Chapter 6: The Power of Friendship
As the doors shut close behind her, Haley rested her head on the door and started to sob. The sight of Nathan caused an overflow of emotions inside her. She never expected that to happen. She thought she had gotten to a point where she would act around Nathan like a civilized adult, pretending nothing ever happened between them. The moment she met his eyes though, everything came back to her. "I knew this wasn't a good idea," she thought as she tried to calm herself down.
Suddenly, she saw a hand with a piece of tissue waving in front of her face. When she looked up, she saw Brooke smiling sympathetically at her friend. "How are you feeling?" Brooke softly asked as smoothed Haley's hair.
Haley looked at her a she began to sob again, "I saw him Brooke and...I just froze right there! All of sudden, memories started flooding in my mind...you know, those that I just 'wanna forget!"
Brooke looked at her straight, "Okay, you know what you need? A huge fudge sundae with lots of whipped cream and nuts....c'mon, I could use one too!"
Haley just laughed as she smiled at her friend gratefully, "Maybe you're right."
Brooke grinned at her, "Of course, I am! Now, I'll just go to Peyton and tell her to meet us in the mall."
Haley nodded. With that, Brooke walked into the gym. The basketball team was in the middle of practice so Lucas just waved at her when he saw her walk-in. As Brooke approached the bench where Peyton and Jenny were, she broke into a smile upon seeing Jenny. "Jenny, how are you sweetie?" Brooke greeted as she came near.
Jenny looked up and recognized one of her favorite aunts. "Auntie Brooke!" she squealed as she ran towards her for a hug.
As soon as she was in Brooke's arms, Brooke took her niece for a little swing. "Oh, you've gotten a little heavier!" she remarked as she set her down.
Jenny just smiled, "Daddy says I'm getting stronger."
Brooke smiled at her sweetly and nodded, "Yes you are, honey!"
With an arm around Jenny's shoulder, Brooke walked over to Peyton with a smile on her face. "What's up girlfriend? Seems one of you was able to handle the Scott interaction a lot better!" she remarked as she got near.
Peyton just laughed, "Guess someone did! How is she?"
"She's okay, there's nothing a sundae can't cure." Brooke remarked as she sat beside her.
Peyton suddenly looked relieved, "Glad to know she's feeling a little better. You guys go ahead. I'll wait for Jake and we'll meet you there."
Brooke nodded, "Okay, you sure you don't need help dealing with Lucas?"
Peyton laughed, "He's in my literature class, Brooke. I've been dealing with him since my last period!"
Brooke gave her friend an intriguing look, "Is that so? Well, looks like we can gang up on him then!"
Peyton smiled at her, "Sounds good, but I really don't think he would deserve that. He wasn't the one who jerkily broke up with his girlfriend, you know?"
Brooke shrugged, "Yeah, guess you have a point there. Well, I guess I'll catch 'ya later. Haley's waiting outside."
Peyton nodded, "Alright, I'll see you two later!"
Brooke turned to Jenny, "And I'll see you too later, Jenny!"
Jenny nodded, "We're going for a sundae?"
Brooke smiled at her, "Of course sweetie, I'll get you a nice big one!"
With that Brooke waved good-bye and left the gym.
After running a couple of plays, the coach decided to give the boys a short break. Nathan has not gone over what had just occurred in the gym earlier. He really felt bad about what he had done to Haley. Now, he really feels like he could not face her again. Walking beside his brother, he remarked, "I think I really lost her."
Lucas turned to her with intent eyes, "You 'gotta give Haley some time, maybe that's all she needs."
Nathan shook his head, "We haven't spoken to each other all summer, Luke. How much longer do we have to go on like this?" Realizing his frustration was getting the better of him, he ended up letting out a heavy sigh, I just don't know what I'd do if I lose her forever."
Lucas just sighed as he pat his brother on the back, "You know you haven't, Nathan. Look, I know Haley still has feelings for you. So, just...try again."
Nathan just gave a sly smile, "I really wish it were that easy."
As Lucas scanned the bleachers, he noticed that Jake was busily playing with Jenny while Peyton just looked on. Without giving it another thought, he walked over to Peyton. He casually sat beside Peyton, "Hey, you look like you're having a great time with Jenny."
Peyton smiled as she turned to him, "Well, she's a really adorable child. It's not hard to like her."
Lucas just nodded. A moment of silence swept over the two of them for awhile. Lucas suddenly took a heavy sigh, "Look Peyton, I'm sorry about awhile ago. I didn't mean to be.."
Peyton put a hand on his arm to interrupt him, "No Luke...really, we should just forget about it. I mean...I really want us to be good friends."
Lucas smiled at her gratefully, although feeling quite disappointed inside once more, "Well, that's good to know. I feel the same way too."
Coach Fowler suddenly called on his team. The break was over. Lucas turned to Peyton, "I guess I'll see you in class."
Peyton just nodded, "Yeah..."
Lucas started to walk to the other side of the court as Peyton looked on. All of a sudden, she felt the urge to speak. "Hey Luke!" she called out.
Lucas immediately turned around to face her. Nervously, Peyton spoke up, "I was thinking....maybe you can come join us later for a sundae."
Lucas smiled at her and nodded,"Yeah, I would like that."
Peyton smiled at him. As he turned back to his coach, Peyton let a wide grin creep into the corners of her mouth. For some reason, she felt so happy about being able to spend some time with him later...
A/N: Hi, sorry it took quite long to update. Thank you so much for all your support and hope you keep reading! =)
