Chapter 3
"Wow, Karen, that is amazing."
"Isn't it?"
"I would love to visit Europe someday—especially Italy," Haley stated as she picked up another photograph and examined it. It was her first shift back at Karen's Café since before the summer. But business was slow that evening so Karen had let her take a break and showed her the scrapbook she was making of her trip to Florence. Lucas' mom had spent the summer there at a cooking school. She'd just gotten back last week.
Haley had really missed Karen. She'd always been like a second mother to her. Haley enjoyed hearing about the wonderful time Karen had. If anyone deserved it, it was her. The older woman always worked so hard.
"You should," Karen encouraged. "It really opens your eyes to the world. And I got some awesome new recipes out of it."
Haley smiled. "I'll bet."
"So, what about you?" she asked.
"What about me?"
"According to Lucas, the two of you had quite the interesting summer."
Haley placed the pictures back down on the counter. "How much did Lucas tell you?"
"Well, let's see…everything," she joked.
"Oh," Haley laughed softly. "You're not mad, are you?"
Karen frowned. "Why would I be mad?"
"Well, I just wasn't sure how you'd feel about Nathan and me dating. I know that he wasn't the nicest guy before, especially to Lucas. But he's really changed and become a good guy and—"
"Haley, it's fine," Karen interrupted.
"It is?" Haley had been nervous about Karen's reaction. Lucas hadn't been very thrilled in the beginning when he found out at that she was dating Nathan. Not that Haley could blame him. Nathan hadn't had the best reputation over the years. And seeing as though Karen was Lucas' mom, Haley wasn't sure how she would feel about Haley being with the guy who'd formerly made her son's life a living hell.
"Yes, it is. Lucas told me how well things are going with Nathan, and I know that it's all because of you. I'm so glad about that. I might not be able to stand Dan, but I've never really known Nathan well enough to judge him. And a part of me always suspected it was his father's influence more than anything else that had made Nathan that way," Karen explained. "And from what I understand, you managed to change all that. You're a good judge of character, Haley. So if you say that Nathan has changed for the better then I believe you."
Haley nodded and smiled timidly. "Nathan really is an amazing guy, Karen. He's helped me get through some really difficult things, too. I wouldn't be with him if I didn't trust him," she promised.
Karen patted her hand. "I know," she said. "Now, tell me about school. How has your first couple of days back been?"
Haley couldn't contain the sigh that escaped. "Um…different."
"I'm sure."
"What did Lucas tell you about that?" she asked knowingly.
"He just said that there's been a lot of talk going around."
"Well, he's got that right. No one ever expected Nathan and me to get together. I can't tell you how many times I've heard people whisper about how he's going to dump me and move on soon," Haley explained. "Not to mention the fact that people usually looked forward to seeing what kind of fight was going to erupt between Nathan and Lucas next. Now that they're being friendly with one another, it seems like their former source of entertainment is gone."
Karen rolled her eyes. "Well, that's high school. Gossip is pretty much everything."
"It's just hard getting used to it. I was always in the background before."
"Seeing as though I was a cheerleader and with Dan in high school, I was never in the background. But I've been where you are now. It'll get better. You just gotta hang in there and show them that they can't get to you," Karen advised.
"Believe me, I'm trying," Haley said. "And I'm actually going to be a cheerleader, too."
Karen stared at her in surprise. "You are?"
"Yeah. And I know that you probably think I'm crazy since I can be such a klutz."
"Well, you did help the girls win that tournament over the summer. Sometimes you can go through phases."
Haley sighed. "Today I tripped over my own feet and almost went face first into my locker."
"Oh," Karen commented. "Well, then, just be careful."
"That's the story of my life," Haley said as she stood up and started to wipe down the counter.
"When's your first practice?"
"Tomorrow afternoon."
"That's when Lucas has his."
"Yeah. Basketball and cheerleading are usually together. Unless Brooke wants us to do more, which I'm sure she will when the important games start coming up," Haley explained. She looked over and saw some more customers enter. "I better get back to work."
Karen nodded. "All right. I'll be in the kitchen."
"Hey, Karen," Haley called to her before she could leave.
