Hey All! Sorry for the wait. Hope you enjoy this. I'm starting Chapter 10
as you read this. Shouldn't be long. ( Thanks for all the reply's, y'all
rock. Love ya's!
To My Great Reviewer's:
starryskyangel1- Glad you like it and find it funny. I love making people laugh! Thanks for replying!
Cap'n Keira Sparrow- Thanks for continously reviewing, I'm glad you liked it.
Jill- Loving thse long review's! LOL about the graduation car'd's. Sounds like something I would do, seriously. Nathan IS cocky, and dammnit it's so hot. :) Are you a fan for April and Luke? Or are you leaning towards the Ace? lOl. Here's ya more, keep the reviews coming!
tardychick06- Thanks for reviewing! I'm glad you like it, here's ya some more!
Sara- Glad you like it, enjoy this chapter!
othfanatic129- Your review cracked me up, I'm still not sure why but it did. Maybe it was the urgency of "OMG update soon!" lol... but Thanks! And enjoy....
OTHlover04 - Thanks... enjoy this chap!
JamEs LOVer-GheTto chiLd - Love the name... :) Totally agreeing, Nate is so pretty. Thanks for reviewing.
OTHforever03 - Thanks for the review, made me smile! Keep the reviews coming too. :)
DayDreamer743- I'm glad you like the new characters, it's hard to write people that everyone likes! Thanks for the review!
Nikki- Wow, alot of people have said they like Luke and April, but NO ONE has said they like that he's interested in somone other than Brooke! Wowzers, Thanks!! Hope you enjoy this chapter... keep the reviews coming. :)
LockerRoomBandit17- Where are ya buddy?
Haley had spent the better part of the morning in her room practicing a song for Peyton and Jake's wedding and studying for her finals. Completely burnt out she decided to take a break at 1:00 and tried to call April. When she got no answer and noticed Mason's keys on the counter she peeked out the window and saw he had left his vehicle outside. She decided to drive down to the shelter so she called Mason and left a quick message, then headed out the door.
"OK, we want to thank everyone for coming in. Check the list posted outside the door. If you're on it be back tomorrow morning at 9:00 am for second cut out tryout's," Harvey Grant told the young men before him then exited the locker room. Nathan and Luke lingered around the locker room till everyone was gone then made their way out of the room. Luke stepped up as big brother and scanned down as Nathan shifted from foot to foot nervously. Luke turned to Nathan expressionless and then. . . "Told ya we could do it."
April was sitting in her office reading over a case rocking back and forth, at hopes to get the baby she was holding to sleep. A knock sounded on the door and she looked up as Mason walked in. She put a finger to her lips and "Shhh..." she warned.
"What's up?" he whispered.
"Swamped with work," she told him.
"That all? You sounded upset on the phone earlier."
"No, I'm fine. Work's just crazy is all."
"You're lying, but I'll let it go for now."
"Thanks," she told him and allowed a small smile.
"Who's the little guy?" he asked pointing to the baby.
"This is Micah. He was about to drive his Mom crazy because he couldn't sleep so I offered my help." A slight knock on the door interrupted them and April groaned, but called, "Come in . . ."
"Hales, hey," she said surprised.
"Hey," she greeted entering, "I called you but I couldn't get an answer so I just thought I'd come see ya. I have reached my Daily Study Limit," she winked.
"It's been insane around here," she started but was interrupted once again when Trent and Anna, two of her assistants came barreling in looking worried.
"What is it?" she asked noticing the look on their faces.
"Well. . ." Trent started then looked to Anna for help. Just as she opened her mouth, Vivian –the shelter owner- burst in.
"Did they tell you?" she asked in a frantic voice. April shook her head and Vivian started pacing the floors. "Everything is just falling apart for 'A Day of Hope'". A Day of Hope was something April had started 3 year's ago. It was held every year by the park next to the shelter. It was basically a carnival, complete with a petting zoo, horse rides, a small train ride, tons of games, face painting, dunking booths, moon walks, and such. They served hamburgers, hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, candy apples, cotton candy, and more. "The DJ canceled, two sponsors backed out -one being the store that was going to donate the hamburgers, hot dogs, and nachos. We're short workers, no one to help with games and things like that. I've already called a ton of people with no luck. Do you have any ideas?"
April took a deep breath and plastered a smile on her face, a very fake one, Mason and Haley noted. "It's cool Viv. I'll handle it," she said reaching a hand out for the folder. She handed it over and April flipped it open when a girl around age 17 entered the room. April glanced up and noticed her, "Ashleigh, Hey!" she glanced at her watch, "Is it time already?"
"Yes, but if you're busy I can walk."
"No, it's fine! Come on, let's go," she said standing up and passing Micah over to Ashleigh. "Ashleigh, these are my best friends, Haley and Mason. I'm taking Ash to a job interview. So Vivian, I'll just take this home with me and make some calls tonight. Um, Trent, if you and Anna can just finish up the list I gave you earlier that'd be great." They all said their good- bye's and exited April's office. "Haley, can you take this home with you? Just put it in my room," she said handing her the folder.
"Yeah, no problem."
"Thanks. . . bye," she said then left.
"Here ya go," Haley said tossing Mason his keys.
"You're in my car?" he asked.
"Yup", she said and laughed. "Have you got plans the rest of the afternoon?"
"Nope, why?"
"We've got best friend duties to attend to," she told him mischievously as they climbed into the car. "But first . . . who'd you go home with last night?"
"I went to my home."
"Sure you did."
He laughed, "I did Hales. I just drove Beck's car because he was drunk."
"Oh ok then. Well I heard something about you and some girl and my kitchen. . ."
"Yeah. . . her name's Carrie," he started with a big grin.
"You hungry?" Nathan asked Luke as they left the gym.
"Starving."
"There's this diner about 10-15 minutes away, Jimmy J's. It's really good. Wanna go?"
"Lead the way," Luke said climbing into the Tahoe. 20 minutes later they were seated at one of the booth's eating. "I still can't believe you thought Haley was engaged," Luke said laughing.
"Well, what was I supposed to think?" Nathan asked defensively. "I saw her looking at rings and then she tells me she's got some engagement party thing."
Luke laughed heartedly again and Nathan rolled his eyes. "So, what are you going to do now that you know she's single?" Luke asked then took a big bite out of his burger.
"I was told to get off my ass and do something about I," Nathan admitted.
"Natalie?" Luke asked and Nathan nodded his head. "That's some damn good advice."
Nathan scowled and tossed a fry at him. "I'm going to do something, I just want it to be the right thing." Luke nodded and looked out the window as Nathan continued, "So we know what was wrong with me last night, what was wrong with you?" When Luke continued to stare out the window he persisted, "Luke . . .Lucas!"
"Huh, what?" he said tearing his gaze away momentarily before looking back.
"What was bothering you?"
"April."
"A girl?"
"Yeah," Luke relented.
