Sorry for the delay in getting this done, it was a crazy busy week and this chapter gave me fits. I won't say it's a filler chapter, but it's more of a set the stage for other events chapter and those are so much harder to write than the action ones. Anyway, thank you to those of you still reading. I hope you enjoy.
CH 46
"How is Nathan?" Quinn asked, sliding onto a kitchen stool after all the hugs and small talk finished. She and Clay had arrived that the afternoon and were planning to stay for a few days. She picked up a muffin from the counter and started to peel off the wrapper. "I wish I could've come sooner but we had classes and work."
"He's doing okay," Haley shrugged, grabbing a snack of her own. "It's tough because he wants to get it all back right away and he's worried it's going to take too long. I'm afraid he's going to overdo it, but he's so determined to be ready in July. In fact, he and Lucas are working out right now. They'll join us soon."
Clay nodded in understanding, "He knows how important summer practices are, especially for freshman. It's good that he's being realistic. Many guys come in expecting star treatment because they had it in high school and then don't adjust well when they don't get it."
"I don't think he really cares about that, he just wants to play. Won't the coaches take his injury under consideration if he's not ready?" Haley asked. "I mean, they know what he can do or they wouldn't have picked him."
"You have to realize that what he did before this means next to nothing now," Clay explained. "All of the guys on his team were great players in High School just to make it this far. Now they have to prove themselves all over again at the college level against the tougher competition. That's how they earn playing time and it all starts with the summer practices. That's when the coaches have the most time to spend with the freshman because once the regular practices start, their focus shifts to running plays and getting the players they plan to use ready to play in the games. If he isn't one of those players when regular practices start, he's going to have a tough time breaking into the rotation. He's playing for one of the best, most respected teams in the country. The coaches have to go with what they can see now, not what he did in the past."
Haley slid onto the stool next to her sister and sighed. "I was just finally understanding high school basketball and now I'm starting all over. I guess I didn't realize..."
Nathan and Lucas walked into the kitchen just then, covered in sweat. Lucas walked over to the fridge and grabbed a couple of waters, tossing one to his brother and then chugging his. Nathan caught his with his right hand and set it on the counter, leaning down and kissing his wife on the forehead. Haley started to reach for it to open if for him but Nathan shook his head, carefully placing it in his left hand and twisting it open with his right.
"Nathan and Lucas," Haley said, turning her attention back to their guests. "This is Clay Evans and you of course remember my sister Quinn. Clay, my husband Nathan Scott and his brother, my best friend Lucas."
"Nice to meet you," Clay said, shaking hands with both brothers. "I watched a few of your games this year. I was impressed."
"Thanks. What didn't you realize?" Nathan asked, picking up the conversation he'd walked in on.
"She, uh, didn't realize that Clay was going to be at Duke with you next year," Quinn jumped in.
"That's cool," Nathan said, "Why the transfer though? I thought you went to NC State?"
"I went there because they had the best sports management program, but I'm graduating in a few weeks and I'm going to Duke for Law School next year," Clay explained. "I want to own my own agency and a Law degree goes a long way toward making that more realistic."
The three guys started talking about the plans for the agency and some of the athletes he'd gotten to meet at his current job. They were so deep in their conversation they barely even noticed when Brooke walked in. "Ugh, look at them. Are you sure this is the first time they've met?" she asked, looking at the way the men were already bantering back and forth.
"Yeah, I mean, I met Clay over the summer while Nathan was at High Flyers and then again at Thanksgiving. Nathan didn't come with me because his grandparents were coming to town and we were still a little...you know" Haley explained.
"Yes, I know," Brooke rolled her eyes, "I was just saying they already act like besties."
"I don't think any of them would like being called 'besties'," Quinn laughed.
"Whatever," Brooke waved her comment off. "They're being boring and this will probably last a while since basketball is involved. Let's go have some girl talk."
Haley and Quinn looked over and realized the conversation had in fact shifted to the recent NCAA tournament and agreed. "Let's go."
