What Happens Next

Chapter 2

Author's Notes: First I have to say thank you SOOOOO much for all of the review! It feels really great to be writing again.

Next I have to apologize for any confusion caused by my first chapter. This is FanFiction. It has nothing to do with what's happening on the actual show. I don't own any rights to One Tree Hill, or it's characters. It's all wishful thinking. So, with that, onto Chapter 2.

Lucas stood silently at the top of the steps, watching her, before announcing himself, "So, he was right."

A startled Haley turned to face the man who had once been her best friend, "Hi." She turned her head back towards to river, unsure of what to say.

Lucas knew he should call Nathan, but he couldn't, not just yet. "He said you were back, but I didn't believe him."

Haley remained silent.

"Why didn't you stop to see me? I understand that he's your husband, but I'm your best friend. I missed you too."

When Haley continued her silence Lucas walked towards her, "Haley, please look at me."

She turned, and Lucas saw the tears in her eyes at the same time he noticed the baby in her arms. Embracing her lightly he whispered, "It's okay Hales, I'm here."

"He hates me," she whispered before pulling away from Lucas, "And I couldn't take seeing the same look in your eyes too."

"Nathan doesn't hate you, he loves you too much. But he's hurt, and confused. I could never hate you either. I was just disappointed about how we left things."

"I'm sorry."

"I know you are." Looking at the precious little girl sleeping in her arms, "What happened Haley?"

"I found out after I left that I was pregnant. I tried to tell Nathan, but every time I called, he would pick a fight."

"What about when he came to see you?"

"He got pissed because wasn't wearing my ring. But he didn't stick around long enough for me to tell him I was five months pregnant and it didn't fit anymore."

"Wow."

"Yeah. And when you called after the accident, I left the tour to come home. I knew it was where I was supposed to be. But Nathan called and told me not to come back. I still left the tour though, not wanting to raise my baby on the road."

"Nathan regrets telling you that. He wishes everyday that you were here, with him. In fact, had it not been for the tone in his voice, I wouldn't have believed you were here." Haley raised an eyebrow at him and he continued, "I actually accused him of being drunk. This is the fifth time since the accident that he called, claiming to have seen you."

Haley grimaced, "About that, he probably wasn't lying the other times either, well, not one of them anyway."

"What are you talking about Hales?"

""I've been back twice before now. Once while he was in the hospital. I stopped by the apartment and grabbed a few things."

"I do remember him saying it smelled like you, that you had been there."

"Yeah, and then about six months ago, just after Natalie was born. I was going to leave her on your mom's doorstep. I was struggling, all alone, and I knew she would do the right thing, telling Nathan when she knew he was ready. But I saw him at the river court and couldn't do it. And I didn't want to burden your mom. Then I looked in the backseat, realizing I couldn't abandon my own daughter."

"Why now?"

"Because I can't do it on my own. There aren't good jobs out there for single moms with nothing more than a GED. I was going to leave her again, this time with Nathan. But I weakened when he stepped out to get the mail just as I got there, and I stayed. Wish I would've stuck with the plan."

Lucas couldn't believe that Haley actually would've been able to leave her daughter. Pulling back the blanket slightly to look at the sleeping baby he smiled, "So this is my niece?"

"Yes. Lucas Scott, meet Natalie Scott," Haley maneuvered her daughter to face him.

Natalie's eyes popped open, just as Lucas was reaching to brush her cheek, "Wow. She looks just like him, well, except for that cute little nose. That's definitely her mommy's nose. And those eyes."

"You're telling me. I've seen that cute little face everyday for the last 7 months."

"Can I hold her?" Lucas carefully reached for the child who smiled and squiggled desperate to greet this new person. "Is she always this happy and friendly?"

"One of the many traits she got from Nathan. She's a huge flirt."

Lucas laughed, thinking about how those traits no longer described his brother. "Hi cutie pie, I'm your Uncle Lucas." he spoke next to Haley as he continued to play with Natalie, "He wants you to come home. You know that right?"

"Does he?"

"He's missed you everyday for the last 13 months."

"I can't Lucas."

"Why not?"

"I can't handle his accusations."

"Haley…"

"No Lucas. Don't make excuses for him. I know I hurt him. But I didn't mean to. He's the only man I ever loved, the only one I've ever slept with," she pause briefly, "He spent two hours with Natalie while I slept, yet he still had the audacity to say she was Chris' baby. How could he? You said it yourself, she looks just like Nathan. How could he not see that?"

"I don't think he wanted to get his hopes up. He knows he screwed up Haley. Why do you think I actually came looking for you after his phone call? He was frantic Haley. He said he couldn't lose you again."

"But I want what's best for my, our, daughter."

"You'd be giving her what no Scott child has ever had - a loving home, with a mom and a dad who love her very much."

"But she doesn't deserve to be a pawn in arguments."

"That'll change Hales. I promise. Go talk to him."

"But.."

"Just do it. I'll watch precious little Natalie."

"Lucas…"

"Go."