First of all, sorry for the delay. But, I was so busy this summer because I GOT A JOB! I'm so excited to be teaching. That's why I haven't updated in forever. Preparing for classes and getting my classroom ready has been time consuming and exhausting. Fear not. I never forgot about this story.

This chapter is going to include A LOT! As you (hopefully) remember, Peter is about to take the stand to testify. His testimony is going to be crucial. After that, we'll see what other, more familiar people have to say about N and H's parenting abilities.

Readers- you all are amazing. I'm still baffled when I see how many visitors and hits I have on the story, even when I leave you all for long periods of time. Your dedication and interest in the story has never ceased to amaze me. Thank you.

Reviewers- you all are the ones who light my fingers on fire. When I actually have time to write, your thoughts about the story always push me further into the depths of my imagination. Please know how much I appreciate each and everyone of you. Y'all are awesome. Here's a shout-out.

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The very beginning of this chapter helps set up Peter's testimony. The end of last chapter has been used to help segue the story.

Grab something to snack on and a drink. This one is a long one. ;)

Disclaimer- I don't own anything related to the show. Tree Hill, its residents, and the stories we all know belong to Mark. This story, however, belongs to me.

Chapter 29- Shadows of the Past


Monday, July 26, 2021

Peter. Peter was about to change everything. She knew it.

Haley had no idea what to expect as she and Nathan crossed through the threshold of the double doors, both holding on to the other's hand as if it was some sort of lifesaving device; a safety net of calm and security. But their hands could only do so much. Hands were not going to silence Peter on the stand.

What would he say? How would Peter portray Haley? He said he wasn't going to turn her into a villain, but lawyers usually had a gift of twisting witnesses words. She hoped Garrett had good questions for Peter, but she had no idea what the Jones' lawyer would do. To prepare herself, she could only expect the worse and hope for the best.

When they reached their spot behind the desk, Haley didn't immediately sit. She turned to face Nathan and smiled. He remained standing, watching her every move with a new look of worry. Her chocolate brown eyes looked up to his blue eyes and she sighed. Still holding on to his hand, she took it with both of hers and looked at his knuckles as she brushed her thumb over the boney ridges. Swallowing the lump in her throat before she glanced back into his eyes, Haley smiled to comfort his nerves. She could sense his insecurity, his jealously, and his bitterness.

Nathan and Haley had been through so much together. They'd fallen in love, been happy for a little while, forgotten the best parts of one another, given up on love, opted to give up their child for adoption, struggled with the years of emptiness that followed, found each other again with help from that same child, and finally, they were finally trying to get back what they had always wanted- a life with each other. She knew, however, that Nathan was threatened by the man sitting on the stand.

Haley dropped her hands to her side and stepped closer to Nathan, lifting on her tiptoes to look deeper into his eyes. "I love you, Nathan Scott."

He needed to hear those words so badly. He needed to feel her breath on his cheek. He needed her to remind him that he was the one she wanted and not Peter. He needed her to remind him that she had picked him, that her heart and her mind had finally found the person she could be happy with.

A relieved sigh slipped through his mouth. "I love you." He kissed her with his eyes closed and then they pulled apart.

He knew that whatever Peter was going to say on the stand wasn't going to affect them. It may hurt their chances in their quest to get Jamie back, but his words wouldn't and couldn't break them apart. Nothing was going to break them apart.

The courtroom seemed silent for a few minutes with Nathan and Haley lost in their thoughts, focusing on their effort to get Jamie back as the world around them faded into a blur of oblivion. Neither of them had heard the judge tell the room to be seated, so Garrett nudged Nathan's side.

"Hey, sit down." Garrett whispered.

Nathan nodded and took his seat quickly. Haley did the same.

Judge Newton looked down to Peter. "Will the witness please state his name and occupation for the record."

Peter leaned down to the mic, "My name is William Peter Griffin Jr.. I am currently employed at Davidson College as a Professor in the Mathematics Department, with a concentration in the Engineering Program."

Satisfied, Judge Newton nodded as he looked to Mr. Anderson, the Jones' lawyer. "The witness is yours, Mr. Anderson."

"Thank you, your Honor." Mr. Anderson said as he got up. He buttoned his jacket as he walked closer to the stand. "Mr. Griffin, could you please tell me how you know the two plaintiffs?"

Peter turned his attention from the lawyer to the table where Nathan and Haley were sitting. "I don't really know Mr. Scott that well, but I was in a serious relationship with Haley for several years." He paused and smiled at her.

The Jones' lawyer smiled. "So, you know her very well." Mr. Anderson nodded to himself and pushed his hands into his pockets. "You also just said you two were in a serious relationship. Could you explain what you mean by 'serious?'"

"It lasted for about seven years. We were supposed to get married." Peter looked up and his eyes met Haley's. "We never set a date, but I knew she was the woman I was meant to spend the rest of my life with."

"Why didn't you ever set a date? Had you and Ms. James been talking about marriage?"

Petter shrugged his shoulders. "I proposed; it wasn't a formal proposal or anything; I didn't get down on one knee. But I proposed on our third anniversary. I gave her a ring and told her that I wanted to grow old together. We agreed that we would get married when we were ready."

"When were you ready to marry her, Mr. Griffin?" Mr. Anderson leaned on the witness stand as he questioned Peter.

"Honestly?" Peter's brow wrinkled. "The second time I saw her." Peter's expression changed as he thought about their first date. It had been perfect.

"I see." Mr. Anderson crossed his arms. "And when was Ms. James ready?"

Peter looked to Haley for a moment before he answered. "I don't think she was ever ready."

Mr. Anderson pounced on the opportunity. "So Ms. James has commitment troubles. She struggles with long-term commitments of serious matters?"

"No." Peter said defiantly. "She's one of the most hard-working, committed people I've ever known. I just don't think...I'm not sure that she was ready to commit to me."

