A/N: Hey guys, I'm sorry it took so long to update, but I had a uni interview which totally took me by surprise. And seriously I hate interviews, so I had to put everything on hold while I prepared. Now that I've actually got it out the way finally (and hopefully I didn't screw it up) I got my act together and put up the next chapter. I promise next updates will be more frequent. RnR, thanks!

(Revised and re-edited as of August 2014)

Chapter 2

"Baby there's something about you… that I can hold onto, I'm gonna hold onto that"-Five For Fighting

"Seriously this end of summer party is gonna be kick-ass!" Brooke exclaimed happily. They were all seated in the grounds, lazily enjoying their last days of freedom and taking advantage of the great weather.

"Where exactly is this party gonna be?" Haley asked from where she was sitting beside her and Peyton on the grass as the rest of the gang littered about them. She'd been here for officially four days now and was surprised in a good way to see how well things were going.

She found that she and Brooke got on even better than she initially thought. And ever since Brooke had introduced her to Peyton, she'd been hanging out with both girls practically every second of the days so far. It amazed her how completely different the two girls were, yet they had been best friends for so long. Brooke was bubbly, chatty and seemed to have an unhealthy obsession with parties, boys and shopping (not necessarily in that order). Peyton on the other hand was unique contradiction all in herself. A broody cheerleading artist who listened to rock music. The girl wasn't as chatty as Brooke and tended to go off into her own world when drawing or painting something. But Haley had found something in common with Peyton, it just so happened that they were both music junkies. They had similar tastes in musicians and bands, which had mostly caused Brooke to groan in protest a lot.

Besides the girls who had gladly accepted her and formed their own little trio, Haley was surprised to find out how well she got along with everyone else too. Jake was a really sweet guy - a true gentleman that was hard to find these days. Mouth was cool and had a quiet confidence once you got to know him. Skills was probably the funniest person Haley had ever met. And then there was the Scott brothers. She had wondered how that was even possible and Brooke filled her in about their father Dan Scott, and having two different mothers. She hadn't gone into details but Haley sensed it wasn't a subject that was brought up much. They both looked so different (though in equally handsome ways) and from what she saw their personalities were completely unalike. Yet it didn't stop them from being close. Haley had spoken to Lucas quite a bit and was surprised to find that behind the big basketball player he'd been seen as, there was a guy that had a passion for literature.

And Nathan. That was a whole different story. Haley found that every time she looked over at him, she just drowned into those amazing blue pools. She found herself snatching glances at him every now and then when nobody was looking, and each time he'd seemed more gorgeous than the last.

Oh God, you're doing it right now! Haley snapped out of it, noticing that she was too busy looking at Nathan who was currently throwing a basketball around with Lucas, that she'd not heard Brooke's answer. She had to stop this steadily growing habit, especially since she'd found out he was off the market.

"Sorry, what did you say?" She tore her gaze away from Nathan to look over at Brooke.

"I'm not sure New Girl; I mean, we've always had parties in dorm rooms or in nearby clubs and stuff. I wanna do something different…" She broke off as if going into deep thought. Brooke apparently always threw an end of summer party every year. And every year it had to be better than the last. According to Brooke anyway.

"It would be nice to break out of tradition." Peyton said lazily as she lay on the ground.

"Well, with the sun out like this constantly, I wouldn't mind just staying out here the whole time." Haley sighed leaning back onto her elbows and soaking in the sun. As she was doing so, she got that funny feeling again. She'd had that same feeling ever since her first day here. Like she was being watched. At first she'd brushed it off thinking that as the new girl she was obviously going to be stared at. But it was this weird feeling as though someone was constantly staring at her. She turned her head to the side to look around but didn't notice anyone looking her way. Nathan and Lucas had now involved Skills in their game. And no one else was around them at the moment. Man I'm getting paranoid. Must be nerves. Yeah, that's it. Brooke chose that moment to squeal, startling Haley, before telling her she was a genius. Well, I'm never one to turn down compliments Haley smiled, wait – why am I a genius again?

