A/N: Please don't hate me for this chapter! All I can say is, Naley fans don't lose hope!
Graduation was already here which meant for Haley that she would have to survive two more years of high school without the three most important people in her life. Jake and Peyton would be headed off to Duke, while Nathan headed off to Ohio State. Everyone was being split up, so they all planned for a sort of going away party after graduation.
The graduation ceremony was rather an emotional time, especially for Haley, who sat in the audience as Jake, Nathan, and Peyton all received their diplomas. Afterwards everyone headed over to the James' house for the party that would never be forgotten.
"So how does it feel to be a graduate? I mean you guys all get to go off and do your own thing. Just do me a favor and don't forget about me," she said walking to her three favorite people.
"I think I speak for all of us. We could never forget you Hales, especially since you are the best sister I could have ever asked for," Jake replied giving her a hug.
Jake and Peyton went to go dance leaving her and Nathan alone. They had been acting like normal around each other, but inside they were driving themselves crazy with their mixed emotions.
Finally she spoke up, "So does this mean that you will come back and see me occasionally."
"Oh Hales, of course. After all, you will always be my favorite girl!" he said smiling.
"Then in that case, how about a dance?" she asked.
"Sure thing. You just lead the way sweet thing," he joked.
The two had been dancing off and on all night. With each song, it seemed that their bodies got closer and closer. Nathan began to get aroused and Haley was beginning to lose control of her emotions.
The two looked into each others eyes both wanting and needing the other. She was inching closer to his face as he could feel her breath getting closer to his neck when a crash came from the other side of the room.
He quickly backed away realizing what he almost just let happen, "I'm sorry, I gotta go Hales! I'll catch ya later," he said before heading out the door and unable to turn back because he knew he could not face the look that was now resting on her face. It was a mixture of confusion and hurt all mixed into one.
The crash had simply been some drunken guy stumbling over the edge of the coffee table, but to her it was the memory that would never leave her. She was knocked out of her trance when someone's arm draped around her shoulder.
"Hey Hales, what's with the glum look on your face? How about we go somewhere and talk," Peyton spoke rather quietly.
"Ok," she said agreeing and following Peyton into another room.
"So where's Nate? It looked like you two were getting pretty intimate on the dance floor," she asked sort of worried of the answer due to Haley's expression.
"He left," she simply stated before tears poured down her face.
Peyton hugged her knowing that yet again Nathan let his pride get in the way of actually expressing to her how he felt.
"I'm sorry Hales," she tried reassuring her.
"That's what he said before he walked out," Haley said in rather a low whisper. The two girls just stood there as Peyton held her.
"There's my two favorite girls," Jake said walking into the room before noticing that Haley was crying, "Hales, what's wrong?"
Peyton just looked over at him and mouthed "Nate."
"Oh Hales, come here," Jake said taking her into his arms.
In his mind, he knew this day would come, but what he also knew is that he was the reason for it. If he had only listened to Peyton in the first place, his sister would be with the one she wanted.
"This is all my fault," Jake whispered in her hair.
She looked up and replied, "No it's not! I should have known he only thought of me in a 'little sister' way. I ignored that feeling and still went after him. I only caused myself pain."
"Hales, you know he cares about you. I could talk to him if you want," he said trying to cheer her up.
"No he's leaving for college tomorrow. Maybe it is better this way," she said trying to convince him that she was ok.
Meanwhile Nathan got back to his house in a complete mess. "How could I have crossed that line, damnit! I knew better and to know I hurt her, only makes this worse. I'm such an ass for even leading her on like that!" he said out loud.
He would be leaving for Ohio tomorrow morning. He knew he would not be able to tell her goodbye especially after tonight's events. He had to get away, away from everything and everyone that reminded him of her. This night would forever haunt him.
He began to pack his bags as quickly as he could. He knew Jake would probably find out what happened and probably hate him for what he had done. He sat down and did the only thing he thought was the right thing: write her a letter.
"Dear Hales, I'm sorry for so many things right now. I know that what happened between us tonight really hurt you. I'm sorry that I lead you on. I should have known better than to cross that line. It was wrong of me to do. I know you may never forgive me for the pain that I've caused you and I completely understand. I am kicking myself in the ass because for as long as I've known you I've done everything to try and protect you and it seems it was me that you needed to be protected from. There are just so many things right now I wish I could tell you, but nothing seems appropriate. I think it is best if I leave town and for you to forget about me, even though I will never forget you. I love you Hales! And tell Jake that I'm sorry too especially since he probably wants to kick my ass right now. I hope you all the best. Love, Nate."
He folded up the letter, sealed it into an envelope, and wrote her name on front. He picked up his bags and loaded them into his truck. He then told his parents bye and headed to the James' house for one last time. He placed the letter in the mailbox and drove away leaving the love of his life and best friend behind.