Okay, so first of all, sorry for the long wait. This makes up for it because it's the longest chapter EVER. And bad news, I might not be able to update for another two weeks because I'm going to Bermuda, and also a Jana Kramer concert. The good news is that I might meet her. I'm literally screaming as I write this. LOL. I'm a huge country music fan and obviously I'm obsessed with One Tree Hill so if I meet her, I'm going to die. I'll be sure to tell you if anything happens.
Lastly, on behalf of Cory Moneith's death today, I dedicate this chapter to him and all of my fellow Finchel/Monchele fans. I can't even imagine if we lost someone like Nathan. R.I.P
Nathan stepped down from his Range Rover as he placed his aviator sunglasses over his eyes, and grabbed the bottle of wine that was resting in the passenger seat. He walked up to Lucas and Brooke's door, and knocked loudly, as he waited patiently for someone to answer the door.
Brooke was in the middle of preparing dinner, while Lucas quickly ran to the bathroom. Haley was sitting at the kitchen table sipping a glass of wine, as she heard the knock on the door. Brooke bit her lip, knowing who it was.
"Hey Haley, can you answer the door please?" Brooke asked.
Haley nodded, "Sure." She smiled as she got up and walked over to the front door. "Were you expecting some-" The rest of the words died on Haley's lips as she opened the door to a smirking Nathan. "Nathan, hi- what are you doing here?" Haley stuttered.
Nathan's eyes widened. He was definitely not expecting Haley to answer the door to his cousins house. "I could as you the same thing."
Haley blushed slightly, and her heart rate increased at his intense gaze. "I...um...well..."
Just then, Lucas came walking down the stairs noticing the shock on Nathan's face. "Oh hey man, you're finally here. Come on in."
Haley couldn't even speak, but she moved over so that Nathan could enter. Lucas pulled Nathan in for a quick hug and whispered, "Surprise" in his ear. Nathan pulled away and glared at his cousin.
"Oh thanks for the wine." Lucas smiled and grabbed the wine from his hands, and walked into the kitchen, leaving Nathan and Haley to stand awkwardly in the front hall together.
Nathan took this time to slowly check Haley out. She was wearing a simple orange sun dress, that displayed her perfectly sun tanned skin, and tone legs. She had her hair up in a neat bun, and she looked breathtaking.
"So um, you look great Haley." Nathan complimented shyly.
"Oh, uh, thank you." She giggled nervously. Is he flirting with me?
"How are you?" Nathan asked after a few seconds of awkward silence.
"I'm pretty good. You?"
Nathan jammed his hands in his pockets, "Good, I'm doing okay I guess." He shrugged. "As good as I can be without you..". He mumbled to himself.
"What was that?" Haley asked politely. She heard Nathan mumble something, but couldn't make out the words.
Nathan quickly cleared his throat, "Oh, nothing. Sorry."
Haley smiled shyly, "Okay, well I'm gonna, um, go back... with Brooke."
"Okay. See you later." Nathan smiled, and quickly chastised himself for his choice of words. He was acting like a nervous wreck around her and he had no idea why.
Haley walked back into the kitchen and roughly grabbed Brooke's arm.
"Ow!" Brooke shrieked.
"Why didn't you tell me Nathan was coming?" Haley huffed.
"Why are you mad about it? I thought you'd be happy." Brooke shrugged.
Haley bit her lip, "I would have at least liked a warning!"
"Relax, you look hot." Brooke grinned.
Haley playfully rolled her eyes, "Thanks but I'm not trying to impress him." She lied.
Brooke scoffed, "Right." She muttered sarcastically. "Well at least make him know what he's missing out on."
Haley sighed, "I think we've both suffered enough for the past five years. I'm going to put the past behind us, and act like an adult." Haley said humbly.
Brooke smiled, "That's great, I'm proud of you Hales."
"Thanks." Haley smiled as she took a long gulp of alcohol. If she was going to get through this dinner with Nathan, she would have to have a bit of liquid courage in her body.