"Who's April?"
"She is," Luke said pointing out the window where April stood talking to a young girl holding a baby. She had on black capri's and a baby pink boat neck top with her hair naturally curly and down. At just seeing her he could feel some of his anger from last night fading.
Nathan looked out the window and thought that the girl looked really familiar to him. He squinted and looked harder, "She's hot, you into her?"
Luke rolled his eyes and Nathan's eloquence and corrected him, "She's beautiful."
"Obviously into her," Nate said and chuckled. "Who is she?"
"She's my date for the wedding for one and she's Haley's best friend and room mate."
Nathan realized why she looked familiar at that omission. "Wait, why was she what was bothering you?"
"No reason."
"Bull shit."
"Let's just say it's amazing the clarity that comes with psychotic jealousy," Luke told him as he watched April head into the building across the street.
"I know that," Nathan agreed.
Haley was on the house line ordering a couple of pizza's for her, Mason, and April when she heard her cell ringing in the study. She covered the mouthpiece with her hand and yelled, "Mace! St."ly familiar to him. baby. noted. s, hot dogs, and nachos.ee who that is."
A few seconds later he yelled back, "Who's Tigger?"
"Oh my God!" Haley yelled as she ran into the living room and grabbed her cell as she handed the phone and pizza coupons to Mason. She hit the talk button and squealed, "Brooke!"
"Hales!" Brooke's voice came across the line. "Holy crap, what is up? It's been months."
"Yeah it has. Ms. Hollywood over there went all MIA on me."
"Aw, you know I love you James, I could never forget the little people."
"Ohhh. . .thanks," she deadpanned.
"And Ms. Hollywood my ass. A few guest roles-"
"Brooke you just did a movie with Cameron Diaz," Haley interrupted.
"Well yeah- but it's still in production. Won't be released for 3 months."
Haley rolled her eyes as if Brooke could see her and asked, "What's up?"
Brooke cut right to the chase. "We need to plan a bachelorette party STAT. It's usually the maid of honor's job but since Peyton isn't having one, I'm thinking it's all us baby."
Haley laughed," All right, what are you thinking?"
"Well obviously we're going to have to go out to Durham. You can't sneeze in Tree hill without everyone knowing much less throw a wild bachelorette party."
"How wild are we talking?" Haley inquired.
"Hmmm. . . what's your take on stripper's?" she teased.
"Oh geez, Peyt would kill us."
Brooke laughed, "Oh I know," and paused. "She's no fun."
Haley rolled her eyes yet again. "You can get stripper's for my bachelorette party." Then as an afterthought, "If I ever get married."
"Speaking of your future marriage, how's Nathan?"
"Brooke."
"What? Don't tell me you two are still doing that no talking thing." When Haley didn't answer she continued, "Shit Hales. A psychiatrist could have a field day with you two."
"Thanks," she replied dryly.
"Anytime!" Brooke chirped. "All right, so you haven't talked to Nate. What about Luke? Do you know if they're planning on doing something for Jake?"
"Oh, I'm sure they're doing something . . . Something along the lines of sitting at home getting drunk while having Playstation tournaments."
Brooke snorted, "Sounds like 'em."
"Sounds . . . No. That is them. But what are we gonna do? We could take her out to eat . . ."
"Then hit a few club's," Brooke finished for her.
"K, how about I handle the restaurant deal and you figure out the club thing?"
"Sounds good. I was thinking about some sort of stretch SUV for the night so we can all drink and no one has to worry about driving. Sound good?"
"How much would it be? You forget I'm living off student loan's."
"I'll pay for it."
"No way Brooke."
"To quote you, I just did a movie with Cameron Diaz. Do you know how much I made?"
"Good point, it's all you."
Brooke laughed and they lapsed into a momentary silence. "I miss all you guy's" she told Haley somberly.
"I miss all you guy's," Haley told her.
Brooke cleared her throat, "Just wait till next week. We'll all be at each other's throats."
"God, I know. Are you bringing a date?"
"I don't know. I'm going down on Tuesday. . .when are you coming?"
"Monday."
"OK, well like I was saying, I'm going down then, so I'm not bringing someone with me then. But, I am dating someone. I might see if he'll fly in for the actual wedding." She sighed and laughed, "If it lasts that long. But what about you?"
"Hmmm. . . No. My boyfriend, if you want to call him that, and I broke up. And I asked my friend Mason to come, but he can't. So it's single Haley."
"Well, I'm sure someone will be there to keep you company," she hinted and Haley groaned. "I'll call you in a couple of days to touch base ok?"
"Talk to you then."
"Bye Hales."
"Bye Brooke," she said and hung up. She allowed herself a giddy smile at seeing everyone again. "Mason?" she yelled.
"Yeah," he said walking back into the room.
"Get the pizza's ordered?"
"Yeah, it'll probably be here in 20 minutes. Who was that?"
"Brooke . . .you know from Tree Hill. The one that's an actress now."
"Oh yeah. She's hot."
She rolled her eyes and plopped down onto the couch. "Hand me that," she said pointing to the file beside him. He handed it over and she started flipping through it. "Oh gosh . . ."
"What?"
"I just realized, well you know how this whole Day of Hope thing. It's in honor of April's friend Pride, ya know? That was murdered when they were around 13. . . "
"So, like ten years ago right?"
"Yeah."
"God, I don't know how she does that. It'd kill me to have to deal with cases everyday like the ones I lost a best friend too."
Luke and Nathan had finished eating and started to head back to Nathan's when they passed a sporting good's store. Nathan made a quick U-turn and they were now browsing through the store. Neither one of them needed anything, but they were still like little kid's in a candy store. They passed by a framed Michael Jordan jersey and Nathan turned to Luke with a smirk, "I wonder if Haley still has that tattoo. . . "
"You mean where you branded your number above her ass?"
Nathan huffed, "Whatever man. You know it wasn't my idea. Hell, you knew about it before I did."
"Yeah, yeah," Luke said as they headed farther into the store splitting up and going down separate aisles. They met back up 15 minutes later and Luke asked, "You ready?"
"Yeah, just gotta pay for this," he said walking toward the check-out.
"Pay for what?"
"This," he said and held up a pink t-shirt with the world's 'Lil' Baller' across the front. He grinned, "It's for Raegan."
"So you can do it man?" Mason asked as he held his cell in one hand and marked something off a list with another. "Awesome, thanks. I'll call you later aight?"
"Thank you soooooo much Jimmy! You have no clue how much I appreciate this. I'll have her call you tomorrow with details. . . Allrighty, bye." Haley finished her phone conversation and hung up reaching over to turn the stereo back up.
"He in?" Mason asked.
"Yep, what about Tyse?"
"Yep," he mimicked her and they high fived.
"Refill, you want one?" she asked holding up her glass of water.
