*AUTHOR'S NOTE: Hey guys! Thanks for all the reviews! I'm so glad you like the story; it's been a blast to write. Unfortunately, this will be the last chapter. Just Kidding! I'm only getting started….

Chapter 3

When Haley pulled up in front of school she wasn't expecting to see Nathan Scott. In fact, she didn't want to see him. She didn't know what was going on with her Friday night, but somehow she'd thought about him all day Saturday – which wasn't like her at all. This made her uncomfortable. As she was getting out of the car with her large load of stuff, she tried to avoid eye contact with him and get into school quickly, but instead she dropped her books and spilled her coffee all over her pants. As she swooped down to pick them up, a shadow was cast over her and she heard a, "Hey." She knew it was him before she turned around, that deep voice, the large shadow of muscle over her.

After an awkward chat and then an embarrassing remark from one of Nathan's friends, Haley excused herself and ran into school desperately searching for the bathroom. When she got there, she checked the mirror and saw that the coffee was all over her left thigh. They would never dry before first period, and even if they did, the stain would still be there. So she took her books to her locker and then proceeded to the lost and found, where the only pants that were in her size weren't pants at all, but rather a very short jean skirt. Haley felt so strange walking into the hall wearing it. Sure, she wore shirts sometimes, but they were never this short. She felt if she bent over, the whole school would see her butt.

After basketball practice, Lucas came to the tutoring center where Haley worked to find her just finishing up with a student. "Okay, Marc," she said, walking him to the door. "Just keep that up and you're totally going to get an A tomorrow," she smiled.

"Thanks," Marc said as he left the center.

Haley looked at Lucas, and then he leaned in to hug her as though he knew she'd had a stressful day. Tutoring usually helped her take her mind off her own problems, but with everything going on with Nathan, the embarrassing incident today with his friend Jim – or something – she was totally exhausted.

"You're the best tutor ever," Lucas said half joking – half serious.

"Yeah, he's not getting an A," Haley said exasperated. She sat down in a chair and rested her head in her hands. "So how was the first day, Captain?"

"He did pretty well," Lucas started. "After Whitey got on him about being a ball hog."

"Somehow I'm not surprised."

"Yeah, some of the guys don't like the fact that he's here. So they tried to rough him up a bit before practice. I guess he just had to prove to them he could play."

"Can he?"

"Yeah, he's really good – especially at three point shots. I think Whitey's going to let him start next game."

"That's good."

"Hey, thanks for giving him a ride Friday night. I'm sure he appreciated it. After what happened you know."

"Yeah," Haley looked down at her shoes and then back up at her best friend. "Are you mad about what happened?"

"I'm a little ticked he brought those guys to the party, but I understand why. Maybe he thought it was a trick, like I'd get him there and we'd jump him. Or maybe he did it because he wouldn't know many people. But I don't think he did it to intentionally cause a fight."

"Good."

Just then, Lucas looked down and raised an eyebrow. Haley looked down too and noticed that he was staring at her skirt – if you could call it that. "Don't ask," she said.

"I wasn't going to," Lucas said trying to hide a smile. "I was just going to comment on how great your legs look."

Haley smacked him on the arm. "Shut up!"

As Nathan walked down the hall and past the tutoring center he heard voices coming from inside. It was 5:30 and no one was usually still here except basketball players. He glanced inside as he passed and saw Lucas and Haley sitting at a table talking. He didn't know why they weren't dating; they looked like they liked each other enough. But he was also happy about the fact – not that Haley would ever give him the time of day. A girl like that would never be interested in a guy like him. She was too pretty, too smart, and too much of a good girl. She'd want the type of guy she could bring home to daddy.

As Nathan looked in through the little window on the door he noticed Haley had changed her pants from this morning. Instead of her jeans, she wore a short jean skirt, the kind he'd expect Brooke or Peyton to wear. He tried not to stare, but he couldn't help himself. Her legs looked really good, long and muscular. Was she a runner? Nathan's mind then floated to how much he didn't know about her, and then how badly he wished he did. Nathan saw Lucas get up and then Haley following suit. He quickly left the doorway and walked to his car before they could see him.

