Thanks you so much for all the reviews everyone. I hope you like this chapter.

JustLikeBrookeDavis- thanks for your review, and the next chapter has all the drama you've been waiting for.

KTxx-I'm still thinking of how to bring Brandon back, but there is a big possibility he will be back next chapter. There will be lots of drama going on with Brooke, and I think Haley needs to get some too.

GottaluvNaley- You were right, CONGRATS. Haley find out during this chapter, and her reaction is very unexpected.

Haley Elizabeth James- I know, I really feel sorry for Millie. But she totally looks like the people pleaser kind. I was actually thinking of having Brooke forgive her, but not yet. Just a thought.

Dianehermans- thanks for your review, and I'm glad you're liking the Brucas story so far. I usually write about everyone, so it's been a challenge to write about just one couple.

OTHfan1- haha I loved your review, and I will have some jealous Nathan. But I love how you made it to be as Haley's personal turn on. haha I might just have to have her think that way. Thanks

Chapter 36-

The game was on full swing. Ravens were up by twenty points. On the sidelines the girls cheered like they would never cheer again, and most of them wouldn't. Brooke would probably be the only one who would keep doing it through out college.

"Go. Ravens. Go" they yelled simultaneously.

The boys were on fire. The ball was practically invisible at the speed they moved to get it across the court. They had played a terrific first half, but this second one was much better. There really was no way they would lose. The ravens were on fire, and the crowd was loving it.

Every second the clock ticked, was one more second closer to victory. There was nothing to be done, but to play a good game; which they were. They were playing the game of their lives. Giving all they had to it, as did the girls with the cheer.

"Three seconds left on the game, ladies and gentlemen. Both Scott boys have played the game of their lives, along with the rest of the team. Jake Jageilski doing a great job, as well as Tim Smith, and Antwon Skills Taylor. This team has been unstoppable this season. But it all comes down to this, this is the moment of truth." Mouth kept announcing to the crowd the play-by-play of the last few minutes left.

The girls were standing under the basket which belonged to them. The were holding hands and hopping that Pontiac wouldn't steal the ball. But even if they did, they wouldn't win. They were practically losing by half. It would take a miracle for them to recover from that. Still, they hoped that the Ravens would be able to end with the ball in their hands.

"Scott shoots the ball, and…" Mouth paused as the ball that had just been thrown by Nathan flew through the air of the Gym.

Everything felt like it was going in slow motion. The time felt as if slowed down by the second. Nathan just stood there looking as the ball travel, but he wasn't the only one. Everyone around them seemed to be completely quiet. Everyone watched the ball as it traveled. When the ball finally swished through the net, the crowd jumped up cheering. The roars where loud as a.

"We win, Ravens win" Mouth yelled through the speakers. His voice was heard throughout the whole gym, and his excitement was also felt by the rest of the people in there.

Mouth jumped of his spot and ran to the middle of the court to congratulate his friends.

Lucas turned to his brother and gave him a tight hug, then he felt more people gathering in their little moment. The brotherly hug had turned to a group hug, as all the boys in the team ran up to them and joined in.

The girls ran to their friends and boyfriend in the middle of the court and began hugging like there was no tomorrow. Hugging like it was the last time they would be able to hug each other.

Brooke ran to Jake along with her sister, and they both hugged him tightly. They were so proud of him, and wanted to be sure they were the first ones to tell him.

"You did" Brooke said pulling away.

"Congrats, you deserve this." Haley then turned around to go find Nathan.

XXX

Brooke ran to Lucas and jumped to him. He caught her and span her around. Her legs wrapped around his waist as she kissed him deeply. She wanted him to know exactly how proud she was of him, and a kiss was the perfect way.

XXX

"Jake!" Peyton said trying to get his attention. Was that was gained she ran to him and hugged him. "Congratulations." She knew he had been working hard for this, and that made her so proud.

"Thanks" Jake said, then he grabbed her face and kissed her fast. The kiss was so intense and full of passion. It was as if he was trying to let go of all the tension he had felt through out the game. "Thanks for being here."

Peyton pulled away, and looked at his brown eyes. She smiled and nodded, then she proceeded to kiss him again. It was the only thing she wanted to do, just kiss him.

XXX

"Looking for me?" Nathan asked sneaking behind her.

Haley flinched and turn to face the exact person she had been looking for. "Actually" she teased, "I was looking for my boyfriend, have you seen him anywhere?"

