Author's Note: Hey guys! Long time, no see! I'm finally back with another chapter of The Sweetest Sin. This story is getting near the end so I'm finding it harder to write and put into words what I want to say. You all know how that goes. Only a couple more chapters left! The next chapter will probably be pretty short compared to the normal chapters because I don't really have much planned for the next chapter. This is a Lucas and Haley-centric fic and with them separated, there's not much to write about. Anyways, I hope you like this chapter and hope it was worth the wait! As always, please read and review!

Disclaimer: I own nothing. One Tree Hill and its characters are property of the WB.

Rating: K+ to T

The Sweetest Sin

Chapter 19

Lucas dribbled the ball a few bounces before lifting it in his hands and making a free throw shot from center court. It banged harshly against the backboard and dropped to the ground, bouncing past him. "Damn boy, why you look so down? Is it the way you're shootin' because I know you sure as hell can play better than that," Skills' voice said from behind him. Lucas turned and Skills handed the basketball back to him and Lucas made another shot. The ball rolled around the rim a few times before falling through the hoop. "I got into High Flyers," Lucas finally spoke. "Really? Luke, that's awesome man! Congratulations!" Skills' eyes widened then he grasped Lucas' hand and pulled him in for a manly hug and pat on the back. "I can't go," Lucas responded softly as he stared down at the basketball in his hands, slowly rolling and squeezing it. "Why the hell not," Skills asked, his eyebrows furrowed in confusion, "Luke man, this is an amazing opportunity you've been given here. You can't pass it up." "Haley's pregnant, Skills," Lucas replied. "Really? I didn't know that by the big bump in her stomach," Skills responded sarcastically. "I can't leave her. She can't take care of Kris by herself when she's this far along and no one will be there to help her or make sure she doesn't get hurt or strain herself or make her rest. With everything that's happened the past couple weeks…the hospital and the other night…A few days ago, I was heading to the daycare to pick up Kris after work and I found that I had three messages from my mom on my phone. Haley hadn't gone into work and she couldn't get a hold of her at the house or on her cell phone. She was worried that something was wrong or something had happened. I raced home and found her sleeping on the couch. She had only wanted to take an hour nap before she had to go to work but she ended up sleeping through until 6:30 when I came home and woke her up. I was so scared…What if something happened to her while I was gone? I can't leave her for two months, Skills."

Skills took a minute to digest all this before placing one of his hands on Lucas' shoulder, "You gotta do what you gotta do, man, and I can't make you go. But I think you'll regret it if you don't go." "No I won't," Lucas responded with a small smile, "Basketball will always be there for me, but Haley will only be pregnant with our first child once. I can't miss out on being there for her and our baby. That is what I would regret." Lucas bounced the ball a few times before shooting a free throw. This time it went in with ease and Lucas smiled. Skills patted his back, "You're a good man, Luke, good man. Now how about we play a little one on one?" "You're on," Lucas grinned.

Meanwhile, Haley was having a girls' day in back at the house. Brooke, Peyton and herself were all curled up on the couch with Haley in the middle. Krissy sat in between Haley and Peyton, who had Jenny over her shoulder, gently rubbing and patting her back. She was watching Jenny while Jake was at work. They were watching the movie 13 Going On 30, Haley's choice of course. You don't mess with a pregnant woman. They had found that out when they tried to change the channel to a different movie before they had chosen the movie they were currently watching now. "Hales, you ate all the popcorn," Brooke whined as she shook the empty bowl a little, the remaining kernels making noise as they rolled around inside. Haley shrugged unabashedly as she placed her hand on her stomach, "Sorry. The baby was hungry. I'll go make some more if you want." "The baby's not the only one that's hungry," Brooke muttered under her breath then said louder, "No, I'll make it. You sit and rest. Where's the box of popcorn?" "Kitchen pantry, left side, second shelf," Haley responded. Brooke got up and went to the kitchen to fix more popcorn for all of them and a few minutes later, Haley entered, wanting something to drink. She opened the cupboard and reached for a glass but they were too far back and she tried unsuccessfully a few more times before Brooke noticed and got one for her. Haley frowned as she rubbed a hand over her round stomach then accepted the cup and uttered a soft "Thanks" to Brooke. Brooke could see the tears in her eyes as Haley poured herself a glass of apple juice and she went over to hug her friend. She stroked her hair and rubbed her back comfortingly, "Sh, it's okay. I know what you're thinking and you're not fat, Hales. You're pregnant and in four months you'll have a beautiful little baby." Haley wrapped her arms around Brooke and nodded into her shoulder. After a few moments, Haley returned to the living room while Brooke continued to wait for the popcorn.

