Wow, thanks for all the reviews guys. I really enjoyed reading them. I appreciate everyone taking the time to read/review the story.

Chapter Seven

Looking down Lucas couldn't stop himself; he pulled her closer and gave her a gentle kiss. Pulling back a little he looked into her eyes before moving in for another kiss.

After a couple minutes of intense kissing they both pulled back. Lucas pulled her closer, into the curve of his arm.

"I'm glad I came to see you, Lucas" she said softly.

"I'm glad you came too….. Peyton."

October 18, 2007

"Tutor Girl! Wait!" Brooke stopped Haley as she was on her way to class.

Actually starting to like her nickname Haley just smiled at Brooke, "Hey Brooke, what's going on?"

"Cheer practice is cancelled today, so I am going to go to the mall after school. I'll try to talk Peyton into going too; do you want to join us?"

After deciding to believe Nathan over Peyton, Haley was slightly unsure of how to behave around Peyton so she was hesitant to spend a whole afternoon with her, "Oh I'm not sure….."

"Well do you have tutoring?"

"Um, actually I'm free, but ….."

"Please Haley, please? Say yes, Tutor Girl," Brooke mock begged.

Haley laughed, "Okay, so I'll meet you after class?"

"Sounds good to me," Brooke smiled at Haley. "We are going to have so much fun!"

Brooke led Haley into yet another store, they had been at the mall for over two hours and Brooke was still going strong. There was something slightly unnatural about it.

"Oh Tutor Girl! You have to get this dress; it'd look gorgeous on you!" Brooke exclaimed, while holding up a dress she had just found.

Haley studied the dress. It was a short midnight blue halter, very simple, very Haley. Nodding slowly she replied, "If I agree to get it can we please go get something to eat?"

Brooke grinned, "No problem. There is a great shoe store by the food court. We can go there after we are done eating."

"I can handle that, after I've sat down for a while," Haley sighed dramatically.

They went to pay for their things, and then went to the food court. Since Haley was so tired, Brooke went to get their food.

Brooke arrived with their pizza and they dug in. "Thanks Brooke."

"Don't worry about it Tutor Girl, I'm just glad you were able to come with me." Brooke smiled at Haley as she took another bite.

"You know what? I am too, even thought my feet are killing me."

"It really sucks that Peyton couldn't make it, she been flaking on me a lot lately," Brooke frowned as she remembered.

"Oh," Haley said awkwardly, not entirely sure how she was supposed to respond.

"Yeah, she's been off ever since that breakup with Nathan. They were totally wrong for each other, so it sucks that she is taking it so hard."

Haley frowned, "You think that Peyton is still hung up on Nathan?"

Brooke nodded, "It was the night that they broke up that she started acting so weird. It's the only thing that I can think of and she never denied it," Brooke visibly brightened. "I need to get her out so she can meet some cute new boys and have some fun."

Haley agreed, "That sounds like a good idea. If she's still gloomy over Nathan, then she needs to have some distractions."

Brooke taped her chin thoughtfully, "It's going to have to be Saturday, there's a party at Duke we can go to." Eyes narrowing at Haley, she grinned. "You can go with us."

Unsure Haley was hesitant, "I don't know Brooke, and I've never been to a Duke party before…."

"Then this is a good time for your first one. Come on Haley, come with us! We'll break your Duke party cherry!"

Haley laughed, "Okay, I'll go. Damn Brooke, do you always get your way?"

Brooke nodded happily, "Of course! We need to find you an outfit, and I'll buy Peyton something new, too."

"Whatever." Remembering what Brooke had just said she laughed. "Duke party cherry? Only you Brooke, only you."

Brooke winked, "You know it. It's too bad that the basketball thing is tomorrow, there's a big party tomorrow night too," Brooke said regretfully.

"Oh yeah, I'm going to the basketball thing."

"Really? Why? You aren't a cheerleader."

"Lucas talked me into going with Jake and him," Haley explained.

"Yum, Lucas," Brooke's eyes turned dreamy, "That boy is so hot, and Jake isn't too shabby either. I would love to get Lucas alone and just stri-. "

"Stop! Yuck, Brooke. He's like my brother, not in front of me, please," Haley begged wanting to change the subject she picked another one of Brooke's passions. "Anyways, I still need to pick out my outfit for tomorrow, maybe you could help?"

"Oh, eeeeeeeee," Brooke squealed. "This is going to be so fabulous!"

"If you say so….."

