Chapter 4: Speechless
"Hales are you sure you don't want to come?" Mia asked for the last time. She was just about finished packing for her weeklong visit to Tree Hill, a week with Nathan, not sure if we'll be able to make up for being apart for a month…but I'm willing to try. Mia snickered to herself just thinking of all the possibilities that were in store for her.
"Can you at least wait until you're out of my presence before you start thinking about how you're gonna make up for lost times with my brother," Haley begged before nearly gagging at the thought of what was to happen.
Mia playfully glared at her. "How do you know what I'm thinking about?"
"I can tell by that smirk on your face," Haley said pointing to Mia's apparent smirk. "It's the exact same smirk that Nathan gets when he's about to get laid. And let's just say that it's still as creepy coming from you."
"Well at least I'm getting some," Mia quipped knowing that her friend was well over due for some good lovin'.
"Do I need to remind you of what happened the last time I got some?" Haley asked already knowing that Mia lost this battle.
"Touché," Mia said with a quirked eyebrow. "All done," She announced triumphantly zipping up her last bag. "Last chance, you sure you don't wanna tag along and enjoy the festivities of the Leyton wedding?"
"Yeah I'm sure," Haley replied sadly. It wasn't like she wanted to miss the wedding things were just too complicated. "Go have fun and enjoy yourself."
"Aye aye captain," Mia said giving Haley a salute. Haley just chuckled. Mia was truly her godsend; if it wasn't for her Haley was sure that she wouldn't be able to be this strong for this long. Mia was her solid ground for the past year and Haley couldn't even begin to think of ways to thank Mia for everything that she had done. Peyton's words had really affected her but Mia was there to assure Haley that Peyton wasn't mad at her, just the situation. "Well I will see you in a week my sexually frustrated friend."
"Shush," Haley snapped. "Little ears hear everything."
"Ease up, he's in his room waaaaay on the other side of the suite," Mia said with a smile. "You really do need to get that stick removed from your ass."
"Watch it Catalano," Haley warned with a wagging finger.
"Oooooh I'm shaking," Mia flatly remarked, she chuckled as Haley scoffed. "Make sure to have some fun this week, you deserve it," she left without another word hoping that Haley would follow her advice and just relax.
"How can I relax when I have one of the biggest performances of my life coming up?" Haley sighed as she flopped onto the couch.
~FA~
"Ah Tree Hill," Mia sighed as she looked out the window at the scenery passing by. She hadn't realized how much she missed small town living; the quant restaurants, small family businesses, polite people, definitely a change from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan. She pulled the car into Nathan's mansion, her anticipation getting the better of her as she sprinted to the back yard fence knowing that everyone would be lounging around the pool on this hot summer day.
Mia was greeted with one of the sexiest sights her eyes had been blessed with; Nathan Scott, half naked, and soaking wet. She involuntarily licked her lips as she watched the water trickle down his perfectly chiseled body, why does he have to scream sex? Control yourself there are little eyes around, Mia noticed that Rachel was sprawled across one of the lounge chairs which meant that Jenny was close by, but god I couldn't wait to get him alone. She remained in her spot for a couple more moments just enjoying the view.
"Ow ow!" Mia called finally deciding to make her appearance known. All eyes shifted to the general direction of the holler to find Mia standing there with a shit eating grin. She chuckled at the shocked looks but Nathan's was priceless; it was like a kid at Christmas. Nathan ran to Mia lifting her and twirling her around for a couple moments before setting her back down. He lowered his head to hers claiming it in a hungry kiss never wanting it to end. They reluctantly pulled apart when they heard numerous throats clearing. "You got me wet," Mia mock screeched not really caring one bit that her clothes were drenched.
"Wait til later," Nathan huskily whispered into her ear his hot breath sending a shiver throughout her body. She light heartedly smacked him on the chest which simply caused him to smirk and wiggle his eyebrows suggestively. "I thought you weren't getting in until tomorrow?"
"I decided to fly in earlier, couldn't wait to see my man," Mia said with a smile as she looked over Nathan's shoulder "so where is Lucas anyway?" Nathan scoffed. "You know I'm just kidding babe, you're the only man in my life."
