Nathan watched in confusion as Haley ran away.

"What did I say?"

"You just can't help from being a jerk." Lucas replied angrily.

"Shut up, Lucas. You're just jealous. Once again you're wishing you had my life."

Lucas just sat there, deep in concentration, thinking about Haley.

"Both of you shut up. This is supposed to be about Haley. Remember, the girl we all care about that just ran away from us/Nathan in tears." Peyton said.

"Hey, you never know, it could've been Tim." Nathan joked.

"This is so not the time for jokes." Peyton said with a serious look in her eyes.

"Fine, what the heck is wrong with her?"

"Haven't you noticed how sad she's been lately?"

"What? Sad? Why?"

"A lot has been going on at her home." Peyton continued. "Lucas is right. You are a jerk. You don't care about her at all."

"I do care about her. You guys have no idea how I feel about her."

Then Nathan left them, running in the direction Haley went. A few minutes later he found her, now walking with her hands over her face.

"Haley!" He yelled, from still far away. "Haley, wait up!"

She turned about to look at him. He could see her face was red and full of tears.

"Haley, what's wrong?" He said, coming towards her.

"Nothing, I'm fine." She said, though neither one believed her.

"Come on, talk to me." He said as he wrapped his arm around her.

Then they sat down on the sidewalk and she told him all the things that had been going on with her parents lately. Then he kissed her and said he was there for her if she needed him.

~ Meanwhile at the Hot Dog stand Lucas and Peyton sat there silently while Tim stood.

"Man, he ditched me for a girl." He said as he walked away leaving Lucas and Peyton alone, always a dangerous thing.

"Well, it's getting late. I better get going." Peyton said as she grabbed her purse and stood up.

"Naw, come on, Peyton. We said we'd still be friends but before the whole Haley incident you wouldn't even talk to me. Stay and hang out a little while." Lucas said looking hopeful.

"Ok, but remember the rules. Keep your hands to yourself."

"Yea, sure. I got it."

They got up and walked to the center of the town where all the stores were. At night with all the lights on, it looked so beautiful. As they walked, he took hold of her hand.

"You're breaking the rule."

"Yea, I like to live on the edge. He said slyly.

Then stopped and looked into each other's eyes. The wind blew slowly through their hair. It was one of those moments where the rest of the world seemed to stop.

"You have the most beautiful eyes." Lucas said as he leaned in to kiss her.

But out of nowhere Brooke appeared carrying a chili dog from Hot Dog Heaven; it must be a popular place.

"You said you're my best friend and all that crap about how you broke up with him before I found out but lookie here. You two are perfect for each other blonde slut and cheating jerk." Brooke said hatefully.

"Brooke, I'm sorry." She said, her eyes full of regret.

Lucas looked at the scene, upset and disappointed, not only with Brooke showing up, but also with himself. Then he said loudly, "This is such a mess."

and walked away.

Hope you enjoyed this chapter. Please review!!!! The next chapter's going to be a good one.