Hi again guys, and thank you for the amazing reviews, as always.
If you like the story, please keep them coming. I won't continue if you don't like it. And I do agree that it's not normal what goes on between Haley and Nathan, with Brooke's death so close. But it's just how the story is, so if you don't like it: don't read the story..
When it comes to last night's episode, I am a loss for words. I've already made my extreme hate towards Carrie very clear, along with the rest of you Naley fans. So I don't think I need to make my self any clearer on that subject. But I don't understand how Haley can think so low of Nathan. I can, on the other hand, understand that she is tired of everything which is probably why she said she wanted the divorce. But I know she didn't mean it. Haley loves Nathan, and she shouldn't be giving up on them so easily. I've read on some spoilers that they attend therapy, so I am positive that their marriage will survive! Plus James Lafferty said that they would be together on the Fast Forward interview! And we all know that One Tree Hill would be nothing without Naley..! They would lose so many viewers! And Mark Schwan knows that!
I just have something on my mind that's bugging me a little. Now we have seen Tim and Rachel back on OTH, and we know that Chase is coming back as well as Karen and Andy. But where the hell is Deb?? Is she in rehab again or what? Anybody who knows? And one more thing, anybody else who thinks it's a little weird that they never celebrate Christmas or birthdays on the show? Brooke and Dan have celebrated one birthday each, but other than that, nothing. And no Valentine's Days either.. It's just weird how they skip so many important dates. Well, I'm done rambling now..
Enjoy chapter 4 :)
«Haley!» Nathan yelled as he saw her. She was currently working, on her way to see a patient.
«Nathan? What are you doing here?» Haley asked curiously.
«I just came down to talk to the Chief, and then I had to talk to you»
«Me? Why? What's up?» Haley frowned her eyebrows.
«Well, Brooke's funeral is on Friday. And I kind of need someone to look after Julie while I'm at the grave yard with the rest of the family. She's still so small so I don't want her there in case she starts to cry or something» Nathan explained.
«I understand. Babies can be very unpredictable» Haley smiled.
«Yeah, so will you do it?» Nathan asked.
«Sure, if I can get the day of from work I'll be happy to babysit Julie. She's such a Sweetie» Haley smiled even wider.
«I can fix that, don't worry. So can you come to my house around 10? And then when we get back I can take her»
«Okay, I'll see you Friday» Haley winked before turning around and walking away.
«Nathan, how are you? I'm so sorry for your loss» The Chief said when Nathan entered his office.
«Thank you. I'm hanging in there, Chief» Nathan nodded.
«Good. So, what can I do for you today?» The Chief continued while taking a sip of his coffee.
«I was just wondering if I could take some time off from work. I have Julie now, so I'll take my paternity leave now anyway, but she's still so young so I was just wondering if I could take an extra month or something?» Nathan asked nervously.
«Of course, son. I understand how difficult things must be for you now. Take all the time you need. Your job will still be here when you return» The Chief smiled.
«Thank you, Chief. And one more thing. It's Brooke's funeral on Friday, and I asked Dr. James to look after Julie while I'm down at the grave yard with the other guests. Could she have Friday of to help me?»
«Sure, I'll just call inn Dr. Taggaro for an extra shift, don't worry. What's the deal between you and Miss James anyway?» The Chief asked seriously. He had seen the contact between Nathan and Haley when they were working, but never really understood what their deal was.
«What do you mean, Chief?» Nathan frowned his eyebrows confusingly.
«Are you just friends? Or is there something more there?» The Chief carried on.
«I just lost my wife. I'm not searching for a new relationship» Nathan responded coldly.
«Of course not, but you seem rather friendly with young Dr. James» The Chief challenged him.
«Well, that's because we're friends. She's been great to work with, and I'm sure she'll be a great Dr. once she's finished being an intern. And she's been a wonderful support for me after losing Brooke as well, but we are just friends» Nathan assured him.
«Whatever you say» The Chief winked at him. He knew Nathan Scott very well, and he had always been a ladies man. Even after he became married. Nothing serious of course, but the women always fell for Dr. McHotHot.
«Yeah, so I have to get back to my kids. James is pretty shaken about losing Brooke, so he needs me. I guess I'll see you later» Nathan said while walking towards the door.
«Take care of yourself Nathan, and come back to us once you're ready»
«I will. Thank you»
«Here you go» The nurse said while handing Julie over to Nathan. He was taking her home from the hospital this day, and he was pretty excited to finally have her home. The nursery was finished, just like Brooke would have wanted it to be, and Julie was ready to move in.
