Chapter 26

Nathan looked back at Nick as they arrived in front of Haley and Macey's house, a huge grin on the young boy's face.

"I'm so excited!" Nick said quickly, looking at his father and unbuckling his seatbelt quickly.

"I'm excited too, buddy," Nathan responded, looking at the familiar place once again, feeling his nerves start to buzz.

He'd been trying to decide the whole drive whether or not he should go up to the door with Nick.

But once he was actually in view of the house... How could he miss the chance to see her beautiful face?

Nick pushed open the door, jumping out of the car quickly, bouncing on his heels as he waited for Nathan to get out.

Nathan got out of the car, feeling a similar excitement that his eight year old was feeling.

He took note of the summery decorations that were in front of her house, including a sun that he could tell was painted by Macey hanging on the door.

He swallowed thickly, shoving his hands into his pockets and following Nick up to the front door, keeping his distance.

Nick quickly knocked, before going over to ring the door bell.

Nathan had not seen Haley at the school this morning. She'd been dropping off Macey before they got there and leaving quickly he guessed.

It wasn't long before the woman of his thoughts pulled open the front door, smiling down at Nick.

Macey's head poked out from behind her, making Nathan's heart ache.

He had not had much interaction with her either. He felt sad and awkward when he saw her.

"Hi!" Macey greeted the two quickly, easily sliding past Haley and pulling Nick into a tight hug.

"Hey!" Nick replied, hugging her back, a huge grin on his face. "I'm so happy to be here!"

Nathan smiled at the kids, making brief eye contact with Haley, who was doing the same.

They made the right choice. He had not seen a smile that big on his son's face in awhile. Macey worked her magic on him once again.

"Hi Haley," Nick said shyly, waving up at her.

"Hey Nicky," Haley said, smiling down at him. "I made some snacks in there for you. Peanut butter sandwich, cut down the middle. Is that okay?"

That felt like a punch in the stomach for Nathan.

She was so considerate.

"That's perfect," Nick said, nodding at her quickly.

Nathan rested his hand on Nick's shoulder, "Hey Nick? I'm going to go alright. You can have Haley text me if you need anything. I'll be back soon to pick you up."

"Not too soon, right?" Nick whispered.

Nathan shook his head, "Of course not."

He glanced at Haley one more time, before turning to walk away when Macey stopped him.

"Nathan?" Macey asked, causing him to turn around quickly.

"Yeah?" He responded, sending her a small smile.

Macey looked up at Haley, shifting slightly and grabbing her wrist, pulling her down and whispering in her hair.

Nathan could tell that Haley was reluctant to agree, but she offered a nod to her daughter.

"Can you come to the back yard and look at my dribbling really quickly?" Macey asked him.

Nathan wanted to breakdown crying. He felt like he could. He missed this girl and her mother so much.

Nick looked at him hopefully, his eyes wide.

"Sure," Nathan said, nodding at her, glancing at Haley, who was looking away.

He followed them through the house, Nick and Macey running ahead of them.

Her house was so clean. Cleaner than his home had been the precious night.

It was decorated for the time of year, very unlike his house as well.

Her piano was open, some blank sheet music resting on it.

He followed them out to the backyard, shoving his hands into his pockets.

Macey smiled brightly when she turned to look at him, picking up her ball off the grass and walking back onto the patio.

"Something is wrong," Macey said, beginning to dribble the ball.

She started giggling when Nick began to "guard" her.

Nathan watched the two, before clearing his throat and stepping forward. "Can I see it?"

Macey passed it to him quickly.

He felt proud about the form of her pass. That was something he taught her.

He felt the ball, tossing it from hand to hand. "Yep, just as I suspected. I'll be right back," He said, setting the ball down on the grass, hurrying back into the house.

After a moment, he returned, picking up the ball once again. "Your ball is running out of air," He informed her, hooking up the pump he'd removed from his car, beginning to pump the ball back up.

He then passed it back to her, nodding as she started to dribble once again.

"This feels better!" Macey said, passing it to Nick, who started dribbling as well.

"I've learned some new stuff this summer," Nick informed her, nodding quickly. "Can I show you?"

"Yes!" Macey said, quickly distracting herself with Nick.

"Alright," Nathan said, waving at Nick and Macey, before heading back inside the house, Haley following behind him silently.

