Aurora Chapter 2: Operation Desert Island, an one tree hill fanfic

23Naley23

A/N: Songs used in this chapter:
Lost Without You – Delta Goodrem
Come Home – OneRepublic
Losing my Religion - REM
If You're Gone – Matchbox 20
Best I Ever Had – State of Shock
Someone To Save You – OneRepublic

I recommend that you listen to the songs as they're being played for the full effect.

23Naley23

I knew that if I called her by her maiden name, it would capture Brooke's attention and it did. Haley shook her head strenuously and I kept the smirk plastered on my face. Jamie recognized me and ran to hug me. I kneeled and hugged him, but no one noticed. He leaned into me and whispered, calmly, into my ear.

"I'm gonna ask Aunt Brooke."

"Okay."

I stuck my fist out and he hit it with his small one. Haley left the store and I watched as he, excitedly, ran over to Brooke.

"Hey handsome. What's up?"

She bent down to be eye-level with him.

"I have a plan."

"You have a plan?"

Jamie nodded his head and I smirked from behind the counter. He was going to get Brooke to help him and the best part was, he had every detail figured out. This kid was smart. Brooke sighed and smirked at him, picking him up and placing him on the main counter in the store.

"Spill it genius."

Jamie smiled as I looked at him, secretly, from behind the rack of clothes that I was putting away. He winked at me and Brooke was waiting for his answer.

"Well, I asked someone if Mommy and Daddy would ever love each other and the other person said that they still do, but they might not live together."

"Yeah sweetie. Are you okay with that?"

"But what if daddy could get momma on a desert island?"

Brooke looked at Jamie, confused. Seems like Brooke was unfamiliar with that saying… Either that or she was just so surprised that Jamie was aware of it.

Flashback

Jamie and I saw the red in Nathan's eyes. The tears were there, but his male ego could not and would not let his son see him in agony, grief and tears. Jamie breathed evenly and then asked the next question with caution.

"Are you gonna win momma back daddy?"

Nathan looked at Jamie through the rearview mirror. His eyes full of sadness and Nathan sighed. Truth be told, he didn't know what to do. He knew that he wanted Haley to be his wife again, but what could he possibly do to make it happen? Haley never listened to him, or when he did have the chance to speak to her, there was always an interruption.

"I dunno son."

"You love her right?"

Nathan smirked and nodded.

"Did you ever tell her that?"

Nathan sighed and turned around to look at Jamie.

"No."

"You should. She misses you daddy."

"If I could just get her on a desert island."

Jamie scrunched his eyebrows and looked at his father.

"Why?"

"So no one can interrupt me when I try to tell her and she's forced to talk to me."

"Maybe I can help."

Nathan smirked and then chuckled.

"I have a plan daddy."

"Yeah?"

Jamie nodded his head vigorously.

"Operation Desert Island Daddy."

Nathan smirked and nodded.

End Flashback

"So are you gonna let me in on this master plan you little meddler?"

Jamie smiled and giggled. I couldn't believe the smile that fell onto my face. That was the first time I had heard him laugh like that since I'd known him. The little sound made me realize that I was doing the right thing in helping him out. I observed how Brooke was with him. Godmother and Godson had their own little world; full of plots and it was the one thing they shared that was just theirs. I pulled out my accessory cell phone and noted the time, realizing that I was late for another occasion.

"Um, Miss Davis?"

Brooke turned and looked at me.

"It's Brooke, and what is it Annie?"

I nodded my head and apologized.

"Right, sorry. Um well, I'm done here and I have somewhere to be."

"Oh! Right. Yeah sweetie, go."

I smiled and nodded, but not before waving a goodbye to Jamie, who winked at me with his teeth showing behind his lips. I grabbed my "school bag" and headed out of Clos Over Bro's. As I jogged down the streets of Tree Hill, I could hear Jamie's voice telling Brooke.

"Just make sure Momma gets to Tric tonight."

23Naley23

I stood in the middle of the recording studio, looking around me. In my life I was certain that I wanted to pursue something in music, whether it'd be singing or just writing the most poetic of lyrics imaginable. The other day I had been recognized by Peyton Sawyer when she heard me playing my acoustic guitar while she was walking down the hallways of Tree Hill High, after Jamie had told me of his plan. The boys and me stood at our respective instruments. Peyton was one of the greatest people to go to for music. Her tastes are impeccable and she agreed to work with me. Jamie's plan was already in action.

