Games, Lies, and Love
Chapter 14
Summary: Haley has doubts.
Thank you guys for the reviews, especially inzie23, you're comment really put a smile on my face. Also, sorry for the confusion, there was a mix up with the upload for those who got a story alert. Anyways, I hope this helps from the awful previews for next week.
--
As much as Nathan wanted to enjoy the victory with his team mates, he couldn't help but be sore that they were complete cblocks. Haley was finally talking to him and not avoiding him like some sort of disease. He wanted to talk to her, to be with her, to touch her, to kiss her, to do everything with her. His heart raced every time he thought about her and during the game, she managed to calm his troubled mind. With her, he found something that he never knew he was missing. By the time his teammates put him down she was gone.
"Good game." Lucas extended his hand.
"You too." Nathan said extending his hand also, the two brothers sharing a friendly 'man-hug.'
They pulled away and looked at each other. "Was that weird?" Lucas asked.
"Totally."
"Jerk." Lucas said with a smile.
"Tool." Nathan replied back.
"That's better." Lucas said as he walked away and joined the rest of his teammates.
"First he takes your spot, now he's your new best friend." A familiar voice came out from behind him.
"We won the game, didn't we?" Nathan groaned.
"That's not the point.. I managed to leave my meeting early and come down here to see you playing like crap! That's unacceptable Nathan, what if the scouts only watched the first half, what then.. you could've thrown your whole future away!"
"Whatever Dad." Nathan tried to walk away.
Dan Scott grabbed his son's arm. "Let go Dad, you wouldn't want me to injure my arm or my hands."
Dan let go. "Your hands?"
"Yeah, for when I punch you in the face.. God dad I can't believe you.. I came back from a miserable first half and took my team to victory.. does that mean anything to you? No, of course not .. you're not me Dad so stop trying to live through me .. it's not my fault you didn't step up to the plate when you were a Raven." Nathan started to walk away.
Dan glared at him. "Don't you walk away from me!.. Nathan !"
By this point Tim came up to him, completely clueless as to the argument that just took place. "Hey Mr. Scott.. don't worry about Nathan… he's off to celebrate with that new girl of his." Tim said with a smirk.
"What girl?" Dan asked curiously.
--
Haley splashed some cold water on her face. She ran to the bathroom and just had to get out of there. Things between her and Nathan were definitely heating up. She wondered where the sudden surge of confidence came from, maybe it was the cheerleading uniform or the fact that Nathan constantly enveloped every thought in her mind. Either way, she still couldn't believe it. She honestly did not know what to say to him when she saw him during half time, all of sudden the words came out and that kiss. How her lips tingled just pressing up against his cheek. She wondered how it would feel to touch his lips, like for real. They had their moment before all the drama happened when their lips grazed, but it was so quick so fast that she wasn't able to truly experience it. Now just the thought of it got her face flushed.
Then there was the way he looked at her, especially when he shot the game winning shot. She really felt like throwing the pom-poms to the floor and throw herself at him, wait she sort of did that. He looked so adorable and extremely hot. Their eyes met and it was as if a conversation had taken place only by their body language. Haley couldn't deny that her feelings for Nathan was just a high school crush, no it was something more. She was mad and hurt over what he did to her but his actions over the past couple of weeks slowly softened her resolve. These feelings were completely new, she felt completely alive, but at the same time there was still that hesitation. Whether it was left over from the hurt he caused her, she wasn't sure. In her heart and mind, she had already forgiven her but what was stopping her?
Her thoughts were interrupted when two girls, who she recognized went to Tree Hill came in. She was washing her hands on the other end and didn't seem to notice her.
"I'm soo glad we won."
"I know I can't believe it."
"Those Scotts are so hot.. I'm so glad I came this week."
"It's a shame about Lucas, I hear Brooke Davis has him wrapped around her finger."
"No way.. God that sucks.. there's no way we can compete with her." Both girls giggled.
"On the good news, Nathan is still on the market."
"Like when was he ever off."
"Point taken."
"I mean he hooked up with Chrissy and Melissa while he was going out with Peyton."
"Melissa our year, or Melissa senior."
"Probably both." They both laughed.
"I mean, where's the sign up sheet, Liz, Maria and Tess all got to hook up with him last summer."
"Seriously, when you find it, sign me up too."
