School for haley was something that had been missed for the next few days. Leaving the house was something that she basically forbidden herself from doing. The whole outside world was merely an illusion to her or had been. Today was Friday. Haley was ready to bounce back into the outside world. At least she hoped. Her mother had already passed out on the couch before she took off in the morning and would remain in that state for well into the afternoon. Haley hoped everything would go smoothly but once again who knew for certain? Fixing her top properly and bringing yet another coat of lip gloss over her full lips she exited her car and walked over to the group of friends. Brooke had been the only one that was allowed to visit Haley these last few days and the only one who was there for her. All the others tried to speak with her but none got the chance. She couldn't let them in. She didn't want any to see the state not only her mother but she was in herself. With her father abandoning her and leaving her to care for a drunken mother Haley felt tons of burden. She was ready to break as Brooke informed the others. Brooke had spent her entire week comforting Haley and encouraging her to let her feelings show but never would she allow to break. Haley was never one to break down and cry in front of people. She hated showing her emotions more than any. She hated feeling weak in the eyes of her friends. So pushing aside all emotions and faking a genuine smile Haley made way over to the group. The only way she would make it through this day was to act like everything was normal again. Like she was normal. Following her daily routine Haley wrapped her arms tightly around Lucas' neck and jumped onto his back. Kissing his cheek lightly she spoke in a cheerful voice.
H. Hey there buddy. Miss me?
L. Of course. Put on another few pounds while you were away huh?
H. JERK!
Haley laughed as she playfully smacked Lucas' head and slid down so she was once again standing to her feet. Looking around her group of friends she found them all with the same looks plastered along their faces. Sorrow and concern.
H. Gee guys who died?
J. Hales how is...
H. So everyone pumped up for the first Ravens pep rally of the year?
B. OH YEAH BABY! I love any kind of reason to show off my cheerleading skills while looking hot all the while! GO RAVENS!
Brooke cheered excitedly going along with Haley knowing full well exactly what she was trying to do. She sent a sympathetic look towards Jake who just shrugged his shoulders. He knew that Haley shut down when something horrible was happening much like Peyton and the best way to deal with all of this would be act as if everything was fine and dandy.
J. Honestly I'm scared shitless.
L. Yeah I know the feeling. As long as they don't make split with Nate and you Jagelski I'm set. We can take on the rest. That I'm sure.
H. whoa wait a second. I'm at a loss here. What's this about a split?
B. God Hales I didn't tell you? Shoot umm... well the coaches of both the basketball team and well the cheer team decided that this year we'd spice things up a bit. Splitting each team into two and having them go against the other.
H. THE CHEER TEAM?
Brooke and Peyton both gave a nod as Haley felt breathless. She couldn't possibly be cheering against Brooke and Peyton. That would suck. Giving a half smile the two teens -assure-d Haley they would be remaining a team and would end up rocking the whole school with their great performances. Haley was a bit nervous but either way she knew she would be great. Not many knew how passionate ms. Haley James was about cheerleading but it was a big part in her life. Something that made her feel inside. Something that brought a deep joy and made her feel whole. Something that brought life back into her. Even when things were looking bad...
H. LETS GO RAVENS...LETS GO!
Haley stood against the wall prepping herself for the pep rally that was moments away. The crowd was full of teens stomping their feet and waiting excitedly for all the commotion about to take place. Haley breathed slowly in and out as she took in all the action. Soon she watched as Whitey took the microphone and made his way to the center of the auditorium. Clearing his throat he began his introductions. Haley scanned across the way and noticed a smiling Brooke making eye contact. Giving a wink Brooke blew a kiss her way. Then turning her head over to the blonde at her side she smiled.
H. you ready P. Sawyer?
P. HELL YES! we're gonna beat those wanna be cheerleaders over there!
Haley laughed as Peyton raised her voice a bit towards the ending of her sentence. Making Brooke catch every word and sticking her tongue out playfully in response. All three girls shared laughs as Whitey's voice grew louder.
W. Ladies please... Now like I was explaining today being our first pep rally of the year we decided to add a little spice to our show. Ravens against Ravens. Scotts' against Scotts'. Teammates against teammates. Boys against...
H. We get it coach! wrap it up already!
Haley interrupted with her voice slightly raised. This was part of the show of course but she seemed quite serious. Laughing along with the others Haley gave a little shrug before walking over to Coach Durham. She loved being captain. She loved how she could take charge and within moments bring life to this show. This was her happy place.
H. Alright guys lets just get on with this thing shall we? Team number one will be captained by none other than team number 3 and one of the best B-ball stars the ravens got, Lucas Scott.
Haley paused watching as a very nervous Lucas ran from the locker room wearing his basketball uniform and making his way over to Haley. A group of guys followed his lead and smiled happily as they joined by him. Haley laughed as Lucas kissed her lightly before standing off to the right of her.
