A/N: Hey guys, sorry it took forever but I actually posted the prologue just before I had exams (mainly to see if there was any interest for the story at all!). Anyway, here's the 1st chapter, hope you like, and please review so I know if people are actually into the story! Hopefully updates will be more often from now on, so let me know what you think.

(Revised and re-edited as of August 2014).

Chapter 1

"You cannot discover new oceans unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore."-Unknown

Haley surveyed her new surroundings. This place was to be her new home for her junior and senior years. She had been accepted by the academy quite late, only five days before classes started, but was lucky considering she'd just managed to snatch up the place of some other girl who dropped out unexpectedly.

She'd always wanted to come to THA. The school itself had great references, the prospectus having pages of prestigious students and alumni alike. Not to mention she'd been yearning for the chance to experience the whole 'living away from home' thing. Most people would think she was crazy for actually wanting to go to a boarding school, but honestly she found it kind of exciting. Not to mention ever since her older sister Taylor, was the last sibling to leave the house (hitting New York with an internship at Vogue) Haley felt a little lonely at home. Since she was little she'd been surrounded by people, being one of six siblings had that effect after all. One by one as they left, Haley had felt that in a way she was being left behind. She knew it was irrational, but a small part of her wouldn't let the thought go. With it just being her and her parents at home, the whole house felt different, and she had a feeling that her parents felt the same way. So when she'd heard about this school she'd immediately set on to the idea of coming here. Her parents had decided that was the best time to spend their savings on an RV and start visiting their other children.

She smiled a little thinking how excited they were to visit Matt, Dina and the kids in Florida. Sighing, she tried not to get too annoyed at her current situation. She'd been waiting for her roommate to arrive and the girl was really taking her time.

Okay it had only been five minutes.

And maybe she was a stickler for time...

Sighing she walked over to the other girl's side of the room. This roommate of hers was definitely quite a character. Haley could tell that much, simply from the way her side of the room was done up. It wasn't messy so to speak, just slightly…eccentric.

The four poster bed had what looked like drapes attached from the top that fell elegantly around the bed, giving it the look of one of those fairytale-type frames. The shelves beside it were covered in photo frames of pictures, random bits of make up and accessories. The vanity by her desk displayed a jewellery stand that was covered in sparkly bits and bobs, and there was a various assortment of cloths covering the girl's actual writing desk. Putting it all together with the stack of fashion magazines on the girl's bedside table, Haley came to the conclusion that this girl wanted to go into something to with fashion. Funnily, that reminded her of Taylor, and a slight twinge of homesickness waved over her randomly. But that was taken over by a small feeling of dread once she saw the pom-poms hanging near the door.

Oh crap…I'm rooming with a cheerleader…Haley had nothing against cheerleaders, really she didn't. She'd even had friends who were cheerleaders in her previous school. And because of that she got to know most of the team and also knew what complete bitches they could be. God please if you have any mercy on me, do not give me a 'vapid-airhead-slutty-bitch-of-a-cheerleader-who'll-bring-random-hot-but-most-likely-stupid-jocks-for-a-screw-every-night-thus-causing-me-to-smother-her-in-her-sleep' type of roommate.

Honestly she hadn't given much thought to what type of roommate she would have and realised maybe she should have put in a request or something. Looking back at the time, she remembered being so happy she got in that she never really questioned who she'd be living with.

Well at least she's hygienic…she looked over the bathroom, glad she wouldn't be stuck with some random girl who had no idea how to be clean and never heard the words broom, mop or Dettol before.

Before she could investigate any further she heard the door open back in the dorm room. Turning back into the room she saw a brunette girl, slightly taller than her and currently looking confused at the horde of luggage sitting in the middle of her room.

"Er...hi" Haley offered somewhat awkwardly as the girl's head whipped round in her direction.

Well she certainly looks the cheerleader type, Haley thought noticing that the girl was stunning in that shiny hair, white teeth, perfectly shaped eyebrows type of way. The 'I'm definitely gonna be famous one day' looking girl. Still Haley never was one to judge people on looks or stereotypes, and seeing as the girl was currently wearing an extremely bright smile on her face with dimples and everything Haley figured she might like this girl.

"Oh my god! Hi! You must be the new girl." She claimed perkily.

