Author's Note: Hey guys! I know it has been a VERY LONG while since you've seen an update to this story…Good news! I'm finally back with a brand spanking new chapter! Sorry it has taken so long to finish it and get it up for you guys to read. School has just been hectic and I was working all day during the summer so I didn't have a lot of time to write and I was struggling with how to write parts of this chapter since something major happens and it will set us up for a majority of the remaining parts of the story. I don't really have much else to say right now. My brain is still half-asleep because it's still early here. Well, I hope you like the chapter! It's LONG! Please don't hate me after you read it! As always, please read and review!
Disclaimer: I own nothing. One Tree Hill and its characters are property of the CW.
Rating: K+ to T, with some parts M or MA for sexual content.
In the Presence of An Angel
Chapter 31
"You got me a blow up doll," Nathan shrieked into the phone. "Nathan, jeez, lower your voice. I can hear you all the way from your apartment across the hall," Haley replied, chuckling. "You got me a blow up doll," Nathan repeated, this time in a more normal tone. "Well, I heard that you popped your other one so I decided to get you a new one," Haley was near ready to burst into giggles. "You do know that I have a girlfriend, right? And she wouldn't appreciate a plastic bimbo filled with hot air lying around her boyfriend's apartment," Nathan responded. "Hey, what you do in your own apartment is your business. Besides, you could always stash her in the closet," Haley giggled again. "Or I could just give it to Tim. God knows he needs it more than me," Nathan chuckled. "True," Haley amended with a laugh.
"So, did you like my present," Nathan grinned. Haley rolled her eyes, "We put the hot fudge and whipped cream to good use…for ice cream!" Nathan pouted, "Aw, you disappoint me, Hales, those weren't supposed to be used for ice cream." "I know, I kind of got that when Brooke pulled out the edible bra and panties, which might I add you are SO dead for," Haley warned with a low tone. "What, I thought it was a nice touch," Nathan chuckled. "Hey, we may be a little…adventurous, but not kinky…" Haley responded, "well, maybe Brooke is…" "Hey, I heard that," Brooke yelled from the kitchen. "Oh my god, is Haley James admitting she is into kinky sex? Maybe I should have gotten you some bondage stuff and a whip too-" "NATHAN DANIEL SCOTT!" Haley shouted into the phone. "I hate it when you use my middle name," he groaned, rubbing his ear. "I think Tim already took care of the bondage stuff, Nate," Brooke replied with a laugh, joining in on the conversation with the phone in the kitchen.
"Brooke," Haley shrieked. "Ooh, what'd he get you," Nathan asked interestedly. "Nathan," Haley yelled again, "Ugh, you two are impossible. You both are like two peas in a pod. You're a match made in heaven. I'm getting off the phone now so you two can go have some sort of kinky phone sex or something. Oh god, shutting up now. Bye." Haley was blushing a fierce red as she hung up the portable phone in the living room and Brooke walked over to her, still on the phone with Nathan. "Sorry Hales, there's only one little sex kitten for me and their name isn't Nathan Scott," Brooke grinned as she noisily kissed Haley all over her cheeks. "Eww! Okay, hanging up now," Nathan shouted. "Meow," Haley giggled as she pecked Brooke on the nose then captured her lips with her own.
It was not long after when the phone rang again, interrupting Brooke and Haley's make out session on the couch. Brooke groaned as she pulled away from Haley to catch her breath, "God, can't we ever get a minute alone!" "Apparently not," Haley kissed her shoulder then grabbed for the phone, putting it to her ear, "Hello?" "Haley, oh my god! You and Brooke have got to come over here and see what Lucas got me for Christmas," Peyton exclaimed happily. "What? What did he get you," Haley asked in excitement. "You have to come over and see for yourself," Peyton replied giddily. "Okay, we'll be over there in a few minutes," Haley responded before saying goodbye to her friend. "What did Lucas get her," Brooke asked with a yawn. "I don't know. She wants us to come see so get up and dress warm. I've already been sick and I can tell you that it's not fun so bundle up good," Haley instructed as she got up off the couch. "Yes mother," Brooke rolled her eyes and Haley pointed a finger at her. As Haley walked off towards the bedroom, she mumbled to herself, "I wonder if Lucas changed his mind about proposing…" However, Brooke heard her and raced after her, grabbing her arm, "What? Lucas was going to propose? He changed his mind? What are you talking about?" "Oops, that was supposed to be a secret," Haley cringed.
"Oh, you have to tell me now," Brooke responded with both a serious face and excitement sparkling within her brown eyes. Haley groaned, "Lucas is going to kill me. Promise me that you won't tell anyone about this, okay?" "My lips are sealed," Brooke smiled. "Okay, Lucas told me that he's been looking at some engagement rings and that he's thought about proposing to her, but he was going to wait until after they graduated to propose to her. With the way Peyton was reacting about her Christmas present, I was thinking that maybe Lucas had changed his mind about proposing and decided to do it at Christmas. Brooke, you have to understand, Peyton cannot find out about this. Lucas will kill me if he finds out I told you," Haley warned, pointing a finger at her. "Well, I should know these things. Peyton is my best friend," Brooke responded. "He's just afraid that you'll let something slip and she'll find out," Haley replied with a concerned expression. "I promise I won't tell," Brooke gently kissed her lips before bouncing off to the bedroom to get dressed.
"Okay, we're here," Brooke announced as she and Haley walked through Peyton's front door, "Let me see the present!" Just as they reached the living room, Brooke stopped short when a little puppy came running towards her and jumped on her leg, begging for attention while she let out a series of light barks. Brooke's eyes widened in surprise, "You got a dog?" "I know! Isn't she so cute? Her name's Madison, but I'm going to call her Maddie for short. I just love her," Peyton grinned as she bent down to pick up the puppy and hugged her close to her face, nuzzling the pup's soft fur. "Aww, she's adorable," Haley remarked as she stroked Maddie's head with a few fingers and the pup licked them in return. "Don't let Haley near that dog, it might chase after her. I believe I remember Brooke saying something about a kitten…" Nathan laughed as he entered the house. "Nathan," Haley shrieked as she slapped him in the back of the head then punched his arm hard, "and that was for you know what!" "Gee, the gang's all here," Jake smiled as he too entered Peyton's house, Jenny resting comfortably in her stroller.
"Hey Jake," Brooke greeted him with a hug. "Can I hold her," both Haley and Brooke asked then looked at each other and burst out laughing. "I meant the dog," Haley responded, chuckling as she looked to Peyton. She nodded her consent and handed Maddie over. "I meant this little cutie over here," Brooke cooed as she picked Jenny up from her stroller and placed her on her hip then pointed to Maddie, "Look at the doggy Jenny. Isn't she pretty? Can you say doggy, Jenny? Doggy?" "Dog-gy," Jenny tried sounding out the words then laughed, clapping her small hands together then reached out to touch the puppy, "doggy!" "Good girl, Jen," Haley exclaimed, "Hey Brooke, why don't you and Jenny play with Maddie on the floor? Is that okay, Jake?" "Sure," he replied. "Lucas, can I talk to you for a minute," Haley asked, looking up at him with teary eyes. "Yeah, come on, let's go in the kitchen and get some food for everyone," he replied as he placed his hand on her back and guided her to the kitchen.
As soon as they entered, Haley turned around and wrapped him in a tight hug, "Thank you. You don't know how much it means to me what you did. I don't care if you don't want me to, I'm paying you back every cent for that bracelet. I was so upset when I went back to the store and found out that they didn't have anymore and then I find out that you bought it for me…I love you so much, Lucas. Thank you." Haley rested her head against his chest. "Your welcome, Hales. It's a good thing you're paying me back though; got to save up for that ring," he grinned with a wink, "graduation is only about five or six months away." Haley groaned, "Doesn't it suck that our last year of high school we have to spend an extra three weeks there? We don't graduate until almost the end of June!" "Yeah, it sucks, but at least we will all be with each other for a little while longer before we all go off on our separate ways," Lucas responded. Haley pouted, "You sound like we're all never going to see each other again after high school, like one of those clichés that you lose touch with all your friends once you graduate and go off to college. Don't leave me." She hugged him tighter to her body. "Aw Hales, we aren't going to be like that. Our group is so close, I know we will stick together and keep in touch after we go off to college. We may be far away, but we will always stay together," he rubbed her back to comfort her and kissed her forehead gently.
