Hey guys, thank you all very much for the reviews last chapter! I'm so sorry that it's taken me this long to update. I'm balancing multiple stories, school, and life so it takes awhile. I totally wish I had Superman's speedy agility. That would definitely help. lol! I hope you guys like this chapter. I re-wrote it about three times until I finally got it the way I wanted. Anyway, please read and continue to review. They definitely motivate me. Also, as a native New Englander, go Patriots! The Superbowl is today, and I hope they win!

Chapter 10

Haley chewed on her bottom lip nervously as she walked side by side with Nathan across campus. They'd said goodbye to Lucas and Brooke five minutes prior and promised to meet them in the Union for lunch around one o'clock. Now it was just the two of them. Nathan had asked her which class she wanted to find first. Haley had chosen biology, since she heard that the science buildings were farthest away. He'd nodded before finally leading her in the right direction. That was the only talking they'd done since they were alone. Every once in a while she noticed Nathan looking at her. But she assumed that he was just making sure that she was keeping up. Haley had to take three quick steps to make up for his one. Damn tall people, she thought.

"What building did you say it was again?" Nathan asked. Haley jumped slightly in surprise at hearing his voice.

"Um, White Hall," she answered while looking down at her schedule.

"Ok, it should be right around this corner," he stated. Haley nodded and continued to follow him. A few seconds later, they were standing in front of the large, and unsurprisingly white, building. "Here it is."

"Wow, it's big," she commented.

"Yeah, you can't miss it," Nathan said. "So, do you feel comfortable getting to this one? Or do you want me to explain how we got here so you're sure?"

"No, I've got it," Haley stated. "We can just go on to the next one."

"Which is?"

"Harp Hall. My French class is there."

"Alright, that would be this way," Nathan said while ushering her to the right. Like before, neither one talked as they walked to the next building. Nathan knew that he'd have to take the plunge and talk to Haley eventually. He was just having trouble finding a way to bring it up. Things had been really awkward between them at the party, and it still felt that way now. He tried reminding himself that it was just Haley. He knew her. They'd hung out and had conversations countless times. There was no reason why he shouldn't be able to do this.

"Is something wrong?" Haley questioned. Nathan shook away his previous thoughts and concentrated on her.

"What?" Nathan replied.

"Is there something on my face or in my hair?"

"No. Why?" he asked confused.

"You…um…you keep looking at me," she commented. Nathan frowned. Had he been looking at her? He'd been so lost in his thoughts that he wasn't really paying attention. But since he was thinking about Haley, it wouldn't be unreasonable to assume that he was stealing a few glances every so often. Suddenly, though, he felt a little embarrassed.

"Well, you look good. I mean fine. I mean…" he tried to quickly correct when he realized how wrong that sounded. "…I mean there's nothing on you or anything."

"Oh, ok," Haley said. Her cheeks looked a little pink, and he could've sworn that he saw a small smile forming on her face. I'm such a moron, he berated himself. The last time he'd stumbled through his words like that with a girl was…well…never. It only seemed to increase Nathan's anxiety about their impending conversation. How would he be able to say the things he needed to say if he could barely articulate his words around her?

"You're doing it again," Haley stated after a few minutes. Nathan shook his head slightly as he was brought out of his thoughts a second time.

"Am I?" he asked with a frown.

"Yeah," she answered with a small smile.

"I'm sorry, Haley. I didn't even realize I was doing it," he apologized—feeling like an even bigger dope.

"That's alright. I've gotten used to guys gawking at me," she teased.

"I wasn't gawking," he denied a little flustered.

"You weren't?"

"No."

"Then what were you doing?" she challenged.

"I was thinking," Nathan answered matter-of-factly.

"About?" she prodded.

"Stuff."

"What kind of stuff?"

"Just…basketball stuff," he made up. "You know, plays, stats, suicides, and all of that." Haley looked over at him with raised eyebrows.

