Oh my God, I am completely blown away by the amount of reviews I got for that last chapter. Thank you all so much! I really appreciate them and I love reading them. And I know you are all very anxious to find out what the hell is going on (lol) so I've decided to post the next chapter now. Enjoy and please review!
Chapter 21
Nathan was on the basketball court practicing his fade-away shot. Whitey had said it needed work. Since he had some free time, he figured he'd get a little practice in now.
"So, are you going to the dance tomorrow night?" Tim asked. He had joined Nathan about an hour ago.
"Yeah. Haley won't admit it but I can tell she's excited for it. And even if she wasn't, Brooke would drag us there anyway. What about you?" Nathan questioned as he made another shot.
"Yup. Kat's almost as bad as Brooke. But I like her and she's hott so it's not like I have anything to lose. Besides, the Timster is one sweet-ass dancer." Nathan laughed while shaking his head. How any girl can put up with him is beyond me. He made another shot and it went in perfectly. Tim grabbed the ball. As he took his stance to shoot, a loud voice called from behind them causing Tim to jump and miss.
"Nice," Nathan chuckled.
"Shit, Peyton," Tim exclaimed. "You scared the crap out of me."
"Nathan, why the hell are you over here playing basketball? You should either be helping out or with Haley," Peyton scolded.
"Whitey said I needed to practice my fade away," Nathan answered. What is she talking about?
"So basketball is more important than your girlfriend's public humiliation?" she asked incredulously. Now Nathan was really confused.
"Chill, Peyton. Why are you getting so mad? You and Nathan aren't dating anymore. Right?" Tim questioned perplexed.
"Not me you imbecile. I'm talking about Haley," Peyton corrected him frustrated. As soon as 'public humiliation' and Haley's name were mentioned in the same sentence, Nathan was automatically concerned.
"Peyton, I have no idea what you're talking about. What happened to Haley?" Nathan questioned urgently.
"You don't know?"
"No. What the hell is going on? Is she ok?" he continued. Peyton sighed before handing him one of the flyers in her hand. Nathan took one look at it and almost died of shock. "Oh my God." There was a large picture of Haley on it—"large" being the operative word. The photograph matched the one that he'd seen in Haley's cabin before. But the Haley in the picture looked to weigh about a hundred and sixty pounds. Guess who? Hint: Haley "Fat Ass" James, Nathan read the big lettering. With each word he could feel his anger rising.
"Whoa," Tim commented when he saw the picture. "I didn't know that Haley was ever fat."
"She's not," Nathan snapped. Tim gave him a quizzical look.
"Someone Photoshopped the damn picture," Peyton explained. I'll strangle whoever did this.
"Who's the bastard behind this?" Nathan gritted out. He was absolutely furious. No one insults my girlfriend and gets away with it.
"We don't know," she answered. "Right now, Lucas, Jake, and I are just trying to take them all down before anymore people see."
"How many are there?"
"Honestly, I've lost count. They're everywhere," Peyton replied.
"Did Haley see it yet?"
"Yeah, she's back at the cabin with Brooke. She was really upset when she saw it—not that I blame her."
"I have to go check on her," Nathan declared.
"You should," Peyton agreed. "When we're finished we'll meet you guys in the cabin."
"Ok. Tim, do you think you could go with Peyton and help?" he asked. He wanted all those flyers down as soon as possible. The more people on the job the better.
"Sure," Tim stated as he followed Peyton. Nathan took off in the opposite direction towards Haley's cabin. If she was crying about people's comments a few days ago, then he could only imagine how distraught she was now. Along the way, he spotted some more posters. People were staring at them and laughing. This only made his blood boil even more. He pushed the idiots out of the way and tore them down. Nathan then ripped them into small pieces before throwing them away. As he did this, everyone stared at him confused. Why would Nathan Scott be interested in fat posters of Haley James? They would all soon find out. He wasn't going to stop until he found the person responsible for this. A few minutes later, he was at Haley's door knocking wildly.
"Hales, open up," Nathan called. He knocked a couple more times before Brooke finally answered the door. She must've seen the determined look in his eyes because she immediately stepped aside to let him in without saying one word. Nathan's gaze landed on Haley. She was on her bed with her face in her pillow. He could hear her muffled sobs. Instantly, he was by her side.