«Thank you» Nathan smiled as he studied the tiny girl in his arms.
«You're welcome Dr. Scott. She's a beautiful little girl, you take care of her» The nurse instructed as she cleared the paper work that had to be done before Nathan could take Julie home.
«I will» Nathan assured her before walking out of the nursery and heading for the elevator.
«Hey, you're taking her home!» Haley's voice said behind him.
«Yeah, she's ready to face the world now» Nathan smiled as he looked down on his little girl.
«Oh, I'm gonna miss her. I've been around to check on her every day» Haley laughed as she caressed Julie's head. She had soft, dark brown hair. Just like her mother and father.
«Thank you, Haley. And I talked to the Chief for you, so you have Friday off» Nathan said.
«Yes, I was really hoping to not work Friday. I'm seriously too tired to work right now» Haley sighed. She looked tired as well. Exhausted actually.
«How long have you been working?» Nathan asked as he studied her tired face.
«36 hours» Haley smiled, trying her best to not let him see how tired she really was.
«Haley! You should get home and sleep. It's not good for you» Nathan schooled her a little. He didn't want her to work too much either, it wasn't good for her.
«I'll be fine, Daddy!» Haley mocked his serious face and stuck her tongue at him.
«Very funny. But seriously, you're no good if you fall asleep during surgery»
«Well, I won't so don't worry» Haley winked.
«It's not you I worry about, it's the patient you'll be operation on» Nathan flirted a little.
«Ha ha! Well, anyway, I better get back to the madness. I'll see you Friday» She smiled up at him before turning her attention to the little girl in his arms. «You too sweetheart» She said before kissing Julie's head softly.
«Yeah we'll see you later, Hales» Nathan smiled before entering the elevator.
«Nathan? Are you ready?» Lucas asked while he walked into Nathan's bedroom. Nathan was standing in his suit over by his desk, looking at a picture of Brooke.
«Yeah, give me a minute» Nathan sighed while putting the photo back down on the table.
«James! Come on Buddy. We have to go» Nathan said as he entered James' bedroom.
«I don't want to» James said. He was sitting on his bed with his head in his little hands.
«I know, Buddy. But you'll regret it if you don't. Mommy would want you to go» Nathan said as he walked over and sat down next to James on the bed.
«I love you Daddy» James suddenly exclaimed.
«I love you too Buddy, and so did Mommy» Nathan said while taking James onto his lap.
«I miss her» James sobbed as he started to cry.
«I do too, come on. Let's go say goodbye to Mommy» Nathan said as he stood up with James in his strong arms. He didn't know if he ever could say completely goodbye to Brooke, but he was going to try. For his own, his kids' and secretly for Haley's sake.
Peyton was standing in front of Brooke's grave, preparing to say a few words of their friendship. She took a deep breath and started. «Brooke Davis Scott was so many things. She wasn't just a designer, a wife and a mother. She was so many other things that mattered in so many ways. Brooke was also my best friend. It's so surreal to stand up here and talk about how great my best friend was, and I never thought this day would come so soon. Brooke was taken from us way too early. She was only 28 years old, and that is way too soon for such an incredible woman to leave this earth. After 20 years of friendship, I can't imagine life without her. Brooke was my angel, my saviour, the one who could always bring me back even when I was hundreds of miles away. Her smile and laughter were only two of the things I'll remember about Brooke Davis» She sighed loudly and dried some tears before continuing.
«I love you, Brooke. And will never forget you or what you meant to me, what you still mean to me. You will always live with me in my memory and in fact I can still hear your voice in the back of my head, telling me to get a grip and stop crying. Goodbye Brookie. I'll never forget you»
«Now Brooke's husband, Nathan, wants to say a few words» The minister said while motioning to Nathan that he could begin when he was ready.
«Most of you know a lot about me and Brooke's relationship. All the ups and downs we went through together. But not many of you know what it really was like to spend you life with such an amazing person as Brooke Davis. I remember the day I first asked her out, back in college. She turned me down» Everybody laughed at Nathan's words although tears were streaming down their faces.
«But after a few drinks and many of my cheesy pick up lines, she agreed. And after that we were impossible to split. No one could come between us, and up until this day no one has. I feel like the worst doctor in the world right now, because I couldn't save my own wife when she needed me the most. But at the same time I'm happy for all the times I was able to be there, and to share my life with Brooke. We spent 7 amazing years together, and she gave me two beautiful children. James and Julie will always live with me and remind me of their mother in every way» Nathan stopped to take a deep breath before he continued.
