The Search for Something More
Chapter 4 - Between Order and Randomness
Thank you all for the reviews last chapter. I got a little side tracked this week and didn't have time between getting into a minor car accident, work and randomly getting a new car. The good news is that next chapter should be ready to publish soon. Just to clarify Nathan and Lucas are half brothers like on the show. Of course Dan is up to no good but you'll see his role down a couple of chapters. I'm also glad you like Clay. It'll be a challenge bringing the bromance with both Lucas and Clay in the story. So I just want to reiterate, Haley is pregnant with Nathan's child and you'll get a little bit more insight into the past as to what was going on with Nathan and Haley. Just want to clarify a few things that italics are flashbacks. The present timeline has all the characters back in Tree Hill after Andre's bday party in San Francisco. Nathan and Haley broke up 5 years ago at the end of high school, 6 months ago Nathan had his accident and 3 months ago Haley got pregnant. Hope that clears up some time line issues because this chapter begins at the end of Nathan's 2nd year of college.
Enjoy and please review!!
. . . . .
"Great game."
"Umm.. thanks." Nathan replied politely as he made his way out of the bus and back onto campus. The Maryland Terps just came back from a successful away game series led by none other than sophomore Nathan Scott.
"I'm Clay.. by the way.. Clay Evans." Clay stuck out his hand.
"Hey." Nathan looked at him curiously and shook his hand.
"This is my card." Clay handed it to him and Nathan glanced at it.
"Sports Arc?"
"That's the agency I work for... as in sports agency."
"Yeah.. of course I knew that." Nathan replied and eyed Clay curiously.
"Look, I'm going to cut to the chase.. I think you're a great player.. an awesome player actually and I want to represent you." Clay smiled proudly.
"Represent me?" Nathan was a little surprised. Sure he'd met a bunch of sports agents since came to college but he was only ending his second year. Shouldn't he be more interested in the seniors, he thought.
"Look Nathan, I've been following you for the past two years. You're a great player but with a mediocre team. Devon Williams is a great player but he's selfish and he's hurting your chances of getting a title."
"…"
"Look man, it's no secret that you two don't get along. I got connections and next season, you can finally start playing for the big leagues."
"How do you know that I don't like college ball? Of course the NBA is the plan but why now?"
Clay smirked. "Cuz I did my research on you. I know Maryland wasn't your top pick, shoot, I doubt it was even top 3." Clay recounted.
"So?" Nathan eyed him curiously. Some expose on him in the school paper uncovered that Nathan originally wanted to be a Blue Devil, a fierce rival to the Terps but the fans have forgiven him because of his great playing abilities but they were others on the team like Devon who didn't take the news too lightly.
"So, I know that things with Duke didn't work out and you had to settle for the Terps. A national title would be great but this wasn't how you wanted it. It's not the same but just give me a chance I guarantee that you'll be suiting up for the NBA."
Nathan smirked back, at least the guy did his homework. "Okay, but why you?"
"Honestly?" Clay replied. "I've had a bit of a slump.. personal issues." Clay alluded. "So I need something big and I see that with you. You have nothing to lose Nathan."
Nathan studied Clay for a second. The guy obviously spent more time doing his hair than him but there was something about him, a honesty to him that he felt. He was right about one thing, he did settle with the Terps. Sure, he played because that's his job but Devon wasn't making it impossible and the coach was always biased towards him no matter how many buckets he put up. Like Clay said, he had nothing to lose.
"Alright fine." Nathan shook his hand.
. . . . .
After a sleepless night, Nathan woke up early and got out of his bed. As soon as he and Clay landed in Tree Hill last night, they went straight to the hotel. The hotel itself was pretty decent considering that they were in Tree Hill. He looked out the window and saw the sun already shining. Looking around, he could hardly believe he was finally back home. Glancing at the clock, Nathan figured Clay was probably still passed out. Nathan knew he'd rather be alone but he was grateful that Clay was with him. Clay can help deal with things while Nathan could focus his attention to more important issues like Haley and his child.
