In the Presence of an Angel

by Marissa-Xtreme SelDem Fan

This is a story about a relationship between Haley and Brooke and how they overcome the obstacles they are faced with. What's not to love about Baley? I suck at summaries so please read and review!

30. Chapter 30

Author's Note: Hey guys! Sorry for the interminably long wait. I've just been really busy with college and not very inspired to write. I hope this chapter will more than make up for it thought because it is 33 typed pages long, the longest chapter in the history of my writing lol. Well, I won't keep you waiting any longer. Here's the 30th chapter to ITPOAA! I hope you like it! As always, please read and review!

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

Rating: K+ to T

In the Presence of An Angel

Chapter 30

The bell rang, signaling the end of classes for the day and Brooke quickly gathered her books and rushed out of the classroom to her locker where she put her books up then raced down the hall towards Haley's locker. Brooke's smile widened when she saw her girlfriend and called out to her, "Hales!" Haley turned when she heard her name and it was just enough time to steady herself before Brooke pounced on her, wrapping her arms around Haley's neck and her legs around her waist and laughing the whole time. "What's with all the excitement Tigger," Haley smiled as she gave her a quick peck on the lips in greeting. "Only one more week until winter vacation and the weatherman says we're due to have a lot of snow by the end of the week! It's going to be a white Christmas! Oh I hope the snow comes early so we don't have school! We can have a snow day! I just love the snow. Winter is my favorite season besides summer. I can't wait! I'm so psyched," Brooke squealed in happiness, clapping her hands. Haley chuckled softly at her girlfriend's excitement. "Plus, I'm actually going to participate in cheerleading practice today! It's been months since I've done a routine. I should probably work out a little bit to get back in shape, maybe a little running and some exercises-" Brooke mused in thought but was cut off by Haley.

"Brooke, are you sure that's such a wise idea? You're still recovering and even if you needed to get back in shape, which you don't, you need to take it slow. You just can't start out with intense training like running and stuff like that. You could pull a muscle or hurt yourself or worse, you could collapse again," Haley responded concernedly with a few tears welling in her eyes as she placed her hand over Brooke's heart. "Hales, I'm fine. I've never felt better, and it's all because of you," Brooke whispered as she kissed her cheek, "I promise I'll take it slow. Are you working at the café today? I'll come by after practice for a little while and then we can go home together after your shift is over, okay?" "Sounds great," Haley smiled as she gave her one last peck on the lips, "I've gotta get to the café. Oh and Brooke? Be careful okay?" "I will. See you in a while, crocodile," Brooke smiled as she released Haley from her hug. "Definitely later, alligator," Haley winked at her over her shoulder as she walked off down the hall.

"Hey babe," Brooke kissed Haley hello when she entered the café and walked over to her girlfriend. "Hey, how was practice," Haley smiled as she returned to the counter with the coffee pot after making her rounds. Brooke sighed as she slid onto a stool and dumped her duffel bag on the floor with a soft thud by her feet, "Tiring, both mentally and physically." "You didn't overwork yourself, did you," Haley asked with a concerned look on her face. "No, not really; I made sure to take it easy. It's just the team…we're sort of out of whack now and since I kicked Katrina off the team, we're short one cheerleader and most of our routines won't work with the number we have now. I don't want to have to hold cheerleading tryouts in the middle of the year especially with the holidays and everything. Plus, we only need one person so it seems kind of pointless to hold tryouts anyway. Ugh, this is just so frustrating," Brooke sighed again as she rested her chin on her arms. "I'm sorry," Haley replied sympathetically as she rubbed her arm, "you'll think of something. You always do." Not wanting to think about it anymore, Brooke smirked as she raised an eyebrow, "So, what do I have to do to get some food around here?"

"Ugh, I can't believe you made me bus tables and wash dishes all afternoon. My hands are waterlogged and they need to be moisturized," Brooke complained as she plopped down onto a chair with a huff while Haley and Karen closed up. "Aw, poor baby, sometimes you just have to get down and dirty," Haley winked at her. "When I asked what I had to do to get some food around here, I didn't mean busing tables and doing the dishes," Brooke replied. "Oh but you did such a good job at Thanksgiving so I thought you could put those skills to some good use since they don't often show themselves," Haley stuck out her tongue at Brooke. "Hey, I help out around the apartment," Brooke protested. "Sure you do. You do it so well that I have to do everything you do a second time to make sure it is perfect," Haley laughed. "You're teasing me," Brooke pouted as she hung her head, her bottom lip prominently sticking out. "I know, I'm sorry. You know I love that pout of yours," Haley smiled as she grabbed her chin and moved it side to side slightly, "it is just so cute." "You're cute," Brooke leaned her head up and captured Haley's lips with her own.

"Alright girls, you put in a good day's work. Why don't you two go home? I'm sure you have homework to do or other plans than hanging out around here. I can handle things from here," Karen replied as she went to the cash register. "Other plans is more like it," Brooke mumbled as she winked at Haley. "Oh Brooke? Here, thanks for helping out today," Karen smiled as she handed Brooke some cash. "Thanks Karen," Brooke grinned as she hugged the older woman. "No problem honey," she responded. "Okay, let's see how much I made in the tip jar today," Haley said as she picked up the jar with her name on it. Once she counted it all out, a big grin spread across her face, "Forty-seven dollars and eighty cents. Not bad for a few hours." "Forty-seven dollars? Wow, Hales that's great," Brooke exclaimed. "What can I say? Customer service pays off," Haley laughed. "Maybe I should get into the waitressing business. I'm not gonna have Daddy's money forever. I've got to start being independent. Hey Karen, got any open spots for a new waitress?" "I'm sure we can fit you in. You and Haley make a great team together," Karen replied. "Of course we do," Brooke smirked as she slung her arm around Haley's shoulders. "Just make sure you keep her out of your kitchen, Karen," Haley warned with a mock glare.

"Oh, you're impossible. Wait until I get you home. You're gonna pay for that," Brooke responded. "Speaking of paying…it's the 15th. Pay day time, dear mother," Haley smiled cheekily at Karen. She laughed as she handed Haley some cash too, "Here you go Hales. Don't spend it all in one place." "Oh we will," Brooke replied with a seductive smirk towards her girlfriend. "No Brooke, you're not going to buy out the lingerie store like last time, it's going straight to the landlord for this month's rent," Haley responded as she counted out the money, "Hey Karen? I think you cut me a little short here." "I know. I had to pay Brooke a little something for her work so I took some out of your wages and gave it to her. After all, she did help you on your shift today so she deserves some of the credit." "Wow, thanks Karen. I feel so honored," Brooke laughed, placing a hand to her chest. "Okay, that's it. You are so not getting any tonight and I was so in the mood too until you pulled that little stunt. Goodnight Karen, I have to go home and punish my girlfriend-" "Ooh, sounds kinky," Brooke giggled, interrupting Haley before she could finish what she was saying. "Brooke," Haley shrieked, appalled that Brooke had mentioned something like that in front of Karen, who was like a mother to her, then put her hands on Brooke's shoulders and began to guide her out of the café, "Alright, let's go. March!" "Aye, aye Captain," Brooke saluted her, laughing.

"God, you two are worse than Peyton and Lucas!" Karen laughed as she rushed after the girls and handed some more bills to Haley, "Haley wait, I was just teasing. Here's the rest of your money." "No really, you don't have to Karen. I was kidding. I really don't mind," Haley objected, handing her back the money. "No, it's alright. Take it Haley," Karen offered it to her. "No, I couldn't…" Haley shook her head. "For god sakes woman, take the money!" Brooke exclaimed loud enough so that other passersby looked at them weirdly. "Thanks Mom," Haley whispered in her ear as she kissed her cheek and finally took the money from her, chuckling, "I better get her home and slip those crazy pills into her drink before she gets worse. See you tomorrow." "Bye honey," Karen laughed as she hugged her then started to walk back into the café. "Oh you are in so much trouble missy," Haley responded with a little laugh as she pushed Brooke towards the car.

The alarm clock went off at five the next morning and Haley quickly slapped her hand onto it to stop the annoying noise before slowly moving from Brooke's hold to get out of the bed. "Where are you going," Brooke mumbled sleepily as she pulled her arm tighter around her girlfriend. "Sh…go back to sleep. I have to get up early because I have a seven o'clock tutoring session. I'm going to take the car and I called Nathan. You can catch a ride with him. I'll see you later at school, okay? I love you," Haley said as she softly stroked Brooke's hair and placed a gentle kiss on her lips. "Love you too," Brooke mumbled as she finally let Haley go and turned to the other side of the bed, pulling Haley's pillow with her and holding it in her arms as she curled up and went back to sleep. Haley smiled softly at the sight. Brooke always looked so adorable while she slept. She wished she could crawl back into bed beside her girlfriend and sleep a little more, but more pressing matters were at hand.

"Hales, you do realize it is 6:30 in the morning on a school day. I could be asleep right now," Lucas grumbled groggily as he opened the door for her then went to the coffee pot and poured himself a cup. "I know, I'm sorry. It's just that Christmas is a week away and I have absolutely no idea what to get Brooke! We said that we wouldn't get each other anything for Christmas but I want to since this is our first Christmas together and I want to make it special. I just don't know what to get her and I need some ideas," Haley pleaded with him, "Please Luke? I really need your help." "I don't know why, I don't know what to get her. Besides, you always think of something creative to do," Lucas responded as he sipped his coffee. "You dated her Luke," Haley exclaimed in protest. "For six weeks," he replied, "in that span of time there were no holidays or her birthday or special occasions so I didn't give her anything." "What about one month anniversaries, Luke," Haley asked with a raised eyebrow. "One month…oh shit," he exclaimed, placing both his hands on the top of his head. "Maybe that's where you went wrong Luke," Haley smirked, "but I'm not complaining. It turns out we both lucked out anyway. I found the love of my life and you did too. It's a win-win situation." "Yeah," Lucas smiled, his eyes glazing over as he thought of his girlfriend. "Earth to Luke! Get your mind out of the gutter. Now I really need some help here. You have any ideas," Haley asked as she waved her hand in front of his face.

"I don't know, buy her some clothes or something. You know she loves clothes," Lucas responded. "Believe me, she is fully stocked in clothes. I get about two feet of closet space and the rest is all her stuff," Haley laughed, "Clothes are out, what next?" "Um…well, what else does she like," Lucas asked as he tried to think of some more things Haley could get Brooke. "She likes cheerleading, clothes but we already ruled that out…um, she likes to read. I could get her a book or maybe a journal," Haley questioned him then wrinkled her nose, "nah I don't want to get something lame like that for our first Christmas together. What about you?" "Nothing," he responded with a shrug. "Gee, you're a really big help," Haley replied sarcastically. "Sorry. What else does she like," Lucas asked as he sat down in one of the kitchen chairs. "Hmm…cheerleading, clothes, shoes, drinking, parties…" "Hey, here's an idea. She loves to drink right? Get her a special bottle of wine or champagne," he suggested with a grin. "Gee, that's a great idea Luke! Why didn't I think of that? Maybe it's because I'm under twenty-one so it's not only unobtainable, but it's illegal and did you forget that the person receiving the alcohol has a heart condition," Haley replied sarcastically with anger in her voice. She was getting frustrated with the lack of ideas and her friend's apparent disinterest in helping her think of the perfect gift for Brooke.

"Hales, I'm sorry. I was just kidding," Lucas responded apologetically as he stood from his chair and rubbed his hands up and down the sides of her arms. "Well it wasn't funny," Haley grumbled as she crossed her arms over her chest then sighed, "I'm sorry Luke. I'm just a little stressed out about this because it's only a week away and I want to get her something nice. I just don't know what to get her. What do you get a girl who practically has everything?" "More of it," Lucas laughed and Haley glared at him, "so, other things she likes…" Lucas looked up at the ceiling as he thought of different things he knew Brooke liked, "Flowers, shoes, anything chocolate, lingerie, sex, you…Ew! I can't believe I just thought of that! Bad mental image! Bad mental image," Lucas squeezed his eyes shut and pounded his hands on his head then a thought came to him and he smiled at her, "Hey, I have an idea! Get her some lingerie! You can never go wrong with lingerie for Brooke." "Please, Brooke probably has one piece of lingerie for every day of the year, including leap year! Possibly even more than that," Haley rolled her eyes. Lucas smirked as he laughed a little, "No, I meant you could get her some lingerie that you could wear for her." Haley's cheeks tinted a dark shade of pink as she opened her mouth to say something, but all she did was stutter, "I-I…" "Oh my god, did I just render Haley Elizabeth James, queen of comebacks and quick wit, speechless," Lucas chuckled. "Luke," Haley exclaimed, slapping him in the chest with the back of her hand. "Sorry, I just had to. You're cute when you're embarrassed," he smiled cheekily at her.