"Yeah," but before she could continue she was interrupted by the girl before her as she smacked her forehead lightly.

"Ooops, I totally forgot you were coming today. You know, I could've sworn the office said you were coming on the 1st not the 31st…" she trailed off slightly confused and Haley was slightly surprised to notice the girl's voice to have a slightly raspy edge to it as she carried on,

"…oh well – you're here now. What's your name again? I think that office said something like Holly or Heather…?"

"Actually it's-"

"Well, I'm Brooke Davis, your new roommate, and let me the first to welcome to THA!" Did everything this girl say sound like a cheer?

"That's nic-"

"Oh New Girl, I should totally show you around campus. You haven't had an official tour yet have you? Well, I'll have to show you all the hottest places round the area."

"Haley!" She burst out before Brooke could come out with another word. Brooke looked at her curiously for a second. Great Haley, that didn't sound totally stupid at all! "Er…My name's Haley…and thanks for offering to show me round – that would be great."

She noticed that Brooke was now slowly looking her up and down as if scrutinizing her to see of she was legit. Haley felt slightly self conscious when her gaze hadn't lifted from examining her.

"Oh my god!" She exclaimed again startling Haley, "I knew it!" With that she ran over to her closet leaving a puzzled Haley behind.

A few seconds later she came out holding the exact same skirt as the one Haley was currently wearing except hers was in blue.

"Well Roomie," Brooke said grinning after seeing they're a perfect match, "I think this is the start of a beautiful friendship…"

About an hour later…

"4.2!" Brooke all but yelled at the blushing girl before her.

"Er…yeah" Haley stated calmly. Brooke had decided that they would have a 'gal-pal' bonding session while Haley unpacked. And the more curious know-it-all side of Haley definitely wanted to know more about the girl, who she'd be living with all year, so had agreed easily. Surprisingly Haley found that she and Brooke could have easy conversation and she was learning a lot about her new room-mate.

"H. James! That's like double my GPA. You're like a genius! Any chance you'll do my homework for me?" Brooke batted her eyelids in an oh-so-cute way.

"Ok, first of all H. James?" Secondly I'm not that smart. And thirdly, not a chance!" Haley smiled at the small pout Brooke sported while she pulled out a couple of skirts and packed them away.

"Ok Missy James, first of all – it's a nickname, its what I do to all my friends," Haley smiled at that, "And 'not that smart' my ass! I don't think even any of the teachers in this place are that clever!"

"Maybe," Haley said a little proud at being praised like that. Did I mention I like this girl?

"Anyways, Roomie I was thinking of intro- OH MY GOD!" She shrieked suddenly causing Haley to jump several feet in the air.

"Damn Brooke, what the hell?" Haley clutched a hand over a heart

"God, what in the name of all things hideous is this?!" Brooke said snatching the item that Haley had just been pulling out of her suitcase. Holding up the crocheted poncho in front of her, Brooke had a simple look of pure horror on her face. "Please tell me you don't wear this travesty in public!"

"Hey," Haley snatched that back from her "That happens to be a present from my Nan, it has sentimental value." Haley defended the woolly garment. To be truthful she'd only ever worn it once for her Nan, otherwise it was usually just kept in her closet.

Brooke snorts, "Well that's the only type of value it could have, seriously I'd burn it if I were you." Haley rolled her eyes good-naturedly before turning to place the poncho into her closet.

Turning back she found Brooke going through the rest of her suitcase. "Ooooh, this on the other hand," Brooke pulled out a cute although slightly revealing halter top (a gift from Taylor) "is freakin' gorgeous! Roomie other than that ugly duckling poncho thing, the rest of your clothes rock!" She pulled out another couple of outfits gazing at them appreciatively as though approving of them.

"Well thanks Brooke, I'm glad they have your consent. Anything else of mine you wanna see?" She teased eyeing the way Brooke continued to be passing through her luggage. It was then that her roommate realised what she was doing.

"Oops, my bad." She shrugged giving a sweet smile "I'm a little snoopy – it's a bad habit, comes with being an only child."

"Well lucky for you, I come from a family of six siblings, so I've never been used to having any privacy." She smiled at the way Brooke's eyes widened at the mention of her large number of siblings.

"Woah your parents kept busy!" Ignoring the grimace that came over Haley's face at that comment she continued, "Anyway…as I was saying before I totally need to introduce you to everyone."

