

“So he’s lying to her – already. Great. Nice move dumb ass. So now she’d going to get all attached to this shit, and then she’ll find out he’s a jock and boom – there we go again. She’s never going to trust anybody – you know that – never.”

“He’s not lying to her…not exactly. He’s just left off a fact or two about himself,” Jake tried.

“He plays freakin’ division one basketball Jake – in a huge, big time program – which means he’s fucking good. How do you not let that little piece of information about yourself out – you can’t, unless you’re hiding it on purpose – which he is thanks to you! Damn it Jake! Does he know about David?”

“No…nothing. I just told him she didn’t like basketball players. I kind of hinted at her having a bad experience, but that’s it.”

“When does your season start…a week? She’s going to want to go watch you play you know that. Hell she’s been at every one of my games – and she hates football worse than basketball – you won’t be able to keep her away. And then what Jake…she’s going to see pretty boy out there running up and down the damn court…and then what – what are we going to do then Jake?” he blew out exasperated with the whole situation.

“I don’t know Greg…that’s why I’m here – I need you to help me think of how I’m going to fix this.”

“You want to know how to fix it? I’ll fix it right now – let’s go talk to her and then…I’m gonna’ find this guy,” he commanded jerking open his door, leaving Jake sitting stunned on the bed. “Get your ass moving Jake!” he heard him bellow back to him.

Jake couldn’t get him to say another word. The steam was still coming out of his ears. Jake decided it was best if he just slunk along quietly beside him. Greg pulled his phone out of his pocket, punching a button – waiting impatiently for someone to answer.

“Haley…baby doll how’s it going?” he chirped cheerfully into the phone, while sending Jake a vicious glower.

“GREG! Where have you been? You were supposed to eat lunch with me the other day – what happened?”

“Football what else,” he chuckled, “are you free today – like right now – I’m headed your direction as we speak.”

“I’d love that. Come up to my room okay – you remember the number right? I want you to meet my friends across the hall. I already introduced them to Jake, and I think he really likes one of them.”

“Oh really,” he said with fake interest, “funny he didn’t say anything about them. Jake’s just full of secrets isn’t he Hales?” flipping Jake off as they walked on.

“I guess,” she laughed, “see you in a minute Bear.”

“Yeah – bye Hales. So who’s the girl she introduced you to?”

“Peyton – she lives across the hall from Haley – she’s gorgeous man,” he laughed, “she has a hot roommate too.”

“Oh yeah – where are they from?”

“Tree Hill.”

“Ohhhh beach girls huh? No wonder they’re hot,” he laughed.

Jake wanted this over with. He wasn’t positive what Greg was going to do. Greg could…well he could get out of control with the temper if he didn’t make concerted efforts to keep it in check - probably why he was a hell of a football player – getting to take his aggression out on the other guy – right up his alley. Haley was his Achilles heel though – always treating her like fine china. He’d just held her in his huge arms and let her cry for hours when David broke her. At times it was hard to tell who had the more broken heart.

“Haley, baby doll,” he grinned scooping her up in his arms squeezing her tightly to him as he dropped a kiss on her forehead. “How are you beautiful?”

“Better now,” she grinned back, hugging him tighter, kissing his cheek. “I’ve missed you. Football takes up way too much of your time,” she pouted.

“It’s payin’ the way Hales.”

“I know, I know, but I don’t have to like it.”

“Jake says the girls across the hall are hot,” he whispered.

“I think he’s snagged one of them, but there is one left…I think. She may be involved with someone I’m not sure. She’d turn you inside out though Bear – I’m not sure you could handle her,” she giggled.

“Jake?” throwing a questioning eyebrow at Jake.

“She’s definitely a piece of work man.”

“Let’s see,” he winked at Haley, nodding toward the girls door.

Haley stepped across the hall, giving a quick giggle back toward the boys.

“Hey guys – I want you to meet my other friend from home,” she smiled, pulling Greg through the door, wrapping her arm around his waist.

“This is Greg Lowry – Peyton Sawyer, Brooke Davis.”

Both Peyton and Brooke’s mouths dropped open at the sight of this huge smiling…man now taking up half their room. He was…oh my gosh he was big, and cute. Big and cute! Haley had the best looking friends ever!

“Hi – I’m Peyton,” the curly headed blonde smiled holding her hand out to Greg.

“Nice to meet you Peyton,” Greg returned, cutting his eyes at Jake – giving him a slight head shake in the affirmative.

“Haley where have you been hiding this one?” Brooke purred standing right up close to Greg, her head nearly tilted completely back to see his face, holding her hand out to him, “Brooke Davis,” flashing her beautiful dimples for him.

“Brooke – nice to meet you,” he smiled down at her taking her hand in both of his, bringing it up to kiss the back of it.

“Oh dear god,” Brooke swooned. “I repeat – where have you been hiding this one Haley?” she asked again, her eyes never leaving Greg’s, the mischief behind them evident to her – she was eating this encounter right up.

“He’s been hiding in plain sight on the football field Brooke. I tried to get you to go with me, but noooo, you wouldn’t go,” she shrugged while fighting off the laugh.

“Ask again.”

“Maybe.”

“Ask again,” Brooke repeated more slowly, giving Haley an annoyed glare.

“So I hear you ladies are from the coast. Great seafood, beautiful ocean view, beautiful women...”

“Oh please,” Haley groaned nudging Greg in the side.

“Let the man speak Haley,” Brooke said continuing her staring contest with Greg. “So you play football huh? What position?”

“Center…you familiar with football…you know what the center position does?” he couldn’t stop smiling at her.

“I don’t know much about football, but I think the center gives the ball to the quarterback…I think.”

“Very good, that exactly right.”

“So the quarterback puts his hands on your….,” she smiled broadly, “well…isn’t he the lucky one.”

“I’m not sure he’d agree but…,” he laughed.

“Well if you ever feel like you need more practice just let me know…I’d be happy play quarterback for you,” she cooed.

Peyton was leaning against Jake taking in Brooke on the prowl yet again. She wanted to laugh so bad at her antics it was hurting to hold it in. She glanced at the clock – Brooke had a class – time to bust the bubble.

“Don’t you have a class in like ten minutes Brooke?” biting her lip to stop the snicker. “Brooke…Brooke!”

“What?!” her head snapping back at Peyton.

“Class – don’t you have a class?”

Brooke shot an irritated glance at her clock. Damn. “Yeah I gotta go,” she grumbled. “You want to walk with me handsome – we could get to know each other better…”

“Oh I’m sorry Brooke – I’ve got a lunch date with Hales. We can try another time though.”

“Okay,” she whined with disappointment. “Don’t be a stranger,” she called back from the door, and with a flirty flip of her hair she was gone.

“Well?” Haley beamed up at him.

“Let’s go eat,” he chuckled back, “Nice to meet you Peyton – Jake…I’ll get back with you later man.”

Greg picked a table near the back so he they could talk in semi-privacy - Haley following happily behind him. He got more than a few stares. It was apparent to all he was a football player – his size, the muscles bulging out from under his short sleeves. It was unusual to have a player eat in this cafeteria – the jocks had their own – where it was rumored they were constantly fed steak and lobster. Figures.

“How’s it been going Hales?”

“Good, really good,” smiling as she shoved another fry in her mouth.

“So you like it here then?”

“Yeah – it’s great. Brooke and Peyton have been so nice to me. I really like them – they took me right into their circle – it’s helped. My roommate lives with her boyfriend so I have the room practically to myself. Classes are going good. So yeah – I like it – I like it a lot.”

“So ummm, Jake says you’ve met somebody.”

“Yeah,” she shrugged.

“That’s all I get – yeah?” he smiled.

“I’m not sure what to say. We’ve been hanging out for a while now. He’s from Tree Hill like Brooke and Peyton. He and Peyton are cousins actually – though they act more like brother and sister,” she laughed.

“Did they introduce you to him?”

“No – he’s in my English class. He kind of helped me out the first day, and then I saw him at the girls’ room, then we kind of kept bumping into each other till…I don’t know we started hanging out.”

“You like him?” Greg asked hesitantly, he didn’t want to push to hard, but he wanted to get a feel for what she really thought of this guy.

“Yeah I guess…I mean yeah I like him. He’s nice, and funny, he’s always saying goofy things – and my god Greg he is so good looking you wouldn’t believe. He’s just…different,” she shrugged happily.

His mind was racing…Different! How the hell could he be different? Jake says he’s David’s damn clone. If Jake could see it why couldn’t she – maybe there’s more to him than it appeared…

“So what’s pretty boy’s name?” he smirked at her.

“Pretty boy,” she scoffed with a laugh, “actually he is a pretty boy – it’s Nathan Scott.”

Greg knew who he was. One of the freshman basketball brothers everybody was talking about. He’d suspected as much when she said he was from Tree Hill – it was just a matter of which brother it was. The dark haired one…yeah he knew who he was.

“He likes you too I guess.”

“Well I would hope so – he hangs out in my room a lot.”

“Really - careful there Hales…a guy a girl…alone – no roommate to worry about walking in. Should I have a talk with him, ask what his intentions are toward you,” he chuckled.

“No big brother – I can take care of myself thank you,” rolling her eyes at his overprotective self. “I’m done – you have time to walk and talk?”

“Sure let’s do it.”

Nathan was finally done with classes for the day. What had possessed him to take that idiotic Philosophy class was beyond him. He had to fight falling asleep every time he went. It just sounded like so much bs to him, a bunch of talking in circles. Boring, boring, boring!

He wanted to see Haley. It was getting to be a habit – dropping by her room after class, hanging out – making out – whatever, till he made an exit every afternoon to ‘go work out’ as he had taken to telling her. He had to spill the beans about basketball he knew, but Jake had really scared him off the subject, and the more he got to know her, the less he wanted to tell her, for fear she’d dump him like a hot potato.

As corny as it sounded to him she made him feel…special. It really felt like she was interested in him, not just interested in being seen with him. They talked about everything – well almost everything – he’d avoided the subject of his family for the most part. She’d brought it up a couple of times, but quickly let it drop when she noticed the immediate change in his demeanor. She was respecting his reluctance to talk about it – that felt good too. She just made him feel good about himself. He hoped he had some effect on her too. He thought maybe he did, but sometimes it felt like she was afraid to get too close to him.

Their slowly evolving sex life was unusual for him as well. Normally, by now, he’d have already had sex a hundred times with her, but she seemed to want to take it slow – so slow it would be – even if it killed him!