She followed him all the way to the front door, pulling it open and looking at him as he stepped outside.

"When do you want me to come get him?" Nathan asked, raising his eyebrows at her.

"Maybe... Seven?" She suggested, glancing back into the house.

"That works. If you need me to get him at a different time just text me and let me know," Nathan said, offering her a small smile.

Haley nodded slowly, fiddling with the door handle quietly.

"Awesome. I'll, uh, see you later," He replied, turning and walking back to his car.

He stared at her house for a moment, desperate to be invited back in and hang out with the three people that meant the most to him.

But it didn't come.

It didn't matter. He'd be invited back in soon enough. He had other plans, anyways.

xxxx

"You know... When Lucas told me he had planned a couple nights away from Sawyer, I didn't expect us to come to Charlotte and hang out with you," Peyton informed Nathan, shaking her head and laughing.

"Yeah, I don't know what to tell you on that one," Nathan chuckled, grabbing some frozen chicken nuggets out of the freezer, tossing them in the shopping cart.

"Peyton, I swear I told you we were coming here," Lucas laughed, wrapping his arm around his wife's shoulders. "Besides, who says I don't have something bigger planned?"

"Does he?" Peyton asked, looking at the younger Scott brother.

"Don't know," Nathan hummed, looking along the aisle. "Sorry Peyton, I invited him to come here."

"So I wasn't even invited in the first place!" Peyton laughed, smacking Luke's arm lightly.

"Thank you for that one," Lucas said to Nathan, rolling his eyes.

"I'm working on making amends for relationships I damaged over the summer," Nathan informed the two of them, running his hand through his hair.

"Nathan Scott giving a shit about other people?" Lucas joked, pushing his brother lightly. "You were going through stuff. Don't worry about it."

"Yeah," Nathan said, rubbing his eyes.

"The real question is... Are you alright? You look like you're going to fall asleep standing up?" Peyton said, frowning at him.

"I'm fine," Nathan assured her, glancing over at the aisle again. "Anything else you guys want in this aisle?"

"We should go to the ice cream aisle instead," Lucas suggested, grinning. "I know Nicky will love it. Did you tell him we were coming?"

"I didn't," He said, shrugging. "He really wanted to hang out with his friend and I didn't want to make him feel bad about it."

"He really wanted to hang out with his friend, or you wanted to see his friend's mom?" Peyton teased, nudging him lightly.

Nathan looked at her, shrugging his shoulders and turning down their requested aisle. He paused when he was about to enter, backing out.

"What's wrong?" Lucas asked, glancing down the aisle.

"That's Nick's new teacher down there," Nathan said, tilting his head in the direction of Mr. Strong.

Peyton stepped forward and looked at the man, before looking at Nathan again. "Why are we hiding from him?"

"I don't know actually," Nathan said, letting out a sigh. "Do you think he's hot?"

Lucas' eyebrows knit together in confusion, both him and Peyton looking down the aisle again.

"Why are you asking us this?" Peyton asked him curiously.

"Haley thinks he's good looking," Nathan grumbled, rolling his eyes.

"That explains the hiding," Lucas said, shrugging. "He's alright."

"He's hot," Peyton confirmed, nodding at him.

"Okay, cool," Nathan said, standing up straighter. "Okay, let's go down the aisle. Should I talk to him?"

"Will he recognize you?" Peyton laughed, looking at him.

"I don't know," Nathan said, turning the cart back down the aisle.

The trio walked down the aisle, each pretending to busy themselves with the various items in the freezers.

"Hey, Nick's dad!"

Nathan looked over quickly, facing confusion followed by recognition. "Hey, Nick's teacher!"

"Adam," He corrected, reaching out and shaking his hand.

"Nathan, and this is my brother-"

"Lucas Scott," Adam answered, shaking his hand and grinning at him. "Your latest book... Wow. Twist ending."

Lucas grinned, "Hey, thanks man. I appreciate it. This is my wife Peyton."

"Nice to meet you," Adam greeted her as well, waving at her. "I didn't know you were related."

"Nick doesn't really talk much unless he's asked, so..." Nathan said, clearing his throat.

He hated watching this. Of course Adam knew Lucas. Of course. Because he was perfect for Haley.

"He sure likes to talk to that Bowen girl, that's for sure," Adam chuckled, shaking his head. "She is quite the spitfire."

