Hey guys, thank you all so much for the reviews last chapter! I loved reading your comments. I'm going to be extremely busy over the next few days and didn't want you guys to have to wait too long for this next update. I know you're all anxious to find out what's going to happen. I apologize if any of the medical information is inaccurate. I've never been pregnant, and the last time someone in my family had a baby was when I was eight years old. Lol! So it's been a while. But I did do a lot of research and tried my best to get the details right. Anyway, please read and review! Thanks!


Chapter 42

Finally Nathan was passing through the double doors to the ER. The doctor led him down a long corridor and turned a corner. Nathan's stomach was in knots as he followed her. She hadn't told him anything yet. All she'd said was that she wanted to explain everything to him and Haley together.

Nathan had nodded and looked behind him at his brother. Lucas motioned for him to go, his expression telling Nathan that he'd tell the others what was going on when they arrived. Nathan was thankful; all of his focus needed to be on Haley and the baby. There was no telling what was about to come next.

As they walked, Nathan's mind was bombarded by a barrage of worst-case scenarios. He kept picturing Haley's face; she had been in so much pain as she clutched her stomach and whimpered. Her next words had haunted him. Haley had made him promise to put the baby first. He'd agreed but now that he was in the hospital, he didn't know what he would do if it came down to that. It was all getting to be too much. Nathan didn't think he'd ever been so scared in his life.

The doctor led Nathan down another long corridor. He wished he knew where Haley was, so he could go himself. They were walking far too slow for his liking. Finally, the doctor stopped in front of a closed door.

"After you," she said.

Nathan didn't need to be told twice. He opened the door and walked inside. Haley was awake and lying still in the bed. Instead of her normal clothes she wore a hospital gown, which was halfway covered by the blankets placed over her. His eyes scrutinized her, searching for anything that might tell him what was wrong. Her hands were on her large stomach, and she looked both utterly exhausted and on edge.

In that moment Nathan wanted nothing more than to run over to her and take her in his arms. There was so much he had to tell her. So much he needed to make up for. But now was not the time for that. Instead of running to Haley's side, he remained standing at the foot of her bed. He was the reason why Haley was here in the first place. He didn't deserve to feel the comfort her touch would bring.

"How are you feeling, Haley?" the doctor asked, coming up behind him.

"A little bit better. What's going on? Will the baby be okay?"

"Yes. You and the baby are both fine."

Nathan released the breath he hadn't even realized he'd been holding. Haley didn't look as convinced by the news.

Before she could interrupt, the doctor continued, "I know that you were very sick. You said that you had severe pain in your abdomen before you came in. You did the right thing by coming here and not taking any chances. Luckily, everything is actually okay."

"But the pain—" Nathan began.

"The pain that you experienced is something we refer to as Braxton Hicks contractions. They occur all throughout your pregnancy but can become more noticeable within your last trimester. Their purpose is to prepare the body for labor. They're actually very normal and can easily be mistaken for real labor pains."

"Are they always that severe?" Haley questioned.

"Sometimes the pain can be worse. It's different for every expectant mother, but most women tend to experience a higher level of discomfort and pain when they're stressed or getting either too much or too little exercise. Dehydration is a factor, as well," the doctor explained, staring at Haley's chart. "From what you told me, Haley, you were very upset before the contractions began. Is that correct?"

Haley briefly glanced at Nathan before answering, "Yes."

"It's my fault," Nathan spoke up. He looked at his wife, but she wouldn't meet his eyes. His guilt only increased.

"These things sometimes happen, but the best thing you can do is try to relax. All right, Haley?"

"Okay."

"And she has to stay overnight?" Nathan questioned.

"Yes," the doctor answered with a nod. "Her blood pressure is a little higher than usual, so I'd like to keep an eye on her. It's just a precaution, mind you, but it's better safe than sorry," she said. "While you're here, though, Haley, I want you to drink plenty of water. It would also be best if you lay on your left side. It'll give you and the baby more oxygen."

"Okay. Thank you, doctor," Haley replied and started to turn. The woman stepped forward to help her.