He didn’t want to do anything to chase her off – that was a change - he’d never wanted to stay more than five minutes with a girl after sex…much less in a non-sexual setting – staying involved with someone without the benefit of sex - yeah - that had never even been a remote possibility before. He hadn’t even had sex with Haley, and the thought of her not being there was…well upsetting is what it was.

He was shuffling back toward her dorm, kicking absently at a rock as he went, his bag slung over his shoulder - his mind a million miles away…on Haley, on basketball, on telling one about the other. Crap he had to take care of that!

He glanced up when the now familiar giggle reached his ears a smile starting across his face. There she was coming toward him…with a guy. A big mother of a guy – Haley looked small next to Nathan, she looked down right tiny next to Greg - and he had his arm around her…and she had her arm around him…and they were laughing and playfully bumping each other and hell – he just kissed her on the head. What the fuck?

Who the hell is this big son of a bitch? Is this why she seemed so reluctant to let him in? He could feel his temper starting to flare, growing with each step they took toward each other. Haley was so engrossed in conversation with this giant she hadn’t seen him coming until…

“Hey,” he greeted flatly when he got within a few feet.

Haley snapping her head back from looking up at Greg to taking in Nathan’s solemn face in front of her. He was definitely giving Greg the evil eye, his eyes drifting from Haley - to Greg - to Greg’s arm still wrapped snuggly around Haley’s waist.

So we meet, Greg thought – wanting to laugh at Nathan’s totally readable expression. He didn’t like this little picture – at all. Good.

“Hey!” Haley smiled, stepping forward to give him a hug, Nathan immediately seizing the opportunity to slip his arm around her waist and pull her to him, dropping a kiss on her lips. Greg was fighting so hard not to laugh. Maybe he does like her…

“Nathan I want you to meet one of my oldest and best friends in the whole wide world – this is Greg Lowry – Greg – Nathan Scott,” she smiled her hand waving between the two.

They offered each other their hands, Nathan feeling somewhat better, but still a little apprehensive about all the touching they were doing. Maybe this Greg had more of an interest in Haley than she knew.

“Nathan Scott…hmmm why does that name seem familiar?” Greg questioned.

“No idea.”

“Really – huh. Maybe I’ve heard Jake talk about you. You do know Jake right?”

“Yeah I know him,” what is his deal Nathan wondered – there was definitely something behind this.

“How do you know Jake anyway?”

“I told you silly – they live next door to each other,” Haley jumped in before Nathan could answer.

“Oh yeah…next door to each other – that’s right. I thought maybe it was basketball or something.”

“Not everybody plays sports Bear. Just cause you’re mister football head doesn’t mean the whole world lives to play with some sort of ball, jeez,” she scoffed.

“Right… You know what Hales – I think I want that milkshake you were whining about a few minutes ago after all. Here’s some money – why don’t you go in the student union there and get us one. You’re so picky about the way you want yours I wouldn’t even try to order for you,” he laughed.

“You’re buying I’m eating – Nathan you want one?”

“No thanks,” he couldn’t take his eyes off Greg nor Greg him, there was just something bad…something not good going on here. “You need any help?” he asked taking a step behind her – Greg reaching out holding onto his arm.

“She can handle it,” he muttered low enough for Haley not to hear as she walked away.

“You want to let go of my arm man,” looking down to where Greg still had a firm hold of him.

Greg let go of him, taking a deep breath, trying to decide quickly how to start.

“When do you plan on telling her the truth about yourself?”

“And what truth would that be?”

“Jake’s your neighbor – what the fuck ever man – when are you going to come clean about the basketball?”

Nathan sighed, looking up at the sky, shaking his head – shit so that’s it.

“What are you, her keeper?”

“Don’t even think about getting smart with me asshole! I’m going to be your worst fucking nightmare if you screw her over. Tell her the truth so she can get out if she wants before this ‘relationship’ of yours goes too far. Besides – games start in a week – she’s going to want to watch Jake play – it’s not going to be pretty if she finds out because she sees you running around on the court.”

Nathan was flustered and frustrated and crap – he didn’t need King Kong here threatening him, and making the whole thing worse.

“I didn’t want to hide it to begin with, but Jake made it clear she has a…a…I don’t know a damn thing about basketball players or athletes in general or something - which is pretty damn strange considering her two best buddies from home are jocks!”

“Why she thinks what she does is immaterial at this point Nathan. If she wants to fill you in on the details, she will. The point is she needs to know – from you – not by having it hit her right between the eyes when she sees you out there.”

“Damn it!” he snapped, his hands running frustratingly through his hair, sighing heavily as he paced back and forth. “Look – I know I need to tell her – I’ve hardly thought of anything else the last few days. I just don’t know how…I’m…I’m scared okay. I don’t want to loose her,” his eyes, full of real fear and apprehension meeting Greg’s.

“You really like her then?”

“Hell yes I like her. I like her a lot – I’m crazy about her. Who wouldn’t be? I don’t want this to end okay…I don’t. Which I have to admit is weird as hell for me. The feelings I have for Haley…they’re foreign to me man – believe me,” he said with a light chuckle.

Greg had the urge to give him a hearty clap on the back and ruffle his hair. He really did like Haley. He was actually worried about her feelings – worried he’d loose her. Maybe this guy wasn’t just a big prick after all.

“You have no idea how glad I am to hear you talk like that. The last thing Haley needs right now is somebody to use her – fuck and run – she doesn’t need that.”

“What fuck?” Nathan rolled his eyes. “We haven’t even had sex yet,” he sighed.

Greg started laughing like a crazed hyena, he must really, really like her, “You’re kidding me!”

“I wish to hell I was. We’ve been together for, I don’t know – a couple of months I guess, and nothing. Well not exactly nothing, but not…you know,” he sighed again shaking his head.

“Somebody sounds frustrated,” Greg laughed.

“You got that right,” Nathan chuckled, “I mean shit – somebody like Haley, that face and that hot body and it’s just right there and…”

“Enough! Nobody wants to hear some horny guy talk about their little sister like that. Okay she’s not my sister, but she may as well be – so stop.”

“She’s such a beautiful girl, how come you or Jake never got with her?”

“Because that’s just gross! Actually, I did kiss her once, but it was just…blech! Neither of us wanted to do that again. The three of us spent practically every minute of every day together our whole lives – small town life and all that. We were like family – hell I’d trade ninety percent of my real family for both Jake and Haley. That’s why I can’t see her hurt again. It was just bad…for her – for all three of us. I cried with her man – I don’t ever want to do that again – so don’t do something to make me hurt you,” he said with a small laugh. Nathan knew he was only half joking.

Haley was eyeing them closely as she came back with the milkshakes. They seemed to be getting along okay. That definitely would make things easier – Greg could be really overprotective – especially since the crap with David. She was kind of afraid to leave him alone with Nathan for fear he’d scare him off. She took it as a sign from heaven that Nathan was not only still there, but they were laughing and getting along. If Greg hadn’t liked him, she would have had to reevaluate Nathan. Greg was a pretty good judge of people – he’d warned her over and over about David – but she’d ignored him – she wouldn’t make that mistake again.

“So you didn’t scare him off huh?” she smiled.

“I tried Hales – he seems smitten with you for some reason – go figure. No accounting for taste I guess,” he shrugged.

“Oh shut up butt head. What’d you think of Brooke?” she asked shoving another spoonful in her mouth. Her shake versions so thick, straws were totally useless.

“Haley you didn’t,” Nathan complained.

“Stop it – Brooke is beautiful – and she’s one person I know could give Greg a run for his money – unless she’s with Lucas, which I just can’t seem to figure out.”

“Considering he has a date with some cheerleader I think they’re available right now. But why you keep trying to hook up your friends with those two is beyond me. I thought they were your friends?”

“What’s wrong with Brooke – she’s hot as hell man.”

“Yeah well being hot ain’t everything. I’ve known Brooke for quite a while, and she can be a nut ball and a half.”

“Really…well I might just have to find out for myself. We’ll see, football’s eating my lunch right now so Brooke may have to wait…or not… Actually I think I’ll go just go screw Brooke right now,” he chuckled at the display before him.

He was aware he was being ignored – that last comment just proved it – Haley was totally gone. She was feeding Nathan another bite of her milkshake, giggling as she wiped at the drops that had landed on his chin.

“Hales…Hales…hey - yoo hoo Hales…”

“Hmmm?” she said distractedly, still smiling at Nathan – only coming to when Nathan nodded at Greg, “oh sorry Bear – what?”

“I’ve got to run. I’ll call you okay? Maybe we can go to Jake’s game together next week. Our games out of town this weekend so you’re saved from a Saturday suffering through football.”

“Okay – thanks for coming to eat with me. I’ve missed you so much,” she said wrapping her arms around him, letting Greg squeeze her tight. “I love you.”

“I love you too Hales. I’ll call ya. Nathan – it was nice to meet you – be good to her okay. I don’t want to have to hurt you,” smiling as he shook Nathan’s hand.

“Don’t worry – I don’t need any broken bones. I think she’s stuck with me,” winking at her, Haley’s face beaming brightly back at him.

“Hey Nathan can go to the game with us! You want to go to the game with us? It’ll be fun…,” she smiled hopefully up at Nathan, Nathan’s face completely dropping in return.

“Ummm…I umm, we’ll talk about it,” he finally sighed heavily.

Chapter 5

It was finally game day and…nope he still hadn’t told her. He just couldn’t get up the nerve – every time he’d start she’d look trustingly at him with those sparkling brown eyes and shit – he just couldn’t do it! Every time they were together, there was just something else they rather do – make out mostly, but the subject of basketball wasn’t even close to being a topic.

He knocked on their door – knowing with certainty Haley was gone to class. He needed some advice, needed to know what they knew. He felt ridiculous seeking out Peyton and Brooke, but he was at a total loss.

“Hey – can I come in?”

“Whatever,” Peyton shrugged walking away from the door – planting her headphones back on her head.

Brooke was laid back in her own bed reading a textbook, her own headphones perched on her head. Her feet moving cheerfully to whatever tune she had playing.

Nathan looked at the two of them with complete frustration…they were totally ignoring his presence. What else was new – he’d probably do them the same way if they showed up at his door. He stared at them for a few moments hoping they’d feel his eyes boring into them and give him some attention – but no - they acted as if he were invisible.

“Hey,” he said taping Peyton with a heavy finger on the shoulder, stepping over and doing the same to Brooke – both of them looking at him with complete aggravation on their faces.

“What?” Peyton griped pulling one side of the headphones away from her ear – Brooke not even doing that – just giving him a dirty look at the unwanted interruption.

