A/N: Hey Guys - I'm BACK!! :) My finals were over a week over, and after sleeping for about 3 days straight I finally go working on this next chapter. I know this chapter is not as long as my previous ones, but since I'm free for the holdiays now, I'll be able to update more often. So hope you enjoy and please review!

Chapter 6

"Tell me fellas have you seen her? It was about five minutes ago when I seen the hottest chick that a young'n never seen before"- Chris Brown

"My god Haley-bub I don't know how much more of this I can hear!"

"Dad, it's not that bad." Haley smiled into the phone.

"Yeah…but Bub – you got hit on by a girl?!" Haley laughed as her father rambled on about what kind of a school he'd sent his poor baby off to.

"What happened?" Haley heard her mum in the background. She heard whispered tones as her father relayed back to her mum.

"Wohoo! Go Bub!!" Her mother shrieked. My mum ladies and gentlemen.

"Lydia!"

"What? The whole reason we sent her there was so she could try out new things." Oh dear god tell me my mum did not just say that!

"Not those kinds of things." Jimmy mumbled.

"Oh please, you're telling me you didn't experiment a little in high school?" What the hell?!

"You're telling me you did?!" Jimmy said astonished. Okay, so need to stop this conversation now!

"Well if you must kno-"

"OKAY! You know what…" Haley interrupted, "I think I'm just going to hang up now and let you guys have a clearly overdue conversation."

"Well who on earth would you have 'experimented' with?" She heard her father's curious yet disturbed tone.

Aaahhh ewww…hang up now!

"Okay, bye now." Haley shut the phone just as she heard her dad shout "ASHLEY DAVIDS!!"

Haley just stared at the phone for a second in shock to what she heard. Okay there are some things that you just shouldn't EVER know about your parents.

"Ungggrhhh…it's too damn early!" Brooke bitched walking out of the bathroom.

"Good morning to you too sunshine." Haley cheered. One thing she learned about Brooke Davis was that she really wasn't a morning person.

"Was that your parents again?"

Haley nodded. Her parents had rung her every morning at 6am on the dot. Needless to say Brooke was highly annoyed with the interruptions to her beauty sleep.

"Yup. And they're probably discussing their wild high school conquests as we speak." She muttered absentmindedly.

"Huh?" Brooke asked.

Haley just shook her head, and handed the poor girl a cup of coffee.

Later while they were getting ready, the inevitable topic came up. The party.

"…and omigod, I have to say that the guys this year seemed to have gotten even hotter. Did you see Vegas Jones? Man he must've been working out. His biceps could crack walnuts!"

"Is that the guy who tried to slap Peyton's ass?" Haley remembered how Peyton had practically drop-kicked the guy after that.

"Yeah, they never learn…" Brooke sighed. "So did you have fun?"

"Yeah, I had a great time Brooke." Haley smiled. She really did.

The people Brooke had introduced her to were great. The cheerleading squad was full of lively, bubbly girls that made her laugh. Most of the guys were horny pervs, but there were the odd few from the basketball and football teams that were pretty nice. Actually aside from Rachel, the place was pretty cool.

Not to mention the highlight of your evening. A near kiss with Nathan Scott!

Haley felt flustered just thinking about it. She'd known the guy a week… spoken to him a handful of times… single-handedly managed to help him break up with his girlfriend… and was then almost kissing him at a party a few hours later!!

What has gotten into you James?

Haley had been through a fair few relationships, and she wasn't exactly a blushing virgin - Taylor had seen to that – but this is the first time she felt this attracted to a guy! It was pretty fast for her.

But then Nathan is just that hot…

"And I was totally right wasn't I H. James?"

"Huh?" Haley said suddenly, tuning out of Nathan-land.

"You and N. Scott seemed to be getting cosy."

"I'm not sure what you mean." That's it, play it dumb…

"Oh please! You can't have missed the way he was staring at you last night…" Brooke went on as Haley's thoughts drifted to the previous evening.

