Officially the longest chapter I have ever written! I am going to try to keep these long ones going, fingers crossed...anyway, really fun chapter. I hope you like it...

Enjoy :)


Haley woke up the next morning and realized that it was still dark out. She looked over at the clock and noticed the bright red numbers flashing 4:45. Moaning, she rolled her eyes and pulled the blankets up around her neck. She was never one who liked to be the first one awake and she wasn't about to start now. She lay there for a few more minutes, trying desperately to fall back asleep, when she heard a noise outside her window. Curious as to what was going on, she got up from her bed and looked out the window. Strangely, she wasn't surprised when she saw Nathan's car pulling up the driveway, but what surprised her was the fact that she was then quickly dressing, leaving her room and heading to the kitchen.

What are you doing? You should be in bed! Haley thought as she walked into the kitchen. At that very moment, Nathan walked in the back door scratching his hair with his eyes half closed, about halfway through a yawn. Oh, right, that is why you are out of bed. She thought and tried to hide her smile.

"Morning." She said, startling him. He looked up, shocked, but his expression slowly turned back into his half-asleep, relaxed one.

"Morning. What are you doing up? I'm usually the only one awake here for a few hours." He said and walked over to start the coffee pot.

"Yeah, time change again. Usually, by the second night I am used to the East Coast though. So by tomorrow morning you will be the only one awake again."

"I don't know, once you see what great company I am in the morning you just might set your alarm so that you wake up early to hang out with me." He smiled with half of his mouth and just about made Haley melt. She did her best to cover it up though.

"We'll see about that. So, since I am awake anyway, you want some help with your work load this morning?"

"I couldn't ask you to do that."

"Yes, but you didn't. I brought it up and I suggested it. Besides, if I don't help you than I will be beyond bored waiting for my grandparents to wake up so that I have someone to hang out with."

"Well I didn't say that you couldn't hang out with me. I am perfectly fine with you tagging along and keeping me company."

"C'mon, if I help you we will be done in half the time that it normally takes you." She pleaded with her best "sad puppy" expression. She could see him wearing down and did all she could not to smile until he said yes.

"You think you can keep up with my pace?"

"Dude, I've been working here every summer growing up. I'm sure I can beat you're pace." She challenged.

"We'll see about that."

"So you'll let me help?"

"I guess so. I mean I don't have much of a choice do I?"

"No, you don't."

"Ok, fine. So, how about a little bet?"

"What did you have in mind?"

"Well, since you believe you are going to beat me, we could make a competition out of it."

"Ok, I'm in."

"Good, so when I win," he paused and laughed at her slight glare. "When I win, you have to wake up early with me every morning this week to keep me company."

"Ok, fine, but when I win you have to take me somewhere."

"Ok, Miss Vague, I would ask for you to specify but seeing as I am going to win, I don't really need you to give any more details."

She just stuck out her tongue at him and grabbed them some coffee mugs.

"Whatever, but I am one step ahead of you. I already finished my first task: make the coffee." He said and laughed.

"Oh, that is so not fair. C'mon, give me a list of the things I need to do, and don't give me all the hard stuff."

"I wouldn't dream of it." He smirked and began writing out the list. After it was all split up he handed the list over to Haley and she nodded her approval. "Alright, you ready for this?"

"Oh yeah, let's go." She smiled and quickly walked out the back door, leaving him to follow after her.

10 chores each and three and a half hours later they were just about done. Haley was picking strawberries and Nathan was chopping wood.

She looked over to see how much more wood he had left but was distracted when she saw that his shirt was off. It didn't help matters that he was all sweaty and so obviously built. It was extremely difficult for her to tear her eyes away.

"Cheater!" She mumbled under her breath and focused on the last strawberry plant that she had to cover. She picked all the good ones and stood up.

"Done!" Haley yelled and looked over to see Nathan swing the ax down on his last piece of wood. She made her way over to him, smiling the whole way. "So, um, I think I beat you."

"Yeah, yeah." He laughed. "Help me move this wood to the side of the house?"

"Sure." She said and placed her basket of strawberries on the ground so she could help him. She was too busy following behind him and staring at his back to notice that he had said something, so when he turned around she was stunned.

