Author's Note: Hello to everyone. I hope you all liked the little twist I
put in the last chapter. For lose of you who didn't, don't worry, it's not
going to be a main concern in the overall course of the story. After all,
it's not like she's still pregnant. Speaking of that, anyone who thinks
Brooke should be, or is, or will be pregnant, it ain't gonna happen. There
are far too many of those same old stories around and I don't want this to
be the same as the others. Anyway, I'm glad that you are all hating Nathan,
that was one of my intensions when I began this story.
ThisYearsGirl: Just to clarify, I said in my author's note in that chapter that there was a line taken from 'The Prom'. Just so you don't think I'm stealing from Joss or anything.
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It was pouring down buckets outside and it didn't give any signs of stopping in the near future. The wind was blowing at record speed causing the trees to sway about even more than they already were from the rain. Haley wrapped her arms around herself even tighter, cursing herself for not bringing a jacket with her. She shook her head, trying to get the water off of her face. It was no use, the droplets just kept coming down. She hated rainstorms enough when she was inside, they had always scared her for some reason, but she hated them even more when she was forced to be outside.
She realized now that she should have thought about storming out of the motel room before actually doing it. She was just so steaming angry and hurt that she had to get out of there. She was afraid she might say something that she wouldn't be able to take back. She had always promised herself that if she ever got to her breaking point, that she would just walk away, it was the best solution for everyone. She would walk around for a bit, cool of and think. That way when she went back, they could talk it out in a civilized manner.
She felt bad that she had just left Brooke like that, knowing that the girl was probably worried about her. She also knew that Brooke was swimming in guilt over what she had done. Before she left, she could she how sorry Brooke was, but at that moment, she really didn't care. It didn't matter to her how sorry she was, or how many excuses she made up, what was don was done. Brooke had slept with Nathan, the man she had loved, and now they were just going to have to live with it.
Nathan had screwed them both over in his own way. They were both broken because of some jackass thing he had done, either directly in Haley's case or indirectly in Brooke's. He was back in Tree Hill, shaving sex with Blondie and living it up while Brooke and Haley, two people that got caught in the crossfire, were lost in a river of sadness, sorrow and pain.
Who would have thought that Brooke Davis and Haley James would have so much in common. Brooke and Haley had always been complete opposites; Brooke was a hardcore party girl while Haley was Miss Sensible. That's what happens when men get involved. That's the only thing that can make two different people the same, the need to be wanted and loved. That's the one thing that everyone wants.
Haley thought about all of this as she walked along the side of the road in the pouring rain and pitch black. She was so lost in thought that she didn't even hear the car pulling up beside her until it honked it's horn. She blinked a couple of times before she turned to look at the car. It was a blue Honda Civic with two young guys in the front seat, both looked to be a little tipsy.
"Hey there, sweet thing," the one in the passenger side called. Haley tried her best to ignore them, hoping that they would continue one if she didn't say anything. "How was Heaven when you left it?" Haley rolled her eyes.
"I bet you say that to all the girls," she said back to them in fake flattery. The driver laughed at his buddy, finding it amusing that he got shut down. She continued to walk and they drove beside her at a slow speed.
"It's getting pretty heavy out here," the driver said. Haley tried to decide if he was being serious or if it was just another pick up line. "It could get dangerous. Why don't you just hop in the backseat and we'll take you wherever you need to go."
"I don't think so," she answered, praying that they would just leave her alone. She looked around at her surroundings, looking to see if anyone was around. There wasn't a soul anywhere. "Why don't you just run along now?"
"I'm serious," he replied. "When it rains it pours around here. It can get really bad sometimes. You wouldn't want you to get hurt."
"Yeah," the passenger agreed. "We could keep you company. And if we happen to end up in bed together, than so be it." He had a sick smile on his face. A shiver ran up and down Haley's spine at the sight.
"My answer stands firm at no," she repeated. She noted that the driver seemed to be a better guy than the passenger is. "I'm meeting someone in a few and they should be here to pick me up any minute now. So I think I'll be fine."
"Are you sure?"
"I'm positive."
"You're lose," one of them said before they drove off into the night. Haley let out a breath she didn't know she had been holding. She was so happy that they didn't do anything, she had been so scared they were gonna attack her or something.
"Whatever," she mumbled to herself. After another ten minutes of walking, she had finally reached someplace. She had no idea where she was, but she didn't care as long as she was away from Brooke. She shook herself off in an unsuccessful attempt to dry herself off before entering the bar. She looked around, surprised to find that it wasn't very busy at all. There was maybe a total of ten people in the building, not counting the bartenders and waiters. She wiped off her feet and made her way over to the bar. She sat down in an empty stool and waited for the bartender to serve her.
