Almost There and Back Again

by Nancy

Chapter 8

He heard the familiar giggle as he came down the stairs. It immediately warmed his heart, made a smile start across his lips, a little flip flop in his stomach. Then he heard Peyton’s guffaw…and the deep annoying chuckle of his father. Well that moment was dashed quickly.

All of them sitting around the kitchen table eating breakfast – fresh muffins from Karen’s the girls brought. Thanks for waking me he grumbled to himself. He strode into the kitchen, his basketball shorts hanging off his hips, his boxers peaking out the top, rubbing at his bare chest. Not acknowledging the others, he grabbed a glass off the shelf, filling it with orange juice from the refrigerator before leaning against the counter drinking it down.

He wasn’t trying to ignore them…exactly, but it would have been a lot easier to greet them if his father wasn’t there…hovering. Making nice. Ugh!

“See I told you he wasn’t dead,” Dan smiled at the other two, pouring himself another cup of coffee. Nathan giving him a small snarl and rolled eyes in return.

“Morning,” Haley said softly, biting her lip to keep the sigh from escaping as she tried to hide her obvious leering at his body. She could feel his skin in her hands, the way his bare chest felt against hers…okay…stop this train of thought right now she told herself, watching her fingers tear slowly at the muffin to keep from watching him…stand there looking all...

“Morning,” he said with a slight smile dropping heavily into the chair beside her leaving a kiss on her cheek, his hand reaching under the table to give hers a tight squeeze - he and Peyton exchanging…grunts. He glanced back at his father, expecting him to make some remark about his actions only to find Dan’s head buried in the newspaper.

Dan had seen it all, pushing the paper in front of his face to hide the smirk. His son was totally gone on this girl. He was way gone. It was comical to him. It seemed Nathan had never given any girl more than five minutes worth of attention. Of course he’d kind of beaten it into him that females were a distraction, one more thing to get in the way of his basketball future. Nathan had seemed to heed his advice in that arena…until now.

He couldn’t argue with his taste though. This little girl seemed just as taken with Nathan as he was with her, and she was pretty, just as nice as she could be, and she wanted to be a lawyer – ambitious - he liked that…he’d done good for his first try at a steady girlfriend. Maybe Nathan wasn’t a lost cause after all, relieved at the thought.

“So what are you two cooking up to do today?” Nathan asked with a voice still deepened from sleep. Oh god…Haley tapping her fingers as she crammed another chunk of muffin in her mouth. She had to keep herself, especially her mouth, occupied before it tried to take over his. Definitely didn’t need that, especially with his father sitting three feet away. “You alright?” a smirk on his face.

“Mmmhmmm,” she mumbled with a closed smile – her mouth full of muffin, her bobble head version of confirmation taking over. Stop it – she told herself – swallowing hard – immediately pressing her cup of coffee to her lips. Please go put some clothes on she wanted so desperately to say.

“Brooke and I were thinking maybe we’d call some people, see who’s home for the weekend, maybe have a little party at the beach house. How’s that sound? Haley could meet Tim,” she laughed.

“I was actually hoping once we left high school we’d never have to see them again – including Tim, but whatever. Does that sound okay to you?” he asked Haley.

“Mmmm…sorry – still eating here…umm I guess. What’s a beach house and who’s a Tim?”

Dan wanted so badly to say you don’t want to know who a Tim is, but bit his tongue.

“I think these may be details I don’t want to hear, so if you’ll excuse me…ladies, Nathan,” Dan said leaving them alone.

“Thank God,” Nathan mumbled.

“So…”

“The beach house is the Scott’s house at the beach, and Tim,” Peyton began laughing again, “is Nathan’s lackey from high school.”

“Oh…your lackey huh? Sounds interesting,” she teased.

“He wasn’t my lackey…exactly; he was just my perverted friend who I’d just as soon you avoid.”

“Afraid he’d spill Nathan Scott secrets?”

Nathan cut his eyes at Peyton wanting to slap her for bringing the name Tim up at all. “No…he knows better.”

“Oh so you do have secrets?”

“I’m an open book,” giving her a fake smile.

“I’m sure,” giving him a fake smile of her own.

“Okay – you two go make out or something. I’m going to call Brooke and get her on it. Then we can go shopping for food or beer or whatever,” Peyton directed.

“You heard her,” he grinned grabbing Haley’s hand practically jerking her out of the chair as he pulled her along behind him.

They fell on his bed, their lips locking the minute they hit the door.

“Next time you come down in the morning would you mind wearing a shirt,” Haley breathed out heavily resting her forehead against his as they came up for air.

“Was I bothering you?” he smirked capturing her lips again, his tongue sliding across her lips taking her bottom lip gently between his teeth, Haley groaning quietly at the sensations.

“Yes you were bothering me. I wanted to run my hands all over you, kiss you all over,” she moaned sucking down his neck. “You…you have such a sexy body,” taking his mouth again her tongue exploring his mouth. “This is so hard…I want you so much,” she mumbled against his lips hungrily kissing them, her hands massaging his butt pulling him firmly to her, the feel of his erection against her making her moan all the more. “Oh…you feel so good…so…”

Nathan’s breaths were coming out in pants now, his mouth consuming hers. “We better stop Haley,” he panted out trying to make himself pull his mouth from hers. “Do you want to stop?”

“God no I don’t want to stop,” she groaned frustrated, “but…damn it,” kissing him again. “I just…god Nathan I want to be sure.”

“Is there anything I can do to help you be sure?” he smiled against her lips.

“I…don’t know…I guess I’ll know I’m sure when I’m sure,” she said her lips taking his again. “God why do you have to be so good looking and sexy and…sweet,” she sighed her lips moving along his jaw.

“Just natural I guess,” he laughed lightly turning his head to let her kiss down the other side.

“You’re so bad,” she giggled kissing his lips again. “I’m sorry…this is not fair to you I know,” sighing as she pulled her mouth away, resting her forehead with his. “I just have to be…”

“Sure…yeah I know. It’s okay Haley - nothing a long cold shower won’t kill…or not,” he chuckled.

“I’m really sorry,” running her hands through his hair sighing again. “I want to…I’m almost there it’s just I….I’m an idiot is what I am actually.”

“I want you Haley…I mean I really really want you,” he smiled down at her, “but I’ll wait – even if I’m old and gray - I’ll still wait,” he laughed rolling off to the side of her.

She turned on her side, caressing his face, her fingers lightly straightening his hair. “I’m sorry. I know you’re not used to all this…waiting. I promise I’ll make it worth the wait,” she smiled at him.

He turned toward her with a smirk planted on his face, “Oh yeah? Huh. In that case I may have to turn up the heat a little,” tugging her quickly on top of him kissing her before his hands worked down her sides tickling her till she squealed for him to stop between her giggles.

“You’re not going with us?” she asked from his doorway taking in how he’d stayed seated on his bed.

“Ummm you know I’ll catch up with you guys later. I think I’m just going to go…,” he dropped off, waving a hand toward his bathroom.

“Take a shower?” she finished for him biting her lip to keep the smile back.

“A long one.”

“Okay call us when your done…I mean finished…I mean ready,” she blushed.

They jumped in Peyton’s car stopping at one store and then another, Peyton’s fake ID coming in handy once again at the liquor store. Haley quickly realizing what everyone meant about Peyton’s driving. She spent more time talking to Haley, having to look at her as she did, than her eyes spent on the road. Haley alternated between grabbing at the door, and stomping her foot through the floor at her imaginary brake.

“Where the hell have you been?” Peyton grumbled at Nathan when she saw him stroll nonchalantly into the beach house just after she and Haley had finished carrying in the keg.

“Lucas called; we went down to the courts and played some ball with some of the guys. Did I miss something?”

“Yeah, you missed helping us jerk face,” she bitched again.

“You’re a strong girl Peyton…sorry,” he mumbled to Haley.

“We managed,” she winked at him kissing his cheek.

“Here, you finish setting up the keg and stuff – we’re going back to my house to change,” grabbing Haley’s arm as she moved quickly by Nathan.

“What!” he complained.

“You can handle it. Call your brother if you need help – see ya,” she snickered tugging Haley with her.

By the time Peyton and Haley got back the place was already full of people. Brooke had managed to find half the class it seemed. Haley getting more nervous the closer she got to the door. She didn’t know a soul in here save Brooke and Lucas. The fact that she was with Nathan – class player – was just making it worse. She had no idea who he’d been with, who had liked him, who he’d liked. Everybody in the place was going to be sizing her up – all deeming her unworthy of Nathan she was certain.

The shirt Peyton had insisted she wear wasn’t helping either. The plunging neckline, the bra she was wearing just pushing things up and out further. Great – Nathan Scott and his ‘ho girlfriend – just the impression she wanted to make! Adjusting herself once more before going through the door – Peyton fussing at her to leave them alone – they were on display for a reason – to make Nathan crazy. Yeah – like he needed more of that today!

“Oh man…I know I slept through half of high school, but you’d think I’d remember that one,” Tim whistled to Nathan as he watched Peyton and Haley come in the room. “Who’s the hot ass with Peyton?”

Nathan turned, Haley’s chest filling his eyes, “Jesus,” he mumbled.

“No shit…did she go to Tree Hill and I just missed it or what?” Tim asked again.

“That’s my girlfriend,” he mumbled again moving to cut off the two guys that had stepped in front of the girls as they were approaching him.

