Winners and Losers
Chapter 28
Thank you all for the wonderful reviews. I know you all have many questions but I'm sorry but I'm not giving anything away, all I can tell you for sure is that the sequence where Haley went to Nathan and told him that she is pregnant is a dream. Some of you were wondering if it was for real, well it is not. Like I said in the last chapter, you were going to get into a little more insight into Haley's character. Now I was wrong to say before that I am hitting the home stretch because I feel that now I am hitting the home stretch. I don't know how many chapters there will be but I can already see at least 4-8. We'll just see, I know how the story will end but when I write some of the characters and the storylines come into life and it becomes longer, which I'm sure you guys won't mind. But I will say that my inspiration for this story has come back, I can't wait to get the next few chapters out. I know all of you are dying for some Naley but don't worry, it'll get there. When I decided to continue this story, it was of course Naley centric but I definitely wanted to get into Nathan/Lucas relationship which you'll get more in this chapter and also a little Lucas/Haley. This chapter is a big turning point for Nathan and Lucas.
Here's an update on my other stories. I am especially eager to get started on other stories. I will definitely finish The Mourning After and Make it Last. Make it Last will only have 3 more chapters left and I will finish that series off. I might cut back on the number of chapter for the Mourning After. The other story I have "Can you show me" will have at least another 2-3 more chapters and I will wrap that story up. I know I have on my plate, but I'm pretty sure that after I finish this story then I can get the rest of that wrapped up pretty fast. As for Damaged Part I and II, I don't think I'm going to make that into a full fledge series, maybe just one more chapter for each story just to wrap it up. I'm excited to write a brand new story, I have so many ideas in my head, I don't know which one will actually last. I guess after this story is wrapped up I'll get a better idea, since I already know how all my other stories are going to end.
I'm not going to lie, I was going to post this a lot sooner but I got busy with work and then I got hammered last night, lol. Without further ado, here's the next chapter, sorry again for any spelling/grammar. Please review!!!!
. . . . .
The rest of the car ride was silent with no words spoken between the two brothers. Nathan was deep in thought, thinking of who else but Haley. But right now he had to get her out of his mind or at least stop thinking of her long enough to focus on what was currently going on. His attempts to talk to her have so far been futile with the exception of their last night together but he didn't think moaning and screaming constituted as a conversation. Right now he had other problems to deal with, like his heart, which ironically enough was also tied in with Haley.
He nearly forgot he had another passenger with him. He glanced at Lucas and saw the serious look he had on his face. While Nathan had time to digest all this information, Lucas had not. He may not like the guy but he can understand where he was coming from. For a moment, Nathan let his mind wonder, if in another world if things were different, could the two of them even be friends. He shook his head, that could never happen.
Lucas stared out the window looking at the millionth tree they passed by. He couldn't believe how his world was once again ripped from under him. He didn't know how much more he can take. When he joined the Ravens, he knew that it would change things but he never thought it would be like this. When Lucas thought about it even more, he realized that long before he joined the team that his life wasn't what it seemed. His best friend Haley had been lying to him for years and now he could have a potential heart condition, if he had it, would be nothing new. It was with him all his life. Lucas realized that the world, his world was never what it seemed. Looking at it now, he wished he could go back. What they say is true, ignorance is bliss.
He felt terrible and guilt ridden over his treatment of Haley. He was so blinded by his anger that he took it out on her. He let his hatred for his brother consume him and he never let himself think that her feelings for Nathan were real. Now.. now he wasn't sure. He got a glimpse into his brother last night and although he was still an ass there was still a person behind the façade. Nathan always had a way with girls and wondered if Haley just got caught up in that. As for Nathan, he couldn't deny that when Nathan said he loved her that he actually believed him. Lucas had never been in love but that didn't mean he couldn't recognize it and if Nathan was playing him then he deserves an Oscar because Nathan had him believing.
Nathan pulled up to the parking lot and parked his car. They quietly got out and walked inside the clinic. Lucas was nervous and from what he could tell so was Nathan. He'd never seen him like this, well except the times he talked about Haley. He was always so confident but to see him now, feeling vulnerable, had Lucas feeling unsettled.
"Last name please.." The receptionist asked as she saw the two young men walk up to the counter.
"Scott.." Nathan replied.
"And you sir?" The woman turned to Lucas.
Lucas looked at Nathan for a moment, "Scott.."
"Ahh.. we have two Scotts here.. you guys related?" The woman asked with a smile.
"Something like that.." Nathan smirked, while Lucas kept a hard gaze. The woman looked at them curiously for a second before looking down at her appointment book.