“Please take the headphones off for just a minute…please,” motioning to Brooke to take them off as well. They both took a longer look at him this time, he was…upset – he was visibly nervous, upset, flustered. Wringing his hands and shuffling constantly on his feet.

“What’s the deal Nathan – you look like you’re about to pop out of your skin or something,” Brooke’s voice actually registering some concern.

“I…I need…I need some advice or…or some help or something,” he finally got out.

“Write this down Brooke – this is the day Nathan officially went completely insane.”

“Peyton – please…okay I’m not kidding here – can we call a cease fire just this once?”

“Sorry – what’s the matter?”

“Okay…okay ummm do you guys know anything about Haley and maybe a…a…I’m not sure, a bad past experience with a boyfriend or something like that?”

“You know I’ve noticed she doesn’t talk much about old boyfriends or anything like that. She did say she hadn’t dated since she broke up with some guy last spring…didn’t want another boyfriend – I guess she changed her mind when you showed up though.”

“Brooke?”

“I don’t know much more – I got the idea it was a pretty bad break-up considering she was so adamant about not wanting another boyfriend – she avoids the subject like the plague. I know she changed her mind about going to NC State at the last minute – and decided to come here instead. I kind of thought maybe the boyfriend was going to be going there so she switched, but I’m not really sure about that.”

“She ever say anything about athletes? I mean you guys never said anything about me playing basketball?”

“It never came up. None of us are really into sports Nathan. She knows Lucas plays because I told her, but I don’t remember saying anything about you. You mean she doesn’t know?” Brooke asked confused that pertinent piece of information had been missed.

“No she doesn’t know, but I have to tell her…today – before the game – I have to tell her, and I’m scared as hell.”

“So you play basketball – what’s the big deal about that?” Peyton queried. “Why would that bother her…and how could she not know Nathan – you’re all about basketball - Mr. Basketball - your whole life has been wrapped around basketball Nathan – how could you have been with her this long and not said one word about you and basketball? That just seems impossible.”

“You can hide anything if you want to bad enough Peyton.”

“And why would you want to hide it?”

“Because…one time, after I had just met her she was with Jake, and she asked Jake how he knew me - he told her we lived next door to each other – but he left out the whole basketball thing. I thought it was weird. Then he told me if I wanted a chance with her I needed to hold off telling her about playing…so I did. Till now – and now I’m out of time, I don’t know what to do,” he blew out.

He kept blowing out long breaths, folding and unfolding his arms across his chest, running his hands through his hair – and pacing – he just couldn’t keep still.

Brooke and Peyton looked at each other in utter confusion. They’d never seen him like this…ever. He was at a total loss – he was always so cocky, so sure of himself, so…arrogant - when it came to girls especially. He always knew what to do. Girls feelings were barely a fleeting thought for him. He actually cared for this girl…Oh. My. God.

“I mean…I…I don’t know what her deal is. Jake and this Greg guy are like her best friends or something, and they play sports so I mean what’s the big deal? It’s like…I don’t know. She…she…she has some sort of gripe with athletes or shit I don’t know,” his frustration was palpable. “Something Jake said makes me think she dated somebody who played basketball or played something, and he must have screwed her over royally or some shit – so now she hates all of them. I was really hoping she’d told you guys something…but I guess not. Which kind of makes me think it must have been really bad if she hasn’t even told you.”

“Relax okay, you’re making me a nervous wreck here,” Brooke tried to calm him – to calm herself. “The games tonight…she’s going – we’re all going. You have no choice but to just…spit it out. Maybe it won’t be as bad as you think. Maybe she knows you well enough now that it won’t matter to her.”

Nathan leaned against their dresser, an arm wrapped around himself, his hand over his mouth – staring at the floor…waiting for some divine inspiration or something to come to him that would help him avoid the whole thing.

“I’m scared,” he said quietly. The girls exchanging glances again – this was just getting freakier by the minute. “I’m scared I’ll lose her if I tell her. I don’t want to lose her…I…just can’t lose her,” he barely got out.

Peyton’s eyes got wide as saucers, her mouth hanging open as she grinned over at Brooke – Brooke smiling and shaking her head in shock back at Peyton.

“Oh my god Nathan – you’re in love with her,” Peyton gasped, smiling at him.

Nathan’s head shot up at her words, “What! No…no…I didn’t say that – I said I didn’t want to LOSE her. Clean your ears out Peyton,” he snapped back annoyed.

“I heard you clearly Nathan – and I heard clearly what you didn’t say too. You’re in love with her - oh my god - you are so in love with her,” Peyton chuckled. “This is cool beyond belief! Nathan Scott is in love – break out the bottle, send in the marching band, send up the balloons – Nathan has succumbed to the ‘L’ word! Congratulations Nate – welcome to the world of the living!”

“Look I came here for advice…not…not to be accused of crazy shit alright. If you don’t want to help me then just say so.”

“Come on Nathan – you’ve got it so bad for Haley it’s not even funny,” Brooke laughed. “You’re always over here, practically every time she’s on the phone she’s talking to you. You’re not in love with her huh? Then answer me this…have you two had sex yet?” Brooke asked with a quirk of her eyebrow. She didn’t know the answer for sure, but she suspected Haley wasn’t the type to just hand it over without some certainty of emotional attachment first. Unlike herself who…well…everyone had needs. Jeez!

“That’s none of your business,” he muttered his shoes suddenly looking quite interesting to him.

“None of my business! Good god Nathan when have you ever denied having sex with someone? You’ve never given a damn who knew what about your sex life, and now it’s personal to you? Please!” Brooke laughed again.

“Okay okay…no - we haven’t had sex. Happy now?”

“I think the more important point here Nathan is…you haven’t had sex with her - and you’re happy. Happier than you’ve ever been in your life. I mean, even I can see it – you’re practically giddy around her,” Peyton said quietly, smiling at him. “Can’t you see what that means? Did you ever imagine you could be happy with a girl without having sex with her? So you’re in love with her Nathan…it’s okay.”

He wasn’t sure what to say. In love with Haley? Sure the thought had run through his head…once…twice…okay it had run through there a bunch of times, but it just seemed so…sappy, so…impossible…so…vulnerable. He tried to push it out of his head; he didn’t like feeling vulnerable…especially to a girl.

“Look…I don’t know if I’m in love with her or not. I’ve never been in love okay. I mean…I don’t think I’ve ever been close to being in love before. I do know I’ve never felt this way about a girl before. I… I just really like being with her, she makes me happy. I’ve hardly looked at another girl since I’ve been with Haley. I sure as hell haven’t looked at them the way I used to anyway,” he chuckled. “I just don’t want to lose her.”

“You said yourself Nathan – you’re out of time – you’re just going to have to put it out there – try and explain why you’ve hidden it from her – hopefully she’ll understand,” Brooke said softly.

Peyton patted him on the shoulder as she went to answer the door. Haley. Great – the timer just went off.

“Haley, come on in,” Peyton smiled leaving the door open, exchanging looks with Nathan before going back to flop on her bed.

“Hey guys…hey you!” she smiled surprised at seeing Nathan, wrapping her arms around his waist, hugging him close.

“Hi,” he smiled back, placing a finger under her chin lifting her face up to meet his. His hand caressing her face as his lips landed softly on hers, moving them slowly together their mouths widening, deepening the kiss, Nathan’s tongue sliding easily into her mouth.

Haley loving the taste of him – she always loved the taste of him…but…her brain suddenly checked in to the fact that they weren’t alone. She broke her lips from his, a hot blush filling her face as she let her forehead drop with a thud against his chest.

“Sorry about that,” she mumbled.

“Why’d you stop, it was just getting good,” Brooke laughed.

Haley giggled, turning around leaning back against Nathan, his arms wrapping around her as he held onto her for dear life. She waved her hand quickly in front of her face trying to ease some of the heat.

“So…ummm…this is weird. I didn’t hear any yelling or anything – what’s the deal?” she chuckled.

“We declared a temporary cease fire. It’s just temporary though – don’t forget that Nathan,” Peyton kidded.

He hadn’t heard a word. He’d laid his head on Haley’s shoulder, closing his eyes as he held her ever closer - relishing the feel of having her in his arms, his fear of it being the last time growing.

“Hey,” Haley said softly her hand coming back to rub his head. “You okay?”

“Yeah I’m fine. Let’s go back to your room okay?”

“Sure,” she said uneasily, giving Peyton a furrowed look, receiving a slight smile in return.

They hardly got through the door when Nathan’s lips took over hers, his foot coming back to shove the door shut. His kisses hard and wanting. His mouth hungrily taking hers, his hands holding her head still, as his fingers tangled through her hair.

Haley was shocked at his forcefulness; she was fighting the urge to let herself get lost in him…there was just something not right with his touch. He’d always been so gentle and attentive with his kisses, his touches. Sure he’d been aggressive, but never quite like this. He was kissing her with such…need, a sense of fear coming through like she was going to get away.

She finally wrenched her mouth free, trying to recapture her breath. His mouth moving quickly down her neck, his hands moving to massage her butt.

“Hey…hey wait…a minute,” she got out grabbing hold of his hands and holding them still. “Nathan…Nathan,” she said louder, bending her body away from his to force his mouth from her skin.

“What?” he mumbled huskily, the intenseness in his eyes unnerving her.

“Wait a minute,” she said again stepping back from him while still holding his arms, holding his eyes with hers. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing – I just missed you,” trying to move in again.

“Stop Nathan…something’s wrong…what is it?” she said more assertively.

He sighed heavily closing his eyes as he did. His frustration so heavy she could almost feel it ebbing out of him. “I’m so stupid!”

“No your not…what is it? Please tell me Nathan – let me help you.”

He let out a long chuckle, turning his back to her his hands resting on his hips as he blew out a long deep breath. “Sit down,” he said, the emotion drained from his voice - Haley wringing her hands together trying to stop the shaking that was beginning as she backed up to sit on her bed.

Shit – if you’re going to dump me just do it already she wanted to scream. His whole manner was scaring the hell out of her. The pain would be a lot easier if he’d just do it quickly. He had another girlfriend? He couldn’t handle the no sex anymore? He was just plain sick of her? What the hell’s the deal her head screamed as her eyes bore into his back.

“I’m sitting,” she said quietly.

He turned around and dropped heavily onto Carrie’s bed, staring at the floor mulling over how to begin. He finally took a deep breath. He looked across at her…she was so…

“You’re beautiful,” he smiled lightly, Haley’s expression unchanged at his words.

