Comes in after Lucas' accident, Nathan and Haley are together, Brooke and
Luke have broken up, And Peyton and Luke are figuring out where they are.
Haley's POV
Laying in bed, Haley thought about everything that had happened over the past 6 weeks. Karen being away had really shaken things up, and not just with Lucas and Keith. Her and Nathan were a real couple, and they had their problems along with every other normal couple. She didn't like how Lucas was acting, but after the accident she came to realize and respect the difficult situation he'd been in between Peyton and Brooke.
Haley had become close with Peyton in the past few weeks and felt it just as easy to confide her problems in Peyton as it had always been with Luke. Peyton felt this same comfort in Haley, and trusted her judgement.
Haley and Nathan had gotten into a fight right before she'd heard of Luke's accident. Nathan told Haley that at first he had only wanted to hook up with her as a means of getting at Luke. Haley took offense to this, and the couple was, and is now, astranged.
Haley thought back to the one time in her life where everything was simple and right, and there was no complications and no drama. To her own amazement, she wasn't thinking of a time where it was her and Lucas against the world, and Peyton, Brooke, and more importantly Nathan were not even acquaintances. She thought back to a few weeks ago, when she had woken up in this very bed she laid in now. One thing was different though... she was in Nathan's arms.
She thought back to that night's events. How Nathan had collapsed on the court that night and had been rushed to the hospital. How she was terrified that something horrible had happened to him. How she paced her room all night thinking of what could have happened to him, and the way that they ended things. Then she thought of that night and how wonderful it had been.
Nathan's POV
Nathan had taken steroids and collapsed on the basketball court earlier that evening. He went to shoot the ball, but collapsed, and went down hard. Before he landed on the hard, unforgiving wood floor, he looked up into the crowd and saw Haley. She was beautiful. Her nose was scrunched up and she had a terrible look of shock and worry on her face. Nathan thought she was beautiful. More beautiful than any girl he had ever seen.
Before long, he awoke in a hospital, only to hear his father arguing with the doctor about how his son would never take drugs, and the doctor was out of line. Nathan disregarded this, and thought about one thing. Haley. He needed desperately to see her, to be with her, to hold her. To know that things would be alright, if only for a moments time. She made him feel as if he had not a problem in the world, as if nothing else mattered but them being together.
Haley's POV
That night she picked up the phone and dialed Nathan. She knew he was probably in the hospital or at home in bed, but she called anyway. She needed to tell him that she hated the way they ended things and was worried about him, even if she was confessing these things to the voicemail on his cell phone.
Just as the words "I really hate how we ended things..." had crossed her lips, Nathan spoke up and let out a raspy "So do I..." Haley was shocked to see him standing in the doorway, and asked him the only question she could think to ask "How are you?"
What a dumb question. Seconds after she had said it, she knew it was dumb, but Nathan didn't seem to notice. He replied "Not so good..." and came into her room further. Haley spoke with the only language she knew how to. She gave him a warm hug, and felt his weak body reach out to her for support. She knew then that she loved him, and didn't want any pain to come to him, ever. He spoke up and said "I've made a lot of mistakes, Haley."
He talked about his dad's pressure, and how he couldn't do it anymore, how everything wasn't okay, and how badly he was screwed up. When Haley just about wanted to die of heartache, Nathan said something that she would always remember. "When I fell on the floor tonight, I was so scared. I was so terrified. And then I saw you... and I promised myself, if I could just get up, and walk over to you, and tell you how much I need you... How much I want you...Nothing else matters."
A feeling of both disbelief and desire washed over Haley. She couldn't believe that he was real. That this person sitting next to her was real, and she was in love with him. She stroked his hair, and looked him in both eyes. She let out a smile, and kissed him. It was the best kiss she had ever experienced, and knew that this was forever. She loved him. And she felt a strong sense that he loved her back. She got up and walked towards the door to close it. Nathan asked a question that didn't need to be asked, but asked it anyway. "Haley... can I stay with you tonight?" Haley closed the door and went to bed with Nathan, laying on him and crying with him until he fell asleep. She looked up at him in his deep slumber, and his somber face made her quiver. At this, she laid her head against his chest and fell asleep.
Nathan's POV
Last night was the best night of my life, Nathan thought to himself. He was in love.
