Haley couldn't help holding back the smiles that were now currently captivating her facial exterior. Looking across the table she watched in contemptmant as her older brother laughed and chatted with both his and her friends. She noted just how long it really had been since Joey was in her presence. Biting her lip, attempting to keep her emotions in check she scanned the atmosphere. There were grins evident on each one of the young teens face. It was apparent they too had missed her brother. That was normal no doubt. After all Joey had been close to a great deal of people. What did catch her a bit off guard was witnessing the encounters between Joey and him. The guy she loathed with a great deal but who also captivated her heart all the while. Haley scratched at her head as she watched the interaction between the two boys. She had never witnessed Nathan so friendly before. It was like they were best of friends, old pals even. Little did she know the two were in fact just that. You see despites Haley's hateful feelings towards the certain Scott brother Joey begged to differ. He had grown to know the real Nathan Scott. The one only Lucas and the rest of the Scott clan had known. As a child when Haley was off in play land with Lucas or studying for some childhood quiz Joey spent his time sneaking visits to Nathan. They grew a bond for each other much like brothers would and remained that way till this day. Even with Joey away at school the two friends remained at contact. At least once a week the two would share a telephone call. Nathan asking how the chicks were down there, asking about the party life and what not, while Joey focused more on asking how his baby sister was and wondering if she was being taken care of properly. They would talk for hours much like friends would about one thing or another occasionally mentioning the young female James'. Joey even had been informed about Nathan's feelings towards his baby sister and even though someone else would have ripped Nathan apart for the near thought Joey embraced it. He supported his friends' feelings one hundred percent and only hoped one day soon Haley would come to realize the man Nathan really was. But he knowing her better than any knew she would take her own time. She'd come around eventually. Haley realizing she had zoned out scooted her seat that much closer to the group and tried to piece together the conversation that was taking place.
"I'd have to say the cheerleaders sure have gotten a lot better looking then they were in my day." Joey let out as his eyes looked Brooke over repeatedly. Haley shook her head laughing.
"Ugh Joey don't you know better than that. Never feed Brookes ego. "She winked at her close friend and noticed that look. Apparently Lucas had been forgotten at least for today anyway. Her eyes were now on Haley's brother. Joey gave a wink towards Brooke and then focused back on his baby sister.
"Who says I was talking about Brooke? You too are a cheerleader are you not?" he asked wiggling his eyes brows. "You deffinently have grown up baby sis." He broke out in laughter at the face Haley was sporting. She knew he was joking no doubt but even the slightest thought of her brother suggesting she looked good made her quite nauseous.
Nathan slung an arm around her shoulder as he whispered huskily.
"Your brothers right there Haley. You do look mighty fine. Sure you don't want to take me up on those offers? You know I'm still currently available. I can always pencil you in." His lips left a soft kiss as he pulled away and continued the conversation with the others. Haley brought her hands up to both cheeks as she replayed over and over what just had happened. Why hadn't she replied back? Where had her little sarcasm remarks gone? How come her whole brain had just shut down at the mere feel of Nathan's hot lips on her body? All sorts of thoughts ran through her as she felt him. Flashes of what seemed to memories flooded through her. His lips on her own, their bodies rubbing up against each others, his breath tickling at her skin, his hands on her. She couldn't shake the thoughts or feels as her cheeks grew red. Where was her mind at? How could she even think things like that? They couldn't have been true no doubt but why did they seem so real? Snapping out of her thoughts she heard her brothers' voice once again.
"God have I missed this. There really is only one tree hill." The others smiled at this as Haley's voice spilled out in a whisper.
"Enough for you to stay?" She hated knowing this was only temporary. She hated thinking in a couple of days Joey would be leaving her again, leaving her alone to care for a drunken mother, leaving her for a stupid school that would remain sturdy for many years. He could always go back. Why couldn't he just be there for his own sister right now? Haley felt the knot forming in her throat as she tried to manage a swallow. Why must it be like this? She cursed herself for even asking that question aloud for she already knew what he was to say.
"Hales you know I can't. I mean I can't just give up my life for…" His voice trailed off as he watched Haley's face darken. He knew the words had come out wrong. That she would take them the wrong way. She stood to her feet not looking at anyone but him. A single tear dropped from the ducts of her eyes as she shook her head in disapproval.
"Yeah we can't have you give up those precious college parties for little old me. I'm out of here. I have other things to do, more important." As she started walking his hand grabbed hers. She thought about looking back but it didn't feel right. It never did. She hated being angry with him for something that she knew would come. But it was how she felt. She couldn't change it. Quickly retracting her arm and pulling away from his grasp in disgust her voice spoke with venom.
"Don't ever touch me."

The whole gang watched as Haley's figure retreated from the cafe. Her shoulders were slumped and only a few could tell she was about to once again break. The girls shared similar glances as they too rose from their seats. Peyton planting a soft kiss to jakes forehead and Brooke to Lucas lips the girls excused themselves and followed after their friend. That left the boys alone. Jake had a clean table to tend to and left the three there to chat among themselves. Lucas looked Joey over. He was pissed that he could just be so careless. Joey wasn't regarding his sisters feelings what so ever. His emotions angered as he thought of Haley crying right now. Being saddened because she had no one left. Lucas looked at Joey with disgust much like Haley had prior and reached over. Grabbing the older guys' shirt in hand he brought him up in a standing position. Tightening his grasp on Joey's collar his voice boomed out.
"No way in hell will I let you get away with talking to Haley like that. I don't care if you're her brother or what. She needs you man and you treat her like that. Wow you're an even bigger ass than I remembered." As he finished his statement Joey threw his head back laughing. This only caused Lukes' temperature to rise. Jerking him forward slightly he was only inches away from joeys face.
"You think this is funny man?" Taking Lucas' hands and removing them from his shirt he looked the guy over before smiling.
"I'm glad to know Haley has had someone to look after her all these years."
"Yeah well someone had to do it." Joey nodded his head in agreement before sitting back down. Popping a fry into his open mouth he spoke once again.
"Not anymore."
"Excuse me?" Lucas was at a bit of confusion. What was Joey saying? Didn't he just make it perfectly clear to Haley that he wasn't staying? Tilting his head to the side Lucas squinted his eyes while replying.
"What are you getting at James?"
"You see its all part of the master plan." Joey exclaims throwing his hands up in exaggeration and sliding down further in his seat. "You see I took a leave of absence from school. I told them I have more important things to take care of right now. So I got me a good two years off. That way I can make myself a home back here again, helping my baby sister and mom along. Its' the right thing to do after all."
"But you…"
"What I said to Haley was just a scam. I want her to be surprised. I'm gonna swing by the house after we leave here. Ask her if she minds coming with me for the ride. I got to get my stuff and all."
The three guys shared a smile as Lucas brought himself down in a sitting position.
"About the whole shirt thing…"
"No problem. Besides there's plenty of time for me to get even. I mean didn't you hear? Joey James' is back in town." The three guys hoot and holler at the one statement and order a couple more baskets of fries. After all there was much to catch up on.