AN: I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. Mine was a blast! Thanks for all the reviews. I hope you guys love this chapter.
Quote of the Day:
Liz: (to Max) "Cherry cola on the house."
Maria: (to Michael) "Yours is $1.25."
Chapter Twenty One –Beautiful Disaster
"Dude, would you relax?"
Nathan ignored his friend as he continued looking around the flower shop. Today was very important. It would be the first time that he would meet Haley's parents. Lucas had told him that they were cool and also that her father really didn't like any boy around his daughters which was understandable. But still, he couldn't help but feel nervous. He knew that he didn't need to be. It wasn't like he was Haley's boyfriend. Still, the thought of meeting her parents was enough to make his nervous on edge.
"What about these? Do you think she'll like them?" Nathan asked holding the colorful bouquet in his hands.
"Who cares?"
"I do," Nathan spit out.
"Nate, they look fine," Lucas mumbled.
"But will she like them?" Nathan pressed.
"How old is this chic, man?"
"Chase, I'm about two seconds away from breaking your pitching arm," Nathan gritted out. Chase's smirk instantly left his face. He held up his hands and took a few steps back, until he was standing next to Lucas. Nathan hadn't meant to scare them but first impressions were everything and it was important to him that they liked him. That's what he had prayed for last night before he had fallen asleep. That's what he wanted today.
"We surrender," Lucas chuckled as he held up his hands as well. "Plus, we have to get going. My mom is probably wondering why we aren't back yet."
"We're on a flower hunt," Chase snickered.
Nathan glared at him.
"Mrs. James will love them," Lucas smiled reassuringly. "Now, we'll be in the car. Please hurry. I don't want to give my mother a reason to be pissed at me. It's bad enough that she's mad that I lost my temper last game."
"That guy was all over you," Chase declared. "If it had been me, I would have hit him!"
"Yeah-yeah, tough guy," Nathan finally smiled. "Things are pretty different in the baseball and basketball world."
"How's so?" Chase inquired as he crossed his arms over his chest. He leaned against one of the cold glass doors of the cooler, before he crossed his legs as well.
"All you do is stand on a mound and pitch," Nathan said simply. "We on the other hand are all about contact. There isn't five seconds that passes by without us slamming into someone else."
"Contact sport, huh?" Chase chuckled.
"It's just the facts," Lucas nodded.
"Funny," Chase raised his eyebrows, "last week when that idiot batter rushed the mound for me, I don't know, it just seemed like a contact sport when I knocked him out." He shrugged his shoulders but kept that goofy grin on his face.
"I see your point," Lucas chuckled.
"Dude, you also got suspended for three games," Nathan stated.
Chase smirked. "Totally worth it!"
"We'll be in the car," Lucas pointed out as he turned. Chase soon followed after him. Nathan watched until the glass door swung shut before he walked up to the register. He quickly paid for the bouquet of flowers before rushing out to the car. Lucas already had the passenger's door open for him.
The ride back home was quiet with the exception of the music that Lucas and Chase were banging their heads to. Ever since he introduced them yesterday they were fast friends. Chase was the easiest person in the world to get along with. The guy was totally laid back and was mostly to himself. That is when he wasn't trying to be smartass. He had met Chase through Peyton of course. They were in some music class together. Chase even claimed to be in a band. He didn't know about that. But looking towards the backseat, he watched as Chase drummed his hands on his legs, in beat with the music.
His thoughts turned to last night and he could easily picture them sitting on his room floor. They had stayed that way for so long without even a word. It felt nice to finally tell her the truth and get it off of his chest. After that things were back to normal for them. It had always been easy to be around her. Once his Aunt and Uncle had gotten back everyone went into the living room and they all watched a movie together. Lucas and Chase hadn't got home until way after Haley had left.
Pulling up into the driveway, they all got out.
"Tree Hill is small," Chase noted as he glanced around the small neighborhood. They had driven around town earlier showing him around.
"That's how I felt when I got here," Nathan chuckled.
"Where you from again?" Lucas questioned as the boys walked towards the house. He was surprised that his mother wasn't waiting on the steps for them. They marched into the house, slamming the door.
Nathan shook his head. "You've been this way since he got here. Why do you feel the need to ask him a million questions?"
"I don't mind," Chase smiled.
"Well, if you must know," Lucas eyed his little cousin. "I kind of like him."
