Chapter 7
A/N: Hey guys! I'm going to update one more time tomorrow. When I get back though, I'll try and make up for the lost time as best I can. Anyways, I'm really happy with how this chapter turned out, it's on the longer side. I hope you like it! Please review!
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Nathan rubbed the water from his eyes. Haley was standing in the middle of the road with a car planted right before her. She waved an apology and crossed the road.
"Are you crazy?! Do you want to get killed?!" Nathan had both hands up in the air
Haley was a little shaken up but yelled across the street to him, "No, I'm not suicidal Nathan!"
Nathan yelled back, "Then is it me?!"
Haley look confused, "What?"
Nathan spoke a little quieter, "Do you like torturing me then?!"
Haley didn't have an answer. She had no good reason for running from him. Why am I acting so ridiculous? "No." Haley mumbled.
Nathan quickly darted to the other side in between cars. He walked right up to Haley's face. "Then why are you running from me?"
Haley ran her fingers through her soaking hair, "I don't know. You know how I am Nathan. I'm stubborn, I have to come to you, and if I don't get to do that and you come to me then I will continue to run away for no reason. It's stupid and child-like, I know. I'm sorry because the truth is, I was walking home to talk to you, and apologize."
Nathan wiped the water off of his face again, "I need to apologize to you too. I shouldn't have pushed you Hales. I do want to talk about it sometime, but it wasn't fair of me to demand that from you right then, especially when I said your pace. I'm sorry."
Haley nodded, "It's okay. I understand that you're trying to take care of it all, take care of me, and make sure you handle everything in this...situation...so I'm sorry that I freaked out at you. But please Nathan, we have to go at my pace."
Nathan spoke as a huge crash of thunder came down, "I know, we will. But Hales, we also have to talk about it because those decisions do have to be made sooner rather than later. It's easier if the victim...erm well people in our situation deal with the technical stuff right away."
Haley hesitated, "I understand you're trying to help that way, I do. But I'll talk about it when I'm ready."
Nathan sighed, "Hales. Please don't get angry when I say this, but when you're ready might be too late. I'll agree, okay, not until you're ready. But just remember that whenever you talk about it, it's not going to be any easier or any less fun. But when you're ready, I'll be there for you the whole time. Okay?"
Haley looked down and then up at Nathan, "You're right. I can't avoid doing this, might as well get it over with right? Okay, we'll have that talk soon then. I promise."
Nathan smiled, "I'm glad."
Haley laughed, "Why do we have to resolve every fight in the pouring rain?"
Nathan reached out for Haley's hand waiting for her approval until she clasped it, "Because then it means we get to make up in it too." Nathan put his hand on Haley's waist and one on her face. Haley looked at him smiling as the rain cascaded down his face. Nathan leaned down and kissed Haley long and hard. Too his surprise, she wasn't pulling away. Haley felt so good like this, with Nathan's hand securely on her back and his lips against hers.
Haley pulled away smiling, "I wasn't really complaining."
Nathan wiped the rain off of her face, "Come on, let's get home."
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Haley was sitting on the couch, curled up in a ball with her towel wrapped around her.
Nathan had just put some mac and cheese in the microwave. "Where did you go?"
Haley bit her lip, afraid of his reaction, "Lucas' house."
Nathan sighed, "Okay."
Haley turned around facing the kitchen, "No, that wasn't an okay. What was that sigh for?"
Nathan spoke calmly, "I just don't get it. I'm not mad but why can you talk to Lucas about it and not me?"
Haley ran her hand through her hair again, "I figured you would think that. Lucas is my best friend, if you weren't his brother, then he wouldn't get so grossed out about our love life. Best friends can talk about that stuff, normally. You are my husband and the man who I share my love life with therefore it's harder for me to tell you about sex with another man than it would be my best friend. Especially when it was sex that I had unwillingly which as we clarified is hard to talk about no matter where or to whom."
Nathan paused, "Oh I see."
Haley got up and walked up to Nathan, "But just for the record, I didn't talk to him about it."
Nathan couldn't help but feel slightly better, "What did you talk about then?"
Haley leaned against the counter next to Nathan, "You."
Nathan smirked, "Of course you did."
Haley laughed, "Don't get cocky. We talked about our fight. But he did stand up for you."
Nathan stirred the mac and cheese, "Lucas and I are really good right now."
Haley grabbed her bowl and sat at the table, "When did this happen?"
