Hey guys...I know it's been over a week since my last update, but school has been so crazy and then I got tickets to go see Journey, Heart, and Cheap Trick yesterday. It was so great, but anyways I'm really sorry about the delay and I have an extra long update for you. Please, please review. I know there are people reading because I have a lot of hits, but not a lot of reviews so make sure to do that. Next update will quite possibly have some Naley interaction, so stay tuned. And sorry in advance for any errors; I was really trying to get this update out by tonight. Anyways, enjoy!!

Disclaimer-Nada


Haley splashed some cool water on her face and wiped the fog off of the mirror. After she and Brooke went inside, she had gone upstairs to take a long, relaxing shower to get ready for dinner.

She decided to let her hair air dry into her natural waves and applied light make-up and lip gloss. She then went to her luggage and grabbed her dark wash jeans and a dark purple halter top. She topped the outfit off with her gold peep toe pumps and gold hoops. Haley took one last look at her outfit in the mirror and then headed downstairs to help Brooke in the kitchen.

"Hey Brooke, Can I help you with anything?" Haley giggled when she realized that not one thing in the kitchen had been made there. It was all catered. That was Brooke for you.

"Well Tutor-Girl I am glad you asked because taking the food out of these take-out pans is ridiculously hard." Brooke looked up at Haley and blew out a whistle.

"Wow! Who knew that you cleaned up so nice?" Haley feigned shock and swatted Brooke on the arm.

"What? Haley you know it's true. You never had any fashion sense. That was always my department."

Haley walked around the island and picked up some bowls to hand to Brooke. "I suppose you are right. I guess LA did rub off on me a little."

Brooke scoffed. "Huh, a little? Honey, you are a complete bombshell. You don't even look like a sweet little virgin anymore." Haley laughed at her blunt statement.

"You are still a virgin aren't you Haley?" Haley laughed at the concern that overtook Brooke's voice.

"Yes Brooke I am still a virgin and could you please keep your voice down." Haley looked around as if they had an audience.

"Haley if Luke heard us that would probably be the best news he's heard since I said 'I do". Haley put her head in her hands. Sometimes Brooke was just too much.

"Okay, okay…let's talk about something else besides my virginity please."


Lucas was watching TV in the living room when he saw Haley come down the steps all dressed for dinner. Brooke had told him about the discussion they had about Nathan and how much Haley was still hurting. At least she would be staying with him and Brooke and he could at least keep an eye on her.

Lucas was brought out of his thoughts by the buzzing of his cell phone in his pocket. He pulled it out and saw that it was his brother. Deciding it would not be a good idea if Haley heard their conversation, he moved outside onto the porch.

"What's up little brother?" Lucas heard Nathan sigh and waited for him to say something.

"Is she there?" Lucas could hear the exhaustion laced in his voice.

"Yeah man she's here. Her plane got in about five hours ago."

"How is she?" Lucas didn't know what he should tell Nathan. He could see that Haley was doing well, but also knew that she held deep pain inside of her still.

"She looks good and she's excited to be back and see everyone." It took a few moments for Nathan to reply.

"Do you think she's ready to-" Lucas knew what Nathan was getting at and cut him off.

"No I don't think she's ready to see you yet. I mean I know you guys can't avoid each other forever, but she needs some time to adjust."

Nathan was angry that he was being rejected and especially because Lucas was the one doing it. He was upset and jealous that he got to see Haley and talk to her and now, it seems, he's speaking for her too. Nathan decided to lash out and Lucas was going to take the blow.

"What the fuck Luke? Are you her dad or what? I'm trying here and all I get is a door in my face. This is bull shit!"

"Nathan I didn't mean it like that. It's just…she's still dealing with what happened between you guys and I can't really give you a lot of information on that because none of us know what happened with the two of you."

Nathan sighed in frustration. He had known that Haley was coming back for months now because Jaime wouldn't stop talking about. He had tried to prepare himself, but that all flew out the window. Thinking of Jaime put a smile back on his face.

"I'm sorry Luke. How's Jaime?" Lucas was thrown off by the subject change, but recovered quickly.

"He's good. He was so excited that he ended up passing out on the way home. He's upstairs in the playroom right now. You want to talk to him?"

