Taken Away

Chapter 6

"Blessed are the hearts that can bend; they shall never be broken." But I wonder if there's no breaking then there's no healing, and if there's no healing then there's no learning. And if there's no learning then there's no struggle. But the struggle is a part of life. So must all hearts be broken?

The drive home was quiet. The air seeping through the cracked open windows. Brought a coolness into the car. Nathan and Haley had wished and hoped and dreamed of this day. But knew that even though they had him back. The pain and distance and journey to become whole in themselves and as a family would take time. If it was possible for it to even be mended. The radio played music giving a voice to the words they wanted to speak but didn't want to form. Out of fear and unsureness that paralyzed them both.

Eventually reaching the house. Getting out slowly the events of the night. Weighing heavily on each of their minds, spirits, and hearts. Nathan walked in first. Turning on the light. Haley followed taking a breath. Feeling as if the house was different now. Like the last missing piece had been found and was put in its place.

Walking next to Nathan. Jamie looked around trying to piece together the truth vs the life he had always known.

This house. These people. It all felt mismatched. He had no attachment to any of it. Looking back at them. Seeing the look of relief and hope in their eyes. Caused him sadness and anger. Along with confusion as to why she had done this at all. Their entire relationship and memories made and shared together had been fake. Another lie and roadblock to keep the truth from coming out.

Seeing these pictures on the wall. Felt strange as if he had lived two lives at once and had no idea how any of it would end. It seemed like this was happening to someone else. As far as he had known he had a good life. Even with all the moving and changes.

"Can I see the room that used to be mine.?" Jamie asked turning to them. Surprised at his request. Looking to each other. Then back at him. Haley began to speak.

"Of course you can." "Follow us."

Haley said. Nathan next to her. Walking into the hallway. Jamie looking at every picture. Then looking away. The two stopping in front of the door.

"You can go right in." "We will stay out here." Haley said to him.

Stepping aside. Watching as he turned the knob. Opening the door slowly walking inside. Closing it behind him.

Haley turning to Nathan. "Let's give him some time." Haley said quietly. Starting her way into the living room. Nathan walking beside her.

Each person taking a seat on opposite chairs. Looking at each other. As Nathan started to speak.

"What are we going to do about the two of us.?" Nathan asked her.

"I should be asking you that you are the one who had divorce papers drawn up." Haley said. Looking back at him.

"This entire situation along with all the other stuff we had already thrown at us in the past. Only made the issues between us clearer."

"Loving somebody isn't a good enough reason to stay in a relationship that isn't working." "We both deserve to be happy."

"Whether it means staying together or not." Nathan said. Looking to her.

"I haven't been anything close to happy in so long."

"I wouldn't know what it meant to experience it now."

Haley said. Looking to him.

"I know holding our marriage and together after all this time."

"Left me drained and exhausted." "Scared to even fully process the thought of being together again." "You completely shut me out."

"In every possible way." "And yet I stayed here in this house."

"Faithful to you and the vows we made." "I can't say the same for you can I Haley.?" Nathan said. His eyes darkening.

"I already explained to you over and over."

"None of it meant anything to me."

"I just got so tired of being numb and feeling hurt."

"You said you forgave me."

"And that you understood."

"Now you're throwing it back in my face!" Haley yelled.

"Damn right I am!" "You think I haven't had woman throwing themselves at me." "But I turned them down every time."

"Because I loved you and the life we had built."

"To know it was so easy for you to just drop that."

"Amazes me." "I don't want to keep rehashing this."

Nathan said to her.

"Just say it Nathan!" Haley yelled with tears falling from her eyes.

"You regret our life together and marrying me!" Haley said. Emotion thick in her voice.

Nathan said nothing. Walking away. Into one of their two guests' rooms. Slamming the door behind him.

….

Author's Note: You got a glimpse into the other issues Nathan and Haley were dealing with. Let me know your thoughts on this chapter.? Next chapter we see the reaction Jamie has to room left behind. Leave it in the reviews.