Haley let out a shriek as Lucas roared the engine and took off to their destination. After about a fifteen minute ride and Lucas driving well over the speed limit, they arrived at the Smith house. Tim Smith, friend of Haley and Luke. He is definitely one of the wildest ones of the bunch and to everyone's dismay quite the pervert at times. Even so he has the heart of a well a puppy really. Haley looked up to him. He was like her brother. The protector. As was Lucas but Tim was there since day one, and even though Haley ended up growing closer to Lucas in the end a part of Tim would always be in her heart. Luke grew close to Tim as well and they got together frequently. They consider each other "they boys" as they like to put it. Their friendship was based on two solid things. The two things that they both shared in common and truly cherished. One was basketball of course. Jersey number 3 and 55 of the Tree Hill Ravens. Basketball was a major part of both of their lives. Probably more important then most things. Except for the second thing they both had liking for, Haley James. Luke and Tim both had a special connection with the girl. Simply platonic of course but they shared a liking to the friendship. Big brothers of her and a shoulder to cry on. They didn't resent each other knowing that Haley shared this with the both of them. They only cherished it more. If Tim ever had the slightest bit of worry concerning Haley, Lucas would be the first he would speak to and vise versa. They were her family. They were her True Brothers and that is something Haley would always be thankful for.

The sound of music was blaring as the two made their way through the front door. Haley and Luke walked through the crowd before meeting up with several familiar faces. Brooke was immediately in Haley's arms squeezing her tightly.

B. Hey bestest friend, boy did I miss you. Your looking cute tonight sweetie. Did you go on a little shopping spree without me? frowns
H. Never. I just rummaged through my closet and found this little attire. What about you. Your looking mighty fine tonight.
B. This old thing. Nope this babi is old. But I'm glad you like it.

H. I do. So what's up love?
B. Well this party of course has been a drag without my partner in crime at my side to help me stir up some trouble.
H. laughed

Brooke Davis had been Haley's friend since they were in diapers. They grew up on the same street and formed a friendship immediately. They are more like sisters than actual friends. Brooke's parents like most of the "upper-class" are always going away on business trips and leaving Brooke alone for months at times. So being that Brooke's parents were well not the best care-takers and Haley's troubled mother has made the two girls rely on each other. They with the boys included and a few other close friends were a big happy family. No need for anyone else. Brooke like Haley was one of the popular girls. Except against Haley's will she enjoyed every minute of it. She was a wild one. Not in a bad sense of course. She knew when she was going overboard and always maintained her drinking to a minimum. Brooke never lost complete control and balanced her self quite well. Haley respected her for this and wished she could be more like her crazy out going friend. True Haley was outgoing and a blast to associate with but she was nothing like Brooke. Most liked how humble Haley was and opted for her friendship against Brookes but they were missing out. At least that is what Haley always thought. No body loved and cared about people more than Brooke Davis. Even though people believed Haley was the nice one, which no denying she was. But she has never given the love or received such love like Brooke has. Sure Haley loved Brooke, Tim, Peyton, Jake, and of course Lucas but she had never experienced the love that she wanted. The love that she was yet to come in contact with. No Haley had never let herself fall in love with anyone. She opted to love someone to an extent but never let herself fall. To Haley that never had sounded so appealing anyway. "Who wants to FALL in love?" she would always ask with such wonder. "It's a great feeling Haley. You feel as if you can fly, touch the stars, reach your utmost dreams." Brooke would coo and look to her friend with such a smile. "Then tell me, why is it called falling? Just the name leads you to believe that you are bound to get hurt. You are bound to fall!" Haley replied with an assurance. Brooke simply would sigh before replying her last statement. "You'll never quite understand Haley until you let someone in." And Brooke was absolutely right. Haley never let anyone in and she liked it that way. No disappointment. Yes Haley James has dated; she even had a few past boyfriends, ones she had loved. But no never once had she fallen head over heels in love. That was the difference between the two friends. That is what secretly Haley wished to obtain. To be like Brooke, let someone in and love them like you never loved before. That is what separated the two friends.

B. Haley. Sweetie are you even listening to me?

H. yeah of course. Sorry I was just thinking.

B. Is everything okay? You like a little out of it. How's your mom?

H. smiled you know me to well Brooke.

B. Well of course silly, I'm your other half. Now you want to talk about it?

H. Not really. Just looking to have some fun for tonight.

B. Well you have come to the right place. Now that your here all is right again. Ready to cause some major chaos?

H. First one little question.

B. okay?

H. Why is it that Peyton over here couldn't help you stir up some trouble?

B. looking back at Peyton Oh Cheer bitch? Well that's simple sweetie, two reasons. One she seems a little pre-occupied with mister man over there. pointing to Peyton who was comfortable sitting on Jake's lap kissing him lightly and two well lets just say she's got a friend visiting. Two to be exact. One is well known Mrs. Period herself. And the other who better than Mr. PMS.

P. pulled away from Jake and turned to Brooke and Haley you know I really resent that nick-name.

B. laughing but it suits you so well love.

P. rolls eyes and I do not have PMS.

J. Peyt, baby it's a lost cause

Everyone erupted in laughter and Peyton slapped Jake on the shoulder.

