A.N Well after that last chapter I figured I owed you another one as soon as possible so I worked my little butt off most of the afternoon and wrote you another chapter. I think most of you will enjoy this chapter but like I've said before this story is a long way from finished so take advantage of what this chapter has to offer because there's no guarantees of what the next chapter may hold. Plus whatever has been holding me back with the last couple of chapters seems to have resolved itself and I found this chapter was so much easier to write than the last two have been. Hopefully this burst of inspiration will continue and I'll get another update done by tomorrow. No promises though. Hope you guys tell me what you think of this chapter because maybe I'm way off base in thinking that you will enjoy it. I need to apologise that there is only the one spoiler at the end of this chapter and it really doesn't give anything away. Its hard to do spoilers when I still haven't wrote the chapter.

I also want to dedicate this chapter to Jody who helped me come up with the ideas of getting them suspended and heading off to Barbados. There you go Jod's I've dedicated it to you just like you made me promise. We'll have to road trip again soon it seems to be the ideal place for coming up with new and wacky ideas. If only they knew what is still in store for them.

heather dawn Wow sounds like you gave some thought to the spoilers at the end of the last chapter. I decided not to keep you waiting to find out besides this chapter was too much fun to write for me to hold it back. I'm glad you liked the suspension scenario and trip to Barbados. Thought it might be a good touch to get them away from Tree Hill for a bit and just let them relax. Hope you enjoy this chapter too.

hilaryhilary Well Hilary here it is just as requested. Thanx for the positive feedback on the last chapter I know it wasn't my best work. So the threats still in place? This means war girl. LOL. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on this chapter.

Chapter Sixteen

Looking at the rather large suitcase lying on the bed that Deb had insisted on lending her Haley wondered how she would ever possibly fill it.

She was fairly sure that Nathan could put all of his clothes into it too and it would still be only half full.

They were after all only going away for two weeks and a trip toBarbados didn't exactly call for bulky clothing.

She had packed everything she could possibly think of and still there was far too much space left over.

The only thing she had left to pack was a swimsuit and that was something she still had to buy.

Spending time at the beach hadn't exactly been high on her list of priorities when she had packed for her return to Tree Hill nor for that matter she thought looking critically at the clothing she had already packed was having fun of any kind.

Maybe while she was out shopping for a swimsuit she should treat herself to a new sundress or two.

Lost in thought of the purchases she was about to make Haley didn't hear Nathan enter the room until he came to stand right beside her clearing his throat abruptly.

"Is that all you're taking?" he asked conversationally.

"Pretty much yeah." She answered, "I may pick up a couple of bits and pieces at the mall but essentially that's it."

"I don't think I've ever known another female to pack as lightly as you do," he told her.

Haley was secretly rejoicing at the fact that he was once again speaking to her and therefore not giving much thought to the words that were spilling out of her mouth.

"I know, " she laughed, "Josh, says exactly the same thing."

Haley wanted to kick herself as soon as the words left her mouth.

She could almost see the shutters coming down between her and Nathan as he absorbed her words.

"Yeah well I guess he'd know wouldn't he?" Nathan said harshly before turning away.

"Nathan wait," she called after him as he exited the room "I didn't mean anything by it."

"It doesn't matter Haley.

I'll talk to you later."

After she was alone once again she sank down onto the bed cursing her own stupidity.

Damn it what's wrong with me.

Saying that in front of Nathan.

As she continued to chastise herself though she came to a realisation.

She had nothing to feel guilty about the simple fact of the matter was that she was with Josh now and she was only here with Nathan under sufferance so if he couldn't handle her mentioning his name then that was his bad luck.

There was no way she was going to spend the next two weeks walking on egg shells around Nathan constantly worrying that she might do or say something to upset him.

This was her holiday and she was going to enjoy it.

Feeling better after coming to that conclusion she picked up her purse and headed out the door.

She had some shopping to do and there was no time like the present.

When she arrived at the mall a little while later she could barely control the small flutter of excitement that shot through her.

It had been so long since she had treated herself to any clothes that weren't for work and had been able to choose outfits simply because they were fun.

Entering a shop specialising in swimwear she was almost overwhelmed at the sheer amount there were for her to choose from.

