Quote of the Day:
Phoebe: Wow. Joey and a professor. Can you imagine if they had kids and if the kids got her intelligence and Joey's raw sexual magnetism? Those nerds would get laid!
Chapter Twenty Eight –Second Chance
"It's that one right there."
She pointed to the huge white two story house with the blue shutters. Nathan nodded tiredly before pulling up slowly in the driveway. Once the car was off, he placed his head carefully on the steering wheel and closed his eyes. Haley brought her hand to his back and rubbed it softly.
"You ok?"
"Yep," Nathan muttered before lifting his head. He smiled softly at her before unbuckling his seatbelt. She did the same. Once they were out of the car, Nathan grabbed both of their bags out of the back. "So this is it."
"Don't be nervous," Haley smiled. "We're the first ones here. Everyone else will be here in the morning."
He took a deep breath before nodding. "It's ok, I'm fine."
"Let's go." He followed her up the driveway and onto the porch. She rang the doorbell before glancing back at him and smiling. "Relax. Breathe."
He stood nervously behind her waiting. As much as he wanted to relax he just couldn't. Even though he was just meeting Vivian he still couldn't seem to get it together. He couldn't remember being this nervous ever, not even for basketball games. Her family just had to like him. They had to.
The door opened and his heart started pounding rapidly in his chest.
"Haley!"
"Viv," Haley smiled before opening her arms. They hugged for a few minutes before Haley finally let her go and then turned to face Nathan.
"This must be Nathan," Vivian smiled.
"That's him," Haley nodded. "He's a little nervous so be nice."
"Oh, I will. Now move out of the way so I can get a good look at him." Vivian pushed Haley aside and smiled once she noticed Nathan.
"I'm Nathan," Nathan smiled timidly.
"Quinn's right. He is hot," Vivian nodded.
"It's nice meeting you. Haley's told me a lot about you," Nathan muttered.
"Same here," Vivian nodded. "You've hit the jackpot with this one, Hales."
"Don't I know it," Haley smiled at him. "He's not usually like this. He'll loosen up, I promise. I haven't seen him this nervous since high school."
"He'll get used to the James clan," Vivian declared.
He laughed nervously before glancing at Haley. "Uh, Hales…?"
"Come on in," Vivian waved. He followed Haley inside. Once they were in the living room he stood close behind her as Vivian yelled for Adam. He took the time to take in the house. It was nice. A lot of crème colors. Actually, everything looked a little fancy.
It was minutes later when a man entered the living room.
"Adam," Haley smiled.
"Haley. How was the drive?"
"Good. Nathan drove the whole way. He wouldn't let me."
"I'm Nathan by the way." They shook hands.
"Adam. I hear congratulations are in order."
"Thanks."
He continued to listen as Haley and Adam talked. So far so good. This wasn't so bad, he thought. He still couldn't help but feel nervous. Tomorrow was right around the corner. It was already late.
"Are you two hungry?" Vivian questioned.
"Oh no," Haley shook her head. "We stopped and ate something when we arrived in town. Do you know what time everyone will be arriving tomorrow?"
"I'm sure early," Vivian answered.
Adam nodded. "It's getting really late. It was nice meeting you, Nathan. I think I'll head up for bed." Vivian kissed him and then he waved goodbye before leaving the living room.
"Let's get you guys settled in."
He followed Vivian and Haley up the stairs and down the hall.
"This is it."
He walked fully inside of the room and placed their bags on the edge of the bed. He was so tired. He needed a long night of sleep but he knew that wouldn't happen tonight. There was no way that he was sleeping well with knowing what was about to happen tomorrow. He just couldn't seem to shake the nerves.
"Well, let me know if you need anything. Haley, you already know where everything is and I'll just see you guys in the morning. Goodnight."
"Night, Viv."
"Nice meeting you," Nathan waved nervously. Once the door was closed he instantly sat on the edge of the bed and placed his hands over his face. "I feel like me heart could literally explode."
"That wasn't so bad, was it?" Haley laughed.
