My Security

I count him braver who overcomes his desires than him who conquers his enemies; for the hardest victory is over self.

Aristotle

God save me from my friends. I can protect myself from my enemies.

Martin Luther

Chapter 10

In less than a day, the horrify secrets of the Scott estate had been exposed to the small town of tree hill.

The evidence Nathan had given the social worker was reviewed soon after Deb's arrest. Ms. Scott had been official charge with several counts of aggravated child abuse. Because the court had reconvened for the week. It would be Monday before she could make an attempt at posting bail before a judge. She was put in with the rest of the Tree Hill women's lock up, who didn't take kindly to child abusers.

Meanwhile, the adolescents remained hospitalized in the same room, but different beds after some pleading and coercing from Nathan and Ms. Sawyer. At her request, Karen was told where to pick up some of their clothing and toiletries.

Nathan only revealing that it was his grandparent's cabana, too exhausted to discuss it further. The adults left to muddle over the kids new living arrangements. Karen called her husband as soon as the kids were resting. After a long discussion and total agreement by both parties, they graciously offered to take in her two employees. But, the decision wasn't cut and dry.

A special hearing was called in the chambers of Judge Edward Landis early Saturday morning. Mr. and Mrs. Sawyer were awarded custody pending a trial period. However, there would be adjustments to the their home.

The Sawyers were a wealthy clan, so space was not a problem. Peyton was completely on board with the addition of the couple. However, Lucas dislike the idea of sharing the second floor of the four-story Tudor home with Nathan, but sucked it up and played the good son when he found out Haley would be living with him too. Also, Karen and Larry would have to cut down on their work hours, so they could be more available for the troubled pair.

The judge ordered the abused children have separate required weekly counseling sessions and a weekly family night for the Sawyers to make the adjustment go more smoothly. Larry and Karen instantly agreed to all the requirements. They loved this kids like their own and were already feeling guilty that they had let their abuse go on under there noses for so long.

Saturday morning was spent preparing their home for the new arrivals while Mr. Durham and their other friends occupied Nathan and Haley's time at the hospital.

That afternoon the Sawyer clan arrived at the hospital to take the couple home. They still weren't aware of where they would be staying.

Lucas hurried a few steps ahead of his parents and Peyton lagged behind, nervous about their condition. She knew things had been bad for them for a long time, but the realization of them being hospitalized made it a little too clear.

Lucas fixed the bow on the teddy bear he was carrying for Haley before opening the door to her room and strolling in excitedly. Only to be seriously disappointed by what he witnessed.

Nathan's bed had been pushed over so it was flush with Haley's. Both lay on their side facing each other, his long arm relaxed at her waist and his hand made circles along the back of her long patient's gown. Lost in each other, they kept eye contact and spoke in whispered voices.

"Lucas. We went over this. Nathan and Haley are very close. You have to accept that." Peyton coaxed, seeing her parents in awe and her brother's despair when she entered the room.

He tore his body from her and cleared his throat loudly. The pair jumped apart and sat up. Happily they greeted everyone.

"I brought you some things." Karen handed them each a new overnight bag. "Peyton help me pick them out."

"Thanks. I'm not in the habit of wearing gowns." Nathan joked, his baggy jeans still underneath the multicolored dress.

"We also have some good new, well we hope it's good." Karen rambled nervously. Her husband put his arm around her shoulder reassuringly and continued.

"The state had decided to let us be your foster family, if you'll have us." Larry smiled with friendly eyes.

With a simple glance and a raised brow, the pair had a silent chat.

"You mean, we would get to stay together?" Haley hoped to confirm.

"Yes, Honey." Mr. Sawyer confirmed, but they still seemed skeptical.

"We wouldn't want to be a burden, Ms. Karen." A wary Haley answer for them. "It doesn't turn out so good in the end."

"You know we already consider you guys family." Karen reassured.

"Yeah. It will be great Haley. We can do everything together now!" Lucas added gleefully.

"Get your asses dressed. There's Dawson's Creek Marathon on TBS tonight and Brooke's called me like three times!" She quickly interjected to a room full of laughter.

