Chapter three: What it is…and what It should be

The room swarmed with silence all around him as he tossed himself from side to side. Turning onto his belly, and then moments later lying once again on his broadened back. Every position all the same to him. None in which truly brought him comfort or a sense of peace. Truth be told he had a lot of things on his mind. All of which some way or another included the petite brunette he hoped to one day call his own. He knew it was wrong. That harboring these feelings for none other than his brothers long term girlfriend was something he shouldn't be caught dead thinking about. But Haley was something different. Something special. Their situation wasn't of the norm. They were best friends since childhood, living under the same roof, and hell she was the mother of his own bearing. It seemed only natural in his mind that the two of them one day become a real family. Making Haley his wife. Running a hand through his hair unshed tears brimmed within his eyes. Nathan shouldn't be with Haley. They weren't right for one another. His Haley deserved more. Shaking his head he let his mind drift off towards that one special night. That night once long ago when hope lingered in the air. The moment Haley ran to him instead of Nathan. The night she chose the older Scott brother.

The rain seemed to be pouring buckets outside his window. The wind causing the trees to sway and branches to brush up against the window pain. He sat in the center of his bed; both legs tucked under him as his fingers furiously typed along the keyboard of his laptop. He was deep in thought. Lost in the words of which he was writing. He almost didn't hear the tapping at his door.

"Who the hell would be here at this time of night? Not to mention with the weather like this." Quickly fleeing towards his door he swung it open revealing a very disheveled fragile body.

"God Hales what are you doing out here? What happened?" Taking both of her shaking hands he pulled her forward into the heat and solitude of his bedroom. Closing the door behind them he brought his hands up rubbing them along her shoulder blades. She was only wearing a tank top that now clung to her skin and a pair of navy blue sweat pants. She was shivering uncontrollably and was drenched from head to toe. Taking the hem of her tank top he didn't even think twice before lifting it off her frame.

"You have to get out of these clothes. You're gonna get yourself sick."

Rummaging through his bureau he pulled out a gray hooded sweatshirt and tossed it in her direction. Then with much determination in mind sauntered back over towards the distraught girl and stood himself affront her.

"Baby what's wrong. What happened?"

He heard her laugh softly. His eyes connecting with her own gaze as he saw the tears building in her eyes.

"That's my Lukey. Always wanting to protect me, keep me safe." She paused momentarily looking around the room trying to fight the oncoming tears. "It's a shame your brother doesn't have the same love and affection for me."

And there it was. The mention of the enemy. Nathan Daniel Scott. The alleged brother who grew up on the 'right side of town' in the wrong kind of environment. Living his childhood in the sanctuary of Dan Scotts home. They couldn't have been more opposite. Lucas with his light hair and kind gentle personality and Nathan with his dark locks and arrogant cocky self esteem. They were like night and day. The only other thing they both shared aside from their DNA was of course Haley's affection. You see despite Lucas' better efforts Haley fell under Nathan Scotts charm and even went as far as dating the guy. For the last five months they had an on going relationship that Lucas not only frowned upon but wanted no part of. He thought his best friend deserved better. That Nathan was far beneath her. But being the best friend he was he gave Haley his support and blessing.

At the mention of his name Lucas visibly stiffened.

"I'm going to kill him. What did he do to you Haley?" His voice was stern. Concern flashing through his eyes as he grasped her shoulders once again.

"Did he push you to far? Put a hand on you? What Hales? What did that son of a bitch do to you?"

Her tears continued. Flowing more freely now as she shook her head from side to side. A sob escaping her lips as she forced herself into Lucas arms, her face burying itself into his chest.

"He...He..."

Lucas heart broke at the sound of his best friends broken voice. He wanted nothing more than to ring Nathan's neck. He had hurt her, caused her pain in some kind of way.

"He… he cheated on me Luke. I caught him in bed with…with another woman." She cried harder now. Sobbing uncontrollably in the arms of Lucas Scott. He held her to him tightly. Running his fingers through her damp hair and whispering soft comforting words. Who could do such a thing? How could Nathan cheat and destroy the heart of the wonderful, innocent, and beautiful Haley James? His blood was boiling. He knew this would happen. Haley deserved so much better than this. Truth be told Lucas for the longest while had been harboring loving romantic feelings for his best friend. He knew she was the one for him. He'd show her someday how much she meant. But until that moment he'd settle being the best friend that he could be. And that meant taking care of her in the time of need.

Pulling away from her he reached for his keys on the nightstand.

"Luke…Lucas where are you going?"

"I'm going to kill him!"

He couldn't see straight. He was going to teach Nathan a lesson. He would not tolerate him hurting Haley in this kind of way. Oh hell no.

"Lucas… Lucas no."

He felt her tug just as she reached for the door. Turning to gaze at her once more his heart broke at the sight. Her lip was trembling as her body shook slightly. She tugged gently at the bottom of her lip as her eyes leaked with tears.

"Please Luke... I just, I need you right now. Leave Nathan. He isn't worth it. Please Lucas. I just need you here."

Her words were soft but he made out each of them carefully. As much as he would like to teach Nathan a lesson he realized his friend was right. She did need him at the moment. Nathan could wait. He wasn't worth it…but Haley sure was. Opening his arms he smiled towards her before cooing out.

