My Security 6-7-07

Change is inevitable - except from a vending machine.

Robert C Gallagher

Chapter12

It took a half and hour for the soon to be torn apart twosome to say good bye in the hospital. Haley sat on Nathan's lap in a wheelchair. They cried and she kissed him, holding her small hands on his face.

"I don't want to go, Hales. I want to be with you." He whispered emotionally.

"Shh. It's alright. I don't want you to go, but it won't be for long. I promise." She sniffed.

"Good. I can stand being apart from you for only so long. I love you." He confessed sweetly, rubbing his cheek along her and brushing wisps of reddish brown strands from her forehead.

Her voice cracked as she gazed into weary pools of blue, feeling all of his impending loss.

"Mrs. James and Taylor are nice. I don't think they'll hurt you."

He listened.

"Okay. I trust your instincts."

She rose causing him to draw in a deep breath. Haley had to be strong for him.

"Peyton parents are calling for me. I want you to take your medicine and get some rest so you can get well and I can see you. I'm going to be fine. Don't worry about me. Goodbye, Nate."

"Bye, Hales." He choked out before her mouth could cover his one last time for a delicate and loving kiss.

He got up and walked over to the James, minus Jimmy.

The family patriarch has been working at Striking Beauty's (the families cosmetic office) New York office for the last two years, commuting home on weekends and holidays. He had been a friend of Nathan's mother. She had model for his family's company when she was in college. They became instant buddies. He was even an usher in their wedding.

Jules took her hand and Taylor casually placed her arm in Nathan's as they walked out.

He looked over her shoulder at Haley. He was sick inside. He felt as if he had lost a piece of himself.

Larry and Karen lead the heart broken girl out to the private parking deck and over to their Excursion. The hospital had closed off the deck to keep both teens away from the hounding press.

Hales got to the car and the door to the brown mini van several spaces away flew open.

Nathan ran out and over to her once more.

She was careful of his injuries. The short girl's plump lips were devoured by his full red mouth.

The Sawyer's had no idea it was going to be this difficult for the Nathan and Haley to be separated.

After some gentle persuading from his girlfriend, teary eyed Nate backed away slowly, waving and blowing kisses as Haley reached out her open palm ward her, signifying she would be waiting until the were together again.

"I'm only a phone call away. Remember that." Haley belted out.

Mrs. James was stunned to see such a connection between two kids. She didn't think love could ever be that strong between a man and a woman. Humans couldn't be monogamous as far as she was concerned. The sooner they got use to being apart the better.

Besides, she saw a gleam in her daughter's eye when she looked at the Scott heir. She swore she saw a hint of jealousy when Nathan was kissing Haley Myers. She hadn't recalled her taking a serious interest in young man, usually dating frequently and diversely, but this young man was different and loaded. Jules could care less if she stole her from Haley Myers.

Mrs. James was a gorgeous honey haired woman that never raised her voice and wore the most beautiful dresses. She was easy to like and reminded Nate a lot of his own mother, pretty and affectionate. He had no idea Jules wanted no part of the person he loved the most.

After seeing Haley, she was positive all the rumors and stories were true. The little heifer was her husband's offspring, his first born at that! She remembered how it all began...

At sixteen Jules Kennedy, purposely snuck out with some friends to make herself available to Jimmy James, the man of her dreams. He was plastered at fraternity party. This was her opportunity to take advantage of the situation and let him impregnate her in a drunken sexual romp.

It worked.

She knew Jimmy was still in love with his high school sweetheart, Lydia Myers when they got married. Hell, he would have never made the walk down the aisle if she weren't knocked up and her chief of police father hadn't threatened to kill Jim or if Lydia would have said yes to his proposal months before. Jules guessed she loved him, but his wealth and social status was what she had really been attracted to.

A few months after their marriage it was rumored that Lydia was pregnant too. Jules found out that Jimmy went to Ms. Myers, willing to leave her and go away with Lydia. Jules came to the restaurant where she worked and threatened to have her baby murdered if she ever saw Jimmy again.

Lydia was a poor waitress from the bad side of the tracks. She didn't know how to battle people of wealth and gave in. Lydia denied the child was Jimmy's and refused to speak to or see him again.

A few months later, He and Jules started to lead a normal family life raising Taylor. He was faithful to his wife and had grown to love her, but he wasn't "in love" with the attractive woman. She felt the same.

