Pulling up to the school all three teenagers released a breath of air. The car ride had been full with much tension and the only voice heard was that of Tim when trying to start a conversation with either Nathan or Haley. Earlier that morning they had just decided to get ready at Tim's house and then head to school from there. Haley was dressed in the exact outfit as the previous night but now had a light pink hoodie over her top. Once the car made a complete stop Haley dashed out in search of a friendly face. It took her a couple of minutes until hearing the voice of her bestest friend. Brooke and Lucas were standing a few feet away and as fast as she could she made her way over to the "couple." Lucas was facing Brooke and flirting aimlessly when staggering forward. Smiling he held securely on to the legs that had wrapped around his waist.
H. Guess who.
L. Gee I'm not sure. But judging by the fact that my back practically gave out with all the weight I seem to be carrying I'd have to go with... Nathan?
H. Ha ha, very funny Luke.
L. Damn Hales what did you do this summer? Eat the whole house down?
H. Actually I spent it with a rather idiotic fellow.
L. gorgeous?
H. not one ounce of him.
L. Hey now...

Both girls shared a laugh at the face Lucas was making. It was a cross between a pout and a smirk. If that's even possible. Ever since they met it had been this way between them. Never the sexual tension or even the flirtatious banter. No, that was saved for Tim. But with Lucas and Haley it was just plain laughs. They enjoyed nothing more than making the other smile or hear the others laugh. That is one of the reasons why they worked. Haley and Lucas together never had to be serious and it was all play. The two could spend a day in the park swinging on swings or in their old beat up tree house they made a few years back. It didn't matter really as long as they were together. Haley loved Lucas more than life itself and was glad that even though Timmy was in her life she had made room for him also. Her life would be empty without his jokes and dumb remarks. That's what made them, well them. That's what made their relationship special. Nathan never really understood the relationship. Haley was a beauty in his eyes that and a possible night of fun. But whenever speaking those words to Luke, asking him why he never saw Haley as more than a friend he would simply reply "She's my baby sister Nate, my best friend. Simple as that." Nathan would never get it though. He had never opened or shared enough with a person to have a relationship like that. The only one that really new Nathan was Lucas. Everyone else just saw the mask of him. The person he made himself to be. Never ever the real him though. It's not that our Nathan didn't want to be cared for by someone. Or even that friendship seemed stupid in his eyes. No, it was the fact that he was scared. Scared to let his walls down. The walls he spent far to long building. Afraid that someone would find out the real Nathan Scott. Discover that basketball was just a piece of Nathan's life and as much as people thought there was far more to him than just a jock. For instance most didn't know he enjoyed romance films. Ha that's right Nathan Scott liked romantic movies. Cried his eyes out to them even. Ever since he was a young boy on Wednesday nights, the only night his mother was free from work he would sit down on the couch with her. Eat a full bag of popcorn and together they would cry to one movie or another. All touching films, full of love. The kind of films most teenage guys do not enjoy. The ones their girlfriends have to force them to simply watch. If anyone new that Nathan was watching things like that on his own free will, well he didn't even want to think about the rumors. That is why it always remained a secret. A special thing that him and his mother shared. And one of the many hidden secrets he kept from his so called "friends" and the popular crowd. See he could never open up to someone the way Lucas did. It would make a dent in his reputation and that would destroy him. For those reasons Nathan always scoffed at Lucas and Haley when they were sharing a moment or were just having fun. He would always seem to find away to ruin it.

N. Haley, Haley, Haley, you should really be more careful when wearing a skirt like that. lightly tapped her back side Not that I'm complaining or anything but...
H. Oh my gosh. jumping off of Lucas' back and pulling at her skirt Must you always be a perv. Nathan?
N. Now Haley I'm just looking out for you. You know your not so hard on the eyes and with that butt of yours...
H. interupting Can you for one minute be a real human being and stop letting Little Nathan control your thoughts?
P. Now Hales don't put the blame all on Nathan. After all he is a guy.
Peyton and Jake walked over to the group holding hands
H. A very unhinged one at that.
N. Harsh, harsh words from a woman with such beauty. Honestly I do not understand.
B. That's it. As much as we all enjoy watching you two Bicker or whatever the hell it is that you two do, we should really be getting to class. Can you keep the sexual tension to a minimum until the end of the day? I really don't want to be dealing with this right now.
N. I'll try there Brookie but no promises. looked Haley up and down
H. Ugh...let's get to class.
B. Later boys, Lucas.
P. Time to go roll with the girls. Catch you later baby okay
Kisses Jake softly and together the three girls walk off.
B. This is it ladies. We are finally here.
P. and exactly where is it that we are Brooke?
B. Well just think. Three hott ladies like ourselves, one step closer to freedom, and looks around many many new cute boy toys, I'd say we've finally reached home P. Sawyer.
H. giggles I couldn't agree with you more B. Davis.
P. So are we ready?
H. Bring on the men.
B. Whoo-hoo!

