Chapter 9

It felt like this day would never come. Haley couldn't believe it had only been just over a week since she last saw her son. In that time, her life seemed to have flipped upside down much like as she expected would happen once returning to her hometown with Brooke. Jamie and Julian were finally going to be in Tree Hill in a matter of hours though. She couldn't wait to finally be with her precious little boy again, she missed him more than she even thought possible.

The week without him had been hard. Not only did she have to face so many people that were angry about her return and the revelations behind it, she felt like a part of her was missing. Without Jamie around Haley was essentially just a shell of her usual self. She wasn't doing any of her normal 'mom' things and didn't have another person depending on her and it felt very strange. She had gotten so used to the life as a single mother that she forgot what it might be like to at least be a semi normal twenty three year old woman.

So far all she'd done today was make sure everything in the house was perfect and set for Julian and Jamie's arrival. She figured it would be best to do that and stay home because it seemed trouble more often occurred when she went out in town and encountered someone. After doing her third sweep of Jamie's new room she determined it was as perfect as it would get and she moved on to Julian's soon after. No doubt it wouldn't be easy travelling with her four year old who had never been more than a few hours from home. Haley wanted his room to be unpacked and comfortable so he didn't have to lift a finger for a while once arriving.

Brooke had opted out of going in to survey the renovations being done for her new boutique and instead stayed with Haley helping her out. It had been several hours since finishing Julian's room and now they didn't know what to do with themselves. All they wanted was for time to go by faster so their boys would be in Tree Hill already. They currently sat in the kitchen perched in the counter trying to think of anything that might make the day progress more quickly.

"We could sit outside and tan?" Brooke suggested with mild excitement. "When was the last time we actually were able to lay out without someone interrupting us wanting to swim?"

Haley shrugged not feeling as interested in the idea as Brooke seemed to be. "Yeah but tanning always makes time go by slower not faster. We'd be out there for half an hour and it would feel more like three hours."

"You're right, I just don't want to lose my amazing California tan. I worked five years for it and if I don't keep up some sort of regimen here then I'm gonna go back to pasty North Carolinian Brooke," she pouted.

"You were hardly pasty before we moved to the west coast, Brooke," Haley chuckled softly. "Not to mention it's still really easy to get a nice tan here so you don't need a crazy tanning regimen."

"What about a movie then?" Brooke spoke after a few minutes of thinking. "Comedy?"

"Yeah, that sounds good," Haley agreed and walked leisurely into the family room where the TV was. She crouched down to survey their collection of movies and pulled one out with a smile. She popped the disc in and moments the later the main menu for Bridesmaids was playing on the screen and she heard Brooke squeal in delight.

"It's like you read my mind! I love this movie."

Haley nodded in agreement. It was a movie she, Brooke, and Julian watched together often. The girls thought it was hysterical and Julian really didn't have much of a choice always being outnumbered. He'd never admit it to them but he enjoyed it as well.

The girls were only halfway through their movie when the doorbell rang. Haley frowned at the noise, not expecting anyone today and hoping it wouldn't be someone coming to put a damper on her exciting day. She rose from the couch with a sigh and padded over to the front door uneasily. Swinging the door open her slight frown turned into a wide smile at the sight before her.

"MAMA!" Jamie exclaimed loudly and launched himself into his mother's already open arms.

She hugged him as tightly as she could without hurting the small boy. "Oh baby, I missed you so much."

She knew she missed her son ever since she left him but Haley never realized just how much she was aching until he was back in her arms. She took time to relish the moment of their reunion and take him in completely. At such a pivotal age it seemed like even a week of separation brought change about him. He looked taller and his hair had gotten slightly longer - only enough for her as a mother to pick up on.

Haley flashed a bright smile over Jamie's head at Julian to greet him. With her son still happily in her arms and showing no sign of letting go it was kind of hard to do anything more so the smile would have to do for now.

Brooke had obviously overheard the commotion and her squeal of delight could be heard by the three at the door. She ran over to them and practically tackled Julian in excitement. "Hey stranger! I can't believe you're here! You guys are early."

"Yeah, we ended up being able to catch an earlier flight when we were waiting for our connection. Just couldn't wait any longer to see our girls," he winked at them and wrapped his arms widely around Brooke, Haley, and Jamie effectively.