"No that's okay. I'll just see him when he gets home."

"Alright…I'll talk to you later."

"Yeah you too Luke." Nathan was just about to hang up when Lucas' voice cut through the line.

"Hey Nate…"

"Yeah?" Lucas debated on whether or not he should tell Nathan what he was thinking. He figured he would go ahead and give Nate a little boost.

"Don't sweat this too bad. Although she does look great, I can tell that she misses you still. Just give her some time."

Nathan sighed. He knew Lucas was trying to help him out and he appreciated it, but he was never good at being patient.

"Yeah, thanks Lucas…I appreciate it. I'll call you later."

"Alright bye man." Lucas hung up the phone and went back inside to see Jaime now downstairs playing Wii with Haley. Or at least Haley was trying to play.

"Jaime this is cheating. I've never played before. You're better than me."

Jaime and Lucas laughed at Haley attempting to play basketball. She never was one to be athletic. The buzzer sound went off signaling the end of the game with a pathetic score of 78-10, Haley's loss.

"Wow Jaime, you really schooled my butt at this." Jaime looked up at Haley and planted a smirk on his face.

"It's what I do best." Both Haley and Lucas busted out laughing at the boy's arrogance and attitude. He was becoming more and more like his father.

"Alright you two, I'm going to go get dressed for dinner, so play nice." Both Jaime and Haley looked at each other and rolled their eyes at Lucas' attempt to be stern.

Once Lucas was up the stairs Haley sat down on the sofa and patted the spot next to her for Jaime to sit down. The boy happily obliged and bounced next to her. Haley moved her arm and allowed him to cuddle next to her side as she played with his hair. She use to do the exact same thing to him when he was a baby. It was sometimes the only thing that calmed him down. Jaime finally broke the silence.

"Haley?" Haley was startled by the tone that his voice had overtaken. It was a far cry from the confident one she had just heard. Instead it was just above a whisper and he sounded scared. Haley stilled her movements and looked down at Jaime.

"What is it honey?" Jaime looked as if he was nervous and started playing with his hands and biting his lip, a trait that everyone says he picked up from her.

"Are you going to leave again?" Haley's heart broke at that exact moment and the weight of what she had done to that little boy two years ago came crashing down. She left in the middle of the night and didn't tell Jaime good-bye. She had left Nathan to explain her absence on his own and that was something she also regretted. It was childish of her to do so.

Haley looked into his baby blue eyes and put on a big smile. "No sweetie. I'm not going anywhere. I'm here to stay."

Jaime looked hesitant at first, but when Haley ruffled his hair and made him laugh, he seemed to believe her.

"I love you Jay-jay…so much." Haley pulled him in for a bear hug and squeezed him tight.

"Haley you're squeezing me too tight." Haley laughed at Jaime's attempt to get out his sentence because he was laughing the whole time.

"You know the drill little man…say it." When Jaime didn't respond she squeezed a little tighter, but made sure she wasn't hurting him.

"Okay, okay…I love you Hay-hay forever and ever and ever." Haley finally let him go and he jumped out of her arms.

"You see, that wasn't so bad." Jaime was just about to say something when he heard the front door open and that voice he would recognize anywhere.

"Yo Scotts! Where is "Jim-Jam the Man"? Jaime immediately lit up and went dashing for the front door.

Haley stood up off the couch and started smoothing out her shirt. She had been nervous the whole day, but right now she was definitely feeling ten times more nervous and anxious. It was time for her to see her old gang and hopefully they would welcome her back with open arms. After all, they wouldn't be here if they didn't want to see her, right?

Haley started to walk towards the entryway and saw Brooke and Lucas talking to Peyton and Jake while Jaime was being passed around by Skillz, Mouth, Junk, and Fergie, and a girl with dark hair and glasses that she didn't recognize. Brooke was the first to notice Haley's presence and began walking towards her.

"Okay guys here is the lady-of-the-hour herself…Miss Haley James." Everyone turned their heads and laughed at Brooke's dramatic introduction. Haley could feel everyone's eyes on her and she immediately diverted her vision downwards and began biting her lip. She was just about to look up and face them when she felt a pair of arms envelope her in a hug and a mass of blonde curls in her face.

