Abiding Antiquity
Chapter 1
"I liked the pink one better," said the brunette as she zipped up her dress, yet again. She straightened out the fabric of the skirt and she smiled, causing the dimples on her face to resurface as she walked over to the full-length mirror on the wall of the exclusive boutique, Mes Amour. She did a little twirl, and watched as the skirt seemed to flow. She was more into the sexy look these days, but the serenity of this dress just got to her. It flowed, and it reminded her of the waves on the beach. It was so natural, hell she could have walked into the party without any makeup and still look ravishing, not that she was saying that she would do that.
She definitely liked this one, it hugged her curves perfectly. It accentuated all of the stuff she well wanted to emphasize. She let her hands daintily rest upon her waist. She titled her head, causing a few stray hairs to fall in her eyes and she stared at her reflection a bit longer. She liked how the blue made her look, peaceful, it made her feel a sense of tranquility and it looked stunning. Her quest was over, she had found the dress she was searching for.
"What do you think?" she asked as she turned around, and posed for her other two friends.
"Huh?" questioned the blonde, who pulled open the red drape separating her from the mirrors.
She stepped out in a glamorous emerald number. She looked at the other one nervously and smoothed down the soft fabric of the dress. She then looked up at the other and winked. They both chuckled and went on to analyze themselves in the mirror, once again. They twirled and posed, making sure that the dress molded to their every curves. They had to look perfect for what was going to be the most extravagant party in Tree Hill, this year at least.
"I'm coming out, beware," called out a soft voice, from the other side of one of the red drapes.
Then the curtain was quickly pulled away to reveal an auburn haired girl, in an elegant, black beauty. The bottom of the dress trailed behind her slowly as she walked up to the other two. The top of the dress clung to her tightly, and the bottom flowed down gracefully. She watched both of their faces for any expression, but got none. Taking it as a hint, she turned around and started to walk back.
"That's The One," squealed Brooke.
Haley turned back around, and looked at her with a confused countenance. She slowly walked back to the other two, who just looked at her and smiled.
"That, right there, my dear Haley, is the dress that is 'the one'. The one dress that makes you look absolutely astonishing, and you will never find another one like it. You have found 'the one' that is yours," said Brooke, as she marveled at the beauty of the dress.
Brooke looked at Peyton for some back up.
"But are you sure? I mean" started Haley.
"She's right, buy it right now, or Brooke will, or hell even I will," said Peyton.
"Okay I will get it," she gently smiled and walked back in to change back into her clothes.
"Okay well Peyton, unlike some people", Brooke let her voice raise an octave, "I don't know if I have found my one. So tell me. To buy the dress or to not buy the dress is the question."
"To buy," she concluded, after a while of staring at the dress.
"Well since that matter is solved, what about you?" questioned Brooke, looking Peyton over once more.
"I don't know…" pondered Peyton.
"I say you buy it, cause it looks amazing on you."
"Why thank you best friend." Peyton said as she did a little curtsy.
"No problem."
All three of the girls changed back into their normal clothes and walked back out of the changing rooms. They carried their dresses in their hands and walked to the counter.
"So what now?" asked Peyton, as they handed the cashier their credit cards.
They picked up their dresses and walked to Brooke's car.
"I feel caffeine deprived, I want to go to get coffee," whined Brooke.
"Karen's it is, I have to meet you know who there anyway," Haley said, as her face lit up.
"Oh god, I am so not in the mood to watch you and my brother make out," groaned Peyton.
"Well you don't really have to watch." suggested Haley, as if it were the most sensible thing.
"True," said Peyton as she shrugged.
They got into Brooke's car and turned the radio on. Brooke practically tripled the speed limit to get to Karen's. They reached there in record time. The three girls stepped out of the car, and walked in unison to the café door, hips swinging and all. As Brooke said "if ya don't swing it, ya havta wing it". The other two never really got that concept, but it beat asking Brooke to explain it.