It was true. Every time she turned around Nathan seemed to be there, and each time she'd looked at his gorgeous face, she was surprised to find those intense dark pools staring right back.

"…I mean I don't know what you did New Girl," Haley tuned back in, "But you've managed to cast a spell on Nathan 'HotShot' Scott."

"Yeah right," she scoffed.

"I'm serious."

"No you're delusional."

"Am not! I've been watching you guys you know, it's so obvious! Not to mention, after what happened last night." She looked at Haley pointedly.

Haley made sure not to change her expression from one of disbelief. But inside she was practically jumping for joy.

There was no question about it. She had a schoolgirl crush the size of Texas on Nathan Scott.

Flashback:

"Damn girl…" An out of breath Skills led Haley from the dance floor to a spot on the side of the beach where everyone else was seated.

"You alright Skills, you look a little out of breath." Lucas observed as Haley and Skills sat in the circle.

"It was all her man," Skills pointed over at Haley who suppressed a laugh.

"Wait, you're saying Haley wore you out on the dance floor?" Brooke raised and eyebrow as the guys snickered.

"Hey man, all that moving about for so long ain't that easy!"

"Aren't you supposed to be an athlete?" Haley smirked as the rest snickered.

"Look shortie, I play ball right. And in training they don't teach you nothing about how to keep up when some hot girl's all grinding up on you…"

Everyone laughed before Tim made the inevitable comment, "Now that's the kind of ball I'd sign up for!" High-fiving Nathan who was the nearest.

"Yes, but Tim what girl would willingly ever grind up against you?"

"Why, you offering?" He wiggled his eyebrows at Brooke who shot him a look of disgust.

After that, everyone just relaxed chatting about random things. Eventually the topic of school came up and Peyton had asked Haley about what classes she had.

While comparing schedules Haley was happy to note that she had at least one of her newfound friends in each of her classes.

"It sucks that we only have two classes…" Brooke pouted

Overall Haley found that she had English everyone, Chemistry with the girls, Calculus and Spanish with Lucas, Algebra with Jake and Skills, ICT with Mouth, Psychology with Tim, and History, Biology, Physics, Business and French with Nathan.

Secretly she was excited at the prospect of so many classes with Nathan. Though I doubt I'll be able to concentrate much with his gorgeous self there.

"Guess we'll be seeing a lot of each other James." Nathan smiled over at her.

Oh yeah, no way in heck was she going to be able to concentrate.

"Guess so" They shared a smile, oblivious to the fact that everyone else was watching on in interest.

"Well well…isn't this cute…" A voice snarled, nearing the group.

Everyone turned to see a drunk redhead, wearing barely-there clothing stumble her way over.

"It's the Slut Brigade," She looked pointedly at Brooke and Peyton. She then turned her scowl on Haley, "And their newest member, hey there Heather..." She slurred slightly

"It's Haley."

"Whatever," Rachel dismissed her response, "So have you slept with Nathan yet?" Tim choked on his drink at that.

"I mean, the only reason he left me was to get in your pants. But since you're the one that got him to break it off, you're not exactly complaining huh?"

Everyone was shocked by the insinuations the drunken slut had just come out with.

Haley was infuriated. How dare she imply such things?!

Before she had a chance to respond however, Nathan's voice piped up.

"You know Rachel, I didn't think a conniving whore like you could get any worse, but you seem to outdo yourself every time. Here's a thought…why don't you go off, do what you do best and fuck some random prick. Leave Haley and the rest of us alone!"

Rachel looked dumbstruck at the harsh words – coming from Nathan no less. And she wasn't the only one; the rest of the gang looked surprised too.

And if things couldn't get more surprising, Tim's voice rang out clearly.

"Yo Rachel, what are you doing here?"

"It's a party Dim."

"I know…but didn't Nate like…dump your ass? It's kinda lame that you're still stalkin' him."

Everyone stifled grins at Rachel's infuriated face and at Tim's words. Rachel, either too intoxicated to formulate a response, or still reeling from Nathan having had a go at her for the first time…ever, stumbled off back into the crowds. All that could be heard were muttering of curse words as she went.

