AN: Hey everyone! Sorry it has taken me so long to post another chapter. Life has been crazy as of late. Work has been keeping me plenty busy as did summer. I have had chapter 10 done for sometime but wasn't able to post it due to my new dog Rocky. He actually ate the power cord to my laptop. I will have you all know that he is happy and healthy as ever. how he managed not to get shocked is still a mystery to me which i am thankful for. Replacing a power cord is easy but a dog not so much. With that being said i didn't have time to get this checked over by a beta reader. I wanted to get this posted as soon as i could. So here it is Chapter 10. I Hope you enjoy!

I own nothing. Everything in this story belongs to the creator of One Tree Hill and the CW

It was early evening Thursday. Haley had been released from the hospital Wednesday morning. She was cleared but was still told to take it easy so she was. She was sitting on Nathan's couch with Duke in her lap watching television. Nathan was at physical therapy. She was happy he was doing better. His sling came off Wednesday afternoon. The swelling was gone so the therapist thought it no longer necessary but he still had limited use with it.

Haley still hadn't told him her news. In all honesty she didn't know how to bring it up. So she had been having an inner battle with herself. She was brought out of her thoughts when she heard the front door.

"Hales, I am home and I got pizza." Nathan finished as he walked straight for the kitchen setting the pizza down on the counter and then going to the living room to see Haley.

Haley smiled. "Hey Nathan how did therapy go?" she asked as she stood up and walked towards him.

Nathan smiled. "It was great. Lots of stretching but I actually got to use weights." Nathan said with excitement.

Haley laughed "That's awesome." She said as she gave him a hug and a kiss.

"How are you doing?" Nathan questioned as he pulled out of the hug to look at her.

Haley shrugged as she answered. "I'm fine. No headache and I actually slept really great last night." Haley said with a small smile "but can we please eat now I'm starving" Haley stated as she looked up at Nathan.

Nathan nodded. "Yeah lets eat." He finished as he turned and walked towards the kitchen with Haley following.

Haley got them both cola's from the fridge while Nathan got the plates. They were both soon sitting and eating in comfortable silence. Nathan was reading the paper and Haley was just eating trying to figure out how to tell him what she had on her mind.

It wasn't an easy subject. How do you tell your husband you were in love with another man while he was gone? Just as she was about to attempt to tell him Nathan's cell phone rang.

Nathan picked it up and glanced to see who was calling and made a face. With the flick of his finger he ignored the call and placed it back on the table.

"Who was that?" Haley asked

Nathan shrugged. "My mom for like the hundredth time today." He said in a frustrated tone.

This caused Haley to laugh. "What does she want?" Haley questioned

Nathan made a face as he answered. "She keeps asking me what I want to do for my birthday."

Haley bit the inside of her cheek she had completely forgot with everything else that his birthday was Sunday. Quickly she shook her head. "Right. Your birthday Sunday. What did you want to do boyfriend?" she quickly asked.

Nathan shook his head as he answered. "Honestly nothing. I just want to sit at home with you and Duke and do nothing." Nathan said as he used his napkin to wipe the sides of his mouth.

Haley shook her head. "Why? You have spent enough time away and should want to spend it with friends and family. Your mom wants that and I could understand why she does."

Nathan sighed he did see Haley's point. "Alright I guess I will call my mom back after I'm done eating." Nathan said as he picked up his slice and took another bite.

Haley smiled and nodded. "Good." Haley had to go call Peyton she had an idea and was hoping her and Peyton could pull it together before Sunday. "Well I gotta go call Peyton." Haley said as she quickly stood up.

"Why?" Nathan questioned as he watched Haley rinse off her plate and put it in the dish washer.

This caught her off guard. But she quickly thought of something. "Peyton was here this morning. She forgot her wedding book. So I figured I would call her and let her know that I have it so she doesn't freak out thinking she lost it." Haley said.

Nathan nodded. "Okay. When I'm done eating and have called my mom I am going to take Duke for a walk." He finished as he took another bite of his pizza.

Haley shook her head. "What about your shoulder? Can you handle him?" she said as she pointed to Duke who just looked at her and barked as he lay by the sliding door off the kitchen.

