AN: Thanks for all the reviews. I'm glad you guys like the story so far. I hope you like this chapter. Please read and review!
Chapter Four –Wild At Heart
He took his time enjoying in what he was sure was a win. He could see her out of the corner of his eye. The girl was definitely something. She had a little fire to her. He liked it. She had been holding her own the whole game. It just wasn't enough for him. He wasn't ready for the night to end and he was sure that if she won then she'd take the money and walk away. He couldn't have that.
She was different from any other woman he had ever met. From their conversation during the game he knew that she was very smart. She used words sometimes that even he didn't understand. She didn't try to impress him like all the other girls did, but then again she really seemed to not know who he was. It was refreshing. For once in his life he didn't have to live up to someone's expectations. He could just be himself. There was no pressure. It was just light and fun. He really liked that. She looked like she was having a great time and he had to admit so was he. There was just something about her.
He had been having drinks with Clayton when he first saw her. They had been ready to go and call it a night because they had a big morning ahead of them. But once he saw her he just couldn't walk away. He gave Clayton his jacket and sent both him and Bear away.
There was just something that he liked about this girl.
He carefully positioned himself before smirking up at her. She scowled and he started laughing before focusing his eyes on the eight ball. Then carefully he hit it. It went right in. He stood up smugly before placing his pool stick on the table. Walking casually towards her, he lifted the money in his hands and placed it in his pockets. She glanced away.
"Where's all your big talk now?"
"Fine you win," Haley muttered. "What is it that you want?"
He thought about it for a second. Glancing down at her, he reached for her hand holding it in his. Once his skin touched hers, he felt a sharp spark shoot through his whole body. It caught him off guard but he wasn't about to let that show. He smiled and pushed the feeling away.
"You want to get out of here?"
He knew this wasn't going to be easy. She was different. He had to try a different approach with her. She wasn't just going to fuck him. God, he couldn't help himself, he needed to have her. He couldn't stop the urge of wanting to be with her. He had wanted girls before but this was different. He needed her. He had a nagging feeling that if the night didn't end well he'd spend the rest of his life wondering what could have been. He didn't want that.
"Yes."
He glanced at her surprised. He didn't think it would be that easy. He also knew that she didn't think anything of his question. He pulled her along with him as they made their way downstairs. He ignored people looking at him in awe as they made their way through the crowd. He prayed that Haley wouldn't overhear people talking about him. He loved that she didn't know who he was. He didn't want her to know. He liked being just Nathan.
He glanced over his shoulder at her and noticed that she was waving to two girls. One was a sexy brunette and the other was a sexy curly haired blonde. They both had huge smiles on their faces. Once they reached the outside of the club he let go of her hand. They continued to walk as he smiled down at her.
He prayed that no one would recognize him. If they had been in Manhattan that would've been it. He couldn't go anywhere there without being recognized. Here it wasn't so bad.
It was late and the only people on the sidewalks all looked pretty drunk as they made their way in and out of clubs. They turned the corner and he was happy that it wasn't as crowded as the one they were just on.
"What are you doing in Orlando?" Nathan asked curiously.
She smiled. "My friends and I are kind of making our way around each state seeing as much as we can for the summer."
"Sounds like fun."
"It is. I don't really get to see any of them that much any more so it's nice to spend the summer with them like this. What about you? Do you travel a lot?"
He chuckled before nodding. "You could say that."
"Still not going to tell me who you are?"
"I'm sure you'll figure it out," Nathan teased. They continued walking as she told him about the last few days of her trip. She had a lot to say about some girl named Brooke. He couldn't help but laugh as he listened. The girl could talk. Usually that would bother him but with her it didn't really get to him. He liked it. It was even kind of cute the way she would ramble on and on.
Finally he stopped walking. She did the same but she was still talking. It was a few seconds later when she finally stopped and glanced around.
"Why did we stop?"
He pointed up to the place in front of them. "We're here."
She glanced to the side and noticed the neon sign above the doors. Ink.
He watched for a few seconds amused as she realized where they were. Then her smile faded and she started shaking her head. He fought the urge to laugh. This was going to be fun.
"No. No. No. You can't be serious," Haley rushed out in panic.
He smirked. "A deals a deal."
"No. No. No. This is insane! I'm not marking my body over some bet!"
