A.N Well first things first I want to say a big thankyou to those who have reviewed and offered suggestions. Have some ideas of how they can be incorporated into the story but will have to wait and see if they work out. Sorry this chapter is so short but felt I needed a chapter just to explain where Haley's head is at at this point. Will hopefully have a chance to update again today. Hope you enjoy it. Let me know what you think. Ange x.

Chap 7

Haley's four-hour shift seemed to have gone by in a blur. She had been on autopilot ever since she had come through the door. Luckily the café had been very busy which had made it impossible for her to think too much about what had happened in Nathan's car just a few short hours ago. It also meant that Karen herself had been far too busy to notice that her normally super efficient waitress had been anything but efficient that night.

Looking at the clock, Haley heaved a sigh of relief, only 20 minutes to go and she would be finished her shift. She couldn't suppress the flutter of excitement that shot through her at the thought of Nathan who would be arriving shortly to collect her. Who would have ever thought that Nathan Scott would take an interest in me? she mused to herself.

That flutter of excitement however was not alone, there was also a certain amount of trepidation and uncertainty as she continued to question why she was having these feelings for Nathan. She was no longer simply blaming her reactions to him on hormones she knew there was definitely something more going on. But at the same time it was obvious that this was hardly some deep and meaningful relationship, at least not yet. It could hardly be when they had barely spoken without arguing.

Who am I kidding? she asked herself he probably won't even turn up. So I have nothing to worry about because whatever has been causing me to feel like this is over. After all this is Nathan Scott were talking about he's probably already forgotten about me. Its not like I'm a part of the in crowd that he is so fond of.

Breaking out of her daze she focused her attention on the customer standing in front of her waiting to pay "Sorry, can I help you?"

"About time" the man grumbled impatiently "I've only been standing here for the last five minutes while you've been staring off into space".

Looking up Haley could see Karen watching them with a questioning look obviously sensing an unhappy customer. Haley quickly took his money and counted out his change carefully not wanting to give him any further reason to complain. She watched him leave hoping he wouldn't stop to complain to Karen on his way out and was relieved to see him walk out without further incident.

Her attention was diverted almost immediately by the arrival of a black SUV pulling up in front of the café. Haley could see Nathan behind the steering wheel and for a moment all the other emotions she had been experiencing were swallowed up by blind panic. Oh my God, he actually came back. Now what am I going to do? Karen's voice came across the café

"Haley honey its time to knock off. Have you got money for the bus in case is starts raining again? I don't want you to get caught in it"

"Don't worry Karen I've got a ride."

"Oh good honey, well say hi to that son of mine for me. I've hardly seen him the last couple of days."

"Aha ok bye Karen" Haley called over her shoulder. It wouldn't be till much later that Haley would stop to wonder why Karen had thought Lucas would come to collect her when he was at home sick in bed. But for the moment Haley was far too preoccupied with thoughts of a certain occupant of a black SUV to give much thought to what Karen was saying. If only she had listened some of the drama that was about to enter Haley's life could possibly have been avoided.