Thank you guys so much for the awesome, sweet, fabulous, fantastic, amazing, and any other synonym of these words, reviews! You guys are amazing! I hope you enjoy this chapter:)

Also, punkturnedwriter, sorry I couldn't answer you, you're signing your reviews anonymously... so I'll just answer your questions here:

a) About the postcards... read this chapter and your answer awaits!

b) Will Lucas reform in this fic? I'm not sure. Honesly, this story is a Naley so I wasn't focusing that much on Lucas' struggles. However, the more I write the story, the more I've been incorporating other characters like GiGi and Lucas. So I've been toying with showing some changes and things Lucas is going through. By the end of this fic (and to answer your question.. I have no idea how long that will be) I don't think Lucas will be the jerk he tends to be right now. I'd like to end his character on a good note. However (man there's a lot of howevers to this question!), I've been thinking about doing a sequel (after the nowhere near yet end of this story) dealing with stuff I can't inform you of of course (but let me assure you it will indeed involve a journal... I just can't get enough of writing those entries and stuff.. it's fun and unique!), and in that story I've been toying with the idea of Lucas finding out he is Dan's son. I have yet to decide if that will be part of this story or a sequel should (and I probably will) choose to do it. So, if we do not see a reinvented Lucas in this story, although I hope to do that... definately expect one in the sequel (which I'm planning on doing).

Now people, don't worry this story is nowhere near it's close! I was just answering some questions. There are still many more chapters to come :). This story springs idea in my head like no other. It's amazing and I love writing it. Alright, enough of my ramblings... here's the chapter!

P.S. Sorry I like posted this chapter 3 times. I'm trying to get the dividers to work so this chapter isnt one big mush of scenes. Now, they finall are... so here is Chapter 27 finally! YOu know what they say... third times' the charm!

Chapter 27

The next day, after saying goodbye to GiGi early in the morning to catch a train up to New Jersey, Haley walked through the front door of Quinn's house. "Q, I'm home!"

"Baby James!" Quinn cooed. "I was worried when you didn't come home yesterday."

"Damn strikes kept me in Tree Hill overnight. It was good though because I got to catch up with GiGI."

"Oh GiGi, how is she? I remember when you guys would run around in your little diapers singing to like, Spice Girls."

"Um, Quinn. I highly doubt we sang Spice Girls while we were still in our diapers."

"Okay so you're a lot younger and the years kind of mesh together. Whatever, I just remember you kids' friendship from your wee years."

"Um, thanks? Anyway, GiGi's fine."

"That's good to here. And did you see that little boy toy of yours?" Quinn asked cocking an eyebrow at Haley.

"Briefly. And he's not my boy toy."

"Whatever. How'd that go?"

"Well, technically we didn't talk. I just helped him out at his emancipation hearing."

"But you didn't talk?" Quinn stated, utterly confused.

"Well, I wasn't even going to let him know I went down there in the first place but then his dad chimed in and I just, you know had to defend him."

"That's my little Haley. Always standing up for what she believes. But I still don't understand why you didn't talk to him."

"Let's just say I made a quick exit. I didn't want to deal with the turmoil that comes along with Nathan Scott."

"Ah, so the boy has a name. And turmoil? What turmoil? Is he like, the reason you came to spend some time with little old me?" Quinn inquired, peering at Haley's stressed face.

"Not really."

"Care to share who is?"

"Do you really want to know?"

"Yes, if you'll finally tell me."

"Taylor."

"Taylor as in our sister Taylor?"

"Taylor as in the sister who has royally screwed me over every chance she's had my whole life."

"I'm sure that's not true. I mean, I remember her always knocking down your little block towers or ripping of the heads of your Barbies cause they were ugly, but that was just little kid stuff."

"How about sleeping with my then boyfriend, getting pregnant by him, hiding it, and then forcing the break up of me and the one person I've come to love and feel completely myself around," Haley said in a huff, her anger rising at the memories of Taylor.

