First off, I'd like to say a big thanks to everyone who reviewed. I'm always glad to read what you think and take your suggestions into consideration when I write. I also love hearing from new reviewers! So thanks again!

Secondly, this chapter is a little short, but it sets up the next chapter, which is almost done...

Disclaimer: I don't own anything OTH related.

Chapter 15

Their trip to Wilmington was successful. They shopped, ate and more importantly, forgot about everyone else except themselves and just had fun. It was late by the time Peyton pulled her car into Lucas's driveway. She turned the engine off.

Peyton turned to face Lucas, "You know what today was?"

"What?"

"Our first date,"

Lucas smiled. It was uncanny that even though they hadn't really dated, they were already in love.

"Well then, I guess we should finish this date properly," he smirked, "Care to walk me to my door?"

Peyton laughed and continued to joke, "Wait, let me open your door first,"

"You know, I could get used to this,"

"Shut up," Peyton laughed lightly hit his shoulder.

Standing in front of front door of his house, Peyton snaked her arms around his neck while Lucas wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her body close to his.

"Should I initiate the kiss too?" Peyton smiled.

Lucas shrugged, "If you want…just as long as I get to kiss you,"

They met half way when their lips touched. Not a second sooner, Lucas's front door whipped open. Like two teens caught kissing by a parent, Lucas and Peyton jumped away from each other.

But it wasn't a parent who had caught them. It was Haley. She had been waiting all night for them to come home.

"Haley, what's wrong?" Lucas asked when he finally noticed her tear-stained face.

Healey didn't answer. Instead she flung her arms around Peyton and started to cry. Lucas and Peyton exchanged worried looks.

The party at the beach was just what Nathan needed. For the first time since he had arrived in L.A. he was finally having fun. He had to admit though; if it weren't for Brooke he would have spent all his free time in his dorm room.

With two bottles of Buds in his hand, he made his way back to where he left Brooke. From a far he could see some guy talking to Brooke.

"Come on, I guarantee we'll have some fun tonight," he slimily said.

"Yeah, we will have fun…as soon as you get the hell away from me," Brooke replied with attitude.

The guy was about to reply with a nasty remark when Nathan suddenly appeared, "This guy bothering you, Brooke?"

"Who the hell are you?"

"He's my boyfriend," Brooke turned and put her hands on Nathan's cheek. She pulled him down to meet her lips. Nathan was obviously surprised, but didn't resist. Instead he dropped the beers he was holding and pulled her body into him.

Tears slid down Haley's face, "I don't know what to do," Haley said to Lucas and Peyton. Earlier that evening while Lucas and Peyton were out, Haley had received a call from her manager, Joey D., who had extraordinary news for her. He had arranged for Haley to go on tour with Sheryl Crow.

Lucas and Peyton tried to console Haley. She had a tough decision to make – should she remain in Tree Hill and wait for Nathan, like he asked or should she continue with her dream and go on tour.

"What'd you tell him?" Peyton asked.

"I told him I'd call him back tomorrow with an answer,"

"Haley, are you happy here?" Lucas asked.

She wiped her eyes, "Of course I am,"

"No, I mean if…" it was a tough question to ask, "…if Nathan hadn't asked you to wait for him to come back, would you still be here?"

Haley didn't have to answer – they all knew the truth.

Peyton cleared her throat, "Have you talked to Nathan?"

"No…That's why I can't go. I let him down once and I can't do it again. I put him through hell and he's still giving me a second chance,"

"But are you still in love with him?"

When they finally pulled apart, they were breathless. The guy who was hitting on Brooke was long gone, but Nathan and Brooke had continued to kiss.

"umm…I think he's gone," Nathan awkwardly said.

"Yeah," Brooke looked into his eyes, "Let's get out of here," Brooke took his hand and led him away from the party and towards a quieter part of the beach.