Thank you for reviewing Nataliegirl1214, SnowWhite213, xSmile, Duckygirl, jenniea, hybridwolf10, CCScott23, deli41321, NaLeYBaBiixo, Naley214, lilmonkeygirl31, and OTHlover04.

Nataliegirl1214 – Isn't it irritating when you think something and really wish you were able to say it? It's not as if Nathan could've actually said what he was thinking about Faith being all he had left of Haley – she definitely wasn't going to be receptive! Still, it's reassuring to know he was thinking it, isn't it?

SnowWhite213 – I love your long reviews! And the EndingUpLikeDanphobia reference – I don't think I've ever heard it referred to as such, but that's exactly what it is, don't you think? Also, the rest of the Tree Hill gang are coming, don't worry!

XSmile – don't worry about Chris – as he said in the article in chapter 8, he and Haley are just friends. No surprises are coming about that.

So, did they come to some kind of compromise, in Faith's best interests? Find out now.

There was a sudden hush among the reporters huddled around the entrance to the New York State Orphanage known to be housing Faith James Scott. And then noise exploded as Haley James, now known to be Haley James Scott, emerged from the sleek, black towncar in a neat, dark green suit, her auburn hair up and her face composed. The roar only increased exponentially as Nathan Scott, in casual slacks and a grey jersey, emerged from behind her.

They both smiled, and Haley turned to Nathan to whisper something in his ear. The crowd cheered.

Everyone loved a happy ending.

"Do not touch me!" Haley hissed at Nathan through clenched teeth, her smile never wavering as she felt his hand graze her elbow.

"What, am I not good enough for you anymore, Hales?"

Haley turned back to the crowd, snorting.

"Were you ever?"

She paused, took a deep breath, and fixed a dazzling smile on her perfect face.

"Just stay away from me."

Nathan was used to being in the public eye, but this experience was entirely different. Normally, he got interrupted while having coffee with Lucas, or out for the night with a girl. And, while irritating, that didn't bother him too much.

This was not the same. Here he was, standing with Haley, smiling a fake smile as his insides churned nervously. He hadn't been this close to Haley in more than six years, and he had never before been so close to being a father.

This was probably the most important moment of his life, and he did not want to share it. Or, at least, not with anyone other than Haley.

Nathan surveyed his wife from the corner of his eye. Smiling, and making her way determinedly through the press toward the door of the orphanage, she seemed happy, and calm. One would never think she had just been conducting a hushed argument with him only seconds ago.

And yet she had been.

Haley was more practiced, it seemed, at having her life invaded. Unlike Nathan, who, as a man and a sports hero, had most interest directed at his play and any romantic entanglements or perceived disagreements with his brother slash teammate, Haley was used to more pervasive involvement of strangers in her personal life.

Everyone had always known about the kidnapping. Nobody had known who Faith's father was, but her mother had more than made up for that lack. Haley had been some kind of heroine to the masses: a grieving mother, whose music expressed her emotions and gained her the sympathy and love of millions. Haley James was a phenomenon.

And now she was even more so.

Haley reached behind her and grabbed his hand. He could feel her slender fingers gripping him tightly, but ignored the pain. She hadn't touched him in years.

He hadn't deserved to have her touch him.

Turning to him with a brilliant smile as cameras flashed around them, Haley spoke very softly.

"Time to make an entrance, Nathan. And remember, if you f--k this up, I will kill you."

Twirling around, her long, silky hair brushing his jawline, her hand still in his, she smiled at the reporters, uttered the obligatory empty apologies, and pushed open the door with her free hand.

Inside, Sarah / Faith was nervously awaiting her parents' arrival in the front hall, clasping her stuffed tiger, Tigger. She had nothing else. Her mommy had told her to bring whatever she wanted, but Sarah / Faith didn't want to take any of her things with her. Except Tigger.

She wanted to be different now, and she definitely didn't want to take anything with her that would remind her of what she had been.

The door began to open, and Sarah / Faith hopped from one foot to another as she heard loud noises and saw her mother's face, turned towards what looked like a crowd of grown-ups outside. Haley came in, followed closely by Nathan, and the door shut behind them, closing out the clamorous voices jostling for attention.

Sarah / Faith directed her gaze to the floor, but it caught as she saw that her parents were holding hands. She had thought that they didn't get on, but they definitely looked friendly now.

Haley smiled over Sarah / Faith's head at Mrs Anderson, and then crouched in front of her daughter so that their eyes were level, detaching her hand from Nathan's as she did so.

"Hey, baby."

"G'morning, mommy."

Haley smiled brighter, and her eyes began to shimmer. She blinked a couple of times, and then nodded.

"Are you ready to go?"

Sarah / Faith looked at her mommy, and then up at her daddy, standing behind her mommy and looking intently at his daughter.

She reached out, and her little hand clasped Haley's.

"I'm ready."

Haley nodded again, her mouth quivering, and then stood up, not letting go of Sarah / Faith's hand.

"All right, then."

And then Sarah / Faith reached out again, and grasped her daddy's hand with her free one. Safely sheltered by their larger bodies, she looked at the door separating her from the outside world.

Above her, Nathan risked a sideways glance at his wife, only to see her jaw squared and tears running down her cheeks. In an involuntary movement, he reached for her with the hand not clasped in Sarah / Faith's, and wiped her tears away with the rough pad of his thumb.

"Don't cry, Haley."

Haley nodded, and Sarah / Faith felt her mommy squeeze her hand.

It was time to go. Sarah / Faith began to move towards the door, pulling her parents behind her. Daddy reached out and turned the knob, ushering Sarah / Faith and her mommy through.

Faith stepped outside into the noisy crowd, hand in hand with each of her newly discovered parents, and smiled.

Ecstatically.

It's so cool – they have little Faith back again, and isn't she happy to be there!