Thank you for the lovely reviews and I hope you like this new chapter. I'm really sorry that it has been a while since I've updated. College has really been getting the best of me.

CHAPTER 12

This is ridiculous she thought. Here she was standing outside the recording studio, stuck in that very spot for minutes not having the courage to walk. She didn't understand why she was so reluctant. She wanted this didn't she? Yes i do! Now just walk in there and get it over with. She took one long breath and stepped into the studio, the sound of Chris' amazing voice assisted by the strumming of his guitar filled her ears. He was too lost in his music to notice her and Haley took this as an opportunity to admire what she saw.

To the rest of the world, Chris seemed like a complete idiot; an arrogant, self representing, nutty idiot who refers to himself in third person. And it's true! He is all that and more. But what people don't see is his undying passion for music. Being a music junkie is different, it's a more normal and restricted kind of passion. But Chris is one of those people who could write a thesis on music and it would be a huge success.

She noticed how he savoured every note, every ounce of feeling that he could muster into the song. This is why she respected him so much. She wouldn't tell him that of course. Seeing him makes her want to live out her dream more. Her knowledge in music is nowhere close to his but she does hope that she could attain that level some day; without turning into a neurotic or developing an addiction to pot.

She kept listening to him with no intention of interrupting that beautiful song when he suddenly stopped playing and turned around. She was a little surprised since she made sure not to make any noise. He smiled her way, a very goofy one, "well well, what brings you here?" he asked as he got up from the stool he was sitting on and placed his guitar back in its stand. He looked up at her, expecting an answer but the look in her face had him guessing what was coming.

"We can't work together anymore" she blurted out without giving a second thought "I've got some stuff to deal with" she said unconvincingly. She was trying to come up with ideas that would take the place of the stuff that she was dealing with when she noticed the knowing smile on his face.

"And by stuff you mean your boyfriend?" he asked. It was supposed to be a question but sounded more like a statement. Haley only nodded her head in conformation. "Haley", he sighed in exasperation "is this about the kiss"?

"Well... yeah... I mean boys don't really like it when another guy comes into the picture", she stated with a little bit of sarcasm.

"Look Haley I really am sorry and I promise it won't happen again", he said while taking a few steps towards her "do you want me to talk to Nate? I'm sure it would help". He knew Haley was upset about his actions but he didn't expect her to quit. Haley had great potential and he wanted her to make use of it.

Haley's eyes grew wide with panic at his offer. "No no no that's not going to help", she knew Nathan and Chris meeting him is not going to solve this in any way. "Look it's not just about Nathan I don't want to do this either". How she said it with a straight face was beyond her.

"That's just not true and you know that" he smiled smugly at her. "You have great potential Haley and it's not just because of your voice" he said, "beautiful voices are everywhere but it's that personality of yours which will make you stand out. Don't just throw it all away for that boyfriend of yours. He's not worth it".

The thought of losing Nathan invaded her mind and she knew she had to end this conversation or else Chris was only going to make it harder for her. She was about say something when Chris beat her to it.

"I got an offer from a label in New York", he said, "They are interested".

"Wow Chris that's really great-"

"They want us to meet them in three days" he interrupted.

"Wait what do you mean us?" she asked.

"They are interested in us Haley" he smiled, "as in a duo. It's a pretty great opportunity. If everything goes as planned, we get to tour with The Wreckers" his eyes grew excited.

"Wow" Haley didn't know what else to say, she could feel herself being pulled into two with no escape. How could she possible reject an offer like this? Surely Nathan would understand right? But what if he doesn't? Would he break up with her? She was going back and forth with her thoughts when Chris spoke up.

"Haley" he said to grab her attention, "the bus leaves in two days. I could convince them to take me in solo but I would really want you to join". She looked at him questioningly to which he assured her, "No funny business I swear. I will keep my hands to myself. This is not a plot to get you in my bed I promise. Although I wouldn't mind-", he smirked her way.

"Seriously Chris", she was exasperated, she had enough stuff to think about and Chris Keller was not helping.

"Haley, Haley I know you want to come", he could see it in her eyes, "the bus leaves in two days, the decision is yours" he said with finality.

She gulped and released a long breath. She was going to talk to Nathan about it and she dreaded the upcoming conversation. She gave Chris a small nod and walked off the studio feeling a bit suffocated. As soon as the cool air hit her skin, she knew the enormity of the situation.

...(((=)))...

It's gonna be okay, he'll understand. Or at least that's what she was chanting in her mind as she waited for Nathan to come home. His message let her know that he was at the river court. She didn't mind. It gave her more time to think about how to approach the subject stuck in her mind. Since waiting was making her more agitated, she decided to get some cleaning done. Just sitting on the couch waiting for him was making her conjure up horror stories about his reaction. She kept herself busy until the ring of the doorbell let her know the time is up.

She calmed herself before opening the door for him. She found herself smiling at the sight of him dripping wet with sweat, holding a basketball. She never could help herself when she laid eyes on him.

"Hey" he greeted her before stepping into the house. Hmmm looks like Haley's been getting some cleaning done. The living room looked spotless. The house never looked like this ever since he started living there. He instantly knew that she was upset about something. Haley always turned into a cleaning monster when she had something on her mind. He wanted to ask her about it but he really wanted to take a shower since he was dripping with sweat. "I'm gonna go take a shower" he said as he dropped the basketball and went into the bathroom.

It didn't take long for him to get clean and get dressed. He walked into the kitchen and noticed that she was getting started on dinner.