“Hey,” quickly slipping his arm around her waist tugging her possessively to him before the pursuers could even get a word out. He dropped a kiss on her lips pulling her away with him giving them a warning look as he did.

“What was that about?” Haley smiled up at him.

“Just stopping it before it gets started,” he returned. “So I don’t think I’ve ever seen that shirt before,” he smirked.

“It’s Peyton’s. I feel like I’m hanging out of the stupid thing.”

“You are. I like it,” he said wiggling his eyebrows at her, kissing her again.

“You’re awful,” she giggled slapping at his chest.

He didn’t let go of her, guiding her stealthily away from Tim toward the keg, handing her a cup. His arm immediately returning to her waist moving them toward what appeared to be a more quiet corner. His lips descending down her neck, Haley closing her eyes as she tilted her head to let him kiss her further.

Her hand found his chin lifting it up so their lips could meet, her hand sliding up his jaw, her fingers playing in his hair. Nathan’s tongue quickly finding hers, both of them moaning quietly at the feel of the other, oblivious to the others in the room.

More than one pair of eyes took them in, all wondering who the girl was getting all of Nathan Scott’s attention tonight. They’d never seen her, but apparently she’d managed to latch onto the biggest fish in the place quickly. They were certain he’d move on before the night was over, he always did.

“You look beautiful,” leaving another kiss on her lips as he came up for air, his hands running softly through her hair.

“Thank you,” she blushed. “Would you be saying that if I was wearing a turtleneck?” she teased with a shy smile.

“Yes I would. You know I think you’re beautiful…you’re hot no matter what you wear…or don’t wear,” his finger running lightly across the peaks on her chest.

“You gonna introduce me man or what?” Tim laughed from behind him. Nathan rolled his eyes at Haley with a quiet groan before turning around.

“Tim Smith…Haley James.”

“Haley,” Tim grinned shaking her hand bringing it up to kiss the back of it, dropping it quickly when he saw Nathan’s jaw set, his eyes bearing down on him.

“Tim, nice to meet you too,” Haley giggling at how Tim seemed to shutter at Nathan’s hard expression.

“So you’re the girl that tamed the playa’ huh? For now anyway,” he laughed.

“You plan on dying tonight Tim?” Nathan bit out, feeling Haley stiffen beside him.

“No not really,” he swallowed hard. “I mean I just meant…you know…you’re the man all the girls want and she…got you. I mean how many of the girls in here tried that and got nowhere…” he drifted off.

“You do plan on dying,” he growled stepping closer to Tim.

“I umm…I think I’ll just go get another beer,” he stammered walking quickly away.

“Ignore him,” Nathan said hugging her closer leaving a kiss on her head, “he’s an…”

“Idiot?” Haley finished for him.

“You’re quick,” he laughed.

Nathan had absolutely no desire to socialize with anyone, preferring to sit in the chair with Haley in his lap kissing and talking with her. Having her look at him, and treat him like he was her everything made his night, to hell with the rest of them.

Haley laid her head on his shoulder glancing around the room. Giving more than a passing thought as to which girls it was that had tried to ‘tame’ Nathan as Tim had put it. She couldn’t help but notice how people were looking at them, whispering about them she was certain. She’d been at these parties before, only she didn’t spend the evening in her boyfriends lap, having him cuddle and fawn over her. This was much better, smiling to herself, leaving a soft kiss on his cheek before nuzzling in closer to his neck.

“Thank you,” she whispered with a kiss.

“For what?” he asked back confused.

“For spending time with me.”

“What am I supposed to do?” his confusion growing.

“I don’t know,” she shrugged. “I’m just not used to it…at parties I mean.”

“We haven’t been to a party before Haley.”

“I know,” she sighed turning his mouth to hers leaving a soft kiss on it. “I’m just being weird ignore me.”

“That’s not possible,” taking over her mouth with his.

“Break it up you two,” Brooke said giving them both a firm nudge. “I Never…let’s go,” she said walking away waving for them to follow her.

“We don’t have to do this you know,” Nathan urged letting Haley lead him across the room.

“I’ve played before…not exactly my favorite thing to do, but what the hell – nobody likes a party pooper.”

Nathan didn’t bother to introduce Haley to the rest of the people gathered around the table. He had no interest in them, or what they thought, or anything else, why bother pretending like he did by letting them in on who she was. The only ones getting his attention were the guys who kept leering at her, their eyes looking her up and down. His own eyes boring into them until they looked his way, giving them a look they were certain to understand. All of them took their eyes elsewhere.

“Okay – I’ll start,” Peyton said. “I’ve never had a car wreck,” sticking her tongue out at Brooke as she watched her take a long drink. Brooke rolled her eyes back at Peyton when she was done, Haley giggling at the two of them.

“Hmmm… I never did it in a classroom,” Brooke laughed taking another drink. Haley waiting for Nathan’s arm to lift, relieved when it didn’t move. At least that’s one place he missed she thought.

“I never had sex with anyone in this room,” some good looking blonde said giving Brooke a wink, Brooke giving him an annoyed glare in return as she tipped back her glass.

Haley took in a long breath when Nathan raised the glass to his lips, holding hers steady in her hand tapping it with a heavy finger. Trying to relax when Nathan snaked his arm around her waist as her eyes tried to figure out which skank he’d been with. Who am I kidding she told herself – he’s done half the skanks in here…relax…just relax he’s with you now…she coached herself.

“I’ve never been in love,” Peyton said taking a drink, exchanging amused glances with Lucas as they watched Nathan take a long drink with the rest of them, Haley finally taking a drink.

“I’ve never had a threesome,” Tim smiled tipping his glass back.

“You’ll go to hell for lying Tim,” Lucas laughed.

“Tell that to your brother,” Tim returned, “drink up man,” he said raising his glass at Nathan.

“Nothing to drink to Tim,” Nathan gritted back, his arm tightening around Haley, feeling her body grow ever rigid against his.

“Anybody who believes that take a drink,” Tim laughed looking around, “not many drinkers man.”

“Well fuck them,” Nathan growled his eyes shooting daggers through Tim.

Haley wanted the floor to open up and take her under. Everyone in the room had their eyes turned toward Nathan and her by association. She could feel Nathan beginning to breathe quicker, his temper growing - her hand running lightly over his back trying to soothe him.

“I never wet my pants after the age of fifteen,” Lucas jumped in trying to deflect the attention from Nathan. “Come on Tim…drink up buddy,” he laughed.

“I was laughing…I couldn’t help it…shit,” he sighed as everyone laughed, shaking his head as he drank alone.

“I’ll be right back,” Haley whispered to Nathan, patting him on the back before easing away from the group.

“Okay I have one,” she heard someone else say before closing the door to the porch behind her, Nathan growing more concerned as he watched her open the door and go outside.

She took deep breaths of the fresh sea air. Standing there with her arms wrapped tightly around herself as she watched the ocean lap up on the beach. How great is that to grow up with a big house in town, another house on the beach, trying to fill her mind with any thoughts other than the one that kept creeping in there.

She slowly walked down the path toward the beach, picking up rocks along the way. She settled herself in the sand trying to toss the rocks to the water. Laughing to herself at her poor attempts – not many of them actually reached the water.

It didn’t take sitting there long before she’d realized her mistake. It was damn cold out here! The ocean breeze, the November temperatures – no coat – crap it was cold. Maybe her brain would freeze, the thought actually warming her.

“You throw like a girl…You’re going to freeze your ass off you know,” he smiled draping a blanket around her shoulders before dropping down next to her, pulling it around him as well, laying another one across their laps.

“I was just beginning to notice that,” she smiled, “thank you.”

“Sorry about Tim…he’s…an idiot - what can I say.”

“He was just having fun.”

“I guess.”

They sat quietly for several minutes. Nathan stealing glances at her, worried at the way her brow was furrowing deeper and deeper. The pained look in her eyes…the way her head would shake ‘no’ every so often.

“Is that every guy’s fantasy?” she asked softly.

“What?”

“A threesome.”

He wanted to chuckle but knew better – what kind of question was that…, “I don’t know Haley. Why do you ask that?”

“You’ve never thought about it?” she asked sincerely, glancing at him before turning back toward the water.

“I don’t know…I guess I’ve thought about it. I’m not sure I’d ever have the nerve to do it though. I’m shyer than I seem,” he chuckled.

She let a slight smile cross her face at his answer.

“You want to know what happened?”

He was confused by what she meant at first. What happened with what he almost asked - before it hit him as to what she was referring. He’d wanted to know. At first it was all he could think about, but now it felt like they’d gotten past it…she trusted him – or so it seemed. Still…

“If you want to tell me,” he said quietly.

“We started dating when I was a junior – he was a senior. He was the BMOC for sure,” she said with a wry laugh. “I mean he was it. The best looking guy in the senior class, the star of the basketball team – all the teachers, all the girls, all the guys…they all just loved him…just ate him up. For some reason – one I have yet to figure out – he set his sights on me. Jake says he was trying to make himself better by having everyone associate him with me. Personally - I think he was just trying to make an ass out of me.”

“Anyway, we started dating. It seemed like we were together all the time so I’m not sure when he had time to do all the crap he did behind my back, but I guess we weren’t together as much as I thought. And I know now…when we were at parties – kind of like this one – I’d usually sit by myself half the night – while he was off banging some girl - I’ve since learned. Screwing someone else while I waited…my god I was naive,” she sighed.