Haley felt pain in her chest just as Peter finished his sentence. Tiny, pinprick-like pains radiated from her heart. It was almost as if she was feeling Peter's pain. She knew she had hurt him.

"If she wasn't ready to commit to you, Mr. Griffin, what makes you think that Ms. James will be able to commit to her son?" Mr. Anderson's voice deepened. "Perhaps it wasn't just you."

"I...I don't know." Peter looked sternly at the Jones' lawyer. "But I do know that she would be, or is an amazing mother. She's kind and caring. Generous and forgiving. What type of person would put her life on hold to find her son?"

"She didn't find her son, Mr. Griffin." Mr. Anderson corrected. "James Scott went looking for his parents."

Peter sighed. "What difference does it make? They are together now. And she's happy." Peter looked at Haley. "She's happier than I've seen in years."

Nathan looked at Haley and could see the newly formed layer of tears in her eyes. Under the table, he reacher for her hand.

For a second, Nathan thought that he was the person who was making her happy. He thought that Haley being happy was somehow the result of them being together again. And yet, he shook that thought away when he realized how selfish that seemed because he knew why she was happy. It was the same reason he was feeling more like himself again. It was Jamie.

Like any good lawyer, Mr. Anderson used Peter's words against him. "Are you insinuating that Ms. James is not typically a happy person?"

Peter was beginning to get frustrated. He knew when he had agreed to testify that it wouldn't be easy, but now he was getting defensive. It didn't matter that Haley was with Nathan. Peter loved her enough to recognize that she wanted to be with Nathan. Peter loved her enough to let her go.

"She is a happy person. It's just...Jamie's brought back something that I think she's been missing. It's like a part of her has been switched on. She smiles more." Peter looked to Haley and swallowed. "I always thought that she would make a terrific mother. I just, I had hoped that it would be to our children."

Mr. Anderson walked away from the stand as he regrouped. His witness was turning out to be more of an ace in the hole for the plaintiffs instead of the defense. He had to act quickly if he wanted to paint Ms. James as a woman who shouldn't get her parental rights reinstated. Mr. Anderson turned on his toe as his next question rolled off his tongue..

"Mr. Griffin, let's go back to your and Ms. James' relationship. When did that end?"

Peter shifted in his seat. He was still haunted by the car ride when she'd ended it all. "Um, two months or so ago."

"And, was this break-up, was it mutual?"

Peter shook his head. "No."

"What was Ms. James' reasoning for the break-up." Mr. Anderson narrowed his eyes.

Peter didn't see the point in answering but he did anyway. "Um, she said that she didn't love me anymore. She wasn't in love with me anymore."

"And did she give any further explanation? Was it a decision that was easy for her to make?"

Garrett stood up. "Objection. The defense's line of questioning has nothing to do with Mr. Scott's or Ms. James' ability to be a parent.

Judge Newton looked to the Jones' lawyer. Mr. Anderson sighed, "I'm simply trying to get a clear picture about how and why Ms. James makes decisions. As a mother, she would be tasked with important decisions daily. I think it is quite pertinent to see how Ms. James handles certain situations."

"Overruled. I'll allow you to continue, but get to the point, Mr. Anderson." Judge Newton looked sternly at the lawyer. He was not in the mood to hear testimonies that held little value to his ultimate decision.

"I..I don't think it was easy for her to make. I'd like to think that she struggled with the thought, but I wouldn't want her to be unhappy with me if she can be happy with someone else."

"And," Mr. Anderson looked over his shoulder to Nathan and Haley. "Who do you think she's happy with?"

Peter stared at Nathan and then cleared his throat. "She's happy with Nathan. She's happy with Jamie. That's her family."

The Jones' lawyer knew he wasn't breaking the case open in his clients favors at all like he had planned. He paced up and down the hardwood as he questioned Peter, hoping that he might somehow be able to climb out of a hole he seemed to be in. Mr. Anderson cleared his throat knowing what he was about to say was going to be a long shot.

"And yet, how long has she been back with them? It's been a substantial smaller amount of time compared to the time she was with you." Mr. Anderson turned back toward Peter. "Couldn't you attest to her fixating on her new family for temporary happiness from a life that seems vacant?" He paused as he finished his thought." Isn't happiness a fleeting moment in which the mind tells our bodies that an emotional or physical reward is subsequent? Do you believe that she's simply looking for short-term rewards?"

"Objection." Garrett yelled as he stood up. "Mr. Anderson is defining happiness in narrow terms that may only apply to some. He is not a psychiatrist with whom we should take advice from or receive a lecture that is not at all related to the point of this case."

"Sustained. Mr. Hamilton is right, Mr. Anderson. Take a different approach or I shall have this section of the testimony wiped from the record."

"Let me be clear. Ms. James was with you for seven years. She has been with Mr. Scott for, what, two months? If she can't commit to a person who she spent at least the last seven years of her life with, why would she commit to someone so new and unfamiliar as Nathan or James?" Mr. Anderson was getting to the point. "Would you agree that, given her recent behavior, Ms. James will give up on them like she did you?"

Peter sat silently with his mouth ajar. How did he answer that question? He had felt as though Haley had given up on him. He had felt like she had abandoned him. Was she going to do the same to Nathan and Jamie? Probably not. Was there a possibility? Perhaps.

"Mr. Griffin, please answer the question," Judge Newton said.

"I do not believe that Haley would ever give up on her son." Peter said confidently. "Will she get scared? Might she be in over her head? Will there be moments of doubt? Of course. But Haley will always do what is in the best interest of Jamie. She loves him."

Mr. Anderson made his way back to the table where the Jones were seated. He wasn't completely thrilled with the way the questions had been answered. "No further questions, your Honor."

"Mr. Hamilton, if you wish to question Mr. Griffin, please do so now." Judge Newton looked from his right to left.

Garrett sat back in his chair and reviewed his pad of paper with his potential questions he'd scribbled down when Mr. Anderson questioned Peter. He'd thought that he was going to be playing catch-up after this testimony. But, Peter's words seemed like they had actually helped his clients.