"So the reason why you were gawking at me so intently for about five minutes straight was because you were thinking about basketball stats and suicides?" she questioned in disbelief.

"Yes," he responded. "And I wasn't gawking."

"Could've fooled me," she muttered.

"I wasn't!"

"You were staring right at me," Haley pointed out laughing.

"I wasn't," he repeated before adding, "Were you always this annoying?"

"I don't know. Were you always such a terrible liar?" she threw back. By now, the two had stopped walking and were facing each other. Nathan let out a frustrated sigh. This was definitely not part of the plan.

"Haley, I…"

"You were thinking about our kiss last May," she interrupted. "Or at least how to bring it up so we can talk about it, right?" Haley felt the muscles in her stomach tighten when their eyes locked. From the stunned and slightly guilty expression on Nathan's face, she could tell that she'd guessed right. As much as Haley was dreading this conversation, she didn't know if she could stand another second of the awkwardness or silence between them. She tried to ease the tension by joking around with him at first. But now, the seriousness of the conversation seemed inevitable.

"Yeah," he answered. "Sorry. That's not how I wanted to start things off. I guess I sort of panicked."

"Well, you're not the only one," Haley assured him. "I've been trying to figure out how to handle all of this, too." Nathan nodded before looking around. There were a lot of people passing by.

"Did you maybe want to go somewhere more private? To talk," he added. He didn't want anyone to overhear them. All it would take was one person with a big mouth to walk by. Before they knew it, everyone on campus would know their business. And that would definitely not be good.

"Sure," Haley replied catching on. She didn't want to talk about this out in the open either.

"Follow me," Nathan instructed. A couple of minutes later, they arrived in front of the gym.

"It's locked," Haley declared after trying to open one of the doors.

"I can take care of that." Nathan then reached into his pocket and pulled out his keys. He searched through them until he found the right one. Afterward, he proceeded to unlock the door. He held it open for Haley to go in first.

"Thanks," she muttered while passing him. Nathan made sure to lock it again so that no one could come in. Once that was done, he looked over and noticed that Haley had already taken a seat on the bleachers. He walked over and sat down next to her.

"So, I'm assuming 24-hour gym access is one of your assistant coaching perks," Haley commented.

"Yeah, it comes in handy," he smirked.

"Well, at least I know where the gym is now," she stated. "I have cheerleading practice in here in a couple of weeks."

"So you did make the squad."

"Yeah," Haley replied with a nod.

"I'm assuming Brooke made it, too."

"Yup. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if she's already plotting to get Solaris' captainship before she graduates," she joked.

"Me either," Nathan laughed. "What was it you guys used to call her again?"

"The Cheer Nazi," Haley supplied.

"That's right," he said remembering. "Good name."

"Yeah," she agreed with a smile. They're eyes locked for a second, and they both got quiet. Nathan took a deep breath. It was now or never.

"Look, Haley, about what happened in May…" he began. "…I just want to say that I'm sorry. I didn't mean to do that or for you to feel uncomfortable."

"Do what? Kiss me and take off?" she commented. Haley tried to keep her voice normal, but a slight edge seemed to have slipped into her tone. She'd be lying if she said that a part of her wasn't still hurt and angry. Haley had decided to move on from him that summer—to let him go. For a while, she thought that she'd been successful. But coming home and facing him right now was turning out to be a lot harder than she ever could've imagined. Everything she'd been feeling seemed to come flooding back. Haley knew that she had to do it, though. Despite what a great summer she had, their kiss was always present in the back of her mind. The aftermath was always hanging over her head. She wasn't free yet—not until this was all out in the open and resolved.

"I guess I deserved that," Nathan muttered—instantly feeling guilty.

"Why did you kiss me?" Haley questioned. Her gaze was intense and, for a second, he felt like she could see right through him.

"I don't know."

"You don't know, or you don't want to say it?" she prodded unconvinced.

