HJS-NS-23 Authors Note: Okay here is probably one of my favorite chapters to come (and Stef's too :-)). Also we want to thank everyone for their support with our story being plagiarized. The two songs used are You don't know me by Michael Bublé and I'll Be by Edwin McCain. It might help if you listen to these songs while reading that part. You can find the songs on youtube. Enjoy the chapter and don't forget to review.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
"I'm sorry Haley I just don't want to lose you." Jake apologized.
"You're not going to lose me, but I don't know how our friendship is going to stay intact unless you trust me. Nothing happened Jake! Nathan wasn't even supposed to be here. He didn't want to go to Luke's and he wouldn't just leave ok? Haley cried exasperated and frustrated over the whole situation and fight.
"I'm sorry baby girl, forgive me?" Jake asked with his puppy dog eyes that Haley could never say no to.
"Yea, Jake of course." Haley said smiling except behind the smile was a mask for Jake. She was still hurt and upset that he didn't believe her bust she also was sick of fighting with her best friend..
That's what Haley was thinking about while she was wrapping Nathan's Christmas gift. I got him the best present ever she said to herself smiling. Spending time with him during thanksgiving she found out he loved Michael Jordan, since they were all going to exchange presents and she hadn't had a clue what to buy him beforehand she went online and found a signed basketball by him that was pretty cheap and had it overnight rushed. Now that she had the room to herself she could wrap the Christmas presents she bought for everyone without anyone interrupting her.
For Brooke she bought a bracelet with a heart charm, which she had engraved big sis. She was really excited to give it to her, she finally felt like they were sisters and what better way for her to show Brooke how she felt. For Peyton she bought an old copy of "bad moon rising" by Creedence in record formatting. I can't wait for them to open these gifts she thought biting her lip as she looked around wondering where the tape had disappeared. I just had it now where did I put it? She asked herself looking all around and under the extra wrapping paper not seeing it anywhere.
She still had to get Luke, Jake and Jenny's presents but knew what she wanted to get them. For Luke she had her eye on a Charlotte Bobcat jersey and had it on hold at the sporting store in the mall because she was with him and pulled the clerk to the side and told her to hold it. Jenny she was buying her a tinker bell doll and a tinker bell costume because Jenny decided that's who she wanted to be lately. Next year I wonder what she will want to be.
Brrrrng Brrrrg the phone rang; falling back she reached behind her to pick up the phone.
"Hello"
"Hi may I please speak to Haley James?" a man said.
"This is her" Haley replied.
"Ms. James this is Mike from Music Box and I just wanted to call and tell you the guitar case you ordered is in. The total will be $75.27."
"Okay I will come pick it up tomorrow. Thank you for calling." Haley politely said
"Have a good day." He replied before hanging up.
Ah there's the tape! Haha! Well now I just have to pick those up and then wrap them she thought sitting back up and adding a bow to Nathan's. Now when Jenny comes I can play with her. Ok so I better clean up since Jake is bringing Jenny soon and I don't want her to rip the paper or anything. 2 seconds after she finished putting everything away and hiding the presents in her closet their was a knock on the door. Must be them.
"Hi Jenny bunny" Haley said reaching and picking the little girl up.
"Hawey" She replied smiling and giving Haley a kiss.
"Hi Haley. So I'm going with the guys shopping to get last minute presents but it shouldn't take to long.
"Okay I will see you in a little bit then" Haley said fidgeting.
"Yea well I guess I will go then. See you later" Jake replied.
"Okay bye Jake" Haley said. Ever since the fight they had made up but it was still very tense and awkward between the two.
"Hey Hales" Nathan said walking into the room where he could feel the tension suffocating him. "Oh hi Jake" Nathan added curtly.
"Nate" Jake replied nodding his head confused as to why Nathan was cold to him. "Well I am going to go see if Luke is ready," Jake said leaving. Hopefully this will show to Haley that I don't care if they get together so she can really forgive me instead of her pretending that she forgave me. He thought as he left after giving Jenny a kiss and saying bye.
"So what's up?" Haley asked putting in Peter Pan and then putting Jenny in her little tinker bell mushroom chair they had stored at Haley's.
