Haley looked up from her place behind the register and noticed Nathan sitting at his favorite booth. It had been weeks since the funeral, and just days since he had returned to work. He looked better but still she was afraid. What on earth would she say to him?

"Hi", she said, brining him a menu.

"Hey. It's good to see you. How's it going?"

"I'm good", she replied. "I'll be back with your drink."

Walking on egg shells she fidgeted in the back to prepare his usual order. It was starting to get late and Karen had already left for the day. She and Nathan were the only ones in the diner and that made her a bit uncomfortable.

"There you go", she nervously stammered, placing his order in front of him before making her way to the back.

"Thanks...Um, Hales? If you don't, you know, if you're not busy back there or whatever..."

"No. I mean, I'm not."

"Cool", he smiled. "Sit down. I could use the company."

She played with the dish rag in her hands and sat in the seat opposite Nathan. Her left foot slid from under her causing that side of her body to miss the booth completely. She half landed with a thud as she desperately grabbed onto the table for support.

"You okay?" Nathan asked, leaning over to help.

Her face turned a bright shade of crimson as she reluctantly accepted his hand.

"Sorry. I am a total klutz."

"It's no big deal", he said, dismissing the situation with the wave of his hand. "So. What's been going on?"

"Nothing", she shrugged. "Same old crap. This is Tree Hill, you know."

"Yeah but it's home. Home sweet home. After being on the road so much I have really learned to appreciate the stability and the serenity of this place."

"I saw your game against the Pistons last week. That was pretty awesome. You were so good at Duke and now you're starting in the NBA. How cool is that?

"You're telling me. I'm so happy about that, man. It's great but it's still kind of bittersweet."

"Because of Peyton?" Haley dared to ask.

"Yeah", Nathan answered with a softened expression. "Because of Peyton."

"It was a nice service. The flowers were beautiful."

"It was. It was sad and everything but it was nice how everybody just reflected on what a great person she was. Peyton was the best."

"She was a nice girl. I, I remember this one time back in school. I was walking home and this car passes by and totally splashes me with muddy water. I was drenched because we had just had a storm and everything. Anyway, these guys, they were football players and stuff. Total jerks and they were laughing...anyway, this like brand new Camaro pulls up and it's Peyton. She pulled over and offered me a ride home. I was totally blown away that the prettiest, most popular girl in school let little old me ride in her brand new cat soaked in dirty water."

"That was the kind of person she was", Nathan smiled. "Very kind and giving and loving, even til the end. I was with her when she passed on. Peyton died in my arms."

"Oh my God", Haley exclaimed, putting her hands to her mouth. "That's so awful. I'm sorry."

"Don't be. It's weird. Even though it was one of the saddest moments of my life, it was also one of the most beautiful. We made our peace and I told her how much I love her. And I held her and I sang to her and she just looked at me. Then she just closed her eyes and let go. She said the angles were calling on her. That's when I realized I was being selfish, we all were. We wanted her here but this wasn't right for her. Her time was up. I was angry and sad at first but now I feel better. It's not any easier or anything and I'll miss her forever but I know she's okay. When she finally went, there was no more pain or worry or suffering...just peace."

A tear fell down Haley's cheek as she saw the water welling in Nathan's eyes.

"That's beautiful, Nate", she said, her hand trembling as she placed it over here. "Because of Peyton, you've been touched by a little piece of heaven."

He nodded and looked away, desperately trying to conceal the emotion inside that was eating him away.

"You're right, Hales. I know that. Um, I didn't mean to come here and lay all this heavy stuff on you. Sorry."

"It's okay. I...I'm your friend. I care about you and I cared about Peyton. You can talk to me if you want. I don't mind."

"Thank you", he said. "That really means a lot."

They talked for a few minutes more as he went on about everything from Peyton to his upcoming games. Haley was amazed at how comfortable she felt like that talking to him. When he finally did leave, she was left alone to think about everything they had talked about. He was so deep and pure and beautiful and brave. And Peyton's spirit so kind and gentle was now free. Free to roam her castle in the sky and look down on everyone else.