AN: The italics is a quick flashback

Chapter 18

Nothingness, sadness, and iciness…

Haley dreaded going to school on Monday. Sunday she didn't wake till late afternoon with no knowledge of the previous night. All she remembered was that she went to the club and how she briefly spoke with Nathan.

That was what she thought…

Everything was a blur, but thankfully Maria filled her in on what happened…

"I can't believe I was so stupid," Haley told herself as she found out that her drink was drugged. "I of all people know how dangerous it is. I've read articles about it, but…"

"Haley it happened and there's nothing to do now," Maria answered. "Nathan went into the club to find the dirtbag after he found out that you were going to be fine, but he was already gone."

"He did that?" Haley asked surprised.

"Yeah he did," Maria responded.

And since their late conversation all Haley contemplated about was the one single individual she would have never thought to thank…the person she thought was a jerk since day one.

The person she was falling for…hard.

Now, she walked through the overfilled halls, approaching her English class. The first hour that began the next eight, intense hours of distinguishing and associating with Nathan.

How she dreaded it.

'What am I going to tell Nathan? How am I going to act towards him?' she asked herself as she drew near the door to her class.

She took a few more steps and extended her hand to the door handle.

"Moment of truth," she muttered while she took a big breath and opened the door.

Her eyes roamed around and she exhaled a sign of relief. Nathan was no where in sight as no one else she knew. She sauntered to her vacant seat, set her bag down beside her, and sat down. Immediately she laid her head down and tuned out the rest of the world, attempting to recall the events of Saturday night. Minutes passed and she persisted to sit, oblivious that the classroom was becoming filled with other students; class was going to commence in a few minutes.

She felt a light tap on her shoulder and her head shot up in recognition, startled. She turned around and faced her best friend.

"Oh my God, Lucas you scared me," Haley told him.

"I'm sorry Hales, I just wanted to check on you since…well you know…" he trailed off, concerned.

"Like I told you yesterday, I'm fine," she responded with a laugh. "You need to stop worrying so much; you're going to start breaking out."

"Ha, ha, ha," he replied with a slight smile. "Hales what happened Saturday night was serious," he added as he put his hand on her face. "I don't know what I would of done if something happened to you," he confessed with sadness.

"Well you don't have to," she retorted with a chuckle. "You're stuck with me for a long for a very long time, so you better be ready!"

"I am and I'm glad," he voiced with a smile. "So you're fine?"

"The best I'll ever be," she verbalized. "Now go back to your seat before Mr. Esquivel yells at you," she commanded as she pushed him away and brought her attention back to the class.

Swiftly her eyes wandered to the right side of the classroom, looking for one individual, but she started to frown noting that character was yet not in class.

"Hey, sorry about that, I had to get something from Rosa," Maria explained when she sat down beside Haley.

"Its fine," she answered with a smile as she brought her attention to Maria and stopped searching for the figure.

"Who were you looking for?" Maria asked as she glanced in the direction Haley was moments ago.

"No one," she rapidly stated.

"Ahha, I know who," she voiced as she noticed that the only open seat, "Nathan…"

'Shit,' Haley thought.

"Well he is my partner for the project and today is the last day to work on it in class," she made up promptly.

"Are you talking about a partner for project or for a relationship?" Maria questioned with a smirk.

"Well what the hell do you think?" she sarcastically asked.

"Relationship," Maria remarked.

"No, projects," she corrected. "Just that."

"You are still in denial?" Maria commented a bit taken back. "After the way he demonstrated himself on Saturday night?"

"I am thankful that he tried to find the jerk that drugged my drink and took care of me that night, but I am not going to jump into a relationship with him because of that. I am not ready and I definitely don't have any of the feelings associated with a relationship towards him," said Haley with a bit of assuredness, trying to convince herself as well.

'I am not allowed to think of him any other way,' she reflected. 'There's nothing going on anyways…' she lied to herself again.

"I am not going to dispute this any longer," Haley declared as she turned around and faced the class.

The final bell rang.

"Bueno clase, hoy saben que es la última día para que trabajan con sus parejas entonces no perdemos mas tiempo y empiezan," the teacher ordered to the class.

(Well class, as you know, today is the last day to work with your partners so lets not waste any more time and begin)

Haley glanced around the room and didn't spot Nathan anywhere.

"Great…" she mumbled mockingly as she opened her binder and pulled out her research.

Chairs and desks started to move as pairs commenced to partner up and discuss their weekend events and projects.

"Some damn dependable partner I have…" Haley voiced irritated while she moved around her papers recklessly.

"Sorry for being late," came a voice from behind her, surprising her.

She turned around and observed Nathan pulling a desk to join her.

"Kinda ran late this morning," he explained while he pulled out his folder. "Didn't get here till the late bell…" he rambled without glancing at Haley.

"It's alright," she replied without looking at Nathan.

