Hey guys, thanks for the reviews! As always, they're very much appreciated. I wanted to wish you all a Merry Christmas and/or Happy Holidays! I hope you enjoy this next chapter. So please read and review! Thanks!
Secret No. 6: Expect the unexpected.
I really hate school, Brooke thought to herself as her professor droned on about something. She knew that she should be paying attention, but she just couldn't. The weather was really nice outside. The last thing she felt like doing was sitting in a hot, muggy classroom learning about various marketing techniques.
Bo-ring!
Many people always said that the first week of classes is the worst. Brooke, on the other hand, disagreed. The first week was a piece of cake. All you had to do was show up to the class, listen to the professor talk about the syllabus, and leave. There was no learning, extremely long and tedious lectures, or homework. That came with the second week of school and all of the ones following after. Hence, why she felt like she was in Hell right now.
A couple of minutes later, Brooke turned her head away from the window and started doodling some sketches in her notebook. She needed to start coming up with designs for next spring and eventually summer. In the fashion world, you always had to be one or two seasons ahead. She then started to draw her new ideas for some sundresses. Brooke wasn't the best drawer, but she'd been taking some lessons from Peyton recently to get better.
As she continued with her sketches, Brooke felt her phone vibrate in her pocket. She snuck a peek at the professor to make sure he wasn't looking before checking to see who called. It ended up being a text message from Lucas. He wanted to know if she felt like meeting up for a quick lunch in the dining hall. Brooke then quickly typed her reply and sent it.
"…and who can tell me what this technique is called? How about…Miss James?"
Brooke's head snapped up at the sound of her name. What?
"Yes?" she questioned back nervously.
"What is the name of this particular technique?" he repeated.
Oh crap. Of course he calls on me when I'm not actually listening!
"Um…" she trailed off at a loss for words. She could feel everyone's eyes on her. Think, Brooke! Think!
"Personalization," a voice next to her whispered.
Brooke quickly glanced over to her left to see a dark-haired, brown-eyed guy of about medium height. She looked at him curiously.
"It's personalization," he repeated.
"Miss James?" the professor prodded. He now seemed to have a slightly annoyed look on his face.
Brooke shrugged. "Is it personalization?"
The professor nodded while giving her an impressed smile. "Yes. That's correct. Now who can tell me when we use it?" He then proceeded to pick on some other poor, unsuspecting student.
Brooke, meanwhile, breathed a sigh of relief. That was close.
Afterward, she turned to the guy next to her. "Thanks," she murmured.
He smiled kindly in response. "No problem."
For the rest of the class, Brooke continued with her sketches while making sure to at least tune in to the professor every now and then. When the class was finally over, she couldn't pack up her things into her designer tote bag fast enough.
"I hate it when they do that."
Brooke looked up and saw that the guy who'd helped her before was talking to her. "I'm sorry. What was that?" she questioned.
"I said I hate it when professors do that. You know, put you on the spot," he elaborated.
"Tell me about it," Brooke laughed. "And thanks again for helping. I would've looked like a complete idiot."
"It's fine. I'm Chase, by the way," he introduced himself.
"Brooke," she replied while shaking his hand.
"It's nice to meet you."
"You, too."
"So, I take it that you're not a business major," Chase commented as they made their way out of the room.
"No. I'm studying fashion, but I figured this course could help when I start my own company someday," Brooke explained. "What about you?"
"I'm a business major. My dad actually owns an advertising firm, so I'm pretty much guaranteed a job there after I graduate."
"That sounds nice."
Chase shrugged casually. "It's alright."
"Well, um, I'm heading this way," Brooke stated while pointing to the opposite end of the hall.
"Oh, I'm that way," Chase said, nodding in the other direction. "I guess I'll see you on Thursday then."
"Yeah," Brooke replied. "It was nice talking with you."
"You, too," Chase responded. "See ya."
"Bye." She gave him a small wave before heading over to the dining hall. Chase seemed like a nice guy who was easy to talk to. At least now she sort of knew someone in that class.
It was a few minutes later that Brooke finally made it to the dining hall. She looked around before spotting Lucas and Skills sitting at table in the corner.