The café doors jingled as they walked in. Brooke inhaled the scent of fresh coffee, and instantly, a dazzling smile broke out on her face. An elder brunette came out of the kitchen, with a warm smile on her face. It seemed as though she was expecting their arrival. He kind eyes lit up with happiness and she saw the trio. Karen sighed, wondering how they grew up so fast. She got out a notepad and took their orders, already knowing what they wanted. Haley went behind the counter to help her out, granted she wasn't on duty now, but she never minded helping Karen. Karen had been like a second mother to all of them. She had practically raised the girls since their parents started going of those long trips of theirs. She was the one who would bake them fresh chocolate ship cookies for their school fund raiser. Karen was the one who would embrace them in a warm, loving hug when they needed a mother. She was their mother, and no one would deny that. She carried with her a sense of tranquility, of wisdom, of love, and of understanding. She was all that their mothers wanted, and they respected Karen a lot for being there for them. She was all they never had.
Haley brought out their coffee and food, and placed it on the counter, and went over to the other side and sat down on one of the wooden stools.
"Ok so here's the checklist," said Haley, as she pulled it out of her bag and stole a fry from Peyton.
"Not again make it stop Peyton!" screamed Brooke, while covering her ears, dramatically.
"Haley honey, maybe you should take a break. You have been planning your parent's anniversary party for months. Take a break sweetie," said Karen with a warm smile.
"I for one agree," whispered a masculine voice In Haley's ear.
She giggled and turned around, wrapping her arms around the intruder and sweetly kissed him.
"Hey baby, what's up?" she asked, as he gently wrapped his arms around her.
"Nothing much, just missed you. And damn have you been busy" he chuckled, as he inhaled her strawberry sweet scent.
"I know, I'm sorry, but I promise I'll make it up to you later" she grinned, with a little glint in her eyes.
"See now that's the spirit." he smirked.
"My ears! Oh my ears!" screamed Peyton.
"Tis true, if y'all feel the need to ya know", she winked, "please get the hell away from us," added Brooke, smiling.
"Come on Hales," he joked as he took her hand and started to lead her out.
"Stop," Haley said blushing and playfully hitting him lightly on his strong, well-defined chest.
He chuckled and wrapped his arms around her, and rested his head on her shoulder.
"So I got a new dress today," she said as they sat down in one of the booths.
"Peyton and Brooke said that it was my 'the one'. Whatever the hell that is…" she laughed.
"You look beautiful in everything, babe," he said as he leaned in and kissed her.
"Ok, so stop telling me that I'm beautiful, cause I know I am", she winked and giggled, "but truthfully, did you pick out something to wear? The party is in what two days."
"Don't worry, I have it covered. It's going to be perfect I promise."
"I'm so tired," she sighed, and rested her head on his chest.
"I know Hales, maybe you should go home and get some rest or something. You've really been stressing about this party. And I'm sure everyone knows how long and hard you have worked on it. So try to relax Hales," he said concerned, as he ran his hands through her silky hair.
She closed her eyes and sighed while she relaxed against his chest. They sat there for a few minutes, calm and relaxed in each other's embrace. They were content, basking in each others' company.
"I just want it to be perfect. Mom and dad haven't been home for so long. And then suddenly out of nowhere they tell me that they want to do something big for their anniversary.", she starts tracing patterns on his chest with her finger, "Obviously it's dumped on me, since no one else wants to do it. And I want them to love it, so maybe next time they might, like, remember my birthday or think before they leave for another trip maybe they might consider staying next time. I just want it all to go smoothly, then I can be relaxed, and maybe feel accomplished to some sense," she said looking up at him, looking for understanding in his eyes.
"Haley, you shouldn't have to do anything for them to appreciate you, if they don't then it's their loss. Because then they are just missing out on you," he said as he pulled her closer, sincerity clearly visible in his eyes. It hurt him to see her getting this affected by her parents lack of presence. She was an amazing person, it was time that someone let her know that.
"Thanks," she whispered as her eyes glazed over with tears.
"C'mere," he says as he kisses her sensually, and softly. They both pull away with small smiles visible on their lips. And then the moment was gone...
"Well, I have to get home, and finish up the final touches and all"
"Okay," he said as he grabbed a hold of her and pushed her closer to him, their body heat radiating. "Just promise me that you won't tire yourself out," he sweetly voiced as he looked at her with his metallic eyes in sincerity.