There was that fire he liked. She still continued to protest as he watched. Eventually she just started talking to herself. He couldn't take his eyes off of her. She was just the right size for him, he noticed. Her body was perfect and that smile…well, it was something. He pushed his thoughts aside as he listened to her. He smirked.
"What?" Haley snapped. "Why are you looking at me like that?"
"You haven't done one spontaneous thing in your life, have you?"
She glared at him. More fire. He chuckled. "I most certainly have."
He knew in that moment that she hadn't. He knew her type. She was a good girl. That's why she had seemed so different to him before. She didn't do things like this. He felt himself being drawn more into her. There's nothing that he loved more than a challenge. If this had been any other girl they would've already fucked. It was as simple as that. He didn't like waiting for things and girls never made him wait. But she was different. That was clear.
"Carpe diem," Nathan stated smugly.
She placed her hands on her hips. "What?"
"It means seize the day," Nathan explained.
"I know what it means," Haley said curtly.
His smirk widened. "And yet we're still standing out here. I mean if you're afraid –"
"I'm not afraid."
"Prove it," Nathan retorted. "Now, this is what I want. I won that game fair and square."
She glared at him in defiance before turning abruptly and marching right inside. He chuckled to himself as he followed her in. She was feisty. She stood there at the front desk with her hands folded over her chest. He glanced down checking out her perfect ass before walking up right behind her. Before he could stop himself, he slipped his arms around her waist and pulled her back against him. He loved the feel of her. He could feel himself harden as her body pressed into his. Leaning down he brought his mouth to her ear. Her eyes snapped shut and he smirked.
"You ready for this?"
Her eyes slowly fluttered open. "If I have to get one then you have to get one, too!"
"Oh, I was planning on it," Nathan chuckled softly. "But I'm picking yours."
"But –"
"Deals a deal, Haley James. This is what I want."
"Welcome to Ink." A skinny guy with a black Mohawk walked up to the front counter. His whole body was covered in tattoos. He felt Haley's body tense into his and he smiled. He liked the fact that she didn't move out of his arms. He really liked it.
"We would like to get each of us a tattoo," Nathan told him.
The guy nodded. "I'm Dex. Do you know what you want?"
"I sure do," Nathan nodded. "Let's set her up and I'll tell you."
The guy pointed to the back. "Just go sit right back there." Nathan let go of her. She glanced back at him for a second before she went off in that direction. Nathan chuckled before reaching for his wallet. "You're Nathan Scott!"
"Easy," Nathan muttered. "Here's five hundred bucks to keep your mouth shut." He tossed the money on the counter before explaining to the guy what he wanted. The guy nodded before placing him in a different room. Then some guy Art came in and started on him. He prayed that Haley would go through with it without him there. Once he was done with his, Nathan took a seat up front and waited for Haley to finish. It wasn't long before she walked up front and glared at him. Oh, boy. She didn't look happy. For the first time in years he felt himself getting nervous.
"Is there –"
"Thanks for the tramp stamp," Haley snapped angrily.
He smirked. "I happen to think those are very, very sexy," he quickly pointed out as he stood up. She rolled her eyes before storming out of the store. Dex gave him a sympathetic look before Nathan took off after her. He found her walking down the sidewalk.
"Wait up," Nathan shouted as he jogged after her. "Come on, Haley. At least let me see it."
She stopped walking. He was almost to her when he noticed that she pulled up her shirt for him. He made it behind her and carefully pulled off the bandage over it. It was then that he noticed his numbers in black ink above her ass. 23. He knew that it would look good that's why he told Dex to put it there. He felt something inside of him heat up at the sight of it. It wasn't just the tattoo, it was the fact that it was on her. He had never seen something so sexy in his life before. He placed the bandage back on before pulling her shirt back down. Then carefully he reached for her arm and made her face him.
"Are you still mad at me?" Nathan questioned.
Her eyes got softer. "That depends."
"On…?" He could feel himself starting to smile.
"What kind of tattoo you got?"
He smirked before unbuttoning his shirt slowly. He didn't care that they were on the sidewalk. His eyes stayed glued to her face as he watched her admire his body. He pulled off his shirt halfway so that she could see his upper arm. Then carefully he removed the bandage and showed her. In big black letters were HJ.
"Why did you –?"
