Chapter 35:
Haley woke up in an incredibly uncomfortable position the next morning. She had offered to stay overnight with Allyson at the hospital. Allyson told her she would be fine alone but Haley didn't want to leave her or Heidi. Heidi's condition still was yet to change.
"Ow.." Haley winced in pain as she shifted in her chair. Allyson was already awake just sitting there.
"Are you okay?" Allyson asked her
"Yeah, my wrist just hurts." Haley said looking at her slightly swollen wrist.
"You should really get that looked at. You might have broken it." Allyson said looking at her wrist.
"Nah, I will be fine." Haley said shrugging it off.
"Thank you for staying with me last night." Allyson thanked her.
"Of course."
"Wow it's already 10 I wonder where everyone is?" Allyson said finally looking at the clock. They were interrupted by a soft knock on the door. When Haley saw who was walking in her breath hitched in her throat.
"Nathan!" She stood up immediately running over to hug Nathan for dear life.
"What are you doing here?" She asked clinging to him
"I talked to Lucas last night. I knew you need me so I drove down first thing this morning. I know you said you were fine but I needed to be sure." Nathan said still holding her.
"You are way too good to me!" Haley said giving him a peck on the lips.
"How are you holding up Allyson?" Nathan asked her as she sat there quietly.
"I've been better." She said laughing nervously.
"Are you guys hungry or anything?" Nathan asked
"Yeah and coffee!" Haley answered, she hadn't gotten much sleep last night.
"Allyson what about you?" Nathan asked
"I could use coffee." She responded
"You should eat something." Nathan suggested.
"How about we walk to the cafeteria even though their food is horrible." Haley said laughing a little.
"Nope. I have the something better. On the way here I made a stop at your mom's café." Nathan said with a smile as both girls grinned. He opened the door a little. "I also found a few people on the way." Nathan said shrugging as he opened the door all the way. In walked Jason (Allyson's boyfriend), Lucas, and Lindsey all caring food. Allyson immediately got up and ran to Jason, he hugged her for dear life whispering things to her.
"You really are something Nathan Scott." Haley mumbled giving him a quick peck before grabbing coffee and food.
"I know." Nathan said grinning "Oh, and I had your mom make both of your favors."
"Thank you."Haley said with a smile.
"Thank you Nathan, this is really sweet of you." Allyson said finally pulling away from Jason. "Thank you for telling and bringing Jason I completely forgot my phone." Allyson was the one that had found Heidi in her room that night and with everything she had completely forgotten her phone and had meant to call Jason countless times last night but never got the chance with everything going on.
"No problem, he was at the café thought you would need the company." Nathan said shrugging. When Nathan had arrived at the café that morning he found Jason in there looking for Allyson. He had then explained what happened and offered to take him to the hospital. Nathan's gaze shifted Heidi who laid helplessly on the bed. Lucas and Lindsey were now sitting right next to her silently. "How is she?"
"She should wake up anytime now." Haley answered looking at Heidi as she leaned her head on Nathan's chest. "Thank you for coming." Haley said lifting her head up to look at him. It was at that moment Nathan saw her bruises. She looked away avoiding him gaze.
"Did he do this to you?" Nathan questioned softly she simply nodded as he lightly placed his thumb and pointer finger on her chin to turn her head to look at him. He first looked at her cheek and looked at his other hand and lightly grazed his fingers over the bruise. "Does is hurt?" He as Haley just shrugged her shoulders. He then lifted her chin to see the bruises on her neck. "I'm going to kill him." He breathed getting more mad by the second.
"No, I am fine really!" She said not wanting Nathan to do anything stupid. "It could be worse." Haley said as her gaze shifted to Heidi. Nathan just took her in his arms and hugged her. She took one more look at Heidi and then broke free of Nathan's embrace. "I need to go for a walk." Haley said getting ready to leave by Nathan reached for her wrist to stop her, almost instantly as his hand came in contact with her wrist she winced and pulled it away.
"Are you ok?" Nathan asked immediately concerned gently taking her hand and looking at it.
"Yeah I'm fine." She said as Nathan gave her a questioning look. "I think he may have sprained me wrist." She admitted.