His heart was pounding hard in his chest. He tried to get it to slow down but nothing was working. It wasn't helping matters that they were sharing the same room. He was under the impression that they weren't. Lifting his head up, he glanced at her.
"Should we be sharing a room? I don't want to upset anyone."
She laughed softly. "We're getting married. Of course, we'll stay in the same room. Besides, don't worry about it. My whole family, for some God awful reason, knows that I'm saving myself for marriage."
"They know…?"
"They'd probably cheer us on if they were here," Haley nodded.
He sighed before placing his hands back over his face and taking a deep breath.
She made her way in front of him. She pushed her way between his legs before settling herself there. Smiling, she removed his hands from his face. She gently caressed his cheek before leaning down and kissing him softly.
"I'm feeling a little better," Nathan said huskily.
"Yeah?"
"Just a little though, don't stop." His hands moved to her waist as he pulled her closer to him. Their kisses grew more heated. Before he realized it she was pushing on his chest as they both fell back on the bed. Her body was covering his as they continued to kiss passionately.
His hands moved to grip her waist better as she grinded her body into his. It was slowly driving him crazy. It was seconds later when he couldn't take anymore and he stilled her movements. Slowly they stopped kissing as her body rolled to the side of his. Their heavy panting filled the air.
"You ok?"
"Just give me a minute," Nathan breathed.
They were both quiet as they tried to get their breathing back to normal. It was a few minutes later when his heartbeat started to slow down. Slowly everything came back to him and he focused his eyes on the ceiling.
"I'm really glad that you're here," Haley whispered.
He smiled. "Yeah."
"It means a lot," Haley added.
"I love you," Nathan muttered. "There isn't anything I wouldn't do for you."
"I know."
"Let's get ready for bed. We've got a big day tomorrow."
~***~
So it wasn't that bad. Really, it wasn't. When they had come downstairs this morning for breakfast Quinn had already arrived with Kevin. They were both really nice and after meeting them he felt a little more confident. With all of her sisters out of the way, he was still only nervous about meeting her two brothers. That he couldn't help.
When her parents had arrived an hour later with Taylor, he had been happy to see them. It was really nice seeing them again and they both looked genuinely happy to see him. Her Mom wouldn't get off of the subject of how much he had grown since the last time she seen him. She kept on embarrassing him in front of everyone. But that didn't really matter either. As long as everyone was happy and Haley held his hand he was fine.
It was a few hours later and just about everyone was in the kitchen cooking. Adam and Kevin had pulled him into the living room to watch some old football game. He really didn't mind being alone with them. They were both really nice and really to themselves. They didn't say much which was odd considering who they were dating and married to. He didn't get it. But sitting in silence was better than having Taylor glare at him in the kitchen.
Out of the corner of his eye he noticed Alex sitting on the floor coloring. Every few seconds she would glance at him before quickly glancing down at her coloring book. He smiled before focusing his attention on the game. He had met her briefly this morning during breakfast. She had run into the kitchen, grabbed her plate, and then ran right out. It wasn't long before he noticed her standing right next to him on the side of the sofa. Sitting up straight, he glanced at her with a soft smile.
"I'm Alex."
"Nathan." He held out his hand and she glanced at it confused for a few seconds before finally holding out hers.
"This is kind of boring, huh?"
He chuckled. "It's not so bad."
"It's not fun either," Alex pointed out. "I wish Mommy would let me open just one of my presents. Just one little one." She glanced at the huge tree with full of presents underneath. He laughed softly before standing up. Kevin and Adam were too into the game to notice him walk out of the living room with Alex following close behind him.
Once they were inside of his and Haley's room, he reached into his bag until he pulled out the present he got for her. She smiled as he tossed it to her.
"What is it?" Alex asked excitedly.
"You have to open it and see," Nathan teased as he took a seat on the floor.
She rolled her eyes. "I like you." She pulled at the wrapping paper until it was covering the floor beneath her. He watched as she studied the gift in her hands before looking at him.
"What is it?"