He had snuck out of the hospital late last night, and walked with all his strength to Haley's house. He needed her, more than anyone could know, and if walking all the way across town was what it took to see her, than he would walk that 10 times if necessary. He arrived at her house, and nobody answered the door. He was too tired, and needed her too badly to wait much longer. He let himself in and walked up the stairs to Haley's room. The door was open, and she was pacing the room, on the phone. He quickly realized that she was calling his cell phone, and he listened to her every word "...I really hate the way we ended things..." she said. He decided to make her aware of his presence and said "So do I..."
He explained to her how he felt that night, and she looked upon him with the most understanding eyes he had ever seen. She shook her head and smiled at him and then kissed him. It was the warmest, best kiss he had ever experienced. He knew then that he loved her, and nothing else in the world mattered to him except being with her and knowing that she was with him. He asked if he could stay the night, and without an answer she closed the door and helped him into bed. He wanted her to come and lie with him. He longed for her warm body to be next to his. She crawled into bed after turning off the light, kissed his forehead, and cried with him until he fell asleep. He slept, and somehow felt her warm, loving eyes upon him. He knew everything was alright, as long as he was with her.
Haley POV
The next day they woke up in each other's arms. Haley woke up and saw Nathan staring lovingly at her, stroking her hair as he traced her face with his eyes. She smiled at him, and laid further into his chest. She smelled his clothes, and he looked down at her with a questioning face. "What are you doing?" he asked. She replied, "I love... the way you smell." Haley always had a nose for smelling, ever since she was little. She could pinpoint smells to people, and she always made a point of remembering people and how they smelled. He smiled understandingly at her, and she loved him and the fact that he wasn't going to judge her.
She joked around and told him, "If my parents come home, I'm going to pretend I have amnesia... so don't freak out if I pretend not to know you." She always found it appropriate to make cute little jokes. He laughed and tickled her shoulder with his fingertips. He said the words she dreaded, "Look, I think I should get back to the madness." She jokingly buried her head in his chest and grumbled in discontent. He reassured her by saying "But hey... if I could, I'd stay like this all day."
This made her extremely happy, and she kissed him softly and agreed. He sat up to put his shoes on and smiled at her. She loved that smile. She wanted him to know that last night meant more to her than anything, but she also wanted to address the fact that he had respected her, and hadn't come to have sex or fool around, but to simply be with her.
"Listen, Nathan, about last night..." she said. He cut her off with, "Hey, listen... it's not about sex with me, okay? When you're ready... I'll be ready too." He smiled at her, and she laid in disbelief. She had to kiss him. She couldn't believe she was so in love with him, and that he had reassured her of all the doubts she had about him. She had told Peyton that she was worried about the sex thing, but now she was completely content with him, and knew he would respect her. She leaned up and kissed him, and this kiss seemed warmer and more passionate than the kiss the night before. She was so comfortable with him, and loved him so much. He kissed her with the same loving she kissed him with, and she flopped back down on her pillow and sighed. He smiled at her, and she wished that she could freeze last night and this morning in time, and never let it go away.
Nathan's POV
Nathan woke up to Haley sleeping in his arms. He petted her soft hair and traced her entire face with his eyes. She was so beautiful he thought to himself, and reveled in how lucky he was to have found her, and how good she was to him. He vowed that he would never hurt her. He loved her too much.
She woke up and was cute with him, and then brought up a rather serious topic. Sex. He quickly knew how to respond, and spoke from his heart. She was so wonderful, he would never pressure her to do anything she wasn't ready to do, especially something as serious as sex. She kissed him, and he was so enchanted by her. It was an even better kiss than the night before, and he cemented it in his head that he loved her, and with that, he left to face the day and all it would bring.
Haley's POV Weeks later.
Thinking of that day made her want to call Nathan and tell him how much she loved him and that everything would be alright. But she knew she needed to work things out with him slowly, and make sure that everything was alright. She was so angry with him after what he had said. She knew it wasn't true, but she felt like everything Lucas had warned her of was true, and that Nathan wasn't what she thought he was.
She got up and got ready for the day. It was already 9:00 and she wasn't ready to face anyone. She had work at 11 and knew that Nathan would be there and would want to talk. She took comfort in the fact that now that Lucas was out of the hospital and Karen was back at work, things wouldn't seem so difficult. Deb was still at the café, because Karen had asked her to stay, seeing as business was going extremely well. Haley knew that this meant both Lucas and Nathan would be roaming around the café, since the two were now comfortable with each other's presence.