"Ow!" Haley exclaimed loudly as she placed a hand on her belly and rubbed slowly. "Oh my god! What's wrong," Brooke asked in panic as she ran into the room after hearing Haley yell. "Haley, what's the matter? Are you having pains again," Peyton inquired worriedly as she put Jenny down and placed her hand on Haley's arm. "Guys, I'm fine," Haley reassured them as she sighed, "the baby just kicked really hard. God, I swear this kid is going to be a soccer player instead of basketball. But don't tell Lucas I said that. He'd have a fit." Both Peyton and Brooke giggled then Peyton asked, "Can I feel?" "Ooh! I want to feel too," Brooke said excitedly. Haley nodded and smiled then the girls placed their hands on her stomach. "I can't feel anything," Brooke pouted. "Just give it a few minutes," she replied. Haley gently ran her fingernails over her belly, an act that always seemed to evoke a kick from inside and she was rewarded with one a few seconds later. "Here," she said, moving their hands to the spot, "feel it?" "Ooh, I felt it," Brooke responded giddily, her eyes and mouth wide with happiness and amazement. "Wow, that's amazing," Peyton replied. "Yeah, it is. But I can't wait to get this kid out. I don't know how much longer I can stand it trying to kick the organs out of my body. It hurts like hell sometimes, as you just witnessed," Haley said as she continued to move her hand over her stomach.

"Mommy, I'm tired," Krissy whined as she looked up at Haley. "Okay, come on kiddo. Let's go put you down for a nap," Haley responded. Peyton helped her up off the couch and Haley leaned down, picking up the little girl and carrying her to her bedroom down the hall. Haley dressed her in some pajamas then tucked her into bed, pulling the covers to her shoulders. She kissed her on the forehead, whispering, "Goodnight sweetie. I love you." "Love you too Mommy," Krissy mumbled as she drifted off to sleep clutching her stuffed dog and her thumb in her mouth. Haley smiled softly at the little girl before exiting the room and quietly closing the door behind her. She sank down onto the couch and rested her head back on the couch, sighing. "Are you tired," Peyton asked. "Nah, my feet just hurt. Another reason why I want this baby out; my feet always hurt and they've probably swollen up like balloons. I can't see them anymore," Haley frowned. "Aw Hales, they're not swollen. Want me to rub your feet," Peyton offered. "Please," Haley responded. "Here Hales, you can lie your head in my lap," Brooke said as she placed a throw pillow on her thighs. "Thanks," Haley replied as she carefully scooted over and lay down. Peyton started the movie back up and they continued to watch it as Peyton massaged her feet and Brooke started to rub her back after Haley complained of her back hurting as well.

"She's asleep," Brooke whispered an hour later once the movie was over. "Should we move her? She can't be comfortable lying in that position," Peyton remarked. "She looks pretty damn comfortable to me," Brooke grumbled quietly, "I don't know about you, but I have to pee. So if we don't move her…then we're gonna have a problem." "Alright, let's take her to the bedroom. Put your arm under her head and make sure you support her back. I'll get her legs," Peyton responded as she carefully lifted Haley's legs off her lap and slid from her spot on the couch. She then helped Brooke out from under Haley's head and together they gently hefted her into their arms and slowly, carefully, carried her to the bedroom. "Oh my god, she's freaking heavy," Brooke whined as she struggled to keep her hold on Haley, her arm muscles burning with pain. "I heard that," Haley mumbled, "and whoever has their hand on my butt, get it off." "Woops, sorry," Brooke responded as she moved her hand up a little bit to her lower back. They gently placed her on the bed and covered her up with the comforter and sheets. "Get some rest," Peyton whispered as she moved some hair from Haley's face. Haley snuggled deeper into her pillow as she turned on her side and mumbled, "Night Peyton, Brooke."