"Nah, I'm good," he told her. She walked out and headed to the kitchen. Mason must have turned the stereo up also because it got a lot louder suddenly. She had Nathan's cd playing and after listening to it countless times since she found it she could safely tell you this was number 4. She liked to call it the "Flashback of The Night". "The Night" being the night they had gotten into so bad about their non-relationship and dating other people. In other word's, the last time they had said more than 3 sentences to each other. She could still hear Nathan ranting and finally just breaking down, "I'm jealous Haley. When I think about another guy hugging you, I just- I hate it 'cause I know he's got my world in his arm's."
'I was dreaming of the past and my heart was beating fast. I began to loose control, I began to loose control. I didn't mean to hurt you, I'm sorry that I made you cry. I didn't want to hurt you, I'm just a jealous guy. I was feeling insecure, you might not love me anymore. I was shivering inside, I was shivering inside. I didn't mean to hurt you, I'm sorry that I made you cry. I didn't want to hurt you, no I didn''t. I'm just a jealous guy.'
The lyric's were basically worming their way into her heart and she realized that lately it seemed like all she could think about was him. And she'd be seeing him in a week. She was . . . Terrified. The doorbell rang and she went to the door and opened it.
"Jet, hey. What's up?"
He stepped into the foyer and lifted his shirt, "Fresh from working out . . .I give you my ab's."
She rolled her eyes. "I find it really amusing you''re ad-libbing from Will and Grace."
"Don't tell anyone," he said with a wink before following her into the study where Mason'slong body was draped across the couch. "I think I left my wallet here."
"You did. Here," she said grabbing it from the desk and tossing it to him.
"Thanks. What's up man?" he said greeting Ace.
"Nothing, just working on all this," he said and gestured around .
"Oh yeah, I was going to tell you guy's whatever April needs me to do I will. And I swung by my dad's office and told him about it. He gave me this," he said pulling out an envelope and handing it to Haley, "I don't know how much it is."
"Ok, wow. Thanks," Haley said as she sat back down and picked up a few of the paper's scattered about.
"You got plans Thursday night?" Mason asked Jet.
"Yeah, I've, um. . .got a date actually."
Haley raised her eyebrows, "A date?"
"Yes," he told her pointedly. "I date."
"I know, I just don't think I've ever heard you refer to it as a date though. It's usually just 'Oh, I'm getting lucky that night'," Haley told him and Mason burst out laughing.
"I'd argue, but you're pretty much correct on that. Anyway, I ran into my high school sweetheart. Man. . . that girl broke my heart. She's totally to blame for my playboy way's. I'm taking her out Thursday night."
Upon hearing this Haley sat up attentively, "High school sweetheart huh? Good Luck . . .let me know how it goes."
"I will. I better head out, promised Mike I'd bartend for him. He fired somebody, so now he's like all begging for help."
"Tell him we said 'hey'," Mason called out to him as he headed out the front door.
April arrived home about 30 minutes later and they scrambled up meeting her in the hallway with big grin's. She gave them a weird look, "Um . . . hey guy's what's going on?"
"We have a surprise for you," Haley said.
"What is it?"
"Are you familiar with what a surprise is?" Mason drawled sarcastically. "C'mere," he said motioning her into the study. Haley handed her a sheet of paper and she scanned it. It was filled with names, some she recognized and some she didn't.
"What is this?"
"Volunteer Worker's for A Day of Hope," Mason told her.
"Every person on that list had been assigned something to work or help with or agreed to help wherever they're needed," Haley added.
"And," Mason cut in, "Ace and Beck are getting some of their coworker's together to handle the First Aid booth. Tyson is going to DJ all day if you want him to. Mike said he could use some of the club equipment. Logan, Jet, and AnnaCate are in for whatever you need."
"I called Jimmy J's and he said he's more than happy to be a sponsor and provide food. You're supposed to call him tomorrow with details," Haley told her.
"And this," Mason continued, "is from Mr. Thomas." She opened the envelope and gasped when she found a check written out to Safe Haven for $1000. "He agreed to come on a sponsor."
"You guys. . .oh my gosh!" she said in a half whisper as she tried to hold back the waterwork's. "I have the best friends ever." Haley and Mason smiled and Mason put an arm around each of them pulling them into a hug then they all toppled onto the couch. "Seriously, y'all don't know how much this means to me. I'm incredibly grateful."
"It was nothing," Mason assured her.
"We got pizza. It's in the kitchen," Haley told April.
"Thank God, I'm soooo hungry," she said as she got up and headed toward the kitchen. She stopped and turned back to Haley and Mason. "Can we hang out tonight? Just the 3 of us? Stay the night Mase."
"Definitely, we'll have a movie night," Haley told her with a smile.
"Sounds good to me," Mason agreed and stood up. "I'll pick the movie," he said grinning.
April laughed and headed to her room to change then get pizza. Haley did the same.
Nathan and Lucas were sprawled out in Nathan's living room watching ESPN Classics when Luke remembered he was supposed to call Haley. He rolled off the couch ungracefully and grabbed his cell off the coffee table. "I gotta make a call," he said before disappearing to the balcony.
Haley's cell rang just as she had pulled on a pair of Mason's boxers and a t-shirt he had left at the apartment. "Heeeelllloooooooo," she sang out upon noticing Luke is calling flash across the screen.
Luke couldn't help the laugh that escaped his lips when Haley answered the phone.
"Thought I'd spice it up a bit, why say 'hello' when you can say 'heeeeelllooooo'?"
"I can never decide if you're adorable or just . . . a dork," Luke greeted her.
"Adorable, I hear. How'd the try-out go? You made it didn't you?"
"Made the first cut, I have it again in the morning," he told her.
"Eeeehhhh", she squealed. "I am so excited for you."
He laughed, "Thanks buddy."
"You're welcome. Moving right along, did something happen last night when you stopped by?"
"No," he said a little to quickly.
"Try again," she told him.
"There might have been an incident."
"Between you and April?" she prodded.
"I guess."
She rolled her eyes. "Luke! What'd you do?"
"I didn't do anything."
"Lucas Michael Scott. You lie."
"Don't worry about it Hales."
"Don't think cutening my name is going to get you off the hook," she sighed. "Look. I don't know what happened. I don't know who, if anyone, is to blame. But I think you really like her and that in itself makes it worth clearing up."
"I know, but-"
"But nothing," she interrupted.
"She was with another guy," he said tensely.
She laughed. "Luke, have you even told her you like her? Cause if you haven't, how can you be remotely ill at her for that?" she paused. "She's just going through some stuff right now is all."
"I can't deal with it right now," he basically whined.
She rolled her eyes. "OK. I'm sorry. Just call me tomorrow and let me know how it went. Good Luck."
"Thanks. I need it."
"When you believe you can- you can," she told him wisely. "Love you Luke, bye!"
"Love you, bye," he said and came back into Nathan's living room. Upon nothing he was back Nathan sat up.
"Hey, I just thought of something we need to remember. Haley used to always say it to me: 'When you believe you can- you can.'"