"I'd like to ask him a few short and simple questions, you Honor." Garrett said.

"You may do so now." Judge Newton said as he watched Garrett get up from his seat.

"Mr. Griffin," Garrett said. "I am going to ask you a series of Yes/No questions. All you have to do is say either answer after my question. Do you understand?"

Peter looked at the lawyer and nodded. "Yes."

Garrett began asking his list of questions in rapid fire. He was straight to the point.

"Would you entrust a child to Ms. James?"

Peter nodded. "Yes."

"Have you ever doubted Ms. James' abilities to take care of herself?"

Peter shook his head. "No."

Garret smiled. "Would you doubt her ability to take care of someone else?"

"No."

"Does Ms. James have a habit of failing to commit to things until they are over or completed?"

Peter shook his head. She didn't. She just couldn't commit to him. "No."

"On a different note," Garrett walked back over toward the stand. "From what you know about Mr. Scott, is it clear to you that he cares for his son?"

"Yes."

Garret looked over to Nathan and smiled. "And Ms. James, does she care about her son?"

"Of course." Peter's mouth cut to the side. "I mean yes."

And lastly," Garret said. "Do you believe that Mr. Scott's and Ms. James' parental rights should be reinstated?"

Peter looked from Mr. Hamilton to the table where Nathan and Haley were sitting. He sighed as he locked eyes with Haley. "Yes."

Garret didn't want a show. All he needed were straight-forward answers about his clients, and that was exactly what he got. "Thank you, Mr. Griffin. No further questions."

Judge Newton sighed. "Mr. Griffin, you may now exit the courtroom. The bailiff will escort you to the door."

Judge Newton watched as the double doors of his courtroom closed quietly. He glanced down at the list of witnesses and flexed his back. They still had two more witnesses: Patricia Bell, a family friend of the Joneses and Jamie's current guardian, and Dr. Nelson Tate, a child psychologist.

Those were the last character witnesses for the Joneses. Tomorrow, Judge newton would recess the court until he could read additional testimonies written by friends, family or co-workers that attested to the Jones' parenting of James Scott. He knew he had at least twenty five unopened letters in his chambers waiting for his eyes.

"The defense may call upon their next witness." Judge Newton said as he looked to Mr. Anderson.

The Jones' lawyer stood up. "We call upon Patricia Bell."

Nathan and Haley's eyes immediately fell to the back of the room. The woman who walked down the aisle kept her head down as she made her way to the stand. Both of them could feel their hearts fall to the bottom of their stomachs. This was the person who had Jamie. They wanted to ask her everything about him. How was he holding up? Did he miss the Joneses? Did he miss them?

As Patricia took her seat, Nathan and Haley had thousands of questions race through their minds. The first one: Where was Jamie?

ooo

Michael glanced at the clock and rolled his eyes. His mom had said that she would be back by 5PM. It was 5:30PM and there was no sign of Patricia. Not only was her car missing, but Michael's stomach was beginning to hint at annoyance. By this time normally they had dinner plans.

Jamie walked into the kitchen and laughed. Michael had his head in the refrigerator. "What are you doing?"

"I'm hungry and Mom isn't back yet."

Jamie shook his head. "It's early. We don't need to eat right now."

Michael smirked as he patted his flat stomach. "You tell that to this machine. If I let this thing rule my life, I'd eat all the time."

Jamie rolled his eyes. "How about some popcorn? I'm sure your mom will be back soon to start dinner."

Michael shrugged. "Fine. Will you make it?"

Jamie laughed again. "I got it."

As he reached for the popcorn, Jamie saw Mrs. Bell's car pull up slowly in the driveway. "Hey, your..." He trailed his words as he watched her get out and walk to the house. Jamie walked to the kitchen door and listened for Mrs. Bell's entry. She had been silent almost and slipped up the stairs, but not before Jamie slowly followed her. She looked like she had been crying.

He knew where she had been. While she wasn't supposed to discuss things involved with the case, Patricia had told him that she was subpenaed as a character witness for his Foster parents. He knew that she had been called upon to testify that Jeff and Kathy should remain Jamie's primary caregivers. But, why did it look like she had been crying?

Jamie tip-toed up the stairs and stopped just before the master bedroom. Patricia had left the door cracked, and Jamie tried to listen to the room. He could hear the faint sound of the sink running.

Patricia walked in from the bathroom and sat down on the bed as she dabbed a wet washrag to her cheeks. Taking a deep breath, she pulled out her phone and dialed her husband. He was working in Seattle, but she had to talk to someone about her court experience. She couldn't talk to Jamie and she wouldn't bother her son with her worries.

Jamie stepped closer to the door when he heard Patricia's voice.

"Hey." She paused. "I testified today." The other person on the line got in a word or two and then Jamie listened to Patricia. "I can't even describe the feeling. I feel like I helped Jeff and Kathy, but I don't know if that means that what I did was right. His parents, his real parents, were just sitting there, listening to everything I had to say. They listened to me tell a judge that I thought the Jones are...better parents than they could be." Patricia began to lose the grip she had on her emotions. "I'm so torn, Billy. On one hand, I want Jeff and Kathy to keep Jamie. I think it'll be good for him to stay home, close to his friends, to school...but then I found out that his parents aren't looking to take him away. They want him so badly that they'll relocate for Jamie." Patricia stopped as she wiped a tear away. "And, as the lawyers asked me questions, all I could think about was if someone tired to take our kids."

Jamie leaned on the doorframe. He knew he shouldn't have been listening, but eve's dropping was the only way he could find out about the case.

"I'm just so drained. I cried in my car for half an hour afterwards." Patricia laughed lightheartedly as she soothed her pink cheeks. "Everything would be so much easier if they could all get joint-custody or something. I just...what an awful situation. And to think, Jamie hasn't seen the Joneses or his real parents since court started." Patricia looked at a picture of her family on her nightstand and sighed. "I'm sure he misses them." Patricia listened to her husband as he spoke in to the phone. "He does have visitation, but it's supervised. A lawyer has to be present."

