I'm back.
As always, thank you so much for all of the story/author alerts I have received and continue to receive for this story. A big thanks to 12naley23 (you're so sweet, thanks) NALEYAAF (chapters 34-35), SPNALEY, naleyluv, 2naley, kaefoster, Katie (chapters 34-35; I am so sorry I forgot to add your name last time), NsHjs23, GRemy, woz1971, saderia, and avr1432 for taking the time to review. Words cannot express how grateful I am to everyone who has reviewed - not only for just this chapter but all the chapters so far. I love you all!
AN: This is another shorter chapter - things are going to pick up a little after this one. ;)
Please forgive any spelling/grammar mistakes.
Disclaimer: I own nothing affiliated with One Tree Hill nor do I own anything affiliated with Duke University.
April 15, 2008
Haley walked a couple of steps when she heard her cell phone ringing that specific ringtone. She smiled and pressed the SEND button, placing the device against her right ear. "Hi, best friend."
"Hey, Hales." Lucas greeted.
"This is a pleasant surprise." She stated as she took a seat on a nearby bench.
"Well, I figured since that brother of mine is busy at the moment, I might as well give my second choice a call." He teased.
"Haha." She deadpanned playfully. "My best friend's a funny guy."
Lucas laughed. "Yeah, but you love me anyway."
"Unfortunately, that is true. So what's up?"
"There is a reason I called you actually. I have some news - some really good news." He began and listened as she chirped with intrigue, impatiently asking him to tell her. "My novel is getting published."
"What?!" She exclaimed. "Lucas, that's amazing!"
"I know." He chuckled. "It's been so long since I started this process that I had practically given up on anything happening. I figured my book was only gonna be seen by my close family and friends. But now...gosh, this is such an amazing feeling!"
"I never lost faith in you, Luke. I knew it was just a matter of time."
"Thanks, Hales."
"So...tell me more." She urged.
"Well, my editor is a woman - Lindsey Strauss. She works for her dad's publishing company in New York. She is really nice and smart, down-to-earth - she reminds me of you actually. She seems to have a lot of faith in my work and even said she can't wait for any future projects of mine. I'm actually at the airport right now, on my way to New York to meet with her."
"Wow." Haley gushed. "This is incredible. I'm so proud of you. Gosh, between your book and Nathan meeting with potential agents...it's all so overwhelming. In a good way, of course."
Lucas nodded in agreement, even though she couldn't see him. "It's kind of crazy. So many great things are happening this year. Me and Brooke got married. She's making progress with her store and now this whole thing with my book. Soon you and Nathan are gonna graduate from Duke and moving forward with the future. In a way, it feels like our lives are just beginning."
Haley grew silent as she pondered Lucas's words. He was right - this year has been a year full of big changes. Most of them have been positive; sure, a couple took some time to adjust to but they're positive now. At that, she thought about the marriage and the baby. It was definitely time to tell everyone. Surprisingly, Haley felt no conflicting emotions when realizing this. She wanted to tell everyone. This news was big and important. And it was really good news. She wanted to share this with her family and friends - with the people she cares about the most. Not only that but they deserved to know the truth.
"Haley." Lucas sing-songed. "You still there?"
She shook her head, snapping out of her thoughts. "Yeah, sorry. I'm still here."
"It's good to know you're still the same quirky Haley James that I know and love." He chuckled. "Where'd you go just now?"
"Actually, I was thinking...we need to celebrate. How about dinner next Friday?"
"Or we can jus wait until next month - you know, when the whole family goes up there for graduation. Then, we can celebrate everything all at once."
Haley mentally cursed her friend. "I know but we can still get together next week. There's a lot to celebrate - the book and the NCAA win. Come on, please. I miss you guys and seeing you last week had me missing you even more. What do you say? I don't wanna wait another month."
"Technically, it's only twenty-six days."
"Lucas!" She groaned, her voice low and whiny.
Lucas laughed. "Fine, fine - sounds good to me. I always love spending time with Nathan...oh, and you, of course."
"Of course." She stated, rolling her eyes playfully. "So will you rally up the troops for me?"
"Of course." He answered, using their apparent "word of the day" once more. "Where are we doing this thing? There's this new Italian restaurant that just opened up."
"No!" Haley quickly declined with a slightly elevated tone.
He raised his eyebrows and slowly said, "Okay?"
Haley now mentally cursed herself. She didn't mean to sound like that but the thought of telling everyone in a public setting...no, it was probably best to do it alone. Somewhere they wouldn't make a scene. Sure, Haley was ready and kind of excited to tell everyone but that didn't mean they would necessarily be receptive at first. She wasn't naïve. She knew they wouldn't process this information very well in the beginning. Again, it was best to do this in a more private setting.