This caused Nathan to laugh. "Hales this isn't the firr… I mean yes I can. He and I will be okay. I promise I can handle him." Nathan said quickly and smirked

Haley shook her head knowing what he was about to say. She felt uncomfortable with that knowledge but let it slide. So she slowly smiled back. "I know what you were going to say Scott. You're lucky you are cute but watch it." She said as she pointed at him and turned and started to walk away.

He laughed louder this time as he watched her walk away. He quickly finished his pizza and tried to call his mom back. He got her voicemail so he left a message for her to call him back. He then quickly cleaned the kitchen and got Dukes leash to take him for a walk.

Haley quickly after leaving Nathan in the kitchen rushes to her room and grabs her phone. She then proceeds to shut the door. She then turns and dials Peyton's and Lucas's home number. After a few rings a groggy sounding Lucas answers.

"Hello?" Lucas said into the receiver.

"Luke, its Haley. Were you sleeping?" she questioned

Lucas yawns into the receiver before he answers. "Yeah I was. I came home from work with a headache. So I decided to lie down and I must have fallen asleep. Anyway what's up?" he questions.

"I am actually looking for Peyton is she there?" Haley asks

"No she's at Tric until late tonight. Why?" Lucas asks

Haley sighs. "I feel horrible. Do you know what Sunday is?" she questions Lucas hoping he doesn't know the answer.

Lucas chuckles already knowing. "It's Nathan's Birthday. Why did you forget?" he questions her back.

Haley scoffs. "Luke this isn't funny I am the worst girlfriend/wife ever. How could I have forgotten his Birthday?" Haley states in a remorseful tone.

This causes Lucas to stop laughing as he hears the stress and remorse in her voice. "Relax Hales. It isn't until Sunday. We still have time if you wanted to plan something." Lucas says.

"You think?" Haley questions hopefully.

"Of course." Lucas says automatically. "In fact can you meet me at Tric in twenty minutes? We can talk with Peyton. I am sure she can make something happen. In fact I am more than positive that my mom would be okay with us doing something for him there Sunday if you wanted." Lucas finished.

Haley sighed relieved. "Yes I can meet you. Nathan's taking Duke for a walk and I will leave him a note."

"Okay great. See you in twenty." Lucas states.

"Alright thanks Luke see you soon." She says and she hangs up her phone. She then pulls open the bedroom door and heads down the stairs towards the kitchen.

She smiles when she finds Nathan already gone. She grabs the note pad by the phone and scribbles a quick note for Nathan and then hurry's out the door with her purse and keys in hand.

Haley pulls up to already find Lucas waiting for her in the parking lot. She smiles at him as she takes the spot next to his car. Putting it in park she steps out.

"Hey Luke." She says as she steps out of her car closing the door.

"Hey." Lucas says as they start walking towards the entrance together.

They walk in and go straight to Peyton's office. Peyton is just getting off the phone and looks up and smiles. "Lucas, Haley what a wonderful surprise is Nathan here too."

With that Haley goes instantly red as Lucas laughs. "No Haley kind of needs your help." Lucas says as he plants a kiss on Peyton's lips.

"With that kind of greeting from you anything." Peyton says to Lucas. She then looks to Haley. "What do you need girly? Did you tell Nathan what you needed to tell him" she questions with an arched eyebrow.

Haley sighs. "No I haven't. I forgot Nathan's Birthday is Sunday and I was hoping we could do something for him here." Haley says in a hopeful tone.

"Haley!" Peyton shrieks

"What haven't you told Nathan Hales?" Lucas questions feeling left out of the loop.

Haley covers her face. "I know. I'm sorry I was going to tell him but then this whole Birthday mess popped up." She says to Peyton completely ignoring Lucas's question.

Peyton catches this and smiles as Lucas looks between her and Haley. She then turns to Lucas and say's. "She hasn't told Nate about Nick yet."

"Peyton!" Haley yells as she watches Lucas's eyes practically pop out of his head.

Lucas then turns to Haley. "How are you two "dating" when you haven't talked about that kind of stuff?" Lucas asks using air quotes around dating.

Haley lets out a frustrated groan. "We did okay. Well he did. He hasn't been with anyone else since we got married Luke. I have tried many times to tell him but things keep popping up and stopping me from telling him." Haley finished with a shrug.