Jamie took a step back from the door. He'd been encouraged not to use his visitations because it may "complicate" the case, but Jamie hated not seeing Jeff and Kathy and Nathan and Haley. He knew he could call Mr. Anderson or Mr. Hamilton if he wanted to see either set of parents. The problem was, which one did he call?

"Jamie!?" Michael's voice boomed throughout the downstairs. "Where'd you go?"

Trying not to draw attention to himself, Jamie quietly made his way downstairs to meet his friend. He hurried to the kitchen to see Michael watching a bag of popcorn expand in the microwave.

"Hey. I thought you were making us some food?" Michael said with raised brows.

Jamie shrugged his shoulders. "Your mom is back."

Michael perked up. "She is?"

Jamie nodded. "Yeah."

Jamie watched Michael walk towards the stairs and then holler for his mother. Since he was alone, Jamie reached into his back pocket for his wallet. Pushed into a credit card slot, Jamie pulled out two business cards, one belonging to Mr. Anderson and the other Mr. Hamilton. He reached for the house phone and dialed the one with the 212 area code. He heard the answering machine pickup. Instead of leaving a message for Garrett, Jamie put the phone back on the hook and sighed. He guessed it wasn't a good time.

Hearing Michael and Patricia as they walked toward him, Jamie glanced at the calendar on the refrigerator. He counted the days until he had to testify. Three days and he would tell the court what he wanted. Three days until he could tell Judge Newton who it was he wanted to live with.

ooo

Nathan tossed the last container of Chinese food into the trash and listened for any signs of Haley above him. She'd been quiet at dinner and immediately excused herself upstairs when she'd finished. Nathan had kept his space, though. They were both spent, emotionally and physically. Court had outdone them both, and now all they needed was a silent night to think about the days to come.

But, Nathan couldn't ignore the fact that Haley had been so distant during dinner. Even if se didn't want to talk, he was going to at least go an check on her. He needed to know that she was okay.

Making his way up the spiral staircase, Nathan slowed his pace as he neared the bedroom. He could see her dark silhouette atop the bed, her body reflecting the helplessness he knew she was feeling. Haley was facing the window, and he wasn't sure if she was asleep or simply resting. Tip-toeing towards her, Nathan held his breath as he made his way to the far side of the bed.

He let his breath slip tough his mouth when he saw her eyes. She was awake, but Haley made no movement to acknowledge his presence.

"Hales?" Nathan said softly. She didn't answer him, so he sat at the end of the bed and put his hand on her calf. "Hales?"

Moments of silence passed between the pair. Nathan looked at Haley and then in the direction of her stare. Both of their attention was drawn to the pitter patter of rain against the big window overlooking Raleigh's downtown streets. The first bands of a tropical storm had made their way into the Carolinas, and now the evening sky was washed with colors of darkening blues and grays.

Letting go of a heavy sigh, Haley turned towards Nathan. "Hey."

He could see, even through the darkness, that her eyes were red and her cheeks were puffy. He gingerly squeezed her leg and smiled. "What's the matter?" He knew she was exhausted. He knew she was drained. He knew she was upset about Jamie. He knew, but he sill asked.

Haley shook her head and sat up. "I'm...I'm..." She buried her face in her hands as she tried to figure out what to say. Her voice cracked as she began her explanation. "I'm not sure we're doing the right thing anymore." She was struggling with her motivation to move on with the court proceedings. Her eyes fell on Nathan, but she glanced away. "I think that we're doing more harm than good, and I don't want to put Jamie through this. We didn't think about how it would make him feel. How it would make the Joneses feel. Or, how it would make us feel."

Nathan interrupted. "Haley, don't..."

Haley leaned back into the pillows. Ever since they had gotten back, Haley had kept replaying the testimonies that she'd heard over the last several days over and over in her mind. While there were some that went in Nathan and Haley's favor, most of them highlighted the Joneses ability to be Jamie's parents. There weren't any that had proved the Joneses unfit or unable to be Jamie's parents. Haley had become consumed by the idea that they, Nathan and Haley, were never going to win.

She was wrapped up in this idea because she thought of herself as flawed. In her mind, she was the one person who was going to hinder their chances. In truth, she had been the target of the day's testimonies, and no one had said anything bad about Nathan- only her. As her insecurities overshadowed the hope she'd once had, Haley felt tears form in the corner of her eyes.

"I've been thinking, ever since court, that this...that it's a mistake." She couldn't look him in the eye when she said it.

Nathan scooted closer to her and took her hands in his. "Haley, listen, this is not a mistake."

"How can you be sure, because there's nobody that thinks this thing can work." Had they really convinced the judge to remove Jamie from the Joneses? Did they really stand a chance in getting their parental rights reinstated?

"I do." Nathan said, making eye contact with her. "I think it will work. We work, and we'll work when there's three of us. I know it."

Haley let her tears roll down her cheek, each one stinging her raw skin. "Nathan, I've ruined our chances."

Nathan shook his head. "How? Peter's testimony was fine. Garrett even said it worked against the Joneses."

"If there's anything Judge Newton remembers, it's that I have trouble committing. And I..."

Nathan gently placed his hand on her cheek and brushed a tear away. "Don't worry about the stuff we can't control."

Haley looked at him and wished she knew where his strength was coming from. "I don't want to let Jamie down." Haley looked to her lap and then met Nathan's gaze. She placed her hand on top of Nathan's, feeling his skin sink into her cheek. "I don't want to let you down."

Nathan leaned toward her and rested his forehead against hers. "Haley, I promise that I will always be there for you." He kissed her forehead softly. "And you'll never let me down."

Haley wrapped her arms around his back and held on tightly.

"I love you, Haley" Nathan said. "Always." He kissed her just under her ear. "And forever."

She squeezed her body into his and nodded. "I love you."

