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I hated having my sister-in-law as my Advanced Placement English teacher. Wasn't their some law against, having a family member as the person who's in charge of your grade no less? Except Haley was still Miss Goody Goddy at the age of twenty-two and the thought of her doing that was amusing due to how unrealistic that would teacher thing was that when she wanted to continue their early morning discussion, all she had to do was keep her after class. I didn't even want to be in AP English in the first place. Haley and Lucas both wouldn't stop talking about me taking it because my 10th grade English teacher in Maryland recommended I should take it. The only reason I got recommended for it was because my teacher last year's class was so easy, even Jamie could do the homework, so I got a a hundred each and every quarter. But what sold me into doing AP English was what Lucas said "If you get a good grade at the end of the year exam, you'll get college credit." The word "College" immediately drew me in, my life's goal was to get out of Tree Hill and make something of myself in a great college, like Stanford, Penn State, Duke, and Berkeley. And now back to the whole downside of Haley being
Before I could head out the door, signaling the end of English, Haley called my name and ask me to come to her desk. Some of the jocks made that sound when kids get called to the office, thinking they're so cool but really are complete dicks.
"Haley can't we do this at home or something? I have other classes besides yours you know." I pointed out
"You say that every time Case, but when I do want to talk about it at home you close your bedroom door and shut me out by blaring your Ipod."
"Since when is listening to music a bad thing?"
"It's not. I'm just beating you to the punch, and talking to you here instead of being ignored at home."
I rolled my eyes, something Haley hated, "Okay what you want to talk about then?"
"I want to talk about what's been up with you lately, you're acting different."
I raised an eyebrow in confusion "There's nothing going on."
"Then why are you sneaking out at night, skipping classes, and non-respondent at home?"
"Because I can and who cares if I do all that stuff, last time I checked I have an A in every class still."
"You're wrong; you can't do that stuff Casey. I don't allow it and neither does Nathan."
I couldn't help but laugh at that one "Please, I could dye my hair purple and marry Tommy Lee and Nathan wouldn't notice a damn thing."
"He's been going through a rough couple of months..."
"That's total bull! We've all being going through a rough time and do we sit at home all day and drink? That's what I thought. I'm sick of everyone babying him. He's twenty two years old and needs to grow up."
"Momma?" said a small voice. Both Haley and I turned around to face Jamie. He was standing there with a confused look and a piece of paper in hand.
I immediately softened, and crouched down to his level "Hey Jimmy Jam, what do you got in your hands?"
Jamie handed her the piece of paper, "It's a picture of Daddy."
When I looked at the picture it was indeed Nathan, but this Nathan was walking, playing basketball, and looked happy, the total opposite of what he looked and acted like now.
"Wow this is very good picture, we should frame this tonight."I suggested
Jamie smiled and nodded "Aunt Casey, why were you and Momma fighting?"
That was Jamie for you, even at the age of four he was smart as a whip and knew what was going on no matter how much you could lie.
"We weren't fighting buddy, just talking." lied Haley and I nodded in agreement. Jamie still looked skeptic and probably knew that we were lying, but he didn't say anything. I finally stood up and put the paper oand hn Haley's desk. "This is what Nathan should be acting like, you got to stop babying him Haley." eaded for the door, ruffling Jamie's hair on the way out.
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"Man, they do grow up fast." said a voice
"Uncle Lucas!" Jamie said with excitement as Lucas walked into Haley's empty classroom.
"J Luke, you in high school already?" Lucas asked as he picked Jamie up
"Well obviously, why else would I be here. Shouldn't you be writing?" Jamie said, playing along
Lucas couldn't help but laugh, it seemed like everyone was on his case for not writing lately. "Hey wanna go get me a soda from the machine in the gym? he asked then handed Jamie a five. Once Jamie left the room he turned to Haley was grading papers. Lucas couldn't help but noticed Haley looked stress.
"The papers that bad Hales? I know you have seniors in your class, but doesn't senioritis kick in till after the first semester" Lucas joked
Haley gave a small smile "You may have, but I certainly did not slack off once during my high school career. And answering your question, no these papers are fine it's just I tried talking to Casey again."
Lucas sighed, sitting up against the desk "I'm guessing it didn't go well?"
Haley nodded "It's just so frustrating that I can't get through to her, things use to be so much easier when she could tell me what was wrong! And don't say she's just being a teenager because I don't remember any of us being this secretive or withdrawn from people."
Lucas nodded "You're right, there's something going on. I tried talking to her on the way to school, but she kept beating around the bush when I asked why she's been sneaking out."
"Maybe I should take her to see someone, so she can have someone who's not family to talk to her."
"You mean like a psychiatrist?"
"Yeah! Don't you think she'd open up to someone whose not one of us?"
Lucas shrugged "This is Casey we're talking about; she wouldn't open up to someone like that."
Haley sighed "Then who will se open up to? I can't take two brooding Scotts. Teenager or not, you're the only brooder I can put up with."
