"Mr. Scott… wha…what are you doing here?" I asked stuttering as an evil smirk appeared on his face. I never could understand how someone like Dan Scott could reproduce and create great guys like Nathan and Lucas.

"Surprised to see me Haley? I know I was shocked to find out you were in town. I never thought I'd see that pretty little face of yours running around my town again. Not to mention going around, confusing my son." He said smirking as I folded my arms across my chest.

"Confusing your son? I don't think I know what you're talking about Mr. Mayor." I said sitting on the couch and this time I smirked. It quickly turned into a scowl when he sat down across from me not only uninvited but in my mother's chair. God I hate this guy.

"Well, it seems like your little chat with Nathan has him asking questions. Next he'll be showing up here looking for answers. And if Nathan shows up unexpectedly…then he might find out your little secret." Dan said chuckling as I visibly paled. Oh god! I never even thought of that. Nathan can't come here! "We wouldn't want Nathan finding out what you've tried so hard to keep quiet now would we?" He said still laughing. "Where is my granddaughter anyway? I think I'd like to meet her."

"No. You told me to get lost and I did. Nathan can't and won't find out about her and you're never to come here again. Please leave." I said standing as he crossed his legs, getting more comfortable. "I said leave."

"I'm not done talking to you yet Ms. James."

"Well I'm done listening. There's a cop in the kitchen…don't make me get him." I threatened as Dan chuckled once again.

"I run this town Ms. James. Do you really think your sisters little boyfriend is going to scare me."

"No? What about Nathan finding out his daddy bribed his pregnant girlfriend with 10 grand? Does that scare you Mr. Mayor?"

"You wouldn't tell him Haley. You were a scared little girl then and your still one now. You're too afraid of what Nathan would think of you. Maybe while you're at it you should tell him you never took my money. But you did take his daughter."

"You told me to!" I yelled stepping closer to the chair as he smirked. Don't loser your cool James. Deep breath. Ah screw it. Sock him. "You told me to get as far away as I could that night. You told me I would ruin his life if I stayed and had the baby. God! I was so stupid! So naïve. I actually believed what you said." I said as he stood up and walked towards me.

"You believed me because it was true. Nathans playing for the NBA now, the Lakers. He couldn't have done it with a baby on his hip A wife. You would have ruined his life and you know it, Ms. James…"

"So you ruined it for him." I sneered out as the smirk vanished from his face and was replaced with a scowl.

"I got rid of you and the little brat didn't I. Nathan never would have wanted her. He would have dropped you like a fly. I'm sure you've seen him on TV and in magazines. They don't mean anything to him Haley darling." He said leaning close before whispering, "And neither did you."

"Get out of my house. Now!" I yelled pointing to the door as he took as step back and smiled. Just hold it together for a couple more minutes Haley. Boy, what I would give to punch him right now.

"Stay away from Nathan, Haley. He doesn't need you coming around causing anymore problems for anyone. Just remember our little agreement. Leave town. Don't stay long." He said walking towards the door. He turned around and smiled at me before adding, "It was nice to see you again Ms. James. Been a pleasure."

As soon as the door closed behind him I fell to the floor like a puddle and tried to calm myself. I hate Dan Scott. I can't just pick up and leave again, can I? No…Lee loves it here. God Haley, get a grip. Don't let him get to you again. Maybe I should just talk to Nathan. Straighten this whole thing out….no! That's crazy talk. Don't be stupid!

"Haley!" Taylor yelled, rushing out of the kitchen. She sat on the floor in front of me and had her 'You're busted' face on.

"Snoop" I said angrily as she folded her arms across her chest.

"How the hell could you get involved with guy like Dan Scott?"

"How could a guy threaten an 18 year old pregnant girl?" Kyle asked sitting next to us as I smiled. New guy. Obviously he doesn't know Mayor Scott very well.

"'It's a long painful story. Tay, I don't wanna get into it now.

"But…"

"Drop it. Please Taylor. Not now." I continued when she opened her mouth to say something.

"Fine. But we are going to talk about it."

I just groaned and lay back on the floor and stared at the ceiling. It was going to be a long night.

Nathan lay on his bed, listening to the wave's crash on the beach below his window. It was past midnight but he had yet to get any sleep. Every time he closed his eyes Haley's face would appear. So there he lay staring at the ceiling, alone.