“I’m not sure where to start Haley so I’m just going to plow ahead I guess. There’s something about me you don’t know. It’s not anything bad…I mean to me it’s not bad…it’s really kind of a good thing actually. But I’ve been hiding it from you because apparently you think it’s a bad thing. I ummm…I don’t know why you do, but…”

“Nathan – you’re scaring the hell out of me. Please just spit it out,” she begged her voice small and shaky.

“You know I live next door to Jake, but ummm…that’s not really how I know Jake. I mean I know him that way, but that’s not where I first met him…”

“Okay…” the hesitation evident in her voice. You better not be about to tell me your gay! I know Jake’s not gay – at least I think I know - and if you’re gay you hide it really, really well. Damn – you’re gay?

“I ummm, I’m on Jake’s basketball team. I’m here on a basketball scholarship Haley. Okay. I play basketball,” he blurted out, not hesitating to give her a chance to speak. “I…I…I don’t know why that’s a bad thing to you, but I’m told it is so I hid it from you. I’m sorry,” he finally finished. His eyes were trying to read hers. She was staring back with a blank expression.

He saw her posture begin to stiffen as she continued to stare back at him. The wheels were turning in her head at a furious pace. He could almost see them, she could certainly feel them racing.

Replaying the last months through her head…wondering how come she didn’t know, why didn’t she see it, why didn’t she pick up on the clues, on some…something…something. Once again she’d let herself get caught up in her emotions - not seeing the forest for the trees. She’d missed something…some sign of a problem…of a lie…she’d done it again! She’d let herself be duped again.

“Well, I’m not sure what to say to that little confession. Congratulations – you must be really good,” the coldness of her tone sending chills through him.

“Haley…”

“What?”

“Say something Haley – yell at me, tell me I suck, something. I’m sorry – I never wanted to hide it from you. I mean I don’t know why I would need to hide something like that from you. I don’t see it as a problem, but apparently it is.”

“What makes you think it’s a problem?” her voice was as icy as he’d ever heard come out of another person.

“Look – when I first met you – before we ever started anything – Jake told me – and I’m not trying to blame any of this on Jake okay – I’m not - this was all my decision…but Jake told me if I wanted a chance with you I needed to hold off telling you I played basketball. He didn’t tell me why, just kind of said you’d had a bad experience or something like that. So when we started getting closer and all these feelings for you kept growing in me, it just kept getting harder and harder to tell you. I was so afraid I’d lose you.”

“And now it’s game time…guess the buzzer sounded huh?”

“Can you help me understand why me playing basketball is such a bad thing Haley?”

He was taken back by the way her face visibly dropped, hardening, the fire in her eyes growing.

“So tell me something Nathan…were you the big shot basketball player at your high school?”

“Haley,” he sighed – where was she going with this?

“Just answer me.”

“Yeah Haley…yeah I guess I was.”

“And girls just followed you around like lost puppies didn’t they? Throwing themselves at you. You had your pick of the litter didn’t you? Screw this one this week, fuck that one next week, and on and on till you had them all covered right? Not caring a rats ass about how they felt or what they thought as long as Nathan got off right?”

“Haley come on. Let’s talk about the present okay?”

“But the past is totally relevant to the present Nathan. Haven’t you ever heard – history repeats itself? That’s how you were in high school wasn’t it?”

He was getting frustrated. He felt like he was on trial not only for all his past indiscretions – but she was going to make him pay for somebody else’s sins too.

“Kind of…yeah you’re right I was kind of like that,” he returned flatly, his temper was starting to bubble – he didn’t want to suffer for someone else’s mistreatment of her.

“I figured as much,” she said with a slight bitter laugh. “Did you ever have a girlfriend?”

“Not really.”

“Not really? It’s usually yes or no Nathan.”

“God…okay yes a couple I guess, but I never had one for very long – I mean I probably didn’t date anybody steadily for over…I don’t know maybe three months at the most.”

“Three months? Oops my times just about up then huh?” she chuckled.

“No it’s not Haley! I don’t want it to be up! I care about you. I have feelings for you Haley I’ve never…never had for anyone in my life. I don’t want this to end at all – especially over something as stupid as basketball. Me playing basketball has nothing to do with anything!”

“You’re right it doesn’t have anything to do with basketball. It’s about all the crap that surrounds athletes Nathan. You guys are all the same – always getting your way, people giving you anything you want - screwing girls left and right never caring about them…it’s pitiful! Then you trap some stupid, ignorant, unsuspecting naïve girl and make her think she’s your whole world, make her think you love her, make her think you’ll be together forever all the while you’re screwing the hell out of every whore that lays down for you!”

“That’s not true Haley!” his voice getting louder with each word.

“You mean to tell me you’ve cared about everybody you’ve ever screwed,” she said sarcastically, rolling her eyes at him, “please - I’m not quite as naïve as I used to be Nathan.”

“No I’m not saying I cared about all of them, but they all knew what they were doing. I never forced anybody to have sex with me Haley. They didn’t care anymore about me than I did them! Most of them just wanted to bag an athlete – tell all their friends how they screwed the star!”

“Kind of a high opinion of yourself there Nathan,” she said with a rueful smile.

He wanted to scream ‘fuck you’ so bad he was almost gagging on the words. He wanted to take the son of a bitch that did this to her and strangle him with his bare hands! Damn that bastard for doing this to him.

He closed his eyes taking a deep breath, and then another, he had to tuck his hands under his thighs to keep them from shaking. He wasn’t going to give up…he wanted her…damn it this wasn’t right!

“Tell me what happened Haley,” he asked quietly.

“It’s none of your damn business!” she roared. “The point here Nathan is I’ve already dated you! I crashed and burned when I dated you before! I don’t want to date you again. My heart can’t take being with you a second time, loving you a second time - I won’t survive a second time! Get out of here!” she yelled hurrying to the door flinging it open standing there, her chest rising and falling at such a rate she looked as if she were going to hyperventilate at any moment.

Nathan was too stunned to move. This couldn’t be happening. Jake said not to tell her…god was he right. He almost wished he’d told her to start with so it wouldn’t have gotten this far…his heart have gotten this far. In love with her…”

“Out,” she repeated her voice low and angry.

“This isn’t over Haley,” he bit out as he slammed past her.

Chapter 6

Haley shut her door with a thundering bang. Hot tears starting to form…no! No tears! Stop it right now! She took in deep breaths, the urge to cry slowly subsiding with each one. She grabbed up her phone, punching in the familiar number.

“Hey baby doll,” he greeted cheerfully.

“Get Jake down to your room I’m on my way over,” she bit out snapping the phone shut before he could say another word.

She stomped across campus her usual thoughts of how pretty it was, how happy she was with her decision to come here long gone from her mind. Her head down, jaw set, her hands clenching over and over. Nathan’s stunned face flashing through her mind. She should have known, should have known, should have known…

“She knows,” Jake blurted out as he came through Greg’s door. “I just saw Nathan coming up the stairs as I was coming down. He didn’t have to say a word…his face said it all man. She knows, and she didn’t take it well. Hell it looked like he was about to cry or something; she must have really let him have it.”

“Shut up Jake, just shut up. I don’t need to get any more wound up before she even gets here,” Greg mumbled back. His palms were sweating – hell he was sweating all over. Crap. The wrath of Haley was about to descend on them…that was never a good thing.

“Hey baby doll,” he said softly smiling at her as he opened the door to her hard knock.

She moved quickly past him – her small body taking over the room – Greg may have been three times her size, but at this moment he was smaller than a mouse. Smoke was coming out her ears, she was wringing her hands and licking her lips – and her furious pacing was making them both dizzy. The look in her eyes…they’d never seen her so full of fury. They both kept completely silent…waiting…waiting…for the assault to begin.

“I’m not sure where to start…since tonight is the first basketball game of the season can I assume you both know why I’m here?” There was a definite false calm to her voice; she was putting extra effort into not letting it shake when she spoke.

“Yes,” they said together.

“I don’t know which of you to be madder at…I guess you’re the winner Jake since you seemed to have started this whole fiasco. Not that you’re any better Greg – you knew too and didn’t say anything. That makes you every bit as guilty as Jake.”

They were afraid to speak. It was like when your mother caught you doing something you knew you weren’t supposed to be doing – you were going to get it one way or another - why help her out.

“You knew from the beginning that he was on your team Jake – why didn’t you tell me?”

“Haley…I…I just didn’t think it was relevant.”

“Not relevant! He said you told him specifically if he wanted a chance with me he shouldn’t tell me he played basketball. Apparently you thought it was VERY relevant!”

“I just threw that out there Haley. He…I mean – how was I supposed to know something was going to happen with you two. Hell the way you guys were sniping at each other I really didn’t think it would ever matter.”

“But we’ve been together over two months now Jake! That’s plenty of time for you to realize it did matter. You helped him lie to me Jake!”

“Hales…he didn’t lie to you – I mean not exactly – he just didn’t tell you everything about himself.” Even Greg knew that argument wasn’t going to fly – giving Jake an eye roll like he’d lost it for even attempting that ridiculous path. “He likes you Haley…I mean he really likes you. It’s so obvious to everybody he’s crazy about you. What difference does it make if he plays basketball?”

By the way she wheeled around – he knew what he’d said was a major mistake. The rage in her eyes took him back. She’d been angry with him before…there were times they’d gone for days without speaking, but this…this was different – this may just have cost him a friendship he valued more than most anything in the world.

“What difference does it make?” she slowly spit out through clenched teeth. “I can not believe you just said that! After everything I’ve been through the last months you have the nerve to say that! They’re god damn twins Jake! He’s just like David! Big time basketball star, hotshot of the school, all the girls chasing after him! Him chasing after them – screwing one after the other. Making me think he cares about me all the while lying to me! I’ve been down this road before Jake, and at the end of this road is a disaster – a wreck of giant proportions – a wreck I won’t go through again. The difference here…Jake…is there is no difference!”

“Haley…” Jake started.

“Wait a minute Haley,” Greg finally found his voice. “Wait just a damn minute. When I ate with you the other day, and you were telling me about Nathan – the one thing you told me that you liked about him was he was different. He’s different – those were your exact words Haley – he’s different.”

“That was before I knew the truth,” she angrily snapped back.

“Oh I see, he’s good at shooting a basketball so…what - now he’s not different? Now he’s the same all of a sudden. Now he’s just like David because he can bounce a damn ball? Let’s forget about the fact that the guy treats you good, that he’s freakin’ crazy about you, that he spends every spare minute he has with you. Let’s forget that he hasn’t been with another girl since he met you. Let’s forget that the guy is so head over heels for you, that he’s still with you even though you’re not having sex. Because you’re right Hales – he could get any girl he wanted – he could be screwing a new girl every night, but he’s not – he’s with you because he wants to be. He’s willing to wait until you’re ready because he’s nuts about you Haley. He’s not David, Hales. He’s just not David,” his voice tired as he trailed off.

