Thicker Than Blood Chapter 38: Eyes and Ears Open, an one tree hill fanfic

Thicker Than Blood

Chapter 38

Thank you so much for your reviews. I'm glad you enjoyed the last chapter. Sorry for the delay, as I mentioned in my other story, "Can You Show Me," I've been going through some personal things. My aunt is very sick and I had to go back home to my family these past few weekends, that with work, and I've been very busy. So I'll try my best to get my other stories out there too. It took me a while to get my "groove" back into this story with so much angst around me but overall I am pleased with this chapter, I hope you enjoy it too. Again sorry for any spelling/grammar mistakes, I only proofread once.

On another note, I am loving this season of OTH. I really hope we get at least 7 seasons, that would so totally make my year and a half . There are a lot of things to say I don't know where to begin. I'm so sad Q died but that episode made for great drama and it was great to see some heavy emotional stuff out there. I think Peyton looks beautiful in this season and last and I think her and Lucas look great together but I still feel something missing from them. I'm more a Brucas shipper but at this point, I wouldn't mind Leyton but at the same time I feel as if Lucas should just be with someone completely new, which is why I warmed up to Lindsey, oh well, let's see where that one goes. (I mean in when you first watched Dawson's Creek, did you ever think Pacey and Joey would be together?) I feel bad for Brooke, I do feel as if she did get raped but who knows, maybe she really was just attacked. Her whole scene with Victoria was great. She really laid it out there for her. I wonder what Victoria will do, if we'll even see her again. I think Victoria was a great character to add in, the ones you love to hate. It broke my heart but at the same time, I was very proud of Brooke. It'll help solidify her place in Tree Hill and I wonder what she's going to do now or if she's going to continue with fashion. Maybe she's just going to keep her store in Tree Hill. Deb and Skills is kind of funny but at the same time very weird. I don't blame Nathan at all. Being put in his situation, I would feel the same way. It was funny when Jamie called him grandpa and how cute was it when Jamie said that he allowed his dad to kiss his mom. That was priceless, I was laughing my butt off. I hate Carrie and I feel bad for her, but Dan take her out !!

Also, the scene with Nathan and Lucas talking (and Lucas coloring) was so great. They play each other off so well with their brotherly banter, it reminded me of the 100th episode when Nathan said Lucas' jokes weren't funny. Also, Jamie is just wonderful, absolutely great kid. I loved it when he saw Dan's headstone and the curious looks he was giving Haley were priceless.

I'm glad that Naley has no drama between them but at the same time, I feel as if they should have more physical contact. I mean I'm not saying to let them have sex on the screen (though that'd be great) but simple things like touching or a quick kiss. The whole episode with Quentin's funeral, they never touched except for the very beginning. You see Peyton latching onto Lucas, I was wondering why Nathan and or Haley was doing that to each other. But I am glad to see them on a united front with Jamie and that things are good with them. I love all their scenes though, don't get me wrong. It seems my favorite parts of the show is when either Nathan, Haley, Jamie are in a scene, either all together or with other characters. I did cringe a little when Haley had to bring up Taylor (gag) but I loved the smile Nathan gave her and the whole "are you ever going to stop making me into a better person." After 5 years, James and Joy still have that chemistry, especially James. He's one of those actor's that can just look at you and can give out so much emotion, great job. I love Naley when they have those subtle hints, it really solidifies them as a couple. Now, I hope next week's previews will end Nanny Carrie once and for all.

That's enough rant. Enjoy and please review!!

. . . .

"Hey it's Matt, whoever this ass is I'm going to make sure I cut his hands off …"

"Haley.. it's Bryan .. after I kill this Nathan punk.. you're next you hea…"

"Haley-bop it's Quinn, I'm so upset !! Why is it that I find out about your hot boyfriend from a picture message mom sent .."

"AHHH!!

"AHHHH…." Vivian's voice rang out.

"Ahhhh…"

NEXT, Haley pressed the button again.

"Ahh.. now that I got that out of my chest .. wow Hales.. that Nathan guy.. I've never been so proud of you.. I mean sure, when you made Valedictorian was cool.. but .."

"Hales, it's Tay… just calling in to say thanks! You managed to get Matt and Bryan off my back…"

"Hales.. Viv again… your niece wants to say hi to you…" Haley listened as she could hear Vivian putting the phone against her 5 year old niece.

"Hi Auntie Hales.. I want to be a cheerleader just like you.."

"Taylor again...you know I was just thinking .. we'd make a killing out of that cheerleading outfit.. maybe even charge Natha…?"

"HALEY .. it's Nana, me and the girls at the bridge club wants to see more pictures.."

