Back with another update! Can you believe it-already? LOL! I don't know what it is, but I have just been finding so much motivation (and time) this week to write and update quickly. This chapter is kind of a filler chapter, but I think it came out okay. Hopefully, you guys do, too.
As always, thanks to the many story alerts I have been receiving for this story. It's so wonderful to know people are interested in it. And a huge thanks to Sophiaaaaa, KaceyO, solo73, othfan48, illicitencounters, Ellie, GottaLuvNaley, JamesLover23, Steffsche, thekellay, mommyof3cutiestha, courtneylovejason, and naleyluv for taking the time to review. I have really enjoyed hearing your thoughts about the chapter along with the progression of the Naley relationship, etc. And thanks to the kind words I received about the last chapter, because being completely honest, I reread it just awhile ago, and I still am not 100% sure about it. I kept noticing some grammar/spelling mistakes, and I also felt like it was really rushed and jumbled together. So it was nice to at least know my readers still really enjoyed it.
I also hope you guys don't mind flashbacks and stuff like that. I've always been big into flashbacks while reading stories, and I know for some it may be sad to not have Lucas and/or Brooke in the story and actually having them be dead in the story so I think it's nice to still incorporate them somehow. And in this story and the direction I'm taking it, Lucas and Brooke play a pivotal role with Nathan and Haley as individuals as well as their venturing into something more. I find myself making more flashbacks of the Baley friendship rather than the Lathan relationship, and I was wondering if you guys wanted more Lathan stuff. I admit it's easier for me to write for the girls, but I guess that's the challenge of a writer to get out of the comfort zone. So, if that's something you would like to see more of (or less of), please let me know.
Okay, so without giving anything away but since some are inquiring a little information regarding Naley's relationship and stuff...I will tell you that it may not be incredibly soon. I have a few things planned before we get to the point of maybe something more serious such as sex...but I will offer up some spoilers of being on the lookout-maybe (just maybe) there might be a liplock or something in the very near future. ;) But also keep in mind that the slow progression of their relationship will still be in effect. Regarding how many chapters this story is going to entail-honestly, I'm not completely sure about that yet. I have actually written out a timeline of events (starting from the very beginning to the very end) so I kind of have an idea of which each chapter will include. But I say kind of for the simple fact that sometimes while I'm writing or simply thinking about this story, I get another idea that I end up wanting to incorporate into the story. Usually I can easily incorporate them without adding a completely new chapter but sometimes not so I don't want to say an actual number. And it also depends on how long/short I want to make each chapter. Obviously the longer they are, the more points from my timeline I can include. But if I do get a pretty accurate number, I'll be sure to give you guys an update. I'm all about keeping my readers in the loop. I know what it feels like to be on the opposite side of the author, and I know what information I like to receive. But as always, feel free to ask me any types of questions via reviews and/or PMs, and I'll try to answer to the best of my abilities.
Anyway, enough talking. Hope you enjoy reading... :)
"What did you just say?" Nathan asked. He couldn't have heard her right. No, he had to be imagining that.
"I said...it's simple. Sophie and I will come with you." She repeated.
Nathan took a moment to fully comprehend what she was saying. "Haley, you and Sophie can't move to Charlotte."
"Why not?" She asked as if she didn't understand what the big deal was.
"Do you even hear what you're saying right now? You are telling me that you're going to pack up your belongings, quit your job, leave all of our friends and family behind, and move to Charlotte. Just so that I can keep my job. Do you realize how crazy that is?"
"Your job is in Charlotte, Nathan. It's not like my job where I can pretty much move anywhere I want and be gaurenteed a job. Nurses are in high demand everywhere, and I don't think I would have a problem finding another job at a hospital in a city like Charlotte. What are you not understanding about this?" She countered.
"Haley, you're not thinking clearly."
"I didn't make this decision lightly, Nathan. It's not like I thought about it for five minutes and then just decided 'what the hell, let's move to Charlotte'. No, I've really thought about it. I listened to that message five hours ago, and I have been going over every aspect of this decision. I've weighed all of the pros and cons, and I honestly don't have any doubts about this decision. It makes sense to me." She argued.