The boys looked over for a second when they heard Brooke give a squeal, obviously getting excited over something. No one seemed to notice how Lucas' gaze lingered a little longer than need be on one of the girls. Not Skills who was busy looking over at some of the cheerleaders nearby. And certainly not Nathan, who was busy noticing someone himself. He was looking in the same direction as his brother, his focus on a stunning blonde, and it certainly wasn't Peyton.

God, she looks amazing. He stared at her as she sat there content, leaning back slightly directly in the light of the sun. The rays just seemed to surround and enhance her presence. Nathan didn't know what it was about this girl, but he'd known her for a few days and for some reason he just found himself drawn to her. Heck, he didn't even know her; he'd exchanged a few words with her but she'd spoken more with other members in the group than with him. Still – that didn't exactly stop him from looking at her any moment he got. He'd been subtle about it though since he didn't think she had any idea that he'd been watching her. And he had to be careful since he didn't want any of the gang to see him checking the new girl out constantly.

He watched as she smiled at something Brooke said, before they suddenly all turned their gazes to the boys. Damn, Nathan thought as she turned and her eyes locked straight onto his, catching him in the act. Great, just perfect, so much for playing it cool – now she knows you've been watching her like some creepy stalker person! And he knew that she'd caught him, especially if the slight smirk on her face was anything to go by. Despite this, he did not draw his eyes from hers. Instead they both stayed like that, just staring intently at each other. That was until she suddenly broke the contact to look at something behind him.

"Hey boyfriend!" Nathan quickly snapped his head into the direction of the red-headed vixen making her way to him right now. He saw as she looked over at the girls and threw a glare their way. Typical. He knew that Rachel didn't get along with the girls in the group, and though he tried, she wouldn't let up her grudge for them. Out of the corner of his eye he could see Haley looking over.

Apparently Rachel had noticed too because she came right up to him, and wasted no time in attaching her lips to his. Her lips were firmly glued to his almost forcefully, and without even thinking he responded. He wasn't really surprised, Rachel never was that modest, always happy to put on a show. He used to like that about her, and would use every opportunity to rile up Dan with her blatant shows of PDA whenever the old man visited for a game. He chuckled slightly thinking of Dan's surly expression of disgust the last time he saw them. As his mouth opened slightly, Rachel took the opportunity to dive her tongue into his mouth, causing him to moan slightly. She smirked triumphantly, knowing it would do well to send a message to new little blonde sitting nearby.

As they broke apart to catch their breaths, Rachel noticed that Haley was no longer looking their way but instead engaged in a conversation with Brooke, Peyton and Lucas. Skills had decided to take a walk in the direction of the cheerleaders he'd been spying earlier.

"Wanna go make a trip to the janitor's closet?" She purred over at him.

Nathan was a bit surprised at her sudden invitation. They'd been going through a rough patch lately. And by lately, he meant since a week after they first started dating almost three months before. If she wasn't so good in bed, she'd have been tossed to the side ages ago.

"Not right now." He shrugged pushing her slightly off him.

"Why not?" Rachel said, immediately turning angry. God, what is with her mood swings?! Nathan thought frustrated.

"Because I'm just not in the mood." He got up as he heard laughter from a few feet away. He looked over and saw the three sitting there laughing at something Haley was saying. His eyes zoned in on the blonde, taking in how pretty she looked when she laughed. Without another word he got up and went to join the group.

"What's this about?" Haley heard a deep voice ask from behind her, before she could continue. She looked up to see Nathan looking at them all laughing aloud. He sat down next to Luke as Rachel huffed out loud and sat next to him.

"Oh, I was just telling the guys about New Year's party we had way back. And my brothers got a little too drunk." She said as Rachel moved over and practically hung herself off Nathan, almost as though trying to tell everyone that they were an item. Peyton and Brooke rolled their eyes, being used to this. Rachel always got territorial over Nathan, and since Haley was new, the slut was obviously warning her to stay away from him.

Nathan doesn't seem too happy about her dangling all over him though, Haley noticed and for some reason that made her feel a tiny bit better.

"So then what happened?" Brooke asked sensing the tension from THA's worst couple, and not wanting it to blow up into another argument.

