Brief Character Description (You still still read the first part of the story to understand the story line):
Haley: Duke University student, just transfered in as a sophmore. Tutor and cheerleader at school. Roommates are Brooke and Steph. Dating Nathan. Her parents are Lydia and James, her brother is Lucas. She works at the cafe when home, her mother owns cafe. Cousins are Lindsey and Mia.
Nathan: Freshman at Duke University, should be a sophmore but in high school and switched to a private school for basketball, was held back a grade. On the basketball team. Dating Haley. From Charleston. One sister, Shelly. His parents are Karen and Keith, however Dan is his real dad.
Brooke: Sophmore at Duke, cheers with Duke. Roommates with Haley and Steph at school. Dating Chase. Her ex-boyfriend is Chris. Her parents are getting a divorce and moving away so she is moving into Haley's house when they aren't at school. One sister, Sam.
Chase: Freshman at Duke. Roommates with Nathan at school. Dating Brooke.
Lucas: Senior at Tree Hill High. Planning on going to Duke next year. Loves basketball. One sister, Haley. Cousins with Lindsey and Mia. Dating Peyton.
Peyton: Freshman in college in LA. Dating Lucas. Cousins at Brooke and Sam.
Sam: Sohphmore at Tree Hill High. Brooke's sister. Lives in the James house since her parents moved away and got a divorce. Really close friends with Chris since Brooke dated him, he's like a brother to her.
Lindsey: Senior at Tree Hill High. Works at the cafe with Haley. Cousins with Haley and Lucas, sister is Mia. Parents are Deb and Andy. Dating Jake.
Jake: Taking a few classes at Tree Hill community college. Has a three year old daughter names Jenny. Dating Lindsey. Best friends with Haley.
Steph: Nathan's best friends, good friends with Haley's friends now. Transfered to Duke as a sophmore. Cheers and is on the girls basketball team. Roommates with Haley and Brooke.
Rachel: Sophmore in college at a different college. Cheers at her school. Best friends with Haley, Brooke, and Peyton. On and off dating with Owen. From Tree Hill.
Chris: Brooke's ex boyfriend. Still good friends with Brooke's friends. 21 year old musican.
Anna: Sophmore in college in Florida. Good friends with Haley.
Shelly: Nathan's sister. Parents are Karen and Keith. Junior in high school in Charleston. Good friends with Haley. Dating Marcus.
Marcus: Freshman at Duke. Dating Shelly.
Felix: 21 goes to Tree Hill community college. One of Jake's best friends. Dating Heidi.
Heidi: One of Haley's best friends. Works at the cafe with her, her mother is part owner with Haley's mom. Sister names Allyson who works with them. Dating Felix.
About three months have passed since that day at court. First semester is almost over, there is only one week left before winter break. The boys and girls basketball team both won their championship games. The cheerleading competition is in a week and a half just after Christmas during winter break.
It was saturday morning and Haley had decided to let herself sleep in. She rolled over to face the clock it was already eleven o'clock. She climbed out of bed and grabbed her robe to put it on. Nathan had slept over the night before but woke up earlier told her he was going to play basketball with Lucas. Lucas was visiting for the weekend to watch the boys championship basketball team. He was also meeting the basketball coach and taking a tour of the school since he was planning on attending Duke next year. Haley then made her way out of her room and into the bathroom to shower and get ready. About an hour later Haley was ready and watching tv, Steph and Brooke were now up watching tv with her.
"I can't believe this semester is almost over.." Steph stated.
"I personally can't wait to go home and see everyone." Brooke said. "Even though I am going to miss you." She said looking at Steph.
"I know what are we going to do without you across the hall.." Haley added.
"I'm going to miss you guys too"
"You need to promise to come visit. Just come with hot shot." Brooke said grinning.
"I definately will." Steph agreed.
"I should really study for finals." Haley whined standing up but Brooke pulled her back onto the couch.
"How about we order a pizza and eat..then you can study." Brooke suggested. Haley hesitated at first but then agreed.
"Yeah, sure.."
"I'll go get the pizza menu out of my room." Brooke said jumping up going into her room as someone knocked on the door.
"It's probably the boys...all though I don't know why they are knocking." Haley said standing up. "I'll get it." Haley said making her way to the door opening it. She screamed when she saw who was on the other side of the door.
