Fact: In the last chapter, I was actually going to have Haley and Jake win, and Jake not show up, and Nathan jump on stage, and profess his love for Haley, but I thought that would complicate things too much.
The story is almost over everyone. This chapter is kind of pointless, and I think the next one will be too, but yeah, the three following will be so worth it, lol.

Let Me Go

Chapter Sixteen: Brooding About Boys

Haley opened the door to the house quietly, stepping inside, and then closing the door softly. She pulled off her shoes, and began tip-toeing up the stairs, only to hear the voice of her sister.

"Well, if it isn't Ms. Cinderella.."

Haley stopped and turned, looking down at her sister, and giving her a small smile, before scurrying to join her on the couch.

"I didn't miss curfew, did I?"

"Hell yes, you did. And I have to say, it's about damn time."

Haley giggled, and Taylor grinned. "Come on. Let's go up to my room where we can be louder. The only reason I'm down here, was because I was trying to scare the shit out of you, but whatever."

"Oh, you scared me, all right.."

"I did?"

The two began making their way up the stairs.

"Yeah, didn't you see me jump?"

"I thought it was my imagination.."

By the time they'd reached Taylor's room, the two girls plopped down onto her bed giggling and laughing as if they were once again little.

After a few moments, they quieted down, and Taylor was first to speak. "So, how was the dance?"

"Magical."

"Really? Did you and Nathan hook up?"

Haley shook her head. "No, but we danced. We were awarded queen and king."

Taylor gestured towards the crown on Haley's head. "I would have killed for that thing. You're lucky to be the sister that had it made."

Haley laughed. "How do I have it made?"

"You're beautiful, smart, sweet, and you don't exactly have to work to keep your figure."

"Taylor, you just described yourself. The only reason you didn't win queen too, was because you were probably out smoking dope somewhere."

"Actually, I was."

Both girls began laughing once more.

"Taylor, don't tell anyone I told you this, because I'm serious, I will hunt you down and kill you, but you've always sort of been my idol."

"Whoa, what?" The older blonde sat up, her eyes widening.

"You're so carefree, and everyone likes you, even if they try not to. I've just always wanted to be like that."

"Everyone likes me?"

Haley grinned.

"Okay, I'm getting self-centered. Stop me now." Taylor smiled.

"I'm going to go get ready for bed."

"Okay. See you tomorrow, Baby Sis."

"Right back at ya, Big Sis."

The two girls parted, and Haley changed for bed, and brushed her teeth. Afterwards, she climbed into bed, turning onto her side, and grabbing her trusted stuffed animal, Mr. Snuggles.

After her and Nathan had danced, she'd tearfully excused herself, avoiding everyone that stepped in her way. Brooke had seen her, and had asked Lucas if the three of them could leave. He'd said yes, of course, and the three of them had driven to In'N'Out, and had pigged out on burgers for a few hours, before they'd finally driven Haley home.

Honestly, she was more then stuck. She wanted Nathan so bad, she really did, but then again, despite all her efforts, she still had feelings for Jake. Maybe they weren't strong feelings, and her feelings for Nathan were stronger, but they were still there.

Most would probably see this as a no-brainer. Go for the one you had stronger feelings for. But besides the fact that she truly loved Nathan, she'd also been with Jake on and off for the past years before, and on some level, those years had been dear to her, whether or not they'd done anything she'd really wanted to do.

That meaning sex. Of course, Haley and Jake had not had sex, and somewhere in her mind, she'd been hoping to have sex with Nathan, whether or not that made her sound like a whore, she didn't care. It was the truth, and now it was time to reveal her truth to herself.

She was so in love with Nathan, and the part that scared her was, she didn't even really know him. It made her thoughts seem like a crush, but to be honest, she'd felt strongly for him the minute she'd first met him. But honestly, she didn't know what it was like to be his girlfriend, so many would think it would be absurd for her to love him.

They'd grown up together as friends, and as a whole, she knew him; his favorite color was red, contrary to popular belief; his favorite person was his mother; the scar on his arm was from him crashing a bicycle the first time he'd ever tried riding; his imaginary friend's name in second grade had been Gerald.

And God, she loved him! Every inch of him! The way he boyishly grinned, or laughed. Everything about him she was in love with! And he felt those same feelings back, so it would be natural for them to be together! Damn, she hated how everything was.

Jake. She'd always liked Jake. But that was just it! She'd liked Jake, and she loved him. She loved him, she wasn't in love with him. And he was crazy for wanting her back. But maybe, he felt for her, like she felt for Nathan. And it would be wrong to take that feeling away from someone.

As evil as it sounded, she wished Jake didn't love her. She wished Jake hated her guts, and wished she died.

Wow, how desperate was she?

It didn't matter. She couldn't pick. She knew who she would pick, but she couldn't pick.

And it was slowly killing her.