Haley felt tears spring to her eyes for the millionth time that day and laughed when she heard what Peyton was saying to her.

"Well look at "Little Miss LA". You look all grown up H. James."

They pulled apart and Haley smiled at her long time friend. "You look good too P. Sawyer."

That seemed to break the ice and everyone started to greet her. She felt all her worries disappear and was finally starting to enjoy being back home with her friends. Mouth then approached her with the dark haired girl on his arm.

"It's good to see you Haley." They both hugged and Haley smiled at him.

"You too Mouth." Mouth then pulled the girl up to them and immediately found her hand and held it. It was a gesture that didn't go unnoticed by Haley.

"Haley, I would like you to meet my fiancé Millicent."

Haley's mouth fell open in shock. She had no idea that Mouth was even dating someone seriously, but she was happy for him. He deserved it.

"Oh wow! Congratulations you guys and it's so nice to meet you Millicent." Haley hugged the happy couple and turned to Mouth and bumped her hip against his.

"I cannot believe you are getting married Marvin McFadden."

She was just about to ask Millicent how she and Mouth met when she felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned around and saw Skillz with his hand under his chin giving her a once over.

"Damn lil' mamma! You sure grew up. You got a shorty Haley?"

Haley laughed at Skillz's comment and she could already feel the blush creeping up on her face.

"Well coming from you Skillz I will take that as a compliment, so thank you. And no, I do not have a boyfriend."

"What no suitors good enough for Haley James in LA?"

Haley turned to her curly haired friend. Peyton quirked up an eyebrow and gave Haley a challenging stare. Peyton had missed her friend, so she knew that when the time came for her to start her record label, that she would call Haley. Everyone knew she was an amazing singer and songwriter. There was no doubt in her mind that she and Haley could do great things.

"Actually Peyton, I was too busy with school and work to really have the time. And lucky for you I did that or else I wouldn't be here helping you out."

Both Haley and Peyton immediately cracked up once they heard everyone give "ooohs" and "ahhhs" and even a "You just got served" from Skillz.

"Alright everyone let's go eat because I slaved over a hot stove all day to make this."

At that comment everybody busted up laughing at Brooke. She then tried her best to give a scolding look to everyone.

"Brooke you say that every time we come over for dinner and every time we find the evidence of catered food."

Brook scoffed at Jake's comment and tried to act as if it wasn't true, but she finally cracked and giggled.

"Okay, okay so I didn't make it, but I did set it up so you can thank me for the beautiful arrangement."

"I like your cooking Aunt Brooke. You make the best ice cream."

Brooke looked down at her nephew and smiled. She was just about to say thank you to Jaime when Peyton interrupted in a harsh whisper.

"Brooke you told him that you make your own ice cream?"

Lucas realized Jaime probably shouldn't hear this and immediately ushered him into the kitchen. With Brooke he knew she would end up saying more than she should and those things usually weren't for children's ears.

"Yeah, so what?" Brooke looked around at everyone and they were all biting back their smirks.

"He doesn't know. It's not like I told him Santa Clause isn't real." Brooke whispered the last part to make sure Jaime didn't over hear their conversation in the kitchen. That was the last thing she needed to deal with. She was never good at explaining things to kids.

"You are one of a kind B.Davis." Peyton shook her head at her friend's antics.

Everyone started to make their way towards the dining room and Haley stayed back and took a couple deep breaths. She was slowly starting to feel more comfortable and like her old self again.

"Hey girlie you coming or what?"

Haley looked up to find Peyton staring at her with a smile.

"Yeah, but before we do I just want to tell you thank you Peyton for offering me this job, even though I have no professional experience."

Peyton walked closer to Haley and put both her hands on her shoulders.

"Hey, it was no problem. I couldn't think of anyone better. And it doesn't matter about experience. We both know it comes from the heart and I know you got that. So let's go and eat some of Brooke's pretend cooking."

Both girls laughed and headed for the dining room to join their friends.


Nathan sighed in frustration and threw the remote at the TV. Since when was there nothing on television on a Saturday night? He was having trouble focusing on anything these past few hours since his phone conversation with Lucas.

