Heather sets cross legged on the bed, Meg lying across the foot of the bed on her stomach, Jamie sitting with his arm wrapped around Heather at the head of the bed, Lily and Jackson were sitting cross legged on the floor. Heather's eyes looked up to find Meg bobbing her head to the music on the I pod. She watches for a minute, until Lily giggles causing her to look over at the two on the floor. They were playing a board game, and apparently she had attempted cheating. Heather chuckles softly at the two. Jamie reaches over and gently kisses her temple. "You okay?" He whispers in her ear.
She closes her eyes feeling his lips brush her ear, a shiver runs down her spine as she feels heat rush to her face. She smiles and nods, "I'm fine." She says quietly. She looks over at him, suddenly feeling desire rise within her. She has to control herself though. Not with her friends there. She turned her attention back to the book she was reading, trying to shake the feeling of longing.
Meg kept listening to her ipod, occasionally stealing glances at the happy couple at the top of the bed. She watches how he loosely drapes his arm around her. Meg's eyes fall to Heather's stomach which is no longer flat, reminding her that there is indeed a baby inside her best friend. The bump isn't large, yet, but it is enough that you know she's pregnant. Well, if you know her that is. Heather seems to glow. Meg sighs deeply pulling her eyes from Heather. She remembers the conversation with her mother last night…..
"Mom when are you coming home?" Meg asks.
Rachel sighs, "I'll be there next week Megan."
"And you'll stay in Tree Hill for a while?" Meg asks hopefully.
"I'll stay in Tree Hill as long as my daughter needs me. What's going on with you Megan?" Rachel asks slightly worried. Megan had never been upset to stay in Tree Hill with her father and Shelly.
"Heather's pregnant." The words escaping Meg before she can stop them.
Rachel gasped, "What?!"
"Heather, you know your best friends oldest kid, yeah Jamie, who is also you best friends oldest kid, knocked her up." Meg says exasperated.
"Don't take that tone with me young lady!" Rachel chastises her daughter slightly, knowing she has to keep the attitude in check, "I know who Heather is, of course I do. How's Brooke taking it?"
"She's a mess Mom, but nobody will say anything about it. Heather just keeps going on with her life, and Brooke's pregnant and I'm worried that Heather is going to hurt herself, but nobody will listen to me, and I'm sure if you were here then you could help." Meg feels hot tears beginning to form in her eyes.
"Slow down, I know Brooke's pregnant, listen I'm sure Brooke is fine," Rachel said making a mental note to call her friend, "Is Heather still cheerleading?"
"No she quiet, but she keeps carrying Jessica around. I mean kids look at her and whisper and you know Heather she just goes on about her day." Meg sighs heavily.
"Is this what the fight was about?" Rachel can hear her daughter's frustration.
"Yeah, how did you know?" Meg furrows her brow slightly.
"I do talk to your father every ounce in a blue moon" Rachel laughs slightly. "Listen, I think I could be there by day after tomorrow, I was going to take a couple shopping days but I can wait to shop. You are more important. So tell you what, pick me up at the airport and we'll deal with our best friends okay?"
Meg feels a slightly guilty feeling rise inside her and bites her bottom lip, "I don't want you to cut your trip short…"
"Nonsense, I'll call with my flight plan. Then once we get this figured out then maybe I could spend a little time with my daughter, ya know her right, red head, bright green eyes, attitude out of ears." Rachel laughs knowing her daughter is rolling her eyes.
"Hmmm…. I think she goes to my school." Meg says giggling.
Rachel laughs, "I love you kid."
"Love you Momma." Meg says before hanging up.