"Well before he began hurling all over the place, Chris started running around our house singing about how he was a fairy. He even found wings from an old costume of mine and put them on. And then Brian jumped off the couch and broke our coffee table because he was trying to twirl through the air like a ballerina in the Nutcracker. Though he claims never to have seen it"

"My god Haley, I think I just lost any respect I'd ever have for you brothers." Lucas smiled.

"Yes it was very funny," Rachel said sarcastically, "Though I didn't really figure you to be much of a party girl there Holly." Rachel smirked with her arms round Nathan.

"It's Haley." The petite blonde responded. She wasn't stupid, she knew that Rachel didn't like her; she'd got that impression from the minute they met two days ago. Brooke told her not to take it personally, since Rachel hated everyone (except Nathan) and everyone hated her apparently.

"And who said you could judge her anyway?" Brooke started as Peyton opted for just giving her a dirty look. Lucas and Nathan groaned knowing another fight was gonna break out.

"Oh look, surprise surprise, bitch is being a Brooke. Well I don't believe I was talking to you slut!" Rachel's voice rose.

"This coming from the Skank Queen of THA herself! Tell me do you ever get tired from all the guys you've been screwing behind Nathan's back?" Brooke snapped out loud as Peyton and Lucas noticed people looking over. Haley was looking in-between the girls and then at Nathan who just looked pissed now.

"Brooke!" he shouted at her, "Do you wanna just shut the hell up?!"

"No Nathan! I'm sick of you defending your little whore over your own friends - even when you know what she's like yourself. I mean seriously, the sex must be out of this world for you to have kept her around this long!" Brooke retaliated. She then got up and charged off. Peyton immediately got up and ran after her throwing another dirty look Rachel's way.

Lucas and Haley could practically feel the anger vibes emanating from the pissed couple in front of them and he tipped his head at her, indicating they should leave. She immediately got up and they hurried in the direction of the two girls that left before them.

"Well that was…intense." Haley commented as she and Lucas walked further.

"Trust me if we had stuck around any longer, it would have been a lot worse." Lucas replied. And judging by the loud clash of voices they could hear from behind them, he was right.

"NO! I ordered ten sets of outdoor tables, with matching chairs, covers and sombreros! How hard is that to process exactly?!" Brooke yelled down her phone.

"Is she always this…?" Haley began watching her new friend pace up and down agitatedly.

"Crazy? Yeah…especially when it comes to party planning." Peyton replied in the same position as Haley.

"Not solero! Sombrero! Why the hell would I want ten packs of ice cream you nutcase!...Yes that's exactly what I want…you know those umbrella things that you stick on top of the tables in case it rains!...Yes I know the weathers great but just in case…look…oh yeah I totally understand - just get me a sombrero with each table or I'll come down there and shove one up your self-righteous ass!"

"Nicely done Davis." Peyton said as Brooke flipped the phone shut.

"Honestly, sometimes I think I work with complete morons." She lay down on her bed with a sigh.

"How are we on booze?" She mumbled

"All done." Haley responded, "We officially have enough to intoxicate the entire population."

"Perfect, and the posters?"

"Just finished, here you go." Peyton handed her a flyer and watched as she gazed appreciatively at it.

Haley looked it over too, "Wow Peyton you really have a knack for this stuff."

"Thanks" She said proudly

"Alright I need to get Mouth to get hundreds of copies done pronto, by this time in 2 days everyone should know about the beach party."

Something just occurred to Haley. "Everyone? How many people are going to be there exactly?"

"Oh, probably the entire school, or at least juniors onwards. Not to mention most of the people that'll probably crash there for booze or whatever. Hey could you just change one thing here…"

As Brooke and Peyton discussed the flyer Haley all of a sudden felt sick. She hadn't really considered how many people would actually be at this party. And now according to Brooke there would be an endless number. God, she could practically feel all the weird looks and comments already. People wondering who she is and where the hell she suddenly popped over from. Feeling suddenly claustrophobic she decided she had to get some air.

"Hey guys I think I'm just gonna go for a walk okay?" Haley told the girls who both looked up from the poster.