"Hello, boys, how nice of you to wait for me," Brooke teased as she watched Lucas take a big bite of his hamburger.
"Sorry," he mumbled with his mouth full.
Brooke laughed as Skills whacked him upside the head. "Very attractive, Broody."
"Damn, Dogg, that ain't how you talk to your woman," Skills said while shaking his head.
Lucas chewed, swallowed, and glared briefly at Skills before replying, "I'm sorry, Pretty Girl. I'm just starving. I had an early class and didn't have a chance to get breakfast."
"Well, I'll forgive you on one condition," Brooke declared.
"And what is that?"
"You give me a couple of your fries when I get back."
"Deal," Lucas promised.
"Good boy." She then leaned down to give him a quick kiss before getting her own lunch. Brooke wasn't that hungry at the moment, so she decided to get a small salad. When she returned to the table, Lucas' entire hamburger was gone.
"Whoa, you were hungry," she laughed.
"That was just nasty. I feel like I'm watching the Discovery Channel when all the lions scarf down the zebra carcass," Skills said with a shudder.
Lucas rolled his eyes. "Thanks, Skills."
"I'm just stating the truth, man."
"So, Skills, how's Faith?" Brooke questioned, changing the subject. She could tell that he was starting to look a little pale. He always did have a squeamish stomach, which she found ironic since Skills usually acted so macho.
"Let me tell you, that girl's attitude gets bigger everyday. I love it," he joked, causing her and Lucas to laugh.
Faith was another one of Lucas' River Court friends, but she'd moved away during his freshman year of high school. Brooke didn't meet her until Christmas break last year when she came to visit all of the guys. She was petite, dark-skinned, and had short black hair. Overall, she looked kind of innocent. But Brooke had soon learned that appearances could be deceiving.
The girl may have been small, but she knew how to talk smack and play basketball just as good as the guys. It was actually very entertaining to watch her beat the crap out of them. It was a few months after Skills and Bevin had officially broken up. He and Faith had been going at each other nonstop with the insults on the court. However, it was just before she returned home that they all learned the two had hooked up and were dating. They'd been together ever since.
Brooke smiled as she stole a fry from Lucas' plate and ate it. "Well, that's nice to hear."
"Yup. I'm going to go visit her at Wake Forest this weekend."
"Tell her hi for me," Lucas said while taking a huge bite of his brownie.
Skills grimaced and shook his head. "Sure. But, look, I got to go. You're making me nauseous, man. I'll see you later," he stated. "Later, James."
"Bye, Skills," Brooke called after him. "Oh, Broody, what am I going to do with you?"
"What?" he replied, still chewing.
"You're eating like such a pig," she teased.
"Well, I'm done now," he announced after swallowing the last bite.
"Good. Now how about you and I take a walk to the quad and sit outside for awhile. The weather is gorgeous."
"But not as gorgeous as you," he complimented with a charming smile.
Brooke rolled her eyes playfully. "You are so cheesy...but totally right."
"Wow, these questions are personal," Haley commented as she looked down at the paper in front of her.
It was Tuesday afternoon. She and Nathan had decided to meet up in the library to work on their sheet for the week. Haley nervously put a strand of hair behind her ear. Nathan was acting very guarded and cold around her. She'd been expecting it, but it still hurt to see him this way.
"I guess that's the point," Nathan replied while opening his notebook. "Let's just get started. The sooner we answer these stupid things, the sooner we're finished."
Haley sighed softly to herself. This is going to be pleasant, she thought sarcastically.
"Nathan, what are you doing?" Haley questioned, confused, when he was already writing things down. "You haven't asked me anything yet."
Nathan didn't even bother looking up when he answered, "I'm just filling in the ones I already know."
"Nathan, you can't do that. We have to go through each question together. Your answer could just be an assumption," she pointed out.
This time, Nathan did meet her gaze. "What? You think I don't know you?"
Haley shook her head. "It's not that. I just may have a different answer."
"So for question seven, 'What's your biggest fear?' Is it still clowns, or is there something else I don't know about you?"