"Come here baby. Let me hold you."

Sleep seemed almost impossible tonight. As she lay there resting herself in the comfort of her own bed she found her mind wandering to the days events. Her baby girl sure was growing up. Although just turning four this past month it seemed like the time spent her being an infant sure flew by. Her mind then drifted to only a few hours prior. The way Lucas was there to show her comfort. How he always knew the right words to say to make her feel better, at ease. Toying with the ring resting on her left hand she released a heavy sigh. He had finally proposed. After all these years Nathan finally asked her to settle down and be his wife. He said and quote "I want Savannah to have a real family. I want to be apart of your family Hales. To make a family with you. What do you say?" But truth was Savannah already had a family. She had both a father and a mother, both living under the same roof. Haley was content with her family. Lucas was a good father and she loved the idea of living in the same household as him. Getting married to Nathan… well that would change all of that wouldn't it? Surely it wouldn't seem conventional for the three adults to live together but it wasn't fair to ask Lucas to move out. She was sure she didn't want him out. Savannah was his daughter. He wouldn't want to miss out on raising her. Seeing her at the end of work was the highlight of his day. Haley couldn't take that away from him. Nor did she want to. But Nathan wanted it clear he wanted her all to himself. "I feel like I have to schedule time with you hales. Like I'm competing with him for your time and affection. Do you know how that makes me feel?" God everything was so confusing. Twirling the gold band around once more she tugged at her bottom lip. She couldn't imagine leaving Luke. She loved knowing he was there for her always. The sound of the rain pouring down on the rooftop made her think back. Back to the time when everything was made a little more difficult. But one of the many times Lucas brought her that comfort. Maybe the only time she felt to one hundred percent content and safe.

Breathing in his scent her eyes closed down softly as his arms tightened around her. They were laying in his bed. Her body resting slightly atop his own. Her face buried in his neck and his hand running through her mangled locks. They had been like this for over and hour now. Her tears were just now subsiding. No more than three hours before did she catch her current boyfriend Nathan Scott having sex with another woman. The mere thought made her cringe and release a whimper. How could she let this happen? How could she be so blind? She thought he loved her. Shaking her head abruptly she cursed herself for thinking of him. She didn't want any more tears.

"Shh…baby its going to be okay? I'm here." She felt his lips kiss the top of his head and a smile came upon her face. He truly was the best thing in her life. Not only her best friend but her companion and love. A part of her always wondered what it would have been like to explore their relationship. Just test the waters. But that thought was pushed aside long ago. About the time Nathan Scott entered her life actually. Her stomach pained and ached from the image she could not shake. It was bad enough that he had broke her trust, betrayed her. But actually witnessing him with another girl, it disgusted her. Removing herself from Lucas' hold she sat up and spoke in a whisper.

"Do you mind if I take a hot shower? I feel so cold from the rain and everything and I…" Her voice trailed off as she noticed his nodding and then slowly climbed off the bed.

"I'll be out in a little bit."

Once inside the bathroom Haley removed the sweatshirt Lucas earlier clothed her with and folded it neatly. Placing it on top of the counter her eyes caught glimpse of herself in the mirror. She was a mess. Her hair hanging down in wet nappy spirals, her eyes red from crying and slightly puffy. Her heart hurt from everything that had happened. Sure her and Nathan Scott didn't have an epic romance but she thought they were in love. She thought they were happy. Was she not good enough? Pretty enough? Did he not find her attractive? The water works started to build up once more. She didn't think it was possible to cry this much. She was pathetic. Crying over a guy. A guy who apparently didn't even give a damn about her. Anger bursted through her veins as the tears pummeled down her face.

"How could you be so stupid Haley? How could you think he loved you? Your so stupid." Raising her fist she swung with as much force as she could muster and crashed her hand into the mirror. Screaming out in pain and frustration she repeated.

"Your so freaking stupid. HOW COULD I BE SO STUPID! I'm so STUPID!"

The door soon flung open with a panicked Lucas. Turning to him she shook her head and looked towards the ground. She was almost ashamed to meet his eyes.

"How could I think he could ever love me Lucas? Am I not pretty enough? Is that why he chose someone else to love?" She could feel his presence draw closer to her own body. The feel of his fingers on her chin brought her to focus in on him.

"Listen to me Haley. Never ever think you are not good enough. You are the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on. You are not stupid baby, not at all."

His hands were now cupping her face. His thumbs running smoothly across her cheeks. Both their eyes locked on one another. Haley's chest heaving from all her emotions and Lucas eyes burning deep into her soul.

"I don't want you to ever question yourself Haley. You are worth it. You are beautiful."

"Why couldn't he love me then Luke? Why is it so hard for him to love me?" Her voice pleaded with him. Begging for an answer.

"I don't know baby girl. You're asking the wrong guy. I can't stop loving you even if I tried."

Haley let another tear slip from her eye at hearing this revelation. Her forehead moved closer to his own and she rested it up against his. Her breath ragged and choppy as his lips moved closer. She brought her hands behind his head as her eyes closed down softly.

"Make love to me Lucas. I…I just want to feel loved by you."