A/N: Hello to all you readers out there!!! This is OMGOTH23 again. So if you've made it this far in the story thank you so much for reading, we absolutely love the attention this story is getting considering the unusual coupling. But anyways if you've made it this far you're in for a treat, Raley is amped up in this chapter (read the title and I think you'll get what I'm getting at).
I know that updates have been on the speedy side for this story but that might change. I am a college student trying to make my way in the world. And classes started today and I already have homework (sobs and cries). So what I'm trying to tell you is I will most likely be bombarded with homework as the weeks pass but that will NOT stop me from working on this one or any of my other stories (I know some of you are thinking that I haven't updated my other ones in a while but I'm working on them). This is just a warning for the time in between updates.
And onto the story…ENJOY!!!
Hello Stranger - Chapter 4 – A Step in the Blurry Direction…
"BEEP BEEP BEEP" the alarm clock blared waking the sleeping beauty.
Rachel turned the clock off just like the morning before but this time she didn't mind being woken up because unlike last time she had gotten a great night sleep. Haley had 'moved in', if you can call it that considering she only had two suitcases full of her possessions, last night and Rachel couldn't have been happier. The previous day's encounter with Haley had thoroughly upset her making her think that any chance they had, at whatever it is they were, was shot. But when she opened the door to find a very tired yet adorable as ever Haley standing at her door step it took every fiber of her being not to jump for joy.
Haley had slept on the couch last night, the draw backs to having your bed sold by your husband or ex-husband or whatever the hell he was, deep breaths, don't think about the bastard. She bounced out of bed going into her daily morning body stretch. She was about to enter the bedroom when a scent caught her attention.
"Pancakes?"
Curiosity got this cat and she found her attention being diverted from the bathroom to the kitchen. She rounded the corner to the kitchen only to find Haley hovering over the stove. She took in the beautiful sight before her. Haley was wearing a pair of hot pink fuzzy slippers, she's too cute. Rachel followed the curve of her legs taking more time than needed to reach the hem of Haley's shorts. A pair of black gym shorts barely covered what Rachel could only describe as the most perfect ass to grace this earth, baby got back. She chuckled internally; she didn't need to be caught by her new roommate while ogling all she had to offer. Continuing on her journey up Haley's body Rachel saw what she assumed was part, not enough for her to get the whole image, of a tattoo peeking out from the waistband. She followed the curve of Haley's hips to her slim waist to the outline of her shapely breast loving every inch of skin that the light pink spaghetti strap top allowed. She noticed that Haley's hair was in a messy bun allowing Rachel the perfect view of Haley's slender neck, what I wouldn't do to taste her gorgeous neck. Her gorgeous neck? She's been living with me for less than twelve hours and I'm already hooked…this can't be good.
"Something smells good," Rachel said hoping that the lust she felt towards the singer was hidden.
"Jesus!" Haley gasped turning to face Rachel while clutching at her chest. "You scared the shit outta me. I didn't hear you coming."
Rachel was temporarily distracted as she caught a glimpse of Haley's breasts rising and falling with each ragged breath she took, FOCUS! "Sorry, I can be sneaky when I want to."
"Dually noted," Haley said pointing the spatula in Rachel's direction before turning back to her work.
"So are those pancakes I smell?" She asked trying to see over Haley's shoulders.
"Maybe," Haley said trying to play coy. "What's it worth to ya?"
Rachel cocked an eyebrow, is this the same bitchy Haley I met yesterday? She couldn't help asking herself the question. Yesterday's Haley was bitchy and irritated but today's was cute and playful.
"I don't know. What'll you accept?"
"I was thinking that we could talk over breakfast…ya know get to know each other seeing that we're roommates now," Haley said without taking her attention from the pancakes.
"Sounds fair. Anything I can do?"
"I didn't know what you like to drink with breakfast so I guess you can get that."
"Ok," Rachel said instantly regretting the over eagerness in her voice, I hope she didn't notice…
Haley took a quick look over her shoulder with a questioning look on her face, what got her so happy?
…CRAP! She did notice, smooth. "What do you want?" She asked trying to save any face she had left. This was not a good start; if she couldn't even control her emotions before breakfast she didn't know how she was going to survive a whole day with Haley.
"Chocolate milk?"