"Hi", she greeted him on an overly cheerful voice, "how was practice today? Oh wait! You went to the river court right? Silly me! So how'd that go, I was just thinking of making this new pasta today. The recipe seemed easy enou-"

"Haley" he called out "you're rambling". He picked her up and placed her on top of the counter. "What's on your mind?"

"What do u mean?" Haley let out a nervous laugh. How does he do that?

"I know that something's bothering you so come on spill it" he said while rubbing his hands along her waist.

She felt trapped right now. She wasn't ready to tell him yet but now she had no choice. She took a deep breath "I went to the studio today".

"Oh" his whole body tensed at the mention of the shaggy haired musician. The movements of his hands on her waist halted.

Haley knowing that he was going to step back quickly grabbed his arms. "I just went there to tell him that we couldn't work together anymore" she rushed out.

"Oh" he swallowed the lump in his throat. He knew that Haley was not thrilled about this whole situation. He himself was feeling extremely guilty about feeling a little relieved.

"There's something else" she said reluctantly. This got Nathan's full attention. "Chris wanted me to go on tour with him and-"

"And you're going" he completed her sentence. He felt his heart sink at this revelation.

"What? No no... I... I haven't given him an answer yet" she clarified.

"So you want to go" he said in an accusing tone.

"It's The wreckers tour, its just such a huge opportunity" she explained. Why couldn't he understand this?

Nathan couldn't hear anymore of this. He stepped away from her feeling lost. It was a very good opportunity but the fact the Keller was going with her is what's bothering him. "I ask you to stop working with him and you're telling me that you want to go on tour with him."

Haley cringed at his tone. "Nathan please try to understand. I have no feelings for Chris".

But he couldn't. He was so afraid that he would lose her, he didn't want her anywhere around Chris. "It's him I don't trust" he bit out. Haley meant the world to him and he wanted her to get everything she deserved and more but his insecurities about her and Chris was winning the battle.

"Nathan please" she couldn't believe he was being so unreasonable. She thought he would understand. She was about to ask him how he would feel if she asked him to quit basketball but she never got the chance.

"You need to make a decision Haley", he couldn't believe what he was going to say but his voice of reason had left him a long time ago since this conversation started, "If you go on tour, then we're done". That being said, he started walking away and out of the kitchen.

Haley didn't stop him since she was still in shock by what he had asked her to do. Moments later, she heard the front door slam shut.

...(((=)))...

Ring ring. "Hello", said a groggy Lucas said into the phone. "Yeah... No no..." Lucas took a glance at the person sleeping on his floor "No, I didn't... yes I'll let you know... I'll try calling him... okay I'll see ya... bye". He sighed before turning to his guest, Lucas knew he was awake "that was Haley by the way". He heard Nathan sigh deeply at that.

"Yeah I figured", said Nathan as he shifted his position with his elbows propped up so that he could look at his brother. "What did she say?"

"She's really worried about you Nate, you should really go back" said Lucas "at least to let her know you are okay".

Nathan sighed at that. He knew Lucas was right but he wasn't ready to face her yet. Last night was a big blow to his heart and he had said some things that he didn't mean. He couldn't believe that he was insensitive enough to give her an ultimatum. He had to apologise to her and he didn't know how to start. He was so mad yesterday that he just walked out on her not willing to listen to her side of the situation. Nathan was going to set it right but right now he needed to clear his head. So instead of going back home, he decided to shoot some hoops at the rivercourt instead.

...(((=)))...

Haley was getting anxious by the minute. The tour bus leaves tonight and she had to make a decision fast. She had no idea where Nathan was and his absence was increasing her uneasiness. Last night she had cried herself to sleep. she was so hurt that the guy who encouraged her to pursue her music happens to be the same guy who gave her that dreadful ultimatum last night.

...(((=)))...

The sun was beginning to set which let him know that he had to go home no matter what. He had spent the entire day trying to avoid going home. He just grabbed some lunch at Karen's and continued spending the day shooting around with Lucas. Of course that wasn't an easy task considering Lucas kept pestering him about talking to Haley all the while. He kept wasting his time all day long but now he knew he had to face the situation. He took one last shot, before grabbing his ball and heading straight home.

As he reached the front door of the house, he knocked on the door. Nobody answered. He knocked a few more times before opening turning the door knob. Surprisingly, the door was unlocked. He stepped inside the house with an uneasy feeling. It felt too quiet in here.

"Haley" he called out but he got no response. A sense of dread filled him "Haley" he called out again as he looked in the kitchen after making sure that no one was in the living room. He could feel panic setting in as he ran to her room. He was hoping that she hadn't heard him since she was upstairs. But that wasn't the case since her room was empty too. He quickly checked the closet and his worst fears were confirmed. The closet was almost empty. It felt like someone was squeezing his throat as he could feel himself panicking. She left. She left without saying a word.

Without thinking straight he went into the only room he didn't look into – his room. He knew it was pointless but that didn't stop him from checking either. Upon finding the last room empty is what let him finally breakdown. He sat on his bed with tears streaming down his cheeks. He felt the enormity of the situation hit him like a ton of bricks. Haley had left him without so much as a word. He let his head fall into his hands as he ran his hands along his face and then finally running them through his hair.

It was when he lifted his head up the he noticed the folded piece of paper lying on his bedside table. He immediately picked it up and read it. Just like he anticipated, the note was left by Haley. It went on to say the she was leaving and how sorry she was. This letter made him all the more distraught. Every word in this letter seemed to have finality to it which he certainly didn't want to accept to himself. He didn't want to accept that his relationship with Haley is over, that the best part of his life was gone.

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