"Why don't we go have it checked out?" Nathan suggested
"No really I am fine-"
"Hales, please." Nathan said almost begging.
"Okay" She said simply. As they both started to walk out the door.
"Hales where are you going?" Lucas asked as he saw them leaving.
"I am taking her to get her wrist looked at. " Nathan said as they left.
"What happened to her wrist?" He asked confused.
"Zack twisted it." Lindsey answered.
"That bastard!" Lucas said through his teeth. "He thinks he can just get away with hurting girls."
"Luke…" Lindsey said softly.
"No look at Heidi she's unconscious and Haley got hurt. He probably would have hurt her more if Chase wasn't there or if my mom hadn't walked in at the café."
"I know Luke but you getting angry isn't helping anyone." Lindsey said trying to reason.
"Lindsey's right. We are all upset but we need to let the police handle this now." Allyson said
"Did you guys already call the cops?" Lucas asked.
"Yeah, they were here but we asked them to hold off on questioning Haley until Heidi wakes up. I have already given them everything I know." Allyson admitted. No one knew the cops had been informed of what exactly had happed to Heidi, they hadn't really thought about it.
About a half hour later Haley and Nathan came back into the room. Haley had he wrist wrapped up.
"How is your wrist?" Allyson asked
"It's sprained." Haley said simply. "Um do you guys mind giving me a little time alone with Heidi?" Haley asked hesitantly.
"Yeah of course." Allyson said getting up gesturing for everyone to follow. Once everyone had left the room Haley took a seat next to Heidi.
"Hey Heid. You need to wake up now okay everyone is really worried about you. I miss you and I'm sorry about everything I said to you.."
"No I'm sorry." A quiet raspy voice said. Haley looked up in surprise at Heidi as her eyes slowly fluttered open. "Hi." She said weakly.
"Hi." Haley said "Do you want some water?" Haley asked as Heidi nodded. Haley got up and grabbed the pitcher of water and gave her a glass.
"Thank you." Heidi said with a small smile. Haley didn't know what to say she felt really awkward about the way they left things.
"Um..I'm gunna go get a doctor and tell everyone else you are awake." Haley said quickly standing starting to walk toward the door.
"Haley! Wait!" Heidi said as Haley immediately stopped but she didn't turn around. "I am so sorry again. I should have learned the first time. You have only been trying to help me. I am sorry I let Zack hurt you. You are my best friend and you always will be and that should have been more important. You are like a sister to me. Please forgive me." Heidi said as Haley slowly turned around.
"I forgive you. And I believe that you are sorry but I just don't trust you. I wish I could but you really hurt me again…" Haley saw the disappointment on Heidi's face and instantly felt guilty. "However, I am willing to give you ONE more chance to be friends…a part of me will always consider you my best friend but you hurt me a lot and I just don't think we will ever be like..like we used to be. But for right now I just need time." Haley said turning to walk away but stopped again. "I'm really glad your okay." Haley said before finally walking out the door. Once she got to the waiting room she saw Heidi's parents had arrived along with hers. "Heidi's awake." She told them. They were all really excited and ran off to her room everyone that is except Nathan who stood in front of her. Haley slowly looked up with tears brimming in her eyes. Nathan immediately pulled her too him leading her to the chairs to sit down.
"Shh it's going to be okay. It's okay she's awake now." Nathan whispered gently stroking her hair. Haley started shaking her head.
"No it won't." Haley said in a shaky voice. "All I wanted was for her to wake up so we can fix this but…but..but now I don't know if we can…she hurt me so bad and she promised me to many times that this wouldn't happen again..I just..I just don't know what to do.." Haley said still crying.
"I know baby it's hard but you just have to do what feels right. I know she hurt you and I want to hate her for that but she will always be important to you. You guys were friends for too long to be nothing. The fact that you are even considering being friends with her again just proves how much of an amazing person you are…that's why I love you so much." Nathan said with a smile as he pulled her tighter to him and kissed her temple.
"I love you too. Can I ask you for a favor?" Haley asked hesitantly.
"anything" Nathan answered
"Can we go to your house tonight I just need time away.."
"Of course." Nathan answered.