Lily steals a glance at Heather to find her leaning into Jamie, he had his hand wrapped protectively around her stomach. She then glances at Jackson who also glances at Heather. Lily sees a slight sadness settle into Jackson's eyes. Heather is practically his sister. They were inseparable when they were younger, mostly because Brooke and Peyton are best friends. Lily kind of fell in there as the third wheel growing up, but she never really felt like a third wheel. Jackson had been the one to find Heather when she had passed out and almost died from alcohol poisoning last year. Lily will never in her life forget the frantic screams when Heather wouldn't wake up. It was the one and only time she had seen Jackson openly cry, but he had that night. He sat by her side all night and all the next day. Jamie had set by her side as well. Lily herself had been forced home however. Karen, her mother, had given her a good talking to. The five friends had banded together and vowed that they would never let that happen again. They had been friends since birth, and Lily couldn't help but wonder if a certain birth wasn't about to change that.
Jackson's mind wonders back to about two years ago. They had been at a party when Jamie approached saying he had kissed Heather. Jackson laughed, two best friends kissing? And yet something in Jamie's voice compelled him to ask if there was something else. Jamie had bit his lip, and looked away. "I think I like her as more then just friends." He said. Jackson's jaw dropped. But looking back he must have known. He threatened bodily harm if Jamie ever hurt her. Heather was more of a sister then a friend. When his Mom had left when they were 7, after a fight with his father, Heather had been right there. When she was diagnosed with cancer when he was 10 Heather was the one person he ran to. He knows everything about her. He knows her favorite ice cream is mint chocolate chip, her favorite color is Raven's Blue, she desperately misses cheerleading, she's very close to her siblings due to Brooke being so ill after Jessica was born, Jackson knows the odd connection Heather feels with her mother, and how much she looks up to her and everything she is. He knows she's scared to death and clinging barely to sanity, and that the rumors and whispers really do get to her although she won't say it. He understands what it means to have Meg back in town. He can see a certain sadness in her eyes, that wasn't there. He knows that the only one other then her mother who can actually control Heather when she's at her worst freak out, himself excluded of course, is his own mother. And he knows that this baby is very lucky. It's got a great mom, even if she isn't so sure of that herself.
Jamie glances down at Heather who is now curled up in his arms reading from his book instead of her own. He loved that they read the same books. He loved that she was so unique. He loves everything about her. It's that simple, and one day he will marry this girl in his arms, even if it's not today. He moves his arm to where his hand rests on her stomach. Their child is growing steadily in there. And as much as that scares him, it also excites him. Heather is more beautiful then ever. He's not sure if its pregnancy glow or just the fact that he knows what her body is doing. Softly he kisses the top of her head breathing in the scent of her shampoo. She looks up and smiles at him. His heart melts.
Heather sighs heavily, "Guys we need to get up and do something, or else I'm going to go to sleep."
Meg looks at her turning off her I pod, "Then go to sleep you need sleep anyways Tigger."
Heather rolls her eyes, "Come on guys its Saturday there has to be something you want to do."
"I'm content beating Jackson at this game." Lily smirks.
Jackson shoot Lily a glare, "If you would quiet cheating I might have a chance!" He then looks up at Heather, "What about going to River court?"
Jamie shakes his head, "All the guys are out there, and you know how ruff they can get."
"Since when do you not want to go to River court?" Heather sits up to look at him.
"Since you got pregnant, and I don't want to take the chance of you getting hit by a ball. You know those guys are ruff, you've been hit before." Jamie says kissing her softly.
Heather frowns, "That doesn't mean you have to stay away."
"Well, it means that you do, and I want to spend time with you, so I stay away too." Jamie says stroking her cheek.
"You should go though." Heather says still frowning slightly. "You both should."
Meg sets up suddenly, "Ya know I think?"
"What?" Heather looks to where her friend is.
"I think it's about time we got you some new clothes that fit." She states matter-of-factly.
Heather looks down at her sweats, "But I don't want maternity."
"No, just a size bigger for now." Meg assures her.
Heather sighs, "I could use new clothes, and Momma gave me the credit card last night all but demanding I go get some."
Jackson laughs, "Yeah Mom said Brooke was begging you to buy new clothes."
"Is there anything about this family you mother doesn't know?" Heather says looking seriously at him.
"NO!" They both bust out laughing.
"So that settles it!" Lily stands up and begins putting the board game away, "Shopping trip."
