A/N Hey guys, thanks for all the reviews! I love reading your thoughts on the story. Anyways I know a lot of you guys are wanting to see Peyton and Lucas shake things up when they join the cheer squad and b-ball team and I promise you it's coming! Please bare with me, I'm working slowly on developing where I want to take this story and the couples. I hope you guys keep reading, I really look forward to the reviews.

Nathan groaned and shifted on his bed, "Brooke?" he mumbled. Receiving no response, he opened his eyes and looked to his side. He sighed, realizing he was alone. He reached over to the nightstand, almost on instinct, and his fingers came in contact with the piece of paper, he knew would be there. He squinted his eyes at the pretty handwriting, Good morning boyfriend! Left shopping with Tutor girl for last minute school stuff. I'll call you later…..XOXOXOXO Brooke.

He crumpled up the piece of paper and tossed it towards the waste basket near the bathroom door. He smiled slightly as it made it in. He closed his eyes against the glaring sunlight pouring into his room and thought about his girlfriend. He couldn't say he was surprised to not find her next to him. It was their almost 'ritual', as screwed up as that sounded. She would sleep over at his house after a party and he always woke up to find her gone. Of course, it worked both ways, the rare times he stayed over at her house, he always left before she woke up. It was just the way their relationship worked. Neither one of them had ever been good at dealing with 'the morning after'. Granted, most of the time they were too hung over to really care.

He thought back to last night's party. The last thing he remembered, was him and Brooke stumbling into his room.

He sat up quickly as he heard the unmistakable sound of footsteps coming up the stairs. He reached for his shirt and pulled it on just as his dad swung the door open and stared at him angrily.

Nathan turned to look at him and slightly winced at the look on his face, "Dad…Hey..what's going on?"

His dad let out a humorless laugh and stepped into the room. He threw a garbage bag at him, "You're mom's gone for a week and already you think you can do whatever you please?"

"Dad…it was just a…small get together. Nothing big." He shrugged.

Dan looked at him and said nothing. He glanced around the room and his gaze landed on the nightstand. He went over to it and picked up a tube of lip gloss. He smirked and tossed it at his son, "Where's the lovely Ms. Davis?"

Nathan let out a breath, "She left earlier."

Dan chuckled, "Can't even keep them till the morning huh son?"

Nathan rolled his eyes, "Whatever." He lay back on the bed and pulled the covers over his head.

Dan went over and yanked them back down, "No way in hell. You are getting up right this second and you are helping me clean up that mess downstairs."

Nathan groaned, "Later okay?"

"No. You are helping me clean up downstairs, but first you are going to take a shower because you reek of alcohol, and then we are going for a run."

"Are you kidding me?"

Dan shook his head determinedly, "Tomorrow it's back to school, and you have to be on top of your game son."

"Dad chill out okay? I'm the best the Ravens have."

"Right. And we-you have to make sure it stays that way. We've come so far, Nathan and I am not letting you screw that up. Now get up and take a shower. I'll be waiting downstairs."

Nathan sighed and stared up at the ceiling after his dad left. Right, don't want to mess up your dreams dad. He thought bitterly. This was sooo not the way he wanted to spend the last day of the summer.

"Nathan!" his dad bellowed from downstairs.

Nathan groaned and kicked thecovers off. He reluctantly got up and headed for the shower.

"Oh my god, this is sooo cute, we are definitely getting this for you Tutor girl!." Brooke fingered the silky red material and held it up for Haley to see.

"Brooke." She sighed, "When I called you this morning to help me pick up school supplies. This is not exactly what I had in mind."

Brooke grinned, "And who says we're not shopping for school supplies?"

"How exactly is Victoria Secret relevant to education?" Brooke grinned and Haley rolled her eyes, "Academic education Brooke."

Brooke laughed and Haley trailed behind her as the brunette continued to browse through the racks.

"So…" Haley began, "What happened between you and Rachel yesterday?"

"What do you mean?" she asked innocently, heading towards the cash register.

"Well…I ran into Rachel last night and she was soaking wet and muttering obscenities and you were completely MIA. Knowing the track record between the two of you…I put two and two together. So what happened?"

Brooke's eyes lit up and brushed off her question as she digged in her purse for her charge car. "Talking about putting two and two together…. what's up with you and a certain handsome reserved basketball player?" she smiled at the girl at the counter as she handed over her card.

Haley raised an eyebrow, "Who? Jake?" she shook her head and smiled as they walked out of the store. "We're friends Brooke."

"Yeah from what I hear, you two certainly looked friendly last night." She teased.

"Jake's a nice guy. And he's a lot of fun. But we're just friends Brooke, y'know that."

"For now." She teased, "Seriously Tutor girl. Jake's cute. And he's really nice. And you two would make the cutest couple." Her dimples flashed, "I mean of course after Nathan and me."

"Of course." Haley smiled.

"But seriously, you guys are so much alike, it's perfect. He's like your counterpart on the basketball team. He's quite, reserved, focused and incredibly smart. I mean if ever there were two people that go so well together it'd be you two."

