Surprise! I apologize for the long waits between postings. I don't know who might still be reading this but more than anything I want to finish this story for myself. I know the couples that are going to end up together in this story and the follow up story Find your way back. Thank you for reading.

"I can't believe we ate that much." Haley groaned as she flopped down on the couch. "I can't even move."

"You were the one that practically devoured that pizza." Jake laughed as he sat next to her. "I promise I won't tell anyone."

"You better not mister." She glared over at him playfully. In the next instance her expression softened into a smile. "I'm glad we had this day today, Jake. While Brooke and Nathan are off doing society things. Seems lately we haven't spent time together just the two of us."

"Well, having a kid will take up a lot of the free time you can spend." He returned her smile, nudging her playfully. "So will falling in love."

"Oh um…that's not..."

"No need to get all flustered Hales." Jake teased, taking in her flushed face. "Lucas is a good guy, with a good head on his shoulders and a moral compass to match yours. He's good for you. And in case I haven't said it before, it's nice to see you happy."

"Well, not so happy right now." She joked back. "Seeing as how he still hasn't returned my calls. Well to his defense, his phone has been turned off. Makes me wonder if he might be sick or something. I wouldn't think him being grounded would prevent him from missing school yesterday."

"Hmm, yeah I guess you're right." He grinned, enjoying teasing her. "I can't see Lucas missing school, he's almost as much of a nerd as you."

"Ha-ha, you're funny you know that? I forgot how much I've missed your grade school humor." She laughed as he threw her a glare, "But no, all jokes aside I can't help but be worried."

"Have you tried Peyton? If anyone would know, it'd be her."

"Briefly but she had no idea why he wasn't at school yesterday. I didn't want to press her further either. She seemed to have a lot on her mind when I talked to her and she wasn't even at practice yesterday or the day before either. If I didn't know any better, I swear she was hiding something too. But you know maybe I'm just being paranoid, but I just have this strange feeling."

"I wouldn't worry too much Hales." He stared at her thoughtfully, "What did you mean about Peyton? You think she was keeping something about Lucas from you?"

"No, I didn't mean it like that. I just know she's had a lot on her mind lately." She paused, "With…other things. I was surprised she wasn't at the boy toy auction or the dance. Not that Peyton's one for school spirit to begin with."

"That she is not." Jake laughed. "Kind of ironic though considering she likes Na-"

"She likes who?" Haley raised an eyebrow when Jake cut off abruptly and looked away. "Considering she likes Nathan? Hmm, so you know about that too?"

Jake shifted uncomfortably. "What do you mean?"

"Oh, come on Jake. If there is one thing you are is perceptive."

"I haven't perceived anything! I don't even know what we are talking about."

"Oh, please. I know what you were going to say. Considering how different her and Nathan are, it's ironic they like each other."

"That's not what I was going to say," Jake denied, instantly wishing he hadn't put his foot in his mouth. He hadn't meant for that to slip out. "Wait, what? Like each other? As in Nathan..."

"I thought you didn't know what we were talking about." She teased. "So, she admitted it to you huh?"

Jake rolled his eyes and slumped back in his seat. Great, so much for keeping Peyton's secret.

"She didn't admit anything to me." Jake conceded, knowing Haley would never say anything anyways. "But she didn't have to. I could see it. Does this mean she admitted it to you?"

"Who Peyton?" Haley scoffed, "Please that girl is swimming deep in the Nile River if you know what I mean. They both are, seems like denial is more than just a one-way street."

"And Nathan admitted that to you?" Jake squinted at her doubtfully. "Really, Nathan Scott?"

"He didn't have to, you're not the only perceptive one you know. I've seen the way they look at each other and the little arguments they have. Anyways, why so interested mister? Never took you one for gossip." Haley laughed.

"You know what, forget it. I'm not doing the whole Gossip Girl thing with you."

"Or maybe, you're so invested because this could possibly be something good for you. If Nathan and Peyton finally admitted that they have feelings for each other. You know leave the road to Brooke open to you."

"When are you going home again?" He joked, "We've already had this conversation, Haley. You know all I want is to be there for Brooke and get back the friendship we had before. Besides, it doesn't matter. Brooke will never see me that way."

"I wouldn't say that, Jake." Haley replied, thinking back to the way Brooke reacted to Rachel bidding on Jake at the boy toy auction. "Life might surprise you one day. Anyways, you never did tell me how everything went with Rachel at the boy toy auction."

