As usual, I'd like to thank everyone who took the time to review last chapter. I'd also just like to briefly say how proud I was of Haley on Monday night's episode. That was one hell of a bitch slap! That Renee totally had it coming. Even if Haley does go to jail, I still think it was worth it. Anyway, here's the next chapter for you guys. Enjoy and please review!

Chapter 10

"Hey," Haley greeted.

Nathan held up his finger, silently asking for a moment.

"Sorry," she mouthed when she noticed that he was on the phone.

"What? Dad…"

Haley rolled her eyes and sighed. Here we go…

"I told you…no, I…fine! I'll be there…I said I'll be there," Nathan snapped before hanging up. He then slammed his locker shut and pounded it with his fist for an extra good measure.

Haley unexpectedly jumped and looked around. There were a couple of people still in the hallway that seemed to be staring. She was about to say something but decided against it. Instead, she gave Nathan a few moments to calm down.

It was a couple of minutes later that he spoke. "I'm sorry," he mumbled and looked at her.

She shook her head in dismissal. "It's okay."

"No, it's not. I shouldn't let him get to me like that," Nathan gritted out. It had been just a little over a month since he'd moved in with Dan, and it was slowly driving him crazy. Dan had never been so strict. When he was growing up, Nathan could do pretty much whatever he wanted. But now the exact opposite had been happening. His dad always had to know where he was going and what he was doing. It was like Nathan had to constantly look over his shoulder.

It was getting old and unbearable pretty fast.

"Now what did he say?" Haley questioned, knowing the drill. She felt awful for her boyfriend. He hadn't been himself lately. Nathan always looked so stressed and worn out. As if school, basketball practice, and games weren't enough, Dan had Nathan working out or studying old game tapes whenever he did have a spare minute.

"I can't go out with you guys tonight."

"What's the excuse this time?" she asked. Dan always pulled something to prevent Nathan from going out with her and their friends.

"He said that he wants me in bed early. We have more training to do tomorrow morning."

"He already makes you run everyday," she pointed out. It was a Friday night. Would it kill Dan to let Nathan out of the house and have some fun?

"Yeah, well, apparently that isn't enough."

"This is ridiculous, Nathan. He's running you into the ground." She brought her hand to his face and swiped at the dark circles forming under his eyes.

"And as if that's not bad enough, my mom hasn't been returning my phone calls," he declared. "I think she's still pissed at me."

"You know she's only angry because she doesn't understand what's going on." When Nathan had first moved in with Dan, Deb had tried everything she could to figure out what type of trick her ex-husband was pulling.

The older woman had even approached Haley a few times asking for information. Haley hated lying to Deb and not telling her what she knew. A part of Haley thought that if anyone could help her boyfriend, it would be his mom. But Nathan didn't tell or want her to know the truth, so Haley respected that. She just hoped that nothing bad would come from her silence.

"Did you want to stay over my house tonight?" Haley questioned when he was quiet. It had started to become a habit of Nathan's. Whenever things got really rough between him and his dad, he'd sneak out of the beach house and come to hers. Of course he'd have to get up early and return home before his dad realized this. But it was still a good break for Nathan—even if it didn't last that long.

"I'd like to, but I better not."

"Okay, well, what if I came over your house?" Haley proposed.

Nathan's eyebrow quirked at that. "And how are we going to pull that off? I highly doubt your parents wouldn't notice your absence like mine does."

"I didn't mean to sleep," she laughed. "I meant that I could come over for a couple of hours, and we could hang out. Maybe have dinner."

He gave her a small smile. "It sounds tempting. It really does. But you don't have to do that—especially since my dad is a total ass and will probably—"

"I don't care about him," Haley interrupted. She brought her hand to his face. "I care about you. I don't like seeing you like this. It's not you."

"You know he's going to say something, right?" he questioned, making sure.

"Oh, I expect it. But I can handle it."

Nathan stared at her for a moment and smiled. He leaned down and claimed her lips in a slow, yet heated kiss. "You know, you're really sexy when you get all tough like that."

"Mmm…" she mumbled against his lips. "Just part of my charm."

"So, what time are you coming over?" he inquired.

