Brooke woke up the next morning to the smell of bacon wafting up the stairs. She was thankful to be rid of her morning sickness otherwise that slight smell would have sent her flying into the bathroom. Throwing back the covers she carefully got out of the bed and made her way out of the bedroom and walked past the nursery to find Nathan in there getting the boys dressed and ready for the day.
"My favorite three men," Brooke gushed as she leaned against the door frame.
"Morning baby," Nathan replied as he turned around holding a freshly changed Jamie in his arms while Nate was sitting up in his crib reaching out for Nathan to pick him up.
"So if you're in here, you didn't make breakfast."
"No, I haven't made it downstairs yet this morning. I came in here first. Honestly I didn't even smell anything coming from the kitchen when I woke up."
"Oh well you must have been in here for a while then."
"Ya I was sitting in the chair talking to the boys. Telling them about basketball and how I'll love them no matter what sport they choose to play or not play. I don't want to be another Dan Scott. If things don't go the way they're supposed to for me with basketball I'm not going to push my sons into playing so I can live through them and make them believe that basketball is the only thing life has to offer them. I wouldn't care if they decided to join the chess club or something. As long as they find something that they love doing, I'm behind them all the way."
"Nathan I'm glad you feel that way but don't you think they should learn to walk and talk first?" Brooke couldn't help but smile at Nathan. It was moments like these that they had with their sons that made her heart flip over and her stomach got butterflies all over again.
"I know I just want to make sure they know that I'm always gonna support them. Life doesn't have to be about being a star basketball player for them just because Dan made me think that was all I had going for me in life. Obviously I'm not gonna tell them not to play basketball either. That would just be strange and I don't want them to think I don't want them to play just because I do."
"Sweetie, Jamie and Nate are gonna do what they're gonna do with their lives. I wouldn't be surprised if they both play some kind of sport. I mean with your basketball talent and my talent as a former cheerleader they've definitely got athletics in their blood. That doesn't have to mean anything but it might. Maybe not for Jamie and Nate but maybe down the road with other children, it may happen with the girls. For now, let's take it one day at a time. That's really all we can do. Now I don't know about you, but I'm starving so I'm gonna head downstairs and see what's for breakfast."
"I'll join you in a few minutes. I still have to get Nate dressed. Do you wanna take Jamie down with you?"
"Of course. Let me see my handsome little boy."
Nathan couldn't help but laugh as he placed Jamie in Brooke's waiting arms. He kissed her sweetly and she returned the kiss before turning around to leave her husband in the nursery to dress their younger son. As she went down the stairs Brooke could hear Peyton mumbling to herself but not clear enough to hear exactly what she was saying. Carefully she stepped into the kitchen so she didn't startle Peyton. She must have done a good job of being careful because Peyton didn't realize Brooke had come into the room until she heard the click of the high chair as Brooke placed Jamie in his chair before she went to get his breakfast ready.
"Geez Brooke! You scared me," Peyton said as she put a hand over her heart.
"Sorry Peyton. Whatcha making?" Brooke replied as she sat at the table and pulled Jamie's high chair closer to her.
"Oh you know. Bacon, eggs, green peppers, onions; the works."
"Wow. Are you trying to kill me?"
"Nope."
"Listen about last night."
"Brooke, don't go there. Please. I'm not in the mood. After we fought Jaime called and I yelled at him too. So I'm really not in the mood for it right now."
"I just wanted to say I'm sorry. I'm gonna stop prying. It's not up to me to make you talk about whatever is going on. And what the hell did you just say? Jaime called last night? Why didn't you come talk to me?"
"Short memory Brooke? Right before he called you stormed up the stairs because you and I had just been fighting. Did you really think I was gonna run to you and tell you that Jaime called and I was upset about that too? You're not stupid enough to think like that."
"No but I guess I am stupid enough to believe my best friend would want me to know what's going on in her life but I guess I was wrong about that too. Enjoy your breakfast."
Brooke was about to leave when she remembered that she had to finish feeding Jamie. Sighing she sat back down and continued to feed Jamie while trying to ignore Peyton. A few minutes later Nathan walked into the room carrying Nate and he cringed. The tension was so thick Nathan was pretty sure if he had to, he could have cut it with a knife.
"What the heck did I just walk into?" he asked hesitantly.
"Nothing," Brooke answered quickly.
"Peyton?" Nathan tried again hoping to get a better response.
"I'm not the one who's pissed this time so don't look at me," Peyton replied.
"Why can't you two just get along? I can't even leave you in a room by yourselves for 10 minutes without some kind of fight breaking out. This isn't high school anymore you two, grow up already."
