Chapter 14: Part II
Amusing drunks…
I pulled up into the driveway first, followed by Nathan behind me. The adrenaline that I felt on the road was still loudly thrashing inside of me. I stepped out of my car and walked over to his tall figure and continued to grin. I looked into his eyes and my rapture grew.
Feeling complete ecstasy…
Surprisingly, as I glanced up to his striking face I noticed that he was beaming like his old self, not like a loser. The trademark Scott smirk stood on his lips as I gazed up to his higher face and began to smile wider at his persistent beam.
Not knowing his secret…
He suddenly began to applaud, my smile broaden in response.
"Now Haley James, didn't think you had it in you," he told me as he sneered.
A grin of appreciation and delight…
"I told you Nathan," I started with my constant beam. "Never judge a book by its cover," I added as I glanced at his spellbinding eyes.
He persisted to stare at me without saying a word. The only movement he made was the tapping of his hands.
"And it seems to me that that is your favorite statement Haley James," he declared as he finally found his voice and stopped clapping.
"Statement huh?" I questioned, a bit astounded. "It does seem like the tutoring sessions are starting to ware off," I joked lowly as I glanced up at him. "But I believe that you owe me an apology," I informed him.
"An apology?" he asked me, amazement present in his voice. "You have got to be kidding me…" he added under his breath.
"Nope," I answered as I crossed my arms. "I deserve an honest apology from you."
"For what?" he questioned loudly.
"For your lack of trust," I simply replied.
"Trust?" he repeated, still stunned. "For what?"
"Lack of trust that I was going to go through with the race," I cleared up to him.
"Really now…" he replied, now amused.
"Yes," I responded.
He suddenly began to leer wider.
"Well last time that I remember you still owe me an apology for that little stunt you pulled at my house that one night…" he told me with firmness.
"What in the world are you talking about?" I said, acting clueless as I tried to suppress the smirk that was craving to appear on my fragile features.
"You don't remember?" he said as a bewitching look took over him. "Let me try to make you remember…" he added as he inched himself closer to my throbbing body.
The adrenaline that I was feeling grew at every inch he got nearer, causing me to feel a rapture I have never felt.
One of excitement, accomplishment, and yearning…
"You see, I remember you spilling your drink all over me," he voiced gradually, my eyes instantly searching his hands for one.
There was nothing there, but his large and rough hands resulting from all the times they touched a basketball. I brought my gaze back up, trying to restrain the thoughts that were running crazily through my head.
"Then I went up to my room to surprisingly find no clothes in my room except for a pair of boxers…" he continued as I started to grin in remembrance. "Then I came out and there was this group of girls outside of my room, waiting for me to come out clothes less…and there you were, snapping away pictures with your disposable camera…"
"Just saving a memory," I replied with satisfaction.
"But I also remembered how you got extremely nervous when I got exceptionally close to you," he persevered, ignoring my comment as he began to lean over.
I started to feel unsettled at his proximity and instinctively my steps moved backwards, towards my car. I took a deep breath as my heart pounded vociferously inside my chest, holding steady eye contact with Nathan. I pulled my jacket tighter around me, afraid that it was piercing enough for him to hear.
I couldn't admit to myself the effect he had on me, not yet.
"Just like right now," he told me, smirking as he pushed me against the car.
My brown eyes stared up at him, hoping for him to step away and cause the trance to break allowing me to return to my regular, old, bitchy self.
"Why do I make you so nervous and uneasy Haley?" he asked me, leaning closer and allowing me to catch a scent of his Michael Jordan cologne.
I didn't open my mouth, knowing all too well from my previous experience with him that the only thing that would come out of my mouth would be stuttering words. Immediately I closed my eyes and took another deep breath, opening them after a moment. I was ready to confront him.
"Where in the world would you get that idea?" I asked, leaning towards him, his posture stiffening as I caught him off guard. "Who said that you could possibly have that pleasure?"
Just as fast as he was taken aback, he picked himself up and smirked in response.
"Your deep breaths, heavy breathing, immense eyes…" he replied as he played along and inched nearer. "Should I continue naming them off?"
I inclined even closer to him, watching his eyes expand at my sudden aggression and boldness. I saw him close his eyes as he took in my flowery scent, recollecting me. My lips found his earlobe and I grinned as he felt my breath dangerously close to his face.
"Are you sure it isn't because you are suffocating me every time?" I questioned, sneering as I began to pull away, beginning to leave him in doubt.
Something unexpected happened then that caught me off guard, he pushed me back beside the car. His hot breath was now on me, making its way towards my earlobe where I had mine on him moments ago. My eyes flashed a look of astonishment as my heart pounded harder of his warm body on top of mine. I started to gasp rigidly.
"Are you sure it isn't because you are feeling a climax that you have never felt every single time that I get close to you?" he inquired, flashing an extensive smirk.
I looked at him, astounded at his comment, my face questioning how he knew.
"Haley!" someone said behind us, interrupting and conveying us back to reality.
I suddenly began to recall the previous events: partying at Nathan's house, him getting a Mustang for his birthday, him challenging me to race, beating him in the race, him causing some sexual tension between us. I remembered where we were at and of the many people around us. I immediately moved away from him.
