Innamorato Con Te Chapter 2: Beautiful, an one tree hill fanfic

Ravens23

A/N: Songs used in this chapter:
Beautiful – Trading Yesterday

A huge thanks to Molly, Kelly, Steph, Amy and Jif for their inspiration and a HUGE one to Jif who helped out with the song!

Ravens23

Nathan gave a small wave and placed his hands behind his back. Everyone turned to look at him and then, he saw her…Nathan only stared and breathed a single word…

"Wow…"

Only to find out that he had said it out loud…

"I beg your pardon?"

Nathan had just realized what he had said. He looked at the woman who had opened her mouth and she was scary looking. Her beady eyes squinted in Nathan's direction and he tried to sustain his complexion. His eyes shot wide open and screwed up his face at the stupidity of his actions. He looked to his feet in embarrassment, but not before catching a glimpse of the girl who had taken his breath away. It was her; the same one he had seen when he was out on the water earlier that day. She was the one who was reading the book on the balcony and was ten times more beautiful up close than she had been magnified through his tiny binoculars. Note to self; thank Keith for giving me back those damn things. Nathan tore his eyes from the floor and looked at the one who he wanted to see. She held her hand in front of her mouth, trying to hide her smile and he saw the small tinge of pink that her face had become. His insides smiled and he regained his composure.

"I'm sorry."

Nathan looked down at the girl he wanted to see who was sitting to his right.

"That was very unprofessional on my part."

Vegas raised his eyebrows and looked at Nathan, then at the rest of the table, smiling and nodding. The scary-looking woman looked at Nathan, eyes still squinted and then turned her attention to Vegas.

"I do not want this…trainee waiting on our table. He is rude and I won't stand for it. Get him out of here."

Nathan looked at Vegas, who gave him an apologetic look. Nathan understood, nodded and left the table and made his way back to the kitchen. He headed towards the group of other waiters and stood among them, waiting for Vegas to get back to the kitchen. Nathan brought his hands to his face, wondering how he could have been so unprofessionally careless and stupid. He leaned his back against the wall behind him and shut his eyes, taking deep breaths. Nathan closed his eyes and there she was looking back at him, smiling. He felt his temperature rising and took deep breaths.

"Nathan?"

Nathan's head shot up and eyes opened. He saw Vegas there with a smirk on his face. Nathan looked back at Vegas.

"Dude, I am so sorry about that."

Vegas grinned and chuckled.

"It's okay. Don't worry. Actually, I was a little surprised about the fact that it was Haley you gave the compliment to."

"Haley?"

"That was the James family, the richest family on this part of the lake. They live in the abnormally large house on the hill about 5 minutes from here. Haley's the youngest daughter…she was the one you complimented."

Nathan looked at Vegas. Haley…her name was Haley. How beautiful is that name? Just the thought of her practically stopped his beating heart. Nathan wondered why Vegas had been so surprised. He then recalled his boat ride over. The business has been in his family for generations…he's thinking of passing it onto his daughter. Poor girl though, she's not the best looking of his daughters. What was that idiot thinking? Haley's beautiful. Nathan looked at Vegas through a shocked expression. Vegas just laughed and looked at Nathan.

"Look, why don't you just work at the bar? I've got someone coming that I need to talk to. I'll introduce you to him. He's pretty cool. The three of us can hang out. He and I do when he can"

"Sure…uh, the bar?"

"Yeah, the waiter's come to you, you poor the drink…simple enough for you. But, you can't serve alcohol because you aren't of age. If you go out the door, go straight and then make a right, you'll come to the bar. There will be a man about age 30 there, that's Bill. He'll show you how it's done. Okay?"

Nathan nodded and thanked Vegas. He left the kitchen and headed to the bar, but not before catching one last glance at Haley who was giggling beside, who Nathan could only assume to be her stepsister.

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Brooke and Haley were giggling as the two of them watched the "suitor" eat his food. He was stuffing his face with bread and olive oil as if he had never eaten food in his life. Victoria looked repulsed by how he ate with his mouth open. His name was Chris Keller. He wasn't the brightest crayon in the box, but was kind. When Haley had been introduced to him, he stammered and continued to do so when he spoke to her. She figured that he was trying to make a good first impression. Haley and Brooke giggled their final ones and soon Brooke turned to Haley.