Nathan didn't bother waiting for Brooke or Peyton to say anything before he grabbed a bowl for Nate's cereal and left to go feed him in the living room. Sooner or later they would have to talk and Nathan really wish it was right now but judging by the silence that still engulfed the kitchen as he sat in the living room feeding Nate, he knew that was gonna happen.
"I hope you don't have to go through anything like this when you're older Nate. It's a pain and hard to cope with. Sometimes I feel like I can't say anything without Mommy getting mad at me or Mommy and Auntie Peyton getting into an argument. It seems like Peyton doesn't understand how much Mommy and I care about her and don't want to see her and Joaquin getting hurt. But at the same time I don't think Mommy realizes she might be pushing too hard. Auntie Peyton has to want to open up and she doesn't but Mommy's not always patient. When she wants something she wants it now and that's what's going on with the situation."
Nathan wasn't aware of it but Brooke and Peyton were both listening to him as he talked to his 8 month old son.
"Peyton," Brooke said cautiously.
"Brooke I'm still not ready. I said more than I wanted to last night," Peyton replied.
"Please, don't shut me out. I can't take it anymore. I realize I was the one who ended our friendship but I was also the one that re-established it because no matter what you're always gonna be a part of my life. Peyton I don't want to fight with you right now. I just want to get this out. Nathan's right, I am stubborn and I probably am pushing too far but that's just how much I love you and how much it's breaking my heart that you went through what you've gone through. You and Joaquin. I don't want you to tell me just to say you told me. If you're gonna tell me, I want it to be because that's what you wanted. Maybe I was wrong to call Luke and ask him to help but I can't help it. I don't like the way I've seen you act lately or the look in your eyes. Peyton they don't hold the same spark that they used to. It's gone, and I miss it and I would love to see it come back. Promise me that you won't go back to him. Please. The idea of losing you when I just got you back again breaks my heart."
"Brooke you shouldn't have to ask me to promise that. You should know that I won't. I couldn't go back to him if I wanted to anyway. I don't know where he is. I told you that when I got here but I guess after all this time you didn't remember. Which doesn't even matter. You're not gonna lose me. I want always be here in New Jersey with you but you're not gonna lose me. I promise, when I'm ready, I will talk to you and I will tell you everything that happened and why I'm not going back to Jaime. But right now I can't do it. And I need you to respect that more than anything I've ever needed you to do for me before. Please Brooke. Just let me be until I'm ready. I know it's not easy on you being pregnant and worrying about what's going on with me so I can only imagine how much worse it's making you feel trying to talk to me only to end up fighting. And by the way, I heard you last night when you said I don't trust you. That's not true. If anyone shouldn't be trusted it should be me but let's not get into that. I love you for wanting to help so bad but right now I'm not ready for that help."
"You'll let me know when you are?"
"Of course."
"Promise?"
"I promise, you'll be the first one to know when I'm ready. For now can we just put it behind us and not fight?"
"I think we can manage that. And I'm pretty sure the girls would appreciate a little break from the fighting too."
Peyton couldn't help but smile. She had no doubt that was true. It made both girls feel good to know that there wasn't gonna be anymore fighting. Peyton would tell Brooke when she was ready and Brooke would wait as patiently as she could for Peyton to tell her. Even if it meant biting her tongue on different occasions to keep from pushing Peyton into talking. They both knew it wasn't gonna be easy but they agreed and that was all that mattered.
"Hey can I borrow my wife?" Nathan asked as he popped his head in the kitchen.
"You don't need my permission," Peyton laughed.
"I'll remember that."
"What's up honey?" Brooke asked curiously.
"Is everything ok with you two? I heard you talking but I wasn't sure if that was a good thing or not?"
"Everything is ok or at least as okay as it can be. She's gonna tell me when she's ready and I'm not gonna push her into it. There's no way that any of this stress is good for the girls and I don't wanna do anything to hurt them."
"I'm glad you said that because I don't want anything happening to any of my girls."
Nathan leaned in and kissed Brooke who smiled into Nathan's lips before she kissed him back.
"I love you," Brooke said softly.
"I love you too," Nathan replied.
He was so relieved that Brooke and Peyton had worked out some kind of understanding. But he was still bothered by the situation with Joaquin. He made a mental note to try and talk to Peyton about that later and if she didn't want to, he would follow suit and wait for her to open up. The only thing he could was hope it didn't take a really long time because the longer it took the harder it was going to be. That much Nathan was sure of and that didn't sound good to him either.
"All right I just wanted to see how things were with you girls. I have to go over to the arena today. We have team meetings and practice and stuff all day long. Try not to miss me while I'm gone," Nathan said a few minutes later.