"Oh my God Haley!" Peyton squealed as she caught up with me. "You totally kicked ass!" she added with delight.
I turned my attention back to Nathan and he was gone. I could visibly see his back as he entered the house.
For some odd reason a part of me felt empty. The rush that ran through me subsided and I was back to being regular Haley James, just like I wanted.
Or did I?
"Yeah," I answered. "I totally did," I added with fake enthusiasm.
She gazed at me, knowing well that I was not telling the truth. I suddenly began to bang my head for spending so much time with her.
"Are you feeling all right?" she asked me seriously. "You just beat Nathan in something, which you've wanted to do for ages. You've wiped his smirk off his face. You should be dancing and squealing with joy with me."
I smiled at Peyton's attempt to cheer me up. At times she can be troubled and depressed, but when she needed to be, she could be a great friend. I knew that I could always count on her.
"I'm feeling fine," I replied sincerely. "Just you know, trying to grip what I just did," I lied.
I didn't want her to know about Nathan or of everything he did to me because before everything, I had to admit it myself.
"I know," she responded excitedly. "I still can't believe that you beat him," she declared as she glanced around me. "Well I knew you were going to beat him because you do have the better and fast car, but…" she continued to babble.
"Peyton?" I interjected.
"Yeah?" she questioned, bringing her gaze to me, out of her daze.
"Take a big breath," I commanded, showing her.
"Well I am just happy that you were able to shut him up for a night," she commented. "Even though, it was on his birthday," she added dejectedly. "Must suck for him…" she mumbled.
"Well, well, well…" injected a voice that I knew all my life. "Look at my little sister. Criminal speeding, racing, recklessly driving," Steven announced with a grin as he emerged from a shadow.
"Only learn from the best," I responded with a teasing beam.
"Obviously," he answered. "You won."
"And if I didn't?" I voiced as I crossed my arms, curious and entertained.
"Then I would have denied any involvement in teaching you how to race," he retorted with a smirk as he stood only feet away from me. "And any relation to being your brother."
A new smile emerged on my face by my brother's humor.
"Really feeling the love," I sarcastically told him.
"Yeah I know," he replied, "I just radiate it."
"Keep telling yourself that," I said, amused.
An unexpected silence filled the air, my mind beginning to race with thoughts of Nathan and what had occurred moments before, causing me to feel slightly uncomfortable.
"But anyways, I think I'll be heading off," I declared to them.
"So early?" Peyton asked with discontent. "It's only eleven," she announced as she checked her watch.
"Yeah, I got stuff to do," I commented while taking out my keys from my pocket.
"And what's that?" asked Peyton, puzzled. "Study?" she added.
"I have this real big AP Bio test on Monday that I really should start studying for," I affirmed.
"Well, your studying can hold off for one more night," she announced as she grabbed me. "Let's go," she ordered as she led me towards the house.
"No Peyton, I really need to study," I complained as she started to drag me away.
"No, you're coming with me," she said strictly while she stopped moving and glanced at me.
In response, I sent her a fierce look.
"We are going to have a crazy time tonight," she told me cheerfully as a smile presented itself on her flawless skin.
"I don't do crazy Peyton," I advised her, ceasing my movement.
"If she doesn't want to stay, she doesn't have to," Steven announced as he came to sight again, disrupting our banter.
I glanced up and examined Steven's face. His usual humorous expression was replaced with one stern and demanding. I could tell from his tone of voice that he wasn't joking with us, but speaking the harsh truth.
'What the hell is up with him?' I asked myself, hitting the brink of annoyance of his overprotective behavior.
"You know what Peyton? I think I'll take you up on that party offer," I declared as I wickedly beamed and gazed at Steven.
Knowing well that I accepted to get a rise out of him…
"Awesome," she replied with a smile. "But goodness sakes Steven, lighten up, we came to a party, remember?" she verbalized as she shifted her attention to her boyfriend.
"Yeah, but I don't think that you should force someone to party if they don't want to," he answered sharply.
"Well, I am not being forced anymore," I replied with a fake grin. "Now, come on," I said to Peyton as I altered my watch to her. "Let's go," I declared as I let her lead the way back inside.
Instantly, my body felt the warmth that was present indoors. I gladly walked deeper into the house, welcoming the heat as it was cold outside. Though, I also consequently smelled the alcohol that was currently throughout the entire house. Soon, I noticed that we were strolling in a separate room, causing my movement to stop as I gawked at what I saw. In front of me, about six girls and one guy danced on top of a pool table. There were girls dancing with each other while the single guy danced with two other girls seductively. My eyes roamed around the bodies who were making idiots out of themselves, but that clearly appeared to be having a good time. I could see the top of the table, dirty with mud and grass that the dancers brought in from the outside.
"Damn!" Peyton commented as she stared at the scene in front of us. "His dad just put that table in a month ago," she yelled.
"Well it now looks like it has been in the house for years," I told her with an awkward beam.
"I guess all we can do is wish him luck when he was to explain that to Dan," Peyton announced with a laugh.
"I don't think enough luck can cover him from that evil being," I responded. "What he needs is a miracle," I stated with a chuckle.