"Oh, how sweet," Nathan teased.
"Now, that he has Luke's approval," Keith chuckled as he listened from inside the living room. He placed his beer can on the table as he turned to glace at the boys.
"My approval means a lot," Lucas explained in a very serious tone.
Chase nodded.
"What does that even mean?" Nathan questioned as he took a seat. He carefully placed the flowers on the coffee table before turning his attention to the two boys.
"I'm from Portland," Chase finally answered. "I've lived there my whole life. My junior year, I got a full ride offer from Duke and after I graduated, at the top of my class, I went to Duke. Anything else? My favorite color perhaps? Or maybe my weight?"
Keith and Nathan chuckled as Chase's eyes stayed on Lucas's.
"I love this kid," Keith announced as soon as Karen walked into the living room. She was smiling as she finished putting on her earrings.
"So, how did you like your tour of Tree Hill, Chase?" Karen asked with a smile.
"A lot, Mrs. Scott," Chase smiled. "And the café was amazing. I loved the apple pie, best in the world." He held his hand over his heart and smiled sweetly at her.
"Thanks," Karen smiled. "My boys didn't tell you to tell me that did they?" She eyed all three of them before finally looking back at Chase.
"No, Ma'am," Chase smiled innocently.
"Good," Karen smiled as she reached for her jacket. "Michael and Evelyn are already at Lydia's so I guess we should head over there. Let's go." The four men reluctantly stood up and followed her out of the door. Nathan and Chase stayed a few feet behind.
Once they reached next door, Nathan's grasp on the flowers tightened. His heart was hammering in his chest as he stood there waiting for someone to answer the door. He was so grateful that his family stood before him. It was seconds later when a man opened the door with a huge smile on his face. Nathan watched curiously as the man instantly shook Keith's hand.
"Finally, we can go in my study and watch the game. Michael will be thrilled," Jimmy stated as he let go of Keith's hand. Jimmy waved politely towards their little group. "Hi. Welcome to our home. Karen you look beautiful as ever." Jimmy gave her a friendly hug before nodding once towards the three boys. "Boys."
Keith kissed Karen on the cheek before walking inside the house with Jimmy. Nathan slowly followed Lucas and his Aunt Karen's inside of the house.
"You're finally here," Lydia smiled as she pulled Karen into a hug. The three boys stood in front of the door once Lucas had finally closed it. It wasn't long until his Aunt Karen started hugging the other lady that Nathan assumed was Lindsey's mother. She had all of Lindsey's features. She was dressed in some fancy designer dress. She looked liked she would fit in perfect with his old world. He could easily see her among the countless women at ball or charity benefit. The only difference between her and her daughter was that she had bright golden locks.
"Where's Linds? I have to see her," Lucas stated as he gazed intently at her mother. When she didn't seem to hear him, he shook his head and mumbled something that sounded like a very inappropriate word.
And then, there they were. They were both talking quietly as they walked into the hallway, both girls in their own little world not noticing a thing. All the noise around him simply disappeared. He could hear nothing but her quiet laughter as they made it closer. Just like always, she was moving in slow motion. Lindsey was a distant blur even though she was walking right next to her. Her smile was bright and he barely noticed the beautiful emerald dress she wore. Her dark chocolate locks were flowing down touching her shoulders, with a small white headband holding it slightly back. He quickly swallowed the lump in his throat as the girls finally noticed they had company.
Both Lindsey and Haley stood next to Lydia. Evelyn and Karen's embracing happening right in the middle of them, blocking the three guys from the girls.
"Jacket's," Lucas mumbled as he took his off. Nathan turned to take his off as well. It had been way to hot for him this morning but his Aunt Karen insisted that he would need it later. He only put it on to appease her.
"Which one is Nathan, Haley-bop?"
Nathan smiled to himself as he pretended not to hear Haley's mother. Out of the corner of his eye he noticed her cheeks turn a light shade of pink before she quickly turned to face Lindsey. The fact that he had been mentioned had his heart racing for a different reason.
"Chase, what are you doing here?"
Nathan turned to look at his friend. Chase stood there smiling brightly at Lindsey as the girls' anxious voice filled the air. She wasn't smiling back though. The scowl on her face had Nathan frightened. He had no idea that Chase knew anyone from Tree Hill, much less Haley's bestfriend. No wonder Lucas was playing 21 questions with the boy.
