Chapter Thirty Eight

To Nathan's relief, the judge allowed him and Rachel to divorce without delay. Both Nathan and Rachel were thrilled to finally be able to move on with their lives. That night, Nathan celebrated by spending time with Haley - his girlfriend. They just snuggled close to each other on the sofa while they ate popcorn and watched a movie. It was just the two of them and that's what Nathan loved about it. He didn't need a party. All he needed was Haley.

Since the drama with Daunte was over, Lucas did the right thing and borrowed money from Nathan to pay rent and bills. Nathan was happy to help him and Brooke out. The rest of the school year seemed to go by quickly. Soon it was May and everyone was preparing for the last few weeks of school. Especially the senior prom, finals and graduation. Students were also getting their acceptance letters from the university they were hoping to attend far away from their parents.

Lucas had received a basketball scholarship from Duke, but he felt he had to decline. It would be too hard to raise the baby without help and most of their support was around Tree Hill. However, he and Brooke decided to attend University of North Carolina Wilmington since it was closest to their beloved hometown. Jimmy and Lydia were thrilled they were going to be close to them and promised Nathan and Haley to keep an eye on them.

Lucas and Brooke was also getting ready for the birth of their child. Both expectant parents were really nervous, but excited to finally meet their daughter. However, they did agree to hold off having any more children until after they finished college. They had enough on their plate without dealing with another child.

Nathan began to embrace the idea of being an uncle – the favorite uncle. He wanted to have a close relationship with his niece and teach her the lessons of life. Even though Mouth and Millie were named godparents, Nathan and Haley were put down as guardians to Kendall if anything happened to her parents. Nathan doubt anything would happen to Lucas and Brooke now, but it was just to be on the safe side.

"I can't believe Jake. Did you know he doesn't want me to chaperone prom because of my condition?" Peyton asked Haley. They were supervising the Student Council members as they decorated the club. Nathan had been happy to rent out the club for the prom. "I had to remind him I'm not the one who is due any day now. I heard Lucas is trying to get Brooke to skip prom, but she's refusing to miss out on that dance. I don't blame her though."

"Me either," Haley agreed. "It's her last high school dance before she graduates high school and goes off to college. A small party with their friends wouldn't cut it. Besides, the baby isn't due for a couple of more weeks."

Peyton gave her a look. "That's what I thought and I had Ryan early."

Haley hated to admit it, but she was right. Maybe it was better if Brooke stayed home. Yet, she didn't want to deny the teenager the night of her dreams. As she thought about the situation, she began to come up with an idea that would satisfy everybody.

"Brooke, what a pleasant surprise," Peyton said, snapping Haley out of her reverie. "Did you come to sneak a peek at our handiwork?"

"Actually, I'm here to talk to Ms. James if that's okay," Brooke replied as she turned to Haley. Peyton felt that was her cue and she made an excuse before leaving them. Haley looked at Brooke curiously. There was a long pause of silence and Haley waited patiently until she was ready to speak. "As you know, we have been going through financial problems. Things are better now, but I can't find the perfect dress. There are no prom dresses that can fit around my belly."

Haley tried to comfort her. "I'm sure we can find something for you. Are you sure there aren't any maternity clothes you can wear? What about that dress you wore for your baby shower? That was cute."

"Yeah, but it's not formal enough for prom," Brooke replied. She let out a heavy sigh. "Maybe Lucas is right. Maybe I should just stay home and spend the night alone with him."

That was out of the question. "Absolutely not. You need one last night to be a high school senior before you become a mom. Don't worry. My mom is a great sewer. I'm sure she will be able to make you the perfect prom dress in time for the dance. One that will fit over your baby bump."

"Now I just have to convince Lucas I can go," Brooke replied. "He's been overprotective of me since the whole deal with Daunte. I've tried to tell him the baby isn't due for a couple of more weeks, but he doesn't want to listen."

"Well, maybe there's a way for you guys to compromise. You go to prom, but you don't stay for the whole time," Haley suggested. It was the idea that she had come up with when Brooke had arrived at the club.

Brooke gave her a grateful smile. "I've already tried that idea, but he doesn't want me to risk it. I understand he's looking out for me, but I don't want to miss everything. What's next? I'm not going to be allowed to walk across the stage and get my diploma?" She realized she was becoming too loud as Peyton and some of the volunteers looked at her. She lowered her voice. "I'm sorry. It's just been so stressful lately."

"I know, but hang in there. Just a few more weeks and you'll be a high school graduate," Haley told her with a smile. Brooke returned the smile. Haley grabbed her purse and pulled out her cellphone. "Now let's see if my mom can help you out."

On prom night, Nathan walked next door to pick up Haley. Knocking on the door, he waited anxiously until someone opened it. Quinn came to greet him and encouraged him to come into the house. "Haley is going to be down in a few minutes. She's finishing up the final touches." Nathan nodded understandingly. Quinn tried to hide her smile. "So is it true?"