Lucas shook his head as he spoke. "Haley you can't tell him then."

Peyton then stood up from behind her desk. "Luke she has too. They are trying to rebuild a relationship. Honesty is part of that. You out of everyone should know that better than anyone" Peyton finished with her hands on her hips.

"Luke I am going to tell him. He and I have to learn to trust each other again. We can't do that if we aren't honest with each other." Haley finished as she dragged a hand through her hair.

"Hales I under stand that. If you tell him you're going to crush him. He already has a weak heart and it will just kill him." Lucas said shaking his head and running a hand through his hair.

Haley gasped she honestly had never thought about that. Peyton just threw her head back and laughed. Lucas and Haley both turned and looked at her like she was crazy. Peyton then stopped realizing how morbid she sounded.

She then explained. "Nathan will be fine it's not like he is made of glass. He is on his medication. Besides he left for you to move on. You tried and couldn't." Peyton said with a shrug

Lucas shook his head. "I still don't like this." He stated as he sat down.

"Oh shut up Luke. Peyton is right. I am going to tell him and soon. But what about Sunday?" she asked looking back at Peyton.

Peyton smiled. "I am sure we can pull something together. Let's get to work." Peyton finished as they all took a seat and started planning Nathan a surprise birthday party.

Nathan returned to the house forty five minutes later. He unlocks the front door and quickly goes in. He walks into the kitchen and finally releases Duke from his leash. Duke then quickly goes to his water dish.

Nathan chuckles. "I know how you feel boy." Nathan says as he walks to the fridge and grabs water. As he shuts the door he notices a note left by Haley. He quickly reads it then walks to the living room. He then sits and turns on the television. However a binder catches his attention. He frowns. "Huh Haley said she was taking this to Peyton." He says as he bends to retrieve it. He opens it and sure enough it's a wedding planning book. Thinking she must have forgotten it he puts it back on the coffee table and then rises to fetch his keys. As he returns with keys in his hand he grabs the binder and is headed for the door.

However when he opens the door to leave he is met with two people he wasn't expecting to see until late afternoon tomorrow.

Clay and Sarah are on the other side. Smiling at him as he looks both shocked and surprised to see them. They laugh with each other. "Nate it is so good to see you." Sarah says as she steps forward to hug him. As she pulls back Clay speaks. "Yeah man we couldn't wait to see you so we both took personal days and got an earlier flight. How are you?" Clay asks as he and Nathan do there manly handshake.

"Wow this is a surprise. I am good." Nathan finished with a huge smile on his face. "Come on in." he says as he steps aside for them to enter.

Duke hears this and comes running straight for Sarah. She bends down and greets him. "So how long are you two staying?" Nathan asks and he and Clay watch Sarah interact with Duke.

"We will be here until Tuesday Nate." Clay says and he then pats Duke on the head as Sarah stands. Sarah then notices the binder in Nathan's hands. "What's that Nate?" she questions as she points.

Nathan looks down and then smiles. "This is my friend Peyton's wedding planning book. Haley was supposed to take it with her when she left but she forgot it. So I was going to take it to her." Nathan finished still smiling.

"Oh could we go with you?" Sarah asks looking between Nathan and Clay.

Nathan looked to Clay who just shrugged and chuckled. "Your call, Nate."

Nathan then nodded. "Put your bags inside and let's go." Nathan said as he stepped out onto the porch. Clay and Sarah left there bags to the side of the entrance way and followed Nathan out. Sarah got into the back seat as Clay took the front with Nathan driving.

Once inside he pulled out and headed towards town knowing she would be at Tric with Peyton. They made small talk on the way and catching up, Clay told Nathan about the updates on the case. Nathan swallowed hard once Clay told him he had a price on his head.

After a few more minutes they pulled into Tric right next to Haley's car. They all quickly got out and started towards the entrance Nathan had the binder in hand. "Huh Peyton, Lucas, and Haley are here. That's odd." Nathan said

Clay and Sarah just looked at each other. As they continued to follow Nathan into Tric, and towards the back to an office area.

Nathan knocked as he entered as three sets of eyes shot up quickly. They then all scrambled to cover something "Nathan!" Haley stated in surprise as she got up.

"What are you doing here?" She questioned as she hugged him.

