AN-Thanks guys for all of the awesome reviews, I really appreciate it. I feel like this chapter and the next is a turning point in the story for everyone and some things will begin to become apparent to Nathan. ENJOY!
Chapter 56
Runaway Denial
Haley hated looking at herself in the mirror. She felt disgusted at times, disgusted that she allowed herself to be so weak with Nathan on the fateful day in the elevator three months ago. She had avoided him like the plague at work often arriving extra early and leaving extra late just so she could avoid any awkward meetings between them again. Her appearance was getting worse as each day went on, her skin was a horrible chalky mess, while her weight was dropping so drastically she was hardly recognizable. Brooke had stayed on her constantly forcing her to eat or leave the house to get some sunshine but Haley felt dead inside, sun or food were the last things on her mind. Her mind was on things that she tried her damndest to keep tucked way in the back of her mind, but the more she denied it , the more she knew it was the absolute truth. There was only one solution to her problem and that was to leave, just pack up and leave. She couldn't risk staying here complicating matters any worse then they already were.
"Ok", she said as she continued to pack up as much as she could. She knew she would have to leave most things behind but she packed up the things that meant the most to her that could easily fit into her car.
"Tutorgirl?!", Brooke yelled.
This was the last thing Haley needed. She was planning on calling Brooke from wherever she went but she didn't want Brooke trying to talk her into not going, more than that she didn't want to give in and stay.
"Hey, there you are, Brooke cheerfully entered the room. I was calling you forever, why didn't you answer your phone?"
"I was busy, Haley said wiping her tear stained cheeks. I had some things to do."
"Things to do?, are you packing?", Brooke realized.
Haley stayed quiet continuing the task as hand as Brooke looked on worried.
"Hales?"
"I didn't want you to know until I was gone."
"Gone?, Brooke asked. Where are you going?"
"Away, just away."
"I'm sorry, Brooke said stilling her hands, but you have to do better than that."
"I just need to go, I can't stay here anymore, please don't try to stop me."
"Is this about Nathan?, Hales."
"No", she lied.
"I don't believe you, sweetie. What happened?, you were doing so much better these last months."
"Nothing, just leave it alone, Haley said. I just have to go."
"Hales don't run from your home because of Nathan, don't do this". Brooke pleaded.
"I'm not, there is nothing here for me, Haley said hurting Brooke in the process without even realizing. I have no family here, so there really is no reason to hang around."
"No reason, Hales?"
"None at all", she said.
"What about me? I'm your family, I'm here", she said sadly .
"I'm sorry ,I didn't mean it like that. I love you ,but I can't stay just because you're here Tigger. Its too hard for me", she said sniffling.
"Sweetie, look at me, Brooke commanded. Why now?"
Haley looked into the face of her most trusted friend as the tears began falling, she didn't want to leave Brooke ,but there was no way she could stay.
"Haley please talk to me", Brooke said soothingly wiping her tears away.
"I'm pregnant, she cried, I'm pregnant, Brooke. What am I going to do?"
Brooke sat there stunned, she knew Haley had reasons but this was the last thing she thought was wrong with her. Haley continued to cry as Brooke rocked her small body back and forth trying to show her some comfort and support.
"Nathan?", Brooke asked.
Haley just nodded her head against Brooke's arm in confirmation.
"When?, sweetie , you two haven't been together for a while."
"We were three months ago", she told Brooke.
"Three months ago", Brooke asked shocked. You weren't together three months ago."
"I know, she whimpered. I made a mistake Tigger. I should have been strong , now I made things worse. I'm sorry I didn't tell you."
"Yeah, Brooke laughed, that's a first" , she said as Haley let out a small laugh.
"How could I put myself in this situation, Haley asked. I'm not ready to be a mother , Brooke. My life is a mess right now , how can I possibly add a child to it. I'm not with Nathan anymore, I'll be a single mother."
"Hey, you won't. Nathan will be there for you, help you. I'll help you."
"I don't want him to know, he has too much to deal with. This would just make it worse on him."
"Hales, he has to know", Brooke told her.
"No, no , I can't tell him, I won't."
"Haley, he would be happy you know. I think that's what is scaring you, you know this could give you the push you need to fix your relationship with him, isn't it?"
"It's just best I leave", Haley said avoiding the question.
"Whatever you want , sweetie. You know I will respect any decision you make, including leaving, even though I would miss the hell out of you."
"You could come visit me where ever I go, I want you there when the baby is born", Haley said.
"The baby, Brooke said in complete aww. My tutorgirl is having a baby, I get to be the most fabulous aunt/godmother ever", Brooke laughed.
Haley tearfully laughed at Brooke as she continued to cradle her body, Brooke was the best friend any girl could ask for and she knew she would make the greatest aunt for her baby when it was born, and that made Haley's day that much better knowing she always had the support of Brooke and that's all she ever needed.
"I love you ,Brooke said, You are going to be just fine, I know it."
"Yeah, I love you too Tigger ", Haley whispered enjoying her last moments with Brooke before she was off for her new life, her future so uncertain, her destination unknown.
PLEASE REVIEW!