We glanced once more at the crazy partiers on the pool table, laughed, and left to the living room. We walked past teenagers talking, some dancing, and even others making out heavily openly.
"It's amazing that people do that in public," I told Peyton as I stopped moving and stared in disgust at a couple.
"Oh you wouldn't believe what I have seen Brooke do in public," she retorted. "Let's just say that that is G-rated compared to the public displays I have seen from her."
I glanced at the couple again and observed them now lying on top of each other on the couch. They persisted to kiss, never breaking their lips.
"Don't they need to take a breath of air sometime?" I questioned, puzzled as I stared at them amazed.
"Eventually," she answered as she dragged me away from the pair as we finally arrived at the living room where the party was basically at.
We walked inside and the music instantly became louder. I glanced at the huge speakers placed on the top of some tables, blaring the music throughout the entire house and the outside. There were masses of people standing inside, holding cups in their hands while socializing with the rest of their peers. I turned my attention towards the T.V., where the music was being controlled by the DVD player. My eyes rapidly caught two tall brunettes, talking.
"Well looks like I know where Steven went," Peyton voiced as she noticed him.
Nathan was flirtatiously talking with a girl when suddenly Steven showed up. The girl left and my brother and Nathan started conversing. They seemed to be having a pretty serious discussion, revealed from their solemn facial expressions. I watched as Steven told Nathan something and he simply turned away in response. Nathan then told him something and Steven nodded in recognition.
"Wonder what those two are talking about…" Peyton said with interest.
"You and me both," I replied with suspicion as I stared intently at them.
I couldn't help, but shake off the feeling that something was going on between them, something big. Usually the two would be inseparable, but lately the story has changed. I saw Nathan less frequently at our house and observed that Steven had lately been going out with Peyton a lot more.
'They probably had a misunderstanding,' I convinced myself as I persisted to stare at them.
"Let's go interrupt them," Peyton announced as she already started to guide the way.
We paced through the crowds and sneaked up on Steven and Nathan. Peyton, at last, let go of me and walked toward Steven. I just watched as she made her way behind her boyfriend with a joyous face.
I smiled as I looked at Peyton's carefree expression. It had been a long time since I had seen her that happy. Back in the day, one of the only occasions she was truly content was when she started to go out with Nathan. Though, after a couple of months, their pleasant times faded and their harsh disputes commenced. Soon, they began to fight about the smallest thing and their blissful relationship disappeared. They finally called it quits after Peyton found Nathan with another girl. That was when she started to become deeply depressed and gloomy. Around that same time, she began to be good friends with Lucas and soon, her depression slowly started to disappear. Peyton started to fall for Lucas and soon he commenced to coincide with her feelings, but there was one big problem. Lucas had a girlfriend and Peyton happened to be her best friend; her name was Brooke Davis.
Their Prohibit Love…
Then the startling happened, Peyton and Lucas got together. I remember finding out about it when I caught them making out in the library. I confronted both of my friends and warned them of their immoral actions. They both didn't want to let go of each other, till one night Brooke found them.
Brooke was heart broken to see her loving boyfriend and best friend in the same bed together. It took her almost a year to forgive Peyton and gradually they started to become friends. Although, they both knew that their friendship would never be the same.
As time progressed, a new, stronger friendship was built between Peyton and Brooke. Peyton realized the importance of friends and she even figured out that she and Lucas were better off as so. In addition, Brooke couldn't ignore her intense feelings towards Lucas and within time they became friends once more. As Peyton fought off a new depression, I was there to help her out and consol her. We hung out and rapidly, we became good friends and started to confide in each other.
Yet, she seemed to be missing something. A few times, I saw how she watched Lucas and Brooke and at random couples who passed us. She seemed to abruptly become sad and always look away after she had enough. I gazed at her then and knew what she craved.
She wished for the affection and love of someone.
I knew that she missed the way her stomach flipped when she and Nathan barely began to go out, nervous for their date. She missed having someone to confide in and knowing that you could call him at any time in the day. But most of all, she missed the security she felt when she was with him.
They were feelings I have never felt.
I abruptly glanced up at her delinquent face and laughed at her childish behavior as she persisted to stand behind Steven.
Then everything changed when she met Steven. She was instantly infatuated by his lightheartedness and character, she enjoyed that he was able to make her smile again. It didn't take long before he fell for her, taming him down for the first time.
Now, I smile at her beaming face and acknowledge that my brother was the one that changed her. He gave her the hope that dreams do become reality; it just takes a while and it may contain a few obstacles along the way. He made her into a better person, a true believer in love and its sensations. I have never seen her smile or laugh as much as when she is with him. I beamed at them.
Noticing the admiration and love they had for one another…
"Boo!" she exclaimed as she surprised Steven and put her arms around him.
Steven jumped a little, take aback by his girlfriend's sudden appearance. I uncannily noticed the way his face looked down at Peyton then at me. For some odd reason, I couldn't shake off that some sort of tension existed between Nathan and him. I clearly observed the quick glance Steven sent Nathan when he acknowledged our presence. Subsequently, his face lit up as he hugged Peyton in response.
I understood very well, at that very moment, that Steven had put up a quick act.