"Both, I guess. Haley, I don't want things to be any weirder than they are."

"Nathan, this situation is already screwed up enough. Please just be honest with me. I think you owe me at least that."

"Haley…"

"Nathan," she persisted. "Why did you kiss me?"

"Because…" he trailed off uncomfortably. Nathan had been expecting her to ask something like that. However, that didn't ease his nerves now that he was face to face with her.

"Nathan," Haley urged.

"I was attracted to you," he finally answered while looking her in the eyes. "I saw you in that white dress, and I lost it. I mean, you were always Matt and Taylor's little sister. You were the one who would follow us around with that what's-his-name teddy bear and…"

"Mr. Waffles," Haley corrected.

"Yeah, him," Nathan said before continuing on. "Anyway, you were Baby James. Then, the next thing I know, you've got curves, breasts, legs, and it threw me off. Way off."

"I hate to break it to you, Nathan, but I've always had those," Haley pointed out as she tried her hardest not to blush from his words.

"Yeah, but not like that. Trust me," he muttered. Haley rolled her eyes discretely. She'd definitely gotten her curves a long time ago. Men really could be so oblivious.

"So that's it. You just kissed me because I looked un-Baby James like in a dress," she concluded a little bothered. While she was flattered that he'd called her attractive—something that she'd always wanted to hear from him—Haley didn't want to just be some plaything he used.

"Well, that's what got my attention at first. But then we played miniature golf and you showed me your predictions," he explained. "We started to get along really well and one thing led to another." There was more to it than that. Nathan knew that he'd actually felt something towards Haley before. But it was too late to go there now. The situation didn't need to be any more complicated or uncomfortable than it already was.

"But what about you?" Nathan asked when she was quiet for a minute or so.

"What about me?" she replied uneasily.

"I didn't totally initiate the kiss. You wanted it, too, Haley," Nathan pointed out. "Why did you kiss back?" Haley averted her eyes briefly. A part of her wanted to get it all off of her chest. Just tell him how she'd felt about him all these years and let him deal with it. But she knew that she couldn't. Even if she didn't plan on acting on those feelings, they would still be out there. She could never take them back. Things would always be weird and awkward between them. The others would certainly notice the difference. Haley didn't want anything from the past affecting their group of friends now.

"Same reason," she lied. "I think I just got caught up in the moment."

"Haley, I really am sorry. And I shouldn't have taken off on you. I actually stopped by your house to talk to you that Monday, but Taylor said you'd already left for Los Angeles," he stated. "I would've liked to at least have said goodbye to you."

"Yeah, I'm sorry about that. I just had to get away," she explained.

"I thought you were mad at me. Either that or you felt weird about it—which I can totally understand," he commented.

"It was a mixture of both," Haley answered truthfully. She then took a deep breath before adding, "After the kiss, I left the party for a while to clear my head. I ended up at the Market Street Dock." Nathan felt his stomach drop at that. Haley didn't continue—nor did she need to. Just one look into her dark brown eyes told him that she'd seen everything between him and Peyton. Nathan knew that he and Haley weren't dating or anything at the time. Peyton was the one that he'd initially asked out. She was the person that he was supposed to be kissing. However, that didn't stop the feeling of guilt and betrayal that he was experiencing while looking at Haley now.

"Haley…" he tried to explain before she cut him off.

"I'm not going to lie, Nathan. I was upset when I saw you and Peyton together. I know that we weren't involved or anything. She was your date. But it still hurt that you could kiss me one second and then go to her the next," she explained. "Which is why I left early. I knew that it wouldn't have been long before you showed up to give me the whole 'it-was-a-mistake' speech."

"Haley, I never meant to hurt you. That's the last thing I wanted," he told her.

"I know," Haley replied. She could see the sincerity reflecting in his piercing blue eyes. While one part of her was glad to see that he was regretful for his actions, the other part couldn't help but feel slightly wounded. She didn't want to be his mistake. But Haley quickly pushed that feeling aside. That part of her life was done. She was starting a new chapter. Her college experience wasn't going to be like high school. Haley was finished pining away for a guy that she could never have.

