Who We Are
Chapter 53
We could all use a little hope sometimes
You know.? That feeling that everything
Is going to be okay, and that someone
Is there to make sure of that.
I wasn't sure how long we had been there. And I couldn't have cared less about anything else that was going on. She lifted her head and looked at me.
The River court was empty. It was just the two of us. The sun was setting in the sky. And there was this coolness in the air.
"I'm sorry. For telling you to stay away from us. I was afraid to let you back into my life because I was worried that if I did that something would take you away from me and I couldn't take that hurt again. You were much more than just my dad. You were my superhero. I looked up and admired you so much. You taught me how to be fearless. I love you too." Deborah said. With emotion thick in her voice.
"You have nothing to apologize for. I deserved every word you said. The only thing that mattered to me when I got back. Was reuniting with you and your mom. The two most important people in my life. I learned to be fearless from your mom. She's been my hero since we met. I need you to understand that nothing will ever take me away from you again. We have an entire lifetime together to look forward too and so many memories to make. I cannot wait for that. But right now, I just want to spend some quality time with my little girl." Nathan said. Looking back at her.
"We can go have dinner at Karen's. They have so many new dishes. But plenty of the ones that have always been there and we can have those sundaes the ones we always got with all the toppings on it." Deborah said. Looking up at him. With a smile on her face.
"Let's go the only request I have is for you to tell me everything. All the years I wasn't there for. Catch me up on your life, memories, and milestones, good moments and the stuff in between." Nathan said. Looking to her.
"Okay deal. Then tomorrow we can come back here a play some basketball together. I've gotten a lot better since the last time we played." Deborah said. Looking to him.
"I have no doubt about that. Let's get over to Karen's before all the tables are taken. Remember that time it was so full that we had to eat outside." Nathan said. Smiling.
Deborah smiled back at him. "I do you called it an exclusive outdoor picnic just for the three of us."
The father and daughter left the park and headed into the parking lot. Getting into Nathan's car. Deborah making a mental note to pick up her car in the morning. Nathan started the car and drove.
Deborah messed with the radio until she found a station she knew they both liked and turned up the volume.
The drive to the café took a matter of minutes. Once they arrived they got out of the car and walked through the doors.
…
"It feels different this time. We are different. Older, more mature, two adults who know who they are and what we want."
"Which is to be together. I love him. And I have no idea what to expect and what is going to happen in the future."
"But for right now this is the right decision for me and him. He finally gets the chance to be a father to Deborah. I'm happy more than I've been in such a long time." Haley said. Looking up.
"That is all I've ever wanted for you." Jimmy said. Looking up at his daughter.
…
Months Later
Nathan and Haley have been dating for 6 months now. Being the blissfully happy and in love woman she was these days. Haley put her newest album days ago. And in a matter of hours. It hit number one on the charts. The music bringing back old fans and bringing in new ones.
As for Nathan he was doing well working at the rehab center he was a counselor for people who were once in the same position he had been in. He truly loved his job and took it seriously. Nathan continued to go to his meetings and work with his sponsor on a regular basis. His sobriety was a major of major importance to him. He and Haley were happier than ever.
Nathan and Deborah's relationship had gotten so much stronger during these pasts few months and the bond they once shared had returned. They had weekly dinners and basketball games on the weekend. Deborah had gotten rid of the toxic people in her life and was now on a much more positive and focused path.
Deborah had left just hours earlier on the annual camping trip she went on with her uncle Lucas. During this time of year.
Which meant the couple had the weekend to themselves. And neither of them wanted to waste a second of this alone time they had.
"I'm so ready for this romantic weekend away. You've been working so hard and I've been so busy lately. Right now we can just refocus on each other. Which means so much to me." Haley said. Smiling as she looked over at him.
"We're going were it all began. New York" Nathan said. Leaning over kissing her.
Haley smiled. Kissing him. As she put her hand on his.
While Nathan started the car, and got on the road. The couple's suitcases were safely tucked away in the trunk of the car.
Haley laid her head back on the seat as the car passed various signs. The last one she saw filled her with excitement.
You are now leaving Tree Hill.
…
Author's Note: Much anticipated Naley Romantic time coming up. A look inside the camping trip with Deborah and Lucas. Let me know what you thought of the chapter and what you see next for Naley and Deborah. Review!