"So spill."

"Spill what?"

Haley was trying to keep her voice down, so as to not let Victoria overhear their conversation.

"What was up with you blushing at the cute waiter?"

"I did not blush."

"Oh, you so did Tutorgirl. C'mon, how do you know him?"

"I don't. He gave me a compliment, which I didn't know how to take seeing as how he's the first."

"That's not true."

"Yes it is. Not once in my life has any guy done what he's done. All of them only want me because of my dad. And I for one am sick of it. Not to mention, have you seen my sisters? They're like Catherine Zeta-Jones and I'm like…Kirsten Dunst."

"Do not compare yourself with Kirsten Dunst. You are beautiful Haley and if a guy can't see that then he's not worth your time. Also, Taylor's more Kirsten than you are…but with a touch of Lindsey."

Haley smiled and chuckled a little bit. Haley then looked behind her and saw the embarrassed waiter behind the counter of the bar, speaking to a man of about 30. She smiled at the look of concentration on his face and all she remembered of his features were those captivating blue eyes. She smiled at the thought of them and then she turned her attention back to Brooke.

"I guess…so how about you and Eugene?"

Brooke got excited. Eugene was Lucas' middle name and it was also their codename for him. It was the only way that the two of them could speak to each other about Lucas without Victoria knowing who it actually was.

"He is seriously the sweetest. He wrote me the sweetest poem the other day. Dropped it on my lap as I was tanning by the pool. I got to watch him do the yard work. He's so sexy without a shirt on and pushing that lawn mower."

Brooke stopped and looked at Haley who looked somewhat disgusted.

"What?"

"Brooke, he may be your boyfriend, but Eugene is like a brother to me. And you talking in your Brooke ways about him is just not good for my appetite,"

Haley took a sip of her water as Brooke gave her playful slap on the arm. Haley chuckled and Brooke turned to her own drink. Christ had noticed the two of them talking previously about, what seemed to be, something serious.

"Miss J-James?"

Haley looked at Chris who was smiling at her. She smiled awkwardly back at him.

"Um…Mrs. Davis-James says you enjoy music. The Keller is a musician himself…"

"Wait a minute? The Keller? What the hell is that?"

"Brooke!"

Victoria scolded Brooke for mocking Chris. Victoria had only taken a liking to Chris because he was to inherit his father's billions when the old man died. Chris' father was extremely ill and it was his father's dying wish that Chris would marry and have lots of children, especially boys, to carry on the family name. Chris had been searching for some time for a wife. Someone to love and cherish and Haley, he had been attracted to. She was intelligent and pretty, so he tried to find some common ground to start up a conversation.

"What mother? I'm just saying it's weird and moronic."

"Chris Keller understands. He's used to having woman be weird around him. But, only because he knows they want him."

Haley tore herself away from the conversation and noticed the one she saw at the bar coming towards their table with a tray of beverages. He passed them and Haley looked at him. He set the drinks down carefully on the table about six feet from theirs. She kept her eyes on his back. The white dress shirt that he wore didn't camouflage his back muscles much and she felt herself getting hot. A body and a voice interrupted her gaze.

"I believe this fifth seat is for me?"

Haley looked up, annoyed at the man. He wore a cocky grin and the look he was giving her was making her uncomfortable. He sat down and Victoria tore her lips from her wine glass and looked aroused by the man that had sat himself on the other side of Haley. Haley groaned on the inside and he turned to her and stuck out his hand.

"Damien West."

Haley rolled her eyes and grabbed his hand without even looking at him. Victoria cleared her throat as if to reprimand Haley for her rudeness. Haley sighed and looked up at Damien who still wore his cocky grin. She wished that he would stop looking at her in such a way that made her so uncomfortable. Damien sat down where Victoria began to engage him into a conversation. Haley turned her attention back to the one she was staring at previously who was returning to the bar with the empty tray. And then, Damien put a hand out to stop him. Haley silently thanked Damien. She wanted to hear his voice or get a better look at him. He stopped and looked down at Damien. His eyes grew twice their diameter and Damien's grin grew to be even cockier.