"No, that's right but—"
"See. It's fine," he declared.
Haley took a deep breath. She could feel her face heat up and patience start to wear thin at his petulant tone. "You know, Nathan, you don't have to act so rude," she commented.
"I'm not. You're the one who's implying that I'm wrong."
"I wasn't implying anything," Haley defended. "All I said was that maybe a few of my responses will be different. It doesn't mean that what you wrote isn't true. It's just not what I would choose as an answer for the question."
Nathan sighed agitatedly. "Fine. We'll go through them one by one. In fact, I'll question you first. So, choose three words to describe yourself."
Haley hesitated for a moment before replying, "Um…honest, intelligent, and kind."
"Describe your dream job," he pushed on.
"A singer/composer. Or a teacher if that doesn't work out."
"Which person in your life are you the closest to?"
"Probably Brooke or Peyton—or Lucas," she added. It was hard to pick one. They were all important to her. Haley also couldn't help but think that, at one point, she probably would've chosen Nathan. She felt a wave of sadness wash over her in that moment but pushed it aside. She was here with him now, at least. It was better than nothing.
"Was it always like that? What about in the past?" Nathan continued. Haley shifted uncomfortably. These questions their professor had concocted sure knew how to get at the root of a person's existence.
"Um…I guess when I was younger I was closest to my dad," she stated. Haley noticed Nathan pause for a moment before writing down the answer.
His tone seemed to lose its edge as he read over the next question. "What was the saddest day of your life?"
"I've had a few," Haley mumbled softly. "But, uh, his death was probably the worst."
"I'm sorry," Nathan muttered. "It's this month, right?"
Haley nodded silently.
"Are you…um…going to see him?" he inquired tentatively.
She shook her head. "I don't think so."
The last time she'd gone to his grave was her senior year of high school. Nathan was the one to take her. Her sisters couldn't really bring themselves to go. Haley felt the opposite. She wanted to see him. She figured it was the right thing to do. However, she thought that it wouldn't exactly be the safest situation if she drove considering the way she felt. So she'd asked Nathan to come with her.
They went to Charleston for the weekend and stayed in Keith's other house there that he kept. It had been a year since her father's death, but all of her old emotions seemed to come flooding back. She'd cried a lot that weekend. Nevertheless, Nathan was by her side the whole time giving her the comfort and support that she needed.
Haley then looked up, and her eyes locked with Nathan's. She could tell that he was thinking about the same thing. He looked like he wanted to ask her another question. But he seemed to just clear his throat, instead.
He glanced back down at the sheet. "What was the happiest day of your life?"
Haley brushed her hair out of her face and released the breath she'd unknowingly been holding. She didn't think she was up for anymore depressing questions at the moment. This next one, luckily, caused a small smile to form on her face.
"It's nothing really monumental or anything," she stated. "But I'd have to say that the day you came home from High Flyers was my happiest day."
Nathan's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Really?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
"I just really missed you the whole summer. I mean, I hung around with Peyton, Lucas, and Jake a lot and had fun. But…I don't know. They weren't you, and something felt off. Then, when I finally saw you in the airport, I was so excited and thrilled that you were home, and I just knew that everything was right again," Haley explained.
Nathan was quiet before replying, "I know what you mean." He then added a minute later, "Do you still have it?"
Haley frowned in confusion. It was another second before she realized what he meant. "Yeah, I do."
Haley couldn't sit still or stop fidgeting with her hands as she waited for Nathan's plane to land. It had been three whole months since she last saw him, and it was driving her crazy. Sure, they'd talked on the phone and wrote letters, but it still wasn't the same.
Haley was glad that the others had stayed behind at Karen's Café to finish up the little Welcome Home party they'd set up for him. There was no doubt in her mind that her siblings and friends would be busting her up right now for being so giddy.
It was another minute or so before the large door to the jetport opened, and people started walking out. Haley had to maneuver around some people so that she could see. Everyone seemed to be crowding around the exit waiting for their person to come out.