"A walk? Where? By yourself?" Brooke asked confused

"I just really feel like stretching my legs, and getting out of here for a bit."

"Do you want us to come with you?" Peyton asked kindly

"No, it's cool. I just wanna clear my head – I'll be back in a bit."

"Alright, ooh, New Girl! Take your phone." Brooke told her just in case she 'got lost' and needed to be directed back.

Ten minutes later in the grounds…

Haley sighed content as she strolled down a random pathway. She felt her nerves slowly wash away as she kept her pace. She always did this when she felt nervous or anxious about something – she walked. It would help make her calm. Well that and singing, but she didn't feel like bursting into song back in the dorm room so she opted for the next best thing, getting the heck out of there.

This party probably won't be that bad, I'm just blowing things out of proportion. She reasoned with her mind, besides Brooke, Peyton and the entire gang will be there, so it's not like I'll be alone. Yeah, and it might be a good thing even…get to know more people before school starts again.

Thinking things over she hadn't realised where she ended up until she actually got there. She had unknowingly managed to wander back to the same court where she'd met all of Brooke's friends on her first day.

She smiled at the familiar surroundings, her smile growing even wider at the sight of the lone figure in the court playing with a basketball. She watched as he moved across the court, so smoothly, his actions so graceful as he ran across the court and shot a basket; holding onto the rim as it went in. Wow, clearly Nathan Scott wasn't just talented; he also had a passion for the game. A rare passion you see in someone when they are fortunate to be doing something they love, with such ease, style and determination. She watched as he glided across the tarmac before shooting the next one.

A few baskets later she noticed him come to an abrupt halt. Confused she noticed how he just stood there for a second holding the ball over his head, not having moved. Then he took the shot, making it seem so simple as it swished through the net. Again.

She doubted Nathan Scott ever did get an air ball.

"Were you planning on just standing there and watching me all day?" His voice startles her as he turns so that he is now facing her. How the hell did he even know I was here? I didn't make a sound!

Feeling a slight blush creep onto her cheeks at being caught out staring she decides to back out while she can. "Sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt. I'll just let you practice…" She starts backing up.

"No! It's okay. You can stay, I don't really mind." His voice sounded a bit too eager, even to himself. Yeah well, who cares, you've finally got a chance to actually talk to her without everyone else around. Nathan would be lying if he said he hadn't been waiting for an opportunity like this. For some reason he felt an attraction to this girl, and not just physically. Like she was drawing him to her and he wanted to know why.

"I'm surprised to see you out by yourself." He commented as she walked over, "Every time I've seen you so far you have at least one Brooke attached to your side." Haley wasn't sure but for a second she thought she'd heard a little disappointment in his voice.

"Yeah she didn't want me going anywhere by myself, afraid I'd get lost in the many halls of this place" she commented as she took a seat on the bench he was playing near.

"How'd you manage to shake her off?"

"Oh I just pointed out 'Orlando Bloom' in the distance; she shrieked yelling 'where!' while I ran in the opposite direction." Haley claimed nonchalantly

"Really?" Nathan asked not seeing her facial expression change

"No," Haley chuckled, "Though I'm tempted to see if that works now." Nathan smiled and sat down beside her holding the basketball in his hands. "She was really distracted with all her party planning so it wasn't that hard."

"Oh god, you've been exposed to Hurricane Brooke." Seeing her confused expression Nathan elaborated, "it's this whole other side of Brooke you only get to see when she's either angry, stressed, vengeful, or planning a party."

Haley laughed, a sound Nathan found wonderful to hear. "Yeah, I noticed she gets a little carried away."

"Please, that's putting it lightly," Nathan said, "Last year she was in charge of arranging the Winter Formal and before anyone could get a word in she'd pulled out her bible."

"Her what?"

"Her 'Party Bible'. It's this scrapbook she's been building up since god knows when. Its got locations, pictures, buffet services, even flower arrangements."

"You're kidding." Nathan shook his head, "But, she never once pulled out this so-called party bible"

"Yeah, it's like top-secret or some shit like that. She doesn't let anyone see or touch it. Skills once asked and she practically bit his head off."