I know I can be a little stubborn sometimes
A little righteous and too proud 
I just want to find a way to compromise 
Cuz I believe that we can work things out

My voice had flowed so easily out of my mouth. I looked over to the booth and saw that Mrs. Scott had just entered and Peyton turned to greet her.

"Annie, take 5."

I nodded as I saw Haley looking at me, easily confused by how I could be in the studio and had just been at Brooke's store. She shook it off. I went to grab my bottle of water. I sat by the piano and concentrated as hard as I could to find Haley and Peyton's voices. I had to know what was going on and just how much I would have to taunt Haley to get Jamie's plan to work.

"She has an amazing voice Haley!"  

"She's one of my students Peyton. If someone, somehow found out about this..."  

"But, you see Haley, she's my client, my singer. And c'mon you HAVE to hear her."  

I could hear Haley sigh in defeat. Part one starts now... I smirked to myself, taking a final sip of water. Peyton had come onto the intercom.

"Um, Annie could you please start from the chorus going into the second verse?"

I nodded and sprung off of my seat to get to the microphone. I put the earphones over my head and began. My eyes never fell from Haley's face, letting her know that this song had meaning to her and to her only. I had wanted to do a remake of this fabulous song.

All I know is I'm lost without you I'm not gonna lie 
How am I going to be strong without you I need you by my side 
If we ever say we'll never be together and we ended with goodbye
Don't know what I'd do
I'm lost without you 
I keep trying to find my way but all I know is
I'm lost without you 
I keep trying to face the day I'm lost without you

Peyton cut the mix and I sighed, waiting for Haley's verdict. She looked at me with fear in her eyes. She looked to me, venom searing out of her eyes. It was as if she knew what I was up to. I took a deep breath and Peyton turned off the intercom.

"See? She's awesome. It's like she has the voice of an angel. C'mon Haley, please? She's great!"  

"I dunno Peyton. She is my student. This goes beyond the boundaries."  

"How? This is professional."  

I chuckled and shook my head. I walked over to the booth and knocked on the glass. I felt like I was in an aquarium. Peyton saw me and turned the intercom on.

"So what does the great Mrs. James-Scott think? Woops, sorry, Ms. James..."  

Peyton looked to Haley, shock written all over her face. She then looked to me. I gave a small smirk to Peyton and an "I told you so" look. Haley took a deep breath and noted the tension that had formed into the booth. Haley looked at me through the glass and spoke through the intercom.

"Take it from verse two."  

I nodded and went over to my spot. I threw earphones on again and waited for the music to come on. I could hear the voices of Haley and Peyton through the glass.

"Why Haley? He's still in love with you and I know you are too."  

Haley stayed silent and started the music. I counted myself in and sang.

How am I ever gonna get rid of these blues 
Baby I'm so lonely all the time 
Everywhere I go I get so confused 
You're the only thing that's on my mind  

I knew that I had to screw up somehow and Haley would come in and note my mistake. If I wanted her to be in the position that Jamie made me promise to have her in by this evening, I had to act fast. And this seemed to be such an opportunity. The next set was unbelievably close to her situation and all I had to do was destroy my voice when it came to that part of the song. And then…she would have to correct me.

Oh my bed's so cold at night and I miss you more each day 
Only you can make it right no I'm not too proud to say  

The words fell out of my mouth like mud. It was disgusting and rugged. Even Haley and Peyton winced at the horrid sound of my voice. The music was cut.

"Sorry. I can't hit that note."

I tried to sound as convincing as I could. Peyton looked at Haley and what I predicted, occurred. Haley exited the booth and entered the studio, during which time I looked at Peyton and winked. She was now in on the plan and I sent her a smile. Haley walked to me and I had a sorrowful look on my face.

"Hey don't worry about it. It was your first time. Just take a breather."  

I nodded and did what she said.

"You think you could show me? I mean you're a legend in my books and..."

Haley smiled at me, one of the few that she sent my way and nodded. I handed her the earphones and motioned for Peyton to start up the music. She sang.

How am I ever gonna get rid of these blues 
Baby I'm so lonely all the time 
Everywhere I go I get so confused 
You're the only thing that's on my mind  

I could see the look of love and angst on her face when Haley sang. She was on the verge of tears, but refused to let them fall.

Oh my beds so cold at night and I miss you more each day 
Only you can make it right no I'm not too proud to say  

Peyton and I looked at each other and I smirked. Phase one complete. I could tell because in the corner of Haley's beautiful brown eyes, was a single tear forming and this one tear was the beginning of the way back.

Haley stopped abruptly. She took off the earphones. My eyes never fell from her lonely face.