"Hey." The person said.
"Peyton!" Haley exclaimed. "What are you doing here?" Haley asked looking at her. She had a huge suitcase behind her and a duffle bag on her arm. Haley was so shocked to see her since no one was even sure she was going to make it home for the holidays with her crazy work schedule.
"I hated LA." Peyton said weakly dropping her bag on the ground as Haley pulled her into a hug.
"Haley why the hell are you screaming--" Brooke said but stopped when she saw who was at the door.
"Peyton!" Brooke said racing over to her to give her a hug.
"I missed you guys." Peyton said.
"Come in!" Haley gestured taking the suitcase from her as Brooke grabbed the other bag leading her to the couch.
"Hey Steph." Peyton said sitting down.
"Hi. How are you?" Steph asked.
"I'm much better now." Peyton answered.
"Peyton, what are you doing here?" Brooke asked. "I didn't think you were going to make it home."
"Neither did I." Peyton said pausing. "I hated LA. I was so alone there. Don't get me wrong I loved what I was doing but I hated being away from home, you guys, and Luke."
"Does Lucas know your here?" Haley asked.
"Not yet." Peyton answered.
"Did you know he's here visitng for the weekend?" Brooke asked.
"I did. I talked to your mom, Haley. She knows I'm here." Peyton said.
"My mom knows your here?" Haley asked confused.
"Yeah." Peyton told them. "I dropped out of school."
"YOU DID WHAT?!?!" Haley and Brooke both yelled at once.
"I dropped out." Peyton said simply. "I enrolled in a music school close by. I am also the new manager of Tric. I don't have to be all the way in LA to follow my dreams." Peyton told them smiling.
"Your home for good?" Brooke asked as Peyton nodded. She then pulled her cousin in for a hug. "Good. I miss you."
"I missed you guys too." Peyton said. "Now where is my boyfriend?"
"Playing basketball with Nathan." Haley answered. "They should be home any minute." Almost as if on command the dorm door opened.
"We've back." Lucas said going over to the fridge immediately without even looking in the living room.
"Luke, we have a huge surprise for you!" Brooke said happily.
"Oh yeah, what?" Lucas said placing a water bottle in his mouth drinking water.
"Hey baby." Peyton said finally speaking making Lucas choke on his water and spit it out. Everyone laughed. "Miss me?" Lucas didn't even speak he just ran over to her and hugged her. He then lifted her up and spun her around kissing her as he placed her back on the floor. The rest of them watched smiling at how cute they were. They both broke apart breathless. "I take that as a yes." Peyton said laughing.
"I missed you so much but what are you doing here." Lucas asked.
"I dropped out of school." Peyton told him. "I hated LA, mostly because you weren't there."
"Peyton..." Lucas started, he missed her but he didn't want her to give up her dream. She placed her hand on his mouth silencing him.
"I am transfering to a local music school. I talked to your mom and I am going to be the new manager of Tric." Peyton explained, Lucas just removed her hand from his mouth and kissed her with all the passion he could.
"I love you." He said breaking away.
"I love you too." Peyton answered.
"That was one of the top most romantic things I have EVER seen!" Brooke exclaimed before turning to Nathan and Haley. "Naley you guys have some competition." Everyone just laughed.
It was one week later. Finals were now over and everyone was heading home for winter break. Haley was stressing on how she did on her finals, her grades wouldn't be posted for another 3 days. Her and Brooke were just pulling up in her driveway in their seperate cars, since they both took a car to school. They hadn't been home since the court date. Getting out of the car Haley went to her trunk to start taking out her bags.
"Peyton's here." Haley said looking at Brooke who was also taking out her stuff.
"I know. I can't wait to see everyone." Brooke said giddily.
"Well you saw Peyton and Lucas like what a week ago." Haley said laughing.
"Yeah but I wanna see everyone else." Brooke said grabbing two bags out of her trunk.
"I don't think my parents are home." Haley said looking around for their cars but didn't see them. Haley then looked over to see she had at least three more bags.
"Brooke! How much stuff did you bring?" She exclaimed laughing.
"All of my clothes." Brooke said grinning as she shrugged her shoulders. Haley simply rolled her eyes. "What?! What if I wanted to wear something and it was at school that would sucks!" Brooke said completely serious as Haley laughed.