"Thank you." Haley answered
"Haley!" A voice called from the hallway. Haley looked up to see Anna standing there with Peyton. Haley then walked towards Anna and hugged her. "Why didn't you call me?" Anna asked.
"I'm sorry I've just had a lot on my mind."
"It's okay! Peyton told me what happened and I wanted to check on both of you." Anna explained.
"She's awake now I just talked to her but right now I just need time to think about everything." Haley said quietly. She wanted to be there for Heidi she was just having a hard time letting go. "I feel terrible I should be there for her but I can't be it's just ..it's just-"
"I understand. You deserve time." Anna said nodding. "You don't need to explain anything to me your forgetting the fact that I was there for pretty much everything from the beginning. I saw how hurt you were. You deserve time." Anna said. Anna had become friends with Haley while Haley was friends with Heidi at the age of 14. She was there before they started fighting she had also become friends with Heidi through Haley. But when things started to get bad she was there for Haley 100%, she was the one there most of the time when she broke down. Haley had other friends but Anna was the only one that had hung out with Heidi.
"Thanks." Haley said as Anna looked at her confused. "Thank you for always being there for me. Your one of my best friends and YOU always will be. " Haley said taking a deep breath. "Can you do me a little favor?" Anna nodded. "Can you be there for her while I take the time to think things over..i'm just going to go to Nathan's for the night but can you call me if anything changes?" Haley asked.
"Of course. I was going to check on her anyway." Anna confessed.
"Good. Tell everyone I will be back tomorrow. Bye" She said giving her a hug before turning to Peyton. "Bye Peyt..I'll see you tomorrow." She said giving her a quick hug before taking Nathan's hand and walking to his car.
"Do you want to come in with me?" Anna asked Peyton.
"Yeah, Lucas is in there." Peyton answered. As they made their way down the hall everyone was now leaving Heidi's room. Lucas came up to them.
"Hey Peyt." He said wrapping his arm around her shouldered giving her a kiss on the head. "Hey Anna, What are you guys doing here?"
"We came to check on Haley and Heidi…Haley went to Nathan's for the night." Anna asked as Lucas nodded.
"I figured she would." Lucas responded.
"Why is everyone leaving?" Peyton asked.
"Heidi needs rest." Lucas answered as they made their way down the hall. Anna was torn what to do.
"Hey guys I'll catch up in like five minutes okay?" Anna said as Peyton nodded knowingly.
"Go ahead I'll meet you by the car."
Anna slowly made her way into Heidi's room. As soon as she shut the door Heidi turned to looked at her.
"Anna?" Heidi said confused to why she was there.
"Hey. How are you feeling?" Anna asked taking a seat next to her bed.
"I feel like I've been run over by a truck and my best friend hates me and I don't blame her." Heidi said sadly.
"She doesn't hate you." Anna said quietly.
"What?!?"
"She doesn't hate you." Anna said looking at Heidi. "She's just really hurting right now. She needs time to think. You really hurt her Heidi she deserves the time don't you think?" Anna said as Heidi nodded.
"Yea I just feel like she will never forgive me."
"She will in time." Anna revealed
"How do you know?" Heidi asked
"Because I know Haley….she's my best friend." Anna said as Heidi looked away sadly. "About a few months ago Haley and I had a huge argument over a lot of stuff I was drinking a lot and changing and not for the better, Haley decided she didn't like the person I was becoming..i didn't like it either but I didn't try to stop it I drank all the time. I started doing a lot of fucked up things that weren't like me..I cheated on m y boyfriend of the time who was a friend of Haley's..After Haley tried to help me and asked me to stop drinking so much I got trashed at her house with some people when she went out for a little while and trusted me to watch her house, he dad ended up coming home and it wasn't good...I would get drunk at parties and she would have to take care of me and clean up my messes..She ended up getting tired of it and I don't blame her. I did a lot more and eventually we.…we stopped being friends. Haley and I weren't friends for a few months." Heidi looked shocked. "Yeah I know you would never guess." Anna said laughing slightly. "Anyway I got my act together and stopped drinking to the extent I had been and even now I barely drink. I apologized and it took some time and now we are the way we used to be. So it is possible."
"Why are you telling me this?" Heidi asked confused.