"Uhhh…sure," Rachel answered from within the fridge. She knew there was milk in here but she didn't know where the chocolate syrup came…oh that's right. That time with…stop thinking about her.
Rachel poured the drinks placing them on the counter before the two stools. She took her place watching Haley as she finished putting together their plates. Rachel smiled at Haley when she placed the plate of delicious smelling pancakes in front of her.
"These smell amazing Haley." Rachel swooned over the pancakes taking a big sniff of the mouth watering scent they gave off. Her mouth was literally watering at this point. Not wasting any more time Rachel grabbed at her utensils right before diving in and cutting herself a hefty piece.
"Mmmmm they taste even better than they smell," Rachel mumbled with her mouth still full of the fluffy goodness.
"Thanks," Haley snickered trying to stifle a moan, if she continues to moan like that I'll…I'll what? Jump her?
Haley sat down at the counter and a little smile formed on her lips. She finally felt like she had something normal happening in her life. Yes she was sitting in her old apartment and that was a little surreal. But at least she had a place that she could call home. She glanced at Rachel and she smiled again.
"This is nice."
"Yeah," Rachel said with a mouth full of pancakes. She chewed a little longer then swallowed not wanting bits of pancake flying at Haley when they talked.
"I have to admit at first I was worried things would be awkward after our little tiff yesterday," Rachel bashfully admitted.
"I am sorry about that...I am just going through a lot...but being here helps..." Haley sighed. God she couldn't go thirty seconds without having the shitty feeling sneaking up on her. She started eating her pancakes hoping that maybe it would hold back the tidal wave of misery that seemed like it was smashing against her resolve. She took one bite and unfortunately, it didn't really help the way she was feeling. Haley pushed away from the counter and stood up.
"Haley?" Rachel asked not understanding what caused Haley's sudden movements.
"It's....I just need...I am just not in a breakfast mood right now, alright?" Haley snapped. "Is that ok with you?" She asked as she walked over to the pile of her belongings.
"Retract the claws. I was just worried," Rachel snapped back, this is what I get for once again being nice. "And people wonder why I'm a bitch," she mumbled to her pancakes. She didn't feel like dealing with Haley if she was going to get all pissy with her. So she went back to enjoying the heaven sent pancakes.
"Nobody had their claws out and did you just call me a bitch?" Haley asked wondering why she was getting so angry. She wasn't mad at Rachel but Rachel was in front of her and for some reason, she was getting flustered. She didn't know why but this flustering felt like more than just getting angry. It was like...OH MY GOD!!! Fighting with Rachel is a total turn on! How couldn't I be? She so passionate when she's angry, god she is so sexy when she gets all riled up…
"Claws were out. You jump down my throat because I'm worried if you're okay and you don't think claws were present?" Rachel asked turning her attention back to Haley. If Haley wanted to go toe to toe she was ready for a fight. "And no I didn't just call you a bitch. If I were to call you something I'd call you bipolar."
"You are unbelievable! You know, I don't want to do this..." Haley groaned and grabbed a pair of jeans from her bag. She pulled her jeans over her shorts. She had to get away before she said something to make Rachel throw her out.
Don't cover them up, Rachel inwardly begged as Haley pulled her sweatpants on. She inwardly groaned when Haley's legs were fully covered. WHY?
"I have to go..." Haley mumbled headed towards the door.
Rachel shot up from her stool bee lining it to the door. She wasn't about to let Haley walk away from this without talking it out. She stood in between Haley and the door with her legs spread and arms braced to the door frame. "You aren't leaving before we talk," Rachel said sternly needing Haley to know that she meant business.
"There is nothing to talk about...Rachel, can I just go?" Haley knew that she was backed up into the corner. The feeling of frustration and anger that had built up had quickly faded away. All she wanted to do was get out of there before she made another relationship worse.
"Yes there is something to talk about," Rachel said not budging. She needed to talk to Haley and it needed to happen now. "I am not letting you run..." She trailed off as realization hit. "You ran away on the tour because something went wrong, didn't you? That's how you deal with conflict, you run away." Rachel raised a questioning eyebrow in anticipation of Haley's response.