Haley brushed her hair out of her face and made sure it was still styled perfectly. She also straightened out her new, white designer tank top and blue, flowery mini skirt that Brooke had brought home with her. She gave Peyton a really stylish jean skirt, too. They were a couple of extra designs that she didn't really need. Haley was thrilled, because she'd had no idea what to wear when Nathan finally came home.
Where is he? It wasn't long before her question was answered. A minute later, she saw a tall figure emerge from the exit. His hair was slightly longer and his skin was more tanned, but it was Nathan, nonetheless. He looked around for a few seconds before finally spotting her. Haley's smile widened as she rushed by people to get to him. Nathan ended up meeting her halfway. He then quickly dropped the bag he was holding to pull her into a bone-crushing hug.
"Oh my God, Haley, I missed you," he proclaimed.
"I missed you, too."
Haley felt him pull away slightly. She was about to protest when she suddenly felt his lips on hers. Haley instinctively moaned as she wrapped her arms securely around his neck. His mouth was hot and demanding on hers, and she just couldn't seem to get enough of him either. Usually, she would get embarrassed by such intense PDAs. But right now, Haley didn't care. It felt like forever since she'd last kissed Nathan.
"I love you," he mumbled against her lips.
"I love you, too."
"How about we just skip the whole party at Karen's so I can kiss you for a couple of hours?" he proposed.
Haley smiled as she pulled away, which elicited a groan of protest from Nathan. "As amazing as that sounds, you know we can't. Everyone's excited to see you, especially your mom."
Nathan sighed while running a hand through her hair. "I know." He stared at her for a minute before asking, "Did you change your hair?"
"Not really. It's just a little bit lighter from the sun."
"Well, it looks nice."
"Thanks," she replied as the blush started to creep into her face. She then looked him over. "You look pretty good yourself. You're tanner than me."
"We practiced and played games on the outside basketball courts, so I was in the sun a lot."
"Well, it paid off…along with those workouts," she added as she ran her hands up and down his arms. His biceps were a lot bigger than she remembered.
Nathan smirked as he then proceeded to look her up and down. "Nice legs, Foxy."
Haley blushed. "I take it you like the skirt Brooke gave me."
"Definitely. Remind me to thank her later," he teased.
"Stop it. You're making me blush," Haley scolded playfully.
"Mission accomplished then."
Haley rolled her eyes at the charming smile he sent her way. "Come on, Fabio, let's go get the rest of your luggage."
Nathan laughed and leaned in to give her another kiss. Afterward, he picked up the bag he had with him and grabbed her hand to lead them to baggage claim. They shared a few kisses and flirted as they waited for the conveyor belt to start up. Haley was so happy that she felt like she was going to burst. She'd missed Nathan so much that, at times, it actually hurt. Several minutes later, he finally had gotten all of his things.
"You're sure that's it?" Haley questioned
"Yeah," Nathan confirmed. "I'll take these big ones if you can take that small one."
"That's fine," Haley replied before bending down to pick up his bag. "Let's go." She was just about to lead them to the parking lot when Nathan stopped her.
"What?" she asked.
"What's on your ass?"
"Huh?" She then quickly swiped at her behind but didn't feel anything there.
"Haley, there's something on your ass."
Oh crap, she thought when she realized what he was talking about. Her shirt must have ridden up when she went to pick up the bag.
"It's nothing," she tried to dismiss it.
"Let me see it."
"Nathan, everyone is waiting. We have to go."
"Let them wait. I want to see it," Nathan requested while looking her in the eyes. Haley sighed before reluctantly turning around. She then felt him lift up her shirt and run his fingers over her skin. "Is this real?"
"Yes."
"When did you get this done?"
"Last month," she said while pulling her shirt back down and turning to face him. "Does that bother you?"
"I'm just confused as hell. That's not at all like you, Haley. I mean, what would possess you to get my jersey number tattooed on your ass?"
"It's above my ass, actually," she corrected. "And I don't know. I guess I just missed you and wanted a piece of you with me. Are you mad?" She could tell that he was having a hard time processing it.
"No. It's just that…a tattoo is a permanent thing, Haley. I don't want you to look back and regret it someday."
