Chapter 6

Throughout the whole night Haley sat on the edge of her seat – watching as some of her peers won prizes. As it was tradition – the best actress award was always kept for last as it was the most special. Not that Haley really thought she had a chance to win. She was up against Rachel – her best Hollywood friend, Nicole Kidman, Charlize Theron and Jennifer Aniston. All who were excellent actresses and in the job much longer than she was. But just being there and experiencing it was enough to make Haley giddy with happiness.

Channing squeezed Haley's hand as they came to the last award – best actress in a drama. Haley turned to him, a smile planted securely on her face, and gave him a quick kiss.

"It's finally here princess… the big time." He whispered into her ear and Haley felt the blush creep into her cheeks.

"I love you." She hurriedly whispered back as the announcer started to talk. Channing gave her a sexy smile and they turned their attention back to the stage as Haley wondered who would be calling her name.

"One is a famous writer – the other a famous sport star. The only thing they have in common is the fact that they are brothers. Please welcome to the stage Lucas Scott and Nathan Scott!" the announcer said and everyone clapped. Everyone except Haley. She stared hard at the two brothers and she felt her heart drop. There he was. In person. After five years of missing him like hell. But at that moment it was the two people she wanted to see least.

Nathan smirked at the audience as they applauded him. Lucas smiled next to him as they stopped in front of the microphone.

"Every year a golden globe is presented to an actress that has outshined in her performance. This year is no different." Nathan said by memory as he stared into the audience – for once glad he couldn't really see anyone's faces.

"The nominees for best actress in a drama is..." Lucas started as the clips started rolling on the screen above them.

"Nicole Kidman…"

"Rachel McAdams…"

"Charlize Theron…"

"Jennifer Aniston…"

Lucas froze when he read the name on the screen and gulped down whatever fear rose into his chest. This was not good. Not at all.

"Haley James…" the words flew out of his mouth as he stole a glance at Nathan who seemed just as shell shocked about it as he was. If this was fate then fate was a real bad joker. Nathan turned to the audience as his fake smirk – that he had learned how to put up over the years – slid onto his face. He didn't know whether he was happy or not about this. He didn't know whether to pray that she won or pray she lost. He clutched onto the envelope as he leaned into the microphone.

"And the winner is…" he paused, opening it very slowly like he had been instructed to and he felt his heart soar when he read her name.

"Haley James."

As the audience applauded Haley stared at the stage in complete shock. Channing kissed her quickly on the cheek before rumbling off his congratulations and love you. Slowly Haley stood up and made her way onto the stage. With each step she took closer to Nathan and Lucas it felt – for some reason – to her that she was at home. Like everything could go back to the way it had been before everything. Slowly she took the statue from Lucas who kissed on her on the cheek and hugged her quickly. For a split second Haley and Nathan just stared at each other – deep in thought. Luckily they both realized that they were in front of millions of viewers and he quickly congratulated her with a kiss on the cheek – which sent familiar shivers down both their spines – and a hug.

Haley moved towards the microphone and she gave a small laugh. Nathan stood a bit behind her – watching her every move, listening to everything she said. Memorizing her.

"Wow…wow…I really didn't think I would win this one so I kinda didn't write a speech." She paused, laughing as she fanned herself with her hand. The audience laughed and Haley gave a shy smile.

"First off I have to thank God who has been with me. Without him this would never have happened. Then my family who I adore with my whole life. You guys have always been there for me and for that no words could ever thank you. Channing – at a time when I needed to be saved you came and saved me. Your love has carried me. I could never thank you enough." She blew a kiss to Channing who blew her one back. The audience all awed and oohed but Nathan had to try to control his anger at his soul mate expressing her love to another man.

"Everyone who worked on this film with me. The director, the actors, everyone. You guys have made this film the best ever. To those of you that were nominated with me…I still can't believe that one of you didn't win. Don't worry…we'll get the numbers recounted because there is no way that I could beat you guys." The other nominees laughed and Haley smiled.

"And to end…there are just 6 more people I'd like to thank. First off Aunt K…when I needed a mother you were there for me and for that I will never stop loving you. Taylor… a better sister I couldn't ask for…" Haley paused and Nathan and Lucas both looked down as she paused.

"Finally, but in no way the least, I'd like to thank the following people and let them know that…the love we shared shall never fade. Broody, Tigger, P.S… and Hotshot. I love you guys with all my heart. Always and forever. Thank you." With the tears streaming down her eyes she followed the girl off the stage.

Nathan couldn't believe what he had heard. Always and forever was their thing. Had she finally forgiven him? Could they go back? He tried to reach her but before he knew it she was gone in the midst of the celebrities. His heart fell as he and Lucas were lead back to their seats.

"Did you hear what she said…" Nathan asked Lucas as they sat in their seats for the finale and Lucas nodded solemnly.

"Yes…yes I did."

"She talked about us! She said always and forever… that means something Luke!" Nathan tried to persuade his brother it was a good thing but Lucas turned his gaze away from him.

"She talked about Taylor…" Lucas whispered before he turned his eyes back to the stage and they both knew the conversation was over.