Hey guys! It's me back with chapter 2. Sorry to keep you waiting. It wasn't intentional. Thank you so much for the reviews.
Sophie: lol. Yeah, I used to post this on another board. Glad finally got to read the whole series. :) And seriously, I can't stress this enough. Thank you so much for always reviewing.
freefalling08: I know, I hate that this has to end. :( I had so much fun writing it for everyone. Everything good has an end though, right? Major problems... I don't know... well, maybe they won't be too major.
April: Don't worry, you didn't sound harsh! In fact, I totally agree with you. Now, whether it will actually happen... that is still to be decided. lol. It's good that you have faith in naley... and me. Finally, someone does! lol. Aw... thank you for the compliment. I'm glad you thought that paragraph was beautiful. And I'm definitely happy you love the story so much. Thank you!
Chapter 2:
Haley stared out the window of the plane. Everything had faded into darkness outside the airborne machine at least an hour ago, but she had long since lost interest in the 1960 film dubbed in French playing on the screen. Her gaze shifted to Nathan and she smiled at seeing him asleep. But as she took a closer look, her smile dimmed considerably. Even in his sleep, he couldn't relax. He was tense and looked terribly uncomfortable, though she knew he hadn't slept in days. Not to say she hadn't lost her fair share of rest, but Nathan was exhausted. He was always awake when she fell asleep in his arms and up and about long before she opened her eyes in the mornings. She didn't know when the last time he'd gotten more than 2 straight hours of sleep was.
Even as he slept, she could see the sorrow emanating from him, the lines of sadness and worry wrinkling his forehead. She reached over and gently rubbed them, as though she could smooth them away. Her tender touch woke him up and he stared at her sleepily. Sitting up and stretching, he asked groggily, "What time is it?"
"Sometime after midnight," she said softly, still watching him closely.
He turned to her. "Why are you still awake?" she could hear the tiredness creeping back into his voice and knew he'd be out again within the next few minutes.
She shrugged and, looking into her eyes, he could tell she was worried about him. Something inside him softened. He didn't want her to have to worry about him. She had enough problems as it was. He couldn't do this to her anymore. If it was killing him, he couldn't imagine what it was doing to her. "Come here," he whispered, reaching out for her.
She collapsed against him and sighed as she felt his arms come around her, holding her close. Relaxing against him, she felt the slow, steady rise and fall of his chest and knew he would be asleep in a few moment's time. She smiled up at him, but it was slightly bitter. "I love you, Nathan."
He looked into her eyes and saw the conflicting emotions there. She wanted to put everything she had into making him happy, but she had her own demons to deal with. Reaching up, he brushed a stray piece of hair behind her ear, leaning down to kiss her softly. He closed his eyes as they pulled away. "I love you too."
Settling back down together, Nathan pulled Haley gently over into his seat. He didn't care who would have a problem with it. He just wanted to feel her close to him. He needed to know she wasn't going anywhere. She snuggled against him, a small, genuine smile lighting her face as he held her to him.
Maybe everything would be OK after all.
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An unbelievably tired Nathan coupled with a still sleepy Haley staggered onto the streets of New York from the airport terminal, luggage in hand. Their free hands found each other, lacing tightly together as they stepped up to the curb. Smiling down at Haley, Nathan set his luggage down and hailed a cab, not willing to relinquish his hold on her hand. She smiled back at him and, for a moment, they were both happy. It was as though all the sorrow just melted away.
But reality struck as a cab pulled up abruptly to where they were waiting and all the warm feelings fled, leaving them both a little emptier. It scared Haley that their love wasn't enough to get them through times like these anymore. That people like Jack could do this to them; that he had the ability to put this kind of strain on their relationship. She was determined not to let it have any more of an effect than it already had.
She gave his hand a tug and he moved to stand closer next to her. They smiled at each other again and the happy feeling returned. This time, it didn't fade as they both got in the cab.
Nathan gave the name of their hotel, but the rest of the ride was spent in silence, both Nathan and Haley reflecting on what had been happening these past few weeks. They'd grown farther and farther apart. They hadn't wanted to and had tried to prevent it at first, but it seemed it was inevitable that the distance between them widen with each passing day. It was as though an invisible force was prying them apart.