"You never answer your phone," Lucas mumbled, shaking his head, as he stormed off into the living room, clearly upset. He had been trying to reach her all morning.
"It's him," Haley smiled as she glanced at the boy that she had seen only once at the party a month ago. Lindsey hadn't talked about him since.
"You girls know Nathan's good friend Chase Addams?" Karen asked nicely once she noticed the tension in the large hallway.
Without a word Lindsey stormed off towards the living room, mumbling something to herself along the way. Nathan smiled as he realized that she was swearing and Evelyn shook her head in disapproval.
"We do," Haley nodded smiling towards the dark haired boy she didn't know.
"I'll just go make sure she's ok," Chase smiled politely. Soon he left as well. His Aunt Karen and Evelyn followed him out of the hallway. Haley smiled nervously towards him as her mother stood there waiting.
"Uh, mom, this is my good friend –"
"Nathan!"
Before anything else registered to him, Lily had already jumped up in his arms. She hugged him tightly before pulling away and smiling at him. It was a second later when Lily finally turned towards her mother.
"Momma, this is Nathan," Lily said with a goofy grin. "My very bestfriend!" She leaned into him and rested her head on his shoulder.
"Poor Tuck," Lydia whispered towards Haley. Haley laughed at the mention of Lily's favorite bear.
"Hey, Munchkin," Nathan smiled at her.
"It's very nice to meet you, Nathan," Lydia smiled. "I've heard a lot about you."
Haley's face turned cherry red as she looked away from him. He smiled softly before holding out the flowers to her mother.
"It's very nice meeting you, Mrs. James," Nathan smiled brightly as he handed her the flowers. "These are for you. Haley talks about you all the time."
"That's very nice of you," Lydia smiled brightly as she took in the sight of them. "How did you know these were my favorite?"
"Lucky guess," Nathan shrugged. It was seconds later when he heard Lucas yelling his name from the room down the hall. He glanced that way before looking back at the lady smiling at him.
"Go ahead," Lydia smiled.
"Yes, Ma'am," Nathan mumbled. He smiled once at Haley before he and Lily walked away. Once they were far enough, he heard her mother's voice. It only made him smile more. Today was going to be a good day, he was sure of it.
"You didn't tell me he was so cute, Haley-bop."
They all four sat on the back deck. The large table was filled with drinks and a few snacks. Their seats were all positioned towards the pool as all eyes stayed facing towards the backyard. All the adults were in the house. Haley heard Lucas chuckle and her attention focused on him from across the table. He was whispering something over to Chase and she desperately wished that she knew what it was. She hated not knowing and right now she didn't know what the hell was going on.
On the far side of the pool, Lindsey paced back and forth.
It had been an hour that they had been watching her. It would be so much easier to just sit down and talk, but Lindsey wasn't having it. She hadn't said a word to anyone since he showed up.
And for the tenth time she glanced over at him. He was very handsome. His eyes were a dark brown matching his neatly combed hair. His smile was cute as he laughed along with Lucas. He was dressed very laidback with only a tan t-shirt and a pair of blue cargo shorts despite the cold weather. She didn't know what her bestfriend had against this guy, but it sure wasn't his looks? He was adorable. He had a cute baby face.
"So, Hales, where is Jake?" Lucas questioned as he glanced back towards her.
Nathan shifted uncomfortably in his seat and focused all of his energy on the pool. His eyes stayed glued to water as the sun beamed bright in the sky. It didn't stop the cold air from hitting his face.
"Stupid thunderstorm delayed his flight," Haley muttered as she glared down.
"Oh," Lucas said softly. "I'm sure he'll get here as soon as he can."
"Yeah," Haley nodded as all eyes turned towards her. She couldn't take it anymore. She glanced at the brown eyed boy. "Who are you?"
"Chase Addams."
"No, I know that," Haley rolled her eyes. "Who are you to her?" She pointed towards Lindsey, who was still pacing back and forth. The girl looked out of it.
"I guess she hasn't mentioned me, huh?" Chase said sadly, letting the slightest shimmer of pain pass through his eyes, but it was gone a second later.
"No," both Lucas and Haley said at the same time.
"Well, I guess that sucks for me then," Chase laughed it off.
Nathan shook his head. This was all so confusing. "How do you know her? You've never mentioned her before either and we've been hanging out since school started."
"She said she needed time," Chase shrugged as he sat back in the chair.
"From?"
