Ally's hand traced the edge of her desk as she waited for the bell to ring and for Haley to walk through the door. She leaned the side of her face against her open palm as her eyes traveled over the room. Brightening when she saw Nathan, she quickly sat up and fixed her hair as well as smacking her lips together, making sure her lip gloss was even. As he approached, she tried her best to smile innocently with a little mystery. Despite her attempts, Nathan paid no attention to her, instead, simply taking his seat, directly diagonally behind her. Frowning, Ally pouted, that didn't work out. Getting up her nerve, she turned around and greeted as cheerfully as she could, "Hey Nathan."

He raised his head slightly and Ally suddenly felt the breath escape from her lungs. He was looking at her with such intensity, more so then before. She bit her lip nervously as she suddenly felt slightly uncomfortable. What was wrong with him today?

"Hey," he replied before he sat back in his seat.

"You okay?" She asked nervously, "You seem a little.. icky today."

"It hasn't been such a good day," he said tensely as his jaw tightened.

"Oh," she replied softly before looking down, unable to look into his gaze any longer, "I'm sorry."

Nathan shruged as he turned back in his seat as the bell rang. His eyes settled on the empty seat in front of Allyson and he felt his heart tighten. Haley wasn't here.

Ally turned around as well and opened her mouth, about to greet Haley when she noticed the seat was empty. That was different. She paused and cocked her head to the side. Haley never mentioned about going anywhere or getting out of school early. She also knew that her best friend would never ditch, so where exactly was she? She frowned before looking up at the clock, maybe Haley was just stuck in another teacher's room, doing something or other. She'd be here soon.

She had to be here soon.

49 minutes had passed and Haley James still did not walk through the door of the classroom. Ally was utterly puzzled as she was positive Haley was in school today, after all, she got a ride with her in the morning. She stood up as the bell rang and gathered her belongings. Slinging on her backpack, her eyes fell on Nathan as she smiled deviously, she always did like watching him. True, even she thought it was a bit creepy how much she liked to stare at him but heck, that boy was just too delish not to stare at. She watched as he walked past the teacher's desk and slide a yellow piece of paper down into the garbage can before walking out the door. The teacher never noticed and Ally felt something off about the whole situation.

The curiosity getting the better of her, she pretended to throw something away but instead, snatched the yellow piece of paper from the garbage can. Rushing out the door, her eyes narrowed as she realized what it was. A discrepancy notice. On the first line was her teacher's fine print, 'Haley James'.

She frowned. Why would Nathan throw an attendance discrepancy notice with Haley's name purposely into the garbage can?

Something just didn't seem right.

Rolling the paper into a little ball, she pitched the yellow notice in the hallway garbage can as she hurried to her next class.

--

Peyton stuffed her hands into her pockets as she walked down the crowded hallways of Tree Hill High. Her eyes were scanning the masses for a certain brunette basketball player but she couldn't find him. She needed to see him and she needed to talk to him. What happened this past week, it had to end. She was so stupid and weak to fall back into the trap again. Nathan was no good for her and she knew that. He didn't love her and he definitely didn't really want her. She knew him all too well.

Finally spotting him, she called out his name, hoping to get his attention, "Nathan!"

He turned around, his face frowning. Peyton instinctively took a step back, slighlty shocked at how disappointed he looked at the moment. Was this still the same joking and spectacle causing guy she knew this morning?

Walking up to him, she said quietly, "I think we need to talk."

He raised an eyebrow and shrugged off the arm she placed on his shoulder, "Nothing to talk about."

"Nathan, about what happened-"

"It didn't mean anything, Peyton," he said, it came out harsher then he meant it to be.

She flinched but forced out a smile. This was her point in talking to him, to tell him that it didn't mean anything. The way he talked to her however, it was so cold, so harsh and it made her hurt inside. This was exactly what she didn't want, to feel this way again. But, she knew Nathan and she knew that he was hurting as well. Someone hurt him and the only defense mechanism he knew was to hurt everyone else around him.

Nathan's fist tightened as he bit back the pain he felt in his heart. This was ridiculous. He was not supposed to feel this way over some little slip of a girl. She wasn't worth it and it was obvious she didn't want him. He just hated to lose and he was in desperate need of release. Raising an eyebrow, he smirked, looking at Peyton who looked utterly weak at the moment, "You up for another round though?"