"Okay… Lucas and Nathan Scott.." Both boys nodded. "Have a seat, we'll call you when we're ready."
"That was awkward.." Lucas muttered as they walked towards the waiting room.
"Almost as awkward as taking an HCM test.." Nathan smirked as they sat down.
"Ass!" Lucas shot back at Nathan.
They both sat down against the same wall, a chair separating the two of them. They waited patiently, both trying to find something to distract themselves. Nathan picked up a Sports Illustrated Magazine, disappointed to find out that it was nearly 6 months old but he flipped through the pages regardless. Lucas just stared in front of him but tapped his foot excessively.
"Would you stop that?" Nathan pointed to Lucas' shaking leg.
"Would you stop flipping the pages so loud?" Lucas shot back. "God.. this is all your fault…" Lucas muttered.
"My fault!?"
"You know it's bad enough you made my life a living hell but you had to fall in love with my best friend too.. and now you kidnapped me and I can die.."
"Would you relax.. I think you've been spending too much time with Brooke?"
"Says the guy who dumped me in a ditch the last time he kidnapped me… gosh next thing I know.. you're going to tell me that you've also been seeing my mom on the side.."
"Well.. " Nathan grinned.
"Your unbelievable !!" Lucas picked up a magazine and threw it at Nathan. All Nathan could do was laugh at his seat while the other patients looked at them curiously.
"God.. can't you be like serious for one moment in your life.." Lucas shook his head.
"We're going to find out if one of us has a genetic heart disease .. my absentee mother is in Savannah taking care of my bed ridden dad.. who by the way is more concerned with our upcoming game against Cover City .. and the girl of my dreams.." Nathan's voice rose in frustration.
"Lucas Scott.." A voice called out and interrupted Nathan.
Lucas looked at Nathan for a moment.
"You.. you should go.." Nathan said quietly as he looked down. Lucas gave him one last look before he stood.
"Nathan Scott.." The same voice called out and Nathan stood up and followed Lucas to the woman.
"You're Lucas." She asked and Lucas nodded. "You'll be in examining room A, just down this hall and first door on your right… you must be Nathan .. you'll be in examining room D.. down the hall and the second one to your left."
Both boys nodded and walked down the hall, giving each other one last glance before turning at their respective corners.
. . . . . .
Karen Roe went to the back of the café to drop off some dishes. The place was quiet tonight and so she took a rag from underneath the counter and started to wipe the counter down. She heard the chimes on her door ring and a second later, she looked up to see who was there.
"Haley.." Karen greeted her warmly. "You're not scheduled to work.."
"Yeah.. I know.. I just wanted to drop by and say hi .. I know I haven't seen you in a while.."
"Well I'm glad to have you here.. it's been pretty slow …"
"Yeah.. I see.." Haley said as she looked around.
"Umm.. Lucas said he was going to pass by but he hasn't.. I .. I don't even know where he is.." Karen said hesitantly.
"I guess you heard .." Haley mumbled.
"I haven't heard anything unless it comes from your mouth.. so you want to tell me what's up.."
"Nathan and I broke up.." Haley said softly and judging from Karen's reaction, it seemed that Karen already knew.
"Is that why you asked for time off?"
Haley nodded.
"And things with Lucas?" Karen prodded, she hated to see the two of them fighting.
"Worst.." She muttered and then took a deep breath. "Look you know what.. forget it .. I know he's your son.."
"Yes.." Karen said as her hand reached to Haley's hand. "Yes.. he is my son and he can be pretty bone headed sometimes.. but don't think that just because you guys are in a bad place that you can't talk to me.. "
Haley nodded and smiled. "I .. I don't want to get into it but he said some things.. some things.. mean things and it hurt .."
"Aww.. Haley.."
"But.. I .. I probably deserved it .. I have been lying to him this whole time.."
"Yes, but that doesn't mean he has the right to treat you like that.."
"Maybe.. maybe not but right now I'm just tired .. tired of it all."
Karen nodded, she knew this must be extremely difficult for Haley to handle, dealing with a break up and the rift between her best friend. As close as Haley and Karen are, Karen was still the adult and that for both their sakes, Karen was glad not to get the complete full disclosure.
"I guess it's a good thing that you have some more free time to yourself.. get yourself back on track.."
"I wish it were that easy.. with all these free time I keep thinking about him.."
"Nathan or Lucas?"
"Both.. everything is so screwed up.."
Karen smiled at her warmly. "Look Haley, I may not know everything that happened and quite frankly I kinda don't want to know.." Karen gave a small laugh.