After they put Haley to bed, Brooke and Peyton tidied the house a little and cleaned up the mess from watching their movie and playing games to keep Haley occupied so she wouldn't be bored. While Peyton did the dishes, Brooke picked up the living room and kept an eye on Krissy as she played in her room. Lucas came home from work around 5:30 that evening and was surprised at what the girls hand done. He hugged them, "Thank you for cleaning up the house. I've been so busy with work and Haley can't really clean up because she can't bend down that well and she can't be around the chemicals. I don't want her cleaning anyway. It'll put too much strain on her. And thank you for keeping her company too. I know she would go crazy if she had to stay home all by herself. How is she?" "She's fine, sleeping," Peyton replied. "Krissy is playing in her room," Brooke added in. "Uh Brooke, did you have an accident or something," Lucas asked with a raised eyebrow, pointing to her skirt. Brooke looked down, alarmed. "Damn, Tutor Mom must have drooled on me," Brooke sighed. Both Peyton and Lucas burst out laughing at this then Brooke joined in.

"Guys, thanks again for helping out and spending time with her and taking care of Kris. I've got it from here. We'll see you guys tomorrow okay," Lucas responded after the laughter died down. The girls bid their farewells then left the house after promising they would return tomorrow. Lucas retrieved a towel from the linen closet then trudged to the bathroom for a shower. He was exhausted; the shop had been busy all day. He sighed as the warm water ran over his head and down his back, soothing his aching muscles. Once he got out of the shower, he dressed in a wife beater tank top and boxers then carefully slid into bed beside Haley. He wrapped his arms around her and placed one of his hands on her stomach, smiling as he drifted off to sleep, feeling the small movements of their child from within.

The next day Haley didn't have to go into the café so she did some small jobs around the house such as dusting, changing the sheets on the beds, washing clothes, and other various little odd jobs. She was in the utility room now, putting in a load of clothes. Haley sorted all the colors and threw some in, making sure to check the pockets of Lucas' pants. He was always leaving something in there; change, little pieces of paper like receipts. She had even once found some nuts and bolts from the shop in there. Haley picked up a pair of his jeans and searched the pockets, her hand finally grasping something in one of the back pockets. She pulled it out and saw that it was a folded up envelope. Her brows furrowed in confusion. Was he hiding something from her? Or had he simply forgotten he had put the envelope there? He had been kind of quiet, not very talkative or acting like his usual self, the past few days and she had wondered what was bothering him. Haley slowly unfolded the envelope and pulled out the letter, reading it once then over and over again as her eyes widened surprise. Lucas had gotten into High Flyers. Why hadn't he said anything? Why had she lied to him?

Lucas was at the shop working on an engine with Keith when his cell phone rang. He wiped his hands with a cloth and pulled his phone out, "Hel-" "LUCAS EUGENE SCOTT! HOW COULD YOU LIE TO ME," Haley's shrill voice, filled with emotion, sounded over the line. "Uh oh, doesn't sound like the wife is too happy," Keith joked from beside him as he tightened a bolt. Lucas glared at him for a moment before talking into the phone, "Hales, what's wrong? What did I lie to you about? I seriously don't know what you're talking about…" "Get your ass home, RIGHT NOW," she shouted before hanging up on him. "Trouble in paradise," Keith asked with a raised eyebrow. "I guess so…" Lucas replied, still staring at his phone, then looked up to him, "I've got to go home and sort this out. Will you be able to handle everything by yourself?" Keith smiled and nodded his head towards the door, "Go." Lucas quickly grabbed his bag and ran to the Jeep parked outside.