A few years later, Jimmy found out about the threats Jules had made to Lydia through a drunken mutual friend. He went to Haley's mother once again, but still denied the precious little girl's paternity.

Mr. James never forgave Jules for taking his first and only love away from him. He never bedded nor loved her from that day forward. He still had an active sexual relationship with other women just not her. Their marriage became one of convenience.

If she would have known how close Nathan was to his bastard, she would have never agreed to take in the wearied child. She had kept Haley out of there lives thus far, no reason to get her involved now.

The adolescent pair were kept apart and busy for the next few days with no contact of any kind.

Karen and Larry discussed Haley's decision to be emancipated with her on the drive home from the hospital. She was persistent, especially after finding Nathan would be staying with the James Taylor in particular. If they were allow to check up on her daily and the courts agreed, she was allowed to move into the oceanfront home That way she could have her independence and they would still be available if he needed anything.

When they got to the house, Luke was ready to wait on her hand and foot. He was excited about her staying in the cottage not aware of his emancipation plans. He was scheming up a way to spend alone time with her there, away from his parents.

Haley settled in and made a point to tell Lucas in front of everyone that she wouldn't be needing her help in any way and when he and Nathan were on the same visit, he better keep his distance.

Luke was a little discouraged, but was sure she would come around after a few days. She would start to forget about Nathan, out of sight out of mind.

Nathan was kept out of school for the first couple of days as well. He needed to rest. He had missed several days of the anxiety medication he had been taken since the crash. He was starting counseling and not to mention getting his trust in order. The James also wanted him to get to know his surroundings, hoping to build a real bond with the troubled male.

Taylor was raised the only child. She had been home schooled by her mother for several years now. She had leukemia from age eleven to fourteen and wasn't able to attend school regularly. She was fully recovered now, thanks to a bone marrow donor.

She was glad to show the handsome boarder around the estate. She was an easy going and funny girl. She treated her as if she had known him for years, thoroughly fascinated by every thing he did. It was quite charming how she doted over him while keeping their relationship platonic.

Nate was still cautious and formal around the sexy blond, who's looks reminder him so much of Haley and made missing her a million times worst.

Later...

Some things still remained a big problem for Nathan.

Medication was a major issue. He was suppose to take two pills every morning to relax his tense, shaking and neurotic behaviors, such as turning on the light three or four times sequence and flipping out if he couldn't or brushing his teeth ten times a day. Haley always crushed up the daily dosage and mixed it into his orange juice. Mrs. James just handed him the pills and watched as he pretended to swallow. As soon as he had an opportunity, Nate trashed the pills.

The other problem was his nightmares. The first night he got about two hours of sleep before he awoke, screaming hysterically.

Taylor heard his screams and rushed in to comfort the dismal soul, but he wouldn't let her touch him.

He wanted Haley, but Taylor reminded him She wasn't there. His new friend offered to stay until he fell back to sleep but he wouldn't let her, clinging on to his prize basketball. He didn't attempt to go back to sleep.

The second night was the same thing. Blood curdling screams rang from his private chamber only an hour after going to sleep. This time waking both Jules and Taylor went to his aid, but neither were able to console him, finding his long legs peeking out from underneath the bed where he was cowering. When he asked for his girlfriend, Jules refused to call the young woman (more out of jealousy of the girl than anything). She insisted that Haley was had her own things to worry about and his dreams would subside once he got comfortable living there. Nathan let her hold him for a little while, but it didn't nothing to relax the erratic man child. He was in shambles!

The third night, he received no rest at all refusing to sleep for fear of another horror being born in his rest. He stayed awake, catching up on his studies, thinking of Haley or watching the late NBA game on ESPN". He was spent, and not covering well. He kept quiet and minimized her time with the James.

By Thursday evening, he was barely hanging on, grouchy, paranoid and frustrated. Nathan wanted to go over the cabin with Haley, his wounds mostly healed.

Unfortunately, Mrs. James denied his request. She insisted he wait until the next day. Jimmy would be arriving. She also asked that agitated kid not talk about Haley, claiming Mr. James didn't think boys his age should be hung up on one girl.

Thursday...

Mr. James turned out to be a very sweet man and the similarities to Haley were uncanny, not just the eyes and the hair, laugh and his love of books. It just made Nate more adamant about seeing his soul mate.

There were so many things the Scott heir wanted to share with Haley. His mind was full of crazy thoughts, What if she had forgotten about him by now or didn't love him anymore? After all she didn't have to protect and help him anymore. Maybe she was going to move on.

