Chapter Twelve

"This sucks" Haley mumbled to herself for the tenth time this morning, and she's not even reached the entrance yet. Why did her mom have to move here? This sucky town? She liked Tree Hill, she had friends the best, and she was even quite popular. Why did everything have to change in such a short amount of time? It wasn't fair, life was never fair. At least, not for her.

So there it was Oak Lake Secondary. Haley drove slowly around until she found an empty spot. She parked her car and slowly made her way out. She nervously made her way to the front doors. All around were kids. There were so many of them, which made her more nervous. She, who had once grabbed a snake by its neck, was so scared of a bunch of high school kids!.

She opened the school's front doors and walked in. It seemed that everyone was staring at her, drilling holes into her glare, and somehow knowing that she didn't belong.

She made her way to her locker. As she opened it, she heard someone behind her. "so, your new here?"

She turned around and saw this guy standing in front with a kind smile.

"Yeah, just moved here a couple days ago. I'm Haley James", she said. Sticking out her hand.

He shook it with a distant look in his eye. Why does that name sound so familiar? He thought.

"I'm Julian Baker. So where are you from? He said leaning against her neighbor's locker door while she put some book in her locker.

"Um I've been living in Tree Hill my whole life up until now." She said smiling, and shutting her locker and turning to his direction.

"Tree Hill? Huh? That's a nice place I went there 2 summer's ago on a movie premiere with my dad called Thin Red Line and from that day on I knew I wanted to be a movie writer." He said smiling.

"Thanks. It's my home. Um, I hope you don't mind but I got a couple of things to ask you." She asked.

"Ask away." First, where's room 142?" she said handing him her schedule.

"Its on my way to class. I'll show you." He said. He turned and walked down the hall, she struggling to keep up with him without bumping into anyone on the way.

"Second?" he asked when she caught up.

"Second do you know anymore here named…" the first bell rang, signalling the end of the conversation.

"Sorry I got to go. This is your Room you want to meet up for lunch tomorrow." "Great see you then." And with that Julian ran down the hallway and turned into the classroom on the right.

She stared at him, then turned and bumped into a guy as she made her way to class. She didn't look up she didn't want this guy to associate her with the word 'clumsy'.

"Sorry." She said, then ran into her classroom. The boy, who had his nose glued to a book, didn't look up until he heard her voice.

"Haley?" he called after her but she couldn't hear him for she already made her way to the back of the class. He, with his heart banging loudly against his ribcage craned his head to look at her. But before he could get a good look at her, he felt someone tap him on his shoulder.

"Mr. Cutler, are you planning on joining me in my classroom today?" his first period teacher Mr. Morrison said.

"Yes, sir. It just…" he tried to say before he was interrupted.

"No excuses boy. Follow me."

Haley walked into reception and gave her name to the plumpy receptionist, who told her to sit on one of the chairs and wait for the principal to come and speak to her, to get her timetable and class names. She had never thought that she was above this place; Haley has never been a person that thinks that she is above somewhere. But, she just didn't want to be here, she wanted to be with Brooke Davis and Peyton Sawyer right now talking about cute guys. Or even Lucas Scott who would always cheer her up with his lame jokes. Heck, she would rather be with her Nathan her ex-boyfriend. She just wanted to be home.

"Ah, Haley James." A deep voice said, walking into reception. "Welcome to Oak Lake Secondary." That was the first welcome ever since meeting Julian Baker this morning. "Principal…. Ronin." She said, searching for his name in her mind. She plastered a fake smile on her face, which she's been able to master over the past couple of months. "Nice to meet you."

Principal Ronan shook her hand politely. "It's a pleasure to meet you too Haley." He put his hand in his pocket and pulled out two items of paper. "Here are your schedule and class name. I've also assigned you a helper, who should be here any minute…" he trailed off. Where is that girl?

"Oh, that's fine I don't need a-" The door burst open, cutting Haley off mid-sentence.

