I'm concerned that I've made Haley pretty…

Once again this update is much later than I wanted. I'm deeply sorry. The excuse for this time is this: I could not write. I don't know what happened, but for some reason when I sat down to write, and I did almost every day (I promise I do not forget you oth4evernaley :) ) I would end up deleting everything I wrote. Then one day, at around three o'clock in the morning I started typing and not deleting and this is the result. I hope it is not horrible.

Now just as a warning: On Sunday I leave for the summer camp I've gone to ever since I was 12 and that I'm now a counselor at. I get back late Friday night and hope to update since it is the one year anniversary of when I first published The Dreamer's life, however I doubt I actually will since I just got this chapter done. After I get back, I work on Saturday and the next day I leave for a journalism workshop and won't get back until August 1st where I will be preoccupied with Breaking Dawn (I can't wait!)….I'm sorry that there will most likely be another break in updating, I don't know how you guys put up with me, but I'm thankful that you have.

Anyway, please Read and Review. I am very grateful for all those that do! You guys make my day!

Disclaimer: I do not own One Tree Hill or any of the characters and such.

Bold face is reality with Haley in a coma, Normal is the dream world, and Italics are the thoughts and memories.

The next installment of the story shall now begin in a hospital room formerly full of despair….

Hazelwood vs. Kuhlmeier

"Nathan," Brooke said as her jaw dropped. Nathan had entered the hospital room changed from when he had left hours before. His dirty khaki pants and light blue shirt were gone, replaced by a pair of khaki shorts and a red polo. Over his right shoulder he held up what looked like several outfits. His raven colored hair that had been so messy was now neatly combed, just as it had before the championship. The most striking difference came from his blue eyes. Instead of the watery, guilty, weak look that had possessed them since the accident was a look of determination. There still was guilt and sadness in them but they were miniscule now. Brooke knew Nathan was tired of wallowing in self-inflicted misery, it was time to be strong for Haley. Nathan symbolized this through what he carried in his left hand, a bouquet of purple flowers.

Brooke smiled. She remembered Haley talking about the small purple flowers at their first wedding and the purple flowers thrown about at their second.

"Hey Brooke," Nathan said as he walked towards her. He set down the clothes in an empty chair and placed the flowers on Haley's bedside table. Then he kissed her lightly on the forehead. "Hey Hales, come back soon" he whispered. Next he crossed the room back to a now-standing Brooke and pulled her into a tight hug.

Brooke awkwardly pat him on the bat. "Um thanks Nate?"

"No thank you Brooke," he said sincerely. "I couldn't have made it through this time without you. Your strength inspired me, and I know it inspired the others too. I'll always be grateful for you for all that you've done for me…and for Haley."

Brooke gave him a small and sincere smile. "You're a good guy Nathan Scott."

Nathan let her go and she pulled away. "Just give me a call if you need anything or if anything happens," she said quietly as she left the hospital room. It wasn't often someone complimented Brooke Davis' strength and it always touched her deeply when someone did.

"I'm back Hales. I'm here if you need me. Always and forever," Nathan said as he sat in the chair he had occupied for so long as a miserable man.

"Just one tiny hint?" Haley asked from the back seat while Brooke and Peyton sat in the front seats of Brooke's car.

Brooke grinned. She was enjoying this. "Nope. It's only a few minutes Tutor-girl and then you'll find out."

Haley mumbled something along the lines of "That's too long" while Peyton laughed, enjoying the afternoon with her friends.

"Peyton, can you do me a favor?" Brooke asked as the three neared the River Court.

"What's up B. Davis?" Peyton replied.

"Remember what we did to Annie Marvis at cheer camp in eighth grade?"

Peyton nodded slowly and questioningly in response.

"Can you do that to Tutor-Girl real quick? Check the glovebox."

Peyton raised her eyebrow but all the same opened Brooke's glovebox to reveal a red bandana simply sitting there. "You really planned this didn't you?"

"A girl is always prepared," she said innocently.

Peyton rolled her eyes as she unbuckled herself and climbed through the gap in seats so she was next to a very confused Haley.

When Haley was looking over at Brooke and not at Peyton, Peyton slipped the bandana over Haley's eyes and tied it tightly. "Sorry Haley, but it's Brooke's orders and you know what happens when someone doesn't listen to what Brooke has to say."

Haley struggled for a minute but then decided it was pointless and simply leaned back in her seat with a scowl.