"Sorry, I just...I want to cook dinner for everyone. How about my parent's house at six o'clock?"
"Now when you say the troops, do you mean everyone? Like Dan and Deb, too?"
"Of course - the whole family." She answered.
"Okay. I'll let everyone know." Lucas replied as she thanked him. "Well, my plane's about to board so I better let you go. I'll give you call - probably tomorrow."
"Sounds like a plan. I will talk to you later. Oh and Luke - congratulations and I love you."
"I love you, too, Hales. Bye."
"Bye."
Haley ended the call with a smile before turning her phone completely off. She stood up from the bench and continued on towards her previous destination. She strolled into Cameron Indoor Stadium, listening as the heels of her black shoes clicked against the wooden floor. Once fully inside, she paused while taking in the sight. It was simply breathtaking. A wide, elevated podium was located near the front of the gymnasium. There were tables, both round and rectangular, scattered over the floor. The tables were dressed in alternate cloths - plain blue cloths and checkered white and blue cloths. Two slim vases with flowers sat in the centers of each table. Glancing up, Haley saw two big screens with all of the senior players' jerseys hanging between them - all were displayed in front of a large, blue curtain. The lights were dim, creating an elegant, intimate atmosphere.
Maneuvering her way through the tables, Haley searched the name cards before finding hers at one of the round tables towards the front. Tamara and Bevin were already sitting at the table, sipping their waters. Haley greeted both girls with a broad smile.
"I love your dress, Haley." Bevin gushed.
Haley glanced down at her blue, satin dress that was slightly form-fitting. It had a low, square neckline with wide straps and stopped just above her kneecaps. She thanked Bevin and then smoothed down the back of her dress before sitting down on the chair while crossing her left leg over her right one. Haley picked up her wine glass and sipped some of her water. The three girls engaged in some idle chit-chat while the rest of the guests entered the gymnasium and found their seats.
It was ten minutes later when Mike Krzyzewski walked towards the middle of Coach K Court with his team following closely behind him. They arrived in the center for a quick huddle before every player of The Good Fellas was introduced. Haley smiled, staring at Nathan as his name was called out; he looked so handsome in his blue button-down shirt and black tie and his black trousers. Once the players were all introduced, the boys found their seats and dinner was served. Various conversations flowed throughout the gymnasium as everyone devoured their food and gulped down their beverages.
Following dinner, awards were presented to the members of the team. Nathan, not surprisingly, received most of the awards that included MVP, Coach's Award for Player Best Exemplifying the Commitment and Values of Duke Basketball, Captain's Award, Most Minutes Played, and the award for the Highest Field Goal Percentage. Skills received the Best Defensive Player Award and the High Field Goal Percentage Award while Tony received the Team's Top Scholar-Athlete Award. There were a couple of other awards given out as well but those were to some of the younger members of the team.
Next, Coach K introduced the four senior players who all took a few minutes to speak.
Haley smiled as she watched Nathan step up to the podium. She knew how nervous he was for this part. Heck, she could actually feel that emotion emanating from him. Nathan wasn't much of a public speaker when it came to situations like this. Haley spent the previous night helping him with his speech, telling him to just speak from the heart - it can be a whole paragraph or simply a one-line sentence. Tony was even nice enough to read his speech to Nathan so his roommate had some kind of an idea as to what to say.
"These past four years have literally changed my life. My years here as a Duke Blue Devil helped shape me into the man I am today, and I couldn't have asked for a better experience. Playing for this team...well, I've become a better basketball player because of it. It's been an honor to play under Coach K's leadership and it's been an honor to play alongside all of these guys in here tonight, and those from the three years before. I've learned a lot. They are things that will stay with me in all of my years to come. I've had a wonderful support system here, on and off the court - people who have selfishly dedicated their time in making me better and who have been a big part of helping me reach my dreams. I wouldn't have made it this far without those people. And I guess I just want to say thank you."
Haley felt tears building in her eyes when Nathan glanced at her for a brief moment before continuing.
"I will always be grateful for my time here at Duke University. Thanks." He finished, smiling at the applause.
When the seniors as well as Coach K were seated once more, a highlight video of each senior was played which was followed by a video dedicated to the entire 2007-2008 Good Fellas. The team then gathered on the circular, rotating stage in the center of the court for a huddle before they followed their Coach as they departed Coach K Court as a team for one final time. The Duke University fight song blared from the speakers.
Haley lifted herself from the chair, along with the rest of the guests, giving the boys a standing ovation. Clapping and cheers echoed loudly in the gymnasium. Nathan walked past her, sending her a quick wink. She smirked and raised her eyebrows suggestively at him.
