Thank you everyone who stuck with this story! I really appreciate the reviews! Although I'm kinda sad because I have been losing a lot of people. I don't know if it's because of the over all plot, or maybe my writing style, I don't know! But those who are sticking with this story, Thank you sooo much! I'm really happy people like it because I honestly didn't even think anyone would even read it! I love writing this story! I also have been thinking of a lot of other stories that I will write once i finish this. Right now this is my main concern, and if i start another story, I'll loose my focus, but I just wanted to let everyone know this won't be my only fic. I'm not sure how long this one is going to because I don't want to drag it out but the story really gets going starting in THIS CHAPTER! Things are really going to get crazy, especially after this. This chapter starts the drama, so be prepared! I hope you like it! Reviews are appreciated it, and they help me be motivated. I want to quickly give a shout out everyone who is reviewing!
GRemy: Thanks for reading! I also love your fic! Can't wait to read more!
Woz1971: I love your feedback! Makes me smile :)
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C- thanks for sticking with it!
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And anyone i forgot like the Guests thanks so much! Really appreciate it!
Any comments/questions/suggestions just feel free to PM me!
songs in this chapter are Nevermind by T. Swift 3 and "Over" by Blake Shelton. In case you haven't noticed I'm a huge country music fan!
all rights belong to the cw and blah blah blah
I'm ending my rant, enjoy!
Brooke's eyes slowly opened as the sunlight shown brightly through the window. She quickly turned around and noticed her boyfriend was sound asleep. Suddenly, she remembered that Nathan and Haley were sleeping in the living room, and she quickly threw off her covers and sprang out of bed. She heard Lucas mumble something incoherent, but ignored him. Brooke was like a little kid on Christmas morning; she dashed into the living room and shrieked happily when she noticed the way Nathan and Haley were sleeping.
"Lucas! Get the camera!" She called.
Haley began to stir in Nathan's arms, but she didn't wake up. Brooke smiled at the image in front of her. Haley's back was pushed up against Nathan's shirtless chest, and his arm was wrapped tightly around her. Her head was nestled in the crook of Nathan's neck, and they both had small smiles sketched across their sleeping faces. Brooke's heart instantly warmed at the sight, and she wanted to take a picture, because it was a perfect Kodak moment.
"Lucas!" Brooke yelled again.
Seconds later, Lucas came stumbling in the room, barely awake.
"Brooke, it's too early, what's going on?" He asked yawning.
"Look how cute Naley is!" She gushed.
"What the hell is a Naley?"
Brooke rolled her eyes and pointed to the couch bed. Lucas looked and after a second of registering what was happening, his fists instantly balled at his side.
"DON'T EVEN TELL ME THAT THEY SLEPT TOGETHER! I'M GONNA FREAKING KILL HIM!" Lucas screamed angrily and was about to run over to where Nathan was sleeping, but Brooke grabbed him.
"Lucas relax, they didn't even do anything! You know Haley wouldn't do that. They shared a bed- relax!"
Lucas' jaw clenched. "I tried to be okay with this, but I'm not." He mumbled.
"They aren't together yet, but they could've been if you didn't screw this up!" Brooke yelled.
"It's not my fault that the event was cancelled, and the lights went out!" Lucas bit back.
Brooke bit her lip. "Well yeah, but I thought you were okay with it last night."
Lucas shrugged. "I know Nathan really likes her, but seeing them together like that is just weird."
"Well get over, because it seems to me like my plan is working." Brooke gushed.
"Plan? What plan?" Lucas asked.
Brooke looked away. "Umm nothing." She said innocently.
"Brooke! What did you do? Remember the last time you had a plan for Nathan? That really didn't work! If they're meant to be- they'll be together when the time is right. You can't force things, Brooke!" Lucas screamed.
Brooke rolled her eyes. "Chill Broody, Nathan just needed a little push. trust me. I guarantee they'll be together by tonight." Brooke gushed. "They're so cute!"
Lucas chuckled. "You're crazy."
"Yes, but you love me, so that's why you need to get over the fact that Nathan and Haley are made for each other."
Lucas smiled. "Fine, but just for you, pretty girl."
"Good. I love you!" Brooke said kissing Lucas on the cheek.