Haley blushed even more as she turned her head away from him, "Okay, so, ideas?" "Hmm…there's always jewelry. Brooke likes jewelry. You know, diamonds are a girl's best friend," he grinned. "I don't think I can afford diamonds Lucas. We need the money for rent and the car payment and school…" Haley responded sadly with a pout, because she actually thought getting Brooke some jewelry was a good idea. "You could get her a charm bracelet or something. They have lots of things to choose from," Lucas replied. "Okay. Will you go with me to the mall this afternoon to look around? Even though we've narrowed it down to a specific category, I still don't know what I want to get her and I'll need help picking something out," she responded as she twisted her hands in nervousness. Lucas wrapped an arm around her shoulders, "It'll be alright Hales. I'm sure whatever you get her she will love." "But I want it to be perfect," Haley protested. "It will," he reassured her as he rubbed her back, "now we need to get to school. Do you need a ride?" "No, I took the car this morning. Meet me by my locker after school okay?" "Will do," he replied, "we better go or we'll be late." "See you later Luke," Haley waved to him as she dashed out of the house to her car. "Bye Hales," he called out and she waved to him again before pulling out of the driveway.

Haley made it to school with fifteen minutes to spare before class started, just enough time to get her books from her locker and spend a few minutes with her girlfriend. She made sure to lock the car before she rushed into the school building, eager to be with Brooke again. She dropped off the books she didn't need and exchanged them for ones she needed for her first two classes at her locker and just as she closed it, she heard whistles and catcalls being made from the guys. "I'll give you some," one guy hollered as another shouted, "Yeah baby, come to me and I'll satisfy you!" The first one was punched by Nathan and the other by Lucas, Peyton giving them both a swift kick to the groin for good measure. 'Oh no, what has Brooke done this time,' Haley groaned to herself, remembering a few occasions where Brooke had come to school wearing only a camisole with her bra under it and tried to pass it off as a silk spaghetti strap shirt. Boy, were the guys swooning that day. It didn't leave much to the imagination if you get the drift. Finally Brooke appeared from the crowd and Haley glanced at her outfit. She was wearing one of Peyton's band shirts from a Simple Plan concert earlier in the year and a pair of denim capris. 'Nothing wrong with that,' Haley mused, but wondered what all the fuss was about.

Brooke smiled when she spotted her girlfriend and sidled up to her, wrapping an arm around her waist and pacing a soft peck on her lips, "Hey Hales." There was a collective groan from the audience and they went back to their business once the show was over. "Hey, what was all the commotion about," she asked. "Oh, I don't know. Those guys are always like that," Brooke responded. "Brooke," Peyton jabbed her in the side with her elbow. "Ow," Brooke shrieked, rubbing the injured spot, "What was that for?" "You know what," Peyton glared at her good-naturedly. "I have no idea what you're talking about Peyt," Brooke replied with a wink and pulled Haley's hand with her as she started to walk away, "Come on Hales, walk with me to class." Haley followed after her and when Brooke flipped her hair to the side, Haley saw what the guys had been causing a ruckus about and her eyes grew wide. "Brooke," Haley yelled as she grabbed the sleeve of her shirt and started pulling her off to the side of the hallway where there were less people around, "Can I talk to you for a minute?" "Sure, what's up," Brooke asked nonchalantly, all the while smiling on the inside knowing that Haley had seen what was on her shirt. Haley looked at the back of the shirt again to make sure she had read it right then faced her girlfriend. "'Still not getting any' Brooke," Haley asked incredulously then leaned close and hissed in her ear, "You know darn well you're getting some, so why in the hell are you wearing that shirt?" Brooke responded with a joking smile as she lifted her hands up in a shrug, "What can I say? I love the band." Lucas, Peyton, Jake, and Nathan, who were all nearby heard this and burst out laughing.

"Like hell you do. You don't even like that kind of music and I know that's Peyton's shirt," Haley retorted as she released her tight hold on the sleeve. Brooke stopped laughing and her facial expression changed from one of mirth and happiness to sadness and concern, "Hales, are you really that mad at me? It was just a joke! Remember last night at the café when you said, 'You are so not getting any tonight?' This was just a little joke. I didn't mean anything by it. If I had known it would upset you this much, I wouldn't have done it. I'm sorry. Do you forgive me?" Brooke cupped Haley's cheeks in her hands and gently lifted her chin so she could stare into her deep brown eyes. Tears welled in them as Haley wrapped her fingers around Brooke's wrists but made no attempt to move them away. "I hate when you do things like this," Haley whispered, darting her eyes away as she lowered her head to stare at the floor for a few moments before she looked back up at her again, "Brooke, don't you realize that you could have any guy in this school? When you do things like this, I-I…I'm scared that I'll lose you, that you'll find someone better, a guy who'll sweep you off your feet, a guy that could give you so much more than I can…" Haley was crying silently now as her grip tightened around Brooke's wrists, lowering her head to hide her tears so other people wouldn't see.

"Baby…" Brooke murmured as she stroked her cheeks softly with her thumbs and made Haley look into her eyes, "You need to get past these insecurities. I love you, okay? I love you. Nothing, no one, is ever going to change that, you hear me?" Haley nodded slightly, unable to speak as she sucked in a deep breath. "Come here," Brooke opened her arms wide and gestured Haley to come closer. Brooke wrapped her in a tight hug and held her for several moments, slowly rubbing her back in circular motions and long strokes. "Sh…it's okay," Brooke whispered as she kissed Haley's forehead then her cheek and finally captured Haley's lips with her own in a soft, tender kiss. The one-minute bell rang but that did not stop them; they stood there in the hallway kissing as other students walked past them to their classrooms. "Get a room you two," Lucas called out, laughing, as he and Peyton passed by. Neither of them said anything nor broke apart, but Brooke flipped him off. Finally they separated for some much needed air and Brooke rested her forehead against Haley's. "You okay," she asked, rubbing Haley's shoulders and the sides of her arms. Haley nodded silently as she looked up at Brooke and gave her a watery smile, finally letting go of Brooke's wrists to wipe her eyes but then she finally spoke, "Yeah." Brooke looked around to see if any teachers or other faculty were around and when she saw none, she took Haley's hand and tugged on it, leading her towards the doors, "Come on, let's get out of here."

"Hales? I thought we were supposed to meet by your locker after school and I didn't see you at lunch. Where are you," Lucas asked when he heard the phone pick up on the other end of the line. "I'm sorry Luke. I'm at the park with Brooke. After everything that happened at school this morning, Brooke just wanted to get out of there so we've just been hanging around town and stuff. Do you want to meet at the café in twenty minutes," Haley explained as she stroked Brooke's hair, whose head was resting on her shoulder. "Yeah, I'll be there. Don't be late. I know how long it takes you to get moving when Brooke is around," Lucas smirked as he chuckled lightly. "Shut up," Haley replied with laughter of her own, "See you there." "Bye," he replied before hanging up his phone. "Do you really have to go," Brooke murmured as she snuggled closer to her girlfriend. "Yeah sweetie, I do. Lucas and I made plans to go shopping for a Christmas present for Peyton," Haley lied as she rolled her eyes, "you know how guys are. Most of the time, they have no clue what to get a girl." Brooke chuckled, "Yeah." "Alright, I'll see you later. You can take the car, the café isn't that far from here," Haley kissed her deeply one last time before standing up and brushing the grass off of her body. "Okay, have fun," Brooke smiled as she watched Haley jog off in the direction of the café.

"Have you thought about what kind of jewelry you want to get Brooke," Lucas asked as the walked through the mall towards the cluster of jewelry stores. "I'm still not sure. A bracelet would be nice but I don't know if I want to get her a charm bracelet. It seems kind of childish to get her something like that. A charm bracelet is something you would get a young girl, not Brooke," Haley replied, biting her lip in thought. Lucas grinned at her, "You still have yours." "Of course I do, but there have been some occasions where I have wanted to throw it out the window of a moving car when you haven't been nice to me," she joked, laughing, but stopped at Lucas' intense, pain-filled gaze and realized what he was thinking of; she rubbed his arm, "Gosh, I'm sorry Luke. I didn't mean it like that. Guess it's still a little too early to joke about it. I'm sorry. Come on, let's go look at what they have in Zales." They walked into the store and started browsing the bracelets in the big glass casings. "What kind of stones does she like, do you know," Lucas asked. "I don't know what stones exactly she likes, but I know she likes colors like pink, purple, blue, red, and diamonds are good too," Haley explained. "Okay, so rose quartz, amethyst, sapphires, rubies, and diamonds, got it," Lucas nodded. Haley smiled at him with a raised eyebrow, "You sure know your stones." Lucas shrugged with a grin, "I've sort of been looking at stones a lot lately." Haley's eyes grew wide as she started to stutter, "Lucas, are you- Peyton? Are you going to propose?" He smiled sheepishly, blushing a little, as he shrugged again slightly, "I've been thinking about it. But not right now, maybe once we graduate in a couple months." "Wow…" Haley breathed out slowly.

"Hales, what about this one? It's gold with sapphires and diamonds on it," Lucas said as he pointed it out to her. "I like it, but I'm not sure if gold is really her kind of color. I think of her as more into silver than gold," Haley replied, studying the bracelet. "Here's a white gold bracelet with amethyst and light blue stones, I think it's called Tanzanite, and it has diamonds on it too," he pointed out another one. Haley was awestruck by the beauty of the piece as the breath hitched in her throat. "It-It's beautiful Luke," Haley whispered as she gazed at it then looked down at the price and turned her head away, a single tear rolling down her cheek, "but I can't afford that Luke. It's too expensive." "I'll help you pay for it," Lucas offered, "we'll go halves on it." "No Luke, I couldn't ask you to do that," Haley shook her head, "Besides, I want to get her something that's just from me." "But it would be," he protested. Haley shook her head again, "No Luke. Let's just look at something else. I don't want to look at bracelets anymore." Lucas nodded and looked back to the bracelet one more time before following after his friend. "How about a ring," he suggested as they walked along the row of glass cases. "Brooke doesn't really wear rings that much," Haley replied sullenly. "A necklace," Lucas asked. Haley shrugged with a pout still firmly in place, "I guess we can take a look." They walked by the necklace case and Haley barely even paid any interest to what they had. "There isn't anything I like," Haley sighed as she started to walk towards the doors of the store, "Let's just go. Can you take me home? I don't feel like shopping anymore." "Okay," he replied quietly as he placed his hand on her back and led her out of the store.

Haley trudged into the apartment and dumped her purse on the kitchen counter before heading straight to the freezer for her favorite Ben and Jerry's Rocky Road ice cream. She didn't even bother getting a bowl from the cupboard, just grabbed a spoon and sank down onto the couch. She flipped channels on the television with the remote for a few minutes but nothing good was on so she switched it off and turned on the radio. She sat there for several moments, sucking the ice cream from her spoon as she thought of that bracelet she'd seen today. She wanted so bad to get that bracelet for Brooke but it was too expensive and she just couldn't afford it right now. They had the rent for the apartment, car payments and insurance for her car, groceries, things for school. She just couldn't go and blow a large amount of their money just to buy some bracelet. But it was such a beautiful bracelet and she knew Brooke would love it…

Haley jumped as she felt warms lips on her neck and a soft murmur in her ear as Brooke wrapped her arms around her from behind, "Hey baby." "Hey," Haley responded as she tilted her head back to place a quick kiss on her cheek before taking another bite of ice cream. Brooke unwrapped her arms from Haley's neck and walked around the couch to face her with an expression of concern, "Okay, you're eating ice cream. What's wrong? Did you and Lucas get in a fight?" Haley sighed as she stuck the spoon back in the carton, "No. We just couldn't agree on anything. It's their first Christmas together so he wanted to get her something nice and whatever I liked, Lucas didn't like or it was too expensive and whatever Lucas liked, I didn't think it was Peyton's style or whatever. It was a very frustrating afternoon." "Aw, I'm sorry," Brooke responded as she curled up on the couch next to her girlfriend and stroked her hair. "It's okay," Haley replied, "You want to watch a movie?" "Yeah, we haven't done that in a long time," Brooke smiled softly, "Why don't you go get dressed in your pajamas while I set up the movie and make the popcorn? Oh, and dress warm tonight. The weatherman said the temperature is supposed to drop really low tonight. We might just get some snow!" "Alright, I'll go get my snow suit on. I'll be out in a few minutes," Haley chuckled as she stood from the couch and started to make her way back towards the bedroom.

