Hey guys, as always, thank you for the reviews! This chapter isn't as long as some of the other ones. I wanted to keep everything that happens in this chapter by itself. The next one is when things start to get kind of serious. I don't really want to give anything away, but a lot of the stuff that will happen is very under the surface. Anyway, please read and continue to review! Thanks!
Chapter 53
"Now, are you sure that you have everything?" Brooke questioned.
"Yes," Lucas answered.
"All your stuff you need to stay overnight?" Haley asked.
"Yes," Nathan answered.
"You filled the gas tank?" Brooke added.
"Yup," Lucas replied.
"You have your cell phones?" Haley continued.
"Right here," Nathan said while holding it up.
"What about medicine in case one of you gets sick?" Brooke listed.
"We've got Tums and Tylenol. We're good," Lucas assured her.
"What about the tickets?" Haley spoke up. "Because it'll be a total waste if you drive all the way to Charlotte and don't even have the tickets to get in."
"They're packed away in my bag," Nathan told her.
"Well, what about…" Brooke started.
"Cheery, we're going to be fine. Everything we need is packed," Lucas explained as he gave her a hug. "There's nothing to worry about."
"But don't forget to…" Haley began.
"We'll call you guys as soon as we get there," Nathan interrupted before pulling her in for a quick kiss.
"You promise?" Haley asked.
"We promise," he confirmed. "And you're going to be ok, right? If you want me to stay…"
"No, have fun. Go root for the Kitty Cats or whatever they're called." Lucas laughed as Nathan sighed while shaking his head.
"Bobcats, Hales. They're called the Bobcats," he chuckled. I really need to have a sports talk with her, he mused.
"Aw, bobcats are so cute," Brooke commented causing both her and Haley to laugh.
"Ok, it's definitely time to leave," Lucas declared. "I'll call you later, Pretty Girl." He then gave her a sweet peck on the lips. Nathan did the same to Haley before picking up his bag and heading out the door.
"Do you think it's pathetic that I already miss him?" Haley questioned.
"No, I feel the same way," Brooke replied. "However, we are not going to sit around the house pining away all night."
"We're not?" Haley asked confused. Originally, she was thinking of lounging around and eating ice cream while watching the MTV marathon of The Hills. And also trying to figure out what the hell she was going to say to Greg. They still weren't speaking to one another.
"Nope. We're partying."
"Where?"
"Anna, Megan, and I met some guys down by the shops yesterday. They live about six houses down from us. They're throwing some type of spring-break kegger and invited all of us," Brooke explained.
"Gee, that sounds…entertaining," Haley replied dryly. Being surrounded by drunken idiots was definitely not Haley's idea of fun.
"Don't even start, Tutor Wife. We're all going, and we'll have a damn good time," Brooke declared as she put her arm around her.
"I highly doubt that."
"This party sucks," Peyton announced as she took a seat on the couch between Haley and Jake.
"I knew it would," Haley stated. Ever since the group had arrived at the party, it had been one disaster after the other—at least for her. The car ride to the place had been awkward. It was only six houses down from them, but, of course, Brooke was afraid of ruining her shoes if they walked. Somehow, Haley ended up sitting near Greg. They had barely looked at each other, let alone talked. Haley just knew that the conversation they'd have later was going to be like torture. Then, as soon as they'd walked through the front door of the house, someone had spilled their beer all over her shirt and jeans.
And if that wasn't bad enough, one guy in particular kept trying to hit on her. She repeatedly showed him her wedding ring and said she was married. Unfortunately, the guy couldn't take the hint. His first response at seeing her ring had been, "That's hott." By this point, Haley wanted nothing more than to get the hell out of there.
"Do you know how many times tonight I've been offered pot?" Jake questioned while shaking his head. "Half the people here are stoners."
"And the other half are either man whores or skanks," Peyton added while looking around. Haley followed her gaze. Almost all of the people nearby were making out with someone. One group appeared to be switching partners every ten minutes. Gross, Haley thought. This has to be the raunchiest party I've ever been to.
"You guys, I'm going to find Brooke," Haley announced before getting up. I'm going to kill her for making me come here. "I'll catch up with you later."
"Alright, but be careful," Peyton stated.
"Did you want us to come with you?" Jake asked.