"Already?" Haley just finished packing all her clothes into her new closet and felt the nerves beginning to settle.

It was bound to happen eventually.

She'd be lying if she said she wasn't nervous. Of course if Brooke's friends were anything like her, they'd probably be great. Haley had already taken a great liking to the girl; she technically didn't have to be her friend – just her room mate. But it was obvious the Brooke Davis was quite a warm and bubbly person and Haley was glad she'd be rooming with her.

But that didn't stop her being nervous at the thought of meeting everyone else. She was usually quite confident, and very social, but in this case it was different. She was practically starting a new life in a new school and this time there would be no family to go home to and no siblings looking out for her.

"Yup, no time like the present I say." Brooke chirped from her side of Haley's bed.

"You don't have anything to worry about, they'll love you New Girl." Haley was surprised how Brooke managed to pick up on what she was thinking; clearly she was more perceptive than she let on. Either that or I look a hell of a lot more nervous than I should.

"And who is they exactly?" Haley asked feeling if she knew more about them she could make a good impression.

"Oh well that would be, , Broody, HotShot, Skills, Mouth, Dim and well…Jake." She frowned at the end.

"Wow, you branded everyone with a Brooke Davis worthy title?" Haley chuckled as Brooke poked her tongue at her.

"Almost, damn how have I never given Jake a name before?"

"Poor boy, must be feeling deprived." Haley said sarcastically which Brooke dismissed with a wave before dragging Haley off the bed.

"Wait where are we going?" Brooke was practically dragging her to the door.

"Where d'ya think? I'm introducing you to my friends, after I give you the Official THA Tour à la Brooke." With that she looped her arm through Haley's and opened the door.

"This should be interesting…" Haley said on the way out.

"And over there we have the gym, where you'll probably find most of the female population during basketball season." Brooke said pointing it out as she walked by with Haley, their arms still looped together. Anyone walking by at this point would think that they'd always been this way – not that they'd only met a two hours previously.

"You have a girl's basketball team?" Haley asked surprised.

"Er…no" Brooke chuckled seeing Haley's confused look. "They're just all in there watching the basketball hotties from the team work out. All sweaty, and ripped, and shirtless…" Brooke said sighing dreamily, "I should really hang out there more."

Haley laughed slightly at that. She was genuinely surprised at how friendly and sweet Brooke was. Haley had only known her a little while and already found herself at complete ease around the girl. She was bubbly, funny, could talk a mile a minute, and very confident in herself. Despite several obvious differences in their personalities, they clicked together well.

Brooke was also quite surprised at how she seemed to get along with the new girl already. In their little session back in the room, Brooke had learnt that Haley was here on a scholarship, liked to tutor, had a 4.2 GPA and was a complete klutz. They seemed to be complete opposites, but then Brooke realised so were her and Peyton and that never stopped them being good friends. Though she could already tell her relationship with Haley was different from that with Peyton, she didn't know how yet – but she could feel it. Besides they weren't that different, they both had great fashion sense, loved romcoms, and thought Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom were gods. And when Brooke suggested they start the tour, she found it strangely natural, as if they'd walked like this up and down the halls of THA for years.

"Oh and finally, we have arrived at our destination." Brooke took her over to a set of double doors that evidently led to grounds outside.

"What are we doing out here?"

"I'm going to introduce you to the gang at our usual spot, depending on who's actually there" And Brooke led her along a familiar route, to her anyway, to their usual spot.

"Oh well that's barely any of them." Brooke frowned as Haley looked over to see three guys on a basketball court. Two were playing while one just seemed to be sitting on a bench nearby and she wasn't quite sure what he was doing. Is he talking to himself? Getting nearer to the court, Haley was relieved to find that he was commentating the one-on-one playing out on the court, good to know none of Brooke's friends are actually crazy.

"Hey guys!" Brooke cheered as they turned to see her coming. Haley realised Brooke Davis was probably the type of person to command attention wherever she went.

The guys turned around and immediately noticed the pretty blonde standing next to their friend. Haley looked them over, and noticed they all smiled before coming over.

"Hey Brooke," one of them answered, a tall guy with chestnut brown coloured hair, warm brown eyes, and a charming smile. Well he is cute! "And girl we don't know…" He added looking at Haley.

