Dedicated to all my amazing reviewers! I 3 you all and thank you so much for reviewing the last chapter! It meant a lot to me… and like promised… here's the next chapter! (hehe… my mom was asking me what I was doing all day on the computer. lol… yes, ALL day!)

For All You're Worth

Chapter 21

Haley looked at Kyle from a distance. It was lunchtime and he was sitting in their usual spot, waiting for her. He couldn't see her as his back was to where she was standing.

He'd apologize to her about that Friday night of course. The reason he hasn't done it yet was because walking to class isn't exactly the best time for an apology.

All through the weekend she made excuses why she could not hang out with him: I have to finish my homework, oh I totally forgot that I have a test coming up, my parents won't let me leave the house. She couldn't face him just yet but she believed that now she was ready.

She walked across the quad to where he was sitting.

"Hey baby," Kyle smiled at her as she sat down and he gave her a kiss. "Did you find out what your grades were for the tests you've had two weeks ago?"

Haley nodded as she took out her lunch and tried to avoid his gaze. "I found out last week."

"And? You just going to leave me hanging?" he laughed taking her face in his hand and turning it towards him. "It would be nice if you'd look at me too."

"Sorry," Haley sighed. Wait, why was she even apologizing?

"So how'd you do?"

"Aced them all," she didn't even sound excited.

"You in a bad mood, Hales?" he asked as he sensed something was wrong.

Haley shrugged. "Why would I be?"

"I don't know. Why don't you tell me?"

"I'm not."

"You're not going to tell me or you're not in a bad mood?" he chuckled.

"I'm not in a bad mood," she lied. At that point she realized he wasn't going to apologize. It was as if it never happened. As if he never once raised his voice at her.

"If you say so," he turned his attention to his lunch. "So how was your test?"

"What test?"

"You know, the test you told me you forgot to study for or whatever. The reason we couldn't hang out yesterday."

"Oh, that test. Umm- fine, easy. You know, like it always is," she lied once more.

"What subject?"

"Umm- well- History. Yes, US History," she nodded.

"Brooke didn't say anything about a test," he looked at her. "Well I doubt she would actually know if there was one."

"Yeah," she nodded looking at the table and finally opening her yogurt. She continued looking at it without even taking the spoon.

"You sure you're okay?" Kyle asked looking at Haley worryingly.

Haley nodded. "Fine. Really, I am," she looked at him and smiled weakly.

He knew the reason she was this way but he couldn't say anything to her. He wanted so badly to just apologize to her. Say those simple two words 'I'm sorry' but he couldn't.

Haley walked into her house after her tutoring session and started for the staircase when she heard her mom. "Haley? Is that you?"

"Yes," she started going up the stairs.

"Can you come here for a second?"

"No," Haley continued walking up the stairs as she went into her room and closed the door. She took out her binder and put it on her desk and she sat down and looked through her assignment book.

She heard her door open followed by her angry mother. "Would you care to explain why suddenly you think you can act like a spoiled princess? I asked you to come over and though it sounded like I was giving you a choice, when I ask you to do something do it and don't you dare give me a smart reply."

Haley was so not in the mood for all of this. "You done now?"

Lydia's eyes widened. "Am I done now? I've had it up to here with you! Don't come down to dinner until you think about it and apologize. You hear me?!"

Haley nodded furiously at her mom.

"This Friday your father and I are going out and I'd rather you not leave the house. If you want Kyle can come over. That's what I wanted to tell you but now I'm not really sure I should even allow him to come over."

"Mom!" Haley began to protest but Lydia closed the door before she could say another word.

"UGH!" Haley yelled throwing her pen at the door.

In her English class, they were analyzing an important part of the novel they were reading and every student had their book out and a sheet of paper. She wasn't in the mood for analyzing anything really.

The door opened and a student came up to Mr. Thompson with a note and left.

Typical, someone was being called to go to their counselor. It was never for her so she didn't worry about it.

"Haley," Mr. Thompson held up the note.

Haley looked up confused. "I umm- should I go now?"

Mr. Thompson nodded.

"Should I take my stuff with me?"