Nathan pulled away and smiled. "I told you," he caught one of her tears and smiled, "I'm not going anywhere. And if it takes a few more weeks or months or years to get Jamie, I'll be here...with you."

Haley sighed as she fell back on the pillows with Nathan, resting her head on his broad chest. Nathan held her hand close to his heart and closed his eyes. They had certainly been tested the last few days, Haley more than Nathan. He would certainly have his moments, but Haley was finally feeling the target on her back diminish as Nathan held her tightly. He was one person who could change her mind; Nathan was her rock, an unyielding force of support. And more importantly, he made her brave.

As the rain continued to flood the downtown streets, a wind of change was blowing through the city. Not only was Haley more determined than ever, a new group of testimonies would turn things on their heads. The most important witnesses for Nathan and Haley were settled in the unfamiliar town ready to unveil the true characters of Nathan and Haley.

Lucas, Peyton, Brooke, and Julian were all ready to explain to the judge why Nathan and Haley should get their rights back.

ooo

Tuesday, July 27, 2021

Garrett buzzed up to the loft like he had done every other morning of court, but instead of hearing Nathan or Haley's voice, Garrett listened to the static in the silence. Not worried, he tried again. And again. After the tenth buzz, he reached for his phone and dialed Nathan's number beginning to get worried. It was unlike them to be late.

Nathan heard his phone just as he opened his eyes. The room was dark, and his right hand tingled as it too tried to wake up from sleep. Carefully removing his arm from around Haley, Nathan reached to the night stand where the phone was.

"Hello?" Nathan said, his voice echoing the tone of a sluggish morning.

Garrett sighed, "Hey, man. Let me in."

"What?" Nathan said as he rubbed his eyes. He glanced at the clock. It flashed 5:19AM. "What the hell? Garrett, why are you calling so early?"

Garett paused. "Early? It's eight-twenty."

Nathan felt his stomach flip. 8:20? He looked at the clock again. "Shit. The power must have gone out." He shot up in bed and ran his hands through his dark hair. "Go ahead of us. I've got to get Haley up. We overslept. I'll see you there."

He tossed his phone to the end of the bed and rolled over toward Haley. "Hales..." He placed his hand on her shoulder and shook her. "Haley, wake up."

She groaned as her eyes adjusted to the morning light. "Wha...Nathan, go back to bed."

"Haley!" Nathan's voice was filled with urgency. "We've got to be at court in half an hour!"

Her brown eyes shot open and she glanced at the clock. "Oh my God." She tumbled off the bed and ran toward the bathroom.

Nathan heard the water turn on and clothes falling to the floor. He wasn't going to worry with a shower, but Haley was Haley. He hurried into the bathroom, tore his shirt off, and began cleaning up. After he rinsed the shaving cream from his face, he combed his hair and rubbed deodorant under his arms. He heard the pipes squeak as the water turned off and watched Haley step out of the shower. She was draped in a towel and smiled at him.

"I'll just take a few more minutes."

He laughed as he ran out of the bathroom to get his clothes. It would take longer than a few minutes, but he knew they were making good time.

The cab they'd taken pulled up to the courthouse at 8:50. That was the preferred time to be at court, ten minutes before it started, but Nathan and Haley were making it work. After Nathan tossed a ten dollar bill toward the cabbie, he reached for Haley's hand and they began to run up the stone stairs to the courthouse entrance. The ground was still wet from the night's rain, but they climbed the steps with ease. They hurried though security and quite calmly walked to the courtroom.

Taking a few deep breaths, Nathan smiled as he opened the door. "After you."

Haley wanted to laugh, but things were about to get serious. "Thank you."

As they walked into the room, she felt Nathan's hand. And even though he'd done the same thing before, today it was different. Today she was confident and secure. Like he and others had said, she couldn't worry about the things she couldn't control. What she could control was how much she loved Nathan and how hard she was going to try to make their relationship work. She could also control her emotions. But as much as she wanted to sequester her smile, Haley beamed when she saw the four people seated behind their desk in the front row of the gallery.

Peyton and Brook and Julian were dressed in outfits Haley was sure Brooke had handpicked for everyone. Haley smiled at her friends and smirked when Brooke winked at her. Lucas must have been the firs to go because he wasn't seated with everyone else.

Nathan nodded toward everyone and sighed. Today was going to be a good day. He could feel it.

Garrett straightened his tie as Nathan and Haley took their seats next to him. He looked behind them and dismissed the witnesses until they were called upon. Slowly Peyton, Brooke, and Julian exited the courtroom.

"Good of you two to show up." He glanced at his watch and smiled. "Just in time."

The doors to the side of the witness stand opened and Judge Newton entered the court. Everyone stood until the judge allowed them all to sit. He organized some papers in front of him and placed small glasses on the bridge of his nose.

"Today we will be hearing from four character witnesses from the plaintiffs. Is that correct?"

Garrett stood up. "Yes, your Honor."

"Very well then. Let's get started."

Garrett stood back up and buttoned his jacket. "The plaintiffs wish to call upon Lucas E. Scott, your Honor."

The double doors opened at the rear of the room and Lucas quietly made his way down the aisle. He smiled at Nathan and Haley and then took his seat. He was dressed in a dark suit and white shirt, a blue tie, and his squint painted his face.

"Mr. Scott," the judge said. "Please state your name for the records."

"My name is Lucas Eugene Scott."

"Mr. Hamilton, the witness is yours."

Garrett nodded. "Thank you, your Honor." Garrett walked around the table and headed toward the stand. "Mr. Scott, could you please tell the court how you know Haley James and Nathan Scott."

Lucas cleared his throat. "Haley James was...is one of my best and closest friends. We've been friends since middle school. Nathan Scott is my half-brother. I would also like to add that, not only is he my brother, but he is a great friend as well."

Garrett smiled. "Because you've know these two people for such an extended period of time, could you summarize their characters? Please begin with Ms. James."