"W-wow. Sounds like you're singing from experience, Mrs. James-Scott."  

I must have struck a nerve because as soon as those spiteful words rolled off of my tongue, Haley James-Scott ran out of the studio, tears rolling down her angelic face. Peyton saw Haley run out of the studio and turned to look at me. I sighed and noticed the look on Peyton's face.

"What was that?"

"I think I may have hit a nerve."

Peyton sighed and signaled me to join her in the booth. I sighed and turned around to the guys behind me. They all left the room to take a cigarette break and I went and joined Peyton in the booth. I entered and saw her with her arms crossed and leaning against the equipment.

"How did you manage to do that?"

"I dunno. All I did was ask for her help and then fed her a compliment about how amazing her voice is, but after her little display of talent I might have said that it sounded like she was relating her life to the song."

Peyton sighed and rubbed her eyes.

"Why would you say that?"

"Because her son asked me to. C'mon, Peyton you would know what I'm talking about."

"So… This is part of Jamie's little scheme?"

"No. But getting Haley J over there to be as she is right now is…"

232323

I heard the sobs coming down the long corridor. My pace quickened and I came to a stop when I saw the one with the tears in her eyes sitting, curled up into a ball. I sighed as I came to a halt. Too bad that she couldn't hear me or see me…yet. I saw the fear in her eyes as she raised her head, water draining the life from her eyes. She was in so much pain and she knew so little about the thoughts of her husband. She had no idea what he thought. She had no idea that he carried his regrets, written on a piece of paper everywhere he went. She just didn't know. How could she? I continued down the corridor and turned the corner.

Her tears were still audible. I threw the guitar bag that sat on my shoulders over my body and placed it gently on the floor. I unzipped the bag and pulled my acoustic out of it and sighed, making myself visible. Before I struck the pick on the strings, I listened to her thoughts. Why would I expose myself so much to a student? She brings out everything. She was so right. That song… The experience… I shut my hearing from her thoughts and began to play.

I get lost in the beauty of everything I see
The world ain't half as bad as they paint it to be
If all the sons, if all the daughters stopped to take it in
Well hopefully the hate subsides and the love can begin
It might start now
Yeah
Or maybe I'm just dreaming out loud
Until then

I heard the sobs slow down. I raised my voice in the case that she couldn't hear me. I wanted her to pay attention to the lyrics and I needed her to speak to me somehow. I was always a shy person, I know it may seem impossible to believe, but it's true. I found it difficult to play this song as it was originally composed on the piano, but it still sounded the same. I heard her footsteps rounding the corner and suddenly stop when she saw me. I smirked to myself and continued with my tune.

Everything I can't be
Is everything you should be
And that's why I need you here
Everything I can't be
Is everything you should be
And that's why I need you here
So hear this now

It was like she knew I was speaking to her. She felt that the lyrics fitted her situation perfectly. Her thoughts were mixed up. Challenged between wondering how it was that I could know so much, yet not know anything. How could I know her situation? Why was I torturing her in some way? Perhaps not on purpose, I was scaring her and I had her right where I wanted her.

Come home, come home
Cuz I've been waiting for you
For so long, for so long
And right now it's a war between the vanities
But all I see is you and me
The fight for you is all I've ever known
Ever known
So come home
Come home

"Sounds like you're singing out of experience."

I smirked and turned my head slightly.

"I knew I saw that coming. I had that coming."

I put my guitar down and spun around to face Haley James-Scott, my bringing my crossed legs to unwind and hugging them. I sighed and looked up at her.

"I had no right to say what I said to you. And I'm well aware that it's not my business to say what I did. But in truth, I was trying to have you gain some perspective on what this is doing to you and your husband and your son. I can tell that it's taking a toll on all three of you. And don't look at me as if I wouldn't know. Trust me, I know. My parents faced the exact same dilemma. My mother thought my father was cheating on her when he wasn't. The next-door neighbour's dog-walker had a crush on him and decided to act on her feelings. Subsequently, my mother found out about it when he told her later that evening. Now my father said that he told her that he never cheated on her. And my father was a decent man and he was telling the truth. I knew it because I witnessed the whole thing. I tried to tell my mother, but who believes a ten year-old? Anyway, they divorced and both of my parents have been living alone since…"

Haley dropped herself to sit next to me on the cold floor. She looked at me and wondered. She wondered how I could know so much. I knew I said too much, but it was the only way I could get her to see.

