AN: Alright guys, here it is, with love, as always. Thanks for the awesome
feedback~!
Description: When someone arrives on the girl's front steps, Haley is forced to face her past.
The walls she built so high: by grace
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Haley held up a hand and quickly pushed Ryan off of her, who was looking around dubiously. The voice behind the flashlight cackled, and then Ryan stood in the water.
"Alex, you fucker!" He said, sounding relieved. Haley could also hear female giggles now too.
"P-peyton? Brooke?" She called out uncertainly. The flashlight beam was lowered to reveal four figures standing on the shoreline. Brooke was hanging on Jesse, who was looking bashful but pleased. Brooke was obviously tipsy, as she was still dancing to the faded music coming from inside. Peyton was grinning from ear to ear, playfully poking Alex in the ribs.
"Yessum, that would be me!" Brooke called. Haley grimaced as she realized her embarrassing situation. Ryan obviously felt the same way, and his hand had jumped to his hair self-conciously, sinking lower in the water.
Haley shrugged and waded in, goosebumps appearing on her skin.
"Ooooooh mama!" Peyton called out. So Brooke wasn't the only one who was slightly out of it. Haley just shook her head. Her single drink had been enough for her. Laughing, they watched as Haley and Ryan put their clothes back on, and they all headed back to the car, snaking around the dark building.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Haley awoke the next morning disoriented and confused, stretching her hands far over her head and glancing lazily around. Realizing that she didn't know where she was, she sat up fast. In a rush it all came back to her.
Florida, Brooke, Peyton, beaches, condo, and....Ryan.
She laid back deliciously on her back, savoring the thought of his deep green eyes. The way they had sparkled as they stood outside of her condo, after a night on the town. As he had bent down and kissed her sweetly, asking if he could see her again.
Duh.
She smiled as she thought of the date they had planned later today. She was going to hit the beach all morning, but then after that Ryan was taking her out to a restaurant a little ways out. She was excited. Things were happening fast. But that's the way things work on spring break, she reminded herself.
Not like she was complaining.
She sighed and heaved herself out of the comfortable bed, and stumbled through the hallway and into the kitchen. The smell of waffles was thick in the air, and Haley moaned as she pulled out a chair and sat down at the counter. Peyton looked up from where she was over the stove. She was cooking what looked like enough for at least eight people.
"Hey ho."
"Hey. What's with the big breakfast? Are we expecting to feed the army here this morning?"
Peyton let out a dry chuckle as she flipped the eggs in the pan in front of her. She was still in her boxers and shirt, her hair pulled into a messy ponytail.
"Naw. Just bored. And hungry. You forget Hales, where I come from, actual food that isn't frozen or has the word 'instant' on it is practically unheard of. I've been dying for something good since I saw how stocked this place was." Peyton smirked and Haley nodded and yawned. Her hair was also pulled into a messy bun, and her pajamas were mused. Not like she had anyone to impress at the moment, anyways.
Just then there was a yell that echoed throughout the quiet morning. Haley looked around.
"Hey, I think we have neighbors now," Said Peyton lightly. "I can't be sure, but there have definitely been voices coming from the condo over there," She pointed out the window. "They've been yelling like that since like six."
Haley raised her eyebrows. Lovely.
"What time is it anyways?"
"Time to kill our fucking neighbors," Said Brooke, who had stumbled into the kitchen unnoticed. Spotting the homemade food on the stove she moaned and nodded at Peyton with approval. "Pey, you are a goddess, anyone ever tell you that?"
"Every day."
Haley scowled and glanced at the clock that hung on the spotless kitchen wall. It read 12:00. Outside the day was bright and cheerful. Brooke scowled out the window too. Then she surveyed Peyton.
"So why all the food?" She asked curiously. Peyton heaved a deep sigh.
"Because I can. Because I'm a pig. Because I'm bringing food to Alex. Take your pick."
Haley and Brooke stared.
"Wait, back up." Said Brooke excitedly. "What was the last part again?"
Peyton flushed as she served a heaping pile of food onto a few plates.
"Alex is working at the beach shop today, and was complaining that he didn't have time for breakfast. So I thought it would be nice if I brought him something..." She trailed off as Haley and Brooke continued to stare at her.