"And most importantly, relax," she advised. "Slow, deep breathing is usually the ticket." She turned to Nathan. "The same goes for you, too, Dad. In order for Mom and the baby to be calm, you must be, too. Your mood can affect her."

Nathan didn't say anything. He just nodded in understanding. Even when the doctor left, he still didn't speak. He watched Haley while trying to process it all.

Sighing, Haley reached for the control attached to her bed. That seemed to snap Nathan out of his stupor. "What are you doing?"

"I'm calling the nurse. I need water."

"I'll go get it," he offered.

"It's fine. It's their job. Besides, you'll have to go to them anyway."

Nathan accepted her explanation. The doctor told Haley to relax, and that's what she was going to do. Arguing over water would be stupid and cause more unnecessary stress. "Um, would you mind if I just stepped out for a moment? Everyone is out in the waiting room. They're worried and probably want to know what's going on."

"Sure." She was staring at the wall. "Go ahead."

Nathan hesitated a minute before leaving. He didn't go straight to the waiting room like he said. He stood outside Haley's room and ran his hands over his face, needing some time to collect himself. He didn't have it in him to face everyone just yet.


Haley opened her eyes and forgot for a moment where she was. She'd expected to wake up in her own room. It only took a few seconds for reality to come crashing down around her. The cream-colored walls, tiny bed, and machines beeping surely were not a part of her home. What she wouldn't give to be home right now—in her own bed and pajamas. But after the way she and Nathan left things, even home wouldn't be perfect.

Haley thought back to her fight with Nathan earlier. Almost instantly she felt herself filled with anxiety. She practiced her deep breathing like the doctor had said. Haley was supposed to remain calm, but she also found it utterly impossible not to rehash the events of the day. She hadn't really had a moment to herself to think about it. Being in the hospital in the middle of the night, there wasn't much else for her to do.

Haley had been worried when Nathan hadn't showed up for their Lamas class. It wasn't like him to miss something that important. She'd been worried about him the entire time. It was also when she'd first felt the pains in her stomach. Haley had chalked them up to her usual discomfort. Now she knew what they really were. Haley could see how everything had gone downhill from there.

Relief had flooded her when Nathan finally returned home. That relief was short-lived, however, when he told her about the Sonics wanting to renew his contract. A part of her was happy for Nathan. She knew how worried he was that his injury might effect the renegotiation process. But the other part of her felt an immense wave of disappointment. Seattle was okay, but it wasn't home to Haley. It was always raining and colder than she was used to. None of their friends or family lived there. Sure, they'd made some new friends but it wasn't the same. Aside from Lindsey, Tony, and Clay, Haley didn't think she'd really made strong connections with anyone else. Even her job wasn't what it used to be. Haley loved teaching, but the new principal at the high school was a very difficult woman. She found that she didn't enjoy going to work like before. At times she even dreaded it.

All of that had been difficult enough. When Nathan had dropped the bomb that the team was relocating to Oklahoma, something inside Haley had snapped. It was one thing to stay in Seattle. She was already familiar with Seattle. But moving to Oklahoma? Haley couldn't even picture it. All she knew was that she had this tremendous aversion to the idea. There was just no way that she could go through it all again.

Haley didn't want to move to a new city. She didn't want to find a new house. She didn't want to find a new job. She didn't want to have to make new friends. In short, she didn't want to start over. Not when she already knew where she wanted to be. Tree Hill had always been home, and she couldn't bear the thought of being stuck in another city that felt so foreign to her. There was also the baby to consider. If they did go to Oklahoma and lived there for the next few years, the baby would be older. If all their son knew was his life in Oklahoma, would another move be devastating to him? Would it be too late to move to Tree Hill after that? The transition might be even harder.

Everything about this move seemed like a bad idea to Haley. Her instincts were screaming against it. And when she'd told Nathan as much, his reaction had been the complete opposite. Nathan wanted to stay with the Sonics, regardless of the move. He'd looked so betrayed when Haley said that she didn't want to go along with it. It was like he'd been completely blindsided, and she supposed that he had been. Haley had never mentioned her feelings to Nathan. She'd kept putting off telling him, and now she'd paid the price for it. She didn't blame him for reacting the way that he did.