"What's taking so long," Brooke shouted, "You two better not be doing any fooling around back there." "Oops, sorry. Guess we got a little carried away," Haley smiled and smoothed down her hair as she and Lucas entered the living room with their hands linked between them. She glanced up at Lucas before looking at their group of friends again. Brooke's mouth fell open and her eyes narrowed, "Lucas, get you hand off my woman, she's mine!" Lucas laughed and held Haley close to him, "No, I had her first. She was mine long before she was yours." "Lucas, let go of her," Peyton pretended to be mad as she tried to pull Haley away from him, "do you want to be girlfriend-less?" "Uh oh, raging jealous girlfriends," Nathan chuckled, "this could get ugly." "See? This is why I don't date," Jake laughed, "I am perfectly content with my girl right here." He bounced Jenny in his arms and she giggled.
"Aw Brookie, don't be mad. You know you're the only one for me," Haley smiled as she kissed her lips then fingered the locket around Brooke's neck. "Good, because I'm not ever letting you go," Brooke replied as she wrapped her arms around Haley in a tight embrace. "Brooke, need to breathe here," Haley replied as she tried to take in air. "Sorry," Brooke blushed sheepishly as she finally pulled away. "Okay, now that the cat fight's over, let's talk about something more important," Lucas responded as he gestured for everyone to sit on the various couches and chairs in the living room. At his friends' confused faces, he elaborated, "What is everyone doing for New Years?" "I don't know, I hadn't made any plans," Nathan replied. "I was just going to stay home with Jenny," Jake answered. Brooke shrugged, "I really hadn't made any plans either." "What? Brooke Davis does not have a New Year's party agenda," Peyton laughed.
Brooke shrugged again nonchalantly and rested her head on Haley's shoulder, "I've changed my ways. I haven't been to a party in months. In fact…the last time I went to a party was when Haley and I were both drunk off our asses and made out in someone's bedroom then went to my beach house and made out some more. And the funny thing is, we weren't even together then! Of course, I was too drunk and sick with a hangover the next morning to remember this but when Haley and I actually got together, I finally remembered when we kissed," Brooke winked at her girlfriend. "Brooke," Haley exclaimed, lightly hitting her arm, then lowered her voice to a normal tone, "some things never change…like your big mouth. Plus, don't forget about the other bad habit you need to change. Remember your New Year's resolution?" "Hey, I've still got six more days and until midnight on the 31st to have my fun," Brooke laughed. Their friends gave them confused looks and Haley explained, "I made it one of her New Year's resolutions that she stop drinking. But we all know my Brookie; she can drink with the best of them. I bet she could give Taylor a run for her money." "That's for sure," Lucas responded with a laugh.
"Why don't we all get together on New Year's and go do something. We can go to the movies or whatever and later on we can go to a bar or somewhere," Peyton suggested. "I think that's a great idea, P. Sawyer," Brooke cheered. "They check IDs at bars, you know," Haley responded. "Peyton, do you still have your Polaroid camera," Brooke asked. "Yeah," Peyton grinned as she went and grabbed it from a cabinet, knowing what Brooke was going to do. "Why do you need a camera, Brooke," Haley inquired. "You'll see," Brooke smiled as she lifted the camera to her face, "Say cheese!" Haley gasped in shock then took the picture from the camera, "Brooke, that is a horrible picture!" Brooke laughed as she gazed at the picture then took it from Haley, "Oh, I'm definitely going to use this one." "No you're not! Give it back," Haley exclaimed as she chased after her girlfriend. Peyton quickly gathered up Maddie and set her on her lap out of harm's way. "Nope," Brooke chuckled. "Alright, alright, enough horseplay. You do that enough at home, do you have to do it here?" "Peyton's right, we should stop," Haley responded as she slowed down and turned to go sit on the couch. Brooke followed suit and just as Brooke was about to sit down, Haley snatched the photo from her. "Hey," Brooke shrieked. Haley only stuck out her tongue at her and smiled.
"Okay, let's iron out some plans for what we want to do," Lucas instructed. "Movies sound fun," Haley suggested, "Maybe we could all meet up here or our apartment and watch movies for a couple hours." "After that, we can hit some bars," Brooke replied, "we could go to The Blue Room." "That's a good idea," Peyton agreed, "What else?" "We could hit Tankini," Nathan smirked, "their wet t-shirt contests are always fun." "Nathan, remember, you have a girlfriend now," Haley shook her finger at him. "Hey, I can look. I just can't touch. Maybe I could bring Teresa along with us? Would that be okay," he asked. "Yeah, she can come," Peyton responded then turned to Jake, "What about you, Jake? You in?" "I don't know. I'll have to talk to my parents and see if they'll take care of Jenny for the night," he responded, "but if they will, I'm there." "Great! Okay, we'll think of some other places to go and organize everything then we'll give everyone a call and give you a schedule of when and where we're going," Peyton replied. "Look at you, going all Miss Party Planner on me," Brooke chuckled in response.
"What are you going to do with Maddie while you're out? Is she potty-trained," Haley asked as she patted the pup's head and stroked her soft fur. "I totally forgot about that! Yeah, she's potty-trained. Luke, what are we going to do with her while we're gone? I don't want to leave her all alone in this big house while she's still getting acquainted with her surroundings," Peyton pouted as she looked down at the puppy in her lap and rubbed the pup's chin gently. "She can stay at my mom's," Lucas suggested then laughed, "I almost couldn't give Maddie to you because I could barely pry Mom's hands off of her. She adores her." Peyton wrapped her arms protectively around her puppy, "No! She can't have her, she's mine! Mine all mine!" The group laughed as they began to disperse, all promising to meet up with each other for New Year's. Haley and Brooke were the first to get up from the couch and Brooke grabbed her hand and pulled Haley after her, "Bye guys, we'll see you later. Haley and I have some business to get back to," she chuckled and winked at them before they exited the house.
New Year's Eve finally came around and everyone was curled up on various pieces of furniture at Peyton's house watching movies before they went out to eat and started their night of partying. "Okay, we have our snacks," Peyton said as she along with Haley brought in three big bowls of popcorn for everyone and set them on the coffee table with the other bowls of various junk food, "We have popcorn, trail mix, twizzlers, cookies, and ice cream in the freezer. Now, what movies should we watch?" Haley and Brooke looked at each other and smiled before calling out, "Bring It On Again!" Peyton groaned, "You guys watch that all the time, practically every night. Let's watch something else." "The Notebook," Haley suggested with a raised eyebrow. "Hell no," Nathan responded, "I don't want to watch some chick flick." "Aww, Nate, but I love the Notebook," Haley pouted, sticking out her bottom lip. "Don't give me that," he looked sternly at her. "I love that movie, I want to watch it," Teresa spoke up. "It's a great movie Nate, I think you'll like it," Peyton replied. "Fine, put the damn thing on," Nathan crossed his arms and grumbled, "Why aren't you guys on my side?" "We know better," Lucas smiled cheekily "you don't mess with these girls, especially when it comes to The Notebook. Sometimes you just have to grin and bear it, Nate." Nathan grumbled something in response as Haley popped up from the couch to put the movie in.
All the girls were in tears once the movie was over and a box of tissues was passed around while Nathan and Lucas tried to console their girlfriends and Jake tried to console both Haley and Brooke. "I-I love t-that movie s-so much," Haley blubbered, wiping her eyes with a Kleenex. "Me too," the other girls nodded in agreement. "I don't see what the big deal is," Nathan shrugged. "Uh oh," Lucas muttered under his breath, "Just back off, Nate. Admit you were wrong and back off." All of the girls turned to him with glaring, narrowed eyes and cross expressions on their faces. "It's a classic love story! How can you not get it," Brooke asked incredulously. "Whatever," he responded, "let's just watch another movie. Put in an action or a horror movie." "Who says you get to choose," Peyton crossed her arms over her chest. "Because we're not going to sit through another one of your chick flicks. You got to watch your movie, so let us watch one we want to watch," Nathan replied. "Fine, it better not be too scary or too gory," Peyton said as she stroked the Maddie's head, whom was resting in her lap, "We don't want to traumatize Mads." Nathan rolled his eyes, "What is that, like seven nicknames for her now?" "Nope, only five," Peyton grinned, "Mads, Maddie, Baby, Cutie Pie, and her full name, Madison, but we don't really call her that unless she's done something bad, which is hardly ever." At the mention of her name, Maddie raised her head and looked up at Peyton expectantly. "Go back to sleep, baby," she replied as she rubbed her head and stroked her tummy. The puppy squirmed around a bit before finally settling back down in Peyton's lap and closing her eyes.
