Hey everybody. I'm really happy that you guys enjoyed last chapter with the introduction of Julian as well as the explanation of Jake's departure. This chapter is definitely a big one. And just a little teaser for next chapter: it's definitely couple heavy and there's plenty of Naley.
Thanks to NALEY23alwaysforever, jordana60, Kendo32, Guest, and Angelpete87 for your reviews, they certainly made my day and each review I get inspires me to update sooner.
Let me know what you guys think of this chapter in a review :) x
Brooke entered the apartment after Haley opened the door to let her in. They had each received a cryptic text from Lucas asking for their attendance at his and Nathan's place. Neither knew why, but both arrived nonetheless.
Peyton was sitting on the couch watching Lucas nervously pace back and forth in front of her. It's been a couple weeks since she told him about Jake. She's grateful he's been so supportive. He even offered taking her to visit the cemetery whenever she needed to. She still hasn't taken him up on that offer, but she plans to one day. After all, she's fallen for him hard.
She hasn't told him yet. Not even Brooke knows. Only her mom. And Jake. She knew she never got much closure with Jake's death and moving on from someone you love is hard enough, but finding out you love someone new, and possibly stronger than before, is scary. She hoped she'd receive a sign from Jake saying he's okay with her moving on. And she did.
Peyton stood in front of Jake's tombstone. She knelt down and graced the carved words with her fingers: Jacob Jagielski. Loving son and friend. She placed the fresh bouquet of flowers on his grave.
"You'd think I'd be used to coming here after all this time." She laughed nervously. "But the truth is, it's always harder returning," she said with a shaky voice. She then sat down and crossed her legs. As she continued to speak she aimlessly picked at the grass beneath her. "Remember I told you about Lucas? He's this guy I'm seeing. He's the first one I've even looked at since your-." She paused. "Anyways, I told him about you. About us." She smiled. "I really like him Jake. So much. I'm afraid of how much to be honest. He's- there for me. He listens to me, no matter what I have to say. It could be something as boring as my math homework, to how I loathe shopping with Brooke, to how much I miss my mom and you." She took a moment to take a breath in.
"I don't know if it's even fair for me to ask this. But I'm going to anyways, because I can't help but feel guilty for feeling happy or alive for the first time in a year. I just.. I just want some sort of sign that what I'm feeling for Lucas is okay. I guess what I'm saying is, that I want your blessing to officially move on. To move on with my life and with somebody else." She looked up at the sky, expecting rain or thunder. Nothing. She shook her head, feeling foolish that she'd ever receive such a sign.
She stood up from the ground and began dusting her pants. When she suddenly felt a warm breeze, not unusual in the Springtime; however, the sun peeking out of the cloudy sky, was. Peyton looked back down at Jake's grave and smiled. She said a tearful thank you before touching his tombstone and leaving.
Peyton stood up from her seat and grabbed both of Lucas's arms to keep him in place. "Luke, will you calm down? Please. You're driving me crazy."
Lucas sent her an apologetic smile. "Sorry," he gently kissed her on the forehead.
She smiled back. "It's fine. Just relax. They're going to be so proud of you. Trust me. I know I am."
Lucas looked at his girlfriend with adoration. He had yet to tell her how he feels, especially since he feels there's never a right time or moment. But he does try to show her. Mostly through loving gestures such as surprising her at school with lunch or taking her hand in his or letting her eat the majority of the popcorn when they watch a movie. "Thank you," he finally responded. After wrapping his arms around her waist, he leaned down and began kissing her lovingly.
Much to their dismay, they were interrupted with Brooke's catcalling and whistling.
"Please don't stop on account of me. I was enjoying the free show," Brooke said smirking.
"Well they should stop for me unless they want to see my lunch make a reappearance," Haley quipped.
"Hey, you and Nathan are much worse," argued Lucas.
"No we're not," Nathan replied. He was on speaker through Haley's phone. He couldn't personally be there because of conflicting schedules but had Haley call him in to hear Lucas's news.
"Oh I beg to differ hot shot. You and tutor girl are probably the only other couple who can surpass Blonde 1 and 2's sexcapades."
Haley blushed at Brooke's words while Peyton laughed and Lucas stood uncomfortable.
"What about you and your new boyfriend, Davis? I'm sure you two could run us all out," Nathan retaliated. He's found a rhythm when it comes to talking with Brooke.
Brooke rolled her eyes. "While I'm flattered you thought of me Scott, I'm going to have to burst your bubble. Owen and I are done."
