A/N: So Brooke finally makes it to Tree Hill in this chapter. Their time in Tree Hill will be spread out in a few chapters, so there is definitely more to come. I'm still in the process of what all I want to happen with Logan's party... maybe some Naley bantering? Let me know what you would like to see and maybe I could work it in a scene (PM me if that is easier). I'm extremely busy this week, so please be patient because it may take me a few days before I can post a new chapter. I always try to update as quickly as I can because I don't like to keep you guys waiting any longer than possible. I want to thank everyone who has been reading this story and letting me know what you think. As always, please continue to review and I hope you like the chapter...
After exiting the plane, Clay led Logan and Brooke to baggage claim. He had talked to Haley the night before about the flight plan, and she agreed to meet him at the airport. Brooke had been really excited because she had never been to North Carolina before. Logan told her all about Tree Hill and his upcoming party the whole trip.
Clay had just grabbed the final bag when he heard, "It's about time you got here."
He turned around with a big smile on his face, "Hey Haley Bob, did you miss me?"
"Maybe a little, but my favorite nephew on the other hand," she said bending down to Logan, "Come give Aunt Haley a hug munchkin. I've missed you so much."
Logan ran into her arms and squeezed her tight. "Aunt Haley, meet my friend Brooke."
Haley stood up and smiled at the woman standing next to Clay. "I'm glad Clay finally took my advice for once," she commented grinning at Clay before facing Brooke, "Hello, I'm Haley. You must be the neighbor that I've been hearing about. Nice to finally meet you."
"Likewise, I'm Brooke. I'm told that we are a lot alike," Brooke replied.
"She loves Finding Nemo too. We watched it the other day with dad," Logan added excitedly.
Haley laughed, "I'm sure your dad enjoyed that."
Clay grunted, "Alright you three, let's go. I have a feeling that I'm going to be a little outnumbered this weekend. Nathan and Lucas aren't coming until tomorrow morning."
"Aww poor baby," Brooke pouted before grabbing her bags and walking away with Haley and Logan. He just huffed and grabbed the rest to the bags and followed them outside.
Haley drove them to the Evans' residence, which was where Clay grew up and stayed whenever he was in town. His parents had passed away about a year ago and left the house to him. Karen and Keith Scott still lived next door, and Haley lived a few blocks away. "So how about we unload your stuff and head to the café? I told Karen I would bring you by once you got here," Haley stated, "Besides, I'm sure you are hungry."
"I'm starving," Brooke said, "Karen is Nathan's mom right?"
Clay nodded, "Yeah, they live next door, but she owns a café in town. She tends to spoil my son any chance she gets by giving him chocolate milkshakes."
"Well it's the only child she can spoil because you know her chances of ever getting grand-kids. I mean Nathan probably has a couple of kids out there but wouldn't know because he sleeps…" Haley began ranting.
Clay coughed, "Logan, why don't you bring your bag inside. We'll be right behind you," he waited until Logan was inside before turning back to Haley, "You forget he listens to everything you say, and I would prefer not to have to explain the birds and the bees to my three year old if you don't mind."
"Sorry Clay," Haley apologized, "my point is that between Nathan and Lucas… it will be awhile before Karen has any more grand-babies."
Brooke smiled watching the two interact. "I heard you and Nathan have an interesting relationship," she remarked.
Haley jerked her head and stared at Clay while saying, "He's a pig, plain and simple."
Clay sighed, "Well pig or no pig, my son loves him, so be nice. Now let's get this stuff inside and go eat." Haley and Brooke each grabbed a bag and went inside.
The group walked into Karen's Café and the girls found a booth in the corner. Logan ran up to the counter and hopped on a stool. "Grandma Karen, I'm here," he called out.
She came from the kitchen with a smile on her face, "Is that my favorite little boy? No, it couldn't be. You're too tall."
"It's me, I promise. I'm just a big boy now," he stated proudly.
Karen came around and gave him a hug before whispering, "I'm so happy to see you. Go sit by Haley, and I'll bring your milkshake in a few minutes. I want to talk to your dad for a second." He hugged her before running to find Haley and Brooke.
Clay grinned, "Hey mom, are you happy to see your son from another mother too?" Growing up, it has always been a joke because Clay spent more time at the Scott's house than his own sometimes.
"I'm always happy to see my boys. My other two knuckleheads will be here tomorrow and then I'll have all my boys here," she said before pausing, "How are you doing? And when do I get to meet this 'friend' that you brought home?"
"I see Haley told you about Brooke. I knew she wouldn't keep quiet," Clay replied.
Karen laughed, "I didn't tell the boys. Haley mentioned that you didn't want to make a big deal about it. For the record, I think it's good that you are opening up with someone else."
"We haven't classified what exactly we are yet. I like her though, and she gets along great with Logan. She's a lot like Haley though at times," he joked.
"I'm just glad to see you smile again. Now let's go over there, so I can meet this pretty girl," Karen responded as she hooked her arm in his and walked over to the booth.
Clay cleared his throat, "Mom, I would like to introduce you to Brooke. Brooke, this is Karen, but most of us just call her mom."
Brooke looked up at the couple and smiled, "Hello Karen, it's nice to meet you. Logan was just telling me that you make the best chocolate milkshakes."
"It's nice to meet you too Brooke. I'm glad you were able to come this weekend. Other than milkshakes for everyone, what else can I get you?" she asked.
Brooke replied before anyone could speak, "I would love a cheeseburger."
"So four milkshakes, a cheeseburger, and I'm guessing the usual for you guys," Karen repeated the order. They all nodded before she headed back to the kitchen.
"She is so nice. Are you sure that she is related to Nathan?" Brooke commented. Haley laughed while Clay groaned.
After their food came, Karen left them to tend to other customers. "So Brooke, I was thinking that you could come shopping with me after we eat. I still have to get some stuff for the party tomorrow, and I would love to get to know you," Haley hinted.
"That sounds great. Maybe you can tell me some juicy stories of the guys," Brooke said with a smirk.
Clay commented, "Don't believe anything she tells you Brooke, especially about me."
Haley laughed, "I'll be sure to tell about that time that you and Nathan were caught…"
"Haley…" he warned.
"Lighten up, I was just kidding. I may let her in on a few secrets though," she admitted. They all finished eating lunch while talking about the town, growing up here, and the upcoming activities for the weekend. Looking from afar, one would think Brooke had known them forever because she fit right in.
A/N: I promise Nathan will be in the next chapter. Also, I'm going to have a Brooke/Haley scene. Stay tuned!