Nathan chuckled "You left this at home you goof so I decided to bring it to you." Nathan stated as he showed her the binder. "Isn't this why you came to see Peyton?" Nathan questioned as he handed her the binder.

"Oh yes! Thank you. I cant believe I ran out and forgot it. How silly of me." Haley said

"I can believe it. I have heard stories" Clay said with a chuckle with Sarah standing slightly behind Clay.

Haley then looked. "Clay, Sarah you're here early." Haley said as she walked up to hug them both as Nathan went to hug Lucas and Peyton.

"Yeah but we wanted to surprise Nathan for his birthday." Sarah said as she hugged Haley.

"It's good to see you two." Haley said as she pulled out of the hug. Sarah noticed a flash of guilt run through Haley's eyes but quickly recovered.

"We are happy to be here." Sarah finished as Clay nodded.

Peyton then spoke up. "Finally my wedding binder. Thanks for bringing this Nate." Peyton said as Haley walked over and handed it to her with Sarah and Clay following.

"Can't believe you forgot this Hales." Peyton stated playing along with the forgotten part.

"Yeah silly me." Haley added

"So what were you guys doing?" Nathan asked.

Haley shook her head as she answered. "Just going over wedding details with Lucas and Peyton."

Nathan looked surprised as he then turned to Lucas. "You actually have an opinion and it's valued?" he asked

This caused Lucas to laugh. "Oh god no. I just nod and go along with whatever this sexy lady wants." Lucas finished with a laugh and he wrapped an arm around Peyton.

This caused everyone in the room to laugh. "Seems you have trained him well." Clay stated to Peyton as she nodded causing everyone to laugh again.

"So what does everyone say to getting a drink?" Haley asked looking at everyone.

Clay was the first to speak. "I say let's do it!" he said as he turned and started out of the office and towards the bar with everyone following behind.

Two hours later they were all sitting at a booth having a great time. Nathan was taking his time and on his second beer. He couldn't help but notice how many Haley had. She was drinking three to his one. Every time he went to ask if something was bothering her she would brush it off and say it was nothing. Feeling defeated he excused himself to use the restroom. He was getting frustrated because he knew something was bothering her.

Once he was out of ear shot Sarah finally spoke. "So you three what is going on?" she questioned.

Lucas fake coughed as Haley quickly looked the other way and Peyton rolled her eyes.

"What are you talking about?" Haley questioned not sure of how much Sarah knew.

Clay shook his head as he asked. "What was with the deer in headlights look you three gave us when we walked into the office."

"Yeah it was strange. And Haley you have been acting strange all night." Sarah finished taking a drink of her beer.

Haley sighed as she was really starting to feel the effects off all that she had had to drink. "We were planning Nathan a surprise Birthday party for Sunday." Haley said quickly looking towards the bathrooms to make sure Nathan wasn't heading back to the table yet.

Clay and Sarah both laughed. "Really! That's awesome." Clay stated as Sarah started clapping her hands.

Haley began to tell them a little more about it and they started asking questions again. However she saw Nathan walking towards them again. "Nathan's coming I will fill you in more later." Haley finished just as Nathan reached the table and sat down. She was relieved however because she really didn't have much more information at the moment.

Brooke was dead tired as she dragged her suitcase into the house. She had only been away for a week and it felt like she had been gone years. She was supposed to stay in New York for another week. But having heard that Haley had gotten hurt she rearranged some things so she could come home early. She dropped the bag into the entry way and went towards the kitchen for a water.

She pulled a water from the fridge opened it and took a few big sips of the crisp clean and refreshing water. When she turned she noticed that the answering machine was blinking. She reached over and hit the play button and continued to drink her water. "Haley, It's Nick. Look I know it has been a few years but I am actually on military leave right now and would really love a chance to see you. I hope to see you around. Oh and Haley I still love you!"

Knowing she had to warn Haley she grabbed her cell phone to make the call. However Haley's cell went straight to voice mail. She cursed as she looked for Nathan's number and hated that she didn't have it yet. She quickly sent an message to Peyton then grabbed her keys. Maybe they were at Nathan's.

However as she was passing Tric she seen everyone's car in the parking lot. Knowing she had found them she quickly pulled in. As she got out of her car she noticed Nathan at the top of the steps on his cell. She quickly made her way towards him.

