''P. Sawyer? Where are you?'' Brooke asked her best friend over the phone. She, Julian and the other three best friends are stood at the car park waiting for Peyton, but she's not here. Peyton would normally call one of them to let them know she's not coming into school, so they have every reason to be worried.

''Um, I'm sick. Sorry Brooke.'' Peyton's dry voice responded, with a fake cough attached.

''What do you have?''

''A cough, a cold, and I was sick this morning.'' Peyton lied, which she's hopeless at. It didn't work when she blurted out that Haley liked Nathan and tried to cover it up. And it's not working now.

Brooke sighed, but then glanced at Jake's usual parking space. It was empty. ''Oh my god! You're with Jake aren't you? This is so great. Call me later P. Sawyer with details.'' she then hung up the phone, not giving Peyton a chance to respond.

''Well? Where is she?'' Lucas asked. So now Jake's getting her out of school too?

''At home. She and Jake are having make up sex.'' Brooke told them with a cheeky grin. ''She told me she was sick, but I could tell she was lying.''

Lucas and Nathan groaned. ''Gross, Brooke.'' they both said in unison.

Julian snorted. ''You two just sounded like twins.''

''That's because we are,'' Nathan said with an eye roll. ''I thought you were smart.''

Julian raised his eyebrows in surprise. ''I didn't know you were twins.''

''They're fraternal.'' Haley told him.

''No, we're un-identical.'' Nathan corrected her with a snort. ''And I thought you were smart.''

''That's what fraternal means, doofus.''

Nathan blushed slightly. ''I knew that,'' he lied, glaring at his brother.

Brooke glanced around the car park, and spotted someone getting out of the car that she didn't recognise. It was a guy, with light brown spiky hair, wearing a simple t-shirt. He had a grin on his face. What can he be smiling at? It's school.

''Hey, Luke.'' she said, getting Lucas' attention. ''Do you know that guy?'' she asked, pointing to him.

Lucas shrugged nonchalantly. ''No, why?''

''Is there a new guy?'' Julian asked with a smile, which widened when Brooke nodded. ''Yes, that means I'm not the new guy anymore.''

''He's cute.''

Nathan turned to him girlfriend. ''What?'' he asked as jealousy formed in his stomach.

Haley giggled and kissed his cheek. ''You're cuter.''

Nathan wasn't entirely satisfied with that answer, so he decided to let it go. For now.

Someone else then got out of the guys car, it was another boy. He was chubbier than the first guy and wore glasses. He was wearing a red hooded sweatshirt, with a simple pair of jeans. His brown hair needed cutting, because it's waviness almost reached his ears.

''Is that... Jimmy Edwards?'' Haley asked in recognition, she thought he left last year.

''Who?'' Lucas asked in confusion.

Haley continued to stare at him, to check if it was the same guy who she used to tutor. ''Yeah, it's him.''

''Wait,'' Brooke said. ''Isn't that the guy you replaced on the mathlete team?''

Julian thought about it for a moment then nodded. ''Um, yeah. Crap, do you think he wants his spot back?''

''They can't just give it away. He shouldn't have left, it's your spot now.'' Brooke told him, holding his hand comfortingly. Even if Jimmy was interested in coming back, she wasn't going to let him. This is Julian's team now; she's not going to let some guy take it away.

''Man, do you really think Peyton forgave Jake?'' Lucas asked Nathan and Julian as they walked down the hallway. They had gym together, so they're going to go out of the back doors of the school and through to the gym, it's too cold to walk all of the way around.

''That's what she said,'' Nathan said with a shrug. ''Why?''

''I just think it's weird that she forgave him. Because he was never around, I just want to know why he wasn't there.''

Julian looked at Lucas in confusion. ''Do you think that he was cheating on her or something?''

Lucas sighed. ''I hope not.''

''Well, we'll find out. And if he is then we'll kick his ass.'' Nathan said, nudging his brother to cheer him up. He's noticed that Lucas has been pretty gloomy for about a week now. Nathan has been too hung up on Haley to ask what's been going on, but now he's starting to notice it even more.

Alex walked past them, swaying her hips seductively. ''Hey Julian,'' she purred as she walked past. And then she winked at him.

The three boys stopped in shock, looking at each other in confusion.

''What the hell was that?'' they all muttered.

''Dude, are you into Alex?'' Lucas asked him in anger, sending him a death glare.

Julian shook his head instantly. '''Course not. I'm crazy about Brooke... I've never even spoken to Alex before.''