"Of course." Lucas agreed. "Haley James is a multi-talented woman with a fierce knowledge of literature." Lucas smirked. "Haley is smart, so much so that she received a full scholarship to Stanford. She's kind and understanding. She is dependable, reliable, and trustworthy. She has always been the person I turn to for guidance. She has the remarkable ability to help others when they cannot help themselves. She is selfless and compassionate. She is an amazing aunt to my three children, and she loves with her whole heart."

"And Nathan?" Garrett inquired.

"He is strong, stronger than I've ever been. Physically and mentally. He is generous with his time and money. He is an amazing athlete, an idol for many, and someone I look up to. I admire his willingness to change for the betterment of the people around him. I admire him for his courage. I admire him for his determination. I know that he does for others without question. He is a respectable man with morals and values, and I am proud to call him my brother.

Nathan shook his head. Leave it to the author to characterize him and Haley. Garrett was strategic, and Nathan appreciated the lawyer's first choice.

Garrett approached the stand. "Thank you, Lucas. If you would, answer my next few questions as best as you can." Garrett met Lucas' eyes so he continued. "How would you describe Ms. James' decision to give up her child, Jamie, for adoption?"

Lucas was prepared, but he sighed. "Devastating." Lucas looked to Haley with apologetic eyes. He knew this would be hard to hear. "I know it crushed her, broke her in so many ways, and in a sense, she's never recovered."

"How do you mean?"

Lucas shrugged. "She struggled with the thought of it as her pregnancy reached its last trimester. She and Nathan were having problems, and she knew that the only way for Jamie to have the best life possible was without her. She for-fitted her chance at mothering the child to guarantee his success. She knew he couldn't be his best with a single mother; she was still a child herself."

"Did anyone try to tell her to keep the baby?" Garrett probed.

"Yes. I did, but looking back, I think..I know she made the right decision. As much as I would have liked her to keep the baby, to see him grow up around Tree Hill, I know that was a selfish idea. I didn't think about the consequences that could ensue. I wanted to think that everyone would have helped, that maybe Nathan would have helped too, but it wasn't my choice; it was hers. I respect that now."

"Thank you. Now let's move on." Garrett walked away from the stand but kept talking. "Lucas, can you explain why Ms. James and Mr. Scott deserve their parental rights?

Lucas nodded. "Aside from the fact that they are his biological parents, they need him.

Garrett smirked, "What do you mean they need him?"

Lucas shrugged his shoulders. "I'm not sure if you believe in Fate, Mr. Hamilton, but I think Jamie found his parents because now is the time that they were supposed to be a family. They are all in places in their lives, good, stable places, but those places are missing one thing. Each other. And as Jamie searched for his parents, he found what he needs, just as his parents now have what they need. And further than that, Nathan and Haley are more than capable of taking care, of providing, and loving their son. They're his parents. They'll do whatever it takes. So, to answer your question, they deserve to have that chance to be a family.

Garrett mulled over the answer. It wasn't exactly what they had practiced over the phone, but it was still a good answer. It may have been riddled with metaphors and philosophical ideas, but it worked.

Lucas was asked several other questions, but he always returned to point. He never strayed from the notion that Nathan and Haley should have their rights reinstated. He was unwavering, and his eloquent words built Nathan and Haley's confidence.

However, there were two sides Lucas' testimony, and the one fronted by the defense deflated the confidence like a pin in a balloon.

Mr. Anderson walked up to the stand and smirked. "You said earlier that Mr. Scott, your brother, was willing to change for others. Can you explain that?"

Lucas swallowed the lump in his throat. He knew he was going to have to backtrack. "I can. I simply meant that he has changed or transformed over the years."

"Transformed? What do you mean?" The Jones' lawyer looked at Lucas like he was child.

"Nathan, regrettably, wasn't always as great of a man as he is today."

Mr. Anderson looked to Nathan. "No?" He walked over to the table and read from his memo pad. "So this other version of Nathan Scott wasn't such a good guy?" He didn't wait for Lucas to respond. "Tell me if this sounds familiar. Underage drinking, stealing public property, drunk driving, assault, point shaving... shall I continue?"

"Objection!" Garrett stood up. There is no evidence to support these claims.

"Judge, please make note that I would like to add this information to the evidence, garnered from a private detective, of these indiscretions made by Mr. Nathan Scott when he was in high school." Mr. Anderson handed Judge Newton a sighed alpha david. "I ensure you that these events did occur."

Judge Newton glanced at the paper and counted the signatures silently. It certainly seemed as if the claims were legitimate. "I'll allow it. Overruled."

Mr. Anderson smiled. "Thank you. This evidence proves that Mr. Scott was not fit to be a parent at the age of James Scott's birth. It leads me to believe that he has, as you said Mr. Scott," he said looking to Lucas, "that perhaps Nathan Scott doesn't hold the morals and values that you said earlier this morning."

"Objection!" Garrett stood up again. "The defense cannot characterize Mr. Scott according to events that may or may not have happened in high school."

Mr. Anderson narrowed his brow. "I am establishing a complete, composite characterization of Mr. Scott, your Honor. The past is as just as important as the present."

"Overruled. Mr. Anderson is right."

Garrett sat down and huffed. He was getting angry. As he scanned his notes, he tried to regroup. Nathan looked to Haley and suddenly he felt as if he was the flawed one. He was the person who might ruin their chance of getting Jamie back. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

Squeezing his hand under the table, Haley smiled at Nathan. She stared into his eyes as if to say, don't worry about the things we can't control.

Lucas' testimony lasted another fifteen minutes, and then the next witness was called. The tall blonde walked down the aisle just as her husband exited the doors she walked through. Peyton smiled at Nathan and Haley not knowing that Lucas' words couldn't cement a fairytale ending they'd hoped for.

"Please state your name for the record."

"Peyton Swayer Scott."

