Chapter Three

That evening Lucas was getting ready to go home. He just finished another day at basketball practice. He went inside the locker room and opened his locker. He took off his shirt and took a towel then went to the shower room. A few minutes later, he got back from his bath and saw that his locker was thrashed. All of his clothes were wet and a big red "bastard" was spray painted on the inside of the locker.

"Real funny. This is just great." he said as he was fuming.

"Hey there gorgeous! You know, you look real sexy in that towel." Brooke said as she leaned against one of the lockers.

"What are you doing here Brooke? This is the men's locker room." Luke wasn't in the mood for one of Brooke's games.

"When has that ever stopped me?" she said with a flirtatious grin. "Not so happy to see me, Luke? Normally I wouldn't give a shit, but you standing there dripping wet and in that towel is just giving me ideas. Mind if I share them with you?" Brooke said as she licked her lips.

"I'm not the only one dripping wet." Luke muttered under his breath as he looked at his soaking clothes. "Look, Brooke, I'm really not in the mood for one of your charades. I've gotta find something to wear." said Luke as he tried to see if there was anything in his locker that wasn't soaked.

"Getting dressed already? What's the hurry? We have all night." Brooke said as she inched closer. Luke sighed and faced Brooke. He opened his locker wider for her to see the damage.

"Woah! That's why you're so cranky. Got any ideas on who's behind this?" asked Brooke.

"Just a hunch." Luke said sarcastically.

Brooke just smiled and said, "Well, you can't stay here sulking forever. Come on, I'll give you a ride home."

"And just how am I going to go out there to the parking lot of our school without any clothes on?" Luke replied.

"Hmmm.. Good question. Wait, I've got an idea!" she said as she pulled him out of the locker room.

What is taking Luke so long? He said he was going to be here at 7. It's 8 and there's still no sign of him! Haley was pacing Lucas' room. They had agreed to do his bug project tonight at his house. I still need to finish my paper! Come on Luke!!! Hurry up! Just then she heard a car pull up in front. She rushed to meet the car and exclaimed "It's about time! Do you know what time it is! You said we were gonna---"...She wasn't able to finish her sentence because a big black bird came out of the passenger seat of the car. It was the team's mascot, a Raven complete with headgear and a tail.

"Hey tutor girl!" said Brooke as she got out of the driver's seat.

"Oh, um, hi Brooke. What are you doing here? With the mascot?" Haley said distractedly.

Brooke let out a screech of laughter then she looked at the mascot and winked.

"See you later lover. Remember, you owe me a date Saturday night. Later, tutor girl!" she said as she left the mascot in front of the house and sped away.

The mascot got inside the house and Haley followed. "Um, what are you doing in here?" Haley asked.

Just then, the mascot took his head off and faced her. "Luke! What happened to you?! Why are you wearing that thing?" she exclaimed as she burst into fits of laughter.

"Ha-ha. Very funny Hales. Would you just help me get this thing out?" said Luke, irritated. "Sorry Luke, I—can't—help—it!" Haley said between laughs. She went up to him and helped him unzip his suit. "I never knew it was so hot in here." Said Luke as he waited for Haley to help him.

"Hey Luke!" Haley exclaimed.

"What?" Luke said as he turned around to face her.

(FLASH) "Haley!" Luke shouted as he chased after her.

"I am like, sooo gonna use this to black mail you!" she said as she held up the Polaroid.

Luke had to laugh at that, but then he sat down and slumped.

"So, what happened Luke? Why are you wearing that thing?" she said more seriously as she sat down on the bed beside him. He told her what happened and by the time he was finished, she was so red she was steaming! "Let me guess, the guy who's responsible for this is the moron who had you thrown in the pond! I am gonna murder him and then im gonna kill him!" exclaimed Haley as she stood up.

Luke sighed and said, "Just help me get out of this thing, will you Hales." She unzipped the costume from the back and was surprised to see him naked underneath. His broad back was in front of her and she couldn't help but notice how great he looked.

No wonder Brooke has been chasing after him, she thought with a little annoyance. Then he stood in front of her and said, "Hales, I need a minute to get dressed. Then we can do the project ok?" All Haley could do was nod her head because her gaze was transfixed on his chest. "Great. Thanks Hales." said Luke as he went into the bathroom to change.