Grounded. Me, Haley James, grounded. I don't think I even ever actually knew what that word meant. I mean I do now. Chores, no going outside, no television, nothing fun. Real families blow. I had been living like this for almost 2 weeks now, and let me tell you, it actually felt like 2 years. I'm used to housework and stuff, but I'm also used to sneaking out and having fun on the side. But oh no, not in the Marshall house. I was on complete lock down! I looked around the kitchen and was pleased with the job I had done. I snuck a peak at the clock and breathed a sigh of relief. In just 3 hours I would be free. I made my way to the living room and plopped down on the couch and just sat there. Thinking back on the past couple weeks I believe I actually did everything I was told. I accepted this punishment for "breaking their rules" and I did what I was supposed to do. While following all the rules. Man was I getting soft.

I looked around and for the first time got a real good look at the house. It looked like one of those houses you would see in a magazine. Very clean and organized. White walls which the sun danced on and just enough color on the furniture to make it look homey but not tacky. There were pictures on tables around the room and a large one on the wall of the whole family. It reminded me of Nathan and the one at his house.

I guess he was right. Photos can be misleading. People can put on happy faces and pretend to like each other for the 5 seconds it takes to capture the picture, but then what? You're stuck for the rest of your life having to stare at your lies. And these people put those lies in frames and use them as decoration. Not to say the Marshall's are liars. They all seemed pretty happy with their lives. But I can't help but think, if they were so happy, then why am I here?

I brought my legs up under me so I was sitting on top of them before reaching into my pocket for my phone. The one privilege that hadn't been taken away from me. This probably was because there were only two numbers in the phone. I dialed my sister before letting out a groan when I got her voice-mail…again.

"Hey, it's me. Your sister….Haley, in case you've forgotten. It feels like forever since I've spoken to you sooo I'm just checking in. I'm fine btw. No one has killed me yet. I don't think." I added a fake laugh before biting my lip. "I miss you Tay. Please call me soon. I re…I want to…well, just call me. Bye." I hung it up before throwing it across the room. Where the hell was she and why wasn't she picking up?

I groaned in frustration before standing up and made my way to the kitchen and headed to the cabinet where the 'sweets' as Emma called them were. I needed chocolate. Grabbing the next best thing, Cheetos, I made my way to the back porch and down to the swing set. I wish I had one of these growing up. I think every kid deserves something to play with. Instead of pretty houses I had run down apartments with pest problems. No kid should have to live like that. I mean instead of family dinners I had to watch my drunken parents argue over everything. My family background is why I vow to never have a family of my own. Why bother? Being a bitch is obviously in my veins. Why screw up some poor helpless kid.

I pushed off the ground and enjoyed the feeling. Kind of like flying, but not really. It was a stupid sensation but an enjoyable one. I guess this place wouldn't be too terrible. If I could survive be grounded then things couldn't get much worse. I mean it's a small town. What bad could happen here?

"She lives."

I jerked at the interruption which wasn't good and resulted in me losing my balance and in turn I fell to the ground.

"Fuck. Stupid fucking Tree Hill." I moaned not bothering to move. What is with this place and me falling? Seriously.

"I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to scare you. I thought you saw me come out, I even waved. Are you hurt?"

I squinted against the sun and saw the outline of a boy and smiled.

"What is with you Scott boys and making me fall. I swear you're trying to kill me." I let out a laugh but when he just stared I moved to get up. "I'm alright, I swear." He held out his hand and pulled me up. When I was up and brushed myself off he took the opportunity and circled around me. "Lucas, I'm ok. See." I hopped up and down on one foot while attempting to pat my head and rub my stomach. I failed miserably.

"Is that supposed to impress me?" He asked while trying not to laugh. He also failed miserably at that.

"Well, I could never actually do it. So that means I'm fine." I placed a smile on my face before patting his cheek. I pointed to the swing before sitting down on the one I had previously been on. Evil thing. When he joined I opted for just sitting. You can't get hurt, or as hurt, if you're close to the ground.

"Where have you been? I haven't seen you for a while. My brother was moping around saying they, you know? Sent you away." He whispered the last part which caused me to smile.

"You can say things…he was sad? Interesting."

"Yeah. But don't tell him I told you. Or I'll be the one sent away."

"I would never. Your secret is safe with me." I shot him another smile before looking over at his house. It felt nice to be missed. Different, but nice.

"The feeling is mutual huh?"

"What? No. Wel…no." I looked back at Lucas and shook my head. "He's just the boy next door. Could be fun. Could be trouble."

"With Nathan? It's the latter."

"Yes, I know. I was already grounded." When all he did was laugh in response I couldn't help but join in. Stupid Tree Hill.

"He…got you…grounded." Lucas said between breaths as he held onto the swing so he wouldn't fall off.