"What can I get for you?" asked the woman. Haley thought she looked like she was her age, which was much to young to be working in a bar, that must be way she didn't ask for an ID. She shook her head, not wanting to give it too much thought, she had enough o think about as it was.
"Yeah, I'll just have a beer, any kind will do," she answered. She didn't drink very much so she couldn't think of any kinds. The girl nodded and went to get the beverage. She was back within a minute. "Thanks." They girl left to serve another customer. Haley was about to take a sip when she realized what she was doing. She sighed and out the bottle back on the counter. She shook her head, not believing she had almost been so stupid. They man sitting at a table near by spotted her sitting by herself and walked over to her.
"Hey," he greeted her. She rolled her eyes and nodded her head in recognition. She wasn't really worried this time, since she wasn't alone. If the guy tried anything, there were others around to protect her. "Can I ask you a question?"
"It's a free country last time I checked," she replied, playing with the pealing label on her bottle. The guy sat down beside her.
"You see I have this teddy bear," he began. Haley raised an eyebrow at that. "It's really important to me, my father gave it to me the day I was born. Ever since I was a baby, I haven't been able to sleep without him."
"Are you going somewhere with this?"
"Well, I seem to have lost him," he continued. "So I was just wondering if you would sleep with me." Haley looked over at the serious look on his face and burst out laughing. The guy smiled at her. "I thought you'd liked that."
"Are you serious?" she chuckled. "Do girls actually fall for that?"
"Naw, it just looked like you were bummed out so I thought that might cheer you up." Haley nodded and smiled, showing him that it has worked somewhat. "A buddy of mine uses that one, and you'd be amazed at how many girls fall for that."
"They wouldn't happen to be of the blonde variety would they?" The guy laughed and nodded. "So, besides cheering strange girls up, what are you doing here? You seem like a nice guy, good looking, how come you don't have a girlfriend?"
"Just the curse of a nice guy, I guess," he sighed. "Girls just don't seem to fall for us. They always seem to dig the bad ones." Haley sighed, thinking about her own guy troubles.
"Don't I know it." She glanced over and locked eyes with the guy. She was surprised to find that she was attracted to him. She shook her head, not wanting to get caught up with the feeling. "So, what does it say on your birth certificate under name? Prince Charming?" He chuckled and gave her a bright smile. Haley thought he had beautiful teeth. She smiled back at him.
"While I have been called that on more than one occasion," he laughed. "The official name you will find on my driver's license, which by the way you will never see because it's a horrible picture, is Scott Walsh." Haley smile faded as she heard his name. She quickly adverted her eyes back to her beer. Scott noticed her change in attitude immediately. He reached out and touched her shoulder. "What's wrong? Did I saw something?"
"No, no, it's not you," she stuttered, getting off the stool. "It's just...bad association with that name." She backed away and he looked after her. "I'm sorry, it's not your fault, but I just...I can't do this...any of it. I'm sorry." He watches as she runs out the door. They bartender sees her leave.
"Hey, you have to pay for your beer!"
"I got it," Scott says, digging through his pockets for the money. He handed her the money and looked back at the door Haley had just run through.
Haley took a deep breath; glad to be outside in the fresh air even if it was still pouring ran. She ran a hand through her hair and sat down on the curb. She couldn't believe what she was feeling just moments ago. She had started to like Scott and she some how felt that was betraying Nathan in some way. And at that thought she felt she was betraying Brooke. She sighed and pulled out her cell phone from her pocket. She dialed the number she knew so well and waited for an answer.
"Hello?"
"Hey," Haley greeted in a sad voice.
"Hales?" Peyton asked in surprise. She pushed herself up from her sitting position on her bed. She put her sketchbook on the table. "Is that you?"
"The one and only," she replied. "How've you been, girl?" She was trying to sound light and airy, but she knew Peyton would see right through it.
"Horrible," she sighed. "First I find out you that you left then Brooke calls me and says that she's gone too." Haley frowned, feeling bad that Peyton was all alone. She never really thought about how Peyton would feel without her and Brooke around.
"I'm sorry, Pey," Haley says, truthfully. Peyton could sense the sadness in her best friend's voice.
"What's up, Hales?" Peyton asks. "You sound like you're about to cry." Haley sniffled, realizing that the blonde was right. She shook her head.
"Naw, I'm okay," she lies. "I just really needed to hear a familiar voice."
"Where are you?" Peyton asked even though she knew that Haley wouldn't tell her the truth. Haley looked around.
"A place that is else," she answered with a smile. She knew that would make the blonde crazy. Peyton always hated it when she didn't give her a straight answer.