Haley shook her head, "Just because we're into the same things and are alike does not mean that we'd work as a couple." she pointed out.

"Sure it does. I mean look at me and Nathan. I mean yeah we fight and stuff…but the chemistry is there. And it's there between you and Jake too. I can see it."

"Well just because you see it, doesn't mean I feel it. At least not in that way." She looked over at her, "Anyways why are you so insistent on me and Jake? "

Brooke shrugged, "I just want to see you happy Tutor Girl."

"And having a guy equals being happy?" she asked doubtfully.

Brooke laughed, "Look don't take it the wrong way. I just…well I haven't seen you with anyone in like forever. I don't know Haley…I think it's time we get you back into the dating game. And why not Jake? You two have been friends practically since birth and they do say that friends make the best lovers." she winked at her. "And think about it, how cool would it for all four of us to double date?"

"Sorry to burst your little fantasy bubble, but unlike you and Nathan...Jake and I have never looked at each other like that. He's like my brother."

"But Haley-"

She cut her off, "Look I'd be lying if I said that I don't feel like I'm missing out on something every time I look at you and Nathan. But I just don't want to rush into anything okay? I'm not going to date every guy I have something in common with. "she shrugged, "I'm okay just being me right now. Love is unexpected y'know? You don't have to rush off in search for it, it will come to you. I'm sure the right guy for me is out there somewhere and eventually he'll come crashing into my life and-"

"Hey! Watch out!" she looked at Brooke questioningly and in the next second she slammed right into someone. Her bag full of brand-new school supplies went flying out of her grasp and she stumbled backwards before a hand reached out and steadied her. She looked up and found herself looking into the most intense shade of blue eyes she had ever seen.

Lucas's breath caught in his throat as he stared down at her. She was staring at him wide-eyed and he realized just how close they were standing. God she was even more beautiful up close, he decided, taking in her large chocolate brown eyes and flawless skin. Her long honey blonde hair flowed softly down her back and she was dressed in a simple white t-shirt and jean skirt.

"Why don't you guys watch where you're going?" a voice snapped, breaking him from his trance. He slowly let go of the blonde and directed his gaze to the pretty brunette. She was eyeing him and Peyton annoyed. He looked quickly at Peyton who was glaring at Brooke.

Knowing his best friend was about to say something that would no doubt spark a fight, he turned towards the other two girls, "I'm sorry. It was my fault. I should've been paying attention to where I was going."

Brooke rolled her eyes, "Yeah, obviously." She said icily.

Peyton pressed her lips together and crossed her arms in front of her annoyed. But one look from Lucas was enough to keep her from saying anything.

Haley looked quickly at Brooke, obviously the brunette had recognized the blonde boy quicker than she had and that was the reason she was being so nasty.

Getting over her initial surprise, she managed a smile at the tall blonde in front of her. "I'm sorry, look I'm such a klutz and I wasn't paying attention." Looking down at the floor she bent down and that's when Lucas realized that he had knocked over all her stuff. Stooping down to help her, their hands brushed.

His skin tingled at the simple contact and he prayed to God that his face wasn't showing her just how much she was affecting him with her proximity.

She seemed not to notice and stood up, gathering everything in her hands and smiling at him gratefully. "Thanks."

Brooke rolled her eyes as she watched the scene unfold in front of her. "Don't thank him Haley. It was the least he could do after knocking over all your stuff." she turned to him and gave him an icy glare. "Now c'mon we are so out of here."

Haley sighed and gave them an embarrassed smile, "Sorry." She knew she shouldn't have to apologize for her best friend but she couldn't help it.

"You don't have to apologize for her." He said softly.

She looked over at him surprised, wondering how he had know. Their eyes locked and Haley suddenly found it hard to look away from his intense gaze.

"Haley!" Brooke called over to her, a couple of steps ahead of her, looking annoyed.

"Right. I have to go." She mumbled, slightly startled. Giving them a warm smile, she walked past him and Peyton to catch up with her best friend.

Lucas looked after her as she caught up with Brooke and looped her arm through hers. Almost as if feeling his gaze she turned back and he turned away embarrassed, willing his heart rate to return to normal.

"Wow. That was..um..intense." Peyton laughed. She gave him a knowing smile, "She seems nice."

Lucas looked over at her and smiled, "Yeah." He said softly.

"Can't say the same about the other one. What a bitch."

Lucas laughed, "Better not let her hear you talk like that if you want any shot at the squad." He teased.

Peyton's eyes widened in realization, "Oh my god. I'm actually going to have to be nice to her." She shook her head, "What am I getting myself into?"

Lucas couldn't help but laugh and she turned to glare at him.

"Oh, c'mon Peyt. That's funny."

She shook her head at him and pushed him playfully before joining in his laughter.

"Brooke you didn't have to be so mean."

Brooke raised an eyebrow, "And you didn't have to be so nice."

"It was an accident. It happens."

"Haley, that's not what I'm talking about and you know it."

Haley sighed, "I know, it's just…do you ever wonder…look I get that the situation between him and Nathan is screwed up but…I mean we don't even know him."