Lunch had come sooner than expected. It seemed like the day had just begun. For Haley at least. She was still trying to figure out her classes and was quite happy to find that so far at least one of her friends shared a class with her. Ugh even Nathan has been a part of her English class. Second period. That was a down fall but she tried to make the best of it. Even when witnessing him flirt with some skanky blonde she tried her best to look positive. That was her role after all. Look positive and be kind. Finally making it through the lunch line and over to the popular table as they called it she got to enjoy some time with her friends. Nathan looked up when he noticed her arrival. He knew that he got under her skin in English. He purposely flirted with that girl Kara just to get Haley the slightest bit jealous and it worked beyond belief. He could tell she was trying her best not to look like she cared but he could read through her act. He knew that for some reason it was bothering her to see him flirt with another. Maybe what she revealed to him last night was truth. After all it has been said that things revealed when intoxicated usually hold more truth than false. Maybe just maybe she had secret feelings for Nathan. A secret love for him that well wasn't so much of a secret anymore.

B. So tutor girl, how has your day been so far? Pick up any new playmates?
H. Still scoping my surroundings. After all there are many to choose from. quickly looking at Nathan and then the others But I'm not to worried Brookie. I will find someone soon don't worry your cute little behind about it.
P. Yeah and the way they are looking at you this year Hales. Man you could come wearing a plastic bubble and they would still not be able to pry their eyes off of you.
N. I can see why. licks his lips
H. Nathan whatever your thinking right now please just erase it from your mind.
N. You like to spoil my fun don't you?
H. You like to get on my nerves don't you?
N. yeah, your sexy when you're all riled up about something.
H. You know Nathan...
B. Enough! Will you two just stop this already and admit your love for eachother?
H. What!
P. She's right Hales. You spend so much time fighting and bickering that your blind to see what we all are seeing.
H. And what is that exactly? raising her voice The only feelings I hold for Nathan is pure hate!
B. God do you even hear yourself. Sweetie I love you with all my heart. Your my bestest friend but you need to stop this and get with him right here right now.
H. That is the most ridiculous thing I ever heard Nathan is...
Haley's cellphone begins to ring
H. Hold that thought. Hello... Hello...M..mom is that you?...are you okay?... i.. I can't hear you. HELLO? MOM?...Shit! hangs up the phone and puts it in her pocket. I have to go guys.
L. You need a ride?
H. nods her head yeah. Umm Brookie can you..
B. interupts I got it covered Hales. You will receive all your assignments at the end of the day.
H. Thanks Brooke.
B. Best friends hugs her tightly everything will be okay.
H. Yeah. I hope so...

Pulling into the driveway Haley couldn't catch her breath. It seemed that something had caught deep within her throat preventing her from being able to breathe. Tears had already filled her eyes and she was once in her life truly afraid. This wasn't the first time her mother had called her home from school but this time...this time was slighty different. The way her mother's voice broke she could tell something was seriously wrong. Deep within her soul Haley felt as if she knew what was going to be revealed when she walked through her house door and debated whether or not to continue up the walkway. Lucas in tow. He has offered to go inside with her. To be her rock in case she was to break. Thankful that he had offered Haley took his hand and was now currently pulling him along with her. Once inside she could hear the yelling. Yep she was right. Her worst nightmare was turning into reality as she saw her mother come into view.