Skills turned to Nathan at that point, "Seriously, three months with that dawg?"

Nathan grimaced, "Temporary insanity?"

"Is it wrong that I really wanna slap her?" Haley grit out, to which everyone laughed.

"I'm surprised you haven't yet New Girl."

"Trust me, it's tempting. But I really don't think it'd be a good idea to get into a fight before I've even started the school."

"So when you have… are we in for some hot, muddy, catfight wrestling?" Skills eyes gleamed wickedly at the thought.

Suddenly all the guys seemed to picture the same thing, each one smirking at the idea.

"Hey, stop being pervy!" Brooke claimed.

"Yeah, besides I think you're right Haley. It's not a good idea to start something now. Rachel's just a bitch and though I would really love you to claw her eyes out right about now, you're really good for not having gone off at her yet."

"Yeah, well it turns out I didn't have to say anything." Haley looked pointedly at Nathan, and everyone congratulated him, the boys slapping high-fives with Tim too.

A little while later, when everyone started to return to the dorms, Haley turned to Nathan who was walking beside her.

"Thanks." Seeing his questioning look she added, "For before, with Rachel." He had defended her after all.

"Anytime." He smiled back, mimicking her words from earlier that morning. The only difference being this time she was watching him walk away.

End Of Flashback

"You know, that was totally cute how he defended your honour." Brooke obviously thinking of the same thing as her. "And to Rachel of all people, I've never seen him act as anything short of a whipped lapdog when it comes to her."

"Brooke!"

"What? It's true." She shrugged.

"Well, I certainly wasn't the only one getting attention last night." Haley looked pointedly at her. She may as well turn the tables on her, anything to get Brooke off this topic.

"Ooooh who?" Brooke clapped her hands together.

"Well Lucas didn't seem to have taken his eyes off you all night." Haley said carefully, gauging her reaction.

She almost thought she saw a look of pure joy on her face, before just as quickly it was replaced by a look of disbelief.

"You're wrong," She sighed heavily, "I was standing next to Peyton all night – he was probably looking at her." She ended on a bitter note which did not evade Haley's notice.

Though she could tell that Brooke didn't wish to discuss anything further and so let the subject drop. She was curious as to what went down between Brooke, Peyton and Lucas. If it was as bad as it was made out to be, then how come Brooke and Peyton were still friends? And they were still somewhat civil to Lucas…well Peyton more so.

A half hour later they had both gotten ready for the first day of the year. Or in Haley's case, her first day at the school.

"Now, are you sure about this, cos I could still take you to your first class? I mean I know I have Algebra on the other side of school, but I would only be about 20 minutes late dropping you off first…"

"It's okay Brooke; I don't want you to miss your first lesson."

"You sure Roomie? Cos I mean…I really wouldn't mind missing algebra, god knows…I never have any idea what Mr Chavez is going on about. Though I do have to admit that he is one hell of a hottie…" She trailed off dreamily.

"I'm sure, but its fine."

"…not that I'd ever get it on with a teacher, that's just too low even for me. But sure under different circumstances, I'd totally take him for a ride…"

"Brooke!" She snapped her friend out of it.

"Huh…oh yeah…but you totally come first New Girl," She affirmed.

"That's really great Tigger, but I know where I'm going and I really don't want to keep you from algebra…or Mr Chavez."

"Okay only if you're sure."

"Really I am. Besides I'm gonna have to be really retarded to get lost in this place."

Famous last words.

Haley sighed looking round. Only she would actually be retarded enough to get lost in the place.

Checking her watch she realised her first lesson was about to start – history.

Damn. Seeing the three passages in front of her she groaned. There was no way she'd be able to figure this out for herself.

Okay, I just have to get back to the office and hopefully they'd be able to tell me where to go.

Turning around she stopped. Oh crap.

Which way was the office again?

"Damnit, how useless can you get James?!" She looked around frustrated with herself. "Of all the things in the family, you had to go and inherit Uncle Ty's crappy sense of direction."