"I'll take this," Brooke smiled as she grabbed the carton of ice cream from her and stuck the spoon in her mouth. Haley laughed as she went to go change into her pajamas. She returned to the living room ten minutes later and sat down next to Brooke, snuggling into her girlfriend and resting her head against her chest, "It is getting cold outside, we might have to turn on the heater tonight. What movie did you pick?" "Our favorite," Brooke smiled as she took the blanket off the back of the couch and covered both of them up to their shoulders with it. "Bring It On Again," Haley looked up at her. Brooke nodded as she placed her hand behind Haley's head and kissed her lips softly. Haley leaned up into the kiss as she wrapped her arms around Brooke's torso, gently laying her back against the armrest of the couch. They continued to kiss gently for several minutes until air became an issue and they pulled away, both sighing contentedly. Brooke scooted over a little so Haley could lie down next to her and positioned herself so that Haley's head rested on her shoulder. Brooke started to stroke her hair as they got comfortable and she switched on the movie with the remote. She began to run her other hand down along Haley's back as she softly pressed her lips to her forehead and it wasn't long before Haley's breathing slowed and evened out, signaling that she was fast asleep.

By later in the week, Haley couldn't stop thinking about that bracelet. It was perfect for Brooke and she knew her girlfriend would just love it. She wanted, no, needed to get that bracelet for Brooke. After looking at their budget and the money she had saved up in both her checking and savings accounts, Haley knew money would be tight for a month or two but she thought she could swing it if she was careful. So after making a transfer of funds from her savings to her checking account, Haley set out for the mall one evening after work at the café. That was one of the hard things when you worked with your girlfriend; it was tricky if not impossible to get away or go out without Brooke asking where she was going. It wasn't that Brooke was overprotective, well she was, but Brooke, nor she, never liked being away from each other for long. Haley hated lying to Brooke, but it was all for her benefit. Her lie tonight as an excuse to go to the mall? Haley claimed that Nathan needed help studying on his final exam in math and they had agreed that they would meet up at the rivercourt and go somewhere quiet so they wouldn't be bothered. Brooke had joked that Nathan better not pull any moves on her in their 'quiet' place and Haley just laughed and reminded her that he had a girlfriend before kissing her goodbye on the lips and heading out the door.

Thankfully the mall had been staying open late the past few weeks due to the fast approaching Christmas holiday so when she got there, she headed straight for Zales, bypassing the stores she would normally stop and browse. She had a mission and a budget and nothing could deter her from her ways. Sure, the bracelet would be the only thing Haley would be able to get Brooke for Christmas, but she just couldn't wait to see Brooke's face light up with joy when she opened the gift. She rushed through the mall and finally reached the store, slowing down as she neared it. Her heart was racing with excitement as she opened the door and walked in. Immediately she went to the bracelet case and searched for the coveted piece of jewelry. Her eyes widened and fear coursed through every part of her body when she didn't see it on display. She frantically looked around for an employee, hoping that they may have one in the back, and gestured him over with her hand. "Can I help you miss," the gentleman asked. "Y-Yes, um, a few days ago, you had on display a white gold bracelet with diamonds and amethyst and some blue stones…I think he called them Tanzanite, yes, that was it. I-It wasn't in the display case and I was wondering if you have any in the back," Haley asked hopefully. Maybe they were just cleaning the one that was on display. They couldn't be out of them, they just couldn't. Maybe they had some in the back. "Let me check here," the man said as he typed some things into the computer.

"Is this it," he showed her a picture on the computer screen. "Yes, yes, that's it," Haley nodded vigorously as a smile started to spread across her face. "I'm sorry, but we're out of stock on this one. We only had a limited number of them and we sold the last one yesterday. I'm very sorry. Can I interest you in something else," he asked. Haley hung her head, trying to hold back the tears welling in her eyes, "No, no, that's okay. Thanks anyway." Haley turned from the man and rushed out of the store, out of the mall and to her car. She folded her arms on the steering wheel and rested her head on them, sobbing uncontrollably. She'd waited too long and lost the chance to get that beautiful bracelet, the perfect gift, for Brooke. After several minutes, Haley calmed down a little bit and leaned her head back against the seat, her body still convulsing a little when she choked on her cries. Now what was she going to get Brooke?

Brooke wasn't there when Haley arrived home and for that she was grateful because Brooke would ask her what was wrong and why she had been crying from her obviously red and puffy eyes. She just wanted to crawl into bed and have a good cry. After taking a hot shower, Haley put on her pajamas and pulled her hair up into a haphazard bun then climbed into bed. Thoughts and images of that beautiful bracelet began to plague her mind once more as the waterworks started again. She could have had her chance to get the bracelet if she hadn't taken so long to decide that she would get it for Brooke after all. If only she had decided a day earlier she would have that bracelet in her hands right now. Thirty minutes later, Haley heard Brooke enter and she quickly shut her eyes, pretending to be asleep. Brooke wondered why Haley was already in bed when it was still early. 'She must be pretty tired,' Brooke thought. "Hales, you awake," Brooke whispered as she changed clothes and slipped beneath the covers. Silence only followed her question as she turned towards Haley and gently wrapped an arm around her waist. "I love you," Brooke murmured as she kissed her hair and slowly closed her eyes. A single tear rolled down Haley's cheek as she mouthed the words that Brooke had said in return.

The next morning Brooke was the first to wake and she carefully slid from the bed and shivered at the cold temperature of the room. She threw on her robe and slippers and headed out into the hallway to first turn the heat up then made her way to the kitchen to start a pot of coffee. As she waited for the pot to fill, Brooke turned on the radio and grabbed some milk from the fridge to make a bowl of cereal for breakfast. As Brooke ate at the counter, a few loud beeps announcing a bulletin came over the radio. "Attention all Tree Hill residents! Don't plan on going much of anywhere today! If you haven't looked out your window yet, last night we received over a foot of snow. We have sent out the snow plows to pave the roads, but we advise you that it is best to stay off them unless it is an emergency. Also, because the roads are blocked off, there will be no school today. We expect to have another six inches this afternoon and even more tonight so stay inside, bundle up, and have a Merry White Christmas folks!" While she listened to the broadcast, Brooke's eyes widened as she raced to the window and pulled the curtains aside, gazing awestruck at the white winter wonderland outside.

Brooke let out a shriek of excitement as she spun on her heel and raced to the bedroom. She fought to contain her giddiness as she carefully climbed into bed beside her girlfriend. "Hales," she whispered as she gently nudged her but got no response. "It's time to wake up baby," she murmured and lightly pressed her lips to Haley's shoulder. Still nothing. "Hales," Brooke said quietly in a sing-song voice as she kissed her nose, each cheek, and finally covered Haley's lips with her own. "Mmm, Brooke, what time is it? We have to get ready for school," Haley asked hoarsely, her voice laden with sleep. Finally, Brooke's restraint broke as she squealed in excitement, "There's no school today and probably not tomorrow either! Yes! I got my wish! We get a snow day! This is the best Christmas ever! Come on Hales, get dressed and come outside with me to play in the snow!" By now, Haley had raised one eyelid to peek out at her, "You're crazy. I'm not going to go out in that freezing cold weather and you shouldn't either. We'll get sick." "Oh come on Hales, live a little. I love playing in the snow, it's so fun. Please come out and play with me," Brooke pouted, batting her eyelashes. Haley sighed, "Fine. Give me a couple minutes to get dressed. You better bundle up good, I don't want you getting sick." "Yes Mom," Brooke rolled her eyes.

"Well don't you look like the perfect little snow bunny," Haley replied when Brooke finally entered the living room where she had been waiting for probably twenty minutes, "You look like you're ready to hit the mountains for some skiing, not some few inches of snow we probably received." "Hales, have you looked outside yet? I listened to the radio this morning and they said we got over a foot of snow last night with lots more to come this afternoon and tonight. Basically, we're holed up in here for the next two days and probably the weekend too unless you want to walk through all that snow on foot." "Come on, let's go outside. I don't want to stay out there too long because we could catch a cold or something," Haley replied as she moved to the door and opened it. Brooke rushed forward and grabbed Haley's hand into her own, lacing their gloved fingers as she gave her girlfriend one of her dimpled smiles. Together they stepped outside and Brooke watched as Haley's expression changed to one of awe as she stared at the snowy environment, the picture perfect scene right out of a Hallmark card. "It's beautiful," Haley murmured as she took a deep breath. Brooke tugged on her hand and offered another smile, "Let's go take a walk."

Once they made it to the street, it was easier for them to walk because there was less snow so they didn't have to trudge through it. "I love the winter time and the snow, the crisp cold air when you breathe it in and it fills your lungs, it just wakes you up inside when you take in that first breath, you know? It's just such a great feeling. Plus, there's Christmas and shopping and snowball fights and building snowmen…I just love this time of the year," Brooke explained as she looked at the white world around her." Haley watched Brooke's eyes light up as she listened to her talk and smiled at the excitement in her eyes. "I can tell," Haley replied as she gazed up at her girlfriend and linked her arm through Brooke's as they continued to walk down the street.

"Let's go on the swings," Brooke said as they neared the park. "You can if you want to. I'm not going to freeze my butt off sitting on those things," Haley answered as she walked over to a nearby bench a few feet in front of the swing set, "I'll just sit over here and watch you." "Fine then, be that way," Brooke pouted as she sat on one of the swings and began to pump her legs in the air, "you just sit over there all by your lonesome while I have tons of fun over here." "Okay, you do that," Haley grinned. "You're no fun," Brooke pouted again. Haley just stuck her tongue out in response. As Brooke played on the swings, Haley pondered her current predicament. Here she was two days away from Christmas and she still didn't have a present for Brooke. Now how was she going to get to the mall with the icy, snow-covered roads? Well, not all of the jewelry stores were in the mall, she could hit the stores on Main Street; they had to have something there that she could get Brooke.

Lost in thought, Haley didn't notice Brooke calling her name. Still on the swings, Brooke had no way to get her attention. Wait, there was one way… Brooke smiled devilishly as she kicked some snow with her foot on her way up in the air and a nice spray of snow fell over Haley, bringing her out of her trance. "Hey, what was that for," Haley shrieked as she wiped the snow from her face and shook her head to rid it from her hair. "You weren't paying attention to me. I was talking to you," Brooke responded with a grin. "Oh, sorry," Haley replied, "I was just thinking about some stuff." "Like what," Brooke asked as she slowed down and stopped then went over to sit beside Haley. "I still need to get some Christmas gifts for a few of the gang, but I can't get to the mall if the roads haven't been cleared," she explained. "Hmm," Brooke thought for a moment, "What about Luke? Doesn't he have tire chains or something for his truck when he has to tow cars in the winter?" Haley's eyes brightened at Brooke's suggestion, "That's right, he does! Come on, let's go home so I can call Luke to drive me over to the mall." "But I want to stay outside and play some more," Brooke pouted as she followed after Haley. "Don't think that I forgot your little rude wake up call a few minutes ago, missy. You're gonna pay for that," Haley grinned as she quickly bent down and grabbed a handful of snow, chucking it at her girlfriend. Brooke shrieked as it hit her in the face and once she had wiped it away, she said to Haley, "Oh, it is so on."

They chased each other around the park for a long time, throwing snowballs and trying to dodge the other's attacks. They stopped after a while, becoming tired of running around. "Hales, let's make snow angels," Brooke giggled as she grabbed her hand and pulled her towards a heaping pile of snow. "Brooke, no-" Haley started to protest, however, Brooke ignored them and together they fell back into the snow. They began to move their arms and legs up and down, back and forth, making the wings of the angel, and after a few minutes Haley took Brooke's hand in hers and smiled then moved their connected arms in synch. Haley's lips met Brooke's in a short, sweet kiss that quickly became passionate. She wrapped her arms around Brooke's neck and pulled her close, pressing her body flush against Brooke's. Brooke moaned as the contact, slowly turning them over so that she was lying on top of Haley as she cupped Haley's cheeks in her gloved hands and deepened the kiss. After a few minutes they pulled away, needing air. "Wow…" Haley exhaled slowly, the frosty air making her breath visible. Brooke smiled as she rested her forehead against Haley's, "Yeah, snow does that to me." Haley giggled, "Well then bring on the snow."

After a little making out, they both got up and walked back to the apartment complex where Brooke decided the area needed a little decoration so then declared that she and Haley would make a snowman. They formed the three different sized snowballs for the parts of the body, but after a struggle, they realized that they could not lift the snowball that was supposed to be the middle part of the body because it was too heavy. Luckily, Nathan happened to pass by on his way to his apartment. "What are you two doing," he chuckled with amusement as he watched them try to pick up the large ball of snow and ice. "We're trying to build a snowman, trying being the operative word here," Haley replied in a strained voice. "Hey, I know, why don't you use those strong, muscley arms of yours and lift this thing and bring it over to the other ball so at least our snowman will be tall and have a body instead of be some short little fat dude with a small head. Well, come on, get moving! We don't have all day!" Brooke ushered him to come over andmoved out of the way so he could try to pick it up.