Lucas entered the house and called out, "Hales?" He heard crying and followed it quickly, finding Haley crying with her head in her hands at the kitchen table. He walked over and placed his hand on her back, "Honey, I haven't lied to you…Why would you think I lied to you?" She flinched away from him and he sadly dropped his hand. She stared up at him, tears streaming down her cheeks, "The other night I asked you if something was bothering you and you told me everything was fine. Ever since that day, you've been quiet and not acting your usual self…" "Hales, I haven't been lying to you. Everything is fine," Lucas repeated. Haley's expression turned to anger as she thrust the envelope into his chest, making him wince a little in pain, "I found this in your jeans pocket when I was doing the laundry." "Oh, that," Lucas responded solemnly as he looked at the envelope then shifted his gaze to the floor. "Why didn't you tell me you got in? How could you keep this from me? You lied to me," Haley screamed as more tears fell from her eyes. Lucas tried to comfort her, hug her, but she pulled away, waiting for an answer. "I didn't want to go. It wasn't the right time. With you being pregnant…I didn't want to leave you right now…Please Hales, try to understand…" Lucas begged her with his eyes. "I-I need some space, some time to think…" Haley stuttered, still crying, as she turned and grabbed her jacket. "Hales, honey, please don't leave…" Lucas gently grabbed her arm. "Let go of me Luke. I don't want to be around you right now," she pleaded softly. Lucas reluctantly let her go and she walked out the door. Lucas sank down into a chair and buried his head in his hands.

Haley drove to Peyton's and entered her house without knocking because Peyton usually had her music turned up loud, preventing her from hearing the doorbell or a knock. She walked to her room and opened her door, calling out to her through her tears, "Peyton?" Her mouth gaped open. Jake and Peyton immediately pulled away from their make out session on the bed at the sound of Haley's voice. "I-I'm so sorry. I should have knocked. I-I'll um, come back later," she whispered uncomfortably then started to turn away. Peyton, seeing the tears in her friend's eyes, rose from the bed and walked over to her concernedly, "No, it's okay. Hales, what's wrong?" "He-He lied to me, Peyton," Haley sobbed as she covered her face with her hands. Jake got off the bed and kissed Peyton's cheek, whispering, "I'll see you later." She smiled at him gratefully before mouthing "Bye" to him.

Peyton led Haley over to the bed and lowered her onto it, gazing at her concernedly with confusion in her eyes, "He lied to you?" Haley nodded as she let out a squeaky "Mhmm". She then spoke in a shaky voice as she buried her head into Peyton's shoulder, "A-A few days ago he was acting a little weird so I-I asked him if there was anything bothering him and he-he said everything was fine…he still acted weird the past couple days, quiet and kind of broody, you know? He hasn't acted that way in a while and then today I found…" "Found what," Peyton asked worriedly. "I-I found a folded up envelope in the back pocket of his jeans…I-It was from that High Flyers basketball camp and he got in…He didn't even tell me, Peyton." Now Peyton was wondering why he hadn't told Haley. "Did he say why he didn't tell you," she asked. "He said he didn't want to go, that it wasn't the right time…but when will it be the right time?" Haley ranted. "Maybe he didn't want to leave you because you're pregnant," Peyton started but was cut off by Haley. "That shouldn't matter! This is a once in a lifetime chance! He'll probably never get it back again! I'll still be here when he gets back; I'll still be pregnant. Nothing is going to change," she said exasperatedly.

Peyton sighed, "I'm not going to argue with you Hales. Lucas is a big boy, he can make his own decisions and if he doesn't want to go, then I wouldn't force him." "But it's his dream to play pro basketball," Haley shouted, "and this camp will help him do that! I-I don't know what to do anymore…" She started crying again and Peyton wrapped her arms around her friend. "Sh…" she whispered as she stroked Haley's hair. "Peyton," Haley asked quietly a few minutes later, "I'm tired. Could I take a nap here? I really don't feel like going home right now." "Sure sweetie," Peyton rubbed her back, "let's get you under the covers." Peyton pulled off Haley's shoes and placed the covers up to her shoulders, laying a gentle kiss on her forehead, "Get some sleep." "Peyton," Haley whispered, beginning to drift off. "Yeah?" "Thanks. For being there for me and talking things out with me," she responded. Peyton smiled, "No problem Hales." She then quietly left the room, turning out the light and closing the door behind her.