"Wouldn't want miss that, would we Hale's?" Nathan teased sarcastically before getting off the bed and heading for the bathroom to change.

As long as he and Haley could be together, they would let the emancipation go. He couldn't remember the last time he was this elated about going home.

Home...

It didn't take long for Nathan and Haley to settle in their rooms at the Sawyer home. Karen and Peyton had made great choices in the decorating of each room, making an instant haven for each teen. They had also brought most of their things from the cabin and put them away. It felt awkward being treated so nicely and having the possibility of peace and happiness. It was overwhelming and both decided they needed some personal time to absorbed their new situation.

Luke had been waiting impatiently in his bedroom since his mom announced Haley would be up for dinner, he lock herself away in his room. He had changed four times and brushed his hair three. in a He knew she would needs some comforting after her bout with Ms. Scott. He vowed not to nag her about how close she and Nathan were becoming and just be supportive. Girls liked that. Besides, once she heard his news he was sure she would cheer up. Lucas was positive she was going to realize who he was really meant to be with, that he and she was destined to be together.

Lucas was waiting for the perfect moment to greet Haley when she came downstairs for dinner. Hearing her go down the back stairs humming a soft tune, her took off. He slid down the banister of the front stairs on his way to the dinning room. There he saw Nathan coming through the living room, searching the area for his girl. The Sawyer boy's curly haired twin sat on the bottom step grinning knowingly.

"What is he doing here? I thought he was still sleeping!" Lucas groaned.

His sibling playfully slapped his shoulder, loving to see her brother riled up about Mr. Scott. Peyton was thrilled when she found out her close knit friend was finally sharing his feelings for Haley with her and the rest of the world. were dating. They were both fantastic and her brother was too evil for a nice girl such as Haley.

"I must have forgotten to tell you" Her chuckled mimicked Dr. Evil. "Mom and Dad woke him up an hour ago to put some medicine on his back. They are so stoked about him being here. ... They've missed him, Lukie. Mom only gets quality time with him when they have lunch together once a month and dad wants to ask him about something, said he would be perfect for it. Mom doesn't understand why he hasn't come by the house more often or why you two aren't close. Why is that, Lucass?"

The only person Larry and Karen Sawyer loved as much as their own children was Nathan. Karen and Dan Scott had been life long best friends. As Godparents, they showed him love as if he were their own. They even wanted him to live with them after her parents death, but his aunt put on a loving and kind face insisting she was lonely with no children of her own and had more space.

Nate had known Lucas all his life, yet their visits were usually short. No matter how nice the dark haired teen was to Luke, he was always mean and curt to him. The sensitive boy had stopped trying a long time ago.

On the other hand, he and Peyton were terribly close. Admittedly, she loved Luke but didn't like him. Honestly, she found Nathan to be gorgeous and had crushed on him for years before meeting Jake. However, she would rather he be her brother than Lucas any day.

"Like I missed him!" Luke snarled, throwing the Cosmo girl Peyton had been reading at her. She beamed and winked, infuriating her sibling even more.

A few seconds later, he calmed down. Why was he getting so upset? After all, Haley and Nathan weren't dating. With Hales close by he had the perfect opportunity to make sure they stayed apart.

The small girl was rounding the corner when the blond boy bounced across the foyer and swept her into his arms just as Nathan approached.

"I got in to Princeton too! I got in too!" Luke shouted with glee. "Just the two of us!"

Haley was excited for her friend and squeezed him tightly. His eyes were closed and he held on to her as long he would let him. Once he put her down, she realized Nathan had overheard. He stared at her, his body rigid and his jaw tight.

"Too? What does he mean too?" The boy insisted angrily.

"Ummm ... I got my acceptance letter last week from the school counselor. Lucas just happened to be with me." She explained calmly. "They want me to take early graduation and come in January."

"January! That's next month! You were going to leave me without saying anything?" He fumed, hurt and stunned.

"No, of course not." Haley walked over to him, reaching her palm out to his cheek. He shook it off and took a few step backs.

Lucas observed the pair, pleased that they were arguing.

"Nathan, I didn't tell you because it wasn't important." The girl persuaded.

"You leaving me is not important. Damn, when did you get so cruel?" Nathan snapped.
"I guess my aunt's ways have starting to rubbing off on you."