"Geez Peyton," Steven responded loudly with a smile. "You scared the shit out of me."
"What were you two talking about?" I questioned them, knowing well that they were chatting about something important.
"We were just talking about the party," Steven replied as I quickly looked at Nathan. "Right?" he asked him.
"Yeah," Nathan answered after he cleared up his throat. "We were just saying that I am basically going to be dead tomorrow after my parents find the house like this," he continued.
"Really?" I asked, still suspicious.
"Yeah," he said.
I examined Nathan and observed for falseness, but couldn't find any from his straight face and outlook. Although, there was still something inside of me speaking otherwise.
"Now Nathan," Peyton voiced as she held onto Steven. "How in the world did you convince your parents to have a party in their beach house?" she inquired, glancing at the presently ruined house.
"My parents offered it to me," he retorted with a grin.
"Liar," she told him.
"Fine," he declared. "I kinda told them that I was going to have a few people over here," he confessed. "I told them that my friends wanted to throw me a little celebration for my birthday and they agreed."
"A few people?" I repeated. "Look at the masses of destructive teenagers in your house," I continued as I pointed at the individuals in the room.
Forgetting to follow my intuition and earlier suspicion…
"Well, they should know by now that a few means a lot to me," he told us as he shrugged it off.
"And your neighbors haven't complained?" I affirmed, knowing of how loud everyone and the music were. "You could literally hear the music a block away."
"Well, the neighbors aren't usually home at this time of year. They are mostly at their own homes, getting ready for Thanksgiving. This is mostly their vacation place," he cleared up after observing our puzzled faces. "Besides, parents are out of town. Of somewhere…."
"Hold on, shouldn't they be home since it's your birthday and everything?" I asked him, confused.
"Should be," he answered as he started to look away at the people in his house.
I rapidly felt a shove and turned around and gaped at Peyton. She had a serious face, warning me to drop the topic.
Feeling like crap that his parents didn't care very much about him…
I suddenly noticed a girl approaching us. She had a mini jean skirt on with a red top. I examined her ensemble, appeal, and rapidly knew that she was a slut.
"Hey Nathan can I talk with you for a moment?" she asked as she stood especially close to him.
The infamous Scott smirk emerged on his striking features.
"Sure," he answered as she sent us a quick look and a wink.
We watched as they both moved away, standing a few clusters away from us.
"Who in the fucken world would wear something like that during this weather?" I questioned Steven and Peyton, astonished at her clothing and sex appeal.
"Someone who wants to get some sex," Peyton replied as she threw me a glance into Nathan's direction. "Or planning on giving it."
I watched as the girl spoke with Nathan. She appeared to get closer to him by the second. Soon, I eyed her move her finger along Nathan's arm and dragging it down to his chest. Then, she leaned in and mumbled something in his ear. I saw as Nathan extended his eyes and a smirk emerged on his lips in response.
Unexpectedly, I had the immense urge to smack her finger off of him. I was getting angrier by the minute, staring at how much of a slut the girl was.
'I can't believe he is falling for it,' I told myself as I looked away.
Though, as soon as I took my gaze off of them, it went back within a few seconds. I had the strong, strange urge to watch them, wanting to know how Nathan was reacting to her audacity.
"Hey what's up Vegas," my brother said, bringing my attention back to actuality.
For a few seconds, I observed as my brother and Peyton conversed with their friend, forgetting about me. I stood, uncomfortable, and unexpectedly brought my gaze back to Nathan. I watched as the girl walked away, not waiting for his reply. He then turned around and strolled towards us, joining the group once more, but Peyton and Steven were too busy with Vegas to notice his return.
"Was she your volunteer?" I questioned with a shrewd expression.
"She has been one of the many tonight," he told me with a radiant beam.
I became annoyed and furious. For some odd reason, it irritated me to know that girls have hit on him and have offered more then one would usually give for a present. I knew that I shouldn't care, but I couldn't.
He suddenly stepped a little nearer to me, taking me aback.
"Why? Are you, by chance, volunteering?" he whispered.
My madness subsided and I started to laugh, hard. I watched as Nathan looked at me, for the second time that night, like I was crazy.
"Haley, you really need to lay off of those books. I think that you might be reading too much…" he told me as he gave me an eccentric expression. "I think that you might be confusing your books with reality," he added, gradually beginning to smirk.
My laughter gradually faded and I became agitated.
"Maybe its better to live in the imaginary," I voiced. "Everything goes as I want it. No obstacles included."
"Well then there wouldn't be a point to life," he answered. "How would you grow as a person without experience or trial and error?"
I was stunned at his intelligence.
"And you're the one to talk?" I voiced. "You've gotten in trouble for the same crime all the time."
"That's a choice," he spoke. "And besides, having fun isn't a crime," he added as he came near me. "It's what makes us live," he whispered huskily, closing the proximity between us.
I rapidly commenced to smile, this time not surprised by his wisdom. For some odd reason, I kind of felt proud.
Comprehending that my knowledge from the tutoring sessions were beginning to ware off on him…
"Didn't know that you came back," broke in a new voice.
We both brought our gazes to the one who verbalized and swiftly mutually pulled away. It was Steven and he didn't have a happy face on.
