Thank you all so much for the reviews. I had fun reading them during my stressful weekend. So this is the chapter when Nathan gets to meet Haley's parents and sister. Just to remind you guys, all of Haley's siblings and friends know about the marriage since Lydia blabbed over the summer. She told all the relatives now, too, since Nathan is coming to visit. So when the Christmas party rolls around, everyone will know Nathan as Haley's husband. I hope that clears things up. Enjoy the chapter and please review!
Chapter 35
"Hales, wake up," Nathan said softly into her ear. The plane had just landed and was now pulling up to the jetport. He shook her gently when she didn't get up right away. Haley moaned a second later before her eyes fluttered open.
"We're here," he announced.
"Oh, good," she said with a yawn and rubbed her eyes. The flight attendants made an announcement that it was now safe to exit the plane. Nathan got up and pulled Haley's duffel bag out of the overhead compartment. He then took his bag that was on the floor. Haley grabbed her purse that was next to her as they got out of their seats and followed the line of people leaving the plane. It wasn't long before they were off the jetport and in the airport itself. A minute later, Haley heard her name being called.
"Haley! Haley! Over here," Lydia shouted while waving her arms to get their attention. The airport was really crowded so it was hard for them to see her parents at first.
"Oh, there they are," Haley announced. She then took Nathan's hand in hers and walked them over to her parents.
"Welcome home, Pumpkin," Jimmy greeted Haley with a hug.
"We missed you, Haley Bop," Lydia said as she brought Haley into a tight embrace, as well. She saw the smile that formed on Nathan's face when he heard her nickname.
"I missed you guys, too," Haley stated with a smile.
"It's good to see you again, Nathan," Jimmy commented as he held out his hand.
"You, too, Mr. James," Nathan replied as they shook hands. "Thank you for inviting me. I really appreciate it. And thank you for paying for the plane tickets. I can pay you back…"
"Nonsense," Lydia dismissed with a wave of her hand. "You're family now. With that you get free air fare." She laughed and then gave Nathan a warm hug.
"Wow, you're even taller than I remember," Lydia laughed when she pulled away. "And much cuter, too." She then winked at Haley.
"Mom," Haley warned good-naturedly.
"What? He is a very handsome boy. I knew it was only a matter of time before you fell for him," Lydia commented. Haley felt herself blush when she saw the smirk on Nathan's face.
"Haley never liked to admit it but she was always a sucker for the tall ones," Jimmy added. "She's like a little peanut next to you, Nate." Nathan laughed at that as Haley's face turned crimson.
"So where's Vivian?" Haley asked while trying to change the subject before her face got even redder. "She told me the other day she'd be here with you guys."
"Oh, she hasn't been feeling very well lately," Lydia said. "She had to stay at home so she could lay down for awhile. But her and Bill will be by later for dinner."
"Bill?" Nathan questioned.
"Vivian's husband," Haley reminded him.
"Oh, yeah," Nathan replied.
"He's a good guy," Jimmy stated. "He's also a big fan of basketball. I'm sure the two of you will get along, Nate."
"Sounds good," Nathan replied.
"Ow," Haley muttered as someone banged into her as they passed by.
"You ok?" Nathan asked as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders.
"Yeah, I'm fine. It's just a little crowded in here," Haley stated.
"Well, let's go get your luggage and then we'll leave," Jimmy told them and led the way. While the guys got the luggage off of the conveyor belt, Lydia and Haley started chatting happily. After another twenty minutes, they were all finally in the van driving back to Honey Grove.
"So how far away is Honey Grove?" Nathan asked.
"It's not too far. It'll take about a half hour to get back to the house," Jimmy answered.
"…so I found out that Mrs. Richardson is having an affair," Lydia stated to Haley. She was turned around in the passenger's seat so she could face her while they talked. She was filling Haley in on all the stuff she missed. "The mailman's truck was parked outside the house for over an hour. Like that isn't conspicuous."
"Lydia, I told you to stop insinuating that. It's not nice to gossip," Jimmy scolded.
