The next day at lunch…

Nathan went home and researched Field Hockey to try and impress Michelle.

Nathan-Hey Jake, What's up?

Jake-Oh hey, Nate. Nothing, just trying to figure out a way to get Lauren. I have never liked someone this much.

Nathan-Well I went home last night and did some research! They play Field Hockey in SKIRTS! OMG! Why don't we have it at our school! It's like better than cheerleading!

Jake-I guess that's cool…I don't know anything about Lauren. Where do you get your information from? Could you find out something for me?

Nathan-Of course man. See ya later!

Jake again sits alone until he sees Lauren. He decides to get up and talk to her.

Jake-Hi…um I'm Jake.

Lauren-Oh hi! I'm Lauren.

Jake-So I hear you transferred here from Michigan.

Lauren-Yeah. My Dad got a new job. Me and my sister Michelle really didn't want to come. But it just started to get better.

Jake-That's good. Yeah my friend Nathan likes your sister.

Lauren suddenly feels worse thinking that he is only talking to her to get to her sister from his friend. That's the way it was back in Michigan too. For some reason she thought it would be different this time.

Lauren-Oh well I guess that's cool. Well I will cya around then…

Jake-Wait! Do you think maybe we could uhh go to the café sometime and just hang out?

Lauren-I'd love to. (She says this with a huge smile; she hasn't smiled like this since she had been with her old boyfriend Peter back home.)

Jake-Okay how bout 3 o'clock today.

Lauren-Okay I'll see you at 3!

Jake is so happy he decided to do something and get to know her the way he wanted to without somebody spying on her for him.

Nathan catches up to Michelle who is reading a text from her sister Lauren saying she has a date after school and will meet her at home later.

Nathan-Hey.

Michelle-Hi

Nathan-I'm Nathan

Michelle-Yeah I know, I'm Michelle.

Nathan-Yeah I know.

They both chuckle.

Nathan-So I was thinking maybe we could get to know each other a little better. How about I meet you in the Gym after school and we can play some basketball.

Michelle-Sounds good, but actually meet me on the field at 3 o'clock. Wear your running shoes.

Michelle was thrilled at the fact that she could get a guy on her terms. She was sick of guys coming to her through her sister. Now she could do this all on her own. Tree Hill is getting a lot better now.

Nathan-Okay…what are we going to do?

Before he knew it, Michelle was gone. He's starting to like the mysterious side of her.

Lucas caught up to Nathan.

Lucas-Hey Nate! Want to play some b-ball after school?

Nathan-Sorry Luke I got plans!

Lucas was surprised…Nathan never turned down hanging with Lucas, what was happening?

Brooke-Hey Haley! Whats up?

Haley-Oh nothing, do you want to hang out after school?

Brooke-Well I was going to go to Bevin's and work on a new cheer. Skittles has a game so we were going to take advantage of him being gone.

Haley-Oh, well maybe I will talk to Peyton.

Brooke-Why aren't you hanging out with Lucas?

Haley-He said he was going to play some b-ball with Nathan.

Brooke-Oh well sorry Haley! See you later!

Haley felt awkward, none of her friends wanted to hang out with her anymore. Was she changing or was it them?

Peyton-Hey Haley! How are you! You seem kind of down.

Haley-Oh I'm okay. It just seems that every time I want to hang with my friends they are all busy. Do you want to hang out after school?

Peyton-I was going to go to the music store with Mouth but you can come with us if you want.

Haley-Thanks but I don't want to barge in. Have fun!

Haley felt even worse. She could usually count on Peyton. Was she expecting too much of her friends?

AFTER SCHOOL AT THE CAFÉ

Jake is sitting at a table in the front corner of the café. It's 5 after 3 and he is getting worried. He's afraid he's being stood up and that she doesn't like him. Just then Lauren walks in looking better than ever. Her hairs all in a mess and her cheeks are all rosy from running around trying to find the café. Jake stands up and waves to Lauren. He pulls out her chair for her.

Lauren-So sorry I'm late! I couldn't find it! I'm new and haven't been over here many times before.

Jake-Oh don't worry about it. I was afraid you weren't going to show.

They sat at the café for 3 hours talking about everything imaginable. Neither of them had realized how much they had in common. It was easy for them to open up to each other. Lauren looked at her cell phone and saw the time.

Lauren-WOW! Its 6 o'clock! I better get home!

Jake-Let me give you a ride, it's getting dark and a little cold. And I don't want you getting lost again.

Lauren-That would be great! Thanks!

Its 3 o'clock and Michelle is sitting on the field stretching as Nathan walks up. He looked amazing!

Michelle-Are you ready?

Nathan-For what?

Michelle-I'm going to teach you how to play my sport! Everyone knows how to play basketball.

Michelle stood up and he saw her skirt. He was excited to start now.

Nathan-Okay. Let's go.

They spent a few hours playing then they got tired and sat down on the bleachers and talked for an hour before they had to go home. Nathan walked Michelle home. They arrived at the same time as Lauren and Jake. It was awkward but none of them cared. They all had the best time, nothing mattered anymore.

That's it for now. Let me know what you think…It should get better.

Lauren