"Okay tigger let's go inside." Haley said taking her two large bags and carrying them inside. "I'm home!" Haley yelled coming through the door. "Lucas! Peyton! You here?" Haley called shutting the door.
"Sam!" Brooke yelled but got no answer.
"Well that's wierd." Haley said as they made their way upstairs.
"Took you girls long enough." A voice said from in front of them, they both looked up. Standing in front of them Rachel leaning against the wall outside of Lucas' room.
"Rach." Haley said happily as she and Brooke went to hug her.
"We missed you!" Brooke said as they all hugged.
"Hey! Wait for me!" Peyton said coming out of no where joinging the hug. Finally they all broke apart.
"Where's Luke and my parents?" Haley asked.
"Your parents are at work. Lucas is in his room. Go on in." Peyton answered as she pushed Haley and Brooke into Lucas' room. Once through the door they saw Anna, Lindsey, Jake, and even baby Jenny.
"What are you guys all doing here?" Haley asked happily going to hug them as Brooke did the same.
"Where's Sam?" Brooke asked.
"She was at work. I think she called Chris to pick her up." Lindsey told her.
"Is Chris around a lot?" Brooke asked hoping he wasn't.
"He's there for her, gives her rides and stuff or just when she needs someone." Lindsey told her. "He stops by the cafe a lot just to see how she's doing."
"That's really nice of him." Brooke whispered.
"He's a good guy." Haley commented.
"There is also another boy who sees her a lot." Lindsey said smiling.
"Who?" Brooke asked.
"Jack!" Lindsedy exclaimed. "They are so cute." Lindsey commented. "I think they might be dating."
"Really? My lil sis has a boyfriend." Brooke exclaimed.
"She says they are only friends but it's obvious." Peyton told her. Lucas however sat there not saying anything just looking down. He obviously had something on his mind.
"Lucas what's the matter?" Haley asked. "You look like you want to say something but your not..."
"Nope. Nothing.." He said quickly as Brooke gave him a death glare.
"Lucas!" Brooke said in a warning voice.
"Okay, okay!" Lucas said caving holding his hands up in surrender, Brooke can be scary when she wants something. "I caught Jack sneaking out of her room a few days ago."
"Okay.." Brooke said confused to why it was a big deal.
"At 5am." Lucas finished.
"What?!" Both Peyton and Brooke yelled.
"Oh shit lil Davis is following big Davis' foot steps.." Rachel taunted as Brooke smacked her.
"Not funny!" Brooke exclaimed.
"Maybe it was nothing. Ask her." Anna said speaking up.
"Yeah, I agree talk to her." Haley said finally taking her attention off of Jenny who was in her arms. Suddenly Jenny caught sight of Lindsey and started reaching for her.
"M-mommaaa!" Jenny screeched as everyone started in shock. Lindsey also looked shocked as she reached up and took Jenny. Jake remained silent.
"D-does she do that often?" Haley asked still in shock.
"Never.." Jake finally said. "I uh- I"ll be right back." Jake said getting up exiting the room.
"Wow.." Brooke whispered.
"Do you think he's mad at me..." Lindsey said looking upset.
"No honey.." Haley said. "I'll go talk to him." Haley said going to follow Jake. After looking for a couple minutes she found him outside sitting on the front steps.
"Is this seat taken?" Haley asked.
"No go ahead." Jake answered.
"You okay?" Haley asked gently rubbing his back.
"Yeah, I'm just..."
"Overwhelmed.." Haley said filling in the blanks.
"I guess. I was just shocked when Jenny said that." Jake said. "It made me realize how much my relationship had an effect on my daughter."
"If it makes you feel better Lindsey was just surprised as you in there." Haley said. "She thinks your mad at her."
"No, I'm not. It's just Jenny is my top priority." Jake said looking down.
"Yeah, I know but Lindsey is up there too right?" Haley asked nervously.
"Look I love Lindsey I do and she's great with Jenny but I don't know I guess it just caught me off gaurd." Jake said looking at Haley as she sat there with her jaw dropped. "What?" He asked confused.
"You love her." Haley said grinning.
"What?" Jake asked not even realizing he said it, it slipped out.
"You said you love her." Haley said as she watched him realize what he said.
"I did..." Jake said slowly. "I do..." He said almost as if he was realizing it for the first time.