"Well, well, well. Nathan Scott on this side of the river? And a waiter? Life couldn't get any better. Well, except the fact that I have a beautiful woman by my side."

Damien put his arm around Haley's shoulder and Damien saw the clench in Nathan's jaw. Nathan looked at Haley who was tossing Damien's arm away. Nathan smiled inwardly and silently sighed in relief.

"May I help you?"

"Gimme your finest bottle of Pinot Noir."

Nathan looked down at Damien and raised an eyebrow.

"That can't be done."

Damien looked up at Nathan.

"Excuse me?"

"It can't be done. You're not of legal age"

"I'll have you know that my father owns half of the land that you come from Scott."

"That may be true, but he cannot control the fact that you are underage and therefore you cannot drink any alcohol."

"Get the man his drink! He's paying your salary so I suggest that you do as he says."

Nathan looked at the evil woman and was about to speak when he was interrupted.

"How dare you?"

She spoke and Nathan's heart took a giant leap. Haley was glaring at the woman with the most disbelief.

"Excuse me?"

"How dare you keep him from doing his job and following the law Victoria? What you think that just because you're wealthy you're above the rules? Nathan has done nothing wrong. He's been nothing, but respectful and kind and all you have done is insult him and made him feel like he was beneath you. And yet, he still puts up with everything that you put him through. And you know what? He hasn't even been thanked."

Nathan raised his eyebrows and held his breath. He bit his lip and notice Haley turn to look at him. She gave him a soft smile.

"Thank you Nathan."

Nathan looked down at Haley and then a power came over him. He grabbed Haley's hand and placed a soft kiss on the back of it. Haley shivered at the touch of Nathan's lips on her knuckles.

"No, thank you Miss James."

Nathan looked at the rest of the table, smirked and then left. He left Haley blushing and Brooke trying hard not to smile.

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Nathan sat at a table away from the rest of the guests and customers conversing with Vegas' friend. The guy that sat across from them was a fairly nice guy. He had sandy blonde hair and blue eyes. He was great with words and his name was Lucas. He worked for the James family as a gardener and a pool guy. He usually served at the large dinner parties and cleaned the rooms sometimes when they were understaffed. Nathan envied Lucas, being able to be so close to Haley. Nathan found himself drawn to Haley and it was like nothing he had ever experienced before. No one had ever defended him like she did and the fact that she did; boggled his mind. It made him even more drawn to her.

"So Nathan, you like it here?"

"Nate's had a rough day Luke. Your girl's mother came in with the girls and those idiots she wants for Haley. He had to take a bunch of bullshit from Victoria and West."

"It's nice here…but I dunno I can't say much. I've only been here a day."

"Yeah well, if you feel that you aren't liking it here, just uh, gimme a call I'll see what I can get for you over at the house."

Vegas turned to Lucas.

"Need more bodies?"

"Yeah. Five more people quit this week. I swear if Victoria doesn't…I'll be working double time and I won't be able to see Brooke, let a lone spend time with her."

Vegas looked between Nathan and Lucas. He took a deep breath and spoke.

"Hey Nate…why don't you get a job at the house?"

Nathan looked at Vegas as if he were crazy.

"What?"

Vegas smirked and chuckled.

"What? It's not like you don't want to. I mean, you were staring at Victoria's stepdaughter all afternoon until they left, so I'm sure you wouldn't mind being near her. Lucas needs help because he wants to keep seeing Brooke. And plus, dude, there's nothing here for you. My family's great and you're a hard worker, but we can manage. Lucas can't. So what do you say?"

Nathan looked at Vegas and then at Lucas, who sat looking hopeful. Nathan contemplated all of this. He would be closer to Haley, which was what he truly wanted, but he didn't want to have to work for her family because that would make her off limits to him. He wanted to know her and have the chance to possibly love her. He sat there with an inner war and then thought of the others. Lucas. Lucas was a great guy in the short amount of time that Nathan had known him and if Nathan were truly honest with himself, he wasn't exactly happy working at the restaurant. Plus, Lucas needed his help. Nathan let out the breath that he held and looked at Lucas.

