Back for another update. Bare with me while I vent for a moment. So I actually had this whole chapter finished on Thursday night. All I had to do was go back and check through any mistakes, and I should have done it that night, but I was exhausted and decided to call it a night. I saved it, and logged off of my computer. On Friday morning, I logged back on to tweak it and then put it up, and guess what? Yeah, everything I had written somehow deleted. I opened it and it was all there. I went to touch my mouse, hadn't even laid a finger on it and all of a sudden, everything disappeared! I was SO angry. I worked hard on that chapter, and I thought it came out so well. I was really proud of it. :( So, I had to rewrite everything, and I tried to remember it the way it was but I failed. Some things I did; others not so much. So, I hope you still like this rewrite, but I'll tell you that it's not the way I wanted it to be. And also because I was in a rush to get this done, I didn't go through and check any grammar/spelling mistakes so I apologize.

Anyway, once again, thank you for the amazing story alerts. It means so much to me that people are still enjoying this story. And of course, a big thanks goes out to Ellie, Othfan48, rosepetal16, kaya17tj, Steffsche, Skittlesgurl87, Mrs Haley James Scott 23, and lnoir for your lovely reviews. I owe a big apology to lnoir. I am so sorry. I swear I added your name in the last chapter's review recognitions, but for some reason every time I write your name, it disappears. If you noticed, there's no period mark in between, and that's because it's the only way I can actually add you with it showing up. I feel so bad. Please forgive me. And thank you so much for your reviews for both chapters 5 & 6. And again, thank you guys for your reviews. They really do mean so much to me and keep me motivated to continue writing.

And one final vent...9x12. Okay, Brooke is not my favorite character nor is Brulian my favorite couple but I can tolerate them. And sometimes within certain storylines, I love them. And I can even tolerate when an episode is centered around them. No big deal, in my opinion. However, I don't like how Julian rewrote history for his television show. I get that he wanted to write a story about him and Brooke. It makes complete sense. And if he wanted to write about them meeting in high school, again, whatever. But don't take what really happened to not only Brooke but all of the characters in high school and A) add yourself B) change it. That's a problem for me, because I watched these characters-my favorite characters-grow up and go through all of those instances. And if feels really disrespectful as a fan to see that tampered with. Maybe I'm being dramatic about it, but that's how I felt when I watched the episode. But that aside, it was a decent episode. Not great by any means but mildly tolerable. Only one more episode left you guys! How crazy is that? I don't know how I'm going to handle watching it next week. I have a feeling I'm going to need some tissues.

Well, enough of my rambling and start reading :) ...

June 23, 2010

Dozens of balloons different shades of pinks and purples surrounded the area. Two 'Happy Birthday' banners were strung along a couple tables where food and presents galore adorned their surfaces. Bright fushia pink table cloths covered the table tops with lavender confetti spread strategically in a strip along the length of the tables along with a small arrangement of deep purple gladiolus placed directly in the center. A moon bounce which moved consistently due to the jumping children inside was located in the left corner of the yard. Kids were running and jumping playing various types of activities all over the backyard while teenagers and adults filled the tables or perched on the freshly cut grass engaging in random, animated types of conversations.

And the weather. The weather was beautiful. The sun was brightly shining creating a warm temperature set around the mid 70s. There was a very mild breeze which allowed for a cooling effect against the sun's rays. There was no cloud in sight. Women didn't have to worry about their hair which most likely took them one, two hours tops to perfect blowing all over and inevitably causing knots and a big old mess on top of their head due to heavy gusts of wind. Profusive sweating wasn't an issue since the humidity was low and the temperature was under control. Thankfully, also diminishing the possible horrendous odors which undoubtedly follows consistent perspiration.

Haley walked swiftly yet gracefully along the stoned walkway and found Keith and Karen sitting and chatting at one of the tables with a couple other couples. She made her way towards them, smoothed out her cream colored paisley sundress, and took a seat on the adjacent bench. "I cannot get over how beautiful this day is." She stated turning on the bench so she was facing them.

