Here she was, the front door of the Scott's house. Haley took a deep breath, knowing what she came here to do wouldn't be easy, but she had to do it. She reached into her pocket for the key to the house that Nathan had given her, and opened the door. She spied him reading at the kitchen table. She smiled sadly, and her heart ached.
"Nathan, we need to talk." Haley said, walking up to him.
"Can it wait a while? I need to finish reading this for history." Nathan didn't even look up to see her, much less give her a welcome kiss.
"No, it can't wait."
Something in Haley's voice caught Nathan's attention, and he finally focused on her. "What?"
She took a deep breath, "I tried. I really did, but maybe it's just not meant to be. All I know is; this isn't working."
Nathan was confused, "What are you talking about?"
"Us, Nathan! Us! What did you think I was talking about, basketball? Because that's all you seem to be focusing on lately!"
"Hey, that's not fair! And…wait a minute," Nathan paused, "Are you breaking up with me?"
Haley shrugged, "I'm not saying it's forever, just that I think we should see other people. And not each other."
"Wait! We can make it work! I know it's been a little hard, but we…"
"No!" Haley interrupted, "it's not supposed to be this hard, Nathan. Don't you get it? It won't work. Not right now, no matter how hard we try. We're at different stages in our lives, and I think it will be better for both of us if we end this. I'm sorry."
Nathan was shocked, not many people had the courage to talk to him that way. "Haley, isn't there anything I can say to make you change your mind?"
"No. I told you, I'm sorry, but I think that's all that can be said. 'Bye, Nathan. I'll see you around." Haley leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. She gave him a small smile and started to walk to the door.
Nathan watched her walk away, "Haley, wait!" She turned, her eyes hopeful but guarded, almost as if she wanted him to say it, but was afraid that he was going to. "I love you." He said helplessly.
She swallowed and looked at him for a moment, "I loved you too." With that, she set her key on the table, walked to the door and walked out, leaving Nathan with nothing but her smell, his memories, and a key to his own house.