"I better be," Nathan mumbled. He intertwined his fingers with Mia's and led them over to the others where Nathan took a seat on one of the lounge chairs and pulled Mia onto his lap. The others soon found seats around the couple dying to hear of Mia's touring extravaganza.
"I'm so glad you're here," Peyton smiled widely. Ever since she got back from her visit with Mia she felt horrible about how she left things with Haley, don't get her wrong she knew that Haley deserved every word that was thrown her way she just wished that she had said goodbye, actually scratch that…she didn't even bother to say goodbye to me so why should I extend her the courtesy. "I thought you were gonna come in tomorrow?"
"Yeah I was but I decided that I couldn't be away from this town one more day," Mia replied as she leaned back into Nathan's embrace letting out a content sigh when he wrapped his arms tighter around her waist. "Besides I would've just been sitting around the hotel room doing nothing."
"So Taylor let you go, she must not be that big of a bitch," Lucas commented followed by a grunt from Peyton.
Mia looked to Peyton knowing that she desperately needed to talk with the brooding blonde; she's really starting to act like Lucas. "Peyt can I talk to you?"
"Sure," Peyton replied hesitantly. She stood from her seat and headed inside.
"Nathan…let me go," Mia struggled with her words as she tried to release Nathan's python grip on her. "I just need to go inside for like ten minutes then I promise I'll be back," she said turning her head to find Nathan pouting, he's even sexy when he pouts. She kissed his pouting lips and bee lined it for the kitchen when he loosened his grip.
"So what do you wanna talk about?" Peyton grunted really not wanting this conversation, she was waiting for Mia to give her an earful for how she left.
"How you holding in?" Mia asked sincerely knowing that she was still reeling from finding out that Haley was Taylor James. Hell it had taken her months to fully get over the initial shock that she experienced when she found Haley's skeleton filled closet.
"Not good, not good at all," Peyton sighed. She was still shell shocked from everything that was thrown at her in the course of an hour, and I still don't even know who Jamie's father is. "These past few days I've just been trying to wrap my head around all of it. The double identity…yeah it's a shock but not the biggest surprise. But Jamie…I just I don't know. He's three, which means that either Haley left because she was pregnant or got pregnant right after she left, either way it just doesn't settle well with me. If she did leave because she was pregnant that means she either cheated on Brooke, which I doubt, or Damien's that father but Jamie seems so sweet and innocent, definitely not the spawn of Satan. Plus she told me that Damien wasn't Jamie's father but her track record for telling the truth isn't that great recently. I just want to know when she got pregnant," she looked at Mia hopefully.
"I wish I could tell you," Mia saw Peyton's skeptical look. "I know that you don't really trust me when it concerns Haley but she never told me when she got pregnant or why she left. Despite living with her for the past year she hasn't let it slip, and believe me I've tried."
"I wish she would just come back," Peyton sighed, everything would be so much easier.
"Me too," Mia sighed not liking the situation Haley was putting her in.
~FA~
"I now pronounce you husband and wife, you may kiss the bride," the priest said with a smile on his face.
Peyton's body was buzzing with anticipation, Peyton Scott…Peyton Sawyer-Scott…Mrs. Lucas Scott, I like the sound of that. If he doesn't hurry up and kiss me I think I might have to jump him right here…sex in front of a priest, definite no no. Peyton's anticipation was eased when their lips met in an innocent lip lock, neither of them wanting to go into full on make out in front of their friends and family. The applauding turned into all out cheering when Lucas and Peyton pulled apart and faced their friends and family for the first time as Mr. and Mrs. Scott.
"It is my pleasure to present to you Mr. and Mrs. Lucas Scott," the priest announced as the newlyweds walked back down the aisle.
The reception was being held at Tric which was currently buzzing with talk of the newlyweds; some starting to take bets on when they would be expecting an addition to the family while others talked about the gorgeous ceremony. The thing that seemed to catch everyone's attention was the still missing member of the Scott family, most of the guests were sure that Lucas and Peyton's wedding would have pulled Haley out of hiding but when she didn't show, some gave up on the idea that Haley would ever come back.