"I know. We couldn't have asked for a more perfect day. Very fitting in my opinion since the day is in celebration of the most beautiful baby in the whole world." Karen said.

"You so sounded like Brooke right there." Haley teased.

"Oh no, she's rubbing off on me. That's a scary thought." Karen added as everyone at the table shared a good-natured laugh. "So, how's the hospital?"

"Good. Busy, but really good." Haley answered.

"Well, summer is here. That means a lot of kids outside playing and having lots of accidents."

"And that is definitely the case." Haley said.

"I actually wanted to ask you something, and I feel really guilty about it." Karen began as Haley looked at her confused. "You don't have to say yes at all. I don't want you to feel obligated or anything like that. I don't want you to worry about disappointing me or letting me down or..."

"Karen, what is it?" Haley chuckled.

"The weekend of July fourteenth, Keith's parents are renting a house up on the lakes and invited us and Lucas and Brooke up to spend the weekend with them. I don't have anyone to cover the cafe, and I'm at a loss as to what to do. I don't trust Deb to fully be in charge, and there may be a small possibility that Dan and Deb are going as well. I know you aren't working that weekend at the hospital, and I feel terrible asking you to work on your weekend off, but I am. And like I said, you can say no. And I'll even pay you double what I paid you when you worked here for me full-time."

"Of course, Karen. It's not a problem at all. And you don't have to pay me double. I would love to help you out. Besides, there are days that I really miss working at the cafe." Haley said.

"Thank you so much, Haley. And we really miss you over there, too." Karen said in complete gratitude.

Just then, a small shadow cast over and beside them causing them to turn to their sides where they saw Brooke standing. "Well, hello, Brooke. This is one fantastic party." Haley said.

"I know, right?" Brooke replied as they all looked at one another knowingly and couldn't help but laugh. "Anyway, I am so sorry, but I am here to steal Haley away for just a few minutes." She said while grasping Haley's arms and dragging the both of them away from the table and towards the house. The two girls arrived in the kitchen where Lucas and Nathan who was holding Sophie were already at. Nathan was sitting at one of the stools at the bar while Lucas was standing next to him both nursing a bottled beer.

"Have no fear boys...we have arrived." Brooke announced walking over to her husband and planting a quick, chaste kiss on his lips and backing away before he had the chance to respond and heading towards the counter next to the refrigerator and pouring champagne into two glasses.

"Brooke, what possessed you to choose the theme and color for this party. It seriously looks like someone vomited pepto bismol all over the place." Nathan said causing Haley to roll her eyes.

"Lucas." Brooke said kinking her eyebrows.

"Ouch!" Nathan yelped after Lucas punched him in his left arm. "Dude, what the hell?" He asked looking towards his brother.

"Sorry, man. That was from my wife. Not me." Lucas defended placing his hands up in mock surrender.

Nathan shook his head before sending a menacing glare his sister-in-law's way.

"Anyway, Lucas and I wanted to talk to the two of you in private for a few moments." Brooke said handing Haley one of the glasses she filled.

"What's up?" Haley asked taking a seat on the stool next to Nathan.

"We just want to tell you guys how much you mean to us. You don't know how great it's been having you guys here supporting us the way you have. Well, always have. You are truly the best friends and family we could ask for. There's a reason why we chose you as Sophie's Godparents, and you have proven that time and again this past year. She adores you both so much, and we can see and hear that the feelings are definitely mutual." Brooke began but paused to let out a faint sniffle.

"Are you crying?" Nathan asked incredulously as Haley backhanded him lightly on his chest.

"Mothers cry." Brooke justified before continuing. "Anyway, we just wanted to make a toast to two of the most important persons in our lives. So...to Nathan and Haley for being more amazing than we could ever dream or hope for you to be with Sophie and just in general. We love you both so much."