"Love you too."
Brooke quickly scurried over to where Nathan and Haley were and she pulled out her phone. She snapped a picture of the duo, but forgot to turn off the flash.
Nathan groaned, and wrapped his arm tighter around Haley. He quickly placed a slow, lingering kiss on Haley's lips, and smiled.
"I could get used to waking up like this every day." Haley heard Nathan say.
Haley's eyes slowly opened, and her heart race picked up when she felt someone behind her, she wasn't used to sharing a bed with someone. Last nights previous memories came flooding back to her mind, and she realized it was Nathan. She felt safe, and secure in his arms, and she smiled.
It's just Nathan
She thought.
Wait! What? Nathan? I slept with him? Shit! Why is he shirtless? Did we-? No! I wasn't that drunk! Oh my god! Nathan and I shared a bed together. This isn't good!
Haley quickly wiggled out of Nathan's embrace, and blushed profusely.
"Brooke! What the hell is going on?" Haley shrieked.
Brooke smiled. "Just capturing the moment."
Nathan rolled over and smiled.
"Morning ladies." He mumbled sleepily.
Haley looked at him and scowled.
"Nathan! Do you realize we shared a bed together? How are you calm right now!"
Nathan chuckled, and felt slightly turned on by the fact she was getting all flustered.
"Relax Hales, we didn't do anything."
Haley frowned. "This isn't funny! I can't believe that happened!"
Nathan sat up, still shirtless, and Haley tried to avoid staring but it was virtually impossible. That man was chiseled like a Greek god.
"Hales, I'm sorry, don't be upset. You said it was okay last night!"
Haley was confused, and put her hand through her hair. She suddenly realized that she just woke up, and felt self conscious by the way Nathan was starring at her.
"I-I-I need to go!" She stuttered.
"Hales wait-!" Nathan said jumping out of the bed.
She shook her head, and quickly grabbed her stuff.
"Brooke, I'll see you later, thanks for having me! Bye." Haley said running out of the house, and into her car.
Once she was in her car, she felt herself break down. Tears were streaming down her face, and she was choking on her sobs. She didn't know why she was acting like that, but she knew last night was the change of her and Nathan. She was so afraid of her feelings. She fell for Nathan and now she couldn't turn back. She was confused, and nervous because she didn't know what Nathan thought about it.
Haley quickly wiped her tears, and composed herself. She backed out of Brooke's driveway and drove home as fast as she could. She tried so hard to not over think the situation, but that was who Haley was. She over thought everything. She took a deep breath, and groaned. She realized today was Jackson's birthday party, and Nathan was probably going to be there. Things were going to be awkward, which didn't help her current situation of confusion. She couldn't lie to herself- she liked Nathan- a lot, but she didn't know what to do about it.
She blew out a deep breath, and turned on the radio to try and forget about what happened, but the song that played instantly made her think about Nathan, and she groaned.
Look at you
Look at me
Look at who
We could be
I wanna know
Who you are
What you want
From the start
And every time I look at you I can hardly say a thing
My head starts to spin
And it hits me then
I love you
And every time you look at me I could go crazy but I
don't say it but I won't
Cause I'd rather be alone
Than lose you
And all I really wanna do is be next to you
But I'm too tired to fight
And I could tell you now
But baby never mind
All the time
Everyday
There's nothing I can do baby
To make you go away
So look at you
And look at me
And think of who
We could be
And every time I look at you I can hardly say a thing
My head starts to spin
And it hits me then
I love you
And every time you look at me I could go crazy but I
don't say it but I won't
Cause I'd rather be alone
Than lose you
And all I really wanna do is be next to you
But I'm too tired to fight
And I could tell you now
But baby never mind
All I really wanna say is I need you, babe
But how could you understand
What happens if you turn away
And everything turns blue and gray
And I just wish I told you never mind
And I could tell you now
But baby never mind
Yeaah
Oh yeah
I could tell you now but never mind
Yeah
Oh yeah yeah
And I could tell you now but never mind...