“Why are you defending him!”

“I’m not defending him Haley. I’m trying to get you to see the truth! You liked him before you knew he played basketball Haley – you liked him a lot…hell you may even be in love with this guy…”

“I am not in love with him!”

“Fine – whatever – what I’m trying to say is you liked him before you knew – he’s the same guy now Hales. There’s no change in the person – the only change is now you know he’s good at basketball…big deal,” Greg blew back

She was getting confused…he was trying to confuse her. She was beginning to wring her hands again, the pacing starting all over. Whose friend was he anyway? She should have known guys would stick together.

“I can’t believe you guys would choose him over me. After everything I went through with David – after everything we went through - you’d choose him over me?” her voice was getting softer, tired, she was hurt by their lack of loyalty.

“We’re not choosing him over you Haley,” Jake pleaded. “It’s not like that at all. It’s just…we’ve seen you with him. You’re crazy about him Haley – don’t let basketball mess that up. He’s not like David. I played with David too Hales – I spent hours with David – they’re not the same believe me. Do they have some similar qualities…yes – they do – and I’ll admit I was getting kind of scared when I saw how close you two were getting. They’re both…cocky and so sure of themselves – of their abilities. They’re both chick magnets. But that’s where it ends Hales. David never stopped looking at girls Haley. He was always chasing some piece of ass behind your back…”

“Jake!” Greg barked. “Stop!”

“He’s not saying anything I don’t already know Bear,” Haley sighed; she could feel the physical energy being zapped from her with every passing second. Her head was pounding and she was just so…tired.

“David said he loved you Haley, and I don’t know maybe he did, but he just…he just…he never treated you right Hales – never! He’s a terrible person…a shitty person – he used you. I don’t know why he did what he did – what purpose it served for him to have a girlfriend who was smart, who everyone admired for her personality, her moral values, her beauty. He was trying to elevate himself by being associated with you I guess. Maybe if people saw that someone like you could fall for a complete fuck like him it would make him better somehow. Only thing is…he wouldn’t let it make him better – wouldn’t let you rub off on him – he only wanted you to be the perfect little trophy on his arm. That’s not what Nathan’s about Haley,” Jake tried reasoning. “Not when it comes to you…that’s not what he’s about.”

She wanted them to stop talking; her mind was begging them to stop talking. They were just trying to confuse her…she was so tired, so completely wrung out, wrought by the whole situation.

She was too tired to hold herself up any longer – leaning up against the wall, letting herself slide down to the floor - her head dropping on her drawn up knees, pulling them tightly to her. She wanted it all to go away. Why had she let herself get drawn in by another guy? She’d sworn them off – no more boys, no more relationships, no more love…no more heartache. This was all just too damn hard.

“I don’t think you two know him well enough to say anything,” she finally said quietly. “You don’t know him…and obviously I don’t know him either. As far as I’m concerned he’s been lying to me - plain and simple. I’m not going to set myself up like that again. I’d be stupid if I did. He’ll move on and so will I – just one more life lesson for Haley. I’m just grateful I did do one smart thing – I didn’t have sex with him…I didn’t make that mistake again. Maybe underneath it all I just knew it was temporary…it was too good to be true you know – a guy that looks like that falling for someone like me…twice in a lifetime. What are the odds? Not very good huh?” she chuckled wryly. “Maybe I’m not as dumb as I thought.”

“Haley don’t do this to yourself. I’m so tired of you thinking shit like that about yourself,” Greg snapped at her. “You’re good enough for him. Hell Haley he’s absolutely crazy about you – he told me he was. He feels lucky to have you Hales. I saw the way you looked at him - the way you two are together. You have something Hales – don’t blow it. Don’t let this crap with basketball get in the way. They’re not all the same Haley. He’s not David – stop treating him like he is. He deserves better too Hales. I’m not saying he’s perfect okay, but he deserves to be judged on who he is - not who David is. If you’re going to dump his ass do it because of something he did not something David did. Don’t do something you’re going to regret Haley.”

“I’m leaving. I’m tired…and depressed…and I just want to crawl in my bed and bury my head. Good luck tonight Jake,” she sighed leaving out the door.

“Haley…” Greg called after her, “I expect you to be at that game tonight Haley!”

She’d done exactly what she’d said, crawled in her bed and covered her head. Willing herself not to cry at the situation she seemed to find herself in yet again. She laid there thinking, thinking, thinking, replaying every moment with Nathan. From the time he’d helped her up off the floor until he’d kissed her with such urgency just hours ago.

Greg was right, he had treated her good. He had spent every spare minute with her, making her feel so good. Laughing, and talking, and being interested in her…truly interested in the things she said. And kissing her…kissing her like she’d never been kissed before. Such care, such tenderness, such passion…the way he kissed…she could feel it. Feel his lips on hers, feel his strong arms wrapped around her holding her so tight. Feel the love in his caress. God it felt so good when he kissed her, when he touched her…

She was startled out of her light slumber by the rap at the door.

“Yeah…come in,” she called.

“Hey…you’re not dressed. It’s time to go to the game – hurry up,” Peyton prodded.

“I’m not going,” came her quiet reply.

“And why not?” Brooke retorted making herself at home on Carrie’s bed.

“I just…I’m just not that’s all.”

“He told you he plays basketball…so that’s it…it’s over. No more Nathan huh?” Brooke said disgusted.

“You guys knew too?” she said shocked – the whole world seemed to be in on the secret.

“Not till today,” Peyton said. “He came to us for advice believe it or not,” she laughed lightly. “He was scared shitless to tell you Haley. He was scared he’d lose you – his words not mine. I’ve never seen Nathan scared like that in my life. I’ve known him longer than anyone else around here Haley, and he’s never been like that – ever. He is so head over heels for you it’s almost pathetic.”

“Whatever…he’ll recover I’m sure – probably with some big boobed blonde,” she scoffed.

“Maybe…but I doubt it. I think he’s in love with you Haley. You don’t know Nathan the way I do yet. He doesn’t do relationships. He just doesn’t. It takes too much effort – just sets you up for a fall as far as he’s concerned. Plus, I honestly don’t think he’s ever found someone he thought was worth the risk. You’re the first girl he’s put himself out there for.”

“It…it doesn’t matter Peyton. He’s been lying to me. I can’t trust someone who lies from day one. It’s only going to get worse.”

“He was scared to tell you. He was afraid to trust you too I guess. Afraid you wouldn’t understand, afraid he’d be judged for something other than himself. Afraid if he told you - he’d lose you. I guess he was right. He told you…it’s over. Guess you both lose,” Brooke shrugged, “let’s go Peyton.”

“That was kind of harsh wasn’t it Brooke,” Peyton admonished as they walked to the game.

“No! Maybe it’ll snap her out of it. So he didn’t tell her he played basketball – big frickin’ deal. In the scheme of secrets people can keep that one doesn’t amount to shit. I mean most of the time I’d like to knock Nathan’s block off for being such an arrogant pig, but he’s been better to her than I’ve ever seen him be to anyone. If she’s going to be pissed because the guy can play basketball then he doesn’t need her. She needs to tell him what this other jackass did to her so they – or she – can deal with it and they can move on. Or, she can hang onto it, and let it suck the life out of her like a damn leech or something. Either way…I’m done worrying about it. Big daddy’s going to be sitting with us, and I have every intention of getting to know that stud better,” she giggled wildly.

“How does everything get twisted around to you Brooke,” Peyton laughed.

Haley lay on her bed staring at the ceiling. It’s way too quiet in here – all I can hear are my own thoughts banging around in my head. Thoughts of David…thoughts of the parties he always dragged her to. Whenever she tried to beg off, he’d turn on the charm and she’d always give in. Then she’d end up alone, sitting on the couch, or finding some other uncomfortable soul to talk to. While David did what…she never knew, she never suspected – until now. He was off nailing someone while she waited. What a deal. The image and the reality mixed together – he won all the way around.

She and Nathan hadn’t even been to a party together yet. He’d asked her a couple of times – she’d said no – they stayed in. No questions, no begging, no whining to get her to go. He seemed perfectly happy to stay with her, watch a movie, make out; a few times he’d just sat and watched her while she studied. Feeling his eyes on her, she’d look up to find him looking at her, watching her. The blush would spread across her face when she’d ask him what he was doing and he’d say nothing – just admiring her beauty.

Of course he knew it would work, it wouldn’t be two minutes and she’d close the book, crawling on the bed next to him – their lips locking together for the next hour. It was…like heaven she sighed to herself at the warm thoughts.

“Please, please, please don’t screw me over Scott,” she begged snatching up her jacket and purse, locking her door behind her as she headed briskly for the arena.

It was already halftime by the time she got there. UNC was up by three. She glanced up at the stats under the scoreboard….Number 23…14 points, two fouls – not bad for the first half of the first game…his first college game at that. Jake…two points – she had to laugh – Jake was never a scoring machine. His specialty leaned more toward dribbling and getting the ball to the right person. At least he’d gotten into the game; she knew he was worried he’d be a senior before he ever saw the light of day off that bench.

She found the others…Brooke and Greg were laughing and cutting up – Brooke giving him a good whack for something he’d just said. Peyton was gawking around the arena looking utterly bored.

“What’d I miss?” Haley asked as she slipped into the empty seat beside Peyton.

“Hey! I’m so glad you came,” she smiled giving Haley a tight hug.

“Well…we’re winning so I guess it’s going good so far,” Haley half questioned.

“Not bad. Jake’s been in there a couple of times for a few minutes. Nathan…he started – go figure,” she rolled her eyes, “been in there pretty much the whole time. Except for when the coach pulled him because he was trying to start a fight.”

“A fight?”

“I guess the other guy said something about his momma or I don’t know – Nathan started shoving the guy – and all hell just about broke out. Both teams were pushing and shoving. Then of course Nathan and the nitwit from the other team keep mouthing at each other the whole time. Guys are so testosterone driven it’s unreal! The timeout just before half - Nathan gave the guy another push as they were walking off the court – he got a technical for it. Thus - he ended up on the bench till half,” she shrugged.

“Sounds eventful,” Haley giggled. “Does he always fight like that during games?”

“Not that I remember. He usually so full of himself out there he laughs at the other teams screw ups. More of a taunter I’d say. He’s had people come after him for it too, but most of the time he laughs them off. He thinks he’s so much better than everybody. Ugh! Fighting’s kind of unusual for him.”