The only thing he could think about was Haley. He wanted to talk to her and tell her how much he missed her, but it seems that everyone was against him seeing her, although he didn't really blame them. He and Haley had been close once and he had gone and screwed that up. They had been the best of friends and she had sacrificed everything for him and Jaime and for awhile things were fine. They were actually more than fine; things were great. He had his son surrounded by a real family and he didn't have to raise him alone, but things didn't stay that way for long.

Nathan got up from the couch and made his way towards the kitchen. He went to the fridge and smiled at the dozens of hand drawn pictures Jaime had made for him. He was just about to open the door when something caught his eye behind a drawing. Nathan moved it out of the way and laughed at the image staring back at him. He had forgotten all about this polaroid picture. It was him, Haley, and Jaime at the zoo when Jaime was no more than a year old. Haley had insisted that they all wear their animal hats they had bought for the picture. Suddenly he didn't feel so hungry.

Nathan stuffed the picture back behind the others and went back to the TV. He found the remote and found an old basketball game that was on. He was only half way paying attention until he heard the announcers.

"I tell you Greg, Scott is looking better than ever tonight. I really have high hopes for this game tonight."

"I couldn't agree with you more Mark. Nathan Scott has only been in the NBA for a couple months, but he has definitely proved himself. He was drafted from Duke by the Charlotte Bobcats and has been on fire ever since."

Nathan watched the game in a trance. He remembered this game and that he had made the winning shot that night, one of many to come for him. He had taken an absence from the NBA two years ago and he didn't know for sure if he would be returning. He'd be lying if he said he didn't miss it, but his son meant more to him and they had more than enough money to live off of. He was helping Lucas and Skillz coach the Ravens basketball team anyway. Nathan went back to listening to the announcers.

"Scott also has one of the best attitudes I have seen in the league. The guy is very grateful and humble, which is hard to come by nowadays. That's something that he has been quoted saying comes from his son and his family keeping him in line."

Nathan immediately changed the channel and muted the TV. Hearing those comments and watching that game took him back to a place where everything was perfect in that moment and all that did was remind him of how much he screwed up and how he eventually lost himself in the hype.

After his conversation with Luke he promised himself that he would do whatever it took to get Haley back in his life. He would give her space for right now, but he wasn't going to avoid her forever. He was going to have to win her over the same way he did eleven years ago when they first met.

Eleven years earlier…

"Lucas you cannot be serious. You both use to hate each other and now you're telling me that you guys are buddy-buddy?"

An eleven year old Haley and a fourteen year old Lucas were walking to the Rivercourt on a Saturday afternoon. Haley thought they were going to meet their gang like they usually do on Saturday, but Lucas had other plans.

"Haley you don't even know him. He's completely different when he is away from Dan."

Lucas and Nathan had coincidentally been sent to the same basketball camp that summer and Lucas had come back raving to Haley how he and Nathan had really got along and actually formed a friendship. This came as a complete shock to her considering they have hated each other's guts for fourteen years. Nathan had always been a jerk to them. He was always rubbing it in Lucas' face that he didn't have a dad and that he was nothing to Dan. Haley just didn't understand how a couple of weeks at a basketball camp can change someone. Apparently Nathan explained to Lucas how bad of a guy Dan was and how much pressure he is under. Haley could understand that Nathan had a hard time with Dan, but that did not excuse his behavior.

"Lucas I just don't want you to get disappointed if this turns out to be another one of his tricks to humiliate you. I'm just trying to look out for you."

Lucas stopped walking and grabbed Haley by the shoulders.

"I know you are, but the things that he told me were really bad and he's not who he puts out there."

Haley laughed at his comment and went to walk away, but Lucas grabbed her arm.

"Haley…just give him a chance. You have a good heart, maybe you could rub off on him."

Haley smiled and knew that Lucas was just buttering her up and it was working. They began walking again and she leaned into his side as his arm came to wrap around her shoulders.

"Okay I will give him a chance, but only one, okay?"

"That's fair enough Hales. Now I do have to tell you that we're not meeting the guys for basketball, but we're meeting up with Nathan."