"Wow. I have to say though, I've never met someone as constantly hyper as Brooke before." Haley said good-naturedly

"Explains why you're trying to get away from her. You can only handle so much Brooke at once." Nathan said cheekily

"Hey, I can handle her fine thanks." Haley grinned, "I just needed to some quiet time, it's been really hectic the past couple a days."

"I can imagine," Nathan looked at her thoughtfully. He figured anyone would need a time out after moving somewhere new and then meeting all sorts of different people, "You came to the right place though."

Haley looked at him curiously and he stated, "Courts are always the first place I come when I need to get my mind off everything."

Haley watched him sitting there serenely aimlessly twirling the basketball around in his hands. She was initially surprised to find it so easy to talk to Nathan. Brooke had informed her a bit about the guy, enough for Haley to know that he was some kind of basketball star. No, wait, correction – the basketball star. Not knowing much else about him besides the fact that he was incredibly hot, and taken, she'd felt a little intimidated to actually talk to him. Yet, here they were seated next to each other on a bench in a comfortable silence – not awkward, but strangely comfortable, as if they'd known each other long enough to be in this kind of position.

Nathan tried to concentrate on the basketball in his hand. He tried, but his gaze kept wondering over to the blonde girl sitting next to him. He was quite amazed with the fact that he was managing to actually have a conversation with a girl. That he'd actually been in the presence of a girl for more than ten minutes and it hadn't resulted with his hand up her shirt. Not that I wouldn't wanna go there, he thought looking her over. She seemed to be effortlessly pretty. A natural beauty. And what made her all the more attractive was that she was seemingly unaware of it.

"It's your oasis." She stated simply shaking Nathan from his thoughts.

"Sorry?" He was confused as to what she was talking about.

"Basketball." She shrugged, "When you want to get away from everything. Reality, stress, whatever. It's something you can do by yourself and just be at peace. It's your oasis."

He just watched as the words came from her mouth while she stared at a fixed point in the distance. Having realised what she just came out with she blushed slightly and Nathan felt a stirring in the pit of his belly. Since when does blushing spark a reaction? Although she does look really pretty when she blushes.

"Well I think you're forgetting one thing. I play basketball in front of a wide audience. I'd hardly call that peaceful."

She looked around, "Well where's you're audience now Scott?" She grinned playfully indicating the empty court.

"Okay you may be right," he smiled back. In her opinion it just enhanced his overall handsomeness. He should really do it more often…aww, and he has a cute little dimple on one side, how adorable! Wait, did he just say something?

Cutting off her inner ramblings she noticed he was looking at her pointedly, "Sorry, what did you say?"

"So what would be your oasis James?" She didn't know if it was because it was the first actual reference he'd made to her, but she felt a shiver hearing her name in his husky tone. Granted it was her last name, but still.

"And what makes you think I have one?"

"Well, everyone needs to get away from reality every now and then. So you've gotta have a way of doing that." He looked at her expectantly.

"Ok, let me rephrase that" She smiles, "what makes you think I'll tell you?"

"Well I told you mine, so it's only fair." Nathan replied enjoying the casual conversation. Though not as much as he was enjoying watching her smile.

"Actually, I told you yours." She said wittily

"I see, so that's how it's going to be James."

"I don't know what you mean Scott."

"You're gonna get me on a technicality?" He grinned over at her.

"Of course. Guys are just too easy."

"And what's that supposed to mean?"

"Well actually, I did read somewhere that it's been scientifically proven that men are in fact slower than women."

She inwardly smiled at the way Nathan scoffed suddenly. "Oh please, that is a complete load of bull. You must have read it in some 'girl power' article, it's obviously not true."

"It's quite touching how you're totally defending males everywhere. But sadly it is true. You guys just aren't as perceptive as us girls." Silence. Then...

"Prove it."

"Huh?"

"Nothing is true without proof. So prove it," he said smugly, raising his eyebrows. Damn, if he doesn't look hotter.

Urgh, focus Haley, Nathan Scott just challenged you!

"Okay," She said slowly, "Well let's see. Yesterday there was this incident with Tim-"

"Tim doesn't count," Nathan interrupted suddenly, "he's a complete idiot."