"Hey shortie, you must be new. Because damn, I would have remembered seeing you around." The other guy commented, he was slightly shorter, bald and darker skinned.

Haley laughed at his attempt to use a line on her, while Brooke just rolled her eyes. "Skills quit trying to be a player."

"Hey I don't need to try – I just am." Skills answered winking at the girls.

"Anyway, Jake, Skills, Mouth…I would like you to meet Haley James – my new roomie and friend."

"Hi," Haley answered smiling at the boys who were taken aback by how stunning she looked by simply smiling. "It's nice to meet you guys."

"Back atcha Shortie," Skills answered as Mouth and Jake nodded.

"So Haley – where are you from?" Jake asked

"I'm actually from Oak Lake. I used to go to Oak Lake High School."

"Really?" Mouth asked as she nodded

"Damn, we must've played you guys a few times. Your team was undefeatable!" Skills said

"Yeah, they were pretty good, until you guys beat them of course." Haley smiled as all three guys seemed to puff up with pride at that statement.

"72-69, close call." Mouth announced

"That was a hard game though." Jake said reminiscently

"So I'm guessing you all play basketball?"

"Damn straight, except Mouth here." Skills informed her, "He's one hell of a commentator though," Haley noticed the boy blush at the praise

"So you a basketball fan Haley?" Jake asked

"Didn't have much of a choice. I have three older brothers who all played the game. I literally grew up with basketballs flying round the house, and Friday nights which consisted of watching highlights of all NBA games in the past century…" She rambled off somewhat as the guys all chuckled.

"Sorry tend to ramble off every now and then" She shrugged

"Don't worry, I think you'll fit right in though Haley James," Jake said.

"Aww, cute Jakey," Seeing his confused look she added, "You need a Brooke name so get used to it." Haley laughed as he held up his hands in mock-surrender, "Anyway I still have many introductions to make, so do you know where I can find anyone – particularly P. Sawyer?"

"Someone mention my name?" They turned and Haley saw a tall, curly blonde, and a taller somewhat broody looking blonde guy walking over. She felt Brooke stiffen slightly as they still had their arms looped, and noticed a small frown on her face as she saw the two walking over. Haley doubted anyone else noticed since she quickly slipped a wide beaming smile on her face seconds later. What that was about?

"I have been looking for you everywhere!" Brooke said dramatically.

"Brooke you've been standing here talking to us for the last 15 minutes." Mouth pointed out, "Hardly a manhunt you were on there."

Brooke simply poked her tongue out childishly at him before turning back to the two newcomers. At this point Jake and Skills resumed a mini-game right beside the others.

"And who is this?" The friendly looking blonde guy asked, looking over at Haley smiling.

"She's New Girl a.k.a Roomie a.k.a H. James!" Brooke put in as Peyton rolled her eyes good-naturedly.

"But you can just call me Haley," Haley said as they chuckled

"And – this is Peyton and Broody."

"But you can just call me Lucas," Lucas reiterated.

"And before you ask, she's transferred from Oak Lake High, is my new room mate and yes, the all important question – she likes basketball."

"You play?" Lucas asked surprised

"Oh God no, I can't shoot at all…or dribble, or simply throw and catch – no I'm not the athletic type. I just watch my brother's play really." Lucas laughed at her rambling.

"You have brothers that play?"

"Yeah all their lives, I pretty much just cheered on the sidelines."

Brooke's eyes lit up at that, "You cheerlead? Roomie you never told me that! This is brilliant – you can totally join the squad and then I won't have to use one of those random wannabe substitutes, you are a life saver! I had no idea what I was going to do when Theresa lef-"

"Brooke!" Peyton shouted, "Take a breath before you pass out."

"Sorry I'm just excited."

"I couldn't tell," Peyton added good-naturedly before turning to Haley, "Brooke's captain of cheerleading team, and tends to get a bit obsessive over her pom-pom affairs."

"Hey! At least that's better than brooding over depressing drawings while listening to crappy music…I swear if I have to listen to one more angry rock song my head will explode!" They all laughed at that.

"Well Fall Out Boy beats Beyonce any day!" Peyton says back, practically spitting out the word 'Beyonce' causing everyone to crack up

"There's nothing wrong with Beyonce, isn't that right Haley?"

