Sorry it took me so long to update, school and work are keeping me pretty busy. I also have a little writer's block, but I'm trying to get past it for ya'll. I don't wanna go too fast and finish before Christmas either. Well, here's the next chapter, I hope you like it. Review and let me know!

The next morning, Nathan rolled over in bed and reached for Haley without opening his eyes to find her side of the bed empty. When he became more alert, he heard the shower running so he gets up and walks into the kitchen. About 10 minutes later, Haley walks out completely dressed with a towel on her head.

"What are you doing up so early on a Sunday?" Nathan asks as he stifles a yawn.

"Oh, I guess I forgot to tell you. I'm going into the studio to lay down some tracks this afternoon…with Chris." Haley tells him as she sits at one of the stools opposite him.

"But it's Sunday, a day for relaxation. You're spending too much time with that guy anyway and you don't even need him." Nathan tells her matter of factly as he pours himself some Froot Loops.

"Nathan, do we have to go through this again? I already told you, Chris is really talented and he has connections that could help me out." Haley says with a sigh.

"You don't need his help. You've already played at TRIC and everyone loved you." Nathan says as he fills his mouth with the cereal.

"Yeah, but the more exposure I get, the better it is. Don't you trust me?" She asks as she gets up from the stool to get a glass of water and some headache medicine.

"You know I trust you, just not him. Are you feeling alright?" He asks as he watches her quickly down 3 of the pills.

"Yeah, just a headache; I'll be fine." She says as she makes her way back to the stool.

"All the more reason for you to stay here and relax…with me" He says as he gives her a sly look.

"I'll only be there for a few hours, we'll have all afternoon and tonight to do whatever you want." She says with a grin as she leans towards him.

"Whatever I want?" He asks as he leans into her.

"Yep, at least after we go to the café and help Lucas and Karen decorate their tree, but I'm gonna head out now. I'll be back around 3 or 3:30." She says as she jumps up and grabs her coat from the hanger by the door.

Meanwhile…

Jake and Peyton are at Jake's parents house decorating their Christmas tree with Jenny. Jake's parents weren't expecting him to be home so soon, so they are out of town for Christmas.

"I can't believe my parents went on a cruise over Christmas and left us here!" Jake exclaimed as he hung an ornament on one of the higher branches of the tree.

"Well, they didn't think you were gonna be home, none of us did." Peyton tries to reason with him.

"None of you left me alone on Christmas to go on a cruise!" Jake says as he gives Peyton a look.

"Oh please, you know you aren't gonna be alone. You know you would be at the café with the rest of us even if your parents were home." Peyton says with a smirk.

"That's not the point." Jake says defeated.

"Besides, aren't you glad you didn't go? Who wants to have a warm Christmas? And then you wouldn't be here with us…with me." She says as she puts up an ornament.

"When you put it that way…" Jake smiles as he grabs her around the waist and kisses her.

Jenny giggles from her spot on a blanket on the carpet.

"Looks like someone's enjoying the show. Hey Jenny, do you wanna help Daddy and I decorate the Christmas tree?" Peyton says as she kneels beside the little girl.

At Brooke's house…

Brooke is having a lazy day and just lounging and watching movies when she hears a knock at the door. She opens it to reveal Lucas holding a giant, green tree.

"Ho Ho Ho, I come bearing gifts." Lucas says as he drags the tree through the door.

"Well aren't you Santa's sexiest little helper." Brooke says as she grabs Lucas' butt.

"That's right missy. And I know you've been naughty this year." Lucas says in a slight whisper.

"I heard that Lucas Scott." Karen says as she comes through the door holding a box.

"Oh, hey Karen, what are you guys doing here?" Brooke says with a nervous smile.

"Well, Haley called and mentioned you were having some spirit issues, so I brought over some goodies and of course, the tree." Karen says as she motions with the box.

"I don't need all this, I'm gonna be the only one here again this year." Brooke says as she looks down.

"That doesn't mean you can't get into the spirit. A house without decorations on Christmas is gloomy." Karen says as she starts to unload the box.

"Okay, okay, I surrender." She says as she starts to help Karen set things up.

"You are come to the café later to decorate right?" Karen asks as she looks up from the box.

"Of course, wouldn't miss it for the world." Brooke says dryly.

Later that evening…

Haley fumbles with her keys to get the door to the apartment open. She's juggling groceries and can't imagine why Nathan would lock the door if he's there.

"Nathan? Nate, are you here?" Haley calls into the dark apartment.

She walks over to the counter and sets the groceries down. She finds a note in his handwriting.

Hales,

I headed over to the café for the decorating since you are late. AGAIN. Give me a call and I'll come pick you up when you get home.

Love, Nate

Haley grabs the phone and dials Nathan's cell phone. He picks up after 2 rings.

"Where the hell have you been?" Nathan asks without so much as a hello.

"I'm sorry, we lost track of time." She says apologetically.

"Yeah, whatever, I'll be there in a few minutes." He says as a goodbye.

"Hold on, Nate, I think I'm just gonna walk over. It's not far." She says with a sigh.

"No, you can't walk. It's freezing outside, plus it's dark." Nathan says without much feeling.

"Nathan, I'll be fine. I'll bundle up and it's Tree Hill, dangerous." She says dryly.

"Still…" He tries to argue.

"I just have some things on my mind I wanna think about." Haley says finally.

"Fine, see you in a little while." Nathan says with agitation.

"Okay, I love you." Haley says hopefully.

"Yeah, you too…" Hey replies and hangs up.

I had to throw in a little of the Chris, aka home wrecker, issue in there. I hope you liked it. Not too much happened, but yeah… Anyways, review and let me know what you think. I'll post again within the next few days.