Quinn sat there for a moment, her jaw open, processing what had just been said. "No, that, that can't be true."

"Yes it can Quinn."

"But, but Taylor. Yeah she's done some deceitful things before but nothing ever, nothing ever this extreme," Quinn stated, staring at the floor.

"I didn't think she'd be capable of this either. But then it happened to me, and poof, all my faith in Taylor was lost. She's a bad person Quinn, as much as it pains me to say it."

"But how? When? Does this mean I have a nephew? What? I don't… I don't understand. Who else knows? How long ago did this happ-" Quinn questioned out loud until Haley finally cut her off.

"Do you really want to know how this all went down?"

"Yes Haley. Tell me everything," Quinn pleaded.

"Okay, then do you have some time?"

"Yes."

"And do you have some tea?"

"Um, yes."

"How about tissues?"

"Yes."

"You make the tea, I'll get the tissues. Meet me in my room it's going to be a long night," Haley sighed getting herself ready to tell Quinn the emotional story starting with her though-it-was-love-turned-hate relationship with Chris Keller, to her almost perfect relationship with Nathan. Both of which were brought to an end by none other than Taylor James.

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Nathan woke up the next morning a mix of feelings. He had of course, the night before drank quite a bit, both celebrating his emancipation from his family, but also drowning his sorrows of Haley. He turned to the clock beside his bed and looked at the time, the red lights radiated a glow flashing the numbers 12:30. Deciding he slept late enough, Nathan decided to get out of bed, pulling the covers off him but then stopping as someone barged their way into his room.

"Dude, you look like ass," the blonde headed boy mocked.

"And you are an ass," Nathan remarked back at Lucas.

"Somebody's still a little woozy from last night."

"Who said I drank last night?" Nathan snapped.

"Nathan have you looked at yourself and you're room. Beer bottles don't just empty themselves and then disperse themselves to various places in your room."

"Whatever man, so I drank a bit. It's not like you've never done it before."

"Very mature Nathan. Turn things around so it's against me."

"I'm really not in the mood Luke so if all you're going to do is like interrogate me then you can leave," he remarked pointing to the door.

"Actually believe it or not, I did have a reason for barging in on you."

"Not. You take pride in ruining my sleep," Nathan joked.

"Well besides that. I came over to whip your ass into shape."

"I work out like everyday Luke, I don't need more training."

"I mean ass in the figurative sense. Sure you're physically in tip-top shape but emotionally you're a wreck. You need to let go Nathan and stop moping around."

"You don't know what you're talking about."

"Yes I do. Ever since Haley left you've been like this mopey baby. Kids are talking Nate. You can't keep walking around like a zombie. One of these days you're just going to have to come to terms with the fact that you guys weren't meant to be. Besides, it's not like you had some epic love story. You went out for what, a couple weeks?"

"Lucas you really know nothing about what went on between me and Haley. Things started much more before we actually started dating. And it was different with her. She meant something real to me, and she gets me."

"Ok so she gets you. Whoop-de-friggen-do! I'm sure other people can too if you just give them a chance. Something you can do when you stop laying around in your pity."

"Lucas I've told you before and I'll tell you again even though it seems that you don't grasp the concept. I don't want other girls. THEY DON'T GET ME LIKE HALEY. I want Haley, and I'll wait for her as long as I have to no matter how bitter or lonely I get."

"You'd rather be bitter and lonely, waiting for a girl who 'gets you," then be happy and comforted by tons of girls who will gladly be willing to get to know you," Lucas questioned.

"Yes. Because unlike you, I like to get to know a girls heart. I love the physical stuff, don't get me wrong, but I love a girl's heart more."

"This, is where we differ my friend."

"I know, that's why things didn't work out with you and Brooke."

"What are you talking about Nathan?" Lucas questioned angrily.

"You liked her for her body not her. That's why you were drooling and hitting on other girls even with Brooke right there."