P. Your supposed to be on my side Jake.

J. not when they are right

P.I do not have PMS.

B. rolls eyes whatever you say sweetheart. Lucas hey hadn't noticed you there.

H. That would be a first

B. Tutor girl please not now sweetie.pleading look and walking over to Lucas So Luke how have you been

L. Pretty good.

B. Miss me much?

L. that's an understatement

B. Oh really. running her hands up and down Lucas' chest

H. Ugh okay as much fun this is, you know watching my two best friends aimlessly flirt before my eyes. I think it may be time for this young lady to get herself a drink. Excuse me.

Haley made her way slowly through the crowd trying her best to avoid attention. A few guys would give a little whistle as she walked along with such confidence. She rolled her eyes though as she heard this "what am I a dog?" she would ask them coldly and walk away before hearing there replies. She had almost made her way to the kitchen when her path was blocked by a certain person. He scanned her over and a smile played on his lips.

H. Can I help you with something Tim?

T. My my my Ms. James your looking very Hottt in that outfit you got on. Owwwww...

H. laughing and giving him a hug Oh Tim when will you learn. The whole jock population, it's just not for me. Sorry hunny but it's just never gonna happen.

T. Well excuse me as I go mend my broken heart. Looking over at the Blonde standing in the far corner of the room

H. following his gaze you go get her tiger and don't take no for an answer.

Tim gave Haley a wink before walking off. That was what their relationship. A mix between bantering and flirtation. They both saw each other as family and never anything more but they enjoyed the fun of teasing one another. Haley watched as Tim made his way over to that same blonde and smiled seeing as though they had started a conversation.

H. Go Tim.

N. Excuse Me?

H. Sorry I hadn't realized I was speaking to you. Do you need something Nathan?

N. well that depends...

H. interrupting Do not finish that sentence. Now what is it that you wanted again?

N. My someone's in a mood this evening. I was actually going to offer you a drink. holding out one of the cups that were in his hands

H. Thanks but I'd rather not. I can get my own drink thank you very much. Now shouldn't you be upstairs right about now with you know one of your many bimbo girlfriends?

N. Not tonight my dear. Tonight my attraction is set on a certain someone.smirk

H. Nathan... go away.

Haley walked into the kitchen and noticed a group of guys sitting around the table having a round of shots. This tempted Haley and she quickly made her way over to them.

H. Hey fellas care if I join in on the fun?

D. Well well look who it is little Ms. Haley James, ice princess.

H. Shove it Danny!

D. Such words. Tisk tisk tisk. So how have you been baby?

H. Like it matters at all to you anyway.

D. Sure it matters. So tell me exactly how much do you miss me?

H. glare Wow Danny how did you know. Am I that transparent? Come back to me my prince. My heart bleeds without hearing your voice. That voice... I remember it well. Hearing your insults or your name-calling. How much I miss being put down all the time. grabs a shot and downs it so can I join in or what?

D. Knock yourself out.

H. Oh trust me, I plan too.

Haley takes a seat at the table and looks around at the group before her. It consists of her ex-boyfriend Danny Hampton, his brother Josh Hampton, Danny's best friend Billy Parkton and a few others that Haley didn't recognize. She grabbed the shot in front of her and downed it without hesitation. She planned on letting loose tonight. She wanted to forget her worries. She wanted to be free for the night and that is exactly what she did.

Nathan scanned the living room for a certain brunette. He hadn't seen her anywhere and he was curious where she had run off too. He made his over to his friends stopping a few times to say hello to the many woman that craved for his attention. He spotted his friends over by the side of the room and walked over to join them. Peyton seemed to be having a conversation with Jake about his one year old daughter Jenny while Brooke sat in Lucas' lap making out. Nathan hadn't noticed Haley and quite frankly he was starting to worry.

N. Have you guys seen Haley?

P. Nathan when are you going to get over yourself and realize Haley does not want you?

N. sighed ignoring her comment Where is she Peyt?

P. Honestly I don't know. The last time I saw her she was heading to get a drink. But Nate that was a while ago, I have no idea where she could have gone. I'm sure she's around.

N. thanks.

Nathan made his way into the kitchen scanning the room for Haley. Worry was taking over and he was not absolutely sure why this was happening. He knew he liked the girl but she was just that, a girl. True to him she was a task at hand and that is all he thought was his feelings but knowing that she could be in trouble was nawing away at his insides and he was not so sure of what that meant. He pushed all thoughts aside as he made his way over to the group of guys hoping one of them had seen Haley.

N. Have any of you seen Haley James?

B. Yeah, yeah we saw her.

N. Well where is she?

B. Look if you're looking to get laid you already lost your chance man. She's upstairs with Danny as we speak.

Nathan's jaw clenched. Had he heard right? Haley was with Danny? Danny Hampton? No way was he going to let that guy get with Haley before he had the chance. He walked up the stairs and headed towards the bedroom closest to the staircase. He slowly opened the door honestly afraid he would be too late. The room was dark but he could still hear her cries. He flicked the light switch and clenched his fist when he saw the sight in front of him.

N. What the...