"Are you going to try and deny it or just going to admit I'm right?" Rachel asked with a slight smugness to her voice. She didn't want Haley to feel bad about the choices she made she just wanted her to confront them. Maybe even get some closure about what happened.
Haley folded her arms and felt a tear rolling down her face. She had never told anybody this before. "The reason I left Tree Hill was because I was tired. Tired of not having anything to call my own. I was sick of watching my sister and Nathan make googly eyes at each other. I was tired of feeling like I was a nobody. Then, along comes Keller and he tells me that I am special. That I have something that needs to be shared..." she takes a breath not realizing how much she's been holding in.
"So I tell Nathan that I have a chance to go and share this talent with the world...like the way he shares his talent on the court every night. And instead of supporting me and saying he was proud of me..." The tears started to fall again. The hurt was still there, like it when in the present, not something from her past.
"And he fucking tells me, it's the tour or me? The tour or me? Why couldn't he just give me the same goddamn support that always gave him?"
"Why couldn't he just be proud of me?" Haley put her face in her hands and started sobbing. How long was she supposed to keep feeling this way? Why couldn't she let this guilt go? Nathan gave her a choice that would be impossible for anyone to make. True love or a once in a lifetime opportunity. She felt that same horrible feeling starting to grow stronger again. She tried to speak again but a choked sob was all the came out.
"Haley," Rachel sighed trying to fight back her own tears. Seeing Haley so lost and broken brought so may new emotions to the forefront. Love, hatred, and sadness all pouring through her at the same time. She didn't know what to say. What should I say? I know what it's like to be given an impossible decision to make but that was different. Without saying a word, feeling that words would fall short, Rachel walked to Haley wrapping the smaller girl in her arms.
"Shhh, everything will work out," Rachel sighed hoping that she wasn't giving Haley any false hope. She heard Haley let out another gut wrenching sob and held her tighter. The need to comfort Haley was the only thing going through her mind at this point. She wasn't angry about Haley's behavior any longer; she understood why Haley was so on edge. She waited until she felt that Haley was calm enough to walk before she led them over to the couch. She sat down watching Haley take a seat next to her, she couldn't help but notice that Haley had sat closer to her than social norms would allow, considering they had only met yesterday. But she liked it none the less.
"I am sorry..." Haley whispered.
"Don't be," Rachel said in quiet voice.
"I wish I could take it all back..."
"Take what back sweetie?" Rachel said without being able to stop the words. She hoped that Haley didn't notice her little slip.
"The tour...why did I pick the tour...I knew...I knew he would react like that..." Haley said.
"It wasn't right for him to make you choose," Rachel sighed hating to see Haley act like this. "You were given the chance any one would die for. I know I would give anything to live my dream. Be honest with me Hales, do you think Nathan would've chosen differently?"
"I don't know...I know I wouldn't have given him a choice like that. I would never do that..." Haley said as she wiped away her tears.
"And that's what makes you better than him." Rachel placed a reassuring hand on Haley's thigh. "You would let him live his dream and support him. You would have been selfless where he was selfish." Rachel was growing angrier by the second. Nathan had caused Haley some serious harm and she hated him with every fiber of her being. No one should ever have to feel like Haley was feeling. Someone like Haley should be loved and cared for. Not pushed around and ignored.
"You have an amazing talent Haley and it wasn't right for Nathan to ask you to silence it."
"Thanks for saying that..." Haley said. It was good to talk to somebody about this. She looked over at the clock. "Shit…I was going to stop by Karen's before school but it's almost eight..."
"Then I guess that leaves after school," Rachel said liking that Haley wasn't in such a sour mood anymore.
"I have an amazing talent?" Haley asked with a smile as the Rachel's earlier words finally registered. "And what would bring you to that conclusion?" Haley saw the shock clearly written on Rachel's face, busted!
"Well, if you must know," Rachel sighed hoping to drag this out. "I watched some clips of you online," she mumbled hoping that Haley hadn't heard. She looked over to find Haley grinning devilishly at her, crap!
"Did you Google me?" Haley asked with a cheeky grin.
She's not gonna let this one go. "Fine, I googled you," Rachel let out with an exasperated sigh.
"That's okay. I am glad you did." Haley smiled. She felt a little bit of the rock star swagger start to come back. She had a hot girl looking her up on Google. Hot girl?
