Chapter 2

Brooke read what Lucas had written in the itsy-bitsy piece of paper that was resting on the kitchen's counter and gave it some thought before responding. They were having an entertaining chat, filled with joy, but they were careful enough not to let the third person in the room hear about the mandatory task one of them had to fulfill. Oh, and what a task... Either of them wished one of those to their number one enemy.

Some people wouldn't use that name when it came to it. They'd go with impossible mission while others would go with surreptitious plan or complot, but not that boy and girl. They were, once again, doing what they sincerely hoped to be the right thing, like Haley had in the past, or Nathan. It was risky, they knew it, but every fiber of Brooke's body, every nerve, would be part of her performance to conquer the quest Lucas had given her, even if there was the possibility of it blowing up in her face by the end of that week.

"And now that you've asked me nicely, as only a lady like Brooke Davis deserves, I'll do it". Brooke informed Lucas, who was perched on the stool next to hers, messing with her hair and trying to tickle her without success.

"But since I'm doing you a favor, it's only fair you do me one in return, don't yea think?" She winked at him, clapping her hands cheerfully.

"As long as it doesn't involve me getting drunk and getting a tattoo or doing anything against the law, I don't see a problem." Lucas tried not to sound as terrified as he actually was. He was successful. "You do remember how pissed off Keith and then mom were about it, right? It's safe to say that if it hadn't been for my accident, I'd have had my $$ grounded twice. I think they'll forbid me to approach you if you pull another one like that".

"Like anything could keep you away from me. You love some Brooke. Everyone does. There's no denying it". There was nothing but assertiveness in Brooke's voice and if someone told her she was wrong, she'd be completely and utterly offended.

Unexpectedly, they heard a laughter from Haley, who wasn't participating in the conversation, seemed to be directing all of her attention to her homework and catch up work from being away on the tour and had no clue of what was going on, since the real subject had been written and not voiced out loud. Oddly, relief washed over Brooke and Lucas. Seeing Haley genuinely happy had become quite unusual since her split with "I'm all about my pride Scott". It was just too rare and they missed perky Haley James so badly. The one who'd meddle and give opinions even when not asked just for the sake of it. Although for Brooke, it was the second time in a couple of weeks she'd seen Haley showing some kind of emotion despite her uncontrolled anger or tiredness which was a result of her latest defeat.

Lucas and Brooke directed their quizzical green eyes towards their friend, the mass of black hair that was entirely messy and covering most of her face and the untidy sheets of paper spread around her. She kept laughing. What a great sound to their ears. Was this a prelude to the real Haley James' return?

Haley was still unable to hold her hysterical laughter so instead of stopping, she laughed harder and gave Lucas a suspicious look in return. The same one she'd given him the year before, when he told her he was choosing Brooke over Peyton because the blond one was just full of issues and too complicated. Finally, when she was able contain herself, two minutes later, she rearranged her hair in a not at all attractive bun, caught her breath and stared at Lucas, studying him before revealing her thoughts.

"Luke, am I lucid?! Have you just agreed to what I think you might have?" Haley shook her head, throwing her hands in her head in a desperate way ... "Are you freaking crazy? Ask first, before you agree. Jeez, Lucas Scott. Learn something from your best friend here. Never, ever, in your life, promise Brooke you'll be part of her schemes without knowing what she's hiding up her sleeves. You can end up in a grave for all we know". Haley remarked, obviously referring to Brooke's delusional ideas in general.

"But I just told her I'd only do it if it wasn't something illicit". Lucas defended himself instantly while Brooke watched the interaction with clear amusement.

"Please, Luke. I'll give you ONE example and that should be enough to convince you otherwise. Last time Brooke wanted me to agree to do her a favor without me knowing what it was previously, you know where we ended, specially considering you were the one who bailed us out. Or should I refresh your memory and take you back to the day she asked me to wear her top to see if it'd fit me and I naively complied without imagining the cops would show up claiming she'd stolen it from Suburban Dirt?"

