Haley was walking down the hallway hand in hand with Nathan. They were on their way to English class. One of Nathan's friends called him and he excused himself to talk with them. Haley found Lucas in the back. This was strange because he was always in front. She looked to the front and saw the substitute assignment. She laughed to herself and sat next to him. It was the only seat available left in the back. She looked around her and saw that only Nathan was left to arrive and there were only two seats left. They were in the front. She turned around to talk to Lucas.

"So what's new with you and Nathan?" Lucas was still getting used to the whole Haley dating Nathan, his half brother. But if Haley was dating him, then he would try and be supportive.

"Nothing." Haley saw the look on Lucas' face. He was staring at the door. She turned to see that it was Nathan. She smiled and waved. She turned back to Lucas. "Do you mind? I would like to sit next to my boyfriend."

"But we haven't hung out in ages. And you're always at his apartment." He knew he was being selfish, but he really hadn't been spending any time with her lately. I mean she was his best friend first. "I'll make you a deal, you can sit up there for half the class, but you have to come back here for the rest of class. Deal?"

Haley nodded. "Deal, buddy." Haley said. They shook on it. Haley gave him a quick pat on his arm and went to go sit with Nathan. She turned her desk so that she was closer to him. She gave him a very big passionate kiss.

"Wow." Nathan said when the kiss ended. "What did I do to deserve that?'

"You're waiting." Haley said simply.

"I'm waiting for what?"

Haley looked around and leaned in close. "For me with sex."

Nathan just nodded. He leaned in to her, his forehead upon hers. "It's okay. The best things in life are worth waiting for."

Haley smiled. "When you say things like that, I just want to do it right now." When she saw the look on his face, she knew she shouldn't have said that. "And then I know it'll be much more special when I'm married."

"And in love." Nathan said sitting back. He looked depressed.

"And when I'm in love." Haley said. She knew this was difficult for him, but she knew he understood. And she liked that about him. "I have something to tell you."

Nathan sat up. "What secret do you have to tell me?"

"I'm only going to be here for half the class. Next half I'm going to go in the back to spend some time with Lucas."

"Do you have to?" Nathan wanted to spend as much time as possible with Haley. "I need my girl to stay with me. I'd miss her too much."

"I'll be just in the back of the classroom." Haley smiled. She bit down on her bottom lip and blushed. She was kind of happy that Nathan was going to miss her, when she was just five feet away. "It's not like I'll be in Siberia."

"But you might as well. It's far enough." He caressed her cheek. "Haley I have to tell you something."

Haley's eyes glowed. "What?"

Nathan seemed uneasy. He's wanted to say this for a while. He hands were getting sweaty. But he didn't have time to say it. The fire drill bell rang. They hurried outside. They waited for the fire department to tell them that it was okay to go back in. On their way out, someone tripped Haley and she sprained her ankle.

Nathan was currently holding Haley, bridal style. He had to take her to the nurse. They were fine to go inside and Nathan carried Haley to the nurse. The nurse just wrapped it in a bandage. She would have to wear it for a couple of days.

After school, Nathan drove Haley to Karen's and he went to the mall to buy her something. He was looking all through it trying to find the perfect gift to tell Haley what he was feeling. He had been trying for over a week now to tell her his true feelings. He couldn't find it, so he gave up and went home.

That night, Haley was on the phone with her sister. "So, are you excited that you're getting married next week, Vivian?"

"I am. I can't' wait to marry Cole. He's my guy."

"Anything else you want to tell me?"

"How do you know?"

"You're my sister. I know you're voice. And there is something you're not telling me."

"It's nothing bad. I would just want you to sing at my wedding."

Haley sighed. "No, Viv. I can't' sing."

"You can sing. You just don't want to. If someone told you, you will be a rockstar, other than your family, you would believe them."

"I have homework to do. Maid of Honor, out." Haley said as she hung up the phone and she answered the door when she heard it ringing. It was Nathan. She kissed him and invited him to her room. They sat on her bed.

"Listen, Haley. I need to tell you something. I've been meaning to tell you for quite some time now." Nathan sighed. He wiped his hand on his jeans. He was so nervous.

"Nathan, you're scaring me." Haley looked him up and down. "What's going on?"

"Um…" He gave a nervous chuckle. 'I've never done this before."

"Nathan, it's okay. I know what you're about to say."

"You do?" Haley nodded. "Thank god. Do you know how long I've wanted you to know this?"

"I'm guessing you wanted this, or you didn't want me for quite some time." Haley said standing up.

Nathan got up too. "I'm sorry."

"You're not sorry. I know you've done things like this before and I guess I was wrong when I said you were waiting for me. That's why you're dumping me, because I won't sleep with you."

"Hales." Nathan tried to hold Haley, but she walked out of the room. She went to the front door and opened it. "Go."

Nathan rubbed his body against hers. He kissed her slightly on the lips. He caressed her cheek. "I… I… I…" Nathan turned when he heard his name. He stepped outside to let Haley's parents go by. Once he made sure they were gone, he grabbed Haley's hand. He kissed it softly a few times. "I'll back."

NEXT CHAPTER

HALEY TELLS LUCAS TO TALK TO NATHAN

LUCAS TALKS TO NATHAN ON THE RIVERCOURT

HALEY LEAVES