Mr. Thompson looked at the clock. "Take it just in case."

Haley nodded as she started packing all her stuff. She took her book bag and walked to get the note from her teacher. She walked out of the class and looked at the note.

The cursive hand-writing of her counselor was apparent as well as the time but there was no reason listed. Haley tried to think of any possible reason why she'd be called to her counselor which was so important that they called her in the middle of class for.

The hallways were much nicer when no one was rushing to their class. All she heard was the sound of her heels, yes heels. Since when did she start to actually care about how she looked in school? Since a few weeks ago. And why? Kyle of course. She had to look perfect for him all the time. She'd check and recheck her make-up during school hours and take a lot more time getting ready in the mornings; all for her boyfriend who she loved to death.

Haley walked into the guidance office and walked to her counselor's door. She checked no one was in there as she knocked and opened the door.

"Hey Haley," her counselor smiled at her. "Why don't you take a seat?"

Haley took off her bag and sat down. She remained silent.

"So I'm guessing you're wondering why I called you," Haley nodded. "Well a friend of yours brought to my attention that there was a time period, about two weeks, in which your performance at school dropped dramatically. Did anything happen? At home maybe or anything you want to tell me?"

Haley was pretty much speechless. "Who?"

"Who what?"

"Who told you this?"

"I'm sorry Haley but I can't-"

"There was no problem. I just didn't sleep enough; it was seriously no big deal. It was a long time ago."

"Was there a specific reason you didn't sleep?"

"Homework," Haley said still quite pissed.

"You think that maybe the classes that you take just pile too much on you? That maybe you don't quite get along with the amount of work."

"No! I manage with my classes. It was only two weeks. I'm fine and nothing happened to me. Now can I please go back to my class?" Haley stood up.

The counselor looked up at Haley. "Okay. But if you need anything-"

"I know," Haley took her bag.

She walked quickly and furiously to where she used to spend her lunches. "So who did it?!"

"Nice to see you too," Lucas laughed.

"You?"

"What me?"

"Haley, what are you talking about?" Peyton asked confused.

"My counselor called me in the middle of my English class and said that someone told her they're worried about me or something. I told you all that I'm fine. What? You can't even talk to me anymore and tell me you're worried?! You all know I'm okay and you don't have to go to my counselor -"

"Haley we didn't," Lucas cut in.

"Or lie to me," she looked at him.

"Haley-"

"Just leave me alone; all of you," with this Haley left and turned her back on her friends.

"Okay baby, I'll talk to you later," Kyle closed his cell phone as he took off his shirt and put on his jersey.

"That sweet-talk makes me gag," Nathan laughed tying his shoes.

"What can I do, we're in love," Kyle said.

Nathan remembered that they were in a public place with Lucas in earshot. "Right, love; good luck with that."

Nathan and Kyle walked out onto the court as Whitey blew his whistle. "You ladies want to take some more time getting ready? Suicides, go!"

The team ran from line to line as quickly as they could. They're hearts pounding quickly and they're legs aching.

Whitey blew the whistle as the team stopped. He divided them into two and they started playing. After about 45 minutes Whitey gave them a break to drink.

Kyle laughed about a comment Nathan made as he was drinking from his Gatorade bottle.

"What the hell are you doing to Haley?!" Lucas came up to Kyle.

"None of your business," Kyle put his drink down on the bleacher. "But for that matter I'm not doing anything. You're the one that's pissing her off."

Lucas looked furiously at Kyle and then pushed him full force to the bleachers.

"What the hell man?!" Kyle got up and pushed Lucas.

Lucas swung a fist to Kyle's eye. Kyle knocked Lucas down to the ground and punched him back.

"Hey!" Whitey blew the whistle. "HEY!"

Haley's bedroom door flew open.

"Kyle! Are you okay?" Haley got up worryingly.

"Does it look like I'm okay?" Kyle pointed to his black eye.

Haley tried to ignore the tone in his voice. "What happened?"

"Your idiot of a friend, that's what happened!"

"Lucas did this to you?" both Haley's brows shot up. Kyle nodded. Haley took his hand and pulled him to her bed. "Did you put anything on it? It looks really bad."