"You having something of mine and I have something of yours," Nathan smirked before placing the bandage back on. For his first tattoo, that one sure hurt like a bitch. He placed his shirt back on and buttoned it up. Why hers had taken longer to put on he didn't understand. It was probably because she was scared to get one. He was sure that was it.
"But why –"
"I just want to remember this night," Nathan shrugged as they started walking again. "I wanted you to remember it, too. This is the most fun I've had…in a long time."
She smiled up at him as they started talking once again. She started talking about her friends again. He didn't mind. She seemed to really care about them. The only person that he would be able to talk about like that was Lucas. He didn't have anyone else unless you counted his father and even then Dan wasn't into emotional shit. He would probably tease Nathan if he knew the kind of night he had.
They talked for hours and surprisingly he had a good time. It wasn't long before they were walking towards her hotel. Finally they stopped once they reached the Grand Bohemian Hotel. They stood there awkwardly for a few seconds before she turned to face him.
"I had a good time tonight."
She smiled up at him. "Yeah, so did I."
He knew that if he didn't make his move soon then it would all be over. He took a step closer so that he was standing right in front of her. Glancing down his eyes met hers before traveling to her lips. He had wanted to kiss her all night long. Slowly he started leaning in. When he noticed her eyes snap shut he smiled before brushing his lips softly against hers. Instantly his eyes felt heavy, they shut a second later as he brushed his lips against hers again. He pulled away breathing hard. He didn't want to do anything wrong.
It was then that he felt her small hands take hold of his shirt before she pulled him back down to her. He turned his head slightly as he kissed her harder. He shoved his tongue in her mouth and when she moaned he nearly lost it. They took their time exploring each other before they pulled away in need of air. Nathan took a deep breath before glancing down at her. She seemed to enjoy the kiss just as much as he did.
"I don't want the night to end," Nathan stated truthfully.
She smiled nervously. "I would invite you up but I'm sharing a room with four people and they would…" she shook her head just thinking about it.
"Come with me," Nathan ordered. He took her hand and pulled her into the hotel as quickly as he could. He left her sitting as he quickly booked a room. Every few seconds he would glance back from the check in desk to make sure that she was still there. Once the guy handed him the card to his room, she stood up and met him by the elevator. They both got in. Once the doors closed he quickly pulled her into him and started kissing her again. He couldn't take his hands off of her. As he explored her mouth once again his hands explored the curves of her body. She felt so good.
Finally the elevator stopped and the door opened. They broke apart and he pulled her along with him until they reached the room. He pushed her against the wall on the side of the door as he started kissing her again. He reached in his pocket for the card to the room. His mouth moved to her neck as he started placing kisses everywhere.
"I've never done this type of thing before," Haley admitted breathlessly.
He pulled away from her neck and placed his forehead against hers. "Good." His eyes locked in on hers. For the longest time they stayed just like that, both breathing hard. He knew she was telling the truth. Girls like her didn't do this. He was lucky to be even here with her.
She felt like everything in her was coming undone.
"I want you," Nathan declared. "Do you want me?"
She nodded slowly, her eyes full of lust. No one had ever looked at him the way she was looking at him now. It was different and he knew it that moment that he never wanted anyone as much as he wanted her now. "Yes."
~***~
"He's smokin hott! He's a doctor! He has a sweet little kid and did I forget to mention that he wants you," Brooke declared.
Haley rolled her eyes for the millionth time that day. "I told you that I would think about it."
"It's been over two months," Brooke complained.
"So you keep saying," Haley stated dryly.
Ever since Brooke invited Dylan over to Jamie's party she hadn't shut up about him. It was always "Dylan's so great" and "Dylan's so perfect" and "don't you just love Dylan." She could swear that Brooke was in love with him, the girl talked about him so much. So she wasn't ready to date anyone? Big deal. It just wasn't the right time.
The last boyfriend she had was back in college. They had dated for over two years while they both attended Stanford. He was a year older than her. His name was Ethan and she had really cared about him. They had some good times together. But she couldn't see anything beyond that. He wanted them to get married and start a family and at that point in her life she just wasn't ready for that. Six months later she found out she was pregnant with Jamie.
It's amazing how quickly that had changed for her. Still, Ethan hadn't been the one. She was sure of it. Peyton explained what happens when you're really head over heels in love with someone and she just didn't feel that with Ethan. There was no spark. And she had felt the spark before. She knew what it felt like.
