Chapter 25

A/N: Hey guys! Thanks again for sticking with me, I feel awful. Anyways, I loved reading all the reviews! So, if you have any ideas, thoughts, concerns…I really want to hear them! Can't stress that enough!! Keep reading and reviewing! Enjoy!

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…guilty of all charges."

Haley let out the breath she didn't even know she was holding. Ben was smiling at Mike while as he was handcuffed with a look of pure shock and defeat on his face.

Nathan was more than satisfied, watching Mike Gera being sent behind bars. Lucas gave a congratulatory pat on the back.

Haley gave Ben a huge hug. "Thank you Ben. Thank you so much." She spoke slowly, emphasizing each word with a quiet importance.

Ben was pleased with this trial as well, "Thanks Haley. Now, go live your life again."

Haley ran over to Nathan. He was beaming as Haley lunged herself into his chest. "Finally." He whispered in relief.

Haley was clutching Nathan tightly. She could feel tears welling up and was trying very hard to not cry. At least, not in the court room in front of a public of people who already thought Haley was just a weak victim.

Nathan interrupted her thoughts, "You okay? You haven't said anything yet."

Haley violently shook her head and stepped away. She could barely see through the puddle of tears, "I'm good."

She hugged Brooke first and then Lucas. Brooke noticed something up with her too, "Haley hon, you can cry a little if you have to."

Haley closed her eyes, allowing several tears to run down her cheeks. Lucas patted her back and pulled her closer, "Hey. Brooke's right, it's okay."

Haley nodded into his chest. Lucas started to pull away, "How about we-" Then he noticed Haley's face was bright red and there were tears streaked all over her cheeks, with more rolling down. Her face was crumpled up.

Nathan was concerned all over again, "Hales- you don't need to cry that much. It's over. We won! You won! Mike Gera is gone forever."

This only caused Haley to let out a loud sob. She started motioning something with her arms. Lucas and Nathan were officially, thoroughly confused. Brooke grabbed Haley's shoulders and quickly led her outside while the boys followed without saying a word. She got to the car and let Haley in the backseat, taking the seat next to her. Lucas and Nathan climbed in front.

Brooke wrapped one arm around her best friend's shoulder as Haley let out loud, heart racking sobs. Nathan and Lucas turned around and watched.

Brooke's jaw dropped, "You two idiots! Staring doesn't help, just drive!"

Haley couldn't stop herself. She was running out of breath, her face was practically a tomato, but every bone in her body was telling her to cry until she couldn't anymore.

Nathan was becoming more confused than worried, "Brooke, what's- why is she so sad? I don't get it."

Brooke was rubbing Haley's shoulder gently and shushing softly, "I think it's um…what do they call it…we talked about it in English class once I think…cathritis?"

Lucas interjected, "Catharsis."

Nathan waited but neither of them said anything. "You guys know I don't get straight A's."

There was another silence before Nathan motioned to Brooke, "You're the one who mentioned it!"

"Yeah, but that doesn't mean I understand what I'm talking about. Lucas is the writer here." Brooke managed to say over Haley's sobs.

Lucas explained, "It means an emotional breakdown at the end of a traumatic chain of events."

Nathan pieced the information together, "So Haley's having a breakdown?"

Lucas nodded. Brooke glared at Nathan, replying in a monotone voice, "No Nathan. She's perfectly fine."

Lucas interjected again, "Well actually Brooke, she is fine. I mean she's happy about the result of the trial; she's just kind of letting out all of the bad feelings surrounding it. She's not crying because she's sad…..essentially…."

Nathan was confused again, "So is she or isn't she okay?"

Lucas opened his mouth to explain again but hesitated. "Well, technically…I guess she's-"

No one had even noticed that Haley's sobs had stopped. "Sitting right here. So you can talk to me."

The car was filled with silence. Until Haley started to laugh and wipe her eyes, "What's wrong with me?"

Brooke laughed too. Nathan was wary, "So….are you okay Haley?"

Haley couldn't believe what a lunatic she had become, "Yeah, catharsis or not, I'm fine. I feel like I'm slowly losing my mind…but other than that…"

Lucas pulled over, "You've been through a hell of a lot Haley. Most people would be at regular therapy sessions by now. You're a lot stronger than you know."

