Smoke And Mirrors
Chapter 21
As happens sometimes, a moment settled and hovered and remained for much more than a moment. And sound stopped and movement stopped for much, much more than a moment. Then gradually time awakened again and moved sluggishly on.
Later on that day
Being out in the nice weather with her kids. Doing countless family activities was just what Haley hoped for.
She was desperate to gain a sense of normal and balance in her life again.
Once they got home. And the kids were upstairs washing their hands and changing clothes.
Haley looked to Nathan as she stood in the kitchen.
She planned to make lunch it was between grilled cheese or a BLT with fries and iced tea.
"Why is Dawn here.? You and Rachel share time with her. If i understand correctly and she's been around alot longer then normal." Haley questioned.
"Rachel left Tree Hill. Signed over her parental rights."
"Her never having her parents in her life. Had a stronger impact then i expected. She said Dawn was better off without her."
"I'm the sole parent to Dawn now. The kids we share together is one thing."
"You have no obligation to Dawn. This isn't you're burden to carry." Nathan stated matter of fact.
The expression on Haley's face softened. She wasn't surprised by Rachel's actions.
Some people aren't cut out for parenthood. She understood that a long time ago.
"Dawn isn't a burden. She's a young girl who was basically abandoned by her mother."
"She may not want to talk about it but she's hurting."
"Rachel was all she knew for most of her life."
"I'm never going to fill that space i won't attempt too."
"But i have room in my life and space in my heart for Dawn when and if she needs it." Haley stated matter of fact.
Nathan sighed deeply. "I don't deserve you." He replied.
"And don't you forget it." Haley said. With a shy smile.
Nathan set the table and opened the windows. Letting the fresh beach air enter the home.
He waited until lunch was over and everyone was in the living room.
"I have an announcement to make about Dawn."
"She is not only a friend to the both of you but you're sister." Nathan announced.
"Yay! So she gets to hang out with us all the time." Austin exclaimed excitedly.
"Who's her momma.?" Nadia asked.
"Rachel was. She isn't in town anymore and she won't be coming back."
"Dawn is going to live with us. We're going to be a family." Nathan explained.
Nadia's eyes went wide. "I don't want a sister! Especially from Rachel."
"Go Away I hate you!" Nadia yelled. Staring directly at Dawn.
Before running upstairs to her bedroom.
"Nobody wants me." Dawm proclaimed. With tears falling from her eyes before she left the room.
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