"First of all, it's true. Mrs. Marny next door said one of the bedroom windows was open, and she saw them going at it like two horny teenagers." Nathan and Haley looked at each other with amused expressions before laughing at that. "And second, since when do you claim not to gossip. I heard you just the other day talking to your friend Bob about Mr. Newton's shrubs and how hideous they look—like his wife. Now that was not nice."
"That was an observation," Jimmy defended. "It also just happened to be true."
"No, it wasn't you liar. It was the same thing," Lydia claimed. Nathan smiled as Haley's parents continued to go back and forth. He had honestly never seen anything like it. They were fighting but it wasn't over anything bad. They weren't screaming or yelling or being rude towards one another. In fact, they were smiling and laughing at times as they argued. My parents should definitely take a few lessons from them.
"Sorry," Haley mumbled to Nathan as she looked at her parents. They had gone off on one of their tangents. They tended to get lost in their own world a lot.
"No, it's ok. It's entertaining," he replied with a reassuring smile. He then gave her a quick peck on the lips. Haley shifted in her seat so that she could lay her head on Nathan's shoulder. She was still a little worn out from the flight.
"It looks like someone is tired," Jimmy commented as he looked at them in the rearview mirror.
"We're almost home," Lydia said. "When we get to the house, the two of you can take a nap if you want before dinner later on. You both look exhausted."
"We are," Haley yawned. It was then that they passed the big "Welcome to Honey Grove" sign.
"Ten more minutes," Jimmy proclaimed. Nathan looked out the window at all the scenery that flew by. The town did seem very small and quaint. Maybe a little more so than Tree Hill. But it also had a very homey and safe vibe to it. It wasn't long before they started to enter a neighborhood. They drove a few more blocks until finally stopping in the driveway of a simple, cream-colored house with a front porch.
"We're here," Lydia announced.
"Yeah, but we're only living here while we renovate the mansion," Haley joked.
"Well, I like it," Nathan stated as he kissed her cheek. "Mansions are overrated." He then got out of the van to help Jimmy unload their luggage.
"What hell do you have in this one, Pumpkin? Bricks?" Jimmy asked while lifting the heavy suitcase.
"Presents," Haley answered as she followed her mom to the front door. Nathan was soon behind her carrying the bags. He got a quick look at their white living room and the kitchen down the hall before he followed Haley up to her room to put the stuff down. They came to a long hallway and took a right. Haley's bedroom was the door all the way at the end of the hall.
"Here we are," she declared while opening the door and letting him in first. "You can put the stuff down in front of the bed." Nathan did as he was told and then started to look around. Haley's room was a light green color. On her dresser to the right there was all makeup, jewelry boxes, and a few pictures here and there of different people. He saw one with her squished between Lucas and Brooke. Then, to the left, he noticed her desk and a bookcase that was filled. Above her desk on the wall were a whole bunch of childhood pictures of Haley and her parents and siblings. There were a few posters of Sheryl Crow and The Wreckers, also. He smirked when he saw a Pirates of the Caribbean one with Johnny Depp.
"So what do you think?" Haley asked.
"I think this is definitely a chick's room," he teased as Haley hit him playfully. "But I like it." He then leaned in to give her an affectionate kiss.
"Here's the rest of your stuff," Jimmy proclaimed as he brought the remaining luggage into the room. Haley then walked over to her large bed and collapsed on it. "You get some rest, Pumpkin. We'll come get you two before dinner when Vivian gets here."
"Ok, thanks," Haley replied as her dad left the room and closed the door. Nathan laid down next to her and was about to pull her to him when he noticed that something was between them.
"What's this?" Nathan asked as he picked up the teddy bear resting on her pillow.
"Oh, that is Mr. Waffles," Haley replied with a smile.
"Mr. who?" Nathan laughed.
"Mr. Waffles," she repeated. "I've had him since I was a baby. He's my favorite stuffed animal and is one kick-ass monster fighter."
"Nice," Nathan commented amused. He then put the bear aside and pulled Haley to him. She yawned again while snuggling into his chest.
"How come you're not tired?" she asked perplexed.
"I am a little. But then again, I didn't take that medicine that you did."