"Don't worry I won't miss you at all," Brooke laughed.
"You're a bad liar."
"I know. Have a good day sweetie and please be careful."
"I will. I'll bring Chinese home for dinner?"
"Sounds good to me. I love you."
"I love you too."
Nathan kissed Brooke's lips before grabbing his keys and heading out the door. Brooke stood in the same spot for a minute before going back into the kitchen.
"Hey where's Nate?" Peyton asked when Brooke walked back in the room alone.
"He's got practice and meetings today. He's gonna bring Chinese home for dinner," Brooke replied.
"Oh I don't know if I'll be here for dinner."
"What? Why not?"
"Well my dad wants to see Joaquin and I told him that I wanted to see him too. We might fly down to Tree Hill this afternoon."
"Oh that's fine. I totally understand. Don't forget to give him a hug from his other daughter."
"I wouldn't dream of it. In fact I think he'd be crushed if I didn't give him a hug and say it was from you."
"Of course he would. Now, since you just dropped this bombshell on me what do you say we call Haley and take the kids to the zoo or something?"
"Brooke Scott at the zoo with seven kids all under the age of 10? I wouldn't miss that for the world."
"Oh shut up. I love Jenny, Bella, Colin, Luke and Joaquin but not nearly as much as I love Jamie and Nate and the nameless wonders."
"Speaking of the "nameless wonders" what are you thinking about naming them?"
"Bridget Ashlee and Haley Elizabeth."
"What does Nathan think of those names?"
"Well we had agreed on Bridget Ashlee for a girl the first time so unless he's changed his mind since then I'm sure he'll still agree to it. But Haley Elizabeth is a new idea so we'll have to wait and see what he thinks but I'm sure he'll love it. If now then I have a back up plan."
"Which is?"
"Meagan Riley."
"And what if he doesn't like that?"
"I know he will. That was his choice for a girl the first time. Hopefully he'll love Haley Elizabeth a little bit more so we can save it for another girl down the road some day."
"How many kids are you two planning to have?"
"Six or seven. Maybe even eight. Which we're already half way there. Or we will be in a few months. Either way we both agreed a big family is something we want especially after growing up as the only child. Well you know what I mean."
"I do."
"Okay I'm gonna go call Haley before we don't have enough time to take the kids to the zoo."
Peyton nodded as Brooke went off in search of the phone. About ten minutes later Peyton was helping Brooke get the kids in the backseat of her Scion. They were meeting Haley and the kids at the zoo in Hackensack. Brooke was glad that Haley had agreed to it. She missed her nieces and nephews and of course her best friend too. She was convinced it was going to be a great day for all of them. Even if Peyton and Joaquin were probably leaving for Tree Hill later on in the day. Right now that didn't matter to Brooke. She was just focusing on spending time with her kids and her best friends and their kids at the zoo.
"Mommy, are we gonna see tigers at the zoo?" Jenny asked excitedly from the backseat of the mini van.
"I hope so," Haley replied as she looked in her rearview mirror and smiled at Jenny.
"What about elephants Mommy?" Bella asked hopefully.
"I hope we see some elephants too. And remember if we see any leopards we have to take pictures for Colin."
"And if there are monkeys we have to take pictures for Luke," Jenny and Bella finished for Haley causing the three girls to giggle.
"Eopard!" Colin squealed.
"Mokey!" Luke squealed.
"You got it boys. We're gonna go to the zoo and look for leopards, monkeys, tigers, elephants and maybe we'll see some turtles too," Haley said as she kept driving toward the zoo.
More than anything Haley was looking forward to seeing Brooke. It had been a while since they had seen each other and she had been thrilled when Brooke called and asked if she wanted to go the zoo with her and Peyton and the kids.
"Mommy, are we there yet?" Jenny asked.
"Almost, Jen. Be patient baby," Haley replied.
"When's almost?"
"Jenny don't make Mommy crazy. I'll tell you when we're there. Okay?"
"Okay."
"Thank you."
Haley reached over and turned the radio on just loud enough so that the kids could hear but not too loud so she couldn't hear them or they couldn't hear her.
Meanwhile at the Continental Airlines Arena, the Nets were practicing real hard. They had to get ready for their upcoming playoff series against the Chicago Bulls. Nathan and Jake were excited to have the opportunity in their first year in the pros. They were in the middle of running a defensive drill when the coach blew his whistle signaling everyone to the bench.
"Okay gang. Nice work today. We're no where near done for the day but I wanted to let you know there's gonna be a slight change in the schedule today. After we're done in here I want you all to hit the weight room for an hour and then hit the showers for hours of meetings. Those will be followed by a break for lunch and then we're coming back in here to run some more defensive drills. Oh and one more thing, chapel starts in 15 minutes for those of you who are interested," the coach said.
