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~*~The Locket~*~

Beautiful banner by Ally

Rating: I want to be upfront about this part right now. There's no bad language or much of anything in this chapter, except for this. In this part I go somewhat deeper into the past of slavery. I have a section that has African Americans in it. Now, I used the word colored and negro, because these were more common to use then. I tried to put nothing offensive, but the grammar will reflect to the best of my ability how people talked then. It's not perfect and definitely not Mark Twain with how he excellently wrote the dialect for Jim in Huckleberry Finn. But it has some dialect that is my humble attempt to reflect the 1800's

Also I go into the history of the south, post war, more than a decade after it actually. This was a tense and sometimes volatile time and this part shows the beginning of that. Some characters are going to act in ways that may not be likeable and definitely controversial, but I will try to back up how they act with reason for their actions. I just want to make clear, that at the same time this story has romance, it also has the dark parts of history during this period. It's of course fictional, but I try to stay as close to the historical facts as I can. And that makes this story have parts that may be sensitive to some readers. So please read with caution.

Age Change for Chelsea and Halen: Originally I wrote in Halen as 32 and Chelsea as 27 years old. Because that would upset what I have planned for this story, I'm changing their ages to Halen: 34 and Chelsea: 29. Thanks for your understanding. Once again, numbers aren't my strong point, lol.

Note about Nathan/Haley's Birthday/Age: Nathan was born in early April 1871 and is now seventeen in the story. Haley was born late June 1873, and will be turning fifteen in one day in the story. I especially wanted to clarify this about Haley because a few times in the story I was vague about when Haley was born in relation to the war. She was definitely born years after the war. Nathan too was of course born after the war.

Halen and Chelsea: I flubbed this a few chapters back, putting 1926 by mistake. Probably because the NH part jumps years. So to make this clear, Halen and Chelsea's part takes place in 1924.

By the way, no one commented on any of this so I guess it hasn't been too glaring. I just noticed it when writing this chapter and wanted to make sure I clear all that up . Thanks for your support.

~*~North Carolina, 1924~*~

"Okay, I believe this one's yours."

Chelsea smiled with gratitude as he handed her the sandwich. "Thank you kindly distinguished sir."

Halen responded. "You're very welcome."

His day at work was busy, but the respite was not so lovely just because of the food. As lunchtime had beckoned more than an hour earlier, he had stopped by Chelsea's hotel room to stroll with her over to the nearby park. He had continued the story about his parents spending time together at their favorite place, Tree Hill. Then, as hunger grumbled, he crossed the street with her over to a conveniently placed food establishment.

Now, sitting down on the grassy ground, the two of them, with no blanket but his jacket that he had laid down, they were all set with the sandwiches they had picked up at his favorite deli, McAlister's.

Moving away the pink paper wrapping, Chelsea stared at what was inside. "My goodness, these are thick Halen!"

He smirked playfully at her comment. The afternoon was bright, clear and ripe for storytelling, as he had more to recount about his parents and the locket. "Oh now come on Chelsea, are you saying it's too much for you?" He gave her womanly figure a short glance with definite approval. It was outfitted in a pleated skirt, white heeled shoes, and a ruffled blouse of rose shades. The colors accented nicely her blonde waving locks, partially twisted up today.

"Is it too much?" He continued with his bantering questions.

Chelsea frowned, taking a bite of the packed sandwich with lettuce, meats, cheeses, vegetable flavor like tomatoes, and condiments, having a hard time working most of it into her mouth…

Halen laughed at the amusing display, before pushing away her struggling hand and moving the napkin up. "Here, let me help you."

Nearing chuckles herself at the absurdity of it all, Chelsea grabbed the napkin from him. "No…I have it. Oh goodness. This is flattering." She remarked dryly as the monster size sandwich continued to do battle with her and her…not quite big enough mouth.

"Definitely entertaining."

Chelsea grimaced further at his teasing and wiped solidly at her mouth now, removing any last dangling lettuce strings or anything else there might be. She pointed afterwards. "You should have warned me."

Smirking momentarily, Halen removed his own sandwich from the pink paper, expertly taking a bite without issue.

Catching his smirk, Chelsea complained. "I should stuff that thing completely in your mouth you jokester. Might take away that grin on your face right now." Of course, accompanied with that grin, was a fine looking man who she couldn't help but silently admire some. In his dark brown suit he looked mostly formal, except for the fact after he had removed his jacket, he also had rolled up the long sleeves of his striped shirt, and loosened his tie. Of course you could add to that the peculiar dark brown sugar hair that blew around his forehead in the wind. It seemed a stubborn strand kept chasing his eyes. She watched him start to brush it away with an annoyed hand, but she caught at it. And moving forward, pushed it back herself instead.

Halen smiled at her quietly with his sharp blue eyes, a bit surprised by her sudden action, but not disagreeable to it in any way. "Thank you."

Chelsea slightly blushed now, the color rosing her cheeks. She met this man only days ago, and yet the time they spent together already felt splendidly exciting. "You're welcome."

He quieted now as she did too. He noticed out of the corner of his eye she wasn't having too much more trouble for the moment with her sandwich. That could have to do with the very small bites she was taking. He chuckled shortly and opened his mouth to drink his bottle of cold root beer.

Chelsea took another dainty cautious bite of her Muscle Man sandwich. Goodness, what was he thinking when ordering her this gigantic thing?

"Mmm…frothy. The way I like it." Halen now commented bluntly on the root beer.

Catching his remark, Chelsea put her sandwich down for a moment and enjoyed too her cold drink, the same of course since he did all the ordering at her request, and his delight. A cold refrigerated bottle of sweet foaming root beer. "Maybe you developed a fondness of it from your mother."

Halen lifted his face from his sandwich, after taking a hearty bite of it and wiping with his napkin at his mouth. "Oh no maybe about it. Practically was a staple when I was growing up, though it was more old fashioned sarsaparilla at first. She'd laugh as my father would bring it home by the caseload sometimes. He'd do anything to keep her smiling happy."

"But he liked it too?"

Halen nodded his head. "Yes. Definitely, and now so do I."

Chelsea batted her eyelashes with meaning. "Speaking of…"

Halen enjoyed another frothy drink before he wiped at his mouth and nodded, yes. "Right. Back to the story."

Again, earlier he had told her about his father and mother's meetings at Tree Hill. Now, with some time before he needed to be back at the office, as he had hours of lunchtime before he would have a late work night, Halen's next part would surround his mother's upcoming birthday.

Chelsea reached inside her purse and brought it out. She gazed at the lovely piece with affection. Halen had brought it this day and asked if she could hold it. She was surprised he had carried it here with him, but he smiled and told her as the story continued she would get why. He was simply 'borrowing' it for the day, and at the present time wanted her to keep it safe. Touching with care at the slightly tarnished, but beautiful golden book, Chelsea smiled with appreciation. "It is so lovely. I have to wonder at more of its deeper story. Especially with how precious your last telling of it was. I love hearing about their relationship strengthening."

Smiling too, Halen touched gently at her hand. "Well you won't have to wonder that long, because this next part of its recount involves just that, the locket, and more of what you said. It also involves some new people, and deeper explanation of certain ones already part of the story.

Chelsea looked up with strong inquiry. The story was so lovely so far, yes painful at times, but also just endearing. It was the kind that would make a beautiful moving picture even. She could just imagine the orchestra in the background providing the accompaniment for what would be a dear silent film. Or maybe make it into a beautiful page filled hardbound book. Either way, it was meant to inspire, starting from such a fragile friendship.

Halen felt a tightening in his throat as he watched her silently. Her eyes sparkled so much with emerald glow under the blaze of the sun. Looking into them was like touching at her soft hand, something to feel a spark at. Still, he winked with playfulness. "Now before I do so, you must do something for me."

Chelsea stared at him questioningly. "What?"

He pointed to her half discarded sandwich. "Enough cowardice. Take a big bite. Really Chelsea, you have a sandwich there that comes from the best deli in all the south, and you're rejecting it. I'm hurt. The only way to fully enjoy it is to dig right in."

Chelsea narrowed her eyes with meaning. "And get it all over my face? No thank you."

Halen smirked and waved his hand with casual dismissal before taking another long drink of his root beer. "Fine. Then no story."

Chelsea's face flushed with angered shock. "Oh, are you blackmailing me?"

"I don't think refusing to tell you a story because you refuse to take a decent bite of your classic best deli in the south, McAlister's sandwich, is blackmailing Miss Ryder." Halen commented with mocking seriousness.

Chelsea scrutinized him sharply now with her emerald green eyes. "Best in the south? Don't you think you've already milked that to its highest degree Mr. Scott? I doubt it's any better than a Nathan's hot dog on Coney's Island." She closed her eyes with deep meaning. "Oh, those are the most delectable ones you've ever had, bun prepared to perfection, dressings all rightly applied and filling your mouth with the best taste…ever!"

As she told her story, Halen scooted over closer to her on the jacket.

She opened her eyes and gasped as he was now sitting right in front of her. "Ah…"

Halen's look bordered on intense interest. She had heated up the surroundings just now.

Still, he countered flippantly, edging his finger along her chin, feeling her slight shiver. "I doubt it. Comparing a hot dog to a fantastic sandwich, please. Though maybe it's not all that bad if it's named Nathan's." He winked with meaning.

Chelsea slid a little away from him…to be safe. My, his breath was toxically nice. Though Halen was incredibly polite, he also definitely wasn't shy. "Ah, yes! I hadn't even thought of the connection until you just mentioned it now. Well hey…" She reached up and found the end of his tie with a little more daring, curling her fingers around it. "If you happen to ever arrive in New York, I'll take you to get one. Trust me, you won't at all be disappointed. And I have to return the favor, right, of you taking me to the best deli…uh…at least in your opinion."

Halen grinned across at her, liking the invitation, and up to the challenge. "It's a deal then. It's not just my opinion, bet the whole world believes it, and now it's for you to prove it. Go ahead, take a big bite. Nothing measly."

Pulling at his tie now, Chelsea secretly delighted in the surprise that came to Halen's eyes as she spoke to him firmly. "You are just quite the Cad sometimes aren't you Halen Scott? Give me that sandwich."

Halen smiled, liking her gusto a lot and her ability to keep surprising him. Handing the sandwich to her now, he watched to make sure she got in a good one.

Chelsea made her big bite and then once again felt part of it depleting right from her hands. The sandwich was delicious definitely, but so thickly ready to come apart. She squealed, desperately attempting to catch its falling portions.

Halen chortled and moved in closer to keep her from dropping too much on his jacket or on herself. The wild display they were creating was too amusing that they both burst into strong laughter…

Finally coming out of it, they took in just how close they were to each other now, as Halen even had his arms half wrapped around Chelsea.

Observing something, Halen commented with a gesturing finger. "Uh…a bit of mayonnaise."

"Oh gosh…I'm mortified." Chelsea exclaimed, looking away.

Handing her a napkin, Halen touched at her shoulder from behind. "Don't be. Not with me anyway."

Chelsea finished wiping it off, getting his approval, and then turned to his deep blue eyes with a sort of daze.

Halen cleared his throat and let go of her.

Smoothing at her somewhat busied skirt from all their fun, Chelsea's cheeks were reddened. She, a New York Times reporter who had excellent wording, now rambled a bit in her defense. "Well you're right it is tasty, but uh…well… it's still up for debate if it wins over a Nathan's hot dog."

Halen laughed softly and put up his hand in half truce symbol. "Alright...It'll have to be decided in the future who the winner is." He mumbled under his breath with competitive meaning. "McAlister's."

Chelsea's eyes narrowed with a characteristic motion as he finished muttering inaudibly, half turned away from her while he conveniently fiddled with his napkin. "What was that?"

Halen's look was innocent. "What…oh nothing. Anyway, we should get back on track here. My lunch time isn't forever and I have some important business back at the office to attend to later on." He smiled warmly. "So let's continue from where we left off, shall we?"

Chelsea smiled now too. "Definitely."

Halen teasingly lifted his root beer to hers. "Toast to begin."

Chelsea moved hers to chime with his and they both took a drink. Smiling with wonder and even some fun…

Flirtation.

"After their day at Tree Hill, it was time for dinner with friends…"



~*~Part X: The Wakening~*~

North Carolina, 1888

"Haley, let me see how it looks on you!"

Lynette James called out that evening. When she had returned from the mill hours earlier, Haley already was home, back from her day of fun with Nathan. Oh, it filled Lynette with happiness that her daughter had a friend now who insisted she spend lazy days of just being young. Haley was turning fifteen years old. Now, yes her daughter was growing closer to a woman, but she still was a young enough thing that she shouldn't spend so much time worrying and working.

It would be nicely divine too for her daughter to attend this dinner in her honor. From what she heard and had seen, Whitey and Camilla were good folk who enjoyed living.

Lynette could remember a time when she had some more spunk in her step like she wanted for Haley. Sure it had been years before when Jimmy was still around sitting at their beloved piano with their young daughter, making all kinds of music and fun filled laughter. It could be heard in any room of the house, it was so vibrant and alive then.

Lynette shook her head and drew away from the happy-time memories. Enough. It was nearly her daughter's birthday and it was time to celebrate…and time to finally see how she looked. "Haley James, put some liveliness into it!"

"I'm coming Mama!"

Lynette smiled at her daughter's spirited reply, the upward crease to her lips strengthening as finally Haley came out of their shared bedroom.

Haley fussed and complained the whole way. She didn't need such a fine dress. Her Mama already worked hard enough.

Lynette clapped her hand over her mouth with surprised delight. "Oh Haley, look at you! Oh my good-

Haley's ranting cut right through. "Mama, I told you this was too much! We don't have money for something like this. Look at this dress, it's more than we can afford! And you already spend your days working hard enough that you needn't do so much for me!"

Lynette shook her head profusely and talked her daughter down. "Oh hush now Haley. I already told you. One of the ladies at the mill insisted I take the material when I told her your birthday was coming. Her sister is a seamstress and has bunches of scraps she sometimes parts with. It cost me nothing. And I didn't mind one bit putting needle and thread to make you something nice. Now turn around. Let me see!"

Haley frowned tightly, but did partially as asked, making a slight turn in the middle of the room, and then planting her hands on her hips. She mused pensively. After her Mama had come home, she presented her with a butcher papered package. Haley had first stared at it with shock as her Mama insisted she open it. Finally, Haley did and gasped, as within it was this beautiful dress she was wearing now. So lovely, and yet so much aluxury.

Lynette rolled her eyes at the feeble spin and gestured to her daughter again. "Now, Haley James that is nothing near a turn and you know it. I already told you, I enjoyed plenty making you this dress. So give me a real spin that shows it off."

This time with a bit of grumbling, Haley made a full turn that had more flair.

Lynette clapped her hands with happiness at how the colorful lower skirt lifted around her daughter's ankles. "Oh yes, that is perfect. It fits you so well, and the coloring is just right with your face and all. We were so lucky to get this material."

Haley shook her head at all her Mama had done for her by making the dress. It really was too frivolous a gift, even with all its beauty. Her gingham dress was fine enough for the dinner at Whitey's tonight. Her Mama could have taken the fabric and sewed up something she could sell in town for a return of some needed food, or other necessities. Haley knew she had to say something. It wasn't right to accept a gift like this with all her Mama's hardships.

"Mama, really-

Lynette wasn't having any of her daughter's grumblings. She was so pleased at how Haley looked in the fancy frock. "Oh so beautiful! Oh wait until Nathan sees!"

Haley blushed suddenly. Lynette noticed it, while she continued to admire her daughter's prettiness. The dress was made of the loveliest patterns, tiny purple little flowers decorating a background of precious shining lavender. Lynette had learned to sew when she was a young girl, and so she took on the task with relish, hiding the material for months from her daughter, taking it out when the girl was away from home for whatever reason. It also had pretty pleats at the shoulders and bottom hem, she had learned to make when younger, with a few ruffles here and there too for dazzle. Its neckline was a rounded sweetheart style, and though it was plenty discreet enough for a girl just becoming a young lady, it accented Haley's blossoming figure.

"Mama…Nathan will not even notice. I've told you before. He is courting another. That Brooke Davis girl from New Bern."

Lynette rushed over now with bits of weakness, but also gusto. Her strength always came out most with her daughter. Her face lit with smiles as it had with her darling Jimmy. She grabbed a comb and pushed her daughter down to the chair in the kitchen. "Oh now sit and as I told you before…hush. No need to be jealous of such a frivolous sounding girl."

Haley's eyes widened. "Mama, I am nothing near jealous!" She stuck her nose up defiantly. "It was never even my intention to have Nathan Scott as a friend. You two most sneakily forced it upon me."

Lynette rolled her eyes as she started to tie pretty lavender ribbons in her daughter's hair. The friend too had provided some of that to go with the dress. "Oh now Haley, that is the silliest thing I ever heard. If you hadn't wanted him as a friend you know very well you would not be spending time with him now. Certainly not going to this dinner tonight."

Haley scoffed as her Mama continued to dress up her hair in the ribbons. Even if it was true. She would rather Nathan be her friend, than not. And even though she had argued against his idea they spend time at Tree Hill, she loved going there now. Still, it wasn't in her nature to agree so easily. She rarely fully accepted that her leisure time was okay when her Mama worked so hard for her.

"Oh Mama, that is only because Whitey and his wife invited me. He insisted after I haven't been able to spend the time there before, that I come for an entire evening for my birthday. He left me no outlet."

Lynette frowned as she applied the last ribbon. "And why have you not spent the time there before if you were invited?" If she had known of the previous invitations, she would have insisted too her daughter attend.

Haley bit down on her bottom lip, giving the answer somewhat hesitantly. "Because of course Mama…it wouldn't be right. Leaving you here to take care of supper on your own and-

Lynette waved her free hand in dismissal. "Oh fiddlesticks Haley! I have told you time and time again, I am fine. And you, whether you want to see it or not my daughter, are growing to a young lady. Soon you will have a life of your own and I will not have you deny that by feeling you must take care of me. You do enough around here."

Haley started to protest, but knew she was defeated in this one. Instead she looked into the old mirror on the wall her Mama pointed her to now, as the woman was done with all the ribbons.

"Oh now look at you…your hair and this dress. Oh you look just beautiful."

"Mama." Haley blushed a touch. The dress was the most precious material. She loved all the purple little flowers! And the ribbons mixed into the natural curling waves of her hair made her look…well maybe just a bit older. Maybe closer to the fifteen years she would turn tomorrow.

Lynette simply smiled with amusement before she moved to the door. "I need some water from the well. I'll be back in a minute."

Haley interjected. "Oh I can do it Mama."

Lynette shook her head with a tight frown. "Oh you most certainly cannot Haley James. Not in that dress. Now it won't take me long at all. You keep looking in the mirror and admire all your prettiness."

"Oh Mama." Haley complained and actually lightly batted at the older woman's arm. She of course did it gently as she knew her Mama was taking ill quite a bit lately. It wasn't long though before she moved in even more and brought her arms around Lynette's shoulders. "Oh thank you Mama for this beautiful dress! I really shouldn't take it, but of course I will graciously after all the work you put to it. You are the most wonderful Mama ever."

Lynette looked into her daughter's eyes with the amber golden sparks that were so like her Papa's flash of life he had in his. Touching at her daughter's cheek she let it fall down to the precious locket that Haley never purposely took off, because it had been her Papa's gift when she was very young. "I remember the day your Papa bought this for you. Oh my you were tiny then, and look at you now, growing to be such a young lady. Oh if only your Papa could see you. He'd be so proud. He'd be beaming from ear to ear!"

Haley's face sobered as she met her Mama's hands on the locket. "I know you miss him so Mama. I miss him too." She did still often, even though it had been some years now. She had barely been six years old, when after years of lingering illness, Papa breathed his last, and they already had serious enough money problems that had forced them to move to a small house in Old Oak. Those money problems had forced them to leave Duplin, where Haley had happy precious young memories of riding with her Papa and playing music with him. That was when they had the small horse ranch and he was constantly singing and writing his songs, with her at his side always. It was a little more than a year before that first meeting of Nathan in the pines, when there was no more Papa and she and her Mama had to move into the even smaller house they lived in now. They had to sell most everything, except of course her dear locket, that she had always believed held Papa's love and guidance inside it.

Seeing her daughter's seriousness, Lynette tugged playfully at one of her hair ribbons. "Oh yes, but now, you know how much he'd want us to be smiling. So enough of this mussing, and brighten your face for him and…for you. I want you to have a lovely time tonight."

"And you will have one too." Haley winked, her emotions quietly happy again. Camilla and Whitey had invited both of them.

Lynette smiled gently at her daughter with a short nod. "Yes…okay, off to get that water."

Haley smiled fondly at her mother's retreating back. Then she touched at her locket. She could still remember the day her Papa first put it on her…a day by the water.

"Oh Papa…" Haley whispered with love and then gently set the locket back down to sit against her heart. Oddly as she did so, she thought of Nathan. He was right, well had been right years ago when he told her that her Papa wouldn't want her to be unhappy. He was even right earlier today maybe when he told her to be a bit more selfish. To want things for herself. Maybe even like this dress, with the pretty little purple flowers that suddenly appeared so vibrantly as you turned this way or that. Haley smiled and moved to the mirror now. She touched at the dress's bottom ruffling lightly-pleated hem and twirled it around with fun…

*~*

Debra Scott mused pensively as the just darkening sky outside, still had deep patches of reddening left over from the earlier sunny day. She had plans this evening that should make her delighted. They were the reason she was wearing one of her finest dresses. It was new all the way from Paris, with a shining bustle in the back that let out beautiful satin skirting layers. She loved it so and knew she would be one of the most elegant looking women this night attending the show. Everyone would be gazing at her. But of course, she was Debra Scott, married to one of the richest men in New Bern.

She was proud of that man. She loved all he did to make them so wealthy and powerful. Ah, power indeed was wonderful to have, and she had it in spades with her Daniel. In England her family had been important, but never so as much as she felt in her North Carolina New Bern community. Of course it felt smaller than her full-of-life London, the US a much newer country than the European ones. She actually liked that though. It kept her on top.

Her husband's business was doing very well lately, prospering in ways beyond what it had in the past. She was thankful for that. She knew it probably had to do partly with that one less-than-helpful asset leaving years ago. Oh now, she was a proper southern woman after living here in North Carolina for some years. She didn't bother in her husband's business all that much. But in this matter she had observed carefully the outcome. The man complained too much of what he found out. What he was so privileged to know. He did nothing to make the business stronger for her hard working husband. He simply interfered and so all was well that he left. It seemed he had built up his own establishment that was advancing somewhat impressively. Well at least her husband didn't have to do battle with it.

They were two completely different types of factories.

She was most definitely proud of her husband for all his hard work and intelligent keen mind in making sure demand for Scott product was satisfied. She thought he was ingenious in finding out how to make sure the apparel for Scott Clothing Factory was made quickly and efficiently. Wages were even kept down in a completely lawful way, which meant money didn't have to be used in wastage ways. Each worker received the payment due to them.

And not a cent more.

Debra knew well some would call her tight or even cruel for feeling this way, but when your husband worked hard for his wealth you didn't want that money given to those who didn't deserve it, not more than they deserved anyway.

So all in all, everything was divinely fine, and yet, she was not entirely in the best of moods. Two more persons should be attending this lovely show tonight. That was how she had planned it.

"What is my wife's pretty little head troubling through?"

She turned at the question, coming face to face with her husband. He was a dangerously handsome man, dark raven hair that was just like his son's, and that oh so dignified mustache. He had a strong upper build that broadened his stature so, and he had a strong voice that could rumble when angered, and gentle when caring to do so. Now it was the way she usually liked best, calculating. She supposed some wives loved their husbands for all their tenderness, and their ways in the bedroom. Daniel's ways were definitely nothing to complain about, but this thrilled her much more so. He was smart as a whip and could hold secrets with a smirk that made you forget you were questioning him. He was cool and collected. He was devilishly complicated.

Even if she hadn't completely loved him their first meeting, always she had felt a striking attraction to him. No major concern if their love be unconventional. All his dashing looks added to the physical part, detailed nicely right now with the fine white shirt he was wearing with patterned brown vest and tie.

Handsome certainly he was, but even that couldn't bring her mood entirely up. Her face pinched tightly now. The results of this evening were semi-troubling. She just didn't know how to utter it without bringing it to some kind of uncivilized confrontation. She hated those. In England they rarely argued like here in the south with such loud mouths. A woman must remain distinguished after all, even when disagreeing with her husband.

"Debra." Daniel spoke her name hard now. Even as he smiled coolly. He was pretty sure he knew why she was near pouting, but he wanted her to say it.

His wife was a very attractive woman, absolutely stunning tonight in this glistening golden dress that accented so well her blonde curls. It was a shame he couldn't go. He was sure the theater had some hidden corners that would be kind of risqué to take her into. Debra definitely could turn on his physical sense. Even if she hadn't been his first choice, and he had primarily scoffed at an arranged marriage, he desired her from the get go.

So with her being such a desirable woman, he looked at the reason for his liaisons in maybe an old fashioned way, but a theory that he believed should always hold. There were things about men that women would never understand. Unless it was the deepest eternal love, a man should be expected to wander off in some other direction from time to time. After all, he was a hard working southern man. A long time ago he stopped being a foolish naïve boy, and ceased believing in that kind of love. Oh he definitely did love Debra, but for things rather than for…

Daniel touched at his wife's fully powdered face, so different from the other that blanched with whiteness from sickness-

He really needed to stop of thinking her.

He didn't make the choice. She did two years ago. He wasn't doing anything awful to her. He only made sure her work load was increased some. It was her own fault for choosing labor and an idiot of a man over him.

Damn. Once and for all, enough.

He focused in again on his wife.

He wanted to hear Debra say it. He wanted to start it. He bored easily of polite conversation for too long. He liked to always be moving and partake in stimulating communication, not the kind that dulled his mind.

Debra bristled at Daniel's hardness, complaining now. He wanted her to get angry, to start up something wild. He annoyingly understood her moods too well. "Daniel, I just don't understand it. This show tonight, everyone will be there. They'll be expecting the two of us of course. And yet you insist you can't attend. And you even make up the excuse for our son."

He laughed cynically. "Ah now Debra…" His finger inched at her chin playfully. "I already told you my darling wife, I have a meeting tonight."

Debra nearly rolled her eyes before she thought twice of her actions. That would take it too far. "Oh yes. Another meeting! Daniel, why is it these meetings have increased so of late, and yet you refuse to tell me anything about them? I have no idea even where you go Husband."

He sneered. She wasn't suspicious, was she? She couldn't be. He covered himself well. Besides, the first part of this night was no sin against his marriage. "And are you saying you're doubting me, WIFE?" He held at her chin tightly, feeling her slightly flinch as he didn't let go. Good. He never did anything unseemly as hit his wife, or pushed at her in any way, never grabbed at her skin to make it bruise, like some disgusting men hideously did. He made sure though, without any kind of incivility, she knew he was the man in this relationship, and should be respected.

She tried not to flinch too tightly. He would never hurt her, but he could send the bit of chill sometimes. She had to wonder once in a while what would happen if this man ever became seriously angry, that his smirk flattened to fury? She smiled tightly, knowing he would never unleash it on her. Pity the fool he did unleash it upon. Anyone beyond their family of three.

"Of course not Daniel." She touched at his cheek plaintively with lukewarm affection. There was no urge really to do more. It could wait till the bedroom.

He always satisfied in there, even though she knew full well he was seeing 'women' on the side. She had never confronted him with that knowledge. It would raise too much havoc in their marriage, and she was the one he spent his full evenings with.

She was the one he came home to.

Any of those cheap hussies couldn't hold a candle to her. Men were like boys, sometimes needing their silly toys, but as his wife she had the power. Let her husband have his flings. She had the tighter hold even if he didn't always realize that. She benefited well from his status and used it to her advantage. That outweighed simple naïve one-man one-woman love any day. She had a sister who still weakly believed in everlasting love, but she had always been poorly innocent in her thinking. Debra preferred the type of man she had married, intelligently manipulative.

She wasn't thrilled about his affairs, but she saw no reason to use them as an issue in their marriage. She supposed the 'meetings' could be a cover-up for them. Fine if that was the way things were. But if they weren't related to the affairs, then what exactly were they about?

"I just wish you wouldn't be so secretive about them Daniel. And beyond that, I wished this evening you could have missed the meeting so you could attend the show with us. Blake will be there with Amanda. Wouldn't you like to see him, Darling?" She asked the question with a softly nudging tone.

He smiled at how she stroked his cheek, her long fingernails lightly scratching his skin. His wife was such the charmer, knowing how a woman worked the wiles. Still, he was good at resisting when need be. "I will Debra. Another time. You are not going to get me to go to this show, just like you couldn't convince Nathan."

He smirked and turned away from her.

Debra wrung her hands with brittle disgust. Oh! She watched his strong back as he went to light his pipe and then tuned slowly toward her, blowing out the smoke casually. She pushed it away from her face as it drifted. Awful pipe smoke. It usually didn't bother her, but this evening it was getting at her skin. "I don't see why he will not attend and why you allowed him his excuse. It's not right at all. Poor Brooke."