Later that evening, Haley returned home with her mind set and determined. Lucas' dream was to play pro basketball and she wouldn't be the cause of him missing out on such an amazing opportunity. Lucas was going to that camp no matter what he said. She walked into the living room and found him on the couch reading a book. The second he saw her, he jumped up and went to hug her, "Hales!" He wrapped his arms around her, thankful she didn't pull away this time as he kissed her cheek and stroked her hair. "Hales, I am so sorry I didn't tell you about the letter. I didn't want to go with you being pregnant and after we had those scares…I don't want to be away from you right now…" "You're going to that camp," Haley stated firmly into his ear. He pulled away slightly, "What? No, I'm not going to the camp, Hales. I'm not leaving you." "Lucas, playing pro basketball is your dream and this camp can help you get there. I'm not going to stand in the way of that. Nothing is going to change while you're gone; I'll still be pregnant. I'll be fine while you're gone," Haley responded. "No, I'm not going," Lucas reiterated firmly. "Dammit! Lucas Eugene Scott! I know deep down you really want to go and you think you can't because of me. Well, I won't have any of it! You're going to that camp no matter what you say or think even if I have to drive you down there myself! So start packing!" Haley was breathing heavily from her tirade and being worked up by Lucas' stubbornness. Lucas knew not to argue with the expression she was currently wearing on her face.

He stared into her eyes for a moment before tearing his gaze away and looking down at the ground, hanging his head in defeat. Tears welled in his eyes at the thought of leaving her and the baby and Kris. He slowly walked forward and wrapped his arms around her, burying his nose in her hair, trying to memorize her scent. He pulled away a few minutes later, staring into her eyes again. His whispered with his voice full of emotion, "Okay, I'll go, but on two conditions…" "What," she asked. "One, I want Peyton or Brooke, preferably both, to come stay with you while I'm gone. You can't take care of Kris all by yourself and I'd feel better if someone was here to keep an eye on you. I don't want anything to happen to you or the baby…" he said quietly, gazing into her eyes then looking down and rubbing his hand across her belly. "Are you crazy? Brooke around 24/7! I'll go nuts," Haley exclaimed. "Peyton then," Lucas chuckled. "Okay," she replied. "Two, I want you to call me every night. I don't care what it's going to do to our phone bill or if nothing really happened that day. I need to hear your voice every night and I want to be able to say goodnight to Kris and the baby. Talk to the baby about me? I don't want the baby to forget about me," Lucas pouted.

Haley laughed, "Lucas, the baby isn't even born yet." "I know. It's just that I'll be gone for two months. They baby might forget the sound of my voice because I won't be there to talk to it. I don't want the baby to forget about me completely," he began to pout even more at the thought of this. She hugged him tightly, "I promise." She then kissed him tenderly for several moments, gently pressing her lips to his. Lucas moaned slightly as he pulled her closer to him, "I'm going to miss you so much…" Tears started to well in his eyes and he felt a light kick against his abdomen from Haley's stomach between them. He rubbed it a few turns then leaned down and kissed her belly, "Daddy's gonna miss you too baby. You be a good baby for Mommy while I'm gone, don't give her any trouble, okay?" He felt another kick against his abs and smiled. "When do you have to leave," Haley asked, tears forming in her own eyes. Lucas' smile faded, "Two days." "Two days? So soon? I thought we'd have more time together…" she was crying more now and Lucas pulled her to him, stroking her hair and rubbing her back. "Sh…" he whispered, kissing her forehead softly.

