Chapter Two
Two chapters so close together? Well, why not, I have received two reviews on the first chapter which I am thankful for but please don't forget to read and keep them coming, I would love to know what you think. This chapter is dedicated to Hilariebstan (Instagram), I am really sorry that I am dedicating a chapter where your favorite is already kind of gone, but trust me, she plays such a vital role for this story, I would even say most motives revolve around her. I hope you enjoy it dear.
Nurse Dupree's giggles could be heard a mile away. Their location was heavily secured which meant roaming somewhat freely. Jake smiled and rolled his eyes, as he watched her blush from something Chase had whispered to her.
"Nauseating, ain't it?" Nathan sat next to him, glancing at the couple and cleaning his gun.
"Why did you punch him then?" Jake raised both brows, gesturing towards the nurse who was adding some ointment to Chase's face.
"Because if he had begged one more time to see Alex, I would've pulled a gun on him."
Jake chuckled "What did he tell her?"
"That he slipped" Nathan shrugged "better than prosecuting me over an infatuation."
"Nah, buddy, this is the real deal. Anyway tell me you wouldn't have done the same if it were Haley." Jake challenged, handing him a bottle of Lager.
"Maybe you are right" nodded Nathan, taking a sip "Ready?"
"As I'll ever be. You?"
"One step closer to home."
Jake didn't say anything, just sighed loudly.
"Are you okay there?" Nathan nudged his friend.
"I am good" Jake feigned a smile.
Alex was long done rubbing ointment on Chase's jaw and was placing a tiny bandage on there, patting it a little longer than necessary. Chase in return was doing all he could to point out any other injuries she could take care of, he was sure he had pricked his pinkie on something in his uniform earlier.
Nathan rolled his eyes "you'd think with a war going on that we need first aid for something more serious than a slight bruise."
Their conversation was interrupted by Conrad's voice "Oi, Jagielski...Scott! Ready for a little two on two?"
Preston was standing at the far end, avoiding eye contact with either of them, and Nathan shot him a dirty look; about to decline, but Jake threw one arm around his shoulder and smiled, saying "come on!"
"No, maybe some other time." Nathan called back, and Preston shifted a little uncomfortably.
Jake sighed "Look, Nate, I am not angry at Preston."
"You ought to be. If you hadn't held me back, boy, would I have let him have it."
"What good would that have done any of us? Preston is probably as distressed as the rest of us."
"Still, doesn't give him the right…"
"I know" he interrupted "but he has been squirming all day. Cut the man some slack, won't you? Come on, you could still beat him at soccer."
He almost dragged Nathan towards the middle of the field, smiling as Preston kicked an empty can of spam hesitantly at his feet. Jake smiled a little, kicking it back, and the boys commenced their game.
Playing with the metal can proved tricky, even trickier for Nathan whose default game was basketball. Although, Jake was a much better player than he ever was, he still caught on quick, tackling, maneuvering and having a marvelous time.
As Jake and Conrad ran off to retrieve the can; it had been kicked really far. Preston awkwardly moved closer to Nathan and started "Listen, Nate, about what I said…"
"I am not the one you should be talking to about this, Glen." Interrupted Nathan, wiping his sweaty forehead on his sleeve; still too pissed off to look at him.
"Yes, but- "Glen caught sight of Nathan's clenched jaw and sighed "I know. It is just, technically he isn't one of us."
"One of us?" Nathan repeated slowly, narrowing his eyes.
"Look, I have nothing against Jake, you know that." Tried Glen "but you have to admit…"
He walked off in Jake's direction before Preston could complete his sentence.
Jake, who had returned with Conrad, called "hey, where are you going? We aren't done, yet."
"I am." Nathan stated shortly, heading back to their base.
"Sorry, fellows." Jake sheepishly shrugged, and went after his friend.
When they were out of earshot, Jake chuckled "I left you for less than a minute, how did you manage to get on each other's nerves?"
"It's not important."
"Seeing as the subject was probably about me, maybe I get to decide that."
Nathan paused for a beat; contemplating, his brows furrowed, as he shifted on his feet "It wasn't" he finally whispered.
Jake's lips curved up in a knowing smile.
"Well, then you wouldn't mind if I go back to finish our game, would you?"
"Preston's a fucking bum" Nathan said with disapproval "Let's just go around and see how Chase is doing, I am sure he has ruined men's reputation everywhere by now."
Jake glanced across the field; Chase was smiling and sweet-talking as Alex smiled demurely, and he nodded "he looks like he would be grateful if we interrupt."
The two men walked closer to their friend.
"And when we are done, we could dance at the Mocambo together" they heard Chase promise.
"That's an idea!" exclaimed Nathan with pretend excitement "My jitterbug is a little rusty but I believe I will manage. What do you say, Jake?"
