2 Months Later...
"Haley!" Brooke whined.
I rolled my eyes, "Brooke, no!"
She stuck out her bottom lip, "please?"
"No," I said more firmly.
"But we need a house, and what better house than a house that no parents will be at?" She defended.
"We are not throwing a party at my house, after the game." I looked at Peyton who was sitting on the other side of the table, "a little help?"
She just shrugged, "sorry Haley, but we need a house."
I glared at her, "thanks for the help."
Brooke was beaming, "yeah, thanks P. Sawyer. So what do you say, Haley?"
"What I've been saying for the last twenty minutes, no!"
Brooke narrowed her eyes at me, "you know I don't need your permission to throw a party. Just a couple words to the cheerleading team and the whole school will know in an hour, and then there's no way to stop it." She was smiling wickedly now.
"Brooke," Peyton scolded, "that's a little harsh don't you think?"
Brooke ignored her, she kept her eyes on me. "What if we lose? Huh? Did you ever think about that?"
"Haley! Since when do we have to win to throw a party? Even if they do lose, it will be the championship game, and the whole entire town is going to have to get wasted to deal with it."
Peyton nodded, "that's true."
I looked back and forth between them, feeling myself giving in. Elizabeth wasn't going to be here this weekend, it was game week which means that there has to be a party, and I was the prime host this time. Wonderful.
"Besides, wouldn't you rather have sex with your boyfriend in your own room then in someone else's after he wins the state championship?" Brooke asked with her eyebrow quirked up.
"We don't even know if he is going to be able to play in the game," I reminded her. It has been two months since Nathan was released, and he has healed incredibly well and fast. His broken leg was completely healed and he could run on it with no pain.
"Hey ladies," a voice said from behind me.
"Hey boys," Brooke said, smiling at Lucas. Him and Jake sat next to their girlfriends, and I waited for the seat next to me to be taken but it never did. I frowned. "Where were you?"
"Whitey wanted to go over some plays," Jake answered, stealing a carrot from Peyton.
I looked around then turned to Lucas, "where's Nathan?"
"He's doing the trainer's test right now, to see if he's ready to play." I could tell Lucas was nervous, hell I was nervous. Nathan has been a little grouchy at the fact that Whitey won't let him practice very much.
"I'm sure he'll be able to play," Peyton said, "he's looked great at the river court."
"Yeah, but this is Whitey. Any sign of pain or anything, he'll be on the bench," Jake said.
I sighed, and looked around the courtyard. It's taken a while, but most people are used to Nathan and I now. In fact, some girls have even come up and told me that we were cutter than Conner and I. Or that it's so romantic that the bad boy fell in love with the good girl. How cliche can you get?
I noticed Rachel sitting with some of her 'new' friends. I confronted her a week after Nathan got home, and she admitted to telling Conner about Nathan and I. I then told Brooke who took immediate action, she kicked her off the squad. I told her she didn't have to do that, but Brooke would take any excuse to throw her out. I still catch her staring and me and Nathan sometimes, it's a little creepy.
"So Haley," I turned to Brooke, "are we throwing a party at Casa de James?" She was pleading with her eyes, and I couldn't say no. It would be fun.
"Sure."
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Hey pretty baby with the
High heels on
You give me fever
Like Ive never, ever known
Youre just a product of
Loveliness
"Stop! Stop!" Brooke commanded. The music stopped, and so did all of us. "What the hell was that?"
Peyton and I shared a look, "um, the routine?"
"No, that was crap on legs. What have I been teaching all of you for the past two months?"
Peyton rolled her eyes, "what was wrong with it Brooke?"
She threw her hands in the air, "everything! You all looked like you had no idea what you were doing, except for Haley and Peyton. Oh and Bevin even knew what was going on." Bevin smiled. "You three come here," Brooke motioned us with her finger.
"Brooke, what are you doing?" I asked as I stepped next to her. We all faced the rest of the squad.
"You are going to show them what they are supposed to do, being on since they don't listen to me maybe they will learn from you." She walked over to the boom box, "on three." Bevin, Peyton and I lined up like we were supposed to. Myself in the very front with Bevin and Peyton behind me on both sides. "One, two, three!"
The way you make me feel
(the way you make me feel)
You really turn me on
(you really turn me on)
You knock me off of my feet
(you knock me off of
My feet)
My lonely days are gone
(my lonely days are gone)
"Bow wow!"
"Yeah!"
"Woohoo!"
The music stopped, and we turned around to see the basketball team standing around the door. All with smirks on their faces. I rolled my eyes at their pigheadedness. My eyes moved to Brooke who was now standing in front of us, hands on her hips, looking at the boys.