Nathan looked at her innocently. "Is what true?"

"Are you really going to propose to Haley tonight?" Quinn asked excitedly. She knew all about Nathan asking her parents for their blessing since she was there when he had asked. She wanted to be there for support in case her father had protested. To her delight and Nathan's surprise, he had given him his permission and blessing.

Nathan shushed her. He didn't want Haley to hear. Quinn looked at him anxiously for his answer. "I'm thinking about it, but it has to be the right moment."

"If I were you, do it in front of your students," Lydia suggested as she pulled out her camera. "If it wasn't for Lucas, Brooke and their friends, you wouldn't have met each other."

Nathan was about to correct her when he noticed Haley walking down the stairs. She was wearing a simple but elegant and classy black dress. They exchanged wide smiles as Nathan complimented her on her dress. She complimented him back on how dashing he looked in his tux. "You two look so cute. I just got to take some pictures."

Haley gave her a look. "Mom, you know it's more traditional to take pictures of the students than the teachers."

"It's a good thing I'm nontraditional then," Lydia replied with a smile. "Now get close to Nathan and smile." Haley gave Nathan an apologetic look before they posed for Lydia. It was several minutes later when Nathan and Haley were finally released.

Nathan waited until they were in his car before he pulled out a small box from his pocket. Haley looked at him confused. What was in the box? "It's not a corsage, but I wanted you to wear something for tonight."

Opening the box, she was surprised to find a silver bracelet. "It's beautiful. I love it. Thank you."

Nathan could tell she truly did love it. He helped her put it on as he gave her a smile. "Don't say I never gave you anything."

At the prom, Haley and Peyton kept their eyes on the students while Nathan, Jake and Andy parked cars as they came into the parking lot. Peyton was anxious to know about Brooke and her quest to find the perfect prom dress. Or even if Lydia was able to make her one in time. All Haley was willing to tell her was Brooke was going to be there.

Haley was the first to spot Brooke strolling into the club. She looked stunning in the white dress she was wearing and it fit perfectly over her bulging belly. Peyton noticed her and was impressed with the job Lydia had done. Brooke, Lucas, Mouth and Millie all waved to Haley and Peyton before they went to find their other friends.

Peyton just shook her head in amazement. "I know you probably heard this a lot, but you really changed Lucas and Brooke. Now look at them. They're confident and happy. Especially Brooke. I'm sure it won't be easy to see them go."

Haley shook her head. "No, I will certainly miss them. But the good news is they will be in Wilmington. So they will be close by."

Peyton agreed. They went back to watching the students who looked like they were enjoying themselves. Brooke danced with Lucas for a couple of songs before sitting down in a chair. Eventually, Haley saw Lucas dancing with Lindsay and it made her wonder why Brooke wasn't confronting him. "I don't see Brooke," she told Peyton, noticing Brooke wasn't in her chair anymore.

Peyton shrugged as she looked around for Brooke as well. "Maybe she's in the bathroom," she suggested.

Haley decided not to worry about it. Just then, Millie hurried up to them with a frantic look on her face. Haley knew something was wrong. "Brooke is going to kill me for telling you this, but I think she's in labor. She has been having these pains since this afternoon, but Brooke was determined not to skip this."

"Where is she now?" Haley asked. Millie led her and Peyton into the girls' bathroom. Brooke was sitting against the wall, holding her stomach. She moaned out in pain. "Brooke, are you okay?" she asked. Brooke nodded her head. "Just breathe. We're going to take you to the hospital." She and Millie helped Brooke up. "Millie, go and see if you can find Lucas. Or Nathan."

Millie ran out of the bathroom while Haley and Peyton helped Brooke walk out. When they emerged, a crowd began to form. Peyton encouraged the students not to get too close. "Out of the way please. We need to get to the parking lot."

Haley tried to comfort Brooke as the pains kept getting worse. "You're doing great, Brooke. Just breathe."

"What's going on?" Lucas asked as he rushed over to them. Millie, Mouth and Nathan were right behind him. "Is everything okay?"

Before anybody could answer, water appeared under Brooke's feet. Both Haley and Peyton knew what that meant. Haley sprang into action. "Okay, it looks like that baby isn't going to wait. Brooke, you're going to have to deliver right here. Nathan, call Deb and my mom. Tell them to get over as soon as possible." She knew they had more knowledge in the delivery department than she did. Nathan nodded. "Peyton, why don't we take Brooke back to the bathroom? We'll have more privacy there."

Brooke shook her head. "I don't want to deliver Kendall here," she moaned. "Can't we drive to the hospital?"

"I know you want us to, but there just isn't time," Haley replied. "You'll be fine though."

Lucas nodded as he took her hand and gently squeezed it. "I'll be right there with you." To prove it, he helped Jake bring Brooke back to the bathroom. Haley was right behind them. "They are going to be alright, aren't they?" Haley nodded, but she wasn't so sure she could keep this promise.