"You're bad.. what about Michael?"
"I was just kidding .. well somewhat.. hehehe.. Mike's great.. I totally see us together but we're still getting there.. I don't want to rush into anything, both of us just wanna have fun.. and I wouldn't mind having a lil fun with Nathan."
"You're so lucky to have him.. Mike is definitely someone you'd introduce your parents too."
"And Nathan isn't?" The other girl said sarcastically and they both laughed.
"Well maybe Lucas, he's definitely a keeper.. Nathan is .. umm.. you're hit and run.. he'll hit alright and then run off." Both girls laughed again.
Haley couldn't believe what she just heard. She had to leave and get out of there. Suddenly, she didn't feel so alive and confident. She felt like finding a hole and never coming out of it. How could things work with Nathan? He's a flirt, a player. No he's worse, apparently he's a revolving door! He treated Peyton horribly and cheated on her, with lord knows how many girls. And what was wrong with Peyton, she's a stunning blond, smart, funny, one of the most popular girls in school and that still wasn't enough for him. Peyton is a great catch and Haley was sure Lucas would hook up with her but he found Brooke. If Peyton couldn't keep him faithful, what makes poor little Haley James think she has a shot. The voice of hesitation was no screaming in her head. Nathan Scott would only hurt her.
"Tutorgirl!" Brooke shouted, startling Haley out of her thoughts. Her and Peyton came running off to her and pulled her into the corner so they can have a girls chat.
"Oh my God.. you and Nathan, I'm not leaving until I get details!" Brooke was practically giddy with excitement.
"Yeah, Haley spill." Peyton added.
"There's nothing going on with us.. not anymore." Haley said staring at the ground.
Both of them just gave her a look.
"What did he do?" Peyton asked.
"Nothing.. I just… Luke, congrats!" Haley exclaimed and gave her best friend a hug and thankful for the distraction.
Brooke and Peyton took a step back to allow the two to talk, both of them wondering what was wrong with Haley, but suddenly got distracted when a bunch of the girls from the squad came out too.
"Thanks Hales.. but what's wrong?" Lucas asked.
"Nothing's wrong, I'm happy you won."
"Don't lie to me.. you look like you were about to cry.. did Nathan do something?"
"Nathan!" She scoffed. "This has nothing to do with him, in fact there's nothing wrong." She lied.
"That's total crap Hales.. I just saw you two out there.. what did he do?"
"Gosh, why does everyone think he did something.. he didn't do anything wrong.. besides why do you care or do I have to bring up that whole tattoo thing."
Lucas sighed, he didn't want to get in the middle of this but he already knew he was. He decided that this game Haley and Nathan were playing had to end. "Look Hales, Nathan's an ass and a complete jerk but for some reason that jerk seems to make you happy. I saw him slip into the locker room before you girls had to compete and I saw how you were on stage and how your eyes wondered to him just like in today's game.. believe it or not Hales, I want you to be happy and for some ungodly reason and some cruel twist of faith, my idiot of brother makes you happy."
"So now, he's your brother?" She tried to get defensive. "This from the guy who warned me about him."
"I know what he did what a crappy move but he really like you.. I see it in his eyes.. you can't fake emotion like that."
She stood there for a moment taking everything in. From the corner of her eyes, she saw Nathan turn the corner. He stopped and looked straight at her. Lucas turned around and saw him too. Haley looked back down on the ground and Lucas picked up her chin and gave her a reassuring smile. He didn't need to say anything, she saw it in his eyes. She moved passed him to get closer to Nathan and she looked back at Lucas who looked back with the same smile, urging her to go on. She smiled back and she walked as fast as she can to greet Nathan.
"Hey." She said with a big smile.
"Hey" He said with the same goofy smile. But by this time, the halls were getting crowded so he grabbed her arm and pulled her to another corridor where it was less crowded and where they had some privacy.
"I was wondering .. umm.." He was nervous. ".. if you wanted to celebrate.. sometime.. like tonight."
"Um.."
"Or tomorrow.. whenever.. I just really want to spend some time with you.."
He was stumbling on his words and Haley thought it was the cutest thing, but she knew it would be wrong if she went out with him.
"I don't think a date is a good idea." She mumbled.
"Date?!.. who said anything about a date." He tried to fake cough. "It could just be two people hanging out over pizza.. or something.."