As Haley listened to the lyrics she understood the reason of why she was afraid. It was because of Damien West. Just thinking about him made her want to throw up. She didn't want Nathan to find out about her past because she knew he would turn away. Haley felt like Nathan didn't deserve to deal with her crazy baggage. He should be with someone beautiful, and someone who could give him what he wants. She felt like he would feel bad for her, and she didn't want that. She loved Lucas and Brooke for caring but Haley felt that sometimes they would treat her like a little kid. Since Nathan didn't know of her past, she felt free, and she could be anyone she wants. He treated her like Haley James, not the Haley James with a dark past. She was afraid to tell him, she knew it would change everything. She wished that things could be easier, but she couldn't change her past. Tears slid down Haley's face as she thought about that night, and how it's still ruining her life. The only good thing that came out of it was matter what, she would always have him. Haley continued to cry because she really wanted to tell Nathan how she felt about him, but it wouldn't be fair to him because she would be keeping a big secret from him, and it wouldn't be a healthy relationship. She didn't even know if he liked her, but she knew that once he knew her past he would run away from her and never look back, just like every other person in her life, except her family and a few friends. She wiped her tears, but they continued to fall. Life just wasn't fair. She knew Nathan and her could have been a great couple, but Haley thought he deserved someone much better.
I'm just plain, old Haley.
Haley knew part of the reason she liked Nathan was because he treated her like she was Royalty. He always starred at her, and it made her feel beautiful, and powerful. No one ever told her she was beautiful, and she always felt like the 'ugly' sister of the Jame's family. Quinn was tall, skinny, and had a beautiful smile. Taylor- she could get any guy she wanted. Haley was always secretly jealous of their beauty. She always felt fat, and just plain. When she was around Nathan, she felt like she actually was beautiful. Sometimes he would tell her how pretty she was, and she would turn into a 16 year old girl gushing about a silly compliment from a guy. Haley shook her head at her stupidity. She should've known better.. She was starting to have doubts in Nathan- maybe, just maybe, all he was doing was trying to get her in bed. But he didn't last night. Maybe he just liked her as friend, because she wasn't pretty enough. After all, Nathan only ever dated models. Haley felt herself cry harder. It was like high school all over again. She was the nerdy girl who fell for the jock, but didn't even know she existed. Haley took a deep breath and looked at herself in the reerview mirror. Her eyes were red, and swollen, and her mascara was stained across her cheeks. She laughed at how pathetic she was. She knew ever since the first day she bumped into Nathan that something like this would happen. She didn't know what to do, or how to feel. She quickly pulled up to her house and plastered on a fake smile. She didn't want Jackson, or her parents, to see her like this.
Nathan groaned and threw a pillow across the room.
"Shit!" He yelled. "I'm an idiot!"
"Nate, relax, Haley's freaking out over nothing. You didn't do anything!"
"Yeah, but obviously I scarred her, she just ran away!"
Brooke furrowed her brow. "What happened anyway? Did you like..?"
Nathan's eyes widened. "What? No! I swear! I don't know what happened. I just know that I woke up with her in my arms, and I never felt better in my entire life. It just felt right, I never wanted to let her go."
Brooke smiled. "That's it! You're telling her today!" Brooke demanded.
Nathan groaned again. "She's not even going to want to talk to me! I don't know why she's acting like this! She probably doesn't like me. Forget it Brooke, I'm going back to Charlotte, I need to get outta here." Nathan said getting up.
"NO!" Brooke screamed. "My plan is going to work! You can't leave!"
Nathan rolled his eyes. "What plan?"
Brooke giggled. "You actually think the power went out last night?"
Nathan whipped his head around, "You didn't." he gasped.
Brooke smiled, "You'll thank me one day."
Nathan jumped up, and walked over to Brooke. "What the hell is wrong with you? Do you realize that Haley isn't going to talk to me because of this? I can't freaking believe you! i told you not to get involved!" Nathan screamed.
Brooke frowned, and bit her lip. "Nathan, I was just trying to help."
"Well don't! Obviously you didn't help, because you ruined everything Brooke! Don't even bother anymore! I don't need your help!" Nathan yelled, and slammed the door as he ran to his car. He punched his steering wheel, and drove home.
He punched the steering wheel again when he heard the song that was playing on the radio; it was one of the songs he put on the CD that he was going to give to Haley.
