Hey guys, thanks for the reviews. Here is the next chapter. The song mentioned is "Missing You" performed by Tyler Hilton.
Chapter 12
Then
A deep, steady pulse of music blasted through the speakers. It was so loud it made the whole room feel like it was shaking. Haley had to admit, her friends were rocking the place. Brooke's decorations were fabulous and infinitely less cheesy than last year. Jake's opening song with Grubb's band immediately had everyone flocking to the dance floor. And Peyton's follow up playlist kept everyone dancing while Chris got ready backstage.
Haley felt a small jolt of disappointment that she wouldn't be joining them, but she'd made her decision. She simply couldn't get up on that stage. She wasn't ready. Instead she hung out with Lucas by the dance floor, watching Brooke and Kat pretending to keep a closer eye on campers while dancing themselves.
Lucas chuckled and shook his head. "Only Brooke."
Haley laughed. Someone should be having fun. She never realized how boring it was to actually stand around and watch everyone else at a dance. Sipping her punch, Haley's face scrunched up before she spit it back in the cup. "Uh, Luke, this punch you got me isn't punch."
Lucas sipped his own and blanched. "Whoa. That's strong." He took another sip.
"Lucas," Haley scolded, giggling.
"What? It's already ruined. Can't let perfectly good booze go to waste. Looks like someone beat Nathan to the punch, literally. He was supposed to be watching it."
"I don't think Whitey looks too happy," Haley pointed out. He was now standing near the punch bowl with his arms folded and a sour expression. If anyone so much as lingered nearby for a few extra seconds, he eyed them suspiciously before shooing them away. Nathan was nowhere in sight.
"He'll be getting an earful tomorrow."
"I already got an earful," someone said from behind. It was Nathan. Haley tried not to stare. He wore a dark blue dress shirt with rolled-up sleeves and nice jeans. His hair was combed and gelled. Like Lucas, he'd gotten more of a tan these past couple of weeks. Must be from all of the morning practices outside. Regardless, he looked torturously good.
"Hey, Nate," Lucas greeted. They did their little man handshake.
"Haley," Nathan acknowledged, trying to keep his tone light. They hadn't talked in so long.
"Nathan," Haley replied. She gave him a small, polite smile before looking away. Suddenly joining Brooke and Kat's lead didn't seem so bad. Though that would have been awkward anyway. Haley and Brooke hadn't really talked since their disagreement yesterday, and Lucas and the others knew better than to bring it up.
Lucas held up his cup. "What happened with this?"
"It wasn't my fault. I was trying to keep an eye on it but people kept distracting me."
"Isn't that what they do so they can spike it?"
"It wasn't the person who spiked it. That was Tim. Remind me to kill him later, by the way."
Haley was actually surprised. "Why did Tim spike it?"
At that, Nathan rolled his eyes. "He's all self-conscious about the bruise on his forehead. He figured no one would bother to notice if they were drunk."
"Only in the mind of The Tim would that make sense," Lucas agreed.
"Oh my God, Haley, you have to hear this. He's good. You are so good," Alex was shouting. She already looked slightly tipsy as she clutched Julian's arm, dragging him forward.
Julian cleared his throat and stood tall. "'And should we win the day, the Fourth of July will no longer be known as an American holiday, but as the day the world declared in one voice: We will not go quietly into the night! We're going to live on! We're going to survive! Today we celebrate our Independence Day!'"
Alex snorted and gushed, "Pure genius."
"Not bad. And relevant," Lucas commented as Nathan remained silent. Haley recognized the flat expression on his face. He was more annoyed than anything.
"That was pretty good," Haley complimented, meaning it. She had to give Julian credit. The guy knew his movies.
"Will there be any big speeches like that in your movie?" Alex questioned, fascinated.
"Nothing pre-apocalypse. My movie is more of a modern day Sixteen Candles meets Ferris Bueller. I'm a huge John Hughes fan."
"Go figure," Nathan muttered.
Alex wasn't deterred as she continued to give moony eyes to Julian. "Awesome. Me too! Who knew we had so much in common?" She whispered that last part in his ear, and Haley swore she saw Julian's glasses fog up.