As Nathan approached his car, he saw none other than Brooke Davis sitting on the hood. She was wearing a short black skirt and a white – almost see through – button up top. She was smiling seductively and Nathan already knew what was about to go down.

"Hey stud," she smiled.

"Hey Brooke," Nathan said. Opening up his door and throwing his backpack in the passenger seat.

Brooke slid off the hood and landed beside him. "I heard you and Peyton called it quits."

"You heard right."

She leaned in closer, her mouth to his ear. "I just want you to know if you need anything at all I'm here."

"Thanks Brooke." Nathan said dryly.

"Yeah, no problem. I mean, my extracurriculars have been a little dry lately. So just give me a call, if you wanna talk or whatever. I'm up for anything."

Nathan just looked at her, and then he got into his car. The window was already down and as he started the car Brooke leaned just slightly so he couldn't pull away.

"What is up, Nathan Scott? I'm using my best material here and you're totally blowing me off."

"I'm not interested, Brooke."

"Wow, are you gay?"

"Yes, that's it," as he rolled his eyes.

Just then Brooke looked up and saw two people coming out of the school. It was Lucas and Haley. "Oh my God," she said.

"What?" Nathan asked, wanting to know if she was talking about Haley or not.

"He is so hot."

"Then why don't you offer him your best material?"

"Because I have to know him first. Plus he has his girlfriend."

"What?" Nathan asked frantically. He had been sure they weren't dating. But maybe they were just really against PDA.

"Yes, that tutor girl. Hello? Do you not see them? All lovely dovey looking at each other."

"No." Nathan said trying to tell her they weren't dating.

"Yes. I saw them at the party Friday night and they looked really close to me."

"Whatever Brooke."

"Hey, you're on the team with him, talk me up."

"Talk you up?" Nathan was pretty sure her reputation did more than enough of that.

"Yeah, talk about me in front of him."

"And say what?"

"That you hit it and it's good." Brooke smiled and winked.

"I'll see what I can do." Nathan said just to appease her.

Brooke's smile widened and she backed away from the car. "Thank you," she smiled sweetly. "I just might have to give you a special thank you, if you know what I mean."

Nathan faked a smile and then pulled away; glad to be rid of her. What he ever saw in her he'll never know. Big boobs and an up-for-anything-attitude, that's what. But now, after meeting Haley, he knew she was real and that's what he wanted, a real girl.

Haley got into her car just as Nathan was pulling out of the parking lot. He'd been talking with Brooke Davis, which made Haley mad. She didn't know why, but she thought Nathan could do better than that. As Nathan left the parking lot, she saw him look back at her. He smiled a half smile and kept on driving. As Haley drove home, she was so frustrated with herself. How could she be jealous because a guy she barely knew was talking to some girl who wasn't even his girlfriend? Getting involved with Nathan Scott was a big mistake – one she didn't want to make.

That night for dinner, Haley went to Lucas's house and they sat at the table talking about the upcoming festivities at school. There was a back to school dance coming up which was supposed to be semi-formal, but all of the girls dressed up like it was prom anyway.

"I don't think I'm gonna go," Haley said as Lucas took their plates to the sink.

"Why not?" Lucas's mom Karen asked. She was one of Haley's best friends and mentors. She'd been a second mom to Haley ever since she was eight.

"Well, I don't have a date or a dress."

"Now, Haley, I'm hurt," Lucas said as he sat down beside her. "I thought we'd always agreed to go to these functions together unless we were dating other people."

"Yeah," Haley said. "I'm just not in the mood to go."

"Come on, Hales," he said begging. "I have to go. I'm team captain. And I need a date. So you get yourself a dress and we'll go."

"Fine. Maybe I can borrow one of my sisters' dresses."