Oh, life is bigger
It's bigger than you
And you are not me
The lengths that I will go to
The distance in your eyes
Oh no, I've said too much
I set it up

"After the divorce I began to play guitar. It's how I dealt the whole situation. And I really think that my parents would have been happy if they didn't give up on each other. They never knew what this did to my sister and I. You have to figure this out for your sake and your husband's. Jamie says Nathan misses you. I overheard him and Brooke today."

That's me in the corner
That's me in the spotlight
Losing my religion
Trying to keep up with you
And I don't know if I can do it
Oh no, I've said too much
I haven't said enough
I thought that I heard you laughing
I thought that I heard you sing
I think I thought I saw you try

"Momma!"

Both of our heads turned to the sound of the young boy's voice and the pattering of little feet. Haley stood and swung him into her arms as she placed kisses on his face. I watched as the two interacted and then I noticed Brooke coming towards us. I waved and she waved back, winking. I could hear her thoughts. She knew of Jamie's plan and was excited to be a part of it. I smiled and crossed my arms while I watched Jamie and Haley. I smiled at their interaction. Haley put on a front when she was with her son. I turned and put the guitar back into its case.

Every whisper
Of every waking hour I'm
Choosing my confessions
Trying to keep an eye on you
Like a hurt lost and blinded fool, fool
Oh no, I've said too much
I set it up
Consider this
Consider this
The hint of the century
Consider this
The slip that brought me
To my knees failed
What if all these fantasies
Come flailing around
Now I've said too much
I thought that I heard you laughing
I thought that I heard you sing
I think I thought I saw you try

"So, Haley Tric tonight?"

"Oh, I dunno Brooke. I have Jamie tonight."

"I can watch him."

"Can she momma? You haven't been out in forever. Aunt Brooke says you need to get out. It's not good for you to stay inside all day."

I smiled at Jamie's comment. That kid was much too smart for his age. Of course, I knew that he was only trying to convince his mother to go to Tric that night because he knew that Nathan would be there. It was all a part of this kid's "master plan." And he would do it. I knew that. It was inevitable. Anyone who took one glance at Jamie would melt at the sound of his voice, not to mention if he asked you to do something for him, one way or another, he'd convince you to do it.

"Yeah Haley, I'll watch him. You have to go anyway don't you?"

"What?"

"Tonight. Don't you have to be at Tric?"

Truth be told, she did. And this was where Jamie's plan began to take it's form.

That was just a dream
That was just a dream

"Um, no-"

"Actually, you do."

Haley turned to look at me after I had made my comment. I slung my guitar case over my shoulder and moved the hair from my face. Jamie smiled up at me and looked to his mother.

"Um after you left, Peyton told me that the band and I were going to perform tonight and that I should leave and get some rest. And seeing as how you're producing the album, she said that you had to be there."

"See momma? It's okay. I'll be fine with Aunt Brooke. Besides I want you to go. You haven't smiled in a while."

I could hear Brooke's heart melting and Haley's breaking. I looked down at Jamie who looked at me and winked. The kid was clever, knowing exactly how to get to his mother. He aimed for the heart and it was working. He was like a superhero, without the superpowers. He had the motivation and his kick ass cape, which he was wearing. I chuckled randomly and everyone turned to look at me.

"Uh…I'll see you later. Bye."

But that was just a dream
Try, cry, why try?
That was just a dream
Just a dream, just a dream
Dream

I took off, but not before catching a glimpse of Haley giving into her son's commands. Tonight would be interesting.

23Naley23

Tric was especially loud this evening. I sat with the band in the dressing room, waiting for Peyton or Haley to come and call us. I tried very hard to concentrate on what Haley or Nathan was thinking. Tonight was completely up to Peyton. Jamie had left me instructions to give to Peyton, who happily obliged. I turned to the band and told them I needed to take a walk. I left the room and went to the wing of the stage and looked out to the people in the club. I spotted the two I needed to see, the only problem was that they were on opposite ends of the place. I groaned inwardly, hoping that Peyton would be able to get them to talk, at the very least.

Someone was already performing and I recognized her as my older cousin, Mia. She had come such a long way and she was the reason that Peyton and I knew each other. I usually check up on her from time to time. We were really close at one point. To see her doing what she loved was amazing.

I concentrated on Haley and Peyton. They were by the bar, where Owen was pouring them drinks.

Don't look away
Don't run away
Hey baby it's only life
Don't lose your faith
Don't run away
Hey baby its only life
Yeah it's only life

"I cannot believe I came tonight."