"Well, I'd rather be sleepy than dizzy." Nathan nodded as he caressed her hair. It was slowly starting to make her nod off.
"I'll wake you up in a little while," Nathan promised as her eyes closed.
"Ok," she mumbled as she fell asleep. Nathan continued to stroke her hair. He'd rather lay there and watch her than sleep any day.
"Haley, sweetheart, can you pass me the garlic powder?" Lydia asked. It was two hours later and Haley was now in the kitchen helping her mother make dinner. After her hour-long nap, Haley had taken a shower and changed out of her traveling clothes. She felt much more refreshed now.
"Here you go," Haley said while handing the powder to her mom. She then looked over at the clock. They had one more hour until Vivian and Bill arrived. Haley was so excited she could practically feel herself jumping in her skin. She really had missed her sister.
"You call that a pass!" Jimmy yelled. "That was crap. Haley can throw better than that, and she's horrible at sports!"
"Hey, I heard that!" Haley called to the living room. She heard Nathan laugh a second later. He and her dad were in there watching football. Haley was glad that they were getting along so well.
"Did you see that?! He intercepted it!" Nathan shouted.
"Go! Go! Run you son of bitch! Run!" Jimmy chanted at the TV. Haley shared a look with her mom. Lydia was shaking her head with a smile on her face. Haley couldn't help the small laugh that escaped. Her father was a complete nut when it came to football—and sometimes basketball. That was one of the only times she would ever hear Jimmy James yell.
"So how was this semester, Haley Bop? Did you do well?" Lydia asked as she stirred the boiling pasta.
"Yeah, I did," Haley replied. "My education class was kind of hard but I still think I managed to pull off an A-."
"That's good. Now, did you pick which courses you wanted for next semester yet?"
"Yup. I did that last week," Haley replied as she started to chop the vegetables for the salad. She looked up at the clock again and noticed there was only a half hour left until her sister would arrive.
"Do you guys need any help?" Nathan asked as he walked into the kitchen. Instantly he could smell the pasta, homemade sauce, meatballs, and whatever else they were cooking. He could feel his stomach growl quietly.
"Yes, that would be great, Nathan," Lydia beamed.
"You don't want to watch the rest of the game?" Haley asked surprised.
"The good part is over. Plus, I'm not that into football," Nathan explained. He also felt bad sitting down in the living room watching TV while Haley and Mrs. James were slaving away in the kitchen. He figured he'd make himself useful by helping out.
"Well, at least someone has some manners in this house," Lydia said as she shouted that last part loudly.
"What was that, honey?" Jimmy questioned back not really paying attention. Haley could see through the doorway that his eyes were still hooked on the screen.
"Men!" Lydia sighed. "No offense, Nathan."
"None taken," Nathan replied with a smile.
"Do you think you can set the table in the dining room?" Lydia inquired.
"Sure," he answered. She then passed Nathan a set of dishes and some silverware.
"I'll help you," Haley offered as she threw the chopped vegetables into the salad bowl. She grabbed some drinking glasses out of the cupboard and then led Nathan to the dining room that was over to the right.
"So, did my dad scare you?" Haley teased.
"No. He sounds like me when I watch basketball."
"I won't argue with you there," she retorted causing Nathan to smirk.
"You know you love it," he joked.
"Yes, hearing you suddenly shout while I'm trying to eat or study and scaring me half to death is the highlight of my day," Haley muttered sarcastically.
"See, I told you." Haley just rolled her eyes as she continued to set things up. As Haley put down a glass, her hand ended up colliding with Nathan's. She felt the familiar spark course through her body. When she looked up, Haley noticed that Nathan was staring at her.
"What?" she asked as her face flushed. He shook his head lightly and continued to say nothing while looking at her. It wasn't a heated stare. It seemed more… Haley couldn't even pinpoint the word. And she didn't really get to since her attention shifted back to him as he captured her lips in his. The kiss was soft and gentle and completely made Haley weak in the knees. Her arms then slid around his neck for support and so that she could bring him closer. One of his hands went to her hair as the other landed on the curve of her waist. They continued to kiss tenderly for another minute until Haley heard a click. When she opened her eyes, she just caught the end of the flash. What the hell?