"Yeah, wear one of Taylor's. Show off those legs again," he said smirking. Taylor was Haley's more free-spirited – aka slutty – sister. All of her dresses and skirts were too short and too tight.

"Shut up!" Haley yelled.

Karen just laughed. "You know, Haley, I have a dress you could borrow if you want."

"Um, thanks Karen, but you know. I don't- I don't think the 80's look is really in right now. But maybe for Halloween?"

"Oh they're not that bad. I'll go get one for you. You can try it on." She said as she left the kitchen.

"Great," Lucas chuckled. "I get to dance with my mom all night." He laughed as Haley hit him in the arm. "Stop hitting me," he said while still laughing.

"Well, you deserve it!" Haley smiled. "Oh my gosh, I have to leave before she comes back." Haley got up from the table and headed to the door.

"Wait! What am I supposed to tell her?"

"Tell her that I came down with something – embarrassment – and had to go home." She turned around and then turned back, "No! Tell her that my mom called and I had to go home. Love you, bye!"

With that, Haley slipped out the door just as Karen came back into the kitchen carrying a red polyester dress, with dropped shoulders and a huge bow in the back. Lucas snickered as Karen's eyes darted around the kitchen. "Where's Haley?" she asked.

"Um, headache?" Lucas said.

"Okay, I get it." She held up the dress to look at it, and Lucas knew she was reminiscing down memory lane. "Well, her loss. Because I was the bomb diggity in this dress back in high school."

"Mom," Lucas said embarrassed even though there was no one around. "Please don't ever say that again. Especially in front of my friends."

"What?"

Friday night Nathan walked into the dance which he didn't really want to go to, but the whole team was going to a party back at Mike's house and even though Mike hadn't officially invited him nor did he really like Nathan, he was still part of the team, and he wanted to go. As soon as he walked in his eyes scanned the room for Haley. He didn't mean to, but it was becoming a reflex to look for her in a large crowd. Across the gym, where the dance was being held, he saw Peyton dancing with some guy. The guy had his back to Nathan so he couldn't make out who it was, but he looked familiar. Peyton was leaning in close and giggling. Then, Mr. Hilarious must have said a really funny joke because Peyton dipped her head back and laughed loudly. They continued dancing and he swung her around. It was then Nathan realized Peyton was dancing with Jake Jagielski, another starter for the basketball team. Nathan had never really talked to the guy, but he seemed okay.

Nathan felt a tap on his shoulder and he turned around hoping to see Haley, but saw Brooke instead. She always had a way of popping up when he didn't want her there. "Hey stud," she smiled. "My date's getting me some punch. Let's make him jealous." She grabbed his hand and led him to the dance floor where she grabbed onto his neck and he grabbed on to her waist. He figured he might as well kill some time until he found Haley. Why couldn't he get her out of his mind? He barely knew her.

After one slow song and a fast one, Brooke's date had had enough and finally cut in. Nathan then took a place on the wall, and just as he'd leaned against it saw Lucas walk in with Haley on his arm. She was wearing a turquoise dress that fell just above her knees and hugged her torso until the waist, where it flared out. Her hair was pulled halfway up and soft curls framed her face. She was so beautiful, which almost knocked the breath out of him. He'd never called a girl beautiful before, but that's what she was. And for some reason the word just didn't do her justice.

It was then he noticed that Lucas and Haley really were together; Brooke was right. How could he not have seen it? They did everything together. He couldn't remember a time, other than basketball practice that they weren't together. How had he never noticed her though? Surely, she'd been there the whole time.

Nathan saw Lucas and Haley enter the dance floor. He turned toward the punch table as a fast song started to play. It was then he wondered why he'd even come. He knew if he dwelled on Haley all night he'd be miserable just watching the two of them dance. After a few songs Nathan saw Skills walk up and dance with Haley while Lucas headed his way.

"Hey Nathan," Lucas said getting some punch.