"Filth". Brooke corrected her. "Don't say the wrong name when I sue them and get you to testify in my favor. I'm telling you I'm still going to find a way to get those designs back". Brooke announced, grinning and rubbing her hands together with her malicious attitude. "Don't they know a thing about personal rights? Those clothes were designed by me, they were my idea and I deserve credit for it, despite a stupid contract I signed without reading, which was dumb, I know. But what about the money? With the amount they're making, hell, with ten percent of it, I could buy----"

"Reality check, Tigger. Unless you find one hell of a lawyer and a way of affording it, you're not getting anything back. That includes the money you're dreaming of. Don't make those plans, Brooke. Not until you find a way of making them come true. It stinks getting your hopes up and then seeing it all become dust". Haley gave Brooke the advice, but her friends realized as she spoke that she was sending a message to no one other than herself. Lucas clenched his fists repeatedly. What was it with Nathan? Did he find a twisted pleasure in Lucas' punches? Because this was getting out of control and was past the point of absurd. Lucas was having a hard time admitting, but his fist was starting to hurt him, really hurt him. Also, contrary to what their friends thought, he didn't have a twisted need to experiencing violence, but Nathan's actions needed someone to control them.

Before the mood could turn dark and Lucas felt his desire to break Nathan's teeth increase one more time, Brooke found a way of cracking a joke. She was telling herself to think fast and surprisingly, she managed to do it. "Go Brooke", she congratulated herself in secrecy.

"Oh God, now I'm the one who's gonna ask you not to pronounce a certain little word, Tutor girl. Remember? The word object?"

"Vaguely". Haley murmured while her eyes squinted, as if she was ready to murder Brooke Davis and her Big darn mouth.

"Shit, I'm the fish out of water. I knew it too well it would suck if the two of you became roommates. Last year I was the one who knew it all about the both of you, all the dirt, all the good stuff and now you have secrets. You keep secrets from ME." Lucas whined, sounding way too much like a girl and pouting. "This new plot twist doesn't please me. Haley, you're moving in with me".

"WHAT? You're asking her to move in with you? Funny how when I moved in you were living with the Devil". With wide eyes Brooke made her peevish complaint, and in the true Brooke fashion way, she found the opportunity to add all the drama she could. It was like testing the waters and her acting skills for her later work. "What about the whole being exclusive crap you were talking about this morning? You're done convincing me? Am I that disposable? You're hurting me, Luke. You're asking her to share your roof instead of ME". Brooke grabbed a knife that was also resting on the counter and mimicked a sudden stab to her heart, with the noise and everything else that would make the scene more convincing.

As expected, her spontaneous performance got her what she wanted. Haley was laughing hard again and so was Lucas. The tension had dissipated.

"Go on, laugh at me. Traitors! I don't know why I bother with you two. Deep down, you're conspiring against me. You, tutor girl, only moved in to spy because you've been dreaming about stealing my position as Student Council President. You've formulated your plan, haven't you? You're still my little nerd, right? School work and blah-blah-blah. You think you can fool me with your innocent look. While you," Brooke continued her nonsense accusations pointing to Lucas "would give anything to be near the cheer squad, bossing them around all the time, if you know what I mean". Brooke told him nonchalantly much to his amazement.

They were both rolling their eyes at the naughty one in their group, but they couldn't hold the urge to laugh more. This conversation was insane and held no purpose. That girl had one astonishing imagination. How she came up with all that crap was beyond them, but they were thankful to have her. She had her special ways of making them both feel better just by the way she looked at them. That tender and cheery look. Besides, she was always offering them honest and free smiles that gave them a sense of comfort and took their minds out of their problems whenever they thought their lives were over, as most of the teenagers around her did.

"Brooke, why don't you want Haley to ever use the word dust again?" Lucas asked coolly, making a special effort to regain composure and to disguise the curiosity evident in his eyes.

"Ever heard of a dreadful song called "Dust in the Wind"?" Brooke replied, disgust in her face and voice.

"I know it too well. Mom used to play it all the time when we were little". He looked at Haley, who simply nodded agreeing with him.

"Note to yourself: Kill Karen later on this afternoon." Brooke pretended to write down, while Lucas stared confounded, afraid of what was coming out of her mouth. That crazy imagination...

"Come on, Luke. It's a joke. It's just that I found out where Haley here learned that piece of shit that she's spent a week harassing me with. She started playing that in her own morbid version and when she realized how much I hated it, she started playing it constantly so that I'd get out of here for a while. Isn't she a lovely pumpkin?" Haley hated being called pumpkin and Brooke was well aware of that, specially after the glare she received "But I, as the comprehensive and sensitive roommate that I am, gave her the time and space she needed until she also became tired of that ugly thing she calls a song".

Haley stuck her tongue out at Brooke, who only returned the gesture.

"Now back to our trade, you're doing it first, Lucas Eugene Scott. There's no way I'm gonna put myself out there if I'm not sure you'll grant me my wish".

