Disclaimer: Don't own anything.

Authors notes: A large section of last chapter went missing, I had a whole Brooke, Lucas and Nathan conversation in which Brooke tells Nathan her plan. DareNALEYtomove, I said it in the very beginning, Haley is going to die, it's your choice not to continue.

Ch.13

" Brooke called, their on their way. " He informed her, walking into their bedroom. " Got everything ready? "

" I think so. " She answered, mentally going over her check list.

He looked at the three suitcases sitting on the floor beside the door. " No, it doesn't look like you forgot anything. You do realize you're only going to be gone for a week right? "

" Hahaha. " She deadpanned and he chuckled lightly. " Brooke promised me a good time to make up for the horrible time I'm going to have. "

" Not too good a time, I hope. " He commented, narrowing his eyes slightly.

" Of course not, just spa stuff and shopping. " She assured him. " Is Jamie ready for school? "

" As a matter of fact he is and he is impatiently waiting to see you before you leave. " Nathan replied, picking up her carry on and slinging it over his shoulder before picking up her other two bags. " I'll send him in while I take these downstairs and give you guys a couple minutes to say good bye. "

" Nathan. " She stopped him from walking out of the bedroom. " Thank you. "

He smiled brightly at her. " Always and forever. "

Stepping out into the hallway, he immediately saw his son fidgiting by the doorway to his own bedroom. Walking over, he placed a hand on the little boys shoulder, trying to offer as much reassurance as he could muster.

" She'll be home in a week. " He told the boy.

" I know. " Jamie tried to sound confident.

" She's waiting for you. "

Jamie didn't wait , he hurriedly ran into his parents bedroom, eager to see his mother.

" Jimmy Jam. " She greeted him with a warm smile and comforting hug. " I'm going to miss you. "

" I'm going to miss you too, momma. " He promised, hugging her tight.

" Be good for daddy. " She told him, trying to sound stern but failing miserably. " I'll call you everynight at bedtime. "

" Okay momma. "

" Alright, now go get your backpack, uncle Skillz should be here to pick you up any minute now. " She smiled as he popped a kiss on her cheek and ran out of the room.

Nathan sat on the couch, his head in his hands, when the back door opened and Lucas walked in. Nathan only glanced up before returning to his previous posistion and Lucas quietly joined in on the couch.

" Haley ready to go? " Lucas asked, clapping his brother on the back.

" Yeah. " Nathan answered simply.

" But your not ready for her to go. " Lucas said.

" No but she has too. It's only a week, I'll be fine. "

" So, I was thinking, theres a knicks game on tonight, maybe me and the guys can come over and keep you and J-Luke company. " Lucas suggested.

" I don't know man, basketball doesn't really sound all that appealing. " Nathan replied and Lucas almost choked.

" Nathan Scott saying basketball isn't appealing? " Brooke teased, stepping through the back door, followed closely by Rachel and Peyton.

" Are we in the right house? " Peyton joked.

" Looks like the right house. " Rachel answered, over dramatically.

" Funny. " Nathan smirked, before turning bak to his brother. " What time does the game start? "

" Six o'clock. " Lucas answered, standing up so Brooke, Peyton and Rachel could have a seat.

" Alright but I have to have Jamie showered and in bed before eight thirty or Hales will kill me. " He agreed.

" Speaking of my handsome godson, where is he? " Brooke asked, looking around.

" Upstairs saying good bye to Haley. " Nathan answered. " Skillz should be here to take him to school any minute. "

" Hey Foxy. " Peyton smiled as she saw Haley coming down the stairs.

" Hey. " She smiled back. " Are we almost ready to go? "

" Waiting on you. " Brooke told her.

" Are you sure you don't want me to come with you? " Nathan asked.

" I want you to but someone needs to be here for Jamie. "She reminded him.

He nodded, hating the he couldn't be there with his wife but he knew he couldn't leave his son behind. It wasn't fair that she should have to go through this all alone. She wasn't alone though, was she? She had Brooke and he knew Brooke would take care of her when he couldn't.

The doorbell rang, breaking him from his thoughts.

" I was beginning to think no one knew how to use one of those. " He grinned causing both Brooke and Lucas to roll thei r eyes and Peyton to chuckle softly.

" I got it. " Lucas told them, turning to leave the room and answer the door. " Maybe I can get who ever is out there to teach me how to use it. "

Everybody laughed and a second later they heard the doorbell being rung again. Lucas returned with Skillz following him.

" It's the damnedest thing, you just push the button and it makes that sound. " Lucas shrugged as Skillz stood there looking confused.

" Don't ask. " Haley waved a dismissive hand to Skillz.

" Baby James, you ready to do this thing? " Skillz greeted her, walking over and grabbing her in big hug.

Nathan used the opportunity to pull Brooke into the kitchen, away from everyone else.

" Does this doctor really think Haley has a shot in hell at beating this? " He questioned, praying the answer was yes.

Brooke nodded slowly. " She reviewed all of Haley's charts and thinks Haley has a good chance for remission… " She paused, looking him deep in the eyes. " But you know this isn't going to be easy, right Nate? "

" I know. " He answered, running a hand over his tired face.

" She'll have to do treatments in New York. I have an apartment out there, so maybe sometimes, you guys can leave Jamie with me and you can go out there with her. It's going to be a hell of a fight. "

" If anyone can do it, it's Haley. " He told her.

" Guys. " Haley interrupted causing both their heads to snap towards her. " Jamies leaving, we should start heading out too. "

" I'll give you two a minute and make Lucas help load up the luggage. " Brooke told the couple.

" Thanks Brooke. " Nathan mumbled, holding out his hand for Haley to take, pulling her into a tight embrace.

" You okay? " She asked, burrowing her head into his chest.

" I'm supposed to be asking you that. " He laughed softly. " So, are you okay? "

" I'm fine. " She inhaled deeply, taking in his scent. " I'll be fine. "

" Me too. " He held her tighter.

" Everything is going to be okay. " She whispered.

" Yeah. " He agreed. " We'll beat this. You fight, I fight and we won't give up. "

" Deal. "

" Are they coming? " Lucas asked, after putting the last bag in the back of Brookes SUV.

" They just needed a minute. " Brooke told him, leaning against the side of her car.

" We need to be there and get through security. " Peyton added, checking her watch.

" We have enough time. " Rachel told her, checking her own watch. " Or maybe we don't. "

" I'll go get them. " Lucas said, slamming the back closed.

" Here they come. " Peyton stopped him, watching as Nathan and Haley came walking out hand in hand.

" Sorry " Haley called out as her and Nathan approached. " We ready? "

" Yes. " Rachel smiled. She really liked Haley and couldn't help but wonder why she wasted so much time trying to be bring the girl down.

" Let's go. " Brooke clapped loudly.

As they all said their good byes, Nathan pulled Brooke to the side once more.

" Take care of my girl. " He ordered gently, looking her deep in her green eyes. " Thank you Brooke. "

" Theres nothing to thank me for. " She commented, turning away and walking to the drivers seat of her car.

He stood at the end of their driveway and watched as his wife and their friends drove away, taking her away from him for a week.

" It's going to be okay, man. " Lucas put a hand on his shoulder and Nathan nodded.

" It has to be. "

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