: Lucas's Bedroom :

Lucas is sitting on his bed, reading a book. With a knock at the door, Lucas stands up, walks over and opens it. Haley is standing there in a pair of blue denim jeans and a black t-shirt with a picture of a yellow duck in the middle with the caption 'I'm Quackers."

Haley: "Hey Luke. Whoa, lost your manors or something. Invite me in."

Lucas smirks stepping to the side. As Haley walks past, she nudges him in the chest. Walking over to his bed she sits down, picking up the book.

Haley: "William Shakespeare's, King Lear. Now that's a depressive play but then again most of his plays are. Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth the list goes on"

Lucas: "That's why it's called the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet."

Haley: "Can't you ever read anything upbeat, like Bridget Jones Diary. Humour, British humour which at points is slightly hard to understand but overall good book."

Lucas shuts the door and walks to the bed looking down at Haley.

Lucas: "Its not on my to read list."

Haley: "Fair enough….So English went pretty well, don't ya think? Our report on William Blake's Songs of Innocence and Experience was so exceedingly well done, we all received A's and a smiley face on the front page of the report."

Lucas: "Mrs Hayes put a smiley face on our report?"

Haley: "Okay, well not exactly. She just marked it as an A after which I drew a smiley face."

Lucas: "Ah-ha, the culprit confesses."

Haley: "Yes, I defaced our report with a smiley face. Clap my hands in irons and take me down to the stocks."

Lucas and Haley exchange smiles.

Haley: "…and I guess it was nice of Brooke to bring in chocolate cake as a peace offering."

Lucas: "Yeah it was. How are you dealing with all of that by the way?"

Haley: "Pretty good actually."

Lucas: "Really?"

Haley: "Yeah, I'm just putting to one side. Not really thinking about it."

Lucas: "Is that a good idea?"

Haley: "Probably not, but its my way of coping…and if Brooke and Nathan decide they wanna be a couple, then I'll have to except it. So- out of curiosity, are they a erm.."

Lucas: "Couple? No."

Haley smiles.

Haley: "Okay, well that's good. Maybe we should all just let everything cool down before any moves are made. So Scott, are you going to the pool party at Jayne's tonight?"

Lucas: "Jayne…she's one of the Raven cheerleaders right?"

Haley: "Yeah, she's throwing a pre-basketball pool party. Apparently, in her house slash castle, she has her own wing. So you going?"

Lucas: "Are you?"

Haley: "Yeah, I figured it would be fun. Not to get undressed and walk around in a bathing suit but to just hang out with everyone."

Lucas: "and to keep an eye on Brooke and Nathan?"

Haley: "That too…Come on Luke, please!"

Lucas: "Sure why not."

Haley: "Cool. So you, me and Kate"

Lucas: "Actually Kate's round Nathan's at the moment. They are having some quality best friend time."

Haley: "So Kate and Nathan will go to the party together?"

Lucas: "Yeah probably."

Haley smiles at Lucas.

Haley: "Good, what? I'm allowed to be happy that my ex husband slash boyfriend isn't going with the most popular girl in school."

Lucas raises and eyebrow, Haley throws the book at him. They both smirk at one another.

: Scott Residence :

Kate dressed in a pair of low riding blue denim jeans and a pink thin strapped top and white sneakers bounces the basketball in the Scott driveway. Nathan is behind her, also wearing blue jeans and a baby blue t-shirt. As she turns to shoot the ball, Nathan blocks her shot. The ball bounces to the side.

Nathan: "You must be losing your touch."

Kate: "I must be, because there is no way you've improved your skills"

Kate smirks, running over to the pick the ball up. She moves over to where the 3-pointer line would be on a basketball court, she extends her arm and makes the shot.

Kate: "Oo I've got skills."

Nathan walks underneath the basketball net, picking the ball up. Bouncing it, he walks over to her.

Nathan: "Yeah you have, there's no denying that."

