'Cause I'll be by your side wherever you fall
In the dead of night whenever you call
And please don't fight these hands that are holding you
My hands are holding you

She looked at him in slight awe as they walked down the hallway, hand-in-hand. A small smile tugged on the corner of his lips as he looked ahead confidently, like he owned the place. It fascinated her how he could be so confident all of the time. It was weird how people would just move out of the way so they could walk through. It scared her how content she felt, just by simply having her fingers intertwined with his strong ones.

''What are you staring at?'' Nathan asked her, his eyes sparkling in amusement once he caught her totally checking him out, googly eyes and all.

Heat rose to her cheeks as she shrugged her shoulders shyly. ''You... you have really big eyebrows.''

Nathan self-consciously touched them. He coughed awkwardly for a moment. ''I do not,'' he denied with a scoff. ''You're crazy.''

''Whatever,'' she nudged him lightly.

''Would Nathan Scott and Clayton Evan's please report to Coach Durham's office immediately.'' the squawky voice of the receptionist rang through the school speakers.

He looked at his girlfriend, his forehead creasing in confusion. ''What's that about?'' Nathan asked, turning his body towards the opposite direction where the boy's locker rooms were, already preparing to leave. Whitey Durham wasn't a man he wanted to keep waiting; especially now he's dating the girl who's like a granddaughter to the coach.

Haley shrugged, smirking slightly. ''How am I supposed to know?''

''Whatever,'' he mocked, leaning down and pressing a quick kiss on her lips before turning around and hurrying down the hallway in slight panic.

She watched his retreating figure with a dreamy, love sick smile on her face. God, what is he doing to her? Haley quickly shook her head, before someone came to hand her a tissue to wipe the drool dripping from her chin. She spotted Brooke down the hallway, walking with her arm linked with Mia's. Haley quickly jogged over to them, linking Brooke's other arm.

''Hey,'' she greeted, slightly breathlessly. ''I need to ask you guys something,''

''Hey Tutor Girl,'' Brooke smiled. ''Sure, what is it?''

''Well, it's Nathan's birthday soon, and I need to get him a super awesome present. And now I'm not working at Karen's, I only have to do a number of hours at Deb's a week, whenever I want. So I don't have to be at the music store until later on tonight...'' she rambled, laughing at herself before shaking her head. ''Anyway, do you guys wanna come to the mall with me to help pick out a present? I really need your help. I don't have much money to get something too extravagant.''

Mia laughed loudly with a snort. ''Do you really think Brooke would say no to shopping?''

''Mia's totally right,'' Brooke nodded, rolling her green eyes dramatically. ''Of course I'm coming, I already have a bunch of ideas.'' she clapped her hand excitedly. ''Ooh, this is going to be so much fun.''

''Are you coming too, Mia?'' Haley asked, trying to keep her mind away from Brooke's ideas. Sure, she wants her help. But knowing Brooke she'll want her to get her something way other the top. Nathan's told her about past birthday's of his, when it's been more about basketball than his actual birthday. So she wants to make his seventeenth special for him... but in a reasonable price range.

The rock star shook her head. ''I can't... I, um- I took your job at Karen's.'' she admitted, her eyes widening in slight fear. ''I was going to ask you, but I needed to get it. I need some money for all the gas to get to Chase's, and I really want this new guitar and I feel really bad because it was like, your job first. I hope you don't think-''

''Mia, its fine!'' Haley interrupted, chuckling while shaking her head in disbelief. ''I don't even get why you think I'd be mad. I love my new job.''

Mia smiled, relief washing over her. ''Great- that's great.''

Brooke's nose scrunched up in un-pleasance. ''I don't get it. I love Gaby and Lily, but dealing with a bunch of screaming kids who you're supposed to be teaching must be really tough. I wouldn't be able to handle that.''

''You only teach one at a time. Some kids don't get it at first, but eventually if you explain it right, then they understand.''

''Well, we're not all smart like you, Tutor Girl.'' she rolled her eyes, smiling innocently afterwards.

''Whatever,'' Haley grumbled, realising she was repeating the words her boyfriend had said earlier.

The thought of him made her smile.