"I need something new to pick Mom up in anyways." Meg says.
"You Moms coming to Tree Hill?" Heather asks.
"Yup I talked to her last night, and she said she'll be here day after tomorrow." Meg says with a smile.
"Awesome!" Heather says excitedly, "I can't wait to see her, she promised to teach me this new cheer…." Heather's voice trails off as she looks down at her stomach.
Meg leans forward and hugs Heather, "I'm sorry Tigger."
Heather blinks back sudden tears and shakes her head, "I'm fine, just momentary lapse in forgetfulness."
"You can't just forget." Jamie says gently, "You said that the other day when you picked up Jessica."
Heather tries to sound mad, but it comes out more hurt, "Talk to me when you're pregnant." She gets off the bed and heads for the bathroom.
Jackson gets up to follow, but she slams the door in his face, "Sissy come on he didn't mean it."
Heather leans over the sink trying not to let them hear her sobs. She hears the door open, and Jackson take him into her arms, "He's right, how could I forget I'm pregnant? I can't do this, I can't Jack."
Jackson rubs her back with soothing circles, "Listen to me, you are going to be a great Mom. He didn't mean it the way it sounded Sissy."
"I hate this!" Heather says against his chest.
"What? What do you hate?" Jackson asks gently.
"All of it, my boobs hurt, I cry at everything, I'm pissing ever five minutes, and I look like a wale!" Heather pulls back and hits his chest with her fists.
"Heather, you can do this." Jackson cups her face and forces her to look at him, "You remember when I thought I couldn't join the team? Or when I broke my leg and I thought I couldn't go through with the surgery? You told me I could and that's what got me through. I held fast to that belief, because you were so positive so certain of it, so I want you to hold onto this. You can do this. No matter what happens you can do this, and you have us. When you need us, we are right here, you don't have to do it alone Sissy."
Heather bites her bottom lip looking at her friend, "Thanks Jack. But I don't want you to worry. I don't want to be babied."
"We won't baby you, we'll baby the baby." Jackson smirks moving a hand to her stomach.
Heather laughs, "Well whatever."
"Okay melt down over, let's go shopping!" Meg announces pulling Jackson back and taking Heather by the hand.
"You know you have to feed me right?" Heather says linking arms with Meg and pulling Lily behind her.
Jackson and Jamie shake their heads following the girls out of the room down the stairs, stopping to tell Chase they were leaving, and then to the drive way. Jamie hugs Heather, "Don't over do it." He says kissing her.
"I'm fine." Heather smiles at him.
"I meant don't wear them out." Jamie smirks nodding to the two other girls.
Heather laughs, "I'll try not to." She looks down, "It's moving again." She says softly.
"It's really gotten active in the last two weeks." Jamie comments.
"I know." Heather smiles rubbing noses with him.
"Basketball star…" Jamie says setting his hand on her stomach one more time. "Oh I almost forgot you're having dinner at the house tonight. Dylan said he needs to have serious talk with you."
Heather laughs, "Does he now?"
"He wants a boy." Jamie says smiling, "Come to think of it I need to have a serious talk with you."
"Not me, you need to talk to your child." Heather cocks her head to one side smiling sweetly at him.
"Come on already!" Meg says.
An hour and half later they are walking through the mall, when something catches Heather's eyes. "Guys," She says pointing toward a shop.
Lily and Meg look toward where Heather is pointing, "Wanna go in?" Lily asks.
Heather bites her lip, "I don't know."
"Oh come on it's just a store, we can look around." Meg says taking Heather and leading her toward the baby store.
Heather laughs a little, placing a hand on her stomach, "Megan Gatina you are something else."
Meg turns and sticks her tongue out at Heather, "Come on Tigger!"
Lily and Heather giggle following Meg through the store. Heather stops looking at a crib, "Oh my God." She says softly as she makes her way over. She gently strokes the crib with her hand.
"Like it?" Meg comes behind Heather watching her friend.
"I'm not ready to think about cribs." Heather says turning away from the crib, "I'm only eighteen weeks."