She characterized Nathan and Haley as best she could. Even though it was her husband who was known for his way with words, Peyton described her friends marvelously. Once she finished the general characterization, Peyton was then asked questions that related to her on a much deeper level. Garrett used her connection to Jamie to strengthen his arguments for Nathan and Haley.

"Mrs. Scott, is it a fact that you were adopted?"

Peyton nodded. "Yes."

Garrett leaned against the empty jury box. "And when were you adopted?"

"As an infant."

"Did you ever know your birth parents?"

Peyton sighed. "I did, but not until I was in high school. My birthmother came looking for me."

"And, what was your reaction at first? What was going through your mind when you found out that your mother was looking for you?"

Peyton shrugged her shoulders. "A mix of emotions really. I was confused, angry, upset, happy... it's hard to describe. I loved my adoptive parents, I never went looking for answers because I never needed them, but I was relieved to know who my mother was. Where I came from. Who I might become."

Garrett walked toward the witness stand. "If your biological parents came to you in high school or if you found out that they were a typical couple who had battled through struggles and hardships, would you have considered leaving your adoptive father?"

Peyton shook her head. "No. I respected Ellie, my biological mother's decision, but I can't imagine leaving my dad, Larry Sawyer."

Garrett nodded and placed his hand on his chin. "Why then do you think Jamie wanted to meet his biological parents?"

"He could be curious. I think most children who are adopted are. I wasn't because I was happy with my adoptive parents. I never thought about my real parents."

"So, do you think that Jamie could have been unhappy with the Joneses if he went looking for Nathan and Haley?"

"Objection!" The Joneses lawyer stood up. "He's leading the witness, your Honor. There's no way Mrs. Scott can know for sure why Jamie sought out his biological parents."

Judge Newton looked to Garrett. "What's your point Mr. Hamilton?"

Garrett approached the bench. "Your Honor, I'm getting a perspective from an adult who knows personally what it's like to be an adopted child. Her input is valuable to gain an understanding about how and why certain children may think."

"Overruled. You may continue Mr. Hamilton."

"Mrs. Scott, do I need to repeat the question?" Garrett looked to Peyton.

"No," Peyton said as she shook her head. "I can't say for sure why anyone does anything. I can simply say that I wouldn't have gone looking for my birthparents unless I was unhappy with my adoptive parents or needed conformation as to why they gave me up."

Garrett nodded. "Thank you, Mrs. Scott. No further questions.

The defense questioned Peyton for half an hour. Objections flew around the room as she spoke, but the majority of what she said painted Nathan and Haley as individuals with the upmost capabilities of being Jamie's full-time primary caregivers. She had to talk about the difference between being adopted and placed in the Foster System, how it feels to know that someone gave you up, and if that leaves emotional scaring for the child. Most of her answers only applied to herself, but it was clear that Jamie's emotions were probably very similar to her own. She cared for Mick and Ellie very much, just like Jamie cares for Nathan and Haley.

The next witness who took the stand was Julian. He characterized Nathan and Haley like the previous witnesses had. The key part of his testimony came when he described the birthday party that Nathan and Haley had thrown for Jamie at his and Brooke's house. He was able to tell the court that Nathan and Haley had worked so hard to make it perfect—everyone had worked hard to make it perfect. Julian was also quick to add that Jamie would not only be gaining an amazing set of parents if Nathan and Haley were able to get their rights back, but an entire family. The whole gang was supportive of Jamie, and Julian made it clear that Jamie was well-liked in Tree Hill.

There wasn't much retort from the defense when Julian testified. They only pestered him with questions about how he saw Nathan and Haley's relationship. Unfortunately, Julian was the worst person to ask that because he really had not ever seen Nathan and Haley together before this summer. He'd been told about their high school story, about the baby, but he never saw them together, not even during holidays or vacations.

This hurt Nathan and Haley's credibility as legitimate couple, but Garrett didn't seem to worry. They recessed after Julian's testimony. The court dispersed for lunch but returned quickly to record what the fourth and final witness of the day had to say.

Judge Newton looked to Garrett and nodded. Garrett looked down to the paper and read the next witness' name. "We call upon Brooke Davis-Baker."

Her heals were the first thing everyone in the room noticed. The clickety-clack of her heals on the hard surface of the floor echoed around the silent room. Brooke was absolutely stunning, though. She was radiant as she headed for the witness stand.

Once she formally introduced herself to the court, Brooke looked to Nathan and Haley and smiled wearily. They looked tired, and this had to be torturous for them. She couldn't imagine having to listen to people, who she knew or didn't know, explain why or why not she'd be a good parent. Hopefully, she would help Nathan and Haley as best as she could.

"Mrs. Davis-Baker, could you tell us your relationship to the plaintiffs?"

Brooke nodded. "Haley is one of my best friends. Nathan is as well. We've know each other since high school."

Garrett picked up his memo pad and read over his questions quickly. "Could you describe their relationship, please?"

Brooke closed her eyes and smiled. She'd been hesitant to see Nathan and Haley get back together over the past few months. She watched how the first breakup nearly ruined them both, but now, as she sat across from them, one word circled her thoughts. It was the same word she'd thought of as she toasted their marriage almost twenty years ago.

"I know that they love each other more than anyone will ever know. But what's special about Nathan and Haley is the affect it has on others. They may not think so, but they were the couple that everyone wanted to be." She looked at her friends and smiled. "They had their pitfalls and challenges, but look where that's gotten them. They're here, together." Brooke's voice cracked as she tried to hide her emotions. It was hard for her, though. She was so proud of them. "I look at them and feel safer, like everything is where it needs to be, that everything is going to be okay." She sighed and looked into the judge's eyes. "Together, Nathan and Haley remind me of hope and how there's still a little hope for us to find." Brooke looked from the judge to Garrett.

"And their parenting abilities, how would you describe those?"

"Intuitive." Brooke smiled toward Haley. "Haley's a natural mother, a nurturer. And Nathan, he has the patience all father's wish they had."

