Now we're really getting into the story! Now I've stuck a few clues in this chapter on what might be happening and I'd love to know what your thoughts are.

Thoughts and flashbacks are in italics and it'll be obvious which one's which. But if you're still confused then say in a review or PM me.

There's been no word on banners so I'm trying-key word trying to make one myself. But if anybody's happy to help please let me know.

I posted an oneshot yesterday and I would love to know what you guys think so please let me know.

Thank you to all the amazing reviewers and readers out there who have taken a liking to this fic. I love you all!

Disclaimer! I do not own One Tree Hill.

And, finally, enjoy and leave a review! Watch out for the clues!

Lax

Summary: Nathan and Haley have shared a forbidden love for the past six years behind their parent's backs and have recently received a little push. Brooke and Lucas are in love and engaged much to everyone's objections. And where on Earth do Jake Jigelski and Peyton Sawyer fit into the equation? Will Nathan and Haley's parents ever find out about their reality? What will happen to their Bubba? Will Brooke and Lucas make it down the aisle with their whole world against them? How exactly will Peyton and Jake bring Nathan and Haley's future to ruins? Three couples...two marriages...one Bubba...what next?

Chapter Four: Your Guardian Angel

It's ok. It's ok. It's ok.
Seasons are changing
And waves are crashing
And stars are falling all for us
Days grow longer and nights grow shorter
I can show you I'll be the one


I will never let you fall
I'll stand up with you forever
I'll be there for you through it all
Even if saving you sends me to heaven


Cuz you're my, you're my, my true love, my whole heart
Please don't throw that away
Cuz I'm here for you
Please don't walk away,
Please tell me you'll stay, stay

Your Guardian Angel by The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus

The next day couldn't have come swift enough for Nathan as he rolled over in bed and hit the snooze button on his alarm. Popping open one eye he saw that it was now 7.15. Shit, he thought jumping out of bed. But that's what he got for pressing that damn snooze button five times. Racing out of bed he rushed into the bathroom to get ready for the day and get ready for seeing Haley. Half an hour later Nathan rushed out of the door after saying a quick 'good morning' to his mum and brother who were sitting watching him amused. Nathan had already filled Lucas in on where he was going that morning after bumping into him in the hallway. Nathan hurried into his car and quickly pulled out of the driveway, anxious to see Haley again.

Haley had woken up at 6.30 giving herself enough time to get ready. As soon as she had opened her eyes she felt compelled to close them once more as a fresh wave of tire washed over her. But she had forced herself to wake up, thoughts of Nathan fuelling her strength to fight her fatigue. She did her usual morning routine and walked out of the door at 7.50, leaving behind her empty house.
Nathan rushed into the diner and looked around trying to find Haley. The only faces he saw however were unfamiliar. Letting out a breath of relief he went and sat at an empty table. The table was situated in the corner and was perfect, as it wasn't easy to see over the other customers. That way if anybody walked in that Nathan and Haley knew, the odds were that they wouldn't be seen.

Haley walked in a few minutes later and looked around for Nathan. She searched the tables in clear view but couldn't see him. When she looked again she saw piercing blue eyes looking back at her, seeming to be twinkling with joy. Haley walked over to Nathan giving him a smile. Nathan stood up and took Haley into a strong embrace, his arms wrapped tightly around her.

"I missed you last night," Nathan said as they moved back.

"I missed you too," Haley said giving Nathan a light kiss before they sat down opposite each other.

"I thought I was late," Nathan said intertwining his and Haley's hands.

"What? What time did you wake up?" Haley asked.

"7.15," Nathan said sheepishly.

"Wait, you could've stood me up," Haley said in mock outrage as she tried to pull her hands from Nathan's. Nathan just held on tighter.

"I never would've stood you up," Nathan said kissing Haley's upturned knuckles on each hand.

"Well, if you say so," Haley shrugged.

"Well I do, so what you gonna do about it?"

"Well, first I'm gonna-"

"Stop! No more stories," Nathan objected.

"Who says I was gonna tell you a story?" Haley asked innocently.

"Haley James I know your score and I know you and I most definitely know what you was thinking," Nathan said leaning in closer to Haley.