She hadn't dated anyone since then. She had just never found the right person and then when Jamie happened she just couldn't see herself dating. Jamie came first and she didn't want to confuse him with someone that he didn't know. Jamie was all that mattered now. She didn't need a man. She tried explaining this to Brooke but it's like it went in one ear and then out the other. The girl never listened.
"Where is Jamie?" Brooke questioned.
Haley kept on looking through the stack of clothes on the rack. She didn't know how but Brooke managed to talk her into shopping once again. She did need a few things. They had spent the whole afternoon shopping and still Brooke hadn't got all the things she needed. Haley was ready to call it a day but Brooke probably wouldn't be done until they forced her to leave.
"He's on a play date," Haley muttered absentmindedly.
"With who?"
"Drake," Haley answered.
So their kids had hit it off. It didn't mean that they would. Drake was a really great kid and she enjoyed having him over. Dylan had explained to her about Drakes mother. She died giving birth to him. She felt bad for their family ever since. Every time Jamie asked for Drake to come play over she just couldn't seem to say no. He was a really good kid.
She liked Dylan as well. He was really nice and she loved talking to him. But telling Brooke that would only feed fuel to the fire and she didn't need that right now. She had more important things to worry about.
She glanced at Brooke, who had a bright smile on her face. "How adorable is that? You're kids get along." She had a dreamy smile now.
"It's just a play date. Don't read too much into it."
Brooke ignored her as usual and went on talking about how cute Jamie and Drake were. She smiled as she listened. Brooke could go on and on for hours just talking to herself. It was really funny to listen to sometimes. Julian really got a kick out of Brooke talking to herself. He'd tease her for hours about it.
"How about this one guys?" Peyton asked holding up the dress. It was a bright red strapless dress.
Brooke clapped her hands. "I have the perfect Jimmy Choos to go with it! It's so meant to be. You have to get it!"
"It's nice," Haley nodded. Her sister really wasn't into dressing up and going to weddings. She was more of a jeans and t-shirt type of girl. Peyton used to spend most of her days locked up in her room listening to music and drawing.
"I guess I should get it if I have to go to this thing," Peyton sighed.
"It's Lindsey and Cooper's wedding."
Brooke started pouting again.
"What now, Tigger?"
She threw up her hands. "It's just that she's marrying hott Cooper!"
Both girls started laughing. "They've been together for the last three years. What did you expect?"
"That he'd leave her for me," Brooke shrugged innocently. "He's supposed to be mine! Peyton you've got Jake and Haley you've got Julian. I should've gotten the hott older Baker!"
"She's losing her mind," Peyton teased.
"Coops crazy about Lindsey," Haley stated as she placed a comforting hand on Brooke's shoulder. Peyton rolled her eyes and started laughing again.
"I can't believe that they asked you to be in the wedding," Peyton chuckled.
Brooke glared at her. "You're just mad because you're not!"
"I don't expect to be," Peyton mocked. "And I don't have to wear whatever dress Lindsey picks out for the two of you. Good luck with that."
"She's going to pick out something ugly," Brooke whined.
"No she won't."
"Well, if it's pink and has ruffles then I'm quitting!"
"I'd love to see you in that," Peyton laughed.
"Shut up, Goldilocks," Brooke retorted.
"Will you two please play nice? People are looking," Haley whispered over to them. People were looking in their direction. Haley put her head down and pretended that she was looking at the clothes in front of her. Brooke and Peyton always got like this. If she'd let them, then they'd fight for hours. They never stopped until someone told them to. Brooke was like that with everyone though.
"So you have the shoes?"
"Yep."
"Then I'm buying the dress."
Peyton made her way up to the front counter to buy the dress. Haley and Brooke both continued to look at the clothes.
"So does this mean that you'll invite Dylan to the wedding as your date?" Brooke asked excitedly.
"I have a date."
"Julian does not count!"
"And yet he's still my date to his brothers wedding!"
"Shouldn't you be his date to his brothers wedding?"
"Whatever! Either way we're going together. The best man and the maid of honor."
"Why didn't Lindsey ask me to be the maid of honor?" Brooke wondered.
"It's probably the way you look at Cooper," Haley smiled.