"So what do you think about Fields? Do you think he'll stay or enter the draft?" Clay asked as the men sat in the family room, continuing their discussion from the comfort of the couches. "They were predicting a top 5 draft spot for him before the knee injury."
"I don't know," Lucas said. "Knee injuries can be tricky. It'll probably drop him at least a few spots if he goes out and he's only going to be a Junior next year. He might be back."
"But if he has a bad season, it would drop him even further than the injury did," Clay pointed out. "It's all about balancing the risk versus the reward."
"What do you think Nate?" Lucas asked, trying to draw his brother back into the conversation. He'd been right with them until they started talking about this coming season and then he'd withdrawn. Lucas understood it was because of the injury, but he had made it his mission to not let his brother dwell on it. All Nathan could do was try to get ready in time and worrying wouldn't solve anything. In fact, it would just make it harder on everyone.
"I don't know," Nathan said, showing that he'd been at least following along. "It's a lot of guaranteed money to pass up, but I don't know him well enough to know what other reasons he might have to tip him in either direction. Money isn't everything after all. I'm not sure what decision I would make if I were in his shoes. "
"Maybe in a few years you'll get the chance to find out," Lucas pointed out.
"Hopefully not with another injury factored in like he has," Nathan said. "I'm sick to death of rehab. I feel like that's all I've done the last year."
"I hope he goes out, because it's going to be a hell of a challenge to break into the starting line up with him playing in front of you," Lucas said, changing the subject. "He was an All-American as a sophomore."
"Don't you think I can do it?" Nathan asked seriously. "That I can get back and be better than he is."
"Woah, I know you can," he told his brother, holding up his hands defensively. "I've seen how hard you're working and I know better than to ever doubt you. I'm just not sure they'd let you take his spot even if you were better. He's got the experience and the team already behind him."
"Yeah, well I've never let that stop me," Nathan pointed out. "If he decides to stay, he better realize I'm coming for his spot."
"So Hales," Quinn said, placing a duffel bag on the bed and unzipping it. "Remember those old notebooks we used to write in when we were kids?"
"Of course," Haley laughed, "We used to put some pretty funny stuff in there."
"Well, apparently mom kept a few of them. She gave me a box of old stuff to go through when they moved out, and there were 3 of them still in there," Quinn told her. "I thought you might to look through them with me."
"What kind of stuff?" Brooke asked, getting excited. "Were they diaries?"
"They were a little bit of everything," Quinn said. "Song lyrics, wishes, jokes, bets...You name it, we probably put some of it in there."
"Well what are we waiting for?" Brooke asked, practically bouncing on the bed. "Let's open them."
"I'll let you do the honors," Quinn said, handing the first one to Haley. She opened the puppy dog cover, a smile on her face as she remembered the many hours she and her sister had spent laying on their beds talking about boys, their brothers and sisters, and growing up. Every once in a while Taylor would join them, but most of the time it was just the two of them. She flipped through the first couple of pages, "Oh Quinn," she said, getting to the third page. "Mrs. Quinn Morris," Haley said, laughing.
"That's in there?" Quinn asked. "Uhhh, Zach Morris was soooo cute. I loved Saved By the Bell. Besides, you shouldn't laugh Hales," Quinn said. "You liked Billy Morgan."
"In like 3rd grade. He was cute, I had no idea he would be in juvie by age 14," Haley argued.
"I remember him, he was really cute. How old were you guys when you wrote this?" Brooke asked, taking the notebook and looking through it.
"I'm pretty sure I was 10 when we did this one," Haley said.
"Interesting," Brooke said, flipping the notebook back around. "I didn't know you could predict the future?"
"Haley James Scott" was written across the bottom of the page in Quinn's favorite block letters.
"I totally forgot about that," Quinn said, grabbing the book and looking at the next couple of pages. "Look, there's a bet. I bet Haley will someday become Mrs. Scott. I did predict the future."
"Oh come on," Haley said, "that was totally wrong and you know it. You guys all thought I'd marry Lucas. Nathan wasn't even on any of our radars yet. He went to the other elementary and Lucas still pretended he didn't exist."