"That's almost half way there." Lily says smiling, "Almost half baked."
"You're comparing my child to bread?" Heather raises an eye brow.
"No. Cookies. Hot chocolate chip cookies, with chocolate syrup and walnuts." Lily says with a giggle.
"Okay, now you have to give me chocolate chip cookies Girly!" Heather says pointing a finger at Lily.
"That does sound good." Meg says.
"But we have to do something first." Lily says.
"And that is?" Heather raises an eye brow.
"Pick something out." Lily says simply.
"Lils I don't even know what I'm having." Heather starts.
"Then buy something that will work for either." Meg says, "But while we are here we should pick something up."
Heather looks around and sighs, "I don't know guys."
"We're not leaving till you pick something out." Lily crosses her arms.
"Okay Little Lucas Scott." Heather laughs and walks a little ways away.
It takes ten minutes, but Heather finally settles on a little blue outfit for her baby brother, and (since they insist that's not what they meant) she picks up a little teddy bear for her own baby. They make their way to the eating area and set down with large chocolate chip cookies. Heather can't help but giggle at her two best friends. Finally the three reluctantly head back to Heather's house. They managed to find six outfits, and three new maternity shirts. (Heather had thrown a fit, but figured she would eventually need them) Brooke finally forces Lily and Meg to actually go home so Heather could get ready for dinner at Haley and Nathan's. Heather dawns her new jeans and a beautiful red top that shows the bump in her stomach. Knowing that Sarah, Jamie's two year old sister, would strip her off all her jewelry if she wasn't careful, she didn't put anything other then earrings on. She allows her brunette hair to flow in soft natural curls around her shoulders, and puts on little make up. Brooke watches Heather as she looks at herself ounce more in the mirror. She knocks softly on the door, "Hey, almost ready?"
Heather turns to face her mother smiling, "How does this look?"
"You look beautiful." Brooke says softly smiling.
"I got you something." Heather says moving to the bags on her bed.
"A present, I love presents." Brooke rubs her hands together with a childish grin on her face.
Heather laughs at her mother's eagerness, "Actually it's for that little guy," She points to Brooke stomach, "Which by the way we need a name for him"
Brooke laughs, "Yeah if I can tie your Dad down then I'll get right on that."
"Oh Momma pictures metal pictures!" Heather shakes her head.
Brooke's eyes get big, "You nasty minded little thing you."
"How did you think I got pregnant Momma?" Heather gives Brooke a duh look.
"The same way I did." Brooke shoots her a look.
"Oh God! Stop that!" Heather looks disgustedly at Brooke.
Brooke laughs, "You started it!"
"Here," Heather hands her the outfit.
"Oh Heather its beautiful, thank you." Brooke says hugging her daughter, "But you know you were supposed to be buying for you and this little one." Brooke places a hand on the place where her grandchild is growing.
"I did, Lily and Meg made me." Heather pulls a teddy bear from the bag, "I know it's not much, but I don't even know what I'm having yet."
Brooke kisses Heather's forehead, "Honey there's still time."
"I guess I should go huh?" Heather pulls back with a sigh, "I don't know what they want to talk about."
"I'm sure it's nothing Heather. They just want to spend some time with you. I asked them to wait until the morning sickness passed before they invited you to supper." Brooke says watching Heather.
"I know Haley and Nate are really good friends of yours Momma, and I hope I didn't mess things up. I would hate it if you couldn't talk to your friends." Heather says.
"Are you kidding? Haley calls everyday to check on you." Brooke says.
"I see her everyday at school." Heather laughs, "I keep telling her I'm fine."
"And she knows you aren't." Brooke says simply. "Heather we know you are going through a lot and it's scary. You don't have to be fine."
Chase clears his throat at the door, "I hate to interrupt, but Jamie is here."
"Hey Daddy!" Heather smiles over at him.
"Hey Baby Girl," he laughs, "You ready to go?"
"Yup sure am," Heather hugs Brooke and turns moving toward the door and hugs Chase, "I love you Daddy."
