AN: Thanks so much for the reviews. School is finally over and I'm so freakin happy! I really hope you guys like this chapter. Next chapter is big for Naley! Please read and review! I love hearing what you guys think. Happy Mother's Day to all you Mom's out there.

Quote of the Day:

Dean: (reading from trophy) 1995.
Sam: No way. That's my Division Championship soccer trophy. I can't believe he kept this.
Dean: Probably the closest you ever got to being a boy.

Chapter Seventeen –First Day Blues

She didn't think it was possible to be this pissed but she was. She was furious. The morning had been going just fine up until her first class started. That's when it all happened, when her class started misbehaving. It all started with one boy getting the rest of the kids all riled up. She ran out in tears and Principle Turner had to end up teach the rest of her classes for the day. It was so embarrassing. She couldn't even handle one small group of kids. This was all one big mistake.

Her fingers moved softly over the piano keys.

Peyton walked into the room and took a seat right next to her. "I got your message."

"You didn't have to come down here," Haley sighed as she glanced sideways at Peyton. She had called Peyton to let her know that she was going in to record a song or two. It's not like she had anything else to do. Principle Turner had sent her home for the rest of the day. She felt like she was in high school again. It was ridiculous.

"How bad was it?"

"Horrible," Haley admitted.

"What happened?"

"I don't know. One minute I'm introducing myself and then the next this guy is just being so mean and inappropriate. He like verbally attacked me. I ran out in tears…I don't think I can go back." She felt Peyton's head resting on her shoulder as she continued playing the piano.

"Sure you can. Let that kid know who's in charge."

It seemed ridiculous to let one stupid kid intimidate her like that. His comments and his actions had been so inappropriate. The rest of the class just laughed and encouraged him. How could she go back now? They had already run her out once. What would be stopping them tomorrow or the next day?

"I don't know if I can."

"I believe you can. You're the teacher and they're the students. Make sure that they know that you're the boss. You can do it, girlie," Peyton encouraged.

"And if he acts the same way tomorrow?"

Peyton smirked. "I'll kick is ass or worse, I'll send Brooke after him. That punk won't be the same if I send Brooke after him. What's this kids name anyway?"

"I don't even know," Haley laughed.

"Little punk," Peyton muttered. "I bet if you tell Nathan he'd take care of it for you." She wiggled her eyebrows with a huge smile on her face.

"I'm not some damsel in distress. I can take care of myself. I don't want him knowing about this," Haley stated while looking up at Peyton. She didn't want him knowing because she knew how pissed he would be.

"Then I won't say anything."

"Thanks."

"No problem, girlie. Now how about we record this kick ass song?"

"I'm ready whenever you are," Haley commented. Peyton was on her feet and out the door a second later. Haley watched through the window as Peyton set everything up. She lifted the headphones and placed them on as she waited for Peyton. They had started on this song yesterday but didn't get very far. Peyton gave her a thumbs up and then her fingers started on the piano. She had written it years ago after running off to live in New York.

It's October again
Leaves are coming down
One more year's come and gone
And nothing's changed at all
Wasn't I supposed to be someone
Who can face the things that I've been running from...

Let me feel, I don't care if I breakdown
Let me fall, even if I hit the ground
And if I...
Cry a little
Die a little
At least I know I lived, just a little...

I've become much too good at being invincible
I'm an expert at play it safe, and keep it cool
But I swear this isn't who I'm meant to be
I refuse to let my life roll all over me...

She removed the headphones as she heard Peyton over the intercom. "That was great, Haley."

"Thanks, Peyt."

"This album is going to kick ass, Haley James!" Peyton announced confidently.

"I sure hope so."

"We're halfway there."

"I'm glad this is working out because the teaching thing…not so much," Haley muttered as Peyton walked back into the recording room and sat next to her.

"Just give it time," Peyton explained. "I'm sure things will work out just fine."

"Funny," Haley smiled. "That's what Nathan said this morning when I told him how nervous I was about my first day." He had showed up early this morning with coffee and breakfast for her first day. It was really sweet. He had calmed her fears but that didn't last long. Once he was gone her nerves seemed to kick into overdrive as if making up for time that they missed.

"How are things going between the two of you? He's been really secretive lately and Brooke and I hate it. He's never been that way with us before," Peyton smiled before nudging her in the side. She jumped.

"Things are good. Since last Monday things have been moving forward. He wasn't happy about the whole Chris thing but he says he's fine with it now. I told him the truth about my relationship with Chris and he said he believes me."

