Chapter 8: A Tree Hill Raven always seeks advice until they get the answer they want to hear.
Haley was lying on her bead with the lights off, one of her hands gently messaging her forehead when Peyton and Brooke walked in.
"Oh, Rebel Girl there you are!" Brooke squealed, thankful to see her friend.
"Please Brooke, speak softly. My head is throbbing. And rebel girl?"
"Well duh, you totally walked out on etiquette class. That's like a big slap on the wrist. Totally rebellious, thus Rebel Girl," Brooke replied matter-o-factly.
"At least it's better than Tacky Girl right?" Peyton chimed in, allowing Haley to giggle.
"I guess you're right," Haley said chucking.
"But uh, what sparked the sudden exit?"
"Nathan."
"Nathan?" The brunette and blonde replied in unison, quirking their eyebrows.
"Yeah, he was just saying some stuff and I got annoyed."
"Stuff like what?" Brooke questioned, pressing Haley on.
"Oh just stupid things. He's playing those damn mind games with me."
"So you got mad at him because he's playing mind games?" Peyton asked skeptically.
"Well that, and he well… he called me cute," Haley huffed, taking her pillow and hugging it to her stomach.
"Wait, so you made a scene and totally stalked out of etiquette because he called you cute?" Peyton stated, not grasping the concept.
"Yes," Haley replied.
"Oh the dreaded c-bomb," Brooke replied.
"C-bomb?" Peyton said utterly confused.
"Alright P. Sawyer, I know you're a bottled blonde but-"
"I have a higher IQ then you Brooke…"
"Whatever, anyway. Teenage girls don' want guys they have crushes on-"
"I DO NOT HAVE A CRUSH ON HIM!" Haley bellowed, cutting Brooke off.
"- to call them cute. That's like the p-card, p meaning pity. Or like, the little sister deal. You don't want to be a guy's little sister. You want to be his girlfriend. You want to beautiful or hot or I don't know, not cute."
"I see…" Peyton replied.
"I don't have a crush on him Brooke," Haley stated plainly.
"Of course you don't," Brooke stated skeptically.
"I'm sensing some doubt."
"Oh, of course not. You definitely don't like Nathan Scott," Brooke began. "Besides, you're not his type."
"Wait! Who says I'm not his type?" Haley questioned.
"So you do care, eh?" Brooke said cocking an eyebrow before looking at Peyton and causing both of them to laugh. They had Haley squirming.
Haley let out a sigh of frustration before getting to her feet. "You know what. I so do not feel like dealing with this. I've had a crappy day. I've got a bump the size of Russia on my forehead, I just caused a scene in the dining hall, which no doubt people are talking about, and now I'm getting the third degree. I don't want to deal with this. I'll talk to you guys later," Haley replied swiftly before exiting the room.
"She's got it bad," Peyton finally let out.
"Definitely," Brooke said smiling. "I wonder what's got her so defensive about it."
"Don't know but I'm sure we'll find out," Peyton replied before opening up her sketchpad.
Meanwhile, Haley had already entered the hallway and was making her way down to the floor below her. "They can be so annoying sometimes," Haley mumbled under her breath as she approached GiGi's door, knocking a few times before entering.
"Hey," GiGi nodded from her bed, instantly sitting up, a notebook now in her lap. "What brings you down to my humble abode?"
"The roommates were ragging on me," Haley stated lightly. "Is it okay I'm here?"
"Oh definitely, I was just doing some study-" GiGi replied before being cut off.
"Who's here?" Another voice chimed in entering the room from the adjoining bathroom, their red hair trailing behind them. "Oh, it's you."
"Good to see you too Rachel," Haley stated coldly, flopping down next to GiGi on her bed.
"So, anything you want to talk about?" GiGi stated, glancing over to her friend.
"Um, not right now," Haley replied, quickly looking over at Rachel on the other side of the room before glancing back down at her legs, which were gently bobbing on the edge of the bed.
"What Haley? Am I not good enough to hear your problems? I'm sure they're really sob worthy."
"Rachel retract the venom," GiGi remarked, causing a look from Rachel.
"Whatever," Rachel replied. "I've got to go anyway."
"No, it's okay," Haley stated solemnly. "I'll just talk to you later alright G?"
"Of course," she replied smiling as Haley went to open the door.
"Oh and Haley?" Rachel replied, her face etched with unkindness. "If your little problem has anything to do with Nathan Scott and your little tiff during etiquette today, I'd worry."
"Rachel!" GiGi scolded.
"What? She's playing with a PB, there's a lot of territory that comes with that. Territory little Haley over her can't handle."
