''If I tell you I love you, can I keep you forever?''
''Hey Hales, why do you look so sad?'' Brooke asked, sitting on a bar stool next her at the bar, obviously. ''And where's Nathan?'' Brooke glanced around to where people were talking, dancing and drinking. A lot of drinking.
Haley shrugged. ''I think he went to the bathroom,'' she answered, swirling the straw around her sensible glass of water.
Brooke nudged her best friend. ''You didn't tell me why you look so sad.''
''He's here.'' Haley whispered, looking down at the bar. ''Jack, my ex-boyfriend. He's here, right now.''
''What!'' Brooke exclaimed, climbing off her bar stool. I'll kill him was the first thought that entered her mind, and the most realistic.
Haley quickly grabbed her arm, pulling her back. ''Don't,'' she warned, knowing exactly what Brooke was planning to do to her awful ex-boyfriend. ''this is Mia's birthday, don't ruin that.''
Brooke sighed. ''Haley, he's caused you so much pain.''
''And with that pain, I got to come home. Now I have you, my best friend. And I have Nathan, who I love more than anything. I bet if I wasn't here you and Julian wouldn't have happened, because I'm an awesome matchmaker.'' she teased on the end, trying to lighten the conversation.
Brooke grabbed Haley, pulling her off the stool and into a bone crushing hug. ''I don't like seeing you hurt. You deserve to be happy, and sparkle for the world, he shouldn't be tearing you down.'' she said softly, remembering when she told Nathan weeks ago about how Haley sparkles when she's with him.
''I love you, Brookie. Let's just stay out of his way, 'kay?''
''Okay,'' Brooke said, breaking away from the embrace. ''I love you too.''
Nathan stepped back out into the club, returning from the bathroom. He spotted Haley and Brooke at the bar, laughing about something. Where's Julian? He wondered, normally Scruffy Guy never left Brooke's side. Nathan's blood boiled when he spotted him, chatting to a guy at one of the little tables. Not just any guy, Jack.
He stormed over there; no way was his new friend going to become friends with the guy Nathan already hates. No fricken way.
''...I know, it's like no girls like Grease 2. It's crazy, huh? I know, it's like the best film ever created.'' he heard Julian exclaim.
Nathan grabbed Julian's arm. ''Julian, can I talk to you?'' he asked, already pulling him away. ''Why are you talking to him?'' he whisper-yelled, so the asshole wouldn't hear and get involved. Jack was only two metres away, so it was likely if one of them said something loud then he would be able to hear. Nathan would want him to hear, but he promised no drama for Mia's birthday.
Julian looked at him in confusion. ''Huh? Um, he just introduced himself, and we just started talking. Why?''
''You can't talk to that guy, any other guy, that's fine. But not him.''
''Why? Jack's cool. Nathan, you can't tell me what to do.'' Julian said, crossing his arms over his chest, trying to intimidate the guy he knew could kick his ass in a second. But he doesn't want Nathan to think that just because they're friends now that it means that Nathan can control him.
''You don't know what he's done.'' Nathan said through gritted teeth. ''He's the one that hurt, Haley.''
That just made Julian even more confused. ''What are you talking about?''
Nathan shook his head. For a smart guy, Julian was so dumb sometimes. ''I'll tell you later, can we just go?'' he asked with a sigh. ''The guy's a dick, that's all I can say.''
''What's your problem, man?'' Jack asked, after hearing Nathan's last comment.
Don't hit him. Don't hit him. For Haley. For Haley. ''Nothing, we just have to go somewhere.'' he lied, still chanting those words in his mind.
''Sorry, I didn't know you guys were like... together. Sorry man, but I don't swing that way.'' Jack said in amusement, chuckling.
For Haley. For Haley. She doesn't need this. ''Back off.'' he warned, his fists starting to clench at the fact that he's talking to the guy who's caused the girl he loves so much hurt.
Jack smirked. ''And why should I?''
''Because you don't want me to break your face.'' he responded, squaring up to him. She won't hate me if I punch him, just once, right?