END

Haley sighed in frustration and threw her phone against her bed. Nathan looked up at her and tried to stifle his laughter, but she continued to glare at him. It didn't take long for him to finally break down and start laughing hysterically.

"I wouldn't be laughing.. I think my brothers are planning your assassination as we speak.."

"Hales.. come on it's funny.."

"Funny!" Haley's anger rose. "Funny is watching The Office.. funny is not having your mom picture message your whole family while straddling your boyfriend!!"

"How'd I look by the way?" Nathan smirked.

"Ahhh.." Haley sighed in frustration as she leaned back against her bed.

"Hales.."

"I think you should leave." Haley crossed her arms.

"Hales.. come on.. it wasn't that bad.. I really enjoyed your parents."

They just came from dinner with Haley's parents and Haley was exhausted. Not only did her parents catch her in the act but she was further humiliated with her friends being there as well. Haley didn't know whether to be relieved or upset that her parents had fallen head over heels for Nathan. They barely talked to her, directing most of their questions to Nathan and if they did talk to her, it was about Nathan. She was glad that they liked him, she was, but she couldn't help but feel a little jealous that Nathan had gotten all the attention. She thought that they were there to see her. Apparently, she was wrong. Growing up, it was a packed house in the James' household, with each one of her sibling's competing their parents attention. It seems that as she got older, things still remained the same.

"You would.. wouldn't you?" Haley glared.

"I mean I have to admit .. having your Dad offering to buy me condoms was a bit weird."

"Yeah.. and who suggested to get Magnums!"

"What.. he asked?!"

"Like he asked you if I was on the pill!" Haley glared at Nathan.

"What.. you're mom asked that." Nathan tried to defend himself. "Though they were freakishly proud of that fact."

"God.." Haley pouted. "Does it mean anything that I'm here busting my ass on scholarship.. no.." She mocked. "Suddenly I get a boyfriend and it's as if I discovered the cure for cancer."

"I mean it is me we're talking about." Nathan smirked.

"You're not helping." Haley said getting up, but Nathan grabbed her arm and pulled her back to him.

"Nathan.. what're you .." Haley protested but she was cut off by his lips. She tried to pull away but like so many times with Nathan, she couldn't.

"Am I helping now?" Nathan asked against her lips.

"No.." She said weakly.

"How about now?" He kissed her again.

"Maybe a little." She teased.

"You know that your parents love you."

"I know.." She said softly.

"Almost as much as I love you." Nathan smiled as he leaned his forehead against hers.

"Almost huh?" Haley smiled.

. . . .

"For the last time Lucas.. NO!" Brooke exclaimed from the bathroom.

"Come on please!" Lucas begged.

"What part of NO don't you understand?"

"Aww.. it's not fair." Lucas pouted and sat down on Brooke's bed. "How come Nathan gets to have everything." Lucas mumbled.

"What was that?" Brooke asked as she stepped into her room wearing a robe.

"Nothing." Lucas said quickly and turned away.

"Look Luke.. I am not putting on my old Ravens cheerleading outfit." Brooke said softly as she stepped closer to Lucas. "I did go shopping with Haley though and I did get something that I think you'd enjoy." Brooke smirked as she let her bathrobe fall to the ground.

Lucas took a big gulp. "Much better than you're cheerleading outfit." Lucas smirked back.

. . . . .

Jake and Peyton were currently eating dinner at a nearby café. Jake almost choked on his soda as Peyton was recalling her earlier encounter with Nathan, Haley, and her parents.

"And so Nathan's hands was all over her ass .. and then.." Peyton was speaking.

"Peyton!" A voice called out.

"Ashley.. hey.." Peyton turned around to see who was calling her.

"Oh my God .. am I bothering?" Ashley asked.

"No… not at all.. Ashley.. this is my boyfriend Jake…. Jake this is my friend Ashley.. we're taking Philosophy together."

"Hey.. nice to meet you." Jake replied as the two shook hands.

"Oh Jake.. hold on a second.. Ashley.. I've been meaning to ask you about class.. I totally spaced when the Professor Conley was talking about the final paper.." Peyton said.

Jake sat back as the two talked about their upcoming final paper. Jake pulled out his phone and saw that he had a miss call and a new voicemail. He didn't recognize the number and so he accessed his voicemail to see what it was about.

"Jake.. it's Nikki.. you know one of these days you have to pick up my calls.. I need to know what you want to do Jake.. the ball is in your court now.. here's the thing .. I need the money soon.. but since I'm nice and I know you have finals coming up .. I'll make you a deal .. I'm willing to wait until after the Holidays.. hopefully you've been a good boy and Santa will give you a load of cash this Christmas Jake or else …"

Jake pulled his cell phone away from his ears and held it in his hands. His mind was racing and he didn't even realize that Ashley had left and Peyton was continuing her story.