That's when he heard it. A crash, one that sounded like it came from the side of the house. He jumped out of bed, clothed only in navy silk boxers, and grabbed a bat from the doorway. He sprinted down the stairs and threw the front door open, bat over his shoulder. He saw a shadowy figure sitting on his porch next to a broken flower pot. He flipped the porch light on and was shocked at who he saw.

"Haley?"

I looked up at Nathan with tears running down my cheeks, blurring my vision.

"Haley what are you…are you ok?" He asked as he leaned his bat against the doorframe and walked over to me. I was in too much pain to think of the consequences and shook my head no and pointed to my slightly swollen ankle. He bent down next to me and moved the broken flower pot away and then slipped a hand under my knees and put the other behind my back and lifted me off the ground. My arms linked around his neck as he walked inside, kicked the door shut behind him, and walked into the living room, placing me lightly on the couch. Without a word he put my swollen foot on the coffee table and then stalked out of the room. Smooth Hales. Not only were you sneaking around his house at 1 am but you were caught. And now god has punished you with a broken ankle. Great.

Nathan walked back in, hands full, just as I was standing to leave. In one hand he had a bag of ice and in the other he had a glass of water and a bottle of pills. He quickly rushed over to me and nudged me until I was sitting again.

"You really should stay seated for awhile." He said, speaking for the first time, as he placed the bag of ice on the side of my ankle.

"I'm sorry if I woke you. I wanted to talk to you then, but when I finally got the courage to and got here I looked at my watch and…well, you know. It's late and dark. I tripped over…I'm so sorry. I'll pay for it. I swear. God! I'm such a klutz. I'm…"

"Sorry. Yeah I got that." He said shaking his head, laughing slightly. He plopped down on the couch next to me still laughing. "You're still a rambler."

"You're still an ass who teases me in embarrassing situations." I commented as he laid his head against the back of the couch and looked up at the ceiling.

"This is what I've been doing for the past 2-3 hours." He said as I looked over at him then up as well.

"Harassing childhood friends?" I joked as he laughed. Man was that a sexy laugh.

"Thinking….about a certain childhood friend, who just showed up out of the blue and jumbled up all my thoughts. Then she showed up here and broke my favorite flower pot. Women."

"The nerve." I mumbled, leaning foreword to grab the water and pill bottle. Dan was right. What am I doing here? Screwing with him is what I'm doing. Just make some excuse to leave. Taylor might be worried by now…

"Listen Nate I…what are you doing?" I asked jumping slight as I felt his hand touch my lower back.

"23." He said simply, looking at my smaller back then up at me. Instinctively my hand went and covered the spot he was talking about. Stupid, stupid Haley. He's never seen it before. I knew I never should have come here…

"Oh that. It's nothing. I have to go. Sisters you now? Of course you don't. All you have is Lucas, but I know. And I know I have to go. Now." I said going to stand up but his hand grabbed my arm, keeping me where I was.

"When did you get that?" He asked as I searched his eyes for any emotion. Hurt, confusion, rage. Kinda like the first time he saw me outside the Café. And by the way they were getting darker I knew which was more powerful.

"Senior year, ok. The end of it. Right before I left."

"How come I never knew?" He asked as I tried to free my arm from his grasp. An angry Nathan was not a fun Nathan and that's not what I needed.

"I never got around to it."

"No? You never got around to it? My god damn jersey number is on your ass and yet you still left. Why Haley? Huh? Or was the tattoo just for memories." He said with venom in his voice as it grew slightly louder and his grip got slightly tighter.

"No. I was going to show you, tell you…but like I said yesterday I had my reasons. Nathan, let go please. You're hurting my arm."

"You had your reasons. Well isn't that nice. Haley James had her reasons so she didn't care who she hurt in the process. I loved you Haley." He ranted angrily as I stopped struggling. Oh god. This wasn't on the menu either. Why do I always do things that go against the plan?

"Nathan….listen. Let go of me and let's talk about this rationally." I said trying to move as he gripped my other arm and turned me towards him. God, I really hate this position.

