Well, since I took so long to update and left you with a cliffy, I decided to update again. Enjoy!

Chapter 6:

Shocked into immobility, Nathan sat perfectly still, afraid that should he move, this would all prove to be an illusion, a pleasurable dream, a forbidden fantasy. He had always loved Haley, but it wasn't until she left that he realized his love for her ran much deeper than the sentimental affection for a best friend. He was in love with her. Or rather with who she used to be. But he couldn't deny how right it felt to be kissing her. As these thoughts took precedence over all others in his mind, he realized that he had yet to reciprocate her abrupt kiss.

Disappointed that Nathan had remained still from his place on the couch, she slowly tore herself away from him. Only to have him pull her to him and place his lips back on hers. As his tongue slid over her bottom lip, she shifted and forced all her weight onto him, pushing him back so she could lay on top of him. They slid their tongues together over and over, both in sheer bliss as they let the sensation of kissing each other wash over them. Haley's hands traveled up and down over Nathan's arms, feeling his biceps as he gripped her hips tightly. He carefully flipped them over, wanting to be in control, and moved from her lips to her neck. Trailing kisses up and down her jaw line, his hand slipped unbidden beneath her shirt, rubbing the smooth skin of her stomach. She moaned, wrapping her leg around his and tucking her foot between his legs.

A buzzing sound filled the air, but Haley and Nathan chose to ignore it. But it only continued as the seconds passed. Slowly pulling apart, they stared into each other's eyes, breathing erratic. The buzzing came from Nathan's cell phone. More than a little upset, he slowly eased off of her and they both sat up as he whipped out his phone and breathed into it, "Hello."

"Nate?" came Luke's voice. "You sound out of breath. Everything ok?"

"Uh... Yeah," Nathan stuttered.

"Well, the gang and me are at your house. I thought we had plans. Where are you?" he asked, sounding slightly irritated at Nathan's absence.

"Oh, right, sorry man. I'm at Haley's."

"She blow you off again?" Luke sounded knowing.

Nathan glanced at Haley, who was gazing at a spot on the wall, and debated whether or not to tell Lucas the truth. He didn't particularly feel like explaining himself to anyone, so he opted to lie. "Um... yeah. Somethin like that," he managed to choke out.

"Alright, we'll come get you," Luke said.

"But-," Nathan started, but the dial tone sounded in his ear. Slamming his phone shut angrily and turning to Haley, he began, "I'm really sorry-,"

But as was often the case, he was interrupted. "Don't worry about it. See you around."
He smiled lovingly at her and leaned over to give her a goodbye kiss, but instead his lips met only air as his eyes shot open to see her retreating back entering the kitchen. Shaking his head, he thought, 'I should've known,' and standing slowly, jogged to the front door, and, peaking behind him one last time to affirm that she wasn't going to stop him from leaving, he whisked through the door, sinking onto the front steps to wait for Luke.

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As she heard the front door shut, Haley slid down the counter to sit on the tile floor, burying her head in her hands. 'God, what have I done?' she thought to herself, regretting her actions toward Nathan. Though kissing him had been a delightfully wonderful experience, she was afraid of how happy he made her feel. She preferred everything to be devoid of emotion and empty of pain. Therefore, she could have no further interaction with Nathan. It would mean risking the facade she had so painstakingly built up over the course of three years. And that was one thing she was unwilling to lose. Even if it meant losing Nathan.

At least, that's what she kept having to remind herself of.

But the truth, whether Haley chose to accept it or not, was that she was in love with Nathan. Since the moment he entered her life, he had intrigued her. He was an enigma which she was determined to solve. He didn't let people in easily and she had wanted to know why. Slowly, she earned his trust, his respect, and his affection. He had let her see past the bulls hit he gave everyone else and she had come to find that in actuality, he was a really amazing guy. But he only allowed those closest to him to see it. And she wished he would show that side of him more often. But for some reason she had yet to comprehend, he wanted everyone to believe he was a heartless jacka ss. And to most people, he was. But to Haley, he was the sweet and most caring guy who never ceased to worry about her. And that's when Haley realized that it was too late to protect her heart. She had fallen in love with Nathan Scott. But this is where her perspective views varied.

She had several options to consider. She could try out a relationship with Nathan. But what would happen if he hurt her? Or if she hurt him? And would he think less of her now that she had changed? Thus far, he was oblivious to just how different she really was. Would he still desire to be with her when he found out?

