Author's Note- Thank you to everyone who reviewed.
Disclaimer- I do not own anything.
Chapter Three
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"This sucks," Haley pouted dropping her tray down onto the table and taking a seat next to Peyton.
Ever since her run in with Nathan in first period, she had a permanent scowl gracing her usually smiling face. This really did suck. Senior year was supposed to be perfect. Not a living nightmare, which of course it would become with Nathan involved. What if he distracted her all year and she and ended up failing? Breath Haley, breath, you won't let him get to you. She thought to herself on the brink of hyperventilation.
Peyton looked up from her sketchbook, where she was currently working on another one of her drawings. One of her favorite things to do was to draw or paint. She didn't think she was good enough to ever make something of herself in the art world, but if she ever created art that meant something to someone, that would be all right with her. Across the table she saw a stressed Haley, head in her hands and a scowl on her face, picking at her food. Haley usually had a very upbeat attitude, so for something to make her this upset, it had to be pretty bad.
"Well aren't you just Little Miss Sunshine today?" Peyton laughed. Seeing that Haley didn't find this funny, she suddenly got serious. She would be there for any of her friends in a time of need. "Whats wrong Haley?"
Haley dropped her fork and sighed, finally looking up at Peyton. "This sucks," she repeated again.
It had been three hours since first period, and she was still sulking about having Nathan Scott in her class. It wasn't that he was in the class that was so horrible. It was the fact that he just had to sit in the seat right in front of Haley, because lets face it, he could have chosen a desk far away from her and everything would have been fine. Of course he proceeded to annoy her the entire time. She didn't even have her friends there to defend her.
"Of all the classes Peyton!" Haley exclaimed, throwing her hands in the air. "Nathan Scott had to be in my first period."
"Well it can't-"
"And get this," Haley continued cutting Peyton off. "He decided he is just going to walk into class, late of course, with his stupid smirk, and take the seat next to me. I mean who does he think he is? He has the nerve to annoy me the entire class! Nine months Peyton! I have to deal with him for an hour and a half a day, five days a week, for nine months!" Haley said running out of breath.
"Hey girls," Brooke chirped sitting down on the other side of Haley. She turned her head and saw Haley, breathing heavily with her arms crossed, then looked back at Peyton. "Whats wrong with her?"
"Well, Haley here is upset because she has to sit by Nathan in first period." Peyton replied turing the pages of her sketchbook so the cover was on top and throwing it back on the table.
"Is it completely necessary for the two of you to act like second graders in each others presence, Haley? Seriously, I at least expected you to be a little mature. Having him in a class will not be that bad, just ignore him." Brooke stated simply.
"Ignore him!" Haley exclaimed. "It is not that easy."
"Listen Hales," Peyton butted in. "I have known Nathan since kindergarten, and how do I put this? " She pretended to ponder, tapping her finger against her chin. "Umm...he's an ass. It's just who he is. Besides, growing up with Dan, it's kind of hard not to be."
Haley looked at her seriously. "What about Lucas? What's his excuse for being nice?"
"So not the point Tutor girl, Lucas is just naturally sweet. Anyway for some unknown reason, Nathan has decided to be an even bigger ass to you. I swear, that boy gets off pestering you." Brooke laughed, unscrewing the lid on her water bottle. "Actually, you two fighting can be quite entertaining."
"You guys are really not helping." Haley replied, mindlessly picking at her green beans. Sighing Haley finally stood up and deposited her styrofoam tray covered in half eaten food in the garbage can near the table. She grabbed her bag, and putting on her sweatshirt, she turned around to look at Brooke and Peyton. "Okay I am going to the tutoring center, somewhere I can feel superior." She said sarcastically, walking away after the three exchanged goodbyes.
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Nathan dribbled down the court, shuffling his feet and worked his way swiftly past his brother. Finding his balance, he launched himself in the air, and dunked the ball, hanging on to the rim for good measure. Finally, he released himself and dropped back onto the gym floor. Playing basketball was just something that came naturally to Nathan but of course to play on the level he did, it still took years of practice. To most it appeared as just a simple game of putting a ball through a hoop, maybe categorizing it a hobby. For Nathan, basketball was so much more; it was his life. The one thing he treasured the most, the only thing that mattered. Basketball was his chance, his only shot, at getting out of Tree Hill and away from his dad for good.
"I do believe I just whipped your ass again." Nathan laughed as he turned around to face his brother who was bending down, struggling for breath. "Woah, are you alright?"
Lucas continued holding his hand over his heart clenching his t-shirt. He gave Nathan a weak nod.
After school, the two brothers had asked Whitey if they could practice in the gym. Basketball season started in two weeks, and they had to be ready to step up and fulfill their positions as captain. This was there last chance to make there way to the state championship.
"Here, try to go sit down." Nathan commanded handing his brother a bottle of water, and leading him over to the bench. "Luke, man, did you take your pills this morning?"
Lucas turned to look at his brother, shocked. "Are you kidding? Mom doesn't allow me to leave the house every morning without watching me take it." He took another gulp of water. "I'll be okay. Just a little shape that's all."
When Lucas was in tenth grade he and Nathan had been tested for the heart disease Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, otherwise known as HCM. This disease had run in the Scott family, and Dan, their father, also suffered from it. It was also deadly, and could cause severe heart attacks, which was not something to be taken lightly. Lucas had tested positive, and it had definitely affected his basketball career. He could continue playing for the school team, but playing college ball, was no longer an option. As long as he took his medication, and slowed things down a bit, he should be fine.
Nathan patted Lucas on the back. "Take things slow okay. We worry about you."
"Aw, thank you little brother." Lucas laughed as Nathan cringed at being called that. Ever since they were younger, Lucas had always teased him about being ten months younger.
Nathan's face scrunched up as he shook his head. "Luke." he groaned." You might be older, but I'll still kick your ass man."
"Whatever. Little brother." Lucas mocked. "So, how was the first day?" Doesn't it feel good to be a senior?"
"Oh, it defiantly feels good to only have one year left." Nathan smirked. "Plus, one more year to some hot college girls."
Lucas laughed. "Is hot girls all you think about?"
"You forgot about basketball." Nathan laughed pointing to the ball his foot was propped up on. "Speaking of hot girls, you will never guess who I sit by in first period."
"Who?" Lucas asked.
"The oh-so-fine little Miss Haley James." Nathan replied. He smirked just thinking about hot sexy she looked getting all worked up this morning.
"Come on Nathan, tell me you didn't piss her off." Lucas questioned although he already knew the answer. Every time they were in each others presence, Nathan just couldn't seem to contain himself and ended up saying things just to make Haley mad. He knew that Nathan always had a soft spot for Haley, having a tiny crush on her since the eighth grade. Not that Nathan would ever admit it. It was probably because she was the only girl who didn't through herself at him, and wasn't afraid to call him on his crap.
"What?" Nathan said innocently. "Now why would I do that?"
"Can't you just be nice to her? For once?" Lucas pleaded.
Nathan looked at him seriously. "What would be the fun in that?" He held his hands up questioningly. "Besides, I would never miss a chance to see Haley all flustered."
"Whatever dude, I am not getting involved in your childish arguments." Lucas told Nathan as he stood up and grabbed his water bottle and the basketball off the ground."But if Brooke comes yelling at me because Haley is complaining about you, I am kicking your ass."
Nathan and Lucas grabbed their stuff and headed into the locker room to changed and hurry home. At least Dan would be satisfied they had gotten in a good work out after school. All they knew was that this was defiantly going to be an interesting year.