"No," he said still in that same tone.

"What was the fighting about?" Haley questioned as she sat cross-legged and turned her body completely to Kyle.

"You."

"What about me?"

"How I'm mistreating you or doing something to you or whatever. Are you telling him shit about me, Haley?"

"What? Of course not; I wouldn't-"

"Well what else would set him off like that?!"

"Kyle, please don't yell."

"I'm not really in the mood as you can clearly see. So am I going to get some answers or what?!"

"I don't know, okay? I went to him today at lunch and said some things-"

"Well don't. Because you know what happens afterwards?!" he pointed to his eye. "This!"

"Would you please calm down?"

"Sure. You know what keeps me very calm? I've got a black eye and my girlfriend's best friend is a maniac. And who knows what the hell he'll do next?-"

"He won't do anything-"

"How do you know?!"

"I'll make sure he won't."

"You better. I'm sick of this, Haley. Can't he stay out of our business?!"

"Kyle-"

"I'll see you tomorrow," Kyle got up angrily. He slammed the door shut which made Haley jump.

Was it only her or did it sound like Kyle was blaming her for the fight? It couldn't be her fault. Or was it?

Lucas opened the door to her bedroom and saw Haley.

"Now this is something I'm not used to. Funny how you used to come here all the time."

"I tell you to stay away from me and you gang up on my boyfriend?!"

"Hales-"

"Is that your idea of leaving me alone?

"Maybe you should break up with him?" Lucas offered as if this were just another conversation though he knew it wasn't.

"Maybe you should mind your own business?!"

"You've completely changed. Just look at yourself. He changed you! I can't even see that same Haley you were."

"Just leave me and Kyle alone! And next time you see me don't talk to me!"

"Fine!"

"Fine!" Haley slammed the door as hard as she could knocking a picture frame Lucas had on his wall to the floor.

Lucas looked to the door furiously and then picked up the picture frame. It was a picture of him and Haley when they were in third grade playing with milk balloons.

It's funny how things changed; how people change. It was only a few months ago when they were just as close as the two kids in the picture.

Haley walked into her Musical Theory class and looked at Peyton who was in her seat looking back at her.

Haley looked to the floor and then walked to her teacher. "Umm- I was wondering if maybe I could switch seats?"

"For the class period?"

Haley shook her head, "The semester."

"Oh. May I ask why?"

Haley looked to the floor again. "I can't concentrate with Peyton sitting next to me."

"Oh, okay. Why don't you sit in the empty seat next to Lenord?" her teacher pointed to the opposite side of the room.

"Okay. Thanks," Haley walked to her new seat and put her bag down. She looked again to Peyton who was looking at her in complete shock.

Haley looked ahead of her and tried to ignore her former friend.

---

Haley took her bag and got up when the bell, signaling the end of her class, rang. Along with the other students she walked to the door.

"So that's the way it's going to be?" she heard Peyton's voice. She looked at her and then tried ignoring her. "Well fine then. You want to choose Kyle over us? Or even Lucas? How long have you dated Kyle? Like a few months? You've known Lucas since you were five. But I doubt you actually care now. This new person you've become; you're fake! Putting so much thought in what to wear for school. We used to make fun of the girls who'd do that. Oh and boyfriend obsessed too. No wonder he doesn't like you anymore," Haley turned her head to Peyton. "Hey Kyle. I hope you two are quite happy together. Oh and don't worry, you won't hear from us." She looked back at Haley and then walked away.

"What was that about?" Kyle looked after Peyton and then at Haley. They started walking to her class.

Haley shrugged not saying a word.

"You want to talk about it?" Haley shook her head. "Why do I feel like we're in a silent film? Aside from my talking and the people in the background."

"Just not in the mood I guess."

"That seems to be the case with you a lot lately."

"You're eye seems better," Haley changed the subject.

"Yeah, my mom put some lotion on it or something."

She was sick of him not apologizing to her. Did he think it was okay to just yell at her? Maybe it was just the stage of their relationship where they were beginning to have trouble.

"It seems like you're in a better mood."

"Huh?"