"Well, it doesn't to me. Hales, after talking with you about your mom and the sacrifices you made for her I...I don't feel right about asking you to make another sacrifice for me. Can't you understand that? I can't ask you to do that." He said softly.
"Nathan..." She began taking his hands and leading him over to the couch as they both took a seat on it. "I don't see this as a sacrifice." Nathan opened his mouth to protest but she stopped him. "No, just listen to me, okay?" She said as he nodded. "You, me, and Sophie...we're a family now. A weird, unconventional type of family, but we are one. And right now, we need to make a decision that works best for us. I can relocate. You can't. We agreed to not let this situation stop either of us from moving forward and living our lives. I know how much basketball and the team means to you, and I don't want to be the one who takes that from you. Not when there's something that can be done."
"I hear you, but basketball doesn't mean nearly as much to me as Sophie does. I am willing to give it up-happily-to keep Sophie and raise her and be there for her day in and day out." He stated.
"But you don't have to choose. I want this. I want to do this for you and for Sophie and for me. You are not selling the team, and we are moving to Charlotte." She said sternly.
"You're being ridiculous!"
"And you're being stubborn!" She countered hastily jumping up from the couch which he quickly followed suit. "Okay, let me ask you something. If I was not in the picture, and it were just you and Sophie, would you even think about selling the team?" She challenged effectively shutting him up. "No, you wouldn't. In fact, you would probably already be in Charlotte. So the only factor here is me. And I am standing here in front of you telling you that I want to do this. I'm not thinking irrationally, and I'm not drunk or incoherent. I am completely sober and completely aware of what I am saying right now. And I don't have any doubts or negative feelings about this. This is a sacrifice that I am more than willing to make so why can't you just accept that?"
"What about Julian?" He questioned and almost choked on his own words.
Haley grew silent for a few seconds before answering. "I like him. I'm not going to lie. I like him a lot, and I think we could have had something really special, and maybe we could try the long distance thing. But right now, I have to do what is right for my family. And Julian isn't a part of that. He doesn't factor into this decision for me."
"And what about Keith and Karen. And Jake and Peyton and all of our other friends?"
"They will understand. It's not like we're moving far, and we can visit as often as we are able to. And they can come visit us. We can also do that camera, computer type thingy..."
"You mean Skype?" He chuckled amused.
"Yeah, that." She laughed rolling her eyes. "Nathan, we can do this. Come on, it's me. Do you really think I would offer to move if I didn't want to?"
"I guess not." He responded truly thinking about it.
"You're right. I wouldn't. Look, I have always been this rational, practical, plan everything out type of girl. My mom used to tell me that sometimes I just had to go with my gut on things, and I am doing that now, because my gut is telling me this is the right thing to do. And I have a really positive feeling about this. I really do. And I'll even make you a promise, if at any time while we are in Charlotte I regret this decision or want to move back home to Tree Hill, I'll be honest with you."
Nathan lulled over everything in his mind-weighing everything Haley had given as an argument and everything he had given as a counter argument. "Okay, if you're sure about this then I say let's do it."
"Yah!" She exclaimed jumping into his body throwing her arms around his neck.
Nathan was caught off-guard as she came barreling into him. He laughed wrapping his arms tightly around her waist and took a moment to really savor this feeling. He was practically lifting her off of the ground due to their considerate height difference. He got a whiff of her vanilla shampoo causing him to close his eyes at the sensations which were running through his body.
"We are not going to regret this, Nathan." She assured him backing out from his embrace just slightly. Her hands were now resting on his shoulders as his were still enclosed around her waist but not as tightly.
"Well, it's all on you if either of us do." He teased.
"Hmm, I think I can handle that. Now, go call that weird, overdramatic guy who left a message on the answering machine." She ordered as he chuckled breaking fully out of their embrace and walking towards the phone. "Oh, maybe I should talk to Karen first about our decision. I was thinking I could go pick up Sophie alone and discuss everything with her."
"I think that's a good idea." He agreed sending a nod her way while picking up the telephone.