God, seriously. What is he doing to her? First, he makes her fall for him. Now he won't get out of her damn head.

(But if she's being honest, she really doesn't mind at all).

Nathan tapped the glass of the door quickly, stepping inside when he saw that Clay was already sat on one of the seats in front of the desks. He smiled sheepishly at his friend as he sat down, nodding his head to Whitey. ''Hey, Coach. You wanted to see us?''

Whitey nodded, lacing his fingers together and resting them on the desk seriously. ''Yes.'' he coughed. ''As you know, every year one person from the team gets sent to High Flyers. You also know that Skills was the one to go last summer, so this year I had narrowed it down to three applicants. Lucas, and you two. But now Lucas can't go, that means you two have a better shot. I have the application forms here, but you also need to create a tape of you showing what you can do and why you should get in.'' he picked up the forms and handed them one each. ''These need to be in soon if you want a good chance, good luck.''

Clay smiled widely, nodding eagerly. ''Thanks Coach, I really appreciate.''

''Uh, yeah, me too.'' Nathan mumbled, still in slight shock. He didn't know if he even wanted to go to High Flyers. Sure, last year he would have jumped at the chance. But last year didn't include Haley, but this year does. And he doesn't know whether he wants to spend almost three months without her, it didn't feel right. Still, he's got a while until these have to be sent in, so he doesn't have to dwell on it right this second.

He saw Clay pick up his bag, ready to leave. ''Clay, can you wait for me outside?''

''Sure, man.''

Nathan looked at his coach when his spiky haired friend walked out of the office. ''Hey Coach, do you think you could maybe getting a Stanford scout to come and see some of the games next year?''

Whitey smiled knowingly with a nod. ''I'll see what I can do, Nathan.''

''Thanks, I really appreciate it.''

He smiled gratefully before jogging out of the office, where Clay was stood leaning against the wall, skimming through the application forms.

Clay grinned, breathing shakily. ''I can't believe I got picked for this,'' he stated, his voice wobbly with emotion. ''I mean, it was really unexpected. At least I know Whitey likes me now, but I don't think I'll get in.''

Nathan frowned in confusion, looking at him strangely as they walked out of the locker rooms and into the busy hallway with people making their way to class after hearing the warning bell. Luckily, these two are in the same class first period. ''Why do you think that? I don't even know if I'm applying, so that will make it a lot easier for you to try.''

The honey blonde guy rolled his eyes mockingly. ''Why?'' he asked. ''This is like, the opportunity of a life time.''

''Well first, I don't even know if I'd actually get in. Second, I don't even know if I could leave this place for the summer. Lily needs me here. And how am I supposed to leave Haley for that long? She's winning singing competitions, Clay. That's just the first step, she's going to be a star. I wanna be here for her and support her, I can't do that at camp.''

''There are things called phones, Nate.'' Clay reminded him with a throaty chuckle. ''And email, and they have visits. You can support her while being there, too.'' his voice grew softer. ''You can have both.''

''I think you're supposed to be convincing me not to go,'' Nathan said in a teasing tone, elbowing him playfully. ''But thanks man, I'll think about it, okay? And I'll talk to Haley about it.''

He spotted his mathlete friend grabbing a book from his locker quickly, in fear of being late to class.

''Hey Baker,'' he called from a couple of metres away, bringing his hands around his mouth to make his voice louder.

Julian turned around, grinning at the sight of his popular friend. It freaked him out slightly how fast all this has happened. First, he becomes the boyfriend of the Brooke Davis. Then, he goes to Damien West's house for the night, the guy who's well known in North Carolina. Now, he's friends with Nathan Scott, one of the most popular guys in school, who also happens to be one of the kindest guys he's ever met in his life.

''What's up?''

''Uh, would you mind filming some stuff for me at the river court sometime this week? I'd really appreciate it.''

''Yeah,'' he nodded, his smile widening at the thought of being able to use his beloved video camera. ''Sure, just call me or something.''

Nathan grinned successfully. ''Thanks,''

As they walked away, Clay looked at him strangely.

''I thought you hadn't decided if you were applying or not?'' he reminded him questioningly.

Nathan shrugged his shoulders, smirking slightly. ''It's always good to be prepared.''