Julian pushed Nathan back gently. ''Leave it, Nate. Come on, let's go.''
Nathan didn't budge, some Julian continued to shove him lightly, until Nathan finally sighed and started walking away.
But then he turned back around. ''If I were you, I'd leave. That's just a warning.''
''Nate,'' Julian said. ''C'mon, just leave it.''
Nathan turned around finally and walked away. Leaving a very suspicious Jack Dortan behind, who wondered why this guy didn't like him, and what could he do make this 'Nate' dislike him even more?
He watched as Nate and Julian went to the bar, he saw a brown haired girl wrap her arms around Julian's neck, and giving him a quick peck. So he's not gay, oops.
But then he saw someone else, walking behind the brown haired girl. Smiling at Nate and giving him a hug, smiling when he hugged her tightly back. That someone else, well, he hasn't seen her in months. Not since he drove her away, something he sometimes feels guilty about, when he thinks about her not being able to dance anymore. And one of the most gorgeous girls he has ever known... shame she didn't put out.
Haley James.
Well, tonight has just gotten interesting.
''Haley James?'' a voice said, forcing Haley to turn away from her conversation with Nathan at the bar and face the person who spoke.
''Anna?'' Haley asked in surprise, turning to face her. ''It's great to see you.'' she said politely, turning to face Charlotte's School Of Performing Arts biggest gossip. The girl who always had to know everyone's business, just to spread it around so everyone would know.
''What're you doing back here?'' Anna asked her, obviously trying to find some more gossip. Knowing her she would spread that Haley had return to kill Jack. Yeah, Anna will do anything for attention.
Haley put a fake smile on her face, fighting the urge to roll her eyes. ''It's Mia's birthday...''
Anna eyed Nathan, who was stood uncomfortably next to Haley. ''And who's this?''
''I'm Nathan,'' he introduced, waving slightly.
''And Nathan is your...'' Anna trailed off. Gossip. Gossip. Gossip.
''None of your business.'' Nathan answered sweetly, trying not to be rude, even though he really wanted to. He just didn't want to leave a bad impression in front of the people Haley used to know, or maybe even used to call friends.
Anna smiled awkwardly. ''So, it sucks that you're not dancing anymore, huh?'' she asked, changing the subject. Also wanting to know what sweet little ol' Haley James has done now ever since she lost her dreams.
Haley shrugged, ignoring the pain in her chest. ''I'm okay, I've still got singing.''
''You sing? You only ever danced at CSPA.''
Nathan wrapped his arm around Haley's shoulders proudly. ''Yeah, she does. And she's awesome.''
''So I'm not miserable, sorry to disappoint you.'' Haley added, knowing that Anna was only talking to her to make herself feel better. Seeing Haley lose her ability to dance makes Anna feel better that she can't act, and will probably get kicked out of school next semester.
A ringing of a phone stopped Anna from responded with a bitchy comment.
Nathan pulled it out of his phone and grinned at the caller I.D. ''Hey Clay, what's up man? It feels like I've not spoke to you in weeks.''
Clay chuckled. ''It's because I haven't, the last time I spoke to you was when you were about to cry with happiness when BG told you she loved you back.'' he teased. ''Like I told you she would.''
''I wasn't going to cry,'' he mumbled, so Haley and the bitch wouldn't hear. ''What do you want anyway?''
''I'm calling everyone, are you watching the Bobcats game tonight?''
Nathan sighed, realising something that he was going to miss because of this party. ''No, I'm at a party.''
''Well make sure you watch it somehow, and look at the crowds.'' Clay told him.
''Why?''
''Because I'm here, and I want to know if I'm on TV.'' he chuckled excitedly.
Clay, in Charlotte? ''Wait, you're in Charlotte, right now?'' Nathan asked. This would be so great if Clay was here, maybe he could see him and they could catch up. Nathan would be able to thank him for everything, and he could hang out with someone who has been an amazing friend to him. It would also be great for Clay to finally meet Haley.