That night they had talked about things and she told him all about Chris Keller and everything leading up to her being back here. She put everything out in the open and let him know that she wanted to try with him again and he wanted the same thing. Now they were hanging out and having fun.

"That's good," Peyton mumbled. "I swear I had no idea when I booked them to play."

"I know," Haley laughed. "I can't believe that I didn't figure it out."

"I was freaking out when Lucas came to tell me who Chris was," Peyton laughed. "I'm so sorry."

"Don't be. I'm glad that I finally got to move on and it gave me a chance to give him his ring back." They were done officially now.

"Then I'm not sorry."

Although Chris being in Tree Hill had surprised her, she was glad to have closure. Now she didn't have to worry and wonder where he was or what he was doing. Chris was fine and living his dream. She couldn't be happier for him. He was finally living the life that he was meant to live, without her. And she was here living hers.

"I knew I would find you losers here."

"Well, look who decided to come out of hiding," Peyton teased.

"I have not been hiding," Mia smiled.

"I haven't seen you since you stole my date last weekend," Haley commented with a teasing smile. Mia rolled her eyes as she took a seat.

"You win some, you lose some," Mia shrugged.

Haley laughed. "How are things going with Chase?"

"I had my first flying lesson this morning," Mia smiled brightly.

"How was it?"

"Well, I don't really know. We didn't get much flying done if you know what I mean," Mia giggled as she wiggled her eyebrows.

"You little slut," Peyton laughed.

"It was so worth it," Mia smiled shamelessly.

"I take it things are going well then," Haley smiled.

Mia nodded. "He's so great and funny. He makes me laugh."

"And that's all it takes for you? Man you're easy."

"What can I say? I'm a sucker for any man that can make me laugh."

"I've never seen this side of you before," Peyton laughed as she glanced at Mia.

"Now you have," Mia winked. "Now, I want to hear all the songs that you recorded so far and I won't take no for an answer!"

"Has she always been this bossy?" Haley whispered over to Peyton.

"Girls got a whole new attitude," Peyton commented. "I like it."

"Maybe she can straighten out my demonic class."

"I think you're on your own with that."

"I was afraid you'd say that," Haley muttered with a pout.

~***~

"What do you mean she wasn't there?"

"I went to surprise her with lunch but she wasn't in her classroom," Nathan repeated as he sat at his office desk. Lucas was standing across from his desk with his arms over his chest.

"And you found Turner instead?" Lucas asked confused.

"Yep," Nathan nodded. "He said that she left earlier. Something about have a bad day. I bet those kids in her class must have did something to upset her. I tried calling but her cell is off. I'm going to go to her house as soon as school is over."

"I hope everything is ok."

"I'm sure it is."

"What are you guys doing tonight?"

"I'm making dinner and then we're watching a movie," Nathan answered with a smile. Things had been going so well for them. They had done a lot of talking over the last week and he was sure that they sorted out most of their problems from the past.

He wasn't too thrilled about the whole Chris Keller situation. In fact, he hated it. The thought that she was engaged to another man did nothing but piss him off. He thought the whole situation was fucked up. Watching them kiss had been the worse. Sure Haley had pushed the guy away but for those few seconds that their lips touched was pure torture. He had never felt pain like that. He wouldn't be able to control himself if something like that happened again. Sure he had seemed cool after watching them but on the inside he had wanted to beat Chris Keller so badly. That guy had been asking for it. He had kept his cool though even though it took everything in him.

But she had assured him that she was just hiding with Chris and he believed her. He had been hiding with his string of one night stands. He was just glad that they were over and she was with him now.

"You're cooking?"

"Yes, I am."

"I wish I could see that," Lucas chuckled.

"I'll have you know that I'm an excellent cook," Nathan muttered.

"You are not," Lucas commented.

"I could be."

"But you're not," Lucas mumbled.

"I know. One gay cook in the family is good enough," Nathan smiled. They both had a quick laugh over the fact that Julian was a really good cook. As always it was just between the two of them and Brooke wasn't around. Nathan was sure that Brooke would kick both of their asses if she ever found out that they made fun of Julian behind his back.

Julian was one of his best friends but he couldn't get over the fact that the dude could cook as good as he did. And once Nathan had seen him in his apron, well that had been enough for him and Lucas to have a good laugh every time they went over.

"Don't forget the finishing of the tree house is this weekend. We're going camping in Brooke's back yard," Lucas reminded him.

"I know. Those kids are going to keep us up all night. You know that, right?"

"I figured that much."

"It'll be fun."

