Hey Guys! Sorry for the long break between updates but school has been really busy, and unfortunately it's only getting busier. I tried really hard to just concentrate on upcoming relationships in this chapter, which will lead to all the drama. I'm super excited for One Tree Hill tomorrow. I really hope that they include alot of Naley, and Leyton figures everything out. I'm really not liking the Brucas that they have been showing lately.

I have a lot of ideas that i plan on writing for more of this story. So here it is chapter 7:

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"Look Sarah," she said getting up. "If you ever need anything, just cross the street. I'm there for you, keep playing. Show that jerk on your team that you're better than he is."

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Peyton's words replayed in Sarah's head when she woke up for school that morning. She grabbed her bag, kissed her mom goodbye, and drove to school.

Today in practice she was just going to give it her best. Screw those jerks on her team, she is going to make them worship her.

Walking into school she went straight to her locker and hung out with some of her friends and then went to her first period class.

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After practice last night Ryder went home and thought about his new position as captain along with his brother Landon. He was ecstatic, one more thing to add to his college resume.

Ryder was one of the few kids on the team who was not aiming for a basketball scholarship. He was a straight A student and was in all advanced classes. He worked hard, and was aiming for all Ivy league schools.

Ryder and Landon came from the wealthier part of town, their father being a lawyer, and their mother came from a wealthy family. Basketball was always a big thing in the Thompson family. Their father, Rick, had played in the NCAA, but then decided to go into law. If it was up to Ryder he wouldn't be playing basketball at all, but when he made the team freshman year it just kind of stuck, he was quite impartial to the sport. In addition to basketball he was on the wrestling team adding to one of his many extra curricular. Unlike his brother, Ryder concentrated on school and joined model UN, debate, and ran for student president and won. Landon on the other hand slacked off in school, and just concentrated on basketball. There were many times that Landon was close to being kicked off the team because of his poor grades, but finally everything was under control. They were all pushing Landon to try and get recruited by Duke, and for him to play as a Blue Devil, and for Ryder, Harvard was the goal.

Landon and Ryder were completely different. Landon was a pure jock who loved to hang around with the guys and drink beer. The twins were both gorgeous but looked completely different. Landon, was tall and dark, with toned muscles and a chiseled stomach. He had brown eyes and long brown hair that was always in his eyes. He dressed like a normal guy would, just throwing on any random clothes that were lying around his bed room.

Ryder on the other hand was the opposite. Ryder was tall and toned, his muscles were very distinct from wrestling and were very prominent. He had blonde short hair that was usually spiked up in different up-do's, which kept his hair out of his ice blue eyes. Ryder's sense of style was so dramatically different. Ryder was what most people considered a prep. He wore a lot of polo shirts, name brand of course, which showed off his beautiful muscles, khakis, argyle pattern sweaters, converse, he looked like he could have modeled for Abercrombie and Fitch. He was nominated best dressed guy in school for two years in a row. Many girls (and some guys) were attracted to him the second they saw him, and Ryder loved it.

Another thing that made Ryder and Landon so different was their dating styles. Landon had been with the same girl since the beginning of junior year, Sophia Barth, the cheerleading captain, the classic high school relationship. Ryder was a different story all together. It wasn't that he was a player who was looking for random hookups, it was just that Ryder didn't stay with many girls for a long period of time. Recently though, he had changed his ways because he was finding it harder to find a girlfriend who was willing to commit. He had gone out with all types of girls, ditzs, cheerleaders, nerds, Goths, wannabes, athletes and all kinds of girls in between. But he still hadn't gone out with one girl. Sarah Preston.

The minute Ryder had seen her in the halls earlier that day he thought she was hot. He had tried to find out everything about her from other people in the school. He knew where she used to live, her grade point average, her scoring averages from the teams she was on last year. He learned where she lived, who were her friends, and who she had dated in Tree Hill. Oddly enough, the one thing he didn't find out from anybody was that her father had passed away very suddenly, that was something that no one knew.

When he saw her in practice he couldn't stop watching her. Her short shorts were just the right length, exposing her tanned and perfect legs. Her wifebeater tanktop showed her broad bronzed shoulders and was a little see through, exposing her bra to all the boys. Even when Zeke was an ass to her, her anger really turned him on. He was finding it hard to concentrate and be serious.

Never did he felt this way about a girl before. Of course she was hot, but what was her personality like? He needed to find out. He was going to find out.

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Zeke walked into school nervous as hell. Since his outburst last night Zeke was wracked with guilt. He spent the whole night tossing and turning, just thinking about what he said. He also mourned the loss of his captainship. He needed that position so that scouts would be impressed and give him a full scholarship to play for their team. Right now, it didn't look like he would be getting that. His first period class was English with Sarah, and he planned on apologizing.

Walking into class he saw that Sarah had moved her seat to the other side of the classroom near one of her friends named Aly Parker. She saw him walk in, and scowled, then turned to her friend and starting talking about something. Ally looked up and gave him a dirty look, no doubt they were talking about him.