"So did you all miss me?" Nathan questioned as he took a drink out of his beer.

"Hell no." Clay stated as Sarah slapped his arm and Haley sent him a glare causing Nathan to chuckle.

"Anyone hungry? Hales you want to come with me to order?" Nathan asked as he noticed Haley drinking another beer. He knew something was bothering her he just didn't know what. When ever he would ask her she would say she was fine and then jump into another conversation.

Everyone at the table said no, so Nathan sat back feeling defeated. Knowing he was going to be the designated driver he decided to stop drinking. After a few more minutes, a few of them got up to dance leaving Nathan and Haley alone at the table. Nathan sent a smile her way and felt a little bit of relief when she smiled back.

"Hales since Clay and Sarah are here early and I haven't made up the other spare bedroom you can crash in my room and I will take the couch." Nathan said with a smile.

Haley then started to giggle. In her drunken stupor she responded. "Nathan we are old enough to sleep in the same bed. In fact isn't that what some couples do?" She questioned with a hiccup and a wink.

Nathan thought carefully for a moment before he answered. "Well I figured you wanted some space. You haven't been acting right all night. Every time I try to ask you something you shut me down or change the subject. So let me ask you again, what's wrong?" He finished looking straight at her.

Haley blinked and sighed. "nothing " Haley finished as she bit her tongue. She was going to tell him about Nick but chickened out and that was the only other thing she could think of.

Looking up and hating the look of defeat on Nathan's face she stood up. She held out her had to him as she spoke "Dance with me." She asked as a slow song started.

Nathan nodded as he put his hand in hers as she led them to the dance floor. Once on the dance floor Haley wrapped her arms around his neck and his arm circled her waist. "We were planning a surprise Birthday party for you. I forgot it was your birthday Sunday. I feel horrible, I'm sorry." Haley said as they swayed to the music.

Nathan chuckled. "Well that blows the surprise Hales."

Haley laughed. "Yeah I guess it kind of does, but could you at least act surprised?" Haley questioned looking up into Nathan's eyes.

Nathan smiled. "Sure. But, is this why you have been acting strange all night?" Nathan questioned back.

Haley nodded. "Yes, but that's not all. Look there is something I have to tell you and it's not going to be easy. I need you to know this but you also have to promise to not freak out." Haley stated as she looking pleadingly into Nathan's eyes.

Nathan nodded. "I promise to not "freak out" Hales. What is it?" Nathan questioned using air quotes.

Haley looked down and then back up and Nathan it was now or never. "Nathan I…" she started but Nathan's cell phone started to ring cutting her off.

Nathan pulled away to check his cell. He was going to send it to voice mail until he seen that it his Captain calling. "Hales please hold that thought. I have to take this it's my boss." Nathan finished as he started walking away answering his phone along the way.

Feeling defeated she walked to stand in line to get a water.

Nathan was currently standing at the top of the steps. He had just finished his phone call with his boss and was about to turn and go back inside when his phone rang again. It was his mom. So he decided to talk with her. Out of the corner of his eye he saw that a group of guys were entering the bar. He noticed that they all had crew cuts and figured they must be soldiers on leave. He nodded and smiled as they all walked past.

As Nathan hung up from his phone call with his mom he noticed Brooke walking towards him. "Davis! Welcome back. How was New York?" He questioned and he met her with a hug at the top of the steps.

Brooke smiled. "It was good. How are you?" Brooke questioned as she pulled out of the hug to look at him.

Nathan smiled. "I'm great. Come on lets go get a drink." Nathan said as he wrapped his arm around Brooke and led her into Tric.

He led Brooke to the table where everyone but Haley was now seated. "Hey Nate, hey Brooke." Everyone greeted As they sat down.

Clay then looked at Nathan "Hey Nate I ordered this for you. Call it an early gift." Clay said as he slid a glass of amber liquid towards him. Nathan nodded in thanks.

As Brooke was being greeted by everyone he was looking around and quickly he spotted Haley getting a water. He was about to look away when something caught his eye. One of the military guys he had seen walking in was standing behind Haley with a huge smile on his face. Nathan noticed how good the guy looked. He knew he was military because of the crew cut hair style and the fact that the guy had a tattoo of what he knew was a symbol for the marines on his left arm. He just wasn't sure what it was from the distance.