''Yeah, they're playing in Charlotte. Quinn got me tickets so me and my Dad could come.''
''Are you kidding? I'm in Charlotte! How long are you here for?'' he asked in excitement. Gaining a strange look from Haley, who was now stood on her own. Anna must have left. Good.
'Who's here?' she mouthed to him.
'One second.' he mouthed back.
''Are you serious? Wow. I'm getting a flight back to Ohio tomorrow night. How long are you here for?''
''We're driving back to Tree Hill on Sunday too, but not until late. Dude, we have to meet up or something.'' he told him, still full of excitement.
Clay coughed. ''Sure, man. I'll call you tomorrow, I've got to go, the game's about to start.''
And then Clay hung up the phone.
Nathan turned back to Haley and grinned. ''You know my friend Clay, who I told you about? The one who I met at High Flyers?''
Haley nodded. ''Yeah, why?''
''He's in Charlotte. I'm going to meet him tomorrow, you want to come with me? He's really awesome, you'll like him. And I've told him loads around you...'' he said, the smile never leaving his face. To Nathan, Clay was the person he could have called his best friend, he's never had one of those. That's why he's so happy that he's going to see him tomorrow. Haley has Brooke, and he wants a best friend. And Clay is the closest thing he has.
''Clay? Why is he is Charlotte?'' she asked, smiling at his eagerness.
''He's at a basketball game. You want to come with me to meet him tomorrow? He's dying to meet you.''
Haley smiled coyly. ''And why is that? Have you been talking about me?'' she asked, poking his arm playfully.
Nathan grinned, unashamed. ''Of course.''
Haley breathed in the slightly chilly air around her. The club was so warm, she just needed some time alone for a few minutes. Away from all the questions from the people who pretended to be her friends, and the suspicious looks they gave to Nathan.
She leaned against the wall and shivered slightly... she should have brought her jacket out with her. It's early November, no one was out without some type of warm clothing, except her obviously.
''Wow, Haley. How long has it been? Four months? Five? I've gotta say, you look sexier than the last time I saw you.''
Shock. Anger. Hurt. Hate. Disgust.
Those feelings shot through Haley the second she heard his voice. Only one nice feeling, not a feeling of forgiveness, or fondness. Just bad feelings, that weren't going away. And he's talking to her, those bad feelings are now probably going to multiply.
That one feeling, was gratitude. If Jack Dortan never cheated on her, then she would still be here. In a horrible, boring relationship with a guy she doesn't love. She wouldn't have reconnected with Brooke, or she would have never met Nathan. So for that, she would always be grateful. Always and Forever.
Haley turned to face him. Yep, still the same boring scrawny boy she left behind. He still hasn't turned into the man she had always hoped he would be.
''What do you want?'' she asked stiffly.
Jack smirked. ''I've missed you, babe.''
''I wish I could say the same. Wait, no I don't.''
Jack chuckled his arrogant chuckle, something she's always hated. ''You've got feisty.'' he noted, and winked. ''I like it.''
Haley shook her head in disbelief. ''You're such an idiot.''
''C'mon, babe. You know you've missed me. I think about you all the time, I always regret how we ended things.'' he said, walking closer to her.
Haley took a step away from him, not allowing herself to get close to the asshole. ''I haven't missed you, not for one minute.'' she started. ''I think about you sometimes, I think about how much I hate you. I hate you for what you did to me.'' she said, feeling the tears forming from the memories of being with him. ''And I hate how we ended things too. When I caught you sleeping with Stacey from your music class.''
''That was in the past, I've changed.'' Jack stated, walking towards her.
''And so have I.'' she responded, backing against the wall, un able to move any further because he was close.
Jack placed his hands on the wall, blocking her in. ''You're better than before. I want you back.''
Haley laughed bitterly, smelling the alcohol from his closeness. ''And I wanted you, but I don't anymore. I haven't for months. I don't need you anymore. I'm happy. I'm in love. He treats me better than you ever did. He would never hurt me, and he would never be unfaithful. I believe that, because he loves me more than you ever could. And I love him more than anything.''