They hadn't had a fight that bad in a long time. There had been so much yelling; it was awful. Nathan had yelled about her ruining his career, and she had shouted about him not caring about her happiness. It still astounded Haley how everything could be fine one minute and then crumble the next. The icing on the cake was when Nathan had said he'd go on without her. Haley had been so angry and hurt. She couldn't breathe right. It had felt like she was suffocating in that room. She couldn't even bear to be near Nathan. It was too painful. The tears had started to spill before she even made it inside the bathroom.

She'd cried so hard. Haley didn't know how much time had passed, but it seemed like the longer she cried the stronger the pains in her stomach felt. The pains were coming quick and had gotten so bad that she couldn't stand anymore. The moment she was on the floor she knew that something was seriously wrong. All thoughts of basketball contracts and Oklahoma flew out of her mind. Her complete attention was on the baby and what was happening. She'd tried calling for Nathan, but her voice seemed to get stuck in her throat as the contractions intensified. Haley wasn't even sure if he'd hear her. He could be anywhere in the house or even had left.

Thankfully he had still been home and had checked on her. Haley was sure the horrified expression that had been on his face was a mirror image of her own. Nathan wasted no time calling an ambulance. While they waited, he'd stayed with her. The fight was forgotten, and all that mattered was the baby. Haley didn't even really remember the ride to the hospital. All she remembered was the excruciating pain. It felt like she was in a daze, unable to really focus on anything else. The doctor and nurses had run tests and examined her. It was a relief when the pain eventually started to subside. When she could think straight again, Haley demanded to know what was going on. She had to know if the baby was okay. That's all she cared about.

The doctor had then gone to get Nathan. It felt like forever before they made it to her room. Haley had thought Nathan would rush to her side to make sure she was okay. That's what she'd needed him to do. Instead he just stood at the end of her bed. The tension that had formed during their fight was suddenly back again, and Haley had to look away. It took everything in her not to cry for the second time that day. She tried to focus on the doctor as she explained about Braxton Hicks and how the baby would be fine. Haley didn't think she'd ever heard such good news in her life. The baby was her top priority and as long as he was okay, then nothing else mattered. Haley didn't even complain about having to stay at the hospital overnight. She agreed with the doctor; better to be safe than sorry.

"Are you okay?" She looked to her left and saw that Nathan was awake and staring at her with those concerned, piercing eyes of his. Visiting hours were long since over, but he had insisted on staying with her all night. Nathan had sat in the chair beside her bed, not saying much of anything. Mostly he just watched her until she'd drifted off.

"You should drink some more water," he said. "It's been a while. You have to stay hydrated."

Haley grabbed the cup out of his hand and took a few sips. She brushed a hand against her chin when she felt a drop slide down. It took a moment for her to realize that it wasn't the water spilling but her tears.

"Hales, what's the matter? Are you having more pains?" Nathan questioned, panicked. "Should I get the nurse?"

"No, it's not that." She shook her head, unable to squelch the wave of emotion that suddenly hit her.

"Then what is it?"

"Why won't you touch me?"

Nathan was thrown off by her question. "What?"

"You haven't laid a hand on me or hugged me or kissed me since I've gotten here."

"I didn't think you wanted me to touch you," he replied, looking pained at her words.

"Did you really mean what you said? You know, about going on without me."

Nathan pulled his chair right up to her bed and took her hand in his. The other rested on her bulging stomach. "No. Of course not. I was being an idiot, Hales. I wasn't thinking."

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you that I wanted to stay in Tree Hill sooner. I—"

Nathan couldn't let her continue. He'd been replaying their fight over and over in his mind while she slept. The more he thought about it, the more Nathan knew that he'd been wrong to get so angry with Haley. "No, you have nothing to apologize for. You were being honest, just like you said."

"I don't want to ruin your career. I don't want to take anything away from you."