"Oh really?" Haley asked as she too leaned in closer.

Nathan nodded his head before joining his lips to Haley's in a sweet kiss. "Yes," Nathan whispered against Haley's lips before applying a little more pressure. Haley was just beginning to get lost in the feel of Nathan's lips when she remembered where they were. Pulling away Haley quickly looked around. Nathan groaned before moving back.

"Gosh Nathan, not here," Haley said smiling.

"Then where? Give me a time and place and I'll be there," Nathan countered.

"Oh shut up," Haley said lightly pushing Nathan's shoulder, "you're terrible."

Before Nathan could reply the waitress that had walked over cleared her throat to grab the couple's attention. She smiled down at them after all it wasn't every day you saw young true love.

"What can I get you?" she asked warmly.

"Erm, may I have a cup of coffee and a couple of slices of toast please?" Haley asked politely.

"And may I have a cup of coffee and a bagel please?" Nathan ordered.

"Certainly, I'll be right back," the waitress said excusing herself.

Nathan and Haley waited for their breakfast to arrive in a companionable silence. They were simply content staring into each other's eyes and sitting comfortably with their hands joined. The waitress soon came back and left them with their food before leaving them once again. They sat eating their breakfast joking and talking and enjoying the other's presence. Once they had finished they pushed their plates aside and sipped on their coffee. Haley let out a soft moan before putting her head in her hands, her elbows resting on the table.

"Haley, are you ok?" Nathan asked concerned as he watched her.

Haley ran her hands through her hair before lifting her head. "Yeah, I'm fine," she replied trying to stifle a yawn, "just really tired."

"No offence but you look it too," Nathan said cupping Haley's cheek with his hand, rubbing softly with his thumb.

"I feel it too," Haley smiled softly as she moved into Nathan's touch, her hand coming up to rest upon his hand. "I actually feel completely drained."

Nathan moved his chair around the table so that he was closer to Haley and gave her a side hug, his arm circling her waist to pull her in closer. Haley nestled her head into Nathan's chest, leaning against him for support. Nathan kissed Haley's head and she closed her eyes at the feeling. Haley sat up slightly and finished her coffee, Nathan doing the same before they rested their cups back onto the table.

"I think I need more coffee," Haley sighed resting her head back on Nathan's chest.

Nathan looked at his watch and saw that it was only half past eight.

"Well, we have half an hour so we've got time. I'll order us some more coffee," Nathan said calling over their waitress once more.

The waitress smiled down at them. It was obvious to her how much Nathan cared for Haley. It was even more evident the way he was supporting her. Nathan ordered some more coffee and the waitress filled their cups before leaving them alone once again.

Haley sat up in her chair and sipped on her coffee. Nathan's arm was still securely around Haley as he too drank from his cup. They continued to talk as they finished their coffee. Before they knew it the time had flown in each other's presence.

"Nathan, what's the time now?" Haley asked finishing her coffee.

"Erm…ten to nine," Nathan replied.

"What? Ten to nine! Nathan I have to be at work in ten minutes!" Haley panicked as she quickly started to sort out her stuff.

"Haley, calm down," Nathan said grabbing hold of Haley's hands and moving her face to face his, "you'll make it."

"Easy for you to say, you don't have to flag down a taxi and then have a twenty minute drive to work," Haley rambled.

"You took a taxi? What happened to your car?" Nathan asked confused.

"I felt too tired to drive it," Haley explained kissing Nathan before moving to stand up but Nathan stopped her.

"Wait, let me drive you to work," Nathan offered. "I don't want you rushing about in a taxi still half asleep."

"No Nathan, you know we can't," Haley said before kissing Nathan once more. "I love you."

"I love you too," Nathan mumbled before letting her go. He didn't want her to go but knew she had to.

Haley grabbed hold of her bag and hastily stood up. But as soon as she had stood up she felt like she had in bed that morning. She felt tired but this time slightly dizzy. Haley began to sway slightly trying to regain her bearings. She felt as if there was a huge weight on head compelling her downwards. Nathan stood up and pulled her to him. He sat back down pulling her down with him.

