Behind the Scenes

Chapter 21

Thank you for your reviews and I apologize for the delay. Between work and moving, it was hard getting motivated to write this next chapter. I'd like to thank you all for your support and reviews and this will be the last chapter followed by an epilogue.

I want to share my brief thoughts on Season 7 so far. I miss Lucas and Peyton, but I think the show still has legs. This whole Renee thing has me furious and I think the writers are messing up some potential good Naley angst by keeping them away. I did love the Jamie and Nathan scene. I feel so bad for the poor kid and the family in general. I like Alex, I just hope I don't get bored of her too soon. It was good to see Victoria although I miss the ultra bitch version of her. Dan and Rachel, I'm still scratching my head over that one. I don't even know what to make of their marriage. It's making no sense at all and I think the writers messed up an opportunity to include Rachel back with the remaining group. I wouldn't mind if Rachel was there in place of Alex or set up a rivalry between Rachel and Alex over being the face of Clothes over Bro's. If that wasn't bad enough, we have the biggest disappointment of all, Quinn. Looking back, I think the only good scene she had was when she flirted with Clay on the beach (although the credit goes as much to James and Robert as does Shantel) but from her first scene with Haley and Jamie to her vague reasons for leaving her husband, I'm not feeling her at all and I think Mark should drop the dead weight. My advice to David, stay far far far away, Quinn did you a favor by leaving you and coming back to Tree Hill, unfortunately we're stuck with her. Please don't make her hook up with Clay. Clayton is the only new character I really do like and I actually have an interest in with his back story.

Enough ranting, enjoy and please review!

. . . . . .

"What the hell happened?" Deb questioned as she walked up to Dan who was currently being wheeled.

"I hit a puddle and nearly lost control of my car, don't worry we're fine. Is there any news on Nathan?" Dan quickly replied.

"No changes but wait who's we?" Deb questioned but found her answer as a tall dark man and a young red head were also wheeled in.

Lucas was in a nearby bathroom changing. Peyton had come back with some spare clothes from the group. He came out during the commotion and was informed by one of the paramedics what happened. Apparently, Dan lost control of his car on the bridge just outside the hospital, nearly running into Daunte and Rachel. The car hit the railing, Dan suffered some whiplash and a small bump on the head. Daunte was ok except from a bruise from hitting the floor. Rachel actually pushed him away but she fell hard on her right shoulder.

Lucas walked towards Dan and Deb. He took a good look at Dan, a bandaid over his forehead and a brace around his neck. He glanced back at Rachel who was in a wheel chair right behind Dan. She had a sling over her should and a couple of cuts on her face. He turned back to Dan.

"Your aim sucks." And with that he walked away.

. . . . . .

"You okay?" Peyton asked as she came up behind Haley. They were currently in the restroom. Haley had just changed out of her dress and into a pair of jeans and a simple top. She was by the sink wiping away the traces of her make up.

"I'm good. Thanks Peyton." Haley offered her and Brooke a small smile through the mirror.

"I think the cafeteria is opening up now for breakfast." Brooke spoke up.

"Umm.. I'll meet you guys there, I just want some time alone, you know?"

Brooke and Peyton gave each other a look before nodding in agreement. The two left the bathroom leaving Haley alone. She stared back at the mirror and noticed the bags already forming under her already puffy eyes. She sighed, hoping no more tears would fall. But that would not be the case.

. . . . .

Lucas entered Nathan's room and slowly walked in. He shook his head as he realized that Nathan was still in the same condition he was the last time he came to check up on him. He stood by the bed and looked down on him. It was so weird to see him looking so frail, weak. Defeated.

Lucas took a seat nearby and threw his head back. He yawned from exhaustion but he knew sleep wouldn't come. The last several hours have been so crazy, he hoped this nightmare would end and end soon.

"I swear to God Nathan you better wake up just so I can kick your ass for making me go through this." Lucas muttered but all he got in response was the beeping of the various machines hooked up to Nathan.

"Wake up Nate.. please wake up. I'm a mess, I can't even imagine what Haley is going through." Lucas sighed once more and brought his hands to his face in frustration. Lucas continued to sit there while the heart monitor slowly beeped.