"Nathan.. I can't.."
"Is this about the whole tutoring thing.. Haley you've got to believe me when I tell you how sorry I am."
"No." She immediately said. She felt guilty enough as it is that he still felt about that. "That's not it Nathan. What you did was pretty shady but you apologized and I believe you, I forgive you Nathan, I do."
Nathan felt as if a weight was lifted off his shoulders. "Great, so you'll come out with me?" He said a more upbeat tone. She saw the blue fire lit up in his eyes and she couldn't help but get lost in them. What was she doing? She asked herself. She took a deep breath, pushing all her fears and hesitations behind her.
She couldn't hold back the smile, "Yes." She muttered.
It took all of his will power not to go up to her and hug her. "That's great." He tried not too sound so desperately happy. He was being too cute, she thought to herself.
"But there's that party tonight?" She asked.
"What.. no I don't care about the party."
"You deserve to go .. we can go out later."
"What if we go to the party, make an appearance then go? How does that sound?"
"Perfect.. what do you want to do tonight?"
"It's a surprise."
"Surprise? I don't like surprises, especially the last one you gave me." She suddenly realized that his mood had shifted. "Which I forgive you for Nathan." She quickly added. ".. believe me I'm not mad anymore." She said with a reassuring smile and his face lit up again.
"Well, we never got to go out the first time, I wanted to surprise you then and I still do, so what do you say Haley James.. I mean like I said we can go strictly as friends.. friends can go out and enjoy themselves." Nathan didn't want to rush things with Haley, he knew he had to be careful. He already hurt her enough.
"Okay Nathan Scott, your on."
Nathan couldn't be any happier. "Great.. so I'm about to head out.. do you want to ride with me?" He knew he was pushing his luck.
I took all of her strength not to say yes. "I think I'll pass and ride the bus with Brooke, she has to help me figure out what to wear tonight." She said as she started to walk closer to him.
"And Nathan." She said as she grazed her hand on his cheeks. Her touch sent shockwaves through his body and he was paralyzed to even answer her, only looking at her with his undivided attention. "We're not friends." She said in a low voice. This time he was really confused and wondered what was going on now. She leaned in and tiptoed to and got as close to his ears as she could and whispered. "Friend's don't go on dates." She gave him a peck on the cheek and started to walk away.
"Call me when you're going to pick me up." She said as she smiled back at him and turned the corner.
Nathan stood there for a moment, almost unable to comprehend everything that just happened. A date, he was finally going out on a date with Haley. He couldn't hide the smile on his face and he clenched his fist. "YES !!!!"
"Brooke!" Haley called out.
"Tutorgirl, there you are."
"Listen up, I need you're help in picking out an outfit tonight."
Brooke instantly hugged Haley. "Haley, oh my God, I've waited so long for this moment. I promise.. you.. now and forever to help you in your wardrobe to the best of my abilities."
"Brooke." Haley said trying to get away from Brooke's tight hug. "I just need something for tonight."
"Honey, I seen that poncho of yours. . it's going to take more than one night to fix you up."
Haley rolled her eyes. "God, will everyone just get over that .. you know what, I'll ask Peyton for help."
"K sorry.. I'll help.. but what's so special about tonight, we're just going to Tim's for the after party."
"I'm not going to the party."
"What!? You have to go!"
"I mean, I'm going but I'm not staying long."
"How come?"
"Cuz Nathan is taking me on a date." She said softly and couldn't hide the smile on her face.
"Ahhh!" Brook instantly screamed and Haley couldn't help but join her. The two girls embracing once again.
To Be Continued . . .
Note: Thank you so much for the reviews. I really needed some Naleyness especially after next week's god awful preview. I think the whole Nanny storyline is the worse this season. I mean, haven't Nathan and Haley gone through enough, wasn't the accident bad enough!? Plus the whole nanny with the hubby thing is soo overplayed, everyone saw this coming. I can rant about this forever but yeah, I think everyone agrees with me. I might forgive Mark if he gives us a nice Naley sex scene to end next weeks episode, hehe. Anyways, this chapter turned out a lot different than what I had planned. It was 14 pages on MS Word but I still didn't like it, which is why it took me so long. But I completely revamped it and I hope you guys enjoyed how it turns out. So until next chapter! Please review!