Hi and thanks for the reviews, again..
I'm back with the next chapter! Enjoy it :)
«What?» Haley asked, her face showing how shocked she really was.
«You didn't know?» Jake frowned as he sat down next to her.
«I'm.. I'm pregnant?» Haley asked shakingly as she brought her hand up to cover her mouth. What in the world was she going to do now?
«Yeah, you're almost three months along. I'd like to run a couple more test on your baby, just to check that everything is okay» Jake asked.
«Yeah, of course. And, Jake could you do me a favour?» Haley continued as Jake nodded.
«Don't tell anybody about this, please» Haley begged as Jake sighed.
«It's Nathan's. Isn't it?» Jake asked. Haley was too emotional to answer him, so she just nodded as tears formed in her eyes.
«Don't worry, Haley. It's going to be okay» Jake assured her as she let the tears fall.
«Oh my God» Haley exclaimed as she took her hand down to touch her stomach. «I'm pregnant..»
«You're just lucky I examined you, and not Nathan. I take it you're not together anymore?» Jake frowned as Haley sighed loudly.
«Can I be honest with you?» She asked as he nodded in confirmation. «I'm in love with him, and I have been for a long time. And about three months ago, we slept together. But the next morning he told me it was a mistake, and that he wasn't ready after everything that happened with Brooke. And I perfectly understand that, of course I do. He lost his wife just a month earlier. But he also said that he used me, and I just snapped. I ran out of there in tears and I haven't really talked to him after that day. Other than screaming and arguing. He's apologized many times, but I just can't deal with it. And now, right before you came in, he told me he wanted to be wih me. And I really wanted to say yes, but I couldn't» Haley finished while drtying the tears.
«Why not? You love him, why can't you be together?» Jake asked with confusion in his eyes.
«About two months ago, his mother came to talk to me. She practically bit my head of, saying that I was ruining his life. But she made a lot of sense about things. I mean, I'm just going to be his replacement. I'm never going to be Brooke for him, and I won't ever be enough after everything Brooke gave him. I can't compete with her. So I don't want to put my heart out there so he can crush it when he realizes that I'm not good enough anymore. Just because he thinks we could work now, doesn't mean that he would say the same next month. He's still pretty lost because of Brooke, and I don't want to be his replacement. My heart can't take that»
«I get it Haley, but the situation has changed now. This child deserves to know its father» Jake reasoned as Haley nodded sadly.
«I know, but if I'm ruining his life and screwing him up with being just me, how is this going to help? This will crush him» Haley bit her lip nervously as a million thoughs ran through her mind.
«Don't be so sure about that, Haley. I know Nathan pretty well, and we have been friends for years. I think he'll be happy about this. And James will love the idea of become a big brother again, especially considering the fact that you are the mother. He loves you so much, and I think Nathan does too»
«It doesn't matter, Jake» Haley shook her head determingly and she continued to rub her belly. She couldn't believe there really was a child inside of her.
«Are you going to keep it?» Jake suddenly asked while watching the soon to be mother cuddling with her unborn baby.
«Of course. I could never kill my own child, Jake. Or give it up for that reason» Haley said with serious eyes.
«Good. But you'll start showing in about a few weeks, so you have to tell him soon. He deserves to know, Haley» Jake replied with the same seriousness in his own eyes.
«I know, I just need some time to figure it all out. Please don't tell him yet. I know you're friends but..» Haley trailed of as she felt fresh tears grow in her eyes.
«I won't tell him, because that's not my place. But if you don't do it, I will because I care about him» Jake finished before leaving Haley to herself.
Haley spent the rest of the day at the hospital. Because of her need for rest and foot, Jake had demanded she would spend the night there. After he had convinced her to stay, he had spoken to the Cheif and made sure Haley didn't have to work for a couple of days. Forcing her to spend Christmas at home, which was the worst thing Haley could think of. Gigi was spending it with her boyfriend, Mouth. So Haley would be all alone in the apartment. Alone on Christmas with nothing to do: Great!
While she lied in her bed, she tried her best to get some sleep in. But because of the information she had received earlier, she couldn't sleep. She just tossed and turned, but couldn't even find a position to sleep in. After a while, Haley figured she couold just close her eyes and pretend to sleep. If she didn't Jake wouldn't leave her alone and make her take nasty pills to make her sleepy. And Haley hated pills!
