Chapter 11
"I knew it. I just knew it," Lucas exclaimed as he paced around Haley's cabin.
"It's not that bad," Haley tried to reason.
"No, it's worse."
"So you're on the same team together. That doesn't mean the two of you can't put your differences aside and…" she trailed off as Lucas gave her an incredulous look. "Ok, so maybe that's stretching it a little." Just a little over an hour ago, Haley had been sitting on her bed peacefully playing the guitar she borrowed from one of the counselors. Brooke had decided to go "scouting" for the best girls to join their squad. She also dragged a reluctant Peyton along with her. So far the only people who agreed were Kat and her friend Ashley. As soon as they left, Haley had taken advantage of the silence. That was until Lucas came barging through the door completely freaking out.
"Just a little," Lucas agreed sarcastically. Haley felt bad. She knew how worked up Lucas got. But then again, she thought that he was worrying for nothing. Sure, Nathan could be a real jerk, but she knew there was more to it than that. Haley wasn't positive, but she was pretty sure that Dan was behind most of Nathan's hostility towards Lucas.
"Luke, don't worry so much about it right now, ok? Let's just do something fun," Haley suggested.
"Like what?" Lucas asked.
"Well, they're showing a movie in the main building on a giant screen," she replied.
"What movie?"
"Wait, let me find the flyer," Haley stated as she searched through the mass of paper on her nightstand. Everyday they got tons of notices announcing all the upcoming events. "Here it is. Ooh…"
"What is it?" Lucas questioned as he came to look at the paper. "No way. I am not seeing that."
"Oh, come on. The Notebook is awesome," Haley argued.
"It's also a chick flick. I think I'll pass."
"Lucas, if I can make a complete fool of myself in basketball, then I think you can be seen watching at least one girlie movie."
"What, so I can give Nathan more ammunition against me?"
"Don't be so overdramatic. I highly doubt he'll be there," Haley replied. "But I'll tell you who probably will be there…" Haley waited until she had Lucas' undivided attention.
"Who?"
"Brooke," she simply answered. As soon as she mentioned her name, Haley already saw Lucas' resolve beginning to wane.
"You think so?"
"Oh, I know so. She texted me about ten minutes ago," Haley informed him with a triumphant smile. She had got him.
"You set me up," Lucas accused.
"You call it a set up, I call it persuasive speaking," she stated innocently shrugging.
"You're lucky I love you," Lucas said as he put his arm around her shoulder.
"Gee, thanks, Broody," she teased playfully causing Lucas to both laugh and blush at the use of his nickname. Oh yeah, she totally already has him wrapped around her finger. "Now let's get this show on the road. I want a good seat. I swear every time I go to the movies some freaking beanstalk sits in front of me."
"Hey, we prefer to be called vertically endowed."
"Whatever, Sasquatch."
"Haley! Luke! Over here," Brooke called from one of the front rows. Peyton was also waving them over. As the two approached them, Haley noticed another familiar face.
"Oh man, they got you, too?" Lucas asked Jake.
"What are you talking about?" he questioned back.
"You do know that the movie tonight is a chick flick, right?"
"What? No it's not. It's Wedding Crashers," Jake replied. "Right?" He now gave a confused looked to Brooke and Peyton.
"You know what, the details aren't important. As long as we're all here together, it's all good," Brooke commented cheerfully.
"Wow, they got you good," Lucas laughed.
"Wait, so what exactly are we watching?" Jake questioned wearily.
"The Notebook," Haley answered with a small smile.
"What?!"
"I feel your pain, man," Lucas declared.
"Oh, stop being such babies. It's not that bad," Brooke admonished as she sat down. "Besides, this movie is sad. I might need a shoulder to cry on at the end." She then winked at Lucas.
"I guess we could sit through it. It's only a couple hours, right?" Lucas stated quickly changing his tune.
"Real smooth," Haley mumbled to him. Lucas gave her a pointed look before returning his attention to Brooke.
"And I don't like chick flicks, but I'm still here," Peyton commented to Jake. "It's actually pretty good. Plus, it'll give us a chance to hang out." She then innocently slid a finger up Jake's arm.
"Well, why not? I'll try almost anything once," he finally gave in. They are so whipped, Haley thought smiling. But she was glad that her friends were all getting along so well. The only problem Haley encountered came a few minutes later. After they had taken their seats, Lucas and Brooke started joking around while Peyton and Jake were in a deep conversation. Haley, all of a sudden, felt like the fifth wheel. Maybe I should make up some excuse and leave. Just as she was about to open her mouth to say something, someone approached her.
"Anyone sitting here?"
"Um, no," Haley answered after looking at the empty seat next to her.
"Thanks," he replied. "I'm Ryan, by the way." He held out his hand to her.
"I know. You're Luke's roommate. I'm Haley," she said as she shook his hand.
"I know," he repeated. "You're the best friend. Lucas talks about you a lot."