"Don't worry about her," GiGi replied, glancing towards her roommate. "I'm sure no one even noticed your uh… exit."
"Thanks GiGi. And what's a PB?" Haley stated, her one foot already out the door.
"Political Boy. I'll explain later."
"Gotcha," she replied nodding before stepping out into the hall. Not wanting to go back to her and not wanting to bother GiGi she made her way out into the darkness to where she now considered her spot. Turning around the side of the building, the autumn leaves crunching below her feet, Haley found the old wooden swing in which she had become accustomed to thinking on. Sitting there in the darkness she went over what had happened within the time frame of less than two hours. She and Nathan had gotten into a fight and then he kissed her. Nathan Scott kissed Haley James. But how could that be possible? Nathan would never go for a girl like me right? Right. At least I keep telling myself that.
And that damn "X marks the spot" phrase. Until someone says that to you, you never notice how many X's are in your everyday life. The pattern of the rug, the crisscrosses on Brooke's photo board, the numerous X's found in Peyton's creepy drawings, the stitch in my favorite sweater, the print left from the bottom of my shoe, the giant neon green X now found directly on my forehead, and, the place which has me most confused on the scar in the shape of an X found directly over my heart. It's where I had had surgery as a child. Nathan couldn't have known, but I couldn't help that feeling of my heart skipping a little in the back of my mind when I thought about that coincidence. That feeling soon vanished as soon as it developed however, because I don't, can't, and won't like Nathan Scott.
Haley was soon broken out of her thoughts as she began to hear pitter-patter on the basketball court. She looked up to find someone clad in grey sweatshirt with its hood up shooting some hoops. Her stomach automatically did a flip-flop at the assumption that it was Nathan. However, as soon as he turned around she learned it was not Nathan, but instead his brother.
"Lucas," Haley called over, giving him a wave.
"What the- oh Haley it's you! I didn't even see anyone there," he stated laughing.
"I was kind of trying to be inconspicuous."
"Well you did a good job," Lucas replied smiling. "What are you doing out here at like 9 o'clock at night anyway?"
"Thinking."
"Me too. Basketball is like my get away."
"I guess I can see that," Haley said laughing. "Not exactly meditation but I'm sure it gets rid of all the pent up stress."
"Definitely," Lucas replied. "So what are you out her thinking about? It's kind of cold and you only have a T-shirt on. Couldn't you do that inside," Lucas questioned, noticing her goose bumps.
"I wanted some peace. It's a bit cold but I can handle it," Haley replied, visibly shivering a little.
"No you can't," Lucas replied as he proceeded to take off his sweatshirt and hand it to her. "Wear this."
"You didn't have to, but thanks," she said quietly, pulling it over her head.
"So listen, I hope I'm not disturbing the peace of anything," Lucas said with a smirk on his face.
"No, no. Of course you're not. Keep on shooting. But I have a question though."
"Yes."
"What's a PB?"
"Oh god," Lucas stated, rolling his eyes. "Who told you about that?"
"Rachel may have slipped the term out."
"PB is this stupid name people gave to a bunch of us that you really shouldn't worry about."
"I'm guessing you're a PB?"
"Yeah, but don't worry about it. I'm not into labels, neither is Nathan."
"That's good to know I guess. I don't see why Nathan is important but…"
"He's my brother Haley. It's kind of two-for-one combo, we always come up in conversations together. Besides, you and Nathan seem pretty friendly. At least you did."
"You're right, we are friends."
"Haley…"
"What Lucas? What are you trying to get me to say, huh?" She said, giving him both an annoyed and amused look.
"We both know there's something more than friendship there."
"No there's not. Everyone has to stop saying that. And besides I made it perfectly clear to Nathan tonight that there wasn't."
"Ah, so that's why he's been a grump since I got back from the dining hall."
"I guess so," Haley stated, feeling a little guilty.
"What happened, if you don't mind me asking," Lucas pried.
"I'm really not in the mood to talk about this Luke. I'm sorry."
"It's okay, but can I just tell you something?"
"Sure, why not," Haley stated, rubbing her hands up and down the arms of her sweatshirt to keep warm.
"Whatever is going on between you and Nathan don't doubt it."
"Not that there is anything but… why should I not doubt it. Why should I trust him?"
"Because Nathan is different with you. I know you've probably heard the stories and I know for a fact you've talked to Rachel but don't let that scare you. Before girls flocked to Nathan, and I'm not going to lie, he accepted most with open arms if you get what I'm saying but ever since this year when he met you, it's nothing like that. Girls still flock but he's sealed himself off. Instead, he's chasing after you. Nathan doesn't chase. Normally that's me with the cheesy romance."
"Nathan isn't chasing after me Lucas," Haley replied bluntly.