"That's true, but that's not what the bet said. It said you'd be Mrs. Scott," Quinn laughed.
"That is what it says Tutor Wife," Brooke told her. "So what did you bet? "
"Ummm, let me see," Quinn said, flipping to the next page and then starting to laugh. "We bet she had to flash a boy."
"You didn't think that through very well did you?" Brooke asked, her excitement at the thought of a juicy bet gone. "If you knew she didn't marry him, it was probably because she married someone else and thus had already done that. Knowing Nate, probably hundreds of times."
Haley reached out and playfully pushed her. "We were still kids. We didn't think that far ahead and it seemed like a scary thing to have to do at the time. "
"When I was ten I was already...never mind," Brooke said, her voice trailing off. "Okay, I still don't get why they thought you'd marry Luke."
"Because they were ALWAYS together. It was so cute. I mean, by the time they got to Junior High we'd all realized it was never going to happen, but when they were kids, we thought they'd for sure end up together. In fact, they used to go into her room sometimes and it was really quiet. Mom thought they were making out."
"EWWW," Haley said, making gagging noises. "That's so gross. I get sick just thinking about it."
"Hey," Brooke said, "I happen to think my Broody is very sexy."
"But he's like my brother," Haley said, still disgusted by the idea.
"Actually, he is your brother," Quinn reminded her, "in law."
Haley rolled her eyes. Her sister loved to tease her about that since they had always said they felt like brother and sister. "Why would she think that anyway? We were kids."
"Ummm, Taylor ring a bell? They barely survived her antics. In fact, they tried to be extra strict with me to make sure I wasn't like her. Fortunately for you, by the time they got to you they pretty much just let you do whatever you wanted because they had no energy left to fight you on anything. They're really lucky you didn't do anything crazy."
"Like get married and pregnant in high school?" Brooke asked, leaning back against the headboard.
Haley gave her a dirty look, but couldn't help cracking a smile, "Hey, I got permission first."
The three girls laughed. "Always the good girl," Quinn said. "Anyway, we all thought they would get together someday. We never expected our super careful, never do anything without thinking about it and planning it out forever ,Haley to fall madly in love and get married at 16 to someone she only dated a few months. I still remember when mom called and told me. I had just gotten back from that photo journalism thing in Africa and the last time we talked, you were tutoring Nathan, but still not sure about him. The next thing I know you're married to the guy. I have to admit, at first when she told me the news I figured it had to be Lucas. I never even suspected Nathan."
"It felt right," Haley shrugged. "He asked me why forever couldn't start right then and I didn't have an answer for that. I guess it probably seems crazy to you, but I just knew that he was the one and all my reasons to wait flew out the window. I mean, it hasn't been easy, but knowing that we can lean on each other and that we're going to be together forever makes it all so worth it."
"I have to admit, most people were surprised when you started dating Nathan, but I'd already figured that one out so I wasn't really. In fact, I helped with that a little," Brooke said, her voice full of pride.
"After you royally screwed it up," Haley interjected.
Brooke waved her off. "You broke a lot of hearts around Tree Hill taking him off the market. Nate and P. Sawyer broke up so many times I quit counting and all the girls knew it wouldn't last so they just bided their time. When you guys got married, people were beyond shocked. I actually heard a freshman crying in the bathroom that he was officially off the market."
Quinn and Haley laughed and shook their heads as Brooke continued, "I don't know why they were so devastated, It's not like he ever looked at any of them twice anyway. Once you two hooked up he only had eyes for you."
The guys turned on the Charlotte Bobcats game and sat watching it, their conversation dying down to mostly just comments about the game. "I can't believe they didn't call that a foul," Clay yelled. "They're killing Okafor down there."
"Any of you want a drink?" Lucas asked, standing as the game went to commercial.
Both of the other guys asked for a water and he nodded before he went off on his own. When he left the room, Clay turned to Nathan, "I really think you're going to make it someday Nathan." He turning to face him, "so I'm going to say this now while I'm not yet an agent and it can't be considered recruiting or tampering. I'd really love to sign you to my agency when I get it started. I know it's a big decision and you'll have to think about it. We have lots of time... I just wanted to let you know right now that I believe in you and I hope by the time you need to make a decision, you'll feel the same way about me."
