Disclaimer: I do not own One Tree Hill or any of its characters. So please don't sue me.

"That's the worst idea you've ever had." Haley told Brooke as they sat in the living room later that afternoon.

"What? I happen to think it's a great idea." Brooke said.

"Yeah, that coming from somebody who thinks putting ketchup in milk is a great idea really is helpful. I'm actually considering your idea now." Haley said sarcastically.

"Oh, c'mon, Hales. Let me be your stylist for tonight – please?"

"What's the big deal, Brooke? I'm just going to clean tables." Haley said exasperatedly.

"I believe in the philosophy that you should always look gorgeous – even in a polyester apron." Brooke said.

Haley rolled her eyes. "Okay, okay, but you have to promise me something."

"Anything."

"No feathers, or the color hot pink or – or leopard patterns or anything that will make people stare."

Brooke smiled. "Well, of course people will stare. You'll look hot."

An hour and a half later

"Well? What do you think?"

Haley stared at her reflection. "I – I look –"

Brooke was thrilled. "I know, right? If I were you right now, I'd be speechless, too."

Luckily, Brooke didn't see the uncertain look on Haley's face as they went out the door. As they walked to Tric (Brooke insisted they did so that people could marvel at her creation), Haley could not help but wonder how Nathan had been doing lately.

She was afraid of asking everyone, afraid of knowing what the truth was. What if Nathan was already seeing someone else? What if he was going steady with her?

Haley couldn't bear the thought. She felt the cold wind sting her face and arms, wishing he were there to hug her and keep her warm. She regretted saying that it was over. She didn't want it to be, so why did she?

Brooke's cheerful voice interrupted her thoughts. "We're here!"

Haley proceeded immediately to the bar but even though it took her less than a minute, she could feel everyone staring at her. She didn't blame them. Brooke made her look like a total slut or something.

"Hey, you're alive." A female voice said jovially. It was Peyton.

Haley hugged her. "I've missed you."

"So have we. It's like we haven't seen you in years. Let me look at you."

Haley sighed as Peyton scrutinized her. "Okay, okay, I get it. I look like one of those freakish girls you see hanging around sleazy motels at night."

Peyton laughed. "Are you blind? You look gorgeous!"

"I don't know why I let Brooke dress me up, I just thought – what?!"

Peyton led her to the back room where there was a full-length mirror hanging. Haley took a good look at herself. "You look great, Haley."

Peyton's voice seemed to be very far away as Haley looked at herself. She did look different. Her hair, which always used to be tied in a ponytail, was down and over her shoulders. She was wearing a white sleeveless top that seemed to be a size smaller and stonewashed blue jeans that hugged her like a second skin. She usually wore something that looked like her grandmother picked out for her so it was very surprising to see herself now.

"I think Brooke might actually have a future in this thing." Haley said more to herself than to Peyton.

"Well, what are you waiting for? Go and show everyone else!" Peyton said, pushing her back to the counter. "And I don't want you behind this bar all night."

Haley served customers as cheerfully as she possibly could, but there was no denying the empty feeling in her stomach. Her eyes kept darting to the door every three minutes, waiting for a familiar face she longed to see again.

When it was already nine o'clock, Haley gave up. He wasn't coming.

"Penny for your thoughts, beautiful?" A blond guy drawled, taking a seat.

Haley threw him a disgusted look. It was that stupid musician from her Algebra class, Chris Keller. She had always hated him and his guts. Even when she was already married to Nathan, he always made it a point to hit on her with really lame pickup lines. It was pathetic.

"What are you doing here/"

"What? A guy can't come and order a beer?" Chris asked, scanning the menu.

"Is that all you want?" Haley fought to keep herself from hitting him.

"Why? Are you in the menu?" Chris grinned slyly at her.

Haley desperately looked around for someone to save her from the idiot. "I don't have time for this."

"Hey, hey, chill. I just want someone to talk to."

"Well that someone isn't me." Haley began to walk away, but Chris grabbed her wrist. "Let go, damn it."

"I just want to talk. That's it." She looked at his serious face for a few seconds and then nodded. He let go of her wrist.

"How have you been lately?" He asked her.

"I've been better," Haley admitted. "I just wish I could take it back."

"Why? I mean, all you do is fight. You can't possibly want to go back to a relationship that unstable." Chris said.

"It's not about how steady it is. I really love him." Haley could feel tears brimming in her eyes.

"Then why did you say it was over if you didn't really mean it?"

"I don't know, it just came out. He took it seriously and I feel like a total moron. I want him back but it's like every force in the universe doesn't want me to." Haley said bitterly.

Chris smiled, taking her hand and squeezing it. "You can't rush things like that."

Meanwhile, Lucas arrived with a very reluctant Nathan. "Will you relax? I brought you here so that you could loosen up and have fun."

"That's highly unlikely." Nathan saw Brooke coming their way.

"Hi, Nate. You look like crap." Brooke said straightforwardly.

"Gee, thanks." Nathan said sarcastically.

"Come on, Nate. She didn't really mean it." Lucas said, grasping on straws to keep Nathan from leaving.

"Actually –" Brooke began.

"She didn't mean it." Lucas repeated, giving her a warning look. He pulled her to a corner. "Don't mess this up, Brooke. Things between Nathan and Haley are bad enough already."

"God, you are too uptight. And you know what I told Nathan was true." Brooke said.

Lucas sighed, frustrated.

Brooke smiled. "You are so cute when you're stressed out." She kissed his cheek. "I'll see you later, okay?"

He watched her walk away, ignoring the fluttery sensations in his stomach. She was starting to grow on him. That wasn't something he didn't need right now.

Nathan made his way through the crowd, looking for the bar. If there was any time for alcohol, this was it. His eyes fell on a couple in the bar. A blond guy was holding a very pretty girl's hand while she smiled and laughed.

A sickening feeling overcame him. No…this can't be happening…

Dum, dum, dum! A little cliffhanger and Brucas for you guys. I hope you like it! Don't forget to review, I have more than 300 hits but only 5 reviews so please, please, please on bended knee review! ---Sera