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Chapter 13: I Wanted To Make Your Everything… Alright.
After pulling out of Haley's driveway, Nathan had decided to put his newly reconciled relationship with Lucas to good use. He needed to talk to him and have him make things better with Haley. She was really hurting and Nathan hated seeing her like that. He drove past Lucas' house but no one was home so he made his way to the river court. Sure enough there Lucas was by himself shooting hoops. "Some things never change," Nathan thought to himself. He got out of the car and made his way to the court.
"Luke!" He exclaimed, but Lucas didn't turn around.
"Luke!" He tried again, but still Lucas kept right on shooting. Finally, he just took the initiative and tapped Lucas on the shoulder.
"What the –" Lucas started. "Oh hey," he said pulling his iPod out of his ears.
"Dude, I've been calling your name."
"Sorry man, I should probably not listen to my iPod so loud. Anyway, what are you doing here? I already forgave you man."
"I know that. I'm actually here looking for forgiveness, but not for me this time."
"Oh. Haley?"
"You got it," Nathan said letting out a little laugh.
"Well, I don't know what to tell you. She hasn't even attempted to apologize. Some friend."
"Did you ever think that she's not the person at fault?" Nathan inquired.
"Um, she went behind my back and purposely hid the fact that she was with you. How can you have the nerve to come here and tell me I'm the one at fault?"
"Look Lucas, I'm not trying to wedge myself in the middle of this, but did you ever think she was doing that to protect you? I mean, me and Haley have been feeling something for a while now. We've just both been hiding it for a while. Not just from everyone else, but ourselves too. Then it just kind of eventually happened, but do you know why we got off to a rocky start? Because of you."
"What do you mean Nathan? I never said anything to Hales about you guys being together."
"What I mean is that Haley really takes what you think to heart. She knew you hated me so she refused to do anything but tutor. Then I finally apologized to you and Haley let me in. That made me so happy and I couldn't wait to tell everyone, but she told me not to. Want to know why?"
"I guess so, but I have a feeling I'm going to feel horrible."
"She told me not to tell anyone because she wanted to tell you before you found out from someone else. She wanted you to be okay with me and her being together before anything major happened because she cares about you. You're her best friend after all."
"Wow, I feel like a jackass," Lucas replied.
"No offense man, but you should. She invited you over to tell you about us and get your support but instead you blew up in her face. She didn't mean to keep this from you, but honestly man we'd only been dating two days and Haley just never had a chance to see you until then."
"Yeah…" Lucas said, feeling worse by the second.
"Now, I know you're mad, but you need to talk to her. Haley's pretty miserable. She tries her best to hide it but I can tell. She really wants to make things right with you, but we both know Haley, she's a James, and she's just too stubborn to go to you because she doesn't feel she did anything wrong."
"Yeah, and she's right. I never really thought about the whole situation before. She shouldn't have to apologize, I'm the one who was a jerk. I mean, I don't know. It's just… you and Haley… together. It's weird. We've just become, kind-of friends I'd guess you'd say, and Haley, well let's just say I'd never picture her with a guy like you."
"Uh, thanks I guess. But you know, I'm not like how I used to be. I know when we were friends I acted like an obnoxious hot shot all the time, but I don't know. I'm not that guy anymore and Haley did that to me. So now I'm returning the favor. You need to go talk to her and make everything better. She needs her best friend in her life. I know it's only been a week, but honestly have you ever spent that much time apart?"
"Well, just that one week last summer when…" Lucas began to say.
"Oh. Right," Nathan said coughing a little. "Let's just keep that week in the past from now on, okay? I'm not proud of that."
"I know Nate. And I can see you're trying really hard with Haley. I know I didn't exactly react to Haley in the most mature way, but I just want you to know that I'm okay with your relationship. I've been a jerk so far, but really I support you guys."
"Thanks Luke. It means a lot, but honestly, I'm not so sure I'm the one you should be telling this to."
"Right. Haley." Lucas stated.
"So listen, I told Haley I would meet her at Lafferty Pizza tonight for dinner, but how about you take my place?"
"Uh, yeah thanks man. What time?"
"Seven o'clock. And Luke? If you hurt her again, I'll have to hurt you."
"The same goes to you too Nathan. I am her overprotective best friend after all," Lucas said laughing.
"Right man. We'll here," Nathan said, handing a piece of paper to Lucas, "just give this to Haley when you see her and tell her to call me afterward."
"Alright, I've got to go it's already 6:45. Thanks Nathan. You're really doing a great job with Haley."
"Thanks Luke, bye," he stated as we walked over to his car and drove off. Meanwhile, Lucas walked in the opposite direction to town in order to meet Haley. "God, why have a been such a jerk?" He thought to himself. Lucas approached Lafferty's Pizza and there was Haley sitting in the corner booth. As he approached the table, Haley noticed his footsteps and looked up.
"Lucas?" Haley said in shock.
"Hey Hales, I've missed you buddy."
"Me too, but uh, I'm meeting Nathan here."
"No you're not. Here," he said, handing Haley the note Nathan had sent.
iHey Hales,
So, I couldn't see you moping around for any longer. I went to talk to Lucas after our tutoring session. Sorry to skip out of our dinner date, but I want you and Lucas to talk. Like I said before, you need your best friend… and your boyfriend. Have a good time! And don't be mad at me. I had to talk to Lucas cause I knew you couldn't. Enjoy your meal and call me after.
Love, Nathan./I
Haley sighed as she read his letter. Nathan never ceased to amaze her. She couldn't help but linger on the signature… ib Love/b, Nathan/i. However, she turned her attention to Lucas who was now sitting across with her. They had a lot to talk about, and a lot to explain.
"So…" Haley said trying to break the ice. Lucas looked up with a sincere look in this face. She could tell everything was going to be alright… and once again she had another thing to thank Nathan for.
So there you go, here is another update! Hope you enjoyed, sorry for the lack of Naley but I needed to build on some other aspects of this story for later chapters. Thanks for reading, I hope to update sometime soon, hopefully the beginning of the week, but nothing is set in stone.
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