Lunch Time

Haley and Nathan went their separate ways as soon as they heard the bell ring. Haley was having a hard time paying attention to where she was going because her head was in the clouds. But she soon heard her name being called and as fast as a falling star she came crashing to earth. She stopped dead in her tracks and turned around. It wasn't that she wasn't happy to see Lucas it was just she was ready to push Nathan out of her mind.

"Hales….Hey buddy."

"Um…hey Luke. What's up?"

"Well I kind of have a favor to ask you." He said giving the most innocent look he could muster up.

"Uh oh. Favors from you are never good. What do I have to do this time?" She said folding her arms across her chest.

"Well you see I have this Girl friend, and well I really like spending time with her. But I also have this Best Friend who I also like spending time with. I was wondering if you knew a way I could have lunch with both of them."

"Hmmmm…let me think about that one." She paused placing her finger on her chin to pretend thinking about the issue. "I guess this Best Friend could sacrifice her oh so wonderful boring lunch ritual and join you and your girlfriend in the cafeteria."

"Thanks Hales you're the best." He said pulling her into a one armed hug.

Jake was the first one to arrive in the cafeteria so he took his seat and pulled out his note book and worked on a song he was writing for Payton. He was planning on playing it for her on their date Friday night. The same night she would be meeting Jenny. His beautiful little girl who was his world. This night was going to be one of the most important of his life. HE was in love with Payton. He had been long before they started seeing each other. But he didn't get to work on it long before Nathan sat down across from him.

"Oh ummm. Hey Nate."

"Jake."

They sat in silence. Neither really knowing what to say to the other one. Nathan wanted to remain friends with him. He liked Jake and was hurt at all by his and Payton's love affair. But it was still kind of weird to be alone with him.

"So…..How's it going?" Nathan said trying to break the ice between them.

"Oh. Um Good. I'm good. Everything's good." Jake was a little nervous around Nathan. Even though Nate was fine with it Jake still felt like he was going to get his ass kicked at any second.

"Good."

Brooke came walking up and sat down with a smile neither of the boys had ever seen plastered on her face. She looked at who was at the table and her smile fell as realization kicked in.

"Ummmm hey boys. How's it going?"

"Good." They both said at the same time.

Things were very weird between the three until Lucas, Haley and Payton all came walking up. Payton took her seat next to Jake as Lucas sat next to Brooke placing her between him and Nathan. Haley sat on the other side of Payton not really knowing where she should sit.

"Hey Pretty Girl. I missed you."

"Hey boyfriend. How could you miss me we had the same class last period?"

"Yes but you didn't come with me to get Haley did you?"

"No."

"Well I missed you while we were apart."

"Oh Broody you're so cute." She gave him a kiss and then placed her forehead against his.

"Ewww get a room please." Haley said acting grossed out by their PDA. But she could help but notice the smile Nathan gave her out of the corner of her eye. She didn't want to look directly at him so she pulled out some books and started pretending to do work.

Lunch flew by while Payton and Jake talked and Lucas and Brooke played lovey dovey to each other. Nathan got up and moved over to sit next to Haley. He talked like he was getting to know her. Lucas was not too happy with what he saw but he promised Brooke he'd give the guy a chance. Soon lunch was over and they all went their separate ways once again.

A/N Ok first of all I am sooooo sorry it took so long. Second I know this wasn't my best chapter but I'm just getting over being sick and trying to get the story back on track so here are some spoilers. Next Lucas and Brooke have their first date. Someone finds out about Nathan and Haley and have we seen the last of Chris Keller? Please let me know what you think and feel free to offer any suggestions you might have for future chapters. Thank you.