"Haley he just followed you out of the dining hall before trailing you like a lion on its prey."
"Oh, you meant he's literally chasing me."
"Well, I meant both but do you get my point? He cares about you. About your friendship, and hopefully, a relationship."
"That's all great Lucas but I don't know. I'm sorry."
"All I'm saying is give him a chance."
"We'll see," Haley replied walking away.
"I'll see you at breakfast tomorrow?" Lucas called to her.
"Of course," Haley stated smiling before making her way back towards the dorm. After finally mustering up the courage, she made her way back to her room to find Brooke picking out her clothes for the next day and Peyton sketching away.
"Look what the cat dragged in!" Peyton exclaimed jokingly.
"Aw, is bitch still being a Haley?" Brooke questioned.
"Thanks and no," Haley replied laughing. "Listen guys. I'm sorry. I was just anxious and tired and I don't know. All I know is that I'm sorry."
"Apology accepted," Peyton replied.
"Yeah, but can you please tell us why you're so against Nathan?" Brooke whined.
"He really is a decent guy when you get to know him," Peyton replied.
"I know that," Haley replied softly. "I've seen that side of him. I just… I don't want to get hurt."
"So you're admitting you like him."
"No, I'm just saying he's a decent guy. I can't like him though. I just can't."
"Because you'll get hurt?"
"Yeah, and some other stuff I really don't feel like getting into. But do me a favor… can you tell me who the Political Boys are?"
"Oh god, not this again," Peyton replied rolling her eyes. "If you really want to know, the PBs are Nathan, Lucas, Tim Smith, and this other kid Felix Tagarro. They're just called that because they have big checkbooks and they're parents are in some type of office. Nathan and Lucas for example, their father is a Senator for North Carolina, Tim's father is the mayor of Raleigh, and Felix's dad although he no longer is, was the mayor of New York City. Now he does a lot of international work. But, those are the Political Boys. Said to be of high status at this institution and definite prey for the ladies on campus."
"I see," Haley replied now sitting on her bed as she curled her legs up to her chest.
"Don't let that intimidate you. They actually think its stupid. Well everyone except Dim. And I agree with them," Peyton replied looking over at Haley.
"I know, I just talked to Lucas."
"Oh you did?" Brooke questioned, instantly perking up.
"Yep. But I'm going to bed. Night guys," Haley stated, flipping the lamp next to her bed off.
"Good night Haley," the two replied in unison before turning in soon after her.
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The next morning, Haley made her way down to breakfast with the girls, Lucas' sweatshirt snug tightly under her right arm. Upon entering the dining hall, she made sure to grab a seat between Brooke and Peyton, then leaned across the table to Lucas, stating a the quick thank you and giving him his sweatshirt. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Nathan giving Lucas a skeptical eye.
Leaning over in his chair towards his brother, Nathan whispered softly, "What the hell is that?"
"Um, my sweatshirt," Lucas replied nonchalantly.
"Yeah, I know that dumbass. But why does Haley have it?"
"Because I gave it to her. Dude, chill out."
"You gave it to her? When?"
"Nathan calm down."
"Just answer my question."
"Last night."
"You saw her?"
"Yeah."
"And you didn't tell me?"
"I didn't think it was important," Lucas replied in a whisper, sounding confused.
"This is unbelievable," Nathan huffed, sitting back in his chair as he crossed his arms over his chest. "Actually, you know what… I'm not really hungry. See you guys later. And Haley, see you in detention."
As Nathan stalked off Haley looked at the group with a skeptical look. "Detention?"
"Oh, he didn't tell you? Walking out of etiquette class isn't good. You guy's have an office detention at three when classes end."
"Wonderful," Haley replied sarcastically.
"Technically you cause-" Jake began.
"Shut up Jake," Brooke snapped quickly before giving him a quick smile. "What'd he leave in such a huff about anyway Lucas?"
"Oh nothing. All I have to say is that Haley's going to have a fun time in detention with him," he replied before stifling a giggle.
"Great. I'm so excited," Haley replied sarcastically, rolling her eyes.
"You've got him wound around a string and you don't even know it!"
"So not true and you can shut up now Lucas," Haley replied giving him a glare before pushing her food tray away from her. "Suddenly I'm not so hungry either."
"Interesting…" her four tablemates replied in unison before giving each other knowing eyes.
"Why does God spit me so much?" Haley mumbled to herself before laying her still bruised head down on the table… it was going to be a long day.
I
know, I know not much actual Nathan and Haley interaction... but it
is setting the story up for the next chapter which is going to mostly
Naley interaction so I hope you liked it and leave replies! Thanks :)