Haley was still calming down, "I just cried until I couldn't anymore about something that I'm happy about! What about that doesn't scream PHYSCH WARD?! I think you should all just ditch me before it gets worse."

Nathan smiled, "I would never ditch you, even if you lost your mind."

Brooke chimed in, "Haven't you learned that we aren't going anywhere Haley?"

Haley raised her hands, "Okay, but don't say I didn't warn you. Now what are we doing?"

Lucas put the car into park, "We are going into the café to spread the good news."

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Haley entered Karen's café and immediately noticed balloons and a cake on the counter, surrounded by Karen and her parents. "But…how did you guys know?!"

Brooke smiled guiltily, "You know I have unnatural ability to text quickly." Haley rolled her eyes and laughed at her best friend.

Lydia, Jimmy and Karen all moved towards Haley at once, in a bustle of smiles and congratulations.

After giving everyone hugs Haley had to speak up, "So, I'm not going to beat around the bush. The pregnant girl wants cake."

Karen beamed, "Of course." She brought the cake to the counter where everyone was crowded around and passed out pieces.

Haley rolled her eyes with delight, "I think I'm going to have to move in Karen. Luke you can take my bed."

Lucas exchanged an awkward glance with Nathan.

Nathan chuckled softly, "Okay Hales. I think we should head home soon, and I mean you and me. Not Lucas."

Haley stopped chewing, "Why?"

Nathan slowly removed her plate of cake from beneath her, "You've had a long day. And I think getting to bed early is a good idea."

Haley spotted her cake being snatched, "Oh no. I want my cake. You cannot deprive a pregnant girl from her cake."

Lucas seemed genuinely scared, "Dude. Give her the cake."

Brooke laughed, "Oh, these next months are going to be much more fun than I thought!"

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Nathan wrapped his arm around Haley as Lydia and Jimmy opened the apartment door to leave.

Lydia hugged Haley tightly. She smiled and then grabbed Haley's chin, "We're really proud of you."

Haley smiled, "I'm just glad it's over."

Jimmy hugged Haley and then Nathan, "I'm sure you kids are ready for us to be gone."

Lydia laughed, "That way they can have some intimacy without worrying about those imposing parents overhearing!"

Haley felt her face go scarlet, "MOM!"

Lydia casually shrugged it off, "Oh Haley-bub, we're all adults here."

Nathan was really glad he didn't blush easily, because all he could focus on at the moment was not looking at Jimmy James. Haley, on the other hand, had her face cupped in her hands, "Mom, maybe you guys should leave." She said as she peered out through her fingers.

Lydia turned to Jimmy and shook her head, "Look at this. All her life she just wants us to treat her like an adult. Now we do and she kicks us out."

Jimmy wasn't quite as comfortable with this conversation as Lydia was, "That's because she has been an adult all her life, and right now she probably is still being the most adult person in the room."

Lydia sighed, "You gotta learn to let loose a little Haley."

Haley sighed in slight annoyance, "Okay mom."

Jimmy had a feeling they were starting to overstay their welcome, "Okay Lydia. We're going now."

They were out the door when Haley stopped them, "Wait, did you tell Quinn, Taylor…or anyone else?"

Lydia nodded, "Yeah, I didn't go into detail though. I thought that might help. I thought they deserved to be proud of you too."

Haley sighed, "Thanks Mom. I love you guys!"

Nathan closed the door. "Well, that was awkward."

Haley shrugged, "It's my parents. What did you expect?"

Nathan smiled, "I know. But…as if your dad doesn't have enough incentive to hate me…"

Haley slapped his arm, "Nathan Scott you stop that right now. You are not allowed to feel guilty anymore. I don't blame you for anything. The man I blame is behind bars, like he should be."

Nathan knew the guilt he felt would never go away, "Okay. Fine, whatever you want."

Haley was pleased, "Good. So though my parents did mortify us there was some truth to what they said. We have privacy again." She leaned against the door smiling.

Nathan hesitated, "Haley. I don't think it's a good idea."

Haley laughed, "Oh come on. What happened to the Nathan Scott I married? You used to be a jock sex….machine."

Nathan laughed, "That was before I married you Hales. And I just don't think it's a good idea."

Haley moved towards him, "I want to."

Nathan wasn't convinced, "Haley, you were raped. The trial was yesterday. I watched you breakdown. I don't think it's a good idea yet."