Looking around again she came to a decision to just go back down the corridor she came from and work from there.

Annoyed, frustrated and in a rush to get round the corner, she didn't see the other person running round. As a result she ended up walking into someone's rock hard chest.

"Oh my-" She stumbled backwards, bracing herself to fall, when the person reaches out to catch her. She immediately grabbed hold of their arms to pull herself up.

"-god. Thanks…er…" She looked up to see her saviour, "Nathan?!"

"Hey," he smirked down at her.

She then realised their position. She was practically pressed up against his well built abs. Extremely well built... Not to mention her hands were gripping those firm, muscular biceps, clearly displayed by the black muscle shirt he was wearing. For frigs sake, quit checking him out! Feeling flustered at their close embrace she let go of his arms.

He then let go of her waist, his hand slowly drawing away; tantalisingly brushing against the skin visible between her shirt and jeans. His eyes were on hers as his fingers slid across her lower back, her skin as soft as silk under his touch.

Holy crap, how hot is it in here?! She felt sure she was blushing, probably from the tingles left on her skin where his hand was, and she suddenly had the urge to apologise. After all she had practically been feeling the guy up!

"Er…sorry about…that." She cleared her throat.

"It's alright…I didn't mind at all." He drawled out smoothly in response, his smirk getting even bigger if possible.

He found himself strangely appealed by the faint blush colouring her cheeks. And he certainly wasn't against the idea of having her up against him again any time soon. He noticed how she tucked a piece of hair nervously behind her ear. She is so adorable…

It was strange. Usually he'd have girls finding excuses to touch him, and here…here there was a girl who seemed almost guilty of practically being thrown at him. She is definitely different.

"So James, what are you doing roaming the halls, and attacking basketball stars that come in your path?"

She smiled at that.

He liked making her smile.

"Hey, I wasn't attacking anyone! And I'm not roaming the halls...geeze...this is going to sound totally retarded now, but I'm actually completely lost. Yeah, I know, how stupid is that? But really it's not my fault. I mean, I was never good with maps, signs…or directions in general. I totally inherited that from my uncle; god knows how many times he got lost on his way over to our place. You know my dad always said he was lucky he ever found his way back home every time. So yeah, it's really not my fault, I have like a genetic predisposition to this kind of thing…and really I'm just…going to stop talking now."

She stopped her tirade leaving an amused Nathan in her wake.

"Do you always ramble so much?" He chuckling finding it quite endearing.

"Er…well yeah. Another bad habit. Or strange habit if you will."

"Well, I'd say it's your lucky day Haley James since we have the same class and I don't have a… what was it? A genetic predisposition from a directionally-challenged uncle." He smiled as she rolled her eyes good-naturedly.

"Fine, lead the way Scott."

As she followed him down the halls, she thanked him for helping her out.

"No problem. I'm all for helping out damsels in distress." He winked.

Haley laughed, "I'll have you know Scott, that despite what you think, I'm a big girl and I can look after myself."

"Somehow I don't doubt that," he smirked, his husky voice sending shivers up her spine.

In no time at all they reached the classroom door. Haley sighed realising that everyone else was already inside and seated. She hated being the centre of attention when it wasn't exactly for a good thing, like being late to your first class, on your first day at a brand new school.

"Its okay," Nathan came up behind her seemingly sensing her nervousness, and placed a hand on her lower back. "Come on," she found it rather soothing as his hand rubbed her back before entering the classroom.

As they walked in silence fell.

Talk about making an entrance.

It was enough attention with just being the new girl. But apparently, being the new girl and walking into class late with THE Nathan Scott, was a whole other level.

After a few seconds of silence, whispers broke out immediately as the teacher turned to face the newcomers.

"Well, Mr Scott…nice to see you finally join our class as usual."

"I wouldn't want to deny you of my presence now would I Mr Hennessey."

Clearly there's no love lost between these two. Haley noticed how the professor eyed Nathan with disdain.