"You know she's not so bad."

"Please Jake, I know you like to see the good in everyone, but that girl has no excuse for being an all-around bitch for no reason."

"Well, I do admit she's had her uh moments, but I don't know. Maybe she puts up a front like everyone else. She's pretty fun to be around actually which is why I don't understand why she enjoys antagonizing Brooke so much. They're a lot alike, I think without all this unnecessary rivalry they could've been great friends."

"Don't let Brooke hear you say that."

"Yeah, well I think that there is always more than meets the eye with everyone. Everyone deserves a second chance, you more than anyone knows that."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"Well, you know with Felix for example. You ended up doing the right thing by giving him a chance and deciding to tutor him."

"But what does that have to do with anything?" Haley shifted uncomfortably, "I did the right thing as a tutor Jake."

"And tutoring includes kissing now as part of the lesson plan?"

"First of all, he kissed me. After all the issues he caused between me and Lucas over that one mishap, I should be ending this whole tutoring thing. He certainly doesn't deserve my help."

"Well, did you? End it I mean?"

"I'm not going to bail on my duties just because the guy is a jerk."

"Or maybe you don't want to? Haley, I'm only going to ask you this once. Is there even a small part of you that maybe feels something for the guy?"

"You mean besides disgust? No Jake, yes, the guy is ridiculously good looking, but he's been an immature stuck up jerk the moment he moved here and caused nothing but trouble."

"Well just like you said Haley," Jake replied not fully believing her. "Life might surprise you one day."

Yo man! This blows! Meet me and Tyler over by the balcony out back we got some good good if you know what I mean ;)

Nathan scoffed as he looked down at his phone, but an amused smirk pulled at his lips. Ignoring the disapproving glance his mother threw his way, he slipped his phone back in his pocket trying his hardest to tune out the conversation flowing heavy with champagne through the table.

He picked at his food, all the while fighting the urge to glance across the table at his date. He'd thought he was doing amazingly well, considering how both his knuckles hurt from clenching and unclenching his fists every time her sweet voice would carry over to him. But now the intoxicating smell of her perfume penetrated his senses in a way that was driving him insane. His eyes were begging to drink in even for a second the mirage seated ahead of him, but he refused. He had to or he would break. The memory of their last conversation still burned painfully in his memory. I deserve better than you.

Telling himself that this was much easier in comparison to the sweet and torturous limo ride where she had been within an arm's reach did nothing to alleviate the ache inside of him. Just tonight, get through tonight and then it's over.

Tell Tyler this better be some good shit or I'm kicking his ass. He typed out quickly to Tim. If he was going to get through this night, there was no way in hell he was going to do this sober.

He was about to excuse himself when Victoria Davis and his mother's laughter penetrated through his thoughts, and he fought the urge to roll his eyes. He had had enough of the mindless vain chatter those two seemed to always engage in when in the same vicinity. He made the mistake to look up at Brooke and a shock went through his system to find her staring directly into his eyes. She pressed her lips together in an effort to conceal her silent laughter and rolled her eyes playfully.

Well, that was certainly a change, he thought. The whole limo ride she had refused to look at him or even speak, choosing to stare out the window the entire drive. It had pissed him off but regardless, he pulled out his phone and typed out a quick message before he lost his nerve.

Want to get out of here?

He was surprised when she responded quickly. Even more surprised that she had accepted.

His heart pounding in his chest he stood up and excused himself, trailing after her and drinking in the sway of her hips.

"Listen Red, you're avoiding the question." Felix complained, twirling his champagne flute in his hand.

"First of all, I'm not avoiding anything." Rachel replied smoothly. "Second of all you're drunk."

Feliz scoffed and drained the champagne glass in one swift move. He was growing more and more annoyed by the second. Rachel had yet to tell him of her grand plan to reveal Lucas's treacherous ways to Haley. Not to mention that Haley had ignored his earlier texts about meeting up tomorrow morning for one of their tutoring lessons.

He fished in his tux pocket and pulled out his phone glancing over it quicky, gritting his teeth upon realizing Haley had still yet to respond to him. Who the hell did she think she was anyway ignoring him like that?

"Expecting a call?" Rachel asked innocently, noting his clenched jaw.

"Fuck off Red." He gritted out. "And fuck this, if you're going to refuse to tell me what your grand plan is, I'll just tell her my damn self."