But it wasn't. Not so much anyway. The invisible part. They knew what was pushing them away from each other; they just didn't want to admit it. It was the same thing that always did. Her past. They could only hope that with Jack's death would come closure. But they were running out of time. And they could both see that.
It would't be long before one of them snapped and did something they regretted. Neither were sure if they could handle it again.
Haley knew her past had always been a barrier. It wasn't fair. That three years of mistakes could take away the rest of her life. It was all in the past. So why couldn't they just leave it there? But it was a past that wouldn't let her choose and she knew that was how it would always be until Jack was gone. Much as she didn't want him to die, she knew he had to.
So, though she felt guilty about it, a part of her had been relieved when he called and told her he wouldn't make it through. Selfish though it may be, she didn't want him to ruin things between her and Nathan. She didn't want anything to. So, in a way, she was glad to be there for the end. It was her release.
She felt Nathan's presence next to her, but it still felt like there was so much separating them. As though able to read her mind, he took her in his arms and kissed her, pressing his lips gently against hers. She increased the pressure and felt him respond slowly. He was still tired. Disappointed, she pulled away, but he caught her lips with his again and suddenly, she didn't feel so exhausted anymore.
For the past few days, they'd both been walking around like empty shells, all their other emotions overwhelming their happiness at being together. But with that one kiss, it was almost like they both came alive again.
Haley felt her entire body tingling with something she hadn't felt in weeks as he deepened the kiss, trapping her body tightly against his. Her hands came around to rest on his back, slowly sliding down and reaching up his shirt to feel his taut back muscles as he pressed closer to her. He kissed his way down her neck, then back up to her lips as she let out a small moan. The cab driver looked back at them suspiciously, but it was dark and he couldn't see much.
The car jolted to a stop and Nathan jerked away from her. Her chest rose and fell rapidly and she noticed his breathing was heavy too. They just gazed at each other, feeling the warmth of the air between them. Nathan watched her with adoration shining in his eyes. He loved the way he could affect her. He leaned down, connecting their lips again, forgetting all about where they were. He wanted her now.
A few minutes later, the cab driver knocked on the window, luggage already unloaded and waiting on the sidewalk next to him. They pulled apart slowly. She was panting, trying to catch her breath as they both fought to regain control.
Slowly, their breathing slowed and returned to normal. Nathan turned and opened the cab door, stepping out and pulling Haley with him. She stumbled slightly, but he held her steady and she regained her balance. They still stood just as close together.
Nathan picked up their bags and felt Haley loop her arm through his. And he wasn't so cold anymore. He smiled down at her as she took the money he'd given her and handed it to the cab driver, who sped off without another word. They rushed up to the immense glass entrance and stepped inside together, luggage and all. The young man at the front desk smiled as they approached. He could see how in love the happy couple was. Nathan smiled politely back at him. "Yeah, we have a reservation."
"Name?" asked the man, whose gold plated name tag read Michael.
"Should be under Scott," Nathan replied.
As Michael checked to confirm their reservation, Nathan looked down at Haley. She had the biggest smile on her face. "So, you made reservations?"
He grinned. "Uh huh."
She laughed out of pure joy. "Baby, you are too good to me." She leaned up to brush her lips against his and he was suddenly reminded of what they'd been doing in the cab. His arms caught her around the waist as he pulled her flush against him. She pulled away giggling. "Aw, I'd love to honey, but let's get to the room first."
He groaned softly and released her, but only slightly. "Fine."
The desk clerk returned, offering another practiced smile. "It's room 1411. Our bellboy will take your luggage."
They turned to find an even younger boy behind them, dressed in a crimson uniform, their bags already in hand. "Right this way," he flashed them a shy smile and walked toward the elevators.
Following behind him, Haley raised an impressed brow. "Wow, I could get used to this."
He just laughed and pulled her closer, making it more difficult for them to walk. But they somehow managed to sidle up just behind the bellboy. She giggled as he nuzzled her neck. The bellboy shifted uncomfortably. He hated this part of the job. Seeing all the happy couples. He knew they were wishing he wasn't there.
Nathan and Haley didn't even notice him as they stepped together into the elevator. The bellboy cleared his throat. "Excuse me, what floor?"
Haley smiled at him. "Fourteen."
