I wrote this a long time ago (it's set after Season 1), but I've recently decided to edit and finish it, so I'm reposting. Hope it's enjoyable, if outdated. I, of course, do not own One Tree Hill, or anything else for that matter.
Chapter 1
"Haley, pull over," Nathan said as they drove down the highway, "I've got to piss."
"We won't see civilization again for a while there, bud," Haley said, smiling.
"I know that. Which is why I asked you to pull over. This," he said, gesturing to the woods on the right, "is nature's biggest bathroom."
"Hey, Hales, as much as I hate to agree with him, I could use a pit stop too," Lucas said from the backseat, where he was seated between Brooke and Peyton.
Stuck in the middle—a familiar situation, although this time both girls seemed to be sitting as far away from Lucas as possible, almost climbing out the windows of Haley's small car. The two girls had agreed to come on this trip only to appease Haley, who still held hope that they would become best friends again. And so it was that the fabulous five were motoring away, heading slightly southward from Tree Hill across the North Carolina countryside. Their ultimate destination? Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, for a weekend of beachside fun.
"Alright, alright," Haley conceded. "I guess it would be good for everyone to get to stretch their legs...And maybe, Nathan, you could take a look under the hood and see what that rattling is? I'm sure it's nothing, but it's kind of making me nervous."
"Sure thing, Hales," Nathan said, bouncing in his seat, "just stop the car before I have an accident up here."
Haley giggled. "Sure thing, sweetie," she said, slowing down and pulling on to the shoulder of the road. No sooner than she stopped, Nathan jumped out of the car and sprinted into the woods. The others piled out of the car as well, at a bit slower pace, and stood near the car, stretching their legs.
"Feel better?" Peyton teased as Nathan walked back toward the group. He ignored the comment, heading toward where Haley had popped the hood. Lucas, meanwhile, headed into the woods for his turn.
Under the hood, Nathan wiggled a wire here and there, then called to Haley. "Start it up, and see what happens!" She put the key in the ignition and turned it, but nothing happened. "Well, Haley," Nathan said, walking up beside the driver's side window, "I'm afraid I have some bad news."
Before Haley could respond, a scream shook the woods. Nathan and Haley looked at each other in silence, the information not yet processing in their minds. On the other side of the car, Brooke and Peyton were engaged in a similar confused stare. All at once, they understood...