So, you all are pretty much awesome! Thanks so much for the reviews (and the ones that you guys wrote for Funny Little Feeling). I really do love reading them in between classes and when I get home from school. So please keep them coming!
Chapter 7
Haley looked out the window of the plane and stared at the tiny shapes below. She was exhausted but she couldn't sleep. She was still upset from her fight with Nathan earlier. Haley didn't even know why she was letting him get to her so badly. It's not like she respected nor valued his opinion. Most of the time, she would just shrug off all the crap he said about her. But something about this fight went beyond their normal banter.
"What are you thinking about?" Brooke questioned softly next to her. Peyton was staring at her from Brooke's other side. The whole group knew that something had happened. Even if they hadn't witnessed her and Nathan's angry display, the hostility emanating off of them would have clued them in.
"Do you guys think I'm a stuck-up bitch?" Haley asked before she could stop the words from coming out of her mouth.
"What?" Peyton replied shocked. "No. Why would we think that?"
"Forget it," Haley said. She felt stupid for even bringing it up. Damn you, Nathan.
"Is this about what Nathan said to you earlier?" Brooke guessed.
"Seriously, just forget it. I don't even know what I'm talking about anymore."
"No, we're not going to forget it. This is obviously bothering you," Peyton pointed out. "We're your best friends. Talk to us." Haley sighed defeated.
"There's really nothing to talk about. Nathan and I were at each other's throats—as usual—and things escalated from there."
"What specifically did you guys fight about?" Peyton inquired.
"I basically questioned his integrity—or lack there of. He then got pissed and started accusing me of being a judgmental bitch. The rest was just the fallout," Haley explained. Brooke gave her hand a comforting squeeze.
"I'm sure he didn't mean it," Peyton said. "We've known Nathan since we were kids. He tends to say things in the heat of the moment without really thinking."
"Believe me, he meant it."
"Well, maybe he did," Brooke admitted. "But you have to understand, Nathan is really guarded. He has to be with the kind of family he comes from. Besides you, the only other person who is able to get under his skin like that is his father."
"Who's the biggest ass you'll ever meet," Peyton added. "He's constantly riding him."
"So what are you guys saying? That his behavior and attitude towards me is excusable just because I remind him of his jackass father?" Haley questioned incredulously. Nathan's a grown man. He should be able to control himself.
"No," Brooke denied. "We're just saying that the reason he might be so antagonistic towards you is because what you said struck a nerve. He's usually a stone wall when it comes to his emotions. The fact that you can get to him like that bugs him and so he lashes out. I'm not saying that it's by any means ok. I'm just saying that that's probably what happened."
"And I know you really don't want to hear this, but I think the same applies to you, too," Peyton joined in.
"What does?" Haley asked confused.
"You're usually a pretty level-headed person, Haley," she began. "But when it comes to Nathan, it's kind of obvious that he manages to make you lose your cool rather quickly. There's something between the two of you."
"Yeah, mutual hatred," Haley interjected.
"Not necessarily. Whether it's just simply annoyance, a misunderstanding of sorts, or possibly a deeper connection that you're not ready to acknowledge yet, Nathan knows how to push your buttons. And don't kill me for saying this, but I think a part of you likes that." As Brooke nodded in agreement, Haley's mouth dropped open. She was about to object but the words wouldn't come out. She was literally in shock. A moment later, she finally came to her senses.
"Are you implying that I have some kind of…crush," she said with a disgusted look on her face, "…on Nathan?"
"Maybe not a full-on crush, but there's definitely a spark between the two of you," Brooke commented. Haley looked at them like they'd grown two heads. She honestly couldn't believe what she was hearing. Me and Nathan? A spark? That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard.
"I'm sorry to disappoint you, Dr. Phil Numbers One and Two, but there is nothing between Nathan and me. Some people just genuinely don't get along. That's all there is to it. There's no spark, no crush, and certainly no deep cosmic connection," Haley explained. "We're just two people who are stuck with each other. End of story."
"But…" Brooke began.
"No. I love you guys for caring about me and trying to help, but I assure you that nothing is going on. So I'd appreciate it if we just dropped this whole awkward and uncomfortable subject," Haley said. "I'm worn out and I really need to try to get some sleep. I want to be somewhat coherent when we land in an hour."