"You are doing no such thing." Rachel hissed, pulling him back by his jacket as he attempted to walk past her. "Great plan genius, then you can explain to her how exactly you know about it. You're going to tell her you were just casually passing by Brooke's house and saw them yourself?" When he just glowered at her, she continued. "Sometimes I wonder just why the hell I thought I could count on you for this. First mistake sweetheart, you don't give yourself away by running your mouth to Haley what you're not supposed to know."

"Well I pulled it off at the bar didn't I?" He returned angrily. "Risking getting caught all the while you were off whoring yourself to single Dad Jagielski. What kind of stupid last name is that anyways? What is this dick Jewish or something?"

"Real mature jackass." She rolled her eyes, sipping her champagne her gaze focused on the Davis and Scott table.

"Like I give a damn who you decide to spread your legs for next. Now quit bullshitting me and tell me what's our next move?"

"Our next move…." She drawled out, turning to him with a sly grin. "Is no move at all."

"What the fuck are you playing at Rachel?" He asked furiously, shaking his head back and forth. "What is this? You drag me into all this only to back out at the last minute? You were playing me t whole time weren't you bitch?"

"I suggest you cut back on the champagne there Felix." She warned, "Control your little emotional outbursts, will you? Haven't you ever heard the expression all good things come to those who wait? Oh, what's wrong sweetie? Tutor girl got you by the balls already?"

"You really don't know when to just shut the fuck up do you?" He snapped, "All I'm saying is I'm the one doing the dirty work and you're over there acting like you have some grand plan and I'm beginning to think you're full of shit and have no idea what you're doing."

"Why don't you quit your bitching and take a moment to just look over at Brooke?"

As he took in her appearance, he let out an appreciative whistle. He remembered how she had caught his eye immediately when he had first moved to Tree Hill. He also remembered how she had flirted with him like crazy his first week at Tree Hill High and how that had ended when that arrogant dick Nathan Scott had punched him in the face after he caught them making out. Really how was supposed to know those two were on a break and she had only been using him to piss off her boyfriend?

"She looks damn fine, but what does that have to do with your plan?"

"You know the one thing I would've thought you would've learned from being an Army kid and moving around so much is that you would actually know how to read people. But of course all you can think with is your little friend downstairs. If you had been paying attention, you would've noticed how absolutely miserable she's been since the night of the boy toy auction. And that loser Lucas missing school and the dance? It won't be long before Haley starts catching on that something is off if she hasn't already."

"So we're just supposed to sit back and what? Wait for either of them to just tell her? Yeah, master plan there Red."

"And who says we can't have a little fun while we wait? Maybe, even speed it along a little bit. Use your tutoring sessions with Haley to start planting clues about this. Trust me, Lucas will end up telling on himself, the guilt of it will wear on him. And our little friend Jason? Let's just say he's going to help in his own way. Trust me, nobody will ever suspect we had anything to do with this interesting turn of events."

"I think your Mom must have put something in those amazing waffles of hers this morning or I need to get my ears checked, because there is no way in hell I just heard you say what I think you said."

"You think I would joke about something like this Peyton?" Lucas shot back, standing up out of his bed and starting to pace.

"Lucas what the hell?!" Peyton's mouth dropped open and she stood up as well. "Why would you do something like that Lucas? I know things have been strained between you two lately, but how could you do this to Haley? With her best friend of all people?"

"Are you accusing me I did this on purpose Peyt?" He looked at her stunned, "Do you not know me at all?"

"Why did you even agree to this Lucas? Let yourself be used by Brooke for her little revenge plot on Nathan? I told you from the beginning that it was a bad idea and look what happened! You betrayed Haley in the worst possible way. God, I don't even want to imagine what Nathan is going to do to you once he finds out."

"Nathan is the least of my concerns right now Peyton." He glared at her, "But of course you would be worried about how this will affect him."

"Don't even start." She warned, crossing her arms over her chest. "I'm being serious right now. The stunts he pulled on you before will be nothing compared to what he'll do to you now. Not only did you sleep with the girl he loves, but in the process, you also betrayed one of his best friends Lucas."

He shut his eyes tightly, for the hundredth time wishing this was a horrible nightmare he could just wake up from. Haley's beautiful smile and wide trusting brown eyes flashed in his mind painfully. "I wish I could remember how I ended up in this position, and at the same time I wish I could just forget this even happened Peyton."