If I could
I would dare
Feed your dreams
And starve your fears
If I could
Light the world
We could sit
And watch it burn
We could fall asleep inside the glow
So tell me what I gotta do to win you over
You'll never have to wonder if you need another
You'll never have to wonder if I understand
And every time you reach for me you'll find a hand out
Ohhh
If I could
Take you in
Feeling you deep
Beneath my skin
Then I could
Slip away
With you as a poison in my veins
I don't wanna fall asleep alone
And wake up knowing that I died without the one
So tell me what I gotta do to win you over
You'll never have to wonder if you need another
You'll never have to wonder if I understand
And every time you reach for me you'll find a hand out
Ohhh
If I could
I would dare
Feed your dreams
And starve your fears...
Nathan drove home quickly, probably breaking every speed limit. He decided he wasn't going to drown in self pity. He was going to tell Haley how he felt, and he wasn't going to let anyone or anything stop him.
Haley walked into her house and was welcomed by the smell of eggs and bacon, and she smiled for real.
"Jackson, Mom, I'm home!" Haley called.
Jackson instantly ran into his mothers arms, and hugged her tightly.
"Hi momma, I missed you!"
Haley smiled, and kissed his head. "I missed you too, Jackson. Sorry I wasn't here when you woke up. How are you baby?"
"Good! Grandma is making me eggs and bacon!" He smiled happily.
Haley laughed. "Now why would she do that?" She joked.
Jackson frowned. "It's my birthday momma! I'm five!"
Haley gasped. "FIVE? Wow! You're getting old!"
Jackson laughed. "I'm a big boy!"
Haley hugged her son tighter. "That's right, but I don't want you to grow up! You're my baby!"
"Always and forever?" Jackson asked.
Haley's heart instantly stopped. "Where did you hear that?" She stuttered.
"I found your notebook and that was written all over it, so I asked grandma what it meant."
Haley bit her lip. "Jackson, it's not nice to go through peoples things. What else did you see?"
Jackson smiled. "I saw Nathan's names, and then a lot of tiny hearts." He giggled.
Haley blushed, and put her son down. "Oh, well, um..." Haley tried to explain,but was saved by the bell when her mom walked in the room.
"Haley-Bub! How are you?" Lydia asked as she hugged her daughter.
"I'm good, how are you?"
Lydia smiled as she looked at Haley. "I'm curious of who this Nathan guy is. He was the one who you were supposed to go out with last night right?"
Haley felt her cheeks redden. "Um, yeah, he's um, a friend."
Lydia didn't buy it. "Right." She drawled out. "And whose sweatshirt is that, that you're wearing?"
Crap!
Haley totally forgot she was wearing it. "Oh, it's um, Nathan's." She said quietly.
"So is he hot?" Lydia joked.
"Mom!" Haley shrieked, and blushed more.
Lydia laughed. "Rich?"
Haley rolled her eyes. "That's not what you should look for in someone."
Lydia laughed. "You're right. Your father isn't either of those things." She joked.
Haley cracked a smile. "Where is he?"
"Oh, he's setting up for Jack's party out back. Come in the kitchen we need to talk." Lydia advised.
Haley rolled her eyes, and grabbed a coffee that was waiting for her on the counter.
"So spill bub." Lydia said.
Haley bit her lip, as she leaned against the counter. "There's nothing to say."
"So you don't like him?"
Haley looked into her cup. "No." She said unconvincingly.
Lydia laughed. "Haley, I think you forgot that I am your mother, and you're a horrible lair!"
Haley looked up, and gave a shy smile. "Okay, fine. I do like him, a lot. He's the sweetest guy, and he's so good with Jackson. He has a really big heart, and he's so funny, and strong, and-"
Lydia laughed. "God! Now you won't stop!" She gushed.
Haley smiled. "Haha." She deadpanned.
"I'm happy for you Haley."
Haley inhaled deeply. "Well don't be, because we aren't even a couple."
"Then what are you?" Lydia asked.
Haley shrugged. "I don't know. I don't even think he feels the same way. We're just friends."
"You should tell him."
Haley scoffed, "Yeah right."
"Why not?"
"Mom! You know about my past. I can't. It's not fair for Nathan."