«Are you awake?» Nathan's deep voice asked as he walked into the room. Haley wanted to reply, but figured faking sleep would be the perfect way to avoid talking to him. Maybe he would just leave if he thought she was sleeping. But she quickly found out that she was wrong when she felt Nathan take her hand and squeeze it while sitting down.
«I'm so sorry, Haley. I don't know what got into me that day, and if I could take it back, I would. Not what we did, just how I reacted to it. I was wrong, and I think I knew that. I just didn't want to face the truth because I was ashamed. I felt like I had cheated on Brooke, and that caused me to act the way I did. But if I had known this would happen, I would never have turned you down the way I did»
«You see, I figured if I just explained that it was too soon, we could go back to be friends for a few months. And then when I felt like it was okay, we could finally be together. But obviously that didn't happen, so I guess I really screwed up» Nathan looked down and focused his eyes on her hands. He began stroking them softly and kissed her hand softly before looking back up.
«I don't regret what we did, Haley. I thought I did, but I don't. It felt right, and it still does. You made me feel things I've never felt before, not even with Brooke. And I want that feeling again. I want you again. I think about you everyday, and James really misses having you around. I actually caught him crying the other night, because he missed his mom and his step-mommy so much, as he put it. And hearing him say that just broke my heart. Because I know it's my fault that he lost you, but I really want to make it up to you. Just please give us another chance!» Haley had to fight the urge to open her eyes and kiss him senseless at this point. And hearing him talk about James just broke her heart, because she really missed him too.
«Well, I guess I'll let you sleep. But just know that I'm not giving up, Haley. When I lost Brooke, I felt lost and broken. Like a piece of me was missing. But when you came into my life, I felt complete again. I just didn't notice it until you were gone, because then the feeling that something was missing returned. I guess what I'm really trying to say is that you complete me. And I think I might be in love with you» Nathan stopped as this point, along with Haley's heart. He loved her? Like she loved him? Oh my God..
«I have to go, but I'll see you later. I hope you'll come by for Christmas. James would be so happy to see you, because he's not really happy at the moment. This is his first Christmas without Brooke, so it's pretty hard on all of us. Having you there would make things much easier!» Nathan laughed a little before kissing her hand again and standing up.
«Sleep tight» He said as he stroke her cheek lovingly and bent down to kiss her forehead. Haley smiled as she felt his lips on her head, but made sure he couldn't see it when he pulled away. Then she heard a few steps and the door closing. Haley waited another ten seconds before she opened her eyes. She had to bring her hand up to cover her mouth as she felt her jaw drop in surprise. Nathan loved her.. He said he loved her!
«Oh my God» Haley exclaimed as she felt tears return to her eyes. Now she really had no chance of sleeping!
Two days later, it was Christmas day. And Nathan was pretty busy with Jamie being on fire!
«Daddy! Can I open a present now?» James asked happily as he jumped up and down. He loved Christmas, just like any other kid would at four years old.
«No, not yet Jamie. You can open one before you go to bed, okay? And the rest you open tomorrow» Nathan laughed as he ruffled through Jamie's hair. He hadn't seen Haley since that day in the hospital when he told her he loved her. The next day when he came by, she was gone. He didn't know if she would come by, but he hoped it with every part in him.
«When can I go to bed?» Jamie asked as he stole a cookie from the tray on the table, eating it before Nathan saw him. He was already well trained in folling his parents so he could eat candy! Haley had taught him a few pointers when she was around, and he still used them.
«Well, first we have to eat dinner» Nathan laughed as he continued doing what he was doing.
«When can we have dinner?» James asked again.
«When the guest arrive. Now, why don't you go watch a movie while I help Grandma finish dinner, okay?» Nathan smiled as Jamie nodded and ran into the living room.
«Uncle Lucas can you help me put on a movie?» Jamie pouted up to his uncle, who fell completely for it and nodded.
«Sure Buddy. What do you want to watch today?»
«Dodgeball!» Jamie smiled as she walked over to the 'Comedy' shelf and pointed upwards.
«Why? Do you even understand the humour in it?» Lucas laughed as he found the right DVD.
«No, but that's the video Daddy and Haley watched the last time she was here» Jamie added sadly as he took the cover from Lucas and held it tightly. «I remember because I was watching 'Finding Nemo' the next day, and this movie was in the DVDplayer» James added when he saw the confused look on his uncle's face.