"Baby, what happened?" Nathan asked concerned.

"I don't know, headrush I guess. I just felt really tired but dizzy as well. I probably shouldn't have stood up so fast," Haley laughed weakly as she clutched her head with one hand. Nathan had hold of her other hand and was rubbing her back.

"No you shouldn't have," Nathan emphasised as he looked at her worriedly. "That's it, I'm driving you to work and I don't care what you or anybody else says."

"Nathan-" Haley began to protest.

"No Haley, you're health is more important to me than stupid gossip. I'm driving you and that is final. There is no room for excuses."

"But-"

"Haley," Nathan said in a half pleading half-placating tone.

"Ok, let's go," Haley relented.

"Let's go," Nathan agreed standing up before helping Haley. Leaving some money on the table, they walked out with their arms wrapped around each other. Haley had been hesitant at first but Nathan had persisted until she finally melted into his embrace. Nathan sat Haley in his car before walking around to the driver's seat. They stayed in a pleasant silence during their short journey until they finally reached the offices where Haley worked.

Nathan pulled into an empty parking space not to close to the building but not to far away, and turned to Haley.

"So, I guess I have to let you go," Nathan said leaning in and resting his forehead against Haley's, one hand locking around her waist whilst the other cupped her neck.

"Promise me you will never let me go," Haley whispered.

"I promise."

Haley moved in to join Nathan and her lips together in a lingering kiss-neither wanting the other to leave.

"I love you," Nathan muttered as they pulled apart.

"I love you too," Haley placed one last kiss on Nathan before moving back slightly.

Nathan only allowed her to move back slightly and kept his hand on her waist, not ready to lose all contact just yet.

"Ok, promise me you will take care of yourself and call me if anything happens. Even if it's just a little headache, call me," Nathan ordered tensely.

"You shouldn't worry about me so much Nathan, I'm a big girl now," Haley teased.

"But if I don't worry about you, who will I worry about?" Nathan asked.

Haley's eyes began to water at Nathan's sentimental statement and she pulled him in for another kiss. Their tongues tangled, their lips sucked and their moans rang as fireworks blasted off. "I promise," Haley said before slowly moving out of the car, her bag in tow. Haley walked away fully aware of the blinding blue eyes following her, watching her every move. Nathan waited until Haley was safely inside before driving away.

"Dad, what are you doing here?" Nathan questioned as he walked into his office only to find his father occupying the chair before the desk.

"Wow, he finally finds his way in fifteen minutes late. What'd you do, get lost on the way?" Dan asked sarcastically.

"Funny dad, funny," Nathan said moving further into the room and not even bothering to answer the question.

"Where have you been Nathan? I needed the file on the C& O deal," Dan said annoyed.

Nathan walked around and pulled the said file out of a drawer and handed it to Dan.

"Just out dad, just out," Nathan answered.

"Well don't be late again, it doesn't set a good example for the employees," Dan said before leaving.

Nathan sat down in his chair and dropped his head down onto the cool glass desk.

"Knock knock," Lucas said pushing open Nathan's door a few minutes later.

"Hey Luke," Nathan said as Lucas came in and sat before him.

"So, I just saw the old man leaving…" Lucas drifted off curiously.

"Yeah, he was here to pry on my personal life. You know he even had the nerve to tell me I shouldn't be late because it sets a bad example for the employees. Maybe he shouldn't be such a bastard-that'd set a good example. Besides, he doesn't care, good example my ass, more like wreck his impeccable reputation. After all the great Dan Scott can do no wrong…atleast that's what everyone thinks," Nathan fumed before throwing his hands in the air for good measure.

"Nathan, it'll be ok. Besides just remember that you'll always have Haley. Erm…why were you late anyway?" Lucas asked softly.

"Well like I told you I met Haley for breakfast and then she realised that she had ten minutes to get to work. She stood up and she was really tired and dizzy. So I dropped her off at work before coming here. I thought she was going to faint or something. It really scared me Lucas. I mean what if something like that happened to her when I wasn't there, then what? I wouldn't forgive myself if something did happen to her," Nathan sighed sadly.

