Chapter 5

Nathan stared hard as the steps as Rachel went up to check on her sister. When Haley had ran away from him he had known something was really wrong…and though he acted like he didn't love her he still did. Immediately his mind had gone into overdrive as he called Rachel desperately trying to find out where Haley was. Hours later she called back to let him know her sister was fine but out of it. Nathan didn't let her speak twice and before Rachel could even put down the phone, Nathan was banging on the front door. Rachel had tried her best to explain to Nathan that it wasn't the right time but he refused to move.

Rachel came back down and looked from her place at the bottom of the stairs at Nathan as he seemed deep in thought – not even noticing her. She sighed softly and mostly to herself. The past few years had been rough on her little sister and Nathan alike. After the baby neither one ever talked to the other without there being some swearing involved – but in their hearts they pined away for each other. Rachel knew because she talked to both her sister and Nathan (though not at the same time) and she knew it hurt them both.

"She's still sleeping Nate…" she spoke up and Nathan looked up at her. The dark circles under his glazed eyes showed he was desperately in need of some sleep.

"Go to bed Nate…there is nothing else you can do for her now." She spoke again – louder this time – as she moved to close all the blinds. Nathan stood up and shook his head.

"I don't want to leave her alone tonight." His voice cracked and Nathan coughed – trying to hide the fact that Haley's condition disturbed him. Rachel turned to him and sighed.

"Haley won't be alone…she'll be with me." Her voice was soft against the darkness that was eating up the whole situation. Nathan pleadingly looked at her.

"Please…I'll be gone before she wakes up…just…let me stay here."

Rachel shook her head. She knew it was wrong. Her sister was now married to Chris Keller – though apparently didn't love him as much as she would Nathan. They weren't in each other's lives anymore. But even as she thought about it her hands went to the light switch and threw them both into darkness.

"The key is on the table. Lock up when you go out…" and with that she smiled and walked to her room.

Nathan didn't need to be invited twice as he walked up towards Haley's room. His hand trembled above the lock and for a moment all courage left him. The only thing keeping his hand on that door was his love for her.

Slowly he went in – closing the door behind him. He sat down on the chair in the corner of her room – the one that had the best view of her bed – and watched her.

"Damn Hales! What the hell is this hard chair doing in your room? It's bloody uncomfortable!" Nathan groaned as he sat down in the chair and Haley laughed from her place across the room.

"It wasn't made to sleep on you idiot…" her laughter filled the room and Nathan's smirk grew.

"Oh now see who said I'm sleeping on this chair? Cause last time I checked I'm sleeping with you on your bed…" he lifted his eyebrows at her as she took her nightgown off – showing her petite body in the small lingerie nighty he had brought her.

"Now I'm definitely sleeping with you!" Nathan proclaimed as he jumped up, threw off his clothes (leaving him in boxers) and jumped into bed beside her. Haley only smiled as he brought his lips to hers…

oOoOoOoOoOo

Haley opened her eyes groggily as sunlight streamed into the room. She wiped her eyes furiously before she sat a bit more up and her eyes traveled over the room. Finally it landed on the chair and Nathan's sleeping form in it. She smiled a bit before the previous night's revelations filled her mind and her face went blank.

Nathan sensed her before she even woke up and as she watched him he opened his eyes and looked up at her.

Their eyes met in an instant.