Chapter 8

…

Feeling the warmth of the sun's heat directly hitting against his eyelids, Nathan reluctantly opened his eyes. Despite feeling the sun's warmth on a tiny fraction of his body, the rest felt cold as the usual body that slept next to him wasn't there.

Looking over at the time, Nathan figured that she was getting ready as she mentioned something about having to go to the school earlier today.

It had become an unspoken thing between the two of them - going to bed together. Ever since they did three days ago, they've both been sleeping next to each other since then. However, neither would mention it at all after the fact.

Getting out of bed, Nathan groggily made his way to the bathroom. Seeing that the door was opened, he made his way in, but his eyes instantly widened at the sight he saw. Suddenly, he was not so sleepy anymore.

"Nathan!" Haley exclaimed, trying to wrap the towel around her naked body as soon as she could.

"S..Sorry. I thought no one was in here," Nathan managed to choke out, still in shock of what he saw. While Haley now had a towel on, it was hard getting the mental images from a few moments ago out of his head.

"It's okay," Haley said, attempting to suppress the blush on her face with the way Nathan was looking at her. She'd always thought she'd feel insecure, but strangely, she didn't even as Nathan's gaze was locked in hers. "I forgot to lock the door anyway."

"I'm just gonna go," Nathan spoke. He knew he couldn't be around Haley now, not with all these lustful thoughts and emotions swirling inside.

"See you tonight?" he asked attempting relieve the sexual tension in the room.

"Yup. I'm gonna go check on the apartment after work today. The window replacement should be done by then, so if everything else is good, then Peyton and I could move back in my tomorrow."

With those words, Nathan felt a pang of disappointment. He liked having Haley around. Even if it was only three days, them along with Peyton and Jake settled into a comfortable routine. Nonetheless, he knew Haley had to get her life back again and that she couldn't stay with him forever.

Haley made her way to her apartment after work. As she approached the door, she saw that the window was as good as new. A part of her wished it wasn't though. Knowing that the window got fixed meant that her apartment was good to be habitable again, and a part of her didn't want that. Living in there would unleash the memories she was attempting to keep at bay for the past few nights. And plus, there was also the fact that she liked living with Nathan, and sleeping next to him at night.

Despite her feelings, she knew she had to move back in and regain control of her life though.

Opening the door, she entered her apartment and took a walk thorough. Everything was as good as new, almost like that night hadn't happened.

She knew it would take time for her to stop feeling the effects of that night, but she was ready to start trying.

A few moments later, she heard the door open and she heard her heart beat quickly as she felt the panic from that night set in once again. However, she calmed when she saw that it was just Peyton.

"I'm sorry, Haley," Peyton sympathetically spoke as she saw Haley's initial frightened expression.

"It's okay, Peyt," Haley shrugged.

"I'm here if you want to talk about it you know."

"I know, and I love you for that, but I just…I'm not ready."

"Okay," she responded understandingly. "So where were you last night?"

"Huh?"

"I went into the guest bedroom in the middle of the night to get something, but you weren't there."

"Oh…um…IwaskindofinNathansroom," Haley rushed out.

"What?" Peyton asked, not understanding what Haley was saying.

Haley took a deep breathe, "I was in Nathan's room."

"What? Why so late?"

"Because I was um…sleeping with him."

"What?! I can't believe you two are having sex-"

"No no no no. Just sleeping," Haley clarified. "We're not having sex."

"Oh, but still. How did that happen?"

"I don't know to be honest. It was a few nights and I couldn't sleep, and I just ended up in Nathan's room. I don't really know what is it."

"Yes you do," Peyton said knowing that there was something more between Nathan and Haley.

"I…I like him, Peyt," Haley softly admitted. Her whole body felt antsy at her own admission as it was the first time she had said those words aloud after admitting it to herself a few nights ago. Saying them out loud just made it more real, and some part of that terrified her.

"I knew it!" Peyton exclaimed. "I was waiting for this moment for so long!"

"It can't be anything more though," Haley simply spoke, despite the sadness consuming her.

"Why not?"

"Because he doesn't feel that way."