Nathan watched as Haley grabbed the water turned around stopped and spotted this guy. Automatically Nick threw his arms around Haley and picked her up and was twirling her around. Then set her back down. They talked animatedly about something. Nathan couldn't see Haley's face but he knew soldier boy was enjoying himself.

Haley's body language was tense that he could tell so he decided to go over and save her. "Stupid crew cut." He muttered as he got up and picked up his glass of scotch and started towards Haley. However as he got closer Haley suddenly turned and started toward the table. She locked eyes with Nathan but was halted in her tracks.

Nathan watched helplessly as crew cut grabbed Haley and pulled her back to him. He wrapped her in another hug. Just when he thought crew cut was pulling out of the hug he started kissing Haley. He knew automatically Haley wasn't into it because she was trying to shove him off.

This angered Nathan. "What the fuck do you think you are doing ass hole?" Nathan screamed as he came rushing forward. Nathan was pleased when he quickly released Haley and she smacked crew cut across the face.

Crew cut smiled as he rubbed his cheek. "Sorry dude. She used to like it. We were in love once." Crew cut finished with a shrug.

Haley quickly turned to Nathan as he to her. "Is that true?" Nathan questioned with a pained expression

Haley wanted to be anywhere but here at this moment because she knew what she was about to say would destroy all the progress she and Nathan had made. The fuzzy drunkenness now gone she knew it was now or never. With a deep breath Haley answered. "Yes" she said and nodded. She watched the glass that was in Nathan's hands drop to the ground and shatter sending the amber liquid all over the ground. She also saw the look on his face and his heart shatter into a million pieces.

After a few minutes Haley couldn't take the silence anymore. "Please say something." She pleaded with Nathan.

Nathan couldn't, he quickly looked away. He was shocked he felt as if his worse nightmare was coming true. He had dreams about coming back and finding Haley with another man. Never though in a million years after having been back would he have guessed that she had been with another man. The feeling that he wasn't welcome and didn't belong here anymore suddenly hit him again like a ton of bricks. He knew he wasn't good enough for Haley which was why he had left in the first place. All these feelings coming back he felt that sudden feeling to flee again.

He finally looked back at Haley. "I'm sorry. I have to go." With that Nathan turned to leave.

Haley started out behind him. "Don't you dare! Don't just walk away from me. Let's talk about this" Haley said as she grabbed his bad shoulder and pulled Nathan backwards towards her.

Nathan stopped quickly. Haley had grabbed his bad shoulder. "Ouch!" Nathan yelped as he turned around to look at Haley holding his shoulder.

"I'm sorry." Haley said as crew cut stepped up as well.

"I'm sorry too man." He said as he held out his hand towards Nathan.

Nathan didn't want to but he shook crew cuts hand. "My name is Nick McCoy. Look man what Haley and I had died because she couldn't let go of you. Please don't be upset with her."

Nathan sent him a hostile glare as he released Nick's hand. "Shut your fucking face! I don't give a shit what happen. I don't even fucking care to hear about it. How dare you! For your information I'm not mad at Haley. So just shut the fuck up!" Nathan stated as he turned and started walking away. He stopped suddenly and turned around. Without warning he sent his fist flying. It connected with the corner of Nick's jaw.

Nick stumbled back a few feet holding his jaw.

"That is for kissing Haley!" Nathan said as he then turned without another word and headed for the exit.

Haley started to panic. "Nathan!" Haley exclaimed as she started towards him again.

Nathan turned slowly with his hands in the air. "Just give me some space Haley please! I'm not mad and I will see you later at home" Nathan said as he turned and left.

Haley stopped feeling defeated and suddenly drained. She watched with tears in her eyes as Nathan walked away from her again.

The others just watched helplessly as Nathan walked away from Haley. "Told you that wasn't a good idea." Lucas stated.

The other just turned and gave him a dirty look.

AN(Part 2): So what did you think? Please review i would love the feed back. I did have two endings to this chapter. However with having read both over and over again and being a fan of fics i decided to take the road less traveled and use the walk out instead of the panic attack/heart attack thing. With Nathan already having HCM in this story i think having him do that would be a little played out and expected. Anyways thank you for reading and please please review.