I tried to get this out as soon as possible, but I just wasn't sure about what I wanted to put in this chapter. I have a sort of outline for this story so while this chapter isn't too full on, it is a bit of a set up for next chapter where...some truths are finally revealed! (Hint, Hint)

PS: I forgot to add a date for last chapter, but it technically all kept going from the chapter before, which was July 3rd. So we didn't really skip any time :)

Enjoy!

11. The Odds Are Stacked Against Me.

*August 5th, 2006*

Victoria Davis sighed as she looked through the various pieces of letter she had received in yesterday's mail since the maid had forgotten to get them. She rolled her eyes, 'I really need to fire that old woman' she thought.

Her hands stilled as she saw the large, thick white envelope addressed to one Haley James. She looked at the stamp in the corner.

Duke University.

She quickly flipped the envelope over and ripped it over. She scanned the words over and over.

'Dear Miss James,

We are please to accept your enrolment into Duke University for the class of 2007. Freshman enrolment and orientation will begin on August 8th. Please let us know if you are unable to attend.

We look forward to seeing you in 2007!

Carol Lafferty,

2007 year coordinator, Duke University.

"Oh this will not do" Victoria said to herself. She reached over and picked up the phone from the coffee table in the living room.

"Wallace" Victoria said cheerily when the man picked up "I need a favor"

"I cannot believe you didn't tell him!" Brooke screeched as Haley drove them home "When Nathan Scott shows up in our diner and has a deep and meaningful conversation with you, that's the time to tell him your Cinder-fucking-ella!"

Haley winced. Brooke only ever swore at her when she was mad.

"I'm right about this, aren't I Lucas!?" Brooke looked in the passenger seat behind her where Lucas sat. He simply shrugged in response, not wanting to deal with the wrath of Brooke Davis.

"You're no help" She rolled her eyes before sinking back into her seat with a huff "I cannot believe you Haley James" she shook her head again.

"Brooke, I was going to. Really, I was. But your mother kind of got in the way" Haley explained

"Well then that's when you tell my mother to off herself and you run after the guy Haley!" Brooke screamed

"This isn't some romantic chick flick Brooke!" Haley yelled frustratedly. She knew Brooke had good intentions but Brooke was kicking her while she was already down.

"Can we lower the volume? My ears can only take so much" Lucas winced.

Haley took a deep breath "Brooke, I won't do any good to his life right now. I need to get away from Victoria and Tree Hill and move to Duke. I need to be able to be my own person. I have no control over my life right now Brooke"

Brooke shook her head and sighed "You don't have any control because you choose not to Haley. We've hid our friendship for almost ten years! You're letting Victoria have authority over you. You have to stand up to her Haley, you have to tell Nathan who you are. The truth needs to come out!"

"You don't think I know that Brooke!?" Haley snapped "You're not the one who's had to live for ten years under being stuck under her thumb. You weren't the one who was treated like you were just the dirt under her shoes. I was the one who dealt with all the bullying and the tormenting! We hid our friendship because it was the best way to protect you from her and you know that!"

The car went silent, other than the occasional sniffle from Haley. She spoke calmly, more controlled now

"I found an amazing guy Brooke. And yes, he wants to be with me. And yes, I'm choosing not to tell him who I am. But it's not because I don't care about him Brooke, it's the exact opposite. He doesn't deserve to be dragged into my mess Brooke. He has his own life to deal with without me making it any more messy for him" Haley's voice cracked, trying desperately to hold in her tears.

Brooke grasped Haley's hand within her own.

"I'm sorry" she whispered. Haley nodded in understanding

"But can I say one more thing?" Brooke pleaded. Haley nodded again

"I think you're underestimating yourself. And Nathan. You'd be surprised at how strong that boy is"

"I Know he's strong Brooke. It's not about his strength. I just don't want him involved in all the crap I have going on with Victoria. The odds are stacked against me Brookie, and honestly, I don't want to pull someone else into my life only just to screw things up for them"

Brooke opened her mouth to rebut, to tell Haley that she was wrong. That she made everyone's life better, richer, happier. But she knew it would fall upon deaf ears. She looked at Lucas, who simply shrugged in response. They were both thinking the same thing.

"Nathan!" Rachel cheerily called as she walked towards him on the Rivercourt.

Nathan rolled his eyes as he heard the click-clack of Rachel's high heels on the asphalt court. He sighed as he clutched the ball tightly in his hands, his knuckles turning white from the amount of pressure he was placing on the ball.

"What do you want Rachel?" He gritted out as he turned to look at her, standing in the most inappropriately low cut shirt and high cut shorts he had ever seen.

"How's your search for Cinderella?" She smirked

Nathan narrowed his eyes "What do you care?"

"Call it curiosity"

"I'm no closer than I was the night I met her" he sighed sadly

"Rachel smiled cheekily "Well you never know. She could pop up tomorrow. Bye Nathan" and she walked off.

Nathan frowned at her retreating figure

"What the hell was that about!?" He muttered to himself, completely confused about what the whole exchange.

A/N: Well, I hope you liked that. I know it was a bit emotional and dramatic but we'll be taking a bigger turn next chapter. The truth is finally coming!

As always, please leave me a review and let me know what you think!

Maddie :)