A/N: Thank you for the reviews, alerts and story favorites. I love reading your reviews so keep them coming. The song in this chapter is "Blackbird" by The Beatles. Happy Fourth of July to those in the States.
Chapter 21: The Sounds of Silence
It's too quiet. In the distance you can hear a pin drop. The silence is almost deafening. It's a warning sign of imminent danger to come. Just like the Simon and Garfunkel song begins, "Hello darkness my old friend. I've come to talk with you again." The silence signifies the darkness on the horizon.
It was two days before Christmas Eve and Haley sat at the piano in the café. Her fingers glided over the ivory keys ever so gently. She had already cleaned the small restaurant and waited for Nathan. Lucas had been nowhere in sight tonight and she smiled. He must've been with Peyton. She was so happy he had found someone. She was surprised that him and Peyton were able to make a connection, but she was still very happy.
"Are you going to play?" Karen asked from the counter. She knew Haley had taken lessons at an early age. The youngest James had gravitated toward music. She had often found the young girl dancing around her establishment well past closing time singing or humming along with the music she had turned on.
Haley shrugged her shoulders then began playing chopsticks. It was the easiest tune to play and even though Karen knew of her talent she was still very self-conscious performing in front of her second mother.
The older brunette laughed remembering a very young Haley attempting to teach her son the tune. He had been interested in learning after see the movie Big, although he tried to convince his mother that he needed the huge rollout keyboard that Tom Hanks had played on in the film. Instead, Lucas settled on learning the tune on the café piano.
"We have that piano in our living room and I haven't played in the longest time." She began playing We Wish You a Merry Christmas. "I should practice for the big James family Christmas."
A soft knock on the door interrupted Haley's piano playing. As she saw who was at the door she blushed hoping he hadn't seen or heard her.
"Don't get up, I'll get it." Karen unlocked the door for the raven-haired boy and smiled as she moved for him to enter.
The blonde softly tapped the keys now familiarizing herself with The First Noel. She loved Christmas and spending time with her family. This year was especially special since she would be able to spend the holiday with Nathan, which reminded her, she still had to get his present.
"Hey," he said placing his hand on her back. She scooted over and he took a seat on the bench. "You play?" At that moment he felt embarrassed. She knew he enjoyed basketball, but he had never asked what she liked to do, well besides making out with him. "Play something for me," he said softly.
She hid her head and shook it no. Her cheeks were once again feeling warm. He took her hand in his and lightly traced the keys with her fingers. He noticed the ease of her movement under his touch. She knew the piano well.
"Do you sing too?" Now Peyton loved music, but she didn't have a musical bone in her body. She would sing off tune and clumsily strum a guitar. No, Peyton's talent was art. Seeing his girlfriend at the piano he knew she was definitely musically inclined, but wondered why she failed to mention it to him.
She tucked her hair behind her ear and bit her bottom lip. "Why are you so shy, Hales?" he questioned her as he lifted her chin up so he could see her eyes. "It's all right, when you're ready I'll be your audience."
"Thank you," she said finally speaking. She had lost her ability to speak as he probed her about the piano and singing. She didn't know why, but she was shy about letting him hear her play. Truthfully, she was very nervous. What if he thought she wasn't good? He was obligated as her boyfriend to cheer her on. He couldn't tell her she sucked.
Karen smiled at the scene. They were cute. She read Haley's body language and knew how uncomfortable Nathan was making her with his questions, but he had also picked up on it as he gently asked. She wondered how much longer until either realized they were in love. Both were able to read each other so well.
"We should get going. I have a busy day tomorrow." She rose to her feet and walked behind the counter. She grabbed her pea coat then her purse. "I'll be in sometime just to hang out."
"All right, I'll let Lucas know. Maybe he'll stop in." She hugged Haley. "Night, Nathan."
"Good night," he said as he placed his arm around Haley's waist ushering her out the café.
Lucas lay on his bed holding the envelope that contained his letter from Dan. As he and Nathan had begun to act civil the letter haunted him. He was curious what the hell Dan had to say to him. He wondered if the letter contained something that would change his view of Dan or even Nathan.
He twirled the envelope in his hand. He also hadn't spoken with Keith much lately. The first time after he had given them the letters Keith asked if they had read them. After saying no, Keith knew not to ask again. The dirty blonde sighed dissatisfied. Why did the words on the pages taunt him? He hated Dan and wanted so badly to hold onto that.
He looked at his door noticing a shadow. There was a harsh knock and he jumped up discarding the envelope on his bed. He swung open the door surprised to see his brother.
"Did you know Haley plays the piano?" He entered the room without waiting to be welcomed in. Lucas furrowed his brow in confusion – one, why was Nathan at his door and two, how did he not know that his girlfriend played the piano. "How long?"
