Nathan's world was a mere blur; he could barely distinguish his left from his right. All he wanted was to find Maddie and make sure she was safe. He didn't even know how he ended up at Haley's apartment. It's like he was on autopilot—and assumed it'd be the first place Maddie would run to.

He watched Haley grab her keys off the counter and drag a hand through her hair.

"Come on," she insisted, practically running out of her place. His feet were following but his brain wasn't registering the movement.

Somehow, he ended up in the passenger seat of Haley's silver Lexus. She was talking, but Nathan didn't hear.

"Where have you already looked?"

Nathan snapped from his daze and blew out a heavy breath. "I came straight here. I thought this was where she'd be."

Haley bit her lip, and swallowed the rock-like feeling forming at the back of her throat. "What happened, Nathan?"

Nathan shook his head, "I… I don't even know. We got into a fight and I sent her to her room. I checked on her not long after and she was just… gone."

Haley clenched her eyes tightly, silently praying Maddie was alright. When her eyes opened, she watched as Nathan sank low in his seat, almost as if he had deflated.

"We'll find her, Nathan. I know we will."

Nathan merely nodded, "I can't lose her, Haley. She's all I have." His voice was strained, and Haley's heart broke.

Tentatively, she reached out and grabbed his hand to lace her fingers with his, "You have me."

A ghost of a smile traced over Nathan's lips and gently squeezed her hand—silently communicating his appreciation.

As Haley drove around, almost aimlessly, Nathan desperately searched out the window and made a few calls. Neither his mother nor brother knew where Maddie was, but promised to help search for her.

The more time passed, the more worried he and Haley became. They didn't have to talk to know what the other was thinking.

"I think I should go home and call the police," Nathan finally voiced aloud.

Haley glanced over at him, slightly panicked. "Are—are you sure?"

He nodded, "I should be there just in case she comes back."

"Okay, I'll take you back to my place so you can get your car. I'm gonna keep looking."

Nathan licked his dry lips, "You don't have to do that."

"It's Maddie, Nathan." Her voice was laced with strong conviction, and Nathan knew by the look in her eyes that she was just as worried as he was.

"Thank you, Hales. Really."

She pulled up in front of her apartment complex and mustered a weak smile. "Call me if something comes up."

He nodded and squeezed her hand one last time. "I will."

It wasn't until Nathan got back into his car that Haley leaned over the steering wheel and broke down in a fit of sobs.

Maddie was missing.

It hit her like a ton of bricks.

The only shed of light in Haley's life turned into brutal darkness. She had to find her.

Wiping her tear stained cheeks with the back of her palm, Haley inhaled a shaky breath and thought longingly as to where Maddie would be.

"Where are you, Madeline Scott?" Haley wondered, stepping on the gas pedal. She'd just about do anything to bring that little girl home.

As she turned onto the main road, Haley was struck with an idea as to where she might be.

It was a long shot, but she figured it was worth a try.

Haley was sure she had probably just broken every speeding limit in Tree Hill as she practically raced towards Market Street; where she, Nathan, and Maddie had gotten ice cream on their first 'date.'

She didn't care that she was in her pajamas. She didn't care that she probably looked like a lunatic. She didn't care that it was about to rain. She didn't care that she parked in a Handicapped parking spot. All she cared about was finding Maddie as she ran from her car and onto the docks.

"Maddie!" She called out, hoping for a response. Nothing.

Haley fought the tears that were rapidly welling at the brims of her eyes. She wasn't going to cry. Not yet.

She continued running. She ran until she found the little wooden table at the edge of the docks.

Her running stopped abruptly and hoped to God her eyes weren't deceiving her.

There, hunched over at the little wooden bench seat sat Maddie with her head in her hands, presumably crying.

"Oh my God," Haley whispered and released the breath she hadn't known she was holding. This time, she didn't try to hold back her tears, and let them slide down her cheeks.

"Maddie!" She called out loudly, causing the little girl to look up and grin. Haley's heart nearly stopped.

"Haley!"

Haley's feet started running again, and Maddie met her half way, throwing herself into her arms.

"Are you okay?" Haley rushed out, checking to see if the little girl was hurt anywhere.

Maddie smiled, "I'm fine."

"God, you scared me half to death, Madeline Rose Scott," Haley cried as she clung onto her, running her fingers through Maddie's dark hair. "Don't you ever run away again. Do you hear me?"

Maddie nodded meekly, "I promise, Haley."

Haley kissed her forehead, "Good. I don't want to lose you."

"Are you mad at me?"

Haley pulled away gently, but kept her tight grip on Maddie. "No, sweetie, I'm not mad at you. But your Daddy and I were worried sick."

"I'm sorry," Maddie whispered, "I was sad so I left and came here."

Haley kissed Maddie's cheek, "No more being sad, Sunshine. You have to be good for your Daddy. When you left, he got really scared."

"Does he hate me?"

"Of course not, Mads. Your Daddy loves you so much." Haley promised. "Come on. Let's get you home." She hugged her close to her chest one more time, never wanting to let go.

Maddie grabbed onto her hand, and walked back to Haley's car. After buckling her in the back seat, Haley drove back to Nathan's, anxious to get his daughter home safely.

When they arrived, Nathan was pacing on the front porch, biting his nails with fraying nerves. He looked up at the sound of a car door and sighed when he saw Haley. "No luck?"

Haley bit gently on her lower lip and silently opened the back door to let Maddie out.

Nathan's eyes widened as he ran down the steps and opened his arms, ready to embrace Maddie.

"Daddy!" She yelled, falling into his arms.

"Oh, God." He cried, his head falling onto her tiny shoulder as his arms wrapped tightly around her. "I'm so sorry Maddie. I'm so sorry."

Maddie rubbed her eyes as her Daddy peppered kisses all over her face. "I'm sorry, too. I didn't mean to scare you, Daddy."

Nathan wiped his tears away with the pads of his thumbs, "Don't do it again. Do you understand me?"

She nodded softly, "I already promised Haley I wouldn't."

Nathan looked over her shoulder and met Haley's own tear-filled eyes. They traded a soft smile.

"I love you," he whispered in Maddie's hair. "I love you so much."

"I love you, too."

Nathan didn't want to let go. "Are you okay?"

Maddie nodded again, "Haley found me."

"Thank God. I don't know what I would've done-.." his words trailed as he choked on a breath.

"I'm okay, Daddy. I just want you and Haley to be in love again."

Nathan's heart clenched as his gaze once again settled upon Haley. She was hiding her tears behind her hands. Slowly, he stood up and made his way over to her. He grabbed her hand and smiled waveringly.

"Thank you for bringing her home to me," he whispered, leaning close so he could wrap his arms around her.

Haley melted into his embrace, "You know she means the world to me."

"I know. And you mean the world to us." Nathan breathed, allowing his lips to land softly on hers. The rain started to fall softly, but neither felt it—nor did they hear Maddie cheering in the background.

. . . . . . . . . . .

Next chapter Nathan and Haley will further discuss things. Don't think the kiss means everything is instantly fixed ;)