So about a month to update right? Not bad, I guess. No I know it sucks, I've had horrible time getting back in the cycle of writing. This chapter didn't take that long though. It was the update on 'Sliding Doors' that was stalling me, so guys I promise, really promise that I'll update faster.

So this is another flash forward chapter, it's short but I never make these long so that shouldn't be a surprise.

Thanks to everyone who's taken the time to read/review/send message. It's wonderful to hear from you guys. :)

Chapter Twenty-Five

March 8, 2008

She moved back until she hit the wall, once reaching it she let her body slide down. Now sitting against the wall, she stared at the box on the counter. She had bought it two days ago, but still hadn't worked up the courage to take the test.

Not that putting it off would make a difference, but it would let her pretend that everything was normal for a while.

Well as normal as things got in Tree Hill.

Edging closer to the counter she picked up the box and closed her eyes.

After a few minutes of thought she was standing at the counter, the box was once again tucked inside the drawer… hidden and pushed out of her mind.

Done fixing her hair she moved the curl covering her eye back and tucked it behind her ear. Taking a deep breath she made her way out of the bathroom.

"Haley, are you here?" Nathan closed the door and started up the stairs. Tonight was Haley's surprise party and he wanted to make sure that perfect. There was an empty building with space available not far from Karen's café and he had been working for weeks with Lucas to get it ready. They had started the renovation early, making sure that Haley wouldn't get suspicious with both of them missing for long periods of time. He was pretty proud of the planning and foresight he had put into the party.

Now the only job he had left was to make sure that Haley was there on time. She deserved a night of fun. Especially after everything that had happened with Peyton, Lucas, and Brooke.

Haley still wasn't over it.

Nathan thought the whole situation sucked, but really it didn't affect him much so he wasn't upset like Haley was. Her big heart just gets her in trouble sometimes, Nathan thought, realizing that his lack of interest in things that didn't affect him was good for something.

Nathan reached her doorway and stood there for a moment, Haley was walking out of the bathroom. It looked like she had done something special with her hair for their date.

She was so fucking beautiful.

"Nathan!" Haley said, blush coloring her cheeks a little, "I didn't hear you come in…" She waved a nervous hand, gesturing to the bathroom. "I was just getting ready for our date."

Nathan moved closer and wrapped and arm around her, grinning he pulling on a lock of hair. Letting go it moved back into place, "cool."

"It's just curls." Haley shrugged, "What are you doing here so early? I thought you and Luke were planning basketball for a while longer."

"I decided to come back early. I still need to shower."

Haley looked at her watch, "Oh well… if you are ready soon, maybe we should try to get an earlier reservation."

'No!" Nathan lowered his voice to a more normal tone. "I mean, I don't that'll work… they were really booked."

Haley raised an eyebrow at him, "Oh... um okay."

Six Hours Later

Haley danced with Lucas, leaning her head back she softly told him, "thanks for helping Nathan throw me this party."

Lucas nodded and tightened his grip on her, in an equally soft voice he replied, "Hales… I know you're still mad at me bu-."

Haley interrupted with slight shake of her head, "I'm not mad at you Lucas. I'm disappointed, but regardless of that, you are still my best friend and I'm still on your side. I just wish…" Haley trailed off, not wanting to go into what happened once again.

"I know… me too."

Haley looked around, but knew that Brooke wouldn't be there. "Did Peyton come?"

"No." Lucas pulled at the neck of his shirt awkwardly. "Nathan told her not to." Unable to read her expression, Lucas hurried on with his explanation, "I think he wanted to avoid any awkwardness, and before… well she was already invited so he had to tell her."

Determined not to get drawn into that conversation again, Haley choose the safer of the two comments she could make, "he's been planning this that long then?"

Lucas nodded, "Yeah… Haley… I know I haven't always been very supportive, but I want you to know that… I'm happy for you guys. Okay? I know he really loves you and that's all I want for you."

Lucas pulled her up and hugged her, her feet dangling.

Nathan stood across the room watching them, they might not be back to where they were yet but he knew that nothing could hold down Lucas and Haley for long.

His attention was grabbed when he heard a noise coming from the stairs leading the room. A few seconds later a very drunk Peyton Sawyer was stumbling off the stairs and into the table next to it.

Nathan closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

Glancing at Lucas and Haley Nathan saw that they were still engrossed in their conversation. They were no longer dancing but standing closely together, gripping hands and talking intensely.

Glad to see them distracted he made his way to Peyton to see if he could stop her before she ruined the party.