"This place is amazing," Peyton remarked as she looked upon the club in awe. The space had been adorned with black, red, and white clothes draping from the banisters with the light from the candles setting a warm elegant atmosphere. The round tables were spread around the dance floor each with a lovely red and white floral arrangement. "You've really out done yourself Brooke."
"Don't mention it," Brooke replied modestly. Her love of design had always been a hidden passion that she rarely let anyone see but when the chance to decorate Tric for the reception arose Brooke jumped at the opportunity.
"No really Brooke, you've outdone yourself," Lucas commented as he took his seat next to Peyton. He leaned in and left a tender kiss on her cheek. "Hi Mrs. Scott."
Peyton shivered at the thought, Mrs. Scott…never gonna get tired of hearing that. "Say it again."
"Mrs. Scott," Lucas replied not wanting to disappoint his wife.
"I will never get tired of hearing that."
"If I could have everyone's attention," Mia called from the stage. The room fell silent not wanting to miss anything the young starlet was going to say. "Well as you all know our dear friend Peyton loves music almost as much as she loves Lucas…" the guests chuckled as they looked upon the young couple. "…that being said, Lucas and Peyton have picked out a marvelous song for their first dance and I know you're wondering why an introduction is needed…" Mia witnessed a sea of heads bob along together. "…Peyton, being the music extraordinaire that she is, has come upon some new music that she would like to share with us. So it is my pleasure to present Mr. and Mrs. Scott in their first dance as husband and wife accompanied to 'Speechless' by Taylor James," Mia finished up stepping off the stage as the crowd applauded. The music cued, Lucas and Peyton danced to the start of their new life.
~FA~
"Are you sure you're ok watching him?" Haley asked as she headed towards the door to the hotel room.
"I'm your assistant, it's what I do," the petite brunette said with a smile; quite honestly she loved it when Haley needed her to watch Jamie, he had to be the most well behaved three year old that she had ever been around not to mention her was the cutest thing she had ever laid eyes on.
"I owe you big time Millie, you're the greatest," Haley said as she headed out the door and down the hall.
"Just remember that the next time you give me a raise," Millie shouted to the retreating form.
"Consider it done," Haley yelled over her shoulder noticing that if she wanted to make it on time she would have to step it up a gear.
She rushed through the side entrance knowing that she was going to be going on in any minute, I hope I look alright. She nervously brushed her hands over her outfit straightening out the nonexistent wrinkles in her olive green sundress. Just breathe…there's my cue…here goes nothing.
"Feels like I have always known you
And I swear I dreamt about you
All those endless nights I was alone
It's like I've spent forever searching
Now I know that it was worth it
With you it feels like I am finally home
Falling head over heels
Thought I knew how it feels
But with you it's like the first day of my life
Cuz you leave me speechless
When you talk to me
You leave me breathless
The way you look at me
You manage to disarm me
My soul is shining through
Can't help but surrender
My everything to you
I thought I could resist you
I thought that I was strong
Somehow you were different from what I've known
I didn't see you coming
You took me by surprise and
You stole my heart before I could say no
Falling head over heels
Thought I knew how it feels
But with you it's like the first day of my life
You leave me speechless
When you talk to me
You leave me breathless
The way you look at me
You manage to disarm me
My soul is shining through
I can't help but surrender
Oh no
My everything to you
You leave me speechless
(the way you smile, the way you touch my face)
You leave me breathless
(it's something that you do I can't explain)
I'd run a million miles just to hear you say my name
Baby
You leave me speechless
You leave me breathless
The way you look at me
You manage to disarm me
My soul is shining through
I can't help but surrender
My everything to you"
"I love you," Lucas whispered before kissing Peyton causing the crowd that had joined them on the dance floor to applaud. The applause seized only to have the silence filled with gasps of shock. Lucas was taken out of his trance as the gasps and whispering started to grow in volume; he looked at Peyton noticing the shocked open mouthed gaze that she was directing over his shoulder. He slowly turned not entirely sure what he was in for. Whatever he was expecting it was not this; there standing on the stage was Taylor James herself, does she look nervous? Lucas looked over to Nathan and Mia who weren't too far away only to notice the shocked look on Mia's face, what?
