Okay, I could not be more sorry for the ridiculously late update. Auditions have been kicking my ass, on top of a little bit of writers block. I know, excuses, excuses. However I've now planned out the next few chapters so fingers crossed it will not be happening again anytime soon. On a lighter note, thanks for the awesome reviews from everyone, really appreciated. On with the story.

Brooke dragged Haley out into the alley and spun her round.

"Haley, listen to me.."

"No Brooke, enough of the bullshit. Enough, alright? I don't wanna hear it. I can't hear it anymore. Congratulations. You broke me. Have a nice night with your girlfriend there."

As Haley walked away, Brooke stood in the alley, a little broken herself, desperately trying to think of something to call after Haley to make her stop and listen. But she had nothing. And so she turned, and walked back into the club, back to her 'girlfriend'. The girl who had caused all this in the first place.

"So, a year ago, when I was on holiday down in California, this new family moved in next door to our beach house. It was Gaby's family, and they came over and her parents instantly made friends with my parents. So we kinda just fell into a friendship because of that. And it sort of escalated when we got drunk and ended up in bed together. I woke up and she was next to me. I asked her what the hell was going on, and told her to go, and then she said that I'd taken my Dad's car and driven it into a telephone pole. I can't really remember what happened. But she's been holding it over my head, saying if I don't let her stay she'll tell my dad. I know it was her though, because I remember being in the passenger side of the car while she was driving. And then a couple of weeks ago she appeared on our doorstep and my Mom said I'm obliged to look after her, and then she left on some business trip. So we're alone in the house and she doesn't seem to be leaving. But she's just got this hold over me, and that's why I'm being such a jackass to Haley. Honestly, I wish she'd just go already. She can be a real pain in the ass. She's so god damn bossy, and messy, and rude. And she doesn't dress well, and she takes my clothes."

Brooke sighed. "The look on Haley's face, Peyton. I feel awful. And I never feel awful."

"Then tell Haley what's going on. She's smart, maybe she can help you figure out a way to get rid of Gaby."

"You really think she'll talk to me after all of this? Come on, she's not that stupid. She's not going to want to be anywhere near me."

"You wont know until you try. But you've got some serious grovelling to do. I'd lead with the Gaby explanation. And I wouldn't waste anymore time. I'd go now."

Brooke sighed again, but she knew Peyton was right. She wasn't sure where her conscience had come from. All she knew was it was kicking her ass.

"If I'm not back in two hours, or haven't at least contacted you, tell my parents they didn't appreciate me enough."

Peyton laughed, then gave Brooke a serious look.

"You'll be fine. Keep me posted."

Brooke jumped into her beloved silver Beetle and took a moment to pull herself together.

Why am I so nervous? She wondered. It's just Haley. What can she really do? She's far too little to be a threat. Not like Gabrielle, stupid tramp, pushing me round. I'm getting so sick of that bitch telling me what to do and holding Dads car over my head. Wasn't like he really even noticed it anyway. Just another cheque to write in his eyes. Ugh, am I really playing the 'Daddy Doesn't Love Me' card?! Just shut up and drive.

The ride to Haley's house was filled with thoughts flying round Brookes head at a million miles an hour. What the hell she was going to say was definitely prominent in her mind.

Damn that was a fast ride. As she got out of the car, Brooke felt a wave of nausea wash over her. This was not going to be enjoyable. She reached the door and knocked out her little tune on it. No answer.

Oh what a shame I'll just have to come back some other- No such luck, as the door opened to reveal a pissed off Haley standing at the door.

"Thought of another way to demean me? Cant it wait 'til school, at least there you'll have an audience."

"Hales, please…"

"Brooke, why the hell are you at my home? Please, you've made your point, just leave me alone now, this is getting ridiculous-"

"Yes, I agree, so please, just let me explain, please, give me a chance to explain myself."

The pleading, almost pathetic look in Brookes eyes made Haley reconsider her urge to slam the door in the cheerleaders face. She sighed, and closed the door, sitting on the porch steps and motioning for Brooke to do the same.

"Make it quick, I've got a paper to finish."

Brooke explained, and it wasn't quick. It was a long, grovelling apology that wasn't enjoyable for either of them. By the time Brooke was finished, Haley had gone through a whole rollercoaster of emotions, but she finally settled on pity.

"Brooke, I'm, sorry, I had no idea. But you cant let her get away with this, you've got to do something."

"To be honest Hales, I'm more worried about you than me. I can deal with Gaby, besides, no matter how much of a jerk my Dad is, he'll take my word over hers. I just haven't really had the confidence to stand up to her before this. Which is weird, because you'd expect me to…"

"Don't finish that sentence you're not off the hook yet, no displays of ego. I'd tell your Dad and get her out of the house once and for all. But before you do that, I'd think up a plan of action, it's gotta be something good to get rid of her once and for all."

Haley sighed.

"Come on in."

Brooke smiled and stepped off the porch and into the house. As she did so, she pulled out her phone, texting Peyton the words;

Well, I'm still alive.

Brooke and Haley worked all day at perfecting a plan to get 'that bitch Gaby' out of Brooke's house, and her life. And after a long day of plotting, the two were ravenous.

"So, um, you wanna order a pizza or something?"

Asked Haley, hoping the answer would be a yes. She had come to enjoy Brooke's company over the past few hours, and wanted to see how long the honeymoon period would last.

"Ugh, I'm glad you asked I'm frickin' straving over here. What kind are you hungry for?"

Pepperonipepperonipepperonipepperonipepperoni

"Pepperoni?"

"Yes! You got a number?"

Haley handed Brooke the number and got up to go to the bathroom. She wasn't sure how it had happened so quickly, but she was so happy Brooke and she were getting along. They seemed to click really well, and as she looked at herself in the mirror, Haley smiled.