As promised, a nice long chapter. Enjoy!
Chapter 10: The Classics (pt. 1)
It had been weeks since, Nathan and Haley had even spoken to each other, but they were forced to look at each other practically everyday, during their classes at school, every night for during practise (cheerleading and basketball) and even occasionally on weekends because they hung around the same group of friends which they both had been avoiding because they couldn't stand running into each other.
Nathan would hang out with some of the other guys in the team, whilst Haley spent a lot of her time at home either talking to Taylor or Scarlet, telling them how badly she screwed up for she did really like Nathan and she ruined any chance of them being together, he wouldn't even speak to her. If she could just get him to listen, she would tell him the truth, that she wasn't really as she appeared to be, she had problems that she had to deal with, she was very insecure and most importantly that she was a virgin and nobody would want their first time to be on top of their kitchen counter in the middle of the night just because neither couldn't sleep.
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"Lucas, something really needs to be done about this," Brooke declared to her boyfriend, "I can't see two people that I care about hurt so much, and more crucially Haley's attention during practise has been drifting all she does is stare at him, I mean why can't they just sit and talk and sort it all out. Remember that night back in the café Nathan said that he did care about her, but he wouldn't tell us what happed" Brooke paused as she started remembering the events of that night…
"Hey, mum can we please have two coffees here, it's freezing out" Lucas called out to Karen as he entered the café. But there was no reply and when he finally saw his mum, he asked again, "Mum, I'm going to freeze my ass of here". That got her attention.
"Language" she shot back furiously and that is when Lucas noticed that his mother had been sitting with Nathan who looked seriously messed up, he wasn't crying but he looked like he was about to break any second, just like Haley had doe a few minutes ago, but unlike Nathan, Haley was actually dealing with her pain, and she eventually revealed to Peyton what had happened.
Lucas's brotherly instinct kicked in and he moved towards Nathan and the two of them went for a walk. "So, you gonna tell me what happened, man" Lucas asked, once Nathan seemed to have controlled himself.
"Luke, seriously I know you're trying to help and everything, but don't because I really don't want to talk about it" Nathan snapped back, clearly trying to avoid the obvious question- What happened?
"It's Haley isn't it?" Lucas said, but the look on Nathan's face just confirmed Lucas's assumption, "Nathan, what happened…she came home and just wouldn't stop crying, but she wouldn't tell us anything so we decided to give her some space but serio-" but Nathan suddenly interrupted.
"So, Luke did you just leave her all by herself when she was so hurt, Oh my god," Nathan, was hurt but he still cared for her and the fact that she was all by herself right now was unnerving.
"Nathan, relax Peyton's with her, by we I meant Brooke and me, and Tim took off as well," Lucas reassured him.
"But, Lucas do you really think that's a good idea, considering what happened between them," Nathan asked again worriedly.
"Yea, they're fine, they were really getting along last night and Peyton is always good in a crisis, only god knows how many she has had to deal with" Lucas responded, and continued, "So are you going to tell me what happened?"
Nathan, simply said, "Not that it's any of your business, but I really liked her and now its over"
"But, Nathan" Lucas continued trying to get some more out of him, but he had already started walking in the opposite direction, so Lucas decided that the best thing to do was return to the café and let Brooke know what was going on.
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Brooke snapped out of her little reverie when she heard Lucas's voice, "Brooke, you okay" he asked sounding concerned.
"Yea, I'm fine sorry what did you say" she asked breaking her daze.
"I said, that I agree with you, Nathan hasn't really been himself lately, especially during practice, he keeps missing his shots and his mind is always wondering, he just can't concentrate" Brooke nodded her head in agreement.
"I really miss hanging out with them, together I mean, it was so much fun watching them flirt with each other, when they thought none of us were watching, or just fool around…I really thought that Nathan would finally quit his little 'player' phase" Brooke said, but as soon as the last few words slipped out of her mouth she realised how hypocritical she was being, because she was just as much a player as Nathan was, but what made it even worse was that she had Lucas, who would be really hurt if he ever found out. "That's it I'm going to start behaving now" she said accidentally out loud.
"Huh?" Lucas gave her a confused look, "Sorry I didn't catch that, what sis you say?"
"Oh, nothing, I said that we need to come up with some sort of plan, to get these two together because they are absolutely perfect together," she said with a smile as she went and sat down in Lucas's lap, trying to come up with some sort of plan.
"I agree that it's been really weird around lately but are you sure you want to medal in their lives, I mean if it doesn-" Luke started but Brooke stopped him, not wanting to hear that her plan could fail. "Brooke, how about having a career in matchmaking," he said sarcastically.
But Brooke took it literally and said, "Maybe I will" giving Lucas a little wink. "Okay, but we still need to decide how this is going to work" she said getting off Lucas's lap and pacing in front of him.