When he finally released them Brooke made a move to take Jamie into her arms and give him a proper hug. She missed him too and wanted to be as near to him as possible. The little boy clearly wasn't feeling the same way though because he only strengthened the grip he had around Haley's neck when he felt himself being pulled away from her.

Brooke pouted at the rejection and resorted to kissing him on the back of the head. "I missed you, buddy."

Haley shrugged lightly at her best friend and mouthed an apology. She knew Jamie's brush off had slightly hurt Brooke's feelings but she'd be okay in a few minutes. "So do you guys wanna see our new house?" she asked excitedly.

Jamie responded with enthusiasm as did Julian. The two girls and little boy waited while Julian ran back to the car to grab the rest of their bags. He dropped them easily in the front entrance and spread his arms widely. "The floor is now yours. Show me and JJ our new house!"

"Show me my room, Mama!" Jamie chimed in and the adults all chuckled softly.

"I guess we know where the tour is gonna begin then," Haley said and led the way up the stairs and to her son's room which of course was right across the hall from hers. Considering the gasp he let out she could immediately tell he loved the way she decided to decorate his room. Ever since Jamie found out Nathan was a basketball player he had been obsessed with the sport so Haley opted to theme is room accordingly with accents of Duke basketball in particular because he was well on his way to becoming a Cameron Crazie already.

Brooke smirked at the reaction having agreed with Haley's idea and knowing Jamie would love it. Despite it being kind of strange or awkward having her son's bedroom almost entirely dedicated to things directly linked and influenced by Nathan, it was everything Jamie would want. At first she had protested the idea because of the strangeness around it and worried that it may eventually start to grate on Haley having to see Duke and be reminded of why essentially she didn't have her happy family. Basketball could be a touchy subject but after Haley gently explained that she didn't care as long as her son was happy and she had been dealing with Jamie's obsession for long enough that she was used to it and unaffected, Brooke jumped on board with the idea.

"And look at this way, North Carolina is basketball state so now you won't look so out of place walking around in your Duke jerseys. Although if you get some dirty looks just go tell those people to get their Tar Heels shit from any Wal-Mart in the country. Duke fans and players are elite, buddy and don't forget it," she winked at him and Jamie just gave her a strange look.

Julian also looked slightly confused and taken aback by Brooke's sports advice. He knew enough about basketball but never really got into sports growing up so he wasn't as aware of the rivalry between the North Carolina college basketball teams. Also, Brooke had never really shown much interest in any of the games they ever watched for Jamie so it was surprising to hear her speak up sounding quite knowledgeable on the topic.

Haley was the only one that laughed at her friend's words because as a North Carolina native the rivalry had practically been drilled into her brain. Plus the fact that she was close friends with an actual Duke player probably didn't help and she got front row seats to many shouting matches between Nathan the duke fan/player and Lucas the die hard Tar Heel fan.

Turning her attention back to Jamie, the smile on his face pretty much answered the question on the tip of her tongue but figured she'd ask anyway. "So do you like it, sweetheart?"

"I love it! This is awesome!" he pumped his fists in the air cutely and kissed Haley on the cheek. "Thank you, thank you!"

"You're welcome, honey," she replied and ruffled his hair. She pointedly moved her gaze to Brooke and he turned in his mother's arms to look at the woman.

"Thanks, Aunt Brooke!"

Brooke smiled at him lovingly. The foursome continued the tour of their home and Jamie had now checked out just allowing Haley to carry him around so he could remain close to her. He piped up every once in a while to let them know he thought all their bedrooms were boring and his was clearly the superior one.

Julian was much more enthusiastic about the place and was in awe of many of the rooms he was brought to. The house was huge especially compared to the one they were sharing back in California. He silently thanked the heavens for Brooke's parents footing the bill of their cross country move. The rooms were well sized, balconies being an added bonus. The main floor open concept was exactly what he wanted in a home and the kitchen that he would probably never use was definitely his favourite spot. It was the perfect place for the four of them to hang out at the end of their days and talk over dinner like a family. The entire house was perfect for them and would be the place to create many memories.

When the girls brought the boys outside to the patio, Jamie perked back up. He saw the large pool and quickly became excited. Haley had been promising him for months to actually teach him how to swim without his floaties but never got an opportunity because they lacked a pool in California. Now, he would be able to learn and swim as often as he wanted at home!