Daniel blew out another relaxed puff of smoke. Nathan played his part well the way he saw it. He spent many afternoons and evenings courting Brooke. It was plenty enough to satisfy that it was understandable the boy spent time with others. For Debra's benefit and understanding, it was friends and girls he had attended school with. The truth of course altered slightly. Daniel helped his son keep up the partial ruse so he could visit with a woman, a mistress. Actually, he wouldn't be surprised if it was more than one young woman. Nathan was a charmer who the ladies flocked to, hah, just like his father.

"He sees Brooke plenty, Debra. Even you remarked the other evening how pleased you were with the time they spent together. It's understandable for him to spend some time away from her."

Debra slightly frowned. It was true that Nathan was proving to be a good suitor to Brooke. This night though was so important. The show playing at the theater had been a big hit in Europe. That meant it would be heavily gossiped about. It was almost embarrassing to attend without her husband as her escort. It was such a shame too for Nathan to not be there, leaving Brooke lonely. "Not when she is his intended, Daniel. Oh, it has delighted me so, how Nathan has treated Brooke this past year. That is why I wanted him to escort her, and am baffled that he wished to go elsewhere." She frowned now with curiosity. "Where did he go by the way?"

Daniel took one last puff of his pipe. Many evenings now he would retire to the parlor and Nathan would join him. He would smoke his pipe, and sometimes his son would smoke one too. It was kind of impressive to watch his son fake his enjoyment of it. He could tell the first time the boy didn't care for the pipe smoke at all. He cleverly made it seem otherwise though. He would take just a few puffs before casually placing it down. It was a manipulative kind of thing to do, and for that Daniel smirked. His son was learning well the sometimes needed act of deception.

"To visit with a friend Debra. I told you that before."

She still didn't seem appeased. "But who, Daniel? What friend? You realize right that he didn't tell us who it was. Of course you do, because you didn't require that answer from him. But I'd like to know. I think he should tell us that much."

Daniel fully put his pipe down now, shaking his head. This was leading to a subject that was tiring enough. "Oh Debra, he is seventeen. In months he will be taking long business trips for the factory. He will be too busy to court Brooke much then or visit with his friends. Allow him the time he has now. Give him his freedom, because soon he won't have it so much anymore."

The answer didn't fully convince Debra. She was still unhappy that her husband would not be attending the show with her tonight, and she wanted to know more about her son's leisure time, since he wasn't always completely forthcoming about it. Sure, sometimes he was working for his father, other times visiting with friends, but it seemed so questionable he was visiting with friends so much at night, or in the late afternoon. She knew many of them had their own obligations and already were pursuing women of their own choice, or of course their parents'. Something else seemed to be happening here and yet her husband was so cavalier about it. She knew she probably shouldn't be making such a big thing of it. She should be grateful that Nathan spent the increased amount of time he spent with Brooke now.

A night like this though would be perfect. If they had attended together it probably would have even made the paper.

Debra sighed. This night was unfortunately spoiled with the absence of her son and husband, but her planning was still moving along nicely. "Fine, I will accept his excuse this evening. Not forever though Daniel. Nathan's eighteenth birthday is not as far off as it may seem. You know how I want to make sure that night is the talk of the town. And just think Daniel, how much lovelier it would be if it was the night he revealed his intended too? An engagement announcement."

She was beaming with happiness at all her dreams and organization of their son's life. Daniel practically laughed at it. Good thing she didn't know the entire truth. His wife was so certain that Nathan would marry Brooke. He wasn't so sure though. Of course the boy would have to marry someone suitable enough to fit their standard of living, but that young lady may end up having a different maiden name than Davis.

He moved forward now. Smirking, Daniel touched at his wife's cheek and lowered his other hand over the exposed part of her upper body. Hmmmm…such a lovely curving shape she had. "Debra My Dear, I love how you plot, but in this case, Darling, what if you are wrong? Don't assume so strongly that his intended will be Brooke Davis."

She frowned with distaste. "Do not joke about this Daniel."

He did laugh now richly, teasing at her lips with his own. Their son was not around. They could be less formal…until it got boring. "I'm being completely serious. Don't worry though, whoever it will be, we'll make sure that she measures up to our high class status. And then in a handful of years or more, Nathan can take over the business completely. I can retire with ease."

Debra knew the argument about Brooke was lost for this evening. So instead now she pouted about her husband's silly meeting. "Oh…come with me tonight. Forget wherever else you need to go."

He grinned, loving how she was asking for it, wanting his company. This was how a woman should treat a man, not raising their hand for a slap. Debra would never do that kind of stupid thing to him. He would never allow it.

Dumb Peasant Woman, she could have had such a better life with him. She was a fool to marry that man.

Kissing his wife's lips and slipping his tongue inside her mouth before he retreated, he shook his head now. "No. I'll make it up to you another night Debra. You'll just have to be missing your son and me." He moved back to kiss her hand in a dashing way, teasing with a wink. "Have a lovely evening Darling. I look forward to you telling me all about it."

He walked out of the room with eased authority.

Hearing the door upstairs to their bedroom close, Debra's expression returned to its initial pensive state. She still was unhappy about his insistence to go to this meeting.

And she still wanted to know more about where her son was this evening.

Many of those he associated would be at the show tonight, attending too with their parents or the one they were courting.

So who was it he went to see?

Who was this…

Friend?

*~*

Lynette made her way to the well underneath the reddened early evening sky that was first darkening. Not even the stars or moon's appearance were visible yet as the last parts of daylight slowly faded away. She reached inside the well for the bucket and began to fill it up. Feeling it heavy now with the water needed, she started to lift the bucket away. As she did so, a hacking row of coughing began.

"Mrs. James!"

Nathan called out, jumping away from the buggy he was driving, and rushing over to the hunched petite woman. The buggy was new, a bit annoyingly with a harness that kept getting loose, just bought by his father and loaned to him this night. Of course the loan had been with some misinformation. Nathan had yet to tell his parents about the bulk of his time spent with Haley. Actually, he had no plans to tell them in the future. He knew it was risky, but so be it. If they found out, he'd deal with it then. For now, let his father believe that once again he was going into town to meet with a 'mistress'.

He had just come to stop the buggy in front of Haley's modest house, and looking over across the small yard, saw the figure of her mother hunched over. Now as he reached her, he could hear her hacking coughs. They made his forehead furrow with deep concern. "Mrs. James!" He called out again and brought his arm around her. He knew as much of her as Haley had told him, and as the woman herself had told him. She, like Haley, worked long hours in the mill of that cretin owner who selfishly employed young children for the use of their small hands. The cretin, like some others, said that children were more adept at handling the cotton, and yet of course it was dangerous for them to be dealing with the big machines. It didn't stop a man like him though. He probably loved employing innocent girls like Haley James, treating them like…

It gripped at his jaw to think this way. Fueled him full of anger.

Getting his emotions under control, Nathan held at Mrs. James' arm. Her hair color was similar to Haley's, with bright enough eyes like hers too, but in the fading day's light he could see it also. The woman was horribly pale right now. He'd noticed the blanching on her face often, but could it be getting worse? Maybe it was just the last glow of day turning to night.

Feeling the boy's arm around her now, his hand gripping her elbow strongly, Lynette started to appease. Once again the coughing fit did not last, but it probably bothered him. She smiled as bravely she could, already teasing. "Well don't you look handsome?"

Nathan smiled at the compliment, before insisting seriously. "Really Mrs. James, you shouldn't be handling this. I'll take it in for you." He reached down for the bucket now.

Lynette watched him with a tight smile.

Nathan noticed and questioned. "I'm sorry, what is it?"

Lynette shook her head before responding quietly. It had been years ago when he treated her that same way, with respect and sweet friendship. He would never let her carry a heavy bucket. He would clear the path when any obstacle presented itself that could result in her clumsiness. It was years past. That boy was no more, replaced by a cruel hard man who knew well how to manipulate. "You just reminded me right now of someone."

Nathan smiled curiously. "May I ask who?"

Lynette weighed her possible response for a long moment. The boy had such good manners, like he had at first. That should bother her, the likeness, and yet for some reason she still thought fondly of Nathan. Daniel, that day two years ago, had shown a shred of decency before he propositioned her so sickeningly. It was beyond that shred though.

"Someone I knew long ago." The answer was only partially true. Lynette knew though it wasn't the night to talk about this, and that it should first come from his father. Still, she asked her own question, one she had wondered about earlier this day, and before too. She was pretty sure of the answer, but wanted to hear his explanation. "Nathan, do your parents know that you come here to see Haley?"

He shuffled his feet. His mother had wanted him to spend time with her, Brooke, and Brooke's mother this evening. It was some big show all the way from Europe. Even many of his friends would be attending, except for a few. His father had made up the excuse for him, thinking his son was going to see a mistress in town. Only Nathan knew the truth and allowed the made up story. It didn't seem right though to lie to Mrs. James. She had always been nice to him.

And was that to say his parents weren't?

They just wouldn't understand. They made plain how they felt about people like Haley and her Mama years ago, and none of that had changed. Nathan's feelings about it had altered though. Yes, when he was younger, and he would definitely say less informed, he believed that anyone who was poor, put themselves in the sorry lot on their own, and deserved to be there. That changed though when he met Haley and they started interacting. Poor, yes. Dirty and lazy? Absolutely not. And neither was her mother. And if they couldn't be fit in such an easy category, there were probably a heck of a lot of other people who shouldn't be either.

His parents' thinking was much narrower. He supposed it had to do with the circles they interacted with, which did not include the less wealthy. They believed in separations of class, and conversing only with those who were as prosperous as them. Anyone below really didn't deserve much of their time.

All in all, Nathan didn't even like to think of Haley or her Mama that way, as poor people. They didn't act it for sure, always keeping up a very tidied house and never lamenting deeply about any lesser state they may be in. Look at Haley, with all her stubborn pride sometimes, like earlier today at Tree Hill when he said she deserved more. She never would accept a charity and neither would her mother. He wished sometimes that he could get his parents to see that. He wished they'd understand that a girl like Haley was not poor because she refused to work, but because the conditions around her sometimes were just so unfair that it was too hard to get out of that place.

His parents simply didn't get it, but he wasn't being totally deceptive. Years ago his father had oddly actually allowed the friendship. At the time still, Nathan astutely decided to make it seem like something less important, all the way to the story his parents now believed. Haley was simply some silly boyish indulgence that he bored of after a while. His father probably thought he never saw her anymore, or just in distant passing. And that was fine with him. He actually relished the secret parts of it.

Ah, another rush of pondering thanks to his best friend of two years. It was her fault for making him think more. Haley put careful thought to most everything, and seemed lately she was wearing off on him. Tarnation!

Finally he answered with maybe a bit of falseness, and yet truths too. "Well, actually they don't know all the time. They know we're friends."

Lynette's eyebrows came up with wonder. Two years ago, that day, Daniel had seemed bothered that his son might still be spending time with her daughter. It made no sense he would allow such a friendship, unless…

"Do they know you came here tonight, Nathan?"

Reluctantly he shook his head. "No." Nathan sighed tightly. "Mrs. James, my parents aren't ogres. They know Haley and I have spent time together. Just…maybe not how much."

Lynette smiled mildly with understanding. The boy was very smart. He wasn't keeping it secret from his parents entirely, just not being totally forthcoming about it. It was what she had suspected for some time now. She wasn't sure if it was a deceptive trait so much as one he saw as necessary. Maybe because he understood what kind of man his father could be.

Lynette pushed at that thought. Even if Daniel had treated her poorly, like some cheap hussy he could get into his bed, that did not mean he was a bad father. Look at his son.

"Nathan, you needn't explain your parents to me. I'm just glad they know some of your coming here." Even if it was very little. Lynette was pretty sure the boy had controlled it well. At least for now. Unfortunately in this case, secrets usually did have a way of coming out.

Nathan knew his parents would probably see it differently if they knew the whole truth, but he was thankful for Haley's Mama not making too much of it. "Yes. Here, I'll take this inside for you." He picked up the heavy bucket of water now and gestured for Lynette to go first.

Lynette shook her head. She needed a bit of rest in the cool outside air. It would help lessen the possible whiteness in her face. Not to mention it would give them some time alone. She trusted her daughter implicitly and Nathan almost as much actually. "No. I'll be in a minute. You go ahead. The door is open."

Nathan started to go, but then with a bit of a troubled look touched at the older lady's arm. "Mrs. James, are you sure you're alright? The coughing earlier…"

She quietly cut through. "I'm fine, Nathan. Don't worry about me. Just a cold or something from the mill. It'll clear up soon. You don't want to keep my daughter waiting." She ushered him away with playfulness. "Now go on." She winked. "You know you'd rather be with Haley inside, than outside with an old woman like me."

"You're not old Mrs. James."

Lynette smiled with appreciation. "Thank you…now go on!"

Nathan smiled back and moved forward with the bucket, stopping at the buggy for a moment to reach for something from the seat.

Lynette watched the boy with fond, but questioning eyes, as he opened the door and slipped into their small house. It was certainly an interesting predicament, as she had believed it would be. Nathan had told his parents only some of the reality. Enough was being kept hidden though to cause her concern. Daniel may become suspicious with how, lately it seemed, Nathan spent even more time with Haley. So many nights the boy brought her home now, whether driving the wagon he used for work, or riding simply on his horse. Escorting her by horse probably meant he was sneaking out during the night. If Daniel found out any of this, she had to wonder what the man would do. After her rejection of him, she knew he was very unhappy with her. Yes, he had showed concern that day two years ago, but also deep hateful resentments.

But his son was not the same.

Right?

Daniel's cruel side had come out when she turned down his proposal and decided to be with Jimmy. Haley seemed to care deeply for Nathan, but she was still young. Love between them would probably be wonderful, but maybe Haley didn't even have that deep of feeling yet. Already this night showed she probably wanted to be more than a friend to Nathan, that he raised a spark in her. That didn't mean though it would always be that way. Her daughter was just a day from fifteen, the start of the time often when stronger affections begin. Another boy could come around, and if one did…

Lynette had to wonder how Nathan would react.

What if he ever started displaying some of his father's selfish weaknesses?

Lynette felt another row of coughing climbing up to her throat. Holding onto the stone of the well, she bent for support. It was more than a cold, but the boy need not know. She would stay out here until she got it controlled.

Also, she would trust her deepest convictions about the boy. He wasn't exactly like his father, not even when Daniel had sweetly courted her. Nathan had something surely that set him apart, even if she couldn't put her finger on exactly what it was. She had too hard a time imagining Nathan purposely hurting Haley, for whatever reason. He seemed incapable of it.

And beyond that, was the truth of her own daughter. Haley was a smart mature girl. She too did not easily give of herself. She had already accepted so much of Nathan's friendship and shared so much of who she was. Her eyes filled with light it seemed whenever the boy was in the room, whether it was the feisty arguing kind, or the softer caring kind. It always was there. Lynette was almost positive it meant something vitally beyond young friendship.

He was seventeen now and she was so close to fifteen. He was most likely looking at her in a way that reflected her growth, while her daughter too was now noticing his maturity with her own maturing eyes. He was bringing spark back to them, and she was bringing to him realization. For now everything was okay.

If that changed in the future, Lynette would look for any warning signs.

And do whatever she had to…

To protect her daughter.

*~*

He stepped off the train and onto the coach that would take him back there. He had been away for years now. His work had taken him somewhat abroad. It was good to be arriving back home though. It would be fine to see some of his old friends from all the way back to his school days.

The coach passed through the large city. It was one of North Carolina's most established ones. It rose up underneath a lazily nearing nighttime sky. He could remember being a boy, lying on his back and watching the stars after evening approached. Here in the big city you couldn't see too many even when it was dark, but soon when the coach drove away from it and night fully appeared, they'd come out from their hiding.

Of course these tall buildings weren't completely like the ones in the north. There they had many towering ones, but the south was learning its ways and too becoming more industrial. Factories he hadn't ever seen loomed in front of him…

Past a bridge and the city started to be not on the side of him, but in the background. The coach started to drive over less developed roads. In front of him he could see the Pines. Ah, his familiar Carolina Pines. So pretty and fragrant. He'd be home soon.

Big time cities in the north and even here in the south were definitely entertaining, and sort of thrilling, but he often preferred the less bustled pace of the place he was coming home to. First of course came the nearby town where he first grew up with his bunches of friends, Lumberton. He mused quietly. They had been a wild lot, sometimes maybe even a bit cruel to those who didn't fit in. They were just being boys though, and of course were grown up now with learned responsibility. He rarely thought too deeply about what they had done then. It just seemed to be coming back now as he was so close to home.

He wondered if the town area had changed much, like it seemed the surrounding city areas had. It was to be expected he supposed. Before the war the north had already started to become industrial. After it, the south had started to echo that with their own types of factories, and especially the mills. Some places even had mill towns where its employees lived and worked in a shoddy village-like atmosphere. He knew that many of them employed children and women. He was just glad that he had always been well off enough to not require his son to work in such a place. Their conditions seemed often questionable.

He was proud of, if a bit puzzled by his son, who had somewhat followed in his footsteps. He had followed him all the way to Harvard Medical School, but then from there he took on his own path. His son doctored to the less affluent often, and received minor payment for his work. It seemed a poor choice sometimes. since his son had a wife and children to support, but he couldn't change his mind. He had already tried and his son had told him politely he liked his work very much. In fact he loved it.

Anthony wasn't sure that was how he would say he felt about the field of medicine. Okay, so maybe once as a young man at university he felt passionate about it, but after you went to war, had war in the state you lived in, watched men you called your friends die on a table in front of you, had to take away their limb because of the gangrene, you lost some of that passion. You despised what it couldn't heal.

When the war was over, retreating from the screams of the men in his sometimes nightmares, he had learned some good news. That was when his wife, who he had met at university, announced she was pregnant. His son, the one who now doctored, was his only one.

After that solitary son was grown up and moved away, his wife battled the after effect of an earlier illness, a previous bout with scarlet fever when she was a young one, and passed away. It was the hardest thing to watch your wife leave this world as you spent your life as a doctor, and couldn't do anything to bring her back. You couldn't heal her. Following her too early departure, Anthony closed his upper town practice and moved for a while to the north. There he worked hard in the state of Massachusetts, back at his old alma matter to find cures to long suffered illnesses. Entering the laboratories, he sought to help increase the advancement of medicine. It was many sleepless hours he spent there before he decided it was time to move back to the south.

Now here he was.

The coach left Lumberton and came closer to it, the town to where he was traveling this night. It had been a long time. One of the people he was most looking forward to seeing again was his childhood best friend. Together they had pulled their share of childish pranks and such. Now he too was a father. In fact his son probably was nearing manhood now. He hadn't seen him since he was still a boy. He could remember he minded his father well, maybe sometimes a bit more than his own son had minded him.

But then his son could be a free spirit who weaved off to his own course.

His friend's son, on the other hand, seemed to revere his father back then. Of course things might have changed. Boys could grow into rebellious ways. He guessed he'd find out soon enough.

He watched now as the town's factories at the side of the road started to appear in a bit of abundance as they approached the place he was traveling to. This was it. He'd go visit his friend maybe tomorrow, see how life was treating him. Then he'd set up his practice again in the upper part. He didn't really want to go down to the lower part. There the poor white folk lived mostly, and the former slaves. He hadn't seen it in a while, but he guessed it hadn't changed much. He didn't really care for the area. He knew some doctors, like maybe even his own son, saw doctoring so much more inspirationally. They thought compassion should be shown to everyone.

He didn't necessarily disagree against the latter except for this. Fine medicine cost money. Doctoring shouldn't be a thankless job. He learned in the war to treat his patients objectively. If he hadn't he could have perished during the way, going emotionally insane like some actually did. You couldn't take it too personally. Even when he saw now the effects of those more deplorable places, the less well taken care of businesses with harsh unfair bosses, he kind of turned his head. He had to. He was never strongly for slavery, and he didn't care for children working in hot cramped buildings, practically being chained themselves with the awful conditions they were placed in, but he also didn't see it as his position to change that. Sicknesses just happened in those factories and mills, like it had in the war.

Battle shortened your life.

So could labor.

He knew that was why the unions were starting up. He had yet to side with or against them, even though he knew his son was stressing their importance. His sometimes naïve son believed the unions would improve working conditions.

Like the war was supposed to end with victory for the south?

The coach entered the middle-town area now. Anthony smiled with satisfaction at all the new buildings, and yet not so much to make it a large, lacking of personal warmth, city. Lovely New Bern. He was back.

Back home.

All these musings could wait until later. He stepped out of the coach with a strong smile. It was perfect to be back here. He could see his old friend.

And who knew?

Maybe even some other old faces.

*~*

Bucket in one hand, Nathan opened the door with the other, loosely carrying something in that hand too. As he came into the front room, he took in what was before him with conflicting amusement/shock. There she was, dancing around in front of a small mirror that hung from the far off wall. Spinning in circles.

He stared silently.

"AH!"

Haley spun around to meet his eyes now with alert surprise.

"What-what are you doing? Spying on me? Goodness!"

Feeling she'd been caught acting utterly silly and mortified at the fact, Haley pushed hastily down at the lifted lower hem of her dress. After making sure it flattened entirely, she hurried to the kitchen and busied herself, wiping at an already dry cup that sat on the counter.

Quietly coming up behind, putting down the other object in his hand, Nathan commented similarly to how he had all those years ago when he first met her in the Pines, and she socked him with that cone. "Don't say hi and all."

Haley turned around with full bristle, realizing belatedly he was closer than she thought. "Nathan-

Nathan took her in with quiet intensity. Boyish teasing seemed not enough this night. Somehow not just. Even though her spinning around had been amusing to catch at first, what she was wearing, and more importantly, how she looked in it, shocked. He swore the dress had to be new. He had never seen her look more grown up.

Or maybe it was just the approaching evening giving him fanciful thoughts.

Swallowing a bit, he reminded himself her Mama was just outside and could come in through that door any moment. She had trusted him enough to come in here without having too forward thoughts about her daughter. Beyond that, there was Brooke, and other complications.

It was weird to think of Brooke and girls like her now, because Haley was nothing like them. She was not flighty, rarely batted her eyelashes, had a laugh that was sweeter than high pitched giggling, an intelligent mind that went beyond her years, and expected much. And she was his friend, so keep it innocent. Tease to only the allowable point.

Haley looked up at him as he didn't back away from their near proximity. She had thought of it earlier today at Tree Hill, and more sharply now. Nathan Scott was a handsome young man. He was barely that boy anymore, and something in that was kind of thrilling. His full head of dark raven-like hair seemed even thicker. His eyes were stronger waves of blue and green. His shoulders were so much broader under his dark jacket. And he was courting Brooke Davis. Enough of this, Haley!

Not knowing that her thoughts could be echoing any of his, Nathan smiled with only friendship now at how she said his name. Keeping it innocent, because that was what it was.

Innocent Friendship.

"That's better…Haley. Don't be mad. I wasn't spying. Just came from outside to bring you the water your Mama had been carrying."

Haley's face creased with concern. She had been outside for a while now. "Mama?"

Nathan responded quickly to her darting eyes. "Oh, she told me to go ahead and come in before her. I'm sure everything's okay." He focused in on her again and said what he had first thought when he walked through the door. "Lands sakes you look pretty."

Haley stopped looking around and met his sharp blue eyes with her deep brown ones. She too had been noticing him all these moments of course, taking in how finely dressed he was this evening. It could almost be called fancy, the dark jacket, brocaded vest, and silver gray tie with his white pressed shirt. "And you're quite handsome."

It was blunt and out of her mouth so quickly. She wanted to slap it for all her boldness. Blame it on him for getting her to be more spontaneous sometimes like he was.

Nathan's eyes widened at her unexpected statement. He charmed back without pondering too deeply what he was doing. Years ago the age difference had been so important, but now…

"Is that a compliment you're paying me Haley James? Or just out in the open flirting?"

Haley's mouth opened wide. The word flirting wasn't in any way a novel term, but still he was being awfully forward using it with her now. She regarded him with a sharp look.

Nathan caught at her hand strongly, giving it a short squeeze, before winking with a pointing finger. "Spark. Got you."

Practically backed up against the counter, Haley couldn't look away from his waving ocean eyes, before she pushed at his chest with annoyance. Teasing her like this and sounding so much like the boy he was years ago, even though he didn't look anything like it now.

"Enough. Give me that water. I'll…fill it…I mean the pitcher for my Mama." She was stuttering and fully knew it. Those blue green eyes seemed so wild-waving right now.

She rushed away, not watching her footing clearly enough as she still felt a little…warmly dazed.

"Haley!" Nathan caught at her hand as she nearly stumbled with the bucket, forgetting any of his earlier teasing. She could be clumsy, but sometimes too it was weariness and working too hard.

He didn't realize this night it might be something else that had to do directly with him.

Frowning in hard fashion, Nathan took the bucket from her. "I've told you before this is too much for you to carry. Are you alright? You almost fell."

Feeling him so close, spicing rich natural scent and all, Haley muttered quietly, "No, just. It's a bit warm in here. Excuse me."

Nathan watched her unexpected retreat as she seemed to be hurrying to the bedroom she shared with her Mama, in the back of the house. Wondering for a moment about her answer and his own thoughts this night, he turned as now the front door opened. Time moved so fast when he was with Haley. He hadn't even given it to her yet. Of course now he could present the others.

Lynette moved into the room with a slightly slow pace. She still wasn't feeling entirely well, but knew how to hide it. "Nathan. Ah, where is Haley?"

Finishing filling the pitcher that Haley had wanted to, Nathan put it down on the counter, left the bucket on the floor, and directed his attention to Haley's Mama. "In the bedroom I believe Mrs. James. I didn't get to say before. These are for you."

Lynette smiled down with appreciation at the flowers the boy handed to her now. "Oh why thank you Nathan. These are lovely, and will go well with the ones you gave Haley earlier in the day." She moved to the kitchen's small table, adding the flowers to the slightly tarnished vase that already held a somewhat contrasting grouping. "A bit of a different bushel."

Nathan nodded his head. "Yes Mrs. James. They're from my mother's garden. Hopefully she won't mind. Since I didn't exactly tell her I was taking them."

He half smirked and Lynette laughed as Haley came out from the bedroom, walking much less dizzily now. And less clumsy.

"Ah, there you are." Lynette called out with a full smile. "Look Haley, look what Nathan's brought us, more flowers. Aren't they splendid?"

Haley glanced at Nathan shortly before going to her Mama boisterously. "Oh yes, you arranged them wonderfully Mama."

Lynette shook her head wryly at how her daughter seemed to be avoiding Nathan's watching eyes right now. Young ones indeed. "Well, you two should be off."

Haley frowned as Nathan's forehead furrowed.

"Mama, you're coming with us!"

Lynette answered quietly, catching the boy's eyes for a moment before speaking. "No. I feel a little under the weather Haley. I don't want to reject Whitey and Camilla's invitation, but seems that's how it's to be this night. Please give them my sincerest condolences."

Haley's mood turned to one of upset. "But you have to come Mama!" She rushed over to the older woman and held at her hands. "You just have to or…I won't go either."

Lynette wasn't surprised by her daughter's reaction as now she refuted it. "Oh now enough of that. Of course you have to go. Nathan is here all handsomely dressed ready to take you with him. You can't be rude Haley and tell him to go alone. Now don't you worry about me. I'm fine. I just don't feel up to traveling this night. That's all. You go with Nathan and have a…" She winked over at the boy. "A wondrous time."

He laughed softly, before gesturing about what truly had been a slight issue this night so far. Even though it did have nice cushioned seats. "I noticed the harness on the buggy a bit loose earlier. It's going to take me a few minutes to tighten it all. I'll be outside Haley when you're ready." He turned away from her, back to the older woman, with his forehead still creased with concern. "Mrs. James, if you need it I can call on the town's doctor. I'm sure they have one here in Old Oak, right, like they do in New Bern?"

Lynette didn't bother to correct the boy, to tell him that it was a scarce area for doctoring, and that anyway, she didn't really have the money to deal with such luxuries. "I'm fine Nathan, really. Just, could I trouble you to bring me back a piece of cake? Camilla makes the best pie so I'm sure her cake must match up well!"

Nathan smiled warmly, moving to the door now. "I'll be sure to get you the biggest piece Mrs. James. I hope you feel better soon." Turning to his friend, he added quietly, "Whenever you're set to go Haley…"

He let the door close behind him, not giving Haley the chance to protest.

She was feeling adamant about it though now. If her Mama was sick, there was no way she could go to this dinner. She needed to stay home and take care of-

"Oh I know that look Haley James. I'm pretty sure too I can guess what's brewing in that smart head of yours." Lynette stood in front of her daughter now, holding tightly at her hands with conviction. "I'm fine. Really. It's just a little bit of sickness, nothing for you to fret at. Now, Nathan is waiting for you outside so don't you dare keep him waiting too long. Not with how smitten he already is."

Haley shook her head profusely, realizing too how her Mama was already sneakily changing the subject. "Oh he doesn't feel that way about me at all Mama. And it doesn't matter. I can't go to that dinner when all night I'll be worrying about you."

Lynette smiled with warmth and hugged her young, but growing to be such a beautiful lady, daughter. "Oh Haley, Haley Baley as your Papa would teasingly call you. Stop being such a grown up! At least such a sobering one. I'm fine. Don't you worry one bit about me. You two don't need an old woman tagging along. I'll drink my tea and feel much better. Especially after you two bring me some of that divine cake I'm sure you'll be enjoying this night. Now gather your cloak and you go on with Nathan. You have a wondrous time with your friends. Realize you're lucky to have such splendid ones, especially that handsome boy outside."