"Yeah bu-"

"There are not buts. You can't love some one yet still be unfaithful. That's not love it's convenience."

"So maybe you're right Romeo, but maybe not all of us are cut out to be hopeless romantics like you."

"You're right Luke. When you're a hopeless romantic like me only the strong survive."

"And you think you're strong?"

'I'd like to think so."

"Then man you have never felt one of your punches," Lucas joked causing Nathan to well punch him playfully in the arm while laughing along with him.

"Ass," Nathan muttered while still laughing.

"What can I say? But enough of our deep talks; it seems like that's all we do anymore. I came here for more reasons then just trying to drag your ass out of bed and stop your crying."

"I don't cry," Nathan stated seriously.

"Not the point. Back to what I was saying… you are emancipated now."

"Yeah I know."

"And you need to find somewhere to live within three months."

"Yeah…"

"And I need you to find it sooner that that…"

"Yeah… wait what?"

"Hello Nathan, championships are coming up soon and this would be a perfect place to party," Lucas exclaimed.

"Oh no…"

"Look, before you say anything, we're doing this for the good of you. The party is just a second incentive. Because really, apartments come and go quickly and it would be bad if you were homeless by the end of the three months."

"Yeah, I'm sure you're really broken up at the fact I could potentially be homeless," Nathan mocked.

"Okay so the party may be a little more impor-"

"Lucas!"

"Sorry Nate, you know I love you cuz."

"Whatever. So what places did you have in mind to look at?"

"There are these new apartments for rent over near the Rivercourt."

"Really?" Nathan said intrigued.

"Yep. They're pretty nice too and in walking distance of our beloved Rivercourt. And it just so happens they're having an open house today."

"You set this up didn't you?" Nathan looked at Lucas skeptically.

"Okay so maybe it isn't so much an open house as a tour set up with the super for 1:50 which is well, soon so you need to get out of bed Nate."

"You're lucky this place sounds to my liking otherwise I would be kicking your ass for disturbing me."

"Eh, you know you're glad I came. You should be happy to breathe some fresh air instead of this ass-smelling stench you've been living in lately. I mean seriously it's school, basketball, work, home, and that's all you do. And when you're home you sit around in this big pen."

"Alright Pucas get out so I can change."

"I'll be waiting in the car," Lucas called from the hallway after being shoved out of the room by Nathan.

Five minutes later Nathan finally came out and sat in the passenger side of Lucas' jeep.

"Here's your mail," Lucas said shoving the pile at Nathan as he pulled out of the driveway. "Nothing really that interesting in it but you got some crappy postcard with like one word in it. It's a little smudge though from the rain though. I can't read who its from.

"Okay one, going through my mail is illegal you moron and two, the postcard is not crappy, it's from Haley."

"For a girl who always had a comeback for me it seems weird she's only sending you one word," Lucas spoke skeptically.

"Whatever," Nathan stated no longer listening to Lucas as he flipped over the postcard to see what is said.

Nathan,

RIGHT.

Although the name was smudged she knew it was from her. The word she had sent disheartened him. It had a period after it, meaning the sentence was finally over, but it had not come out how he had hoped. I WISH ALWAYS AND FOREVER WAS RIGHT. That sentence was not one of hope, but of closure. No more. As in, she wished always and forever was right but it wasn't. As in she was giving up on them, on him. His eyes suddenly glazed over, he tried to hide his sadness from Lucas, but he was doing a lousy job.

"Hey Nate, we're here, you okay? You're a bit quiet all of a sudden."

"You know what, I'm not feeling so well all of a sudden. You're a good sweet talker Luke. The place looks nice from here, if it's the same on the inside then just set up a date for me to go through all the paper work and stuff. I'll take it."

"Um, you sure?"

"Yeah, I'm sure. I need to go clear my head, maybe take a walk to the Rivercourt. Don't uh, don't wait for me when you're done I'll just call you later."

"Are you sure about all this Nate, it's a pretty big decision."