Haley didn't knock as she walked into the house. Making her way through the halls, she found Karen and Sophie sprawled out along the floor playing with some toys. "Hey, Karen."
Karen turned around when she heard another voice and smiled seeing it was Haley. "Hey, Haley. You're a little early." She commented glancing at a nearby clock.
"Yeah, there's actually something I wanted to talk to you about." Haley answered. Her emotions were hard to decipher. It wasn't like she was nervous, because she really felt positive about this whole situation. But she also felt maybe a little timid was the right way to describe it.
Karen sensed the seriousness of this conversation and stood up from the floor. Making sure Sophie was busy away playing, she gestured Haley towards the couch. "Do you want something to drink?" She questioned as they plopped down onto the cushions.
"No, thanks." Haley politely declined.
"All right. What is it that you have to talk to me about?"
"Nathan and I, umm, we've decided to move to Charlotte." She revealed. Just like before with herself, she tried to decipher the emotions invading Karen's face. But she couldn't, and she felt uneasy about that.
"That makes sense." Karen finally said.
"It does?" Haley questioned more towards Karen than to herself.
"Of course. Keith and I have actually discussed this before. We knew there was a possibility of you two moving there since Nathan's work is there." Karen stated and saw the look on the other girl's face. "Hey, if you're worried about how Keith and I feel about this then don't. You guys have to do what works best for you. We are just the grandparents. Lucas and Brooke left Sophie to you, and it is now your decision on where you live and what you do. It would be the same if they were still alive and told us they were moving."
"I know. I just feel, I guess guilty about this in a way. I feel like I'm taking Sophie away..." Haley began as tears began to build up in her eyes. Karen quickly moved closer to the girl and put a comforting arm around her. "After losing Lucas and Brooke, I just don't want you to think I'm trying to cut you guys out of Sophie's life. She is your granddaughter and the most tangible thing you have left of Lucas and Brooke."
"Haley, we would never think that about you or Nathan. It's not like we're never going to see her. You can visit. We can visit. Charlotte isn't very far. Keith and I will be fine. We are fine with this decision. Like I said earlier, we have talked about this possibility. You need to do what's right for you guys." Karen said reassuringly.
Haley nodded and closed her eyes letting a couple of tears she was holding in finally fall. "Thank you for being so understanding, Karen."
The older brunette nodded her head. "Haley, I just have to ask you this. Are you sure this is what you want to do?" She questioned.
"I am. I have a really positive feeling about this. And I feel in my gut that this is the right decision to make." Haley answered.
"You channeling Lydia there?" Karen teased.
Haley smiled, "You know me and my mother too well."
"I'm okay with this, but I am sure going to miss seeing you guys all the time." Karen said wrapping her arms around Haley pulling her into a hug. "I love you and Nathan so much, and I know you're going to take great care of my granddaughter. And you are by making this decision. You and Nathan are doing what you guys feel is right for Sophie and for yourselves."
"Thank you, Karen." Haley said softly.
Balancing Sophie with her hand and her hip, Haley stood in front of the house which became her second home growing up. The big white house with the red door. It was beautiful-big and warm and inviting. At least that's how it appeared on the outside. Haley knew differently. On the inside of those doors, there was fighting and a young girl whose parents were always gone leaving her alone to basically fend for herself in every way except financially.
Despite the bad, Haley experienced some really amazing times throughout her adolescent and teenage years. Heck, even her college years when she had to move back home and Brooke was still living under this roof. It was in Brooke's bedroom that Brooke gave Haley the details-every vivid detail-of the night she lost her virginity as well as her first time with Lucas. It was in Brooke's bedroom that Haley returned the favor-offering slightly less details-telling Brooke about the night she lost her virginity. This was the house Haley ran to after her father left her and her mother. This was the house Haley ran to after her mother took her final breath. This place held so many memories-good and bad.
She turned and caught site of the driveway. It was in that driveway where she and Brooke got into their first wreck. Brooke was driving, of course. Haley laughed aloud at the memory.
"Brooke, I really don't think we should be doing this." Haley said sitting in the front passenger seat. She did not have a good feeling about this. She didn't when her friend swiped the keys from her mother's purse, and she didn't when she climbed into the silver BMW convertable closing the door behind her.
