Chapter 3

Haley walked slowly down the stairs and couldn't help but smile as she saw the huge breakfast her mother made. It was just like her to do something like that.

"Mom, you did not have to do this." She sat down and eyed everything in front of her. "But thanks."

"Of course, sweetie. After everything you've been through. I can't imagine what must be going on in your mind."

"I'm tough. I'll get through it. After all. I'm a survivor." She put on a brave face and began to fill her plate wit her favorites. "Thanks for breakfast, mom."

"I called the school. You are all set. So, you can go watch some TV." Mr. James said sitting down.

"Thanks. But I think I'm gonna eat in my room. I kinda just want to be alone." Having her parents stare at her was not gonna make it easy to eat. It would just be more difficult to get through breakfast.

"Okay, sweetie." Lydia sighed. She was very worried about her daughter. She turned to her husband and gave him a concerned look. "Jim, what are we gonna do? Our little girl was violated." She just couldn't believe this was happening. Not to them. Not to her.

Jim sighed and went to give his wife a hug. "She's already filed a police report. She went to the hospital. She's done everything she has to." He was proud of her for doing what she was supposed to after an attack.

"I guess, but I'm her mother, I'm gonna worry."

Haley took a nap after lunch and wake up to a kiss which caused her to jerk awake. "No." She pushed away whoever who in front of her.

Nathan jumped up aback. "Whoa. I'm sorry."

Haley nodded.. "It's okay. I just had a dream. Next time you want to wake me up, gently shake me and talk to me. No kissing."

"Okay." He whispered. "Can I kiss you now?"

Haley and scoffed and smiled. She shook her head. "No. not right now. um—I'm just not up for it."

Nathan understood. "That's fine. You feeling okay?" He asked. He went to run her back.

Haley nodded. "Yeah, just tired." She was tired of everyone asking if she was okay. "What are you doing here anyway?"

He pointed over to her desk. "Homework. I thought that might make you feel better."

"You know me so well." She smiled. "Did you tell people?"

"Just Lucas. He said he'd call. Was that okay?"

"It's fine." She nodded. "Just make sure I tell the next person. And if you are going to tell anyone, ask me first."

"Got it." He nodded. "Come here." He caressed the back of her head and brought to rest on his forehead. "I love you."

Haley smiled softly. "I love you too. FYI, I think I'm gonna go to school tomorrow."

"What?" Nathan asked, realizing her. "You think you're ready. You don't think it's too much?"

Haley shrugged. "I don't know, but being here all day, was extremely boring. I mean, I am not the type of person to just sit and watch TV . I just can't do that. I'm not programmed that way."

"I know, I just think that maybe it'd be too much for you. All those people."

"If it becomes too much, I can always coll home." She really wanted to get out. She couldn't handle being stuck in the house. "I figure, the sooner, the better."

"Okay, just remember, I'll be right beside you, holding your hand."

Just like he said, held onto her hand as they entered the school. He looked down when he felt her hand squeeze his. He'd smile and gave her a kiss on her temple. "It'll be okay. I'm right here. Don't you worry."

Haley went to her first two classes and was mostly happy to be back.

Nathan, on the other hand had a tough time concentrating. He was too worried about Haley. He couldn't help it

"Hey, Hales, you okay?" Brooke asked as another class ended. She had also been worried about Haley. She looked their arms together.

"I wish everyone would just stop asking me that. Its getting annoying." She knew that they only wanted her best interest, but still, she was getting sick of it.

The two girls made them way to get some food and onto the quad to eat it.

"Hey baby." Haley smiled when her eyes came into contact with Nathan's. She gave him a big kiss and held tight for a hug.

Nathan's eyes closed as he melted into his girlfriend's embrace. But it also made him concerned. "You okay?" He rubbed her back. "Haley?"

"Thank you for being here." She pulled back to give him another kiss. "Now let's eat."

Conversation was very light and airy which Haley gladly welcomed. It was nice t smile and laugh again. After that. Was one class and then her final class of current events with Mr. Artimus. She really enjoyed his class. And she was sad when it was about over.

He stood in the front of the class. "A few minutes left. Homework assignment, essay on why you think there are so many shootings." He waited a few seconds when the bell rang. "Okay. End of the day. Have a nice night."

Haley was just out the door when her body froze. It all came rushing back.

Haley's suddenly woke up and she tried to wiggle and kick her way out of her attacker's embrace. "Aaahhh." She closed her eyes and lost consciousness.

It was hard staying awake due to so much pain. She finally opened her eye once more when she heard him zip up his pants.

"He looked down at her and smirked. "Have a nice night."

Haley rushed out to where she knew she'd be safe. She felt a huge sigh of relief wash over her when she saw her friends. "Nathan!"

"Hales." He held on tightly. "Haley, what's wrong?"

She started to breathe heavily. "Nathan, it's him."

"Who. The guy who—?"

She nodded. "Mr. Artimus. It's him. I know it."

"Are you absolutely positive?" She nodded. "That's it. He's dead." He started to head into the school.

"Nathan, don't." Lucas held him back. "You don't want to do that."

Nathan looked at his brother. "He raped her. I will not let him get away with it." He pulled away from his brother and rushed into the school.

The next of the gang followed suit, wishing for them to stop.

"Nathan, he's a teacher, you could get expelled or suspended." She was about to cry. "Please, don't do this. For me?"

He just shook his head. "He took advantage of you. He is not gonna get away with it."

"Mr. Artimus?" Nathan raised his voice.

"Nathan Scott." He sounded surprised. "You're not in any of my classes. Can I help you?"

Nathan hesitated but knew he had to do it. "Actually." And with one punch, Mr. Artimus was on the ground.

He nodded getting up. That was very inappropriate. "Okay, Mr. Scott, you've just asked for trouble."

Nathan rushed over to Haley who looked nervous. "It's okay, baby."

Principal Turner, was called and Mr. Artimus, wanted to press charges. He figured that would teach him a lesson.

The police showed up and arrested Nathan.

"Wait." Haley said. "You can't arrest him."

"Miss James, its for the best." Mr. Artimus said.

She tensed up and took a step back. "Officers, Mr. Artimus, here—" She sighed, unsure if she could even say it out loud. "He raped me."

Nathan smiled. He was glad that she spoke up.

One officer looked at Mr. Artimus and back at Haley. "Miss, are you sure about it?"

Haley looked at Nathan who just had a smile on his face. She then looked at Mr. Artimus and knew she was sure. What he did was wrong and he needed to pay for it. "Yes, he raped me."