"Well, I have a shift to work at Karen's. But after seven o'clock I'm free."

"Okay, it's a date," Nathan declared. He smirked when he saw the slight blush of her cheeks. "I'll pick you up."

"What are you going to do until then?"

"I heard Lucas and the guys say they were going to shoot around at the River Court. I might go and join them until you're done." The last thing Nathan wanted to do was hang out at the beach house any longer than necessary. Besides, his dad said he had to be home tonight. He didn't specify right now.

"Good. You haven't been able to do that in a while."

"I know."

~***~

"I can't believe her! I mean, who does that?!"

"Brooke—" Peyton tried to interrupt.

"She's seriously getting on my last damn nerve."

"Brooke."

"And who does she think she is calling me a skank?! Talk about dirty politics. I—"

"Brooke!" Peyton finally shouted.

Nathan and the guys glanced over at the two girls and chuckled. As they played basketball, Peyton and Brooke were supposed to be cheering them on. But Brooke was too busy ranting about Erica Marsh's next attack against her.

"Dude, I don't know how you do it," Tim whispered to Lucas. "She's scary."

Lucas laughed and shook his head. "She just gets really passionate sometimes. It's not that bad."

They all turned to look at Brooke. Peyton had just whispered something to her that they couldn't hear.

Brooke's eyes narrowed. "I don't care, P. Sawyer! She's a…a…slunt!"

Tim gave Lucas a pointed look.

"Like I said, she's just really passionate," Lucas defended. Although from the expression on his face, he seemed grateful not to be the one sitting next to his girlfriend at the moment.

"What is a slunt?" Jake spoke up.

"Think of two very bad words to call a girl, and then combine them," Nathan explained.

Jake appeared confused for a moment before realization set in. "Ohhh. I get it."

"Very creative," Tim joked.

Lucas smiled. "That's Brooke."

"Hey, you guys got room for a few more players?" someone called. They all turned to see Junk, Fergie, Skills, and Mouth approaching them. They were all of Lucas' old friends. Nathan had never met them until after he returned to camp.

He and Lucas had been playing right here at the River Court when the guys showed up. It was definitely an awkward moment. Lucas had had a hard time explaining to them that he and Nathan were actually on good terms now. The guys didn't buy it at first and had given Nathan a hard time. Nathan didn't really blame them. After all, he'd been a total ass to Lucas over the years. Lucas' friends just wanted to make sure that he wasn't trying to pull something else on him. It took some time, but eventually the guys accepted him and invited him to play ball with them.

"Sure. I think Jake and Tim need some help. We're schooling them," Nathan announced.

"Like hell you are. We were going easy on you before, but now the gloves are coming off."

"Uh, Jake, what are you talking about? We're not wearing gloves," Tim pointed out.

All of the guys groaned and rolled their eyes.

"I don't mean literally. It's an expression."

"Oh…huh? I don't get it. Why would you say—?"

"Just forget it, and let's play some damn ball," Skills cut in.

"Do you think it's okay if I go sit with Peyton and Brooke?" Mouth asked.

"Yeah. Why not?" Lucas replied.

"Well, she looks kind of…angry."

Lucas turned to look at Brooke again. Like before, she was venting to Peyton. "Then sit on the other side of Peyton. It's safer."

Mouth laughed nervously. "Got it."

They didn't know how much time had passed. As usual when they all played basketball together, the outside world didn't seem to matter. It was a tough game. But eventually Nathan, Lucas, and Fergie ended up winning. They all bumped fists.

"Nice work, team!" Fergie exclaimed.

"Are you guys finally done now?" Brooke called. "Because, no offense, but P. Sawyer and I are cold and would rather not stay out here all night."

"And I thought we were all supposed to go to a movie tonight," Peyton added.

"Oh crap!" Nathan exclaimed. He pulled out his phone and checked the time. He breathed a sigh of relief when he realized it was only six-thirty.

"What's the matter?" Lucas questioned.

"Nothing. I'm supposed to pick up Haley at seven, and I thought I might've been late."

"You've still got a half hour."

"I know."

"Where is Tutor Girl?" Brooke asked as she, Peyton, and Mouth approached them.

