Thanks to everyone for your reviews! I'm loving the feedback I'm getting for this story. Keep it coming, it keeps me motivated to write... speaking of which... I wrote you guys an extra long chapter! Enjoy and please leave reviews :).

Chapter 3: A Tree Hill Raven is never intimidated (even by skanky redheads who think they rule the world or unbelievably handsome dark-haired boys who could rock your world).

"Ohmigosh, that was so embarrassing," Haley breathed while walking up the stairs to her dorm room, her face still flushed from her incident with Nathan. "How could I have been so stupid?"

"So stupid with what?" Peyton asked, lifting her head from her sketchpad as she saw Haley walk in the door.

"Oh uh, nothing… nothing."

"Come on Haley, we don't keep secrets. Everything comes out eventually."

"Oh it was nothing really. I just had a little run in with someone," she said taking a seat on her bed next to her still packed luggage.

"And who might that someone be?" Peyton questioned.

"I don't know if you'd know him. Err, Nathan Scott," Haley said, her face blushing all over again.

"Oh god," Peyton muttered, her eyes widening.

"Oh god what?" Brooke questioned, walking briskly into the room.

"Oh uh, nothing," Haley stated quickly. "So, did our room assignments change?"

"No, the old hag down there is seriously out to get me," Brooke huffed, falling back on her bed. "Which means I have to share a room with you, TG."

"Okay one, it's Haley. And two-"

"-two," Peyton continued for her, "maybe you should give Haley a chance. She seems kinda cool."

"Whatever. Just uh, Haley. You need a new wardrobe, here," Brooke said thrusting a shirt at her. "Wear this to dinner tonight. You want to make a good impression right?"

"I guess so…"

"Then wear that, not that rag you call a poncho," Brooke stated as Haley looked down at the shirt she had in her hands, a bit embarrassed.

"So anyway Haley. Back to what we were talking about before," Peyton said, changing the subject. "What were you saying about Nathan?"

"How do you know Nathan Scott?" Brooke said, instantly intrigued.

"It was nothing. I just met him like ten minutes ago outside. I was out on the swing and he was playing basketball. That's it."

"Well what's so stupid about that?" Peyton questioned.

"I left out a minor detail… he kind of caught me staring at him," Haley stated her face turning red.

"Oh my gosh," Peyton and Brooke stated in unison, trying not to giggle.

"It wasn't really staring," Haley began to ramble, "more like quick glances… that kept getting longer and longer and…"

"You've fallen under the Scott charm already."

"What are you talking about?"

"Nathan and Lucas Scott are infamous around campus for being ladies' men. Not so much Lucas though, he's more in the background, but Nathan Scott… he's like the guy all girls want to do and all guys want to be," Brooke stated.

"And he's got an ego the size of Jupiter."

"Good to know. But really, it was just a quick conversation."

"Whatever you say Haley."

"I'm being serious Peyton!"

"And we totally believe you," the curly haired blonde replied, a smirk playing across she and Brooke's face.

"Totally believe what?" A redhead stated, stating at the doorway.

"Oh yeah, I thought I smelt skank."

"It's good to see you too Brooke. Hey Peyton."

"Rachel…" Peyton stated through gritted teeth. "Should of known you'd be here. You run at the name Nathan Scott."

"Speaking of which," Rachel began, brushing off Peyton's last comment, "I saw you, girl-need-of-a-makeover, speaking with him as I was putting some stuff by my window."

"We were just talking. And my names Haley by the way."

"Well Hannah-"

"Watch it Rachel, no one gets to call her by the wrong name but me," Brooke snapped.

"-stay away from him. Nathan Scott is off limits. Besides, he goes for more Dior kind of women, not Walmart."

"Thanks for the advice," Haley stated solemnly, "but we really were just talking."

"Well 'just talk' with someone on you own level."

"Rachel I think it's time you leave," Brooke said, grabbing Rachel's arm to push her out the door.