"No, I'll be fine. But thanks anyway," she replied. Haley worked her way through the crowd as she searched a couple of nearby rooms. Afterward, she tried the kitchen, the dance area, a dining room that had been set up for a beer pong competition, and even outside. Getting frustrated, Haley whipped out her cell phone and tried to call Brooke. She sighed agitatedly when she didn't pick up. Haley was just about to dial Anna's number when she felt someone's hands on her bare arms.
"Did anyone ever tell you that you have skin like silk?" a male voice whispered huskily into her ear. Haley yanked her arms away before turning around to glare at the guy—who turned out to be the same creep from before.
"What part of 'hell no, I'm not interested' don't you understand?" Haley questioned angrily.
"What can I say? I like a challenge," the guy stated with a smug smile.
"Well, I prefer not to be stalked by perverts. So, if you'll excuse me…" she said while trying to go around the guy. But he blocked her path.
"You know, you're really hott when you're angry," he commented. He stepped closer to her, and grabbed a strand of her hair, letting it slide through his fingers. "I bet you're firecracker in the sack."
"Stay the hell away from me," Haley gritted out furiously before slapping his hand away. I'm seriously going to murder this asshole. She quickly tried to push past him. But it wasn't fast enough to prevent the sharp slap on the ass he gave her. Instantly, Haley felt her temper shoot through the roof. She was just about to whip around and kick the crap out of the guy. However, someone seemed to beat her to it. When she turned around, the idiot was already on the floor clutching his bloody nose.
"Keep your filthy, fucking hands off of her," Greg warned. The look in his eyes was almost murderous. "And if you come near her again, I'll finish off what's left of your worthless ass." Afterward, he turned to Haley, firmly grabbed her arm, and started to lead her away.
"Greg, where are we going?" Haley questioned as he pulled her toward the front door. Everything was happening so fast that she couldn't seem to comprehend it all.
"We're getting out of here. This isn't the place for you," he replied.
"Greg, stop," Haley said. "I have to find Brooke first."
"She's waiting in line for the bathroom with Megan and Anna," he stated. "We can text them later or something." They were now out of the house and walking along the sidewalk. Haley protested a few more times but Greg wouldn't listen. A couple of minutes later, they arrived back at Brooke's house. He unlocked the door with a hidden spare key Brooke had shown all of them and led them inside. Haley sighed agitatedly before crossing her arms and flopping onto the couch in the living room.
"Are you ok?" Greg asked.
"Not really," Haley stated curtly as she looked out the window from her spot on the couch.
"Well, that guy was a perv…" Greg began when she cut him off.
"I'm not talking about that," Haley clarified while giving him a pointed look. Greg sighed before coming to take a seat next to her.
"Look, Haley, I'm sorry about what I said yesterday. You just caught me off guard. We've always been close. We're best friends. The fact that you would accuse me of…"
"I didn't accuse you of anything," Haley interjected. "I tried to talk to you about something that was making me uncomfortable, and you blew up at me."
"Only because I was upset, Haley. You were never uncomfortable around me before. You wouldn't have thought twice about me holding your hand or hugging you. The only reason you're even thinking this now is because of him," Greg declared.
"Who's 'him?' What, you can't call Nathan by his name anymore?" she questioned edgily.
"You see. This is what I'm talking about. Everything is about him. We can't have a simple conversation anymore without you bringing up Nathan and taking his side," he argued.
"No, we can't have a single conversation without you bringing him up and attacking him," Haley retorted. "All I asked was that you tone it down and not be so affectionate with me. I didn't mention Nathan once. But you just assumed that what I was saying was all because of him."
"Wasn't it?" Greg challenged angrily.
"Not all of it."
"See," he emphasized.
"Greg, you're missing the entire point! Of course Nathan is going to be bothered by the way you behave around me. He's my husband. The only person who should be all over me is him," Haley explained. "I may not have noticed your actions before, but they have become more apparent to me now. And no matter what your reasoning is or how close of friends we are, there's a line, Greg."
"So that gives him the right to threaten me and treat me like shit when you're not around?!" he exclaimed getting up.
"No! But that doesn't give you the right to be rude to him and lie to my face either!" Haley shouted back. She, too, stood up.
"I never lied to you."
"You said that you tried to befriend Nathan and that he was mean to you. Is that the truth? Because based on your behavior towards him recently, I can't help but believe that that's a load of bull."
"Haley…"
"No, I've had enough of your accusations and excuses, Greg. I want the truth," Haley demanded. "Look me in the eyes and tell me that you weren't rude to him. That you weren't using our friendship as a way to provoke him."