By the time the third movie was over, all but Lucas and Nathan were asleep. Teresa rested against Nathan's chest and Peyton had her head on Luke's shoulder while Jake was sprawled out in an oversized armchair. Brooke was laying back in a recliner with Haley on top of her, Haley's back to Brooke's chest, with Brooke's hands laced through Haley's around her waist. Maddie laid by Peyton's side, stretching the length of her small body along Peyton's thigh, her feet slightly twitching every now and then and making little noises as she dreamed. "Should we wake them," Nathan asked quietly. "Nah, let the girls sleep. They'll be cranky if we wake them up. You know how they need their beauty sleep. Besides, we'll want them awake when the ball drops," Lucas chuckled softly. "Why don't we head down to the rivercourt and play some ball for a little bit while they snooze," Nathan suggested. "Yeah, we can do that. We'll take Maddie along with us. She needs to get out for a little while. She's been cooped up in the house all morning," Lucas responded. "Should we wake Jake," Nathan asked. "Nah, let him sleep. I'm sure he's exhausted with Jenny keeping him up nights," he replied as he picked up the sleeping puppy, "Come on Mads, you want to go for a walk?" She quickly perked up and wriggled in his arms. He laughed as he hooked on her leash and soon the two brothers were out the door.
As Lucas and Nathan played basketball, Maddie laid on the bench of the picnic table, enjoying the warm afternoon sunshine despite the snow still covering the ground. A few minutes later, Lucas' cell phone rang. "Hold up," Lucas responded as he tossed the ball to Nathan and jogged over to the table to pick up his phone. As soon as he put it to his ear, Peyton's frantic voice came over the line, "Luke, I can't find Maddie! I don't know where she is. Is she with you? She was laying right by me!" "Calm down, Peyt. Maddie's with me and Nathan at the rivercourt. I thought it would be good to get her outside for awhile since she's been cooped up in the house," Lucas replied, patting the pup's head. "Thank god, I was so worried," Peyton replied with a sigh of relief, "Well, the girls and I-" There was a noise in the background and she laughed, "And Jake too. We're getting hungry. Why don't you guys head back here and we can drop off Maddie at your mom's on the way to eat? Then we can go to the Blue Room and play pool for awhile." "Alright, we'll be back in a little bit," Lucas responded as he said his goodbyes to his girlfriend.
Karen rushed to the door and flung it open at the sound of the doorbell, immediately reaching out for the puppy in Peyton's arms, "Maddie! Come here, cutie pie! I missed you!" Peyton turned her body slightly, shielding Maddie from Karen's grasp. "Hello to you too, Mom. How are you, son? I'm doing great, thanks," Lucas responded sarcastically with a roll of his eyes. Karen laughed at Lucas' words, "Sorry honey. I'm just excited to have Maddie for the night! I've missed her so much! Can I please hold her?" Karen begged as she reached out for the puppy again. Peyton reluctantly relinquished her hold on Maddie and set her in Karen's waiting arms, "Take good care of her; she's my baby." "I will," Karen responded as she stroked the pup's fur and scratched her chin. "You know Mom, Maddie had a couple of siblings left at the humane society. You could always get a little Maddie of your own," Lucas suggested. "Nah, Maddie girl here is one of a kind. There's no other dog like her. Besides, I have enough with you as it is. At least you're potty-trained," Karen smirked, "I don't want to have to deal with a dog peeing all over my house." "Hey," Lucas remarked in protest. "Go on, you go have fun with your friends, but please be careful. I know you guys are going to be drinking so call a cab or have a designated driver, or you can call me. Just-just please be careful. It's going to be crazy out there tonight," Karen responded as she stroked her son's cheek. "We will, Mom. I promise," Lucas hugged her and Peyton patted Maddie's head before they walked back to the car where everyone else was waiting for them.
Once they arrived at the Blue Room and had a few drinks in them, Brooke made a proposition, "What do you say guys, how about we play some pool?" "We're in, but how's this going to work? We have an odd number of people," Nathan responded. "We can do it with teams, boys against girls, couples style," Brooke replied as she went to grab some cue sticks. "But that still leaves Jake out and it still leaves us guys uneven because, newsflash, your partner is a girl therefore she is on your team," Lucas answered with a chuckle. "Haley and I can take on Jake together since Hales here is a spazz and can't get a stupid ball into a pocket. We can rotate in and out each turn. Wait, Jake, are you any good at pool?" "Hey! I am good at pool," Haley remarked with a light slap to her shoulder. "Whatever you say, sweetie," Brooke batted her eyelashes at her. Jake laughed at their bantering then nodded with a grim frown, "Unfortunately yes. This is where I first met Nikki, and many times after that. We played pool for hours every time we came here." "Aww, I'm sorry Jake. I didn't mean to bring up bad memories for you," Brooke responded hesitantly, remorse in her eyes. "Don't worry about it. Let's just play some pool. You girls are going down," Jake replied with a devilish smile as he took a cue stick from her and began to line up the balls in the middle with the triangular rack.
Half an hour later, the girls were down by three points with five of their balls left on the table and only two balls from the guys' team left. It was the girls' turn to shoot and Brooke chose her girlfriend as the person next up. "Are you sure you want to let Spazzy Haley play next turn, Brooke," Nathan smirked, "We all know that next turn we get, we're going to sink our last two." "I pick Haley," she confirmed with a nod and a smirk of her own forming on her lips, "I bet you that we're going to win." "Nah, no chance in hell. You've got five left and Haley's missed almost every shot she's made," Nathan dismissed it with a wave of his hand. "Are you willing to bet your balls on it?" She raised an eyebrow and grinned at them. Nathan considered this for a few moments then nodded his head and moved out of the way and gestured Haley to take her position to shoot. "Be my guest Hales. You'll never make five balls in anyway," he tried to rile her. She smiled at him then lined up her cue stick and just as she made the shot, Nathan yelled, "Haley, look!" This caused her shot to be off the mark and she missed the ball. "Dammit Nathan," she screamed, hitting him in the chest. "Oops," he gave her a devilish smirk.
'Two can play at that game,' Brooke said to herself as Nathan got into position to shoot. As Nathan was about to play, Brooke pretended to lose some of her balance and dropped her cue stick. She bent down to retrieve it but as she stood back up, she ran her hand along the inside of his leg, stopping mid-thigh then removing her hand. Nathan sucked in a deep breath as she did this, catching him off guard and causing him to knock one of the balls off of the pool table. "Jesus Christ Brooke, what are you doing?" "Isn't it obvious," she smirked. "I know I'm irresistible and all, but I have a girlfriend Brooke, and she's standing right there!" Brooke turned to Nathan's girlfriend, "Teresa, I'm sorry but I just had to-" She held up her hand and smiled then turned to Nathan with a laugh, "All's fair in love and war, baby." "Teresa!" He gawked at her, not thinking she would react that way. "Yay! The move's good! Our turn again! Hales, go for it baby!" "Here we go again," Lucas rolled his eyes. "Watch and learn boys," Haley grinned as she bent over and made her shot, sinking two balls at once. The three boys gaped at her in astonishment along with Peyton and Teresa as well. "How in the hell..." Nathan started but was left speechless when she sank another two balls in then sunk the last ball in with a satisfied smirk on her face, placing her cue stick at her side. The girls all cheered as they circled around and hugged her, jumping with joy.