"I would've thought that as a new year begins, you may have actually worked out what time class starts Mr Scott. But it seems that I've overestimated your capabilities yet again."

Haley was shocked. Looking at Nathan's indifferent face she realised he must be used to this kind of treatment. And that just disgusted her even more. Who does he think he is talking to him like that?

Well she certainly wasn't okay with it.

"Actually," Haley stepped up from behind Nathan so she was in full view of the teacher. "Nathan was late for a reason; he was helping me find my way to class."

Mr Hennessey raised an eyebrow at her, probably wondering if her excuse was legit. It was true though, if she hadn't slammed into him and then rambled on about getting lost, Nathan would probably have made it to class on time.

Nathan was pleasantly surprised with her sticking up for him. It felt nice to have her defend him, even though it was unexpected.

"Aah, Miss James I presume?" She nodded. "Yes, I have your transcripts right here."

He looked at a few slips on his desk. He was clearly reading her credentials, so Haley waited for it. She wasn't disappointed. Mr Hennessey's eyes widened considerably, and Haley would bet anything he'd just read about her 4.2 GPA.

He looked up at her incredulously, and Haley really hoped he wouldn't voice it out loud. Though she was proud of her hard work, the last thing she wanted to be was labelled by everyone as the freaky 4.2 GPA nerd; she'd had a few people share their views on that in her old school already.

But what surprised her, was instead of bringing attention to her achievements, the teacher seemed to be looking between Nathan and herself. Scrutinizing them even. And it was definitely a very displeased expression.

And just like that his expression changed, his eyes brightened and he welcomed her into the class, seemingly pretending Nathan did not exist. Once told to take their seats, Haley and Nathan walked towards the back, where the only two available ones were left.

As Nathan followed Haley to her seat, he glanced around and noticed the interest she was attracting. Most of the girls were either whispering about her or they were simply batting their eyelids his way. However the guys were a different story. He noticed practically every hot-blooded teenage male in the class was staring at her, up and down, checking her out. Their intense gazes lingering on certain assets of her body…her ample chest…her curvaceous butt…or simply her gorgeous face.

Nathan would bet anything that Haley had no idea she was probably even drawing this much attention. And despite only knowing her so long, he knew that if she did, she would find it embarrassing.

He on the other hand found it downright annoying. He had no idea why, but he didn't like the way all the guys were looking at her. Sure, he couldn't exactly blame them…she was hot as hell. But that didn't give them an excuse to be staring at her like some piece of meat!

He had no idea where this irrational protectiveness was coming from. Maybe it's because unlike any other girls, Nathan had longer than a five second conversation with Haley, that didn't revolve around her nails, her hair, or the latest celebrity gossip. Or maybe it was because he genuinely liked her company, and realised there was a lot more to Haley than just a pretty face. An exceptionally pretty face…but still. Maybe he'd gathered that she was unique... special even. Totally different from the other sluts in the academy.

And just maybe, he didn't want any other guy to realise that.

As they sat and Mr Hennessey continued, Nathan turned to Haley. She'd just taken out her notebook when he caught her attention.

"Thanks for the save." He whispered indicating to the stiff professor at the front.

"No problem," she dismissed it with a wave of her hand as she smiled.

Turning to get his books out Nathan caught the eye of Brett Reynolds, a team-mate of his. Brett and Nathan weren't that close, but Brett had always somewhat admired Nathan over his conquests. As this seemed like the same old scenario, Brett did what he always did. He gave Nathan an approving look and thumbs up, leering over at Haley as he did so, while mouthing something along the lines of 'hot ass'.

Now Brett had always sent this same signal to Nathan, every time he'd seen Nathan with some serious hottie. And Haley was no different. Nathan was therefore used to it, and would always respond in a glorified manner, with a smug smirk to prove that he was indeed the BMOC. That he could get any girl, any time, any where, any how. So you could imagine Brett was really confused, that on giving Nathan the usual signal today, as he had always done; Nathan Scott simply glared at him and flipped him off before getting back to work.

He could only wonder what the hell had gotten into Nathan Scott.