"Whatever, you guys suck donkeys anyway," she stated before turning down the hallway, her stilettos clicking as she went.

"Listen Haley…" Brooke began, turning to the disheartened looking girl.

"It's okay Brooke. I get it. Everyone here is just typical spoiled teens; everyone but me. Sorry I don't have style or grace, but I'm me. Take it or leave it."

"What I was going to say is that what Rachel said wasn't true. She's just a color-from-the-box haired bitch who thinks she rules the freaking school. Don't let her get to you. She's just scared because she thinks Nathan Scott is hers," Brooke stated.

"Yeah, which he definitely isn't. I mean, they'd be going out instead of meaningless hook-ups if he actually liked her. And as for you… we'll take it. Believe it or not, I'm not rich myself. My dad's a fisherman and I'm here on partial scholarship," Peyton added. "Not everyone at this school is like Rachel Beyotch Gatina."

"I have an idea Haley. Let's just start over. Clean slate. I admit we didn't get off on the right foot but I guess since we'll be sharing a room together we should probably get along."

Haley nodded then stuck her hand out for Brooke to grab. "Friends?"

"Friends."

"Now do I really have to wear this shirt you gave me to dinner?"

"Hell yes. Friends don't let friends wear tacky clothes," Brooke stated, causing an eye-roll from the two other girls in the room. "Besides tonight is when we learn all the rules and stuff. Everyone will be there and you most definitely want to make a good impression."

"Alright, whatever you say. When is dinner anyway, I'm starving!"

"Fifteen minutes," Peyton said checking her watch.

"Which means you have got to change," Brooke stated shoving Haley into the bathroom. After several minutes passed Haley yelled through the door.

"Brooke! I can't wear this!"

"Oh come on, I'm sure it's flattering."

"Flattering to what? There is not skin to flatter! I'm practically naked!"

"Come out and let me see." Reluctantly, Haley walked out the bathroom door to reveal herself in a very low cut purple blouse. It was a v-neck that started at the edge of her shoulders and swept down to right above her chest, allowing for a little bit of cleavage to show.

"Haley that looks fantastic!" Brooke exclaimed.

"I wear turtlenecks Brooke. This is too much."

"Haley you do look pretty hot in that," Peyton noted.

"Well it's not me. I can't wear this Brooke."

"Haley if you really don't like it then take it off. But I swear if Nathan saw you in that…"

"Too bad I'm not trying to impress anyone!" Haley stated before changing back into a tank top with her signature poncho on top of it.

"You're so stubborn, but let's go," Brooke stated walking out of the room followed by Peyton and Haley in tow. After walking across campus the girls finally reached a large stone building with the words "Dining Hall" engraved on the front. Upon entering, they checked in, something that is always done for the first dinner of the school year to make sure everyone hears the rules, and were then assigned a table number.

"Brooke Davis, Peyton Sawyer, and Haley James, please make your way to table number six."

"Thank you," Haley muttered before following the other two girls to their table.

"That's weird their assigning us, they've never done that in the past."

"Maybe it's just for tonight," Peyton stated as they approached the table. The girls took a seat and waited as people finished filling in. The lecture before dinner was about to start and there were still three seats empty at their six-person table.

"Someone's late," Haley stated, pointing to the empty chairs on the other side of the rounded table.

"Actually we're right on time," a husky voice said from behind, causing her to jump a bit. Haley turned her eyes to meet the face of whoever was speaking, although she already knew who it was… Nathan Scott. He was accompanied by two other boys: One with blonde short hair, and another with brown shaggy hair. "Table six, right?"

"Uh yes," Haley stated, trying not to blush.

"I guess I am seeing you around Haley James," Nathan stated smirking.

"I guess you are," she replied, staring back at his ice blue eyes.

"Nate, don't be rude… introduce us!" The blonde boy yelled.

"Right. Haley this is my brother Lucas, and this straggler over here is my good friend Jake."

"Hi," Lucas replied.