"I promise." she replied silently as she stared into his memorizing eyes.
"Good," he smiled and said.
"Aren't you all sweet, what happened to the bad Peyton's brother that had me crushing on him?" she raised her eyebrows, and teasingly asked.
"You changed him," he said sincerely while looking into her eyes with such intensity.
She smiled and hugged him once more, absorbing some of his warmth. They both got up, fingers entwined and content smiles placed upon their faces. They walked towards her car slowly breathing in the moment.
"Do you really have to go?" he pouted, as he refused to let go of her hand.
"Yes, Derrek I really have to go" she confirmed, trying to fight back a smile.
"You could take me with you and I can help you," he suggested, hopefully.
"Yea see your help, is good, definitely good, but I won't get anything accomplished." she said regretfully.
"But I will," he joked as he pulled her to him.
"Aren't we in a touchy-feely mood today Mr. Sawyer." teased Haley, lightly poking his chest with her finger.
"Always babe."
"So are you sure?" he asked as he captured her lips, once more before she could answer.
Haley reluctantly pulled away, "You're evil", she mumbled.
"That I am," he mumbles as he starts nibbling on her neck.
"PDA!" screamed Brooke and Peyton, who walked towards them, their arms hooked.
"I thought you left lil' sis, and lil' sis's lil' friend." he said faking irritation.
"We ain't so lil' boy, watch your words" responded Brooke, trying to act all strong.
"As much as I hate to go, I really have to go you guys," said Haley, reluctantly pulling away from Derrek slightly.
"Okay babe, I'll call you later," said Derrek as he detached himself from her and gave her a light kiss on the forehead.
She smiled and waved at the other two. She got in her car and speed towards home. In about five minutes she pulled up into the parking lot, and she just looked at the house.
The lights were off.
'Empty…again,' she thought.
She inserted the key into the lock. It clicked and the door swung open. She just looked in for a minute, it didn't feel like home at all. Dark, quiet, empty. EMPTY. Why was it so empty? Why was it consumed by darkness? Why was she consumed by the darkness that resides within? A cold breeze passed and she slightly shivered and wrapped her arms around her. The house had an eerie feel to it. Haunted, almost.
It wasn't that the house was not well furnished, but it wasn't comforting, from its marble floors, to its expensive paintings on the walls. It didn't have the same air of comfort and safety that Karen's home held. It was beautiful but empty, a void, that proceeded to suck her into it, everyday.
She finally walked past the threshold and found herself consumed by the sadness of the house, it just effected her greatly. There was just something there that made her sorrowful. She was encased by it everyday. She looked at the lavishly designed home, it was so beautiful, yet so ugly.
She walked around the house, finding it silent everywhere, she wandered into the kitchen grabbed a bottle of water and then went to her room. She turned on her cd player and started re-checking stuff for the party. She grabbed the cordless and comfortably situated herself on the bed, and lay her bed back on the many pillows. It was only then that she realized that her trusty planner was missing. She let out a little breath of frustration and started searching for her planner. She could have sworn that she had carefully placed it on the center of her bed. Well she was wrong.
She frantically started looking for it, it had all the information that she needed! She couldn't lose it, she would be "screwed", so to speak. She went on a crazy rampage and started searching in every place accessible in her room. She went through all of her oak drawers, of her desk. No result. Finally she ventured into the closet where she looked at the shelves. And a slight glimmer caught her eye. It was a jewelry box, and laying atop it was her planner. She let out a sigh and reached up to get it. She stretched and went up on her toes and finally her fingers grazed the material of the box. She pulled at it and it came down, as well as her. She landed with a little thump.
She groaned and looked at the object in her hand. She looked at it antique designed and all of the gems embedded in it. She didn't even remember ever owning this. She let her fingers glide across its surface slowly, decided to discover whatever was hidden within.
She slowly unclasped the bronze lock and opened it up slowly, careful not to miss a detail. It was rare times, when you came across uncharted objects in one's room. There, in the middle of the box was a necklace. It lay in all its glory, looking still like the day it was bought. She hadn't seen it for years, it probably wasn't meant to be seen for years.