"HALEYYYY..." Lucas turned to his longest lifetime friend, the only one who could have revealed his safest secret.

"Don't blame Hales, Luke. Your mom told me when I lived at your house. When YOU WEREN'T there and I kept your bed warm". Brooke joked, but Lucas had only heard the first part and didn't become as horny as Brooke hoped he would.

"Note to myself: Kill mom later on this afternoon".

"Ha-ha. You're so funny and so original. Kind of like Haley".

"What about me?" Haley re-entered the conversation, with a puzzled expression.

"You're about to find out, my dear intrepid roommate".

"Should I run away while there's still time?" Haley turned to Lucas, asking playfully for his advice.

"Come on, let's get this over with". Lucas stated, annoyance clear in his voice.

"Never say that when we're going to bed, alright? It's not appealing".

"SISTER slash roommate in the room". Haley blurted out loud, praying they'd drop the subject.

"What's my share of the trade, Brooke Penelope Davis?" Lucas questioned, knowing it was not something that would make him happy. Not even in the slightest way.

"You're... hmm... " She hesitated, uncertain about his reaction "having your hair cut". Brooke told him causing her potential boyfriend to be taken aback.

"You don't like my hair?" Lucas grimaced.

"Nope. Not since it became this big disaster which needs a ton of mousse and won't settle. Plus, it's too yellow and clear. It's hurting my eyes. I feel like I need sunglasses whenever I talk to you. When it's sunny or too dark, it becomes this unbearable thing that makes me blind. I can't stand it. And don't go home crying to mommy. My whole squad agrees this is way past the point of ridiculousness. Plus, you change your hair like I change my clothes which means you can totally do it for me". Brooke rectified, trying to make amends for her not so kind words.

"And that'll ensure you'll be successful when it comes to your share of our deal?" Lucas taunted, fully aware that Brooke wouldn't admit anything but victory. She was an innate competitor.

"Do I wanna know what Brooke's part is in this little charade? Because if it has something to do with her being naked in her round kinky bed, I think I'll pass it".

"It does". Both answered without a hint of hesitation. They grinned when Haley felt like she was going to puke.

"Argh... I'm gonna go shower and wash my ears to try and erase this. Or better, I'm never washing them again because they'll be so dirty I won't understand the words coming out of your mouth since I'm not a great lip reader". Haley told them, leaving her place on the couch and walking in a fast pace towards the bathroom. "I so did not need to know about it. My vision of our bedroom is officially tainted".

"Yeah, Hales. Our bedroom". Lucas joked, winking at Brooke.

"Before you go, Haley, you should hear the last part of Lucas' share".

"I loved him having to change his way too blond hair and I think I'm pleased with that. I don't need to hear anything else, seriously. I might throw up right here because there won't be enough time for me to reach the bathroom".

"Oh, but you do have to hear it. It involves you, sweetheart".

"GROSS, Brooke. Now I'm not leaving the shower ever again. Ugh.." Haley ranted, rubbing her body as if she was trying to clean herself up "a threesome with the guy I think of as my brother?"

"Ugh... I won't either. Not the same shower though, errr... " Lucas accidentally agreed, in a compromising and yet funny way.

"Double gross you two". Haley shook her head, repulsed by the thought of touching her "almost" brother in a non-brotherly way.

"Can't we just cut to the chase? Are the two of you letting me speak? I still have to tell Luke the second part he has to accomplish".

"Just make it painless. This conversation has already managed to cross all possible lines and boundaries". Haley stated, still staring straight to the bathroom door.

"Lucas, my possible exclusive lover, you do have to change your hair in order for me---"

"No need for details, Brooke. I'm still here". Haley informed her, solemnly.

"Like I'd tell you, you prude". Brooke mocked Haley, who was getting more bothered as the minutes were passing. Brooke stared at Lucas and spoke.

"Since you're changing your hair, you might as well drag Haley to the hairdresser with you. Her hair is allegedly horrible. It's the worst it's been since I met her". She directed her gaze to Haley, who didn't look pleased "We all get that you're angry, and we respect it and support you, but you don't have to destroy your looks in the process. You're beautiful and the auburn hair did you wonders. Go change it back and leave it in its natural curly state. This straight hair is just P. Sawyer after the two moms incident and I don't think you want to look anything like her. It's not original and dying things black, or pink," Brooke glanced quickly at Nathan's pink wall - "in this town, is very last season." Brooke let out her feelings concerning Haley's hair and was greeted with nothing but silence. She was starting to panic. With this new Haley you never knew what to expect. But then, all of the sudden, Haley got her to be relieved one more time in that little space of time.