She slapped him before she realized her actions.

He knew he deserved it, but he felt betrayed.

"I'm sorry, Nathan. I didn't mean it. I..." Surprised and embarrassed by her actions.

"Dinner!" Ms. Sawyer yelled from the dinning room.

Nathan cut Haley an angry glance as he held his red cheek in his large hand. He stalked past her and through the foyer.

"Nathan! We need to talk about this! You don't understand." She begged, trailing behind him. "I'm not leaving you. I never was."

The male stopped, confused as he sought answers in her beautiful brown eyes. She swayed in closely, landing her hands at his waist.

"We'll discuss it after we eat. Trust me, Nathan." She asked sincerely.

"I do." For some reason, the handsome lad was eased by her words and planted a kiss on the top of her head. They continued to the dinning room hand-in-hand.

"Aww. They even fight cute!" Peyton cooed as she and her brother watch the pairs interaction.

"Cavity sweet." Luke glared ahead viciously and stomped to the next room. Nathan was not going to be getting Haley's attention for much longer. When they got to Princeton, he would make sure she forgot all about that dimwit.

They joined the adults at the table. Peyton proudly informed her parents of not only Haley's acceptance to Princeton but their son's too. They hugged both children and grinned with pride. Dinner was served. An awkward silence filled there room once again.

"Isn't Luke's news great?" Haley nudged Nathan under the table. He really wanted her the guys to get along.

"Yeah. Uh .. Congratulations, Luke." He snarled starting to catch on to the envious boys hatred of him.

"It's going to be awesome." Luke feed. "I'm going to learn so much."

The truth. There was one reason, one reason only why Lucas Sawyer wanted to be at Princeton……. Haley Myers. Luke got another hug from Haley. A devilish smirk plastered his face, eying Nate over her shoulder.

"Looks like you got what you wanted." Mr. Scott faked a smile, wanting to sock phony ass Lucas in the mouth.

"Not everything, but I'm working on it!" Luke goaded as Haley released him.

Nathan was just about to loose it, when Peyton joined in the tense conversation.

"Pardon me if I'm not upset about stuck with my sexy new house mate!" She blew the blue eyed boy a kiss and lit up like a star.

Nathan Scott blushed and laughed, a real deep in her soul chuckle. The sound was joyous, making Haley giggled.

Peyton dropped his head bashfully and peaked up at him. The curly top was tall, lean and beautiful. Her creamy features were much like that of her father and brother.

Nathan gave her a quick peck on the cheek. Although she saw him almost everyday, she revealed in his affection.

Haley looked on happily. She was glad to see someone that loved him much as she did.

"You remind me so much of your father. You have grown into a very handsome young man, Nathan." Karen recalled with a hint of sadness. "Don't you think so Peyton and Haley?"

The both quickly agreed.

"He's a regular Brad Pitt." Her son smarted sarcastically. "Can we get finished?"

His parents ignored him and college again became the subject of conversation.

"Well, Peyton's going to New York in fall and now you two are leaving us so soon. We're very proud of you Lucas and Haley. We know you'll be very successful." Larry boast.

"Thank you, Mr. Sawyer. I hope so, but as long as I'm happy I can scrub floor in a prison." Haley answered as she felt Nathan's heated gaze upon her.

Lucas rolled her eyes. Haley could be so modest and average at times. She set her goals high, but held factors like love and friendship above all things. Luke knew if he got his hooks her, he would be able to keep her in line and not allow anything to interfere in her becoming a financial wizard. Wait until he found out she wanted to be a simple accountant in a small city.

"Sooo, where do you plan on going next Fall, Nathan?"

Lucas smirked doubting Nate even knew how to fill out a gym membership, let alone a college application. Nathan would finally be looked down upon in his parents eyes.

Haley gulped down her water, knowing this was a sore subject for the love of her life. The look he gave her co-signed that.

"I'm not sure if I'll be going to college. I only applied to a few. I'm not sure if I'll get in." he said softly, wringing the napkin in his hands.

"Sure you will and you'll meet lots of new people." Karen gave hopefully.