"I'm here sorry I'm late." A slightly raspy voice sang, running into the small office. The girl ran over to the Principal, hoping that he wouldn't shout at her for not arriving on time like she promised. Haley's 'helper' was slightly pale, with dark, straight brown hair, which stopped just below her shoulders. Her clothes weren't exactly, 'school appropriate'. High heels, denim mini-skirt, pink tank top. Classy.

"Haley, this is your helper for the day, Mia Catalino . She will be showing you to your classes, and where your locker is. Whatever you need, just ask her." He said with a smile. Clearly thinking that he would have probably just made a new friendship, which didn't look like the case.

"Nice to meet you," Haley said sweetly, she didn't want to cause problems on her first day.

Mia smiled. "Hey Haley, we're going to be great friends."

Haley fought the urge to roll her eyes. What the hell is this? Grease? Mia Catalino certainly isn't frenchy.

Principal Ronan smiled at the two girls. "I have to go the freshman assembly, I'll leave you two girls to it." He said, clapping his hands together and walking out of the warm area reception. The second door closed, both of the smiles disappeared.

"Okay, you listen and you listen well." Mia started, pointing her finger warningly at the new girl. "I only have to do this so I don't get in trouble for all the homework I handed in 'late' last year." Haley had rolled her eyes at her air quotes. "But I am not spending my day with a loser, so find everything on your own. So if you bump in to Ronan tell him that I'm the damn best helper you've ever seen. Find everything on your own." She commanded, and stormed out of the office.

Haley sighed. What a bitch. "You're so nice!" she shouted sarcastically just as Mia slammed the office door. She looked at the documents in her hands.

First lesson English. English, room 305. Yes, I found it Logan thought sarcastically. He's been at this school for a year, and normally he can't ever find rooms.

Unfortunately for him, he found this one easily. To Logan, English is un-important. He can read, write he knows his punctuation. What else is there to know? Wow, no wonder he's failing. Logan plastered the same ol'smirk on his face as he walked in. He glanced around the room for an empty seat, he would normally go straight to the back, but if he could sit next to a hot girl then that wouldn't be a problem.

Nope, the same boring girls from last year. He's made out with at least half of them.

One girl caught his eye, she was good looking. A little mousy, and she could dress better. But he could at least give it a shot right? That's what is expected of him. So he smirked at her, when he caught her looking over with a small blush on her face. He had to hide his gasp when she simply rolled her eyes back at him. What the hell?

Ah, home. Tree Hill high school, she loved it there. Which made her want to hate her mom for moving to this sucky town, but she can't not after everything Lydia James has been though these past three months.

She was knocked out of her thoughts by something slamming into her side. Some one.

Her books flew out of her hands, and fell on the floor with a thump.

She glanced at Logan Cutler, and saw him not even turn and offer her to help. He continued to walk his confident walk until he stopped at his locker. Then she realized that it was the same boy from her English class. The one with the brightest blue eyes she's ever seen. The one who had made her blush like an idiot. The typical jock.

Haley had thought she didn't blush anymore; she used to stupid smirks and winks from Nathan since he was her boyfriend. But then Logan comes along with a stupid smirk and makes her turn into a was obvious what he wanted from her, Lucas warned her a million times about jocks, about they're only after one thing. Logan probably didn't even like her that way, she puts no effort into her appearance, and she leaves her honey blonde hair straight every day, and wears simple jeans and t-shirts. He wouldn't be interested in her, so why did that smirk affect her so much?

She sighed and bent down to pick up her books. "Great day" she muttered to herself, retrieving one of the books.

A hand brushed against hers, picking up her History book.

The opposite hand appeared, and picked up her remaining books and handing them to her. Her lips couldn't help but curve up into a smile when she saw the face of her saviour. He was simply gorgeous. Tanned skin, blue eyes (though not as blue as Nathan's) and a charming smile. His dirty blonde hair was simply… Ooft.