«She loved us all, with all her heart. And I can't even find words to describe how much we loved her as well. Life will never be the same without our energetic and beautiful 'Tigger'. But I know that Brooke wants us all to move on and to be happy again. And on behalf of Brooke and myself, I want to say thank you. Thank you for being a part of Brooke's life, even if it was short. Everyone here mattered in some way to Brooke, and she would probably yell at me right now if I forgot to thank everyone for coming» Nathan stopped and focused his gaze towards Brooke's casket.
«I love you, Brooke. You were my everything. And I'll never forget everything you gave me in life. All of the memories we shared together will forever be treasured in my heart. But I promise to take care of James and Julie. Goodbye» Nathan fought the tears away and picked up his son from the ground. James buried his head in Nathan neck as he cried his eyes out.
«It's okay, Buddy» Nathan whispered in James' ear while the minister continued with the ceremony.
Only Nathan and James stood left after the ceremony was over. They were both looking at Brooke's grave, without saying much. Nathan could hear James crying softly, and took James' small hand in his large one.
«I love you Mommy» James cried out. «You're my angel» He choked out before letting Nathan take him up in his arms as they walked away.
«Goodbye Mommy» James said as he took one last look back at Brooke's grave. Nathan felt a tear silently stream down his cheek, but quickly brushed it away. He needed to be strong for James' sake.
«Hey» Nathan said as he entered the nursery. Haley was sitting in a chair with Julie in her arms.
«Hi» Haley softly replied.
«How did things go?» Nathan asked as he walked over and sat down on his knees next to Haley.
«She was perfect. I gave her something to eat a little while ago, and now I'm trying to get her to sleep. How are you holding up?» Haley could see the broken man in front of her pretty clearly, she had a special connection to him after all.
«Not so great. I have to go down and walk around and talk to fifty different people who are all gonna say the same things, over and over again. They are all gonna talk about how great Brooke was, and how much they miss her, blah blah blah. I just want to be alone right now» Nathan sighed while softly stroking his daughter's cheek.
«I understand. But if you want me to, I can stay and look after the kids while you do you duties. I don't mind. I've become quite attached to Jules already, so it's really my pleasure to take care of her while you finish up down there» Haley smiled.
«That would be great, thank you Haley. I'll pay you back later» Nathan offered.
«No way. I'm doing this for you and your family, not for myself. I won't have you owe me anything. I wanted to do this» Haley winked which caused Nathan to smile a little. He hadn't smiled in days, but something about Haley made him smile even if he felt like crying inside.
«Okay. I'll come back when it's over down there. It won't be that long, maybe an hour» Nathan stood up and walked towards the door. He turned one last time and looked at the beautiful woman who was being so great towards him. She looked like she was rocking her own daughter to sleep. Nathan couldn't help but smile at the sight of Haley and his baby.
«Who are you?» A tiny voice said behind Haley. She was standing over Julie's crib, watching her sleep, but quickly turned around to see James standing at the door.
«Hi James. My name is Haley, and I'm a friend of you Daddy. I'm looking after Julie while he's downstairs talking with people» Haley smiled. She walked over to James and sat down on her knees.
«Did you know my Mommy?» James' broken voice asked again.
«No, I didn't. But I know she was a great Mommy» Haley said in a warm voice. James nodded and started crying again. «Come here» Haley opened her arms for him and ran into them, wrapping his tiny arms around Haley's neck. She lifted him up and went over to sit in the chair with him on her lap.
«I miss my Mommy» James sulked, making her top wet with his tears.
«I know you do sweetheart. And I'm so sorry» Haley felt her own eyes tearing up and for the first time, she cried. She cried for Brooke, and for James, and for Julie. And last but not least, she cried for Nathan. She still hadn't seen him cry much, but she knew that was all he wanted to do.
«Where is my Mommy? I need her» James said as he pulled back and looked into Haley's eyes.
«Your Mommy is an angel now. She's up in heaven with all the other angels. But right now, she's looking down on you and smiling because she's so proud of you» Haley stroke his back carefully.
«You really think my Mommy is proud of me?» James asked with his tiny and broken voice.
«Of course she is, Sweetie. She loves you, so much» Haley nodded in confirmation.