Nathan rolled his eyes and sighed as he walked over, took it, and carried it over to the bottom snowball, placing it on top. "Do you two weaklings need me to carry the head too or can you handle it," he replied with a dry laugh. "Pretty please," Brook stuck out her bottom lip and batted her eyelashes. Haley chucked some snow at Nathan and he turned to her, seeing that she was already placing the head on top of the other two snowballs. "I'm not a weakling like Brooke over here. I'm used to hauling heavy boxes in the back of the cafe unlike little Miss I-Can't-Lift-A-Finger, I'll-Break-A-Nail. God forbid the world ends if she breaks a nail," Haley giggled and received a snowball in the face as a response from Brooke, "That time it really hurt Hales, it got torn almost down to the quick and I help out around the apartment. Didn't I help you out at the cafe just a few days ago too? See, I help out, so stop complaining and teasing me." "I'm sorry baby, you know I love teasing you. I just love that pout of yours," Haley smiled as she walked over and kissed Brooke's bottom lip, which was jutting out indignantly. She sucked it softly a few seconds before she pulled away, causing Brooke to moan in both pleasure and disappointment. "Is there any chance you two will start doing it right here out in the snow? Because otherwise, I'm gonna go inside. I'm freezing my ass off out here," Nathan chuckled as he rubbed his hands together and blew his breath on them to try and warm them up. "Nate," they both shrieked in unison, glaring at him with matching stares. "Uh oh," Nathan mumbled as he started to run, the girls chasing after him with fistfuls of snow.

"Brooke, where did you put the eyes for our snowman," Haley asked, looking around for them. "I don't know," Brooke responded almost incoherently as she munched on something. Haley's widened in realization, "Brooke, you ate the Oreos didn't you? Those were supposed to be the eyes!" Brooke lifted her shoulders in a sheepish manner, "Oops, sorry." "Those were the last two Oreos! Now what are we going to do? Our snowman has to have eyes," Haley replied, "Oh, why couldn't you eat the nose? We have lots of carrots. Why couldn't you eat those?" "I didn't want carrots. I wanted the cookies, they taste much better," Brooke answered. "Well, now what do you suggest we use for the eyes? We can't have a snowman with no eyes," Haley asked. "Umm, how about…" Brooke thought for a moment, "oh, I know! What about black olives? They're small and round like Oreos." "They're kind of small, smaller than Oreos…" Haley responded, "but they might work. Do we even have olives in the fridge?" "I don't think so. I definitely don't eat them," Brooke replied, "Well, this bites." "Nathan might have some. Think he's recovered from his defeat yet," Haley grinned at Brooke. "He's probably still nursing his wounds a bit," Brooke chuckled, "I mean, he did get attacked and beaten by two girls, that's gotta do some damage to his ego."

"Come on, let's go ask," Haley grabbed her hand and they walked to Nathan's apartment, knocking on his door. He answered it a few minutes later and groaned good-naturedly when he saw who it was, "Come back to torture me some more?" "Nope, we were wondering if you had any olives," Brooke said. Nathan quirked a brow in confusion, "Yeah. What do you need them for?" "Brooke ate the Oreos we were going to use for the eyes so we thought of olives, but since neither of us like olives, we figured you were our next best bet," Haley replied as she walked into the apartment to the fridge. "You only have green olives," Haley frowned, "Oh well, I guess they'll have to do." She speared two with a fork and returned to Brooke's side, "I'll bring the fork back." Nathan followed them out to the snowman and they put them in then Brooke put in the carrot for the nose. "Brooke, you ate part of the nose," Haley exclaimed. "What? I was hungry," Brooke shrugged, "besides, small eyes, big nose, not a good combination. I tried to even it out." Nathan laughed as he stared at the snowman with its green eyes and the red pits for irises and its short, jagged nose, "That is one weird snowman." The two girls looked at it and began to laugh as well.

After a few minutes, Haley said, "Come on Brooke, we should get inside, we've been out here in the cold weather for too long. We might get sick and catch a cold." Brooke sighed, "Fine, I guess we can go in. It is getting a little bit colder out. Let's go." "I'll fix the fireplace and we can cuddle up under the blankets while we watch a movie okay," Haley suggested with a smile. Brooke nodded then turned to Nathan, "Thanks for all your help with the snowman, Nate." "No problem, it was fun. I haven't done any stuff like that since I was little. I'll see you guys later," He waved to them as he headed to his apartment. "Bye," they replied as they too walked to their own apartment hand in hand. Brooke and Haley were lucky enough to have gotten one of the apartments on the end of the building so therefore had a fireplace. Once they got inside, they took off all their heavy clothing and snow boots and Brooke gathered the blankets while Haley started the fire. "What movie shall it be," Brooke asked as she held up two choices and Haley pointed to none, "Our favorite it is. I just love it when Marni bitches out those other two cheerleaders and when Marni has that mental breakdown in the end, it's so funny. Let me put this in then I'll lay down on the couch and you can curl up next to me." "Sounds perfect," Haley smiled as she positioned herself in front of Brooke after she had laid down on the couch. She turned her head slightly and captured Brooke's lips with her own.

After a nap following the movie, Haley decided to give Lucas a call so he could drive her to the mall. "Hello," Lucas answered to the ringing of his cell phone. "Oh Lukey," Haley said in a sing-song voice, "I have a favor to ask of you." Lucas rolled his eyes, "What is it and how much does it cost? You know this is going to put you over your Christmas present limit. I'm going to have to start cutting into your birthday present fund." "I need you to drive me to the mall so I can finish some of my Christmas shopping because you're the only one with a vehicle that can survive the snowy roads with those tire chains you have to put on them. Can you please take me," she asked hopefully. "Cutting it kind of close on the shopping a little bit aren't you Hales? Christmas is only two days away." "Yeah, yeah, I know. I've just been so busy and stuff that I haven't really had the time to go," she replied. "Sure, I'll take you. By the way, have you found anything for Brooke yet?" "Haley looked around to see if Brooke was nearby, "No. I'll look around today. If I don't find anything at the mall, I guess I'll have to think of something. I don't know what yet." He responded, "You'll think of something Hales, you always do. When do you want me to come pick you up?" "Um, meet me outside the apartment in about twenty minutes? Then when I'm ready to leave the mall I'll call your cell, okay," she inquired. "Sure, see you in a little bit," he replied. "Bye," Haley replied before hanging up and going to change clothes.

"What are you doing," Peyton smiled as she walked up behind Lucas and wrapped her arms around his waist. He jumped slightly, startled at the sound of her voice. "Nothing, just wrapping a present," he replied nonchalantly. "Ooh, for me," her eyes lit up with excitement. "No, it's for Brooke. I'm just doing Haley a favor and wrapping her presents for her while she finishes up some last minute shopping," Lucas answered as he put the finishing touches on the present, a red bow plus some green ribbon with white snowflakes on it to make it more festive. "You know, you can wrap a mean present. Maybe you should take it up as a profession," Peyton laughed as she glanced over his shoulder, "What did Haley get me?" "I don't know, she hasn't gotten a present for you yet," Lucas responded, "unless she has and didn't want to show me, afraid I'd tell you." Peyton pouted as she crossed her arms over her chest, "No fair. What did you get me?" "Now why would I tell you that," Lucas grinned. "Because you love me," she smiled and lightly kissed his cheek. "That I do," he chuckled, "but your charms will not work on me. You have to wait until Christmas to find out." "You're mean," she lightly slapped him in the chest with the back of her hand. "Oh, you're definitely not getting a present now. First you call me mean then you abuse me? Nope, it's sticks and coal for you this year." Peyton pouted again as she stood on her tiptoes and kissed him gently on the lips, "I'm sorry, forgive me?" "I'm going to need a little more convincing," Lucas laughed low in his throat. "Oh really, Mr. Scott? I think I can make it worth your while," Peyton smirked seductively as she grabbed the collar of his shirt and led him over to her bed.

"Hey Brooke," Jake greeted her as he opened the door and looked at her in concern, "You didn't drive over here, did you? The roads are icy and dangerous. I'm surprised to see you out at all. I thought you'd be holed up in the apartment because of the snow, well, and Haley too." "Nah, I walked over. Winter time is one of my favorite seasons of the year besides summer. I love the snow. Haley's out doing some shopping and I was bored so I came over here. Are you busy? I can come back later if-" He opened the door wider and gestured with his hand for her to enter, "No, come in. I was just feeding Jenny some lunch and then I was going to take her out for a little walk. Want to come along?" "Sure, it'll be fun," Brooke grinned. She followed him to the kitchen where Jenny sat in her high chair, slapping her hands on the tray and giggling as she waited for her father to feed her. Brooke laughed at the little girl's actions, "Can I feed her?" "Yeah, let me just heat this up a little bit. You can feed her the applesauce and I'll feed her the carrots, she can get kind of messy with those," Jake grinned as he ruffled his daughter's hair. He handed the applesauce to Brooke then fastened the bib around Jenny's neck.

"Okay Jenny, we have some tasty applesauce for you to eat. Yum," Brooke said as she lifted the spoon from the bowl and brought it to the girl's lips, who opened them wide and accepted the food. "Good girl, Jenny," Brooke exclaimed. "You're a natural," Jake smiled after he had watched her feed his daughter for a few minutes. Brooke responded with one of her own dimpled smiles then turned back to the little girl, "Thanks." Once Jenny was done with the applesauce, Brooke and Jake traded places so he could feed her the carrots. When Jake brought the spoon up for her to eat, Jenny scrunched up her face and turned her head away. "Come on Jen, you like carrots, remember," Jake offered the food to her again and she hesitantly accepted it before spitting right back out, the food landing on Jake's face, causing her to giggle. "Evil child," he chuckled good-naturedly as he wiped his face with a wet paper towel. "Why don't you go clean up and I will go change Jenny. She needs some new clothes and something warm to wear outside," Brooke responded as she pulled Jenny from her high chair and placed her on her hip, walking back towards Jenny's room.

"Brooke, what's the use of a stroller if all you do is carry her around," Jake asked as they walked amicably next to each other down the sidewalk. "I like holding her. Plus, up here she can see the world better than sunk down in the stroller," Brooke reasoned and smiled as she tapped Jenny lightly on the tip of her nose, "Yes, you like being outside, don't you Jenny girl?" The little girl giggled as she looked down and stared fascinated at the white powder covering the ground. "Is this the first time Jenny's seen snow," Brooke inquired as she watched her. "Pretty much. Jenny wasn't even born until January so she missed Christmas and a majority of the snow and by the time she was allowed outside, the snow was gone," he responded. "So your birthday is coming up, huh Jen? Well, we'll just have to have a little party for you won't we," Brooke grinned and laughed as Jenny clapped her hands in response, "When is her birthday?" "January 22nd, about four more weeks. I can't believe she's almost a year old, time has gone by so fast," Jake smiled as he lovingly caressed his daughter's cheek. "Before you know it, she'll be in her teen years and have her first date, her first boyfriend, she'll be kissing, and she'll be-" she was cut off by Jake. "Don't go any further, Brooke," he exclaimed, "I don't want to think about that. She's my little girl and always will be. She won't be dating until she's thirty." Brooke laughed, "I doubt that will last. She's got you wrapped around her little finger and it's only a matter of time before she figures it out and uses it to her full advantage." Jake grinned as Jenny wrapped her small hand around his index finger, "I think she already has."

Haley was almost done with all her shopping and she still had yet to find something for Brooke. She took a break and went to the food court for something to eat while she pondered other ideas of a good present she could get her girlfriend. Her cell phone rang, breaking her from her thoughts and she opened it up, placing it to her ear, "Hello?" "Hey, it's Lucas. You ready to be picked up yet," he asked. "No, I still have to find something for Brooke," Haley sighed as she tilted her head back and groaned, "God, why did we decide on jewelry for Brooke? I can't find anything I like and I don't know what else to get her." Lucas chuckled, "Well, you could always go with the lingerie idea I suggested." Haley sighed again and rubbed her hand over her face as she laughed lightly and mumbled, "At this point, that might be the only thing I can get her. I can't think of anything else." "You'll find something, I know you will," he comforted his discouraged friend. "Thanks. Well, I'm gonna go. I'll try to get things done here within the next hour or twoand then I'll call you to come pick me up, okay," she replied. "Yup, will do. See youlater Hales," he responded then hung up the phone.