"Er…well…I'm not exactly a huge Beyonce fan." Or even a normal Beyonce fan.

"Oh no, you're not a tragic rock fan are you?" Brooke sighed as Peyton's eyes gleamed

"Oh please tell me you are!" The curly blonde said curiously.

"Well I guess I shouldn't play my music too loud then." Haley said pointedly looking at a defeated Brooke and suddenly energised Peyton.

"Top five?" She said simply

"Oooh, tough…I'd say Dashboard Confessional, Switchfoot, Fall Out Boy, Jack's Mannequin…and Air Supply – I love me some 70s rock."

"Dude, you know music just like I do!" Peyton practically beamed which was a rare occurrence for her.

Lucas laughed on the side and on Brooke's questioning look he said, "I think Peyton's in love."

"Dude, did you see those girls lookin' over. They're totally diggin' the Timinator."

Nathan almost groaned aloud at his friend's words. The Timinator? Seriously! Where does he get this crap…?

Choosing not to comment he continued walking towards the courts. He'd just spent the past two hours arguing with Rachel. Two freakin' hours! She just would not let anything go! Either they were arguing about him cheating on her, or him neglecting her, or Rachel would be pointing out that he didn't look 'happy enough' when they were together in public. But who could seriously be happy when they have Rachel for a girlfriend? He was getting increasingly frustrated with her bitching, and moaning and the frequent clinginess she'd get when other girls flirted with him.

Sure he would put up with it because she was great in the sack, but even that was losing its appeal. He knew when they first hooked up that she was just doing it to gain status and popularity, and he didn't care so long as he got hot and easy sex. Lately though, he'd just found the whole situation damn right annoying. He knew she was screwing others behind his back, hell he was doing the same! Yet they stayed together. Why? She wants the popularity of being 'the Nathan Scott's' girlfriend, and himself – he stayed with her because honestly he doesn't see many other options.

Recently he'd been thinking about it a lot; why he was still with Rachel. He knew if she wasn't so great in bed she'd have been long gone by now. He also knew that if he broke up with her then there would be plenty of girls throwing themselves at him anyway, so it's not like he wouldn't have interest. That though was the problem in itself.

Girls in THA were just too easy. Apparently the fact that he's hot and a basketball star are enough, and they're practically at his feet begging to be laid. Talk about a total turn-off. He used to revel in the fact that they did just that, and he would often take advantage of all the girls after him – night after night. But that was it, after one night he'd lose interest and move onto the next.

Sure he was with Rachel for almost three months now. But that was just for public show mainly and to get ass anytime he wants. If he was to break up with her though, he knew that he'd have a line of girls just like her gagging to be the next on his arm. So he didn't see the point. He didn't see any other option; no girls were different from the usual slutty, easy, 'wearing a pound of make-up on their face' type that THA was filled with – except Brooke and Peyton, and he was so not going there besides Luke's already screwed them up royally. Generally there were no girls that stood out to Nathan Scott; that captured his attention at all.

"Yo dude where you at?" He suddenly heard Tim's voice calling out

"Huh?"

"You were like totally zoning out there. You thinkin' bout Rachel?"

Nathan winced slightly at her name, "No! I wasn't."

"That's a shame dawg. She's totally hot! Unless…you thinkin' bout tappin' some other chick?"

"Tim for God's sake you're white, act like it! And would it be so wrong to think that I wasn't thinking about getting with some random slut all the time?" Sure maybe I was thinking along those lines, but why does everybody always assume I think like a man-whore!

"Alright, geeze, take a chill pill. What's up with you? Not getting any recently?"

Not dignifying that with a response Nathan quickened his pace towards the courts. Reaching there he found it to be surprisingly empty. Where the hell is everyone?

"Hey Nate, over there." Tim pointed and he saw they were all standing around in a huddle nearby. Weird, the guys at least are always playing out here.

"Dude, who is the hottie next to Brooke? She has one smokin' ass!" Nathan's head snapped up at that. He looked as the got closer and sure enough there was an extra figure standing next to Brooke. Though he couldn't make her out since she had her back to him, he had to agree with Tim, she definitely looked good from behind.

Curiosity getting the better of him he headed towards the group. He was confused as to who she was until he remembered Brooke going on recently about getting a new room mate soon, since her dorm mate had left.