The Scott brothers seem satisfied with that answer, because they continued walking.

''Damn, what is she up to?'' Nathan wondered. ''She hurts Hales, Peyton pulled her hair, Brooke slapped her, and she trashed Haley.''

''She hit on me the other day too.'' Lucas added.

''What is she up to?'' Nathan repeated again. If Alex was planning on doing something to hurt one of his best friends or his girlfriend then he wasn't going to let her. His friends mean everything to him; he's not going to let some skank do something to hurt them.

''He's hot,'' Brooke told Haley. They're stood in the quad at lunch, looking at the new boy who was walking on his own now, Jimmy Edwards wasn't in sight. It didn't mean that Brooke was less attracted to Julian, or that she liked this guy. She always does this; she always loves seeing cute guys. To her, Julian is the cutest guy she knows.

''So hot.'' Haley agreed.

''Who's hot?'' a voice asked from behind them.

They quickly turned around and saw Nathan and Skills stood there, sending them questioning looks.

Haley knew her boyfriend was jealous, and he would freak if he heard her calling the new guy hot. She feels the same way as Brooke. To her Nathan is the only guy she'll ever have feelings for. But she can't help but stare at cute guys.

So she blurted out. ''Nathan's mom!'' which was the first thing that popped into her mind.

''You've got that right, she's fine.'' Skills agreed, licking his lips.

The three friends grimaced at the guy they sometimes talk to.

Nathan shoved him lightly. ''Gross, man. Get out of here.''

Skills chuckled. ''Well, your girlfriend seems to agree with me.'' he said, walking towards his table, still with the image of Deb Scott in his mind. To him, she was the ultimate MILF.

Before Nathan could question her, Haley spoke again. ''Hey Brooke, where's Julian?''

''Mouth said that the mathletes have a contest in two weeks, which they didn't know about. So now he has to 'prepare' all of the time.'' Brooke said with an eye roll. ''Can we go to lunch now? I'm starving.'' she asked, already walking towards the cafeteria.

Nathan wrapped his arm around Haley's shoulders as they followed behind.

''My mom, Hales? Really?''

Julian walked to the familiar math room, consumed in his thoughts. He couldn't believe that Alex actually winked at him, it was just unbelievable. He didn't like the fact that she did or anything, he was just shocked by the action. Nathan was right; she was definitely up to something. But Julian just couldn't figure it out. No matter how hard he tried.

He opened the door and walked inside, but then stopped in his tracks.

Jimmy Edwards was stood in front of Grubbs, he looked pretty pissed off about something. And then he started to shout.

''But I was on this team for two years! You can't just replace me.''

''Sorry Jim,'' Mouth apologised by his place next to Rachel, their fingers intertwined. ''But Julian's great. We can't just kick him off now that you're back, that's not fair.''

Julian coughed, informing them of his presence. ''Is everything okay?''

Jimmy glared at Julian. ''So, you're the dude who replaced me.''

Julian almost laughed at the dramaticness of the situation, but this Jimmy kid looked pretty pissed off, so he didn't. ''Um, yeah.'' he said, trying to control the amused smile that was forming on his lips.

''Look Jimmy,'' Grubbs spoke up. ''You're my friend. But I can't just bring you back on the team, that's not fair.''

''Fine,'' Jimmy snapped. ''I'd like to see you win without me.''

Jimmy stormed out of the room, almost knocking Julian over as he nudged him.

Julian popped his head out of the classroom door. ''We will.'' he shouted to Jimmy's retreating figure.

Nathan and Brooke sat their lunch table picking at their food. Was it really sad that they missed their partners? Julian was still at the mathlete practice, and would be for the whole of lunch. Haley had walked off the go and talk to Mia about something. And Lucas was getting some food. Every time Brooke and Nathan spoke to each other, it normally resulted in an argument.

''How are things going with Julia?'' Nathan asked with a snort at his lame joke.

Brooke sighed and placed her fork down. ''Nathan, you're such an ass.''

Nathan rolled his eyes. ''Jee, it was only a joke. What's up Brooke?''

''I'm worried about Julian.'' she admitted. ''I mean, now that he's hanging out with us people are starting to notice him more. What if people start to pick on him for being a mathlete, or what if girls start liking him?''

''You're crazy, B.''

Brooke raised an eyebrow. ''How am I?''