“Haley you weren’t naïve – he was just a bastard.”

“That too,” she laughed lightly. “We did the usual high school stuff you know. I went to his games and cheered like a groupie, we did the prom thing, the high school dances, the banquets, all that high school crap. He even came back my senior year and went to the prom with me. Hell of a guy.”

“I thought it was so great being the most popular guy’s girl you know. He liked me – hell he said he loved me – plain little Haley the wallflower, and I was Mr. Big’s girl. Jake and Greg…they kept telling me…kept warning me…’don’t get in too deep Haley’, ‘you know what a smooth talker he is Haley – be careful’. I mean they knew how he was…what he was. They were just trying to spare my feelings by not telling me flat out what he was doing. Not that I would have believed them anyway,” she scoffed. “He loved me after all.”

“He went off to North Carolina State last year, but he’d come home to see me sometimes on the weekends. Always telling me how much he missed me. How lonesome he was without me. What a crock,” she snorted. “When he came home for Christmas…he ummm…he…gave me a gift. A promise ring he called it. I’m not really sure what a promise ring is…one step below an engagement ring I guess,” a forced laugh escaping. “I think mine was a promise to screw me over…but then that’s just what mine meant – I can’t speak for the rest of the world. But I was thrilled you know. It was just the greatest gift ever. He really loved me, he was promising me we’d always be together…god,” she sighed releasing a deep breath.

“Haley…you don’t have to do this you know. It’s painful okay…I can see that…I don’t have to know everything, if this is too hard just stop,” he said softly, lightly rubbing her back, pulling her closer to him.

She looked at him, her eyes brimming with tears she didn’t even know were there. He was looking at her with such concern…his face full of genuine worry for her. The fact that he sincerely cared for her was never more evident to her.

“But we’re just getting to the good part,” she smiled slightly, unaware of the tears that had fallen on her cheeks.

Chapter 9

“I showed everyone the ring…so proud of it you know. He loved me…this was proof. Like I said before, he came back that spring and happily went to the prom with me. Everything was just…peachy. I was going to go to NC State so we could be together. He acted all happy about it. I’m telling you this guy deserved an Oscar. I mean really…the great Clint Eastwood has no acting skills compared to this guy,” shaking her head.

“I’d decided when he came home for spring break…that was going to be it…that was going to be when I finally gave in. I was going to really show him how much I loved him. I was one of those girls…one of the few it seems, who was going to wait until they got married to have sex. Save it for that one special person. The one. But, I figured he was the one – obviously I was it for him right – I mean he gave me a promise ring - why wait any longer. So I cooked up this elaborate plan. I didn’t want to take the chance of my parents or his parents or whoever walking in on us – and I didn’t want to loose it in the back seat of a car…so I conjured up this plan. Get a hotel room, wine, music, the whole nine yards. I mean I knew I wasn’t his first, but I’d accepted that…I didn’t realize he’d had about a hundred more while he was with me but…you know,” she sighed frustrated.

“I think I shocked the hell out of him actually,” she laughed lightly. “I’d said no so many times he was…flabbergasted. So we went to the hotel…and we…we did it. And you know what…I was never so disappointed in my life,” frowning at the thought. “It was…a big let down actually. The first time was kind of painful and just…just…nothing. I thought it would make me feel so much closer to him, feel such love, feel so bonded with him. It just felt…like…I don’t know – like just sex I guess.”

“Tell me if you don’t want to hear this,” suddenly realizing what she was actually saying, and how uncomfortable he may be with it.

“It’s okay Haley. I admit the thought of you with someone else doesn’t exactly thrill me, but if you’re alright with telling me…I can handle it. I promise you’ll feel much different when it’s us,” he smiled lightly at her.

“Okay,” she smiled back.

“So we did it – a few times that week actually. It never got any better. I was so disappointed. I thought it was me…I just didn’t know what I was doing…doing it all wrong or something. But he seemed happy. The more I’ve thought about it…I think it was him you know. I think he’s just a crappy lover. He was only into himself. His own…satisfaction, his own thrill…his own whatever. I don’t know…it just wasn’t what I expected that’s all.”

“Don’t give up, it’ll be better,” he winked at her.

“Somehow…I believe you,” a small smile on her lips.

“Anyway I umm,” she started, pausing as if her brain had gotten stuck, staring out into the water, her brow furrowing once again, “oh…umm, I went up to NC State in May to go to an orientation. It was on a weekend. I went up on a Friday, and we went out and did stuff. He showed me around, introduced me to some of his friends as his girlfriend, everything was fine. On Saturday I went to more orientation stuff. We were going to have lunch together. He was going to come get me and we were going to eat together. Well…” she paused taking a long deep breath, “we had a break about ten o’clock or so…so I got the bright idea that I’d surprise him. I figured I could get to his room and back in plenty of time. I went to his room, and I could hear the music coming from inside so I knew, or I figured he was there. So I knocked, but he didn’t answer. I decided the music was just too loud for him to hear me you know so I opened the door…and he was there alright,” she sighed drawing a ragged breath, unknown tears once again dropping out.

“He was on the bed…naked…a girl…naked…on top of him, and they were just…you know…just going at it. She was just bouncing away on him and his hands were all over her. She had these…these huge breasts. For some reason that just…stuck in my brain. I don’t know why,” she shook her head slightly at the thought. “Maybe because they were just…flopping everywhere and his hands were all over them…god... Anyway - I was so stunned I couldn’t move…I couldn’t talk…I couldn’t do anything but stare. And they were so engrossed they had no idea I was there, no idea the door was wide open. Nothing.”

“The next thing you know this other girl – a blonde – the first one had brown hair – with a towel wrapped around her comes giggling past me into the room. To this day, I have absolutely no idea where she came from. She’s laughing, and she just whips the towel off…and she’s just as naked as they were, she says something to them about moving over. Of course they never stopped what they were doing you know. Then she turns to me, and asks me if I’m there to join them.”

“Jesus Haley…,” he groaned rubbing a heavy hand across his forehead.

“They both turn their heads toward the door – you know because blondie got their attention – and the look on his face was…I don’t even know how to describe it. He was definitely shocked, but he almost seemed annoyed that they’d been interrupted. Cause I’m telling you she never stopped what she was doing,” she blew out with frustration. “I still couldn’t move, but this crazy noise was coming out of me – I couldn’t begin to repeat it. I wanted to get out of there so badly but I just couldn’t move, then he says ‘Haley’ and I just…it was like a bucket of cold water hit me and I ran. I didn’t make it down the stairs before I was throwing up…all over the stairs. It was…god it was so gross…I couldn’t stop it though. I heard him coming yelling ‘Haley wait…Haley’, and I started running again…running like you wouldn’t believe – straight to my car.”

“I saw him jogging down the sidewalk toward the building where the orientation was – in his shorts, no shirt, barefoot. He had such a crazy expression…he looked like a lunatic. He saw me driving down the street. I was bawling and snot was going everywhere…god I was just so…pathetic. I could barely see where I was going, but I saw him come out into the street. Standing in front of my car with his hands up telling me to stop…I stomped on the gas and drove right at him. I’m telling you I must have only missed him by inches,” she laughed, wiping at the tears she’d finally noticed. “I was almost the headline on the news. ‘Crazed girlfriend runs over cheating boyfriend – details at six’.”

“I wish I could laugh Haley,” Nathan sighed, the visions of her broken state painfully clear in his mind.

“Well it’s taken months to get this far. It’s not funny I know, I mean I sure don’t think it’s funny, but I cried so much it just got to be ridiculous.”

“I’m so sorry Haley. That’s awful…just terrible. I can’t believe someone could do that to you. You could never deserve that – no one does. Someone needs to beat the shit out of that guy.”

“They already did. I think Greg almost put him in the hospital. I mean he and Jake found him alone one day last summer, and Greg just went nuts on him, and Jake…he just sat back and watched. He never tried to stop him at all. They just left him lying beside his car all bloody and stuff. They never told me what they did, I found out from somebody else. I thought the police would be after Greg, but I guess he never told them.”

“Maybe he realized he deserved it.”

“Yeah…I’m sure,” she scoffed sarcastically. “He was probably scared he’d get it again if he told the cops. A mad Greg is not a good thing, but if it wasn’t for him and Jake…I don’t know what I would have done. They saved me, they really did. I owe them so much. They stayed by me and let me cry, and cry, and cry,” she smiled. “They were just always there, keeping me propped up until I could do it myself. I couldn’t ask for better friends than those two. I really love them.”

“You’re lucky to have them Haley. It’s hard enough to find one friend like that much less two.”

“Yeah…I am lucky. I haven’t talked to him since that day. I mean he tried to call me and come over, and he hung around outside where I worked waiting for me, but I couldn’t talk to him. I didn’t want to listen to his bullshit. I mean what kind of excuse can you come up with for what he was doing. He knew I was there at the school – it was the middle of the morning…and he just… What he’d been doing for the last two years. I just didn’t want to hear it. I mean there’s tons of stuff I’d like to say to him. I actually think I could get though it now without collapsing into a pool of tears, but he finally quit trying to get to me. It’s amazing what a good beating will do for you,” she said giving him a small smile. “So…that’s my little sob story,” she shrugged, swatting at the tears that kept dropping.