"Wow...okay," Nathan said, surprised that Clay had brought it up. "At this point, it seems like that's a long time from now, but I'll keep it in mind."
"That's all I'm asking. I won't mention it again until you decide to go pro because starting in a couple weeks I'll officially be a Junior Agent, but I wanted you to know now, while I can freely talk about it, that I've been following you since your sophomore year and even more closely since I started dating Quinn. I believe in you. You're going to do great things. So in a few years when you're ready to go pro, remember this conversation."
"So we won't ever talk about this stuff again?" Nathan asked, "what if I have questions?"
"Feel free to ask. I can answer them as your brother-in-law," Clay told him. "This will just be the last time I can say anything about becoming your agent."
The three girls were sitting on the bed looking through Haley's photo album from her wedding. "It was so beautiful Haley," Quinn said, "I really wish I could've been there. I can only hope mine will be half as nice."
"Of course it will be," Haley said, "you have great taste."
Quinn shrugged, "Clay's mom wants to help but she has completely opposite taste of mine and my mom is who knows where right now so I'm doing it mostly on my own and it's kind of short notice. I have the venue booked and I picked out my dress, but there's so much left to do. How did you get all of your stuff done and planned so quickly?"
"Well, I had a lot of help from Deb and Brooke," Haley admitted. "They were amazing and have such great ideas."
"Mom said she wants to help, but I can't ever get a hold of her. She'll probably show up 10 minutes before the wedding and complain that I should have let her do something," Quinn sighed and then looked over at her sister. "I guess I shouldn't whine too much. At least they're coming. I can't believe they didn't come back for yours."
Haley shrugged, "They were at the first one and they were in Utah or something. It would have been a long trip."
"They still should have been there," Brooke said. "What? Lucas and I talked about it. I'm so glad he offered to walk you down the aisle. Your parents should have been there, but at least he was a great replacement."
"Now they're coming back for the wedding and graduation," Haley said, "but that most likely means they won't be here for the baby being born which kind of sucks. I mean, I always imagined mom being one of the first ones to hold my baby, you know?"
"You never know," Brooke said, "maybe they'll stay for a while this time."
"Yeah, maybe," Haley said, clearly not holding out much hope. "I've got lots of great people that I know will be here though and I'm going to be happy with that for now. We've got time to worry about that later. "
"Why don't we get to work on the wedding stuff?" Brooke asked. "We've got some time before the game the guys are watching ends. What did you have in mind?"
"Well, I picked out some dresses for the bridesmaids, and I think they'll look great on Leah and Ashley, but we're going to have to do something different for Hales here because of the pregnancy," Quinn told them. She pulled out a few pictures and showed them to the other girls. "Oooh, I love this one," Haley said pointing to the same one Quinn was leaning toward choosing. "I wish I could wear that one too."
"It's way too fitted though," Quinn pointed out.
"But I could make something similar that would work for you," Brooke said, looking at her friend and gesturing. "I could keep the straps and bodice the same, but move the waistline up and make it flow from under the bust instead of staying tight through the mid-section."
"Really?" Quinn asked in surprise. "I mean, it would be awesome if you think you can do it, but I don't want you to have to go through so much trouble."
"You should see some of the things she's made. She's amazing," Haley said.
"It's no trouble," Brooke said. "This is what I want to do for a living. I love it. I'll just need to see the exact real dress and find the right fabric."
"I can totally get that to you," Quinn said with a squeal as she flipped the page of her binder, "It's so exciting when I actually get something accomplished on this thing. Now what do you think about these flowers..."
Nathan and Lucas were in the kitchen getting some popcorn during half-time. Deb had just returned and told them Dan wanted Lucas to come for a visit.
"You ready for that man?" Nathan asked. "It's not easy to see him the way he is now."
"I think so," Lucas told him. "I think I'm ready to give him a chance. If he's changed even half as much as you guys all say, I think maybe he's earned it. Do you think your parents are going to get back together?"
