"USE SOMEBODY"
Chapter 10
Clarity
Disclaimer: I don't own one tree hill and any of the characters from the show, any scene, dialogue you might recognize from the show I don't take credit for, only this story's concept.
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Hi guys! i'm back! with an update! Just 4 days after my last one Yey huh?! LOL. well this one is a little shorter than my usual updates. But nevertheless i hope you enjoy it. So here's chapter 10!
*******
I always hated hospitals, there's just something eerie about it, something so uncertain… like you don't know what's going to happen next, you watch people sitting at the corridors, waiting to hear the news that would probably change their lives forever.
"How are you feeling sweetheart?" I heard my mom spoke, breaking me out of my thoughts.
"I'm feeling a little better now that they had my head all stitched up" I tried to joke, but my voice betrayed me, even in my own ears it sounded a little weak.
"I'm glad you're okay Hales, you scared me" Quinn said with a weak smile.
"Thanks Quinny, and thanks for bringing me my change of clothes" I smiled sincerely at her, touched by her concern.
"No problem, so will you be able to go home now" she asks.
"Yeah, they took an x-ray of my head earlier to see if I had concussion since I passed out after I hit my head… and I'm cleared." I explained, I started to come to a few minutes before we got to the hospital, my memory a little hazy but by the time we got there the events of the night came rushing back so vividly in my head, making my already throbbing forehead more painful.
"That's good" she said smiling relieved.
"Okay bob, you're all set to go home, I've signed everything that needed to be signed, you ready?" my dad asked with a tired smile as he came into the room.
"Yup" I said easing myself off the bed. "Does Brooke know what happened?" I asked walking with Quinn out of the room, my parents walking in front of us.
"Are you kidding me? If that girl knew what happened she'd be here" she laughed and I followed. "I was so freaked out I forgot about her, which is probably a good thing, you know how Brooke is"
"Right" I agreed.
*****
It was a silent ride on our way to the house, all of us tired and spent with the day's events, starting from that little tiff, ok more like a blow up with Nathan earlier this morning and then my little accident earlier tonight, everyone just about had enough of this day and all we wanted is to just get home and sleep in our own beds, especially my parents. I understand it's passed their usual bed time, if I'm right it's probably already around 1 in the morning.
"Hey Hales, you feeling okay?" my sister Vivian rushed to me as soon as we enter the door of our house.
"Yeah I'm okay Viv, thanks, I'm all stitched up, don't worry sorry you had to wait up" I smiled.
"Well good and its okay I just wanted to make sure you're alright" she said hugging me.
"You okay?" Taylor asked coming into the living room already in her pajamas.
"Yup Tay I'm fine" I said for the nth time that night, it's getting a little redundant, their questions, but I can't help but be touched by all their concerns.
"Okay good well I'm going to bed, night everyone" she shrugs before leaving the room. I inwardly smiled at how typical she's being, she hates showing that side of her, the side that actually cares, but she does care…she always have.
"Thanks Tay, Love You" I yelled after her.
"Okay sweetheart, I think it's time for you to rest, is there anything else you need?" my mom asked.
"Nope mom, I'm fine, you and dad can rest now, sorry for making you both worry and for keeping you up so late" I said hugging both of them "Is Ally sleeping?" I said turning to Vivian.
"Yeah, she woke up earlier, she was looking for her Auntie Haley, and when I told her you were at the hospital the kid started crying, gosh kids of today are so smart, you tell them things and they know exactly what you mean" she shakes her head.
"Awwww, I'll check on her early tomorrow" I said feeling bad about upsetting my niece and making everyone worry.
"Ok, and by the way Nathan was here earlier, I was on the phone and when I came back he was gone" Vivian said.
"Oh okay… I'll just talk to him in the morning" I said trying to sound casual but in reality I was not, the thought that he actually came over, somehow gave me hope that I haven't completely ruined everything with him.
We said our good night's as we all went to our respective rooms, I went into my closet to change into my pajamas and went straight under the covers after. I tried getting some sleep but my mind won't let me, thoughts of Nathan and our pending talk keeps flooding my head. Finally giving up, I tossed the cover off me, dropped my legs on the side of the bed, contemplating for a few minutes, whether or not I should go and see Nathan now, finally deciding I couldn't wait any longer, I stood up, pull out one of my sweaters from my closet and made my way out of my room.
I opened the back door to Brooke and Lucas' house using the key Brooke gave me a while back. I quietly made my way inside the house and discretely walk up the stair, I wasn't sure which of the 3 guest rooms Nathan is staying in so I tried each, the first door is locked and the second one I found Emma sleeping soundly, I smiled at the sight of her, I quietly closed the door before making my way to the last one. Knowing the third room is where Nathan's in I prayed that the door isn't lock.
I closed my eyes before turning the knob and I sighed relieved when it turned and I gently pushed the door open, I found Nathan laying on the bed, flat on his back, his hands on his stomach, he looks peaceful from where I'm standing, I smiled.