"Excuse me, we were doing something. Do you mind?"
"Not at all," one of the players said, leaning back checking Brooke up and down. It didn't help with the fact that she, as with all of us, were wearing sports bra's and rolled up sofies. Lucas elbowed his teammate, a smile on his face.
"Yes, please, don't let us interrupt," another guy said.
The door slammed shut behind the boys, the sound echoing off the walls, and Whitey surveyed the scene in front of him. "What the hell is going on here?" He bellowed.
The team scurried off, all murmuring 'nothing', and went to go shoot around. All but one. I watched Nathan turn to Whitey, and it looked like he was asking something. I noticed Lucas tapping his ankle on the stands.
"Hey Luke," I greeted as I sat down next to him.
"Hey Hales, what's up?" He had finished taping his ankle, and looked at me.
"Do you know of Nathan passed the trainer's test?"
He looked over at him, still talking to Whitey, then back to me. "Nope, Whitey told him he would give him the verdict at practice. I guess that's what he's doing right now." We both looked over at the two, both showing no sign of anything. Then Nathan nodded, Whitey patted him on the back, and Nathan started walking over to us.
"Roe!" Lucas looked at his coach, "get your butt out here. NOW!" Lucas looked back at Nathan, then sprang up and jogged to his teammates.
I looked over at the rest of the squad, thankful that Brooke was too worried about the rest of the girls not knowing the dance, to notice I was not there. I stood up when Nathan reached me, still no sign of anything on his face. "Nathan?" I had to duck my head a little, since his was bowed slightly.
He looked up, a smirk playing on his lips. "I start tomorrow night," he told me.
My eyes grew wide, and smile broke through. I squealed and jump into his arms. He laughed and spun me around, my feet curling up in excitement. I hugged him as hard as I could.
A couple seconds later he set me back down, his face now glowing. "I am so happy for you," I said to him.
"I didn't think he was going to let me play, at the trainer's thing I didn't play very well. But he said that I looked good and he wants me to start tomorrow."
My smile grew, if that was possible. I stepped into him, craning my neck to kiss him, my hands finding his. Our lips met, and they lingered there for a couple seconds, Nathan was in mid step, about to come even closer to me when Whitey's whistle filled the gym.
"Scott! If you don't get your hands off that girl in two seconds, I'll make sure you never play ball again!"
Nathan jumped away from me, and I let out a laugh. He winked at me before turning back and walking to his team. Him and Lucas bumped fist.
"Haley!" I looked over at a now livid Brooke, "get over here now!"
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Risin' up, back on the street
Did my time, took my chances
Went the distance, now I'm back on my feet
Just a man and his will to survive
The place was going absolutely crazy! It was the wildest they had ever been, and everyone was having the time of their lives. We were here, the State Championship. Tree Hill has waited so long for it, and now it was finally here. The only think standing in our way; Charlotte Pirates High School.
"Let's go Ravens!" I heard Brooke yell from next to me. "Is this crazy or what?" She said to me, "let's go!"
I smiled then joined in her cheering, the crowd seemed to get even that much louder. I waved the pom-poms around, screaming at the top of my lungs. It didn't matter, not even Brooke could hear me.
"Ladies and gentleman," somehow the place seemed to quite in an instant. "Welcome to the North Carolina High School Basketball Championship!" The crowd cheered. "We have two great, unbelievably talented teams with us today. Starting for the Charlotte Pirates..."
The other team's cheerleaders had lined up against the doors of the locker room, and the Pirate's came running out, their starter's waiting for their names to be called. The team's fans cheered as names were called and players ran out, slapping one another's hand.
"Now, give it up for the Tree Hill Ravens!" The gym exploded with cheers and applause. We waved our pom-poms in the air, holding them over the players heads so they could run under us. "Staring for the Ravens, at point guard Jake Jagielski! At Center, Skillz Taylor! Shooting Guard, Lucas Roe! At power forward, Kevin Jennings! And at small forward, Nathan Scott!"
Both teams were now on their side of the courts, shooting around. We walked back to the side of the gym, where we would cheer during the game. I watched Nathan warm-up, and he looked good. Not because there was sweat starting to form on his face, or that he was wearing the black raven blue uniform which made his eyes really stand out. He looked good health wise, I just hope he stays like it in the game and he doesn't get hurt.
"So Haley," Courtney started, coming to stand in front of me. "When should we be at your house tonight?" She was bouncing with excitement. Too bad I couldn't mirror it.
"Um..." I shot a glare at Brooke, but she was too busy looking at Lucas, "around ten?" I had no idea, nor did I care when people were going to come over and completely wreck my house.