Both were avoiding each other's gazes, nervous of the events that occurred Saturday night.

"So let's get this started," announced Haley as she picked up her papers. "I found out that the Maya's left because of…" she began while she stared at her papers.

"Uh, Haley?" Nathan interrupted.

"Yeah?" she remarked, lifting her head up, finally meeting the blue eyes that belonged to Nathan for the first time.

"Are you all right?" he asked, worried.

"Yeah, I'm fine," she replied with a slender grin.

"You sure?" he persisted.

"Yes, for the millionth time. I wish people would just stop asking me," she snapped.

"Haley after what happened Saturday night, what the hell do you expect us to do? Not give a damn?" he questioned.

"You would've if we never would have gone on this trip," Haley mumbled.

"What did you say?" he asked.

"Admit it Nathan," Haley told him, raising her voice. "If we wouldn't have gone on this trip, you would have treated me the same way you always have. You'll ignore me, make fun of me since I am not in the same class or status as you, and continue to haze your own brother. You and your little friends will keep on ruling the school and thinking that you guys are better then everyone," Haley announced.

"So that's what you think?" he asked her harshly.

"It's what I know," she remarked.

Instantaneously he turned his head in disappointment and anger. It seemed that how hard he tried to befriend her or just simply attempted to be civil with her, she would always pulled up the wall and act bitter.

'After all I did Saturday night?' he asked himself. 'I was just being a fool thinking that she was interested in me,' he added, surrendering.

"I'm sorry," she apologized.

"Don't be," he responded as he ignored her gaze. "You just made everything clear," he added. "Crystal clear."

"Nathan," she began again, but was stopped by Nathan.

"Don't," he cautioned her. "Let's get back to our essay."

"Thank you," Haley simply told him as she watched him intently.

"Yeah well, everything I did was what any other friend would have done that night," he declared, looking up at her with iciness. "But it seems that you can't understand that."

"Nathan," she started up.

"Can we just get back to the essay?" he questioned her as he brought his gaze back to the papers in front of him.

"I have a quick question, though," Haley voiced.

"What?" he asked her.

"Did anything else happen Saturday night?" she questioned with wonder.

"No," he answered while he gazed up to her. "Nothing happened," he added vigorously as he stared at her coldly. "Nothing at all…"

Part II

She didn't know what went over her each occasion she spoke to Nathan. Every time she was with Nathan she always made a mistake on what to say or do. She didn't know what was happening with her.

Not acknowledging that it was a defense mechanism….

She didn't know why she snapped at Nathan earlier that day.

'Everyone was asking if I was fine and I finally had enough. I couldn't handle another person questioning so I immediately flew into a rage,' she said to herself that was the reason why she shouted at Nathan.

After Nathan told Haley that nothing happened between them, he acted cold and distant towards her. They almost got the essay done, but they ran out of time. After minutes of convincing Nathan to go to her house on Thursday, he reluctantly agreed. Now, she laid on her bed, stared at the ceiling and thought about Nathan's odd attitude.

Abruptly there was a knock on the door.

"Come in," she replied, not bothering to get up.

The door opened and two figures walking in. Haley glanced over and immediately rose up. She recognized the two individuals from the many pictures lying and hanging around the house. They were Mr. and Mrs. Lopez, Maria's parents.

"Hello Mr. and Mrs. Lopez. So glad to finally meet you," Haley greeted as she walked over to them.

"Buenas noches Haley," Mrs. Lopez greeted. I'm so sorry that my husband and I haven't welcomed you earlier," she said with an accent. "We have been so busy with work and running our cooperation that we have little time to sleep and stay home."

"Oh, it's all right," she replied, nervous. "Haley James," she introduced herself as she extended her hand towards her host parents.

"Encantada," responded Mrs. Lopez as she shook her hand. "Y tiene maneras, que bueno…" she told her husband.

(And she has manners, how good…)

"Parace que si," he retorted as he gave Haley a strong handshake.

(Seems like)

"Muchas gracias," she thanked, starting to blush.

"How do you like your stay in Acapulco so far?" Mrs. Lopez asked.

"Pretty good, getting to meet new people and the magnificent culture difference is phenomenal. The beach is especially beautiful here. I'm so sad that I'm going to be leaving in less then a week," she confessed.

"Yes the beach is exquisite here. I loved going out to watch the sunset, but with the cooperation I have no time to do so anymore," she said with a bit of sorrow. "But we work hard for our daughter and our son so everything is worth it."

Mr. Lopez grunted at the mention of his son.

Haley felt sad of all the relinquishing they had to do.

"Well you raised a wonderful daughter so you guys must be doing everything right."

"Yes she is," she said with a proud voice.

"The reason for us speaking with you at this hour at night is to advise you that we are going to be leaving early tomorrow for a business trip, but we'll be back by Saturday at the latest," Mr. Lopez reported.