Nathan played along with her little game, he knew that eventually she would cave. She always did. "Can you tell me what this boyfriend looks like?"

Haley pretended to think, "well.." She then looked up to him. "He's really tall, and he this really intense blue eyes. He's pretty build, but is a total teddy bear. I'm sure you can't miss him."

"Did he shoot the winning basket?" She nodded, "does his name start with an N?"

"Yes" she said telling him he was getting warmer.

"Could it possibly be…" He paused, he wanted her to cave.

"Who?"

Nathan said nothing, and the silence was driving her crazy. She wanted so bad to just cave, but then what fun would that be. Then again, if she did cave she would get to kiss him. She thought about it, and opted to cave. She wanted his lips so bad.

"Fine" she said frustrated, she leaned up to him and gave him a quick peck. "Congrats."

"That's all I get?" He was obviously joking, but he really did want more.

Haley nodded, but her head quickly stopped when he was grabbed by to hands. She then felt his lips hovering hers, and the kiss had began. She was enjoying every second of it, and allowed him in as soon as his tongue poked out of his mouth.

XXX

Finally coming up for air Lucas put her down, the kiss had lasted long enough and he could keep her up any longer.

Putting her down, he never took his eyes off her. He loved to look at her, even in a crowd she stood out. He loved that she was so different, yet a good different.

Right after the trophy ceremony Whitey had them all in the bus. He really didn't like the whole driving in the night thing, so he made sure the sun was still up when they left. The sun wouldn't be up much longer, but at least they wouldn't make it home all that late.

They were all sitting near each other. Actually, they sat relatively close on their way there as well.

Brooke sat with Lucas, Haley with Nathan, and Peyton sat with Jake. They were all sitting on the back seat. The only thing they wanted now was to get home. They had a long weekend, and their own beds sounded pretty good.

With competition and championships they were beat, but some of them had a little extra to be tired about.

The bus took off, and most of the girls leaned on their boyfriends to rest. The adrenaline came down, and so did they.

Monday came around, and most of the students were tired. Mostly it was the cheer squad and the basketball team. They had arrived late the previous night, but had to be in school for an assembly they were holding for them. It was after all the first state championship they had won in a long time, possibly ever. When Dan played they only got close, but they ended up losing when he walked out on the team.

Whitey presented the assembly and honored the team. He was so proud of his players, he always thought of them as his own kids. In a way they were, he was the one who was there the most for them. He presented all the awards, and then told the students they could go off to lunch.

Whitey had managed to allow the students, at least the seniors to have a full hour lunch. With that done, Brooke and Haley were ready to go with their cousin and boyfriends. They wanted nothing more then to eat outside of school. School lunch had become a little boring after the whole year.

"I think we should go to the café." Lucas loved his mother's cooking, and he knew that everyone else would agree with him. It was after all the best food you could get in town.

"I love it" Brooke said licking her lips. She was very excited about going there. Karen always had what she wanted, even if it was rare.

"Let's go then." Nathan grabbed Haley's hand and began walking towards his car. "We'll just take my car." He reached the car and unlocked it for them all to get in.

Nathan drove to the café, and got there in record time. The drive was fast and quick. Not really giving them any time to talk, but it was all good, they would have plenty of time to talk while they eat.

"Hey Ma" Lucas walked towards his mother and gave her a big bear hug.

The rest of the gang went and took over a table. They usually got a booth, but they weren't sure they would all fit on the boot. So, to keep it safe they went for the table.

Karen walked with her son towards the table were the rest of the kids were, "what can I get you kids today?"

"I'll have the usual" Haley said raising her hand.

"Turkey sandwich" Nathan said.

"Cesar Salad, with a side of lasagna" Brooke yelled.

"I'll have a double cheese burger" Peyton said. The girl could sure eat a lot, she actually loved her meat.

"I'll take a chicken noodle soup." Jake always went for the healthy dish.

Karen nodded after she had all their orders down. She already knew what they would have, they always had the same thing. She then turned to face her son. "The usual?" she asked, after he nodded she nodded back. "I'll be right back" she said, then she disappeared into the kitchen

"I can't believe you guys won." Brooke was still excited about the whole game thing. She had never been to a school with guys, so she had never really seen a school basketball game, none the less a state championship game. This was all very new to her, but she loved the feeling she got when they won.

"They are the best." Peyton leaned to Jake and kissed him, "they've always been."

Brooke looked at Peyton and waited for her to let go of her cousin. Once that was done she began "and you know this how?"