"All good I hope." Haley hadn't really met Ryan formally. She just knew of him. Seeing him up close now, though, she had to agree with Brooke that he was good looking. He had blonde hair, a muscular build, and green eyes.
"Definitely." Haley checked her watch. They still had ten minutes before the movie started.
"So I was watching you the other day," Ryan stated kind of catching her off guard.
"You were?" Haley asked surprised.
"On the basketball court," he elaborated. Haley nodded in understanding. She also couldn't stop the tiny feeling of dread from popping up. It usually did when she was reminded of her debacle. I'm never going to live that one down.
"Yeah, you and everyone else," she laughed. "Ugh, that was so horrible."
"You weren't that bad." Haley gave him her "you've-got-to-be-kidding-me" look.
"I've seen worse," Ryan said.
"That's a scary thought," Haley laughed. Ryan soon joined in.
"But then again, I'm referring to my ten-year-old cousin Kayla."
"Thanks," Haley replied sarcastically.
"No problem," he joked back.
"So, if you don't mind me asking, what exactly are you doing here?" Haley questioned curiously.
"What, a guy can't go to a movie?" he replied feigning outrage.
"They're showing The Notebook," Haley pointed out.
"So?"
"So, no guy ever willingly goes to see a chick flick."
"Well, I do," Ryan argued still smiling.
"Sure," Haley retorted rolling her eyes. She then turned to face the movie screen. The previews were playing when Ryan leaned in closer to her.
"Ok, I don't usually go to these types of things," he whispered.
"Then why are you here?" she asked confused.
"It's a great way to meet girls." Haley laughed softly. She wasn't expecting that kind of answer.
"Well, I don't know if your plan worked because now you're all alone stuck watching a movie you hate," Haley pointed out.
"I wouldn't be so sure of that. I met someone."
"Who?" she challenged.
"You," Ryan commented with a smile. Haley automatically felt herself blush a little. She wasn't used to having guys make comments like that to her. The only other person who was able to do that was Nathan. At the thought of him, Haley automatically felt her heart beat a little faster. She had actually been thinking about him a lot lately. Whether she was doing crafts or dancing with Brooke and Peyton, Nathan always somehow managed to enter her mind. Part of it was in reference to Lucas and what he was dealing with. But the other part, well, that was a completely different story.
"I have to warn you," Ryan said causing Haley to snap back to the present situation. "I'm a huge crier. If I get hysterical, you might have to hold me." Haley once again laughed.
"Well, you're just going to have to control yourself," she teased playing along. Haley then turned her head back to the screen in front of them. A second later she felt something small hit her thigh. She glanced to the right and saw that it had been Brooke. She had thrown an M&M at her.
"What?" Haley mouthed silently.
"Ryan," Brooke replied noiselessly. She then wiggled her eyebrows up and down in a suggestive manner. Unbelievable, thought Haley as she rolled her eyes. Lucas, being between the two, stared at both girls curiously.
"No," Haley retorted as she shook her head. Brooke just shrugged and sat back in her seat—unconvinced.
"Did I miss something?" Lucas whispered to Haley.
"It's nothing," she assured him. Before he could question her further, Haley made sure to appear like she was totally engrossed in the movie. It was bad enough that Brooke was already onto something. But Haley didn't want Lucas to get any crazy ideas, either. Soon, she didn't have to pretend after a while since she became engrossed in the movie. That was the power of The Notebook.
"I love that movie," Brooke commented wiping her eyes once it ended.
"Yeah, me too," Ryan stated as he blew his nose.
"Oh, please. You are so full of crap," Haley laughed.
"I told you I was sensitive," Ryan retorted.
"What did you think, Jake?" Peyton asked.
"It was ok," he answered.
"Really? Because I thought I saw you tearing up at the end," she pointed out.
"I was not. My eye was itchy," he defended flustered.
"Sure it was," Peyton teased nudging him.
"What about you, Broody?" Brooke questioned.
"I'm not going to lie. I actually liked it," Lucas announced.
"I told you!" Haley proclaimed with a victory smile.
"So what do we do now?" Brooke inquired. "It's only 9:30." As the group began discussing their options, Ryan discretely pulled Haley aside.
"What's the matter?" Haley questioned. She didn't know what was going on.
"It's a nice night out. Did you want to go for a walk?"
"Oh…um," she choked out. Haley didn't know what to do. She barely knew Ryan.
"Just to hang out and talk," he added after noticing her hesitation. Haley looked up at him carefully. He seems sincere enough.
"Ok," she agreed. It's not like I have anything better to do.
"Great," he exclaimed.
"I'm just going to let my friends know," Haley stated as she walked back to the group.
"Tutor Girl, which is better: a relaxing campfire with marshmallows or laser tag at night?" Brooke questioned making a disgusted face at the last option.
"Um…campfire?"
"See! She agrees. Campfire it is," Brooke declared. "Now let's go."
"Actually, I won't be going with you guys."
"Why not?" Lucas asked confused.