I gently made my way to the bed; stared at him for a couple of minutes. Taking my sweater off and dropping it on the floor; before I made a move to lie beside him on the bed. I watch him silently as I lay on my side; frowning when something in his hand caught my eye. I took the item from his hand. My bracelet I held it up for a few seconds a little confused as to why he has it, before putting it back on my wrist where it belongs.
I moved closer to him on the bed, both of his arms now lying on his side, I rested my head on his chest, one of my hands laying on his heart, his steady heartbeat reverberating in my palm. I felt him twitch and I stayed motionless.
"Haley?" I heard him say his voice heavily laced with grogginess. "Am I dreaming?" he asked and I almost laugh at how out of it he sounded.
"No Nathan, you're not, go back to sleep, we'll talk tomorrow" I softly whispered bringing up a hand on the side of his face, my head still on his chest not bothering to look up.
I felt one of his arm go around me pulling me close to his body not sure if he's doing it subconsciously or not, and I snuggled further into him, I waited for him to say something, anything else but got nothing, I finally let my eyes closed, as sleep soon take over.
*****
I woke up at the start; I squeeze my eyes tighter as the sunlight penetrates the room. Opening them after a few minutes, meeting with the cream colored ceiling, I stare at it for a few seconds, I could have sworn I felt Haley beside me last night; I shake my head at the thought, there's no way Haley was here, she didn't come to see you, you idiot, why would she be here? I felt the pang when the events of last night came flooding my thoughts again.
I roll over to my side; my heart stopping for few seconds before it started beating erratically. There is the last person I expected to see lying next to me on the bed. I felt concern wash over me as soon as my eyes landed on the medium sized bandage covering her forehead. What happened to her…is she okay? I ask myself.
Bringing my hand gently on her face, I trace her jaw line softly as if she would disappear any minute now, when I realized she's not a dream and she's actually here I felt a sense of hope. Not everything is ruined. Finally fingering the bandage as lightly as I can, I felt her twitch and stir seconds after, afraid that I might have hurt her I pulled my hand away and waited for her to open her eyes. Her eyelids started fluttering, her long lashes flickering and soon after her brown orbs appeared. I couldn't help the smile that graced my face, as her browns meet my blue ones. I watch her smile sleepily back at me.
"What happened to you?" I ask softly brushing my thumb on her injured forehead making sure not to put so much pressure if none at all to it.
"I hit my head in the pool last night" she said giving me a sleepy smile "Diving for this actually" my eyes going to the bracelet that's now resting around her wrist. "Why do you have it Nathan?" she asks with a frown.
"I found it at your house, just laying there, I thought I'd take it if you don't want it" I said bitterly, remembering how I felt last night.
"Of course I want it Nathan, what made you think I didn't? I wouldn't have dive in the pool if the bracelet isn't important to me" I watch her explain herself and I felt a little bad for rushing into conclusion. "One of my sisters probably laid it there where you found it while I was at the hospital" she said looking me directly in the eye. "It's important to me Nathan" she softly assured me.
"Okay… but what is it doing in the pool in the first place?" I asked, a small smile appearing on my lips as I wait for her explanation.
"Well…I kind of threw it out of my window after we fought" she said sheepishly.
"And you say it's important" I laughed softly.
"Well I was mad! You got me so mad! But I did look for it after didn't I?" she said defensively, rolling on her back letting out a long breath, and I mimicked her as we both stare at the ceiling.
"Sorry" we both said at the same time, we shared a short quiet laugh, now looking at each other.
"What happened yesterday Haley?" I asked.
"I don't know… Carrie just always brings out the worst in me" she said bringing her eyes back up the ceiling.
"It's not just about Carrie Haley, what about Joshua?" I asked carefully still looking at the side of her face trying to read her expression, the light coming from the moon, lighting up the darkened room.
"I told you he's just someone I knew from college, I don't know why I said yes to going out with him in the first place, but I did"
"Are you into him?" I finally asked and I waited for her answer.
"What? No. Okay maybe I had a little crush on him back in college but it was harmless, and I've gotten over that a longggg time ago, I guess I just got excited about seeing him again, you know after all these years, I wanted to know how he is, how he's been" she rambles and I let go of the breath I didn't know I was holding.
"Why did you lie?"
"I guess I was afraid" she whispered and I frowned.
"Of What?" I said rolling on my side so I can better look at her.
"I just… I don't know… I guess I was afraid to know how you'd react to it, I was afraid you'd get mad which you did, at the same time I was afraid that maybe you wouldn't care" she admitted softly her eyes closed and I look at her shocked.
"I felt like I was cheating on you for some reason, and it didn't sit right with me, I wanted to back out from it, but it was too late, I tried telling myself you wouldn't care, that it doesn't matter if I go out with him, and that I'm allowed to go out with other guys and that I'm just being stupid, for thinking you would mind …I guess I took our arrangement too seriously and for a while there I actually forgot we're just pretending" she sighed.