"Mom, umm.. Nate isn't like Haley and me." Her boy rudely stated. His mother cut her eyes at him and Larry dropped his fork.

"What are you saying, Lucas?" His father demanded.

He tried to rebound, not wanting to get on them or Haley on his bad side. She already looked like she was ready to explode.

"I'm just mean Nathan doesn't care for school as much as we do?"

Nathan felt awkward, dumb, and humiliated because he wasn't a good student. Feeling like this was one of the reason he didn't want to go to college. What if he flunked out? He would loose Haley for sure. He didn't want to be a point of ridicule or ever shame her.

Karen reached across the table and squeezed his hand.

"Lucas Eugene Sawyer! You should really think before you speak! I'm sure you aren't any smarter than Nathan. He just gets distracted. There are too many others things he finds more interesting. Like I use to."

"I hated high school, but I did great in college." Larry interjected.

"That's right and I only have a high school diploma, but now I own a very successful cafe and a night club. I told you about underestimating people, Luke."

Nathan gave Luke a triumphant smile. Then looked over at his Godparents with love. They always knew the right thing to say.

"So, do you want to take a year off and travel?" Larry questioned.

"Not exactly." Nathan bit and Haley's forehead wrinkled, trying to read his thoughts.

"Well if you do. I'm sure I could have you do some steward work for Sawyer Sails. We go back and forth to the Caribbean all summer and to Hilton Head and Savannah the rest of the year. A boy with your personality would do well with our guest."

"Thanks, Mr. S. I'll keep that in mind. Once I look up what a steward means." He said frankly.

"Imbecile!" Luke thought with envy in her eyes. His never offered him a job on any of the boats!

"So what are your plans, Nate?" Karen inquired.

She was genuinely interested in everything the quiet kid did. He looked so much like Dan. She didn't miss him so much when he was around. Plus he was a strong, yet very vulnerable, much like his father and Karen. Heartache had come into his life much too early and he had a loneliness about him. The same Karen had suffered through for many years. She wanted to help Nathan fill his emptiness.

Haley listened with the same enthusiasm. Hoping to shed some light on how to keep him in his life forever by being supportive of whatever he chose to do.

"I was thinking of becoming a pro basketball player."

Luke choked on his water before remarking. "Sounds good. You don't have to take some exams for those careers. Although, you might want to join the school's or some other team." Luke chide.

Nathan ignored him. If he were confident about anything, it was his ability to shoot a ball through a hoop. He was definitely gifted in that aspect. It was just hard to do without seeing his parents waving from the stands and with this college thing he wasn't sure Haley would be around.

"Well I think that's great. I would love to see you play sometimes." Larry and Karen both agreed.

"Yeah and you'll be able to do some good for the community like your parents did."

"I haven't played since they died, but I was really really good." He rubbed his neck nervously.

Obviously the memories of his parents were still a sore subject for him. Haley started to change the subject, but was interrupted by best friend.

"Why don't go play in Italy? Didn't your mom and dad work there?" Luke ranted. "Hmmm, maybe you will never come back too. "Blatantly trying to give her an idea that would keep her far away from Haley.

Nathan's eyes became cloudy. The walls were closing in on him. He felt trapped in his anguish and needed space. The distraught young man got up and moved away from the table. Doing his best to hold back tears and rage until he got down the hall to the bathroom. Rattling him to the core, Luke had trumped him. breaking down years of hard work. In a matter of minutes, he had brought out all of Nathan's insecurities. They were crashing to the surface in one setting. Lucas had gotten exactly what he wanted. Nathan didn't feel worthy of Haley or living for that matter. He just want to find a quiet place far away so he could hide from the world.

"Please excuse me. I have to go." Nathan rushed.

The table was silent, with everyone glaring at an innocent looking Lucas. Haley placed her napkin on the table and went after Nate.

"What the hell is your problem, young man?!" Karen scolded

"How could you say something like that to him? We have taught you to be more tactful and considerate of others!" His father warned.

"You know he was with his parents when they were killed!"

"He's being a jerk because he's jealous of Nathan, always had been!" Peyton frowned in disgust of her brother. She was completely fed up. She couldn't wait until he left for school.