The café was busier than normal, yet Luke and Nate were not to be found. Thank God, Haley thought, and began her shift.
Nathan's POV weeks later.
He and Haley were arguing, and he knew no better person, besides Haley, to turn to for advice than Lucas. He and Luke had bonded a little over the past few weeks, and he knew Luke would understand why he came to him with a problem concerning Haley. He found Luke on the bleachers at the old basketball court down by the river. He sat next to him, and asked him how things were going. The two looked at the court, filled with messages of "Get Well" and "Miss ya Luke!" Lucas stared at him, and he said "It's amazing what a few bruises and a broken shoulder can do for your popularity, huh?"
Nathan laughed at Lucas' remark. It was true, the town had really come together in an effort to make Lucas feel that he was missed and in their prayers. Nathan was surprised at the outpouring, but figured that it probably had to do with the fact that Lucas' wasn't really appreciated much in Tree Hill until now.
"So what's up little bro, if I'm allowed to say that." Nathan was surprised, but not phased by Luke's joke. "I'm having problems with Haley." he said. He explained his situation, and was convinced that Lucas felt for him, and believed him when he said that he loved her. And Lucas did, being the sort of guy that he was. He came up with an idea for Nathan, and the two planned the whole thing together.
Haley's POV
6:00 and still no sign of the Scott brothers. I guess that's a mercy, she thought. Karen and Deb left the café and asked Haley to lock up. She cleaned off the counter and the tables, and locked the door behind her. She stepped off the café's porch, and looked down to find rose petals scattered along the sidewalk. She followed them, and they led to her house, and up her stairs. She thought "Thank God my parents are away" and continued following the trail. It led to her bed, which had a stunning black dress and a note on it. She immediately thought of Nathan, and picked up the note to read it. "I've made a lot of mistakes, Haley. But my biggest was disappointing you... Meet me downstairs when you're ready. Love, Nate."
Her heart fluttered, and it was all she could do to hold herself upright. Just then a knock came at her bedroom door, and Lucas was standing there. She wiped away a tear, and smiled at Lucas. "He really cares about you Haley, and that's coming from me." Luke smiled and walked out, closing the door behind him.
She put on the black dress. It fit her like a glove. She looked beautiful, and she pulled her hair back into a twist with a few loose tendrils framing her face. She knew Nathan would love it. She walked down her stairs, which were now (with the help of Luke) covered in white rose petals instead of red. They trailed out the door and onto the pavement, where Nathan's car and a bouquet of white and red roses were waiting for her. Nathan walked out in front of the car and greeted her with a kiss on the hand. He opened the door and led her into the passenger seat. He walked around the back of the car, and into the driver's seat, where he started the car.
Before she could ask him where they were going, he turned on the CD player, and it played "You're Just Too Good to be True" She smiled and he started to sing along with the words and smile at her. She felt like a goddess with him, and she looked at him the whole car ride. They pulled up at their destination, and it was a parking lot with no one in it. She was confused, but he walked around the front of the car and opened the door for her. He put his hand over her eyes, and walked her to the edge of something, and then picked her up.
She squealed as he lifted her, but he shushed her, and told her all would reveal itself in due time. He sat her down on a cushioned chair, and told her to keep her eyes closed. She did as he asked, and he walked away from her for a few seconds. Don't go, she thought, and longed for him to hold her like he had just done. He rustled around for 30 seconds or so, and then told her to open her eyes.
She was on the dock. The same dock that they had visited many times before, where he had given her the bracelet, where they had gone to get away and be together. This time, they were sitting at a table, set up for two, with candles and champagne and roses and a beautiful meal that seemed as if it had been placed there just before she'd opened her eyes.
She gasped as she looked out on the last of the setting sun, and then across to Nathan. He grabbed both of her hands and looked deep into her eyes. He stuttered as he began to speak, and said "Haley, I know what I said hurt you. And I know that my intentions at first were wrong. But you've changed me. You've made me want to be a better person. Every time I think about you I want to be good enough for you, and I'm only happy when I'm with you. You make me feel brand new, and I never want to hurt you or make you feel like you're unworthy of me, because if anyone is unworthy, it's me of you. You are so incredible and I cannot think of words good enough to describe the way I feel for you. Haley James, I love you."