"I think you're forgetting a certain wheelchair bound Scott, whose reigning the brooding department."
"Don't even go there."
"The reason I came in here was to warn you, me and Nathan got into a fight this morning so be prepared to come up to no smiles and happiness."
"Great." Haley said sarcastically
"You got to stop babying him Hales, you're his wife not his punching bag or babysitter."
"Lucas, the accident happened just a few months ago, he's still dealing."
"Not a few months, six months, that's half a year." Lucas corrected
"I know," said Haley "So how's the second book going?"
Lucas winced "Next subject please."
Haley smiled "Oh no you don't, I had to talk about my problems not it's your turn. I'm guessing you still have nothing written?"
"I had two words written, but I don't think it's a good idea to start off your novel with "I suck,"
"Maybe you just need a muse, like a certain curly blonde might do the trick or even a fashionable brunette."
"Or I could write without a muse, since I've never had one in the first place." Lucas glared
"Really? Could've fooled me," Haley said with smirk
"I haven't talked to either of them in years you know."
"I know. I barley talk to either of them, occasional emails don't really count do they?"
Lucas shrugged "Can't hate them for being successful, right?"
"Nope, we should be proud of them." said Haley, then she glanced at the clock "Oh god! I have people coming over in 20 minutes for interviews for a nanny." Haley started frantically gathering things together off her desk in her school bag.
"What did I say about babying Nathan?" Lucas said with a smile
"Ha ha very funny, I need a nanny for Jamie, Lucas Eugene."
Lucas winced "Sorry and can we just refrain from mentioning my middle name for good." as he and Haley were leaving the room.
"Why did you make Jamie go all the way to the gym? There's a soda machine right there."
"Just wanted to talk to you in private, plus kids gotta bulk up for Junior Leagues, he's got two more years before he can join."
Haley smacked Lucas chest lightly "Lucas Scott, the Joe Jackson of basketball."
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"I don't see why you need to hire a nanny for Jamie, I can babysit him."
"Casey I need someone to watch him while both of us our at school, plus I need someone to help Nathan around the house." Haley said
"The time I checked he could get the whiskey bottle off the high shelf just fine." I said with a smirk
Haley sighed "Just go upstairs and do your homework, please?"
"It's Friday night Haley, teachers don't give us homework on the weekends, even the AP ones."
"As I recall gave you ten chapters of The Count of Monte Cristo to read and study guide questions."
I scoffed "Please, I read it when I was 13 and I did the study guide questions during my free period."
"Then go do something upstairs, I don't want you scaring people away with made up stories on how Jamie has a tick that causes him to lash out at people."
I smiled at the memory that came to mind, "Classic." I said. Before I could walk up the stairs, the doorbell rang. I imagine opening the door to some old fat lady with a unibrow who was all rules and no play, like the women on Super Nanny. This would be a challenge me and Jamie would partake in to get rid of her. I wouldn't mind if it was someone like Robin William's character in Mrs. Doubtfire, but hey you get what you get. As the door opened this girl was standing there, she looked no more than 19.
"Uh sorry, Suburban Filth is in the mall, it's that big building with all the shops." I said
The girl smiled. "You're funny! I'm guessing you must be Casey?"
I was totally taken aback, why wasn't this girl insulted by my rude remark? "Maybe, who are you?"
She now blushed with embarrassment "Oh I'm sorry! I'm Carrie!" she said sticking her hand out as if I would shake it "I'm here for the interview for the nanny position. Haley said if she didn't answer the door some sarcastic teenage girl would."
"Chelsea Handler watch your back, we've got a funny one here." I muttered
"Excuse me?" asked Carrie
"Nothing, come on in I guess." I said walking away towards the door, figuring if Carrie wasn't an idiot she'd follow. I heard footsteps behind me so I guess she did. Once I walked into the kitchen Haley looked up all excited when she saw Carrie next to me.
"Hi! You must be Carrie!" she said bustling over to Carrie and shook her hand. All this peppiness was making me sick, I needed to get out of here fast.
"Well I loved to stay and listen to this intelligent chat, but I'm going for a walk."
"Woah woah woah, you're in your room for the night Case."
"Uh why?"
"Because you're being punished for sneaking out, that's why."
"Since when does being grounded apply to fitness?"
"That remark didn't work on Brooke five years ago, what makes you think it will work now?"
I rolled my eyes, here we go. I totally wasn't in the mood to put up with Haley's attempt to be parental so I went up the stairs and slammed my door, not giving a shit whether or not it made me look immature.
Back downstairs, Carrie and Haley were talking
"Wow, you were good there with your sister in law." Carrie said in admiration
"I've had a lot of practice; she's being living with us since she was twelve."
"I don't think I could do that, be married and raise a preteen as well as a newborn all the while your a full time college student, you're like super mom."
Haley gave a small smile "Ironically, it was easier back than it is now. Nathan had basketball, Casey was barley a teenager, and well Jamie has always been easy."
"If only all moms could be like you."
Haley nodded "Can I ask why you decided to become a nanny?"
