Author's Note; Hey guys! Chapter thirteen is FINALLY here! Wow, it's been almost a month probably since I've updated and I want to start off by saying I am really really sorry for the long wait. I've been crazy busy with my school's playwhich is finally over, softball practice, and graduating in a few months. Although this week is my spring break, so I'm hoping to do a lot of updating, if not finishing, both this and Red High Heels.Once again, I'm so so sorry for the long wait. This chapter wasn't betaed at all because I felt pretty rushed to get it posted for you guys, but I hope you can over look the mistakes for me.
This chapter is pretty much another kind of fluffy and fun chapter. I don't want to add too much drama this close to the end of the story, so most chapters from here on out will be mostly just getting everything straight and in it's proper place.
Oh and at the end of this chapter there is a mention of 'Lisa Phillips', just think of her as my fictional Oprah. Kay? That was my creative way about Haley coming out with everything and making things more clear. That will be in next chapter.
Summary: Nathan and Haley were once madly in love and then reality set it. Now they are nothing more than friends who's faces always grace the tabloids. Then Nathan gets engaged and Haley has been invited to the week vacation the loving couple is throwing for friends and family. How is Haley ever going to survive and is it just her wishful thinking or is Nathan actually looking at her with those old eyes again?
Happy
Chapter Thirteen; Maybe It Will Be Alright
"How about Lance?" Haley suggested half way through You've Got Mail. Nathan had only agreed to watch it with her as long as they could talk things through, which they had. A lot of talking. Figuring out where they stood and what this baby was going to bring to their lives. Haley had been surprisingly uplifted throughout the whole conversation, even laughing at parts. Them as a couple was still up in the air, but at least they were being civil.
"Lance?" Nathan wrinkled his nose slightly. "Why Lance?"
"He was the first man on the moon - oh wait, that's Neil, isn't it?" Haley blushed, holding her hands over her face in slight embarrassment.
"Haley James doesn't know her space history? Wow, things really have changed." Nathan laughed as he took a sip of his coffee.
"Give me a break, I haven't been in school for a long time and even when I was I hated mostly everything to do with science." Haley gave him a slight elbow to the side, "You knew that."
"I still say no to Lance, even if he is the finest bicyclist this world as ever seen." Nathan shook his head.
"That's where I got the name!" Haley grinned, "So what? I got my Armstrongs wrong. Big deal. Fine, no Lance. What about Marie?"
"Um…well I'm sure the playground kids will have a good time making fun of our boy, but hey, if he's strong enough to take them then I say whatever makes you happy." Nathan shrugged.
"For a girl! I mean if I - we - end up having a girl than I really do like the name Marie." Haley admitted, kicking her legs up on the couch to rest them in Nathan's lap.
"Well it's going to be a boy so I really think we just need to focus on those sort of names." Nathan said with confidence, "Besides, there is always next time."
Haley's ears perked slightly and she felt a butterfly effect go through her stomach, "Next time?"
That was when Nathan had realized what he had said. Next time. As in their next child together. It wasn't that the idea itself scared him, in fact, it made him more excited about the future, but her reaction actually made him think of the weight of his words.
"Well, I mean, you know…" Nathan began to stutter his words out as Haley watched him with those big brown eyes. "Just that-"
Before he could finish his rambling Haley had leaned forward to grab his collar and pull him toward her. She placed a strong kiss on his lips, one that it only too him a mere second to respond to. His heart was racing and her body felt so familiar against his that he couldn't help but begin to push them back so that they were laying on the couch with her small frame below him.
They were in the middle of a passionate kiss when Nathan pulled away quickly and looked down at Haley with worried eyes, adjusting his weight so he wasn't laying on her stomach at all, "I'm so sorry, I forgot."
At first Haley wasn't exactly sure what he was talking about and then giggled slightly, "You're okay, you were barely even on my stomach."
"I know that, but-" Nathan paused for a second, unsure of how even to say the next part of his statement. "But what this was probably leading to…"
Haley giggled again, pulling him down toward her once more, "Doctor said that sexual activity can even sometimes enhance the baby's growth."