"Yes?"
"From one Ravens cheerleader to another, you got any advice?"
"Sure. Watch out for those star players. They're trouble," she said with a smile and wink.
Haley laughed. "Thanks. I'll remember that."
"Hey, baby."
Haley jumped in surprise before turning around and coming face-to-face with her smirking boyfriend. "You scared me," she said while smacking his shoulder.
"Sorry," he replied. Although, in Haley's opinion, he didn't seem that apologetic. "So, how was your day?"
"Hm, let me think. I've got three reading assignments, a short essay to write, some math problems to do, and I've got to head over to the Tutoring Center to pick up my new list of tutees," she listed. "Oh, and I've got my first cheerleading practice in about a half hour."
"I guess it's a good thing it's Friday then," he joked.
"I'm going to need a break from the madness." She had so much to do already. She wasn't sure where to even start.
"Well, how about I come with you to the Tutoring Center. And then tomorrow, after you've done all of your homework, we can hang out," he proposed.
Haley smiled. "That sounds wonderful."
"I thought you'd like it," he said, grinning, and leaned in to kiss her.
"Hey, Nate!"
The pair broke apart and noticed a few guys approaching them. "More friends of yours?" Haley questioned. She'd been meeting various people of Nathan's old crew over the last few days. So far, she hadn't really met anyone she would actually want to hang out with even if she wasn't dating Nathan.
"Sort of," he mumbled.
"Dude, where have you been for the last three days?" the tall, burly one asked.
Nathan frowned. "What do you mean?"
"Well, seeing as though we don't have any classes together and you don't sit with us at lunch anymore, it seems like forever since we've seen you."
"I've been around," Nathan said with a shrug. "It's been kind of a crazy few days back."
"We know," another guy spoke up. "So, you must be the infamous Haley everyone's been talking about."
Haley clutched her books to her chest a little tighter as the guys' gazes all shifted to her. "I don't know about the infamous part, but Haley will do fine."
"I'm Adam," the tall guy introduced himself. "And this is Vegas and Jebar."
"Hi," Haley replied politely as they nodded at her. "Are you teammates of Nathan's?"
"Vegas and Jebar are," Nathan answered. "Adam is on the football team."
"Oh."
"Aren't you Lucas Scott's best friend?" Vegas inquired.
Haley nodded. "Yes."
"Interesting," Jebar commented.
"So, how did the two of you meet?" Adam asked. "No one can seem to figure it out."
"Lucas and me?" Haley replied, confused.
"No, you and Nathan. I mean, it's no secret that Lucas and Nathan don't get along—or at least they used to."
Haley looked to Nathan, not sure how to even begin.
"We all ended up at the same summer camp," Nathan stated.
"Summer camp?" Vegas laughed.
"It's a long story. Anyway, we were all there. Haley and I met, Lucas and I worked things out, and now everything is different," he explained vaguely. Nathan wasn't about to tell them every detail about what had happened.
Jebar didn't look convinced. "That's it?"
"Pretty much." An awkward silence passed between the five of them.
"Isn't that…interesting," Adam finally spoke up.
Haley checked her watch and nudged Nathan.
"Look, guys, Haley and I have an errand to run. I'll see you later."
"Aren't you coming to basketball practice?" Vegas asked. "It starts in, like, twenty minutes."
"We'll be there."
"We?" Adam inquired.
"Haley's on the cheerleading squad."
The guys' eyebrows raised in surprise at that one. Haley felt their intense gazes on her, once again, and instinctively moved more towards Nathan. She didn't know what was up with all of Nathan's friends looking at her like that. Didn't they know it was impolite to stare?
Nathan wrapped his arm around Haley's shoulders and nodded towards his friends. "Well, we really have to go or we're going to be late. Bye, guys." He quickly ushered Haley down the hall with him. He didn't like the way they were blatantly looking her up and down. Nathan knew that the whole cheerleader thing would get their attention, though.
"Do they all have to do that?" Haley murmured once they were out of earshot.
"Do what?"
"Gawk at me like that," she elaborated.