Julian gazed around as well and smiled at his two best friends. "I love this place so much. It's amazing and I think it's perfect for our family."

"We completely agree," Brooke nodded happily and the group fell into a peaceful silence for a few moments. "So Hales and I were in the middle of a movie when you two showed up early. What do you guys say to going back in, ordering a pizza, and watching a few kid friendly movies for our first night in our new house together?"

With agreements sounding from the other three, the group headed back indoors and appropriately to the family room to spend the rest of the day and night together. For the first time in the week she had been in Tree Hill Haley felt one hundred percent content and complete. She had been missing two key members of her family and now that they had finally arrived, she felt much more secure and sure things would get easier soon.

Julian grunted when he heard the firm knock on the front door when he walked by. He knew what was coming now and he smirked to himself, thankful that he was the one to hear the door and neither of the girls. Haley and Brooke had filled him in on the situation with Nathan and everyone else in Tree Hill and the hostile welcome home they received from most people. She also informed him that Nathan would be dropping by today to finally meet Jamie and spend some time with him. Obviously he had known it was coming but he still wished it wasn't happening and that Jamie's asshole dad wasn't such a colossal douche bag.

He waited a beat wanting to keep Nathan anxious on the other side of the door for as long as possible. After another moment he swung the door open with a wide grin slapped into place. "Hey man! You must be Nathan? I'm Julian," he stuck his hand out and when Nathan slowly took it he shook the man's hand extremely firmly. He wanted to show this guy up if it was the last thing he'd do because he was pretty sure if Haley got the slightest inkling of this occurring then she'd murder him in five seconds flat, meaning it would in fact be the last thing he did.

"Yeah, I'm Nathan. Jamie's dad," he gritted out already not liking this Julian dude. "Sorry, and you are?"

"Jamie's god father," Julian boasted proudly. "Oh, and also the name sake for J's middle name."

"That's something real special, Jake," Nathan replied in annoyance.

"It's Julian."

"Yeah, whatever. You're not Jamie's father and now that Haley has actually informed me of my child you don't need to keep fucking acting like you are."

"Please," Julian scoffed in the raven haired man's face. This guy was trying to get into some pissing match with him that he was never interested in. Mark your territory all you want Scott – it wasn't about to faze him because Haley had made it very clear from the start that as much as she loved Julian he was not the father of her child and was to not over step that line. "You may be a jack ass but I've never tried to act like I was Jamie's dad. He doesn't see me that way either so relax for a fucking second, okay?"

Nathan took a deep breath and shook his head. This isn't how he really wanted to start off his meeting with Jamie but he couldn't help it getting all amped up when Julian started to piss him off in all the right ways. It only took him saying one or two things and Nathan's buttons had been pushed. He needed to calm down though because he didn't want his temper to dampen meeting his son for the first time.

"While we're talking though let's get a few things straight," Julian continued on. "You need to back off Haley. Giving her hell and whatever other bull shit you're pulling isn't fair to her. She was a teenager when she got pregnant, on the other side of the country, and terrified. You were off at your big time college playing ball and not looking back for anyone or anything on your way to the NBA. What the hell do you expect from someone in her situation? She isn't perfect and she did the best she could given the circumstances."

"I think you should shut your mouth about this right now," Nathan glared at the man across from him and clenched a fist tightly. "You don't know shit about how I'm treating Haley or what I feel towards her. You may have been with her for the last five years but that doesn't mean you know anything about the situation because you're missing my entire half of the equation."

"I don't give a shit about what you were dealing with, Nathan. You fucked Haley and then just left so how do you think she was feeling finding out she's fucking pregnant with your kid? Put yourself in her shoes for one second and then maybe we'll actually get somewhere! Maybe you'll finally be able to see her fucking point of view and forgive her."

"You know what man –" Nathan started but was interrupted by heels clicking on the hardwood floors.

"What have we got here?" Brooke exclaimed with a little too much cheeriness in her voice. It was obvious she knew exactly what was transpiring between the two men and looked less than pleased about it. "Whatever the hell is going on, break it up pronto ladies."

It was then that all three heard Haley and Jamie moving above them. Haley had decided to not tell Jamie that Nathan was coming over and instead chose to surprise him with the visit. She was making her way to the stairs with Jamie's hand in hers and he was talking animatedly about his actions figures. The duo came into the view of the other three and Jamie's attention soon fixed on Nathan standing by the door.

