All possible situations were running through his mind as he drove to the airport. The first flight for New York City was leaving in a few hours and Lucas couldn't wait to meet Haley. She seemed so lost, so hurt when she called him, he could not stop thinking about her. Worst part was that she was not answering to her cell phone anymore. What if she had been attacked in the street or worst… Finally stepping into the airport, Lucas nervously glanced at the boarding door. He had two hours left before the flight. To kill time he took a walk to the book store even though he could not concentrate on anything other than Haley. I should have told Nathan about this…, Lucas thought. But there was no time left because a woman voice announced that the flight was forwarded and it was leaving in 15 minutes. "Great.", the young man said aloud.
The flight was long and boring even for Lucas Scott, a book lover. In front of him, a lovey dovey couple was whispering sweet words to each other's ears, a heartbreaking scene for Lucas. How could those people still be happy when his best friend was in pain? When his brother's marriage was in danger? When himself was lonely and confused? He just couldn't stand it and he closed his eyes for a moment until the announced in the flight attendant asked to buckle their seat belts for the landing.
Next problem was to find Haley. He had no idea where she was singing neither what hotel she was living in. Suddenly a poster caught his attention. The front was filled with a picture of The Wreckers and behind he could see Haley and other background singers. The show room number was written at the bottom. It was a good start. Not caring about what it would cost to use his cell phone in New York, Lucas dialled that number.
"Hi. I'm looking for Haley James. Do you know if she's here or at the hotel", he asked. Then looking at his watch, he realised it was a stupid question. What would Haley do there at 9 in the morning. Though the voice at the other end of the line replied positively, with a surprised tone. Haley was sitting alone in the concert room.
-Thanks, Lucas added just before hanging up and waving for a taxi. The yellow cab stopped in front of him and drove quickly up to the concert room.
"You'll have to pay mister if you wanna get in.", the ticket woman said at the door.
-I don't wanna see a show! I wanna to see Haley! She's in the room there. I called earlier! Please let me in, Lucas begged the woman.
After a hesitating moment, she stepped away and opened the door for him. The room was dark and Lucas could not see Haley until he caught a glimpse of a silhouette in the middle row. Softly, he approached the young woman. He could not see her face, it was buried into her hands but by the noises he could hear, she was sobbing. Lucas just sat there beside her, he knew that she would talk when she would be ready. After a few minutes, he passed his arm around her shoulders while her head found its place on his shoulder.
-Hales… what's wrong, he finally asked, seeing that she was not saying anything. His friend's sobs calmed down lightly as she tried to tell him.
-My.. periods Luke… they stopped…, Haley answered to Lucas who still couldn't understand. What was he supposed to understand? He was a guy, he didn't know about those things.
-I'm.. I'm pregnant.
The words took a few seconds to hit Lucas. He was shocked nonetheless. It was the last thing he expected from Haley. He didn't know what to say but Haley needed support now, that he knew it.
-I… Um… What are you gonna do, Lucas awkwardly asked.
-I don't know. Oh my God, I can't do that to Nathan. A baby Luke! I'm so confused. Thanks for being there, Haley said to her best friend before hugging him tightly.
She turned her head to see the rest of the room but it was too dark to see anything. If she only she would have. At the end of the room, nearby the door was standing Chris, guitar in the arms, listening to her conversation, a wicked grin playing onto his lips.