Chapter 20

Haley glanced over at Nathan to make sure that he was ready. When he nodded his assent, she pulled up Brooke's number on her phone and called it.

"Hello?"

"Hi, Brooke. It's Haley."

"Hey, Tutor Mom, what's up?"

"Is Lucas there with you?"

"Um, he's in the kitchen. Why?"

"Put him on the phone with you," Nathan said.

"You're there, too, Boy Toy?" she laughed.

"We have some news," Haley announced.

"Oh my God, is this about the baby?" Her voice was suddenly excited. "Did you find out what you're having?"

"Yes, we did."

"Hold on a second. Lucas!" they heard her shout. A male voice spoke in the background. Haley and Nathan smiled at one another in amusement when they heard Brooke order him to get his ass in the room.

"What is it?" Lucas questioned.

"You're on speaker phone with Nathan and Haley," Brooke informed him.

"Oh, hey, guys. Nate, how's the knee? You playin' some ball yet or what?"

"Not yet. I'm mostly jogging and doing some cycling."

"That's good."

"Broody, shut up!" Brooke interrupted. "We're not talking about Nathan's rehab."

"Excuse me for wanting to know how my brother is doing." His voice was sarcastic but light.

Nathan and Haley exchanged smiles again.

"They called to tell us about the baby. They found out the sex."

"They did? What is it?"

"Are you sure you're ready?" Haley questioned.

"Of course we are!" Brooke declared. "I've been waiting for this moment forever."

"You sound like you're the one with the baby," Lucas joked. "Ow!"

Haley bit her lip to suppress a laugh. She couldn't see her friends, but she knew that Brooke had probably hit Lucas.

"Go ahead and tell us, you guys. I promise no more interruptions."

"Okay then. It's a boy," Nathan revealed, unable to keep the grin off of his face. He'd been that way ever since he and Haley found out a couple of hours ago. The moment the doctor told them had felt so surreal. But as soon as his mind had processed that they were having a son, a sense of pride and excitement seemed to overtake him.

"Oh my God, that is so adorable! I had a feeling it would be a boy. And this is so perfect because I've already started designing a few baby outfits for him. He'll be the best dressed newborn in the hospital!" Brooke stated. "And now I officially know what to get you for the baby shower. There are these—"

"That's really great, you guys," Lucas cut in. "Congratulations."

"Thank you," Haley replied.

"Have you told anyone else yet?"

"Just our parents and Haley's sister," Nathan answered.

"We've still got to call Peyton and Jake, Keith and Karen, and I'm sure Tony and Lindsey would like to know," Haley added. "Oh, and Megan and Anna!"

"And Clay. And Tim, too. He called the other day to catch up. He and his wife Bevin actually want to go out to dinner with us tomorrow night."

Tim had called Nathan as soon as he was back in town. Nathan hadn't gotten the chance to hang out with him that much due to his injury. But now that he was doing well in rehab, he could drive again and meet up Tim and his other River Court friends. Skills, Fergie, Junk, and Mouth were all still living in Tree Hill.

"That's fine with me. We don't have anything else planned, right?"

Nathan shook his head. "I don't think so."

"Well, we'll let you go," Lucas said. "It sounds like you have a ton more calls to make."

"Call me back when you're finished. I've already got big plans for the baby shower."

"Brooke, that's still a while yet," Haley replied, laughing. It was typical of Brooke to already be planning the party. That girl was always thinking ahead.

"So? You think my amazing parties happen just like that. It takes a lot of time and preparation."

"What about the wedding?" Nathan reminded her. "Karen told us you finally set a date."

"It's October twentieth. But don't worry, I'm a great multi-tasker."

"All right, I'll check back in. Talk to you later, Brooke," Haley said.

"Bye, guys. Congratulations again."

"Thanks." Nathan ended the call and started searching for Peyton and Jake's number. It was probably going to take them the rest of the night to call everyone else. They'd been on the phone with Haley's parents and his mom for an hour each. It was never just a quick thing. But Nathan didn't really mind when it was such good news.

"Baby, can you hold on a second?" Haley requested. "I have to pee."

He smirked. "Again?"