"Hales," he said softly as he ran a soothing hand down her back. As soon as she heard his voice and felt his touch, she quickly sat up and brought him into a tight embrace. She'd been crying for a while now. Despite her best efforts, she was too mortified to just shrug it off and laugh.
"I'll just give you guys a minute," Brooke commented from her spot near the door. "I'll be outside if you need me." Nathan gave her a thankful look. She nodded in response before leaving. He then shifted his focus back to Haley. As he held her and caressed her hair, she seemed to be calming down.
"I told you Stacey had it in for me," she muttered against his chest. It hurt a little to talk since her voice felt raw from all the crying.
"How do you know it was her?" Nathan asked. He'd had the feeling she was behind it but he wasn't positive.
"Nathan, she got the picture when she was in here. It's missing from my photo album," she explained while wiping away what was left of her tears.
"I'm so sorry, Haley," Nathan stated.
"It's not your fault. She didn't like me from the beginning—even before we were together."
"Yeah, but now it's worse because of me," he argued. "I hate seeing you like this."
"I'll be fine. I'm more pissed than anything now," she explained.
"You're sure?" he questioned. Haley nodded before giving him a tender kiss.
"I'm positive."
"But…" Nathan began but was interrupted by a soft knock on the door.
"Can we come in yet?" Brooke asked.
"Yeah," Haley answered as Nathan gave her a quick kiss on the forehead. Lucas, Peyton, Brooke, and Jake all entered.
"How are you doing?" Lucas questioned Haley.
"I'm alright," she replied. She felt Nathan's arm tighten a little more around her protectively.
"Did you get them all?" Nathan asked.
"We think so," Jake responded from his spot next to Peyton.
"Ok, so let's move on to more important matters. Who's the freaking scumbag who did this?" Brooke inquired.
"It was Stacey," Haley said before Nathan could. He looked like he was going to say a few more things in addition to that. "She was in our cabin the other day. She probably swiped the picture then."
"Wait, why was she in our cabin?" Peyton asked while she and Brooke exchanged puzzled looks.
"She was mad about Nathan and me dating so she came to warn me to stay away from him."
"Haley, why didn't you tell us this sooner?" Lucas asked.
"Yeah, Tutor Girl, we could've helped," Brooke added.
"I didn't think she'd do something like this," Haley defended. "And I didn't want to get everyone involved."
"Well, we are now," Lucas pointed out.
"Actually, it's not all Haley's fault," Nathan revealed. "It's probably because she tried to hit on me the other day."
"Ugh, I really hate that slut!" Brooke exclaimed. "I knew she was trouble. I mean, really, who wears ugly spandex shorts with fishnets to dance class? Can you say 'hooker'?" Haley smiled a little bit at that. She knew Brooke was actually serious but that just made it even funnier.
"I don't think she's smart enough to do it alone. That Jaime bitch probably helped, too," Peyton pointed out.
"I don't really think we should worry about how she did it. We need to figure out what happens now," Jake stated. Everyone then turned to look at Haley.
"We're not going to do anything," she instructed.
"What? Haley, they tried to humiliate you in front of the entire camp. I'm not going to let them get away with that," Lucas protested. Everyone else nodded their head in agreement.
"Look, she wants to get to me. The whole reason she did this is to tear me down and get me away from Nathan. But I won't let her do that. I'm not giving into her crap or playing her mind games," Haley declared. "And neither should any of you. It'll just make things worse."
"I still think that we should tell someone. Maybe we should talk to one of the camp counselors," Peyton proposed. "She has to get into some kind of trouble."
"We have no proof. None of us saw her do it."
"But she took your picture," Nathan said. "She was right here in this room."
"Yes, but so were a lot of other people. Like I said, we still can't prove it."
"I don't care. I'm still torturing the hag," Brooke declared. "And don't try to talk me out of it, Tutor Girl."
"Brooke, just what exactly are you going to do?" Lucas asked skeptically.
"Don't worry about it, Broody. It's all under control," she replied.
"It's not something you can get arrested for is it?" Peyton asked. "Do I have to remind you of the time…"
"That was years ago. Besides, I talked the cop out of giving me that citation," Brooke defended.
"Yeah, after giving him a lap dance." Everyone—excluding Lucas—busted out laughing.
"You gave a cop a lap dance?" Lucas asked in disbelief. "When the hell was this?"