Brooke started planning, "You can totally wear the dress you bought tonight at the basketball thing, and we have to find you something for the Duke party. Oh! And shoes! We need to find accessories, too. Come on, Tutor Girl, time to get going. We still have so many stores to visit before the mall closes."

Brooke stood up and grabbing her bags started to walk away. Haley got up and with one last wistful glance at her seat she followed Brooke.

Wait! Before the mall closes? Brooke can't really expect to be here that long. "Brooooooooooooke!"

"We shouldn't be doing this now," Lucas said between kisses, before pulling back and staring at her.

Peyton yanked him back, "Why not?" Running her hands though his hair she tried to pull his head down, but he was resisting, barely.

"I have to watch the café; my mom only went home because she thought I'd be keeping an eye on things. Not making out with a hot girl in the kitchen."

Peyton scoffed and pulled him even closer. "There's no one else here," staring deeply into his eyes she questioned him, "would you rather be out there cleaning tables or back here with me." As she said that last part Peyton ran a hand down Luke's back, causing him to shiver.

Lowering his head, Lucas whispered against her lips, "with you." Lucas trailed kisses from the corner of her mouth to her ear. He had just caught the lobe of her ear between his teeth when he heard the door of the café open and the sound of female voices. Before pulling back he whispered; his mouth close to her ear, "Told you." Peyton shivered as his breath danced over her skin.

Before going to the front Lucas turned and gave Peyton a wink. Sitting down on the tile she breathed heavily. She was replaying that last couple of minutes in her head when she was interrupted by the sound of Luke's voice.

"Haley….with Brooke?" Lucas said somewhat uncertainly.

Peyton's body stilled and she was afraid to breathe too loudly. Oh, well fuck! What the hell is the matter with my luck? Brooke is going to kill me.

Three Days before

"P. Sawyer!" Brooke said as she sailed into Peyton's room.

Peyton looked up from her sketch pad, "Hey Brooke."

"Guess where I was, I'll tell you. I was with a certain brooding basketball player," Brooke said happily.

"Lucas?" Peyton questioned without looking up from her drawing.

"Yes! Got it in one, you're good P.Sawyer," Brooke teased.

"But seriously, god Peyton, I don't know what it is about him, but I really like him. He treats me differently than most other guys. Who else would turn down a naked Brooke Davis?"

"Maybe he's gay?" Peyton suggested.

Brooke giggled, "No, I just think he's nice. Like an honest to god good guy."

Peyton put down her sketch pad and looked up. "What is going on with you Brooke? I've never seen you act so seriously about a guy before."

Brooke answered softly, "Maybe I've never been so serious about a guy before. Maybe I'm tired of playing around, the parties, and the recklessness that I've been having. When I'm with him Peyt, he makes me believe that I can do better, that I am better than that.

Peyton bit her lip and hesitantly asked, "So you want do date Lucas? Or you just want a steady boyfriend?"

"Peyton haven't you been listening to me? I want Lucas, I want him as my boyfriend," Brooke answered, as she stared at Peyton uncertainty. When Peyton stayed silent Brook spoke up again, "Aren't you happy for me Peyton? You've always told me that you hated the random hook- ups and drinking too much. I thought you would be happy that I'm ready to settle down a little."

Peyton was silently ordering herself to tell Brooke that she wanted Lucas, telling herself that this might be her last chance. But when Peyton looked up at Brooke's hopeful face and could not do it. "No Brooke, if you are serious about it then of course I'm happy for you."

Brooke grinned at Peyton and reached over to give her a hug, "Thanks friend. I knew I could count on you."

Peyton knew that she should have just told Brooke that truth, that she wanted Lucas. She had so many chances over the last two weeks, but didn't do it. She didn't really know why she had hesitated at first. Lucas hadn't been important to Brooke and if she told her at that first game Brooke would have respected their friendship and would have backed off. She had been with Nathan and then the whole mess with the bet, but she could have laid a claim for Luke when her head was on straight. She hadn't been able to after what Brooke told her a couple of days ago. She knew she didn't want a relationship with Lucas, that a couple of nights would be fine for her, and when Brooke revealed how serious she was about Luke…… She didn't have it in her to see Brooke's face. Then two days ago she had….. well, it was too late to go back on that.

Hearing the three of them in the front of the café laughing Peyton quietly slipped out of the back, feeling like the dirty secret she was. The dirty secret she made herself become.

Lucas was laughing at Haley's description of their shopping trip as he headed to the back; he called over his shoulder, "Hold on a minute. I'll be right back out."

Looking around he whispered, "Peyton! Peyton!"