"Haley, relax. It's almost as if you don't want to see him."

Haley took the drink from Owen and began to drink it quickly. Peyton took hold of her wrist.

"Okay clam down there tiger."

"Why does he have to be here?"

Peyton put both of their drinks on the bar and took hold of Haley's shoulders.

"Okay Haley. Listen up. He's just here with Lucas okay? Maybe he won't even speak a word to you."

Haley scoffed.

"Right, okay. Never mind. But you do realize that at some point in time that you are going to have to speak to him? You have to deal with this stuff. It's only life Haley…listen to the song."

Peyton chuckled as she tried to calm Haley down and cheer her up at the same time. Haley looked to stage and listened to Mia sing.

Take your hesitance
And your self-defense
Leave them behind, it's only life
Don't be so afraid
Of facing everyday
Just take your time, it's only life
I'll be your stepping-stone
No, don't be so alone
Just hold on tight, it's only life

I moved my attention from Haley and Peyton to Nathan and Lucas. Nathan brought the beer bottle to his lips and only stared at Haley.

"She's supposed to be with Jamie. That's why I agreed to come here, so I wouldn't see her."

"Hey Nathan, relax okay? Brooke has your son and Haley has to be here. They have a new band and Haley's producing the album. Also, Peyton told me that Jamie wanted her to go out. She hasn't been doing very well. And from what I see neither have you."

"Well, what do you expect? I think I've eaten like a bagel a day and like 20 espressos a day because I can't sleep. I need some way to keep me awake."

"And this is taking a toll on you. You have to speak to her Nate."

"Oh, believe me. I've tried. Something always gets in the way. It's useless right now. Not to mention that she's always cold and distant."

Lucas sighed.

"She does that because she feels like she can't wear her heart on her sleeve. She thinks that you cheated on her Nate. How would you act if things were reversed. You remember all that stuff with Chris?"

"Please, don't remind me."

"You were mean, cold and hard when she left, why was that?"

"I was hurt."

"Exactly."

Nathan sighed in defeat.

"So you're just giving up?"

"I never said that…"

Don't look away
Don't run away
Hey baby it's only life
Don't lose your faith
Don't run away
Hey baby it's only life
Yeah it's only life

"Thanks guys."

Mia began to get off the stage and I ran back to the dressing room as quick as I could. Everything was going well.

232323

There was never a dull moment in Tree Hill. Especially right now as the band and I made our way onto the stage. I stared into the audience and I saw Haley sipping her drink at the bar, looking across the room at me. The lights were bright, but I could still make out Nathan's silhouette. He had moved closer to where Haley stood. I smiled at this and Christian, one of the angels looked at me and nodded. I walked to the microphone.

"Hey guys. What's up? We're Fallen Angels and we hope you enjoy the show."

I positioned my fingers accordingly on my guitar. Christian spoke into his mic from behind his keyboard.

"Okay, we're gonna start off with this first song which is called If You're Gone and it explains itself. We dedicate it to all those who are having a difficult time with their current life and all of the obstacles they've had to face with those they love. I'll shut up now."

I began to pluck the strings of my guitar. The familiar tune seemed to take affect on Nathan and Haley from what I could see.

I think I've already lost you
I think you're already gone
I think I'm finally scared now
You think I'm weak
I think you're wrong
I think you're already leaving
Feels like your hand is on the door
I thought this place was an empire
Now I'm relaxed, I can't be sure

Christian's voice filled the place and we heard the crowd begin to cheer us on. I looked out into the crowd and noted Nathan glancing at Haley who was trying to avoid his gaze at all costs, but he only continued to stare. She was beginning to lose all hope of tearing away from him entirely. My pick struck the strings at the appropriate time and I just danced around to the music as I heard it and sang when I had to. I wanted so badly, for Nathan to walk over to Haley and just make conversation.

I bet you're hard to get over
I bet the room just won't shine
I bet my hands I can stay here
And I bet you need more than you mind

My eyes flew over to Peyton who had her arms crossed and rocked her body to the music. My eyes went from hers over to Nathan and Haley. She followed my eyes and nodded, knowing what to do.

I saw Nathan going to the bar. He noticed Haley and above all of the noise and the amplification of my voice throughout the place, I could hear the quickening of his beating heart as his eyes met hers. He sighed.

And I think you're so mean
I think we should try
I think I could need this in my life
I think I'm just scared
That I know too much
I can't relate and that's a problem
I'm feeling

"Haley…"

Haley turned her head and saw Nathan standing next to her. She tried to ignore him, but it was impossible. How could she ignore him? She was in love with him. It was inevitable that she would speak to him and from what I could see from the stage, she was.