"Mom!" Haley exclaimed when she saw the camera in Lydia's hand.
"What? I couldn't help it. You both just looked so precious," she excused. Haley blushed and then buried her head in Nathan's chest embarrassed. He smirked as Lydia gave him a mischievous wink before going back into the kitchen.
"I am so sorry," Haley apologized—muffled by his shirt. "My parents can be so…"
"Don't worry about it," Nathan dismissed with a laugh. "I actually think it's kind of funny."
"Ugh, you would," she groaned. He laughed again before giving her an affectionate kiss on top of her head.
"Come on, your sister will be here soon. We should help your mom."
"Trust me, we can't give her the kind of help she needs," Haley mumbled. Nathan shook his head as he grabbed her hand and led them back into the kitchen.
"That was quick," Lydia commented teasingly.
"Mom, please," Haley begged.
"What?" she asked innocently. Haley gave her a pointed look. "There's nothing to be ashamed about, Haley Bop. Physical intimacy is just a natural part of…"
"Mom!" Haley reprimanded again. She could feel Nathan laughing next to her. Haley quickly smacked him in the chest. Nathan stopped laughing but the smirk never left his face. Just then, the doorbell rang. It was the perfect distraction that Haley needed. Plus, she was really anxious to see her sister.
"I'll get it," she announced excitedly before racing to the door.
"Haley Bop, I missed you!" Vivian shouted with a wide smile and open arms after Haley opened the door.
"I missed you too, Viv," Haley replied as she hugged her older sister tightly.
"Hi, Bill," Haley greeted him after she pulled away.
"How's it going?" he replied warmly and gave her a quick hug.
"So, is he here?" Vivian asked excitedly. "Mom said that you were bringing him."
"If by 'him' you mean Nathan then yes. He's here. He's in the kitchen helping Mom and me with dinner."
"Ooh, I like him already," Vivian declared as she stepped inside. "Bill never helps me in the kitchen."
"You never let me. After I burned the pot roast that one time, you forbid me to cook anything," he defended as he followed her in. Haley shut the door behind them.
"Well, maybe it's time that I actually taught you a thing or two," Vivian declared.
"I don't think…" Bill trailed off as Jimmy approached.
"Hey, kids," he greeted. He kissed Vivian's cheek and gave Bill a pat on the back. "You hungry?"
"Starved," Bill answered and quickly followed Jimmy into the dining room before Vivian could start on him again.
"I don't know what I'm going to do with that man," Vivian sighed and shook her head.
"You know you love him," Haley replied.
"Unfortunately," she muttered jokingly. "Speaking of love, can I meet Nathan now?"
"Sure. As long as you don't mention the L-word again," Haley stated.
"Why…"
"We'll talk later," Haley promised. Vivian frowned momentarily and then nodded. She next gestured for Haley to lead the way.
"Vivian, sweetie, I'm glad you could make it," Lydia said as they entered the kitchen. "Are you feeling better?"
"Yeah. I think I just needed a nap," she replied. Haley then noticed her sister's gaze turn towards Nathan. Lydia had him mixing the salad for her. He stopped and looked up. The first thing he noticed was how much she looked like Haley—aside from the obvious height difference. Vivian was definitely taller. Her hair was also darker. But their faces were very much alike. She had the same little button nose that Nathan loved about Haley.
"Vivian, this is Nathan. Nathan, this is my sister Vivian," Haley introduced.
"It's nice to meet you," Nathan greeted as he held out his hand.
"It's nice to meet you, too," Vivian replied while shaking his hand. "Haley has told me a lot about you."
"Before or after she hated me?" Nathan joked.
"Both," Vivian laughed along with Lydia. Haley just rolled her eyes casually.
"Mom, do you need anymore help?" Haley asked.
"No, everything is done," Lydia proclaimed. "But if you guys could grab a dish on your way to the dining room then that would be great." Nathan took the salad, Haley grabbed the bowl of pasta, and Vivian took the dish of meatballs.
"Mmm, that smells delicious," Jimmy complimented as they set everything down on the table. Lydia entered the room while carrying a pitcher of soda and some wine.