He blew his whistle and the team dispersed and went about their business.
"Chapel, ya right," Nathan muttered to himself as he walked toward the weight room.
"Don't knock it til you try it man," Jake said as he pulled up next to his friend.
"He's got a point, Scott," Jefferson said as he walked in the opposite direction.
Nathan watched in silence as his teammate walked in the direction of "chapel". He wasn't sure what to make of it. He had always known there was something different about Richard Jefferson but he just thought it was because he was a nice guy who didn't like to cause any trouble. Maybe that wasn't it at all. Maybe there was something in his life that Nathan was lacking. Nathan shook his head as he kept on walking toward the weight room. There wasn't anything missing in his life. He had everything he could ever ask for. Didn't he? He had always thought so.
"Nate are you okay man?" Jake asked as the two began lifting weights.
"Ya, ya. I'm cool man," Nathan replied distractedly.
"Are you sure? You look, I dunno, confused or something?"
"Jake, I'm fine."
"Okay, sorry I asked."
The two set about their reps in silence. Jake wondering what was bugging Nathan; Nathan wondering what it was that he couldn't get out of his mind. The hour passed by quickly for Nathan who felt like because he was distracted got nothing done. He trudged over to the showers and let the ice cold water hit him and hopefully get rid of the weird feeling in his gut. I'll just talk to RJ later. Maybe he can help me figure this out. Whatever it is. Nathan thought to himself as he let the shower freshen him up.
"Hey, Jake! Listen, I'm sorry I was such an ass back there. I just got a lot of stuff on my mind right now," Nathan said as he spotted his friend walking toward the meeting room.
"No sweat dude. Just remember that stuff has to stay off the court when it's game time," Jake replied.
The two nodded and knocked fists as they walked into the room to begin their long morning of meetings and tape reviewing. This was probably the only thing about basketball Nathan wasn't crazy about. Sitting and analyzing tapes and situations and having to know what to expect at any given moment on the court no matter who his opponent was. Normally he could focus during the meetings but today Nathan seemed extremely distracted. It was really bothering him and even the coaching staff was noticing his dazed look.
"Scott, come here a sec," the coach said to him after they finished their first round of tapes.
"What's up coach?" Nathan asked curiously.
"I dunno, you tell me. You seem distracted today. Everything okay at home with Brooke and the kids?"
"Ya Brooke and the kids are great."
"But?"
"Brooke's friend is staying with us and something's going on with her and Brooke and I have been trying to get it out of her for a while now with no luck. I guess my head's just wrapped around that right now."
"Well get your head wrapped around the game tomorrow night. I need you to be there, not just physically but mentally as well."
"Okay, sure no problem."
"Good now you're sure that's it?"
"I'm sure." At least I think I'm sure, maybe there is something else. No there can't be. That's gotta be it. I'm just worried about Peyton and Joaquin. What else could it be? Nathan thought to himself as the coach walked away and they kept rolling with their meetings.
"Auntie Brooke this was a good idea!" Jenny squealed as she took another sip of the water she was sharing with Bella.
"I'm glad you're enjoying it Jenny. How about you Bella? Are you having fun?" Brooke asked her other niece.
"Lots of fun!" Bella shouted happily.
"Eopard! Eopard!" Colin shrieked trying to get everyone's attention.
"Not yet baby, soon though," Haley said to her son.
"Mommy you keep saying that but we haven't seen any yet. Are you sure they have leopards?" Bella asked.
"It says there's a leopard exhibit in here. I just hope that they're out so Colin can see them."
"Mama, I see snakes!" Joaquin yelled.
"In a little bit pal. Auntie Brooke and Auntie Haley don't like them. So it's just gonna be us in there ok?" Peyton explained to her son.
"Okay."
Peyton wasn't crazy about snakes either but she knew how much her son liked them so she wasn't gonna deny him the chance to see them.
"Auntie Brooke what do you like?" Jenny asked.
"I like sea otters and polar bears. They're cute. Like you," Brooke replied.
"Ok! We have to find them too! Maybe they're near the turtles. What do you think Mommy?"
"I think that's a possibility. We can check it out," Haley laughed.
Two hours went by and they had seen all the animals they had hoped to and more. Luke, Colin, Jamie and Nate were all sound asleep in their strollers and Joaquin was asleep in Peyton's arms. Jenny and Bella were starting to drag their feet a little bit but refused to give in saying they weren't tired and didn't want to leave the zoo yet.
"Mommy can't we go see the tigers again?" Bella asked for the tenth time.