"Alright we're at the River Court. I know that," Haley said after Peyton and Brooke had led Haley out to the center of the basketball court. "So why did I have to be blindfolded?"

With an excited smile Brooke answered, "For this!" She yanked the bandana off of Haley's eyes and watched her face with anticipation.

Haley blinked. All on the ground were purple petals of flowers that were around when Nathan and Haley had gotten married. She didn't know Brooke had listened when Haley had told her about them. The sun was setting and placed in strategic places on the basketball court were small candles which gave off a romantic light. And at three spots on the court were red blankets with plates, glasses, silverware, and a basket full of food on them. On the red blanket right in front of Haley there was also a tall, dark, handsome man wearing a suit that looked amazing on him. It was none other than Nathan Scott with a smirk across his lips as he watched the love of his life.

Haley broadly smiled. She loved it.

"Thank you Brooke," Haley whispered.

Nathan stood and reached his hand out towards Haley. "What do you say to an evening picnic?"

"I would love it," Haley answered with another smile as she took Nathan's outstretched hand.

Jake walked up next to Peyton in his own suit. "What about you Peyton? Are you willing to go through this whole fancy date thing?"

Peyton smiled to herself. "I guess I could for just this one night."

Brooke watched her four best friends happily begin to open the picnic baskets on their blankets and pull out their food. She was pleased she had gotten this together, however she was disappointed Lucas wasn't around. He had said something about Keith being back in town and going to see his mom, so Brooke understood, but it still hurt.

A moment later, Brooke Davis felt a tap at her shoulder. She turned to see none other than Lucas Scott, with the smile he seemed to reserve for her.

"May I have the pleasure of your company this evening?" He asked her, he even added a slight bow as he put his hand out comfortingly in front of her.

Brooke nodded and put her hand into his warm one. "I thought you weren't coming," she whispered as they walked to their blanket.

"Keith and my mom aren't the only important people in my life you know. Lately, I've really begun to realize how little time we get with people and our acts of self-sacrifice aren't always necessary. I could sacrifice this night with the best girl in the world to look for my long-lost uncle who if I find things probably won't go very well or I could do my best to make the girl who does everything she can to make others happy, happy."

Brooke smiled and leaned in to him. She loved how Lucas knew exactly what to say to her without making it sound cheesy and rehearsed.

"Hey Nathan," Haley said quietly and seriously a few minutes after Brooke, Lucas, Jake, and Peyton left with mysterious looks on their faces as they made up excuses for as to why they suddenly had to leave. Nathan and Haley knew that really, all they wanted was some time alone with each other.

"Hey Haley," Nathan replied with a smile at her.

Haley started to fiddle with her finger. "Can I tell you something?"

Nathan sat up and scooted closer to Haley so their legs were intertwined. "What is it Hales?"

With a deep breath, Haley rushed out, "I want you to know something. If something ever happens, I want you to know that I am the happiest and most content when I'm with you Nathan Scott. I love the tour, I love my parents, I love my friends, but Nathan, none of those things come close to you. I know we're supposed to be 'living in the moment' and not thinking about the future, but I just had to let you know Nathan for future reference, you are the bright spot in my life."

Rain began to fall from the sky as Nathan stared into Haley's brown eyes. "Nothing is going to happen Hales. We can't get torn apart ever again. I won't let anything happen to you."

Haley smiled playfully, "Not if I protect you first."

"Protect me from what?" Nathan whispered as he leaned into Haley, "the mean old Chris Keller? I could kick that scrawny wannabe punk star's ass anytime."

"Oh but you see, he could always come back for you, but I could protect you and keep him away forever with my special powers."

Nathan smirked as he got even closer to Haley. "Special powers? I like the sound of that," he said in a husky tone.

Haley whispered seductively, "Maybe I could show you."

Finally, their lips collided. The kiss was slow and tender. Nathan and Haley were content just letting their mouths work together with the rain falling on and around them.

"Brooke, what if Nathan and Haley are making out and we see it?" Lucas whined as Brooke approached the River Court in her car.

"Lucas, I forgot my cell phone in that picnic basket! I have to go get it."

"Oh no! Brooke, you might be parted from your phone for a whole night! The world is going to end!" Lucas teased.

Brooke glared in response and suddenly Lucas' mouth went dry in fear. He didn't say anything more to tease Brooke.