"Haley? You listening?"

"Huh?"

"I just asked where you wanted to go."

"Oh, right, I don't know."

"You don't know? How can you not know where you want me to take you?"

"Well, I don't really know where I would want to go. I mean specifically. I've never just gone somewhere here for absolutely no reason, you know?"

"No, I have no idea what you are talking about."

She sighed and laughed a little. "I mean, every time I am here I always tag along with my grandparents who need to go get something from the store, but I have never really gone anywhere here. I don't want to go to a store or a restaurant or a tourist-y place, I just want to go. My problem is I don't have a car, right now you are the solution to that problem."

"So you want me to take you somewhere, but that somewhere is nowhere?"

"Yeah." She said shyly.

"I think I know exactly the place."

"You do?"

"Yeah, we can go out there a little later. First, let's go in and have breakfast with your grandparents. I am starving and nothing beats Camilla's pancakes." He smiled.

She just laughed and followed him inside.

"Ah, Haley dear, there you are. We knocked on your door to let you know that breakfast was ready but figured that you slept through it." Camilla said.

"Sorry Grams, I was helping Nathan. We already finished today's work load." Haley said and looked over to see Nathan putting his t-shirt back on.

"Oh really? That's wonderful. How would you like to help me make some strawberry jam today?" Camilla asked.

"Grams that sounds great, but Nathan's taking me somewhere."

"Haley, you can help her out for a while. I mean we don't have to be there any time soon. Besides I kind of wanted to go home and get a few things done first."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, go for it."

"Ok cool. Grams, are we going to make our treats again?"

"Oh, please do Haley Bob. That would make my day." Whitey said.

"Sure honey, we can make them." Camilla smiled.

"Yes! I have been craving those all year!" Haley said, practically jumping for joy.

"What are these treats you guys are talking about?" Nathan asked.

"Only the greatest things ever invented." Haley answered.

"Yeah, boy, you are missing out by not having had any." Whitey said.

"Don't worry Nate, I'll pack some for our little adventure. Then you can find out what they are."

"Ok, if you insist, but they can't beat these pancakes." Nathan said and motioned to the giant stack he had in front of him. Everyone just laughed and went back to eating their own breakfasts.

"You know Grams, I think that these are the best strawberries you have ever grown. Not that the rest weren't good. It's just that these are so sweet and juicy, but they still have that refreshing quality to them that makes them amazing." Haley said as she was slicing the strawberries into a pot.

"Don't I know it, your Grandfather keeps walking past me and grabbing some out of the bowl. If he doesn't stop we'll be filling our donuts with 'Essence of Whitey'." She laughed.

"Oh, I am so excited to make these donuts again. It has been so long since I last had one. Strawberry jam isn't the same from the store."

"Truer words have never been said." Camilla laughed. "Anyway, there is a reason that the strawberries are sweeter this year. We changed the crop a little to fit our new product. We are going to start making strawberry wine. What do you think?"

"I think that is brilliant and the sweetness of these strawberries will add some real flavor to it."

"Yeah, it was Nathan's idea. By the way, how do you know that strawberry wine will be good, my 17 year old granddaughter?"

"Oh, Grams, you know that Mom and Dad let me drink every now and then. In fact, mom told me that she was allowed to drink when she was 15."

"Ok, fine, but don't ever say that I didn't question you about this. I don't want anyone getting on my case."

"Ok Grams, I will blame it all on being raised in California if it ever comes up."

"That's all I ask." She smiled and began mashing the strawberries.

Haley started making the dough for the donuts and soon enough they had finished making the tasty little treats and covered them in powdered sugar.

"Hey Grams?"

"Yes dear?"

"Nathan's a good guy right?"

"Oh honey, I have known Nathan Scott since he was 15 years old. My goodness he was a scrawny little thing back then, but the boy could play basketball like no other. I remember the first time I saw him, it was during practice and he was the only freshman on the varsity team. He had just shot a three-pointer when I walked in and he smiled at me then turned to your grandfather and said 'Damn Whitey, she is way out of your league.' Then he came over and shook my hand and introduced himself. He has never been anything but kind and charming."