"Never mind," she didn't want to bring up their fight. Could she really call it a fight though? She wasn't even fighting back.

"So Friday-"

"My mom actually said that I can't go out Friday. But you can come over to my house."

"Why? Are you half-grounded or something?" he joked.

She shook her head. "My parents are leaving for something and want me to stay at home. My mom said that if I want you can come."

"Wait, your parents won't be at your house?" Haley nodded. "For how long?"

"A few hours I guess," they stopped in front of her class.

"A few hours as in two or a few hours as in five?"

"Five, six hours. From eight until like one or two."

"And I can stay until they come back?"

Haley nodded, "Yeah."

"So five to six hours just us two in your empty house?" Kyle raised a brow drawing little circles on her arm with his finger.

Haley looked to her arm, "Yeah."

"Should I come at eight or before then?"

"I don't know. Whenever I guess," Haley looked back at him.

"Okay, well 'whenever I guess' is fine with me," he laughed and gave her a peck.

"So I'll just go…" she signaled towards her class as she walked in.

"Hey Mr. and Mrs. James," Kyle walked in the house just as they exited.

"Kyle, how are you?" Lydia asked.

"Just don't get her pregnant and we're fine," Jimmy smiled.

"Dad!" Again with embarrassing her.

"Have fun kids. Just not too much fun," Lydia winked as they closed the door.

Kyle laughed and turned completely to Haley placing both his hands on her arms. "So, we've got a few hours to kill."

Haley nodded.

"You want to go up to your room?" Kyle suggested.

"Why- why would we go up to my room?"

"Because that's where we always are," Kyle chuckled. "Unless you want to stay down here."

Haley shrugged as they walked up the stairs to her room. Kyle sat on her bed and waited for her to do the same.

"Are you in a bad mood again?" Kyle asked starting to get annoyed.

"No," she said quickly.

He signaled her to come over. Wanting to avoid a fight she went and sat next to him. "Can I ask you a question?" she asked once she sat down.

"Sure."

"And promise not to get mad."

"Why would I get mad?"

Because you always do, she thought. "What's more important to you, for people to think we're sleeping together or for us to actually sleep together?"

"I think you already know the answer to that," he started to rub her thigh.

Haley tried to ignore it. "And since we're not sleeping together at least people think we are?"

"Hales what are you-"

"You promised not to get mad," she reminded him.

"I know."

"So if we'd sleep together you wouldn't tell everyone that we are?"

"I don't tell everyone that we are."

"Assume you do."

"But I don't."

"Just assume."

"Well if we were sleeping together I wouldn't be talking to my friends I'd be with you having sex," he smirked. "And plus, it'd be obvious that we were actually sleeping together."

"How?"

"Well it's just the way we'd be acting in public I guess. It would be obvious that it is on our minds. We'd be more touchy feely as well."

"Oh."

"You trying to hint at something, Hales?"

"No. Not at all," she blushed.

"I get it, and we don't have to do anything."

"But you want to."

"Of course I want to. I'm a guy."

"So it doesn't matter who it's with?"

"What do you mean?"

"You just want to have sex, it's not because you love me or anything. So it could basically be any girl."

"If I'd only want to have sex would I be with you for so long? No. I'd move on to some slut who'll sleep with me after a few days of going out."

"But sex is a bonus of course. I mean that's what you want from me now."

"Where is all this coming from?"

Haley shrugged.

"Okay. Do I want to have sex with you? Yes. Can I continue waiting? Yes. Do I necessarily want to wait? I won't lie to you, I don't want to wait. I mean I'd wait for you, I would. But if I'd have a choice between now and a few months, well let's just say that I don't know what idiot would choose to wait a few months."

"Even if in a few months I'll be ready?"

"You wouldn't feel any more ready than you feel now."

"How do you know?"

"Because you never completely feel ready I guess."

They both fell silent. It wasn't that nice and calming silence but rather that awkward silence.

"So what now?" Kyle finally said.

"What do you mean?"

"We talked about it and I want to know what we're going to do now."

"Kyle, we're not going to sleep tog-"

"I know Haley."

They fell silent once more.