No one said a word.
"Well I am going to grab something to drink," I declared, breaking the tension amongst the group.
"Are you planning on drinking tonight?" Steven asked, his brotherly protectiveness taking over.
"I said I was grabbing a drink didn't I?" I snapped, annoyed again.
"Haley—" he began, but was interrupted by my tone.
"I don't know," I answered him truthfully. "It just all depends…" I added as I turned back around and strolled through the masses inside.
I was really beginning to get irritated of his over protectiveness. I couldn't even go to a party without having him after me.
I strolled inside the kitchen and wasn't surprised when I saw a group of people playing a round of 'I never…' on the table. I walked over to the counter where the Dixie cups were placed, entertained as I heard them confess, yell, and laugh loudly with one another. I brought my attention at the great amount of hard alcohol situated on the island and chuckled again. I then sauntered over to the fridge and pulled out a can of coke, taking a drink.
"Do you want me to add some Rum, Vodka, or any other hard liquor that I know would definitely add some flavor into your drink?" someone questioned from behind me.
I smiled as I turned around, knowing who spoke.
"Well fancy meeting you here," I told him as I walked over, amused. "In the kitchen, near the drinks…" I added with a grin.
"And yet, have I not taught you anything?" the masculine voice added as he strolled towards the island. "No Rum or anything. I do have to say that I am surprised at your lack of alcohol consumption. I would even believe that you actually want to wait till you are 21 to drink…" he added in an astonished tone.
"Maybe…" I replied as I strode over to him. "So how are you doing Mike?" I asked him as he grabbed a cup and grabbed some orange juice. "Still crashing high school parties as I could tell…"
He looked up and beamed at me. I could visibly see his dimples emerge from the smile that currently played on his face. Tonight he wore a red polo with some dark jeans and his white Ethnies. He didn't look half bad.
"How you doing sweetheart?" he questioned with his full attention on me. "Not causing too much destruction with your sober self, I hope."
"I'm doing well. In school, parents not home, racing…same old, same old," I answered with a sneer.
"Racing?" he repeated, taken aback. "I did hear some people say about a girl in a red hot Cobra beat Nathan," he confessed. "But I definitely did not think that it was you."
"Well I am," I replied. "And why is it so surprising to hear?" I verbalized, curious and laughing.
"Because the guys definitely lacked the details in how hot the girl actually was," he retorted as he stared into my brown eyes, his dimples radiating once more.
I slightly began to blush at his bluntness as I persisted to hold onto his soft gaze.
"So Mr. Mike, how come you are always in the kitchen and not out there, partying with the rest of the reckless teenagers?" I asked him as I broke the intent gape.
"Because I always know that I'll run into you in here," he responded, flirting.
"Really?" I answered, amused.
"Well really I am a bartender in the makes so I just like to practice whenever I can," he admitted as he added some liquor to the cup in his hands. "But it is always a plus to run into you," he stated as he handed me the cup with a smirk.
"No thanks," I retorted to his offer. "I am…what you call it, straight edge tonight," I told him as I held onto my coke.
"Come on…" he pressured me as he shoved the drink my face. "It's just one drink. I promise that there is hardly any alcohol," he added.
I glanced at his innocent face and smiled.
"Fine," I gave in as I set my coke on the counter and accepted his proposal. "But this is just it, I'm driving tonight."
I examined my drink and sent Mike a look of skepticism, but the smirk in his face stayed as he watched me. I then, lifted the drink to my lips and took a swig. A fruity taste filled my mouth.
"This isn't half bad," I acknowledge. "What is it?" I asked, taking another sip.
"Sex on the beach," he declared with a grin.
My eyes expanded in response of his boldness, astonished and enchanted. The blush that was already on my cheeks lengthened as I knew that they were now a fiery red.
I stood speechless.
"I thought you'll like it," he stated with his continuous beam.
I started to chuckle, shaking off his daring gaze as I took another gulp from my cup. Unexpectedly, I heard someone pace in. I looked up and saw Tim's drunken form marching over to the counter. I laughed as I watched his plaid shirt folded and grungy looking. He curved about and caught my attention.
"Oh look, it is my brother with one of my favorite people," he said as he staggered over and hugged us.
I glared at him like he was nuts.
"You really should calm down on the beer Tim," I told him. "You are beginning to hallucinate that a complete stranger is your brother and that I am your favorite person."
"What are you talking about Haley?" he asked as he turned around and brought his attention to me, allowing me to smell the beer on his breath. "This is Mike Smith Haley James," he announced.
"First of all, cease these names," I began, "And what? Mike Smith?" I repeated, confused.
"I am afraid that he is telling you the truth," Mike spoke up as he gazed at me, trying to ignore Tim. "I am brothers with Tim. We may share the same parents, but I could tell you that we don't share the same low IQ," he stated.
"So this is the brother you were talking about before?" I asked him, astonishment still present in my voice as we saw Tim abruptly get off of us and stroll to the counter to grab some cups.
"The one and only," he answered as we observed him walk over to the keg.
We observed as he pressed the hose to serve himself some beer, but the liquid would not come out. Finally, someone walked over to him and pumped the keg. In result, Tim persisted to stare at the hose and all of the sudden beer was thrown to his face.