"Haley, I forgot the bread sticks on the counter. Can you get it for me please?" Lydia questioned.
"Sure," Haley answered before going back into the kitchen.
"This looks great, honey," Jimmy declared.
"Thank you but I had some help. Haley and Nathan contributed, as well."
"Wow, you were in the kitchen with them and survived?" Bill asked Nathan.
"Yeah," he replied.
"Brave man," Bill commented as Jimmy nodded. Nathan laughed. "Sorry, I'm Bill, by the way—Vivian's husband."
"Nathan," he responded. "Technically, I'm Haley's husband." Bill laughed at that one.
"I heard."
"Ok, here they are," Haley said as she reentered the room. She placed the basket of breadsticks on the table and then took her seat beside Nathan. Bill and Vivian sat across from them as Jimmy and Lydia were at the opposite ends.
"Everybody all set?" Jimmy asked. Everyone nodded. "Ok." As Nathan sat in his seat, all he could do was inhale the meatballs that sat in the giant plate in front of him. He was starving by now. He'd had a small breakfast and an even smaller—as well as disgusting—lunch on the plane. He was dying for a real meal. Nathan inhaled deeply again before moving to get some food. Haley's hand on his arm, however, halted him.
"What?" he asked confused.
"Wait," she said softly. He then noticed that everyone else at the table had their hands folded and their heads slightly bowed. Nathan mimicked their forms and waited as Haley instructed. A second later, Jimmy started to lead everyone in saying Grace. Oh my God, I'm such an idiot! Nathan couldn't believe that he'd almost been that rude. But then again, it wasn't like he really knew any better. His family never said prayers—or ate together, for that matter. Mealtime was usually TV dinners while watching whatever game was on.
"…amen," Jimmy finished. "Now let's dig in, everyone." Nathan sat still for a second as everyone served themselves.
"It's ok," Haley whispered to him. He didn't know how she knew he would do that but he was grateful that she stopped him from looking like a complete ass. It was another minute before Nathan started to get some food himself.
"Vivian, Bill, would you like some wine?" Lydia asked as she poured herself a glass.
"Sure," Bill replied as he handed his glass to her.
"No thanks," Vivian rejected. "I'm not really in the mood tonight."
"Nate, Haley Bop, I'd offer you some but we all know what happens when the two of you get liquored up," Lydia joked. Haley almost spat out her drink at her mother's comment. Nathan laughed as he saw her face, once again, turn red from embarrassment. He felt his own face get slightly hot, though. The whole table busted out laughing at that.
"How did you manage to get my sister drunk, anyway? I never heard the whole story," Vivian stated to Nathan curiously. "She's the most responsible person I know."
"More than us," Jimmy added as he and Lydia smiled.
"No, I'm no-" Haley started to say but Nathan interrupted.
"Actually, she was already drunk by the time I got to the bar. I was the one who had to catch up to her," he explained.
"Really?" Vivian asked surprised. "And what led to my little sister's slip into debauchery?" She directed the question to Haley.
"It was stupid," Haley stated. "My ex-boyfriend Shane left me a very angry message on my voicemail. I was already pissed and slightly depressed so…I don't know…I guess I lost it for a little while."
"Which one was Shane?" Vivian questioned—mostly to herself. "Oh, right. The sex addict."
"Vivian!" Haley scolded. When she had been dating Shane, she'd told her sister all about how he pressured her. Vivian would listen intently as Haley talked all about the frustrations in their relationship. Since the topic was always about him pressuring Haley for sex, Vivian made up that little title for him.
"What?!" Jimmy bellowed.
"He wasn't really a sex addict, Dad," Haley clarified. "He was just…"
"An ass," Vivian finished. "He was always pressuring Haley."
"Oh, right. I remember him. What a jerk," Lydia joined in.
"How come I didn't know about this?" Jimmy demanded. Nathan didn't blame him for being mad. He got pissed just thinking about how Shane had treated Haley. Hence, why he had beat the shit out of the guy.
"Jimmy, the last person she's going to talk to is her father about boyfriend troubles," Lydia stated.