Lucas redirected his attention back to the stage just like everyone else. Here goes nothing. Haley slowly lifted her hand to the 'Taylor James glasses' and took them off as she bowed her head. She heard a collective gasp knowing that everyone attending was waiting to see the girl behind the glasses, boy are they in for a surprise. It took her a moment before she lifted her head setting her gaze on Peyton knowing that her best friend would hopefully be happy that she had come, I hope she's not mad at me for ruining her wedding. She smiled nervously waiting for any response from anyone.
The guests simultaneously looked from Haley on stage to Brooke by the bar; Brooke's shell shocked expression never softening as the moments passed, OMG! Haley is Taylor…Taylor is Haley…need fresh air. Brooke ran to the nearest exit only allowing herself the pleasure of breathing when the cold night air hit her skin.
That could've gone better. Haley grew more anxious as the guest continued to remain silent before she turned on her heels swiftly walking back stage, FUCK! She found the nearest door and flung it open before slamming it behind her; she fumbled around in the dark before finally finding the light switch. The light flickered momentarily before it finally decided to remain on revealing Haley's surroundings; a grimy looking toilet that probably hadn't been used let alone cleaned in years, I'll take this as a sign. Maybe I can just sneak out and leave town by tomorrow, yeah that's what I'll do.
"Haley Elizabeth Scott!" Deb yelled throughout the back stage area. Scratch that, Haley thought. She took a deep breath and left the safety of her sanctuary. "Thank god it's you!" Deb screeched happily as she ran towards her daughter engulfing her in a hug. "I thought I was imagining things when I saw you on stage," she pulled back and just looked at Haley not believing that her wish had finally come true.
"Hi mom," Haley smiled. She looked past Deb to see Dan standing not far behind; his eyes were glazed over with tears. "Daddy," she spoke not realizing that her voice had reverted back to that of a child. She left her mother's embrace and ran into that of her father's.
"Baby girl," Dan sighed contently wrapping his arms tightly around his daughter making sure that this was real and not another one of his dreams.
"So where is everyone else, or do they not want to see me?" Haley asked after stepping out of her father's embrace.
"We told them to stay put and that we would go and find you," Dan answered. Sure he wanted to see his little girl first but he had an ulterior motive. "So you wanna tell us why you decided to run away four years ago?"
"Would you be mad at me if I told you I wasn't ready yet?" Haley asked sheepishly hoping not to unleash the wrath of Dan Scott.
"I guess not," Dan sighed. "Just promise us that you will tell us before you go back to being a rock star Taylor James."
"I promise," Haley laughed knowing that she just dodged the first bullet of the assault that was coming her way.
"Taylor James?" Deb asked her daughter with a raised eyebrow.
"Yeah, I remember you telling me once that you were thinking of naming me Taylor before you decided on Haley. And James, well I thought it would be fitting to use your madden name," Haley said with a smile towards her mother hoping that she liked the reasoning behind her alias. Honestly it hadn't taken Haley long to decide on a name, she wanted to keep a connection to her family without being obvious about it, it made her feel like she was still a member of the Scott family while she was M.I.A.
"Clever," Deb said with a sly smile. "Now just think what you could've done if you graduated," she spoke knowingly; if anything at all it was the notion that Haley could easily give up her education that pissed Deb off the most.
"I got my GED," Haley replied bashfully knowing that education was an important thing to her parents. "I know it's not really the same but I couldn't go on with the rest of my life knowing that one day I would come back empty handed."
"You could never come back empty handed," Dan assured his daughter as he pulled her into a side hug. "So you had planned on coming back the whole time?" He asked giving her a gentle squeeze.
"Of course, I couldn't stay away from Tree Hill for too long, it's my home," Haley smiled wistfully still in wonderment that she was back home.
"Ready to face the lions?" Deb asked with a smirk knowing that Haley was not getting off as easy with her friends like she just had with them.
Haley's face went from happiness to horror in one second; her smile fell, eyes widened, eyebrows raised. "Can I bring a whip and chair?"
"Sorry hunny, you're gonna have to do this without props," Dan chuckled. He burst out into a full blown laughter when Haley let out the most agony filled groan like she just got hit by a car. The trio made their way to the dance floor where Dan and Deb had left the young adults. As they neared they caught the argument that was spewing among the others.