"I didn't get an I love you." Brooke says pretending to pout.
"I love you just as much Momma cause I love both of you." Heather laughs and turns to leave.
Chase takes Heather's hand gently and puts his hand on her stomach, "We love both of you too."
Heather gives her father a smile, kisses him on the cheek and makes her way downstairs.
"And he was big, but I told him to give me my crayon back or I was going to kick in him the balls!" Jessica was saying.
Jamie stifles a laugh, "Do you know what balls are?"
"Football, basketball, but he wasn't holding a ball." Jessica says.
"Um, where did you even hear that?" Jamie asks.
"Heather said she was going to kick you in the balls the other day, and you were holding a basketball." Jessica shrugs.
"You should not be listening in on your sister, and my arguments." Jamie points a finger at Jessica. She grabs it and giggles. He starts tickling Jessica, but sees Heather at the door. "Wow." Was all he could say as he looked at her.
"What?" Heather asks nervous.
"Nothing" Jamie shakes his head. "You're just….beautiful."
"Its jeans and a t shirt." Heather says looking down. "And it shows off the bump."
"That's the beautiful part." Jamie smiles and whispers in Jessica's ear.
"No secrets!" Heather says from the doorway still.
Jessica runs over to Heather and motions for her to bend down so she does, "He loves your bump." She whispers in Heather's ear.
Heather laughs, "I love my bump too." She puts her noise to Jessica's.
Jamie laughs and holds a hand out to Heather, "Come on you."
Heather takes his hand, "You're Mom's not like going to have a cow or there's not going to be yelling or anything right?"
"No, they promised no yelling." Jamie puts an arm around Heather leading her out of the house.
Haley was chasing Sarah around trying to change her diaper when they got there. Heather laughs as the two year old runs up to her grabbing her leg, "Momma get me!" she says.
"I'm going to get you in a minute, come here and let me change you." Haley says.
"Hi grumpy," Heather smiles and hugs Haley, "I got this."
Haley smiles, "I'm not grumpy. How are you feeling today?"
"Good, didn't sleep well last night though, the bigger I get the more trouble I have." Heather sighs but smiles.
"I didn't sleep my whole pregnancy with Jamie." Haley laughs.
"Thanks I'm so glad you shared." Heather laughs and shakes her head.
"Sorry," Haley says.
Heather looks down, "Okay Sarah, time to get changed. And I'm not running after you okay?"
Sarah looks up and nods her head, "Love you." She says in her two year old voice.
After changing Sarah and explaining that she isn't exactly in charge of what sex the baby is, they sit down to supper. Heather is surprised by how fast the time goes by and how comfortable it is. It's like old times. Haley makes a bit of a fuss over Heather, which makes her, feel even more comfortable. After supper Jamie leads her up to his room. It's Raven Blue and is adorned with all things basketball. It was so natural that he would be caption of the Raven's Basketball team. Heather sets down on his bed watching him pace. "What's wrong?"
"I'm quieting the team." He blurts out.
Heather's jaw drops, "No!" She stands up a little too quickly and gets dizzy, she grabs for his hand.
"Heather, you okay?" he asks worriedly.
Heather nods, "Just stood up to fast. You can't quiet the team."
Jamie sighs, "I don't want to be away from you on the away games, what if something happens?"
"Nothing's going to happen. Jamie you can't give up basketball. The team needs you, and you need them." She reaches out and touches his cheek, "Jamie, please."
"I just feel bad that you've given up so much." Jamie says softly.
"I don't mind, this baby is worth it." Heather says.
Jamie wraps his arms around her, "I love you so much."
Heather snuggles into his chest, "I kinda like you too." She teases.
"When your hormones are in check." Jamie laughs and she hits him playfully on the chest.