Brooke and Peyton just kept their mouths shut and nodded in understanding. Peyton went back to sketching as Brooke pulled out her fashion magazine. Haley laid back in her seat and shut her eyes. A few seconds later, she felt someone's gaze on her and turned her head to the left. The guys were sitting in their seats across the aisle from them. Lucas and Jake were already asleep. Nathan, however, was wide awake. He was looking right at her. His piercing blue eyes met her soft brown ones. In that moment, Haley felt like Nathan could see right through her. A shiver went up her spine at the thought. She quickly tore her eyes away from his and settled back into her seat. There's nothing going on. You can hate someone without there being an underlying issue, right? Of course you can. It happens all the time, she assured herself. But as she drifted off to sleep, she knew that a tiny seed of doubt had already been planted in the back of her mind.
"This is it," the manager announced. "The Grand Suite."
"Whoa," Nathan commented as Jake whistled. They were now looking at their room on the ship. It was huge and definitely luxurious. There was a humongous couch, a big-screen TV, and a mini bar. The sliding glass doors at the opposite side of the room led out to their own private balcony.
"I think I've died and gone to Heaven," Brooke said in awe.
"Just so you know, there are four bedrooms. They all look different so you can choose which one you like best. Between them are the adjoining bathrooms. There's another one through that door on the left. They include a whirlpool tub, shower, two sinks, and a bidet," the guy explained.
"A bidet? Well, that's…useful," Peyton whispered to Haley and Brooke making them snicker.
"Since you are the big contest winners, all your meals and drinks are complimentary. The only thing you'll really have to pay for is souvenirs. On the nightstand in each of your rooms are a list of activities and events that will be going on. Room service is available at any time. It will also be free in your case. If you have any questions, feel free to ask."
"I have one," Brooke said. "Do our beds have those cool little mint chocolates on our pillows?" The gang all laughed. "What? I'm serious."
"Yes, we do," the man answered with a warm smile. He then looked past them and motioned to the bellhop to bring their luggage in.
"If there are no more questions, I'll leave you all to it. Enjoy your vacation in the Caribbean."
"Oh my God!" Haley exclaimed after the guy left. "How amazing is this?!"
"I call the biggest bedroom!" Brooke shouted. The girls then ran to check out the bedrooms. They started pushing and holding each other back as they tried to be first in the rooms.
"Would you look at this mini bar? It's fully stocked," Lucas declared.
"This balcony is huge," Jake called from outside.
"Screw the balcony. Do you see the size of this TV? I might just stay in here the whole week and watch ESPN's post-game coverage of the NBA finals," Nathan said. He turned it on and scanned the channels. The sound and picture quality were amazing. He felt like he was actually there. Nathan then noticed that it had a full entertainment center and he almost hit the roof. There was even a PlayStation 3 connected to it.
"Broody, come and look at the bedroom I got us!"
"I'll be right back," Lucas said as he took off in the direction of Brooke's voice. Jake then went to find Peyton. I should probably get my room now before they take all the good ones. Nathan shut off the TV and headed into the room closest to him. It was enormous. The bed was a king size. There was another flat-screen TV built into the wall right across from it. Sweet. He also noticed a mini fridge, a walk-in closet, and drawers built into the wood-paneled wall. Nathan next went to check out the bathroom. That guy wasn't lying when he listed all the stuff in here. The bathroom actually seemed bigger than his bedroom back home. As he started to look over everything, the door on the other side opened. It was another second after Haley walked in that she realized he was in there.
"Oh, sorry," she said as she started to turn around to leave.
"I'm not using it. I was just looking," Nathan replied.
"Oh," she commented as she stood there, not knowing what to say.
"So, um, is your bedroom in there?" he asked. The awkward and tension-filled silence was starting to get to him.
"Yeah," she answered. "I'm assuming the other one is yours."
"Yeah," he replied. He inwardly groaned. It seemed like they couldn't get away from each other on vacation either. Haley stared at him for a minute. She knew he wasn't any happier about this arrangement than she was. It was then that Peyton and Brooke's earlier words filled her mind. I can't believe I'm actually going to say this…
"Look…um…I'm sorry about what I said to you before," Haley apologized. "You're right. I don't really know you. I shouldn't have assumed otherwise." Nathan's head snapped up and did a double take. Did she really just apologize to me? Me? Of all people?
