Chapter Four

Nathan's POV

Nathan watched as Haley scurried of to the girl's locker room. He could not believe he just did that. He just kissed Haley. Not that he didn't want to. He'd been thinking of doing just that since he first saw her. But still, he was still officially dating Rachel.

"Hey man. What's up?" Lucas asked, pulling Nathan out of his thoughts.

"Nothin'! So what does your girlfriend have planned for us tonight?" Nathan said easily.

"I don't know, she won't tell me. But I think she got my mom involved. They've been planning something all week."

Just then Rachel came out of the girl's locker room, headed towards the two guys. She leaned in to give Nathan a kiss and again he turned his head at the last minute and she got his cheek.

"What's the matter?" Rachel asked him, annoyed.

"Nothing. Just tired," he lied, moving away from her. Thankfully Jake came out of the locker room at that point and he didn't have to explain himself any further.

*****

By the time the girls came out of the locker room Rachel was really starting to annoy all of the guys with her constant whining about how long the other girls were taking getting ready. "I mean I realize Haley may need the extra time to look half decent but why is she coming anyway?" Rachel comment, being her usual bitchy self.

When Nathan looked like he was going to say something Lucas beat him to it. "Oh my God. Shut up Rachel. You're just jealous because she is so much hotter than you and doesn't even try half as hard."

Before Rachel could reply the girls came out of the locker room. "Hey girls, you all look great," Lucas said as soon as he saw them, going up to Brooke to give her a kiss. Jake followed his lead and went to give Peyton a kiss. Nathan had to stop himself from going over to talk to Haley. She looked hot and he couldn't take his eyes off of her.

"Finally! What took you guys so long? Can we go now?" Rachel said impatiently.

"Yeah. Come on guys. Lucas, just follow Peyton," Brooke said, leading everyone out.

Haley was doing everything she could to avoid looking at Nathan. When she went to walk by him she finally looked at him. He gave her a half smile but she looked away quickly. Nathan let out a big sigh and went to follow Lucas to his car.

*****

Five minutes later when they pulled up a Tric Nathan had the beginning of a headache all because Rachel would not shut up.

As soon as they got inside the guys headed straight to the bar to get drinks.

"So Lucas. Do you know what Brooke is up to tonight?" Jake asked.

"No idea. I thought it was supposed to be a huge surprise, but it's my mom's club," Lucas comment, totally puzzled.

"Well you know Brooke. It could be anything. That girl has had some crazy ideas," Nathan added.

"True. But what I really want to know right now is what's going on with you," Lucas said, looking at Nathan.

"Nothing."

"Oh come on man. We can tell somethings going on. You've been blowing Rachel off all night and trying to stay as far away from her as possible. Not that I blame you, but still. Plus you can't take your eyes off of Haley," Lucas pushed.

"I don't know. Rachel has just been getting on my nerves lately. I don't know," Nathan said, letting out a sigh.

"Nuh uh. Not buying it. That explains the stuff with Rachel, but what's with Haley?" Jake asked.

"I don't know. We kind of almost kissed," Nathan mumbled under his breath, hoping they didn't hear. Too bad for him, they did.

The two boys just stared at him open mouthed.

"Here are your drinks," the bartender said setting them down in front of Nathan. Nathan handed him the money, grabbed a couple drinks, and headed towards the table where the girls were sitting. Jake and Lucas had no choice but to follow him.

"Here you guys go," Nathan said setting the drinks on the table, taking a seat in between Haley and Rachel, not looking at anyone.

*****

"Okay everyone. Tonight we're trying something new at the special request of someone special. Instead of hiring entertainment, I'm going to let you guys entertain each other with Karaoke. First off we have Haley James." This made Nathan look up for the first time all night.

"What? Brooke, what did you do?" Haley asked her, shocked.

"You better get up there Tutor Girl. Everyone's waiting for you," Brooke said, smacking Haley on the ass as she got up to go on stage. Haley turned around to glare at her.

Watching Haley take the mike Nathan couldn't help but wonder what Brooke was up to.

Nathan heard the first few beats, but still didn't recognize the song. Whatever it was, Haley didn't seem impressed judging by the glare she shot at Brooke.

As soon as Haley sang the first few words, he understood why.