"Yeah, we've been working on that thing forever. It's going to be nice to see the boys finally playing in it. And I just remembered that I have to pick them up some walkie talkies before the big night." He had promised them that he would have them before the tree house was finished.

"Hayden's already got the camping gear ready," Lucas chuckled.

"Yeah, the twins are pretty hype about it. They've got a stash of candy just ready."

"It's going to be a long night," Lucas commented.

"Don't worry, I'm bringing the Playstation."

"Sweet."

"I'm hoping that Jordan will give me a rematch."

"He won't. I asked him the other day and he said that I can suck it because he's the champ."

"He's never going to let us live this down."

"Tell me about it," Lucas muttered before rolling his eyes.

"Is Sam in any of your classes?" Nathan asked. Lucas took a seat and relaxed himself before shaking his head.

"I ran into her in the hallway. She had Haley second period."

"Did she know what happened?"

"She didn't say anything," Lucas answered while shrugging. "I'm sure it's nothing."

"I hope you're right," Nathan muttered. "She was really nervous about it this morning."

"Yeah, I know."

"She's fine," Nathan muttered hopefully.

"If you're going to worry about anything I'd worry about what you're cooking tonight."

He rolled his eyes. "Let it go already. I can cook."

"Being able to order takeout does not qualify you as a cook," Lucas pointed out with a chuckle.

"Kiss my ass," Nathan retorted.

"No thanks," Lucas smirked.

"I can cook," Nathan muttered under his breath. He heard his brother laughing again but he just ignored him.

His eyes landed on the picture of them on his desk. He hoped that everything was ok. He hated not knowing where she was and if she was alright. He couldn't wait to until the day was over and he got to see her.

~***~

She walked into her house and instantly smelt food coming from the kitchen. She smiled as she made her way towards it. She had noticed Nathan's truck in the driveway and she knew he was here. Once she was in the kitchen she noticed him standing over the stove. She watched him for a few minutes until he noticed her.

"There you are," Nathan muttered as he dropped the spoon and walked towards her. He reached for her hand and took it in his. "What happened?"

"It was horrible. My first class like attacked me and Principle Turner had to take the rest of my classes for the day. So I went to the studio and recorded a few songs with the help of Mia and Peyton," Haley answered tiredly. "How was your day?"

"Besides worrying about you, it was fine. What do you mean your class attacked you?"

"I didn't mean to make you worry and it was nothing, really."

"I'm sure it was something if they ran you out of class. Who was it?"

"Nathan, really I'm fine."

He hesitated. "As long as you're ok."

"I am now," Haley smiled.

"I hope you don't mind. I let myself in with the spare key."

"Not at all."

"I'm sorry that your first class upset you," Nathan muttered before leaning in and kissing her softly on her forehead. He placed his arms around her and held her to him for a few minutes. It felt nice to be in his arms.

"I'm glad you here, Nathan. It smells really good."

"I figured you'd like it," Nathan smiled as he pulled away. She stood there watching him as he moved around the kitchen. She didn't know what Brooke was talking about when she said she hated Julian cooking. Seeing Nathan standing in front of the stove she couldn't help but think how sexy he looked. It wasn't long before he held two bowls in his hands as he smiled at her. "Dinner is served."

He walked over to the table and placed both bowls down before grabbing their drinks on the counter. She took a seat and smiled when she noticed the Mac and Cheese.

"Food of the Gods, right?" Nathan chuckled.

She smiled touched. "You remembered that, huh?"

"Of course, I did. I remember that date Brooke made us go on. We went to that fancy restaurant and you made me eat this," Nathan chuckled as he pointed to his bowl.

"That was a fun night," Haley smiled.

"Up until I ruined it," Nathan muttered with a grimace. "Sorry about that."

"Its fine," Haley smiled. "It was a good night and you more than made up for it the next morning." A flash of that first kiss ran through her mind and she smiled brightly. With the look he was giving her she knew that he was remembering it too.

She took a bite and smiled as he watched her.

"How is it?" Nathan questioned.

"Good," Haley smiled before taking another bite. He smiled and she couldn't help but think that his face was a little smug. He started eating and before she knew it they were both done and she was helping him clean up the mess they made. It had been a week of them hanging out every night like this and she was loving it. There was just something about being this close with him that made her insides melt. This was the first night that he had cooked for them. Usually it was her cooking for him before they either talked or watched a movie, sometimes both. It was nice.

Once the kitchen was clean she excused herself and went change out of her work clothes. She changed quickly and rushed downstairs. He was waiting in the living room with the TV remote in his hands as he flipped through the channels.