"Something like that. I mean it wasn't really his fault. I don't know. This town confuses me."

"Welcome to Tree Hill." Lucas said patting the top of my head as he stood up, collecting himself.

"You know, people keep saying that to me. And it's always in lousy situations."

"This town is full of lousy situations. It's all about finding a way to deal with them and moving on. You should be an expert on…sorry. Out of line."

"No, honest. I wish people would stop apologizing to me for saying honest things."

He rubbed a hand over his face and instinctively I grabbed it and gave it a light squeeze and sent him an easy smile.

"So, um, when you're ungrounded…" He started and a smile formed on his face. I glared causing him to hold up his hands in defense. "There's this thing tomorrow. Small. Just a few friends. But it'll give you a chance to meet more people I guess. And it'll be next door," He added pointing towards his house as I glanced over his shoulder with narrowed eyes. "So if you wanna split it'll be easy."

"I don't handle people in large quantities very well." I continued to look at the house then back at Lucas' face. "I don't go to very many parties."

"Not a party. Small get together."

"No offense would be taken if I bailed within like…5 minutes of arriving?" The smile that appeared on his face answered for him before he spoke and I found myself biting my lip before smiling back. He looked at his watch then over his shoulder at his house before touching my shoulder.

"You won't regret it, I promise. I'll see you tomorrow at…say 8?" I watched him walk back to the gate that separated the houses then put my head in my hands. I made my way to the porch and sat on the stairs.

"Grounding, cleaning, and now parties. Goodness Haley. You are losing it." I put my head on my knees and decided…

"Do you always talk to yourself?"

I shot straight up at the interruption and put my hand on my chest.

"God damn Kate. Are you trying to kill me?"

"If I did then who would I go to to complain about my dad?" She took my previous seat and patted the area next to her and sighed. "Family days suck. I mean my grandparents whine a lot about unnecessary things. My brother only talks about video games. And I was so bored without you. Not to mention the fact that my folks anniversary is coming up so they are in total couple mode. So gross. What? I'm rambling huh?"

"No, well, yes. But I think it's nice. Family days. Having a specific day to just spend time together and catch up." When she continued to stare at me like I was a lunatic I couldn't help but laugh. "What anniversary? How long?"

"Don't know. Don't really care. I just want them to stop kissing in front of me. Nasty." She scrunched up her nose in disgust and shuddered.

"Should we do something for them? Make dinner or something….or not?" I brushed the hair out of my face and shrugged at her disapproving look.

"They go out. It's actually something they always do. My dad makes reservations at some restaurant that means something to them then they go to a…hotel…and, you know…"

"Play bingo." I supplied as she cracked a smile for the first time and nodded.

"So, um, have you ever…um…played bingo?" She looked down at her hands then back up at me. I bit the inside of cheek trying to keep a straight face.

"That's kind of personal don't you think?"

"Yes, yes of course." She stood up and smoothed out her shirt in a move that reminded me of Emma before she turned and looked back at me. "I'm sorry. That was really rude. I didn't mean to …"

"Do you wanna go to a party with me?"

"Excuse me?"

"Party. It's something people do supposedly. It's supposed to help with your social skills. I think it's kind of pointless really. I mean underage kids drinking and acting dumb. But Lucas invited me and I lost my mind for a moment and said yes. Anyways, you want to go with me?" I could see the gears turning in her head as she looked back and forth between me and the Scott house.

"A party there." She pointed next door and I simply nodded as small smile appeared on her face. "I've never been asked to a real party party over there. Just like the small things when Brooke was hanging out over there. Wow. Um, you're sure they won't mind?"

"Why would they? They're your friends, right? And you'll be with me. Besides, if either of us feels unwelcome we'll leave. Say yes, I need a wingman. And I think you need one too. You have Drew Barrymore written all over you."

"Yeah, ok. Sounds co…wait, what?"

"Never Been Kissed." I watched her turn 3 different shades of red then she turned to make sure no one heard. "It's no big deal. And when you find the right guy it'll happen. Trust me."

"I've been living next door to the 'right guy' practically my whole life. And nothing!"

This time I felt like I was the one who should be turning red. Thinking back a few weeks and the kiss shared between me and Nathan. Stupid Haley. I totally forgot about Kaitlyn's crush on him. "...do you think? Haley." Kate waved her hand in front of my face before snapping. "Do you think it could happen tomorrow?"

The hopeful look on her face had me smiling and nodding my head without thinking about what I was saying. Or what I was getting myself into.

"Anything's possible."

She jumped up and down before hugging me and started talking about outfits and her 'plan.'

This is why I hate parties. Nothing good ever came of them. It hadn't even started and I was already in trouble. I sighed and ran a hand threw my hair. For the first time in weeks, I actually wished I was still grounded.