"Nathan, they have ways of removing them. But I'm not going to ever do that. Even if things don't work out between us, I'm still going to keep it as a reminder of what we have and my feelings for you," she explained. "You're my first love. I don't want to ever forget that."
Nathan remained silent. A few minutes later, though, a proud and cocky smile formed on his face. "Yeah, I guess I am."
"Oh boy," Haley mumbled with a roll of her eyes. "I just made your ego bigger, didn't I?"
Nathan didn't say anything. He just smirked and drew her in for another passionate kiss.
"I told you I would always keep it," Haley said. "No matter what." She held Nathan's gaze until he finally looked away, and the moment was lost.
He then cleared his throat. "We should really finish up these questions."
"Hello," Peyton said, answering her cell phone.
"Hey, Curly, what are you doing tonight?" she heard Jake's voice on the other line.
"Nothing much. I'm just working on some sketches. Why?"
"Well, I have to meet up with some people from my class and—"
"You want me to watch Jenny," she assumed.
"Yeah, if you don't mind. I'd ask my parents, but they've both got some dinner to go to for my dad's job so—"
Peyton laughed. "Jake, it's fine. You know I'd love to spend time with her."
"Good, because she's been missing you and asking nonstop when you're coming over again."
"What time did you want me to come?" Peyton inquired.
"Can you be here in an hour?"
"Sure, no problem."
"Thanks, Curly. I love you."
"I love you, too," she replied with a smile. "And don't think I don't know that you're trying to butter me up right now."
Jake laughed. "You know me so well. I'll see you in a little bit."
"Alright, bye," she replied and hung up. Peyton then went back to her bed to finish up her drawing.
"Ooh, P. James, I was hoping you'd be here!" Brooke exclaimed as she came bursting into their room.
"And why is that, Brookie?"
"What do you think of these?" she questioned while throwing a whole bunch of papers on the bed in front of her.
Peyton looked them over and smiled. "Wow, Brooke, these are coming out great."
"I know. You're a genius. So when can we have another art lesson? I'm on a roll today. I've already designed ten new outfits."
"Probably tomorrow. I have to go over to Jake's and watch Jenny for him tonight."
"Oh, wait, I made her something the other day," Brooke announced as she rummaged through the closet. "Here. Give her this."
"What is it?" Peyton asked as she stared at the wrapped gift.
"It's a sundress that I made with some extra material that I had. It'll look adorable on her."
"Thanks, Brooke. I'm sure she'll love it. You really are on a roll."
She smiled proudly. "Damn straight. Unfortunately, I have some math homework calling my name."
"Have fun," Peyton teased.
Brooke groaned as she picked up her books and went to her desk to work on it. Peyton, meanwhile, finished up her sketch until it was time to leave.
"Are you coming back or staying over Jake's for the night?" Brooke asked when she was on her way out.
Peyton shrugged. "I don't know yet. I'll call you." She then gave her sister a small wave and was on her way. About fifteen minutes later, she arrived at the apartment.
"Hey," Jake greeted her with a kiss. "Thank you so much for doing this."
"I told you it's no problem. I love Jenny. I have a present for her, too."
"Peyton!" the little girl squealed as she came running down the hall.
Peyton laughed. "Speaking of." She then caught the little girl in her arms and lifted her up.
"Jenny, what did I say about running in the house?"
"Sorry, Daddy," she replied sheepishly. A second later, though, her excited smile returned. "Do you really have a present for me, Peyton?"
Peyton laughed. "Yes. Auntie Brooke made this for you." She then handed the package to her. Jenny's eyes lit up before ripping off the paper.
"Ooh. It's so pretty! Look, Daddy."
"That's very nice. We'll have to call Aunt Brooke tomorrow and thank her," Jake replied. "And say thank you to Peyton for bringing it over."
"Thank you, Peyton," Jenny said while giving her a hug.
"You're welcome."
"Okay, well, I have to go. Make sure you girls take it easy," Jake stated. "She's still not feeling well, so be careful."
"She's still sick?" Peyton asked as she felt Jenny's forehead. "Well, you don't have a fever."