"What the..." Jake responded with wide eyes, obviously having trouble with his speech as well. "How in the hell did you do that," Nathan exclaimed, "You've barely sunk one ball in all night and now you sink in five balls like it was nothing? I don't get it!" "Nate, you do realize that my girlfriend is the reigning pool champion of this here establishment, right? I had to pick up some tips from her," Haley smiled and winked at him as she wrapped her arm around Brooke's waist. "No girlfriend of mine can't not know how to play pool," Brooke chuckled as she curled an arm around Haley's shoulders and kissed her on the cheek. "You didn't play fair," Nathan pouted, "you're supposed to play your best and you took the fall out by letting us think Haley couldn't play." "Hey, we played our best and if the best was making you think that Hales here couldn't shoot a ball into a pocket then we brought our A-game," Brooke responded. "You still didn't play fair," he mumbled, still pouting. "Aww, poor Nate. Will it make you feel better if we take you to Tankini," Brooke asked, patting him on the back for comfort. "Yes," he replied with a small smile forming on his lips. "Okay, let's go," Brooke responded as she tossed the keys to Jake, "You drive." Jake was their designated driver for the night, choosing not to drink because of Jenny and also because his friends usually got a little crazy when alcohol was involved.
When they arrived at Tankini, they all began to dance as a group before dispersing into their own couples while Jake opted to sit at their table so no one else would take it. Not twenty minutes later, there came a call over the PA system for any girls who wanted to dance on the bar to come up to the front. One girl already standing on the bar called out and pointed to Brooke, gesturing for her to come dance, "What do you say Destiny? How about one for old times' sake? We haven't seen you here in a while. Come show these guys what you got!" "Destiny?" Haley asked as she and the rest of the group turned to look at her with confused expressions on their faces. Brooke grinned as she showed them her fake ID. Destiny James, it read. "Come on Hales, come dance on the bar with me," Brooke smiled as she grabbed her hand. "On the bar? No way. Nope, not doing it," Haley shook her head as she tried to pull her hand away from Brooke's grasp. "Pwease," Brooke pouted with her lower lip sticking out, her puppy dog expression in full effect on her face, "besides, it's only another hour or two before it's the New Year. You and I can go out with a bang. Please come dance with me?" "Fine," Haley sighed dramatically and rolled her eyes as she followed after her girlfriend.
"Where is Haley going? I was going to ask her for a dance," Nathan asked as he and Teresa walked up to Peyton and Lucas. Peyton let out a slight laugh and so did Lucas as he responded, "She's got a date with Destiny. They're going to go dance on the bar." "Oooh, that sounds like fun! Come on Peyton, let's go dance with them," Teresa exclaimed as she pulled Peyton after her despite the blonde's protests. Brooke, Haley, Peyton, and Teresa danced on the bar along with some other girls from the crowd before another announcement came over the PA system, "Okay guys and girls! Next up for your entertainment as per tradition here at Tankini is our famous…wet t-shirt contest!" Hoots, hollers, and cheers were heard throughout the bar and even some from the girls. "Oh god, Teresa's up there," Nathan groaned. "Oh no," Lucas moaned, mimicking his brother's sentiments. As soon as the announcement had been made, buckets of water were thrown onto the girls dancing on the bar.
"Thank god they're wearing bras," Lucas responded. "Brooke isn't," Nathan replied, "Stop staring dude. You have a girlfriend." "You stop staring. You do too," Lucas answered, his eyes never leaving the girls on the bar. "I say you both stop staring and let me watch because you two will be in big trouble with your women if you don't and let me have my fun because I'm single and available," Jake grinned as he came up between the two brothers and wrapped his arms around their shoulders. Both Nathan and Luke each covered one of Jake's eyes. "If we can't look, then you can't look either," Lucas responded. "Come on guys, just let me look," Jake groaned. "No," Nathan replied, "we can't have you running off with some girl when we need you as our designated driver." "I won't," Jake responded with a grin, "but it doesn't mean I can't have a little fun while I'm sober."
Once the wet t-shirt contest was over, to which Brooke or "Destiny" was victorious of course, for obvious reasons, she and Haley got down from the bar and started walking back to the bathroom so they could dry their shirts. "Brooke, you knew they were going to pour water on us, didn't you," Haley scolded her, not liking the fact that she had just been ogled by complete strangers and even her friends had seen her. "Maybe…" Brooke replied as the corner of her mouth inched up in a smile. "You know I don't like to…expose…myself in front of other people and the guys were even watching us," Haley groaned as she buried her face in her hands, "God, I'm so embarrassed." "I know," Brooke chuckled and gently pinched her cheek, "that's why you save your little strip teases for me and only me." "Brooke," Haley gaped in shock then lightly hit her arm. "What," she looked at her nonchalantly. "Why did you make me go up there when you knew they were going to pour water on us and you know how I feel about my body," Haley asked her. "You have a very hot body," Brooke responded seductively as she whispered in her ear and a smirk formed on her lips, "and maybe I wanted to get you all wet." Brooke leaned in and placed a slow, tantalizing kiss on her lips before pulling away, sliding her tongue across her own lips, tasting Haley's strawberry lip gloss on them. Haley stood there for a moment, her eyes closed, savoring the feelings Brooke instilled in her when she kissed her like that. Finally, she opened her eyes and stared into Brooke's own brown ones for a few intense seconds before she lunged forward and placed both hands on the sides of Brooke's face, pressing her lips hard to hers.
It was almost all Brooke could do to get them to the bathroom, albeit somewhat blindly, and she quickly shut the door and locked it so there would be no other interruptions. At this, Haley broke away from their intense kiss, breathing heavily, "Brooke, we can't just lock the door like that. Somebody might need to use the bathroom." "There's another one on the other side of the building. Now shut up and kiss me," Brooke murmured huskily. Haley happily obliged and soon Brooke cradled her butt in her hands, lifting her onto the counter by the sinks. Brooke began a trail of kisses down her neck and Haley moaned in response as she ran her hands up and down Brooke's back, opening her legs and pulling Brooke as close as she could get, needing her touch. "I want you so bad," Brooke murmured into her neck as she moved down and gently nipped the sensitive spot near her collarbone. Haley shivered at this little act, the feelings Brooke was causing in her were racing throughout her body, making her a little light-headed as if her head was in the clouds. Brooke repeated the action, only this time on the other side, and Haley moaned in pleasure as she moved her hands to the front and slipped them under Brooke's shirt, caressing her stomach and sides of her body.
Brooke snaked her hands beneath Haley's blouse, running them up and down along her back in soothing strokes before moving them to softly caress her breasts through the lacy material of her bra. Haley moaned softly again and her fingers traveled up Brooke's body, finding the two unrestricted supple mounds of flesh she sought. "You're not wearing a bra. Why should I be surprised..." Haley smiled and shook her head slightly as she sighed, "No wonder you won the wet t-shirt contest." "Easier access," Brooke smirked then her expression turned to one of concern, "You're not mad, are you? I know how you hate me being a tease to the guys-" Haley cut her off with a kiss, mumbling against her lips, "I've come to accept the fact that you're a flirt. You can't help it; it's part of your personality. Just as long as you don't bring any of those guys home." "I won't," Brooke promised, "You know I only have eyes for you, baby. I'm not ever letting you go and I would never jeopardize our relationship like that. I wouldn't be able to live with myself if anything bad happened in our relationship because of anything I did. I love you, Hales, and we-we have something really great going here." Brooke took her left hand and ran her finger over Haley's promise ring that she had given her for Christmas before entwining their fingers and looking up at her girlfriend with a small smile on her face.
By now, tears were falling down Haley's cheeks as she gazed into Brooke's brown eyes for a few moments before she captured her lips in a fierce, passionate kiss and hugged her tight to her body. "I love you so much," Haley whispered as she peppered light kisses all over her lips. Brooke cupped Haley's breasts in her hands, softly massaging them a few seconds before she wrapped her arms around Haley's back and quickly unhooked her bra, yearning to feel her flesh against hers. Brooke sighed happily in satisfaction as she ran her fingers over Haley's breasts and slowly rubbed one nipple with her thumb. Haley whimpered in pleasure as she dug her nails into Brooke's back, causing Brooke to press harder and she moaned through her ministrations on Haley's neck. "Brooke...please..." Haley murmured, her breaths becoming slow and labored. Brooke knew what she was asking and wasted no time in pulling off Haley's shirt, taking her bra along with it.