"I've made bigger and I trust your instincts. If it looks good on the inside I'll take it. It looks promising from here. Now I'm off. Bye."

"Bye Nate," Lucas said as he turned towards the apartments.

Nathan in turn went in the other direction towards the Rivercourt hoping to find the stray ball him, Lucas and their buddies keep up on a tree branch in case they were ever up for a random game of ball. However, as the Rivercourt came into view he saw some other kids had already claimed the court and were tossing the ball around. One the bleacher however he saw two familiar faces. Both of whom were introduced to him by Haley.

When he finally made it to the bleacher, a somber look on his face, he looked over at the girl and boy sitting on the far right. The petite girl with dark black hair and cheery face looked over catching his glance.

"Na-nathan," she spoke, startled to see him here, as she tugged on the boy next to her.

"Oh hey Nate," the boy stated before turning back to watch the game, a wooden spoon in his hand.

"Hey GiGi… Mouth. Uh, GiGi, what's he doing with that spoon?"

"Didn't you uh, hear? The kid who normally does the basketball announcing got laryngitis and won't be able to do it for the rest of the season. Mouth here however, is the new guy for the position so he's been coming down here to practice his skills. The spoon is uh, a makeshift microphone until he uh, gets the real thing."

"Oh, I see," Nathan said chuckling a bit.

"So Nathan, um… what brings you down here?"

"Came to clear my head."

"Oh, I see. About uh-" GiGi started nervously.

"Yeah. About her. You know, I know she was at your house yesterday," Nathan stated quickly.

"You, uh. Wait, what? You did?" GiGi replied while a blush flushed over her face.

"Yeah. You see Haley isn't exactly Ms. 007 and just so happened to stand at the top of your stairs which is in front of that big window of yours so when you called to me right before I left I turned and saw her."

"Oh," GiGI replied in shock.

"It was hard to restrain myself but I guess if she wants her space I have to give it to her right?"

"Yeah… I guess you do," she stated, not knowing what to say.

"Looks like I'll have to give her space forever then…" Nathan sighed looking at GiGi with a pained look.

"What are you talking about Nathan?"

"She's over me. She's found closure and has come to terms with the fact we weren't meant to be even though I know it's not true."

"I'm with you there Nate. It's not true. You too are rare. But I know she knows that too. Why would you think she's done?"

"Because she finished her sentence."

"Um…"

"So she didn't tell you about the postcards… She's been sending me them since she left almost everyday. They only have one word on them and were making a sentence. I got the last part today."

"No, no she never told me about that… what did it say."

"Until today it said 'I WISH ALWAYS AND FOREVER WAS' and then today I got this," he said pulling the postcard from his pocket and handing it to GiGi. She studied it immediately noting that was not Haley handwriting… too much of a slant. GiGi however chose to keep her mouth shut until she knew who was really sending the postcards.

"Nathan, I know this looks like everything you've been saying it is but I'm sure there's more behind it… she wouldn't give up. Please, have some hope."

"I can't dilute myself any longer GiGi… she's over me, and I guess right now I finally need to get over her."

"Don't Nathan… not yet. Just wait it out a bit longer."

"I'm sorry GiGI but I can't. It hurts too much and lately I don't know if it's worth it anymore. Today my last bit of hope was taken away. I'm sorry," he stated turning to walk back to the apartments hoping to catch Lucas before GiGi could respond.

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"Wow," Quinn said dumbfounded. "I can't believe I didn't know any of this happened."

"Well I didn't know much until lately. I mean I knew the cheating on me part but not Harley, and well the Nathan stuff just happened."

"Taylor was a bitch before, but now she's truly the devil."

"Always has been…" Haley huffed as Quinn moved over on the bed to give her sister a hug.

"I'm so sorry Hales. Had I known… I would have been there for you."

"I know Quinn, I know."

"And as undeserving as it is, I wish I had known about Taylor's baby. I mean, that kid needs some good influence since both his parents are not exactly the most outstanding citizens," Quinn stated sarcastically.