Luke stared at him for about 10 seconds then shook his head, "That's just freaky."
Haley turned off her cell not feeling like dealing with anyone else at the moment. She trudged into the living room and laid head down across the sofa. Mason was laying in the floor going through the DVD collection. April entered the room and he glanced up at her noticing she was wearing a pair of his pajama pant's and one of his t-shirt's. He then looked over at Haley and spun around where he was facing them. "So," he started, "how is it that we're at y'alls apartment, yet there's enough of my clothes to go around?"
"You leave them here in hopes we'll do your laundry," Haley told him in a muffled voice. April agreed.
"Oh . . .yeah. Guess you're right."
April sat down on top of Haley's butt and Haley groaned. "So what are we watching?" she asked tearing into her pizza.
"You're killing my tail bone," Haley dramatized and April laughed and stood up.
"How about some old school, Fight Club style?" Mason asked holding up the DVD.
"Hot guy's . . ."Haley pointed out.
"Fighting each other," April added. "Sounds good!" He inserted into the DVD player and took a seat between the two girls.
. . . . The Next Day . . .
"All right. Again, we want to thank everyone for coming and trying out. You're a very talented group of young men. We'll be in touch, you can expect to hear from us in a week or so." Luke shot Nathan a look of nervousness that was mirrored in Nathan's returning glance. They gathered up their things and headed back to Nathan's apartment. They both took a long shower and Luke packed his things. He was flying back to Durham this afternoon. They ate a quick lunch and Luke asked if they could an hour earlier than they had planned for the airport.
"Yeah. Um, why though?"
"I need to make a stop on the way," Luke told him.
"Are we going to Haley's?" Nathan sat up and asked excitedly.
"Um. . . NO. That's all you my man."
"Thanks," he told him sarcastically.
"Can I borrow the car for awhile?" Luke asked him.
"Yeah," he said and pointed out the keys on the counter.
"I'll be back in about 30 minutes," he said walking out the door.
"Hales?"
"In the study," she yelled.
"Hey, I just wanted to let you know I'm leaving," Mason told her as he entered the room.
"Going home?"
"Well. . .yeah, to take a shower and change clothes. Then I'm taking Carrie to lunch," he said with a shy grin.
"Mase!" she said approvingly, "Have fun."
"OK, so now you gonna tell me why we left early?"
"You know where Independence Street is?" Luke asked.
"Yeah, it's right off Main," Nate told him.
"Take me there. 901 Independence Strret."
'I am pathetic. 'Extremely pathetic', Haley thought to herself as she laid out on her bed, going through pictures of her and Nathan while listening to, of course, his CD.
'The cars are passing down below and all that's left of you is all your clothes. You left your key, the T.V.'s on. Our picture's face down by the alarm clock radio. The only thing you ever wanted was for me to be here, to stay. Now you've gone away. I wish I could pick up the phone and tell you how I'm feeling. Tell you how I've changed, I'd tell you everything.' She paused at a picture of them happily sitting on the beach, she was sitting between Nathan's legs and he had his arms wrapped protectively around her waist. Of course, as soon as Peyton had snapped the picture he had picked her up, thrown her over his shoulder, and carried her into the ocean.
' Remember how you drove me mad? You'd leave your rings and jewelry by the bath, waking up the bed sheets gone. Spend half the night tryin' to steal it back. . .' She allowed a chuckle to escape as she zeroed in on the song and lyric's. Back when Nathan had his apartment sophomore year they had spent many a night fighting over the cover's. 'Poor Nate' she mused, 'he usually woke up freezing . . .naked. Hah.'
Across town, by some coincidence or maybe fate, the song was coming in through Nathan's speakers as he stopped in front of the building Luke had directed him to. He leaned up and turned the knob up and allowed his mind to drift completely to Haley. 'The only thing you ever wanted was for me to be here, to stay. Now you've gone away. I wish I could pick up the phone and tell you how I'm feeling. Tell you how I've changed, I'd tell you everything. I really don't know if it'd make it all better But I let myself go and put it in a letter. . . to you.'
He sighed. He had never really regretted leaving her and going to California until this moment . . .what he wouldn't give to hold her again, to talk to her again, anything.
The same song was playing on April's radio in her office as a knock sounded through the room. "Come in," she called without looking up.
'I know I've been stupid and I don't have a reason But I'm tryin not to ruin the one thing I believe in. . . you.'
The song rang out as she heard someone clear their throat and she glanced up sucking in a deep breath. "Luke."
"Hey," he said his arms full. He was holding an arrangement of flower's in one hand, had a stuffed puppy dog underneath his arm, and a basket of candy in another. "So, I got to thinking. . . about um, donkey's."
"Donkey's?" she repeated with a curious look on her face.
"Yeah. I was thinking that the really cool donkey's are those kind that has, like one ear flopped over and droopy eyes right?"
"Yeah. . ." she said.
He sighed and looked at her through long eyelashes, "I'm sorry I was an ass instead of a cool donkey."
She tried to push back the grin she knew wanted to escape, but failed and instead came back with, "I don't think I can handle you being adorable right now."
"Sorry, can't turn that off," he shot back smiling. When she just smiled back he continued, "This," he said sitting everything down," is all for you. I wasn't sure if you were a flowers, stuffed animal, or candy kind of girl so I, um. . .well I got it at all."
"Thank you," she told him.
"Just to clarify, I'm really interested in what kind of girl you are though."
His statement hung in the air a minute before she stood and crossed the room holding out a hand to him in, "Come with me."
'I really don't know if it'd make it all better But I let myself go and put it in a letter. . . to you I know I've been stupid and don't have a reason But I'm tryin' not to ruin the one thing I believe in, you It's killing me, killing you You're all that I want, (you pleaded) You're all that I need (I need it) Now that you're gone I see it'
Sitting right outside in his car and across town in her room, Haley and Nathan had no clue they were sharing a moment.
'One more week,' Nathan thought to himself. 'Then you're mine Haley.'
'One more week. . .' she thought to herself.
"You better go now Luke, you're going to miss your flight," April told him as he played basketball with some of the young boy's outside the shelter. The boys all groaned and he laughed.
"She's right guy's. . . I gotta go." They all took turns high fiving him and April walked him around to the front.
She stopped him at the front door by grabbing his arm. He turned back to her and she smiled, "Thanks for all my stuff Luke."
"You're welcome," he said and reached for her hand, "Come out here, I want you to meet someone." He led her out to the street where Nathan was waiting in the Tahoe. He pulled his door opened and Nathan's eyes popped open. "April, this is Nathan. My little brother," he said and Nathan rolled his eyes. "Nate, this is April."
"Hey," he said and reached out to shake her hand. She obliged with raised eyebrow's thinking. . . 'Great, how do I tell Haley about this?'