Jack shook his head. ''No you don't. You still want me.''
Anger spread through her veins. ''I want Nathan. He's a man; you're just a stupid little boy who I'm never going to want to be with. Grow up.'' she said bitterly. ''I hate you.''
She pushed his arm from the wall, and walked away.
Jack scoffed. ''You say I'm not a man? You're not a woman, you're a prude. Nathan is going to realise that, and you'll be alone again.''
Haley turned back around. Don't cry. Don't cry.
''What the hell did you just say?'' said a voice, which wasn't hers.
They both glanced at the voice that came from the doorway. It was the boy, wait, the man. The man that loves her. The man that's always saving her. Who was absolutely fuming, looking like he was about to kill the boy who just said those horrible things to her.
Jack laughed nervously. ''Nothing, dude.''
''Dude? I'm not your fucking dude. Tell me what the hell you just said.'' Nathan spat, not really knowing why he wasn't kicking Jack's ass right now.
''It's got nothing to do with you.''
''Nathan,'' Haley warned softly. ''don't, please.''
''Wait? This is Nathan?'' Jack asked, looking between the two. ''I didn't mean that, I was just kidding around.'' he lied. He had met Nathan earlier, who looked scary. And if this was the guy who was now in love with his ex-girlfriend, then this was bad.
Nathan stormed towards him, sick of all the shit. He grabbed his collar and pushed the scrawny boy against the wall. ''Apologise.'' he demanded. ''Apologise or I'll break your stupid little fingers. Then you'll lose your dream, just like Haley lost hers.''
Jack looked at him in fear, and turned his head to Haley's direction. ''I'm- I'm sorry, Haley. I didn't mean it, I'm sorry.''
Haley just nodded quickly, hoping Nathan would just let him go. Sure, she wants to see Jack hurt and in pain. But she doesn't want Nathan to get into trouble, or cause problems at Mia's birthday party.
That wasn't good enough for Nathan, none of it was. First, Jack puts Haley into a crappy relationship, continuing to pressure her. Second, he cheats on her, making her scared of opening up to people. Third, he hurt her so much, she injured her knee for good. And Fourth, he just said some awful things to the girl Nathan loves more than anything in the world. That just wasn't acceptable to him.
So he connected his fist with Jack's jaw.
Haley ran over to her... Nathan and pushed him back. ''Nathan, leave it!'' she shouted. ''Just get the car, let's go.''
Nathan's face softened, knowing Haley was probably pissed at him for hitting Jack. He knows she hates violence. But he can't just stand there and do nothing while Jack says those things to her. He just can't.
''Hales..'' he tried.
''Nathan, just go and get the car. I'll go and say goodbye.'' she said. She was completely ignoring Jack, whining in pain on the floor. She wasn't going to feel sorry for him, he deserved that punched, and he deserved a lot more.
Nathan sighed. ''I did this for you.'' he said softly, and walked to the car park.
''Hales, talk to me.'' Nathan begged, as he followed her into her hotel room. The whole car ride to the motel was spent in silence, an awkward silence. Brooke and Julian had excused themselves, wanting to get away from the tension that was taking up all the room.
''What do you want me to say, Nathan? Thank you?'' she asked, placing her hands on her hips.
Nathan shook his head. ''If you want me to apologize, I won't.''
''I just want you to be honest with me. I've never seen you like that before Nathan, and it freaked me out. I've never seen you hurt anyone. I guess I just want you to let me in, and tell me how you feel.'' Haley said softly. Right now she wants to just kiss him for defending her, but she's also mad, and everything she's just said is the truth, so she needs to know how he's feeling.
''What?'' he asked in confusion. What does she need to know?
''I need to know what caused you to feel like that, and react that way. Because if you're so violent all the time, I don't know how to handle it. I see it Nathan, I know when you don't want to talk about certain things. I've told you everything, but you haven't told me. I can just tell that you're holding back. I need you to let me in, all the way, 100 percent.'' she told him. Tears started to form in her eyes, because if he wouldn't let her in, then she wouldn't know if she would be able to be with him anymore.