Haley blushed now with uncertainty. "Mama, told you already. He has another. We're only friends. Nothing more. Besides, Nathan would never see me that way."

Lynette shook her head wryly and pointed her daughter in the direction of the mirror. "Alright Missy, now you just take a look in there and see how beautiful you look tonight."

Haley shrugged with noncommittal. "It's the dress. It's so lovely."

"Its YOU in the dress. Everything about you inside and out. Now enough dilly dallying. Go on now, you have fun!" She pushed her daughter towards the door, feeling the girl's reluctance.

Haley put her hand on the knob and then turned back rapidly with arms wide. "Oh Mama, thank you for everything you do for me! I wish you could go. I'll bring you such a nice piece of cake though, I promise."

Just slightly surprised by the hug, and yet not at all by her daughter's endless generosity and caring, Lynette hugged her back with warmth, feeling a bit of wetness come to her eyes. "Oh Haley Baley, it's all done with pleasure. I know your Papa is smiling down on you with such spark. He's beaming with Heaven's lovely rays."

Haley pulled back now with a gentle smile, feeling her Mama's affectionate kiss around her cheek. "I'll be back soon."

"You best not be. Have a good time!"

With her Mama's mood fun, Haley twirled with some of her own fun, catching her Mama's approving smile. She wasn't entirely sure what it was, but some days now the sun seemed to shine stronger. The morning seemed more alive. For the first time since Papa's demise, Haley felt this spark of life brightening each time passed. Maybe it was just the hours going by. You pain and forget some.

It just didn't feel like forgetfulness. It felt like something filling it instead.

Haley kissed her Mama's cheek, took the bag that her mother had told her about hours before Nathan came, and rushed out the door before she could change her mind.

Lynette watched with a tender smile, before she let go of some of her leaning. Tiredly she went to go sit down on the chair in the front room, bracing herself against its armrest. Her body sometimes felt so wearied now. Maybe if she just rest a bit…

*~*

In their lavishly decorated bedroom now, he looked into the mirror for a moment, reached back and lifted it into his hands. His wife had left just a few moments ago. She went to go see her show without him and without their son as she had wanted. It was fine. She would get over it.

He pulled the white material over his arms. This was one of the secrets he had she didn't know of. She would never be happy about it, and so it was a condition, to not tell her. He slipped it over his shoulders fully with pride. Soon he'd lead. Tonight he would make another one of his moves.

They had been stopped years before. But they were strengthening again quietly. Until they would have full power again.

He reached for the second piece. He slipped it on. And smiled with satisfaction.

It kept him un-seeable.

It kept him anonymous.

Their mission of before was changing though. He knew full well the objective they should be focusing on now. His factory was prospering greatly. He would not let anything interfere with that. Certainly not those damn unionists.

"Death to the unions."

They would never know his power, what made his factory work so well. He would forever keep it hidden.

He would use whoever he needed as he saw fit.

He had never believed entirely slavery was wrong.

And this wasn't wrong either.

The white man would always be the one in charge.

Always the one everyone else feared or at least…REVERED.

It was rightful. It was just. It was Southern.

Some were meant to follow while others were meant to take control. Government should have its place, not interfere by ending practices the states believed in. They couldn't tell a man how to run his business. They couldn't interfere with their workforce.

He still believed that the negro issue was important, but he wasn't in any way ready to go back to chains and whippin', and had never been strongly for that in the first place. He treated Estelle with nothing but respect after she had agreed to stay with them. She was family, to the honorable point that could be. She lived in her own luxurious enough quarters, the way he saw it. Slavery had worked, but it was gone now and he didn't think complaining about its demise would solve anything. They were free. So be it.

This new issue was gaining importance though, glaring them in the eye. He would make sure they all saw it, felt it, TASTED it. How it threatened its fires like those that burned down their plantations years ago. The north marched in, the government's army, and stole their land from them. Now the troublemakers wanted to come and steal away their new livelihoods?

NEVER.

They were the new battle, the unions. This war would end differently though.

Defeat for the opposition.

Victory for the just.

It wouldn't be his or his friends' businesses burning in the night.

It would be the UNIONS.

*~*

Haley walked up now to where he was with back turned, gripping a bit of the harness that secured the horse. "Can I help?"

Nathan shocked for a minute before turning around and smiling. She startled him and yet she was a good kind of startle. "Nah, I got it. Just still getting used to it. I'm almost done." He went back to his work and spoke to her with eyes downward. "I thought I had it tightened enough before but uh…ah…there we go. That should be about right." He hastily finished up with the harness now and turned back to face her.

Daylight was still taking its time at fading away to total darkness. The moon whispered through with a barely noticeable white glow.

Nathan stilled for a second, taking in more detail her attire.

The dress was most positively new. Its fit was too different from her others, accenting her changing figure. The color of the tiny purple magically-appearing-flowers brought out the glow of her berry-like cheeks. Helping that along were the lavender ribbons in her waves of cinnamon hair. She could do battle with the moon's soft glow.

"Why are you staring at me?" She quietly asked.

Nathan started to laugh, feeling it half choke in his throat. "No…I wasn't staring. At least I didn't mean to. You just…"

He moved forward to grasp her hand, sighing inside at its gentle warmth, feeling words coming from somewhere beyond his mind. "You just look awfully pretty tonight Haley Rebekah James."

Haley smiled before the berry blushing flushed at her cheeks. She turned away for a moment, finding that when her eyes came back to his, those blue-green ones had never left hers. Swallowing a bit nervously, she took in his appearance more fully than she had inside.

The black of the jacket was smoky, and the shirt was crisply white, the vest so intricately designed, while the gray silver tie accented. His dark raven-like hair was strikingly brushed back, sharply enhancing his deep blue green eyes that swam so powerfully with the ocean.

Nathan moved further up to her. He could probably tease her about staring at him too, but he had yet to stop watching her. He had something else to tend to anyway. He reached into the opening of his pocket. "This is for you…I know you liked the last batch, so thought maybe you wouldn't mind a few to wear."

Haley looked down to Nathan's outstretched hand. In it were a myriad of tiny flowers entwined with ribbon and lace. Amazingly its majority was buds of lavender purpling. She looked up into Nathan's eyes, seeing them floating with waving wonder. She took a step back for a moment, oddly excited.

"Here, let me help you with it. I know it's unusual. I hope you don't just think it's junk or-

Haley didn't let him go on, coming to her senses quickly at his almost apologetic words. "No…it's not anything of that. It's beautiful."

Nathan protested. "No…" It fell apart though before he could complete it.

"Here…" He delicately slid it over her wrist, watching how easily it fit, and yet dangled just the bit needed for an enhancement meant to wear. "Estelle made it actually. Helped me put it together. I had no idea what I was doing. I've never made anything like this. You see, Brooke wouldn't want such and…"

He watched Haley's face tense. He wondered at it and almost nervously went on. He could regularly tease her, but when it came to the sharp sentiment, now his tongue was tangling with awkwardness. He was not the shy or unsure type at all, especially not with the female persuasion. Something was always different with Haley though, and especially this beckoning night, strongly altered.

"Anyway, I've honestly never even had the inclination to make her or…anyone anything like this. But you liked those flowers earlier and I had these saved in my…uh…pocket from the afternoon and I thought you might…well uh…like it."

"I love it."

Nathan experienced an odd rush of zeal at that declaration, but then she started it.

Haley moved back from Nathan's hand. "I can't take it though. Nathan you've given me too many gifts that-

He stopped her quietly now, holding tightly at her hand. "No, don't. Don't tell me Haley James that you can't take it because it's too much, or it's a charity or anything like that. You and I both know where this came from and that it simply had to be picked and weaved together by nothing other than hands. It cost not a penny. So it's no charity. It's just a present of nature. And that makes it right. Right to be given."

Haley stared up at him.

Nathan smiled and touched at her cheek with his fingers.

She smiled too with appreciation. It was foolish to fight him on this. He took the time to make her something with Estelle's help. He cared about her enough to do that. It could never be charity. Nathan treated her nothing like a poor girl, but like she mattered. All those times he'd ride over in the evening hours and she'd come up the hill and see him there, he'd say nothing, just hold out his hand to assist her up. She knew the mill dirtied and dusted up her dress plenty, but he never complained as the soiled fabric brushed against his immaculate pants. When her cheek had a smudge of factory grime on it, he simply lifted his hand to move it away without a single complaint or ridicule to make her feel lesser. He treated her as his equal, his friend.

That was why now she whispered simply with heart's depth. "Thank you."

Nathan moved his fingers down to the locket that sat outside the new dress, in front, over the curve of her heart. Gently he touched at it, before moving his hand back. "Sorry. I know you don't like people touching it so much."

Haley shook her head and held at his hand, confirming something that with all their time spent together had become solidly true. Not just the hours quantity, but the quality of the tiny moments they shared. "No. You're not just 'people'. You're my friend. You've earned the right. You're a truly wondrous friend." She winked to bring the moment to some playfulness. Nothing in it was deliberate though. She found herself joking more now with him sometimes. It was like the way she loved to run in their secret place when he would take her there. And sometimes they'd play silly games of cat and mouse, and other nonsense of children. He teased and sometimes, she delighted in teasing back.

It was strangely peculiar though. Tonight the teasing felt just a bit…different.

Maybe it was all the fancy clothes.

Maybe.

Nathan smirked with amusement and held at her hand. "Come on. Before Whitey sends out the cavalry to find us."

Haley giggled at his words…

In a way that didn't annoy him. Haley's laughter was never too high or shrill, never false to appease. It was most like a song if anything, true and natural.

He softly warned her now. "Watch your step there." He kept hold of her hand and waist as she moved up to sit in the buggy's seat. Then he walked to the other side and moved up to seat himself. Haley watched and reached over.

Nathan looked across at her with surprise, as around them the colorful earlier sun-affected sky leisurely turned darker. Now, if you looked hard enough, you might even catch a glimpse of the first appearing stars.

"Thank you." Haley whispered to his face again, moved by all his precious gifts including this new one, and then just did it, touched her fingers to his cheek. Softly.

But it made him shiver with too much delight.

"Thank you Nathan for this lovely lovely gift." Haley gestured down to the beautiful nature-made bracelet around her wrist that she adored for its unique simplicity, that it came from that special place.

He smiled. "I guess it's one of those real kindnesses then, yes?"

Haley smiled back, feeling warm now in the gentle surroundings of this approaching night still whispering its way in. "Yes, it's one of those…" She touched at his hand with meaning, bringing in his name with a soft voicing care. "Nathan."

He said nothing.

Haley quieted too until she really started to notice it now. "I've never seen this before." She gestured to what they were riding in, the black buggy with rich red seat cushions. "You said when you were tightening the harness for the horse you weren't used to it. Is it new?"

Nathan nodded his head, bringing the horse to walk at a gentle canter. "Yes. My father just bought it. Business has been doing well so he rewarded himself with this here buggy. Pretty luxurious. Even has a back seat to pull out. I guess I like it enough even with its harness issues, though nothing beats riding Red practically bareback." He winked with meaning.

Haley showed her agreement with an answering smile.

*~*

He was in his small one room apartment. A boy was there with him too that he knew well. After all, they were related. The boy had just hung from a line of clothespins for his perusal a group of photos. He examined them carefully now. "These are all of them?"

The boy nodded his head. "Yeah."

He took them all in once more, before smiling with approval. "Good work. You did well."

The boy smiled too. "Thanks." He asked, "So will they help?"

The man turned to the boy. "They certainly will." Some of them were murky, but others were clearer. Enough of them showed what he was trying to detail. It was his most important work. It was taking years, but it was doing what he wanted it to. Waking up the sleeping.

He gestured to the pictures now. "Alright, let's get them put away. It's not good to keep anything out like this too long. Remember, no one can know you have these. Check even your film, alright? Make sure the camera has none of it left. We'll take them back to where we have the others."

It was the kind of work you didn't admit to being involved in. It was that dangerously volatile right now. The mood was rising, some not happy about it. Ready to defend what they believed. Not to mention sometimes his occupation required secrecy. The advantage was necessary.

"I'll be sure to check. Thanks for trusting me on this."

He smiled at the boy and touched his shoulder warmly. "Ah now come, you're good at this. I'm not going to stroke your ego too broadly, but I'm proud of what you've done. I wouldn't trust anyone else to help me with this."

"So where we off to-

"Honey, why is this door locked?"

The man swallowed at the knock on the door and pointed at his brother to keep him quiet. He could have a mouth on him sometimes. He could already see him getting all antsy. He shook his head at him firmly. Then he moved through the room and found an old shoebox. Tightly he whispered. "Here, put the pictures in this box. Keep it covered and you take it with you."

"She don't know?"

He frowned tightly. "Of course not. You know the less people that know the better. I only told you because you can play the part and get us what we need. Alright, hold onto the box tight and you watch yourself, okay? There are those who will stop at nothing to get these kinds of pictures, no matter what side of the fence they're on. Be careful."

The boy smiled with a bit of nervousness. His big brother trusted him on this though. He wouldn't fail him. "I will. It's just across the street anyway."

"Yeah." The man answered with a little more ease. That was why he felt safe sending him. He could watch to make sure no one followed. He finally now opened the door to his apartment.

"What took-

"Hi Abigail." The boy begrudgingly put in. He still wasn't all that excited about his brother being engaged. Girls were all right to a point he supposed. Just didn't want to marry any. And still had yet to see why his brother now wanted to. Except for the fact that he was getting kind of older.

Hah.

"Hi there…" The pretty blonde haired woman turned to her fiancée, a handsome young man. "So is this why you had the door locked? You two telling boyish secrets?"

The man smiled. She was very pretty, his fiancée, and with a good sense of humor sometimes. Gently he reached out his hands for hers and gestured to his brother. The boy hurried down the hallway.

The man closed the door and moved with his soon-to- be-wife near the window. He'd watch and make sure the walk to the building across the way happened with no problem for his younger brother. He knew it was still kind of dangerous getting him involved in all this, but the pictures were amazing quality. And the boy had wanted to be part of it. He kind of looked up to him. Silly kid.

"Darling? I'm here!"

He laughed as now Abigail was waving her hands in front of him for attention. He kissed her lips before softly hugging her. Over her shoulder he watched his brother get safely into the building, box still in his hands. Letting out a breath of relaxed air, he turned back to Abigail. "I always know where you are when you're standing right in front of me."

She rolled her eyes at his silliness and clapped her hands with delight. "I can't wait until tomorrow night. Well actually I can't wait wait until weeks from this day, but for now I look forward to this next evening. Oh we will have such a lovely time at the theater!"

His mouth opened with shock. He forgot. He forgot all about it. She had told him months ago and he completely let it slip his mind. "Abigail I'm working tomorrow night."

She stared at him now. "Oh no! You promised!" She shouted with frustration. Always this was his excuse. Work all the time. The man might as well marry it. Instead of her. "Should I start worrying you will be working on our wedding day?"

He sighed at her upset. He could miss one night, but it was all planned. He'd get more information. He wouldn't be able to visit again. This had to get done now. When they could on the sly. "Abigail, I'm sorry. It slipped my mind Darling."

She laughed with unhappy amusement before picking up some papers he had laying there. She threw them up into the air so they landed on the ground in scatters. She hated these stupid papers.

He started to gasp, before he just sighed it all away. She had a right to be so angry. "I'll make it up to you. I promise." He moved forward now, reached for her narrow waist to bring her in against him. He could feel her fighting him off. He had told her when they met. His work mattered to him greatly. She had to understand that. "I'm sorry…" He whispered soberly.

She shook her head with frustration, grasping his cheeks. "Will it always be this way? Work before me? Will you always make it first? Do I even matter to you?"

Her eyes looked near tears. He grasped now at her cheeks, speaking firmly. With love that went deep. At least as deep as he had ever known love for someone not from his family. Not yet anyway. She'd see when they married. He'd make it up to her. He'd help her see. "How can you even ask that? We're getting married, like you said, in just weeks, Abigail."

She snickered, deciding now to put an end to the drama. It did still bother her greatly how his work always took precedent it seemed. Maybe it was just though her being too sensitive about it. After they married it would change. It would have to.

She commented now teasingly. "Following one of the longest engagements of all time."

He laughed at that, rubbing his nose against hers. He knew she was coming back to him now. Coming his way.

He defended himself wryly. "So I'm not that quick at things."

She rolled her eyes. "That's an understatement."

He laughed again and teased at her lips with his fingers. "Am I forgiven?"

She shook her head. She shouldn't, but… "No."

Even as she smiled.

He smiled back and kissed her lips fully with his own, opening his mouth against hers and whispering with feeling. "I love you. It's on my calendar. The day we're getting married. It's been there for months my love. Remember, we plan to honeymoon by the ocean?"

She sighed with rapture. When he wasn't so busy with his job, he could be sweetly romantic. Gentle and yet oh so impassioned. "Yes…oh I can't wait." She pointed firmly. "Now, next show you're going with me."

"Alright Darling." He felt her lips moving in against his with deep relish. He held at her hand and moved them back to his bed.

"Oh we can't. I won't be able to wear a white gown on our wedding day!" She protested.

He chuckled softly and whispered against her cheek. "We'll just play a bit. Nothing to disgrace that white dress I know you will look so beautiful in. Come on Darling…"

She let him lead her. He would never do anything she didn't want of course. He wouldn't disgrace their special day. It wasn't always easy to be in love with this kind of man. He tended so meticulously to his work, but now he would tend to her. She had his rapture.

His work couldn't steal that from her…could it?

No.

Oh…he was forgiven. Her heart disobeyed the mind.

He could feel it now, how in emotion she already pardoned him. Any last bits of anger were all gone.

The papers were still scattered all over, necessary ones, but he'd pick them up later.

Gently kissing, they lay down together atop the covers on the bed.

Work and disagreements…

For the moment left alone.

*~*

As they rode up the hill far away from Old Oak, the conversation stopped for some moments. Haley seemed deliberately quiet and pensive. Nathan knew why as he now reassured.

"She'll be alright. We can certainly come back early if you'd like."

Haley smiled bravely. "No, you're right. Mama is strong. I just know the mill work is hard on her and…she does so much. I wish she could come too."

Nathan reached over for Haley's hand with his free one, squeezed at it for a second. "I know you do. But hey…"

He continued lightly. "If you had stayed then I'd have to explain to Camilla and Whitey for a third or fourth time it is now, why I couldn't get you to accept their dinner invitation. Have pity on me, alright? I couldn't go through that again."

Haley pushed at his cheek with her hand. "Oh stop it!"

Nathan protested sharply. "Hey, I'm the one steering this horse and buggy and believe me it's not as steady as Red, alright? You're going to make me lose direction!"

Haley laughed at his common complaint and noticed his hand still over hers. She took in how big it was before she watched him move it away. She smiled peacefully again and turned away to look to the side. Even as the sky moved into its darkening, it was noticeable how the houses grew in stature, here in this area close to where Nathan lived. It was so much more affluent.

"That's it. Over there. See closer to my side, that building on the other side of the hill. That's Whitey's furniture factory."

Haley moved her head to face the direction Nathan was pointing. She took in the large building. "You've said it has done well?"

Nathan nodded his head at her reminder of what they had talked about before. "Oh yeah. Your boss, you know that awful manager, he has a cousin who is in the same business, making furniture. But I'll let you in on a secret. His is nowhere near as well made as Whitey's. I wouldn't tell my father that, but it's a fact. Whitey just does something special with everything he makes, and it shows in sales. He's doing quite well. And he deserves it."

Nathan pointed again with his free hand now at a taller building. "Oh…and see that one over there, that's the Scott factory. Like I told you it's all clothing really. It's nice because we don't have to compete with Whitey. He's been too much a friend that I'm glad about that. Anyway, the clothing factory actually was my mother's idea. She suggested it to my father years ago after they lost their plantation. He of course took the idea and made it all his own, but it was her who first thought it."

Haley nodded her head. "And it too is doing well?"

He smiled. "Better than ever actually. My father astonishes sometimes with how he's able to satisfy demand for Scott product so fast. It means great and vast profit. Guess that's good when I take it over."

Haley watched him. She'd noticed it more lately when their talk turned to his family's business, how sober his voice became. "Is that what you would like Nathan?"

He turned to her for a moment before focusing on the road again, less than a quarter mile now from Whitey's house, the factories passed and in the distance. "What do you mean? It's what is expected of me. I've told you that before."

"But do you want it?" Haley questioned strongly. Maybe she should hold back. Perhaps other girls would, instead just making googly eyes and flipping their hair while giggling foolishly. Haley prided herself though on that she was nothing so silly. "Do you Nathan?"

"Do you WANT to work at a mill?" Nathan countered sharply now, not even weighing his rejoinder. He regretted it though as her quiet expression turned to a tight one.

"I have no choice. You know that."

Nathan sighed raggedly. He had a tendency to blurt things out and sometimes, like now, it was the wrong thing to say. The question just irked him. Some things were expected, and this was one. The day would come when he'd take over the clothing factory. End of it as his father taught him.

Even if…

"I'm sorry. I know. And you best know if I could get you out of that awful mill I would." His jaw clipped with tension, even though he at least was able to give her rides safely home. On nights when he worked too, he set it up to meet her with the wagon. He sometimes took if further though. Nights when he was already back at his house, he would sneak out and ride Red to the end of the hillside. When she'd approach, he'd stop right in front and pull her to the horse with him. It was work that made her so weary sometimes she fell asleep on the way, and he had to gently nudge her awake as they came to her modest house. One of these days he'd figure it out, how to make sure she never took another step[i] into that dark hole.

He should just leave the conversation there with her defense, [i]but of course he had to continue it.

"Honestly Haley, I guess I don't ponder it much, the factory. You know I've been working there more lately and it's alright. Maybe not as alluring as I once thought as a boy…

Just…well it's what's expected of me, so that's that."

If she wasn't perceptive about things, a listener, she would believe he was done. Haley always drew her ear though to the quiet of a person's answer, to the moment they stilled. She could sense tension when it was there, like it was now with Nathan. He had more to say.

Nathan looked sharply at her. He watched her smile just a fraction with understanding. Looking away he wondered how she always did it, made him go on when with most people that would be the end of it. "Oh for Pete's sake. You get me to say things Haley James I don't with no one else."

She didn't respond, just stayed watching his face with interest, but also so much patience.

Nathan continued with a peaceful reluctance. Odd to feel such a way, but couldn't describe it any different. What this girl did with just her silence.

"Alright, look, I think of Keith Lawson, okay? I've told you about him plenty, how he made that shoe I hang in my room from Red, and how I go to him when Red needs new ones or fixing. He just does the best work, quality, you know?. Man puts his heart into what he does, like Whitey. I watch Keith work sometimes and…heck, he even commands my help most the time when I'm there. He doesn't treat me special at all because of my father's standing like most everyone else around…except of course you."

He smirked with meaning. From the time he had met her, Haley James had never been that much impressed by his wealth or societal standing. Because of that, she didn't tiptoe around him much.

Haley rolled her eyes at his accusation and pushed at his cheek. "Oh stop."

Nathan chuckled softly and continued. It was a subject he tried not to talk about or even consider, but with her it was all just leaving his mouth.

"Keith has this real free spirit. I don't even know that much about him beyond. I just…see that he really loves what he does. He has this spark in him whenever he fires something up. He was born to blacksmith. His hands are just made with a fire to create and fix. It's what he was meant to do."

Haley focused on Nathan's profile intently.

He smiled, laughing quietly. "I'm not saying it's work meant for me, mind you. I'd probably fire up my own hand before I'd make anything with it!"

Haley laughed now too warmly.

"But he's shown me that when you do something you really put your heart into, like Whitey's shown me too, you succeed, and everyone around you profits too. I just don't know yet honestly Haley, if factory work…does that for me. Makes me feel that spark."

Haley noticed something interesting about his confession, yet she wasn't sure if she should remark on it.

Nathan questioned coarsely, getting her silence. "What?"

Haley sighed. "It's not my place, Nathan."

He shook his head adamantly. "Uh-uh, you tell me." His insistence came with respect whether she realized it or not. Since that day two years ago when he convinced her to spend time with him at Tree Hill, they had shared some of the deepest conversations he ever had with anyone. Sometimes they annoyed him fiercely. Most the time though her counseling did him well. Sometimes with Haley he felt a true intelligent being. Schooling never mattered much to him so he was in such a hurry to leave it. With her though, he cared about being smart, and so whatever she had to say now, he wanted to hear. Even if it irked a bit.

Haley knew she could bristle at his commanding, but also it seemed childish, and she knew he wasn't doing it in a way of bossing so much. Since going to Tree Hill once a week, she'd learned he liked hearing her feelings on things. Oh sure sometimes he stubbornly bristled at what she had to say, but she could do the same for what he advised her. All in all though, she did respect his words, and she felt he saw the same with hers. So there was no reason to be silly about it or have feelings offended. It was simply his way and spoken bluntly, but honestly.

"It's just that you mentioned Whitey and Keith putting their heart into what they do. But you didn't include your father."

Nathan tightened his jaw, before he released with less tension. Like he noted inwardly before, Haley had always been smart and beyond the knowing of a girl her age, and now she was just speaking what she thought. Even if she was wrong. "Oh, well, I didn't mean to leave him out. Of course he puts his heart into his work too. My father works hard Haley."

There was a difference. She wondered if he understood that. They were almost to their destination though and she had enough manners to know when a conversation needed to be stopped with decency. She smiled with appeasement, touching at his hand for a short moment. "I know that Nathan. I didn't mean to slight him at all I hope you know."

He smiled softly at her before returning his eyes to the road. They were only a few houses away now from Whitey's. "It's alright. I know you didn't."

Both grew quiet. The buggy passed by a couple more houses…

And then with the last one before Whitey's in the distance, they were there. Nathan stopped the horse and buggy with a low called out "Whoa."

Haley spontaneously reached out her hand and touched at his. "Maybe you have yet to find it. You know, what makes you feel that spark."

Nathan stared at her quietly, his eyes fully on her face now. "Maybe."

Haley smiled and then turned to look at it in the fading light, as the ready darkness seemed less lazy now. She could make it out in coloring shadow. Whitey's house. She had been here a few times with Nathan, but only to the outside, because each time she politely declined the invitation. Both Whitey and Camilla had insisted on this night though, so now she took in with detail finally their dwelling. It was not as big on the outside as Nathan's, and yet she liked it better. It seemed less austere, more a home of warmth than a house of wealth. It had the prettiest whitest picket fence at its entrance, and the house itself was soft green blues with touches of white to bring out the color even more. She watched now as a man and woman came out the door, waving excitedly.

"Well there you are! Haley James, finally here! Come, supper is waiting!"

"Oh stop rushing them!"

"Don't tell me what to do Woman!"

"Don't you tell me what to do…Man!"

Nathan winked at Haley at the sight of the amusingly bickering adults. "Remind you of something?"

He jumped off the buggy's seat and watched as Haley did the same with determination before he could even attempt to assist her.

"I have no idea of your meaning Nathan Scott, but I am certain it is not a funny one. "

Nathan just laughed and held out his arm.

Haley gave him one of his smirks and put her arm through. She could still see all the teasing glow in Nathan's eyes as they got closer.

Camilla and Whitey stopped their ranting as they noticed it.

"Wherever is your Mama, Haley?"

The girl shook her head, holding out her hand to the two of them politely. "I'm sorry. She sends her condolences. Please excuse her and take this." She presented what she had been holding in her other hand. "Mama was feeling a little under the weather."

Nathan watched as Haley handed them a small cloth bag he had noticed her carrying before, but not commented about.

Camilla looked inside the bag.

Haley smiled with interest. Of course they had shortly met before, but this time they would be able to share in conversation and everything. The mature woman was petite like her, but distinctly had a head full of dark curls that she mostly had back now in a somewhat wayward bun. It was totally becoming, Haley thought, and went well with the peaches of color in her dress that nicely adorned her matching complexion.

"Oh Haley, you needn't have brought these. Brian Dear, look what the child came with."

Whitey took a peek inside the bag and sniffed, a glorious smile coming to his face. "Lands sakes these smell good Haley Darling. They'll be mighty fine with dinner tonight. But Camilla's right. You didn't have to do this."

Haley shook her head with quiet meaning, "I didn't really. It was mostly Mama who made them. I just helped a little. Mama's always enjoyed making bread and such when she has the dough available. She just wanted to share some with you for all your kindnesses."

Whitey, his nearly balding head unnoticeable underneath the white, black brimmed, hat he was wearing, frowned with concern. "Your Mama alright little Darling? I could pay her a visit if needed."

Nathan reached down and held at Haley's hand. He watched as she smiled up at him with gratitude. He knew without a doubt that Haley had wanted her Mama to come with them, and that she was still concerned. As usual though, she put on a brave face and didn't dwell.

"She's alright, thank you Whitey." Haley answered now with politeness, feeling Nathan's hand squeeze at hers before it softly disengaged.

Whitey and Camilla both smiled at Haley warmly, each having noticed curiously the moment of intertwined hands.

