Author's Note: Hey guys! Yeah, I know, I'm back so soon! This has to be a first! Anyways, I got this chapter done pretty quick after some help from my wonderful Goldilocks. I was really torn and didn't know where I wanted this chapter to go, so I just kept adding things in. I think it turned out pretty great if I do say so myself. No, my ego is usually not this big. It's usually much smaller. This chapter is full of both angst and fluff, but you may hate me after the ending of this chapter…Anyways, I hope you like it! As always, please read and review!

Disclaimer: I own nothing. One Tree Hill and its characters are property of the WB.

Rating: K+ to T

In the Presence of An Angel

Chapter 27

As they entered the building, all talking ceased and the hall fell silent as every single pair of eyes stared at them. Both Haley and Brooke gripped each other's hands tighter as they slowly made their way down the long hallway to their lockers, holding their heads high. Haley spotted Lucas among the other students and she locked eyes with him. His expression was blank, showing no emotion either way. Haley's eyes welled with tears as she broke eye contact and turned her head away from him, burying her face into Brooke's shoulder. Brooke unlinked their hands and wrapped her arm around Haley's waist, pulling her closer to her side, and then softly stroked her hair, whispering in her ear, "It'll be okay, Hales. It'll get better." Haley nodded solemnly as they finally reached their lockers. While Haley was getting her books out, a voice spoke up beside her, "Hey Haley." Startled, Haley put a hand to her chest and turned to see who it was, "Oh Mouth, you scared me."

"Sorry," he smiled sheepishly then regained his composure and hugged her lightly, speaking softly in her ear, "I just wanted to let you know that I support you and Brooke and I'm glad that you're happy. You make Brooke happy too; I've seen it the past couple weeks and this is the happiest she's ever been. If I can't be the one, then I'm glad it's you that is making her happy." "Mouth…" Haley pulled back, tears forming in her eyes again, staring at him in understanding then hugging him again, "Thank you." "I heard that Lucas isn't taking the news too well," he said softly, not wanting to upset her more. Haley looked down at her hands, "Yeah, he's being an asshole about it. He won't even speak to me. We've been best friends almost our whole lives Mouth. Why can't he accept this?" "I don't know Haley, I don't know," Mouth slowly shook his head. He couldn't believe Lucas was acting this way. "Oh, and I just wanted to let you know that the guys are behind you too. They're around here somewhere, probably getting breakfast in the cafeteria or shooting some hoops out on the courts," Mouth replied as he gave her an encouraging smile. "Thanks Mouth," Haley responded with her own smile. "Well, I have to get to class. See you later Haley," he said as he lightly squeezed her arm in reassurance then waved as he started to walk off. "Bye," Haley waved back.

"Well, that's one more to add to the list of supporters. The rest of population Tree Hill left to go," Brooke whispered beside her. "Yeah…" she replied quietly, moving closer to her and wrapping her arms around Brooke's waist, resting her head on her shoulder. "It's about damn time," someone shouted behind them and Haley and Brooke both turned, seeing Skills, Fergie, and Junk walking up to them, "We were getting tired of all the sneaking around, the little glances and touches between you two. We're glad you two finally admitted to each other that what you had was more than friendship." "Skills, we've been dating secretly for over two months," Haley replied then chuckled softly at the guys' expressions. "Two months," Skills' jaw dropped, "Over two months and we didn't find out? I mean, we noticed the subtle signs that you two liked each other, but we didn't know you actually got together. Wait, the party and the 'I never' game…oh my god! You and Brooke had sex! She's the one you lost your virginity to, isn't she?" Haley blushed fiercely as she lowered her head, "Skills! Sh!"

"Sorry," he laughed, "you want to come down to the rivercourt later and play some basketball? We've been out one player lately. Difference of opinions." Haley smiled slightly, "Sure, meet you there around three?" "You got it," Skills replied and then he gave her a light hug, "You hang in there, okay? People will come around. If they don't, then I'll go kick their scrawny asses for you." Haley hugged him tighter, "Thanks Skills." The other guys in turn hugged her and voiced their reassurance then headed off to class. "We should probably get going too," Brooke said, squeezing her hand softly. Haley nodded and pulled her into a strong embrace. "We probably shouldn't kiss in front of everybody. They're all still digesting the news. Maybe after it's sunk in a little," Brooke whispered. Haley nuzzled her collarbone with her nose then discreetly kissed her on the neck. A shiver ran down Brooke's spine and she leaned her head down, kissing her neck too, "I love you." "Love you too," Haley responded as she pulled away. They parted and went their different directions; Haley with Nathan and Jake and Brooke with Peyton.

