A/N: Okay now this chapter goes out to b.freeman, who isn't getting as many reviews as she deserves. People check out her fic. It's her first, but I swear to God that you wouldn't know it! So check it out and you won't be disappointed. The link is below…check it out!
/s/4326385/1/SlowDancingInABurningSummer
ALSO…song used in
this chapter:
Revolution – Trading Yesterday
Ravens23
She is like the apple, a forbidden fruit that no one is to touch. And I am like Adam, who wants to taste such a sweet fruit, even though it is forbidden. She is the miracle of the universe and makes all the hearts of the world beat quickly. Any set of eyes that have had the pleasure of laying themselves upon such beauty will know the fortune brought to their lives. Every spring blooms another rose. Women are such roses but none are as beautiful as she.
I'm so sorry for how overly sentimental that was. It was just something that I wrote. It seemed to picture you so perfectly. I'm sorry if I seem forward, but I see you and my heart stops beating. You, Haley, are a blessing in disguise. I see your heart and soul and they are as beautiful as your appearance. As William Shakespeare wrote, "In thy face I see honour, truth and loyalty." You are truly amazing and I wish you nothing, but happiness and health. You remind me of angels. They're said to have the most beautiful of faces and the most beautiful souls…are you an angel? Your smile can light up a room and your voice can make anyone's day that much better.
There are many things that you do not know about me, as there are many things that I do not know about you. There are many things that you can't know about me. But, I'd like to give you as much as I can. There are many things that you deserve. I hope to give you what you want. Here's a thought I leave you with…
"The only time that you run out of chances, are the times when you stop taking them."
I have to take a chance here Haley. I have to get to know you or I'll regret it for eternity.
"Wow…"
Brooke was lying down on Haley's bed on her stomach. Haley stood by the foot of her bed, watching the look of wonder appear on Brooke's face as she finished reading the letter that someone had anonymously written her. Haley sighed when she heard Brooke's choice of words.
"I know."
"He's good. Better than Lucas and Lucas is really good."
"Is it bad that I still blush when I read it?"
It had been nearly a week since Haley had received this letter when she, Brooke, her father, stepmother, Chris and Damien had eaten dinner at sunset.
"Read what?"
Both girls' heads whipped to the voice that came from Haley's door. Lucas walked into Haley's room and closed the door behind him knowing that he was risking his job being in the room. He locked it and Brooke looked at Haley. Haley urged Brooke to hand her the letter.
"Um…this…"
Haley handed Lucas the letter. She watched as his eyes scanned the letter. His eyebrows would raise at certain points either in impression or he would laugh at the corniness of the words. Haley looked nervously at Brooke and didn't realize that she was holding her breath.
"Whoa…this guy's deep Hales. Who sent it?"
"No idea. There's no name at the bottom, no return address. How am I supposed to reply?"
Haley's heart dropped to the floor. Her blood starting pumping and her nerves were all over the place. She wanted to write back to this mystery man so badly. He made her feel worthy of being on earth. She didn't feel like a complete reject when his words were revealed to her. Haley felt wanted and it was a good feeling. She had never felt that before and the words seemed so honest and so sincere. Haley never felt wanted and the fact that she had received this letter eased her mind and troubles. Haley looked at Lucas and Brooke, her eyes bouncing back and forth between them.
"Well…you can write him a letter and when the next one comes you can give it to whoever brought it."
Lucas looked to Brooke.
"Brooke she can't do that?"
"Why not?"
"Because…she doesn't know who this guy is…if it even is a guy…not to mention how would she know if it even gets to the guy? I dunno about this."
"Luke…have you read this thing?"
Brooke waved Haley's letter in Lucas' face after she snatched it from Haley's grasp.
"Yeah I've read it Brooke…"
"Okay then let her do this. Haley has to do this. What if this guy's the one? You can't keep her from this Lucas. She has to do this otherwise she'll be left wondering what if."
Haley smiled at Brooke and the look on Haley's face let Brooke know that she was grateful. Haley got hold of the letter and folded it, putting it back in the envelope and sticking it in between her mattress. She looked at Luke who sighed.
"If you're sure Haley…"
Haley's eyes lay themselves to the floor and then at her fiddling hands. Then on Lucas' face.
"I am…"
232323
"NATHAN!"
He woke with a jump and bumped his head against the headboard. He scrunched his face and rubbed his head.
"What? Jeez man, you nearly killed me."
Nathan looked over at Vegas who was walking towards Nathan's desk and noticed the million pieces of paper that were scattered around the desk on the floor.
"Wow uh…did your drawers explode?"