"So where do we go from here?" he asked. Nathan was placing the ball in her court. He'd hurt and confused Haley enough. Whatever happened next, it would be her decision.

"Well, I was hoping that we could leave everything else behind us and still be friends," Haley proposed.

"I'd like that," Nathan commented. "But, um, there's just one thing. I know that you and Peyton are sort of friends. I guess I was just wondering if you are ok with us being together. If you're not I understand but…"

"Nathan, I really like Peyton. She's a nice person. If you guys are happy together, then I'm happy for you," Haley stated. Nathan nodded. That had been one of his major concerns this summer. When he found out that Peyton and Haley actually knew each other, he'd been afraid that things would get even messier when Haley returned. He was relieved now to find out that that wouldn't be an issue.

"And it's not like I'm alone, so there's no hard feelings," Haley added. Nathan tore his gaze away from the basketball court to stare back at her.

"What?" Nathan questioned with a weird sensation in the pit of his stomach.

"I met someone over the summer," she announced.

"Oh," he said while trying to suppress the punch in the gut he was now feeling.

"His name is Chase. He's actually a senior at Stanford this semester and…" Haley started to explain.

"Wait, a senior?" What the hell? The guy's freaking old!

"Yeah. He'll be graduating in a couple of semesters. Anyway, he's a really nice guy, and we became great friends over the summer in L.A."

"Haley, I don't…"

"And just a couple of days ago, before I came home, he asked me to be his girlfriend."

"But he's in California," Nathan pointed out. How can they have a real relationship if they don't even see each other?! This was not good.

"I know. The long distance thing is going to be hard, but we can always talk on the phone and e-mail. Plus, he invited me to join him and his family for Thanksgiving. So we'll get to see each other then."

"Does Matt know about this?" he asked. Surely, he wouldn't allow her to go out with someone that much older than her. There are a lot of psychos in the world that would love to prey on innocent girls like Haley. And the guy was from Los Angeles. That wasn't promising. Nathan hadn't heard of any good, respectable guys living in that city. This whole thing spelled trouble, and he didn't like it at all. Not one bit.

"Not yet. Brooke is the only person that knows right now," Haley said. "I want to see how things go with Chase and me before I tell Matt and the others anything." Nathan looked at her for a few more seconds before turning his gaze to the basketball court in front of him. He was completely stunned. He knew that Haley would meet new people over the summer, but he hadn't expected her to get serious with anyone—especially with someone older. The whole thing definitely irked him.

"Are you happy?" Nathan found himself asking.

"Yeah, I am," she replied after a moment. Nathan searched her eyes for any sign that what she was saying was untrue. He didn't find one.

"So, what do you say? Friends?" Haley questioned while holding her hand out to him.

"Ok. Friends," he finally agreed before taking her hand and shaking it. Almost instantly, he felt an electric jolt shoot through him at the contact. Their eyes locked. And for a second, Nathan could've sworn that Haley felt it, too.

"So, um, how about you finish giving me that tour?" Haley proposed while pulling her hand away and standing up.

"Uh, sure," he stated relieved. If he'd held her hand for any longer, he was almost positive that that weird haze would fill his brain. And that was not supposed to occur when you were with a friend. "Where to?"

"I was thinking we could go to the Academic Enhancement Center next," she said. "I'll need to know where to meet my new tutees this semester."

"I didn't know that you were still planning to tutor," Nathan commented as they made their way to the gym doors.

"Well, I love it. Plus, it helps with my education major," Haley explained.

"That's always good."

"Yeah," she agreed. Nathan opened the door and allowed her to go first. "Thanks."

"You're welcome," he responded. As he started to lead her to the building, the two talked about much lighter topics. It wasn't long before they started to relax around one another and engage in some friendly banter—just like old times.

