Chapter 6 (Part I)

Long night….

It's funny how life can pass you by so fast. Autumn came and so did winter, but when you're happy you won't even notice that. All you think about are the moments spent with that person whom you love the most.

The stolen kisses in the hallway, the ridiculous fights in between classes, a basketball championship and of course the post it notes left inside the locker or even in the bedroom.

These moments we're the ones that stuck inside Haley's head.

"It's been 2 years; I can't believe we've made it together for 2 years"

Holding a piece of sticky post it note in her palms she read it again

Hales,

Sorry I didn't pick you up this morning, I want you to miss me! If that's even possible. Anyway, I just wanted to tell you that I love you and that please don't forget about our date tonight. Okay? Pick you up at seven.

Luke

Chuckling, Haley carefully folded the note and put it inside her binder. Her heart was beating so fast just thinking about their date later in the evening. Closing her locker when she got all the things she needed, she noticed a couple looking very happy coming towards her.

"Hey you two, what's with the smiles?"

Peyton laughed at her friend's eagerness, it seemed really cute how Luke was avoiding Haley in hope of making her miss him more.

"Nothing….I just think its sweet of Luke to do what he's planning to do for you"

"Cant you give me a hint as to what it is?" She couldn't help it, she was so excited she couldn't wait to end their time at school.

"Nope, sorry" answered Jake.

"So Hales, congratulations on the scholarship you got from Duke"

"Thanks, Peyton. It's kinda funny coz now we have enough money to pay for college, yet I don't have to pay!"

Haley's parents went into a business venture that turned out to be so successful that they can provide well for all their children. She didn't really know why they're so blessed sometimes it even frightens her because she feels that something bad is bound to happen.

"You deserve it, Haley"

"Thanks Jake, so it seems all of us are gonna be going to Duke next year huh?" Haley smiled at the thought of them all going to the same university

"Yeah, Luke and Nate got their scholarships too"

Just then a shrill ringing cut their conversation

"Well, I guess we better get to class this is our last month here in Tree Hill High"

As Haley walked to her class, she tried to savor the noise, the smell and the people she sees. In just one month she'll be leaving this place, a sense of sadness and joy is in her heart.

At exactly 3:00, the bell rang the school.

Lucas was still trying in vain to avoid Haley all day. He found it very lonely and irritating because all he could hang with was Tim.

"Just 4 more hours Scott, you can take it"

"Hey man! We have practice remember?" Tim asked

"Of course I remember. I still don't know why we have to practice! We already won the state championship for God's sake!"

"Coach wants us to train with the new kids okay?"

"Right, its still irritating though"

"You're just excited with your night with Haley"

"Yeah"

"So finally going to get into Ms. Valedictorian's pants huh?"

Smacking Tim in the head he answered "Don't you ever to talk to her that way"

"Sorry, I was just joking man! You know me"

"Sorry, just reflexes."

"God! Those guys in Duke will really get it"

Puzzled at Tim's last comment, Lucas turned around to ask him

"What do you mean?"

Looking at his friend and rolling his eyes

"Its college man! Everyone's a fair game"

"Hah! They couldn't get pass my big brother here if they wanted to"

said Nathan who was quietly listening to the two conversing.

"You better pray man that a hot, older college guy won't be interested on your pretty, intelligent girlfriend"

"I don't think I like college anymore" Lucas mumbled like a little child

"Scotts!" they heard Whitey call from across the gym

Raising both their heads, Nathan and Lucas answered together "YES?"

"Come here you two!"

Jogging towards Whitey, they noticed a man wearing a suit stand beside their coach.

"Nathan, Lucas, meet Mr. Danvers"

"Good afternoon Sir"

The man shook their hands and smiled

"I'm Greg Danvers, from the Los Angeles Lakers"

His jaw must have hit the floor because the man in front of him laughingly said

"Well, to get to the point we want you two on our team next season"

"But…but..we're just in high school"

"So was Kobe Bryant when he started with us"

Nathan just stood there weighing his options but he knew in his heart that he still wasn't ready for pro-ball yet.

"I'm sorry sir, but I'm gonna have to decline on your offer"

"Nathan, we're not asking you to decide now." turning to Lucas he asked "How about you Lucas, any thoughts?"

"Well I don't know bout my little brother here, but I'm going" Lucas felt that he didn't want to let this opportunity pass by.

"Well I'm happy about that! I'm going to call the two of you next week and Nathan I hope you change your mind"

With that Mr. Danvers gave them a last look and went on his way

"Man, are you sure you want to go? I mean you have to talk to your Mom…and you have to talk to Haley too"

Lucas stopped dribbling the ball, obviously disturbed by what his brother said.

"I didn't think about that, but I'm sure my mom will support any decision I make"

"How about Haley?"

"I don't know. I honestly don't know."

"You gotta tell her man"

"I will, after I tell my mom"

Lucas knew that Haley won't take his news well. He prayed silently that Haley would support him if ever he plays pro-ball. Right now, he had to think about his future, with Haley in it.

He knew that making Haley understand would be hard, but he hopes they can work things out.

But….

He still can't deny the sick feeling he was having in his stomach and the heavy ache in his heart.

For he knows…

If he accepts this offer, he might end up leaving the one person he vowed to hold on forever…

"Haley" he whispered.