As soon as Lucas got the sentence out he started to run down the sidewalk. Haley had barely registered his statement and then she immediately started running and yelling after him.

"Lucas Eugene Scott I am going to kill you!"

Lucas and Haley finally made it to the Rivercourt and Haley was surprised to see that Nathan had actually shown up. That was a good start. He was shooting free throws and seemed to be in deep concentration. He hadn't even heard the two come up until Lucas started talking.

"Hey man…sorry we're late."

Lucas ran to him and put his hands out to catch the ball. Nathan passed the ball and answered back.

"It's okay. I haven't been here that long, although I can only stay for a little bit because Dan wants me home so we can practice my free throws."

Lucas looked at him as if he had two heads. Nathan was just practicing his free throws and they looked perfect.

"What do you mean? You're free throws are great."

Nathan held his head down, almost as if he were ashamed of what he was going to say.

"Yeah well, nothing is ever perfect enough for him."

An awkward silence had settled between the two and Haley took this as an opportunity to make her presence known. She began walking onto the pavement. Lucas realized Haley was approaching them and decided to introduce them properly.

"Oh, Nathan this is my best friend Haley James."

Nathan hadn't even noticed there was somebody else there and when he looked in her direction he was surprised to find that she had actually shown up. He had always seen her with Lucas, but didn't know her name and she definitely never hid her distaste for him. He was going to really have to work on her.

Nathan made eye contact with her and held up his hand in a wave. Haley did the same and gave him a small smile; one that he could tell was not completely genuine.

"Alright Nathan, let's play some ball before you have to leave."

Lucas began dribbling the ball and soon a basketball game was underway. Haley went to the table off to the side and sat down. She was use to watching the guys play and usually she read a book, but she actually watched them play and was amazed at the amount of talent that Nathan displayed. Haley was in awe of the way he moved on the court and immediately blushed when she caught herself staring at his backside. Luckily, there was a cold November breeze and that seemed to bring her temperature back down. It must just be her stupid budding hormones. Dumb puberty.

After thirty minutes of playing they finally called it game and they made their way to the table that Haley was currently sitting at. Lucas looked over at Nathan and knew that he was going to have to leave soon, but he figured he would ask him if he wanted to go to his Mom's café anyway for some hot chocolate. He knew Haley wasn't going to be pleased, but who cares?

"Hey Nate, you wanna go with me and Hales to my Mom's café for some hot chocolate?"

Nathan wanted to go more than anything, but he knew he had to be home soon. He could see that Lucas wanted him to go and when he turned to look at Haley, she was reading her book or at least pretending to. Nathan looked down at his watch. He still had time, so why not go?

"Okay…I'll go."

Lucas was surprised to hear him say yes and Haley yanked her book down to glare at Lucas. She had heard him ask and knew he was just being nice, but she thought he would have said no. Haley immediately stood up and started walking in the direction of the café, but not before she corrected Lucas.

"It's "Haley and I" Lucas, not "me and Haley."

Lucas chuckled at her and both he and Nathan started following her.

Once at the café, the three sat at a booth and ordered their hot chocolates. While Haley and Lucas were talking about some book, Nathan saw Lucas's mom approaching them and asked Lucas for some help in the kitchen. It was now Haley and Nathan left at the table alone and the silence was deafening. Nathan decided that he would try to win her over, but he didn't exactly know how to do that. He usually put on the charm for girls, but he knew that she was different. He decided he would start with the basics. How old she was and what were her favorite things to do.

"So Haley…how old are you?"

Haley's head jerked up in surprise that he was talking to her. She really didn't feel like doing this whole "let's be friends" thing, but she was willing to try for Lucas.

"Um…I'm eleven."

Nathan nodded his head and expected her to expand her answer, but that was all she gave him.

"What do you like to do?"

Haley looked around hoping to see Lucas, but there was no sign of him. Haley sighed in frustration. She was never good at pretending.

"Look Nathan, I know that you're trying with Lucas and that's great and all, but I could care less about you. Let's just go back to pretending we don't know each other."

As soon as the words fell from Haley's lips she regretted them. The look of hurt in Nathan's eyes was evident and he scoffed and shook his head at her.