"Stop that, Haley."

"What?"

"Downplaying yourself like that. That boy has been doing everything for you. And you may chalk it up to him only being nice to you because of the baby or the attack, but I can see it. That boy is clearly into you."

Haley still didn't believe it was true, but deep down, she wish it were.

Later that day, Haley was back in Nathan's apartment as she begun to pack some of her things. Her suitcase was in a closet in the living room and unfortunately for her, it was all the way on the top rack.

She found a chair nearby, so scooted it over to the closet and stood on it, so she could reach the suitcase easier. Despite the support of the chair, she was still struggling, but then suddenly felt her body being enveloped by a pair of strong, muscular arms. Those arms that had so much strength carried her so softly until she was out of the chair.

"Hales. You know you shouldn't be straining yourself," Nathan said as he grabbed the suitcase with ease.

"Relax. I'm pregnant, not elderly," Haley joked.

"Well I couldn't risk you falling or anything. Anyway, when you're done, I made dinner.

"You made dinner?" Haley teased.

"Yes and if you must know…I made Mac n Cheese."

"Really?!" Haley exclaimed, reverting to the nature of a five year old.

Nathan playfully laughed at Haley as he saw how visibility excited she was. "And it's not even the box-kind. I made it from scratch," he continued, proud of himself for making the dish.

"Why Nathan Scott, you sure are impressing me."

Soon after, the two of them ate their dinners as Peyton and Jake went out on a date. It was funny how they always found something to talk about despite not having common interests.

Shortly after, Haley resumed to packing her clothes to move back in tomorrow. She went over to the laundry machine, but suddenly felt a cramp halt her movements. She'd still been getting them after she met with the doctor last month, but wasn't panicked over them as the doctor informed her they were common.

"Hales? You okay?" Nathan asked as he saw her wince in pain. He figured it was another cramp.

"Yeah. Just cramps," Haley said as she went back to taking the clothes out of the machine.

"Haley, take some rest."

"I can't. I have to pack now because I won't have enough time tomorrow morning."

"I'll take care of it."

"But-"

"Go lay down."

Once again, Haley was touched by Nathan's kind gestures and kindness. However, for the first time, instead of his gestures causing her butterflies, they were causing her despair as her thoughts were in overdrive.

What if he is just doing this because he feels obligated to?

The next morning, Haley, Nathan, Peyton and Jake entered into Haley and Peyton's apartment, and Nathan and Jake got their suitcases up for them.

"You guys gonna be okay?" Jake asked.

"Yeah," Haley said, trying to convince herself.

"Call us if you need anything," Nathan added before he left. Despite knowing he would see her tomorrow, he still felt a sense of loneliness invade his body. Having Haley with him the past few days, sleeping next to her, talking to her made him feel so whole for some reason, and now he felt a longing and ache to be near her again.

Later that night, Haley - for the first time since the intrusion - slept alone in her bed. Peyton offered to sleep next to her, but Haley wanted to take a step forward and try to get through the night by herself.

Laying in her bed, she looked at her surroundings. It was strange that the last time she was laying here in this position, she'd heard violent noises that terrified her. Now, she was just surrounded by silence.

A few moments later, a ring from her phone broke the quietness. She had jolted a little at first upon hearing the sound, but it wasn't nearly as bad as the other moments.

Picking up her phone, she saw that it was Nathan who was calling her and she smiled to herself.

"Hi," Haley spoke into the phone.

"Hey. I just wanted to check up on you…you know since this was the first night back and everything."

"Thank you, Nathan. It's hard, but I'm doing a little better. I just hate how I can't sleep though. I've been in this position for an hour now."

"I could come over there…"

While the offer was tempting - very tempting - she couldn't accept. She craved Nathan's touch and warmth, but she needed to try getting her life back. "No no it's okay. Plus, I need to try to get back to my normal routine."

"Still no word on who caused it?"

"Nope," Haley sighed. "Anyway, what are you doing up. I thought you had an early morning tomorrow."