"Oh, Haley, lighten up. You have to learn to live a little. Seize the day." Brooke rattled off buckling her seatbelt.
"I just...this is against the law, Tigger." Haley whispered looking around as if someone was watching their every move. Brooke only had her learner's permit which meant she was only allowed to operate a vehicle with a licensed driver present. And Haley didn't even have her learner's permit yet. And even if she did, two learner's permits do not equal an actual license.
Brooke laughed rolling her eyes at her friend. She checked her reflection in the rearview mirror before slipping on her sunglasses. She readjusted the mirror while looking over at Haley. "You ready to roll." She smirked.
Haley quickly grabbed for her seatbelt fastening it into the buckle hearing it click confirming she had taken a mild precaution to this tremendously stupid idea. She listened as the engine started, and she couldn't help but feel a rush of adrenaline. Gosh, this was so stupid.
Brooke shot her another quick smirk as she moved the gear into reverse. Taking her foot off the brake, she pushed it down onto the gas not factoring in the weight limit she used as the car went screeching backwards causing the two girls let out some loud screams. Haley flew her right hand against the passenger door while her left hand was clinging tightly to the cushion of her seat. Brooke was gripping the steering wheel so tight her knuckles were white and in instinct, she jerked her hand including the steering wheel to the left causing the whole car to turn. Their screams only grew louder when the car hit the mailbox behind them coming to an abrupt stop which flung the girls forward slightly.
The two sat there silently staring straight ahead for what felt like several minutes. The only sound that could be heard was their heavy breathing. As their breaths became less erratic, they simulateously turned and looked at one another. The shock completely evident all over their faces. "Whoops." Brooke said with an innocent shrug of her shoulders. It was then that they caught site of Victoria Davis-aka Bitchtoria-standing on the front porch with a look on her face which neither had ever seen before.
Sophie's hand flying into her face caused Haley to snap out of her thoughts and kissed the little girl's hand. "Are you ready to do this, Sophie? Huh? Let's go see your other grandma. By the way, as you get older, you have to call Grandma Victoria that. It will drive her crazy." Haley joked-kind of-before bringing her hand up and using her finger to ring the doorbell.
A minute went by before the door finally swung open. "Haley, what a surprise." Victoria stated. "Is that my gorgeous granddaughter?" She asked noticing the little girl. Haley handed Sophie over to her as she immediately embraced the little girl in her arms. "Who's the most gorgeous baby in the world." She cooed in a baby voice.
Haley smiled at the sight. There were rare-very rare-moments like these when glimpses of what a genuine person Victoria Davis could be. She always felt that Victoria was the type of person who truly cared but had a hard time expressing it.
"Well, come in." Victoria chirped waving her hand. Haley chuckled and followed the older brunette into the house. Venturing through the living room, Haley noticed a few boxes packed lined up together. "Are you going somewhere?" She found herself asking.
"Oh..." Victoria stated lamely turning towards the other girl. "I'm actually glad you stopped by today, because there is something I wanted to tell you." She stated.
The two of them sat down on the couch as Victoria balanced Sophie on the tops of her thighs. "As you know, Brooke left me her clothing line." She began as Haley nodded. "COB was the one area of our relationship where we didn't argue." She said letting out a sardonic laugh. "You know Brooke and I have never had the easiest, closest relationship. The only time we really carried on a civilized conversation was when we were discussing the business. I always tried to convince Brooke to expand COB. I really tried persuading her to franchise the business to New York or California. And yes, I was thinking selfishly for the money."
Haley chuckled at her honesty.
"Well, Brooke never went for it. She said she didn't need anything bigger, and she had her quaint little business here in town and that was all she could have hoped for. I really had no choice in that matter and had to accept it. Now, I have this company that was my daughter's, and I didn't really know what to do with it. This was Brooke's. And despite everything, I really do love my daughter, Haley."
"I know that, Victoria." Haley quickly reassured.