"To prove to you that Haley's is an amazingly forgiving person. If you just give her time she will come around. Her friends mean the world to her. Now I know our situations are the same but Haley's a good friend." Anna said as Heidi nodded understanding. " She has had to deal with a lot of things. "I honestly don't know she would be right now if it weren't for Nathan."
"She found herself a good guy." Heidi added. "Oh god he probably thinks I am a horrible person after comparing them to me and Zack."
"Don't worry about it." Anna said shaking her head. "I'm sure if Haley can forgive you so can he." Anna said with a smile.
"I am happy for her" Heidi admitted
"Yeah me too.." Anna said. "A little jealous but happy." Anna said with a little laugh.
"Yeah tell me about it." Heidi said laughing too.
"Okay well I hope you feel better. I have to go Peyton and Lucas are waiting for me." Anna said getting up to leave.
"Bye Anna." Heidi said as Anna started to walk away. Anna then stopped.
"I missed talking to you…the old Heidi." Anna said with a smile. "Bye. Feel better."
It was about eight o'clock when Haley and Nathan arrived to Nathan's house. They noticed Marcus' car in the driveway.
"Marcus must have come early." Nathan said
"Who's car is that?" Haley asked once she saw another car in the driveway.
"Oh that's Shelly's friend Mia."
"Oh okay..I'm gunna go in and see Marcus and Shelly." Haley said getting out of the car. "Oh and Nathan why don't you call some of your friends I still want to meet them like I told you I would." Haley said with a smile as she exited the car. Haley really wanted to talk to Marcus they had always been kind of close and he was always good at listening to her. Nathan was too but sometimes she needed an opinion other than his. Haley made her way to Shelly's room. She knew where it was from her past visits when Lucas would come to see Shelly and Haley would spend the night.
"Hey." Haley said quietly as she entered the room. Shelly immediately ran to Haley to hug her.
"I'm so glad you're here. How's Heidi?" She asked pulling away
"She woke up..I just need some time to think."
"We'll I'm glad she's okay." Shelly said as Haley nodded. "Oh this is my bestest friend Mia."
"Hey." Mia said waving slightly.
"Hi." Haley said with a small smile.
"Where's my brother?" Shelly asked
"He's coming in right now."
"Oh good! Mia let's go ask him!" Shelly said pulling Mia out of the room; Haley just gave a confused look.
"Her parents decided to go away for a few nights Shelly wants a party." Marcus filled in. "How are you doing with everything?" Marcus asked giving her a tight hug which Haley returned. Marcus hadn't heard much about what happened, just hat Heidi was in the hospital because of Zack.
"I've been better." Haley said simply. Just then Marcus noticed her bruises.
"What happened to your cheek? And neck? And wrist?" He asked finally taking in her appearance.
"Zack.." Haley said simply.
"Oh Hales-"
"I am okay. I just don't know what to do about Heidi. I want to forgive her but I don't want her to hurt me again. She was my best friend a part of me will always think of her as that."
"Well what she did was wrong but what was done to her was also wrong. I know you guys have been through a lot but you guys were friends for a long time. You guys used o be practically like sister. It's your decision just be careful." Marcus said.
"Thanks. Now what do you say we go find my boyfriend and your girlfriend?"
"Very good idea!" Marcus said putting his arm over her shoulders as they walked out of the room. Once they got into the room Haley made her way over to Nathan who was talking to Shelly.
"Yay! I am so excited!" Shelly said jumping up and down. "Party time!" Shelly yelled "Haley come get ready with me in my room." Shelly said before giving Marcus a quick kiss before leaving with Mia. Haley then turned to Nathan and placed her arms around his neck pulling him into a passionate kiss. They both pulled away breathlessly.
"What was that for?" Nathan asked breathlessly
"Because I love you!" Haley said with a smile before leaving the room to follow Shelly.
About an hour later people were arriving. Haley was now out of Shelly's room, she was the first one ready Bevin was now in Shelly's room too. She has managed to cover up her bruises for the most part with the help of Shelly. The first person she saw was Marcus who was talking to some people she didn't know. Marcus had already been to see Shelly once and must have met people then.
"Hey" Haley said coming up next to him.
"Hey Hales. Want a drink?" He asked holding up a cup of beer.
