Where Do I Belong?

Chapter 26

Author's Note: Okay, so I knew it had been a while, but I didn't realize just how long, since I last updated. Let me just tell you, I went through a MAJOR case of writer's block! But, I'm back, and while I'm not sure how much I like this chapter, there is some AWESOME stuff coming up! I have at least 4 chapters written. But I still do things the old-fashioned way, writing it all down on paper first. So, this is the first that I'm getting typed up! Thanks for your reviews, and your patience! Enjoy!

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Haley dropped her lunch on the table and awkwardly slid into her seat. "I'm NEVER doing this again."

"Doing what again babe," Nathan wrapped his arm gently around her, kissing her lightly.

"Getting pregnant while going to school," Haley sighed.

"Is it really that bad?" Brooke dared to ask.

"You try getting comfortable in those hard ass desks while two babies kick and push over the right to sit on mommy's bladder."

"Oh Hales," Lucas reached across the table and patter her hands, "just look at it this way. It'll be over before you know it."

"You call three months over before I know it? You're insane!"

"Hey, only two of those months until graduation."

"Ugh, graduation. I'll be lucky if I can still walk by then."

"On that note," Peyton clasped her hands together, "what are the plans after school today?"

"A milkshake and sitting on a comfortable chair." Haley's eyes grew big and she turned to Nathan, "A pickle milkshake," and grinned, "Will you make me a pickle milkshake?"

"Anything for you. A pickle milkshake as soon as we get home."

Haley pouted.

"Now? Hales, I can't make you a milkshake right now; as much as I'd like to."

"Oh, okay."

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Having split from the girls after lunch, Lucas looked at Nathan, "How are things going?"

"You mean besides the disgusting pickle milkshakes? They're great."

"Really?"

Nathan nodded, "Yeah. I take every opportunity to let Haley know I love her. And I'm trying to help out as much as I can so that she doesn't have to be on her feet. I know she hates how I load the dishwasher, but she lets me do it anyway. Ok, and did I tell you that Haley decided not to breast feed? She wants the twins to be able to bond with me too."

"That's awesome Nate."

"There's something else you should know too. We're really not talking about it much, but we agreed to let our family know. The doctor said there's a good possibility that Haley won't carry to term. But I guess it's not really that big of a deal, because it's common with multiple births."

"Are you guys okay with that?"

Nathan shrugged, "It's not like we have much choice. We're just doing everything we can to help them be healthy and stay in there a little longer."

"If you need to talk about it, you know I'm here for you, right?"

"Yeah, I do. Thanks."

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"So how are you doing Haley, besides hating being at school?"

"Honestly? I'm scared to death."

Peyton stopped her, "What? Why? What's wrong?"

Brooke's eyes became worried, "Hales, are things okay with Nathan?"

Haley smiled, "Yes, he's being great. He's so sweet. He's doing the dishes, he'll make me whatever I'm craving, and it's great."

"So what's wrong?"

"Oh my god, it's the babies. What's wrong, are they going to be okay?"

"Brooke, calm down," Haley took a deep breath, "Yes, it is the babies. They're fine, for now. But at our last check-up, the doctor warned us that there is a possibility that I won't carry them to term. He says it's normal, that twins don't always carry to term. But I'm scared. What if they're not ready? What if they're sick? Their lungs could be underdeveloped…"

"Haley, stop," Peyton hugged her, "They'll be fine. Is there anything we can do to help? And should you still be working at the café?"

"Nathan and I can't afford for me to not work. Especially with the doctor bills we're going to have."

"Haley, you're living in a house Deb gave you, and only paying rent because the two of you insisted. I don't think Deb would care if you couldn't pay rent; especially if the welfare of her grandchildren plays into the equation."

"But…"

"No buts Haley. Does Deb know about this possibility? I'm guessing no, because otherwise she'd have already talked to Karen and they would've told you to take time off or be fired."

"Nathan and I were going to tell her tonight."

"Things are going to be okay. Just don't forget to ask for help."

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Haley sat on a stool at the island in their kitchen swinging her legs, sipping on a pickle milkshake, "Harrison and Harriet."

Nathan turned from the dishwasher, "What?"

"If we have a boy and a girl I like the names Harrison and Harriet."

"We are NOT giving our children matching names. And even if we were, no."

"Why not?"

"Harried isn't the name for a baby."

"And Harrison?"

"That one's a possibility."

"Do you have any ideas? Do you think about it?"

"MaryAnne."

Haley wrinkled her nose, "Any other suggestions?"

"Jennifer."

"And Jenny for short, like Jake's daughter."

"Okay, you're right, bad choice."

"No boy's names?"

"I don't want Nathan Jr."

"That's doable."

"But I was thinking about James, to keep your family name in our family."

Haley kissed him, "You're so sweet."

Nathan went back to tidying up the kitchen.

"Jayden."

"For a boy or a girl?"

"Either one."

"What's the sudden interest in picking names?"

"We need to be prepared."

"Haley, we've got almost three months left."

"Nathan, you know what the doctor said. We should be prepared."

"I like Jayden."

"SO we just need another name, for a boy, and a girl."