"Now you really must think I'm a stalker freak," Rachel groaned while burying her head in her hands. Smooth very smooth Gatina.
"I think it's cool. Very not stalker freak. Ok?" Haley playfully smacked her on the arm.
Rachel lifted her head but kept her hands firmly planted to her face. She turned to face Haley while opening her fingers so she could see the blonde. "Really?" She asked all the hope she had filling her voice. She didn't need the only friend she had in Tree Hill running for the hills because of her very slight stalker tactics, I was just curious.
"Really." Haley grabbed Rachel's wrists and pulled her hands away from the girl's face and smiled. She liked seeing this side of Rachel. It made her seem a little less super model and a little more real girl.
~HS~
Haley walked inside of the cafe and looked around. The place had changed a lot in the last few months. She could tell that Lucas had convinced Karen to let him and Peyton give the café a facelift. It was nicely done but it didn't feel the same as before, it wasn't the same old Karen's Café that she'd known and loved, it now felt like another place that she didn't belong.
She walked around and saw that a few of her clippings and the cover to her single were now on the wall. She ran her fingers across her face on the CD cover. She looked happy on it and all it did was make her even more uncomfortable that was until she heard a familiar voice.
"Well if it isn't Haley James Scott," Karen said the smile evident in her tone. The past four months had been a nightmare. Not only had she lost her best waitress but she also lost her daughter. When she found out Haley had left for the tour without saying goodbye Karen was heartbroken.
"Hey Karen..." Haley felt just as nervous as she did when she went to school. Everyone had been making her feel like shit for leaving and if Karen was going to do the same thing…well, that would pretty much kill her. She stood stone still not sure if she should even hug the woman she thought of as mother.
Karen sensed Haley's nerves and couldn't help but smile at the fact that the tour hadn't changed her at all. She was the same Haley James that had worked her way into her heart. "Well are you just gonna stand there or are you gonna come over here and give me a hug?"
A tear came rolling down her cheek as she wrapped her arms around Karen. As soon as she was in Karen's arms, she knew that Karen wasn't going to make her feel like shit. She should've known that Karen wouldn't have been anything but nice. Other than when she was with Rachel, this was the first time that she felt like she was safe and loved and the longer Karen held her the easier the tears flowed.
"Don't cry sweetie, everything's going to be alright," Karen soothed while rubbing a comforting hand over the teen's back. She knew that it took a lot of courage for Haley to leave home and go on that tour. Despite the nonexistent goodbye she was still proud of Haley for going after her dream. But she knew it took a lot more courage for Haley to come back and that made Karen the proudest. And that's why she was going to do everything in her power to help the young woman out.
"How is it going to be all right?" Haley asked as she broke the hug. "Nobody is talking to me, not even Brooke or Peyton...I feel like...I feel like I lost all of my friends and there is nothing I can do about it..."
"There will be none of that 'woe is me' nonsense coming from your mouth," Karen reprimanded. "You are a strong girl Haley, and there is no way in hell that I will watch you sit on the sidelines. Things will get back to normal you just have to fight for it." She didn't care that she had just sworn, desperate times call for desperate measures.
"Easy to say when you aren't me and if I am so strong then why do I feel so weak?" Haley walked away from Karen staring out the window and watched the cars go by. God, how could she ever get her life back? Truthfully, did she even want it back? Is it worth fighting for?
"You are not weak Haley James Scott," Karen said sternly. She didn't know what was worse, Haley feeling so defeated or Lucas' behavior towards her. It pained her to see them fighting, they were her children and they should be getting along making up for the lost four months not fighting over it. But watching such a young girl who barely had the chance to experience life give up was killing her. "You are strong. You have done nothing in your life that would make me think otherwise."
"It's just James now. Nathan made it clear that I don't deserve his name anymore..." Haley still couldn't turn around. Just hearing 'Haley James Scott' felt like a knife to her heart, it was the reminder of what life could've been rearing its ugly head once again. "And I don't even feel like I deserve Haley James either. I don't know who I am. It's like I had this picture of who I was," she walked over to the wall and grabbed the cover of her single and looked at it. "Now I don't even recognize the girl in this picture. Is that what a strong person feels, Karen? Lost in their own skin?"