"Nothing. I just had some work to do," Nathan lied. To be honest, the real reason he couldn't sleep was because he had gotten so accustomed to sleeping next to Haley even if it was only for a few days, that now sleeping by himself didn't seem to be working out. It was weird because he was never one for company in bed. Even when he slept around with girls, they wouldn't stay the night. But with Haley, it was just like there was this burning desire to be around her more.

For the next couple hours, the two talked over the phone and somewhere in that time, they both fell asleep despite not being physically together.

A few hours later, Haley awoke when her alarm rang and wanted nothing more to back to sleep considering she had only gotten four hours of sleep. Groaning, she had gotten out of bed and started making her way into the bathroom. On the way there, she dropped her phone near her dresser, and while she was bending down to pick it up, she noticed the light reflecting off a shiny object.

Panic consumed her once she recognized what the object was: a necklace. However, it wasn't the object causing her the fear, it was the reason why it was there.

Haley thought back to when Damien had met her last month in the restaurant, after she rejected him, she gave him back a necklace he had gotten her early in their relationship.

Seeing the pendant so clearly in front of her, she knew in that moment, it was Damien who did this. It all made sense to her. She remembered seeing Damien's face so full of venom a few nights ago. His features were marred with anger. It terrified her that he was capable of doing something like. While she never loved Damien, she cared for him while they were in the early stages of their relationship. She couldn't believe how sour everything had gotten to the point where he broke into her home.

Realizing the pendant was in her room, she realized that must've meant Damien was in her room while she was asleep that night. A cold chill ran through her body at that thought, and suddenly it felt as though any progress she had made was shattered.

She felt completely and utterly violated.

One month later

"Hey, Hales. I ordered you Mac n Cheese," Lucas said as he saw Haley sit down at the table in the cafe.

"Thanks, Luke," she responded as she put her bag on the table. Despite the stresses in her life, she was glad that her friendship with Lucas had mended again over the past month.

"So…how did it go?" He hesitantly asked.

"Um…it was fine. It finally gave me some closure," Haley replied with a soft smile.

The past month had been rough on her after finding out Damien was the one who broke into her house and had been in her room. He was shortly arrested after she notified the police, but it didn't give her any peace. She would constantly have nightmares and while her friends were there for her, the stress of the event was always present. However, a few days ago at her appointment, the doctor noted her blood pressure was slightly elevated. Because she wanted to reduce her stress for the baby, Haley made the decision to meet with Damien face to face to get some closure. She knew it would be hard, but she knew she had to do this. All this time, for the past month, she had all these bottled up feelings of anger directed towards Damien and she desperately needed to unleash them.

Just thirty minutes ago, Haley had met with Damien in jail, and it all felt eerie. She couldn't believe she had once dated this man. It unnerved her how quickly his moods could change. One minute he was telling her how much he loved her and another he was cold and trashing her apartment. Nonetheless, seeing him had been beneficial. Benting out all her frustrations and anger to him had helped her. She knew there would still be some bad days, but she felt better than before. She could finally allow herself to start to move on.

"That's good. Oh…I also have something to tell you, but I don't know if you'll like it," Lucas nervously said.

"What is it?"

"Brooke and I are dating…like officially now."

"Oh," Haley replied still processing what he had said. "Well I'm happy for you."

"Really?"

"I'll admit it's kind of the weird because of…you know. But, I'm happy for you guys."

"Thanks, Hales...So he is he coming?" Lucas asked with a hint of annoyance in his voice.

"Luke! You said you would be nice!" Haley admonished.

"I can't help it. I haven't actually talked to the guy in years, and no offense, but he's a jerk."

"Was a jerk."

"Whatever."

Haley rolled her eyes. She really wanted Lucas and Nathan to meet after all this time. It meant a lot to her that her baby's dad and one of her best-friends have a good relationship with each other.

Before Haley could respond, her phone beeped, indicating that she received a text.

Nathan: I'm so sorry, Hales. I won't be able to make it. My friend unexpectedly came into town for his birthday and dragged me out. Rain Check?

She understood, but was disappointed she couldn't see him tonight. Damn, she had to keep her feelings for him under control. She had practically spent most evenings with him, and she still craved his company.

Sighing, she started to text him back.