“I see Brooke and Greg are getting along,” she laughed. Neither of them had noticed she’d even shown up. “Hey guys,” she finally said – tired of waiting on them to see her.

“Hey baby doll! Glad you could make it,” Greg smiled leaning across Peyton to give her a kiss.

“You gave in huh?” Brooke smiled.

“Guess so,” she shrugged.

The teams came back out, shooting warm up baskets. Nathan’s face was totally…expressionless – if you hadn’t noticed the way his jaw was clenching you’d have thought he was just concentrating…lost in the game. He was lost alright, but not in the game.

Jake glanced up toward the stands. He knew where they were sitting, having honed in on them before the game started. He saw Haley sitting there, smiling and talking to Peyton. He smiled to himself, relieved.

He kept glancing till he finally caught Peyton’s eye. She smiled broadly and waved at him, nudging Haley to do the same. He gave Haley a head nod and a discreet wave, motioning her to come toward the court.

“What the heck does he want,” Haley asked. “He going to get his ass in so much trouble,” she muttered to Peyton. Time was running out, she quickly jogged down the stairs, and over to the rail behind the bench. The security guard gave her a questioning look, receiving a shrug from her in return and a slight wave to the court where Jake and the rest were coming toward the bench.

“Hey man,” Jake mumbled to Nathan, “Look who’s here,” nodding toward the stands.

“What?” Nathan grumbled at him annoyed – his eyes drifting up to where Jake was nodding.

There eyes met, a smile spreading across Haley’s face – giving him a little wave - as she saw the complete change in Nathan’s body language. His face relaxed, his shoulders relaxed, his whole body…relaxing, and the little smirk he let cross his face…it melted her heart.

A smile filled her face at that stupid smirk of his. Blowing him a kiss – Nathan’s hand discreetly raising in the air, his fingers closing around the kiss before his hand drifted back like he was going to scratch his head when the coach’s eye caught his. Nathan’s eyes quickly moving around the team huddle.

She made her way back down to the railing after the game. The euphoria of victory still filling the stands – the players congratulating each other, talking to the guys from the other team they knew – milling through the crowd that had managed to work it’s way onto the floor despite best efforts to keep all spectators off the court.

Nathan finished slapping hands finally looking up into the stands, immediately spotting her working her way down toward him - a sense of relief filling every part of him.

“Hey,” he smiled up at her. “I’m glad you came.”

“Me too,” biting her lip as she smiled shyly back at him. “You’re kinda good.”

“Come down here,” he said reaching under her arms to lift her over the rail.

“Nathan,” she giggled, “I don’t think I’m supposed to be down here.”

“You belong with me,” he whispered laying his forehead against hers, his thumb rubbing her cheek softly. “You won’t regret this pinkie…I promise.”

“I know,” she smiled back, his lips taking over hers as her arms wrapped around his still damp neck, running her fingers lightly through his wet hair, reveling in the feel of his arms around her as he pressed her firmly to his chest, their lips never leaving the other.

He reluctantly pulled back, “Sorry – I’m getting you all wet.”

“I know…I think it’s sexy. C’mere,” she sighed taking over his lips again. Neither of them noticing the applause and catcalls coming from the stands, yet again lost in each other.

Chapter 7

She moved around her room throwing one thing in the bag and then another. Pulling it back out, putting it back in the drawer, in the closet, only to snatch it back and stuff it into her bag again. Rummaging through her toiletries…deodorant – check, toothbrush – check, toothpaste – check, perfume…check? Who cares…check. Oh what the hell, throw some in there.

She sat on her bed, staring across the room…at what…nothing. Nathan’s face replaying in her head when she’d given him the news. He was…surprised…stunned…not happy. For sure – not happy. He’d marched across to Peyton’s room shutting the door with a thud behind him. Coming back to her room several long minutes later a fake smile pasted on his face. Telling her it was fine…just fine…he had to go. She hadn’t seen or heard from him in over twenty-four hours. The longest they’d gone without talking since they’d been together.

She finally drug herself off her bed, shuffling over to Peyton and Brooke’s room, standing forlornly in the doorway. Peyton was busy packing as well, her headphones in her ears, oblivious to her presence.

“Jesus,” she jumped grabbing at her chest, “you scared the crap out of me,” she blew out slipping the headphones off her head.

“Sorry,” Haley chuckled lightly moving further into the room.

“Are you about ready?” Peyton smiled at her. “Brooke should be here pretty soon, and she’s already packed so…we’ll be ready to roll…that is if you’re ready…” her face dropping the more she took in Haley’s expression. “What’s wrong?”

“I’m not so sure this is a good idea. I don’t think Nathan wants me there.”

“Oh screw Nathan! Sorry – poor choice of words,” she laughed. “Really Haley, he’s fine with it. He’s just…nervous about it I think. You know how he is…he and his parents…they’re just…weird – for lack of a better word. He’ll get over it. He wants you there – if you weren’t, it would mean almost four days without seeing you – he might go into complete collapse if that happened. I’m telling you that boy is whipped!”

“Whatever!” Haley laughed.

“Let’s get the hell out of dodge,” Brooke said blowing through the door, shoving her books on the shelf, opening her suitcase to throw in a couple more things. “Everybody ready?” she grinned taking in the other two.

“I guess,” Haley shrugged.

“Hey – you’re going to have to perk up…right now! So grumpy boy’s being cranky about you meeting mommy and daddy – it was bound to happen sooner or later. He’ll live. Won’t make Thanksgiving the same old boring turkey and dressing now will it?” she laughed. “If you want to feel bad, feel bad for me – I won’t get to see big daddy for four whole days,” she pouted. “Now that’s something to be grumpy about. I’m glad you brought him by Haley…him and me – well we’re getting along quite well – let’s just put it that way,” she laughed again.

“Spare us the details,” Peyton grumbled.

They dragged their bags to the parking lot where it began…the knock down drag out over who was driving.

“Peyton…I’m driving! We want to get there in one piece. You drive like shit and everybody knows it,” Brooke complained.

“What am I supposed to drive when I get home?”

“Hmmm oh here’s an idea…how about your Dad’s car? Isn’t he hopping a boat on Friday anyway?”

“It’s not like you’re parents don’t have extra cars Brooke. I swear you guys have one for each foot.”

“I’m driving Peyton.”

“I have more room!”

“So?”

“Haley?” they whined together. Haley had walked away from them, her phone to her ear.

“Hey,” she said softly.

“Hey…so ummm, I guess you guys are leaving soon,” he said doing a poor job of hiding the nerves in his voice.

“Yeah – they’re fighting over who’s going to drive actually,” she giggled lightly.

“I want you there in one piece – so opt for Brooke. Peyton…she just…she sucks at driving frankly,” he chuckled.

“You sure you want me there?”

“I’m sure I want you there Haley…not with my parents, but I want you there.”

“There a Waffle House in Tree Hill? I think they’re open on Thanksgiving…maybe we could just go there for our turkey, and I’ll just hide out at Peyton’s the rest of the time,” she said with a small laugh. “Look I’m sorry about all this Nathan – I should have consulted with you before I told Peyton I’d come home with her. I still don’t want to drive all the way to my sister’s in Nashville with my parents, but I could just stay here if it’s going to upset you so much.”

“No – hell no – I don’t want you staying here. It’ll be fine. We’ll just…shit I don’t know what we’ll do. It’ll be fine. Don’t let me worry you okay. I may not like them, but they don’t have two heads or anything…It’ll be fine,” he laughed. “Think if I say ‘it’ll be fine’ one more time I’ll actually convince myself?”

“I doubt it,” she laughed back. “I better go…looks like Brooke won. So…ummm I guess I’ll see you there?”

“Yeah…you guys be careful. I ummm, I…I’ll see you there Haley…bye.”

“Crap man – calm down,” Lucas tried, still stuffing his own suitcase.

“I don’t want her around Dad…or Mom for that matter. She is the lesser of two evils, but…,” he sighed his head falling into his hands as he sat anxiously on the edge of his bed.

“Look Nathan,” Lucas started dropping down on his own bed opposite Nathan’s, “Dan’s not nearly as bad as he used to be alright. I know you don’t want to accept that…hell I don’t want to accept it ninety percent of the time. But maybe we both need to try and get past…the past - you know. He really seems to have changed since his heart attack. I mean it’s been two years and he hasn’t pulled any shit yet.”

“Yet and seems – those are the words that scare me the most. I don’t trust him Lucas. He wants me – hell he wants you – to act like those first sixteen years never happened. I can’t, and I don’t see how you can either. I can’t see myself ever trusting him Lucas. Someday…somewhere…somehow he’s going to pull some shit again. I’m so afraid it’s going to be with Haley. Me being serious about a girl…yeah that’s going to go over just great – wait and see,” he blew out. “Let’s get the hell out of here,” he snapped.

“So Brooke’s the better driver huh?” Haley laughed as she and Peyton carried their bags into Peyton’s room. “You must be…”

“I must be what?” Peyton asked trying to hide her smile. “Bad…okay – so I’m a bad driver. I just get distracted that’s all. I haven’t had a wreck yet…close…a bunch of times, but I’ve never actually crunched any metal.”

“So your Dad’s just as good looking as Brooke said he was,” she giggled, Peyton rolling her eyes in return.

“I’ll ignore that. So has mr. baggage come around yet?”

“I don’t know. He says he’s glad I’m going to be there – but he’s not very convincing. He and his parents must really butt heads or something. What’s the deal there? Nathan all but refuses to talk about them, and I don’t want to push him.”

“Long story. Long story short - a lot of hard feelings developed over crap that went down between Nathan and his Dad up until Dan had his heart attack a couple of years ago. Since then Dan’s been…different – I mean really different. Like a real human being and everything, but Nathan won’t let go of the past. I mean I can’t blame him really – Dan was a total dickhead to him – especially about basketball, and that doesn’t even begin to touch on all the crap with Lucas…but he’s like a changed man. The difference is…it’s incredible actually, but I don’t think Nathan’s buying it. He’s sure it’s just a ruse. I don’t know. I think the change is real, but Nathan doesn’t.”

“What about his Mom…was she bad to him too?”

“Bad? No not really. I think part of his problem with his Mom is because of Dan…the other part is because of me,” she sighed somewhat regretfully.

“You? What do you have to do with anything?”

“His Mom used to travel all the time for her job. I mean she was gone a lot. Trying to stay away from Dan mostly I think,” she smiled slightly. “So Dan pretty much did whatever with Nathan, what he said went as far as Nathan was concerned. His Mom never really tried to buck him you know. She just let him treat him, and run his life however he wanted. It wasn’t until my Mom died that she came off the road.”