Review Please. ( Love to All Babes. –Brody Jordan
p.s. Any suggestions are appreciated. If you want to see any character's brought in. . . let me know and I'll see what I can do.
To My Great Reviewer's:
starryskyangel1- Glad you like it and find it funny. I love making people laugh! Thanks for replying!
Cap'n Keira Sparrow- Thanks for continously reviewing, I'm glad you liked it.
Jill- Loving thse long review's! LOL about the graduation car'd's. Sounds like something I would do, seriously. Nathan IS cocky, and dammnit it's so hot. :) Are you a fan for April and Luke? Or are you leaning towards the Ace? lOl. Here's ya more, keep the reviews coming!
tardychick06- Thanks for reviewing! I'm glad you like it, here's ya some more!
Sara- Glad you like it, enjoy this chapter!
othfanatic129- Your review cracked me up, I'm still not sure why but it did. Maybe it was the urgency of "OMG update soon!" lol... but Thanks! And enjoy....
OTHlover04 - Thanks... enjoy this chap!
JamEs LOVer-GheTto chiLd - Love the name... :) Totally agreeing, Nate is so pretty. Thanks for reviewing.
OTHforever03 - Thanks for the review, made me smile! Keep the reviews coming too. :)
DayDreamer743- I'm glad you like the new characters, it's hard to write people that everyone likes! Thanks for the review!
Nikki- Wow, alot of people have said they like Luke and April, but NO ONE has said they like that he's interested in somone other than Brooke! Wowzers, Thanks!! Hope you enjoy this chapter... keep the reviews coming. :)
LockerRoomBandit17- Where are ya buddy?
Haley had spent the better part of the morning in her room practicing a song for Peyton and Jake's wedding and studying for her finals. Completely burnt out she decided to take a break at 1:00 and tried to call April. When she got no answer and noticed Mason's keys on the counter she peeked out the window and saw he had left his vehicle outside. She decided to drive down to the shelter so she called Mason and left a quick message, then headed out the door.
"OK, we want to thank everyone for coming in. Check the list posted outside the door. If you're on it be back tomorrow morning at 9:00 am for second cut out tryout's," Harvey Grant told the young men before him then exited the locker room. Nathan and Luke lingered around the locker room till everyone was gone then made their way out of the room. Luke stepped up as big brother and scanned down as Nathan shifted from foot to foot nervously. Luke turned to Nathan expressionless and then. . . "Told ya we could do it."
April was sitting in her office reading over a case rocking back and forth, at hopes to get the baby she was holding to sleep. A knock sounded on the door and she looked up as Mason walked in. She put a finger to her lips and "Shhh..." she warned.
"What's up?" he whispered.
"Swamped with work," she told him.
"That all? You sounded upset on the phone earlier."
"No, I'm fine. Work's just crazy is all."
"You're lying, but I'll let it go for now."
"Thanks," she told him and allowed a small smile.
"Who's the little guy?" he asked pointing to the baby.
"This is Micah. He was about to drive his Mom crazy because he couldn't sleep so I offered my help." A slight knock on the door interrupted them and April groaned, but called, "Come in . . ."
"Hales, hey," she said surprised.
"Hey," she greeted entering, "I called you but I couldn't get an answer so I just thought I'd come see ya. I have reached my Daily Study Limit," she winked.
"It's been insane around here," she started but was interrupted once again when Trent and Anna, two of her assistants came barreling in looking worried.
"What is it?" she asked noticing the look on their faces.
"Well. . ." Trent started then looked to Anna for help. Just as she opened her mouth, Vivian –the shelter owner- burst in.
"Did they tell you?" she asked in a frantic voice. April shook her head and Vivian started pacing the floors. "Everything is just falling apart for 'A Day of Hope'". A Day of Hope was something April had started 3 year's ago. It was held every year by the park next to the shelter. It was basically a carnival, complete with a petting zoo, horse rides, a small train ride, tons of games, face painting, dunking booths, moon walks, and such. They served hamburgers, hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, candy apples, cotton candy, and more. "The DJ canceled, two sponsors backed out -one being the store that was going to donate the hamburgers, hot dogs, and nachos. We're short workers, no one to help with games and things like that. I've already called a ton of people with no luck. Do you have any ideas?"
April took a deep breath and plastered a smile on her face, a very fake one, Mason and Haley noted. "It's cool Viv. I'll handle it," she said reaching a hand out for the folder. She handed it over and April flipped it open when a girl around age 17 entered the room. April glanced up and noticed her, "Ashleigh, Hey!" she glanced at her watch, "Is it time already?"
"Yes, but if you're busy I can walk."
"No, it's fine! Come on, let's go," she said standing up and passing Micah over to Ashleigh. "Ashleigh, these are my best friends, Haley and Mason. I'm taking Ash to a job interview. So Vivian, I'll just take this home with me and make some calls tonight. Um, Trent, if you and Anna can just finish up the list I gave you earlier that'd be great." They all said their good- bye's and exited April's office. "Haley, can you take this home with you? Just put it in my room," she said handing her the folder.
"Yeah, no problem."
"Thanks. . . bye," she said then left.
"Here ya go," Haley said tossing Mason his keys.
"You're in my car?" he asked.
"Yup", she said and laughed. "Have you got plans the rest of the afternoon?"
"Nope, why?"
"We've got best friend duties to attend to," she told him mischievously as they climbed into the car. "But first . . . who'd you go home with last night?"
"I went to my home."
"Sure you did."
He laughed, "I did Hales. I just drove Beck's car because he was drunk."
"Oh ok then. Well I heard something about you and some girl and my kitchen. . ."
"Yeah. . . her name's Carrie," he started with a big grin.
"You hungry?" Nathan asked Luke as they left the gym.
"Starving."
"There's this diner about 10-15 minutes away, Jimmy J's. It's really good. Wanna go?"
"Lead the way," Luke said climbing into the Tahoe. 20 minutes later they were seated at one of the booth's eating. "I still can't believe you thought Haley was engaged," Luke said laughing.
"Well, what was I supposed to think?" Nathan asked defensively. "I saw her looking at rings and then she tells me she's got some engagement party thing."
Luke laughed heartedly again and Nathan rolled his eyes. "So, what are you going to do now that you know she's single?" Luke asked then took a big bite out of his burger.
"I was told to get off my ass and do something about I," Nathan admitted.
"Natalie?" Luke asked and Nathan nodded his head. "That's some damn good advice."
Nathan scowled and tossed a fry at him. "I'm going to do something, I just want it to be the right thing." Luke nodded and looked out the window as Nathan continued, "So we know what was wrong with me last night, what was wrong with you?" When Luke continued to stare out the window he persisted, "Luke . . .Lucas!"
"Huh, what?" he said tearing his gaze away momentarily before looking back.
"What was bothering you?"
"April."
"A girl?"
"Yeah," Luke relented.
"Who's April?"