Flicking through the racks she selected a black one piece that although not terribly revealing she felt would look good on her.

As she was walking back towards the fitting rooms at the back of the store she passed the bikinis and on impulse grabbed one off the rack.

There was no way she would ever consider wearing it in public but that didn't mean she couldn't at least try it on.

Happy with the selections that she had with her she continued towards the fitting rooms but was held up by a hand coming out to clutch at her arm.

"Tutor girl are you shopping without me?"

Haley smiled ruefully to herself as she turned to greet Brooke.

She had actually considered inviting Brooke to join her at the mall but had changed her mind when she had thought of the type of things Brooke would undoubtedly insist that she try on and most likely buy.

"Hi Tigger," Haley did her best to look suitably ashamed at being caught out shopping without her friend.

If there was one thing Brooke Scott nee Davis knew how to do it was shop and there had been almost an unspoken rule between the two of them since they were sophomores in High School that when Haley went shopping Brooke went too.

"Right," Brooke said as if Haley had asked for her opinion "you're after a swimsuit.

Well for starters lets get rid of this thing," she said plucking the one piece that Haley had chosen from her arm "you need something much more eye catching than that."

Haley tried feebly to grab the one piece back but knew that she was most likely wasting her time.

When Brooke decided that a piece of clothing had to go it went no questions asked.

"You're going to be inBarbados Tutor Girl the only thing that you should be looking for in a swimsuit is how good its going to look as you lay on the beach working on your tan."

Haley looked at her in astonishment.

How does Brooke know that we are going to Barbados?

"Oh god don't tell that the Tree Hill gossip mill is onto us already?"

Although if it is its probably just as well that we're leaving town.

"Relax Tutor Girl Lucas was talking to Nathan this morning and he told him that the two of you were going away and naturally considering I am his wife Lucas told me."

Haley blew out a noticeable sigh of relief.

"Oh thank goodness for that.

The last thing we need to do is provide them with any more fodder for them to spread about us."

"Don't worry about that Tutor Girl I think the stunt the two of you pulled at the school the other day was more than enough to keep them busy for the time being.

You know Tutor Girl I never would have thought that you'd be the type to get caught out making out in a supply closet especially since you're the teacher." Brooke continued loudly.

"Brooke," Haley groaned as she noticed that they now had the attention of practically everyone in the store.

She flushed with embarrassment as she saw some of the women start to whisper amongst themselves.

"What?" Brooke asked completely oblivious to the attention that she had gathered with her poor choice of conversation topics.

"Do you think we could maybe talk about this later?" Haley asked.

"Like when we get home."

"Uh sure if that's what you want." Brooke agreed unperturbed by Haley's obvious humiliation.

"Now," she said her mind returning to the task at hand "let's see you try these on."

As she spoke she threw three bikinis in Haley's direction.

Holding out her arms she managed to catch one piece of the swimwear being thrown in her direction but she dropped it almost as soon as it hit her fingertips.

Looking down at it in distaste she turned to Brooke.

"There is no way that I am wearing that."

"Why not?" Brooke asked.

"I wouldn't be caught dead wearing a string bikini at the best of times let alone inBarbados with Nathan."

"Don't be silly Tutor Girl he'd love it,"

"Exactly," Haley muttered under her breath.

"Won't you please just try it on," Brooke pleaded with her.

"Not going to happen Tigger."

Looking down at the other two bikinis Brooke had chosen she realised that although not something she would have necessarily chosen for herself at least they were decent enough to be worn in public.

"Look Brooke I think I'll just take these ones.

Why don't you come and help me pick out some sundresses and sarongs and then we'll go to lunch?"

"Sounds like a plan Tutor Girl," Brooke happily agreed.

xx--xx--xx--xx--xx--xx--xx

She had somehow managed to keep Brooke from going over the top in helping her with her purchases and they had enjoyed a leisurely lunch before Haley had headed home to finish her packing.

xx--xx--xx--xx--xx--xx--xx

Settling herself more comfortably into the seat beside Nathan she watched out the window as they flew over the clouds headed for their two weeks in paradise.