"Thank God," was the last thing heard from Nathan Scott as he began to kiss the beautiful woman beneath him once more.
"Hey." A male voice said as he walked into the kitchen and nearly sent Brooke to the floor, along with the coffee pot she had in her hand.
"Dear God!" She shrieked, realizing the voice she heard was nothing at all like Lucas'. She wiped around and saw a tall raven haired man standing there in his jeans and looking thoroughly sexed. "Maybe the tabloids were right; nothing can stop Nathan Scott."
"Good morning to you too." He said, walking over toward the island in the middle of the kitchen and sliding into a barstool as Brooke held up an extra mug and he nodded his agreement. "You guys were out late."
"You guys were up late." The brunette smirked, walking over and setting the cup of steaming coffee in front of the man. "I figured you wouldn't stay away for too long. It's good to see you again and this time not engaged to Red Number 5."
Nathan laughed, taking a sip of the black coffee, "Good to be around."
"You mean that?" Brooke asked, kicking into her standard 'Best Friend' mode. "Because I know Haley put you through a lot of crap - something she's terribly sorry about by the way - but this is no way to go about getting revenge."
"Revenge?" Nathan raised an eyebrow, "We're not in high school anymore, Brooke. If I was that upset with Haley I would have just stayed away."
"But you couldn't! I knew it!" Brooke grinned. "I was just telling Lucas last night how perfect you guys are for each other and how stupid you were being for playing these mind games. Although, I have a pretty good idea that it wasn't mind games you were playing last night."
"Brooke, please get your own sex life." Another voice came walking through the kitchen, grabbing both Nathan and Brooke's attention.
Haley looked over at her friend with a pleasant smirk as she grabbed her own mug. Nathan's eyes never left her, she looked stunning, even in the mornings. Her hair was pulled into a loss ponytail with a few pieces shaping her face and she wore nothing but his button up shirt that went nearly mid-thigh on the tiny girl.
"Trust me I have a rocking one." Brooke rebutted, "But what can I say? I've never experienced 'pregnant sex'. How was it?"
"She always this eager for answers in the mornings?" Nathan asked, smirking at Haley, who just rolled her eyes.
"Drop it, Brooke." Haley said, her voice completely deadpanned.
"Answer me, Haley." Brooke mocked her tone as she leaned against the counter, her arms crossed in a demanding manner.
Haley looked from Nathan and then back to Brooke with a bit of a sly grin, "Mind blowing."
"I do what I can." Nathan said in a cocky tone as both Brooke and Haley rolled their eyes.
"See what you've created?" Haley said, about to reach for a cup of coffee, but Brooke stopped her hand before she could even get halfway there.
"No coffee." Brooke instructed. "It can hurt the baby's growth."
"What?" Haley figured her friend was joking, but by the look on her face it looked like she was going to have reinforcements. That was when she turned to Nathan, "Tell her I can have a cup of coffee. Just one. It's not going to harm the baby."
"Sorry, Hales. I'm on Brooke's side this time. A teammate of mine's wife was pregnant not too long ago and the doctor told her to stay away from any strong beverage. Could be harmful." Nathan said with an agreeing nod.
"You guys are not fair." She whined, setting the mug down and reaching into the fridge for the plastic bottle of juice Nathan had brought her the night before. She poured herself a glass and turned to face the two minions. "I'm going to take a shower, I have plans today."
"Plans?" Brooke asked, eyeing Nathan who just shrugged. "Doing what?"
"Shopping and guess who my bag carrier is?" Haley smirked, looking over toward Nathan who just gave a knowing sigh. "Be out soon."
Brooke and Nathan both watched as the girl disappeared back down the hallway and into her bedroom once more, letting the door close behind her. Brooke looked over toward Nathan, who looked just as she remembered him in high school, something that warmed her heart.
"Welcome back in the ring, it's a pretty great place to be most of the time." She said, remembering their conversation from so many years ago.
