Chapter 38

"Woo, take it off!"

"Yeah, let's see the goods again, Tutor Girl!"

Haley's whole face flamed up as she and Nathan walked onto the River Court. Their friends were already sitting on the picnic tables waiting for them. Judging from Peyton and Brooke's current ribbing, it was obvious they'd seen her showdown with Shelley.

"Must you torture me?" Haley groaned.

"You mean like how you tortured all of the boys at school by revealing that sexy bod of yours?" Peyton teased.

Brooke laughed out loud. "There are going to be some wet dreams in Tree Hill tonight."

"You guys!" Haley admonished. She probably looked like a cherry by now.

"I'm with Haley. Can you guys shut the hell up?" Lucas questioned. "It's bad enough I had to see it. I don't need to be reminded of it."

Nathan glared at his brother. Normally he'd have no problem with Lucas being grossed out by certain things pertaining to Haley. The two had been best friends forever. They were practically like siblings themselves. But Lucas's commented sounded like more of an insult than anything else. And the fact was Haley was hot as hell, best friend or not.

"Are you saying my girlfriend isn't hot?"

"No. All I'm saying is that I'd rather not remember the image of my best friend's breasts." He shuddered. "It's like incest or something. It's just wrong."

"They looked pretty good to me," Tim commented, causing Nathan to shoot daggers at him. "What?"

"Watch it, Dim," Nathan warned.

"I'm just saying what all the other guys were thinking. Right, Jagielski?" Tim nudged Jake next to him.

Jake raised his hands in surrender when Nathan's gaze shifted to him. "No comment, man. I'm staying out of this one."

"Come on, we all know Tutor Girl is hot," Brooke spoke up. "And can I just say how proud I was to see you stick it to Shelley. Talk about going out with a bang."

"It's not like I planned on doing it," Haley reasoned.

"So what exactly led to the striptease?" Peyton prodded.

"I don't know. I guess I just couldn't stand Shelley's smug and self-righteous attitude anymore. Then she demanded to have her shirt back, and I thought what would piss her off more than a Clean Teen baring some skin."

"And bare it you did," Tim joked. He stopped mid-chuckle when Nathan shot him another look.

"You're looking a little tweaked, Nate," Jake observed.

"I wonder why," he muttered sarcastically.

Brooke smirked. "Boy Toy, are you jealous?"

"Gee, I don't know. Every single jackass in the school just saw my girlfriend's chest. What do you think?"

"Sorry," Haley muttered sheepishly.

Nathan sighed and pulled her into his side. "I know you didn't do it on purpose." He gave her an affectionate squeeze. "It just sucks that I'm now going to have to beat everyone's asses."

"Way to go all cave man, Nate," Peyton kidded.

"Speaking of cave man," Lucas stated. He glanced at Nathan's bare chest and took off his sweatshirt.

"Thanks," Nathan said when he handed it to him. Haley was still wearing his shirt that he'd given her. He hadn't been able to find anything else in his car on the way there.

Thinking about their drive to the River Court, Nathan remembered Haley filling him in on exactly why they were there in the first place. "So, Haley tells me that you guys called this little meeting because you think there's some big conspiracy going on."

"Oh, we don't think. We know," Brooke corrected. "And seeing as though you and Tutor Girl were making out in the hallway before Shelley interruptus definitely means that something big has gone down."

"Is it what I think it is?" Lucas questioned, glancing at the pair.

Nathan nodded. "Yeah, it is."

"That's awesome, man." Lucas and Nathan bumped fists. "How'd you do it?"

"I went back last night and did a little digging in Dan's desk. Then I got an idea of what the password might be, and it was right."

"What was the password?"

Brooke frowned and exchanged confused gazes with the others. "What password?"

"I'll, um, tell you later," Nathan told Lucas. He wasn't sure how his brother would react to the fact that Dan had not only included his jersey number in the code, but also had tons of childhood pictures of him in a lock box. Lucas had grown up hating Dan and believing that their father never wanted him. And it's not like Dan had ever proven otherwise. This new discovery could really screw with his head.

"What password?" Brooke repeated.

"And where did you go?" Peyton jumped in.

Tim folded his arms and pouted. "How come I wasn't invited?"

"It wasn't anything fun, Tim. Trust me."

"But what was it?" Jake urged. "Did it have to do with your dad?" They all knew that Nathan's problems stemmed from his father.

Haley nodded for Nathan to go ahead. It was finally time to tell everyone the truth.

"Yes, it was Dan."

"What happened?" Peyton prodded.

"It's a long story."

Brooke smiled and folded her hands in her lap, not backing down. "We've got time."

