Chapter Thirty Six

The next afternoon, Jake took Haley out to lunch. He had made the excuse of wanting to hang out with his best friend, but Haley knew better. She had a feeling he had heard about her request and he was going to talk her out of it. She couldn't blame him. She was still having second thoughts about talking to this Dr. Copeland about the possibility of her having children. As much as she wanted children, she also was afraid of being disappointed again.

"You know, I can't remember the last time we did this," Haley said after they had ordered their drinks. "I guess we both have been busy since I've moved back to Tree Hill. You wouldn't believe how much I missed being home. And I love being near my parents and Quinn. And Nathan and the kids really do enjoy living in Tree Hill. I don't know if I could ever go back to Charlotte."

Jake gave her a smile. "I'm not surprised. I haven't seen you this happy in a long time."

"Well, I have Nathan. And the kids. And I'm an honorary aunt to Lucas's and Brooke's brood," Haley replied as their waiter returned with their drinks. They ordered their food before Haley continued with what she wanted to say. "I just wish we didn't have to deal with Renée or Carrie. I still can't believe she framed me and Nathan for attacking Renée. What the hell was she thinking?"

"I think her plan was to get both you and Renée out of the way so she could make her move on Nathan," Jake replied. "If you were in prison for Renée's murder, she could easily slip in and take your place." Haley hated to admit it, but he was right. "I don't think she meant for Nathan to be accused too. Speaking of Renée, did she ever talk to Nathan?"

"I think she's still in denial about Carrie ordering her attack," Haley replied with a sigh. "And she is still recovering from losing her baby. If I was her, I wouldn't want to talk to anybody right now."

"Like you did when you found out you couldn't have kids?" Jake asked. "Speaking of that, what is going on with you now?"

"What do you mean?" Haley asked innocently as she took a sip of her water. Jake gave her a look. It was confession time. "Alright, I'm thinking about talking to Dr. Copeland about my options again. To see if there is even a possibility I can carry a child."

Jake was surprised. "Are you sure you want to go through that heartache again?" he asked as he did his best to stay calm. "You do remember what happened last time, right? Do you really want to go through that again? Do you want to put Nathan and the kids through that? What does your parents have to say about it?"

Haley stopped him before he could go any further. "I haven't told my parents or Quinn about this yet." Jake gave her an exasperated look. "Knowing them, they will probably freak out and protest against this."

"Well, I'm glad to know I'll be in good company. Why do you want to do this?" Jake asked. "Why does it have to be a biological child? There are plenty of kids who would love to be part of your family? Have you ever considered that?"

"Of course I have," Haley defended. She was aware Peyton had been adopted as a child and she often told her wonderful stories about her loving adoptive parents. It made her consider thinking about adoption as another option since she couldn't have children. She had to pause for a moment as she thought of the right words to explain her feelings. "I guess I still have that hope that I would be able to have that experience of carrying a baby. Sending Nathan out in the middle of the night when I get a craving for something. Feeling the baby kick. Knowing there's a person growing inside me."

"You're forgetting the morning sickness and mood swings, not to mention the painful contractions and labor," Jake said. "But I understand your point. Peyton is waiting for that day too. But we're also thinking about adoption. My concern for you is going through all these tests again and you find out the results are the same as last time."

Haley looked at him surprised. "You are usually the one who would encourage me to give this whole thing a second chance. Why are you being so resistant?"

"Because I'm afraid you are going to get your heart broken again," Jake replied. "I remember what you were like last time when you received the bad news. We almost lost you. And now as you said, you have more people who care about you. Do you really want to put Nathan and the kids through what we went through?" he repeated.

Haley didn't answer as the waiter brought them their lunch orders. There was silence between the two friends as they ate their meals. "Look, I know there's a chance Dr. Copeland can't do anything for me. And I know I went into a deep dark depression last time, but I'm more prepared this time. I was already told I couldn't have children. So if he doesn't tell me anything different, then I'm not going to be disappointed. I'm not going to get my hopes up too high, but I want to see what this doctor is going to say. If he can't do anything for me, then I'm not going to pursue it anymore. Nathan and I will start looking at other options."

"So you really think you have a future with Nathan?" Jake asked curiously.

"I hope so, but I think we're going to have to deal with Renée and Carrie first," Haley replied before she heard her phone ringing. She apologized as she checked to see who was calling her. "It's Nathan. Do you mind?" Jake shook his head, knowing the call was probably important. "I'll be right back," she promised and she got out of the booth. She made her way through to the entrance of the restaurant and she walked outside. "Hey, what's up?"

"I'm sorry to interrupt your lunch, but I've just received a call from Julian Baker," Nathan replied. Haley was intrigued to hear more. "Renée has gotten worse. She's now beginning to experience signs of post-traumatic stress disorder." Haley wasn't surprised to hear that, but she still felt sympathetic towards her. "Julian is afraid she might hurt herself or another person. Of course he wants the kids stay with us for now, but he also wants you to help him with Renee."

Haley blanked out for a moment before she spoke. "Julian wants my help? Really? Why?"

"Because he knows you have had experience with it," Nathan replied. "And he really doesn't want to have her committed unless it's a last resort. Personally, I don't blame him. If something like that had happened to you, I wouldn't want to put you in a mental hospital."