"Wow, he must be something special. I had to wait 6 years to get a real homecooked meal from Ms. Peyton," Said Brooke with a teasing grin. She pretended to pout. "What's he got that I don't?"
"Um....let's see. A fabulous ass and a great package." Peyton said with a sly giggle. Brooke pretended to look insulted.
"What are you saying about my ass?"
"Nothing, Brooke, it's gorgeous."
"Damn straight."
"You ho!" Said Haley with a laugh. "What did you do?"
Peyton shrugged and tried to look innocent.
"Nothing..."
"Pey..."
"Just a little make-out session in the car, was all."
"You went inside before I did!"
"Yeah, well, you went to sleep before I did!"
They both gaped at Peyton, who started to dig into her food.
"Looks like someone's found some bootay," Said Brooke in a singsong voice. Peyton glared at her over the plate of eggs.
"Shuttup. You were having a good time there yourself, Brooke."
Brooke's face lit up.
"I love corrupting America's youth," She declared. Haley rolled her eyes.
"Poor Jesse. Didn't know what hit him."
Brooke's eyebrows shot up.
"This coming from Ms. Haley James? Ms. Have sex in the ocean on the same night that she met the guy?"
"We weren't....we didn't..." Haley sputtered. Brooke held up a hand.
"Puh-leeeeeeeze." She said simply, and applied herself to her breakfast. Haley's mouth fell open.
"We didn't! Just kissing."
"Whatever, it looked pretty steamy to me." Said Brooke. Haley opened her mouth to protest and then shrugged.
"It was."
They giggled.
"Are you going to see him again?" Asked Peyton. Haley shifted in her seat. She felt like a little girl that was being questioned about her first kiss. Like they had had so much more experience. Okay, admittedly they had, but so what?
"Yeah, tonight, if that's okay."
"Fine by me. Alex's taking me dancing." Said Peyton excitedly. "He knows this oldies place that sounds like a blast. Jukeboxes and all that."
Haley nodded. "What about you Brooke?"
Brooke smiled mischievously.
"Well as long as you are both out of the house I'm sure we'll find something to do."
Haley and Peyton rolled their eyes.
"Whore." They said at the same time, before breaking out in a fit of giggles. Peyton stood and packed breakfast for Alex as Brooke and Haley continued chatting about the guys. Suddenly there was a huge splash that issued from their backyard, and they all spun around to see a basketball floating in their pool.
"Nice work, dickweed," Came a voice. They looked at each other. That voice sounded oddly familiar. Haley looked questioningly at her two best friends. A minute later there was a knock at the door.
Haley stood with an "I'll get it.", and headed towards the door. Stupid frat boys, she found herself thinking, pulling the door open. Maybe I will just kick his ass.
"Wha-" She started in a heated voice, her words dying on her lips as she stared into his familiar face.
"Hey Hales." Nathan said, sounding surprised. Haley's stomach dropped and she slammed the door without thinking. He knocked again, but Haley ignored him. What was he doing here? It was supposed to be her vacation, dammit. She took a deep breath and opened the door again, to find him watching her curiously. She was still wearing her pajamas.
"What are you doing here?" They both said at the same time.
"I'm here with Peyton and Brooke." Said Haley.
"I'm here with a couple of buddies from school." Said Nathan. Haley's numb mind was barely registering the fact that this was the longest conversation they had had since they broke up.
Since I found that slut on top of him, she corrected herself.
"What do you want?" Haley's tone was icy, hurt. They both knew that her tone had underlying meanings, but Nathan just shrugged and looked shiftily behind her.
"My ball," He said, semi-apologetically, shifting from one foot to the other. "Chuck threw it in your pool."
There were footsteps behind Haley and she turned to see Peyton carrying the wet ball. She stopped in her tracks when she saw Nathan, and looked from Haley to him obviously surprised.
"Hey Pey," Said Nathan, with his cocky grin. "How are you?"
"Fuck off, Nathan." Peyton said coldly. Haley had a sudden rush of affection for her best friend. At least she could say what was on Haley's mind. Nathan just shrugged.
"Whatever, thanks. See you around, Haley," His voice sounded dejected but hopeful as he slumped away, bouncing the ball against the pavement as he went.