"I've been cheering for years" she admitted. Sure, she hadn't been dating Jake back then, but that didn't mean she wasn't keeping and eye on him.

"Well, wasn't someone quite the stoker" Brooke said with a grin. "If I didn't know you and liked you so much, I wouldn't let you near my cousin." Brooke was only joking, and she knew that Peyton understood.

"Haha" Peyton deadpanned.

"Come on, it was only a joke."

"Oh look who's here" Rachel said walking towards them. She acted like she didn't know they were there, but really, where else would they be.

"What do you want, Rachel?" Haley really didn't want that bitch anywhere near her sister.

"I was just coming to eat. Then I saw you and decided to say hello to the James sisters, or the James twins, or adopted kids, or orphans. Whatever you call yourselves." Rachel knew that it would hurt them if she called them orphans, that's the main reason she emphasize on the word.

"What is you problem?" Peyton stood up defensive. She wasn't going to let Rachel treat her friends and future family like crap.

Just then someone else walked towards them, the girl stood right next to Rachel, to everyone's surprise. They never really expected them to be friends, but after the whole thing that happened in the hotel hall, anything was possible.

"Millie" Brooke said cheering up at the sight of her friend.

"Hey" Millie said.

Nathan and Lucas glared at her, which didn't go unnoticed again. They had been doing a lot of that lately, but never explained why.

"What is going on with you two?" Brooke stood up and hit the table with her palms. She wanted answers and she wanted them now.

Haley looked at Nathan with wide eyes. She knew exactly what was going on. But the truth was never given to Brooke. No one ever told her. Haley didn't because she wanted to tell her at the right time. Nathan didn't because it wasn't his place. And Lucas, well, he didn't tell her because he wanted to protect her. But what was about to come out was just going to hurt her.

Haley could take her eyes of Nathan, she really wanted the earth to swallow her alive. She didn't want to be there when it all came crushing down. She remembered how she had acted when Nathan told her that she was right, and that Millie had taken the picture.

Flashback-

After dinner everyone went to their own rooms. Nathan and Haley went to their room and he went straight to change to his pajamas. Haley on the other hand went to the bathroom to wash her face.

He walked to the bathroom where he found her washing her face, she had just shut off the water and was currently drying her face on a towel. Once she removed the towel she was met with his stare.

"Why did you have that fight with Rachel and Millie today?" he asked concerned. He only saw part of the fight, but once it was broken she ran towards the room. He knew about Millie, but he wanted to know why Haley had been fighting. The real reason.

Haley walked pass him towards the room and sat on one of the beds, she placed her hands on her knees and let out a deep breath. "It was her." The only words she could think of were those, she didn't know how to explain it, how to tell him all about it at the moment. Right then she was so altered, that she knew that she would just brake down if she tried to tell him.

"I know."

Haley looked up at him in disbelief, she couldn't wrap it around her head. He knew, he knew and never told her. Why would he not tell her. So many things began to run through her head, she really didn't know how to react. She stood up and walked up to him and did the first thing that came to her mind.

The only thing Nathan felt after she approached him was her hand colliding with his cheek. For such a tiny girl she could sure slap hard. He winced a little then turned back to see her. That's when he saw her. She had tears down her face and her hands held her mouth. She looked like she didn't even believe that all of that had just happened.

"I'm sorry" she whispered, "I'm so sorry."

"Hey, it's okay" he walked over to her. He hugged her and hoped that she could calm down.

"How did you know? When did you find out? Why didn't you tell me?" All the questions came out at once, and they all sounded like she was so hurt he never had mentioned any of it.

Nathan tighten his grip when he felt her stir, he knew she wanted to go, but he wasn't going to let her go without telling her the truth. "Just now. Millie told me, she said she was sorry and that she never thought that Rachel would use it that way."

Haley let out a sob of relief, she at least knew that Nathan hadn't lied to her. "Why?" she questioned over and over again.

Nathan didn't have the answers, but he did the only thing he could think of. He was there, he was there holding her and helping her get through it. He slowly reached to his drawer, making sure not to move to fast so that she would get scared or anything. He slowly pulled out the picture he had put with his clothe and handed it to her.

"Here."

Haley took the picture and held it close to her. The picture that had been used on the cover of the paper. The picture she loved so much, and held so many memories for her and her sister.

"Thank you."

Flashback over-

Although she knew her reaction wasn't all that bad, it still had some hurt and pain to it. She really didn't want her sister to go through that. More knowing that Brooke was over the top dramatic, she would make the whole thing into a big deal.