"Especially when it's about sex," Vivian added.
"Guys, can we please…" Haley began but was cut off again.
"So? I would've flown to North Carolina and beat some sense into that kid. Nobody messes with my little innocent Pumpkin," Jimmy declared.
"I'd kill the guy if it were my daughter," Bill added.
"Relax, Dad, Nathan already beat you to it," Haley informed him. Jimmy got a surprised look on his face.
"Really?" Jimmy questioned him.
"Yeah," Nathan replied.
"What did you do?" Bill asked curiously.
"I sort of gave him some bruises and warned him to stay away from her," he answered cautiously. He didn't want Haley's family to think he was some violent psycho. The room went silent for a minute as Nathan held his breath.
"Well, that a boy, Nate!" Jimmy beamed. "At least the hooligan got what he deserved."
"Did this happen before or after you guys got married?" Vivian inquired.
"After," Haley answered. "I ran into Shane on campus early in the semester and he started acting like a jerk again."
"She came home crying. It was awful," Nathan added.
"Haley, you didn't tell me about that," Vivian said.
"I know. I didn't want you to worry. Besides, I just wanted to forget and move on from the whole thing."
"He's not bothering you now, is he?" Lydia asked.
"No. Nathan pretty much scared the crap out of him," Haley replied.
"Good work, Nate," Jimmy complimented. "I like this one, Pumpkin."
"Thanks, Mr. James," Nathan replied.
"Please, call me Jimmy."
"Ok, so back to the marriage part. Why were you drinking, Nathan? If you don't mind me asking," Vivian added quickly.
"It's ok. I just got into another fight with my dad. We really don't get along. I guess you could say that I needed to loosen up after that one." Bill nodded.
"My father's not the nicest guy, either," he said.
"But you haven't met Dan Scott," Haley stated. "He'd make your father look like a saint."
"He's really that bad?" Lydia asked. Nathan could hear the motherly concern in her voice—something that had always been lacking in his own mother's voice for years. It was refreshing to hear.
"Unfortunately, yes. He's still bitter about his knee injury he got in college. It took his whole basketball career away. Since I play and have a real shot at getting drafted into the NBA, he tends to get obsessive—always trying to live his dream through me. He's been badgering me and comparing me to him ever since I was old enough to hold a basketball," Nathan explained. He was a little shocked, afterward. He hadn't meant to reveal all that. His father was definitely a touchy subject where he was concerned. But Haley's comforting hand on his arm and the way her family seemed to genuinely care made him actually want to share the details.
"I'm sorry, Nathan," Lydia stated.
"No father should ever be like that," Jimmy commented with a shake of his head.
"Don't worry about it. I'm used to it," Nathan said dismissively.
"Anyway," Haley said trying to push on. She could tell that Nathan looked slightly uncomfortable with the topic. "We were both drunk, one thing led to another, and then the next thing we knew we were married. That's basically it."
"Interesting," Vivian commented. Haley shifted a little under her sisters probing gaze. The whole room went silent again for a minute before Lydia spoke.
"Speaking of getting drunk, I heard that…" Lydia began her story about one of their neighbor's kids. Jimmy interrupted not too long after warning her about gossiping. For the rest of the dinner—much to Haley's delight—the conversation was light and cheerful. The guys started to debate about the best NBA teams. They went over stats and scores. The women then started talking about recipes and other casual things that were going on in their lives. It was another hour before Haley and Vivian got a chance to talk alone. The guys were all in the living room watching ESPN while Lydia finished the clean up from dinner in the kitchen. She'd told Haley and Vivian that she didn't need their help for the rest. The two sisters had then decided to go upstairs to Haley's room.
"Ok, spill," Vivian demanded as soon as the bedroom door closed.
"Spill what?" Haley asked innocently.
"Everything," she clarified.
"Viv, I already told you. We got drunk…"
"I'm not talking about how you guys got married. I'm talking about how you went from completely 'hating' him to realizing that you're madly in lo- "
"Please, do not finish that sentence," Haley interjected quickly.
"Why?"
"Because…just don't." Vivian gave Haley a strange look before continuing on.