"That's what I thought." Peyton paused as she stood up to walk around. "So, are you sure you don't need anything? Cause it sounds like you have a problem." Haley thought about her problem. She figured that if she asked Peyton about Scott, Peyton would think that she's crazy. She'll just ask Brooke about it when she gets back. And she was going back, she decided. There was no point in holding a grudge against her. After all she was the only thing she had left.
"Yeah, I'm sure," she told her. "I just really needed to hear your voice, that's all. I'm sorry that I called you for nothing."
"No, no," Peyton assured her. "That's totally cool. I've been waiting to hear from you for the past few days. I was really worried." Haley smiled at that.
"Really?"
"More than you can ever imagine," Peyton answered truthfully. "Promise that you'll call again? I need to know that you're okay."
"Sure," Haley answered, not knowing if she was lying or not.
"No matter what time it is," Peyton demanded. "Even if you just want me to sing you 'Mary Had A Little Lamb', promise you'll call if you need me?"
"I promise." The thunder snapped in the sky and Haley decided that she needed to get out of the rain. "Look, I'm really sorry, but I gotta go."
"Okay," Peyton sighed in sadness. "Be careful. And Hales?"
"Yeah?"
"I love you." Haley smiled.
"It's good to know someone does," she sighed. "I love you, too. I'll talk to you again someday."
"You better," Peyton warned her. "Bye, Hales."
"Bye." Haley disconnected her phone. She stared at the phone for a moment as if she was scared of it. She scrolled down the screen until she found the number she was looking for. She took a deep breath and pressed call. When there was no answer after the fifth ring, Haley started to worry that she wasn't there. Finally there was an answer.
"Hello?"
"Can you come and pick me up?" she asked in a defeated tone. She hated to ask for help, but when she did it, she did it proudly.
"Where are you?"
"Some bar," Haley answered. "It's about a five minute drive. Just go straight down the road." Brooke wiped her eyes, slipped on her shoes and walked out the door as she was given the instructions.
"I'll be there soon," she said as she ran to the car and started it. "Hey, Hales?"
"Uh huh?"
"I'm sorry." Before Haley had a change to reply, Brooke hung up the phone. She pulled out of the parking lot and drove in the direction Haley had given her. Hoping beyond hope that Haley would forgive her.
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Okay, before you go and start flaming this chapter, I know it totally sucked so you don't have to tell me. I have a really bad headache and this chair is killing my back. It's no excuse, but....If you have something to say, please leave me a review. Thanks for reading this horrible chapter. Peace.
ThisYearsGirl: Just to clarify, I said in my author's note in that chapter that there was a line taken from 'The Prom'. Just so you don't think I'm stealing from Joss or anything.
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It was pouring down buckets outside and it didn't give any signs of stopping in the near future. The wind was blowing at record speed causing the trees to sway about even more than they already were from the rain. Haley wrapped her arms around herself even tighter, cursing herself for not bringing a jacket with her. She shook her head, trying to get the water off of her face. It was no use, the droplets just kept coming down. She hated rainstorms enough when she was inside, they had always scared her for some reason, but she hated them even more when she was forced to be outside.
She realized now that she should have thought about storming out of the motel room before actually doing it. She was just so steaming angry and hurt that she had to get out of there. She was afraid she might say something that she wouldn't be able to take back. She had always promised herself that if she ever got to her breaking point, that she would just walk away, it was the best solution for everyone. She would walk around for a bit, cool of and think. That way when she went back, they could talk it out in a civilized manner.
She felt bad that she had just left Brooke like that, knowing that the girl was probably worried about her. She also knew that Brooke was swimming in guilt over what she had done. Before she left, she could she how sorry Brooke was, but at that moment, she really didn't care. It didn't matter to her how sorry she was, or how many excuses she made up, what was don was done. Brooke had slept with Nathan, the man she had loved, and now they were just going to have to live with it.
Nathan had screwed them both over in his own way. They were both broken because of some jackass thing he had done, either directly in Haley's case or indirectly in Brooke's. He was back in Tree Hill, shaving sex with Blondie and living it up while Brooke and Haley, two people that got caught in the crossfire, were lost in a river of sadness, sorrow and pain.
Who would have thought that Brooke Davis and Haley James would have so much in common. Brooke and Haley had always been complete opposites; Brooke was a hardcore party girl while Haley was Miss Sensible. That's what happens when men get involved. That's the only thing that can make two different people the same, the need to be wanted and loved. That's the one thing that everyone wants.
