Chapter 4

Two days later, it was graduation. Haley was freaking out due to the fact she was supposed to give the valedictory address, and she didn't have her best friend there to calm her nerves. She and Nathan had been avoiding each other since prom. So much for a magical night.

"Bub?" Haley's mother, Lydia, yelled up the stairs, "You ready? We have to take pictures!"

"Oh Joy," Haley muttered to herself. Lydia was notorious for taking thousands of pictures, 95 of which would turn out to be of her finger. "Coming Mom!"

Haley adjusted her gown so it hung straight on her shoulders. She then carefully placed her cap upon her head, careful not to muss her perfect ringlets. Time to face the crowd...and Nathan.

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A few hours later, the diplomas had all been handed out. It was now Haley's turn to share her thoughts on life and high school.

Principal Turner approached the microphone "And now to present the valedictory address, I invite to the stage Haley James."

The crowd clapped and whistled for Haley. There were even a few catcalls courtesy of Brooke and Peyton.

Haley stepped up to the microphone and took a deep breath. This was her moment, she didn't want to miss a second of it. Haley smiled.

"Parents, friends, esteemed guests, Welcome to the defining moment of our lives. We are about to make our first steps into the world as adults. We will no longer be sheltered by the watchful eyes of our elders, but rather, forced to make our own choices and determine the path in which will make us the people we want to be. While this can all seem daunting and terrifying, I enter this phase of my life with a strange sense of calm. I know that those around me have taught me well and it is now my time, and our time, to make something of ourselves. In the midst of all the uncertainty, I think we should all remember a few wise words first uttered to me by one of my best friends, Peyton Sawyer. 'Every song ends, but is that any reason not to enjoy the music?' There are going to be phases and portions in our lives that will begin and end, but just because something is bound to end, it doesn't mean we shouldn't make the most of it. Tree Hill High Class of 2007, Congratulations and remember, don't be afraid to take chances just because things are inevitably going to end."

Haley smiled again, taking special time to look at Peyton, giving her a silent thank you. She walked gracefully off the stage and back to her seat to applause, whistles, and catcalls. Haley sunk into her seat and took a deep breath. It was over. Time to move onto bigger and better things.

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Hours later, Haley was lying in bed when she heard tapping on her window. She climbed out of bed and looked out the window, only to find Nathan Scott throwing rocks up at her window. Haley opened the window.

"Nathan! What are you doing?" She said quietly

"Will you come down please? I really need to talk to you," Nathan said

"Why? Are you going to take me to prom again? Because that wasn't all that great," Haley said sarcastically

Nathan had to chuckle, " Just come down please,"

"Fine," Haley huffed.

After Haley had thrown on a sweatshirt, she met Nathan in her backyard.

"What do you want at two o'clock in the morning?" Haley said irritably

Nathan didn't say anything. He just pulled her close and crashed his lips to hers. At first, Haley was startled by the notion, but didn't waste anytime kissing back. After air became an issue the two broke apart.

"What was THAT?" Haley blurted out

Nathan smiled softly, "I kissed you,"

Haley rolled her eyes, "Yeah... but Why?"

"Because I love you," He stated simply

Haley's eyes bugged out of her head, "WHAT?"

"I love you," Nathan said again, "The reason I was so weird on prom night was because I realized, finally, that I want you as more than a friend. I want to love you Haley. It may have taken me far too long, but I love you. I'm IN love with you."

"Oh," Haley breathed out

"Oh?" Nathan repeated, slightly crestfallen

Haley shook her head, "No! That's not what I mean. It's just that I've felt the same way for a really long time, so it's kind of groundbreaking that you love me too. I love you Nathan Scott, and I have for while now,"

Nathan smiled, "So does this mean you'll be my girlfriend while we're at Duke?"

Haley smiled back, "Bet your ass I am. What do you think about that?"

"I think it's pretty damn good," Nathan said leaning in for another kiss.

It had taken awhile, but Nathan and Haley had finally found their way to each other in the end.

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That's the end people! Thank you to all that replied. Is there any interest in a sequel? It's slightly darker than this fic. It's not all happy, fluffy Naley. It's called Should've Said No, and it takes place three years after this fic. Please let me know if there is any interest in the sequel!