D. Haleyyyyy...Haleyyyy he's leaving sniff he won't listen to me. Why won't he listen and stop packing that damn suitcase? Make him stop Haley! MAKE HIM STOP! Shaking Haley's shoulders abruptly
H. Mom... just.. just calm down please. Where is he?
D. Up..Upstairs ... Fell to the couch holding her head I can't lose him Haley. I can't.
H. And we won't. Luke can you umm... keep and eye on her for a second? I'll be right motions her head to the stairs back.
L. nodding no problem Hales me and your mom have some catching up to do anyway right Mrs. James?
D. Oh yes dear. I'd like that very much...

As Haley watched her best friend speak to her mother she almost let a smile form on her lips. He was so great to her. Even Dianna thought so. Which really means something. Her mother didn't accept anyone in their house after well after she developed her problem. It was if she knew exactly what she was doing but yet would never give it up for anything. Not even for Haley. Which to say was bad on her part. Haley deserved far more than she received from her family. She deserved love. Not that they didn't love her but they never once showed it or acted upon it. She sighed taking each step slowly. Trying to gather all her thoughts. Playing it over and over in her head what she would say when she came face to face with him. The reason for her mothers tears at the moment and the reason for Haley's lack of breath, her father. Once she had reached her destination of her parent's room she looked in seeing the suitcase open, laying on top of the master bed. Garry, Haley's father was standing near his bureau gathering all his belongings together and slowly and safetly placing them into the suitcase. Shutting it tightly he looked up and caught the eyes of his daughter. She looked lost, sad, and a bit angry to say the least. It's not as if this was a complete shock to her but she still couldn't believe he was leaving her behind.

H. Dad...
G. Haley before you even start let me just say I'm not doing this because...
H. You don't love me anymore whispers I know that dad. But you can't just leave me here. It's not fair. We're your family and even though you want to deny it this is your life.
G. Fair? You want to talk about fair Haley James? Well tell me do you think it's fair that I work my butt off daily providing a comfortable home for you and your mother and in return I have to deal with a wife that is in her sate of mind! raising voice
H. State of mind? What the heck dad she's not disabled. She has a drinking problem! And you're one to talk. At least you don't have to take care of her. You do nothing to help her through this dad. You just make it worse by whining about it. God you say its not fair to you? WHAT ABOUT ME? HUH? EVER THINK ABOUT POOR LITTLE HALEY? DO YOU THINK SEEING MY MOTHER LIKE THIS MAKES MY DREAMS COME TRUE? CUZ IT SURE AS HELL DOESN'T! I'M AFRAID OF BEING OUT OF THE HOUSE FOR TO LONG! SCARED THAT SOMETHING WILL HAPPEN TO HER, WORRIED ABOUT WHAT MY FRIENDS WOULD THINK IF THEY KNEW MY MOM WAS AN ALCHY! IM A TEENAGER DAD! THESE ARE MY YEARS! I SHOULD BE GETTING DRUNK AND YOU GUYS SHOULD BE HELPING ME THROUGH HANGOVERS NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND! SO IF ANYTHING MY LIFE IS NOT FAIR. I GOT STUCK WITH THIS LIFE! YOU... YOU DAD HAD A CHOICE! NOW YOU CAN SIT HERE AND ARGUE ALL U WANT BUT IN THE END YOU KNOW THAT I'M RIGHT!
G. Did she tell you she got fired yesterday?
H. confused from the nursing home?
D. No hospital wants one of their assistants showing up to work hung over. It was bound to happen sooner or later.
H. Yeah, I was actually hoping it would come a little later but… sighs is this the reason your leaving?
G. Partly but Hales there is so much more to it than that. I can't… I'm not as strong as you are.
H. You think I'm so much better at this than you? I'm not. If you only new. I may not show it but I'm having a hard time just like you. But the difference is I'm not a coward. I actually have the guts to stick around and see this family through.
G: I love you baby girl. Always...
H. continued and forever pauses watching her father gather his things and make his way down the stairs before following NO!
G. Hales don't make this any harder for me than…
H. HARDER FOR YOU? OH DEAR GOD I'M SO SORRY THAT STATING MY CASE IS ONLY MAKING IT HARDER FOR YOUUUUU! TO LEAVE NONTHELESS! CAN YOU BE ANYMORE SELFISH?
G. Hales...
H. And don't call me that. Don't you dare! I'm not letting you walk out of this house dad! This is your mess too! You can't just walk away!
D. Garry?
G. looked from Dianna to Haley I'm sorry…