They met up again for lunch and as they walked to their table, Brooke asked, "So, how has your day been so far? Anybody say anything to you?" Haley shrugged, "No, not really. Like you said, they're still processing it. I got a few smiles and tight hellos but that's about it. At least that's something, right? I just hope it holds out for the rest of them. I don't like anybody hating me, and what infuriates me more is when it's someone that really doesn't know me." "Aw, how could anybody hate you? You're too cute and adorable to hate," Brooke smiled as she curled an arm around her shoulders and rubbed her arm. Haley chuckled softly, "Thanks Brooke, but I think some people will have a different opinion than you do." "Then I'll beat them up. Nobody calls my Haley uncute and unadorable. If anybody is mean to you, they have to answer to me, and they'll be in a whole world of hurt after I'm done with 'em" Brooke made a fist and punched it into her other hand. Haley laughed then took her hand into her own, "Come on Tigger, let's go sit and eat with the others." Brooke agreed then a few seconds later, Haley said in a small voice, "Brooke? Katrina and posse at 2:00." Brooke looked over to see Katrina marching up to her with an evil little smirk on her face, her groupies not far behind.

"Well, if it isn't the Queen Bitch and her little whore," Katrina said then put on an innocent face then looked to Haley with a fake smile, "You know you're temporary, right? Once she gets what she wants from you, she'll toss you like yesterday's trash. She's just experimenting with you. Brooke likes sex and she likes having it with boys. You'll be gone before you know it." Tears had risen in Haley's eyes at Katrina's words; not only were they hurtful but she was bringing up all her past insecurities again. "Aww, did I make wittle baby Haley cry? You have to know you won't last. You two are so different; you're both from different crowds. Cheerleaders and brainy little tutors don't mix. You aren't good enough for her. She's supposed to be with a basketball player, not you. So why don't you save yourself and get out now? I mean, I'm just trying to help you here Haley. I don't want you to get hurt when she dumps you," Katrina walked forward and tried to wrap her arm around Haley but Brooke roughly pushed her away.

By now, Brooke was livid and really seeing red, "Don't you touch her! She is not temporary, Katrina. We've been dating for two months in case you didn't know. I don't care if we're from different crowds. I love her and she loves me. But then again, you don't know what love is do you? I used to be like you, Katrina, a new guy every other night, partying after games and getting drunk. Your mom is never around and your dad is living half across the country; they don't pay any attention to you-" "Your parents are the same way, Brooke. They're never home and all they do is throw money at you," Katrina retorted. Brooke shrugged, "So my family life isn't perfect, but I found love, and all I need to be happy is Haley. I've changed, and I have Haley to thank for that." Brooke squeezed Haley's hand as she looked at her for a moment and smiled then turned back to Katrina. "Oh, and Katrina? You're off the squad until further notice. You need to clean your act and your attitude up. Don't lie to me; I've seen the track marks and the bruises. Now that we're done here, you'll have to excuse me because I'm going to go eat lunch with my girlfriend. Come on Hales." Brooke tugged on her hand and they walked over to the table where Nathan, Jake, Peyton, Skills, and Mouth all sat, leaving Katrina with her mouth hung open in shock.

Once they sat down, Haley rested her head on Brooke's shoulder and held her hand, entwining their fingers. She then looked up to her and placed a light kiss on her lips, "Thank you, for what you said. All I need to be happy is you too." "Now that was hot! Show me some more of that action baby!" a voice exclaimed, getting louder as they neared. Everyone at the table groaned, "Tim." "What," Tim asked as he sat down. "Tim, we're trying to eat here so keep your comments to yourself," Peyton said snappishly as she poked at her food with a fork. "Speak for yourself Peyt. You've hardly touched your food at all," Brooke responded. "I'm just not that hungry," she huffed as she tossed her fork back onto her plate and picked up her tray, starting to walk off, "I'll see you guys later." "Jeez, what's gotten into her," Nathan asked as he took a bite of his pizza. "Luke," Brooke responded as she gazed after her friend, "She misses him."