Brooke nodded. "You're right."
"The boy is damn fine," Haley agreed. Both girls started laughing.
"You know, the wedding is in two weeks. He could still change his mind," Brooke pointed out hopefully.
"Brooke," Haley warned.
She held up her hands. "Ok, fine. Whatever. I guess I'll never find true love. And if you say that you love me then I'm going to punch you!"
Haley laughed. She noticed Peyton walking up to them with a bag in her hands. Before Brooke could protest, she linked arms with her and pulled her out of the store. They continued to walk in the mall. Then Brooke noticed another store she wanted to look at and pulled them inside.
She started looking around once again. After making her way around the store, she walked up to Brooke and Peyton by the dressing room.
"Is this too slutty?"
"Yes," Haley answered honestly. Brooke had on a small shirt and her breasts were hanging out.
"Perfect!"
Haley ignored her and turned to Peyton. "Do you think Julian will like this?" She held up the shirt in her hands. Peyton took her time looking at the shirt before nodding. She didn't know why but she was always picking up clothes for him. Brooke always did the same. That boy never had to go shopping.
"Is this some kind of peace offering?" Peyton questioned.
"Yep," Haley nodded. "I hate fighting with him."
"And I hate living with him while you two are fighting," Brooke declared. "All he does is sulk around like a love sick puppy."
"She's extravagating," Haley retorted.
"Am I?"
"Yes."
"Really?"
"Yes."
"Should I ask Jamie what his Momma's been doing these last few days?"
Peyton giggled. "Pouting."
"And sulking around," Brooke nodded. "You two need to kiss and make up!"
She rolled her eyes. "I understand where he's coming from but he has to see my side, too. What did he expect me to do? Say no. I couldn't do that. I just wish he'd understand."
"I'm sure you two will make up."
She needed to change the subject. She didn't like the fact that Julian was still upset with her. She didn't want to think about it.
"So, did you get all of Jenny's birthday presents?"
"Not even close," Peyton frowned.
"I'm getting her the same thing that I got Jamie," Brooke declared.
"A blank check," Peyton smiled. "She'll love it!"
Haley laughed. "Yeah, be happy about it now. Jamie wanted to buy the whole toy store. Do you know how hard it was to get him to settle on one thing? He was not happy that day."
"Serves you right," Brooke muttered. "You should've let him get the whole store. I'll buy it for him."
"That's so not the point."
"What is the point?"
"Never mind," Haley sighed before walking away. She could hear the both of them laughing. She walked up to the front to check out. Once she was done she made her way out of the store. Brooke and Peyton were waiting for her.
"Hales, did Peyton tell you that Jake sometimes sings in his sleep?"
"Yep," Haley laughed.
"And did she tell you what he sang last night in his sleep?" Brooke asked excitedly.
She shook her head.
"The theme song to Hannah Montana! Isn't that funny?"
"Let's go home so I can make fun of him," Haley smiled just hoping that it would work.
"Just four more stores. I promise," Brooke stated.
Haley groaned as they started walking once again. Brooke was a few steps in front of them. She glanced at Peyton before smiling. "Seriously, Hannah Montana?"
"The whole song," Peyton giggled. "The kids and I had a good laugh! But really don't mention it to him. Jenny keeps that show on twenty four seven. I promised that I wouldn't say anything. "
"You should've had told Brooke," Haley pointed out sweetly.
Peyton's face fell. "I'm dead. She's totally gonna sale me out."
She was so glad when she finally got home. Her feet were killing her. She placed her bags on the kitchen table and started making dinner. After it was started she unpacked the things she bought. She had placed the things she bought for Jamie in his room. Then she brought her things into her room. She made her way back downstairs to check on the food.
It wasn't long before she heard the door open then close.
"Hey, Momma!" Jamie ran into the kitchen and then jumped in her arms. She started kissing the side of his face as he giggled. "Did you miss me?"
"Of course I missed you. Did you have fun?"
Jamie nodded. "We played with his legos and it was so much fun."
"They built a whole little town. It was pretty cool," Julian grinned before placing Jamie's bag on the counter. He then walked over to the refrigerator and pulled out a bottle of water. He walked quietly over to the counter and took a seat.
"Why don't you go wash up for dinner?" Jamie nodded before he took off running.