"Haley…" he pled.
"Sixteen years, Greg. That's how long I've known you. Never once did I doubt that you would deceive me or try to steer me in the wrong direction. If that has meant anything to you, you'll tell me the truth now no matter what," she declared meeting his intense gaze head on. She then gave him a beseeching look. "Please, just be honest with me. Did you try to antagonize Nathan the other day?" Greg took a deep breath while glancing away from her for a second.
"Yes," he revealed before finally meeting her gaze again.
"Why?" Haley prodded. She could feel the tears prickling at her eyes but held them back. It was hard to believe that her best friend would lie to her like that. But this was something that she had to deal with. She was going to try to remain strong.
"Because…" he trailed off. Haley waited patiently for him to continue. Meanwhile, her stomach was in knots. "Because I can't stand the thought of him having you—or anyone else, for that matter. I…I'm in love with you, Haley. I always have been." This time, Haley let a few tears fall freely. Nathan and everyone else were right. Greg did have romantic feelings for her. But even though she'd been warned, Haley still felt like someone had dropped a ton of bricks on her.
"I don't know what to say," she stated truthfully while wiping away at her eyes.
"Haley, I didn't want to let you go in high school. I know I said we could go back to being friends, but it's not what I wanted. Ever since we were kids, I've had a crush on you. But that year that we were together, it was honestly one of the best years of my life. I knew then that I loved you and that we belonged together. Just like I know it now."
"Greg," Haley started to say but he interrupted.
"My New Year's resolution was to finally go after what I really want. No matter how hard or difficult it may be. And what I want is you. I can't hide it anymore."
"Greg," she tried again.
"I'm really sorry, Haley, for the way that I handled things. I didn't mean to hurt you, but I was just trying to make you see what you're getting yourself into with Nathan," he said while taking a step closer to her. "He's a loose cannon. I mean, the guy treated you like shit for as long as you've known him. Do really think that several months of playing house is going to change that? The guy's an ass."
"Do you really think that trying to manipulate me and insulting the man that I love—who you know absolutely nothing about—is really going to get you on my good side?" she fired back. The tears that were previously in her eyes had disappeared. The only thing that Haley could feel now was anger. She'd heard enough.
"Haley, you only think that you love him," Greg stated coming even closer. Haley absentmindedly took a step back. "We were happy together. Everyone could see it. Do you remember when our parents would talk about us getting married someday?"
"We were kids, Greg. It was just a joke back then. And you may have been happy when we dated, but I wasn't," she revealed firmly. "I couldn't make myself love you. The feelings were never there, and they're still not. I'm sorry if that sounds harsh, but it's the truth."
"Haley, you don't…"
"I'm serious, Greg," Haley stated firmly. "We've been friends for a long time. And I am grateful for the moments that we've shared and everything you've done for me over the years—even tonight when you got that guy away from me. But things have changed. I really love Nathan. I'm happy. As my best friend, I'd hoped that you would eventually have seen that and accepted it."
"I can't, Haley. Not when I know that it's a mistake. He isn't right for you. I am," Greg gritted out. "And the only reason why you're fighting me right now is because you feel like you have some type of obligation to him."
"No, I'm fighting you because what you're saying and suggesting is wrong. I'm not going to leave my husband for you, Greg. Even if I wasn't married to Nathan, I still wouldn't leave him," Haley explained as her voice rose with each word. "He isn't the one who's driving me away. It's you." She could feel the tears prickling at her eyes, once again. This was by far one of the hardest things she'd ever had to do in her life.
Haley then took a deep breath before saying, "I think you should leave." Greg tore his gaze away from the floor and looked up at her shocked.
"W-what?" he choked out.
"I think you should leave," Haley repeated. She didn't know where the strength to say this was coming from, but she couldn't question that right now. It was taking everything in her not to fall apart. "I don't want to do this, Greg, because I've always valued our friendship. But this isn't working anymore. If you can't respect me or my marriage, then I can't have you in my life."
"So that's it? You're going to throw away sixteen years of friendship for some guy?" Greg questioned incredulously while shaking his head.
"He's not just some guy. He's my husband. And I'm not just doing it for Nathan. I'm ending it for myself, too," she informed him. "I can't trust you anymore, Greg. You've been playing me this whole time. There's no way that things can ever go back to the way that they were before. I think it's best if we both just walk away."