“Haley it’s not a sob story. It’s a sad, pitiful, heartbreaking story. One I promise I will never, never put you through. I could never do something like that to you. I can see how it would be hard for you to trust another guy Haley, but you can trust me. I would never do anything like that to you. I promise you.”

She let him hold her close to him, finally relaxing against him after several minutes of his stroking her hair and leaving soft kisses on her head, the back of her hands, her cheek – just letting him care for her.

“I’m sorry for being so stupid about you playing basketball,” she started quietly, breaking the comfortable silence between them. “I was afraid it was happening again you know. On the outside you guys are really similar Nathan. I mean you’re both good looking and really popular with girls, and really experienced with girls,” she smiled at him, “not to mention the basketball. And you’re both so sure of yourselves it was scary. But you know until you mentioned basketball…I never really equated you with him. I thought you were so different until then. Believe it or not, it was Greg that pointed that out. He reminded me how I had told him how different you were – how could I think you were just like him when before I knew you played I thought you were so different.”

“I knew I liked that Greg for some reason,” smiling at her.

“Yeah,” she laughed. “But you are so different from him Nathan. Just the way you are with me. I mean you really pay attention to me, you really care about me, you try to make me happy. It’s so obvious from the way you kiss me…with such care, such tenderness – like you really want me to like it, to enjoy it…not just to make you happy you know. It’s just so different with you…it’s nice. Thank you.”

“Believe me I’m not as unselfish as you might think,” he smirked reaching his hand up to caress her face, laying his forehead against hers. “I enjoy every second of it too,” his lips capturing hers laying her back, their bodies sinking softly into the sand.

“Maybe we should find somewhere warmer to make out,” reluctantly pulling her mouth from his.

“I’m getting pretty warmed up right here, but I know of somewhere inside that’s definitely warmer…let’s go,” smiling as he took her hands pulling her up with him.

They came back into the house to find the party still going full tilt. The music was blaring. The way the bodies were gyrating the alcohol was having its effects.

“Come on we need to go get another keg,” Lucas called to Nathan when he saw them come through the door.

“But…we were,” he stumbled looking helplessly at Haley. “I can’t.” he finally said.

“I don’t have my ID with me,” Lucas said, “let’s go…it won’t take that long wimpy boy. Your wife’s not going anywhere,” he teased.

“Funny. We’re busy,” he gritted more firmly trying to get Lucas to take the hint. He could be so dense sometimes.

“We’ll be right back…let’s go,” Lucas returned just as firmly, grabbing his arm pulling him away from Haley. Haley gave him a little smile and a wave as Nathan dragged reluctantly behind Lucas.

“Wait,” Nathan said, quickly looking around…, “come on,” he said snagging Tim’s arm, pulling him with them.

“Where are we going?” Tim asked confused by Nathan’s sudden interest in him.

“To the liquor store. You’re going too, I’m not about to leave you here alone with Haley. No telling what you’ll do or what you’ll say so just keep moving,” he said gently shoving him along in front of him.

“She’s hot,” Tim grinned back over his shoulder.

“No kidding…keep moving,” Nathan returned annoyed.

Haley looked around the room, her discomfort beginning to grow as she felt the eyes taking her in again. She sighed in relief when she saw Brooke coming out of the kitchen, scurrying over to her.

“Hey,” she smiled nervously at Brooke.

“Hey,” Brooke returned with suspicion. “Where’s grumpy boy?”

“They went to get another keg. Don’t leave my side…please. I feel like everyone’s eyeing me. Like I’m the chunk of meat that just got thrown into the lion’s den.”

Brooke looked past Haley noting a few girls huddled together trying to look like they weren’t looking. “Pffttt, screw them…they’re just jealous. They had four years worth of chances. He wasn’t interested. Toughie toenails. Let’s play.”

She dragged Haley behind her to the bar pulling out a shot glass and a bottle of Bourbon. She reached under the bar for her purse, digging through it for quarters – smiling at Haley when she retrieved three shiny ones.

“Peyton,” she called into the kitchen, “get out here.”

“Quarters…my rules,” Brooke said with a smile. “You ever played?” she asked Haley.

“No…I’ve watched, but I’ve never played. Seemed too much like a sport to me, and I’m really bad at sports,” she laughed.

“Nothing to it…bounce the quarter, if it goes in the glass you get to pick someone to drink the shot. Easy. I’ll start,” she smiled as others began to gather around to watch.

Brooke bounced the quarter off the bar like an expert – it bouncing right in. “See? Easy…drink up,” she grinned at Haley.

“Great,” Haley grumbled downing the shot of Bourbon. “Uuuggghhh,” she said with a shudder. “That burns like…wow – that’s ummm wow,” she smiled through another shudder.

“What’s your name by the way?” a tall brunette tossed out to Haley with a less than sincere smile.

Haley took her in for a beat…yep he did her. “Haley,” she answered turning back to Brooke. “My turn? Well crap,” she groaned when the quarter went bounding off the bar.

“Here,” another girl smiled handing it back to Haley – Haley giving her a tight smile in return…yep did her too.

“Go Peyton,” Brooke said cutting her eyes at the group of girls that were watching them…watching Haley actually.

Peyton was just as skilled as Brooke, the quarter bouncing expertly into the glass. “Drink up Hales,” she laughed.

“This isn’t funny you two,” Haley complained throwing back another shot with the same reaction as the first.

“Can I try?” the brunette asked sweetly. “I’m Dana by the way,” she said to Haley.

“She doesn’t care,” Brooke throwing a fake smile her way. “Just go Dana.”

The whole group of girls giggled when Dana’s quarter landed in the glass. “Hmmm let’s see,” she said tapping her mouth as she looked around the gathered group. “Haley,” she smiled.

Haley looked from Brooke to Peyton with a sigh rolling her eyes, “Fine,” she mumbled tossing back the shot…the burn lessening this time.

“Okay me,” a short blonde said snatching a quarter, it once again bounding effortlessly into the glass. “I’m Robin…drink up Haley,” giving Haley a perky smile.

“What is the deal? Everyone in Tree Hill an expert at quarters or what. This game sucks Brooke,” she mumbled before drinking.

“I’m going again,” Brooke said grabbing the quarter before someone else could. “Drink Peyton,” she said with a sneer to the others when the quarter landed in the glass.

“Thank God,” Haley muttered shaking her head of the wooziness she felt seeping in. “Huddle!” Haley said suddenly, turning around, throwing her arms around Brooke and Peyton’s shoulders pulling them in tight to her. “Okay…they hate me. Did he screw all these girls?” Haley asked in a whisper.

Peyton raised her head looking over the group of girls gathered around watching them before dipping her head back down to Haley and Brooke, “No…not all of them,” she whispered.

“No?” Haley repeated – Peyton and Brooke both shaking their heads in the negative. “Most?”

Peyton raised her head looking at them again, “Umm…probably half.”

Haley raised her head this time checking the group, “I’m pretty sure I can pick the half, but I guess I’ll just…not. Okay…I’m ready,” she sighed.

“Done with the little meeting?” the taller blonde questioned snippily. “Me now,” she said grabbing up the quarter, everyone giggling again. “How ‘bout that?” she smiled insincerely at Haley. “Go ahead,” she said waving at the glass. “Oh yeah…I’m Amy.”

“Oh yeah…I’m Amy,” Haley mocked before downing yet another glass full, the burn all but gone now – wow - her head was feeling the effects more with each passing moment.

“Alright lay off,” Brooke bitched. “Let’s just take care of the intro’s...Amy, Dana, Robin, Susan, Angie, Tonya, Shelly, Lisa,” she said quickly, pointing at each one as she went. “Everyone this is Haley. She goes to UNC with us. She’s from Mayberry. And yes - to all of you nosy witches…she’s Nathan’s girlfriend. Okay? She’s Nathan’s girlfriend. You all had your chance…he wasn’t interested in you. He’s in love with her…get over it,” she finished flatly, Haley beginning to giggle next to her. “Don’t start that,” Brooke mumbled to her, trying not to laugh at the silly sound Haley was making.

“Sorry,” Haley said covering her mouth trying to stifle the giggling. “You said he was in love with me,” she whispered in Brooke’s ear with another giggle.

“And? Kind of obvious Hales,” Brooke said with an eye roll.

“What’s funny?” Nathan asked coming up behind the group of girls with the keg on his shoulder.

“Nothing,” Haley said giggling harder, Brooke and Peyton laughing with her.

“She’s had a little too much I think,” Peyton laughed.

“What the hell…I couldn’t have been gone that long,” he said moving through the girls taking the keg quickly into kitchen coming back out again, “What’d you guys do to her?”

“She’s had five or six shots…she doesn’t hold her liquor too well – not so hot at quarters either,” Amy answered quirking an eyebrow at Nathan - Nathan gave her a disgusted glare in return, biting back the ‘fuck off’.

Amy had to be the biggest bitch in the class, he may have thought Brooke could be a bitch, but Amy made Brooke look like a walk in the park – why he’d gone out with her still confused him…well that was a lie - he knew why – she was easy that’s why, - but she was such a demanding bitch he’d broken it off pretty quickly. The sex wasn’t worth all the other crap that came along with it so he’d dumped her, she’d been holding a grudge ever since.

Haley wrapped her arms around his neck pulling him down to her, “They don’t like me,” she whispered in his ear with a small laugh. “I don’t give a shit,” he whispered back causing Haley to laugh harder. “Me neither,” she whispered again capturing his mouth with hers.