"Freshman year," she answered. "He was only a rookie. It wasn't like he was fat, ugly, and bald or anything."
"He was kind of hott," Peyton said with a reminiscent smile.
"Oh yeah he was," Brooke replied with a grin.
"Like how hott?" Haley joined in. "He must've had some great muscles."
"He did."
"And he had an ass that was…" Peyton began but was interrupted by Jake.
"Hello, guys sitting right here," he pointed out.
"Yeah," both Lucas and Nathan agreed. Although Nathan was happy to see Haley joking around and smiling, he didn't want to hear her drooling over some other guy.
"I have muscles," he mumbled. Haley laughed lightly while rolling her eyes. Men!
"I know. And they're very nice," she said as she kissed him. Nathan smirked against her lips.
"Still other people in the room here," Lucas declared.
"That's ok. You can watch," Nathan retorted. Haley whacked him as Lucas glared.
"Kinky," Brooke commented laughing as Jake shook his head.
"I hate to break up the fun but we still have to figure out what we're going to do," Peyton said trying to get them all back on track.
"I don't know about you guys but I'm going to dinner. I'm starving," Haley announced while getting up.
"Hales," Nathan began to protest.
"No, I won't let her control me. I've cried enough over it. What's done is done. Besides, I'm not fat and I never was."
"But not everyone else knows that," Brooke pointed out. "A lot of the people here go to different schools than us."
"Whatever. All I need is my friends. So, do you guys have my back or am I facing them all alone?" she questioned. I'm not letting some slutty thief with a computer ruin it for me.
"Of course not," Nathan proclaimed getting up. "If anyone so much as looks at you the wrong way, they're dead."
"I'm with Nathan," Lucas declared. "No one messes with my best friend."
"In this case, it's ho's vs. ho's," Brooke announced as she came to give Haley a hug.
"What she said," Peyton stated joining in.
"Uh…ditto," Jake said causing them all to laugh.
"Good," Haley commented. "Now let's go places and eat things." Afterward, they all looked at her with amused expressions.
"What?" Haley asked. "It's from The Three Stooges."
Lucas just shook his head and laughed. "You are so weird."
"Brooke, I am not wearing that," Haley protested. "It's too much."
"Yes, you are," she stated. "Not only is it hott, but it will show off your figure. If anything, it will totally help you right now." They had an hour before the dance began and Haley still couldn't decide what to wear. Ever since the flyer incident yesterday, she'd been the butt of many cruel jokes. Some people felt bad about it but others just kept being mean to her. However, no one dared to say anything when her friends were with her—especially Nathan. She was sure that the whole camp knew that they were dating by now. Haley didn't want to hide their relationship anymore. If they were going to pick on her for being with him no matter what, then they might as well just show everyone that they're together now. As soon as Nathan kissed her during dinner last night, Haley could practically hear the groans and feel the glares she was getting from the female population. Her fellow squad members also appeared to be in shock. Nathan was the most sought after guy at camp, after all. There were always tons of girls watching him on the bleachers during basketball practice. Since she was currently responsible for taking him "off the market," she was now the number one target. Oh, I'm going to have so much fun tonight, she thought sarcastically.
"I still don't like it. I'll look like a hooker," Haley stated. There was absolutely no way that she was going to wear a skimpy tube top and a mini skirt that would barely cover her ass.
"It's hott," Brooke argued. "Come on, P. Sawyer. Back me up here."
"I'm going to have to agree with Haley on this one. It's too much—or little. However you want to look at it," Peyton said as she fixed her hair in the mirror.
"Ugh, you're all hopeless," Brooke sighed. She then turned to Kat. "You have good fashion sense. What do you think?"
"Personally, I love that outfit."
"Thank you," Brooke beamed.
"But not on Haley," Kat added. "Everyone already thinks she was fat. You don't want to add 'easy' to the list."
"You all suck," Brooke pouted while putting away all the clothes she had pulled out for Haley.
"Maybe I just shouldn't go. They're all going to look at me like I'm some circus freak anyway," Haley commented as she sat on her bed holding Mr. Waffles. She needed all the comfort that she could get at the moment.
"If you stay here, it'll only make them talk more," Peyton reasoned. "Besides, you promised to come with us."
"Yeah, but that was before Stacey and her band of bitches ruined it for me. I'm not sure that I want to subject myself to more of her cruelty tonight. And then everyone else has been absolutely horrible to me. I just feel like I'm going into the lion's den." Haley had no idea what to do. She didn't want to let Stacey win but she also didn't want to ask for anymore trouble.