"Good, it's nice to see that some boys have manners."

"Well he certainly has those. Plus he has definitely outgrown that awkward scrawny phase."

"So true." Haley said and flashed back to him chopping wood that morning.

"Oh, and don't think I didn't notice him showing off for you this morning."

"I'm sure you don't know what you are talking about."

"Haley Bob, I may be old but I can still tell when a boy is trying to show off for a girl. He doesn't work shirtless around here very often, you know."

"Grams, he was chopping wood. It was probably getting hot wearing the shirt."

"It was 8:00. It wasn't hot outside."

"Whatever you need to tell yourself Grams."

"Ok. So where are you kids headed anyway?"

"I don't really know. He said he knows somewhere that we can go."

"Well you have fun. You should probably go get changed, he should be back any minute."

"What's wrong with what I'm wearing?"

"Nothing dear, just you have jam and powdered sugar all over it."

Haley looked down and realized that she looked like a bakery had exploded on her. "I guess you are right, I'll be back." So she quickly made her way up to her room to change and straighten herself out a little. After giving her wardrobe a once over, she decided it was best to go simple so she grabbed a pair of jean shorts, a plain, blue tank top, and her favorite pair of converse. Once she was dressed, she headed into the bathroom to see if she looked ok and ended up being happy she did. There was a huge powdered sugar mark on her cheek and her hair was a mess. Hearing the front door opening accompanied by the sound of Nathan's voice, she decided to just pull her hair up into a ponytail and put on some chap stick before rushing down the stairs.

"Nate, while you're waiting for Haley Bob, how about you join me? ESPN Classics is showing the greatest NBA games of the 90's." Whitey suggested.

"No need Grandpa, I'm ready." Haley said, walking into the living room. They both looked over at her, smiling, but it appeared that they were trying to hide their laughter. "What?" She asked, confused.

"You've got something on your face." Nathan said and pointed to his cheek.

Haley looked over at the mirror hanging in the hallway and saw that she forgot about the powdered sugar on her face. "Oh, haha, that. Woops." She said and began wiping at it. Once it was gone she turned to them again. "Alright, all good. I just have to grab something from the kitchen and we can head out."

"Sounds good." Nathan said and followed her to the kitchen where Camilla was still hard at work jarring her jams. "Camilla, even covered in strawberries you are still out of Whitey's league." Nathan said and smiled at her.

"Thank you dear. Now promise me you will take good care of my granddaughter and watch out for her today." She smiled back.

"I promise."

"Good, ok you can go now. Have fun you two."

"Thanks Grams, see you later." Haley said and grabbed her bag of treats off the table.

Once they were on the road Haley rolled her window down and rested her elbow on the sill as she enjoyed the feel of the wind rushing around her and blowing through her hair. Nathan looked over and smiled at how comfortable she looked.

"So do I get to find out what these treats are yet?" He asked, trying to peek into the bag.

"Not quite yet. They are kind of messy so trying to eat them while driving would be a mistake." She laughed and snatched the bag away from him.

"That's fine. I guess I will just have to wait until we get there."

"Yep." She smiled. "So, where is 'there' exactly?"

"You will have to wait and see."

"What? Why?"

"You are the one who wanted to go somewhere non-specific. If I told you in advance then you would know where we are going and that place would become specific."

"So you aren't going to tell me?"

"Not even a little bit."

"Even if I told you what those treats are?"

"Nope." He smirked. "Just relax. We are almost there."

"Ok, fine. Can we play a car game?"

"What kind of car game can you play out on the back roads where there are hardly any signs and nobody out on the road?"

"Good point." She smiled over at him.

He looked over and smiled back at her before leaning forward to turn on the radio. All that came through was static so he opened up a compartment with CDs and looked over at her. "Take your pick."

"Are you sure? It's your car."

"Really? I thought I just stole it." He joked. "Yes, I'm sure, just pick something."

"If you insist." She said and started looking through the CDs. "Wow, you really have some collection here."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, you have everything from Eminem to George Strait in here. Wait- is that?"

"What?"

"Do you have a Taylor Swift CD in here?" She asked, holding up the CD and smiling.

