Author's Note: Nicola, thanks for the review. I reformatted the chapters and everything looks good to me as well as there have been a few new readers who have been able to read from chapters 1 to the present and they haven't had problems. If you know of any specific broken links, let me know and I'll try to fix them. The best thing I can tell you now is to join the Author Alert listing for gooseles which will automatically e-mail new updates to your account. Thanks for all the interest, support and feedback. Sorry I couldn't be of more help, hon...

The venue was empty but it wasn't completely silent. There was the faint hum of music in the form of a strumming guitar. On a stool in the center of the stage sat Chris Keller.

"Hey", she said softly.

He looked up and went back to what he was doing.

"Look who's back", he said sarcastically.

She closed her eyes. She deserved that and a lot more. She had walked out on a friend and a business commitment as well as the fans.

"I'm sorry."

"Not as sorry as the fans were."

"What did you tell them?"

He shrugged.

"Does it matter?"

"It matters to me", she said quietly.

"Does it? Because it didn't look like it this morning when you ran out of here."

"It matters, Chris."

"Of course it does now. Seeing as how soon you're back and you look like walking death, I take it things didn't go well with the ex."

She nodded her head. Mentally, emotionally and physically she was worn out. Haley couldn't take it anymore. She had been through enough for one day. She had made her mistakes. She had been dejected. Now it was up to her and her alone to figure out how to get on and live the rest of her life. The last thing she needed was shit from a man who was supposed to be her friend.

"Look, I know I screwed up, Chris. Unfortunately, I've been doing a lot of that lately. I can't say I'm sorry enough and frankly, I'm getting tired of apologizing. I know that bus leaves in an hour and I want to be on it. My stuff is already in my bunk. If you don't want me on the tour anymore, just say the word."

He ignored her and she bowed her head before heading to the bus. As soon as she was alone, she kicked off shoes and curled up in a little ball on the bed. She wished she could stay that way forever. It was a welcome alternative as opposed to dealing with the real world and all it's problems. She heard the driver get on the bus and crank it. The band was on the other bus so that just left her and Chris. He climbed aboard and sat down and the long ride began.

"I told them you had a family emergency, alright?"

"Thanks", she mumbled barely audibly into her pillow.

"Look, I don't like the crap you pulled today. It was irresponsible and unprofessional. I want you on this tour because you're my friend and a hell of a musician but it's not gonna work if you keep kicking me in the ass, Haley."

"I know. It won't happen again, okay? Today was one huge, stupid mistake."

"Despite your heartfelt theatrics, he married the blonde anyway, huh?"

"No. I mean, yes. I mean, I got there too late."

"So you didn't see him?"

"I saw him alright. Let's just say I unintentionally crashed the reception."

"Nice", Chris laughed.

"And I caught Megan's bouquet."

"That was ballsy of you", he observed.

"I didn't mean to. It just sort of happened. Anyway, Nathan and I talked, or at least I talked. He listened and uh…he left. It was my last chance and I blew it. You were right. We're officially done."

"Hell, you tried, right? At least you've still got your dignity."

Haley laughed in spite of herself.

"I think I left what was left of that back on the ballroom floor of the Country Club where I dramatically attached myself to my ex husband, crying, pleading, screaming and begging for him not to leave me all the while professing my undying love and affection for him."

Chris smirked as he shook his head.

"You turned on the water works, huh? Classic desperation move. I can see it now…the Oscar winning move that has you tearfully pleading your case, careful that your mascara doesn't make a mess."

"I broke out the ugly cry."

"The ugly cry?"

"Yeah. You know the one. Where spit and snot and make up is everywhere."

"And don't forget the wildly contorted face."

"Oh no", she almost smiled. "Can't forget that. Anyway, it's over now. I wanted to know and now I do. Nathan gave me his answer ."

"Well, I would say I told you so…"

"Please don't."

"But I won't, if you'd let me finish."

"Thanks."