«I don't think you should watch that one» Lucas said as he took the cover back from James. He knew Nathan was still pretty upset about Haley, and he knew showing that movie wouldn't do Nathan any good.
«But I want to watch it!» James screamed angrily as he jumped up, trying to reach it. But of course he could't because Lucas was much higher than him.
«What's going on in here?» Karen frowned when she heard the noise coming from the living room.
«Uncle Lucas won't let me watch Dodgeball!» Jamie pouted to his grandmother. He knew she always fell for it, because Haley had taught him that as well.
«Let him watch the movie, Lucas» Karen strictly told her son as Lucas sighed in defeat. When James was happily seated in front of the TV, Lucas went into the kitchen to find Nathan.
«Hey Nate?»
«Yeah?» Nathan smiled as Lucas approached him.
«Is Haley coming?» He asked once he was closer. Lucas lowered his voice while speaking, because he didn't want anyone else to hear what they were talking about.
«I don't know. I invited her, but I don't know if she feels like showing up» Nathan sighed sadly.
«Who's coming then?»
«You remember Jake Jagielski right?» Nathan asked as Lucas nodded. «And another friend from work. She didn't have anywhere else to be, so I invited her»
«What's her name?» Lucas continued out of curiosity.
«Rachel» Nathan shrugged as the door bell rang. «I guess that's her»
«I'll get it!» Jamie yelled as he ran as fast as he could towards the door. He thought it was Haley at the door, or at least he hoped it was. Nathan shook his head while smiling as he followed his son out in the hall. When James opened the door, his face fell as he saw the woman outside.
«You're not Haley!» He said disappointed as the red head looked confusigly up at Nathan.
«James, go inside» Nathan coldly told his son as James looked down in sadness. Nathan noticed it and felt bad for James, but quickly looked back at Rachel who was frowning at him.
«Is Dr. James coming?»
«No, I don't think so. Just you and Jake» Nathan brushed of as he took her coat and leaded her into the kitchen where everyone except Peyton and Jamie were talking.
«Guys, this is my colleague, Rachel Gatina. Rachel this is my brother Lucas, his wife Peyton, my father Dan and my mother Karen» Nathan introduced them as they all shook Rachel's hand. Then the door bell rung again and Nathan went to answer it, leaving Rachel behind with his family.
«So, Rachel what do you do at the hospital?» Karen asked with curious eyes.
«I'm a doctor. I'm an attending, like Nathan» Rachel answered with her sweetest tone.
«Well, that's lovely dear» Karen smiled warmly, showing that she accepted Rachel. Right after, Nathan came back into the kitchen with Jake behind him. His family already knew Jake, so they didn't need an introduction.
«Well, now that everybody is here, let's eat!» Karen said enthusiastically as Peyton came down from the nursery with Julie in her arms. She placed her in her crib and joined the rest of the gang around the table. Nathan walked over to make sure Julie was okay before he went to get Jamie from the living room.
As he walked in, he automatically noticed what movie Jamie was watching. Nathan froze and starred at the screen as the ugly woman appeared.
FLASHBACK
«That was one hell of a woman» Nathan laughed as Haley hit his arm.
«I'm sure she's pretty under all that makeup» Haley exclaimed as they laughed together.
«I hope so, because she was just disgusting» Nathan sighed as he stroke Haley's shoulder a couple of times.
END OF FLASHBACK
«Jamie, dinner» Nathan shortly said as the little boy turned his head to look at his father. Even though he was only four, he noticed the special look on his father's face and realized what he was thinking about.
«She's not coming, is she?» He asked sadly as Nathan walked over to him and sat down on his knees.
«No, I don't think so, Buddy» Nathan sighed as he picked Jamie up in his arms.
«I miss her. And I miss Mommy! Christmas sucks!» Jamie said as he started hitting Nathan chest and crying.
«I miss them too» Nathan said as his strong arms calmed James and held him close. After a few minutes, Nathan turned of the TV and took Jamie into the dining room where everybody else were waiting for them. They both sat down beside each other, awefully quiet for Lucas' taste who realized what they had talked about. As the dinner started, so did the conversation. Mostly it was Rachel and Karen who talked, while Lucas and Nathan exchanged looks. Jake also noticed the tension as well as Peyton. They all knew what the other's were thinking..
«So, Rachel dear. How close are you with my son?» Karen asked as she and Rachel cleaned the dirty dishes. Rachel had voulenteered to help out when the dinner was finished, figuring it would score her more points with Nathan's mother. Her plan was so far working perfectly.