She started to cry, and looked up at Nathan, who was now tearing himself. She had no idea what she did to deserve this kind of love and happiness, and she looked upon him with great hope and joy. She looked deep into his eyes and said "I love you too, Nathan Scott. With all my heart, forever."
Nathan's POV
"I love you too, Nathan Scott. With all my heart, forever." These words rang in his head like church bells. She loved him, and he loved her. He was so happy, he could have died. She loved him. He felt like everything that had happened to him had a meaning. His dad pressing him all the time no longer bothered him. He was in love, and he couldn't find the words to express how much it meant to him. He knew this was for real.
He looked at her as she ate, and thought about how wonderful she looked, and how the dress made her seem like some sort of goddess, and the hair around her face made her look so beautiful. It didn't matter to him. He thought that she looked beautiful in boxers and a tee shirt. She looked at him, and saw him looking at her, and noticed that he hadn't touched his food. She took a forkful of potatoes off of his plate and held it to his mouth. He smiled and ate it slowly. It tasted so much better when she fed it to him. He began eating, and when they finished, they both stared at each other for what seemed like forever.
He quickly remembered the small box in his jacket pocket, and took it out and held it in his left hand. He leaned forward in his seat and said to her, "Do you remember when you were tutoring me, and I gave you that cracker-jack bracelet out here?" She lifted her wrist to reveal the worn out and faded plastic bracelet, and said "I know... I'm a dork!"
He smiled at how adorable she was. She had kept it and worn it, even when she wanted to look her best, she wore that plastic kids bracelet. He put the box on the table between them, and he looked up at her and said "Well that was 2 months ago today, and I figured you'd need a replacement."
She opened the box, and gasped at the diamond tennis bracelet inside. It was stunning, and it cost him a lot, but money didn't matter to him when it came to her. He took it out and fastened it to her wrist, and she leaned over and kissed him for what seemed like the first time. He loved her kiss, and how her lips fit perfectly in his, and how everything in the world seemed to fit, lock in key, when they kissed. She looked down at the bracelet and said "I love it, and I love you. But I'm still keeping the old one."
Haley's POV
Laying in bed, Haley thought about everything that had happened over the past 6 weeks. Karen being away had really shaken things up, and not just with Lucas and Keith. Her and Nathan were a real couple, and they had their problems along with every other normal couple. She didn't like how Lucas was acting, but after the accident she came to realize and respect the difficult situation he'd been in between Peyton and Brooke.
Haley had become close with Peyton in the past few weeks and felt it just as easy to confide her problems in Peyton as it had always been with Luke. Peyton felt this same comfort in Haley, and trusted her judgement.
Haley and Nathan had gotten into a fight right before she'd heard of Luke's accident. Nathan told Haley that at first he had only wanted to hook up with her as a means of getting at Luke. Haley took offense to this, and the couple was, and is now, astranged.
Haley thought back to the one time in her life where everything was simple and right, and there was no complications and no drama. To her own amazement, she wasn't thinking of a time where it was her and Lucas against the world, and Peyton, Brooke, and more importantly Nathan were not even acquaintances. She thought back to a few weeks ago, when she had woken up in this very bed she laid in now. One thing was different though... she was in Nathan's arms.
She thought back to that night's events. How Nathan had collapsed on the court that night and had been rushed to the hospital. How she was terrified that something horrible had happened to him. How she paced her room all night thinking of what could have happened to him, and the way that they ended things. Then she thought of that night and how wonderful it had been.
Nathan's POV
Nathan had taken steroids and collapsed on the basketball court earlier that evening. He went to shoot the ball, but collapsed, and went down hard. Before he landed on the hard, unforgiving wood floor, he looked up into the crowd and saw Haley. She was beautiful. Her nose was scrunched up and she had a terrible look of shock and worry on her face. Nathan thought she was beautiful. More beautiful than any girl he had ever seen.
Before long, he awoke in a hospital, only to hear his father arguing with the doctor about how his son would never take drugs, and the doctor was out of line. Nathan disregarded this, and thought about one thing. Haley. He needed desperately to see her, to be with her, to hold her. To know that things would be alright, if only for a moments time. She made him feel as if he had not a problem in the world, as if nothing else mattered but them being together.