Early in the flight she had attempted to talk to Nathan but had found that most of his responses were noncommittal grunts so had soon given up.

She'd had enough of making all the effort and if he couldn't make the effort to speak to her then that was his bad luck.

She wasn't going to waste her holiday dealing with his shit.

She just wished he hadn't chosen to wear that particular blue shirt today.

The one that brought out the colour in his eyes and was just tight enough to give a hint of the muscled torso that lay beneath.

Oh God let me off this plane.

xx--xx--xx--xx--xx--xx

Nathan sat beside her lost in his own thoughts.

He knew if his plan was going to succeed then he really needed to snap out of this mood that he was in but try as he might he could not bring himself to engage in the sort of flirty banter that had made up most of their conversations since she had returned to Tree Hill.

Then yesterday when he had tried to act with some semblance of normality around her he'd had it thrown back in his face with her talk of Josh.

It was shaping up to be a really long two weeks if this continued.

Noticing the stewardess reaching across him to pass Haley a drink he couldn't help but feel slightly concerned, that was the fourth vodka and coke she'd had since they had left.

If she kept this up he'd be carrying her off the plane.

Glancing at her out of the corner of his eye he could see her sipping on her drink as she stared thoughtfully out the window.

At least the flight would be over soon and they could get off this plane.

He was starting to go stir crazy sitting here with nothing to do and her so close beside him.

Every so often she would shift in her seat and he would feel her leg brush up against his.

It was enough to drive any man crazy and he truly didn't know how much more he could take.

All he kept thinking about was how they had once joked about how they would join the mile high club when they went on their honeymoon.

He couldn't help but wonder what her reaction would be if he were to suggest that they fulfil that long ago promise now.

Somehow though he knew he didn't have a hope in hell.

Finally an hour later they were on the ground and after collecting their luggage went to find the car that Deb had told them would be waiting for them.

Seeing a sign bearing the names Mr and Mrs Scott Nathan nudged Haley towards the man pushing the trolley with their luggage over to him.

xx--xx--xx--xx--xx--xx--xx--xx--xx

When they arrived at the hotel a little while later they were given a key to their room and directed to the stairs that would take them there.

Entering the room first Haley stopped and gasped with amazement.

"Oh my God look at this its gorgeous."

"Yeah I suppose so," Nathan said walking in behind her glancing with disinterest around the room until his eyes lit onto the enormous bed that faced out on to the ocean views.

"So," he said remembering the spiel he had given her when trying to convince her to come.

"Where are you going to sleep?

I noticed you didn't ask about another room when we were downstairs checking in."

Haley looked at him uncertainly, he was right she hadn't said a word about needing another room when the receptionist had asked if they would be requiring anything else.

"Um I guess I'll go and see them about that now," she answered looking wistfully at the room they now stood in.

"I'll be back soon to get my things," she told him before walking out the door.

As soon as she left Nathan sank down onto the bed wondering what the hell was wrong with him.

A couple of weeks ago all he could think about was getting Haley back into his bed, hell even a couple of days ago that had been the case and now here they are in a tropical paradise with a gorgeous room and a huge bed and he was practically chasing her away.

Even he knew that his behaviour made no sense and he knew exactly who was to blame for this whole mess.

There was no doubt in his mind that the blame lay solely at Josh's feet even though the two had never met and most likely never would that didn't mean that Nathan couldn't despise the other man.

Haley came back in then looking at him curiously as she saw him sprawled on the bed.

"I'll be staying in the room two doors down," she told him vainly hoping that he might show some interest in her plans but none was forthcoming.

"Fine Nathan if this is the way you want to be then I guess I'll just see you around."

Angry beyond belief she stormed out dragging her suitcase behind her.

When she reached her room she barely even looked around before dumping her suitcase and leaving again.

If Nathan wanted to behave like a spoilt two year old than that was fine by her but there was no way she was going to sit around and sulk the way he was.

Glancing quickly at herself in the mirror to ensure she looked presentable she grabbed her purse and headed downstairs to the bar.

She had heard other guests talking about it while she had been downstairs arranging another room for herself and it had sounded like the perfect place to begin her holiday.

