Hey everyone. So, I decided leaving you hanging like that was just too cruel... even for me. lol. Yes, that's right. You guys are just so lucky. I'm updating once again. Sadly, this is the next to last update. This and the epilogue and I'm done. :( But thank you to everybody who reviewed. You guys really are awesome:
daddyzangel108: Hey! I was so happy to hear from you. And to get such a great reply to my story. :) But anyway, how have you been? I understand about the computer screwing up and everything. Well, I'm sorry to hear you lost your long review, but any review from you is great. :) Yes, I completely agree, Nathan and Haley belong together, whether it's onscreen or just in a fanfic. There's no disputing that fact. I will believe it until the day I die. I will take it to my grave. Though that's really not the context that's supposed to be used in... but oh well, now it is, right? lol. Well, you're a fan of quite a few couples there, aren't you? Don't worry, I understand differing opinions... I've had some myself quite a few times with different shows; different couples. But the important thing is you know what you like, right? Glad to hear you don't think I'm wacky. We're so alike, you and I. lol. And thank you for leaving two reviews. It was really sweet of you. Yes, I think I do recall you promising not to sue me. Really, it's a shame after all these heart attacks I've been giving you... lol. Well, I hope you're happy with the update. Love you girl!
NaLeYBaBiixo: Thank you so so much for your enthusiastic reply. I was so ecstatic to hear this is your favorite story of all time! It's one of the best things you could ever say to me. Do you have a best friend? Because I'm about to replace them... lol. Just kidding. Glad you were so anxious for me to update. It shows you care. :)
whazzupp8: As always, I knew I could count on you for a good review. Yes, I know, too much suspense is just too much, but I just never know when to stop... the lines are just kinda blurry... maybe you could clear it up for me?... lol. Silver linings... I like those... you better hope I like them enough. :) lol. I'm just messing with you. Like I said, so much fun. :) Glad I could please you and that you thought the update was awesome. When are they ever not, right? lol. Just kidding. You wished for an update, here it is. Don't you just love how I can make your day? lol. I'm usually not this arrogant, I swear, it's those painkillers talking... I knew I shouldn't have taken so many. lol. Just kidding. Ok, I think I've cracked enough jokes tonight. You probably think I'm cracking something else too, right? Sorry, sorry, last one I swear. Anyway, thanks so much for leaving another great reply. Do I even have to say it? You know I love ya!
Chapter 10:
Haley waited backstage for what seemed like an eternity. She checked her watch. It had been four minutes. She was beginning to worry. Lucas came back first. He pulled her into a hug. "You did great, Hales. And don't worry too much about Nathan. I have faith in you guys."
Haley smiled at him. "Thanks, Luke."
He grinned. "Now, I'm gonna go get a drink and I'll talk to you more in a few minutes, OK?"
She nodded and watched him walk off again. Taking deep breaths, she began pacing again. Maybe it hadn't been such a smart idea to do this. What if it wasn't enough? She'd done what she could, but it still seemed inferior somehow. She heard approaching footsteps and she knew it was him. She turned around slowly. And there he was.
He looked only slightly better. Still shaken, but the color had come back to his skin and he looked a little more rested. She gave him a hesitant smile. He returned it faintly. "So..." he started. "I hear you've had an epiphany."
She nodded. "I just realized what was important."
He looked away and let out a frustrated breath. "Well, this is awkward. Listen, Haley, I said some pretty bad things to you..."
She shook her head, stopping him. "No, it was true. Every word of it was. Nathan, you were right. I have to learn to stop being afraid."
He looked into her eyes for the first time that night and saw the determination there. "What makes you think you can?"
She shrugged. "I've been talking to some people and they helped me see my mistake."
He sighed and rubbed his temples. "Yeah, but, I mean, after all these years of holding back and hurting our relationship, now you're suddenly willing to try? It doesn't make sense."
She looked down at the ground, not able to meet his eyes anymore. "Look, I know I hurt you so much. And I wouldn't blame you if you never wanted anything to do with me again... but I know I'll never be happy without you, Nathan. And I understand that it's hard to believe, but I'm ready to do whatever I have to, to get you back. I love you and I'm willing to take that risk if you are."
Nathan tried to catch her eye, but she wouldn't look up. "Haley, are you sure you're prepared to do this? You're going to have to learn to trust me. I will always love you, but you have to stop being scared."
She nodded, still looking down. "I know that."
"Haley, look me in the eyes and tell me you're ready to give yourself to me. And not just part of you, all of you. Because I want to be with you. But I can't until you're ready."
She brought her gaze from the ground to his eyes. And got lost in them. She smiled. She was ready. "Nathan, I love you. And I'm giving you my heart. I promise I will always let you in." She held out her hand and her voice shook as tears gathered at the corners of her eyes. "So... can we start over? Again?"