No one could take their eyes off the mini make out session going on before them - Brooke’s words still ringing in their disbelieving ears. In love…Nathan Scott was in love…with…her! But she was…short, and her makeup was so…minimal, and while her hair was a pretty color it was…natural for god sakes. She did have a nice figure, and while she wasn’t exactly flat chested she was far from well endowed…and she seemed so…nice, she was kind of…cute and all, but she was just so…regular! What happened to him?! They looked from one to the other stunned by it all. She must be unbelievable in bed was all they could figure – giving each other shrugs as they finally walked away from them.

“You’re still smiling,” he said pulling back for some much needed air, smiling down at her.

“I like Brooke,” she giggled.

“I wouldn’t tell Greg if I were you, besides, I kind of thought you liked me,” chuckling at her giddiness.

“I do,” she purred taking his hand leading them across the room to the same corner they were in earlier. A smile spread across her face as she pushed him gently into the big cushy chair, straddling his lap before pressing her lips firmly to his, her tongue quickly taking over his mouth. “Let’s go to your room,” she whispered hotly in his ear, her tongue tracing a line up his neck before her teeth landed on his earlobe, nibbling gently on it.

“Mmm Pinky,” he moaned quietly as the sensations, “you’ve had a little too much to drink baby…you don’t want it like this,” taking her head gently between his hands, pulling back from her, leaving soft kisses on her lips.

“Yes I do,” forcing her mouth back on his.

“No Haley,” he whispered holding her head in place as he laid his forehead against hers. “You don’t…you won’t be happy about it in the morning I promise. And I want you happy the next morning…I want you singing with little birds chirping around you,” he chuckled lightly, popping another kiss on her lips.

“But they had you,” she pouted like a child, folding her arms across her chest with a huff, “I want you too.”

“Who?”

“Those stupid girls over there,” she whined, waving a haphazard hand behind her without bothering to look where she was waving.

“It kind of looks like you’re waving at Lucas, but I think I know what you mean,” smiling at her pouting expression. He caressed her face in his hands, his thumbs rubbing lightly over her cheeks, peering into her eyes – eyes reflecting back self-doubt, “Haley…they didn’t have me,” he said softly. “No one in this room has ever had me like you do. You have my heart Haley, that’s something nobody’s ever had before. You’re the only one that’s ever had that part of me – the most important part of me. You’ll get the rest of me soon enough.”

Chapter 10

She was laid up in her bed flipping through her note cards, rummaging through her textbook, scribbling more notes - shifting yet again trying to get comfortable. He was taking up more than his share of the bed; his legs sprawled out, one arm behind his head the other laying across his stomach, the headphones on his head plugged into the television so he could watch Sportscenter without disturbing her…only his light snoring was beginning to bug her now.

It wasn’t fair he got to sleep while she tried to beat biology in her head. He could at least watch television instead of sleep. And damn it, move over she thought, trying to nudge him again, finally giving up and just stretching her legs across his. What a bed hog she grumbled to herself slumping further down on the bed.

She woke to the sound of a door slamming down the hall - the television still going, the lamp still on. Her book still rested on her stomach, her note cards now scattered around her. She glanced at her clock… one-thirty. Crap…oh well the test wasn’t until the afternoon she still had a couple of hours to study in the morning.

Nathan was still sound asleep, seemingly unmoved from his earlier position - the headphones still in his ears. She glanced at the television, some car commercial was apparently blaring in his ears at this very moment, but it was obvious from the way his eyes were shut, the peaceful look on his face, his mouth slightly open, he wasn’t hearing a thing.

She reached up and punched the T.V. off. He squirmed a little, smacking his lips lightly. She almost started giggling as his antics, but bit it back. Reaching down and gently removing the headphones from his ears, Nathan’s hand reaching up to scratch at his ear, still totally gone.

She climbed over him going down the hall to the bathroom, brushing her teeth and washing her face, before shuffling tiredly back to her room. She took in his sleeping figure for a short moment…should she wake him up and send him home…what for she decided after very little debate with herself, she didn’t want him to go.

She locked the door behind her, reaching over him to gather her wayward note cards and book – setting them back on her desk. She grabbed the long t-shirt from her drawer she usually slept in and changed, dropping her clothes haphazardly on the floor of her closet. Flipping off the lamp, yawning as she climbed over him, now trying to figure out how she was going to get under the covers with his body stretched across the bed holding everything down.

“Hey,” she whispered nudging him lightly, “hey…move so we can get under the covers,” she said a little louder.

“Hunh?” he mumbled one eye barely opening.

“Move so we can get under the covers,” she said again.

“Okay,” he mumbled again rolling to pull the covers out from under him. “Damn it’s hot in here,” he grumbled pulling his shirt off over his head tossing it on the floor before laying the sheet across him. Haley worming around, trying to get herself under the covers – it wasn’t even close to being hot as far as she was concerned.

“Are you finished wiggling around?” he mumbled.

“I think so,” she whispered laying on her side adjusting her pillow one more time.

“Sure?”

“Yep, goodnight,” she said turning her lips back for him to kiss her.

“Goodnight,” he sighed popping a kiss on her lips before wrapping his arm around her, pulling her snuggly to his chest. “I love you,” he mumbled before the light sounds of his breathing filled the room.

Haley’s eyes flew open wide at his words – darting them around in the dark. Holding her breath, waiting…waiting to see if he was going to say anything else. Take it back, stumble through an apology for his mistake…something. The only sounds she heard were those of his steady breathing. He has absolutely no idea what he just said she told herself. She couldn’t stop the little smile that crossed her lips though; the urge to giggle was almost overwhelming. Instead, she just wrapped her arms around his and fell contently to sleep.

The shrill sounds of his phone ringing jarred him awake. Running a tired hand across his face before his hand fumbled around on the floor trying to find his pants. Snatching them up he rummaged through the pocket hitting the button not much caring who it was, he just wanted the damn thing to shut up.

“Yeah,” he barely mumbled.

“Where the hell are you?” came Lucas’ agitated voice.

“I’m asleep.”

“Are you at Haley’s?”

“Mmmhmm,” he mumbled back glancing down are her sleeping figure starting to stir next to him. A small smile starting across his face as his hand rubbed down her thigh.

“Well you better wake up and get your ass down here in a hurry. The bus for the game leaves in less than thirty minutes dip shit!” Lucas bit out.

“WHAT!” he yelled sitting straight up now. “What the hell time is it?” frantically looking around for the clock. Haley pushed herself up on her elbow looking at him through clouded over eyes, blinking furiously trying to wake herself.

“It’s eight thirty-five – we leave at nine. Hurry up!” Lucas finished slamming his phone shut. “What a freakin’ idiot,” he grumbled going to Nathan’s closet pulling out his bag setting it on his bed, trying to at least give him a head start on gathering his things.

“Shit I gotta go,” grabbing up his pants pulling them up trying to get his shirt on at the same time, practically stumbling as he tried to shove his feet down in his shoes.

“What’s wrong?” she finally asked totally confused by his frantic actions.

“The bus for the game leaves at nine…damn it,” he bitched dropping on the bed trying to quickly tie his shoes.

“You know when I went to sleep you had pants on…what happened to them during the night?” she snickered beside him, flopping back on her pillow as she watched him try to get himself together.

“It’s hot in this room Haley. I had to get them off before I turned into a ball of sweat. Sorry.”

“I’m not complaining,” she smirked, “just wish I knew earlier.”

“And what would you have done about it?” he smirked back putting the finishing touches to his clothes.

“Guess you’ll never know,” she shrugged.

“Yeah okay,” he laughed. “I gotta go,” his hand sliding up her cheek laying a soft kiss on her lips. “I’ll call you when we get back. I’m sure it’ll be late.”

“You’re spot will be waiting on you,” she smiled patting the bed beside her.

“Thanks,” he smiled back leaving out the door.

Haley relaxed further into the bed, her arm stretching haphazardly across her head, a smile starting across her face as his sleepy profession of love passed through her mind again.

The door flew open, “Headphones!” he shouted jerking her unceremoniously from her thoughts.

“Here,” grabbing them off the desk tossing them across the room to him.

“Thanks,” snatching them out of the air, “see ya later, I love you,” he said without any thought, the door closing firmly behind him once again.

She didn’t stop the giggle this time. A full out laugh bursting out of her as she threw her arms triumphantly in the air, kicking her feet happily under the covers.

It wasn’t until the bus was an hour out of town, rap music beating through his headphones, his eyes closed as he tried to relax, get his mind focused on the upcoming game that it hit him. His eyes opening quickly, his brow knitting together as he tried to recall what exactly it was he’d said earlier. “Oh god,” he mumbled to himself. He’d said it alright. He was certain of it. “Oh god,” he mumbled again. That spot may not be there for me after all he thought, wanting to smack himself for his slip up.

She finally gave up around midnight and crawled into bed. He said they’d be late she just didn’t realize it would be this late. He hadn’t called…maybe he decided just to crash in his own bed, disappointed at the thought.

She was almost gone when she heard the light rap on her door, shuffling over to unlock it.

“Hey,” she smiled wrapping her arms around his neck.

“Hey,” he whispered back, his lips descending on hers, hugging her tightly to him.

“You’re later than I thought you’d be,” taking his hand leading him to her bed, crawling back in, sitting up as she pulled the covers over her legs. “You look tired.”

