A.N: Yay chapter 4! Sorry I took so long this time to update must have been a good week since chapter 3 but don't blame me, blame my school work, Shadow of the colossus for being such a damn addictive game and getting a new pc so I had to transfer all my files to it. It's been a busy week but I put my best efforts into this chapter so I hope you enjoy!
P.S. I recommend you download or buy the song "Never take friendship personal by Anberlin" so you get an idea of how Haley feels when she hears it in this chapter.
Disclaimer: I do not own one tree hill or any of the song lyrics in this story. But I do own this kick ass new pc :D
WARNING THINGY: ALERT! Some girls like girls so run! Run until you can run no more because you will die! Of course this is complete crap so in reality if you really do run away from girl on girl action, then you should start running from this fic now. Go on, run! For you others I love so much enjoy the Baley hotness!
Chapter 4
Not a lot of things scared Taylor James. She was one of those wild, untameable party girls, always living on the edge and never knowing when to draw the line. Okay maybe the occasional large, hairy spider or drunk at the bar would give her a shiver or two but Taylor had never really been scared. But the look on her sister's face right now was scarring the crap out of her.
She looks mad.
"No shit Sherlock," Taylor said testily then froze, "Who the hell just said that?"
Oh, I'm sorry we haven't been introduced. I'm the writer of this little love fest adventure and I already know youuu.
"Writer…"
Oh, don't think about it to long or your head will implode and splatter over this nice, shiny kitchen.
"Uh…I see, so do you know what's wrong with Haley?"
Ah yes, the self-esteem-challenged one, she's worked herself into a right little state all over the "love of her life". It's cute, I suppose in a projectile vomiting kinda way…
"Right..." Taylor digested this information and her brain almost choked, "So who is this mystery girl she's after?"
Well, well, you catch on quicker than most of the other retards, and to think I was going to call you a sluttish husband stealing waster!
"Pretty much spot on." Taylor said proudly. Then she looked back at the emotionless expression on her younger sister's face; as she sat starring at the TV and her heart lurched painfully. "So who is it? Who's made her like this?"
I can't tell you.
"Why not?"
Because I'm a jerk.
Taylor takes off her shoe and throws it at the writer.
Ahh. You didn't let me finish! I was gonna say but I can give you a clue! Ooo, mysterious I know…think of the one person Haley never stops talking about, the one person she seems to go out of her way to care about…
Taylor shrugged.
Oh for Christ's sake the name begins with a B and ends in a rooke
"Who the hell is Brookey?"
…
I'm gonna let you turn you're brain on and let you figure it out yourself, ta ta.
Begins with a B…hmmm, Bella? Britney? Betty? Ugh why did I have to not go school and be stupid, Taylor thought cursing her cluelessness.
Her eyes hovered back over to her sister and Taylor noticed she was looking gloomily at something in her hand. She heard Haley sigh then she scrunched up whatever it was forcefully and threw it in the trashcan. There's my clue…
The clue was, it begins with B you dumbass!
"I thought you left"
Erm who said that, wasn't me! jumps out the window
"Can you drive me to school?" Taylor was snapped back to the room when she heard Haley speak.
"Huh?"
"School. Can you drive me there please?" Haley said it in a way the normal happy Haley wouldn't. It was really starting to worry Taylor.
"Sure hun, just get in the car and I'll be out in a sec." Haley nodded and picked up her bag as she headed for the door. Taylor watched her carefully leave then quickly peered into the trashcan and pulled out what appeared to be a piece of paper from Haley's sketchbook. She straightened it out and stood slowly as she took in what was imprinted on it with shock.
"Holy cat crap batman," she said above a whisper, astonished at what lay between her fingers. She was completely and utterly bamboozled, confuzzled and bewildered. Yes, Taylor was bamfuzzwildered.
A single name had been scrawled over the piece of paper numerous times, all in different styles, some large some tiny. Some were surrounded with hearts, encased by little kisses and even an artistic rose had been drawn up one side with a large "B" within the ruby red petals. But it was the image in the centre that had Taylor's undivided attention. Haley had drawn her own face and another girl's on either side of a large heart with an arrow through it, Haley's face positioned at the arrow tip and the other at the arrow's end. Haley's name sat under her image in curly letters and beneath the other girl's sat the name…Brooke. I knew I recognised that perky grin, Taylor mused.
So my sister has the hots for Brooke, go figure she is a babe but still…last night, Haley was so worried about Brooke! I thought it was just her being her usual panicky self but she was worried because she likes Brooke…well more than like by the looks of this, Taylor came to realisation. Her brow furrowed as she noticed two italic black words within the heart. Baley forever...
"Baley?"
A loud honk made Taylor jump. She'd forgotten Haley was waiting in the car; she quickly pocketed the piece of paper and picked her keys off the kitchen counter.
As the front door shut behind her, Taylor saw Haley waiting in her convertible staring aimlessly out the passenger window. Taylor got into the drivers seat and started the car, "Someone's impatient today?" she joked. "Eager to see someone at school are we?"
Haley scoffed and continued staring out the passenger window. Taylor decided to keep her distance and set off towards tree hill high.