"Me, I guess," he added.
"Seriously, who are you?" Haley asked him once again. They all didn't notice the girl walking angrily towards them. It was seconds later when she was standing in front of Chase with her one hand on her hip and the other hanging on her side shaking.
"Are you stalking me?!"
"What? No! I was invited," Chase said nicely with a smile.
Nathan held up his hand slightly but she ignored him. "I did invite him."
"What are you doing here of all places? I thought I told you to…"
He held up his hands to stop her. "I didn't come here for you. I didn't even know you lived here. Nathan invited me up and promised me good food, I swear. This isn't one of my pathetic attempts to get you back. You said you needed time and that's exactly what I'm giving you…time." The word came out of his mouth in loathing. "I may not understand it but I gave you my word. I promise, Linds. I'm not some crazy stalker, ok?"
"Oh."
"But…"
"Get you back?" Haley mumbled softly to herself. Seriously, what the hell was going on? She didn't know this guy. She didn't even know he existed until last month and now all of a sudden he was trying to get Lindsey back. When the hell did he have her? Who the hell was he? Why didn't Lindsey mention him? They shared everything. At least she thought they did.
"This is kind of…"
"What?"
"Nothing. Never mind," Chase smiled up at her.
"No, I want to know," Lindsey insisted.
He smirked. "It's just. This is kind of funny, huh? I mean of all the places for me to end up. I'm just as surprised as you are. Well, except I'm not all dramatic about it. You swear I was standing at that door with a gun waiting for you." He started laughing and both of the boys joined in.
"She is a drama queen!" Lucas declared.
"This is insane!" Lindsey shouted at him.
"You say insane, I say fate," Chase smiled happily. His smile turned into a smug grin as he watched her lose her cool right in front of everyone.
"No, I change my mind, you're insane," Lindsey yelled in fury.
"For you," Chase smirked. He watched in amusement as she stalked off towards the house. He instantly relaxed himself back in the lawn chair. He crossed his arms over his chest and smiled. "This just got a whole lot more interesting."
"So, you liking Tree Hill?" Lucas smirked.
"Oh, I love Tree Hill," Chase said smugly.
Haley sat silently trying to take everything in. Her eyes stayed glued to the door that Lindsey had slammed shut seconds before. The boys were back talking amongst themselves, but she wasn't listening. She barely noticed Taylor walk out the back door and head towards them. She didn't have time for this. She wanted to know what the hell was going on with her bestfriend.
Standing up, she took off walking.
"I guess this is what I get for sleeping late," Taylor mused as she took Haley's seat and smiled seductively at the three boys. "Three sexy boys in my back yard…I must still be dreaming. Damn boy, you're fine."
She slammed the door shut before she could hear anymore. She was barely aware of the voices of the rest of her family in the living room as she made it to the stairs. Everyone was laughing and talking, just like every year, one big happy family. And that was exactly what they all were, family. Her family. This was supposed to be a happy day, not a sad one.
She made it to her room, and quickly shut the door.
Lindsey was sitting on the floor with a paper bag over her mouth as she tried to calm herself. She had never seen Lindsey hyperventilate before. In an instant she was sitting on the floor right next to her, her arm wrapped comfortingly around Lindsey's waist.
"Talk to me," Haley whispered.
Lindsey shook her head. "I don't know what to say. I don't know…I."
Her breathing finally calmed and she let the bag fall to the ground.
"Well, he's hot," Haley smiled.
"I'm sorry that I didn't tell you," Lindsey started as her eyes finally turned toward her.
"It's ok, just start from the beginning," Haley said as she squeezed her arm around her friends waist reassuringly.
Lindsey nodded. "It was a few months ago at some stupid party. I had a run in with Felix and he had that stupid whore Nikki on his arm….and I just…he pissed me off so much! Ugh, he just knows how to push my buttons! I ran to the kitchen and started drinking as much as I could. I just wanted to forget who I was. I wanted to forget him…forget it. I didn't want to remember all the pain he caused me."
"Why didn't you tell me?" Haley asked softly.
She shrugged. "We see the world different sometimes, Grover. I'm not like you. I don't live in some fairytale. It's just me and I'm alone. It's different for you. You have Jake and he's all you can see. It's not like that for me, even when I was with Felix it wasn't as deep as what you have. I didn't look at him and see my whole future. So, it's not the same and you can't understand where I'm coming from."
