When Rachel spoke the words, Haley James, it made Nathan's heart race. He felt like a complete pansy, but he couldn't stop thinking about her all day. Nathan was sure that she was the most beautiful girl in the whole entire world. It was visible that she had a somewhat bad ass persona, but he knew that she was a great person just from their short lived conversation. Plus, he thought the bad ass thing was pretty hot, especially on a girl like Haley. Nathan was hoping that Rachel was speaking kindly of Haley, because if she was just going to bad mouth her, and threaten Nathan to stay away from her, then he wouldn't be able to do that, therefore that would mean shit would go down. "Now I'm over analyzing things," Nathan thought to himself.

Before speaking, Nathan gulped, hoping that his voice didn't break or sound too excited. "What about... Haley James?"

"First of all, Haley James is one of the kindest, caring, and sympathetic people you will meet." Rachel said as she placed her purse on the bar. "I mean, I've only known her for not even a whole day, but I already know who she is. She's tough, strong, and totally kick ass. If you mess with her, you'll seriously wish you didn't, because she'll either embarrass the hell out of you or beat the shit out of you." Nathan chuckled, and was relieved to know that Rachel was here with good intentions. "Anyway, I saw what was going on between you two earlier. You obviously have some sort of... connection, and I don't want to see that go to waste. Haley is the type of person who's a little reserved, but I think that she was slowly opening up to you."

"How can you be so sure?" Nathan asked the redhead. "That she was slowly opening up to me."

"Because," Rachel said. "I told you, I already know who she is. It already feels like I've known her for years. Centuries. Decades. Whatever. Anyway, the point is, I think you two should get to know each other better. She doesn't know I'm here right now, I think she'd kill me out of embarrassment if she knew I was here, but I don't care. I think you would be a good fit in her life."

Nathan smiled at the thought. He felt happy when he was around Haley earlier, she was definitely the type of person he wanted around him. He knew it was soon, and he knew he was a little crazy, but he didn't really care either. And he appreciated that Rachel came and talked to him, because it definitely boosted his confidence level in terms of Haley James. "Thank you, Rachel. I really appreciate you coming down here and talking to me."

"No problem." Rachel smiled sincerely. "She's a nice person, she's really the only person I have to trust, you know? I'm not usually like this, all... helpful, but Haley deserves this, people being nice to her, she deserves a lot in this world. I'm not too good with my words, but do you understand what I'm trying to say?"

"Yeah, I do." Nathan said. The impression Nathan was getting from Rachel, was that Haley was the type of person who could instantly change you, in a good way. She could make you want to do nice things, she made you want to be nice, she made you wanna be a nicer person. "So, when do I get to see her again?"

"That," she began, "is up to you. When would you like to see her again? We're going out tonight, probably to Tric or something- wait, that's perfect!" Rachel beamed, a grin on her face. "We're heading out to Tric at around 9:00 tonight, if you can, why don't you meet us there? That would be perfect. It'll be a 'coincidence'."

Nathan smirked. Rachel Gatina was a smart girl, probably smarter than people initially thought. The idea was perfect, and harmless. Haley would have no idea that Nathan would be there, and they'd "coincidentally" run into each other at the club, have a few drinks and talk. It wouldn't really be a date, but that would give Nathan the opportunity to ask her on one. "Sounds perfect, smart thinking. Is it alright if my brother comes too?"

"Of course," Rachel smirked, hoping he would ask that, "as long as he doesn't have the hots for Haley, too."

Nathan laughed, but it was a little bit of a nervous laugh. He hoped that Lucas wouldn't feel the same way about Haley, out of selfishness of course. Haley was a beautiful woman, so there was a chance that Lucas would have the same feelings. All Nathan had to do was let Lucas know about the situation, and then he'd understand. "I'll set him up with Rachel," Nathan thought oh so cleverly.

"Rachel, thank you so much, but I really have to get back to work, especially if I wanna be out of here by 8:00 so I can get ready for tonight."

"8:00?" Rachel giggled. "You sure take a long time to get ready, an hour?"

"Oh, no! I have to eat and-"

"I know, I was just messing with you."

"Oh, okay."

"See you tonight." With that, Rachel walked out of the sports bar, and left a grinning Nathan behind the bar. Rachel was extremely excited to see her plan in action, and she hoped that it went well. Rachel was a little baffled with herself, she didn't know if she'd ever done something this considerate of others before. She kind of liked the change, too. It made her feel nice, like she was worthy almost. She just hoped that Haley appreciated it, and didn't think of it as doing something behind her back, because then she'd feel awful.

xxx

Peyton Sawyer got into her Mercury Comet. The weather outside had changed from absolutely gorgeous, to pouring rain. She didn't care though, she didn't do up the top of her convertible, she drove in the rain like her birth mother, Ellie, taught her to do. Peyton was going over to Rachel's house, to hopefully convince her that this Haley bitch wasn't friend material for her. She was going to make up rumors, lies if she had to. Peyton despised Haley whatever her middle name was James, and she'd make it clear to Rachel. Peyton was sure that Rachel would be home alone, considering she barely ever invited people back to her house unless she was throwing a party or needed help setting the party up. Peyton had been in the house about four times maybe? Three out of the four times was because Rachel needed assistance while sick, and the other one, well, it was Rachel's "time of the month".