Haley couldn't stand the unnatural silence between her and Taylor as they drove to school; she turned to the stereo and switched it on. The first song that came on made her want to scream.
-There she goes, there she goes again, racing through my brain and I just can't contain it, the feeling-
Haley switched the station with gritted teeth.
…when I wake your never there and when I sleep your, your everywhere. Your everywhere.
-Just tell me how I got this far,
Just tell me why you're here and who you are,
Because every time I look you're never there,
And every time I sleep you're always there,
CUS YOU'RE EVERWHERE TO ME, AND WHEN I CLOSE MY EYES ITS YOU I SEE. YOUR EVERYTHING I KNOW THAT MAKES ME BELIEVE IM NOT ALONEEEEE, IM NOT AL-
Damn, now even Michelle has turned against me! Haley thought incredulously. She switched stations once again and this time the acoustics of electric guitars greeted her ears. It was a rock song and Haley relaxed as the lyrics told her just what she needed to hear.
-oh,
oh, oh, you lie
Tell me something more than what you tried to
hide
If you can't find yourself
Then how can I expect to find
you
oh, oh, oh, you cry
Tell me something more than what you
try
The greatest tragedy is not your death
but a life without
reason
life has no purpose
a life has no reason
life has no
purpose
Innocence gone
Never take friendship personal
If
you can't hold yourself together
why should I hold you now?
In
a sense gone
Never take friendship personal
If you can't hold
yourself together
why should I hold you now?-
The whole song made Haley realize that it was her fault for getting her hopes up but Brooke's for being who she was, for being so dam flirtatious and obnoxious to everyone she meets. Except the band geeks of course. The music fueled her rage till it was simmering to the brink of her igniting into flames.
Taylor watched her from the corner of her eye as she saw an almost sadistic grin spread over her sister's face. What is she thinking…?
As Taylor pulled into Tree Hill high's parking lot, she spotted the girl that was Haley's oxygen supply; Brooke Davies. She was getting out of her green bug and hadn't noticed them yet. "Hey, Haley-bub look it's Brooke," Taylor said enthusiastically and instantly regretted it. Haley growled menacingly at the mention of Brooke's name and dug her nails into the leather of her seat. "Hey, retract the talons!" Taylor cried worrying for her precious car.
Brooke turned at the sound of Taylor's familiar voice and smiled when she saw Haley. She walked towards the car.
Haley noticed this and quickly said, "Can you pick me up for lunch today Tay, I think I wanna eat at home with you for a change."
"Aww sure Hales, I'd love-" But Haley had already left the car and was hurriedly making her way to the main building. Brooke stopped next to the car as she watched Haley's hasty departure. She furrowed her brow in confusion, "Hey Taylor, is Hales okay?"
"Oh yeah she's super." she replied as she eyed Brooke carefully.
"Funny, she looked kinda…pissed." Brooke murmured thoughtfully.
"Time of the month?" Taylor offered helpfully, shrugging. Brooke laughed and began to move off towards the school.
"Well, I'm gonna go catch up with the lovely Miss James, see ya later!" Brooke chirped and joined the mass of students moving in the same direction.
"Yeah…dunno if you'll be calling her lovely in about five minutes." Taylor mumbled to herself as she watched her go, trying to formulate a plan of action. She doesn't look like she did anything wrong to Hales. So then why is Haley going so psycho when I even mention her name? Whatever is going on I'm gonna figure it out and help my lil sis get the err…girl of her dreams, Taylor stated to herself, But first I need to find someone else who's in on all this…
A number of pained cries came from the sea of bustling students as Haley half-ran through the crowd, bumping into strangers and stepping on feet. She rushed a few apologies to unsympathetic faces and then shot down the corridor to her locker.
All I have to do is get my books and go. I can avoid her all day if I want to, then she'll know she did something wrong, Haley thought irritably as she opened her locker, got the books she needed and went to leave for home room when Peyton appeared in front of her.
"Hey Hales," she greeted as she arrived at her own locker and began dialling the code for the padlock. Getting no immediate reply from the brunette she pressed on, "Didya find where the Queen B got too yesterday?"
"Uh huh," was the almost inaudible reply she got. Do I care if she's in today? No. Do I? I don't know do you? Why am I asking you, you don't know! Haley's mental conflict carried on as she frowned in annoyance.
Peyton looked sideways at her friend with sudden concern. Something's wrong, thought Peyton as Haley seemed to be itching to get away.
"Care to elaborate?" she joked in vain hope of receiving a sign of the normal, bubbly Haley. But before she could get to the bottom of Haley's behaviour several loud cries of pain and surprise erupted from the large group of students down the far end of the hallway. Brooke Davies was barging her way unapologetically through the crowd, dismissing the outraged looks coming her way from every direction. When she saw Haley with Peyton in the distance she grinned from ear to ear and pushed the last dwindling bystander out of her way, as she bounded over to the tutor and blonde.
Haley caught one glimpse of Brooke's approaching figure and had a mini-heart attack. "Listen Peyton, I gotta go." she said trying desperately to leave.