"What the fuck is Nathan doing here?" Peyton asked. Haley shrugged.
"Break? Same as us, I guess." Her monotone voice caught Peyton's attention and she watched her carefully.
"You okay?"
Suddenly Haley's face hardened, back into the smiling mask that she had perfected.
"Yeah. I'm fine."
They spent the rest of the morning on the beach, soaking up sun rays. Haley mulling over that night, and how rotten Nathan's timing was. Damn him. Who needs him? But her heart was screaming at her.
You know you miss him. She told herself honestly. But then she shook her head. No. You are done with him. You are.
But still she couldn't believe it.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"So Haley, when is Ryan picking you up?" Peyton's voice cut into Haley's thoughts as the three girls trekked to their condo. Haley started. She had completely forgotten about Ryan.
"Ummm around 6, I think." She said vaguely. Peyton and Brooke looked at her.
"You okay, Hales?" Brooke asked, concern written all over her face.
"Yeah, I'm fine." Haley said a little too loudly, with a little too much conviction. Brooke and Peyton looked at each other knowingly.
"Haley..."
"Listen guys I don't wanna talk about it, okay? I'm fine. Let's just leave it at that."
The truth was, Haley was anything but fine. She wished she knew why Nathan being there bothered her so much, but part of her wanted to just leave it in the past, where he belonged. And yet a small part of her wanted to see him again, to fall into that familiar feeling that she always had with him. Safe. Loved. Wanted.
Cheated on.
Haley shook her head and locked herself in the bathroom with every intent on getting ready for her date. Instead, she sat on the counter and buried her face in her hands.
It was amazing that with just one conversation Nathan could tear down Haley's protective wall she had spent so long building up, just when she thought that she was safe from him.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Sooooo whad'ya think? This chapter was definitely for the Naley lovers, because you know I couldn't resist putting Nathan back in here. But I'm torn between him and Lucas, so Lucas might show up too ( hehehe.
Next time: Haley's second date with the gorgeous green-eyed stranger, and another glance at the past.
Review if you want more (which you know you do!) I wanna know how u feel about Nathan, Ryan and Lucas...who should she end up with? Hmmmm.
Much luv
Description: When someone arrives on the girl's front steps, Haley is forced to face her past.
The walls she built so high: by grace
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Haley held up a hand and quickly pushed Ryan off of her, who was looking around dubiously. The voice behind the flashlight cackled, and then Ryan stood in the water.
"Alex, you fucker!" He said, sounding relieved. Haley could also hear female giggles now too.
"P-peyton? Brooke?" She called out uncertainly. The flashlight beam was lowered to reveal four figures standing on the shoreline. Brooke was hanging on Jesse, who was looking bashful but pleased. Brooke was obviously tipsy, as she was still dancing to the faded music coming from inside. Peyton was grinning from ear to ear, playfully poking Alex in the ribs.
"Yessum, that would be me!" Brooke called. Haley grimaced as she realized her embarrassing situation. Ryan obviously felt the same way, and his hand had jumped to his hair self-conciously, sinking lower in the water.
Haley shrugged and waded in, goosebumps appearing on her skin.
"Ooooooh mama!" Peyton called out. So Brooke wasn't the only one who was slightly out of it. Haley just shook her head. Her single drink had been enough for her. Laughing, they watched as Haley and Ryan put their clothes back on, and they all headed back to the car, snaking around the dark building.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Haley awoke the next morning disoriented and confused, stretching her hands far over her head and glancing lazily around. Realizing that she didn't know where she was, she sat up fast. In a rush it all came back to her.
Florida, Brooke, Peyton, beaches, condo, and....Ryan.
She laid back deliciously on her back, savoring the thought of his deep green eyes. The way they had sparkled as they stood outside of her condo, after a night on the town. As he had bent down and kissed her sweetly, asking if he could see her again.
Duh.
She smiled as she thought of the date they had planned later today. She was going to hit the beach all morning, but then after that Ryan was taking her out to a restaurant a little ways out. She was excited. Things were happening fast. But that's the way things work on spring break, she reminded herself.
Not like she was complaining.