"You went and visited Mia last week!" Lucas yelled at Peyton. "You told me that you met Taylor James but seemed to let it slip your memory that she was Haley!" He was fuming; I can't believe she kept this from us, from me!
"Don't yell at me, Haley is the one that needed to come back and tell everyone that she was Taylor James, not me!" Peyton yelled back. I can't believe that this is happening on my wedding day!
"I'm her brother! I had the right to know!" Lucas yelled back not caring who heard, the shit had hit the fan and there was nothing that could stop the fall out, so why bother trying to hide it.
"Lucas Eugene Scott!" Deb scolded upon hearing her son's outburst towards his wife. "That is no way to speak to your wife, especially if you want this marriage to last."
"Everything was going fine until she showed up," Lucas spat in Haley's direction pointing an accusing finger at his sister.
"Lucas," Dan said in a warning tone. There was no way he was about to let his pigheaded son ruin this reunion.
"No, it's ok, I should go," Haley reluctantly pulled away from Dan and took some tentative steps back. "It was wrong of me to come without an invite and I am truly and deeply sorry that I ruined this wonderful occasion. I wish you two the best," she smiled sadly as she turned and exited the club. I never should've come back. What the hell is wrong with me? All I do is screw up. Why can't I do anything right? She let out a heavy sigh as she breathed in the cool night air. "Fuck!" She screamed at the top of her lungs.
"Didn't go as you planed?" A voice asked from the shadows.
Haley jumped despite knowing that voice, it had haunted her for so many years, it was the voice that single handily ruined her life. "What do you want Chase?" She spat not wanting to deal with his antics, she was tired and stressed and just wanted to get back to her hotel room to see her son.
"Just enjoying the show," he chuckled as he nodded his head towards the window. "Did you really think that after all these years that they would welcome you back with open arms? You're dumber than I thought," he let out an evil laugh as he reminisced about his plan four years ago and how it almost worked. "I knew that it would've been a challenge to make you believe me but Jesus Haley you fucking fell for it without a fight."
"What're you talking about?" Haley asked narrowing her eyes as Chase approached. She could smell the alcohol on his breath suddenly feeling that she was better off inside with Lucas than out her with Chase.
"Brooke…she wanted to be with you all those years ago," Chase said before taking a swig from his flask. "She told me earlier that day, she wanted you not me. Stupid girl didn't realize that she gave me just enough time to work out my plan," Haley continued to glare at Chase not liking where this whole situation was going. "I was the one that sent Nathan over to you so I could distract Brooke while I worked my magic. And to my luck it worked without a hitch," he let out another gut wrenching laugh.
Haley stood there in shock; Brooke wanted to be with me! I should've known not to trust Chase but…what the fuck? Anger took over her shock, her milk chocolate eyes turned to dark as she fumed over what Chase had done. "You son-of-a-bitch!" Haley yelled as she lunged at Chase, normally she wouldn't be able to overpower a man of Chase's build but his inebriation helped her greatly. She managed to get in a couple of swings before Chase regained his composure and fought back. His fist made contact with Haley's left cheek eliciting a thwacking noise that echoed off the brick walls. Haley fell back fearing the worse as Chase advanced towards her. She was just about to scream when Chase fell to the side landing on the unforgiving gravel, he moaned in pain as he clutched his head. Haley looked around puzzled beyond all belief.
Her question was answered when Brooke emerged from the shadows. "I couldn't let him hurt you," she spoke lightheartedly.
"Thanks," Haley breathed a sigh of relief as she stood up.
"I heard everything," Brooke spoke calmly hoping that all the questions she had gathered over Haley's four year absence could finally be answered.
"Oh," Haley said as she bowed her head. "Look you have to know that I never wanted…" but her words ceased when Brooke lifted her gaze. Their eyes met and Haley could read every emotion playing in them; happiness, fear, confusion, and love, most of all love.
