I'm a newbie to OTH, having only become a fan this past season. But now I love it! It just means you'll have to excuse me if I exercise a little bit of creative license and some things are slightly out of whack from the show. This is set in Season 5 – Nathan's depression and alcoholism escalated out of control and finally Haley convinced him to get treatment – so is currently in rehab. Jamie understands his dad is sick, but doesn't quite understand why he left.

From Here To Seaside Village

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It was 7:02, and Haley had exactly 8 minutes to get out of the house or she was going to be late. She hurriedly placed a bowl of cereal in front of her son.

'Eat.'

Jamie regarded his breakfast with disdain.

'Mama there's no milk in.'

Haley sighed loudly as she grabbed the milk from the fridge and passed it over.

Jamie was about to point out she hadn't opened the carton and he didn't know how, but was a little wary of his mom this morning. So he tried unsuccessfully to open it. He thought he just about had it, when it slipped from his grasp and hit the floor, bursting open on the kitchen tiles.

Haley turned around in horror.

'James Lucas Scott! For goodness sake. How did you manage that!' She gritted it her teeth and grabbed several dishtowels, trying to quickly wipe up the spill. It was now 7:10

Jamie bit his lip. He liked to toe the line, but he hated to be in trouble.

'Mama, I'm sorry.'

Haley didn't answer.

'Mama, I didn't mean to….'

'Jamie, get you stuff and get in the car. NOW.'

Jamie did so quickly, trying not to cry. He'd stayed up late last night with Skills, watching the game. But now he was tired and a little grumpy, and he'd made his momma mad. He didn't mean to spill the milk. He wished he was more grown and not so clumsy.

A few minutes later Haley jumped in the car and sped out of the driveway, neither Scott saying a word.

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It had been one of those days, Haley thought as she headed over to Brooke's. The students had been disruptive, resisting her every move. The Head of Department had berated her in front of the entire staff room for being late. Then she'd had to stay later for a last minute meeting, relying on Brooke to get Jamie from Kindergarten.

As she opened the door, Jamie looked up from his coloring, and rushed over to meet her. As he came into the hall, he collided with Brooke, also coming to greet Haley, coffee in hand, and the mug shattered on the floor. Aghast, Jamie halted, looking guiltily at his mom. He'd done it again.

She gave him a look that he knew meant trouble, before turning to her friend.

'Brooke, I'm SO sorry.'

Brooke shook her head.

'Don't be silly. I didn't like this mug anyhow.'

She smiled at Jamie, trying to make him feel better.

'Jamie, can you grab me the dustpan from the closet?'

Jamie nodded and ran from the room.

'Really Brooke, I'm sorry. He shouldn't have been running.'

'C'mon Haley, he was just eager to see you.' She paused.

Haley concentrated in picking up the larger pieces of shattered ceramics.

'You okay, Hales?'

Haley sighed.

'I dunno Brooke. It's just so hard. With Nathan gone – I thought I could do it by myself, I really did. But Jamie… he can be such a handful sometimes…'

She squeezed her eyes tightly, trying to stop the tears from coming, but they did anyway.

'I'm just so tired, and sometimes I feel like Jamie fights me on everything – like he almost blames me for his dad leaving. I'm trying the best I can… I just… I don't know that it's good enough anymore. If I could just have 5 minutes for myself... I don't know what to do anymore. I just don't know'

From around the corner, dustpan in hand, Jamie listened, his head hung low. He'd made his momma cry. He was a handful. He knew sometimes her argued with his momma, that he got angry sometimes because his dad left. But deep down he knew, it wasn't his Momma's fault. His daddy was sick, and he had to go away. But his mom was here, his mom hadn't left him. But now she didn't seem to want him either.

Brooke put an arm around Haley.

'You're a great mom, Haley. You doing an awesome job, Jamie is the sweetest kid. I know it's hard, but I'm here, and so is Peyton. We love helping out, you know that. You can do this, I know you can. And we'll be here for you, always.'

Quietly, Jamie rounded the corner to place the dustpan by Brooke and went back to his coloring.

Maybe he should go away, like his daddy. Maybe then his mom could have a vacation, then she would feel better. Suddenly he had an idea. He could go see his dad. His dad said seeing him always made him feel better. Then he could make his momma happy and his daddy happy! Maybe if his dad was better, then he could come home, and the three of them would all be happy again.

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If you have ever seen To Grandmas House We Go or the episode of ER where Alex runs away, you may pick up some of my inspiration! Also, if you have any thoughts of where you want this to go for Naley, your ideas would be greatly appreciated!