"I'm sorry, I didn't know you felt that way."
"It's just the truth," Lindsey said simply. "I loved him and just like that it was over. And everyday I live with the reminder of what he did to me. I remember how stupid I had been for believing that he actually loved me. And it hurts. You don't know how hard it is to always see him. I know he's Jake's bestfriend and you can't help that but it's hard for me to be around him that much after everything."
"I know, I thought you didn't care…I thought you were over him," Haley said softly. She felt horrible. She felt like the worst bestfriend on the planet. Lindsey deserved so much better. And sitting on the floor holding her, she promised herself that's exactly what she was going to be, better. Better for Lindsey. No, matter what Jake said. She would make him understand. He would back her up on this, he had to.
"I am," Lindsey answered. "He left this big gash in my heart. This big huge gash and it's constantly hurting. It only gets worse when he's around. It hurts so badly sometimes that I can barely stand it. Being with him, it changed me, Grover. So, like I said, we don't see the world the same way. You still have your first love while I'm desperately trying to forget mine. Now, where was I on my story?"
"You were trying to get drunk," Haley mumbled.
"He made me stop drinking," Lindsey smiled softly. "He took me back to his dorm and he took care of me. When I woke up the next morning, I was in his bed fully dressed and he was sleeping uncomfortably on the floor…a perfect gentlemen."
"He looks like it," Haley nodded.
"We talked all morning and then all morning turned into the afternoon and before I knew it, it was night again. Being with him was different. That one day with him made me forget, Grover. It was the first day that I didn't feel that big gash in my heart. It felt amazing, I couldn't remember a time when I hadn't felt it…when it hadn't been part of me," Lindsey muttered.
"I had no idea," Haley whispered. She felt like the worse possible version of herself at the moment. She hadn't been the person she needed to be for Lindsey.
"I just didn't want you to worry about me," Lindsey stated once she noticed the guilt on her face. "You're the best bestfriend in the world, don't ever doubt that."
"How can I not?" Haley questioned. "You've been in nothing but pain and I knew that but I didn't know it was this bad. And here I am just making it worse by making you hangout with me while that stupid idiot is always by Jake's side. I'll never forgive myself for this!"
"Grover," Lindsey pouted. "Please, this is so not about that. This is about me. I haven't been dealing with everything very well. This is not your fault, ok?"
"I'm so sorry," Haley whispered as she pulled her into a hug. "I promise that if Jake is hanging out with that prick, then we will be nowhere around. You can believe me on that. Jake will just have to deal. Nothing is more important to me than making sure you're ok. Not after all the pain you've felt. Now, what happened with Chase? You seem mad at him."
She shook her head and looked down. "I'm mostly mad at myself. When I went to leave that night, he didn't want me to go and more importantly, I didn't want me to go. And that scared the crap out of me. It made that gash in my heart feel pain for the first time that day. I was terrified of the connection that we had and I just had to get the hell out of there…I just couldn't be around him. I was so scared of being hurt again. I realized while I was leaving that I wasn't over all the pain in my heart. I wasn't over what he did to me. So, when he asked if he could call me, I told him that I needed some time."
"And now here we are," Haley finished.
"I was so excited to see him but terrified at the same time, you know?" Lindsey mumbled. "He's been trying to get me to go on a date with him but I'm scared."
Haley nodded. She knew that feeling all to well.
"So, I guess that's why I'm so angry towards him. I mean I told him I needed more time to get over it and here it is months later and I'm still hurting a little. And he gave me time. I don't think I'm ready for…and even if I were…I don't know. I'm so confused."
"You like him?" Haley smiled.
She nodded. "So much. I don't know what to do!"
"Take it slow," Haley suggested with a warm smile. "He seems really great. Plus, you know he's a good guy if Nathan is friends with him. And Luke likes him as well."
"Let's get downstairs before Evelyn notices me gone," Lindsey chuckled before they both stood up. Her hands instantly went to her dress smoothing it out. "How do I look?"
"Beautiful," Haley answered honestly. "Now, let's go. Last I remember Taylor was talking to the guys out back."
"Oh crap!"
She sat frozen as she watched the scene in front of her. Her stupid sister sat there flirting with Nathan. It had been going on all afternoon. It wasn't enough that she was stressed about Jake's arrival. He was still stuck at the stupid airport unable to take off. But now she had to deal with this. Everyone sat in the living room talking and having a good time. Taylor had a huge grin on her face. She quickly turned her attention to Lily.
