Nathan's Raven: Thanks! I know, finally. You'll see what happens soon enough..
KelseyRadcliffe: Thanks! Hehe, Naley and the chapter? I think we're pretty good, there. Peyton isn't really in the story, although I do have a role for her no one is going to know about for a while. Just keep reading to find out!
hilaryhilary: Thanks so much! Because, I just started reading 'Chasing Fate', and I seriously love it! I'm so glad you like my stories, I'm completely serious, you're like one of the most amazing authors ever.
Let Me Go
Chapter Eight: The Worst Feeling
"And Nathan Scott grabs the ball, tossing it up into the air! He shoots, and then scores! We all saw that one coming, seeing as how Nathan is the best player in the history of basketball and everything else!" Nathan cheered for himself as he made a basketball goal.
"Dude, you are way beyond being into yourself, that's the sad part." Jake shook his head at Nathan, chuckling.
Nathan shook his head. "Whatever you say, Man." He took another shot, giving himself another small cheer, jokingly.
He hadn't wanted to come here, to the Rivercourt. After lunch with Haley, Jake, and Brooke, Jake had suggested that the two go play basketball at the Rivercourt, just for fun. Nathan hadn't really wanted to accept, but Jake was one of his best friends, and it would have been wrong to turn him down. Besides, he was sure he'd felt a pang of guilt as his friend had asked.
"So Nate, how are things going with you? You know, we haven't talked in a while, you and me." Jake took a seat on one of the bench tables.
Nathan followed, taking a seat besides his friend. "I've been okay. I mean, I think I've been seeing a little too much of Brooke at my house, but other then that, I'm good," He knew it'd be wrong if he didn't ask Jake back, so he did. "And how about you?"
Jake sighed. "Everything's been pretty much perfect. Well, Haley's perfect," Nathan winced as Jake said her name. He'd wanted to avoid conversation about her, "I mean, you know, we still haven't had- but I think she'll be ready soon. She just has to make sure she's positive I'm the guy to do it with."
"Dude, talking about your nonexistent sex life with me isn't something I really want to do."
"Sorry. I just meant, other then that Haley's absolutely perfect. I love her so much man, and I know she feels the same. She'd never leave me, and I'd never leave her, it's like we're one, you know?"
"Not really."
"Man, I've been telling you for years. You need to fall in love. Still haven't found the right girl?"
"No." Nathan was lying and he knew it. He'd found the right girl, Haley James. Too bad Haley was attached at the lip with his best friend.
"When you do find her, it'll be the best thing ever in the world. You'll always be happy when you're with that person."
Nathan hesitated. "That's how it is with you and Haley?"
"Yeah," Jake nodded, "And I can only hope it'll be like that forever, because I love her so much."
"Oh," Nathan wanted so desperately to change the subject. "Okay, let's have a game to ten. I'll start."
"Wait, why do you get to start?"
"Okay, you can start. I'm the better player anyway.."
Jake laughed. "What'd I tell you about that ego of yours, Scott?"
"That I use it well? I know, Jake." Nathan grinned tossing the ball to his friend.
"Use it well, my ass."
After Jake had gone home, Nathan had played basketball for only a while longer, until he finally took a seat at the bench, resting his arms on either one of his legs, and his chin on his hands.
He was feeling so horrible. He almost felt as if he were about to throw up. Life was so tangled, and so unfair. It had been since Jake had asked Haley out.
But what he was doing really wasn't fair. He was loving Haley, when Jake was loving her too. It wasn't fair at all.
Just days ago, he'd been jealous of the two, wishing anything and everything bad at Jake, but now, he was simply feeling horrible for everything he was feeling.
He was regretting his feelings, and that was the really bad part. He wanted Haley to love him so much, he hadn't really thought about Jake's feelings.
Now he was stuck with the worst feeling known to man.
Guilt.