"I promise you I will always be there for you, I will always protect you." It was when

Haley thought back to that night in their apartment when Nathan said these words to her that she was finally able to decide what she wanted. She realised it was much more important to her to live out her dream of being able to spend the rest of her life in love with the person who taught her to love, than to pursue her music dream whether anything would come of it or not.

H: I can't do this Chris I'm sorry.

C: Haley this is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

H: So is getting to spend the rest of your life with the man you love.

C: Haley you're making a mistake, can't you feel this between us.

H: Your right I am making a mistake, I shouldn't be here. My husband is waiting for me at home and there is nothing between us.

C: Haley…

H: Goodbye Chris, I hope everything works out for you.

And with that she turned away from the musician and made her way down the platform. She pulled her cell from her pocket and dialled Nathan's number. He wasn't sleeping he just lay on his bed throwing the basketball up in the air, hearing the phone ringing he frantically searched for it eventually finding it on the sofa. He was relieved when he read Haley Cell on the caller ID.

N: Hales…. Where are you? Is everything okay?

H: I'm sorry Nathan, I'm coming home as soon as I talk to Lucas, everything is fine now. Don't worry I'll explain everything in the morning don't wait up.

N: Okay, don't be too late.

H: Oh and Nathan…

N: Yeah?

H: I love you.

N: I love you too.

He put down the phone and could feel the smile lingering on his face, he was happy that he knew she was okay.

Lucas was having trouble sleeping, the anticipation of telling her how he felt was beginning to get too much. Lucky for him he was interrupted from his thoughts when he heard the quick knocking at door, he jumped up from his bed and opened the door to find his best friend standing there. Haley took one look at the blue eyed blonde's face and simply uttered "You didn't tell her yet did you?" Lucas looked back with a surprised gaze, "Haley how did you know….."

H: Come on Lucas, we been best friends for like ever. It is my job as a best friend to know what's going on inside that broody head of yours.

L: Hales it didn't really click with me until I talked to Nathan.

H: If I wasn't around you two would be lost.

Lucas shook his head and laughed.

L: Riiiight.

H: What is stopping you?

L: Haley I know how I feel, but what if she doesn't? I know I hurt her and I didn't want to but the only thought I have in my head is that she won't forgive me.

H: I know you, and I know you are going to tell her.

L: I don't like you knowing stuff before I do, its kinda creeping me out now.

H: Men.

She declared shaking her head causing Lucas to laugh again.

H: There is one thing for sure.

L: What's that?

H: You'll not know until you tell her.

Lucas groaned with disapproval but he knew Haley was right.

L: I hate when you're right.

H: I love you too Luke.

She then wrapped her arms around his necked and gave him a tight hug.

L: Come on little sis I'll give you a ride home.

They were about 10 minutes from the apartment when Haley turned to Lucas "I need your advice?" He turned to face her and replied "Yeah sure, what's up?" She now had a guilty look on her face "Chris kissed me tonight." This caused Lucas to find the closest space to park in. "He did what Haley?" She avoided making eye contact with him, "Yeah I know I broke the kiss. The thing is do I tell Nathan?" "Hales take it from me honesty is the best policy, unless of course someone saw you and tells him before you destroying your relationship?" She knew he was right "When did you become so wise?" she asked. "When I lied and destroyed three relationships, mine with Brooke and Peyton, and their friendship." They both looked at each other and burst into laughter, he could at least laugh at it now, however he wouldn't dare do it around Brooke or Peyton. He gave Haley's hand a firm squeeze and a reassuring look before driving her home.

Peyton opened her front door and entered the empty house, she turned to see Jake had not followed her in. He was standing outside the open door. "Hey you coming in?" she asked. "I have to get back to my parent's" he replied as he noticed her face drop as the words left his mouth. He quickly followed by saying "But I will be here first thing tomorrow morning and, we'll get a chance to talk and hang out." She nodded and said goodnight closing the door as he walked down her path. Jake was back and now that was all that mattered to her. She couldn't help but wonder why he was back?

She got into her room and noticed that the answer machine was blinking. There were two messages, the first was from Brooke "Listen Peyton I'm worried about you so call me, I'm here if you need me. Oh and guess who has a boyfriend, I'll tell ya….me. Bye bestest friend, call me" Peyton laughed at how her friend went from serious to cheery in a second. The next message she was taken aback by "Hey Peyton, its Lucas. I'm sorry if I upset you before, it was the last thing I wanted to do as you seemed like you were having a bad enough day as it was. Sorry again." She felt a touch of guilt come over her as she listened to the last message but her mind went quickly back to Jake being back and she lay down on her bed and before she knew it she was sound asleep.

The chapter title is a lyric for the John Gregory song Ride of Your Life which I heard while watching an OTH promo. I'm sorry that the chapters are shortish at the minute, they do get longer, I promise. Any comment or feedback welcome actually, i would appreciate some so I know what you's think. Good or Bad?