"I know what you mean. As much as I hate Taylor, I don't hate her baby. It's not his fault, he didn't get to choose his parents."

"And that Haley is what you have that Taylor doesn't."

"What?"

"A big heart, and a heck of a lotta strength. I don't know anyone else who could deal with what you have but still want to help anyone involved."

"I'm a tough cookie I guess," Haley said smiling through the tears that had drenched her cheeks during her story telling.

"You're the toughest cookie," Quinn smiled giving her sister another squeeze. "Be right back though sis, I've uh, got to go make a phone call."

"Okay," Haley replied laying down on her bed as she watched her sister exit the room. Quinn then made her way into her own bedroom locking the door behind her before taking out her cell phone and dialing.

"Hello?" A familiar voice rang through the speaker.

"Taylor, it's me Quinn."

"Q! How are you, it's been forever!"

"I'm doing better than say… Haley," Quinn seethed. The other line went silent for a while before Quinn spoke again. "Tay you still there?"

"Yeah," she whispered into the phone.

"How could you Taylor? How the hell could you?"

"Look, sleeping with Chris was a mistake. A huge mistake, but breaking her and Nathan up, I had a reason behind that."

"What to ruin our sister's life more?"

"No! I did it for my baby Quinn," Taylor stated forcefully.

"Oh no you did not Taylor. Don't blame your faults on an innocent child. A child who despite his parents actions can be made into a good person."

"I'm serious Q, there's more to it then you know."

"Oh really, then what is it?" Quinn asked angrily.

"I can't say."

"Typical Taylor, just typical. You better get your act together before Haley comes back down because I don't want anymore pain for her. And if you cause it I swear I will cause the pain you've put upon her times ten. I'm the oldest James and I know all the tricks in the book plus more. Don't test me."

"Okay Quinn, you're right… you're right. I don't want to hurt her anymore."

"Then don't. You shouldn't have in the first place and now's your chance to seriously not do it again."

"I won't…"

"You better not."

"I really am sorry Quinn…" Taylor stated shakily.

"Don't tell me, tell Haley. And better yet… walk the walk, don't just talk the talk… prove it," Quinn stated before hanging up the phone, sighing in disbelief at the actions of her sister.

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Nathan found his way back to the apartments just in time to find Lucas sliding into the front seat of his car.

"Lucas, wait!" Nathan called, hopping into the passenger side.

"You okay man?" Lucas questioned.

"Yeah, I'll be fine… So did I get the apartment?"

"So far so good. I used my charm, the lady loves me. Said you should come down on Monday and sign the lease and what not."

"Awesome," Nathan stated cheerfully. "I'll have a fresh new start…"

"That you will my brother… that you will," Lucas stated, unaware of the truth when he stated my brother.

Meanwhile, as Nathan had been walking to find Lucas, GiGi had been doing some detective work. She still held the postcard in her hand, realizing Nathan had forgot to take it with him. The handwriting looked familiar. Much like Haley's yet it had the extra slant to it that definitely made it someone else's. It was then that everything clicked together. The cryptic sentence, made to put an end to Nathan and Haley relationship, and it's slanted writing could only be the work of one person.

With that though in mind GiGi stood up, gave Mouth a quick peck on the lips before running hurridly to her destination. She ran up the front steps and knocked rapidly on the door. It took a couple minutes but finally someone came, a baby perched on their left hip.

"GiGi?" The questioned.

"Hi Taylor," GiGi stated perkily before her face turned serious as she held up the last postcard, "look familiar?"

a/n: Yep, that's right, I left it on a cliffhanger. Haven't done that in a while and it sure feels good. Lol, jk... kinda. Hope you guys liked this chapter. No Naley but it's putting some pieces together and whatnot for their reunion cough next chapter cough ... hope you guys liked this chapter and leave some love so I can know whats going through those awesome brains or yours! Until next chapter... adios & leave love!