''He's like... in love with you. He looks like he is anyway. If people tease him, then Luke and I will defend him. And he's not going to be interested in any other girls. If he loves you like I think he does, then he won't.''

''Thanks, Nate.'' she said. He's like... in love with you. Those words made her feel dizzy.

Nathan grinned and shrugged. ''Don't get used to it.''

''Of course I won't.

''Why are you getting a ride with me again?'' Lucas asked Brooke as he drove them home from Tree Hill High.

''Because Julian has a dentist appointment, and I got a ride from him this morning.''

Lucas nodded. ''Okay. Do you want to go and check on Peyton?'' he asked. Hoping she would say yes. It was weird; he sometimes has days where he doesn't see Peyton. So why does he miss her?

Brooke's face scrunched up. ''And catch her and Jake doing it? No thanks.''

''No. Jake might have gone home now. What if she was telling the truth? What if she really is sick?''

''Fine,'' Brooke gave in. ''But if Jake's there, then we're leaving. We can't be disturbing their make-up time.''

For some reason, Lucas did want to disturb their 'make-up time'.

But why?

Her bedroom door opened at 10pm, of course it did. He always comes at this time; he always makes sure he's back for 10pm. It should make her be thankful; it should make her love him. But it didn't. Because he shouldn't have to make sure he's back, he should want to be back, he should want to be in her bedroom.

''Hey babe,'' he greeted, like he always does. ''watcha doin'?''

''Reading.'' she muttered, still focused on her page. She did look up when he snorted though, so she could glare at the irritating face she used to call perfect.

''You always read. You should come out with me for a change, you never do.''

She rolled her deep brown eyes and placed her book down next to her. ''Why? So I can go out with you and your friends? The friends that call me stuck up and bitchy. And watch you never defend me. Gee, no thanks.''

''They're my friends, Haley. What do you expect me to do? And why do you think they say that? You moan at them all the time.'' he said in frustration. ''Urgh, this bar smells. Why is this guy even singing when he looks like he's about to pass out?'' he mimicked.

Haley laughed bitterly. ''And I'm your girlfriend, that's supposed me mean something. Just because I don't like going to a bar that smells like pee, and listen to people who are to wasted to even remember the words to their own song. I love going out, because my friends go to nice bars, and listen to good music.''

''Oh, don't get me started on your friends.'' he said, running his hands through the scruffy hair she used to think was cute. ''Brooke Davis, the slut who calls me a pig. Lucas Scott, the asshole who glares at me just for touching you. Peyton Sawyer, the bitch who hates my music. Oh, and last but of course, not least. Nathan Scott. The dick who's in love with you, the one that's jealous of me. The one that threatens me, and thinks he can kick me ass.''

Haley shook her head, trying not to let the words who's in love with you sink into her mind. But they did, of course they did. And they hurt like hell, because he's a whore, a stupid man-whore. Who she used to have a crush on, used to, she always tells herself. Constantly refusing that there's any feelings there. That's probably why she's with Chris, because he's a distraction. Some one who's she's told her self that she loves, but never will.

Because she doesn't know it, but Nathan Scott owns her heart. He has since they were eight years old, ever since she tapped his arm, squealing tag and running away.

She's just too blinded by Chris to realise it.

Haley's eyes shot open, as her heart was racing from the little dream she just had. Well, it wasn't even a dream, it was a flashback. A flashback to a couple of months ago when she was with Chris.

''Baby, you okay?'' she heard her boyfriends voice asked her in concern.

She then realised that she had fell asleep on his chest when they were watching Friends in his bedroom, which had now became their new favourite TV show. Chandler has even become Nathan's favourite character, because of how similar they were in their relationships. Well the one with his best friend anyway. It's not like Nathan was afraid to talk to girls, except one. Haley. Well, he used to be sometimes.

Haley nodded and pushed her self away from his chest; she looked up at him and smiled at him sleepily. ''I love you, so much. I don't know what would have happened if I was still dating Chris right now.''

Nathan's blood boiled at the thought of Haley still dating that jackass.

''I love you too, more than anything.''

Brooke and Lucas walked into Peyton's house after seeing that Jake's car wasn't in the driveway, or on the road. The house looked empty, and they considered leaving until they heard Peyton's music, or as Nathan liked to call it 'loser rock' coming from upstairs.

''P. Sawyer?'' Brooke shouted. ''Me and Luke and here.''

''Go away!'' was the muffled response.

Lucas immediately ran through the living room and two the stairs, followed by Brooke who was pretty close behind. He opened Peyton's bedroom door and his heart felt painful at the sight.

