Out of the Pan, Into the Fire (Chapter 8)
Haley opened her dorm room door a week later and smiled when she saw Nathan. He smiled back at her as he leaned down and kissed her hello. "Where were you going?" he asked, walking in.
"I was actually going to see if Maria was outside with her boyfriend," Haley replied.
"Why would Maria and Tim be outside?" he asked. Haley rolled her eyes as she recalled the time she found Tim and Maria necking at the door as she was on her way back from a class.
"It's a long story," she replied, shaking her head.
"Why did you come here?" she asked, changing the subject.
"I need to run something by you," he said. Haley watched him sit down on her bed and stare at his feet nervously.
"Why do I get the feeling that I'm not going to like this?" she asked. He smiled and held out his hand. She grabbed it and he pulled her down onto his lap and kissed her softly.
"Your sister has a big mouth," he replied. Haley looked at him in confusion.
"Well, she was over at my parents' house with Lucas and Brooke. My parents, my grandparents and my aunt and uncle all know that she and I dated for a while and they all know her pretty well. So, apparently, I forgot to tell them that we weren't together anymore, but I'm sure that I did. So, Taylor told them that we had," Nathan said.
"Ooh. That must not have gone over well. I can just imagine how your dad must've reacted, but why would I care about this?" Haley asked. Nathan smirked. "She didn't," Haley said. Nathan nodded.
"Taylor told them that you and I were dating and, well, when I got home, they were very interested," he said. Haley shook her head in annoyance. "And they want you to come over on Saturday for dinner," Nathan said. Haley groaned.
"Nathan, I can't Saturday. That's the night of the concert," she said.
"I mentioned that. They said that they were all going to that concert and my grandmother offered to make dinner afterwards. I tried to talk them out of it and that's when my mom gave me the guilt trip. She said that you and I had been dating for six months and not only did she not know, she thought I was still dating your sister," Nathan said. Haley chuckled in amusement.
"Your mom's good," she commented. Nathan glared at her. Haley put her arm around his neck and pulled his head closer to her. She leaned in and kissed him softly.
"You owe me," she said. He smiled.
The game had gone by pretty quickly. Of course, the team had won and Nathan had played incredibly, scoring more than 20 points. Now, it was halfway into the concert and it was Haley and Maria's turn to go on stage for their first performance. They would perform a few songs together and a few songs on their own.
"Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome two of Tree Hill University's promising music students to the stage. The sensational and award-winning instrumentalist and aspiring vocalist, Maria Campbell and award-winning pianist/guitarist, recipient of the coveted Tree Hill Arts scholarship as well as a student of the performing arts school in LA and New York City, Haley James," Peyton announced.
Haley and Maria took the stage. Maria sat down at the piano and put the microphone down closer to her face so she could sing. Haley sat down in a chair that was a few feet away from the piano. She grabbed her guitar and began strumming a few chords. She adjusted her microphone and then Maria started playing the piano. Haley was singing and Maria would speak some lines:
You said you didn't need me (but you did)
You said you didn't want me (but you do)
It's kind of like a comedy
Where first you kiss me and then say, "We're through,"
I say you got some issues
Yeah, you do
Some things you gotta work through (you really do)
It's sort of like a talk show, no wait, a freak show
When the freak is you
Maria took over for the chorus:
I'm the smoke from your fire
I'm that guy you can trust
I'm the chord on your guitar
I'm that girl you can't shut up
I'm the blood you might need
In your car when you speed
In that cigarette you breathe
You can't get rid of me
Then Haley started singing lead again:
You said I wasn't funny (when you laughed)
You said I couldn't drive fast (then you crashed)
Funny how it works out
With your big mouth, you'll always get it back
You thought you had me worked out (you're not deep)
Mr. I-Screw-About (you're still a creep)
I bet you couldn't confess that you're a big mess
And that you're so damn weak
I'm the smoke from your fire
I'm that guy you can trust
I'm the chord on your guitar
I'm that girl you can't shut up
I'm the blood you might need