"Are you sure?" I questioned.
"However, at times I do happen to think if my parents dropped him or just adopted him," he voiced as we viewed Tim recuperate and pace back inside the house, his face still wet from the alcohol.
I abruptly started to giggle again, hard. I couldn't help but hoot at Tim's stupid drunk behavior. My laughter grew as I heard Mike join me in my amusement.
"What the hell are you guys on?" asked Peyton as she strolled inside. "Did you guys take some drugs or something?"
My laughter died down as I noticed the new individual in the room. I looked up and observed Peyton on her way to the keg to get herself some more to drink.
"No, we on the Haley drug remember?" I teased, causing her to snicker in response from our earlier joke. "But nothing," I replied as I looked over to Mike and we both shared a laugh once more, us being the only ones to know the real reason we were so amused.
"Already then…" she said. "So I could tell that you met Mike," she declared as she strode over to us. "Hey Mike, how's UNC treating you?" she greeted as she walked over and hugged him.
"Good, doing the same old, same old," he answered. "Dealing with ass of professors, taking ridiculously hard exams, crashing high school parties whenever I can and trying to flirt with some cute girls…"
He looked over at me and smiled in reassurance.
"I could tell…" she retorted, entertained. "So, you're enjoying yourself?"
He glanced over at me and grinned.
"Oh most definitely…"
She gazed over at me and I took a sip as I knew that I had some major explaining to do later. Then unpredictably, the music stopped.
"What the hell happened with the music?" I asked, confused since it never happens in any parties, especially not Nathan Scott's.
"I don't know…" Peyton answered as Mike and I followed her retreating figure.
Suddenly the melody started up again and a hard beat filled the room. We rapidly began to distinctly hear the voices of the guys coming from the living room, singing along with the rappers.
"Got a drink that you can't put down?" we heard them chant in unison. "When a fight, will the shit go down?" they continued as we entered the room. "Get fucked up, get fucked up…"
We watched as a group of intoxicated guys sing along to Iconz, Get Fucked up. The ringleader of the group, drunker then all, sat down on the coach, singing along with his friends as he celebrated his birthday. I could visibly see Steven and Tim situated beside Nathan, extending their drinks like the rest of the guys as they sang along to the song.
"Oh my God…" I voiced, astonished at the scene in front of me. "I thought Halloween was bad…"
"Oh no," Peyton declared. "That is just the first step to their partying, followed by the banging New Year's Eve party. It's tradition I guess…"
"To get that wasted and sing along to a song that basically says 'Get fucked up'?" I imitated.
"I do have to say that it does happen every year," Mike affirmed as he stared at his group of friends. "Every year, it is crazier then the last and especially since Steven has now joined the group. Well, now everything is twice as crazy," he stated as he looked over at me.
"How the fuck you wanna be like us? You aint fly…Get tow up, get fucked up…Let's go, get fucked up…" they highly sang.
We glanced at each other.
"Fo sho, get fucked up…Uhu, get fucked up…" they persisted.
We all erupted in laugher, pleased at the entertaining time we were all having.
"So you are planning on studying law?" I asked Mike, as we sat together in the kitchen. "You definitely have been surprising me all night…" I told him, slightly giggling.
"Well I am full of surprises," he declared. "Kinda like some people I know actually…" he said as he looked over at me.
"Well, like I said before, never judge a book by its cover," I answered with a grin.
I glanced over at him, enjoying the time we have spent talking. After the karaoke incident with the guys, Mike and I departed to the kitchen, continuing to converse as we got to know each other a little better. I learned a lot of interesting things about him, amazed at how different he was then what I thought.
"Exactly," he answered as he stared back at me with great intensity.
He abruptly pulled his russet gaze from me and checked the time.
"Wow, I can't believe that it is almost three," he announced as he got off of his chair.
"Are you serious?" I asked amazed. "Damn, I should have been gone by now…"
"Why?" he questioned curiously. "Have another party to attend to?"
I smiled at his charm.
"No," I answered. "But I have this big test that I was going to study for."
"On a weekend?" he inquired, puzzled.
"Yes," I replied. "Tests aren't put on hold because of the weekends you know…" I teasingly told him. "Teachers don't care about parties."
"Well that's a shame," he answered. "Well I best get going because I need to head back to Chapel Hill so I can be on time for school on Monday," he verbalized.
"So late?" I asked him. "You are going to drive all the way over there at three o'clock in the morning?" I asked, confused and worried.
"No," he answered as he started to laugh. "I need to head home so I could sleep for my ride up there," he cleared up. "But good to know that you are worried about me," he said with a grin.
"Worried about the guy that always serves me drinks," I corrected for him. "Who in the world would I have to make me drinks when I walk into the kitchen?" I voiced, falsely hurt.
"Good to know that my bartending skills will be missed then," he retorted.
He walked over to me and smirked. He reached over towards my chair and I suddenly got tense, panic beginning to fill my eyes as I thought that he was leaning over to kiss me. However, his hand reached over and passed me, grabbing his jacket as he beamed at me amused. I awkwardly started to sneer, feeling dumb for my thoughts. Subsequently, he bent over and kissed me on the cheek.
