A.N I know I kind of promised to try and write a new chapter of The More Things Change... this week but well the ideas for this one were just flowing and before I knew it the chapter was finished. You'll find this one is a bit different to the ones that have come previously but I just want to warn you in advance that this story is a long way from over. I hope you enjoy the latest chapter.
A Time Best Forgotten
Part One
From the Mouths of Babes.
"What do you want Taylor?" Nathan said warily as he opened his front door to find his nephew's mother standing on his doorstep.
"Now Nate is that any way to greet your sister in law?" she chirped cheerfully at him.
"Ex-sister in law," he corrected her "Thankfully you and Lucas never actually continued your farce of a relationship that far," he said turning away and picking up his coffee to sip at it and therefore failing to notice the way her face fell for a moment at his words.
"Yes well you and I may not be related anymore but I'm still the mother of your nephew and he's the reason I'm here."
Nathan's interest perked at the mention of his nephew. "Where is my number one shooting partner?" he asked looking past Taylor to her car as if he expected to see Zach locked in the vehicle.
"Well obviously he's not here," she sniped at him. "God Nate give me some credit for having some sort of maternal instincts."
This time Nathan noticed the anguish in her voice and hastened to reassure her. "I'm sorry Taylor I know you're a great mom to Zach. He's lucky to have you."
"Yeah I know," she said with a chuckle, "I just wanted to hear you admit it."
He groaned, "I should have known you were just fishing for compliments. So what do you want Taylor I'm assuming there was actually a reason for you to be coming here?"
"Well of course Nathan," she said her amusement still evident in her tone. "Well this is kind of embarrassing. I'm not really sure how I should say it."
"Come off it Tay, you've never had a shy moment in your life. Just spit it out why don't you."
"Ok," she said sighing as she seemingly searched for the right words. "Well you know I'm a single mom. I mean I can't even remember the last time I had a date. I thought maybe you could help me relieve some of my frustrations." Nathan almost choked on his coffee at her words.
She laughed again clearly enjoying teasing him. "Calm down Nathan it was just a joke. The only reason I'm here is because I thought it was time we all relaxed and actually spent some time together without all the agony we seem to have been experiencing lately. I don't know what's happened but Haley's actually seemed almost human the last couple of days so I figure we may as well take advantage of it while it lasts plus it's Zach's birthday and I thought at the very least we could have a family dinner for him."
"Oh shit," Nathan broke in "I can't believe I forgot the little guy's birthday."
"Nathan don't stress I think just about everyone has been a bit distracted lately. God I only remembered yesterday to run down and get his present. Anyway can you make it for dinner tonight? I'm sure it would mean a lot to Zach and like I said I think its more than time for us all to just relax and enjoy ourselves for once." She rushed on listing reason after reason why Nathan should join them for dinner that night and not giving him a chance to speak until finally Nathan had enough and waved a hand in front of her face dragging her attention back to him and putting a halt to Taylor's spiel.
"What?" she asked slightly breathless from her rant.
"I'll come," he told her.
"What?" she said again, stunned for a moment. "Sorry what did you say?"
"I said I'll come. Why the hell are you acting so surprised? Have you ever known me to miss one of Zach's birthdays?" he asked slightly offended that she would actually think he wouldn't come.
"Ok then, well my house at about seven then alright?"
"Yeah sounds good. I'll bring some beers," he responded.
"That will be great Nate. Well I better get going I need to grab some steaks and burgers to put on the grill. Oh by the way I know I didn't mention it before but you and Lucas are actually cooking tonight."
Nathan laughed at her before answering "I can't really say I'm surprised and to be honest I'm actually kind of relieved. I swear the only thing Lydia ever taught any of you to cook was Macaroni Cheese and let's face it Taylor your Mac and cheese isn't exactly that good. In fact I think the best word for it would be toxic."
Taylor slapped him on the arm, "Come on Nate, it's not that bad."
"Do you really want to talk about the last time you made it for all of us?" Nate asked with a grin watching as memory dawned in her eyes.
"Ah I guess not," she said turning away so he couldn't see the mortified look in her eyes as she recalled the gooey mess that she had tried to serve up to them two months previously.