In your car when you speed
In that cigarette you breathe
You can't get rid of me
Then Maria started to sing:
But still I'm trying to justify
Trying to let this die
I'll never say goodbye
I can't wait
Or rub it in your face
Dressed in pretty lace
I'll send you home to cry
I'm the blood you might need
In your car when you speed
In that cigarette you breathe
Haley:
You can't get rid of me, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Then Haley and Maria switched places and Maria was going to sing this song solo while Haley played the piano for her, while singing background for her too:
You never lied to me, not once
It's not your fault that I can't trust
It's in my past, it's in my path
and I can't go there
Making a mess out of this game
To see it all go up in flames
So tired of being ruthless and reckless
Time to be your only one
To almost be your way too young
Time to crash into the sun
Time to be your 21
Time to dream that love will last
Time to drive my car too fast
Time to walk before I run
Time to be your 21
I don't believe in love and I
I put it too the wall
I taste its sweetness there to laugh so hard
As it falls
And I could push you there if you don't stop
Push you there if you don't stop me
Please
Haley (singing descant):
Stop me
Maria:
Time to be your only one
To almost be your way too young
Time to crash into the sun
Time to be your 21
Time to dream that love will last
Time to drive my car too fast
Time to walk before I run
Time to be your 21
It's gut wrenching sometimes
It's life threatening sometimes
It seems like nothing can wash it all away
Time to be your only one
To almost be your way too young
Time to crash into the sun
Time to be your 21
Time to dream that love will last
Time to drive my car too fast
Time to walk before I run
Time to be your 21
Oh, time to be your 21
Maria smiled appreciatively as the audience applauded her. "Thank you. Now it's time for my friend, Haley, to strut her stuff all on her own," Maria said, walking towards the back of the stage.
"I'm going to be singing three songs," Haley said and stayed at the piano as she started playing and eventually began to sing:
Wish I could undo all the pain hurting you
Wish I could change what you're going through
Help you remember once you were fine
Oh, wish I could turn
Turn back time
If I could take you there
Make you see I still care
Maybe you'll find real peace of mind
Once I could hold you, oh, once you were mine
Oh, wish I could turn
Turn back time
You were the reason I could make it through the day
You were the light that could show me the way
Did we both fall from grace?
Like an angel that strayed
I held you up when you stumbled or fell
And I know you could tell even when my words fell
You were always there on my mind
Wish I could turn back time
Wish I could undo all the pain hurting you
Help you remember once things were fine
I was yours, you were mine
Oh, wish I could turn
Turn back time
She took a small break before starting the other song:
I know
That it's been hard for you
It must be killing you
And I can feel
How it pulls at you
It pulls at me too
I would run away to the world I left behind
I will find a way back to you
And when you've got no where to turn
And you're all alone
When your walls are all breaking yet there's no escaping
I, I'd fly through the night
To get back to your side
I'll be your safe place to hide
I was always there for you
Always cared for you
And I'm still
Right here guarding you
Watching over you
Though I'm miles away
From the world I left behind
I will find a way back to you
And when you've got no where to turn
When you're all alone
When your walls are all breaking yet there's no escaping
I, I'd fly through the night
To get back to your side
I will be your safe place to hide, yeah
I'll be there by your side
The safe place that you hide
Oh yeah, oh yeah
Cause nothing's really changing
I'm just a few more miles away
When you've got no where to turn
And you're all alone
Your walls are all breaking
Yet there's no escaping
I, I'd fly through the night
To get back to your side
To be your safe place to hide
To be your safe place… to hide
She smiled at the applause and started playing yet again:
I've been gone a long time
More than six years or so
I changed drastically while I was gone
You don't recognize me even though
I'm basically still the same girl I used to be
Only a few things have changed
I'm not afraid to express my beliefs
I'm not your faithful servant anymore
I'm not the little girl you used to shut out
I'm a woman now and I won't be ignored
And you don't like it
Do you really have to be so cold?