After dinner the crafty lad insisted on giving the James some private family time, excusing himself to his quarters. His plan worked and a few minutes later, he stood rocking and antsy at the front gate of their luxurious home. Slipping his toned body through the bars, he ran down the street.

Mr. Durham picked him up around the corner and drove him to Haley's. He parked his car before leaving, letting him know he could call him anytime.

Nathan tightened his pack on his shoulder and journeyed down the boardwalk. As soon as the beach house came into view, he sprinted for the porch, knocking on the door like a mad man.

Haley finally appeared in a yellow tank with frogs scattered all over it and green flannel sleep pants. He had trouble containing himself. Yes, she was always beautiful to him, but he didn't remember her being so hot.

She sucked in his breath at the boy of her dreams. He was so yummy in his red hoodie, black leather jacket, and jeans.

Suddenly, she was pulled him into the apartment and the door slammed shut. Haley jumped into his waiting arms. Her innocent face looked up at the tall drink of water. His eyes sparkled and his smile turned her to pudding.

He got goose bumps at the sound of her voice." Hey, Sexy!"

"Surprise! I couldn't be away from any longer, Hales." He proposed emotionally, causing her cheeks to burn.

"Sooo... how much did my fine girlfriend miss me?" Nathan flirted joyously.

She laid a quick but extremely passionate kiss on him before breaking away. She bit his lip to prevent from grinning from ear to ear.

Getting his wind, his perfect blue eyes glowed as turned her head bashfully.

Haley was always amazed at how someone so handsome could be so insecure. She pulled his head down giving him one hell of a kiss. His tongue plunged deep into her hungry mouth as her arms crossed carefully around his neck. He nibbled on her bottom lip as his hand lowered itself on her hip. She just wanted to absorb his very essence, intoxicated by his cologne and soft lips as they made their way down her neck and along her collarbone. They made out at the against the door for some time, finally stopping when Nathan felt Haley get a little too turned on.

He desperately wanted to make love to her, but they agreed it would happen in it's own time and both of them would know when it was right. They walked into the cozy living room and found a seat on the comfy leather sectional. Nathan started searching his back pack for something and moving around hysterically.

"What are you looking for?"

"My camera. I need more pictures of you." He said simply finding the picture capturer.

Haley giggled and made some silly poses as he snapped the shots. They tired of that project soon enough and she retired to the sofa.

"Would you like something to drink. We have juice or water?" Haley served.

"No thanks." Nathan gave as he continued to walk aimlessly around the room.

"You're acting weird?" Haley investigated.

Nathan did his best to appear his normal self.

His mate noticed his hand was trembling with the rest of him. She raised herself up on her toes and kissed the tip of his nose.

He started to pace again, not able to sit still for very long. He handed her something from his coat before putting it away.

"I ask Peyton to help me with this." It was a photograph of the two of them. Peyton had taken it one day during lunch. It was in a butterfly frame that had "Love" printed below the picture.

"Wow. I love it." She praised in awe. "It's beautiful, Nate."

"No more than it's model. I couldn't rest without having you near, so I got the next best thing." He bragged, planting another hungry lip lock on her as they fell back on the lush sofa. His hands tenderly traveled her body and his mouth cascaded over her hot skin.

She brushed the back of her hand along the nape of his neck and studied him with intensity. His eyes were distant and his kisses were become aggressive and rough. Dark circle had formed underneath his lustful orbs. Haley raised up, breaking the intimate moment.

"Nathan, you haven't been sleeping." She acknowledged. "It's the nightmares isn't it? I told."

He walked away as she rambled on. He didn't want to hear this, he wanted to touch her body, feel her sweet breathe on his face, kiss her dizzy, but the session had been broken. He checked the time. He would have to be leaving soon, not wanting the James to realize he was gone.

"They'll get better. I just have to get use to being at the James and away from you." He reasoned, search out her not obliging mouth. Frustrated by Haley's resistance, he sat back, resting his head on the arm of the furnishing.

"What do you want me to tell you, Hales? They tried to help, it just didn't do any good."

He lifted her off him and walked over to the decorated tree. His sweetheart trailed him, catching up and twisting his much larger frame to face hers.

"You need your rest. When is the last time you slept or took your medicine?" She nursed. "Your hands are shaking."

He stuffed them in his pocket and was about to give a quick reply, but she butted in with a warning tone.

"Don't lie, Nathan Scott!"