"Then go in and tell my baby cousin you love her and your not mad at her." Haley said.
"Oh no no. You don't get to tell me to go say it right now." Jake said laughing a little. "Miss it took you almost four years to tell Nathan."
"That was so different!" Haley said as her jaw dropped in shock before she started laughing.
"Oh really? How so?" Jake asked.
"It just is!" Haley said trying to sound confident.
"Whatever you say loser." Jake said standing reaching his hand out to her helping her stand up. Before they got to the door Sam and Chris pulled up.
"Hey." Haley said waving as they got out of the car. They both made their way over to Haley to say hi.
"Hi Sam." Haley said hugging her.
"Hey Haley. Hi Jake." Sam said. "Is my sister inside."
"Yeah, I think she's in Luke's room." Haley answered as Sam ran into the house. "Hi Chris." Haley said giving him a hug.
"Hi Haley."
"How are you?" Haley asked pulling back.
"Good. Guess what?" Chris said.
"What?" Haley asked confused.
"I sang at this club the other night and a record company wants me to record with them." Chris told her happily. He was a singer as well.
"Oh my gosh that's amazing! I am so happy for you." Haley said giving him another hug.
"That's awesome dude." Jake said congratulating him. Just then Lindsey walked out of the house.
"Jake can I talk to you?" She asked timidly.
"Okay well Chris come on inside." Haley said pulling him in the house to leave them alone.
"Jeez Haley what's the rush?" Chris asked as she shut the door.
"They are having a very needed discussion." Haley said simply as Chris raised his eye brow as if to say 'explain.' "Jenny just called Lindsey momma."
"Oh shit. That must have been awkward." Chris said.
"Yeah, pretty much. Let's go upstairs." Haley said as she started to climb the stairs but Chris stopped her.
"Is uh Chase here?" Chris asked uncomfortably.
"No. Just Peyton, Rachel, and Anna. Well and Luke, Brooke, and Sam too of course. Oh and Jenny." Haley told him. "Now come on!" Haley said as they made their way up the stairs. Once upstairs they went into Luke's room. "Hey guys. Where's Brooke and Sam?"
"Uh Brooke dragged her into your room.." Anna said pointed to the room next door.
"Why?" Haley asked confused but they she heard they yelling at each other.
"I guess Brooke was pissed about the whole Jack thing." Peyton answered.
"I don't see why she was just like her when she was her age." Rachel said shrugging. Suddenly Haley's bedroom door swung open and Sam stuck her head out.
"Lucas Eugene James! I am so going to kill you for this!" Sam yelled.
"I'm not done!" Brooke yelled as Sam was ripped back into the room.
"What the hell is going on in there?" Chris asked.
"Lucas caught Jack sneaking out of Sam's room at 5am." Peyton told Chris.
"And you told Brooke?" Chris said laughing. "Oh god."
"Brooke I am sixteen I am done talking to you about this!" Sam yelled coming out of the room but stopped in front of everyone that was standing in the hallway. She crossed her arms over her chest and huffed loudly.
"Sam, that's way to young to have boys in your room all night." Brooke said for the 100th time since their fight started.
"Brooke! You are not my mother! I have one and she doesn't do shit for me! And if I recall you were having sex at sixteen which I have told you I am NOT doing so back off!" Sam exclaimed running her hand through her hair in frustrating.
"Brooke, why do you care so much? At sixteen you were sneaking Chris through your window like every night." Rachel said as if it wasn't a big deal.
"You are such a hipocrit!" Sam yelled before stomping to the attic door and up the stairs a second later they heard the door slam.
"RACHEL!" Brooke yelled as everyone laughed and Chris coughed uncomfortably.
"What?" Rachel said shrugging. "You know it's true." Now Brooke stomped away to her room and they all heard the door slam.
"Welcome home." Lucas muttered sarcastically.
Meanwhile outside Lindsey and Jake sat there uncomfortably unsure of what to say.
"Are you mad at me?" Lindsey asked timidly. Jake whipped his head around to look at her shocked.
"No..of course I'm not mad at you." Jake said shaking his head. "It just freaked me out."
"It freaked me out too." Lindsey admitted softly. Jake didn't say anything his mind was racing. "This is what I was worried about when I first found out you had a daughter but by that point I already had feelings for you that I didn't want to let go of. I just...I don't know if I can be a mother to her like that..not that I think I am it's just she called me momma..." Lindsey rambled as Jake stopped her.