His head was still wrapping around the idea of being a father. On top of that, he wasn't exactly sure what he was doing here in the first place. He still had an NBA career to get back to and he still wasn't sure what to do with Haley. Yes, they were having a child together but she made it pretty clear that she didn't want nor need his help. Still, it was his child and he wouldn't be like Dan and leave Haley to fend for herself. All Nathan knew was that he needed to be here and show her that he wasn't going anywhere. Getting dressed, he headed outside, needing some air.
As he approached the River Court, he could see that someone was already there. It didn't surprise him one bit who the person was.
"I didn't expect you so soon." Lucas commented dryly as he saw Nathan step out onto the Rivercourt.
Nathan stood at the sidelines while Lucas dribbled the ball, moving left to right and then taking a fade away jump shot. The ball landed easily through the basket and Nathan bent down and grabbed the rolling ball.
"So you were expecting me?" Nathan countered.
"I wouldn't put it pass you." Lucas went to the nearby picnic table and grabbed a bottle of water he left there. Taking a gulp, Lucas turned back to him. "Why are you even here?"
"Are you seriously asking me that? It's my kid Lucas." Nathan pointed out.
"You're not fooling anyone, you know." Lucas quickly replied.
"What're you talking about?"
"Haley. That's what I'm talking about. I know you want her back."
Nathan looked at him as if he were crazy. "Hello Pucas, she's pregnant."
"And how convenient for you?" Lucas replied smugly.
"What the hell are you saying?"
"I think you know." Lucas stated.
"I didn't get her pregnant on purpose, jack ass."
"Really, cuz all of a sudden out of the blue you show up and bam she's pregnant." Lucas shook his head.
"You're crazy you know that!" Nathan shot back. "And FYI, she's the one that came to see me!"
"Really? Cuz according to her, you showed up out of the blue three months ago!" Lucas fired back.
"I wasn't talking about that."
Lucas looked at Nathan curiously before realization dawned on him. "6 months ago while you were at the hospital?" Lucas mumbled and Nathan nodded.
"I knew it." Lucas blew out. "You still didn't answer me about wanting her back." Lucas pointed out. "Do you still love her?"
Nathan was a little surprised. He wasn't expecting that. Nathan stayed quiet, not sure how to answer. Nathan was about to say something but words were failing him at the moment.
"Don't bother answering, I already know." Lucas spoke up. "I'm not an idiot Nathan. I saw the pictures, the footage from the parties. You forget there was a time we actually hung out. Playboy Nathan Scott, what a joke. You were bored, those girls meant nothing to you.. even the one you're with now. I could tell."
"Like how would you know?" Nathan fired back.
"You're right, I don't. I can only guess because not only did you cut Haley out of your life but me and all our friends as well."
"I'm.. I'm sorry for that. I.. I thought it'd be easier."
"Easier?"
"On Haley, I didn't want you guys to choose." Nathan looked to the ground. If he was going to start making amends with Haley, he knew he had to put his pride away and apologize to his brother. "You may not believe me but I thought I was doing the right thing. Duke didn't work out and I didn't want her to be sacrificing so I stepped in okay. You may not have agreed with it but you knew damn well that it was the only way for Haley to go to Stanford."
Lucas stared his brother down and knew he was telling the truth. As messed up as he was, he could tell that Nathan was only trying to do what he thought was right even though he was clearly wrong.
"You really don't get it do you?" Lucas let out a soft sigh.
"Could I have handled it differently? Yeah, maybe but we were 18, everything was changing so fast, one minute we had this plan to go to Duke then the next minute everything shot to hell. I wouldn't and couldn't let Haley follow me. She needed to live her own life too."
Lucas shook his head, obviously his brother was still not getting it but he understood his brother's position. It still didn't make things right though.