"Well, let's get inside then." Whitey announced, putting his arms around Camilla and Haley, making his way to the door, with Nathan in tow. "Going to be a gorgeous night, but we don't want dinner to get too cold. And I'm looking forward to finally letting you sample some of my-

"WHITEY!"

Everyone jumped. Nathan took in at all the startled faces with a weak smirk and pointed at the rounded stomached man. "Sorry…you had a spider on you."

"TARNATION Boy! Made the women folk nearly jump out of their skin!" Whitey complained audibly now. "So…is it gone?"

Nathan shrugged with distraction. "Is what gone?"

They all looked at him with bewilderment.

Whitey rolled his eyes. "The SPIDER boy. You still see it? Want to SMACK it off me? Tarnation!"

Nathan smiled a little too hard. "No…uh…Camilla, you mind taking Haley into the kitchen with you? I have to talk to Whitey for a moment."

Whitey frowned. "Now you're ordering my wife around?"

Nathan's eyes opened as large as marbles. He started to apologize profusely, raised to be a certain standard at least of…politeness. "No…no Ma'am I wasn't-

Whitey laughed at Nathan's stuttering.

Haley stared at him, wondering about his odd behavior. Sure he could be a silly boy, but this really took the cake.

Camilla, the sweet woman she was, took pity. And sided against her husband of course. "Oh you ornery man! Leave the boy alone. He was trying to be nice. And no one ordered anyone to do anything."

She reached with a friendly grip for Haley's arm. "Come on Honey, you come inside with me. We'll let the men folk have their talk for…five minutes before we start spying on them." She winked at her husband. Haley laughed and the two of them went inside. Nathan watched it all with a smile.

"Well you plan on smirking away like a nut of a boy or you plan on telling me what that was all about?"


Nathan frowned with seriousness. "We need to talk. I have to ask you something. Something very important."

"Oh boy…I'm not sure I'm going to like this."

Nathan tightened his jaw and continued in a low whisper. "See, it's like this Whitey…"

*~*

It wasn't that large of a building, making it different from many of the newer fancier ones that surrounded. The outside of it was all simple. Inside though, he liked to say the magic happened. Ha.

He put the wagon wheel to the side, job now done. It shined nicely bright and the rolling of it shouldn't give old Mr. Dunn any more trouble. So let's see. What next?

His eyes alighted on them. Four semi-used shoes. For a horse of course. He smiled. It was time to fix up Red's clip-clopping again. It was getting later and this would be his last job before he called it a night. It was one though that he tended to with gentle care.

Of course that could be said of all his jobs. Some men worked in places to bring the money home. Others worked to escape home. But there were always those lucky few, the bright enough ones who worked because they loved what they did. He counted himself in there. He wasn't married and didn't really have any fancy thoughts of making his life that way. He'd been with a few women, but nothing ever serious. That meant no little tykes running around either. That was fine. He was kind of the solitary type anyway, though he too was at ease with most people.

He fired up the flame and brought it to the first shoe with not an inch of fear. Blacksmithing was an art the way he saw it. You did this kind of craft because you felt confident in what you were doing. You'd be a fool to feel any less. You'd be a handless fool, or such. It was too easy to get the fire blowing the wrong way. You best enjoy it.

Once again, he did.

He picked up the second shoe, done with the first. It was an easy enough job. Red Wolf had an owner who took good care of his horse. He knew the boy loved him something fierce because he rode him as much he still could. The boy was barely that anymore, a boy. He had just turned seventeen, and his physical stance showed that plainly.

He knew a secret about the boy too. He supposed he should warn the boy that he knew. He knew of the boy's father…enough. Enough to know this. It wouldn't sit well with the man what his boy was up to. Who he was up to it with.

Pick up that third shoe. Get the hammer down on it to make it have the right shape. Flame it up some.

He didn't know the girl really. He just knew of who she was. He kept track of these things, even as he watched from the outside often.

He talked with others easily, but rarely opened up about the private details of himself.

She wasn't the kind the boy's father would be happy with. Man wouldn't tolerate her. He personally thought it was fine and kind of nice. But then with his own somewhat peculiar parentage he didn't really go for the usual anyway.

He liked things a little different. He remembered now times of being a boy, of being loved by some and pushed away by others. There were those who considered him shameful. He was that kind that was a freak of nature to some even. You didn't mix it. Never should have mixed it.

Easily he pushed away all the uglier thoughts. He never dwelled on them much. He knew he had those who loved him, and those who hated, and those who…

Knew nothing of him.

He picked up the last shoe now and smiled again tightly. Maybe he'd warn the boy. Just a gentle friendly one. Let him know he should watch out. Some eyes might be catching what was going on like he had, and tell…

Those people he never talked to. Who never talked to him.

Acting like he didn't exist.

But he did.

And he wasn't going anywhere.

Even though he knew…

Some wished he had.

Wished he was dead.

Wished he was never born.

Last shoe done. He looked down with appreciation at a job well completed. Peacefully smiling even with all his earlier intense thoughts. Loved his work just fine.

The rest of life passed through the hours and minutes.

Giving it all, the magical insides of the plain building, one last caring look…

Keith Lawson the blacksmith turned out the flame.

Time to go home.

*~*

"Whoa, what is that heavenly scent?"

Whitey slapped his arm around the boy. "That is Camilla's cooking."

Camilla and Haley turned around now as Whitey and Nathan walked into the kitchen. They had just put on the last finishing touches for the salad.

"So, you done with all your MAN talk now?" Camilla asked amusedly with her hands on her hips.

"Yeah Woman, we're ready to eat!"

"Who you calling Woman again you Ornery Man?"

Haley and Nathan watched as Whitey moved over to Camilla, their teasing still up, but then the older man reached for his wife's waist.

"Tarnation, Camilla Darling, ain't no one in these parts who cooks like you! Everything smells amazing." He lowered his voice with the last sentence and smiled down into his wife's bright blue eyes. The petite woman smiled back and their lips met. Forgetting for a moment about their young observers, they kissed discreetly, but romantically.

Nathan watched it with a wondering smile before a slight frown came in. Haley blushed lightly, but enjoyed a second of the display before she looked away.

Camilla soon pushed at her husband, whispering. "Brian, we have guests!"

Whitey smiled at his wife's half blushing reaction and reached for her hand, giving it a quick kiss. He whispered something into her ear that made her smile back. Then he turned to the two young ones. "Alright, let's eat!"

Camilla came at him quickly. "Well here you go then, you men folk with all your secrets, time for you to work. Help your women carry everything into the other room." She pushed at her husband playfully. "Come on, off with you!"

"Ah Woman!" Whitey complained with good nature, taking the plates he was just handed into the dining room. He called back. "Hurry it up Nathan! Haley Darling you give that boy something to bring in. Make him work!"

Haley faced the counter that still had dishes to be carried. Nathan inched forward, touching his hand to her waist, inhaling a scent that went beyond the food. "Nice. So since I guess you're my woman tonight, I have to follow your orders?"

Haley instantly turned around and was shocked at how close his face was. She looked up into his playing eyes, seeing the blue green waves frolicking at the moment. She blushed heartedly. "She didn't mean that…well not that way anyway. Not about us…since there is no…us. I mean…we're friends Nathan."

He smiled with playful agreement. "Right. Best friends."

Haley frowned. He wasn't taking her seriously at all. Darn boy with all his charm sometimes…

"And I'm certainly not your woman since I'm mostly not even close to being one yet. Plus…I'm my OWN girl."

Nathan smiled at her spring of feistiness and latched on a little tighter to Haley's waist. Feeling kind of daring now, he whispered with teasing about the scent, "It is nice. Must be the flowers, you know here on your wrist." His fingers slid around it.

Haley seemed ready to counter, so he went on with a lower whisper. Years ago, seated on his father's wagon with her beside him, he had wondered for a moment what would happen after the years passed? How would the young girl who had yet to even be his friend, change? Well the alteration of time had spent two years now, and it was pretty evident what that meant, at least physically.

The years had grown, and definitely so had Haley. Maybe in the light of day he would use a little more sense, or consider his enticing more strongly, but now he just commented with the undertones lurking underneath.

"Or maybe it's just you."

"Nathan…" Haley whispered back, pushing with her small fingers at his chest. He was too close. It wasn't right. They were here at Whitey's house and they'd be expected in the outer room soon.

He watched her closely, trying to deny the feeling of her fingers against his chest. Small pointed fingers. Their conversations were like none he had with anyone else. But this night she was affecting him beyond that. For a second it made him lose his smirking exterior. His mind calculated too hard. Her fault…

For wearing this dress tonight. For growing up. For…

Lands sakes!

Catching at his inch of uncertainty, knowing it was her relief, Haley pushed it at Nathan. The first dish she could get her hands on. "Here, you take this. Now. Go." She felt a little bossy and in command, and she kind of liked it. Nathan mostly took control it seemed as he was the older one, but now she did with a strong ring of her growing maturity. Maybe her Mama was right. She was barely a little girl anymore, and even when she had been, she faced things that made her growing fast. She was becoming a woman and sure Nathan could tease…but she could counter.

Nathan's eyebrows came up at her command. It was the last thing he expected from her, and yet something in him thrilled at it, as his mouth hung partly open. He decided to play this to how far it would decently go.

Haley looked away from his mouth, too oddly fascinated when it had opened.

Looking down much more she noticed now he had unbuttoned his jacket in the time he spent with Whitey, leaving his shirt and vest in clear display. And revealing even more, like the visible build of his upper body. She knew it was moderately muscled because of the times at the creek when the days were hot and humid, he would roll up his sleeves high on his arms. His spicing scent now surrounded her with a slight wave that brought the odd delightful dizziness, making her push at his chest. "Go on…now."

Nathan's eyes fell down to the rise and fall of her…

Oh heck.

He better lift his eyes back to her face before something unseemly happened in Whitey and Camilla's kitchen. The food she had handed him was steaming against his nose. It was the food, right? He had to get out of this kitchen, but he also had to respond. It was like she was challenging him with that one last order. He needed to get in his little edge. "Is that a command?"

He was teasing her still and she was clamoring for a breath away from him. Haley fixed her hands on her hips before standing tall and telling him firmly. "Yes."

Nathan bit down on his bottom lip, not expecting that sort of a no-nonsense answer from her. Her whole physical stance made it clear that she could play the 'woman' who told him what to do. Not sure how to respond, Nathan just quickly nodded his head and made his way out of the kitchen.

Waiting until he was out of the room, Haley leaned against the counter with a sigh. She closed her eyes for a fast moment and then grabbed one of the dishes and followed him out.

*~*

"So it's planned for tomorrow night?"

"Shhhh…He's speaking. We might get in trouble for talking over him."

"Ahhh…forget him up there. Daniel said he's ready to take charge, right Daniel?"

Daniel Scott nodded his head with a satisfied smile. Everything was working out right. Yes they had to have their meetings now in this abandoned schoolhouse, and their organization was in disjointed shambles, but little by little it was rising in certain states of the south, including here in North Carolina. They had to meet out of town in secrecy, but the movement was going well and membership was noticeably even starting to increase. There was a hunger in the south for this.

On the family side, his son was doing extremely well in learning the business of the factory. Soon they'd be taking the trips out of town together and apart. Daniel felt solid now that when that day came that retirement beckoned, Nathan would be more than suited to take over. On top of that the boy, ah nearly man now, had stopped talking about that peasant girl, that wild child of…HER.

That suited Daniel just fine. His son didn't care about the girl. Great. He wouldn't have to start what had been his final plan of action, the revealing of a past that should remain buried.

"So we do it, tomorrow night?"

Daniel was taken out of his thoughts by the man sitting next to him, along with his others friends that sat around too. He nodded his head with authority. "Yes, we'll do it hours after darks arises. He won't give you any trouble anymore."

Daniel's friend Joseph smiled. "That sounds great. You know, it's so blasted awful how those damn Yankee Northerners caused such a ruckus at the eve of the war. All that abolitionary insanity and can't they see what its done? They don't know their place anymore. It was easier when we could use the chains."

Daniel coolly kept quiet, not giving a hint of his feelings on the man's hot declaration. Instead he brought them in closer to fully put together their plan.

"Okay, so we'll meet…

Discipline for a wayward one.

Set to make their kind realize who was in charge.

*~*

With only a few dishes left to be carried, and the four of them mostly in the kitchen at the same time, no more teasing/flirting/charming moments happened for Nathan and Haley before they all sat down for dinner. After every glass and plate was on the table, Whitey began it. He reached for his wife's hand, and then Haley's across the table. Camilla held onto her husband's and Nathan's. Nathan held at hers and Haley's. And Haley held at his and Whitey's, as the older man led them in a quick, but heartfelt grace. After, they all oohed and aahed at the rich scents and delicious display. There was fried chicken, corn on the cob, mashed potatoes, the biscuits Haley brought, salad with thick dressing, and a yet to be disclosed dessert. To finish it off, there was some ice cold lemonade handmade by Camilla. With grace over, they passed the food, began to eat, and launched into a myriad of conversation.

Taking some tantalizing bites, Haley complimented. "Oh Camilla…" Haley wasn't totally comfortable calling the older woman by her first name, but Camilla had insisted just like Whitey insisted his nickname, that Nathan had given him as a boy, be used. He was wearing those white white shoes even. Hee. "Oh this is so delicious!" It was so much too. Haley was used to having meager meals, simply because of her and her Mama's tight finances. Here, the dinner was filled with so many edible contents, richly spiced and all.

Camilla responded with a warm smile. She liked the girl instantly. Even though her husband had spent more time with the child, when she had led Haley into the house, leaving the male persuasion to have their talk, nothing felt awkward at all. Haley had a friendliness in her that was just so generous. The girl was smart as a whip too, which Camilla respected over the flightiness of some girls, and even women these days, who thought the men should be the dominant ones, having the strong conversations and all. Camilla never understood such a subservient attitude, and she could see Haley probably wouldn't sit well with it either. It was a pleasure to have her finally over. She hoped it wouldn't be the last time. "Well Haley, the needed touch was these hot biscuits. You thank your Mama kindly for making us these Honey. They are so delectable!"

"Agreed entirely wife of mine." Whitey came in, pleased with how well his wife and the Little Darling were getting on with each other. It was a very comfortable dinner from the start. Nathan, even with all his riches, simply was a boy of class, who especially seemed to not want to flaunt any of his southern wealth around Haley. He was a good boy for reasons obviously beyond Daniel Scott's raising.

Nathan smiled, bringing in his own appreciation for the meal. It felt great to finally be sitting down with Whitey and Camilla, and have Haley there. It had taken years, but now she accepted and seemed to be enjoying herself . "Really, all of this is such a great dinner. Thank you Camilla. And Haley too of course for the biscuits."

Haley actually neared the end of her cob of corn as she heard the booming sound of Whitey's voice. "Oh here Haley, more corn for you little Darling." He found a nice big piece and handed it over.

"No…" Haley started to whisper, before she bit down on her bottom lip. She didn't want to be rude, but goodness, she still wasn't done with the first helping. She looked to Nathan for aid, who had his head conveniently half buried in his plate, so fascinated now with the potatoes his fork was picking at. Silly Boy! She couldn't say anything and sound ungrateful. So she just smiled weakly as Whitey heaped the big cob onto her plate.

Then she took a bite, watching the older man grin with satisfaction as the conversation and eating continued…

And meanwhile of course Nathan still didn't have the decency to help her out. Humph!

…

Nathan finally looked up as it happened, the second time, this course a new piece of chicken. He found it partly amusing, but also nice to see. That was why every time Whitey gave Haley more food to eat, he busied himself with the food on his own plate. She was protesting even though he knew well Haley didn't eat much at home. There simply wasn't much there.

Yet her Mama was generous enough to invite him some nights. Though Nathan mostly politely made excuses for needing to return home, a few times he had shared bits of dinner with Haley and her Mama. His rejection attempts were not meant rudely in any way. With what they had, Haley and her Mama cooked amazing meals, but tiny ones compared to what he was used to. He simply didn't want them to have less food to eat for themselves because of feeding him. He would use the times he couldn't get out of it without offending, by coming back with his own offering. He'd go to the market and buy them something they could put on their table for a future dinner. Like he didn't reject their food, his Mama was always courteous enough not to reject his return for it.

Now though, to see Haley given a full meal, it made him happy. For a second he felt a little guilty about her Mama missing this, but knowing Camilla and Whitey well, he knew they would give Haley bags of food to take home, not allowing any 'no's for an answer. And cleverly and honestly making sure she knew it was not any kind of charity. It was friendship.

Haley frowned at Nathan, who finally lifted his head, as now she even had more salad thanks to this time Camilla's full-smiled insistence.

He simply shrugged and went back to his food.

Inwardly rolling her eyes, Haley took better notice of the furniture they were sitting on, and at. It was like none she ever saw. It had such unique lines of ornamentation and this personal little mark that made her wonder. It had to be. Nathan told her that he made it special. It seemed to have his character imprint. "Whitey, did you make the dining room set? It is so lovely."

The older man nodded his head with appreciation. The girl was a perceptive one from the first time he met her. She took notice of all around her with interest and peaceful inquiry. "Definitely did Haley Darling."

Nathan nodded his head, pointing to the front room, noticing that Haley had quite a bit more of added food courtesy of her two new other best friends. Too funny. "He made a lot of the furniture in the front sitting room too."

Haley smiled with appreciation, even as for a second when no one else was watching, she sent Nathan a tight glare. He really could be of more assistance here. Her lemonade was only half done and it was already filled again. Oh well, she'd get him in an open moment. For now she admired more of Whitey's beautiful handiwork. No two pieces were exactly alike, not even the dining room set. There was so much intimate personal crafting of swirls and patterns in the wood and fabric, displaying clear individuality. Obvious care to his work. "It is all so beautiful. You are truly talented Whitey, and your love for your work shows."

Nathan lifted his head fully at that comment, remembering their earlier conversation. He caught Haley's quick smile and knew she was more than just complimenting what Whitey did. He took note for a moment and then concentrated again on his food.

Whitey smiled with pleasure at Haley's rewarding words. They would have to be having this girl over a lot now.

Catching it, Camilla intoned with teasing. "Oh don't stroke his ego too broadly Haley Honey, he'll be boasting all night long about what you said."

"Woman." Whitey grumbled.

"Man." Camilla shot right back.

Haley laughed with amusement, sending everyone into bright smiles and giggles of their own.

Whitey turned to Nathan now with interest. "So son, how is business going?"

Before Nathan could even answer, Camilla sharply cut in. "Oh now, no business talk Dear." She actually stroked his ego a bit on her own for a moment. "I do agree you make some of the loveliest furniture around here, but really, must we talk about work and bore poor Haley?"

Whitey interjected with a smart look. "Well you have something better to talk about Wife of Mine?"

Camilla answered quickly. "Oh yes! We are so glad to have you for dinner tonight Haley. You and Nathan, especially with our upcoming plans."

Whitey smiled at that. His wife was full of spunk and he'd have her no other way. Sure she interjected where maybe some husbands would frown at their wife for stealing their steam. But he never saw it that way at all. He'd be a bored-to-tears unhappy man if he had married a little wall flowering one. He loved Camilla for all her brightness and bristle. She made his days never boring and his nights…

Well in present company let's just say they were filled with spark.

He would ask the question about business later on to Nathan. Maybe they could talk about the union developments and such. For now, the topic his wife was steering the conversation toward, was something he was very much looking forward to actually.

Camilla's comment perked Nathan's ear with deep interest. He turned to her and Whitey now with wonder. "What do you mean, what plans?"

Whitey grinned, just having to say the next part. They had been looking forward to this for so long, and now with the business doing well, and the joyous occasion coming in Camilla's family, seemed it was time. "We haven't said much about it yet. Trust me though we've been planning for it for months. We won't be around for some weeks soon. You see, Camilla and me, we're going to be taking a trip to the north. One of the nephews is getting married. One you actually might remember Nathan."

His forehead furrowed with concentration. Who could he know from their family? Then as it came to him, Nathan smirked with disbelief. It seemed almost yesterday they were just two boys playing around in Whitey's yard. Having fun with that game he set up, and teasing the man about it as it didn't quite work out the way he wanted. Now he'd already found someone, but of course he was some years older than him. "No fooling, he's getting married?"

Camilla smiled with warmth and pride. She was so proud of her nephew for all he was doing. He had a top job and soon would be a fine husband. "He most definitely is. Fill in Haley so the poor thing doesn't look as confused as she does now. I apologize for talking of something that is new to you Honey."

Haley shook her head now with a slight smile, not even realizing how perplexed she probably had looked. She waited as Nathan turned to her.

"You see Haley, Camilla's nephew came to visit a couple of summers when we were just kids. He's a few years older than me, but we got along fine. Whitey even made up this game for us with the ball and a basket thing." He laughed now with amusement. "We teased him all about it because it wasn't just the way he wanted. We ran around with the ball and did funny things with the basket, but… Well, remember Whitey?"

"Oh tarnation, of course I do Nathan. But I swear son, one of these days I will figure out what went wrong." Already Whitey's face took on a deeply thoughtful expression. He hadn't just tried the game at home with the boys. He had taken it to Nathan's school too for guest coaching, and yet couldn't get it to work to a way that satisfied him.

Camilla ranted. "Oh now don't get him started Nathan. My goodness we will be here all night listening to him trying to figure out how to make that game work. Or even worse, he'll make us all go outside with the ball and position us and that crazy basket thing in every spot until he's satisfied. It'll be morning before we know it!" She teased with the last part and affectionately rubbed her husband's arm.

Whitey grumbled as both Nathan and Haley laughed.

Camilla went on with the meat of the story for Haley's benefit, beyond the basket, ball thing. "My nephew, Haley, who lives in the north, will have his wedding there in less than a month so Whitey and I will be traveling there to attend."

Haley smiled with appreciation. "Oh that sounds divine. I've always wondered what it would be like to visit the north. It sounds like they have so many cities there."

Nathan smirked partly. He knew some southerners had [fanciful thoughts about the north. And others resented it more for what it done to the south during the war. He counted himself partially in that latter category. He didn't totally loathe it, but he saw no reason to fantasize about it either. Probably wasn't much different. "We have cities too. It ain't that much better."

Camilla noticed the boy's begrudging comment and smiled. As the years had gone by she had spent time in both parts, south and north, and had appreciations for each. But home was where her Darling, yes sometimes ornery, but such a sweet man, Brian was. "It does have more cities, Haley. More tall buildings probably than you see around here. I haven't visited in quite some time though so I'm sure even that's changed. Most my family lives there so it will be wonderful to see them again."

Whitey smiled warmly at his wife's enthusiasm and squeezed her hand for a fast moment. He knew she loved where they lived now, but missed her family plenty. It would be such a perfect trip to go see them all as her nephew married his love.

Nathan came on now with a bit of guilt. "I didn't mean no offense Camilla. My mother's family is from England and some people you know put down the European faction here. I hate when they do that so I hope you didn't think that I meant that kind of thing about Northerners."

Camilla turned gently to the boy. She had liked him from the start when Whitey was still working with his father and he was just a child. Now as the years had passed he had most the time impeccable manners, but a mouth that spurted out things when it felt it. She liked that about him a lot actually. He was respectful, but honest. "I know you didn't Nathan. I took no offense at all, and I don't agree either with what you said others say about the Europeans. To me it doesn't matter where you come from, more how you act."

Haley smiled warmly at the comment, knowing now why she liked these people so much. Appearance didn't matter, but conduct. That was the way she looked at all people she knew, friends like Nathan, Whitey, and now Camilla, but also even neighbors. "Agreed completely Camilla."

"Yes, well I should add in too…" Camilla commented now. "It will once again just be a visit of course. Though a lovely one, I could never leave the south or my ornery man here." Her words were teasing, but her voice affectionate.

Nathan watched it with wonder. They held very little to overly-proper ways of conduct. They weren't at all obscene about it of course, just let it be known. They loved each other. And he was in agreement too with Camilla's statement before that Haley had commented on. Too bad his mother and father didn't see it that way. His mother really was mostly revered for being from England, and yet a few times he had noticed people show disdain about it. He'd never seen it affect his mother though as she rarely displayed strong emotions or any kind of weakness.

Whitey brought in one more fact about the trip. "We won't only be going to a wedding when we visit in the north. We'll be celebrating our own anniversary. Thirty five years next month."

Haley clapped her hands with pleasure. Of course such a spunky couple had been married in the month of fiery celebrating July, just perfect for them. "Oh that's wondrous!" She felt Nathan's teasing smile and without thinking it at all just pushed lightly at his cheek. "Stop."

Camilla and Whitey watched it with matching smiles as the girl quickly put Nathan in his place. It seemed to affect the boy too.

Ah, the roots of what was new.

Camilla noticed it more now though with deep interest. Of course she had taken in the lovely piece before, but now it seemed oddly magically glistening in all its golden splendor. Absolutely breathtaking It was the right time with dinner just about wrapped up and dessert soon on the way.

"That locket is ever so beautiful Haley. Mind my asking where it came from?"

Nathan stilled his lemonade glass. He wondered if he should interfere. He knew Camilla had broached innocently on a sensitive topic. Haley surely would have a hard time answering. He started to change the subject as Whitey simply shook his head at his wife.

Camilla was quick to catch on. The tension was ripe.

Whitey filled in tightly. "Camilla Darling, remember I told you a little about it?"

Camilla sighed now as she remembered the conversation she shared with her husband two years past. No wonder Nathan was so darting with his eyes now and her husband had shook his head. "Oh of course, forgive me Haley. So how would everybody-

"It's alright.

I don't mind telling about it. The story is a lovely one actually."

Everyone stared now as Haley silenced all their quiet wonderings and defenses of her. These were good, wondrous people. She told Nathan earlier this night that he could touch her locket because he was truly her friend. Well Camilla and Whitey had treated her wonderfully all this evening. She felt safe with them. For years she had avoided the story, and yet it truly was one that filled her heart with so much happiness for so long.

Now…now there was something so wondrous about remembering him with friends. "Would you like to hear it?"

Nathan's mouth was hanging open. Haley teased lightly with gesturing. "Close it or you'll let flies in."

He laughed with amusement, caught. They all did. Then Haley filled the bit of silence. Her voice gently and sweetly spoke of the glistening gold surrounding her neck with love, to the booklet that lay in peace against her heart.

"It means a lot to me actually. You see Camilla, my Papa gave it to me before he took ill. He developed sickness some time after the war. All those battle related illnesses that came back with our mighty soldiers, and didn't scar right away, he was one of the ones affected. Before the illness sickened him so, he took my Mama and me on a trip by the ocean. I was just past a toddler, but somehow my memory is still so fresh of that day. I remember the smell of the beach and the striking beauty of the waves. I remember his laughter when he ran with me in them to play. My Papa rarely had any fear, and all mine went away when I was with him. I didn't even mind when the white of the water tickled at my feet. Splashed my face."

Nathan smiled with wonder. Haley James was quite the storyteller. And to finally hear its origin was amazing.

"Anyway, before I go off too much on the water and the soft sands, up past the shore were a few market stands and tiny little quaint shops. We had more money then. We weren't burdened those days by the many expenses of my Papa's coming illness, and his sometimes less than stable occupation. He played music. He loved the piano and such.

So back to that day, together we went into one of the miniature sized shops. There was a table at the front of it. I remember it was adorned with red velvet fabric that finely tasseled at its edges. And on top of that, were three beautiful lockets. All with their own shine and sparkle. One was heart shaped, decorated with intricate swirling patterns. The one next to it was oval shaped, a sculptured cameo of a beautiful woman on a layer of gold. And then…"

She felt her heart pang. Underneath the table Nathan grabbed onto Haley's hand, holding at it gently for support. If she didn't want to go on he'd get her out of this. If she planned to continue though, she had his backing.

Haley bit down on her bottom lip and continued bravely, lifting slightly at it with her free hand, feeling Nathan's warmth against her other. "And then there was this one. I loved it the instant I saw it. I would find out later it was the oldest one. It was crafted so uniquely. I loved you see that it was a little book. A precious book. I've always adored reading. It was more though too. Like this basket here so curved in shape, with all these pretty little flowers. It just, it felt like all the nature outside to me, beyond the shop's door. It felt like the ocean, the sands, and here like the hills and the wild flowers that grow beneath your feet."

No one said anything. The girl had a gift she probably didn't even realize. She was holding them transfixed. They waited for her to continue, patiently.

"I adored it so much, but I not once asked my Papa for it. I said nothing to him. Not a word about it. And yet he was a very knowing man. A wonderful Papa. He didn't say anything to me either. He just scooped me up into his arms and returned me to my Mama. Then he left us, saying he wanted one of the hot drinks they had there, and that he would bring something back for us too. Mama and I went to walk by the ocean. A little later, he came back to us, oddly with no drinks or treats. Instead he went down to his knee and smiled at me so vibrantly, bringing out both his hands, fists closed. It was a game you see we often played. I had to find the bean. I imagined this time though it was a rock or pretty shell. I was so excited."

Hearing another pause, Nathan made sure that Haley was alright with telling the rest. As she smiled warmly he got his answer.

"He told me to pick one, and if it was the right one, I would get a beautiful treasure. I stared so hard at both those big hands. I thought it out so carefully, and then finally I touched at one. I didn't see it though, what my Mama later told me. My Papa always meant for me to find the treasure, no matter what hand I chose. He slipped it into the other one as I actually picked the wrong one. It could never be wrong for him though. He would never let me know I had missed. For him it was nothing of the kind. His hand magically opened, his palm laid flat and…there it was. My beautiful locket."