"I'm sorry, but I'm just trying to understand how this happened." She replied, her tone softer. She could see torment and the last thing she wanted to do was deepen that. Knowing her best friend, she knew this was killing him. "How do you go from a simple boy toy auction to ending in her bed? I knew Brooke wanted to get back at Nathan, I guess I never pictured her going as far as doing this to her own best friend."

"You really don't get it do you Peyton? This is not on just Brooke, I share the same shame part in this. The worst part is one moment we're playing pool and drinking and the next we wake up in her bed naked. The in between is what's tearing me apart because it's one blank hole."

"You really don't remember anything?" Peyton asked him suspiciously. "What about Brooke? What did she have to say about all this?"

"Brooke freaked out the moment she realized what happened and pretty much kicked me out. She was almost near hysterical and refused to talk about it. I-I don't' even know how much she remembers. Can you just…" he finished shakily, sitting back down on his bed and turning his back to her. "I just really just need to be alone right now Peyt."

"Of course, I hate to leave you like this, but I understand Lucas." She bit her lip, her heart going out to him at how miserable he looked. Something was nagging at her at the back of her mind. How exactly could her best friend have gotten that drunk in just a couple of hours to completely black out the most crucial part of the night? And how exactly did Brooke's part fit into all of this?

"Can't believe I'm saying this, but Tim you the man!" Tyler nodded his approval as he accepted the bottle of Louis Roederr Cristal his friend handed to him with a proud grin on his face.

"You know it baby boy! Your boy Tim gots the hook up on the inside, y'know what I mean?"

"I feel sorry for the poor bastard who's probably going to lose his job after this." Nathan scoffed, taking a swig of the bottle and enjoying the warmth that settled deep in his stomach. Needless to say he too was impressed with just how his friend had managed to not only get the access to the Country Club's President's suite but to his priced drink collection as well. "Do tell though, how did you of all people manage this?"

"A playa never tells how the game is played Nate."

"Cool it Lil Wayne." Rachel teased, leaning her arms back to stretch on the desk she had propped herself on. "Got to hand it you Tim, saved us all from the scintillating adult conversations at that god awful dinner."

"Who the hell invited you?" Brooke snapped taking a sip of the bottle of Dom Perignon in her hands. She didn't fail to notice how Nathan's gaze strayed to the slit in her dress raising up as she leaned back on the chaise lounge.

"Oh please, you think I didn't see you all sneaking off and think I wouldn't join in on the mischief?"

"Let's just hope we don't get caught." Teresa giggled coming back in from the outside balcony where she had been lighting up with Vegas.

"Speak for yourself Theresa, I for one am almost hoping we do get caught. Would love to see the look on Mommy and Daddy dearest."

"Just itching to add to the list of their daughter being an embarrassing disappointment." Brooke smiled sweetly over at Rachel. "You give yourself too much credit whore."

"What's with the claws kitty cat?" Rachel replied innocently, not missing a beat. "Not get any last night?"

Felix let out a laugh and Nathan and Tyler both their rolled their eyes to each other as if to say Here we go again.

Brooke sucked in a breath, "Not all of us are attention seeking whores that need to be on their back constantly."

"You should try it sometime, help reset that button of yours that's been stuck on frustrated bitch lately. I for one believe in enjoying the variety of different flavors that life has to offer."

"There aren't enough flavors in the world to account for your slut list."

"I can think of one or two I certainly wouldn't mind trying for the first time actually." Rachel looked at her nails, clicking her tongue. "Gotta admit, Jake certainly surprised me at the boy toy auction. Teen Daddy knows how to have a little fun when pushed in the right direction."

"Don't you even dare." Brooke fumed, sitting up right. "I knew there was a reason you bet on him that night. I don't know exactly what game you're playing at here with him. But you have another thing coming if you think I'm just going to sit back and let you do it."

"Who says I'm playing a game here? Jake is a really sweet guy that deserves to have a little bit of fun and let loose."

"Not your kind of fun."

"Last I checked, Jake is a big boy Davis. Why so concerned? Afraid maybe sweet little Jake is not so innocent? I mean he does have a baby, guaranteed he definitely knows what he's doing and how to please. Wouldn't mind finding out."

The flash of rage that coursed through her veins at that surprised even Brooke and before she knew it, she had stood up and stalked towards Rachel. "I mean it bitch, back the hell off."

"Touched a nerve didn't I?" Rachel smirked, not even flinching at the pure fire in the brunette's eyes." My, my if I didn't know any better Brooke, I'd say you were jealous."