Haley and Lucas exchanged glances, fighting back smiles. Nathan, meanwhile, was smirking at this new development. Was that because of Julian's reaction or Alex's exposed cleavage? As soon as the thought popped into her head, Haley pushed it out.
Moving on, she reminded herself. We agreed…we agreed.
"Broody, why are you just standing there? Get your sexy ass on the dance floor," Brooke called, wobbling on her heels. It seemed she may have gotten into the punch, too.
Lucas looked to Haley and she signaled that it was okay. She didn't want him to leave her alone, but she wasn't going to begrudge him some fun.
Julian seemed to snap out of his stupor and turned to Haley. "I've been meaning to ask you. Do you think you, Jake, and Brooke can come to my auditions tomorrow?"
Surprised at the request, Haley asked, "Why?"
"I've heard you and Jake are awesome together. I was thinking you could help out with the music for the movie. And Brooke is great with fashion from what I've seen—I mean heard," he quickly corrected, blushing. "I think she'd have a knack for costumes. Unless you guys would like actual roles. We could work something out then."
Alex's face dropped for a second but like any good actress, she recovered quickly.
"Oh, um, I don't think I'm cut out for acting. I would love to help with the music, though," Haley said. "I'll talk to Jake, but maybe you should approach Brooke."
"I, uh, was hoping you could talk to her for me," Julian muttered. "I can't speak—I mean—I have trouble—not good with words…" he stuttered lamely.
Deciding to put the poor guy out of his misery, Haley agreed. "Okay. What time?"
Julian's face lit up instantly. "Thanks!" He said for them to meet him in the auditorium at ten tomorrow morning. After also mentioning that Nathan should try out—he'd make a great romantic lead—Alex was yanked him on the dance floor. No doubt she was eager to get the focus back on her by muttering more sweet nothings in his ear.
Then it was just the two of them. Haley looked everywhere but at Nathan. "So, are you going to try out tomorrow?" The words had popped out without a second thought. Instantly, she wanted to kick herself for how lame she sounded.
Nathan said, "Hell no. I've got enough going on with basketball. Besides, I couldn't act to save my life."
You can lie. The accusation flashed so suddenly in her mind that she was startled. Where had that come from?
Nathan seemed to hesitate before he spoke his next words. "Are you going to perform tonight?"
"Uh, no. I'm not."
"What's the matter, Keller want all the spotlight?" he joked.
Her mouth quirked. "You'd think so but no. I decided not to."
"Why not?"
It was Haley's turn to pause. What could she say? How much did she want to say? Before she could formulate an answer, a petite strawberry blonde approached them.
"Hey, Nathan!" the girl exclaimed. She sounded way too perky in Haley's opinion. "I was looking for you. Let's dance."
Haley watched in twisted, wide-eyed fascination. She was even more shocked to see Nathan shoot her a quick look out of the corner of his eye. Did he feel weird about this, too, or was he afraid she'd scare the girl away? The latter made her queasy.
"Kara. Hey," Nathan replied. "I'm sort of chaperoning."
"Isn't that your brother on the dance floor?" Kara asked.
Indeed it was Lucas. He and Brooke were practically making babies on the dance floor. Kat was gone; probably eager to escape the peep show.
"Yes, unfortunately."
"If he can do it, I'm sure you won't get in trouble. As a chaperone, aren't you supposed to show me a good time?" Her enthusiasm turned sultry. Haley wanted to gag. What was it with him and these redheads?
"I can't," he said to Haley's surprise.
"Is it because you're dating Toni?"
A knot formed in Haley's stomach. Had Stacey been right? Did everyone think that they were dating? She felt like a fool.
"Actually, I promised Haley a dance already when I get a break. Sorry."
Haley's eyes were as wide as saucers. That was the last thing she'd expected to come out of Nathan's mouth. He must be desperate to dodge this girl, she thought bitterly.
"Aren't you his ex?" Kara questioned, glancing between them like she was trying to solve some kind of puzzle.