I grew a backbone but I still care about you
I forgave you when you tried to hurt me
And I always will even though
I'm not afraid to express my beliefs
I'm not your faithful servant anymore
I'm not the little girl you used to shut out
I'm a woman now and I won't be ignored
I don't care if you don't like it
Because I'm not you; I'm me
"Thank you," Haley said as she stood up and smiled as the audience went into an uproar.
Haley walked out of the gymnasium and Nathan was waiting outside for her. She threw herself into his arms and he picked her up and whirled her around. "That was incredible, Hales. I wouldn't be surprised if a label wants to sign you," he said. Haley chuckled.
"First I have to graduate," she said. He shrugged.
"You ready for some fireworks?" he asked as he pulled in front of his house.
"Is it really going to be that bad?" she asked.
"Well, Scott family gatherings are always a little intense. You know my dad, right?" he asked.
"I know he's obsessed with basketball," Haley said.
"Well, so is my grandfather, so that's where he got it from," Nathan said. Haley nodded.
"My grandmother's cool, though. You'll like her. My aunt and uncle are all right. My mom's fine when she's not agreeing with my dad which is usually all the time, but she has her moments. My dad's just, well, you already know all that," Nathan said.
He opened the front door and took her jacket and hung it up on the coat rack and put his coat over hers. He took her right hand in his left hand and led her into the house. "Mom?" he called.
"In the dining room, Nathan," his father called. Nathan sighed and walked past the kitchen and into the dining room. He smiled at everyone and brought Haley closer to him.
"Everyone, this is my girlfriend, Haley James. Haley, that's my dad, my mom, my Uncle Keith, my Aunt Karen- Lucas' mom-, my grandmother and my grandfather," Nathan said. Each of them stood up and reached over to shake Haley's hand.
"The name's Royal," his grandfather said as he shook her hand. Haley nodded.
"Mae," his grandmother said when she shook Haley's hand.
"It's nice to meet all of you," she said and Nathan pulled out a chair for her. Haley sat down and Nathan sat down beside her. "Always the gentlemen," she teased. He looked at her and rolled his eyes in annoyance. Haley laughed.
"So, Haley, we met your sister a while ago and she was here a few days ago. She told us about your relationship with my son, but she didn't say much about you even when she and Nathan were dating. She always said some things about her other siblings, but never you. What are you in school for? Are you in fashion like your others sisters?" Dan asked. Nathan burst out laughing. Haley in fashion? That was an amusing concept.
"No, I'm a music student," she said.
"She was actually away for six years in Los Angeles at a private music elementary school, and then at New York's performing arts college for a year until she transferred to the music program here," Nathan said proudly.
"Oh, that sounds fascinating. What do you do in music?" Keith asked.
"Do you play instruments?" Mae asked.
"Um, a few, yeah," Haley said.
"Well, which ones do you play?" Royal asked, looking around the table in amusement. Nathan got the impression that his grandfather was sort of making fun of her and thought she only played one.
"Piano, guitar, flute, piccolo, clarinet and bass clarinet," Haley replied. His grandfather looked down in embarrassment and his grandmother chuckled.
"She sings too," he said.
"You do?" Karen asked. Haley nodded.
"I major in vocal," Haley replied.
"Weren't you guys at the concert?" he asked.
"We sat so far away, we couldn't see anything on the stage," his grandmother complained.
"Well, did you hear the singers?" Nathan asked. They nodded. "The last one was Haley," he said.
They all looked at her in shock. "That was you?" Keith asked. Haley nodded and smirked in embarrassment.
"You were absolutely amazing," Deb said.
"Thank you," she said modestly. Nathan pulled her closer and kissed her on the forehead.
"Do you play any sports?" his father asked. Nathan laughed.
"Dad, when I first met her, she couldn't tell a jump shot from a touchdown," he said, remembering the time she had confused football for basketball. Haley elbowed him.
"Not funny," she said. Then she turned to his father and said, "No, I don't play sports."
"And yet you're dating a basketball player," Dan commented.