"Are you serious?" Nathan asked skeptically.
"Yes," Haley sighed as she tried to keep herself calm. She could tell that he wasn't buying it. "It's going to be a long week. And whether we like it or not, we're stuck together sharing a bathroom. Not to mention, we'll be seeing even more of each other since we're bound to do at least a few group activities all together. So, we might as well try and put the crap behind us and make this arrangement as civil and hassle free as possible."
"For once, I agree with you," Nathan stated.
"Good," Haley replied. She then waited for him to say something else but he remained silent. "Is there anything you'd like to say to me?"
"Like what?" he questioned confused.
"Um, I don't know, how about that you're sorry, too, for the things you said to me?" she prodded.
"I didn't say anything to you."
"Uh, yes you did. You called me a stuck-up bitch."
"You are a stuck-up bitch."
"And you're an arrogant ass but I still apologized."
"Doesn't that right there completely void the apology you just gave me?" he smirked.
"What? No," she argued.
"I think it does."
"It does not."
"It does, too."
"Does not."
"Does, too."
"Does not!"
"Does, too!"
"Ugh, why must you always be so damn difficult all the time?!" Haley exclaimed frustrated.
"Because I can," he said with another smirk.
"You promised to be civil," she pointed out as she placed her hands on her hips.
"This is civil for us," Nathan replied. "I annoy you. You annoy me back. That's as well-mannered as it's going to get."
"Unbelievable," Haley exclaimed while throwing her hands up in the air. "You are the most stubborn, inconsiderate jerk I have ever met in my entire life!"
"Ditto," Nathan quipped back still smiling. Haley scowled at him. He looks like he's actually enjoying this.
"Fine, I'm going to make this real simple. You don't talk to me and I don't talk to you unless it is absolutely necessary. Is that clear?" Nathan just stood there without answering.
"Well?" she prodded. He still didn't say anything. "Nathan, don't play games with me. Do you agree or not?" Nathan then walked over to the counter and picked up a small pad of paper and the pen next to it. He wrote something down and showed it to her.
"'I thought you said no talking'," she read out loud. Haley glared back up at him and shook her head. It was like talking to a two year old.
"You are so immature," she commented before walking back towards her room and slamming the bathroom door shut. Nathan laughed softly to himself. He then returned to his own room and collapsed onto his giant bed satisfied with himself. He loved getting her riled up. It was definitely one of his favorite past times. Maybe sharing a bathroom with Haley won't be so bad after all.
"…and then we got into a whole other fight," Haley finished telling Brooke and Peyton what had happened between her and Nathan earlier. They had decided to go to the Day Spa at the top of the ship. Right now, they were soaking in a mud bath. "I could kill the two of you."
"What did we do?" Brooke asked.
"You're the ones who told me some sob story about Nathan not really being an ass. So then I felt bad and figured maybe if I tried to be the bigger person and be somewhat nice to him, then maybe we could enjoy the trip without killing each other," Haley rambled. "But that's now shot to hell."
"You want me to talk to him?" Peyton offered. "Slap him around a few times?"
"No, that's ok. If anyone is going to slap him then it will be me. As for the talking part, don't bother. I don't want him to think that he's getting to me."
"But he is getting to you," Brooke pointed out. "You're totally flustered and rambling right now."
"I am not. I'm venting. There's a difference," Haley argued.
"I'm just telling you what I see."
"Brooke, you can't see anything. You've got cucumbers covering your eyes."
"So, my third eye can sense it," she replied—still keeping her head back and the cucumbers in place. Peyton rolled her eyes playfully.
"Enough you two. Let's talk about something else."
"Fine by me," Haley chimed in.
"What are we doing tonight?"
"Well, when Lucas and I walked around the ship, we saw this really cool nightclub. We could go there tonight," Brooke proposed.
"We partied last night," Haley said. "Can't we do something a little more mellow?"
"Like what?"
"I was looking through the activity guide and it said that there is going to be a comedy show tonight by a group called Mixed Nuts. I think that would be fun," Haley suggested.
"Sounds kind of kinky," Brooke said. "So you know I'm going." They all laughed.
"I could use a good laugh," Peyton agreed.