At this point, Haley didn't care that they were in a public bathroom with hundreds of people just outside the door. The only thing she was concerned with at that moment was that she was alone with her girlfriend and she relished in the feelings Brooke was stirring up in the pit of her stomach. With Haley's upper torso free of all barriers, Brooke slowly lowered her head and took one into her mouth while she performed the same treatment with her thumb on her other breast. "Oh god," Haley gasped in pleasure as she gripped onto Brooke's waist to keep herself steady before she melted completely. Haley inhaled a sharp, quick breath of surprise then let it out with groan as she felt Brooke begin to lightly stroke her through her panties under her skirt, "Brooke..." "What baby," Brooke murmured as she switched to her other breast, slowly licking her nipple before sheltering it with her mouth. "Now..." Haley whispered as she closed her eyes, "I need you now..." Haley didn't know how she managed it, but Brooke lifted Haley up and tugged on her skirt, sliding it down and off her legs. Haley gasped as Brooke pressed her against the cool tiles of the wall and she arched her back, pressing tighter into Brooke, causing the brunette to let out a soft groan.
"Brooke, now…I can't wait much longer…" Haley whimpered in pleasure as she leaned her head down and kissed the top of Brooke's head. In response to this, Brooke nipped at her collarbone before pulling Haley's panties down and off her legs, leaving Haley in only her heels. Brooke's eyes devoured her as she gazed over her girlfriend's body then attacked her lips with a passionate kiss as she thrust one finger inside Haley. Haley moaned into the kiss as she wrapped her legs around Brooke's waist to keep herself steady. Haley gripped Brooke's shoulders as she lightly circled her finger around her clit then slowly rubbed it, putting pressure on it. Haley's breaths became shallow and more frequent, letting out soft groans into Brooke's neck. "More," she managed to mumble through her short little gasps of breath. Brooke complied with her request and inserted another finger, moaning as she felt Haley's inner muscles start to clench around her fingers. She was almost there. "Brooke, I'm-" Haley muttered breathlessly but Brooke stopped her with a kiss. "I know baby, I know," she responded as she peppered little kisses all over her face. It was another minute or two before the telltale signs of Haley's impending release showed themselves as her little noises and whimpers became incessant, reverberating from deep in her throat, and she slowed the fast-paced movements of her body to a slow up and down slide against the tiles of the wall. With the last few thrusts of Brooke's fingers inside her, she pushed Haley over the brink of insanity and her body shuddered with the intensity of her orgasm, falling limp in Brooke's arms.
"T-That was…amazing…" Haley heaved with a contented sigh a few minutes later after she recovered her breath. "Yeah," Brooke replied, placing tiny little kisses along the crown of her forehead then chuckled lightly, "I finally got you to have sex in a public place. Granted, it's not the janitor's closet at school like I wanted, but this pretty much takes the cake." Haley giggled into her shoulder as she wrapped her arms around Brooke's neck and rested her head against her chest. They stood there for a few moments in each other's embrace before Brooke slowly let her down and Haley stood on shaky legs. Haley nearly collapsed once her feet hit the ground but Brooke held her up. "I think I need to sit down," Haley said quietly. Brooke spread the two towels they had been given to dry off on the floor and carefully lowered Haley onto them with a concerned expression on her face, "Are you okay?" "Yeah, I'll be fine. It was just…intense. I just need to rest a couple minutes," Haley replied as she pressed a hand to her forehead, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath. Brooke sat down beside Haley and held her close as she stroked her hair and rubbed her hand up and down Haley's back.
Haley rested her head on Brooke's shoulder for a while as Brooke held her tight and about ten minutes later, Haley kissed the inside of her neck, causing a shiver to jolt down Brooke's spine. She began a trail of kisses down the column of her neck, pausing momentarily to pull Brooke's shirt over her head before she advanced to her chest and nibbled gently on Brooke's nipple. Brooke moaned in yearning as she thrust her chest out, pressing it flush against Haley's mouth. She sighed in satisfaction and groaned with pleasure as Haley engulfed the pebbled peak and began to suckle it fiercely, knowing that this aroused Brooke more than anything else. "God…Hales…" Brooke moaned, gasping at the intensity. She was leaning back on her hands and soon they became weak and shaky, giving out seconds later as she fell back onto the floor. Haley went down right along with her, her lips still attached to her breast, and she placed her hand behind Brooke's head, sheltering it from hitting the hard floor. Haley left her breast a few seconds later and continued her trail down Brooke's body, circling her navel and going further down until she reached the top of her skirt. She smiled devilishly as a thought came to her and she took the zipper of her skirt between her teeth and slowly pulled it down…
"Hey, have you guys seen Haley and Brooke," Peyton asked after returning from drying off in one of the bathrooms. "No, not since they were on the bar," Nathan responded. "I thought I saw them head towards the bathrooms afterwards. They're probably still drying their clothes. You know Brooke," Jake replied as he walked up to them. "We just came from the bathroom and they weren't in there," Teresa answered. "Maybe they're in one of the other ones. This place has like seven bathrooms, geez," Peyton remarked as she grabbed the other girl's hand, "Teresa and I will go look for them and you guys keep an eye out too." The girls searched bathroom after bathroom for the next twenty minutes but came up empty-handed. They only had two more to search and Peyton was getting worried. Where had they run off to?
When they reached the second to last bathroom, they tried to open the door but found it suspiciously locked, "Hmm, that's strange." Teresa leaned over and pressed her ear to the door, trying to hear what was going on inside. "Teresa, what are you doing," Peyton shrieked. "What do you think I'm doing," she responded with a raised eyebrow and a smirk on her face, "I'm eavesdropping." "Can you hear anything," Peyton inquired as she too placed her ear against the door. "It's hard to hear because of the loud music. All I really hear is muffled voices. Probably some people talking in there, or getting stoned," Teresa laughed. A few moments later, as the song changed from an upbeat pop song to a slow tune, the two girls heard a muffled moan from inside the bathroom, "Hales…" Teresa's and Peyton's eyes widened in shock as they turned to stare at each other for a few seconds then stifled their giggles as they rushed away from the door. "Oh god, I can't believe I just heard my two best friends having sex. I need to go wash out my ears now," Peyton replied with her face scrunched up. "Better go use one of the other bathrooms," Teresa chuckled, "Hey, it could be worse. You didn't walk in on them while they were having sex." Peyton's eyes widened again, "You did?" "No, Nathan did. Only, they weren't having sex. They were making out…topless," Teresa laughed. "Oh I bet Nathan loooved that," Peyton smirked then asked with a serious face, "That doesn't bother you, him checking out other girls, seeing them naked and everything?" Teresa shrugged, "Guys will be guys. I know Nathan's a flirt and I can't change that so I've accepted it. Besides, Haley and Brooke are his best friends and he would never do anything with them. Plus, he saw them going at it before we were even dating, so I don't really have a right to be jealous about that, do I?" "No, I guess not," Peyton smiled.
Fifteen minutes later, Brooke and Haley reappeared within the group, their hair slightly tussled and their clothes a little wrinkled. "Hey you two, where have you been," Teresa smiled, "you missed out on all the fun. The boys got up on the bar and did a striptease." "Teresa," Nathan exclaimed loudly. "Damn, I would have paid good money to see that," Brooke snapped her fingers and pouted. "Don't waste your dollars, they weren't that good," Teresa flipped her hand nonchalantly. Nathan pointed a finger at her, "I'll have you know-" He was interrupted by Peyton, "So where did you two run off to? We haven't seen you since the contest was over." "We were really wet, drenched, and you know Haley, she lectured about getting sick and catching colds if we went outside with wet shirts in the middle of winter so we went to the bathroom and dried our shirts off under the dryers. It took a long time because we were really wet," Brooke babbled as a light pink tint rose to her cheeks. "Haley, where's your bra," Peyton asked her with a smirk planted firmly on her lips. Haley's eyes widened in shock as she looked down at her chest and her cheeks turned a dark crimson. Everyone burst out laughing.