She pulled her car into the long driveway, and parked it in her usual, rare spot. She couldn't see the Denali anywhere, but she assumed it was just in the Garage. She could see the back of some black car sticking out of the side of the house, but she didn't put much thought into it. "Probably one of Mr. Gatina's many cars left behind," Peyton mumbled to herself. She went up and knocked on the door, but there was no answer. Instead of ringing the bell, she stepped into the house, only to hear the faint sound of a television. When Peyton went into the living room, she was astonished to see her, all comfy and lounging on the couch of her best friend's house. "What the hell are you doing here?"

"Well hello to you too, sunshine!" Haley said with fake enthusiasm. "I'm waiting for Rachel to get back, she had to run to the store and get some things, she told me to make myself at home while she was gone. What's it to you, Courtney Love?" Haley said after examining her outfit. It reminded her of the outfit she saw Courtney Love wearing out once in an issue of Life & Style magazine.

"Very funny." Peyton replied sarcastically, placing her hands on her hips. "I'm looking for my best friend you prissy little bitch."

Oh no she didn't. "You know what, Peyton? I don't know what the hell your problem is. You don't even know me, and you're already calling me a prissy little bitch? You have no right. But, if it's gonna be this way, two can play at this game you trashy vintage whore. Newsflash, "Courtney Love", the real one called and she wants her look back."

Now Haley and Peyton were standing in front of each other, face to face, filled with rage. Haley was ready to tear the bitch's face off, and she'd do it if she had too. She didn't get why Peyton was so PMS, what the hell had she done? "Go back to your trailer in Eight Mile, ho. That's where you're from, right? Detroit? Eight Mile?"

"Look's like someone hasn't been doing her research. If you're going to insult someone, make sure you're getting your facts straight first you bimbo. Didn't your mother ever teach you anything?"

Peyton was trying her best to fight the tears that wanted to escape. She knew she couldn't technically bitch at Haley for mentioning her dead mother (s) but she wanted so much just to slap her. Peyton didn't really have any comebacks anymore, she felt weak and tired.

"That's what I thought." Haley retreated back to the couch, and stared blankly at the television. She was interuppted by Rachel's booming voice, entering the house.

"Hales! We're going to Tric tonight!" Rachel informed her, not realizing she had a visitor. Rachel was surprised when she heard no response, so she was convinced Haley had fallen asleep on the couch or something. "Haley, you awake?"

"Oh, she's wide awake." Peyton said with traces of her southern accent. Peyton smirked, realizing that Rachel hadn't exactly wanted her to know that Haley was over at her house, when Peyton had only been there a few times and never to simply hang out or wait for Rachel to return. "Can you explain... this?"

"I shouldn't have to explain shit, Peyton." Rachel snapped, looking over to Haley who was sitting on the couch innocently watching television. "Haley is my friend, and if you can't accept that, then you're an even bigger bitch than you already were. Unlike you, Haley actually listens to me!"

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" Peyton asked sharply. On the couch, Haley couldn't help but smirk a little bit. Peyton obviously was feeling "outed", and it was so sixth grade. So what, Rachel's making new friends, why can't she? Haley was beginning to realize that Peyton didn't really have any social skills. Peyton noticed Haley, and immediately called her out. "What the fuck is so funny you two dollar ho."

Rachel couldn't help but laugh. Peyton was horrible at insults, she usually went "too far" with them, calling to try people ho's and sluts, and they ended up sounding all too stupid. Rachel wasn't the best either, but at least she could make people feel bad. Peyton just made people laugh, and that pissed her off. She had a lot to learn. "Seriously, two dollar ho, that's the best you've got? Peyton, c'mon!"

"Yeah seriously Courtney Love, that's all you've got?" Haley grinned, knowing Peyton was beyond pissed off and annoyed at the name.

"Courtney Love? Hey that's a good one!" Rachel high-fived Haley, which only pissed Peyton off more, if that was humanly possible at the moment. Peyton's outfit was a little Courtney Love, Rachel had to agree with Haley there. "Peyton, I think you should leave."

"Whatever," Peyton huffed, walking towards the door. "I know you're using Haley, for whatever reason, she'll figure it out the hard way and then you'll come crawling back to me. Peace out bitches."

'Peace out bitches? Seriously?' Rachel thought silently. Haley burst out into fits of laughter, she couldn't believe what had just happened. Peyton had definitely made her day, and it would definitely be a memorable visit from her. Haley understood that Peyton was incredibly jealous, but she couldn't completely understand why. Haley didn't believe that anybody needed to be jealous of her, at all. She had some money, but that was left to her from her mother's death, and so she wasn't exactly "rich" under the right circumstances. Her brother bought her house, therefore it's not even really hers. Her car had been her mother's, but Haley switched it over to her name when she turned sixteen and got her license. Her mother had died when she was twelve, so the car was in storage for four years before Haley could actually touch it.

