Prologue
Nathan Scott stumbled through the doors of Tree Hill High in total disarray. His usually perfect appearance was not visible today. His hair seemed as if it hadn't been combed in days, his clothes were wrinkled and seemingly unclean. As he walked past his fellow students the smell of alcohol permeated from him.
As he continued down the hallway he noticed the stares his peers were directing toward him, but paid the gossiping crowd no attention. For today there was only one thing on the mind of this troubled young man. His wife.
Although it had been over a week since he had stormed out of their apartment and Haley had climbed aboard the Wreckers tour bus, he couldn't grasp the reality of the situation. He had done nothing over the past few days but drink and cry himself to sleep in the privacy of his lonely home.
Nathan still couldn't believe the harsh things that he said to the woman he loved before she left. Despite his own feelings he still wondered how his words had affected his wife. He had been justifiably upset after he learned of Haley's infidelity, but he knew he had made a mistake by letting his emotions control his actions.
Now the distraught, young husband was forced to mull over his behavior while the love of his life was off playing rock star with Chris Keller. So here he was drowning in a pool of self destructive behavior and in desperate need of someone to save him.
Brooke Davis confidently strode down the hall of Tree Hill High with a new air of confidence floating around her. After Mouth's admission of guilt, an epiphany hit Brooke like a ton of bricks. She had written the perfect speech and was ready to show the student body that despite her indiscretions she could lead them, together, through the school year.
Turning the corner, Brooke's eye caught sight of a dark haired boy sitting in a corner, his head in his hands. As she neared the figure recognition hit her.
"Nathan?" she questioned the dazed boy.
Nathan looked up and Brooke was taken aback as she tooke in his unkempt appearance and the tears that streamed down his face. The smell of alcohol hit Brooke's senses and she was immediately struck with worry.
"Nathan, have you been drinking?" Brooke asked, standing over Nathan's form, hands on her hips and a look of disgust on her face.
Nathan looked to Brooke and choked out, "Haley left me."
The look of disgust quickly disappeared and was replaced with one of pity and sorrow. "Oh my God. Nathan, I'm so sorry." Brooke offered as she slid down the locker to sit beside him. She lovingly rubbed his back in soothing circles and Nathan finally broke.
"I don't mean to sound like a bch,"Brooke began, "but why exactly are you in school?" she inquired curiously.
Nathan paused for a moment and then responded, "I figured it beat staying locked up in my apartment, but I'm beginning to think it was a stupid idea."
Brooke looked the usually together young man over and decided that school could wait, for both of them. Standing up she extended her hand to help him up and said, "Let's go. You're not staying in school. We need to get you cleaned up."
Nathan accepted her helping hand and let his friend lead him out of the school. Neither knowing that this moment would become a defining one for the both of them.