"It'll be ok. Despite what you may think Haley's really tough. Sure she might seem fragile and delicate but she isn't. You know that she is fully capable of kicking both our asses. And if something like that happened you'd be the first person she'd call," Lucas consoled.

"Yeah, especially cause I made her promise to," Nathan said causing him and Lucas to burst into laughter.

"Erm Nathan, there's something I wanna ask you," Lucas started nervously ringing his hands.

"Hmm…I was wondering when we would get to the real reason of you being here. I mean don't get me wrong or anything because I know you love me and Hales but you could've asked me anywhere. Instead you burst in here first thing. Now let me see, you're nervous…nervous as hell. What makes you so on edge? What makes you tick? Aha! Brooke Davis! What'd you do this time Lucas?" Nathan said scrutinising Lucas.

"You got me," Lucas said putting his hands up in mock surrender. "I tried to put my hand up her top and then her parents walked in on us."

"You dirty boy Lucas. You should be ashamed of yourself!" Nathan admonished. "But seriously, what happened?"

"It's nothing bad. Atleast I hope it's not bad. Oh no! What if she thinks it's bad? Then what do I do? What if she says no? What if-?" Lucas sputtered like an erupting volcano ridding itself of its lava. But in this case it was Lucas ridding himself of his nerves.

"Hey! Lucas stop! Dude you really need to quit hanging around Haley so much. It looks like she's passing her rambling talents on to you," Nathan joked before turning serious at his brother's glare. "Now tell me calmly, what if she says no to what?"

"I came in here to ask you if after work you'd go ring shopping with me. I wanna ask Brooke to marry me, as you know, and I thought about it all night and decided to propose on Friday evening," Lucas said as calmly as possible through his excitement and anticipation at marrying his love.

"Lucas, of course I'll come with you bro! You don't have to even ask!" Nathan said standing up and moving around his desk to hug Lucas.

"Thank you Nathan," Lucas said moving back.

"No problem man. Congrats!" Nathan said patting Lucas on the back before turning solemn. "But you'd best be prepared. You know Brooke. She'll need it big and expensive."

"Anything for her," Lucas said. The two brothers hugged once more before Lucas left to get back to work.

Nathan sat back down again. He was ecstatic for his brother. Lucas deserved this and who better than Brooke right? But somewhere he felt jealous. Nathan didn't mean to but just couldn't help it. In Duke Nathan had always thought he would've married Haley by now and had a few kids already. But life was cruel and brought something else upon them. So now Nathan couldn't help feeling it should be him ring shopping for Haley right now. If only that was how things had actually worked out. Nathan shook himself out of his thoughts and looked down at a file on his desk.

Time to get to work, Nathan thought bitterly as he opened the file.

Nathan lay back in his chair and closed his eyes just as somebody knocked on the door. He had just finished the last of his work. At lunch Haley had called him to say that she felt better now and that he shouldn't worry so much. He was happy, as sometimes it seemed like her voice was the only thing that could get him through his day.

"Come in," Nathan said gruffly and looked up to see Lucas enter the room.

"Hey, you ready?" Lucas asked.

"Yeah, let's go get the princess her diamond," Nathan smiled standing up.

"Lucas, this one's nice," Nathan pointed at the ring.

"Yeah, but it's not really what I'm looking for. I mean the perfect ring has gotta be somewhere right? I just gotta keep looking," Lucas explained hopefully. But in truth hope was running out. This was the 6th jewellery store they had gone to and it had been nearly two hours and he was still empty-handed.

"Fine," Nathan said forcing himself to keep his frustrations inside.

The sales woman smiled at them amused.

"Do you have anything up back or something?" Lucas asked the sales woman.

"Anything?" Nathan whined desperate to get out of there. If he heard one more sales woman's chirpy voice telling them about the rings he'd kill her.

Money diggers, Nathan thought irritated as he began to walk around the room.

"Lucas," Nathan practically yelled in excitement.

"What? What happened?" Lucas asked startled from where he was looking at the rings.

"What happened? Get your butt over here and I'll show you what happened. I think I just found you Brooke's ring," Nathan said.