"It's a slingshot," Nathan answered as he moved closer to her. He knew that it was a silly present to get a girl but after Haley told him all about Alex he just knew that she would like it. He had gotten one for Jordan last year for his birthday. Of course, three days later Brooke had taken it away from him after he broke some really expensive dishes. But for those three days he had loved it.
"Cool. How do I use it?" She held it out to him so that he could show her. He did and ten minutes later she was holding it in her hands and pointing it at him.
"Be careful with that. You could really hurt someone. I need you to promise me that you'll use this wisely. No hitting people or animals." He didn't need her to hurt herself or someone with the gift he got her. Then for sure her whole family would hate him.
"Even the stupid dog next door?"
Nathan nodded. "I trust you not to hurt anyone with this."
"Ok, I won't hit the dog," Alex sighed.
"Thank you," Nathan chuckled. "You know, I always wanted one of these when I was a kid." He had wanted a lot of things growing up that Dan never got him. His father was too focused on him playing basketball to get him anything else.
"You didn't have one?"
"Nope."
"Can I shoot something?"
He glanced around the room. He pointed to his bag sitting across the room on the floor.
"Ok," Alex nodded. Doing just like he showed her, she pulled back and then let go. They both heard a loud pop. She clapped her hands together before smiling at him. "I hit it!"
"Good job," Nathan smiled before standing up. "Now, we should really get back downstairs before anyone notices that we're missing."
"Thanks for the gift, Nathan. Wait. Do I have to call you Uncle Nathan now that you're marrying Aunt Haley?" Alex questioned confused.
"You can call me whatever you want," Nathan chuckled. She nodded before holding up her hand and standing in front of him. He smiled as he gave her a high-five and they both walked out of the room. Kids he could deal with. All you had to do was buy them something that they wanted and they liked you. Adults weren't that easy. As they reached the stairs he heard noise coming from downstairs. That's when he glanced down and noticed the group of people standing in the foyer.
Glancing at everyone he noticed four new people standing there. His heart dropped in his chest. He took a deep breath before glancing down at Alex by his side.
"Do I want to stay up here and hide?"
She shook her head. "You don't look so good."
"Yeah," Nathan nodded. He felt his stomach twisting in knots. "Do me a favor and lie to me. Just tell me something." He felt ridiculous asking a little girl to make him feel better but he was about to face one of his fears. In the back of his mind he could hear Lucas and Julian laughing at him.
"What do you want me to say?"
"Tell me that they're really nice."
"Who?"
"Mark and Brad."
"Oh them. Well, Uncle Brad is nice," Alex smiled.
That didn't help at all, he thought.
"And I guess Uncle Mark is nice when he wants to be."
"Really?"
"Yep, he's really fun, too. Kind of like you, Uncle Nathan," Alex smiled.
"Are you just trying to make me feel better?"
She grimaced. "That is what you want."
"I guess," Nathan muttered.
"Let's just go get it over with. You'll feel better," Alex stated before reaching for his hand. He glanced down at their joining hands as Alex started walking down the stairs. Hesitantly he followed her.
Let's just get this over with, he thought. They made it to the bottom of the steps and it was then that Haley finally noticed him. She smiled before walking over and standing in front of him. She glanced at him confused when she noticed Alex holding his hand and he shrugged slightly before he realized that the big bear looking guy was right behind Haley. He watched as the guy put his arm around Haley's shoulders before smiling at him.
"Well, aren't you gonna introduce us?"
She rolled her eyes. "Brad, this is Nathan. Nathan this is my idiot brother Brad."
"Nice to finally meet you. Haley just doesn't shut up about you," Brad teased as she elbowed him in the side. He chuckled before holding out his hand. "Hey, I thought you wanted me to be nice?"
As Nathan shook his hand, Brad's eyes were on Haley with a huge smile.
"I've heard a lot about you as well," Nathan muttered awkwardly.
Brad finally turned his attention back to him. "All good things I hope?"
"You wish," Haley snorted.
