hey guys and girls. firstly i want to apologise for being so late in my update. i haven't really been inspired to write but i've been in a writing mood the last few days and i've managed to finsish this chapter, the next and part of chapter 11 so another should be soon but it depends on when this writing streak ends

heres chapter 9 i hope you like its not brilliant but please let me know what you think as it helps me write

Chapter 9

Nathan woke up with Haley in his arms. She was snuggled up to him and Nathan could not help but enjoy the feeling. Then it hit him. Nathan had always known he was attracted to Haley. He had been long before he had met her. However, the feel of Haley in his arms had made him realise how much he actually liked her. Nathan realised his feelings for Haley had gradually increased as he slowly got to know her. It was too late for him now. Nathan Scott officially liked Haley James.

Haley stirred in Nathan's arms as she woke up. She stopped moving when she noticed the position she was in. Nathan removed his arm and apologised but Haley brushed his apology away. She did not mind. It had been comforting, something she needed since the report of her stint in rehab had been unleashed. Haley got out of bed and got ready. She needed to talk to the press and tell them the truth. It was going to hurt but it was the only option she had.

Nathan got ready in the guest bathroom and waited in the lounge for Haley. As he sat on the couch watching the news, he wondered if he should tell Haley that he liked her. He was mentally listing the advantages and disadvantages when Haley herself came into the room. Haley immediately joined Nathan on the couch.

"Thanks for staying with me last night," she said, "I just need someone with me"

"I'm glad you trust me enough to let me stay with you" Nathan replied

"That's what's weird. I've only known you a few weeks Nathan and I can trust you more than some people I've known for years"

"I know what you mean"

Nathan's conscience started a battle in his head. 'Okay Nathan just tell her the truth. Or maybe ask her out. That would be a good idea. Just relax and tell her. It's only Haley'

'Haley James famous music star who a few weeks ago you hardly knew'

'But you know her now and that's the reason why you like her so go for it'

But before Nathan could say anything Haley had given Nathan a hug. He wrapped his arms around her instinctively. When she moved away Haley said, "You're a really good friend Nathan. I'm glad our friendship wasn't affected by what I told you"

Nathan felt his insides drop. She had just called him a friend and clearly thought their friendship was too important to break. So he put a smile on his face and sincerely said "What happened wasn't your fault and the world is going to know that"

"I told Brooke, Pey and my parents yesterday. They all freaked out and if that's anything to go by I don't know what to do"

"Haley," Nathan said, "Brooke, Peyton and your parents are probably the only people that really know the real you. I'm not surprised they were shocked. You and I both know that telling the truth is the only way to get through this"

Haley nodded and asked Nathan if he would be there when she told the press and consequently the world what had happened almost three and a half years ago. She picked up a notebook she used to write lyrics in and pulled out a piece of paper. She had written exactly what she needed to say at the press conference that would be held later that day. Keith had offered a conference room at Scott Entertainment for Haley and she had gladly accepted.

"Are you going to be there?" she asked shyly.

"Of course I am," Nathan said, shocked that she had had to ask him that question. "What did you think I was going to do? Leave you by yourself and watch it on TV"

Haley laughed at his comment. She should have known Nathan would be there for her. Just like she had known to trust him almost as soon as she had met him. Maybe it was because he was Keith Scott's son or that she had known a lot about him before she had met him. Either way Haley was glad Nathan was a part of her life. She needed him now in more ways than as a support system.

When they reached Scott Entertainment, Nathan and Haley were shown into a room adjoining the room Haley would shortly be making her statement from. Haley was nervous and Nathan could tell. She was pacing the length of the room and biting her bottom lip, a trait he had noticed when Haley was nervous or scared. Getting up from his seat Nathan walked into her path, stopping her pacing. She glanced at him before looking down to the piece of paper in her hand.

Nathan pulled Haley into a hug and felt her melt in his arms. When he pulled back he looked into her eyes and said, "It's going to be ok. Just read what you wrote and remember you don't have to answer any questions if you don't want to."

Haley nodded. She was clearly still scared. But when she was called into the press room she nodded her head determinedly and walked confidently to face the press.

Nathan followed into the room and noticed the vast numbers of reporters and photographers that had been packed into the room. He watched Haley walk onto the stage and stood behind a podium, several microphones attached to it. A call for silence was made and the room was silent except for the steady hum of the cameras recording and the clicks from the photographers.