Nathan scratched his head and looked at where Vegas stared. His mouth curved into a smirk and shook his head.
"Yeah, uh…about that…"
"Yeah?"
"Didn't know what to say so all of the words seemed like crap…sorry man."
"It's okay…watcha writing?"
Nathan's face went a tad whiter.
"Um…j-just stuff…"
Vegas bent over and picked up one of the paper balls. He unraveled it and read the line that he saw.
"What you feel is what you are and what you are is beautiful? Goo Goo Dolls?"
Nathan sprinted from his bed and yanked the paper out of Vegas' hand.
"Dude, just leave it."
Nathan looked out his window and noticed the darkness of the night outside. Vegas grabbed another paper ball.
"I'll sweep you off your feet and make God regret that he left an angel behind."
Nathan snatched it from his hand.
"What is wrong with you Nate? You're never this sentimental."
Nathan sighed. He knew that Vegas was right. Sure, many claimed him a sweetheart, but something changed. And he knew what it was. His outlook on everything that had mattered to him and it all changed because of one person. It was love at first sight for Nathan Scott when it came to Haley James. Just her name made his heart beat quickly in his chest. What's wrong with me? I'm never poetic and the last time I listened to the Goo Goo Dolls was years ago. Damn it Haley James, you've caught me in a net and I can't get out of it. Nathan threw the papers into the bag that hung on his door and turned to Vegas.
"Did you come here for a reason at 4:00 in the morning?"
"Yeah uh…I told my dad about you helping out Lucas and he thinks it's a great idea. He also wanted me to give you this. He said it came with your letter from Keith."
Nathan took the small package from Vegas' hands and Vegas then turned on his heel and headed out of Nathan's room. Nathan opened the package and noticed a framed photo of him, Keith, and the dogs on the dock. Nathan was 9 at the time and the dogs, just puppies. He smirked.
Flashback
"Nathan…Nathan…sit still!"
"I can't Keith…"
Young Nathan let out a giggle as the two young retrievers stood on his stomach, licking his face. His fit of giggles grew into full laughter and Keith smiled as he watched Nathan with the dogs. It had been two years since Keith found Nathan in the middle of the forest randomly. Keith had taken Nathan in after no one had claimed him. Keith remembered the words that Nathan had said to him, "my parents will be glad that I'm gone." After he had seen the look on Nathan's face of disappointment, he felt that he had an obligation to this child and took him in. Nathan had been as happy as he could ever be in the past two years. He had never felt as much of a member of a family when he was with his parents as he did with Keith. With Keith he was able to do what he liked. He played basketball, he wrote on occasion and he was even able to fix things and invent things as well. And, if truth be told, they enjoyed each other's company.
"They keep licking me…"
Keith whistled and the puppies stopped instantly. Nathan sat up and his smiled still grazed his young face. He patted the dog's heads and they snuggled into his embrace.
"Hey you two."
"KAREN!"
Nathan stumbled to his feet and ran to the woman who had come into his life two years prior. He hugged her as did she and the two had large smiles on their faces. She released him from her grasp and looked at him.
"So where are these two dogs that Keith says he got you?"
Nathan turned his head and saw the two puppies play-fight.
"They're over there."
He used his thumb to point behind him. Karen smiled. She stood and ruffled his hair. He was growing. Nathan was only nine, but he was tall. He stood at the proud height of 5 feet.
"So did you name them?"
"Yeah."
"What are their names?"
Nathan looked at the two dogs play-fighting.
"Well…the one who has the other's ear in his mouth, is Mac and the other one is Chip."
"Mac and Chip?"
"Yeah…for macaroni and chocolate chips."
Karen nodded in understanding and laughed a little. Nathan ran back to the dogs and began to play with them. About 30 seconds later Keith walked up to Nathan.
"You mind if Karen takes a picture of the four of us?"
Nathan smiled even wider and nodded.
"Mac, Chip! C'mon we're gonna take a picture!"
The two dogs walked to Nathan. Nathan sat himself on the dock and held Mac in his hands while Keith held Chip. Karen brought the camera up and focused on the four of them.
"Say cheese!"
"CHEESE!"
Karen snapped the photo. She laughed when all four of them smiled.
End Flashback
Nathan grinned and placed the frame by his bed. He lay back down and, soon, sleep overtook his body.
Ravens23
Haley woke up from her slumber with a smile on her face. She rolled over and noticed the bright sunshine beaming through her window. She rose from her spot and tied up her messy bed head into a loose bun. She grabbed a small package from her dresser and exited her bedroom. She crept down the hallway and came to Brooke's bedroom. She walked in and saw Brooke with her mouth open and fast asleep. Haley stifled a laugh and closed the door softly behind her. She ran to the bed and jumped on Brooke.