"Are we really… just pretending?" I finally asked the one thing that kept bothering me all these time.
*****
"Morning everyone" Brooke greeted brightly as she and her husband enters the James' kitchen, everyone sitting around the table having their breakfast.
"Brooke" Taylor said dryly.
"Hey guys" Quinn said.
"Hey kids" Mr. and Mrs. James said in unison.
"Where's Haley?" Brooke asked looking for her best friend.
"She's probably still sleeping; did you know that we took her to the hospital last night?" Lydia asked casually as she stood up to get two more plates, placing it in front of Brooke & Lucas before going back to her chair.
"What? How come no one called me? Is she okay now?" Brooke asked concerned.
"Yeah is she okay?" Lucas echoed.
"Yeah she had stitches on her forehead but she's okay, you can go up to her room and wake her up if you want, so she can join us for breakfast" Jimmy suggested offering them the plate of pancakes.
"Okay" Brooke said leaving the kitchen.
"Is she up?" Lydia asks as the brunette came back.
"She's not in her room"
"What do you mean she's not in her room?" Quinn said.
"Just what I said, her bed didn't even look like someone had slept on it"
"Well where could she be?" Lydia asks starting to get concerned.
******
"Are we really… just pretending?" I opened my eyes at his question. Are we? I rolled back on my side to look at him.
"Are we?" I threw the question back.
"Haley..."
"I know I know you asked first, I don't know… "I struggle.
"This talk is not getting anywhere Haley, tell me how you feel" he said evidently frustrated.
"I was jealous okay! God" I blew out, covering my face with my hands.
"And what's wrong with that?" I sat up at his question before scowling at him.
"What's wrong with that?! What's wrong with that is that we're not together Nathan, we're just not, and I'm not supposed to be feeling this way! It's not right to feel this way, we're friends! Friends don't get jealous when their friend goes out with someone else! That's not how it works!" I said shaking my head.
"But that's not really my question is it?" he said, now sitting up too.
"No"
"So?"
"Nathan… You're Nathan Scott, you're used to having girls fawn at you all the time, and I don't think I'm ready to compete with all those girls" I said exasperated.
"I'm not asking you to compete with them Hales, and if I remind you, I'm not the one who went out with another guy and lied about it, so it's safe to say, you're not the only one who has some competing to do " he said with a small smile.
"I told you it didn't mean anything" I said softly looking him in the eye.
"And I believe you, but can you honestly tell me that Joshua didn't at least try to hit on you?" he looked at me knowingly.
"Fine, he did" I admitted.
"See, you're an attractive girl Haley, and whether you're aware of it or not, you're not actually easy to ignore" he said with conviction as he looks me in the eye and I felt my insides melt at his words.
"Do you really think it's right for us to feel this way? We're friends….just friends" I said almost regretfully. "I just think we've gone too far and I'm afraid of ruining what we have; our friendship means so much to me Nathan…"
"I agree with you… we've gone too far… I think it's about time we stop all of these" he said and I felt my stomach drop at his words, is he actually saying what I think he's saying?
"Oh okay…" I said trying hard to keep my voice strong.
"Haley I just really think it's time that we…" he started saying but was interrupted when Brooke came rushing into the room.
"Nathan…Haley's" she said breathlessly "missing…Haley… what are you doing here?" She said finally noticing me.
"Brooke, we were talking" Nathan said irritated.
"Yeah we were just talking, but we're done now…right Nathan? Uhm… well I'm going now" I said not sure whether to hit Brooke or thank her for her interruption, I just felt like I needed to get out of the room at the moment.
"Haley…"
"Bye Nathan, Brooke see you later" I said jumping off the bed and walking out of the room.
"What was that? Why does she look upset? What did you say to her?" Brooke asked turning to Nathan.
"Well we were talking and I was just about to say something to her, but someone rudely interrupted us" Nathan quipped.
"Watch it Scott, this is my house" Brooke warned.
"And my brother's too…and had I known that staying here means you can barge in here anytime you please, I would've just stayed at a hotel or something" he bit.
"Okay fine I'm sorry…but what happened with you and Haley? She looks upset; I thought you're going to talk things out" she said more calmly now.
"And I told you I was just about to say what I wanted to say to her but you came rushing in here" he reminded her.
"Again I'm sorry…but what are you still doing here then? Go after here…geez Nathan, go!" Brooke said shooing him to follow Haley out.
*****
"Haley" I called after her as I ran outside the house, she stopped walking turning around to look at me her face unreadable.
"Hey" she said as she stood in front of their house on the lawn, her arms crossed in front of her.
"I'm sorry… Brooke interrupted us, but I wasn't finished yet" I said walking in front of her.