"So now that the past is forgotten, maybe you guys can work on your future together." Brooke suggested.
Haley almost started to choke on her drink. "Brooke!" She scolded.
"What?" Brooke asked innocently.
"It's not happening, so what ever you're planning, just stop." Haley warned lightly.
"I am truly offended that you would think I would do such a thing!" Brooke feigned dramatically.
Haley laughed, "You're such a dram queen."
Brooke grinned, "I know, but seriously... think about it."
"Think about what?"
Brooke rolled her eyes, "Don't even try to deny it Haley, you still want Nathan."
"I do not!" Haley replied quickly.
Brooke pointed the knife she was holding at Haley, "Don't lie to me." She playfully glared.
Haley bit her lip and sighed, "Okay fine, maybe so. But that doesn't mean anything will happen..."
"Why not?" Brooke asked as she went back to cutting up vegetables for a salad.
"Because it's not like he'd want to try it again. I broke his heart, and frankly, I don't blame him for giving up." Haley sighed.
"What do you mean?"
"After he kissed me the other night, I told him that he shouldn't have done that, and he said he gave up and walked away..." Haley explained.
"So explain to me again why you want to be friends?" Brooke asked.
"Because when he kissed me, I realized how much I've missed him these past five years, and I really want him in my life, even if we're just friends." Haley admitted.
"Really? You can do that? Just be friends, I mean?" Brooke asked with a quirked eye brow.
Haley bit her lip, "Yeah.." She whispered. 'I hope...'
Just then, Brooke started to laugh hysterically.
"What's so funny?" Haley asked.
Brooke just waved her hand in dismissal, obviously laughing too hard to form a sentence.
"What?" Haley asked frustrated.
"I was just thinking how much this situation is like that Katy Perry song."
"What song?" Haley asked.
"You know, the one where she'ls like 'In another life I would make you stay, so I wouldn't have to say you were the one that got away..."
Haley furrowed her brow, "I never heard it."
Brooke grinned, "Okay, I'll play it for you." She walked over to her iPod speakers, and blasted the volume, as the lyrics to "The One That Got Away" by Katy Perry started to boom through the house.
Haley looked over at Brooke who started to sing and dance, and she started to crack up, but when she heard the lyrics, she couldn't help but think how much the song actually did relate to her and Nathan.
Summer after high school when we first met
We make out in your Mustang to Radiohead
And on my 18th Birthday
We got matching tattoos
Used to steal your parents' liquor
And climb to the roof
Talk about our future
Like we had a clue
Never planned that one day
I'd be losing you
In another life
I would be your girl
We'd keep all our promises
Be us against the world
In another life
I would make you stay
So I don't have to say
You were the one that got away
The one that got away
I was June and you were my Johnny Cash
Never one without the other, we made a pact
Sometimes when I miss you
I put those records on (Whoa)
Someone said you had your tattoo removed
Saw you downtown singing the Blues
It's time to face the music
I'm no longer your muse
But in another life
I would be your girl
We'd keep all our promises
Be us against the world
In another life
I would make you stay
So I don't have to say
You were the one that got away
The one that got away
The o-o-o-o-o-one
The one that got away
All this money can't buy me a time machine (Nooooo)
Can't replace you with a million rings (Nooooo)
I should've told you what you meant to me (Whoa)
'Cause now I pay the price
In another life
I would be your girl
We'd keep all our promises
Be us against the world
In another life
I would make you stay
So I don't have to say
You were the one that got away
The one that got away
The o-o-o-o-o-one
In another life
I would make you stay
So I don't have to say
You were the one that got away
The one that got away
Nathan and Lucas were in the living room and in the midst of a conversation when all of a sudden, they heard the lyrics to some song, blasting through the speakers.
Nathan's hands flew to his ears in attempt to drown out the loud music, and Lucas watched through the door as Brooke started singing along. The two men looked at each other and made a "What the hell is she doing?" face.
Lucas and Nathan both walked to the kitchen where Brooke was still dancing, but Haley seemed to be in some trance. While Lucas went to lower the volume, Nathan walked over to Haley.