"Yeah sure." Haley said "Anything to get my mind off things." She said taking a sip.
"It will be okay." Marcus reminded her wrapping his arm around her shoulders giving her a light squeeze before releasing her.
"Thanks" Haley said giving him a quick friendly kiss on the cheek. "I'm gunna go find Nate." Haley said starting to walk away but stopped when she heard a guy start talking.
"Wait aren't you going out with Shelly?" The guy asked Marcus.
"Yeah..why?"
"Who is she then?" the guy asked
"Oh Julian this is Nate's girlfriend Haley." Marcus said. (Julian is Nathan's friend)
"Hi." Haley said
"Why did you just kiss Marcus on the cheek then?" Julian asked confused.
"Julian enough with the 3rd degree they are good friends." Nathan said rolling his eyes at him wrapping his arm around Haley's waist giving her a quick kiss.
"Well well well if it's the girl that's been keeping our friend so busy." A voice said from behind them. Nathan immediately turned to see three of his best friends; Quentin, Fergie, and Junk.
"Hey guys!" Nathan said bumping fists with all of them. "I am glad you're here I want you to meet…"
"The infamous Haley James, It's good to finally meet you" Quentin said shaking her hand.
"You too." Haley said with a smile as she waved hi to everyone.
"So you know Marcus?" Fergie asked
"Yup I introduced those too." Haley said pointing to Marcus and Shelly were now kissing a few feet away.
"I'm gunna go get another drink anyone want one?" Junk asked as all the guys nodded "Haley?"
"If you don't mind." Haley answered
"Not a problem" Junk said before making his way back into the crowd that was now there.
"I will help." Fergie said catching up. Just then Nathan saw a few people walking in who he instantly recognized.
"Guys over here!" He yelled "Hales there is a few more people I want you to meet."
"Hey dude what's up?" A guy said walking up to them followed by another guy and three more girls.
"Hey guys I want you to finally meet my girlfriend Haley. Haley this is Ryan, Anthony, Steph, Faith, and Glenda." (AN: Sorry guys I could think of any more one tree hill characters so I had to make people up. Oh and Glenda is the one from one tree hill just doesn't dress as gothic. If anyone has an characters from one tree hill I missed PLEASE let me know! Thanks.)
"Nice to meet you." Haley said sweetly
"Nice job Nathan. I like her better than Claire already." Faith said with a smile, Nathan just laughed nervously.
"Yeah me too." He said.
"Oh my god Haley I love your shoes where did you get them!" Steph asked excitedly she was a lot like Brooke. The girls then continued talking Haley liked them already. Their conversation was then interrupted by a brunette girl.
"Hey Natey ! Where have you been hiding? I missed you." She said flirtingly.
"Well if it isn't the skank herself!" Shelly said coming up next to Haley. Shelly had hated this girl since the day she met her.
"Uh Haley this is…" Nathan started but was cut off.
"Nikki" Haley said coldly. Nathan just looked at Haley confused he had no idea how they knew each other.(AN: I know I used another Nikki before but this is in fact THE Nikki from the show!")
"I'm sorry do I know you?" Nikki said trying to act innocent.
"I'm only the godmother of your child you might know that if you stuck around after her birth." Haley said coldly.
"Haley. Are you still trying to fill my role? You could never be me honey! Where is the boyfriend anyway?" Nikki said looking around.
"He isn't my boyfriend he's my best friend. But I believe you have met my boyfriend too. " Haley said gesturing to Nathan, Nikki looked shocked. "I wouldn't have to fill your role at all if you were a decent human being and took responsibility for your daughter."
"Well anyway as much fun as this has been send Jake and Jenny my love." Nikki said evilly. Haley could hear Nathan, Shelly, Marcus, and Bevin gasp once they heard this. Everyone at the house was now listening. Jake had kept it a secret from almost everyone. The only people who knew were Haley and Felix. That was part of the reason why he moved. Jenny is about a year old. Haley hated keeping the secret but that's how Jake wanted it.
"Jake!" Marcus said practically yelling in shock. Haley however ignored it.
"Not gunna happen." Haley muttered
"Where is Jake keeping my daughter anyway?" Nikki asked curiously.