"Nathan," she said quietly, "We can't. We broke up. A while ago, remember?"

"Doesn't mean we still can't have a little fun."

"Nathan-"

"Yes or no, Peyton?" He interrupted her.

Peyton bit her lip as she sighed heavily. Her curls bounced slightly as she nodded her head affirmatively. Nathan held out his hand as she cautiously placed hers in his, knowing that this was a mistake. But, she couldn't resist him. Could anyone?

--

Ally stood outside of the school, looking from side to side, scanning the crowd, hoping Haley would pop out from one of the bushes but it was to no avail. Her best friend was nowhere to be seen and it looked like she was going to be walking home. Frowning, Ally pushed her backpack further up her shoulder as she walked out into the parking lot. Gasping, she heard a beep and her eyes widened when she realized who it was.

"Lucas Scott! Are you trying to run me over or something?"

He grinned before he apologized sheepishly, "I'm sorry. I didn't see you. You okay?"

"I'm fine though I'm tempted to lie and sue you."

He looked at her and grinned, "If you don't sue me, I'll promise to repay you."

She cocked her head to the side, "Alright, fair enough. Speaking of favors, I need a ride home. You wanna give me a lift?"

"Get in," he said with a smile.

She got into the truck and pushed her backpack onto the ground as he began driving. "You do realize that you still owe me big time right?"

He laughed, "Right, of course."

--

She didn't taste right.

Nathan frowned as he continued kissing Peyton. Here she was, the ultimate fantasy. Blonde, young, sexy, and a cheerleader with moves that would normally blow his mind but his tastes had changed nowadays.. to a shorter, slightly innocent brunette that was smart and feisty. He pushed away his thoughts as he ran his fingers over Peyton's revealed stomach. Flipping her over, his body was on top of hers as the continued to engage in a heavy make out session.

Moaning his name, Nathan flinched and silently wished she would keep quiet. He didn't want Peyton's voice whispering his name in that manner.

"I'm ready, Nathan," Peyton whispered against his skin as she gently nipped the skin at his neck.

He couldn't get Haley out of his mind. Her smell, her touch, and the way he imagined she tasted. He needed Haley. He wanted Haley.

Not Peyton.

Rolling off Peyton, he stood up and threw his shirt on as he paced around the room. Slightly stunned at the sudden lost of contact, Peyton sat up in the bed, fixing her shirt and her hair as she watched him. "What the hell?"

"I'm not in the mood."

"Oh right," she scoffed, "You were in the mood just a second ago."

"Well, I'm not now," he said, trying his best to restrain his temper.

"Whatever," Peyton said angrily as she stormed out of the room. She had every right to be angry but she should've been more angry at herself rather then Nathan. He didn't physically force her.. just suggested. She made every choice by herself, albeit a bad choice but a choice nonetheless.

Sighing, she walked out the door and got into her car. Car screeching, she pulled out of the Scott's driveway and onto the main road before gunning the accelerator.

--

She didn't know where she was going.

Both metaphorically and literally. Haley pulled over to the side of the road and shifted her car to park as she leaned against her seat. She could feel the problems rushing forth again, threatening to drown her but she kept thinking and hoping that if she drove fast enough or if she ran away.. they would stay away. But, they didn't.

No matter how fast she drove or how hard she ran, they were always there, haunting her, tormenting her. She didn't use to be so sad. She was happy some point in her life. She was. Only a few weeks back and then Nathan came and crashed her world.

Right now she wasn't sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing.

Letting out a heavy sigh, she felt a buzz in her jacket pocket and she reached in, pulling out her phone. Not surprised to see Allyson's number on the screen, she answered, "Hello?"

"Hey," Ally said slowly, "You okay?"

"I'm not sure," Haley answered honestly, close to breaking down.

"I missed you today in 6th. I'm guessing you ditched."

"Yeah," she replied meekly. Haley felt so much like a lost little girl at the moment. All around her were choices, choices, and more choices. She knew if she picked the wrong one, she would only be met with catastrophe. That was the last thing she wanted.