Garrett smiled. "In your opinion, should Ms. James and Mr. Scott's parental rights be reinstated?"

"Yes, absolutely."

"And, in your opinion, would they be the best parents to Jamie as they could be?"

"Yes. Both of them would do anything Jamie needed." Brooke sounded stern in her answers.

Garrett was please with Brooke's answers so he stopped his line of questioning there. "I have no further questions, your Honor."

Judge Newton made a note on his paper and nodded. "Mr. Anderson, do you have questions for the witness?"

Jones' lawyer nodded. "Yes, your Honor."

"Please proceed."

Mr. Anderson stood up and walked in Brooke's direction. "You've given us quite a rundown about Nathan and Haley's relationship. But I wonder, can we take you seriously?"

Brooke's face darkened. She furrowed her brow.

"Is it true that you have been arrested for shoplifting, accounting fraud..."

"I can explain..." Brooke began.

"It's a yes/no answer I'm looking for, Mrs. Davis-Baker. Are those statements true?"

Brooke sighed and looked to her lap. "Yes."

"I return to my earlier statement, how can we take someone who has been arrested for such crimes as a serious witness?"

"Objection!" Garrett called out. "The defense in inflating evidence."

Judge Newton eyed Mr. Anderson.

Garrett stood firm. May I speak freely, your Honor?" Judge Newton nodded. "Please let the record show that Mrs. Davis-Baker was never formally charged with these crimes."

"I will acknowledge it." Judge Newton made a note on his paper. "Mr. Anderson, if you wish to continue to question the witness, I suggest you remember your ethical practice."

Mr. Anderson nodded. "Yes, you Honor."

"You may continue." Judge Newton said.

Brooke shifted in her seat as she awaited the next question. The uncomfortable feeling of judgement rolled off her, but she did not like the way the Jones' lawyer looked at her.

"Mrs. Davis-Baker, one final question. You said earlier that you were friends with Nathan Scott. Is that the only way in which you could describe your relationship, as a friendship?"

Brooke furrowed her brow. "Yes. We are friends."

"You've never been linked to Mr. Scott romantically?"

Confused, Brooke shook her head. "No."

"Be careful with your words, Mrs. Davis-Baker. I would hate for you to perjure yourself."

Brooke leaned back on the stand and wracked her brain. Had she and Nathan been romantically involved? Suddenly the realization hit her like a Mac truck. She looked to Nathan and he too was beginning to understand where the lawyer's line of questioning was coming from.

"Please note that I have video evidence of Mr. Scott and Mrs. Davis-Baker in compromising positions..."

Brooke began to eat her words. "Wait...I know what your talking about. That was way back in high school. Everyone slept with Nathan back then." Just as those words left her lips, she stopped. She'd said too much. "I mean, that was before he met Haley."

Mr. Anderson smirked. "So, to be clear, Mr. Scott was what we'd call a playboy in high school?"

"Only before he met Haley. He changed when they got..."

"Was he or was he not a playboy in high school, Mrs. Davis-Baker?"

Brooke was silent. She could feel her chest burning, her skin crawling, and tear welling in her eyes.

"Please answer the question." Judge Newton encouraged.

With a heavy sigh, Brooke nodded. "Yes, he was."

Mr. Anderson's smiled spelled victory in the eyes of everyone in the room. He was a cocky ass, but he had done serious homework. He was bound to be rewarded somehow. "That's all. No further questions, your Honor."

"You may exit the courtroom, Mrs. Davis-Baker." Judge Newton said.

Brooke stepped down and stared at the floor as she left the room. When the doors shut behind her, Judge Newton addressed the court. Court is adjourned until tomorrow at nine. He slammed his gavel down and everyone stood as he left the room.

The courtroom slowly began to empty, but Nathan, Haley, and Garrett sat stunned in their chairs. How much research had the Jones' lawyer done? What lengths had he gone to to get all of that information? Nathan pushed his chair away from the desk and he stood up, relieving the pressure he felt from being confined to his chair. He hadn't had the chance to defend himself.

He rubbed his hands over his face and he suddenly realized how Haley had felt the previous day. As much as he wanted to ignore it, he was feeling like it was coming down on him. He felt as though he would be the reason they wouldn't get Jamie back. Instead of her, he would be the person letting Haley down.

Haley turned to Garrett and sighed. They both knew that today had been a bad day, a horrible day. "What do we do now?"

Garrett looked at his memo pad. "We still have three more witnesses tomorrow. Then you guys will take the stand. And then it's Jamie's turn." He leaned back in his chair and shook his head, still trying to digest everything. "The balls in their court. They control everything now."

Haley was slowing beginning to understand that not getting Jamie back was a real possibility. She looked to Nathan and got up to see if he was alright.

Nathan had walked over to the jury box. He felt her hands wrap around his sides, but he still felt like hurling a desk across the room or knocking the hell out of the Jones' lawyer. He seriously wanted to get Garrett to hire a PI to look into the Joneses. But why stoop to that level?

"We can't control it."

He sighed and turned to face her. "I know. But I want to change it."

They couldn't blame anyone. Their Tree Hill friends had done great jobs as witnesses, but it seemed like everyone had struck out when they'd needed several homers. Like Nathan was thinking, no one was able to sink their free throws when they needed to. What ever the comparison, the end result was the same: Nathan and Haley were on the losing team. Comebacks and miracles were possible, but this was real life and Nathan and Haley weren't playing around. In four short days, they'd know if the hard work, the move, the sacrifices would have been worth it. In four short days they'd know who would get to be Jamie's parents.


What? So, as good as the Tree Hillers did, things took a terrible turn. It looks like Peter's testimony was more helpful than theirs. Did y'all expect that?

Sorry for the mistake/typos. I'll edit later tonight.

Things to come: It's a fight to the finish. Nathan and Haley and the Joneses will testify. Jamie will be heard, and a decision will be made.

Ideas where things are headed? ;)

Thanks again for your patience. Hope the wait was worth it. Review please.