"I'm sorry about my brother," he said, nodding towards a row of lockers, where Jay was still placing books inside "He's an ass."

Haley giggled, despite herself. "It's okay."

"Are you new here?" She nodded.

"Yep, can't you tell?" Dean laughed. Sure this wasn't his type. But he can't help but flirt, right?

Logan glanced when he heard his older brother's familiar laugh. He rolled his eyes when he saw Dean chatting to the girl who rolled her eyes at him this morning. The girl Jay branded as Ms. Stuck up. The same girl that strangely fascinated him, though he had no idea why. But now she was another one of Dean's targets, the ones he would flirt with, and get them hooked. Then he would have another person who had a crush on him.

Logan thought that was pretty lame. Getting girls to like you just so you have another girl liking you to make yourself seem big. He would never stoop so low. If he wanted a girl to like him, then he would do it so they would actual have something real. Not a stupid fantasy these girls probably imagines in their minds.

The worst part though was probably the fact that no one knew what happened. Dean acted innocent. If he slept with someone, then he would sweet talk them into not saying anything, so he was never labelled a man-whore. But if Logan just kisses a girl, then the whole school would say they slept together. And he would be the bad guy.

But Dean is his big brother. Dean is a junior, while he's only sophomore. Dean is the favourite. So Logan can't say anything.

So he just shut his locker door, and headed for lunch.

"How long have you been in this town for? I haven't seen you around." Dean said, forcing Haley to turn her eyes to him plain blue ones, and not the sparkling ones across the hall.

"Um, a couple of days. I've been unpacking, so I've not had a chance to see everywhere."

"Well how about we go to lunch?" Dean offered. "My mom owns a bakery." Haley thought huh small world.

Haley smiled again. Damn, how did he do that? "So there is such thing as a free lunch?"

"Sure," Dean smirked. "I'm Dean Cutler by the way."

Haley felt something strange in her stomach, something she's not felt for three months. It was hope. Hope that maybe something good could come out of this sucky town. Hope that maybe she could make a friend. Or maybe she could find something more. Something more than she had in Tree Hill.

Just maybe, she could find true love.

"Haley James."

Hales, how is your first day? Does it suck? Yeah, it probably would because I'm not there. Haley laughed at the text from one of her three best friends. This just made her madder at the fact that she wasn't at home with him right now, or just at his house watching silly movies. Or at Peyton's where they always hang with Brooke, Nathan and Lucas.

Yes, Luke it does suck, and it's not because of you. I miss you though xoxo ;) was her reply.

"Texting your boyfriend?" Dean asked her in a playful tone. They were currently on the way back school. He had shown her around school, finding her locker (which luckily close to his), and showing her the library. They then went to Sugar & Spice and had a very quick lunch.

Haley had enjoyed herself. Dean was into the similar music as her, and they enjoyed reading the same type of books. He was a little cocky; he loved himself a little too much. But he was sweet, kind and cute. Haley James has officially developed her first crush. Yeah, she's seventeen and only had her second crush. Her first crush of course beening ex-boyfriend and the star of the Ravens Nathan Scott. Guys just never caught her eye. She had grown up with them, she thought guys were cute, but then they just annoyed her eventually an example of this is Tim Smith minus the cute part. Skills, Lucas, Nathan, Mouth & Jake were the only guys she needed. Her father was also, but she didn't like start thinking about what happended there.

Dean was different though, he was not like guys she had met before.

Haley shook her head. "Best friend." Dean smirked. He was a natural flirter, he just couldn't help it. He couldn't help but want girls to want him, whatever it takes. Dean has a constant need for attention, his step-mom and dad adore him, his brother admires him, and girls fight over him. And he can't help but want more. He wants his parents to love him more, he wants Logan to want to be like him, he wants more girls to fight for him. All of this just feeds his ego even more.