"Where are you right now?"

"I don't know," Haley answered, her voice cracking, "Ally, I'm so lost."

Ally laughed softly, "Chill out, hun. You've got the best navigator on the phone. See, this is what you get for driving without me," she tried her best to lighten the mood.

Haley smiled though her heart still ached. How could she even be tempted to do something terrible to her best friend? Her best friend that she loved so much and cared for so much. Her best friend that had been there for her from the beginning. Before Nathan. Before anyone. "You know what I mean, right?"

"Yeah," Ally nodded, "I do. You know I'm here, right?"

"You always are," Haley said before sighing and brushing away the tears forming in her eyes, "Okay, I need some directions."

"Are you sure you can drive?"

"Yes, mother dearest, I can."

"Just making sure," Ally replied with another smile before she began giving directions.

Before long, Haley was on her way back to Tree Hill, on the correct path. She hung up with Allyson, promising to call her later when she got home. The conversation soothed her nerves and calmed her down. She knew the problems were still there, chasing her no matter how fast she drove or ran. But, she felt like she had more strength, more support, despite the fact she couldn't tell Allyson. Her words meant more to Haley then she could ever know.

Allyson was there for her. And, vice versa. The question was, how strong was the bond?

Haley began seeing more familiar signs and soon she was greeted with the 'Welcome to Tree Hill' sign. She stopped when she came to an intersection. The light was red and she was in a right turn or straight lane. If she went straight, she would be going home, where it was safe. If she turned right, it led to Nathan's house.

Haley knew that if she didn't face her problems soon, they would only blow up in her face. After all, she had to see him anyway at the party Brooke was hosting tomorrow. If she didn't solve her problems with him now then tomorrow would be a complete disaster, which was the last thing she wanted. Right now, the only thing on her mind was protecting herself and Allyson. That was all that mattered.

Haley took a deep sigh and her eyes focused in on the light turning green. There were no other cars in the intersection and though the light signalled go, Haley was still unmoving, unsure of what to do. Was she brave enough? Only a few short hours ago, she was running. Was she finally able to face her problems?

Haley nodded to herself and slowly turned on her turn signal. Her turn was a little rough on the edges as she almost ran into the curb. But, she made it.

Wasn't that the most important part?

As Haley travelled down the familiar street, her head turned as she saw a particular black car swish right past her. She could've sworn it was Peyton, but it couldn't have been. After all, the only family that lived up around here that Peyton knew were the Scotts and Peyton would have no reason to talk to Nathan. They weren't even on speaking terms the last time Haley checked.

Her brow furrowed in confusion as she pulled up into Nathan's driveway. Bracing herself, she turned off her car and got out, walking hesitantly to the front door. Hand raised, she knocked a few times before settling to ring the doorbell. Waiting nervously, Haley stuffed her hands into her pockets while her eyes focused on a bug on the front step of the Scott's home.

She heard the door open but she didn't dare look up.

"Haley?"

Her certainty wavered at the sound of his voice and Haley closed her eyes, wishing her inner strength to reappear. "I came to talk."

"What more is there to talk about?"

His voice was cold and numb. It had never been like that before. He always directed her with either a teasing tone or a flirting tone. Even a harsh tone was better then the one she was receiving at the moment.

So lifeless.

Haley cautiously looked up and she could see the pain in Nathan's eyes. Though he tried to mask it, eyes couldn't lie. And it was so obvious he was hurting.

And it was all because of her.

She was so tired of hurting everyone around her. Every choice she made always led to more pain even though her original intention was to prevent it. She wanted to protect Ally and instead put them both in a more strained situation. Good intentions shouldn't have led to such a predicament. And, yet, there she was, standing at Nathan Scott's doorstep, feeling guilty for making him hurt.

Hell had officially frozen over.

"There is, Nathan," she whispered, "There-"

"Get to the point."

Her head snapped up in surprise, "I know you're mad and you have every right but-"

"If you're here to apologize then I don't want to hear it," his voice was slightly strained as if he was having a hard time keeping up his facade.

"Nathan, just, stop pretending. You don't.. you don't need to pretend anymore?"