"No that's okay… I understand what you were saying earlier, and I got the message. I think you're right… It's about time we stop all of it" I straighten up and I watch her carefully, she obviously have no idea what she's talking about and I smiled inwardly, we really both need to stop jumping into conclusions, I mentally shake my head.
"So you agree that we should stop all of it?" I prodded.
"Yeah"
"That we've come too far?"
"Yeah…Nathan where are you going with this?" she asked impatiently.
"So you agree that you're not allowed to date any other guys starting now?" I said and I waited for her reaction.
"Wha…t are you talking about?" she stuttered looking perturbed.
"You almost attacked Carrie the other day Haley" I chuckled.
"I did not! And like you're any better… you were just too shocked that night you found Joshua in the apartment, the worst part was by the time you got over the shock he wasn't there anymore, so you took it out on me and what does that have to do with this?" she said indignantly.
"Exactly! And to spare the next person, let's agree on one thing, you're not allowed to date anyone else anymore"
"Oh really I'm not? And how bout you Mr. NBA superstar… are you going to give up your groupies?" she said raising her eyebrow at me.
"Well if you want me to" I teased.
"If I'm not allowed to date, you can kiss your single life goodbye too" she huffed crossing her arms in front of her and I chuckled.
"That can be arranged" I said coyly and she rolls her eyes.
"Is this how you ask someone to go exclusive with you?" she said dryly.
"What? Not romantic enough?" I joked.
"You think?" she said sarcastically.
"Oh come on Hales, what do you want me to do send you roses everyday…write you poems and do the whole courting shit thing?" I chuckled at the idea.
"You know what? Why not, I think it's about time you experience it" she said and I shake my head what did I get myself into? "And it's not shit Nathan, normal people does that" she said haughtily.
"Don't you think it's a little too late for that now?" I chuckled.
"You're right, but… Nathan, is this really what you want? You think this is a good idea?" I can hear the apprehension in her voice and I sighed.
"We've done well with the whole pretending thing, I mean everything came natural for us, it was perfect until the outside world…namely Joshua…"
"And Carrie" she interjected.
"And Carrie… came into the picture; why not give the real thing a chance?" I said looking her straight in the eye to show her I mean it.
"But… You're Nathan Scott" she started saying before walking towards the few steps of stairs in front of their house, sitting on the top of it me following behind. "Remember what you told me the first time we met at the wedding? You don't do love"
"Haley… we're not talking about love here, I mean we still have a long way to go before we get to that stage...and I'm not even sure I'm cut out for that but what I'm sure right now is that I want to try this thing out with you… for real" I told her honestly.
This isn't a conversation I'd thought I'd see myself having with someone or with anyone, not in a million years and the things I just said I would have never expected to come out from my own mouth, I don't do love I told her that, and I don't even do relationships, I would normally get out from it as fast as I could, but that was before her… before Haley. It was that very night I found Joshua in her apartment that made me realized I couldn't stand the idea of her being with someone else, I'm not sure whether it's because we've let this thing with us drag out too long and I've already developed some kind of possessive streak when it comes to her, or it could be a whole lot of other reasons, but the sure part is, I hate the idea of her entertaining other guys, it's all new to me, the feelings I get around Haley, and the one's I get when I'm not, It's all foreign…but I like it…all of it.
"I don't want to play games Nathan" she said silently.
"And I don't want that too, you're important to me, your friendship is too and I don't want to ruin it, I'm not planning on it"
"What if we're not good together Nathan? What if it ruins us? What we have…I'm not sure I'm ready to risk it"
"We fall together or we die separately" I said quietly remembering Jimmy's words to me before.
"What did you just say?"
"It's something your father told me when we had that talk"
"My mom told me the same thing" she said with a wistful smile.
"And they're both right. It doesn't matter what we decide now Haley, either we decide to just remain friends or take the leap to becoming so much more but it's still won't change the fact that things are going to change a whole lot after this talk" I finished.
"The one that got away" I heard her say so quietly I almost didn't hear it I look at her confused. "Okay" she finally said, taking me by surprise.
"Okay? What do you mean okay?" I asked just to make sure.
"I mean okay… let's try it. Just promise me one thing, if things doesn't work out for us, that I'll always have you as a friend?" she said almost pleadingly.
"Always" I promised, taking her hand in mine.
"So how do we do this? Do we like pick up from where we left off or something?"
"I'm not really sure" I said with a light chuckle.
"The courting 'shit' thing sounds such a good idea to me" she said almost shyly, looking away.
"Too little too late for that" I joked.
"Shut up!" she said letting go of my hand shoving me playfully on the shoulder, her skin turning a darker shade of pink. "I'm just saying" she pouted.
"Okay" I said smiling at her.
"Really?" she asked somewhat surprised.
"Really" I confirmed. I honestly don't know the first thing about courting someone but what the heck.
*****
"Hey Kids" Lydia greeted as we enter the kitchen.
"Are you two out of your funk yet?" Quinn asked."
"Yeah what's the deal with you two now?" Taylor echoed.