The sunlight was nearly blinding as Nathan and Haley walked down the populated streets of Los Angeles, just looking for one of the many shopping places. They had been shopping most of the day and it still amazed Nathan that Haley wasn't showing any signs of tiredness. She walked quite happily in her black flats, an outfit change Nathan had convinced her of, saying she'd been so sore from walking in the wedges they'd have to call it a day early.
She wore a simple pair of white shorts and a flowing teal green tank top, one that still hid the slightly bump, but Nathan did notice it was growing rather quickly and soon it would be nearly impossible to hide. She wore gold bracelets and a matching necklace, along with her large black sunglasses to finish off her casual outfit.
His hands slid into his pockets as they looked in the windows of each store, almost waiting for a gasp from Haley as a sign that they'd just have to go in there and look around. She actually hadn't bought all that much, a few pairs of jeans and flowing tops. Something Nathan figured was to hid her - their - growing secret. She must have just wanted him along with her, because she was carrying her own bags, even though he offered about a million times.
"Getting hungry?" He asked, looking down at her as they made their way through the crowds and personal cameras flashing.
"Nathan, we just ate about an hour ago." Haley smirked up at him. "I'm sure I can manage until we get home."
"Alright, just offering." He said with a laugh.
They continued to walk through the streets until Haley stopped in front of a window she would normally ignore completely. She paused to look at all the cute colors and new styles, Nathan stopped, looking slightly wry about where they were and if someone from the paparazzi would see them. They had been lucky all day and hadn't had too many run ins, but it was usually a time like this where they'd come out in fleets.
"Lets go in." She grinned, starting to walk toward the door, but Nathan reached out and grabbed her arm gently.
"Do you really think that's such a good idea?" Nathan asked, looking around them.
Haley's face fell slightly, "Nathan, they're going to find out sooner or later. You think my bump is going to stay this hidden forever?"
"No, but right now I think it's just best to lay low, don't you?" Nathan argued. "I mean, a lot of press has been around this and I don't want anymore being said about the whole issue. Just let it die."
"Remember what you told me before I took off?" She asked, lifting her sunglasses onto her head, letting her hair be pushed back as well. "To hell with everyone else wants to say. We're in love, that's all that matters and now we're having a baby. I'll be damned if I let the public ruin that for me."
Nathan watched her eyes dart around his face, looking for a readable expression. His heart was racing, they were in love. She had said it and he had known it all along. Through all the bad things that had happened to them it was all worth it because they were in love. It was real, not some sick story a tabloid writer could make up.
Instead of expressing his feelings with words he pulled her close against him and kissed her ever so gently before pulling away and smiling down at her, "Lets go in. I'm sure they'll have something for Lance, or Marie, or whatever we decide to name him."
"Or her." Haley grinned, noticing that Nathan just rolled his eyes as he held the door open for her.
Walking into the store Haley smiled at the woman behind the counter, "Good afternoon."
"Hello, oh Miss. James, wow, it's such an honor to meet you!" The woman came from behind the counter to walk up toward Haley. "I love your music, I think it's really the only kind me and my children can agree on. My daughter is about seventeen and just loves you."
"Oh, thank you." Haley grinned, shaking the woman's hand as she adjusted her purse with the other hand.
Nathan walked in behind her and just smiled at how the woman seemed to be gushing over Haley. She really was adored by a lot of fans, America's Sweetheart. Although, Nathan felt he had helped ruin that title with the picture of them in the airport and how the press seemed to jump all over her for being some sort of homewrecker, when it had been just as much his fault as hers.
The woman looked behind Haley and saw the familiar basketball player, "And you're Nathan Scott, right? My son loves basketball, of course my husband thinks he's a complete traitor for liking the New York Knicks. You're definitely one of his favorites."
"Thanks ma'am." Nathan grinned, shaking the woman's hand.
"Wow, it's an honor." The woman sounded somewhat shocked to see such celebrities browsing her store when it all reality this was one of the most posh baby stories in all of Los Angeles. "Shopping for a baby gift or shower, today?"