Haley quickly ran back to the bathroom they had used and searched frantically for the piece of clothing but it couldn't be found. She raced back to the group with wide eyes and turned to Brooke, "It's not there! Somebody stole my bra from the bathroom! My bra! Why would somebody want to steal my bra? I can't believe-" she stuttered in shock. "Oh Hales, do you mean this bra," Brooke asked coyly with a smirk on her face, holding up her bra by the strap with her index finger. "Yes, that bra," Haley hissed, snatching it from her and stuffing it in her pocket. "Woops," Brooke feigned innocence. "You're incorrigible," Haley scolded good-naturedly. "You're sexy when you're mad," Brooke gave her a seductive smile, sticking her tongue out playfully. Haley scrunched up her face in mock anger as she held up her hand, spacing her index and thumb fingers about an inch apart. Brooke copied her actions and Haley just glared at her.
Brooke felt a buzzing in her pocket and quickly pulled out her phone, plugging one ear as she brought the phone to her other ear, "Hello?" "Brooke, hey. It's Bevin," the girl's voice came over the line, but it was almost drowned out by the loud music in the background. "Oh hey, what's up," Brooke asked as she moved to a more secluded corner of the room so she could hear better. "I am having like this awesome party at my house and I decided that I needed my bestest cheer bud to come party with me and toast to a new year of cheer bitchin'. So, will you come? Please, please please," Bevin begged. "Of course I'll come! Let me just grab Haley and the rest of the group-" "No! Just-Just you, Brooke. Nobody else," Bevin interrupted quickly. Brooke's face scrunched in confusion, "Why? Can't Haley and the others come?" "Just you come. Please Brooke," Bevin asked, her voice sounding a little desperate which caused Brooke's forehead to wrinkle in concern. "Okay, I'll come. I'll be there in about thirty minutes okay," she replied. "Thanks Brooke," Bevin responded as they said their goodbyes and hung up.
Brooke returned to the group and Haley asked, "Who was that?" "It was Bevin. She's having a party-" she started to say but was interrupted by Nathan. "Party? Hell yeah, let's go!" "But she wants me to come alone," Brooke finished. "Why," Haley asked, confused, then smiled jokingly, "you don't have a secret rendezvous with her, do you?" "No, I would never have a girl on the side, boy on the side maybe, but no. Dating one girl is emotional and hormonal enough, I couldn't deal with two hormonal crazy girls," she grinned at her girlfriend then her face changed back to her concerned expression, "No, Bevin just sounded really strange on the phone. I mean, usually she's all for everyone coming to her parties, but tonight she just sounded strange on the phone, stranger than her normal Bevin strange. So I'm going to go over there for a little bit and hang with her, find out what's going on and stuff then I will meet back up with you guys and we can continue our fabulous night of bar-hopping." "Do you want me to drive you," Jake asked, "You've been drinking tonight, you shouldn't be driving." "Nah, I'm going to walk. Bevin's house isn't that far from here. Why don't you guys finish up here and go on to the next stop and I'll meet up with you all once I'm done at Bevin's," Brooke suggested. "Alright sweetie, be careful," Haley responded as she stood on her tiptoes and gave Brooke a gentle kiss on the lips. "I will," Brooke replied as she returned the kiss, "See you later. Bye guys."
Once Brooke reached Bevin's block, her brows furrowed in confusion. She found it quite strange that the street was not lined with cars parked against the curb and there were no people out dancing or drinking on Bevin's front lawn despite the loud music that could be heard from the house. Brooke knocked loudly on the door and rang the bell so Bevin might hear her. A few minutes later, Bevin flung open the door and greeted her with a smile and a tight hug, "Brooke! Thank you! I'm so glad you came!" "No problem Bev," she answered as she followed her friend inside and looked around, finding no one but herself and Bevin as the only occupants, "Where is everyone? I thought this was supposed to be a party?" Bevin's big smile turned into a frown as she looked down at her hands and scratched her arm nervously, "I um… I kind of asked you here under false pre-pre…" "Pretenses," Brooke suggested. "Pretenses, yeah, right. I wasn't really having a party. I just really needed to talk to you and I wasn't sure if you'd come otherwise. I'm sorry. You're not mad, are you?" "No, I'm not mad; of course I'd come. You're one of my cheer bitches, remember," Brooke chuckled as she slung an arm around Bevin's shoulders.
Bevin gave her a small smile as she responded, "I just figured that since you were out with everyone else, I had to have a good excuse to get you to come over and a party was the only thing I could think of." "So something really is wrong. I thought you sounded strange on the phone… What's going on Bev," Brooke asked concernedly. Bevin's eyes watered as she looked at her friend then averted her gaze, shaking her hand and gesturing for Brooke to follow her, "Let's drink first." Bevin led her to the living room where she saw two shot glasses sitting on the coffee table alongside two bottles of vodka and scotch. She poured the drinks and handed one to Brooke then raised her glass to a toast, "To hopefully another year of cheer bitching." Brooke raised her eyebrows questioningly, "Hopefully? Bevin, what's going on?" Finally, Bevin broke down into tears and covered her face with her hands, "M-My parents are getting a divorce…" "Oh Bev, I'm so sorry," Brooke wrapped her friend in a tight hug. "They've been fighting about who gets custody of me and my little brother. My mom wants to move out of the state after the divorce and if she gets custody of me, I won't be able to go to school or cheer or graduate with you guys!"
Her sobs increased as she held tighter onto her friend, "I'm going to miss you guys so much!" "Bev, you don't know if you will have to go live with your mother after the divorce. You're almost eighteen. You should get a say in where you want to live." "I want to stay here in Tree Hill with my dad because all my friends are here and I want to finish out school with you guys but my parents have been fighting over this custody thing and they keep arguing about what is in the best interest of the child and all this stuff I don't understand," Bevin wailed, burying her head in her hands. "Bevin, you need to talk to your parents. You need to tell them what you want. If you don't speak up and tell them you want to stay here in Tree Hill then, ultimately, it's up for your parents to decide," Brooke tried to comfort her. "I know, you're right. You're always right. It's just- it's such a confusing time right now…" She looked up at Brooke, her eyes brimming with tears, "Why are my parents getting a divorce? They've been married for twenty-two years and they're going to throw that all away? They used to be happy… What happened to them, Brooke? I don't understand how it got this bad."
"I don't know, sweetie," she rubbed Bevin's back in soothing circles, "you just have to talk to them and hope for the best. Maybe your mom will let you stay with your dad here in Tree Hill until you graduate and maybe move out there where she is afterwards." "But what if she doesn't? What if she wants me to move with her right after the divorce?" "We'll cross that bridge when we come to it, okay? And, if worse comes to worst, you could always get emancipated from your parents like Nathan did." "I don't want to do that if at all possible, but if it comes down to that being the only choice then I'll do it." "Everything will work out, you'll see," Brooke hugged her. They were silent for a few minutes and during that time, they heard a soft padding of feet nearing the living room. Bevin's little brother appeared from the dark hallway, clutching a stuffed toy as he sucked on his thumb. "Hey buddy, what are you doing up so late? You should be in bed," Bevin said as she went over and picked him up, placing him on her hip. "I couldn't sleep. I had a bad dream," the five-year-old boy responded. "What about," his sister asked concernedly. "I dreamed that Mommy took me away from you and Daddy and-and I never got to see you again," the little boy sobbed as he buried his face into her chest, "I don't want to go with Mommy. I want to stay with you, Bevie. I want to go where you go. You take good care of me. I don't want to go with Mommy." "I know sweetie," Bevin stroked her brother's head softly as she looked at Brooke with sorrowful eyes. "Bevie, I'm sleepy. Will you come tuck me into bed and read me a story?" "Sure buddy," she responded as she turned to Brooke, "I will be back in a little bit." Brooke nodded and Bevin stood with her brother in her arms and retreated down the hallway.
Bevin returned ten minutes later and sighed as she rested her head on Brooke's shoulder, "I wish this wasn't happening… The divorce has been so hard on him…" "Everything will turn out alright, Bev, you'll see," Brooke wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "Thanks for coming over and talking things out with me. I really appreciate it. I know you had plans with Haley and the others tonight," Bevin said as she hugged her friend. "It's no problem. I'm glad you called me," Brooke replied. "Well, I'll let you get back to your New Year's celebration of bar-hopping. I know you want to see Haley so I'll let you go and we'll see each other next week," Bevin asked. "Are you sure," Brooke inquired concernedly, "You're not going to get upset and cry again after I leave will you? I'll stay if you want me to." "No, I'll be fine Brooke," she patted her leg and smiled, "You go see your girlfriend, but have some fun for me too, okay?" "You betcha," Brooke winked as she stood up, "there's going to be a couple of drinks with your name on them." Bevin laughed, "Alright, thanks. I'll see you on Monday at school then." "Depends on how bad the hangover is," Brooke smirked and waved goodbye as she walked out the front door.