"She's working a shift at the café. But she gets done at seven."

"Why don't we go there first, then?" Peyton suggested. "I'm starving."

"And cold," Brooke added while snuggling up next to Lucas.

"Works for me," Skills spoke up. "I could go for a bacon double cheeseburger right about now. Karen's are da bomb."

Brooke rolled her eyes. "That's really great. But I'm still frozen. So can we please go now?"

"I'll text Kat and tell her to meet us there," Tim stated.

"Glad that's settled. Now let's move, people!" the brunette ordered and led the way towards the cars.

Tim snorted as he dialed the number on his phone. "Someone's cranky."

~***~

"Haley, honey, table two needs more water," Karen stated as she headed into the kitchen.

Haley grabbed the pitcher on the counter. "Got it," she replied.

The café was completely packed with people. Haley was supposed to take her break a half hour ago, but she just couldn't. There were too many people, and they were understaffed. The only other waitress working tonight besides herself was a girl named Gwen. Haley and Gwen had split the room and each served their chosen half.

"Haley," someone called. Haley looked to her left and saw Adam. Ted, Dustin, and Jebar were with him along with a few other jock guys that Haley had recognized around school. And much to her annoyance, Nicki and Theresa were among them.

"One second," she mouthed. After she was finished refilling table two's cups, Haley went back into the kitchen and grabbed another group's order. She delivered it to their table and collected another table's dirty dishes before finally making it over to Adam's group.

"Sorry about the wait," Haley apologized. "It's been crazy all night."

"It's okay," Adam dismissed.

"Or we could just take it out of her tip," Nicki sneered. Theresa smiled in agreement. Haley, meanwhile, resisted the urge to roll her eyes.

"But we won't," Adam shot back.

"So what do you guys want…?" Haley began to ask when something caught her eye. She paused.

"Is something wrong?" Ted questioned.

Haley's eyes stayed locked on the pins that the guys seemed to be wearing. "Are those real?"

Jebar frowned. "Are what real?"

"Those pins," Haley said, pointing to them.

Adam looked down and snorted. "Oh. Yeah. Aren't they hilarious? Erica Marsh was passing them out today."

Haley's eyes widened in shock. She couldn't believe that Brooke's opponent would stoop so low. It literally brought a new meaning to the phrase "dirty politics."

"They're the best damn things I've ever seen," Nicki added.

Haley shook her head. "Or the meanest. That's horrible."

"It's just a joke," Adam stated.

"Well, I'm sure Brooke isn't laughing."

"But I sure am," Theresa giggled. A few of the other guys laughed, too.

"That doesn't make it right," Haley argued. Brooke was her friend. Sure, the girl had a past. But that didn't make it right for someone to use it to exploit or humiliate her. Brooke was different now.

"It's not like it isn't true," Theresa retorted.

Haley eyed the "I Slept With Brooke Davis" pins again. "Brooke's not like that anymore."

"You know who else could have a pin like this?" Nicki spoke up. "Nathan. I mean, I'm sure half the female population in town would be qualified to wear one of these. He's practically Brooke—just in pants." The others snickered in response.

"Yeah, Nathan always did have a way with the ladies," Jebar commented.

"But let me guess, you're gonna tell us that he's changed, too. Right?" Theresa challenged.

Haley could feel her blood boil. She knew the only reason they brought up Nathan's past, too, was to get a rise out of her. Haley resisted the urge to give them the dirtiest look she could muster. Instead, she glanced around the café. She wasn't sure how it was possible, but it seemed to be even busier than before.

Haley lifted up her order pad, once again. "As much as I'd love to stand here all night and refute all of the ways you think you know my boyfriend, I have to get back work," she declared in a firm voice. She sure as hell wasn't going to let them get the best of her. "So what's it going to be?"

When nobody answered, she added, "Or would you like a few more minutes to decide? Although, with the amount of people in here tonight, it might take a bit longer than that."

That seemed to do the trick. Only Nicki and Theresa's eyes remained on her as the guys started shooting out what they wanted. Afterward, she went to the kitchen to put in their order. She then checked the clock on her way back to take care of the other customers. It would be another fifteen minutes before Nathan came to get her. She hoped that some people would leave by then so that the place wasn't so packed. Haley felt bad about leaving Karen and Gwen on their own.