'Now wonder Maria is so apathetic to her father. He is so serious and frigid,' Haley reflected.

"Well I'm disappointed that we won't be able to do some things before I leave," Haley replied. "But I wish you both a wonderful trip," she told them.

"If I could, I would much rather stay home, but duty calls," Mrs. Lopez retorted. "But thank you so much dear," she added as she gave Haley a kiss on the cheek. "But my husband and I will leave you to rest. Have a fine time at school," she persisted while she closed the door behind her.

"That's weird," Haley verbalized as she lay on the bed again.

Suddenly, the door creaked open for a second time and Haley rapidly stepped off the bed, expecting to see Mr. and Mrs. Lopez. Though, instead Maria walked into the room with a disappointed look.

"It's just me," she replied as she strolled towards Haley's bed.

Haley relaxed once more and sat down on the bed.

"So you heard the news?" Maria questioned with disdain.

"Yup, gone for a couple of days," Haley stated.

"Yup...they think that they are doing me and my brother a favor by working so much, but…all they are doing is losing time with us," Maria declared with unhappiness. "Some times I wish we didn't have all –"

"Wait a minute," Haley interrupted. "You have a brother?" she questioned, confused.

"Oh yeah," Maria responded. "He's a couple years older then me… about 19," she affirmed. "He's actually living in Mexico City at an art college."

"Really?" Haley asked surprised. "How come I haven't seen any pictures of him around the house? I've only actually seen pics of you and your parents."

"Well let's just say that my father wasn't very pleased that Carlos decided to be an artist instead of running the family cooperation."

"So your family basically disowned him?" Haley asked, astonished.

"Well my mother didn't care, she was just concerned that he would pursue to do something that he loves, but my father was raged. My mom and I visit him once in awhile, but my father hasn't seen him since he left; and that was a year and a half ago."

"Oh my..."

"My father is very distant. We really don't get along. Every time we try to talk, we always end up yelling at each other," she declared. "He just doesn't understand…" she added lowly.

"I'm sorry," Haley retorted as she put a hand on her back. "Some parents just think that they are doing the best for us by working so much, but all they are doing is just squandering moments and causing us to dislike them for their lack of time in our life," Haley stated.

"Do you go through the same thing back home?"

"No," Haley replied. "I've had the fortune of having two loving parents who are involved in my life; even with eight other children. They each make time with us."

"Then how do you know how I feel?"

"Because I know someone who is going through the same thing as you," she simply declared.

"Who?'"

"A good friend," she responded.

Without delay, Haley remembered Nathan. She thought back to the day that they were partnered up in P.E. She smiled at their banters that day; when they couldn't set aside their stubbornness and persisted to fall down onto the ground because they couldn't agree.

"What are you so happy about?" Maria asked with puzzlement, noticing her sudden smile.

"Just recalling memories," Haley announced.

"Okay enough of this sadness, Maria said as she whipped her teary eyes. "You ready to party?" she asked.

"Party?" Haley questioned, baffled.

'It's amazing how Maria could switch emotions like that so rapidly,' Haley told herself. 'Maybe she is bipolar or something…' she added while she gave Maria an odd look.

"Hell yeah, no parents…we are definitely going to party."

"It's Monday Maria," she declared.

"Obviously, I do know the days of the week," Maria told Haley. "You ready for a girls night?"

"What? Tonight?" Haley questioned. "I have homework that I haven't started."

"No, I was thinking tomorrow night. Oh it's going to be so much fun…" Maria vocalized. "I'm so excited!" she exclaimed as she got off the bed.

"Oh what fun!" Haley sarcastically remarked, not knowing that the following night was going to convey her much lighthearted goodness.

AN: Hey what is up u guys? I know, fricken kill me for not updating sooner! I AM SO SORRY! I updated my other 2 stories, but then I started messing around with Photoshop some more and well...time I should have spent working on an update, I spent it on making banners. But be proud of me! I got better! So yahoo! It's good for me! Though, there wuz also skool I had to deal with so I didn't slack off so much. And as promised I updated one of my stories this week and I am pretty good with that. I at the least will update one story each week. Give me credit for that. And all of u should know why I also been absent lately. Since I am a Senior in HS I have to deal with SAT's, College Applications, Scholarships, and I still have to get my permit. I know I am a senior and I don't drive. Sue me, I really don't care about that, I have awesome friends that take me everywhere so I don't have to worry about that. Thank God. But anyways...

I hope that everyone enjoyed this update. I know that it was a little low on the Naley, but I kinda liked it. It involved the thoughts of Haley and Nathan of what happened Saturday night and of what they think of each other...Also, we found out some things about the life of Maria and even though she isn't the main character, she still is a character that is needed in the story. So I hope u all enjoyed it!