"Technically, you are," Kat stated. "But I guarantee that you'll survive if you wear this." She then held up a bright red, sleeveless top. The neckline swept down low in a sexy yet tasteful manner. Right in the middle there was a fancy knot. Kat was also holding a pair of stylish white capris with a slim, golden-chained belt. Wow, that is so cute.
"Well, what do you think?" Kat questioned.
"That is...perfect," Haley answered. "You're sure I can really wear that?"
"Yeah, why not? I don't mind if you borrow it." Kat walked over to Haley and handed her the outfit.
"That is hott," Peyton commented. "Nathan and everyone else won't know what hit them."
"That's not fair!" Brooke exclaimed as she put her hands on her hips. "I wanted to pick out her outfit."
"She still needs her hair and make up done," Kat informed her.
"And jewelry," Peyton added.
"I also need shoes," Haley joined in. She didn't want Brooke to feel bad. She knew she lived for makeovers and dressing people up. As long as she doesn't make me look like a clown, then it'll be all good.
"I guess you're right," Brooke declared in a much more upbeat tone. She walked over to her dresser and started rummaging around for things. "But there's a lot we need to do so I'm going to need help. Peyton, you're in charge of hair. Kat, see if you can find some nice earrings and a bracelet in my bag. Haley, come here." Brooke motioned for her to sit down on her bed.
"You're not going to put too much makeup on me, right?" Haley asked cautiously. Brooke had a ton of things in her hand. It looked like she was ready to paint a portrait rather than just Haley's face.
"No," Brooke answered. "I promise to make you look gorgeous and natural at the same time."
"Hey, Brooke, should her hair be up or down?" Peyton asked while pulling the elastic out of Haley's hair to take a look.
"Have it down and wavy," she instructed as she grabbed the eye shadow off of the dresser. "Now don't move, Tutor Girl. This has to be perfect."
"It's not brain surgery, Brooke," Haley laughed.
"Shush," she commanded. Haley rolled her eyes before complying. For the next half hour, she was absolutely still as Brooke, Peyton, and Kat got her ready.
"Can I look yet?" Haley questioned anxiously. They made her turn away from the mirror as they finished. Please let me not look like a clown.
"Ok, you're done," Brooke declared stepping back. She had an excited smile on her face. "I am so good." Haley turned to Peyton and Kat for their input.
"You will blow everyone away," Peyton stated.
"I agree. You look bitchin' Haley," Kat confirmed. "Good work team." The three girls then shared high fives. A minute later, Haley finally worked up the courage to look at herself in the mirror. She gasped when she saw her reflection.
"Oh my God," she muttered amazed. I do look good. She turned back to her friends with watery eyes. "Thank you guys so much."
"No problem," Brooke replied happily as she gave Haley a hug. "Now let's go. We all look hott and the guys are waiting." The girls then gathered their things as they made their way to the door. Haley was both nervous and excited. She wanted to see what Nathan thought of her new, stylish look. Oh God, please let him like it.
Nathan, Lucas, Jake, and Tim were hanging out in their cabin waiting for the girls. Peyton had called them an hour ago to say that they'd meet them there when they were done getting ready.
"I'm bored," Tim complained for the fifteenth time.
"They shouldn't be much longer…right?" Jake questioned.
"If Brooke's in charge, then it'll probably be another hour," Lucas informed them. Nathan sighed as he laid back on his bed. He heard his phone vibrating on the nightstand. He picked it up and noticed that it was Dan calling. Screw that. I'm not getting lectured tonight.
"Is that the girls?" Lucas asked.
"No, it's Dan," Nathan answered.
"Oh," Lucas commented. "You're not going to pick it up?"
"Would you?" he questioned back.
"Good point."
"Yeah," Nathan laughed. "He probably just wants to make sure I've worked out today."
"But it's the Fourth of July," Lucas pointed out as he took a seat across from Nathan.
"Trust me, that won't stop him. He'd still call even if it was Christmas. Dan's a freaking machine."
"That sucks."
"It does. Just consider yourself lucky," Nathan said. He was slowly coming to the end of his rope with Dan. His mom had sent him to camp to get away from him in the first place. But of course, even that couldn't stop Dan Scott.