They say that as time passes wounds heal. But what about the scars that are left behind? For those will never be forgotten, but just a reminder of your mind boggling idiocy, or someone else's. And then there were just some wounds that refused to heal, because everyday was a constant reminder of the past, one which you could not escape. Sometimes amnesia seemed like a better option. Yet such novelties were hard to come across.
Her hand automatically went to pick it up. She carefully lifted up the chain and the pendant which was attached to it. She held it up and it looked elegant, and the way the light reflected off of it made it even more memorizing, just like the first day she had seen it. It lay on a plush little red cushion in the window of an exclusive jewelry store. It shone the brightest out of all the others, and it just appealed to the eye. It wasn't too glamorous, it was simple, yet gorgeous in its own way. She remembered that they were just walking around the mall, talking, holding hands. She it had just stopped her in her tracks. Hew pretended to not notice the sparkle in her eyes as she eyed it, but he did. He surprised her the next day. He had remembered, he bought it and wrapped it up and brought it to her. She still remembered the feel of his hands on her skin as he put the necklace on her, the warmth that radiated off of him. She remembered the scent that lingered around, even after her left. She remembered Nathan, and that was the problem, because she wasn't supposed to.
"Nathan..." she quietly said out loud, as a wave of gloominess consumed her. She stared at the necklace and her eyes glazed over with tears, as salt was sprinkled over the wounds. It stung, it hurt. It wasn't meant to be, she told herself once more.
Her phone suddenly started to vibrate, breaking her out of her trance. She inhaled a deep breath and let it out, feeling herself calm down a bit. She picked up the phone and saw that it was Derrek, Derrek she reminded herself, not Nathan.
Not anymore...not again.
"Hey, sexy" she giggled and said.
"Are you done yet? Cause I'm thinking movies us, darkness, and well you get the idea" he said.
"Sure come on over" she said grateful for a distraction.
"That's good, because I'm right outside" he chuckled.
Haley walked downstairs, and opened the door and waved him in. He smirked and walked in, with food and movies.
"You couldn't resist the charm could you?" he asked, still grinning like a fool.
"Nope, I just keep you around for the free food" she teased and grabbed the bag of food from his hands.
"That's harsh" he said feigning hurt, and holding a hand up to his heart.
"Aww poor baby, did I hurt your big ass ego"
"Just a lil'" he replied, holding up his fingers a quarter inch apart.
"Oh how can I ever make up for the pain that I have inflicted upon you?" she said, putting her finger on her chin.
"Like this" he said attacking her lips.
The kiss started slow and easy, as both of their lips slowly met again and again, but the intensity soon started to escalate, as both of their lips melded together. Haley dropped the bag from her hand and wrapped her arms around his neck hungrily pulling him closer. She felt that she couldn't get close enough, she wanted more..she needed him.
The bag fell with a little thud, and the food spilled out, but none of them noticed.
He wrapped his arms around her waist and started to lift her up. Taking the hint, she gladly wrapped her legs around him, and he hoisted her up. He started to maneuver them up the stairs carefully. He moved left, then right, trying to focus on the task at hand, which was hard. Haley was distracting him, with her planting wet little butterfly kisses all over his neck. He stopped a moment to look at her, and when she realized that all movement had ceased, she looked up at him, and started to blush. He brought his lips down to hers for a sweet kiss and then started to go up the stairs again, this time with a certain urgency. And succeed he did.
They got up to her room and Derrek kicked the door closed, and put her lightly down on her feet. He smiled at her and just observed her. He face was flushed and her lips swollen from their hungry kisses. Her hair was disheveled and he clothes wrinkled. Yet it seemed as though she was the most beautiful thing to him, illuminating her distinct glow. His eyes drank her in, as they both stood there breathing heavy.
"I should hurt your ego more often" she joked.
"Definitely", he responded as he pulled her closer and they engaged in a searing kiss.
The thoughts of the food were discarded, as well as the thoughts of Nathan. For now...
