Disclaimer: I don't own one Tree hill
Authors notes: I never intended to write this story but the idea stuck in my mind and I acutally like the way it's starting to shape up. First off, Nathan, Haley, Brooke, Lucas and and Peyton are all sixteen. Lucas is not dating either Brooke or Peyton and the three of them are just friends. Nathan and Lucas are raised as cousins not brothers. Nathan doesn't like Lucas and Lucas and Haley don't like Nathan. Their families are all rich and marriages are arranged.
Rating: Mature for later chapters
Chapter one: I don't but I will
The large room was packed with familiar faces, everyone in Tree Hill had attended the event. That was typical though, such a small town and everyone pretty much knew everyone else and all their buisness.
He had been watching her for most of the night, not intentionally of course but for some reason his eyes were glued to her. On the rare occaisions where he was distracted by something his date was telling him and he lost track of her, his eyes would scan the room until he found her again. He tried to stop himself but he couldn't, he was drawn to her.
She fluttered around, going from group to group, just being social. It was her night after all. It was her sixteenth birthday party as well as the announcement of her engagement. It was tradition, well tradition and law that stated that two weeks after a girls sixteenth birthday, she should be wed to a man of her parents choosing. And for her, tonight was that night.
He had to fight the urge to vomit when he saw her kissing her boyfriend. The guy was scrawny, annoying and had bad hair, he couldn't for the life of him figure out what she saw in him. She was way to good for the tool.
" Nathan? " He heard his girlfriend saying his name and he turned his attention back to her.
" I'm sorry, what did you say? " He questioned. " I wasn't paying attention. "
" Yes, I know. " Rachel chuckled. " You were to busy staring at Haley. "
" I wasn't… " He tried to defend but was cut off by her laughter.
" I understand why you were staring though. " She continued as confusion clouded his handsome features. " What in the hell could Chris Kellar possibly see in her is beyond me too. "
" Right. " He said slowly, feeling slightly annoyed she thought that.
If anything, Haley was too good for Chris Kellar.
" Her parents are loaded, what else does he need to see? " Bevin cut in, joining their conversation.
" And he'll hit pay dirt as soon as their engagement is annouced. " Rachel informed them, lowering her voice in a secretive whisper.
" You think he's the one? " Nathan questioned, feeling uneasy in the pit of his stomach.
" She's been dating him for over a year now… " Bevin shrugged.
" We all thought she was betrothed to Lucas but apparently that's not the case. " Rachel added. " Who else could it be? "
Once more he found himself searching the room. He'd known her all his life, since they were kids and their familes would vacation together. He'd never really gotten along with her; she was a little too goody-goody for him and she definitely didn't like him. In fact, she perfered his 'cousin ' over him and that was fine by him.
Speaking of his ' cousin ', he saw Lucas approach Haley, pulling her into a tight hug. Nathan hated to admit it but he would much perfer for Haley to marry Lucas than Chris, at least Lucas had some ounce of coolness to him. Again, he tried reminding himself that he didn't care.
Lucas Scott was the son of Kieth and Karen Scott but everyone knew the truth. The man who had fathered Nathan had also be the man to father Lucas. Dan Scott had been in love with Karen Roe all his life and they dated. Everyone assumed they would marry but Royal Scott had other plans for his youngest son; his golden son. Royal had made arrangements with Deacon Lee for Dan to marry Deacons daughter, Deborah. When it was discovered the Karen was pregnant, Kieth stepped in a married her. Kieth had loved her just as long as Dan had and had no problems raising Lucas as if he were his own.
" Ladies and gentlemen, can I have everyones attention… " Jimmy James began, using a fork to tap his champainge flute.
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a waiter approaching with a tray full of champaigne. Flagging him down, Nathan grapped a fresh glass for both him and Rachel. From across the room, Dan caught his eye, sending him a wink. He wasn't sure what it meant but he smirked back and gave a short nodd before turning his attention back to Jimmy.
" I've done this six times already and it doesn't get any easier… " The room laughed at the lame joke but Nathan didn't, just wished Jimmy would get on with it. " The first year of Haleys life, we had at least twelve potential grooms picked out for her. "
" Wow, twelve. " Rachel whispered, covering her mouth.
" Nobody seemed good enough for my little girl. " Jimmy admitted, smiling down at said ' little girl ' as she stood in front of the stage.
Nathan noted she looked beyond nervous and felt a slight bit relieved.
" When do you think our parents are going to make our engagement plans? " Rachel questioned him, and he tensed up.
He'd never thought about marriage, especially marriage with Rachel.
" I'm not sure. " He answered vaguely, making a mental note to talk to his parents to ensure that their engagement would not happen.
" I am pleased to announce that the young man we've chosen would be a very welcomed addition to our family and a wonderful provider for our daughter. " Jimmy continued and Nathan once more sought Haley out.