He rolled his eyes and tried to stifle a yawn.

"See! It's only 9pm and you're beat!" She pointed to the clock on the wall.

"We're young. Missing a few days of sleep isn't going to hurt me." He snipped harshly.

She scampered away from him, standing by the fire.

He softened his attitude, not wanting to upset her any further.

"The the only reason I didn't take my medicine is because it's hard to swallow those pills, Hales. I'll catch it up when I get up enough nerve to ask Mrs. James to have them crushed up for me. I didn't want to be a bother. I'll sleep once I'm too exhausted to dream."

"A few days! That's entirely too long! You're going to get sick! Really sick!" She argued.

"As far as being a disturbance, she's there to help you, Nathan! You can't be afraid to tell her what you need! She isn't your aunt. She won't hurt you."

Nathan was too tired to debate and Haley knew he wasn't going tell the James's about his pills or get any rest unless she intervened. She walked into the bedroom, muttering under his breath.

Nathan wanted to spend their limited time together doing anything but fighting. The grumpy guy followed and watched as she started to change her clothing, admiring her full breast as the peered from her white lacy bra and her curvy figure as she shimmied out of her pajama bottoms.

"Where are you going? I came to spend time with you."

"WE'RE going to the James's." She briefed, throwing on a sweater and a pair of jeans.

" But.." He stumped.

"I love you too much to see you fall apart now. We have enough on our plates." The determined cutie emphasized as the walked through the kitchen to get her coat.

"Besides, it's about time I meet my dad!"

She took him by the hand and retrieved his jacket with the other. "Hurry Nathan, we have a stop to make first."

Twenty minutes later...

Haley and Nathan hopped of the bus and up the path to the front door. The stern miss went straight to the Sawyer's den to speak to Karen and Larry, leaving an fidgety Nathan out in the hall.

Luke had heard her enter the house and rushed down stairs in his t-shirt and boxer, hoping Hales want to talk to him about school or something. He was startled to see Nathan waiting for the woman he wanted, Damn! Well, at least this would give him an opportunity to make everyone think he was sorry for being mean to the loser. After all, Nathan forgave him every other time he was cruel to him.

An interested Peyton was coming from the kitchen with chips and salsa when she discovered the visitors.

Haley walked out of the den to get Nate while Larry went to get the keys to the Excursion.

Lucas saw her and approached a jittery and short tempered Nate. "I'm so not in the mood for your shit! Bad timing, Luke." He thought.

Densely, the blond continue with his act, patting the taller boy on the back. "I'm so glad to see you, Nate. Looks like you're doing better. I guess Taylor is taking good care of you." He accused, getting no reaction.

"Can we please start over?...I hope you know I was going to make sure you were found. I wouldn't have let you stay there long. I swear." He maintained, pretending to be sympathetic.

Nathan didn't care, He had heard enough of his lies. Luke didn't give a damn about him. He punched him in the stomach and shoved him to the ground. He pounced on him, shoving his head in and out of the hard wood.

The Sawyer's son tried to crawl away on his back, but Nathan pulled him back and started beating him in the face. He was knocking the boy senseless.

Haley tried break it up, but she was too small. She urged Peyton to help her, but she refused. Finally, Haley caught Nathan's ankle with both her hands and hauled him away, then sat on his butt so he couldn't move.

Peyton had to stifle her laughter almost getting choked on a chip.

Her brother's shirt was ripped to threads. His arms and chest were badly bruised. His lip was busted and she could see a black eye forming on his squinting face when he sat by the door crying. Peyton didn't give him a second glance.

He deserved every bit of the beating and then some.

Nathan was still livid. He tried to get up, but Haley forced all her weight down on him, laying on top of him and restraining his upper arms. He swung around her, trying to jab Luke.

"For years, I took your bullshit cause I love your family and Haley so much!…… Not anymore! Stop pretending you care about me!" He continued to struggle for freedom.

"You left me to die! You even took the only warmth I had, my jacket…… and to top it off, you let me think you saved me. Think, I don't know your apologizing for Haley's benefit?" He settled.

"You of all people should know she isn't stupid enough to think a leopard can change his spots!"

"She's dumb enough to think you're the love of her life and that you'll be faithful to her when you're living with another girl." He blew out of his bleeding mouth.

" Please, I bet you banged Taylor the first night! I know she enjoyed welcoming you to the family! You probably have her kissing your ass, amongst other things! You're always playing the victim!" were his harsh allegations, holding his bruised cheek and eye.