Nathan took a deep breath before launching into the entire ordeal. He watched as his friends' expressions changed throughout his story. They'd go from shocked to angry to sad to a whole other range of emotions. By the time Nathan was finished, Brooke, Peyton, Jake, and Tim were all stunned into silence.

"Oh my God," Peyton finally muttered.

Tim shook his head. "That's messed up, yo."

"Wait, so your father was actually arrested today?" Brooke inquired.

"Yes."

"And you were there?"

"Yes."

"Damn," Jake muttered.

"It'll probably be on the news tonight." Dan Scott was one of the wealthiest people in town. The dealership was a major company. Everyone bought their cars from Dan Scott Motors. Not to mention that his father was a legend from his basketball days. This type of scandal was gold for the media.

"I'm sorry, Nate," Lucas said.

"It's okay. I'm just glad that it's over." And it was the truth. Nathan didn't give a damn what other people thought. As long as he was free to live his life the way that he wanted, nothing else mattered.

"So, how long do you think he'll be in jail for?" Peyton questioned.

"Why didn't you tell us?" Tim asked. "We could've helped. I've watched tons of Bond movies. I could've been your lookout."

"It's not like we didn't want to say anything," Haley explained. "We wanted to tell you all so badly. But we were just worried that if too many people knew, then we wouldn't have has much control over the situation."

"What, do you think we'd tell or something?" There was no mistaking the hurt in Brooke's voice.

"No. We trust you guys," Nathan said. "It's just that this was my problem. I didn't want to drag everyone into it. And seeing as though Dan is Lucas's father and whatever happens to me affects mine and Haley's relationship, they needed to be in on it."

"I can't believe you were able to keep this from me this long, Tutor Girl."

Haley shrugged guiltily. "It's not like it was easy."

"Is there anything else we should know about?" Peyton questioned. "You guys aren't involved in some crack cocaine drug ring, too, are you? I mean, this is Tree Hill."

They all laughed, and Nathan knew it was a sign that they weren't angry or upset about being out of the loop. His friends understood the situation and predicament he, Haley, and Lucas were in.

"No. That's it," Nathan replied.

"Good," Brooke declared. "And now that that's out of the way, we've got some even more important business to discuss."

Lucas furrowed his brow. "What?"

"Prom!"

"Damn, where is Haley when I need her?"

"Hey, I take offense to that. I'm just as smart as she is."

"Maybe so, but at least she's prettier to look at," Nathan teased.

Lucas rolled his eyes. "Do you want my help or not?"

"Do you really want me to answer that?"

"Jackass," Lucas muttered before turning back to his own books.

The pair was studying at Lucas's house for their upcoming finals. Haley was supposed to have joined them, but she had detention that afternoon. Unfortunately, her little shirt-removing incident had not gone unnoticed by one member of Tree Hill High's faculty. Whitey had seen everything, quite literally, and had given her detention for the next two weeks.

At first Haley had been devastated. She'd never gotten detention before in her life. But Nathan had reasoned with her and pointed out that if it was anyone else but Whitey, she probably would've gotten suspended for her actions. Whitey was definitely better to deal with than Principal Turner. Although, Nathan wasn't too comfortable knowing that his coach had seen Haley's assets, too. Why the hell was everyone still in school at that time? Didn't they want to go home?

Nathan smirked. "Don't be so sensitive, you baby. You know I'm only joking."

"I may be your big brother, but I'm also a human being, Nathan. I have feelings," Lucas cried mockingly.

"Cry me a river, then."

His sad act gone, Lucas narrowed his eyes and shook his head disapprovingly. "You're such an ass. I don't know how Haley puts up with you."

"She says it's because I'm hot. Someone had to get the good looks in the family."

"Let me rephrase that. You're a conceited ass," Lucas chuckled.

Nathan shrugged casually. "Can't win them all."

They laughed and were then quiet for a couple of minutes afterward. Nathan was right in the middle of reviewing some of his notes when he heard Lucas clear his throat.

"What?"

"I, uh, was just curious. Anymore news on the Dan front?"

Nathan shook his head. "No."

It had been a little over a week since Dan was arrested. Since then, Nathan had moved out of the beach house and back in with his mom. His dad had eventually made bail and was out of jail for the time being. There was supposed to be a trial coming up within the next month or two. Luckily, Dan didn't try to contact them and kept his distance. Nathan was sure his father got the message by now that he didn't want him in his life.

"He's gonna be found guilty. With all the evidence they have piled up against him, there's no way he can get away with it."

"I know. But then again, he's Dan. You know he always has something up his sleeve."

"If I were him, I wouldn't be worrying about my sleeves. I'd be more concerned with dropping the soap," Lucas joked.

Nathan laughed out loud. "Nasty."

"It happens. And if anyone deserves it, he does."