"Real funny," Brad retorted. Glancing behind him, he reached for Carmen's hand and pulled her to the other side of him. Nathan finally smiled. Women were easy. They were nice. Guys not so much. Besides, this girl was really small compared to Haley's brother. He couldn't be scared of someone that small. "This is my wife Carmen and our son Michael."
"Nice to meet you," Nathan smiled. He glanced down at the little boy hiding behind his mother. The little boy didn't look up once from the ground as he held onto the bottom of Carmen's dress for dear life.
"Don't take it personal. He's like that with everyone," Carmen stated before running her fingers through his hair. He buried his face further into her side. "How's the wedding planning going?"
Nathan grimaced. No telling what Brooke was planning while they were here.
"It's going good," Haley answered.
"It took us nine months," Brad sighed before glancing at Nathan. "Good luck with that."
"It wasn't that bad," Carmen laughed.
He smiled as they all started laughing and it was a few seconds later that Haley finally stood next to him and leaned into his side. He had to admit, he did feel a little better with her next to him. Brad did seem like a really cool guy and his wife was really nice. This really wasn't bad.
"Mikey, lets go play in my room," Alex suggested.
Finally the little boy glanced up and smiled before nodding. Alex let go of his hand and both of the kids took off running up the stairs. Nathan watched them go before turning back to Haley. Slowly he could see everyone moving out of the foyer and into the living room. Haley's hand intertwined with his and she squeezed it softly. He smiled down at her.
"Well, aren't you cute."
Glancing up he noticed a blonde pregnant girl standing in front of them smiling. "You must be Beth."
"The huge belly gave me away," Beth stated as she rubbed her stomach. Nathan glanced down. She was huge and looked like she was about to pop. But just like Peyton when she was pregnant, she had a glow around her. She seemed really happy.
"He doesn't want to leave you," Haley smiled sweetly as she reached out and rubbed her hand against Beth's belly. Nathan watched her lovingly.
"Let me see the ring!"
Haley held out her hand as the girls gushed about the ring.
"Haley, you didn't tell me he was this hot."
He chuckled before glancing at Haley. She was shaking her head and her cheeks were a little pink. It was very sexy. He opened his mouth to say something when Beth interrupted him.
"Mark, get over her and meet your new brother-in-law," Beth shouted.
His smiled faded as he glanced in the direction that she turned to. It was there that he finally noticed the infamous brawny Mark James. He was standing the middle of his father and Brad. It looked like they were in deep conversation. Before he had time to panic Mark waved.
"Yeah, nice meeting you."
And then he was talking to Mr. James and Brad again. Slowly, he could feel his heart beat return. He released the breath that he had been holding in.
"He really doesn't like me," Nathan whispered over to Haley.
Beth sighed. "Just ignore him."
Easier said than done, he thought.
"Well, Nathan Scott, how about you help your mother-in-law in the kitchen," Lydia suggested. Before he could answer, she took hold of his free hand and started pulling him. Haley followed right behind. "Beth, come on and sit down. I don't want you standing up."
"That wasn't bad was it?" Haley questioned once they were finally in the kitchen.
He rolled his eyes. "Ok, you were right."
"You know, you should get used to that," Vivian giggled.
"What?"
"Her being right," Quinn answered.
"If you just realize that now then you'll save yourself from a lot of fights," Lydia added.
He nodded. "Got it."
Haley placed her hand on his shoulder before leaning in and kissing him softly on the lips. He heard all the girls make little noises and he laughed as Haley pulled away.
"Aren't you guys just adorable," Beth smiled.
"Super adorable," Carmen added.
"That's right, get it out now," Haley instructed. She wanted the fuss over them to just be over with. She didn't need them acting like this for the wedding.
~***~
He didn't know how. But somehow Adam and Mr. James convinced him to join all the guys in the backyard for a few beers while the girls were still getting dinner ready. So here he was beer in hand, standing in a circle of guys. It wasn't helping matters that Mark kept glaring at him and there was no one out here to help him.