"You are such a liar!" Haley declared laughing.

"What? It's true," Nathan defended.

"It is not," she objected. "Freshman cheerleaders do not have to shave their heads."

"Yes, they do. I heard Solaris tell Taylor that she was considering it. You know, to keep you all in your place."

"She never mentioned anything to us."

"It's supposed to be a surprise," he stated with a wide smirk.

"Ugh, you are such a jerk," Haley commented. Nathan laughed out loud. He loved busting her up.

"Hey, don't hate the messenger. Besides, I can totally picture you with that whole G.I. Jane look," Nathan teased.

"Shut up!" she exclaimed before swatting him in the stomach.

"See, and you have the violent tendencies to go along with it."

"What did I tell you before? I'm not violent. I'm…"

"Feisty," he filled in. "Same thing."

"No, it's not," she argued while shaking her head. "And how much farther until we reach Jones Hall? I'm starving, and Brooke and Lucas are probably waiting for us." All they had to do was find this last building for her math class and they'd be done.

"Actually, it's right here," Nathan said. They stopped in front of a tall, brick building. He then pointed to the right. "If you go back that way, that's where your dorm is."

"Good to know," Haley stated. "Now can we go eat, please?"

"You L.A. girls are so impatient," he mocked while shaking his head.

"Oh, stop it," she laughed as they made their way to the Union. A few minutes later, they were in the large cafeteria searching for Lucas and Brooke.

"There they are," Nathan stated while pointing in their direction. He smirked when he saw Lucas say something that made Brooke bust out laughing. She shoved his shoulder.
Nathan's smirk grew when he saw the goofy grin on his brother's face afterward.

"Hey, guys," Haley greeted once they'd reached the table. It took a couple of seconds for Brooke and Lucas to acknowledge their arrival. Much to Haley's delight, they seemed to be very wrapped up in each other at the moment.

"Oh, hey," Brooke replied finally. "We were wondering when you'd show up."

"I bet," Haley mumbled under her breath as she tried not to laugh.

"Haley here has a full schedule, so it took a little longer than expected," Nathan said.

"Well, let's get some food. I'm starving," Lucas declared.

"Me, too," Haley agreed.

"Um, Tutor Girl, I'm going to stay and watch the table. Could you get me a salad?" Brooke asked as she shuffled through her purse. She pulled out some money a second later.

"I've got it," Lucas offered.

"Oh no, Luke, you don't have to…" Brooke started to protest.

"I want to," he stated. "You just sit tight and guard the table."

"You, too, Hales. What do you want?" Nathan questioned.

"Well, I was going to get a turkey sandwich but…"

"Ok, be right back," Nathan interjected before he and Lucas went to get the food.

"Are they really buying our lunch for us?" Haley asked Brooke in disbelief.

"Yup," she beamed. "Broody is so sweet."

"Who's Broody?"

"Oh, it's my new nickname for Lucas. You know, since he's usually quiet and thinking a lot," she explained.

"So, we're already onto the pet names stage now, huh?" Haley teased.

"Shut up!" Brooke laughed while giving her a playful smack on the arm. She then looked toward the food line where Lucas and Nathan both stood. Afterward, she leaned in close to Haley. "Ok, before they come back, how did things go with Nathan?"

"Um, we managed to work things out. We're going to stay friends."

"And?" Brooke prodded.

"And what?"

"Come on, Tutor Girl, I want the juicy stuff. Did you tell him that you saw him and Peyton together?"

"Yes."

"What was his reaction?"

"He felt really bad about it and apologized."

"Good," Brooke stated. "He should be sorry. Now let's get to the really good part. What did he say when you told him about you and Chase dating? Was he crushed? I totally bet he was. Guys always get like that when they find out that someone moved in on their territory."

"First of all, he just looked surprised. Second of all, I'm not his territory," Haley replied with an amused smile. The things her friend came out with.