The music stopped, and Peyton spoke into the microphone. "Are you guys having a good time tonight?" The crowd cheered loudly. "Awesome. Well, our next performer is ready." Haley could've sworn she heard Peyton mumble "finally" under her breath. "So give it up for Keller Instinct."
Chris and his band walked onstage and took their positions. "Hey, I'm Chris Keller." The girls went wild. "I love you, too."
"Give me a break," Nathan grumbled.
"This first song is for a very special girl who should be up here performing tonight. Maybe Chris Keller can get her to change her mind." Chris scanned the crowd until his eyes landed on Haley. "This one's for you, Hales." Chris broke out his electric guitar and started playing "American Woman." The crowd roared as everyone started rocking out.
Haley, feeling the stares of everyone, including both Nathan and Kara, muttered, "I need more punch" and stormed off.
Haley had barely walked out of the ladies room when she bumped into a hard chest. She found herself completely caught off guard for a second time that night at the sight of Nathan. Had he actually been waiting for her?
"Oh, sorry," Haley mumbled. She was going to continue walking when she felt Nathan's hand on her arm. A jolt immediately went through her body. She couldn't remember the last time they'd touched.
"Why aren't you performing tonight?"
"It's not important." He followed as she made her way across the dance floor. Thankfully Chris was engrossed in the rest of his set and hadn't mentioned her name since. She already wanted to kill him.
"You're good, Hales."
"So everyone keeps saying."
"Chris seems to think he can convince you," he added.
Haley frowned and folded her arms. "You want to talk about Chris?"
Nathan shook his head. "No. I'm just curious as to why you're not performing."
"I get nervous. You know that."
"When I got you that guitar last Christmas, it wasn't just so I could listen to you—although I can't complain. I thought you might be motivated to start experimenting with your music. Put yourself out there more."
"I think I've had my fill of the spotlight." Out of the corner of her eye, Haley noticed people staring. She and Nathan were starting to draw attention. Oh, the irony.
Nathan seemed to notice it, too, because a second later he held out his hand. "Technically, I owe you a dance."
Haley bit her lip and considered her options. She could walk away and create a whole other bout of tension or she could be cordial—they'd agreed to that—and just dance with him. Ignoring the little voice of warning in the back of her mind, Haley took Nathan's hand. As he pulled her forward, she wrapped her arms around his neck—all the while trying to squelch the butterflies going crazy in her stomach. Situations like this had become a distant memory.
Looking everywhere but at him, Haley said quietly, "I'm not ready. That's why I'm not up there."
"Haley, you won't know unless you try. We're all branching out this summer."
Haley glanced at the stage and felt that same twinge. A part of her wished she could just go up there and perform. She and Jake had practiced so she'd be ready. But something was holding her back. That desire was replaced by a deeper longing when the lyrics of Chris's next song finally registered in her mind.
Everytime I think of you
I always catch my breath
I'm still standing here
And your miles away
And I wonder why you left me
And there's a storm that's raging through my frozen heart tonight
I hear your name in certain circles
And it always makes me smile
I spend my time just thinking about you
And it's almost driving me wild
They both stiffened in the same moment as their eyes met. Haley felt Nathan's chest brush against her own and suppressed a shiver. When had they gotten so close? She could feel a blush creeping up her cheeks.
Needing a distraction, Haley blurted out, "What's going on with you?" She looked away, embarrassed.
That seemed to snap Nathan out of his own stupor. "What?"
"Peyton mentioned that you've been a little distracted lately," she elaborated. "Is everything okay?"
"It's nothing—" he'd started to say and then shook his head. He looked torn before revealing, "Actually, my mom called yesterday. Dan's hearing has been set for early next month. We have to testify."
"Oh, Nathan." Regardless of their situation, Haley hugged him. She knew that somber look of his all too well.
Surprisingly, he hugged her back. "I've been anxious to get it over with, but I can't say I'm not dreading it. I haven't seen him since he was arrested. It's been a relief to get away. I can only imagine what he'll do when he sees me."
"No matter what, you can't let him get to you. You did the right thing. Just get up there and tell the truth."