"Fine," Greg muttered after a minute or so. His eyes were boring a hole into hers. "Have it your way. But when he does finally hurt you, don't come running back to me. You've brought this on yourself. I'm not going to listen to your regrets." Haley could feel the sharp pain in her stomach at his words. But she wasn't going to let him know how badly he hurt her.
"Then I guess it's a good thing that I don't have any," Haley declared calmly. She was telling the truth. She didn't regret choosing Nathan. But that didn't mean that it didn't hurt like hell having to cut Greg out of her life. It was just something that she now had to do. Haley gave him one more fixed gaze before walking right by him and up the stairs. She headed straight for her room. She locked the door and picked up the phone to call Brooke. She really needed her true friends right now.
"Hello, were we not watching the same game?! That pass was awesome!" Nathan declared.
"Yeah, but not as good as that block at the end," Lucas argued. They were on their way back from Charlotte. The game had been awesome the previous night, and the two brothers had really enjoyed themselves. It was nice to get away. But no matter how much fun Nathan had, Haley was always at the back of his mind. He just had a feeling that her conversation with Greg wasn't going to end well. To be honest, he really just couldn't wait to get back to Brooke's beach house and see her.
"What's the matter?" Lucas questioned after Nathan suddenly got quiet. He looked away from the road briefly to stare at him.
"Nothing. I'm just thinking about Haley. She was supposed to talk to Greg yesterday."
"I'm sure that went well," Lucas commented dryly.
"That's what I'm worried about. That guy's definitely two-faced. He actually told Haley some bullshit story about him trying to befriend me."
"What did he do?"
"He just started trash talking about how Haley would never choose me over him and other shit like that."
"That guy's an ass."
"Obviously," Nathan muttered.
"So, uh, have you gotten any NBA offers yet?" Lucas asked changing the subject.
"Actually, yes. A few scouts for the Lakers, Knicks, and Sonics actually called me over the last several days. They're seriously considering drafting me."
"Wow, Nate, that's awesome," Lucas exclaimed. "Do you know which one you're going to go with yet?"
"Yeah, none of them," he answered. Lucas gave him a puzzled look. "At least not right now. I want to graduate first. I haven't spent almost three years working my ass off for a business degree to just drop out. And if something should ever happen, God forbid, I need something to fall back on. Maybe start that sports agency like Haley suggested." Lucas laughed. "What?"
"It's about damn time Haley's intellect started to rub off on you."
"Shut up," Nathan retorted before socking him in the arm.
"In all seriousness, though, it's a smart move," Lucas agreed. He was quiet for a second before adding, "Does Dan know what you're planning to do?"
"He knows that they're interested. I got a voicemail from him this morning." Nathan wasn't surprised. It figured that Dan would start trying to buddy up to him again once the NBA offers were on the table.
"He's going to have a heart attack when he finds out."
"I know. But it's my life. Not his. I'm done letting him control me," Nathan declared.
"Good for you, man," Lucas stated.
"Thanks. So what about you?" Nathan inquired. "You lit it up this season. Did you get any offers?"
"A few," he replied.
"Who?"
"Mostly the Lakers and Bulls are interested. But I'm not getting drafted yet either. I haven't been busting my ass for an English degree for nothing," Lucas chuckled.
"My brother, the great American writer," Nathan teased. For the rest of the way, the two talked about school and basketball. The topic of Nathan and Haley's move to Tree Hill came up, also. It was about an hour later when they finally arrived back at the beach house. They grabbed their things from the back of Lucas' truck and made their way inside.
"Broody!" Brooke exclaimed as soon as they stepped through the front door. Brooke launched herself at him before kissing him passionately.
"Ugh, get a room," Nathan laughed. He headed into the living room where he saw Anna, Megan, Peyton, and Jake all eating their breakfast in front of the big-screen TV.
"Hey, guys," he greeted them.
"Nate, what's up? How was the game?" Jake questioned.
"It was really good," Nathan replied. He then started looking around. "Where's Haley?" The girls all stopped watching the TV to look at him. Judging by their expressions, whatever they were about to tell him couldn't be good.
"She's in your room," Brooke said from behind him. "She was lying down the last time I checked on her. She had a rough night."
"Why? What happened?" Lucas asked concerned.
"She and Greg finally talked," Anna explained. "He left this morning."
"Will he be back?" Nathan inquired.