Entering she ordered her fifth vodka of the day and drank it quickly before ordering another one that she proceeded to sit and drink at a more leisurely pace.

After an hour of sitting there continuously drinking Haley was completely off her face and almost everybody around her knew it.

She was struggling to stand up and had actually been forced to hold onto the sleeve of the man standing beside her in order to retain her balance.

The bartender was now refusing to give her any more drinks and was in fact calling for management as she began to sing along rather loudly to the soft music playing inside.

The manager walked in and came to greet her.

"Hello Miss, how are you enjoying Barbados so far?"

"Itsh great," Haley slurred throwing an arm around his shoulders.

"Well how would you like me to help you back up to your room?"

"No thanks," Haley told him "otherwise I might have to see him."

"I see," the manager continued "and who might he be?"

"Nathan Scott," she answered "my first love.

Hey," she said suddenly jerking upright as a thought occurred to her "do you think its true what they say about first loves?

That you'll never love anyone as much as you love that person?"

"I really don't know miss.

Now why don't I have someone take you upstairs so you can discuss all this with… Nathan was it?"

"Yes his name is Nathan but I can't talk to him about this 'cause then he'd know and he's not allowed to know."

Promise me you won't tell him," she begged.

"No of course I won't," he assured her "now if you'll excuse me for a moment I really have something rather urgent I need to take care of."

"Oh," Haley said disappointed to be losing her confidante.

"Well I guess I'll see you later then."

But he was already halfway across the room by the time Haley managed to bid him farewell.

Turning back to the bar she attempted to prop herself up as she wondered what she could do to get herself another drink.

Meanwhile the manager was now speaking rather brusquely to one of his employees.

"You need to get her out of there right now.

We can't let the other guests see her like that."

"Yes sir" the young man replied "but how am I supposed to do that.

You saw her she's not going to leave without causing a scene."

"Well then perhaps you had better call in some help, she mentioned a man that she's here with...a Mr Nathan Scott I believe she said.

I want you to contact him immediately and get him to come and collect her.

Surely she'll go with him without any fuss."

"Ok sir I'll call his room immediately."

Meanwhile Nathan sat upstairs staring moodily at the television screen.

Here I am in beautiful Barbados and what am I spending my time doing?

Sitting in front of a TV for Fucks sake.

Some holiday this is going to be.

Hearing the phone ring beside his bed he redirected his glare to it hoping that it would stop.

Eventually it rang out but almost immediately started up again followed by someone banging rather loudly at his door.

"What now?" he grumbled to himself as he continued to ignore the phone in favour of first answering the door.

"What do you want?" he asked throwing it open and glaring at the person on the other side.

"Mr Scott?" the young man standing outside his room asked nervously.

"Yeah what?" Nathan asked impatiently.

"Um Sir I was wondering if you could please accompany me down to the bar?"

"Now why the fuck would I want to do that?" Nathan asked his impatience growing with every passing minute.

"Sir your lady friend she's down in the bar and we need you to come and get her."

"My what?" Nathan asked incredulously.

"You mean Haley?

What on earth is she doing down in the bar?"

"Well Sir" the man continued "she's had rather a lot to drink and we thought it might be best if she perhaps came upstairs and had a rest."

"So why are you telling me?" Nathan asked doing his best to sound disinterested while in reality his brain was racing.

Haley's drunk.

But Haley never gets drunk!

"Well sir she won't leave with us.

She's been asking for you."

Nathan interest perked at this statement.

"Hang on let me just grab my key," he said striding over to the bed before turning and following the other man down to the bar.

Sure enough when he arrived he could immediately tell that Haley was more than slightly inebriated.

As he watched she stumbled and almost fell to the ground before regaining her balance.

Looking up she spotted Nathan watching her.

"Nathan," she squealed excitedly "have you come to have a drink with me?

None of these other spoil sports will," she told him jerking her head in the direction of the other occupants of the bar who were all watching her with a certain distaste.

"Nah Hales I thought maybe you and I could go up to the room and have a drink there alone.

How does that sound?"

"Oh that would be perfect" she gushed moving unsteadily towards him.

Sliding an arm around her waist he led her slowly out of the bar.

But Haley apparently had other ideas.