“I remember you telling me about how your Mom died, and how with your Dad being gone so much you were afraid you’d be alone. I guess she saw that, and wanted to help take care of you. I mean…what’s wrong with that?”

“Nothing I guess, except I think Nathan felt like she came home for me not him. That’s when they moved to Tree Hill from Charlotte too. His Dad made some sacrifices to do that…he never let Deb forget it either. His Dad’s from Tree Hill…he had plenty of reasons not to want to come back – beginning with basketball and ending with Lucas.”

“With her home all the time, it went from Nathan and Dan not getting along to all three of them not getting along. I swear some nights when I was there I’d just cover my head with a pillow to drown Dan and Deb out. At least I could escape – I didn’t live there fulltime – unfortunately Nathan did. They argued about him all the time. Deb finally tried to be a part of Nathan’s life, but neither he nor Dan was having any of it.”

“So how did Dan treat you?”

“He didn’t - I was pretty much invisible. I had a Dad so he didn’t try to be one to me…thank God,” she laughed. “I think he resented me a little, but he ignored me most of the time. I just laid low. But now…he couldn’t be nicer. It’s spooky. I mean I can see where Nathan’s coming from believe me, but…I don’t know. I hate to say it, but I think he’s genuine.”

“Maybe you shouldn’t tell me anymore…now I’m really getting nervous.”

“Yeah well I just hit the highlights; I’ll leave it to Nathan to fill in the gory details. Anyway…it’ll be interesting – I promise you that. I doubt Nathan’s said anything to them about you… so I can’t wait for that,” Peyton laughed.

Haley couldn’t sleep. Tossing and turning. No wonder Nathan never wanted to talk about his parents. She had a feeling Peyton had just hit the highlights. What if they hate me? Great. I should have stayed at school and eaten the fake turkey in the cafeteria! She kept willing herself to sleep – the last thing she wanted was bags under her eyes. Not only did their son spring his girlfriend on them, but she looks like hell to boot. Just one more thing for them to get pissy with him about.

Peyton, her Dad and Haley rang the doorbell at Scott manor, as Peyton had been calling it, at promptly twelve o’clock. All they had to bring for their part of the meal was the booze and the rolls. Hey, they could handle that. Larry was eternally grateful to Deb for making his Thanksgiving’s easy on him the last few years. He was thankful she had taken Peyton under her wing as well, even if it did mean she was exposed to Dan on a regular basis. It was better than having her be alone, and Nathan was more of a sibling to her than a cousin. He was happy about that too, even if it did only equate to a bunch of fighting like siblings. Anything was better than her being alone all the time.

Haley was flabbergasted by the size of the house and the grounds. Nathan had never even hinted that he was rich. Just one more thing about him that she didn’t know, she was beginning to wonder what else she didn’t know. He had seemed so open with her…maybe not.

“Hi!” Deb greeted Larry and Peyton with a warm hug. “Come in, come in,” she smiled.

“Deb – this is my friend from school – Haley James.”

“Haley - nice to meet you. I’m so glad you could join us,” she beamed with a warm handshake.

“Nice to meet you too. Thank you so much for having me,” she smiled back, nervously tucking her hair behind her ear again. Okay…so she has no clue who I am. Thanks Nathan!

“Dan – look who’s here,” she called.

“Peyton! Hey there girl, how’s it going,” Dan greeted her happily, pulling her into a hug. “Larry,” he said shaking his hand. He took Haley in with a smile, “You brought company huh Peyton? Good for you. Dan Scott,” he said smiling broadly offering her a firm handshake.

“Haley James – thank you for letting me come,” Haley smiled feeling her legs getting weak beneath her. Oh my – Nathan looks so much like him! Nathan…Lucas…Dan…yeah I see the good looks gene pool alright she thought.

“Glad to have you Haley,” he returned cheerfully. “You guys come on back – Lucas, Karen and Keith should be here soon. Deb – where did Nathan get off to?”

“I’m sure his room…where else. Haley – do you know Nathan?” Deb asked sweetly uncorking the wine, filling the glasses.

Peyton had to bite her lip to keep from busting out laughing – Haley must have looked like a deer caught in headlights.

“Ummm yes ma’am I know him,” Haley stammered.

“I’ll say,” Peyton muttered.

“Good then…Peyton why don’t you girls go drag him down here. He’s wound up tight as a top for some reason today. He couldn’t sit still this morning.”

“Nathan…,” Peyton called as she opened his door – a smirk spread across her face. “I want you to meet my friend from school,” she teased falling on his bed in a fit of laughter. Nathan glaring at her from his place on the floor where he was playing a video game.

“Funny Peyton,” he grumbled. “Hey,” he smiled hugging Haley tight, dropping a long kiss on her lips. “I feel better already.”

“I’m glad you do. Obviously the name Haley James has never been spoken in this house before two seconds ago.”

“Yeah…I just…I ummm I didn’t know what to say,” he said flustered.

“How about…my girlfriend’s staying with Peyton – she’ll be here for Thanksgiving dinner. Or…hell I don’t know Nathan! Couldn’t you have hinted to them or something? I feel like an idiot. Your Mom already asked me if I knew you…I mean how well should I act like I know you? Hardly, a little, a lot?”

“How about you say…’yes Mrs. Scott I know your son - we’ve been making out hot and heavy for a few months now. We feel each other up on a regular basis,’” Peyton offered breaking out in laughter once again.

“Shut up!” they both returned.

“I’ll tell them…I will – it’s just…shit! You don’t know them Haley. My Mom’s going to act like we’re getting married tomorrow and my Dad – I have no idea what the hell he’s going to say. He’s not going to be happy about it – I’m pretty sure about that,” he sighed running a tired hand through his hair.

“And one more thing,” Haley whined her arms folding heavily across her chest, “why didn’t you tell me you were rich?”

“What!” he laughed. “It’s not my money Haley. Besides, I already knew you were after me for my looks, I didn’t want you wanting me for my money too,” he smirked pulling her close to him again, capturing her lips with his. The kiss deepening, both of them releasing light moans as their tongues played together.

“Okay…hello – you’re not alone here! Spare me the moaning and groaning already!” Peyton groused.

The three of them descended the stairs. Peyton could barely contain the smile. She wanted to witness this unveiling first hand. Nathan and a girl he was truly interested in…in love with – this was going to be a hoot.

“Nathan,” Deb called from where she was setting the table, “would you do me a favor and get the hors d’oeuvres and relish tray out of the fridge please. Peyton – can you get the glasses out of the china cabinet behind you there please. Haley…hang tight – I’ll find a job for you too,” she chuckled. “You know what, why don’t you just help Nathan.”

“Sure,” Haley smiled following Nathan into the kitchen.

“Man this stuff looks good.”

“Don’t be fooled – she bought it,” Nathan chuckled. “Thank God for Karen – she’s the real cook. Eat her food – beware of anything my mother made.”

Haley set the tray on the counter, pulling the saran wrap off the top. “Yum!”

“I’ll say,” Nathan cooed in her ear, his hands landing on either side of her, trapping her against the counter. His mouth trailing kisses down her neck. “You smell really nice,” he sighed turning her in his arms his lips taking over hers. Haley’s arms automatically wrapping around his neck.

“Larry – how ‘bout a drink?” Dan asked pulling glasses off the shelf behind the bar. “Not going to do much without ice,” he mumbled taking the ice bucket to the kitchen. He rounded the corner, almost skidding to a halt when he caught sight of his son kissing Peyton’s friend. Kissing…hell he was mugging down with her. He was quite certain this was no spontaneous first kiss – the way her arms were comfortably wrapped around his neck, Nathan’s arms wrapped around her….no, no, no, this was not the first time.

He quickly backed up, stepping around the corner silently grabbing Deb’s arm lightly but firmly pulling her to him. “Dan…what are you…” “Shhh,” he said quickly putting his finger across his lips. “I want you to see something,” he hurriedly whispered.

He held her arm tugging her around the corner to the kitchen, nodding his head toward the other end. Deb’s hand flew over her mouth at the sight of Nathan with his arms wrapped snuggly around Haley kissing her with all he had.

“How about that?” Dan said tugging her back out of the kitchen with him. “She knows him alright,” he chuckled quietly.

“I wonder what that’s all about,” Deb asked. “Why didn’t he say something?”

“Does he ever have anything to say Deb? Obviously he’s found himself a little girlfriend.”

“She’s a pretty little thing don’t you think?” she smiled.

“Yeah, she’s pretty,” he mumbled distractedly, the wheels turning in his head.

“Maybe I’ll ask Peyton what’s going on between them.”

“No…no don’t do that. This could be fun,” he chuckled lightly. “Maybe I’ll just make old Nate squirm a little.”

“Dan….”

“What? It’ll be fun. He’s always so damn uptight around here. So Nathan’s found himself a girl…she must be a saint,” he and Deb both laughing.

The table was set to perfection. All the fine china, the crystal, the silver, the linens, the flowers…it was perfect, and Haley had never felt more uncomfortable. Nothing like her big family and the paper plates they had finally given to use the last few years. It was just too many people, too many dishes, too many too many. So this was how the rich did it…just like on television. She definitely felt like the girl from the wrong side of the tracks.

Despite Deb’s best efforts to make her feel at home she was on pins and needles. Wanting to make a good impression – even though they didn’t even know she was trying to making an impression at all. She was just Peyton’s friend…whatever!

They finally gathered around the table - Karen bringing the best parts of the meal. Thank God for small favors. Dan at one end of the table, Deb at the other – everyone else randomly pulling up a seat. Larry ended up on one side of Dan, Peyton on the other. Haley next to Peyton, then Nathan at the end nearest Deb. Lucas taking up the chair across from Nathan, Karen and Keith situating themselves in the remaining two chairs. Well now…isn’t this cozy.

The conversation was light, compliments all around to the cooks for the excellent food. Dan was keeping a sideways eye on Nathan – exchanging glances with Deb as he noted Nathan making quiet comments to Haley, Haley trying to stifle her giggles. Why couldn’t he just tell them she was his damn girlfriend? What was so hard about that Dan wondered? He wasn’t going to do anything…say anything. She seemed perfectly nice…too nice for Nathan actually, but… He just couldn’t accept that he was a different person, a truly new man – frustrated at the thought.

“So Haley…where are you from?” Dan asked, Nathan’s head shooting over at him, looking quickly over at Lucas. Lucas giving him a small shrug in return.

“I’m from Mount Airy.”

“Don’t say it Dad,” Nathan jumped in.