"Honestly, I get paid to work with some really great kids, eventually I'd like to go back to school and become a pediatrician, someday, once I have someone else's income."
Haley laughed "I felt the same way in college, I was so lucky I got a full ride."
Carrie nodded "Look Haley, I know when you go to interviews like this, both sides are trying to figure out how crazy the other person is."
"If you think I'm judging you, I'm not." Haley said sincerely "I've met many crazy people in my life unfortunately and from what I can tell you are not one of them."
"Well you have my references and I would love to get to know Jamie more, he seems like a wonderful boy, but I've taken enough of your time."
"Well it was nice meeting you, and I'll call you back and let you know." As Carrie was heading out the door, Haley called her name
"Wait who am I kidding? When can you start?"
Carrie smiled "How about tomorrow?"
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That very same night, Haley James Scott came home from running errands to find Nathan asleep on the couch with empty beer bottles all over the coffee table and a newspaper scattered all over the floor. She sighed at the mess she would have to clean up. As she picked up the papers, she noticed the Sport's Section and on the front page the headline read "SEATTLE CHOOSE HENNIGEN FOR 10 PICK IN NBA DRAFT." She knew that was why Nathan was out cold right now on the couch, but it wasn't unusual since he had been doing that almost every night. As she picked up the beer bottles she sat down on the coffee table as if she got the wind kicked out of her. She couldn't do this anymore
"We can't be like this Nathan." she whispered to if, as if he could hear her "Jamie needs you to be here, your sister needs you to be here, and so do I. Please don't turn into your father."
As she walked away a groggy voice spoke to her "My father is in prison, and so am I."
Haley turned back to Nathan with a disgusted look on her face "Yeah well, you can get out." and she walked away, leaving Nathan in his self pity.
When she peered into Jamie's room, he was sound asleep, with his floppy eared bunny, Chester, next to him. She then walked into Casey's room. She was sitting on her bed looking up at the ceiling with her music from her Ipod blaring. She could tell Casey was listening to The Kooks because it was so loud.
Casey looked over at Haley and took the ear buds out of her eyes "I see you learned to knock." she said sarcastically
Haley sighed "It's not like you would've heard me, I just came into say thank you for putting Jamie to bed."
Casey nodded "Welcome,"
"Goodnight Casey,"
"Night,"
Haley shut the door to Casey's bedroom and headed to her own, wondering when her life turned into such a mess.
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Nathan woke up an hour later and got into his wheelchair, clinging to a bottle of Jack Daniels. He wheeled over to the huge case that shoved his past achievements in basketball into his face. He just stared at it while finishing the bottle. He couldn't look at it anymore; he wasn't that guy and would never be. In his frustration he threw the bottle at the trophy case smashing trophies and some falling to the floor breaking. What was left on the shelf, Nathan reached over and threw each and every one on the ground until the broke. He was like a mad man, an animal, and he didn't care.
Haley at this point was lying in bed listening to the destruction going on downstairs, she knew she should go down there and stop Nathan, but she didn't care anymore, she was done babying him. She immediately heard noise coming towards her way and it was Jamie scurrying like a little animal into her bed, clutching her tight, scared from the noise his own father was making downstairs. It took every ounce inside her not to cry, but she had to be strong for her son and if he didn't cry, neither should she.
Casey also heard everything downstairs, even with her music blasting. She was so freaking sick of Nathan's tantrums and she already had to put up with the fight he and Haley had downstairs earlier. She was done with this family and all the drama that came with it. She got off her bed and went into her closet and put on a black mini shirt, with a dark green tank top that was skin tight against her flat stomach and made her boobs look huge. She did her hair quick and put on some making, deeming she looked hot. She opened her bedroom window and climbed down the terrace, looks like she was going to a party after all tonight.
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The morning sun woke Haley up the next morning. She immediately glanced over at the clock that read 6:00 am. She slowly got out of bed, hoping that she wouldn't wake up Jamie. Before she went downstairs, she went into Casey's room to she if she was awake, even though she knew she would probably be asleep since it was early on a Saturday morning. After knocking with no response, Haley opened Casey's door to find it empty. Haley sighed then grumbled in frustration. She snuck out again she thought. It was probably from alll the noise from Nathan last night that made Casey leave. As she was leaving Casey's room, she accidentally knocked over Casey's school bag with its contents spilling out onto the floor. Haley began to pick up the items and put them back into her bag. Haley's heart and entire boy stopped when she picked up the piece of paper that read "File of Emancipation of a Minor." Haley froze, Casey was trying to emancipate herself? Were things really this bad? Fear rushed into Haley as she realized when Casey usually snuck out, she would've have been home by now. She knew something had happened
"Nathan!" she screamed in fear, waking up the whole house, but it didn't matter anymore
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Sorry I left you on a cliffhanger, the next chapter will just be what happened to Casey night, so it will be kind of short, but the chapter after that will be long since it will resume to present day. There will be many surprises in store. Read and Review!