"AHH!!"
Haley laughed and soon her laughter stopped when she saw a half-naked Lucas reveal himself from under the bed sheets.
"AHH!!"
Haley ran out of the bedroom trying to catch her breath and get the visual out of her head. The door opened behind her and she was yanked back into the bedroom. Brooke turned her around and had a look of relief on her face. Haley was covering her eyes with her hand.
"Tutor Girl, relax. He's in the bathroom."
"You want me to relax? You're lucky it was me that came in here and not your mother."
Brooke sighed and nodded.
"You're right I know it's just…"
Haley nodded.
"I know…here."
Haley held our her hand and gave the parcel to Brooke.
"Happy Birthday Tigger."
Brooke smiled and hugged Haley, thanking her. The two ladies moved to the bed and sat beside each other. Haley waited as Brooke unwrapped her gift. Brooke paused and looked at the gift. A smile shed onto her face.
"Aww Tutor Girl."
Brooke took the necklace out of the case and Haley helped her put it on. Haley had gotten Brooke a B with little studs embedded in the letter. But, what really got to Brooke was that Haley had it specially designed so it looked like the B that Brooke signs her name with. Once Haley clasped the necklace on Brooke's neck, Brooke turned around and hugged Haley. The clicking of a lock brought the girls out of their embrace. Lucas exited the bathroom completely dressed. Haley looked at them and stood.
"I'll leave you two alone. Happy Birthday Brooke."
Haley left the room and Lucas sat on the bed beside Brooke. He leaned down and kissed her lips lovingly.
"Happy Birthday Pretty Girl."
232323
Nathan woke up. He looked at his surroundings and got out of bed. He looked at the time, 9:46. Nathan walked towards his desk and grabbed the pants he wore the previous day. He took out the small piece of paper and grabbed the phone, dialing the number on it.
"Hello?"
"Hi. May I please speak to Lucas?"
"This is him."
"Oh hey Luke, it's Nathan."
"Oh, hey Nate. How's it going?"
"Good. You?"
"Great."
"Um…I was wondering if your offer still stood."
"Yeah. Um…I spoke to the big guy haha…and he said to be here by 2:00 this afternoon and you two can talk."
Nathan smiled.
"Thanks Luke. I'll be there. Do I use the front door?"
"Yeah. And ask for Mr. Jimmy James."
"Okay thanks Lucas."
"Not a problem. And don't be nervous around Mr. James. He likes the comfortable and easy to talk to type okay?"
"I'll remember that. Thanks again Lucas and I'll see you soon."
"Bye Nathan."
"Bye."
Nathan hung up the phone and scurried around cleaning his bedroom and preparing himself. He wanted this job and he needed to be the best one Mr. James interviewed and he would be…
Ravens23
Haley sat in the kitchen of the mansion eating an apple and scribbling down words onto a piece of paper. She was frustrated that she didn't know what to say to the guy who had all of the words in the world. It was obvious that this mystery man had seen her. She didn't know what to say and it frustrated her. Lisa sat by her, playing with her little girl. Haley looked at the two of them and smiled in admiration.
"How do you do it?"
Lisa looked at Haley.
"Do what?"
"Make her so happy? And juggle a job and raise her alone?"
Lisa smiled.
"It's easy when I love her."
Haley nodded and smiled, thankful for Lisa's words. She turned back to her paper and grabbed the pen that lay on the stack. She brought it to the paper and her writing graced the sheet and her words filled the page. Footsteps could be heard entering the kitchen.
"Hey Bitch."
Haley looked up and came face-to-face with her childhood friend Rachel Gatina. Haley turned her paper face down and smiled.
"Hey. What are you doing here?"
Haley stood and hugged her friend.
"What? I need a reason?"
Haley smirked, waiting for an explanation.
"It's Brooke's birthday and she called me up and said we're gonna celebrate tonight."
"Really?"
"Yeah and…"
Rachel reached into the back pocket of her skinny jeans and revealed 3 fake ID's.
"Haha…"
"We're having fun tonight James…"
Haley smirked and grabbed the ID's out of Rachel's hand.
232323
Nathan took a deep breath and raised a shaking finger to the doorbell. He pushed it and could hear the grand sound throughout the yard as it echoed in the house. His heart pounded from nerves. Not because of the interview, but because there was the slight chance that he'd run into Haley. He ran a hand through his lengthy hair and waited for the door to open. He put on a kind face and placed hands behind his back. The door opened and a buff man stood in the frame.