«What's gonna happen now? Will I get a new Mommy? Because I don't want one»
«Well, you won't get one tomorrow. Maybe one day your Daddy is gonna find someone he likes. And maybe, after a long time, she might become your Step-Mommy. But she will never take over your real Mommy's place. Because you and I both know that even though your Mommy isn't here anymore, she will always be your Mommy» Haley stroke his cheek as she spoke. And James nodded in agreement.
«I lost my Daddy, when I was a little older than you» Haley said, shocking James that she had been through the same things he was going through.
«How?» James asked.
«When I was nine, my Daddy was going to pick me up from school, but he was a little late. And so therefore he ran a red light, and then he crashed into another car. He was in the hospital for a long time before the doctors gave up on him and turned of the machines that were keeping him alive. And then I had to say goodbye to him» Haley cried while she told James about her painful past. She hadn't though or spoken of her Dad in many years.
«Will I ever stop missing my Mommy?» James asked.
«No, you won't. But one day, soon, you're not gonna cry so much anymore. It becomes easier with time, but you'll never forget your Mommy. You will just go back to the way things were, and live the life you used to. And then you will notice that things can work even though your Mommy isn't there to help you through it. You won't miss her as much as do now» Haley smiled.
«I like you Haley. If I'm gonna get a Step-Mommy, I want you» James smiled a sad smile as he wrapped his arms around Haley's neck once more and fell asleep. Haley could tell that he was exhausted and let him sleep in her arms.
«Luke! Have you seen James?» Nathan panicked. He had looked everywhere for his son, but he couldn't find him.
«No, have you checked his room?» Lucas asked concerned.
«Of course I have. Can you just say goodbye to the rest of the guests while I continue looking for him?» Nathan sighed.
«Of course. Peyton and I are gonna take of with Mom and Dad soon anyways. Take care Nate» Lucas brought his big brother in for a manly hug before watching him walk away. He really hoped things would get brighter for Nathan soon, because now his brother was only a shadow of the man he used to be.
«James!» Nathan yelled. He was now panicking. Where could he be? Nathan walked around, looking inside every room when he came to the nursery. He peeked inside and saw his son, sleeping in Haley's arms. Haley was sleeping as well, and Nathan couldn't help but stare at how peaceful she looked. He walked over to her and shook her lightly.
«What?» Haley said in a groggy voice as she opened her eyes and saw Nathan looking back at her.
«I should have know you were the only one who would kidnap my son» Nathan smirked.
«Oh, sorry, he just came in here while I was watching Julie sleep. And we talked a little» Haley explained.
«Let me take him to his bed» Nathan said before carefully lifting a sleeping James into his arms. He walked out of the room and into James' bedroom where he placed him in his little bed. Nathan tucked him in and kissed his cheek before turning around. Haley was standing in the door, watching him with a smile on her face.
«What are you smiling about?» Nathan asked while walking up to her.
«Nothing, just the way you interact with you kids. You're a great father, Nathan» Haley smiled before walking down the hall. Nathan closed James' door and followed her.
«Do you need any help cleaning up this place?» Haley said when she had reached the living room. Coffee cups and cake plates were everywhere, and it looked like one hell of a cleaning job.
«If you want to» Nathan smiled.
«Of course» Haley returned the smile before collecting the cups around her.
«Thank you, Haley. You don't know how much all your help means to me» Nathan sighed as he watched his intern clean his living room.
«I told you Nathan, I'm not doing this for me. Besides, I know what it's like to lose someone you love. If I can make things easier for you than I'm happy to do it. I don't care if that means babysitting or cleaning» Haley laughed a little before she returned to her duties.
«It's getting quite late, do you want to stay here tonight?» Nathan asked when they were done cleaning.
«I don't know, Nathan» Haley looked at him with questioning eyes. The thought of sleeping in the same house as Nathan kind of scared her.
«Please, Hales. It's too dark to drive» Nathan pointed out into the black September night. It was almost midnight and he knew Haley hated to drive in the dark.
«Okay, do you have a guest room or something?» Haley asked, deciding that he probably had a good point.
«Yeah, this way» Nathan gave her a nod to follow him and he took her to one of his three guest rooms.
«Not bad» Haley giggled as she sat down on the bed in the middle of the room. She jumped a little on the mattress and smiled towards Nathan.
«Very funny» Nathan laughed.
«Well, you laughed!» Haley pointed out.
«Good night, Hales»
«Good night, Nate»
Voila. Please review :)