He had to give it to Mark and Taylor. Those were the two James siblings that had the glaring thing down just right. It was enough to make him run all the way back to Tree Hill and never look back. At least, Taylor acknowledged him. Mark hadn't said a word to him.
"The Patriots are going all the way this year," Jimmy declared.
Brad shook his head. "No way. The Steelers."
"You're both wrong," Kevin stated. "The Colts are."
Another heated dispute started. He just stood there and pretended to be interested. It's not like he didn't like football, he did. It just wasn't basketball. Now, if they wanted to talk basketball then he'd talk all day.
"Who's out?" Adam questioned as he held up his beer. Just about everyone held up their beer but Nathan and Mr. James. "I'll go get more."
"I'll help," Kevin offered.
"I'm going see what's taking dinner so long," Jimmy muttered as he walked off behind them.
Nathan stood there awkwardly with Brad and Mark. He wanted so badly just to walk away but his feet wouldn't seem to move. It wasn't helping matters that Mark was glaring at him again.
"So, Nathan, tell me. How is it that you've gotten my sweet little innocent sister to forgive you for using her?" Mark questioned with a glare.
Here it is. He had been waiting for this all night. And Haley thought he was crazy. He just knew that something like this was going to happen. He could feel his heart pounding all over his body.
"I…uh…I…"
"Well, say something boy. What do you have to say for yourself? It makes you feel like a man to treat women that way? To treat my little sister that way?" Mark continued as he took another step closer.
He searched for the right words to defend himself for his actions all those years ago but nothing came. Mark wouldn't understand anyway. He couldn't. He couldn't know the influence that Haley had on his life. He didn't know what a huge impact she had made on him. He didn't know that she had changed him from that stupid childish boy to the man he was now. Mark could never understand all of that. How could he defend himself?
"Dude, just get over it," Brad whispered loudly as he glanced back at the door.
Nathan was still searching for the right words when he felt a hard fist connect with the side of his face. He didn't even have time to brace himself and he flew to the ground instantly.
"Now, I'm over it."
Sitting up, he held his hand over the side of his face. It was throbbing with pain. He had taken a lot of punches but none of them compared to this one. Mark was a huge guy and Nathan felt that when his fist connected with his face. It hurt like hell.
"Come on, take my hand."
Glancing up with one eye open he noticed Mark holding out his hand. Hesitantly he took it, bracing himself this time for another punch. Once he was on his feet nothing happen. He continued to hold his hand over his face trying to ease the pain.
"Sorry, I had to hit you but now you know what happens when you hurt my baby sister."
"Haley's going to kill you," Brad sing-songed.
"Look, I'm sorry. I know you don't like me because of what I did but I'm not that guy anymore. That's because of Haley. I would never hurt her. She means everything to me, my whole world. She's given me a second chance and I'm not going to make the same mistakes. I love her more than you'll ever know," Nathan muttered.
Mark nodded. "That's what I wanted to hear."
"She's still gonna kill you," Brad smirked.
"Actually, could we not tell her about this," Nathan asked carefully.
"Great idea."
"Good luck hiding that huge ass pink mark on your face," Brad chuckled.
He brought his hand back up to his face and held it there. "I'll come up with something."
"Kid can take a punch," Mark commented as he glanced at Brad.
"You're lucky that he didn't hit your ass back because I wasn't getting into the middle of it," Brad mumbled as he held up his hands.
"I wouldn't of," Nathan quickly stated.
"I would of," Brad chuckled. "Come try that on me." He held up his fists before moving in front of Mark and swinging his fists into the air. Nathan chuckled as Mark got ready and soon they were circling each other. They seemed normal. Just like brothers. Just like Lucas and him.
"Dinner's almost ready," Vivian shouted as she opened the back door.
Both guys put down their fists before walking back towards the house. "Let's go eat, kid." At least it's a start.
He shook his head before following them inside the house. They started for the living room and he turned and made his way into the kitchen. The girls were still talking as they got everything ready. He stood in the doorway watching. He loved watching Haley this happy.