Brooke hadn't been at Bevin's that long so she figured the group would still be at Tankini and started to head back to the club. As she walked along the dark, empty streets, Brooke got this eerie feeling that she couldn't shake. She pulled her jacket closer around her body and started to walk faster. Tree Hill was by no means an unsafe place, but it did have its creeps and with a night like tonight, there was no telling what kinds of crazies were out and about. She was nearing the business district where all the stores, restaurants and shops were when fear started to course through every fiber of her being. She heard footsteps behind her. She fought to stay calm and maintain a steady pace so as not to draw attention to herself. Maybe it was just another person heading for the bars. Tears fell down her face as she sped up her pace when she heard the person's footsteps become faster. "Where are you going, girlie," the deep, husky voice said behind her. Brooke started to run. "Come on sweetie, I'm not going to hurt you. I just want to have a little fun," the man let out a satirical laugh. She choked on her sobs as she started to cry for help and ran faster that she ever had in her life. Suddenly, she fell to the ground as excruciating pain flooded through her ankle and up her leg. Damn her for wearing high heels. She furiously tried to scramble away from her fast-approaching assailant. "Don't think you're going anywhere, girlie," the guy said as he grabbed her waist from behind, "you've been playing hard to get for too long. Now it's time to have a little fun."
"No," Brooke screamed as she started to flail her legs at an attempt to kick him but it was to no avail because the way he was holding her prevented her from landing a sufficient blow, not to mention her injured foot was throbbing. He covered her mouth to quiet her screams but he yelled out in surprise when she bit his hand. "You bitch!" He slapped her face, "You're going to pay for that honey." "Help," Brooke screamed, "Somebody please-" The guy hit her face again, this time connecting with her jaw. Brooke cried out in agony as she brought a hand up to her cheek. "You like it rough, don't you," he whispered in her ear, his hot breath hitting her neck. He reeked of alcohol and cigarette smoke. Brooke whimpered as she shook her head, barely unable to form coherent words because her jaw had already begun to swell. "Now I've been patient long enough. It's time to have a little fun," the man grinned in anticipation. This one was feisty but oh what a catch she'd be. He'd tame her wild spirit.
He started to pull her towards an alley between two buildings as Brooke struggled to get away but he was too strong for her. There were no lights on and it was pitch black in the narrow pathway. 'Perfect,' the guy thought with a smile. Brooke finally succeeded in kicking him, landing a swift hit to the groin, and the guy hunched over in pain, causing his grip around her waist to loosen. She tried to get away but he pulled her back and threw her on the ground. "That's it, no more Mr. Nice Guy," he growled. With her eyes still shut, Brooke placed a hand at the back of her head, rubbing the spot where it had made contact with the ground. When she pulled her hand away, blood covered her fingers. She gasped as she turned on her side, curling up into a ball as her attacker came closer. Her eyelids felt so heavy. "Take off your clothes," he demanded. "No," Brooke cried out weakly, "please…" He punched her in the stomach, "I said take off your clothes," he growled again. "No," Brooke mumbled, fast feeling a black cloak descend over her. "Fine, I'll just do it myself," he grinned, "all the more fun."
His hand slid up her thigh then moved to the inside of her leg, inching just past the hem of her skirt. She squirmed under his touch. "You're such a pretty little thing," he smiled as he removed his hand and began to fiddle with the button of her skirt. She tried to push his hands away but he grabbed both her arms and pinned them above her head. "Lie still and this won't hurt a bit," he grinned as he undid the button and pulled down the zipper then tugged the skirt off her legs. Once he did this, he began to unbuckle his belt and pull his own pants down. "No," Brooke tried to scream through the aching and tenderness of her jaw as he dragged her panties off. "Shut up bitch," he slapped her as he plunged into her, causing Brooke to scream even louder in anguish. "Help," Brooke yelled as loud as she could. "I told you to keep your mouth shut, bitch," the guy growled as he hit her again, this time his fist landing squarely on her forehead. Suddenly, everything went black.
Haley looked at her watch for what seemed like the millionth time. Brooke had been gone for hours and it was nearly 11:30. She had to get home. She and Brooke had made a promise that they would be home in time to watch the ball drop at midnight and would share a kiss together to ring in the new year. They were currently at some new popular club called The Pink Taco, Nathan's choice of course. Haley rolled her eyes. She found Jake at the bar drinking a club soda and tapped him on the shoulder. He turned around and smiled, "Hey Hales, what's up?" "Can you take me home," Haley said into his ear so he could hear her over the loud music. His expression changed to one of concern, "Why? What's wrong? Are you feeling alright?" "Yeah, I'm fine. It's just that Brooke and I promised each other we would be home in time to ring in the New Year. It's almost 11:30 so I need to get home. Can you drive me?" "Sure," he replied, "but what about the others?" "Let them have their fun," Haley responded as she watched her friends dancing and laughing, "we won't be gone long." Will you bring the car around front while I say goodbye?" Jake nodded as he began to make his way through the crowd towards the entrance of the club. Haley said her farewells and wished everyone a happy New Year, much to their disappointment because they wanted her to stay, but they understood.
Jake dropped her off and Haley made her way up to the apartment. When she unlocked the door and pushed it open, she found the place dark and empty. Brooke wasn't home. Haley dropped her purse and keys onto the table by the door with a sigh. She took off her jacket then pulled her heels off her aching feet. Haley decided to take a shower while waiting for Brooke to come home so she grabbed a towel and washcloth from the hall closet and made her way to the bathroom. She let the warm water run over her head and down her back, trying to wash away the sleepiness starting to take over her body. She had to stay awake for when Brooke got home. Her head was pounding slightly and she made a mental note to take some Tylenol when she got out. She hadn't been drinking that much tonight, but it had been enough to make her a tad bit woozy. Once she was done with her shower, Haley got dressed into her pajamas, which tonight was a long silk lingerie nightgown, then went to the kitchen for a glass of water and the Tylenol. She walked into the living room and curled up on the couch, turning on the television to the New Year's countdown and putting it on mute. Haley glanced at the clock on the end table and had to take another look. Five more minutes until midnight and Brooke still wasn't home yet. Haley frowned with a sigh as she sunk down into the cushions. Tears welled within her eyes. She hoped Brooke would make it home in time for their midnight kiss. She looked at the clock again. 11:57 p.m.
Three minutes passed and Haley watched the ball drop alone. "Happy New Year," Haley whispered to herself. Once it was over, Haley turned off the television and switched off the lights, rendering the apartment in darkness once again as she walked down the hall towards the bedroom. Haley grabbed the cordless phone and dialed the number for Brooke's cell. It rang four times before it went to voicemail, "Hi, you've reached Brooke Davis. Haley and I are out partying the night away so leave me a message and maybe I'll get back to you tomorrow. Depending on how bad the hangover is, I might still be in bed. Bye!" Haley heard Brooke's soft chuckle over the line and tears came to her eyes as she pressed the END button and placed the phone back in its holder. She crawled under the covers and laid her head on her pillow as the tears she'd been holding back finally came loose. She closed her eyes and wished that Brooke was here, wished this night had turned out differently.
Brooke slowly entered the apartment and winced as she took off her shoes. Her feet ached from walking and dancing all night. As she approached the bedroom, she heard the shower running and a small smile spread across her lips. She shed all her clothes and walked over to the bathroom, quietly closing the door behind her. Her smile grew as she carefully opened the glass door and slipped inside, wrapping her arms around Haley's waist and nuzzling her neck from behind, "Hey baby." "Brooke," Haley exclaimed, turning around to face her then she wrapped her arms around her girlfriend's neck and gave her a passionate kiss on the lips as the warm water rained down on them. Brooke began a trail of kisses down her neck and Haley leaned her head to the side to give her better access. "Mmm," Haley whispered in response. Brooke pressed her against the wall and began to devour Haley with her mouth, kissing her everywhere her lips touched Haley's body. "B-Brooke..." Haley moaned as she heard the phone ring from their bedroom.