"Jake.. hello earth to Jake.." Peyton waved her hand in front of Jake.

"Oh.. sorry.. I got distracted.. what were you saying?" Jake tried to shake things off.

Peyton didn't notice and continued her story about Nathan and Haley and how Brooke and Lucas also showed up. Jake laughed, gladly taking any distraction he could get at the moment. They talked and laughed some more until the waiter came by and dropped them their bill.

"Umm.. 25 total.." Peyton said as she put the receipt back down on the table.

Jake reached into his pocket to get his wallet out but stopped.

"Hey.. I forgot my wallet.." Jake lied.

"Oh that's cool.." Peyton said as she grabbed her purse. "I can get this.."

. . . .

"Oh come here Haley-bop." Jimmy said pulling Haley into a big hug the next morning. She and Nathan were currently at the parking lot to send Haley's parents off.

"Bye.. dad." Haley hugged back. "I'll see you in a few weeks over Christmas break."

"Nathan.." Lydia smiled as she threw her arms around him.

"It was a pleasure to finally meet you." Nathan said politely. "Have a safe drive."

"You take care of my little girl." Lydia smiled as she pulled away but not before letting her hand linger on Nathan's bicep, giving it a little squeeze. "My Haley is one lucky girl." Lydia winked as she took a step back and walked over to Haley. She put her arm around her and led her off away from Jimmy and Nathan.

"Oh my God mom.. did you just feel Nathan up!?" Haley shook her head.

"What.. I was just checking out the merchandise." Lydia smiled.

"Mom! Gross!"

"Relax dear .. but I really have to tell your dad to hit the gym.."

"God.. I can't hear this." Haley said shaking her head and Lydia just laughed.

"Are you okay Haley?" Lydia asked curiously.

"Not really." Haley said sarcastically. "One of these days, I'm going to send you and dad my therapy bills."

"Oh Haley, stop being so dramatic.. I swear I feel like I'm talking to Taylor."

"Oh please.. I am not like Taylor.."

"Uh hu.." Lydia rolled her eyes. "Asking me and your dad for money, that sounds like Taylor." Lydia pointed out.

"Ehhh.. God nevermind..."

"But going back to my earlier question.. are you okay? I mean.. you seemed a little off .. I thought you'd be happy to see your dad and I?"

"What.. of course I'm happy to see you guys.. I mean it'd be nice if you guys learned how to knock but …"

"I didn't mean that Haley.."

"What do you mean mom? Because at dinner last night, it seemed as if I wasn't at the table and it seemed like last night was all about how to embarrass Haley even more."

"Oh honey, we weren't trying to embarrass you, we were just trying to get to know Nathan.. I mean we wouldn't be asking him so many questions if someone would've told us about him." Lydia was quick to point out.

"Well.. I didn't want to make a big deal out of it." Haley defended herself.

"Well.. I think it is a big deal.. I mean it's not everyday I see my daughter fall in love.."

"What!.. how .. how do you know?" Haley sighed in defeat. There was no point in hiding her feelings for Nathan, especially since they already admitted it to each other.

"I see it in the way you guys look at each other.. how during dinner, you two kept glancing over at each other and the way your hands always found their way to each other.. anyone can see that it's love."

"I.. I do love him." Haley gave a small smile. "He.. he loves me too."

"Aww Haley.. I'm so happy for you." Lydia pull her daughter into a hug.

"Well I'm on Dean's list.. I wish you would be proud of that too." Haley mumbled softly and turned away.

"Is that what you think? That we don't care of your accomplishments."

"Well.. yeah.. I mean .. last night I got all these missed calls from everybody and it was all about Nathan… I mean I can win the Nobel prize but you guys would be more concerned about who I would bring to the show."

"Haley-bop.. you know that's not true .. we're proud of everything you've done."

"Really.. cuz it doesn't seem like it sometimes."

"Oh honey.. you've been a straight A student since I could remember.. but let's face it dear, by the time you were in third grade, we could hardly keep up with all the awards and certificates you got from school… look we might overlook your academic accomplishments because.. well at this point.. we expect it .. it doesn't mean we're any less proud .. but you are right .. I'm sorry if you feel like we neglected you."

"Thanks.." Haley said softly.