"I can't help it. Our son is pressing down on my bladder," she defended.

He felt his insides practically turn to mush all over again at her words. "Say it again," he told her, smiling.

She frowned in confusion. "I have to pee."

"No," he chuckled. "Not that. The son part."

Haley grinned in understanding before leaning in to kiss Nathan's lips. "Our son," she repeated softly. Proudly.

Nathan kissed her once more and watched her get up to leave, the smile never leaving his face.

"I'm hungry."

"Hales, we just had a full meal plus dessert. How can you still be hungry?"

"I don't know, but I am. The baby wants ice cream."

"You said before that he wanted chocolate cake."

"Well, he already had chocolate cake. Now he wants ice cream," Haley teased and nodded toward an ice cream vendor.

Nathan shook his head and laughed. His arm around her shoulders tightened. After having dinner with Tim and Bevin, the pair decided to go to the Market Street Dock. The weather was just right tonight. It wasn't too cold or too hot—the perfect temperature for a walk. Spring was definitely on its way.

"What flavor does the baby want?"

Haley pretended to think about it. "Um…cotton candy."

"I'll be right back."

"Thank you, honey. I love you," Haley called after him. She took a seat on a nearby bench while she waited. Her feet were starting to hurt from all their walking.

She glanced around at the passersby. There were older couples walking and groups of friends talking and joking around. Haley smiled at how happy most people appeared. She knew that she was one of them. This weekend had been amazing with her and Nathan finding out about the baby. All of their family and friends had been so thrilled by the news.

Haley rested her hands on her stomach and looked down at it. Now if only she could feel the baby kick. She'd been waiting and waiting for it to happen. Sometimes she could feel the baby turning but there was never an actual kick. Haley had felt better when the doctor told her that the lack of activity was normal. She'd been so afraid that something was wrong. But thankfully the baby, their son, was healthy. That was all Haley cared about in the end.

"Here you are."

Haley took the cup of ice cream from Nathan. "Thank you." He handed her a spoon, and she wasted no time digging in. Ice cream was officially Haley's number one food craving. The baby also seemed to favor root beer. Combine root beer and ice cream for a root beer float, and she felt like she was in heaven.

"Mmm…so good," she moaned.

Nathan smiled as he watched the pleasure Haley got from a simple spoonful of ice cream. She was so funny sometimes. He loved her like this. Although she'd have an occasional meltdown, there were also times when Haley seemed like the happiest woman in the world. Those were his favorite moments to observe her.

"I'm sorry. Did you want some?" Haley offered. He hadn't noticed that she was staring back at him.

"What?"

"You're looking at me funny. Did you want some ice cream, too?"

Nathan smiled and shook his head. "No, I'm still full from dinner."

"Then what's up? Is there ice cream on my face?" She wiped at her mouth.

"No. I just like watching you. That's all," he told her.

"What?"

"You're really cute when you eat," he teased.

"No, I'm not. I look awful," Haley laughed. She knew that she probably looked like a pig when she ate, but she couldn't help it. Haley just got so hungry sometimes that she would devour whatever meal was in front of her. And when she had a strong craving, everything else around her would pretty much disappear. It made her laugh sometimes. Aside from food, the only thing that used to capture her attention like that was Nathan.

"No, you're definitely cute. You get so into it." He ran his hand through her hair and rested it on her cheek.

She grinned, bemused. "And here I thought you'd be repulsed."

"I could never be repulsed by anything you do."

"What about when I put that pickle in my ice cream last week?"

Nathan pretended to think about it. "It was gross," he admitted. "But I wasn't actually repulsed."

"Well, I was," Haley revealed with a quirky smile. "Vivian used to like that when she was pregnant and I figured I'd give it a shot."

"Not your thing, huh?"

"Heck no. It was disgusting."

Nathan chuckled and kissed her. He was about to pull back when Haley put her hand behind his head and drew him closer. Her tongue slid across his bottom lip, causing him to moan low in his throat.

It was a while before they finally broke apart. "Well, we gave half the town quite a show," he joked.

Haley blushed unapologetically. "They can deal with it."