Nathan took a deep breath. He knows that he doesn't like to tell Haley emotional things, except his love for her. He doesn't like to talk about how he feels, because to him, it makes him seem weak. He doesn't want Haley to see an angry guy, which wants to hurt Lucas so badly for what he did. Or he doesn't want her to see him as a monster, because he hates his father.
But if that means making her stay, then he'll let her see that side.
''I will. Okay, I'll let you in. If that's what it takes, I'll let you in. It's just sometimes I'm afraid that if I do, you'll see the real me, the guy I was before you. I'm not proud of that person, the one that I used to be. But if I have to be that guy to keep you safe, then that's who I'm going to be. Look, if you want me to apologize for defending you or for fighting back when somebody hurts you, then I can't do that. I won't do that, okay? Because the truth is that's a guy I'll never be, a guy that just stands by and watches while the world hurts you. Can you understand that?''
Haley smiled, feeling her heart ring in her ears. ''I do understand it. I just... I need to know how you feel.''
Nathan walked over to her, and wrapped his arms around her waist. ''I feel like I love you.''
''I feel like I love you too. Just let me in, okay?''
''Okay.'' he said, placing a soft kiss on the top of her head.
''It really hurt me.'' Nathan whispered. He and Haley have been lay on the double bed in their motel room, not really talking, just content with him holding her. But Nathan wanted to let Haley in, so this is what he's doing.
''What did?'' Haley murmured, kissing his chest through his shirt.
''What Lucas did. I don't like to talk about it, because it hurts you just as much as it hurts me. He's my brother, my twin brother. I never thought he would hurt me intentionally, but he did. He hurt me and you, because he was jealous. When you guys were together, I always thought that maybe Lucas was telling the truth when he said that he didn't know that I loved you. But then I saw that tape. I felt like everything was falling apart, and I couldn't control it.'' he told her softly. ''It's the second thing I think about when I wake up. And it just hurts whenever I do.''
Haley sat up and looked at him, she stroked his cheek gently. ''If you need to talk about anything, absolutely anything, then you talk to me. I don't care if it hurts, just as long as you tell me. I want to know everything about you, Nathan Scott.''
Nathan kissed her softly. ''I love you.'' he whispered. He knew that he should talk to her, but he was always scared that it would upset her. But hearing her say those words, it had completely cleared all doubts from his mind.
''Love you too.'' Haley smiled softly. ''Do you still feel like that? Like, everything is falling apart.''
Nathan shook his head instantly. ''I'm still staying at Karen's, so I'm seeing Lily more, which is great. I don't have to see my Dad everyday. I have two great friends. And I have you, you put everything back together, without even realising it.''
''How?'' she asked. She scrunched her face up in confusion, unknowingly making her look completely adorable.
Nathan kissed her nose lightly. ''Being you.''
Haley grinned at the pull on her chest. She couldn't believe it was possible for her to be so in love with another person. Heck, she never expected to fall in love, full stop. But she is, and it's the best feeling, one that she wouldn't want to replace for anything.
And neither would he.
''What if he doesn't like me?'' Haley asked nervously, fiddling with the ring on her pinkie finger, something she often did when she was nervous.
She and Nathan are stood outside their motel, where Clay had agreed to meet them. Nathan was just so excited, Clay is one of the coolest guys he's met - Nathan's cooler, of course - and they always had a good time, so he cannot wait to see him again. Haley was just scared; in case Clay didn't like the Haley dated Lucas... or that he didn't get what all the fuss was about. What is Clay thought that she wasn't good enough for Nathan?
Nathan wrapped his arm around her shoulders, giving them a little squeeze. ''He's so excited to meet you. He told me on the phone this morning.'' he said reassuringly.
Haley nodded; those words didn't stop those doubts in her mind.
A minute later, a cab pulled up in the small carpark. When the door opened, the first thing they saw was his spiky light brown hair. The he fully climbed out of the car, with his usual crooked grin on his face.