"I'm just doing what any loyal girlfriend would do." she shot her a pointed look. "And you should do what any loyal friend should too."

"And what's that? Hating the guy" she asked incredulously, not really understanding her logic.

"Well…yeah…" she sighed, "Look, there are sides Haley. And we.." she gestured between them two. "Are on Nathan's. We've known him forever and that's just the way it is. And anyways, I don't understand why you're so upset. It's never bothered you before."

Haley looked away, "I guess I never realized how wrong it was."

"Look, it doesn't matter anyways. He stays out of our way and we stay out of his."

Haley nodded. She didn't know why but something told her that they would all be seeing a lot more of Lucas Scott. She tried to shake off that feeling and turned to Brooke, "So are you ever going to tell me what went down with Rachel?"

Brooke rolled her eyes, "You will not believe this. That slut had the audacity to go behind my back and try to sell the other girls on the idea of her being the co-captain of the squad. I mean of all the nerve! Of course I told her in no uncertain terms that she could just forget it."

Haley smiled, "Ah..it's all becoming clear to me…pissed off Brooke…open water…soaked Rachel.." she shook her head, "I can't believe I missed that."

Brooke giggled, "It was quite a sight. But all least now she knows that Brooke Davis is not to be messed with."

Haley gave her a concerned look, "I don't know Tigger….something tells me Rachel won't brush it off that easily."

Brooke waved it off, "Please. What could she possibly do? Besides I'm not scared of her. I say bring it on bitch!"

Haley laughed and Brooke slung an arm around her, "So listen….cheerleader tryouts are tomorrow after school, I need you to be there okay?"

"Sure. But what do you need me for?"

"Are you kidding me? There's only one spot on the squad after Cindy left. I need to make sure I pick the very best there is."

Haley shrugged innocently, "Why not ask Rachel then? She's good at this kind of stuff."

Brooke bumped her with her hip, "Ha ha. No but seriously you're one of the best we've got on the squad and I trust your judgment, so what do you say best friend?"

"Sure. Count me in." she smiled at her, "Tomorrow should be an interesting day."

Lucas entered his room and flung himself on the bed. He closed his eyes completely exhausted. He and Peyton had paraded the mall for a couple of hours. After grabbing a bite to eat, Peyton had insisted that they go back to her house and listen to the new album she had bought. Never able to say no to her and being one to appreciate music he had agreed. He had stayed over longer than intended and then on the way home he ran into his friends at the River court and played a short game with them. He told them that he was going to try out for the Ravens and they had all been excited for him.

He sighed and stared up at the ceiling. He was nervous, no doubt. But he realized it wasn't just from the prospect of playing for his school, but because well, he hadn't told his mom just yet. He had been putting it off ever since he made the decision the night before. But he knew he had to tell her soon. He just didn't know how she was going to react.

"Lucas?" he was interrupted from his thoughts as he heard his mom out in the hall.

He sighed and sat up. Well it was now or never, he thought. "In here mom!"

Karen Roe popped her head in his room, "I didn't even hear you come in." she opened the door and stepped inside. She sat at the foot of his bed and smiled at him, "How was your day at the mall? You find everything you need?"

Lucas' mind drifted back to the moment when he literally ran into Haley. He remembered the smile the pretty blonde had given him and the way his pulse had quickened when he had her close. He smiled softly, "Almost everything."

His mom gave him a questioning glance and he shook his head smiling. He paused for a second. "Mom…I uh…there's something I have to tell you."

Karen smiled, "Does this have to do with Peyton?"

He couldn't help but notice the hopeful tone in her voice and laughed, "No, mom. How many times have we had this conversation?"

"Oh." She smiled sheepishly. It was no secret to Lucas or to Peyton that his mom had always felt that there was more to their friendship. Maybe it was just wishful thinking on her part, but she had always been positive that the two blondes were destined for each other. She shook her head and smiled at him gently, "Okay. Then what is it?"

Lucas looked down and picked at the invisible lint on the comforter. He was really nervous. "I've uh…" he looked up at her, "Mom…do you think I'm good?" she raised an eyebrow, "At basketball I mean."

She nodded, "Hmmm…I guess you can shoot a basket or two." She said teasingly. He laughed and she patted his leg, "Yes, my boy. You're good. You're very good."

"Good enough to play for the Ravens?" he asked quietly.

Her smile died on her lips, "What?"

He let out a breath, "Mom…Keith talked to the coach and he has an opening this season and…"

She shook her head determinedly, "No. Absolutely not."

"Mom!" he cried, "Look…it's hard…I know okay? I know what this means…for you….for him….but…I just want to know if I'm good enough."

She stood up, "Lucas, you are good enough. And you don't need to prove that to anyone. You don't need to prove that to him." She headed for the door.

"Mom…that's not why I want to do it." He denied. He shook his head in frustration, "Can't you just give it a chance? Give me a chance."

She turned to look back at him, "You can just forget about it Lucas." She shook her head sadly and stepped out, shutting the door gently behind him.

Lucas lay back down on his bed in frustration. "Great. What in the world am I supposed to do now?" he muttered.