"Fine, but at least help me to understand it," Vivian requested. "What caused the change between the two of you?" Haley sighed not knowing how to put it into words. She didn't want to get too into the details. She wanted to keep some of the things that happened between her and Nathan private. But at the same time, she did have the insatiable urge to confide in her big sister.
She thought it over for a minute or so before answering, "I guess it was a lot of little things."
"Like what?" Vivian prodded as she took a seat on the bed. Haley soon followed.
"Well, we definitely fought a lot in the beginning. The apartment was a complete war zone. And then we had to pretend that we were this happy couple in front of everyone so we had to spend even more time with each other. It was all so frustrating," Haley explained.
"And then?" Vivian asked.
"Then things got complicated. We started making tiny compromises and agreements. Then we started talking—got to know each other better. We still fought but the small gestures were starting to overpower that. Eventually, we just got to the point where we decided to put our differences aside and become friends. It made living together and pretending much more bearable."
"So when did that change?"
"Honestly, Viv, I have no idea," Haley stated. "I really want to say that I just woke up one morning and the feelings were there—that they completely came out of nowhere. But I can't. The truth is I think that I knew I'd fallen for him a long time ago. And that sort of scared me in the beginning. It still does. Under all the tension and anger and annoyance, I felt this spark with Nathan. It just took me a while to realize that it was actually there." As soon as the words left Haley's mouth, she felt a little lighter. She'd been thinking about that for awhile now. How Nathan always had the ability to produce such fire and passion in her—especially when they would argue. She just never voiced those thoughts. She was always too afraid to. But now, she was ready to accept it. In fact, she embraced it.
"So you guys are officially together now," she concluded. "You're going to stay married?"
"I don't know. We might be married but like I told Peyton and Brooke, we're kind of in the 'dating' phase right now. We're trying to take it one step at a time. See how it goes."
"That makes sense. Marriage is a big step. It takes a lot of work," Vivian stated. "How is the 'dating' going so far?" Haley couldn't suppress the smile that formed on her face.
"Great," Haley answered. "Nathan's become like my best friend. We talk a lot and support one another. But the way I feel when I'm with him feels far from being just friends."
"How do you feel?" Vivian asked leaning closer and getting all excited. This is what Haley loved about being close to her sister. They could share stories and have their girl talk. Haley felt the same way about Brooke and Peyton but Vivian was five years older. She was wiser and had a different perspective to offer.
"I think the question is what don't I feel? I can't breathe when I'm around him. I think about him constantly. And when I'm not with him, I want to be. I can hardly sleep when he's not next to me. And then the way he kisses me…I swear I can feel it all the way down to my toes."
"Wow," Vivian laughed, "You've got it bad, girl."
"Tell me about it," Haley replied. "I feel like such a mess."
"You're not a mess," Vivian assured her with a smile. "You're just…in love." In that moment, Haley could've sworn that her heart stopped beating for a second. Her stomach lurched and her breath caught in her throat. Vivian's words hit her like a ton of bricks. It wasn't that she hadn't thought of that possibility. Haley knew her feelings for Nathan ran deep and seemed to be gaining strength with each passing day. But having her sister actually say it out loud like that just shook her to her core.
"Viv, I'm not…I mean I can't…" Haley tried to say. "Shit." Somebody please kill me right now.
"It's ok if you're not ready to admit it yet. I figured as much when you freaked out about me using the infamous 'L-word' earlier," she said while making air quotes.
"Viv, please don't…"
"Haley Bop, I promise I won't say anything to anyone. You can tell him when you're ready."
"That's just the thing," Haley replied. "I can't tell him anything. I can barely wrap my head around it. Imagine how he'd react."
"Maybe he feels the same way."
"Maybe he doesn't. There's a big difference between liking and loving."
"Look, Haley, I don't know Nathan very well—or at all, for that matter. But judging by the way he looked at you throughout dinner and the kiss I saw in the kitchen when you guys thought no one was watching, I'd say it's a definite possibility that he feels the same way."