After she finished talking to Lucas, Haley decided to stop in some of the other jewelry stores to see if they had anything she liked to get for Brooke. She walked into Kay Jewelers and was amazed at the many cases of jewelry they had. They probably had everything anyone could ever think of. Her mind still spinning from the sight, she had no idea where to start. She wasn't sure if she wanted to look for another bracelet after finding that other one because no other bracelet was as perfect for Brooke as that one. Before she could make a decision, one of the employees walked up to her, "May I help you, miss?" "Um, yeah…" Haley responded, looking around, "I'm here to buy some jewelry." He looked at her weirdly for a moment. Why was she here if not to buy jewelry? "What are you looking for," he asked. "Um, I'm not sure…" Haley replied, biting her lip. What would Brooke like? Brooke really wasn't into wearing rings and bracelets were out so that left necklaces and earrings. "Is there something you have in mind," he inquired. He was getting frustrated, she could tell. It was the Christmas season after all and they had a ton of customers. He didn't have the time to wait on some indecisive teenage customer who probably didn't have enough money to afford their merchandise anyway. "How about necklaces and earrings," she suggested. He smiled and gestured to some of the different cases, "Over here to the left are the necklaces and earrings and, if you're interested, the rings and bracelets are in the cases over here to the right. If you need any more help, please let me know." He gave her a tight smile before walking off to another customer.

Haley browsed the cases for about ten to fifteen minutes, searching to see if anything stood out that Brooke might like. She had found some cute earrings, but Haley didn't think Brooke would like 'cute'. Haley had almost given up hope when she spotted something shining from the necklace case. Not that there weren't many other necklaces shining from the full case, but this one seemed special in the way is shined somehow. As she approached the glass encasing, she noticed that it was a silver necklace chain with a locket on it. It was shaped like a heart with little palm trees and waves washing against a beach etched into the cover. It was beautiful and Haley knew Brooke would love it. Brooke always loved the beach and it also reminded Haley of the time shortly after the beginning of their relationship when Brooke had taken her down to the beach at midnight. Haley smiled at the memory as she stared at the necklace. There was no doubt now, she was getting the locket; it was perfect.

Just as she decided this, the employee from before appeared in front of her, "Did you find anything you like, miss?" Startled, Haley put a hand to her chest as she breathed a few heavy breaths, "Oh my, you scared me. Uh, yes, I would like to buy this silver locket necklace right here, the one with the palm trees. He smiled, "Excellent choice. Will that be all for you today?" "Yes please," Haley responded as she pulled out her checkbook and wrote a check for the amount. "Alright, here you go. Our policies on returns, refunds, and repairs are included in the paperwork and if you have any questions, our number is on there too. Thank you for shopping with us and have a Merry Christmas," the employee replied with a smile. Haley returned with one of her own, "Thanks, you too." She grabbed her bag and started to walk out when she thought of something and turned around, "Sir?" "Yes," he inquired. "You wouldn't by any chance do engravings would you," she asked. "We certainly do," he answered with a grin, "What would you like to do?"

"Gee, it's been what, five hours since I dropped you off? Are you sure you've got all your shopping done," Lucas deadpanned when he pulled up to where Haley was standing outside the mall entrance. "Smartass. Fine, no presents for you. I guess I'll just have to return them," Haley sighed dramatically as she hopped up into the cab of the truck. "Don't you dare," he replied with a chuckle, "So, what did you get me?" Haley rolled her eyes, "We go through this every year, Luke. You have to wait until Christmas when you open your present." "You're no fun," he pouted then asked, "So you said you were done with all your shopping…Did you find something for Brooke?" Haley nodded as a bright smile spread across her face. "Well, what did you get her," he inquired, curious, since she had been having trouble on deciding what to get Brooke for Christmas. She smirked and winked at him, "That's for me to know and only Brooke to find out." "You got her the lingerie, didn't you," he laughed then quickly stopped, "Eww! Bad mental image! Bad mental image!" "My lips are sealed," she giggled. Lucas was glad to see his best friend happy again; she had been mopey and depressed ever since she'd found that the bracelet was gone.

Haley bounced into the apartment and quickly went back towards the guest bedroom to hide her purchases before Brooke would see them. When she returned to the living room, she noticed that the apartment was quiet, uncharacteristic to when Brooke was home. She pulled out her cell phone and pressed one on speed dial, putting it to her ear. "Hales," Brooke asked when she answered the phone. "Hey baby, where are you," Haley inquired. "I'm at the park with Jake and Jenny. Where are you? Still at the mall? I swear you're becoming a shop-a-holic just like me. I must be rubbing off on you," she chuckled. "No, I'm at home, just got back actually. It's really cold outside Brooke, did you bundle up warmly?" "Yes, mother," Brooke sighed dramatically, "Why don't you come to the park Hales? It'll be fun. You can play with me and Jenny in the snow." "Alright, I'll be down there in a little bit. I'm just going to grab a bite to eat before I go. I'll see you in a while, crocodile," Haley smiled. "Definitely later, alligator," Brooke responded with a grin.

"Hey there, beautiful," Haley murmured as she wrapped her arms around Brooke's shoulders from behind and peppered light kisses down her neck. Brooke jumped a little, startled, then closed her eyes and let out a soft moan, "Mmm, right back at ya, gorgeous." Brooke shivered in delight as Haley kissed a sensitive spot behind her ear, a place that Haley knew drove her crazy. "You cold," she asked with a little smirk playing on her lips. "No, in fact, I'm starting to feel a little warm," Brooke grinned. "I can take care of that," Jake said behind them and they both turned to him only to have snowballs thrown at them. "Yeah," Jake exclaimed, pumping his fist into the air, "Cold shower, baby!" "Jake,"Brooke screeched. "Oh, you're in big trouble Jacob," Haley warned as she quickly crouched down and gathered some snow, launching it at him. "Hey, be careful, baby in arms, you know," he replied, pointing to Jenny, who was giggling happily, wiping the snow from her face with her small hands. "Aww, I'm sorry Jen," Haley responded as she walked over to Jake and took the little girl, placing Jenny on her hip, "Your daddy is a big ol' meanie. He threw snow at Aunt Brooke and Aunt Haley.""Hawey," she giggled as she clapped her hands and kicked her feet then rested her head against Haley's chest. "Aww, she said my name again," Haley squealed happily. "What's my name Jenny," Brooke asked, playing with her feet. "Book,"shesmiled a toothless little grin. "That's so cute," Brooke exclaimed.

"Hey Jen, who am I? Come on baby, who'syour daddy," Jake leaned in close to his daughter, tickling her tummy. Both Brooke and Haley laughed at what he had said. "Mma," Jenny tried to say, "mmeanie." Haley's eyes lit up and grew wide as she squealed, "I taught her a word! I taught Jenny a word!" "That's my Tutor Girl," Brooke grinned as she slung her arm around her girlfriend's shoulders. Jake pouted as he hung his head, "You've turned her against me. You two are evil." "Well, that's what you get for throwing snow at us and, for further punishment, you will not be getting your Christmas present from us this year," Brooke responded with a little poke to his chest and a little smirk on her lips, "and let me tell you, you're really missing out on something great." "Aww, Brooke, why'd you have to do that? I was really looking forward to giving it to him," Haley smirked as well and gave her girlfriend a little wink. Brooke's mouth fell agape as she stared at Haley in shock. Jake narrowed his eyes at them in confusion, "What exactly were you giving me as a present?" "I guess you'll never know," Brooke replied with a secretive smile.

"Hales, let's go ice skating! I haven't done that in forever," Brooke jumped up and down as they walked back to the apartment, passing a frozen pond. "No Brooke, it's getting colder outside and if we stay out longer, we're bound to get sick. Plus, I'm a klutz so I can't ice skate. Chances are I'd fall on my assand hurt myself," Haley replied. "Aw, come on Hales, I'll make sure you don't fall, please..." Brooke begged. "I don't have any skates and the ice is probably thin. The ice might break and we'll fall though and nobody will be out here to save us," Haley replied, looking at the frozen pond cautiously. "You worry too much babe. Have you seen how much snow we got last night? The ice is sure to be several inches thick and I have some old skates at home that you can use. Please Haley? I really want to go skating," Brooke whined, sticking out her lower lip in a pout and clasping her hands together in front of her, staring at her with big brown puppy dog eyes. "Fine," Haley sighed, "let's go back to the apartment and get the skates." "Yay," Brooke clapped her hands as she jumped up and down then grabbed her hand and started to run, "Let's go! I can't wait to get on the ice!"

"Brooke, I'm gonna fall," Haley shrieked as she struggled to keep from slipping on the ice. "No you won't, I've got you baby. Just hold on to me," Brooke stated as she skated up behind her and wrapped her arms around Haley's waist, "move your feet from side to side, like rollerblading, only instead of wheels you have blades." "I wouldn't know the difference! I've never gone rollerblading either! I'm a klutz remember? I steer clear of anything that could potentially severely harm or injure me. This was such a bad idea," Haley groaned. "No it wasn't," Brooke replied as she wrapped her arms tighter around Haley's waist and pouted, kissing her cheek, "just skate with me please?" "Fine," Haley sighed in defeat, "but only for a little while. We shouldn't stay out here much longer. It's going to get dark soon and the temperatures will drop. I don't want either of us to get sick. Just please hold onto me." "I will," Brooke responded as she took her hand and slowly skated forward, pulling Haley gently with her.

After a while, it seemed like Haley was getting the hang of it so Brooke decided to let Haley skate on her own for awhile. "Haley, I'm going to let go, okay? You're doing great. Just take it slow, alright," she encouraged her girlfriend as she finally took her hand from Haley's. "No, don't let go," Haley shrieked as she grabbed Brooke's arm. "Hales, you're gonna be fine. If it makes you feel better, I'll keep an eye on you and stay near okay," Brooke coaxed as she rubbed her back. "But what if I fall," she asked. "You won't, and if you do, I'll be close to catch you. If I don't catch you then I'll punish myself for letting you fall. Hmm, what would be a good punishment? How about no cuddle time for a week? Will that work?" "No," Haley pouted, "because if you do that then you're punishing me too because if I get hurt, I'll want to cuddle with you and want you to make me feel better." "Hmm, I'll have to think of something else...no sex for a week," Brooke mused. Haley gave her a little smirk, "Like that will last. Christmas is in two days, you know." "Yeah, so," Brooke inquired with a raised eyebrow. "Christmas lights, decorated tree, winter season...sitting in front of the warm fireplace on ChristmasEve... You mean you don't want to...you know... and since we aren't giving each other any presents, I thought..." Haley bit her lip in uncertainty.Brooke grinned as she started to skate backwards away from her, "We'll think of something we can do."

"Hey, come back here," Haley shouted as she carefully started to skate after her. "Nope, gotta catch me first," Brooke smiled and stuck her tongue out. Once Haley got close, Brooke skated to another spot and waited until shewas near her before moving again. "Stop that," Haley yelled as shebegan to chase after her. However, shegained speed as she slid across the smooth ice andshe began to panic as she felt herself start to lose her balance."Brooke," she screamed, frightened, "I'm gonna fall! I'm going too fast! How do I stop?I forgot how to stop!" "Use your pick!" Brooke shouted as she quickly began to skateto her from across the large pond. "Where is it," Haley yelled, looking down at herfeet to try and find what Brooke was talking about but the ice on the ground marred her vision of the blades. "Haley, don't look down! You'll-"It wastoo late, Haley had started to lean forward and she was dangerously close to falling. "Lift your headback up! Lean back!" Brooke shouted. She was still several feet away from Haley.

She straightened back up quickly, too quickly. Haley screamed as she once again lost her balance, beginning to fall. "Haley, cover your head with your arms," Brooke shrieked as she raced faster than ever before towards her girlfriend, panic coursing through every vein in her body. Falling backwards, Haley could hit her head on the ice and get a concussion or worse if she didn't protect her head. Haley's back hit the ice and she slid about a foot before she finally stopped. "Haley! Haley!" Brooke screamed as she finally reached her and slid to a stop, crouching down beside her, "Oh my god! Baby, are you okay? Please tell me you're okay! I'm so sorry, sweetie. I am never taking you skating again. Hales, please answer me." She gently tugged at Haley's arms and finally Haley pulled them away from her face. She was shuddering uncontrollably and tears were streaming down her cheeks. "Brooke," she let out a choked sob before wrapping her arms around her neck and pulling her tight against her body. Brooke curled her arms around Haley's waist and gave her a fierce hug in return, which elicited a whimper of pain from Haley's lips. Brooke quickly pulled away, her eyes wide with remorse, "Baby, I'm so sorry! Are you okay? Do I need to take you to the hospital? Of course you need to go to the hospital, you just fell on hard ice and your back obviously hurts…Does anything else hurt?" Brooke was more talking to herself now than she was to Haley, her eyes glazed over with shock.

