Chapter 4: Broken Secrecy
As Nathan reached the classroom, he found an empty seat next to his brother. Lucas just acknowledged him with a nod and he nodded back as he settled into the seat. Once he was seated, Lucas turned to him, "You'll never guess who else is in my biology class."
Nathan just tried to look curious at his brother, "Who?" Since he knows that two people who mean a lot to both of them are also studying in Anne Dale U, nothing else could come as a surprise to him now. What he worryingly hoped for just came true.
Lucas chuckled a little, "Brooke Davis and as usual, she was late!"
Nathan laughed, quite hoping that it was Peyton so he didn't have to hide the secret from him. "Yeah, looks like Brooke will never change," he smilingly commented.
Lucas' eyes were suddenly filled with hope, "It also means she's here, Nate. I want to see her."
Nathan didn't know how to respond so he just smiled and nodded.
Peyton decided to drop by her locker before she headed to her next class. As she approached the lockers, she noticed Haley fixing her stuff. "Hey Hales," she greeted as she came near.
Haley looked up and smiled, "Hey Peyt, how's your day doing so far?"
Peyton just chuckled, "Well, I haven't slept through any of my classes yet so that's quite an accomplishment!"
Haley just laughed, "I know what you mean, I can't wait to get 'outta here."
Peyton nodded, "Me too. Hey, maybe we can grab a sundae later. I've been craving for it lately."
Haley nodded smilingly at her friend, "Alright, sundae sounds great. I could use one too."
With that, the two girls waved at each other and were about to go separate ways. Suddenly, Peyton felt the urge to confess to Haley. "Hales?" she began.
Haley still looked like she was such in a good mood. Casually, she turned to her friend, "Yeah?"
Seeing Haley happy, Peyton didn't want to ruin her mood, "Um, what's your elective?"
Haley looked at her schedule, "Let me see, I got French. You?"
Peyton smiled, "I got literature. Too bad, I thought we could take the class together."
Haley just laughed, "There's 'gonna be a lot of semesters for that, Peyt. Remember, we got a rendezvous for sundae later!"
Peyton just nodded as she waved at her friend who has already began walking away, "Alright, see 'ya!"
Peyton just kept walking when Brooke suddenly appeared from nowhere and put her arm around her shoulders, "What's up best friend?"
Peyton just laughed," I should be asking you that Brooke, how did your morning with Ethan go?"
Brooke giggled as she remembered the wonderful time she had with her boyfriend that morning, "It certainly was one of my best mornings. By the way, he's taking me to their ranch to meet his family this weekend. Peyt, I'm a little nervous."
Peyton just laughed, "You shouldn't be, you'll be great Brooke. I bet they'll love you, just don't show them your cheer leader captain self. Okay?"
Brooke just laughed as she playfully punched her friend on the arm, "FYI, I've been the nicest cheer leader in Tree Hill High history! Oh yeah, I've got another FYI for you. Lucas Scott is roaming around the campus, he's even in my biology class."
Peyton just laughed, "I know Brooke, I ran into Nathan."
Brooke's eyes widened, "The Scott brothers are here, did you tell Haley?"
Peyton sighed as she shook her head, "I promised Nathan that I won't."
Brooke just rolled her eyes, "C'mon Peyt, you're supposed to have greater loyalty for your best friend than your ex, ex boyfriend!"
Peyton just nodded, "I do Brooke, but I don't know how Haley would take it. She was happy when we met up and I thought telling her that Nate was around would ruin it."
Brooke just nodded. She saw how hurt Haley was after her break-up with Nathan. Brooke tried desperately to cheer her friend up at that time. Haley would cry a lot and all Brooke could do was smooth her hair and tell her she would be meeting a lot of guys in college who are much better than Nathan. Haley would just nod at her, but Brooke could tell that Haley was clearly not interested in seeing anyone else. "I still think they're bound to find each other anyhow, "she commented as they walked together.
Peyton just nodded, "Yeah...well, let's just let them find each other."
Brooke just sighed, "Will the same go for you?"
Peyton just sighed, "I don't know, Brooke. I guess I'll just let fate take its course."
Brooke playfully pouted at her friend, "Well, don't get all Days of Our Lives on me. I better get 'outta here before you start delivering cheesier lines! Catch 'ya later!"
Peyton just laughed and waved, "Later Brooke!"
On the other side of the school, Haley was making her way towards her next class when she heard someone call her. "Hales?" the guys called.
Haley knew the voice very well and turned excitedly, "Jake?"
Jake just nodded and smiled, "Yeah, how 'ya been? You go here too?"
Haley just nodded, "Yeah. That's great, we could hang out sometime! How's Jenny?"
Jake smiled proudly, "She's four and she runs around my apartment a lot! Actually, I'm having basketball practice later and I'm afraid to leave her by herself since she might suddenly go off somewhere."
Haley understood and nodded, "Well, I can hang with her if you want? Then we can all go for sundae with Peyton and Brooke later."
Jake smiled at her gratefully, "Sounds good, Jenny loves sundaes! I owe you Hales, thanks so much!"
Haley just nodded and smiled, "Sure, it's just like old times!"
Jake just nodded. His expression suddenly changed as he remembered something, "Speaking of old times...." Jake looks at her quite uneasily, unsure if he should go on. He decided to go on anyway, "Nathan will be there too, Hales."
Haley was suddenly surprised. Although she actually prepared herself for this kind of situation, she never thought it would actually happen. After a brief moment of silence, she just blurted out, "He goes here too?"
Jake nodded while uneasily scratching his head, "Yeah. Look, I'll understand if you change your mind about staying with Jenny, Hales."
Haley quickly beamed at him, "Don't be silly. Besides, I have to face him sooner or later. I'll be there around 3."
Jake smiled at her even more gratefully, "That's great, practice starts by 3 anyway. Thank you so much Hales!"
With that, they waved good-bye to each other and went their ways. Haley just kept walking when she heard Jake call out to her again. "Hales?" Jake began.
Haley just turned to look at him in response, "Yeah?"
Jake just let out a sly smile, "I just wanted to say...if only I can make you invisible in the gym, you know...I wouldn't have to put you in an awkward position."
Haley just laughed, "Jake Jagelski, don't go dramatic on me now. I might change my mind."
Jake just nodded and waved good-bye at her once more. Haley waved back and continued on her way.
Haley couldn't explain how she felt upon learning that Nathan studies in Anne Dale U as well. A part of her can't forget the heartbreaking past while another part of her actually wants to see him again. She usually would let the former part take over her. Besides, she has no idea how normal things can ever be with Nathan again. She just wanted to keep her distance. This way, she can avoid getting hurt again...
A/N: I just feel lucky to have very supportive readers! Thank you so much! =)