Haley thought about all of this as she walked along the side of the road in the pouring rain and pitch black. She was so lost in thought that she didn't even hear the car pulling up beside her until it honked it's horn. She blinked a couple of times before she turned to look at the car. It was a blue Honda Civic with two young guys in the front seat, both looked to be a little tipsy.
"Hey there, sweet thing," the one in the passenger side called. Haley tried her best to ignore them, hoping that they would continue one if she didn't say anything. "How was Heaven when you left it?" Haley rolled her eyes.
"I bet you say that to all the girls," she said back to them in fake flattery. The driver laughed at his buddy, finding it amusing that he got shut down. She continued to walk and they drove beside her at a slow speed.
"It's getting pretty heavy out here," the driver said. Haley tried to decide if he was being serious or if it was just another pick up line. "It could get dangerous. Why don't you just hop in the backseat and we'll take you wherever you need to go."
"I don't think so," she answered, praying that they would just leave her alone. She looked around at her surroundings, looking to see if anyone was around. There wasn't a soul anywhere. "Why don't you just run along now?"
"I'm serious," he replied. "When it rains it pours around here. It can get really bad sometimes. You wouldn't want you to get hurt."
"Yeah," the passenger agreed. "We could keep you company. And if we happen to end up in bed together, than so be it." He had a sick smile on his face. A shiver ran up and down Haley's spine at the sight.
"My answer stands firm at no," she repeated. She noted that the driver seemed to be a better guy than the passenger is. "I'm meeting someone in a few and they should be here to pick me up any minute now. So I think I'll be fine."
"Are you sure?"
"I'm positive."
"You're lose," one of them said before they drove off into the night. Haley let out a breath she didn't know she had been holding. She was so happy that they didn't do anything, she had been so scared they were gonna attack her or something.
"Whatever," she mumbled to herself. After another ten minutes of walking, she had finally reached someplace. She had no idea where she was, but she didn't care as long as she was away from Brooke. She shook herself off in an unsuccessful attempt to dry herself off before entering the bar. She looked around, surprised to find that it wasn't very busy at all. There was maybe a total of ten people in the building, not counting the bartenders and waiters. She wiped off her feet and made her way over to the bar. She sat down in an empty stool and waited for the bartender to serve her.
"What can I get for you?" asked the woman. Haley thought she looked like she was her age, which was much to young to be working in a bar, that must be way she didn't ask for an ID. She shook her head, not wanting to give it too much thought, she had enough o think about as it was.
"Yeah, I'll just have a beer, any kind will do," she answered. She didn't drink very much so she couldn't think of any kinds. The girl nodded and went to get the beverage. She was back within a minute. "Thanks." They girl left to serve another customer. Haley was about to take a sip when she realized what she was doing. She sighed and out the bottle back on the counter. She shook her head, not believing she had almost been so stupid. They man sitting at a table near by spotted her sitting by herself and walked over to her.
"Hey," he greeted her. She rolled her eyes and nodded her head in recognition. She wasn't really worried this time, since she wasn't alone. If the guy tried anything, there were others around to protect her. "Can I ask you a question?"
"It's a free country last time I checked," she replied, playing with the pealing label on her bottle. The guy sat down beside her.
"You see I have this teddy bear," he began. Haley raised an eyebrow at that. "It's really important to me, my father gave it to me the day I was born. Ever since I was a baby, I haven't been able to sleep without him."
"Are you going somewhere with this?"
"Well, I seem to have lost him," he continued. "So I was just wondering if you would sleep with me." Haley looked over at the serious look on his face and burst out laughing. The guy smiled at her. "I thought you'd liked that."
"Are you serious?" she chuckled. "Do girls actually fall for that?"
"Naw, it just looked like you were bummed out so I thought that might cheer you up." Haley nodded and smiled, showing him that it has worked somewhat. "A buddy of mine uses that one, and you'd be amazed at how many girls fall for that."
"They wouldn't happen to be of the blonde variety would they?" The guy laughed and nodded. "So, besides cheering strange girls up, what are you doing here? You seem like a nice guy, good looking, how come you don't have a girlfriend?"
"Just the curse of a nice guy, I guess," he sighed. "Girls just don't seem to fall for us. They always seem to dig the bad ones." Haley sighed, thinking about her own guy troubles.
"Don't I know it." She glanced over and locked eyes with the guy. She was surprised to find that she was attracted to him. She shook her head, not wanting to get caught up with the feeling. "So, what does it say on your birth certificate under name? Prince Charming?" He chuckled and gave her a bright smile. Haley thought he had beautiful teeth. She smiled back at him.