"What do you want Nathan?"

"Just to speak to you. Please?"

Haley sighed and shook her head.

"I can't. I'm working."

She pointed to us who were on stage and turned her head to pay attention. I noticed Nathan bowing his head in defeat. He was tired. He knew that Haley wanted him to give up, or so he thought. But he refused to. He had to let her know that he was sorry for lying to her and keeping the fact that Carrie was flirting with him a secret. He was sorry for making her doubt his feelings for her. He was just sorry.

"I'm sorry Haley."

If you're gone
Maybe it's time to go home
There's an awful lot of breathing room
But I can hardly move
If you're gone
Baby you need to come home
Cuz there's a little bit of something in me
In everything in you

Haley turned her attention to Nathan as we finished the song. When we stopped playing, the crowd went wild, but not loud enough to block out what I could hear happening between Nathan and Haley.

Christian played his piano as we started the next song.

"Aren't you tired of that? You shouldn't have to apologize for who you are, not anymore. I've been thinking a lot lately. And I knew who you were when I married you and what I've realized is that it's really not fair."

He sighed and blinked softly, fearing the next words to come out of Haley's mouth.

Now I know I messed up bad
You were the best I ever had
I let you down in the worst way
It hurts me every single day
I'm dying to let you know

"I'm saying that it was wrong of me…to try and change you." Her voice was cracking, but not a single tear rolled down her face. "I'm the one who's sorry. I shouldn't have tried to change you, or us. And now…now I'm done trying."

Haley began to walk away and when he turned, he noticed the many couples dancing on the dance floor. Haley wasn't too far away from him. He went after her and took a hold of her wrist. She spun around and he pulled her to him when he noticed that they were on the floor with the rest of the dancing couples. Her face was a mere inch from his.

Now I'm here to say I'm sorry
And ask for a second chance
Cause when it all comes down to the end
I could sure use a friend

His hands fell onto her waist, pulling her closer to him. Her body was pressed against his and the sexual electricity was too much for either of them to handle. Haley tried to move away from him, but she didn't want to. The feeling of his arms around her felt so right.

Christian continued to sing and looked at me when he noticed the two new people on the dance floor. He nodded to me and I winked signifying that those were the two people in which this song was sung for. His voice became even more powerful. I joined in with him, singing my part. We had transformed the song into a duet.

So many things I would take back
You were the best I ever had
I don't blame you for hating me
I didn't mean to make you leave

I noticed that Nathan and Haley had moved to the center of the dance floor. Haley listened carefully at the words as she had one last dance with the man she loved. Nathan had his head buried in the crook of her neck and his arms wrapped tightly around her waist. He didn't want to let go.

Haley had one hand relaxed on the back of Nathan's neck, while her cheek rested against his ear. Her other arm rested on his chest and she breathed in his intoxicating scent. Her blood flushed her face. She felt Nathan's hands tighten around her waist.

You and I were living like a love song
I feel so bad, I feel so bad that you're gone
Now I know you're the only one that I want
I want you back
I want you

Peyton stood in the wing and I looked to her as I struck my electric guitar to be in sync with the lyrics. I nodded my head in Nathan and Haley's direction. She followed and spotted the two of them dancing on the floor. They were so wrapped up in the other and Haley had her eyes shut, never wanting this moment to end.

As the couple moved with the beat on the music, Peyton and I noticed the same thing. They missed each other and it was shown how they danced. They both held onto the other so tightly. And from our perspectives, it didn't seem like they wanted to let go, no matter how much they would deny it later.

Now I'm here to say I'm sorry
And ask for a second chance
Cause when it all comes down to the end
I could sure use a friend
Now I'm here to say I'm sorry
And ask for a second chance
All I want to do is make it up to you
Cause when it all comes down to the end
You were the best I ever had

"I miss you."

I saw Haley raise her head from Nathan's head and she looked at him. She remained silent. She didn't know what to say. What could she say? I miss you too? She wanted a divorce because he lied to her and she believed that he cheated on her.

"You don't have to say anything. I just thought that you should know."

We fell in love for a reason
Now you're leaving
And I just want you back
So many things we believed in
Now you're leaving and words won't bring you back
I'll never let go of the heart I broke

Haley rested her head on his ear once again and they both began to sway to the music, silently, once again. She replayed his words in her head. I miss you. I'm sorry. Her thoughts were interrupted by his voice, once again.