"Now that was sexy," he muttered in a husky voice and kissed her again. "I'm glad that I can be here with you."

She frowned at his words, not understanding their meaning. "Why wouldn't you be?"

"I was thinking about it today. If I hadn't gotten injured, then I'd be training for the playoffs and traveling for games. I wouldn't get to be with you as much as I am now," he explained. "I'm not saying I'm glad I got hurt because the whole surgery and rehab thing sucks, but in a way it kind of worked out. I like sharing this pregnancy with you."

Haley's eyes started to water at his touching words. "I like sharing it with you, too." She loved having Nathan around again. She used to miss him so much when he was away at games or training camp. She couldn't imagine him not being here to experience this pregnancy with her. It really did make all the difference.

He wiped at her tears. "I didn't mean to make you cry."

"No, I'm happy. And it's the damn hormones, so just ignore the waterworks," she replied, her tone playful.

Nathan kissed her tenderly and hugged her. He ran his hands soothingly up and down her back to calm her. Eventually she was able to get a hold over her emotions.

"Are you ready to go home or did you want to stay a little longer?" he asked.

"Could we stay for just a few more minutes?"

He smiled and drew back. "Sure."

Haley rested her head against his chest and snuggled into his side. As much as she could, at least. Her stomach often got in the way now. And it would be even bigger in the coming months. That was sure to be interesting.

"There are a lot of people here tonight," Nathan observed.

"I know. It must be the nicer weather." Haley continued to stare at the water and the people walking by. She perked up when she saw someone she recognized. "Oh, there's Jack."

"Who's Jack?" Nathan questioned.

"He's one of the kids I tutor at school. He's hanging out with a couple of his friends over by the ice cream cart."

Nathan followed her gaze and felt the spark of recognition. "Oh my God, I know that kid."

Haley looked up at him. "You know Jack?"

"Yeah." He never took his eyes off of him.

"Isn't he nice?"

"I've never met him personally."

"Well, then how do you know him?" she inquired, confused.

"He was that kid I saw in the gym."

"Jack? Are you sure?"

"I'm positive." He was the same height with the same dirty blond, curly hair.

"I didn't know he played basketball."

"Oh, he does. Trust me."

"Did you want to go over there and talk to him?" Haley suggested.

Nathan thought about it for a moment before shaking his head. "No. I'll wait." The kid had bolted when Nathan caught him in the gym. He'd probably freak out again or think he was in trouble if Nathan just randomly came up to him now.

"You sure? I know him really well."

Nathan smiled as an idea formed in his head. "That's what I'm counting on."

It was Monday afternoon, and Haley watched as Jack finished up the last of his homework. She checked the clock. Nathan would be showing up at the Tutoring Center any minute now. She'd been a little shocked the other night when Nathan told her that Jack was the kid he'd spotted in the gym. Jack had never talked about or expressed an interest in any sports. But Nathan was convinced that Jack had talent.

That's why he was coming to talk to him. Haley suggested that Nathan visit during their tutoring session. Jack was very comfortable in the Tutoring Center and around her. She hoped that the environment would make him less nervous or intimidated.

"Oh, Jack, I forgot to tell you," Haley spoke up. "I talked with your teachers, and they've agreed to let you take your tests after school here in the Tutoring Center with me."

"Really? Cool."

Haley had decided to wait a little bit and see if after a few more study sessions Jack would do better on his tests. She wanted to make sure they'd found the real problem behind his low scores. Once it was confirmed, Haley went to talk to each of the teachers. A couple had been hesitant to let him take the test elsewhere, but Haley managed to convince them that it was what was best for Jack.

Eventually he would be back in the classroom taking tests with the other students. But he had to start small and work his way back up to that. He just wasn't comfortable with the way things were now. One of the special resources teachers even agreed to help Haley work with Jack on his anxiety. Haley was a teacher, but she wasn't specially trained to deal with certain learning disabilities. And she wanted Jack to have all of the help he could get.

"Mrs. Grayson will also be here with us. She's from Special Resources. She's gonna help you with your test anxiety and teach you some ways to overcome it."

He shook his head. "No. I don't want her here."

"Why not?" Haley questioned.