He pulled up the car at the school parking lot and they both hopped out. "Um, thanks for the lunch Dean." Haley said shyly, fiddling with the strap on her bag.

"You're welcome. I actually have to meet up with some friends before the end of lunch. I'll see you later." He said quickly, with an innocent smile he kissed her. So she wouldn't think he was trying to get away from her. Which he was. His mission was complete.

Leaving Haley with a dreamy smile and shock on her face.

"Luke, where have you been?" Brooke asked when Lucas sat down on their table, only ten minutes before class starts again. Nathan had said that he talking to a girl, while Peyton pretended that she didn't care. Was it sad that Brooke had missed him? Yes, she was also under Lucas' spell along with Peyton. And half of the school.

Lucas sat down and sighed. "I was at Haley's old house and all the great memories that where there."

Peyton looked up from her drawing and to her friend. "I know, I know we all miss her, Tree Hill isn't the same without her." She replied rubbing his arm.

Lucas smiled. "Peyton, thanks."

"Wait," Nathan chipped in. "Who said I was dating Chelsea Darcy."

"Did you see her Facebook page?" she asked him with a snort. Nathan rolled his eyes.

"You guys are stupid. She's only just moved here and Brooke, she barley knows me. And stupid over here won't listen."

"Hey!" Peyton exclaimed, holding her hands in surrender. "Why am I stupid?" "Have you seen your drawings?" he asked her with a raised eye-brow, and then scoffed. "They're stupid, which makes you stupid."

"How childish, Nate." Nathan sighed. Peyton and Lucas often call him Nate along with the others occasionally. It's his nickname, he had many but they call him Nate and Brooke Hot Shot Scott.

"Anyway? Did you guys see her hair?" Brooke asked, rejoining the conversation. Nathan rolled his eyes again. Sometimes he wished he could hang out with normal people, nice people. Lucas treats him like a baby, Brooke just is his friend because they are both popular, and Peyton only hangs out with him because she's secretly in love with Lucas. He wanted a real friend, someone who would like him for him. But he can't just leave his brother either, because then they'll say he's ditching them.

So he's stuck, and he can't get out.

Haley walked inside her music classroom, thanks to the directions of Julian. Most of the students have already arrived. In this classroom, the desks are made for two people. There were only four seats available. One next to a jock, nope. One next to a sweaty fat guy, nope. One next to a perky cheerleader, nope. One next to an auburn haired girl who doesn't look like a bitch, okay.

"Hi, is it okay if I sit here?" Haley asked politely once she reached the desk near the back of the room.

The girl looked up from the piece of paper that she was writing on and smiled slightly. "Sure."

"Thanks," Haley muttered, sitting down next to her. "I'm Haley by the way."

"Nice to meet you," the girl said. "I'm Kat Graham." She introduced. Kat had seen Haley around all day, but she thought that Haley looked stressed out enough, and that she didn't want to be bothered by anyone. So she didn't introduce herself earlier.

Haley laughed slightly. "Wow, you're like the only nice girl I've met today."

"Um thanks?" Kat giggled. "So, you met a nice boy, huh? Let me guess, Logan Cutler."

Cutler? Um, no. Definitely not."

"Then who?" Kat asked with a smile. She wasn't being nosey, just curious.

"Dean Cutler." Kat rolled her eyes playfully. "Not you too. Everyone has a crush on Dean Cutler."

"Everyone?" Haley asked doubtfully, with a raised eyebrow. Kat looked around the room, as if she was counting something. "I know eight people in here that do, including you." Kat informed her, with a pointed look. She wasn't trying to be mean; she was just looking out for the new girl.

"How do you know that?" "Common Knowledge." Kat responded coolly, tapping her temple lightly."Heck, I even liked him when we first started here."

"What changed?"

"I didn't want to be like everyone else, and have a crush on a jock. No offence."

Haley laughed and shook her head. "None taken," she said."Well, maybe I kind of want to be like everyone else for a change."