"Hey are you okay?" He asked.
Haley looked up at him with teary eyes, "Yeah, I'm fine." She lied.
Nathan's eyebrows rose, "Haley Bob James, don't you lie to me. Tell me what's wrong." He demanded playfully.
Haley giggled and wiped her tears from her eyes, "That song... it just brought back memories. I tried to be strong..."
Nathan frowned. He wasn't going to lie, but when he first heard the song on the radio a few days ago, it also reminded him so much of Haley, and it killed him.
"I know what you mean." He said solemnly.
Haley looked up at Nathan with wide eyes, "You do?"
Nathan nodded, "Yeah, I heard that song once, and I thought of the night we celebrated your 18th birthday." Nathan smirked.
Haley blushed, "That was a fun night."
August 2nd, 2008:
Haley looked out of her window and smiled when she saw Nathan sitting in his new red Mustang that he recently brought to Holden Beach when he went back to Charlotte a few days ago. He looked up and honked the horn loudly, signalling that he wanted Haley to come down. She put her index finger up, letting him know she needed one more minute. Haley glanced at herself through the mirror, and smiled at the way she looked. She had on a lacy black shirt paired with simple white shorts, and her honey blonde hair was perfectly curled. Brooke walked in and smiled appreciatively.
"You look amazing." Brooke complimented.
Haley looked in the mirror and saw Brooke standing in her door way, "Thanks." She smiled.
"I have to admit, I'm kind of bummed I don't get to spend your eighteenth birthday with you." Brooke pouted.
Haley chuckled, "I know, And besides, you already made me breakfast in bed, and got me this really cute shirt. but I promise we'll spend the entire day tomorrow. "
Brooke clapped eagerly, "Great! We can go shopping."
Haley laughed loudly, "Okay, I can't wait."
"So where is lover boy taking you?" Brooke asked as Haley grabbed her small white purse.
"I'm not sure, but he promised that it would be amazing." Haley gushed.
"I tried to get the details out of him but he wouldn't tell me." Brooke frowned, "But have a great time."
"Thanks, I'll miss you!" Haley said as she hugged her friend.
"Happy Birthday tutor girl." Brooke whispered.
"Thanks, talk to you later!" Haley called, and ran outside to Nathan's mustang.
"Hey baby!" Haley smiled widely as she walked closer to the car.
Nathan was leaning against the car with flowers, and he quickly turned around to open the passenger door for Haley. "Happy Birthday Hales!" Nathan smiled brightly.
Haley leaned up and pressed a sweet kiss against Nathan's lips. "Thanks!"
Nathan pulled away and and handed Haley the small purple flowers. "I hope you aren't sick of these yet." He joked.
Haley giggled, "Never. I love these!"
"Good." Nathan smiled and walked back to the other side of his car and got in the drivers seat. He looked over at Haley and smiled.
"What?" She asked shyly.
Nathan was about to say that he loved her, but quickly decided against it. "Nothing, you just look beautiful, as always." Nathan complimented.
Haley blushed lightly, "Thanks babe. Brooke got me this outfit for my birthday."
"I'll be sure to thank her for that later." Nathan smirked.
Haley playfully rolled her eyes and placed her hand on Nathan's cheek. Nathan slowly leaned over and captured Haley's lips in a heated kiss. Haley moaned slightly when Nathan gently massaged her tongue with his. Nathan smiled against Haley's mouth, as they continued to make out. Haley shifted in her seat so that Nathan could have better access to her mouth. They made out for what felt like ten minutes, until they heard a loud cough. Haley pulled away from Nathan and her cheeks turned as red as tomatoes. Nathan tried to stifle a laugh at Haley's embarrassment,
"I'd hate to break this little love fest up, but you're not supposed to be parked here." A security guard said.
Haley hid her face behind her hands, knowing that it was the same guard who yelled at them for walking on the beach the second night that they arrived this summer.