Lucas walked over and looked at the display case before Nathan and his eye immediately fixed on one of them. It was smaller than the others were but still beautiful in its own way, exactly like Brooke.

"How could I have missed it?" Lucas wondered. "I'll take this one."

After paying they left the store and drove home. Lucas sighed happily. He had finally found the perfect ring. Now all he had to worry about was proposing.

"Haley?" the voice of Lydia James said as her and her husband entered the kitchen where Haley was nursing a glass of milk.

"Mom," Haley said standing up to hug her mother.

"Dad," Haley hugged her father.

"Haley, what are you doing up?" her mother asked her.

"I was actually just on my way up when you guys walked in. How was your business trip?" Haley questioned carelessly as she placed her empty cup in the sink.

"Oh it was just wonderful, we did so much. First we-" Lydia began before Jimmy cut in.

"How was work Haley?" Jimmy asked.

"It's fine. We landed the Jeffrey's company deal and started storming on ideas for the Smith deal," Haley said.

"That's good," her father said sitting down.

"Well anyway, then we-" Lydia started before being cut off again.

"You know what mum? I'm really tired. I'm just gonna go to bed. Goodnight," Haley said running upstairs.

Haley slammed her bedroom door shut before dissolving into her bed, surrounded by fluffy pillows and thick throws.

The nerve of them! Honestly, they have no right to be my parents! I mean what was that? Absolutely no 'Hey honey, we missed you tons,' or 'Hey sweetie, how was your weekend with Britney?' Nope, none of that. Instead it's just 'How was work?' and all about us, us, us and how their trip went. And boy what they did hey? Interesting or not? I'll go for not. I hate them so much! They split Nathan and I and tear away the one true love of my life! And they ignore my very existence! I just don't get why I try so much! Jeez! Am I an idiot or what? I just hate them so much…but I still love them. I am one messed up person! I wish-

Haley was pulled out of her thoughts by the ringing of her mobile. A smile immediately graced her face as she quickly answered.

"Hey," Haley greeted in a relieved voice, happy for the break from her bitter thoughts.

"Hey," Nathan breathed sensing she wasn't entirely happy, "what's up?"

"Nothing's up. Why? Does it sound like something's up? Why would you assume there is something up when there easily couldn't be? What do you think is up?" Haley breathed heavily into the phone as she closed her mouth after her outburst.

"Well, let me think what's up. It most definitely can't be talking to me that has you all worked up because I'm Nathan Scott," Nathan stated cockily. "Unless you're worked up because you wanna see me and you want me. Haley baby, let's meet up somewhere like preferably now. And then you can quit being so worked up."

"Contrary to your belief Nate, I'm not worked up over you. Although, your idea does have some merit to it. However no, you are not the reason I am worked up," Haley said.

"Not worked up over me? Should I be offended? Ok, so if it's not me then what is it?" Nathan pondered his question for a few minutes before a lightbulb went off and a switch clicked in. "Oh baby, you're parents came back didn't they?"

"Yeah," Haley whispered.

"Haley, are you ok?" Nathan asked worriedly.

"Yeah, it's just the same old rubbish. I honestly don't know why I let them get to me so much though. This is so hard!" Haley burst on the verge of tears.

"Haley, sweetie, its ok," Nathan soothed.

"No, it's not ok and it never will be ok," Haley said pessimistically. "Look, forget about my parents and yours and everything just for now. How was your day?"

"Oh, Lucas and I…" Nathan quickly stopped himself as he remembered what Lucas had told him in the car on the way home.

"Nathan?" Lucas asked.

"Yeah," Nathan answered.

"I was just wondering if you wouldn't tell Haley about the ring," Lucas requested.

"What? But why?" Nathan asked confused.

"Well, you know how Brooke and she are. I just don't want her to let anything slip. I know its Haley we're talking about and she would never do anything like that but I just don't wanna have to take the chance, you know?" Lucas explained.

"Sure bro, I won't say a thing," Nathan agreed.

"We were working late today," Nathan covered. "What about you?"

Dun! Dun! Dun!

Please leave a review and check out my little oneshot and tell me about your theories on the clues or if you're confused or…yeah, erm…leave a review.

Lax