She sighed and heaved herself out of the comfortable bed, and stumbled through the hallway and into the kitchen. The smell of waffles was thick in the air, and Haley moaned as she pulled out a chair and sat down at the counter. Peyton looked up from where she was over the stove. She was cooking what looked like enough for at least eight people.
"Hey ho."
"Hey. What's with the big breakfast? Are we expecting to feed the army here this morning?"
Peyton let out a dry chuckle as she flipped the eggs in the pan in front of her. She was still in her boxers and shirt, her hair pulled into a messy ponytail.
"Naw. Just bored. And hungry. You forget Hales, where I come from, actual food that isn't frozen or has the word 'instant' on it is practically unheard of. I've been dying for something good since I saw how stocked this place was." Peyton smirked and Haley nodded and yawned. Her hair was also pulled into a messy bun, and her pajamas were mused. Not like she had anyone to impress at the moment, anyways.
Just then there was a yell that echoed throughout the quiet morning. Haley looked around.
"Hey, I think we have neighbors now," Said Peyton lightly. "I can't be sure, but there have definitely been voices coming from the condo over there," She pointed out the window. "They've been yelling like that since like six."
Haley raised her eyebrows. Lovely.
"What time is it anyways?"
"Time to kill our fucking neighbors," Said Brooke, who had stumbled into the kitchen unnoticed. Spotting the homemade food on the stove she moaned and nodded at Peyton with approval. "Pey, you are a goddess, anyone ever tell you that?"
"Every day."
Haley scowled and glanced at the clock that hung on the spotless kitchen wall. It read 12:00. Outside the day was bright and cheerful. Brooke scowled out the window too. Then she surveyed Peyton.
"So why all the food?" She asked curiously. Peyton heaved a deep sigh.
"Because I can. Because I'm a pig. Because I'm bringing food to Alex. Take your pick."
Haley and Brooke stared.
"Wait, back up." Said Brooke excitedly. "What was the last part again?"
Peyton flushed as she served a heaping pile of food onto a few plates.
"Alex is working at the beach shop today, and was complaining that he didn't have time for breakfast. So I thought it would be nice if I brought him something..." She trailed off as Haley and Brooke continued to stare at her.
"Wow, he must be something special. I had to wait 6 years to get a real homecooked meal from Ms. Peyton," Said Brooke with a teasing grin. She pretended to pout. "What's he got that I don't?"
"Um....let's see. A fabulous ass and a great package." Peyton said with a sly giggle. Brooke pretended to look insulted.
"What are you saying about my ass?"
"Nothing, Brooke, it's gorgeous."
"Damn straight."
"You ho!" Said Haley with a laugh. "What did you do?"
Peyton shrugged and tried to look innocent.
"Nothing..."
"Pey..."
"Just a little make-out session in the car, was all."
"You went inside before I did!"
"Yeah, well, you went to sleep before I did!"
They both gaped at Peyton, who started to dig into her food.
"Looks like someone's found some bootay," Said Brooke in a singsong voice. Peyton glared at her over the plate of eggs.
"Shuttup. You were having a good time there yourself, Brooke."
Brooke's face lit up.
"I love corrupting America's youth," She declared. Haley rolled her eyes.
"Poor Jesse. Didn't know what hit him."
Brooke's eyebrows shot up.
"This coming from Ms. Haley James? Ms. Have sex in the ocean on the same night that she met the guy?"
"We weren't....we didn't..." Haley sputtered. Brooke held up a hand.
"Puh-leeeeeeeze." She said simply, and applied herself to her breakfast. Haley's mouth fell open.
"We didn't! Just kissing."
"Whatever, it looked pretty steamy to me." Said Brooke. Haley opened her mouth to protest and then shrugged.
"It was."
They giggled.
"Are you going to see him again?" Asked Peyton. Haley shifted in her seat. She felt like a little girl that was being questioned about her first kiss. Like they had had so much more experience. Okay, admittedly they had, but so what?
"Yeah, tonight, if that's okay."
"Fine by me. Alex's taking me dancing." Said Peyton excitedly. "He knows this oldies place that sounds like a blast. Jukeboxes and all that."
Haley nodded. "What about you Brooke?"
Brooke smiled mischievously.
"Well as long as you are both out of the house I'm sure we'll find something to do."
Haley and Peyton rolled their eyes.