Brooke rolled her eyes at her boyfriend as he stared in awe outside an electrical store, where a brand new video camera stood in the window, with a huge half price sign next to it. Okay, so maybe she was starting to regret bringing him along with them for their shopping trip. It's not her fault that she seems to want to spend all of her free time with him. It's him. Him and his stupid illegal grin that makes her weak at the knees, it also happens to make her unable to say no to anything he asks to tag along on shopping trips.

(Perfect boyfriend right here, he willingly wants to go shopping with her).

''Don't get me wrong, I love JuJu-Bee to pieces, but why is he here?'' Haley questioned, forcing herself not to groan in annoyance.

''But Haley,'' she whined. ''He has super powers! I can't so no to him...it's freaky.''

Haley grabbed her hand, dragging her along the mall. ''I have to be back to work in two hours, Davis. And I need to find the perfect present.''

Brooke came to a halt when she stopped in front of a certain store. Instead, she started to tug Haley's hand into the store, Victoria's Secret. ''This is the perfect place,'' she proclaimed, picking up a baby blue set for her to try on before tugging her towards the changing rooms. ''You can try this on, while I find some more things for you.''

''Brooke!'' she yanked her hand away, feeling heat burn her cheeks. ''I don't need any of this stuff.'' Haley stated through gritted teeth, her fists clenching as her nails dug into her skin. ''We're getting a present for Nathan.''

''That's why we're here,'' she snorted, rolling her eyes mockingly.

Julian finally caught up with them, spotting the silky number in his hand. He raised a suggestive eyebrow. ''Bow chicka wow wow...'' he bobbed his head up and down, chuckling slightly.

''Don't say that ever again.''

His eyes widened at how freaky it was that they both said the same thing in unison. The two of them were more alike than they could understand. Who would have thought Haley James, the nerd, would become such good friends with Brooke Davis, the head cheerleader? It was hard to wrap his head around, and he's the one who's a mathlete.

''It would look good on you,'' he said, pointing to it.

''See,'' Brooke looked at Haley pointedly. ''Julian agrees with me! You'll look amazing.''

''Whoa...'' Julian trailed off in confusion. He wasn't talking about his best friend. He shuddered. That wasn't something he wanted to think about. It freaked him out that his innocent Haley was having sex with her basketball player boyfriend. It didn't seem like her.

''I'm not wearing that!'' she shrieked, fuming. She couldn't even say the 's' word without turning into a human tomato. It's not a topic that she really wanted to discuss with Julian and Brooke, especially when she can barely discuss it with her boyfriend. And she's definitely not going to wear that thing when the thought of it bubbled up all of the self consciousness that she has.

She stormed out of the store in embarrassment, stopping suddenly when a certain store caught her eye.

The pet store.

Brooke quickly hurried out of the lingerie store as fast as her heal would allow. ''Haley, I'm sorry. I really thought you were...you know.'' she slightly rambled breathlessly once she reached her. Once she realised that Haley wasn't answering her, she turned to look at the store her friend was staring intently at. She smiled, realising this beat all of her previous ideas as she leaned towards Haley's ear.

''You know,'' she whispered. ''Nathan's never had a pet before.''

Alex wiped the table at Hot and Twisted tiredly, blowing her hair out of her eyes. God, this sucked. It sucked worse than that time she saw these smokin' pair of boots, and some girl, Emma, from the year above totally bought the last pair in her size. Then she started wearing them all of the time, just to rub it in her face. And that really sucked. So anyone could only imagine how bad this is.

Her parents had made her get a job, after refusing to pay for anything for her. Lydia James had stopped by their house for a visit the other day, letting Mr and Mrs Dupre know the extent of the damage she caused her daughter. Plus, she's decided to file a civil suit, which is going to cost her mom and dad a bunch of money, which is just another reason her parents gave her after making her work there.

''I can't believe you bought him a fish,'' she heard a familiar raspy voice state in disbelief. ''Why don't you just give him a puppy straight away?''

''Because I want to make sure he doesn't kill it. He needs to be trusted with a gold fish first. And if he doesn't kill Jock, then he can have the puppy for his birthday...only the puppy will be a surprise. I'll go and get one the day before his birthday from the pound or something. ''

''You called the fish Jock?'' a boys voice questioned humorously.