"Morning Mrs. James and Mr. James" I said before pulling a chair out for Haley and then sitting down on another one next to her.
"Did you just pull out a chair for Haley Nate?" Lucas asked looking at me strangely.
"What?" I shrug not understanding what the fuss is about. I just pulled a freaking chair out, what's the big deal?
"That's called being a gentleman Lucas" We heard Brooke remarked coming into the room and taking the chair next to her husband. "So… what's up with you two now? Are you finally done with the whole denial shit?"
"Language" Vivian chided covering her daughter's ears.
"Whatever do you mean Brooke" Haley said with false innocence.
"Oh don't give me that H. James, are you two finally official that's what I want to know"
"Nope we're not" Haley said bluntly and I frowned.
"We're not?" I asked a little confused and she gave me the look "Oh right… Haley here wants me to court her" I beefed.
"Are you complaining?" she said challengingly.
"I didn't say that" I rushed out, not wanting to start another tiff.
"Really? Cause I thought I heard you complained" she mocked rolling her eyes.
"What the hell are you laughing about?" I barked at Lucas.
"I'm sorry Nate, it's just that… you're going to court Haley? Well good luck with that!" he said in between laughs.
"Excuse me?!" Haley said offended.
"It's not you Haley, it's just that Nathan don't know the first thing about courting a girl" he said still laughing.
"Lucas stop it" Brooke scolded her husband he snickered.
"Yeah Lucas stop it" I said behind gritted teeth.
"Don't you think that's like doing things backwards?" Quinn interjected.
"I told her that" I quipped, closing my mouth as soon as I saw the dagger looks Haley's throwing at me.
"I didn't force you to it!" Haley spat.
"And a little hypocritical don't you think? I mean you've been sucking face the whole week" Taylor said rolling her eyes.
"We were not!" Haley whined.
"Yes you were" Taylor whined back.
"Taylor leave your sister alone. If they want to do things backwards let them do things backwards, this has nothing to do with you or anyone else for that matter" Jimmy said calmly silencing everybody around the table.
"Thanks dad" Haley said.
"Thanks Mr. James"
"Sorry" the rest said in unison.
"Your dad's right let them be. And I think it's a good idea, and don't worry Nathan, there isn't really any rule when it comes to winning over someone besides I think you're over that part" Lydia said winking at me and I had to smile.
"Mom!" Haley cried.
"Sweetheart come on, there's no need for denying now, you like Nathan, and Nathan likes you, I think that much is given" Lydia continues, I watch Haley squirm uncomfortably in her seat, looking flushed.
"But… considering how you both started this thing, it's best that you go through the whole courting or dating thing again, this time not under "false pretense" just to give you two a clear sense of what you want, I'm not saying you don't already know what you want, but It's still best if you go through the normal stages of starting a relationship" Jimmy finished for his wife.
"Yeah it'd be totally romantic" Brooke gushed, making both parents laugh.
"Make me proud Nate" Jimmy cheered and I laughed at how cool he's being towards the whole thing.
"Who's your kid here dad, me or Nathan?" Haley pouted; I smiled at her childlike whining.
"You know you're my little girl Haley…I'll always look out for you sweetheart. But Nathan already passed the father's test" Mr. James smiled lovingly at her daughter.
"I will" I said smiling sincerely at her father.
"Oh you will now will you?" Haley teased quirking an eyebrow at me.
"Of course…besides your mom thinks I don't need to do a lot" I teased back winking at her.
"That's what you think" she threw back smiling at me mischievously.
"Is that a threat?" I smirk at her.
"Not a threat babe…not at all" she said still holding that wicked grin patting me on the face making me chuckle at the same time a little curious as to what's going on in that mind of hers and her calling me babe didn't go unnoticed by me, it felt good.
"Be careful Nate, she still is Taylor's sister after all… she can be devious is she wants to" Lydia joked.
"Yup! Devious is the word! You heard that Scott" Haley said clapping her hands together before playfully pointing a finger at me.
"Oh yeah?" I said moving closer to her.
"Yeah" she said grinning wider.
"Okay" I said closing the small distance between our faces, surprising her with a kiss, just when she's starting to get into it, I pulled away smirking at her, I chuckled at the obvious scowl on her face.
"Courtship my foot" Taylor muttered between biting her food.
"He got you Haley bob" Lydia teased making Haley scowl even more.
"EEEW please I'm eating my breakfast, not in the table please" Lucas complained.
"Yeah kid in the room" Vivian agreed.
"I think it's cute" Quinn said smiling.
"I'm going to get you for that Nathan Scott" Haley said her eyes narrowed to a warning squint.
"Get him Hales!" Brooke cheered.
"Oh I will" she said smiling darkly at me. Ok now I'm worried.
"You've been warned" Jimmy said grinning at me. Uh oh!
*****
"So you really are going to court Haley huh?" Lucas asked from beside me on the couch, where we're currently perched watching some college basket ball game.