"You can really get me a job?"

Lucas smiled and so did Vegas. Lucas nodded his head.

"I'll have to speak to the big guy and get you an interview, but I'm sure you'll do for him. Here…"

Lucas took out a small slip of paper from his pocket and wrote down a number on it. He handed it to Nathan. Nathan took the slip of paper and then at Lucas.

"Call me in the morning at around 10:00 and I'll set up an appointment with Mr. James to see you, even though I'm sure he'd give it to you. Okay?"

Nathan nodded and thanked Lucas. Lucas then rose from his spot, needing to get back to the house to serve dinner for Victoria and the men she invited for Haley. Nathan rolled his eyes at the mention of Victoria trying to make Haley meet so many men. Nathan just didn't understand it. He shrugged it off and shook Lucas' hand and then Lucas left. Vegas slapped Nathan on the back.

"That was nice of you man. Lucas he's…he's a great guy. C'mon, today was a bitch. Let's clean up so we can go to sleep."

Nathan chuckled and followed Vegas in the crowded restaurants. Each of their shifts had ended and both were ready to go to Vegas' house where Nathan was staying. Vegas and his family had offered a place for Nathan to stay until which time he could maintain a stable home for himself. When Vegas and Nathan were done with their last minute chores before leaving, they placed their note pads and pens in their rightful places and removed their aprons. The two of them headed out and Vegas drove back to his house,

Ravens23

Haley sat in her backyard with Brooke, Victoria and her father. The four of them were entertaining Chris Keller and Damien West. The six of them were being served dinner. Jimmy had decided that they would eat the meal outside for the evening because of how beautiful the weather was. The view from the backyard of the James' home was breathtaking, especially at this time of the day.

"I must say Mr. James, this view is impeccable."

"Thank you Damien."

"I find sunsets to be the most romantic part of the day. Do you agree Haley?"

Damien's cocky smirk grew and then turned to look at Chris. Brooke looked at Haley, a face full of support. Haley looked at Brooke and bit the right side of her bottom lip.

"No, I don't. As a matter of fact I prefer sunrise."

The smirk from Damien's face fell. Haley smiled at that fact and turned her attention back to Brooke. It was then that Lucas had exited the house, with a white envelope in his hand. He was walking towards the table. Brooke's smile grew wider and when he positioned himself between Brooke and Haley, he spoke.

"Excuse me for interrupting, but a letter for Miss Haley James has just arrived."

Lucas handed the letter to Haley and then, with much stealth, winked at Brooke. He put his hands behind his back and walked away. Haley looked at the letter. On it was her name written in beautiful calligraphy in black ink. She looked in the top left corner and noticed that there was no return address. Everyone was looking at her, waiting for her to open it. She looked around and excused herself. Brooke was moving to follow her, but Haley placed her hand on Brooke's shoulders, signaling that would be okay. Brooke nodded.

And time stands still beneath the air of waiting hours
To touch, just to feel a love that seems to overpower me
She's all I'll ever need
And you know her love just hypnotizes me
Til all I see is beautiful

Haley walked into the comfort of her home and walked up the large staircase to get to her bedroom. Haley opened the door and shut it behind her, locking it securely. She walked over to her window and opened it to gain access to the small balcony, her sanctuary. She ripped open the envelope and her eyes gazed over the beautiful writing and her heart stopped at what it had said…

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Nathan entered his bedroom in Vegas' house. He threw his bags and apron onto the bed. He walked over to his desk and set down his binoculars. He looked at them and chuckled. He then noticed a small envelope on his desk, addressed to him. He recognized the writing as Keith's and opened the contents of the envelope. He smiled when he saw the paw prints of Mac and Chip next to Keith's signature at the bottom. He read the letter.

Nathan
How are you? The mutts here miss you. They're jumping up my leg as I'm writing this. How is the new job? I hope everything is going well for you. Have you seen anything that you like? Have you made any new friends besides Vegas? I'm proud of you for living your life on your own, but just remember that if you need me, I'm right here. You didn't leave a number as to where you'll be, just an address. I'd like a phone number because I'd like to hear your voice once in a while, as I'm sure do Mac and Chip. We all miss you here. Be safe and if there are any changes, please let me know. I'd like to know that you're safe and happy.