Kate: "Complimenting me on my basketball skills, that's a first. So we've tip toed around the subject all day, but now I just have to ask. Have you, Nathan Scott…great athlete and an okay-ish basketball player"

Nathan raises an eyebrow, Kate smirks.

Kate: "Have you decided yet? Who's it to be, Brooke or Haley? Haley James aka tutor girl or Brooke Davis aka popular cheerleader?"

Nathan: "I don't know. After English today, we all seemed to get on fine. I mean, Haley and I are talking…Brooke and I are talking, so at the moment, I'm just happy there's no kicking or slapping, but then again we are going to a pool party later on…so"

Kate: "The possibility of drama being sky high?"

Nathan: "Exactly."

Kate: "I'm just glad that for once, the drama doesn't resolve around me."

Nathan and Kate look at one another, sharing a moment of silence and eye contact. Nathan breaks the silence.

Nathan: "So are we gonna go to this party tonight?"

Kate: "Of course, it's a pool party right? How can I miss the sight of gorgeous basketball players in their swim wear."

Nathan: "What about Lucas?"

Kate: "I was talking about him, God knows I wasn't referring to you and your Sarcastic fatty belly."

Kate walks towards Nathan, trying to pinch some skin from his belly. Nathan puts his arm around her neck, putting her into a head lock. Kate and Nathan both laugh.

Deb is looking out into the drive way, watching Kate and Nathan. She smiles to herself. Dan walks up behind her, seeing what she is staring at.

Deb: "Are Lucas and Kate are still a couple?"

Dan: "As far as I'm aware."

Deb: "To your dismay"

Dan: "What's that suppose to mean?"

Deb turns around and faces Dan.

Deb: "Oh come on Dan, everyone knows that you think Kate is the only girl suitable for Nathan."

Dan: "I just think they're a match, on every level. She's smart, athletic and she's got a good pedigree."

Deb: "A good pedigree, she's not a dog Dan!"

Dan: "Yeah but she's apart of Whitey's family. Her father was a good ball player and her mother was a knock out."

Deb: "In other words, they were you and Karen in high school."

Dan: "In other words, yes."

Deb turns back around and frowns. Dan smirks. Kate and Nathan walk into the kitchen.

Dan: "Kate…Nathan, good lay ups this afternoon."

Nathan looks at him questionably.

Nathan: "Thanks?"

Dan: "So you kids staying for dinner?"

Nathan: "Nah, we're going out. I'll be back later."

Deb turns around and looks at Kate and Nathan, smiling.

Deb: "Oh come on Nathan, it's been a while since we've all sat down for a good meal."

Kate: "Yeah, Nathan! Come on, I'm starving!"

Nathan: "Alright, we'll I'm just gonna go upstairs and put my things together."

Nathan and Kate turn and walk out of the kitchen. Dan raises his eyebrows, Deb smirks at him.

Dan: "Nicely done."

Deb: "Thank you."

They both smirk at one another.

: Nathan's Bedroom :

Nathan and Kate walk into Nathan's bedroom. Nathan opens one of his drawers, taking out a pair of swim shorts. Kate walks over to his cabinet and sees a picture of him and Haley. She runs her finger along it.

Nathan: "You got your swim suit?"

Kate: "Yeah, it's in my bad downstairs. You know, you and Haley really did make a nice couple."

Nathan walks over to Kate. He looks down at her, then moves his arm to the picture placing it face down on the cabinet.

Nathan: "Nice try, I still haven't decided."

Kate: "Damn it."

Nathan smirks.

Nathan: "So what's with you being starving? You do remember my mom's cooking right?"

Kate: "Yeah. I'm doing you a favour here Nate. I mean when was the last time you sat down for a family meal? Huh? Give your mom a break, she misses you. The two of you used to be close and I see the sorrow in her eyes when she looks at you. She misses you, I'm just doing my part to bring a family together."

Nathan: "Who knew you were Mother Theresa?"

Kate: "Besides, I figured your dad could throw more compliments at you during dinner. Inflate your ego, so I can knock it down later with quick wit."