A tear came down her face now. Camilla held at Whitey's arm. Nathan shook his head slightly. He had a feeling Haley intended for all this to get out. So he simply squeezed at her hand, letting her know he was with her in this all the way.

"He bought it just for me. He knew the exact one I wanted even without me saying a word, without touching it, nothing. He just knew. He was so perceptive my Papa. He was so watching. And he so loved me. And I loved him. You can imagine I was delighted to see I won the treasure, his secret safely intact then. I was so young I wouldn't have cared anyway. Only now it means so much to me, the truth of his hand trick that day. He smiled at me so fully, congratulating me for being such a good chooser. On his bent knee he lifted the chain up and slipped it around my neck, fastening it safely closed. Admiring me afterward. Saying how perfect it all was. How it was meant for me to wear. And I swear I stared at it for so long before I hugged him so hard."

She continued with more soberness. This was the hardest part to tell. The piece that had emptied a part of her heart for years. "He said we would go back…

But a year later there wasn't enough money.

And after that…

Pa-pa…"

Her voice broke and Nathan's heart rocked. There weren't many tears, but the bit now he saw…

He held on tighter to her hand, and moved to…

But Camilla was already there, bent on one knee to take the precious girl in against her own heart. "Oh Honey..." Her arms encircled her with care as she whispered with emotion. "You are very special Haley. It's no wonder your Papa loved you so much and wanted you to have this precious piece. Take comfort Honey that you will always have his presence with you in your heart and this beautiful locket."

Seeing Camilla's warm smile, Haley smiled now too, feeling the woman gently moving away her few shed tears. "I know that. And I'm so glad I could share the story with all of you. Thank you for listening."

Whitey moved forward and touched at Haley's cheek with fatherly affection. "Thank you for sharing it with us Darling. For trusting us." The emotion in the room was strong, but he knew how to cut through. He clapped his hands with decision, speaking to his wife with a touch of brusqueness. "Alright Woman. Time for some cake!"

"Oh stop rushing me!"

The two of them quickly made their way to the kitchen with soft intent, silly enough to make even Haley laugh as they moved away with such flourish.

Alone together now, Nathan turned to Haley, still holding onto her hand. "Are you okay?"

She bravely lifted her face to his, nodding her head. "Yes."

Nathan touched at her cheek gently, looking at her with wonder. "You never told me that story."

Haley smiled warmly. All through her telling she hoped he knew she had felt the support of his warm hand. It strengthened her resolve. "I never completely found the strength to tell it. Nathan…"

He scooted his chair closer to hers. "Yes?"

Feeling his hand still quietly stroking her cheek, Haley whispered. "It's partly you."

His eyes filled with question. "What do you mean?"

Haley looked up into those eyes, swimming with the oceans she loved of that day. To have eyes that just lived with them, she couldn't look away from his face. He meant so much to her, more than maybe she had yet to realize before this evening. "Papa's locket is as dear to me as the day he gave me it. Maybe even more-so. After he passed I felt so alone. And now…"

He gazed at her, at the big brown of her pretty eyes.

"And now I don't feel so alone Nathan. And that's because of you. I don't mean to slight my Mama at all, please understand. I love her so much."

He smiled gently, still holding onto her cheek. "I know you do Haley. I wasn't thinking anything else."

She smiled back, grateful how sometimes he got her so quickly. "It's just, having a special friend, someone who didn't move away, who stayed near and who…treats me as nicely as you do Nathan, it makes me feel a little happier. You've reminded me of what Papa always wanted for me. To smile. To live joyously. Even to be silly."

She laughed now and he did too as he added in. "I'm glad you came with me tonight."

"I'm so glad too Nathan."

She came in harshly though suddenly, actually latching onto the bottom of his tie. "But as my friend you better promise me you won't let Whitey give me a second serving of cake like he did with all of dinner tonight. If I eat too much more I'll probably blow up like a hot air balloon!"

He smirked playfully. "Then you can take me with you wherever you go."

Haley pushed at his cheek, but Nathan caught at her hand. Stilled. Their eyes met with flashing definition. Her locket sparked with life against her heart.

Haley pulled on his tie. Nathan looked down with disbelief. She was surprising him a whole lot tonight.

She came in with strong wording. "Promise me Nathan. You will not let him give me a second serving again. Don't think I haven't noticed you pretending to ignore it."

He smirked with an air of flirting. "Is that a demand?"

Haley actually lightly smirked back. "Yes."

She definitely wasn't that girl anymore.

"Okay. I promise."

They smiled at each other as the adults came back into the room. Clearing his throat, Nathan moved his chair away from Haley's, feeling her hand leave his tie.

Lands Sakes.

"Happy Birthday Haley!"

"Yes, Happy Birthday Honey!"

Haley's eyes widened as in they came, Whitey and Camilla with the biggest most beautiful cake. All decorated so lovely. "Oh my goodness!" She clapped her hands with shocked delight.

Nathan joined in, grinning at her. "Happy Birthday Haley!"

They told her to make a wish so she did and blew out the candles with relish, feeling Nathan helping as a few didn't seem to want to cooperate. With tons more conversation they dug into the big pieces Whitey cut…

When Haley was nearly done with her first piece, he started to cut another one. Haley gave Nathan a look.

He smiled and spoke with overdone relish. If he said Haley was full and didn't want any more, it would sound like he was speaking for her. And since Haley didn't seem to want to say it herself because she thought it would be rude, might as well handle it this way. Kind of sneakily. Even though it was true. Camilla was a master baker.

"Ah, this cake is so rich Camilla! Isn't it Haley?"

Haley smiled with appreciation. "Oh yes, and so tasty!"

"Well then have ano-

Nathan touched at his stomach with exaggeration. "Oh Whitey, I know I couldn't have another. One piece is just enough, perfect really. Isn't that right Haley?"

She smiled at him with thanks. Boy actually kept his promise. "Perfectly right."

Camilla winked at her husband, knowing something was going on.

Whitey chuckled softly, realizing he'd been won out. That was fine. He'd just give her the rest to take home…

When the adults were talking just a bit on their own, Haley smiled over at Nathan teasingly. "So you do keep your promises."

Lifting his fork, he whispered back to her. "Always."

*~*

Now with the plan in gear, Witty, the nickname for the man who owned New Bern's major cotton mill, moved the hushed conversation in a new direction. He did so because Joseph was still ranting about the person they had plans for tomorrow night. "Ah don't get so riled about him Joseph. Don't keep fretting about the loss of slavery and all. I lost plenty more than that during the war. It's like Daniel said, we'll put him in line. Patience."

Daniel smiled with satisfaction. Witty was a great one to appease because it was true that he had lost his entire family during the war. It hurt him something fierce and yet look at him now. He owned one of the biggest mills in the area. It was the one where she worked with her peasant daughter. Witty was doing fine with his part too, making sure she slowly paid the price. Witty was a loyal friend like that. He knew the man hadn't wanted to keep her on, instead set on sending her to work at the Scott Factory as he kept the girl at the mill. Daniel had persuaded him though to keep them both on. Cleverly.

Witty continued his point. "In the meantime gentlemen, we need to set a date for…well you know who. I think we've waited long enough on this. Time for some action. Look, he's cutting into my cousin's profits even more than I told you last time. There's got to be a way to get him to heed. He's riling up those unionists every day. He's giving some kind of benefits to his workers. Now they're telling all their friends. It's too much. My cousin can barely compete, and mark my words, it's only started. We have to stop him! He's going to ruin everything, make us all go out of business if he keeps flaming those worker' furies."

Daniel touched at his mustached mouth contemplatively. A proper reaction formed in his astute mind. "You're right Witty." He went on quietly with intention. "Look, we've got to do this carefully. These union complainers are making a lot up. They're lying half the time. Problem is some are listening to them.

Maybe we'll just have to handle him the same way we're handling our other problem. Once and for all."

Some of his friends' eyes widened, along with a few gasps. "But don't we reserve that for you know who…them?"

Daniel nodded his head. "Yes, but I'm thinking we may need to amend that. I'll say it one more time my friends. The future of this organization needs to be centered on some new things. I'm not saying we forget what we originally formed for. This negro independence movement is bad, yes, and we will keep them in their place here in the south. But beyond that, like Witty is warning, it is time to start focusing on these blasted unions. We need to start silencing them."

One of the men nodded his head, noticing the room already losing control as those who were not in their tight circle began to yell back at their leader.

"Time for you to do your magic, Boss." Joseph added, grateful it wouldn't be long now.

Daniel laughed, but then jumped up on a chair, not at all hesitating. After all, this was what he wanted. This was what he had conjured. Just let that hapless leader lose all authority. Let him look like a buffoon. And then step right in. Right when they have no choice but to…

Listen.

With clear authority he let his voice rise into the room of the old schoolhouse. "Gentlemen! GENTLEMEN! ENOUGH!"

The room quieted down.

Daniel went on firmly. "Alright men, since our leader is having some issues with keeping this meeting in line, sorry Peters, but have to be honest." Daniel smiled with false support. His smirk was simply meant to deceive. If he looked like he backed him and really felt bad for his lack of leadership, then they would all follow. It wouldn't look like some hostile takeover. Just a necessary result.

"Seems you're going to have to listen to me. So here we go. What are we all angry about, huh? Well it started with the northern interference. Sure. The war left many of us with lost land and broken families.

But where are we now men?

We've learned. We are the smart ones. We didn't waste our time with that stupid tenant farming system that was doomed to fail. We started our own factory/mill successes that are already rivaling those in the north. Our mill villages in towns across are doing so well that new ones are forming. Our sometimes secretive ways of labor are proving to be what gets things done. So what are we angry about? Who's rising against us now?"

His voice grew low with meaning. He asked the question like those all around treated them as imbeciles. He was here to treat them with the respect they deserved. They were going to take everything back, and hold onto what they now had.

"You know who, don't you men?"

A few cries started throughout the room of a count of southern men nearing fifty. "Those unionists!"

Daniel put his hand to his ear, cocking his brow. "I'm sorry, who?"

"Unionists!"

Daniel shook his head with disappointment.

"Oh come on Men! We can do better than that! Aren't we the greatest organization that ever existed? Haven't we kept the negroes away from those polling places when it's come time to vote?

Now you tell me men! Are we going to let these new invaders take from us again?

Because that's what they are my friends! They are INVADERS, just like the Northerners and the dang abolitionists!

Only now, they're in the south and here inside with us! They're in our towns, raising their interfering voices! They want to take from us again!"

His voice sobered for a moment with sentimental remembrance.

Look at me Men, my friends.

Remember what you lost in the war. Years can't erase that. Remember the fires and the screams and cries of your brothers! Remember our women sobbing on their knees! Remember how disgustingly they STOLE our plantations from us! I ask you, are we going to let them do that again? This government that thinks they have control?"

He went on with a mocking tone that oozed sarcasm. "That thinks their baby cries need to be listened to because it's so unfair how the laborers are treated? After we give them good well-enough paying jobs. They pay us back by telling lies and grumbling weakly.

Are we going to let them, the bad workers that never listen and the government that tries to control, take from us our new ways of prospering business?"

He asked the question in a low serious voice. The reminder of the war was the most painful angering one you could bring up in the south. The scars were still there even shadows of it on their precious land. It fueled their fire. The room was now under Daniel's control. Even if he spoke words that others away from this group would disagree with, this gathering of men hotly listened.

The shouts now began.

"No."

"No."

"Never."

As his voice's rumble prepared to thunder, his friends beamed. Peters would be lucky if he wasn't sacked before the month was out.

It sent chills down backs as Daniel now let his voice rise to its deepest quake. A wakening war cry. The new battle was upon them. They needed to get up from their sleep.

"ARE WE GOING TO LET THESE UNIONISTS TAKE WHAT WE HAVE WORKED TO THE BONE FOR MEN?"

They responded in kind. For the past hour they had been bored and without clear intention. Now this man brought it out. Maybe it was a leadership problem they began to think, as those in Daniel's inner circle grinned with satisfaction. The lion was bringing in his pride. A new focus was set.

A new enemy.

"NO!"

"NO!"

"SEND THEM BACK!"

"THEY'RE NOT WELCOME IN THE SOUTH!"

Daniel smiled with firm resolution. He was the victor. They were all focused on him now. They hung to his every word.

Perfect.

He yelled it out with vibrating fury. He let the energy of the room light his flame. The fires beckoning back. Tomorrow night they would do it, just the small group of them, but in weeks they would all take part. Disciplining those who required it. Ready to remind all who they were. What they could do.

"THIS IS THE NEW SOUTH MEN! THE NEW! AND WE HAVE A NEW ENEMY!"

He quieted down suddenly, speaking in a low even voice that dripped with menace. "Who is that enemy…my friends?"

"THE UNIONS!"

"BASTARDS!"

"NO MORE UNIONIZING!"

"OUR BUSINESSES WILL PREVAIL!"

"UNION TRAITORS!"

"THEY'RE ALL TRAITORS!"

He smiled again quietly. Motioned his hands downward to get them to lower their voices. To listen. He turned to Peters, shrugged. He chuckled as the man walked out of the room. Coward. That was why no one listened.

"And anyone who sides with them my friends. They better be ready to go down though. We will CRUSH them."

He reached casually into his pocket. Took it out quietly. Lifted it over his head.

They roared.

They were back.

Even if in some kind of shambles, they were like the phoenix.

They would burn the fires again.

Daniel raised up his hand.

His friends watched with astonishment as all around them all the other men lifted theirs too.

"DEATH to the Unions!"

"DEATH TO THE UNIONS!"

They answered him back, pumping their fists. He didn't remove it. He wore it with pride. He wore it with power.

One man yelled it out now.

"And no more Peters!"

Another man called back. "Yeah!"

Daniel quietly watched it, patient and ready. It was all working as he had planned.

"We need you Daniel!"

"Yeah!"

Soon the chant began. It roared so loudly through the room that it felt like the start of a furied storm to his now silent friends. Finally.

"SCOTT!"

"SCOTT!"

"SCOTT SCOTT SCOTT SCOTT SCOTT SCOTT!"

Daniel's lips curved with delight. His eyes glowed through it with ambitious pleasure.

Eyes that peeked through…

The

White

Pointed

Hood.

*~*

With the cake now eaten, their stomachs full, and everyone in good spirits, they retired to the parlor. Camilla rapidly moved to the piano that sat in the middle of it, shining ebony and largely grand. Whitey joined her from behind.

Haley stilled. The piano was so beautiful. As Camilla started putting fingers to the keys and the music rang out, her heart panged with long ago memories. How many times had she sat upon Papa's knee, their fingers intertwined as they adored the keys? How many songs had they made together on his old grand piano that was maybe just a little less shiny? Loved by years of use.

The memories could never stay happy though. They swirled into that awful day they took it from her. Moved it right away from her outstretched arms even as she cried to please don't take it away. Papa lived in it. It was [Papa being taken away again…

Nathan watched carefully, remembering the story her Mama told him that first time he brought Haley home. They couldn't afford to keep it. She loved it because her Papa played it with her.

He should stop this, before it went too far.

Whitey and Camilla already had the song going though. Together they sang.

"Oh Susanna
Don't you cry for me
I came from Alabama with a banjo on my knee…"

Haley just stared at the piano, lost in one of her most painful memories, clutching her locket now with trembling fingers.

Camilla called back at that moment. "Okay Nathan and Haley, your turn, second verse!"

Nathan started to interject as Whitey turned back too. "Come on Haley Darling and Nathan!"

It was too much. The beautiful sound of music. The jarring sound of the keys slapping as they hit it against the wall. Papa's beautiful piano getting bruised as the moving men only cared about their job of getting it out. It was just too much.

Her eyes were haunted, just like that day he found it and his friends threw it in the air with boyish teasing. Just like that day she fell at the mill and the locket fell with her. Just like that day she dropped the blanket and it left her heart. Just like…

Haunted eyes that from the first time he saw them something stirred awfully in his soul. A part of him awakened that he never realized had been asleep in the first.

She couldn't bear it. She couldn't get a note out, not one. The beautiful shining piano was disappearing into the more loved one Papa owned. She was crying for them not to hurt it. Not to take Papa.

But out it went.

Haunted eyes.

Papa left her. They took what he loved. They took…

Him.

Frozen inside, her legs bolted to the door Her hands pushed it open.

She fled.

TOO MUCH

"Haley!" Nathan called out anxiously, feeling his heart thumping loudly and telling him to follow her. Don't let her be alone. Don't let those haunted eyes pain anymore.

Don't let them enter…

And affect you this way.

His friend. His…

He turned to see Camilla and Whitey's expressions so perplexed, all the music stopped. He gestured down to the piano impatiently. He knew they meant no harm, but he needed to make sure she was alright. "It's the music. Remember she told you her Papa loved playing it. She used to play it with him. Well her Mama told me after they had less money and after he was gone, they had to give it up. The piano. And it broke Haley's heart. She can't enjoy it anymore. Or at least she hasn't felt safe enough to try."

Whitey and Camilla both gasped now with understanding and regret.

Camilla felt awful. The young girl had shared so much with them this evening that to upset her so, was just terrible to think of. "Oh my! She told us the story even. Oh Nathan, we didn't mean to be so inconsiderate. We play it all the time. It's just instinct, and her voice so lyrical, she must sing so lovely. But we'll stop it now."

Whitey added in to his wife's statement, also sorrowful if they had hurt Haley in any way. It had never been intended. "We'll leave the piano alone. Stay away from it." Seeing that the boy was dodging his feet around, Whitey waved. "You go bring her back in. Tell her it'll be okay."

Nathan oddly shook his head though. She told him earlier she found the courage because of them, because of being surrounded by people she felt safe with. Well maybe this went beyond just celebrating her coming birthday, tonight. Maybe it was a whole new beginning. He rarely thought things so deeply like this, but blame it once again on Haley for wakening him all those years ago. For waking him more every day. For bringing purpose to his life and…

No more haunted eyes.

At least if he could slowly lessen them some, he would. Bring that spark back. That light. Maybe it was his mission from the first day he met her, and she irritated him so much he had to see her again. "No. I'll get her of course. But don't stop playing. I don't think she really wants you to." His thoughts were rambling. He was in too much a rush. He just wanted to go to her. "Just…don't stop. I'll talk to her."

He rushed out the door to the yard before Whitey and Camilla could even reply.

*~*

He saw them now, scattered all over the floor, just visible under the lantern light of the room. Bending down to kiss her cheek, he slid away. They hadn't done anything that went too far. She'd still be able to wear that white dress with grace and honor. They just kissed some and…touched some with affection.

He moved over the floor and started to pick the papers up. He understood why she did what she had. It was his work, and yet, probably too often he put it first.

It was normal he'd get up in the middle of the night, run over to it and start fussing away. He had to do it when the moment was right. And that was how it would be tomorrow night. He needed to go there to get the information. His brother would be joining him to get his part.

He looked back at her beautiful sleeping form, fully dressed under the blanket. He just wished he didn't have to let her down. Oh well. She'd understand. Soon they'd be getting married. Soon all her family and his would be surrounding them as they made their vows.

Even his aunt and uncle, who he hadn't seen for years now, would be attending. Of course he wrote them often, but to think of seeing them. Oh it would be so grand. He could tease his uncle about that basket and ball thing. Ah, crazy Whitey.

And sweet Aunt Camilla.

They'd love Abigail. Because the two of them got love so deeply.

He'd be starting his marriage.

They'd be celebrating a beautiful thirty five-years of it.

He smiled, finished picking up the papers and putting them back neatly on his desk.

He moved back to the bed and held his fiancée close, pulling the blanket over both of them.

"Mmmm…Honey?"

He kissed her forehead. "Shhh…go back to sleep Darling."

She closed her eyes.

He smiled.

Work was hard even though he loved it, but beyond he loved her.

…

She opened her eyes, noticed his closed now. Lifting her head slightly, as she was now awake, she noticed the papers had been picked up. Of course.

Possessively, she held at his hand, brought it around her heart.

She loved him.

And he loved her.

So much.

More than those silly papers.

Right?

*~*

Outside, he searched with his eyes, calling out softly. "Haley?"

Nothing. He moved forward and then saw her down on the ground, on her knees. Looking down at it. Fallen again. Nathan walked over slowly, bent down to his own knees. Touching at the ground, he lifted it back up safely. "Haley?"

Her eyes came up to meet his. A few tears fell down her cheeks, but that was it. Like inside, it was muted.

Holding still at the broken chained locket, Nathan touched at her cheek with kindness in his eyes. It was like that first time at the lower parts of Tree Hill, when Red took them. She had yet to get it all out, to unlock from all her own entrapping. "It's okay. It's off the ground."

Haley looked away from his strong blue green eyes, waving the ocean. She lowered her head with shame. "I'm sorry."

The words were delivered tightly. Nathan touched at her hair gently, feeling the silken cinnamon strands brush against his fingers. "I know why you ran out Haley. It's the piano. Because you had to sell yours. The one you played with your Papa."

Haley said nothing. They had talked about it sometimes before, but she had never fully detailed to him that day, to anyone what happened. It was too painful. It made her heart ache. It made the tears come that she couldn't allow to flow in abundance after that day.

"Your Mama told me years ago, I remember, and then you and I talked some more about it at Tree Hill." He wiped at her few tears now, on his knees with her, not caring his pants were getting soiled by the dirt underneath. Not caring about anything but her. "You know, that day you had to sell it…"

She nodded her head and spoke dully "Just like I remember so vividly the day my Papa gave me the locket you're holding…I also remember too vividly that day. They didn't listen to me. I was crying."

The pain was living fresh in her again like it had that day. She couldn't breathe like that afternoon so many years ago when the movers came.

She had tried to deny it, but the truth was this. "I told you years ago that it was only an object, but it wasn't. Papa lived in it…

And they took it."

The memory was sinking into all her hurt. Her haunted eyes wanted to cry.

She whimpered, knowing she couldn't hold it off much more. He didn't seem to want to stop her though. Nathan was staying right with her. "I tried wrapping my arms around it, but no one-

Nathan closed his eyes for a moment painfully. He didn't want her to cry…

But he did. It was time to wake up from that day and maybe the tears would help that be. All the tears of the past. Of sorrows that brought on these haunted eyes. He kept touching her. He usually shut off these emotions.

Cool in his thinking and expressions.

Just never with her.

She was quietly begging, pleading. For him to understand. Like she had begged that day, when none of them heard her cries. Maybe now if she told them to her friend, the emptiness could be filled.

"No one listened to me Nathan. I know why Mama had to do it. I love her for never letting them take my locket from me."

Her voice ached, tremors of what was coming…

"I spent so much time with him Nathan at that piano. I knew every key, it caressed each of my fingers every time we played it. I loved it so much because when we'd play it together, he'd wrap his hands around mine, his big strong hands. And I felt so safe. And I felt so loved. And I felt so…

So…

Happy.

After he was gone, I still went to it. And even though I was still young, I knew how to play it. And I would. Every day. Until it was a week or two, and my Mama with tears in her eyes told me we had to sell it.

Every time I thought of them, the movers, they appeared like monsters in my dreams. I cried so hard that day. I screamed because they weren't careful enough. They didn't treat it knowing how special it was. It was the most precious part of him. Every time I played it, I felt him playing with me too, holding me on his lap. It made it hurt…just a little less, having that piano, feeling him play with me."

Nathan grasped her hand in his and held it tightly. She was the bravest person he ever knew. The gentlest. He wished he could bring that day back and slam the money down so they would leave, pay them off. Leave her in peace. Leave it with her. So she never had to dream about it in ugly nightmares.

It was past though. Time to help her see that. To understand that it was only a thing still, in that moment, again. It ceased having any tie to him.

Now her voice did break. Now she revealed her most haunted thought.

"But they didn't care that they hit it against the wall. That it cried out and I swear Nathan…it was Papa crying out telling them not to ta-

"No."

He rushed her into his arms now. She was crying. She was sobbing. Finally, tears the same as the ones that probably fell down that day. Without barrier. Fully released. And it wasn't on deaf ears, or ones that loved her so caringly and achingly couldn't change the fate. Her Mama had no choice all those years ago, but he had one now. And so did she.

"Oh no Haley. No Sweetheart. It wasn't that. He's here in your locket. He's here in your heart. He wasn't in that piano. Not anymore Haley. Not even before they took it away.

He's in you. That's all. He's in your memories. Don't let that last ugly one take over."

Feeling her shaking, he brought her back to face him. Too many fresh new tears. "Remember the happy ones. And LIVE in them Haley. Not in that ugly past when he was gone. But the alive ones."

She looked at him questioningly, with amazement. Her hurt was still so solid, but being replaced by something soothing it. His arms were the gentlest. His warmth was so whole and protective.

"How Nathan, how do you get me so? You bother me sometimes something fierce. You use your words too quickly often and don't think. And other times you know all the right things to say. You know what my locket means to me. You are kind to my Mama. How do you know me like this?" She asked him the questions with wonder, touching at his cheek as his own fingers brushed across her wet ones. Soothing her tears and pain.

"Maybe because you get me Haley. Better than anyone else. You say plenty to irk me too, to grip my jaw. But you tell me everything I most need to hear also. You help me see myself as I am. Why do I get you? Maybe because…"

There was so much he could say, but he finished it off now. They weren't at her house. They weren't at their Tree Hill Shangri-la. They were at Camilla and Whitey's, and they had to go back in there. He had to get her to face them again. Leave this tenderly innocent for the moment. Even if you're starting to not feel that way at all. Even if something is rising in you that goes…

"Maybe because you're my friend Haley. My best one, remember?"

She smiled at that bravely. "Yes."

He smiled back and said it with firm honesty. "You have a choice. You can leave. I'll go with you. Or you can go back in there and try it. What he wanted for you, right? Don't you think it's strange it came apart when you came out here, when you ran away? That it always picks these horrible moments." He scoffed at his whacky philosophy. It just seemed to be true for the moment. "I know signs are nonsense things, beliefs, but maybe this is really one of them. He wouldn't want you to be unhappy. He wouldn't want you to stop what came so naturally to you before, would he Haley? You said he would want you to laugh. Well don't you think he'd want you to sing too?"

Haley shook her head. She couldn't. It would be too hard. It would be too wrong.

Nathan lifted her locket to her now, pretty sure where her thoughts were trailing off to. She looked down at it, biting her bottom lip, knowing somehow he was right. It had shined so bright when she told her story inside. Now away from her heart it was dulled and cold.

"I can't go back in there Nathan. I can't face them after what I did."

He negated her argument gently. "Sure you can. No one in there thinks any less of you for running out. Whitey and Camilla are more worried than anything else. You trusted them about the locket's story Haley. Trust them to help you with this." He reached for her hand. "Trust me."

Their fingers intertwined, each touching sections of the locket, giving it the warmth it had lost when it fell.

Nathan was always so forward, so quick to speak before thinking, but his words were the most honest too. And they were delivered with his own gentle thought now. Haley wasn't sure if she went in there her mouth would be able to utter it though. To open wide enough to allow words of songs past.

"I trust you. I do Nathan just like we trusted Red that day he took us to the underside of Tree Hill. And you became my dear friend. I don't know if I can do it Nathan. I don't know if I can sing again. I'm afraid I'll open my mouth and nothing will come out."

His heart tore again, her voice trembling in the safety of his. He'd protect her in this. Keep protecting her. "It's okay. If you can't, then you just can't. But try Haley. At least try."

His eyes held the ocean in them. She saw it from the first, but each time she looked deeper into them she saw it more. Now the waves were so eerily peaceful. Gentle and soothing. Coaxing. Whispering to her to just follow her heart. To hear Papa's in it. To take this chance with trusted friends. "Okay. Just stay with me."

"Always."

She knew he meant just when they would go inside. It would be just in Whitey and Camilla's house. Not beyond. Because…

Well because.

No matter he may think different. He wasn't yet ready to tell her.

"Alright, here I'll help you with it."

Softly she took it from him. Shook her head. "No. I'll do it myself."

Nathan let her take the locket, feeling a pang of disappointment. She never let him do this part. He supposed he would always just have to let her do it without his assistance. "Alright."

As she slipped the locket around her neck and securely closed the fragile clasp, Nathan brushed his hands over her cheeks, wiped away the last of her tears. Holding at her there, he watched as her eyes came up to his. Big, brown, but some of that haunting finally gone. A tiny little spark of amber replacing it. Beautiful and…

He held at her waist to help her up. Slowly they stood together. If he kept staring at her like this he'd do something that might embarrass. Already his throat was tightening. The mood needed some lightening. "I'm actually really glad you decided to go back."

Haley questioned him curiously as he held at her arm for support. "Why?"

He smirked. "Because you see you ran away to the back yard Haley James. To get to the front we have to go through the house, so if this was your escape route, it kind of was a poor one."

She laughed now and pulled at his tie. "Oh stop it, you!"

He laughed then too before filling in more dryly. "Not to mention I can't sing worth a darn."

He went on now with a bit of a rambling rant. "I should be the one worried to go back in there. They want us to sing and I don't know if I'm tone deaf or what-not, but my ear hears something else than what's playing on the keys. It ain't pretty. So you better hold my hand."