Her other option was to have no contact with him. This option would provide a security blanket, protecting her from the pain that would inevitably be her's when she and Nathan chose to end it. But what if they never chose to end it? What if it lasted indefinitely and they got the fairytale ending the majority of the human race could only dream of? But was that a chance she was willing to take? Obviously, the easiest choice would be the second one, but which was the right choice?

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At Nathan's house, the gang was sprawled out around his living room. Lucas and Brooke lay together on one of the couches, Brooke in front of Luke, his arms around her. Jake was one the couch opposite them, feet propped on the coffee table in front of him, arm draped around Peyton sitting next to him. Tim sat in the middle of the floor, not knowing where else to sit. Nathan slumped dejectedly in an easy chair, slightly apart from the others, but still facing them. "Come on, Nate. What happened?" Luke asked for the umpteenth time since he had picked Nathan up from Haley's.

Nathan sighed and looked away, knowing that he wouldn't be able to keep this from them. Finally he quietly relayed the recent events. "She kissed me."

His friends were stunned, none knowing what to make of this latest piece of information. Jake, as though awaking from a trance, asked, "And?"

Nathan swallowed. "And I kissed her back."

"Alright!" cheered Tim, clearly more excited than even Nathan at the unexpected turn of events. Luke broke out into a grin, genuinely happy for his brother. He had seen how Nate looked at Haley and had been waiting for this to happen for quite some time. Jake and Brooke were also smiling.

Only Peyton seemed to notice Nathan's uncharacteristic lack of enthusiasm as she questioned, "What's wrong?"

He chuckled hollowly and shook his head before responding, "And then she blew me off again."

No one spoke. No one moved. No one dared to so much as breathe for fear it would upset Nathan. Slowly, he stood up and walked into his room, closing the door quietly behind him and locking it. One by one, Brooke, Peyton, Jake, and Tim left until only Luke remained, still laying on the couch. Finally, he stood and left the house, looking back at it once more before driving away.

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It was 11:00 on a Sunday night, the night before Haley's first day at Tree Hill High, and she sat, curled up on the window seat, gazing once again at the night sky. She had decided to wait for a sign, which if received, would greatly encourage a relationship with Nathan. She glanced at the clock: 11:18. Sighing, she prepared for bed and slipped under the covers, looking once more out the window. Nothing. She closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.

At that moment, mere miles away, Nathan sat in a chair by his bedroom window, searching the sky. As a shooting star blazed across the dark night sky, feeling foolish, but nevertheless willing to try it, he closed his eyes and made a wish.

He wished that he could help Haley, even if in a small way, find herself again. He wanted nothing more than to have the old Haley back. As he climbed into his bed and felt his eyelids getting heavier, he resolved to never give up on her.

While Haley had missed her sign, Nathan had found his, making for an interesting day to come.

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At 7:30 the next morning, the shrill ring of an alarm clock shattered the peaceful silence of the James house. Groaning tiredly, Haley rolled over in bed to glare at the clock. As Renee waltzed cheerily into the room, she buried her face in one of the many feathery pillows adorning her king sized bed, screaming into it.

Smiling, Renee ripped the curtains open, allowing sunlight to stream in through the window as she said, "Morning, Ms. James. Time to get up or you'll be late for school."

Slowly lifting her head from the pillow, Haley turned to Renee, smiling and saying sweetly, "Tell you what. I'll go to school when my parents finally decide to fire your dirt poor, bitchy ass. Kay?" Then, she allowed her head to drop back on her pillow, desperately trying to fight consciousness and seeking the deep, content slumber she had been so rudely torn from.

Ten minutes later, she found herself in the shower, grumbling irritatingly about Rene''s abusive methods of getting her up. Slamming the lever off, stopping the steady flow of scalding hot water, she stepped out of the shower, wrapping a terrycloth robe around her soaking form.

Approximately 45 minutes later, her hair was blow dried and straightened, her makeup applied, and she was dressed in a black pleated mini skirt, a tight pink halter revealing a sliver of tan stomach, and her chunky, black flip flops. Trudging downstairs, she was informed that she did't have time for breakfast. "Perfect," she muttered under her breath, grabbing her purse and keys and dashing out the door.