"Hey," Nathan didn't know what to say. He wanted to like Lucas, but as long as he was with Haley, he couldn't help but envy him.

"Where's your date tonight?"

"I don't have one."

"Oh, it's okay, you dance with Haley if she'll let you."

Nathan laughed, but secretly was pleased Lucas said so. "You're letting someone with my reputation dance with your girlfriend?"

"Wait," Lucas looked confused. "Two questions. What girlfriend and what reputation?"

"The fact that I've stolen not one but two girlfriends from one guy on our team; and your girlfriend Haley."

"Ew, first of all, Haley's my best friend, not my girlfriend. And second, thanks for the tip. When I get a girlfriend I'll keep her away from you." At this both Lucas and Nathan laughed. Lucas looked back at Haley and Skills dancing. "Well, I should really go get my 'girlfriend' away from Skills. I've heard he can be kind of handsy."

Nathan laughed at the remark and breathed a sigh of relief as Lucas walked away. So Brooke had been wrong.

He walked into the bathroom, where he saw Peyton coming out. "Hey," he said.

"Hey," she replied. She crossed her arms and looked down, then back up at him. "I didn't think I'd see you here."

"I guess you don't know me very well, then."

"Yeah, well, I gotta get back to my date."

"Yeah, I saw. Jagielski. I don't know him very well, but he seems pretty cool."

"What kind of game are you playing?" Peyton narrowed her eyes at him.

"What are you talking about?"

"Why are you being nice?"

"I can't be nice?"
"No! You can't." Peyton scoffed.

"I'm trying, Peyton." Nathan said softly.

"Well it's freaking me out." Peyton walked away before Nathan could say anything else.

While dancing with Lucas, Haley saw Nathan through the open doors in the hallway by the bathrooms. He was talking to Peyton and Haley had a very strong feeling they were getting back together. After the incident at the River Court, the whole school heard about the bad boy and cheerleader's break up. She knew it would only be a matter of time before they'd get back together seeing as they'd broken up and gotten back together three times. Haley tried to focus on Lucas as she danced to get her mind off of Nathan, but after the song ended Lucas and Haley made their way to a table in the back of the gym, when Haley felt a slight pull on her right arm.

She turned around so see a nervous Nathan. "Hey," he said. His half smile was adorable, and she could see why he'd broken a lot of hearts.

"Hi," she replied.

"You look great."

"Thanks," she blushed, "so do you."

Nathan cleared his throat and then said, "Would you like to dance?" At that moment Haley saw Peyton hand in hand with Jake Jagielski headed out the gym doors.

She smiled at Nathan, "Sure."

The whole dance was like and out of body experience. She'd never been this close to him before and it sent shivers down her spine when he laid his hand on her back during the dance. The dance started out with her having one hand on his shoulder and the other in his hand, but eventually he was holding her tightly around the waist with both hands as she held onto his neck. They moved as one and she was shocked to see how good of a dancer he was. As the song came to an end, she looked up at him and he looked down at her.

"Let's get out of here," he whispered.

"What?" Haley asked, confused.

"Let's go. We can go back to my house or something."

Haley wasn't sure what to do. She couldn't just leave with him, number one because she came with Lucas, and number two because she knew what he had in mind.

"No," Haley said pulling away from him, but his hands were still around her waist. She let go of his neck and put her hands on his chest to push him off. He loosened his grip and let her go. "What kind of girl do you think I am?" She glared and turned to walk away.

"Haley-" He said as he grabbed her arm, not tightly, not forcefully, just wanting explain.

She whipped around and jerked her arm from him. "Don't touch me," she said, walking back over to Lucas.

As he watched her walk away, Nathan sighed, sorry he'd opened his big mouth. He really didn't mean anything by it. But a girl like Haley would take it the wrong way. He was a fool for thinking she'd even give him a chance. He should have walked over and explained himself. He should have said "sorry". But instead, he turned around and left the dance.