Beep

Beep

Beep

Beep Beep

Beep Beep Beep Beep Beep

Lucas head went up, he wasn't sure what was happening. He hoped this wasn't a bad sign that Nathan wasn't going under cardiac arrest or something. He was about to race out the door to get a doctor when suddenly the beeping stopped.

"Haley!" Nathan's eyes flew open as he sat up from the bed.

Lucas stood absolutely shocked for a moment but then was overcome with relief and happiness.

The rush of blood flowing out of Nathan's head caused him to become disoriented and he quickly lied back down on the bed, closing his eyes and bringing his hand to his forehead, willing this big ass head ache to go away.

"Nate!" Lucas exclaimed excitedly as he rushed forward and hugged his brother. His eyes watered as he was so overwhelmed with emotion. Lucas sat back up and wiped his eyes.

"Luke." Nathan muttered as he was trying to get his bearings back.

"Wait, let me get the doctor." Lucas went for the door but luckily Dr. Anderson walked in to check up on Nathan's vitals.

"Is everything okay?" He asked as he nearly bumped into Lucas.

"My brother, he's awake!" Lucas said excitedly.

Dr. Anderson's face instantly lit up and went towards his patient. "Nathan.. I'm Doctor Anderson, how are you feeling?"

"Like ass." Nathan muttered, his head still pounding.

"You slipped into a coma for a few hours there but don't worry your back now. I'll get you something for the headache." Dr. Anderson then turned to Lucas. "Can you get his parents?"

"Yeah, I'll be right back."

Lucas rushed to find Dan and Deb but couldn't find them and the nurse didn't know which room they had taken Dan to. He called Deb but only got her voicemail. He left her a quick message before calling Haley and the girls. Unfortunately, none of them picked up.

Lucas rushed back to the room, where Dr. Anderson was writing some notes on his charts.

"I couldn't find them but I left them a message, they should be here soon."

Dr. Anderson nodded.

"How is he doc?"

"Your brother's in excellent health aside from his HCM, he's young, fit and he's awake now. There seams to be no permanent damage. I think its safe to say your brother will be okay, granted with more monitoring of his HCM."

"Thank God." Lucas sighed in relief.

"I'll give you two a minute." Dr. Anderson left the room.

"How're you feeling?" Lucas walked towards the bed.

"Better now that the room stopped spinning and someone stopped banging a hammer against my skull." Nathan said dryly.

Lucas gave a small chuckle. "Oh God, Nate, you had us so scared. I'm so sorry."

"Sorry?"

"I should've said something sooner… about your HCM."

"That wasn't your fault."

"Yes, it is. Do you even remember what happened?"

"…"

Nathan looked down and didn't respond. Lucas took that as a sign that everything was coming back to Nathan.

"Haley's.."

"Luke, don't."

"But Nathan.."

"I said don't!" Nathan warned. He already could feel his heart speed up and the doctor told him to stay as calm as possible.

"This wasn't you fault Luke. I would've gotten a heart attack even if everyone knew. I just worked myself up ok."

"But Nath.." Lucas was about to continue when the door flew open and a tear struck Deb and Dan came walking in.

"Oh honey!" Deb was immediately at Nathan's side with Dan right behind her.

"Look, I'll.. I'll leave you guys." Lucas muttered as he got out of the way and left the room to give Nathan some privacy with his parents. As much as he disliked Dan, you could tell he was relieved to have Nathan awake.

Deb peppered Nathan with kisses on his cheeks.

"I'm fine mom." Nathan tried to get away.

"Oh, I'm sorry sweetie. I was just so scared that we were going to loose you."

"Yeah son." Dan spoke up and Nathan looked at him curiously.

Why was he wearing a neck brace?

"Minor car accident, don't worry about it son. The only thing you need to be worried about is getting better."

"You're not mad?" Nathan questioned his father.

"You bet we are." Deb choked up. "But we can ground you later." Deb said with a smile as she hugged Nathan once more.

"Like your mom said." Dan took went on the opposite side of the bed. "You just get better so I can kick your ass later." Dan tried to sound like he was joking but he couldn't help but stutter as a tear or two slid down his cheeks. Nathan was taken aback by the raw emotion he saw in his dad. He thought he would be furious. Dan hugged Nathan and whispered in his ears.

"I'm sorry son." Dan said quickly and pulled away.

Father and son stared each other for a second before Nathan nodded in agreement.