After discussing his feeling about Haley with Luke, he decided he wanted to tell Haley he loved her. Since he realized his real feelings for her over thanksgiving week they spent together, the feelings seemed to grow and he couldn't keep his sanity while keeping his feelings inside. I have to tell her, especially because I won't see her for a month. He thought while he was in his room the other day. He decided on making her a mix CD to show his feelings.
"Well um… It's not your Christmas present but um…well it's just a CD I made for you. I know you really like music anyways you really need to listen to track 1 and track 15. It's what I think and just can't tell you. You'll tell me what you think about it later on ok?" He added his voice broken with emotion. He was really worried what she would think about the c.d. He was up all night stressing about giving it to her and what songs to put on it.
"Okay I'll listen to it right now" Haley told him walking to her computer.
"Wait for me to leave to go shopping please" He begged her.
"Okay Nate I will" she said confused as to how the confident man she had come to know was so vulnerable standing in front of her right now.
"Bye Jenny" he told the little girl whose eyes were fixed on the movie in front of her. "Bye Hales" He said softly kissing her on the forehead before leaving.
As soon as he left she checked to make sure Jenny was still engrossed in the movie before hurriedly opening the c.d. case and yanking the c.d. out. Putting it in her computer, she couldn't wait to see what songs he wanted her to listen too. He left the room, which technically means he is gone shopping so I can listen to this she reasoned in her head before plugging her headphones in, so it wouldn't disrupt Jenny's movie and pressed play with track one. The headphones filled up with lyrics she didn't know but right away she loved the melody.
You give your hand to me
And Then you say hello
And I can hardly speak
My heart is beating so
And anyone can tell
You think you know me well
But you don't know me
No, you don't know the one
Who dreams of you at night
And longs to kiss your lips
And longs to hold you tight
Oh I'm just a friend
That's all I've ever been
'Cause you don't know me
For I never knew
The art of making love
Though my heart aches
With love for you
Afraid and shy
I've let my chance to go by
The chance that you might
Love me, too
You give your hand to me
And then you say good-bye
I watch you walk away
Beside the lucky guy
You'll never never know
The one who loves you so
Well, you don't know me
You give your hand to me, baby
Then you say good-bye
I watch you walk away
Beside the lucky guy
No, no, you'll never ever know
The one who loves you so
Well, you don't know me
Omgosh she thought to herself after the song was over He loves me?What ? Quickly skipping to the last song it was one of her favorites. I'll Be by Edwin McCain
The strands in your eyes that color them wonderful
Stop me and steal my breath
Emeralds from mountains thrust toward the sky
Never revealing their depth
Tell me that we belong together
Dress it up with the trappings of love
I'll be captivated
I'll hang from your lips
Instead of the gallows of heartache that hang from above
I'll be your crying shoulder
I'll be love suicide
I'll be better when I'm older
I'll be the greatest fan of your life
"Oh wow,"she said out loudas she started crying tears of happiness.
"Hey tutor sis wanna go shopping" Brooke asked walking into the room. Seeing her sister had on headphones she went up to her and tapped her on the shoulder. "Are you ok? What's wrong?" Brooke worriedly asked seeing her sister's tears.
"I… uh… I love him," Haley said grinning wildly while taking the headphones out of her ears and facing Brooke.
"Um…Wow! That's great but…who are you talking about?" Brooke asked confused.
"Nathan of course!" Haley replied like Brooke should have known. "He gives me butterflies in my stomach when I see him, I think about him constantly, he comforts me by one little touch, his kisses give me sparks and I love watching him sleep. I love him Brooke" Haley said biting her lower lip and laughing at the revelation she had just made.
Brooke could see the light shining in her sister's eyes as she talked about Nathan. Wow she really is in love she looks just like I did when I realized I was in love with Lucas. She thought to herself.
"That's great Hales," She told her honestly her dimples clearly showing off her beautiful smile.
"I know! Hey what are you doing for Christmas?" Haley asked she couldn't wipe the smile off her face and she wanted to spend the holidays getting to know her sister better.
"Um I don't know dad is probably working so just staying at home or something why?" Brooke asked curiously with a raised eyebrow.
"Come home with me" Haley told her rather than asked.
"Okay, but is mom gonna be okay with it?" Brooke asked nervously but happy that Haley invited her.
"She would love to see you" Haley replied honestly, excited to see her mom's reaction when she saw them actually acting like sisters now.
They spent the rest of Peter Pan talking about Brooke coming to stay with Haley and they talked about Nathan and how Haley would tell him she loves him.
