What Happens Next
Chapter 3
Haley was outside of Nathan's apartment for the second time that day, trying to get her thoughts in order. But this time she was sitting against the door, waiting for him to return. She still had her key, but after so long, she didn't feel right using it.
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Nathan walked across the parking lot, kicking at random stones. He'd looked everywhere he though Haley might go, but with no success. Trudging up the stairs he stopped at the top when he saw a pair of shoes. Looking up he whispered, "Haley," when he saw her sitting in front of the door. "You're back."
Haley stood, "Yeah. I think we should talk."
"I'd like that," he opened the door and ushered her in, "ladies first."
Once inside, Haley stood nervously by the breakfast bar.
"You can sit down," Nathan motioned towards the sofa.
"Thanks," she sat down and curled her feet under her. "Hey, you still have the blanket."
Nathan sat at the opposite end of the couch, "Of course I do. It smells, or rather smelled, like you."
"That's sweet," she smiled, "I sleep in your favorite Duke sweatshirt for the same reason."
"You have that?" Nathan laughed, "I've been looking for it everywhere."
"Sorry. I took it when I left, I needed something. You said we were through."
"It's okay," Nathan avoided the subject of his mistake of saying they were over, "I figured ytour sister took it."
"Taylor stole from us? Why am I not surprised?"
"Maybe not."
"What does that mean? What else is missing?"
"A couple of my CDs, a pair of my basketball sweats, and the blanket Whitey gave us."
"What did you need the blanket for?" Haley asked curiously.
"I was watching Jenny one afternoon, and thought she could use it more. But it was gone," he paused, "Wait, that's why I recognized Natalie's blanket earlier. Wait, where is Natalie?" Nathan asked, realizing for the first time that she wasn't there.
"She's with Lucas," Haley looked at him sheepishly, "I came and got the blanket a couple months before she was born."
Nathan made a mental note to give Lucas a piece of his mind later for not calling after he found Haley. "You were here, and didn't stick around to talk to me, to tell me you were pregnant?"
"Don't be mad," Haley pleased, "I came while you were in the hospital, I knew you wouldn't be here. But in my defense, it was a mere three hours after you told me that you didn't want me to come home." She looked away, "What was I supposed to do Nathan? Sit and wait for you to come home then say, 'Surprise! I came back anyway and I'm six months pregnant with your baby.' Yeah right."
"I would've welcomed you back," Nathan scooted closer to her and reached for her hand, "I've regretted those words everyday since."
"But I couldn't know that Nathan. You told me we were through…"
"Yeah, after you said you were leaving on tour with Chris Keller. You didn't even offer for me to come with you or anything."
"You needed to stay in school."
"I know, but that doesn't mean I wasn't hurt by you not offering. What was I supposed to think?"
"If it makes you feel any better, I've regretted my decision everyday. My music meant nothing without you. But that doesn't change what happened Nathan. You picked fights over the phone, you left Texas without letting me explain, and when I said I was coming home to be with you, you said you didn't want me to. None of those things had me believing that staying would fix anything."
"But we love each other, well, I know I love you anyway. We could've made things work."
"I love you too Nathan, that's never changed."
"Then that's all that matters. We can work this out now that you're here."
"I don't know Nathan. I'm think I made a mistake coming back."
"You don't mean that."
"Don't I? A lot has changed, we're not the same people now."
"Sure we are." Nathan looked at her, "Let me refresh your memory. I'm Nathan Scott, and you're Haley Scott. Yep, same people."
"Cut it out Nathan," Haley tried hard to remain serious, smiling only on the inside, "You're a senior in high school, preparing for graduation, and for college. Your biggest concern is which party to attend this weekend. I, on the other hand, am a high school drop-out statistic, raising my daughter alone. My biggest concern is how I'm going to feed my baby, while keeping a roof over our heads. Our lives are on totally different paths now."
"You know nothing about my life Haley," Nathan said with more anger than he'd intended, "I'm not going to college. I don't have the grades. I haven't been able to focus on anything but the fact that I screwed up my marriage. I spend every weekend wondering where my wife is, and if I'll ever see her again." He looked at Haley and could see she was fighting off tears, "Our lives don't have to be going down different paths Hales. You don't have to do this raising a baby thing alone. I'm here for you, and I would've been there in the beginning, had I known."
"Nathan…"
"I would've been."
"I know that now."
"So you'll stay?"
"I don't know Nathan. I don't think it's a good idea. I still have my apartment. I'll just go home."
"This is your home Haley. I've managed to pay for this apartment on my own for a year now…"
"I know, and I'm proud of you, but…"
"No buts. We're still married, and now we have a daughter. You and Natalie will come live here, with me. I can't stand the thought of losing you again. And I want to get to know my daughter and be a part of her life. I'm sure Karen and my mom will hire you back at the café. And you can go to school start college now."
"Slow down Nathan. I don't think us living together is a good idea."
"Why not? I want you to live with me. I need you back Haley."
"I need you too Nathan, and want to live with you, I've missed that. But I think we need to take a step back, try to figure out what happened to us."
"So you'll stay?"
"In Tree Hill, yes. I'll find an apartment, maybe one near the café so that I can walk to work."
"You said it yourself, you can't afford to live on your own. Let me make a call."