Kat just smiled, and there was silence for a couple of seconds.

Until she softly said… "Good for you."

Haley walked into her empty house, sighing at the silence. Her Mom had given their dog, Scrap, away to the neighbours before they moved away, because they were too much of a nuisance apparently. Their house used to be full of sound. Her and her siblings fighting. Her parents laughing away. Her dog barking at any sudden movement. But all of that is gone know. Her dog gone, back at her real home. Her siblings are gone. And her dad.. Well he's just gone.

She walked upstairs and into her room, she immediately went to her desk and picked up the stacks of paper.

Job applications.

She picked up the first one, which her Mother had picked up for her yesterday. . The Coffee Corner. She picked up another Oak Lake Secondary high school tutor. Her mom had asked for those when was applying Haley for school. Hot & Twisted. Well that one immediately went into the trash. There is no way she is working at a pretzel place, she doesn't even care that she's desperate.

Ring. Ring.

Haley picked up her phone and grinned at the name, immediately answering it and bringing it to her ear.

"Hey Pervy."

"Hey Sexy," Lucas familiar drawl said on the other side of the line. "You miss me?"

Haley groaned "When are you going to stop calling me that? It's creepy".

"When are you going to admit there's a sexual tension between us."

Haley laughed. "Never."

"Fine," Lucas sighed mockingly.

Oh, how he loved to tease Haley James. Her best friend since she was six, Haley brought her doll to school. Lucas being the ass that he is had 'accidentally' snapped it. But once he saw the tears falling from her eyes, he felt bad. He even asked his mom to buy a new one, which she did. The next Monday, Lucas handed it to her, with a candy bar and an apology. They've been inseparable ever since.

Haley rolled her eyes. "I miss Tree Hill." She admitted, feeling her throat go dry, and the tears well up in her eyes. She wasn't going to see her best friend's everyday, or go to the same school as them. Their almost ten year friendship was going to fall apart.

"Hales, we're only half an hour away. We'll see each other all the time, I promise. "Pinkie Promise?" she said sheepishly.

"Pinkie Promise." He said. "And Tree Hill misses you too."

Haley laughed; she then heard a sound of a door opening coming from the other side of the phone. "Is that Haley?" she hears the familiar voice ask, followed by "Is it?" by another hopeful voice.

She presumed that Lucas nodded because she then heard Peyton's voice.

"Hey Bitch! I miss you! Is it good? It's not good is it? Are there whores? Do you want me to come and-"

"Peyton," Haley interrupted with another laugh, she always seems to laugh when she's talking to them.

"It was fine."

"No, it wasn't you're lying. Does Brooke Davis have to slap a bitch?"

Peyton Sawyer. Another one of her three best friends. They met in third grade when Peyton moved to their town, and Haley was assigned to look after her. Some girls started to tease Haley about her shortness. Peyton had instantly came to her defense and shouted at those girls. Ever since that day. Peyton Sawyer and Haley James have been the best of friends.

"No you don't I can handle it myself, Brooke."

Haley could practically hear Brooke and Peyton rolling their eyes. "I know you can, Hales. I just don't want you to get hurt."

"I know, but I'm okay." Haley lied.

They all knew she was lying (the phone had now been put on speaker mode), but they didn't push it, knowing Haley would just get pissed and hang up on them. So the hopeful voice spoke up.

"Hey, Hales. Are there cute girls?" Haley could feel Brooke nudge Lucas lightly in the chest.

Lucas Scott. Probably her bestest best friend. They had been next door neighbours their whole lives before Haley left. They would always play together, because their parents were good friends. They always protected each other, and helped each other out. Ever since he gave her the chocolate bar. Lucas Scott and Haley James were more like brother and sister, but without all the fights.

That effectively caused Haley to giggle. "Is that all you care about?"

"Yep, basketball and of course my Brooke." He said unashamed. God she misses them.

You know the drill :)