"You hurt me like hell Haley. And you wanna talk rationally? You're the one with the secrets and the supposed reasons. Why don't you share them with the class Haley? I was knee deep in love with you. I ate, slept, and breathed Haley. When you left…" He cut off abruptly and shook his head. I took a deep breath when he opened his mouth again. I had no idea what to expect next. "Say something god damn it. Or was everything between us a lie. Is that why you left? Huh Haley? Answer me?" He yelled shaking me as I shook my head. The rest was a big blur as sobs started coming out and I couldn't seem to get them back.

"Please…just let go." I pleaded the best I could as Nathan quickly dropped his arms to his side and just starred at me, shocked. He stood like that for a minute with me sobbing in front of him before picking me up, sitting down, and placing me in his lap. I turned my head so it was in the crook of his neck and tried to calm myself down.

"I'm so sorry Haley. I was upset about everything and I let my temper get the best of me. I shouldn't have yelled at you. I'm sorry." Nathan said brushing my hair with his hands as I took a couple deep breaths.

"It wasn't you. It's me." I mumbled into his neck and as I inhaled again I took in his scent. Oh boy. I felt him shake his head and bring me back down to the real world.

"I scared you…."

"No. It was the shaking thing. I don't do well with it." I said forcing out a laugh. "I just got out of a ….never mind." I said clearing my throat as I thought about what I was just about to say. Just shut up James and speak when you're spoken to. Man, I've heard that command before. And don't tell Nathan Scott anything about your past…but he is your past…

"Haley?" Nathan startled me from my thoughts.

"Sorry. I was just thinking."

"About." He prompted, still playing with my hair.

I hesitated before responding, "Nothing. I really should be going. Tay is going to be worried sick."

"Haley…"

"Nathan. Please, just drop it." Sheesh. Déjà vu.

"Fine. I'll drive you home." He said standing up, placing me gently on the floor.

"But…'

"No buts. I'm driving you home. You can come get your car tomorrow. End of discussion." He said stalking off as I huffed as placed my hands on my hips. He and Taylor should really team up or something.

"Well, thanks for the ride. It's been fun." I said reaching for the door handle. More like awkward. There were a lot of uncomfortable silences or stupid small talk. Like, we've been having nice weather lately kind of talk. It was horrible. I don't think I remember ever having any awkward silences with Nathan. I guess that just proves how much things have changed.

"What happened tonight Haley?" Nathan questioned softly. So softly, that I almost didn't hear him. So softly, that I closed my door and turned to face him.

"I guess I just freaked. You were angry and I was in pain and…I don't know. I just started crying."

"I've been mad at you before. And you've always fought back. God, I can't even remember the last time I saw you cry. You don't cry. Let alone sob." This is true. But then again crying always gets guys to stop what there doing. Unless there selfless bastards. It's a good test ladies.

"People do change Nathan. You don't know me anymore. Maybe I cry over everything now." I pointed out as he glared at me. Great, here we go again.

"I highly doubt that. And who knows…maybe I want to get to know you again." Whoa freeze. Didn't see that one coming.

"Really?" he opened his mouth to answer but was cut off by a tap on the window. I jumped and turned as Nathan rolled down the window.

"Haley. Nathan, hi." Taylor said smiling sweetly as Nathan nodded.

"Gotta go. Mommy beckons." I joked as he laughed and Taylor huffed in annoyance. I leaned over and kissed his cheek.

"I would really love to get to know you too. Totally up to you though. No pressure." I added as he chuckled and nodded.

We watched him drive away before the cheesy grin appeared on her face.

"Taking a drive. You left like 3 and a 1/2 hours ago. I was worried."

"Sorry mommy. I didn't do anything you wouldn't." I said as she laughed and shook her head.

"We'll talk later. And you are so grounded young lady. Just one more thing…did you tell him?" She asked as we walked inside.

"No." I answered simply as she hung her head and sighed.

"Alright. Another time. There's a message for you on the machine from like 11:30 or so and I want full details tomorrow…today. Whatever." She said shaking her head causing me to laugh. I was just about to walk away when she grabbed my hand. "I love you Hales, get some sleep alright?"

"I love you to sis." I said smiling and nodding as I walked towards the machine. Who knows I'm here.

"11:47…Hey Hales…miss me baby…."

"Oh god. Brett."