"See you later sweetheart," he told me with a continuous leer. "Maybe next time we could both have some Sex on the Beach," his masculine voice whispered into my ear as he turned around and with one last look, departed.
I smirked at him, mentally thanking him for the good time we had. Soon afterwards, I got up and headed for the living room. As I strolled, looking around at the house, I started to laugh at all the drunken bodies lying around the house. There were still a few partiers drinking and conversing, but most were sitting around or lying heavily intoxicated.
"This is what our future of America comes to?" I asked myself as I passed the masses of people resting around the house. "God, there is no hope for us…"
"Haley!" someone yelled from one of the rooms, disrupting my loud thoughts.
I strolled towards the blonde curls and smiled. I saw Nathan on the floor amongst some other drunks.
"I see someone definitely decided to celebrate his birthday in style," I said as I saw Nathan's scattered figure on the floor, snickering noisily.
His shirt was spread all around him while his sweater lay wrinkled beside him. One could visibly tell that he was definitely wasted.
"I need you to take him upstairs," declared Peyton as she gawked at me in a hopeful way.
"I am not lugging him up the stairs," I complained piercingly, astounded at her statement. "Where the hell is Steven anyways? Can't he take his good buddy up the stairs to his room?" I finished.
"He took some people home," she replied. "Everyone else left, I need you to take him."
"He is over 80 pounds then me!" I yelled. "That is his entire dead weight, how the hell do you expect me to lug him up the stairs if I can't even lift him up?"
"I'll help you," she told me as she bent over and tried to lift his shoulder. "But first I need help. I can't do this on my own…" she added as she looked up and caught my strong gaze.
"Fine, but Nathan --," I began, ceasing my words as I bowed over and tried to lift him up, off the ground.
'Owes me big', I was going to say, but I abruptly began to remember what he did for me the misfortunate night that I got drunk. He helped me out and even held my hair back for me when I was puking.
"Nathan what?" Peyton inquired, trying to boost him up.
"Nothing," I answered, not wanting to tell her the events of that night.
A secret Nathan and I only shared…
"Okay, well you are going to raise him by the arm while I'll do the same on his other side," she commanded. "One…two…" she voiced as I got ready to pick him up. "Three," she shouted as we tried to get him up.
However, instead we fell onto the floor. One of Nathan's arms fell on Peyton's face, smacking her. He grunted in response while she cursed at the strike she just took.
"At least we know that he is alive and will be able to function tomorrow…" I voiced with fake lightheartedness. "But damn, he weighs so much," I verbalized. "He really needs to start laying off those Wheaties or something…" I added under my breath.
Peyton glared at me.
"What?" I questioned, bewildered.
"Okay, we are going to give this another try, but could you please put a little bit more energy and actually help me lift him up," she voiced, ignoring me.
"I did. It's not my fault I am as fitted as either of you," I complained. "I am a homey kind of girl, instead of running laps and lifting up weights I lift up pencils and books," I told her. "So excuse me…"
"Your excuses are really starting to become sad," she responded as she sent me a threatening look. "Now in the count of three we are going to try again and put in a little more energy got it?"
"Fine," I retorted.
One… two… three.
We staggered a bit before we successfully were able to raise him off the wooden tile. My left arm made its way on his waist as I tried to hold onto his right side that was incredibly heavy. As we staggered to the stairs, I could clearly smell the distinct scent of his cologne mixed with beer. My hand that rested on his waist was able to particularly feel how defined his torso was, impressed by the result of many days in the weight room.
Definitely did him good.
"Okay, now this is going to be the difficult part," Peyton stated as she brought her gaze to the staircase.
The stairway looked really long.
"We can't just honestly leave him here on the steps? Sure it might hurt his neck a little when he wakes up tomorrow, but I don't think that it is going to be that big of a deal. It'll just teach him a small lesson of never drinking that heavily again," I said with a grin, wanting to persuade her.
"You really are something Haley," she replied as she rolled her eyes and made the initiating step towards the stairs. "Now come on and let's go."
I grunted in response as I tried to lug his profound body up the stairs. With minor bruises and minutes that passed, we were almost at the top of the second floor. Suddenly, we heard something break downstairs.
"What the hell was that?" I asked as I dropped Nathan's arm and heard him mumble again.
"Shit," Peyton replied. "I am going to have to check that out. I kinda promised Nathan that I was going to take care of his house since he knew that he was planning on getting drunk and all. So take him up the stairs…" she declared as she set him down and raced off.
"Peyton!" I complained as I let him drop on the steps, trying to catch her attention.
Though, she was already gone, I was talking to air.
"Arg…" I voiced with annoyance as I turned around and stared at Nathan's scattered form on the stairs.
I watched as he lay, quiet and absolutely smashed. I swiftly started to laugh.
After my hilarity died down I grabbed a hold of Nathan once more and tried to lift him up. As I tried to pick him up, my lost footing caused me to trip over. I landed hard on the stairs, my body aching in pain.
"Shit," I spoke to myself as I held onto my back, irritated and sore.
I distinctly heard Nathan murmur with pain also as he slightly rolled.
