P.S I do not own anything.

CHAPTER 3

"So now all you gotta do is, divide the last term, take the quotient... and ...", Haley was explaining one of the math problems when she noticed the dazed look on his face. They were sat at their usual spot at the docks prepping Nathan up for an upcoming test but he seemed too distracted today. "Hello, earth to Nathan".

Nathan was brought back from his reverie by a hand waving at his face. Oops I guess I zoned out again. He looked up to see her looking at him with an amused look on her face. Man she looks beautiful! Wait! beautiful? Well ya I guess. Nathan Scott has never called a girl beautiful until now. I wonder how she would react if I said that out loud. She gave him a questioning look to which he just shook his head and brought his focus onto the math book in front of him.

It has been two weeks since they started their tutoring sessions and each day Nathan finds himself being more and more captivated by Haley. His attempt at charming her with a subtle approach resulted in him acting like himself around her. Gone was basketball star Nathan Scott and was replaced by the real Nathan when he was around her. He didn't have to act the way people expected him to and that was liberating.

Even Haley seemed to have warmed up to him within the week. He wasn't the kind of guy she thought he was. It was nice to see a sweeter, more genuine side of Nathan and she couldn't help but wonder how many others got to see this side of him. Probably Peyton she thought.

"It's okay to miss her you know", said Haley thinking that his recent breakup is the cause for his gloomy mood.

"Who?" asked a slightly confused Nathan.

"Peyton"

"Oh" she couldn't be more wrong. Of course he thought about Peyton occasionally. Breaking up was the best decision she has ever made concerning their relationship. But Nathan couldn't help but feel guilty about the way he had treated her when they were together. "I've treated her quite badly when we were together, shouldn't have done that", he said.

"Well maybe you should have thought about that when you guys were together"

Nathan looked at her with mild amusement. This was another reason why he found her so amazing. She would blindly state the truth not worrying about the situation. Some might call it rude but he finds it endearing. It just shows how innocent she is beneath all that badass exterior.

"What are you my tutor or my therapist?" he smiled.

"Whatever you want me to be", she said as she packed up her stuff to leave.

He watched her walk towards her bike and appreciated the view of her jean clad backside all the while a smirk plastered on his face.

... = ...

Nathan took a deep breath to calm his senses. He was at his father's annual kiss ass party and the party was way beyond boring. It was a basketball union and Lucas was there. Upon seeing him, Nathan was reminded of the real reason why he had pursued Haley. Messing with Lucas would mean hurting Haley and he wasn't happy with himself for thinking of such a thing. Today, when their tutoring session had ended, he kept thinking about her all day. He started looking forward to the mornings he was going to see her and when their session was over, he would miss her. Today, upon seeing Peyton cosy up with Jake Jageilski, another team member, he realised that he's starting to like Haley. Nathan Scott actually has a crush and he has no idea how to deal with it since she is immune to all his charming advances. He felt the sudden need to get some fresh air and headed for the door.

As if the universe was playing a trick on him, he found the object of his interest coming out of the kitchen walking towards the front door. What is she doing here? "Haley?" he called out.

She turned around to see Nathan dressed in a formal suit with a sky blue dress shirt that brought out his eyes. He really looks good. "Hey" she smiled. He seemed quite shocked to see her and she immediately felt the need to explain herself "I swear I'm not gate crashing. Your mom wanted cakes to be delivered and I was just leaving..."

"Oh no no no I'm glad you're here, this party is really boring. Um... do you want to get a drink?", he said trying to get her to stay.

"um... ya I guess I could..."

From across the room Peyton was witnessing this scene. Peyton and Jake were getting really close this past week but he seemed quite distant at the party today and that drove her to steal Nathan's secret stash of alcohol. Her current frustration increased when she saw her ex-boyfriend talking to the girl who always held his interest. Nathan had hurt her so much when they were together and it angered her that he always gets what he wants. "Well well if it isn't the boyfriend stealing slut herself", called out a very drunk Peyton "So Nathan did you get her to sleep with you yet?" Peyton knew all about his intentions with Haley and for once wanted to deprive him of what he wants.

"Peyton back off", he said. He was feeling very uneasy with this conversation and he looked at Haley to see her giving him a questioning look.

Payton didn't know why but some of her anger was directed towards Haley. "You do realise that he came after you just so he could mess with Lucas right?" she asked the brunette "you're nothing special sweetheart".

"Shut up Peyton", he exclaimed. "look Haley..."

"Look this obviously isn't a good time so I'm just gonna go", she said while walking towards the door. She was getting really uncomfortable in this place.

"Haley wait"

"I'll see you in the morning" she said with a hint of sadness in her eyes.

Nathan felt his heart sink as he watched her walk out of his house. He admits that his intentions weren't noble when he approached her but that's not the case anymore. "What is your problem Peyton?" his voice laced with anger.

"I'm just doing the poor girl a favour", said Peyton and walked away.

Nathan let out a frustrated sigh and went straight to his room, wanting to end the night as soon as possible.

... = ...

Haley reached home and ran to her bed and sank onto it. Her house was a humble two bedroom three bathroom duplet which she had bought with the money that he father had left behind. Her father was running a very successful business in tree hill when he was convicted. She had been devastated to say the least when her father was given a sentence of five years. Before beginning to serve his term, he had sold off his company and had left their mansion and an unbelievable sum of money for his only daughter.

Haley couldn't stand being alone in their mansion and sold it and bought this current house she was living in. Her aunt Taylor stepped up to be her legal guardian. Taylor was only a few years older than her and was a wild child and she agreed to sign over all legal rights to Haley for a sum of $10,000. Haley was only happy to oblige.

Despite having enough money to last her at least 10 years, Haley worked at Karen's cafe just because she didn't want to be like all the other spoiled rich kids.

Today at the party, Haley got a glimpse of how life functions among the popular crowd and she was glad with her choice. Speaking of the party, she was quite shaken by Peyton's words. She knew that Nathan probably had some other motive behind approaching her but the way he had been with her the past week had her fooled. He seemed so genuine during their tutoring sessions and she wondered if all that was pretence. She wondered if Peyton had ever broken up with him or if that was all a lie to gain sympathy from her.

She knew she shouldn't feel upset but she couldn't help it. Peyton's words were a reminder of who Nathan Scott really is and that wasn't a pleasant thought. All this frustration was wearing her down and she dressed down to go to sleep, but sleep didn't come to her easily that night.

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