"What're you going to do Nathan? Stay here for the rest of the season or did you forget that this is also your contract year."
Nathan looked curiously back at Lucas.
"Oh don't look at me that way, of course I know. I may not play ball anymore but I still watch Sports Center."
"Look, I know I still have my responsibilities to the Sonics but .." Nathan shook his head and sighed. "You know she told me that she could raise this child on her own, she just assumed that I was going to be like Dan."
"She said that?"
"She didn't need to." Nathan sighed. "Think what you will about me but you and I both agree that Dan's an ass and you know that even I wouldn't do that.. if any thing believe me on that." Nathan looked his brother straight in the eye.
"Look at what happened between you and Dan, I don't want my kid to ever think of me that way, that I didn't care and that I abandoned him." Nathan added.
Lucas contemplated his words for a second before nodding his head in agreement. Nathan did have a point. "Okay, fine Nathan.. but you're just going to hurt her again, I know it."
"Well, you're wrong. I'm not out to hurt Haley."
"I know that, just because you don't mean to hurt doesn't mean you won't and at the end of the day when the dust settles, it'll be me to put back the pieces… AGAIN." Lucas stated firmly.
"Cut me some slack Luke, I'm trying to do the right thing here!" Nathan grew annoyed but knew he had to stand his ground.
"Fair enough." Lucas nodded his head. "But I still don't trust you."
"Fair enough." Nathan imitated his brother's earlier actions and nodded his head in agreement. Then he took the basketball in his hands and took a shot, nothing but net. There were two things that bonded Lucas and Nathan during high school, one was Haley and the other was basketball. Since Haley was still a sore topic to discuss, Nathan opted for the other.
"But how about I play you for it?" Nathan smirked back to Lucas. Lucas couldn't help but chuckle while shaking his head.
. . . . .
Nathan looked around his nearly empty dorm room. He couldn't believe this was actually happening. He had to give it to Clay, he actually pulled through. The deal Clay got him was too good to pass up. In a couple of days, he was heading to Seattle for pre-training camp. Dan had been livid. His dad lectured him about him throwing his future away by jumping in the NBA so soon. Like he knew what he was talking about, Nathan had already surpassed Dan in college ball, who was he to decide what was best for him. He didn't understand his father but Nathan knew that. The goal was always the NBA and it didn't even matter that Nathan was finally in, his dad would never be happy. He even criticized the deal they were offering, only a one year contract with a modest salary. Still, if he did well, he'd get an automatic two year extension with an increase in pay. Nathan had been in denial his whole life but now he realized the truth. No matter what he did, it would never be enough for his dad. There would always be something to knit pick or criticize. He couldn't deal with that anymore, with him. Now he was settled and on his own, he decided once and for all to be free of Dan. Nothing would ever be good enough for him.
Two years at Maryland and he was already tired of it. Sure being on the basketball team had it's perks but Nathan felt like he was always in the same routine. Classes, parties, games, it was like high school all again, and the idea of breaking that monotony and heading to a new city was something that appealed to Nathan. Ever since he arrived at Maryland, Nathan never felt like he belonged and had a hard time adjusting. He was cool with most of the guys on the team except Nino and his friends but he never had any close friends like he did in Tree Hill. In fact, he lost all contact with them but he knew it was his fault. In breaking up with Haley, he broke ties with everyone else back home.
He already broke his rule about thinking about her. It was two years for crying out loud but his mind would always find it's way back to her. It was torture and he contemplated about just picking up the phone and talking to her. She tried talking to him during his first year at school but the break up was so fresh, he had no choice but to cut her off completely. She deserved a life without him haunting her and him the same. As much as it pained him, she needed to move on from him.