Nathan took a seat next to Haley with his bowl, "When you were at the doctor's with Brooke."
Haley spooned a mouthful, "Oh, well I'm really really happy that you guys are getting closer."
Nathan put his spoon down in his almost empty bowl, "Me too actually."
Just then another crash of thunder and the lights went out. Nathan heard Haley's spoon fall on the counter.
Haley spoke, "Great."
Nathan got up and stumbled to where the candles were kept. He brought them back to the table and lit them all. "You okay?"
Haley smiled, "Yep. Just startled me is all."
Nathan could faintly see her, "Why don't you go sit on the couch and we can talk."
Haley nodded, "Good idea."
Nathan put the dishes in the sink, and sat down next to her. "What about school tomorrow?"
Haley snuggled up next to him, "I'm going."
Nathan wrapped his arms around her, "Are you sure?"
Haley had her eyes closed, "I was thinking about it actually. But I'm not gonna let this jock ruin my life. He took a good shot at it, but I'm going to use what strength and courage I have left to just go on normally. If I back down, then he wins it all."
Nathan grabbed the blanket and pulled it over them, "You are amazing. I love you so much it's incredible."
Haley rubbed his chest, "There's just one thing that I'm not ready to...continue."
Nathan was stroking her wisps of hair, "What's that?"
Haley sighed, "Cheerleading. That uniform. I can't put it on again."
Nathan understood, "That might just take time."
Haley opened her eyes, "No, I don't think I can wear one ever again."
Nathan stopped stroking her hair, "Don't let him win that battle this quickly. Give it time, and even if that's the case. Well, I'm gonna get my hands on this punk and win it for you."
Haley smiled a little, "That's cheating."
Nathan laughed a little but then got serious, "Yeah, but he broke the rules first. Screw that rule; two wrongs don't make a right. He messed with you, and when I get my hands on him, I'm gonna kill him."
Haley closed her eyes again, "I give you permission to kick his ass, but please don't kill him. Seriously Nathan, no joke, you would go to jail. Don't kill him."
Nathan traced circles on her back, "I wouldn't actually kill him."
Haley sniffled, "But that's the thing. You say this now, but when you have him in your hands, you're gonna feel differently. I know you."
Nathan sighed, "Yeah you're right. Okay fine, I'll stop just before he's dead. Deal?"
Haley smiled, "Deal." Haley quickly shot out of Nathan's arms.
Nathan sat up, "What is it?"
Haley sneezed, "Sorry."
Nathan pulled her back down onto him, "See. You got sick."
Haley closed her eyes and leaned onto him, "I'll be fine. Stop worrying."
Nathan grunted, "Ugh. I forgot to call Tim."
Haley adjusted the blanket, "Well, you can't now. What about?"
Nathan sighed, "The party this friday. It's this huge basketball thing. Tim can't stop talking about it."
Haley paused, "Is it just you guys, or other people too."
Nathan could hear the real question in her voice, "You don't have to go. It's just basketball guys but they can bring their girlfriends if they want to and stuff like that but I'm not going."
Haley looked up at him, "Yes you are."
Nathan looked at Haley, "No, not if you're not going."
Haley thought for a second, "Is Brooke going with Lucas?"
Nathan paused, "Yeah I think she is."
Haley nodded, "Then I am too."
Nathan looked at her with concern, "Are you sure?"
Haley nodded again, "Yep. You are a basketball star, you should be at that party. If Brooke is there then I have someone to hang out with. It's all good."
Nathan kissed the top of her head, "Thanks Hales, but if you change your mind, don't worry about it."
Haley smiled at Nathan, "I won't. Maybe we deserve a party to just have fun."
Nathan laughed, "Maybe."
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Nathan was laying in bed trying to fall asleep but Haley kept on shifting.
"Hales?" He asked
Haley rolled on her back, "Yeah. I keep thinking about it."
Nathan rolled on his back too, "Think of a story and close your eyes. That's what my mom used to do when I had nightmares when I was little. The few times she was around, that is."
Haley sighed and closed her eyes. Nathan rolled on his side.
"It was just me. Karen had left, and I was already in my uniform. I just had some cleaning up to do." Haley's voice was quavering. Her eyes were closed and squinted.
Nathan rolled over to face Haley.