Haley's POV
That night she picked up the phone and dialed Nathan. She knew he was probably in the hospital or at home in bed, but she called anyway. She needed to tell him that she hated the way they ended things and was worried about him, even if she was confessing these things to the voicemail on his cell phone.
Just as the words "I really hate how we ended things..." had crossed her lips, Nathan spoke up and let out a raspy "So do I..." Haley was shocked to see him standing in the doorway, and asked him the only question she could think to ask "How are you?"
What a dumb question. Seconds after she had said it, she knew it was dumb, but Nathan didn't seem to notice. He replied "Not so good..." and came into her room further. Haley spoke with the only language she knew how to. She gave him a warm hug, and felt his weak body reach out to her for support. She knew then that she loved him, and didn't want any pain to come to him, ever. He spoke up and said "I've made a lot of mistakes, Haley."
He talked about his dad's pressure, and how he couldn't do it anymore, how everything wasn't okay, and how badly he was screwed up. When Haley just about wanted to die of heartache, Nathan said something that she would always remember. "When I fell on the floor tonight, I was so scared. I was so terrified. And then I saw you... and I promised myself, if I could just get up, and walk over to you, and tell you how much I need you... How much I want you...Nothing else matters."
A feeling of both disbelief and desire washed over Haley. She couldn't believe that he was real. That this person sitting next to her was real, and she was in love with him. She stroked his hair, and looked him in both eyes. She let out a smile, and kissed him. It was the best kiss she had ever experienced, and knew that this was forever. She loved him. And she felt a strong sense that he loved her back. She got up and walked towards the door to close it. Nathan asked a question that didn't need to be asked, but asked it anyway. "Haley... can I stay with you tonight?" Haley closed the door and went to bed with Nathan, laying on him and crying with him until he fell asleep. She looked up at him in his deep slumber, and his somber face made her quiver. At this, she laid her head against his chest and fell asleep.
Nathan's POV
Last night was the best night of my life, Nathan thought to himself. He was in love.
He had snuck out of the hospital late last night, and walked with all his strength to Haley's house. He needed her, more than anyone could know, and if walking all the way across town was what it took to see her, than he would walk that 10 times if necessary. He arrived at her house, and nobody answered the door. He was too tired, and needed her too badly to wait much longer. He let himself in and walked up the stairs to Haley's room. The door was open, and she was pacing the room, on the phone. He quickly realized that she was calling his cell phone, and he listened to her every word "...I really hate the way we ended things..." she said. He decided to make her aware of his presence and said "So do I..."
He explained to her how he felt that night, and she looked upon him with the most understanding eyes he had ever seen. She shook her head and smiled at him and then kissed him. It was the warmest, best kiss he had ever experienced. He knew then that he loved her, and nothing else in the world mattered to him except being with her and knowing that she was with him. He asked if he could stay the night, and without an answer she closed the door and helped him into bed. He wanted her to come and lie with him. He longed for her warm body to be next to his. She crawled into bed after turning off the light, kissed his forehead, and cried with him until he fell asleep. He slept, and somehow felt her warm, loving eyes upon him. He knew everything was alright, as long as he was with her.
Haley POV
The next day they woke up in each other's arms. Haley woke up and saw Nathan staring lovingly at her, stroking her hair as he traced her face with his eyes. She smiled at him, and laid further into his chest. She smelled his clothes, and he looked down at her with a questioning face. "What are you doing?" he asked. She replied, "I love... the way you smell." Haley always had a nose for smelling, ever since she was little. She could pinpoint smells to people, and she always made a point of remembering people and how they smelled. He smiled understandingly at her, and she loved him and the fact that he wasn't going to judge her.
She joked around and told him, "If my parents come home, I'm going to pretend I have amnesia... so don't freak out if I pretend not to know you." She always found it appropriate to make cute little jokes. He laughed and tickled her shoulder with his fingertips. He said the words she dreaded, "Look, I think I should get back to the madness." She jokingly buried her head in his chest and grumbled in discontent. He reassured her by saying "But hey... if I could, I'd stay like this all day."
This made her extremely happy, and she kissed him softly and agreed. He sat up to put his shoes on and smiled at her. She loved that smile. She wanted him to know that last night meant more to her than anything, but she also wanted to address the fact that he had respected her, and hadn't come to have sex or fool around, but to simply be with her.