And that's when Alex snapped.

She threw the cloth onto the table and whipped her head around to see her walking with Brooke Davis and her nerdy boyfriend, who was holding a small bowl with a lid on top, with a goldfish swimming inside. They were all laughing around and joking with each other, while she's here working at this crappy place, not even able to buy the skirt that keeps looking at her through one of the store windows. For once, she wasn't happy. And she couldn't handle it that girl she wanted to be miserable was far from it.

''Hey you,'' Alex shouted, storming towards the three who stopped immediately when they saw her. ''Look at me,'' she tugged on her uniform. ''This is all your fault, you bitch. You and your stupid poor mom who needs to get money from my family because you can't handle some rumours.'' She didn't notice how the small girls eyes got darker. ''Can't you just attempt payback? Oh that's right, you can't. You have to get Brooke or your mom or Nathan to protect you!''

She was answered with a slap in the face.

Alex brought her hand up to her throbbing cheek, staring at the girl in fury.

''Believe me, bitch, I can fight. You don't even wanna try me.'' Haley laughed darkly, shaking her head. ''Wait, so my mom filed a civil suit? I didn't even know that. But it's good... it's really good that maybe you can realise what it's like for the rest of us.'' her voice started to wobble slightly. ''It's called karma.''

Haley mumbled something incoherent under her breath, before turning and simply walking away, feeling a strange sense of sensation after replaying the slap in her mind. It felt like a huge weight had suddenly lifted from her shoulders... maybe she was free.

But it was never as simple as that, and she knew it.

''You brought all of this on yourself,'' Brooke stated, staring at the Hot & Twisted worker with a smirk tugging on her lips. ''Haley didn't do anything wrong, you did. She didn't want anything to happen to you, it's her that's stopped me from finding you and kicking your and Carrie's asses. But she can't stop me from kicking you both off the team.''

Julian fought the urge to pump his fist in the air in triumph, he didn't want to drop Jock.

''You can't do that,'' Alex spluttered in shock, shaking her head in denial.

''Um, yes I can.'' she mocked. ''One, you've missed more than three practices, you can thank your suspension for that. Two, you're a bitch, and there's only room for one of them on my squad, and that's me. Three, you went after two friends of mine, that's against my rules, remember? Four, your ass is too fat for you to even jump, and Carrie looks like she's going to break because she's so skinny. Hasn't she heard that zero isn't a size?''

Alex huffed, fighting the urge to start a full on bitch fight. But she would probably get fired (not that she cared much anyway, but she does need this job). Plus, this would give Brooke and her friends another reason to hate her, she already knows she's going to get hell when she comes back, especially now she's not a cheerleader anymore.

So she walked away.

''Mom?'' Haley called weakly, shutting the front door behind her after walking into the house. She knew her mom was home, she usually takes lunch time shifts and night shifts, so she can make her some dinner on the days when Haley isn't working as much, so they can spend some time together. They don't do that much these days. Work, schools, friends and new relationships just get in the way of them having some mother-daughter time.

''In here, Haley Bob.''

She walked into the living room, seeing her mother reading the newspaper on the recliner, sipping her coffee absentmindedly.

''Why did you file a civil suit against Alex?'' she demanded. ''I didn't want any more trouble.''

Lydia's eyes widened slightly. She placed her coffee onto the coffee table, sitting up slightly. ''I know you don't want trouble, honey, you never want trouble. But it always seems to find you, even though you are protecting and defending everyone constantly. And because you're trying to avoid this trouble, you forget to defend yourself.''

Haley crossed her arms over her chest defensively. ''Yes I can,'' she insisted.

''I needed to do this. I needed to protect you, okay? I can't let those girls get away with spreading those lies about you. You deserve something back. What if those colleges found out? Even if it's not on your records, they could still find out somehow, there are lots of gadgets these days that can get this kind of stuff. This is your future, Haley Bob. I'm not going to let you stand by and let them ruin it.''

