Disclaimer: I do not own One Tree Hill or any of the characters. All that is mine is this plot.
"Hey baby, we missed you. How are you feeling?" Nathan smiles down at his wife.
"Ugh, like a herd of elephants are running on my head. What happened?" Haley closes her eyes, trying to remember. "The last thing I remember is Dan holding me against the wall with a knife in his hand. He was saying something about me divorcing you, or else? What was that all about?"
"He said what? Asshole. I'm so sorry about all of this, babe."
"Nate, it wasn't your fault. So your father's psychotic. We all have a bad seed or two in the family," Haley laughs softly.
"I'm just so glad you're back. We should call the doctor in so he can check you out." He kisses her forehead and stands up.
Nathan calls the doctor. He comes into the room and examines Haley and the baby.
"Well I have good news, Mr. and Mrs. Scott. Seems like the baby is going to do just fine. His heartbeat is sounding normal and I don't think there was any real damage done. Mrs. Scott, you'll probably be feeling sore and weak for a few days but other than a couple of bruises where you hit your head, you'll be fine. Just take it easy for a while. We'd like to keep you in the hospital for another night, but you should be able to go home the day after tomorrow."
"Thanks for everything, doc." Nathan sounds genuinely relieved and grateful.
The doctor leaves the room. Nathan and Haley spend an hour talking before both fall asleep, but not before Nathan leaves Lucas a message telling him that Haley has woken up. The next day is prom day. Lucas and Brooke call the hospital and talk to Haley, but she doesn't receive any visitors all morning.
"I'm surprised Lucas and Brooke didn't stop by this morning."
"They're probably just busy with prom stuff. Brooke and Peyton were supposed to help the committee decorate this morning," Haley looks up at Nathan then. "Baby, I'm so sorry you have to miss our prom tonight because of me."
"Don't worry about that. You know that as long as I'm with you and you're okay, there's nothing else I would possibly want."
"Nathan Scott, sometimes I think you're just too good to me."
"So you're not going to leave me?" Nathan's blue eyes search Haley's.
"Of course not. Your dad was just talking. Do you honestly think his threats were going to break us up?"
"It's not that. Someone came to visit you last night, a few hours before you woke up. Someone I really didn't want to see."
"Who?"
"Chris Keller. He was back in town for the day and he stopped by. He said some stuff about you being happy when you're touring with him. And that the baby would put an end to your dreams." Nathan shakes his head at the memory.
"Nathan. I was happy on tour but nothing makes me happier than being with you. And our baby isn't putting an end to anything; he's only a beginning for us. I love you, always and forever. No questions asked."
"I love you too, baby."
Later on that night, Brooke and Peyton get ready for prom together, doing each others' hair and makeup. Lucas, dressed up in a black suit and red tie to match Brooke's red dress, picks them up from Peyton's house. They meet up with Mouth, Bevin, and Skills…at the hospital. Nathan grins as Brooke walks into the hospital room, wearing a beautiful red dress.
"What are you doing here?" Haley smiles at her friends, confused. "You're going to be late for prom."
"Here's the deal, Tutorgirl," Brooke says. "Since you and Nathan can't make it to prom, we all decided to bring prom to YOU."
"We…?"
As if on cue, Lucas, Peyton, Mouth, Bevin, and Skills all enter the room after Brooke. Peyton is carrying a stereo and a stack of cds. Mouth has a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Skills is carrying a bottle of soda and a few bags of chips. Bevin has a handful of blue and white balloons that she lets loose in the room. Everyone is dressed up in serious prom attire. Lucas walks over to Nathan and hands him a beautiful floral corsage that matches the light yellow dress Haley had bought. Nathan slips the corsage onto Haley's small wrist.
"Aw, you guys really shouldn't have. I think I'm going to cry."
"I think between creepy Dan attacks and a highly extended hospital stay, it's safe to say you two have earned it," Brooke says as she sits at the foot of the bed.
"You were in on this?" Haley asks Nathan.
"Somewhat."
"It's good to have you back, Hales," Lucas says as he kisses her on the top of her head.
AN: I thought that was a sweet way to end chapter 7. Sorry I didn't update any sooner, I haven't really been home much. Please review, I love hearing what you guys have to say! I hope you guys are enjoying so far. Chapter 8 is on its way.