Peyton and Haley looked up at Brooke shocked. They didn't know. "You guys broke up?" Peyton asked.
Brooke scoffed. "You'd have to be a couple to break up. He was looking for something temporary to keep his pants warm. And I told you already, I'm looking for something a little more long-term."
"I'm sorry Brooke. I know how much you liked him."
Brooke shrugged her shoulders. "Whatever. You have to kiss a couple frogs to find your prince right?" She then turned to Haley. "So tell me Tutor Girl, which frog is Nathan?" she asked, hoping to get a rise out of Nathan.
"Watch it Davis," Nathan warned.
Brooke sat down smiling, satisfied she got the reaction she was looking for. While Haley and Peyton shook their heads and followed suit.
"Luke, can we just get on with why you called everyone. I'm assuming it wasn't so Brooke could verbally abuse me."
"You're right, Nate. That was just a bonus," Lucas said then proceeding to share a smile with Brooke after hearing Nathan groan.
"Seriously, Luke. What's up?" Haley asked.
"Okay, well remember how I sent in the prospectus for my next novel to Lindsey."
Haley nodded as Brooke mouthed "his ex?" to Peyton, to which she quickly dismissed with her hands. Peyton had mentioned it to Brooke before, but what Brooke still fails to understand is that Lucas is trustworthy and Lindsey's not a threat.
"Anyways, this up and coming movie producer got a hold of it and wants to make it into a film. He wants me to write the screenplay for it."
Brooke and Haley's eyes widened.
"Oh my God, Lucas! That's amazing! Congratulations." Haley stood from her position on the couch and embraced her best friend. They vaguely heard Nathan congratulate him through the phone as it was muffled in between Haley's hand and Lucas's back.
"Wow, Broody. I'm impressed. Good job." Brooke then hugged him. She turned and noticed Peyton was still sitting, but with a large smile. Brooke sent her an accusing look before saying, "You knew didn't you?"
Peyton gave Brooke a semi-guilty look. She was about to respond when Lucas interrupted.
"Of course she did, she's my girlfriend." He kissed her on the top of the head.
Brooke narrowed her eyes and shook her head. "How long?"
Peyton replied sheepishly, "A week."
Haley peeped up from the side. "Why didn't you say anything?" she asked Lucas. To be honest she felt a little envious that he hadn't told her.
"Because I didn't want to jinx anything. Julian said that he still had to find solid support and mentioned it could take months. But he got it in just a few weeks," Lucas replied.
"Wait, Julian? As in Julian Baker?" asked Nathan. The group had almost forgotten that he was still on the phone.
"Yeah, you remember him?"
"Of course I do. Me and Haley would hang out with him during your date nights."
Nathan's words seemed to jog Haley's memories since she added, "That's right! He was really sweet. And aww, I can't believe his dreams of being a movie producer are finally coming true."
"Who's Julian?" Brooke asked Peyton.
Peyton shrugged. "I haven't met him yet. But he's visiting later this week."
"I just think it'd be a good idea to hold off on our news. I don't want to take any attention away from Lucas." Haley was currently at her locker, talking to Nathan before heading outside to lunch. She heard him sigh on the other line. She knew he wanted to tell their friends, especially Lucas since he's also family.
"Fine. I guess we can wait a while longer to give Lucas his moment in the spotlight."
Haley laughed lightly. She knew Nathan was kidding. She said goodbye and after closing her phone, she closed her locker. She was startled to find Damien there leaning on one of the lockers. It was becoming a habit of his and she didn't like it.
"You and Scott are adorable!" he mock-gushed.
Haley rolled her eyes. Like mentioned before, Damien's advances have lessened but he was still irritating at times. "What is it Damien?"
He grinned before unfolding the piece of paper from his hand. He held it up for her to see. "I wanted to thank you." It was his English essay.
"A B-minus! That's great Damien," she leaned in for a hug, an action she usually initiates with a student. She pulled apart fairly quickly though, after realizing this wasn't just any student. This was Damien West and rumors revolving her and him were already spread around. This hug wouldn't help.
"It's because of you. How bout you help me celebrate and come eat lunch with me."
She immediately shook her head and declined. "I don't think so."
"Oh come on. Afraid Scott will get word?"
"No. Actually it has nothing to do with Nathan. It has more to do with the company."
"What? Me?" he asked, pointing to himself.