"So? I thought you forgot about it. If you really want to move on in your life and be happy, you need to go after the things you want."
"Yeah, but there are other things too."
"Like?"
"We work together for gods sake! He has a history..."
"I know, he's Dan's son, right?"
Haley smiled. "Yeah, but he's not like him at all. I told you, he's so sweet, and caring, and he just makes me feel so happy." Haley gushed.
"See! Right there! You just defended him! Who cares about his past! He doesn't care about yours-" Lydia advised.
Haley sighed. "He doesn't know."
Lydia looked into Haley's eyes. "Well I think that if something is going to happen between you two, you should tell him."
"He's going to get scarred, Mom. He'll run away, and I'll be heart broken. I like him too much, I'm scarred. I've never felt like this before. Everything happened so fast, and unexpectedly."
Lydia chuckled, and pulled her daughter into a tight embrace."Shh, everything's going to be okay."
Haley hugged her mom back. "I hope so, mommy."
Nathan finished wrapping Jackson's gift and loaded it into the back of his car. It was almost 1, and that's when the party started. He didn't want to get there too early, but he knew at some point he would need to get Haley alone and tell her how he felt.
He changed into his button up blue shirt, and cargo shorts. He made sure he had on the cologne that Haley loved, and he took way too much time than he needed on his hair. He wanted to look perfect.
Haley was running around her house frantically, making sure everything was set up for the party.
She felt Jackson tugging on her dress.
"Yeah, Jackson?" She asked, looking down.
"Is Nathan coming?" He asked smiling.
"Um, I don't know baby. Sorry." Haley explained.
Jackson pouted. "He said he was gonna come!"
Haley's heart broke, and she bent down to be eye level with her son. 'I'm sorry Jackson."
Jackson pouted. "I really wanted him to be here."
Haley sighed. "I know, but Nathan's busy."
Jackson felt his eyes start to water. "I'm sad."
She then hugged him tightly. "Don't be! It's your birthday, go have fun!" Haley said smiling to him.
Jackson shrugged. "Alright." He said, and ran toward his friends.
Haley chuckled, and turned around to find Brooke waiting for her in the corner of the kitchen.
"Need any help, Hales?" Brooke asked.
"Nope, I'm good, thanks."
"Haley are you okay?"
"Perfect!" Haley said quickly.
Brooke frowned. "Hales, what happened this morning?"
Haley bit her lip hard. "I got scarred."
"Why?"
"Because I'm crazy about Nathan, and this morning I realized that I don't want him to know about my past, and I don't deserve him! He deserves someone who doesn't have a child, a messed up past, and some like model or something- not me! I'm not good enough. I need to get over him, but I keep falling harder for him, and last night was just- amazing." Haley gushed. "I woke up, and I wanted to wake up like that every day, but I just can't!"
Brooke hugged Haley. "It's going to be okay."
"No it's not! God, everything is so confusing! Especially that kiss! I don't even know what that meant!"
Brooke laughed. "I think you're over thinking it Haley. It was just a dare, but I'm sure it meant something..."
Haley blushed. "Not that kiss." Haley said quietly.
"I'm sorry, what did you say?" Brooke asked shocked.
Haley looked at her feet. "Nathan, he, um, kissed me, the night that I went out with Mike, and then I think he kissed me again while we were sleeping, but maybe that was a dream..."
Brooke's eyes widened. "Why didn't anyone freaking tell me this?" She screamed.
Haley bit her lip. "Brooke, I'm sorry, I wanted to tell you, but I needed to figure things out by myself first."
Brooke rubbed her forehead. "Oh my god, this is crazy!"
"Tell me about it. " Haley declared.
"What happened?" Brooke asked.
"I don't know, he just kissed me out of no where."
"Did you kiss him back?" Brooke asked.
Haley blushed, but remained silent.
"Shut up! No way!"
Haley's face got redder, as she stood there fiddling with her pinky ring.
"What happened after that?"
"I left."
"What! Why?"
"I got scarred." Haley admitted.
"Haley! You have to stop running away! Face that fact that you and Nathan should be together!"
"I know, it was just weird. Like last night. I can't help but thinking that it was some kind of sign, I just don't know what."