«Well I don't know if I could speak loudly about that. I'm not sure myself» Rachel laughed as she carried the last tray over to the counter.
«Well, I'm so glad it's you and not that golddigging whore he used to date» Karen said happily as Rachel frowned.
«You didn't like Brooke?»
«Oh no, not her. I loved Brooke, she was like a daughter to me. No, the other woman he had right after Brooke's death. It was her I had a problem with!» Karen scoffed as she finished putting the plates in the dishwasher.
«Oh, I didn't know he had a girlfriend after Brooke» Rachel replied, a little shocked that he had been able to move on so quickly.
«I would hardly call her his girlfriend. She was a pathetic wannabe, that was what she was. But luckily she disappeared one night and I haven't seen her here since that. I've spoken to he once, telling her to stay away from him. Apparently it worked» Karen smiled happily as she continued to clean.
«Where did he meet her?»
«At work of course. She was his intern for months before Brooke died. I believe she suspected they had an affear, but I would never think that of Nathan. He was faithful to her til her last breath» Karen defended her son as every mother would.
«An intern? At work? Which intern are we talking about? Gigi Silvary?» Rachel frowned at the thought of Nathan and Gigi together. Could that be possible.
«No, I believe her name is Haley» Karen shrugged.
«What! Nathan and Haley were together?» Rachel asked in disbelief. No freaking way!
«Well, I wouldn't say that. But she spent everyday here for like a month. Manipulating him into liking her and making James adore her. He was so confused after he lost his mother, and then she came and confused him more! I shoud have her fired, I'll tell you» Karen poited out.
«That explains so much..» Rachel trailed of, lost in her thoughts.
«Explains what?» Karen asked confused while studying Rachel's face.
«Well, everybody can tell that she totally tries to avoid him if you know what I mean. I never understood why, but now the pieces are falling into place. I guess they had a falling out and she doesn't want to talk to him anymore. But he tries to talk to her all the time. You should have seen him a few days ago when she collapsed in the bathroom. He went in like a knight in shining armour and carried her to a bed before Jake checked her out and got her back. They both spent all their free time with her after it. I was pretty jelaous if you understand!» Rachel laughed nervously as Karen's face stiffned.
«What did you say? He spent his time by her hospital bed?» She asked the red head in disbelief.
«Yeah, and before she collapsed he seemed a little too worried about her. It seemed like they were more than friends..» Rachel said, more to herself than Karen. She didn't noice the angry look that had formed on Karen's face. And maybe that was a good thing..
«Daddy, I think I'm going to bed now» Jamie said sadly as he climbed of his dad's lap.
«Wait a minute, Buddy! Don't you want to open up one of your presents?» Nathan said confusigly as he watched his little boy head for the TV.
«No. I don't like Christmas anymore» Jamie said sadly. He walked over to the TV and picked up the DVD he had been watching earlier, held it close and headed for the stairs.
«What is this I'm hearing? You don't like Christmas?» Dan asked his grandchild with concern.
«I'm sorry Grandpa» Jamie answered sadly before he disappeared up the stairs. Nathan and Lucas exchanged concerned looks while Peyton shook her head sadly.
«He misses his Mom» Peyton told Dan, and he nodded understandingly.
«That's not all he's missing» Lucas mumbled so only Nathan could hear it, and Nathan sighed loudly.
«I'll go check on him..» Nathan started.
«..No, Nate. Let me do it» Lucas cut him of and went after the little boy.
«Hey Buddy, you alright?» Lucas asked as he went into James' room and found him sitting on his bed. In his hands were the DVD and a picture of Brooke he usually had on his nightstand.
«No» Jamie shook his head.
«Do you miss your Mommy?» Lucas asked while walking closer and sitting down beside him. Jamie nodded deeply and held the picture and the DVD closer to his heart.
«And you miss Haley, right?» Lucas asked again, and Jamie continued to nod. Lucas sat beside him, and wrapped his hand around the little boy's shoulders. Suddenly an idea former in Lucas' mind and he stood up, recieving a confused look from the little boy.
«I'm going to go do something» Lucas quickly said before leaving the room and running downstairs. He walked straight passed the others and ran out the door, to his car. Nathan and Peyton stood up and walked after him, but stopped confused in the door when they saw his car drive out of the drive way.
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