Nathan felt his blood boil at that response, trying to force himself to cool down.

He was their teacher, he was allowed to talk about the kids in his class.

But he wasn't the most secure at the moment, and the jealousy churning in his stomach wasn't doing anything to help that.

"Macey, yeah. They're good friends," Nathan responded, nodding slowly at him.

"So, uh... Getting some ice cream?" Lucas asked, gesturing around and raising his eyebrows at the man.

Nathan was thankful for his brother's question, lifting some of the awkward tension that surfaced between the two men.

"No, I don't really eat this stuff. I'm looking for the frozen fruit?" Adam responded, rubbing the back of his neck. "This is only like my second time coming to the store."

What a jerk. No ice cream? Frozen fruit?

"It's in the next aisle," Nathan told him, nodding. "Might want to check the expiration date, sometimes they're a little past."

"Good tip," Adam responded, smiling at him. He began to walk past, before looking at him. "You guys should definitely get the mint chocolate chip. That's the best ice cream."

Oh no. This dude was the male version of Haley.

Shit.

"It was really awesome meeting you," He said, shaking Lucas' hand again. "And you," He said, smiling over at Peyton. "And it was good to see you again, Nathan. I'll see you tomorrow."

Nathan waited until he turned the corner, before pressing his face into his hands.

"What's wrong?" Lucas asked him, shaking his head. "That guy is nice, Nathan. Why are you being so weird?"

"I don't know," Nathan said, sighing and grabbing whatever kind of ice cream his hand came in contact with first, setting it in the cart. "Are you guys ready to go? Or is there more stuff you want?"

Peyton's eyes swept over the items in the cart quickly, before looking back at Nathan, kinking one eyebrow.

"Is there an issue?" Nathan grumbled, leaning against the cart.

"You have frozen food and ice cream," Peyton said, shrugging. "Is there anything else you need?"

"I have stuff at home," Nathan informed her, running his hand through his hair. "I just wanted to come to the store because I was bored."

"So we're officially adults that means..." Lucas laughed, shaking his head. "Going to the store because we are bored?"

"I guess so. Do you guys want anything else?" He asked, looking between the couple.

"Um... I think we're good," Peyton said, smiling at him, patting Nathan's shoulder, tilting her head down the rest of the aisle.

"Cool," Nathan replied, heading towards the self-checkout station, the other two adults trailing behind him.

xxxx

"Okay, Peyton, don't say anything to embarrass me," Nathan mumbled as they approached Haley's home. "You're lucky I let you come with me."

Lucas had volunteered to make dinner for them, which left Peyton free when the time had come to pick up Nick.

And Nathan couldn't think of a better reason as to why she couldn't come, other than he didn't want her to join him.

But he should've known that wouldn't fly with Peyton.

"I would never," Peyton said, smiling at him.

He wiped his hands on his pants, getting out of the car slowly.

"You could try being confident," Peyton whispered to him as they approached the front door. "Confident but not a jerk."

"Please don't give me pointers," Nathan chuckled, shaking his head.

"Sorry," She hummed, looking over at Nathan when they reached the door.

He sighed, knocking on it loudly, taking a step back and shoving his hands into his pockets.

It took a moment, but Haley did eventually arrive at the door.

"Hi," Nathan greeted her, smiling slightly.

"Hi," She replied, clearing her throat. "Nicky, your dad is here!" She called out, looking over her shoulder.

"This is Peyton," Nathan introduced the woman next to him while they waited. "She's Luke's wife."

"Nice to meet you," Haley said, sending her a friendly smile.

Nathan felt jealousy burn inside of him at that. A feeling he'd been having a lot lately. He just wanted her to smile at him.

"Oh, yeah. Nice to meet you too," Peyton hummed, nodding at her.

"You guys can come in," Haley said, pulling the door open further and stepping out of the way.

Nathan allowed Peyton to enter first before following after her quickly.

He met Haley's eyes once again, and smiled at her, but she looked back towards Peyton quickly.

"So what brings you to town?" Haley asked, raising her eyebrows at the woman.

"Nathan invited Lucas over, who invited me with the idea of 'getting away' from our daughter for a few days. Instead, we just ended up with Nathan," Peyton laughed, nudging her elbow into Nathan's side. "And watching him is pretty much the same as watching a kid."