Haley giggled at all his seriousness.

Nathan came in dryly again. "Great, now you're laughing at that I'm going to make a fool of myself."

It was her turn to affirm with maturity. She raised her hands to his cheeks now and shook her head. "No. I'm just reminding you that you'll be among friends and so no reason to be scared. I'm sure your singing can't be that bad."

"You haven't heard it."

Haley giggled again at his silly bluntness. Sometimes it irked. Other times it was just funny like now. His honesty always just sparked some kind of feeling in her. She was glad he had it even for those times it irritated. "Oh Nathan, stop being so silly." She pulled at his tie.

He felt it and responded with a bit of smirking. When their emotions were strong it made him backtrack. When they teased like this he liked taking the lead and watching her blush or seeing that pout or feeling her hand push his cheek…or feeling her play with his tie. "Flirting with me again Haley James?"

She started to frown with her cheeks already rosing with color.

He clicked with his fingers and pointed. "Ah…spark. Got you."

Haley rolled her eyes and flipped his tie all the way upward to slap at his cheek before it fell over his shoulder. "No…got you."

Laughing he lowered his tie back down and caught at her waist as she seemed to be retreating. With a whisper he asked over her shoulder, "Ready?"

Haley slowly turned around, knowing now the joking would end and her trial would start.

Seeing her anxiety, Nathan reached down for her hand. "I help you. You help me. You watch, Whitey hears my voice the first time and he's going to complain fiercely."

Haley smiled softly at his silliness and reached for his tie, which looked askew. Absent-mindedly, she straightened it for him, holding at the silvery gray material. "I'm still not sure I can do this."

Nathan lifted up at her chin, his face fully sober. His voice came out dark with warning. "Then we walk in the door, don't look at anyone, and walk out the front one. Maybe they won't notice us. Just when I say run…RUN to the buggy! Run fast Haley."

She burst into laughter, pushing at his chest and smiling up into his now smirking face. "Thank you."

"For what?"

"Making me laugh. I was right years ago. Papa would have definitely liked you. He would have liked all your spark!" She actually pushed into his chest now, pressing her cheek against the white fabric of his shirt, before lifting her head with determination. "Okay, I'm ready."

He touched at her cheek and then tugged slightly at her hand. "Let's go." He probably could have asked her again, could have teased, could have made her laugh, but he knew that when she faced him with resolve, there was no reason to wait any longer, no reason to make sure she was prepared. No reason to question a girl who knew herself so strongly.

Still holding at her hand that he would let go after they were inside the sitting room, Nathan opened the door and led them back into the house. Whitey and Camilla were now sitting away from the piano.

Camilla moved over to Haley quickly, embracing the girl gently. "Oh Honey, we didn't mean to upset you. We'll play a game."

Whitey nodded his head now. "Yes, Nathan was saying you'd still want the music, but boy is probably wrong." He added with dry teasing. "Not the first time. Anyway, we'll just sit down here and play a fun game. No reason for any silly music that-

Haley stopped them both now, shaking her head resolutely and stating what she felt. She had to do this now, or she would always excuse it with the same thing. She needed to be brave and strong about it, like her Papa shining in her locket would want. Nathan was right. He hadn't been in that piano. She was old enough now to understand that, after being reassured about it by a boy who would never lie to her. He was in all her beautiful memories, guiding her all the way. Maybe he even sent her best friend to her.

"No, Nathan was right actually. I do want you to continue playing the music. And I apologize so much for running out of here like such a silly girl."

"Oh fiddlesticks!" Whitey remarked, bringing his arm around Haley's shoulder before he added gently. "Are you sure Darling?"

Haley looked up to Nathan, seeing his eyes strongly on hers with nothing but support. She smiled and answered Whitey. "Yes, I'm sure. My Papa had a piano, older, but in other ways so much like this one. I was just reminded for a moment of when it was taken away." It was strange to be able to talk about it now without all the tears, but they had come outside in the safety of Nathan's arms. It had made her stronger maybe. She wanted to do this. "Papa used to say that music only goldens friendship more.

So let's play some."

Camilla smiled warmly, catching her husband's wondering glance. With every moment she liked Haley more. "Music it is." She commented, ushering them all over. As she sat down on the bench, she motioned for Nathan to sit down next to her. Whitey stayed back with Haley, keeping his arm caringly around her. He joked now. "It was our singing, wasn't it Little Darling? I know it can be awful sometimes."

"Oh you speak for yourself you Old Man!"

Haley laughed at the two of them, grateful for how easily they lightened the mood.

Camilla searched for a song in her play book and then started to finger at the piano keys with relish.

"While strolling through the park one day
In the merry merry month of May…"

She finished the lyrics of that part and gestured for Nathan to sing the next two lines. Nathan looked back at Haley with actual fear.

It made Haley giggle now.

He mocked any kind of thanks and finally opened his mouth. Might as well just get it over with. Remember, you're doing this for Haley. If she mocks you anymore you can get her back at Tree Hill.

"I was taken by surprise
By a pair of roguish eyes
In a moment my poor heart was stole away…"

Seemed Nathan was right with what he told her outside. He certainly did not have the most pleasant sounding singing voice.

"Oh Tarnation Boy, who taught you how to sing, a banshee? AH..that was awful!" Whitey complained loudly now, making Haley giggle.

Nathan turned back to her again with a less than thankful look before he turned away at Whitey's howling. Geesh…make it even worse than it was Whitey, he thought dryly.

Camilla noticed Nathan's sheepish expression. She moved over to wrap a hand around him for a quick second as she played with her other. "Oh now don't you listen to him Nathan Honey. You did just fine."

Whitey remarked with gusto, his arm still around Haley. "Oh I bet we could do one a million better, right Little Darling? We'll do it together."

Haley braced herself. She hoped Nathan knew she was just teasing. In her mind she went back to all he said to her outside, how he touched at her cheek, how he held her. She wanted to do this.

Papa…

Wanted her to.

Nathan turned back around, noticing Whitey's eyes on Camilla's back as she played. He reached out his hand to Haley, whispered. "You can do it. Go ahead and show how much a better singer you are than me."

Haley smiled at his support and even his teasing at his own expense. [i]"Thank you…"

He smiled back, turned to the piano again with Camilla, and dropped his hand away from Haley's.

"A smile was all she gave to me
Of course we were as happy as can be…"

Her voice wasn't used to it, after years of not allowing it to open this way, of not being able to get a sound out when it came to song. But now she let a second of those sweet memories come back, the happy ones with Papa. Little came out. But it was something. And as her shied voice joined Whitey's deeper one, everyone around her appreciated it. Maybe she was being very quiet, but it was obvious Haley had the voice of a singing lark. It was quite beautiful.

They all smiled at her with happiness before Camilla went on with the next verse.

"Ah! I immediately raised my hat
And finally she remarked…"

It was Nathan's turn again. Haley could tell he was maybe a little unsettled about it. His voice most definitely wasn't so horrible. He just didn't know how to make the notes work. It was her turn to help him. She lifted her hands over his shoulders, let them sit there. He wouldn't have to do this one alone.

"I never shall forget
That lovely afternoon
I met her at the fountain in the park…"

Nathan felt it as the warmth of her hands touched his shoulders. Then he could hear the very quiet, but sweet hum of her voice from behind him. It made it easier weirdly to get closer to the right notes. Not perfect mind you, and maybe still irritating to Whitey, ha, but closer. He smiled back at her with appreciation.

"Ah, that was lovely." Camilla intoned.

Whitey complimented too. "Much better…yes."

Nathan stepped away from the bench and smiled at Whitey before standing near Haley. He watched as the older man sat down next to his wife and they lovingly sang together the popular parlor song of the day. Making a quick decision, Nathan wrapped his arm around Haley. "You did great."

She smiled up at him, touching at where his hand sat on her shoulder. "You didn't do so bad yourself."

"I bet your Papa is smiling down from Heaven."

Haley turned to him fully and felt her face fill with emotion. It meant so much to her, his words just now. "Thank you for saying that."

He just nodded his head.

"While strolling through the park one day
In the merry merry month of May
I was taken by surprise
By a pair of roguish eyes
In a moment my poor heart was stole away…"

Nathan touched at Haley's waist as Camilla and Whitey completed that verse. He lifted at her hand. She started to protest, but he paid it little heed, giving her a short spin. He was delighted when she allowed it and responded with what was obvious experience. Smiling down at her, he didn't let go of her hand. "You dance well."

Haley blushed and looked at him with uncertainty. "Oh Nathan…I don't know…"

"Hush…just enjoy this night with friends."

She smiled and let him spin her again. The dancing was practically not even moving, but a few slight sways here and there, their bodies of course discreetly away from each other's, but hands touching hands and a shoulder for her and a waist for him. She realized it at that moment. He was right. Papa was smiling, through her locket. As she looked down at it, she noticed how vibrantly it was shining against her heart. Like the vibrant glow in Papa's eyes the day he gave it to her in front of that beautiful ocean. Like the waving ocean of Nathan's eyes.

Papa was happy. And so was she.

Whitey and Camilla came to the refrain of the final verse. Nathan and Haley turned around to join in, the four of them singing in harmony, even with all their oddness of voice ranges.

"A smile was all she gave to me
Of course we are as happy as can be
Ah! I immediately raised my hat
And finally she remarked
I never shall forget
That lovely afternoon
I met her at the fountain in the park…"

When it was done, they all clapped and smiled with delight. It was lovely how joined song could bring on the light of life.

*~*

He walked into the shed of a house wearily. You could liken it to one because it was small with walls that just managed to stand to support a sometimes leaking roof. It was another long night of working the machines and his body was bone tired. It was his job at the factory to keep them running, do all the repairs, and to clean up the mess they made while being run. It was a dirty greasy job with windows barely letting in any air in the hot Carolina summertime, and yet it paid him. He earned wages, as meager as they may be. It was money that he could use to help them keep this simple worn house. It was something. He closed the creaking door and called out. "Mama, I'm home."

The dark complexioned woman, wearing a torn apron over her floral patterned dress, came out of the kitchen. She had been married, but then years after the war, and after her son was born, he was killed in a factory accident. Before all that they had planned to move to the north, with big dreams to start a new life. None of that worked out though as they never were able to gather up the money to move away so far. Then after the accident, alone with her son, widowed, it was settled. They would have to stay in the south.

She could remember how many of those she knew, believed that when they were freed everything was going to come to them. But as the plantations all started to smoke into flames, the reality of the war's outcome became apparent. Some white people too even become pitifully broke. Everywhere families were torn into from death. It hurt all.

So now she and her son lived eating simple meals to save the money. The house was small and frail, but at least it was a home they owned. No more plantation living. No more masters.

His job worried her so though. Her husband had died while at work dealing with the large machines and carts. The flooring crumbled, as the factory was new and had been built shabbily, and he fell to his end. Now her son was working in a similar factory and she hated that it was this way, but she knew they didn't have no other option. Meanwhile she was a maid for a white woman in the upper town area. It was laboring work, but at least it was nothing near dangerous. That tiny relief was rarely enough though. Since the end of the war they had saved. Maybe soon they could use those bits to travel away, to finally go north.

And her son could get out of that factory that made her anxious with worry every time he went there to work.

Sighing now, she pressed her hands against her apron before bringing her arms out. He was so tall now and thin. He was such a good boy with bright big eyes that he could give a kind hearted smile with. "Oh here you are. Home safe and sound. Ah…"

The young negro man, who was barely even that in age, hugged his Mama. He knew after his Papa's accident, his Mama was so nervous about him working at the factory. He didn't like working there much either, but at least it helped them live. He rubbed at her back gently, reassuring. "Oh Mama, it's alright. You stop worryin'''

She finally moved back with a bit of teasing glint in her eyes. Even after mostly a lifetime of harsh living, slavery something she had been born into, she could have fun with her son. She took in now his stick-like physicality, touching at his side as they remained in a half hug. "Now come with me into the kitchen. I've got some beans nice and hot for you to put in that too skinny stomach of yours."

He laughed even through his tiredness. His Mama was a good woman. She fed him well and kept him as nourished as she could. It wasn't always easy living this way, but he know he darn lucky to not have dealt with what she and his Papa had. Since he was born after the war, he never felt chains wrapped around his ankles. He never stood in a hot auction hall hearing bids for ownership of a human being.

Still, it wasn't easy being colored in the south. There were a lot of white folk who wanted ones like him kept in their place. They wanted them to be seen, but not heard. Cruel people who spit on them just because the color of their skin.

He didn't get it. What if it had been them? What if white was the wrong color?

He was proud of his color because it came from his Mama and his Papa and he loved them so. He may not have had his Papa around as much, but his Mama meant the world to him. She even teach him some schooling when he was growing up. He learned from her that not all masters were bad. Some even taught their slaves reading and writing. One nicer lady taught his Mama and she learn it well. It was a great thing to have, but still it don't help much finding a less dirty job in the south. Not all took to the things learned in school that much. And many didn't want to hire a colored man for a respectful job. That was meant for the white folk.

It matter none. He had plans you see. He wasn't always going to stay here fixing machines and cleaning up their grease. They was saving as much money as they could and when he had enough he was going to take his Mama with him out north, or maybe even out west. Out there he'd get a better job. Maybe they'd even smile that he had been schooled. He could become something big like a shop owner, or he could manage something. Yeah, he liked that. He knowed it wouldn't be easy and maybe he dreamin' too much to think he could do such things, but his Mama always taught him to dream, to believe, and to work hard for what he wanted. He'd get there…

Someday.

She gestured so he followed her into the kitchen now and sat down at the table. His Mama spooned onto his plate the steaming beans and hot bread. Next to the plate sat a half cup of milk. As she sat down across from him to eat her food too, he grumbled a bit about his day. "Manager yelled at me again today. He keep sayin' I'm not workin' fast enough. I mouthed off some."

His Mama faced him with reproach. She raised a well-minded son for one thing, but mostly she wanted him to be careful. She doubted her son ever argued about something trivial. His boss could be unfair, picking on him plenty. It was just she was already anxious enough with him working there. She didn't want him to raise any ruckus.

"Oh now, I told you Son to keep your mouth shut when need be. I don't like them puttin' you down, you know that, but I worry about you too. You say too much sometimes and you know the white man don't like that. Now you be good Son. You do it for me."

He smiled gently, clasping at her hand, before noticing something interesting on the counter. There they were again, just like last time and the times before. Pretty nice smellin' gift. "She bring you some more?"

His mother smiled with appreciation. She was almost happy to change the tone of the conversation as its subject too became a new one. She wanted her boy to watch himself when at work. Don't cause no trouble because then he'd stay okay. He wasn't commenting on it no more so probably meant he would listen to her advice. "Yes. Sweet girl she is. She bring me such pretty flowers! She say they come near the creek."

He continued to eat his well made beans and nodded his head. They didn't have a lot of money to make fancy food, but didn't matter much. His Mama could cook to bring the raccoons out. She had a gift at it.

Turning to them again, he smiled with curiosity. It was a strange kind of almost friendship and not one he ever went looking for. The girl too lived in Old Oak, but of course closer to the side with the white folk. Even though that, she smile at him when they was kids and she wave politely to his Mama when she see her. There was nothing wrong with her being nice to them. Maybe the richer ones in that New Bern area snubbed their nose at it, but here now since they was all poor, the white folk rarely, but sometimes, even befriend the colored ones. She was one of those, not caring any for separate areas.

He had some friends who scoffed when she come around. He frowned at them for any time they be mean or rude. She was some bits younger than him, but she was sharp too. He saw it one way. She was nice and so from the start he was nice back to her. They both too busy working now, her at the mill, he at the factory, to talk much, but he still liked her fine enough. And he know his Mama did too.

"They're pretty flowers Mama." He commented now on the wild bushel his Mama had put in water.

The woman smiled warmly. Even during the days of slavery she knew some masters who be kind. Some white folk just had good hearts. This girl, born years after slavery, was one of them. She said she would go to the creek with a good friend, and so now sometimes she quietly came over and brought her some of the pretty flowers she found there. That was such a nice thing to do of such a nice girl.

Her son smiled slightly. "So she get them at the creek again?"

His Mama nodded her head. "Oh yes. She like to tell me how the Oak there, it grows in tangles with the Sycamore. She say one light and one dark and they get along fine, branches intertwinin'. That girl so smart, and say such right things."

He smiled now more warmly, before he sobered. "Yeah, she say nice odd things like that. Too bad most white folk not like her. Too bad my boss nothing like her. I hear her boss ain't much better than mine. Of course she ain't kept separate from the rest of the white folk, since she white too."

His Mama tensed some, knowing now he wasn't done with their earlier subject. It still bothered him. She understood it well. She felt more that way too when she was younger. It was the ugliest thing having some of your spark taken away from you. Beaten out of some. She never been whipped. But her husband had it done to him one time. She could still remember the way his shirt was pulled off, the way the lash marred his dark shinin' skin.

You never forget that. You lose some of your spirit.

But thankfully her husband lost little of his, even that day. And now her son in his growin' had it too. She worried about him so, but she felt beaming with pride all the same that he fight to have what they deserved. She had a feeling one day, maybe dreamily, the young ones would change their lot. It was amazing to think one day slavery would be no more than a memory, history in a book. Maybe then they be liked, treated with respect.

She knew it was all silly thoughts to some, but she believed. And she would never stop.

Her son never would either. He got it from his Mama and his Papa.

He went on pointedly now, finishing up his dinner. Maybe he opened his mouth too much, but what else you do when your Mama teach you to read and write? When you knew all about Lincoln and it teared you up to hear the president who ended slavery, was assassinated before he could heal all the country.

"I know Mama you don't want me to mouth off at work, but I got to say something when I'm not treated right. It the only way more people goin' to start bein' like her. Maybe it's because they older, they don't want things to change. But things are Mama. And they goin' to change for me too. You see. I'm goin' to get enough money to move us away from here, up north. And there I'm goin' to make something out of myself. Something big. And buy you a nice house, one with pretty lace curtains, just the kind you like. You watch Mama. I'll do it."

The older woman smiled at her son's inspirational, but strong words. She knew some would see them as fantasy, but she believed greatly in her boy. And in a future for him that maybe treat him better than the years she grown up in. "I know you will."

The young man smiled too. Some called him a dreamer, and of course he had his friends who thought his fragile friendship with a white girl was foolish. He don't listen to that though. He have smarts about things like that.

He worked hard and he made things happen.

He have…

Hah, one of his nicknames his friends gave him one day when he threw a leather ball and made it land perfectly in a far off bucket.

He have skills.

Yes, Antwon was a dreamer who wanted a life beyond all this poverty, but he know his Mama proud of him for looking beyond as he go to work every day and strive to get them to that point. He know a lot of his friends sneer at the white folk now or complain about their sorry lives, but he not care to do such foolish things. Sure, he didn't have it all.

But he have his Mama. He have this house that at least kept the rain out when you lined up the buckets in the right place. He have his friends in the area he see sometimes. He even have a sweet white neighbor who brought his Mama flowers.

And one day he would have a new job where he'd be the man in charge. A new home that didn't have no leaky roof.

Because he was Antwon Skills Bishop, and he was no quitter.

He was a winner.

*~*

There was one last thing to do now as they all sat down in the front sitting room, except for one who had announced he needed to get something. Now coming back in the room, carrying a large wrapped box, Whitey exclaimed. "Happy Birthday Little Darling!"

Camilla's smile was as shining as her husband's.

Nathan watched Haley curiously to see how she'd react. He knew she was probably trying to find some protest while she battled how to be polite about it. Seemed another time when he could let her deal with it alone. Arguing that you didn't want a gift from Whitey and Camilla probably wasn't a terribly good idea.

"Open it Honey."

Haley stared down at the huge box and shook her head profusely. "Oh no, I can't take this. Oh my goodness. It's too much. Please…you didn't have to give me anything." She looked to Nathan for help, who seemed fascinatingly preoccupied with the end of his tie right now.

Whitey answered quickly. "Oh well of course Little Darling we didn't have to give you anything. We wanted to."

Haley looked to Nathan again. Now it was his shoes that were just so dazzling. Humph! "Oh Whitey, Camilla…"

The older woman reached over and held at Haley's hand. "Honey, you're never going to get us to take it back. We wanted to give you something special because you deserve it."

One more look to Nathan. Playing with his darn cuffs. Argh. Fine. She probably shouldn't accept such a grand gift, but it felt even worse to turn it down.

This time it was there, his smirk. Darn Nathan.

She turned to Camilla and Whitey with defeat. But also sincere thanks. "Oh you really didn't have to give me anything, honestly. But I do thank you so much."

Whitey pushed with his hand excitedly. "Thank us more after you open it!"

"Oh stop rushing her Man!"

"Woman!"

"You better open it." Nathan intoned slyly now as Camilla and Whitey were wrapped up in their mini argument. "Before it turns into a pumpkin."

"You hush!" Haley came back at him sharply.

Nathan laughed.

As Camilla and Whitey were now gesturing for her to get the wrapping paper off the gift, Haley put her hands to it and started to take on her task. Delicately removing some, and simply ripping the rest as she was being 'cheered' on, Haley realized within it all was a crate that too had to be opened.

Nathan looked at the gift with interest, wondering what it could be.

Whitey helped Haley lift at the top and then let her do the last part before the reveal.

Peering down inside the crate, Haley's eyes widened. "Goodness!"

Whitey smiled and gestured for Nathan to help him get it all the way out. Even though it wasn't too heavy, he wanted to make sure it cleared the crate without scratching any. Together they lifted it and then set it down.

As it was on the parlor floor now, out of the crate, Nathan smiled at it with wonder. All the personal touch you would expect from Whitey Durham.

"I worked on that myself Little Darling just for you. I know how much gifts from the heart mean to you. The design is like the one of your locket."

Nathan whistled with awe at the intricate pattern. It was beautifully carved into the pine wood.

Haley sat back with utter amazement. Rarely had she seen something so beautiful. Definitely she hadn't ever seen wood crafted in such a fine lovely way. It was a chest that stood maybe fourteen inches tall and sixteen inches wide made of gorgeous pine wood straight from their precious state of North Carolina. It was the lid though that was magnificent, with a personal touch that dazzled. It was like Whitey said, the beautiful design of her locket, carved right there into the pine with the most talented hands she could imagine. A tear fell down her face that she couldn't contain as she also couldn't take her eyes away from it. "You made this? The design and everything?"

"Sure did Darling."

Shocked with happiness, Haley leapt forward now and hugged Whitey profusely. "Oh my goodness, thank you so much Whitey! Oh and Camilla-

She started to reach forward, but the woman gestured her back to the present. "Look inside it Honey. That is my gift to you what's in there. I had to make you something to go with the chest, even made it to match."

Haley turned to Nathan with disbelief. He smiled gently, knowing her emotions were high with all she was being presented with. She deserved it though most certainly. So he said nothing, letting his expression be enough.

Smiling too now, Haley moved back to the chest and brought up the decorated lid. Inside, was something soft. She lifted it out and unfolded it delicately. It was finely embroidered with the same pattern that adorned the lid. Once again the beautiful flowers and basket of her locket. Camilla had simply embroidered it into a mosaic of sunshine colors. Haley held the blanket to her heart, before lowering it back carefully. Then too, she moved to Camilla and hugged her tightly. "Thank you so much Camilla. It is so beautiful. Thank you both of you for everything. For all your wondrous kindnesses!"

Whitey and Camilla warmly hugged her back, thinking if ever they had been graced with a daughter, how lovely would it been to have one as precious as this girl.

*~*

It had been a very productive evening, indeed. He smirked as he lay in bed, an arm draped around his chest lazily.

The chants had grown so high that he was sure of it now. He would be the new leader in just weeks. It was hilarious to watch Peters leave in such a huff. He didn't have anything personally against the guy. He just didn't think he was an effective leader. He was too tied to old causes that he weakly couldn't figure out how to fight. This way would work so much more effectively. Tie their original mission into the new threats.

He thought about it now, how Witty made plain they needed to soon deal with more than just one interference. It definitely was reason for a new plan of action. He'd visit Witty's cousin tomorrow maybe and then get back to Witty himself. He snickered. It didn't cause him any regret to finally get rid of this problem. The man had been a thorn in his side for many years. He had to wonder why he had even kept him on for so long. Debra had always told him to let the man go, but maybe at the time he still liked his ornery type of friendship.

Maybe he had needed him to help his business rise, but that was not so anymore. The Scott Factory was persevering completely by his superior leadership. The ornery man had told him it was wrong, that there had to be another way. He said he probably wouldn't be able to stay around if he turned the business that way. Still he did it, and still the man stuck around until he had it one day. Said he couldn't do anymore. Couldn't be a part of it.

That was fine. Just now with all these union upheavals and that man supporting them, knowing things about his business that no one else did, it was time.

It didn't need to be reserved just for them. Their organization shouldn't be seen as just haters of color or whatever. They weren't even that anyway. They were for the just way. It wasn't meant to cause harm. It was just meant to keep the order. The south ran under this way for so long with slavery and no one complained too loudly then. White men just knew better how to run things. Southern men knew how their businesses should function. Over the government. These unionists, they were already crying out to the government, a government that allowed all their plantations burned, that allowed a country to go against its own countrymen.

In the south there was not always so much love for Washington DC and all its strong rulings. Sure the president was respected as he rightfully should be, but hear the southern cry those of you who invaded our lands to end slavery, you will not end this. The labor of these factories and mills will continue the way we like, not your way. We will have the workforce we want and pay them fairly the way we see fit.

And anyone who is against that, even if they live here in the south, will pay the price.

He grinned. When he took over leadership they would be set to this new goal. They would focus on stopping these union formations in their tracks.

"Mmmmm…"

The arm moved, the hand sliding up his chest and grasping at his skin. He laughed and touched at her dark curls that framed her head. It wasn't his wife. She was probably still at the theater. That was fine. These kinds of things should be expected. He loved things in Debra.

He never loved her though with the kind of love that tied you only to that person. He didn't believe in that love because it was only for naïve little boys. Debra pleasured him plenty, but this woman here now whose bed he shared, did that too.

"You seem all happy about something. That smile on your face goes from ear to ear."

He laughed with utter satisfaction. "Yeah, well, it's been a great night, but I probably best be getting back."

She ran her fingers down his chest…

Lower….

Pouted. "Oh come on. Stay a while longer Sugar. You don't need to go back to her…yet." She gave him a cat's sly smile before her head moved down now too…

He held at her back, closing his eyes for a dirty man's moment. And then laughed again. Knowing she had convinced him to stay.

He lived such a charmed life. He had everything. They thought they could take it all away from him, didn't they those damn Yanks? Well look at him now. No war ever crushed him. And now neither would any blasted unions.

Tomorrow night they'd pay a little visit to the first troublemaker.

And then later…

If he didn't learn his place…

They'd pay another visit…

To another troublemaker.

*~*

Haley joined Camilla in the kitchen now to help her with the dishes as Whitey and Nathan talked some business in the front room.

"So next time we do this we will have to invite your Mama again Haley. I'd love to meet her."

Haley smiled as she dried a glass. "Oh she'd love to meet you Camilla. I know you two would get along so well. She kind of has a feisty spirit like you. And she absolutely adores your pies. I do too. You make them so wonderfully."

Camilla smiled at the girl with appreciation as she washed another dish. "Well, I'll be sure to give you the recipe some time soon. Since we will for sure be having you over again. I do wish your Mama could have come Haley. But I am sure glad you could tonight. It was a lovely evening. I loved hearing about your precious locket and oh my, your singing like the prettiest little birds in the trees."

Haley blushed at the second part as Camilla handed her the dish to dry. "Oh I don't know about that Camilla. It was so lovely to sing and hear the piano play again though. I felt fearful of it at first because I've stayed away from it for so long. When Papa died I just couldn't be around music again. After Nathan and I talked though I knew it was what Papa would want." She smiled with amusement. "Poor Nathan, getting teased by Whitey tonight for his singing."

Camilla chuckled softly. "That ornery husband of mine. Mind you Haley, I hope it doesn't sound like I mean my husband ill will. I know we may be a bit the unconventional couple."

Haley lifted her hand with polite dismissal. "I didn't see it as anything of the sort Camilla. My Mama and Papa used to tease just like that all the time. Nathan can be a teasing sort too, though of course we're just friends."

Camilla smiled with thought. "Very good friends from what I can see. Nathan takes to you with great care."

Haley shook her head with negation. "Oh no. I mean, he is courting another of course. Brooke Davis."

Camilla frowned now. She knew the Davis's from town. They carried a lot of airs about them like the Scott parents. Thank goodness Nathan didn't fit in that category. The boy seemed to have his own spirit, and it became deeply apparent this night. He was very fond of Haley, very protective. "Oh, well that is interesting considering he came here with you this night. He's never brought Brooke."

Haley fascinated in the spoon she was now drying, not sure how to respond at first. "I suppose he goes with her other places. I don't know."

Camilla smiled warmly, washing the last dish now, an iron pot. "Well you two do get along well, if a bit teasing and fun here and there. Of course we both know there is nothing wrong with that." She winked.

Haley shrugged, wondering if Camilla was getting it wrong. Sure she and Nathan were closer now that they spent the time at Tree Hill and such, but he was two years older than her, and their worlds were so different. "Well yes, we're of course friends." She took the pot as Camilla now handed it to her.