"I believed in her designs. Brooke was so incredibly talented and along with my selfish reasons, I believed she deserved to be recognized in a great way, and I believed she deserved to be bigger than some quaint clothing store owner in some small, boring town." Victoria said causing Haley to once again let out a small laugh. "I want to do something in memory of my daughter. So...I'm going to expand the company. I already have some investors interested in the line, and I am moving it to New York, and we'll go from there. I still have all of Brooke's old designs along with a plethora of new ones which were never executed, and it's a great starting point for an expansion."
"I think that's a great idea, Victoria." Haley praised just as Sophie began to fuss. Victoria set her down on the carpet to let her crawl around as the two girls kept watchful eyes over her while continuing their conversation. "I think Brooke would want that for you. She signed her company-her designs-which meant the world to her over to you. She trusted you enough to do that. So I know she would be okay with whatever you decide to do with the company. She loved you, Victoria. Despite the relationship between you two, she loved you. And she was proud to start a company with the help and support of her mother."
"Thank you, Haley." Victoria said in appreciation. "You were a good friend to my daughter. You were there for her when her father and I weren't, and I just want to thank you for that. I don't think she would have turned into the beautiful, vibrant woman she was if she didn't have you in her life growing up. She loved you. Just...thank you."
The two women shared a soft smile of understanding.
"So not that I'm complaining or anything, but what brings you by today?" Victoria asked.
"Nathan and I are taking Sophie and moving to Charlotte since his team is there, and I just wanted to come and tell you in person." Haley answered.
"I appreciate that, and I also think it's a great move for you guys. You know, I always felt there was something between you and that boy. You fight way too much." Victoria smirked.
"Oh my gosh, you and Brooke are exactly alike." Haley laughed her face flush with embarrassment. "And FYI, there is nothing going on between me and Nathan." She added quickly.
"Whatever you say, Haley James."
"Bitchtoria is back in full swing." Haley muttered under her breath teasingly.
"I always hated that nickname." Victoria commented. "Who created it?"
"Brooke." Haley smiled.
"Figures." Victoria laughed.
Nathan stood in front of the big house he lived in growing up and hated. He juggled the keys in his hands trying to decide whether or not he should just walk in or knock. Maybe he would get lucky and nobody would be home. Who was he kidding? He wasn't that lucky. But hopefully, someone up there was looking out for him and at least his dad wouldn't be home. He figured his mom was home. Heck, she was probably inside nursing another bottle of wine as he spoke.
Bringing his right hand up, he knocked on the large wooden door and waited with great apprehension. It was just seconds later when the door swung open, and his father appeared on the other side. "Well, well...if it isn't my son the failure."
"It's always a pleasure to see you, Dad." Nathan bit out.
"What do we owe the pleasure of your company? I mean, we must have won the lottery or something considering you make it a point to avoid us at all costs. So again I'll ask, what do we owe this pleasure?"
"I left some stuff here, and I need to go upstairs and get it. Now if you'll excuse me." Nathan said pushing his way into the house leaving his smirking father behind. Not looking back, he headed up the stairs and into his old bedroom making sure to close the door behind him. He instantly began gathering some items of clothing as well as a few other knick knacks and stuffing them into some bags.
Having everything he needed for the time being, he picked up his bags and turned towards the door. Just as he was getting ready to open his door, a picture on his dresser caught his eye. Dropping his bags, he picked up the frame. The picture was of Lucas, Brooke, Haley, and him from their wedding. Lucas and Brooke were standing in the middle with Nathan next to Lucas and Haley next to Brooke. He had to admit the picture came out nicely. He looked good-naturally. He thought smugly. And Haley-God, she looked incredibly beautiful that day. She and Brooke were both glowing in the picture. That was a good day.
Nathan stood by the bar nursing a beer surveying all of the guests. The reception hall was packed with people scattered all over-on the dancefloor, in the chairs at the tables, by the bar...everywhere. The smell of roses mixed with the smell of burning candles wofted through the room creating a warm, inviting essance. The lights were dimmed offering a romantic type of setting which seemed fitting at the moment because of the slow song which was currently playing.
