A.N: Hey guys! I'm really happy that the last chapter did get such nice reviews. I loved writing a chapter full of fluff lol. Anyways this chapter is 95 Baley. I really like their friendship! Don't you?
Anyways enough rambling, so please don't forget to review this chapter and tell me what you think. If I get enough review I'll update again by the week end.
(p.s please don't P.M me cuz I still have pb and don't receive them so…)
Take care
Chapter 18: Truth doesn't make a noise
A month later:
Haley was trying to cook macaroni and cheese for dinner tonight since Nathan coming over. Her mother went to her yearly weekend getaway with Deb and Haley had succeeded to get rid of her brother. There was only Brooke still in the house who was helping her with the final touches for the romantic dinner she had planned.
"Thanks Brookie…You're the best with decorating!" Said Haley looking at the table that Brooke had set for her.
"Don't mention it J! It's always good to help for Naley's happiness." Said Brooke with a smile, while folding a napkin.
"Naley?" Asked Haley with amusement in her eyes. "What's a Naley?"
"You're Naley!" Said Brooke like she should've of known. "Well you and Nate are!" She smiled brightly. "Nathan and Haley equal Naley!" She added with so much pride, like she had just invented the relative theory.
Haley burst into laugher. "I actually like that! Naley…" She said thinking out loud. "It's cute!" She added sincerely.
"I know it's cute!! I'm the one who found it!" Added Brooke rolling her eye. "So now why are you organizing all this?" Asked Brooke curiously. "Is it a special occasion?" She added inquiringly.
"Nope…" Said Haley looking at the food cooking. "I have an empty house and a hot boyfriend… I'm celebrating that!!"
"Awww…." Started Brooke walking to Haley with open arms. "My baby is growing so fast!!" She added hugging her. "There's nothing left to teach you naughty tutor!"
Haley laughed at Brooke's new nickname.
"You're going to do naughty stuff right??" Asked Brooke winking.
"Oh yeah we are!!" Said Haley who couldn't help but blush.
"Do you have any candles?" Asked Brooke looking around. "Some scented ones would be perfect."
"Yeah…" Said Haley while trying to think where they were. "I've got some vanilla scented candles in my bedroom."
"Oh vanilla huh? Perfect vanilla is an aphrodisiac…" Brooke said with a wide grin. "Not that Naley needs it…" She added raising her eyebrows.
"Brooke!!" Shouted Haley with wide eyes.
"What? You guys can be noisy!!" She added shrugging. "Well let me grab the candles and you'll be all set," she added running upstairs.
Haley shook her head blushing remembering last weekend. Jake bought tickets to go and see the Charlotte bobcats and they took a little couples trip, without Peyton and Lucas since Peyton had to stay during the weekend to meet with the manager of some rock band for TRIC.
Haley and Nathan were excited to share a suite together and Brooke and Jake didn't forget to mention to them the next day that they had the adjacent room and heard them.
Haley looked at the clock and frowned. "Brooke are you okay?" She shouted trying to get her best friend's attention. "The candles are on my desk!!" She added thinking that Brooke couldn't find the candles. It was taking her forever to come back down.
Brooke came down about 2 minutes later giving the candles to Haley, but with just a look Haley could see that there was something wrong with Brooke.
"What's wrong Brookie?" Asked Haley worried and taking her friends hand.
"Oh nothing, I was looking at a picture of you upstairs you know when you were 10 and it says on your shirt 'Stanford rocks'…" She shrugged. "I just think it's sad you didn't get in that's all." She added looking deep into her friend's eyes.
"That's life," said Haley with a sad smile.
"Right!" Said Brooke with a sarcastic laugh looking at Haley with disbelief. "I better go." She added walking to the door.
"Brooke wait!" Shouted Haley running behind her. "What the hell is wrong with you?" She asked frowning.
"We'll talk about this another day Hales…. Enjoy your night because who knows what the future holds," she added mysteriously before slamming the door behind her.
Haley was completely shocked by Brooke's complete mood swing since she wasn't normally like this. She tried calling her until Nathan arrived, but she never answered.
What did she find out? Thought Haley worriedly, but as soon as she looked into Nathan's baby blue eyes all her worries just vanished.
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It was Monday afternoon and Haley was still pretty upset because of Brooke. Brooke avoided her fantastically today so Haley decided to stay around after school in order to catch Brooke alone after cheerleading practice.
Brooke avoided her all weekend, never answering her calls and wasn't even at her house. Haley couldn't believe her best friends childish attitude. But she was going to deal with it now. Nathan went to the mall with Lucas, so it left her plenty of time.
Once she made it to the gym the girls had just finished their practice and Haley walked up to Brooke directly. She was a woman on a mission.
Brooke rolled her eyes and sighed annoyed. This reaction shocked both Haley and Rachel who had decided to stay around to find out what caused the feud between the two friends.
Brooke turned around ready to go.