Nathan sighed and shook his head. "I really wish they wouldn't. But, unfortunately, you're kind of a novelty to them right now. And since none of them understand it, they're curious."
"Well, it's really starting to get annoying."
"Tell me about it. You think I like watching them all check you out." It was taking everything inside of him to keep his fists at his sides these last few days.
Nathan had never felt so protective of a girl before. He'd cared about Peyton when they went out, but he'd never loved her. If someone looked at her, he'd either let it go or only step in when he thought the person was trying to disrespect him. It was all about his pride. With Haley, he didn't care if the guy was trying to get to him or not. He cared about her and making sure that she wasn't uncomfortable or going to be hurt.
Haley rolled her eyes. "I don't think that's exactly what they were doing, Nathan," she said while opening the door to the Tutoring Center.
"Trust me. I used to be one of them. I know how they are."
"But you're not anymore," she pointed out.
Nathan grabbed her hand and drew her towards him. "No, I'm not," he said and kissed her.
"Welcome back, gentlemen," Whitey called. "I hope you all had a fun summer, because play time is over. As I'm sure most of you know by now, this is going to be my thirty-fifth year coaching Ravens basketball. What's so special about it is that it will also be my last."
A few guys on the team murmured to one another. Nathan glanced over at his brother and the two shared a look. They already knew what was coming.
"In all my years of coaching, only one team came close to winning the state championship," Whitey stated. "And we all know how that turned out. Since then, I've coached some good teams. But none have had the potential to go all the way—except for you. With your talent, you all have the potential to be great. Possibly even the greatest team I've ever coached.
"But it takes more than talent to make it. It takes drive. It's my job to show you the way, but it's all of you who have to want to work hard and win. For those of you who know what's it's like to push through and be the best"-His gaze shifted briefly to Nathan and Lucas-"I don't have to remind you how amazing it makes you feel. And since this is my last year, I'm going to make it count.
"With that in mind, there's going to be a few changes this season. I've been tinkering with the offense and defense, so a few of you may be switching positions. Nothing is permanent as of right now. I want to see how you do during practice. Also, we have a new player." Whitey motioned towards Jake. "I expect you boys to show Jake here the ropes as we go along. And finally, Lucas and Nathan Scott are your new co-captains," Whitey declared.
Nathan felt everyone's curious eyes shift to him and Lucas. Before the summer, everyone knew how pissed Nathan had been about this development. He could see his teammates trying to gauge his reaction and made sure to keep his expression neutral.
"They're both great players. If you watch them and listen to me, we shouldn't have any problems this season."
Tim raised is hand. "Um, Coach?"
"What is it, Smith?" Whitey questioned.
"Will you be appointing a second in command?"
Whitey frowned. "A what?"
"A second in command," Tim repeated. "You know, in case Captain Nathan is injured and/or assassinated."
Everyone on the team rolled their eyes and groaned.
"Then I guess Lucas will take over," Whitey said, humoring him. He then looked down at his clipboard. "Now—"
"But what if they're both whacked. Then what?"
Whitey sighed. "Tim, this is Tree Hill. The mafia doesn't exist here. And if something should happen, which I find highly unlikely, then I'll figure it out. I can say, however, that in either case you will not be 'second in command.'"
"Aw, man," he complained.
"If there are no more inane questions, let's continue," Whitey stated.
"Insane? I'm not insane," Tim mumbled.
"I'm sure many would beg to differ," Jebar muttered under his breath.
"Not insane, moron. He said inane," Vegas spoke up.
"Oh. Huh?"
Whitey rolled his eyes once more before blowing his whistle. "Just line up on the sidelines already! We're doing suicides. Now!"
"Oh yeah. Now that's what I call eye candy."
Haley looked over at Brooke. The pair, along with Peyton, was just exiting the girl's locker room. "What?" Haley questioned.
Brooke nodded over towards the court. Haley saw the guys running back and forth from the sidelines. Some of the guys already had their shirts off, including Nathan. Haley soon found herself unable to look away as she watched his muscles tighten and flex as he ran. Her boyfriend was just too sexy when he was practicing.
"Told you," Brooke replied with a beaming smile. "I love being a cheerleader."