Haley paused, "I turned on some music, turned it up and danced a little while I cleaned. Then I heard the bell on the door. I turned the music down and there was a jock sitting at the counter. He was not a Raven so I figured he was from the other team. I thought it was odd, he only had an hour until the game. I asked what he wanted and he said a coffee."
Nathan remembered the half drunken cup of coffee he had seen when he went looking for her.
Haley continued, "He made a comment about how when I dance I flow to the music. I told him I thought no one was watching. He started making comments about me being a cheerleader and how I look good in the uniform. He really crossed the line though when he came into the kitchen. I reminded him of the game and he told me he didn't have to go yet and then he reached out for my cheek. I slapped his hand and told him that I'm married. He asked if you were a hot jock too and wrapped his arms around me from behind me. I tried to break free from his hold but he was too strong for me. I pleaded with him to just let me go and I wouldn't tell anyone. He told me that that wouldn't," Haley stopped and opened her eyes, releasing tears, "He said that that wouldn't be fun."
Nathan's jaw dropped but he quickly clenched it closed.
Haley looked at the ceiling, "He shoved me to the floor. I was laying there thinking about how to get out of this. He was taking off his clothes and standing up. I decided to make a run for it. He caught me and slapped me. He shoved me to the ground again and threatened me if I was to try to get away again. Then he laid down on top of me and started playing with my clothing, moving it out of the way slowly. I used all my strength trying to kick him. I was squirming my arms and legs, doing anything I could. He grabbed my wrists and squeezed them the whole time. I was stuck. Then when he finished with me, he just straightened up and walked out."
Haley had a now steady stream of tears gathering by her eyelids, "Afterwards, I didn't know what to do. It all felt so unreal. I vomited, and then took a shower. I scrubbed at my skin, trying to get him off of me. I went to Lucas' house, got clothes, and walked to Brooke's."
Haley finally turned to look at Nathan, she was sobbing. "I'm so sorry I didn't come to you Nathan, I wasn't myself. But I knew Brooke would take care of me and get me to you if that's where I needed to be. I was so scared of facing you though. I couldn't be strong and this jock ruined everything. I waited to give myself to you, it was special, you were the only man I had ever been with, and this jock ruined that. He took that away even though I had already given it to you. My gift felt worthless, I felt worthless. And I didn't want to ruin your game."
Nathan pulled Haley into his chest. "Thank you so much for telling me Haley. I know that was hard, thank you so much. The game always comes after you though, okay? And, you are not disgusting, he didn't dirty you, not in my eyes. You're not worthless, and you waiting for me, still means everything it used to."
Haley just sobbed into Nathan's chest. Nathan spoke again, "And about Brooke. You going to Brooke turned out to be good. Brooke took you to the doctor, and to tell you the truth, Lucas and I talked it out, and we cried and hugged. Brooke called me right away too. She knew what to do. I don't think she realizes that but she did. Haley, I love you more than the world itself. You are my world, and I love you with every inch of my body, no matter what happens to your's, nothing can change that."
Haley sniffled and kissed Nathan's chest. "I love you so much."
Nathan kissed the top of her head, "It's out of your head now. Try and sleep."
Haley closed her eyes, overcome with the safety of having Nathan all around her.
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Haley and Nathan walked through the hallway of school with their hands intertwined. Brooke and Lucas were making out by his locker.
Brooke spotted Haley and pulled away from Lucas, "Haley!"
Haley was nearly tackled by Brooke as she barreled into her, "Hey Brooke."
Brooke was hugging Haley tightly, "I'm so glad you're okay."
Haley pulled away and looked into Brooke's eyes, "I can't thank you enough for taking care of me. You're an amazing friend, I'm so lucky to have you."
Brooke smiled and hugged Haley again, "Don't make me cry tutorgirl. Thanks for trusting me, I don't know why you came to me, but I'm glad you did. I love you too much to not take care of you."
Haley smiled, "Love you too Brooke. I have a question though."
Brooke rubbed Haley's arms, "Anything."
Haley asked, "I won't be mad but did you tell Peyton and Jake?"
Brooke bit her lip, "Kind of. I let something slip and she pieced the rest together." Brooke could feel Nathan's angry stare. "I'm so sorry!"
Haley laughed, "Don't worry about it. I'm actually relieved. I really don't feel like explaining it to two more people."
Brooke laughed, "Understood. Ready to go to class?"
Haley kissed Nathan on the cheek. "Yep."
Lucas looked at Nathan who was watching Haley walk down the hall with her arms intertwined with Brooke's. "Look's like you guys stopped fighting."