"What? Lucky that I don't have a father?" Lucas questioned offended.
"At least not this one," Nathan elaborated. "He's even worse than he looks. The reason I'm even at this camp is so my mom could get me away from him." Lucas seemed to back off somewhat after that.
"Well, what does he do to you?"
"Besides belittling, insulting, pushing, and aggravating me, not much." Nathan knew that Lucas had this misconception about him and Dan. He thought that Nathan was the one who was privileged and had their father's love. But that wasn't true. Dan only cared about himself and his image. If Nathan wasn't such a good basketball player, he was pretty sure that his father would want nothing to do with him either.
"And I thought that I was special," Lucas joked. Nathan laughed softly.
"Apparently not."
"Ooh, the girls are coming!" Tim suddenly exclaimed from his spot by the window. Both Nathan and Lucas looked awkwardly away from each other. Crap, did we just have a brotherly moment? Nathan pushed that thought aside. He got off his bed and stood up. Tim then raced to the door—cutting off Jake—and opened it eagerly.
"Waz up, shorties?!" he called. "Welcome to our crib." Nathan rolled his eyes. You're white, Tim!
"We've been here before, Dim," Brooke said as she pushed him out of the way and headed straight for Lucas. Peyton and Kat then followed. Nathan frowned when Haley didn't come.
"Where's Haley?" he asked. He wasn't going to go to the dance without her.
"Oh she's…" Brooke began but Nathan didn't hear her. Just then, Haley finally did walk through the door. Nathan took one glance at her and he felt his mouth drop open. She looks gorgeous. Her outfit complimented her curves in all the right places. He almost didn't want to go to the dance. He'd rather stay there and have her all to himself. Nathan knew for a fact that her outfit would attract the attention of the other guys—even if they did believe she was once fat.
"Nate, you can close your mouth now," Peyton whispered laughing. He nodded thoughtlessly as his eyes zeroed in on her lips. Haley had on a bright red gloss. It stood out against her fair skin and accentuated her outfit even more. If the others weren't in the room, Nathan definitely would've kissed her senseless by now.
"So, what do you think?" Haley questioned timidly. She couldn't tell if Nathan's staring was a good or a bad thing. But judging by how his eyes appeared a few shades darker, she'd go with the first option.
"Wow," was all he could say. I think that means he likes it.
"That's a good 'wow' right?"
"Oh yeah," he finally answered once he managed to regain control of his voice. He then wrapped his arms around Haley's waist and brought her to him. As Nathan leaned in, he could smell the strawberry scent of the lip gloss. His lips practically tingled with the anticipation of kissing her. I wonder if it tastes like strawberries, too. Unfortunately, he wasn't able to find out since Brooke interrupted.
"Oh no, none of that. You'll ruin her makeup before we even get there." Nathan let out a frustrated sigh.
"Later," Haley promised with a smile.
"I'm holding you to that," Nathan replied while giving her a kiss on the cheek.
"Now can we go?" Tim asked impatiently.
"Yes," they all answered annoyed.
"Finally!" Tim then looped his arm around Kat's shoulders and led the way. The group soon arrived at the mess hall. The large room was completely transformed. There was a DJ and red, white, and blue decorations everywhere. Even the lights were patriotic.
"This is nice. In a cheesy kind of way," Kat commented.
"Ooh, is that a buffet table?" Tim asked heading towards it.
"Oh crap," Haley muttered.
"What's the matter?" Nathan asked concerned.
"Everyone is looking at me."
"That's because your outfit is so kick ass," Brooke assured her.
"Either that or they're trying to see if I really do have a fat ass," Haley mumbled.
"Which you don't," Peyton pointed out. Nathan put his arm around her and brought her in close.
"Don't worry about any of them," he murmured in her ear. "You look beautiful and they only made that flyer because they're jealous." Haley nodded and tried to calm herself down. She could see Stacey and her friends hovering nearby. She wanted to stay as far away from them as possible in case they had something else up their sleeves.
"Yeah, and we have your back, Tutor Girl," Brooke added. "Now let's dance. I love this song." Kat DeLuna's "Whine Up" blared through the speakers and the strobe lights were turned on. Brooke led them all to the middle of the dance floor. Nathan came up behind her and wrapped his hands around her waist. Haley put one hand over his while the other was holding onto his shoulder. She let the beat take over and started to grind up against him. Nathan wasn't the dancing type so he had no problem with Haley taking the lead. In fact, he preferred it. He found it completely sexy. Kat and Tim joined the group a minute later.