That didn't mean he didn't think of perhaps one day seeing her again, maybe the possibility of them getting back together again after they both lived their lives. He missed her so much over the past two years. His first day of class, he wanted to call her to tell her how his day was. He wondered if she ever saw his games and was proud of what he was able to accomplish. And now with his dreams within reach, he still wasn't satisfied. Would it hurt to call her, to say hi. There were so many times, he wanted to call her and each time he backed away. When Clay broke the news, it was her face he saw not the images of playing professional ball.
His hands reached for his phone and he clicked on her name. After a ring, he quickly ended the call. Who was he kidding, he couldn't just talk to her after ignoring her for so long. His thoughts were broken when his phone started to ring and he saw her name flash on the screen. He held his finger over the end button but ultimately decided to pick it up.
"Hello." He answered.
"Na.. Nathan is this you?" Haley replied from the other end.
"Yeah.. Haley, it's me." Nathan cleared his throat.
"Oh." He could hear the awkwardness in her voice.
"Um.. how are you?" He asked and he instantly wanted to kick himself. What kind of stupid question was that?
"Um.. okay. Is there something you want?" Haley was curt. She couldn't quite believe that she was actually talking to Nathan.
Nathan stayed quiet for a second.
"Is everything okay, are you alright?" She asked a bit more concerned. Maybe something bad had happened and that's why he was calling, she thought.
"Yeah... I'm.. I'm fine. I'm just.." He struggled to find the words and he sat on his bed scratching his forehead. "I'm sorry I haven't kept in touch.. everything has just been so busy.. I'm.. I'm sorry." He mumbled..
"Umm.. okay." Haley was a little confused. Two years of silence and now he's apologizing, it doesn't work that way. "Well, I'm glad you're okay." As much as Haley was happy to hear from Nathan, all it did was bring up bad memories. Her break up with Nathan was devastating and she couldn't be sucked into all that.. not again.
Sensing that she wanted to end the conversation, Nathan had to think fast. The sound of her voice was like music to his ears and now that he was talking to her, she couldn't just hang up on him.
"I got in." He announced.
"In?"
"The NBA." He clarified. "I met this really great agent and he got me a deal. I'm going to become part of the Sonics in Seattle." He added.
"Are you serious?"
"Yeah.. it's pretty wild."
"Wow, Nathan.. that's..that's really great. I'm happy for you." Haley knew how important this was for him. She knew all about his life's dream of playing for the NBA. Sure most people set that goal for themselves but few actually achieve. Despite everything Nathan had done to her, she was still proud that he was able to go after what he wanted, even if it wasn't her.
"It happened all so fast.. I didn't think this day would come.. it's only been two years at college. I didn't expect this at all."
"I.. I know what you mean."
"Crap, look at me. I keep blabbing about myself.. umm.. how are you doing?" Nathan felt like a jackass. Still, at least she hadn't hung up on him yet.
"Oh, school is school. I'm glad the semester is over and I'm heading back to Tree Hill."
"Sounds like you had a tough semester."
"Yeah, you can say that. Keeping up with everything and classes was difficult. "
"But you're like a genius." Nathan laughed.
"No, I'm not." Haley laughed. "The classes are great, the teachers are tough but it was much more difficult to juggle everything in college than in high school." Despite her best wishes, she felt herself opening up to him. It was nothing new, they always had an instant connection from the moment they first met. There were times when she tutored him in high school before they were a couple that they would just talk about anything and everything, completely bypassing the study session. They talked casually for the next few minutes, keeping the conversation light, avoiding certain awkward topics about their relationship.
"Hey, I actually have to go." Haley stated as she saw the clock. "Lucas is actually here in the bay area to for a book signing."
"I heard about his book publishing.. that's really great. I know he dreamed of being a writer."
"Like you, the basketball player." Haley added. "I guess you both got what you wanted."
"Yeah.." Nathan let the words hang.
"I'm.. I'm actually going with Lucas on some of his stops."
"That sounds fun."
"Yeah, we're heading over to LA, Chicago and Washington." Haley cursed to herself, why did she mention that.
"DC?" Nathan asked.