Nathan laughed, "Yeah, thank god. She almost got hit by a car though in the process."
Lucas was shocked, "Wait. What?!"
Nathan laughed again, "She's fine. You know how we always end up fighting in the rain. Well this time it was fighting on a busy road in the thunderstorm. It's okay though. I wasn't going to let anything happen to her."
Lucas slapped his brother on the back, "I know."
Nathan hugged his brother back, "So, are you going to the party on Friday?"
Lucas motioned to start walking to class, "Yeah, I think so. Brooke wants to go too."
Nathan walked alongside him, "Yeah, surprisingly, so does Haley. She said only if Brooke goes too though. I think she doesn't want to but she is because I won't go without her and she wants me to have fun."
Lucas laughed, "Yeah, that's definitely it."
Nathan sighed, "I know, but she said she'll have fun if Brooke's there. Whatever."
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Nathan was waiting for Haley outside of her last class. "Hey!"
Haley let Nathan drape his arms over her shoulders, "Hi yourself."
Nathan walked alongside her, "I have basketball. What are you thinking about cheer practice?"
Haley sighed with annoyance, "I'm gonna try."
Nathan smiled, "Okay, trying is good. If it doesn't work out though then we can leave anytime, okay?"
Haley spotted Brooke and Peyton down the hall, "Okay. I'm gonna walk over with them. Love you!"
Nathan laughed as Haley skipped off. School really does make her happy.
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Haley joined her friends at the end of the hall. They were all clutching their duffelbags. "Hey guys!"
Peyton looked at her cheery friend, "Haley! I'm so glad you're okay!"
Haley happily hugged her friend, "Thanks Peyt. But I'm not so sure I will be in about 10 minutes."
Brooke smiled with comfort, "Hales. It's up to you. We have a new uniform for you to try on, Karen threw out the other one. It's a fresh start if you want to give it a shot."
Haley took the bag Brooke was holding out with the new uniform inside, "I can give it a try."
Peyton and Brooke smiled, "Good."
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All the other girls were changed and entering the gym. Brooke and Peyton were changed and waiting for Haley.
Haley called out from under the stall, "You guys can go. I'll meet you in there."
Brooke looked at Peyton and then back at the stall door, "No it's okay, we can wait."
Haley tried to think of something quick, "No I have to take care of stuff, if you know what I mean."
Peyton nodded at Brooke, "Okay do you need anything?"
Haley called out, "No I got one thanks."
Brooke had her hands on the door to the gym, "Okay I'll see you out there, I need to tell the girls to start stretching. You coming Peyton?"
Peyton called out to Haley, "You sure you want us to go ahead without you?"
Haley called back, "Yeah, really, go ahead." Haley heard the door close behind them and sighed with relief.
She got the uniform out of the bag and shivers ran down her spine. It's just cloth. It doesn't mean anything. Haley quickly took off her shirt and pants. And slipped the cheer top over her bra. Just don't look down. Haley was trying to block the images of that night out of her head. She grabbed the skirt and slowly stepped into it. The tears started forming in her eyes. Don't think. Don't look. She quickly pulled it the rest of the way up and zipped it shut.
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She went into the gym with her pom poms, wearing a fake smile.
Nathan looked over to her. He was dribbling the ball, and Haley appeared to be okay so far. She was in the uniform at least.
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Haley started practicing when she noticed her skirt was a little too tight. She put the pom poms down and struggled with the zipper.
Brooke noticed Haley looking a little flustered. "Tutorgirl, you alright?"
Haley looked up at Brooke, tears escaping her eyes, "It's just the zipper, it's stuck."
Haley started breathing heavily, images of the cafe and the jock flooded into her head as she desperately pulled at the zipper. All the other cheerleaders stopped and crowded around her.
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Whitey heard all the commotion on the side of the court and muttered to his team. "What the hell is going on?"
Nathan turned to look and noticed Haley in the center of them all, her face was red.
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Haley looked up at all of the eyes on her. Brooke and Peyton exchanged glances of concern. "Haley, it's okay. You don't need to take it off now anyways."
Haley couldn't take any of this anymore, "I'm stuck in it." The jock's snicker filled her ears.
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Nathan noticed the crowd starting to move aside.
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Haley cried, "I can't get out!"
Brooke reached out to comfort her when Haley bolted into the girls locker room.