--------------------------------MEANWHILE AT THE MALL--------------------------------
Nathan was still following Jake on his shopping trip. He was still pretty upset with him for hurting Haley, but he was also really stressed about the whole "revelation" he made to Haley through the CD. Plus Jake knew Haley really well so he was trying to see what Jake was going to buy her and see if he came up with anything.
Jake stopped in front of a shop and kept his eyes on a beautiful big silver jewelry box.
This is the perfect gift! Thought Jake happy. He walked into the shop still followed by Nathan. Why is he following me? He thought before spotting a clerk.
"Is it possible to have this jewelry box engraved?" Asked Jake to one of the sellers after picking up the display.
"Of course" said the man "but it will take a bit of time. Do you have anything else to buy at the mall? You can come back and pick it up in about two hours."
Jake sighed. "Thanks so much! Well can you put…" Jake started to think. "Oh I got it! Can you write: « To Haley, my best friend, my sister Remember: The way to love anything is to realize that it might be lost. Love youJake. »"
Nathan let out a sarcastic laugh listening to Jake. Jake turned around and gave him a dirty look.
"Thanks I'll come back to pick it up in 2 hours then." Said Jake, as he turned to Nathan.
"What was that laugh for?" He asked harshly. "What do you want to tell me Scott?" Asked Jake crossing his arms on his chest.
"I just can't believe you're saying that. «The way to love anything is to realize that it might be lost. Love you Jake »" said Nathan talking in a high pitched girly squeak.
Jake sighed. "What's your problem?" Asked Jake trying to keep his calm.
"I think your message is not the right one." Said Nathan staring into Jakes' eyes. "You should have choosen something like: « Dear Haley I'm an obsessed over protective crazy dick who likes to hurt you ». By the way I think you should hear it from me… I told Haley that I love her and I hope she loves me too and I want to date her... Whether you like it or not." Nathan added standing tall with a secure voice looking straight into Jakes eyes.
Jake became all red. He was angry but tried to control his anger because he knew that a fight with Nathan would drive Haley further. Jake took a deep breath. "Who are you to judge me Nathan? You say you love Haley and it's fine but you have known her since when? 3 months? I have known and loved Haley for 13 years! You don't know anything about Haley and me! You don't know why I'm acting the way I am!" Jake sighed. "I don't want to fight with you Scott, Haley won't forgive me but…you better shut your mouth and get your facts straight before talking."
Nathan brushed Jake's remark aside and decided to split. I can find a great present by myself. I love her. He added to himself walking out of the shop.
Nathan started to walk in the mall looking at every shop trying to find an idea for Haley's gift. He didn't care that much about presents usually and he used to buy anything for his friends in the past but he wanted something special. He wanted Haley to be moved by his gift. He had to have the perfect gift.
Nathan saw Lucas standing in front of a jewelry store and decided to go talk to him.
"Oh Nate! I'm glad to see you! What do you think about this ring for Brooke?" asked Lucas smiling and pointing to a princess cut diamond surrounded by two smaller diamonds on each side.
"Hey Dude be careful!" Said Nathan seriously "I don't know if you noticed but thats an engagement ring."
"Well… I know that you moron!" Said Lucas jokingly. "I'm going to ask Brooke to marry me."
"What?" Nathan asked in shock. "Is she pregnant? What did you do to her? You know I'm sure there is another way to gain her forgiveness."
Lucas looked at Nathan like he was an alien "you're so screwed up dude!! She is not pregnant and I didn't do anything wrong! I love the girl and I just want to marry her!!".
Nate look surprised "oohh for real??? It's like you really want to live with her for the rest of your life and all?!"
"Uh yeah… I've been dating Brooke for almost 5 years now, I love her a bit more everyday. I can't imagine my life without her by my side and each minute we spend apart just breaks my heart" Lucas shook his head and laugh. "You'll see Nate! Spend some more time with Hales and we'll talk about it again." Lucas added walking into the shop.
Nathan stayed outside looking at the jewelry but he stopped hypnotized by a beautiful yellow gold necklace with a diamond key hanging on it. That's what I need! Thought Nathan walking into the shop.
"Do you want to add a note?" Asked the saleswoman before closing the box and wrapping it.