"I- uh- It was a gag gift from my brother. He thought he was being funny. I haven't listened to it."

"Oh, whatever, then why is it open? Doesn't matter, we are listening to it now." She laughed triumphantly as she put it in the CD player.

"First you make me take you somewhere, then you make me listen to Taylor Swift? What have I gotten myself into?"

"Just wait buddy, the best times have yet to come."

"I don't doubt that." He mumbled as he took a random turn onto yet another back road.

"You sure you know where you are going? It seems to me that we are just doing an increasingly good job at getting lost."

"Oh, I thought that was the plan."

"You are just full of funny aren't you?"

"Finally, you noticed." He smirked. "Yes, I know where we are going. Just one more turn and we will be there."

"Good, I can't wait." Haley said. The opening chords to Sparks Fly came through the speakers and she immediately perked up. "Oh, I love this song!"

He just looked over and laughed at the sight of her singing and dancing along to the random Taylor Swift song.

She noticed him laughing and just made her moves more obvious and crazy, causing him to laugh even more.

"Jealous?" She asked.

"So, so very jealous."

"You know you can't move like this." She laughed.

"True. I cannot move like that." He said. "And you don't have to either because, guess what? We are here."

Haley stopped smiling at him and looked forward. She was now face to face with a deserted field that had this one big oak tree directly in the middle that was casting this huge shadow onto the ground. It was the second most beautiful view she had ever seen.

"Wow." She said as she got out of his now parked car. "This view is amazing."

"It really is." He said, now walking right next to her as they ventured further onto the empty field.

"How did you find it?"

"I was just out driving one day. Maybe I was looking for nothing, maybe I was trying to get lost, I don't know, and I just found it. When I came across it there were weeds about six feet tall and bits of trash all over. It took me forever to find it again, but once I did I knew that I was going to make it mine, so I did."

"This is yours? As in, you own it?"

"Yeah. After my grandparents died I inherited a little bit of money from them, it all went here."

"Why did you buy this and not pay off your college bills?"

"This just seemed like the right thing to do. My grandparents were big on finding that one thing that makes you happy and feels right and making sure that either it comes to you or you find a way to get to it. That's what I did."

"So, what do you plan to do with it? I mean is it going to just stay like this or are you going to change it?"

"I don't know. I can see building a house and living out here, but at the same time I don't want to ruin the peaceful, calm qualities I find out here just the way it is."

"I can see what you mean. I don't think I would want to change a thing about it. It is just so perfect the way it is."

"Nothing is perfect."

"I used to think that, but I come to a place like this, and I see nothing wrong with it."

He couldn't think of a good response so he just smiled at her and began walking forward. "C'mon, there's more."

"How can there be more?"

"Just come with me, please."

"Fine, I'm coming."

When she was next to him again he looked down at her and she could tell he was excited.

"You look like you are about to open all your Christmas presents." She laughed. "Are you this excited every time you bring someone out here?"

"So far, yeah."

"What does that mean?"

"Well, you are the first person I brought out here."

"Seriously? Nathan you barely know me."

"So what?"

"So, I'm sure that there is someone you know much better that you would rather share this with."

"Nah. I like sharing it with you." He smiled. "Ok, here it is." He said, leading her around the big oak tree. "Check this out."

When she got to where he was standing she was speechless.

"Pretty amazing, huh?" He asked.

There were about 20 carvings on the tree made by happy couples over the years. Haley swore she saw one from 1930.

"Are you kidding me? This is incredible!"

"Yeah, I would spend all my time out here if I could." He said, looking out onto the field.

"I'll bet. I would join you." She said absent-mindedly as she scanned over all the couples. "This view is probably amazing as the sun goes down."

"There's nothing like it."

"So, what, your girlfriend doesn't mind you taking me out here?"

"Girlfriend?"

"Well a guy like you has to have a girlfriend."

"What kind of guy is that, and why do I have to have one?"

"I just meant that, you know, a college guy that looks the way you do can't stay single for very long."

"Oh really? That's kind of stereotypical don't you think?"

"I'm just saying that hot, built guys tend to date girls who don't like them being friends with other girls."

