Almost Reality

Chapter 10

When life comes at you out of the darkness, who will you choose to face it with? Will they be wise? Will their love for you help them to lead you to the light, or will they lose their way in the darkness? Will they make noble choices, or will that person be someone untested, someone new? Life comes rushing at you from out of the darkness. And when it does, is there someone you can depend on when it does?

Looking down at the divorce papers he had just finished signing. Lucas felt a sense of sadness to it all. He wanted so much to have the stability of a home life that growing up didn't really exist. But knowing what he did now proved to him that it simply wasn't meant to be. Moving forward was the only choice he had left.

He felt the need to change so much about his home. Wanting to get rid of all the negativity that had taken place in it. Unsure of where he would begin. He went to his laptop. Sat down in his home office. And began to write. Inspiration hitting him in a way it hadn't in years.

The title falling onto the page with ease.

The lies you believe when love takes over your mind and heart.

By Lucas E. Scott

Taking a breath as he wrote. Filling out page after page.

…

Haley on the park bench. Watching the children play on the playground. Putting a hand to her stomach. "I cannot wait to be here with you watching you have fun with your friends and while I'm talk to the other moms while we eat snacks and relax a little." "Then afterward me, you, and daddy, will have the day to ourselves to do anything you want." "How does that sound." She said. Removing her hand. Glancing down at her wedding ring.

Unshed tears burning her eyes. Deciding to leave the park. Not wanting to cry and worry strangers. She had a habit of bringing attention to herself whether she wanted it or not.

Looking around as she walked in the direction of the parking lot.

Taking a look at both sides before she walked inside the car. Closing the door and locking it behind her.

Haley started to drive. Turning on the radio. As she began to sing along to the songs that were playing. She drove until she stopped in front of the house. Getting out and looking over at the driveway.

Not seeing any cars. She felt safe to keep going. As she headed into the backyard. Taking slow but quick steps. Stopping while she stepped on the path stone by stone. Like she had done years earlier. Remembering to cover her ears. As her parents' voices echoed throughout the walls of the house. This space between the trees being her refuge. Climbing up until she couldn't hear their voices any longer. Looking out at the view from the tree limb. Watching the sun set. Hugging her arms around herself. Taking solace in the silence. Until she had no other choice but to go back inside.

Tears falling from her eyes. Tracing her initials, she had carved in the tree. Taking one last look around at her childhood home before she walked back to the car and drove back home.

Once she walked through the door. A smile came to her face.

At the sight of a huge teddy bear. In its arms was an envelope with Haley's name on it. She leaned over picking it up. Opening the envelope as she started to read.

Welcome to the family my dear,

This is just a little something, Be on the lookout for much more and a proper family dinner. I look forward to being a part of your life and a step-in grandmother to that baby. Any advice on being a mother or life you feel like you need input on here is my cell phone and house number along with my home address. Come by whenever. Raising a child is full of unknown and worrying about every choice you make. But it is also filled to the rim of happiness and an awaken of a part of yourself and love that you never realized your heart could take.

I love you

Karen.

Haley clutched the note to her chest. Wiping her eyes. When she heard footsteps coming down the stairs.

"I thought it was you." Lucas said. Smiling at Haley as he extended his hand to her.

She smiled back taking it. As they went up the stairs. Then through the hallway. Eventually stopping behind a door.

"You open it Hales." Lucas said. Letting go of her hand.

Haley looked at him. Then turned the knob pushing it open.

Walking inside slowly. Looking around unable to speak.

Lucas walking in after her. Telling her about what he, Peyton, Brooke, and his mother had spent hours decorating and trying to make as comfortable and homey as possible.

The once empty room was now turned into a nursery. The walls a dark green. Mixtures of orange and yellow in other parts of the room. A newly bought crib on the side. Next to a rocking chair. Book case and little instruments. And other little things.

"Luke this is too much." Haley said. Looking to him.

Lucas wrapped his arms around her. Hugging her tightly.

"None of that we are family forever now you have a place to make sure the baby knows what it's like to be around people who love him or her." "We're not done there is still your room." Lucas said to her.

"My room." Haley said. Looking at him. While he started walking out the door. Back into the hallway.

"Of course, welcome home Hales." Lucas said. As he waited for her. The two friends walking into the next room.

…

I have no idea who would be visiting be at this hour. Taking a breath. Looking around as I see a woman I don't recognize coming towards me. Sitting down on the chair next to me.

"Who are you.?" I ask curious.

"I'm Lucas's mother." "Karen Roe."

"What are doing here.?" I asked staring up at her.

"I wanted to talk to you." "This is actually a long time coming."

"When I look in your eyes I see the boy that you were." "Lost, confused, scared out of your mind, trying to protect the person you love, first it was your mother, now it's Haley." "The stacks have been against you from the very beginning."

"One of your biggest fears is becoming your father." "This is you punishing yourself you weren't able to protect your mother from herself." "You had no voice everything was decided for you." "And yet that fighter I saw in you." "All those years ago is still there." "I'm sorry if I had any idea who you were and where you would have ended up." "My home and family would have been yours." "You've been raised to think your thoughts and feelings are better left unspoken and felt."

Karen took his hands in hers.

"I was the social worker who found you at your house that day."

"And I bought you into your first foster home."

"You had to deal with it all alone." "And the thought of you dealing with such a lose like that at only five years old." "Is and will always haunt me because you deserved so much more." Karen said. Wiping her eyes.

"As far as I'm concerned I have two sons now."

"Call me mom." Karen said. Leaning over hugging him.

Holding on tightly. Nathan tried to wipe his tears. But they kept coming. As if a dam broke inside him.

"I love you." "My boy." Karen said.

"I love you too mom." Nathan said. Clutching onto her.

….

Author's Note: Tears were shed writing this chapter. So many emotions. Let me know what you think of it.? ideas, predictions, thoughts, Review!