Lydia leaned forward, looking her straight in the eye. ''I want you to have everything life has to offer, there's no point in sitting around when it could be taken away in a second,'' her voice started to quiver. ''Your father wouldn't have let them get away with this, and I'm not either. We're not taking this crap. We're James girls.'' she grabbed two pieces of paper from the coffee table. ''I got you something.''

Haley took hold of the papers, looking at the titles. Stanford Early Admission Programme. Duke Early Admission Programme. She frowned at her mother. ''I don't understand,''

''If you and I work a little harder, then we've got it. We've got your college fund. You can graduate a year early and starting living. Life's too short, Haley Bob.'' she smiled softly. ''Just... Just think about it, okay?''

Nathan appeared in her mind.

This wasn't just her decision anymore.

It was theirs.

''Uh, yeah,'' she looked up. ''I'll think about it.''

Nathan pushed the music store door open, hearing the familiar jingle. He walked further into the store and saw his girlfriend, flicking through some random magazine aimlessly, her curls covering her face. He smiled. She didn't realise how beautiful she was, even when he could barely see her face. Of course, she was breathtaking when he actually could. And that was a much better option.

''Hey baby,'' he called from a couple of metres away, smiling warmly.

She looked up at him, her face lighting up immediately as she tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. ''Hey handsome,''

''You ready to go?'' Nathan questioned, nodding his head towards the door.

''Yeah,'' she nodded, grabbing her jacket from under the counter, slipping it on quickly. Haley looked towards the back room, ''Bye Max!'' she shouted to her boss who was in his 'office' doing whatever bosses do.

''Wait, Haley!'' he shouted. ''I wanted to show you those pictures of George,'' Max said, whining slightly because he really wanted to show someone the pictures of his cat. ''He's wearing people clothes!''

Nathan saw Haley groan slightly. He wanted to leave, too, he was starving. But then an idea popped into his mind. ''Uh, Haley's boss, we have tickets for the movies. We're gonna be late.'' I'm a genius!

She smiled in relief. ''Um, yeah. I'm really sorry Max, next time, okay?''

''Okay,'' he shouted back sadly, not bothering to come out of his 'office' like he usually does to say goodbye.

Haley walked around his counter and took her boyfriends hand, intertwining their fingers as he walked out of the store, pulling her along with him. She stayed silent as they walked with their hand swaying slightly between them. She was itching to tell him about her encounter with Alex earlier today, because the truth is, she's truly... proud of standing up her. She knew that Nathan would be, too. But she felt hypocritical at the same. She was the one who told Brooke to leave it. She was the one who told Nathan not to confront her in the park. She was the one who told Rachel not to come down to Tree Hill and kick their asses. Then she just simply slapped her in the face. She smiled at the liberating memory. But at the same time, she knew it probably wasn't over, no matter how much she wished that it was.

''Why are you being so quiet?'' Nathan asked, breaking her away from her thoughts as he looked at her in amusement, obviously wondering why she wasn't rambling about her day like she usually does.

She shrugged. ''Just thinking,''

''About?'' he inquired.

''Alex,'' she admitted, sighing. ''I kinda bumped into her today at the mall- well, she kinda just charged at me. She said that I can't handle those rumours, and that I need you, or Brooke, or my mom to protect me.'' She felt Nathan squeeze her hand a little tighter as his clenched in fury. ''And she called me poor. So I kinda...'' she stopped, sucking in a breath and holding her lips together.

He looked at her questioningly, a small smirk tugging on his lips. ''You kinda what?''

''Slapped her,'' Haley mumbled, almost incoherently.

''You slapped her?'' he exclaimed, laughing loudly. ''My girl's a total badass.''

She frowned at him as he continued to laugh, he was looking at her in pure pride and it caused these little butterflies to form in her stomach. She grinned at him in relief. ''You totally wish you could have been there to see it.''

''I know,'' Nathan agreed, pouting mockingly. ''It's a shame Julian didn't record it, you know, like he records everything.''

''Shame he wasn't there to record you getting pushed over by a goat,'' she quipped.

He gaped at her. ''You promised not to do that anymore!''

Haley shrugged, unashamedly. ''Guess I lied,'' she said. He noticed that she had a slight edge to her voice. It wasn't teasing or light, it was just plain rude. His girl's never rude, especially not to people she cares about. Something must be seriously bothering her to get her this upset.