"You okay Luke? I thought I heard you say something."

Sighing as he realized that she must have left Lucas headed back to the front, "I'm fine Haley; I was just talking to myself."

Lucas was slightly irritated. He wished Peyton hadn't asked him to keep their relationship a secret. He hated lying to Haley and he wanted to shout from the rooftops that Peyton was his. He wouldn't be able to do that until Peyton was ready. I just hope it's soon….it had only been two days and hiding it sucks.

"Just tell me what the plan is!" Dan demanded.

Nathan couldn't very well tell him that there was no plan and was frantically thinking of what he could tell his father. Fucking asshole, why the hell doesn't he ever leave me alone?

"Boy, don't make me ask you again. I'm waiting," Dan said as his voice intensifying.

"Dan, are you yelling at my son again?" Deb Scott said as she strolled into the living room.

Nathan rolled his eyes at his mother. She saw him one week, at the most, out of each month but whenever she came home she liked to pretend that she was a great mother and try to "protect" him from Dan. What bullshit, if she really cared then she wouldn't leave me alone with him all the time.

Dan reigned in his temper and kissed his wife on the check before saying tightly through clenched teeth, "Deb, I didn't expect you home today. I thought you would be getting in tomorrow morning, just in time for the party."

Deb scrutinized Dan before walking over to the bar to make herself a drink. "I was supposed to, but I was able to double Franklin's donation to the foundation so I decided to treat myself and come home early."

"Wonderful," Dan said as he walked over to his chair. As he passed Nathan he hissed out of the side of his mouth, "We'll finish this later!"

"So how my boys are are doing?" Deb settled herself on the sofa end closest to Dan.

Nathan rolled his eyes as his dad started spouting off his stats, she asked how they were. Not how basketball was going. I guess in this house they are one and the same.

"…… good until Whitey moved Nathan out of his position and put the new kid in."

Hearing what Dan said Nathan interrupted, "I doing better as a small forward Dad, I don't care if Lucas is shooting guard now."

Continuing as if Nathan hadn't spoken, Dan gave Nathan an unyielding look and said, "But that's going to be temporary."

Unsure, Deb questioned, "Lucas? As in Nathan's brother, Lucas? Why didn't anyone tell me that Nathan's broth-"

"Don't call him that Deb! God why don't you make yourself another drin-"

Deb screamed, "Don't talk to me like that Dan! Damn it you are such a-"

Unnoticed Nathan stood up and shook his head, walking out of the room and saying softly, "Glad to have you home mom. Always a pleasure…."

October 19, 2007

(Day of the Party)

"You've been doing a really good job Nathan. I'm sure you'll be ready for your test on Monday," Haley said as she put her things away.

"Are you sure? I'm having a hard time remembering the second formula," Nathan asked.

"Just do those practice questions I gave you and it'll come to you," Haley smiled and patted Nathan on the shoulder.

Nathan nodded, who would have thought that I, Nathan Scott, would be so worried about a test. Looking over at Haley he decided it must be because of her. She had believed in him and helped him when she had no reason to and the last thing that he wanted to do was let her down.

Nathan was happy that his grades had improved slightly, but damn, it was taking a lot of work. Sooner rather than later, Nathan knew, Dan was going to get pissed at all the time studying was talking away from basketball. There was no doubt in his mind which Dan considered more important.

"Oh here, I made this for you," Haley said as she handed him a small tin. "It's everything you need to ace your history exam is right in this little box of tricks here; NoDoz, eye drops, number-two pencils… you're all set."

Nathan took the box and looked at it curiously, but made no move to open it. He glanced up to see her watching him, "Maybe you should just text me the answers," he joked.

"Ha! Like that's a reality," Glancing at her watch Haley started to rush out of the room, "I've got to get ready for your party. I'll see you later tonight. Bye Nathan!"

"Bye Hales," Nathan said absently as he ran a figure over the edge of the box. Getting up, he carried it to his bedroom; once he got there he sat down and opened the box. There it all was just like she said, she didn't mention the card. He picked it up to open it when he heard his father yelling at him.

"Nathan! Get your ass down here!"

Rolling his eyes he kept opening the envelope, he was about to pull out the card when heard footsteps outside of his door.

"Nathan, right now!" Dan's voice was closer and Nathan opened a drawer and put the box and envelope inside of it and started to leave his room.

"I'm coming dad."

"Good, let's go for a jog before we have to change for the party."

When Dan started to go down the stairs Nathan shot him the bird, but still followed him. One of these days….