"Dad," Nathan started.
"I just find it interesting especially since it's seems like you two don't share much in common. I mean, I don't remember ever seeing Nathan picking up an instrument. Even a guitar and he doesn't have a very flattering singing voice in my opinion either," Dan said.
"My friend, Maria, who's also a music student, taught me a bit about basketball. I know a little more than I used to. I haven't mistaken it for football in like, four months," Haley said, trying a little humour to ease the tension in the room.
Dan turned to Nathan and glared at him. "Nathan, you can't really see something in this girl. She's not good enough for you. She's nowhere near your equal. I can't believe you chose her over her older sister," Dan said. Nathan could feel Haley stiffen at the comparison between her and Taylor.
"Danny," Mae scolded him.
"Mae, I'm entitled to agree with Dan on this one. I'm sorry, Haley. I think you're a wonderful young woman, but I don't think you're right for my grandson," Royal said.
"Guys, enough. Taylor wasn't half the woman Haley is. She's a spoiled little girl and that was good enough for me in high school, but not anymore," Nathan said.
"Nathan, it's ok. I get the message," she said, starting to stand up.
Nathan tried pulled her back to him but Haley walked out of the room, grabbed her coat and slammed the door shut. Nathan stood up and glared at his family. "You're right absolutely right, Dad. Haley's not good enough; she's better than me and you. This little scene here makes it all the more obvious why. She has the class to just get up and leave while you trash her, all the while being polite about it," Nathan said. With that, he turned and stormed out of the room, grabbed his coat and angrily slammed the door behind him. He could see Haley leaning against his car. His veins turned to ice when he realized that she was crying.
He walked up to her and tried to touch her but she moved away. He grabbed her hand and pulled her around. She looked up at him and he reached over and wiped the tears from her eyes. He looked at her pleadingly and her face crumpled again as she leaned into him. "I'm so sorry," he said as he tightened his arms around her.
"I should've smelled 'ambush' right when we walked into the room. I'm sorry that I exposed you to my insane family," he said.
"Why did the rest of your family just sit back and let your father and grandfather talk about me like that? Weren't they embarrassed?" she asked when she had calmed down a little. He opened her door for her and then closed it. He got into his side and put his seatbelt on. He didn't start the car but he put the keys into the ignition.
"They're kind of like the heads of the family. Whatever they say goes and my family takes that pretty seriously. The only one I would expect to talk back would've been my Uncle Keith, but I think that he was just too stunned to say anything," Nathan said.
"Your dad's an ass," Haley commented. He chuckled.
"I've been saying that since we met, Hales. Did you think I was just exaggerating?" Nathan said.
"Actually, yes," Haley said.
"Well, now you know I wasn't. Look, it doesn't matter what they think about you. They don't know you like I do. They don't know how talented, caring and amazing you are. And they're idiots for giving up a perfect chance to get to know you," he said.
Haley nodded and smiled. "The same goes about you, but my parents absolutely adore you," she said. Nathan smiled.
"What I wouldn't give for parents like yours," he said. Haley looked at him in surprise.
"You'd want six brothers and sisters?" Haley asked.
"Well, not that, but the way they treat you. They let you do what you want as long as it's legal and not plain stupid. They don't judge you or your friends," he said.
"Oh, yes, they do. I remember when Anthony came home for summer one year; he had a tattoo and a pierced ear. My mother went ballistic on him, saying that he looked like a punk," Haley said. Nathan chuckled.
"Yeah, but that's normal stuff for parents to flip out about. I can't imagine your parents freaking out if one of you didn't score a point the way they would have or if you missed a note in one of your songs," he said.
"Well, that's true, they wouldn't. They'd let Taylor or Brooke get away with murder," Haley said.
"I don't think that's true," he said. Haley looked at him. Then, he nodded. "Maybe manslaughter, but not murder," he said. Haley chuckled.
"I love you," Haley said.
"I had a feeling," he said. Haley scoffed and swatted him as he turned the key and pulled out of his driveway.