This chapter takes place after the last one:
Nathan felt himself being dragged through a crowd. He was drunk, and didn't know what was happening. He felt his back slam against a wall. He knew he should be feeling pain but he didn't. All he felt was emptiness. Rachel was kissing Nathan hard, and all Nathan could think about was Haley. He knew he shouldn't and he knew that he should be kissing Rachel back, but he wasn't. He just stood there, letting Rachel take control. All Nathan thought about was how he wished it was Haley kissing him. He didn't know why but he felt like he was cheating on Haley.
Stop! She doesn't like you! She's going on a date tomorrow. You aren't dating. Rachel wants you, just give her what she wants.
Nathan kept repeating those same lines in his head, but he still couldn't get Haley out of his head.
Rachel started to unbutton Nathan's shirt, and he didn't know what to do. He knew he'd never forgive himself if he slept with her. All he wanted to do was get over Haley, but somehow he knew even if he slept with Rachel, he still wouldn't be over Haley. All he'd be doing is ruining his chance with Haley.
"Rachel. Stop." Nathan said pushing her off of him.
Rachel wouldn't stop. "I know you want me Nathan." She purred.
"No, the whole time I was picturing Haley. I bet she's a better kisser though." Nathan spat.
"I can help you get your mind off of her. C'mon you know you want to." Rachel insisted.
"You're pathetic!" Nathan slurred, and with that he walked out of the bar. He knew he was in no state to drive, but he didn't know who to call. Lucas was out of the question, and he didn't want Haley to see him like this. He pulled out his phone and dialed Brooke's number.
"Hello?" He asked in a sleepy voice.
"Brooke, it's Nathan." He slurred.
"Where are you? Haley has been looking for you all night! And are you drunk?" Brooke yelled.
Nathan's heart warmed when he heard that Haley was concerned and looking for him, but he felt bad that while she was thinking of him, he was about to hook up with some random girl.
"I'm at Tric, and yeah I'm wasted. Can you pick me up?" He begged.
"God Nathan! I thought you weren't going to drink anymore! What's wrong with you? What if something happened?"
"Brooke, I'm fine, just pick me up."
Brooke inhaled deeply. "Fine. I'm coming now." With that, she hung up and Nathan sat on the bench waiting for Brooke. After a little while, Brooke pulled up in the front of Tric, and Nathan got into the passenger seat. Brooke looked at him and slapped him across the face.
"What the hell!" Nathan yelled.
"That's for waking me up!' Then she slapped him again.
"That's for drinking!"
And she slapped him once more. "That's for not telling Haley how you feel!"
She was about to slap him again, but Nathan caught her hand. "Stop! I get it okay! I'm a screw up."
Brooke gave Nathan a sad smile. "No you're not."
"Yes I am. I let the best thing that ever happened to me slip through my fingers."
Brooke put her hand on Nathan's arm. "It's not over yet. She doesn't even like Mike, I bet once she goes out with him she's going to realize that he's not you, and she'll admit she likes you."
"She would've said no to him if she liked me…" Nathan sighed.
"Haley's just confused. Just have faith in her, she'll come around."
"What if she doesn't?"
Brooke laughed. "She will. Just give her time. You're Nathan Scott, remember?"
Nathan frowned. "I don't want to be Nathan Scott."
"Why not?"
"He's not good enough for her. No one is."
Brooke smiled. "This is adorable."
"I'm glad you take enjoyment out of my misery." Nathan said rolling his eyes.
"No, it's just cute how much you care about her."
"I don't think she even realizes how much I do."
"That's because you need to tell her!"
"I was going to! I bought her the flowers, I had a whole plan, and stupid Mike ruined it."
"Wait! You bought her the flowers?" Brooke asked.
"Yeah," Nathan nodded.
"She thinks Mike did." Brooke said.
"Yeah that idiot blew up my spot." Nathan growled.
"But I don't understand this."
"Well today he got her flowers and took credit for the other times." Nathan explained.