"Forget about my damn career. It doesn't even matter." Nathan's other hand lifted to caress her cheek. "It didn't even enter my mind when I saw you on that floor. All I cared about was making sure I didn't lose you or our son."

"Well, we're fine. I don't want to lose you."

"You won't," he promised and closed the distance between them. Their lips met in a long, tender kiss. "God, I was so scared."

"You and me both."

"I'm sorry I reacted the way that I did. I—never mind. We shouldn't be talking about this. You need to rest."

"Nathan, I want us to talk."

"You heard what the doctor said. She wants you to relax," Nathan reminded her.

"I know, but I can't relax when so much is left unresolved. I'll feel better if we just talk and get everything out in the open," Haley said. She didn't want to spend the rest of the night with her feelings cooped up inside of her. It wouldn't do either of them any good.

Nathan hesitantly agreed. He still wasn't sure that they should be talking about everything now, but he wasn't going to argue with her. Haley tugged on his shirtsleeve and pushed over. Nathan let her guide him onto the bed next to her. Gathering her in his arms, Nathan held Haley for a few minutes. They were both silent as they sorted through their thoughts.

"Were you really that unhappy in Seattle?" Nathan finally spoke up.

"It wasn't necessarily awful. You were in the NBA, and I got my new job. I loved our apartment and getting close to Lindsey and Tony. But…"

"But what?" Nathan prompted.

"But it just never really felt like home to me. The worst time was when you were traveling. Aside from going to work, taking care of Duke, and hanging out with Lindsey, I didn't know what to do with myself," Haley explained. "It's not like here where we have a lot of family and friends."

"Why didn't you tell me sooner? I thought we'd agreed to be honest with each other."

"I was going to tell you after the season ended, but I never got the chance. You were injured and couldn't play anymore. The last thing you would want to hear is me asking you to switch teams. I wanted you to stay focused on your rehab. Then there were the issues with Dan and Lucas and all of that. It just seemed like one thing after another," she said. "So I kept putting it off and waiting for the right time. But I guess there never really was a right time."

"I can't believe I didn't see it." Nathan shook his head and sighed. "Some husband I am."

"It's not your fault, baby. I was trying really hard to be happy, and I usually didn't have to try as hard when you were home. I was always so thrilled to have you back that I didn't dwell on that other stuff."

"Still, I feel horrible."

"Don't," Haley said, stroking his cheek. "I've been thinking…if you really feel that committed and loyal to the Sonics, then we can go to Oklahoma."

"Hales—"

"Who knows, maybe I really will like it. After everything that happened today, it made me realize how trivial this whole moving thing is. As long as you, me, and the baby are together and all healthy, then nothing else matters."

Nathan kissed her deeply and rested his forehead against hers. "I love you for the offer, Hales, but it's not going to happen. I won't force you to move."

"Nathan—"

"Do you want to know why I was so angry today when you told me how you felt?" he interrupted. Haley shook her head. "It was because I felt the exact same way."

Haley's eyes widened. "You did?"

"Yeah. I mean, I like Seattle. I like my team. I like the life we built there. In general, it didn't really bother me as much to live there. But that doesn't mean that it's felt like my true home, either," Nathan informed her. "Because that is what Tree Hill is. It's why I bought our first house here."

"Really?"

"Yeah. Our first house should be in the place we call home. And when I heard about the Sonics moving to Oklahoma, I felt the same sense of dread and disappointment that you did. Seattle I can handle. It's become comfortable. But the idea of uprooting our family to a state that I've really never had an interest in and playing for a team that doesn't feel like mine anymore, that was too much. I didn't like feeling like I didn't want to go. And I guess a part of me was hoping that you'd say we had to go. I wanted you to talk me into it and say that this was my dream and we had to follow it. That there was no other choice. But as we both know, you said the opposite. You pretty much voiced my own fears and forced me to face the facts," Nathan declared. "And the fact is that I can't follow my teammates on this one. I don't want to."

"Nathan," she said in a soothing voice, "it doesn't mean that you don't care about them. I know that you're all close—especially you and Tony. They'll understand."