"But Brooke's coming; don't you wanna wait up for her?" Peyton asked perplexed by this un-Haley-like behaviour.
Haley couldn't hold it back anymore.
"She missed my tutoring session for a stupid party with Lucas!" she hissed furiously through tight lips. Peyton was so surprised by this outburst that she stepped back slightly afraid of this new scary-Haley.
"Well okay, that's Brooke for ya she's unpredictable!" Peyton said with a laugh as it was common knowledge to every student at one tree hill what Brooke was like, "I mean she gets drunk off her face, has sex-capades and goes for mall raids all in one day and education is never gonna stop that happening."
"I know that Peyton, but I thought if she had made the effort to get tutoring she'd at least make the effort to go to the damn sessions with me!" Haley's voice had risen as her clenched fists shook with anger at her sides, "Okay, it was just one party but how many other parties will there be? How many other times will she dismiss my tutor sessions? Am I that easy to just forget about!"
Brooke footsteps got closer and Peyton saw briefly the sadness in Haley's eyes before she took off down the hall. Brooke watched her go with increasing annoyance, "Is she avoiding me?" Peyton sighed and closed her locker.
"Trust me Brooke, you should give her her space" she said just as the bell rang out for registration, "When she's ready she'll talk to you."
As Peyton set off for her home room she left a confused and upset Brooke in her wake. "But what the hell have I done wrong?" she asked herself out loud as the corridor became deserted.
Haley had made it a whole three lessons without bumping into Brooke and felt the day would be easier than she thought. What she didn't know was that the said brunette was stalking her down. It was when Haley set off for her fourth lesson period of the day that Brooke finally cornered her.
"Drop the books and put your hands against the wall nerd!" Came the sharp voice from behind Haley causing her to jump and spin around, ironically dropping her book in the process. When she saw Brooke pointing her fingers at her as if she had a gun and wearing her trademark grin she relaxed and bent down to get her books. "What not even a little smile? Did something bad happen Hales? You've been avoiding me all day."
Haley's fingers gripped her maths book so hard that her hand began to shake. "I'm fine," Haley muttered and couldn't stop herself adding, "No thanks to you."
Brooke was stunned. She stepped over to Haley and slung an arm around her shoulders, "What is you beef girl?" she joked but her smile was wiped off when Haley shrugged her arm off and carried on walking. "Haley! Talk to me here! I feel like I've stepped into the twilight zone where my good friend suddenly despises me for no apparent reason apart from that, god forbid, it's Friday!"
That's when Haley snapped. She'd had enough of the joking, the perkiness and the trademark smirk. She was starting to hate her sluttish tendencies and her rule over the school, Haley was not gonna take it in her stride like everyone else did.
"Are you really that unbelievably stupid, that you don't have the slightest clue why I am so pissed at you right now?" Haley exploded as she faced the Queen of Tree Hill head on. "Think, Brooke. Actually use that thing called a brain inside your head and think! I mean Jesus, no wonder you need tutoring if you have this little common sense! And, oh by the way, that's a clue"
Then it twigged. Brooke eyes widened in realised shock. "Oh…"
"Oh? OH! Is that all you have to say? Is that all that hamster sized brain of yours can cope with?"
"Haley I'm so s-"
"Save it! I don't want your apologies because they mean nothing to me!" Most of the students in the hallway had stopped to watch this outburst; among them was Peyton who watched in horror, hiding her face behind her art folder. "I mean you ask me to help you out, I agree to use my spare time to do just that and on the second session you decide to blow it off for one of your stupid little 'Brooke days'. And you didn't give me a heads up just left me worrying where the hell you were, cus I kept telling myself, 'Brooke would never bunk my tutoring without telling me'. What a fool I was. Well you know what Davies? I'm not gonna be messed around like everyone else here, you cannot treat me like something that can be done when YOU feel like it. If alcohol, sex and shopping are more important to you than me, fine!"
What felt like the whole student body stared transfixed at the raging tutor girl. Haley gave Brooke a disgusted, hurt look then shaking her head turned to leave. She stopped and then with a voice full of emotion, added, "For once I felt so much closer to you, now I don't know what to feel," she paused to swallow back the tears, "Your tutoring with me is over…and at this point in time I think our friendship is too." She rushed past the crowd of who let her pass.
Peyton starred in disbelief at what had just happened and took off after the retreating Haley. Brooke was frozen. Her mind was slowly replaying everything Haley had just said to her and it seemed to cut deeper each time she heard it in her head. How could I have been so stupid…I chose Lucas over Haley…
Her eyes refocused and she saw the gathered crowd looking at her uncertainly. "What the hell are you all looking at?" she choked out, confronting them all, pushing the tears back with all her will. She wouldn't cry in front of them. The group dispersed leaving a trembling Brooke alone in the corridor with nothing but her mistakes to comfort her.
"Haley! Haley stop!" Peyton finally caught up with the tutor and spun her around. "Don't you think you overreacted a little there? Yeah, she messed up, but there's no need to end your friendship over her missing one of your tutoring sessions." Haley raised her head to show the raging flow of emotions contorting her features.