"We don't even kiss anymore," Kyle looked at her.

"We kiss."

"No, we peck."

"Okay, then let's kiss."

"You don't just do that."

"Do what?"

"Say that we should kiss. I mean it doesn't work that way."

"You said it."

"No, I said that we don't kiss anymore."

Haley sighed and it took her by complete surprise when Kyle leaned towards her for a kiss as he slipped his tongue into her mouth. He managed to get on top of her as they continued making out, her hands on his neck.

It felt strange to her. A voice in her head kept on saying, 'He wants more. He doesn't want this. He wants more. He wants sex.' It most definitely did not feel the same.

Haley could feel his hands against her skin. "Kyle stop it," she said between kisses as he tried to pull her top off. "Kyle!" she stopped kissing him as she pulled down her top self-consciously.

"What?!"

"I thought we were clear on the no sex thing."

"We are. But that doesn't mean that we can't make out while you're topless."

Haley looked at him and then got out from under him quickly.

"That was a joke."

"I'm sure it was," she tugged on her tank again. She opened the door and walked out the room and down the stairs.

"Hales!" he yelled walking after her. "Haley would you stop? You have no where to run to."

"Who'd have guessed that I'd be trapped in my own house," she called.

"Haley!" he caught up to her quickly as he put his hand on her shoulder forcing her to turn around. "Where the hell are you running to?!"

'Away from you,' she wanted to say but knew it would be immature.

"Look, it was a joke. I won't touch you for the rest of the night," he dropped his hand and stepped back. "Okay?"

'No, it's not okay.' She nodded. Why she was letting him treat her this way was even confusing for her.

"So what do you want to do?"

Haley shrugged.

"TV?" he offered.

"Not in the mood," she crossed her arms across her chest as she walked up to her room and Kyle followed.

"Anything you are in the mood for?"

Haley shrugged.

"Okay, so we'll sit and do nothing," he took a seat in the chair near her desk. "Complete waste of a Friday," he muttered under his breath.

Was he actually turning this on her? Haley looked at him and then away.

After a few minutes Kyle spoke up. "So apparently we can't even joke with each other anymore without you going all defensive."

"Joke? You were going to get me topless!"

"We can't talk anymore, can't kiss anymore, and now can't touch anymore. I don't know Hales but that doesn't leave much to do. Just sitting around in a room and doing nothing; kind of like we're doing now."

"Kyle-"

"I'm sick of your mood swings; always in a bad mood or not in the mood for anything! One second you're telling me you love me and the next I did something wrong to make you pissed. You think maybe you're the one causing all of this and not me?!"

"What do you mean?" Haley managed to say.

"That you keep on looking for little flaws in our relationship to blow up in our faces. Making a huge deal about what I 'hinted' to my friends, for example!"

"I don't-"

"Just tell me when you're not so PMS and maybe then we can hang!" Kyle got up and walked out of her room and out of her house.

She heard him driving away. This was becoming routine and pretty much scared her. 'It's just a phase,' she told herself. 'It's just a phase, it will be over soon.'

She felt like crying. She was just angry and sad and she couldn't take it anymore. She fought with her parents, with her friends and now constantly with her boyfriend.

She was tired of holding it in. She felt a tear roll down her cheek and that was the breaking point. That followed by quiet sobs as she just let herself sit there shaking and crying; tears rolling down her cheeks and that horrible choking feeling in her throat. And most significant that pain in her heart that wouldn't go away.

Nathan decided to open the laptop to see what Haley was up to. Probably homework or, seeing as it was a Friday, hanging out with Kyle.

But when he opened the program he saw Haley sitting on the floor crying. He was dumbfounded.

"No, no, no," he said to himself. "Come on, don't cry." Only then did he truly realize what he was doing. He knew he was going to break her heart but he didn't believe he would actually be successful at it.

He slowly put his hand on the image of Haley on the screen. He felt a tear forming in his eye. She couldn't be like this, it was because of him. The heartache and the pain and everything she was feeling was because of him; he couldn't stand the thought.

"Haley just- just don't cry."

A/N: comment please! Hopefully you have something to say.