"Yeah."
"I'm just outside DC." Nathan replied.
I know, Haley thought to herself.
"I mean if you're going to be in town, we .. we should meet up." Nathan wanted desperately to see her now. Sure there was awkwardness between them but maybe, just maybe there could be something, anything. He hated how things ended and now that he felt like he was better control of his life, maybe he could do something about it.
"Oh, I'll be there on Wednesday.. I'm not sure if you'll still be around."
"I'm still here." Nathan added quickly. He knew for a fact he wasn't due to leave until Wednesday night but it's okay, he could bump his flight, training camp wasn't starting up until Monday. "I mean if you aren't too busy."
"Umn.. yeah no, that's sounds nice." Haley was already shaking her head. Why did she just agree to this. She needed to think fast and then it dawned on her. She would be with Lucas. Yes, Lucas, having him there would help. She was just meeting her ex boyfriend. Nothing wrong with that. And they were brother's for crying out loud. Sure there was bad blood between them after their break up but both of them were doing so well in their lives now. Despite whatever ill feelings she had towards Nathan, she didn't want to be the reason for them to be apart, even though it was her that brought them together.
"I'll be at the book signing. I think it starts at 3 at some book store. The details are on the publisher's website, so you can just search for it. It's Straus Publishing."
"Ok great.." Nathan went on his laptop and quickly searched for the location. "Umm.. I see it now, I know where this is." Nathan scrolled through the information on the website. " I'll.. I'll see you there."
"Yeah.. umm.. I guess. I'll see you in a few days." Haley hung up the phone but couldn't help but feel the mixture of dread and excitement.
. . . .
KNOCK KNOCK
"Who the hell?!" Haley muttered to herself. Who the hell is awake at this ungodly time of .. opps 10:30 am. Haley looked over at her alarm clock. Guess, she overslept but she had every right. The last few days have left her drained both physically and mentally. She definitely needed a morning just to sleep in. Getting up, she secured her robe and made her way down the stairs. Looking through the peep hole, she saw a tall, dark haired man outside.
Smiling she opened the door.
"I brought breakfast." He smiled, holding up a box of pasties and a stainless steel thermos filled with coffee.
"Come in." She motioned.
"How's my girl?" He asked, kissing her on the cheek.
"Julian." She warned playfully. Despite their break up, the two remained good friends but she was glad to see him. She was actually a little hungry.
"Kidding, kidding." He chuckled as he made his way to the kitchen and put the food down. "How was San Francisco, I wish I could've gone with you guys for the book signing?"
"It was fine." She said vaguely as she rummaged the box full of treats and pulled out a blue berry muffin.
Julian grabbed two mugs and started to pour both of them a cup.
"No coffee for me." She added.
"You sure?" He asked curiously.
"Yeah." She replied as she went to the fridge and poured herself a glass of orange juice.
"Oh okay." He brushed it off, Haley almost always drank coffee in the morning. "I can't believe Lucas published his second book already." Julian added a second later.
"I know." She said as she took a sip of her juice.
"You know I still remember the first book signing I went to." Julian replied.
"Where was it again.. oh yeah DC, you remember right?" Julian smiled, remembering their first date.
Haley tensed up. How could she forget?
. . . .
"Don't get mad but Julian is coming." Lucas took a seat and turned back to Haley.
"What? Are you serious!?" Haley couldn't believe this.
"Hales, he's my room mate, plus he wanted to come."
"He came to your book signing to see me." Haley pointed out.
"Ouch Hales, that hurts." Lucas placed his hand over his heart and feigned injury.
"What, you know it's true."
"Look Haley, if I didn't think Julian was a good guy then I wouldn't be hanging out with him, much less hanging out with you and him. Come on Hales, when was the last time you went on a date?"
"Since when are you so concerned about my love life?"
"When Haley?"
"…"
"It's been two years, Hales.. you can't keep waiting for him." Lucas replied carefully.