H. Why thank you Luke. Now for team number two. Well we figured the only way to bring real live action to this show would bring the closest and most valuable players against one another. So with further ado why don't we bring out the guy that truly brings life to this team. Number twenty one, NVP player, NATHAN SCOTT...
Once again Haley's voice became hushed. The crowd cheered as Nathan made his way to the left side of Haley. Following exactly what Lucas had done previously he left a light kiss on Haley's lips. She was shocked to say the least and tried her best to hide the smile that was beginning to show on her face. Nathan gave a wink as he stood by her with his so called team and everyone continued to cheer.
H. So you guys ready to rock this crowd?...
Haley made way back over to Peyton and stood at the side lines. Just her luck she would be cheering on none other than Nathan Scott. She had been avoiding him all day and up until that innocent kiss minutes ago she had been doing a great job avoiding any sort of contact. She just felt to many emotions inside when she was in his presence. Some she just wasn't ready to deal with. I mean sure she loathed the guy, more than anything even but part of her felt another feeling towards Nathan. A feeling that she could not reveal to any. One that she had a hard time revealing to herself. A feeling that she tried so hard to deny but was too strong. When did this feeling develop she wasn't sure but she knew that it had been lingering around for quite some time. Never once being known by others though. Looking over to him she found him staring back. Why did he have to be so unbelievably good looking? why must those eyes call to her? She watched as the game began and was mesmerized by every move Nathan made. He truly was the star of the game. Lucas of course was close in skills but Nathan had something Lucas never did. He had far more passion and determination. He was determined to beat Dan Scotts record and he would some day. Haley and the rest of the girls cheered on the side lines and soon it was there turn to shine. Haley lead her group to the center as did Brooke. A whole routine had been formed between the two groups and now it was going to come together. Haley let out a breath of air as she watched Brooke begin to speak.
B. NUMBER 3 IS MEANT FOR ME!
Team: MINE FOR EVER!
Haley looked over to Nathan nervously and started her part.
H. 23 IS GONNA BE!
Team: MINE FOR EVER
Brooke and Haley both nodded before shouting in unison.
B&H: RAVENS SCORE IS OUT THE DOOR! GRAB THOSE MEN AND HIT THE FLOOR!
Team: MINE FOR EVER!
The music started blaring as Haley made way back to her group. The song "LETS GET READY TO RUMBLE" began blaring from the speakers and Haley's team moved around rythmatically to the music. The whole auditorium was amazed at the choreography Haley had used to put together the little performance. She had practiced all day with her new found team and it actually paid off. As she finished with a simple back flip the crowd went wild. Haley exchanged glances with both Peyton and Brooke who both smiled proudly. Haley looked to be happy. Honestly a part of her was until she took notice in the crowd. Her eyes traveled each face present before a frown starting taking over her face. Even though most pep-rally were the school benefits only, both the cheerleading and basketball coach allowed some parents to attend. Mostly those of players and ones involved in the event. Haley tried hard to keep her tears hidden as she came to notice her fathers absence. True her father never really was around while he was still part of her family but no matter how busy he was never once would he miss Haley in action. He was aware of her love and passion for cheerleading and felt it was his duty to be there for her. Peyton and Brooke shared similar glances as did Tim and Luke. They all took notice in her sense of sorrow and they weren't sure what exactly to do. Haley slowly got to her feet as did the rest of her team and took position on the wall. Haley slumped over watching as Brooke started her own performance. It was as she thought just as good as her own and she tried her best to smile as her friend finished up. Her whole life had left her when she noticed that her father was not present and it hit her harder than thought. Trying to remain strong she cheered along with the rest of the crowd until the entire event came to a closing. Letting out a sigh she watched every body swarm out of the room leaving only the players and cheer team present. Haley walked over to her friends smiling as she enveloped Brooke and Peyton both into a hug. She held to them tightly and forgot about everyone else as she buried her head deep within Brookes neck. This was where she felt safe and cared for. In the arms of her best friends. The others just stood by watching the three girls connect like none other. Peyton and Brooke both whispered "I love you's" in Haley's ear and she felt herself smiling. Tightening her grip on her friends a voice was heard.
J. Care to make this a four way?
Haley's heart almost dropped out of her body hearing the familiar voice. She quickly pulled from the grasp on her friends and came face to face with an important part of her life. She walked slowly over to him not sure if he was just a figment of her imagination or the real thing. Hearing his laugh though sent a smile to her face.
J. I'm not gonna bite Hales. Get on over here already. Don't keep a brotha waiting.
She laughed at his attempt of gangsta lingo and raced into his already open arms. She felt like she was dreaming. His arms tightened to her waist as she brought her legs up around him lifting her body completely off the ground. Tears immediately fell from Haley's eye and she didn't once make an attempt in wiping them away. Holding him close felt like home.
H. god I missed you JOEY.
J. Same here baby sis... same here.