Haley ran her fingers along his chest, trying to tempt him, "I want to."

Nathan felt the baby bump when she leaned into him, "I…I don't want to."

Haley took a step back, "Who are you?!"

Nathan smirked, "Is that the only reason you love me?"

Haley smiled, "Nathan. I love you, and at the moment I want to have sex with you."

Nathan laughed, "That's not the Haley James I married."

Haley groaned but was still smiling, "Nathan, I want to. I'm asking you. I'm okay."

Nathan spoke quietly, embarrassed, "It's um…it's not just because I'm worried about you."

Haley was confused, "What's wrong then?"

Nathan spoke so quietly it was almost a whisper, "I..I don't want to hurt the baby."

Haley couldn't help but think that was adorable. She looked him in the eyes, "Nathan, you won't hurt the baby."

Nathan looked at her stomach, "How do you know?"

Haley cupped his face in her hands, "Because the doctor said so." She leaned in and kissed him.

Nathan put his hands on her waist, "You're sure? You want to and it's safe for the baby?"

Haley nodded. Nathan smiled, "And you wouldn't lie to me?"

"Nathan! You think I would jeopardize the health of the baby just for sex?" Haley said, her jaw dropping.

Nathan shook his head, smiling, "Of course you wouldn't. You would never lie to me at all."

Haley felt her heart sink, "Of course not."

Nathan gently picked her up and held her close to him. Haley forgot about the guilt as Nathan carried her to their bedroom, kissing her the whole way there.

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Nathan woke up, expecting to hear the sounds of his wife moving about the kitchen. But the only thing he could hear was the dull beeping of an alarm. Nathan could still feel the warmth of Haley's tiny body underneath his arms.

"Hales?" He said groggily.

Haley moaned, "Mmmm"

Nathan looked at the clock, "The alarm's going off."

Haley sat up, clasping the sheets to her chest, "Oh my god. I slept in. I never sleep in."

Nathan felt a sudden rush of cold air against his exposed chest. He pulled her back down, "Calm down." He hugged her close to him.

Haley didn't resist, she was still tired, "I would love to lie here forever but I need to get ready Nathan."

Nathan kissed her bare shoulder before letting her go. She quickly headed to the bathroom.

Haley called out to Nathan as he got dressed, "I didn't get any of my night sickness."

Nathan laughed to himself, "I'm glad. Definitely a big improvement from last time."

Haley sighed, "An improvement from any time. I'm so done with that."

Nathan grabbed a poptart package from the cabinet in the kitchen. Haley appeared next to him, holding her things. "What do you want to eat?"

Haley grabbed 3 poptarts packages. "I'm set for now."

Nathan held the door open for her as they walked towards the car, "So today. I'm going to practice at 2:30."

Haley shut the car door, "Yep."

Nathan started up the car, "And you are leaving with Brooke then? And then Lucas and I will catch up with you later."

"Yep." Haley looked out the window. She couldn't lie to his face.

"Haley?" Nathan asked

She thought she had been caught. Haley looked him in the eyes, "Yeah?"

Nathan reached for her hand, "I love you."

Haley squeezed it back, "I love you too."

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Brooke and Haley were walking to class together. Haley looked around before pulling Brooke aside, "Brooke I need to talk to you."

Brooke nodded as they both stopped walking. It wasn't like Haley to risk being late to class, so she knew it had to be important.

Haley studied Brooke's face, "You're my best friend Brooke."

Brooke laughed, "What do you want from me?"

Haley bit her lip, "I need you to make sure that you and Lucas leave for the shore…without me."

"Haley-" Brooke started

Haley interrupted, "I know I owe you enough already but Brooke, I'm asking you for this one. Please help me."

Brooke sighed in defeat, "Okay, okay. But I'm not happy about it."

Haley clapped her hands together, "Thank you, thank you!"

Brooke wrapped her arm around Haley's shoulder, "But you owe me for this one."

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Nathan swung his duffel over his shoulder and headed towards the gym. Haley was waiting outside the doors.

"Hey." He smiled.

She greeted him with a kiss, "Hey. Have a good practice, I'll see you later."

Nathan nodded, "I have my cell phone on Hales, if you need me, just call. I'll let you know when I'm on my way."

Haley felt her stomach twisting, "Okay. See you later!" She watched as the gym door shut behind him.