He pressed the button and they all silently waited as they rose higher and higher above the ground. Glancing down, Haley saw all the people checking in below and smiled. This place was really nice. There was a soft ding as the elevator doors slid open noiselessly. The young bellboy walked briskly toward their room. They followed at a more leisurely pace, too wrapped up in each other to admire their surroundings.
Whipping out his key, Nathan unlocked the door and he and Haley moved into the room. Haley looked around the room and whistled. He just smiled, watching her. The younger man brought their bags in. Nathan pulled out his wallet and tipped him generously. He and Haley let out a collective breath of relief as he whisked out the door.
In two quick strides, he was at her side and in one swift motion, he brought her up against him. "So, is this why you brought me here, Mr. Scott?" she teased.
He smiled, "Maybe."
She rolled her eyes playfully. "Charming."
"I know, right?" his voice was soft as he moved closer, kissing her passionately.
They deepened it together as he blindly led them back to the bedroom. She pulled away and spoke breathlessly. "I've missed you."
He smiled down at her. "I missed you too, baby."
Their lips fused together again as he lifted her easily and tossed her onto the bed. He followed her down, landing softly on top of her. She giggled, wrapping her arms around his neck. He looked down at her and smiled. She looked happy. And that was all he wanted to do. Make her happy.
He kissed her again. "I'll never let you go, Haley. I promise."
Tears came to her eyes. "I'm not going anywhere."
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Warm October nights
You came and cuddled next to me baby
Nathan and Haley lay in bed two hours later spent, but happy. They cuddled close to each other. She smiled at him and he smiled at her. "I love you," she whispered sweetly, reaching up to give him a soft kiss.
"I love you too." He wrapped his arms more tightly around her.
Nathan knew he and Haley would always be attracted physically; that was something they couldn't control. But they connected on a deeper level than that.
Our noses brushed so close
I wished it was our souls
They knew everything about each other. They could both sense what the other was feeling, they could each feel the other's presence when they entered a room. Sometimes, it was eery just how connected they were.
Then, there were those other times where they seemed so distant. Sometimes, the only thing that kept them from leaving each other was their love. If nothing else, they would always love each other. Their relationship wasn't always perfect, but they never stopped loving.
Nathan watched Haley as she fell asleep. Even then, she was beautiful. He could hear her slow, even breaths. He knew she was the one. Since that fateful day at 13 years old when she told him her family was leaving, he had known she was the only one for him. To this day, it still amazed him that someone so incredible saw something in him.
Drifting off to sleep
I could hear the little snores you made
Watching eyes shut tight
Like doors to something sweeter where you rest
He just wanted to stay here with her forever. Here, where they were safe. And happy. He smiled at the thought. He was happy too. Knowing that soon, everything that had distanced them would end and there would be nothing to keep them apart anymore.
Tear me off a piece of blanket
Keep me warm and we can make it
Here's my heart, I'll let you break it
Touched your skin and I can't take it
He glanced at the clock. It was almost five in the morning. He knew he should get some rest; it was the first time in awhile he felt like he could.
He didn't want to sleep though. He just wanted to watch her sleep. He wanted to watch her dream.
Light will creep in soon
And I still haven't slept a wink baby
I wish the sun would hide its head
So I could watch you dream some more
He reached a hand up and gently brushed a stray piece of hair away from her face. He kissed her smooth, creamy cheek and his hand latched back onto her waist. She shifted closer in his embrace in her sleep. He smiled and held her tighter. He gazed at her closed eyelids, wondering what she was dreaming about; wondering if it was him.
Wish the sun would hide its head
So I could watch you dream some more
He thought about all they'd been through; about all the dreams he'd had for them. Nothing had turned out quite like he'd planned, but the important parts had. They were together for better or worse. He knew he couldn't let anyone take her from him again.
I wanna watch you dream some more
I wanna watch you dream some more
He wondered what the others were doing now. If they were living out their dreams. He looked down at Haley and smiled. She was his dream.
I wanna watch you dream some more
I wanna watch you dream some more girl
He loved to watch her. He watched her all the time. Sometimes discreetly, sometimes openly. She never seemed to mind. He had this theory that she actually liked the attention. Even as she slept, he couldn't take his eyes off her. She was still beautiful. After all she'd been through; all the years of regrets and bad decisions; none of it had detracted from her beauty.
I wanna watch you dream some more
I wanna watch you
I wanna watch you dream some more
He fought off sleep, refusing to close his eyes. He just wanted to watch her for awhile longer.