"Sorry sir." Nathan replied, and quickly drove away. "It's all clear now Hales, you can come out from hiding." Nathan joked.
"Ha, ha." Haley deadpanned. "That was so embarrassing. That guy always catches us doing some sort of PDA."
Nathan chuckled, "It's not bad! I mean it's not like we were having se-"
"Okay I get it!" Haley said loudly.
Nathan smirked, and took one hand off the steering wheel and grabbed Haley's hand so that he could intertwine their fingers together.
Haley looked down and smiled widely, "So where are you taking me Romeo?"
"McDonalds." Nathan joked.
"You're funny." Haley said sarcastically.
Nathan chuckled, "What, you don't like big macs? I have a coupon!"
Haley smiled, "Wow! This is the best birthday ever! Nathan Scott is using his coupon just for me!" She joked dramatically.
Nathan laughed, "No, you deserve way better than that."
"So where are we really going?" Haley asked as she batted her eyelashes.
"You'll see. It's a surprise."
Haley huffed, "I hate surprises!"
"I know, but you'll like this one."
"You say that every time!" Haley smiled.
"And am I right, every time?" Nathan pressed.
Haley giggled, "I guess so."
"What? Did I just hear correctly? Haley James said I was right!"
"I said, 'I guess so' that doesn't mean I said you were right." Haley joked.
Nathan playfully rolled his eyes, 'Whatever, I know I'm right."
Haley smiled and pressed the 'on' button for the radio. The lyrics to "Long Hot Summer" by Keith Urban came blasting through the stereo.
"I love this song!" Haley clapped.
Nathan smirked, "I know, you'll like the next song too."
Haley furrowed her brows, "What do you mean?"
"I made you a CD with all of your favorite songs, or songs that remind me of you, and I programmed it so when you turned on the radio, it would play." Nathan explained.
Haley's heart fluttered at the gesture. "You're seriously the best boyfriend ever."
"Play the next song." Nathan urged.
Haley leaned over the console and pressed forward, and she instantly smiled. The song "Ain't nothing about you" by Brooks and Dunn started to play.
"This song always makes me think of you." Nathan explained.
Haley felt the tears of happiness form in her eyes. He really was the sweetest guy she ever met. Haley had no idea how she got so lucky. "This is so sweet." She gushed.
Nathan smiled and heard Haley's sweet voice start to sing along.
"Okay, we have time for one more song before we get there. Play number 4." Nathan advised.
Haley leaned over and skipped to track number 4, and squealed. "This is my favorite song!" She revealed as she heard the lyrics to 'Teenage Dream' by Katy Perry.
"Mine too." Nathan smiled.
"Really?" Haley asked.
"Yeah, it's like us. I'm living my teenage dream with you Haley James."
Haley was about to melt with his sweet words. "You're so amazing, Nathan Scott."
"The night hasn't even started yet." Nathan smiled.
"Well it's not possible to be any more amazing." Haley joked.
"You'll just have to wait and see." Nathan replied and parked his mustang in a parking lot.
"Where are we?" Haley asked as she peeked out the window.
"The docks." Nathan replied as he opened Haley's car door.
"I love it here!" Haley gushed.
Nathan smiled, and grabbed Haley's hand.
"Nathan, where are we going? The restaurant is that way."
"I never said we were eating on the docks." Nathan smiled coyly.
Haley bit her lip, and followed Nathan as he dragged her over to a large boat. There was a sign that read, 'Dinner Cruise: A night out on a yacht, for dinner and dancing'. "Nathan! Are we going on that?"
Nathan smiled at followed Haley's gaze over to the large yacht that was floating in the water. "Yup. I booked it a few nights ago." Nathan explained.
Haley was speechless. The night hasn't even begun, but she knew it was the best birthday ever. "This is amazing! You're amazing!"
Nathan smiled and grabbed Haley's hand as he led her over to the entrance of the yacht. They waited on line with a bunch of middle age adults, but that didn't stop them from kissing and hugging each other. The teenage couple was in the middle of a steamy kiss, when they heard a lady clear her throat. "Can you move up please?"