Haley took care of a few more tables before getting the drinks for Adam and his friends. She was dragging her feet practically the whole time. She really, really didn't want to go over there again. But like any other day, she sucked it up and did her job.

"Um, where's our food?" Nicki questioned as Haley placed down her drink.

"It'll be out in a couple of minutes," she replied in the most polite voice she could muster.

Theresa scoffed. "That long?"

"Well, you wouldn't want to be eating your hamburger raw, would you? That's not exactly healthy."

"Excuse me, are you giving me attitude?"

Haley gritted her teeth. "No. I'm just answering your question."

"I guess that's a few more dollars cut from the tip," Nicki muttered, causing a few of the guys and Theresa to snicker.

Haley could feel her patience waning.

"So, Haley, where's Nathan tonight?" Adam asked.

"If she even knows," Nicki mumbled not so subtly.

Don't flip out, Haley. They're only doing this to get a reaction, she told herself. Haley quickly glanced at the clock, once again. Only five minutes has passed. That's it? Why did time choose moments like these to pass so slowly?

"He's—"

"Hales."

Haley turned around to see Nathan approaching her. Thank God! She hugged him tightly as he leaned down to kiss her.

"You're early."

"Well, Lucas, Fergie, and I schooled the guys on the court pretty quickly," he joked.

"I bet they loved that."

He smirked. "Absolutely not. But that's what made it so great. So, do you think Karen will let you off early or—"

"Hey, Nate, nice to see you, too," Adam spoke up.

Nathan looked behind Haley and frowned. Had Adam and everyone been sitting behind her that whole time? He'd been so focused on Haley that he didn't even notice them.

"Oh, hey, guys," he greeted back.

"We were just asking Haley where you were," he stated. "I'm surprised you were back in the gym tonight. You'd think you'd be sick of it after the practices all week."

"I was at the River Court, actually."

"Since when do you go to the River Court?" Ted questioned.

Nathan didn't miss the looks that passed between the group, or the way Haley tensed next to him. "Whenever I feel like it," he said with a shrug.

"I thought you said that place was for burnouts and losers," Jebar added.

"Well, I was wrong."

They all exchanged looks again.

"So, are you going to join us?" Theresa questioned.

"Yeah, Nate, pull up a chair," Adam urged. He adjusted his Letterman jacket, and it was then that Nathan noticed the pin he was wearing.

So that's what Brooke is so pissed about, he realized when he read what it said.

"Why are you wearing those?"

"Wearing what?"

"Those pins. I thought you guys were voting for Brooke," Nathan pointed out.

"We are. But they're still funny," Dustin explained.

"And true," Nicki added. "But your girl Haley here seems to think the opposite."

"She's right. It's not funny. And you sure as hell better not let Brooke see you wearing them, because she's really pissed," Nathan told them. Brooke along with the others were sitting at the opposite side of the café. Nathan hoped to God that she wouldn't walk over and see them. She would flip.

"It's just a joke," Theresa said. "Besides, you're one to talk, Nathan. As we were telling Haley earlier, if someone made these pins for you, half the town's female population would be wearing them."

"But those were some fun and crazy times," Adam, along with the other guys, laughed.

Nathan felt his temper rise. No wonder Haley was so on edge when he walked over. God only knows the kind of crap they'd been telling her. "Yeah, well, I'm not like that anymore," he declared while wrapping an arm around Haley's shoulders. "And neither is Brooke."

"But—" Ted began when Haley interrupted.

"I'm going to go check on your order." She then grabbed Nathan's hand and pulled him away with her. She was sick of talking to them.

"Nice exit," Nathan chuckled.

"Sorry. I've just been dealing with them all night. I honestly just want to leave."

He glanced down at his watch. "Well, lucky you, your shift is over."

Haley checked the big clock behind the counter and saw that he was right. "Thank God. Let me just go talk to Karen."

"I'll be with Luke and the others," Nathan said as he pointed to where their friends were sitting.

Haley nodded. "Okay."

"Is Haley done yet?" Brooke questioned when he reached their table.

