Title: On The Turning Away
Author: Dani (Rayv4life)
Pairing: Nathan/Haley
Rating: PG-13/R
Disclaimer: Don't own OTH, or the title ' On the Turning Away' Pink Floyd does
Summary: Haley and Nathan are best friends...that's all I will tell you

' On The Turning Away '

Prologue

"The more one analyses people, the more all reasons for analysis disappear. Sooner of later one comes to that dreadful universal thing called human nature."

He thinks she's innocent.

Most of the time she can accept that fact since he was someone who knew her.Other times she found herself hoping he would look passed the ignorant labeling. That he could see more then just the virginal smile. He didn't though. She knew he probably never would. Sometimes she wasn't sure if that what's she really wanted of him. There are times she realizes that it doesn't matter if it's him, as long as it's someone. He likes her innocence. He thinks it's refreshing. She doesn't. She thinks it's what holds her back. That it somehow keeps her from evolving into something more then just a waitress, or a tutor, or a bestfriend.

Today was one of those days where she accepted it. Today was one of those days where she needed him around. He was usually there to reassure her. But today he isn't. And it hurts her. She looks for him for while serving the usual crowd. He promised her he'd be there. He wasn't. She sighed rubbing her hands against the black apron tied around her thighs. She had gotten her hopes up, she wasn't use to him disappointing her. She smiles fakely at the customer, tugging a strand of her wavy hair behind her ear. She tries to convince herself there is an explanation for him not being there. She frowns at her thoughts while handing Karen the order. It's because he thinks she's innocent. He doesn't have time for the none infected youth of Tree Hill. Today is slowly becoming one of those rare days. Those days she wished he saw more in her, then her quirky innocence.

The smell of soapy dish water sets into her auburn locks, as she cleans off the ketchup splattered plates. A loud howling of laughter can be heard right outside the now deserted café. She smiles weakly. It's Friday night. She should be expecting the ritual drunken behavior of Tree Hill High students. It sometimes saddened her. While most people her age were out enjoying their night, she was tiredly working a late shift. She needs the money though. She isn't as fortunate as some of Tree Hill's residents. She has college to worry about, not to mention the other necessities her parents can not afford. She usually doesn't feel sorry for herself. She likes to think of it as becoming more independent. Sometimes the echoing sound of fun haunts her though. She can't help but feel there are times she missing out. The chaotic antics of her peers, she silently watches from the side line, can be tempting.

She pulled off the yellow rubber gloves sliding off her hands. She can hear the sound of Karen's soft voice humming mixing with the intoxicated sounds coming from outside. She loves Karen. She admires Karen. Karen is someone who despite everything thrown at her, made something of herself. She has her café to prove it. And her son, Lucas. Lucas was her bestfriend. Well her bestfriend next to him. But right now she was mad at him. So Lucas would have to do. She walked over to where Karen was sitting, bills scattered around the table. The dark haired woman tapping away at her calculator. She clears her throat making her presence known. Karen's head whirls around to look at her. Her eyes reveal how tired and worn out she is.

" Go Home" Haley insists " You're exhausted "

" I'm fine, you should go home though I'll close up" she smiles, turning her head back down to the calculator.

She shakes her head. " No I'll close up, Karen go home, take a bubble bath, relax."

Karen sighs in defeat, rubbing the rough tips of her fingers against her eyes. She looks like up at Haley smiling gratefully at her, before getting up to gather her things. She can hear Karen leave out the back door. She breaths out deeply, walking towards the counter. The jingle of the door opening causes her to frown.

" We're closed " she voiced, her back still turned away from the door.

" I know"

She spins around to face him. She glares at him, twisting at the silver band around her ring finger. He is giving her a cheap smirk. Somehow searching for redemption in her angered eyes. She isn't going to forgive him that easily. She crosses her arms over her chest, as he takes a few steps closer, throwing himself into the couch on his right. He is drunk. She can tell. His hair is tousled and wet in the front. His lips were a deep cherry red. He had been with Brooke. She rolls her eyes at him, reaching for the pot of coffee and a mug. Walking towards him she shoves the hot cup in his face. He reaches for it, taking it out of her hand, splashing some against the hard wood flooring. She groans at his clumsiness.

" Nathan" she cries out in frustration, wiping the spill with a rag. He smiles at her with a shrug.

" You love me" he smirks, sipping from the mug.

" Yeah" she sighs " I love you"

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Dani