"She is," Luke said pointing out the window where April stood talking to a young girl holding a baby. She had on black capri's and a baby pink boat neck top with her hair naturally curly and down. At just seeing her he could feel some of his anger from last night fading.
Nathan looked out the window and thought that the girl looked really familiar to him. He squinted and looked harder, "She's hot, you into her?"
Luke rolled his eyes and Nathan's eloquence and corrected him, "She's beautiful."
"Obviously into her," Nate said and chuckled. "Who is she?"
"She's my date for the wedding for one and she's Haley's best friend and room mate."
Nathan realized why she looked familiar at that omission. "Wait, why was she what was bothering you?"
"No reason."
"Bull shit."
"Let's just say it's amazing the clarity that comes with psychotic jealousy," Luke told him as he watched April head into the building across the street.
"I know that," Nathan agreed.
Haley was on the house line ordering a couple of pizza's for her, Mason, and April when she heard her cell ringing in the study. She covered the mouthpiece with her hand and yelled, "Mace! St."ly familiar to him. baby. noted. s, hot dogs, and nachos.ee who that is."
A few seconds later he yelled back, "Who's Tigger?"
"Oh my God!" Haley yelled as she ran into the living room and grabbed her cell as she handed the phone and pizza coupons to Mason. She hit the talk button and squealed, "Brooke!"
"Hales!" Brooke's voice came across the line. "Holy crap, what is up? It's been months."
"Yeah it has. Ms. Hollywood over there went all MIA on me."
"Aw, you know I love you James, I could never forget the little people."
"Ohhh. . .thanks," she deadpanned.
"And Ms. Hollywood my ass. A few guest roles-"
"Brooke you just did a movie with Cameron Diaz," Haley interrupted.
"Well yeah- but it's still in production. Won't be released for 3 months."
Haley rolled her eyes as if Brooke could see her and asked, "What's up?"
Brooke cut right to the chase. "We need to plan a bachelorette party STAT. It's usually the maid of honor's job but since Peyton isn't having one, I'm thinking it's all us baby."
Haley laughed," All right, what are you thinking?"
"Well obviously we're going to have to go out to Durham. You can't sneeze in Tree hill without everyone knowing much less throw a wild bachelorette party."
"How wild are we talking?" Haley inquired.
"Hmmm. . . what's your take on stripper's?" she teased.
"Oh geez, Peyt would kill us."
Brooke laughed, "Oh I know," and paused. "She's no fun."
Haley rolled her eyes yet again. "You can get stripper's for my bachelorette party." Then as an afterthought, "If I ever get married."
"Speaking of your future marriage, how's Nathan?"
"Brooke."
"What? Don't tell me you two are still doing that no talking thing." When Haley didn't answer she continued, "Shit Hales. A psychiatrist could have a field day with you two."
"Thanks," she replied dryly.
"Anytime!" Brooke chirped. "All right, so you haven't talked to Nate. What about Luke? Do you know if they're planning on doing something for Jake?"
"Oh, I'm sure they're doing something . . . Something along the lines of sitting at home getting drunk while having Playstation tournaments."
Brooke snorted, "Sounds like 'em."
"Sounds . . . No. That is them. But what are we gonna do? We could take her out to eat . . ."
"Then hit a few club's," Brooke finished for her.
"K, how about I handle the restaurant deal and you figure out the club thing?"
"Sounds good. I was thinking about some sort of stretch SUV for the night so we can all drink and no one has to worry about driving. Sound good?"
"How much would it be? You forget I'm living off student loan's."
"I'll pay for it."
"No way Brooke."
"To quote you, I just did a movie with Cameron Diaz. Do you know how much I made?"
"Good point, it's all you."
Brooke laughed and they lapsed into a momentary silence. "I miss all you guy's" she told Haley somberly.
"I miss all you guy's," Haley told her.
Brooke cleared her throat, "Just wait till next week. We'll all be at each other's throats."
"God, I know. Are you bringing a date?"
"I don't know. I'm going down on Tuesday. . .when are you coming?"
"Monday."
"OK, well like I was saying, I'm going down then, so I'm not bringing someone with me then. But, I am dating someone. I might see if he'll fly in for the actual wedding." She sighed and laughed, "If it lasts that long. But what about you?"
"Hmmm. . . No. My boyfriend, if you want to call him that, and I broke up. And I asked my friend Mason to come, but he can't. So it's single Haley."
"Well, I'm sure someone will be there to keep you company," she hinted and Haley groaned. "I'll call you in a couple of days to touch base ok?"
"Talk to you then."
"Bye Hales."
"Bye Brooke," she said and hung up. She allowed herself a giddy smile at seeing everyone again. "Mason?" she yelled.
"Yeah," he said walking back into the room.
"Get the pizza's ordered?"
"Yeah, it'll probably be here in 20 minutes. Who was that?"
"Brooke . . .you know from Tree Hill. The one that's an actress now."
"Oh yeah. She's hot."
She rolled her eyes and plopped down onto the couch. "Hand me that," she said pointing to the file beside him. He handed it over and she started flipping through it. "Oh gosh . . ."
"What?"
"I just realized, well you know how this whole Day of Hope thing. It's in honor of April's friend Pride, ya know? That was murdered when they were around 13. . . "
"So, like ten years ago right?"
"Yeah."
"God, I don't know how she does that. It'd kill me to have to deal with cases everyday like the ones I lost a best friend too."
Luke and Nathan had finished eating and started to head back to Nathan's when they passed a sporting good's store. Nathan made a quick U-turn and they were now browsing through the store. Neither one of them needed anything, but they were still like little kid's in a candy store. They passed by a framed Michael Jordan jersey and Nathan turned to Luke with a smirk, "I wonder if Haley still has that tattoo. . . "
"You mean where you branded your number above her ass?"
Nathan huffed, "Whatever man. You know it wasn't my idea. Hell, you knew about it before I did."
"Yeah, yeah," Luke said as they headed farther into the store splitting up and going down separate aisles. They met back up 15 minutes later and Luke asked, "You ready?"
"Yeah, just gotta pay for this," he said walking toward the check-out.
"Pay for what?"
"This," he said and held up a pink t-shirt with the world's 'Lil' Baller' across the front. He grinned, "It's for Raegan."
"So you can do it man?" Mason asked as he held his cell in one hand and marked something off a list with another. "Awesome, thanks. I'll call you later aight?"
"Thank you soooooo much Jimmy! You have no clue how much I appreciate this. I'll have her call you tomorrow with details. . . Allrighty, bye." Haley finished her phone conversation and hung up reaching over to turn the stereo back up.
"He in?" Mason asked.
"Yep, what about Tyse?"
"Yep," he mimicked her and they high fived.
"Refill, you want one?" she asked holding up her glass of water.