Haley grabbed her bag and ran to the parking lot. She had to get out of there before anything could go wrong.

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Brooke was waiting for Haley by her car. She had to drive Haley to the doctor's appointment. But instead of Haley jogging towards her it was Lucas.

"Hey Luke." She kissed him.

Lucas seemed distracted, "Where's Haley?"

Brooke looked around, "She's supposed to be on her way. We're supposed to be in the car, headed towards the shore by now."

Lucas didn't say anything.

"What?" Brooke exclaimed in defense

"So you're letting her do this." Lucas said coldly

Brooke was taken aback, "Yeah, because she's my best friend."

Lucas shook his head, "She's my best friend too, but what about Nathan?"

Brooke shrugged, "I know, but I promised her. So I'll let her do this one."

Lucas frowned, "Brooke this isn't some little favor. This is huge. Haley's making a huge mistake. I can't believe you don't see that."

Brooke's defenses rose, "Of course I see that, but it's her mistake to make. I tried to convince her out of it but she refused."

Lucas started to back away, "Fine but when this all blows up, don't come crying to me. I don't support you on this Brooke. You should be doing the right thing."

"Oh you mean, betraying your best friend?! Because that's what you're doing Lucas!" Brooke shouted after him. "Damnit!" She cursed and stomped on the pavement.

Lucas ran through the hallways, looking for Haley. He knew she would regret this and he had to stop her. She was no where to be seen. I probably just missed her. Unless she hasn't said goodbye to Nathan yet.

Lucas got changed for basketball and went into the gym. Nathan was there already, doing warm-ups.

"Hey Nate, have you seen Haley?" Lucas cut to the chase.

Nathan stopped dribbling, "Yeah, I said just goodbye to her. She and Brooke are probably on their way already."

Lucas cursed under his breath.

Nathan immediately knew something was up, "Luke, what is it?"

Lucas remembered Haley pleading with him, "I just need to talk to her." He started dialing Brooke's cell.

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Brooke watched Haley walk into the building. She sighed and started to drive away. Brooke couldn't get Lucas' words out of her head along with the image of a broken Nathan from that night. Just then her phone started to ring.

"Hello?" She asked.

"Where are you Brooke?" Lucas asked

"I just dropped her off. She's at the appointment." Brooke said somewhat guiltily.

Lucas sighed passive aggressively, "She's making a mistake."

Brooke was getting even more annoyed, "You're right Lucas. She is. So stop taking it out on me."

Lucas yelled, "But you LET her!"

Brooke was starting to get flustered, "I was put into this awful situation! I didn't know what to do, okay?! I can't cry and drive at the same time. Now if you don't stop yelling at me then I'm going to get into an accident."

Lucas paused, allowing himself to calm down, "Come to the school. We'll talk."

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Haley was sitting in the waiting room, twiddling her thumbs madly. This is not a mistake. I need to do this alone.

"Haley James-Scott." The receptionist called.

Haley followed her to the patient room. I need to do this alone. I can't handle watching Nathan being crushed like that.

Dr. Sain greeted Haley, "Hi Haley. Are you ready to find out the paternity?"

Haley nodded. He would be crushed. What are the chances that this baby is his?

Dr. Sain continued, "I'll explain the process to you." Haley nodded again, but started to zone out. The chances are slim to none. And with my luck this year, there's basically no chance. There is no chance. The doctor was showing Haley a large needle.

Haley gasped, "That's…really big."

Dr. Sain laughed, "Don't worry; I know what I'm doing."

Haley tried not to let the needle intimidate her. Dr. Sain lifted up Haley's shirt and prepared to insert the needle.

Dr. Sain didn't realize Haley was zoning in and out, "Okay. So I'm going to begin now."

Why could Nathan never see that? He has refused to give up hope. Haley was looking up at the ceiling to avoid seeing the procedure.

"Okay Haley, I'll be back with the results in a little bit. Just sit tight." Dr. Sain shut the door behind her.

I need to do this alone. There are just some things that you do have to do alone. Haley thought of all the events of these past months.

She had no idea how long it had been when Dr. Sain returned. "Haley, I have the results for you. The father of your baby is-"

Oh my god. Who am I kidding? The only thing I've done these past months is need Nathan. I always need him to be here. I can't do this alone.