She glanced nervously at Julian before she reached for the bag with his shirt. She placed it in front of him and just stood there. He opened it hesitantly. He pulled out the shirt and glanced at it.
"You like it?"
"Yeah, thanks," Julian smiled softly.
"Should we talk?" Haley asked carefully. "I don't want to fight with you."
They had a huge argument the other day. Things had been so weird between them since then. She hated fighting with him. She wanted to put this behind them and move on. She really hated feeling like this.
"I'm sorry. I overreacted," Julian muttered.
"I don't want this to come between us," Haley stated. "And I certainly don't want things to change. This isn't going to change things. I promise. I won't let it."
"I hope you're right."
"I am," Haley nodded. "This is only for a little while."
"I know that," Julian mumbled. "I'm just worried about you and Jamie. I don't want to see you get hurt."
"I know that," Haley smiled. "I love you for caring about me and Jamie."
"I also want you to know that I'm going to be here for you no matter what. I'm not going to let this come between us," Julian declared.
"And you'll promise to be on your best behavior?"
He shrugged. "I'll work on it."
"That's all I ask," Haley laughed softly. Jamie came running back into the kitchen. He took a seat next Julian. She quickly fixed both of their bowls before placing it in front of them. They both smiled.
"My favorite," Julian grinned.
"Mine, too," Jamie added.
"It was mine first," Haley laughed before sitting next to him. They talked about their day while they ate Mac and Cheese. Like most nights it ended the same way. Brooke showed up and joined them. Then they all sat in the living room and watched a movie together. When it was late Brooke and Julian both went home. She tucked Jamie in and read him his favorite book before he fell asleep. Then she went to bed as well.
~***~
Nathan glanced out the window. Slowly he could feel the plane start to get lower and lower. He always hated the way it made him feel before the plane landed and when it took off. It always made him feel queasy. It wasn't helping that Lucas was too into his book to notice. He held onto both of his armrests tightly. He had been on a million plane rides and he was sure that he'd never get used to it.
Once the plane stopped moving he felt himself relax.
Lucas placed his book down and smiled. Nathan rolled his eyes.
"Need help, sir?"
"I'll help him," Lucas mumbled as he stood up. Lucas helped him up and wrapped his arm around Nathan's waist to support him up. They took their time and once they were out of the plane, Lucas helped him into the wheelchair.
He quickly reached in his pocket for his sunglasses. "Welcome to fucking Hicksville."
"You wanted to come here, remember?"
Nathan didn't answer. He placed on his sunglasses. He didn't feel like fighting with Lucas. The last two months of his life had been pretty hard. He had to do a lot of adjusting since the accident. His life just wasn't the same. Lucas had been there for him and he appreciated it more than he could say. In fact, Lucas was the only person he had. Lucas had agreed to come with him to Tree Hill. Lucas had been the one to talk Haley into it. Nathan knew that if he had called she would've told him no. She wasn't his biggest fan. Not that he blamed her.
Lucas on the other hand, Haley loved. She had agreed to this arrangement right away when Lucas explained things to her. Nathan didn't care as long as she said yes.
Physical therapy had been really draining him everyday. They always seemed to push him too hard. Some days he didn't even feel like getting out of bed. Last month he had stood on his own for a few minutes but it took everything out of him. He even took a few steps with the help of Brice three weeks ago. I felt good to walk again. Two weeks ago he stood on his own for a long time before falling flat on his face. He had been so frustrated after that he had left his session early. He could walk better now but he still needed help and the wheelchair. His legs still hurt.
But if you asked him he had been doing great. He pushed himself hard some days. He prayed that soon he would be able to walk with crutches. Anything would be better than this chair. He wasn't going to stop until he was walking again.
Then he'd be able to play ball again.
His team was about to play in the playoffs. He was on the injured list and he wasn't sure when he'd be back. He didn't know when he was going to walk again much less play basketball. But he knew he wouldn't stop until he was back to normal. The doctor told him that he'd probably never play the same again. That was a lot to take, but he didn't let it get to him. He'd be even better than before. He would make sure of it.
Lucas got behind him and started pushing him. He pushed him until they reached a black Range Rover.
"You like your new car?" Lucas questioned.
"It's not the Viper I requested."
"Tree Hill isn't a Viper kind of place," Lucas pointed out. "You'll fit in more with this."