. . . . .

"Where were you guys?!" Lucas rushed over to the girls.

"We were in the cafeteria, we had no signal." Brooke said. "I just got your message about Dan and Rachel, at least they're okay." Brooke rolled her eyes. All three girls were in shock but were relieved everyone was okay, even if Rachel was among the injured.

"Is everything okay?" Peyton questioned when she saw the curious look on Lucas' face.

"More than that. Nathan woke up." Lucas smiled.

"Oh God! That's great!" Both Peyton and Brooke hugged each other. Haley clutched herself as she let Lucas' words set in.

"He's awake." Lucas approached Haley as he wrapped his arms around him.

"He's awake." Haley whispered back.

"The doctor says he going to be just fine."

And that's when Haley finally broke and started to sob uncontrollably in Lucas' arms as a myriad of emotions came over her, the pain and stress of the past several hours coupled with the great news of Nathan's recovery.

"Let it out Hales." He said softly as Lucas hugged her tighter. Peyton and Brooke already left to give the two best friends some privacy.

. . . . .

"That white mumu thing is doing nothing for your hot bod." Brooke smirked as she leaned against the door.

"Brooke." Nathan smiled. His parents just left, they had to go take Dan back to his own hospital room, for reasons Nathan wasn't quite sure yet. They didn't tell him why his dad was in a neck brace and why he had a bandaid on his forehead.

"Nate!" Brooke smiled as she entered the room to hug him.

"The walls can use some color too." Peyton followed behind her.

"Hey Peyton." Nathan turned away from her and shared an awkward hug.

Peyton cleared her throat. "We're glad to have you back."

"You had us all worried there." Brooke added.

"Yeah." Nathan replied. "I've been getting that a lot."

Not sensing the tension, Brooke continued to speak. "Haley will be so happy to see you awake."

"I don't." Nathan turned his head away from his heads. "I don't want to see her now."

Peyton sighed, how could she forget. "Nathan, we know what happened with Rachel. There was just a big misunderstanding. You have to talk to her."

"Yeah! Then where the hell is she?!" Nathan bit back. Probably with Chris he told himself. He took a deep breath, wanting not to get worked up again.

Awkward silence filled the air and Peyton and Brooke stared at each other, not knowing what to do.

"I'm right here." A voice from the doorway called out.

Everybody turned their heads to find Haley standing there. Her eyes started to water at the sight of him. She didn't care if he was mad at her, at least he was awake and alive. That's all that mattered.

Brooke and Peyton took that as their cue and walked out the door, bypassing Haley and offering her a sympathetic smile. They walked out into the hallway and closed the door behind them where Lucas was waiting nearby.

"You think they going to be okay?" Peyton spoke up.

"I hope so." Lucas answered and Brooke agreed.

. . . . .

"Nathan, I.." Haley was trying to find the words but it wouldn't come out. She stuttered and on instinct she ran towards Nathan, leaning over the bed and hugging him tightly. Nathan knew this was wrong but he couldn't bring himself to push her away. Instead he did the opposite and hugged her back.

"I was so scared." She said barely above a whisper.

Nathan just lied there and nodded his head.

Haley pulled back and wiped her eyes and took a seat by the edge of the hospital bed. "I want you to know that I love you and that.."

"Stop!" Nathan threw his hands up. "I don't need to hear the part where you tell me you love me but you can't be with me." Nathan looked away and then looked back at her with a determination in his eyes she never saw before. "I love you Hales, I love you and I'll fight for you. Whatever it takes, I'm going to show you that we belong together." Nathan swore.

"Hey, it's not like that." Haley reached for his cheeks, and forced him to look at her. She sighed, he just came out of surgery, out of a coma and yet was still devastatingly handsome. She ran her fingers through his short dark hair. "I love you and only YOU."

"I heard what you said." Nathan muttered.

"Chris." Haley started to speak but Nathan his head around and Haley turned it back towards her and continued to speak. "Chris is a friend who asked me to go on tour with him through Europe this summer."

Nathan's eyes narrowed. Haley noticed the squint in his eyes and thought to herself that he and Lucas are really brothers.

"Wait, what?" Nathan asked.

"Remember that concert I went with Peyton a couple of weeks back."