"I'll do it. If it you'll make you happy, I'll do it. I'm tired of this "embracing darkness looks" too and since I plan on moving on with my non existent social life, I'll gladly change this ugly thing". Haley agreed, touching her hair. "I'm changing my clothes and we can go. We just have to stop by an ATM so that I get some cash to pay for it".

That response only caused Brooke and Lucas to exchange looks of concern, but Haley didn't care. She went inside the bedroom to change her outfit.

It couldn't have been that easy. Who was this Haley that accepted criticism and didn't fight back? Her hair was terrible, there was no way to put it differently, but she was never the one to say she'd change it because of someone else's suggestion. She was stubborn and unless it was her idea, she wouldn't follow through with it. Maybe that Haley was indeed absent without a date set to return. They hoped not, but at this point, who knew? Maybe the new hair would inspire her and bring old goofy, rambling Haley back.

"Don't forget you still have an impossible mission in your way, my dear contestant." Lucas whispered, carefully watching the bedroom door, making sure Haley wouldn't listen.

"Don't I know? It would be so much more fun if I had Tom Cruise in my way".

Lucas didn't respond. He limited himself to glaring at the girl standing beside him.

"Convincing her to go will not be easy.. or maybe it will. Haley's creeping me out, Lucas".

"You're telling me? Her best friend for the last 10 years who's struggling to get her to talk about what's going on in her mind?"

"I know some things, but I can't tell. I'm sworn to s-e-c-r-e-c-y. - Brooke spelled, still whispering."

"So she's not keeping everything bottled up inside? Wow, you don't how happy you've just made me". Lucas smiled broadly, proud of his best friend.

"You're happy that your best friend's keeping secrets from you? You're way too altruistic. There's no such thing. You got to be jealous". Brooke questioned, unable to make sense of Lucas' action concerning Haley keeping a secret from him.

"Contrary to what you think, Ms. Davis, not everyone is nosy as you are".

Brooke groaned, but not loudly.

"I have my moments, but how come you're not envying me and kissing my feet and begging so that I provide you some gossip?" Brooke was truly fighting the need to speak louder and release her feelings of pure delight.

"I'm here for Haley, whenever she needs me, but she also needs girlfriends, pretty girl. Some things I rather she discusses with you. Plus, depending on what she tells me about Nathan, the outcome will have him making a new trip to the dentist".

"That was cruel." Brooke rolled her eyes at a still proud Lucas.

"It didn't come without warning. I told him not to hurt her about a thousand times. It's not my fault he chose not to hear it. The time capsule and the stunt he pulled afterwards weren't things I'd let pass. I told him the day he came back I wouldn't let him mistreat Haley. And you know what? It surprises me he did. He might not like her very much right now, but she's still his wife and he owes her respect".

"Macho Lucas, I don't think there's a solution for those two, as sad as it is, but on the other hand, have I told you how sexy you are when you get all defensive of the ones you love?"

"Brooke Davis, have I told you how cute you look when you try your best to avoid a subject?" With those words, Brooke sent him a nasty glance.

"The party, the dread subject. How in the world am I convincing Haley Scott, soon to be Haley James again to attend Keith Scott's birthday party with Royal, Mae, Dan, Deb and Nathan Scott presence guaranteed?" Brooke continued whispering.

"I don't know and quite frankly, I don't care. You just do it because Keith will be pissed off at me if Haley's not there when he makes the big announcement. We all know she's gonna be mom's maid of honor and it's only fair she's there for moral support when he shares their news with the entire Adams family". Lucas reminded the girl of his dreams, still speaking in the lowest of tones.

"Can't we just tell her what the party is about? It'd make it all easier."

"She rambles. I know it, you know it. She'll let it slip and maybe Deb'll find out, maybe tell Nathan, who'd tell Dan and it'd ruin the surprise. By the way, if that happens, you're welcome to have all the fun in the world dealing with Keith and his anger. He's dying to tell his parents, God know why, and my weird grandparents said they'd only give him the privilege of their presence if Danny boy was invited. They didn't bother hearing what the thing was about."

"Fine, I won't tell. Why am I doing this again?"

"Because you can't help yourself from doing me a favor. And if that's not enough, remember my mom took you in and gave you a home for half of the last year."