"I don't even want to drive."
"But eventually you will and you'll need a car," Lucas explained. He opened the passenger's door and turned back towards him. Lucas helped him up before helping him into the car. Then Lucas placed the wheelchair in the back. Then they both waited as their bags were loaded into the back seat of the car.
Once they were done Lucas drove off.
He took in the sight of the town as they drove through it. He had only been to Tree Hill once before when Jamie was born. It was small town. But it was just like Haley had explained it to him. Everything was exactly like she explained it. Slowly he could feel the guilt seeping in because Jamie was four and never once had he come down here to just visit. Just like always he kept it inside. He kept it hidden deep inside of him as it slowly ate him up.
The car came to a stop. The house was nice. It was kind of small. It was yellow with white shutters. It was two stories. In the front yard there was a huge porch and right in front of that was a garden full of flowers. There was a basketball goal in the driveway. Nathan didn't know why it was there. It was way too big for Jamie. Lucas got out and got his chair. Then he came to help him next. He sat in the wheelchair. Slowly they rolled around the car. It was a few seconds later that the front door opened. Haley and Jamie walked out. It wasn't long before they were standing a few feet away from them.
They looked different from the last time he had seen them. She looked different. She cut of her long blonde locks and now her hair was a dark chocolate brown that went pass her shoulders. Other than that she looked the same. He found his eyes traveling down her body. They landed on her nice tan legs. With the sound of someone moving he quickly glanced away.
Lucas took off walking towards them. Jamie ran and jumped in his arms.
"J Luke. You look different boy."
"Uncle Lucas," Jamie smiled as he hugged him. "I got bigger!"
Nathan sat there awkwardly as he watched them. It had been a long time since the last time he seen Jamie. Such a long time ago. He was bigger. He could remember when Jamie fit right into his hand.
Lucas placed Jamie back on the ground. Slowly, with his head down, Jamie walked over to him. Once he was close enough Nathan reached out and lifted Jamie in his arms. Then carefully he held him as tight as he could. "I missed you, buddy."
It was good to hold his son like this. The last time he had seen Jamie things hadn't gone to well. He and Haley ended up in this huge fight and then he hadn't seen them since then. Sure he talked to Jamie on the phone but it wasn't the same as seeing him.
"I'm missed you, too, Daddy."
Lucas placed his arm around Haley's shoulders as the two of them watched.
He didn't want to let Jamie go but eventually he did. He placed Jamie back on the ground. He ran to the basketball goal and lifted the ball up from the ground. He then turned and grinned at Lucas.
"Uncle Lucas, let's play." He bounced the ball a few times as Lucas made his way to him. He then smiled before watching Jamie dribble. "I'm Nathan Scott. Who are you, Uncle Lucas?"
Lucas chuckled. "I'll be myself." He then lifted Jamie up and brought him towards the goal. Jamie tossed the ball right into the net. Haley clapped as he made it and he smiled. Lucas placed Jamie back on the ground. Lucas made his way back to Haley.
"Sorry, we're late," Lucas apologized. "The plane left a little later than I expected."
Saint Lucas always apologizing, how unlike him. Nathan watched as Jamie quickly made his way back to Haley's side before holding up his hands for her. She lifted him up in her arms and instantly his head fell on her shoulder.
"Its fine," Haley smiled at him. "Come on inside."
He started to wheel himself but Lucas made it back behind him. Lucas pushed him until they reached the living room. He took a look around. The room was covered in pictures. The furniture was nice. Everything about this place was Haley.
"This is it," Haley stated while tossing up her hands. "Lucas, you know where the guest bedroom is upstairs."
Another reminder that Lucas had been here before and he had not.
"Yeah," Lucas nodded.
"Right next to my room," Jamie smiled up at him.
"Why don't you help me with the bags, J Luke?"
Jamie nodded. "Ok." Lucas reached for Jamie's hand before they both left the living room. Nathan eyes stayed glued to Haley as he watched her smile fade as they left them alone together. He knew that she didn't want to be alone with him. She just stood there looking at the door not knowing what to do. He could feel a small smile forming on his face as he watched her.
"Nice place," Nathan finally muttered when he couldn't take the silence any longer. She jumped at the sound of his voice before turning to look at him.
"Thanks."
"You look good," Nathan pointed out. He was only telling the truth.