"I'll be right back," Brooke said as she jumped out of the car and ran through the rain to where she had left her picnic basket. She grabbed the whole basket and the blanket before running back to Lucas and her car. When she got there she saw Lucas standing outside with the trunk already open for her.

"Thank you Broody," Brooke said as she lightly kissed him on the lips.

Lucas smiled, "It was my pleasure Cherry."

Out of the corner of her eye Brooke saw a flash of something. "What was that?" She asked Lucas.

Lucas' confused expression went over his face as he replied, "What?"

"Over in those bushes, there was a flash."

"Brooke, it was probably lightning."

Brooke shook her head. "I checked the weather just this afternoon. It's only supposed to rain, not thunderstorm." She started towards where the flash had come from. Lucas hesitated for a second before he followed her.

When they were a good fifteen feet away there was another flash. Lucas' expression turned from questioning to serious and worried. He realized what was going on; someone was photographing his best friend and his brother on their blanket.

Nathan pulled Haley as he leaned backwards so she fell on top of him. Haley laughed as she collided with his strong chest but the two didn't lose contact.

They were completely wrapped in each other's arms and so in the moment they noticed nothing of what was going on around them.

"Lucas!" Brooke exclaimed as Lucas started to charge for the tree where the flash had come from.

He ignored her. He reached the tree and instantly collided with something hard.

"Umph," a male's voice groaned.

Lucas didn't wait for anything else. He immediately got up and grabbed the person from the shirt collar. "What are you doing?" He demanded.

"What the hell man?" The photographer asked. He had light wavy red hair and blue eyes. "I'm just doing my job!"

"And what is your job?" Lucas growled as Brooke caught up with him. She had only seen Lucas act like this once before, when someone had drugged Peyton's drink at a college party early in their junior year.

"To take pictures of that singer chick with her mysterious guy! Some girl called saying she knew the whole story behind Haley James and her husband! She said if we went here tonight we would find them together and get some pictures!"

Lucas held the man up to the tree. "Who was this girl?"

"I don't know! We have to protect our sources!"

"Who are you then?" Brooke asked from behind Lucas.

The man didn't answer. He didn't want to tell the two 'crazy' teenagers who he was and get jumped again. However, he was painfully shoved into a tree.

"I'm Herc Donavan, a reporter for Us Weekly. In the next issue, a story on Haley James is going to get run. Good luck keeping her and that guy protected from the paparazzi after that, especially if they keep up this PDA fest."

Without anyone noticing, Brooke swiftly grabbed the camera out of Herc's hand. "Hey be careful with that!" He shouted.

"Oops," Brooke said innocently as she "accidently" opened the compartment where the film was stored, letting the rain ruin it.

"You bitch!" Herc shouted over the rain.

Nathan and Haley slowly rotated so that Nathan was on top and slowly kissing Haley's neck. Haley was thoroughly enjoying the feeling of Nathan against her and she never wanted it to end.

Suddenly she heard something that sounded like a scream over the rain.

"Nathan," Haley said half-heartedly while Nathan's hands began their way up over her nice shirt.

Nathan pretended not to hear her. He didn't want this moment to ever end.

A second passed and then another sound pierced the air. Haley knew for sure that this one was a scream.

Nathan didn't wait for her to say something as he reluctantly got off of her. "What was that?" he asked as he stared at the nearby trees.

"I think someone is nearby and they're in trouble!" Haley exclaimed.

With a nod, Nathan turned and started off in the direction the noise had come from. He didn't want Haley to follow him in case things were bad, however, Haley had no intention of staying behind and she quickly joined Nathan, slipping her hand in his.

"Do you know how much that camera is worth!? I'm going to sue your ass and ruin that singer's reputation forever! Nobody will ever want her to sign for them again!"

Lucas pulled his right arm away from Herc before slamming his fist into Herc's face. "Just shut up!" Lucas exclaimed. "Your camera isn't the most important thing right now!"

"You say that when your job for a successful gossip magazine is on the line and your last chance was just ruined by a dumbass high school cheerleader!"

Lucas slugged the guy. "Brooke Davis is not a dumbass and she can't be labeled as just another cheerleader."

Nathan saw movement behind a nearby tree. He could barely make out the silhouettes of three people. One figure was held up to a tree by one and the other was standing a few feet away with something in their hand.

"Haley, I think someone is getting mugged," Nathan whispered.

Haley could hardly hear him above the rain, but she knew his voice so well she could make out the words anyway.

Nathan's eyes flashed, "I'm going to rush them."