Haley stood there frozen as she watched her world come crumbling down. True her father wasn't around much these last couple of months but he was the glue that held the James family together. Without him they were just a broken, shattered family. Hearing the cries from her mother only made the pain in her stomach grow. She stood watching the door, hoping that he would turn around and realize he made a mistake. He was coming back right? The sound of an engine run was what made reality set in. Haley dashed out the door yelling for him to stop and quickening her pace as the truck slowly started out of the driveway.
H. YOU CAN'T DO THIS! IT'S NOT RIGHT! THIS IS UR FAMILY TOO! DAD! DAD ARE YOU HEARING ME! DON'T DO THIS! PLEASE!…….. GOD!
Haley full of frustration kicked the back of the green truck and watched in fear as it continued making its way out of her life, carrying the man she loved more than any. All that was running through her mind at this point was the word "Lonely". That's what she was. Haley Anne James cheerleader, straight A student, most popular girl in school was lonely. Her whole life had been ripped to shreds with in minutes. Falling to her knees she felt the tears rolling down her cheeks. She heard the gasps escaping her mouth as she cried. She wasn't just crying for herself, no she was also crying for her mother. They were alone now. There was no longer a man in the house or a protector. Haley had never been so scared in her life. She heard the footsteps behind her and knew before turning around in which those footsteps belonged. Who else would witness Haley in such a weak state but her worse and all time enemy Nathan Scott. She just closed her eyes and cotinued to sob. Sure she hated the guy but what was she going to do at this point?

Nathan felt sick inside after being present to witness the scene. A scene between a father and daughter that should never be acted. One that makes you eager to cry for that person. He knew it was stupid of him to ditch when Lucas' and Haley did and honestly he knew he would edventually be hearing it from Haley on what an "ass of a move" it was for him to spy on her like that but he couldn't help it. She looked so scared at school and he was truly worried about the girl. So not using better judgement he followed his gut and that led him here. Standing next to the famous Haley James and witnessing yet again her state of weakness. For once in his life Nathan felt sorry. He felt sorry that a girl that shows such kindness as Haley had to go through so much at home. True he didn't know much but from what he just witnessed and several things he witnessed in the past he knew her life was anything like a fairytale. " God I hate that she's hurting like this. I just want to take her in my arms and tell her everything will be okay." Shaking his head Nathan couldn't help but let a smile form at his lips. Since when was he so sappy? What happened to his image? The self-assured arrogant player image. Since when was Nathan Scott sweet and sincere? But all those questions didn't matter anymore when his eyes traveled back down to the broken girl in front of him. He knelt down slowly afraid that she would argue and placed a comforting hand on her back. Feeling her jump a little at his touch he slowly began to run circles along her back in a soothingly way. Nathan worried that speaking would make her move away decided on staying quiet. She would speak to him when she was good and ready. One thing Nathan knew for sure was that Haley James was not so shy when it came to speaking her mind. She would come around. And boy was he right…

H. It's ironic isn't it?
N. confused what is?
H. That not only does stuff like this happen to me but also afterwards the only place I find any sort of comfort is in the arms of my enemy. Maybe ironic isn't the word. Maybe it's more on the lines of screwed.
N. Haley I'm sorry about…
H. Following me? Spying on me? Or making me realize that I have no one?
N. Well…
H. Ugh those are rhetorical questions Nate. No answers necessary. I mean here I am; Mrs. Popularity, the girl everyone envies. So many girls are jealous because of my life. They all want what I so badly am trying to leave behind. Sniffs
N. Look Haley I know what your going through and..
H. Do you?
N. Do I what?
H. Do you really know what I'm going through? I mean really? Cuz I don't think you do. You don't know anything about me Nathan. The real me. You only see what you want to see or what I won't let you see. You only want the obvious and I can't give you that. So why? Why do you even bother? Why do you stick around? WHY THE HELL ARE YOU THE ONLY ONE BY MY SIDE WHEN THE PEOPLE THAT MATTER MOST ALL LEAVE ME BEHIND? WHY NATHAN JUST TELL ME!
N. Maybe because I want to be here, maybe because you deserve someone who will help you through this, and maybe because pauses because I care about you….

