P.S I do not own anything.

CHAPTER 5

Haley was having one of the most tiring days ever. She had to stay up last night to finish her English homework followed by a tight schedule the very next day and to make matters worse, one of the waitresses working at Karen's cafe called in sick today so Haley was covering up for her. A lot of people have wondered why she worked as a waitress when she has enough money to last her for the next ten years. Some of the nosy people, who have no idea how to respect a person's private life, had asked her this question and she would respond to them by showing them the finger and a sweet smile.

Despite being a wealthy man, Jimmy James always knew the value of hard work and he wanted his daughter to know this too. He forced her to earn her own pocket money because he didn't want her to turn into a spoilt brat. Following her father's orders, Haley had started working at Karen's cafe at the age of thirteen. When her father was sentenced, her life had completely changed but Karen, Lucas and her job were the only aspects that kept her intact.

Just like every other day, it was quite busy at the cafe and Haley was working at the counter. The sound of the bell grabbed her attention and she looked up to see Peyton entering into the cafe. Haley felt a surge of animosity coursing through her at the sight of the blonde cheerleader whose actions had upset her for the past couple of days. She always felt that Peyton was quite different from the typical horny and purposely stupid cheerleaders. Guess I'm a horrible judge of character.

Peyton had noticed her working at the counter when she entered but she hesitated to approach her in fear of hot coffee being splashed in her face. She felt like backing out but then remembered her promise to Nathan. Conjuring up the last ounce of courage, she walked up to the counter. "Hey", she said not surprised by the slight quiver in her voice.

Haley was looking at a notepad when she heard a greeting from the last person she wanted around her. Haley wanted to ignore her but she didn't want to create an awkward scene in front all these people so she decided to play the card of indifference. "Welcome to Karen's cafe how may I help you?", she asked in her best waitressing voice.

"Can we talk?", asked Peyton nervously.

"I'm working".

"Look I'm really sorry about what happened at the party. I was upset and drunk and... I just took it out on you guys and I shouldn't have".

Haley looked at her sceptically but the blonde seemed genuine enough so she decided to take the high road. "It's okay... shit happens". She got back to working on the orders written on her notepad when she noticed Peyton still standing in front of her. "Is there something I can do for you?", she was getting annoyed with her presence.

"What's your idea of a proper date?"

She has got to be kidding me. "You getting crushed under a truck". Gosh I really need to work on taking the high road.

"Wow! Were you so charming to Nathan too?", Peyton couldn't help retaliating.

"Listen you little..."

"I've set up a date for you and Nathan", interrupted Peyton "he'll be here to pick you up at 7:00"

"And for some reason you think I want to go on this date"?

"I think he really likes you", stated a third voice. The girls noticed Brooke standing next to them and they both visibly relaxed on having this conversation in the presence of a common friend.

"And I don't care", said Haley while getting back to work.

Haley's dismissal made Brooke want to smack her head. Although she didn't show her feelings Brooke could see right through her act. "I need to talk to tutorgirl alone and tell Nathan to come at seven. I'll make sure that she goes on that date".

Peyton gave her a nod and left the cafe. Meanwhile Brooke slipped up next to Haley, giving her an expectant look. "I've known Nathan a long time and I've never seen him pine after a girl... that is until you came along"

"I'm not going".

"But I planned the whole thing and I promise you it's gonna be epic".

"Give it a rest Brooke".

"Please... for me?" Brooke pleaded with puppy dog eyes.

"No way are you gonna get me to go".

... = ...

Her shift at the cafe was over and she was sitting on one of the stools, waiting for Nathan. She tried to recall how Brooke had convinced her to go on this date and so far she was drawing blanks. One minute Brooke was giving her the puppy dog eyes and the next, she was making the best argument of her life. Brooke wanted to dress her up for the date but she escaped from her with the reason of not being able to cut out work early.

Hearing a knock she looked up to see Nathan standing by the door of the cafe. She stepped out and he mumbled a nervous 'Hey' to which she responded with a curt smile. This situation was awkward for them since their last conversation ended in a fight.

"So Brooke gave us these cards which are gonna instruct us on our date", he said wanting desperately to break the awkwardness "you wanna do the honours?" he asked handing her the first card to her.

She opened it up and read it. "There's an address in here. It says to go to this place and on the way say three things you like about each other". They started walking in silence.

After walking in silence for a little while Nathan decided to go first. "I like your hair", he said.

Haley looked at him and smiled.

"I like the fact that you are kind enough to give me a chance here despite everything that happened".

She gave out a small laugh at that and Nathan liked the sound of it.

"I like how honest you are about yourself. You don't hide yourself from anybody".

"I just cannot stand people faking their personality just to get attention", she stated. She had seen enough of such behaviour to know the truth behind them.

"Your turn" smiled Nathan. He was curious to know what she had to say. "Well obviously the first one is that I'm really hot", he said jokingly.

She laughed at that. "Well let's see... I like your eyes, I like the way you smile when you solve a math problem and... you're not horrible to look at", she was blushing by the time she finished. But all the blood drained from her when they reached their location. They were looking at a lingerie store. She should have known Brooke would have this in mind.

"The next card says that we need to buy something for the other person from this store". Nathan was delighted by this idea. Good job Brooke. They made their way into the store deciding to split up and get their gifts. They came out of the store, both carrying a plastic bag each, Haley's being smaller than Nathan's. They exchanged their packages and Haley opened hers first.

She pulled out a beautiful satin and lace, cream coloured baby doll. "Nathan this is beautiful", she got out. Nathan just gave her a smirk already picturing her in the outfit. "Open yours", she said with a mischievous look.

Nathan got the shock of his life when he pulled out a golden coloured men's thong. He looked at her with wide eyes and she couldn't help but laugh at him. Never in a million years did he think she would pull something like this. He smiled fondly, liking the fact that she was feeling comfortable around him.

... = ...

The young pair walked towards their third venue and they were quite confused at the sight before them. They were standing at an empty barren land with four tables lying on their sides. There were two sling bags at their feet with a note stuck on them.

"The first who gets hit 5 times will buy dinner", Nathan read out loud "your shields are right in front of your eyes and your weapons are in the bag". Just then, something smacked against Nathan and the next second he was dripping wet. He looked up to see a smiling Haley standing behind one of the tables with a water balloon in her hand which, he supposes, she had pulled out from the bag. "Hey I wasn't ready", he called out just as another water balloon hit his shoulder.

"Not my problem", she was about to throw another one at him but he had already grabbed his bag and taken cover.

Half an hour later, they were still hiding behind the tables wondering what their next move is. Nathan had been hit four times and Haley was hit three times. Haley was inching towards the corner of her table, planning on charging at Nathan. When she was close enough she ran to his side of the battleground, wanting to finish the match but he wasn't there. Just then an arm draped around her and Nathan smashed a balloon on her head.

She tried to scream and break free but he didn't let go of her, the action causing both of them to lose footing and land on the ground with Haley flat on her back and Nathan on top her. This action caused them both to laugh out loud.

Their harsh breathing and laughter died down as they looked into each other's eyes. The atmosphere quickly shifted between them and they were both lost in each other. Haley took advantage of this situation and smashed the balloon onto Nathan's back, the action bringing their bodies together.

"I guess you're buying", she breathed out.

"I really don't care", he said as he closed the gap between them and kissed her.

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