"Listen, Nathan, about last night..." she said. He cut her off with, "Hey, listen... it's not about sex with me, okay? When you're ready... I'll be ready too." He smiled at her, and she laid in disbelief. She had to kiss him. She couldn't believe she was so in love with him, and that he had reassured her of all the doubts she had about him. She had told Peyton that she was worried about the sex thing, but now she was completely content with him, and knew he would respect her. She leaned up and kissed him, and this kiss seemed warmer and more passionate than the kiss the night before. She was so comfortable with him, and loved him so much. He kissed her with the same loving she kissed him with, and she flopped back down on her pillow and sighed. He smiled at her, and she wished that she could freeze last night and this morning in time, and never let it go away.
Nathan's POV
Nathan woke up to Haley sleeping in his arms. He petted her soft hair and traced her entire face with his eyes. She was so beautiful he thought to himself, and reveled in how lucky he was to have found her, and how good she was to him. He vowed that he would never hurt her. He loved her too much.
She woke up and was cute with him, and then brought up a rather serious topic. Sex. He quickly knew how to respond, and spoke from his heart. She was so wonderful, he would never pressure her to do anything she wasn't ready to do, especially something as serious as sex. She kissed him, and he was so enchanted by her. It was an even better kiss than the night before, and he cemented it in his head that he loved her, and with that, he left to face the day and all it would bring.
Haley's POV Weeks later.
Thinking of that day made her want to call Nathan and tell him how much she loved him and that everything would be alright. But she knew she needed to work things out with him slowly, and make sure that everything was alright. She was so angry with him after what he had said. She knew it wasn't true, but she felt like everything Lucas had warned her of was true, and that Nathan wasn't what she thought he was.
She got up and got ready for the day. It was already 9:00 and she wasn't ready to face anyone. She had work at 11 and knew that Nathan would be there and would want to talk. She took comfort in the fact that now that Lucas was out of the hospital and Karen was back at work, things wouldn't seem so difficult. Deb was still at the café, because Karen had asked her to stay, seeing as business was going extremely well. Haley knew that this meant both Lucas and Nathan would be roaming around the café, since the two were now comfortable with each other's presence.
The café was busier than normal, yet Luke and Nate were not to be found. Thank God, Haley thought, and began her shift.
Nathan's POV weeks later.
He and Haley were arguing, and he knew no better person, besides Haley, to turn to for advice than Lucas. He and Luke had bonded a little over the past few weeks, and he knew Luke would understand why he came to him with a problem concerning Haley. He found Luke on the bleachers at the old basketball court down by the river. He sat next to him, and asked him how things were going. The two looked at the court, filled with messages of "Get Well" and "Miss ya Luke!" Lucas stared at him, and he said "It's amazing what a few bruises and a broken shoulder can do for your popularity, huh?"
Nathan laughed at Lucas' remark. It was true, the town had really come together in an effort to make Lucas feel that he was missed and in their prayers. Nathan was surprised at the outpouring, but figured that it probably had to do with the fact that Lucas' wasn't really appreciated much in Tree Hill until now.
"So what's up little bro, if I'm allowed to say that." Nathan was surprised, but not phased by Luke's joke. "I'm having problems with Haley." he said. He explained his situation, and was convinced that Lucas felt for him, and believed him when he said that he loved her. And Lucas did, being the sort of guy that he was. He came up with an idea for Nathan, and the two planned the whole thing together.
Haley's POV
6:00 and still no sign of the Scott brothers. I guess that's a mercy, she thought. Karen and Deb left the café and asked Haley to lock up. She cleaned off the counter and the tables, and locked the door behind her. She stepped off the café's porch, and looked down to find rose petals scattered along the sidewalk. She followed them, and they led to her house, and up her stairs. She thought "Thank God my parents are away" and continued following the trail. It led to her bed, which had a stunning black dress and a note on it. She immediately thought of Nathan, and picked up the note to read it. "I've made a lot of mistakes, Haley. But my biggest was disappointing you... Meet me downstairs when you're ready. Love, Nate."
Her heart fluttered, and it was all she could do to hold herself upright. Just then a knock came at her bedroom door, and Lucas was standing there. She wiped away a tear, and smiled at Lucas. "He really cares about you Haley, and that's coming from me." Luke smiled and walked out, closing the door behind him.