"Brooke!" Haley sat straight up in bed, covered in sweat, as she heard ringing from the phone on her nightstand. She scrambled to answer it before it hung up, hoping it was Brooke. Finally she reached it and she hastily picked up the phone, asking breathlessly, "Brooke?" "No Haley, it's Toni. Haley, you-you have to come down here...I-It's Brooke... she's been...she's been r-raped," Toni choked on a sob as her whole body shook. "WHAT?!" Haley shrieked, starting to cry herself, "oh my god, I-I'll be down there as soon as I can. Bye Toni." Haley flew out of bed as soon as she hung up the phone and quickly changed into some more decent clothes before she yanked on her shoes then grabbed her purse and keys. She was out the door in less than three minutes.
A surge of adrenaline rushed through Haley's body as she drove to the hospital faster than she had ever before. A million things and more were running through her mind and she was sobbing by the time she reached the hospital. She felt so guilty. She should have made Jake drive her. She should have gone with Brooke to Bevin's house even though Brooke was told to come alone. She should have known better. She shouldn't have let Brooke walk alone on a night like this when all the crazy people were out partying and getting drunk. It was all her fault Brooke was raped. She would never forgive herself for what had happened to her girlfriend.
Haley rushed through the doors of the emergency room and ran up to the front reception desk. "What room is Brooke Davis in? I need to see her. How is she? Where is Toni? I need to talk to Toni," Haley asked frantically. "Just calm down, ma'am-" the older woman tried to soothe the distraught girl in front of her but Haley interrupted. "Do not tell me to calm down! I work here, missy, so you better give me that damn room number and page Toni before I start talking to your supervisor. Got it?" Haley flashed her ID card so she could see. The woman gulped and nodded. "Good," Haley responded, crossing her arms over her chest, "Now what's the room Brooke Davis is in?" "Number 142," the receptionist replied. "Thank you," Haley replied hastily before she hurried off towards Brooke's hospital room.
As she approached, Toni came out of the room, clipping her pager back on her belt. "Toni," Haley screamed as she closed the remaining distance between them with lightning speed and engulfed her in a tight hug, beginning to sob uncontrollably. "Haley," Toni whispered as she softly stroked the younger girl's hair, tears of her own falling down her cheeks. After a few minutes, Haley pulled away, "How-How is she?" "Let's go sit down," Toni gently grabbed her arm and led her over to a nearby set of chairs. Haley knew this couldn't be good. It was always something bad when they had to tell you to sit down. "Tell me Toni. How is she," Haley demanded once they sat down. "She…" Toni began slowly, "she's in pretty bad shape, Haley. The person that did this to her…he hurt her badly… Brooke has a slight concussion and her jaw is swollen up. She also has a sprained ankle, which we wrapped in an ace bandage and she'll need to be on crutches for a few weeks so it can heal. The guy that…r-raped her…he was pretty rough on her. There was a little tearing but we stitched it up and-" "God, there's more," Haley sobbed as she buried her face in her hands. "There was also some scarring…Haley, there's a chance Brooke may never be able to have children because of this…" Toni trailed off softly. "Oh god, how did Brooke take it," Haley asked, biting her bottom lip.
"We haven't told her yet. She's…" Toni tried to find the right words, "she's out of it right now. She's not here mentally. We had to give her some Morphine and Demerol for the pain and she hasn't said a word since she was brought in." "I-I don't know how to tell her, Toni," Haley shakily raked a hand through her hair, "We both want kids someday. This news will shatter her…" "I'll tell her," Toni rubbed her back slowly, "I just thought it might be easier coming from you." "I-I wouldn't know what to say… I wouldn't even know where to begin…" Haley cried as she leaned into the other woman. "Sh…" Toni tried to soothe her, "Everything is going to be okay." "No, it won't," Haley objected, choking on a sob, "Nothing will ever be the same again…"
They sat there for another ten minutes as Toni gently rocked her back and forth in her arms, trying to calm her down. Once Haley had finally stopped crying, Toni softly wiped the tears from her eyes, "Why don't you go in and see Brooke? I'll come in a few minutes later and tell her the news, okay? Try and get Brooke to talk to you. It is a very crucial time for her right now. No pressure. Don't ask questions. Just be there for her," Toni instructed softly as she gave the girl's back one last pat. Haley nodded and sucked in a deep breath as she stood from her chair. Slowly, she made her way towards the door to Brooke's room. Haley turned back to look at Toni and the older woman gave her a small encouraging smile. Turning back to the door, Haley took another deep breath before she cautiously pushed it open.
No matter how horrible and gruesome Toni had described Brooke's injuries, nothing compared to actually seeing them. Haley gasped a sharp intake of air as she took in her girlfriend's appearance. "Oh my god…" Haley whispered to herself as she slowly approached the bed. Brooke's face was turned towards her but it seemed that she hadn't even noticed that Haley was there. "Brooke," Haley said softly as she cautiously lifted a hand and carefully pushed some of the hair away from her face. She gasped again when she saw the purplish swelling of her jaw. "Oh Brooke…" Haley started to cry again as a few tears fell down her cheeks. She pulled a nearby chair to the side of the bed and sat down, gently covering Brooke's hand with one of her own, "I am so sorry sweetie. I should have never-" To Haley's utter disappointment, Brooke pulled her hand away and turned to the other side of the bed. "I love you Brooke. Please talk to me," Haley pleaded with her, reaching out a hand to touch her, but she hesitated, unsure. She heard Brooke mumble something after a few moments, almost inaudible, but she caught the words. "It's not your fault," Brooke said.
There was a soft knock on the door and Toni slowly entered. Haley looked at her with a disheartened expression on her face and she shrugged her shoulders, feeling helpless. "Brooke, it's Toni again. I need to talk with you about something very important," the older woman said carefully. Brooke slowly nodded her head but didn't offer to turn around. "Brooke, I know this is going to be very hard for you to hear, but I have to talk to you about the rape… When we examined you, we found some tearing and scarring…it was caused by the amount of force-" Toni paused for a moment when she heard Brooke choke on a sob, "Brooke, due to the scarring, there is a chance you might never be able to have children." Both Toni and Haley saw Brooke's body begin to shake violently with sobs. "Brooke…" Haley said softly as she started to wrap her arms around her girlfriend but Brooke fiercely pushed her away. Haley began to cry as Brooke started to thrash about and she yelled out to the older woman, "Toni! Help! She's going to hurt herself even more!"
Toni rushed to the cabinets and pulled out one of the drawers, searching for something, of what Haley didn't know but she hoped that whatever it was, it would help her girlfriend calm down. Toni finally found what she was looking for and she rushed over to the two distraught girls. "Help me hold her down," Toni instructed to Haley, "Hold her upper torso. I'm never going to be able to put it in her IV. I have to use her thigh." Haley finally grabbed Brooke and held her down. She knew her girlfriend was afraid of needles so she tried to get Brooke to look away from what was happening. "Brooke, look at me sweetie," Haley requested. Brooke shook her head and craned her head back, letting out a small, distressed scream when she saw the syringe Toni had in her hand. "Brooke, come on sweetie, look into my eyes," Haley pleaded with her. After a few moments, Brooke shut her eyes and finally turned her head back to face Haley, opening her eyes. Tears flowed down her cheeks in waterfalls. Haley stroked the top of her head gently as Toni gave her the shot. Soon afterwards, Brooke's rigid body finally relaxed and she fell limp in Haley's arms. Haley carefully laid her back down and stared at her girlfriend for a few seconds before she turned to Toni, "What did you give her?" "I gave her a sedative. It'll help her sleep. God knows she needs it after all she's been through tonight. Haley looked back at Brooke again as tears filled her eyes and she nodded. "She's going to be out for awhile. Do you want to go get a cup of coffee," Toni asked gently, placing a hand comfortingly on the younger girl's shoulder. Haley shook her head, "Thanks Toni, but I'm not really in the mood for anything. I'm just going to stay with Brooke," Haley replied as she walked back over to her chair beside the bed and sat down, gently taking Brooke's hand into her own. Toni looked sadly on as she quietly made her out of the room.