The final bell rang and Zeke took his seat.

Haley walked in. "Okay guys settle down." She said in a soothe calming voice. "Today were going to do something different. In my senior year my current events teacher split us all into groups of two and we learned about our partner just doing cool things, asking them different questions. So this side of the room," she said pointing to the two rows where Sarah was sitting, "will write their name on a piece of paper, and this side of the room will choose one randomly."

Everyone did as she had said, and people on the lefthand side of the classroom were reading out who they had chosen. They went down the isle, and it was Zeke's turn.

"Sarah Preston" He read out bitterly. He sighed deeply, this was going to be bad.

Sarah's stomach twisted in anger and aggravation. "Great," she mumbled. This was a great way to start another day.

Once everyone had cleared up who they were going to be partner with Haley began explaining.

"Today is just going to be an intro, talk about yourselves, your birthdays favorite things, what ever you want. You can go anywhere on campus, but be back here by the time the bell rings, I'm not writing any late notes."

The sound of chairs clattering showed that the students were leaving the class, and finding a place to go and talk. Sarah and Zeke made eye contact, and huffing Sarah stormed out of the class room. Zeke sighed, and darted out of the room knowing that the moment he was dreading was soon to come.

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Quickly dodging out of the classroom Sarah ran down the hall and out of the doors that led to the quad. Going off to one of the far corners and sat down at a deserted table, and put her head in her head.

She didn't know why exactly she was running, she really just wanted to punch the guy really hard, but for some reason her first instinct was to run.

"You alright?" Sarah heard someone say. She looked up and saw Jackson Hughes, a guitar case slung on his back, with a concerned look on his face."

She smiled " Yeah I'm fine. I wanted to thank you for actually passing the ball to me last night."

"No problem," Jack said taking a seat at the table. "I learned how to play basketball from girls, I don't mind having one on the team. Don't mind Zeke, hes an ass. He got his position as co-captain taken away yesterday because of what he did."

"Seriously?" Sarah asked shocked. She knew that Lucas was mad at Zeke but to go that far and take away his position as captain.

"Yeah the guy was a complete jerk to you, I apologize for the way he acted. Hes a total hot head, I think hes just turned on by you." Jack chuckled as Sarah blushed. "so why are you sitting out her all alone?"

"I'm hiding from Zeke…" Sarah said embarrassed, wondering why she was opening up to this kid.

Jackson's brow furrowed in anger. "What did that kid do to you this time?! I swear by the time I deal with him he won't have balls anymore!"

Sarah chuckled, it was funny seeing Jackson so riled up. "No, No, no…don't worry...He wasn't an ass this time." she assured him. "We were just assigned this get to know each other project for Mrs. Scott and I'm just not in the mood to deal with him."

Jack nodded in response. "You mind if I sit here and chill with you? Im totally ditching my first period chem class."

Sarah chuckled and nodded. The two sat at the table on the quad just talking and getting to know each other, just forgetting everything else. They both sat smiling, and laughing while a new friendship was formed.

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It was now around two thirty in the afternoon Sarah's day had gotten significantly better since first period when she hung out with Jack. She learned that he was a pretty awesome guy. He had moved to Tree Hill recently, and played guitar and was looking to start a band. He had been on the soccer team but had to quit when he came to Tree Hill. The kid was a genius who dint have to study for tests and would just pass naturally. They both enjoyed the same music and both loved watching Saturday Night Live, and Indiana Jones. They exchanged numbers and texted throughout the school day. But something else was weird, anywhere she went she saw Ryder Thompson looking at her and smiling. Something was definitely up.

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Ryder Thompson had seen Jack chilling with Sarah all day, and he was feeling extremely jealous. It was kind of weird, Ryder found himself following her wherever she went. Watching her with her friends, at her locker, through the window while she was in class, he was completely hooked on this girl yet he had never spoken to her once in his life. Last period Riley had been walking to his car to get his gym bag when he saw Sarah sitting at a table on the quad with a couple of her friends.

Completely forgetting why he had come out side he turned around and headed to the table where Sarah was sitting.

Upon approaching the natural laughing of the girls became more hushed and a whisper was going around. The girls had noticed that Ryder was approaching their table. Ryder smiled at himself cockily, he always loved the attention and looks that he got by younger classmen, especially girls when he was walking by, or sitting with his friends, it was great for his ego. Once he had reached the table he saw that Sarah was sitting with her best friends, Michelle, who is said to be the next captain of the cheer leading squad, a couple of cheer leaders, and Mackenzie Michaels, Tree Hill's all around athlete.

"Hey Ladies," Ryder said flashing his infamous smile. His beautiful white teeth had all the girls smiling. All of them, except Sarah.

Michelle took control of the conversation, "Hey Ryder. What have I in the world have I done to bring your beautiful face over here?"

Sarah rolled her eyes, Michelle was so cocky sometimes. Knowing her, this was probably some way to flaunt that she was officially going out with Riley Harrisson.

"No. Actually I came here to speak to Sarah Preston." He pointed at her.