"Yeah. She just went to talk to Karen," Nathan answered.

"Hey, guys," Kat greeted as she took the seat next to Tim. "I feel like I haven't seen you guys in forever."

"Because you haven't," Brooke pointed out. "What have you been up to, Kitty Kat? Aside from putting up with Dim over here."

"Hey!" Tim objected as the others laughed. Kat then began to fill them in on what they'd missed.

"What happened over there?" Lucas whispered to Nathan. He automatically knew that Lucas was referring to Adam's table.

"Nothing. They were just trying to get a rise out of me and Haley," he explained. "By the way, whatever you do, don't let Brooke go over there. They're wearing those stupid pins."

Lucas rolled his eyes and sighed. "Great."

"Nathan, are you ready to go?"

Nathan looked up to see Haley standing in front of him. She'd changed and was holding a large brown bag. He stared at her questioningly.

"It's our dinner," she answered. "Karen put something together."

"Wait, you guys aren't eating with us?" Brooke inquired.

"Yeah, I just got here," Kat added.

"My dad wants me home early," Nathan explained.

Lucas frowned. "Again?"

"You hardly ever get to hang out with us anymore," Peyton pointed out.

"I know. I think that's his point."

"No offense, Nate, but your dad's an ass," Tim spoke up.

"Tell me about it."

Lucas turned to Haley. "Are you going with him?"

"Yeah."

"Well, why don't we all go?" Brooke suggested.

"Because my dad will probably flip and try to make my life more of a living hell," Nathan replied.

"It's fine you guys. We'll all hang out some other time," Haley told them. A part of her wished that they could stay with their friends and catch up. But a larger part was eager to have some alone time with Nathan. Dan's strict rules were interfering with their relationship, too.

She and Nathan said goodbye to everyone and headed to his Mustang. "My dad said he might be getting home a little bit later. So we should have some time to ourselves," Nathan informed her as he held the door open for Haley.

Haley smiled. "Sounds perfect."

~***~

"This is just perfect," Nathan muttered under his breath when he saw his father's car in the driveway.

"I thought Dan said he wouldn't be back until later."

"That's what I thought." The excitement of spending a quiet evening with Haley at the beach house quickly drained out of him. Nathan felt his hands grip the steering wheel tighter. "I can take you home if you want, Hales."

"We're not going to still have dinner?"

When he saw the hurt expression on her face, Nathan quickly added, "No. I mean, we can if you want. I just figured that since my dad's home—"

"Nathan," Haley interrupted, "I told you before that I don't care about Dan."

"You sure?"

She nodded and rubbed his arm soothingly. "Positive."

"Okay." Nathan parked his car next to his father's. He got out to help Haley carry their food.

"It smells like…" Haley trailed off once they were inside the house. "…it smells like barbecue."

"Nathan," Dan called. "Is that you?"

"Yeah."

"I'm in the kitchen. You're just in time for dinner."

Nathan led the way down the hallway and into the kitchen. Haley followed closely behind.

"It's nice to see that you're actually home on time for once," Dan stated.

"I thought you were going to be working late."

"Well, it turns out that I didn't have to. What's that in your hands?" he questioned when he noticed the bags. His eyes then traveled to Nathans right, which was where Haley had come to stand. "And what is she doing here?"

"It's takeout, and you remember Haley," Nathan answered.

"I just figured that since you'd be working late that it would be nice if Nathan had someone to eat with," Haley spoke up as Dan gave her the once over. She suppressed the urge to bolt towards the door. She hated when he stared at her with those beady eyes of his.

"Nathan, I told you that I wanted you in bed early tonight," Dan declared. "I didn't realize that I'd also have to specify alone."

Nathan's annoyance rose at his father's innuendo. He took a minute to get a handle on his emotions before replying. "She was only going to stay for dinner, Dad."

"Well, I'm here now. So that won't be necessary."

"Mr. Scott—" Haley began when Nathan cut in.

"Dad, Haley's staying for dinner," he proclaimed. "I'll drive her home once we're finished."

"Nathan—"

"Come on, Hales," Nathan ushered her further into the kitchen. He didn't care what his father said. Haley was having dinner with them. And that was final.