They started to form their own little circle—blocking everyone else out. Haley noticed a number of girls watching them with scowls on their faces. Instead of worrying about it, she just reveled in it. She and her boyfriend—who she was crazy about—were having fun. Screw the rest of them. Haley then spun around so that she was facing Nathan. As they continued to move to the music, Nathan couldn't take it anymore and finally captured her lips in his. I was right. It does taste like strawberries, he thoughtHaley completely gave into the kiss. Nathan pulled her tighter against him as he hungrily devoured her mouth. He couldn't get enough of her. Haley felt her body heat rise as his tongue battled with hers for dominance. They continued to kiss passionately until someone bumped into them. They broke apart to see Stacey and her friends dancing right next to them.
"Oh, sorry," Stacey apologized. You should be, thought Haley as she rolled her eyes. Nathan let out an agitated sigh. He was not in the mood to deal with them right now. He looked over at Lucas to see if he was watching this but it was obvious he wasn't. He and Brooke were involved in a heavy make out session of their own. Peyton and Jake were still dancing but they seemed to be in their own little world. As for Kat and Tim, they were no where to be found.
"It's fine," Nathan replied curtly. He tightened his hold on Haley protectively. He didn't trust Stacey and her friends for one minute.
"So, Nathan, did you want to dance? I'm sure Haley could use a break," Stacey commented sweetly.
"I'm quite fine, actually," Haley stated. "And we're kind of busy." She then pulled Nathan's head back down to hers. He smirked against her lips. Nathan loved her feistiness and her ability to come right back when people tried to tear her down.
"Ugh, get a room," Jaime remarked snootily.
"They have plenty of room. And like she said, they're busy," Brooke said getting involved. It seemed that she and Lucas had finally noticed what was happening."So why don't you and the rest of your lap dogs run along?" Haley broke the kiss and saw that Brooke had her hands placed on her hips glaring at the other brunette.
"I think we're fine just where we are," Jaime retorted getting in Brooke's face.
"And I think that if you don't back up from my friend, you'll be getting your next period out of your nose," Peyton threatened stepping in.
"Bring it on bi…"
"Is there a problem here, ladies?" Whitey questioned once he'd approached the group.
"Yes, there is," Stacey's other friend Kayla stated. "We were minding our own business dancing when they started harassing us." We harassed them. These sluts are unbelievable, Haley thought.
"What?!" Brooke screeched. "That is complete bull!"
"Calm down, Miss Davis. I saw the whole thing," Whitey announced. He then turned to Stacey and her friends. "Whatever 'beef' you have with these girls…" Whitey said while making air quotes, "…will end right now. There will be no fighting. And if I find out that there is anymore trouble, I'll go to the camp director himself. Do I make myself clear?"
"Fine, but we didn't do anything," Stacey claimed.
"Yeah right," Haley mumbled sarcastically. Stacey glared at her and Haley just stared right back.
"Did you hear that?!" Jaime exclaimed. "See, we're the innocent ones."
"Oh shut it, will you?" Brooke retorted.
"Personally, I don't know what you're talking about," Whitey declared. "I didn't hear anything. But it's a dance. I'm sure you can find more productive things to do than to argue with an old man like me." Nathan smiled to himself. Whitey completely saw through their crap—unlike the rest of the staff.
"That's not fair!" Stacey argued. "They're just going to get away with antagonizing us like this?"
"Once again, I have no idea what you're talking about," Whitey proclaimed. "But there's one more thing I'd like to mention before you leave. If I see anymore false and degrading posters hanging around, not only will the camp director be involved, but people will be sent home."
"We had nothing to do with that," Jaime denied.
"I didn't say that you did. I just wanted to mention it. Now that I have, you girls are free to go," Whitey said with an easy smile. Stacey scowled before beckoning her minions to follow her.
"Thanks, Coach," Nathan said.
"No problem," Whitey replied. "Now if you'll excuse me, there's a chicken shish kabob outside on the grill with my name on it."
"Um, how did he know about them and the posters?" Haley asked once Whitey was out of earshot.
"I told him," Lucas revealed. They all turned to look at him. "I just thought that we should have at least one adult who knows what's going on. Besides, we can trust Whitey."