Later that afternoon, Peyton walked aimlessly along the streets of Tree Hill, pulling her leather jacket closer around her to block out the cold wind. Tears were falling from her eyes and her cheeks were a rosy red from the chill in the air. She spotted the playground and walked over to the swings, sitting in one and gently swaying back and forth. After several moments, she looked around her and saw the rivercourt past a grove of trees. Her throat choked up when she saw Lucas sitting on top of the picnic table, his elbows resting on his knees and his hands pressed together against his lips. He was obviously in deep thought. Peyton slowly rose from the swing and walked over, stopping a foot or two in front of him. It seemed to take him a few moments before he recognized her presence and when he did, he straightened up, whispering softly in surprise, "Peyton…"

"I-I need to talk to you…" she said quietly, crossing her arms over her chest and staring down at the ground. "Okay," Lucas replied, his brows furrowing in concern. He patted the spot next to him and she nodded then sat down beside him. "I um…" she started, tears welling in her eyes again. "What is it? What's wrong Peyt? You can tell me," Lucas asked worriedly as he lifted his hand and wiped some of her tears away with his thumb. "I um…I-I think I'm…I think I'm p-pregnant…" Peyton choked on a sob as she buried her head in her hands and started to cry. Lucas sucked in a deep breath as he placed his hand on her shoulder, "Peyton, are you sure?" "No…" she sobbed, "it's just…I'm a week late and I'm almost always on time…" "Well then let's find out. We'll go to the drugstore and pick up a test, alright," he rubbed her shoulders then took her hands and pulled her in for a hug, "Everything is going to be okay Peyt." "How Lucas? How will it all be okay," she asked, finally looking into his eyes, "In nine months our lives could be over." "I don't know, but I know it will be. Let's just find out for sure, okay," he responded as he stroked her hair and kissed her temple.

Peyton frantically paced back and forth across the floor of her bedroom as she waited for the timer to go off. Whoever developed these tests needed to decrease the wait time for the results. The long five minute wait was interminable. Lucas sat on the edge of her bed, lightly bouncing his legs in nervousness, his hands covering his face as he continually ran his hands through his hair. "For god sakes Peyton, stop pacing. You're making me dizzy and sick. I feel like I'm going to throw up," Lucas sighed exasperatedly as he once again threaded his fingers through his short blond locks. "You think you're going to throw up? You don't have to carry this baby for nine months, Lucas. You don't have to go through the morning sickness, the cravings, the swelling ankles, your stomach ballooning out like a freaking beach ball. Throwing up is the least of your problems, Lucas," Peyton yelled angrily. Suddenly, the timer beeped and Peyton glared at him for another moment before marching off into the bathroom.

She came back a few minutes later, looking so forlorn and scared, like a small child. She was a pale white and her eyes were red from crying. She slowly walked towards him and thrust out the hand holding the stick. "It's positive," she whispered, choking as another sob tore from her throat. She angrily chucked the test at him then threw herself onto the bed, grabbing a pillow and clutching it tight to her body, sobbing into it. Lucas turned slightly and slowly began to rub her back, "Peyton…" "Don't touch me," she jerked her body away from him. "Peyton, maybe we should go to the doctor. You know those home pregnancy tests aren't always accurate…" "Over ninety-nine percent effective, Lucas! That's less than a one percent chance that I couldn't be pregnant! Besides, I feel bloated and moody, I feel pregnant," she shouted. "Let's-Let's just be absolutely sure, okay," he asked softly.

She turned her face from the pillow and glared at him angrily, "You don't want this baby, do you? Or are you not sure that the baby is yours? Because it damn well is Lucas! You're the one who did this to me! You're the one who knocked me up!" She began to beat on his chest as he pulled her close to him, hugging her tight. "No Peyton, I want this baby. I just want to be totally sure that there is a baby. I know how much you want kids someday…" Lucas replied as he gently brushed aside some of her curls and took her face in his hands, making her stare into his eyes, "Do you want this baby, Peyton?" "I-I…Yeah, I do," she whispered. Lucas lowered his head and tenderly pressed his lips to hers. "Come to the hospital with me," he said after he pulled away, "We'll get a test done and then maybe they'll do an ultrasound and we'll find out how far along you are, maybe see the baby and hear its heartbeat…" He smiled at the thought then looked into Peyton's eyes. "Okay," she replied after a few moments of hesitance.