"Yes?"
"Hi. I'm Nathan Scott. I have an appointment at 2:00 with Mr. Jimmy James?"
"Come on in."
The man let Nathan into the house. He looked up and took in all of the art and moldings. He was in awe of the grandness of the home.
"Ahem…follow me Mr. Scott."
Nathan took one last glance at the main entrance and followed the man down many hallways. He took in the architecture and the house just awed him. The two of them stopped and the man looked at Nathan while Nathan just stood in front of the large door.
"Well go on. The guy doesn't have all day."
Nathan walked to towards the door and knocked. A rough "c'min" could be heard through the thick door. Nathan opened the door and let himself in. Jimmy James' office was like that one would expect of an important businessman. There were books upon books about business, national and international and books on accounting, payroll, marketing and such. Papers scattered all about Jimmy's desk and Nathan stood at the door, waiting to be noticed. Don't be nervous around Mr. James. Nathan took a deep breath and entered the room further.
"Mr. James?"
Jimmy looked up and smiled.
"You must be Nathan. Lucas has told me about you. Please, sit."
Nathan sat in one of the comfortable chairs in front of Jimmy's desk. He leaned forward and offered Jimmy his hand to shake. All the while, Nathan also released a smile. Jimmy took Nathan's hand and shook it.
"So, Nathan…why do you want the job?"
Nathan smirked.
"Well, uh…I enjoy a good challenge and because the job isn't repetitive or set in a certain way. I enjoy multi-tasking and that's what this job entails. So, I think it would suit me."
"Mmhmm. Okay Nathan. Now what would you consider your strengths and weaknesses?"
Nathan raised his eyebrows and moved his head side-to-side.
"Interesting question. Well…my strengths. I would have to say that I move fast. I'm quick and efficient. Also, I'm very punctual."
Jimmy nodded and urged Nathan to continue.
"As for my weaknesses…well I've never had any experience and I know that you'd be taking a chance on me. Well, no experience except for sweeping the kitchen floor at Ravenna so I have a lot to learn, but I can assure you that I am eager to do so."
Jimmy nodded and continued.
"What would be the perfect job for you?"
Nathan looked at Jimmy.
"Honestly? Anything that makes me happy and anything that has a great family atmosphere because let's face it, no one wants to work with or around people who are rude or unhappy. And I guess a job where I can work with my hands. You know, fixing things and/or inventing things."
"Well lucky for you this job entails a lot of getting to work with your hands."
Nathan smiled.
"That's why it intrigues me."
Jimmy gave Nathan a smirk.
"Okay Nathan, my final two questions."
"Shoot."
"What are your hobbies? I mean a young guy like you, something has to interest him. Tell me something about yourself."
"Okay…well I'm adopted and I love playing basketball. Recently I've taken up writing. My nickname at home is "Mr. Fix-It" as baptized by my surrogate father because I can fix anything or invent anything if I set my mind to it. I can also swim exceedingly well, I grew up near the water so I'm pretty much a fish."
Jimmy was staring at Nathan. This young man spoke so passionately about his passions and Jimmy was liking him. He seemed to fit the job description and not to mention, Nathan was young and muscular, just the guy for the hard labour. Jimmy sighed and asked Nathan his final question.
"We had to let someone go because they made a massive error. Can you promise me that you won't do the same thing?"
"No, I can't promise that."
"Why not?"
"Because I'm human. I'm prone to make mistakes; it's in my nature. I can't promise that I won't make the mistake, but I can promise to try my best to not make an error in my job."
Jimmy looked at Nathan. Staring him down and then sighed.
"You got the job. You can move in whenever you'd like."
Nathan was taken aback. He screwed up his face and Jimmy laughed at his facial expression.
"Just like that? On the spot?"
"Yes."
Nathan moved in his seat.
"Not that I'm not honoured-"
"Honoured? You're funny. I like that…"
"But, may I ask why?"
"Your final answer to the last question. Every person that has come through here said the same thing. They all said that they wouldn't make a mistake. You, however, happened to be the unique one. You were honest in your answer and I respect honesty. It lets me know that you're not bullshitting me and I also respect that. So, Nathan Scott you got the job."
Jimmy held out his hand and Nathan grabbed it and shook it.
"Now…here's the thing. My wife likes all of the employees to live in the house. As you can see, we have more than enough room for you. Is that a problem for you?"
Nathan shook his head and Jimmy smiled.
"Good. Now, you will be rooming with Lucas, seeing as how the two of you are friends. Is that a problem Scott?"