"Great!" She skipped off to her spot. No doubt that would get around before the game was over.
The buzzer filled the gym, and all the fans stood up and clapped as the teams went to the bench to get the final instructions from their coach.
Brooke nudged me, "you nervous?"
"Just a bit, but I can't image what Nathan is going through. His first game and it's the championship? Pressure much?"
She snorted, "big time pressure. But he'll do great."
I nodded, trying to convince myself. "I hope."
But there was no need to hope, because Nathan was in the zone. It was just before half time, and the Ravens were only up by five points but they were playing great. Nathan and Lucas seemed to be able to read one another's mind, they were so in synch. It was pretty amazing to watch. And Nathan showed no sign that he had just been in the hospital with a broken leg. No he looked like a star. My star.
The first half finished, and we did our half time routine. Which defiantly pumped up the crown even more. They were bound to blow off the roof by the end of this game. If got worse when the third quarter started.
The third quarter whizzed by and the Pirates had cut the deficit to only two points now. The gym was shaking as Nathan caught the ball Lucas had passed him, and went for a three pointer. It made no noise as it sailed through the net. I jumped up and down, along with everyone else. It was getting crazy, and physical. The game had to be stopped twice because some of the players got into a little brawl. One involving Skillz and the other Nathan. But the officials were able to break it up before any damage was caused.
I looked up at the clock, only twenty minutes left and the Raven's were up by three. "Let's go Ravens!" I called out. I watched as the ball was stolen away from Lucas and the Pirate's had a break away, scoring two points. The Raven fans groaned, feeling the victory slipping through their fingers.
Jake inbounded the ball to Lucas, just barely making it at four seconds. The other team was doing full court press, hoping to steal the ball away. Lucas held onto it though, trying to protect it. He had to get it over the half court line in six seconds or they would be forced to give the ball away. He was moving the ball all around, trying to find someone.
Suddenly Nathan broke away from his man, and sprinted across the court onto the other teams side. Lucas saw it immediately and hurled it to him. Nathan had to jump about three feet in the air to catch it. But he did. And the fans went wild. Now we just had to hold onto it for ten more seconds and that would be it. The Raven's made their way to other side, the other team not really in a hurry. They knew it was over.
"Eight..seven...six!" The crowd started chanting. All watching the clock, as the Raven's just passed the ball around.
"Three! Two! One!" The buzzer sounded and that was it. I watched as Nathan threw the ball high up in the air,and his teammates all jumped on him.
It was over.
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The clock rang 10:30 and the party was in full swing by now. People were everywhere, cramped together with little space between them. And they just seemed to keep on showing up. Brooke had asked one of her friends to DJ the party, so music was blasting off the walls and ringing in my ears. People brought kegs, lots of them. It was a crazy, wild, totally out of hand party. But I was enjoying every minute. I'm sure it was just the fact that it only about two hours ago we just won the state championship, that I was actually having fun at a party. But it would have been a lot better if Nathan was here.
After I had run to him and kissed him for a good ten minutes, we celebrated with all the other people who were on the court. After about thirty minutes of just hugging and rejoicing in the win, the players went to go take a shower. Nathan told me that he was going to ride with Lucas, so I could go home and 'get ready' for the party. All I had to was change. Everyone else brought everything.
So I was now sitting on my couch, with Brooke and Peyton, being desperate girlfriends and waiting for our men to arrive. I had changed out of my uniform and put on my favorite low rise bell jeans and a simple optic white solid knit cami.
"Well girlies, we did it," Brooke said from next to me. I was stuck in the middle of her and Peyton.
I looked at her, "did what?"
"Finished high school," she answered with a 'duh' voice.
Peyton and I shared a look. "Um... Brookie... it's only January though," I reminded her.
"I know that," she rolled her eyes, 'but I mean we finished our school year with a championship. We're like done now."
Peyton and I were still confused. "But we still have six more months left of school."
Brooke turned her head sharply to us, "don't ruin this for me."
Peyton and I leaned away from her slightly, apparently only Brooke knew what she was talking about.
A big uproar came from the foyer, and everyone was clapping and cheering. A couple seconds later, Nathan, Jake and Lucas appeared in the doorway. Everyone was clapping them on the back and trying to talk to them. I met Nathan's eyes, and he nudged the other two and pointed in the direction of us.
They made their way over, and stood in front of us. "Where," Brooke started, "have you been?"
"We went to the cafe for a little," Lucas answered. "We met mom there, and just sort of calmed down."
Peyton stood up and wrapped her arms around Jake's waist. "Well you deserve it, you guys were great tonight."