Jamie tugged on Haley's hand gently and she looked down at his awe struck face tenderly. "Yeah, honey?"

"Who's that, Mommy?" he asked innocently and pointed at Nathan.

She smiled at him in amusement and crinkled her nose at him. "You know who it is, silly."

"It is?" Jamie asked for confirmation in not so many words as small tears began to form in his eyes. Haley nodded at him and felt her own tears forming at the look of pure joy on her son's face.

Jamie removed his hand from Haley's and walked slowly down the remaining stairs. He stopped only when he was standing directly in front of Nathan who had moved into a kneeling stance. "Daddy?" Jamie questioned softly and unsure.

Nathan couldn't hold back the wide smile that overtook him at the sound of that word coming from his precious little boy's lips. "Yeah Jamie, I'm your daddy."

Without any hesitation Jamie launched himself into Nathan's awaiting arms and hugged him as tightly as he could. Nathan had never felt so overwhelmed in his life. For a moment he forgot about all the drama and heartache surrounding this meeting and could only focus on the fact that his son – his flesh and blood – was actually standing in front of him and wrapped in his arms. It was unlike anything he had ever experienced and he found himself never wanting it to end. "I'm so happy I finally get to meet you, buddy," he finally managed to formulate some words.

He felt Jamie nod against his neck in agreement and continue to stay tightly in his arms. Nathan looked up for a moment and saw Haley standing not too far away struggling to keep her emotions at bay. It was at this moment that he realized he didn't hate her. Maybe he did when he first found out about Jamie but now that he was actually experiencing his son and truly seeing that Haley was the mother of this boy, he knew that it would be impossible to ever fully hate Haley James. Yes, he was still insanely pissed off at her for everything she's done, but the hatred had completely left his body.

After another few moments Jamie began pulling away and Nathan reluctantly released his hold on the boy. Jamie promptly took his hand though so contact wasn't lost for long and Nathan stood up when he realized that's what Jamie was looking for. The little boy smiled brightly at him and pointed to the stairs. "Come on! I want to show you my room!"

Nathan laughed at the boy's enthusiasm and followed as he began dragging his over six foot father behind him. When Jamie was standing beside Haley he took her hand in his free one innocently and she smiled down at him, her discomfort coming off in waves. "You too Mama."

"Uh, baby I'd love to go upstairs and play with you in your room but I think you should just be with your daddy for a little bit. He wants to spend time just you two, okay?"

Jamie accepted her answer without protest and continued on up the stairs with Nathan. When he passed Haley for himself he nodded almost imperceptibly in thanks at her. It wasn't anything huge but maybe it was a start for them to repair their relationship. It was only when the boys had both disappeared from sight that she finally let her emotions get the better of her and tears begin to fall rapidly down her cheeks.

Brooke and Julian immediately sprung in to action, having just stood at the side watching as the family had their reunion privately. They raced over to Haley and huddled her distraught form to them. Not wanting Jamie to hear his mother having a complete breakdown, Brooke quickly thought to lead her outside to the patio and the three sat down at the edge of the pool. It was already quite warm out and they each dipped their feet into the pool water to keep cool. They didn't force her to speak just yet, knowing she needed to take in what had actually just occurred and process having seen the meeting between Jamie and Nathan.

Meanwhile, back inside Jamie and Nathan had made it to the boy's room and Nathan was instantly taken aback by the sight of it. Haley had said she didn't keep him from Jamie, but he only half believed her. Seeing all the basketball themed stuff and Duke memorabilia littered on the walls and throughout the room made him a believer though.

"Wow, this is really something else Jamie."

"Do you like it daddy? I love it because I love basketball!" he exclaimed in excitement. "Me and Mama used to watch your games on TV but she says we can't anymore because you don't play now."

"That's awesome buddy. I always had a feeling you guys were watching me," he smiled at the little boy and found the lie rolling easily off his tongue. He didn't want to shatter Jamie's world and let it slip that he and Haley were on horrible terms. It wouldn't be fair so if that meant telling a few small lies like that then he'd do it.

Jamie walked over to his closet happily and pulled out his favourite piece of clothing. He pulled the children's sized Duke basketball jersey over his head and grinned. The back had the last name Scott on it in white block letters and Nathan felt his heart soar. Not only did it have his and his son's last name on it, it was also his number adorned on the front and back.