"What happened to your face?"
Oh boy.
Haley was instantly standing in front of him pulling his face down to her.
"It was an accident. No big deal," Nathan muttered lowly.
"He hit you?" Haley asked softly as she moved her fingers over the part that hurt. He closed his eyes. He could just feel it getting darker and darker by the minute.
"Really it's nothing. I promise, I'm fine," Nathan continued.
"Mark! You jerk! I'm going to kill you!"
Before he could stop her she was storming out of the kitchen. He went to follow her but Lydia grabbed hold of his arm and turned him back to the spot he was in before.
"Let her go," Lydia instructed.
"Yeah, you don't want to get in her way," Quinn chuckled.
"I hope she kicks his ass," Taylor added.
"Lord knows he needs it," Beth nodded.
It was a few seconds later that Vivian handed Lydia something then she was pressing it to the side of his face. It was cold and it felt really good.
"Just hold it right on there," Lydia instructed.
"And take a seat."
He walked over to where Quinn had pulled out a chair for him and took a seat.
"What the hell are we doing in here?" Taylor questioned as she stood up. "We should be watching!" She ran out of the kitchen with Quinn and Beth following right behind her.
"I wouldn't want to be Mark right about now," Vivian chuckled.
"He's going to hate me again," Nathan muttered.
"Haley will knock him good," Lydia smiled.
"Nathan, can I ask you something?"
He glanced at Vivian. "Sure."
"Did you give my daughter a slingshot?"
"Uh…that depends…" He smiled sheepishly.
"On?"
"Why…you're asking," he chuckled softly.
"Oh, it's nothing," Vivian sighed. "She just broke three priceless family heirlooms."
"Then no."
She laughed. "I'm just kidding. She did, however, break Alyssa her china doll."
"Oh," Nathan sighed in relief.
~***~
He didn't know what he had been so afraid of. Besides, the punch in the face things had gone really well. Dinner was great and everyone had a good time. They all talked to him like he was part of the family. All the girls wouldn't stop talking about the wedding.
The only bad part was that Haley still wasn't talking to Mark. Even though Mark had told her that they were cool now she still didn't care. She had been ignoring him the whole night.
Now here he was on the carport doing the impossible. He was actually teaching Michael how to play basketball. That wasn't the impossible part. No, the kid had finally talked to him after he had given him his present, which was a basketball. Michael had instantly asked him to teach him how to play and everyone in the living room opening presents had been shocked.
Now here the two of them where outside shooting basketball together.
"Just hold the ball like this."
"Ok."
"Now, let it go like this."
He did and it hit the back board before falling. "Cool. I made it!"
"Come here," Nathan instructed. Michael went in front of him and Nathan lifted him up as the little boy started giggling. He placed him on his shoulders before reaching down picking up the ball and then handing it to him. He walked them up to the rim. "Now dunk it." It did this all the time with the boys.
The ball went into the net before falling to the ground. "Now you're a pro."
"Thanks, Uncle Nathan," Michael giggled.
"Once you get bigger you'll be able to do that all by yourself."
The front door opened and everyone started walking outside.
"Dad, look what I can do!" Nathan handed him the ball again before he dunked the ball again. Brad clapped his hands.
"Good job, bud."
"Let's play a game," Jimmy stated as he lifted the ball in his hands. "I call Nathan."
"No fair," Mark said. "He's on my team."
"Says who?" Brad questioned.
"Says me," Mark retorted before rolling his eyes.
"I'll play you for him," Brad offered.
"Boys, let's not get carried away. There's no need to play each other because he's on my team," Jimmy shrugged.
They continued to argue over what team he would be playing on. He didn't know how things had come to this but he liked it. They were fighting over him. What kind of crazy universe was this? He glanced over on the porch and noticed Haley smiling at him as she talked to her mother and sisters. He smiled back happily.
It seemed like things couldn't get any better but he knew that was the furthest thing from the truth. In a few short weeks he would be marrying the love of his life and nothing would ever top that.