"Oh, you know what I mean," Brooke said with a casual flick of her hand. "Besides, did we not tell you that that was a good idea?"

"I don't know," Haley replied. "I still feel weird about it."

"Tutor Girl, it's fine. Chase and I are geniuses. Trust me, this is the best solution."

"I hope you're right. Because if this backfires, I'm going to kill you both." Haley had been a little weary when Chase and Brooke had proposed their plan to her a couple of days ago. Unfortunately, they both seemed to share the same determination and skill for persuasion, because they managed to convince her to go along with it a day later.

"It'll be fine," Brooke assured her. "Now, did Nathan say anything else?"

"Well, he did tell me why he kissed me in May," Haley said.

"Why did he?" Brooke questioned. Haley could see the bubbling curiosity and intrigue in her best friend's eyes.

"Let's just say that the white dress did its job," she hinted.

"I knew it! He thought you looked sexy, huh?"

"He said attractive."

"Same thing, Tutor Girl," Brooke declared. "Oh, we can have so much fun with this."

"Whatever you're thinking, stop it," Haley warned.

"I'm not thinking anything. If he thought that you were hott then, imagine what he thinks now. Especially with your new look."

"Tigger, I don't care what he thinks," Haley stated. "I've moved on."

"So? It doesn't mean that you can't have a little fun torturing him. The Kissing Bandit deserves it."

"Tigger, I told you to stop calling him that," Haley said while trying to suppress a smile. It was sort of funny, but she'd never admit that to her.

"What? I think it's a very befitting nickname," she defended.

"Just make sure not to say that in front of him," Haley warned. "And they're coming back so let's drop it." She then quickly stopped talking and smiled when Lucas and Nathan finally reached the table.

"Here you are, ladies," Lucas announced as he and Nathan placed their food in front of them.

"Aw, thanks, Broody."

"Broody?" Nathan questioned confused.

"Don't ask," Haley said with a small laugh before thanking him for the food.

"So, what were you ladies talking about?" Lucas asked as he took a bite of his burger. Haley and Brooke made up something about their dorm building being loud and crazy. Afterward, Lucas and Nathan started giving them some more pointers about college life.

"…and whatever you do, don't get too drunk on a Sunday night. You will regret it come Monday morning," Nathan finished.

"I think you'd regret it any morning," Haley laughed.

"Definitely," Lucas agreed.

"Oh crap," Brooke muttered suddenly.

"What's the matter?" Lucas asked concerned.

"Haley, our stupid freshman activity for the afternoon starts in ten minutes," she groaned. "Damn 'Welcoming Weekend.'"

"That sucks," Nathan commented. "Where is it?"

"Right here in the Union," Haley answered. She then started to get up. "We better go. I hate being late. Thanks for showing us around, guys."

"No problem," Lucas replied. "We should all hang out again soon."

"That'd be great," Brooke stated with a beaming smile. "Give me your phone real quick." Lucas handed it to her. A few seconds later, Brooke gave it back to him. "Call me when you want to get together."

"I will," Lucas replied with a wide grin. Nathan looked between the two and then at Haley. They shared a knowing smile. Apparently, he wasn't the only one who was noticing the sparks between his brother and Brooke.

"Well, we have to get going," Haley said after she finished throwing her lunch away. Afterward, she looped her arm through Brooke's and started to pull her along. "Bye, guys. Thanks again."

"Bye," they replied.

Once they were a good distance away, Haley spoke up, "So, getting the digits. I believe that's phase two."

"Hush, Tutor Girl. You have no right to talk. I totally saw Nathan checking out that fine ass of yours when you bent down to pick up your napkin and throw it away."

"He did not!" Haley protested as she felt her cheeks flame up slightly.

"Oh, he most certainly did," Brooke laughed. "Like I said, torture."

"I don't care."

"Whatever you say," Brooke sighed nonchalantly. "But this semester is going to get very interesting."