The four of them clinked their glasses and bottles together. "Cheers." They said concertedly.

And now that that's done, I would like to say something myself." Haley spoke up as the focus turned towards her. "I just wanted to say that you guys make the most amazing parents, and Sophie is so lucky and blessed to have you in her life. And it has been an honor and privilege to be a part of it with you and watch her grow over the past year. I love you. And happy birthday to little miss Sophie." She said leaning in and showering the young girl with kisses causing her to giggle.

"Ditto to what she said." Nathan added as they all laughed.

"Well, now that that's settled. It's picture time!" Brooke said cheerfully placing her glass on the counter and picking up her camera.

Nathan groaned as he set his beer down on the bar behind him as Haley and Lucas did the same with their drinks before following the bubbly brunette into the living room. "Your mother is crazy, Soph." He whispered playfully.

"Shut up, Nathan! I need to have at least one photo of Sophie with her amazing Godparents on her very first birthday so deal with it."

Nathan sat on the couch placing the young girl on his left knee while Haley plopped herself down next to him. She wrapped her arms around Sophie causing her to basically lean completely into Nathan's side as he draped his left arm down and around her side. And for just that short time span, they put aside whatever issues they had with one another which they usually did concerning Sophie and allowed Brooke to take a picture of the three of them.

"Fabulous!" She exclaimed. She and Lucas then disappeared outside to get everything together for Sophie to "open" her presents. Haley picked up Sophie out of Nathan's arms and carried her with her back into the kitchen with Nathan following her. She opened the refrigerator door and pulled out a bottled water.

"I still can't get over your hair." Nathan commented while once again taking a seat on his previous stool.

Since Sophie was born, Nathan's trips home have become longer and more frequent especially during the offseason. Not only did he come to see Sophie but to see his family and friends as well. The ones who he cared about anyway. Not Dan and Deb. Things with his parents have calmed down slightly. Sure they didn't talk nor did he ever visit them on any of his trips, but when they happened to run into one another around town, things were civil. Awkward but civil. Even today. Dan and Deb were both there, but the three of them managed to stick to their own "sides" which Nathan deduced was Keith's and Lucas' doing.

For the last three months, though, due to new contract negotiations as well as potential player tradings Nathan hasn't been able to visit. In fact, he really didn't have the free-time to be home for this weekend, but there was no way he was going to miss Sophie's birthday. Over the past year, he had truly developed a bond with the little girl. He loved her so much, and she's the only girl who's ever been able to get him to cave into almost anything. Sure enough, he became a big ole' "softy" around her.

The last time he was home back in March, Haley's hair was still her normal blonde color. Over the year, it has grown considerably. The length was now much longer stopping at the lower middle of her back. But her previous blonde locks were now a chestnut auburn color. Ever since he's known her, her hair has always been the same blonde color. He didn't even think she ever got it highlighted let alone fully dyed. It was definitely a change which he took notice to right away.

"What's the big deal? I don't remember asking you for your approval or anything so I quite frankly could careless if you don't like it." She replied with annoyance.

"I never said I didn't like it. I said I can't get over it-the change, I mean." He countered before adding, "I do, by the way. Like it." And he did. Today she had it down with a slight curl to it while two chunks on the sides framing her face were pulled back with a couple of bobby pins clasped together in the middle top of her head. The blonde hair definitely looked good on her, but this new color was so fresh and lively. He definitely wasn't going to be complaining about this change.

He could tell that he had caught her off-guard slightly as a small blush formed on her cheeks. He heard her mutter a 'thank you' before focusing her attention completely on the little girl in her arms. Nathan smirked observing the sight while taking a swig of his now slightly warm beer.


"So, what's going on with you and cutey pie doctor?" Brooke asked as she and Haley were laying leisurely on her bed with Sophie in between them. The party had ended an hour ago and all of the guests had left except Nathan and Haley. Lucas and Nathan were downstairs cleaning up any remnents left from the party while Brooke and Haley took Sophie upstairs to bathe and change her.