From what he could see the new girl had honey blonde wavy hair that reached mid-back, and was shorter than Brooke – probably only reaching 5, 2. And she appeared to be wearing a mid-thigh white skirt, showcasing an amazing pair of legs. Damn, he had no idea who this chick was, she could be ugly for all he knew, yet he couldn't help wondering how those legs would feel wrapped around his waist.

"Hey ballers, what's goin' on?" Tim greeted in his typical Tim-like fashion.

The gang stopped chatting for a second as Nathan and Tim walked up. Nathan purposefully stopping directly behind the new girl.

"Oh finally Hotshot, I was wondering when I could introduce Haley to other half of the infamous Scott clan." Brooke said finishing on a sarcastic note.

"Gee I'm sorry that I don't schedule my time around you Brooke." Nathan snit back. He and Brooke always had somewhat a sibling type relationship.

"As you should be," Brooke said. "Haley James meet Nathan Scott." She said while turning the girl around.

Woah...

Well one thing was for sure, Haley James was definitely not ugly.

She's gorgeous…

"Hi," she said. It was a simple greeting, a one-syllable word, yet it got a shiver out of him nonetheless. He didn't realise but he had yet to say anything. He just stood there taking her in. Amazing brown eyes. Thick eyelashes. Cute button nose. Full glossy lips. Flawless skin. And bangs framing her face. All of it meshing together beautifully.

If he had been paying attention to anything but her he would have noticed the looks passing between the rest of the gang. Nathan Scott was officially speechless.

"Er…hi," he finally choked out. Snapping out of it he realised what he'd just done. Crap, now she's gonna think I'm some kind of freak. He had just stood there for almost two minutes gawking at her face.

Then he noticed that she hadn't really said anything either. The whole time he'd been staring at Haley, she was had just been looking straight back. Is she checking me out? Of course a thought like that going through Nathan Scott's mind could only result in one thing, a full blown smirk.

As far as Haley was concerned the minute her eyes landed on Nathan, she found them unable to move away. One word came to mind, pure hotness! - Granted that was actually two words but Haley wasn't exactly thinking straight right now. Standing before her was probably the most gorgeous guy she'd ever seen. Dark raven coloured hair, stunning blue eyes, strong jaw line and defined cheekbones. And when he looked right back at her, she could have sworn she felt a flutter in the pit of her stomach. Oh great Haley, you're here five minutes and you're already drooling over some guy. Granted he's an extremely hot guy with the most amazing blue eyes you've ever seen…but that's really no excuse!

She saw as he smirked having noticed her checking him out. Make that an extremely hot cocky guy.

Of course the moment had to be broken by none other than Tim himself.

"Hey Brooke, how bout introducing yours truly to the new hottie?" Haley didn't know how to respond to that but was partially distracted by Nathan anyway.

Brooke just rolled her eyes at Tim's lack of…well…anything and mumbled, "Haley this is Tim or Dim, whatever."

Before Haley could say anything Tim sidled up to her "Girl, you are so totally fine. I think you and the Tim should hook up!"

Everyone groaned at Tim's sleaziness while Haley looked slightly creeped out, and stepped away from him. Brooke was about to rip him one but was surprisingly beaten to it.

"Tim quit being a moron and leave her alone," Nathan said. Haley noticed how Tim immediately followed Nathan's demand and she looked over at him to find him still looking her way.

She smiled at him gratefully and he instantly felt a punch in his gut. What the hell was that?

Before he could address it, or her even, Brooke suddenly gasped, "Oh Haley! There's the cheerleading squad. Come on Roomie you've got to meet them." And after a rushed 'bye' over their shoulders, Brooke dragged her off towards Bevin and some of the other girls.

Nathan continued to start after her as the others went back to whatever they were doing. Well everyone except Lucas. He leaned nearer so only Nathan could hear what he was going to say.

"Am I mistaken or does the great Nathan Scott have a crush on the new girl?" He smirked slightly when Nathan instantly snapped out of it and glared at him.

"Sorry Luke, but Nathan Scott doesn't do crushes." And almost mechanically he added "Besides, I already have a hot girlfriend."

His words may have been in regards to Rachel, but his eyes were following a different girl altogether.