"Yeah" I said with a shrug my eyes focused on the game in front of us.
"Do you even know the first thing about courting a girl?" Lucas laughed.
"Shut up!" I said shooting daggers at him. "You're right… I don't" I finally said blowing out a long breath.
"How did that happened anyway?"
"I convinced her to give us a try… I mean for real this time, she was hesitant in the beginning, she didn't want to put our friendship at risk, and that's the last thing I want too…" I started saying.
"Are you serious about her Nate? Because Haley's an amazing girl, and I'd hate to see her hurt" Lucas said his voice serious.
"You know Lucas I hate it when you talk like that, like I'm the worst person on earth, but somehow I've come to understand where you're coming from, I really haven't done anything to prove you or everybody else wrong. I've done a lot of shitty things in the past, and I can't take those back, I'm not saying I've completely changed, but Haley's important to me, and if I want to be selfish I can be, I mean I didn't have to do right by her, I don't even have to stay faithful to her the whole time we were faking things between us, but I have… If I didn't care for her, I wouldn't be here" I said surprising both of us.
"Wow you really do care for her" Lucas said shaking his head.
"I do"
"Well good for you Nate, I never thought I'd see this day" he chuckled and I shake my head with a smile.
"Neither have I" I said honestly.
"But you're aware that being in the courting stage means that Haley is still allowed to entertain other possible suitors don't you?" I almost gave myself a whiplash turning my head to look at him.
"What?" I snarled.
"Oh you didn't know… I mean, I don't know what your arrangement is, but as far as I know, that's how it works" he shrugs and I narrowed my eyes at him. "What?"
"You're an ass" I spat getting up.
"Why? Hey…Where are you going?"
"I'm going to talk to Haley" I said walking out of the living room, rushing out next door.
"Hey son" Jimmy greeted opening the door.
"Hi Mr. James, is Haley here?" I asked anxiously.
"Yeah she's by the pool, doing some last minute preparation for tonight's party, come on in" he said stepping aside and opening the door wider for me.
"Thanks" I said stepping inside the house.
"Go right ahead, I'm driving down to the venue to check up on things" he said.
"Okay…talk to you later Jimmy"
"See Ya Nate" he waved before stepping out of the house.
I found Haley sitting by the poolside her back to me, her head down, concentrating on whatever it is that she's doing. I quietly walk towards her, tip toeing the last few steps. Kneeling behind her, I smiled at her obliviousness to my presence, before opening my arms and enveloping her in it.
"Oh Shit" Haley almost jumped if not for my arms holding her securely. "Nathan! What did I tell you about not scaring me like that?" she said turning her head scowling at me as she tries to push my arms off her.
"Sorry" I said with a chuckle dropping a kiss on the side of her head before letting her go. "Are you still mad about breakfast?" I asked when I noticed her giving me a cold shoulder.
"I don't get mad Nathan, I get even" she said looking at me with all seriousness.
"Oh okay" I chuckled.
"Oh you laugh now but remember I'll get back at you when you least expect it" she said scathingly. Okay not good I thought.
"So what are you doing?" I asked moving to sit beside her on the cemented floor, trying to change the subject.
"These if you really must know are for the party tonight" she said holding up a couple of assorted colored flowers not sure what kind they are. "I'm making leis" she said handing me a finished purple one.
"This is nice, so this is for the party…but leis?" I asked a little unsure as to why leis are needed for the party.
"It's a Hawaiian themed party" she said still not smiling and totally uninterested.
"Haley baby come on, I'm sorry about earlier okay, I was just playing with you, I didn't mean to make you upset, I promise I won't do it again" I said holding up my right hand as if taking an oath, she narrowed her eyes at me.
"Fine, you're off the hook for now but I'm still getting you back for it" she said pointing a finger at me.
"Thank You" I said dropping a kiss on her forehead.
"What are these flowers called? And how come no one told me it's going to be a Hawaiian party?"
"They're hibiscus… Really Lucas didn't tell you?" she asked and I shook my head. "Shoot, so that means you have nothing to wear for tonight" she fussed.
"Haley… don't worry about it, I'll just go with my shorts and shirt" I said coolly.
"No! Your shorts you can wear but not just any t-shirt… I'll ask my dad if he has spare Hawaiian polo shirt" Hell no! I'm not wearing anything that has flower prints on it.
"Haley I'm not wearing a flower printed shirt, No" I said firmly.
"But you have to, it's the party's theme, you'll stand out like a sore thumb if you don't" she whined.
"I don't mind" I said shrugging not really caring about the dress code.
"Well I do" she pouted. "You're wearing that flowery shirt, you will" she proclaimed I rolled my eyes try me.
"Need help?" I said trying to change the subject.
"Sure, but don't think for a second I'll forget about that shirt" she said smirking at me.
"Yeah sure" I said dryly. "So what do I need to do and why didn't you just buy those already made ones?"