“Long day I guess…bus rides are a bite,” he sighed slipping off his shoes stretching out beside her.

“I listened on the radio…you played really great – as usual,” she smiled down at him her hand rubbing lightly over his chest.

“I did okay. They sucked, so it probably looked better than it really was,” he sighed closing his eyes. “We’ll see how it goes when we play NC State this weekend. They’ll be more of a challenge anyway.”

“This weekend? Here. You play them here?”

“Yeah,” he responded his voice getting softer as sleep began to set in.

“Great,” she mumbled to herself.

“Hmm?”

“Nothing. Don’t you want to get out of your clothes before you fall asleep?”

“I don’t know…think you can handle it?” he smirked up at her.

“Probably not,” she giggled back. “Roll over I’ll give you a back rub. You need it after four hours on a bus.”

“No arguments here,” he answered throwing his shirt over the chair, dropping his pants beside it, taking over the bed as he laid himself out on his stomach only covered by his plaid boxers.

“Plaid huh? Plaid never looked so good,” she laughed, slapping him on the butt before sitting on it, her hands firmly kneading his back.

“You’re good at that,” he mumbled into the pillow, his body relaxing more and more under her hands.

“One of my many hidden talents,” she whispered in his ear before popping a kiss on his cheek.

“I’m ready for you to share some more of those hidden talents,” his body shaking as he laughed beneath her.

He’d spent every night there since the first one. The small bed was beginning to feel like just the right amount of room. They stayed tangled together all night anyway, even a king size bed would have ended up with only one small worn spot.

She’d been on a cleaning binge all morning. She’d practically made cleaning that little room into an art form. She figured if she kept her hands busy it would keep her mind busy as well…it wasn’t working. Sweeping, dusting, wiping, shining, nothing left untouched. He’d started out helping her, but gave up after being fussed at for the tenth time for not doing it right, finally propping himself against the pillows watching whatever random college basketball games were being broadcast, keeping up a running, mumbling commentary to himself about everything they did wrong, the compliments few and far between.

“So I guess I’m going to head down to the arena,” he finally got up the nerve to say gathering up his things, stuffing them arbitrarily in his bag.

“Already?”

“Yeah I’m a little wound up about this one…just want to spend a little extra time warming up. Sorry I wasn’t much help, but…” he dropped off deciding it best not to point out what a witch with a B she was being.

“That’s okay. I was being a total bitch, I’m sorry,” she sighed gathering him in her arms hugging him to her, the feel of his arms comforting her.

“You alright?” he asked leaning back to get a better look at her.

“Sure I’m fine,” she sighed kissing him. “Do good.”

“Okay, I’ll see you there,” he smiled dropping another kiss on her lips.

She fell back on her bed the minute he shut the door. Not sure whether she was more disturbed by the fact he hadn’t said he loved her again since the day he randomly threw it out, or the fact that David was going to be playing tonight. The love part was creeping ahead at the moment. He must have realized what he’d said and regretted it she decided. Good thing I didn’t tell him I loved him back…it would have just added to his guilt for blurting out something he didn’t mean.

“You ready?” Greg asked from her open doorway.

“Does this look ready?” she asked holding her hands out, Greg able to see them shaking from across the room.

“Hales come on,” he sighed. “He’s going to be on the court. He’ll never know you’re there.”

“Thank God. I hope Nathan kicks his freakin’ ass all over the court,” she ground out moving quickly past him.

“Now there’s an attitude I can relate to,” he laughed.

Brooke and Peyton couldn’t keep themselves from gawking over at Haley, completely perplexed by her behavior. She was like a woman possessed - screaming her head off at every little thing that happened - yelling at the referees. Every time Nathan did something good she leapt out of her chair screaming wildly. Yelling ‘you suck’ every time number 10 from NC State screwed up – which seemed to be more frequent as the game wore on.

“What is her deal?” Brooke finally asked Greg.

“Hang on,” Greg said leaning over whispering in Haley’s ear, receiving an affirmative head shake before she jumped out of her chair again, almost knocking Greg in the head as she did.

“Number 10 for State – that’s her ex – I think she’s happy Nathan’s kicking his ass. Which makes two of us,” he chuckled.

“That’s the guy that screwed her over? He may be an ass, but he’s hot.”

“Hey now,” Greg grumped back.

“Not as hot as you of course,” she purred capturing his lips.

“You almost…almost recovered that,” he smiled kissing her again.

“YES!!” she screamed leaping out of her chair throwing her arms triumphantly in the air dancing like a crazed loon as the final buzzer sounded. They’d won by ten, and Nathan…well his little one on one competition with David wasn’t even close. He’d pretty much kicked his ass all over the court just like she’d wanted.

She and Peyton, Brooke and Greg waited around under the tunnel near the locker room after the game waiting for Jake, Lucas and Nathan. Haley couldn’t get the smile off her face.

Brooke pulled Greg down to her, whispering in his ear, Greg chuckling back at her.

“Hey Hales…we’re just gonna go okay? We’re going to go to the party at Charlie’s later. Will you be there?”

“I don’t know…maybe. Depends on what Nathan wants to do. We may have to have our own little private celebration,” she giggled.

Nathan finally made his way out of the locker room only to be surrounded by reporters wanting a quote. Haley couldn’t stop grinning at him, Nathan smiling lightly back at her over the reporters shoulders.

“Haley?” she heard the all too familiar deep voice coming up behind her, her face totally falling at the sound, her body becoming rigid at the sound of it, her hands starting to shake once again.

Peyton looked at her confused by the sudden drastic change – glancing behind her she saw a tallish guy with light brown hair – still damp from a shower -, a perfectly chiseled jaw line with at least a couple days worth of stubble on it approaching them. He had a State bag hanging off his shoulder and a half smile on his perfect lips. “Haley?” he said again.

Haley didn’t turn, seemingly frozen in place. “Haley...” Peyton said quietly nodding her head at the approaching figure. Haley cut her eyes at Peyton, giving her the slightest head shake.

“I thought that was you,” he smiled broadly coming around to stand in front of her. “Hey…how are you?” he asked sweetly reaching out to lightly brush her arm, Haley flinching away from the contact.

“Fine,” she mumbled without looking at him, her arms wrapped so tightly around her body she could almost squeeze the breath out of herself.

“So you came to the game…that’s great,” he smiled.

“Not to see you - I assure you,” she snarled giving him a hard glare.

“No…no I didn’t mean you did. I just…I’m glad you’re doing well that’s all. You like it here?”

“Yes.”

Peyton couldn’t pull her eyes from the two of them. Haley was incredibly uncomfortable, bordering on upset, it was painfully obvious. She was growing more afraid Haley was going to collapse at any moment the way her body was trembling.

David glanced over noting how Peyton was watching Haley, offering his hand to her, “David Wright,” he smiled with just about the most perfect set of white teeth Peyton had ever seen, the charm oozing from him as he gave her a firm handshake.

“Peyton,” she returned flatly.

Nathan was trying to watch the exchange as best he could, only half listening to the questions being thrown at him. Wondering what the hell David Wright was doing with Haley. She did not look happy about whatever was taking place.

“Nice to meet you Peyton. Haley can I talk to you a minute?” he asked nicely, taking Haley’s arm trying to guide her away from Peyton - Haley jerked her arm away from him, but followed slowly along with him.

“I’m really glad to see you Haley. You look great – I mean really great. I’m umm, I’m staying over tonight – with Justin – could we get together and talk? I have a lot of things I’d like to say to you Haley. Please,” he tried with another sweet smile gently rubbing her arm again.

“There’s nothing you have to say that I want to hear…and if you touch me again, I’m going to knee you right in the crotch,” she gritted out.

“Okay…no more touching,” he said throwing up his hands in surrender, smiling lightly at her. “But please let me talk to you Haley. I haven’t gotten to tell you…”

“What a prick you are?” she finished for him.

“Among other things,” he chuckled.

Jake finally strolled out of the locker room and down the tunnel, sidestepping the reporters that still had Nathan cornered, but definitely not his attention.

“What the hell?” Nathan heard Jake say as he went quickly by him, barreling right past Peyton.

“What the fuck are you doing here!” he spit out shoving David back from Haley.

“Jesus Jake take it easy,” he said gathering his footing again, adjusting his bag back up his shoulder. “We’re just talking.”

“And you’re just finished. Get the hell away from her David.”

“Or what?” he challenged back. “I don’t see bad ass Greg around to back you up Jake, I’d be careful if I were you.”

“Oh you would. I don’t need Greg to beat your ass David, I’m more than capable of doing it all by myself. Care to find out?”

David matched his glare for a moment before turning back to Haley. “Look Haley…I just want to talk. That’s it. Please hear me out.”

Haley was chewing on her lip, tucking her hair behind her ear over and over as she looked between Jake and David. She didn’t want a full blown brawl breaking out. She was torn between wishing Greg would suddenly appear and being glad he wasn’t there. The tension would have been escalated ten fold if he were there. She really didn’t want to listen to him, but she couldn’t help being curious, and the urge to say some of the things she’d had bottled up for the last several months made it very tempting.

“Hey,” she heard Nathan’s voice behind her, spinning around to him - a look of panic taking over her face.

“Hey Scott – nice game,” David greeted.

“Mmm,” Nathan grunted at him with a minimal head nod, “you ready?” he asked Haley.

“I…umm,” she stammered.

“Haley?” Jake firmly questioned.