"Let's say they do understand and wish me well. Who's to say any other team will want me?" he voiced his concern.

Haley stared at him in disbelief. "Why wouldn't another team want you? You're Nathan Scott," she said confidently, making him grin a little.

"You know what I mean, Hales. My injury can be a huge setback in me getting a good contract. I still have to prove that I've fully recovered and can play."

"The doctor said you will."

"It's not the same, though. I can't play in the same capacity that I once did."

"So you'll learn to play a little differently. It doesn't mean you'll lose your passion or intensity. I know that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to," Haley encouraged. "It's one of the things I love about you most."

Nathan ran his hands through her hair. "I love everything about you."

"I just…" she trailed off, her eyes watering once more. "I just want you to be happy after all of this. I don't want to see you lose your dream."

"Lose her?" Nathan said with a charming smile, causing the corner of Haley's mouth to twitch upward. "She's right here. And I'm never letting go of her." His lips claimed hers in a searing kiss before they locked eyes. His expression was serious and intense. "It's you and me, Hales. Always and forever."


Nathan paced the floor of the hospital waiting room and checked his watch. He'd called Clay early that morning. He had some things to discuss with him. A couple of minutes later, Nathan heard someone calling his name. He turned and saw Clay rushing toward him.

"Nathan, I came as soon as I heard. How's Haley? Is the baby okay?" Clay questioned. "Don't even worry about the press. I'll take care of everything."

"Haley and the baby are fine," Nathan assured him.

"Thank God. Do you know what happened? Actually, never mind. You don't have to tell me if you don't want—"

"It's okay. Haley had false labor pains brought on by stress. The good news is that the doctor said she can come home today. They're just checking her over one last time."

"Good."

"But that's not why I called you."

"Okay. What's going on?" Nathan motioned for them to take a seat. "Have you said anything to the Sonics yet about me accepting their offer?"

"No, not yet. I'm still trying to get you a better deal. Why, what's up?" Clay questioned. "Did you want to add or change something?"

"No." Nathan hesitated. He wasn't sure how Clay was going to react to his next words.

"Nathan, what's the matter with you?" Clay nudged him and chuckled. "You look, dare I say, nervous."

"Okay, I'm just going to say it. I want you to find me another team."

"Huh?"

"I don't want to re-sign with the Sonics—or Thunder—or whatever the hell they are now."

Clay shook his head and rubbed his hands over his face. "I knew you weren't okay with the move. You said you were, but I could see it in your eyes that you weren't."

"You're right. I'm not."

"Did you tell Haley?"

"Yeah, it's why she's in the hospital. I just found out that she didn't even really like Seattle all that much. The whole moving to Oklahoma thing freaked her out even more. The stress brought on the labor pains."

Clay looked slightly taken aback. "She didn't like Seattle?"

"Not really. She told me that she's always wanted to live here in Tree Hill, and I can't say that I blame her."

"This is what you want? You're sure about this?" Clay asked. "I know how much you've loved this team."

"I know, but it just isn't the same anymore. And I want to do this for Haley. She's made a lot of sacrifices over the years for me and my career. I think it's about time I do something for her."

"Okay."

"I'm sorry, Clay."

"Why are you sorry?" Clay replied, confused.

"I know how hard you've been working to get the Sonics to re-sign me. I don't want you to think that I don't appreciate it."

"Nate, it's fine. I understand. You have to do what feels right to you. As your agent and your friend, it's my job to make sure that you're happy. And if you want me to find you another team, then that's what I'll do." He patted his shoulder reassuringly.

"Thanks, Clay," Nathan said, his voice sincere. This was why he had picked Clay as his agent. This was why they'd become such good friends. Clay wasn't always concerned about the bottom line. In the end, he never tried to force Nathan into anything and always had his best interests at heart. Nathan knew without a doubt in his mind that he could trust Clay to come through for him.

"Sure. Now a few East Coast teams come to mind, or was there one in particular that you wanted?"

"One in particular," Nathan said.

Clay grinned knowingly. "That's what I thought."