"Alright," she said pulling her keys out of her purse, "I really need to get going if I'm going to pick up what we need and get home again. I'm sure everything's fine but this is the first time I've left Zach alone with Haley and I know he can be a handful. I just hope she's as up to as she said she was. I'll see you in a few hours ok?" she said in a rush as if suddenly realising just much of a chance she was taking leaving her son with his aunt. She leaned up to kiss him on the cheek before walking out the door and getting into the car
Nathan smiled to himself a little at the thought of his nephew and what he would buy him for his birthday, it was the exact same present he'd bought for the boy every year since he'd been born and it never failed to bring a smile to his face. He knew this time would be no different. His smile faded a little at the thought of Zach and Haley alone in the house but he quickly reassured himself. Taylor was a great mom and there was no way she would leave Zach, the most important person in her life with someone unless she really believed that it would be ok.
Several hours later he walked up to the door, turning with a start when he heard a car honk behind him. Seeing Lucas pulling into the drive he grinned and waited for him.
"Hey man, how's it going?" he asked as his brother approached.
"Good, good Nate, how are things with you?" he asked peering closely at Nathan as if looking for the slightest indication of unhappiness in his brother's eyes.
"I'm fine Luke, never been better," he said knowing that it was a white lie that Lucas would no doubt pick up on but the truth was he was feeling the best he had in the last few weeks and he was truly looking forward to the night ahead of them.
Lucas noticed the gift wrapped package in Nathan's arms and the grin once again appeared on his face. "So I guess there's no need for me to ask what that is?" he said with a chuckle.
Nathan laughed too. "Hey man when you pick a winner you stick to it alright."
"You're just lucky that he's still young enough to forget what you got him last year and every year before that so this actually still comes as a surprise to him."
"Don't I know it," Nathan said laughing again.
"Well shall we get in there. I'm sure by now he's probably driving Taylor nuts waiting for everyone to get here."
"You know my son," Lucas said "Never one to shy away from a party."
"Yeah I think he got that from me," Nathan answered.
"God I hope not," Lucas said rapping on the door a huge grin breaking out on his face as he heard his son's footsteps running towards the door.
"Who is it?" the high pitched childish voice rang out.
"It's me buddy," Lucas answered waiting for the door to open.
"Who's me?" Zach asked the door remaining firmly closed.
Nathan had to fight to hold in his laughter as he heard his nephew's question.
"It's daddy," Lucas tried again.
"Are you sure," Zach asked.
"I'm sure," Lucas answered "and I'm pretty sure this present I'm holding is for you too."
"Present," Zach shrieked excitedly wrenching the door open, his eyes lighting up as he saw his uncle Nathan standing on the step too, complete with present under his arm.
"Come in, come in," the birthday boy urged them excitedly.
Taylor walked out into the hallway grinning as she saw the two men standing there. "Hey guys about time you got here."
"Hey yourself," Lucas said walking over and giving her a hug.
"Hi Taylor," Nathan said stooping to kiss her briefly on the cheek before his attention was dragged away by Zach tugging excitedly on his shirt.
"Is that present for me?" he asked bringing everyone's attention squarely back to him.
"Yeah of course it is buddy. Why don't we go through to the other room and you can show me everything else you got today."
"Yeah," Zach shouted his agreement as he ran ahead. "Quick Uncle Nate you've got to see this it's so cool."
Nate followed after him shaking his head slightly at the child's exuberance. "Let me just put this beer in the kitchen Zach and I'll be right there."
The two walked away and Luke turned to Taylor shaking his head ruefully. "Wow he seems even more hyper than usual. We're in for a long night aren't we?"
"Yeah," Taylor laughed "I've definitely got to cut down on his sugar intake."
"So ah how's Haley? Is she planning to join us tonight?"
"I'm actually kind of amazed at how she's been the last couple of days. I don't know what happened but there seems to have been a little improvement in her. It's nothing major you know," she hastened to add not wanting to get Lucas' hopes up and have him expecting something extraordinary, "But she actually watched Zach for me for an hour this afternoon."
"She did?" Lucas asked in surprise.