"How'd he know about the other two times?" Brooke asked.
"I don't know!" Nathan yelled.
Brooke huffed. "I'm so pissed!"
"Yeah well how do you think I feel?" Nathan asked.
"Sorry. I know how much you like her."
"Why doesn't Luke approve?"
Brooke bit her lip. "He's just… protective of her."
"But why doesn't he trust me? I'm his cousin! I would never hurt Hales."
"I know that, I guess he just figures because of your reputation.." Brooke advised.
"Dammit!" Nathan screamed punching the dash board. "I would take back every single hook up, just to date Haley. I hate myself! My past always gets in the way of everything!"
"Nathan, you didn't know you would meet Haley."
"Yeah but if I did, I would have never acted the way I did. I would take back every girl I've ever screwed, and I would've married her already!"
Brooke knew Nathan was drunk, because he never talked about marriage.
"You should talk to Lucas."
"I tried! He won't listen! I'm beginning to think he has feelings for her or something." Nathan growled.
Brooke laughed uncontrollably. "I don't think so Nate."
Nathan scowled. "Then I don't understand why he's acting like this!"
"Look, I told you I'd work on him. Don't worry about Lucas, just worry about yourself." Brooke said.
"Haley's going to say no if she knows Lucas isn't okay with it." Nathan pouted.
"Just don't worry about it. Look, you're going to that event on Friday with her. I'll make sure she looks hot, and you can wear a tux, and then you can tell her. It'll be great!" Brooke clapped excitedly.
Nathan smiled. "She always looks hot."
Brooke laughed. "I'm really happy for you Nathan. I can see you're really trying."
"Thanks Brooke. Right now you're the only one who understands. I appreciate everything." Nathan smiled.
"Well I'm glad to help. I think Haley would be good for you, and even if she doesn't realize it yet, I think you're going to be good for her too. Even a blind person can see how much you like each other."
"Really?" Nathan asked smiling.
"Yeah. You need to fight for her Nathan. Don't give up. It might take time, but I think that when you and Haley finally get together it's going to be amazing! I'm backing up Naley 100 percent!" Brooke said smiling.
"What the hell is a naley?" Nathan asked chuckling.
"Naley is you and Haley's couple name! N for Nathan and aley for Haley. Duh." Brooke said excitedly.
Nathan laughed. "You're ridiculous, Davis."
"I think it's cute."
"Yeah it kind of is." Nathan said.
"Yeah you're definitely drunk. Let's get you home."
…..
The next morning Haley dropped Jackson off at Brooke's house, and Haley wanted to talk to Brooke about yesterday.
"Did you ever find Nate?" Haley asked.
Brooke was still a little upset that Haley was going on a date, but she was still her best friend, and she had a plan. Brooke Davis always had a plan. She wanted Naley together, and she always gets what she wants.
"Yeah, he was at Tric."
"On a Wednesday night?" Haley asked concerned.
"Yeah, he was in a bad mood. He drank for the first time in 3 months. He said he was never going to drink again."
Haley felt bad. "Why?'
"Long story." Brooke shrugged.
"Are you mad at me Brookie?" Haley asked.
"No, I'm just confused. I don't know why you're going on a date tonight."
Before Haley answered, Jackson joined the conversation. "Are you going on a date with Nathan?" Jackson asked smiling.
Haley shook her head. "No sweetie, someone else."
Jackson frowned. "Oh. Well, can Nathan watch me tonight?"
Haley bit her lip. "We'll see."
"Okay." With that Jackson went back to watching tv.
Brooke smiled. "He loves Nathan."
"I know." Haley said smirking. "Nathan's so good with him."
"Okay back to the topic. It's obvious you like Nate, so why the hell are you going out with someone different?"
Haley took a deep breath. "I just had a silly crush on Nathan, it was stupid. He doesn't even like me, he's just being nice to me, and silly me fell for his charms." Haley said blinking back tears. "I don't know why I thought he'd like me."