"Ryan and I are going to go for a walk, actually," she explained.
"I knew it!" Brooke exclaimed. "I told you that the two of you would hit it off. Am I good or what?"
"It's not like that, Brooke," Haley denied.
"Then what is it?" Peyton inquired. "Because walking in the dark under the stars sounds pretty cozy to me." Automatically, Haley felt her face blushing. There was nothing going on but her friends were embarrassing her. She threw a pleading look to Lucas.
"It's not that big a deal," Lucas stated. Thank God for Luke. "But if he tries anything, I'll kick his ass." I take that back.
"Whatever. I'm leaving now," Haley declared. "I'll see you guys later."
"Have fun! Don't do anything I wouldn't do," Brooke stated with a knowing smile.
"Which is everything" Peyton teased.
"Watch it, P. Sawyer!"
"Goodbye," Haley said loudly as she started to walk away. She couldn't help but laugh as she heard Brooke and Peyton still going at it. Although, it was the perfect time for her to make a getaway.
"All set?" Ryan asked.
"Yeah," Haley answered. The two then exited the building and took off into the warm, yet breezy, night air.
"…and then he told me to throw him the chicken, so I did," Ryan finished. Haley laughed out loud.
"You are so odd," Haley replied smiling. One thing about Ryan was that he certainly wasn't boring to be around.
"So, what about you? You have any funny stories?"
"Me? That'd be a no."
"That's impossible," Ryan declared. "You've got to have something."
"I don't," she repeated.
"So nothing funny or even embarrassing has ever happened to you?" he challenged. Funny? Nothing that I can think of right now. Embarrassing? Oh yeah. More than I can count.
"Ok," Haley conceded. "But if I tell you this, you can't tell anyone else. Promise?"
"Scout's honor," replied Ryan making the little sign.
"One time last year, I was attacked by…" Haley trailed off. Maybe I shouldn't tell him, after all. She didn't want to seem like a complete loser.
"By what?" Ryan urged hanging onto her every word.
"I was attacked by a…flock of seagulls," she whispered the last part.
"What? I didn't hear you," he said. Ryan was definitely holding back a laugh. Haley knew that he'd already heard it. He just wanted her to say it out loud.
"I was attacked by seagulls," she admitted while rolling her eyes. This time, Ryan did laugh out loud—and for a very long time. I knew I should have kept my mouth shut. I can really be such an idiot.
"That is too funny!" he bellowed. "I would pay good money to see something like that."
"Go ahead and laugh. Did you think that maybe I could've actually gotten hurt?"
"Did you?"
"No, but that's beside the point!" Haley declared as Ryan laughed again.
"I'm never telling you anything else ever again," she proclaimed folding her arms. She wasn't sure if he was laughing with her or at her. For some reason, she got the vibe that it was the latter.
"Ok, I'm sorry. I was just surprised," he explained finally calming down.
"Well, I'm glad you found it so entertaining," Haley retorted sarcastically.
"I'm only kidding."
"I know. I just wanted to see you squirm," she revealed a few seconds later.
"I underestimated you. I thought that you were so cute and innocent. I guess not," he replied smiling.
"You think I'm cute?" Haley questioned raising her eyebrows.
"Actually, I think you're hott. I just thought that 'cute' sounded less perverted," Ryan stated. Haley rolled her eyes jokingly.
"Well, you thought right," she teased. The two just smiled at each other as they kept walking. It was then that Haley noticed where they were. They had reached the other dock on that side of the lake. As Ryan continued walking towards it, Haley stopped in her tracks. She had thought she had somewhat conquered that fear the other day. But right now, Haley couldn't bring herself to go any further. Truth be told, the only reason she had been ok before was because Nathan was with her. The image of him taking her hand and lacing their fingers together flashed through her mind. She got chills just thinking about it. But most of all, she had felt completely safe.
"Are you ok?" Ryan asked when he realized that Haley was no longer next to him.
"Um, yeah," she answered coming out of her thoughts. "I'm just tired from today. I kind of just want to go to bed."
"Sure," he nodded. When they got back, Ryan walked Haley to the door.
"So, that was fun," he commented.
"Yeah," Haley agreed giving him a small smile.
"Maybe we can do it again sometime?"
"Sure," she replied. There was an awkward silence that followed. Ugh, I hate weird silences. "Um, have a good night." Haley then pulled her key out to unlock the door.
"Thanks. You, too," Ryan said. What happened next completely took Haley by surprise. Ryan leaned in and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. "See you around." Before Haley could even say anything, let alone register what had just happened, Ryan had already started walking back towards his cabin. When Haley finally got over her shock, she entered the cabin. She was relieved to see that everyone was already asleep. She didn't know if she was really up for Peyton and Brooke's questions. Haley knew they would want every detail. And if they ever found out that Ryan had kissed her—even if it just was on the cheek—they'd be talking about it for days. No, she definitely had to keep this to herself—at least for now.