Haley nodded. "Plus a certain redhead who hates me. I know she sits with you and your friends."
"I'm hurt Haley. I thought we were friends. And as for Rachel, screw her. I know I have." Haley saw the nostalgic look in his eyes and she gagged. "Sorry. Anyways, who cares. Besides, she's just jealous that you're more popular than her."
Haley scoffed. "Please. I'm a nobody. She said so herself."
Damien shook his head in disagreement. "I don't think so. At least not anymore. Tell me you still haven't gotten used to the stares when you walk down the hall. Or the whispers. Or the words written in bathroom stalls. Cause I bet you have."
Haley couldn't. Because she was used to the stares and whispers. She didn't even realize it. But she chose not to satisfy him with a straight answer. "Bathroom stalls? Really?"
"I'm just saying, you've got a lot going on for you Haley. You should take advantage of it before you become irrelevant. Like your friends Pouting Sawyer and Bloated Davis. Think about it. I'll save you a seat." And with that he left a contemplative Haley.
"He called me Bloated?!" Brooke asked in anger. "That son of a bitch."
"Relax, Brooke. He's obviously lying," Peyton said trying to calm her.
"You're damn right he is! God! I can't believe I ever dated that scum."
"You dated him?" Haley asked shocked.
"Briefly. In middle school. Thank God he turned into an ass before I got the chance to sleep with him. Saved me from a lifetime of guilt, regret, and shame." Brooke shuddered thinking of the possibility.
The three friends were currently on their way to Karen and Keith's where Lucas's celebratory dinner was going to be held. It would be small and intimate with only close friends and family, minus Nathan.
"And voila," Brooke presented. "You're the best looking girl here. Besides me of course."
"Really?" asked Lily, star-struck. Brooke had done her hair and added some light makeup-lip gloss and some blush.
"Yeah!" Brooke confidently said. "You'll totally steal the spotlight away from your brother with your beauty."
Lily giggled in joy as she continued to look into the small compact mirror Brooke had lent her. She was sitting on the coffee table where Brooke placed her for better access.
Karen came up from behind and smiled at her daughter. Lily looked up and noticed her mom.
"Mommy! Brooke made me more beautifuller," she exclaimed happily.
"You were always beautiful, sweetie. Did you thank Brooke?" Karen replied, touching her daughters hair.
"Oh," Lily turned to Brooke. "Thank you very much Brooke." She then stuck her hand out.
Brooke hid her laughter and took her hand. "You're very welcome Princess Lily." This time Brooke did laugh as she saw Lily's eyes sparkle at the word "princess."
"Aww, but Brooke. Don't princesses have tiaras?" Peyton stealthily asked from behind.
Brooke turned to Peyton and replied, "Why yes. You're absolutely correct Peyton." The two shared an amused look while Lily and Karen shared a confused one.
That's when Peyton took out a small toy tiara from her bag and handed it to Lily. Lily gasped in surprise.
"Is that for me?" she asked.
Brooke and Peyton nodded. Peyton neatly placed the tiara on Lily's head. She then picked her up and placed her on the floor to straighten the little girl's dress. "There. Now you really are a princess."
Lily jumped in joy and hugged the two teenagers with all her might all while chanting "thank you, thank you."
Haley returned from Lucas's room at this moment. She was there searching for two golf clubs. She was hoping to play a one-on-one game with her best friend later that night. It's been a while since the two of them had spent some time alone. And she missed him.
She didn't expect to find her two friends being squeezed by a four year old. She laughed to herself at the sight.
"Bob! Look I'm a princess!" Lily said while pointing to her tiara.
Peyton and Brooke both shared faces that were on the edge of laughter. They had heard Lily call Haley 'Bob' before and were curious enough to ask why. After Haley explained to them that's her middle name and that she was named after a cat, they both laughed to the point of tears and stomach pain.
"Wow! Well you look gorgeous," Haley replied. "Why don't we go show your daddy?" she suggested, knowing Keith would have some remark to say about the makeup and hair. He didn't like thinking that his little girl will no longer be little and it was always funny seeing his reactions to potential "big girl" situations. She picked her up in her arms and headed to the backyard where Keith was barbecuing.
"Oh, this I've got to see," said Peyton following. Karen shook her head in amusement and returned to the kitchen.
Brooke was left in the living room picking up the makeup and placing it back in her bag, when she heard a knock at the door. Figuring it was the guest of honor, she put her purse down and went to the door.