"Thank you" Haley said "I would like to read a statement I have already prepared. The following information will explain the events that occurred the year before I released my first album. I would appreciate if you would keep your silence while I speak."

The room remained quiet and Haley continued "When I was fourteen I was dating a boy a year older than me. We went on a date on valentines day which ended in him raping me" Gasps of shock echoed through the room and the camera clicks became more frequent. A request for silence was put out and the room fell silent again.

"Thank you. Umm…" Haley said as she scanned the piece of paper, locating where she had stopped reading and continued, "I did not tell anyone what had happened but chose, stupidly, to turn to alcohol to help. I wanted to forget it had happened but I couldn't. My friends noticed how heavily I was drinking and when it became a concern for them they informed my parents.

"When I did not tell my parents why I had started drinking or promised to stop they chose to send me to the rehab centre. I spent six months there getting sober, beating my addiction but also receiving counselling for the trauma the event had caused me. In strict confidence, my therapist did not tell my parents or anyone else what had happened but advised me to tell someone instead. I said I would but I never did.

"During my time at rehab I turned to my love for music. I was constantly writing music and lyrics and several of the patients at the clinic advised me to pursue music as a career. I did not think it was possible but as my time in rehab lengthened I found it a more attractive idea.

"When I left rehab, I sent a CD of my music to the Scott Entertainment company and was signed shortly after. Mr Scott has been a great help in my career as well as the rest of the Scott Entertainment family and I thank them for all the support they have shown me in the last few days.

"I will not lie and say that I wanted the world to know this truth. But as the truth of my time in rehab came out I wanted to tell it especially to my fans. I hope I haven't let any of you down and I hope you will continue to show your love and support. I thank you all for coming and I would appreciate it if I could have my privacy while I deal with my problems. Thank you."

Haley walked quickly off the stage, ignoring the questions that were thrown her way, and into the adjoining room. Nathan immediately followed and gave her a hug. She returned it but quickly pulled out. Haley then announced to her agent and manager that she was going to go home. They gave her hugs before she left with Nathan in the car outside.

The next few days, Nathan spent hanging out with Haley. He barely left her house except to get clothes or if Haley needed to go to the studio. The paparazzi had mostly left the front of her house but a few were still positioned outside her home hoping to learn more about the incident. Haley had been sneaking out using the Scott mansion. Rachel, Bevin, Shelley and Teresa had made a few visits but had to stop when the press started to hound them for information.

Haley had been teaching Nathan how to cook. He had become a willing learner and had only burnt the food once when he had left to watch TV. Haley was teaching him how to make lasagne. They had put the dish in the oven and were washing up when Haley said, "I'm glad there's the wall at the back of the yard. It makes it a lot easier for you to come see me"

"I'm glad it's there because I do not want to walk down my driveway and up yours. Have you seen the length of them"

"Yeah that is true"

Nathan and Haley continued to talk as they finished cooking and ate. They learnt a lot about each other. Haley discovered more about Nathan and Lucas' life in Tree Hill and she envied him. Haley had Brooke and Peyton to keep her grounded but sometimes she missed being a normal teenager, but Haley knew that life in the public eye was inevitable as she continued to make music. However it was not stopping her from trying to avoid it as much as possible.

Nathan was glad he could spend time with Haley but he knew being cooped up in her house or at the studio was not doing any good. Haley needed to get out and confront her fears. Nathan knew Haley was scared of the paparazzi and what they would ask her if she went out in public but Nathan knew if she did not do it soon, the press would continue to talk until she did.

When they went to bed that night, Nathan decided to bring the subject up.

"Haley," he said drawing her attention to him as they lay in bed, "Do you think maybe we should go somewhere tomorrow?"

"Why?" she asked.

"We've been inside for days and I think it would be a good idea to go out."

"You can go out if you want, but I think I'll stay at home."

"They're not going to go away if you stay inside."

Haley turned to him resting her head in her hand as she lay on her side. She was shocked that he had been able to read her so easily. Yes, she was hiding from the press and the photographers and the questions, but she hadn't realised she'd been so obvious.

"I want to forget."

"It will only go away if you confront it. Trust me Hales."

Haley thought for a moment. "Will you help me forget?" she asked.

Nathan was not sure what she had in mind but he was willing to do anything. "Yeah of course I will," he said.

Haley reached up and kissed him.

okay that was chapter 9 i hope you liked it please review and let me know what you thought of the chapter