"No baby. They're taking a nap now," Haley said.
"Tigers don't take naps Mom."
"Yes they do. Come on, let's go. We can come back and see the tigers another day."
"I don't wanna go either Mommy!" Jenny whined.
"Girls, it's really time for us to go. Auntie Peyton and Joaquin have to get ready to go see Auntie Peyton's dad in Tree Hill. And I have to take them to the airport. I promise we can do this again. Maybe next time you'll have two more cousins to show all the different animals. Jamie and Nate seemed to enjoy it," Brooke explained to her nieces. She had to admit she was getting tired and the heat was starting to bother her. Taking off sounded pretty good to her right then even if her 6 year old nieces weren't in agreement.
Reluctantly, Bella and Jenny agreed that they were ready to leave. But they made Haley and Brooke promise to bring them back to the zoo soon. Of course they said they would and maybe they would even get Nathan, Jake and Lucas to come along too. Both girls really seemed to like that idea so it made leaving a little bit easier.
Nathan was eating a sandwich during their lunch break when Richard walked over to him.
"Hey man are you ok?" Richard asked.
"Ya, ya. Everything's cool," Nathan replied even though he knew that wasn't true.
"Are you sure? You look a little bit off today."
"I'm good, thanks."
"Well if you change your mind or just wanna talk or something, I'm always around."
"Thanks man. I appreciate it."
"No problem."
Richard walked away leaving Nathan more confused about what it was that he didn't have in his life that Richard apparently seemed to possess. And there had been his chance to find out and he blew it. You should have asked him Nate. He still couldn't shake it. Something was different about RJ and Nathan wanted to know what it was. Maybe it was because he went to chapel. No, that couldn't be it? What was so great about chapel anyway? Why would that make someone different from Nathan just because he didn't go to chapel or understand what it was for. Did that make him a bad guy? Nobody was gonna judge Nathan because he didn't go to chapel or not, at least he didn't think so. And he definitely didn't want them to.
He had just finished his sandwich when the coach told the team to head back out to the gym for more drills. Glad for the change Nathan tossed his plate in the trash and went to the gym. Maybe getting back into the physical aspect of the day would help Nathan shake the thoughts out of his head.
Three, maybe four hours later, Nathan was taking another shower as he prepared to go home for the night. He was grateful that he had been able to keep his focus better on the basketball court during the set of drills and then the short scrimmage they had just finished. All that was on his mind now was getting dinner and going home to see his wife and their sons. Just as he was about to head out the door he felt a hand on his shoulder.
"Have a good night man, get some rest," RJ said as Nathan turned to him and nodded.
"You too RJ. See you later," Nathan replied.
With that Nathan grabbed his gear and made his way out to his truck. He remembered his promise to bring home Chinese for dinner so his first stop was a Chinese place that he saw half way between E. Rutherford and Hackensack. About a half hour later he was pulling into the driveway of their house in Hackensack with the food.
"Brooke! I'm home and I brought Chinese as promised!" Nathan called as he opened the front door.
"Nathan! How was your day sweetheart?" Brooke greeted him happily.
"Long. Tiring. I'm just glad to be here with you and the boys now."
"Aww that's sweet."
Nathan smiled as they kissed. He broke apart and walked into the kitchen with the food so he could dish them their plates.
"Hey where's Peyton?" he asked a minute later.
"Tree Hill. She went to see her dad," Brooke replied.
"Cool. What did you do today?"
"Took the kids to the zoo with Peyton and Haley before Peyton left. They had a great time."
"That's good I'm glad. And how are my girls today?"
"Very active."
Nathan laughed.
"You know, we need to work on names."
"I know."
"And you know what you want to name them don't you?"
"Of course I do."
"All right, let's have it."
"Bridget Ashlee and Haley Elizabeth."
"Haley Elizabeth huh?"
"What you don't like it?"
"No I do I guess I'm just surprised is all."
"How come?"
"Well with all the stuff you've gone through with Haley and Peyton I guess I didn't expect to hear you say you wanted to name a daughter after them. But you know what? I love the idea so let's do it."
"YES!" Brooke smiled widely as she leaned across the table and grabbed Nathan's free hand with hers. He looked up at her and squeezed her hand that was now in his.
"So it's settled. Bridget Ashlee and Haley Elizabeth."
"Perfect."
"Absolutely."
They continued to eat their dinner in silence. Nathan was glad to see his wife looking happy and radiant. Maybe having Peyton in Tree Hill for a while would be good for both of them. At least it would make getting into an argument tougher and Nathan was perfectly fine with that. He thought about telling Brooke about his talk with Jake and then with RJ but decided against it because he was still confused about the whole thing himself.