"So you are conscious somewhere in there," I said out loud as I watched him move for a second time.
He grunted in response.
"Okay, you are going to help me now," I told him as I bent over and looked into his closed eyes. "In the count of three you are going to try to get up and we are going to take you to your bedroom," I commanded.
I watched as his drunken figure continued to lie on the floor, not seeming to make a motion to get up.
"One…two…three," I told him as I tried to raise his dead weight once more.
And within ten minutes, with the little help from him, we were able to get him up the stairs. We walked to the first door that I saw, opening it and stepping inside. I tried to adjust my eyes to the dark room, but was unable to. Thus, I dropped Nathan to a nearby chair and set him down. I then staggered to the lights and turned them on.
The illuminating room allowed me to see an area that appeared to be a trophy room. Curiosity got the best of me as I glanced around at the numerous awards hanged up on the walls and placed all around the tables in the room. I was able to depict the awards of Dan Scott, but noticed that they ended after a few years of College. Yet, the awards that were most distinguishable were those given to Nathan. I walked by a table and saw an immense amount of trophies. I slightly began to smirk at Nathan's awarding skill.
My gaze caught the glare of a line of pictures, situated nicely on another table. I ambled over to them and grinned as I saw an entire row of pictures of Nathan. The first picture looked like an image of Nathan when he was about 5, holding onto a basketball. Each following photograph represented a year that passed that he played ball; 12 in all. Though, one was not yet placed for his 18th year.
I smiled as I passed by each portrait, content by Nathan's beaming figure in the pictures. Although, I noticed that as each photo passed by, his smile started to vanish a little each time. The joy that usually was present in his eyes was gone.
The love of the game fading away…
I stopped as I noticed the recent picture that they added to it. The usual smirk stood on his lips as he held onto the ball in his hands, appearing like himself, but I was able to notice something more. I compared the picture of when he was five to his latest addition and saw a difference.
The new recognition of Nathan, unexpected as it was, made me feel uncomfortable in the room. I walked over to Nathan and with less difficulty, helped him out. We marched outside and I opened the following door. My eyes were able to distinguish a blue wall and I immediately knew that it belonged to him. I turned on the lights with Nathan still in my arms as I took him inside his room. I moved to his bed and laid him down.
"Hum…" he said as he lay down on his comfortable bed.
I stared at him, examining his drunken appearance. I watched as his chest rose and dropped from his gradual breathing.
I grinned.
The next thing I knew, I was sitting down beside him. I could strongly smell the intoxicating scent of the alcohol he consumed. The letterman jacket that he usually wore was replaced by a sweatshirt tonight, impressing me. His raven dark hair was a mess, scattered around on his head. Unexpectedly, my hand began to reach over, wanting to fix his hair. Although, reality set in as I finally realized what I was doing and stopped. My hand still lightly caught his silky hair.
I didn't know what I was doing.
The emotions in me taking over…
I rapidly got up and headed for the door.
"Haley?" a tender voice came from behind me.
My feet stopped in its track. I gradually turned around and gazed at Nathan's pleasant form on the bed, his eyes closed. He appeared just like I left him moments ago.
"Haley," I told myself as I took a breath of fresh air. "You really are starting to imagine things…" I said aloud as I curved around and began to walk to the door.
"Why is it that friends have to be such pain in the asses?" he lowly asked, my ears not catching his words. "Putting restrictions on everything…"he mumbled, as he persisted to lie on his bed, his eyes still closed.
"What the hell are you talking about Nathan?" I questioned, confused as I approached his spread figure.
"You looked really nice tonight Haley," he said, my ears catching his soft words this time.
I continued to stand, bewildered.
"Would you stay with me tonight?" he inquired, his voice speaking gently.
I saw his eyes faintly open.
Different emotions ran through me as I pondered the question.
Remembering his noble actions of the night months ago…
Abruptly, I turned around and slowly strolled towards the door, my boots making noise that gradually filled up the quiet room. I took one last look at Nathan and smiled before my hand reached out, grabbed the cold nod, and left the warm room. My mind knew that I had made the best decision, but my heart pounded loudly inside of me as I walked through the house and into the chilly air, speaking otherwise.
AN: I know, its been a hella long time, but I am finally done with it! Awesome! But anyways, I hope that you ALL enjoyed it and sorry for the suxiness. I still am trying to get back to writing since i have been gone for ages! I could have done another read through but I am so tired! Its also like 1 in the morning and I am leaving town in like 2 or 3 hours for Mexico! Woot! 2 weeks. So expect an update maybe in month? Need to UD TSE first, work on a collabo with my friend Janet, then I'll work on PL. Though, starting to move into my dorn on the 17th of August so you all are forewarned. Hard to believe that I am going to be a college student now! Gasp Well anyways, sorry for not posting ur individual replies this time, but you all shall get it next time! Promise!
Oh and sorry for repeating walking, looking, and smiling. Couldn't find good replacements for them. Well I didn't but they weren't enough! LOL!
Oh and please, please go read my fanfic exchange called Without Bounds! Its located here in RC on the first pace! Thankies! Well time for me to sleep so I'll ttyl! Adios and miss u all!
Ivonne