Picking up another towel and starting to wipe at the kitchen counter with it, Camilla commented. "I met Brian, Whitey, when I was just a bit older than you. He charmed me silly. And he made me laugh. But he never belittled me like some men can do." Camilla stopped her wiping of the counter for the moment and turned to the girl with intent." Haley Dear, mind I give you a bit of advice, since you're nearing courting age and all that?"

Haley moved forward now, the pot put away. "Of course not. I just don't know if I'll be courted that much. There aren't many boys around Old Oak. Not ones with much leisure time anyway."

Camilla asked pointedly. "And Nathan?"

Haley shook her head. "Even if Nathan would think of me such a way, I'm from Old Oak and he's from New Bern. There are too many differences."

Camilla scoffed gently at the girl's point. "Those things don't even matter Haley and I'm sure you realize that. You are such a smart lovely girl. And I can tell Nathan's taken notice of that. Let me tell you something about me and my Brian. When we met, I had my circle of friends and he had his. I had a lot of fine looking boys dancing at my skirts, but they all coddled and expected me to be a giggling fool with them. Brian listened to me. He told me the truth and wanted the same from me. And I know there are some women around here who look at him and wonder what I see. Mind you I think he is very handsome."

Haley smiled warmly. "So do I."

"See…smart girl. Just no division and no naysayers were going to keep us apart." She touched at Haley's hand now. "Honey you are young and beautiful and you have plenty of time to pick a suitor. But if Nathan happens to be the one you have your eye on, don't worry about your differences. Embrace them. Enjoy them."

Haley's look was one of appreciation. Talks like this she mostly only shared with her Mama. It was nice to have it with a friend who had experienced so much in life. "My Mama and Papa too had a lot of people frown upon their union. They didn't let it stop them either."

"See!" Camilla exclaimed.

The two of them giggled and then Haley asked with dying curiosity. "Camilla, when you met Whitey, was he wearing those super white shoes?"

Camilla smirked playfully. "Oh he most certainly was. Just a different pair. Oddest funniest thing about him!"

Haley came in now with mischief. "The first time I met Nathan, I hit him with a pinecone."

Camilla's eyes dazzled with amusement. "Oh you didn't? Oh goodness, girl, you have spunk that I like!"

Haley giggled, but went on seriously. "No, you see he found my locket in the grass. It has a loose clasp that comes apart sometimes. I wouldn't let him have it though. I hit him hard."

Camilla winked and brought in with meaning. "And seems the boy never stopped being affected."

Haley questioned with her eyes, but Camilla just smiled before she started getting ready bags of food for Haley to take home.

Chuckling as the girl tried to 'politely' protest.

Little Darling like her husband would say. Not yet realizing her power. But oh it was there.

*~*

Lynette woke from the chair with one of them.

A hacking row of coughs. She braced herself against the chair's edge before she felt it stop. Pressing her palm against the arm rest, she slowly stood up and moved toward the bedroom.

It wasn't just a cold.

It wasn't temporary.

Still, she would work.

She would do it as much as she could so her daughter didn't have to.

So instead she could enjoy life.

*~*

Nathan commented as he and Whitey came back inside. They had just repacked the chest into the crate and placed it on the buggy. "I keep hearing how well your business is doing Whitey. It's easy to tell why, after the kind of gift you just gave Haley. Just your woodwork carving is amazing."

Whitey smiled warmly at the boy as he sat down in a chair and Nathan seated himself in the one across. He had known Nathan for years, and now the boy's climb to manhood was visibly apparent, beyond even the physical growth. Nathan seemed just a bit calmer with Haley around him especially. "Ah, yes. Well, I enjoy what I do."

Nathan questioned carefully. For years he had wondered at this. He hedged at it a couple of times, but now his questioning was more direct. Soon he would have so many more responsibilities at his father's business, and this was something he hoped he could finally understand. "You didn't before? You know…with my father? You seemed to get along well enough at first."

Whitey nodded his head with understanding of where the boy was going. Nathan had made clear he was unhappy years ago when Whitey left his father's business. "Well, you know son it always was some bits acrimonious. It worked well enough yes for a while, but really, it wasn't meant to last."

Nathan scrutinized the older man. Whitey had never hid the fact that he and his father argued a lot. That was well known. They battled it out so much that it was kind of obvious now why Whitey started his own business. Still, he had some questions with how after years of that battling back and forth, one day Whitey just suddenly had it and left with little warning. Nathan had to wonder, when had the arguing went from trading barbs to serious disagreement, and why. "Yes, I understand that, but Whitey it seemed you left so fast. Like something really got at your hide."

Whitey remarked dryly. "You don't know my hide Boy."

Nathan laughed a little, but persisted. "No, really."

Whitey sighed. The boy was getting more curious because one day that business would be his own, at least if Daniel Scott had his way. Whitey wondered if the boy was totally agreeable to it. "Oh now, I couldn't get along well enough with your father, Nathan. He wouldn't let me do my job without interfering all the time, and I didn't like that. That's why it's better that I manage now. You know? I have control over my own factory."

Nathan nodded his head. Maybe some day the man would give him a more complete answer, but it certainly wasn't coming this night. He steered the conversation to another concern of late. "Yes, that sounds understandable." He moved forward in his seat. "What do you think of the unions, Whitey? I've heard word you're supporting them."

Whitey gave a clear affirmative. It was a new battle in the south and the north. Heck, maybe all around the country. There were just too many places with work conditions that were intolerable. Working children down to the bone and other awful things. "Of course I am son. I know they're still in early formation stages, but it's important to me. Someone's got to support them with most factory and mill managers lamenting them. There are too many workers in this state Nathan who have no decent rights. They get paid barely enough to put the barest of food on the table, and yet they work day and night with little or no breaks."

Nathan gritted his teeth. "Like Haley and her Mama at the mill."

Whitey nodded his head. "Exactly. Now Haley's getting older, I understand that, but I tell you Nathan, I never would have let a child as young as she was when she first started working in that mill, work at my factory. I won't stand for any children being in such a sometimes dusty dangerous place. Oh I try to keep my machines and all in good order and I treat my workers with respect, but accidents can happen. Nah, a mill or factory is no place for a young girl. And even at fifteen I limit the hours. It's things like that Nathan the unions are fighting for. They want to send kids to school rather than to work, whittling their life away with not enough rest and nourishment."

Nathan nodded his head quietly, taking in all Whitey had said. He agreed with him completely about employing children. He just didn't know about the unions, especially with his father's grumblings about them.

"I don't abide by any child labor either Whitey. I never before liked Haley working in that mill, and I still don't really. But my father says that the unions are just trying to cause a ruckus, that a lot of them, you know the unionists, are lazy. He says they make up lies and everything to make factories go out of business."

"And is that what you think son?"

Nathan grimaced, feeling his own wonderings turned back on him. "All I know Whitey is what I said before. I don't abide by child labor. Not when a manager like the one that bosses Haley wants children working at his place because of their small hands. I don't like how he treats Haley or her Mama. He's friends with my father, but I can't stand the man, not after I've seen the way he talked to Haley once. Mind you there's no hitting, nothing like that. I wouldn't stand for that, ever, but he just cares about the money that comes in. My father told me once he lost all his in the war, and I feel for him for that, but it don't make right the kind of cretin manager he is. To me child labor is about as bad as slavery."

Whitey's eyes widened.

Nathan held at his mouth, knowing his father would yell at him to bite his tongue in such a situation.

Whitey moved forward now though and touched at the boy's shoulder. Daniel Scott better realize it. His son had a heart and soul of his own. He could guess that years more into the future, when Nathan would have more responsibilities at the factory, some kind of confrontation would happen. It was inevitable it seemed with what Whitey knew. "Nathan, having seen slavery myself son, it's not the same. I see your comparison though, and I see how much it bothers you. I think you might understand it more with just what you said now. Ah son, there are a bunch of Haley's and her Mama in those mills and factories, south and north. If I can keep my factory clean of those kinds of labor violations, because that's how I see them, then that's what I'll do. And to do that it's getting more important to support the unions. Maybe even new laws."

"Labor laws?"

"Well tell me Nathan, if it ended the kinds of things you're talking about, don't you think it would be right to support them?"

Nathan nodded his head with seriousness. "Yeah, probably."

Whitey smiled thoughtfully. The boy was waking up to some harsh realities. And maybe even deciding what his own route would be. He wished him the best of luck.

Camilla and Haley came out of the kitchen now. Nathan stood up, noticing how Haley was carrying bags of food. It was kind of amusing because he could just picture how she had probably protested at first that it was too much. She probably got it now. You can't win with Whitey and Camilla. Best to just accept whatever they give you.

"Well, it's getting late so probably best be going." He gestured to Haley who nodded her head as she wrapped her cloak around herself.

Whitey moved to stand next to his wife.

Haley smiled at them both with clear affection. They were such endearing full-of-spark people that she couldn't wait for her Mama to meet. She reached for both their hands now graciously, feeling Nathan take the bags of food from her. "Thank you Whitey and Camilla for such a lovely evening. You made this such a special birthday for me."

Camilla spoke first, giving Haley a loving hug. "Oh well it's just the first evening of many Haley Honey. We look so forward to when you can come again. You, Nathan and your Mama."

Whitey held at Haley's hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Darling you're family now and welcome anytime. You come visit us often as you like. We'll do another singing round!"

Haley laughed at the older man's fun enthusiasm and hugged him warmly. She held at their hands for a minute more before letting go and helping Nathan with one of the bags.

Nathan felt Whitey's arm go around his shoulder as they walked to the door.

The older man smirked. "And you Nate, as long as you leave that banshee at home, we'll be fine."

"Oh stop!" Camilla complained with boisterous rejoinder.

Nathan laughed some as Whitey warmly slapped him on the back and Camilla kept fussing at her husband's comment. He had always liked Whitey's humorous temper. Even his kidding never bothered him. That was why sometimes Nathan wished Whitey could have stayed working with his dad. At the same time he was so proud of Whitey for making such a strong business of his own. So yes he missed his presence at the clothing factory, but he was thrilled to see Whitey's personal success.

Camilla turned to Nathan now and hugged him too. She took a step back afterward admiring the boy's handsomeness and the way it was when he stood next to Haley. Something ever so right there. She touched at the boy's cheek with affection, stating, "You don't' worry about what my ornery man said. You did alright with your singing."

Nathan smiled with gratitude. "Thank you Camilla. And Whitey. Thanks for inviting us. You know I wish-

Nathan let the sentiment hang there. For years Whitey had not been welcome in his house. This night that his parents didn't know about, nothing had changed.

Haley could see how it troubled him. Of course Whitey and Camilla could come anytime to her house, but for her the problem was more a lack of food. It didn't mean though she couldn't bring anything to them. She knew from talking with Camilla that azaleas were her favorite flowers. One of these days, since they grew near Tree Hill, she'd pick up a bushel of them with Nathan.

Whitey liked to tease, but now he stopped the boy gently. This had to do with his father and him. Nathan never had any part of it and shouldn't feel responsible or guilty in any way. "It's fine son. I know. Tell you what. When you have your own house, you invite us over. We'll keep doing all this entertaining back and forth. Just if you're on your own, maybe Haley can help you do the cooking. Do it on your own, you might poison us."

"Oh you ornery man!" Camilla hit at her husband's chest before hearing his roaring laughter and feeling his arm go solidly around her. She still fussed some, but held at his waist the same. It was like this with them always and it was probably why she loved him so. Marriage didn't have to be all formalities the way they saw it. You had to have fun with each other.

Ah, so many comments could be made more about Nathan getting a house and maybe…Haley sharing that home with him. It was the kind of comment though that would surely make one of them blush, and she was still a young thing. Haley told her too that there was Brooke Davis. That bothered Camilla little since she had a feeling that was more about what his parents wanted.

Tonight was his desire.

They all embraced one last time before Haley and Nathan made their way to the buggy. The whole way Camilla and Whitey excitedly waved, seeing Haley especially waving back as Nathan started to drive the buggy away.

After they were out of sight, Camilla and Whitey closed the door and walked back into their house. As Camilla was heading to the kitchen to tidy up one last bit, she felt her husband's strong big arms wrap around her waist from behind. She closed her eyes with affection and held at his hands. "Oh Brian."

Seeing her slight blush, always there when he held her, he turned her around in his arms. The kiss they shared was warm and lovingly romantic. Afterwards he looked down into her shining eyes. "The boy's smitten. She's already stolen his heart."

Camilla smiled warmly, touching affectionately at her husband's cheek. "I believe you are right my Dear. And with good reason of course. She is ever so lovely inside and out. I believe it goes both ways though. She talks with such light and energy about him."

He charmed with his look. "Like you felt about me so many years ago?"

Camilla batted at his shoulder before feeling him bring her in for a kiss. Always his love made her feel so alive, just as much now as it had in those first days of young love. If anything the feeling only had intensified. The flame still burning so bright. "More like how you felt about me."

He laughed at her answering comment and turned the conversation to a more serious state. "I just wish her Mama had been able to come."

Camilla nodded her head, touching at her husband's shirt collar, her hand lightly fingering at his chest. "I know Brian. I am glad though I spent the time making a pie earlier in the day. I made sure I sent it home with Haley, so now they can have that in addition to the leftover cake and dinner. You did a wonderful job of making sure she got enough second helpings."

Whitey smiled, caressing his dear wife's cheeks. "Well you didn't do so bad yourself, until Nathan caught us at our game. Hah…I bet Haley told him he better do something or else!"

They both laughed at that. It had of course all been generously schemed. They knew Haley lived in the poorer section of town, and that her Mama couldn't afford richer meals. That was why they made sure Haley had heaps of food to eat at the table…and that she was now bringing home.

"I think I'm going to pay her Mama a visit." Whitey came in now with a bit more soberness, his mind set to something. "Soon. I don't like the two of them working at that mill. I heard enough about that man Witty to know he doesn't treat his workers with much care. Nathan doesn't like the man at all either That boy can't stand Haley working one bit."

Camilla nodded her head. "It is a shame she has to. If only we could help them somehow Brian, without Haley especially, thinking it's charity. That girl has so much pride and strength. I would never want to insult it and hurt her."

Whitey smiled now with thought. "Well I think I might have a way around it. A way to help them without it being any type of charity."

Camilla warmly grasped the side of her husband's face. "You wonderful ornery man you."

They kissed with love's quietest passions. Then holding at each other's waist they entered their bedroom, leaving any last bit of tidying for the morning. It was hard to not have a child to call their own. It had saddened them for years. Still, life seemed to work in mysterious ways. Here just this night they invited two who were not their own of course, but who they cared for fondly. In weeks they would be visiting with their soon-to-be marrying nephew, his dear active younger brother, and all the rest of their lovely extended family. They never had a child of their own, but they had those who cared for them nearly as dearly as a child would. And they had each other.

They always had the beautiful life they shared together.

As now two semi old people proved that desires did not diminish with age. Not when they were made out of eternal love.

As now together in the privacy of their bedroom,

They caressingly shared…

That love.

*~*

Nathan teased now as the buggy drove past the houses following Whitey's. "So I see Camilla gave you about four sacks of food there."

Haley took in his smirking smile right away. She responded to the teasing tone in his voice smartly. "And obviously it amuses you greatly."

Nathan laughed now and steered the horse and buggy away from New Bern's outer area. Here the houses started to be just a bit smaller as the factories would soon be this time on Haley's side. He glanced for a moment at her, seeing that she was wearing that simple thin cloak. "Are you warm enough?"

Haley pulled self consciously at her cloak. It was worn and thin, yes, but she was used to its wear. Maybe if her Mama could get some more material, thicker this time, she could sew a warmer one. Her Mama had taught her when she was younger how to put needle to thread too.

Nathan stopped the buggy. He unbuttoned his black jacket and pushed it past his arms. He could hear Haley start to protest, but he paid it no mind. Reaching forward, he wrapped the jacket around her shoulders, touching at her cheek when he was done. The night was full now, with sparkling stars above them, and the big moon shining almost purely white in the blackened sky. The temperature was lovely softly warm, with just a slight wind blowing. It was that evening breeze that made him want her to have his jacket around her shoulders. He knew that cloak didn't keep her warm enough no matter what she said.

His jacket placed rightly, he brought his eyes down to her face. The stars and moon seemed to admire her greatly, as they caused a shine that moved all the way to her deep brown eyes. Those familiar orbs now flashed with just a touch of amber.

It was almost like he was staring at her. He just wouldn't look away. She wanted to tell him once again to take back his jacket. She knew she should pull it off, but it was so warm and its scent it carried was the one she was growing to desire. His. This night they had teased in her house and then in Whitey and Camilla's kitchen, differently than they ever had before. She dared look up at his face, and saw how strong his jaw lined now. Following it were firm cheek bones and a forehead that wrinkled with any musings as it pushed above those nature's water filled eyes. All of his boyishness seemed to be fading away so quickly, but two years had passed. Of course Nathan was becoming a man. And she was still two years annoyingly younger.

These feelings floating through her now, making her blush and blurt out what she didn't need to say. It made her mouth open now to ask him the silliest thing. Her brain would later laugh at whatever part it came from, its foolishness. "You've never taken Brooke there? To see Whitey and Camilla."

Nathan frowned at the question, touching now at her hair, finding a cinnamon strand that didn't want to obey the ribbon. It passed by it now waywardly. Freely. He pushed it back some and chuckled softly as it fell forward again, stating it didn't want to heed. It was so like her. She walked to the beat she preferred. She lived in nature and all its beauty. A lack of money would never keep her down. Never make her whine with crying tears.

He had done so much more with Brooke of course physically. Yet he doubted he had kissed her as much as he had held at Haley's hand. Usually it was her over-done shivering giggle that caused him to bring his jacket around her shoulders on a cold night, while with Haley he always freely offered it and insisted she take it. He had looked into Brooke's eyes, but he had no idea if beyond their obvious chocolate quality anything sparked underneath, any bits of secondary color, while he deeply searched for any hints of Haley's amber. She was just his friend and a young girl, but that was becoming an excuse that irritated what his feelings wanted to experience.

She was more than any easy explanation. No musings could clearly describe her.

Nor what she meant to him.

"No. I never have."

He was turned to her fully now.

Haley reached her hand up, touched at the tip of his vest. She found herself doing so, more lately, touching at some part of his clothing. It made her feel even closer to him. It cushioned some of her thoughts and…

Young desires. "Why?"

She asked him the question with such brave curiosity. She rarely forced a subject, but she wanted all the truths to this one now. With Nathan she sometimes just wouldn't hold back. He said how she had never been that much impressed by him, his richness and such. That wasn't totally true. She just wasn't impressed with his qualities that most others probably revered. She liked the softer silent ones that he scarcely showed too vividly.

His fingers tickled through her hair, descending slowly to her cheek. "I don't know. Maybe because she wouldn't want to go. She'd tell my parents anyway. They don't know a lot about me visiting so much with Whitey. My father and him don't get along anymore."

Haley nodded her head now, seeing how it troubled him. That bothered her. She wished he could feel free enough to share a friendship with Whitey without his parents scolding it. Her Mama would never make her feel such a way. She understood her friendships, no matter who they be with. All she asked for were that it be with people of good conduct. Color, wealth and such, they didn't matter. This of course went beyond though. His parents disliked more than just Whitey. "I know. With me it would be much the same, right? Because your parents don't like me."

Nathan frowned solidly. His parents didn't like Haley because they never took the time to get to know who she really was. They were so caught in all their formalities that they didn't bother to look at the heart of a person enough. He wasn't sure why he was feeling this now. He loved his parents truly and yet his thoughts conflicted so much lately with the ones they wanted for him, expected him to believe. That was why he played the game. It was easier sometimes to play the part, than admit the truth. There was someone who had wakened things in him that his parents never taught him.

"They just don't know you Haley. I know my mother and father didn't treat you all that nicely years ago. I just hope…if they really knew who you were, they'd be ashamed or…"

This was too much for him and more than he could control. Haley moved forward and held at his hand. He looked at her as still just some young little girl and yet, maybe she wanted him to see. Maybe a part of her was wakening this beautiful evening. Blossoming and ready to meet its destination, its obligation. He needed to listen to her and hear that her mind at least was not so…child-like.

"Don't Nathan. Don't ever feel you have to defend your parents with me. You love them and there is nothing ever wrong with that. It's alright what they did that day. Well maybe not entirely, but I'm not so young that I still hurt from it. I've let it go. You are like them of course. We all are like our parents. But you're different from them too, as we all are. It may sound silly to you, but to me it's like songs that my Papa would write. Even those long instrumental pieces Nathan, they have parts and, each one is sorts of the same…and so many sorts different. I think that's how children of their parents are. So many likenesses. And yet all those tiny vital differences."

She blushed suddenly, pulling at the end of his vest and then letting go, turning away from his watching eyes. "Oh listen to me. You probably think I'm just talking childish nonsense."

He turned her face back to his though and slowly shook his head. Physically she hadn't been that to him this evening. But even more-so, always emotionally, mentally, Haley had been beyond a child, and certainly never one who spoke only nonsense. "No." He whispered, looking deep into her eyes, feeling at her hair, that his fingers kept muttering to him to get a hold of. They loved how the silken strands felt. "I don't think that at all." His impatient fingers climbed up her cheeks, liking even more what they were stroking now.

"You don't even seem that much a child tonight."

It was true and what he had wanted to reveal most this evening, and yet he held back. Until now. Until her doubt. Maybe she was starting to want the same things. Sure it was forbidden. So much was keeping them from this kind of point.

But to heck with any of that for the moment.

Her heart panged a little, oddly and weirdly. In a way she never felt. She swore inside her locket was glowing, even though she didn't need to look down at it.

Still, she brought up what was probably obvious, holding at the end of his vest. "It is the dress. It is new. My Momma made it for me."

She was smiling with such clear easy explanation. She was so wrong though. "It's lovely."

Haley smiled more with all the confirmation she needed. Well at least he liked it, what she was wearing. That was all it-

"But it's not just that."

He cut right through her thoughts, moving forward just a bit on the seat, to feel their sides touch. All her sweet warmth. All the beginning of her curved softness. It wasn't straight up and down no more like it would be for a young girl. It was defined. Still, he was two years older, just barely and she…

He licked at his lips, feeling a nervousness that was so foreign to who he was.

"It's not?" Haley asked, for a moment looking away from his eyes, down to his solid mouth, before feeling a rush inside of her. Before looking unsurely away.

His finger brought her back though, catching at her chin. "No."

He answered quietly, feeling her small hand touching still at the ends of his vest. He wanted to grasp it. He wanted to hold it in his. Feel all its blanket of softness. Even with all the scratches and scrapes. Even with the too early roughness. The mill could never swallow her spirit, never her sweetness. He touched at the seat of her dress, feeling the satiny material. So finely woven. "Not in this dress anyway."

Why did he say that? It wasn't what he meant. He needed to keep off this dress. Sure it was lovely like he said, but he was rambling here practically. His tongue was getting all tied again in words he only half meant because the truth was in something more that had to do with…

What words couldn't tell.

Haley blushed slightly, before smiling with understanding that she ordered now to be the answer. She told her Mama. It was what she was wearing. He just clarified that again right now. He'd feel differently about her tomorrow. "I know. Like I said my Mama made it and she is so good with sew-

Her voice stopped. His hand stopped it. His finger placed over her lips now. His head shook firmly. That was what he needed, for her to believe the trivial. That was what allowed him now to tell her plainly what it really was. A dress could do a lot, but never as much as she was claiming. It hadn't truly made him see her in a new light. It just okayed that light that had been glowing softly for some time now. Waiting for its right moment. Maybe this wasn't it.

But maybe…

"I told you I like it. But it's not the only thing that's…

beautiful…Haley."

She stared up into his waving eyes, feeling his finger quietly drop now, wondering if he could be cruelly teasing. But Nathan would never do that to her. Then maybe it was just the moonlight playing tricks with his eyes. Maybe…

In the daylight perhaps he wouldn't say things so broadly. She'd still be the same though, no matter what dress, no matter how she wore her hair, no matter anything. It was so complicated. It was like how telling his father he didn't want the factory would be. And yet…

Did he truly want any of these things he was supposed to?

At this moment did he feel free enough to throw them up in the air and let them fall wherever they shall? Let him catch what is right to fit in his hand.

His silence made her wonder. She wandered her fingers there, even as they slightly trembled. She traveled them to his cheek, watching his waving eyes deeply close, seeing him swallow. Could she truly affect him? She remembered for a moment that kiss she had seen once, in the town area. The one he shared with Brooke. It was more than that kiss years ago, one that made them hold at each other tightly, not realizing anyone was watching…

Her hand fell away from his cheek. She held it now, clenched.

Nathan opened his eyes, startled. Touched at its clenched form. She seemed so bothered by something now. "What?"

She shook her head. "No."

Nathan wondered what it could be as it clanged against the metal. It was the worst annoyance of interruptions. He had yet to find out why she had pulled away so suddenly. It would have to wait though because he needed to see what had happened. He looked down, noticing now how the whole harness had come loose, a metal piece that kept it intact falling free from the fixture.

He frowned with irritation. "Tarnation! I probably should have just brought the wagon. This thing doesn't like me. It keeps getting loose and now it just completely fell apart practically. Would have been better to have ridden Red." He gestured to her dress now with second thought. "Uh, well maybe not."

Whatever kind of moment was building or was expiring, was fully over now. Haley, even though half amused from his first statements, responded now to what his last one implied. "My dress has dirtied your clothes plenty of times when you've picked me up from the mill. I'm sure you've never liked that."

Nathan's eyebrows came up with disbelief. "What, are you serious? I never even thought of it. I'm just glad I can give you a ride home." He smirked tightly. "Alright, you stay put, okay? I'll get down there and see what needs to be fixed. You just relax. Oh and hey, I can reach in the back and get you that blanket Camilla made you if you're cold at all." He turned away from her, already in action. "I'll get it now." He started to open the crate, but Haley touched at his arm.

"No, it's fine. I'm warm enough."

He nodded his head. "Okay, but it's there if you need it." Then he jumped off the buggy and made his way to the side of the horse. He bent down, seeing where the piece went.

Haley watched it with concern, knowing what he was about to do. She jumped down the side of the buggy and called out to him with caution. "Nathan, be careful! Horses kick sometimes."

Before he could even squat down he felt her hand planted on his arm, holding him back. "Haley, I told you to stay on the buggy."

She frowned at him quickly. "I was worried. Maybe I can help, plus I don't care for being commanded." His big jacket started falling down past her shoulders. She pulled her arms through it now to wear it completely, noticing how the sleeves hung way past her hands. Shaking her head wryly, she rolled them up some.

Nathan smiled at how 'cute' she looked before he responded. "Okay, I probably sounded kind of bossy, but I got to figure this thing out."

Haley nodded her head, noticing where the piece had fallen, between the horse's hooves and the bottom of the buggy. "Let me get the piece. I'm not as big as you so it would be easier for me to crawl under."

Nathan's eyebrows came up with surprise before he firmly shook his head. "Nope. You'd get your dress all dirty and it could be risky. I definitely could use your help though. You're good with gentling horses. So if you could just stay in front with her, keep her from getting spooked, I'd appreciate it."

Haley still thought it would be better for her to get the fallen piece, but she knew she could keep the horse calm, allowing him to crawl underneath. "Alright, just be careful."

Nathan smiled. "I'll be fine."

Talking cooingly to the horse, Haley watched her legs/hooves, as Nathan moved down to the ground. It wasn't that tough of a job. She was a mild mare, with a lot less fire than Red for sure.

Seeing that it was a tight fit, Nathan now lowered himself all the way to his stomach. Sliding forward, he reached the piece. Then carefully watching his head, he stood back up. "Got it."

Haley smiled as he showed it to her. She took in how dirtied his vest and pants were too. She watched as he smirked and brushed at them with his hands easily. It was such a Nathan way to act. Even with how wealthy he was he didn't really seem to care about the things other rich boys might. He didn't complain or whine when his clothes were less than tidy. And he was more than ready to work at whatever needed to be done. "Great! Now what?"

Nathan shrugged and moved toward the horse's harness. "I figure out how to get it back in there and hopefully it'll be tight enough this time." He looked around at their surroundings. There were only a few houses nearby and so the darkness was fuller, not so much lantern light in the area to make seeing easier. That would make his job hard enough, but also with the buggy being new, he didn't know much about it.

Haley watched as he perused carefully the harness and searched for a spot to put the piece in. The lack of illumination already seemed to be making the job a difficult one. "Nathan, maybe I can ask at one of those houses down the hill if they have a lamp we can use."

He shook his head adamantly without looking up. He was not letting her go off on her own, even if he could use some added light. "Not alone."

She kicked at the dirt with her shoe, her hands fiddling under his sleeves, before she remarked. "Well then you can go with me." She knew he was being protective, but he needed some kind of light.

Nathan once again negated her suggestion. He just wanted to get this thing fixed and then maybe never take it out again. It caused him enough problems this night and interfered with a moment that made the buggy even more last on his list of favorite things.

Red never would have treated him this way.

Ha…as partly silly as that thought was.

"No. I know I can get it." His head still didn't lift as he concentrated on the harness, not finding anywhere for the fallen piece to go. Not yet anyway. "I'll figure it out. There's a bit of light shining down here from the moon and stars anyway. Maybe enough to-

"Having a problem there with your buggy?"