"Um, I have no idea. I guess with all that's been going on I didn't really even think about the possibility," Nathan said. "They have been getting along much better but I'm not sure they can get past everything that happened the last few years. They were pretty nasty to each other. Dan especially did some pretty crappy things. I don't know that my mom has any feelings left for him."
"But they used to love each other," Lucas pointed out.
"They were actually pretty good together when I was a kid," Nathan told him, "but it hasn't been that way for a while. I'm not sure if they'd even want to try and go back."
Lucas shrugged, "maybe not. I just couldn't help but notice how they've been since the shooting. Your mom seems awfully devoted to someone she doesn't have any feelings for anymore."
"Yeah, I guess you're right," Nathan said, considering Lucas's statement. His mother had been spending a lot of time worrying about and visiting his father. "I guess stranger things have happened."
"Especially in this town," Lucas laughed. "We're proof of that."
"Yeah," Nathan agreed, shaking his head. "I also wanted to ask you if you would maybe help me find a cheap car and make sure it runs okay?"
"I thought Dan gave you one," Lucas pointed out. "A very nice one."
"Yeah," Nathan agreed, "but we have to share and with Haley pregnant I don't like the idea that sometimes she's without a vehicle."
"You know we're always willing to help out," Lucas pointed out.
"I know, but you guys have lives too and if there was an emergency or something...I just want something to drive so I can leave the SUV with her," Nathan said. "Besides, I'm going to have to have something to drive to Duke and she'll need something here. It just makes sense."
"Dan would probably give you something..." Lucas told his brother.
"He already offered," Nathan said, getting agitated. "Look, I already feel bad enough that we're living here and driving a vehicle he paid for. It was my choice to get married and Haley and this baby are my family to take care of. I don't like feeling like I'm living off of my parents, but I'm also not so stupid as to try and move out with only a couple months left until college. This is something I can at least handle without their help. So are you going to do this with me or not?"
"Sure," Lucas said, understanding where his brother was coming from. "We can go look for something tomorrow."
"Ooooh," Brooke said, "this is so much fun. I loooove weddings."
"You two have been so helpful," Quinn said, starting to pack up her things. "I need you two to come to Raleigh with me and help me finish."
"It's kind of a long drive, especially with my bladder. Ugh, excuse me. I have to pee again," Haley said, getting up off the bed. "We are going to be in Durham on Friday to look at the housing stuff though. I could maybe meet up and help a little then."
Brooke waited until Haley closed the bathroom door before leaning in toward Quinn, "We need to start planning a baby shower."
"Are we keeping it a secret?" Quinn asked, whispering back.
"No, I just don't want her to know yet," Brooke said. "There's no way we'd be able to keep it a secret the whole time. She's way too nosy."
Quinn laughed but agreed. "Let's look at our schedules and pick a date. I have Haley's date book right here too so we can at least get the biggest thing done first."
The girls picked a date and talked about some other things they could get started on and were back to looking at other things when Haley returned to the room.
"Can I trade mother-in-laws with you?" Quinn joked, looking at Haley's photos some more. "This is so beautiful. I can't believe she paid for it. "
"Ha," Haley laughed, "She only paid for part of it and you wouldn't have said that a year ago when she wanted me out of her son's life."
"But she's good now isn't she?" Quinn asked.
"She's great now. I don't know what we would have done without here these past few months," Haley admitted. "She's doing great with keeping sober too. In fact, I think she's at a meeting now. These past few weeks have been pretty rough on her too."
"How is Dan?" Quinn asked. "Is he still pushing everyone away?"
"Not as bad. It just really stinks that this happened. He'd really seemed to turn a corner before all this and I'd hate it if he went back to the way he used to be. I don't want Nathan to lose him again just when he was finally being a real father. "
"He'll be okay," Brooke said. "Heaven knows nothing seems to stop that man."
"I hope you're right," Haley said. "I never thought I'd say this but I hope Dan makes a full recovery and comes back to us. Deb and Nathan both seem to be counting on him."