"That is something else," Nathan whistled impressed.

Once again, Jamie walked across the room silently and took a seat in front of some abandoned action figures on the floor. "Will you play with me, Daddy?"

"There's nothing more I'd like to do," Nathan responded honestly and took a seat across from him. He recognized most of the action figures sitting before him and smirked before choosing one to play with. "You know, Raphael was always my favourite ninja turtle."

"Really? I love Donatello the most. Or maybe Mikey because he's the funniest."

"Yeah, he is funny isn't he," Nathan agreed and loved that it was so easy to interact with his son. "So do you like it in Tree Hill so far?"

"Yeah! Mama hasn't taken me out yet but it's really cool here. I miss Palo Alto though. It was really fun always me, Mama, Aunt Brooke, and Uncle Julian. I think it will be fun here though too. And I'm happy because you are here and so is the rest of my family that I always see in old pictures."

"I think you'll like it here a lot too. I'm happy you guys are all living here now, I missed you so much."

"We missed you too! Especially Mama I think. Aunt Brooke always told me not to talk about you to her because it made her really sad to think about you and she would cry sometimes. Now she'll be really happy all the time because she won't miss you anymore though."

The things Jamie was innocently revealing to him were making Nathan's insides churn. He had his own idea of the way Haley thought and felt towards him but Jamie's words contradicted that. If Haley really just thought of him as a dead beat dad scum bag and wanted to keep him away for as long as possible, she wouldn't be crying over him. The whole thought process was just confusing and frustrating so Nathan decided he needed to steer the conversation to something lighter and just get to know his son.

The two talked and played action figures for what seemed like hours. Eventually Jamie started yawning and Nathan realized he probably needed to have a nap. Kids his age normally did that, right? Regardless, he got Jamie changed into some pajamas and tucked him into his bed with a kiss. The boy was already well on his way to dreamland but Nathan made sure to promise to see him tomorrow.

Nathan walked back down the stairs of the house and didn't see anyone around. He searched around for a minute until he caught a glimpse of three people sitting outside by the pool. He walked out back and cleared his throat to gain their attention. "Uh, Jamie is taking a nap now so I'm going to head out."

Haley turned around and offered him a shaky smile. "Okay, that's fine."

Nathan noticed her red puffy eyes and frowned. "Why are you crying?"

"Oh, it's nothing," she waved her hand to try to brush it off.

Nathan scoffed and shook his head in agitation. "Kind of selfish, don't you think? If anyone has a right to be crying and upset right now you would think it'd be me. You know, considering I'm the one that just met my four year old son for the first time. You don't get to cry and be sad about this Haley when you made the decision to have it be this way."

"Nathan," she sighed and paused because she realized she didn't even know what she wanted to say to him. For the moment, she'd take his anger against her because she understood the amount of overwhelming emotions he was feeling today and it was enough to drive even the calmest person over the edge.

"Cut her some slack, Nathan," Brooke spoke up for her softly. "It's been an emotional afternoon so maybe you should just go before you say something you shouldn't."

Nathan really didn't want to listen to Brooke Davis. He hated when she would butt in for Haley and fight her battles for her but this seemed to be one instance where she was actually right and reserved enough for him to amicably take her direction.

"Okay. I want to take Jamie to the River court tomorrow though. I'll pick him up around 10?" he asked but they all knew he wasn't really asking anyone's permission.

"That sounds fine," Haley agreed and locked eyes with him. "Maybe after you're done with him then we can go somewhere and talk..." she hesitated to speak and trailed off lamely.

Nathan immediately shook his head. "No. I don't want to talk to you, Haley. There's nothing to say because I'm still so pissed off at you for the things you've done. I just can't bring myself to actually be in the same room as you unless absolutely necessary. I can't talk with you right now and I don't know when I will be ready – if I'll ever be."

"Nathan, we're going to have to have a conversation eventually," she pointed out the obvious and he chose to ignore it.

"I'll see you tomorrow," he said with finality and walked out of the backyard. Meeting Jamie may have had him thawing towards Haley for a few moments but it didn't really alter her actions or the amount of betrayal and heartache he felt as a result of them. Facts were facts and it was one that Haley deliberately kept her pregnancy and their son from him for five years. Some things are impossible to get past and they would be civil for Jamie's sake but that may be as far as Nathan and Haley ever get.