She glared at him. "Nathan…"
"I guess this means we won't be sharing a room?"
She ignored him. "Let me show you the other guest bedroom." He followed her down the hall. Nathan tried his best to look at as many pictures as he could. Most of them were of Jamie. They reached the end of the hallway and he rolled himself into the room.
It was small, too small for him. His bathroom back home was bigger than this. And there was nothing in it but a small dresser and a queen sized bed. Queen! No way was he going to be able to sleep on that. Everything in him wanted to open his mouth and complain. He held it inside. He knew that Haley would have no problem with kicking him out. She was the only person he'd even met that didn't take his shit. He was sure that the room Lucas was staying in was bigger than this. She was killing him with this.
"It's small," Nathan pointed out. He just couldn't help himself sometimes.
She rolled her eyes before shaking her head. "It's all we've got. Now, I'm sorry if this isn't good enough for you. You can always stay somewhere else, you know. You don't have to stay here." He could tell by the look on her face that she wanted him to be anywhere else but here.
"I like it," Nathan lied. "Plus, I want to be close to Jamie. What better way to do that than to live here with him?"
She laughed bitterly before glancing away from him. She crossed her arms protectively over her chest. He pushed the wheelchair until he was close enough by her. Reaching out on the night stand with all of his weight he pressed down to pick himself up. He continued to hold onto the nightstand as he balanced himself up.
"What are you…?"
He reached out for her hand and pulled her closer. Then carefully he wrapped his free arm around her and pulled her into him. He held her as tight as he could. Her hands didn't move from her sides.
"Thanks for doing this for me," Nathan muttered after a few minutes of silence. He knew how hard this all was on her. It didn't help matters that she really couldn't stand him. She had made that point clear the last time he had seen her.
"I'm not doing this for you. I'm doing it for Jamie." He let her go and sat himself back in his wheelchair. Then he moved away from her.
"Either way, thank you," Nathan smiled softly.
"The bathroom is right across the hall." She pointed towards the open doorway. "The kitchen is right next to the living room. I don't know if you saw it. The dinning room is across the hall from that."
"Where's your room?"
Shaking her head, she made her way out of the room. He caught her hand before she made it pass him. She tried pulling it away but he held it tight. Finally, she glared down at him.
"I didn't mean that. I'm sorry."
"You should buy them in the bulk if you're going to hand out apologies that often."
He sighed. "Look will you just cut me a little slack. If you haven't noticed I'm going through a lot shit right now. So if you can just give me a break that might just make things a little bit easier for me. I'm trying here, Haley. I'm here ok. I'm here and I'm trying. So can you just meet me halfway here?"
"You're right. I'm sorry."
"You really do look good," Nathan smirked as he glanced up at her.
"Nathan, stop it," Haley snapped.
He nodded. "About what happened the last time we saw each other…I, uh…I'm sorry about that. I didn't want to leave things like that."
"Just forget about it. It was a long time ago."
"Can we please talk?" Nathan asked carefully. He finally let go of her hand. She stood there glancing away before shaking her head and walking out of the room. He took a deep breath before wheeling himself out of the room as well. So much for making things better. He reached the living room just in time to see Haley reaching for her purse. Before he could say anything she was out of the house.
He wheeled himself until he reached the front door. He could see Lucas still bringing the rest of the bags to the porch. Glancing out into the yard he noticed Jamie running around as some man chased him. Nathan took in the sight. He heard Jamie giggling. Instantly, he knew that the guy was Julian. The great Julian that Lucas told him all about. He had only seen him once. The godfather of his son. He hated the guy.
He watched as Haley walked up to Julian, they hugged before they took off walking towards the truck on the side of the road. Once they reached it Julian put Jamie inside. Nathan felt his blood start to boil. Jamie waved at him with a bright smile. He held up his hand for a second and smiled back.
"Where are they going?" Nathan asked as Lucas made his way up the steps.
Lucas glanced at the truck and then waved. "Shopping for birthday stuff. Haley's niece has a birthday tomorrow. They have to go pick up a few party things and then Julian's taking them to dinner."
He scowled.
"How cute," Nathan spit out.
"Back off, Nathan," Lucas muttered as he lifted up a few bags. "Whether you like it or not he's been here and you haven't. It's finally time you dealt with that."