Brooke hugged Haley. "Aww sweetie, it's okay. How do you know Nathan doesn't like you? Maybe he does!" She said hinting around.
Haley laughed without humor. "Lucas told me about his past. He said that Nathan does this with everyone and I'm just a game to him." Haley said as a tear shed from her eyes.
Brooke frowned. "Don't listen to him! I know Nathan, and yes normally he is an ass, but I really think he changed, and I think it's because of you."
Haley laughed through her tears. "I doubt that."
"It's true! But if you don't like Mike why are you going out tonight?"
Haley sighed. "I guess I just wanted to get over Nathan."
"Okay, let's pretend Nathan likes you. What would you do?" Brooke asked trying to be covert.
Haley bit her lip. "I don't know."
"Seriously!"
Haley took a deep breath. "I don't think anything could happen."
"What! Why?"
"We work together!"
"So? You're going out with a Math teacher!"
"Yeah one date! It's not like we're official!"
"So you want to be official with Nathan?"
"No! Yes! I don't know!" Haley whined.
Brooke smiled. "Haley likes Nathan!"
"I don't want to like him Brooke."
"You can't help who you like!" Brooke advised.
"I know, but everything is so complicated. I don't think Lucas likes the idea."
"Screw Lucas he doesnt know anything. Do what makes you happy!" Brooke said.
Haley laughed. "Brooke! That's your boyfriend!"
"I don't care. I want you to be happy."
"Well I'm not telling Nathan how I feel, so you can forget that. Yes, Nathan makes me happy, but I don't even want a relationship. I'm happy the way things are."
Brooke wasn't happy with Haley's answer. "That's dumb."
"I'm just confused. Look I love talking to you, but I'm going to be late. We'll catch up later okay Brooke?"
Brooke nodded. "Okay. Have a good lunch with Nate." Brooke winked.
Haley playfully rolled her eyes. "Bye. Bye Jackson, be good love you!"
"Love you too!" He said hugging her legs.
…..
Haley decided not to have lunch with Nathan today because she would never be able to get over him if she kept this up. She did however, have to talk to him about if he would be able to watch Jackson tonight, so she stopped by his office before school started.
She walked into the gym to find him playing basketball, shirtless.
Oh my god, I don't think I've ever seen someone this hot in my entire life.
Haley bit her lip, "Nice shot!" She called after he made a basket.
Stop flirting!
"Oh hey! Thanks." Nathan said smirking, and he walked over to her shirtless.
Haley swallowed hard trying to look anywhere but at his chiseled abs.
Breathe, Haley, Breathe.
"Um, I just wanted to tell you I can't have lunch today." She said staring at his beautiful blue eyes. She felt her heart hammer in her chest.
Why do I feel like this? He doesn't like you, he' doesn't like you… She chanted.
Nathan frowned. "Oh. Okay. How come?"
"I uh, have a lot of work to do. Sorry."
Nathan faked a smile. "It's okay, I understand. Actually I should tell you what miss rumpkis said to me the other day.."
"Oh yeah! What was that all about?"
"Um she said how she doesn't approve of us going to lunch every day because students think we are dating and that's not allowed..."
Haley felt her heart sink. "Oh so are you going to listen to her?"
"Oh hell no. We are friends and I don't care what she thinks. She's a bitch, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with eating lunch with a friend." Nathan said.
Haley smiled. "I agree. I just don't want you to get in trouble..."
"Don't worry. I promise you everything will be okay." Nathan smile back at her.
"Okay good." Haley bit her lip. "I actually need a huge favor, but you don't have to do it if you don't want, so don't feel like you have to say yes, and if you have plans already that's ok…"
Nathan laughed. "haley, you're rambling."
She blushed. "Right, sorry, I just wanted to know if you can watch Jackson tonight at like 7?"
Nathan smirked. "Sure Id love to. You know how much I like Jackson."
And you...