Haley blushed and walked to the entrance where Nathan handed the tickets to the security guard, and he gained them access. "Have a good night." The guard smiled.
Nathan led Haley on to the boat and shook hands with the guard. "Thank you."
"This is spectacular!" Haley gushed as she entered the boat. There was a large crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling, and a large stage in the center where a band was playing classical music. Haley blushed as she noticed all of the men wearing suits, and the women wore fancy dresses.
"Am I under dressed, Nathan?" She whispered.
Nathan shook his head, "You look beautiful. You're the prettiest girl in this room, babe."
Haley blushed, "You and your lines."
"I'm serious." Nathan said genuinely.
Haley smiled, "I know. Thank you. You look handsome, too." She said as she fiddled with the collar on his light blue polo.
"Just handsome?" Nathan joked.
Haley leaned up on her tippy toes and whispered in Nathan's ear. "Sexy"
Nathan gulped as he felt Haley's hot breath tickle against his ear. He pulled away and smiled widely, "You're sexier."
Haley blushed, and lightly slapped Nathan's chest.
"Want to dance?" Nathan asked as he looked over to the dance floor where couples were slow dancing.
Haley smiled, "I thought you hated dancing?"
Nathan shrugged, 'I do, but I'll make an exception for you."
"I knew I liked you." Haley joked.
"You better." Nathan winked.
Haley placed her head on Nathan's chest, as they swayed to the beat of the soft music. Nathan wrapped his arms securely around Haley's lower back, and Haley hugged Nathan's chest.
A few minutes later, one of the workers on the boat went up to stage and made an announcement. "Thank you everyone for spending the evening with Silver Platter Cruise Lines. Dinner will be served at around 7:30, but for now we have a special singer aboard with us, so please give a warm welcome to Gavin DeGraw!" The middle aged blonde declared.
The people on the dance floor clapped loudly, but Haley let out a loud teenage scream. Everyone looked over at Haley who blushed and covered her face back into Nathan's chest.
Nathan chuckled, "It's okay babe, we're the youngest ones on this ship."
Haley leaned her head up slightly so she could look into Nathan's warm blue eyes, "I just love Gavin DeGraw."
"I know, that's why I decided to take you on here. Plus I heard the food was amazing, and so is the view."
Haley smiled, "This is an amazing 18th birthday, and I wouldn't want to spend it with anyone else."
Nathan smiled and leaned down to kiss Haley sweetly. Gavin DeGraw then came up on the stage and introduced himself. "Hey guys, I'm Gavin. I'm really excited to be here tonight, I hope everyone enjoys themselves."
Gavin then started to play the intro to "We Belong Together" and Haley squealed with delight.
"Let me guess, you love this song too?" Nathan joked as he twirled Haley in his arms.
Haley smiled, "Yeah."
The couple danced for a few more songs, and then walked over to their table. "Look at this view!" Haley said breathlessly. Their table was next to the open window that overlooked the clear blue sea, and city lights on the water.
"It's beautiful." Nathan smiled, and pulled out Haley's chair.
Haley smiled and took a seat, as she looked out the window and watched the boats that passed the yacht.
A waiter then walked over and took Nathan and Haley's order. "What can I get for you tonight?" He asked politely.
Nathan smirked over at Haley, "She'll have the mac 'n' cheese, and I'll have the ribs please." Nathan ordered.
The waiter looked at Haley oddly, but scribbled down the order and walked away.
Nathan chuckled, "Did you see his face?"
Haley giggled, "Yeah"
"I thought once you turned 18, you'd grow out of your childish food habits." Nathan joked.
Haley scoffed, "No one is ever to old to enjoy mac 'n' cheese!"
Nathan smiled, "I know."
"Don't get me wrong, Nate, but wasn't this really expensive?" Haley asked as she looked around the yacht.
Nathan shrugged, "Nah, and besides, you deserve the best. You turn 18 once." He smiled.
"I can't thank you enough-" Haley began.