Guests stuck around the gymnasium for several minutes following the banquet, mingling with one another. Haley had just stepped up to the bar and asked for a water when she noticed Rachel Gatina approaching her. The brunette sighed heavily as she saw the smirk the cheerleader was sporting. Haley really was in no mood for this tonight. Tonight - well, today in general has been a really good day. Rachel Gatina was the last person she cared to talk to or about.
"What exactly are you doing here?" Rachel asked, her eyes grazing over the petite brunette's form. Her tone wasn't a harsh one but rather one out of amusement. "This banquet is for the basketball players and cheerleaders. I may have been blind but I never saw you playing on the court and you're definitely not fit enough to be a cheerleader. Just a little FYI, it looks like you may have gained some weight."
Haley let out a small laugh before turning and smirking at the red-head. "I came with Nathan - you know, as his date." She said, her smile widening as Rachel scowled at her and then tried to recover.
"Must be some kind of mercy date. Besides," Rachel shrugged, flipping her hair, "I already had a date so it's not like he could've asked me. I would have said no anyway - you see, I like to play hard-to-get. It's great for foreplay."
"Don't you get tired of it?" Haley asked with an exasperated sigh after taking a sip of her water.
"Of what?" Rachel bit out.
"Of yourself." Haley stated, immediately earning a glare from the red-head. "Rachel, I really have no interest in doing this with you or talking to you in general so I don't get why you are wasting your time. Is your life so uninteresting that you have to find ridiculous ways to stir up some drama? And really - it's been four years and you're still pining after Nathan. This...this obsession you have with him isn't healthy and it won't get you what you want. He is clearly not interested. I'm sorry if this sounds harsh but you were nothing but an easy lay that he regrets - he told me so. I really think it's time for you to get over it by now."
"Oh, and I suppose you're more than that?" Rachel challenged. "You really think there's more to you and Nathan than just sex?"
Haley picked up her water and turned, stepping closer to the tall, supermodel red-head. "I know I am." She whispered, grinning before shifting around the girl and walking away. Haley didn't bother to look back at or listen for some kind of response from Rachel - it didn't matter either way.
OTHOTHOTH
Following the banquet, Nathan and Haley decided to take a stroll along the Duke campus and enjoy the spring, evening air. It was a nice, quiet night. The weather was warm with only a small chill in the air - just when there was a breeze, though. The sky was cloudless which displayed the trillions of stars that were beautifully lighting up the night sky. The two of them walked in a comfortable silence, passing a few other students along the way; most were people they didn't know personally or have never even met.
The ringtone from Nathan's cell phone sounded. He dug through the left pocket of his pants and sighed when he saw who was calling. His dad. He hesitated in picking up but Haley smiled that reassuring smile of hers and he relented - at least she was standing beside him.
"Hey, dad." Nathan greeted with the most upbeat tone of voice he could muster up.
"Why didn't you tell me about your banquet tonight?" Dan asked, skipping over any pleasantries.
Nathan shrugged. "It wasn't a big deal."
"Yes, it is. I would have liked to have gone, Nathan. My son is the star of the team, not to mention Duke just won the NCAA Tournament - it would've been nice to be a part of that celebration."
"Look, I'm sorry but..."
"You're damn right you're sorry." Dan retorted. "What about your mother? Did she even know about it?"
Nathan hesitated with answering that question. Either way, his dad wasn't gonna like the answer. "Yes, I did tell mom but I also told her there weren't any seats available - it was just the players and the cheerleaders, others affiliated with the team, and the Dean."
"You're telling me you couldn't bring any guests?" Dan stated, doubtful. "Lucas was given five extra tickets for his banquet last year."
Nathan cursed, forgetting about that little fact. He should have known his father would remember that. He actually had a good reason for not giving his family the tickets. It was a nice and thoughtful reason also but Nathan knew Dan Scott would not see it that way.
"Well...I did receive five tickets as well but...it's just...Tony's grandparents, on both sides, are staying with his parents until graduation. They wanted to come so..."
"So you just threw away your tickets?" Dan questioned incredulously. "What about your family? Did it ever occur to you that we wanted to come?"
"I talked to mom about it and she understood. His grandparents flew in from out of town so it felt like the right thing to do."
"Okay, his grandparents make up four tickets so..."
"Tony has a younger brother and sister so those two along with his parents used four. And..."
"You still had two left." Dan interrupted.
"I also gave one to Tony's girlfriend." Nathan revealed and sighed at the bitter laugh his father let out before inquiring about his last ticket. "I, umm...I brought a date, okay."
"A date!" Dan exclaimed, letting out another bitter laugh. "You chose to bring a date over your own family. That's really...that's just perfect, Nathan. Where is your loyalty? Oh wait, let me guess - your loyalty is to the sex you'll be having later with your slut you call a date."
"Watch it, dad." Nathan warned.