Brooke replicated Peyton and gave Lucas a peck, "you really were."
I looked at Nathan, who gave me a small smirk. "What?"
He shook his head, and then plopped down next to me. He draped an arm over me, bringing me closer to his body. "Nothing, you're just cute."
I laughed, "okay." I looked down at our side, trying to hide the blush. He lifted my chin, with his hand softly, to make me look at him. We stared at one another for a couple seconds, till I couldn't take it anymore. "What are you looking at?" I leaned away, and brought my hand to my teeth. "Do I have something in my teeth?"
He laughed, "yeah."
I was horrified, why didn't Brooke or Peyton tell me. "Oh my god! What is it?"
He wrapped an arm around my waist, bringing me closer to him again. He swiped away the hair that was resting against my shoulder and whispered, "this."
After all the time's we kissed, I still felt light headed when we did. Everything went away and it was just us two. Even though the kiss was light and sensual. Nathan brought up his free hand and cupped my cheek, smoothly running his thumb against it. He bit my lip a little, grabbing it with his teeth playfully. I was just about to move closer to him when Brooke yanked me away from him, pulling me off the couch completely.
"It's our song!"
I rolled my eyes, how many songs to we have? But then when I realized what song it really was, I couldn't help but jump up and down with her and Brooke. Everyone seemed to have realized what was going on as they all moved to the walls, and made room for us. Lucas and Jake had now joined Nathan on the couch, getting front row seats.
The three of us started dancing like mad woman, waiting for the lyrics to start.
(I'm gonna getcha)
I'm gonna getcha while I gotcha in sight
(I'm gonna getcha)
I'm gonna getcha if it takes all night
(Yeah, you can betcha)
You can betcha by the time I say "go," you'll never say "no"
(I'm gonna getcha)
I'm gonna getcha, it's a matter of fact
(I'm gonna getcha)
I'm gonna getcha, don'tcha worry 'bout that
(Yeah, you can betcha)
You can bet your bottom dollar, in time you're gonna be mine
Just like I should - I'll getcha good
Everyone was clapping along, the girls were all singing the words with us. The boys had amused looks on their faces, they knew we were crazy. Bevin soon joined us after the second verse. We sounded horrible, and maybe even a little drunk. But no one cared, they were having a blast.
Yeah, I'm gonna getcha baby I'm gonna knock on wood
I'm gonna getcha somehow honey yeah, I'm gonna make it good
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
The song finished, and everyone was cheering and laughing. We told the boys that we were going to go and get some water. We walked to the kitchen, and stayed there for about ten minutes. Brooke and Peyton left to go to the bathroom, and Bevin left to go and find Skillz. I made my way through the kitchen and out into the foyer, where only a couple people stood.
Someone grabbed my wrist, pulling me back against the wall. I smiled when I saw my favorite raven haired 'bad boy'.
"Hi," I said as he pressed me against the well, and placing his hands on both sides of my face. I was trapped, and I so liked it.
"So I was thinking," his voice was low and deep, "that since your mom isn't going to be home this entire weekend you might need a bodyguard."
"Bodyguard?" He nodded, "but I already have Tar-heel, why would I need you?" I was teasing him of course.
He raised his eye brows, "why would not need me James?"
I laughed, "surely I could live without you."
He knew I was lying. In fact, I haven't spent one day without seeing him. He ducked his head to my ear, his breath sending shivers up and down my spine. "I highly," he paused, "doubt that."
I smiled, and kissed him. His hands dropped down to my waist, bringing me closer to him. His tongue traced my lower lip, asking for entrance. Didn't he know by now that he didn't have to ask? I opened my mouth a little wider, and his tongue flew in. I wrapped my arms around his neck, trying to bring him even closer. Nathan was playing with the small piece of skin on my back, making bumps form under it.
I let out a small moan and immediately pushed him away, much to his annoyance. "What?" he demanded.
"Not here," I told him. He rolled his eyes playfully and I grabbed his hand and we walked back to the couch. I saw Brooke and Lucas were sitting on the chair, and Jake was leaning against the couch that was across from it with Peyton in between his legs.
Nathan and I sat down next to Jake and Peyton, Nathan bringing up his knees and I sat down in between them. I leaned back onto him, and we laced our fingers together. The six of us stayed like that for the rest of the party.
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"I get Hales," Lucas pointed at me.
It was four o'clock in the morning. Everyone at the party had left except for us six and Skillz and Bevin. Knowing none of us were going to be able to sleep, we decided to go to the river court to hang out. When we got there, Peyton suggested a game of four vs. four.
I smiled at Lucas gratefully, I knew he would be the only one to 'pick' me. Have I mentioned how much I suck at this sport?