"Nah, I'm good," he told her. She walked out and headed to the kitchen. Mason must have turned the stereo up also because it got a lot louder suddenly. She had Nathan's cd playing and after listening to it countless times since she found it she could safely tell you this was number 4. She liked to call it the "Flashback of The Night". "The Night" being the night they had gotten into so bad about their non-relationship and dating other people. In other word's, the last time they had said more than 3 sentences to each other. She could still hear Nathan ranting and finally just breaking down, "I'm jealous Haley. When I think about another guy hugging you, I just- I hate it 'cause I know he's got my world in his arm's."
'I was dreaming of the past and my heart was beating fast. I began to loose control, I began to loose control. I didn't mean to hurt you, I'm sorry that I made you cry. I didn't want to hurt you, I'm just a jealous guy. I was feeling insecure, you might not love me anymore. I was shivering inside, I was shivering inside. I didn't mean to hurt you, I'm sorry that I made you cry. I didn't want to hurt you, no I didn''t. I'm just a jealous guy.'
The lyric's were basically worming their way into her heart and she realized that lately it seemed like all she could think about was him. And she'd be seeing him in a week. She was . . . Terrified. The doorbell rang and she went to the door and opened it.
"Jet, hey. What's up?"
He stepped into the foyer and lifted his shirt, "Fresh from working out . . .I give you my ab's."
She rolled her eyes. "I find it really amusing you''re ad-libbing from Will and Grace."
"Don't tell anyone," he said with a wink before following her into the study where Mason'slong body was draped across the couch. "I think I left my wallet here."
"You did. Here," she said grabbing it from the desk and tossing it to him.
"Thanks. What's up man?" he said greeting Ace.
"Nothing, just working on all this," he said and gestured around .
"Oh yeah, I was going to tell you guy's whatever April needs me to do I will. And I swung by my dad's office and told him about it. He gave me this," he said pulling out an envelope and handing it to Haley, "I don't know how much it is."
"Ok, wow. Thanks," Haley said as she sat back down and picked up a few of the paper's scattered about.
"You got plans Thursday night?" Mason asked Jet.
"Yeah, I've, um. . .got a date actually."
Haley raised her eyebrows, "A date?"
"Yes," he told her pointedly. "I date."
"I know, I just don't think I've ever heard you refer to it as a date though. It's usually just 'Oh, I'm getting lucky that night'," Haley told him and Mason burst out laughing.
"I'd argue, but you're pretty much correct on that. Anyway, I ran into my high school sweetheart. Man. . . that girl broke my heart. She's totally to blame for my playboy way's. I'm taking her out Thursday night."
Upon hearing this Haley sat up attentively, "High school sweetheart huh? Good Luck . . .let me know how it goes."
"I will. I better head out, promised Mike I'd bartend for him. He fired somebody, so now he's like all begging for help."
"Tell him we said 'hey'," Mason called out to him as he headed out the front door.
April arrived home about 30 minutes later and they scrambled up meeting her in the hallway with big grin's. She gave them a weird look, "Um . . . hey guy's what's going on?"
"We have a surprise for you," Haley said.
"What is it?"
"Are you familiar with what a surprise is?" Mason drawled sarcastically. "C'mere," he said motioning her into the study. Haley handed her a sheet of paper and she scanned it. It was filled with names, some she recognized and some she didn't.
"What is this?"
"Volunteer Worker's for A Day of Hope," Mason told her.
"Every person on that list had been assigned something to work or help with or agreed to help wherever they're needed," Haley added.
"And," Mason cut in, "Ace and Beck are getting some of their coworker's together to handle the First Aid booth. Tyson is going to DJ all day if you want him to. Mike said he could use some of the club equipment. Logan, Jet, and AnnaCate are in for whatever you need."
"I called Jimmy J's and he said he's more than happy to be a sponsor and provide food. You're supposed to call him tomorrow with details," Haley told her.
"And this," Mason continued, "is from Mr. Thomas." She opened the envelope and gasped when she found a check written out to Safe Haven for $1000. "He agreed to come on a sponsor."
"You guys. . .oh my gosh!" she said in a half whisper as she tried to hold back the waterwork's. "I have the best friends ever." Haley and Mason smiled and Mason put an arm around each of them pulling them into a hug then they all toppled onto the couch. "Seriously, y'all don't know how much this means to me. I'm incredibly grateful."
"It was nothing," Mason assured her.
"We got pizza. It's in the kitchen," Haley told April.
"Thank God, I'm soooo hungry," she said as she got up and headed toward the kitchen. She stopped and turned back to Haley and Mason. "Can we hang out tonight? Just the 3 of us? Stay the night Mase."
"Definitely, we'll have a movie night," Haley told her with a smile.
"Sounds good to me," Mason agreed and stood up. "I'll pick the movie," he said grinning.
April laughed and headed to her room to change then get pizza. Haley did the same.
Nathan and Lucas were sprawled out in Nathan's living room watching ESPN Classics when Luke remembered he was supposed to call Haley. He rolled off the couch ungracefully and grabbed his cell off the coffee table. "I gotta make a call," he said before disappearing to the balcony.
Haley's cell rang just as she had pulled on a pair of Mason's boxers and a t-shirt he had left at the apartment. "Heeeelllloooooooo," she sang out upon noticing Luke is calling flash across the screen.
Luke couldn't help the laugh that escaped his lips when Haley answered the phone.
"Thought I'd spice it up a bit, why say 'hello' when you can say 'heeeeelllooooo'?"
"I can never decide if you're adorable or just . . . a dork," Luke greeted her.
"Adorable, I hear. How'd the try-out go? You made it didn't you?"
"Made the first cut, I have it again in the morning," he told her.
"Eeeehhhh", she squealed. "I am so excited for you."
He laughed, "Thanks buddy."
"You're welcome. Moving right along, did something happen last night when you stopped by?"
"No," he said a little to quickly.
"Try again," she told him.
"There might have been an incident."
"Between you and April?" she prodded.
"I guess."
She rolled her eyes. "Luke! What'd you do?"
"I didn't do anything."
"Lucas Michael Scott. You lie."
"Don't worry about it Hales."
"Don't think cutening my name is going to get you off the hook," she sighed. "Look. I don't know what happened. I don't know who, if anyone, is to blame. But I think you really like her and that in itself makes it worth clearing up."
"I know, but-"
"But nothing," she interrupted.
"She was with another guy," he said tensely.
She laughed. "Luke, have you even told her you like her? Cause if you haven't, how can you be remotely ill at her for that?" she paused. "She's just going through some stuff right now is all."
"I can't deal with it right now," he basically whined.
She rolled her eyes. "OK. I'm sorry. Just call me tomorrow and let me know how it went. Good Luck."
"Thanks. I need it."
"When you believe you can- you can," she told him wisely. "Love you Luke, bye!"
"Love you, bye," he said and came back into Nathan's living room. Upon nothing he was back Nathan sat up.
"Hey, I just thought of something we need to remember. Haley used to always say it to me: 'When you believe you can- you can.'"
Luke stared at him for about 10 seconds then shook his head, "That's just freaky."