"What? Am I supposed to just spill my heart and hope you'll help me pick up the pieces?" He paused before continuing on in a harsh tone, "Oh, wait. I already did that."

"I'm sor-"

"I don't want to hear it."

Haley was near tears as the confusion surrounded her. She felt like she couldn't breathe. She was suffocating. "I'm so so so sorry."

"Why? You made your choice, remember?"

"I didn't know, I was just trying to-" She stopped herself before she stumbled back, losing balance. She felt the world spin around her as she tried her best to regain control. She couldn't breathe. This was too much. One person was not allowed to feel so much at once.

She couldn't lie anymore. It all came back at her, all at once. All the lies she told herself. This was her punishment. This was what she got for pretending. The moment she let her guard down, things got bad and they were only getting worse.

Haley's eyes fluttered open as she felt herself being surrounded by strong arms. "Did I faint?" Her voice was weak.

"You blacked out for a few seconds there," Nathan said, his voice soft. So unlike how it was only a few moments ago. He cradled her in his arms and she relished in the feel of his body though it was wrong.

"I'm so tired, Nathan."

"I know."

"Can I rest now?" she whispered quietly, looking up at him. She wasn't thinking straight at the moment. And, she knew that somewhere in the back of her mind that perhaps, she would regret this later on but at the moment, she was too tired to care. Too tired to think. Too tired to feel anything else except what she truly wanted. She wanted happiness and she wanted solace.

Nathan offered her both.

"Yeah," he said, equally confused at the sudden change of events.

Her eyes fluttered shut as her world slowly turned to black.

--

Soft. Warm. Rich.

Haley felt safe. She stretched slightly and moaned before her eyes fluttered open. The room was dimmed and she turned, confused as to where she was. Slowly getting up and pushing the sheets off of herself, she suppressed the nervousness inside her before she looked down, grateful that she was fully clothed.

Now, the only question was, where the hell was she?

A barrage of memories invaded her at the moment and she raised a hand to her head, trying her best to sort everything out. Ditching. Lost. Breakdown. Nathan.

The last of her memories struck her most and the fear returned as the nervousness and embarrassment crept through her skin. She could feel the tingling of uncertainty as she looked around the room frantically.

She was in Nathan's room. In his bed. Fully clothed, yes, but in his bed. This wasn't good.

Did she pass out? The last thing she remembered was mumbling a few nonsensical words to him before her world turned to black and now, nothing, made sense. She hurriedly got off the bed as she smoothed down her clothing and her hair, trying to figure out her next move.

Should she leave? Should she say thank you? What the hell was she supposed to do next? Here she was, Haley James, queen of the unconventional. She skipped the dating and the getting slightly tipsy and jumped straight ahead to waking up in a guy's bed not knowing what the hell was going on.

This was just wonderful.

Haley took a deep breath before she walked towards the window, seeing that her car was still outside. Her keys were in the car. The best thing for her to do right now was to avoid confrontation and just leave. She wasn't ready to face Nathan yet but if she had to, she would.

Really, she would.

Seemed some things would never stop. Haley inched her way to the door as she slowly opened it, frowning when it creaked. Weren't the Scott's rich? You'd think they would invest in some oil for the door so it wouldn't creak every time someone was trying to sneak out.

Haley paused and then shook her head. She really did overthink things.

Closing the door quietly, she took the steps one by one on her tippy toes, knowing and wondering why it felt like she was the morning after girl. The type of girl who was ashamed of spending a night in a stranger's bed and then creeping out the next morning, hoping to be unnoticed.

She wasn't the morning after girl. She didn't even spend the night.

So, why did it feel like it? Why did it feel like she was betraying someone?

Because she was. Because she was betraying Allyson. And, because she was too scared to tell her.

It wasn't because she didn't have the heart to tell Allyson. Haley knew that she should tell her best friend about her insane attraction towards Nathan. Though nothing happened between them, it was still wrong to keep hiding from her. Haley kept telling herself that there was nothing to hide because there was nothing going on, if so, then why was she in the position that she was. If there was nothing to hide, then why did she keep lying to her best friend?

Haley looked down at the floor, biting her lip, the guilt and realization finally sinking through. What she was doing was wrong and she had to put a stop to it before it got worse.