"Over…reacting? Overreacting! All I wanted was to feel closer to her Peyton! Don't you understand that!" Haley stormed as she grabbed Peyton by the scruff of her shirt and lifted her clean off the ground slamming her into some lockers. "I. Am. Not. Over. Reacting."
"Haley, when did you become so freakishly strong!" Peyton squeaked as her feet dangled helplessly from the ground.
"When I stopped caring…when I realised I was kidding myself," Haley's resolve began to crumble, "When I knew…I c-couldn't have her." Haley's eyes flooded with tears and Peyton slid slowly down to the ground as Haley fell to her knees.
Peyton dusted herself off and looked down at Haley, her body shook with silent sobs, her face buried in her hands. "Hales, honey come with me, come on we need to go somewhere more private." Peyton helped Haley up and let herself be guided to the girls restrooms.
As Peyton ushered a distraught Haley into the restroom she saw noticed the two stoners leaning against the sinks. The girls didn't them enter as they were completely zoned out and a layer of smoke hung in the air. "Hey deadbeats, get out."
They regarded Peyton dreamily "Chill babe get with the vibe," one of them told her.
"No, get with the out." As she forced them out the restroom door ignoring there half-protests. Peyton wiped her hands on her top where she had had to touch them, "Ugh I feel dirty." She looked up and saw Haley starring into one of the mirrors on the wall like a little lost girl. The blonde went to her side and put a reassuring arm around her, squeezing her waist. Haley had stopped crying but sniffed loudly every few seconds.
Peyton wasn't exactly clued in on what was happening but she would solve this mystery before she left this small, tiled room that smelled of weed. "Haley…what's really bothering you? Because I know it's not just the fact Brooke skipped tutoring it's something bigger isn't it?"
Haley laughed meekly, "Trust you to always see right through me," she brought her hands up to her face and sighed. Peyton waited patiently. "Your right. It is bigger than that, it's huge actually, big-ass whale sized." the blonde beside smiled at her choice of words.
"I just feel helpless to figure out what to do about it Pey, it's like if I tell Brooke things between us would go horribly wrong and if I don't I think I'm gonna die inside…" Fresh tears ran down Haley's soft cheeks. Peyton's heart tightened from the sight of her friends suffering and she enveloped her with a hug.
"Hey sweetie, it's gonna be okay. I'm here for you and I'll help you with whatever it is, I won't brood or nuttin." she promised while rubbing Haley's back. Haley pulled out of the hug and smiled thankfully at her. She turned back to the mirror and placed her hands either side of the sink in front of her.
"This is the hardest thing I've ever had to admit to anyone and it will be the first time I have. I also don't know if what I'm feeling is just hormones or a phase. And…has someone been smoking dope in here?" Haley asked, Peyton laughed and urged her to continue.
"Stop stalling and just let it out Hales."
Haley took in a long ragged breath. She exhaled slowly, closing her eyes, "I like Brooke." She waited for her words to sink in and when Peyton didn't say anything she opened her eyes and looked at her. Peyton seemed perfectly fine.
"Yeah a lot of people like Brooke she's a fun girl…well, ok, wild but wild is fun." Peyton said simply. Haley sighed and looked skywards.
"Okay let me put it another way. I am, head over heels, madly and truly in love with Brooke Penelope Davies. I want to be with her everyday and never get bored of what she has to say, I wanna be next to her through everything that happens in her life," Haley recited this all like she had thought about it every waking moment she got the chance. "I want to tear her clothes off with my bare teeth and kis-"
"Whoa! Okay, Hales, I get the picture!" Peyton yelled as Haley began to reach the too-much-information line. She absorbed everything Haley had just said and smiled at how sincere she had been. "All things considering here Haley, you just brutally verbal attacked the girl you so call love madly and truly. You kinda gave off the wrong impression."
"But don't you see? I said all that to hurt her, so she could feel a tiny bit how I feel everyday I see her here and know I can't have her. It's torture Peyton! Sometimes I actually want to scream or hurt myself or do anything to let all the frustration and sadness go away." Haley said sadly, as she looked down into the sink basin.
Peyton opened her mouth to speak but stopped when one of the cubicle doors opened and a small monkey walked out wearing a tweed jacket and smoking a pipe. The monkey jumped up onto ledge of sinks and looked up at Haley, puffing away. "Well, it's damn right simple what you have to do young lady, you must confront your object of affection and convey your utter most feelings to her! None of this silly dilly-dallying is going to help you out of your confined misery." The monkey explained with a faint British accent. "Now, do you a favour Miss. James and tell this Brooke girl that you want to 'tap that ass' I believe is the term you kids use today is it not?" The monkey straightened its jacket and pocketed the pipe. "Now, I must dash I have lunch arrangements with Mr Baboon. Good day to you." and with that he flew through the ceiling covering both Peyton and Haley with dust and grains of wood.
After a long pause Peyton spoke up, "You saw that too right?" Haley nodded slowly with her mouth agape, her eyes staring at the hole in ceiling. "Hmm, yeah we've seriously been inhaling too many dope fumes. I think we should get out of here. But before we do go…you need to know something…I was forbidden to tell you but I need to our you're gonna be in this state forever."