Taking another sip of his beer, he watched as his brother walked up and stood next to him by the bar asking the bartender for a beer for himself. Once he held it in his hands, he turned around so he could survey the guests as well. "That was a nice speech you gave. I didn't know you had it in you, bro. I love you, too." Lucas joked laughing.
"Thanks for using that against me." Nathan deadpanned shaking his head.
"Sorry, but I couldn't resist." Lucas stated taking a gulp of his beer. "You having a good time?"
"Yup. As long as my parents stay on that..." Nathan began gesturing towards Dan and Deb who were sitting at a table talking to another couple, "side of the room, then I'm good."
"I know I sound like a broken record, but thanks again for keeping your distance from them. I just don't want any drama today, and Brooke has been stressing about this ever since...well, you know." Lucas said pointing towards his bandaged up hand. "I still can't believe you punched Dan. Especially to the extent of actually breaking your hand. That must have been one hell of a hard punch."
"The bastard had it coming. He had no business saying those things." Nathan responded feeling his anger resurfacing as the memory of that confrontation began replaying in his head. Gosh, he hated his father.
"Yeah, Dan's a dick." Lucas added. He looked over and observed his brother's features. His face was rigid with his jaw locked. "You know, you took what Dan said pretty seriously."
"And?"
"Well, it just sort of amuses me considering who Dan was talking about." Lucas began smirking as Nathan didn't say anything. He just brought the bottle up to his mouth taking another sip. "I mean, this is the girl who you go out of your way to make your own nasty comments to, but Dan says a few things, and you completely lose your cool."
"Dan also said shit about you and Lucas." Nathan defended himself.
"True, but that's not anything new. Dan always talks crap about us, and you've never gone to the extent of actually hitting him...but he says something about Haley, and you go all Rocky on him."
"Lucas." Nathan warned.
Lucas put up his hands in mock surrender, "Hey, it was just an observation."
"You never told anyone about that, right? And by anyone, I mean Brooke." Nathan asked quietly.
Lucas couldn't help but smirk. "No, man." He answered. He felt bad about lying to his brother, but he knew him well enough to know it was in both of their best interests to keep that fact to himself...and Brooke. He just prayed that his wife actually learned how to keep her own mouth shut on this matter and didn't go blabbing to her best friend. Speak of the devils. He smiled as Brooke and his Haley came upon them.
"Well, hello, my sexy husband." Brooke greeted wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him soundly on the lips. "I love saying that!" She squeaked.
"And I love hearing you say that." Lucas said huskily leaning in to kiss her once again.
"And I loved when you two didn't nauseate me." Nathan mumbled taking the final swig of his beer as he felt a slap on the side of his arm. He looked over and noticed Brooke bringing her hand back to wrap around Lucas who she was engaged in a liplock with. He rolled his eyes and turned back towards the bar asking for another beer.
"And for the beautiful bridesmaid?" The bartender asked as Haley came to stand on Nathan's other side.
She smiled sweetly at the tall, good-looking blonde behind the counter, "I'll have a glass of White Zinfandel please."
"Coming up." He said winking at her before turning to fetch their drinks.
"Hales." Nathan said acknowledging her presense.
"Nathan." She returned. Her glass of wine was placed in front of her as she smiled appreciatively-flirateously-at the bartender.
"Are you finished flirting with him now?" Nathan questioned with a scoff.
"Why? Are you jealous?" She challenged smirking.
"No, I am not jealous. I just figured my comment after the ceremony was getting to you, and you have found yourself becoming desperate for any type of male attention. I mean, really, Hales. If you're this desperate we could head over to the bathrooms right now and have a quickie in one of the stalls. I'll give it to you so good that will have you screaming my name so loudly, and you'll definitely get the male companionship you're so desperately seeking." He said smugly as she looked at him disgusted.
In that moment, More Than Anyone by Gavin DeGraw began playing through the speakers. "Oh, I love this song. Come dance with me, Broody." Brooke demanded.
"Of course." Lucas replied setting his beer on the bar counter.
"You guys, too." Brooke said pointing towards Nathan and Haley.
"I think we're good, Tigger. You and Lucas go." Haley said.