"Fine," Nathan said, "I get Brooke."
Oh Nathan was playing dirty now. Brooke and I glared at one another as she made hr way to Nathan's side. We both burst out laughing.
The teams turned out to be Lucas, Skillz, Peyton and I and Nathan, Jake, Brooke and Bevin.
Tar-heel barked from the bench where he was tied up. Nathan looked over at him, "I get Tar-heel."
Lucas looked at him like he was crazy, "are you serious?"
"Sure!" Nathan ran over to the dog, who was wagging his tail upon seeing him. I swear, they were best friends. I think Tar-heel loved Nathan more than me. He let him off the leash and ran back next to him. We were all laughing. "What? He's gonna be the next Air Bud!" Tar-heel barked.
"Come on!" Lucas said, dribbling the ball to half court. We all got on our respective sides, waiting for Jake to throw the ball up in the air. I looked over at Tar-heel, who had cutely positioned himself between Brooke and Bevin, just waiting for the ball.
To think, I started the school year off only a couple months ago with a completely different world. Conner and I were together, Elizabeth was a bitch, and I didn't even have Tar-heel.
Well now Conner was in jail for another month, then is being sent off to military school by his father. Elizabeth, who had been appalled with the idea of me and Nathan being together, had loosened up a bit and was actually normal. Yes it was going to take a lot of getting used to, but I was tired of being mad at her and blaming everything on her. She's even had a boyfriend for the past two months, and crazy enough I like him. And to add to all the rocks that I have in my life right now, Tar-heel defiantly is on the top. In so many ways, he reminds me of my dad. I don't know why, but I guess it's the fact that he's always happy, and when I ever have to rant about something, he always listens. For once in my life, I was finally, truly, and completely happy with every aspect of my life.
I looked at every single face on the court, telling myself how much each of them means to me. I don't know what I would do without my two best girlfriends. They have always been there, and even though we've had some rough points, we'll always be there for one another. We were completely different from one another, but that didn't matter.
Bevin and Skillz. Just their names brought so much love to my heart. They were everything to me. Their presence alone, just seemed to wipe away all the darkness that is in this world. And I couldn't be more grateful to them, and what they have done for me.
Jake and Luke. There are seriously no words to what I feel for them. Lucas, my best friend since forever, has helped me through everything in my life. Him and Jake were there for me when my dad died, and if they hadn't been, I probably would have lost it. I had trusted Jake with the secret of me and Nathan. And the most amazing thing, he didn't tell anyone. Just like I asked him too. Really, he was the one who made me see the light. The light that was Nathan.
Finally I looked at him. I almost burst into tears just thinking about how these past two months have been the best ever, but this past year with him as been at out of this world. Yes, I had lied to everyone. I had cheated on my boyfriend. If I could I would go back and change a few things, but I can't and I'm happy with that. Conner will always be the elephant in the room with him and I, but we knew that was has happened, happened. And as long as we were together, everything was going to be okay. Nathan had finally made it in the world. He finally got over his father, made a family with Lucas and Karen, and made friends with the people around him now. To say there was something different about Nathan, would be an understatement. He was just so happy now, and I loved how his eyes seemed to glow now.
I know that is still a tough road ahead, but as long as I have my friends, my best friends, and the love of my life, I was going to be okay. Hell, we just went through a nightmare two months ago, we can survive anything. I have people in my life I know I will cherish forever, for they have given me something I didn't know I could have after dad died.
They gave me a future to look forward too.
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There you have it! Won't You Be My Bad Boy is officially complete! Oh man! This brings tears to my eyes! Excuse me while I blow my nose!... Back! So I hope you all enjoyed it! I thought I would have a happy, drama-free, ending for this very crazy fic! Hope I didn't disappoint!
Now I want to thank everyone who has kept with this story, and has reviewed! You all make my day and I love you all! Seriously, you are the reason why I continue with my stories. I'm grateful to you all!
Songs:
The Way You Make Me Feel- Michael Jackson
Eye of the Tiger- Survivor
Getcha Good- Shania Twain
Fall For You Update:
As you know form last chapter I am starting a new story! Very exciting! But it is going to be a lot of crime and political stuff, that I'm not to educated on. I am looking for a beta reader for this one, not only to make it better grammatically wise, but also to help me with all the crime stuff.
So if you are beta qualified and want to help a girl out, just PM me and we'll go from there! I'm not totally positive if I am going to use a beta, but it would be really awesome to have some options!
Okay that's it! Good-bye all and I will see you soon with my new story! Again, thank you all so much for reading!
xoxo
Katie!