Peyton and Lucas held hands as they sat in the waiting room, waiting to be called. They had been waiting for twenty minutes now. "Peyton Sawyer," a nurse finally called. They both sighed a little in relief and stood from their seats. "Stay here," Peyton squeezed his hand, "they won't let you come back. I don't think the test will take that long anyway." He nodded silently and kissed her forehead, squeezing her hand in reassurance one more time before sitting back down in his seat. Peyton followed the nurse into an exam room and slipped up onto the table. "You're here for a pregnancy test, I see," the nurse said as she inspected her chart. "Yes," Peyton replied meekly. "Okay, first I am going to draw some blood then we'll need to get a urine sample from you," the nurse replied. "Will I be able to have an ultrasound to see the baby and hear its heartbeat," Peyton asked hopefully. "Not until the tests are back. We won't have the results for another day or two, depending on how busy the lab is. We'll call you with the results and then you can schedule an appointment to have an ultrasound, but you usually can't see the baby until the second month and even then it is really small so we recommend ultrasounds at three or four months unless you are having complications with the pregnancy," she replied. Peyton nodded, a little disappointed, "Okay." "Let me go get the supplies and then we'll get started," the nurse replied then left the room, leaving Peyton alone with her thoughts.

Once Peyton was done with the tests, she walked back out to the waiting room and Lucas stood when he saw her. "They're going to call us with the results in a day or two," she said softly. He nodded and wrapped his arms around her, kissing her temple lightly. "Come on, I'll take you home," Lucas said as he rubbed her back. "Luke, can we stay out for a little while? Just walk around town for a little bit and talk or something. I'm not really that tired," Peyton asked. He lifted their entwined hands and kissed the back of hers, "Only for a little bit. I don't want you out in this cold weather too long." She smiled at him sweetly and laid her head against his shoulder as they walked out of the hospital.

"Good morning," Haley chuckled softly as she kissed a sleeping Brooke on the lips, "wake up sleepyhead. We have to get ready for school." "Screw school. School is boring. I'd much rather stay in bed all day here with you," Brooke mumbled as she turned on her side and flung her arm over Haley's waist, pulled her close and giving her a sloppy kiss. "As much as I would love to do that, we have missed too much school to be playing hooky anytime we want. Which is like every morning, might I add," Haley giggled. "Slave driver," Brooke grumbled sleepily into her neck. "Come on Brookie, time to get up," Haley smiled as she started to lightly tickle her girlfriend. Brooke groaned squirming from her fingers and finally sitting up with a disgruntled pout on her face, "Fine, I'm up!" "You look so cute when you pout," Haley smiled as she kissed her on the nose. "I'd have to say the same for you," Brooke grinned as she pecked her back. Haley kissed her slowly, pulling slightly away only to press them back against hers again. "Stop teasing me," Brooke murmured then suddenly she carefully flipped them over on the bed so she was on top. She deepened the kiss and Haley's hands found their way into Brooke's luscious brown curls.

"Brooke, Haley! I'm hungry!" A male voice yelled as they pounded on the front door so loud they could hear it clear to the bedroom in the back of the apartment. "Nathan," Brooke asked Haley. Haley nodded, "He's taking us to breakfast this morning." Brooke chuckled, "At least he learned to knock." Haley laughed too, "Yeah." Brooke then called out, "Give us twenty more minutes, Nate, we're in the middle of something here!" "Brooke," Haley shrieked as she slapped her arm. "Well, we are," Brooke responded with a grin. "Not anymore," Haley said as she hopped up from the bed, "let's get dressed so we can go eat. I'm hungry too." "Fine," Brooke grumbled as she stood and stretched then grinned seductively at Haley, "Shower together?" "No Brooke," Haley replied sternly, "then we'll never get out of here on time." "You're no fun," Brooke pouted as she went to the closet to pick out some clothes to wear. "Did I tell you that you look cute when you pout," Haley smiled as she walked up behind her and wrapped her arms around Brooke's waist, kissing her on the cheek. "Oh, a time or two," Brooke giggled.

