________________________________________

I HATE YOU
::  xxv. | house party

It was the very next day since Ashely arrived back in Tree Hill, North Carolina. Chad had just left to school and Ashely was just now waking up in her room. Her eyes opened as she stayed laying down, her head resting on the pillow. Her eyes wandered around her room with a smile, she was happy to be back home. She didn't feel homesick anymore but she knew she would have to go back to England eventually. As of right now though, she wanted to savor her time back there.

She told her brother last night that she didn't want anyone knowing she's back because she plans on surprising everyone. So she did what she normally did when she was in high school and had just woken up. She brushed her teeth, washed face, ate a light breakfast. Then waited till it was digested, so she could put on some sportswear to go jogging.

She left the house around noon to began jogging around the neighborhood. While she jogged, principal turner had just walked into the classroom.

"It has come to my attention that someone stole answers to a test and I know how to find out who." He spoke to the math class, "We'll have a retake and whoever doesn't pass is the culprit. See you all in study all."

The bell rang and Brooke caught up with Rachel outside the classroom. They both began walking to the courtyard for lunch.

"It was hard enough taking it the first time, now we have to do it again?" Brooke was panicking, she was scared of what the consequences could be.

"We'll be fine." Rachel reassured her, "Besides we have until study hall."

The two carried on to the courtyard, while Haley was walking back into the building. She was called to come to the principal's office about a serious matter.

• • •

She opened the door to his office, quietly walking in. She approached his desk after closing the door behind her, "You wanted to see me, principal Turner?"

He looked up, "Yes, Haley. Please sit."

"What's this about?" She sat across from him.

"Answers to the math test were stolen under your watch and with that comes great consequences." He began.

"But I had nothing to do with that —!"

"I know and I'm sorry." He finished, "I do need your keys to the tutoring center."

Haley didn't protest. She slipped her bag off and opened the front pocket, pulling out the keys. She placed them on his desk before leaving his office filled with anger for whoever caused this. She couldn't wait to know who it was.

• • •

After the math test was wrapped, the teacher immediately began grading and the final bell was rung. Everyone retreated to their last class and by the time that class was over, Rachel Gatina was called to the principal's office.

From there she was informed that she didn't pass and therefore, with that conclusion, principal turner ruled her as the culprit and expelled her. But little did he know, she switched the test. Brooke was the one who really didn't pass but Rachel couldn't let her get in trouble. At the end of the day, Brooke was the only real friend she had.

To shake off this roller coaster of emotions she was feeling, she put on a front face and headed back to her house to get ready for that rumored party that was buzzing around the school earlier.

Everyone was attending this party. Even Chad and he wasn't much of a party guy but Peyton wanted to go. When he got home, he passed the news to Ashely who thought this would be the perfect opportunity to surprise everyone with her arrival.

So after a couple of hours, the two siblings left their house and got into Chad's car. He drove them to Nathan's house and once they arrived, the house looked packed — outside and inside. It was definitely a Nathan Scott party.

As soon as they entered the house, Chad went looking for Peyton and Ashely moved toward the commotion coming from the living room.

Haley's hand met Rachel's cheek, "That's for getting me fired." Then whatever liquid was in the red up she held, she tossed it on Rachel, "And that's for trying to sleep with my husband."

Ashely watched the whole thing unravel and it wasn't until skills mumbled something that everyone noticed Ashely standing there.

Rachel pushed passed everyone, trying to leave the embarrassment behind but Ashely wasn't going to let her leave without getting one word in.

"What the hell was that back there!" She caught up to the redhead outside the house.

Rachel turned around, "Nothing you should be worried about."

"You didn't really try sleeping with Nathan, did you?"

"Of course not!" Rachel was spiraling, "Why are you even here?!"

"I missed you." The blonde simply shrugged.

"So you got bored of your European friends already?"

"What the hell does that mean, Rachel?" Ashely's arms were now crossed over her chest.

"Nothing." Rachel shook her head, "Just . . . nothing." Rachel soon walked off, leaning her girlfriend out front trying to comprehend what just happened because Ashely's never been more confused.

• • •

Ashely didn't stick around long enough to get around to everyone. She left just as quick as Rachel. She headed back home, using her brother's car. What happened with Rachel pissed her off. As soon she got back to her room, she grabbed her suitcases from the closet and began repacking them.

Hell, if Rachel didn't want her there, she would gladly go back to England. She wasn't going to deal with any of this bullshit. She already gets enough of that at college from her roommate, she didn't need it from her girlfriend.

As she continued to toss things in her suitcases, she didn't hear the front door open or someone entering her bedroom.

"Unpack." A familiar voice spoke and Ashely didn't need to turn around to know who it was.

"You know, you're a real bitch sometimes." Ashely continued to put things in the suitcases, completely ignoring what was said to her.

"I know." She admitted, "I haven't been handling it well — you leaving." Rachel walked into the room, "Lot harder than I thought."

Ashely turned around, "We call all the time."

"It's not the same, ash." Rachel walked closer, "You left me. I literally have no friends here, except Brooke and maybe Chad. Everyone else hates me and the one person that was always consistent was gone."

"You encouraged me to go." Ashely spoke softly.

Rachel nodded, "And how stupid was I." She then closed the small gap between them, "And I don't want you to leave again."

"I don't want to leave either." Ashely whispered as she wrapped her arms around Rachel's waist.

The two women looked deeply into each other's eyes as they began to move in, locking lips. They haven't felt each other in months and as it progressed, it felt like Ashely never felt. Although there was a lot Rachel had more to say, she didn't want anything ruining this moment.

Even though she would never admit it to anyone else, Ashely was definitely special and not just because she is Rachel's girlfriend.

a/n:
im back in my one tree hill
era, so this book will wrap
up really soon. meaning,
chapters a lot quicker.

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