Almost Reality

Chapter 11

Have you ever had a dream that seemed so real when you woke up you didn't know what to believe? What would you do if what you thought was true wasn't, and what you thought wasn't true was. Would you retreat into your dreams with the hope of finding a more perfect reality? Sometimes life is stranger than a dream, and the only way to wake up is to face what lies are hidden in your soul. And you can only hope that in those moments of dark reflection, that you are not alone.

Looking at the sonogram picture in his cell. Nathan was still reeling from that visit with Karen. So much of his life hadn't been under his control for so long. He pushed his feelings down and away. Because had ever asked him how he felt. He was simply another dollar sign for every home he had ever lived in. They profited off his pain and disregarded him in every way. It was only with Haley that he was able to learn what it meant to love and be loved unconditionally. They had shared the same agony and longing for family that neither of them ever really had been able to fill. Each of them coped in a variety of ways. Haley felt and expressed her feelings. Nathan dealt by ignoring and eventually being crushed by his emotions. He had so much to fight for now. An opportunity to build the life and family that him and Haley wanted desperately. He was going to try and reclaim his life. He was going to plead not guilty and speak on his own behalf.

…

Lucas got out a package addressed to him. From the mail while Haley brought over bowls of macaroni and cheese. Placing down the second bowl on the table. While she held her own. Taking a seat on the couch. A glass of milk in front of her. Eating a few forkfuls before she turned her attention to Lucas. Who had opened the package and began to go through it.

Smiling as he read the note. Divorce survival kit. Use everything I include in here. And maybe double up on the ice cream and sad movies. Most importantly listen to my playlist. These songs helped me through a lot. Hopefully it does the same for you.

Peyton.

Lucas held the I pod in his hands. Smiling as he saw the other items.

"I can take it your unexpected mail was a welcomed surprise." Haley said to him. Moving the bowl of macaroni over to him.

"You could say that." Lucas said in response.

…

Lisa picked up the card. Lucas had given her and decided after hours of debating it. That there was more to that night then anyone knew. But feared exposing these layers of her family would only bring the mistakes they made front and center. She had more regrets than she could keep up with. A shame that lives and grows while the days and years take their toll on her.

Taking a breath. She dials the number. Waiting a few minutes before she hears a response. "Mr. Scott I'll agree to testify under the condition that the only situation discussed is what happened that night." "I refuse to talk about anything else." She said.

"That is more than fair thank you so much." Lucas said to her. With relief in his voice.

…

Haley spend most of the night thinking of how she could help Nathan. Feeling a sense of responsibility and guilt for not seeing who that man was from the beginning and not being able to do more to defend herself. Deciding to use the resources she could and that is her voice and the truth. Sitting down at Lucas's writing desk. As she began to write a letter to the judge. She wrote and wrote. Until she felt that he was told what needed to be said. Putting it into an envelope.

Putting a hand to her stomach. She got out some more paper and started to write a letter to Nathan.

Dear Nate,

I lay awake sometimes at night. And wonder how much different our lives would be if we had never met. Thinking back on the paths we were on. I shudder to imagine where life would have lead us. I remember thinking when we had started dating. That this wouldn't last long. We had grown up so much in our formative years. Faster than we should have had to. Which made our view of the world and our futures in it very dark. The day I fell in love with you is as clear and stands out to me.

Like the rainbow we saw after the rain storm. We had taken off on a day long adventure. You told me nothing about where we were headed. And just kept telling me to trust you. I looked back at you. Unable to get the smile of my face. Or forget the feeling of safeness I felt when you held my hand or looked into my eyes. We ended up stopping at this corner store right on the beach. And while I was looking around. You were busy at the counter. We ended leaving minutes later. Joining hands as we walked on the beach. Looking out at the waves and the view of the empty beach in front of us. We sat down and you pulled the blanket you had stored away along with the picnic basket.

I looked at you full of surprise. As you turned to me and started to speak.

"You didn't think I bought you out here just to sit in the sand and stare at each other did you.?" You asked me.

"I wasn't sure what you wanted to do." "Guys don't usually put all this effort into dating me." "I'm honestly embarrassed because I didn't give you a fair enough chance." "Let's promise to be honest with each other okay.?" I asked you.

"Have you ever been in love.?" I said. Feeling nervous of the response.

You looked back at me. And said. "Not until now." You had said. Leaning over kissing me.

The kiss ending far too soon. Then you told me you had something for me. And went into your pocket. Taking out a small box. You opened it and showed me what was inside.

"Sea shells.?" I said at first.

You shook your head. And said no. Then explained.

That they were hearts each separate because they represented parts of our pasts. But the end had a single whole heart. Which stood for now. The untold and unexperienced.

"Nate this is beautiful." I said. Looking up at you.

You took it out of the box and clasped the bracelet on my wrist.

Putting your hand in mine.

"I love you too." I said. Looking into your eyes.

I love you Nathan

Haley put the letter in the envelope. And signed his name.

…

3 months later

At the sight of her my heart leaps. Seeing the happiness in her eyes. Wrapping my arms around her. Wanting to be as gentle as I could.

"You look stunning Hales." I say looking up at her.

"My bump is out of hiding." "I've been reading parents books." "No more morning sicknesses, In the latest ultrasound you can actually see a baby in there." "I've been having mood swings and the food cravings." "Poor Luke has been so understanding and supportive."

"In three more months, we can look into parent classes, "The pregnancy will be 6 months along and I'm going to pop the baby is going to kicking and moving around." "We'll be able to find out the gender and I was wondering what you were thinking would you want to find out what we were having or keep it a surprise.?" She asked. Looking up at me.

"A surprise." I said back to her. "This new addition to our little family will be loved either way." Leaning over kissing her. Placing my hand on her stomach.

"Regardless of how things go you, your love, and this baby, and our family have been my life raft through this." "I wouldn't of survived any of it if it wasn't for you." "You give me strength, hope, and motivation." "I love you so much." Nathan said. Looking into her eyes.

Wrapping her arms around him tightly.

"I love you too Nate." Haley said. Wiping her eyes.

…

Author's Note: Thoughts, comments, predictions, ideas, Lindsay may be done with Tree Hill. But that doesn't mean the past she's running from will let her go. Review!