Haley looked at her watch, the book signing was supposed to start twenty minutes ago but the book store was running late and there was still no sign of Nathan. She'd debated telling Lucas that he was coming, but decided against it. She didn't want to make it a big deal, even though she knew it was. She knew how Lucas' reaction would be and she hated how the two drifted apart. It was Nathan's fault yes but they were both having their dreams come true, Lucas with his book and Nathan with his basketball.
"I'm not waiting for him." Haley tried to defend herself, the irony was not lost on her.
The store manager called Lucas' name out and signaled to him that they were going to start.
"Hales, just think about it. Julian's a good guy. Plus if he hurts you, he'll know I'll kick his ass." Lucas smirked.
An hour later, the book signing was wrapping up and Julian eventually joined them.
"So, first time in DC?" Julian asked as he and Haley stayed off at the sidelines. She'd looked bored and distracted and he wanted to do something about that, especially when she was looking so hot at the moment.
"Yep." Haley answered, looking around but still no sign of Nathan.
It was no use, he wasn't coming. The minutes ticked away and she felt all hope of him showing up vanishing. She couldn't believe she let herself believe or fall for Nathan's tricks again. When he called, it sounded like Nathan again, her Nathan. He was so happy to be in the NBA now but she thought that he was happy to hell her all this. When they were dating and Dan would rip into Nathan's basketball, it was her that cheered him on and who he wanted to share the games with.
What could she really expect anyway? She was still in school, he was off playing ball. She had some unrealistic expectations about today and it was time for her to finally suck it up and start facing reality. He'd move on with his life. Sure he called but what did that have to do with anything. She'd been telling everyone she was fine and had moved forward but really she hadn't. Lucas was right, the last person she went on a date was Nathan and she knew that in order to completely break away from him, she needed to move on.
"There's this nice area called Georgetown."
Julian's voice brought Haley back from her thoughts. "By the school right?"
"Yeah, they got lots of shops and restaurants.. I was wondering if you wanted to go there.. tonight.. for dinner." Julian asked nervously.
"Are you asking me out on a date?" Haley eyed him curiously.
"Yes.. no .. I mean.. yeah .. I am." Julian mumbled like a little kid.
Haley laughed. Julian was nice, good looking and funny. Sure the guy wanted to be a director or producer but what you saw was what you get. He didn't hide behind walls, he carried no baggage and was as opposite from Nathan Scott as you could get. She thought about what Lucas said, it was finally time to take the next step. "Okay."
"Ok?" Julian was a little surprised.
"Ok as in I'll have dinner with you tonight."
"As a date?"
"Yeah, as a date." Haley smiled.
"Oh that's great." he suddenly pulled Haley in for a hug.
"What's going on?" Lucas asked as he turned around to face them.
"Haley and I are going on a date tonight." Julian proudly proclaimed, putting an arm around Haley.
"Finally wore her down huh?" Lucas smiled.
"Oh shut up. It's dinner." Haley pointed out and needing to shift gears. "I'm so happy for you Luke." She went up to him and hugged him.
"Yeah, man." Julian agreed. "Congratulations." The two shook hands.
"Thanks guys."
"Hey, I need to make a call real quick." Julian excused himself and pulled out his cell phone. Making a call, he placed the phone in his ear as he walked through a crowd of people.
"Hey, my name's Julian Baker, I need a table reservation tonight.. for two.. the most romantic spot table you got." Julian smiled and passed by a couple of people, including a certain raven haired blue eyed boy.
Nathan narrowed his eyes at the punk who passed him by. He went all over DC to look for purple lilies that he knew Haley would like. Unfortunately the only florist that carried it was across town and the metro was having service delays which caused him to be late. But he came just in time to see Haley and her boyfriend maul each other and to make it worse, Lucas was there. Rewind back to high school and the scene would've replayed itself out but with him by Haley's side, not this punk. Jealousy couldn't even describe how he felt at the moment. He clenched his fist together, so angry.. angry at himself. He cursed to himself, of course she moved on. Who wouldn't want a girl like Haley James?