"Because if people see her then they're going to think that there's something wrong with me."

"First of all, she'll be very discrete. And second, there is nothing wrong with you. Everyone has trouble with certain things. The point is to work through it, so you can improve," she told him. "And Mrs. Grayson won't be with us every time. Just during a few sessions now and then."

"But—"

"I promise that no one will find out. There's a private room behind the office over there. We can use that if it'll make you feel more comfortable."

"Yeah, I like that better."

"Okay, then I'll arrange it."

"Thanks."

Haley gave him an encouraging smile. "No problem." She nodded toward his homework. "Almost done?"

"Yeah. One more question left."

"Good." Haley noticed Nathan walk through the door just then. He spotted her and started to make his way over. "Because there is someone I'd like you to meet."

"Who?" He didn't look up from his homework.

"Hi, Jack," Nathan greeted.

Jack's head shot up as a mixture of shock and awe washed over his face. "Whoa. You're Nathan Scott."

"You recognize me?"

"Dude, everyone around here knows who you are. It's not everyday a real NBA star is in Tree Hill. In fact, that never happens."

"Then why did you run away from me the last time I saw you?"

"What?" he questioned, confused.

"I saw you in the gym last Friday night. You took off when I tried to flag you down."

"That was you? Oh, crap. I wasn't doing anything wrong. I mean, anyone can use the gym. It's—"

"Relax, Jack, you're not in trouble," Haley quickly interjected.

He looked skeptical. "I'm not?"

"No," Nathan stated and took a seat on the other side of him. "You didn't do anything wrong, which was why I was so curious why you ran."

"I didn't know it was you. It was dark. I thought maybe you were one of the players on the team. Sometimes they get mad when outsiders are in the gym. It's like we're invading their territory or something."

"Well, I wasn't mad. Actually, I was impressed."

"You were?" The disbelief was evident in his voice.

"You played really well. And you're insanely fast. Have you ever played on a team before?"

Jack snorted. "Yeah right. Like I'd actually make it. I just play for fun."

"I think you could make a team. You've got talent—which is why I'm here today."

"I don't get it."

"I'm sure you know that I'm helping Coach Durham with the Ravens."

"Yeah."

"I was wondering, or hoping rather, that you might try out for him. I know he'd put you on the team. We could definitely use a player like you."

Jack glanced at Haley. "Is he joking?"

Haley smiled and shook her head. "No, he's serious. My husband never jokes about basketball."

"So, what do you say? Would you be willing to tryout?" Nathan inquired.

"I-I couldn't. There's no way, man. I'd get creamed."

"What do you mean?"

"Those guys pick on me. There's no way they'd want me playing with them. Besides, I've never played in front of a crowd before. I'd probably puke before even stepping onto the court."

Nathan couldn't help but chuckle. "We would work on that."

"No. I can't. No. It's too late in the season, anyway. Aren't the playoffs soon?"

"Which is why we need you. The team really isn't doing that well. You could help change that. And Haley told me you're a junior, so you could play next year, too. It's not too late."

"I can't." He looked down. "I'm sorry."

Nathan looked to Haley for help.

"Jack, you don't have to make a decision right now. Just think about it. I think it would be a really great opportunity for you," Haley stated.

"I—"

"Think about it. Just think about it," Haley repeated. "Can you at least do that?"

Jack sighed and stared back down at the table. "Fine. I'll think about it," he relented. "But that's still not a yes."

Nathan shot Haley a thankful smile. "I'll take what I can get."

Nathan heard Whitey blow his whistle, signaling the end of basketball practice. They all flocked to the bleachers to gather their things before heading to the locker room. Nathan shot a look to Quentin who nodded. He was supposed to head straight to tutoring now with Haley.

"I'll call one of the guys back to get the balls," Whitey said. They were spread out all over the gym.

"That's okay. I'll do it," Nathan volunteered.

"All right then. I'll be in my office if you need me."

Nathan grabbed the cart and collected the balls. When they were all recovered, he rolled the cart toward the storage room and paused. He stared at the hoop in front of him for a moment before staring at the cart. It had been so long since he'd shot a basketball. He missed the feeling of the ball in his hands.