"Yeah…" Said Nathan smiling. He took the little « Merry Christmas » card and wrote. « Hales, here is the key of my heart, take care of it. Love Nathan. »
Once Nathan paid the $350 that the necklace cost, he walked to Lucas who just finished paying for the ring.
"What did you get Nate?" Asked Lucas curiously.
"Well…it's a present!" Said Nathan avoiding the question.
"Duh! I can see that! Whose it for?" Insisted Lucas.
"It's for Haley," said Nathan sighing. "I got her a Necklace." Nathan added red with embarrassment.
"Well…" Said Lucas laughing. "I guess we're going to have our chat sooner than I thought. Believe me on that!" They went back to the mall and shopped for a couple of hours before meeting up again and deciding to go back to the dorm.
When Jake arrived in Haley's room she was playing with Jenny, she was trying to calm the butterflies she had in her stomach since she listened to the songs Nathan gave her and how she was going to tell him.
"We're back". Said Jake looking at Haley.
Haley had trouble hiding her excitement. "Where's Nathan?" She asked straight away. I don't have time to loose. I have to tell him right now! She thought to herself with a smile.
Jake smiled seeing her that happy made him feel good even if she didn't seem to care that he was around. "Nathan's in his car, he is trying to figure out which bags are his and Lucas came up with me because he needed to hide something from Brooke."
He's alone!! Thought Haley with excitement. "Sorry Jake I'll be back". She added running passed him eager to see Nate.
Haley ran downstairs into the parking lot as the rainstorm they were expecting just started but she didn't care. She needed to see Nathan right now. She looked around trying to find Nathan's SUV and finally saw it. She ran to it but stopped a couple of steps behind Nathan who had his head in the trunk. She needed to compose herself and find the right words before approaching him.
"Stupid rain storm! I hate rain storms!" Moaned Nathan. "You couldn't start in 30 minutes huh?" He added his back all wet.
"Nathan?" Haley said her voice full of emotion and nervousness. The butterflies in her stomach that always came when she saw him were worse than before, her heart was thumping and her hands were shaking from nerves.
"Haley…" whispered Nathan his heart bouncing in his chest. He waited a second before turning around. He didn't know what to expect. What's going to happen if she doesn't love me back? Nathan couldn't help asking himself.
Haley didn't talk straight away. She kept her eyes on Nathan; she could see both insecurity and hope mixed in his beautiful blue eyes. The cocky Nathan Scott was not there anymore; She could see a boy… just a boy wanting to be loved. A boy wanting to be loved by her.
"You better go in Hales". Said Nathan uncomfortable in the silence." It's pouring now and I don't want you to get sick." He added walking to the driver's side door to grab his dorm keys.
Haley walked to him, completely soaked now. "Do you really think that a little water is going to stop me from being with you?" she asked smiling and caressing his cheek. "I want to be with you Nathan Scott. I love you too." She added with a voice broken with emotion and teary eyes hoping he could hear the honesty and sincerity in her voice.
Nathan couldn't believe what he was hearing. He had hoped so much that Haley had loved him too that he had some trouble realizing that his dream of being with Haley was actually real.
Haley shivered, mostly from the emotions he brought out in her and a little from the coldness of the rain. "You better kiss me now Scott or else." She stated with a smile.
Nathan gave her the brightest smile she had ever seen. He lifted her from the ground and started to turn around with her in his arms. "I'm so happy now Haley…I just can't believe I could be so happy." He added kissing her with passion. He pressed Haley against the hood of his car and laid on top of her. He wanted their kiss to be even more passionate. He wanted to feel Haley close to his body her warmth to mix in with his. His heart was busting with love and happiness.
Haley couldn't believe all the emotions she could feel at once. Her previous kisses with Nathan had always been special but nothing compared with this one. It was like Nathan could read her. She was so shy usually and she didn't even care that now all the campus could see them making out passionately on the hood of the car. Their bodies so close together not even rain could fall on her.
Nathan finally broke off, they were both breathless but he didn't move and kept his eyes on Haley's.
"I thought you hated rain storms?" Said Haley cheekily "but you don't seem in a hurry to go in."
"I don't care…. I just love being in your arms and kissing you." Said Nathan huskily. "And if we're sick well no problem…I don't mind staying in bed with you for a all week. I think rainstorms are going to become a favorite of mine," He added kissing her again if possible more passionately.