Peyton was lay in her bed, her face on her pillow as she started at a picture of Jake and Jenny that was on the little table beside her bed. Tissues were scattered around the room and record discs were carelessly thrown on the floor. Peyton always takes good care of her records. Whatever happened was certainly bad.

''Oh, Peyton.'' Brooke sighed, jumping onto the bed and pulling Peyton into a hug.

''He's gone, Brooke.'' Peyton cried, as tears started falling again. ''Jake's gone and he's not coming back.''

Lucas was supposed to be happy about this revelation, but the sight of Peyton's heartbroken face erased all of the happiness inside him.

''Hey baby,'' Julian said, walking out of the dental surgery. ''Where are you?''

''At Peyton's,'' Brooke's sad voice answered. ''Jake's gone, Julian. And she just wont stop crying.''

Julian was shocked by this. He didn't really know much about Jake and Peyton's relationship, well he didn't know very much about Jake and Peyton either. But he knew that Peyton was pretty awesome, he doesn't get why Jake would leave her.

''Is anyone else there?'' he asked, wincing slightly at the pain when he spoke. The dentist had put in a filling on his tooth, which takes some getting used to. It also means that Julian can't eat for a couple of hours, which sucks because he's already starving.

''Yeah, Luke is here.''

''Well... just tell her that I hope she feels better soon, okay?''

Brooke sniffed. ''Um, yeah. I will.''

''Brooke, are you okay?'' Julian asked in concern, climbing into his car.

''I guess I'm just worried about her. I mean, this morning I thought they were back together. Oh my god, I can't imagine how bad she felt when I said that. I'm such an awful friend.''

''Hey,'' Julian said. ''You're a great friend. Peyton loves you. She's upset because of Jake, none of this is your fault, okay?''

''I guess...''

''Brooke, I'm serious. Do you want me to come over?''

''No, it's okay. I don't think she wants anyone here. She wouldn't let Luke call Nathan or Haley.'' she said sadly, she wished that he could just hold her in his arms write now and tell her it's okay. It's not as good when she can only hear his voice but not see his pretty face.

Julian nodded. ''None of this is your fault.'' he repeated.

''Thanks, Julian.''

''You don't have to thank me for anything. I'll see you tomorrow, okay?''

''Okay,'' Brooke said. ''I miss you.'' she admitted, surprising both of them.

Julian's heart felt all tingly at those three words. ''I miss you too. I've just had a filling.''

He could practically hear Brooke's wince. ''That sucks. Are you hungry?''

''Starving. It really makes me want some of your cookies.'' he said in a flirtatious tone.

Brooke laughed. ''The one's that we didn't even eat?''

''Well when you went for a shower to get it out of your hair, I added some sugar and ate the cookie dough.'' he admitted with a chuckle.

Brooke laughed again. How was it possible that he managed to cheer her up when she just wanted to cry her eyes out? ''I can't believe you did that. Did it taste good?''

''Awesome. We have to do that again sometime.''

''Sure, as long as you don't put it in my hair again. It took me four showers to get it all out.'' she said dryly, even though she still had a smile on her face from the memory.

''I promise.''

''Good, I'll be sure to call you when I have my next Cookie Craving.''

Julian grinned at the name for when she wanted to eat cookies. ''Or you could just call me whenever I want.''

''That works,'' she said flirtatiously. ''Oh my god, I almost forgot. I still need to get you back for putting cookie dough in my hair.''

Julian groaned playfully. ''I was hoping you forgot about that.''

''I thought you were looking forward to it?'' she asked lightly with a giggle, remembering what he had said.

''I was, but I think I underestimate Brooke Davis. I'm now officially scared.'' he teased.

''I'll go easy on you baby.''

''Oh, by the way. Routh are together, they were holding hands at lunch.''

Brooke gasped. ''WHAT?''

AN: Okay, so people who reviewed and I sent them a preview, you might have noticed that it wasn't in the chapter. I re-read it this morning and decided that I didn't like it. So I've been sat here all day writing a new one. So I hope you liked how it turned out.

Oh, and Haley's 'dream' was something I wrote randomly. I don't know what happened, I just started writing a one-shot and realised that it was similar to Haley and Chris' relationship, so I just ending up turning it into a 500 word AMHness. I was going to just send it to people if anyone wanted to hear it, but I put it on here instead.

Please Review! I'm ill and it will make me feel better;-)!