Sarah felt her face flush. Her mind started racing. Why was the hottest guy in school talking to her? Other than him being on the team with her they had never said one word to eachother. Then again she had seen him watching her all day long, maybe she was finally going to figure out why. What did he want to do? Was he going to try and get her off the team? She looked at the girls and Michelle nodded at her. Sarah stood up and followed the extremely handsome boy. He led her to an empty table on the quad and they sat down across from each other. There was an awkward silence.

Ryder just stared at her face. She had big brown eyes that were in round and bright. Her face was still tan from the summer, and her lips were the perfect size. He was brought back to reality when he looked at her eyes which were dark and questioning.

"Youre probably wondering why I called you over here…"

"Yeah. And why you've been stalking me all day is something else that was on my mind."

Ryder gave a nervous chuckle. She had noticed.

"Yeah about that…. Listen last night I was appointed captain in place of Zeke, and I just wanted to apologize for his behavior. He was a real jerk, and shouldn't have totally bad mouthed you in front of the whole team."

Sarah nodded in response. "So look, I wanted to make it up to you. Go out with me on Friday night. Dinner then movies?" He asked praying that his voice didn't sound so hopeful.

Sarah was confused. Did Ryder Thompson just ask her out? That was totally out of the blue.

Riley saw Sarah's twisted expression and quickly tried to save himself. "Look, I know that we don't know much about each other, but I'd like to get to know you. Here, it doesn't have to be a date, per-say, we'll just hang out. Sound good?"

Sarah was hesitant; she definitely didn't think she was ready to date yet, but she was willing to see where this went. She knew she needed to move on some more, this was a perfect opportunity. She smiled, "Sure, pick me up around 7 ."

Ryder let out a breath that he didn't know he was holding in. He smiled. "Awesome, I guess I'll see you at practice then? You didn't quit the team right?" He asked with a frown. Sarah was actually really good, she could help lead them to State Championship.

Sarah laughed. "Yeah I'll be there whooping your hot ass, and beating Zeke's sorry ass. No I don't plan on ever quitting the team." Sarah saw Ryder chuckling.

"Whats so funny?" She asked crossing her arms over her chest with a quizzical look.

"You just told me that I have a hot ass. I mean I can't complain since it's the truth, but no one bluntly tells me that if were not that close." Riley said with a laughing smile.

Sarah was sure her face was a deep shade of red. She didn't mean to say that out loud.

"Whoa! Someone is a little full of themselves!" she said joking, trying to cover up her mishap.

"I guess a little…" He smiled. "But to be fair, I must say you have a pretty hot ass yourself. I got to go, and your friends are probably dying to hear what I said." He laughed. "I'll see you at practice." And with that he took out his car keys and walked away.

A little bit delayed, Sarah called after him. "Yeah I'll see ya!"

She walked back to her table where she saw her friends waiting for her with expectant looks on their faces. Michelle was going to flip when she heard that she was going out with Ryder Thompson.

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As Zeke walked into the locker room, all conversation halted and everyone looked at Zeke. Ryder, who was currently shirtless exposing all his muscles from the wrestling team, called out to Zeke.

"Hey Zeke! Don't try pulling any shit today in practice or we'll all kick your ass. You little ass."

Zeke had never felt so intimidated in his life. He used to be the one intimidating other guys in the locker room. He felt small and hopeless.

"You try anything on her Peters, and I swear…" Ryder was walking more towards Zeke, and Zeke backed into the lockers.

"He gets the point Ryder." Said Jack, he was always the peace maker. "But seriously, any of you, you try a number on this girl I swear to god I will beat all your asses."

They were interrupted by Lucas, Skills, Nathan and Jamie walking in. Immediately sensing the tension he asked "Is something the matter guys?" No one answered. Lucas looked at Skills and Nathan, "I'll take that as a yes. I don't care what the details are but let me just make this clear, no fighting and no messing up your game. And the same rules apply today as they did yesterday, anyone who freezes the girl out is running. Understand?" The team nodded.

"Okay now go out and stretch." The guys filed out of the locker room, only to see Sarah Preston clad in a sports tank, and short shorts stretching. It was a site that all guys wanted to see.

Austin Adar whisteled. "That girl is so hot." The boys looked on.

"And she's totally mine." Ryder said subconsciously licking his lips.

Jackson scoffed. "Like she'll ever want one of you?" He laughed as he and Landon jogged over to join her in stretching. The rest of the team followed shortly after. Only Zeke stayed behind and stared. He watched as Sarah laughed at something Ryder had told her. She had the most beautiful smile, and that was the first time he had seen it.

His thoughts were interrupted with Nathan chuckling.

"I think Peters has a little crush!" He said to his buddies.

"What are you talking about?" Zeke said, praying that his cheeks weren't turning red. He ran off and joined the team.

Could it be that he was actually falling for Sarah Preston? "Nahh…" He told himself, and he started stretching, lost in his own thoughts.

Thanks so much. Please leave a review for comments, questions, suggestions or just to give me a little bit more inspiration to update faster.