"So, you've been checking me out then?" He asked, smirking.

"What? How did you get that out of what I said?"

"You called me a 'hot, built guy'. That means that you were checking me out this morning while I had my shirt off."

"I can neither confirm nor deny these accusations."

"Whatever you say, but you were so checking me out." He continued smirking.

"Ok, but you were the one with your shirt off at 8:00 in the morning while you were chopping wood. It wasn't hot out so you had an ulterior motive. Either you were trying to show off or you were trying to cheat. Which was it?"

"I don't know what you are talking about."

"Just tell me. Which one?"

"Nope, you are going to have to figure that one out for yourself."

"Fine, I'll drop it for now."

"Good." He smiled.

Haley continued to look over the carvings and just as she was about to stop she saw one that stood out to her.

"Nathan, come look at this."

"What?"

"Just look at this one here."

He came over and looked at the one that had caught her attention.

"Well, I'll be damned. Look at that." He said, smiling.

Right in front of them was the carving "Whitey and Camilla Forever….."

Haley took out her phone and took a picture.

"What are you doing?"

"I want to have a framed for them. This is a part of their history and I want them to be able to look at it any time they want."

"That's nice of you."

"Yeah, well….."

"Ok, so I've got an idea. How about we hang out here and watch the sun go down. Then we can head back. You in?"

"Definitely. Let me just go get our treats from the car. I'll be right back."

"Oh my god! These are amazing!" Nathan said as he took a huge bite out of his third donut.

"I told you. I have been making those with my Grandma since I was five. I only get them when I am here so I crave them almost all year." She said, smiling.

"Yeah, well you guys are going to have to make them more often."

"I'll think about it. What about you? Are there any amazing dishes you can make?"

"No, sadly I can't cook. I can make pop tarts, popcorn, frozen pizza, craft macaroni, cereal, you know stuff that comes from a box with easy instructions. My mom tried to teach me, but gave up when I nearly burnt the house down."

"Seriously?"

"There were flames involved anyway."

"What kind of fire are we talking? Like a candle got knocked over, small fire, or a flammable substance was placed next to an open flame, explosion type fire?"

"Nothing like that. I was just attempting to start the oven and I got distracted by a game on TV which led to me knocking a cereal box over onto the open flame and my mom to freak out. We were able to put it out quickly though, I think she just likes to joke at my expense."

Haley started laughing and couldn't stop herself.

"What? You think that's funny?"

"Oh, I think that's hilarious." She said and continued laughing.

He just looked over at her and shook his head. He reached into the bag of donuts and wiped his fingers along the edges, collecting quite a bit of powdered sugar, before pulling his hand back out and extending his hand to her face. She was still laughing so she didn't see his hand coming her way. Her laughter stopped when she felt his fingers trailing down her face. She opened her eyes just in time to see him place one finger on the tip of her nose and wipe off the remaining powdered sugar.

"See, now that's funny." He smiled.

"Not as funny as starting a fire with a cereal box." She countered.

He teasingly glared at her and looked down at his watch. "7:30, the sun should start setting any time now."

"Alright, time to get settled. Is there a perfect place to sit so we can get the best view possible?"

"Well, we can sit under the tree or I can bring my car closer and we can sit on the hood. Pick your poison."

"Hm, that is a tough one. I think I want to sit under the tree. It may be weird, but I have always wanted to sit under an oak tree."

"That is a little weird, but I mean everyone's got something weird that they like, right?"

"Right." She smiled and sat down with her back resting against the tree. Nathan came and sat next to her. She looked down and saw a patch of little purple wildflowers growing next to her. Without even thinking about it, she reached down and picked one. "So, what's your weird thing?"

"I love peanut butter."

"What?" She laughed.

"Yep, smooth, chunky, I don't care. Peanut butter is good."

"Ok, but that wasn't really what I meant. Besides, peanut butter isn't weird."

"True, what kind of answer were you looking for then?"

"I don't know. I guess, if you had one hour to live, what would be the one thing you would want to do regardless of what anyone else says."

"I would…get one of those donuts you made and dip it in peanut butter." He said and she gave him a slightly stern look.

