Sorry, I know this story is trudging on, VERY SLOWLY, but I need a basis for a story, I really can't have Nathan and Haley together, just like that. That would be pretty fun though. So sorry about that. And now I'm finally updating quickly. Hope I didn't make you all wait too long. –MARG.

Ch. 10

-In the parking lot-

Nathan tried fishing into his pockets, while holding Haley taught against him, but he was failing miserably. He shifted Haley's weight unto his left arm, while his right hand, somewhat free, almost grasped the tip of his keys in his right pocket. By this time, he had shifted Haley's whole weight unto each arm too many times that the circulation into his arms was getting cut off. But instead of resorting to waking the sleeping beauty in his arms, Nathan tried another resort. This time, Nathan finally realized that if he sat down on the curb and put Haley into his lap, he'd have an easier time getting to his keys.

Why I figure this out now is beyond me. I'd have saved myself a lot of trouble…I could have just waken her up, but she looks so peaceful nestled in my arms, Nathan thought as he gazed on Haley's sleeping form, while walking to the curb to test his theory.

Finally getting his keys out his pocket, Nathan tried to stand up.

This is getting harder and harder by the second. Maybe I should just wake her up. Nathan thought, sitting on the curb with Haley in his arms and his keys in his hand.

Not giving that idea an another thought, Nathan brushed it off and tried to stand up again, failing, again.

"Okay. I'm running out of ideas. Let's see, I could set her down and get up, or I could try getting up again." Nathan thought aloud, ignoring the questioning glances he received from a couple walking towards their car.

Gazing down at Haley when he felt her shift, Nathan hoped he hadn't awoken her.

Haley shifted so that she was now staring right at Nathan. Smiling shyly, Haley started, "Hey. I can get up if I'm too heavy for you."

Scoffing Nathan answered, "Heavy? Are you kidding me?" Haley quirked an eyebrow, while Nathan went on, "You're as light as a feather. Are you sure you eat?"

Haley smiled softly. She jokingly asked, "Is that a compliment? Or is that a way to get into my bed?"

Insulted, Nathan narrowed his eyes. "Get you into my bed? I have a girlfriend, thank you very much. I don't want you, you wish I wanted you."

Angry, Haley sat up on Nathan's lap. "Well, excuse me. I was just joking. Trying to break the ice you know?"

Nathan relaxed himself a little as he sheepishly replied, "Oh, sorry. I just thought-"

"No, you weren't thinking." Haley corrected, narrowing her eyes at him, getting out of his lap.

"I'm sorry, okay? I'm sorry that I jumped to conclusions." Nathan pleaded, pulling on Haley's wrist before she could walk away. "Please accept my apology. I'm sorry, goodness."

Haley freed herself from his grip, and answered, "Okay. I'll accept that one, but on one condition."

"And what might that be?"

Smiling, Haley answered, "That you give me a ride home."

"I was going to give you one anyway," Nathan answered getting up beside Haley. Nathan wrapped his arm around Haley's shoulders and guided her towards his car, his keys in his hand.

Haley gazing up at his face, questioned, "Oh? Why?"

Smirking, Nathan answered, "Well, if you don't remember what just happened about 30 minutes ago, then let me clarify for you, princess." Smirking bigger when Haley scowled at the princess comment, Nathan stopped at his car. Then he turned towards Haley and said, "You were about to be kidnapped or worse, and Lucas and I saved you. And you were tired and so I carried you here."

Rolling her eyes playfully, Haley answered, "Gee thanks for clarifying, like I almost forgot all that." Looking around in the almost empty parking lot, Haley asked, "So Lucas was here?"

Uncomfortable at the change of topic, Nathan answered, "Yea, he went to chase down the guy. And my girlfriend and her best friend are here too."

Looking around again, Haley asked, "Where? I don't see them."

Noticing that too, Nathan cursed aloud. "Um, I left them over there" he said pointing towards the direction that Peyton and Brooke were at. "I should go get them," he explained, heading off.

Haley, disappointed that he'd leave her alone, answered, "Yeah you should. Thank you for everything after school." She called after him, as he walked away.

Pausing in step, Nathan turned around smiling, "You're welcome." Shifting slightly nervous, Nathan said, "Hey, listen. If you're willing to wait awhile, I could drive you home."

Haley pretended to think about it. "Uh, no thanks. I'd rather not be picked on the whole way home by your girlfriend and her friend, so thanks, but no thanks."

Nathan's smile dropped slightly, "Oh, right. I didn't think about that. Well, I'll apologize for their behavior, though it was more Brooke's fault, than Peyton's."

"Whatever." Haley answered, spotting her books and bag. "I'll see you around." She said, leaving Nathan staring after her, for the third time that day.

Why are you even caring about another girl? Nathan berated himself, turning around, sighing loudly. Remember, you have Peyton, who's way better than some new, loser girl. Remember that. You're lucky.

Shaking his head, confused, Nathan trudged on, wanting to avoid any lectures from Brooke or Peyton. He hoped that Lucas got there in time to save his sorry butt from these two girls.