Luke got up as his parents rounded the corner.

Peyton sat on the bottom stair smacking on her snack, listening intensely to Nathan's words as if he were performing a one man show.

"Man, my love life isn't half as interesting as you make it! Sounds like you know more about having a sex life than I do!... By the way, playing the victim and being a victim are two different things." He body relaxed and Haley got off him, letting him rise to his feet.

" I get it...I just loooooooved watching my parents bleed to death, it made me soooo popular! Oh and don't forget how I begged my aunt to beat the hell of Haley and me to get attention. Having a broken collar bone, wrist and dislocated shoulder are so cool!" He ran on satirically.

"Not to mention, I couldn't pass up the hundreds of stitches and bruise. Make me look hot!" He was on a roll.

"How callous and mean can you be?! You are so damn self-center, some people have REAL problems and they don't have time to waste insulting or harming others so they can fell good about themselves or try to get the attention of someone that just isn't interested."

"I wish you were never came to Tree Hill! Hales would be with me, if you would stay away!" Lucas whined.

"I'm not what's keeping Hales from being with you. ... You are!"

He wrangled herself from his girlfriend's clutches and walked out the door.

Nathan didn't speak a word on the ride to the Scott's. His head rested on Hale's shoulder and she let him put his head in her lap, stroking his hair. He squirmed and reposition himself several times. \

Larry could see why Haley was fretful about the boy's behavior.

He nodded off a few times, shaking himself to stay awake. This only made Haley more insistent about her trip. Finally, he couldn't fight it anymore and fell into a deep slumber.

She and Larry were both relieved as they pulled up to her foster home. Haley asked Mr. Sawyer to stay in the car despite his protest to help her with Nathan. She didn't want to appear like a kid. The old man was amazed by her. Larry hoped his lovely daughter would grow into half the woman Haley Myers was to be, although he knew she was well on her way. It was his son he was frightened for.

Haley panted up to the house with a half sleep boyfriend by her side, resting his long frame on the railing. She rang the door bell before sneaking a peek at her nodding mate, she gently kissed his covered chest and whispered " I love you.".

The door flung open and Mrs. James rushed out.

"Is that you, Nathan? We've been looking.."

"Shhh! He hasn't had sleep in days. Please don't get him all riled up." She chastised.

Jules stared at her. She heard footsteps coming through the foyer and pulled the door close. Why did she have to come here? I hope that's Taylor. She unnervingly questioned in her mind. She held out her arms.

"I'll take him. You can run along now……… I will have him call you tomorrow, young lady."

Haley focused on the tall and spindly woman. She was even sure if she weighed as much as her.

"If you move aside, I'll get him to his room. I've done it millions of times." She took a step forward.

"No. I have him." Jules blocked the door.

Haley was about to argue. There was no way on God's green earth that she was going to let this lady hold onto Nathan.

That's when Mr. James opened the door and vivid brown eyes met identical ones. He was perplexed, Something was so familiar about this girl. Who was she? Did Taylor have a new friend? Why was his wife acting so strange? Why did she have her standing at the door propping up nice Scott boy he had already grown found of?

Haley knew in a instant Jimmy was her dad. She even got a fatherly sense from him. After all, She didn't harbor any ill will towards him, knowing he had no idea she was his daughter. She didn't care disclose this information or even get to know the man. She had enough issues. Her life had been turned upside too many times. Her only concern was Nathan. That's as far as she wanted to take her relationship with Jimmy or any of the James. At least she had convinced herself of that.

"Jules, let them in. Can't you see the boy is sleeping? I thought he was upstairs." He probed.

"So did I. You take him, Jim. I'm sure the girl needs to get home, her ride is waiting." She pointed and Jim looked out to see Larry waiting in the car.

He waved. Mr. Sawyer waved back.

"I'm not leaving until I put him to bed and we have a talk about Nathan!" Haley dared strongly.

Her arm was growing tired and her patience was wearing thin. Jack was impressed by the young woman. He took the boy in a fireman lift over his shoulder and let Haley inside.

"I thought Larry's daughter was talker and blond, Jules?" He inquired of the small female who hadn't take her eyes off the drained boy.

He didn't get a chance to answer before Haley interrupted.

"She is! I'm Haley Myers." She expelled proudly.

Jimmy's eyes grew large and his heart raced as he shut the door behind the little beauty..

Pamela