I love you,
Keith…
And Mac and Chip

Nathan chuckled at the signatures at the bottom of the letter. Nathan shook his head. It was now hard to imagine his life before Keith and the dogs. He missed all three of them, even though it was just this morning that he had left. His thoughts then wandered off to Haley, wondering what she was doing at that very moment. He looked out of the window that sat in front of his desk and noticed that he had a clear view of the house from his bedroom. He saw a figure out on a balcony and his heart stopped.

At night I dream that you were sent to me from heaven
My Life, it seems so lonely here without your presence
You could change my everyday
And I could never think of love without your name
As you remain

He grabbed the binoculars from his desk and looked through them. He directed his vision towards the balcony and saw that it was, just as he hoped, Haley. He smiled when he saw her sitting down on the edge of the balcony. She was holding something. Nathan's eyes grew wide and quickly set the binoculars down on his desk and drummed his fingers on the top of the desk. He grabbed a piece of paper and a pen and decided that he would write a letter to Keith answering all of his questions. He sat at his desk and tried to concentrate, but all he could think about was Haley and her beauty and her soul.

Beautiful, like the summer rain to wash away the winter stain
Beautiful, like the morning sun inviting the dawn to break
Beautiful, like the joy that comes when the love you've longed for has just begun
Beautiful, making everything brand new
Beautiful you

Nathan shut his eyes and tried to get Haley out of his head and focus on his letter to Keith. He pondered and decided to revisit the past, wishing that there was something there.

Flashback

Seven year-old Nathan Scott felt a small nudging against his ribcage. He groaned and then heard the voice of a man who was unfamiliar to him. Nathan opened one eye and the man's facial features were invisible due to the blinding in Nathan's eyes by the sun. Nathan shielded his eyes to make out the face of the man. The man had a goatee and was dressed in a plain white t-shirt with jeans and a pair of beige hiking boots. Nathan rose from the ground, still sitting and then the man offered Nathan his hand to help Nathan off of the ground. Nathan accepted and was pulled to his feet.

"Who are you?"

"I'm Keith…who are you?"

"What's it to you?"

Nathan scratched the back of his head and looked up at Keith who raised an eyebrow.

"What are you doing here?"

"I was sleeping."

"No, I mean why are you here? Where are your parents?"

"I dunno where they are now, probably at the house. They looked for me for a long time, but soon their voices got far away and then I couldn't hear them."

Keith looked at the kid questioningly.

"You mean, you were hiding from them?"

"Yeah."

"Why?"

"I don't wanna live with them anymore…it's too hard. They make me wear stupid things like this."

Nathan pointed to his corduroy pants and dress shirt, which Keith screwed up his face looking at it.

"And I have to remember all these different manners that no one uses unless we're near people. I don't like it and I don't wanna go back. It sucks over there."

"Hey watch it kid or I'll clean that mouth of yours out with soap. So you don't wanna live with your folks, so you thought you'd live in a forest?"

Nathan looked at his surroundings and shrugged.

"And what were you going to do about food and a place to live?"

"There's berries on that bush over there and I have the trees to help me."

Keith shook his head.

"It's summer now. In a few months those bushes won't have anything on them. Besides, you're a growing boy and with the rate you probably eat, those berries will be gone within the next two weeks. You better come with me."

"Why?"

"You can eat properly and I'll take you back to your family this evening."

"I'll come with you, but I'm not going home tonight. For one thing I live on the other side of the lake and another, I dunno where it is."

Keith let out an exasperated breath. This kid was stubborn and a tough one to get through to. He grabbed his hand and the two of them walked to Keith's little house that was just by the water. They entered the house and Keith placed the boy on a chair while he made some food.

"I'm Nathan. By the way."

Kith turned off the stove and dumped the scrambled eggs onto Nathan's plate and filled his glass with milk.

