Apologize for the tiny length; I am in my own candy-induced-up-at-3:30-a.m.-haze, but promise to update soon, and with something more interesting. I also want to thank, AGAIN, my wonderful readers who are completely responsible for every word I write. Without their encouragement, I wouldn't be writing this. I love you all to death. ( :

Chapter .22

Dan's mouth came open, an impatient gesture as he shoved Lucas aside, fingers tightening painfully around Nathan's arm.

Nathan resisted, hesitating...looking at Tutor Girl...despising Brooke, petty nickname...Haley was beautiful. Simply beautiful

Not in Peyton's purely pretty style; Brooke's sexy attractiveness. No, her beauty went deeper than that.

Looked into that face, must be the drug induced haze...caught himself staring...[]



Dan, brought up short, cast an impatient glance in his son's direction. He admired Nathan for accepting a challenge, but it was time to get him home, in shape. For practice tomorrow…[]

Lucas caught himself against the edge of the vending machine, cool metal at his back, icy cold stare pinning him…his mouth was dry, limbs strangely immobile. Dang you, Nathan, let him pass, get out of here, now…

The sedative left both boys mentally unstable. Lucas felt his emotions see saw between anger and a bone chilling weariness, dang the drugs. Nathan just stood there, unmoving, blinking foolishly at Haley.

Dan looked about to burst. The familiar tightening of the mouth, barest excuse for a smile…falsely benevolent look taking in every factor and the unsteadiness of Lucas' appearance…[]

Single female spectator in the Scott Family Saga or not Haley James found herself swept up in

the moment, tense and not so coherent males stubbornly staring each other down. While Nathan grinned at her with an idiot's smile lighting his brooding face and Lucas, draped over the wall, tried to take Dan at his own game.

Really weird, almost like being on TV…maybe she should jot down all this drama, it might make for a pretty good pilot on the WB…[]

Lucas was the one who finally broke the silence. Haley heard him clear his throat, sensed his trapped feeling, the crazy pulse rate as she took his elbow.

"Excuse us."

Nathan merely blinked, shook his head, and refocused on Haley's features, right around her mouth…totally embarrassed, she ducked her head, aware of the medicines after-effects, but still confused…

Lucas got the stare, his own mind hopping frantically from Nathan Scott's obvious obsession with his something? more than best friend, and Dan's dawning realization of the situation .

"Crap." Haley barely breathed the words aloud, nervously tugged at a strand of hair, forced herself not to panic. Had to get Lucas outside, away from this, away now.

"Well, nice meeting you again, Mr. Scott, but we really have to go." She practically drug Lucas upright and started steamrolling down the hall.

Dan Scott obviously didn't catch the 'do or die' attitude, or chose to ignore it. He stepped around her, neatly blocking their path.

Haley cast a sideways glance at Luke-ah, the moron was exhibiting a loud and clear 'Want to take me' signal. Why didn't he just -she pushed at his unyielding back-wave a red flag. Make it more professional. "Luke-"[]

"Going home to Karen?"

"Yes. I am." Lucas' whole demeanor was tight, guarded. He knew he wasn't as able today, more cautious. Felt Haley, a little pang of regret for getting her into this…

"Or is it to check on Daddy Keith?"

The smile filled Haley with an angry rage. Opened her mouth, only shut it in surprise as Luke lay a cautioning hand on her shoulder.

"As a matter of fact, he's doing all right. No thanks to you."

"If you're going to insult me, at least pick something that will actually make an impression." Dan casually dug out a handful of bills and inserted one into the pop machine. "Keith digs his own grave. He doesn't need my help."

"Dad."

It was Nathan, half drowsy and impatient.

"Hold on, son. I was just making things clear for your friends, here."

Dan snapped the pop open and tilted it, smirking at Lucas past the can.

"No, I don't want to hold on. I want to go home, I'm feeling like crap." He passed a hand over his face. Lucas stepped forward to steady him, only to be shook off.

"I don't need any of you." He met Haley's eyes, started jerkily down the hall. Dan had no choice but to follow, flinging back, "we're not through yet!"

Lucas almost sighed in relief, waiting for his adrenaline to pass.

"Let's go, Lucas."

He sensed Haley's impatience with him. Admittedly, he was wound too tight.

In the elevator, faced with her cold silence, rubbed his eyes; irritated with himself.

He just wanted things to go back to normal. Just wanted to be home.[]