"Then Mixed Nuts it is," Haley declared. "Now all we have to do is convince the guys…"
"Oh, that was so in!" Lucas declared.
"It doesn't count. That was a fowl," Nathan argued.
"No, it wasn't," Jake retorted.
"Yes, it was," a guy named Grant said. It didn't take the boys long to find the sports deck on the ship–or the basketball court for that matter. After the three started playing for awhile, some guys their own age ended up joining them. They were now playing a full-on game. And it was really getting competitive. Nathan, however, didn't mind at all. He loved a good challenge. The harder the game the sweeter the victory was in the end. It also kept his mind from wandering back to Melissa. She hadn't shown up to the party last night at all. For someone who claimed to care so much about him, she sure had a hell of a way of showing it.
Nathan wasn't particularly heartbroken. Yeah, he felt bad. But he wasn't going to cry about it or anything. He was just disappointed. And just thinking of disappointment automatically brought up the subject of Dan. Nathan had told his mom about the trip and him being away for a week. He knew that if he told Dan, he would have hit the roof. It would be a, "week of training that you'll never get back again." His father was always spouting off crap like that. But Nathan knew that he still wasn't out of the woods with this one. As soon as he got back to Tree Hill, Dan would most likely have his head.
"Ah, just give it to them. They're going to need it anyway when we wipe their sorry asses all over this court," another guy named Peter said.
"You wish," Lucas commented. The boys then got back into their positions and started to play again. About another hour later, the game was finally over and Nathan's team had won.
"I believe that's game," Nathan smirked.
"That was a lucky shot," Lucas argued.
"Not lucky. I just happen to have skills."
"No, the only thing you must have is a horseshoe stuck up your ass," Lucas commented. "You weren't even looking at the damn basket when you made the shot."
"Like I said, I have skills," Nathan reiterated.
"Whatever. That game was still good," Grant said. "So, uh, where are you guys from again?"
"North Carolina," Nathan answered. "We go to Duke."
"Nice. Do you guys play ball there?" Peter questioned. "You're really good."
"Yeah. We're their top players. We're also ranked nationally," Lucas explained.
"I love basketball but I don't usually have time for it," Grant stated. "I'm in pre-law at Harvard."
"Really?" Jake asked. "That must be tough."
"It is. The summer is the only time I get to let loose. I'm usually a partier but I'm buried with so much schoolwork during the semester that I never find the time."
"Do you all go to Harvard?" Lucas asked the remaining four guys in front of them. They shook their heads.
"Peter and Tom go to UCLA. Brian and Doug are at Franklin Pierce. We all went to high school together back when we lived in Texas. This whole trip is like a reunion for us," Grant explained.
"That's cool," Jake stated. "We're here with our girlfriends."
"I'm not," Nathan interjected. The guys looked at him a little confused.
"My girlfriend Brooke and Jake's girlfriend Peyton are here. Our other good friend Haley also joined us," Lucas clarified.
"Unfortunately," Nathan mumbled. Lucas threw him a look and then whacked him on the arm.
"I take it you don't like this Haley very much," Grant guessed.
"Not really," he answered.
"Is she hott?" Peter asked. Nathan didn't really want to answer that. The truth was, he did think that Haley was attractive. But it's not like he actually wanted to admit that out loud. Luckily, he saw the girls making their way towards them.
"Oh, here they come now," Jake stated.
"Of all the places and activities on this gorgeous ship, you still head for the basketball court," Brooke said while shaking her head. "Men!"
"Hey, Cheery," Lucas greeted her with a quick peck on the cheek. Jake did the same with Peyton as Nathan and Haley stood awkwardly across from each other.
"So you're Haley. Damn, girl, you are fine," Peter commented.
"Excuse me?" Haley questioned. She was completely caught off guard.
"What this mindless idiot over here means is that you're really pretty. I'm Grant by the way," he introduced as he held out his hand.
"Oh, uh, it's nice to meet you," Haley said politely as she shook it. She threw a look to Brooke and Peyton. They, however, had their eyebrows raised. Haley could already see the wheels turning in their heads—especially Brooke's. Lucas then introduced the rest of the guys to the girls. Meanwhile, both Grant and Peter kept their eyes firmly on Haley. She moved closer to Brooke and Peyton when she noticed this. She never really liked to be stared at. It made her feel uncomfortable.