"Fine by me, as long as you lead."
Chase rolled his eyes, and he felt his ears growing hotter with embarrassment "What are you two doing here?" he asked between gritted teeth.
"Getting ready. We are going dancing, and I heard there was a new act at the Mocambo, too."
"Personally, I know a place with the best act in the States" Nathan shrugged "and a not too shabby bartender."
"Karen's!" smiled Alex.
Nathan's brows shot up in surprise "Yeah! How did you know?"
"We should all have dinner together when we get home, and don't worry Jake I am sure I could find you a date" her eyes suddenly shone with discovery "oh, I know the perfect girl for you, she is an absolute doll."
Chase stifled a laugh, as Jake scrunched his face in indignation "how did I become the pitiful story in this scenario?"
As long as Haley could remember, Lucas had been there every night at Karen's, she would be singing on stage and he would be walking in between the tables making sure everyone was satisfied, his disposition collected as he nodded in approval whilst Haley sung her medleys, even in the worst of times for their country, he was sure of the importance of music and good company in these hard times. He has been missing for so long though. Now, it was all Haley, she took care of the business, in between her shows, she would move around between the tables and humor the customers; even when they got a little drunk and grabby. Lucas was wasted with alcohol in the back room, only cut off when Haley said so, which was often, the poor bartenders had to suffer the wrath of both Lucas and Haley as they were ordered to either give him more drinks or to not.
Haley bit a huge chunk off her hot milk cake and munched. It was curious how she has recently been feeling queasy during breakfast and then starving the rest of the day, perhaps there was something in the food at home, she would need to cut down a little too, Haley was gaining weight by the hour and it showed every time she slipped on her dresses. Karen's café always had great food, all thanks to the recipes Karen had left before she left, even though war had cut down rations greatly, it never seemed like a problem at the café. She watched with a melancholic smile as people danced and laughed around her, as if the world's problems had ceased, as if her husband wasn't at war miles away, or Peyton wasn't six feet under, or Lucas wasn't asleep on a dingy couch in drunken remorse.
Haley put down the plate and jumped off her stool to check on Lucas.
On the couch, Lucas seemed really small, staring at the ceiling somberly, she placed a hand on her heart, wishing she could take his ache away. The stench was repulsive, if she didn't care for Lucas so much, she would've kicked him out of her dressing room. His hygiene and health were long forgotten and every piece of furniture reeked of alcohol and sweat.
"So, I have been thinking" Haley persuaded "how about you join the festivities outside? We all sure miss you, it's strange without Lucas mingling with the crowd. I am singing 'Karen's café' next, that's your favorite of mine."
"No" he said shortly.
Haley resisted the desire to pull him up forcefully, "But it has been so long since you have checked in on the customers; everybody is asking for you. They should do you good, everyone is in a gay mood."
"I don't care" responded Lucas between gritted teeth "I couldn't care less who is out there! Just leave me alone"
"Have you had anything to eat, today?" asked Haley, ignoring him.
Lucas turned his back to Haley, refusing to utter a word.
She sighed, picking up the liquor bottles scattered around the room, and tidying up the mess. Lucas was still in his suit from the funeral, his pants and shirt wrinkled like elephant's skin. "I know it must be hard, Luke. But you can't stay like this forever, you are wasting away."
He looked over his shoulder to shoot her a dirty look "just get out."
Eyes narrowed with determination, Haley retorted "fine, Lucas, you want to be pathetic, go ahead." She moved her arms dismissively "you think Peyton would've wanted this? If she could see you…"
Lucas jumped up so swiftly that she took a startled step back, he pointed an accusatory finger towards her "don't say her name!"
Her mouth fell open and she blinked multiple times at the outburst "I-I understand that..."
"No! No! you don't understand" Lucas snarled "come and talk when you get news that Nathan is dead."
Haley staggered, Lucas' words almost knocking her off her feet. Tears started pooling in her eyes, whether from the possibility that this could actually happen any minute, or from the grace Lucas had fallen off. Her lips quivered and for a quick second she could've sworn his eyes showed regret. She didn't wait around though, and mumbled "I have a song to perform." Hastily rushing out, her head bowed, a couple of tears falling freely.
Hiding out in a dimly lit corner, Haley pulled out Nathan's most recent letter, folded neatly, inside her Chansonette bra. She let out a wet shuddery breath, rereading the last lines he had written.
I will be back, soon, promise.
Always and forever.
Love,
Nathan.
She repeated those words in her head, till she calmed down.
"Always and forever" Haley whispered into thin air, closing her eyes, and letting the relief of his words wash over her.
