Chapter 3 – Subtle Signs

Peyton and Haley are actually taking their last period together. Seated at the back of the class, the girls talked in hushed tones as Ms. Bee tried to engross her class once again about the fascinating world of biology.

Looking straight towards their teacher, Peyton tries to make a conversation with Haley who was taking some notes. "I can't wait to get out of this class."

Haley didn't turn towards her but nodded in agreement as she continued to take down some notes, "Me too."

Peyton lets out a dreamy sigh as she leans back to her chair, "I miss Lucas already!"

Haley lets out a soft giggle, still keeping her eyes on what she was writing. "I bet you do," she manages to whisper.

Peyton didn't have to wait long though. The bell finally rang, signaling the end of their biology class. Peyton and Lucas have been a couple for quite some time now. Students around Tree Hill High think they're just one of the sweetest couple around. Their close friends also feel the same way.

As they made their way out of the classroom, Peyton eyes lit up as she saw a familiar boy with blond hair standing by the door. Lucas was patiently standing outside Haley and Peyton's classroom with one hand hidden behind him. As Peyton came closer, he pulled out one big bright sunflower from behind. "I got a little something for you, love."

Peyton smiled even wider as she accepted the adorable piece of flower and threw her arm around Lucas. "This is why I've fallen so deeply for you. You know how to make a girl happy!" With that, she leans and gives Lucas a very long kiss as he wrapped his arms around her waist.

Haley just stood near, watching them. She was happy that two of her closest friends are very happy together.

After sharing an intimate moment with Peyton, Lucas turned to Haley and gave his best friend a warm hug. "Hello Hales, things still as bright as this morning for you?"

Hales smiled, remembering how she acted with Lucas on their way to school. "Yeah, I guess you can say that."

"Good. Oh yeah, I hate to ruin our plans tonight but Peyton's dad asked me to come over tonight. Okay if we watch movies in my place another time?"

Haley somehow knew this would happen ever since Peyton told her that Mr. Sawyer is back in town. "Sure Luke, you go bond with Peyton's dad. I'll be fine."

Lucas smiled at his best friend gratefully he slides one arm around Peyton's waist, "Thanks Hales, I knew you'd understand!"

As much as Peyton loves spending time alone with Lucas, she also enjoys having Haley around. They always end up having a great laugh when the three of them hook up. She sure doesn't mind having another one of those this afternoon. "Hey Hales, 'wanna ride with me and Luke? We could grab a pizza or something on the way."

Haley smiled, "Sounds tempting, but I think I won't today. I'm meeting up with Nathan for another calculus session."

Lucas playfully poked Haley's arm at the sound of his brother's name, "Are you sure that's all you guys do when you're together? You've become quite inseparable lately."

Haley just pinched her best friend playfully, "C'mon Luke, quit playing with us!" Suddenly, she found herself slightly recovering her dream that morning. As quick as the sight appeared in her mind, she quickly erased it as she waved good-bye to Lucas and Peyton in the hallway.

"I'll see you guys later," she called out to both of them as she started to walk towards study hall.

Luke couldn't stop himself and suddenly called out to her, "I still think you and Nathan would make a great couple Hales!"

Haley didn't know what to say so she just gave Lucas another smile before she made her way to the door. Around their circle of close friends, Nathan and Haley are being teased to become a couple anytime soon. They have all been witnesses to bond the two have formed ever since Nathan has asked Haley to help him out with his academics. Haley and Nathan have always just laughed it off, not allowing discomfort to settle between the two of them. "Maybe that explains the dream. My mind's probably had enough of their teasing already." Haley thought with relief as she continued to walk around Tree Hill High. Truth is, Haley actually thinks Nathan's cute but, she never imagined him to be her boyfriend. At least, not until her dreams forced it into her imagination this earlier today.

As if on cue, Haley saw Nathan seated by one of the benches in the small park in school. He was just seated down, looking at the ground, but looked up when he spotted Haley. He couldn't help but realize how cute she looked as she went near him. "Hey you," Nathan called out to her as she went nearer.

"Hey Nate, ready to go through some calculus problems," she asked as she walked over to the younger Scott brother. She's always had some sort of admiration for Nathan. After all, he is the top scoring basketball player of the Ravens. The moment Lucas Scott joined the said basketball team, however, Nathan shared that title with him. At first, they did not get along at all. Eventually, however, they became really close just like the brothers they're supposed to be. Since they've become the best of friends, Lucas had started thinking that it would be a good idea for Haley and his younger brother to hook up. Haley didn't know where Lucas got this idea. When she mentioned this to Peyton and Brooke, both girls only had one thing to say," Maybe you should somehow consider what Lucas said, Hales. He probably knows something about Nathan no one else does." Haley didn't want to become uneasy around Nathan so she just shoved the thought off to the back of her head. To her, Nathan was just a friend, a very dear friend and she is determined to leave it at that.

Nathan found himself smiling at the thought of hanging out with Haley. He can't figure out when had he become so fond of her but ever since he did, Nathan found himself thinking about her constantly. "What do you know? Looks like Lucas and I share a best friend now too," he thought as he watched Haley walk over to him.

"Actually, I can't wait Hales! Oh yeah, I got something that would make you smile."

Haley looks at him intriguingly, "I'm already smiling Nate, but what have you got for me?"

Nathan then pulls something out of his big duffel bag and hands it over to Haley who was standing right in front of him, "I know you're not my mother, but I thought you should be the first to know." He proudly handed the paper over to curiously smiling Haley.

Haley was intrigued by what Nathan said. When she turned to look at the paper, saw the word "Calculus" written on top of it. Haley suddenly felt a pang of anxiety creep inside her eyes moved towards the upper right-hand side of the paper where Nathan's score was. She nearly jumped upon seeing the score boldly written in red ink. Nathan got a B, what do you know! She tried desperately to keep herself from freaking out. Nathan, nonetheless noticed the sudden change in Haley's face.

"Hales, everything okay? Is my score not good enough for you?" Nathan could not help but wonder if how Haley thinks of him in terms of academic performance. For some reason, he just doesn't want to look too dumb around Haley. He feels the need to try to impress her.

Haley finally realized that Nathan was noticing her freakiness. She immediately plastered a wide grin on her face, hoping to convince Nathan that she was pretty happy about his grade (well, if not for the dream, she would actually be). "Of course not, Nate. I'm so proud of you!" Before she could even think twice, she jumps out to give Nate a friendly hug.

"I'm really happy for you. Maybe another round of calculus will bring you up to an A," she says with delight as she pulls away from their hug.

"Yeah, that's what I was thinking. I hope you don't mind though," Nathan grins sheepishly as he stares into Haley's eyes. "My God," he thought, "she has the most wonderful eyes I've ever seen."