+18

Recap:

He climbed in and looked at her. "Where do you want to go?"

"Any where but home," she answered between sobs.

Nathan put the car in drive. He knew where he'd take her. Somewhere they could be alone and undisturbed.

Part 18:

Nathan pulled up to where he parked the car the night before. They got out of his truck. Haley pulled the varsity jacket tighter around her. The wind blew her hair about her face. Haley walked over to the railing, Nathan a step behind her. The remnants of the night before were being blown around the dock. Haley leaned on the railing and stared out at the scenery. Nathan stood behind her and wrapped his arms around her. He leaned his chin on her shoulder and tried to understand what she was looking for.

"Thank you Nathan," Haley said her voice just above a whisper.

"For what?"

Haley smiled to herself. She never imagined that Nathan would be the one comforting her when things happened. "Being here for me, getting me out of work."

"It would be nice if I knew what was going on. Why I had to bust you out of work," Nathan said, trying to joke.

"I know," she sighed. "I just.I figure if I don't say it out loud.it's not true."

Nathan pulled her closer. "You can tell me when you're ready and I'll be there to help," he assured her.

They stayed like that for about an hour or so before Haley broke the silence. She turned around in his arms to face him. She brought her hand op to his cheek. "My Aunt called this morning. My grandmother passed away last night or this morning," Haley told him and her voice started to waver, giving way to her calm collected voice she tried to start with.

"I'm sorry Haley," Nathan said sincerely. "Were you guys close?"

Haley nodded solemnly. "Yea we were. Then she moved to California, about five years ago. She's living.or was.with my aunt and cousin. I would go visit her a couple times a year." Haley took a deep breath and fought the tears. She had done enough crying. She tried to steady her breath and even out her tone. She looked into Nathan's eyes. "My mom and grandma had gotten into a fight shortly after she moved away to California. And hadn't talked since, but I still called her and went to go see her."

Haley leaned her head on Nathan's chest as he rubbed circles on her back trying to calm and sooth her.

"So are you going out to California to...for the," Nathan trailed off not wanting to complete the sentence.

Haley shook her head. "She's being buried here like my grandpa. My Aunt and cousin are also moving into Tree Hill."

"That's good, isn't it?"

"Brianna and I don't exactly.get along," Haley stated. "

Nathan looked confused. "Why is that?" Nathan and his family were like that. His dad didn't talk to his mom (Nathan's grandma). Him and a few of his older cousins didn't talk. But to him it just seemed it was his family. He had pictured Haley's family close, and loving because of the way she had turned out, but that must be in large part to Karen, Keith, and Lucas. Speaking of Lucas, he hadn't called him back.

"She's not a nice person. Going out on a limb here, but I'd say she's worse than Brooke," Haley said, interrupting his thoughts.

Nathan made a face. "Tree Hill does not need another Brooke."

"I know. Trust me, I know."

Nathan wiped away a tear that started to slide down her cheek. He kissed her forehead, then her nose, and then he placed a soft, sensual kiss on her lips. This time Haley took the initiative in intensifying and deepening the kiss. It went from slow and sensual to hungry and passionate. Haley was allowing all the pent up emotion and anxiety escape through her actions. And Nathan was happy to help.

END PART 18