"Don't really want to tell.." Haley smiled back.
"But look at me .. you're young .. you're in high school, these problems are nothing new.. a bad break up.. a fight with your best friend .. I know things are hard right now Haley but that doesn't mean it's not going to get better.. everyone goes through something like this.."
"Like this?"
"Well not exactly your situation but you know what I mean.. God.. I remember some of the drama I had back in high school.." Karen shook her head. "At times I felt like my world was going to end .. I didn't think things could get any worse but then.." Karen trailed off.
"Then what?" Haley asked.
"Then I found out I was pregnant with Lucas.." Karen sighed. "I love Lucas with all my heart, he's the best thing that ever happened to me .. but God.. there were times when I didn't know how I was going to make it.."
"How.. how did you get through that?" Haley asked hesitantly. "I mean.. being in high school and pregnant?"
"Honestly, I don't know.. I guess I just took things one day at a time.. when I realized that I wasn't going to get any help from Dan, I had to make the best out of what I can give… my parents were livid to say the least.. they stayed by me during my whole pregnancy but my relationship with them was never the same.. they left town shortly after Lucas was born .. but you'd be surprised to see who your real friends are .. I mean I was the popular one in high school.. captain of the cheerleading squad.. dated the basketball captain .. but my so called friends went off to college and never came back to check up on me.."
"Aww.. Karen.."
"No.. it's okay.. it was for the best I guess.. after that I got to see who my real friends were .. not to say all my friends from high school ditched me .. I still keep in contact with a few.. a very few and they helped me out during the early days as much as they could.. there was my neighbor who watched Lucas for me .. and there was his Uncle Keith who stood by me through out everything.. it's because of him that Lucas has Scott for his last name.."
"Keith.." Haley smiled when she thought about him.
"How .. how is he?"
"I don't know …" Karen said regrettably. "He wanted more .. but I still had Lucas to take care of and the Café was finally making money.. it was bad timing .. I know one day I'll see him again and put everything behind us.."
"You're an amazing woman Karen.."
Karen smiled. "So are you Haley James… look I probably depressed you with my story.."
"No don't be silly Karen.."
"Well either way.. I just want you to know that it could always be worse.. do what I did and just take things one day at a time.."
"Thanks Karen for your help.. you really made me feel better.. I mean look what you went through and raising a child by yourself.. I mean if you can get through it so can I .."
Karen looked at Haley curiously.
"I mean.. going through what you did … I can surely get passed this.." Haley smiled nervously.
Karen nodded. "I'm.. I'm glad I can be of help."
"Thanks Karen.." Haley leaned over the counter and gave Karen a quick hug.
"Anytime Haley.. I know you can't tell me everything .. but please don't bottle it in .. it'll only eat you alive.."
"I know.." Haley nodded. "I know exactly who to talk to.."
"Would that person be Lucas? I know I don't want to butt in but I really don't like seeing the two of you fight like this…"
"Sorry Karen.. not Lucas.. I think it's time to have some girl talk with my sister .."
Haley gave a small smile.
. . . .
"Thank you Mr. Scott.." The Doctor said as he wrote some notes on his pad. "You can put your shirt back on.."
"So.. what's.. what's the verdict?" Lucas asked.
"We can't be certain for sure until your test results come back.. they'll be sent to the lab today and we'll take it from there.."
"How.. how long is the wait.."
"It should be no more than a few days tops .. unless the lab is really backed up, which I doubt.."
"Is.. is there anything I should be doing until then?"
"Just keep doing what you've been doing .. I mean from everything I've seen, you're as healthy as can be.. if you do have HCM, it's something that you already have now .. but if you do have it then we can take the appropriate actions .."
"And what.. what happens if I do have it?" Lucas asked nervously.
"Well the lab results will show us the extent of the HCM if you have it .. there are some cases where it is very mild, where all you have to do is eat healthy and exercise, which is what everyone should be doing anyway, and coming in for regular check ups .. moderate cases of HCM requires the patient to take daily medication .. then there are the few where the HCM is severe.."
"What happens to those patients? And basketball, what happens with that?"
"Mr. Scott.. I know this must be very difficult for you and understandably so but we should really just wait for your test results to come back.. there's no sense in worrying for something you may or may not have.."
Lucas nodded, knowing there was no use in doing anything until he got the results back, but he knew the next few days were going to be rough.
"Thanks.. thanks doctor for everything.."
Lucas finished buttoning his shirt and stepped out of the examination room. He walked back to the waiting room and found Nathan sitting there.
"You were fast.." Lucas commented.