"Brooke," Haley gently shook her to get her attention, "I'm okay, I don't need to go to the hospital. Only my back hurts and I think I bruised my tailbone. I'll ache for a couple days, but I'll live. There's nothing that a few Aleve or Tylenol won't help. I'll be fine, I promise. I was so scared…" She clutched Brooke to her again as she began to cry once more. "Sh...it's okay, baby. You're alright..." Brooke gently held her and rocked her back and forth. After a few minutes, Brooke carefully picked Haley up and carried her over to the bench on the side of the pond, "Let's get you out of those wretched skates." As she placed Haley on the bench in a sitting position, Haley whimpered in pain again, "Yep, definitely bruised the tailbone." "I'm so sorry, baby," Brooke nuzzled Haley's neck then placed a gentle kiss on her forehead as she shut her eyes and a few tears slipped through, "this is all my fault." "No, it's not your fault, Brooke," Haley responded as she rubbed her cheek. "Yes it is," she protested, "if I hadn't forced you to go skating, you wouldn't have fallen and gotten hurt..." "Sh...it's in the past. Let's just get these skates off me and go home so I can curl up in front of the fireplace and get warm because I'm freezing," Haley visibly shivered as she wrapped her arms around herself to keep warm. "Okay," Brooke replied, kissing her lips softly. She helped pull off the skates and put Haley's shoes back on, warding off her girlfriend's attempts to assist her for fear of Haley hurting herself even more. Once that was done, Brooke carefully picked her up again and carried her back to the apartment despite Haley's protests that she could walk.

When they got home, Brooke asked, "Where do you want to go? Bed or couch?" "We have more room in the bed," Haley smirked with a twinkle in her eye, "but then again, the couch is pretty comfortable and I like being as close to you as I can get." Haley giggled lightly as she kissed her sweetly on the lips. "Hales, you just got hurt, we're definitely not going to have sex," Brooke chided gently. Haley stuck out her lower lip in a pout but a smile still peeked at the corners of her lips, "But you've never denied me before." "Your health and well-being is more important to me than that," Brooke responded as she carefully laid Haley down on the couch and stroked her hair, "Do you need anything? A pillow or a blanket?" "No, just you," Haley smiled as shegently scooted over a little and patted the nowvacant space, "come lay down with me. Let's watch a movie." "What movie," she inquired as she went overto the DVD rack and scanned the titles.

"Something Christmasy..." Haley mused, "How the Grinch Stole Christmas. I love that movie. It's one of my all-time favoriteholiday movies." "Cartoon or the one with Jim Carrey," Brooke asked. "Cartoon," Haley responded. Brooke put the movie in then gingerly climbed onto the couch beside Haley and lay down before opening up her arms, "Come here." Haley slowly moved over and pressed her small frame against Brooke's. Once the movie started, Brooke lightly ran her hand over Haley's back then cautiously began to rub it, not wanting to hurt her further. Her back was still tender and a few tears slippeddown her cheekswhen sheshut her eyes. Brooke felt her hot tears on her skin andkissed her forehead, "I'm sorry." "It's over and done with, don't worry about it anymore," Haley whispered as she pushedsome hair away fromBrooke's face then smiled and kissed the tip of her nose, "let's watch the movie." Haley snuggled into Brooke's body, resting her head on Brooke's chest and Brooke gently wrapped her arms aroundHaley's waist as they focused their attention on the movie playingon the television.

Later that evening, Haley was reading on the couch when Brooke came and sat down beside her, handing her some Aleve and a glass of water, "Here, take these. They'll help your back." "Thanks," Haley replied as she took them from her and popped them in her mouth, downing them with a few gulps of water. "So Tutor Girlfriend, what do you want for dinner? I'll cook you anything you want," Brooke grinned. "Um, how about we order-in tonight? I would rather not have you start a fire and burn down the apartment when I'm immobile and wouldn't be able to get out fast enough," Haley joked, chuckling softly. "Hey," Brooke protested, lightly slapping her on the arm, "I would have carried you out and I am so glad you suggested take-out because I don't really feel like cooking anyway. I just still feel a little guilty for what happened earlier..." Brooke looked down, toying with thefringe of the old jeans Haley was wearing. "Sweetie, I told you to forget about that. I don't blame you, okay," Haley cupped Brooke's cheeks in her hands and stared into her eyes, "I don't blame you." "I know," Brooke sighed as she averted her gaze, "I just can't help but think that you could have gotten hurt so much worse and I pushed you to go skating when you told me more than once that you couldn't skate and that you were a klutz and I just keep thinking that ifI hadn't played hard to get, you wouldn't have chased after me and fallen..."

"Sh..." Haley whispered against herskin as she placed tiny kisses all over her face, "stop beating yourself up about it. I wanted to learn how to skate. I should have known better what with my tendency towards clumsiness. So, let's leave this behind us here and now, okay? No more guilt-trips." "Alright, no more guilt-trips," Brooke agreed as she stuck out her pinky finger and smiled. Haley hooked hers with Brooke's to seal the deal. "Where do you want to get food from? What kind do you feel like tonight," Brooke asked a few minutes later. "Mexican sounds pretty good. I could go for one of those chicken quesadillas from Ramiro's. They have the best enchiladas too. I'm getting hungrier just thinking about it," Haley rubbed her stomach in anticipation. "Okay, I'll go give them a call. Anything else you want," she inquired. "Nope, that's it," Haley replied then patted her leg, "now go order that food! I'm starving!" Brooke laughed as she got up from the couch, "I'm going, I'm going."

"Mmm, that was so good," Haley moaned in satisfaction as she took her last bite of the enchiladas she had ordered, "I love Ramiro's." "They do have great food," Brooke nodded in agreement then stood from the couch and began to clear their plates and boxes of food, taking them to the kitchen. "What do you want to do now," Brooke asked when she returned. Haley covered her mouth as she yawned, "I'm getting a little sleepy. Do you mind if I went to bed early or I could stay up with you if you want?" "No, that's okay. You need your rest," Brooke patted her leg and as Haley tried to get up she stopped her, "No, let me carry you." She carefully picked Haley up and started to carry her towards the bedroom. "I could get used to this," Haley giggled. "Well don't, because I'm not going to carry you around all the time. I'm not some pack horse," Brooke responded sarcastically as she gently dropped her on the bed.

Haley laughed but let out a soft cry of pain as she tried to pull her shirt off to change into her pajamas. "Wait, let me help you," Brooke responded as she grabbed some flannel pajama pants and a long-sleeved shirt from the dresser, "we have to dress warm tonight. The temperatures are going to drop again and we'll have more snow by morning." "Great, more snow and ice," Haley rolled her eyes, "you better turn the heat on or we'll get sick if we're freezing cold all night." "I will," Brooke replied, "now let me help you get these clothes off and get you into your jammies." Haley winced as she lifted her arms up, allowing Brooke to pull off her shirt. Once Brooke did so, she went behind Haley to unhook her bra and gasped in surprise at what she saw, "Oh my god!" "What," Haley asked, concerned. "You have bruises…on your back…from the fall," Brooke whispered, gingerly running her finger over them. Haley groaned, "Not this again. You promised you wouldn't beat yourself up about this. I'm okay, that's all that matters. So what if I have a few bruises, they'll heal. I knew I was bound to have some. That ice was really hard." Haley laughed at this. Brooke only frowned in response then whispered, "I'm sorry," as she gently kissed each one of her bruises, one big one on each shoulder blade and three smaller ones in miscellaneous places on her back.

"You going to kiss my tailbone and make it feel better too," Haley smirked. Brooke shook her head and smiled as she started to undo the button and zipper of Haley's jeans, pulling them down as she began a trail of kisses down her back to just above her panty-line. "The things I do for you," she murmured. Haley shivered at her gentle touch and the cold air swirling in the room. Brooke noticed this and replied as she sat back up, "Let's get you into some clothes." Haley let out a groan of disappointment as she grudgingly lifted her arms so Brooke could help slide her shirt on. Once Haley was fully dressed in her pajamas, she laid back in bed with her arms folded across her chest and a frown on her face. "Don't pout," Brooke smiled as she kissed her lips softly and slipped her hands under Haley's shirt, rubbing them up and down the sides of her body then tickling her lightly. Haley giggled as she squirmed a little bit then lifted her head and captured Brooke's lips with her own. Just as Brooke started to deepen the kiss, Haley pulled away. Brooke moaned and grumbled when she saw the big grin on her face, "Tease." Haley laughed softly, "Takes one to know one." "Ugh, you're impossible," Brooke huffed. "Right back at ya, babe," Haley smiled with a wink. "Love you Hales," Brooke yawned as she rolled off of her and tried to get comfortable, resting her head on Haley's chest. "Love you too, Brookie," Haley stroked her hair before closing her eyes and falling asleep herself.

The next morning, Brooke slowly opened her eyes to bright sunlight shining from the window. When she rolled over, she noticed with disappointment that Haley was not there. Brooke shivered as she slipped from beneath the warm cocoon of blankets and quickly searched for her slippers while she tied her robe around her waist. She yawned and stretched as she walked down the hallway to the kitchen to make a pot of coffee. She stopped, however, when she got to the living room, finding Haley huddled up in blankets asleep on the couch. Brooke wondered why Haley was sleeping on the couch when she could have been sleeping in the warm bed with her. Concerned, Brooked walked over and crouched down in front of her, placing her hand gently on Haley's arm. "Hales? Sweetie, why are you sleeping out here on the couch? Did I hog the covers again," she laughed softly. Haley groaned as she stirred from her slumber and peeked one eye open. "Good morning sleepyhead," Brooke smiled as she stroked Haley's hair, "why are you out here instead of in bed with me?"

"I told you one of us would get sick," Haley responded, sounding congested as she let out a series of short coughs, "We stayed too long outside yesterday or maybe it was because you forgot to turn on the heat last night." Brooke's eyes widened as she realized that she hadn't in fact turned on the heat. She had been too preoccupied with Haley and it had just gone in one ear and out the other. How could she have been so stupid to not turn the heat on? Now her girlfriend was sick and it was all her fault. Brooke pouted as she lowered her head in shame, "I'm sorry." "Don't worry about it. I'll get over it in a couple days," Haley responded, rubbing her shoulder for comfort. "Do you need anything? Something to eat or drink? Tissues, more blankets," Brooke asked, wanting to help her get better in any way she possibly could. "Please don't cook anything," Haley laughed, "I could use a back rub though." "But I don't want to hurt you," Brooke bit her lip in uncertainty. "You did a pretty good job last night," Haley smiled with a little chuckle, "besides, if you do hurt me, you'll certainly know it." Brooke laughed too and instructed Haley to turn over. She started out just gently running her fingers over Haley's back then began to gingerly rub it and Haley moaned softly in satisfaction. "I love your backrubs. You're so good. You should become a masseuse," Haley responded. "Nah, backrubs are only reserved for you," Brooke smiled as she leaned down and kissed Haley's cheek. "Brooke, could you get me a glass of water," Haley requested once Brooke was done, "my mouth is dry and cottony." "Sure," Brooke replied as she stroked her hair, "do you want anything to eat? Do you think you can keep it down?" "I haven't been throwing up but my stomach's been a little queasy. Maybe something light just in case. Toast and jelly would be okay I think," she replied as she pulled the blankets back up over her body. "Alright, I'll be back in a few minutes," Brooke said as she stood from the couch and walked to the kitchen.

Once Haley was done eating, they watched their favorite movie together and then started in on one of Haley's favorites, Raise Your Voice, until her eyes started to droop closed. Brooke turned off the television and kissed her forehead, "Tired?" "A little," Haley mumbled in response as she leaned her head on Brooke's shoulder. "Do you want to go sleep in the bedroom? It's probably more comfortable than this couch," Brooke replied. "I love this couch; it's so comfy," Haley yawned, "Maybe I'll just sleep out here from now on." "Don't you dare," Brooke responded with a fake glare, "I need you next to me when I sleep." "You could always take the floor," Haley grinned. "Or we could compromise like we did at Jake's that one night we stayed over and I can lay on top of you," Brooke laughed and slightly stuck out her tongue. "Please, my breathing is bad enough with all this congestion. With you lying on my lungs, I'd probably suffocate." "Hey," Brooke protested, slapping her arm. "Ow! Don't injure the sick person! Oh wait, you've already done that," Haley laughed but Brooke frowned and lowered her head to which Haley immediately sobered up and softened her voice, "Too early to joke about it, huh?" "Yeah," Brooke replied as she started to get up.