He watched the cocky smile take over Chris Kellars face and he wanted to wipe it off. He felt his fist clenching underneath the table and he breathed in deeply, willing himself to calm down.
" I am very pleased to announce the engagement of our daught, Haley James to… " This was it, the moment of truth. " Nathan Scott. "
The whole room went deafly quiet. That was definitely not what everyone was expecting and from the look on ' The Kellars ' face, it wasn't what he was expecting. Haleys own expression had gone from nervous to relieved, to confused and finally to just plain angry. He'd heard Rachels sharp intake of breath and could feel her eyes on him, waiting for his reaction.
He wasn't sure how to react. He didn't love her and didn't want to marry her but he was relieved that she wasn't going to be marrying Chris. Then he was confused, was this why his dad had been acting so strangely all week and if so, why hadn't he been told. His parents had known of his dislike of the girl, why in the hell would they commit him to her for life? When he looked over to where his father was standing, he winked once more and raised his glass. With a great deal of reluctance, he too raised his glass.
It was official, Haley James would be marrying Nathan Scott.
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Haley James woke up the next morning with the worst feeling of dread, she would be marrying her enemy. Nathan Scott was the most loathsome boy she'd ever had the displeasure of meeting and now she was being forced the spend the rest of her life with him.
Pulling the covers over her head, she tried to fall back asleep, praying that when she awoke again it would have all been a nightmare. Before she could close her eyes, some began knocking on her door.
" Go away. " She grumbled, not even bothering to pull her blanket back.
" No can do, tutor girl, you know what today is. " Brooke came bounding into the room, a little to cheerfully for Haleys liking.
" No. Absolutely not. " Haley tried, holding tightly onto the covers Brooke was trying to pull off.
" Haley it's the first day of wedding planning, you know how I live for this. " Brooke whined, successfully removing Haleys covers.
" Theres not going to be a wedding. " Haley announced, still not getting up from the bed.
" Theres going to be a wedding. Face it, you and hot shot are a perfect looking couple. " Brooke reasoned.
" A perfect looking couple who hate each other, match made in heaven. " Haley bit out sarcastically.
" Come on Haley, Peyton is waiting on us. " Brooke told her, shaking the smaller girl.
" I'll go but I'm not doing anything wedding related." Haley told her, sitting up a little.
" We'll just go… look at wedding stuff. " Brooke clapped her hands excitedly, jumping up from the bed. " We can go to the dress shop and look around. "
" I thought you were planning on designing my dress? " She didn't want to, but she couldn't help but ask the question.
" I am. " Brooke assured her. " I just want to get an idea of what you want it to look like. "
" Oh. Well, I'm gonna get dressed and I'll meet you downstairs. " Haley told her and Brooke moved towards the door.
" Hurry. " She ordered, closing the door before Haley could say another word.
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He found his dad in the kitchen the next morning, going over the box scores in the news paper.
" Hey son, how'd you sleep? " Dan asked, folding the paper and setting it on the table as his son sat down across from him.
" Not good. " Nathan admitted, scratching the back of his head. " How could you have me marrying Haley James? "
" How are you not happy about that? " Dan shot back. " I saw you watching her last night. "
" Me and Haley don't get along. " Nathan pointed out. " And I wasn't watching her. "
" What color was Rachels dress last night? " Dan questioned, catching Nathan off guard.
" Black. " He answered, confident that was the color of her dress.
" What color was Haley wearing? " Dan asked.
" Yellow. " There was no hesitation, that was exactly the color of Haleys dress.
" Haley was wearing yellow. " Dan smiled. " But Rachel was wearing a light purple dress. "
Nathan shook his head. " That means nothing. " He defended.
" I'm just saying. " Dan smiled. " Guess it's time for that father/son talk. "
" No offense dad but you're a little late, I know all about the birds and the bees and how babies are made. " Nathan smirked as Dan snickered.
" Not the talk I was refering too… " He clarified. " But something along those lines. I need to make sure you know how to be a good husband and what's expected of you. "
" What do you mean 'what's expected of me ' ? " Nathan questioned, slightly feeling very nervous.
" This arrangement was made years ago, I think you were around five when it was decided that you and Haley would marry and in the time since, you've sort of made a reputation of yourself. " Dan explained cautiously. " Jimmy James is very protective of his little girl and isn't really wanting to see her marrying someone whose just going to treat her bad and cheat on her. "
" Then why did he decide on me? " Nathan asked, curious.
" Because I promised him that you would treat her with nothing but respect and that you would keep it in your pants. " Dan answered, narrowing his eyes at his son. " I'm not playing Nathan, keep it in your pants. "
" What about Rachel? You know my girlfriend. " Nathan threw out.
