OTHbabe23: thanks a bunch!

Naley: I'm glad what I want to convey without words is shining through!

Scott-bruthr-luvr3-23: Glad you enjoyed the humor within. ;)

A/N: Song lyrics are mine! OTH is not. Two more days till prom night returns!

Embracing Life

It had been a week since Haley had broke down. In all honesty, it was a relief. Everyone didn't know what happened but was grateful that something did. Nathan was elated and it showed. He still hovered around Haley but didn't walk on eggshells anymore. They even resumed their cocky banter. Lucas was happy to see his friend slowly but surely coming back. He would need her.

Haley was at her parents' house cleaning it up. Since it was already paid for, she decided she was going to use it. They had both the apartment and the house now. They would live in both places, but the house would serve as a place where they all could hang out anytime they were in town. They still had Rachel's house, but she couldn't bring herself to sell a home her mother once occupied.

The girls were of course, shopping again. They decided to spice it up and drive an hour outside of town to shop in a near-by city. The boys were at the court and expected Lucas to join them. Feeling a little tired, he decided to stay behind. Once he was at his house he got bored. Deciding he could relax just as much somewhere else, he headed over to where he knew Haley was.

"You know, I could have been a stalker or someone that was going to rob you."

"Yes Lucas. One of those in Tree Hill? I don't think so." Haley laughed and put down the duster. She walked over to where Lucas sat, kicked her shoes off, laid her head in his lap and swung his arm over her torso, grasping it.

"I'm sorry."

Lucas delayed a response out of confusion. "For what?"

"For going away."

"You never left Hales. You just went to college."

Haley chuckled to his playful obliviousness. "You know what I mean Lukie." Lucas smiled at his nickname.

"You had your reasons."

"Yeah, but that shouldn't have made me…shut you out, in a way at least. When…when she died, I just didn't know what to do you know? I still think that she's going to be at my graduation, that she's going to come down the stairs and say she's glad I came to visit for Christmas." Haley abruptly stopped her explanation.

"What is it Hales?"

Haley sat up in a daze and faced Lucas. "This will be the first Christmas since…that…"

Lucas looked at his best friend with empathy. He would do anything to make her okay, to make her stop crying. The look and the tears that silently streamed down her face made his heart break and matched his. He took her in his arms and held her as they lay on the couch. Both welcomed the silence and the other's embrace. Thoughts flooded both minds: Haley's with determination to take nothing for granted and awe at the best friend she was blessed with; Lucas' with the pride and adoration of a friend who was facing her pain and learning to live again.

After a few moments and right before both would drift to sleep Haley clung on tighter and broke the silence.

"Lucas?"

"Hales?"

She smiled as she nuzzled closer. "You would have made a great uncle."

As planned, the rest of the gang showed up at the James' residence later that night to help clean up and eat.

For the mean time they were all taking a break and eating pizza the girls made the guys go buy. The radio was on while they made small talk. No one was paying attention to it until an unmistakable voice filled the room.

But you still linger

And the pain stays the same

I would give anything at all

Just to hear you say my name

One last time

For some reason Haley found a dust bunny to be of great interest. The others didn't know where to look. Nathan was watching her intently and was waiting for a reaction on her part. She found herself somewhat detached from her surroundings. At least for a moment or two.

But I'll never know

The look deep in your eyes

Or the assurance you would give

Your 'I love you' and 'goodbye'

That one last time

Oblivious to who the song was about Rachel filled the silence. "Geez Haley, what a downer. I didn't know you still were recording," Rachel genuinely inquired.

"My mom," Haley mumbled.

"What?" Brooke asked sweetly as she place her hand on Haley's arm.

"The song. It was for my mother." Haley wiped the tear away that had fallen and looked up at Rachel. She looked sorry. Haley smiled.

"It's okay Rachel," Haley assured her. "You didn't know."

The group began to relax, welcoming that fact that she was even talking about it.

"I didn't know you were recording Hales," Lucas contributed.

It was Nathan's turn to smile. Suddenly, everything was back to normal.

Haley let out a good-natured laugh. "Neither did I."

Everyone gave her a 'are you for real?' look.

"What I mean was, I still go to the studio and record my songs. I told them I wasn't ready to release any of them. Until today that is."

"You mean to tell me that you decide today that you'll release your song and it's on the radio that same night?" Haley shyly smiled and nodded. Rachel continued. "Damn girl. I guess you are the ish!"

Everyone laughed, including Haley. Nathan grabbed Haley in a side hug and whispered in her ear.

"I love you."

Haley smiled and looked up at her husband. Things were definitely looking brighter.

Lucas looked on as Brooke smiled and looked directly in his eyes. He loved it when she did that. It made him feel like he was floating. It made him forget what was on the horizon. She quickly kissed him as the group started to play Taboo. He glanced at Haley who was genuinely beaming.

Welcome back Hales.