Title: Rumor Mill

Name: Joy

Email: Julianna@ziplip.com

Rating: PG 13

8.

One Tree Hill High School was a rush of students. Vacation was over, the snow had melted and it was back to the norm for the students. There were some whispers about the different couples that had broken up or hooked up over the holiday. It was widely known that the strange relationship that Haley James and Nathan Scott had formed was now over. Most believed that obviously she wouldn't put out so Nathan was moving on. Then again people didn't know what to think about Lucas Scott's sudden burst of popularity. He had done the cheerleader thing like every other guy so people were starting to chalk him up as another jock. There were also rumors that some girl at school was at death's door. However there were a few students missing that day back and it was noticed.

Nathan moved through the halls looking to a very vacant locker of Haley James. He wondered where she was. He absently wished he hadn't lost his temper the other night. She yelled at him...at him. Even when Haley was mad she always made such an effort not to yell or belittle because of Nathan's relationship with his father. He breathed deeply and grit his teeth. Nathan just couldn't stand it that once again Lucas won. It had been two nights ago that he saw his brother with the girl he thought he might be in love with. And he had a key to her house. What a world!

Nathan saw Brooke and Peyton talking seriously around Peyton's locker. The brunette looked up. "Hey Nathan...been by to see Tutor Girl?" Brooke asked concerned as Mr. Scott moved past her and Peyton. He seemed to them completely uncaring about Haley's absence.

He steeled himself against the pain the comment caused. "We're broken up Brooke...pass the word," he snipped unaware of the situation.

Peyton glared at him, "That's cold, Nathan...even for you."

He turned on her sharply, "Why?! She broke up with me! I'm supposed to what? Care?" He then began to walk away again.

Even Brooke was shocked. She walked after him a couple pace before yelling, "I would think the least you would do is check on her at the hospital."

Nathan stopped dead in his tracks and looked at them with fear, "Hospital? Why is Haley at the hospital?"

The brunette tilted her head and snipped, "There is a mad rock thrower on the loose."

"You wouldn't know anything about that would you Nathan?" Peyton accused. Both girls were looking at him with disdain.

He swallowed hard; knowing that whatever had happened was going to change his world. "Stop it...Just tell me what happened," he begged.

Peyton turned out her foot and faced her ex-boyfriend, "Apparently two nights ago someone chucked a rock at Haley's front window where she and Lucas were standing. The glass broke and cut them both up while the rock hit Haley in the head before she hit the floor. Lucas says she knocked her head on it pretty hard. He feels responsible since he didn't ketch her in time...She hasn't regained consciousness since that night."

Nathan went completely pale. "You're lying," he said lamely.

Peyton stared at him hard. "You have got to be kidding me...I may not understand it but Haley has become a friend. She is one of the rare girls in this school I know I can trust with everything. I want a chance to prove I could be the same to her since she only seems to have Lucas...I would not lie about Haley getting hurt...Or Lucas having to get stitches and deal with the police..."

"How do you know all this?" Nathan asked.

"Because both Brooke and I tried to get him and couldn't. He called from the hospital to apologize and assure us he wasn't blowing us off. I guess without Haley he's pretty lost..." Peyton stated.

Brooke glared, "So look you got your wish...your brother is an emotional wreck."

"But here is the million-dollar question Nathan, whom do you think she's going to go for? The basketball prick or the guy who gives a damn," Peyton said snidely.

Brooke shrugged a bit, "I know who I'd pick."

With that Nathan ran through the halls and out to his car. Classes were going to wait and mom was going to have to understand. He had to see Haley.

"You think he did it don't you?" Brooke asked Peyton.

"Oh yeah."

"Why would he? He loves Haley."

Peyton shrugged as the bell rang, "Exactly...but Lucas loves her more."

Tbc...

A/N: Two chapters together. It will be a bit before I post again.

PLEASE REVIEW SEPARATELY FROM THE LAST CHAPTER!