Brooke lowered her head the mere inch difference between hers and Haley's lips not stopping until she claimed them in a tender kiss. They still feel as good as I remember, Brooke thought. She rested one hand on Haley's hip while the other found its way to the back of Haley's neck. She didn't want to rush this moment but dammit she needed this kiss to move faster, four years of pent up sexual tension could really do a number on a girl. Haley moaned when Brooke nibbled on her lower lip begging for entranced which Haley happily allowed. Brooke immediately went to re-familiarizing herself with Haley's mouth never wanting to forget what it felt like, tasted like, looked like. Somehow Brooke had pushed Haley flush against the wall immediately pushing her body into Haley's letting out a moan at the realization that their bodies still fit perfectly together.
Haley felt Brooke's hands wandering her body trying to taking in all the subtle changes. Alarms went off in her head when she felt one of Brooke's hands snaking its way down her side towards the hemline of her sundress. She immediately forgot about Brooke's wandering hand when she felt Brooke's lips working furiously on her pulse point, when the hell did she stop kissing me? She involuntarily moaned when Brooke started to suck furiously just below her earlobe, she hasn't forgotten. For as long as Haley could remember the spot just below her ear had always been a weakness but she remembered the day that Brooke discovered that spot. It was two weeks after they came out to the school, they were in Haley's room in a full on make out session. Over the first two weeks the girls had discovered more about one another than most couples did in the first year of a relationship. Brooke had focused her attention on Haley's neck, she was moving sporadically around her neck in search of weaknesses when she came upon that one spot. Brooke was beaming when she heard Haley moan in ecstasy and practically turned to mush when she sucked below her ear gently. From that day on Brooke always found time to give some extra attention to that spot.
"Brooke," Haley gasped when she bit down gently on her collar bone. When Brooke didn't stop Haley knew that she needed to. "Brooke, please stop."
"What?" Brooke asked in disbelief after unlatching her lips from Haley's neck. She thought things were going perfectly fine but the tentative look on Haley's face shot her confidence level to nonexistent. "Did I do something wrong? I thought you wanted this?"
"I do want this trust me," Haley said with a smirk. Brooke didn't seem reassured by her words so she continued. "I want you I really do, I have for four years. It's just that I think we need to take things slow…I mean that is if you want to try us again," she said suddenly realizing how unsure she was about Brooke's answer. She had just given Brooke the power to crush her like she had done to her four years ago, what if Brooke doesn't want us? What if she's just using me to get back at me for leaving?
Brooke saw the question and concern in Haley's eyes. "Trust me babe, I want us more than ever," she smiled widely when she saw the delight in Haley's doe eyes. "And I think you're right, we should take things slow."
"Good," Haley said as she pecked Brooke on the lips.
"Why don't we head back inside and talk," Brooke suggested already moving in the direction of the door. When she felt Haley tug her arm back she turned and noticed the hesitance in Haley's eyes. "What?"
"I really shouldn't, I already ruined their wedding day. I think I'll just go back to my hotel room," she responded reluctantly.
"I'm sure you didn't ruin their wedding day, you just took everyone by surprise. I mean come on, you show up after four years, that in itself is enough to shock everyone but then you add in that you're THE Taylor James, you should expect some shock," Brooke reasoned desperately trying to save this night, she didn't want to say goodnight to Haley, well at least not until they talked. "Which might I add is a total turn on," she said with a smirk.
"Remember we're taking things slow," Haley chuckled at how Brooke hadn't seemed to change a bit.
"I know," Brooke replied nonchalantly. "I just want you to know for future reference." She inwardly sighed when she saw Haley smile. "Now come on let's get you inside and clean that cut up."
Haley lifted her hand up to her cheek completely forgetting that Chase had punched her earlier. She saw the blood on her finger tips and squeaked with surprise. Her gaze shifted from her fingers to Brooke when she heard laughter. "What?"
"Nothing, you're just too cute," Brooke said as she intertwined their fingers. "Now let's get inside and clean you up, then we can talk.
Why am I not thrilled?
So that's it for chapter four.
I'm extremely extremely sorry for the long wait. I had this chapter all written out in my head but things in my life aren't going as smoothly as I would like, so needless to say my mess of a life kept me from typing this chapter. I know that it's an awkward place to leave off but I wanted to give you guys something sooner rather than later.
I will try my best to get my life in order so I can have chapter 5 up soon, but with my luck things will just get worse, I know very Debby Downer of me.
The song is "Speechless" by The Veronicas.
Please leave a review, any and all are appreciated.