'I'm bored…entertain me…' Brooke wrote on a piece of paper then passed it to Haley. After she read it, she looked at Brooke with a raised eyebrow then turned back to the note, writing a response. When she returned the note, Brooke read it. 'Entertain you? I'm bored myself. Besides, we can't really talk or anything. The teacher is only a few feet away. You know how much of a stickler he is. We even shouldn't be doing this. You know what happened last time…' Brooke sighed, 'Fine. Let's do something after school today or do you have to work? Café or hospital?' Haley returned it back with her own response. 'I have to work at the café today until six. Whatever will you do without me? smiles sweetly' Brooke laughed, 'Maybe I'll just come to the café with you and watch you while you work. Then you can give me free food and when you're on break we can meet for a quickie in the back storage room…' Haley rolled her eyes as she read it. 'That's it! You're not coming to work with me! You're too much of a distraction. You're making me a slacker at work. Which reminds me…Can I use your car today to take to work? I forgot to put gas in mine last night. I was going to do it this morning on the way to school but then Nathan offered to take us to breakfast…So can I?' This time it was Brooke who rolled her eyes. 'Jeez Hales, forget much? This is the second time this week! And the gas prices, they're atrocious! We need to conserve on gas, otherwise we'll have no money for SHOPPING! Gasp' Haley closed her eyes and shook her head, laughing silently.

The bell rang and Brooke sprung from her seat, "Lunch time! Thank the lord!" The teacher frowned at her as he looked at her over the rim of his glasses. "Lunch is so much more fun and easier to learn. Put food to mouth and chew. Simple as that. Not the English language, no, it's not that simple," Brooke said. "Brooke, this is where you would insert foot into mouth," Haley interjected. Brooke grumbled something incoherent as she grabbed her bag and walked with her outside the classroom. They went to their lockers to switch books needed for their classes after lunch then made their way towards the courtyard with their lunches. "Hey guys," Haley greeted Nathan and Jake as she and Brooke sat down at the table. "Hey Hales," Nathan greeted her through a mouth full of hamburger. "Gross Nathan, chew your food. Didn't your mother teach you not to talk with your mouth full," Brooke scrunched her nose in disgust. Nathan shrugged, "Mom didn't teach me nothing. She was always away business trips so it was me and my dad. He don't care about that stuff. Wanna see something neat?" "Sure whatever," Brooke replied. Nathan smiled and stuck out his tongue, showing all the mixture of the chewed hamburger parts. "Eww, Nate! That's disgusting," Brooke shrieked as she turned her head away.

"Hey, have any of you seen Peyton," Haley asked concernedly, "I haven't seen her all day." "Me either," Brooke replied after some thought. "Ditto," Nathan responded. "Same," Jake said. "Hmm, I wonder where she could be. She's usually not one to ditch school," Haley mused. "Now that I think about it, I haven't seen Lucas either. Do you think they're together," Nathan asked. "I don't know. I don't think so. Remember, she told Lucas that she couldn't be with him if he didn't accept Haley and I being together…maybe she's just holed up in her room drawing or something. Some days she gets like that. All depressed and moody that she doesn't want to go to school. I'll go check on her when we get out," Brooke replied.

"Peyton," Brooke called out, walking into her house. That was strange. There was no music blaring from her room as it usually did when she was drawing. She walked through the house and lightly knocked on her door then opened it. She gasped at what she saw. She saw Peyton lying on her bed, with Lucas' head resting on her chest and his arm curled around her waist. They were sleeping, which she was sort of thankful for. She didn't know what to say to her friend right now. She wanted to scream and cry and yell all at the same time. Peyton had promised her it would always be hoes over bros. Now here she was, sleeping with the enemy.

"Time to go home Hales, you're done here," Karen ordered as she took the rag from Haley's hands and pushed her towards the door. "But-" Haley began to protest. "No buts Hales. You were off at six and here it is 7:30. Go home, do your homework, spend time with Brooke, do something, but go home," Karen demanded as she swatted her with the towel. Haley rolled her eyes, "Fine Karen. I'll see you tomorrow." "See you later honey," Karen smiled as she waved goodbye to Haley's retreating form. Haley walked to Brooke's car and got in then started it, pulling out of her parking space and driving back to the apartment. It was relatively quiet for only 7:30 at night but Haley guessed that people were staying in because of the cold. It was December and Christmas would be here soon. She needed to go shopping for her friends and find the perfect present for Brooke. She first needed to figure out what she wanted to get her.

Two blocks from the apartment, Haley stopped at a red light. She took the moment to ponder ideas of what to get Brooke, but came up with nothing. It was really odd, because she was a pretty good shopper when it came to buying presents for her friends. However, it was different this time. Brooke was her girlfriend. She'd never really dated or been in a relationship before, so she was hard-pressed for ideas. The light turned green and she pressed slowly on the accelerator, advancing across the intersection. Suddenly a flash of bright light blinded her from her right and the honking of a horn could be heard as she felt the impact of the other car hitting Brooke's car on the passenger side. Then everything went black…