"While we are running you can tell me what your fucking plan is, if you even have one."

Fantastic. Fucking fantastic

"Keith and Karen are going to meet us there?" Haley questioned Lucas as they pulled up to the Nathan's house.

"Yeah, mom's going to keep the café open a little while longer. I think it's just an excuse to miss Dan's speech," Luke's eyes drifted toward his best friend, "Someone told her that he makes some kiss my ass speech each year and she doesn't want to hear it. Wait, I think her exact words were, 'If I have to listen to that ass even more than I have to I'm going to vomit'. Yeah, I think that was it."

Haley shifted uncomfortably, "Karen really told you that?"

Lucas chuckled, "Actually no, I overheard her and Uncle Keith talking about it, but she still said it."

Lucas eyed a fidgeting Haley, until she couldn't take it anymore. "Okay! You know it was me! I'm sorry; I know I shouldn't have said anything. But when I was tutoring Nathan he mentioned what an ass Dan is at these things and told me about the speeches. I didn't mean to say anything to Karen. It just popped out; you know how those things happen. I didn't mean to make her feel uncomfortable or change her mind about coming." Pausing for a breath Haley bit her lip and asked Lucas, "Are you mad at me? Because that would suck, I mean I would understand it, but …… you know, forget I just said that. I know you aren't mad. You are never mad at little stuff like this. Why are you grinning like that? Oh! Lucas Eugene Scott! You did that on purpose. You just wanted to see me talking a lot. That's mean, why do you do things like that. It's lik- sheesh. I really need to just shut up." Haley mimicked

Lucas had lost his smile at when Haley said his full name, but by the end of her tirade his smile had come back. "I love you Hales; man, you do like to carry on."

Haley smiled as she told him, "Nathan told me the same thing, almost word for word a couple of days ago."

"Really? Well, that's cool and slightly weird." Lucas shook his head and held his arm out. "May I escort you in milady?"

Haley pushed the side of Luke's head softly, "Man, you're a dork." Then she latched onto his arm. "Sure why not?"

Leading Haley up the walk, Lucas glanced down at her. "Hey buddy, you look really nice."

"Thanks Luke, you look good too," rolling her eyes Haley continued, "and I better look good. The amount of time I spent at the mall yesterday? Good lord, I'm shocked that I'm even able to walk now. Brooke was fun to shop with, even if she takes it to the extreme. That girl believes in quality and quantity. I can't remember the last time I came home with over 12 shopping bags, and I think she had even more. We had to go to her car twice yesterday to drop off bags. Oh! She tried to pay for my things, did I tell you that? Said that it would be on daddy, I was barely able to talk her into letting me pay for own things. Next time I am so going to…… oh, hi." Haley said nervously.

She hadn't noticed that they had been waiting for someone to answer the door, so when it suddenly opened to reveal scowling Dan Scott she was somewhat taken aback.

Remembering Deb's warning, Dan just silently moved back and allowed them entrance. Once they were inside Dan closed the door and walked to the bar without saying a word.

Glancing at Lucas, Haley said sarcastically, "Fun? Right, Luke. I can tell that this is going to be a lot of fun."

Silently agreeing he grabbed a hold of Haley's hand, "Let's go find Jake."

Nathan rolled his eyes as his dad started his speech. Another lame party. Tim nudged him and Nathan glanced up and saw his dad glaring at him. Nathan fixed his expression into one of indifference.

Dan continued, "Spirit. The vital principle and animating force within every human being. Of course, for some of you, spirit simply means alcoholic beverages."

When this achieved laughter from the crowd, Nathan was baffled. That wasn't even funny. I guess it isn't a big surprised that Dad did this every year. What a wonderful opportunity for him to have a forum where he could spout off whatever jackass thing he wants to say and be applauded for it.

"But this Ravens basketball team has a surplus of spirit. It's an incredible team with an incredible group of young men. This team has been on a roll."

Asshole, bet Dad would like to credit himself for it. Why are these idiots applauding him like he's the leading scorer? I am, and well Lucas is helping. Now he is, at least. But before he came it's all me.

"I would like to thank my lovely wife for setting up this party."

Got to keep up the image. Fuck that, mom wasn't even here. The party planner did it all.

"But Raven team spirit also includes the parents and the local businesses, whose financial support make this team great. Tonight's for you. Enjoy."

Now Dad's pretending to kiss their asses, when really all he wants is for them to remember that he brought them up. So they can be grateful to him. Prick.

Tim's stepmother Shari spoke up, "And here's to our host, Dan Scott."