Nathan nodded and Haley proceeded to tell him all about how she met Chris and how she played with him a couple of times in Raleigh and how he wanted to her to go with her on the tour. She made sure to emphasize that nothing romantic has nor will happen between her and Chris.

Nathan stayed silent for a moment and his eyes were downcast. "I .. I didn't know." He said softly.

"It's because I didn't tell you." Haley said softly back.

"I wish you told me." He replied a second later, now feeling extremely embarrassed about everything. He got worked up and nearly died for nothing, all because of a simple misunderstanding. Nathan clenched his fist and Haley could feel him tense up.

"Rachel." He gritted out.

"She must've overheard me and Peyton talking and well you know the rest."

"I could kill her." He was so mad now.

"Don't!" Haley put her hand on his chest. "Don't worry about her, believe me, I think your father scared her plenty."

"What, what're you talking about?"

"He nearly ran her over tonight. He didn't though. Apparently, her shoulder's on a sling and Dan's in a neck brace."

Oh, that explains it. Nathan thought to himself.

"You can talk to Luke." Haley continued. "He seems to know more than I."

"But she nearly.."

"Shh!!" Haley hushed him in the best way she knew how, her lips.

The kiss was soft but gentle and Nathan instantly calmed down. She definitely had a calming effect when it came to Nathan.

"I don't want to talk about her, she's done enough."

"Okay." Nathan nodded in agreement, he was still going to have a long talk with his dad and brother though later.

"I'm sorry I kept it from you. I mean we were still in limbo and I was just doing in on the side for fun. I swear I was going to tell you about it. It was just that the last few days have been so busy."

"It's okay." Nathan nodded. "And I'm sorry, for overreacting."

"And your HCM?" Haley raised her eyebrow.

Nathan looked down again. "I'm, I'm sorry."

Haley let out a shaky breath and hugged him again. "I could kill you if you didn't nearly die tonight Nathan. How could you not tell anyone?"

"I'm sorry. If I went public then it would be real you know."

"I think it's already as real as it gets."

"I mean that I wasn't ready to let everything go, the dream, the game. After winning the championships, I thought I was ready but I wasn't until.."

"Until what?"

"Until you?" Nathan looked deeply in her eyes. "Basketball was my world until I realized you, you're my world Haley. When I finally admitted my feelings to myself, I knew, I knew I would be okay, knowing that you were in my life."

Haley's heart pounded in her chest as he heart swelled from Nathan's words.

"That's why I was so mad at prom. I thought you were leaving me, I thought my whole world was being taken away from me and I couldn't, I couldn't handle that."

"I'm not going to leave you." Haley choked by tears.

"I know." He squeezed her hands. "I know that now. I was, I was so scared. Before I passed out, I remember staring at you and I promised myself that if I could just get up, and walk over to you, and tell you how much I need you, and how much I want you, that nothing else matters."

Haley couldn't take it anymore and her eyes swelled with tears of joy and she kissed him and poured all her love and passion into him. They stayed locked in each other's embrace for a couple of minutes, both enjoying the feeling of being back in each other's arms.

"I can't believe my girl is a rock star."

"I'm not a rock star."

"Well, European rock star, I guess those still count."

"Nathan, I'm not going on the tour."

"Why not?"

"What do you mean why not?"

"Haley, if you're staying because of me.."

"No.."

"Haley!" Nathan warned.

"I don't, I don't want to be away from you so screw the tour okay."

"Haley, you won't lose me and it's only for a couple of weeks right?"

"More like a few months and my answer is no okay. I didn't even get to tell you that I'm going to Duke."

"You're going to Duke?" Nathan suspected as much even though Lucas had mentioned it before but to actually her hear confirm it was still a surprise to him.

"Well, yeah, that's where you're going and I want to go where you go. I could get the same education there and I'll get to be near you and Lucas."

"Hales, I'm not going to Duke. Once they find out about my HCM, I'm off the team."

"Oh." Haley's mouth dropped. She hadn't even thought about that. She was so wrapped up in making sure Nathan would wake up.

"I guess we have a lot to talk about huh." Haley sighed.

"Yeah, but not now. We can talk about our future later, right now I just want to be with you." Nathan pulled her close to him.

"Our future." Haley smiled. "I like the sound of that."

"Me too, me too."

To Be Concluded . . . .