Two days later, it was time for Lucas to go. Every minute in the past two days, both waking and sleeping, had been spent together and with Kris. Whenever he got the chance, Lucas would talk to their unborn child and rub her belly, feeling the baby kick, until sometimes he did it so often that it annoyed Haley and she would swat his hands away. Lucas had made sure Peyton had 'moved in' so to speak earlier that morning so Haley wouldn't be alone after he left. He knew she would break down crying after he was gone. They all now stood on the porch to say their goodbyes. Lucas took Kris from Haley and held her in his arms, "Okay baby girl, Daddy's gotta go. I'm going to miss you so much sweetie." Krissy pouted and started to cry, "I'm going to miss you too Daddy. How long are you gonna be gone?" "Two months," he replied. "Two months? That's a LONG time Daddy. Who's gonna play basketball with me," she asked as she looked up at him, her puppy dog pout in full effect on her face. Lucas responded, "Mommy or Peyton can take you down to the rivercourt and Skills or Fergie will play with you." "It's not the same Daddy, they don't play as good as you," she answered. Lucas smirked, boy would Skills and Fergie love to hear that. "I know sweetie, but Daddy will be home before you know it and then we can play basketball all the time to make up for it. It'll make Mommy go crazy," he smirked as he tickled her.

"Yes it will," Haley had to smile a little through the pain of her heart breaking at the thought that Lucas was leaving her for two months, "Daddy has to get going Kris, say goodbye to him okay?" She nodded and turned back to Lucas, wrapping her small arms as best she could around his neck, "I'll miss you Daddy. Come back soon." "I'll miss you too Kris. I love you so much. You take care of Mommy and Baby, okay Squirt?" She nodded and then Haley took the little girl from him and handed her to Peyton, "Sweetie, why don't you go with Peyton and she'll get you a snack alright?" Krissy nodded and waved sadly to Lucas as Peyton carried her into the kitchen, "Bye Daddy." "Bye Squirt," he replied as he waved back slowly. Lucas then turned to Haley, who was crying with silent tears falling down her cheeks, her chin and lower lip trembling. Lucas gently cupped her face in his hands and stared into her watery brown eyes, "Hales, please don't cry. You know I hate seeing you cry." "I-I can't help it. You-You're going away for two months and I won't be able to see you every day. I'm going to miss you so much…it's going to be hell without you here…" Lucas rubbed her back, trying to soothe her, "I know. It'll be hard, but we'll talk to each other every night and maybe after awhile I'll ask the coach if you can come up for a visit, okay? Just make sure you rest and don't strain yourself, take it easy. I don't want anything happening to you or the baby while I'm gone, or ever. I love you so much Hales." He wrapped his arms around her and leaned down, kissing her mouth gently. "I love you too," she whispered, her voice choked up with emotion.

Lucas placed both hands on the sides of her stomach and rubbed gently, talking to their unborn child, "I love you baby. You be good for Mommy and don't forget about me okay? I'm going to miss you too." He kissed her belly tenderly and a few moments later, he felt a kick from inside. He smiled and stood there a few more minutes, feeling their child kick against his hands since he would be gone for two long months without feeling it again. He rested his forehead against hers and closed his eyes, savoring his last moments with her before he had to leave. He looked up when he heard footsteps and saw Peyton returning minus Krissy. He pulled away from Haley and turned to her, wrapping his arms around his friend and whispering in her ear, "Thanks for taking care of my family for me while I'm gone. Take good care of them for me. Make sure Haley rests, okay?" She nodded, tears forming in her own eyes, "I will Luke." Lucas turned back to Haley and hugged her close to him, "I love you. Call me if you need anything okay? I'll call you when I get there." Haley nodded, too full of emotion to speak. "Okay, I have to get going or I'll be late for check-in," Lucas responded softly. He kissed her one last time, a passionate yet loving kiss that lasted several moments before he reluctantly pulled away. "Bye," he whispered, his heart breaking at having to leave his family. "Bye," Haley managed to squeak out. He rubbed her belly and kissed her one last time before heading out the door to his Jeep, already packed with his bags. He looked back sadly for a minute before continuing on, starting the car and pulling out of the driveway, heading down the street. Haley watched from the window and as soon as he was out of sight, she turned and collapsed into Peyton's arms, sobbing.