"Whore." They said at the same time, before breaking out in a fit of giggles. Peyton stood and packed breakfast for Alex as Brooke and Haley continued chatting about the guys. Suddenly there was a huge splash that issued from their backyard, and they all spun around to see a basketball floating in their pool.
"Nice work, dickweed," Came a voice. They looked at each other. That voice sounded oddly familiar. Haley looked questioningly at her two best friends. A minute later there was a knock at the door.
Haley stood with an "I'll get it.", and headed towards the door. Stupid frat boys, she found herself thinking, pulling the door open. Maybe I will just kick his ass.
"Wha-" She started in a heated voice, her words dying on her lips as she stared into his familiar face.
"Hey Hales." Nathan said, sounding surprised. Haley's stomach dropped and she slammed the door without thinking. He knocked again, but Haley ignored him. What was he doing here? It was supposed to be her vacation, dammit. She took a deep breath and opened the door again, to find him watching her curiously. She was still wearing her pajamas.
"What are you doing here?" They both said at the same time.
"I'm here with Peyton and Brooke." Said Haley.
"I'm here with a couple of buddies from school." Said Nathan. Haley's numb mind was barely registering the fact that this was the longest conversation they had had since they broke up.
Since I found that slut on top of him, she corrected herself.
"What do you want?" Haley's tone was icy, hurt. They both knew that her tone had underlying meanings, but Nathan just shrugged and looked shiftily behind her.
"My ball," He said, semi-apologetically, shifting from one foot to the other. "Chuck threw it in your pool."
There were footsteps behind Haley and she turned to see Peyton carrying the wet ball. She stopped in her tracks when she saw Nathan, and looked from Haley to him obviously surprised.
"Hey Pey," Said Nathan, with his cocky grin. "How are you?"
"Fuck off, Nathan." Peyton said coldly. Haley had a sudden rush of affection for her best friend. At least she could say what was on Haley's mind. Nathan just shrugged.
"Whatever, thanks. See you around, Haley," His voice sounded dejected but hopeful as he slumped away, bouncing the ball against the pavement as he went.
"What the fuck is Nathan doing here?" Peyton asked. Haley shrugged.
"Break? Same as us, I guess." Her monotone voice caught Peyton's attention and she watched her carefully.
"You okay?"
Suddenly Haley's face hardened, back into the smiling mask that she had perfected.
"Yeah. I'm fine."
They spent the rest of the morning on the beach, soaking up sun rays. Haley mulling over that night, and how rotten Nathan's timing was. Damn him. Who needs him? But her heart was screaming at her.
You know you miss him. She told herself honestly. But then she shook her head. No. You are done with him. You are.
But still she couldn't believe it.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"So Haley, when is Ryan picking you up?" Peyton's voice cut into Haley's thoughts as the three girls trekked to their condo. Haley started. She had completely forgotten about Ryan.
"Ummm around 6, I think." She said vaguely. Peyton and Brooke looked at her.
"You okay, Hales?" Brooke asked, concern written all over her face.
"Yeah, I'm fine." Haley said a little too loudly, with a little too much conviction. Brooke and Peyton looked at each other knowingly.
"Haley..."
"Listen guys I don't wanna talk about it, okay? I'm fine. Let's just leave it at that."
The truth was, Haley was anything but fine. She wished she knew why Nathan being there bothered her so much, but part of her wanted to just leave it in the past, where he belonged. And yet a small part of her wanted to see him again, to fall into that familiar feeling that she always had with him. Safe. Loved. Wanted.
Cheated on.
Haley shook her head and locked herself in the bathroom with every intent on getting ready for her date. Instead, she sat on the counter and buried her face in her hands.
It was amazing that with just one conversation Nathan could tear down Haley's protective wall she had spent so long building up, just when she thought that she was safe from him.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Sooooo whad'ya think? This chapter was definitely for the Naley lovers, because you know I couldn't resist putting Nathan back in here. But I'm torn between him and Lucas, so Lucas might show up too ( hehehe.
Next time: Haley's second date with the gorgeous green-eyed stranger, and another glance at the past.
Review if you want more (which you know you do!) I wanna know how u feel about Nathan, Ryan and Lucas...who should she end up with? Hmmmm.
Much luv