Brooke laughed nervously. "I don't believe in that."
Haley laughed. "Are you kidding? You're like the Queen of Fate."
Suddenly, Lucas walked in. "Hey is Nate here yet? The game's on."
Haley shook her head. "No, i don't know if he's coming."
"Oh right he's still pissed at Brooke for that stupid plan." Lucas said.
Brooke's face turned white. "Um Lucas, Haley and I are talking. Please leave."
"Wait! No! Luke, what plan?"
Lucas smirked. "Um never mind." And he walked out of the room.
Brooke stood there playing with the hem of her shirt.
"Brooke, do you mind telling me what's going on?" Haley demanded.
Brooke coughed. "Nothing."
"That's bull."
"Okay please don't hate me but, LastNightITurnedThePowerOffBecauseIThoughtThatItWo uldBringYouAndNathanTogether." She rushed out.
Haley furrowed her brow. "What? Speak slower, I didn't understand you." She laughed.
Brooke bit her lip. "Well, you see, I really was upset that the event was cancelled so I wanted a way to, um, help you and Nathan, so I thought that if we shut the power off then maybe like you would get together or something."
Haley felt the anger run through her veins.
"You're joking right?"
"No." Brooke said shyly.
"Are you crazy! What the hell is wrong with you? How could you do that?"
"Hales, it's not really a big deal."
"Not a big deal? Brooke, this ruined everything!"
"Not really, I mean, you would've slept together either way!"
"I can't believe you! How could you be so selfish?" Haley exploded with rage, and Brooke just frowned.
"I'm sorr-"
"No Brooke, save it. I don't care! Just mind your own business!" Haley cried, and walked away from Brooke.
Haley heard a knock on the door, and she stormed over pulling the door open quickly. "What!" She screamed, not realizing who it was.
Nathan stood there with a box almost as tall as him, and a bouquet of purple flowers.
"Hi Hales." He said quietly.
Haley instantly brushed her hair behind her ear. "Nathan, hi, what are you doing here?"
Nathan looked at his feet. "Oh, well I promised Jackson I'd come, and I wanted to see you." He smirked.
Haley blushed. 'Oh, okay well come in."
"Here these are for you, they aren't broken this time." Nathan said handing her the flowers.
"Thanks." She giggled nervously.
Before she knew what was happening, Nathan was leaning in for a kiss.
"What the hell are you doing?" Haley asked, as she took a step back.
Nathan blushed. "Oh, um, I, uh, sorry." He stuttered.
They both stood there awkwardly.
"Haley, I really need to tell you something." Nathan said.
Haley bit her lip, and inhaled deeply. "Um okay."
Before Nathan could talk, Jackson came running into the room. "Nathan's here!" He cheered.
Nathan looked down and smiled. "Hey bud, Happy Birthday!"
"Thanks! Momma said you couldn't make it, I'm happy you did come though!"
Nathan looked up at Haley and frowned. "Of course I came! You know you're my best friend." He said as he was still looking at Haley.
Jackson squealed, and hugged Nathan. "You're my best friend too!"
Haley smiled sadly, and played with her ring.
"I got you a gift, I think you'll love it!" Nathan said.
"Really? Can I open it now?"
"Sure, go ahead."
Jackson went over to the box and tore the basketball wrapping paper off. He screamed happily when he saw what was underneath it.
"A basketball hoop!" He cheered.
Haley's mouth dropped open.
"Nathan-" She started.
"Look, I know I should have asked you first but I knew you would say no..."
Haley giggled. "That's too much Nathan!"
"No it's not! I told you. I have no one to buy stuff for, I really wanted to do this."
"This is the best birthday ever!" Jackson cheered happily.
Both Nathan and Haley smiled.
"Can we play now?" Jackson asked Nathan.
"Um, I need to talk to your mom first, but later, okay?"
Jackson smiled, "Okay! Thanks Nathan! You rock!"
Nathan smirked. "No problem. Glad you liked it."
Jackson quickly ran to find Lucas to tell him, while Nathan walked closer to Haley.
He took a deep breath, "Okay so,-" he started, but suddenly Haley's parents walked in.
Nathan's face turned white.