"Hey!" Nathan defended, scowling at Peyton.

Peyton shrugged, smiling at him. "I'm kidding, don't worry."

Instead of responding, he looked over at Haley.

"Maybe tomorrow Macey can come to my house," He suggested, nodding at her.

"Brooke is actually taking her tomorrow," Haley said, shrugging her shoulders.

Nathan eyed her briefly, hoping that she'd elaborate and tell him why she'd be busy and unable to pick up Macey herself.

It was a Friday after all. What if she had plans with Mr. Strong?

No. She didn't. It was probably something work related... Right?

He felt the nag. He felt the weight of her words. And he could see in her eyes that she knew what he was thinking.

She knew he wanted more of an explanation, yet she didn't give him one.

"Oh, okay," He said, nodding at her and looking away.

He smiled when Nick came into view, a surprised expression forming on his face.

"Aunt Peyton!" Nick said, running forward and hugging her quickly.

Peyton smiled, kneeling down and wrapping him into a tight hug. "Nick!"

"What are you doing here?" Nick asked, looking up at her.

"Uncle Lucas and I thought it would be fun to surprise you once you got back from your friends house. He's at home making your favorite dinner!"

"Mac and cheese?" Nick asked, looking over at Haley and sending her a thumbs up, who responded with the same gesture and a smile.

Nathan wanted to melt into the floor at that. He loved the relationship between Nick and Haley. Too bad he'd screwed it up so this would probably be the most he'd witness it.

"Well, of course!" Peyton said, tickling Nick's sides for a moment, before standing up.

"Where's Macey?" Nathan asked, looking down at Nick.

"She's coming," Nick said, shrugging his shoulders.

"Well... Uh..." Nathan glanced at Haley. "I guess we better go."

"No, wait! Not yet!" Macey came barreling in, holding a brown paper bag that had the top taped shut.

Nathan looked at Peyton, then Haley once again, then back at Macey.

Macey took a few steps forward, holding her hand out to Nathan for him to take the bag.

"Come here," She said, gesturing for Nathan to lean closer.

He bent down so that she could whisper in his ear.

"This is your birthday present," She whispered, smiling at him. "Since I missed your birthday this summer and you dropped a secret present off for me."

Nathan smiled, taking the bag from her. "Thanks, Macey. You didn't have to make me anything."

Macey shrugged her shoulders, taking a step back.

He met Haley's eyes once again, but she looked away from him quickly.

He could see the pain and the hurt in her eyes as the interaction that just took place.

Nathan had secretly given Clay a present to give to Macey on her birthday. It wasn't anything that cool. Just some basketball stuff that he thought she might like.

"Thanks," Macey whispered, smiling at him.

Nathan nodded back at her, letting out a sigh. "Well... We better get going," He said, gesturing to Nick and Peyton.

"It was great meeting you," Peyton said, nodding at Haley and then Macey.

"Yeah, you too," Haley agreed, smiling at her.

"Bye Macey," Nick said, waving at her.

"Bye! See you tomorrow!" Macey said, waving back.

Nathan pulled open the front door, gesturing for Nick and Peyton to continue forward. Just as he was about to step out, Haley stopped him.

"Can I talk to you for a second?" She said, looking at him.

Nathan glanced at Peyton, who nodded slightly and began to urge Nick out to the car.

He looked over his shoulder, finding that Macey had already run off. Probably the second Nick stepped foot out of the house she went back outside to dribble her newly filled with air basketball.

Nathan mentally prepared himself for whatever this conversation was to bring.

He closed the door, turning to face her, but she was also gone.

His eyebrows knit together in confusion, hands finding their ways back into his pockets.

She re-entered the room after a moment, also holding a wrapped object.

"Uh, you know my birthday was back in June, right?" He joked, shrugging his shoulders.

Anything to ease the tension.

She sent him a 'duh' look, before holding it out to him.

"It's not a birthday present," She informed him, biting her lip.

"Do you want me to... Open it?" He asked her, smoothing his hand along the wrapping paper.

"Not right now. You can do it when you get home," She said, shrugging her shoulders, crossing her arms.

Nathan looked at her, feeling his heart rate start to pick up.

She was so beautiful. He wanted to reach up and tuck her hair behind her ear and kiss her senselessly.