" She's not your girlfriend anymore. " Dan said simply. " You've been wanting out of that relationship for awhile now anyway. "
" That's not true. " There was some truth to that, it hadn't been awhile, just recently.
" Two years. " Nathan was confused.
" What in the hell is in two years? " He snapped, his whole world being thrown into a tailspin.
" That's how long you and Haley have to stay married, after that, you can divorce and move on with your lives. " Dan explained. " That's if you don't manage to fall in love with the girl. "
" I won't. " Nathan grumbled, there was no way in hell he would ever fall in love with Haley James, soon to be Scott. " I don't have a choice in this, do I? "
" Nope. " Dan smirked.
" Fine. " He was going to at least figure out how to enjoy this, maybe work her nerves every time they were together.
" You better go get dressed. " Dan suggested, checking his watch. " We've got to go pick out an engagement ring for your bride. "
" You're enjoying this, aren't you? " Nathan questioned, standing up regardless.
" A little, yes. " Dan admitted with much laughter.
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" What about this one? " Brooke came out of the dressing room, wearing a simple wedding gown for both Peyton and Haley to see.
" I think the wrong one is trying on the dresses. " A deep male voice spoke up from behind them.
All three girls spun around in surprise.
" Chris… " Haley didn't know what too say to him, for the first time she was speechless.
" I called and your mom said you were out with the girls, making plans for your wedding. " His voice held a slight edge, she knew he was hurt.
" I don't really want to. " Haley told him, looking at Brooke and Peyton. " Guys, I'm going to go talk to Chris, I'll be back in a little while. "
" We'll be here. " Brooke told her, eyeing Chris suspiously.
" Call us if you need us. " Peyton offered, nudging the much smaller girl with her hip.
Haley took his hand and led the way out of the bridal shop, her mind racing to find the words she didn't want to have to say.
" I don't know what to say, Chris. " She told him honestly, and felt his grip on her hand tighten slightly.
" Did you talk to your parents? " He asked, pulling her over to an empty bench and sitting down.
" All they said that this had been decided years ago and that it was nothing against you. " Haley replied, half way lying, her dad had flat out expressed his dislike and distrust in her boyfriend.
" There has too be something we can do. " Chris mumbled softly.
" I don't have a choice, I have to marry Nathan. " She told him.
" Do you like this guy? " He suddenly accused and she snatched her hand out of his.
" What? No. " She said quickly. " How could you even think that? You know what an ass Nathan is. "
" Well, you certainly agreed to marry him rather quickly. " He pointed out, running a hand through his.
" I don't have a choice. " He really didn't listen.
" You keep saying that but damnit, there is something we can do. " He tried once more.
" What? What can we do? " She finally snapped, she'd already tried to figure her way out.
" We could elope. " He told her.
" My parents have to sign off on a marriage license and the only one they will is the one with Nathans name on it. " She told him. " Heres the thing though, I only have to stay married to Nathan for two years and then we can legally divorce. "
" I don't know if I can wait two years for you. " He told her, hoping to scare her.
" Then you don't love me enough to want to marry me. " She told him, sadly.
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" What the hell is this shit? " Nathan questioned, watching from a distance as Haley and Chris sat on a bench talking.
" What's what? " Tim Smith asked, oblivious to everything around him.
" Haley and that tool over there. " Nathan snapped, pointing to his ' fiancee ' and her boyfriend.
" You jealous dawg? " Tim snickered.
" Dude, you're white. " Nathan pointed out, annoyed. " And no. "
" I am. " Tim told him and when Nathan just looked confused, he added. " Jealous. I can't believe you get too marry her, the girl is fine. "
" And she's a bitch. " Nathan added but Tim just shook his head.
" Look like that, she can be all the bitch she wants. " Nathan just looked at his friend briefly before looking back at Haley and Chris.
" Whatever man. " He bit out. " I'm going over there. "
" But Nate, your dad said to wait right here for him. " Tim warned him but Nathan just shook it off.
Half way there, he'd almost convinced himself to turn around and let them be but once he saw Chris laying his hand on her thigh. That was all it took to piss him off all over again and he had no idea why.
" Look who we have here. " Nathan greeted them, a fake smile gracing his lips.
" Nathan. " Haley said simply, looking away.
It didn't go unnoticed by Nathan that Chris hadn't said anything yet but that he had a completely pissed off look on his face. That only amused the taller boy.
" Kellar, shouldn't you be out trying to scam on the single ladies? " Nathan prodded, smirking.
" I'm trying to have a conversation with my girlfriend, Scott, so get lost. " Chris snapped and Nathans smile dropped.
" You're girfriend is my fiancee. " Nathan told him. " In case you don't remember last night. "
" Oh, I remember alright. " Chris bit out, standing up and getting in Nathans face. " You think you're actually going to marry Haley? You think I'm going to stand by and watch that happen? "
The boy had balls, Nathan had to give him that.