Brooke opened it and to her surprise it wasn't Lucas; however, she did recognize the visitor.
"Hi, I'm-"
"Are you stalking me or something?"
"I'm sorry," he responded confused.
"You're the guy from the cafe who 'wasn't' trying to hit on me," she said attempting to jog his memory.
His face suddenly expressed recognition. "Oh, yeah. That's right. That is you."
Brooke nodded unimpressed. "What are you doing here?"
"Well I'm actually here for Lucas. I'm Julian." He offered her his hand.
She stood paralyzed with shock. He was Julian?
"Brooke, you okay?" Haley asked. Brooke was standing, looking in deep thought across the room.
She turned to Haley. "Yeah, why?"
"You're acting a little weird. Why aren't you mingling?"
"First off, who says 'mingling'?" Haley playfully rolled her eyes, there was the Brooke she knew. "Secondly, I'm just taking in the view."
Haley nodded unbelieving. "Mmhm. Sure. And does that view happen to include Julian, Luke's movie producer?"
Brooke scoffed. "Please. He's a stalker. He obviously got attached to Lucas after he found out he's dating my best friend."
"Brooke, you realize that sounds insane right?"
Brooke sighed. "Fine, yes. It's insane. But running into him at the cafe and here is definitely not a coincidence."
"Maybe it's fate," a new voice cut in from behind.
The two girls turned to see it was Julian.
"I'll just be, not here."
"Subtle tutor girl," Brooke said as Haley waved goodbye.
"So your name's Brooke."
"And yours is Julian," she stated.
He chuckled. She was tough to crack. "Listen I just thought I'd come over and formally introduce myself. After all this isn't our first encounter. And it certainly won't be our last." He gave her his award-winning grin. Brooke didn't bite.
"What makes you think this isn't our last?"
"Faith," he offered.
"Well I'd second-doubt whatever you believe in," she said before walking away.
Julian watched her walk away, thinking she was a mystery he wouldn't mind figuring out.
Lucas had arrived by this point and the group was outside in the backyard chatting.
"Haley would you mind helping me with something inside?" Karen asked.
Haley nodded. "Sure."
The two women walked into the kitchen, leaving the rest of the guests outside.
"Just stir that pot for a little bit, while I cut up these vegetables."
"Okay."
They were each doing their respective task when Karen spoke. "How are you doing? Without Nathan, I mean."
"I'm holding up. Is it bad I'm still not used to him being gone so much?"
Karen shook her head no. "Of course not. It's hard being apart from the person you love most. I'm sure it's gotten harder now with the engagement. Fiances should be able to spend their time together."
Haley nodded in agreement. "Yeah. But at least we'll be together soon. Plus, we still have the rest of our lives."
Karen lightly laughed. "In true Haley-form, you always find the positivity in any situation."
The two continued to laugh, neither realizing a guest had just exited the bathroom and heard their conversation.
"Wait. You're Lucas's connection to Jimmy Eat World?" Peyton asked. She and Julian were hitting it off great as friends.
Julian nodded, grinning. "Yeah."
"H-how?" she asked intrigued. "I mean are you some sort of high profile groupie?"
Julian laughed. "Nah. I was working with this director that was filming one of their music videos a couple months back. Me and their manager got along pretty well and same with the members."
"That's amazing!"
"Yeah, it's pretty cool."
"LA does have a great music scene."
"So you've been there?" he asked.
"I wish. I applied for this internship at this record label there a couple months ago. I hear back in a few weeks."
"Well I hope you get it. LA's great for anybody interested in show business."
Peyton nodded in agreement and the two continued to speak. That is until Julian excused himself to get another drink from inside.
He found Haley serving herself a plate.
"Hey Haley," he greeted. He headed to the fridge where the drinks were.
"Hey! Congrats on the film by the way. Lucas seems excited and he made it sound like you are too."
"Thanks. And I'm definitely excited, should be a wild journey." She smiled politely. "So how are you?"
"I'm good. I graduate high school in about three months."
Julian whistled. "Wow. So congrats to you too."
Haley lightly laughed. "Thanks."
"I take it you're still with Nathan."
She nodded smiling. "Yeah. We're still together."
"So how long have you been engaged?" he asked casually.
Haley froze in place and dropped her almost full plate in the process. "Gosh, I'm such a klutz." She knelt down to pick up her mess and Julian followed to help. "How do you know?" she asked, still shocked. Despite being the only two inside, she kept her voice down.