"It does have its perks," Peyton agreed while eying Jake.
"Hello, ladies," Brooke greeted as they approached the squad. "Wait a minute, what's going on?"
Haley finally looked away from the court and towards the groups of girls. She had to do a double-take. There were way more girls there stretching than she'd expected.
"I didn't know the squad was so big," Haley whispered to Peyton.
"It isn't," Peyton replied. "These other girls aren't even cheerleaders."
"They're not?" Haley questioned, confused.
"Nice of you join us, Captain," Nicki said. As usual, Haley heard the condescension in her tone. She was worried enough about this whole cheerleading thing. The fact that Nicki and Theresa were her squad members didn't help much with her nerves.
"I'm not late," Brooke replied. "And would someone please answer my question. Who are these other girls, and what are they doing here?"
"We're here for tryouts," one of them spoke up. Haley recognized her as Sue Garver. She was short, a little chubby, and had long black hair. Brooke's eyes narrowed, and Haley remembered just how much her friend hated this girl. Apparently, Sue had tried to start a rumor one time that Brooke was pregnant. Haley was surprised Sue actually had the gall to show up for tryouts after trying to pull something like that.
"I didn't plan or announce any tryouts," Brooke said.
"Well, we figured you'd have to sooner or later, since we're one girl short," Theresa explained. "So Nicki and I thought we'd save you a step."
"First of all, I am captain. All decisions and events having to do with this squad must go through me first," Brooke proclaimed. "And second, if you girls had actually bothered to do that, you would've known that tryouts are not necessary, since I've already found a replacement."
"Who?" Nicki challenged.
Brooke wrapped her arm around Haley's shoulders. "Haley."
The squad members and wannabes all laughed. Haley rolled her eyes. Here we go again. Why was it everyone had to underestimate her?
"What's so funny?" Peyton asked while folding her arms.
"You can't be serious," Theresa replied.
"Oh, I am," Brooke declared.
Nicki scoffed. "Yeah right. I mean, I've seen her in gym class before. The girl's a total klutz."
"How would you know that? I thought you didn't remember seeing me around," Haley pointed out, throwing Nicki's insult a few days prior back in her face. When she glowered in her direction, Haley knew that she'd gotten her.
"Look, Brooke, Nicki has a point. Haley's not exactly known for her…balance," a skinny blonde spoke up. Haley vaguely remembered her name being Ashley.
"Yeah, it's not fair," Sue complained, throwing Haley a dirty look. "Just because she's dating Nathan Scott and is suddenly part of the 'in-crowd' doesn't mean that she should be getting special treatment." The other girls nodded in agreement.
"She's not," Peyton objected. "Haley spent the entire summer with Brooke and me on a squad that competed in a tournament."
"This wouldn't happen to be at that stupid little summer camp you guys went to, right?" Theresa prodded.
Haley sighed. She was wondering how long it would take Nathan's friends that she'd met earlier to share the information they'd given them. They were the only people they'd told about the camp.
"Actually, yes. It was," Brooke proclaimed. "We totally kicked ass, including Haley here. And if any of you have doubts, I have the whole thing on camera to prove it."
"Brooke—" Haley started to quietly object. The only reason Haley even allowed Brooke to get her on video was because she promised not to show it to anyone else.
"Relax. I've got this," Brooke quickly whispered back. She faced the large group of girls, once again. "But even if I didn't, I'm still captain and what I say goes. So these so-called 'tryouts' are canceled. Those of you officially on my squad can start stretching while the rest of you hit the road."
"But—" Sue began.
"Not gonna happen, Gerber," Brooke cut her off.
"It's Garver."
"Whatever," Brooke said. "Just leave already."
Sue let out a huff of frustration as she and the other girls gathered their things and left the gym.
Haley tried to appear in control and unfazed at the obvious death glares she was receiving. As Haley had foreseen, this was yet another bump in the road since they'd returned to school. Now even more people seemed to be at odds with her. Not that she really cared. She'd never let others define or intimidate her before. The whole debacle with Stacey this past summer could attest to that. And Haley sure as hell wasn't going to start now.