"Yeah and they really seemed to enjoy it. I came back here and found the two of them making decorations and stuff for tonight. He was having a great time. In fact when he saw me walk in he actually seemed kind of disappointed. They really seem to have made some kind of connection the last couple of days. I don't know what it is but something has definitely changed."
Lucas looked around him taking in the streamers hanging haphazardly from the ceiling and the balloons dotted around the room. "Haley did this?" he asked.
"Yeah she and Zach did," Taylor responded, "Not that it really seems to have made any great difference in her attitude to me. She couldn't get back to her room quick enough when she saw me come in but she's in the sitting room now with Brooke so at least it looks like she's going to make some sort of effort for Zach's sake."
"Good," he said looking up as he saw Nathan making his way to the sitting room in search of his nephew. "So what do you need me to do? If I know you the kitchen is probably in uproar."
"God what is it with you Scott guys? Doesn't anyone have any faith in my culinary abilities?"
Lucas laughed, "Tay you remember the last time you cooked for everyone don't you?"
"Yes, yes I just wish everyone would stop reminding me about it."
"So I guess that means you don't need my help?" he asked.
"Who are you trying to kid of course I do," she said with a laugh grabbing his arm and dragging him towards the kitchen.
Nathan walked into the room his attention immediately drawn to the two women sitting in the room both steadfastly ignoring each other. Both Haley and Brooke sat watching Zach sifting through the pile of wrapping paper on the floor as if it were the most fascinating sight in the world.
Moments later Zach held up his prized possession triumphantly. "Look at this Uncle Nate, isn't it awesome? Mommy got it for me."
He saw Haley stiffen slightly as she heard Zach acknowledge his presence in the room. Brooke turned towards him offering a small smile which he returned even as she returned her attention to the little boy.
Nathan obligingly oohed and ahhed appropriately over the remote controlled car his nephew held up for his inspection.
"Well little man why don't we go test it out?" he suggested holding out his hand to his nephew.
Zach surprised him though when he turned back towards where Haley sat looking at her beseechingly. "Will you come too? Please Aunt Haley, please, please, please," he begged. "Come on it's my birthday you have to."
"Zach," Nathan said warningly "If she doesn't want to come, she doesn't have to."
Zach pouted at his words and looked again at his aunt silently begging her with his eyes to join their fun.
"It's fine Nathan, I'll come," she said surprising him almost as much as she surprised herself with her agreement. Before she could change her mind she stood up taking Zach by the hand.
Nathan started to follow after them but paused and turned back. "Ah Brooke do you want to join us too?" he asked.
She smiled at him grateful for the invitation but there was no way she wanted to get in the middle of whatever it was that was going to go on between them out there. "No it's fine Nathan I want to watch American Idol. I really want to see who's going to get eliminated tonight," she assured him.
"Ok well if you're sure," Nathan said not seeming overly upset that she had declined, if anything he seemed almost relieved as he walked out to find Haley and Zach.
Brooke sighed as she switched the TV to the Fox network and settled back to watch but she had forgotten that in the hope of attracting even more viewers than what they had already, they had delayed the start time by half an hour. Frustrated she flicked through the other stations but found nothing that held her attention. Switching it off the sudden silence revealed the sounds of laughter coming from the direction of the kitchen and curiosity getting the better of her she followed the sounds down the hallway.
The door was open and she hung back out of sight watching the way Lucas and Taylor chatted and laughed. It was clear to see the two of them had really formed a bond in the time since she had left and while she knew that as the parents of Zach it was to a certain extent to be expected she couldn't ignore the pang it caused deep within her heart.
She watched as Lucas playfully flicked at Taylor's bare legs with a dish towel causing her to squeal as she turned to look at him, a glare on her face, but it didn't last long as she burst into giggles.
"You do realise Mr Scott, that this means war?" she said threateningly advancing towards him a bucket of water she had been using to wash the vegetables for the salad in her hands.
"You wouldn't dare?" he laughed.
"Are you quite sure about that?" she asked her tone giving nothing away.
"Taylor," he said raising his hands in front of him defensively. "Tay," he tried again as she continued to approach; "Now you just remember who I am?"