Nathan: "Sneaky, I like it."

: Pool Party :

Music is playing, food in the style of finger food is laid out. A small basketball net is set up in the swimming pool. Tim and some of the basketball team are already in the pool, shooting hoops. Brooke is sitting in the hot tub. Jake and Peyton walk into the back yard seeing the place completely lit up, balloons etc.

Peyton: "Wow, Jayne really went all out."

Jake: "Yeah it looks …wow"

Brooke smirks, getting up out of the hot tub in a red bikini. She walks over to the two of them.

Brooke: "Best friend…best friends boy toy. Welcome."

Peyton: "Brooke, enjoying the hot tub?"

Brooke: "I was, but thought I would come and do the greet and meets."

Peyton: "Jayne really went all out."

Brooke: "I know, it's like spectacular right? We've never had a pool party before and this is just the place to have it. She has everything, almost making me feel envious."

Peyton: "You are the captain of the cheerleading team, you live in a fantastic house, you have a pool. How can you be feeling envious?"

Brooke: "True."

Peyton: "So this place, have some place to change?"

Brooke: "Yeah, two separate rooms. Girls to the right, Boys to the left."

Jake nods and walks off to the left. Brooke and Peyton both watch him leave.

Brooke: "So what's the deal? Thought Jake wasn't coming tonight?"

Peyton: "He said his time with Jenny has been seriously lacking and was gonna spend the night with her. I told him, I was gonna come here and hang out…and then he said, that he would join. Apparently his parents are wanting him to go out and have a good time…but I dunno, he seems like he wants to be here but I just feel bad, I mean I've been taking up so much of his time lately that his family is seeing him less…and"

Brooke: "You miss the quality Peyton alone time."

Peyton: "Yeah…is that bad?"

Brooke: "No, not bad. You guys got involved really quickly…like"

Peyton: "Nathan and Haley."

Brooke: "Exactly."

Peyton: "I just hope it doesn't go down that road."

Brooke: "Here, here. Okay well go get your boney ass changed."

As Peyton walks away, Haley and Lucas walk into the garden. Brooke walks up to the two of them.

Brooke: "Tutor girl…Lucas."

Haley looks at Brooke, her eyes widen.

Haley: "Whoa, Brooke you look …"

Brooke: "Baywatch like? That was the plan. You see if I dress to impress, then I might just bag myself a basketball player."

Haley and Brooke look at one another.

Brooke: "Wow, that was…no, not Nathan! God, no I just"

Haley: "It's okay."

Brooke: "Are you sure?"

Haley nods.

Brooke: "Okay so you guys bring your swim suits?"

Haley: "Yep."

Brooke: "Girls to the right, boys to the left."

Lucas and Haley nod to one another before separating. Brooke bites her lower lip and speaks to herself.

Brooke: "Yeah…not Nathan."

Brooke looks as she is about to cry as Tim walks up behind her.

Tim: "Brooke…time to get you wet again."

Brooke: "What?"

Tim lifts Brooke up and pushes them both in the pool. As they both come up for air, Brooke splashes water at Tim.

Brooke: "Your dead"

Tim: "Yeah, you and who's army?"

Brooke: "Actually.."

Brooke looks over to the rest of the basketball team and smiles, Tim looks over to the team and his eyes widen. As the team start to swim rapidly towards him, he tries to swim away but gets grabbed by two of the guys.

Tim: "Brooke…please, please!"

Brooke: "Sorry Tim, you made your bed…so lie in it."

Brooke smirks as the team dunks Tim. Brooke swims to the side of the pool, gets out and wraps a towel around her waist. Brooke walks over to a group of girls who are dancing, goofy like. Peyton walks over and joins in, Brooke slaps her butt.

Brooke: "Boney ass."

Peyton nudges Brooke as they dance, joining in with the goofy dance. Jake emerges in a pair of blue swim shorts, Lucas in a pair of black swim shorts and Haley in a blue bikini with a blue sarong wrapped around her waist. They watch Brooke and Peyton and start to laugh.