''Something else it bothering you,'' Nathan stated, looking at her knowingly. ''Tell me what it is.''

''I just- I can't believe my mom.'' she sighed. ''She filed a civil suit against Alex and Carrie, so now they have to give money to for 'emotional damage' because it's bullying, right? I just didn't want her to do anything.''

''She's protecting you,'' he reminded her lightly, bringing her hand up to his lips and kissing it softly. ''Sometimes I think about my mom, and how she could have protected me from Dan- from all of it. Because in my head, she's really awesome, you know? And sometimes that makes me feel really naïve, because I feel like a kid wishing my dad was a superhero or something.'' he snorted. Dan Scott was a villain, the complete opposite of a hero. ''But I just know that she would have done that kind of stuff for me. In her letter, she really loved me, and I hadn't even been born when she wrote it.''

''Nathan,'' Haley breathed, clutching her heart guiltily. ''I'm sorry. But I... I understand, kinda. I mean, my dad's been with me through everything. But now he's not going to be there for my graduation, or my- my wedding. Or if I have kids, he's never gonna meet them. But your mom, she's always been there, hasn't she? I bet she's always looking down on you, smiling.''

''You think so?''

''I know it,'' she assured him. ''Was she pretty? Do you have a picture or something?''

He shook his head. ''Cooper had a couple of photo's, but I wouldn't look- I couldn't. I just think now if I take one look at it, then that's gonna be it, that's my mom. And then I know it's gonna truly hit me... that she was real. And I know that's cowardly, but I just can't see what she looks like. I just... can't.''

Haley squeezed his hand in reassurance, shaking her head. ''It's not cowardly. If you were a coward, then you wouldn't be telling me that.'' she smiled at him warmly. ''What about grandparents? How about you get in touch with your grandparents?'' she asked. ''Cooper's parents.'' she elaborated.

''I never asked,'' he revealed. ''I might have met them before when I was younger, but I can't remember.''

''You should ask him about it,''

''Yeah, I think I will.''

Her phone vibrated in her pocket, she reached inside and grabbed her cell phone. Haley instantly groaned at the caller ID, Keller. She pressed the ignore button, before placing it back into her jean pocket.

''Who was that?'' Nathan asked curiously.

''Chris,'' she replied. ''He keeps asking me if I've made my mind up about the record, but I've not yet, so I just keep ignoring his calls.''

Nathan didn't want to think about that. Even though Chris had told her that she didn't have to tour, and even he could go with her to record and whatever else they do. Touring was a big part of the music business. Plus, that other record company gave her their number. She would need to tour for that. And the thought of her leaving him for months, to travel around the country to perform in bars, clubs and arena's scared the hell out of him. He didn't think he could be without her for that long. He knew that he was being slightly selfish, thinking that he didn't want her to follow her dreams. But he can't help how he feels.

They reached Karen's Café then, so he didn't bother saying anything as they walked inside.

He spotted Lily, sat at one of the tables, drawing a picture with her crayons as she swung her legs absentmindedly.

''Hey, Lily Roe.'' he called, smiling brightly at his little sister as he made his way over to her, his girlfriend walking slightly behind him, still holding his hand.

''Natey!'' Lily exclaimed happily, looking up from her drawing as the two teens sat down. ''I drew you a picture.''

She handed it to him, beaming in pride of her creation.

He looked down at it. It was a big drawing, full of stick figures, but he could easily make out who they were from their hair colour. The big Scott house was in the centre, and he, Dan, Karen, Lucas and Lily were stood outside it, smiling brightly (as much as stick figures can). Then at the side of the house, Brooke and Julian were there (she had even added Julian's little curls), with Gaby, too. Then next to them was Haley, her golden hair flowing almost to the figures feet (Lily didn't have a gold crayon, so she used yellow). The sun was shining at the top, it even had cool sunglasses on.

''Wow,'' he breathed. ''That's really great, Lil.''

''Yeah, Lily,'' Haley chipped in. ''It's really pretty, you even added my hair.''

Lily nodded proudly. ''I know, I love your hair.''