Haley looked at her listening intently. "Well you see…the thing with Brooke is-"
"Oh, please don't tell me how she doesn't mean to be the way she is and how she's a total heterosexual, I already know."
"No, but-"
"Look, you don't have to explain to me why she and I wouldn't work out, I do have a rather big brain and I know girl plus girl equals huge atomic explosion of badness." Haley chuckled dryly.
"-But-"
"And I would really appreciate it if you didn't mention this to anyone, especially Brooke of course."
Peyton sighed and rolled her eyes, "Fine…lets go, we've missed half of fourth period anyway." Haley quickly washed her tear stained face in the sink and dried herself then followed Peyton out of the girl's restroom.
"Hey Hales, I have to do something will you be okay bunking this period by yourself?" Peyton asked.
"Sure, I'll just go to the nurse and tell her I barfed in the toilets." she replied receiving a surprised look from Peyton.
"I sometimes wonder if you're becoming a rebel with your own rules." the blonde said tutting like a disapproving mother. Haley just shrugged and gave a weak smile.
"Well, I have English lit now and I really don't need to hear the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet for the bajillionth time at this precise moment." Haley stated. Peyton nodded sympathetically and told her she'd meet her when the bell rang for lunch. As she watched the blonde go Haley practiced her sick face as she walked to the nurse's office.
Peyton searched fervently for a sign of her other best friend, peeking into empty classrooms and checking the other restrooms. She began to worry when Brooke appeared to have vanished from the premises of tree hill high.
I know where she is…
"Of course you do, you write where she is!"
True…
"Is there any chance you'll give me at least a clue?"
I dunno, I haven't spoken for agesss I need attention. Look at me! Woohoo!
Peyton glares at writer.
…Stop…you're freaking me out. Aw, come on at least blink! Ugh fine! I'll tell you when you're close.
Peyton moves to the left side of the corridor.
Cold. Cold. COLD. COLDDDDDD.
"Okay!" Peyton yelled as she moves to the right side instead.
Warm. Warmer. Hot. Hotter! Really hot! Smoking! Cold.
Peyton lets out an angry yell and punches her fist through a locker door.
I was joking…hot, very hot; you're burning horrifically before my eyes!
Peyton found herself at the door of an empty classroom she turned the handle and peered into the darkness. Tall shadows hid the detail of the numerous desks but didn't conceal the lonesome figure on the back row. There was Brooke, sitting with her legs dangling over the side of her chosen desk. Even from here Peyton could see the crushed look on her face, emitting more misery than Haley could ever hope to achieve.
"Hey Brookie." Peyton called softly as she entered.
Oh you're welcome by the way!
Peyton shut the door and sat on the same desk as Brooke. She rested her head on Brooke's shoulder as the eerie silence comforted her. "I've ruined it haven't I?" Came Brooke's whisper of a voice. She could hear the result of endless crying reverberating from each word she spoke. "I knew I shouldn't have given up and gone for Lucas…I just…I just...didn't see the point in wasting my life dreaming about what if," Brooke let out a dry sob, "Who woulda thought the Queen of Tree Hill High could be reduced to this by a girl so far down the hierarchy of this school she's like my opposite?"
"They do say opposites attract." Peyton noted in amusement, this wasn't her first talk with Brooke about a certain cute brunette but she was hoping it would be the last.
"Well whoever 'they' are they're greatly mistaken. I not only repel Haley, but I've destroyed our friendship too. You saw how she spoke to me she hates me!" she cried as if Peyton had interrupted. "And she deserves too…I should have at least gone to the tutoring session but I forgot thanks to my 'hamster sized brain'. I think, Haley was too generous its more like pea-sized. Queen B...huh, how the mighty have fallen." Brooke finished as her head bowed sadly.
"Oh get off you're high horse you!" Peyton joked, "Look, would you believe me if I said you still had a chance to fix all this?"
"No, I'd say you were a big blonde liar!" Brooke declared. Peyton shifted so she wasn't leaning on Brooke anymore and faced her.
"Trust me Brooke. I spoke to Haley and I think all you have to do is prove to her how much she means to you and everything will be right as rain." Peyton informed the hesitant Brunette. Brooke seemed deep in thought for a second as she pondered on what her friend had said.
"But how can l…" Brookes eyes widened suddenly, "I know!" She leapt off the desk and headed for the door.
"Hey! Where the hell are you going?" Peyton asked as she got up to follow her.
"Notenoughtimehavetogonowseeyalater!" Brooke rushed as she ran out the door and down the corridor. Peyton scratched her head in confusion but looked up when her footsteps came back. Brooke peeked around the doorway, "You didn't tell Haley, err…anything about how I…feel, did you?"
"No Brooke." Peyton sighed in aggravation. Brooke grinned and sprinted off back down the corridor.
I don't believe these two, Peyton thought amusedly, they're both so close to finding out how the other feels and yet it's like they don't even want to find out if the other feels the same. It's as if some unseen force is delaying they're confessions of how they feel for one another…
I didn't do it…I didn't!...Okay, yeah a little.
