Disclaimer: I don't own anything. So please don't sue me!

Summary: Haley still had to choose… but her decision will turn out harder than contemplated. Jaley/Naley

A/N: Hello everyone! Thnx for all of your reviews! Also another thing… I start school on Monday so I'll only be updating on weekends.

One more thing, thanks to all that took the pole… here are the results:

Jaley: 3Naley: 3Don't know: 1

So… it's a tie! I honestly wasn't expecting that. ENJOY THE CHAPTER!

Ch.7 - Confrontation

After Haley's impromptu call to Peyton she began to feel uncertain about her decision. She realized that Nathan was in complete control of her… and she didn't like that. Not one bit.

But at the same time she still loved him… she always would. She couldn't help her mind wandering to Jake… sweet, kind, gentle Jake. He was everything she wanted to Nathan to be. If he was there would be no question as to who she would choose… but them being sliced down the middle as they were was making it very difficult. But she had to make a decision… and fast.

She decided it best to skip school and asked for Peyton to come over. She agreed, never refusing a reason to skip school, and was at her house within ten minutes of the call.

"Hey." Peyton said as she strolled into Haley's home.

"Hey." Haley closed the door after her and proceeded to walk in with Peyton.

"So… I've been doing some thinking after you told me about the whole Nathan control thing. I just… I still don't know. I mean… I care for them both… deeply. I just don't know what to do anymore."

Haley plopped down on her couch as she confessed her feelings to Peyton. Peyton was concerned for her friend and uncertain how to help.

"You know Hales… I know it's not my place or anything but I think that you'd be much better off with Jake… I mean… he treats you well… he won't break up with you for totally insane reasons… and he'll never doubt you… ever."

Haley gave a smile to her friend's warm suggestion. But then she quickly turned sad and upset.

"I know what you're getting at Peyton… but you gotta look at the other side of the coin here… Nathan is my first love… he is my first boyfriend… I just don't think I'm ready to give all of that history up."

"But don't you get it Hales?"

Peyton was half smiling as Haley shook her head.

"First relationships aren't meant to last. That's just the way it works… I mean… look at me and Nathan. We crashed and burned. And Brooke did the same with her first real boyfriend. It's not meant to last Haley and you just need to understand that."

The room went silent after Peyton's mini speech. She was right… everything she said… was right. But Haley didn't want to admit it… she wanted to believe that what she and Nathan had was more than that… more than just a first. I guess it's time to face reality.

Haley sighed in defeat.

"I guess you're right. I mean when are you not?"

Haley and Peyton chuckled a bit.

"You do have a point there Miss James."

Peyton smiled at Haley again and the two just talked about random things for the rest of the day.

Haley woke up the next morning feeling refreshed. She finally knew what she had to do… she had to talk to Jake and Nathan that's what.

She left two notes in both men's lockers telling them to meet her in the tutoring center after practice that day. No one would be tutoring at that time so they could all talk in private.

Both of the boys showed up on time but were confused as to why the other was there.

"Hales… what's he doing here?"

Nathan was pissed. He didn't like Jake and the fact that he had to be in the same room as him made him more frustrated.

"Yeah Haley… why are we here?"

"Well… I think I've come to a decision. Now I've thought a lot about it and well… Nathan… you're my first boyfriend… my first love… but it never lasts… I've been holding onto that for too long… I realized that it shouldn't last forever and that we just have two different lives moving in two completely separate directions…"

"Wait a minute… you don't want to be with me? You'd rather be with Jake?"

"Nathan… I do want to be with you… so badly… but it has to end sometime… we both need to get on with our lives… don't you see… we were never meant to last Nathan… I'm sorry."

"So that's it? You're just gonna drop me and start your new relationship with Jake without even a drop of guilt or regret?"

Nathan looked so pained. She didn't want to hurt him… she really did love him but they would be better off without each other.

"Trust me… I have shed tears… I have shed many… this was not an easy decision… but you made me choose… and I choose Jake. I'm so sorry Nathan… I never wanted to hurt you."

"Yeah… well you did anyway."

There was a silence until Nathan spoke up again.

"Great job Hales… you just broke my heart… and you'll live with that guilt for the rest of your life… I hope you're happy."

And just like that Nathan dashed out of the room, eyes glazed over with threatening tears, trying to get as far away from her as possible… but it wasn't over… oh no… it was far from over… he would find a way to get her back.

Back in the tutoring center Haley was now crying and Jake was still in awe of the situation… she actually chose him… it was a little surreal… I mean… you'd think she'd go back to her love… a place that was comfortable and well known… I guess not.

"So…"

Jake was tired of the silence… he needed it to be broken.

"So…"

Haley's word was almost inaudible but somehow Jake managed to hear it. Their eyes met and they just stood staring at each other. What now?

Reviews are very much appreciated. This is my first OTH fan fic so constructive criticism is very much appreciated. Thank you for reading my fic!