Chapter 9
Brooke snuck into the house around midnight. She tip toed in hoping she wouldn't wake Haley up. To her surprise she heard quiet sobbing.
"Tutor girl? Are you okay?" Brooke asked as she moved Haley over so they could share the bed.
"It's over Brooke. I mean, I guess I should have expected it but it just hurts so badly." Haley said as she wiped the tears off her face.
"Wait, what do you mean it's over? Nathan actually came over and said that?"
"Long story short, we slept together, he regretted it and doesn't trust me. We both know that a relationship can't be built without trust, no matter how much love there is."
Brooke thought for a second before hesitantly asking, "Are you sure you want to give up Haley? I mean, even if you want to get over Nathan, you could do it here. I love having you around and you and Lucas are besties again. Plus, it's been great living with you! It's like having a sister….a family that cares."
Haley smiled softly at Brooke and pulled her into a hug. "Brooke Davis, I love you and I don't know what I'm going to do without you. You are my family in every way it counts. You're the only person who has been there for me unconditionally. But I need to go. I will never get over Nathan if I keep seeing him everywhere I go. I just need to get him out of my mind. It's going to be different this time, Brooke. I'm going to stay in contact with you and Lucas this time. I promise."
"So, when am I losing you?" Brooke asked sadly.
"Right after my song at Tric." Haley said looking down. "Promise me you'll be backstage with me tomorrow? I want to make sure I get to say bye to you."
"Of course Tutor girl, you didn't even need to ask."
The next morning, both girls were in a somber mood. Brooke helped Haley pack all her belongings silently. The sound of the doorbell interrupted the silence. Haley and Brooke both looked at each other before Haley went to open the door. She opened the door to see one of her favorite men in the world. Unfortunately, it wasn't the one she was hoping to see.
"Hey Luke!" Haley tried to say excitedly while giving him a hug.
Lucas gave her a knowing look before hugging her back.
"So today's the day huh?" Haley nodded. "I feel like you just came back to me and already you're leaving."
"I'm so sorry Luke. I wish I didn't have to leave but I have to for my sake and Nathan's. He's going to always feel a little guilty moving on if I'm in his face every day and the same goes for me. I just need to accept we're over." She said strongly.
"If you think this is what's best, then I support you 100% Hales."
She smiled warmly at him and said "thanks Luke."
"So tutor girl, I found the perfect outfit for your performance tonight. Come try it on!"
When Brooke and Haley entered Tric, all eyes were on them.
"Brooke, everyone's staring…" Haley said self consciously.
"Because we totally look hot!" Brooke said happily. She loved being the center of attention. Although, she had to admit, it was probably Haley getting most of the glances. People were anticipating her performance, not to mention she looked amazing. She wore skinny jeans, black opened toe pumps and a red halter top. Haley seemed to be in her own world and didn't notice Nathan staring at her from the bar, but Brooke definitely did.
"Why don't you go backstage and make sure everything is going okay Haley."
"Um, alright. You'll come see me before I perform right?"
After reassuring her, Brooke strutted towards Nathan.
"Hey Nate!" Brooke said as she sat on the seat next to him. She sent him a dimpled smile that she could tell was pissing him off.
"Are you mad that Haley's getting all this attention from all these guys? I mean, she is hot, so it's not like you can blame them." Nathan scowled at her causing Brooke's smile to widen before her face went serious. "You screwed up Nate, I hope you know that. You're gonna lose her and in 5, 10, 15 years, when your cold and bitter and will try and fill that emptiness in your life with random hook ups with girls like Rachel, you'll realize what you lost. You'll always regret letting the love of your life go, I hope you realize that." She got up to leave and went to find Haley and Lucas.
Nathan thought about Brooke's words and decided he would try and really talk things out with Haley after her performance.
So, nothing too exciting in this chapter. Next chapter will be the one where you find out if Haley leaves or not. Also, a huge thank you to everyone who helped me choose the song that will be in the next chapter. Thanks to everyone who reviewed and added me to their story alerts. It means a lot!