BTW, I am still debating if I am going to do a sequel to this story. There is only about 8 or so chapters left and I dunno if I want to make a story when Nathan and Haley are back in Tree Hill except the people from Acapulco plus a new character end up going to live with them (U know Lucas, Brooke, Peyton, Haley, and Nathan). It would also revolve on how Haley deals with her sudden popularity and how she handles it. So I think that'll be kinda interesting, but I dunno. Maybe if I can get my readers thoughts then we'll see.

Aiesha- Glad that u liked the chapter and yeah we are all happy that Nathan wuz there for Haley when she passed out. I hope that u liked my incorporation of him trying to find the guy? Well I hope that this update didn't come short.
Poisoned-Heart-Naley23- Glad that u like this story! And I am so happy that there wuznt a lot of dialogue! Yahoo!
Lysser8312- Glad that U liked the chapter and yeah I also feel bad for Nathan cuz of Haley not remembering a darn thing of what happened Saturday night. Glad that u don't care about Pedro, I think that he is a sweetie and a hottie! Yeah I could also picture Peyton saying those things. U were laughing when Peyton wuz confessing of her drug incident? Oh man…lol, j/k. Yeah I am also happy that Peyton and Brooke are fine and now we have gotten rid of that dilemma. Well thanks for not freaking out that I haven't updated in awhile. Some people just don't understand that I have a life and that involves friends, going out, and most of all skool.
Shannon- Glad that u like the story and I hope that u enjoyed this chapter also!
HaleynNathan23- Glad that u liked my update. I am also ecstatic that it came out good compared to when I thought it came out bad. And yeah finally some Naley! Yahoo! Yeah sorry for delaying so much with the updates, but like I said be4 I am back in skool and therefore only able to update once a week one story cuz I have to deal with homework and it's Senior Year. I have yet to take the SAT's and I need to worry about College applications and finding a dorm room and getting my fricken permit so I can get my license! And I am 17 years old! Can u believe that?! LOL…but yeah it's been really hectic! Hope u liked the update.
Volleygrl710- Hope u enjoyed this chapter also!
CMMJL4EVR- Yeah stupid Jackasses that they believe that they have the right to slip people things in other people's drinks. It is just plain dumb, but we really can't do anything except take care of our drinks for odd people. Well I hoped u liked the chapter!
LadyChrisie- Glad that u liked the update and I am on ur Author Alert List so u should get an e-mail saying that I updated my story. I hope u get it and if not, I'll e-mail u!
OTHLover04- Hope u enjoyed this update.
Duckygirl- Glad that my story is awesome work! Well I love ur name, Duckygirl. So cute! Well I hope u enjoyed my update!
LockerRoomBandit17- Yeah it did sux that Haley got drugged, but what can we do. Glad that u liked the chapter and I hope this one didn't come up short!
BeAuTy AnGeL- Awesome writer? Thank you!!! Well I hope u enjoyed this chapter!
Repulican- Yeah it did seem that Nathan took advantage of Haley, but remember that he didn't know anything before anything happened. And yes his last thought did make up for it, thanks for the quote! Hope that u enjoyed this update!
Britney123- U barely started watching OTH during the summer? So did u watch all the episodes now? Well don't worry about it so much cuz during December or January Season 1 should be out on DVD so if u missed any u should be caught up with the rest of us if u get it. But I am so glad that u started to watch it and OMG I love that show so much. A little over 2 weeks till the Season premier! Yay! But anyways, glad that u finally decided to tune in to my story and I am glad that it didn't disappoint u. Glad that u like how it's turning out and I am definitely going to keep on writing! Well at least till I graduate cuz the I am going to be gone traveling and whatnot so I wouldn't be able to update. But u guys still have me for 9 months or so!
Beslookin- Glad that u like my story and sorry for the delay of this chapter. I wuz hoping to have it up since Wednesday, but I didn't start writing it till Wednesday and I take a few days to revise it and make it like I want it to turn out. So sorry once again.

Spoilers:

Girls night
-Girl bonding time...
-Guys hanging out...
-Guys crashing the Girls hang out...
-Pranks..

Who would have known of all the fun one could have when it's unexpected?

So once again my loyal readers, please REVIEW! Be sure to include ur thoughts on my updates and hey if u liked any specific parts then hell, include it! Thanks u guys! I always love to read my feedback from my readers cuz I find out if I am doing good or not. Hey I have to know that I am not wasting my time, right?

Well my friends, if you also want to know what I have spending a lot of my time in is... my new website! Yup, please go check that out and leave me a comment on what u thought about it! Thanks! Just go to my Profile and click on My Homepage...


Next is an update on PL and then I am off to The Eye of the Beholder: A Nathan Scott Story. So that is what is coming up! So take care of urself everyone and once again, sorry for the delay! Thanks for being so understanding!

With much love ,
Sleepneeded911