“You ready?” Nathan asked again with growing impatience.

“Are you two….together?” David asked with an incredulous chuckle, waving his hand between Nathan and Haley.

“He’s a friend of mine – not that it’s any of your business,” she snapped at him.

Nathan’s face visibly dropped at the friend reference, biting back the gasp that threatened to spill out. Shifting annoyed on his feet, his temper rising quickly as he continued to stare down at her. Haley was getting more unnerved as the seconds dragged on - all three of them staring at her waiting for her to make some sort of decision.

“I’m umm, I’m just going to go talk to him for a little bit – I’ll catch up with you…I’ll call you when I’m done,” she said quietly - David smiling triumphantly at Nathan and Jake.

“You’ve lost your fucking mind Haley!” Jake snapped at her, bumping David as he slammed past him.

“It won’t be long,” she said quietly to Nathan who was still staring disbelievingly at her, his temper threatening to boil over.

He could barely contain his fury, holding her eyes with his, completely appalled, totally stunned by her actions, his mind in such disarray at what was transpiring it took several long moments before he could speak, his words even and cold when he finally did, “Don’t hurry. I’m sure I can find someone to occupy my time.”

Chapter 11

Jake snagged Peyton’s arm jerking her along with him as the three of them left Haley staring after them.

“Why the hell didn’t you tell me it was David Wright?” Nathan bit out at Jake, Peyton practically in a jog trying to keep up with their furious pace.

“Hell I don’t know. You said she told you, I figured she mentioned his name I guess. I didn’t know you two knew each other.”

“Damn it – I can’t believe I didn’t put it together – I knew where he was from…god I’m so stupid – damn it! Oh yeah I know him - I’ve been going to basketball camps with that sorry ass since I was fourteen – and I’ve been beating his ass on the court since I was fourteen too. He was fooling around on her alright – hell even I can testify to that,” he snorted. “If I’d known it was him, I’d have made sure he didn’t forget this game.”

“He won’t forget anyway Nathan. What’d he have…ten points, you had twenty something. How many turnovers did the dumb shit have because of you…at least eight.”

“I wasn’t talking about stats,” he gritted back. “He better hope he’s sick next time we play.”

David and Haley made their way out of the arena, the night air sending a chill right through her. She’d never longed to have Nathan’s arm around her more than she did at this moment.

“You cold?” David asked, automatically starting to reach his arm around her before realizing what he was doing and quickly jerking it back.

“I’m fine.”

“You want my jacket?” he asked starting to shrug it off.

Haley glared up at him, “No.”

“So is there a bar or club around here close we can go to?” trying to sound upbeat.

“No bars. No alcohol. There’s a Starbucks down on the corner. It’s there or nowhere.”

“Okay…that’s fine,” he said releasing a long breath.

“I can pay for my own,” she groused taking his money from the cashier shoving it back into his chest as she handed her some money from her own pocket.

“Fine,” he chuckled throwing his hands up as he moved toward a table in the corner. Suddenly remembering what a turn on a pissed off Haley was. Smiling to himself at the thought.

They sat in silence for several minutes. Haley staring absently out the window, Nathan’s last words replaying in her head over and over – ‘someone to occupy my time’…what was that supposed to mean?

She could feel his eyes on her...he was studying her…sizing her up – she knew how he worked. Deciding on what angle he’d take. Those eyes…they were pretty, or so she used to think – the most perfect shade of green – now they looked more like sludge - they didn’t even compare to Nathan’s. Nothing he had compared to Nathan – why everybody thought this ass was so hot was beyond her. He was just an ass plain and simple. Nathan could be an ass too…but in an appealing, smirky sort of way…the thought almost making a smile cross her lips. If ugly ass wasn’t still gawking at her she would have.

David couldn’t take his eyes off Haley. She was even more beautiful than the last time he’d seen her. The last time he’d seen her when she was happy anyway. She’d looked so relaxed when he’d first seen her at the arena, laughing with her friend…pure joy on her perfect face. Haley the way he preferred to remember her…before he’d screwed everything up.

“So umm, I’m really glad you like it here,” he started haltingly.

“Me too.”

“You get to see Jake and Greg a lot then?”

“Yeah.”

“That’s good. I know how special they are to you Haley.”

“Yeah.”

She wasn’t about to make this easy on him. He saw quickly the small talk wasn’t working. His attempts at creating some sort of comfort level between them were failing miserably, realizing he may as well jump right in.

“Listen Haley…I umm…I’m really sorry about everything. I never wanted it to end like it did, you have to know that. I just…I’m so, so sorry. I wouldn’t have hurt you for the world. You know how much I loved you…How much I still love you,” he said softly.

She slowly turned her head toward him. Her eyes full of rage. She would have bolted to her feet and started berating him at the top of her lungs if they hadn’t been in a public place.

“You have to be kidding me! You can’t possibly be serious,” she laughed loudly. “You have no idea what the word love means you stupid bastard. You’re only sorry you got caught! I know you were screwing around on me from the very beginning David – it didn’t just happen the one time I was lucky enough to walk in on your happy threesome…dear,” she growled at him through gritted teeth.

“I don’t know what other people have been telling you Haley, but it wasn’t quite like that. Yes, I’ll admit there were a couple of times but…”

“Don’t even,” she jumped in holding her hand up to him, “don’t even try that. I know it wasn’t a couple of times…maybe a couple hundred times. I regret so badly not seeing how you really were, wasting all that time with you. People tried to tell me what a shit you were, they tried…but I wouldn’t see it. He loves me I kept telling them. What a total idiot I was!”

“I did love you Haley – I still do,” he insisted.

“Holy shit David just…god just quit saying that! It’s just sounds so pathetic at this point. You’re such a damn liar it’s unreal. If you loved me so much how come you couldn’t keep it in your pants huh? Answer me that.”

“Haley…I…I don’t know what to say. I don’t have an answer to that. That didn’t have any affect on how I felt about you. I could still love you even though I wasn’t totally faithful to you.”

“In David world maybe - in the real world - that’s a bunch of shit! Why did you even go after me David? That’s something I’ve never been able to figure out. I didn’t run in your crowd. I wasn’t the normal big boobed, poured into my clothes slut you usually hung with. You knew I was a virgin so it couldn’t have been for the sex, unless your goal was to be my first – conquer the last standing virgin in the high school…was that it?”

“No - sex had nothing to do with it Haley. You’re a beautiful girl, you have a great personality, you’re just…so special. I really liked being around you, being part of your life…of your world – away from all the crap that followed me around,” he sighed reaching across the table to take her hand.

She glared down at his hand on hers…it used to feel so warm, so comforting to her, now the urge to puke on it was rapidly overtaking her.

She couldn’t believe the garbage he was throwing out. She began to wonder what she really had expected him to say. Maybe…not only was he sorry, but he was a worthless piece of shit – that would have been nice. A sorry excuse for a human being that would have worked…but it was the same old crap…the same tired lines. She was so wonderful, she was so great, she was so this, she was so that, blah, blah, blah, blah….blah! Yee Haw! Bring on the next girl that needs screwing! It was all she could do not to take a swing at him across the table.

“You never once tried to break yourself from your lifestyle David, so don’t give me that. You dragged me into doing what you wanted, your parties, all your David worshiping bullshit, and I just followed along like a dumb ass,” she sighed jerking her hand from beneath his. “I’m not the same naïve little girl I used to be David – you cured me of that…I…God,” she huffed frustrated with him, with herself; “You know what…this isn’t getting you or me anywhere. Sitting here with you…god – it’s making me sick…I…I can’t take it…I’ve gotta go. Have a nice life David,” shaking her head in dismay at the completely clueless ass he still was, rolling her eyes as she shoved her chair back.

“So…you and Nathan Scott have a thing going or what?” he tossed out at her, unable to stop the smartass tone from pouring out of him as he leaned back in his chair folding his hands behind his head.

“It’s none of your business.”

“He didn’t look too happy when you called him your ‘friend’,” he chuckled recalling amused Nathan’s stricken expression.

“I don’t know why, he is my friend.”

“That’s it?”

“Not that you deserve an answer…but no that’s not it. I’m in love with him.”

“With Nathan Scott?” letting go a hearty disbelieving laugh. “Oh my god - come on Haley…can’t stay away from basketball players or something. Or maybe it’s just players you can’t resist.”

“Kind of like you? Nathan’s not a player David. He loves me.”

“Oh…okay…sure. Whatever Haley. I’ve known Nathan for a few years Haley. We’ve gone to basketball camp together several times. He’s always been really popular with the girls Hales. Even at like…oh maybe fourteen or fifteen the college girls were just eating him up. I’d even be willing to bet he lost it to one of them.”

“And I’m willing to bet he didn’t have a trusting, dumb ass of a girlfriend waiting for him at home while he was with those girls…unlike the total bastard I’m looking at right now!”

“Call me when he breaks your heart Haley…maybe we can give it another shot – I won’t make the same mistakes next time – I promise... I’m sure he’s not what you think he is either Hales…it’s going to end with another one of life’s lessons sugar…mark my words,” he winked smiling at her.

“You’re so pathetic it’s comical,” she chuckled starting to walk away, “oh,” she turned back, “speaking of lessons…you may want to get a few more basketball lessons. Nathan so kicked your ass tonight…you kind of suck at basketball you know that, of course…basketball isn’t the only thing he’s better at than you,” she laughed, walking away, feeling free, feeling the weight lifting off of her more with each step…finally feeling as if she was leaving him completely behind her.