"While I have been called that on more than one occasion," he laughed. "The official name you will find on my driver's license, which by the way you will never see because it's a horrible picture, is Scott Walsh." Haley smile faded as she heard his name. She quickly adverted her eyes back to her beer. Scott noticed her change in attitude immediately. He reached out and touched her shoulder. "What's wrong? Did I saw something?"
"No, no, it's not you," she stuttered, getting off the stool. "It's just...bad association with that name." She backed away and he looked after her. "I'm sorry, it's not your fault, but I just...I can't do this...any of it. I'm sorry." He watches as she runs out the door. They bartender sees her leave.
"Hey, you have to pay for your beer!"
"I got it," Scott says, digging through his pockets for the money. He handed her the money and looked back at the door Haley had just run through.
Haley took a deep breath; glad to be outside in the fresh air even if it was still pouring ran. She ran a hand through her hair and sat down on the curb. She couldn't believe what she was feeling just moments ago. She had started to like Scott and she some how felt that was betraying Nathan in some way. And at that thought she felt she was betraying Brooke. She sighed and pulled out her cell phone from her pocket. She dialed the number she knew so well and waited for an answer.
"Hello?"
"Hey," Haley greeted in a sad voice.
"Hales?" Peyton asked in surprise. She pushed herself up from her sitting position on her bed. She put her sketchbook on the table. "Is that you?"
"The one and only," she replied. "How've you been, girl?" She was trying to sound light and airy, but she knew Peyton would see right through it.
"Horrible," she sighed. "First I find out you that you left then Brooke calls me and says that she's gone too." Haley frowned, feeling bad that Peyton was all alone. She never really thought about how Peyton would feel without her and Brooke around.
"I'm sorry, Pey," Haley says, truthfully. Peyton could sense the sadness in her best friend's voice.
"What's up, Hales?" Peyton asks. "You sound like you're about to cry." Haley sniffled, realizing that the blonde was right. She shook her head.
"Naw, I'm okay," she lies. "I just really needed to hear a familiar voice."
"Where are you?" Peyton asked even though she knew that Haley wouldn't tell her the truth. Haley looked around.
"A place that is else," she answered with a smile. She knew that would make the blonde crazy. Peyton always hated it when she didn't give her a straight answer.
"That's what I thought." Peyton paused as she stood up to walk around. "So, are you sure you don't need anything? Cause it sounds like you have a problem." Haley thought about her problem. She figured that if she asked Peyton about Scott, Peyton would think that she's crazy. She'll just ask Brooke about it when she gets back. And she was going back, she decided. There was no point in holding a grudge against her. After all she was the only thing she had left.
"Yeah, I'm sure," she told her. "I just really needed to hear your voice, that's all. I'm sorry that I called you for nothing."
"No, no," Peyton assured her. "That's totally cool. I've been waiting to hear from you for the past few days. I was really worried." Haley smiled at that.
"Really?"
"More than you can ever imagine," Peyton answered truthfully. "Promise that you'll call again? I need to know that you're okay."
"Sure," Haley answered, not knowing if she was lying or not.
"No matter what time it is," Peyton demanded. "Even if you just want me to sing you 'Mary Had A Little Lamb', promise you'll call if you need me?"
"I promise." The thunder snapped in the sky and Haley decided that she needed to get out of the rain. "Look, I'm really sorry, but I gotta go."
"Okay," Peyton sighed in sadness. "Be careful. And Hales?"
"Yeah?"
"I love you." Haley smiled.
"It's good to know someone does," she sighed. "I love you, too. I'll talk to you again someday."
"You better," Peyton warned her. "Bye, Hales."
"Bye." Haley disconnected her phone. She stared at the phone for a moment as if she was scared of it. She scrolled down the screen until she found the number she was looking for. She took a deep breath and pressed call. When there was no answer after the fifth ring, Haley started to worry that she wasn't there. Finally there was an answer.
"Hello?"
"Can you come and pick me up?" she asked in a defeated tone. She hated to ask for help, but when she did it, she did it proudly.
"Where are you?"
"Some bar," Haley answered. "It's about a five minute drive. Just go straight down the road." Brooke wiped her eyes, slipped on her shoes and walked out the door as she was given the instructions.
"I'll be there soon," she said as she ran to the car and started it. "Hey, Hales?"
"Uh huh?"
"I'm sorry." Before Haley had a change to reply, Brooke hung up the phone. She pulled out of the parking lot and drove in the direction Haley had given her. Hoping beyond hope that Haley would forgive her.
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Okay, before you go and start flaming this chapter, I know it totally sucked so you don't have to tell me. I have a really bad headache and this chair is killing my back. It's no excuse, but....If you have something to say, please leave me a review. Thanks for reading this horrible chapter. Peace.