"Well, clearly it was the right decision," Jake commented.
"Yeah, good work, Broody," Brooke beamed. "I think you deserve a reward."
"If you're going to jump each other's bones, please take it elsewhere," Peyton teased.
"Ew, my virgin ears!" Haley exclaimed causing them all to laugh.
"How about we all just go outside for a while? It's getting too hot and crowded in here," Nathan suggested. They then made their way outside. Haley noticed Kat sitting at one of the picnic tables that were set up.
"Hey, guys," Kat greeted when they approached. "How was it in there?"
"Dramatic," Peyton answered taking a seat. Everyone else followed.
"What?"
"We'll tell you later," Brooke said. "Anyway, why are you sitting out here by yourself? Where's, Dim?"
"Oh, Timmy is getting another shish kabob and some ice cream for me," Kat answered.
"Timmy?" Nathan questioned as they all laughed.
"Yes. I happen to think it sounds cute," she defended.
"Well, better you than me," Brooke said as she snuggled up close to Lucas. They all started talking and joking around when Tim finally came back about ten minutes later.
"Guys, you have to try this," Tim declared with a full mouth. "These chicken sticks are da bomb." He took a seat next to Kat and gave her the ice cream in his other hand. "Here, Nate, try it."
"No thanks. I'm full," Nathan replied.
"Haley?"
"I'm good," she said.
"Peyton? Jake?" They shook their heads.
"Lucas?"
"I'm not a big chicken person."
"Broo…"
"Don't even ask," Brooke said cutting him off.
"Fine, more for me," he said taking another huge bite. After Tim's shish kabob efforts, the teens returned back to their previous conversation. Haley tried to pay attention but it was a little hard when people kept staring at her and whispering. Just then, Haley's cell phone rang. She looked at the caller ID.
"Who is it?" Nathan questioned.
"It's my parents," she answered while getting up. "I'll be right back." She walked over to a secluded area. Her mom called to wish her a Happy Fourth of July and to see how she was liking camp. They were still at Matt's apartment. Haley told them everything was fine. She didn't want them worrying. Her dad then got on the phone and they talked for a few more minutes.
"Haley, honey, I've got to go," Jimmy stated. Haley heard a loud beeping noise coming from her father's side. "Emily's trying to make us dinner and it's not going well."
"Matt, get the fire extinguisher!" Haley heard her mom shout.
"Yeah, I can hear. I'll talk to you guys later."
"Ok, have fun, Haley Bop. Bye." He then quickly shut off. Haley laughed softly to herself. My brother sure knows how to pick them.
"What's so funny?" Haley jumped when she heard the voice behind her. Oh crap.
"Ryan, what are you doing here?" Haley asked. She tried to keep the nervousness out of her voice. There were other people walking around nearby but she was still a little cut off from them.
"I wanted to talk to you. We haven't seen each other in a while."
"Oh, you mean after you lunged at me and practically shoved your tongue down my throat? Gee, I wonder why," she replied sarcastically.
"I'm sorry about that. I'm not always good at reading girls' signals," he explained.
"You expect me to believe that? I blatantly told you 'no' and you still wouldn't back off," Haley pointed out. She walked past him so that she'd be more out in the open. "Would you have even stopped if Nathan hadn't come?" She surveyed his face and saw that his bruises were starting to somewhat fade.
"Yes. I didn't mean to scare you. I thought we were on the same page."
"Well, we weren't," she said coldly as she started to walk away.
"Haley, wait! Please just talk to me," Ryan begged.
"There's nothing to talk about. I know all about that damn bet you made with your friends. The fact that you could even do something like that to another person disgusts me."
"I was just joking around with the guys. Nathan was the one who blew it all out of proportion," Ryan excused.
"Whether you were joking around or not it was wrong and disrespectful. Nathan was just looking out for me," Haley argued heatedly. She hated guys who made excuses and didn't own up to their own actions. This bastard is some piece of work.
"And that gives him the right to beat me up for it?"
"If you had kept your hands and your mouth to yourself, there wouldn't have been a problem." Haley, once again, tried to walk away. She didn't trust Ryan at all and this conversation was starting to get intense. All she wanted to do was return to her friends and Nathan's safe arms. They were also beginning to attract a crowd.
