Chapter 11

It had been several weeks since Haley forgave Nathan after reading his journal, and they had been becoming better friends everyday. There was however, one unspoken rule that they abided by, and that was talking about what was in Haley's journal. Neither of them would bring it up, even if there were certain things Nathan really wanted to ask her about. But it was a mutual unstated thing, that whatever was in that journal was better left unsaid between the two.

One Thursday afternoon Nathan was sitting at the docks waiting for Haley. Since they had become friends, they'd moved their tutoring sessions from during school to after school, usually down by the docks. Today was odd however, because Haley was late. And there was one thing Nathan knew… Haley James was inever/i late. Usually it was him and she always made it very clear she wanted him there prompt. He smirked as he remembered the first time he was late.

Flashback

Haley was sitting at the dock waiting for Nathan. They were supposed to start their session at four and it was now four fifteen. She looked down at her notebook and began tapping her pencil on the wooden table. "If he does not come in the next five minutes Nathan Scott is going to get an earful from me," Haley mumbled to herself. She looked up, and there was Nathan Scott briskly walking towards her.

"Oh, speak of the devil!" Haley said sarcastically.

"Hey, better late than never my friend!" Nathan joked back.

"So what's your excuse buddy?" she inquired.

"Whitey cornered me in the hallway and then Lucas decided it was time for some male bonding. And we both know Lucas, saying no is not an option."

"I say no to his come-ons all the time," Haley stated.

"Yeah, but he still thinks your into him."

"No! Ew."

"Yep, his direct words and I quote 'Haley wants my bod.'"

"Gag me," Haley said sticking a finger into her mouth, causing both of them to laugh.

"Alright, Scott, I'll let you slid this time. But next time you're late you'll feel the wrath of Haley. I will not stand for people being late!"

"Yes ma'am!" Nathan stated, giving Haley a salute. "But hey, I got something for you."

"You did?" Haley said, getting excited.

"I figured since I was late, I had to get you something," He said handing her a little package with red and white stripes.

"Nathan…" Haley said looking at the package. "This is from a cracker jack's box you jerk!"

"Well I never said I was a big spender," he joked back.

"Nathan Scott, if you're going to be late you at least have to drown me in diamonds and pearls."

"I'll make a note of that," he smirked, grabbing for the cracker jack prize, "now give me that."

"Hey, that's mine," Haley said as Nathan began ripping the package.

"You were taking to long to open it, besides its not diamonds or pearls."

"Oh, you know I was only joking. And besides, a present is a present!"

"Fine," then here you go Haley James," Nathan said, taking the plastic bracelet out of its package and slipping it onto her wrist. "Don't say I never gave you anything."

Haley looked up at him and smirked, those emotions she had been trying to push to the back of her mind, flushing her face into a blush.

End Flashback

Nathan sat there smirking, thinking about the memory, until he saw a flustered looking Haley coming his way. Her eyes were glossy as if she had been crying, and she did not look happy.

"Haley, what's wrong?" He said, placing his hand on her forearm. She looked at him, keep her hands tight on the folder she was squeezing to her chest.

"Nathan, I uh. I didn't know who else to go to about this," she said, her voice shaky.

"About what?" he asked, confused.

"Just uh, here," she said, handing him the folder. "Read this, then call me when you're done."

"Haley, please. Will you tell me what's the matter?" He said, searching her eyes for answers.

"Just call me when you're finished reading, okay?" She said, looking into his eyes, tears threatening to spill. "I'm sorry, but I can't tutor today. Just don't forget to call. Please."

"Okay, I won't forget," he said, watching her retreating figure as she walked off the docks and onto the street, and then turned his eyes to the folder lying in his hands. It was red and had a good amount of dust scattered on it. He had no idea of the contents of it, but he was about to find out.