"Huh?" He closed the door then sat in his desk chair slightly confused by Nathan's presence and the conversation.
"Why didn't she tell me? Have you heard her play or sing?" Nathan took a seat on the bed his gaze focused on his older brother.
"Slow down," he held his hands up. "Haley didn't tell you she sang?" He didn't know what to make of the admission. She loved to sing and play. He was pretty sure she even scribbled a few lyrics. "I really don't know. She's never played in front of a crowd. She strummed the guitar in front of me and even taught me chopsticks on the piano, but outside of her family gatherings she doesn't publically perform."
"She plays the guitar?" Now he was more confused than ever. He thought for a second. He never noticed a guitar in her room. He remembered the family piano in the living room. "Wow, I don't … I don't know what to say. I guess she doesn't trust me." His heart sank at the thought, but that was the only explanation he could accept.
Lucas couldn't explain his best friend's reasons for not sharing that part of her with Nathan. He had tried to reassure him by letting him know she didn't really perform.
"Nate, I really don't think it's about trust. Haley … she's …"
"How else would you explain it? It's important to her so why wouldn't she share it with me? I thought we were good, you know? I thought we were moving along fine, but then I discover this." He got to his feet and began pacing. He ran his hand through his hair.
"Did you ask her because she's really the only one who can answer your questions?"
Nathan halted his pacing. "She didn't say much of anything. She sat silent like she was afraid to tell me. I don't understand. The most important thing to me is basketball and she knows all about it. If she feels that way about music why hasn't see said anything? You know her better than I do so help me."
The eldest Scott chuckled did Nathan just ask him to help him? Was this a brotherly moment? Did hell freeze over?
"She's not an open book, Nate." He watched as his brother returned to the bed. "We were mere children when she learned to play the piano. It was no big deal to her then. Honestly, I didn't know she still played. She keeps things from me too. Remember she was tutoring you and she lied to me about it for months." He thought if he pointed that out it would ease his brother's thoughts. He studied Nathan. His younger brother ran his hand over his face. He could tell his body was tense. "You're not losing her," Lucas said breaking the silence finally realizing what Nathan was thinking.
The dark-haired boy raised his head and looked at Lucas. "I never said … I didn't think …" He sighed. He did think her keeping something this important meant she wasn't ready for their relationship to be more. He took it as her stepping back. "How did you know?"
Lucas shrugged. Then recognized the familiarity of Haley's silence. "I sort of thought the same thing as she kept the tutoring a secret and the kissing. Those things were important to her and she didn't share either with me. I had to practically drag the information out. You know, she doesn't even tell me much about the two of you these days." Nathan shifted on the bed. "Not that it's any of my business. I'm just stating a fact."
Nathan nodded feeling relieved a little. He had no one else to talk to about the blonde and had hesitated coming over, but he made the right choice. He placed his hand behind him and heard the crinkle of paper. He looked over on the bed and noticed what lay there.
"Did you read it?" He tried forgetting the letters existed. He had been wrapped up in Haley and hadn't cared to think about his father, which is why he refused to send a gift or card to him. His mother understood and supported his decision.
"No." He leaned his elbows on his knees. "Nothing good can come from that letter, right? You know him better than I do. He's just messing with us, right?"
Nathan heard the uncertainty in Lucas' voice. For so long he wanted his father to be a better person. He wanted his father to do something without any ulterior motive, but as the years went on he faced the truth. Dan Scott couldn't do anything without wanting something in return. He wondered if his father believed the words on those pages would alter his sons' view of him. Did he truly believe a letter would mend the fractured relationships?
"I wish I didn't know him. No matter how difficult it was to grow up fatherless, you need to know you didn't miss out. You had the best of the Scott brothers. You had Keith there. Without a doubt, without even knowing how much he helped out, I know he was twice the father Dan could've ever been for either of us. Take solace in that, Luke. Don't let this stupid letter get to you. If you want to read it, then do so. When you're ready, I'm here. I'll read mine." He tossed his brother the envelope and Lucas smiled. All right so Nathan wasn't as bad as he had been painted. There was a vulnerability that he was sure Haley saw. He disliked that Nathan showed his softer side to him because that meant his best friend was right. Damn Haley James, he thought.
It was Christmas Day and the patients were allowed to have visitors. Dan sat in his room with his door open listening to the Christmas carols that filled the hallway. He didn't expect anyone to show up, instead he would enjoy seeing the family and friends of other patients come and go.
"You want to have Christmas dinner with me?" the blonde woman asked from the doorway. She had taken a liking to Dan Scott over the past two months. She put up with his harsh demeanor knowing he would eventually soften and he had. He stopped being so guarded and cold toward her. You could say she had become an ally.