''Thank you,'' she grinned. ''I love yours too, I like your flower.'' she pointed to the little pink flower clip that was in the little girl's hair, holding her bangs in place.

The door jingled open. Two more Scott's entered, one was smiling, despite who he was next to. The other had the familiar smug look on his face, looking like he ruled the world, especially now. Once the first one noticed the three at the table, he smiled, running a hand through his dirty blonde hair.

''Hey guys,'' Lucas greeted as he walked towards them. ''Nate, I heard about High Flyers, congrats man.''

Haley frowned in confusion. What's High Flyers? she wondered. She might have heard Damien say something about it once upon a time, but she doesn't remember what it actually is. Just as she was about to question her boyfriend about it, the second man approached the table, grinning at the raven haired boy.

''Nathan!'' Dan exclaimed. ''I can't believe you got picked for it, your game has been sloppy this year.'' He waved his hand dismissively. ''That doesn't matter now though, you're going to impress those coaches. I have some connections over there, and I can easily help you beat this Evan's kid. Don't you worry. You just have to apply soon, you'll have a better chance then.''

''I don't have to do anything,'' Nathan snapped, glaring at his father. This was supposed to stop. After Nathan revealed that he knew about Deb, Dan was supposed to stop with the pressurising and the abandoning. It was all meant to end. But Dan won't just give it up and let his children live, he still has to push this dream into their heads. Even though Lucas can't play, that doesn't mean Dan's going to keep him away from basketball, no way.

''What do you mean?''

''I mean that I've not even decided if I want to go yet! I'm not applying until I know for sure.''

''You never used to talk to me like this,'' Dan stated, turning to look at the quiet teenage girl who was looking at them all in slight shock. ''This is all your fault.'' he declared. ''Ever since you've been around you've got my kids turning on me!''

Haley gaped at him, feeling tears well in her eyes.

''Don't talk to her like that,'' Nathan shouted in anger, standing up. ''This is all your fault.''

''I'm gonna...'' she motioned to the door shakily. ''Go- I'm gonna go.'' She quickly stood up and hurried out of the café before anyone could stop her. Dan Scott was definitely the scariest man she knew, being around him frightened her. But him actually yelling at her- that was petrifying, she just had to get away from there.

No way was he letting his dad talk to him girlfriend like that. ''I told you to stay away from us!'' He glanced at his little sister, she was the only reason as to why he wasn't punching Dan in the face right now.

''I'm trying to help you, Nathan.'' Dan said calmly, smirking slightly.

''You can help me by staying the hell away from us both, like I told you.'' He looked at his brother. ''Luke, stay here with Lily.''

Nathan quickly hurried out of the café. He saw Haley walking down the sidewalk, a little faster than average speed as she wiped a tear from her eye. ''Haley!'' he shouted, but she just quickened her pace. He started to run down the road until he reached her, pulling her arm back gently so she would face him. ''I'm really sorry about him. Please don't cry.''

''Why didn't you tell me about High Flyers?'' she demanded, her face angry.

''I was gonna tell you,'' he promised. ''I swear, I was gonna tell you in the café.''

Her face softened then as she smiled at him slightly. ''Well, what is it then?'' she asked. ''High Flyers.'' she elaborated. ''Is it for pilots or something? If it is then that's a pretty cheesy name...''

''No,'' Nathan chuckled, taking her hand in his. ''It's not for pilot's, it's for basketball players. It's a camp for them, actually. One person from each school gets accepted each year, but a few can apply. Whitey picked me and Clay, so only one of us can go. But it's for most of the summer... I don't wanna go for that long.''

''So... So if I wasn't in the picture, would you be having doubts about this?''

He shook his head.

''It's your dream, isn't it? Your dream is to be a basketball player in the NBA. Even though you say that Dan's made you hate it, and you're not really sure yet, it still could be, you just don't know it yet. This could be an amazing experience. They'll teach you moves and stuff, won't they? You'll love it there.'' she said as she started to walk again down the sidewalk, her hand not leaving his.

''Promise me,'' Haley continued confidently, swinging their hands between them slightly as they walked. ''Promise me that you'll go after your dream, no matter what. Always.''