"You don't know anything about me."

Haley was caught off guard by his tone of voice and it reminded her all too well of Dan Scott. He then stood up and stormed out of the café. Lucas was going to be mad at her for running him off. Here he was at least trying to change and she was pushing him down. She could be such a bitch sometimes. Haley immediately ran after him down the sidewalk.

"Nathan wait! Wait up!"

Nathan couldn't believe she had said that and that she was only eleven years old. She was obviously very mature for her age. Nathan heard her calling for him and decided to stop. He turned around to see her gasping for air. Apparently, she wasn't a runner.

"Look…I'm sorry…I shouldn't have said that…let's start over."

Nathan was trying to listen, but he couldn't help the laughter that was bubbling from watching her struggle to get out full sentences. She looked like she was going to pass out.

Haley couldn't believe what she was hearing. He was laughing at her.

"How dare you laugh at me. I am trying to say I'm sorry here."

She saw that he was not even paying attention and she started heading back towards the café.

Nathan noticed she was leaving and immediately reached out for her arm. They both felt the electricity that shot up their arms, but they chose to ignore it. Nathan then changed his expression to a serious one.

"I'm sorry Haley. It's just you only ran like seven feet and you acted like you were dying. It was funny."

Haley heard the teasing tone in his voice and couldn't help the smile that graced her lips. He was right. She wasn't athletic at all.

"And I was listening to you and I accept your apology."

Haley smiled and shoved him in the chest.

"Don't laugh at a girl when she is trying to apologize. It's rude."

Nathan laughed at her and could tell she was teasing. The banter between them came natural and both looked at each other with questioning eyes. Neither knew what just happened, but it felt right. They both began walking towards the café again.

"You know Haley, I could take you running with me every morning. It might help you breathe a little better."

Haley looked up at him and he smirked and winked at her.

"Yeah right. The only thing that is worth running after is chocolate."

Nathan laughed at her comment. She was different from other girls. This conversation was different.

"But you ran after me."

Haley realized that was true and gave him her own smirk.

"Does that mean you find me as irresistible as chocolate?"

Haley knew this side of him. She had seen it displayed many times before with different girls, but something was different this time. It seemed real and she was going to take a chance on him because if Lucas saw goodness, then so could she.

"Don't flatter yourself."

They walked back into the café just as Lucas was going to their table.

"Hey, where did you guys go?"

Haley thought about telling Lucas what happened, but instead voted against it.

"No where. Nathan was just about to buy me a piece of chocolate cake."

Haley gave Nathan a devious smile and he went along with it. What happened between them was something they couldn't explain themselves, much less to Luke.

"Yeah Luke, come and join us."

Lucas could tell that something was different, but neither one of them said anything. Haley and Nathan then made their way to the counter and Lucas just looked on as they carried on a conversation. This is what he'd been wanting, but the fact that it happened so fast was a little weird. In fact, the whole thing was weird, but he was willing to see where it took them.

Nathan woke up from his deep sleep and the weird dream he had. He knew with Haley back in town that she was going to be making a lot of appearances in his dreams. He looked around and saw that he had fallen asleep on the couch and with the TV still on mute. Nathan searched for his watch and saw that he was only asleep for an hour. He decided he would go to bed and started to make his way to the stairs. As he passed the answering machine he saw that he had a message.

I must have been knocked out if I didn't hear the phone ring.

He pressed the button and heard Lucas saying that Jaime was so excited that he wanted to stay the night at his house and would give Nathan some alone time. Even though he missed his son, he knew he couldn't handle him coming home and talking about his night. He erased the message and made his way upstairs to what would probably be a sleepless night.


Haley finally settled into bed. It had been a hectic day and she was absolutely drained. The dinner was great and they had all planned to go to Tric sometime this week. She let her mind drift to Nathan and she knew she would have to face him soon and if she didn't, then Brooke most certainly will. Besides, his face would be in her dreams, like a constant reminder and she wondered if it was the same for him. She was truly happy to be back home, but as she tried to let sleep overtake her, it did not. Instead, like most nights, she laid awake…it was just another sleepless night with the blue eyed boy on her mind.