"It's for the best. Let him and Goldilocks live happily ever after, or at least try to. They're an American Dream duo."

"Try trio."

"Come again?"

"Megan is pregnant."

"No shit! No wonder they were in such a hurry to get to the altar. Nathan Scott", Chris shook his head. "What a joke!"

"Looks like the joke is on me this time."

"Why do you say that?"

"Look, who got herself knocked up in the Dominican", Haley said sadly, looking away.

"Holy shit! He pulled a Dan Scott after all. Come on James, you know better. You're not on birth control?"

"Not that it's any of your business but do I have sex enough to be on birth control? Besides, my periods have always been really regular so…"

"Okay, don't need to hear all that information…"

"Chris!"

"Okay, okay. Damn! Pregnant? You sure?"

"Positive and no pun intended. I ignored the sore boobs, spotting in my panties, and puking for as long as possible until a home test then a doctor confirmed everything."

"Nathan didn't strap up?"

Haley rolled her eyes.

"Oh yeah. Our little makeshift love shack made out of mud and bamboo was stocked with all the romantic fixings including, champagne, whipped cream, strawberries and a surplus of Trojans", she said in a sarcastic tone. "Jesus, Chris! It just happened in the heat of the moment, in the middle of a heated argument actually. We were stranded in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by water, surviving on coconuts, physically hurt, absolutely traumatized."

"That'll be an interesting story for the kid, you know, when it's old enough. Hell, it's a lot better than 'I got knocked up with you in the backseat of a '79 Nova'."

"Chris, that's not funny."

"Sorry. Hopefully this kid will teach you to seriously lighten up. I mean…there is going to be a kid, isn't it? Are you going to have it?"

Haley fought back tears.

"I've thought about it. Adoption isn't really an option and I don't really believe in abortion. What other choice do I have?"

"There's always a choice, Haley."

"A baby is the last thing I wanted or expected at this point in my life."

"What did Mr. NBA have to say about it all?"

"He doesn't know."

"You didn't tell him?"

"I didn't have the chance. I was a fool, Chris. I thought something was really there. I thought he still loved me. But obviously he doesn't. He wants to be with Megan. I made my choice and he made his. After I knew where his heart was, I couldn't tell him. It could either change everything or change nothing. Either way it just makes stuff more complicated."

"Okay so back to the kid. You gonna have it?"

"I think so", she nodded. "I can do it on my own. I'm sure it will be tough but tough isn't impossible. I have the money and the time."

"What about the music?"

"The music will always be there. Who knows? Maybe next time this year we'll still be on the road only we'll have a crib squeezed in the bunks along with a high chair and a dirty diaper pail", she joked.

"God save us", Chris rolled his eyes. "First Michelle, now you. I don't really like kids, especially squawking babies but maybe these kids will be cool like mini rock stars. I'll teach them the good stuff like Hendrix and the Doors and…"

"What about Barney and Elmo?"

"Uh, let me think about it…no! Not on Chris Keller's bus."

"Fine. I'll just get my own bus", Haley joked.

"Seriously though. You are going to tell him…right?"

"No. I'm not going to tell anyone. And in a few months, I won't have to. It'll be pretty obvious."

"Haley…"

"No. Not you, Chris. No lectures from you…please."

"Alright, alright. Your life, your choice, your kid."

"You think I'm doing the right thing?" she asked hopefully after a few minutes.

"I don't know. That's your call but I think it takes balls to do what you're doing. And I respect that."

"Really?"

"Yeah…look, I know I can be crass and cocky and brash and a host of other things so normally I don't like to get all mushy because it isn't my way, but deep down, you know what time it is with me. You know how much I care about you. And I'm proud of everything you have done over the years. No matter what, I'll always be your friend and I'll be here for you. Right or wrong, I support whatever you do."

Fresh tears sprang to her eyes.

"You mean that?"

He looked away, careful not to show her the single tear forming in his own eye.

"Yeah I do. From the bottom of my heart."