"Nothing."

"Seriously? It's been a year and nothing?" Brooke asked incredulously as her friend shook her head. "What is that boy's problem?"

"Maybe he just isn't interested." Haley replied nonchalantly acting as if it didn't affect her in the least.

Over the past year, her relationship with Julian deepened. They talked often and opened up to one another. During shared shifts, they tried to eat lunch together as often as they were able to. They were quickly becoming close friends. But friendship aside, there was still something deeper there. At least, Haley felt it. She thought he felt it, too, considering the shameless flirting done by both parties. She gave him all of the appropriate signs to let him know she was interested so the question remains. Why hasn't he asked her out? As the weeks then months went on, Haley came to the conclusion that he simply wasn't interested in her for anything more than friends. And she's accepted it.

"Oh, that's bull and you know it, Hales. For one thing, he flirts with you constantly. And for another thing, he always gets really nervous around you which is totally adorable. He always tries to appear so 'macho like', but it's so obvious. In a cute way, of course." Brooke said.

"Then, why hasn't he asked me out, Brooke? I mean, if he was in fact interested then he would have done something about it by now. Don't you think?" Haley countered.

"Maybe he's just shy." Brooke suggested as her friend gave her a 'yeah right' type of expression. "Look, I don't know why he hasn't. I don't know the guy nor am I able to read his mind."

"Maybe I'm just not his type."

"What? Smart, funny, compassionate, and totally hot isn't his type." Brooke quipped. She noticed the look of doubt cross Haley's face and sighed. Why couldn't Haley see how beautiful and amazing she is? She couldn't help but wonder.

Haley didn't really see anything worthwhile about herself. She wasn't glamorous. She didn't wear dresses or skirts or heels all the time. She didn't have the latest clothes designed by any top designers. On special occassions, she dressed up in the appropriate attire and enjoyed it, but it wasn't her. She was the most comfortable wearing a pair of jeans and a t-shirt with tennis shoes and most recently hospital scrubs. She failed to see that guys turned their head in her direction when she walked passed. She failed to see any of it. To her, she was just plain Haley.

"Hales, you are so amazing and stunningly beautiful. Any guy would be lucky to have you, and if he can't see that then that's his loss." Brooke said.

"Thanks."

Brooke nodded as a couple comfortable minutes of silence passed between them before she spoke once again. "I think I should just march over to that hospital and find out what that boy's problem is. I mean, seriously. He deserves the wrath of Brooke Scott right now for not being man enough to make the first move."

"Tigger." Haley said in warning.

Brooke rolled her eyes and sighed dramatically. "Fine. But you know where I live if you ever want me to drill some sense into the boy."

Haley laughed before focusing her attention on the little girl laying between them and said in a baby voice, "What are we going to do with your mommy, Soph? Huh? What are we going to do with her?"

Sophie looked up at her with her blue, doe-like eyes and smiled that gigantic smile of hers. Haley tickled her causing the sweetest, most precious giggles to fall from her lips.

Brooke watched the two interact and felt her heart constrict like it normally did when she saw them together. Sophie had taken such a liking to both Nathan and Haley. It was immediate. Her face lit up when she was with either of them. She truly loved them both.

Brooke couldn't help but think how lucky she was. She had a booming career, a beautiful house to live in, wonderful friends, and the most amazing family complete with the perfect husband and daughter. She's come a long way to get to where she is now, and she truly is blessed. Right now, her life was good, and it was perfect.

So, this was basically another filler chapter, but again, another necessary one. Let me know what you think! Hopefully, I'll have the next chapter up soon! The next one is a major turning point in this story. And for those of you who have seen the movie, you probably know what I'm talking about. :( I'm going to work really hard on it, because I want to do it justice. And I will warn you that it might be a long one since I have a lot of stuff to incorporate into it.