"Yeah."
But I ain't missin' you at all
Since you've been gone... Away
I ain't missin' you
No matter what my friends say
And there's a message that I'm sendin' out
Like a telegraph to your soul
I can't bridge this distance
Honey, stop this heartache, overload
Nathan pulled back and gestured to the stage. "You shouldn't let Keller hog all the spotlight."
Haley forced a smile. "It's what he does best."
I ain't missin' you at all
Since you've been gone... Away
I ain't missin' you
No matter what my friends say
I ain't missin' you
Since you've been gone... Away
I ain't missing you
Yeah, no matter what your friends say
Hey yeah, yeah yeah yeah
I ain't missing you at all
Since you've been gone... Away
I ain't missin' you
No, and no matter what my friends say
He reached out and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. It was so quick. If it weren't for the goosebumps, Haley almost wouldn't have believed it happened. "You're talented, Hales. And you look beautiful. What are you waiting for?"
As the song ended, Haley was the first to pull back. "Isn't it obvious?" she answered. With that, she walked away.
The dance floor was stifling as Haley made her way through the crowd. She desperately needed some air. Dancing with Nathan had drudged up so many mixed emotions that her doubts were grabbing hold of her for the thousandth time. Haley had nearly made it to the door when she felt a hand on her arm. Her heart nearly leapt out of her chest at the thought of Nathan following her.
That fantasy disappeared immediately at the sight of a very sweaty and smirking Damien West. His eyes, slightly glazed, roamed her from top to bottom. He chuckled, and she caught a whiff of the alcohol on his breath.
"Haley," he exclaimed, although it came out more like "Hawee." "Dance wit me, baby."
Attempting to yank her arm back, she glowered at him. "Let me go. And I'm not your baby."
"Why you gotta be so mean, girl?" he drawled. "We go waaaay back. All I'm asking for is a little James girl attention. Taylor knew how to treat a man right."
"Well, I'm not my sister," she retorted. "And when I see a real man, I'll be sure to remember that. You're a real jackass, you know that? I heard what you did to Tim."
"That was an accident," he slurred, though the smirk on his face said otherwise. "This is about you being a tease. What are you waiting for? Nathan's moved on. Why are you pining after someone who clearly doesn't want you?" he snapped. "It's pathetic."
Haley's temper flared. She was three seconds away from laying this drunken idiot out on his ass when someone pushed between them. Finally, she had her arm back.
"Whoa there, partner. Had a bit too much to drink, did we?" Chris waved his hand in front of his face. "We better keep you away from the fireworks. This whole place will blow."
"Shut it, Killer," Damien stammered.
"It's Keller. Chris Keller. You'd do well to remember that."
"Whatever, sissy boy. I'm trying to dance with Hawee."
"Number one, musicians are hot. Just ask your girlfriend. I saw her drooling over me while I was onstage." Chris waved over at Stacey several feet away. She looked anything but enamored as she glared at Damien.
"She's not my girlfriend," Damien interjected.
"Number two, Haley already owes Chris Keller a dance. Better luck next time, sport." He motioned to one of the other counselors standing nearby. "Now I think it's someone's bedtime."
A counselor named Chad came over. One look at Damien had him rolling his eyes. "I'll take care of him." Damien was too wasted to put up much of a fight.
Just like that, Chris took his place and was leading Haley back on the dance floor. "You're welcome."
"I didn't need your help, and I never said I would dance with you."
"Yes, you did. Plus, you owe me something after bailing on us tonight. I thought for sure you would've mustered up some of that fire to go onstage."
"Which reminds me." Haley smacked Chris's arm.
"Ow, what was that for?" Chris whined, rubbing the sore spot.
"That's for singling me out in front of the entire camp."
Chris couldn't contain his grin. "Come on, you know you loved it, James."
"It was embarrassing."
"Chris Keller meant it as a compliment."
"You are unbelievable."
"And you're chicken. Not even trusty, old reliable Jake could convince you. What are you waiting for?"
"If one more person asks me that," she grumbled.