"So... that was funny." Rachel commented as she walked to the kitchen. She grabbed a bottle of water and took a few sips before placing it back into the giant, stainless steel fridge. Haley was trying to control her laughter. Rachel walked over to her laughing friend, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Haley, I just want to warn you... Peyton is not going to back down. When she's adamant about something... she makes sure it's going to happen, or that she'll make a good effort at least. I just hope that she doesn't do something to scare you away completely. I probably sound pretty gay, but I like having you around Haley."

Haley couldn't believe how much her and Rachel's friendship had progressed in the past few hours. Haley had really grown to like Rachel, and was glad that she had a friend at Tree Hill High so she wasn't a complete loser. Plus, she knew that when she was around Rachel, she wouldn't be. But that's definitely not why Haley was friends with her. Rachel seemed nice, but a little lonely. Haley could tell that she definitely didn't get much affection growing up in her household, and that's probably why she didn't open up to as many people. The two girls had some sort of connection, a connection that Rachel would never have with Peyton, and a connection Peyton would never understand.

"It doesn't sound too gay," Haley teased, "but I like having you around, too." They started laughing about the Peyton encounter again, before Haley realized she had to run home before their night out. "Uh, Rach, sorry I just remembered there's something I have to do at home before we go out tonight. I'll be gone like an hour tops, okay? See you later!"

Haley didn't even let Rachel speak before she was out the door and in her car, heading for her house. Haley was panicking, what if he was already there? What if he was waiting for her? "Shit," she muttered to herself, pressing the pedal down further and further. When she finally arrived home, she was relieved to know that nobody was there. She took a quick look around her house before she went into her room and rummaged through her closet, trying to figure out what she'd wear to her and Rachel's outing that night. Haley couldn't think without any background music, so she pressed play on her iPod, which was sitting in it's docking station.

You shatter me
Your grip on me
A hold on me
So dull it kills
You stifle me
Infectious sense
Of hopelessness and
Prayers for rain
I suffocate
I breathe in dirt
And nowhere shines
But desolate
And drab the hours all spent
On killing time again
All waiting for
The rain

"Seriously? Haley mumbled at the song choice, realizing it was all too perfect for the current situation. Her iPod had a tendency to do that; when she put it on shuffle, it would usually go to the song that fit perfectly in her current, messed up, life situation. Haley picked up her home phone, realizing there was a missed call from a number she didn't recognize. She did however, recognize the area code. "604? Vancouver- oh shit." She started to panic, was he calling to let her know he was on her way to Tree Hill, to find her? To hurt her more than he had before? Haley calmed herself down before she pressed play on her message machine. She took a deep breath, and listened to the message.

"Well well well Haley, I know we've had our.. differences in the past, but is this any way to treat your old father? Ignoring his calls? I've called three times today, Haley. Three times." There was a brief pause, before he started to talk again. "Please don't tell me you're going to school. You're nineteen years old, nineteen year olds don't belong in high school, Haley. And you? You don't belong in school at all. You're supposed to be with me, your old pop. Remember me? Remember all the... good times, we've shared?" Haley shivered in disgust, wishing she had never started listening to the message. "I hope to see you soon, Haley. I know where you live, remember that."

With that, the message ended. Haley couldn't control herself. She let out loud, fright filled sobs and collapsed onto the hardwood floor. She held herself tightly, praying for a miracle.

You fracture me
Your hands on me
A touch so plain
So stale it kills
You strangle me
Entangle me
In hopelessness and
Prayers for rain
I deteriorate
I live in dirt
And nowhere glows
But drearily and tired
The hours all spent
On killing time again
All waiting for
The rain

A/N: So we've learned from the previous chapter that Haley's dad blamed her for the murder of her mother, and that he abused her. You'll learn more about him in the next chapter, and you'll also get to see Rachel and Haley's night out... with Lucas and Nathan. Now don't jump to conclusions and think that I'm making Rachel and Lucas a couple, you don't know that yet. :)

Again, thank you for the reviews! :)

The song in this chapter was "Prayers for Rain" by The Cure. I love The Cure, so a few of there songs will probably be featured throughout the story. Also, I realize this chapter is short and I meant to make it longer, but I wanted to give you something before I go away tomorrow, I won't have my laptop with me or any internet access. I'll be gone until Wednesday or Thursday, so there won't be any updates for awhile. I probably should have made this longer for you guys, but I really don't have a lot of time to write because I'm getting ready for my trip and everything. My apologies, you guys definitely deserve a longer chapter than this! I PROMISE PROMISE PROMISE triple dog PROMISE that the next chapter will be twice as long as this, at least.

Also, I'd like to just say RIP Murphy Delesalle. I didn't know you, but I wish I had, I know you were a beautiful and kind girl, who deserved more time on this Earth than you received. 3

THANK YOU!
Kailyn