" Yeah as a matter of fact, I do think you're going to stand by and watch that happen. The thing is Kellar, you'll be watching from outside the church. "
He didn't know why it was so important to best Chris or even to mark Haley has his own but he couldn't just walk away. He couldn't let them alone. The thing was, whether he wanted to or not, in two weeks he would be marrying Haley and she would be his wife.
" Nathan! " Haley yelled, not surprised by his attitude.
" Yes Honey? " He couldn't help but chuckle as she rolled her eyes.
" What the hell is wrong with you? " She snapped, coming in between him and ' the Kellar '.
" Nothing is wrong with me, I was just coming over to see how my bride was doing this morning. " He smiled cockily.
" This isn't funny. " putting a small hand against his broad chest, she pushed hard. " You should be just as pissed off as I am and instead you're over here making jokes and picking a fight with my boyfriend. "
" Ex-boyfriend. " Nathan corrected, irratebly. " If I have to break up with Rachel, you damn sure are ending things with this tool. " He reached around her and gave Chris a little shove.
" Don't play with me, Nate. " Haley warned, pushing harder against him.
" I wouldn't dream of it. " He smirked, looking down at her. " At least not until the honeymoon. "
" You son of a…. " Before Chris could even get the words out, the sound of a slap was echoed throughout the mall.
She'd hit him, she'd actually hit him. Placing a hand against his cheek, he held the spot she'd just struck.
" You know what, " He started, fighting to reign in his anger. " I'm going to leave you too this Hales. Finish your conversation with him but when it's over, so are you. I mean it Haley, you and Chris are done. "
" You can't tell me what too do. " She snapped but knew he was right, she had to end things.
He just shook his head, giving Chris one last glare before stalking away. He could feel the eyes of everyone around on him and it made him a little uneasy. Tim had remained where he left him at, only now he was joined by Dan as well, both of them had clearly watched everything.
" And you said you aren't jealous. " Tim mocked, causing Nathan to grab him by the shirt and pull him in closer so they were face to face.
" I'm not. " He said through clenched teeth, releasing Tims shirt and shoving him back.
Dan shook his head, clearly amused with his sons antics. Holding up the bag, he pulled out the ring box for Nathan. Handing it over, he watched as Nathan opened the small velvet box and inspect its contents.
" Nice. " Nathan looked appreciatively at the engagement ring.
It was a white gold, princess cut diamond. As much thought as he didn't want to put into things, as soon as he saw it he knew it was the ring for her.
" You'll need to get with Haley and pick out the wedding bands. " Dan told him, causing Nathan to groan. " Maybe you guys can go after school one day this week. "
" How is this going to work anyway? " Nathan questioned, suddenly. " School and the wedding? "
" The school knows your getting married, you'll be exempt from some of your classes and others will just send make up work home with you. " Dan explained. " By the day of the wedding, school will be out on break, so you'll be on your honeymoon. "
Nathan inwardly groan. He'd forgotten all about spring break, he'd been planning on a road trip with the guys. Now his one week of freedom would be like prison stuck with her.
" Now the James are taking care of all the wedding arrangements, all you have to do is pick your groomsmen and make sure you get them and yourself fitted for tuxes. " Dan finished and he nodded.
" Got it." He snapped the ring box closed, threw one more glance in Haleys direction and walked off.
These next two years were going to be hell, that he was sure of
" Let's go in here… " Brooke began pulling Haley into a store.
She'd pretty much been distracted all morning since her run in with Chris and then the altercation with Nathan, allowing Brooke to drag her into almost every store in the mall. This time how ever, she looked up just in time to see the sign and slammed the brakes on it.
" No way Brooke, I'm not going into surbaban filth. " She snatched her hand out of Brookes grasp and looked over at Peyton who was laughing at the situation.
" You're getting married, you have to get lingerie for the honeymoon. " Brooke pointed out, pouting a little.
" I might be getting married but I have no intentions on sleeping with Nathan. " She told them firmly and Peyton stopped laughing and came closer.
" Whoah, hold on. " Peyton said. " What do you mean? "
" I'm. Not. Having. Sex. With. Nathan. " Haley said slowly, hoping they understood this time.
" You know what this means, right? " Peyton asked Brooke, watching Haley out of the corner of her eye.
Brooke nodded, a devilish grin coming across her face. " Sleep over time! "
" Guys, I don't think…. "
" Yeah, we're not listening anymore, just be at Brookes at seven tonight. " Peyton ordered. " Now let's get her home so we can get everything together for tonight. "
They'd been friends since they were little and had hundreds of sleep overs, she was worried about this one though. It was clear her two besties were up to something and her insides were screaming to be scared. Nothing couldn be scarier than the prospect of marring Nathan.
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