"And you can forget about bringing me back there. I'm tired of being told what to do, and of being too clean. I can't enjoy the sports I like. I love basketball. How can I play the game and not get dirty? I also like to invent things and inventing is messy. How can I not get messy? Besides, my parents will be glad that I'm gone."

"I highly doubt that."

"I don't. They have another kid to worry about. Besides, my dad never talks to me and my mom's only worried about how clean I am. One time I had chocolate on my shirt and my mom dragged me by my ear because I dirtied myself."

"That seems a bit extreme for a stain."

"And she never has time for me. She's always at a spa or out with her lady friends. I hate it there and I won't go back."

Seeing that Nathan was finished his food. Keith grabbed the plate and went to wash it. The two were silent until Keith finished washing Nathan's dish. Keith turned off the water and grabbed a cloth to dry his hands. He slung the cloth over his shoulders and sat beside Nathan.

"You have to go back Nathan."

"Why? Why can't just stay here?"

"Because I live alone and you have a family who, despite their actions, do love you."

"I don't wanna go back."

Keith looked at the kid. Despite his stubborn nature, Nathan was a good kid. He lacked a little bit of discipline, but Keith believed that would change. He sighed in defeat and looked at Nathan.

"Tell you what…we'll go to the station tomorrow and if no one claims you, then you can stay. Deal?"

Keith held out his hand and Nathan grabbed it with hesitation.

"Deal."

End Flashback

And all this time you're changing me to something better
A love so high that everyday that we're together
I will leave the world below
Until your heart becomes the only thing I know
All I know is

Nathan smiled. That memory was embedded in his mind forever and he felt himself ready to write. He tucked in his chair and his pen touched he soft paper.

Keith
I'm perfectly fine. I really thought that you would have waited more than an hour before sending me a letter. I only left…

Nathan looked at the digital clock behind him. He had left home at noon and arrived at the restaurant at 1:00. It was now almost nine.

…nine hours ago. How are the dogs? I miss those two. Everything is well here. Vegas introduced me to this guy named Lucas. He's a pretty cool guy, very nice too. He works for the James family and he's thinking of getting me a job at the house because they're understaffed and in need of more people. Besides, I think I've fallen for the youngest daughter of Jimmy James. Her name is Haley. Keith she is, without a doubt, the most beautiful woman I ever set my eyes on and quite a few gave me the eye today, but I found no interest in those girls. Only her…I'm great and the job at the restaurant is okay. I'm working at the bar, for now. I hope I can get a job at the house. I would love to see Haley more than a few times a month. She seriously is great Keith. I mean, I know it's only been a day, but she's done more for me than anyone…besides you of course. The phone number is below, but it may change once I get my own place. I'm always safe and I'll talk to you soon. Hey Mac. Hey Chip. Miss you guys too.

Nathan

Nathan was content with what he had written and slipped the piece of paper in an envelope. He licked the nasty substance and sealed it, writing Keith's address on the envelope and the return address. Nathan got up from his chair and slipped it into his apron pocket so that it would be there when he left the next day. He went back to his desk and hastily picked up the binoculars and his eyes went to the balcony where Haley still sat. She was reading a letter and Nathan's heart pounded quickly in his chest. Her eyes were going further and further down on the page. And then, she was finished. Nathan removed the binoculars from his eyes and then brought them back to his face. She held the letter in her hands and Nathan wanted to know her thoughts. What she thought of the words written on the paper. The way she looked at the view before her told him that she was contemplating the words. Nathan saw her raise herself off of her elbows from the balcony and head back towards her bedroom. He lowered the binoculars from is face and placed them down on the desk and sighed.

Haley James had read his letter…

Raves23

A/N: OKAY…PLEASE REVIEW…and all I have to say is WOW on your part. I was NOT expecting that many reviews on that first chapter. I honestly thought that I would get bad responses and you guys actually enjoyed it. I hope that this chapter didn't disappoint. I enjoyed writing this chapter. As for Haley's letter…we'll see. As for Keith and Nathan's history…there is more to come and some of you might think that the Naley stuff was a bit rushed BUT I had to push it out there to get the plot underway. So thanks SOOOO MUCH again and the more reviews I get, the quicker I'll UD…so PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE review!!