Karen let out a shaky sigh, seeing Haley so defeated was touching new nerves that she didn't even know existed. "You may not recognize the girl in the picture but I do. She's the same girl that's standing before me." She noticed the skeptical look Haley gave her but continued on. "It may not seem like it now but you are the same. The girl in the picture has the confidence that the girl standing before me has misplaced."
"It's that confidence that made me end up here, alone..." Haley started her voice cracking slightly.
"No, it's that confidence that made you follow your dreams. It was your love and strength that brought you back here to fight for what you love. And you're not alone, you have me and I will always be here for you no matter what," Karen said with a smile as she wrapped her arm around Haley's shoulders. "Because of that strength you will get your life back and you won't feel alone."
Alone, am I really alone? And just like that Rachel popped into her head. She wasn't alone she had Rachel and suddenly she felt a little less horrible. She didn't understand it but it made her feel better just to know that for a mere moment she had Rachel. She took a deep breath and exhaled. She didn't want to admit it but Rachel was the only thing that made Tree Hill a little less terrible. "So…Karen, there is one thing I could use your help with...I know you probably have a waitress but I was…"
"You're hired," Karen said with a smile. She had a feeling that when Haley returned she would make her way over here asking for a job and she wouldn't have it any other way. She had thought about hiring another waitress but doing so would've just made Haley's absence more permanent.
The door jingled and Haley turned to see who it was. And there was her best friend, Lucas Scott.
She froze in her place and she didn't know what she should do. Lucas was just standing there not saying a word. He just kept looking at Haley like she wasn't really there.
Haley blinked her eyes trying to fight back the tears that were stinging behind them. And with one blink he turned around and left.
Haley couldn't believe it. He didn't even say anything. Lucas Eugene Scott. Her best friend in the entire world. The only person she could ever really count on and he couldn't even say one fucking word to her.
Not.
One.
Fucking.
Word.
And the fragile little piece of happiness that Karen and her thoughts of Rachel had built up in the last few minutes had been completely destroyed by one look from Lucas Scott. She couldn't take it anymore. She was right back to the same place she was in that hotel room. She had to go, she had to go and completely numb herself from this, from everything. She walked out of the door to the cafe and headed for the apartment.
And her pills.
"Haley!" Karen called but it was no use she was already out the door. Karen sat back down at the counter and looked at the picture of Haley once again. Something had changed. And even though she wanted more than anything to save Haley from whatever it was she was going through, she knew that she wouldn't be able to. Haley had to find her own way back. She looked at the picture one more time and a tear came rolling down her cheek.
"Damn it..." She tore the picture in half and threw in the trash.
~HS~
"What a fucking day," Rachel sighed. She was painstakingly trying to get up the stairs leading to the apartment but every muscle in her body was aching in pain. She had just come from her first cheer practice with 'Cheer Nazi' and couldn't help but think that Brooke had been extra hard on the squad just to get to her. I don't get why she's so fucking angry at me. So what if I'm friends with Haley...it's not like she's making an effort.
Rachel was beaming when she reached the door she had just conquered her Everest. Rifling through her purse she found her key sliding it into the door. She wanted to collapse the moment the door opened but something felt off. No lights were on but Haley was supposed to be home, it didn't add up. She took another step into the apartment dropping her bag by her side while taking a look around the darkened room; it's useless to look for something in the dark genius. She flicked the light on and squinted as she allowed her eyes to get used to the florescent light.
She crooked her head to the side when she noticed Haley curled up on the couch. "Hales? You alright?" She took steps towards the couch trying to hide the pain coursing through her body with each step. She knew that her pain was nothing compared to Haley's. They had only been living together for less than a day and Rachel already knew that Haley was a broken soul.
Seeing Haley so broken pulled at her heartstrings. Seeing those clips of Haley had opened her eyes to a glimpse of the girl that Haley used to be and she would give the world to see that Haley again...and continue with what was there
"Haley?" Rachel asked again when she noticed that Haley hadn't responded. After what seemed to be an eternity she finally made it over to the couch. She looked upon Haley who was cuddling up to the arm rest.
"Mmmmm Rachel...how's it goin...?" Haley knew she was saying something, but she didn't know what she was saying. Just like she knew Rachel was there. Her mind was a little mushier than usual and the voice that usually told her what to do when she was like this wasn't saying anything. "C'mere…pleazze," she said motioning for the redhead to sit down with her.
