Later that night at the Scott Residence Haley and Nathan lay in bed. "So how do you feel, about them knowing the truth?" He asked her as he played with a strand of her hair, her head resting on his chest.

"I don't know. I'm kind of relieved that they know cause I didn't want to hide it from them, but also I was kind of terrified of telling them. Plus I don't want them to act differently around me now." She said softly. "I get enough of that from you and Lucas." She told him with a playful smile.

"We just worry about you Hales. I worry about you." He said pulling her in tight. "I know that I can't go back into time and save you that horrible experience but…I know that I can keep you safe now." He told her truthfully.

Haley looked at Nathan, the sadness in his eyes told her that he still blamed himself for what happened to her. "Nathan do you think the reason you're being so adamant about sticking by me with this baby is because you feel guilty?" She asked him as she sat up in the bed.

Nathan sat up to and looked her straight in her eyes. "No Haley. That isn't it at all."

"So then what is it?" She asked. "I've known you since birth Nathan and though we've been best friends since then…I…I still can't figure out WHY you'd do all that you're doing for me. You are risking everything you've worked so hard for…for me…and a child that isn't yours." She shrugged softly. "I just don't get it."

Nathan sighed. "Haley it doesn't matter that that child isn't mine. It doesn't matter all I have and may continue to lose because of this…all that matters is that you're my best friend and I love you and I'll do anything I can to protect you, to help you. ANYTHING Haley. All you need to understand is that I love you." He told her leaning over and giving her a kiss on the forehead.

"I love you too Nathan but…what happens when you REALLY FALL in love and the women you want to be with doesn't like the situation you're in? I don't want to hold you back from finding the women of your dreams, the love you deserve, the life you deserve. We'll ALWAYS be best friends Nathan, no matter what but why do all this and risk everything?" She asked again, a tear flowing down her cheek.

Nathan wiped away the tear with the pad of his thumb. "Haley because I love you. It's as simple as that."

Haley only nodded. "I love you too."

"Good, now it's getting late and we've got school and a doctor's appointment to go to tomorrow, so time for bed." He said as he got up to shut the light and then climbed back into bed with her. "I love you Haley James." He whispered as he pulled her to him.

"I love you too, Nathan Scott."

Tree Hill High School

"So Tutor girl, when you going to tell everyone else?" Brooke asked as the group sat around their usual table at the cafeteria.

"I'm planning on telling Principal Turner next week." She told her friend as she looked around the table, making sure no one else was listening.

"Yo Nate, Jake, Whitey wants to see us in his office." Lucas said as he walked to the table.

"What for?" Nate asked.

"Heck if I know. Let's just go." Lucas said as he kissed his girlfriend. "Hey babe, sorry I gotta go, see you in Trig."

"Hales meet me in the tutor center during sixth?" He asked.

"Sure."

"Bye babe, see you in Music." Jake said kissing Peyton.

"Later babe." She replied.

Once the boys were gone Brooke and Peyton instantly moved closer to Haley.

Neither said anything but Haley noticed and she knew exactly why they'd done it.

She sighed hard. "Guys I don't need body guards." She told her friends.

Brooke and Peyton looked up at her in surprise. "What?"

"I don't need you guys to protect me. I'm fine." She told them.

"Haley I didn't…" Brooke started.

"We're just worried." Peyton broke in.

"I know you are but there is no reason for it. I love you guys but I don't need watch dogs." She told her friends.

Peyton and Brooke just nodded and inched away.

Haley smiled. "Thanks guys."