"Nonsense. You two get your butts out here right now! It is required that the best man and the maid of honor share at least one dance at the reception." Brooke said sternly and waited. When neither one made the motion she added, "I am not taking no for an answer so either go out there willingly or I'll drag you out there myself. With Lucas' help, of course. Right, hubby?"
"Right." Lucas agreed.
Nathan sighed as Haley rolled her eyes in irritation. They both took a big gulp of their drinks before placing them on the counter. He held out his left hand which she "graciously" accepted as he lead them towards the dancefloor with Lucas and Brooke following close behind them smiling triumphantly.
Arriving in the center of the dancefloor, both couples turned towards one another as Lucas and Brooke immediately moved into one another's embrace and began dancing to the music.
Nathan smiled smugly at Haley who only scoffed in annoyance. She stepped further into his embrace. He wrapped his right, bandaged up hand around her waist as she wrapped her left arm around his neck and placed her right hand in his left hand. The two began swaying softly and slowly to the song.
Haley couldn't help but think about what Brooke had told her earlier when they were taking pictures. She wanted to ask Nathan about the incident with his father, but she didn't want to break her friend's trust. And she also didn't want to start a fight with Nathan which she knew would happen if she mentioned anything about it. She wondered if she could get him to open up to her on his own, though. Doubtful but worth a try. "How's your hand?" She asked quietly.
"It's fine." Nathan answered quickly hoping she wouldn't go any further with the subject.
"You ever going to tell me what the argument was between you and your father?" She questioned slyly.
"Nope." He said popping the 'p'.
Haley couldn't help but smile rolling her eyes playfully. She still couldn't believe he hit Dan because of her. It seemed so ridiculous considering how many times he had actually made digs at her himself, and she didn't understand it whatsoever. Thinking about it was actually giving her a headache so she figured it was best to just put it behind her. He would probably never admit what really happened to her, and she would never bring it up as long as he never did so it was really a moot point. "The wedding was beautiful." She gushed.
Nathan didn't respond; he just nodded in agreement.
"They look so happy and in love." She continued gesturing towards Lucas and Brooke who were dancing just a couple feet away from them looking into each other's eyes smiling. "Do you ever think about settling down, Nathan?"
"What?" He asked confused. What would posses her to ask him that?
"I'm serious. Don't you get tired of going from one girl to another engaging in meaningless sexual encounters? Don't you ever think about actually finding someone and getting married and one day having children?"
Nathan took a couple seconds and thought about her questions. Was that something he really was interested in? While his brain searched for an answer, his eyes caught sight of his father who was staring directly at them. More importantly, he was staring at Haley and smirking. Nathan instinctively pulled her closer and turned them slowly so that she was now out of his father's view.
"So...are you going to answer any of my questions?" She questioned looking up and catching his gaze as the two of them stared at one another for several seconds.
Nathan was blown away by how beautiful she looked right now with her big, brown eyes staring up at him as a small tendril of her blonde hair was falling over her forehead which had him itching to reach up and brush it away. He felt something stirring in his stomach as he continued getting lost in her beauty.
"So?" She prodded snapping him back into reality.
"No, I don't. I like my life and getting attached to someone just leads to trouble. I have no desire to get into a serious relationship with some girl who's inedibly going to become way to clingy and expect a ring and a commitment. It's way too suffocating for my liking. Besides...I doubt I'd ever meet a woman who would actually make me want to settle down with." He said looking into her eyes.
The song ended causing them to shake away whatever that was that just happened between them as they broke apart and immediately headed back to the bar instantly grabbing their previous drinks which were still sitting on the counter and taking a sip of them.
Nathan smiled before sighing and setting the picture frame back down on his dresser. His cell phone started ringing, and he reached into his jeans pocket pulling it out. He instantly smiled again seeing Haley's name along with a picture he recently took of her and Sophie flashing across the screen. "Hey." He greeted into the phone.
"Hi." She returned smiling as she rummaged through the refrigerator for something to drink. "Where are you?" She questioned.
