Thanks to OTH.daddy'sgurl.06, prettygirl33, AngelLuva, chelle2911, moonchild023, JPNeverlosetheButterflies, Naleylovin'Princess, Nathanlvr23, and naley for life for reviewing! ENJOY!
Chapter Four
"Hales? Are you almost ready? We gotta go in 10 minutes!"
I sighed. This was the third time Nathan had called in here. I don't know if he was nervous or anxious, but he was starting to make me nervous. "Nate, I'll be ready in 3 minutes! Put some ice on it!" I yelled back and went back to my hair.
"Haley? It's Peyton! Can I come in?"
"Sure, come on in," I replied and she entered, closing the door before Brooke could get in.
"Aw, Tutorgirl! Why can't I come in?" I heard Brooke whine from the other side of the door.
I smiled at Peyton. "Because Peyton's not going with us and she doesn't need to be surprised!" I yelled back. "Just give me 2 more minutes!" I rolled my eyes to Peyton who laughed. I spun around. "Well, what do you think?"
She grinned. "You look beautiful, Haleybub. I bet dad wishes he were here to see you," she said. Out of nowhere I saw a flash and she started laughing. "Sorry, I had to take one! I'm gonna send it to dad!"
I groaned but smiled. "Well, I'd better get out there before they all freak out on me," I said with a laugh. "Do I need anything else to complete the look?"
She nodded. "Yeah, there's just one thing missing," she replied and went into her purse. She pulled out an old necklace that belonged to Anna. "You need to wear this, Haley. She would've wanted you to." I smiled at her, tears in my eyes. "Thank you, Peyton. I always loved when she let me try it on," I said in a small voice, remembering the special days when Anna allowed Peyton and I to play dress up. "It was my absolute favorite piece of jewelry."
She nodded. "I know, that's why I saved this one for you. Now get out there and knock your fiancé dead! I know he's going to be speechless," she said and pushed me out the door.
Brooke and Lucas were sitting on the couch and Nathan was no where to be seen. Brooke grinned and squealed when she saw me. "Tutorgirl, you look gorgeous! Nathan! She's ready!" she yelled after pulling me into a hug.
Lucas stood and hugged me as well, whispering, "Don't worry, Hales, everything's gonna go just fine with this dinner. Oh, and you look really nice," he said and pulled back.
I smiled at them. "Thanks guys. I really appreciate that," I said and turned, looking for Nathan.
He walked into the room, not really paying attention. "Okay, so I just got off the phone with mom and she said that they were…" He stopped when he saw me. He took in a sharp breath. "Wow." He managed to say, walking closer to me. He wrapped his arms around me. "Hales, you look… amazing."
I smiled up at him. "So you aren't mad I took extra time getting ready?" I asked, wrapping my arms around his neck.
He shook his head quickly. "No, I don't mind at all," He replied and kissed me lightly.
I laughed. "Now what were you saying about your mother?"
He looked confused, but it all came back to him. "Oh, she said they've already arrived at the restaurant and they are waiting for us," He said with a sigh. "We better hurry."
My smile dropped. "Oh, I'm sorry! I'll tell your mom it was completely my fault!" I started.
He shook his head. "No, it's not your fault, don't worry! Let's just go and try and have a good time, okay?" I merely nodded and we set off.
It took 15 minutes to drive there. We drove up to get valet, having been too late already. We rushed in and the hostess led us to our table. I saw a blonde woman sitting with a dark haired man. She looked pissed whereas he looked amused. He stood when he saw us, but she made no moves to do the same.
"It's about time," he said in a joking manner. He walked up to Nathan and Lucas, giving them each a hug. He stepped to me next. "You must be Haley," he said simply.
I gave him a smile. "Yes, it's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Scott," I replied, shaking his hand.
He grinned back, the same grin that I've gotten from Nathan. "Please, call me Dan, we're practically family!"
"Sorry Mr… Dan," I replied and he laughed.
He looked at Nathan. "I like her already," he said and then turned to Brooke. "And who is this, Lucas?"
"This is my girlfriend. Brooke Da-"
"Brooke Davis at your service," she interrupted and shook his hand.
Dan laughed again. "Well, well, nice to meet you, Brooke Davis," he said. He motioned for us to move to the table. "I'm sorry, girls, my wife has forgotten all manners," he muttered.
I tried smiling at the woman, but she merely glared back. "Tardiness is something I won't stand for," she said. She turned to Nathan and Lucas, smiling. "No kiss for your mother, boys?"
They both stood up and walked over, kissing her on her cheek. "Which one of you is Hallie?" she asked, turning back to Brooke and me.
I frowned slightly but quickly smiled again. "Um, it's Haley, actually-"
"Did you just say umm?" she interrupted. "Sit up straight!"
"Mom!" Nathan butted in. "Leave her alone, mom."
She gave him a pat on the hand and then turned back to me. "I'm terribly sorry, Haley. I'm just a little cranky! You know how that happens, right dear?" she gave me a fake smile.
I gave her a half smile. "Sure, I understand. No harm done," I replied. Nathan placed his hand on my knee, giving it a reassuring squeeze.
"And you must be Brooke," she said to Brooke. "You look absolutely stunning, dear!"
Brooke gave her a grin. "Well, thank you! I don have great style, if I do say so myself," she said with a wink.
Deb laughed. "You sure do, dear!"
------
Sure enough, two hours later Deb and Brooke were becoming best friends. Deb gave her all her attention, only sending fake smiles and apologizes all night. Needless to say, I was happy to get out of there. The car ride home was silent. Nathan and Lucas were probably tired from the whole dinner. Brooke was humming to herself, happy she made a good impression on Deb. I was pissed at both Brooke and Deb. Brooke knew how important this dinner was to me and she completely took the show. I mean, I'm the one entering their family!
As soon as Nathan stopped the car I ran inside, not waiting to see if anyone was coming in with me. I went into my room, slamming the door behind me. I took out my pajamas and took off my dress. There was a knock at my door but I ignored it. I slipped on the t-shirt and sweats and moved over to lay on my bed.
"Hales? Can I come in?" Nathan asked, already inside.
I sighed. "Well, you already let yourself in so how could I say no?" I replied, my back to him.
I felt the bed dip down, signally he sat down. He hand was rubbing my back. "What's wrong, baby?"
I turned to face him, tears streaming down my face. "Your mother hates me, Nathan!" I exclaimed. "She wasn't even trying to get to know me or be nice to me! I mean, I'm the one marrying into her family and she focuses on Brooke!"
His face softened and he pulled me into his arms. "I'm sorry, Hales. I mean, she always loved the other girls Luke and I brought home. I don't know why it's different with you. I bet it's just cause we're getting married. I know things aren't good right now, but give it time. She'll just have to adjust cause you're in this family now."
I sighed. "I don't want her to just adjust, Nathan! I want her to like me!" I cried. "Why doesn't she like me?" I mumbled, clutching him to my body.
He took in a deep breath. "Hales, if she doesn't like you then she's stupid. I mean, she's my mother but you're going to be my wife. I love you, Haley, and she doesn't change anything. Even if she never likes you, I will always love you. Always and forever."
I pulled back and looked him in the eye. I saw love, adoration, trust, want, need. Everything I was feeling for him I could always see mirrored in his eyes. "How did I get so damn lucky?" I asked softly.
He laughed and pulled me in to kiss him. "How did I talk you into still marrying me after how horrible my mom was to you tonight?" he countered to my question.
I scoffed. "She's not going to scare me off, Nathan. I'm just going to either annoy the hell out of her by being extremely sweet to her just to make her feel guilty, or she won't feel bad at all. Either way, I get you," I said and kissed him again.