"Fine, how about this. Brooke was telling me about this time when Skills was completely tricked by this cheerleader, she used this whole reverse psychology thing-"

"Yeah but Skills is a player, he'll do anything for a skirt. His perceptiveness won't reach beyond a pair of legs." He interrupted again and Haley smiled to herself. He's making this too easy.

"How about Mouth, he's a guy. And I've only been here a few days but I can already tell he's not very perceptive, he has no idea that girls could actually like him as more than a frie-"

"Yeah, but he's always been insecure and a little sensitive, doesn't mean he's not perceptive."

"Well ok, I was actually talking to Lucas about this the other day, and he seemed to agree with me-"

"Well you shouldn't listen to everything Lucas says, he's a twerp." Nathan shrugged and then noticed her looking at him pointedly.

"What?"

"Other than the fact that you totally just proved my point?"

"How?"

"Well, four of your closest male friends and I love how you excused their lack of perception; one's an idiot, one's a player, one's too insecure and the other's a twerp. Really, great job." She smirked at him.

Before Nathan could respond her cell rang and she answered it. As she spoke to the other person he just found himself shaking his head. Man this Haley James is something else.. Nathan had never liked a smart girl before; they'd never grabbed his attention. But it was safe to say that this particular smart girl had certainly managed to get his attention and not just that, but hold onto it too.

"God, that was Brooke growing panicked about food catering, do you even get food catering for beach parties?"

"God only knows," Nathan muttered.

"You'd think she was planning a wedding."

"Well this party will probably be huge; lots of people are going to be there." He noticed how she frowned a little at his comment. "What's wrong?"

"Huh? Oh, nothing." Man I have got to stop looking so transparent. The last thing she wanted was to come across as a nervous wreck in front of Nathan.

"Come on, I can tell something's bothering you." He said cautiously, he didn't want her to think he was nosy or prying. He simply felt an urge to fix whatever was making her upset. Which was supremely odd. He didn't think he was ever bothered this much to get a girl to talk to him.

"Really it's nothing. I'm just a little nervous that's all. You know…being the new girl, and this party is the first time that everyone will see me" She trailed off but Nathan could sense her apprehension. "I guess I just don't like being the centre of attention."

Well on that note she's definitely different from the rest of the girls at THA. Nathan knew that most of the girls there constantly try and get as much attention as possible, and the fact that she didn't follow that trend said a lot about her. "Hey, look – you've got nothing to be nervous about. Sure there'll probably be lots of people staring, but it's not like you'll be by yourself. You've got Brooke, Peyton, Lucas, Skills, Jake, Mouth and me." He gave her a charming smile.

"And Tim too I guess," he added as an afterthought, "Though as long as you don't advertise that fact much, you'll be fine."

Haley laughs a little at that. She also noticed that Nathan hadn't mentioned his girlfriend Rachel at all. Wonder why that is.

Nathan felt somewhat proud that he was able to cheer her up so easily. And he also felt a strange sort of punch-in-the-gut type feeling when he heard her laugh. What the hell was that?

"Besides, even if you weren't new, you'd be getting a lot of attention." He stated whilst smirking in a way that could only be described as downright sexy.

"And why would that be?"

"Well, if you haven't noticed, you're kind of hot Haley James." He said, oozing charm as he instantly looked her up and down and Haley felt the compliment go straight to her cheeks which reddened straight away.

Nathan could see her blushing and again felt a weird feeling in his stomach, only this time it was a fluttering sensation. Seriously did I not eat something right earlier?

But what really caught him by surprise was the sudden mischievous light that had entered Haley's eyes and the playful smile on her face.

She got up sighing dramatically, "You flatter me Scott, but I'm afraid it'll never work between us." She pouted theatrically whilst holding a hand on her heart.

Holding back a laugh he played along, "And prey tell, why is that?"

She smirks at him this time, "Because I'm waaaay out of your league."

And with those parting words she turns and walks away with a simple "catch you later" thrown over her shoulder.

He smiles at her antics as he watched her go. She really is something.