"Fine. I can see that I'm not going to win this one," Chris conceded. "But starting tomorrow, we are going to tackle this stage fright nonsense."
"I'm not a pet project, Chris."
"Think less pet and more protégé. Although if you change your mind and want some petting, that could be arranged." He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.
That earned Chris another smack. "You are disgusting."
"I'm just trying to get you to lighten up, Haley. I can't be as bad as Damien West. You have to admit that Chris Keller is a good dancer." He proceeded to twirl her around before dipping her.
Despite herself, Haley couldn't help but laugh. "I suppose you're the lesser of the two evils."
"And…" he prompted, spinning her once more.
"You're not a completely awful dancer."
Chris beamed. "Coming from you, Chris Keller will take what he can get."
"Don't get used to it."
Smirking, Chris replied, "Game on, James."
"I finally got you to myself. You are a hard guy to pin down."
Nathan smiled as he and Toni swayed to a slow song. "I can't help it if I'm Camp Aldrich's most eligible bachelor." He'd barely had a moment's peace. Kara, among others, had been coming up to him all night asking him to dance. It was like a shark tank and he was the chum. Or maybe chump was more appropriate.
This night hadn't been what he expected, and it all had to do with a certain blonde. Nathan wasn't sure what had possessed him to tell Kara he had promised to dance with Haley. Then to actually carry through with it…he tried to convince himself that it was simple curiosity. He'd been wondering why she wasn't onstage with Jake and the others performing. He knew how nervous she got and thought he could help. The rest had just escalated.
Nathan hadn't originally planned on telling Haley about Dan's hearing right away either but figured she had a right to know. She'd been with him through it all. She knew better than anyone what went down and how hard it would be to face him again. It was like the awkwardness between them evaporated instantly. Within seconds, Haley was hugging him and offering him comfort. It was like nothing had changed.
Then she made that last comment before leaving him alone on the dance floor. He couldn't figure out what she meant. No matter how much he tried to steel himself against her, she still got under his skin. He still missed her.
"Are you having fun tonight?" Toni inquired, interrupting his muddled thoughts.
"It's been all right. Whitey's probably going to kill me tomorrow, though."
"Ah, yes, the punch spiking incident. It was pretty good," she joked. "Nice work."
Nathan grinned. "That was Tim. I just took the fall. What about you? Are you having a good time?"
"It was a little dicey in the beginning, but I am now. Q challenged me to dance-off with him. Unfortunately, the guy knows how to move," she said.
"Too bad the same can't be said for my brother." Lucas was with Brooke, bobbing his head gawkily to the rhythm.
Toni laughed. "Chris's performance wasn't bad. His rendition of 'American Woman' was kind of awesome. I bet Haley wanted to kill him, though, when he mentioned her."
Nathan felt his blood boil at the mere thought of it.
"Or maybe not," Toni mumbled and nodded her head.
Nathan looked across the dance floor and saw Chris and Haley together. Instead of the usually annoyed expression she wore, Haley actually appeared to be smiling. She and Chris were laughing about something. Since when were they friends? Was there something more to Chris's dedication than he initially thought?
When Nathan told Haley she looked beautiful tonight, he'd meant it. She wore a navy blue dress with a mesh v-neck and white crisscross in the front. The tiniest bit of cleavage was exposed. Coupled with bright red lipstick and her long blonde locks cascading in waves, and it was near impossible not to stare at her. She'd been garnering many appreciative looks tonight. Nathan tried to ignore them, but it was difficult. They weren't together anymore, so he'd lost the right to be jealous—not that he didn't want to break the nose of every creep who was blatantly checking her out. He had glared threateningly at a few idiots leering while they'd been dancing.
Toni laid her head on Nathan's shoulder. He felt a twinge of disappointment that it wasn't Haley with him and instantly regretted it. He was moving on.
"Want to watch the fireworks together?" Toni asked once the song ended.
"Sure," he replied, smiling.
Just before they left, he snuck one more glance in Haley's direction. She and Chris were still dancing and laughing. He felt something in his gut wrench. It looked like the fireworks had already started.