"Lindsey, that's not it you act more of a mother to her than her own. Your amazing with her." Jake said placing his hand on her cheek stoking her cheek with his thumb.
"Well thanks it just scares me because I don't know..I don't want to confuse her...I mean I love that little girl I do so much..." Lindsey said as she continued to rambled on it was at that point that's all Jake wanted to hear. It meant the world to him that Lindsey cared so much about Jenny. He finally couldn't take it anymore and cut her off by kissing her with as much passion as possible. Lindsey pulled away breathless he had never kissed her like that before. "Wow..." She whispered. Jake just stared deeply into her eyes.
"I love you." He whispered. Lindsey's eyes widened in shock at first and then they filled with tears.
"Really?" She choked out smiling. Jake nodded.
"More than anything. Your the most amazing person I have ever met. Not to mention you care about my daughter and that is something that means the world to me." Jake told her.
"I love you too." Lindsey said as tear ran down her cheek as she cried in happiness. Jake just pulled her into another kiss.
"How about we all go for lunch at the cafe?" Lucas suggested. Everyone nodded in agreement.
"I'm starving!" Anna exclaimed as they all stood up.
"Do you think we should go talk to them?" Haley asked gesturing towards their attic where both girls had stormed off and went to their bedrooms.
"I'll go talk to Sam." Chris said making his way to the attic stairs.
"I can try to talk to Brooke.." Haley said.
"I'll go too since I was the one that just pissed her off." Rachel said making her way up the stairs.
"How about you guys go check on Jake and Lindsey and meet us down stairs in like 10 minutes..hopefully." Haley called over her shoulder as she went up the stairs behind Rachel.
Once they made it up the stairs Chris was already in Sam's room talking to her. Rachel carefully knocked on the door.
"Knock knock!" Rachel said opening the door. "We are coming in whether you like it or not." Rachel as as her and Haley walked in and sat on the bed next to Brooke.
"What?" Brooke asked.
"I'm sorry about what I said back there." Rachel said
"It's fine you were right anyway. I shouldn't yell at Sam for something I have done." Brooke said grabbing a small pillow near by pulling it to her chest. "I'm a horrible sister. She like hates me now."
"No, Brooke. You are not a horrible sister. You just don't want her getting in any trouble. That's what big sisters do. I would do the same with Lucas." Haley said rubbing Brooke's back simpathetically.
"Sam doesn't hate you. I mean yeah she might be pissed at you right now but you are there for her more than her parents." Rachel said trying to make her feel better.
"I know I just have my reasons for freaking out." Brooke said.
"Brooke, are you okay? Talk to us what's going on?" Haley asked noticing Brooke looked more upset than she should be over the fight they had.
"Yeah, I'm good. I should probably go talk to her." Brooke said.
"Yeah, Chris is trying to calm her down." Haley informed Brooke as they all stood to leave.
Meanwhile in Sam's room Chris sat on her bed at she paced back and forth ranting about how mad she was at Brooke.
"Sam!" Chris said trying to get her attention so she would stop pacing. " Brooke is only trying to help you. She loves you."
"I know that but I'm not having sex!" Sam yelled as she felt her cheeks flaming in embarassment as she blushed. She could talk to Chris about pretty much eveyrthing but this. "She needs to just trust me."
"She does. And trust me if I knew before Brooke I would have said the same thing to you. Then you probably would have been pissed at me." Chris said trying to reason with the furious girl.
"You two were having sex when Brooke was 16 maybe even before." Sam reminded him before he had a chance to say anything her door opened and Brooke walked in nervously alone.
" I was sixteen." Brooke clarified clearly hearing the conversation. She then took a seat on the bed. "The reason I freaked out is..."
"Brooke!" Chris warned.
"No Chris, she's my sister." Brooke said shaking her head. "When I was sixteen and Chris was eighteen I got pregnant." Sam gasped shocked as she sat on the bed too. Chris just laid back on the bed and covered his face.
"What? How did I not know?" Sam asked shocked.
"I got an abortion." Brooke whispered. "I don't want you to have to go through what I did that's why I freaked out. It was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do." Brooke told her.