"Um…no." Haley shook her head, slightly nervous about the decision they'd made to actually come into this place.
Nathan saw the nervousness in her and took a step forward so that his hand could slip through her arm and wrap around so a protective hand rested on her growing belly, "Just shopping for our little one."
The sudden boldness in Nathan made Haley smile as she looked up at him and the back at the woman, feeling more relaxed to know she had someone on her side. Especially knowing that someone was Nathan.
"Oh! That's wonderful!" The woman grinned surprisingly cheerful. It was obvious she had no hard feelings about, or didn't read, the tabloids. "Congratulations! Well, my name is Rhonda and I'll be around if you need any help at all just let me know."
"Thanks so much." Haley grinned, taking Nathan's hand and leading him toward a wall where unisex baby clothes and accessories lay out for them to look at. Once they were over there Haley looked up at him, "Thank you."
"Just practicing my fatherly duties." He said, kissing her on the top of the head as she started looking through all the piles of baby items.
"Haley James and Nathan Scott Seen Together Shopping For Baby Clothes." Brooke read the headline aloud as Haley walked into the kitchen a week later, tossing the tabloid on the table and watching her friend practically glow. "I can tell this sort of thing has stopped bothering you."
"Should it?" Haley asked, taking a seat at the dining room table with her bottle of water and bowl of fruit.
"Absolutely not." Brooke shook her head. "What happened with Janis is history, I just want you two to be happy. Something you both deserve."
"Thanks Brooke, but I'm sure the public doesn't see it that way." Haley said with a slight frown.
"I wouldn't say that too fast," Brooke mentioned, flipping another magazine open to a certain page before sliding it across the table to her friend. "Looks like you might be Hollywood's sweethearts."
"You're kidding?" Haley gave a pathetic laugh before she looked down at the picture of the two of them kissing outside the baby store where Haley had spent the most money at that day. The headline read 'From Homewrecker To Hollywood's Sweetest Couple; Is It Really True Love?'. Haley rolled her eyes, "Close sources say that pop sensation, Haley James, and basketball all-star, Nathan Scott , have never looked happier as they are seen here kissing and being sweet on each other outside LA's posh baby shop, Rhonda's Baby Basket. It's obvious the past few months' drama is completely lost in this relationship of what seems to be complete bliss."
Brooke listened to her friend read allowed and smiled, "See, the public is so fickle, give it a few years and that baby of yours will be America's adopted child."
Haley rolled her eyes about to say something when her cell phone went off, making Brooke pipe up slightly, "Where is Nathan, anyway?"
"I told you," Haley started as she stood up from the table to what over to where her cell phone was sitting on the counter. "He flew back to New York last night for a couple meetings on his contract. They want sign him for five more years."
"Lucas too." Brooke said sadly, already missing her own love.
"Hello?" Haley said in the other room, talking on her cell phone now. "Hey, Mike. Yeah, I saw the paper. Yes, I saw both of them. News sure does run fast in this town."
There was a long pause, one that Brooke was listening quite intently to from the other room as Haley leaned up against the counter, also listening to her phone conversation.
"Chicago? Tomorrow?" Haley repeated her manager's words. "I don't know, I was kind of supposed to be working in the studio all week this week. I'm pretty sure Tom will have my head if I'm not in there for at least a few days."
Another pause.
"To make what official announcement?" Haley asked, playing innocent about her pregnancy and all the events in her current life. "Alright, fine, but I want Brooke coming with me. Sure, okay we'll be at the airport tomorrow morning at five. Thanks you too, bye."
Brooke pretended to look busy as Haley walked back into the dining room and took her seat once again, "What was that all about?"
"Mike called." Haley said, taking a grape from her bowl of fruit. "He wants me to fly out to Chicago tomorrow morning to do a talk show. I told him you were coming with me."
"Talk show as in -" Brooke started with a gapping mouth, but Haley cut her off.
"Yep, the Lisa Phillips Show." Haley grinned excited as both the girls gave an excited shriek.
"See Hales, I told you America is going to love you again yet!"