"It's nice of him to think of me, but I'm not sure what I can do," Haley told him. "That was such a dark time for me. And it was tough for me to admit I needed more help than what my parents and friends could provide. I'm afraid having me talk with him would make her worse. Then she will hate me even more."

"I doubt she can hate you more than she already has," Nathan said. "And we have Julian on our side now. I think he finally realized we weren't after Renée and he's willing to work with us to figure some sort of joint custody arrangement. I'm not sure if I'm ready for that, but I'm happy he's willing to make an effort for some sort of compromise. Maybe we can get Renée on board, but she has to get better first. I don't think she can do that without you, Hales."

Haley managed a smile. "Alright, I'll see what I can do. I'll stop by the hospital after my lunch date."

"Actually, Julian wants you to meet him at his apartment. He thinks it would be easier to talk there since Renée is still emotionally unstable right now." Haley quickly pulled out a pad and a pen and Nathan rattled off the address. "What time should I tell Julian to expect you?"

Haley glanced at the time and she did some calculations in her head. "I'm not going to rush over there. I should be done in a couple of hours. Tell him that I'll probably be there around two thirty."

"Wow, you're dumping me twice in one day," Nathan teased her. "You're going to have to make it up to me tonight."

Haley smiled at the thought of their romantic evening together. "Don't worry. I will," she promised. "I'll see you later. I love you."

Happiness was clear in his voice as Nathan answered. "Love you too," he replied before they hung up.

Haley returned to Jake. He looked at her with curiosity. She explained about the phone call. Jake looked at her impressed. "Wow, I wonder what made Julian change his mind. Do you think Dan talked to him?"

Neither Nathan nor Haley had heard from Dan since he had showed up at the police station. She shrugged. "Does it really matter? Julian now understands we're innocent and he wants my help with Renée. And I'm willing to offer my services. I know it's probably not the best time, but maybe I could eventually convince her not to take the kids away from Nathan."

"I wish you luck with Julian and Renée then," Jake replied before they changed the subject.

After a delicious lunch, Jake drove Haley to her next destination, all the while trying to convince her to have him stay with her. However, Haley was adamant that she would be able to handle Julian by herself. Jake was unconvinced. "I know you're okay with talking about your attempted suicide, but I still think you should have someone else there for support."

"Jake, I appreciate it, but I'll be fine," she assured him. "I may not know him very well, but he seems like a nice guy. And I think he has tried to stay out of Nathan's and Renee's business when it came to the children."

Jake frowned. "I thought he was the one who bought Tristan the computer."

"He was, but I think he was only trying to get the kids to like him," Haley replied. "I'm sure it wasn't easy for them to find out their mom was dating so quickly after the divorce." Jake nodded understandingly. "Now don't worry. Everything will be fine. You really need to put your protective brother shield down. It's a little too much today."

There was silence for a moment. "I guess I've been worried about you since Carrie has shown up," Jake told her. "I had hoped things would have died down after you returned to Tree Hill, but it sounds like it has gotten worse. I really hope the police find Carrie soon." Haley nodded in agreement. Carrie had to be found and arrested before she could hurt anyone else.

When they arrived at their destination, Jake parked his vehicle in front of the building. They said their goodbyes before they parted ways, but not before Haley promised to call if she ran into any trouble. She was grateful for his concern, but she thought he was being a little too overprotective of her.

Haley walked through the hall as she checked the door numbers. She headed up to the next floor and found the right apartment. She knocked on the door and she waited patiently for him to answer. The door was pulled open and Julian gave her a relieved smile. "Haley, thank goodness you're here. Come on in."

Haley followed him inside. She was surprised, but pleased at his welcoming attitude. "Nathan told me about Renée. I'm so sorry. I'll do what I can to help you."

"I should be the one apologizing. I can't believe how stupid I was. Of course you wouldn't hire someone to hurt Renée. Why would you?" Julian said as he led her to the living room. He gestured her over to the sofa and she took a seat. "You have done nothing but try to stay out of her way. I know we're just acquaintances, but I think we have a lot in common. We are the partners of the parents. And we really do care about our partners and those kids. How are Tristan and Cassie by the way?"

"I haven't seen them in a few days," Haley said. "But I'm sure they are fine. Brooke and Lucas are taking good care of them."

"They are Nathan's brother and sister-in-law, right?" Julian asked. Haley nodded. "I'm sorry. I don't know where my brain is at. Would you like something to eat or drink? I know you just had lunch, but I can always get you a glass of water."

"Thank you, but I'm fine," Haley replied. Julian nodded understandingly. He then became quiet. "I know this is scary, but you have to understand how she's feeling. She was not only attacked, but she also lost your baby. It would be very traumatic for anyone." There was a short pause. "Did she tell you why I tried to kill myself?"

"No and you don't have to tell me," Julian replied. "I understand the reason was very personal."

"Would you drop the act already?" a familiar voice said. Haley gasped as she realized she had been played. Julian had been involved in the plot against her and Nathan the whole time. Sensing she was in danger, she barely had time to react as she felt a prick in her arm. Haley began to feel strange almost instantly. She could see Carrie standing over her, grinning. She heard her saying something, but she couldn't register what she said. Her eyes began to get heavy and she soon succumbed into darkness.