"Why are you so quiet all of a sudden?" Lucas questioned a minute later.

Nathan sighed and faced his brother. "I, uh, I've been kind of debating whether or not I should tell you something."

The blonde frowned. "Tell me what?"

Nathan hesitated for a moment before deciding that he should just get it over with. Lucas had a right to know. "You know how you asked me about Dan's password last week?"

"Oh, yeah. You still haven't told me what it was, by the way."

"I know. I've been putting it off."

"Why?"

"It kind of had something to do with you."

Lucas's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Me?"

Nathan nodded.

"What about me?"

"The password was all of our jersey numbers—Dan's, mine, and yours," Nathan clarified.

"Oh. That's, uh…unexpected."

Nathan could see that his brother was trying to play it cool. But the intrigue in his eyes was evident. "That's not all."

Lucas motioned for him to continue.

"The only reason I even thought to put all of our jersey numbers in as a password was because I found this lock box in his desk. It had all pictures of you when you were a kid."

His brother's eyes widened as his body froze. That was obviously the last thing Lucas had expected to hear.

"I know that he's been a complete dick to you, and I didn't want to confuse that. But I just thought you had the right to know," Nathan explained.

"Luke?" he prodded when he was still silent.

Lucas chuckled humorlessly under his breath. "It figures. The guy does one semi-decent thing that might actually prove he has a heart, and he keeps it locked up to himself…bastard."

"I'm sorry," Nathan murmured regretfully. Seeing the torn and wounded look on his brother's face right now had him wondering if he should've just kept that little fact to himself.

"Don't worry about it. It's not your fault," Lucas assured him.

"You okay?"

"Yeah." He shrugged. "It doesn't change anything. Actions speak louder than words. And it's not like Dan ever made an effort to get to know me or be a part of my life."

"I know you're probably not going to like this, but you should consider yourself lucky. I've had his attention all of my life and look where it got me. I had to freaking send him to jail to get him to leave me alone," Nathan stated. "What does that say?"

"It says that you're in control of your own life. And although this whole situation is messed up—there's really no denying that—you should be proud that you fought back. Most people would've buckled under the pressure by now."

"Believe me, I almost did," Nathan muttered.

"But you didn't," he pointed out.

"It's not like I did it by myself."

Lucas glanced at him knowingly. "Haley."

"Yeah. I honestly don't know what I'd do without her."

"She has a funny way of making you need her in your life. I learned that one early on."

Nathan smiled. "Me, too."

"So, did you guys figure out the college situation yet or what?" Lucas inquired. "I mean, now that Dan's out of the way you can pretty much do whatever you want."

"We talked before, but we never finalized anything."

"The clock's ticking," Lucas reminded him.

"I know. Our deadlines are almost up. But I know what I'm going to do."

"You do?"

Nathan nodded.

Lucas motioned for him to continue. "What is it?"

"Look, you can't tell Haley. I'm going to surprise her."

"I won't say anything, man. Promise."

"Okay, so I'm—"

"Hey, guys!" a female voice interrupted. The brothers' heads shot up as Haley entered the living room.

"Hey," they greeted, trying to act normal.

"How'd you get in?" Lucas questioned.

Haley laughed. "Come on, Luke. We've been best friends forever. You think I don't know where your spare key is?" she teased.

"Well, I guess I'll be having to change that hiding spot now."

"You know I'll still find it." She took a seat between Lucas and Nathan on the couch and glanced between them. "So, boys, what did I miss?"

"Oh my God, we look so hot!"

"You think?" Peyton joked.

"I still cannot believe you talked me into wearing this dress," Haley muttered as she stared at herself in the full-length mirror.

"Tutor Girl, you look stunning. Nathan isn't going to know what hit him."

Peyton bobbed her head in agreement. "Seriously, you rock in that dress."

Haley glanced at her reflection, once again. Senior prom was supposed to be one of the biggest nights of a girl's life. And according to Brooke, Haley just had to get the perfect dress. They'd gone shopping with Peyton and Kat last week. It had taken a while for them all to find something.

Haley loved the color of her prom dress. It looked like deep cherry wine. The actual dress itself, however, was a little more risqué than she was used to. The bust was pleated and heart shaped. It showed off a good amount of cleavage. A slit ran up the side and ended high on her thigh. There was also a small, centered crystal belt and sequined straps leading to an open back.

Haley kept fidgeting with the straps, praying that they wouldn't fall down while she danced later. "I feel like my breasts are going to spill out of this thing," she complained.

"From what I've heard, it's not like anyone hasn't seen it before," Kat quipped. Brooke and Peyton busted out laughing.

"I really hate you guys sometimes. You know that?"