I wanna watch you dream some more girl
I wanna watch you dream some more
I wanna watch you
Finally, his eyes fluttered closed. They both slept with smiles on their faces.
Tear me off a piece of blanket
Keep me warm and we can make it
Here's my heart, I'll let you break it
Touched your skin
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It was noon later that day and the smiling couple was still smiling, blissfully asleep. Haley slowly awoke to find herself in Nathan's arms. She looked over to see him smiling and gently kissed him on the forehead. She considered waking him up, but he'd lost so much sleep lately. She knew it was better to let him sleep as long as he could.
Carefully extracting herself from his embrace, she crept to the bathroom, closing the door behind her, so the running water wouldn't wake him up.
Thirty minutes later, she'd showered and dressed. Face freshly washed and teeth brushed, she stepped back into their room, checking to see that Nathan was still asleep. Grabbing a pen and business card out of her purse, she scrawled a note for Nathan on the back of it and left it resting atop her pillow. She didn't want him to think she'd left when he woke up.
Blowing him a kiss, she tiptoed out of the room and to the front door. Opening it softly, she slipped out and closed it behind her. Breathing in deeply, she went to the elevators and hummed under her breath as they carried her to the bottom floor.
Stepping into the lobby, she smiled brightly at the desk clerk and the bellboy from last night and went out through the glass front doors.
She set out in search of the nearest grocery store.
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Not five minutes later, Nathan awoke with a start and reaching out, realized Haley was no longer in bed with him. Opening his eyes, he looked around, panicked. He didn't hear the shower running or anyone moving around in the kitchen.
Bolting up in bed, he noticed the small square of paper on the pillow. Picking it up, he blinked a few times to clear his vision before reading what was written. It was Haley's loopy handwriting.
Nathan,
Don't be alarmed sweetheart. I just went to go get some coffee and things to make breakfast. I know it's a little late, but I don't feel like lunch yet. I'll be back in a little while.
Love,
Haley
He breathed a sigh of relief and collapsed back against his pillow, laughing at his absurd conclusions. He'd immediately thought she left him. He cursed himself for not trusting her.
Padding into the bathroom, he took a shower and got cleaned up.
When he stepped out thirty minutes later, clothed and shaved, he heard singing coming from the kitchen. Smiling, he strode there quickly and stopped, leaning against the doorframe to watch Haley putter around, making breakfast, singing some song he didn't recognize. She'd always had a beautiful voice.
Making his way to her slowly, he wrapped her in his arms from behind and, pushing her long hair aside, kissed her neck. She sighed, relaxing back against him. "Making me breakfast?" he asked.
She turned and her arms settled around his middle. "Maybe."
He smiled and kissed her. She pushed up and moved her arms to his neck. Her tongue slid into his mouth, stroking his own. Lifting her up, he set her on the counter, stepping between her legs. She brought him closer.
He rubbed her back as his mouth massaged her own. They pulled apart breathlessly. "Morning," he whispered.
She kissed him again.
Nathan's eyes closed as his head rested on her shoulder. "So, when are we going to visit him? Do you wanna get it over with and go right after breakfast?"
Haley's smile faded. She used her small hands to lift his chin up so she could look into his eyes. "Nathan, let's just enjoy ourselves for the next day or two, OK?"
"But..."
She cut him off. "But nothing. Nathan, neither one of us are ready for this yet. Let's just have some fun for a few days and we can go when the time is right."
He nodded, smirking. "So, you wanna have some fun with me, huh?"
She laughed. "Whatever you need to believe."
He began tickling her. She giggled uncontrollably. "Nathan, stop! St-st-stooop!" she squealed.
Wiggling out of his grasp, she ran from him, laughing. Breakfast was forgotten as the two lovers had some fun.
Well, well, well, what will happen next? Will they stick to their plan and avoid it for a few days?
Spoilers:
Jack gets worse...
...but will he die?
Review and just maybe, I'll update and tell you tonight.
Actually, I have aPROPOSITION to make: anyone who can give me a reason why Jack should die AND a reason why he shouldn't, will get a sneak peek at another story I've started, but haven't posted yet... So, give me some reasons to help me with my choice and your email and I'll send you the first few parts. Sound fair:) Hope so.