"What's the matter, Haley-bop?" Lily asked sadly as she looked up at her sister. She was currently sitting in Haley's lap watching Chase and Lucas play a came of chess. "Why are you sad?"
"I'm not," Haley smiled.
"Ok," Lily smiled back. "I think Lucas is going to win! How about you? Oh, did you want to play next? I would love that very much!"
"Slow down, Munchkin," Haley chuckled. "And I think that Chase is in the lead."
Lindsey nodded. "He totally has him."
"The game isn't over," Lucas snapped.
Nathan chuckled. "He's about to get your –"
"I told you," Chase smirked. "Or did you want to go for round two? I'm sure that I could go a little easier on you. I mean if you wanted?"
"No," Lucas growled. "Let's see what you got on the court. I mean unless you're too scared? I know last night wasn't easy for you, with getting your ass handed to you and all. Want to go for a rematch?"
"That sounded like a challenge," Taylor clapped her hands. "You game, cutie?"
"Of course," Chase stood up. Lucas did the same and both boys glared at each other before walking towards the hallway. Taylor stood up as well and followed them.
"Let's go, doodle-bug," Lindsey stated as she lifted Lily in her arms.
"Are you coming, Nathan?" Lily asked quickly.
"I'll be out soon," Nathan promised.
Haley laughed. "Can I come, too?"
"Oh yes," Lily giggled. "Please, Haley-bop. You have to come." Before the little girl could say anything else Lindsey had walked into the hallway and they heard the door slam shut.
"She's adorable," Nathan smiled as he turned his gaze on Haley.
"She really likes you," Haley stated with a smile.
"Well, I'm glad. I think that helped me out a lot with your parents. You should have seen Luke's face earlier when your dad was talking sports with me. It was like a blow to his ego."
"My father talked to you? Liked talk talked?" Haley asked dumbfound.
"Yep," Nathan nodded. "He even invited me to go up to the Country Club anytime I wanted." He noticed her mouth hanging open. "I mean, I mentioned that I played and he got so excited about having some new competition. I hope you don't mind."
"No," Haley said quickly. "It's just…wow."
"I know," Nathan smiled. "Lucas is pretty pissed right now that after twenty years of living next door to the man, he's never liked him, but I come here and in one day I'm getting a golf invitation. My Uncle Keith loved that one. I'm sure he'll play with us, too. At least, I hope. Your father scares the hell out of me."
"Me too," Haley finally laughed. She pushed the thought of her father liking Nathan in the back of her mind. She would analyze that later. Right now she was just enjoying the first alone time they had all day. She instantly wanted to ask what he and Taylor had been talking about, but decided against it. She didn't want to come off as a crazy bestfriend.
"It's nice seeing the rest of your home," Nathan chuckled. "It's very lovely."
"I'll pass that along to my mother," Haley smiled.
"You two are really close, huh?" Nathan asked carefully.
She nodded. "Yep. I tell her everything." Her eyes locked with his as he nodded and smiled. It was the truth. She did tell her mother everything.
"She's just as amazing as you described her. Although, I have to admit you did go a little overboard with saying that they were crazy. I don't see it."
She pointed behind her. "You hear all that noise? They're playing games like a bunch of kids and it was my parent's idea. You just don't know them that well yet. Just wait. You'll see."
"If you say so," Nathan mumbled as he sat up straight.
"So how do you like the tree? Lindsey, Lily, and I all did it the other night. It was so much fun," Haley smiled as she glanced across the room at it. It was huge. The lights lit up the room as the different colors chased after the other, the cheerful Christmas music playing along in the game as well. Different colorful ornaments covered the whole tree. He was sure that many of them were from when Haley and Taylor were younger.
"It's perfect," Nathan chuckled. "It looks like it was so much fun to decorate."
"Are you making fun of me?" Haley questioned with a giggle.
"Maybe," Nathan shrugged.
"Well, you shouldn't because your present is right under that perfect tree," Haley stated with a smile.
He seemed surprised. "You got me something?"
"Of course," Haley giggled. She stood up to make her way towards the tree not noticing that he did the same and was right behind her. Under the huge bright tree, the lights chasing each other, was tons of presents piled way to high. They looked like they might fall over. She searched quietly until she finally found the small light blue box. She turned towards him with a huge grin on her face. "Although, now I might not give it to you."