Nathan laughed, "Don't thank me yet, I still never gave you your gift."
"Oh Nathan, you didn't have to get me anything-"
"Are you kidding? What kind of boyfriend would I be if I didn't get anything for my girl on her birthday?" Nathan smirked. "Of course I got you something, and it's pretty amazing. I picked it out all by myself."
Haley smiled, and looked into Nathan's eyes lovingly. "Thank you, seriously."
"Do you want your gift now?" Nathan asked.
Haley bit her lip, trying to suppress her excitement.
"I'll take that as a yes?" Nathan smiled, and Haley nodded eagerly.
Nathan chuckled and reached into his khaki shorts pocket and pulled out a small black box, and a rectangular envelope.
Haley couldn't help the smile that spread over her entire face.
"Happy Birthday Hales." Nathan smiled as he handed Haley the gift.
"Thank you." Haley smiled as she gently took the envelope from, and opened it. Haley smiled when she read the front of the card. Her heart warmed because Nathan made it himself. It wasn't a store bought card, but one that he actually made himself.
"I suck at drawing, sorry." Nathan said shyly.
Haley looked up at him with tears in her eyes, "I love it Nathan, thank you so much."
"Did you read it yet?" Nathan asked.
Haley giggled, "No, I'm too busy appreciating your art work." She replied as she looked at the front of the card which had a badly drawn picture of a cake and balloons, and a big 'Happy Birthday' written in colorful markers in Nathan's messy handwriting. Throughout the cover, there were also a bunch of red hearts scattered around the writing.
"Open it." Nathan advised.
Haley opened the handmade card and laughed. The entire card was filled with words, and tiny red hearts.
"Should I read it out loud?" Haley asked
"If you want." Nathan laughed.
Haley smiled and looked down at the card. She cleared her throat and started to read it out loud,
"Dear Hales,
First off let me start off my saying Happy eighteenth birthday. I'm honored that I get to spend this special day with you. You deserve to be treated like a princess not only today, but everyday. I really hope that you have an amazing birthday, because you're an amazing girl. These past two months have been the best. It was all because of you. I don't know what I would do with out you. You're the best thing that has ever happened to me, so I guess, I should thank you for being born, because you blessed not only me, but the entire world with your presence. I'm truly lucky that I got to meet you, and I'm even luckier that I get to call you my girlfriend. You're the most beautiful girl I have ever seen. You always make me laugh, because your laugh is adorable and contagious. Your smile is one of the 1,000,000 things that I'm crazy about you for. Most importantly, you have the biggest heart, and some how you're crazy enough to put up with me. You're so far out of my league, but I just hope you never realize it. So here's to your birthday, and all of the other birthday's to come. This is just the start of a beautiful life. This is starting to sound super cheesy, and I'm running out of room but once again happy birthday, and I hope you like your gift/this card.
Yours truly, (always and forever),
Nathan Royal Scott."
Haley finished reading the card and wiped the stray tears that were rolling down her cheeks.
"Aw baby, I didn't mean to make you cry! I want you to laugh." Nathan said quickly.
Haley giggled through her tears, "No, I know, these are happy tears. You're so sweet!"
Nathan smiled shyly, "You think so? I mean, I didn't know what card I should have got you, so I thought it would've been nicer if I made it for you-"
"It's perfect, I can't thank you enough. You are the sweetest." Haley gushed.
Nathan smiled, "Okay, well here's your gift."
Haley graciously accepted the rectangular black box, and her jaw dropped when she opened it.
"So what do you think?" Nathan asked eagerly. He was so nervous to see her reaction, because he has never bought anything like this for anyone and he really hoped she liked it.
Haley was truly speechless, "Nathan..." She whispered, "It's beautiful!" She said as she looked at the diamond heart necklace.
Nathan smiled. "Do you like it?"
Haley looked up with her glossy eyes, since tears were forming again, "I love it." She said as she put the necklace on and leaned over the table and met Nathan half way and they shared a long, passionate kiss. They were once again, interrupted when the waiter brought over their dinner.