Haley sat there almost shocked really. Not so much from the words that just previously spilled from Nathan's mouth but more on the reason that he actually seemed, well he seemed genuine. Almost as if he was speaking truth. Could he possibly? Was he actually capable of feeling anything more than lust or desire for her? Could the "great" Nathan Scott actually have any sort of compassion or sympathy over another? She looked up to meet his gaze tears still trickling down her cheeks and furrowed her brows. Locking her hazelnut tear filled eyes with those of a deep blue her breath got caught. For a moment she could almost see through him. Seeing all of his insecurities and hidden feelings. All of which made up his being. Everything she still wasn't so sure on. But as quickly as that one moment came it was lost. Lucas' voice had broken their stare and they both looked over as he began approaching. Haley got up from her position on the floor before quickly jolting from the grasp that Nathan; moments ago had on her. Lucas took Haley in his arms and hugged her tightly before breathlessly releasing her. He was moving rather quickly when making his way over towards her and now he needed just a second to breathe.

L. Hales she needs you. She's hysterics in there. I can't.. I mean I tried but I can't seem to get her to calm.
H. Oh God!

With everything that just had taken place in the last few minutes her mothers presence had been forgotten. How stupid of her it was to leave her mother alone inside. She was in a crucial time these days and Haley knew that as bad as her dad leaving affected herself it hurt her mother ten times more. Forgetting all about Nathan she made a dash for the house. Running through the door she saw the sight. Dianne was hunched over on the ground much like the position Haley was in previously but she looked to be having difficult time breathing. Haley got a sickening feeling in the pit of her stomach seeing this and was at her side immediately. She placed her arms protectively around her mother's frail body and rocked her back and forth in her arms. She whispered comforting words and cried along silently. Lucas and Nathan watched the scene unravel from the doorway. Tears evident in both boys' eyes. Nathan looked on with curiousness. He never new how broken Haley's family really was. After witnessing her father leaving his family, Haley's breakdown, and now watching her care for her very distraught and yet very drunken mother he realized maybe she had been right. Maybe he hadn't a clue on who Haley James really was. Maybe he always just thought of her as the picture perfect girl that carried herself well during school hours. Whatever his thoughts had been he knew now that there were things he had yet to discover about this girl and unlike before he was willing to take the time to learn more about her. Even if that meant taking things slowly. He knew that Haley would need some comfort and help through this tough time and even though Lucas would be of help he would take part in assisting.

N. Haley is there ummm.. is there anything we can do?
Haley took notice to the fact that both Scott brothers were still present. It hadn't even registered till now that Nathan was witnessing this weak state of her lifestyle. She frowned upon this and for a moment left her mother's side. She walked towards Nathan with a look of disgust. And standing in from of him she placed each hand firmly on her hips.

H. Get out of here NATHAN! You don't belong being here! I can get on just fine without you!
N. Will you stop? I want to help you. Why won't you just let me be here for you?
L. Nate man come on maybe we should…
N. interrupts NO! No I'm not just walking away. I'm not leaving her alone like this. Come on Haley let me help you
Nathan stepped closer to Haley and reached out his hand. In many ways he was hoping she would take it. He was hoping she would accept his help. Accept him. For a minute she was considering to let her guard down. She considered trusting Nathan in hope he would prove to be a true friend and maybe even a shoulder to cry on. She looked down at his hand and then back up into those eyes. He gave a genuinely friendly smile that also showed a bit of concern. As her hand crept closer to Nathan's she held her breath. She could be possibly breaking herself more. Hurting herself in more ways by letting him in but she was willing to take that risk. At least for now. Just as her hand was about to grasp his she heard the deathly cries of her mother. She immediately retracted her arm and looked from Nathan back towards her mother.
D. haleyyyyyy don't leave me… baby please crying HALEYYY!
Haley let a few tears fall as her mother continued screaming her name. She looked at Nathan once more before shaking her head. Quietly she spoke to him and hoped more than anything he would listen.
H. Go away Nathan… p..please just pauses just leave.
She watched as he just nodded his head and turned towards the door. With his back turned against her he whispered the words of goodbye and together him and Lucas made their way out of the house. Once gone she was free to break down. She rested her head on the door momentarily before sliding down the doorframe. Holding her knees tightly to her chest she rested her chin against them. She closed her eyes lightly and wiped at her eyes before replying.
H. Whispering bye Nate. I.. I love you