Last call for flight 1892 to New York

Hearing the announcement she stopped pulling at the curl sticking to her wet cheek. Brooke ran her hands over her face one final time before she drew a deep breath and stood up.

Making her way to the gate, she gave her ticket to the attendant and entered the tunnel. Once she was settled in the plane she looked out her window.

Trying not to cry even more, she pulled out the letter. Reading it again to make sure it this was really happening she smiled slightly.

Looking out the window she softly said, "Goodbye Tree Hill."

She didn't know if or when she would be back.

"Get off me!" Peyton yelled.

"Stop! Come on Peyton!"

"No! I was invited, if my so called best friend hadn't-."

"Shut up, man Peyton… take responsibility for you own actions." Nathan told her, thoroughly annoyed at the scene she was causing.

"You shut up, unless you want me to tell Haley the real reason why you started dating her," Peyton drunkenly hissed at Nathan.

Nathan froze, unsure of what she meant.

Lucas glanced up at him, confused. He had his arms wrapped around Peyton's waist, trying to carry her downstairs. But for someone so skinny, she sure was strong.

All three looked over at Haley when she spoke. "What is she talking about?"

Disclaimer: I own nothing; not OTH or its characters.

AN.2. So you know guys, I'm starting to think that these flash forwards are evil. LOL. I don't reveal much and I do feel like you guys are probably ending up with more questions than answers. So unless something changes my mind, this will be that last flash forward in the story.

And these scenes will be fleshed out more when they hit present time.

Peyton fans… guys I'm sorry. I know it looks really, really bad for her. But I promise you guys, I'm not throwing her under a bus. This was always the plan and gah… I'm just sorry guys.

BTW. Tonight's episode of OTH…super cute right? I love CMM for giving us rain kisses and Always & Forever, etc... Nathan looked so freaking hot, and Joy is totally awesome… she looked so gorgeous and I loved her singing, the song Karen's Cafe has grown on me (I thought it was... weird the first time I heard it). The rest of the show was just kinda there for me though. Big drama for LP, and Brooke doing… I dunno whatever…. I just didn't care much.

I'm toying with an idea I've had for a fic ever since I heard about what this eppy would be about. But it would be ridiculous to start yet another one…. right?

bfreeman: Thanks man! Sorry for another long wait, but it's nice to hear that people actually missed the story.

I'm so happy you enjoy the way I write Naley. I do suffer a lot of second doubt on them. LOL, I love them so much I want to do them justice. I'm sure you get what happened with LPB, lol I haven't been subtle about it.

The Pathan kiss was ew right? Lol, I bet it's confusing to think about how they go from this flash forward to the way they were in the one that was before this.

Thanks for taking the time to read and review dude

Also did you know your name doesn't show up when you type it in the main document? I had to take out the period to allow it to be visible.

luvnaley23: I'm glad you enjoyed the food fight! Thanks!

NaleyIsLove23: Hope the flash forward didn't disappoint you. I'm so happy you thought it was worth the wait and enjoyed the food fight. Thanks for reading and the review

DeanLove2169: Thanks for reading and reviewing!

Marta: Thanks for reading and reviewing!

Drama4zashley-Naley: Oh yay! Thanks for saying it was worth the wait. LOL it was a really long one. LOL MyNathan is such jealous man. I can't help it. Thanks for reading and reviewing dude!

Lou: Thanks for reading and reviewing!

Jess2303: I'm glad you enjoyed all the flashbacks, Thanks for reading and reviewing!

chechinou: ah well, it's not that minor. But yes Lucas has feeling for Peyton and is still drawn to her right now. He doesn't feel sorry for her. The only question is, is his feelings for her just a left over from his longtime crush on her, or is he still in love with her? I can't really answer that here, because that would be giving away to much, but he doesn't feel sorry for her. He is torn between Peyton and Brooke. I think it would be easier on him if he did feel sorry for Peyton, because then he wouldn't be drawn to her.

Long answer lol, sorry.

Rice: Thanks for reading and reviewing!

RedRoom323: Thanks Em! Glad you enjoyed the flashbacks and the food fight. I'm glad I updated too, lol. And really it was thanks to your little kick in the booty. So really everyone who's ready should thank you too. ;)

naley19: Thanks for reading and reviewing! Glad you enjoyed all the Naley!

virgo4rmga: LOL, well since you hate them I'm sorry that you'll have to endure any of the LP parts. I vaguely remember that couple from The OC. They didn't leave any lasting impression, other than the fact that they kinda sucked. Haley has mentioned the fact that she was emancipated awhile back. I can't remember the exact chapter, but it was during her and Nathan's date. I want to say between chapter 15-18.