"She's a little tired and rundown," Jake explained. "So make sure that she rests. I don't want you getting worse, Munchkin."
"But, Daddy—" Jenny began to protest.
"You can still have fun with Peyton. Just no running around."
"Don't worry, Jake. I'll make sure she's fine," Peyton promised.
He nodded in response. "I know. I should be back around ten o'clock. And since Peyton is here tonight, you can stay up until then. Alright?"
"Thank you, Daddy!" Jenny exclaimed with a beaming smile. Jake then leaned in to give her a kiss on the cheek.
"You're welcome, Munchkin. Bye, Curly," he added and gave Peyton a quick kiss. "Call me on my cell if you need me."
"Sure. Bye." She and Jenny gave him small waves as he made his way out of the door. "Finally! Now it's just us girls," Peyton joked, causing Jenny to giggle. "So, what do you want to do?"
"Can we color and watch a movie?" Jenny asked. "I got a new Hannah Montanna coloring book."
Peyton nodded. "Okay. That sounds fun. What movie?"
"Well, Daddy just bought me Alvin and the Chipmunks. It's really good. Can we watch that, Mommy? Please?"
"Whoa, you're breaking out the big guns. You must really want to watch it," Peyton teased while tickling her.
"Please?" Jenny pled in between fits of laughter.
"Of course we'll watch it. But we'll stay in your room, so you're more comfortable." Now that Peyton was looking at her closely, she did notice that Jenny appeared a little pale.
"Okay, let's go," Jenny said as she fidgeted to get down. She then took Peyton's hand and led her down the hall.
The two spent the next couple of hours playing around and talking as they colored and watched just how much trouble a few chipmunks can get into. Peyton loved nights like this with Jenny. There was no stress of school or work. She could just relax and have fun. It almost felt like Peyton was a kid again herself.
"Which one was your favorite, Peyton?" Jenny asked.
"Probably Alvin. I liked his edge."
Jenny laughed. "He's cool, but I love Theodore. I'd let him sleep with me if he had a nightmare."
Peyton nodded. "Yeah, he was cute, too."
"Can we watch Annie now?"
"Actually, it's time for you to get to bed," Peyton said while checking her watch.
"But Daddy's not home yet."
"I know, but it's ten o'clock. You need your rest if you're going to get better," Peyton told her. "So let's get you into your pajamas and ready for bed, Munchkin."
"Will you at least stay with me until I fall asleep?" Jenny requested, using her infamous puppy dog eyes.
Peyton laughed while shaking her head. Jenny was always using her cuteness against them. "Of course I will. Now let's go brush your teeth."
"Okay," Jenny pouted. Once she was done in the bathroom, she returned to the room. Peyton had already picked out some pajamas for her. She then lifted Jenny onto the bed and helped her change.
"Hey, what happened here?" Peyton asked as she stared at Jenny's arm. There was a band-aid covering a large, dark bruise.
"I went to the doctor, and he gave me a shot. It really hurt."
"It looks like it," Peyton said with a frown. She'd have to talk to Jake about that guy. Jenny's arm looked horrible for getting something as simple as a shot. It looked almost as bad as that time she'd fallen a few weeks ago.
"I have to go back on Friday," Jenny informed her. "Maybe you can tell Daddy that I feel better. I don't want anymore tests."
Peyton hesitated for a moment. "Tests?"
Jenny nodded as she started to get under the covers. "That is what the doctor told Daddy."
"Why do you need tests?"
"I don't know, but I'm sick of them. We're always at the doctor's. It's so boring. They're always telling me to sit still."
"Yeah, I hate that," Peyton commented with a comforting smile. She then went to lie down next to Jenny. Peyton held onto her tightly and stroked Jenny's hair when she snuggled into her side.
She was worried. What exactly did Jenny have if she needed to get shots and tests done? Although, that would explain why Jake was so on edge and busy lately. He was probably just concerned about Jenny. She looked at the clock. It was quarter past ten. Jake would be back anytime now. Peyton decided she'd stay at the apartment tonight. She and Jake needed to have a talk.