"Ladies…" Jake said wiggling his ears.

"Jagelski, you've always been the weird one, eh?" Peyton said laughing.

"And you've always been the emo one."

"Touché," Peyton replied, throwing back her curls to let out a laugh as Jake did the same. Just then a voice boomed over the speakers spread through the cafeteria, and the lights dimmed, shining a spotlight onto the man standing on the stage set at the far end of the table.

"Hello everyone! And welcome back to Tree Hill Prep for another glorious school year. I'm Andy Hargrove, the dean of this wonderful academy and I'd just like to start this year on the right foot. As you all know, Tree Hill Prep has an extensive set of rules that you Tree Hill Ravens must abide by. While you can find all of them in you student handbook, let me just point out key rules to be followed. First off, a Tree Hill Raven must never leave campus unless he or she has a valid note from your legal guardian."

"Overrated," Peyton muttered under her breath. "I had to miss three concerts last year because of that damn rule.

"Second, a Tree Hill Raven must be in their dorm room by ten o'clock during the week and twelve during the weekends. Broken curfews will not be tolerated."

"That rule was the death of me last year!" Lucas cursed.

"Third, a Tree Hill Raven must maintain at least a C average if he or she wishes to participate in a sport or extracurricular activity. No exceptions."

"That has got to be my least favorite rule," Nathan stated annoyed.

"Fourth, a Tree Hill Raven must never have a student of the opposite gender in their dorm room-"

"Actually make that my least favorite rule," Nathan continued, causing Haley to roll her eyes.

"The only appropriate place for Tree Hill Ravens of opposite genders to intermingle within the dormitories is within the confines of the first floor living area. And last but not least, a Tree Hill Raven is always on their best behavior. I love you kids but I really don't want to have to see your faces everyday for negative reasons. There are plenty more rules for you to follow but those are just the highlights."

"God, when will this end?" Brooke began, getting impatient.

"Have no fear my little Ravens, I'm almost done. Now, you're probably wondering why you've been assigned seats today," Dean Hargrove began, followed by a collective yes from his students. "Well, it has been brought to my attention the past couple of years by parents that while we do an excellent job at giving you an education, some parents feel proper etiquette and some 'finishing' school techniques should also be assessed. Thus the reason for assigned seating. Make sure you say hello and get to know the fine people seated around you because this will be your permanent seat for the rest of this school year."

"Oh god…" Haley groaned.

"Following several meals a weak you will be taking 30-minute etiquette classes of which you will be paired with a student of the opposite gender at your table. That person will then continue to be your partner until the end of the year when we will hold our annual Tree Hill Prep gala where you will show off to your parents and peers your newly formed skills," the dean continued, followed by 'oohs', 'ahs' and 'oh no's' throughout the cafeteria. "With all that being said, I'd just like to welcome you again to Tree Hill Prep and can tell that this school year will definitely be enjoyable. Now, go enjoy your meal!"

As soon as the words meal was stated, the boys got up from the table and jetted over to the dinner line. "Oh god…" Haley groaned again.

"What are we 'oh god-ing'?" Peyton inquired.

"This whole arrangement. I'm going to have to share a table with Nathan-freaking-Scott the whole year."

"And that's a bad thing because…"

"Because? Because I totally embarrassed myself in front of him, and because he's so arrogant."

"Yet hot," Brooke chimed in.

"And like I said… totally arrogant!"

"And totally taken," a redhead sneered for the second time since Haley had arrived.

"Excuse me girl-in-need-of-a-clue. This is an A and B conversation. You're C. Now do us a favor and C you later," Brooke stated swiftly causing Rachel to leave in a huff. "But anyway, let's just go get some food. I'm starving and I heard their serving pie!"

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Dinner had long since ended and the girls were finally making their way back to the room after doing some bonding with their fellow classmates in the living area.

"I am beat," Peyton stated flopping down on her bed as she stared up at the ceiling.