"Away from you thank god." Haley said.
"You know she will always be my daughter. He can't keep her from me." Nikki said.
"You are the one that left. You should stay gone." Haley said as Nikki got in her face.
"Listen you little bitch-"
"Okay Nikki that's enough you should leave." Nathan said pulling her toward the door.
"This isn't over." Nikki said before leaving. Everyone went back to what they were doing except Haley, Nathan, Marcus, Shelly, and Bevin.
"Okay someone want to explain what the hell just happened?" Shelly said confused.
"Since when does Jake have a kid I've been friends with him for years now and I never knew that!" Marcus said not sure whether he should be angry about the lie.
"Okay don't be mad at Jake he was confused he didn't know what to do. Jake has a daughter named Jenny she is one. After she was born Nikki left. Jake's parents were helping him but could do it anymore that's why he moved in with his grandparents. He didn't even mean for me to find out but he needed help." Haley said she felt bad for telling but she needed to explain.
"Wow this is huge." Nathan said still in shock. "I never would have guessed."
"Wait a second does Lindsey know?" Bevin asked realizing something, Haley just looked down guiltily.
"Haley!" Shelly shrieked.
"I know! I know! I should have told her I feel horrible but this wasn't my secret to tell. Jake also didn't want Nikki finding her again she's not a fit mother. "
"I don't know what to say this is too weird." Marcus said "I think I need a drink." Marcus said walking away. He was hurt that he was never told but at the same time he couldn't blame him.
"I'm gunna go with him." Shelly said leaving.
"I'm coming. Haley tell Lindsey she deserves to know." Bevin said before following Haley only nodded before turning to Nathan.
"Are you mad?" Haley asked, Nathan just laughed a little.
"Why would I be mad? He's your best friend you only did what he asked. It's not like it's your daughter. You are a really good friend." Nathan said hugging her.
"I think I should go call Jake." Haley said pulling away.
"Yeah sure. You can go in my room." Nathan said as Haley nodded turning to go into his room up stopped. "Oh and I really like your friends" Haley said with a smile then she laughed "Minus Nikki!" She said making her way into Nathan's room to call Jake. She dialed his number.
"Hello?" Jake said as he picked up. She could hear Jenny crying in the background.
"Hey. What are you doing to my godchild?" Haley said jokingly.
"Trying to put her to bed again!" Jake said laughing. "She misses you."
"I miss her too…and YOU!"
"Yeah, I miss you too." Jake said
"Jake I need to tell you something." Haley said getting nervous.
"Is this about Heidi? Cuz I talked to Lucas and I am so sorry-"
"No Jake it's not." Haley said before taking a deep breath. "I am at Nathan's and Nikki was here."
"Wha-what?" Jake stuttered.
"Jake I'm sorry we kind of got in an argument. Some people know about Jenny." Haley said feeling extremely guilty.
"Who?" Jake asked
"Nathan, Shelly, Bevin, and Marcus. I am so sorry I didn't mean for them to find out." Haley said
"No Haley it's okay. You were the one that told me to stop hiding her and I think it's about time I stopped. You were right."
"I..I…I was?" Haley said shocked.
"Yeah you were Jenny is my daughter and she is amazing she doesn't deserve to be hidden."
"Yes. Jenny is amazing I mean after all she is my godchild." Haley said with a laugh.
"Just like her godmother!" Jake said as Haley smiled. "Thank you Haley…for EVERYTHING!" Jake said and he truly meant it.
"You're my best friend of course."
"Now I was thinking next Saturday do you mind if I come down and bring Jenny?"
"Not at all come I miss her." Haley said
"Okay, can you just do me the favor of not telling anyone yet..I want too." Jake said
"Not a problem I'll talk to everyone else." Haley said "Actually Jake can I tell Lindsey. I think I owe it to her as her cousin to tell her. She would be hurt to know I didn't."
"Yeah, I understand but I want to talk to her after."
"okay, well I gutta get back." Haley said
"Okay, thank you for calling." Jake said
"Yup. Give Jenny a kiss for me. Bye." Haley said before hanging up. She hung up with a huge smile on her face. She was happy that he wasn't mad and he finally decided to tell everyone the truth.