"I'm sorry.." Sam whispered. Before Brooke could stop it she had tears streaming down her cheeks.
"It's okay, you didn't know." Brooke said trying to wipe the tears. Sam leaned in and hugged her sister.
"Who else knows?" Sam asked.
"Just you, me, and Chris." Brooke said. Sam nodded. Sam then decided she had to be honest with her sister about why Jack slept over since she was so honest with her.
"The reason Jack slept over if because his brother hurts him." Sam whispered. "I don't know what happened to his parents or where they are but his brother has custody of him and treats him really bad. He came over with a black eye and was really scared so I made him stay. I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner he made me promise. He's my best friend, that's it. I mean yeah we kissed one time but that's it we are best friends." Sam told her sister honestly.
"Okay, thanks you for telling me the truth. I'm sorry I freaked out. Next time just come to me and I will take care of everything." Brooke said giving Sam a hug. "Okay, we are going to the cafe for lunch why don't you go downstairs with everyone I'll be down in a minute." Brooke told her however Sam hesitated not knowing whether or not she should leave her.
"Are you going to be okay?" Sam asked.
"Yeah, just go." Brooke said giving her a teary smile. Sam turned and reached for the door knob.
"Oh and Sam.." Chris said stopping her. "Don't tell anyone."
"I won't I promise." Sam said honestly before leaving. As soon as Sam shut the door Brooke broke down again. Chris wrapped his arms around her.
"Shhh..it's okay." Chris said whispering soothingly in her ear. "It's going to be okay."
"I hate thinking about it because I regret it. I wish I could take it back.." Brooke cried. "I usually don't let myself think of it but I didn't want Sam going through the same thing I freaked."
"I know." Chris said as Brooke pulled away whiping away her tears. Chris gently reached up and whipped her tears, he was staring into her eyes. Brooke quickly turned away and stood up.
"Okay, we should go." Brooke said. "I really don't want to talk about this anymore."
"Well you aren't the only one thats been thinking about this everyday for the last 3 years." Chris said angrily. He didn't mean to get this angry but he regretted it too. Brooke instantly sat down again.
"I'm sorry. It's just..." Brooke trailed off stopping unsure if she should go on. "I don't trust myself with you." Brooke whispered so softly he almost didn't hear it. "It's not fair to Chase."
"Well what about fair to me?" Chris snapped. "I love you.." He said calmly. Brooke closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
"Chris..please.." She said almost pleadingly. She had been dreading this conversation since he first told her he loved her a few months ago. She had been so angry at the time because he never said that to her when they were dating. "I don't want to hurt you but..I need to be honest just listen before you say anything." Brooke said as Chris nodded. "I loved you the entire time we were dating. I will probably always love you, it's not something that just goes away..but it was always so complicated with us. I just don't think we were meant to be. I love you but I'm in love with Chase. I thought about this so much the past few months because I didn't want to hurt you. You are extremely important to me, one of the most important people in my life and you always will be but we aren't meant to be. I can't imagine my life without you, we have been through so much together. I just hope that one day you can move on." Brooke said honestly. Chris however didn't look at her. "Do you think there is anyway we can be friends?" Brooke asked timidly. Chris still refused to say anything after what seemed like forever Brooke whipped away her remained tears and leaned in and kissed his cheek gently before standing up. As she reached for the door handle his voice stopped her.
"We can try." Chris said soflty that Brooke almost didn't hear him. She turned around teary eyed.
"Really?" Brooke said choking back the tears.
"Yeah" Chris said standing up. Brooke immediately wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly.
"Thank you." She whispered before pulling away smiling at him as she whipped away the last of her tears. "Okay, well everyone is waiting downstairs. Do you want to come get food with us?"
"Will Chase be there?" Chris asked.
"So what if he is." Brooke said shrugging. "We are friends. If he loves me like he says he does he will be okay with this because it's important to me." Brooke said smiling. "Come on." She said leading him out the door.
Once they got downstairs everyone was waiting for them in the living room.
"Is everything okay?" Haley asked eyeing them suspiciously. "Brooke you look like you've been crying?"
"I'm fine." Brooke answered.
"Are you sure?" Peyton asked her cousin.
"Yeah, I'm a lot better actually." Brooke said smiling. "Now how about we eat."
"Great I'm starved." Rachel said jumping up off the couch.