"Me too. It's been quite a day, and to think I was just in California this morning," Brooke stated.

"Tell me about it," Haley mumbled curling up in a ball a top her bed.

"So guys, what do you think about the whole etiquette thing?"

"It could be kind of cool…" Peyton began.

"I guess," Haley replied unenthused.

"Well I'm totally psyched for it?"

"Brooke Davis is getting psyched about being bossed around and told how to act?" Peyton questioned, giving her a questioning eyebrow.

"No, Brooke Davis is ready to mingle with boys. I don't know if you've noticed by our table got the pick of the litter."

"Now that I think about it I guess we did. That shaggy haired boy was-"

"Oh no Haley, he's off limits. Jake is all mine," Peyton screeched, a smile across her face.

"And I call Lucas!" Brooke squealed.

"You can't be serious."

"Oh don't act like you're not happy Haley," the girls stated smiling at her.

"Whatever guys. Keep dreaming. And while you guys are off frolicking with your little boys and learning how to do the waltz, I'll be rolling my eyes and stepping on Nathan's feet."

"You could be pleasantly surprised."

"Or unpleasantly sick," Haley countered.

"I guess we'll have to see, but until then I'm going to sleep," Peyton stated, changing into her flannel pajama bottoms and 80's tee before getting into her bed.

"I'm with you there. I just have to go wash up real quick," Brooke stated, walking off towards the bathroom.

"Well, I want to go get some air first," Haley stated, now clad in her Happy Bunny pajama bottoms and tank top. She slid on a pair of clogs and then made her way down the steps to the front door of the dorm. She then walked to the back of the building, soon finding herself in the middle of the basketball court which was found just a ways behind the large stone dormitory. Standing on the half-court line Haley looked up, the sky was clear and full of stars. Admiring the beauty she laid herself down in the middle of the court, just staring up at the sky.

"Looking for shooting stars?" A voice stated, the sound of shoes now coming closer to her spot on the court until his figure and face was looming right over her head. "Or just me?"

"Norman was it? Don't flatter yourself. I just needed some air," Haley muttered, trying to keep her resolve.

"It's Nathan, don't act like you can't remember. I'm hard to forget."

Just then Haley started gagging and coughing.

"Oh my god! Are you okay?" Nathan exclaimed, kneeling down next to her.

"I need…"

"You need," he stated, bringing his ear close to her face so he could hear her.

"I need to get away from here… I'm suffocating from your ego!" She finished her voice now louder, laughing at her wit.

"Jesus Haley! You scared me there. What the hell were you thinking?" Nathan yelled getting extremely angry.

"Nathan I…" she stated, now feeling extremely bad.

"You what? Can't realize that I can joke to?" He stated, causing himself to enter a fit of laughter.

"Ass."

"You started it. But really, what are you doing out here alone in the dark?"

"I told you. Getting some air, which might I add you have now disturbed."

"Well Haley James. Last time I checked America was a free country."

"And last time I checked it, curfew was ten o'clock which is in ten minutes. So I've got to go," she stated getting up and turning to leave, taking a few steps.

"Hey Haley," Nathan called out to her.

"Yeah?" She said turning to him, her face softening.

"Make a wish," he replied, pointing up at the sky to reveal a shooting star, and a smile on Haley's face. At that moment the two made a wish, and not only did they make a wish but a silent bond was formed. Those two would never be solely acquaintances. Their destinies were just woven together.

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Meanwhile, upstairs two faces were looking out a third floor dormitory window at the two figures on the court.

"Twenty bucks says they're together in a week," the brunette stated putting out her well-manicured hand.

"We're not all you Brooke. I say a month and a half," the curly blonde stated, giving her friend a smirk.

"I resent that, but totally true. Alright, let me change my bet to two weeks. Deal?"

"Deal," Peyton replied, shaking her best friend's hand then scurrying over to her bed and pulling the covers on herself before Haley noticed that either of her two newly found friends saw a thing.

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