"You know something about this." She pointed to Haley knowing that Haley did. She could read her sister like a book.

Haley just sat there with her eyes wide open. She didn't know what to do or say.

"She didn't tell you?" Rachel asked with an evil tone. She was all about the drama. And she wasn't going to stop now. Her plan was to make Brooke miserable and she was getting closer and closer.

"Tell me what?" Brooke asked Rachel, she then turned to her sister "Haley" she warned.

"Brooke I'm sorry. I was going to tell you, I just. I was waiting for the right time." Haley now had tears going down her cheeks. It wasn't many, but she still had some.

"What are you talking about?" Brooke had some mix between understandment and hurt. She got that Haley wanted to protect her, but it hurt that she never told her. Whatever it was.

"That it was your friend Millie who took the picture" Rachel said. "You know, the one where you're both dressed the same. With matching pink dresses, and there is tons of dolls around you. I think you were at a park." Rachel stopped in between sentences to give her time to take it all in, that way it would hurt Brooke more. "Can you believe that your sister never told you that?" Rachel placed her hand on her chest.

"Brooke, I'm sorry I-" Millie began to say.

"Shut up!" Brooke yelled at her. She really didn't want to hear any of her excuses. "I can't believe you did that. Not after I took you in, I treated you like a sister." She then turned to Haley, "and you" she pointed, "you are my sister. I can't believe you didn't tell me this. I can't believe you kept something like this from me. You. The one person that's suppose to be there for me no matter what."

"I am"

"No!" Brooke eyes began to water and she could feel just a few tears falling down her face, "you lied to me. You are just like them" she pointed to Rachel and Millie "a laying bitch."

"Brooke" Haley tried to talk to her sister, but Brooke wasn't taking any of it.

"Don't." With that she grabbed her bag and walked out of the café. All she wanted was to be alone. She knew no one would understand what she was going through at the moment.

"Wow. She's quite the drama queen" Rachel joked. Which earned her a few glares from the rest of the people on the table.

Haley stood up to go after her sister, but walked back to the table first. There was one thing she wanted to do before she went looking for the most important person in her life.

"What? Did you forget –" Rachel was cut of by a very small fist colliding with her eye.

Once she had hit Rachel, Haley turned around and walked out of the café. The only thing she wanted was to find her sister.

"Haley wait!" she heard someone shout as she walked down the street. She turned to see who it was, only to find both Lucas and Nathan running to her. She could see the concern in their faces. Not far behind them were Peyton and Jake, who also looked pretty worried.

"I have to find her" she whispered when they reached her.

"Wait" Lucas order, "let me. She's mad at you, and she might not want to see you. Just let me talk to her first" Lucas tried to reason with her, and somehow it was working. He didn't know she would let him have it so easily.

"She's my sister."

"I know" Lucas said.

"Hales, I think you should let him talk to her. He can help. Trust me." Nathan placed both his hand on her shoulders trying to make her understand.

"He's really good with words" Peyton said from her spot. She was standing just a few steps behind with Jake.

"I can't"

"Haley" Jake said firmly, "she's hurt. And she thinks it's your fault. Just let Lucas talk to her. I'm sure he can make her reason. You know how she is. She's just going to close herself of further if you pressure her to talk to you."

Haley simply nodded and walked over to her boyfriend who was waiting for her with open arms.

Lucas gave them a nod and began to walk. He needed to get to her, and he needed to find her fast.

Brooke ran as fast as she could, the only thing she wanted was to get home and curled into a ball. She didn't want to know about anything. All she wanted was the pain to go away. The hurt, the betrayal, the anger, the sadness, the disappointment, all of it. She just wanted it all to go.

She ran in the house and saw it. There it was. The one place she had never touched in the house. The only reason she never touched it was because she knew that Jake's parents would flip out if they saw her or any of them drinking. She walked over to the little bar they had and looked at the bottles. She examined every single one of them. As much as she thought about it, she knew that it would be going to far.

Brooke thought about it a little longer and remembered that she was all alone, so why not try it out. It wouldn't be the first time she had a drink, but it would be the first time she would do it alone. Javier and Becky were out of state so she would have time to replace the bottle. And Haley and Jake weren't home, she obviously knew why.

She pulled out a bottle of vodka and put it in her purse, she looked around just to make sure no one saw her. Once she felt safe she ran up the stairs and locked herself in her room. She didn't want to hear about anything. All she wanted was to drown her pain, and the vodka would do just that.