"Well, they need to actually have a decent conversation first," Lucas said thoughtfully, "I mean they see each other everyday but there is no talking involved, unless you included the simple Yes's and No's."
Suddenly, Brooke stopped in her tracks, turned to Lucas and squealed, "You're a genius Luke"
Lucas just looked at her, very confused and asked "I am?" and sat up intently to listen to what Brooke had planned.
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It was now Thursday afternoon, Haley, Brooke and Peyton were lounging on Peyton's bed painting their toe nails, reading up on the latest gossip and basically just relaxing, when the phone suddenly rang.
Peyton hopped of the bed to answer it, and she looked kind of nervous when she yelled, "Shit it's already 4 o'clock, Brooke we need to be at school"
Brooke looked at her wondering why on earth they needed to go to school at this hour, when it all came dawning back to her, and the three girls got into Haley's car and rode to school.
They arrived exactly 7 minutes later, and were confronted with a bunch of very annoyed-looking girls, at the front of the group there was a Theresa tapping her foot and looking very irritated, "Where have you been, we've been here nearly 20 minutes," she said not amused by their tardiness, because if she was late Brooke would probably end up kicking her of the team or something.
"Sorry, we got caught up and I completely forgot that it was already Thursday, but thank you all for being so patient and I truly am sorry" Brooke apologized and Theresa opened her mouth to speak again but Brooke simply spoke over her, "Now, I'd rather practise than waste any more time arguing, we need this to be perfect by tomorrow" she said realising that the competition was only a couple of days away and so was Nathan and Haley's reunion.
Brooke had booked the gym in advance, because than the boys would have taken the entire length of the court and there was no where else that they could practise, so when they walked in, she noticed that the boys were already warming up for practise, she took a moment just to stare at Lucas, who had sweat dripping from his forehead, his shirt was stuck to his muscular body and was absolutely drenched, this was actually turning her on…she had been so stupid to cheat on him all this time, she thought to herself.
"Alright take it from the top" she yelled over everyone's voices, this was probably the 10th time she had said those words, but some how they kept screwing up, "Haley please can you pay attention" she yelled at Haley who was busy staring at Nathan, Haley turned around frowning at Brooke and as well as that Brooke unexpectedly received Nathan's attention as well who had turned upon hearing Haley's name. He knew that she was staring at him, for he had been doing the same thing to her just a few minutes ago, maybe she saw me he thought to himself, but he managed to convince himself otherwise, Haley was only staring for the same reason he had been, they simply can't get enough of each other.
"Last time people, let's make it count" Brooke yelled out again staring down at her watch. Their last attempt wasn't as bad as the previous, they just needed to brush up the edges a bit and the Ravens would be a sure win.
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Practise for both teams was finally over and they were all gathered around the water coolers huffing for a drink, they gathered their stuff and were about to leave, when Whitey stopped them all and made them sit on the bleachers.
"Okay, now that I have everyone's attention," he said clearing his throat, before continuing "As you all know, we leave tomorrow afternoon, for Charlotte where the basketball tournament will be held, and of course the cheerleading competition," he added receiving a death glare from Brooke, which was soon replaced with one of her blinding smiles. "The Classics, aren't just a chance for you people to miss school, yes it has been confirmed that you may have the day off school tomorrow" suddenly everyone in front of him had huge smiles plastered across their face and they began talking eagerly to one another and Whitey cleared his throat again to get their attention. "As I was saying, you will not misbehave when we get there, you will have a curfew of 10.30 at night and that is when all lights go out, and there will definitely be no sneaking around" He received a few groans at his last comment but he just ignored them.
"But, coach 10.30 come on, isn't that a bit too early" Tim blurted out trying to argue with Whitey.
"I agree with you Mr. Smith how about 10.00 then," Whitey replied.
"B…but coach, please" Tim continued to argue, and received a little slap on his head from Nathan, who knew Whitey a bit too well and he would actually make their curfew as early as 7.30, so they should just be happy with what they have, rather than complaining.
"10.30, is fine coach" Nathan said and received a nod from Whitey.
"Anyways, to make sure that you don't sneak out or disobey me, I have decided to take some reinforcements," Whitey said.
"What do you mean?" Nathan questioned who was just as puzzled as everyone else.
"Last month I decided that I would take two extra people with me to look after you guys, so when I met Mr. and Mrs. Smith two weeks ago I asked them if they would like to chaperone" he said looking straight at Tim.
"Huh, my parents" Tim question, and Whitey nodded, "But they can't because they are currently on like a second honeymoon in Barbados, and they won't be back until next week" everyone let out a sigh if relief, because getting past Whitey every year was a piece of cake but doing it with more supervision would be sort of tricky.