Okay, so that last crack may have left him with the wrong impression but… good she giggled to herself. She moved away as fast as her legs would carry her - half trying to get as much distance from David as she could, half trying to warm herself from the cold night air. She pulled out her phone punching Nathan’s number…it immediately rolled to voice mail. Trying Jake’s next, getting the same thing. She wasn’t about to just go sit in her room waiting for him to call her, waiting for him to show up. His words once again clamoring through her head ‘someone to occupy my time…someone…someone’. He better not she grumbled to herself.

She made her way to this elusive Charlie’s house. She’d never been there, but Nathan had pointed it out to her once. It was just a couple blocks off campus. She broke into a jog headed that direction.

It was impossible to miss, the people practically hanging from the rafters it was so crowded. She eyed everyone outside not seeing him or any of the others. Squeezing her way into the house, surprised to find it somewhat less crowded than the yard seemed to be. Drunks must like it cold she marveled.

Greg was the first one to spot her, leaving Brooke standing alone baffled, as he grabbed Haley’s arm pulling her quickly aside.

“Where the fuck have you been?” he demanded.

“At Starbucks,” she snapped back, “let go of me Bear!” swatting his hand off her.

“You went off with him?”

“Just to talk Greg, that’s it.”

“What in the hell could you possibly have to say to him Haley? I couldn’t believe it when Jake told me what you did. I couldn’t believe you could be that stupid! What’s it going to take for you to learn?”

“Don’t call me stupid! I had some unfinished business with him Greg, and now I don’t. I said what I had to say and I left. That’s it!”

“You…god you piss me off Haley! All that you went through, all that all of us went through with you, and you actually took minutes out of your life to talk to him…to listen to him. There was nothing worthwhile he had to say to you - I know that - and I wasn’t even there. What - you just want to stare at his pretty face again? You’re crazy you know that! Shit Haley…you don’t even deserve Nathan,” he snorted turning his back on her walking away.

“Don’t you say that to me!” she yelled giving him a hard shove in the back. “I do to deserve him!”

“Then act like it!” he yelled wheeling around on her. Almost the whole room was staring at them now. “You’ve got a lot of making up to do after what you pulled Haley! You hurt him pretty bad…’friend’ my ass. That’s pitiful. Why don’t you wake the fuck up Haley and tell the guy you love him already. Friend? Shit,” he huffed waving a dismissive hand at her, throwing his arm around Brooke guiding her away from Haley. Brooke turned her head back toward Haley’s fuming figure, pointing behind Greg’s back toward the other room.

She saw him in there right away. Propped up on a barstool leaning back against the bar – holding his glass behind his head as some guy behind the bar poured something other than beer into it, taking a long drink when he pulled it back down. A girl was hanging on his left, another on his right, one standing between his legs, her hands running up and down his chest as Nathan smiled at her, all of them laughing along with him.

Haley stalked up behind her folding her arms across her chest glaring at the lot of them. Nathan’s view blocked by the girl all up in his face.

“If you want to keep your hand - you better get it off of him right now,” she snarled.

“Excuse me?” the girl said slowly turning her head, her eyes looking Haley up and down, the other girls starting to snicker beside him.

“You heard me.”

“And who the hell do you think you are?” the girl challenged, turning around staying between Nathan’s legs, laying her back against his chest, her hands now rubbing up and down his thighs.

“Oh this is my FRIEND Haley – hi friend,” Nathan chirped cheerfully, giving her a childlike wave, smiling as he raised his glass to her.

Haley cut her eyes at Nathan before focusing back on the girls, her eyes drifting down to her hands still rubbing on his thighs. “I said get your hands off him…slut!”

“Listen shrimp, he’s not objecting, so I guess you just need to move on…friend.”

“Move it!” Haley yelled grabbing her by the arm giving her a fierce jerk away from Nathan, sending the girl stumbling out into the room, spinning around getting herself set for the retaliation.

“You little bitch!” the girl yelled back lunging at Haley. Haley blocked her attempt, shoving her out into the room again, taking a step toward her before Nathan wrapped his arm around her waist holding her back.

“Jesus Haley…settle down!”

“Let…me…go!” she bit out trying to squirm out of his grasp. Nathan lifted her off the ground as he held her tighter.

“What are you doing Haley…stop it!”

“Put me down!” she yelled, giving him a hard elbow to the stomach as she squirmed harder.

“Ow…crap Haley! That’s it!” he growled wrapping both arms around her waist, lifting her higher off the ground as he carried her out of the room - Haley still squirming and fussing at him to let her go the whole way.

“God lord look at that,” Peyton laughed watching Nathan carting Haley across the room with her squirming like a cat trapped in a bag.

“Yep…that’s a version of Haley I know well,” Jake laughed with a shrug.

He carried her all the way out of the house and half way down the block before setting her down with a thud, taking a deep breath trying to calm himself, catch his breath as he did. Haley tightly folded her arms across her chest pacing furiously around in a circle.

“You hit me!” he finally blew out.

“I elbowed you…there’s a difference. If you’d put me down like I was asking you to, I wouldn’t have done that!”

“You were acting like a complete crazy person; I was trying to keep you from getting in some…some hair pulling, bitch slapping fight!”

“I could have taken her…I didn’t need your help!”

“You could have taken her…that’s so comforting,” he snorted. “What in the hell did you think you were doing Haley?”

“She was touching you…and by the way - WHY were you letting her touch you?”

“I told you I could find someone to occupy my time…she volunteered,” he shrugged matter of factly. “I needed to do something while you were off reminiscing with your ex-boyfriend…I mean - assuming he’s still your ex. Who you didn’t bother to tell me just happened to be DAVID WRIGHT!”

“I didn’t keep his name from you on purpose Nathan. I actually didn’t even realize I’d never said his name. On top of the fact that how in the HELL was I supposed to know you knew him? Although he was so kind as to tell me he knew you from basketball camp…where everyone apparently had a hell of good time screwing all the college girls!” she yelled.

“Him included!” he barked back.

“I had no doubt he was first in line Nathan, but thanks for confirming it for me!” she yelled louder.

“You’re welcome!” he came back ever louder.

She couldn’t stop the pacing…back and forth, round and round. Stopping every so often to throw her hands on her hips and glare at him, before huffing and starting up again. Nathan never took his eyes off her – she was possessed he was convinced of it – he was afraid to look away – she might leap on him and start pummeling him at any moment.

“Why did you tell him I was your friend?” he asked quietly.

“Well for one thing you are my friend…”

“That’s it? That’s all I am to you Haley, a friend?” frustrated, unable to hide the hurt in his voice.

“No - you know you’re more than that to me. I don’t know why I said ‘friend’. I didn’t mean it like just… ‘friend’, but I also didn’t think you and me were any of his business. I don’t want him knowing anything about me. Period.”

“Then why’d you go with him?”

“A – I didn’t want him and Jake, or you and him, getting into some brawl…”

“Oh…kind of like the one you started a few minutes ago?” he retorted with a huff.

“And B - ,” she emphasized with an exaggerated eye roll, “I had some things I wanted to say to him. I think I told you before there were some things I’d like to say to him and I did…so I’m done. Finished. I feel much better…I have nothing more to say to the asswipe… And C – I told him about us.”

“Meaning what? We’re really, really good friends?” the sarcasm evident.

“Meaning…I told him we were together. I told him I was in love with you.”

“What?”

“I love you Nathan,” she repeated with a light smile and a little shrug.

“Couldn’t you have told me first?” fighting off the smile.

“Probably…but I was kind of afraid to.”

“Afraid? Why would you be afraid?”

“Because you told me you loved me the other day…really quick like – and you haven’t said it since – so I thought maybe you didn’t mean it – like maybe it just sort of accidentally slipped out or something. I didn’t want to pressure you…make you feel bad if you didn’t feel the same way – if it had been a mistake so I just kept quiet.”

“Haley…,” he sighed frustrated with himself. “Crap…I’m sorry. I know I just blurted it out the other day. I had no intention of telling you like that. I wanted to hit myself after I realized what I’d done. I wanted to say it when the moment was right…do it all romantic like or something. Not just spit it out and run off like I did. You didn’t say anything about it when I got back so I thought maybe you didn’t hear me or wished you didn’t,” he smiled. “I was just getting up the nerve again, waiting for that…moment – although I’m such a bumbler I don’t think I’d recognize the moment if it hit me right between the eyes…”

“What’s wrong with this moment?” she asked softly.

He smiled stepping forward, wrapping his arms around her waist pulling her to him, “I love you Haley. I do. I really do love you a lot,” dipping down to kiss her - Haley placing her fingers across his lips.

“Just a minute. We’re not quite done with our fight.”

“What?” his head falling back groaning with frustration.

“She was touching you. You let her touch you.”

“Haley…she wasn’t touching me. She was just…messing around – wait - that doesn’t sound right…she was just flirting with me. No big deal.”

“When I see a girl running her hands up and down your chest or rubbing your thighs, it’s a big deal Nathan. I don’t like it.”

“I think she got the message,” he laughed.

“Did you?”

“Yes…I got it. No more touching by random girls – I got it. Now can I kiss you please?”

“You may,” she smiled.

Chapters 12 - 13

1 - 3 :: 4 - 7 :: 8 :: 9 :: 10 :: 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