Jake: "Hey man, where's Kate tonight?"

Lucas: "Don't know, she should be here already?"

Lucas looks around, but doesn't see Kate. As the song ends, everyone around the girls starts to clap at their style of dancing. Brooke laughs but stops, looking over at the gate. Peyton looks at Brooke and then to the gate.

Peyton: "Who invited you?"

Jake, Lucas and Haley turn and look at the gate where Nikki is standing next to one of Tree Hill's reserve basketball players.

Nikki: "Open party. I got a date…it was pretty easy to get myself invited…easy, wait like you."

As Peyton takes a step towards her, Brooke gets in the way.

Brooke: "Peyton, ignore her."

Peyton looks over to Jake and then back to Brooke. She nods. The music starts playing up again. Nikki and her date walk over to the pool and sit on the side. Jake and Nikki exchange glances.

Brooke: "Come on guys, let's sit."

Brooke, Peyton, Jake, Lucas and Haley walk over to a table and all sit down.

Brooke: "Okay, Jake…big man on campus, you think you have the muscle. I challenge you to an arm wrestle."

Brooke puts her arm up on the table, ready for the arm wrestle. Peyton looks at Brooke and smiles, knowing Brooke is only trying to relieve the tension. Jake smirks and puts his arm up. Lucas and Haley watch. Brooke uses both hands and presses down on Jake's arm.

Brooke: "I win."

Jake: "You cheated."

Brooke: "Judges."

Peyton: "Ruling…Brooke wins!"

Everyone laughs; Nikki looks over at all of them frowning.

Later

Brooke and Haley are jointly arm wrestling Lucas.

Brooke: "Where's lover girl tonight? I haven't seen her floating around."

Lucas: "Dunno, she must be running late."

Lucas looks over to the gate and sighs. At that moment, Brooke and Haley nod to one another and push down on Lucas's arm, winning the arm wrestle. Jake and Peyton are talking. Nikki stands up and begins to walk over to them. Jake in turn stands up.

Jake: "I'll be back."

Jake meets with Nikki, next to the music player. They start to argue, people start to look at them. Peyton walks over to the two of them. Brooke, Haley and Lucas all stand up walking closer.

Nikki: "I didn't ask for your input, blondie."

Peyton: "Listen up. We've all had enough of your pathetic mind games. The only reason you came tonight was to start a fight, get some attention because you realised your life, your existence …isn't worth anything. What ever you touch, turns sour. So, why don't you do us all a favour, apply some more eyeliner go out to a street corner and do what you do best."

Brooke opens her mouth and semi laughs. Nikki looks at Peyton and then slaps her. Peyton in return, slaps Nikki. As they start to get into a fight, Jake and Lucas step between the two of them. The party comes to a stand still, everyone in the pool watching. Jake holds Peyton back as Lucas holds Nikki back.

Nikki: "Just like old times..."

Brooke: "You mean where you're a skanky hoe?"

Nikki: "No…I mean this."

Nikki grabs Lucas and kisses him. Lucas tries pushing her off, but Brooke walks up behind Nikki and grabs her by the arm, yanking her away.

Brooke: "What the hell do you think your doing?"

Nikki: "Just having some fun. Don't tell me you're still sweet on this guy?"

Brooke: "No…"

Brooke looks past the group and smirks.

Brooke: "but she is."

As Nikki turns around, a basketball hits her in the face. Kate looks at Lucas and then to Nathan. Nikki rubbing her bloody nose looks up at Kate, shocked.

Kate: "Who hired a hooker?"

Nikki stands up straight, covering one of her nostrils with her hand. Blood running down the side of her finger, she looks at all of them and smirks turning to Peyton.

