He looked around at the two guys he found himself associated with and couldn't help but be proud. His sister had surely done herself good. She had the love and protection of two great guys and despite all that she had been through, the lack of his presence; he knew his sister was well cared for. Popping a fry into his mouth Joey wiped the salt from his finger tips while rising to a stand. Shaking hands with both boys Joey spoke with a wide grin.

"Alright well I'm off. Got to swing by the house and pick up hales. I'll be seeing you boys."

As she retreated from the cafe Joey couldn't help the joy radiating inside him. He was finally back home where he belonged. Hopping inside his cream colored mountain S. U. V. he turned the key briskly and let the sound of the rap fill the car space. Letting his mind travel to all the memories him and Haley shared as siblings Joey tapped his hands over the steering wheel, bopping his head along with the music. He grew more and more into the tunes captivating his stereo and didn't notice his surroundings when the light turned green. Not even thinking to check for any oncoming vehicles he pulled himself onto the busy street. It came as a complete shock when out of nowhere he sensed the impact. Joey not having thought to buckle is safety belt felt his body slide across the interior as the other car continued pummeling into his own. As the metal closed in around his body a tightening ceased his chest and air was becoming rather difficult. The noise of tires screeching was heard all around as a fluid seemed to fill his oral opening. Gasping weakly he felt himself grow with nausea and in an instant his sight darkened. Bringing him in a not so conscious state.

Haley was keeping herself as busy as possible cleaning up broken bottles, cigarette buds, and other junk consumed on the carpeted flooring. Filling the trash bag Haley made out the crashes, moans, and vomiting cries coming from her mothers room. Sighing and placing a hand to her head she tried her hardest to keep herself from tearing. Clutching the bottle of rum tightly in her grasp she fought the idea of taking a sip or so of the contents. Bringing the half empty bottle up to her moistened lips a knock interrupted her actions and she watched intently as Nathan's figure stormed through her front door. One look at him she was certain something was wrong. Tears were held in his piercing eyes and a look of sorrow was washed up on his features. Placing the liquor back onto the coffee table she looked to him. It felt like the world had momentarily stopped for a bit while the two continued gazing to one another. In reality it had yet to be minutes. Only several seconds rather. Nathan's chest heaved as he quickly moved himself closer to her. How he was about to break the news was beyond him. Letting a few more tears spill from his eyes Nathan's voice spoke with urgency.

"Haley, Joey was in an accident. We have to... we have to go to him. Right now."
Her head grew with heat as her heart rate quickened with speed. She felt a sickness grow in the pit of her stomach as she clutched Nathan's arm in anger.
"You're lying! I don't believe you."
"Hales..."
"Don't call me that! You're nothing but a lying son of a bitch! I want you out of my house Nathan. GET OUT!"

She pushed her arms forward slamming her body weight that into his own. Trying to cause him as much pain as she was feeling herself. Continuing to bruise at his frame Nathan held her arms firmly out keeping her from taking another swing.

"HALEY LISTEN! I promise you I'm not lying. God i wish I was. We witnessed the whole thing happening Haley. Lucas went into the ambulance with him. You have to get down there. You have to see him."

Hearing all his words she tried to block out everything spoken. It couldn't be true. She had just been with him. Argued with him nonetheless. How could all of that happen just a bit ago and now... now here Nathan was trying to tell her that Joey was in the hospital? She didn't believe it. She wouldn't let herself. Attempting in asking once more for him to see his way out Haley saw the car parking outside her driveway. A shock bolted through her and her eyes began to fog over as a form retreated from the red cop vehicle. Raising a hand covering her mouth as sob surpassed her as the officer entered inside the open doorway.

"excuse me miss? Is Mr. or Mrs. James available?"

Not being able to find words Haley just shook her head while Nathan answered for her. Not wanting to share the truth of the entire situation and feeling it wasn't exactly his place he replied with a simple.

"Her parents are away sir. Can we help you with something?"
"Are you a relative of Joseph Steven James?"
Watching Haley once again retaliate in nod he once again began.
"Maybe you should take a seat there honey. I... I think you shouldn't be standing when hearing this news."

Reaching for her in help in guidance she instantly flinched from his touch and shook her head in disagreement. Keeping her mouth tight lipped and grinding her teeth all the while she whispered in much assertiveness.

"I'm fine."
"But miss I think maybe if you just..."
"I said I am fine. Now please explain why it is you are here?"

She was now aware what the truth behold but for a reason unexplainable she needed to hear him say it. She needed to hear clearly from the officer that in fact Nathan had been right all along. That Joey really was in a horrible state at the moment. Placing her hand onto Nathan's broadened shoulder she made certain to balance herself in attempt to keep from falling. Tilting her head to the side she closely focused on the words spilling from the officers oral cap.

"I'm very sorry to report the accident of Joseph Steven James. He is residing at Tree Hill memorial hospital from what I hear and in fatal condition. It isn't looking to good and my suggestions be you rally the family up. Head over there as soon as possible and maybe offer him a proper good-bye. I'm quite sorry Ms. James."

Signaling a good-bye he slowly departure from the premises as Haley broke completely. Falling into Nathan's awaiting arms she held to him as air sucked from her lungs. He had a firm hold on her as he too cried along in silence. He tried his best whispering words of comfort and apology as she clung to him in desperate need. Both were in a state of weakness. Both were in a position of losing a close friend and or family. Haley's body shook as she felt herself lose breath. Emotions were running through her like never before. She felt herself experience moments of sadness, guilt, worry, confusion, desperation, curiousness, spite, anger and many others as the moments sunk in. As her eyes grew heavy, and as darkness became one with her.