"Actually we did, we had a lot of them ordered but those are for the guests, I wanted to make the ones that we're going to wear…anyways I'm almost done with the necklaces, I just need to finish two more for mom and dad, you can help make my headband though… you know to hide my little boo-boo right there" she said pointing at her stitches.
"Sure I'll help, tell me what to do" I said gently fingering the band aid on her forehead, giving her a gentle smile and she smiled sweetly back at me.
"Okay… take this nylon thread" she said reaching for the thread and handing it to me "make a knot at the end of it a couple of times making sure it's big enough that it can't pass through the flower stem, and then once you think the knot is enough start threading the flowers one by one…but measure the thread around my head first though" she said.
"Okay" I said understanding her instruction, scooting closer to her so I can measure the nylon around her head. "Is this too tight?"
"Nope perfect Just leave a few inches of allowance so you can tie both ends together once you're done" she said smiling at me.
"What color do you want me to use?"
"What color do you want to see on me?" she said smiling sweetly at me and I couldn't help but smile back.
"I think I like red on you" I said smiling playfully at her "It'll go well with a red lipstick too you know" I suggested smirking at her. Nothing makes her lips fuller than a red lipstick.
"Red lipstick huh?" she said biting her lip. "Okay" she said giggling before looking away.
We sat quietly finishing our task at hand, I'm actually enjoying making this flower headband, probably because it's something Haley would wear, I smiled to myself, couldn't wait to see it on her.
"Okay…all done" I said holding up the finished headband. "Let see how it looks on you" I said gently placing it on her head gently.
"Did it cover my wound?"
"Yup! Looks good on you… I'm good at this" I boast loving the way it looks on her, red does look good against her natural blonde curls, her own little flowery Halo.
"Thanks" she said smiling shyly at me.
"Hales…" I started saying… as I gently remove the headband from her head gliding a hand through her locks before dropping the head piece on the cemented floor in front of us.
"Yeah?" she said looking at me expectantly.
"I have a question"
"Okay…what is it?" she said straightening up giving me her full attention.
"It's just that… I talked to Lucas before coming here…and he said something… I just want to make sure if it's true" I started carefully.
"What is it? Nathan you're making me nervous" she let out a hesitant laugh.
"Like I said I don't know the first thing about courting someone, this courtship thing is all new to me, I just…he said that… you're still allowed to entertain possible suitors, is that really how it works?"
"Well… Yeah…normally that's how it works" she said and I stiffened.
"But I thought we agreed we're not dating anyone else?" I said baffled.
"I know, are you really bothered by this?" I remained quiet. "Obviously you are… but…like I said normally that's how it works, but we're anything but normal Nathan, we're doing things backwards if you haven't noticed yet… besides this whole courtship thing… you don't really need to do it you know… I was just trying to give you a hard time…at the same time just making sure you're serious that this is really what you want"
"It's what I want" I replied sincerely.
"I'm serious Nathan, we really don't have to do that whole courting shit as you put it, but if you feel like sending me those red roses once in a while or maybe write me a poem or something I wouldn't mind, besides Taylor's right for once, I think it's a little hypocritical." She laughs.
"Okay, but who knows I might surprise you one of these days with those roses, just don't expect me to write you a poem, I'm not good with words, that's always been Lucas' expertise"
"And what's matching her smirk.
"Okay?" she asked frowning.
"My smirk, don't tell me you don't find my smirk charming" I smirk even wider.
"Ahhh Nope" she deadpanned and I feigned hurt.
"Okay that's just wrong Haley, I could have sworn I was told more than a hundred times, it's my smirk that gets the girls" I said pretending to frown.
"Yeah well they lied to you" she said with a giggle.
"You know what I think? I think someone's indeed lying but it's not them… Admit it Haley, you love my smirk" I grinned teasingly at her, moving my face close to hers, stopping just a few inches before our nose touch smirking at her one last time. She was about to move her head back but I stopped her by bringing my hand up to the back of her neck holding her in place. "Admit it Hales" I challenged.
"No" she said rather breathlessly.
"No?" I asked inching closer finally touching my lips to the side of her mouth, before pulling away a little so I can look at her again her face flushed "Say it" I said before going back to my ministration, dropping light feathery kisses on the side of her lips, to her jaw line, to her pulse point right under her ear, I heard her sigh and I smile.
"Nathan…." Her voice sounded more like a moan. Finally I brushed my lips light on hers, nipping at her lower lip tugging it with my teeth gently repeating the same action to her upper one.
"Nathan…if you're going to kiss me…kiss me properly" she whined like a child and I laughed at her obvious frustration.
"Only if you admit it's my smirk that got you" I mumbled into her lips.
"Fine, it's your smirk that got me, you're so goddamn charming" she said sarcastically rolling her eyes.