"I'm at my parent's house." He answered with a less than thrilled voice which she immediately caught. "I had to pick up some stuff that I left from the last time I was staying here since we are leaving soon." He added hoping she wouldn't ask him any further questions since she had a knack for trying to pry into his personal life.
"That's good. Well, I talked to Karen, and she was very supportive of our decision." She informed him.
"I figured she would be." He responded.
"Yes, you were right." She said shaking her head as she could practically see him smiling smugly through the phone. "I also went and talked to Victoria."
"Really? How did that conversation go?" He asked surprised.
"Actually, it went really well. She's moving to New York to expand Brooke's clothing line."
"Wow. That's something." He stated.
"That what I thought. I told her it was a really good idea." She said as she opened up the cupboard and tried reaching for a glass. "Damn it!" She cursed.
"What's wrong?"
"I need you tallness. When are you coming home?" She pouted.
Nathan chuckled. "Soon. I'm pretty much done here. Now I just have to try to get down the stairs and out that front door without a run in with dear old dad." He said.
"I'm sorry. Do you want me to come over and run interference? I think I could totally take your parents." She mildly joked.
"I'm sure you could, but no. You don't need to be anywhere near them." He said.
Haley could practically hear the resentment and bitterness in his voice. She wished she could do something for him, but it was hard when he wouldn't open up to her. She didn't know what she had to do to prove that he could trust her and confide in her. She wanted that so badly. Maybe it would help her understand him better. "Have you told them about us moving to Charlotte?" She questioned.
"I would really rather not get into that discussion with them. They'll find out eventually after we are out of town, and I think that would be better for all of us." He answered. Nathan knew telling Dan and Deb would lead to a discussion-more like argument-about basketball which would lead to Dan harping on him for being a great failure which would lead to Deb popping open another bottle of wine which would lead to another two years-at least-where he refused to return any of their calls or e-mails or letters along with total avoidance when visiting Tree Hill. Yeah, he wasn't about to go down that road again. "Anyway, I should be home soon." He said changing the subject.
"Good." She replied accepting his obvious want at changing the subject. "Oh, I picked up some boxes today on my way home so maybe we could start packing tonight. I am so wired right now and couldn't fall asleep if my life depended on it. Besides...I really can't wait to start packing things. Have I ever told you how much I hate living here?" She asked rhetorically. "It's like a freaking shrine dedicated to them. There are pictures everywhere along with all of their belongings. And I can still smell them, too. I really hate it here."
Nathan listened to her and couldn't help but agree one hundred percent. "Me, too." He admitted softly.
"Do you know how much better that makes me feel?" She asked. "I thought maybe it was just me, and then, I couldn't help but feel guilty for feeling this way."
"No, it is definitely not just you. You know, if you are having second thoughts about this, we could just sell their house and move into a different one."
"Nathan." She sighed in annoyance.
"What? I just want to make sure you're completely sure with your decision. Are you?" He questioned.
"If you ask me that again, I'm going to punch you in the face." She answered.
"Noted." Nathan said as they both laughed. "Well, I better let you go. I'll see you when I get home."
"Okay. Bye, Nathan."
"Bye, Hales."
There you go. Please let me know what you guys think! Hopefully, I'll have another chapter for you guys soon. I feel like I'm a writing machine right now. LOL! I think (think) I'll have another chapter for you guys on Saturday. That's the goal I'm aiming for myself anyway. We'll see how that one goes. :) But I am hopeful. Well, anyway, until the next time. And if I don't, have a wonderful weekend everyone!
Also, just another little note...I might be changing the rating of this story to M soon. Not saying anything like that will be happening soon, but I just thought I'd do it now before maybe I forget when/if the time comes. And just so I know (everyone usually has different opinions on these types of situations, and I wouldn't want to lose any readers or make anyone uncomfortable) for future reference, do you guys enjoy a little more details in terms of sexual encounters? I don't know how I am going to write anything out yet in terms of that, but I would like to know your thoughts and feelings about it. And also, even after changing the rating to M, do you guys still prefere a warning in the beginning of the chapter? I wasn't planning on doing that (to add to the surprise more), but if people want that then I certainly have no probably doing so. Thanks in advance. :)