Brooke flushed, her heart pounding in her chest. She had a hard time catching her breath but the way Rachel was smirking at her triumphantly only fueled to anger her more. She took a deep breath and was suddenly aware of the hush that had fallen over the room. She caught Nathan's penetrating stare at her outburst and she took a deep breath, snatching the bottle forcefully out of Rachel's hands. She suddenly had this strange urge to just get drunk and wash away her confusing emotions.

Nathan watched her as she made her way back to the chaise lounge but he caught the slight trembling of her hands. What the hell was going on? An uncomfortable feeling was tightening in his chest, made more so by the triumphant smile Rachel sent his way at having been able to get under the brunette's skin. Why had Brooke reacted so strongly to Rachel's comments about Jake? And how Rachel know that surely that would strike a nerve with the brunette?

"Guys come on stop before this gets out hand." Teresa spoke up, breaking through Brooke's troubled thoughts. "We all came here to have some fun and escape our parents. Don't ruin it."

"Thank you, Teresa. I know! Let's drink some tequila!" Bevin clapped her hands together blissfully unaware and grabbed the brand-new bottle out of the glass cabinet.

"I cannot believe Teresa face-planted in the middle of the dance floor!" Brooke let out a peal of laughter as the drink in her champagne glass swirled around. "I mean did you see the look on her Mom's face?"

"Wouldn't want to be in Theresa's shoes that's for sure." Nathan agreed, laughing along with her. "Tim wasn't kidding about having the good stuff. Tyler standing there and pointing and laughing at her instead of helping her out made the whole thing even better."

That made Brooke giggle harder, and Nathan looked over at her smiling. He knew the warmth that spread across his chest had little to do with the copious amount of alcohol they had both drank on the way back home. But more with hearing her melodic laugh so genuine and uninhibited. He'd never thought he'd hear that again, at least not in his presence. Something had shifted with her from the moment they had gotten back to their parents' table, had even asked him to dance with her. He couldn't put his finger on it though. He knew it wasn't because of the alcohol. Brooke's emotions amplified while she drank. When she was angry, she was downright hateful when drunk. When she was sad, the girl could fill up the Mississippi river with her tears. And when she was happy, she was the most fun and playful to be around in an inebriated state. Yes, he knew her moods better than anyone, which is why a part of him was nagging that something was up with her and her fluctuating emotions.

"Oh damn, we're here." Brooke pouted as she looked out the window at her house. She pursed her lips and grinned at him as she reached for the bottle of Dom and rapidly filled up her glass.

"You may want to slow down there." Nathan laughed as she drained the glass swiftly. "Don't want to pull a Theresa and face plant on your way up the walkway."

"And if I did?" She raised an eyebrow at him, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "I know you'd be there to swoop me up and make sure I was tucked safely in bed."

He sucked in a breath, totally not expecting that. She laughed at the dumfounded look in his face and reached across him to the mini fridge, in search of another bottle. In her effort to maneuver herself in her buzzed state and him shifting to make way for her, she half landed in his lap. He froze immediately and shut his eyes.

"Whoops!" She giggled, "No more champagne for me."

"Yeah...I'd say that's a good idea." He breathed out slowly, willing his heart rate to return to normal. When she didn't immediately move away from him like he thought she would, he slowly opened his eyes. A shock of electricity coursed up his spine when he realized just how close she was and the intense look in her eyes. He became painfully aware of her chest pressing firmly against his and the way her unique scent flooded his senses as her breath mingled with his

"Brooke?" He questioned when she shifted closer to him and her hand reached out to run through his hair.

"Shhhh...don't ruin this Nate." She whispered softly, tracing her finger over his lips. She brushed her lips with his softly.

"Brooke...please, just stop." He pleaded when she pulled back and started kissing down his neck, his heart hammering in his chest. "You're drunk and tomorrow you're-"

"Tomorrow what Nate? We just go back to ignoring each other?" She looked at him straight in the eyes, and he was struck with the fierce determination and passion in her eyes, "I'm not drunk Nate, maybe I'm just done pretending and running away from this."

"We can talk about this tomorrow.."He protested weakly even as she continued to kiss down his neck. "When we're both-"

Frustrated, she didn't give him a chance to finish his sentence. She grabbed his face between her hands and fused her lips to his again, opening her mouth and inviting him in. When he stopped fighting it, he wrapped his arms around her waist and crushed her to him, letting his tongue tangle with hers.

Thoughts?