They all watched as Lucas had ran off after Brooke. As much as they wanted to go with him, they knew that it would be best to let him handle it for now.

Jake didn't think Lucas would be able to handle it all that well, he thought that he might be able to help. In a way, he was there when she did it at a young age.

"Can you take me home?" Haley asked. She wanted more then anything to talk to her sister, and to make her understand that she did it for her best.

Nathan pulled the girl to his side. "Let's go" he said and lead her to the car.

"We'll walk" Jake said to Nathan. He knew that Nathan had something up his sleeve.

Nathan nodded to them and lead Haley over to his car. Once they reached the car he opened the passenger door for her, she slid in and put her seatbelt on once she was inside. Nathan closed her door and walked around to the driver side.

After buckling his seatbelt he let out a sigh and turn to face her. "I can't take you home" he said sweetly. He really wanted her to understand that she shouldn't push Brooke. He turned the car on and began driving.

"Where are you taking me?" She was mad, mad that h wasn't doing what she asked.

Nathan said nothing. He kept his eyes on the road and drove.

"Nathan!" she nudged. She was getting angrier by the minute. He was driving and driving, and never said a word to her.

He glimpsed at her quickly, then turned his vision back to the road. "I can't let you go see her."

"What?... Why?"

"She's hurt Haley. If you try and talk to her, she's just going to say thing that will hurt you. You need to give her time."

"Please" she begged, "I just want to see her, make sure she's okay. I know my sister, and I know she's going to do something crazy."

"Haley, I can't." With that he brought the car to a stop. He turned to face her and began to speak again. "Please, just let me help you. I know what I'm doing." And he did. He had been through enough in his life, and disappointment was at the top of the list.

Haley nodded and turned to see where they were. The place was place very familiar to her. She had been there almost everyday, but never expected to take this long to reach it. "Why did it take you so long to get here?"

"I wanted you to relax first" he admitted.

They both got out of the car and walked towards the beach, the one place were they would always let go of everything. It didn't matter what they were going through, this place always healed them.

"How is she?" Jake asked running in his house.

Lucas shook his head, he really didn't have good news. "She won't answer the door. I'm really worried."

"How long have you been trying to talk to her?" Peyton was just as concerned as the rest, she really wanted to know what her friend was feeling.

"About thirty minutes or so, I don't know" he shook his head in frustration.

"Luke, calm down." Jake wanted so much to have the situation under control, but so far everything seemed to be to much for him. "I'll go talk to her." He left up the stairs.

Both Lucas and Peyton stood there watching how Jake disappeared to find Brooke.

Jake knew he wasn't going to get much out of her, but just getting her to open the door would be enough. He marched to her door and knocked it gently. Looking at his furious face, you would've never guessed he would be so gentle to the door. "Brooke, it's me. Open up please."

He wasn't getting any response, and he was definitively not liking that. "Brooke, come on. I know you're in there. Just talk to me." He was getting worried that she didn't answer.

After trying for what felt hours he finally saw the door crack. He couldn't see her there, but she was most certainly the one who opened the door. Without thinking it twice he got up and ran in the room closing the door behind him.

"Why are you drinking?" He asked noticing the empty bottle of Vodka on the floor.

She knew the rules, why would she brake them. She and Haley were always ones to follow the rules. They never did things that would get them in trouble, and never tried to get others in trouble. He didn't understand why she would start now. She knew that it was prohibited in the house, yet she still had drank the whole bottle.

Brooke shrugged and sat at the end of the bed. The whole situation still hadn't sunk in. She still wasn't aware that she had drank a whole bottle of Vodka. But she knew that whatever it was she did helped the pain, because she was feeling less and less of it as it worked it's way through her system.

"Talk to me, honey."

"I…" she had no words, as much as she wanted to speak she had nothing to say.

"Brooke."

"I… need a bathroom" she ran to the bathroom. and began discarding all of the vodka, or at least part of it.

Jake ran after her and held her hair. He wasn't much of a drinker, but he had done it a few times. And he knew how horrible it felt to puke, and to feel like the whole world was spinning.

"I need a shower" was all she said.

Jake understood what she was saying. Pretty much that she wanted him to leave. He got up and walked to her room, then out the door. He felt relieved that she was okay, in a way. Yet, he knew that he would have to talk to Haley and Lucas so that they can watch her. Drinking was not an option in the house, and he would do anything to prevent it.

Thanks for reading, and don't forget to tell me what you though about the chapter. =D