Brooke flicked her hand in dismissal. "Oh, you love us and you know it. And when everyone starts drooling over you in that dress, you'll be thanking us."

"Don't hold your breath," Haley muttered as she put on a pair of dangly diamond earrings. They were silver to match the sequins of her dress.

Haley fixed her hair. She had it pulled back into a large, twisted bun low on her head. A few jeweled clips were placed on top to make it fancier. Haley also had a loose strand of hair framing the front of her face on each side. She had to admit, Kat really did a great job with it.

"Girls, the boys are here," Lydia called to them from downstairs.

"We'll be down in a couple of minutes, Mom," Haley shouted back. They'd all agreed to meet up at Haley's house beforehand. It didn't matter to Haley, but her parents really wanted to take pictures of their youngest child's prom. It was as if they were finally realizing that this was the last time they'd get to do this. She was the only James child living at home now, after all.

"Okay, how do I look?" Brooke questioned, spinning around. Her dress was gold and had tons of sequins along the straps and waist. The design was very intricate and beautiful. Totally Brooke.

"Gorgeous," Peyton assured her. Haley smiled at Peyton's dress. It was edgy yet elegant—just like her. The whole dress was made of sequins, but it wasn't just one color. It went from silver to gold to dark blue along the entire dress. Just under the bust was a large patch of black sequins to draw attention to her waist and offset the other colors.

"At least you can bend over in yours," Kat mumbled.

"I told you to get a long one," Brooke replied.

Kat had decided to be a little more daring. Her blue dress was short and had a heart-shaped glitter neckline, an empire sash, and multi layers of tulle with a curled bottom to get a puffy effect. There was also a huge bow on the back.

"But this one was so cute."

"Well, I hope you're wearing underwear, then," Peyton snickered.

"Haley!" Lydia called again.

"The guys must be getting impatient."

Peyton rolled her eyes. "Typical."

"They must be going crazy. I love it!" Brooke beamed. "Let's go. I have to see their reactions."

"Lead the way, Tigger."

"Where the heck are they?" Lucas mumbled, checking his watch. "Brooke was the one saying she didn't want to be late. People are probably already arriving by now."

"You know how women are," Jake said. "Their idea of early is two hours late."

"You won't mind so much when you see them," Karen commented as she came down the stairs with Deb and Lydia.

"How'd they look?" Jimmy questioned.

"Aw, they're so adorable!" Lydia gushed. "Get the camera ready. They're coming now."

Nathan followed his friends' lead and looked to the staircase. Brooke, naturally, was the first to descend. She always loved to be at the head of the line. Nathan smirked when he saw his brother's eyes roam up and down. Lucas was looking and, judging by the dopey expression on his face, he was liking.

Peyton and Kat came next. Jake and Tim's expressions were no different than his brother's. All of the girls looked good. But there was only one in particular that Nathan was dying to see. Finally, he spotted her.

Nathan's jaw dropped open when he took in Haley's dress. Damn, it was tight. Every single curve of her body was outlined by the smooth fabric. And when he saw the amount of skin showing, he had to swallow back a groan. His fingers were itching with the urge to run his hand up her silky, exposed thigh. When she was finally standing in front of him, he could see the blush coloring her cheeks.

"You're staring," she whispered.

Nathan smirked. "So I am." He placed a hand on her back. This time, he did emit a low moan when all he felt was her bare skin. "Damn, you're going to kill me, Hales."

"So you like the dress?" She didn't even have to ask. Haley could see it in the way Nathan's eyes had darkened. But that didn't mean that she didn't want to hear it.

"You look beautiful, Hales," Nathan declared in a husky voice. He closed the small gap between them and kissed her.

They broke away a moment later when the sound of a camera flashing could be heard.

"Mom!" Haley exclaimed, embarrassed.

"What? You two looked so cute kissing."

"So? It doesn't mean you have to photograph it."

"Oh, hush. It's your senior prom. We have to capture the memories."

"Let's get another of you kids," Jimmy suggested.

"Wait," Deb interjected. "Nathan, you might want to…" She gestured to his mouth. "You have a little…"

Haley's cheeks flamed up when she saw the imprint of her lipstick on his mouth. She quickly wiped it away for him. Much to her annoyance, her boyfriend had a satisfied smile on his face the whole time.

"Mom, we're going to be late," Lucas complained as Karen continued to snap away.

"Just let us get a group picture. Then you kids can go," Jimmy stated.

The group of friends quickly got together to pose for the cameras. Ten minutes later, after more complaining from Lucas and Haley, they were finally able to leave.

They climbed into the white stretched limo parked outside. The excitement was palpable as they started to head towards the school—eager to begin what was sure to be one of the best nights of their lives.