She knew full well he wouldn't have anyone come visit during the holidays. She had picked up on the strained relationships in his life and she began to notice the stack of folded letters on his nightstand. His therapist must've had him writing a lot to help with his feelings. She was curious if it was helping any considering it was the holidays and he hadn't even received a gift, but a solitary card.
Dan grabbed the card off his dresser and read it. He smirked at the scribble. His brother had graciously sent him a Christmas card. He had asked Keith to visit, but knew there was a slim chance he would, considering their last visit. Keith had never answered if either of his sons read the letter. The younger Scott assumed they hadn't, which is why the letters rested on his nightstand.
"I guess I wouldn't mind having dinner with a lovely woman such as you," he said trying to pull off what he identified as the signature Scott smirk.
"Oh there's absolutely no reason to be so charming, Dan." She rolled her light blue eyes. She was far from interested in the man. She had been intrigued because there weren't that many people who entered the facility and were never visited or never had phone calls from home. She had been curious when she figured out the short, gray-haired man who visited often was his attorney. Now attorneys came and went, but not divorce lawyers.
"Whatever," he muttered annoyed by her sarcastic tone. "Having dinner with you will be better than eating alone." He sat on his bed and flipped the television on. He managed to convince one of the directors of the program that having a television would help with his recovery. He explained his addiction to basketball could easily replace his addiction to alcohol. That explanation didn't go over well. He didn't know they would frown upon replace on addiction with another, but the blonde came to his rescue and explained the benefit.
"I heard they may let you out for good behavior." She walked further into the room and watched as the older man shifted on the bed and looked at her. He raised his eyebrow silently questioning her. "Someone said you might be given the green light to leave in another two months. Who would've thought Dan Scott on the fast track out of rehab?" She placed her index finger on her chin pondering.
"How does that work? My lawyer said I had to complete the six months." He now stared at her with more interest.
"Someone can sign off on the four-month program. When you enter everyone is placed on the six-month rehabilitation program, but upon further evaluation patients can be downgraded, upgraded, whatever graded to the four-month recovery program." He smiled like a Cheshire cat. "Don't get too happy. Nothing is certain."
"Don't worry about me, sweetheart. I'll make sure I'm expedited." The wheels were turning and he smiled devilishly.
Nathan stood by the fireplace looking at the photos on the mantle. He tucked his hands into his jeans feeling slightly uncomfortable. When his mother told him they would be having Christmas brunch with Karen, Keith and Lucas he had expressed concern. He and Lucas were getting along, but he certainly didn't want to spend more time with him than he had to, besides he didn't want his brother thinking he actually liked him.
"I was six-years old," the dirty blonde said from the entranceway. He leaned against the frame crossing his arms across his chest. "I was Spider-Man that year." He smiled as he now stared intently at the photo of him and Keith from Halloween.
"I wasn't big into super heroes," Nathan muttered not looking at Lucas. "I always went as a basketball player."
Lucas chuckled at the raven-haired boys lack of creativity. He should've known. He imagined Dan had placed a ball in Nathan's hands the instant he was born. As much as he disliked his brother, he couldn't deny Nathan was a natural on the court.
"Was that just part of Dan's drilling?"
Nathan shrugged finally turning his head to see Lucas. He had never thought of it like that, but he now recalled one year when he wanted to be a doctor because some pretty girl in his class had a crush on her doctor. He smiled as he remembered Dan's response to that, "A doctor? Seriously, Nathan? Keep in mind that you're going to be a basketball player in the NBA one day so don't get any ideas." He rolled his eyes at the memory. Dan thought if Nathan pretended to be a doctor he'd lose sight of the big picture.
"I guess it was."
"Boys brunch is ready," Karen said as she walked up on the boys. She smiled noticing there was a light tension in the room. She never thought they would be in the same room not wanting to kill each other.
As Lucas led the way into the kitchen, Nathan slowed his steps and spotted his uncle coming out of the bathroom.
"Can I talk to you for a minute?" Nathan's voice was shaky. He had been nervous to be around his uncle after their last meeting, but he had to apologize.
"What's up, Nate?" Keith grinned placing a comforting hand.
"I'm sorry about the way I reacted to the letters." He hung his head as he finished speaking.
"Nate, I knew I was taking a huge risk in giving them to you and Luke, but I honestly feel you two should have an open mind. Do I agree with Danny? Hell no, but I made a promise to help and if bringing those letters to you two helps then I held up my promise. I understand why you were upset." He scratched the back of his head. "You handled it better than I expected. Let's eat," he nodded his head toward the kitchen and nudged his nephew forward. He knew Nathan hadn't read the letter. He was definitely curious what his brother had to say and what Dan thought was a sufficient apology to his sons.