Lucas stood up, leaving his stool. Brooke and he shook hands on their deal and he proceeded to the bedroom, to ask Haley to hurry up. But meanwhile, he was thinking she was taking too long and that living with Brooke was influencing her in some not so great ways. What a funny thought. The best way to mask his concern over the nightmare called a dinner party they had ahead of them.

3 hours later (plus a darker blond hair and a curly auburn one)

"You look beautiful, too thin, but still great. I've never seen your hair this long and with all of this curls. Now all you need is some sleep to get rid of these black holes and you're going to look bitching. Better than any girl in town." Lucas proclaimed, as Haley gazed intently at her reflection in the mirror.

"Remind me to invite Skills over more often. I love you for playing my hero and spending time with Brooke and me, but you need some male bonding. You're reproducing Brooke's speeches and it's scary, and errs... absolutely gay?" Haley said plainly, without bothering to look at her friend or Joey, her hairdresser, who were standing behind the chair she was currently occupying.

"Oh, honey. If only your friend here was gay. He'd be one disputed piece of $$ in the market. I'd make sure to get in line". Joey divulged, analyzing Lucas' butt for the longest and most embarrassing minute of his life. He blushed, in a Haley style. But how could he not?

Distracted by Joey's ludicrous attempts to get Lucas' attention, Haley never noticed her cell phone ringing, or the fact that the caller's ID was informing her that it was a private phone call.

"Hales, Brooke's waiting for us at the mall and you know Brooke when it comes to shopping. We don't want to piss her off now, do we?" Lucas questioned, hoping Haley play along and get her $$ out of that chair and move so that they'd leave the place that was making Lucas more uncomfortable than he'd ever been in his entire life.

"Yeah, fine. Let's go before she throws a fit and you go home leaving me all alone to deal with her bitchiness."

Once outside the building where Joey worked, Haley looked at Lucas, unwilling to tell him her news.

"Speak, Hales. What's bothering you?"

"Me? Nothing. It's more like what's going to bother you once I share my news".

"Huh? Does it involve me beating Nathan again?" Lucas asked, the bewildered expression all over his face.

"Nah... It regards the little white lie you think you told Joey. It happens that it is not a complete lie. Brooke's text messaged me when we first got there and said she had run into your mom and she's asked her to go with you and buy yourself a new suit for the Basketball bash next week."

"WHAT? You're joking with me, aren't you Hales?" Lucas pouted, hurt by the possibility of having to face an afternoon at the mall with the Nazi shopper.

"I wish?

"Why in the world would mom ask Brooke to tag along with me? Ugh... " Lucas ranted, furrowing his eyebrows.

"I think Brooke kind of offered to go with you and your mom must have accepted to make her shut up about it. Isn't it more likely?"

Lucas nodded, almost huffing.

"I'll go, but there's a condition".

"That I'm going with you?"

"Yep".

"I knew you'd make me. But you got to promise me that if Brooke starts annoying me to buy a new dress we leave her talking to herself. I'm not going to go to this dinner. Nathan's going to get the Award for MVP and he doesn't need me to ruin his night just as I don't need to watch the cheerleaders all over him. It's a win-win situation for the both of us". Haley announced, as much as it hurt her to hear those words coming out of her mouth.

"Fine, Hales. But I still think you should buy yourself a new dress. It feels good to try out new clothes when you're down". Lucas rambled, trying to get her to listen to Brooke when the new dress conversation came up later on that day. He knew what this trip to the mall was all about even though he was acting like he didn't. He was in fact buying a suit, but not only for the Basketball event. He'd wear it too at the dinner party, which Haley would also attend and therefore, her new dress that Brooke had already picked out and was afraid that it would be sold before she had the time to persuade Haley show up at Keith's birthday.

"Lucas, seriously too gay. Go to the mall to get this over with and then play some basketball with the guys, watch some mud wrestling and give yourself a break from Brooke". Haley alerted her friend, who was indeed sounding like her roommate.

On their way to the mall, Lucas kept thinking about ways to convince Haley to try out a new dress, but he figured Brooke could just buy it and Haley borrowed it. His mom had already offered to pay for it so there wouldn't be a problem. It was a special occasion and Karen wanted her to look breathtaking, in order to show Nathan just a little of what he was missing by letting his pride dictate how he lived his life.

Meanwhile, Haley was busy pulling her cell phone out of her purse and trying to figure out who was the person that had called her privately 3 times in a row.

A/N: If someone has any suggestions, let me know, please. Also, if you can tell me how you feel about it, I appreciate it.

Ally

Thanks, krizue for your encouraging words, and thanks naleytonforever323.