"Wait," Haley reached up and grabbed her hand, "come lay down with me." "I'm not tired," Brooke responded. "Please," Haley pouted with her lower lip sticking out. "Fine, I'll stay with you, but I'll just sit and watch you while you sleep," Brooke gave her a small smile as she positioned herself back on the couch, with Haley's head resting in her lap. "Now if that ain't creepy and stalker-ish, I don't know what is," Haley grinned, chuckling. "Ain't isn't a word, Hales, you of all people should know that," Brooke smirked, "it's isn't. Besides, I like watching you when you sleep. You look so adorable." "I could say the same for you," Haley giggled, "because your open mouth, loud snoring, and you drooling all over yourself just says 'adorable'." "Aaargh," Brooke let out a frustrated groan, "you're running on very thin ice, my dear." Now Haley groaned, "Please don't mention ice. I'll just ignore you and go to sleep now. Night-night." "Get some rest," Brooke responded as she placed a soft kiss on her forehead and leaned against the back of the couch.

For several minutes, Brooke just sat there silently, unmoving, as she watched the gentle rise and fall of Haley's chest and the serene smile that spread across her face. There was nothing more incredible or peaceful than watching her beautiful girlfriend sleep. She softly ran a finger over her cheek, tracing the curves down to her jaw line, careful not to wake her. Brooke gingerly entwined their fingers and stared at their locked hands. It was so amazing how well their hands fit together, like they were made for each other. They were soul mates; that she knew for sure. Nothing she had ever had with any other guy could ever amount to this. No guy made her feel the way she did about Haley, not even Lucas. She was deeply, hopelessly in love. She couldn't imagine life without her Hales. Life just wouldn't be worth living without her. Brooke gently stroked some hair away that had fallen in Haley's face and lightly kissed her forehead again.

A little while later, Brooke got thirsty so she leaned forward to grab her bottle of water off of the coffee table, but suddenly she recoiled back with a gasp of surprise when she felt a sharp pain on the left side of her chest. "Ow," Brooke exclaimed. She heard light giggling and looked down to see Haley staring back up at her with a huge grin on her face. "You just bit my boob, didn't you," Brooke questioned with a little glare. Haley feigned innocence with her big brown eyes and lower lip prominently sticking out, "Your boobs were in my face and I was trying to sleep. You wouldn't want me to suffocate, would you?" "Well…if it'll get you to shut up…" Brooke grinned and laughed, sticking out her tongue. Haley slapped her on the shoulder as she pouted then crossed her arms over her chest, "That was mean. There are other ways of shutting me up, you know." By now Haley was smirking as her gaze darted from Brooke's lips to looking into her eyes then back again. "Now normally I would do that, but since you're sick and I don't want to get sick either, I'm refraining from kissing you until you get better," Brooke responded with a chuckle. "Not true. You've been kissing me all day," she pouted again. "Yeah, but I haven't kissed you on the lips at all today," Brooke chuckled. "You make me sad. Fine, if you won't kiss me, then I'll just go somewhere else where I'm wanted," Haley replied with indignation as she started to get up off the couch.

"Oh no you don't," Brooked responded as she grabbed Haley's hand and pulled her back down, "you're not going anywhere. You need to rest so you can get better for tomorrow. I want to be able to kiss you under the mistletoe," Brooke grinned as she pointed to some mistletoe hanging from the ceiling by the fireplace. "Fine," Haley sighed dramatically as she stood up again, this time dragging her piles of blankets and pillows with her, "but I'm going to go finish my nap in the bedroom." "Okay, get some sleep. I'll come check on you in a while." "Yeah, yeah, whatever," Haley mumbled as she walked down the hallway towards the bedroom and shut the door.

A little while after Haley had retreated to the bedroom, Brooke picked up the phone and dialed a familiar number. "Hello," a voice answered. "Hey Karen, it's Brooke. I have a big favor to ask of you," she replied. "Okay, what is it," she asked. "Haley's sick and I know she loves your chicken soup and Haley has forbidden me from using the kitchen, so I wanted to ask you if you could make some for her," she bit her lip in uncertainty, hoping Karen would do it. She most likely would; Haley was like a daughter to her after all. "Sure, Lucas caught a cold too so I made some for him. Come on over and I'll make up a bowl for you," Karen replied with a smile. "Okay, thanks so much Karen, you're a life saver." Once Brooke was sure that Haley had fallen back asleep again, she quietly slipped out of the apartment and made her way to Lucas' house.

Brooke knocked on the front door and waited for Karen to answer the door. However, Lucas opened the door and she chuckled at his appearance with his disheveled hair, squinty eyes, and wrinkled clothing. "You look like shit," Brooke responded, failing to suppress her giggles. "Gee, thanks Brooke. Hello to you too," he responded sarcastically as he opened the door wider to let her in. Karen appeared from the hallway, drying her hands on a dishtowel, "Hey Brooke. Lucas, I told you to stay in bed. You're sick and you need to rest to get better. Now go back to your room and take a nap or something." Lucas grumbled as he started walking back towards his bedroom, "You're lucky you have your own apartment. What am I, four years old?" Brooke laughed at this then turned to the older woman, "Thanks for doing this, Karen. I really appreciate it." "No problem, Haley's like a daughter to me. How is she doing," Karen asked as she got out a large plastic bowl and began to pour some soup into it. "She's doing better I think. Haley was congested and stuffy and coughing this morning, but she hasn't been coughing as much lately since I gave her some medicine. She said she had a queasy stomach, but she was able to keep some toast and jelly down so I thought I'd give her some of this to help make her feel better," Brooke responded.

"That's really sweet of you Brooke. I'm glad Haley has found someone to take care of her. She's had to grow up so fast with her parents gone and then Ryan's death and she's just never really taken the time to slow down. She's always running herself ragged. It's no wonder she got sick," Karen replied sympathetically. "Well, it's kind of my fault she got sick. We stayed outside in the snow for too long yesterday and I forgot to turn on the heat last night so I'm trying to make it up to her," Brooke gave her a small smile. "Well then this soup will definitely make her happy and feel better. She loves it," Karen returned the smile as she closed the top over the bowl and handed it over to her. "I know, that's why I asked if you could make some. Thanks again for this, Karen," Brooke replied as she started to walk out of the kitchen, "I'll call you later and tell you how Haley's doing." "Okay honey, talk to you later," Karen called out.

Just as Brooke opened the front door to leave, Lucas came out and placed a hand on her arm, "Brooke wait." "Shouldn't you be taking a little nappy-poo," Brooke replied in a cooing tone as if she were talking to a small child. Lucas rolled his eyes, "I wanted to give you something. Haley wrapped some of her presents here and she forgot to take this one with her. It's for you. And don't open it until tomorrow. By now I bet you know how crazy Haley gets around Christmastime. So unless you want to subject yourself to the wrath of Haley, I'd wait until morning to open it." "Oh yeah, I know," Brooke laughed at his words then gave him a hug, "Merry Christmas, Luke." "You too," he responded as he returned the embrace. "Well, I better get going. Haley might wake up soon and I don't want her to be alone when she does so I'll see you later, okay," Brooke replied as she pulled away. "Yeah, we should all get together after Christmas and plan something for New Year's," Lucas said as he opened the door for her. "Definitely," Brooke winked before heading out of the house.

Thankfully, Haley was still asleep when she arrived home so it gave her some time to prepare the food. She arranged a little bed tray with a bowl of the soup with some crackers and a glass of water to drink. Carefully she carried in to the bedroom and placed it on the nightstand beside Haley's side of the bed then sat down next to her, gently pushing some hair away from her face. "Hales, wake up sweetie," she whispered close to her ear as she caressed her cheek with her thumb. "Mmm," Haley moaned sleepily as she started to stir, slowly opening one eye. "Hey there, sleepyhead. How are you feeling," Brooke asked as she placed her hand on Haley's forehead to feel if she was still warm. It seemed that her temperature had gone down a little bit and for that she was glad. She hated seeing her girl so sick. "I feel a little better. I think all the sleeping has helped. I still feel kind of icky though," Haley responded as she yawned and stretched.

"Well, I brought you something that I think will make you feel better," Brooke smiled as she pulled the tray from the nightstand and set it beside Haley. "Chicken soup? Did you make this," Haley asked as she carefully moved to a sitting position and placed the tray over her lap. "What, and make you even more sick with food poisoning? I think not. No, I know you love Karen's chicken soup so I had her make you some so you would feel better," Brooke replied as she stroked Haley's cheek. "Aw, that's so sweet of you Brooke. Thank you for this, I really appreciate all you do for me. You're so good to me, Brooke," Haley responded as she gently squeezed her hand. "No problem, anything for my girl," Brooke smiled as she patted Haley's leg. Haley gave her a silly grin, loving the way Brooke called her 'my girl'.

They sat in a companionable silence as Haley ate, Brooke just content being near her girlfriend. Once she was done, Brooke cleared the tray and cleaned up the dishes, putting them in the dishwasher before returning to the bedroom. She offered out her hand to Haley, "Come with me." Haley took it and Brooke helped pull her up to her feet then grabbed a blanket from the bed as she led Haley out into the living room. "You go get comfy on the couch," Brooke instructed as she handed the blanket to Haley and gestured her to go sit. While Haley got situated, Brooke went over to their Christmas tree and bent down. She fished around for something for a few seconds the finally found what she was looking for and flipped a switch. Immediately the tree lit up with an array of colors and Haley gasped at the sight, "Oh Brooke, it's beautiful!" Brooke started a fire in the fireplace then finally returned to the couch, snuggling up to her girlfriend and pulling Haley onto her lap as she took the remote and turned on the television, changing the channel to a Christmas movie. "It's A Wonderful Life," Haley questioned as she looked up at Brooke. "It sure is," Brooke grinned as she kissed the top of Haley's head.

"Brookie…wake up, baby. It's Christmas," Haley said in a soft, sing-song voice as she cuddled close to her girlfriend and placed light kisses all over her face. Brooke groaned and rolled over, facing away from Haley, "Go back to sleep Hales, it's too damn early in the morning to be awake." "But Tigger, it's Christmas," she exclaimed, moving to a sitting position then bouncing on the bed, "We get to open presents!" Brooke let out another groan, "There's no shutting you up, is there?" "Nope! Now come on, I'll make breakfast and we can eat then we'll open presents," Haley clapped loudly and Brooke covered her ears at the harsh sound pounding in her half-asleep brain. "Fine, fine, I'll get up," she grumbled as she pushed back the covers and sat up, rubbing her eyes. "Yay," Haley shrieked as she bounced off the bed. "Hales, lower down the voice," Brooke responded gesturing with her hand while she rubbed her forehead with the other, "Gee, looks like you're feeling better." "Yep, Karen's chicken soup is a miracle worker, I'll tell you," Haley responded with a grin, "Thanks again for getting that for me. And now that I'm not sick anymore, you can kiss me all you want, wherever you want…" Haley smirked as she leaned down and placed a soft tantalizing kiss on Brooke's lips and just as Brooke started to deepen the kiss, she pulled away, running out of the room. "Tease," Brooke yelled after her before gathering some clothes and a towel to take a shower.

Once Haley and Brooke finished eating breakfast, to which Haley cooked a delicious meal of pancakes, bacon, sausage, and eggs, Haley sat down on the couch while Brooke distributed the presents into a pile at their feet. Brooke plopped back onto the couch with a sigh. "You go first," Haley responded. "No, you go. You're the one who got me up insanely early to do this thing," Brooke grumbled, laying her head on Haley's shoulder. "How come you're not excited," Haley pouted, "it's our first Christmas together and you're being a grinch." "I'm sorry," Brooke responded as she kissed Haley's bottom lip, "I'm just not fully awake yet. I'm not used to being up this early in the morning, especially on a weekend. Now open your presents. I know how long you've been waiting to open them" "Okay," Haley responded as she leaned over and grabbed a present, slowly beginning to unfold the paper without tearing it. "Oh come on Hales, you're supposed to rip it open," Brooke replied, "Who's it from?" "Oh, I forgot to read the card," Haley responded as she picked up the envelope and tore it open then read the card before reading it aloud, "Haley, I know I'll probably regret giving you this, but I know you love it. Just please don't make me watch it every time we have a movie night. Merry Christmas, Hales. Love, Luke." "Ooh, I wonder what he got you. Obviously it's a movie," Brooke responded as she watched Haley open the gift.

"The Notebook! Yes! I love this movie! Oh boy, Lucas is really going to regret giving me this," Haley chuckled as she read the back of the case then set it aside and looked up at Brooke, "okay, you open one now." Brooke grabbed a present and looked to see who it was from." It's from Peyton," Brooke smiled, "and I know what this is." "What? How do you know what's in there," Haley questioned. "It's a tradition of ours since we were in middle school. One year we each got a charm bracelet and we vowed the every year at Christmas we would get each other two charms to put on our bracelets," Brooke chuckled softly as she opened the present and looked at the two charms Peyton had picked out for her, "We're so alike sometimes that it's scary." "What charms did she get you," Haley asked as she peered over Brooke's shoulder. "One of them has a heart on it and the other has an 'H' on it, for Haley," Brooke shook her head in amazement, "and I got her the exact same heart charm but the other one was an 'L' for Lucas." "Aw, that's sweet," Haley smiled as she kissed Brooke's cheek and rubbed her back.