The James's were pretty much settled for the evening. Haley lay in her bed staring at the ceiling. She needed space. The house had been quite full with thirteen people moving around the first floor between the kitchen, dinning room and living room. She had spent the better half of the day in the kitchen helping her mother since Taylor refused to touch raw food. She rolled her eyes at her sister's latest phobia. She had developed a fear of raw poultry and meat, but that didn't explain why she refused to touch the vegetables. Luckily, Quinn and her eldest sister Vivian stepped in to help.
Her brothers and brother-in-law along with her father sat in the living room watching some football game. They were never any help except this year her mother managed to convince them to clear the table so now she rested upstairs in the peace and quiet of her four walls. She wondered what Nathan was up to considering him and his mother celebrated rather early with Lucas. She smiled picturing the brothers all brotherly. What she wouldn't do to have actually been with the brothers. She always thought Lucas would love a little brother and after seeing how trapped Nathan was with Dan, she knew he could use a big brother.
Haley closed her eyes sinking into her mattress. She saw Nathan every time. She missed him and wanted him to spend Christmas with her family, but thought it would be too overwhelming. They had only been dating for about two months and he would have to put up with Taylor. She groaned thinking about her hitting on Nathan. Her sister had a knack for hitting on her sisters' boyfriends. She had flirted with their now brother-in-law Richard when Vivian brought him home on Thanksgiving a few years ago. She shivered thinking about it.
The blonde was brought out of her thoughts as she heard a light knock at her door. She sat up on her bed then listened again wanting to make sure she heard the noise. About two seconds later another light knock came. She hopped off her bed and swung the door open to reveal the blue-eyed teenaged boy. A huge smile marked her face. Her heart fluttered and her eyes immediately went to his lips. Without processing she flung her arms around his neck and pulled his head down slightly as she rose up on her toes to capture his lips. As her lips moved over his she fisted his gray dress shirt in her right hand and pulled him into her room not wanting to be interrupted. God help her if one of her brothers saw them.
As she forced him into her room she heard something bang against her bedroom door and she pulled away with her chest heaving and her lips swollen from their feverish kiss.
Nathan laughed at her. "I've missed you," he breathed out gazing into her eyes with now his dark blue eyes. He licked his lips tasting her strawberry lip-gloss. He carefully placed the object he held on the floor then quickly cupped her cheeks slowly kissing her. He angled her head up and tilted his head to the right as he nipped her bottom lip asking for permission. She moaned softly into his mouth and pushed her door shut moving him up against her door.
"Hales," he mumbled into her mouth and she pressed her body more into his. He groaned at the contact. There was no denying she desired him. Then his mind snapped to reality. They were in her room with her brothers and father downstairs.
"Hales," he said again pushing her back with a little force. She looked at him confused. "You have a full house," he whispered knowing his voice would crack if he tried to speak at a normal level.
She slumped on her bed then realized what he placed on the floor. "What's in the case?" She eyed him curiously. She recognized the case, but was in disbelief. Had he gotten her that? How did he know?
Nathan smirked as he saw the confusion and surprise dance across her face. She wasn't expecting his gift. He bent down and picked up the guitar case. He placed it on the bed beside her. "Open it."
"But Nathan," she said barely audible. She played with her pinkie ring nervously. Her heart raced overcome with such emotion. "I don't … how?" she stuttered returning her eyes back to the case. Her fingertips traced over the top before landing on the clasp. Carefully she flicked the clasp up and in one swift motion covered her mouth with her hands in absolute surprise.
"The guy at the store said it was a decent acoustic guitar." He sat on the edge of the bed waiting impatiently for her to say something, anything. "Hales." Her head sprung up causing him to worry when he saw the unshed tears in her eyes. "What's wrong, baby? Say something." He took her hand in his rubbing small circles over the backside.
She bit her bottom lip and slowly her lips stretched into a smile. "I love it." She sprung into his lap and firmly pressed her lips against his. Her heart burst in awe. He laughed and the concern left his body. "How did you know?" She turned back to the Yamaha FG700S guitar.
He buried his head in the crook of her neck and began talking. "The other night when you were at the piano. You know those keys so well and …" he trailed off not wanting to give his secret away. He inhaled the scent of vanilla and kissed her collarbone before continuing. "Luke might have mentioned that you play the guitar," he added sheepishly.
She giggled. "You are absolutely adorable. Thank you."
"Play something for me." He hesitated to ask after seeing how shy she was the other night at the café.
She shook her head no while running her fingers over the strings. "Anyway it's probably out of tune."