"See…that wasn't so hard… now here's your price for being honest" I let out a short laugh at her scowl before, capturing her lips with mine she tried to remain unaffected but soon cave in opening her mouth wider, finally allowing my tongue to have a taste of her. We pulled away breathless after a few minutes, both wearing the same grin, dropping one more soft kiss on her lips. I couldn't resist.
"Okay now these babies are going to the fridge" she said standing up instantly changing gears.
"The fridge?" I said standing up myself.
"Yep… so it stays fresh until the party" she said bending down to pick up the finished necklaces. "Now let's go and find my dad so I can ask him about that flower printed shirt you're going to wear tonight" she grinned widely at me and I groaned.
"Your dad went out to go to the venue" I rushed out. "So I guess I'll just go with my normal shirt" I said nonchalantly.
"Nice try Scott, he's not going to stay there forever, so you're not off the hook yet" she laughed and I grunt.
"You Haley James can be very pushy sometimes you know that?" I said holding out my arm for her.
"I heard that one before so why not be a push over?" she shrugs before hooking her arm with mine, walking back inside the house.
"So what are you wearing tonight?" I asked her as she stands in front of the refrigerator carefully placing the leis inside; she straightened twisting her head to look at me as I lean on the kitchen island smirking widely at her.
"Well you're just going to have to wait and see" she said matching my smirk with her own closing the refrigerator door. "But don't worry I'll make sure to wear that red lipstick on" she said naughtily smiling up at me, making me very very excited for tonight.
"So what time is the party again?" I asked enthusiastically, she giggled knowingly, walking towards me and standing right in front of me, as I tower over her.
"That got you excited huh? I hope you feel the same way about that Hawaiian shirt you'll be sporting tonight" she giggled pulling on the hem of my shirt then brushing her hands up and down my chest.
"I'm not wearing it Hales" I drawled making sure she gets it.
"Oh but you will…if you know what's good for you" she said smugly. "Besides you got your smirk right? You're so charming you can be in anything and still look good in it…right Scott?" It's now my turn to scowl at her obvious teasing.
"Anyone ever told you-you have a major sarcasm problem?" I said unimpressed.
"Yep! All part of my charm" she said with false smug and I remained scowling. "Oh come on. Do it for me please… actually no. Do it for my parent's it's their anniversary… you don't want them to feel like you don't like the theme of the party, which by the way they came up by themselves" she said pouting at me her arms going around my waist.
"Fine Fine, you sure know how to guilt trip" I said rolling my eyes at her, my arms involuntarily going around her back"
"Thank You" she said tip toeing as she drops a kiss on my lip, I smiled despite myself.
"You're lucky I like you" I said offhandedly pecking her on the tip of her nose.
"Good 'cause the feeling is mutual" I felt a sense of exhilaration run through me at her admission. I pulled her closer squeezing her, lifting her a few inches from the ground; she shrieked at the action followed by her fits of giggles, I laughed with her. I couldn't help but think how perfect everything is.
"Thanks" I said looking her in the eye smiling at her with all sincerity.
"For what?"
"For an amazing week" I smiled tucking a piece of her hair behind her ear, my other arm remains at her back.
"Amazing? Really? I thought you'd think it was a disaster" she chuckled.
"There were certainly bumps on the road but all in all it's been pretty amazing"
"Well you're welcome, and remember we're not done yet, we still have the party you know, you haven't partied till you partied with the James" I smiled broadly at her boasting.
"I'm more excited about your outfit" I said wiggling an eyebrow at her, she giggled playfully slapping me on the chest. "Your family's great Hales"
"Play your cards right Scott and you might just be invited again next year" she said smiling sweetly at me.
"I'll make sure to keep that in mind" I chuckled giving her yet another squeeze.
"Hey Hales… did you try your bikini on for tonight?" Taylor said coming into the kitchen.
"So you're wearing a bikini huh?" I smirked.
"Oh but it's not just an ordinary bikini…guys are going to find it hard keeping it in their pants tonight" she said scandalously.
"Taylor!" Haley practically shrieked. I felt my blood started to boil, things like that would normally get me excited but the thought of other guys leering at Haley makes me want to hit someone.
"What?! I'm just saying, good luck trying to get those guys away from Haley Nate but don't worry my baby sister here is not as easy as me" she said not the least bit embarrassed before turning to leave the kitchen.
"Taylor! Oh my good she's unbelievable" Haley said hiding her face in my chest. "I'm sorry Nathan, don't mind her, I can't believe the things that comes out of mouth sometimes" she sighed totally embarrassed.
"You're not leaving my side tonight" I said emphatically hugging her close.
*****
So that was chapter 10... i decided to end it that way...honestly because i haven't written the whole party thing down yet... and i thought of making that a whole different chapter... and just fix the whole Naley misunderstanding in this one first.
Again thanks to everyone who reviewed the last update and i hope you do the same with this one. I'll try to write the next one right away...but your reviews will help inspire me to write faster *wink*
Leave me some love :)
xxx-sheenanastaja