"But Haley.. we're also concerned about you.. I mean it's great that you do so well in school but me and your dad worried that school was the only life you would know… I mean you have us and the rest of our family.. your friends.. and you've gone on dates and had a few boyfriends.. but none of them lasted very long.. I thought it was good when you and Taylor got closer when you girls got to college.. lord knows you could live it up a little and well Taylor could hit the books more .." Lydia sighed. "I just don't want you to let life pass you by .. that's all honey.. school's important Haley-bop but life .. family.. friends… boyfriends.. they're important too and I guess that's why me and your father got overly excited yesterday .. we're proud that you're living too.. "

Haley gave her mom a small smile, knowing what her mom meant. "Look, I understand mom.. I'm the first to admit that growing up I was a nerd ..that's me, but I do go out and have fun… you were right… hanging out with Taylor was good.. and also Peyton.. they opened my eyes and ears to the world around me and taught me to let my hair down a bit.. " Among other things, Haley thought to herself. "And you'd be proud to know that Peyton and I are taking a vacation after the holidays." She smiled warmly.

"Oh yes.. she mentioned that.. that's great Honey.. Jamaica right?"

"Maybe Mexico.. we still have to finalize things but either way.. it has to be warm and there has to be a beach."

"Oh honey.. bring Nathan.. I bet he'd look good in swimming trunks" Lydia teased.

"Mom!"

"Better yet.. speedos!" Lydia said excitedly.

Or a jockstrap.. dammit. Haley cursed to herself as she let her mind wander. "You're horrible mom!" Haley said shaking her head.

. . . .

"Mr. James.. it was a pleasure to meet you." Nathan extended his hand out.

"The pleasure was all mine." Jimmy said as he took Nathan's hand and pulled him into him for a friendly man hug.

"You take care of my little girl." Jimmy said.

"Don't worry I will." Nathan stated and nodded his head.

"Now normally, this would be the part where a dad would say.. break her heart, I'll break you're neck… but luckily for me I have two overprotective sons who do that for me .." Jimmy laughed.

"Umm.. should I be worried?" Nathan laughed nervously.

"Their harmless… although Matt is a cop and he can legally carry a firearm.. but I'm sure Matt learned his lesson the last time."

"Last time?!"

"Oh don't worry about it, Nathan.. once the rest of the family meets you.. they're going to love you.."

"Yes.. they will." Lydia said as her and Haley walked back to them. "Nathan dear, you must come visit us.. Haley tell him to come visit us."

"Yeah.. sure thing mom." Haley said sarcastically.

"Okay kids.. we have to run.." Jimmy stated. Nathan and Haley waved off to her parents as they got in the car and drove off.

Once out of sight, Haley sighed and leaned in towards Nathan.

"So.." Nathan said as he wrapped his arm around Haley. "Matt's a cop huh?"

"Don't believe my Dad.. he exaggerates sometimes.. the guy only had flesh wound.."

"Wait .. what?!" Nathan exclaimed.

. . . .

"Hey Marianne."

"Oh hey Julie.." Marianne yawned.

"Are you okay? You look a little tired."

"I am.. that stupid security system they just installed.. I got stuck here and it took forever for one of the maintenance people to get me out."

"Oh.. I'm so sorry to hear that." Jules responded.

"Yeah.. so be careful when you have to close up here .. but I'm glad you're here.. cover the front for me .. I'm going to go to the back for a moment."

"Yeah.. no problem.. I got it." Julie said as she sat down and Marianne went to the back. There were no patients waiting, so Julie was glad to have some quiet time. She spoke too soon as he phone started to go off.

"Hello.."

"So funny thing, happened today." Dan said over the phone.

"Yes Mr. Scott."

"My son finally picks up his phone.. we exchange a few pleasantries and out of no where he asks about your dad…"

"My dad?" Jules questioned.

"He saw you at the clinic and thought of your dad.. isn't that sweet?!" Dan said sarcastically. "How could you be so wreckless!!" Dan exclaimed over the phone.

"Haley volunteers here for godsakes.. you didn't think her boyfriend would come by and visit?" Jules replied, trying to mask the annoyance in her voice.

"Look.. I'm not paying you to play catch up with my son.."

"No.. I know exactly what you're paying me for!"

"Yes.. and make sure you remember that.. now that you blew your cover.. I have to come up with a new plan.. until then remember.."

"Yes.. I'll keep my eyes and ears open, Mr. Scott." Jules tried to sound polite.

"You better!" Dan said hanging up.

"Ass!" Jules said to herself as she put her phone down and looked up to see a patient in front of her.

"Oh hi.. sorry .. daym telemarketers.." Jules tried to play it off as she shook her phone in her hand. "What can I do for you?"

"I was skateboarding and I had a bad fall on my left arm.. it's scratched up pretty bad." The man said as he applied pressure over the wound.

"Okay.. I'll get someone over to help you .. what's your name?" Jules asked as she grabbed a pen.

"Adams.." He replied. "Chase Adams."

To Be Continued . . . .

How much did Chase hear? If he heard anything at all, you'll have to wait and see, hehe. Please review!!