"You saw us?" Haley asked as her face suddenly got hot and most likely turned crimson. Nathan had offered to help her get the dessert ready. One minute she'd been frosting the cake and the next his arms had wrapped around her bringing her into a steamy kiss.
"Yeah," Vivian said with an amused smile. "I didn't know my little sister knew how to French like that."
"Vivian!" Haley exclaimed as she lightly whacked her with Mr. Waffles who was sitting nearby.
"What? It was just an observation," Vivian defended innocently.
"Well, please don't make anymore of them," Haley requested.
"Actually, I'm going to have to," Vivian replied.
"What? Why?"
"You want to know if he feels the same way, right?" Yes.
"I don't know," Haley retorted nonchalantly with a shrug. She didn't want to seem too overeager.
"Of course you do you liar," Vivian claimed—seeing right through her. "Which is why I'm going to watch how he acts around you."
"Viv, don't," Haley pled. She didn't want her spying on Nathan or anything.
"I'm not going to do anything drastic or too obvious. I just want to watch him around you. And when I'm done, we'll talk and I'll tell you what I saw. What you do with it is up to you after that. You'll have to be the one to judge how he really feels in the end. But at least this way, you'll have another perspective. Ok?"
"Fine," Haley conceded. She really did want a second opinion. And who better to give it to her than her wise older sister? "But nothing too obvious. I'm serious."
"I promise. I will be totally discrete," Vivian asserted.
"Ok. Thank you, Vivian," Haley responded as she gave her a hug.
"That's what big sisters are for," she replied. She then looked over at the clock on the nightstand. "Crap, it's getting late. Bill and I should probably get going. I don't know how long I'll be able to keep this food down." Vivian got up off the bed and stretched.
"What? Why? Are you still sick?" Haley asked as she got up and moved her hand to Vivian's head to feel her temperature. "You don't have a fever."
"I'm not sick, Haley," Vivian informed her. "It's something totally different." Haley gave her a puzzled look.
"Then what is it?" she asked concerned.
"I'm pregnant," Vivian answered with a smile.
"What?!" Haley squealed excitedly. "Oh my God, congratulations!" She then brought her sister into a tight hug. "When did you find out?"
"Two days ago at the doctor's office. I'm roughly three weeks along."
"Oh, I'm so happy for you! Bill must be thrilled."
"Yeah, he is. Although, I did think he was actually going to faint for a second after I told him"
Haley chuckled before asking, "Did you tell Mom and Dad yet?"
"No. I'm going to tell them when the rest of the family gets here. You know Mom. She'll definitely spill the beans and the whole family will know before they even get here on Sunday."
"Then why did you tell me?"
"Because you're my favorite sister and I couldn't wait. Besides, I know you won't tell anyone."
"No one. Not even Nathan," Haley confirmed.
"Thank you." Vivian then gave her another hug. "I better go. I'm going to have to drag Bill away from that basketball game before my morning sickness—which lasts all damn day, by the way—kicks in." Haley laughed briefly and gave her sister's arm a squeeze.
"Aw, I'm sorry. I hope you feel better. I'll be right down to see you guys off. I just have to do something first," Haley said.
"Ok, see you again in a few," Vivian stated and then left. Afterward, Haley collapsed onto her back on the bed. She rubbed her hands over her face trying to get her thoughts and emotions under control. She was scared again. Were her true feelings for Nathan really so evident? Did he suspect anything? And if he did, did he feel the same way? All these questions just kept replaying over and over in her head. She didn't know what to do. No matter how many times she tried to convince herself otherwise, Haley loved Nathan. She knew deep down that it had been gaining force even before Thanksgiving. But she just couldn't say it. Saying it somehow made it feel more real—more eminent.
No, that was not an option. She would keep her mouth shut. Until she was sure that he felt the same way—if he felt the same way—Haley would act like everything was normal. Nothing had changed. With that in mind, she finally pulled herself up off the bed. She took a few deep, calming breaths and put it all in the back of her mind. She'd torture herself later. Right now, she had to go back downstairs in front of Nathan and everyone else and seem as if everything was perfectly fine. You can do this, Haley, she coached herself. You can do it. Yes, she would get through it. She had to. But how long would that really last?