"Oh yeah," she said "and who would that be?" her laughter bubbling out of her even as she continued to advance upon him.
"I'm the father of your only son," he said plaintively backing away as she got closer and closer.
The two were getting close to Brooke's position at the door and she knew that she ran the chance of the two of them seeing her but somehow she couldn't drag herself away.
"Tay," Lucas tried one last time, "Just think of the mess you'll have to clean up, you know how much you hate to clean."
"Oh trust me Luke this is one occasion where it will be worth it to get down on my hands and knees and…"
"Hands and knees huh?" Lucas said waggling his eyebrows at her. "Well this scenario just got a whole lot more interesting?"
She squealed in mock outrage, "You know I was going to say to scrub the floor," and with that she launched the bucket of water in his direction just as he ducked out of the way causing Brooke to wear the majority of it.
Her scream conveyed pure rage and there was no mistaking how genuine it was as Lucas and Taylor both looked in her direction in shock.
"Oh shit Brooke," Lucas said finally noticing his dripping ex-girlfriend standing at the door. "Um we didn't see you there," he tried to explain. "Did we Tay?" he said, Tay," he said again nudging her when she didn't respond.
When she still didn't answer he turned to look at her grimacing as he saw her shoulders shaking with silent laughter. He could see that she was trying hard to hold it in but he also knew that if he didn't get Brooke out of there right that second Taylor was going to explode with suppressed laughter.
"Um ah Brooke perhaps you should go upstairs and dry off. Do you want me to get you a towel or something?" he asked.
"I don't want anything from you, either of you," she snapped at them storming towards the staircase just as Taylor lost her battle with her laughter and began howling with mirth.
"Oh my God did you see her?" she asked, "Miss Perfect absolutely soaked, little bits of lettuce in her hair. That was the funniest thing I've seen in forever."
"Tay stop it," Lucas tried to intervene but to no effect. She continued to laugh hysterically clutching onto the bench in front of her for support.
"Did you see it?" she asked again.
"Tay," he said warningly.
"Oh come on Lucas you can't tell me that wasn't the funniest thing you've seen all year. The look on her face it was priceless."
"Taylor you said you were going to play nice while she was staying here."
"Hey I've been the perfect hostess it's not my fault if she decides to lurk around in the hallways. She was probably spying on us the jealous bitch."
"Who's a bitch mommy?" Zach asked entering the kitchen without being noticed by either of them. Nathan stood behind him looking amused at the look on Taylor's face as she realised she'd been overheard by her son.
"Oh great now you've got our son talking like you," Lucas said exasperatedly.
"Hey," Taylor protested, "I would never talk that way in front of him. "I didn't know he was there."
"Were you talking about Brooke again mommy? I heard you telling Aunt Haley that other day that…" he paused as he searched for the right words, "that Brooke is a…" before he could finish what he was going to say though Taylor leapt into action clamping a hand over her son's mouth and smiling nervously at Lucas.
"I swear I didn't know he was there," she said again glancing around the occupants of the kitchen who were all regarding her curiously. Haley had also entered the kitchen by now and although she couldn't be sure for a moment Taylor could have sworn she saw the tiniest of grins pulling at the corners of her sister's mouth.
Maybe it was the fact that she was the only other person in the room besides herself and Zach who actually knew just what she had referred to Brooke as the other day, maybe it was something else but all Taylor knew that it was good to see Haley smiling again. That almost made the look on Lucas' face as he glared at her now worth it. God if Lucas was pissed with her now for teaching Zach the word 'bitch' she hated to think what his reaction would be if he was to hear just what sort of words she had used to describe his ex-girlfriend just a few days before.
For the most part she had been trying hard to put what had happened in the past between her and Brooke to one side while they tried to help Haley but all of the old resentments were still bubbling under the surface. Resentments that stirred not only from what Brooke had done and said to Taylor herself in times gone by but she also knew some things from Lucas that gave her cause to dislike the other woman intensely.
She knew though that she had to do her best to keep the peace with the other woman not only for Haley's sake but for the sanity of just about everyone else involved in this situation. She could freely admit to just how bad things got when she declared war on someone and the fact that it was Brooke Davis, well it was no secret the brunette woman gave as good as she got.