"Your turn again," Brooke replied. Haley grabbed another present and read the card, "Brooke and Haley, this is for both of you so open it together. Have a wild Merry Christmas! wink - Nathan." "Uh oh, I think we should be worried about what's in here," Haley stated with a scared expression on her face but also laughter in her eyes. Cautiously, they unwrapped it and opened the box…Both turned a bright shade of red, more so Haley than Brooke, as they stared at the contents. "W-Whipped cream and h-hot fudge," Haley stuttered in complete shock then froze as Brooke held something up, "What the hell are those?" "They're-They're edible bra and p-panties," Brooke could barely control her laughter as she doubled over, "t-there's two of them. One for each of us…" "Oh Nathan is SO DEAD," Haley remarked as she quickly put the can of whipped cream and bottle of hot fudge back in the box. Brooke laughed then grabbed another of her presents, "Ooh, this one's from Lucas. I wonder what he got me." Once Brooke opened the box, she found a note inside. "Brooke, found this while I was doing some cleaning in my room a little bit ago. Thought you might like it back. Maybe you could use it. Don't worry, I washed it before I wrapped it. – Lucas," Brooke read aloud, "What in the hell…"

Her eyes grew wide as she pulled out a silky piece of lingerie that fell an inch or two above the knee. It was black and lacy, just the way Brooke liked. Haley groaned and buried her face in her hands, "Oh my god, I am going to kill Lucas. I told him not to get you lingerie." "What? I've been looking for this forever. I must have left it at Lucas' house back when I was dating him. I can't believe he just found it now. Here, look at it Hales," Brooke said as she tossed the garment over to her. "Ew," Haley shrieked, "I'm not touching that! Brooke, you dated him over six months ago! There's no telling where that thing's been." "He said he washed it," Brooke responded and laughed at the look of disgust on her girlfriend's face, "Chill Hales, I'm just kidding. It's brand new. See the tag?" She showed her for reassurance and Haley calmed down slightly. "Who's that one from," Brooke asked as Haley grabbed a present from the pile again. "Peyton," Haley responded as she tore open the paper.

"Now that's more like it," Brooke chuckled, "What is it?" Haley's eyes grew wide, "It-It's three tickets to a Fall Out Boy concert. They're almost front row seats. I can't believe she got them this close." Brooke laughed, "Trust Peyton to use her music connections…" "There's a note," Haley responded, "Haley, I know how much you love Fall Out Boy so I got you these tickets. I bet you're wondering why there's three. Well, there's one for you, Brooke, and one for your bestest bud in the whole wide world. And let me give you a hint. Their name isn't Lucas. Merry Christmas, Hales. Love, Peyton." "When and where is the concert," Brooke questioned. "They're performing in Charleston on January 17th," Haley replied as she inspected the tickets. "This is going to be awesome! Us three girls with a night out on the town. Oh, we're going to have so much fun," Brooke clapped her hands in excitement.

Lucas carefully placed a large box near the tree and then went to retrieve a few more presents from his truck. As he placed the last box on the floor, he nearly jumped three feet in the air at her voice. "Luke, what are you doing here? It's 8:30 in the morning," Peyton yawned as she rubbed her eyes. "What do you think I'm doing here? It's Christmas and I came to spend it with my girlfriend," he smiled as he walked over to her and wrapped her in a warm embrace, "Come on, let's open presents." He led her to the couch and when she went to grab for a small box, he took it from her. "Wait, don't open that yet. Open another one." "Okay," Peyton responded slowly, wondering why he was making her wait. What did that boyfriend of hers have up his sleeve? Peyton grabbed another one and asked sarcastically, "Can I open this one?" "By all means, go ahead," he grinned. She opened the card and her eyebrows crinkled in confusion as she read it. 'Don't give up hope… Love, Hales.' She then tore the wrapping paper off and her eyes immediately filled with tears. "Peyt, what's wrong," Lucas asked concernedly, placing his hand on her back and rubbing in soothing circles. "I-It's my mother's perfume…Haley found it… I-I thought it wasn't being sold anymore…" She hugged the bottle to her chest as she cried.

A few minutes later, Peyton exclaimed in shock, pointing a shaking finger towards the big box, "Lucas, I swear to god I just saw that box move! What the hell is in it?" "What? You're just seeing things. Now open this present," he smiled as he gave her the small box he had taken from her before. She cautiously opened the small box and found a pink metal heart with a key ring attached to it. Peyton looked up to him in confusion, "Luke?" Before he could answer, there was a sharp yelp and the large box fell to its side, the lid coming off and a small puppy tumbled out. It sat there for a few seconds then shook its head and sneezed. Peyton stared in wide-eyed shock at the puppy before turning her gaze to her boyfriend. "Surprise…" Luke whispered as he chuckled softly. "You-You got me a dog," Peyton questioned, still in a daze. Lucas went to go pick the puppy up before it could do any damage and returned to the couch, setting it in his lap. He stroked the pup's head a few times before bringing his gaze back up to his girlfriend. "Why did you get me a dog," she inquired, still confused as she stared at the small animal.

Lucas took one of her hands into his own while he held onto the pup with his other one and stared into her eyes, "Peyt, I love you, you know that right?" She nodded and he continued, "I know you want children someday, we both do. Last month when we thought we were pregnant and then found out that we weren't, I felt something inside of me die and I know you did too. I want a baby so much, Peyt, but we're only teenagers; we're not ready for a for that yet. So, I thought that maybe…we could get a puppy and it could be our baby…at least for now, until we're ready to have one of our own." Peyton gazed at him for several moments, tears in her eyes, then she leaned forward and pulled him into a tight embrace. The puppy whined between them and Peyton quickly pulled back, "Oh my god, did I hurt him?" Lucas laughed, "No, and it's a girl. Her name is Madison. The person at the humane society said she's half West Highland White Terrier and half Shih Tzu so she'll stay small, not much bigger than this." "She's adorable," Peyton smiled as she gently offered her fingers to the pup and she licked them furiously before moving up to the palm of her hand, causing her to laugh softly, "Maddie."

Now done opening all their presents from their friends, Haley leaned back against the couch as she closed her eyes and laughed, "Oh, what lovely friends we have." Brooke chuckled along with her as she stared at the boxes of lingerie and other stuff, which consisted of what Brooke called 'sexy toys'. "Remind me to never again receive a present from Tim," Brooke groaned as she leaned her head back too. He was the one that had given them the box of 'sexy toys', including the pair of hand cuffs, no doubt from one of the times he'd gone to a stripper bar or hired one. It didn't matter anyway, the box was going straight to the dumpster as soon as Monday morning trash pick-up came around. "Noted," Haley responded with a sigh. "I'll be right back," Brooke replied, patting her leg as she stood from the couch and left the living room only to return a few minutes later, a smallwrapped box in hand. "Now, I know we said that we wouldn't get each other anything, but it's our firstChristmas together and I wanted to give you something special," Brooke smiled as she handed the box to her girlfriend. Haley smiled as she kissed Brooke'slips softly then carefully, slowly, started to untie the ribbon on the box then began to peel off the paper. Brooke waited on baited breath in anticipation and fear because she really hoped that Haley liked her present.

Haley finally got all the wrapping paper off and revealed to her was a small velvet box. The breath caught in her throat as she slowly started to pry the lid open. Brooke bit her lip and held her breath as Haley opened the lid of the box. Haley gasped in astonishment at the beautiful ring resting inside of it. Tears welled in her eyes as she stared at it. It was a gorgeous ring made of white gold or silver with five stones on it; three were a purple amethyst and the other two were of a light blue color, resembling what Lucas had called tanzanite. The three amethyst stones were separated from the other two tanzanite ones by a wavy barrier, giving it that simple yet elegant fashion. The tears were cascading down her cheeks in waterfalls now as she lifted her head to gaze up at her wonderful girlfriend. "Do you like it," Brooke asked softly. She could not tell from Haley's expression whether she liked it or not. "I-I love it. It-It's beautiful," Haley stuttered, her voice choked with emotion, as she stared down at the ring then gazed up at her, a smile spreading across her face. Brooke gently took the box from her and pulled the ring from it then stared into Haley's soft brown doe eyes.

"It's a promise ring," Brooke stated softly as she took Haley's left hand into her own, "I, Brooke Davis, promise to love you with all that I have and all that I am. I promise to take care of you and I promise that I will always be faithful to you. You are the only one for me, Haley James, and I can't imagine anyone else by my side for the rest of my life." If it were possible, it seemed that Haley was crying even more than she was before. "Look inside the ring, on the band," Brooke instructed as she placed the ring in the palm of Haley's hand. Haley wiped her eyes then brought the ring close to her face, searching for what Brooke asked. She smiled and got teary again as she read the inscription, 'Hales, I love you. Always and forever. – B' Haley sniffled as she lunged forward and wrapped her arms around Brooke's neck, murmuring in a soft voice, "I love you…" Brooke pulled her tight to her body, curling her arms around Haley's waist and kissing her cheek then nuzzling her neck. Once they pulled away, Brooke took the ring from Haley and gently slid it onto her left ring finger, sealing her promise with a tender kiss on Haley's lips.

"I have something for you too," Haley smiled as she got up from the couch then returned a few minutes later, "it's not as amazing as the present you gave me, but I hope you like it." "I'll love anything you give me," Brooke grinned as she took the gift Haley offered to her. Anxiously, Brooke ripped the paper off and underneath it was a long narrow box. She quickly tried to pry the lid open with its heavy hinges and gasped when she saw what was inside. It was a beautiful silver heart-shaped locket with palm trees and waves crashing against a beach. There was also a letter engraved into the cover, 'B'. "Aww, Hales, I love it," Brooke squealed in admiration. "Open it," Haley smiled. Brooke did as told and laughed when she saw what was inside. One the left side was a picture of the two of them. It had been taken one day when they were hanging out with Peyton and she had deemed the display of affection a 'Kodak moment' so she had taken a picture of them. The right side made her eyes well with tears of happiness. There was a little engraving that said, 'B, I love you. Forever and always. – Hales.' Brooke laughed after she had read it, "I guess great minds think alike." "Mhmm," Haley agreed as she took the necklace from her and gestured for her to turn around so she could put it on.

Once Haley secured the necklace on her, Brooke remembered something and got up, walking over to where her coat lay on the back of an armchair, "Wait, you forgot something." "I did," Haley questioned with a raised eyebrow. "Yeah, I forgot to open this present from you. I wonder what it is," Brooke grinned as she gently shook the box. "Brooke, I-" Haley tried to interrupt, but before she was able to finish her sentence, Brooke had torn off the wrapping paper and opened the box. "Oh my god," Brooke whispered in astonishment. "What," Haley asked in confusion, standing up because she was not able to see the contents of the gift. Haley let out a gasp of absolute shock when she saw what was inside. It was the bracelet she had wanted to get Brooke from Zales. "Huh," Brooke mumbled in confusion as she handed Haley a small piece of paper, "here Hales, this is for you." Haley unfolded the small sheet and read it as tears formed in her eyes, 'Haley, I know how much you wanted this for Brooke so I got it for you to give to her. You don't have to pay me back for it. Being my best friend for all these years and the years to come is payment enough. Merry Christmas, Hales. – Luke.' She tucked the piece of paper in her pocket before Brooke could ask her about it and smiled as her girlfriend admired the bracelet, "Here, let me put it on you."

After Haley fastened the bracelet around Brooke's wrist, Brooke leaned forward and wrapped her arms tightly around Haley's waist, kissing her passionately on the lips as she pulled Haley as close to her as she could get. Haley moaned as Brooke began a trail of kisses down her neck, starting to unbutton her top, "Oh, that feels so good…" Brooke chuckled as she slipped the shirt over her shoulders and down her arms, tossing it to the floor as it came free from her hands. "Let's-Let's continue this in the bedroom…" Haley whispered breathlessly as Brooke's lips traveled down her chest. Brooke nodded in agreement then hoisted Haley into her arms, Haley wrapping her legs around Brooke's waist as they made their way blindly to the bedroom, placing kisses all over each other. Brooke kicked the door closed and gently laid Haley on the bed, crawling on top of her. Haley moaned again as Brooke started to unhook her bra, but then Brooke stopped, much to Haley's confusion. "Wait, where's the whipped cream and hot fudge?"

Author's note: I know cheesy ending but I couldn't help it. I love mushy Baley lol. Just wanted to let you guys know that I appreciate your waiting for this story to update. Also, drama ahead! Be prepared! ITPOAA won't be nice for awhile!