"I was hoping that they'd play this song."

Her voice cracked, but was audible by Nathan's ear.

"Why's that?"

"Just listen…"

You and I were living like a love song
Now I know you're the only one that I want
I want you back
I want you

Now I'm here to say I'm sorry
And ask for a second chance
All I want to do is make it up to you
Cause when it all comes down to the end
I could sure use a friend
Now I'm here to say I'm sorry
And ask for a second chance
All I want to do is make it up to you
Cause when it all comes down to the end
You were the best I ever had

Haley was nearly in tears now. She couldn't believe how much this song spoke to her. Small tears formed behind her brown eyes and they were threatening to fall. She sniffed and Nathan broke away from her neck. One hand still on Haley's waist, the other sprung to her face. Her tears were falling now. And with the pad of his thumb, Nathan wiped each one away.

He brought his other hand to her face to catch more falling droplets. She continued to sniffle and took a hold of his wrists.

I can't believe that I threw away all our dreams
I can't believe now that you're gone how much you mean to me
I feel so bad, I feel so bad
You were the best I ever had

It was now or never. Nathan had Haley in his arms and his hands on her face. She was holding onto his wrists. It had been a month. One, long, dreadful month since Nathan had been able to hold her like he had. He feared the songs ending because he knew that she would leave him and that he would feel empty again. He leaned down and captured her lips in his. He moved them slowly, giving her any space to break away, but it didn't seem like she wanted to.

I can't believe that I threw away all our dreams
I can't believe now that you're gone how much you mean to me
I feel so bad, I feel so bad
You were,
You were the best I ever had

The song ended and Nathan had stopped kissing her. Her eyes were still closed and her head rested against his. She still held onto him.

"Haley. You can let go now…"

"I don't want to…"

Nathan sighed in relief. He pulled her closer to him.

"Um…do you feel like taking a walk? We can pick up Jamie and talk along the way?"

Haley nodded and then, hand-in-hand they left Tric.

23Naley23

Patience
Took you for everything
Looked like a diamond ring
You are so much longer
That made sense
Apathy in disguise
Crept on you like a spy
Hurt you in ways
You can't describe

Brooke heard her phone go off as she had Jamie pinned down on the floor in a tickling match. When she heard it go off, she ran to it and opened the file that Peyton had sent her.

Back to the start now
I won't let you go this way now

"Hey Jamie…come here. Look at what Peyton just sent me…"

Jamie stood from his seat on the couch in Brooke's living room and ran to her. She went to give him her phone, but at the last possible minute, she tore it away from his grasp. He jumped for it and she kept teasing him. He giggled for a bit, as did she, but he got frustrated quickly.

Honesty
Is what you need
It sets you free
Like someone to save you
Let it go
But hurry now
There's undertow
And I don't want to lose you now

"C'mon Brooke."

He pouted and she gave in. She handed him her cell phone and smiled at what he saw.

232323

Haley walked down the streets of Tree Hill. Nathan had his hands in his pockets and noticed Haley shivering from the cool autumn breeze that chilled her skin on this evening.

"Are you cold?"

"A bit…but I'm okay."

Nathan removed his jacket and placed it over Haley's shoulders. He put his hands back into his pockets.

"Thanks."

"You're welcome."

To any passerby, they looked like a couple on their first date. Kind of awkward, yet somehow you could sense the spark. They had nothing to say to each other, but they knew what they wanted to say. Nathan sighed as they continued to walk down the sidewalk to Brooke's.

All right
Sit down and spill your heart
Let's start from the very start
Cause I can see by your eyes
You're wasted
Your energy comes and goes
You taking your time, you know
Nothing can change what happened, you know

Peyton continued to watch us from the wing. She felt someone tap her from behind. She turned around to be face-to-face with Mia.

"Hey Mia."

"Good band Peyton."

I looked over to wing and froze in my spot as I continued to play. Mia's eyes caught mine and she looked somewhat confused. I tried to take deep breaths, but it was useless. I couldn't do it because I didn't have lungs. I wasn't something of this world. She recognized me.

"Um…Peyton, who's that?"

Mia pointed to me.

"That's Annie."

I caught a glance of Mia out of the corner of my eye and noticed the look of fear on her face.

Back to the start now
I won't let you go this way now

Nathan wanted to pour out his soul right about now. He didn't know what to do. He had kissed her before and he wanted to be close to her, but now it just felt a tad awkward.

Honesty
Is what you need
It sets you free
Like someone to save you
Let it go
But hurry now
There's undertow
And I don't want to lose you now

"Um…Hales?"

