Chapter 28
Haley's POV
I knew that Nathan wanted to know what happened in the past 4 days we haven't seen each other. I just didn't know how to tell him that I asked for Chris' help rather than his. I know he'd be hurt but that still doesn't erase the fact that Chris was the only one who could help me.
"Penny for your thoughts…." Nathan whispered in my ear. We were sitting on the couch, my head resting on his shoulder.
"I' m not thinking anything…."
He laughed and teasingly said….. "Haley James? Staring into space without a thought in her head? I don't think so…"
"It's possible" I said a tad bit defensive
"What's wrong Haley? I know you didn't just come here to be with me. There's something going on in that head of yours…Why cant you just tell me whatever's bothering you?"
"Nate…really nothing's wrong…"
"Don't tell me that Haley. I know something's wrong…just don't lie to me"
I sighed, there really no way around this. "I asked for Chris' help with Taylor"
"That's all?" he asked. I knew he was barely restraining his anger. I knew he was hurt but….
"Yup…please Nate, don't be mad. I didn't know who else to call. He was the only one who could help me."
"I could've helped Haley. I just can't understand why you need to go to him"
"Nathan, Chris was the one who helped me put Taylor into rehab a few years ago…and I knew that he'd help me. I didn't want to ask for your help because I didn't want to burden you with my family's problem."
"Hales…we're family. Your family is my family too…I'm just confused why you had to go to Chris."
"It's hard to explain Nate…Chris he…uh…he understands me. He understands what I'm going through because….well because he was there when it first happened."
"And you thought I wouldn't understand?"
I flinched at his tone. He was being that Nathan again. The Nathan that once lived in his body and apparently still did. The Nathan who was a jackass and a jerk.
I could barely hold my own frustration and anger. I knew that I better keep my own temper in check.
"Nathan….please…don't make this about us. This is about my sister. She needed help and so did I. it just so happens that Chris was the only one who could help us"
"I understand Hales. I understand what you're doing through. I know it's hard but I'm here for you, you don't need Chris."
"Nathan…. Chris is my friend. I need him in my life. I can't just throw what we have because you say so."
He looked away. He didn't want me defending Chris but I had to. Chris was the only one who really knew….who knew about…. Ugh…right now I need to straighten things with Nathan.
"Listen to me…. I love you but…I also love Chris as a friend and almost like a brother. We went through a lot together and you…you making me feel like I've done something wrong just because I asked for his help is unfair."
"It's hard for me Haley…hard for me to see that you need another man other than me"
I took hid face in my hands and smiled a little. "Come on Nate…I need my dad, Lucas and my male employees… how can I just dismiss all of them"
"I'm not kidding Haley"
I smiled again… I couldn't help myself; I pushed every thought away and just concentrated on Nathan. "I love you Nathan. You'll just have to remember that."
He nodded, finally giving up his inner battles and insecurities. "I love you Haley…."