"What's your fucking problem?" Shouted Haley behind her. "I thought I worth a little more then someone you just ignore!"
"What's my…" Brooke walked back and pointed at her angrily. "What's your problem? You're not the girl you used to be anymore!" Shouted Brooke with fury.
"But what's got into you Brookie?" Asked Haley confused not shouting anymore just perplexed. "One minute we were having fun and after you get the candles you get all mad and storm out!" Haley shook her head. "you're even avoiding and ignoring me! You never did that before." She added sadly. She came to say how childish Brooke was, but she loved her best friend too much and seeing her so mad right now hurt Haley.
"You know what's the problem with keeping secrets Haley James?" Asked Brooke rhetorically. "The problem with secrets is even when you think you're in control…you're not!" Added Brooke sadly. Her friend betrayed her by lying straight to her face. Brooke looked at Haley for a while before rolling her eyes and picking up her bag from the floor. "You know what…Never mind…" She added to tired to fight.
"What are you talking about?" Asked Haley confused.
Haley's question made Brooke even angrier. "Stanford! That's what I'm talking about!!" She shouted to Haley. "Awwwwwww poor Haley…She didn't get into Stanford…" Said Brooke with an over played sad tone. "Oh no wait!" She added pacing in front of Haley. "She did get into Stanford! Full scholarship!!" She added finally facing Haley who just stood there gawking at her.
"How dare you go through my stuff!" Shouted Haley. That's all she could think of was Brooke invading her privacy.
"Oh don't even go their young Lady!!" Shouted Brooke in a motherly tone. "I didn't scoop because I trust…trusted you. Your London table mat fell when I took the candles off your desk and the letter was under it," Said Brooke sincerely.
The use of the word in the past had the effect of a knife stabbing Haley's chest. Trusted…
"Why did you lie to me Haley? Why did you tell me that you didn't get in huh?" Asked Brooke with disappointment showing in her voice.
"Because I didn't want to have a choice to make. Nobody needs to know that I chose Nathan over Stanford." Said Haley finally admitting the truth. "I knew you would make me rethink it all and…and I didn't want to!" She added stubbornly looking down
"You…What?" Asked Brooke in disbelief. "You bet your ass I would have made you rethink it!" Added Brooke seriously. "Come on Hales it's Stanford we're talking about! Not just some random school."
"It's more complicated then that D." Said Haley sitting on a bench and playing with the gold band on her pinkie finger.
"How? No it's not Haley. For as long as I can remember you did everything in the world to go to Stanford!" Said Brooke not shouting any more finally understanding that her best friend was more lost then anything. "It's your dream and now you're really ready to turn your back to it for what a…5 months relationship?" She asked surprised. "This is not the Haley James I know."
"But…but its not just any relationship Brookie." Said Haley finally looking at Brooke her eyes full of tears. "It's Nathan…my Nathan." She sighed. "I wake up every morning for him and fall to sleep with him being my last thought," she added shyly. "I can't turn my back on him either and…and even if we love each other our love won't survive 4 years and 3 thousands miles apart."
Brooke put a hand on top of Haley's. "If you're so sure why didn't you send the paper back yet? You didn't refuse their offer Haley…. You've got a week left…it's not as easy as it seems huh? To turn your back on one of your oldest dreams."
Tears started to quietly fall down Haley's cheeks. Brooke was right she was scared but she knew she wanted to be with Nathan. No matter where they were.
Brooke sighed and closed the distance between them and wrapped her arms around Haley's waist. "You're destined for greatness Haley…You're going to change the face of the world…Talk to Nathan. Tell him about the offer." Added Brooke nicely.
"No!" Shouted Haley jumping up. "He can NEVER know…" She said looking at Brooke with panic. "Please Brooke tell me you won't say a word please!!" She added begging.
"I won't Hales…I really disagree with you but…but I won't betray you." She said sincerely. "I just can't believe you're ready to turn your back on everything you ever wanted…everything you dreamt of, everything that made you ….you!" Added Brooke with disappointment clearly showing in her voice. "You even refused to tour L.A this summer with Chris."
"How…" Started Haley wondering how Brooke knew this.
"Yeah I've been snooping around, but only after I found the Stanford letter." Said Brooke not really wanting to justify herself. "Your laptop was on and I saw Chris' email. Why did you refuse? It's such an opportunity!!"
"Truth?" Asked Haley finally giving up.
"Of course! You should know by now that I'll always stand by you! It's really hurting me that you don't know me enough to trust me on that." Added Brooke sadly.
"None of it matters without Nathan." Said Haley nicely. "My music has always been a way to express my feelings for Nathan and well…" She dried the tears falling down her cheeks. "Actually music and Nathan are the same thing to me…there's no music if there's no Nathan." She said looking at Brooke who nodded in order to encourage her to continue. "And I think it's a bit early in our relationship to go for so long to take this opportunity, but I'm only 18, it's not over. I'm just making the choice to stay by his side for the moment."
