Chapter 16: … but you can feel it.
The next few weeks had been kind of a whirlwind. Ever since the "I love you's" it seemed like Nathan and Haley were inseparable, with few exceptions like when Nathan had basketball practice and Haley had tutoring. Speaking of, Nathan was getting sick and tired of his dad pressuring him about basketball that it was like Haley was the only person keeping him sane. He'd talk to her the other day about quitting, but in the end decided to keep playing.
iFlashback
Haley was sitting on her bed reading a book when she felt a tap at her window. She looked up to see a tired looking Nathan waiting to come in.
"You know Nathan, I do have a front door," Haley joked as she let him in.
"But Haley, this is so much more 'Romeo and Juliet'-esque. Besides, I'm sure you're parents wouldn't be happy to know I'm here at…" he glanced over at the clock, "10:53 at night."
"They know you're here. And that you've been coming here almost every night this week."
"Oh." Nathan said, looking a bit upset. "But how? I thought I was stealthy about it all."
"Well, one, is that you're not exactly the most quiet about it so that they could confuse you're noise with a cat. Two, I have so many older siblings my parents have like honed in hearing for when people try to sneak in or out of the house. And three, my wall aren't sound proof. It they heard me talking to myself I would probably be in some institution somewhere right now. Four…"
"I get it Hales. Your quite the rambler."
"Yeah, sorry," she said, moving a little closer to give him a hug. "It's not that I don't love you, but, what are you doing here this time?"
"Dad. Again." Nathan replied. "Whitey really needs to make a rule that parents aren't allowed to attend practice. It's humiliating enough when he yells at me constantly about basketball at home, but in front of my teammates its embarrassing."
"Oh Nathan. I'm so sorry," she said, rubbing her hand on his back.
"And it's not even like I'm bad. It's just, here are the words straight from the devil's mouth, 'I'm not living up to the Scott pedigree.'"
"Nathan, don't let him get to you. You're dad is well… an ass."
"I know, that's why I try not to. But it's like after all these years his voice is permanently in my head."
"I'm sorry Nathan, I don't know what to tell you to make it better."
"Just be here for me Hales. You're all I got. You are my family."
"Always Nathan. Always and forever," she giggled.
"Good, cause I'm thinking about quitting basketball."
"Your what?" Haley asked shocked.
"I'm quitting basketball."
"Are you sure Nathan? You love that game! You told me once during tutoring you wanted to make it to the NBA."
"Yeah, I love the game, but I hate the competition. Especially with my dad."
"I know that Nate. But do you really want to give up a game that's been your life since… forever?"
"I don't want to. But I might have to."
"Just think about it first Nathan. And whatever you choose, I'll support you."
End Flashback/i
In addition, Nathan and Lucas had been becoming friends again. Mostly through Haley, but also because they missed their friendship. Nathan entered school that day happily, his arm wrapped around Haley's shoulder. This couldn't get any better between them. It was like all was perfect… or at least it was.
Third period came around and Nathan waited in the doorway of a classroom he knew Haley would pass. As soon as he saw her he reached an arm out and pulled her into the classroom as she let out a squeel.
"Nathan!" Haley shouted but was silenced by his kiss. They made out a little, but then Haley pulled back. "No, we can't do this. Not here!" She giggled.
"We just did," Nathan said smirking.
"Nathan…" Haley said blushing.
"Kiss you later!" He replied as he left the classroom, and a very bright Haley. She stayed there for a while, her back against the wall when she heard a commotion in the hallway. She walked out to see the televisions were on, and something was playing on it. She walked closer and saw it was Nathan… and her.
"Oh… my… god," she stated, shocked at what was before her. It was from that night at the café where they danced in the rain.
"Who knew Haley James could dance like that!" One girl spat, as another guy whistled.
"And Nathan, who knew he was so whipped," another jock shouted.
Haley couldn't take it anymore. A moment that had been so personal was now the laughing stock of school. She walked away just as everyone watched Nathan picked her up on screen and take her over to the bench for a make out session.
"Skank!" She head someone yell as she continued walking out of the school, and walking, and walking, until she found herself in her bedroom. She didn't care where Nathan was, or where Lucas was, or where anyone was. She had just been mortified in front of the whole school for reasons she did not know, and all she wanted was to be alone.
She sat on her bed that afternoon and just cried and cried until she fell asleep because she was so tired and had no more tears left to cry. She stayed like that until later on, when she was awoken by the sound of her doorbell. She went downstairs, thinking it might be Nathan but was startled by who she saw.
"Tim…?"
Sorry I haven't updated in a while. Thanks for the reviews! I really appreciate you leaving your two-cents for me! As always, leave the good, the bad, the happy, the sad. And I hope you enjoyed! I'll try and update ASAP so you can see what unfolds from all this!