Slipping away from the steadying arm he had around her waist she moved behind him jumping on his back.

"I want a piggy back ride," she declared sliding her arms loosely around his neck as he obligingly helped her onto his back.

"Ok Hales," he said, "let's go."

At least it will get her upstairs quicker.

Smiling drunkenly at every person they passed Haley allowed herself to be carried towards the stairs.

As they approached she spotted the man who she had been talking to earlier in the bar watching her and Nathan.

Grinning at him she held a finger to her lips.

"Ssh," she said to him "you're not allowed to tell Nathan what I said."

The hotel manager nodded to her just glad to see that she was finally on her way back to her room.

"Tell me what Hales?"

"Uh uh" she said in a singsong tone "I can't tell you."

"Whatever," Nathan replied knowing full well that if there was one sure way to get Haley to talk then it was to pretend to not be interested.

Finally arriving back at her room he struggled to keep hold of her as he held out his hand for the key.

"Give me your key I'll open the door."

"No," she said giggling.

"Haley just give me the damn key."

Haley by now was laughing uncontrollably.

"Can't." she sputtered.

"What do you mean you can't?" he groaned helping her down from his back and bringing her to stand in front of him.

"It's gone," she responded simply.

"How can it be gone?" He asked trying not to let his impatience show through.

"Just is," she responded.

Nathan could not stifle his groan at her childish response.

He'd forgotten what she could be like when she had too much to drink although he didn't think he'd ever seen her this plastered before which was saying something considering they had gone through the whole teenage party scene together.

"Look just give me your purse and I'll find it," he told her his patience with her wearing thin.

"Can't," she replied again simply.

"Let me guess," Nathan said quietly "it's gone too?"

"Yep." Haley answered giggling once again

"Well in that case I'd better go find it," he said turning away from her.

As he walked away he saw that she had already slumped to the floor against the wall and knew he could not leave her there like that.

Grumbling some choice words to himself he made his way back to her scooping her up from the floor and pulling his own room key from his pocket.

Fishing it out he unlocked the door and placed Haley on his bed.

"Stay here" he commanded her "I'll be back shortly."

"Nathan where are you going I want you to stay here with me."

But unfortunately for Haley and perhaps for Nathan as well Nathan had already left the room and did not hear her words.

Closing her eyes she drifted off for a moment rousing herself again a few minutes later when she heard Nathan re-enter.

"Nathan come lay down with me," she pleaded.

"No Hales you need to go back to your own room."

"But I want to stay here with you." She told him forlornly.

"Please come lay down with me,"

"Alright fine Hales but just for five minutes ok?"

"Sure five minutes," she agreed scooting over to create room for him to lay on the bed with her.

As he lay down she snuggled into him placing her head on his chest.

"Nathan what's going on with us?" she asked him quietly.

"What do you mean Hales?"

"I mean every time I turn around lately you're there and I can't stop thinking about you.

I've even been dreaming about you."

"Haley what are you talking about?"

"The other day," she continued "when I had that headache I had this dream about you and you and I were…. Well you know…." She trailed off uncertainly for a moment before apparently regaining her train of thought "and then Josh came in while we were in the bath and he saw us."

Nathan was having a hard time understanding what she was saying.

She was speaking really fast and she was still slurring her words together.

He opened his mouth to ask her more about what she was saying but before he could voice his question she continued on.

"And I was yelling for Josh to stop and he just wouldn't and I felt so bad because he looked so disappointed in me." She finished off sadly.

For a moment Nathan lay there in disbelief as he processed everything that she had said.

Is that really what happened?

Is that why she was calling Josh's name because she was having a dirty dream about me and he turned up in it?

Suddenly his bleak mood of a few minutes ago took a sharp turn for the better.

"Hales don't worry about it now," he told her "we'll talk about it later after you've had some sleep."

Gently he pressed her head back down onto his chest and wrapped his arm around her.

He could do with a nap himself and there was no way he was getting out of this bed as long as Haley was still in it.

Glancing down at her he could see that she had passed out almost as soon as she had finished speaking.

Sleep was just what she needed now and they could worry about other things later.

Right now he had everything he needed.

Spoiler:- Fun times in Barbados