''And Stanford? Why hide that?'' Asked Brooke curiously
''You know…'' Started Haley looking at her hand while playing with her ring. ''If I'm the only one to know, I'll be the only one to blame if I make a mistake. And well Duke has a great English program too. I didn't forget about my dream…it just evolved.'' She added looking at Brooke from the corner of her eyes. ''I'm not really abandoning anything if you think about it…I'm still getting a good education so…'' She shrugged nonchalantly.
''Yeah…trying to convince yourself of that,'' said Brooke nicely. ''But please ask yourself this. Why is it so hard to send the refusal back then? I…I just don't want you to do something you'll regret for the rest of your life it's all.'' Added Brooke emotionally. "Are you sure Nathan is worth it?" She finally had the courage to ask.
''Honestly I don't know…but I know that our love story deserves every chance that it can get.'' Said Haley with conviction. ''And my heart keep telling me I'm making the right choice.''
"Then there is nothing to add …" Added Brooke reaching for her bag, "Just…just think about it okay?" She added hugging Haley. "I just need to shower and change, but what are you doing later? Busy with lover boy?'' Asked Brooke with a wide grin.
''Nope,'' Said Haley smiling and really meaning it for the first time in the day. ''Nate's with Luke now buying some present for Peyton.''
''Luke asked Nathan for advice?'' Asked Brooke horrified.
''I know….'' Said Haley shaking her head. ''Anyway after they'll have their guys night you know,'' added Haley with a laugh.
''Yeah right!'' Said Brooke tapping her forehead with her palm. ''Jake told me about that. Wanna do something together then?'' Asked Brooke
''Yeah…I need your advice on something so…. I need you to come with me to the mall.'' Said Haley mysteriously.
''Mall?? How can I say no!'' Added Brooke with a laugh.
At that same moment Rachel sneaked out of the room, her plan already ready in her mind. They're each other's soft spot. She thought evilly.
''I'll wait for you here.'' Said Haley pointing to the player's bench. Brooke nodded ad left to the changing room.
Haley sat and looked around the empty gym, She was not sporty like her brother, but she was the same as him on one thing…an empty gym always helped her think. She looked up. Please god give me a sign…Show me I'm making the right decision. She asked in her head.
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Nathan couldn't believe that Lucas had agreed to help him. He was going to go and see Haley for a quick kiss before their guy's night, but he saw her car still parked at school.
Nathan frowned and decided to go and see how she was doing. He was always worried about her.
As Rachel exited the school she saw Nathan parked his car and started to laugh ''this is really my lucky day!'' She said out loud talking to his car with a bright smile.
''Hey…'' She said as he turned around after closing his car door.
''Damn…'' He thought rolling his eyes. ''What do you want Rachel?'' He asked clearly showing her his annoyance.
"Don't sweat it Scott! I'm not coming to hit on you," said Rachel facing him. "I just came to apologize." She added trying her best to sound sincere.
"You? Apologize?" Asked Nathan with a sarcastic laugh.
"Yeah!" Said Rachel ignoring the sarcasm in Nathan voice. "I didn't see how much you actually love each other and…" She shrugged. "Let's face I could never sacrifice what the tutor is sacrificing to be with you." She smiled. "I would never love anyone that much!" She added ready to go.
Nathan frowned confused. "What the Hell are you talking about?" He asked a bit aggressively.
"Oh come on Nathan! I know I'm not supposed to know about it, but I heard Haley telling Brooke." She said pretending to believe that Nathan knew. "I'm talking about Stanford!! I mean she got a full scholarship for Stanford and she's about to refuse it to go with you to Duke." Added Rachel looking into his eyes. "I could never let go of a life long dream for a guy…that's why I apologized." She added pretending to be sincere.
"You're lying!" Shouted Nathan clenching his jaw.
"Oh…. You didn't know!!" Said Rachel faking surprise and discomfort. "You don't believe me fine, but…but go in her bedroom and look under her London Mat. I'm not lying even if you wish I was." She added with a pretend sad smile. She walked away before turning around. "What else don't you know Scott??" She questioned while Nathan kept looking straight in front of him. "She told you that she had a summer gig offer though L.A, but she refused it to stay with you right?"
All blood drained of Nathan's face. He couldn't believe what Haley was doing.
"I guess not…." Finally added Rachel turning her back to Nathan in order for him not to see the satisfied smile form on her face. She shook him deep inside and she couldn't believe her plan was working. She was sure that Nathan was going to go to Haley's house to check. So predicable…She thought driving off.
Nathan sat back in his car and rested his head on the steering wheel. He didn't know what to think. Rachel always was a liar, but she had nothing to win with these lies. I...I need to be sure! Thought Nathan driving off to Haley's house.
In next chapter: Does Love deserve any sacrifice? It has been said, 'Love will tear us apart'