The clock ticked away quietly above the nurse's desk which she sat at, filing some documents on her workspace. Haley sat opposite her drumming her fingers on the cheap metal framed bed she sat upon. The nurse glanced up at the sound and Haley quickly put on her woe-is-me face while holding her stomach.
The nurse gave her a sympathetic smile and turned back to papers. Haley sighed silently as boredom slowly ate away at her, glancing at the clock she saw there were ten minutes left until lunch. Her stomach gurgled as if it had also been watching the clock face and Haley used it to advantage pretending it was a painful stomach spasm. This may have been boring but it beat having to face Brooke and romantic plays in English class. Tense silences definitely beat bored silences…
She sat there a while longer and then the voice of the nurse drew her from her bored stupor, "You can go early to lunch now Miss James so you don't have to face the lunchtime madness rush" the nurse said with a warm smile. Haley thanked her, got off the bed and headed out of the first aid room. She let out a small scream when someone's hand touched her shoulder.
"Hello to you too," Peyton laughed from behind her. Haley gave a sigh of relief and told herself off for being as jumpy as a kangaroo on a pogo stick.
"Come to escort me to lunch have we?" Haley asked with one raised eyebrow.
"Of course my lady," Peyton joked back, sliding her arm around Haley's she began lead her towards the canteen.
"Oh shoot!" Haley uttered, stopping in her tracks, "I told Taylor I wanted to eat home today, sorry if I'm leaving you alone." Haley looked guiltily at her friend who waved a hand as if dismissing her guilty feelings.
"Don't fret I can handle myself with those over hairy lunch ladies," Peyton jestered with a smile, "Come on, I'll walk you to the car." and before Haley could refuse she was being pulled to exit.
As soon as they had left the main building the bell rang and the ominous sound of a thousand footsteps rumbled from inside as they all headed for food goodness. As always Taylor had arrived early to pick up her sister and Haley groaned when she saw her rocking out to a song in the car.
"Oh my who's the gorgeous blonde on your arm Hales?" Taylor called as she saw the two approaching. Haley groaned again as Peyton looked taken aback and not sure what to say.
"Taylor! Embarrassing much?" Haley scolded her sister, "Look you freaked Peyton into a coma."
"Oh you know you love it when I embarrass you in front of your friends." Taylor said sweetly only to get a huff from Haley who was about to get in the front seat.
"Damn, I forgot my bag in the nurse's office. I won't be a moment, don't leave with out me!" Haley threatened as she ran back to the school.
"What kind of person do you take me for?" Her sister yelled after her, both her arms in the air in mock exasperation. She sighed as she shook her head then her gaze fell upon the cross armed blonde standing awkwardly beside her convertible. This is my chance to find out if she knows anything…
"Why hello there Peyton," Taylor leered predatorily, "And what did you do at school today?" Peyton couldn't help but smile and decided to play along.
"Oh we did the alphabet anddddddd we learnt our 3 times table and then we had nap time," Peyton lisped like an infantile preschool girl. Taylor laughed and propped her elbow up on the car door, leaning in as if enthralled by what Peyton had to say. "But honestly…today has been so stressful! I feel like I've been the peace keeper for two armies at war with one another!"
"Tough day huh?" Taylor questioned. Peyton scoffed at how little the word "tough" felt compared to this infuriating situation.
"It's like if they both knew how they felt the war would be over and doves would be flying everywhere…and there would be fireworks, mucho fireworks," Peyton sighed heavily, "If only Brooke and Ha-", Peyton cut herself off quickly as she glanced at the brunette in the car, praying she hadn't heard those words.
"You know too don't you!" Taylor exclaimed, straightening up and pointing an accusing finger at Peyton.
"Know too? You know? How? When?" Peyton blurted out, "Wait, we are talking about the same thing here right?"
"If it's about the very real fact that Haley is head over heels for Brooke Davis-"
"And the fact Brooke is head over heels for your little sister…" Peyton butted in filled with sudden excitement. Taylor was gob smacked.
"She does! Oh my god this is so perfect! Now I don't have to help Haley get over her I can just get them hooked up!" she cried bouncing in her seat causing Peyton to laugh at the sight, "Oh! That reminds me, I think I have the one thing that will turn this war into a love fest." She fished into her pocket to get the piece of sketch paper Haley had thrown away but saw the said girl walking back to the car. "Crap she's coming back, act natural."
Peyton let her excitement go as Haley arrived all in a fluster. "I got it. Man being a nerd does know wonders for your memory I don't know how many times I've left this bag lying behind," she mentioned not noticing the sideways looks the two girls were giving each other. "What were you two talking about when I was coming back?" she asked offhand as she checked everything was in her bag.
"Oh erm…we were just saying that er…it would be really great if…Peyton could come with us to eat at our place!" Taylor made up on the spot. Haley looked at her sister oddly.
"Really? You're cool with that?" Taylor nodded frantically and looked sternly at Peyton.
"I'd love to join you both as long as I'm not intruding." Peyton helped Taylor's story along.