"No," Megan answered. "From what I gather, they're friendship is done." Nathan was silent for a minute. Everyone's eyes seemed to be on him—just waiting for his reaction.
"I'm going to go check on her," he declared. He started to head for the stairs when Brooke called him back.
"Here, see if you can get her to eat this," Brooke said while handing him a bowl of oatmeal. "I tried, but she keeps refusing. She needs to put something in her stomach."
"Thanks, Brooke. I'll try," Nathan promised. An idea then popped into his head. He quickly went into the kitchen and opened the refrigerator. When he found what he was looking for, he grabbed it and proceeded to go to his room. Haley was lying in bed with her back to the door. Nathan dropped his duffel bag before going to sit next to her. Her eyes were shut. He put the bowl on the nightstand and the other object on the floor. He noticed that her eyes seemed a little puffy. She was probably crying again. It was a good thing that Greg had left. Because if he was still around, Nathan didn't think that he'd be able to fight the urge to beat the living shit out of the punk.
"I missed you," Haley muttered even before his hand reached her face. Her eyes fluttered open and a smile formed on her face.
"I missed you, too," Nathan replied after he leaned down to give her a quick peck on the lips.
"That's it?" Haley pouted sitting up. Nathan smirked before leaning in to capture her lips in a long, deep kiss.
"Was that better?"
"Definitely," she replied with small smile. But Nathan could see the sadness still behind it.
"I heard about Greg," he stated after a minute or so. "Are you ok?"
"Not really," Haley answered honestly.
"Did you want to talk about it?" Nathan prodded.
"No," she replied while shaking her head. "It's over now. If he was really my friend then…actually, never mind. I just want to put it all past me and try to move on."
He watched her for a few seconds before replying, "Ok. But if you do ever want to talk, I'm here."
"I know," she stated. Haley then leaned in to give him one more tender kiss on the lips. "So, what's that food I smell?"
"Oatmeal," he answered. He reached over to grab the bowl and handed it to her. "Brooke said you haven't eaten."
"I'm not really hungry."
"Well, you need to have something," Nathan urged. "And I think I know just how to persuade you."
"How?" Haley asked. She could feel a curious grin forming on her face at his mysterious words.
"With this," Nathan smirked. He reached down on the floor and picked up the can of spray whip. Haley laughed out loud when she saw it. He pulled the bowl in her hands closer to him.
"Oh my God," she giggled when she saw the smiley face he drew with it on her oatmeal.
"Now it's edible," he declared. Haley laughed again before finally taking a spoonful and eating it.
"Mmmm, perfect," she proclaimed. Afterward, she got a mischievous expression on her face.
"What?" Nathan asked hesitantly.
"It's your turn," she stated while scooping up a spoonful and holding it in front of his mouth.
"Haley," he started to object.
"Come on, Nathan. You promised you'd try it," Haley pointed out. She then gave him her puppy dog eyes. "Please?"
"Ugh, fine," he relented. He could never resist that face. "The things I do for you." Haley laughed softly as she slid the spoon into his open mouth.
"So, what do you think?" she asked after a minute.
"It's ok," he replied reluctantly. The truth was it didn't taste as bad as he thought that it would. In fact, he kind of liked it.
"Just ok?"
"Well, maybe it's a little tasty," he admitted casually.
"I knew it!" Haley beamed proudly. "You like it."
"I don't know, though. I think I need another taste," Nathan teased.
"Too bad. You only get one," she joked while shoving another spoonful into her mouth.
"That's just wrong. You can't get me to like it and then take it away. And I need nourishment. I had to sit through a very intense game last night."
"Yeah, well, try breaking up with your best friend and then come talk to me," Haley muttered. She meant for it to come out like a joke but it sounded more strained than anything. All at once, the pain from everything that had happened last night seemed to hit her again.
"Hales," Nathan said when he saw her eyes get watery a minute later.
"I'm sorry. You know, I told myself I was done crying but…" she trailed off as her voice caught. Nathan promptly grabbed the bowl out of her hands and put it on the nightstand. Afterward, he pulled Haley to him. She wrapped her arms around him and buried her face in his neck as the sobs overtook her.
"Just let it out, baby. Let it all out," Nathan soothed while rubbing her back. He knew it would probably be awhile before Haley came to terms with everything that had happened. He couldn't imagine what it would be like to be deceived by your best friend and then have to cut them out of your life. All he knew was that he'd be there for Haley whenever she needed him. Always and forever.