“What?” Dan asked, surprised Nathan had cut him off this quickly.

“Andy Griffith. Don’t say Mayberry or Andy Griffith,” Nathan said the whole table laughing.

“Well actually…you did take the words right out of my mouth,” Dan chuckled.

“It’s okay Mr. Scott. Yeah – I’m from Mayberry,” Haley laughed.

“That’s quite a ways from here. Have you ever been to Tree Hill before?”

“No sir, I’d actually never heard of Tree Hill until I met Peyton and Brooke.”

“Oh so you know Brooke too?” Deb asked.

“They live across the hall from me.”

“Is that how you met Nathan and Lucas?” Dan questioned. Every time he spoke to Haley, Nathan’s expression hardened more. He didn’t want him talking to her at all, making nice with her, making her think he was okay, on the up and up. Nope. He rather he ignore her completely – what was his damn deal?

“Well that’s how I met Lucas, but ummm Nathan’s in my English class. I mean I met him at the girls’ room, but I’d already met him in class so…” she finished. So…why did I say so…that made no sense whatsoever! Please try not to sound stupid from now on James she admonished herself.

“Do you have a major yet Haley?” Dan continued – enjoying the steam coming out of Nathan’s ears.

“Yes sir…pre-law.”

“Really!” Dan exclaimed. “Excellent choice – I’m an attorney myself.”

“You are?” Haley said not able to contain the surprise in her voice or the slightly shocked glance she gave Nathan.

“I am - my main office is in Charlotte. I just keep a small office here, pretty much just me and a couple of law clerks. I travel to Charlotte two or three days a week, but I have an excellent staff that just about runs themselves. I spend the rest of my time getting in Keith’s hair at my dealership here in Tree Hill.”

“You have a car dealership too?” Haley asked turning once again to Nathan who’d developed a sudden fascination with his food.

“Careful Haley,” Keith smiled, “he’ll have you buying something before dessert if you don’t watch him.”

“No problem there, I’m flat broke,” she laughed.

Her surprise at everything he said was beginning to annoy Dan. Not because of Haley, but because obviously Nathan had shared absolutely zero about his family with her. The only good thing he’d gleaned so far from this conversation was that Haley had no clue Nathan came from money…she actually liked Nathan for Nathan…go figure that one he thought.

“Do you know what kind of law you’d like to concentrate on?”

“No sir, not really. I was hoping I’d get an interest for something in particular when I started getting more into my law classes. I have a few ideas, but I’m not really sure yet.”

“You know when you get a little further along Haley, and are ready to see what it’s like working in an attorney’s office let me know. Maybe you can spend a summer or two working in one of my offices. See what you’re getting yourself into.”

“Wow Mr. Scott thank you,” she smiled, it fading quickly as she looked over at Nathan who’s jaw was clenching, his chest rising and falling a little too quickly. “I ummm, I’ll remember that…thank you,” she said quietly cutting her eyes at Lucas who was busy studying his empty plate. Her exchange with Peyton not much better, only receiving and eye roll and a slight head shake.

“Anyone for dessert?” Deb asked cheerfully, the tension from Nathan palpable by everyone. “Dan would you get another bottle of wine from the cabinet please.”

“I’ll help you,” Peyton volunteered quickly following her into the kitchen.

Deb sliced piece after piece of pie, you’d think the pie had personally offended her the way she was jamming the knife into it, she couldn’t take it any longer, “Alright Peyton…spill it,” she ordered.

“Spill it?” she replied shaking the can of whipped cream harder.

“Nathan…your friend Haley…,” she said questioningly, oh dear…Peyton couldn’t shake the can harder if she tried.

“Yes?”

“For God’s sake Peyton – I saw them kissing – and I’m not talking about a little friendly ‘Happy Thanksgiving’ peck on the cheek either. What’s going on with him…with them?”

“Oh that…well…maybe Nathan should tell you.”

“Well maybe Nathan should, but he doesn’t seem so inclined at the moment so…you…go ahead…”

“Well they’ve been going out pretty much since school started. He’s really crazy about her,” she grinned. “I think he’s in love with her actually,” she whispered.

Deb gasped, “Really? You really think so! That would be different wouldn’t it?” she laughed. “She seems sweet…what’s wrong with her?” she deadpanned, her hand resting on her hip as she turned to Peyton.

“What’s wrong with her? Nothing’s wrong with her,” Peyton replied confused.

“I hate to say this about my own son Peyton…but he’s…a pill - to put it nicely. You’d have to be a little warped to fall for him you know what I’m saying?”

“Believe me I know, but you haven’t seen him with her. He’s like a…a different person with her. It’s weird. I mean ask Lucas, he sees it. Brooke – we’ve all noticed how different he is with her.”

Nathan followed Dan into the library where the wine cabinet was located.

“What’s with all the questions Dad?” he fumed.

“What are you talking about?” Dan replied as if he hadn’t a clue what he meant.

“To Haley – why all the questions, the interest…why the hell are you being so nice to her?”

“I can’t be nice to our guests Nathan? She’s Peyton’s friend…right? I mean I can’t be nice to Peyton’s friend – my goodness Nathan – it’s not like I’m hitting on her or anything.”

“Not funny Dad. Leave her alone…stop trying so hard with her. Stop trying to make her think you’re this great guy. We both know the truth.”

Dan could help the long sigh, rubbing a tired hand across his forehead, shaking his head in dismay. “Nathan, I don’t know what it’s going to take for you to accept that I’m a changed man. I’ve apologized to you over and over for all the nonsense I put you – you and Lucas both - through in the past. I don’t know what else to do. I’m sincere here Nathan. I’ve changed, please accept that. I want to be a part of your life Nathan – you and Lucas. Lucas seems to be trying to accept me – even Karen and Keith are coming around - when are you going to?”

“When hell freezes over,” he bit back. “Stay away from her!” stomping toward the door.

“Why Nathan?”

“Why? Because I’m in…it’s none of your business! Just leave her alone! She doesn’t know you like I do…she can’t handle you…this family – stay away from her,” he snarled slamming out the door and up the stairs.

“I bet she could handle it better than you,” Dan mumbled to himself.

Haley ate her dessert exchanging worried glances with Peyton and then Lucas. Receiving no more than a slight shrug in return – this was status quo for them. Nathan and Dan…same song, billionth verse. She wanted to go check on him, but didn’t know how to go about it without being obvious.

“Everything was just delicious Deb,” Karen smiled, “thank you so much.”

“You brought the delicious parts so thank you,” Deb returned with a light laugh as she started to clear the table. Peyton and Haley jumping up quickly to help her.

“Haley - you want to take this up to Nathan for me?” she asked softly handing her a piece of pie.

“Sure,” she smiled relieved, taking the plate from her.

“Haley…” Deb started stretching her arm around Haley’s shoulder, “I…umm, I saw you two…you and Nathan…earlier – in the kitchen.”

“Oh…I…sorry,” Haley mumbled her face turning beet red.

“No…no it’s quite alright. I’m glad he has someone. He needs somebody…I’m glad he has you. He’s a handful though I’ll warn you now,” she chuckled.

“He’s sweet,” she shrugged blushing again.

Deb couldn’t help but laugh. Nathan…sweet…no one had called him sweet since he was four years old. He really did like this girl. “Sweet? Okay…go take my ‘sweet’ boy some pie.”

You could get lost in this place she marveled as she made her way up the stairs - stopping along the way to take in some family photos. Nathan was just born good looking – jeez – no gawky kid photos anywhere. She on the other hand had endured braces and chubbiness and all the other unfortunateness adolescence had to offer…Nathan on the other hand looked like he’d sailed through unscathed – some things just weren’t fair.

Everything about this place looked perfect. The décor was beautiful, the whole house just shined. The people in it...not so much.

She pushed his door open slowly, seeing him stretched out on his bed, hands behind his head, eyes closed, headphones on – the lights on his stereo flickering on and off, up and down with the beat.

She closed the door setting the plate on the nightstand beside his bed before sitting down next to him. His eyes slowly opening as he felt the bed press down next to him, a small smile forming on his lips.

Her hand brushed his cheek lightly, smiling down at him. She continually marveled at how handsome he was. How perfect his features were. How good his heart was. She silently patted his side; he scooted over to give her room. She stretched out beside him, throwing her arm across his chest, draping a leg over one of his, popping a kiss on his cheek before nuzzling her head into the crook of his neck. He always smelled good too she smiled to herself.

He pulled his headphones off, dropping them on the floor beside him - his arms wrapping tightly around her, leaving a kiss on her head, closing his eyes again loving the feel of her in his arms. She made him feel safe and secure and loved, and he cherished being able to make someone else feel those same things.

They stayed still in each others arms relishing the silence. Completely comfortable with the silence…but.

“Are you okay?” she finally asked with a small voice.

“I’m good.”

“You want to talk about it?”

“About what? My dad…not much to say. I’m sorry he interrogated you.”

“He was fine Nathan. I didn’t think he said anything out of line. I think he was just trying to be nice.”

“He doesn’t do nice Haley. He has a motive for saying ‘hello’. Don’t be fooled by him.”

She let it go. She didn’t want to argue with him about what his father may or may not have been doing. She did have to tell him…

“They know.”

“Know what?”

“About us…at least your Mom does.”

“I guess Peyton just couldn’t stand it huh?” he snorted.

“It wasn’t Peyton…she saw us kissing in the kitchen earlier.”

He couldn’t stop the chuckle, “Well I guess that was one way to tell them. If she knows, he knows. That’s what all the questions were about. Now I get it. Work for him in his law firm,” he scoffed. “Whatever.”

“You don’t think he meant it?” she asked raising her head to look at him.

“Who knows. If he thinks it’ll piss me off – which he knows it would – then yeah he meant it.”

“Maybe he has changed Nathan,” she suggested quietly.

“It’s not possible. No one can change that much. He…I don’t know…he has to be up to something. You want to know my father Haley…someday I’ll let you read my journal…my real father’s in there – the guy you met -he’s an imposter.”

“But Nathan…”

“Let’s just drop it Haley. I’m glad you’re here – not even my father can ruin that for me,” he said with a light smile, dropping another kiss on her head.

“Okay,” she sighed snuggling closer to him.

Chapters 8 - 11

1 - 3 :: 4 :: 5 :: 6 :: 7 :: 8 - 11 :: 12 - 13 :: 14 - 15 :: 16 - 17 :: 18 - 20 :: 21 - 22 :: 23 - 24 :: 25 - 26 :: 27 - 28 :: 29 - 32 :: 33 - 35 :: 36 - 37 :: 38 - 39 :: Epilogue