Haley noticed that he looked similar to Nathan. Only Clay has brown hair, and is more tanned. They are both very muscular, and both like to smile. And are both obviously very good at basketball.
''Nate!'' Clay exclaimed, pulling Nathan into a man-hug. ''I've missed you, man.''
Nathan chuckled, breaking away from their slightly girly embrace. ''I've missed you too.''
Clay then noticed the small girl, watching them with a nervous smile on her face. He recognised her, this was the Haley. ''I've got to say, you look even prettier in person, BG.'' he said sweetly to her. Over the summer he had picked up Haley's nickname from Nathan, because Nathan hadn't have found out her name when they met.
Haley blushed, and then looked at him in confusion. ''How did you know what I look like?''
''I saw your video.'' he said, then stuck his hand out for her to shake. ''It's a pleasure to meet you, Haley.''
Haley grinned, all of her fears washing away. ''It's great to meet you too, Clay.''
When Clay Evans met Nathan Scott at the beginning of summer, he thought he was broody. But then he realised why. Nathan was in love and home sick. He was in love with a girl, who he had met once. Clay thought it was kind of stupid... but the way Nathan talked about her, it was just so real. Clay knew that he wanted to meet her; he just hoped that Nathan wasn't over exaggerating.
But then he saw her time capsule, and he knew that Haley loved Nathan just as much as he loves her. But he always wondered what if it didn't work out?
But then he met her.
Clay saw how she would light up, just when Nathan would smile at her. He saw how she would giggle at Nathan's jokes that weren't funny. Or how she would hold his hand, or link their arms, just so they were touching in some way. And then he knew what all the fuss was about.
Haley James and Nathan Scott are completely made for each other, and anybody could tell.
''So, why are you guys in Charlotte?'' Clay asked them. They are sat in one of the ice cream shops in Charlotte. Nathan and Clay are catching up, and Haley's finding some things out about their summer at High Flyers. ''I know you said a party, but why come all this way for one?''
''My friend Mia lives here, her boyfriend was organising a surprise birthday party, and he invited us.'' Haley told him. ''So, Nathan said that you have a girlfriend, why isn't she here?''
''She doesn't like basketball.'' Clay said with a shrug.
Haley smiled. ''That's like me.''
Nathan snickered. ''She didn't even know what the Bobcats were. And she thought baskets were touchdowns.'' he teased, nudging her lightly.
Clay gasped in mock-horror. ''Even Quinn knew that.'' he said with a chuckle.
''My sister's called Quinn. She lives in Ohio too.'' she said, remembering some of the things Nathan has told her about his friend. ''But she's like, two years older than me.''
''So is my girlfriend. Strange.'' Clay said nonchalantly, with another shrug.
''What's Quinn's last name, Clay?'' Nathan asked him. What if Clay was dating Haley's sister, which would be so cool. The saying what a small world would be literal.
''James. Wait- oh my god. I'm dating your sister!'' Clay exclaimed in shock.
Haley grinned. ''So you're the Clay that she's been talking about all year, she told me you were younger than her, but I didn't think that you were still in high school.'' she shrugged. She doesn't mind that Clay is two years younger than her sister, while Quinn is in community college. As long as she's is happy, then that's all that matters. ''Welcome to the family.''
''Thanks, BG.''
''Okay... so now that this little whatever it is, is over. What do we do now?'' Nathan asked, wanting to be involved in the next topic of conversation.
Clay grinned his crooked grin. ''How about you tell me how you two love birds got together?''
AN: Sorry for ending it there, I just had absolutely NO ideas to continue. I can't believe this story is almost ending, and it made me sad to here that you were sad that it's ending. I'm not sure how many chapters are left, I just know that I want to fit in some more Dan before I press complete.
Oh, and the more reviews I get the more I get inspired, and I'm planning on posting the last chapter by Friday (could be earlier), so please help me get there:-)!
The quote from the start was from 'Casper the Friendly Ghost'.
Please review! I'll send a preview... as always.