"Okay good! Thanks so much! He's going to be so happy!" Haley said smiling.
Nathan chuckled. "Okay can't wait."
"See you later."
Nathan watched Haley leave and took a deep breath. He swallowed hard when he watched her sway her hips. She was easily the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. He was so wrapped up in Haley James, he didn't even know what hit him.
...
Nathan must've changed his outfit at least fifteen times. He knew he wasn't hanging out with Haley but he was still going to see her so he wanted to look his best. He sprayed a dash of cologne and made sure the flip in his hair was perfect. He didn't care if anyone made fun of him. He wanted Haley to think he was attractive and he was going to do everything he possibly can, even though he really didn't need to. He drove to Haley's with butterflies in his stomach. He always got excited when he saw her outside of work. Suddenly he remembered she was going on a date tonight and his blood boiled with rage. He also felt a new emotion that he never felt before- jealousy. He hardly knew this Matt guy or whatever his name was, but he was jealous how he hardly knew Haley and he got to go out with her. He would kill to be in his position.
Nathan finally arrived at Haley's house and knocked lightly on the door. He took a deep breath, not knowing what would hit him.
Haley opened the door, and he felt like all the air in his lungs had escaped. His mouth went dry. She was truly beautiful.
"Wow, you look..." Nathan couldn't even finish his sentence.
Haley began to grow self conscious.
She but her lip. "Good? Bad?" She aided.
Nathan shook his head. "No, you look good. Great actually."
Haley blushed. "Thank you. Come in."
Nathan let his eyes wander to her outfit. She was wearing a purple silk dress, that showed little cleavage. She looked beautiful, hot, and sexy all at the same time. Nathan just wanted to grab her and kiss her.
"So I was thinking about dying my hair blonde. What do you think?" Haley asked Nathan who was in the middle of a day dream.
Nathan stood at Haley's front door nervously tapping his foot. He bit his lip when Haley opened the door. She had on a purple dress that showed little cleavage, and black high heels showing off her tan muscular legs.
"Wow hales. You look breathtaking." Nathan said smiling as he kissed her on her cheek.
"Thanks baby. You look good too." She said checking him out. He had on a light blue collared shirt that brought out his perfect eyes.
"Not as good as you. Seriously how the hell did I get so lucky?" Nathan wondered out loud.
"It helps that your hot." Haley joked.
"Yeah but you're way hotter." Nathan said as he pecked a kiss on Haley's soft lips.
Haley smiled against his lips. "I'm so glad you're my boyfriend."
"I'm so glad you're my girlfriend."
"I need a proper hello kiss." Haley begged as she looked up with her innocent brown eyes into Nathan's bright blue ones. Nathan began to feel weak in the knees, he loved her eyes.
"Anything for you babe." Nathan complied as he kissed Haley a little deeper this time, but Haley advanced and shoved her tongue in his mouth, and Nathan moaned. Haley wrapped her arms around Nathan's neck and Nathan held tightly on to Haley's waist. They stood there engaged in their make out session for at least three minutes.
"Hales we have dinner reservations soon. We're gonna be late." Nathan said reluctantly pulling away.
"I'd rather stay here and kiss my sexy ass boyfriend." Haley flirted.
"I'd rather that too, believe me. But we can pick this up later I promise."
Haley giggled. "You want to kiss your sexy ass boyfriend?"
Nathan playfully rolled his eyes. "No I'd rather kiss my girlfriend with the serious ass."
Haley blushed. "What does that mean?"
"It means I love your butt." Nathan said lightly slapping it.
Haley giggled. "Oh I thought you had another girlfriend."
"Never." Nathan said kissing Haley's forehead.
"Good." Haley smiled widely and Nathan wrapped his arms around her waist.
"You're perfect Haley James."
"Nathan?" Haley asked snapping him out of his day dream.
"Sorry what?" Nathan asked blushing.
"I might dye my hair blonde. Do you think I should?"
"I'm sure you'll look beautiful either way." Nathan smiled.