"Hales, what's wrong? You sound…off," Rachel asked the concern evident. She placed a tentative hand on Haley's back hoping that she wasn't crossing a line. She had never seen Haley so out of it like this and it scared her. She had a feeling that Haley got depressed at times but she never thought that it would amount to something like this. Rachel needed something that assured her that Haley was still here and this simple touch was doing the trick.
Haley felt Rachel's hand on her back and smiled her usual lazy smile. "I like the way...you're hand feels...makes everything...ummm...what's the ummm...I like you touching..." Haley knew that didn't make any sense but she was amazed that she got it out. Hopefully Rachel could understand.
Something is definitely up. She had only seen people act like this when they were high, could she be high? Rachel really looked at Haley, nah, she just must be tired. "Hales, sweetie, you're not making any sense." She tried her best to sound comforting but the concern just wouldn't leave her voice.
Haley groaned. She sat up and pulled Rachel down into the spot where she was just lying. Once she was sitting down, Haley flopped into Rachel's lap resting her head against Rachel's shoulder. Haley could hear her heartbeat increase making her lazy smile reappear. She guided Rachel's hand to her back while grabbing the other one and pulling it towards her. She needed to feel the comfort that only Rachel could bring her.
"Thas better...you make everything better…" Haley mumbled sounding a little more honest than she would if she wasn't so groggy. She nuzzled her head into the crook of Rachel's neck.
"Mmmmm" she murmured.
Rachel wrapped her arms around Haley as she felt her snuggle in closer. She knew that there was something up with Haley but right now it didn't matter. All that mattered was that Haley needed comfort and she was damn well gonna be the one to give it to her.
Haley couldn't believe how good Rachel smelled. Even when she was this high she could still smell how good Rachel smelled. Then the voice that had been silent this whole time suddenly piped in a thought, taste her...she won't stop you. Haley grinned and answered the voice aloud. "Ok..."
Haley gently pressed her lips onto Rachel's cheek. She didn't linger because she didn't really know what she was doing. As soon as her lips left Rachel's cheek the voice told her that maybe shouldn't have done it and she needed to say something to cover up her actions. "Ssorry..." she mumbled as she nuzzled back into Rachel's neck. She could hear the voice in her head groaning, nice move.
Rachel had heard Haley say 'ok' and was going to ask her about it but all thoughts of questioning Haley went blank when she felt Haley's lips on her cheek, she has THE softest lips EVER! "It's...alright," she sighed slightly short of breath.
Haley pulled her face out of Rachel's neck and smiled at her. She gently pressed her lips against Rachel's. It wasn't anything more than a whisper of a kiss but something had told her to try it. Like her body just knew that her brain, despite its blurriness, wanted to know if her lips tasted and felt as good as her cheek. And it felt better actually. She pulled back and smiled as she felt the mush returning.
"Just wondering..." Haley said as she put her face back into the crook of Rachel's neck.
Just wondering what? Would I push her off me if she kissed me? Would I tell her she was gross? She looked down at Haley and saw the goofy grin gracing her face. Just wondering if she liked it? Rachel went with that one because that one was the one she liked the most. That one gave her hope that one day she and Haley could be together. That one gave her hope that one day she would be given the chance to make Haley happy, just like she deserved to be.
Rachel looked down when she felt Haley's breath on her neck. And sure enough Haley was fast asleep in Rachel's arms, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
She hoisted herself and Haley from the couch making sure to not drop the gorgeous being in her arms and made her way towards the bedroom. She didn't feel comfortable leaving Haley alone when she was so clearly distraught over something, she just wished she knew what exactly that something was, I guess I'll leave that one for tomorrow.
Pulling back the covers Rachel gently placed Haley in her bed before pulling back and looking at her. For the first time since they had met Haley looked truly at peace, there was no frown, now worry, and no regret on her beautiful face. There was just a goofy grin. All I have to do is figure out how to make it last.
And there you have it chapter 4 is complete!
I hope you all enjoyed the Raley interactions and the Karen/Haley talk.
The next chapter will have guest appearances by the other cast members.
Please review we adore them!!!
=D