"Well, then I guess I'll have to handle you guys myself," Whitey said and Brooke felt herself relax again, because for her plan to work she needed to be able to move about without having the fear of getting caught.
Everyone started gathering their stuff to leave, but Whitey stopped them and said, "I'm not done yet, I still need to give you, your room assignments, Miss Davis please can you take care of your lot" he said looking towards Brooke. There was no one in particular that was in charge of the cheerleaders, so Brooke was allowed to assign them to which ever room that she wanted, she read out a list and finally said, "That puts, me and you together tutor girl" hugging Haley.
"I hope you don't snore," Haley added sarcastically, but thankfully Brooke didn't hear her.
"Okay, so I'll see everyone at 1.00 pm sharp by the bus, if you're late then you'll have to come by yourself.
Brooke ran up to Lucas and whispered something into his ear, he nodded in agreement and she said, "This is going to be the best week-end ever"
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The next morning, Haley awoke at the sound of her phone ringing, it was Brooke. Haley planned on staying in bed till about 10.00, so that she would have her energy and would be ready for the competition, even though she was practically peeing her pants just thinking about it.
"Brooke, what do you want, it's like 8 am" Haley said with a grown.
"Sorry sleeping beauty I didn't mean to disturb you but this is important," she said sarcastically, and waited for a come back from Haley, which never came so she just continued, "Coach, called and said that the bases leave at 2.00, so you'll get enough time to go back to sleep, don't worry."
Haley simply just said, "Okay, see you in a bit" before her head fell back down onto the pillow. She tossed and turned but just couldn't get any sleep so she decided to go down and get some breakfast.
In the kitchen, she witnessed a very peculiar sight; both her parents were sitting at the table having breakfast. Together! But as soon as Haley entered they both stopped talking abruptly and an awkward silence surrounded them all. Haley just grabbed a quick bite to eat, trying to finish as quickly as possible because the silence was killing her. She wondered what they had been talking about, and if it was related to her and why they would hide something from her, her mind was just being bombarded with unanswered questions and the silence was just making it harder.
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Meanwhile, just outside of school, at about 12.55…
"Alright, listen up for your name and answer, Yes Sir" Whitey yelled over the top of all the loud and excited teens.
…"Jake Jagelski," Whitey hollered, but there was no answer but as he was about to continue with the list Jake entered.
"Yes sir, sorry I got a bit held up" Jake apologized breathlessly, clearly he had been running or more like sprinting to get here.
"No problem, at least you're here now," Whitey responded with a wink, and continued…"Haley James"…"Miss James" sill no reply and Whitey just went down the list.
A smile was plastered across Brooke's face when she heard that Haley hadn't arrived because phase 1 to her little plan was working.
"Oh yea before I forget, I need to introduce you all to two very special people, so please can I have your attention," Whitey said, waiting for everyone's attention before continuing. "As you may have remembered, Timothy's parents were supposed to chaperone, but weren't able to but luckily I got two new volunteers," Everyone started moaning and feeling down because sneaking out now would be practically impossible. Brooke's smile was instantly replaced with an angry frown, this couldn't be happening she thought but that's not the worst of it.
Whitey waiting for all the annoyed voices to subside before introducing, "Lydia James and Daniel Scott, our two chaperones," he said proudly.
The second Dan's name was mentioned, Nathan spat out the water he had been drinking and said, "Dad" in a truly shocked voice, this weekend was his chance to get away from everything and now the devil himself is accompanying me, this is seriously messed up.
"Yes son," Dan said, and continued when he got no response "Now I don't have to watch you on the tv at home, I can watch you play and also coach you, properly," he said staring at Whitey, as though he was putting him down.
"I already have a coach, thank you very much" Nathan said as he was walking away and this bought a smile onto Whitey's face.
"Make sure, you've got all your stuff in the bus," Whitey yelled before going to speak to Nathan.
"Okay, Nathan before you leave make sure that everyone's kit is in your car and take the two spares as well just in case, as well as that you need to take some of the cheerleader's pom-poms with you, we don't have enough room on the bus," Whitey explained.
"Yes, coach" Nathan responded.
"Oh and are you sure you want to leave here an entire hour before we leave," Whitey asked concerned because Nathan may not make it before the debriefing.
"Coach, with the way that I drive I don't think that should be a problem and plus I have some stuff that I need to take care of first" Nathan said, Whitey complied and left for Charlotte.
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Nathan went home and noticed that the house was deserted, just the way that he liked it, He picked up the cordless phone and jumped onto the sofa, making himself comfortable, because this was going to be a long conversation.
She answered on the other end, "Hello, hello is anyone there" but Nathan didn't respond he just wanted to hear her speak, but he knew he had to rply.
