Sorry this isn't an update for PWF. I've hit a bit of writer's block so I decided to do something to get the juices flowing. I've actually had this idea for a while, just never got around to it. For those of you who know me, I love listening to music, and well, I decided to do a series of song-fics. Basically, I'll pick a song and set it around Naley.

This first installment is based off of one of my new favorite song's "Better Man" by Little Big Town (also written by Taylor Swift)… spoiler alert, it's not a happy song, so no happy ending for Naley. This was purely for my own benefit and I just wanted to share it. If you'd like to request a song I'd be more than happy to check it out. I definitely won't be updating regularly— just whenever I'm inspired!

***One more important note: For those of you who contact me via Twitter, I am taking an indefinite break from social media so if you've tried messaging me the past few days and haven't received a reply, that's why. I don't know when I'll be returning to Twitter, but if you need to message me, please PM me on this site. I'll check more frequently… sorry for any inconveniences, and I appreciate the support.

I will do my best to get an update for PWF sometime within the next two weeks. It's midterm season so I'm swamped. Sorry!

. . . . . .

I know I'm probably better off on my own

than loving a man who didn't know what he had when he had it

The cold sheets beside her were cruelly calling out the emptiness of the bed. Haley tossed with frustration. It was nothing new. Most nights were invaded by her endless thoughts, the succumbing of sleep nearly impossible.

She eyed the vacant pillow and heaved a silent, heavy breath. It was better this way— at least, that's what Haley told herself when the lonely nights viciously dragged her into the dark alley of painful memories, paved with thoughts of him. He was everywhere, everywhere but next to her; the lingering scent of his musky cologne still prevalent between the threads. Another reminder.

And I see the permanent damage you did to me,

never again…

I just wish I could forget when it was magic.

Haley rolled over again, this time so her back was facing the spot his warm body used to occupy— the same spot they'd make love for hours while the rain rhythmically tapped against the windows. She sucked in a deep breath as her tears seized the role of the rain. As badly bruised her heart was, nothing could possibly mar the extent of their love. The good would always be there, just like the bad. And in the end, she didn't know what hurt more. It was a constant competition— the memories of when they had forgotten the rest of the world and tangled with mingled breath under the sheets, versus the people the were in the end: strangers.

I wish it wasn't 4 am

standing in the mirror saying to myself

You know you had to do it, I know

The bravest thing I ever did was run

Once realizing sleep was futile, Haley threw the sheet from her body and stumbled into the bathroom where she flicked the light on and let her eyes adjust to the harsh surroundings. The tiled floor was a cool contrast against her balmy bare feet, but she welcomed the feeling.

Haley's eyes soon found her reflection in the mirror and she almost didn't recognize herself. She was a stranger in her own body. The saggy skin under her eyes were puffy and purple— a mixed product of tears and sleep deprivation.

In a desperate attempt to alleviate the bags, she switched on the sink handle and splashed cold water against her cheeks. Her arms steadied against the counter staring coldly at the reflection in the mirror.

"You had to do it, Haley," she said to herself, trying to mute the obnoxious voices screaming with nothing but regret. Maybe she should have stayed. Maybe she should have given him another chance. Maybe, just maybe, they could have worked it out.

No. She shook her head. Running was the bravest thing she'd ever done. Staying in a one sided relationship was like chaining yourself to a dead tree and hoping it'd still grow. Pointless. Absolutely pointless.

Sometimes in the middle of the night I can feel you again

but I just miss you

and I just wish you were a better man

Haley blinked rapidly. The tears refused to stop falling. When there are clouds, rain will fall.

In that moment, she clenched her eyes, allowing her body to soften slightly. She swore she could feel him wrap his arms around her like he'd done so many times before. It was her safe place. He'd gently squeeze her and just like that, everything in the world was clear again. Only this time, he wasn't there, and the fog remained. If only he'd been a better man maybe the sun would still shine.

I know I'm probably better off on my own

than needing a man that could change his mind in any given minute

and it's always on your terms

I'm hanging on every careless word

hoping it might turn sweet again like it was in the beginning

She remembered the night he said he'd love her always. Always and forever. They were hand in hand, walking along the Carolina coast when he stopped to kiss her so tenderly.

Haley felt her heart roll in time with the ocean licking their bare feet. How could she have known he'd change his mind? That when he said always and forever, it only meant two years.

And your jealousy

talking down at me

Like I'd always be around

You pushed my love away like some kind of loaded gun

Boy you never thought I'd run

Then she remembered the night at Tric when he nearly strangled a guy for simply putting his hand around her waist. The fury in his eyes burned like wild blaze, engulfing everything it made contact with. She remembered the screaming that took place afterwards. How he said it was her fault.

Haley rolled her eyes. Typical jealous Nathan Scott.

I hold onto this pride because these days it's all I have

and I gave to you my best and we both know you can't say that

you can't say that

Her reflection still taunted her in the mirror with goading, slanted eyes and a deflated smile. She might not still have him, but at least she had her pride. In the end, she wasn't going to hold onto a relationship he clearly stopped participating in. When she had given him her all— crossing oceans for him— Nathan couldn't even cross a puddle for her. That was the breaking point.

I wish you were a better man

I wonder what we would have become if you were a better man

we might still be in love if you were a better man

you would have been the one if you were a better man

Haley took one last look at herself in the mirror and swallowed. Hard. Her fingers found the light switch and flicked it off, before slipping out of the bathroom and back into the dimly lit bedroom. The only light entering through the cracks in the blinds illuminated from the crescent moon perched in the summer sky.

She grabbed her guitar and folded her legs across the floor, flipping through the pages of her notebook where she continued scrawling the lyrics to a new song stuck in her head.

Her heart burst and bled onto the page. Every word effortlessly floated from between her vocal cords and through her lips, filling the empty air.

It was true. If Nathan had been a better man, she knew he would have been the one. Sometimes she still clenched onto the thought that one day they'd be a family of their own.

Strumming the chords on the guitar, she continued to sing.

Sometimes in the middle of the night I can feel you again

and I just miss you and I just wish you were a better man

and I know why we had to say goodbye like the back of my hand…

She'd always care for him, that much she knew, but he wasn't the man she fell in love with. He was no longer the man she needed. If only he was a better man…