She had to tell Allyson.

Jumping up in shock, Haley grabbed at her side, realizing that her phone was ringing. Thankful that she only had it on vibrate, she continued to sneak down the stairs before answering it.

"Hello?"

"Why are you whispering?"

Haley raised an eyebrow. Perfect timing. "Ally, I'm kind of busy right now, can I call you later?"

"Where the heck are you?"

"What do you mean?"

"You do realize it's like 7:30 and your parents have been calling me asking where the heck you are and why you didn't come home or call."

"What did you tell them?" Haley asked, panicked, her voice rising before she lowered it once again.

"I told them you were over at my house and that you'd be back in a half hour, which by the way was 15 minutes ago."

"Allyson! Why didn't you call earlier?"

Ally scoffed before retorting, "I did but no one answered."

Haley looked down at her phone before she saw the missed calls, "My phone officially sucks. I guess I didn't get a signal or something."

"Where the hell are you? Did you get lost again? I thought I told you the exact-"

"Ally, don't start. I'm not lost. I've just been," Haley paused, realizing that she was only going to start lying again, "I'll explain later."

"Okay, fine, but you need to get your butt home and quick."

"Right, thanks for covering."

"That's why I'm here," Ally said with a smile before hanging up.

Haley let out a deep sigh before she hooked her phone back onto the side of her jeans. Her fingertips barely touched the doorknob when she jumped once again from a voice that belonged only to Nathan Scott.

"Leaving so quick?"

She whipped around, her eyes wide and doe like as she awkwardly stuck her hand up, waving hi, "Umm, yeah, I'm kind of late. Thanks for umm, the hospitality."

The hospitality. Wow, could she be more of a lame?

He quirked an eyebrow before smiling, "Not a problem."

Trying her best to resist his charm, Haley coughed, thinking of things to say, "So-"

"So," he returned.

"I think I'm just going to-" she muttered before turning around.

He was behind her in an instant.

"Don't," Nathan whispered into her ear.

Haley turned around quickly, gasping when she realized how close she was. Shaking her head, she tried to keep her voice steady, "We can't."

"Why?"

"Ally."

"What?" Nathan's brow furrowed.

"She's my best friend and she's head over heels, completely fallen for you and I can't do this to her. Not her," Haley said softly before she rolled her hand into a fist, "As much as I want to. I do want to," her voice was genuine, "But, I can't."

"Right," Nathan nodded, slightly dazed at the new found knowledge, "I didn't realize she was so-"

"Yeah," Haley cut him off before she looked down, "Please don't-"

"I won't say anything."

"So, this is-"

"Yeah," Nathan nodded again, "This is-"

"Wrong," Haley finished firmly, though it was the last word on both of their minds.

Nathan stood there standing for a moment. Slightly shocked at what just happened. Never before had a girl turned him down before and never before, had he cared so much that one finally and actually did. He watched as Haley fumbled for the door and felt a piece of his heart collapse.

He wasn't in love with her. They didn't have enough time to fall in love. They barely knew each other.

So, why did he feel like this?

Haley gripped the doorknob tighter as she contemplated her decisions. She could walk out, do the honorable thing and tell Allyson about all that had happened and all that could've happened but didn't because their friendship mattered more. She could be the storybook ideal of strong character and give up her first and perhaps last in quite a long while of being truly happy for the sake of her best friend. She could go through tomorrow and then the rest of her life, wondering what could've been and regretting that she never made a move with Nathan Scott. He would be the one that got away. The one that twenty years from now, she would be dreaming about and thinking about when she laid in bed with her husband and played with her kids. She could do the right thing and leave. That was what she was supposed to do.

But, she couldn't. Because she wasn't perfect. Because nobody was. Because she made wrong choices and because there was no standard for right and wrong. Not everything was black and white and everyone's morals were different. Because for once, someone made her happy and because for once, she wanted to be happy.

Even as she turned around, her body moving towards Nathan's and her hands raising his head and her lips uttering, "Screw it," she felt no regret. When his lips touched hers for the first time, nothing else mattered.

She felt safe. She felt happy. She felt belonging.

Something that felt so good, couldn't be wrong....

Right?