Haley jumped and turned around at the new voice. A man was standing next to her. She couldn't make out his face well in the darkness, but his hand was definitely carrying something. She shivered. He had just appeared, and she had no idea if he lived nearby or…

Not.

Nathan lifted his head rapidly and called out, seeing the strange man standing too close to her for comfort. "Haley, come here." The town area didn't have a lot of counts of violence, but you never knew who could come out of one of the clubs in the dark. Anybody who approached a stalled buggy or other transport, had to first be held with suspicion.

Haley rushed over.

Nathan's arm moved quickly around to bring her against his chest.

Haley took comfort, rattled by the unknown stranger's appearance.

"What do you want?" Nathan asked the man sharply, disturbed by the fact that the darkness covered his face.

The man stepped into a bit more of the moon's light now, raising the small lantern he was holding, and smiled. "I think it's you who wants something…or maybe needs something."

Nathan stared before he…

Sighed with relief.

"Lands sakes."

The man laughed now softly. "Sorry about that Nate. I didn't mean to startle you or your friend here. I just was sitting outside my house down there and noticed the buggy stopping. I could tell someone was trying to work with it, and coming up the hill I realized it was you. I probably should have announced myself from the start though."

Nathan muttered dryly. "Yeah, that probably would have helped." He turned to Haley now, letting his tight grasp of her go, before gesturing to the man. "Haley James, this is Keith Lawson. Keith, this is my friend Haley."

Keith, a broad shouldered, but mostly mid-sized man with waves of rusty brown hair, extended his hand now. "It's very nice to meet you Haley. I apologize if I made you nervous."

Haley shook her head with wonder. This was Keith Lawson the blacksmith. Since she didn't really need one ever, she'd rarely seen him. She had of course heard so much about him though from Nathan, and what she heard she liked. "Oh it's nice to meet you too. Nathan has told me you're the best blacksmith around."

Keith chuckled at her compliment. The girl was pretty and had a friendly hand for shaking. Yes, he noticed things like the latter. "Well I'm probably the only one around since they want to replace all us with factories and such. Before you know it we're all going to be extinct."

Nathan frowned with distaste. He of course supported the growth of the factories, but he couldn't see anyone ever fully replacing Keith. The man tended to his work with such care and dedication. Nathan truly didn't trust anyone else with Red's shoes and such. "Don't say that Keith. No machine could ever replace you."

Keith smiled with appreciation, and ready to help.

It was after he had come home from his blacksmith business tonight, a nice clear evening, that he was sitting out on the rocking chair he had on his front porch. He heard some noise, looked up, saw the stalled buggy. With curiosity and wondering if the person was in need of assistance, he traveled up the hill and realized it was none other than Nathan Scott. "So what's the problem?"

Nathan normally would be reluctant to admit he had one, but with Keith now here he knew the man would probably get the issue better than him. No reason for any pretense…or stubbornness. Lifting the fallen piece he showed it now to Keith. "I'm not sure exactly what part of the harness this came from. The buggy's new. My father just bought it. The thing's been getting loose most the night, but I'm not entirely sure why."

Keith moved forward now and took the piece from the boy. Nathan was a smart thinker who thought quick on his feet, but the mechanisms of a coach or buggy could sometimes be complicated. He studied its shape carefully and moved forward from the harness, closer to where the buggy actually attached to the horse's gear. Holding the lantern, he noticed now with a quick educated perusal where the piece had come from. Sure he hadn't attended a lot of school, but he had been fixing things since he was a kid. He loved finding out how they worked and repairing them when needed.

He whistled now with deep meaning.

Nathan's forehead furrowed. "What is it?"

Keith turned back to him. "You stopped the buggy because it fell off, or had you already stopped it before?"

Shrugging his shoulders, Nathan replied, "We stopped for a moment. Why?"

Keith showed him where the buggy was attached to the horse's gear. "Good thing you had Nate. This thing was getting so loose it could have completely come undone. Your horse probably wasn't going fast enough to have a run-away buggy, but if it had come apart and you were traveling down a hillside, this thing could have taken you on a wild ride."

Haley's eyes widened as she asked with concern. "Can it be fixed?"

Keith lifted his head from another look at what needed to be done and nodded his head with an encouraging smile. "Sure. We can get it fixed in no time. I brought up my tools with me. That's the other thing I was carrying. I set it down when I startled you two. Anyway, one of us holding the lantern for light, it won't take too long. No worries Miss James."

Haley shook her head with a slight blush. "Oh no, call me Haley, Mr. Lawson."

Keith gestured back to her. "Fine, dandy, but you call me Keith."

Nathan faced Keith with questioning now. "I don't get it. Keith, this buggy is brand new. How can it be getting loose already?"

Keith waved his hand with slight dismissal. "Ah Nate, your father probably bought it in the city. They're supplying so many of these now, making them all alike, that they probably didn't even check it that well. Feel free anytime you get something new like this to bring it over to me to test before you take it on its first long run."

"Alright, I'll keep that in mind." Nathan answered with a bit of frowning. This was why he didn't want Keith to joke about ever becoming extinct. Some factories these days just didn't evaluate things the same as the smaller business men. Call them smaller, but they did their jobs carefully, probably because they worked on less at a time. They put solid care into what they did.

Keith slapped his hands and moved to pick up his box of tools. "Alright, let's get working on this thing. Come on over here Nate with me. Haley, you mind helping us out by holding the lantern up to make it easier to see?"

"Oh, of course!" Haley took the lantern from Keith's extended hand and followed him and Nathan to where the harness and metal mechanism, to keep the horse attached to the buggy, was.

Nathan reached for the buttons of his vest, some of them already undone, and released the last ones now. He unbuttoned the cuffs of his shirt too and rolled the sleeves up higher on his arms. Keith already had the sleeves of his old comfortable flannel shirt rolled, and didn't need to fix any of his clothes because they were worn and casual. He gestured now to both of them. "Dressed pretty fancy. You two went to a social or something?"

Haley blushed slightly. Nathan caught it and smiled before answering. "Nah. We went to go see Whitey and Camilla."

Keith smiled warmly. "Ah, they're good folk. Camilla make any of her cherry pie? Lands sakes she makes the best!"

Haley jumped in now with a bit of excitement. "You know Camilla and Whitey too?"

Keith smiled over at her as he directed Nathan more to what they needed to work on. "Oh yeah, known them for years now. Whitey's a good friend. And Camilla is one of the nicest ladies around here."

"I completely agree." Haley smiled back at him. She liked Keith. He was friendly in a peaceful kind of way. He had such ease about him.

Keith smiled too, but now with a tool in hand, told Nathan to hold a part of what connected to the harness. Then with clear explanation, he instructed Haley, "Alright, Haley, if you can just move the lantern about three and a half inches this way, right over my hand…there we go. Perfect. Thanks."

Keith worked to get everything fully loose. Then he could get the fallen piece back in place and tighten everything after.

Nathan spoke now. "It's actually Haley's birthday tomorrow. That's why we went to Whitey and Camilla's. They had a dinner for her."

Keith smiled even as he stayed focused on his job. "Well Happy Birthday Haley! So how many years is it now for you?"

Haley answered, carefully keeping the lantern where Keith had told her to, so they could have adequate light. "Fifteen tomorrow."

"Well that sounds perfect."

Nathan nodded his head. "Yeah, Keith, if you saw what Whitey made her, you know how great he is at making furniture. He made her this chest that is so intricately patterned and all. Pure pine from the hilltops."

"Oh yeah, I bet it's amazing. He made me a desk for my blacksmith shop. It's so different from anything you'd find in any of the stores around here, except for the ones that are starting to sell Whitey's stuff. I swear, his work is going to start selling everywhere. It's the best done."

He gestured to Nathan now. "Okay, let's cut the chat a bit and you move over here closer and grab this part Nathan. You hold it tight and you pull, okay? We'll get it moving together and then get the piece that fell back where it belongs. And hey, Haley Honey, you just bring that lantern up a little forward…no…more this way…there you go. Good girl."

Haley watched now as Nathan stretched forward and his shirt started to slip past the waistband of his pants, leaving it to hang loose. His hands even looked like they were getting kind of dirty from the grease, but he wasn't complaining at all. It was like he had told her before. Keith held no airs about anyone which had a positive effect on those he came in contact with. Sometimes because she was a young girl, a man might belittle her or think she wasn't capable of much. Keith just expected her to help, and when she held the lantern in the wrong place, he told her clear and straightforward to move it, without being anywhere near condescending. He was just such a good 'people' person.

"Al-right…" Keith pulled along with Nathan, both of them straining their muscles some, and they got the hookup to how they needed. Telling Nathan to hold at it now, Keith pushed back in the fallen piece. Then he once again instructed Haley to hold the lantern differently, this time to the side. With the wrench he turned the heavy screws back the way needed to tighten them. Then handing another wrench to Nathan, he told him plainly. "Here, you do those three right there Nate. You turn it really tight. Make sure there's no give. And Haley, you try to watch where we're going with the screws and you just keep moving the lantern when we change position, alright?"

"Got you loud and clear!"

Nathan laughed heartedly, not used to that kind of reaction from Haley. He let a screw slip. Keith teasingly hit at his arm with his wrench, just a slight tap, but enough to make Nathan let out a bit of a "Hey!"

Keith came back at him with eased amusement. The job was almost done and with all their cooperation they'd finish it well. "What you get for teasing your friend and nearly leaving that screw loose. You concentrate on your work and leave Haley alone." He winked back at her.

Haley giggled and winked too. Her Papa had treated her the same when she'd help him. He never thought just because she was a little girl she couldn't be of assistance. That was why she responded that way. She used to answer that way with her Papa, and he'd laugh and salute while she saluted back. It was just silly fun between them.

Nathan's jaw clenched with concentration as he turned hard with his wrist until he felt each screw as tight as it could be. Keith watched out of the corner of his eyes the boy's determination with an approving expression. He'd go back at the end and 'secretly' make sure the boy got everything just as necessary to be safe. He could tell though that there shouldn't be any problems. Nathan was working diligently at it. Meanwhile Haley was doing a superb job of moving the lantern with them, and if he ever needed to direct her, she simply listened and moved it the way he told her. Smart hard working girl. No wonder the boy was spending so much time with her.

…

All the screws were back in place. The harness was securely fastened to the part where it hooked with the buggy. Keith had even done his double check of everything without really needing to. Nathan had done an excellent job and Haley had kept the light in the right place to make it easier for them to get the work done quickly and efficiently. Keith clapped his hands now with approval. "Alright, great job team!"

Noticing Nathan's dirtied hands, he gave him a work cloth that he kept with his tools. "Here Nate, get those hands cleaned up. I don't want it to mess up your fancy suit there."

Nathan smirked slightly, but cleaned at his hands to get all the grease away. Then he extended his cleaned hand to his favorite blacksmith. "Thanks so much Keith for helping us out. I really appreciate it. I have to admit, I would not have known to do all that we did. I didn't even know where the piece went."

Keith smiled with reassurance, shaking Nathan's hand. "That's fine Nate. Most people wouldn't. I get it because I've been doing this kind of thing since I was a boy. I get a lot of satisfaction out of using my hands to fix things and make them better. Hey…and while you're here, I got that shoe job done for you. Come on by the shop tomorrow and you can pick them up and we'll make sure they fit on Red good."

"Thanks Keith. You finished it so fast. I appreciate it."

"Yeah, well, it was a pretty easy job and got to keep Red happy, right?" He winked at both of them, before commenting. "Well hey, I'd invite you two over to my house down there, but if you're on your way home…"

Nathan shook his head now. "No, thanks Keith really. But you're right. I got to get Haley back."

Haley smiled up at Nathan with gratitude. She liked Keith a lot, but she still wanted to get home to her Mama and make sure she was okay.

Keith smiled back with warmth. "Understood. Alright you two. Shouldn't be any more trouble along the way. We got that buggy all fixed up. Haley Honey, it was a pleasure meeting you. Don't be a stranger. Feel free to visit me anytime in town. I'll give you a fire show."

Nathan grinned. "Oh you definitely don't want to miss that Haley. It's almost like a close-up firework display what Keith does in his shop."

"Sounds exciting." Haley's eyes sparked with interest before she took Keith's extended hand. "It was very nice meeting you too Keith. Thank you for helping us."

Keith shrugged easily. "Ah, we helped each other. We all had a part. I'll see you tomorrow Nathan. Good night."

Haley and Nathan both waved goodbye to Keith as he headed back down the hill. Then Nathan helped Haley up on her side and moved over to his own, sitting on the buggy's upholstered seat and signaling the horse to be on its way. Haley kept her head turned, watching as Keith gave them one last wave and sat down on his simple front porch. She waved back before facing forward.

Nathan turned slightly to her as he focused on the empty road ahead. "So now you finally got to meet Keith. What did you think?"

Haley smiled with happiness. "Oh I liked him a lot. He was so friendly and he just has this peace about him that is rare in people. He even kind of reminded me of my Papa."

"How?" Nathan asked, even though he agreed with her how Keith was so laid back, at peace more than others probably.

Haley answered with quiet remembrance. So much had been linked to her Papa this evening, and it hadn't caused her much pain really. It was like she had thought before. Something wasn't just healing the pain. It was filling it. "Even though I was only a little girl when he passed, the years before when he was still doing well, he took care of me, but he also wanted and expected my help with things. He made me feel I could get so much done and that I wasn't just some child. I liked how Keith told us to help him and didn't baby us about it. That was like my Papa. He thought no matter what it was, everyone could lend a helping hand. And Keith was like that. He didn't even stop you from getting a little bit dirty."

Nathan chuckled slightly before commenting. "Honestly, I don't really mind getting dirtied when I'm working on something with him. I told you when I go to his shop he expects pretty much for me to get in there too and help sometimes. With anyone else I'd probably bristle against it, but, I don't know…Keith just has this way about him. He makes you want to participate and after you feel good about it."

Haley smiled at his answer. She agreed, but she wanted him to see that it had to do with his own attitude too. There was so much about Nathan that was contrary to what it should be, what it was expected to be. "Exactly. He does really have a way with how he treats people so well and so easily. But Nathan, I was really impressed with you too." She gestured now. "I mean look at you. Your shirt is hanging out and your vest is all undone and you're not mad about it or anything."

Nathan shrugged with little care. "It's just clothes." He joked now. "Estelle might grumble at me for making the wash harder to handle, but to me it's no big deal. I mean, the dirt part. Not making Estelle's load any tougher. I realize now from spending time with you that cleaning and all that, it's tough work."

Haley touched at his hand with approval before she teased. "It's nice you see that now Nathan. And that you realize you are pretty darn awful at sweeping the floor, among other things."

He turned to her now with a tight smirk. One late afternoon, after going to Tree Hill, and before her Mama had come home from the mill, Haley started right away on the housework. Seeing how much she had to do, he offered his help. With smart eyes she asked him if he knew how to sweep the floor. He quickly brought his head up and down like she was nuts to ask him. That was when she handed him the broom, and told him to sweep the kitchen. Nathan pushed the thing over the floor for about five minutes of moving all the dirt around before Haley grabbed the broom from him and showed him…

How to clean without getting more dirt on the floor.

"Well you can't whistle." He came back now competitively. It was silly teasing, but he liked it because with Haley it didn't feel boring.

Haley scrunched up her nose at his accusation. It was true. Five straight times at Tree Hill in a row he tried to teach her. She would puff up her cheeks so far he'd laugh like crazy at her. The last time she nearly pushed him off the fallen oak log they were sitting on, when he kept chortling.

She had the best one though now. Grinning, she threw it out, not taking the wise moment she should have to consider how he would retaliate.

"You can't sing…without sounding like a banshee."

It was when she did things like this she shocked him. Echoing the words Whitey had used for his pitiful singing tonight. Oh now that was low.

He smirked fully at her before casually bringing his eyes back to the road.

Haley's glee became short lived. Yes, he was watching the road again, but that was just a pretense. She knew Nathan Scott's dangerous looks well enough after two years of sometimes utter silliness at Tree Hill. Oh dear. "Now Nathan-

He smiled, saying it with his lips curved the whole time. "And you can't help giggling wildly when someone starts tickling you."

Haley's eyes widened. Oh no, he wouldn't?

Nathan stopped the buggy. With amusement he watched as Haley literally jumped off it. Crazy girl. He jumped off his side too, taking in how they were separated from her house by one smaller hill. His stride long, he caught up to her easily as she was trying to scramble away.

"Nathan!" Haley yelled out now as she felt his hands wrap around her waist from behind, lifting her feet from the ground.

Keeping a tight hold of her, easily bringing her up against his waist as Haley was awfully light, Nathan smirked now at all her ranting ramblings.

"Oh goodness Nathan! Put me down!" She complained, even though a smile was breaking out on her face too. She sometimes became so foolish with Nathan. But it made her daring and laugh like she hadn't in ever so long. Even as she protested for him to let her go, she felt more alive than ever when they teased and played like this.

Of course with all that, she still didn't want him to tickle her. He had evil fingers when he did!

"No way. I got to prove it." He was determined now, and enjoying way too much having her in his grasp. She always worked so hard and could be so serious. He loved sending her into wild giggles. Her face lighted up with them, such a rare picture to see.

"Nathan!"

His fingers curled and started to make the motion around her waist. Right as it started he heard the beginning of those wild giggles. Smiling with satisfaction, he whispered into her ear. "Told you."

Haley wiggled to get out of his grasp, but silly boy had her lifted over the ground. He was using his physical advantage against her. She complained so loudly, boisterously, and yet she didn't completely push away his hands. Instead she reached around with her own and tried to find his sides, tried to scratch against them in some kind of wayward tickle attempt.

Nathan chuckled at it, how she was making an effort to tickle him, backwards. He spoke with reminder. "Told you already Haley James. I'm not one bit ticklish."

"Humph!" Haley came back feistily. "Remains to be seen." She kept attempting it as he restarted his playful assault on her.

Soon both of them were giggling crazily.

"Ah, I KNEW it! You ARE ticklish!" Haley commented loudly now with excited success at the first bits of laugher from his mouth. All her pretense she sometimes had about being responsible was gone. She was simply having fun with him, having one needed moment of the childhood she partly missed under the burdens of living a sometimes hard life.

It maybe went beyond that though.

Neither one of them was thinking of the other as anything near a child now. This was the kind of teasing and wildness two with maturing affection could feel. Perhaps it had been building all this night in different ways. They had shared serious moments as well as this wildly fun one. Even as each protested, neither one wanted to let go of each other. The feel of warmth lended to each was too lingeringly nice. Dressed up and all, could make you feel more grown up, but add to that maturing attitudes that for the moment were frolicking with pleasure, and you had the roots of what was finally being fully nourished.

Friendship was turning to something so…

He shook his head firmly, still using his fingers to keep her from accusing him of something so ludicrous. He was not at all ticklish. Not one inch, bit or…whatnot. "No, you're just really funny when you're pitifully trying to get me to be so."

"PITIFULLY?" Haley asked now with clear insult. With a smirk she learned well from him, she lifted her shoe in retaliation. Oh she wouldn't kick him too hard. Just a little…tap.

"OW!"

"Hee…"

"HEY! What's going on out here?"

"Oh-oh."

They both stilled at the new voice. A man stood on his front porch, waving his lantern in front of him. "Hey!" He called out again.

Haley complained in a tight whisper. "Now look what you caused."

His eyebrows came up as he stupidly tickled her again. "I caused?"

Haley couldn't help but giggle as his fingers started it.

The man's face changed as he heard it, Haley's laughing.

"Oh tarnation." Nathan stopped his fingers and pressed his palm over Haley's mouth to shut up the last of her laughter, hoping she didn't decide to retaliate with her teeth like she that day in the Pines. They were friends now.

She would never do that to him.

Right?

"Whatever you do don't bite me."

Haley rolled her eyes. That was so long ago and that day he deserved it because of what he wouldn't let go. She was not such a child anymore. Still, she couldn't help but feel a little satisfied that he might be just a tad bit scared of her. Hah…nice leverage.

The man waved his lantern around again. Nathan watched it tightly, hoping he wouldn't find them in the shadows. Or notice the empty buggy that just happened to be sitting nearby under a tree. At least the brush covered it some. This was crazy. It was kind of like being a boy again and hiding so he didn't get caught while acting out a prank. He could just imagine if the man spotted them. How ridiculous it would sound explaining to him that they were just goofing around like two kids.

He couldn't deny it though, how much fun he had with her. And now especially that she was opening to this lighter side of herself and sharing it with him, he just wanted to be with her more.

Even if meant getting caught acting like…hah…a silly boy.

Finally…

The man shook his head wryly before walking back into his house. Probably thinking it had been a raccoon or something.

Nathan sighed with relief and let Haley go. She pointed at him firmly.

That did it. He burst into laughter. She could be the funniest thing when she got serious with that one eyebrow going up and the other still down.

She crossed her arms. "Humph, I should have bitten you."

"So I could bite you back?" He asked with warning teasing.

She blushed and turned away from him. Of course she hadn't meant it…really.

Nathan smiled and turned her cheek back to him, looking down as deep into her eyes as he could without getting closer than maybe she wanted. It was too dark though to find the amber, to see exactly where it was right now. He was half tempted to lift her into the light. Funniest thing…and the prettiest thing.

Haley lifted her hands, feeling the sleeves fold over of his jacket.

Nathan chuckled softly, taking in all her cuteness again under his way too big clothing.

She pointed. "Be quiet. He may come back out."

Nathan countered quickly, touching at her cheek now, enjoying its softness. "You be quiet."

"Silly boy."

"Crazy girl."

Softly they stared, before she came in with it. "Can you imagine if he had found us? Nathan how would we ever explain?"

He spoke soberly. "We could have told him we were doing an Old Cherokee Rain Dance."

His face was so serious. Haley felt her mouth crack.

His did too.

They both burst into wild laughter.

Before he grabbed at her waist.

"Come on, we better get out of here or he's going to hear us again and call out the sheriff on us."

Haley winked up at him. "Then we'll just say we were doing a Spirit Be Gone Ritual."

Nathan smirked at that as they walked to the buggy and he brought in another one, getting sillier now with completely made up…rituals and such, just for play without any kind of offense meant. They were in comical mode.

"A Sing Down the Moon Ceremony."

"A Bring Out the Raccoons Jamboree."

Nathan laughed at hers hysterically, feeling Haley giggling alongside him. Too amused they sat back down on the buggy. Then Nathan snapped the reins with ease.

Haley watched it and moved forward now without too much thought. If she thinked it too much she probably would just sit away from him. Reaching her hand out, she held onto his arm and brought her head down against his shoulder. Nathan smiled at the motion, enjoying her nearby warmth.

"Eventful night, huh?" He teased.

She smiled softly with a for the moment contented sigh. She felt so relaxed now, just sitting close to him, to be able to watch even how his heart rose and fell under his white shirt, the vest still opened. "A lovely one."

"Yeah?" He asked, looking down at her quietly for a fast second.

Haley nodded her head, looking up and seeing the waves. "Yes."

He smiled and drove the bit further needed…

The hill was in the distance and her house was right in front of them. As soon as he stopped the buggy he let go of the reins and lifted his arm to wrap it around her. "For me too."

Nathan looked down into her shining eyes now, no longer obligated with driving the buggy. So he could gaze without distraction. The moon and stars shone enough above them to display what he often spent the time searching for. The amber. He took it in now with a soft wondering smile. His heart was beating just a little faster. It never felt like this with no other girl. Never with no oddly visited mistress. Never with anybody but…

"Nathan?"

"Yeah…" He responded, his fingers finding her hair again, muttering away that they liked too much its softness. Finding one of those strands that refused to heed. That had
made him chuckle earlier. Something was so right about how it wouldn't listen. His fingers craved its refusal to obey.

She put her hand to his heart. Holding there. His eyes fixed her on his face. She bit at her lower lip. Her heart was starting to rise in her chest. That pleasurable dizziness was there, causing a stirring of emotion that she didn't quite understand. She couldn't put any sensible reason to it. Or the question she asked now with tingling nervousness. Maybe he had said it a fraction before, but now she wanted to answer it straight on. "Am I anything more than a child to you Nathan?"

He stared at all the brightness of her face, the way her cheeks were rosing with that berry touch right now. She asked him like she desperately wanted an opposite truth. Or maybe it was what he wanted her to want. He plainly knew it was so. He had waited, and the time had passed. Maybe still it would be prudent to not rush, but let it lazily come in, like the night had made its presence. "Yes.

Definitely."

Maybe this was what her girlish form had always wanted deep inside. Maybe that was why now her locket beamed so pure against her heart. Glowing like the glow like she felt inside. There was Brooke, but she didn't want to think of her right now. Perhaps she wanted to be a bit of the selfish soul she never allowed herself to be before. To have Nathan say to her what she wanted to hear. She wasn't sure where to take this from here, but…

Don't rush it.

He reached down for her hand, held it in his, his fingers stroking her skin. "Happy Birthday Haley…" He whispered softly against her cheek.

She looked up into his eyes. "But it's not even so yet."

He shook his head quietly, feeling her own small hand, her tiny special fingers, rising up over the skin of his arm, the sleeve still rolled to allow it. "It's soon enough."

She nodded her head. It was true. And even with all the tangible things she had received, counting even the bracelet he made her, the beautiful chest and exquisite matching blanket, her lovely dress, this was the most amazing gift. Her fingers trailed up his skin, feeling how it roughened with the slight hairs on his arms that pushed against her smooth skin.

Leisurely the night took its time.

Softly it awakened in two.

This was where it was leading to. Where it was meant to travel.

No matter the dark obstructions in the way.

The pain that had to follow desire.

None of that touched them this precious new night.

He lifted her hand with his, interlocked their fingers, raising them up to the opened collar of his shirt, but keeping her hand to the material. There was no reason to press this too fast. He had never felt so peaceful, so in touch with someone. He told her mother something years ago in a spurt of little mind's thought. He negated the words.

Maybe too foolishly.

Not realizing that some things the mind couldn't dictate. Haley wakened every part of life he hadn't wanted to understand before, and now maybe he was waking something in her that she had tried to deny.

Better yet. Together they were finding it. He felt her take the initiative now, lowering their still wrapped together hands to where her locket lay against the curve of her sweet blossoming maturity. Haley was practically a lady. Even if he strived to keep an inch of innocence here, to keep it steady, inside emotions were raining he never experienced before. That the physical couldn't bring in enough. He was more experienced than her, older than her, and yet…

Tonight she was meeting him. Teaching him. Touching him, oh her sweet fingers against his arm.

She could feel his too, his long narrow fingers now joined with hers, moving over her locket ever so gently. She smiled up at him.

He smiled back down at her. Prettiest little smile ever in those eyes with amber meant for him to play hide and seek with.

They were sitting so close together, and yet it was still kind and tempered. They were just experiencing this novelty now of when friendship took a slight turn in the road. And moved to the wildness of the flowers blooming. Listened to song of the creek's falls.

He took responsibility now, lowering their hands together. It would be wondrous to stay with her, to maybe do something more, and yet was she even ready? Where did it go from there? Would it be too rushed? No. It was so soft now. So lazily peaceful like how the night had come in. It would wait. There was finally no reason to be hasty. It wasn't like with any other. Plus he knew her well enough now to understand always there came the time when she backtracked and worried she desired too much for just herself. He wanted to excuse her from having to reach that moment. He wanted her to leave this…no…to pause from this moment, with peace. "I should probably go."

Even though a part of her was let down, she looked to the door of her house now, before facing him again. "I haven't even checked on Mama yet."

He smiled softly, letting her hand go entirely now, feeling her one that had been on his arm slide away. "I know. Come on." He gently grasped her arm and moved down his side of the buggy. Then reaching up, he caught at her waist and brought her down too in front of him.

"Thank you."

He said nothing and went to get the chest. She reached for the bags of food and made her way to the door with them. Putting the bags down in the dark on the kitchen table, she held at the door to let him in.

As Nathan walked in with it, he stumbled some in the dark and laughed as his arm hit the wall.

"Oh goodness, are you okay?" Haley asked, touching at him now as she could just make out his shadow.

He smiled down at her softly, seeing just a hint of her beauty in the lack of illumination. "Yeah, I'm fine."

She blushed softly at his smiling eyes, still strong in the darkness, before finally finding the lantern and lighting it.

Noticing now how she was looking to the back room with some concern, Nathan told her softly. "Go check on her."

He waited as she left the room. He wanted too to make sure that she was alright. He wanted to slow the time necessary to say goodnight.

In a bit Haley came back out. Seeing him still standing there, she moved straight to him.

Bringing his arms up around her, Nathan asked with a frown, "Haley?"

She held at his vest, letting out a sigh of relief. Yes, the time they spent together was so…

But it never made her stop thinking. Her Mama meant everything to her.

Nathan lowered his chin over the top of her head, stroking at her hair. "She's okay."

Haley smiled with gratitude. "I know."

She had lost her Papa so early on, who she talked of with so much bravery tonight. So much light. It was no wonder she was so close to her Mama, that she sometimes even negated having fun. He was just glad this night she let some of those responsible thoughts leave. That together they got to frolic.

He gently let her go and moved to the door. She moved with him. Reaching down now she started to slip it down. Noticing, under the moo