"Of course you can come with, just didn't think it would be your scene. Well come on then hop in the Taylor mobile" Haley said as she got into the passenger seat. Peyton did as instructed and got in the back. Taylor revved the engine and took off for the James residence.
When they had arrived Taylor had managed to tell Peyton to distract Haley so she could pass on her vital information. Peyton did this by asking Haley to give her a guide of her room, "I haven't seen it in so long!" she said as she dragged a bemused Haley into her own room.
When Taylor heard the door shut she took the piece of paper out of her pocket and headed over where Peyton's bag lay. She searched through it and found a small note book full off Peyton's gloomy sketches. Finding a pen she wrote "Look at it then give it to Brooke." on the folded paper and slipped it inside the notebook. Closing the bag, Taylor pocketed the note book and stood up satisfied with her handy work, "I so rock." she stated before tripping over the strap of Peyton's bag and falling flat on her face.
Ohh that's gonna leave a nasty bruise, considering you hit the coffee table on the way down.
"Shurrup." Taylor slurred from the floor.
When the three got back to tree hill Taylor called out to Peyton while she was walking up the path to the main building. "Hey Blondie, you forgot this." Peyton took the notebook from the brunette's outstretched hand and gave her a confused look. But all was clear when Taylor gave her a meaningful look and she knew what was in it. "Thanks." she whispered before catching up with Haley and heading inside.
Just before Peyton entered the courtyard she noticed that Brooke's green bug was nowhere to be seen in the parking lot.
Haley also noticed Brooke's absence in art class. I don't care she's not here. She could of got kidnapped or murdered but I don't care. Yes you do. I don't. You so do. Shut up brain. Make me Ms in-denial! If you don't shut up right now I am gonna slap you sideways. Bring it biatch, Haley's mind had turned on itself in the past half hour, Ugh Brooke is driving me crazy, literally!
Soft strokes Haley, soft…….
Haley had practically torn the canvas in front of her into pieces as her brush rushed back and forth with aggressive force. Great, now she's affecting my work, Haley thought in frustrated realisation. She put her hand to her forehead trying to collect herself.
"Very nice work Haley," praised the art teacher as he passed. Haley gave him an incredulous look then cocked her head sideways looking at her "painting". She shrugged and continued slashing away like a madman on Prozac.
Peyton watched from beside her as she painted a much less…violent piece of art. She knew what was tormenting Haley but soon with whatever Taylor had given her, she would be able to give her the girl of her dreams. That's only if she doesn't end up in an insane asylum first…Peyton mused.
"I didn't see Brooke's car when we were outside." Peyton said softly, hoping to lessen Haley's anger.
Unfortunately it had the opposite effect as Haley turned her and snapped. "Yeah she probably went to another party with Lucas." She gritted her teeth at the thought of Lucas being alone with the girl she wanted so badly and somehow her paint strokes went deeper.
"Erm Haley…Lucas is over there." Peyton pointed and Haley saw Lucas in the far corner asleep on his canvas. Haley took the opportunity to throw a paint pot at him. He groaned sleepily as it hit him in the head and he fell to the floor in a heap. Haley turned back to Peyton as if she hadn't done anything.
"Well, still she's probably at the mall or something like you said earlier, the thought of education won't stop her." Haley replied but a trace of worry was evident in her voice.
"That's the thing Hales, Brooke never has Fridays off. Friday is her good day plus she has to do the routines with the cheerleaders on Fridays. So she being missing is a little weird." Peyton explained. Haley gave an indifferent shrug but Peyton could tell she was very worried now.
A vibrating sensation pulsed from Peyton's side pocket of her jeans and she reached inside to inspect her cell phone. She read the message that flashed up at her and smiled widely. "Who was that?" Haley asked causing Peyton to fumble with the phone before slipping it back in her jeans.
"Oh just a text from er…Brian…"
"Brian? Who's Brian?" but Haley was interrupted by the bell ringing loudly. Saved by the bell, Peyton thought with relief as she hastily packed her stuff and waited for Haley so they could head to homeroom. Once Haley was ready they joined the bubbling masses of tree hill students.
Peyton waited for her signal and when her phone vibrated again she stopped and said, "Haley I almost forgot I left that book in your locker, can we go get it quickly?" already trying to drag her in the direction.
"Book, what book?" Haley said in confusion.
"There's definitely a book Hales, a book with stuff I need badly. It won't take a moment!" the blonde insisted and pulled Haley unceremoniously to the locker in question.
"I'm telling you Peyton, I have none of your books, all I have in here is my-" Haley cut off when she saw the contents of her locker. Inside was her usual load of books and notes but they had been piled neatly on one another and on top all of it was a package attached to an envelope. The envelope had a reddish tinge to it as did the package.
Hesitantly, Haley reached inside and pulled the two items out. She slowly pulled the letter away from the small package and opened it. Inside was a photo of her and Brooke from last summer when she had gone for a mall raid with her. Haley unknowingly let out a sad laugh as she looked down at how happy she and Brooke were in the picture. Haley turned the photo over and discovered elaborate writing that formed a single sentence:
This is to show how important you are to me and that I would never use you.