Haley blushed a deep shade of pink. "Thanks. So what should I wear Friday? I'm sure everyone else is bringing models..."
Nathan laughed. "They're all anorexic and fake, you're going to blow them away. I'm sure whatever you wear you'll look good in."
"Thank you. I'm just nervous, i don't think I can compete with rich models."
"You already won in my book." Nathan gave Haley a genuine smile and she felt the butterflies dance in her stomach. That was the nicest thing anyone ever said to her.
She felt her cheeks flare with color. "Thank you."
Suddenly, Jackson came running in with his basketball pajamas.
"Look Nathan! I have on my basketball pjs!"
Nathan smiled and gave Jackson a fist bump. "Awesome dude! I love them."
Jackson gave Nathan a cheeky smile. "I'm happy you're watching me!"
"Me too."
Jackson finally looked up and saw his mom. "You look pretty momma"
"Thanks baby."
Nathan smiled at the two of them. Haley was a great mom.
"Be good for Nathan, and make sure you go to bed on time. You have school tomorrow."
"Okay mommy."
"What time should I put him in?" Nathan asked.
"8:30, I should be home no later than 9:45 so you can just hang out for a while."
"Okay thanks. Have fun tonight."
"Thanks." Haley smiled and walked to the door when she heard the doorbell ring.
"Hi mike come on in let me just get my coat ill be right back."
Nathan stood awkwardly in the hall way an mike had his hands in his pockets.
"Hey Nathan how are you doing?"
"Fine." Nathan answered curtly.
Mike nodded. "That's good. How are the Ravens doing this year?"
"Good. We won our first game."
"Congratulations."
"Thanks."
"So uh what are you doing here?" Mike asked.
"I'm watching Haley's son."
"Wait, she has a son?" He asked.
"Yeah." Nathan said rolling his eyes.
"Oh. I didn't know she was married."
"She wasn't."
"Then how..?"
"That's none of your business." Nathan spat.
"Okayyy." He drawled out. "So Haley looks hot."
Nathan clenched his jaw. "She's beautiful."
Mike laughed. "What's your problem man?"
Nathan narrowed his eyes. "I think you know already. Why did you tell Haley that you were the one giving her flowers? I was the one!" Nathan whisper yelled.
Mike smirked. "I guess you're too late man."
Nathan balled his fists. "Listen to me- you better not hurt her or I will kill you."
Mike laughed. "Relax, I'm just taking her to get coffee, then bringing her back to my place to get a piece of ass."
Nathan couldn't take it anymore and he lunged at Mike with his nostrils flaring and he drew his fist back. He grabbed mike my his shirt. "You better not disrespect her like that. I swear to god you better not do that."
Mike flinched. "Relax, I'm kidding. Although I'd love to get with that. Did you know how hot she is?"
Nathan was so close to punching him, but instantly stopped when he saw Jackson in the corner of his eye. He didn't want Jackson to see him like that, so he stepped back and took a breath.
"I'm warning you. Don't touch her!" Nathan growled
"Whatever." Mike smirked.
Jackson walked over to Nathan and hid behind his legs.
"So is this her son?" Mike asked.
Nathan nodded angrily.
Mike bent down. "Hi little boy, I'm Mike, I'm taking your mom out tonight."
Jackson just stayed behind Nathan and frowned. "I'm not a little boy!" He yelled.
Mike laughed. "Sorry. What's your name, kid?"
Jackson didn't answer.
Mike stood up. "What's his problem?"
Nathan didn't answer, and picked up Jackson in his arms.
"He doesn't talk to jerks like you." Nathan spat.
Haley suddenly walked in unknown of the tension among the three males.
"Oh Mike, I see you've met Jackson. Jackson, say hi!" Haley smiled.
"No." Jackson whined.
"Mike, can you just give me a second?" Haley pleaded.
"Sure, I'll meet you in the car." Mike said and he walked outside.