He nudged her face with his nose and kissed her earlobe. "I had the guy at the shop tune it."
Wow, she thought. He had thought of everything. She looked at him once he picked his head up. "What do you say?" he asked raising his eyebrow.
She moved off his lap and picked up the guitar. She sat in her desk chair resting the guitar against her knee. She meticulously placed her fingers on the beginning chords. She inhaled then exhaled as her nerves rose to the surface. She wanted to be relaxed in his presence, but couldn't find comfort until she strummed the guitar causing her to get excited. Nathan shifted on the bed and couldn't help but smile.
"Will you sing for me?" He figured he would press his luck. He still hadn't any idea why she hadn't told him she loved music. It bothered him, but he thought eventually she would open up to him.
The blonde smiled and shook her head slightly. "Please," he said pleadingly. She cleared her throat and her fingers nimbly moved against the guitar strings.
Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to arise
Nathan closed his eyes listening to the soft tone of her voice. He realized by the third line her nerves had subsided and her body relaxed. He recognized the glimmer in her eye because he had the same look every time he stepped onto a basketball court.
Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these sunken eyes and learn to see
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to be free
She strummed the guitar one final time ending it after the second verse. Her hazel eyes fluttered open landing on Nathan. She searched his eyes for his approval. He slowly smirked at her and she giggled placing her head in her hands.
"You are amazing, Hales," he said softly overcome with emotion. He listened to music, he went to concerts, but he couldn't recall anyone sounding so wonderful. He saw a side of her he didn't know existed and he loved it.
"Stop," she said blushing under his intense gaze. She leaned the guitar against her desk and made her way to him. She placed her knee on the bed between his legs and pushed him on his back. "You are amazing, Nathan Scott," she whispered as she lay her body on top of his. Her lips met his in a searing kiss.
Cautiously the teenaged boy placed his hands on her hips and moved them across her back as she controlled the kiss. A small moan escaped his lips as he felt his body heat rising. His hands travelled under her purple shirt discovering her body to be warm to the touch. Feeling completely out of control, his mind no longer in sync with his body, Nathan pulled his lips away and began trailing kisses down her neck flipping them over.
Haley settled her head deep into the pillow and her body instantly reacted to the position change. Her left leg wrapped around his leg and she pushed against his body causing him to lose his balance and fall onto her. Nathan quickly shifted his body weight and sucked on her collarbone. Her fingers laced through his raven hair encouraging him.
Her mouth was dry. She swallowed hard and licked her lips. "Nathan," she breathed out. A soft knock at her bedroom door jolted her back to reality and she pushed him off her quickly jumping to her feet.
"Haley." Her body stiffened at the voice. It was Taylor. She moved to the door and shot her boyfriend a look of panic before opening the door just enough to slide out into the hallway.
"Tay," she said running her hand through her mussed hair attempting to hide the evidence of her activity with Nathan.
"What's going on?" Taylor asked smirking knowing full well her little sister had been making out with her boyfriend. "Aren't you going to introduce me to, Nathan?" Her voice was sickening sweet and Haley almost gagged.
"Not now." Haley turned to enter her room, but was hated again by her sister.
"Mom asked me to check on you. She sneaked him in right pass everyone. So …"
"What?" the blonde snapped.
"Why would mom want me to check on you? Have you been," she paused, "naughty?" she cocked her eyebrow implying more than innocent kissing.
Haley rolled her eyes and was grateful when she heard her sister Quinn speak from the stairs.
"Taylor, leave Haley alone. Mom wants you to join us downstairs. It's a Wonderful Life is on." The brunette waited for her younger sister to make her way toward her.
"Whatever," Taylor said lightly flicking Haley on her shoulder.
"Bitch," the honey blonde muttered as Taylor walked away and headed downstairs. "Thanks, Quinn."
"You owe me. You know later David and I might want to make out," she said with a wink before bounding down the stairs.
Haley opened her door and smiled seeing Nathan lying on his back. "You look very sexy tonight." She crawled up his body and he propped himself up on his elbows.
"Come here." He pulled her flush against him falling back onto the mattress. He gave her a chaste kiss. "Were you planning on telling me that you sing?" He felt her sigh deeply.
"It's nothing serious, Nathan. I kind of just play whenever I need to relax." He ran his hand through her long honey blonde locks and kissed the top of her head.
"That's not true. You're happy when you sing. It's a big deal." She lifted her head off his chest and looked at him. She could never tire of staring into his deep, blue eyes. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"I didn't think I was any good. I play for fun, but I try not to be too serious about it."
"Is that what you want to do – sing?" She bit her bottom lip and nodded. "You are good. You're better than good, Hales. I want to share this with you. Promise me you'll play for me again. Promise you'll start thinking about it more seriously."