"No! You better watch it, Nathan! Your family comes first - nobody else matters, especially not some whore you..."
Nathan pressed END, effectively hanging up on and shutting his father up. He was not going to stand there and listen to his dad slam his wife - even if Dan didn't know it was his wife or even know it was Haley. Nathan wasn't going to put up with that. Not right now. Not tonight. He made sure to turn his cell phone completely off before shoving it forcefully back into his pant's pocket.
"Oh, the Scott drama." Haley sing-songed, letting out a little laugh.
"He is just...too much sometimes. I knew this was gonna be an issue with him."
"Ignore him, Nathan. I know - easier said than done most times but...don't let him do this to you. You have come a long way in not letting that man get to you - don't lose that now. He will get over it." She said and saw the pointed look her husband was giving her. "Okay, maybe he won't but who cares? This is Dan we're talking about - he turns everything into something. Just ignore him."
"He called you a slut and a whore." Nathan revealed.
"Well, in that case - he's dead to us."
Nathan and Haley laughed at her joke, continuing on with their stroll.
"Speaking of drama...what was that with Rachel?" He asked, changing the subject since Haley was right.
"Huh?" She asked, confused.
"At the banquet - I saw you guys talking. It did not look like a friendly conversation."
"Is it ever with Rachel?" Haley asked rhetorically, exhaling a low sigh.
"No, I guess not. I was worried there for a second, though. I thought I was gonna have to break up a cat fight."
She shook her head. "That wouldn't have happened. In case you forgot, I'm pregnant. The worst I would have done was given her a little bitch slap."
Nathan chuckled. "I think I would have liked to of seen that." He smirked as she rolled her eyes. "But I am glad nothing happened since we both know Rachel wouldn't have just stood back and taken it."
"Hey, I could have taken her."
He put his hands up in mock defense. "Oh, don't worry, babe - my money is totally on you." Nathan winked, causing Haley to laugh. "So...what was that whole thing about?"
"Just Rachel being Rachel. I guess, she was trying to 'stake her claim'."
"On me?" He deduced.
"On everything basically." She sighed. "I don't get her sometimes. How can she not see how desperate and pathetic she comes off? The two of you haven't been a 'you' - not that you guys ever really were - for how many years now? Your disdain towards her is more than obvious. What is she doing? What does she think all of her flirting and denial is going to do for her?"
Nathan shrugged. "Maybe she's just crazy."
"Maybe." Haley agreed and then shook her head. "Can we not talk about her anymore? I told Brooke that Rachel wasn't worth any of my time, and I meant that. It's a nice night - let's focus on more important things."
"Well, we can definitely do that. But first...when did you and Brooke talk about Rachel?"
She rolled her eyes. "At the game which by the way...don't think I didn't see that skank drap herself all over you."
"Don't look at me." He countered. "I pushed her away."
"I know - I saw you. Why do you think the sex was so good on the night we got back to Durham?" She questioned rhetorically, smirking broadly at him as she raised her eyebrows.
"You are something else, you know that?" Nathan said as they both laughed. "That was a really good night, by the way."
"Yes, it was." Haley grinned, nodding. "So..." She began after a few seconds, inhaling a breath, "I talked to your brother earlier."
"Oh, yeah?" Nathan said, absent-mindedly.
"Yeah. His book is getting published."
"Really?" He asked as she nodded. "Wow, good for him. I bet he's really excited."
"He is. I, umm...I decided to have everyone come over to my parent's house next Friday night so we can all celebrate."
"That's good."
"Yeah, it's really good. I mean, there's so much to celebrate this year - Brooke and Lucas, the book, graduation. Us. The baby." Haley felt him stop suddenly and turn to face her. She did the same and saw the look on his face. "I think it's time to tell everyone. What do you say?"
"Are you serious?" Nathan asked, watching as she nodded. "You're not gonna...I mean, you aren't going to change your mind when Friday rolls around, are you?" He couldn't help but ask, watching as she shook her head this time.
"No, I'm not. I promise you that."
Haley let out a surprised squeal when his lips suddenly plowed into her own. She laughed but didn't hesitate in kissing him back.
"Thank you, Haley." He whispered against her lips. "You have no idea..."
"I do." She interrupted, wrapping her arms around his waist as she moved further into him. "I know you've been wanting this for a while now, and I am sorry for making you wait. It wasn't fair. But thank you for being so understanding and patient with me." She kissed him lightly again. "I'm ready now. I want this. I want to celebrate our marriage and this baby. Our future is just beginning, and I want to share it with everyone we know...and the whole world as well."
"I love you so much, Haley James Scott."
"I love you, too, Nathan Scott."
There you go - please let me know what you think. I hope to have another update for you guys soon.
AN: Some drama to come. ;)