"Is everything alright?" Haley asked Nathan, who was still holding a putting Jackson.
Nathan shrugged. "I don't think he liked Mike, which makes two of us."
Haley bit her lip. "Jackson, if you're not okay with me going, I can stay home. I just need you to know that Mike is just a friend, and you're still my number one guy. I love you buddy." She said ruffling his hair.
"Love you too." Jackson mumbled, and with that he ran to the living room to watch tv.
Haley looked at Nathan, and felt her tears prickle behind her eyes. "I don't know what to do Nathan." She said as she hugged him.
Nathan held her tightly and breathed in her vanilla shampoo. He wanted to never let her go, and tell her to stay, but he couldn't do that.
"It's okay Haley, you go and have fun. I'll watch Jackson. He'll be okay."
Haley's heart sunk. She wanted Nathan to tell her not to go, she wanted him to hold her all night, but he said she should go. This was the motivation she needed. Obviously he didn't care she was going on a date. A part of her only wanted to go out tonight to make him jealous. She felt bad for using Mike, but she needed to get over Nathan, or at least see if he'd be jealous.
Haley reluctantly pulled out of Nathan's embrace.
"Thank you Nathan. For everything." She gave him a sad smile.
Nathan's eyes darted over her body. "You're beautiful Haley."
Nathan felt the adrenaline rush through his veins. He couldn't stop himself from what he was about to do. He looked in to her deep brown, doe, eyes and felt himself drowning in them. He starred at her lips and slowly moved in. He dreamt of this moment more times than he could count. Haley saw Nathan moving in closer to her. She instantly licked her lips.
What the hell is happening? Is he moving in for a kiss? No.
She breathed in his strong cologne, and slowly closed her eyes. She couldn't control her body. She knew she shouldn't be moving in, but she couldn't stop herself. He was like a magnet, and she couldn't help but be pulled into his force field. Nathan swept down and captured her lips in a soft kiss. His eyes snapped shut, and he wanted to pinch himself to make sure this wasn't a dream.
Neither of them could form a coherent thought, as they stood there kissing softly.
This is not a dream- I am actually kissing Haley! Nathan screamed in his mind, and he wanted to jump up and down and shout from the roof tops.
Haley's mind was in a fog. She couldn't think of anything but the feel of Nathan's soft lips. She was sinking further and further into the kiss, and she had to stop, she shouldn't. She felt Nathan smiling against her lips, and she instantly pulled away.
"I need to go!" She said in a frenzy.
Nathan stood there like a stature, and his eyes were still closed.
He put his fingers to his lips where Haley's mouth just occupied seconds ago. He reveled in the feel, and was completely shocked. He didn't know what came over him, but he was happy he did it. It was everything he ever dreamed of, but better. It was hands down, the best kiss he had ever had in his entire life. He was still standing where he stood when he kissed Haley, and he couldn't get the last 10 seconds out of his mind.
Haley was breathing heavily and she bit her lip. She looked at Nathan one last time, and saw him standing there just as shocked as she was.
Haley had no idea what just happened. She thought she was confused before, but now confusion was an understatement. That kiss made her feel things she never felt before, and she didn't know if she should be excited, scared, mad, or upset. She knew the kiss meant something, but what?
She quickly ran out of her house and into Mike's car. She had to get her mind off of Nathan.
This is going to be impossible.
All she could think about was Nathan's soft lips that were kissing hers. She raked her lip through her teeth, and blushed.
She was still in shock, but she felt like a teenager all over again. She couldn't even remember feeling this dreamy after her actual first kiss. Haley closed her eyes, trying everything to push the last minute out of her mind.
This is going to change everything
"You okay?" Mike asked.
Haley gave him a fake smile. "Yep."
DON'T HATE ME! I know, it's a cliff hanger! If you want to know some spoiler alerts for the next few chapters, PM me! I will take any advice, and I'd love to hear what you think is going to happen! I can't wait to write more, but I still haven't even began studying, or started my papers. Oh well!