What could he really expect? A random phone call and expect that the two can get back together. It wasn't lost to him that when he moved to Seattle that he and Haley would be in the same time zone but that meant nothing. Seattle and San Francisco were hours apart and on top of that he would be busy practicing or hitting the road. He was delusional, to think he could really have it all. Feeling broken and defeated he threw the flowers in a nearby trash can and left.
. . . . .
"How do you like the muffins? I got them from that new bakery that opened up."
"Hmm, it's good." Haley replied, her mouth a bit stuffed.
Julian laughed. "I can see, that was like the third one you had?" He teased.
"Are you trying to imply something Baker?" Haley narrowed her eyes at him.
"No, no." Julian shook his head and took another bite of his muffin. He tried to hide his laughter, Haley was so cute when she got mad. He couldn't help it. It was one of the things he loved about her, one of the reasons why after being broken up for half a year that he couldn't move on. He'd been patient with her, giving her time and space. Last month, they hung out together and ended up going home together too. He thought that he made a breakthrough but she put her walls back up even higher since then. He was glad she was back from her trip with Lucas. He needed to show her that they belonged together.
"I'm going to brush my teeth." Haley announced as she finished her food and got up and placed her plate in the sink.
"Okay, I'll clean up." Julian added as Haley left the kitchen. Breakfast had gone well but something was off, he could feel it. He started putting the dishes away and noticed that the thermos was still half full. Then he looked over on the island and saw Haley's purse there. Walking over to it, he noticed that it was resting on a black and white photo. Moving the purse aside, his heart dropped as he saw the sonogram.
. . . . .
"I don't understand why you're here." Nathan turned to his brother.
"I told you I don't trust you."
"You're just mad that I beat your ass in one on one." Nathan smirked.
"Hello NBA player, my name is Lucas Scott." Luke turned to Nathan and stuck out his hand.
"Whatever." Nathan mumbled. "And would you relax, I just want to make sure Haley's okay and maybe be there for the next doctor's appointment."
"Fine, but I'm still coming with you." Lucas followed Nathan as they walked through Haley's front porch. As much as Lucas hated to admit it, Nathan did have the right to be there and he wouldn't deny another man, no matter who it was, the right to see their own child. The morning had gone off better than he had expected. He and Nathan shot around, even played a game or two. Sure Nathan beat him each time but it still was enjoyable. Lucas may not play for a team but he still played with friends, friends who were below his skill. It was nice to get challenged again, even though he knew that Nathan's game was far more superior than his.
Lucas knocked but no one replied. He heard voices inside and figured maybe the TV was on or something. Turning the knob, he realized the door was already unlocked. He stepped inside with Nathan right behind him. He was about to call her name out when they heard voices from the kitchen.
"Julian, let me explain!" Haley exclaimed.
"Haley, there's nothing to explain.. and it's okay.. we're okay." Julian still had the sonogram in his hands.
"Julian, please."
"It's fine Haley, I know this must be all new to you too but.."
"Julian, wait there's been a misunderstanding.."
Julian ignored her and did what he thought was the right thing to do. "I get it Haley, why you didn't have coffee this morning, why you've been so weird. You don't have to worry, I love you and I love our child." Julian proclaimed.
Haley shook her head, Julian couldn't be any more further from the truth. She cursed herself for being careless and leaving the sonogram lying around. Of course he would think this baby was his but he obviously didn't see the time stamp of the sonogram.
She was about to speak but he took her hand in his, getting down on one knee,
"Haley James, will you marry me?" Julian asked.
"WHAT THE FUCK!?!"
Haley whipped her head around and found a fuming Nathan with Lucas holding him back. Oh crap.
To Be Continued . . . .
I always love a jealous Nathan, please review!