"No sir."
"Okay. He'll be your mentor and teach you how things work around here and I suppose you've heard the rule?"
Nathan scrunched his eyebrows and shook his head although, he had a pretty accurate idea as to what this "rule" was.
"You stay away from my girls."
Ravens23
The sound of two balls colliding went off. Nathan sunk the solid green ball into one of the pockets. Vegas was leaning on the table behind him, watching Nathan take another turn.
Open
up my eyes
To dreams that should have died
I was made for more
than this
Take away my name
For I will never be the same
I
have not begun to live
For Eden's sons engulf my eyes
Bringing
my heart to life
"I still don't get it."
"Get what?"
"How it is that you like the youngest James…she's just so…"
"Different?"
"Yeah."
"That's why."
"And she has no idea about the letters?"
"I don't think so. I didn't sign my name."
"That's a bit stalker-like dude."
"Shut up."
I
will be a revolution
Be a voice beyond these lies
If it takes
my life
And I will not be lost in silence
I will not let
darkness hide
This hope beyond my sight
The revolution
Nathan lined up his shot and sunk his solid red ball. He walked to a spot to line up his next shot when he saw someone enter the bar that he recognized. He silently thanked Vegas for getting him a fake I.D as he noticed Lucas, Haley and another two girls walk into the bar. That has to be Brooke. Nathan saw Lucas holding her hand. Nathan looked at Vegas who seemed to be drooling over the third girl, who Nathan had never seen before.
"I have to talk to her."
"W-what?"
"Are you even on Earth Veg?"
"What? Oh yeah…do what you want…"
A
criminal's reward
Is all that I lived for
Until these broken
years were healed
The shadows of a shattered life
Only returns
to light
Nathan looked over at the bar where Haley and the third girl stood. There was a crowd of guys around the two of them, most of them gawking at Haley's friend. Nathan had to get her away from the crowd of guys. The one's who were trying to get Haley's attention made his stomach turn to a bed of knots. How can I do that? What do I do? Just walk up to her, oh hi? No! She's got too many guys around her. What do I do? Nathan shoved his hand into his pocket and felt something in them. He pulled out a 20 from his pocket and smirked. He turned to Vegas.
And
I will be a revolution
Be a voice beyond these lies
If it takes
my life
And I will not be lost in silence
I will not let
darkness hide
This hope beyond my sight
The revolution
"Do you want to talk to Haley's friend?"
Vegas nodded slowly.
"Wait here."
Nathan took a deep breath and then walked toward the bar with confidence. He moved his way through the crowd and when he got Haley he slipped the 20 into her hand.
For
every lie I believed
Brought me to Him
For I have been set
free
To live again
The shadows of a shattered life
Only
returns to die
"Excuse me honey can I get two Corona's? Thanks."
Nathan began to walk away. Haley was offended and she moved from the bar and began to walk after him.
"Excuse me!?"
Nathan turned slightly.
"With lime."
Nathan continued to walk and Haley just walked after him, moving further from the bar.
And
I will be a revolution
Be a voice beyond these lies
If it takes
my life
And I will not be lost in silence
I will not let
darkness hide
This hope beyond my sight
The reason for my
life
The revolution
"Excuse me! Asshole!?"
Nathan turned around fully. His heart stopped at the sight of her and played everything aloof.
"Wow…I'm so sorry. I thought you worked here. My mistake."
Haley grabbed Nathan's hand, putting the money back into his hand. He felt sparks all over his body as Haley touched his hand. She turned around to walk away, but Nathan held onto her hand. She looked at him and then at their hands. Haley's eyes went back to Nathan's face and he smirked. He looked familiar to her.
Using
every single breath
Crying out for hope...
"I knew you didn't work here."
Haley raised her eyebrows.
"Really?"
"Yeah."
"Then what's all this?"
Nathan smirked again.
The Revolution
"How else was I supposed to get you away from all of those guys?"
Haley smirked.
If
you'll be my source of strength
All I'm living for
"Why would you want to do that?"
"Why wouldn't I want to do it?"
For
I have been set free
To live again
Ravens23
A/N: PLEASE REVIEW!! A HUGE thank you to my regulars who have done one or more of the following, inspiration, the extra push or given me honest opinions of what they've been exposed to and they are… Molly, Steph, Kelly, Jif, RedRoom323 and tutorgirlamy23! You guys are AWESOME!! Also to those religious readers especially b.freeman!! ALSO…I know that end scene was from Hitch…sorry I couldn't resist I HAD to use it!! REVIEW!!