Brooke –x-
Haley smiled as joyful tears threatened to fall. Peyton watched her hopefully as the corridor stood deserted. "Open the package Hales." she urged. Haley did as instructed and peeled the red wrapping away to reveal a small electronic device. It was smooth and black with a screen and tiny keys with letters and numbers on them. Suddenly the screen lit up and flashed a bold message up to her:
Turn around
Haley did and found a rather abashed Brooke standing there she smiled softly at her but seemed uncertain where to look. "It's like a pager, my dad's company uses them. They're state of the art and you can send messages to other people. I just thought…it would make us closer, and you could always talk to me even when I'm having a "Brooke day," she explained shyly as Haley looked at her with her head cocked to one side, "I know it's really stupid-"
"I love it," Haley said all chocked up, "And I so love you for doing this." She closed the gap between her and Brooke, hugging her tightly. She loves me……heh…my brain just went all melty, Brooke thought dreamily.
Please someone pass the sick bucket.
"No problem cute stuff." Brooke whispered as she sank into the hug. Peyton cleared her throat from nearby.
Blurghhhhhhhh!
"I hate to be the one to spoil the touching moment but the bell's gonna ring any second now and I don't think the rest of the school's needs to see your hug-fest." she said matter-of-factly.
"You're just jealous that Haley gets a high tech pager gadget and you get squat." Brooke replied sticking out her tongue. Peyton pulled a "whatever" face and poked the cheerleader in the ribs. "Oww! Haleyyyy, Peyton's bullying me." she simpered jutting out her lower lip which was enough to make Haley weak at the knee joints.
"Aww don't worry baby I'm here to take care of you always and forever." she replied sweetly, flashing her hazel eyes up at Brooke.
BLUURGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! BLURGHHHHH! FOR THE LOVE OF GOD GIVE IT A REST! I WANNA KEEP MY FOOD IN NOT OUT!
"For once I agree with you." Peyton joked as the bell signaled the end of the school week and the beginning of the weekend.
The moment Peyton got home she ran up to her room and tipped the contents of her bag on her bed. She searched through the various objects until she came across her little notebook. She picked it up and flipped through the pages till she saw the piece of folded paper inside. Peyton read the message Taylor had scrawled on it then unfolded it with excitement. When she saw the pictures and Brooke's names written countless times she grinned madly.
This was her ticket to get her two best friends together. Once Brooke saw this she would have to believe Haley mimicked her feelings a hundred percent back. All she had to do now is give it to her and encourage Brooke to face Haley about it.
Mission Hook up is up and running……..
Taylor peeked into her sister's room at around ten and found her snug in her bed watching the illuminated television set. She noticed the silly grin on her face; it had been there when she got home and hadn't left since. "Someone's in a better mood."
"That someone is also trying to watch TV," Haley shot back without even averting her eyes from the screen. "Can I help you you walking pain in the ass?" she asked with a cheeky smile.
"Watch it you, just because you're all happy again don't mean you can give me lip," Taylor remarked as she wagged a finger at the pajama clad teenager. Haley just stuck her tongue out in response. Taylor growled playfully and came into the room, kissing Haley on the forehead. "Night sleeping beauty."
"Night Tay."
Taylor closed the door behind her and Haley indulged in the simple luxuries of super comfy pillows and late night comedy. This would be perfect if she was here with me.
A soft beeping sound came from her bed cabinet and drew Haley from her thought and the TV's colorful images. It was Brooke's gift that was doing the beeping and Haley picked it up to read the message on the green screen.
Hey cute stuff whatya doing?
Haley figured out the keys and typed back, Nothing much just chilling, watching the game having a bud. You? She giggled at her witty message. Several seconds later the screen lit up again.
LOL! I swear no one else can make me laugh like you do Hales, you're special! I'm not doing anything really, thinking of going to bed soon.
I'm already under the covers, Haley typed and pressed send. There was a long pause and Haley began to wonder if Brooke had gone to bed but about two minutes later the pager beeped for attention.
Haley read: Really? Cool…so…what you wearing? ; P
Oh she wants to flirt does she; well two can play at that game, Haley though evilly.
Oh nothing much really, it's too hot for pajamas so I've had to dress sparsely.
Oh really now.
Mm hmm, I have to admit being this naked is VERY comfortable.
Why do I think you're just teasing me?
Because you wouldn't believe a vanilla girl like me would go to bed in the nude? Any way what you wearing?
Oh now that would be telling! Hehe
No fair tell me!
Only if you stay naked :P Haley laughed at the last message and the old familiar warm sensation in her stomach returned. She didn't know when she fell asleep but that night Haley had the best night sleep of her life.
Also Nathan was hit by a bus. Why, because it's funny and he deserved it.
Amen to that.
End of chapter 4
A.N: Hope you all liked this chapter it was a pain completing but I was happy with the finished result. And yes I know I let that baley forever slide in…well I am evil :P Remember to send me big-ass whale sized (as Haley would say) reviews so I can feel mucho loved and know all this work was worth it! Till next time Baley lovers –x-
Just so you know the first kiss won't be far away, so don't get impatient it will be WELL worth it I promise…