"Well I guess someone better go check on her," Lucas said heading towards the door, before he could get far though Taylor grabbed his arm stopping his movement.
"You better let me go Lucas, I think its best if she and I declare peace again before dinner. I guess I have to give her an apology."
"Taylor you just said it was the funniest thing you've seen all year. You really expect me to believe that you are now ready to go and apologise to her?" Lucas questioned her warily.
"I never said she deserves an apology just that I have to give her one. I still think it was funny," she said a grin coming across her face again as the image flitted once more through her mind. "But if it means keeping the peace I'll go apologise. I'll even pretend to mean it," she said cheekily before leaving the room in search of the other woman.
She stopped outside Brooke's door mentally composing herself before entering, she knew if she still had that shit eating grin on her face when she walked in there things could easily turn nasty. She wouldn't put it above Brooke to actually get physical in her rage and well Taylor herself had never been one to shy away from a fight.
She knocked lightly on the door walking in without waiting for an answer to find Brooke towelling her hair furiously dressed in nothing but a bathrobe.
"What do you want Taylor?" she asked not pausing in her furious motions.
"I just wanted to say I was sorry Brooke. We honestly didn't see you there," Taylor said doing her best to look contrite even as her eyes lit up with mirth.
"Bullshit," Brooke answered her dropping the towel and stalking angrily towards the other woman. "You forget that I know you Taylor James and you are not the least bit sorry about what happened. You may not have done it deliberately, you may not have actually seen me standing there but you aren't the least bit upset about me wearing that bucket of water."
"Brooke look I came up here to apologise."
"Save it," Brooke cut in again. "I don't want any of your fake ass apologies. They're probably no more real then your boobs. You know they didn't move an inch even when you started jumping around the place when Lucas hit you with that dish towel."
Brooke saw the laughter that had been dancing in the other woman's eyes mere moments before disappear to be replaced by something far darker and far more dangerous.
"Brooke it's my son's birthday and I don't want to fight, it's not fair to him but you just remember that I'm onto you."
"Oh yeah and what exactly is that supposed to mean?" Brooke demanded.
"Exactly how long were you standing out there in the hallway Brooke?"
Brooke looked at her aghast as she saw the triumphant look come into Taylor's eyes. "What are you talking about?" Brooke tried to back track "I was just walking past and next thing I knew I was saturated."
"Oh really?" she asked. "So what exactly would you know about the way my boobs move or not move as you insinuated if you were just passing by. You see Brooke I'm not stupid I know damn well that there must have been at least five minutes between when Lucas flicked my legs and when I threw that water. You just stood there watching us didn't you? God Brooke how long were you there? That's sick you know."
"I was just coming to get a drink and I saw you two and I didn't want to interrupt ok? There was nothing creepy about it I just wanted a drink," she explained desperately.
"If you say so," Taylor said not entirely convinced. "Now I'm going to leave you to get ready, dinner is in half an hour."
"I'm not really that hungry," Brooke told her.
"I don't care if you're hungry or not. It's Zach's birthday and if you want to stay in this house you will make an effort for his birthday. Now don't be late, he's just about jumping out of his skin waiting to open his presents." Without another word she turned and walked out of the room going back downstairs to join the rest of the family.
Nathan and Lucas stood at the grill drinking beer and cooking the steaks and burgers under their care. Haley sat at the table with Zach in her lap, Taylor sitting next to her. Haley didn't exactly look happy but she was definitely more relaxed then she had been in the weeks since she had arrived. It seemed being surrounded with family and friends was finally starting to have the effect the doctors had assured Taylor it would. They had spent so long trying to convince her when they first called her, begging her to allow Haley to come and stay with her in their childhood home.
She had spoken to them several times since Haley had arrived trying to make them understand that being here really hadn't seemed to be helping her sister at all. Each time though they had begged her to have patience assuring her that if she just gave it time she would see some sort of improvement in Haley's demeanour. Finally it seemed that day had arrived.