Kiss-ass, she says the same thing every year. I wonder if she is getting paid for it.

Tim muttered from besides Nathan, "God that gold digging whore is such a suck up." Focusing on Nathan he whispered, "Mike has been asking me about the bet. How is it going?"

Furious, Nathan glanced across the yard to where Lucas and Haley were standing and he hissed, "Not now!" Nathan shot Tim a glare before he stormed away.

Once Lucas saw that Haley was engrossed in conversation with Jake he took the opportunity to find Peyton.

He found her immediately, he saw that she was with Brooke, who was laughing and talking animatedly. Lucas couldn't help but smile at Brooke; she was so full of life. She got a bad rep, but she really was a good person. They had gotten to know one another over the last couple of weeks and he could honestly say that if it weren't for Peyton he would be pursuing a relationship with Brooke. But his want for Peyton was too far ingrained in him; he couldn't and wouldn't let her go. No matter how interesting or attractive Brooke was to him.

Catching Peyton's eye he nodded his head inside of the house. Nodded indiscernibly, she acknowledged him and started to try and get away from Brooke.

Interrupting Brooke, "I'm a little thirsty. I think I'm going to go inside and get a drink."

"Want me to go with you?"

"Oh no that's okay, I'll see you later."

"Bye Peyt," Brooke said before she made her way to some cheerleaders by the door.

Peyton started to go inside when she felt a hand on her arm, looking down she saw it was Haley. Instantly the guilt started to consume her again. She hated being around Haley because she knew that Haley was going to be hurt and Peyton couldn't help her. When Haley wasn't around it was easy for her to forget what was going on.

"Hi Peyton," Haley said, giving her a nervous smile. "I just wanted to tell you that I thought about what you said and I talked to Nathan abo-."

"WAIT! You told Nathan what I told you?" Shit! Fuck! Crap! Damn! He's going to be pissed and he's going to tell Lucas. I already have enough problems with Lucas because of Brooke. This is going to ruin everything!

Haley nodded, "Yeah I did, and he explained things to me. I believe him Peyton. I'm just telling you because I don't want you to worry anymore. He's not going to do anything to hurt Lucas."

Naïve idiot. Peyton told her coldly, "I didn't make it up Haley, you asked me so I told you. I don't remember telling you that it was okay to tell fucking Nathan what I said either!"

Confused, Haley said, "I'm sorry if you think I betrayed your trust but Peyton, I had to talk to him about it. It's not fair to condemn him on the words of others, without even trying to talk to him about it.

Peyton shook his head, "God Nathan is such a liar. What stories did he tell you?" Behind Haley, Peyton could see through the window and she noticed that Brooke had gone inside and was not talking and laughing with Lucas. Well, crap again. This night sucks.

Haley shook her head, "That's private Peyton, and unless you can tell me something other than what you already have then I'm going to believe him."

When Peyton stayed silent Haley turned to walk away, Peyton's voice stopped her, "Wait!"

"Yes?"

Finally Peyton shook her head and muttered, "Just be careful."

Peyton walked away as Haley watched her, it doesn't matter. I just have to get Lucas away from Brooke and we can find a room and finally do what we have been wanting to do.

Set on plan of action, Peyton walked inside and went to join Lucas and Brooke. Reaching them she smiled at Brooke and reached over to give Lucas a hug; although surprised he returned it and heard her whisper, "Meet me upstairs, 15 minutes and third door on the left."

After pulling back Peyton stayed and talked for a few minutes before she excused herself.

"Hey Brooke, hi Buddy."

Haley said as she joined them from outside.

"Hey Tutor Girl! You are looking absolutely fabulous!"

"Thanks for all your help with the outfit."

Lucas took a good look at Haley for the first time without her wrap. He shook his head slightly and closed his eyes, Brooke had done it again. Opening his eyes he saw her watching him with a sly smile, "Oh Brooke, you are corrupting my best friend!"

Haley and Brooke burst into laughter at the pained voice Lucas had used.

"Well, well, well if it isn't Haley James at a basketball party." A male voice said from behind her.

Haley turned and was surprised to see who was talking to her.

To be honest, the amount of support for Brooke in both the reviews and in messages made me want to change the girl with Lucas from Peyton to Brooke, but I had to force myself to follow the outline. Otherwise the story as a whole wouldn't make sense.

Just out of curiosity, since I haven't yet revealed who Lucas is going to end up. Who do YOU think he should be with?

Mac

Disclaimer: I own nothing; not OTH or its characters.