He took a few seconds to think. He could spend the rest of his life protecting his heart and always wondering about what could've happened. Or he could take another chance on Haley and get the fairytale ending. What was there to think about? She was the love of his life... and he would never let her go. He reached out and took her hand. She smiled as a few tears trickled down her cheeks. "Don't cry, Haley."
Her free hand caressed his cheek. "They're happy tears." He smiled, realizing he was happy too and brought her into his arms, kissing the life out of her.
He never wanted to stop. He finally had her back and he was going to take advantage of it. He let his tongue gently explore her mouth, getting reacquainted. Her hands threaded through his hair, bringing him closer.
Behind them, someone cleared their throat. They broke apart slowly, staring into each other's eyes. The person cleared their throat again and Haley looked to her left. It was Lucas. She smiled and left Nathan's arms to give him another hug. "Thank you," she whispered in his ear. He nodded.
Haley returned to Nathan and he gave her another quick kiss. Luke grinned, watching the two. "So, I'm assuming you're back together?"
Nathan smiled, nodding. Haley got comfortable in his arms, gazing up at him. "For good this time," she added.
Luke whipped out his cell phone and handed it to Haley. "You better call Brooke and tell her. She'll kill you if she's not first to know."
All three laughed...
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Lying here with you
Listening to the rain
Smile just to see the smile upon your face
Andrea's house was warm and full. She and Haley were entertaining 11 guests. Everyone was lounging around in the living room, beers in hand. Nathan sat on the floor with Haley between his legs. One arm was around her waist, the other held his drink. Lucas and Brooke sat nearby, in practically the same position. Jake and Peyton were sitting together comfortably in one of the two armchairs. Andrea and Alex took up the other one. Tim and Michelle shared the couch with Sam and Rebecca and Steve sprawled on the love seat, the only one without a significant other. But, as always, he didn't mind.
(A/N: for those of you who never read the prequel to this story: Andrea, Alex, Sam, Rebecca, and Steve are Haley's best friends from college. Michelle is Nathan's ex girlfriend, who is now Tim's girlfriend.)
Haley looked around at the people surrounding her and smiled. It was times like these that reminded her what life was all about.
These are the moments I thank God that I'm alive
And these are the moments I'll remember all my life
Laughing with everyone else at something Andrea had said, she felt warm and safe. She felt happy. The fun she was having with the people she was with right now made her heart ache with love. She cared about everyone in this room so much. She wouldn't have made it to this point without them.
I've found all I've waited for
And I could not ask for more
It wasn't long before the group started retiring. There were three guest rooms and Andrea had kindly offered up her room to Nathan and Haley. She winked suggestively at them. "I'll wash the sheets tomorrow."
First to go back was Lucas and Brooke. Next, Sam and Rebecca said goodnight to everyone and walked in the opposite direction to their room. Tim and Michelle followed soon after and Steve lay on the couch they'd vacated. Peyton and Jake drifted off one after the other in the arm chair they were in and Andrea and Alex pulled out a sleeping bag and got situated on the floor.
Nathan grinned and got up, reaching a hand down to pull Haley to her feet. He lifted her into the air and carried her slowly back to the master bedroom. She giggled softly as he shoved the door open and carried her in. He set her on the bed and lay down next to her. Looking in her eyes, he smiled. "I love you, Haley James."
"I love you, Nathan Scott."
Looking in your eyes
Seeing all I need
Everything you are is everything in me
They came together for a sweet kiss. Breaking away gently, Nathan gazed at her lovingly. "Thank you, Haley."
Her brows furrowed in confusion. "For what?"
"For giving yourself to me. And for making me happier than I've ever been before."
These are the moments
I know heaven must exist
And these are the moments
I know all I need is this
She kissed him passionately. "And thank you. For showing me how to be myself."
He shook his head. "I didn't do that. You did that all on your own."
She put a finger to his lips. "No, Nathan, you reminded me of the person I used to be. You know, the Haley James you were best friends with all those years ago. And you helped me become her again."
He stroked her hair. "You were always Haley James. You just lost sight of that for awhile."
I've found all I've waited for, yeah
And I could not ask for more
They kissed again and Nathan moved on top of Haley. His hand traveled down her side and under the hem of her shirt, sliding up her stomach, feeling the soft, smooth skin there. "I missed you," he whispered.
"I missed you too," she murmured against his lips, lifting his shirt over his head and throwing it to the floor.
I could not ask for more than this time together
I could not ask for more than this time with you
And every prayer has been answered
Every dream I've had's come true
After they made love, they lay awake for a long while, just holding each other and enjoying the feeling of being together again. Haley looked at the clock. 3:36 AM. Why did it seem the best and worst moments of her life all happened sometime near dawn?