"Nathan," she whispered.
"Promise."
"I promise," she mumbled against his lips, but before they could get started she pulled away and laughed at his contorted face. "I haven't given you your gift."
"That could've waited." He sat up against her wall watching as she handed him an envelope. He opened it and pulled out a ticket for a Bobcat's game. "You're the best." He placed the present on her nightstand and grabbed her by her hips.
"You say that now, but Lucas has the other ticket." He pushed her body up a little and tilted his head looking at her. "Do you hate me?"
"Very clever of you, James." He kissed her. "I couldn't hate you. So I have to suck it up and spend an evening with Lucas. I think we'll both survive. What did he say?" He began planting kisses down her neck.
"I haven't told him yet." She moaned once he sucked her sensitive skin near her collarbone. "Let's not … let's focus on this." She cupped his face and firmly placed her lips to his. It had definitely been a merry Christmas.
Hip-hop music blasted through the beach house. The New Year's Eve party was small compared to Nathan's victory celebrations. He had invited most of the basketball team and a few of the cheerleaders. He stressed to Tim he wanted an intimidate gathering.
Nathan walked around the house saying hello to his teammates he had yet to speak with. As he approached the pair of blondes on the couch he smiled.
"What is that look for?" Peyton asked while she played with the collar of Lucas' white dress shirt. Her hair was pinned up for the occasion and she was wearing a red cocktail dress.
Nathan sat on the coffee table holding a plastic cup of beer. He took a drink and shook his head. "Look around," he said motioning with his hands. "Is this real?"
The dirty blonde sat up on the couch. He held onto his girlfriend's hand and studied his brother. He didn't immediately understand what Nathan was talking about. He then looked around and caught his brother's stare.
"We're happy and a new year is on its way. The three of us are far from where we were this time last year."
Peyton looked around a little sad. Brooke was missing from the small group. She had told her to come and try again to work things out, but the brunette had yet to arrive.
"Haley and I rang in the New Year on the roof top of my mom's café. This is definitely a far cry from that celebration," Lucas said as his best friend approached.
Nathan held his hand out for his girlfriend to take. His eyes bore a hole through her. She looked amazing in her green, one-shoulder cocktail dress and her hair was pulled out of her face in curls. As he stared at her his breathing got caught in his throat. He pulled her onto his lap and kissed her blocking out the grumble from Lucas at their affection.
"I'd say get a room, but," he shuddered at the thought, "that's not an image I want either."
Haley laughed blushing at her friend's comment. She leaned her head against Nathan's chest and tapped her finger against his muscular chest. She felt slightly dizzy from his kiss and the beer she had consumed, but she found him so sexy in his tux tonight.
"We have about an hour before the countdown begins so Haley and I could …" the raven-haired boy trailed off getting smacked playfully by his girlfriend. "I was only taking your best friend's advice." He smirked at her and Peyton rolled her eyes all too familiar with that trademark expression.
"Do you think they'll always be this sickening?" Lucas whispered into Peyton's ear. The couple still managed to make him uncomfortable. He believed it had to do with the way Haley acted around Nathan and knowing all about Nathan's experiences. He couldn't stop thinking about the two of them sleeping together even though it was none of his business. He knew he was being overprotective, but he was only looking out for Haley's heart. He understood his best friend's stance on being intimate and was concerned that his brother would push her into something more.
"Stop worrying about them," the blonde said snapping him out of his thoughts.
"Brooke's here," Nathan said, his voice laced with confusion.
"No fighting tonight," Haley said grabbing his chin moving his head to her. Her eyes darted across his face. "Maybe we can make amends. It's going to be a new year." He found her lips and tightened his hold on her. He wanted to spend the next hour with his lips fused to hers. He certainly didn't want to speak with Brooke because this right here was a hundred times better.
The brunette cringed at the couple lost in one another and she cleared her throat breaking them apart.
"Can we talk?" she asked softly.
Peyton and Lucas stood from the couch. "Nate, I'll meet you on the boardwalk in about fifteen," Lucas said.
His younger brother nodded his head in agreement. "Brooke." Haley rose to her feet allowing Nathan's arm to fall from around her waist. "Hales," he whined. He didn't want to have the same discussion with the brunette. He ran his hand down his face.
"Brooke, I think it's time we put this behind us."
"Awe thanks, Hales," she said sarcastically.
Nathan quickly got to his feet and stood between the two girls. "Brooke you need to leave." When she didn't make a move to the front door he said, "Now."
"We can't talk?" she asked looking over his shoulder shooting Haley a death glare.
He carefully yet firmly placed his hands on her shoulders. "Not tonight. What I said two weeks ago still stands. You want to work this out or whatever, we can do that later, but definitely not now."