"That's because I didn't take it .." Nathan said as he got up and walked towards the exit. Lucas stood there for a second, completely surprised. It took him a moment before his feet finally started moving.
"Hold up!" Lucas called out as he stepped outside the clinic and followed Nathan to his car. "What the hell? … you drag me here and now you're suddenly telling me that you didn't take it.."
"That's exactly what happened.."
"Why?"
"Why what? I didn't want to take it." Nathan shot back.
"That's bullshit.. why don't you want to take it .."
"Like you care .. so can we please just go now.." Nathan shook his head as he unlocked the doors and stepped inside. Lucas came in right after him and put on his seatbelt.
"There are risks Nathan.. the doctors were telling me.."
"I know them.. the doctor told me all about it too when I told him I wasn't taking it.."
"What the hell is your problem? I know you don't care for anyone except yourself but I didn't even think you were this selfish .."
"Selfish!!" Nathan slammed the breaks and the car came to scratching halt.
"Fuck Nathan, obviously you don't care if you die but some people actually still want to live…"
"I know I can be an ass but don't judge me or act like you know me .. or act as if you care .."
"You know, you're right I don't know you and I can care less what happens to you .. if you don't want to take the test fine.. obviously you don't care for anyone else around you like your friends or your family.. I'm sure your mom and dad will be happy to know that their son didn't take a test to see if he could suddenly die of cardiac arrest."
"My parents.." Nathan scoffed. "They.. they don't care about me.." Nathan said bitterly.
"Nathan.." Lucas called out and he was surprised to hear the level of concern he had in his voice.
"You know what.. I want to show you something.."
. . . .
"What're we doing here?" Lucas asked. The rest of the drive was silent up until they pulled into Dan Scott motors.
"Just follow me.." Nathan said as he went inside. He waved hi to a couple of people he knew and the two went into Dan's office.
Nathan reached into his desk and pulled out a pair of keys, then pulling out another drawer, he took out a small metal box.
"I don't want to take the test because that means my basketball career is done.."
"You know there's more to life than basketball.." Lucas shot back.
"For you maybe.. there are only two things in the world I care about .. one is basketball and the other is Haley .. actually I take that back.. it's just Haley.." Nathan smirked. "I could care less about basketball if it meant that I was back with Haley. .but .. but without her.. I'm nothing .. I'm nothing and all I have is basketball .. so no Pucas .. I don't want to take that stupid test …"
"Nathan.." Lucas once again tried to plead with Nathan.
"Don't give me that tone like you care what happens to me.. you called me selfish fine .. whatever.. I'm anything but .. I did you a favor by taking you to the clinic .. and as for my parents.. like I said .. they could care less.. my mom is barely home and my dad .. all my dad wants to know about me is how many points I scored the night before .." Nathan sighed as he opened the box.
"God.. I even asked Brooke to help you and Haley out.." Nathan shook his head.
"What're you talking about?"
"I told her I'd send some sketches of hers to my cousin who works in New York if she can get you two to be friends again.."
"And why the hell would you do that?"
"Because I love her.. and she loves you unfortunately .. and I believe that you actually care about her and that if you had HCM, I knew you'd need your best friend.."
"So now you're acting as if you care about me.. when all you've done to me since I known you is make my life a living hell.."
Nathan laughed. "Well I'm not going to lie.. it was sort of fun.. .." Nathan said as he tossed the contents of the box on the desk so that Lucas can see.
"Like I told you last night .. be glad that Dan didn't raise you .. he'd put you through hell like he did with me .. I hate that you got to be with Haley when I couldn't .. and because of you, she held back with me and how I hated that I wish I were in your place.."
Lucas looked at Nathan in shock, he was certainly full of surprises lately. But then Lucas looked down at the photos and newspaper clippings before him. They were all of him, pictures of him when he was a child, growing up, a newspaper clipping showing how he won this essay contest in 5th grade, some were pictures of his mom and Dan and his mom when they were in high school. Lucas' mouth fell open as he looked through the items.
"I hate you because you were the reason why my dad treated me like crap .. for the longest time I wondered how he can be that way with me but then I found this right after I found out that my dad had another kid .. and that's when I knew …" Nathan sighed. "That's when I knew deep down he didn't care about me that.. that he made the wrong choice by sticking with me and my mom when it was really you and Karen he wanted." Nathan glared at Lucas.
To Be Continued . . . .
Like I said this chapter was huge for Nathan/Lucas. This chapter was much longer so I broke it apart and ended it here. The other half will also have a few surprises, so please review so I can post it up already!! Hehe