Brooke walked out to the table her hair freshly dried, a sundress fitting her to perfection and casual sandals on her feet. Lucas looked up as she came out sending an apologetic smile in her direction, grateful that she seemed prepared to put the incident behind her at least for the moment.
She walked over to the table barely glancing in Taylor's direction as she sat down opposite Haley and Zach smiling at the child in Haley's lap.
"So Zach what do you think is over there in that huge pile of presents?" she asked him listening intently as he began to rattle off a huge list of possibilities ranging from the plausible to the ridiculous. None of the women at the table could contain their laughter as he confided his hope that one of the boxes contained a motor bike.
The mood around the table was relaxed as the guys brought over the freshly grilled meat ready for them all to devour. The only moment that caused any of them to be slightly uncomfortable was when Zach demanded that Nathan come and sit beside him where he still perched in Haley's lap.
He watched Haley waiting for some sign of whether or not he should give into his nephew's wishes but she gave nothing away and eventually he walked over taking the seat on the bench next to her. He thought he felt her stiffen initially as his leg brushed against hers under the table as he sat but she relaxed again almost instantly and he wondered if perhaps he had imagined it.
Lucas sat down next to Taylor reaching across to tickle Zach briefly causing the boy to erupt in fits of laughter. Taylor fixed a plate for her son getting him to agree easily to the salad she placed on his plate with the simple promise that if he ate some of it he could open his presents as soon as they all finished eating.
They finished eating as darkness fell around them and Taylor disappeared into the kitchen reappearing minutes later with a birthday cake complete with candles glowing brightly. Zach wiggled excitedly in Haley's lap as Taylor set the cake down before him and they all began singing Happy Birthday to the boy.
"Don't forget to make a wish," Nathan leaned over and whispered in the boy's ear and Zach closed his eyes screwing his face up as he came up with the perfect wish. "I wish…" he paused for a moment before continuing. "I wish Aunt Haley can live with us in Tree Hill forever, well as long as she doesn't get sad again," he qualified.
He turned to look at her. "Will you Aunt Haley?" he asked a pleading look in his eyes.
"I uh, well I'll try Zach," she promised hoping that it would be enough for him.
"Cool," Zach said turning in her lap to hug her tightly. "Can I blow out the candles now Mom?" he asked turning back to his mother.
"Yes Zach you can blow them out now," she told him as Lucas stood on the opposite side of the table camera at the ready to record yet another milestone in his son's life.
They all cheered as after three attempts Zach finally succeeded in blowing out all of the candles and grinned proudly.
"Look Aunt Haley its ice-cream cake," he said excitedly and Haley looked up in time to see Lucas grinning conspiratorially at her.
"Guess you get that ice-cream cake after all Hales," he said much to the bemusement of the other occupants of the table.
She smiled though as they silently shared the memory of her indignant response to missing out on said cake at Jessie's tenth birthday party.
"Ok you two, no way do you get to keep secrets from the rest of us." Taylor said, "Now tell the rest of us just what that was about."
"Go ahead Hales," Lucas said encouragingly. "It's your story to tell, you can try to paint me as the bad guy again."
She smiled nervously as she looked at everyone else all watching her with rapt anticipation. Even Zach had craned his head around to look at her from his position in her lap. "Come on Aunt Haley, tell us before my cake melts," he begged her.
"Ah well ah I guess I can tell you," she said her voice stumbling slightly as she began to tell the tale of her and Lucas' escapade on that particular occasion. Slowly her voice grew stronger as she lost herself in the story she was regaling them with and as she told of her fury at missing out on Jessie's cake they all erupted into laughter and she allowed herself to join in a little.
"That was like that time, do you remember Haley when Mom wouldn't let you go to the boat burning festival. You were so angry you tried to climb out the window and go anyway and I caught you and told Mom. She was so pissed with you. Do you remember?"
"Yeah of course I remember," Haley answered "you'd think that would have been enough to stop me trying it again when Lucas wanted to show me the golf course but I guess I had to learn the hard way."
"Did you really climb out the window Aunt Haley?" Zach asked wide eyed with amazement.
"Don't you even think about it," Lucas and Taylor both broke in instantaneously causing everyone to laugh again.