Peyton walked up behind her best friend and took her by the hand giving her ex a reassuring look that she would handle this.
"Come on Brooke. I want to talk to you." Brooke harshly shrugged her shoulders causing Nathan to release his hold.
"I don't like who you've become Nathan Scott," she spat out.
"I don't like who you've become." With that the brunette turned on her heels and was followed out the door by her best friend.
Haley placed her petite hand on his shoulder and hooked her left arm through his pressing her body into his back.
"I'm sorry." Nathan turned around taking her hands in his. "I want the two of you to work things out if that's what you want."
"I won't have her disrespect you. You're my girlfriend and that means more to me than her friendship. I have ruined so many things in my life that I don't want to ruin us. I don't want anything to come between us. I like you Haley James and Brooke," he shrugged, "she really needs to try if she wants to be in my life."
The blonde shuffled her feet forward closing the thin gap between them. Her hazel eyes got lost in his soft, loving gaze. "Kiss me." He glided his hands up her bare arms and traced her naked shoulders lightly with his fingertips before gently caressing her cheeks. He captured her lips and moved over hers ever so slowly. She sighed at the tingling sensation his feather light kiss created.
Peyton had walked Brooke down to the gravel paved parking area. She leaned against her best friend's car.
"I am ready to make this right." The brunette paced back and forth in her five-inch heels.
"Why weren't you nice to Haley?" This was the last thing the blonde wanted to be doing on New Year's Eve. "She encouraged Nathan to work things out, but you had to be snide. How the hell do you expect Nathan to forgive you? You have to accept Haley and respect their relationship. Until then he's not going to forgive you."
"But they're just so … so …"
"Cute? In love?" Brooke halted her pacing. Her eyes were wide with disbelief. "Oh come on, Brooke. If you actually stopped and looked at them you would see it."
"So he's told her?" There was a pain in the pit of her stomach. She knew he never loved Peyton. He never uttered those three words to her best friend so if he had done so to Haley then this was real. Was it possible though? Was it possible at seventeen to be in love?
"That's not the point." The blonde touched the brunette's forearms. "If you want to be friends again you have to accept their relationship for what it is. Luke was right, it's not easy, but if you don't you'll always be on the outside. How important is having Nathan in your life?"
Brooke pushed Peyton's hands off her and abruptly turned away. "He's chosen her. He's chosen a side. I don't think there's any room for me in his new life."
The blonde shook her head. She didn't truly know this version of her best friend. She knew Brooke could be cold, calculated and manipulating, but the "woe is me" side of her was not the least bit attractive.
"You'll always have a place in his life, but you need to accept Haley. She's not bad. She really cares about him and she's stable. He needs that. You saw the way Nathan and I were. The three of us are a lot alike."
Brooke turned around with her arms across her chest. Tears rolled down her cheeks. "What are you saying? Nathan and I would never be good for each other?"
The blonde hesitated before nodding her head up and down. She watched as her best friend began laughing hysterically laced with bitterness. She had never known her feelings for Nathan to be so strong. How could she have missed that?
The brunette finally swiped the tears off her cheeks and began walking backward before turning around and running to her car. She opened her door and climbed inside starting the engine. She peeled out quickly and Peyton watched the taillights fade into the darkness.
Lucas strained under the lamppost light to read the letter. He shook his head in disbelief. Was Dan serious? It was your mother who made the decision for me to abandon you. He furrowed his brow. His mother wouldn't dare, would she? I wasn't there when you were born, but I offered assistance. I wanted to help raise you. I wanted you and Nathan to be brothers.
Lucas unconsciously crinkled the sheets of paper. He didn't believe the words he read. There was no way Dan Scott wanted anything to do with him. How could his father want to lay claim to him seventeen years ago, but in present day pit him against his brother? None of it made sense. He continued reading only getting more worked up. I am far from being the father you needed, but it's never too late, Luke. I can be the father, the man you need me to be. Give me a chance, son.
He shivered at the three-letter word.
"Luke," Nathan said as he approached his older brother from the shadows. He had been wrapped up in Haley and lost track of time. He should've been out here about five minutes ago. "Are you all right?" Seeing Lucas off balance and his eyes filled with hurt and shock, he was now reconsidering the pact they made.
"He wants to be my father. How can you say these things in a letter?" He held up the pages tightly.
"He's a coward. The one thing I've learned is that Dan Scott talks a big game. He could never stand in front of you, look you in the eye and say whatever he wrote." He held out his hand silently asking for his letter.
"You don't have to read it, Nate. I know you said …"
"I know what I said just give me the damn letter, Luke," he demanded. He watched as his brother reached inside his tux jacket and pulled out the letter. His hand trembled.