"Mom! What are you doing over here?" Haley asked embarrassed.
Lydia smiled. "Well I heard that Jackson got a basketball hoop, I wanted to see it."
Bull
Haley thought.
"Makes our life look like crap." Jimmy James joked.
Nathan chuckled.
"Hey wait a sec- you're Nathan Scott. Bobcats shooting guard right?"
Nathan smiled timidly. "Used to be, sir."
"Sir? I like it!" Jimmy chuckled.
Haley continued to bite her lip.
Lydia looked over at Nathan. "Wow Haley-Bub, you're right! He is a looker!"
Haley's face turned brighter than a cherry.
Nathan smirked. "Nice to meet you Mrs. James." Nathan extended his hand.
"Oh c'mere, I wanna give you a hug!" Lydia shrieked.
Nathan leaned in and awkwardly gave Lydia a hug, while Haley wished the ground would open up and swallow her whole.
"I've heard so much about you! It's great to meet you." Lydia gushed.
Nathan smiled. "You too, Mrs. James."
Jimmy extended his hand toward Nathan, and he polietly shook it.
Jimmy looked over at his daughter. "So how did you get an NBA player?" he joked, and Haley exhaled sharply.
Nathan chuckled. ."She didn't even tell me that you two were dating!" Jimmy declared.
Haley blushed, and at this point she felt like her face was going to be predominantly red.
"Actually sir, Haley and I are friends."
There it was again, that sinking feeling in her chest.
"Hopefully not for long!" Lydia gushed.
"Mom!" Haley scolded.
"Bub, i'm just playing around. He's a nice boy."
Nathan smirked at Haley, and loved the way she was all flustered.
"Stop! Can you please leave!"
Jimmy laughed. "Alright, alright, make sure to use protection!"
Nathan and Haley both blushed, and Nathan coughed loudly.
"Okay we're leaving." Lydia said pulling Jimmy into the kitchen. "Nice meeting you Nathan."
Haley sighed. "I'm sorry about that they're so embarrassing. God you probably think I'm a freak. they always do that-" Haley ranted, and Nathan smiled.
"It's okay. They were really nice."
Haley continued to blush. "I can't believe them!"
"Don't worry."
Haley smiled. "Okay, what's on your mind?"
Nathan looked around. "Um, can we go somewhere quieter?"
Haley nodded, and took his arm. They both felt the same spark they felt on the first day, except this time it was stronger.
Haley led Nathan outside on to her front porch. The sun was shining high, and it was a beautiful day. You never would have known there was a storm yesterday.
Nathan exhaled deeply, and he wiped his sweaty palms on his shorts.
"Are you okay?" Haley asked concerned.
Nathan gulped, as he stared into her big beautiful eyes.
He took her hand in his, and smiled.
"Haley, I've been trying to tell you this for a really long time, but I kept chickening out. I don't want to keep this in anymore, it's been eating me alive."
Haley began to feel nervous. "You're not like dying are you?" She joked.
Nathan chuckled. "No, not dying."
"Good."
"Okay well... I had a really long speech planned out, and I was going to tell you last night at the Charity Event, but it got cancelled so now I had to rethink my plan, and I wanted to try and be romantic, this wasn't my first choice but I guess it'll have to do."
He took a deep breath, and continued to look into her eyes.
"Haley James. The day I met you my whole world changed, and I knew that you-"
"Are you proposing to me?" Haley shrieked.
Nathan laughed, "No. Let me finish!"
Haley giggled, "Alright."
Nathan smiled. "I really like you, Hales."
Haley smiled. "I like you too Nathan, but wha-"
"No, I mean, I like you, a lot. Like a lot, a lot. You're all I think about, I can't get you out of my head. You're the first thing I think about in the morning, and the last thing I think about before I go to bed. Your laughter is contagious, your smile gives me butterflies, and you have the most beautiful eyes I've ever seen. What I'm trying to say is that, I don't want to just be friends. I want to be more. I want you all to myself. I care so much about you, and I've never felt this way before." He took another deep breath. "I know my feelings aren't what friends should feel towards eachother, and I hope you feel the same way." He smiled, but Haley just stood there in shock. "Will you go out with me?"