"C'mon, I'm serious."

"I know you are, but look, if I only had one hour to live I would want to spend it with the people I care about, not out doing something stupid and meaningless."

Once again, Nathan Scott just about made her melt right where she was. "That is really sweet, and too good of an answer for me to argue with it." He smiled back at her and leaned further back against the tree.

"Ok, new question, if you had to pick one person to be stranded on an island with, who would it be?"She asked.

"You are really big on these hypothetical situations, aren't you? Ok, anyone?"

"Anyone." She answered.

"Hmmm, let's see….you."

"What? Nathan, you can't pick me."

"Sure I can, you said anyone."

"Well, yeah I said that, but it should be someone you are close too."

"We are close." He said, pointing the lack of space between them.

"Very funny, but pick someone else."

"No, I'm serious. The person that I am closest to is my brother, but I could not be stranded on a deserted island with him for very long. Plus he isn't as nice to look at. Look, you are easy to get along with, you are nice, you always keep conversations going, and you can make some amazing food."

She blushed and looked down. "Fine, I will accept your answer."

"Thank you, and hey if I am ever going to a deserted island I will hit you up." He smiled.

"Are you trying to be charming or does it just come naturally to you?"

"Oh, trust me, when I'm trying you will know." He smirked.

"Ok, why me? Why are you choosing to be this way around me when you have only known me for about 24 hours?"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean the flirting, the showing off, being charming and nice. Is it all an act, or is this real?"

"It's not an act, and I guess I am acting like this because I feel like I have known you longer. You are sweet, funny, and your grandparents couldn't love you any more than they already do. You are different from everyone I have ever met. So, I choose to be this way around you because I want to get to know you better, but from the start I knew that I didn't just want to be your friend."

"So, what, this is love at first sight for you?"

"Something like that, although love is a very strong word. How about 'like at first sight'?"

She giggled and looked back in front of her toward the sunset. "We'll see where it goes." She smiled and turned to look at him when he took her hand and laced her fingers through his. "You can wipe that goofy smile off of your face now."

"Nah, I don't think I can do that." He said, smiling even bigger and rubbing circles on the back of her hand with his thumb.

Three hours later

Nathan's car pulled up the Durham's driveway as he was getting ready to drop Haley off after their little adventure. At some point during their night, Nathan had taken his jacket off and placed it on her shoulders.

"Thanks for tonight." She said and smiled at him. "I had a lot of fun, and I love your field."

"You're welcome and anytime you want to go back, just let me know."

"I will." She smiled and leaned across the seat toward him. She went to kiss his cheek, but misjudged the distance and ended up getting the side of his mouth. Her lips separated slightly and she backed away just a fraction of an inch as he turned to look at her. Their eyes locked and she smiled shyly up at him. He smiled back and reached one hand up to her cheek, gently leading her face back to his. Ever so lightly he pressed his lips to hers and slowly separated his lips to match hers. After a smooth, gentle, yet warm kiss she pulled away with a smile that echoed the one on his face. "Bye Nathan." She said and got out of the car, still wearing his jacket.

"I'll see you tomorrow Haley." He said, still smiling, waiting for her to be all the way inside the house before driving off.

The next morning, Nathan walked into the Durham's house still half asleep, but this time he had that goofy grin across his face that he couldn't seem to get rid of whenever Haley was near. It took him a minute to realize that the kitchen light was on as it had been the day before. He walked in to see a plate of donuts out on the counter and Haley grabbing a carton of milk out of the refrigerator.

"I thought you would be used to the East Coast times by now?" He asked.

"I am." She smiled.

"Then why are you up? I lost the bet, so you don't have to wake up early with me anymore."

"Well, I just thought you would like some company. I can go back up to bed though, if that's what you want." She teased.

"I don't see a point in that. I mean you are dressed already."

"Very true, and I already made my bed so I wouldn't want to get back in it." She smiled.

"So, in that case I guess I wouldn't mind the company."

"Good, because I call dibs on using the riding lawn mower today!" She said and ran out the back door, waiting for him to chase after her.


Let me know what you think! I will update again on either Monday or Tuesday...

Have a good weekend :)