Slowing down, she noticed a gorgeous boy about her age exiting the house next door. As a car of rowdy teens pulled up in his driveway, he looked over and suddenly noticed her. Smirking, he raised his hand, acknowledging her. She winked at him and unlocked her red mustang, getting in slowly, allowing him to check her out.

Without giving him a second glance, she pulled out of her driveway and stepped on the accelerator, speeding down the road. In her rearview mirror, she watched him hop in the car. He was hot and obviously rich. Definitely doable. She smirked. Maybe coming back wasn't such a bad idea after all.

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As Haley pulled into the nearest parking space, the car from next door appeared in the spot next to her. Acting as though she hadn't seen it, she climbed gracefully out of her car, locking it and making her way toward the school.

"Hey!" she heard him call out behind her.

'Always works,' she thought smugly, stopping to wait for him, but not turning around. She didn't want to appear eager or desperate as the old Haley would have. Guys like him never pursued people like that.

He jogged to her then matched her pace, smiling charmingly down at her and saying casually, "So, I guess you're my new neighbor."

She quirked a perfectly plucked eyebrow at him. "Guess so." This guy was a little dense. 'Way to state the obvious,' she thought. She gave him her best sexy smile and he grinned back, smoothly slipping his arm around her waist. 'Well, this guy doesn't waste time,' she thought. 'Excellent.'

"Where'd you move from?" he asked.

"New York," she answered smugly as he looked at her clearly impressed.

"Wow, a city girl. The best kind," he smirked at her.

"I like to think so," she responded, smirking back at him.

He just laughed, thinking, 'Man, I love this girl. She'll have to sleep over sometime.'

"Walk me to class," she said. It was more a demand than a request.

'Feisty. I like,' he thought.

As they walked into school, Haley learned his name as hordes of people greeted him. "Hey, Mike," some guy slapped his hand.

"Mike, huh?" she raised an eyebrow. "I guess it'll do."

He chuckled. "Well, may I ask what your name is?"

"You can ask, but you might not get an answer," she retorted.

"Ouch, that hurts," he teased, holding his free hand to his heart.

"Good," she smiled mischievously.

Reaching her class, they stopped as he asked, "So, do I get a name?"

"Maybe later," she smirked. She loved messing with guys like this. What was the harm in having a little fun?
"Alright. Well, see you later neighbor," he smiled, releasing her.

"Later," she winked, then entered the classroom, hips swaying provocatively.

A pretty brunette approached her, smiling tightly and asking, "Was that Mike you were walking with?"

"Why do you care?" Haley shot back, then, "Oh, I'm sorry. Are you two dating?" Then her tone changed abruptly as she stated icily, "Well, it's obvious he's not too attached."

Fuming, the girl stalked off, taking a seat in the back as a gorgeous blonde haired girl appeared in front of Haley, smiling and saying, "Sorry about her. That's Theresa. She's a real bitch when it comes to Mike and other girls. She's like in love with him, but he's not interested."

"And you are?" Haley questioned her.

She smiled again, introducing herself as Kristen.

Haley examined her critically form head to toe, taking in her sexy designer clothes and perfectly made up face, deciding she was worth her time. Smiling back, she said, "I'm Haley."

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By lunch, the entire population of Tree Hill High, a horde of your typical over-dramatic hormone driven teenage high school students, knew of the infamous Haley James. Few knew of her nice side; all knew of her bitchy side. It still remained a mystery how exactly you became her friend. Many had tried. Few had succeeded. Guys wanted to screw her; girls wanted to be her. It was the life she had gown accustomed to and which she had come to learn was the most enjoyable while simultaneously painless.

It was noon on a Monday morning at THH and Haley James now dominated the gossip topics. She was the center of more than a few conversations. She was the tough bitch from New York, but she was also hot, sexy, and graceful. Her entire personality was one big contradiction, but she liked it that way. It seemed she was above even the elite-est of the elite in the complex group that was, in essence, the school's hierarchy.

She strode confidently into the cafeteria, scanning the various tables for a familiar face. She locked eyes with Nathan and though she tried, couldn't read their expression. Tearing her gaze from his, she saw a vending machine on the opposite side of the fairly large room. Judging by the rather unpleasant aroma coming from the serving line, she quickly deduced junk food would be much safer. Also, according to her hasty calculations, the food served in the far corner was only slightly less expensive than that in the vending machine.

