Another update! In like, a couple hours! I know, I'm nuts. But that happens when a girl has to write a 10 page paper by morning and wants to anything but! I love you all! Reviews I got already are awesome! Thank you for pointing out to me that I haven't had Chloe and Haley interact…lol and yes, this is all being..wung? Winged? pouts Pookie. (Sorry rent moment.)

After spending another hour or so at the mall, the three girls made there way back to the apartment, Brookes brownies in front of them as they all curled up on the couch.

"I cant believe you spend that much money in one store!" Haley exclaimed, looking wide eyed down at Brookes Victoria Secret receipt.

"A girls gotta have her priorities" Brooke said with her dimpled grin.

"Your priorities just cost us food this month" Haley replied with a match grin.

"You were getting kind of cubby anyway tutor girl." Brooke began, barely finishing her sentence before the pillow in Haley's lap met her cheek, sending her into a fit of giggles, retaliating against the other girl.

"Whoa! Innocent bystander!" Peyton yelled, jumping up only to be followed close behind by Haley who seemed to have the bright idea of using Peyton as a human shield. Wrapping her arms around her from behind, sending chills down both girls spines.

"Well aren't you three just the epitome of cuteness!" called a voice dripping with sarcasm from the doorway.

"Chloe?" Haley said, regretfully letting her arms fall away from Peyton slowly, sliding her hands against Peyton's sides. "What are you doing here?" she questioned.

"Figured I'd come check up on you, haven't heard from you in a while." Chloe said, the anger edging in on those last words.

"I've been busy." Haley replied, her voice emptier then either Peyton or Brooke have ever heard.

"I can see that…" Chloe said, gesturing to the two girls, "Can we walk?" she finally asked, heading out the door when Haley gave her a quick nod.

"I'll be back soon" Haley said with a reassuring smile to her two friends, squeezing Peyton's arm gently before following the redhead. Once they were down by the beach, Chloe turned to face Haley, forcing them both to stop walking.

"I'm sorry about spilling your magic beans."

"I really don't think you are Chloe…" Haley blurted out, frowning at the hurt and surprised look on the girls face. "Com'n Chlo, I know you better then I know anyone, except for maybe Lucas, and I know what I saw in your eyes that night…" she explained.

"And what was that?" Chloe asked, shifting her weight from foot to foot uncomfortably.

"Satisfaction." As soon as the words left Haley's mouth she knew she had either been dead on, or way off. All movement in Chloe stopped and it took a moment before she lifted her head slowly to meet Haley's brown eyes with her own green ones. Haley had never seen anything so clearly as in that moment. She had never understood something so fully and she couldn't stop the tear that fell down her cheek.

"Don't cry my Haley…" Chloe whispered, taking a step closer and wiping away her tear gently, offering her a small smile, "I guess you figured out the riddle, figured out why I've been such a bitch, huh?" Haley just nodded, "Forgive me?", again a nod. "I'll get over it, okay? I promise…"

"I just wish there was something I could do" Haley finally said, "But you and I both know that ship has long sailed" she offered with a sad smile.

"I know James, doesn't mean I don't still think about it." she said shrugging, "I'm always going to be your best friend, but every now and then" she squinted her eyes "lets say every two or three years? I'm going to want you back…" At that Haley kissed her forehead gently.

"You'll find your new love soon enough" Haley said, choosing her words to not only give Chloe hope but also to clearly get the message that they would never be again across.

"And I think you have already." Chloe said to her, her sad features suddenly turning themselves into a grin. "Never pegged you to be into blondes!"

"What are you talking about?" Haley questioned, hooking her arm in Chloe's as they headed back to the apartment, the tension between them evaporating. "Nathan's not a blonde…"

"Haley Elizabeth James! Your really going to sit here and tell me that you were in love with him? I know you better! You wanted normal, you wanted acceptable, you wanted to love him, and to some extent you do…but…that's not love baby" she finished, nudging Haley with her elbows. "I know that look to well"

"What look?"

"The look you were giving Peyton when I walked in." Chloe answered, "Same one you used to look at me with, right before we got together…"

"Chlo-" Haley began only to get cut off by the redhead.

"Don't try to tell me it isn't true, and just let it happen in its own time.." she said with a smile, "don't be afraid to take a risk now and then James." She finished staring into Haley's big brown eyes. "Call me tomorrow, the four of us can go out together, I'll be civil I promise, even to Blondie" she mumbled with a wink and a smile.

"Thanks for coming by" Haley added as the two girls embraced.

"I may be a malicious bitch sometimes, but I know when its time to come clean" she called over her shoulder as she got into her car. Haley gave her a short wave before letting out a breath she didn't know she was holding.

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As soon as Haley walked out the door to talk with Chloe, Brooke spun to face Peyton.

"P. Sawyer!" she yelled, grinning as Peyton jumped slightly.

"Jesus! What!" She asked, tossing her pillow back down on the couch before taking a seat next to it.

"Don't think I'm just going to pretend like it isn't happening goldilocks.."

"I haven't the foggiest of ideas what your talking about…" Peyton mumbled, silent cursing herself for her recent inability to lie.

"You wanna play dumb?" Brooke asked with a grin, "that's fine, but it means I'm going to have to be extra blunt." This last part was greeted by a very confused stare from a very uncomfortable blonde. "How long have you been in love with Haley?"

"Brooke!" Peyton squealed out. "I am not in love with Haley!" Brooke arched her eyebrows, giving Peyton her best 'you sure 'bout that' look. "I just.."

"You just what?" Brooke said excitedly, finally seeing Peyton's resolve breaking.

"I defiantly like her." She finally said. Brooke smiled widely, happy that her friend could finally admit what she had known since Haley first left for the tour.

"I know you do Sweetie" Brooke said, squeezing Peyton's hand gently before offering her a brownie, "I don't have a cookie to offer you as a treat…will this do?" Peyton laughed loudly, grateful to her friends reaction and taking the brownie and biting into it.

"There better be another brownie left!" Came a familiar voice from the doorway.

"Haley!" Brooke squeaked, "How long you been there?" she asked, sending Peyton into a fit of laughter.

"Just long enough to see Peyton take a huge bite out of the last brownie!" Haley said with a pout, taking a seat between the two girls.

"Here" Peyton said before slowly bringing the brownie towards Haley's mouth, her heart racing as she watched Haley lean down slightly and take a bite out of the brownie she was still holding.

"Thanks Pey…" Haley said between chews before the three of them fell into a comfortable silence, listening to the waves hit the sand. A small smile gracing all three of their features, lost in there own thoughts.

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Authors note:

I have no idea where that came from! Going into this chapter I had NO plans of making them have a past…but like I said…I don't plan, I don't think, I just write…Sorry if it was bad! Guess I should go work on that paper. Hope it was an alright chapter!