She heard commotion in the club and rapidly stuffed the letter inside her bra and patted her eyes with careful fingers. She ran outside and saw policemen looking around the place, asking for Lucas Scott. Haley wasn't sure what Lucas could've done in his drunken state but he was mostly confined in his room, so she guessed he couldn't have caused harm. Apparently, however, he had.
"What is the problem, officer?" Haley rushed to them and asked, the rest of the policemen had come out of the back room with Lucas handcuffed "Luke, what have you done?"
"Lucas Scott, you are under arrest on suspicion of shooting Julian Baker."
While Lucas stared at the ground, seemingly grimacing from the alcohol acquired headache, Haley cried out.
"No! It was Dan Scott! He did all of this, tell them, Luke!"
"Ma'am, I am going to have to ask you to stay calm."
"But, I can't understand, he…" Haley's voice trailed away, at the sight of Dan Scott standing outside of Dan's place, right across the street. Her eyes bulged out and her mouth opened wide. She couldn't believe it; despicable murderous Dan Scott was free. He stood mighty proud in fine clothing, welcoming customers into his club.
A cry of disbelief and rage escaped her throat.
At the sound, Lucas looked up and mirrored her facial expression, struggling against the policemen.
"Hey! That's him" Lucas thundered, trying to break free and run to Dan "He killed Peyton! You have let him escape! Old fools! That is your killer right there!"
"Sir, you have the right to remain silent. You also have the right to an attorney and if you can't…."
Haley couldn't hear the rest, she dashed out of the café, ignoring to put on her coat. She barely felt the cold wind biting at her skin as she came to a halt in front of Dan, the image of a mad woman; mouth snarling and hair blown in every direction. The light fabric of her black dress not providing much warmth; Haley stood there with teeth chattering and a shivering body. She stared at him with gleaming eyes.
"How did you get out?"
"Good evening, Haley." Dan said with an air of nonchalance, a little smile plastered on his face.
"Answer me!" she demanded, grabbing at his collar and pulling him down.
He made a violating sound, smirking "I love it when you get feisty"
His lips had barely just touched hers when she pushed him away, and jumped back "You disgusting pig! How did you do it?"
"Do it?"
"Don't play innocent with me." She shook her head vehemently "you know…"
The sound of Lucas struggling had her turn her head.
"He is a killer! He killed, Peyton! You are letting him go you idiots!" The officers finally had managed to push Lucas into the back of the cop car, he still continued to scream obscenities.
"Luke." Haley cried out, worried. She ran towards the officer, pointing towards Dan and tugging at the policeman's sleeve "you have got the wrong man! How could you let him go? He is your guy, officers."
"I suggest you step back before you are taken downtown with us."
She raised her nose defiantly, but didn't say anything, stepping back. The car drove away and Haley turned to see Dan still there, that infuriating smile plastered on his face; it made her blood boil enough to warm her up in the freezing weather.
"Perhaps, we should head inside. You look like you could use a drink."
"What?" Haley blinked, unsure she had heard him correctly.
Dan repeated gently.
Haley cackled loudly, throwing her head back; he didn't just ask her that.
Somehow she found herself sitting in her old dressing room at Dan's place, the comet, Dan right across from her, taking puffs from the cigar dangling from his lips. He spoke softly, with compassion; it made her stomach churn. Haley couldn't think straight, Dan was saying things about how important Peyton was to him, and how heartbreaking her death has been. She whispered dangerously low "how could you sleep at night?"
"Contrary to what you may think. I had nothing to do with all of this. It was a misfortunate incident I am sure."
"I don't think. I know." Haley said defiantly.
"Do you?" he tilted his head to the side.
Haley felt tears stinging in her eyes, she didn't know why everything made her cry these days but she knew that she couldn't allow Dan Scott to see her cry. She bent her head, and stared at her pumps, "after everything you have put him through, hasn't he had enough? Don't you have a heart?" she asked softly, fearing her voice would crack.
"Are you talking about Lucas?" responded Dan "or Nathan?"
Her head snapped up at the mention of her husband, "What does Nathan have to do with this?"
Dan ignored her question, pouring a glass of champagne "I hear congratulations are in order. Who knew the prestigious beautiful Haley James Scott could marry a simple bartender? But then again life works in mysterious ways."
For a moment, she tried to think of how Dan could've obtained this piece of information; she had called Lucas when they made the decision to get married and practically screamed it joyfully into the phone, with Nathan repeatedly kissing her cheek. After which news of the tragedy had struck, and the only other people who knew were Brooke and Lou; the mailman. She hardly thought any of the three of them would pour their hearts out to Dan.
"How did?" Haley stopped herself "Nathan, has got nothing to do with this. You know that Lucas has done nothing wrong."
"He has shot one of my most loyal men" he spoke in a threatening tone "that is very wrong in my book. You will find there are a few things I don't tolerate, Haley. Things I can't let go."