Making her way to the machine, she examined the various types of junk food and bought herself some Doritos and a Pepsi. She heard someone approach her from behind as she bent to retrieve her hardly nutritious lunch, but didn't realize who it was until he said, "Hey neighbor."
Smiling, she turned to face him, not bothering to offer any sort of greeting in return as she spotted Kristen with three other girls (Rhonda, Katie, and Jen) waving her over. Pushing past him, she sauntered over to their table, taking a seat as she listened to Kristen chatter incessantly in her ear.

Rhonda nudged her and tilted her head back, indicating for Haley to look behind her. Looking quizzical, she turned to find Mike standing there. She rolled her eyes at Kristen, a clear sign of her annoyance, though Mike seemed not to notice as he pulled out the chair beside her and, sinking into it, asked, "So, are you ever gonna tell me your name?"

"Are you ever gonna leave me alone?" she questioned, in obvious mockery of his question.

"If you tell me your name," he persisted.

She scowled at him.

He raised his eyebrows. "Guess that's my answer."

"Wow, you catch on fast," came her sarcastic reply.

Deciding to overlook her pointed remark, he spoke again. "So, listen. I have basketball practice til 4:30, but I was wondering if you would wait and drive me home."

Rolling her eyes, she retorted, "Right, cause I have nothing better to do."

"Great, I'll meet you out front after practice.

"But-," she began.

"Thanks," he said, standing and rushing off.

She sighed, her head falling into her hands. Then, Kristen began talking again, this time about Mike. "Haley, he's a senior. And he's gorgeous, not to mention sexy. Do you know how many girls would kill to have him look at them? And now, he's chasing after you. Use this to your advantage."

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The boys on the basketball team loitered in the locker room, some on benches, some standing at their lockers. Lucas, Nathan, Jake, Tim, and Mike were grouped in a corner of the room, joking around and laughing when Mike decided to bring up his new neighbor.

"Hey, guys, I got a new neighbor. It's a chick about our age. Well, your age. I think she's a junior." (A/N- Mike''s the only senior in the group. The others are all juniors.)
"Is she hot?" Tim asked eagerly.

"Oh yeah," Mike smirked, then got a brilliant idea. "Hey, you guys should meet her. Why don't you come over around 5:00 and I'll make sure she comes over."

They all agreed as Jake questioned curiously, "What's her name?"

Shifting on his feet nervously, Mike muttered, "She hasn't told me yet."

Nathan smirked. "Having a little trouble, Mikey?"

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Haley sat in the library, reflecting on the day's events, including her new acquaintance Mike. Casual sex was always the best with guys like him. The all had this policy that stated your emotions couldn't get involved. That way, at least she wouldn't get hurt. The only problem with this was your emotions couldn't be involved, ironic though it was. Because truthfully, sex was meaningless without emotions. It was always more amazing with someone you loved. And she certainly didn't love Mike. But, she would f uck him just the same. Because casual sex was better than no sex. Or so she thought.

As she contemplated this issue, Brooke approached her table and sat beside her. "Hey, Haley," she whispered.

"Hi," replied Haley, refusing to meet her eyes.

"I was hoping we could talk," Brooke bit her lip, anxiously waiting for Haley's permission to continue.

She simply nodded.

Relieved, Brooke continued.

"Alright. Ok, let me just start by saying that I know we didn't exactly get along when we were younger, but I still know a lot about you. And you want to know why? Nathan. He was always talking about you. And I mean like nonstop. He talked about your smile and your laugh and you amazing sense of humor. He always used to say, 'You have to meet her someday. She's the best.' He wouldn't shut up about how good of a person you were. How you never got angry at anyone and how you were always helping people and how you were never at all selfish. Now, I don't know what happened to you in New York, but whatever it was, I'm really sorry it did. I know you didn't deserve it. But don't do this to Nathan. He really cares about you and he doesn't deserve what you're putting him through."

Before Haley had a chance to defend herself, Brooke was gone. Leaving Haley to her thoughts. Maybe, just maybe, Brooke was right. But was she really prepared to rehash her past to Nathan and possibly have him reject her friendship? Honestly, she didn't know.
The choice she would eventually be forced to make loomed ahead in a foreboding manner. Should she accept Nathan's friendship or ignore him indefinitely as she had originally planned? She would have to choose between the two sooner or later. She could only hope the time would come later rather than in the recent future.