Haley quickly pulled away and blushed, while Nathan lightly cursed.
The waiter quickly left, and Haley laughed at the look on Nathan's face. "What's wrong babe?"
"We keep getting interrupted every time we kiss." Nathan pouted.
Haley smiled seductively, and playfully batted her eyelashes. "Don't worry, I'll make it up to you later."
Nathan gulped, "Hales, you know we don't have to do anything-"
Haley's heart warmed at Nathan's concern, but she knew that tonight would be the night that she gave herself away completely. "I know, but I'm ready. I've thought about it a lot lately, and I want to be with you Nathan."
"I thought you wanted to wait until marriage-"
"Nathan, I want you." Haley said sternly.
Nathan just simply nodded and decided not to press the subject further. He knew Haley was still a virgin, and he respected her for that. He loved her, and he wanted her, but he would wait for her forever, and he knew he wasn't ready to say the big 'I love you' yet.
"I have to go to the restroom, I'll be right back." Nathan excused himself and quickly walked to the bathroom. Once he was finished, he walked over to the stage and requested a special song.
Haley finished her mac 'n' cheese, and waited patiently for Nathan to come back.
"You wanna o up to the deck?" Nathan asked.
Haley nodded eagerly and smiled as she put her hand in Nathan's and walked out on the boat. The sun was setting, and the sky had an orange and yellow glow to it. "This is beautiful!"
"Yeah it's one hell of a view." Nathan smirked.
The couple walked over to the edge of the boat, and Nathan hugged Haley from behind as they looked out at the sunset together for several minutes, until Nathan heard Gavin DeGraw start singing. Nathan quickly grabbed Haley's hand and pulled her back into the cabin of the boat. Couples started to fill the dance floor, and one guy even proposed to his girlfriend. Haley watched the scene and smiled. "Aw babe, look, that guys proposing." Haley smiled.
Nathan smiled at the couple, "That would be bad if she said no." Nathan joked.
Haley playfully rolled her eyes, "That's horrible!"
"Good thing she said yes." Nathan smiled as he watched the girl jump in the man's arms.
"They're cute."
"No as cute as Naley." Nathan joked.
Haley smiled, "No one can be as cute as Naley."
Gavin finished his song, and smiled discreetly at Nathan.
"Okay guys, before I start my next song, I would just like to say 'Happy Birthday' to Haley James. She's turning 18 today, so if everyone can please sing along with me, that would be great." Gavin said into the microphone. "Nathan, please escort your beautiful birthday girl to the center of the dance floor."
Haley stood speechless in Nathan's arm, and Nathan laughed. "Come on Hales, you heard him."
Haley practically floated to the center of the dance floor, and Gavin, as well as the rest of the people on the boat started to sing 'Happy Birthday' to her.
Nathan smiled and clapped loudly when everyone finished, and Haley ran into Nathan's arms and hugged him. "How-What?"
Nathan chuckled, "When I went to the bathroom, I asked him to to this."
Haley bit her quivering lip and hugged Nathan tightly. "Words can not describe how happy you make me."
Nathan smiled sweetly and leaned down for a fiery kiss.
The couple broke away from the kiss when air was needed, and they danced to "More than Anyone".
"Hales? Where are we going?" Nathan asked Haley, who was dragging him along the docks for the past five minutes.
"You'll see." She smiled.
"Babe, it's one am, I doubt stores will be open now." Nathan joked. The yacht came back to the docks at eleven, and Nathan and Haley went to the Carvel on the docks, and ordered a small birthday cake. They brought it back to a table and finished it together. Nathan then carved their initials into the table, and Haley then jumped up and grabbed Nathan's hand and started to pull him wherever they were going.
"It's okay, it's open." Haley smiled cheekily.
Nathan looked up at the sign and his mouth dropped. "Are you kidding?"
"Nope, come on!" Haley smiled as she walked into the tattoo parlor.
The bald headed man with a sleeve of tattoos looked up from his desk and smirked. "How can I help you kids?"