He stopped them in the middle of the sidewalk, making her face him. He walked to her so that they were close and the electricity began to run through their veins again.

"You said we were going to talk, but not a lot of that is happening. I just need to tell you how I feel. I have to explain."

Haley sighed and tried to avoid Nathan's gaze, but it was hopeless.

"I know I let you down, okay? I made the worst decisions possible, but I'm going to tell you everything. She did kiss me, but I didn't kiss her, okay? I tried to tell you so many times, but something kept getting in the way. Much like now, but you have to know Haley. I had to tell you. And that I am in love with you and only you. And I have been since that night back in junior year I took the pills."

"What?"

"Look, you know I'm not good at being vulnerable. This is the closest I've come to it. Or the second closest."

"What's the first?"

"When I left the hospital after I took the drugs, junior year and I came to see you. I came to see you because I needed to know if you could forgive me. I wanted to see if I still had the chance to be great in your eyes. And when you did, you forgave me, that was the moment that everything changed for me. That was the moment I fell in love with you. This girl who could see past all the mistakes I made. I dunno I guess maybe sometimes, I screw up because I want to feel that again. I guess it sounds kind of broken."

Haley sighed.

Now
Now
Oh my
Look at your bright stars fade so
How much can you take?

"I think not knowing is the hardest part. Not knowing what our marriage means to you. If you still want the same things out of this relationship that I want. If you still find me sexy or if you still want me."

"How could you not know that?"

"The name Carrie comes to mind."

Nathan sighed and tried to look somewhere, anywhere, but at Haley. He really hurt her and it hurt him to have hurt her.

"Why didn't you just tell me about the flirting?

"I dunno,"

"Did you like it?"

"Maybe."

There were tears rolling down her face.

"Maybe I just needed it."

"Why? Because I don't flirt with you after a long day of wrestling with high school students and raising our son?"

"No, because you don't look at me like that anymore. And I get it, you know? I haven't been worthy of that look from you in a long time. And my God, Haley, I just…I miss that. I miss you…"

Honesty
Is what you need
It sets you free
Like someone to save you
Let it go
But hurry now
There's undertow
And I don't want to lose you now

"Haley, this is not your fault. It's not… This is entirely my fault. But you have to know how much you mean to me. How much I love you… You know, I find your goodness staggering. Your kindness is overwhelming Haley. You saved my life. And if I haven't said it lately, you're also sexy as hell."

A small smirk formed on Haley's face. Nathan took a deep breath.

"I wish my words were enough. I wish I deserved to have you believe me because God only knows what I'd give for that to be true. God only knows what I'd be without you. I needed someone to save me and you did just that…"

Na Na Na Na Na Na Na
Na Na Na Na Na Na Na
Na Na Na Na Na Na Na
Someone to save you

I looked at Mia, her fear stricken face didn't better my situation. She knew that I had passed away. She was at the funeral. She was scared. She thought it was me. That somehow I had faked my death. Not quite cous…

Na Na Na Na Na Na Na
Na Na Na Na Na Na Na
Na Na Na Na Na Na Na
Someone to save you

"C'mon Brooke."

He pouted and she gave in. She handed him her cell phone and Jamie smiled at what he saw. He had zoomed in on the two figures in the photo. He saw his parents in a tight embrace. He pressed play on the iPhone and he watched the video that Peyton had sent them. They were dancing with the other in a loving embrace and Jamie's smile widened.

Brooke knelt by him and smiled along with his. He pumped his fist into the air.

"YES!"

Na Na Na Na Na Na Na
Na Na Na Na Na Na Na
Na Na Na Na Na Na Na
Someone to save you
Save you

"It's operation Desert Island Aunt Brooke."

"Yeah it is…"

Na Na Na Na Na Na Na
Na Na Na Na Na Na Na
Na Na Na Na Na Na Na
Someone to save you

23Naley23

A/N: PLEEEEASE REVIEW! I have to thank SO many people for this. Shades :P THANKS SO MUCH for BETAing this and for all of the other baggage that came with it. It means a lot to me. Steph for her constant feedback and making me smile. Last, but DEFINITELY not least, Brooke (aka b.freeman) who has been going through so much and yet has been able to find the time and willpower to give me feedback, find the time to be a great friend and talk to me about stuff. This chapter is dedicated to those 3 people! ALSO you'll notice that during one of the songs there were different font effects, that was to distinguish who was singing so Christian, Annie, both. PLEASE REVIEW!