"Let me guess…he's not coming. Typical."

"Luke, it's not like that," Haley defended. "His friend came into town for his birthday and Nathan didn't know he was, so they went out. Just give him a chance? Please."

"Fine. I'll do it for you."

"Thank you, Luke."

Nathan, along with Tim, was sitting in the club drinking beer. It was nice having Tim back in town, but Nathan couldn't help but feel upset. He was looking forward to seeing Haley today, and felt bad canceling on her. In fact, he was getting ready to leave for the cafe, when Tim randomly showed up outside his apartment telling him that it's been awhile that they last seen each other and that he wanted to celebrate his birthday with him.

"So Rachel tried to get herself pregnant, but then Haley, who you hate, got pregnant instead?" Tim asked for clarification as Nathan recapped his story.

"Yup." Except I don't hate Haley anymore.

"Niceee. I remember Haley. She was so hot! Have you hit it yet? I bet she's so-" Tim chuckled while taking another shot.

"No, and I'd appreciate it if you don't talk about her like that," Nathan gritted out, interrupting Tim's crude words. In that moment, he felt protective over Haley. He didn't want people talking about her like that.

"Woah dude. What's gotten you all rattled up? You don't like…like her do you?"

"No," Nathan managed to firmly say. I don't like, Haley. We're just friends, Nathan rationed in his mind.

"Good, you scared me for a second. I thought you actually had feelings for her, and if there is one thing everyone knows is that Nathan Scott does not do feelings…only sex."

Hearing those words, Nathan felt himself shudder. He hadn't had sex since before he found out Haley was pregnant. Strangely, he didn't have an interest in hooking up with random girls anymore. For some reason, he only found himself wanting to hook up with…Haley. It's just lust, Nathan. He told himself. It's just because you saw her naked that one time last month. It's just lust. Plus, you've spending all your time with her.

"That girl has been checking out the Tim all night!" Tim exclaimed which interrupted Nathan from his lust-filled Haley thoughts. "Do I smell good?"

Nathan rolled his eyes playfully. "You smell fine, Dim."

"Okay wish me luck," Tim said as he got up from his seat. "Oh and if you're looking for a good lay tonight, that girl has been checking you out for the past twenty minutes. And she's hot!"

Just like that Tim was gone, and Nathan was by himself shaking his head at Tim's remarks. He would never hook up with a girl knowing Haley was pregnant with his child, but out of curiosity, he turned his face to where Tim previously pointed and saw the girl. Tim was right. The girl was hot, but she didn't have anything on the Mac n Cheese loving blonde girl stuck in his head.

Nathan grew frustrated with himself. Here he was, in a club full of girls and the only person he could think of was Haley. That thought scared him. He'd never had a girl stuck in his head like Haley was. He'd never thought about a girl this much before.

"Hey, handsome," a feminine voice spoke and brought Nathan back to reality.

Nathan turned his head to match the voice with a face and was surprised to see who it was. "Nikki?"

He hadn't seen Nikki in years. He dated her for a few months during high school, but it was by no means a serious relationship. In fact, it was just sex…and rather a lot of it.

"The one and only," she replied with a smirk. "I bought you a drink."

"Thanks," he muttered.

"It's no problem," she purred as she got a little closer to him. "So what have you been up to? It's been awhile."

"Nothing much. Opened a hotel."

"Damn, Scott. Didn't peg you for a business type of person," she responded as she got a little more closer to him. At this point, her arm and leg grazed against his.

"Well things change," Nathan said, starting to feel detached from the conversation as his initial shock of seeing Nikki wore off.

"Well not everything has to change if you know what I mean," she spoke suggestively. "My apartment is actually right next to this place," she spoke as she took her hand and ran it through Nathan's arm.

Nathan recoiled as he felt her touch on him. He couldn't help but contrast it to the feeling that he got from Haley. The coldness of Nikki's touch was nothing like the warmth of Haley's.

Immediately, he distanced himself from her. "Not interested."

"Wow, Nathan Scott says no. That's the first."

"Well I told you. Things change," Nathan shrugged as he took another sip from his drink.