" I am not! Why would I be jealous of that slutty looser?"

"You better watch your mouth... OH!... You are sooooo punished!" His irate mother screamed.

"Gawd! I didn't mean to hurt his precious feelings." Lucas pretended to care.

His sister was there to clear thing up. "Sure you did! You hate him."

"He's a nice boy. What would give you reason to hate him?" His perplex dad vexed.

"One guess!" Peyton eyed her brother distastefully as he batted his eyes innocently.

"Haley?" Mr. and Mrs. Sawyer deduced in unison.

"Bingo!" Peyton chortled at her brother.

"Would you shut up?!" He barked at his know-it-all sibling.

"No! You've been insulting him all night. I'm sick of it!" Peyton criticized. "Haley loves him and not you, get over it!"

His mother sympathized with her son, holding him for a minute and kissing his forehead. She knew her son thought Haley hung the moon, but his feeling were unrequited. She had witness Nathan and Haley's love. There was no way he could come between them.

"If Haley doesn't feel the same way you do about her, you can't make her. Hating Nathan isn't going to change a thing and you're probably missing out on a great friend or two, Lukie." She preached.

"Your mom's right. Go see if he's okay and apologize." He dad advised.

His twin hurried from her seat. She blocked the dinning room door with her lithe frame. She was so protective of Nathan.

"I'll do it. It's not like he's going to mean it anyway." Peyton offered.

The pair fought their way down the hall, only to meet Haley hanging up the phone in the foyer. She had been crying and couldn't even look at Luke.

"Nathan took off. I have find him." She chattered anxiously. "Mr. Durham is going to give me a ride. Tell your parents I'll be back, Peyton."

She nodded and took her cell phone from her pocket. "Here. Take this. Call as soon as you find out anything."

"I will." Haley vowed.

As she turned to leave, the desperate boy grabbed her hand.

"Don't you want desert first?" Luke stalled. "Afterwards, I'll go with you."

"You've done enough! You know he is still haunted by his parents murder!" Haley tore herself away and laid into him. "You know it screw him up, but you couldn't leave it alone!"

"I know he's your friend, but we've been best friends since Kindergarten. Why are you always taking his side?" He played the pity card.

"Maybe because he's right. Nathan wasn't being nasty to you, Luke!" Peyton jumped in, not buying her brother's bull.

Haley walked over to her friend and sighed deeply. "You know I love him and Thursday I found out he loves me too." Wiping her eyes. "What kind of friend are you to treat someone that I and the rest of your family care about so horribly? You're not the person I thought you were."

"I am! It's you that has changed, since you got all hung up on Nathan!" He guarded.

"Well, You don't have to worry about that. I don't want hang out with you anymore. Our friendship is over!" She opened the door and ran out.

Whitey was pulling up as Lucas screamed for her, tears poured from his face.

Peyton sat on the stairs watching his dramatics. Once the car pulled away he slammed the front door and turned to her.

"Lucas, please give it up. They're happy. You are going to loose her totally." Realizing just how much Haley means to him.

"If anyone's going to be a looser it's Nathan!" He boast and ran upstairs to his room.

Meanwhile, Nathan was running frantically through the wooded path that lead from The Sawyer home to the bus stop. He wanted to get beach and the shelter of the bungalow. He knew Haley would come to him.

It was getting dark and in his haste he had gotten off the path. Now he was befuddle and apprehensive. The surrounding reminded him of plane crashes. Flares of that horrible night raced through his mind. His back was already killing him and now he was sobbing heavily and the flashes onset a severe migraine, making him disoriented.

Ten minutes later, he was really off course. Nate heard a branch break among the leaves and took off, losing his footing and catching his ankle on a tree root. Suddenly, everything went black.

Whitey and Haley had been searching for Nathan for hours. They had been to every place he was known to hide, including the bus station, the Rivercourt, under the bleachers at the old minor league baseball field, Victoria Secrets, and the beach house, The Tree Hill Public library a place no suspected him to ever be. He had disappeared.