She put on the black dress. It fit her like a glove. She looked beautiful, and she pulled her hair back into a twist with a few loose tendrils framing her face. She knew Nathan would love it. She walked down her stairs, which were now (with the help of Luke) covered in white rose petals instead of red. They trailed out the door and onto the pavement, where Nathan's car and a bouquet of white and red roses were waiting for her. Nathan walked out in front of the car and greeted her with a kiss on the hand. He opened the door and led her into the passenger seat. He walked around the back of the car, and into the driver's seat, where he started the car.
Before she could ask him where they were going, he turned on the CD player, and it played "You're Just Too Good to be True" She smiled and he started to sing along with the words and smile at her. She felt like a goddess with him, and she looked at him the whole car ride. They pulled up at their destination, and it was a parking lot with no one in it. She was confused, but he walked around the front of the car and opened the door for her. He put his hand over her eyes, and walked her to the edge of something, and then picked her up.
She squealed as he lifted her, but he shushed her, and told her all would reveal itself in due time. He sat her down on a cushioned chair, and told her to keep her eyes closed. She did as he asked, and he walked away from her for a few seconds. Don't go, she thought, and longed for him to hold her like he had just done. He rustled around for 30 seconds or so, and then told her to open her eyes.
She was on the dock. The same dock that they had visited many times before, where he had given her the bracelet, where they had gone to get away and be together. This time, they were sitting at a table, set up for two, with candles and champagne and roses and a beautiful meal that seemed as if it had been placed there just before she'd opened her eyes.
She gasped as she looked out on the last of the setting sun, and then across to Nathan. He grabbed both of her hands and looked deep into her eyes. He stuttered as he began to speak, and said "Haley, I know what I said hurt you. And I know that my intentions at first were wrong. But you've changed me. You've made me want to be a better person. Every time I think about you I want to be good enough for you, and I'm only happy when I'm with you. You make me feel brand new, and I never want to hurt you or make you feel like you're unworthy of me, because if anyone is unworthy, it's me of you. You are so incredible and I cannot think of words good enough to describe the way I feel for you. Haley James, I love you."
She started to cry, and looked up at Nathan, who was now tearing himself. She had no idea what she did to deserve this kind of love and happiness, and she looked upon him with great hope and joy. She looked deep into his eyes and said "I love you too, Nathan Scott. With all my heart, forever."
Nathan's POV
"I love you too, Nathan Scott. With all my heart, forever." These words rang in his head like church bells. She loved him, and he loved her. He was so happy, he could have died. She loved him. He felt like everything that had happened to him had a meaning. His dad pressing him all the time no longer bothered him. He was in love, and he couldn't find the words to express how much it meant to him. He knew this was for real.
He looked at her as she ate, and thought about how wonderful she looked, and how the dress made her seem like some sort of goddess, and the hair around her face made her look so beautiful. It didn't matter to him. He thought that she looked beautiful in boxers and a tee shirt. She looked at him, and saw him looking at her, and noticed that he hadn't touched his food. She took a forkful of potatoes off of his plate and held it to his mouth. He smiled and ate it slowly. It tasted so much better when she fed it to him. He began eating, and when they finished, they both stared at each other for what seemed like forever.
He quickly remembered the small box in his jacket pocket, and took it out and held it in his left hand. He leaned forward in his seat and said to her, "Do you remember when you were tutoring me, and I gave you that cracker-jack bracelet out here?" She lifted her wrist to reveal the worn out and faded plastic bracelet, and said "I know... I'm a dork!"
He smiled at how adorable she was. She had kept it and worn it, even when she wanted to look her best, she wore that plastic kids bracelet. He put the box on the table between them, and he looked up at her and said "Well that was 2 months ago today, and I figured you'd need a replacement."
She opened the box, and gasped at the diamond tennis bracelet inside. It was stunning, and it cost him a lot, but money didn't matter to him when it came to her. He took it out and fastened it to her wrist, and she leaned over and kissed him for what seemed like the first time. He loved her kiss, and how her lips fit perfectly in his, and how everything in the world seemed to fit, lock in key, when they kissed. She looked down at the bracelet and said "I love it, and I love you. But I'm still keeping the old one."