He snatched the letter and moved under the lamppost and began to read the letter. His eyes skimmed the words. It had all been said before. I only did those things to make you stronger. He wanted to punch something at that moment. I saw you losing focus and had to remind you what was important. Dan had always used that line. He shook his head continuing on. I can be the father you need me to be, son. He snickered.
"It's all lies. It's not anything I haven't heard before." His brother leaned against the railing listening. "I want to make things right. It's never too late to make things right. He's such an ass. His addiction isn't to blame for his constant belittling or his need to tear me down. Oh and you'll love this, I wanted you to know Lucas. I wanted you to have a big brother to lean on. He's so full of it," he said angrily. His father didn't make an effort with his own brother so how was he to believe he wanted him and Lucas to lean on each other?
Lucas scoffed hearing those statements. Did Dan manipulate his wording from one letter to the other? He couldn't be original. He looked at his watch. It was eleven thirty-six.
"We should head back inside. It's almost countdown time." He moved toward Nathan, who didn't move. His eyes were transfixed on the letter.
"Things will be better once I return home. Your mother and I will work things out. I won't drink anymore. We'll be a family again. You and I will workout. I'll get you prepared for your future. Everything will be made right," he read the words softly swallowing the lump in his throat. "What an arrogant bastard!" His eyes deceived him as a tear escaped. All his anger had built up to unshed tears. "He … he actually thinks I want to be a family with him. He thinks … he thinks my mom wants him back."
Lucas had seen him vulnerable before, but this was different. He cautiously pulled his brother into a hug. "You don't need Dan. We don't need him."
The raven-haired Scott nodded and broke the embrace. "He's trying to break me down and look at me. He succeeded."
"Nate, he hasn't unless you let him. We are going to miss the countdown. Let's go back inside. Go ring in the New Year with Haley. You need her." Lucas stuffed his hands into his pockets. Nathan stared over his shoulder out at the waves. He smiled at the peaceful sound. He began walking leading the way back to the house.
"Let's promise each other something," the older brother said as they walked back. "No matter what happens next with Dan, we have each other's back. We won't abandon each other."
Nathan listened. He inhaled deeply trying to push his anger out. The two continued the trek in silence. At the bottom of the stairs stood Haley and Peyton. Both boys smiled. Nathan glanced at his brother.
"Promise," he said barely audible. Lucas nodded in understanding. The party moved outside as the other partygoers began to fill the porch with their cups in hand.
"10!" Mouth began the countdown.
"9!" several patients around Dan shouted at the twenty-inch television in the activity room as they watched the celebration in Times Square.
"8!" now everyone chimed in at the beach house. Nathan wrapped his arm around Haley's shoulder pulling her close to him.
"7!" Dan stood near the entrance not entertained by the decorations and the community gathering. He itched for some champagne – really any alcohol. He tried to convince the blonde to sneak him some, but she laughed at him.
"6!" Lucas leaned his head against Peyton's as he watched his best friend snuggle closer to his brother. The scene paled in comparison to last year's celebration.
"5!" Some older gentleman placed a stupid party hat in Dan's hand to which he forced a smile then tossed it on the table. He began backing away from the dull celebration.
"4!" Everyone anticipating the beach fireworks shuffled around to get a good view from the porch. Haley snaked her arms around Nathan's waist and looked at him. Her heart raced as she closed her eyes listening to his heart beat at the same pace.
"3!" As Dan backed out of the room he bumped into the blonde. She touched his arm and nodded for him to join her back in the room. The dark-haired man glared at her. He harshly removed her hand from his arm. Her face fell and she entered the party.
"2!" Peyton giggled with anticipation of the sky lighting up. She hadn't been this happy last year. She stole a glance at Nathan and Haley then looked at Lucas. She placed her hand on his check and moved his head closer to hers.
"1!" Everyone at the beach house shouted right as the sky lit up. Peyton softly kissed Lucas. Nathan swiftly brought his hands to Haley's face and pressed his lips firmly to hers. He pulled up slightly and searched her eyes. He smiled when she moved her arm up his back. He found her lips again as the sound of party horns and noisemakers went off. He nipped her bottom lip and slid his tongue into her mouth tangling with hers. A low moan spilled from her lips and she fisted his shirt at his waist. Though the fireworks were going off in the crisp night sky, Nathan and Haley had created their own show.
At the end of the countdown, Dan clenched his arm. His chest tightened and he stumbled toward the wall to brace his body. The blonde had blown her party whistle along with the others and she peered over at the man only to see him collapse to the floor. Her eyes widened and she called out for an attendee as she made her way to him. His body twitched and she instantly knew he was having a heart attack.