Thanks to all my lovely readers! I've decided that I can't put my stories on hold! I was going to because I just started college. I know its gonna be hard to update while doing school work, too, so don't be upset if I don't update everyday! SCHOOLWORK COMES FIRST! Special thanks to my reviewers, Sabrina, naleyluv, lilmonkeygirl31, JPNeverlosetheButterflies, mistydm, aznchicfosho4, and AngelLuva. Here's another chapter!

Chapter 22

We arrived at the house and I remembered that Peyton was supposed to tell me all about what happened with Jake. Nathan said he was just going to go to bed so I kissed him goodnight and then followed Peyton into her room.

"So, what do you want to know, Haley?" she asked and we sat on her bed.

I smiled. "You know what I want to know! Did you tell him how you felt or how did it all come about?" I asked.

She got a dreamy look on her face. "Well, after you and Nate left we just discussed somethings about Tric, you know, like which cities we want to move it to and-"

I waved my hand in dismissal and interupted, "yeah, yeah, yeah. Get to the good stuff, Blondie! How did it come about that you two are together?"

She smiled. "Well, he was explaining something or another and I just kissed him. He looked really suprised and then I started rambling on about how sorry I was, but then he just kissed me to stop me. It was amazing, Haley," she explained. She looked as if she were in her own world, reliving the entire thing.

"Thats soo cute! Why wasn't he at Tric tonight? If he's a partner, shouldn't he be there?"

She looked as if she was debating whether or not to tell me. "Well, Jake has a daughter, Jenny. She's one of the reasons I didn't make any moves sooner. She's 4 years old."

I was pretty shocked at this. "Wow. He was in high school when she was born?"

She nodded. "His girlfriend got pregnant in her senior, his junior, year. She gave him Jenny and ran off. He's been raising her on his own ever since."

"Jake's a strong person for doing that," I commented and she nodded. "Are you sure you're okay with all of this, Peyt?"

She nodded vigorously. "Definately. Jenny's a really sweet girl. I've babysat her before and she's nothing but well behaved. I swear, she's not even mine and she's got me in the palm of her hands!"

I laughed at this. "Sounds like you really love her."

"I do. She's Jake's little angel. She gets whatever she wants," Peyton said and I yawned. "Tired?"

I nodded. "A little bit, but I want to spend as much time with you as possible! Nate and I are leaving tomorrow!"

She looked sad. "Well, you need sleep. Don't make it seem like we won't see each other ever again! I'm definately coming to stay at your apartment soon. I need to meet all your friends!"

"Well, I only have 2 other friends, really. Brooke and Lucas."

"Still, I'm coming to visit you as soon as I get a chance. You need to go into your room and go to sleep! I'll see you in the morning," she said and stood up, pulling me with her. She opened the door and pushed me out. Hitting me on the butt, she said, "Good night, Haleybub!"

"Night, Goldielocks!" I replied and made my way into my room. I put on my pajamas and slipped into bed. I felt two arms pull me into the middle of the bed. I smiled. "I thought you would be sleeping, Nate."

He kissed my neck softly. "You've spoiled me by sleeping in the same bed with me. Now I'll never be able to sleep without you in my arms. Your fault, not mine!" he said and I laughed.

"Well, then, I'm very sorry! You'll just have to stay with me at my apartment when we go back home tomorrow!"

"I guess I will," he replied. I turned in his arms and kissed him lightly. "Hales?"

I looked up at him. "Yeah, Nate?"

"I know you're not ready to say it to me, but I need to tell you this," he started. "I am completely in love with you. I've never felt this way about someone before. I know you aren't ready to say it back, but I needed to tell you. You're my one and only, Hales. Always and forever."

I gave him a small smile then I looked down. Inside I was feeling too many things to give him any sort of response. I was too confused with my feelings in that moment! I mean, I could love Nathan, but what if it all turns out to be like before? NO! Don't think like that! You were doing so well with yourself and you just had to go and doubt the one sure thing you have! You're in love with Nathan, whether you'll admit it to him or not. Just wait until you're ready to say it back. I sighed. I needed to give him some sort of reply. I looked up again to find him asleep. I smiled and kissed him lightly before falling asleep.

The next morning I woke up still in Nathan's loving arms. He was looking down at me with a grin on his face. "Morning, gorgeous."

I smiled up at him and kissed him lightly. "Good morning. How long have you been staring at me?"

He laughed. "I haven't been staring at you long! Well, actually, I don't know. Your face is just so captivating that I lost all track of time, mesmerized by your beauty."

I blushed. "You're just too charming," I muttered.

He laughed again and kissed me on the cheek. "You are so adorable when you blush! I love it."

We stayed this way for a few more minutes. Nathan gave compliments, I blushed and we shared sweet kisses. Finally, we lazily got out of bed. We changed into new clothes and made sure we were all packed to leave. We left our room, bags in hand, and walked out to the livng room.

Nathan took my bag from me and I looked at him quizzically. "I'm gonna put these in the car. Go find Peyton and Larry," he explained and I nodded.

I walked into the kitchen and sure enough there they were. They both smiled at me. "Where's Nathan?" Larry asked as I kissed his cheek.

"He went to take our stuff out in his truck. We're heading out today," I said softly. I sat next to Peyton after I had made myself some cereal.

"Well, we're so happy you came, Haley. Make sure you come and visit all the time, okay? I don't want this to be the last I see of my other little girl," Larry said.

I was practically in tears at his words. "You won't ever be able to get rid of me, papa sawyer. My parents weren't very attentive parents. In fact, I don't really count them as my parents. You and Anne were my parents. You were the ones that loved me," I said, my voice cracking.

He motioned for me to come sit with him. I wrapped my arms around his neck and sobbed into his neck. He rubbed my back and shushed me. "I've always called you my own, Haley. Always. Don't you forget that. You are just as much my daughter as Peyton is."

Peyton came over and pulled me to her. "You are my sister, Haleybub, you are my best friend, and I wouldn't change either of those things for the world. I hope you know how much you mean to me and dad," she said and pulled back.

I nodded and looked between the two. "You are my family. We just got seperated for a while, but a bond like this was bound to come back again. I'm calling you guys all the time and I'll visit as often as I can. That is, if you promise to do the same."

They both nodded. A voice cleared behind me and I turned. Nathan was watching on. I smiled at him and nodded. I turned back to Peyton and Larry. "Well, I guess this is it."

We all stood and gave our hugs. Nathan walked over and shook Larry's hand. "You take care of my little girl, alright Nathan?"

He nodded. "I promise, Larry. I'll protect her with my life," he replied and then hugged. Peyton. "Take care of yourself, Peyton, and tell Jake we said goodbye."

She laughed and they pulled back. "Will do, Nathan. Make sure you come with Haley next time she comes back. You're family now, too."

He smiled. "You guys couldn't keep me away if you wanted to."

I sniffled and hugged them both one last time. We headed for the door. I looked back at them as we walked towards the truck. Both had tears streaming down their cheeks. I waved and got inside. I didn't want to look back at them again. Seeing them cry was too hard.

I couldn't stop myself as I did look back. When I did, I saw a 10 year old Peyton and younger Larry crying and waving as I was taken away. I turned back and cried myself to sleep.

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