"Nathan no! You could get hurt and not end up doing any good!" Haley pointed out.

"If I just stand here, they're guaranteed to hurt the person! I can't just sit here and watch Haley, you've taught me better. Besides, two-on-two has better chances than two-against-one."

"Nathan please, think about this," Haley pleaded.

With determination, Nathan looked into Haley's eyes. He was a man now, a man that Haley had helped him become. He could no longer watch someone get hurt and do absolutely nothing, turn a blind eye to a stranger's pain for fear of his own safety. If he did that, he would be a coward and there was no way Nathan Scott was a coward.

"I'll be back soon Hales," Nathan whispered before he released her hand and charged for the tree.

"Who is you source?" Lucas demanded of Herc.

"Like I know! I'm just a grunt photographer!" Herc whined.

Lucas shoved Herc harder up against the tree and leaned his face even closer, more dangerously, "You sure you don't know?"

The man managed to keep eye contact for a few seconds before shutting his eyes in fear.

"Do you want me to hit you again?" Lucas threatened. He hated being violent and mean, but when it came to his best friend, nobody hurt her and got away with it. Herc violently shook his head in response to Lucas' question. "Then ANSWER me!"

Herc never got a chance to answer because his questioner was thrown to the ground after getting hit in the head by someone's powerful fist.

"Lucas!" Brooke exclaimed as she ran forward out of the shadows to check on Lucas.

Nathan blinked in shock, "Lucas?"

Brooke lifted her head to stare at Lucas' attacker, "Nathan?"

"Brooke?"

Nathan looked closer at the person he had hit to see none other than his half-brother out cold on the ground.

"What's going on?" Nathan asked, confused. "I thought you and Lucas were mugging that guy."

"Catch him!" Brooke yelled as Herc started to run away. Nathan knew he could never catch him in the dark but started after him anyway.

A minute later there was a scream from the opposite direction that Nathan had run towards.

"I got him!" Haley yelled from a distance. "He actually tripped off my foot!"

That's my girl, Nathan smiled proudly. "Where are you Hales?" Nathan called out.

"Right by our picnic blanket!" Haley replied over the rain.

Nathan nodded. He figured he could find his way to there easy enough, now he just had to find Brooke and Lucas again.

That turned out to be an easy task as well since Lucas had started to moan in pain.

"Luke man, I'm sorry," Nathan said quickly when he found Brooke and him.

Lucas didn't say anything but Nathan knew that he forgave him anyway. Nathan carefully picked Lucas up off the ground and, with the help of Brooke, shouldered him to the blanket where Herc Donavan was. He was moaning as well, but much louder and whinier than Lucas.

"I think he twisted his ankle," Haley explained sheepishly.

Lucas lifted his head where a large bruise was already forming over his eye. "Good," he said simply.

"Now can you explain what's going on?" Nathan asked, exasperated.

Brooke looked at Lucas and knew she had to tell the whole story by herself without any help.

With a deep breath she began, "This guy's name is Herc Donavan. He's a photographer for Us Weekly. He was taking pictures of you two. Apparently, someone has called in with tips about you guys and where you would be. There's going to be a story about you two in the next issue."

Haley's breath caught. This was not good. If the record company got wind of this they would yank her out of Tree Hill and away from Nathan in a second.

Nathan's face suddenly contorted into a mask of anger. He hated publicity. This would cause strain in every relationship in his life and dark secrets of his past might surface, ruining his future with basketball and with Haley.

Haley's deep brown eyes were full of hurt as she asked Brooke the question Brooke had been asking herself since she and Lucas found Herc, "Who would ever do that?"

Brooke only shook her head in response. "I don't know Tutor Girl."

Suddenly, Herc Donavan started to laugh. "I know who it was," he giggled. The four teenagers stared at the in-pain man, "It was this girl. She called sayin that she had dirt on the singer who tabloids had covered recently . She said this girl was a real tool, left home and then come back actin like nothing bad had happened." Herc's charming voice was slipping into a broken accent. "Seemed to me like she held a real grudge against Haley James…or should I say Haley James Scott? Us Weekly loved the idea and it's going to run front page."

Brooke and Haley froze. They didn't want to, but they suspected someone anyway. There was one person who knew all the dirt on Haley and until recently held a grudge against her.

Is it really possible that she's been faking all this time? Haley turned and made eye contact with Brooke. She saw the same fear.

Had Peyton called the magazines in on Haley?