Taking drastic measures, the pair joined the gardener and combed the grounds of the Scott estate, finding nothing. Haley was out of his mind with worry. She feared something was terribly wrong deep in her gut. She even got the courage to go in the Scott home, a place she had vowed to never visit ever again. She was disrupted by the sound of Peyton's cell. It was the Sawyer's number. Hurriedly she answered it.

"Where is he? Did he call?" She cried.

Luke squinted and responded. "No! It's Luke."

She was about to press the off button when she heard.

"Hales! Don't hang up!... I kept calling you from my cell and you wouldn't pick up! I'm sorry about earlier."

"I don't have time for this! Nathan is missing and I have an awful feeling."

"Oh please! He's probably hanging out with some old broad or getting toasted with Felix.. He'll be fine. Now are you going to forgive me?" He stated uncaring.

"He's not fine! He was a wreck when he bolted from your house! No thanks to you, Luke!" She reprimanded her soon to be ex-friend. " He's not thinking clearly. When he hurts, I hurt! Don't you get that?" She stated emotionally before the silence

The blond finally shut up. he was annoyed at Nate's disappearance, chalking it up to him being selfish. Haley was basically holding the phone on her end. She scrambled her brain, trying to trace Nathan's possible steps. She didn't want to miss a clue.

"Nathan hasn't been back there? Has he?" She wished.

"No, Hales. Why would he?" Luke griped.

"That's something we agree on!...May I speak to your dad?" Haley was sick of the games.

"Why?" Her buddy blew out. Hoping she wasn't going to tell on him.

"Just put him on the phone, please! Every second counts when someone is missing, especially a teenager! He could have been abducted or injured!" She cautioned.

"Right. He probably ran away again, found some bimbo to take her to Charlotte!"

"No one asked you what you thought! Besides, he didn't do that! He loves me!" Hales told herself more than Luke.

"How do you know for sure? I bet he's told lots of girls, I mean women that." Luke probed.

"I know, alright! Now, may I speak with your dad?"

Haley sat on the porch of the beach house, praying he would show up sooner or later when she discovered something. She held up a small platinum cross necklace. They must have dropped it during the move. It had belonged to his mother when he was a boy, Nathan slept with it underneath his pillow and always took it when he ran away. Haley put it in her pocket.

Luke marched into the den and handed his father the phone. Haley explained everything to Larry.

The Sawyers began a search of their neighborhood, showing Nathan's picture to all their neighbors. They wanted to call the police, but Haley begged them to wait. Besides, the police wouldn't do anything until he had been gone for twenty four hours since he was a known runaway.

That winter night was cool and crisp when the search party Larry put together began their trek. Peyton and Brooke remembered Nathan sometimes used the path from the bus stop through the woods behind their home. It was a shortcut. The area was very dense with trees and vegetation. It was extremely wide, but it's length was much shorter.

Luke was livid. It was late and he had already missed three episodes of the Dawson Creek marathon, but his parents had him searching for Nathan Scott The person she hated most in the world because he and his sister knew every inch of the lush area!

He was given a three way radio and a partner, whom he ditched as soon as possible, going on a different path.

A half an hour later there was no word to Luke's pleasure. He decided to turn back, leaving on the flashlight attached to his hat and cutting off the hand held one. He walked around to the other side of a large oak, remember it had tons of cobwebs on the other side. He stumbled and fell on something hard. He pushed himself up and found an unconscious Nathan lying below him. He was pale and immobile. He notice his arm was twisted when he checked his pulse, finding it weak and unsteady. A chill came off the nearby ocean and made Luke shiver. He turned on his other flashlight. He could see Nathan's Celtic's warm up lying across his long legs, his hand rested at the top where he had been clutching it. Before he left, the mean juvenile reached down and picked it up. He tucked it in his over-sized jacket and ran as fast as he could far from Nathan on the other side of the forest. He took out his radio.

"Dad! Peyton! I found his jacket! I found his Jacket!"

He screamed, trying to sound exciting. He explain his whereabouts. His path was tied by green glow-in-the-dark string on every other tree. He had dropped the pink string he was using earlier near the tree where Nate lay. Singing a happy tune, he cut off the radio. He took out a Princeton brochure and sat against a tree to read it while he waited for everyone to come meet him, far far away from Nathan...

Pamela