Nathan looked around and saw that the gym was empty aside from him. His physical therapist didn't want him engaging in any sports activities. But one little shot couldn't hurt. It wasn't like he was running or pivoting on his knee. Now that would be bad.

He dribbled the ball and felt his body come alive with the sound of it hitting the court. God, he missed this. He faced the basket and took his stance. A second later, the ball went sailing from Nathan's hands towards the hoop. He sighed when it bounced off of the rim. Nathan grabbed another ball and took a second shot. Again it didn't go in. He shook his head in annoyance. What the hell was going on? He threw a third time. It almost went in before falling to the side.

"I suck," he muttered.

"I wouldn't say that. You're probably just rusty."

Nathan's whole body went as hard as stone at the sound of that voice. He wished that he wouldn't be able to recognize it so easily. But after hearing it all of his life, it was hard to forget.

Nathan finally turned around and faced his father. He was slightly taken aback by the man standing before him. His father used to always be dressed in some kind of expensive suit or business clothes. The sight of Dan Scott in jeans and a t-shirt seemed surreal. His hair was also longer and a little unkempt. His skin was paler than usual, and there were dark circles under his eyes. He looked awful.

"Hello, son."

"What are you doing here?"

"I wanted to see you. I'd heard that you were helping Whitey to coach the Ravens."

"You can't be here, Dan. In case you've forgotten, there's a restraining order against you."

"I know that. But I just thought—"

"Thought that what? That just because it's been four years and I'm suddenly back in town that it wouldn't matter anymore? Because it does."

"I know that you're still angry with me."

"Oh, you mean for always belittling me and pushing me the way that you did. And let's not forget about the time you almost cost me my marriage. So yeah, I guess you can say I'm still angry with you," Nathan bit out.

"I know how badly I behaved. And I'm here to tell you that I was wrong. I was hoping that maybe now would be a good time to talk and put it behind us."

"Well, it's not. It'll never be."

"Nathan—"

"The only thing I want from you is to leave me and my family alone. And if I ever find out that you've paid Haley another surprise visit, I swear I'll bury you."

"I realize now that I shouldn't have talked to Haley. I should've come directly to you."

"No, you shouldn't have come at all. Didn't the cops do anything?"

"They called, and I had to pay a fine."

Nathan rolled his eyes. What the hell was a fine supposed to do? That kind of money was probably a drop in the bucket to his father. So much for the Justice Department.

"Well, obviously the punishment will be more severe if you keep this up. So keep that in mind the next time you call the house and hang up."

Dan frowned. "I haven't called the house."

"Oh, please. You actually expect me to believe that?" His tone was incredulous.

"It's the truth. I haven't called your house, Nathan. I don't even know the number."

"You've been following Haley around. You don't think stalking is serious?"

"I wasn't stalking her. I was just curious. I'd heard that she was pregnant. Congratulations, by the way."

"Says the stalker," he muttered sarcastically.

"Do you know what you're having?"

"Yes, we do. Not that I'm going to tell you." Nathan turned to leave.

"Nathan. Nathan, wait!" Dan pleaded. "There's another reason why I came to see you."

Nathan started walking. "Whatever."

"I'm sick," Dan called out.

He halted mid-step but didn't face him. "Another ploy?"

"No, it's not. I'm sick, Nathan. My doctor says I don't have that much time left," Dan explained. "And I was hoping…"

Nathan felt his blood boil and whipped around to glare at his father. "Let me get this straight: the only reason you've sought me out was because of your condition so you could make some sort of last-minute amends. What, so you can die with a clear conscience? Assuming that you really are sick."

"I'm telling the truth."

"Well, that'd be a first in your lifetime."

"Nathan—"

"I'm gonna make this real simple. Just save it, Dan. Because whether you're sick and dying or not, I don't care."

"Nathan, you don't mean that."

"Yes, I do," he declared. "I stopped caring a long time ago. In fact, you're already dead to me. So it doesn't even matter."

"Nathan. Nathan, please…"

Nathan made a move to leave for a second time, with no intention of turning back. "Goodbye, Dan."