Another eight weeks as passed before any one of them realizes it. Brooke, who is now 34 weeks has gone into full nestling mode. She's rearranged the living room, rearranged Jessica's room (twice), tried to rearrange her and Chase's room, but he refused profusely. Every cabinet in the kitchen has been restocked, rearranged and such several times. Finally Peyton is called in to help control the over aggressive Brooke's rearranging. Together the two talk about the nursery and everything for the baby. Heather, at 26 weeks, is simply trying to make it through the day. She and Brianna have become close over the last few weeks. Brianna has even hung out with Meg and Lily. At first the two best friends of the pregnant teen were leery of Brianna, but soon they came to understand the reason Heather was hanging so close to her. Meg even voiced her thanks, because she simply didn't understand some of Heather's mood swings. Rachel was still hanging around town, to the delight of Meg. She knew how to keep her daughter in check, although that hadn't really been the reason for staying around. Brooke was enjoying having her around. The more time that Rachel spent with Brooke, Peyton, Haley, Mouth and the families that went with each, the more the old longing came back. The longing for a husband, and the longing for more children. Although she had to admit she didn't really miss the sleepless nights.
Heather sat opposite Rachel and Meg in Karen's cafe, while Lily sat beside her.
"So tell me honestly," Rachel says looking at the three girls, "Any big plans for this weekend?"
Heather huffs, "Yeah I'm really going out partying, might come back knocked up Aunt Rach." She shakes her head and laughs slightly.
"Well, you never know what could happen." Rachel smirks.
"MOM!" Meg says beside her. "Don't play with her hormones."
"Seriously Rach, don't. She's been...hormonal lately." Lily says looking sideways to see Heather roll her eyes.
"I thought we agreed it was emotional?" Heather says glancing around the cafe.
"No you agreed it was emotional, we agreed you simply have a horrible case of pregnant hormones." Meg smirks.
Heather feels the baby stick its foot out and moves a hand to rub the spot. "You Okay?" Rachel asks seeing the teen's movement and a slightly pained expression.
"Yeah, the baby is sticking its foot out, maybe telling your daughter to kiss its foot." Heather shoots a smirk to Meg.
Rachel laughs slightly, "Yeah she always does that. You were always sticking your ass out though," She points at Heather, "Matter of fact, we were sure you were going to be ass backwards, but as soon as they got ready to prep Brooke for surgery you decided to turn around."
"Well the world can kiss my ass Aunt Rach." Heather says cutting her head to the side with a mischievous grin. She loved her Aunt Rachel, because she can say ass, or damn it, or shit, and not get fussed at about it.
"So back to this weekend," Rachel says brightly.
"Well, I'm going to stay home the same way I have for the last four and half months. Probably curl up with Momma provided she's not rearranging stuff." Heather says picking up a fry.
"I got a date with Michael." Lily smiles broadly.
"And I'm going to either be with Heather, or maybe catch a party." Meg says.
"Really because I thought we might get the guys together, even Michael, and head up to the cabin." Rachel says shrugging, "But if you would rather….."
"Oh Please!" Heather says, and then sets back a little defeated, "Momma won't let me go. But you guys have fun." she tries to smile.
"I already talked to your Momma, and Lily's and Jamie's, and Jackson's, everything is set if you kids want to go." Rachel pats Heather's hand, "I'll be there should anything happen."
"Great!" Meg says, "But you know what this means right? ….Shopping Trip!"
Heather nods but looks at her watch, "Oh, but not right this second, I'm supposed to be at the doctors."
Rachel looks at her own watch, "Yes you are, and I have an appointment with your Momma."
"Huh?" Heather raises an eye brow.
"Apparently she has to go shopping, and let's face it I'm always up for shopping." Rachel smiles, and Heather laughs, "Well, have fun."
"You too." Rachel kisses Meg on the forehead, "Be good." She stands and then places a kiss on Heather's forehead as well, "I'll see you later."
Jamie enters the cafe just as Rachel is leaving, "Ready to find out if we have a cheerleader or a basketball player?"
Heather stands up, "The way this one kicks, we may end up having to start a Tree Hill soccer league."
Jamie smiled and helped Heather out the door and into the car.
Note: I just wanted to say thank you to Amanda for reading and helping me with this, Thank you so so so much. Also, thanks for the reveiws keep them coming!