Nathan looked over at Haley who was smiling from ear to ear. "I want to get a '23' tattoo on my back." Haley said simply.
Nathan's eyes widened, "Hales are you drunk?"
Haley rolled her eyes, "No, I want to do this."
The bald headed man nodded. "What about you?" He nodded at Nathan.
"Me?" He stuttered, "Oh, um, no- no thanks."
Haley looked up at Nathan with big eyes, and she pouted her lower lip. "Please baby?"
Nathan sighed. There was no way he could say no to that face. "Okay um yeah, I'll get a 23 too I guess,"
The guy nodded and walked into the backroom to get the ink ready.
"What made you want to get a tattoo?" Nathan asked.
"I don't know, I just want a way of remembering this night." Haley explained.
"Why a 23?"
"It's your jersey number. If you're not okay with it, I can ask for something different-"
Nathan smiled, "No, no. It's fine. I think it's hot. You'll be my personal cheerleader."
Haley playfully rolled her eyes, "Yeah you're right."
"Okay, I'm ready for you guys." The tattoo artist said.
Haley smiled and walked into the backroom. She laid on her stomach and grabbed Nathan's hand.
"It's going to hurt a little." The man advised, and pushed Haley's shirt up. "You want it above your jean line?"
"Yes please."
"Okay." The man started to ink her skin and she grabbed Nathan's hand.
"Can you write the letters 'NS' on my waist line too please?"
"Yeah."
About fifteen minutes later, the guy was finished, and Haley squeezed Nathan's hand tightly.
"Okay, same thing for you kid?" The guy asked gruffly.
Nathan looked over at Haley, "Um yeah I'll get a 23 on my back, and the word 'Hales' on my left wrist." He smiled.
Haley's heart fluttered. She loved when Nathan called her 'Hales'.
Nathan endured the pain better than Haley but he still held on to her hand. Another fifteen minutes later, the guy finished Nathan's tattoos and they paid.
"My mom's going to kill me." Nathan joked.
Haley bit her lip, "Sorry, I know it was totally last minute but something just came over me and I really wanted to do this."
"It's fine, I'm glad we did it. This way you'll always be with me." He smiled.
"Nathan I'm not dying!" Haley joked.
"I know but it's still cool we got matching tats."
Haley smiled, "We're so cheesy."
"I don't care. I want the word to know you'll be mine always and forever." He declared and leaned down for a sweet kiss.
"It was a very fun night." Nathan agreed.
Haley took a deep breath, "It happens a lot, you know."
"What does?"
"I hear songs, and it's like they were written about us." Haley admitted shyly.
Nathan laughed softly, "That happens to you too?"
Haley nodded, "Yeah, I thought I was crazy."
"Well you're not, because it happens to me a lot, too." Nathan admitted softly.
Haley nodded, "I still.. um .. have that CD you made me. Sometimes I listen to it when I'm sad." Haley admitted softly, and another tear fell from her eye.
Nathan swallowed hard as a large lump started to form in the back of his throat. He gently lifted his thumb and wiped the tear from Haley's cheek with the pad of his finger. "Hey, don't be upset."
Haley bit her lip, "Sorry. I'm acting like a baby. I just keep having these flashbacks.."
"I understand." Nathan said softly.
"Do you still have.." Haley started to ask.
Nathan smiled sadly and pulled the silver watch that he always wore on his left wrist. There in black writing read the word 'Hales.' "Of course I still have it. You hurt me Haley, but I will never forget that summer."
Haley felt a new batch of tears threatening to spill from her eyes. "I still have mine too." She revealed.
Nathan smiled softly. "We walked down memory lane tonight, huh?"
Haley bit her lip, "Yeah, yeah we did."
Nathan cleared his throat, "Are you okay now?"
Haley bit her lip. On the inside she was screaming 'no', but she couldn't tell him that.
So she lied, "I'm fine."
Please review. I spent six hours writing this!
Next chapter will be the rest of the dinner, and something dramatic is bound to happen ;)
Thanks for reading.