Taylor cut up the cake and passed it around as they continued to relate tales of their childhood. Zach's chin was coated in dribbles of ice-cream as he shovelled it into his mouth.
Finally much to Zach's relief everyone finished eating and it was time for his presents. As predicted he was still surprised as he opened up the brightly wrapped package from Nathan and pulled out a Lakers basketball jersey complete with signature from Kobe Bryant his favourite player.
"Oh wow Uncle Nate I've got one of these already but it's too small for me now because I growed so much this year."
"Really, you already have one," Nate asked feigning ignorance.
"Yeah but this one is really cool. Look Mom its even got writing on it," he said noticing the signature on the back. "This is so cool," he said immediately pulling it over his head and jumping down from Haley's lap to let everyone admire it.
"Hey buddy don't you think you better open the rest of these?" Lucas asked indicating the pile of presents still waiting for his attention.
"Oh yeah," Zach responded excitedly running back to the table.
Haley watched on slightly nervously as Zach grabbed her present from the pile. She had asked Taylor to pick it up when she went out earlier and although Taylor had assured her that Zach would love it she was still uncertain. She knew nothing about what little boys liked or for that matter little girls either. When it came to children she was at a loss.
Zach ripped the paper off excitedly and Haley felt herself literally hold her breath as the young boy fell silent. Reaching into the box he lifted out the DVD holding it reverently up for everyone to see.
"Look Daddy and Uncle Nate its Manny and Sid," he said his voice overflowing with excitement.
"Oh wow dude it's the new Ice Age movie. That's so cool," Nathan said appreciatively.
"Can I watch it now please?" he begged turning towards Taylor. "Please mommy I really want to watch it now." He turned to look at Haley, "Will you come and watch it with me Aunt Haley, please," his pleading tone turning towards his aunt.
Before Haley could answer though, Taylor broke in again. "Zach you still have to open presents from your Dad and one from Brooke," she told him.
He needed no further encouragement and ripped into the package Lucas had bought him. Seeing the writing on the box Taylor grimaced "Lucas that better not be what I think it is. We agreed he wasn't getting one till he was older."
"Sorry Tay," he said sounding anything but apologetic, "I couldn't resist," he shrugged his shoulders watching his son practically jumping up and down with excitement at the sight of his Xbox.
Finally he was left with only a rather large box that Brooke handed proudly to him smirking slightly at Taylor as she did so.
As soon as he opened it Taylor leapt to her feet pointing a finger at Brooke accusingly. "Oh hell no, you did not just buy my four year old son a skate board."
Lucas grabbed onto her arm doing his best to calm her down. "Well you know what Brooke," Taylor said "I hope you're prepared to be out here with him everyday teaching him to ride the damn thing because that's the only way he gets to use it. There is no way in the world my son is riding around on that...that, well its hell on wheels. He'll kill himself riding around on that thing."
"Taylor for goodness sake have some faith in your child. He's not a baby. He'll be fine," Brooke told her.
"Oh I know he will be," Taylor said finally calming down. "He's going to be just fine because you're going to make sure he can use it safely and that box better contain every single piece of padding known to man because if he comes home with so much as a bruise you better pack your bags and get the hell out of town."
"Wow mommy you're a bitch too," Zach said matter of factly.
Everyone looked at him in shock for a moment before bursting into laughter, the tension of the moment well and truly broken.
The rest of the night passed with plenty of laughter and happy memories from days gone past which continued well into the night even after Zach went to bed. Although Haley looked uncomfortable at times, she stayed downstairs with them joining in occasionally but mostly content to just sit and watch.
Nathan watched her unobtrusively most of the night, noting how at times dark shadows would pass across her eyes and he would know without having to be told that she was once again thinking of Chris. She would fight through it though seemingly determined to forget about it all for at least one night and he found himself hoping once again that perhaps this time it would last. This time nothing would happen to throw her off balance again but he knew it was a vain hope. Haley had a long way to go and there was no denying it, no matter what had happened tonight he knew that her healing process was only just beginning. He just hoped that whatever happened to upset her next would at least be a few days or more from now. It was good to see her looking relaxed again and more than anything he wanted to see that continue.