"Hey, I've been good all year," Nathan declared.
"I doubt that," Haley joked.
"Well, thank you," Nathan said sincerely. "Whatever it is, I'm sure I'll love it."
"Oh, you will," Haley smiled smugly as she held it firmly in her hands.
"Hey, you two," Jimmy's voice called out to them.
Haley jumped up before taking a big step back before looking across the room at her father. Jimmy stood by the TV as he reached for a board game, a huge smirk on his face.
"Your mother forgot my favorite one," Jimmy stated holding it up. "Did Nathan tell you about our golf game?"
"I did," Nathan answered for her.
"We were just looking at the tree," Haley mumbled nervously. The sudden need to explain her actions consumed her.
Jimmy smiled and pointed up. "Uh-huh. Nathan I guess this means you have to kiss her, son."
Her cheeks turned cherry red as her hands started shakings. Sure enough she glanced up at the stupid position that Taylor hung the mistletoe. It was hanging there right above them in clear view. She hadn't bothered to notice it at all today. But now here it was. It felt like it was growing by the second and soon it would fill the whole room. Her heart was pounding hard in her chest and she could feel the heat coming off of her cheeks.
"Dad," Haley mumbled embarrassed. She was more than embarrassed, she was mortified.
"I was only joking, Haley-bop," Jimmy chuckled before walking out of the living room.
She stood silently for a few seconds before placing the small box back where it was. Her hands were trembling as she stood back up. She never once looked back up at him. She couldn't. Turning slightly, she went to walk out of the room. They needed to be outside with their friends. They needed to watch Lucas beat Chase at basketball. They didn't need to be alone at this very moment. It was just not a good idea. She got a few steps away before she felt his hand take her arm, holding her still.
She didn't move. Her breathing slowed and her eyes finally opened as she turned back to face him. She still couldn't bring herself to look up at him. Instead, her eyes stayed glued to his hand wrapped around her arm. It was so warm. He must have realized what she was looking at because ever so slowly his hand slid down her arm sending with it a million different feelings pulling in all directions inside of her. It was enough for her breathing to pick up as a small eruption of butterflies began to overfill her stomach.
His hand finally made it to hers and he held it easily in his.
Before she knew it, it was her that took two steps closer, and now she was standing right in front of him, her eyes still locked on their hands. That's when she felt his very warm and soft hand on her cheek, caressing it. Her eyes couldn't help but roll to the back of head. How could they not? This was feeling way too good. She felt his eyes on her face.
His eyes moved from hers to her lips. She couldn't help but suck the bottom one between her teeth. His hand seemed to squeeze hers a little harder than before.
"Hales?"
His voice was thick and husky.
Her eyes finally opened as she slowly glanced up. His sparkling blue eyes were gazing into hers. Not even a trace of a smile was on his face. She had never seen him so serious before. His thumb never stopped moving slowly across her cheek, sending with it another million different sensations passing through her.
"Huh?" She couldn't help but notice how breathless her voice sounded.
He stood there towering over her, his eyes glued to hers. It was one of the most intense moments of her life. She couldn't help but notice his chest rising and falling rapidly just like hers. And before she knew it, he was leaning.
When his lips touched hers for the first time, she watched as his eyes snapped shut. Hers didn't close right away. No, they were to busy enjoying the perfect look of his face as he pressed his lips softly to hers, every nerve in her body felt like it was jumping up and down now that he had finally given it what it wanted.
His lips moved away for a second before leaning in and kissing her softly once more.
All she could do was stand there, doing nothing. She let him kiss her not once kissing back. This moment was too surreal. If felt like one of the many different dreams that she had had about him. This couldn't be real. It just couldn't. She could only watch him.
And just when she thought he was done pressing his lips softly to hers, just when the dream was about to end and she would wake up. She suddenly felt the hand on her cheek roughly pull her into him. His head titled slightly to the side as his lips slanted over hers and he kissed her hungrily. It was only then that her body betrayed her. She was the one pushing her body fully into his. Her eyes were gone a second later. They were screwed shut as she gave into him. His hand left her cheek and his fingers where in her hair a second later, trying to push her more into him. As he kissed her hungrily, she couldn't help but kiss him back with just as much force. The faint sounds of the Christmas music lights on the tree, mixed with his ragged breathing were the last thing she heard.