"Well, it looks like you boys have made some new friends," Brooke declared.
"What are you all doing tonight?" Brian questioned.
"Uh, we don't…" Jake began but was cut off by Peyton.
"We're going to a show."
"A show?" Lucas questioned. "What kind of a show?"
"It's a comedy show. Some group called Mixed Nuts is performing. I've heard it's really good," Haley said.
"It sounds lame," Nathan commented.
"I think it sounds cool. Maybe we'll check it out later," Peter chimed in as he not so subtly looked Haley up and down again. Nathan narrowed his eyes at the guy. He then got this weird, unexpected pang in the pit of his stomach. I must be hungry or something. When does that complimentary meal come in?
"Yeah, you guys should definitely meet us there," Brooke said. Haley whipped her head around to glare at her. The other guys couldn't see since her back was now turned to them.
"Well, we were just about to grab some lunch if you all would like to join us?" Grant offered. Haley sent a pleading look to Peyton.
"Um, thanks but we have to pass. We already made arrangements," Peyton informed them.
"We did?" Brooke questioned confused.
"Yes," Peyton emphasized as she gave Brooke a glare of her own. "If fact, we should probably get going now. We have reservations."
"But…" Brooke began before Haley cut her off.
"We've really got to run but we'll see you guys later," Haley said. She then grabbed Brooke by the arm and dragged her away as Peyton followed.
"Ow, Tutor Girl, you're hurting me," Brooke exclaimed when they were farther away. She then yanked her arm out of Haley's grasp.
"Brooke, why did you invite them?" Haley asked. "Did you see the way they were looking at me?"
"Of course I did. That's why I asked them in the first place. They were totally vibing on you, Tutor Girl."
"Tigger, I don't want to be around them. Couldn't you tell that I was uncomfortable?"
"No, you were smiling."
"I was being polite. And you didn't see the look I gave you?"
"I did but I thought it was directed towards Nathan who was next to me. You looked kind of angry."
"I am angry!"
"What was that all about?" Lucas asked as he, Jake, and Nathan finally caught up to them.
"What was what?" Brooke asked.
"Why did you invite them with us later?" Lucas questioned. "Did you see the looks they were giving Haley?"
"Oh, can you all just calm down? It wasn't that bad. Besides, I thought you liked those guys."
"Not when they're staring at my best friend like that," Lucas replied.
"They did look like they were going to maul her," Nathan added.
"See, even Nathan who's completely clueless noticed it," Haley declared.
"Hey!" he objected. "I am not."
"You're not supposed to be talking to me. Remember?" she retorted back.
"I can do whatever I want."
"Well, you made such a big deal about it earlier that…"
"Ok, can everyone just stop for a second? I'm confused," Jake proclaimed.
"Let me explain. Those guys that you were playing with really like Haley. But she was all creeped out because they were looking at her and completely undressing her with their eyes."
"Ugh, please don't say it like that," Haley groaned.
"So Brooke—being the meddlesome friend/Cupid that she is—invited them to the show we're going to see later. Oh, and Lucas and Nathan didn't like the fact that they were staring at Haley and are mad that they're coming. Got it?" Peyton finished.
"I never said that I didn't like it," Nathan denied. Why would I not like it? It's not like I'm with Haley. And I don't like her like that. No, correction, I don't like her at all. So there is no issue here. Right?
"I was just trying to help," Brooke pouted. "I just thought that you'd be up for some fun in the sun with a hott guy. You know, since you split with Shane. You're a free woman and we're on vacation. It's the perfect time to have a post-break up fling."
"Tigger, I appreciate you looking out for me but I don't want another boyfriend or fling right now," Haley explained. The whole situation with her ex-boyfriend had taken a lot out of her. She just wanted to be by herself for awhile. "Please promise me you won't invite them or any other guys out with us before asking me first?"
"Ok, I promise," Brooke conceded. "Sorry."
"Thank you," Haley replied as she gave her a warm hug.
"That was touching," Nathan said sarcastically. "But can we please eat now?"
"Where do you guys want to go?" Peyton asked.
"I thought we had reservations," Jake pointed out.
"We don't. That was just a cover story, sweetheart."
"I'm so confused…."