She gave Nathan a long kiss. "I'll never be selfish again."
He laughed. "Better be careful making a promise like that."
She gave him a serious look. "I mean it."
He smiled. "Does this mean I can have my way with you whenever I want?"
She cracked a smile at that. "You already could."
Yeah, right here in this moment
Is right where I'm meant to be
Here with you here with me
Yeah
There was a soft knock on their door. "Just a second," Haley whispered. Reaching down, she grabbed Nathan's boxers and gave them to him. As he put them on and grabbed his shirt, she hurriedly got dressed in a cami and flannel pajama pants. When they were both decent, she pulled the door open to find Brooke standing there.
Brooke smiled. "Hi, come out to the backyard. And bring Tim, would you?" Haley nodded and the two girls hugged. "I missed you."
"Yeah, I missed you too," Haley whispered.
Brooke disappeared down the hall and Haley looked back to find Nathan already next to her. "What was that about?" he asked.
She shrugged. "Let's go find out."
Grabbing his hand, she led him down the hall to Tim and Michelle's room and opened the door as quietly as possible. It creaked slightly and she grimaced, gliding across the floorboards to the bed. She shook Tim's shoulder. He groaned and turned to her. His voice groggy and low, he muttered, "What the hell do you want?"
She held a finger over her mouth and whispered, "Shh... Brooke wants us all outside."
He rubbed his eyes. "Haley?"
"Yes, now come on."
She waited while he got out of bed and they left the room together. Nathan was standing outside the door. He took Haley's hand in his and, together, the threesome made their way outside silently, trying not to wake anyone else. As they all went through the back door, Haley stopped for a moment, captivated as she always was, by her surroundings. From her time spent in New York, she knew it was a very rare experience, next to impossible in fact, to find a house in this city that actually had a backyard. How Andrea had managed to get one of the few that did was beyond her. But Andrea always did have a way of appreciating the simple things and Haley had no doubt that, however she did it, she'd done it on purpose.
Haley and Tim linked arms as they walked with Nathan to where the others were gathered in a circle. There were three empty spaces for them. Haley felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the people that surrounded her as she sat next to Nathan. They'd been her best friends and they'd helped her through so much. She loved everyone that had been left inside, but the people she was with now were her family. They had been for years now. They were a part of her. And she'd take them wherever she went.
These are the moments I thank God that I'm alive
And these are the moments I'll remember all my life
In the beginning, it had been the seven who sat, sharing each other's company now, and it would be the same seven who moved on with their lives together.
Brooke produced two bottles of champagne with a flourish and laughed happily as she popped one open. Pouring each person a glass, she passed them around until everyone had one. Raising her own glass, her eyes glittered as she spoke. "I propose a toast. To who we are now and who we're going to be."
She nudged Lucas and he smiled, humoring her. "To the way it was and hopefully will always be."
He turned to Peyton and she rolled her eyes. "Do I really have to say something?" Everyone laughed. Typical Peyton. Trying to lighten the mood. Brooke nodded at her and she smiled. "To the love we've all found in each other."
She clinked her glass with Jake's, who cleared his throat. "To the friendship we spent years building."
Everyone's eyes were on Tim now. No one knew what to expect from him. Would he ruin the moment with one of his jokes? But he surprised them all. "To everything we've helped each other through and all the memories we've made." Brooke smiled warmly at him.
Nathan looked down at Haley and kissed the top of her head. "To the people we used to be."
Haley smiled, tearing up again. She knew that was meant for her. As did everyone else. All eyes were on her as they waited for her to add something. She smiled. "And to the rest of our lives." She looked around at everyone. "Together."
Everyone clinked glasses and it was silent for a moment as they all sipped their drinks.
I've found all I've waited for
And I could not ask for more
Brooke looked around at everyone, grinning mischievously. "So, who's up for a game of truth or dare?"
Lucas groaned. "Don't you think that's a little juvenile, honey?"
Tim was quick to agree. "Yeah, that was so high school." Brooke glared at both of them.
Jake spoke up hesitantly. "I hate to burst your bubble, Brooke, but they're right."
Nathan looked up from his drink. "Yeah, I mean, we're adults now. We've been through so much more and it just seems..." he trailed off as she looked at him menacingly. "Childish?..." he finished off weakly.
Haley slid over to sit next to Brooke. "I think it's a great idea."
Peyton moved to join them. "Yeah, me too."
Brooke grinned and linked arms with both of them. She looked pleadingly at the boys. "Come on, don't you ever want to just let loose and be a kid again? I know you can't ever go back, but you can at least pretend."
Haley pouted at them. "Don't you remember what it was like? Not having a care in the world?"