"Maybe if you weren't such a tease, then I wouldn't have gotten the wrong message," Ryan insinuated while stepping in front of her.
"I am not a tease," Haley denied angrily. "Don't you blame me for your lack of self control."
"Oh please, just look at the way you're dressed right now. Your boobs are all out, your pants are tight, and you're wearing high heels. If that isn't an invitation that screams 'f--- me' then I don't know what is." At his words, Haley's temper flared. The next thing she knew, her hand had reached up and slapped Ryan hard across the face. The loud smack got even more people's attention—including her friends who were sitting not too far away. They all came running to see what was going on. Nathan and Lucas both looked livid.
"Why you little…" Ryan began as he advanced on her. Luckily, he didn't get very far.
"What the hell is going on here?" Lucas demanded stepping in between Haley and Ryan. Nathan was right beside him. Ryan's friends now approached as Jake and Tim joined them, also. Haley noticed Stacey and Jaime pushing their way through the large crowd that had formed. It figures. Anywhere there's trouble they're sure to come.
"Tutor Girl, are you ok?" Brooke questioned as she put a hand on her shoulder.
"What did the pervert do now?" Peyton asked while throwing Ryan a dirty look.
"If you touched her again, Ryan, I swear I'll kick what's left of your sorry ass," Nathan warned with fire in his eyes. Haley noticed everyone starting to whisper around them. It looked like they had all just found out that that fight was really about her.
"I'd like to see you try," Brett joined in.
"Wanna bet?" Lucas retorted challenging him. Jake and Tim walked closer backing them up.
"Lucas," Brooke warned sharply. The girls all cast worried glances to one another.
"I'll tell you what happened," Ryan stated. "Your little fat bitch slapped me."
"That's it," Nathan growled. It was the last straw. I'm going to kill him, he seethed.
"Nathan, don't," Haley pleaded as she wrapped a hand around his arm. If there was another fight it would be all over. "He's not even worth it."
"Aw, and she even reigns him in, too," Ryan laughed nastily.
"You can shut the hell up," Haley ordered. It had been the week from hell and she wasn't going to stand for it anymore. "You're nothing more than some pathetic, two-faced bastard who can't stand not getting your own way. And if you ever talk to me or touch me like that again, then it'll be me who's kicking the living shit out of you—never mind the guys." Everyone started making 'oohing' noises at her outburst. Nathan could tell that a lot of people were impressed—and possibly a little scared. His girlfriend was a fighter and they were all just starting to realize this.
"What are you going to do? Sit on him?" Stacey questioned causing them all to laugh.
"Oh, the boyfriend-stealing skank speaks. Well guess what? I don't believe I was talking to you, bitch," Haley fired back. Stacey was about to say something when Brooke cut in.
"Haley was never fat, by the way. You completely altered that picture," Brooke exclaimed angrily.
"Whatever you have to believe," Jaime retorted.
"Just give us the original photo back," Peyton ordered. "We know you stole it from our cabin."
"We did no such thing," Stacey replied innocently.
"Like hell you did," Kat said as they all started arguing back and forth.
"Enough," Haley interjected after a minute or so. All the arguments and fights weren't going to settle anything. She was pissed but they didn't need anymore trouble. She had an idea that might just solve their problem. "This isn't going to get us anywhere. It's obvious that neither one of our two groups can stand each other."
"Uh, duh," Jaime muttered as the rest of them nodded.
"So here's what's going to happen. You guys stay the hell away from us and we'll stay the hell away from you. At the end of the summer, we'll see who's really the best after the tournament is over. Sound fair?" she questioned looking at all of them. Haley hoped that by making this agreement, they'd all lay off each other for the next five weeks.
"I can live with that," Brett stated. "Besides, it'll be fun to watch you all fall on your asses by the time we get done with you."
"That's assuming you can even keep up," Lucas retorted.
"Well, our routine is foolproof. We're definitely taking home that trophy," Stacey declared.
"But it's not as hott as ours," Brooke bragged. "And the only trophy you'll be taking home will be for second place."
"Then it's settled. No one messes with anyone from the other team. Everything we have we bring to the competition. Agreed?" Haley clarified. She wanted to make sure everyone understood.
"Fine," Nathan answered. The rest of her friends nodded. She then looked to their "opponents."
"Deal," Ryan stated. His friends nodded, too. Good. At least they'll leave us alone. Now all we have to do is win…