Separate Ways

Nathan tossed and turned in his bed. He kept having the same nightmare. Tomorrow was his first day of college. He didn't know why he was so nervous; after all he was the famous Nathan Scott. After high school he had been drafted straight into the NBA and was looking like one of their most promising rookies. He had joined the Phoenix Suns. Nathan had been the team's top scorer and had led them to the finals 3 years in a row, and then it happened. He dunked the ball and landed wrong, blowing out his knee. His world had ended.

Doctors told him he might not ever walk again. After months and months of surgeries and physical therapy, Nathan walked without a cane or crutches, but his basketball career had ended as quickly as it had started. His friends and family had insisted that he get another job to occupy himself. Lucas suggested going back to school, and Nathan gave in. Nathan moved back to Tree Hill and applied to the University of North Carolina. He was accepted.

Nathan moved back into his old apartment, it had so many memories of her. Nathan still remembered that fateful night when she decided to leave it all behind. He kicked himself for not going after her, but deep down he knew neither of them would be happy until they pursed their dreams.

Flashback

"You're moving to Phoenix?" Haley asked, her anger rising. "When were you planning on informing me, your wife, of this?

"Hales, don't be like this. It will only be for like 5 years. When you get out of Stanford you can come live with me," Nathan calmly suggested.

"You can be without me for 5 years! Some husband you are," she scoffed.

"I didn't mean it like that," he yelled, but it was too late she had stormed out the door, and that was the last anyone in Tree Hill had seen or heard of her.

End Flashback

Haley had gone to Stanford as planned, and became a college professor. She taught English at UNC. Nathan and Haley had gotten legally separated, but not divorced. Neither of them had the money to pay for divorce lawyers at the time. Haley regretted leaving Nathan, Lucas, Peyton, Brooke, and Jake behind. She often felt compelled to call Luke and check in, but she never gathered the courage. She shouldn't have left Nathan like that, but it hurt her that basketball was more important to him than her.

Haley had gone on with her life. She had dated, had a nice house on campus, and made a decent living. She never regretted giving up music for Nathan, because in her eyes, the time they spent together was worth it. Occasionally she thought of him, after all he was her husband, and she always watched his games. When he got hurt, she was so worried that she almost called him, but then decided he wouldn't want to hear from her.

Haley went on with her normal morning routine, unaware that today would change her life again. She loved the first day of the semester, teaching all the new scared freshmen who were so nervous about college. Everyone loved Haley as a teacher, she was kind, but tough and always interested in what her students had to say.

Nathan got dressed and walked across campus. His first class was English and his teacher was Prof. James. Nathan pushed open the doors to the classroom and settled in a chair close to the back. He just wanted to get this over with, so that Lucas and Brooke would get off his back. He still didn't understand why he couldn't live off the money he made from basketball.

Haley hurried to her first class, she was late. Haley pushed open the doors and hurried in. She never even noticed him because there were about 50 kids in the class, but he instantly noticed her. "Haley?" he muttered, confused about why she was here.

Haley began to talk. "I'm Prof. James and this is English 13. This class will be focused mainly on perfecting your writing skills. I will frequently assign essays that you have two weeks to complete. Your final will consist of one essay question that I expect answered in a 4-6 pages."

Nathan didn't take in a word she said. He was still in shock that Haley was his teacher. She looked better than he remembered her looking in high school. She had highlights in her hair giving it a much lighter tint and she was wearing a knee length skirt and blouse. Nathan wondered if she noticed him.

After Haley's introduction she proceeded to write a list of books they would need for the class on the board. Nathan copied them down, while focusing mainly on Haley's rear. Although, he never discussed her, Nathan thought of Haley often. He was young and stupid when he initiated that fateful conversation and regretted it everyday. He hadn't meant for Haley to think that basketball was more important than her, even though it came out that way. If only she knew that he had been willing to visit her every weekend and live at college with her during the off-season.

After her classes, Haley headed to the cafeteria for some lunch. She grabbed a tray and was hurrying into line when she bumped into a very tall, muscular student. She looked up, "I'm so sorry, I wasn't watching were I was go…," she began to apologize and immediately noticed something familiar about this boy, "Nathan?"

He looked down into her eyes, "It's me Hales."

"Wow, what a surprise. What are you doing here?" she questioned, immediately curious.

"Lucas and Brooke convinced me to go through college."

"How are they?"

"Well, Lucas and Brooke, went here right out of high school and got married upon graduation. They now live back in Tree Hill and Brooke is 2 months pregnant. Peyton and Jake got together out of college, and live together also in Tree Hill. They are engaged, but are holding off on the wedding until they are more settled in."

"This is such a surprise."

"I know I was thinking that when I saw you this morning, what are the chances of us ending up at the same place?"

"Why didn't you come say hi."

"You were busy writing some stuff on the board."

"You're in my class?" Haley was really in awe. Things were getting crazier by the second. "Want to sit?" she asked, motioning to the bench at the table. They had been standing in the middle of the cafeteria.

Nathan sat, getting serious he said quietly, "I've really missed you Hales."

Haley smiled, she was glad he was back in her life, even if they could only be friends. "So, you had some great seasons with the Suns."

"You watched my games."

"Never missed one."

Nathan lit up. He knew he had a shot if she was interested enough to watch his basketball games. He had hurt her in the past, but he was determined to make it up to her.

"Well, I better get going," Haley said finally, "I have some more classes."

Nathan looked at the clock, "Shit I'm late. See you tomorrow in class."

"Don't be late, or I'll have to give you detention." Haley called flirtatiously over her shoulder. Yup, she thought to herself, this school year is definitely looking up.

As Nathan walked away he thought, I love college.