Nikki: "Oh come on, am I the only one who can see the truth here. No ones changed. You and your little high school friends can go on pretending everything is happy dory, but it's not. Take off the blindfolds people! Let me tell you your future. our Jake here…the good, classic American boy, will run like he did before because that's the only way to keep me out of my daughters life"

Jake looks down to the floor.

Nikki: "Peyton the goldilocks will go back to being the depressed artist, stealing people's boyfriends, slitting her wrists over her broken friendships."

Peyton looks over at Jake and then to Lucas.

Nikki: "and Brooke, the cheerleader…the popular girl, the get around. You and I are one of a kind. We screw people over, friends, boyfriends…get some get gone, drink til we forget what happened the previous night. Friends, family…lovers, they all aren't worth it, it's all meaningless. They mean nothing to us"

Brooke looks at Nikki, as though she is about to cry. She turns from Haley, to Nathan. All of whom exchange glances.

Nikki: "And Lucas, the golden boy. Some think you can do no wrong…well they don't know you. Brooke, Peyton have been on the receiving end of your distrust. I mean come on, you slept with me having just met me in a bar! You may play boy wonder but I know who you really are…you're the worst kind of guy there is. The guy next door, the guy every girl can and will fall in love with, only to have you break their heart afterwards."

Lucas looks from Nikki to Kate.

Nikki: "Truth hurts, doesn't it?"

Brooke: "Why are you such a bitch?"

Nikki: "I'm the bitch? please. I'm just a loving mother, trying to be reconciled with her daughter. I wanna be a family and I will be in my daughter's life Jake. I'm here to stay."

Kate: "No your not."

Nikki turns and looks at Kate.

Nikki: "Excuse me?"

Kate: "My blindfolds are off, so let me tell you your future. You wont be here in thirty seconds, because you'll be walking out of this party…"

Nikki: "Really?"

Kate steps towards her.

Kat: "Yeah, because if in thirty seconds your ass isn't out of this back yard, you won't be walking out. You'll be on a stretcher being carried to the ambulance with two broken legs and a bloody a nose."

Nikki looks around at everyone, smirking.

Nikki: "Fine, I'll go…for now."

Nikki looks at Jake, Peyton steps towards her again; Jake once again steps in the way.

Nikki: "You like the feisty. Don't worry Jake, I'll be seeing you."

Nikki turns and walks out of the back yard. The group gather closer to one another, not saying anything just exchanging glances.

: Next On One Tree Hill :

Walking home together are Brooke, Lucas, Haley, Nathan and Kate. Lucas puts his arm around Kate.

Brooke: "Eventful night."

Haley: "Yeah."

Nathan: "I feel bad for Peyton and Jake."

Brooke: "Yeah kinda puts everything into perspective."

Haley: "What do you mean?"

Brooke: "You, Me, Nathan the whole triangle deal is a little played out and god knows I've been in one too many of those in my life. I just want you to know, I'm out of the scene. Done."

Haley: "Me too. This whole thing has been overwhelming. A break from love is what I need right now."

Nathan: "So we all agree, not to date one another?"

Brooke: "Yeah."

Haley: "Uh huh"

Nathan: "Okay then…"

Lucas and Kate turn off down one street.

Kate: "They know that's not going to work right. I mean Brooke still likes Nathan, Haley still loves Nathan…and Nathan is torn between the two of them. That drama is not over yet."

Lucas: "What about our drama?"

Kate: "We have drama?"

Lucas: "Well, yeah? Don't you wanna talk about what happened back there"

Kate: "What for?"

Lucas: "I dunno, clarity? My sleeping with Nikki"

Kate: "You mean the psycho bitch, no. Jeez, I don't wanna know about your sleeping with any of your past girlfriends, one night stands, just like you don't wanna know about me sleeping with Nathan"

Lucas raises an eyebrow

Jake is at home, packing his things together. Peyton knocks at the door. Jake steps aside and lets Peyton in.

Peyton: "Your leaving?"

Jake: "Yeah.."

Peyton: "Were you even going to say goodbye?"

Jake: "No…Peyton I want you to come with me."