"I kind of overheard you and Karen talk earlier," he admitted. He noticed Haley's look of worry so he quickly added, "It was just me though. Nobody else heard if that's what you're wondering."
Haley sighed in relief.
"I take it you're not telling anyone yet."
Haley shook her head. "No, we're not. We're waiting for a little bit."
Julian nodded in understanding. "I get it. And don't worry, your secret's safe with me."
"Thanks, Julian," she said gratefully.
The night was coming to a close. Julian had left, Lily was already put to bed, and Karen and Keith were packing some of the leftover food.
Lucas was cleaning up some of the trash when he heard Haley's voice.
"Hey."
Lucas turned around. "Hey. Uh, I think Peyton and Brooke are leaving soon."
"I know, I was actually hoping you could take me home."
Lucas nodded. "Sure."
"And maybe we could make a small detour?" Haley suggested.
"Yes!" Haley exclaimed. She was winning, as usual.
"Mini golf really is your game."
"I know," Haley said smugly as she picked up her ball.
Lucas shook his head at her cockiness. "Nathan really has rubbed off on you."
Haley laughed. "You know, if Brooke were here.."
"Don't. She's not. Let's leave it at that."
"She really has a talent for that huh?"
"Yup. That girl can make just about anything sound dirty."
Haley nodded in agreement. "So how are you? Really." Lucas sighed at her question. She knew she got him. Although tonight had been wonderful celebrating his future, she could tell he was holding something back.
"I'm scared shitless. Every emotion that one can possibly feel, I've felt in these last couple of days." He paused. "It kind of brings me back to when Nathan got called up. You remember?"
Haley nodded. "How could I forget?"
It was the day of the draft picks and Nathan had been picked by the Charlotte Bobcats. It was huge because he had just graduated high school days before. He was now at the press conference. He felt a bit uncomfortable with all the attention on him but was urged on by his agent Clay to answer a few questions. He had obliged and was now making a final and quick statement.
"I'd like to end by thanking some people. They've been a huge part of my success. My brother for teaching me how to be not only a better player, but better brother and friend. His parents, and well, technically mine now, Karen and Keith, for taking me in when I had no home. My coach, Brian Durham, for taking a chance on a punk like me." He earned a few laughs at that. "And my girlfriend, Haley, for loving me when I needed it the most. Thank you."
He walked off the stage, thankful that the press's attention turned to the next player who took the stand. He walked over to his biggest fans and supporters—Lucas, Karen, Keith, Whitey, and of course Haley. He hugged each individually leaving the best for last, Haley.
She had never been so proud of him until that moment and could no longer hold her tears when he spoke about her on camera. She tried her best to get rid of them but to no avail, the tears kept coming. She clung to Nathan and she drowned all external noises and focused on the words he whispered into her ear: "I love you. Thank you for believing in me, Haley."
She pulled away and looked into his eyes and said, "Thank you for being worth it." She smiled and gave him a kiss.
"That was a really emotional day," she said remembering.
"Yeah it was," he agreed. "That was Nathan's big day. He got his shot to make something of himself. And now I feel like this is mine."
"It is, Luke."
"I just hope I don't fail."
Haley gave him a small smile. "You won't. And I'll tell you the same thing I told Nathan that day: You're worth believing in Lucas. Don't you forget that."
He thanked her and pulled her into a friendly hug.
"You're my best friend you know that?"
Haley nodded against his chest. "And you're mine."
"So why didn't you tell me about your tattoo?"
Haley widened her eyes. "What?"
Lucas pulled back. "I saw it when you bent down to get the ball. 23, huh?"
Haley looked down. "Yeah."
She was shocked to hear him laugh.
She cocked her head up. "What are you laughing at?"
"You," he simply said.
"Me?" she asked offended.
He shook his hands and head. "No, no. Not like that. I just find it funny how you look all shy and innocent when I asked you. It's not a big deal Haley. It's not like I'm disappointed or mad. You're an adult already."
Haley sighed in relief. She was afraid his reaction would be worse.
"So does Nathan know?"
She nodded. "Yeah. He freaked out the first time he saw it, but he likes it now." Her smirk at the end of her reply made Lucas want to gag.
"So when did you get it?"
"Oh, uh, -" she murmured a quick response.
"What?"
She let out a long breath. "A couple years back," she said softly.
"Years?!"
Haley cringed at his loud tone. "I guess you don't want a rematch then?" she lamely asked.