Nathan thought about it for a moment. Yes, he wanted to get his dream. But that didn't mean that he wanted to leave Haley, he wanted them to do this together. ''Okay, but you've got to promise, too.''

She grinned. ''Fine, I promise.''

''Well, are you going to pursue your music? I think that you should.''

''But what about touring?'' she asked, saying the word as if it was an uncomfortable thing to say. It kind of was, to her. It meant that she would have to leave Nathan for a long period of time that made her feel so uneasy, and it made her chest ache. ''What would happen to us?''

''We'd still be us.'' he replied, smiling, despite the fact that thinking about her in arena's with a bunch of guys who have paid to see her makes his blood boil. ''We're not gonna break up because of a tour. I could come with you, or I could visit.'' Nathan suggested. ''I'm not giving up on us.''

''We're not gonna break up because of High Flyers. I could visit.''

Nathan smirked, slightly proud of her comeback. ''Touché.''

Her face turned suddenly serious, knowing they would have to talk about it. ''I shouldn't want to go and tour for a summer with Chris, or with the label that gave Rachel my number- If they offer me a deal, that is. But I should wanna stay, with you. And I do wanna stay, I really do. But if we don't go and follow or dreams, then I've seen enough shows to know that we'd end up resenting each other. I don't want our dreams to tear us apart.''

''They're not going to,'' he assured her. ''Besides, what's one summer? That's nothing, if we're going to have forever.''

''Forever,'' she mused. ''That sounds nice.''

''It does, doesn't it?''

Haley nodded, a certain something popping in her mind. She quickened her pace. ''C'mon, I've got a surprise for you, it's at my house.''

He raised an eyebrow, chuckling. ''That sounds kinky.''

''Shut up,'' she commanded, blushing. ''It's an early birthday present.''

''Haley,'' Nathan groaned, hanging his head back in frustration as she dragged him in the direction of her house. ''I don't want a present.'' he said. She's saving money for college, he doesn't want her wasting money on him, and despite the fact she might get lots of money if she does this record with Chris or the other label. ''Especially not an early one.''

''Well, you're getting one.''

''Well, can I at least have a clue?''

She placed a finger on her chin in thought. ''Jock.''

Nathan frowned. ''Jock?''

Haley smirked at his confused expression. ''You'll just have to wait and see...''

AN: I really, really love this chapter. Maybe that's really arrogant of me, but I just really love it, especially after reading through it again. So I really hope you love it as much as I do, and please let me know:) SONG: BY YOUR SIDE by TENTH AVENUE NORTH. I don't own it.

And what did you think of the finale? I loved the NL and BJu & DJ scenes, they were adorable times a billion. In my opinion, the Naley scenes were far too short. But it looks like we're not getting much of them next season according to the press release, that makes me sad. CA just pissed me off. A cheated on C, and he didn't even ask for an explanation, he just didn't care. That's why I can never ship them. They're not believable. While CM were so believable and so simple yet so sweet. For a finale, I don't think a eight year old relationship is very important. Chuck though, I just love him. I can actually feel sorry for him, despite how rude he is to people. My highlight of the episode: Julian talking to his sons, it was magnificent. Second: Dan's return, I'm so sad that he eats on his own in the diner. Third... BJu with the twins and the video camera. So, what did you think of it?

C - Thanks so much for reviewing! I'm really glad that you enjoyed this chapter. I love the NL relationship, it's how I want him to treat Lydia when she gets older. It would be adorable. DR, who would have thought anyone could ship them? And now I do! I'm glad you like them. Thanks again!

cuteyfruity - I'm so glad that you liked it! Hope you like the NR growing friendship. And, I know, right? It's taken them forever! Thanks for your review:) And thanks so much for reviewing my other oneshots! It means a lot!

goldenbabe - Thank you for your review:) I love Andre and was so mad when he just stopped being in the show (I do love Chuck though, I just miss Andre). Glad you liked the DR, it seems like a lot of people did. I wish I could have a relationship like MTMTE Naley's, but that could never happen, no guy is as adorable as Nathan! Deb needs to build up her confidence, she doesn't want to disrupt his life, she just wants to be a part of it. Thanks again!

Please review! x