Haley turned off her cell not feeling like dealing with anyone else at the moment. She trudged into the living room and laid head down across the sofa. Mason was laying in the floor going through the DVD collection. April entered the room and he glanced up at her noticing she was wearing a pair of his pajama pant's and one of his t-shirt's. He then looked over at Haley and spun around where he was facing them. "So," he started, "how is it that we're at y'alls apartment, yet there's enough of my clothes to go around?"
"You leave them here in hopes we'll do your laundry," Haley told him in a muffled voice. April agreed.
"Oh . . .yeah. Guess you're right."
April sat down on top of Haley's butt and Haley groaned. "So what are we watching?" she asked tearing into her pizza.
"You're killing my tail bone," Haley dramatized and April laughed and stood up.
"How about some old school, Fight Club style?" Mason asked holding up the DVD.
"Hot guy's . . ."Haley pointed out.
"Fighting each other," April added. "Sounds good!" He inserted into the DVD player and took a seat between the two girls.
. . . . The Next Day . . .
"All right. Again, we want to thank everyone for coming and trying out. You're a very talented group of young men. We'll be in touch, you can expect to hear from us in a week or so." Luke shot Nathan a look of nervousness that was mirrored in Nathan's returning glance. They gathered up their things and headed back to Nathan's apartment. They both took a long shower and Luke packed his things. He was flying back to Durham this afternoon. They ate a quick lunch and Luke asked if they could an hour earlier than they had planned for the airport.
"Yeah. Um, why though?"
"I need to make a stop on the way," Luke told him.
"Are we going to Haley's?" Nathan sat up and asked excitedly.
"Um. . . NO. That's all you my man."
"Thanks," he told him sarcastically.
"Can I borrow the car for awhile?" Luke asked him.
"Yeah," he said and pointed out the keys on the counter.
"I'll be back in about 30 minutes," he said walking out the door.
"Hales?"
"In the study," she yelled.
"Hey, I just wanted to let you know I'm leaving," Mason told her as he entered the room.
"Going home?"
"Well. . .yeah, to take a shower and change clothes. Then I'm taking Carrie to lunch," he said with a shy grin.
"Mase!" she said approvingly, "Have fun."
"OK, so now you gonna tell me why we left early?"
"You know where Independence Street is?" Luke asked.
"Yeah, it's right off Main," Nate told him.
"Take me there. 901 Independence Strret."
'I am pathetic. 'Extremely pathetic', Haley thought to herself as she laid out on her bed, going through pictures of her and Nathan while listening to, of course, his CD.
'The cars are passing down below and all that's left of you is all your clothes. You left your key, the T.V.'s on. Our picture's face down by the alarm clock radio. The only thing you ever wanted was for me to be here, to stay. Now you've gone away. I wish I could pick up the phone and tell you how I'm feeling. Tell you how I've changed, I'd tell you everything.' She paused at a picture of them happily sitting on the beach, she was sitting between Nathan's legs and he had his arms wrapped protectively around her waist. Of course, as soon as Peyton had snapped the picture he had picked her up, thrown her over his shoulder, and carried her into the ocean.
' Remember how you drove me mad? You'd leave your rings and jewelry by the bath, waking up the bed sheets gone. Spend half the night tryin' to steal it back. . .' She allowed a chuckle to escape as she zeroed in on the song and lyric's. Back when Nathan had his apartment sophomore year they had spent many a night fighting over the cover's. 'Poor Nate' she mused, 'he usually woke up freezing . . .naked. Hah.'
Across town, by some coincidence or maybe fate, the song was coming in through Nathan's speakers as he stopped in front of the building Luke had directed him to. He leaned up and turned the knob up and allowed his mind to drift completely to Haley. 'The only thing you ever wanted was for me to be here, to stay. Now you've gone away. I wish I could pick up the phone and tell you how I'm feeling. Tell you how I've changed, I'd tell you everything. I really don't know if it'd make it all better But I let myself go and put it in a letter. . . to you.'
He sighed. He had never really regretted leaving her and going to California until this moment . . .what he wouldn't give to hold her again, to talk to her again, anything.
The same song was playing on April's radio in her office as a knock sounded through the room. "Come in," she called without looking up.
'I know I've been stupid and I don't have a reason But I'm tryin not to ruin the one thing I believe in. . . you.'
The song rang out as she heard someone clear their throat and she glanced up sucking in a deep breath. "Luke."
"Hey," he said his arms full. He was holding an arrangement of flower's in one hand, had a stuffed puppy dog underneath his arm, and a basket of candy in another. "So, I got to thinking. . . about um, donkey's."
"Donkey's?" she repeated with a curious look on her face.
"Yeah. I was thinking that the really cool donkey's are those kind that has, like one ear flopped over and droopy eyes right?"
"Yeah. . ." she said.
He sighed and looked at her through long eyelashes, "I'm sorry I was an ass instead of a cool donkey."
She tried to push back the grin she knew wanted to escape, but failed and instead came back with, "I don't think I can handle you being adorable right now."
"Sorry, can't turn that off," he shot back smiling. When she just smiled back he continued, "This," he said sitting everything down," is all for you. I wasn't sure if you were a flowers, stuffed animal, or candy kind of girl so I, um. . .well I got it at all."
"Thank you," she told him.
"Just to clarify, I'm really interested in what kind of girl you are though."
His statement hung in the air a minute before she stood and crossed the room holding out a hand to him in, "Come with me."
'I really don't know if it'd make it all better But I let myself go and put it in a letter. . . to you I know I've been stupid and don't have a reason But I'm tryin' not to ruin the one thing I believe in, you It's killing me, killing you You're all that I want, (you pleaded) You're all that I need (I need it) Now that you're gone I see it'
Sitting right outside in his car and across town in her room, Haley and Nathan had no clue they were sharing a moment.
'One more week,' Nathan thought to himself. 'Then you're mine Haley.'
'One more week. . .' she thought to herself.
"You better go now Luke, you're going to miss your flight," April told him as he played basketball with some of the young boy's outside the shelter. The boys all groaned and he laughed.
"She's right guy's. . . I gotta go." They all took turns high fiving him and April walked him around to the front.
She stopped him at the front door by grabbing his arm. He turned back to her and she smiled, "Thanks for all my stuff Luke."
"You're welcome," he said and reached for her hand, "Come out here, I want you to meet someone." He led her out to the street where Nathan was waiting in the Tahoe. He pulled his door opened and Nathan's eyes popped open. "April, this is Nathan. My little brother," he said and Nathan rolled his eyes. "Nate, this is April."
"Hey," he said and reached out to shake her hand. She obliged with raised eyebrow's thinking. . . 'Great, how do I tell Haley about this?'
Review Please. ( Love to All Babes. –Brody Jordan
p.s. Any suggestions are appreciated. If you want to see any character's brought in. . . let me know and I'll see what I can do.