"Hey there gorgeous," he said.
"Nathan, oh my god, is that you, I haven't heard from you in so long how you doing, how's everyone at home" she blabbered on endlessly.
"Calm down, I'm good I just called because I just felt like talking to you and everyone at home is fine, so is Luke," he answered before she could continue.
"Is he still madly in love with Brooke" she asked, feeling protective over Lucas.
"Yea, he is but I think that Brooke has changed, I haven't seen her hook up with anyone since the summer" Nathan said.
"Yea right Brooke Davis no longer a two-timing bitch, seriously if that's true I'll change my name to Gladis or something" she said truly not believing him.
"No, I'm serious," he said sensing that she still didn't believe him, "I think she's a bit too wrapped up into getting Haley and me back…" but he stopped realising that he had said too much already, she shouldn't have to hear about his problem and especially about Haley or what they had, or didn't have.
"Nathan, I'm truly disappointed in you, you had a girlfriend and never told me" she said with a fake voice making her sound sad.
"It was nothing, so what have you been up to," he said trying desperately to change the subject.
"Uh uh, you aren't changing the subject so easily," she said and was about to continue when she heard Nathan curse.
"Shit, I'm really sorry but I have to get going, it's already a quarter to 2 and I'm running late, but the reason that I called was to tell you that I'm gonna be on tv tomorrow night at 6.30" he said in a rushed voice.
"Oh is this the famous Classics, I wish I were a part of that, but oh well," she sighed.
"Cya Nate take care of yourself" she said and put the receiver down. Nathan had a smile on his face it had truly been ages since he had spoken to her before it used to be like every night but when Haley came into his life he started forgetting. His smile was mainly because she had just called him Nate, she was the only one that did, to everyone else he was Nathan or if his parents were angry it was Nathaniel, but no one else called him Nate.
He grabbed all the stuff and placed it into the trunk, and was about to get into the drivers seat when he heard a car engine starting, he turned and saw that Haley was just leaving her house, he motioned his hand to stop her wondering what the hell she was doing.
"Sorry, Haley but where are you going" he asked in a professional manner.
"Umm, school, I really need to go because I'm kind of running late and I don't exactly know the way there and the bus can't leave" she said as she continued reversing the car, but stopped when she saw Nathan burst into laughter. "What's so funny?" she questioned.
"well, for starters you're not kind of running late because the bus sort of left like an hour ago," he said with a smirk on his face.
"What are you talking about I got a call this morning saying that we had been delayed to 2.00." she said completely surprised and building up her anger for Brooke.
"Let me guess? Brooke made that call" Nathan said knowing exactly what she was planning.
"Yes," Haley said timidly feeling stupid for being so gullible.
"Well there isn't much you can do now, so why don't you just hop in and I'll give you a ride there and we could deal with Brooke later" he offered but Haley just sat in her car deep in thought, which was interrupted once again by Nathan, "I'm giving you ten seconds to make up your mind because now I'm running late" he said, the irritation clearly visible in his voice.
Haley quickly got out of her car and into the passenger seat of his.
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Throughout the journey, neither knew what to say, and there was that awkward silence again as well as all the tension between them.
Nathan tried speaking to break the ice, "So, you're mum's a chaperone," he said cautiously.
"What?" Haley practically yelled out.
"Yup that was my exact reaction" Nathan said, feeling glad that he wasn't left alone with his thoughts.
"Sorry but do you have a problem with my mother?" Haley asked defensively because she wasn't expecting him to say something like that.
"No, no you got it all wrong my father is a chaperone as well" he said pleased to clear the confusion.
Once again, Haley yelled, "What?"
And this caused Nathan to say, "So do you have a problem with my father?" and this caused Haley to grin slightly.
"Well actually, yes I'm sort of scared of your father and no offence but I really don't like him" Haley said, carefully choosing her words. She still couldn't believe that her mother was a chaperone maybe that is what her parents were talking about this morning.
"Join the club" Nathan said sarcastically, "I don't know a single person that does."
They continued making small talk throughout their journey, listened to music for a while they did everything but keep quiet because being left by themselves with their thoughts was a scary thing for them both.
They arrived precisely five minutes after the bus, thanks to Nathan's driving, Haley helped him unload the trunk and carry all the stuff in, where they were meeting everyone else and would be given their room keys. And where Haley could finally confront Brooke for pulling something like that.
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you… for all your reviews they've been great I decided to make it into 2 chapters but I've got a lot more so it may even go all the way to three but we'll see.
Still to come: basketball/cheerleading competition, Brooke's plan, Jake's secret, who Nathan was speaking on the phone with and a surprise guest…any guess who this guest could be…review and let me know.
Please, please, please review!