Peyton nodded. "Yeah, don't you want to have some fun? This might be our last chance to reinvent our childhoods."
Nathan sighed and moved to sit next to Haley. "I wouldn't go that far, Peyt."
Jake groaned and followed, sitting beside Peyton. "Yeah, maybe just celebrating it."
Luke gave a wistful glance back at Tim standing alone as he moved behind Brooke and put his legs on either side of her. "I guess it wouldn't hurt to honor it."
Tim stamped his foot. "You guys, come on! This isn't fair. What happened to pals over gals?" Everyone burst out laughing and Tim, grumbling good-naturedly, sat back down.
Brooke smiled widely. "OK, who wants to start?"
I could not ask for more than this time together
I could not ask for more than this time with you
And every prayer has been answered
Every dream I've had's come true
The game lasted for over an hour as they all messed around and had fun. It had been a long time since they'd done anything like this. Finally, Haley collapsed on the ground laughing. Brooke fell next to her and Peyton on her other side. "Don't you miss it?" Brooke asked.
Haley turned to look at her. "Miss what?"
Brooke sighed. "Being a kid. Not having any responsibility."
Haley looked up at the stars in the sky. "Yeah. Best years of my life."
Peyton gazed at the stars with them. "We were so naive then..."
Haley finished her sentence for her. "It was like nothing could touch us."
"Exactly."
Haley frowned slightly. "We were wrong. So much happened... to all of us."
Brooke nudged her and smiled. "And yet here we are, still together. Who would've known way back when that you guys would be my best friends?"
Haley laughed. "Yeah, I never would've thought I'd be friends with Brooke the bitch."
Brooke's mouth dropped open. "Oh, you are so dead!"
Haley jumped to her feet and ran off shrieking, Brooke hot on her heels.
Yeah, right here in this moment
Is right where I'm meant to be
Oh, here with you here with me
It was six in the morning and dawn was fast approaching. The group sat huddled together, watching in awe as the sun slowly peaked its head over the horizon. Brooke sighed wistfully. "Have you ever seen a sunrise more beautiful?"
Peyton smiled at her. "Not with you guys."
Haley was wrapped in Nathan's arms. She didn't say a word, mesmerized by the beauty of the sight before her. Streaks of light shot across the sky as day began breaking.
Ten minutes later, Brooke and Lucas stood up. Brooke helped Haley to her feet, who in turn helped Peyton to her feet. Jake, Nathan, and Tim stood on their own. Silently, they all went back into the house and parted ways, going back to their respective sleeping places. They didn't want to say anything, for fear of breaking the trance. The sight of the sun rising over a new day was indeed spellbinding. There was no one Haley would've rather shared it with.
No, I could not ask for more
Than this love you gave me
Cause it's all I've waited for
And I could not ask for more
No, yeah
She and Nathan quietly reentered their room and moved to the bed. Nathan sat on it, smoothly pulling Haley against him and laying them down. She rested her head on his chest and felt his arms come around her waist. She wanted to feel like this forever.
Haley had come to a decision earlier about something she wanted to do. But she was scared. And she knew it was wrong to be scared yet again. She knew that. But this time, she honestly couldn't help it. It might be too soon. He might reject her. What if she ended up pushing him away?
She took a deep breath and exhaled all her doubts. "Nathan?" she whispered.
"Yeah?"
"I love you. I really, really love you."
He looked slightly confused. "I love you too."
"No, I mean, I love you so much that it hurts when you're not around. I never want us to be apart again. I want us to spend the rest of our lives together."
He took in a shaky breath. He didn't want to have too much hope. He never could give up on her, he never stopped hoping, and that's what always got him hurt. "What are you trying to say, Hales?"
She looked up and into his eyes. And she knew she could do this. "You asked me if I would marry you, Nathan, and I rejected you. I am so sorry. I was wrong to do that and I only hope you've forgiven me."
He nodded. "I have."
She released a breath of relief. "Good. Now, I know it may be too soon, but I don't want to wait anymore to do this. I don't have a ring to give you, but I'm putting my heart on the line here. Nathan, will you marry me?"
He stayed still for awhile, not daring to move, or even breathe. This wasn't happening. It was like a dream come true. Maybe he'd imagined it. "Say that again," he murmured.
"Will you marry me?"
He brought her to him for a long, passionate kiss. He slowly broke away. "Of course I will."
No, I could not ask for more
I hope this chapter makes many of you happy. I'm sure it will. See? You just have to trust me. :)
Well, every story has an end and this story is reaching its final update. The epilogue will be posted sometime tomorrow and then, I'll officially be done. sighs My first series... finished. Sounds so final, doesn't it? Well, there will always be more stories to write. :) Anyway, I'll stop with my pity party. Look for the last chapter tomorrow.
Love you all,
Ashley