Why Did You Lie? (Chapter Six)

Haley opened the door to her room and closed it part way. Taylor was in her room sitting on the bed that her guitar was on. She smirked at Haley. "Where have you been, Hay?" Taylor asked. Haley smirked.

"Visiting old friends," Haley replied cryptically. Taylor nodded.

"Ok. I was getting worried about you. I know you like to take little trips around the halls, but even for you, you were gone a long time," Taylor commented. Haley sighed. Taylor came over to fold up the wheelchair after Haley got into bed. Haley got under the covers and pushed the button on her bed. The top of the bed rose so Haley was sitting up.

"You look tired," Taylor said.

"I am tired," Haley confirmed. The door opening and hitting the wall with a thundering crash interrupted their conversation. Haley looked up and to the left and sighed when she saw Nathan walk in. His arms were folded and he looked at her accusingly.

"You lied to me," he said. Haley swallowed hard. Taylor left the room, looking at Haley pitifully. Nathan glared at her. "You looked me straight in the eyes and told me that your family knew about your illness," he said.

"You've got to be kidding me," Haley said, struggling to get comfortable again. "You came here to badger me?" she asked.

"No, I came to try to understand why you didn't tell your own parents that you're sick. I mean, if it were my kid that was sick, I'd want to know about it," he said. Haley started to answer, but Nathan interrupted her. "And you told Taylor, but not your other brothers or sisters," he said.

"I told Taylor because when they were telling me that I would be admitted to the hospital for a few days every month to receive treatment, they showed me a list of hospitals in New York that provided treatment for me and I didn't know that Taylor worked at this one then. I chose it because it's close to where I live. I ran into Taylor the first time I was here and I had no choice but to tell her why I was here," she said.

"And she didn't tell the rest of your family? I'm surprised. She has a big mouth," Nathan said, smirking. Haley shook her head.

"She didn't tell them because I told her not to," Haley said.

"So, if it were up to you, you never would've told anyone that you were sick. Is that what you're saying?" Nathan asked.

"I don't see why you're making such a big deal out of this," Haley said.

"Haley, people care about you, you know?" he asked. Haley nodded.

"What's your point?" she asked.

"People who care about you would want to know that you're sick, especially those closest to you. Your parents would want to know and so would the rest of your family as well as your friends. They'd want to be there for you in any way they could. Take you to your appointments, visit you in the hospital, be there for you if you needed support, etc.," he said.

"Well, too bad," Haley said. Nathan looked at her in shock.

"What do you mean 'too bad'?" Nathan asked. Haley rolled her eyes.

"Why are you bothering me about this, Nathan?" she asked.

"I'm trying to understand why you don't want anyone to know so they can be there for you," Nathan said.

"Has it ever occurred to you that maybe I don't want people to be there for me?" Haley asked.

"I don't believe that," he said.

"Well, it doesn't really matter what you believe, because this is not your decision. And it certainly isn't any of your business either," Haley said angrily. Nathan sighed and put his hands up in frustration.

"Fine. I'll leave then," he said. Haley nodded.

"That's a good idea. And, please, don't come back," Haley called after his retreating form. Then, she sighed in frustration and went back to bed.