"So who is she?" Nikki asked.

"Who's who?"

"The girl who you are obviously into."

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"Oh c'mon. You don't wanna have sex which is rare for you and you look more interested on the water forming on your beer than anything else in the club."

Nathan sighed in frustration. He didn't want to focus on his relationship with Haley. The feelings he could when he thought about it terrified him. "It's nothing."

Nikki rolled her eyes. "Well someone's gotta a serious case of denial. But anyway, if you ever need to forget about her, you know where to find me," Nikki said as she wrote her phone number down on a napkin and handed it to Nathan.

A few moments later, as Nikki left, Tim returned.

"Hey man! Was that Nikki I saw?"

"Yup."

"Oh nice you got her number! I guess your night is gonna be good! I just wanted to tell you that the Tim will be back at your apartment late. I'm going to Hannah's place."

"Whose Hannah?"

"The girl I've been making out with for the past ten minutes. Anyway bye Nate! See you later."

"Bye Tim," Nathan said shaking his head to himself.

He turned his attention back to the napkin with Nikki's number. It would've felt like a no-brainer just a few months ago. Hell, he wouldn't of even needed her number. He would've just left with her. But now…he didn't want to because every second he was talking to Nikki, he just kept envisioning Haley's face in his head.

The next morning, Haley made his way to Nathan's apartment as they had breakfast plans. She didn't know if they were still on for them as Nathan never responded to her text she sent earlier, so decided just to go to his apartment, figuring he had a late night last night and didn't see the text yet.

Reaching the entrance to his apartment, Haley was just about to knock when she heard two voices talking from the inside. One she figured was Nathan's, but couldn't make out the other voice. She knew it couldn't be Jake's as he was at her and Peyton's apartment.

Looking through the glass, she could see that the other man was Tim. She hadn't seen him since high school. Before she could dwell on her thoughts, she heard him talk.

"So there's nothing going on between you and Haley?" She heard Tim say. What the hell? Why was Tim talking about her and Nathan? Still, Haley felt her heart beating loudly in her chest as she waited for Nathan's answer.

"Why would you say that?"

"Because you are making her breakfast and I've never seen Nathan Scott make breakfast for a girl before." Hearing those words, Haley blushed to herself. For a moment, listening to Tim, she let her believe that Nathan did reciprocate the feelings.

"It's really nothing anything serious." Ouch.

"So there's absolutely nothing going on? Then why are you making breakfast for her? Obviously something changed."

"Calm down, Dim. There's nothing going on. Nothing has changed. She's still the person I don't like from high school. We both still don't like each other. We just decided to be "nice" to each for the sake of the baby, so this me trying to be nice."

Nathan Scott had made her feel many emotions over the years, but never heartbroken…until now. She thought the worst case scenario was that Nathan didn't like her back. But now, she found out that not only did he like her in a romantic way, but that he didn't like her at all. He had still hated her. All this time he was secretly just hating her. Suddenly, she questioned every single nice and sweet gesture he did. This whole time, Haley thought Nathan put an egotistical facade to cover up the sweet man inside. Yet, now she knew, that he was actually putting a "sweet" facade up for the baby when he deep down disliked her.

She knew she couldn't really fault Nathan because it was her idea - that they put aside their hatred for each other and be civil for the baby - but she didn't know that idea would come back around and cause her so much pain. She'd honestly thought that they both moved on from that hatred stage. Clearly not.

It was torture listening to the words they were saying, but for some reason, her legs wouldn't move. It's like they fixed her body in place bracing her heart for more painful words.

"Oh well. Anyway, how did it go with Nikki last night. You guys back together then?" She heard Tim say.

And that was her last straw. Her legs regained their movement, and she instantly left, not wanting to hear another word.

She should've known better than to let her guard down around Nathan. He would never want her.

Maybe she had the right idea a couple months ago. They should've never talked about anything else other than the baby. Maybe that idea would've saved her the pain she was feeling now.

But she knew she couldn't go back now. She would just have to preserve her heart and distance from Nathan Scott.

I hope you guys liked it. Thanks for reading and let me know how it's going:)