He smiled once he noticed her and she quickly took a seat next to him. Even though it had only been a week of this it felt like that they had been doing it way longer. There was something so familiar and comforting in spending her nights with him. It was like they had been doing this forever.

"What are we watching?"

"There's nothing on." He continued to flip through the channels before giving up and walking over to the DVD collection in the corner of the living room. She waited as he looked through each of them. He returned a few seconds later with Miss Congeniality in his hands.

"You want to watch Miss Congeniality?" Haley asked amused.

"It's either this or Bring It On and I'm not watching that again!"

"And that's all you could find. Nathan, there's at least a hundred movies there."

"All of them are chick flicks. I swear, Hales. Don't you own anything with action?"

She rolled her eyes as he placed in the DVD. "These are from back when I lived here which was a long time ago!"

"Your taste in movies sucks!"

"Hey," Haley pouted.

"It's the truth, Hales. Who the hell owns Clueless?"

"I do and I love that movie!"

"My point exactly," Nathan commented with a grin.

"Who cares about the movie? I just want you to hold me…don't you want to hold me?"

She looked at him with those beautiful expectant chocolate orbs. He was a sucker for those eyes.

"Still," Nathan muttered with a huge grin. "I'm bringing the movie tomorrow."

"Whatever you want," Haley smiled as he took a seat next to her. She cuddled up next to him as the movie started. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders pulling her into him and she smiled as her body pressed into his. The movie started and she was totally content in his arms. It was nice being this way with him again.

It wasn't long before her head was resting on his shoulder and her eyes were getting heavier. She wrapped her arm around his torso. Nathan started laughing at the movie. He seemed to be enjoying it. She smiled. The movie continued.

She yawned. "I'm so tired."

"Sweet dreams, Hales."

She felt his lips press on her forehead a second later. Then she was gone in his arms. She vaguely felt his arms wrap tightly around her and hold her close. She smiled in her tiredness before there was nothing but her dreams of him.

~***~

She was seriously dreading this all morning. Nathan had woken her up with breakfast early this morning before he left to get ready. It seemed that both of them fell asleep on the sofa last night watching the movie. She had to admit it was nice waking up next to him. Then he picked her up and they drove to school together and now she was sitting at her desk dreading the start of class.

"You really don't have to stay."

"But I want to," Nathan smiled as he sat at the edge of her desk. "You sure you're ok?"

"I'm fine," Haley mumbled.

"You don't look it," Nathan commented as he glanced at her.

"Thanks," Haley muttered sarcastically.

"I didn't mean it that way. You know I didn't," Nathan smiled halfheartedly. "You seem tense. Just tell me what happened yesterday?"

"It's nothing," Haley muttered. "I overreacted."

"Did someone say something to you?" Nathan pressed.

"Nathan, I said I'm fine. Thank you for worrying but I can handle it."

"If you say so," Nathan mumbled under his breath. The only thing calming her right now was him being so close to her. He was sitting there in dark jeans and a blue Raven's polo, looking really sexy.

Slowly she could see a few kids trail into her room one at a time before taking a seat. Her heart began to pound in her chest and her hands started to shake. This was so stupid. They were just kids. Still. She was terrified of what they would do today. She was so glad that Nathan insisted on walking her to class and then staying with her until the bell rang. She was grateful that she still had five minutes left.

"It just seems like something is bothering you," Nathan continued.

"Hello, Miss James," Quentin grinned. "Coach."

Her face fell.

She looked up nervously to see him grinning at her as he walked towards his desk. She could feel Nathan's eyes on her and then moving to the boy still grinning at her. She swallowed the lump in her throat before looking up at Nathan. Once he saw her face he looked pissed.

"Q in the hall now," Nathan said loudly as he stood up.

She glanced around nervously and watched as the boy stood up and walked out into the hall just like he was told. Nathan followed him out seconds later. She sat there nervously as she waited for them to return. All the rest of the kids in the class just sat there trying to look out the door to see what was going on. She couldn't blame them, she was doing the same. She wanted to know what was happening. It was minutes later when Quentin returned and walked up to her desk slowly. Her heart started pounding out of control, she was so nervous. Why was she afraid of him? Oh, right, because he humiliated me in front of everyone yesterday.

"I'm sorry, Miss James," Quentin muttered while looking at the ground. "It won't happen again."

What the hell?

"Apology accepted," Haley muttered in shock. He walked back to his desk with his head down before taking a seat and pulling out his books. Haley took a deep breath before standing up and writing her name on the board. When no one started cutting up, she finally relaxed and turned around with a smile before she started her first official day of teaching. "Hello. I'm Miss James…"