~~~

Haley rolled over and yawned as her alarm clock was blaring from her night table. 6:30AM always came way too early. Especially when she hadn't gotten to sleep until after 2:00.

She sighed, opening her eyes and reaching for Nathan. She felt the empty space where he had been, there with her. Her arm draped over the pillow, still showing the indentation where he had been lying.

Haley sat up, alert and awake now...and alone. So, this was payback, Haley thought. The bitterness and anger that she had felt before was returning quickly and with a vengeance.

~~~~~

Haley had managed to sneak out of the apartment before Brooke awoke. She didn't to rehash the night's events at the moment. She trudged to the office, dreading every step. Each step was bringing her closer to having to be there…with him. Every step that would remind her that he'd been the one to leave this time. After all of the talking they had done, she thought they had finally come to a point in which they understood one another...but now she was more confused than ever.

~~~

"Dude, you are seriously mental, I don't know exactly what is wrong with you...but you need help," Lucas said.

Nathan rolled his eyes. "Shut up, alright?"

"I'm serious. You're a decent guy...but you make people see a nasty side of you with this type of sh*&."

Nathan shook his head, well aware of the way he'd been viewed by many women.

"I thought you liked her," Lucas said. "...or was that all just bulls&^% so you could get her in bed and be the one to walk away..."

"No, Lucas...that's not how it is," Nathan said. "I do like her..."

"Then why did you go and do the one thing you've held against her by bailing out?"

"I don't know, alright?! Dammit!" Nathan slammed his fist against the dashboard.

"I know you get spooked at the thought of real emotions," Lucas said wryly, a statement met with a cold glare from Nathan. "...but I'd say you have about five minutes to get it together and figure out a friggin' explanation before you go in there....she very well may tear your head off and I don't think I'd blame her," Lucas replied.

Lucas parked the car and got out, leaving Nathan sitting there in the passenger seat. Nathan waited a few more moments and collected his thoughts.

He was going to talk to Haley. He was going to explain everything...and apologize. Profusely. The truth was, he really did like her. He really wanted to see where this could lead, if he didn't continue to screw things up with his wayward nature and those comments he would find himself making when things got too close.... Those sarcastic comments were a defense mechanism - it always kept Nathan feeling guarded, even though he knew there was never a good excuse for being an ass.

Nathan had it all planned out. He would make things right between them. He would quit bailing out and he wouldn't allow her to do it anymore either...they'd been dancing around this issue since they first met and from this moment on, they would face all of it head on. He would see to it. He knew they'd only just met-- but he felt a connection to her and he knew she felt it too...it was time to stop fighting it.

He walked toward the door of the office, very determined. He could see Haley sitting behind her desk. Melissa wasn't in the office as far as Nathan could see.

Haley took a short look at Nathan and didn't speak.

"Look, I know what you must be thinking-" he began.

"No, I'm sure you don't know what I'm thinking," Haley retorted.

"Nathan, I need to talk to you," Lucas came rushing out of the conference area.

"Luke, give me a minute, please," Nathan said, his eyes still on Haley.

"Haley, there are some things I need to explain--its not what it seems"

"Nathan!" Lucas said, a sense of urgency in his voice.

"Lucas, damn, can it wait?!" Nathan said in a frustrated tone.

"I'm sorry...I know you're trying to talk but no, it can't wait...I wanted to at least warn you."

"Warn me about what?" Nathan said, looking at Lucas for the first time, a look of confusion.

Lucas sighed and looked past Nathan now, to the front door. Nathan followed Lucas' gaze to see the Bentley's walking through the front door.

"It's what I was trying to tell you..." Lucas trailed off.

It was then that Nathan could see who the Bentley's had brought to the meeting, early and unexpectedly.

"Hello Nathan," a cool female voice said with that unmistakable accent.

Nathan's tone remained firm and even, "Hello Lisa."