He missed her so much.

What did he have to lose by telling her?

Should he tell her?

"I miss you so much, Haley," He said, taking a small step towards her.

Haley squeezed her eyes shut at his words. But she didn't back away.

"I'd do anything to change it," He whispered with another step in her direction.

He was much closer to her now. Not as close as he'd like to be, but it was a start.

"I'm not afraid anymore," He added, raising his hand and tucking her hair behind her ear gently.

Her eyes met his quickly at his touch.

She looked confused. Like she was having an internal battle.

He maybe could've kissed her. But he didn't want to push it, or take advantage of her in any way.

So he settled for brushing his fingertips along her cheek quickly, before parting from her. "Thank you, for this and for watching Nick."

She nodded up at him, clearing her throat. "Yeah, um... Anytime."

"Except tomorrow," He reminded her.

"Right," She said, letting out a sigh. "Okay. Well... We'll see you later."

He nodded, pulling open the front door without another word, hurrying out of it, a grin forming on his face.

"What is that look on your face?" Peyton asked him once he entered the car.

"Oh, nothing," Nathan said, resting the presents both of them had given him on her lap, glancing back at Nick.

xxxx

Nathan stepped into his bedroom, a smile forming on his face at the two items that resided on his bed.

He'd slipped them in there as soon and they'd arrived at home, and they'd been in the back of his mind for the rest of the night.

He stepped over to the bed, grabbing the bag given to him by Macey, opening it up quickly and looking inside.

He dumped out the bag, studying each element that had been left in there.

There were various drawings, a few little things, like a 'Hornets' keychain that he was almost positive he'd actually given to her a few months prior.

But a paper with writing caught his attention.

He picked it up, unfolding it gently, taking a seat as he read.

'Natey-

It's Macey! I have a really great idea on how you can tell my mom about your CRUSH. You can write her a letter like this one. I think it is a good idea. I miss you and Nicky a lot and hope that I can visit soon. I hope that your pool doesn't miss me! I know you won't leave us because you said we would do fun things this summer! Happy Birthday Natey!

Love,

Macey'

He ran his hand through his hair, gently folding the letter back up.

Guilt ran through him. It was a constant now whenever he thought of the young girl.

He let out a sigh, placing the letter in the top drawer of his nightstand.

He was going to figure out a way to make it up to her one day.

His eyes shifted over to the neatly wrapped object that was wrapped by Haley.

He stepped over, rubbing his hand along the object. This may very well be the last thing she'd ever give him.

But that was a conversation he wasn't ready to have, not even with himself.

As his fingers toyed with the folds on the wrapping paper, tugging at the tape lightly, he allowed his mind to drift.

What was she doing on a Friday night?

There were a lot of things that she could be doing. But what if she was going on a date?

She wouldn't. Not so soon.

But it had been three months. It still felt fresh, but it had actually be awhile.

They'd only gone out for like a month, maybe two if they counted everything.

A month was hardly something to lose sleep over.

Plus they'd never even made anything official. So was this moving on too fast?

No. It wasn't.

But if Adam Strong was as similar to Haley as he seemed in the store today, Nathan could probably make a prediction.

Haley, in this case, would most likely not date a student's parent without getting to know them more than a few days first.

Which meant Nathan was probably safe for now.

When did he become such a mess in his own head?

He looked down, noticing that he'd neatly removed the paper from the object.

A book.

He traced over the letters.

'Flicker' by Haley James.

He could burst into tears by reading those words.

He was so proud of her. He never should've left her house that day. He never should've broken up with her.

She probably would have forgiven him for sending her book in if he had not already stabbed her in the back. But her finding that was like twisting the knife and abandoning her.

The two things on top of each other just made it harder for her to forgive him.

He smiled, brushing his thumb along the cover and letting out a slow breath. Haley James. She was incredible.

He was never a reader, but he was about to become one.

He opened it up slowly, eyes finding the words on the front page.

'Dedicated to: My daughter and two others. You know who you are.'

Nathan smiled.

He wasn't sure how, but he knew it was about him and Nick.

Why would she do that if she hated him so much?

But she didn't hate him. She was afraid he'd hurt her again. Her and Macey.

He skimmed his fingers along the pages, before sliding up his bed so he could lean against the headboard.

He opened to the first page of the first chapter, and began reading.